bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distinct Thalamo‐Subcortical Circuits Underlie Painful Behavior and Depression‐Like Behavior Following Nerve Injury
Authors: Deng Jie , Chen Li , Liu Cui‐Cui , Liu Meng , Guo Guo‐Qing , Wei Jia‐You , Zhang Jian‐Bo , Fan Hai‐Ting , Zheng Zi‐Kun , Yan Pu , Zhang Xiang‐Zhong , Zhou Feng , Huang Sui‐Xiang , Zhang Ji‐Feng , Xu Ting , Xie Jing‐Dun , Xin Wen‐Jun
Published: July 2024

Clinically, chronic pain and depression often coexist in multiple diseases and reciprocally reinforce each other, which greatly escalates the difficulty of treatment. The neural circuit mechanism underlying the chronic pain/depression comorbidity remains unclear. The present study reports that two distinct subregions in the paraventricular thalamus (PVT) play different roles in this pathological process. In the first subregion PVT posterior (PVP), glutamatergic neurons (PVPGlu) send signals to GABAergic neurons (VLPAGGABA) in the ventrolateral periaqueductal gray (VLPAG), which mediates painful behavior in comorbidity. Meanwhile, in another subregion PVT anterior (PVA), glutamatergic neurons (PVAGlu) send signals to the nucleus accumbens D1‐positive neurons and D2‐positive neurons (NAcD1→D2), which is involved in depression‐like behavior in comorbidity. This study demonstrates that the distinct thalamo‐subcortical circuits PVPGlu→VLPAGGABA and PVAGlu→NAcD1→D2 mediated painful behavior and depression‐like behavior following spared nerve injury (SNI), respectively, which provides the circuit‐based potential targets for preventing and treating comorbidity.
Wet Chemistry Route to Li3InCl6: Microstructural Control Render High Ionic Conductivity and Enhanced All‐Solid‐State Battery Performance
Authors: Bonsu Jacob Otabil , Bhadra Abhirup , Kundu Dipan
Published: July 2024

Thanks to superionic conductivity and compatibility with >4 V cathodes, halide solid electrolytes (SEs) have elicited tremendous interest for application in all‐solid‐state lithium batteries (ASSLBs). Many compositions based on groups 3, 13, and divalent metals, and substituted stoichiometries have been explored, some displaying requisite properties, but the Li+conductivity still falls short of theoretical predictions and appealing sulfide‐type SEs. While controlling microstructural characteristics, namely grain boundary effects and microstrain, can boost ionic conductivity, they have rarely been considered. Moving away from the standard solid‐state route, here a scalable and facile wet chemical approach for obtaining highly conductive (>2 mS cm−1) Li3InCl6is presented, and it is shown that aprotic solvents can reduce grain boundaries and microstrain, leading to very high ionic conductivity of over 4 mS cm−1(at 22 °C). Minimized grain boundary area renders improved moisture stability and enhances solid–solid interfacial contact, leading to excellent LiNi0.6Mn0.2Co0.2O2‐based full‐cell performance, exemplified by stable room temperature (22 °C) cycling at a 0.2 C rate with 155 mAh g−1capacity and 85% retention after 1000 cycles at 60 °C with a high 99.75% Coulombic efficiency. The findings showcase the viability of the aprotic solvent‐mediated route for producing high‐quality Li3InCl6for all‐solid‐state batteries.
Integrating Vision‐Language Models for Accelerated High‐Throughput Nutrition Screening
Authors: Ma Peihua , Wu Yixin , Yu Ning , Jia Xiaoxue , He Yiyang , Zhang Yang , Backes Michael , Wang Qin , Wei Cheng‐I
Published: July 2024

Addressing the critical need for swift and precise nutritional profiling in healthcare and in food industry, this study pioneers the integration of vision‐language models (VLMs) with chemical analysis techniques. A cutting‐edge VLM is unveiled, utilizing the expansive UMDFood‐90k database, to significantly improve the speed and accuracy of nutrient estimation processes. Demonstrating a macro‐AUCROC of 0.921 for lipid quantification, the model exhibits less than 10% variance compared to traditional chemical analyses for over 82% of the analyzed food items. This innovative approach not only accelerates nutritional screening by 36.9% when tested amongst students but also sets a new benchmark in the precision of nutritional data compilation. This research marks a substantial leap forward in food science, employing a blend of advanced computational models and chemical validation to offer a rapid, high‐throughput solution for nutritional analysis.
Unexpected Self‐Assembly of Nanographene Oxide Membranes upon Electron Beam Irradiation for Ultrafast Ion Sieving
Authors: Dai Fangfang , Gu Zonglin , Hu Shouyuan , Peng Bingquan , Yang Rujie , Jiang Jie , Yao Lufeng , Liang Shanshan , Tu Yusong , Li Pei , Chen Liang
Published: July 2024

Nanographene oxide (nGO) flakes—graphene oxide with a lateral size of ≈100 nm or less—hold great promise for superior flux and energy‐efficient nanofiltration membranes for desalination and precise ionic sieving owing to their unique high‐density water channels with less tortuousness. However, their potential usage is currently limited by several challenges, including the tricky self‐assembly of nano‐sized flakes on substrates with micron‐sized pores, severe swelling in aqueous solutions, and mechanical instability. Herein, the successful fabrication of a robust membrane stacked with nGO flakes on a substrate with a pore size of 0.22 µm by vacuum filtration is reported. This membrane achieved an unprecedented water permeance above 819.1 LMH bar−1, with a high rejection rate of 99.7% for multivalent metal ions. The nGO flakes prepared using an electron beam irradiation method, have uniquely pure hydroxyl groups and abundant aromatic regions. The calculations revealed the strong hydrogen bonds between two nGO flakes, which arise from hydroxyl groups, coupled with hydrophobic aromatic regions, greatly enhance the stability of stacked flakes in aqueous solutions and increase their effective lateral size. The research presents a simple yet effective approach toward the fabrication of advanced 2D nanographene membranes with superior performance for ion sieving applications.
Multimodal Machine Learning‐Based Marker Enables Early Detection and Prognosis Prediction for Hyperuricemia
Authors: Zeng Lin , Ma Pengcheng , Li Zeyang , Liang Shengxing , Wu Chengkai , Hong Chang , Li Yan , Cui Hao , Li Ruining , Wang Jiaren , He Jingzhe , Li Wenyuan , Xiao Lushan , Liu Li
Published: July 2024

Hyperuricemia (HUA) has emerged as the second most prevalent metabolic disorder characterized by prolonged and asymptomatic period, triggering gout and metabolism‐related outcomes. Early detection and prognosis prediction for HUA and gout are crucial for pre‐emptive interventions. Integrating genetic and clinical data from 421287 UK Biobank and 8900 Nanfang Hospital participants, a stacked multimodal machine learning model is developed and validated to synthesize its probabilities as an in‐silico quantitative marker for hyperuricemia (ISHUA). The model demonstrates satisfactory performance in detecting HUA, exhibiting area under the curves (AUCs) of 0.859, 0.836, and 0.779 within the train, internal, and external test sets, respectively. ISHUA is significantly associated with gout and metabolism‐related outcomes, effectively classifying individuals into low‐ and high‐risk groups for gout in the train (AUC, 0.815) and internal test (AUC, 0.814) sets. The high‐risk group shows increased susceptibility to metabolism‐related outcomes, and participants with intermediate or favorable lifestyle profiles have hazard ratios of 0.75 and 0.53 for gout compared with those with unfavorable lifestyles. Similar trends are observed for other metabolism‐related outcomes. The multimodal machine learning‐based ISHUA marker enables personalized risk stratification for gout and metabolism‐related outcomes, and it is unveiled that lifestyle changes can ameliorate these outcomes within high‐risk group, providing guidance for preventive interventions.
In Situ Electropolymerizing Toward EP‐CoP/Cu Tandem Catalyst for Enhanced Electrochemical CO2‐to‐Ethylene Conversion
Authors: Wang Chao , Sun Yifan , Chen Yuzhuo , Zhang Yiting , Yue Liangliang , Han Lianhuan , Zhao Liubin , Zhu Xunjin , Zhan Dongping
Published: July 2024

Electrochemical CO2 reduction has garnered significant interest in the conversion of sustainable energy to valuable fuels and chemicals. Cu‐based bimetallic catalysts play a crucial role in enhancing *CO concentration on Cu sites for efficient C─C coupling reactions, particularly for C2 product generation. To enhance Cu's electronic structure and direct its selectivity toward C2 products, a novel strategy is proposed involving the in situ electropolymerization of a nano‐thickness cobalt porphyrin polymeric network (EP‐CoP) onto a copper electrode, resulting in the creation of a highly effective EP‐CoP/Cu tandem catalyst. The even distribution of EP‐CoP facilitates the initial reduction of CO2 to *CO intermediates, which then transition to Cu sites for efficient C─C coupling. DFT calculations confirm that the *CO enrichment from Co sites boosts *CO coverage on Cu sites, promoting C─C coupling for C2+ product formation. The EP‐CoP/Cu gas diffusion electrode achieves an impressive current density of 726 mA cm−2 at −0.9 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE), with a 76.8% Faraday efficiency for total C2+ conversion and 43% for ethylene, demonstrating exceptional long‐term stability in flow cells. These findings mark a significant step forward in developing a tandem catalyst system for the effective electrochemical production of ethylene.
Metal‐Coordinated NIR‐II Nanoadjuvants with Nanobody Conjugation for Potentiating Immunotherapy by Tumor Metabolism Reprogramming
Authors: Dai Yeneng , Guo Ziang , Leng Dongliang , Jiao Guanda , Chen Kai , Fu Mingxuan , Liu Yang , Shen Qingming , Wang Qi , Zhu Lipeng , Zhao Qi
Published: July 2024

Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) immunotherapy remains hampered by insufficient immunogenicity and a high‐lactate immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). Herein, a nanobody‐engineered NIR‐II nanoadjuvant with targeting metabolic reprogramming capability is constructed for potentiating NIR‐II photothermal‐ferroptosis immunotherapy. Specifically, the nanoadjuvant (2DG@FS‐Nb) is prepared by metallic iron ion‐mediated coordination self‐assembly of D‐A‐D type NIR‐II molecules and loading of glycolysis inhibitor, 2‐deoxy‐D‐glucose (2DG), followed by modification with aPD‐L1 nanobody (Nb), which can effectively target the immunosuppressive TME and trigger in situ immune checkpoint blockade. The nanoadjuvants responsively release therapeutic components in the acidic TME, enabling the precise tumor location by NIR‐II fluorescence/photoacoustic imaging while initiating NIR‐II photothermal‐ferroptosis therapy. The remarkable NIR‐II photothermal efficiency and elevated glutathione (GSH) depletion further sensitize ferroptosis to induce severe lipid peroxidation, provoking robust immunogenic cell death (ICD) to trigger anti‐tumor immune response. Importantly, the released 2DG markedly inhibits lactate generation through glycolysis obstruction. Decreased lactate efflux remodels the immunosuppressive TME by suppressing M2 macrophage proliferation and downregulating regulatory T cell levels. This work provides a new paradigm for the integration of NIR‐II phototheranostics and lactate metabolism regulation into a single nanoplatform for amplified anti‐tumor immunotherapy combined with ICB therapy.
Construction of Fluoride‐Rich Interphase for Sustained Magnesiophilic Site Release Toward High‐Stability Chloride‐Free Magnesium Metal Batteries
Authors: Li Guyue , Chen Keyi , Lei Meng , Wang Tengfei , Hu Ming , Li Chilin
Published: July 2024

Rechargeable magnesium batteries (RMBs) have the potentials in terms of high energy density, resource abundancy and safety beyond current lithium‐ion batteries. However, the bare Mg metal electrode is prone to be passivated by solvents, suffering from the extremely high overpotential and short life during cycling. Herein, a facile chloride‐free solution pretreatment method for Mg anode is developed to construct the fluoride‐rich artificial interphase. Driven by the strong‐Lewis‐acidity trifluoromethanesulfonate anion, the interphase consisting of magnesiophilic and fluoride‐rich components are constructed by the substitution reaction of Mg metal with antimony trifluoride. The formed porous Sb‐based skeletons can uniform the electric‐field distribution and Mg ions flux at anode side, inducing the self‐adapting dendrite‐free Mg deposition even under large current density. The generated alloyable metal fluoride enables to lower the desolvation energy barrier for Mg ions and sustainedly release metallic antimony to compensate for the potentially invalid magnesiophilic sites during cycling. Therefore the symmetric cells with modified Mg anodes achieve the excellent cycling over 2000 h at 1 mA cm−2 and under a high areal capacity of 5 mAh cm−2. The full cells with CuS cathodes exhibit a superior high voltage stability (2.6 V vs Mg/Mg2+) and high coulombic efficiency close to 100%.
Early blood immune molecular alterations in cynomolgus monkeys with a PSEN1 mutation causing familial Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Li Mengqi , Guan Mingfeng , Lin Jianbang , Zhu Kaichuan , Zhu Jiayi , Guo Ming , Li Yinhu , Chen Yefei , Chen Yijing , Zou Ying , Wu Daiqiang , Xu Junxin , Yi Wanying , Fan Yingying , Ma Shuangshuang , Chen Yuewen , Xu Jun , Yang Lixin , Dai Ji , Ye Tao , Lu Zhonghua , Chen Yu
Published: July 2024

INTRODUCTION

More robust non‐human primate models of Alzheimer's disease (AD) will provide new opportunities to better understand the pathogenesis and progression of AD.

METHODS

We designed a CRISPR/Cas9 system to achieve precise genomic deletion of exon 9 in cynomolgus monkeys using two guide RNAs targeting the 3′ and 5′ intron sequences of PSEN1 exon 9. We performed biochemical, transcriptome, proteome, and biomarker analyses to characterize the cellular and molecular dysregulations of this non‐human primate model.

RESULTS

We observed early changes of AD‐related pathological proteins (cerebrospinal fluid Aβ42 and phosphorylated tau) in PSEN1 mutant (ie, PSEN1‐ΔE9) monkeys. Blood transcriptome and proteome profiling revealed early changes in inflammatory and immune molecules in juvenile PSEN1‐ΔE9 cynomolgus monkeys.

DISCUSSION

PSEN1 mutant cynomolgus monkeys recapitulate AD‐related pathological protein changes, and reveal early alterations in blood immune signaling. Thus, this model might mimic AD‐associated pathogenesis and has potential utility for developing early diagnostic and therapeutic interventions.

Highlights

A dual‐guide CRISPR/Cas9 system successfully mimics AD PSEN1‐ΔE9 mutation by genomic excision of exon 9.

PSEN1 mutant cynomolgus monkey‐derived fibroblasts exhibit disrupted PSEN1 endoproteolysis and increased Aβ secretion.

Blood transcriptome and proteome profiling implicate early inflammatory and immune molecular dysregulation in juvenile PSEN1 mutant cynomolgus monkeys.

Cerebrospinal fluid from juvenile PSEN1 mutant monkeys recapitulates early changes of AD‐related pathological proteins (increased Aβ42 and phosphorylated tau).
Hydrophobic Ion Barrier‐Enabled Ultradurable Zn (002) Plane Orientation towards Long‐Life Anode‐Less Zn Batteries
Authors: Liu Guigui , Tang Yongchao , Wei Yue , Li Hongqing , Yan Jianping , Feng Zhenfeng , Du Wencheng , Yang Qi , Ye Minghui , Zhang Yufei , Wen Zhipeng , Liu Xiaoqing , Li Cheng Chao
Published: July 2024

Gradual disability of Zn anode and high negative/positive electrode (N/P) ratio usually depreciate calendar life and energy density of aqueous Zn batteries (AZBs). Herein, within original Zn2+‐free hydrated electrolytes, a steric hindrance/electric field shielding‐driven “hydrophobic ion barrier” is engineered towards ultradurable (002) plane‐exposed Zn stripping/plating to solve this issue. Guided by theoretical simulations, hydrophobic adiponitrile (ADN) is employed as a steric hindrance agent to ally with inert electric field shielding additive (Mn2+) for plane adsorption priority manipulation, thereby constructing the “hydrophobic ion barrier”. This design robustly suppresses the (002) plane/dendrite growth, enabling ultradurable (002) plane‐exposed dendrite‐free Zn stripping/plating. Even being cycled in Zn‖Zn symmetric cell over 2150 h at 0.5 mA cm−2, the efficacy remains well‐kept. Additionally, Zn‖Zn symmetric cells can be also stably cycled over 918 h at 1 mA cm−2, verifying uncompromised Zn stripping/plating kinetics. As‐assembled anode‐less Zn‖VOPO4 ⋅ 2H2O full cells with a low N/P ratio (2 : 1) show a high energy density of 75.2 Wh kg−1full electrode after 842 cycles at 1 A g−1, far surpassing counterparts with thick Zn anode and low cathode loading mass, featuring excellent practicality. This study opens a new avenue by robust “hydrophobic ion barrier” design to develop long‐life anode‐less Zn batteries.
Enantioselective Synthesis of Cyclopentenes by (3+2) Annulation via a 2‐Carbon Phosphonium
Authors: Seitz Antonia , Maddigan‐Wyatt Jeremy T. , Cao Jing , Breugst Martin , Lupton David W.
Published: July 2024

Herein we report a catalytic enantioselective (3+2) annulation, in which a vinyl phosphonium intermediate serves as the 2‐carbon component. The reaction involves an α‐umpolung β‐umpolung coupling sequence, enabled by β‐haloacrylates and chiral enantioenriched phosphepine catalysts. The reaction shows good generality, providing access to an array of cyclopentenes, with mechanistic studies supporting stereospecific formation of the vinyl phosphonium intermediate which, then undergoes annulation with turn over limiting catalyst elimination. Beyond defining a new approach to cyclopentenes, these studies demonstrate that β‐haloacrylates can replace ynoates in reaction designs that require exclusive umpolung coupling at the α‐ and β‐positions.
Highly Efficient Low‐loaded PdOx/AlSiOx Catalyst for Ethylene Dimerization
Authors: Otroshchenko Tatiana , Sharapa Dmitry I. , Fedorova Elizaveta A. , Zhao Dan , Kondratenko Evgenii V.
Published: July 2024

Ethylene dimerization is an industrial process that is currently carried out using homogeneous catalysts. Here we present a highly active heterogeneous catalyst containing minute amounts of atomically dispersed Pd. It requires no co‐catalyst(s) or activator(s) and significantly outperforms previously reported catalysts tested under similar reaction conditions. The selectivity to C4‐ and C6‐hydrocarbons was about 80 % and 10 % at 42 % ethylene conversion at 200 °C using an industrially relevant feed containing 50 vol % ethylene, respectively. Our kinetic and catalyst characterization experiments complemented by density functional theory calculations provide molecular insights into the local environment of isolated Pd(II)Ox species and their role in achieving high activity in the target reaction. When the developed catalyst was rationally integrated with a Mo‐containing olefin metathesis catalyst in the same reactor, the formed butenes reacted with ethylene to propylene with a selectivity of 98 % at about 24 % ethylene conversion.
Resilient distributed model predictive control of state‐delayed linear parameter varying systems with quantitative communication against denial of service attacks
Authors: Zhong Aiping , Lu Wanlin , Zhang Langwen
Published: July 2024

This work presents a resilient distributed model predictive control (MPC) method for linear parameter varying (LPV) systems with state delays and attacks in communication networks. Coordinations are required for distributed MPC (DMPC) to achieve the global performance of centralized MPC (CMPC). However, control performance can be severely degraded by unreliable communication networks, for example, with denial of service (DoS) attacks. A resilient control framework is derived to address the unreliable communications in DMPC. A global system is divided into subsystems for the distributed control purpose. To deal with the model uncertainties and state delays, a “min‐max” DMPC algorithm is presented with a buffer to ensure resilience against DoS attacks. A quantization scheme is introduced to quantize the control information exchanged between subsystems. An iterative interaction scheme is proposed to exchange feedback control laws among subsystems. The stability of the closed‐loop system under the proposed algorithm is ensured by using a Lyapunov function method. The effectiveness of the proposed DMPC is demonstrated through two simulation examples.
Mid‐childhood autism sibling recurrence in infants with a family history of autism
Authors: Bazelmans Tessel , Arthur Rowan , Pasco Greg , Shephard Elizabeth , Milosavljevic Bosiljka , Ali Jannath Begum , Pickles Andrew , Johnson Mark H. , Jones Emily J. H. , Charman Tony ,   The BASIS/STAARS Team
Published: July 2024

Autism sibling recurrence in prospective infant family history studies is ~20% at 3 years but systematic follow‐up to mid‐childhood is rare. In population and clinical cohorts autism is not recognized in some children until school‐age or later. One hundred and fifty‐nine infants with an older sibling with autism underwent research diagnostic assessments at 3 years and mid‐childhood (6 to 12 years (mean 9)). We report the autism sibling recurrence rate in mid‐childhood and compare developmental and behavioral profiles at mid‐childhood and 3 years in those with earlier versus later recognized autism, and those who had, or had not, received a community autism diagnosis. The autism recurrence rate in this sample in mid‐childhood was 37.1%, 95% CI [29.9%, 44.9%] and higher in boys than girls. Around half of those diagnosed with autism in mid‐childhood had not received a diagnosis at 3 years. Later, diagnosis was more common in girls than boys. While some had sub‐threshold symptoms at 3, in others late diagnosis followed a largely typical early presentation. Sibling recurrence based on community clinical diagnosis was 24.5%, 95% CI [18.4%, 31.9%]. Those who also had a community diagnosis tended to be older, have lower adaptive function and higher autism and inattention symptoms. Notwithstanding limitations of a single site study, modest sample size and limits to generalisability, autism sibling recurrence in family history infants may be higher in mid‐childhood than in studies reporting diagnostic outcome at 3 years. Findings have implications for families and clinical services, and for prospective family history studies.
Biochemical communication between filament‐forming enzymes
Authors: Bearne Stephen L.
Published: July 2024

A host of metabolic enzymes reversibly self‐assemble to form membrane‐less, intracellular filaments under normal physiological conditions and in response to stress. Often, these enzymes reside at metabolic control points, suggesting that filament formation affords an additional regulatory mechanism. Examples include cytidine‐5′‐triphosphate (CTP) synthase (CTPS), which catalyzes the rate‐limiting step for the de novo biosynthesis of CTP; inosine‐5′‐monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH), which controls biosynthetic access to guanosine‐5′‐triphosphate (GTP); and ∆1‐pyrroline‐5‐carboxylate (P5C) synthase (P5CS) that catalyzes the formation of P5C, which links the Krebs cycle, urea cycle, and proline metabolism. Intriguingly, CTPS can exist in co‐assemblies with IMPDH or P5CS. Since GTP is an allosteric activator of CTPS, the association of CTPS and IMPDH filaments accords with the need to coordinate pyrimidine and purine biosynthesis. Herein, a hypothesis is presented furnishing a biochemical connection underlying co‐assembly of CTPS and P5CS filaments – potent inhibition of CTPS by glutamate γ‐semialdehyde, the open‐chain form of P5C.
An analytical method using salting‐out assisted liquid–liquid extraction to quantify ceftriaxone from micro volumes of human serum
Authors: Mukai Yuji , Sugii Narushi , Doki Kosuke , Homma Masato
Published: July 2024

Ceftriaxone (CTRX) is a commonly used cephalosporin antibiotic. It is suggested that monitoring plasma/serum concentrations is helpful for its safe use. This study aimed to develop and validate an analytical method for measuring CTRX concentrations in human serum according to International Conference on Harmonization guideline M10. Ten microliters of serum sample was purified using a salting‐out assisted liquid–liquid extraction procedure with magnesium sulfate. The upper layer was then diluted threefold and analyzed using a liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry‐based method with a total run time of 12 min. The linear calibration curve was obtained over the concentration range 5–500 μg/ml. The within‐run accuracy varied from 0.2 to 6.5%, and the precision was ≤8.0%. The between‐run accuracy and precision ranged from 0.7% to 5.6% and ≤6.4%, respectively. Significant carryover was resolved by injecting four blanks after high‐concentration CTRX samples. The recovery rates from spiked serum at low and high concentrations were 44.4 and 43.4%, respectively. Other factors, including selectivity, matrix effects, stability, dilution integrity and reinjection reproducibility also met the acceptance criteria. Serum concentrations in 14 samples obtained from two participants receiving 2 g/day of CTRX were successfully determined using this method.
Screening of inhibitors on successful covalent tyrosinase coupling with help from SpyBank
Authors: Yi Yu , Gong Xuewang , Cui Mengyuan , Liang Yuting , Mei Jianfeng , Ying Guoqing , Wu Yinfei
Published: July 2024

Microbial metabolites are an important source of tyrosinase (TYR) inhibitors because of their rich chemical diversity. However, because of the complex metabolic environment of microbial products, it is difficult to rapidly locate and identify natural TYR inhibitors. Affinity‐based ligand screening is an important method for capturing active ingredients in complex samples, but ligand immobilization is an important factor affecting the screening process. In this paper, TYR was used as ligand, and the SpyTag/SpyCatcher coupling system was used to rapidly construct affinity chromatography vectors for screening TYR inhibitors and separating active components from complex samples. We successfully expressed SpyTag–TYR fusion protein and SpyCatcher protein, and incubated SpyCatcher protein with epoxy‐activated agarose. The SpyTag–TYR protein was spontaneously coupled with SpyCatcher to obtain an affinity chromatography filler for immobilization of TYR, and the performance of the packaging material was characterized. Finally, compound 1 with enzyme inhibitory activity was successfully obtained from the fermentation product of marine microorganism C. Through HPLC, MS, 1H NMR and 13C NMR analyses, its structure was deduced as azelaic acid, and its activity was analyzed. The results showed that this is a feasible method for screening TYR inhibitors in complex systems.
Transition policy mixes and business model adaptation: Incumbent firms' response to zero‐carbon policy in the housing sector
Authors: Rezaeian Mina , Pinkse Jonatan , Rigby John
Published: July 2024

This paper provides a firm‐level perspective on sustainability transitions by analysing how government can use transition policy mixes to entice industry incumbents to adapt their business model to integrate sustainable technologies. It examines firm‐level barriers to policy implementation, why these exist, and how government can use transition policy mixes to overcome them. The empirical analysis provides an in‐depth case study of the UK Zero Carbon Homes (ZCH) as a transition policy mix and considers the point of view of policymakers and incumbent housebuilders. The paper sheds light on the question of how transition policy mix designs can support incumbents' business model adaptation to bring about transformational change for sustainability. The results show that the interaction between various policy shortcomings and business model adaptation barriers led to a failure of government to move the housebuilding sector towards a stronger integration of sustainable technologies. The paper concludes by arguing that decarbonising housing in the UK was a system failure, rather than a market or policy failure, as the government failed to address the underlying reasons of incumbents' resistance to changing their business model. The findings suggest that taking incumbents' business models into consideration while designing policies for sustainability transitions is necessary to entice established firms to actively take part in the process of transitions and adapt to new sustainable norms.
An evaluation of patient and public involvement (PPI) experience in NHS Talking Therapies for anxiety and depression services: A framework analysis and practical recommendations
Authors: Verbist Irini L. , Fabian Hannah , Huey Dale , Brooks Helen , Blakemore Amy
Published: July 2024

Objective

Patient and public involvement (PPI) refers to the active participation of people, patients, and carers in all stages of research and service delivery development. The aim of this study was to evaluate the PPI experiences in an NHS TTad (Talking Therapies for anxiety and depression) setting and to offer practical recommendations to support PPI activity in service development.

Method

A semi‐structured focus group was conducted with five participants who had previously attended a series of PPI groups in TTad services in the Northwest of England. The qualitative data collected were analysed using the INVOLVE framework, incorporating both inductive and deductive coding.

Results

Twelve subthemes emerged, reflecting positive PPI experiences: appreciating PPI contribution, respect for mental health experiences, learning opportunity for PPI members, flexibility and guidance, reimbursement for PPI time, expectations of PPI role in TTad services, availability and commitment, inclusive participation in TTad development, responding to PPI input, diversity, peer support and continued involvement in TTad service development. An additional theme, safe space, emphasised the importance of a comfortable environment and discretion.

Conclusion

Practical recommendations are provided to enhance recruitment, engagement, empowerment and the impact of PPI in TTad services.
The Sources, Structures and Cytotoxicity of Animal‐Derived Bisindole Compounds
Authors: Zhang Zi‐Long , Xu Hao‐Nan , Gong Chuan‐Ming , Li Yu‐Ze , Li Yi‐Ming , Song Xiao‐Mei , Wang Rui , Zhang Dong‐Dong
Published: July 2024

Bisindole compounds constitute a significant class of natural compounds distinguished by their characteristic bisindole structure and renowned for their anticancer properties. Over the past four decades, researchers have isolated 229 animal‐derived bisindole compounds (ADBCs) from various animals. These compounds demonstrate a wide range of pharmacological properties, including cytotoxicity, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and other activities. Notably, among these activities, cytotoxicity emerges as the most prominent characteristic of ADBCs. This review also summarizes the structureactivity relationship (SAR) studies associated with the cytotoxicity of these compounds and explores the druggability of these compounds. In summary, our objective is to provide an overview of the research progress concerning ADBCs, with the aim of fostering their continued development and utilization.
Widely targeted metabolomics analysis of nutrient changes in a new black rice variety ‘Huamoxiang No.3’ (Oryza sativa L. var. Glutinosa Matsum) under different cooking modes
Authors: Zhou Yi , Wu Xin , Shen Jinxin , Yang Daijun , Lu Qun , Long Changjiang , Liu Rui
Published: July 2024

Background

Black rice is rich in various nutrients, such as anthocyanins, which may undergo some changes during cooking. However, previous studies have been mainly focused on a single substance and paid less attention to the changes in overall nutrient components. Here, we performed widely targeted metabolomics analysis on the chemical compositional changes in a new black rice variety (‘Huamoxiang No.3’) under three cooking modes, including bottom heating (BH), induction heating (IH), and IH + pressure.

Results

Among the detected 1458 metabolites, 276 and 108 metabolites were differential metabolites after cooking and in three cooking modes, respectively. Cooking increased the contents of most peptides, phenolic acids, and organic acid compounds but significantly decreased those of lipids and flavonoids, particularly anthocyanins. However, phenolic acids such as chlorogenic acid, erucic acid, and p‐coumaric acid increased significantly, possibly due to the release of bound phenols and degradation of flavonoids to phenolic acids, such as thermal degradation of C3G to protocatechuic acid and among the three heating modes, the IH + pressure mode resulted in the most significant changes.

Conclusion

Although cooking reduced the content of flavonoids and anthocyanins, the increase in phenolic acids and other substances contributed to the healthy effect of cooked black rice, and the content of these active substances increased more significantly in the IH + pressure mode.
Role of Clinical Pharmacology in Diversity and Inclusion in Global Drug Development: Current Practices and Industry Perspectives: White Paper
Authors: Sawant‐Basak Aarti , Urva Shweta , Mukker Jatinder Kaur , Haertter Sebastian , Mariano Dean , Parasrampuria Dolly A. , Goteti Kosalaram , Singh Ravi Shankar Prasad , Chiney Manoj , Liao Michael Z. , Chang Sandy S. , Mehta Rashmi
Published: July 2024

The 2022 United States Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) draft guidance on diversity plan (DP), which will be implemented through the Diversity Action Plans by December 2025, under the 21st Century Cures Act, marks a pivotal effort by the FDA to ensure that registrational studies adequately reflect the target patient populations based on diversity in demographics and baseline characteristics. This white paper represents the culminated efforts of the International Consortium of Quality and Innovation (IQ) Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) Working Group (WG) to assess the implementation of the draft FDA guidance by members of the IQ consortium in the discipline of clinical pharmacology (CP). This article describes current practices in the industry and emphasizes the tools and techniques of quantitative pharmacology that can be applied to support the inclusion of a diverse population during global drug development, to support diversity and inclusion of underrepresented patient populations, in multiregional clinical trials (MRCTs). It outlines strategic and technical recommendations to integrate demographics, including age, sex/gender, race/ethnicity, and comorbidities, in multiregional phase III registrational studies, through the application of quantitative pharmacology. Finally, this article discusses the challenges faced during global drug development, which may otherwise limit the enrollment of a broader, potentially diverse population in registrational trials. Based on the outcomes of the IQ survey that provided the current awareness of diversity planning, it is envisioned that in the future, industry efforts in the inclusion of previously underrepresented populations during global drug development will culminate in drug labels that apply to the intended patient populations at the time of new drug application or biologics license application rather than through post‐marketing requirements.
Ballistic‐Aggregated Carbon Nanofoam in Target‐Side of Pulsed Laser Deposition for Energy Storage Applications
Authors: Ghosh Subrata , Righi Massimiliano , Macrelli Andrea , Divitini Giorgio , Orecchia Davide , Maffini Alessandro , Goto Francesco , Bussetti Gianlorenzo , Dellasega David , Russo Valeria , Li Bassi Andrea , Casari Carlo S.
Published: July 2024

In pulsed laser deposition, along the traditionally exploited deposition on the front‐side of the plasma‐plume, a coating forms on the surface of the target as well. For reproducibility, this residue is usually cleaned and discarded. Here we instead investigate the target‐side coated materials and employ them as a binder‐free supercapacitor electrode. The ballistic‐aggregated, target‐side nanofoam is compact and features a larger fraction of sp2‐carbon, higher nitrogen content with higher graphitic‐N and lower oxygen content with fewer COOH groups than that of diffusive‐aggregated conventional nanofoams. They are highly hydrogenated graphite‐like amorphous carbon and superhydrophilic. The resulting symmetric micro‐supercapacitor delivers higher volumetric capacitance of 522 mF/cm3 at 100 mV/s and 104 % retention after 10000 charge‐discharge cycles over conventional nanofoam (215 mF/cm3 and 85 % retention) with an areal capacitance of 134 μF/cm2 at 120 Hz and ultrafast frequency response. Utilizing the normally discarded target‐side material can therefore enable high performing devices while reducing waste, cost and energy input per usable product, leading towards a greater sustainability of nanomaterials synthesis and deposition techniques.
Machine learning‐enabled two‐port wideband MIMO hybrid rectangular dielectric resonator antenna for n261 5G NR millimeter wave
Authors: Rai Jayant Kumar , Ranjan Pinku , Kumar Santosh , Chowdhury Rakesh , Kumar Somesh , Sharma Anand
Published: July 2024

In this article, a two‐port multiple‐input multiple‐output (MIMO) hybrid rectangular dielectric resonator antenna (DRA) with machine learning (ML) approach for the n261 5G New Radio (NR) application is presented. The proposed antenna is designed on an RT/duroid 5880 (Ɛr = 2.2) substrate activated by 50 Ω, L‐shaped microstrip slot feeds beneath both DRAs. The isolation is more than 19 dB, and the gain is 10 dBi in the operating frequency range. The proposed antenna is optimized through knowledge‐based neural networks (KBNN), artificial neural networks (ANNs), and ML. The optimal design parameters of the proposed antenna are accomplished using the ML optimization approach, which includes ridge regression, ANNs, and KBNN. KBNN ML techniques provide 96.88% accuracy and correctly predict the S‐parameters of the proposed antenna. The MIMO diversity parameters like envelope correlation coefficient (ECC), diversity gain (DG), total active reflection coefficient (TARC), and channel capacity loss (CCL) are calculated and found within the limits. Hence, the proposed antenna is used for 5G NR mm‐wave application.
Fault‐tolerant independent gradient forwarding routing for wireless sensor network
Authors: Singh Saurabh , Singh Sarvpal , Prakash Jay
Published: July 2024

For the sensor network, greedy forwarding is thought to be the best energy‐efficient routing method. There are two restrictions on greedy forwarding: a minimum local scenario and an intersection problem in which it is unable to locate an existing route. The proposed independent gradient forward (IGF) proves that the Euclidean equation used by greedy forwarding is less capable of dealing with the problems mentioned above. IGF considers each dimension independently to enhance the efficiency of greedy forwarding, sustaining its simplicity. It contributes to strengthening the suggested IGF's ability to manage holes and get around obstructions in the wireless sensor network. We have demonstrated that it travels a shorter potential path and avoids stuck nodes well in advance. It is more energy‐efficient since it can predict the void node and never visits a stalled node. We evaluated the suggested IGF's performance against other traditional boundary traversal‐based methods on both rare and dense networks. In comparison with other boundary traversal‐based algorithms, the simulation results indicate that it generates a 10% smaller route to bypass. The IGF average energy consumption increases slowly, rising by just 7% and 12.5% for dense and rare networks, respectively, with a fivefold increase in void size (from 100 to 500 m).
Seed dispersal limitation causes negative legacy effect on restoration of grassland plant diversity on ski slopes
Authors: Yaida Yuki A. , Inoue Taiki , Kenta Tanaka , Ushimaru Atushi
Published: July 2024

Past forest use often has a long‐term negative impact on the recovery of the original plant composition of semi‐natural grasslands, which is known as a legacy effect. This study investigates the impact of seed dispersal limitations on the restoration of grassland plant diversity on ski slopes with past forest use, highlighting the negative legacy effect on biodiversity recovery. Focusing on ski areas, our research contrasts the vegetation on ski slopes originally created on semi‐natural grasslands such as pasture (pasture slopes) and constructed by clearing secondary forests or conifer plantations (forest slopes). We examined species richness and diversity, considering seed dispersal modes, grassland management history, and seed source proximity. We reveal that the proximity to species‐rich grassland sources is pivotal for the restoration of native grassland vegetation. Particularly, wind‐dispersed species show significant recovery on slopes with sustained management for more than 70 years and those with neighboring species‐rich grasslands, suggesting that both the duration of management and the proximity to seed sources are critical for overcoming the legacy effects of past forest use. Meanwhile, gravity‐dispersed species failed to recover their richness and diversity regardless of both the duration of management and the proximity to seed source grasslands, which their diversity recovered where seed sources neighbored. Our findings emphasize the importance of considering seed dispersal limitation and management history in the restoration and conservation of grasslands and their biodiversity, particularly in landscapes experiencing past human intervention.
Nonlinear responses of ericaceous and ectomycorrhizal Arctic shrubs across a long‐term experimental nutrient gradient
Authors: Dunleavy Haley R. , Mack Michelle C.
Published: July 2024

In the Arctic tundra, warming is anticipated to stimulate nutrient release and potentially alleviate plant nutrient limitations. Typically simulated by fertilization experiments that saturate plant nutrient demand, future increases in soil fertility are thought to favor ectomycorrhizal (EcM) over ericaceous shrubs and have often been identified as a key driver of Arctic shrub expansion. However, the projected increases in fertility will likely vary in their alleviation of nutrient limitations. The resulting responses of shrubs and their mycorrhizae across the gradient of nutrient limitation may be nonlinear and could contradict the current predictions of tundra vegetation shifts. We compared the functional responses of two dominant shrubs, EcM dwarf birch (Betula nana) and ericaceous Labrador tea (Rhododendron tomentosum), across a long‐term nitrogen and phosphorus fertilization gradient experiment in Arctic Alaska. Using linear mixed‐effects modeling, we tested the responses of shrub cover, height, and root enzyme activities to soil fertility. We found that B. nana cover and height linearly increased with soil fertility. In contrast, R. tomentosum cover initially increased, but decreased after surpassing the intermediate levels of increased soil fertility. Its height did not change. Enzyme activity did not respond to soil fertility on EcM‐colonized B. nana roots, but sharply declined on R. tomentosum roots. Overall, the nonlinear responses of shrubs to our fertility gradient demonstrate the importance of experiments grounded in replicated regression design. Our results indicate that under moderate increases in soil fertility, Arctic shrub expansion may not only include deciduous EcM shrubs but also ericaceous shrubs. Regardless of shifts aboveground, changes in root enzyme activity belowground point to some EcM shrub species playing a more influential role in tundra soils; as EcM roots remained steady in their liberation of soil organic nutrients with heightened soil fertility, degradative root enzyme activity on the dominant ericaceous shrub dropped—in some instances with even the slightest increase in fertility.
The role of near‐surface vegetation in modulating overland flow resistance in grasslands of the Chinese Loess Plateau
Authors: Wang Jian Fang , Yang Yan Fen , Wang Bing , Liu Guo Bin
Published: July 2024

Vegetation restoration significantly increases overland flow resistance and decreases soil erosion. The cause of soil erosion is unknown, though grain resistance and form resistance are frequently confused with the overall overland flow resistance. The zonal specie of Bothriochloa ischcemum (Linn.). Keng (BI) and the dominant specie of Artemisia vestita Wall. ex Bess (AG) were selected to investigate the effect of vegetation near soil surface characteristics derived by vegetation restoration on overland flow resistance of grain resistance and form resistance. In total, 24 steel tanks were planted at six planting densities of 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 plants m−2, and two tanks were used as bare soil controls. Their hydraulic characteristics were tested under a constant rainfall intensity (60 mm h−1) on a 26.2% slope. The results showed that the grain resistance (fg) and form resistance (ff) ranged from 0.06 to 0.35 and 18.01 to 95.77 under six planting densities. Vegetation increased overland flow resistance by more than 90%, which was mainly attributed to ff. Vegetation near soil surface factors of the aboveground part, biological soil crusts, and root collar increased ff by 18.71 to 82.13, 0.74 to 11.50, and 1.61 to 3.40, respectively. Compared with BI, the mean value of fg in AG was 48.87% lower, whereas the mean value of ff was 1.36 times greater. The fg decreased with soil organic matter as a power function. The ff decreased with the Reynolds number, Froude number, and flow velocity and increased with vegetation coverage, aboveground biomass, and root collar area as power functions. Soil properties explained the majority of the variation in fg, and near the vegetation soil surface factors explained the majority of the variation in ff. Finally, ff was simulated using the Reynolds number, vegetation coverage, and root collar area. In addition, a simulation equation for the total flow resistance was established by distinguishing the grain resistance and the form resistance, and the performance of the model developed in this study was satisfactory (NSE = 0.97).
Evaluation of dimethyl carbonate production process from CO2 by rigorous simulation and detailed optimization
Authors: Sun Zhe , Li Heyu , Cao Yan
Published: July 2024

The CO2‐derived dimethyl carbonate (DMC) synthesis process becomes greatly attentive but suffers high energy consumption in DMC distillation process. In this work, the DMC‐MeOH azeotropes separation process by pressure swing distillation and extractive distillation was compared, and key operating parameters, including the total number of trays and the feeding position of the mixture liquid, were optimized with the minimum total annual cost (TAC) as the objective function. On the basis of this optimization, economic evaluation of different distillation processes was conducted, and it was found that extractive distillation was more economical than pressure swing distillation. The application of the dividing‐wall distillation process upgraded by extractive distillation can significantly reduce the minimum annual total cost by 37.4% and 10.7% compared to the original pressure swing distillation and extractive distillation process, respectively. The optimization of relevant heat exchange network based on pinch technology resulted in energy consumption reduction by 27.2% and 25.9% for its hot and cold utilities, respectively. Carbon life cycle assessment (LCA) on the DMC distillation process revealed over 50% of energy as well as carbon emissions from steam consumption, whose reduction can significantly minimize CO2 emissions, energy consumption, and ultimate cost. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.