bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multifunctional Analgesic Sutures from Microfluidic Spinning Technology
Authors: Peng Yunan , Shang Yixuan , Che Junyi , Yu Yunru , Zhao Yuanjin , Gu Xiaoping
Published: October 2024

Sutures are the most commonly used wound repair method after surgery. However, addressing delayed recovery and pain management remains a significant challenge. Here, microfibers are developed from microfluidic spinning with long‐lasting analgesia capabilities for sutures. By using a solvent extraction manner, the polycaprolactone (PCL) microfibers encapsulated with ropivacaine (ROP), a well‐known analgesic, can be continuously obtained from microfluidics. The intrinsic property of PCL and the advantage of microfluidic spinning technique impart the microfiber with highly controlled morphologies, mechanical strengths, as well as drug release. After exploring their biocompatibility both at in vitro and in vivo levels, the microfibers are directly applied to wound suture. The results demonstrate the lasting analgesic effect of the microfiber on mice with incision pain, highlighting its potential as promising suture for post‐surgery treatments. It is anticipated that the multifunctional analgesic sutures produced through microfluidic spinning will pave the way for utilizing fibers as effective sutures in clinical incision wound treatment.
Biocompatible Metal‐Organic Framework‐Based Fabric Composite as an Efficient Personal Protective Equipment for Particulate Matter‐Induced Pulmonary Injury
Authors: Ding Zhen , Bao Xingfu , Chen Tianyan , Zhang Jinming , Xu Chengjing , Tang Nan , Hu Min , Liu Zhen
Published: October 2024

Efficient personal protection has emerged as a crucial approach for reducing pulmonary injury induced by particulate matter (PM). However, current personal protective equipments usually lack essential biosafety concerns and fail to own adsorbing/antioxidant/antibacterial function together, making it a challenge to develop an integrated platform with the above characteristics. Herein, a facile oxygen‐free hydrothermal strategy is proposed to synthesize new copper‐based metal‐organic frameworks, Cu‐HHTPs, (HHTP: 2,3,6,7,10,11‐hexahydroxytriphenylene), with great adsorbing/antioxidant/antibacterial activity and high biosafety. The Cu‐HHTPs can serve as an efficient additive incorporated with various fabrics including cellulose acetate (CA) membrane to achieve novel fabric composites, such as CA@Cu‐HHTPs, with ideal scavenging outcome for the main components of PM. Evidenced by the animal experiments, CA@Cu‐HHTPs can highly mitigate PM‐induced adverse effects via adsorbing PM, scavenging ROS, and killing bacteria, leading to a significant reduction in lung permeability, inflammation and oxidative stress, and pulmonary infection. Last but not least, a two‐week exposure of CA@Cu‐HHTPs exhibits no obvious damage toward the animals by examining their long‐term toxicity. Collectively, this study not only highlights the potential of Cu‐HHTPs as attractive additives for the preparation of fabric composites, but also lays out a new concept toward the development of new‐generation multifunctional personal protective equipment against PM.
Full van der Waals Ambipolar Ferroelectric Configurable Optical Hetero‐Synapses for In‐Sensor Computing
Authors: Bai Jinxuan , He Dawei , Dang Bingjie , Liu Keqin , Yang Zhen , Wang Jiarong , Zhang Xiaoxian , Wang Yongsheng , Tao Yaoyu , Yang Yuchao
Published: October 2024

The rapid development of visual neuromorphic hardware can be attributed to their ability to capture, store and process optical signals from the environment. The main limitation of existing visual neuromorphic hardware is that the realization of complex functions is premised on the increase of manufacturing cost, hardware volume and energy consumption. In this study, we demonstrated an optical synaptic device based on a three‐terminal van der Waals (vdW) heterojunction that can realize the sensing functions of light wavelength and intensity as well as short‐term and long‐term synaptic plasticity. In the image recognition task, we constructed an optical reservoir neural network (ORNN) and a visible light communication system (VLC) composed of this optical synaptic device. The ORNN has a recognition rate of up to 84.9% for 50 000 color images in 10 categories in the CIFAR‐10 color image dataset, and the VLC system can achieve high‐speed transmission with an ultra‐low power consumption of only 0.4 nW. This work shows that through reasonable design, vdW heterojunction structures have great application potential in low‐power multifunctional fusion application tasks such as visual bionics.
A DNAzyme‐Based Nanohybrid for Ultrasound and Enzyme Dual‐Controlled mRNA Regulation and Combined Tumor Treatment
Authors: Huang Hanji , Chen Yaoxuan , Li Lele , Zheng Li
Published: October 2024

Despite the significant potential of RNA‐cleaving DNAzymes for gene regulation, their application is limited by low therapeutic efficacy and lack of cell‐specific control. Here, a DNAzyme‐based nanohybrid designed for ultrasound (US)‐controlled, enzyme‐activatable mRNA regulation is presented, enabling tumor cell‐selective combination therapy. The nanohybrid is constructed by coordination‐directed self‐assembly of an enzymatically‐triggerable therapeutic DNAzyme (En‐Dz) and natural sonosensitizer hemoglobin (Hb). Controlled US exposure induces reactive oxygen species generation from Hb units, which not only facilitates efficient endosomal escape of En‐Dz, but also promotes the translocation of specific enzyme from the nucleus to the cytoplasm, thereby enhancing gene regulation efficacy. Notably, the enzyme‐triggered, spatiotemporally‐controlled activation of En‐Dz's catalytic activity results in enhanced cancer‐cell selectivity in the therapeutic treatment. Furthermore, the combination of enzyme‐activated mRNA regulation and sonodynamic therapy significantly enhances anti‐tumor efficacy both in vitro and in vivo. This work highlights the potential of integrating a sonodynamic strategy to overcome the current limitations of DNAzyme‐based gene regulators, providing a spatiotemporally‐controlled approach for precise tumor treatment.
Designing Impact Resistance and Robustness into Slippery Lubricant Infused Porous Surfaces
Authors: Singh Vikramjeet , Zhang Jianhui , Mandal Priya , Hou Dingyu , Papakonstantinou Ioannis , Tiwari Manish K.
Published: October 2024

Slippery lubricant infused porous surfaces (SLIPS) have the potential to address daunting challenges such as undesirable surface fouling/biofouling, icing, etc. However, the depletion of lubricants hampers their practical utility. As a solution, here a rational strategy is introduced that operates synergistically in three parts. First, ultra‐high capillary pressure is exploited from the reticular structure of metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) with sub‐nanometer pores. Second, the need for geometric compatibility is demonstrated; the lubricant chain diameter must be smaller than the MOF pore to enable lubricant chain intercalation. Lastly, the MOF pore chemistry is tailored to achieve a strong intermolecular interaction for any given MOF/lubricant combination. The strategy is investigated through experiments and quantum/molecular simulations, which show that the approach helps lock the intercalated lubricant chains inside the MOF pores and forms a non‐conventional supramolecular structure. The resulting SLIPS (including those with fluorine‐free chemistry) not only show typical low wetting hysteresis, friction, and ice adhesion but are uniquely resistant to more stringent tests such as continuous dripping and sliding of water droplets (up to 50 hrs), repeated impacts of high‐speed water jets (liquid impact Weber number > 4 × 104) and prevent bacterial biofilm formation even in dynamic flow conditions. The findings may widen the practical applications of SLIPS.
Reconstructive Synthesis of Fluorinated Dihydropyrido[1,2‐a] indolones by a Cyclohexadione Cut‐to‐Fuse Strategy
Authors: China Hideyasu , Yoto Yusuke , Sasa Hirotaka , Kikushima Kotaro , Dohi Toshifumi
Published: October 2024

We describe a fluorinative ring‐cleavage reaction that breaks C−C bonds in cyclic β‐diketones bearing an aryl moiety by using N‐fluorobenzenesulfonimide (NFSI) in the presence of inorganic carbonates (Cs2CO3 or K2CO3) in methanol at room temperature within one hour. The generated fluorinated keto acid esters bearing ortho‐nitro aryl groups were transformed into fluorinated dihydropyrido[1,2‐a]indolones (DHPIs) via reductive cyclization using B2(OH)4 followed by amidation in the presence of K2CO3. This “cut‐to‐fuse” strategy enables the reconstructive synthesis of valuable fused heterocycles from relatively simple cyclohexadiones.
Calcium(II)‐Catalyzed Synthesis of Sulfoximinocyclopentenones
Authors: Chen Xiangmeng , Bour Christophe , Kolodziej Emilie , Guillot Régis , George Nicolas S. , Alix Aurélien , Gandon Vincent
Published: October 2024

A series of 4‐sulfoximinocyclopent‐2‐en‐1‐ones was prepared in 35 to 99% yield through a calcium(II)‐catalyzed aza‐Piancatelli reaction, including in enantioenriched form. Depending on their substitution pattern, diverse diastereoselective chemical transformations can be applied to these scaffolds, allowing access to cyclopentane derivatives. This study opens synthetic routes to cyclopentane‐based scaffolds and also paves the way for the exploration of the associated chemical space in drug discovery.
Iodine‐Mediated Oxidative C=C Double‐Bond Formation toward Fused Quinolinones and Quinolinium Salts
Authors: Wang Manman , He Yanmin , Chang Junbiao , Yu Wenquan
Published: October 2024

An iodine‐mediated C=C double bond‐forming reaction has been established to access various fused quinolinone derivatives under transition metal‐free conditions. The present reaction is also applicable to the synthesis of fused quinolinium frameworks from the corresponding precursors and can be conducted on a gram scale.
Diastereoselective Intramolecular Spirocyclization via C(sp3)−H Bond Functionalization Towards the Synthesis of 2,7‐Diazaspiro[4.5]decane‐1,3‐diones
Authors: Bhowmik Arup , Naskar Koushik , Roy Shantonu , Sahoo Abhishek , Deb Indubhusan
Published: October 2024

The C(sp3)−H functionalization via intramolecular hydride transfer initiated cascade annulation for the synthesis of spiro‐fused succinimide‐containing tetrahydroquinolines induced by iminium intermediates is described. A series of diastereoselective 2,7‐diazaspiro[4.5]decanes‐1,3‐diones were achieved using ortho‐amino‐benzylidene‐succinimide using Lewis acid catalysis. This scandium triflate Sc(OTf)3 catalysed, oxidant‐free protocol leads to the diastereoselective synthesis of a class of 2,7‐diazaspiro[4.5]decanes‐1,3‐diones derivatives with 48–98% yield in a single step.
Effects of AlOx Sub‐Oxide Layer on Conductance Training of Passive Memristor for Neuromorphic Computing
Authors: Xie Qin , Pan Xinqiang , Luo Wenbo , Shuai Yao , Wang Yi , Tong Junde , Zhao Zebin , Wu Chuangui , Zhang Wanli
Published: October 2024

Memristors are recognized as crucial devices for the hardware implementation of neuromorphic computing. The conductance training process of memristors has a direct impact on the performance of neuromorphic computing. However, memristor breakdown and conductance decay still hinder the precise training process of neural networks based on passive memristor. Here, AlOx/LiNbO3 (LN) memristors are designed by inserting a AlOx sub‐oxide layer between the single‐crystalline LN thin film with oxygen vacancies (OVs) and Pt layer. Under the same training conditions, lower conductance and self‐compliance current effects are observed in AlOx/LN memristor. Slight spontaneous decay of conductance is achieved after the removal of the external stimulation. To explore the effects of AlOx sub‐oxide layer on the prevention of device breakdown and suppression of conductance decay, the memristive mechanism of devices with and without AlOx layer is revealed via time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometer (ToF‐SIMS). It is reasonable to believe that the AlOx inserting layer in memristors can serve as a self‐compliance current layer to inhibit device breakdown and provide the OVs reservoir to suppress conductance decay. These results offer new possibilities and theoretical grounds for achieving more reliable and precise conductance training of passive memristors.
Diachronic Height Changes in Europe From the Mesolithic to the Present: Exploring Possible Causes and Regional Specificities
Authors: Negasheva Marina A. , Fedorchuk Olga A. , Khafizova Ainur A. , Movsesian Alla A.
Published: October 2024

Objectives

A meta‐analysis of diachronic changes in average height across Europe from the Mesolithic to the present, based on a broad range of literature sources.

Materials and Methods

The analysis of chronological height variability was based on skeletal remains (from the Mesolithic to the 19th century), from which height was reconstructed, and on data from living individuals measured from the late 19th to the early 21st century. In total, data from 73 skeletal series and 342 groups of modern populations, primarily from Eastern Europe, were analyzed. A regression analysis was performed using R to describe the patterns of variability.

Results

The findings indicate that height decreases during the Neolithic and remains relatively stable until the Medieval period. A decline in average height is observed during the High Medieval period. The Early Modern period marks a transition to the 20th century, during which there is a consistent increase in average height, most pronounced until the 1980s, after which the rate of increase slows slightly into the early 21st century. Temporal height variability in the European part of Russia shows regional differences.

Conclusions

The results suggest a wave‐like pattern of trans‐epochal changes in the somatic status of populations over an extended period, likely driven by various socioeconomic factors that dominated in different historical periods: the transition to agriculture, urbanization, political systems, industrial revolutions, and significant improvements in quality of life. Diachronic changes in height exhibit regional specificities, reflected in the variability of rates and magnitudes of secular gains across different regions and time periods.
Impact of skilled nursing facility quality on Medicare beneficiaries with dementia: Evidence from vacancies
Authors: Kosar Cyrus M. , Mor Vincent , Trivedi Amal N. , Rahman Momotazur
Published: October 2024

INTRODUCTION

People living with dementia are less likely to be admitted to high‐rated nursing homes than people without dementia, despite their increased care needs. We investigated the effect of admission to nursing homes with higher staffing ratings on adverse outcomes for individuals with and without dementia post‐hospitalization.

METHODS

Among Traditional Medicare beneficiaries discharged to nursing homes between 2011 and 2017, we examined the relationship between facility staffing star‐ratings and short‐term readmission and mortality using an instrumental variables approach to account for selection bias. The instrumental variables were the number of nearby vacant beds in high‐rated facilities.

RESULTS

Admission to a higher‐rated nursing home lowered post‐discharge mortality risk at 90 days and reduced 30‐ and 90‐day readmission. Point estimates were larger for people with dementia.

DISCUSSION

Findings underscore the need for enhancing direct care staffing in nursing homes and addressing access disparities, particularly for individuals with dementia who benefit significantly from high‐quality care.

Highlights

We assessed how admission to nursing homes with higher staffing ratings impacted outcomes for individuals with and without dementia by exploiting variation in local bed vacancies as a source of quasi‐random assignment.

For both persons with and without dementia, adjusted short‐term mortality and readmission rates were lower among those discharged to nursing homes with higher staffing ratings.

Effects were larger for persons with dementia, indicating welfare loss from inequitable access to higher‐rated nursing homes.

Increasing staffing in nursing homes and reducing disparities for persons with dementia is essential for enhancing both equity and value.
Latent change‐on‐change between amyloid accumulation and cognitive decline
Authors: Klinger Hannah M. , Healy Brian C. , Hanseeuw Bernard J. , Jones Rich N. , Boyle Rory , Townsend Diana L. , Properzi Michael J. , Coughlan Gillian T. , Seto Mabel , Birkenbihl Colin , Farrell Michelle E. , Papp Kathryn V. , Chhatwal Jasmeer P. , Yang Hyun‐Sik , Schultz Aaron P. , Amariglio Rebecca E. , Jacobs Heidi I. L. , Price Julie C. , Johnson Keith A. , Rentz Dorene M. , Sperling Reisa A. , Buckley Rachel F.
Published: October 2024

INTRODUCTION

While the influence of cross‐sectional β‐amyloid (Aβ) on longitudinal changes in cognition is well established, longitudinal change‐on‐change between Aβ and cognition is less explored.

METHODS

A series of bivariate latent change score models (LCSM) examined the relationship between changes in 11C‐Pittsburgh Compound‐B (PiB) positron emission tomography (PET) and the Preclinical Alzheimer's Cognitive Composite‐5 (PACC‐5) while adjusting for covariates, including cross‐sectional medial temporal lobe (MTL) tau‐PET burden. We selected 352 clinically normal older participants with up to 9 years of PiB‐PET and PACC‐5 data from the Harvard Aging Brain Study (HABS).

RESULTS

Aβ accumulation was associated with subsequent cognitive decline beyond the effects of cross‐sectional Aβ burden. Within this model including covariates such as age, sex, and apolipoprotein ε4 (APOEε4) status, we found no evidence supporting previously published associations between cross‐sectional tau‐PET and cognitive intercept/slope.

DISCUSSION

Short‐term Aβ changes are significantly associated with cognitive decline in clinically normal older adults and may eclipse the effect of cross‐sectional Aβ and MTL tau.

Highlights

Aβ accumulation is associated with subsequent cognitive decline.

High Aβ burden is not the sole metric signaling impending cognitive decline.

Contrary to prior work, MTL tau‐PET and cognition were not associated in our models.

Models of bivariate latent Aβ and cognitive change may eclipse the effects of MTL tau.
Metabolic alterations in human pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells treated with PDGF‐BB
Authors: Zhang Meng‐Jie , Kou Jie‐Jian , Zhang Hong‐Da , Xie Xin‐Mei , Zhou Yun‐Feng , Yuan Ping , Pang Xiao‐Bin , Zhao Lu‐Ling , Qiu Jing , He Yang‐Yang
Published: October 2024

Background

Metabolic abnormalities are considered to play a key regulatory role in vascular remodeling of pulmonary arterial hypertension. However, to date, there is a paucity of research documenting the changes in metabolome profiles within the supernatants of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMC) during their transition from a contractile to a synthetic phenotype.

Methods

CCK‐8 and Edu staining assays were used to evaluate the cell viability and proliferation of human PASMCs. IncuCyte ZOOM imaging system was used to continuously and automatically detect the migration of the PASMCs. A targeted metabolomics profiling was performed to quantitatively analyze 121 metabolites in the supernatant. Orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis was used to discriminate between PDGF‐BB‐induced PASMCs and controls. Metabolite set enrichment analysis was adapted to exploit the most disturbed metabolic pathways.

Results

Human PASMCs exhibited a transformation from contractile phenotype to synthetic phenotype after PDGF‐BB induction, along with a significant increase in cell viability, proliferation, and migration. Metabolites in the supernatants of PASMCs treated with or without PDGF‐BB were well profiled. Eleven metabolites were found to be significantly upregulated, whereas seven metabolites were downregulated in the supernatants of PASMCs induced by PDGF‐BB compared to the vehicle‐treated cells. Fourteen pathways were involved, and pyruvate metabolism pathway was ranked first with the highest enrichment impact followed by glycolysis/gluconeogenesis and pyrimidine metabolism.

Conclusions

Significant and extensive metabolic abnormalities occurred during the phenotypic transformation of PASMCs. Disturbance of pyruvate metabolism pathway might contribute to pulmonary vascular remodeling.
A Zn‐MOF With Its Mixed‐Matrix Membranes for Convenient and Efficient Visualization Detection of 3‐Nitrotyrosine Biomarker in Aqueous Media and Practical Application in Serum
Authors: Ru Jing , Shi Yi‐Xuan , Yang Qing‐Yun , Li Teng , Shi Yang , Wang Hai‐Ying , Guo Qiang
Published: October 2024

Instant and accurate detection of 3‐nitrotyrosine (3‐NT) biomarker is an important but challenging task in clinical diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of diseases. Herein, this work reported a Zn (II)–based metal–organic framework (MOF) {[Zn2(BDPT)(DIMB)]}n, denoted as Zn‐BDPT, synthesized by solvothermal method using bis(3,5‐dicarboxyphenyl)terephthalamide (H4BDPT) and 1,4‐di(1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)butane (DIMB). Neighboring [Zn (COO)2] clusters were connected by BDPT4− units and DIMB to form a (2,4,4)‐connected three‐dimensional (3D) architecture. X‐ray powder diffraction (PXRD) and thermogravimetric (TGA) experiments indicated that Zn‐BDPT had good purity and stability. Zn‐BDPT could selectively and rapidly recognize 3‐NT in an aqueous environment. For rapid economic detection of 3‐NT in actual samples, mixed‐matrix membranes (MMMs) based on Zn‐BDPT were successfully prepared and named Zn‐BDPT@PMMA. The addition of 3‐NT under the UV lamp displayed an evident visible fluorescence quenching effect. Quantitative titration analysis of Zn‐BDPT@PMMA in real serum sample obtained the Ksv value of 1.13 × 104 M−1 and a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.17 μM. This report demonstrated that MOF‐based MMMs could be used as ideal candidate for luminescent probe in actual application.
Phase Regulation Promotes High Rate‐Long Term Na4Fe3(PO4)2P2O7 Cathode for Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Yang Haiyan , Li Xinhai , Wang Zhixing , Guo Huajun , Duan Hui , Wang Jiexi , Li Guangchao , Yan Guochun
Published: October 2024

Sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) have evoked much attention, benefiting from the advantages of low cost, high safety and excellent performance at low temperature. Especially, Na4Fe3(PO4)2P2O7 (NFPP) cathode is considered to be one of the best candidates for SIBs cathode with abundant resources and long‐term cycling stability. However, the impurities of NaFePO4 (NFP) and Na2FeP2O7 (NFPO) formed synchronously with NFPP which restrict the further application of NFPP. It is meaningful to clear the formation process and regulate the contents of NFP and NFPO. Therefore, NFPP cathodes with different contents of NFP and NFPO were prepared through high energy ball milling cooperated with post‐heat treatment by controlling the Fe concentration in reactants. The NFPP‐2.85 showed the best electrochemical performance because of the high content of NFPP and transition zone between NFPP and NFPO which fasts the Na+ transport kinetics. When employed as cathode for SIBs, the as‐prepared NFPP‐2.85 showed a specific capacity of 111.8 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C and maintained at 68.9 mAh g−1 even at 100 C. The retention ratio was as high as 93.6 % after 1500 cycles at 20 C, implying superior high rate‐long term cycling stability. This work provides a new way for impurities regulation and the improvement of NFPP electrochemical performance.
Group Integrative Dynamic Factor Models With Application to Multiple Subject Brain Connectivity
Authors: Kim Younghoon , Fisher Zachary F. , Pipiras Vladas
Published: October 2024

This work introduces a novel framework for dynamic factor model‐based group‐level analysis of multiple subjects time‐series data, called GRoup Integrative DYnamic factor (GRIDY) models. The framework identifies and characterizes intersubject similarities and differences between two predetermined groups by considering a combination of group spatial information and individual temporal dynamics. Furthermore, it enables the identification of intrasubject similarities and differences over time by employing different model configurations for each subject. Methodologically, the framework combines a novel principal angle‐based rank selection algorithm and a noniterative integrative analysis framework. Inspired by simultaneous component analysis, this approach also reconstructs identifiable latent factor series with flexible covariance structures. The performance of the GRIDY models is evaluated through simulations conducted under various scenarios. An application is also presented to compare resting‐state functional MRI data collected from multiple subjects in autism spectrum disorder and control groups.
High‐Dimensional Bayesian Semiparametric Models for Small Samples: A Principled Approach to the Analysis of Cytokine Expression Data
Authors: Poli Giovanni , Argiento Raffaele , Amedei Amedeo , Stingo Francesco C.
Published: October 2024

In laboratory medicine, due to the lack of sample availability and resources, measurements of many quantities of interest are commonly collected over a few samples, making statistical inference particularly challenging. In this context, several hypotheses can be tested, and studies are not often powered accordingly. We present a semiparametric Bayesian approach to effectively test multiple hypotheses applied to an experiment that aims to identify cytokines involved in Crohn's disease (CD) infection that may be ongoing in multiple tissues. We assume that the positive correlation commonly observed between cytokines is caused by latent groups of effects, which in turn result from a common cause. These clusters are effectively modeled through a Dirichlet Process (DP) that is one of the most popular choices as nonparametric prior in Bayesian statistics and has been proven to be a powerful tool for model‐based clustering. We use a spike–slab distribution as the base measure of the DP. The nonparametric part has been included in an additive model whose parametric component is a Bayesian hierarchical model. We include simulations that empirically demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed testing procedure in settings that mimic our application's sample size and data structure. Our CD data analysis shows strong evidence of a cytokine gradient in the external intestinal tissue.
Protein Scaffold‐Mediated Multi‐Enzyme Self‐Assembly and Ordered Co‐Immobilization of Flavin‐Dependent Halogenase‐Coenzyme Cycle System for Efficient Biosynthesis of 6‐Cl‐L‐Trp
Authors: Liu Han‐Yu , Ning Pan , Qian Feng , Wang Yao‐Wu , Zhang Hai‐Min , Wang Pu
Published: October 2024

Flavin‐dependent halogenase (FDH) is highly prized in pharmaceutical and chemical industries for its exceptional capacity to produce halogenated aromatic compounds with precise regioselectivity. This study has devised a multi‐enzyme self‐assembly strategy to construct an effective and reliable in vitro coenzyme cycling system tailored for FDHs. Initially, tri‐enzyme self‐assembling nanoclusters (TESNCs) were developed, comprising glucose dehydrogenase (GDH), flavin reductase (FR) and FDH. The TESNCs exhibited enhanced thermal stability and conversion efficiency compared to free triple enzyme mixtures during the conversion of L‐Trp to 6‐Cl‐L‐Trp, resulting in a 2.1‐fold increase in yield. Subsequently, an ordered co‐immobilization of GDH, FR, and FDH was established, further amplifying the stability and catalytic efficiency of the FDH coenzyme cycle system. Compared to the free TESNCs, the immobilized TESNCs demonstrated a 4.2‐fold increase in catalytic efficiency in a 5 mL reaction system. This research provides an effective strategy for developing a robust and efficient coenzyme recycling system for FDHs.
Online Eye Tracking for Aphasia: A Feasibility Study Comparing Web and Lab Tracking and Implications for Clinical Use
Authors: van Boxtel Willem S. , Linge Michael , Manning Rylee , Haven Lily N. , Lee Jiyeon
Published: October 2024

Background & Aims

Studies using eye‐tracking methodology have made important contributions to the study of language disorders such as aphasia. Nevertheless, in clinical groups especially, eye‐tracking studies often include small sample sizes, limiting the generalizability of reported findings. Online, webcam‐based tracking offers a potential solution to this issue, but web‐based tracking has not been compared with in‐lab tracking in past studies and has never been attempted in groups with language impairments.

Materials & Methods

Patients with post‐stroke aphasia (n = 16) and age‐matched controls (n = 16) completed identical sentence‐picture matching tasks in the lab (using an EyeLink system) and on the web (using WebGazer.js), with the order of sessions counterbalanced. We examined whether web‐based eye tracking is as sensitive as in‐lab eye tracking in detecting group differences in sentence processing.

Results

Patients were less accurate and slower to respond to all sentence types than controls. Proportions of gazes to the target and foil picture were computed in 100 ms increments, which showed that the two modes of tracking were comparably sensitive to overall group differences across different sentence types. Web tracking showed comparable fluctuations in gaze proportions to target pictures to lab tracking in most analyses, whereas a delay of approximately 500–800 ms appeared in web compared to lab data.

Discussion & Conclusions

Web‐based eye tracking is feasible to study impaired language processing in aphasia and is sensitive enough to detect most group differences between controls and patients. Given that validations of webcam‐based tracking are in their infancy and how transformative this method could be to several disciplines, much more testing is warranted.
Biological and Biophysical Methods for Evaluation of Inhibitors of Sortase A in Staphylococcus aureus: An Overview
Authors: Dewan Debajit , Basu Aaheli , Dolai Debraj , Pal Sarmistha
Published: October 2024

Staphylococcus aureus, one of the most notorious pathogens, develops antibiotic resistance by the formation of a thick layer of exopolysaccharides known as biofilms. Sortase A, a transpeptidase responsible for biofilm formation and attachment to the host surface, has emerged as an important drug target for development of anti‐virulence agents. A number of sortase A inhibitors, both peptide and non‐peptides are reported which involved the use of several experiments which may provide insights regarding binding affinity, specificity, safety, and efficacy of ligands. In this review, we focus on the principles, pros and cons, and the type of information obtained from biophysical (FRET assay, Microscale Thermophoresis, Surface Plasmon Resonance, CD spectroscopy etc.) and biological (cell viability assay, biofilm formation assay, CLSM, western blot analysis, in vivo characterization on mice etc.) methods for estimation of probable sortase A inhibitors, which might be helpful to the researchers who might be interested to delve into the development of sortase A inhibitors as a drug, to address the burning question of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
Marker‐Dependent Cleavage of RNA by Binary (split) DNAzyme (BiDz) and Binary DNA Machines (BiDM)
Authors: Dubovichenko Mikhail V. , Nedorezova Daria D. , Patra Christina , Drozd Valeria S. , Andrianov Vladimir S. , Ashmarova Anna I. , Nnanyereugo Vivian O. , Eldeeb Ahmed A. , Kolpashchikov Dmitry M.
Published: October 2024

Oligonucleotide gene therapy (OGT) can be used to suppress specific RNA in cells and thus has been explored for gene therapy. Despite extensive effort, there is no clinically significant OGT for treating cancer. Low efficiency of OGT is one of the problems. Earlier, we proposed to address this problem by suppressing the most vital genes in cancer cells e. g. housekeeping genes. To achieve specific activation of the OGT agents in cancer but not in normal cells, we designed a binary (split) DNAzyme (BiDz) activated by cancer‐related nucleic acid sequences. This work is devoted to BiDz optimization for efficient cleavage of structured RNA targets upon activation with a cancer marker‐related sequence. To achieve efficient binding of folded RNA, the BiDz was equipped with RNA binding/unwinding arms to produce ‘Binary DNA‐nanomachines’ (BiDM). It was demonstrated that BiDM can improve both the rate and selectivity of RNA cleavage in comparison with BiDz. For the best selectivity, single‐nucleotide variations should be recognized by the strand detached from the common DNA scaffold of BiDM. Further development of DNA nanotechnology‐inspired agents can advance OGT in treating cancer, viral infections, and genetic disorders.
Intravascular Ultrasound Assessment of Distal Trans‐Radial Access in Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Poletti Enrico , Colletti Giuseppe , Zivelonghi Carlo , Benedetti Alice , Moroni Alice , El Jattari Hicham , Natalis Alexandre , Rubino Francesca , Scott Benjamin , Bentakhou Elias , Haine Steven E. F. , Agostoni Pierfrancesco , Ungureanu Claudiu
Published: October 2024

Background

Distal trans‐radial access (dTRA) for percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) is increasingly gaining attention due to its potential to mitigate radial artery occlusion (RAO). However, a comprehensive understanding of the mechanical impact of the devices on the radial artery (RA) wall remains limited. Using a complete intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) evaluation of the RA, including also the vascular access site, we aimed to evaluate all the consequences related to the catheterization on the RA wall, starting from the vascular access, comparing conventional sheath and sheathless approaches.

Methods

This is an observational, prospective, multicenter study aimed to assess the entire RA wall immediately after IVUS‐guided PCI via‐dTRA. IVUS assessment included quantitative measurements (minimal lumen area [MLA], minimal vessel area [MVA]) and qualitative observations (dissections, vasospasm). Study objectives included delineating RA wall structure post‐PCI and comparing findings between conventional and sheathless approaches.

Results

Fifty patients (21 [42%] with conventional sheath, 29 [58%] sheathless) were enrolled between March 2023 and February 2024. Female patients were more prevalent in the convention sheath group (38% vs. 7%, p < 0.001). Sheathless approach utilized 7‐French guiding catheters more frequently (33% vs. 86%, p < 0.001). Post‐procedural IVUS identified dissections in 12% of cases, with no significant difference between approaches. Arterial vasospasm was present in a quarter of patients, numerically higher in the conventional sheath group (29% vs. 21%, p = 0.5). MLA and MVA were comparable between groups, though MLA and MVA were lowest at the proximal segment of the RA only in the conventional sheath group (p < 0.001). No RAO was documented during the IVUS evaluation.

Conclusions

The intravascular assessment of dTRA after coronary interventions, utilizing either conventional or sheathless approaches, including large‐bore guiding catheters, demonstrated a relatively low incidence of access‐related complications such as dissection and vasospasm, without affecting the flow and patency of the proximal RA.
Anion‐substituted Hybrid Zinc Halides with Remarkable Dielectric Switches
Authors: Zhou Lin , Lu Zheng Lan , Mo Wen Feng , Yu Yu Hui , Zhai Li Xia , Wei Wen Juan , Yao Huilu
Published: October 2024

Thermo‐responsive dielectric switching hybrid halides, displaying reversible dielectric bistability, have recently made them highly versatile and attractive for their structural tunability and rich functional properties. However, the substantial improvement of the dielectric switching operating range is limited near room temperature, and obtaining ultra‐wide dielectric switching temperature region is a major challenge. Herein, a remarkable dielectric switching effect is reported with ultra‐wide dielectric switching temperature region in a hybrid halide system, caused by dipolar orientational polarization ascribing order‐disorder phase transitions. The new A2BX4 hybrid halide [C6H5(CH2)4NH3]2ZnBr4 (4PBA‐ZnBr4) with an ultra‐wide dielectric hysteresis loop of about 55 K near room temperature is designed successfully through halogen substitution. Meanwhile, structurally similar hybrid materials 4PBA‐ZnI4 were designed as controls. More interestingly, the crystal structure, phase transition temperature (Tc), dielectric and semiconductor properties exhibit significant discrepancies as the halogen atoms vary from Br to I. This discovery provides an efficiently regulated anionic framework to construct hybrid halides with ultra‐wide high dielectric switching and reliable cycling stability by assembling with various cations, making them potentially excellent candidates for highly responsive room temperature smart switches or transducer devices.
Triarylmethanol Derivatives with Ultralong Organic Room‐Temperature Phosphorescence
Authors: Li Jinwei , Duan Ruikang , Zhu Yanmei , Chen Mulin , Dai Xianyin , Duan Guiyun , Ge Yanqing
Published: October 2024

Triphenylmethyl‐based compounds such as rhodamines and fluoresceine representing an old and well‐known class of triphenylmethane dyes, are widely used in fluorescent labeling of bioimaging. Inspired by ultralong room temperature phosphorescence of triphenylphosphine derivatives, herein we report a methoxy substituted triarylmethanol ((4‐methoxyphenyl)diphenylmethanol, LJW‐1) exhibits ultralong room temperature phosphorescence (RTP) under ambient condition with afterglows of about 7 seconds. Its multiple C−H ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ π intermolecular interactions, C−H ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ O intermolecular interactions, hydrogen bond and π‐π interactions are beneficial for forming rigid environment in the aggregated state which is evidently an important factor in the appearance of excellent RTP. Different substituents on triarylmethanol result in compounds with different lifetimes varying from 7 μs to 818 ms. The substituent effects on the phosphorescence of triarylmethanol derivatives provide an efficient method for the design of organic RTP materials and may be enlightening the phosphorescence research of triarylmethanol derivatives.
Trade‐offs between defense and competitive traits in a planktonic predator–prey system
Authors: Réveillon Tom , Becks Lutz
Published: October 2024

Predator–prey interactions are crucial components of populations and communities. Their dynamics depend on the covariation of traits of the interacting organisms, and there is increasing evidence that intraspecific trade‐off relationships between defense and competitive traits are important drivers of trophic interactions. However, quantifying the relevant traits forming defense–competitiveness trade‐offs and how these traits determine prey and predator fitness remains a major challenge. Here, we conducted feeding and growth experiments to assess multiple traits related to defense and competitiveness in six different strains of the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii exposed to predation by the rotifer Brachionus calyciflorus. We found large differences in defense and competitive traits among prey strains and negative relationships between these traits for multiple trait combinations. Because we compared trait differences among strains whose ancestors evolved previously in controlled environments where selection favored either defense or competitiveness, these negative correlations suggest the presence of a trade‐off between defense and competitiveness. These differences in traits and trade‐offs translated into differences in prey and predator fitness, demonstrating the importance of intraspecific trade‐offs in predicting the outcome of predator–prey interactions.
Effects of multiple mammalian herbivores and climate on grassland–shrubland transitions in the Chihuahuan Desert
Authors: Andreoni Kieran J. , Bestelmeyer Brandon T. , Lightfoot David C. , Schooley Robert L.
Published: October 2024

The replacement of grasses by shrubs or bare ground (xerification) is a primary form of landscape change in drylands globally with consequences for ecosystem services. The potential for wild herbivores to trigger or reinforce shrubland states may be underappreciated, however, and comparative analyses across herbivore taxa are sparse. We sought to clarify the relative effects of domestic cattle, native rodents, native lagomorphs, and exotic African oryx (Oryx gazella) on a Chihuahuan Desert grassland undergoing shrub encroachment. We then asked whether drought periods, wet season precipitation, or interspecific grass–shrub competition modified herbivore effects to alter plant cover, species diversity, or community composition. We established a long‐term experiment with hierarchical herbivore exclosure treatments and surveyed plant foliar cover over 25 years. Cover of honey mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa) proliferated, responding primarily to climate, and was unaffected by herbivore treatments. Surprisingly, cattle and African oryx exclusion had only marginal effects on perennial grass cover at their current densities. Native lagomorphs interacted with climate to limit perennial grass cover during wet periods. Native rodents strongly decreased plant diversity, decreased evenness, and altered community composition. Overall, we found no evidence of mammalian herbivores facilitating or inhibiting shrub encroachment, but native small mammals interacting with climate drove dynamics of herbaceous plant communities. Ongoing monitoring will determine whether increased perennial grass cover from exclusion of native lagomorphs and rodents slows the transition to a dense shrubland.
Pressurized liquid extraction of sulfite for quantitation by capillary zone electrophoresis
Authors: Gonçalves Samantha , Molognoni Luciano , Daguer Heitor , Ribeiro Ana Paula Fabichak , Deolindo Carolina Turnes Pasini , Vitali Luciano , Hoff Rodrigo
Published: October 2024

Sulfite is an additive used in shrimp processing to prevent discoloration. However, sulfite can cause health issues for sensitive consumers, making its monitoring necessary. Determining sulfite concentrations is complex because the Monier‐Williams reference method is laborious and has low analytical throughput. Additionally, new techniques are needed to stabilize sulfite during the extraction process because this analyte undergoes rapid oxidation. A new method involving extraction and derivatization of sulfite with formaldehyde through automated pressurized liquid extraction (PLE), followed by quantitation by capillary zone electrophoresis with diode‐array detector in indirect mode, was developed and optimized using multivariate planning. The PLE procedure was compared to another solid–liquid extraction method. The new method successfully stabilized and extracted sulfite from shrimp in few steps with adequate precision (CV < 3.8%), producing extracts that were stable for 10 days. Recovery was satisfactory (97%–99%), and the limits of detection (4.6 mg kg−1) and quantitation (15.4 mg kg−1) were suitable for the intended purpose.
Performance Investigation of a Novel Staggered Round Table Channel for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells
Authors: Jiang Xiaohui , Chen Yangyang , Zhang Yong , Gu Meng , Xiong Kehui , Yang Xi
Published: October 2024

Based on the internal mass transfer of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC), a novel staggered round table channel is proposed, namely, round table stoppers are arranged on both sides of the channel and in the direction of gas flow. The study systematically investigates the effects of various structural parameters on the PEMFC performance, including the arrangement of round tables on both sides of the channel, radius, degree of sparseness, and number. It is found that the staggered arrangement can improve the cell performance more significantly, and the current density can be increased by 5.0% compared with the direct channel. With the proper increase of the radius and number of round tables, the round table stopper forces the reactant to diffuse downward and improves the uniformity of reactant distribution. Compared with other sparsity, the equidistant arrangement of stoppers in the channel is conductive to accelerating the convective mass transfer and drainage characteristics of the cell. As shown by numerical analysis results, the performance and dewatering efficiency of PEMFC are the best when the round tables on both sides are staggered, the radius is 0.65 mm, the number is 10, and the round table in the channel is arranged equidistantly.
Care as survival and resistance for precarious lives
Authors: Roberts Michelle K.
Published: October 2024

Widespread economic and social precarity has made care essential to sustain life while simultaneously unremarkable due to its ubiquity. Failure to attend to care inadvertently accepts associated inequalities and ignores the potential for resistance. I explore in this paper the potential for anthropological investigations of care to overturn assumptions of care as ordinary amid precarity. Drawing on transdisciplinary anthropological, feminist, and disability studies scholarship on care and my own ethnographic work with people with disabilities and their family caregivers in Appalachian Kentucky, I argue care is best characterized as an expansive conceptual frame to understand and contest conditions of protracted precarity. Moving beyond assumptions of care and caregiving as ordinary, I theorize care as a relational, moral, and practical act; situate care within the context of neoliberalism, inequality, and repression; and recognize the persistence of resistance enacted through care practices to center efforts for justice. Care as a focus of feminist scholarship and practice must move beyond oppression. Care is an everyday means for interdependent resistance amid the conditions of precarity, offering vital recognition of personhood and worth for precarious lives. Caring labor sustains life when industrial capitalism cannot. Care persists as a way to survive and thrive amid injustice.
Simulation of Transport Phenomena for Microwave Freeze‐Drying of Potato Slices Using Finite Element Analysis
Authors: Sujinda Narathip , Varith Jaturapatr
Published: October 2024

This research intended to investigate the transport phenomena that occur during microwave freeze‐drying (MFD) of potato slices using drying kinetics and finite element analysis (FEA). The impacts of microwave power levels and potato slice thickness on drying rate constant (DR) and average moisture diffusion (DAVG) were analyzed using MFD kinetics and were then incorporated in the simulation. It was found that the DR and DAVG were in the range of 301.3 × 10−3–775.4 × 10−3 min−1 and 1.045 × 10−10–3.336 × 10−10 m2/s, respectively. In the sublimation phase, the DR and DAVG were higher than those in the desorption phase. The DR and DAVG increased as the microwave power level increased but decreased as the thickness increased. The FEA of temperature and moisture distribution within the potato slices demonstrated the outward transfer of heat and mass from the center to the exterior and closely matched the experimental data with an error margin of within 5%, leading to the proposed schematic shrinkage model corresponding to the MFD simulation.