bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diseño de un sistema de apoyo a la regulación social del aprendizaje en los xMOOC
Authors: Garcia Iolanda , Barberà Elena , Maina Marcelo
Published: January 2020

Esta investigación tiene como objetivo estudiar los procesos de regulación del aprendizaje, atendiendo tanto a su dimensión individual como social, en entornos de xMOOC. En concreto, se propone analizar cómo los procesos de autorregulación, corregulación y regulación social compartida pueden apoyarse y promoverse en este tipo de contextos abiertos y masivos para conseguir un aprendizaje más profundo. Para ello, se aplica un modelo de investigación basada en el diseño que permite intervenir directamente en la práctica pedagógica, a través de un proceso cíclico de cuatro etapas: diseño, intervención, evaluación y reflexión y rediseño de un sistema de apoyo a la regulación del aprendizaje en un xMOOC. En este artículo se presenta la primera iteración de la investigación junto con los resultados de las entrevistas semiestructuradas con algunos participantes. En primer lugar, se realiza una revisión de literatura de la que derivan los fundamentos teóricos del diseño aplicados en el sistema de apoyo a la regulación planteado. A continuación, se describe con detalle el diseño e implementación de dicho sistema conformado por un conjunto de avisos (prompts) introducidos de manera estratégica en un xMOOC sobre gamificación. Seguidamente se discuten los resultados obtenidos, entre los que destacan el diverso aprovechamiento de los tipos de avisospor parte de los participantes y la dificultad de activar indicadores de orientación y reflexión de carácter social, en un entorno de aprendizaje de las características de un xMOOC. Finalmente se extraen algunas conclusiones y recomendaciones para el diseño de la regulación y la práctica de aprendizaje en xMOOC.
Aproximaciones al uso de los cursos en línea masivos y abiertos
Authors: Padilla Rodríguez Brenda Cecilia
Published: January 2020

Desde su aparición en 2008, los cursos en línea masivos y abiertos (MOOCs, por sus siglas en inglés) han despertado interés a nivel internacional. El presente número de la revista Research in Education And Learning Innovation Archives (REALIA) se enfoca en distintas aproximaciones que se han dado al uso de este tipo de cursos. Sus temas abarcan las perspectivas de estudiantes, algunas cuestiones de diseño pedagógico y el desenvolvimiento de los participantes durante la implementación. Cada artículo incluido deja lecciones aprendidas y recomendaciones para futuros estudios. Así, este número de Research in Education And Learning Innovation Archives suma al conocimiento existente y marca la pauta para los siguientes pasos de investigación.
Effects of short-term combination therapy with insulin on glycoregulation and insulin secretory function in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and secondary failure to treatment with oral antidiabetic agents
Authors: Grbić Aleksandra , Malešević Gabrijela , Grbić Slavko , Grujičić Milorad , Jelača Vesna
Published: January 2020

Introduction. Secondary failure to treatment with oral antidiabetic agents is defined as the absence of a favorable reaction to the oral therapy which had proved effective in the previous course of the treatment. The aim of the study is to investigate the residual effects of the short-term combination therapy with insulin on glycoregulation and insulin secretory function. Methods. The sample comprised 53 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) and secondary failure to treatment with oral antidiabetic agents who had been receiving combination therapy (basal insulin plus metformin) for three months. Following the evaluation of acute effects of insulin therapy, the patients had been receiving oral antihyperglycemic medications, used at the time of secondary failure, for three months, after which the residual effects of insulin therapy were estimated. Results. Three-month combination therapy significantly improved glycoregulation (fasting glycemia: 9.4 mmol/l vs. 6.1 mmol/l; postpransial glycemia: 11.5 mmol/l vs. 7.3mmol/l; daily glycemic profile: 10.0 mmol/l vs. 7.2 mmol/l) and insulin secretory parameters (insulinemia: 16.63 mU/l vs. 10.8 mU/l; C-peptid: 1.53 mg/ml vs. 1.81 mg/ml) compared with the period when secondary failure to oral therapy was observed (acute effects). Three months after the insuline therapy, glycoregulation and insulin secretory function were slightly poorerresidual effects (glycemia: 7.1mmol/l; postpransial glycemia: 8.3 mmol/l; daily glycemic profile: 8.4mmol/l; insulinemia: 13.3mU/l; C-peptid: 1.72 mg /ml). Conclusion. The reinclusion of oral antidiabetic agents after short-term insulin therapy led to mild deterioration in insulin secretory function. Nevertheless, all observed parameters of metabolic status were significantly better compared with the period prior to short-term use of insulin.
Partnership relations of persons with anxiety and depressive disorders
Authors: Spremo Mira , Vaselić Nada
Published: January 2020

Introduction. The presence of anxiety and depressive disorders in at least one partner adversely affects the quality of partnership relations. The aim of the study is to determine the degree of partner relationship satisfaction in relation to the existence of anxiety and depressive disorders. Methods. The sample included 107 subjects divided into two groups depending on the presence of the above-mentioned disorders: Group 1, 52 examinees with anxiety and depressive disorders; Group 2, 55 examinees without diagnosed anxiety and depressive disorders. The following questionnaires were used: The Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-STAI, The Beck's Depression Inventory - BDI, The Relationship Assessment Scale-RAS and The Socio-demographic questionnaire. Results. There was no a statistically significant difference between the two groups in socio-demographic characteristics, but the substance use disorder (ch2 = 20.90, p < 0.001) and fears in the family (ch2 = 13.62, p < 0.001) were more prevalent among the members of group 1 compared to the control group. The patients who were diagnosed with anxiety and depressive disorders achieved higher scores on all the scales. There was a statistically significant difference of high intensity between group 1 and group 2 on the Relationship Satisfaction Scale (25.56 ± 6.86 vs. 30.26 ± 4.47; p < 0.001). There was a statistically significant negative correlation between depression and anxiety as personality trait and current state and the Relationship Satisfaction Scale, whereby there was the strongest correlation between the Scale and anxiety as personality trait (p < 0.01). Conclusion. The results of the study indicate the connection between anxiety and depressive disorders and partnership relations, which can be the starting point for the relationship education and counseling, as well as for the further research in this field.
Prevention of viral infection transmission in dental practice
Authors: Hrisa-Samardžija Jovana , Milinković Marina
Published: January 2020

Hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are the main bloodborne pathogens and are of considerable interest for the dental team. In dentist's surgery, HBV, HCV and HIV infections can be transmitted via direct contact with blood and saliva containing blood, or via indirect contact with contaminated dental instruments during and after work. The use of sharp dental instruments at work, as well as the treatment of patients who feel pain and are under stress, present risk factors for exposure incident development. For this reason, special measures to protect against viral infections should be imposed. A vaccine presents specific protection against HBV. Non-specific protection includes the protection of staff and patients, specific approach while working with contaminated dental instruments, specific hygiene of working surfaces and equipment in the dentist's surgery, as well as medical waste disposal. Prevention of exposure is the primary strategy leading to the reduction in occupational infections. In addition to this, for HBV, HCV and HIV infections a post-exposure prophylaxis is prescribed, the application of which has a satisfactory efficiency.
Investigation of factors associated with symptom severity in patients with sinonasal polyposis
Authors: Aleksić Aleksandra , Novaković Zorica , Guzina-Golac Nataša , Vojnović Vojin , Markić Željko
Published: January 2020

Introduction. Chronic rhinosinusitis with sinonasal polyposis is a chronic inflammatory process of the mucous membranes of the nasal and paranasal sinuses, clinically manifested by the appearance of polyps in the nasal cavity. The presence of polyps in the nose and sinuses is the cause of the characteristic symptoms that affect the quality of life of the patient. The study investigates the correlation between endoscopic, microbiological and radiological findings and symptom severity in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis and sinonasal polyposis. Methods. The research included 45 patients with chronic rhinosinusitis and sinonasal polyps, for whom surgery treatment was indicated after the failure of conservative therapy, and 25 healthy subjects. Intensity of symptoms in subjects was assessed by A Visual Analogue Scale. The bacteriological examination of secretion of the medial nasal corridor was carried out. Clinical and radiological assessment of the severity of the condition was done by the endoscopy and computerized tomography score (CT score). Results. A statistically significant difference was found in symptom severity between the experimental and control groups. There was a statistically significant correlation between endoscopy score and the symptom severity (r = 0.315; p = 0.035), CT-score (r = 0.720; p < 0.001) and the presence of asthma (r = 0.335; p = 0.025). Furthermore, there was a statistically significant correlation between CT score and the presence of asthma (r = 0.419; p =0.004). By binary logistic regression, a statistically significant correlation between the endoscopy score and symptom severity (OR = 1.513; p = 0.044) was found. Conclusion. In comparison with the objective clinical parameters, the severity of symptoms in patients with sinonasal polyposis is in a statistically significant correlation with the endoscopy score.
Zonificación del Parque Nacional de la Sierra de Guadarrama según la presencia histórica de la cabra montés Capra pyrenaica Schinz, 1838
Authors: Refoyo Pablo , Olmedo Cristina , Muñoz Benito , Horcajadas Fernando , García Milagros , Amigo José Manuel , Martín Santiago , Sanjuanbenito Pablo
Published: January 2020

The presence of the Iberian Ibex (Capra pyrenaica) in the Parque Nacional Sierra de Guadarrama (Madrid) dates back to the reintroductions made in the early 1990s. Since then, the population has experienced an exponential increase causing high pressure on the environment, especially on the vegetation. Periodic censuses have been carried out from 2000 which have allowed us to track the evolution of the population and its location within the Park. The aim of this work is to draw up ‘presence maps’ taking into account not only the current situation but also the historical presence and the continuity of the species within the National Park. Based on censuses carried out since 2000 and considering 5 different variables -number of individuals present, seasonality, number of years with presence, population increase and presence in last years-, the areas that have had the greatest and most continuous presence of the species has been determined since its reintroduction. There have been established five zones within the National Park, showing the area of La Najarra and Cuerda Larga a greater presence and continuity, the surrounding areas of Pedriza Anterior and Pedriza Posterior a moderate presence, the Montes Carpetanos rope shows a lower presence and is null in peripheral areas of the Park (Seven Picos and Navarredonda rope).
Arm Pain and Swelling in a College Swimmer: A Case of Paget-Schroetter Syndrome
Authors: Davis Richard , Reed Eliza , Kraus Chadd
Published: January 2020

A 20-year-old male swimmer presented to the emergency department with right arm pain and swelling several days after a weight training session following swim team practice. The initial diagnosis was muscle strain, and the patient was discharged. The next day, he was evaluated by his swim team physician, who ordered right upper extremity duplex ultrasonographic imaging, which revealed no flow and thrombosis in the subclavian and axillary veins, and Paget-Schroetter syndrome was diagnosed. He subsequently had a mechanical thrombectomy and catheter-directed thrombolysis was initiated with placement of a lytic catheter for continuous infusion of tissue type plasminogen activator.
Comparison of two technological procedures to enrich peeled pears in halves with fructooligosaccharides for later canning as a new functional food
Authors: Gil Borrás, José María Ros García Inés González Hidalgo, María Teresa
Published: January 2020

Osmotic treatment and vacuum impregnation have been tried as possible methods to put fructooligosaccharides (FOS) into pears, getting a new functional canned fruit. Vacuum impregnation changes the texture of pears, becoming those pears softer than not treated pears. This change was resolved adding calcium into the impregnation medium. FOS were able to enter into pears with the two treatments and keep stable their concentration during two months of storage period at ambient temperature (22 ± 2 ºC) after canning. The best retention of FOS (61%) was for the osmotic treatment. The concentration of FOS in the canned pears and the corresponding syrup was up to 14 times higher using the osmotic treatment than the vacuum infiltration. Furthermore, sensory properties of treated pears containing FOS after two months from canning were similar to sensory properties of not treated canned pears, since FOS do not contribute to the sweetness of the canned pears. These results indicated that canned pears rich in FOS have potential to be a new functional food that can be produced at industrial level.
Foliar applications of phosphorus, calcium, boron and potassium and their impacts on the seed yield and physiological and nutritional qualities of soybean
Authors: Domingos Cleyton da Silva , Neto Michel Esper , Renan Besen Marcos , Oliveira Zampar Éder Júnior de , Batista Marcelo Augusto , Scapim Carlos Alberto , Inoue Tadeu Takeyoshi , Braccini Alessandro Lucca
Published: January 2020

Using seeds of high physiological quality is important the establishment of a crop. Practices for quality seed production include sowing in the offseason and applying foliar macro and micronutrients to supplement fertilizers applied to the soil. The aim of this research was to evaluate the soybean yield and the physiological quality and nutritional content of seeds.  Foliar fertilizer (24% P, 8% Ca, 4% K and 2.5% B) was applied at 0.50, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5 kg ha-1 at the R3 soybean stage in a completely randomized design with six replications. The experiment was carried out at two sites. The following traits were evaluated at the R6 stage: the final stand, plant height, height of the first pod insertion, number of branches and number of pods per plant. After the soybeans were harvested, the thousand grain mass and yield were evaluated. The contents of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur, zinc, iron, copper and boron were evaluated. Furthermore, the germination, first germination count, accelerated aging, modified cold, electric conductivity and emergency speed index were measured. The data were analyzed by means of joint analysis. When the foliar fertilizer rates were significant, the polynomial regression models were adjusted. The number of pods per plant and yield increased at site 1 (Rancho Alegre d 'Oeste). Application of the foliar fertilizer only influenced the emergency speed index at site 2 (Mariluz) with regard to the physiological quality of the seeds. The P content was positively affected at both sites; the K, S, Zn and B contents were only positively affected at site 2.
Dynamics in production of four heritage foods at the mountainous region of Shaoxing City, China
Authors: Chen Xiongwen , Chen Hua
Published: January 2020

Agricultural heritage foods play important roles in sustainable agricultural development in mountainous regions because they are key income sources and represent an integration of human culture and natural landscape. With the dramatic change in socioeconomic and natural systems in China, the production of heritage foods from mountainous regions might be affected. In this study, the dynamics of production for four heritage foods including dried tender bamboo shoots, chestnuts, Torreya and tea at the mountainous region of Shaoxing City in China from 2001 to 2016 were examined and analyzed. The results indicated that tea, dried tender bamboo shoots, chestnuts, and Torreya were ranked at 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th in the average production. There were significant correlations between the coefficient of variation (CV) of annual average air temperature and the CV of production in dried tender bamboo shoots, and also between the CV of annual air temperature (or precipitation) and the CV of tea production. Regime shift occurred in the production of each heritage food based on multiscale entropy and Taylor’s law. These results provide useful information for the dynamics of agricultural livelihood from mountainous regions and the development of heritage foods in modern society.
Shrinkage modeling, drying kinetics and quality assessment of carrot cubes dried in a two stage spouted bed drying process
Authors: Osorio-Revilla G. Gallardo-Velázquez T. Cárdenas-Bailón F., Pérez-Vázquez C. ,
Published: January 2020

A relatively easy to apply mathematical model based on the second Fick’s law inserting a correction factor α  to describe drying kinetics of unblanched carrot cubes in a two stage drying process considering shrinkage, using a semipilot spout bed dryer for the first stage and a lab scale spout fluidized bed dryer for the second stage was successfully developed. Drying of the carrot cubes was done at three drying temperatures 60, 70 and 80°C. It was possible to keep air velocity constant in each drying stage 1.65 m/s at the first stage and 0.68m/s and 1.35m/s in the annulus and spout respectively in the second stage. Effective moisture coefficients obtained 0.821 to 1.02 x 10-9 m2/s for the first drying stage and 0.262 to 0.481 x10-9 m2/s for the second drying stage were according to the published data for carrots in this kind of dryer considering shrinkage. The model fitted accurately the experimental drying with SEE of 0.122 to 0.210 when shrinkage was considered and α correction factor was inserted compared to SEE of 1.002 to 1.263 when shrinkage was neglected. Also residual analysis of models confirmed the adequacy of the model to predict drying kinetics.  Quality parameters obtained β-Carotene retention (80±5.4%), peroxidase residual activity (30-35%), pectin methyl esterase residual activity (83-95%) and rehydration ratio (4.5-5.3 water absorbed/kg dried solids) resulted similar to the ones reported in the literature and except for β-Carotene retention they all showed dependence with drying temperature.
Root attributes and seedling biomass of old and modern soybean cultivars under water deficit
Authors: Fontana, D. Bampi, D. Dourado-Neto .C. Umburanas, V.C. Donegá, V.M. Queiroz, D.C. , Reichardt Klaus
Published: January 2020

The water deficit in the initial soybean root growth may impair the crop establishment and force the grower to perform a re-seeding. This problem has occurred in some producing regions of Brazil and according to the predictions of climate change may become an increasingly frequent condition. Characterizing and identifying cultivars with characteristics of water deficit resilience are important for the development of improved cultivars in the future. Seedlings of four soybean cultivars were evaluated, being two old and two modern, with and without water deficit. The method used in this work evidenced that there is interaction between cultivar and water deficit in the growth of soybean seedlings. This method can be replicated for a mass prospection of cultivars in search of resilience to the water deficit, since it can be evaluated in a short time span. Soybean seedlings evaluated under water deficit condition increased the biomass root partition with different changes in root attributes. The modern cultivars increased the root length in water deficit, evidencing that this characteristic was selected by breeding, even if indirectly. The cultivars used in this study can be classified in relation to the water deficit as follows: sensitive - Santa Rosa; intermediary - Embrapa 48 and BRS 284; and less sensitive TMG 7262.
Shoot nutrient contents and vegetative melon plants growth at different pH levels of the nutrient solution
Authors: Da Silva José Maria , Nascimento Silva Bruno do , Iglesias Barrera Gustavo Andrés , Silva Arruda Rafaela da , Paulo Roberto Gomes Pereira Paulo Cezar Rezende Fontes,
Published: January 2020

Melon plants development are determined by nutrient availability in the nutrient solution which is markedly influenced by the solution pH. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effects of hydroponic nutrient solution pH on growth and mineral content of melon plants. The plants were growth in nutrient solution at five pH levels (4, 5, 6, 7 and 8) in a completely randomized design with three replicates. At 40 days after transplanting were evaluated shoot and roots fresh and dry weight as well as the root volume. Leaf nutrients contents was also determined. It was concluded that it is essential to keep the nutrient solution pH at 6.0 in order to obtain plants with high leaf number, fresh and dry root mass, root volume and iron and zinc contents in the leaves.
Proximate nutritional composition and heat-induced changes of starch in selected grains and seeds ♣
Authors: Vrancheva Radka , Krystev Loutcian , Popova Aneta , Mihaylova Dasha
Published: January 2020

Grains are cultivated worldwide and comprise a big percentage of the world’s daily meals being at the base of the Food Guide Pyramid. Whole grains provide a wide range of nutrients and phytochemicals that optimize health. In the present study commercially available samples of eight grain and seed species (chia, common oat, proso millet, amaranth, quinoa, buckwheat, linseed, and einkorn) were studied in respect of their nutritional composition – dry matter, ash, macro-and microelement content, crude protein and fatty acid composition. The dry matter content in the grains ranged from 87.91% to 94.39%, whereas the ash was from 1.24 % to 3.29 %. The analysis of the mineral content shows the predominant content of K, Mg, P and Ca. The palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid and arachidic acid were the most abundant fatty acids of the evaluated ones. The crude protein content varied between 12.73% in common oat and 23.72% in chia. The established ash content among the investigated grains ranged from 1.24% to 3.29%. The results obtained revealed the nutritional content and the potential health effects of selected commercially available grains and pointed out their possible application in culinary. The consumption of a variety of whole grains ensures more health-promoting nutrients, as well as makes meals more attractive.

♣ Abstract has been published in the 3rd International Congress on Food Technology; October 10-12, 2018 Nevşehir/Turkey
Fatty acid ethyl esters in virgin olive oils: a correlation study with the volatile profile
Authors: C. Summo, A. Pasqualone, F. Caponio G. Squeo, G. Difonzo, Vito. M. Paradiso,
Published: January 2020

Fatty acid ethyl esters are the newest mandatory quality parameters introduced for extra virgin olive oil classification linked to fermentative processes occurring in low-quality olives. Although it is clear the strong linkage of ethyl esters with sensory fermentative defects there is a lack of knowledge about their relationship with specific volatile compounds. Hence, a study was carried out to evaluate the correlation among extra virgin olive oil quality indices and its respective volatile profile with fatty acid ethyl esters. Thirty-five virgin olive oils were collected from local oily industry and analysed for the fatty acid ethyl esters content, the basic quality parameters, the total phenolic content and the volatile profile. The obtained results showed that the fatty acid ethyl esters were negatively correlated to total phenolic compounds (p<0.05) and trans-2-hexenal content (p<0.001) while positively correlated (p<0.001) to ethyl acetate and ethyl acetate/trans-2-hexenal and ethyl acetate/hexanal ratios. Interestingly, ethanol was not correlated at all with the ethyl esters content in oils.
APOE genotype and brain amyloid are associated with changes in the plasma proteome in elderly subjects without dementia
Authors: Philippi Sarah M. , BP Kailash , Raj Towfique , Castellano Joseph M.
Published: December 2024

Objective

Recent work has bolstered the possibility that peripheral changes may be relevant to Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis in the brain. While age‐associated blood‐borne proteins have been targeted to restore function to the aged brain, it remains unclear whether other dysfunctional systemic states can be exploited for similar benefits. Here, we investigate whether APOE allelic variation or presence of brain amyloid are associated with plasma proteomic changes and the molecular processes associated with these changes.

Methods

Using the SOMAscan assay, we measured 1305 plasma proteins from 53 homozygous, APOE3 and APOE4 subjects without dementia. We investigated the relationship of either the APOE‐ε4 allele or amyloid positivity with plasma proteome changes by linear mixed effects modeling and ontology‐based pathway and module–trait correlation analyses.

Results

APOE4 is associated with plasma protein differences linked to atherosclerosis, tyrosine kinase activity, cholesterol transport, extracellular matrix, and synaptogenesis pathways. Independent of APOE4, we found that subjects likely harboring brain amyloid exhibit plasma proteome signatures associated with AD‐linked pathways, including neurovascular dysfunction.

Interpretation

Our results indicate that APOE4 status or presence of brain amyloid are associated with plasma proteomic shifts prior to the onset of symptoms, suggesting that systemic pathways in certain risk contexts may be plausible targets for disease modification.
Transient Thermal Mapping Utilizing the Sintering of Glass‐Ceramics
Authors: Burke Noah A. , Gregory Otto J.
Published: December 2024

Thermal paints are essential for mapping the surface temperature of gas turbine engine components but can only indicate maximum temperature. A novel transient thermal history sensor that combines the capabilities of a thermocouple with those of a thermal paint is developed here, enabling the retrieval of full thermal history using a “sintering” model. The glassy ceramic thermal paint undergoes a qualitative optical transition due to sintering in response to temperature that is quantified using UV–vis spectroscopy. This provides high‐resolution transient temperature measurement (±6 °C) when maximum temperature is above its glass transition temperature (Tg) of 563 °C and up to 660 °C. The glass‐ceramic coating exhibits strong adhesion to Inconel 718 substrates due to matched coefficients of thermal expansion. By fabricating similar paints with distinct temperature ranges and placing them in proximity, this approach can significantly reduce the number of thermocouples needed for surface temperature mapping, thereby improving the accuracy of measurements required for engine validation.
Transient Current Responses of Organic Electrochemical Transistors: Evaluating Ion Diffusion, Chemical Capacitance, and Series Elements
Authors: Bisquert Juan , Tessler Nir
Published: December 2024

For the successful implementation of organic electrochemical transistors in neuromorphic computing, bioelectronics, and real‐time sensing applications it is essential to understand the factors that influence device switching times. This work describes a physical‐electrochemical model of the transient response to a step of the gate voltage. The model incorporates 1) ion diffusion inside the channel that governs the electronic conductivity, 2) horizontal electron transport, and 3) the external elements (capacitance, ionic resistance) of the ion dynamics in the electrolyte. This work finds a general expression of two different time constants that determine the vertical insertion process in terms of the transport/polarization parameters, in addition to the electronic transit time. The work highlights the central role of the chemical capacitance in determining the modulation of the lateral conductivity. The different types of response of the drain current are classified, and the significance for synaptic operation in neuromorphic circuits is discussed. The model is confirmed by detailed simulations that enable to visualize the different ions distributions and dynamics.
Tuning Helical Peptide Nanofibers as a Sublingual Vaccine Platform for a Variety of Peptide Epitopes
Authors: Roe Emily F , Freire Haddad Helena , Lazar Kat M , Liu Peiying , Collier Joel H
Published: December 2024

Mucosal immune responses to vaccination are essential for achieving full protection against pathogens entering their host at mucosal sites. However, traditional parenteral immunization routes commonly fail to raise significant mucosal immunity. Sublingual immunization is a promising alternative delivery route to raise robust immune responses both systemically and at mucosal sites, and nanomaterial‐based subunit vaccine platforms offer opportunities for raising epitope‐specific responses. Here, sublingual immunization is reported using the Coil29 platform of coiled‐coil self‐assembling peptide nanofibers. The successful immunization with epitopes of varying physicochemical properties by including mucus‐modulating components – namely sequences of proline, alanine, and serine (PAS) is demonstrated. PASylation is shown to decrease mucin complexation and increase epithelial penetration in vitro, enabling sublingual immunization against a variety of selected peptide epitopes in vivo. Coil29 fibers are also readily formed into tablets for solid‐state dosing formulations and maintain their immunogenicity in this state. Previous sublingual peptide nanofiber immunotherapies have been based on different structures, such as highly stable β‐sheets. The present work demonstrates that alternatively folded structures such as α‐helical nanofibers can also be rendered sublingually immunogenic, enabling immunization with a variety of peptide epitopes and offering additional ways to specify mucus interactions, delivery state, dosing, and formulation.
Targeting of Low‐Immunogenic Poly(ethylene glycol) Nanoparticles for Photothermal‐Enhanced Immunotherapy
Authors: Li Mengqi , Gao Zhiliang , Wang Ning , Sekhar Kanaparedu P. C. , Hao Jingcheng , Cui Jiwei
Published: December 2024

The assembly of low‐immunogenic poly(ethylene glycol) nanoparticles (PEG NPs) for targeted delivery of therapeutics (i.e., mitoxantrone and imidazoquinoline) and improved photothermal‐immunotherapy is reported. The targeted PEG NPs incorporating targeting molecules of hyaluronic acid are engineered via the templating of metal–organic frameworks, which can circumvent accelerated blood clearance and exhibit prolonged circulation time as well as improved accumulation of therapeutics at tumor sites. The targeted delivery of mitoxantrone under laser radiation induces immunogenic cell death of tumor cells, which is combined with toll‐like receptor 7/8 agonists of imidazoquinoline to trigger immune responses of cytotoxic T lymphocytes for the eradication of tumor cells. Furthermore, the treatment can induce tumor‐specific immune responses that inhibit metastatic lung tumor growth. This reported targeted PEG NPs provide a rational design for cancer immunotherapy.
Highly Stretchable 3D Microelectrode Array for Noninvasive Functional Evaluation of Cardiac Spheroids and Midbrain Organoids
Authors: Kim Kiup , Lee Youngsun , Jung Kwang Bo , Kim Yoojeong , Jang Eunyoung , Lee Mi‐Ok , Son Mi‐Young , Lee Hyunjoo J.
Published: December 2024

Organoids are 3D biological models that recapitulate the complex structures and functions of human organs. Despite the rapid growth in the generation of organoids, in vitro assay tools are still limited to 2D forms. Thus, a comprehensive and continuous functional evaluation of the electrogenic organoids remains a challenge. Here, a highly stretchable 3D multielectrode array (sMEA) with protruding microelectrodes is presented for functional evaluation of electrogenic organoids. The optimized serpentine structures with bridge structures cover the surface of the organoids conformally even in immersion. The protruding microelectrodes form a stable contact with the organoids and allow electrophysiological recordings with high signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR). sMEAs are fabricated in wafer‐scale for repeatable, scalable, and mass production and packed into an easy‐to‐use, user‐friendly, and robust microwell for fast dissemination of technology. The versatility of sMEA is validated by measuring electrophysiological signals from cardiac spheroids and midbrain organoids with a wide range of sizes from 500 to 1500 µm. Also, electrophysiological signals recorded with high SNR enable functional evaluation of the effects of drugs. The proposed sMEA with high SNR and user‐friendly interface could be the key player in high‐throughput drug screening, 3D spatiotemporal mapping of electrogenic organoids, and standardization of protocols for quality assessment.
Tumor‐Targeted Catalytic Immunotherapy
Authors: Yang En‐Li , Wang Wu‐Yin , Liu Ying‐Qi , Yi Hong , Lei Aiwen , Sun Zhi‐Jun
Published: December 2024

Cancer immunotherapy holds significant promise for improving cancer treatment efficacy; however, the low response rate remains a considerable challenge. To overcome this limitation, advanced catalytic materials offer potential in augmenting catalytic immunotherapy by modulating the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) through precise biochemical reactions. Achieving optimal targeting precision and therapeutic efficacy necessitates a thorough understanding of the properties and underlying mechanisms of tumor‐targeted catalytic materials. This review provides a comprehensive and systematic overview of recent advancements in tumor‐targeted catalytic materials and their critical role in enhancing catalytic immunotherapy. It highlights the types of catalytic reactions, the construction strategies of catalytic materials, and their fundamental mechanisms for tumor targeting, including passive, bioactive, stimuli‐responsive, and biomimetic targeting approaches. Furthermore, this review outlines various tumor‐specific targeting strategies, encompassing tumor tissue, tumor cell, exogenous stimuli‐responsive, TME‐responsive, and cellular TME targeting strategies. Finally, the discussion addresses the challenges and future perspectives for transitioning catalytic materials into clinical applications, offering insights that pave the way for next‐generation cancer therapies and provide substantial benefits to patients in clinical settings.
Near‐Infrared Luminescent Imaging‐Based 3D QR Cube Platform for Spatial Information Storage and Security
Authors: Kim Sohyung , Lim Jiheon , Kim Suyeon , Lee Joonseok
Published: December 2024

The growing significance of information technology requires advanced information storage and security solutions. While extending traditional 2D codes with additional parameters has led to promising 3D codes, increasing information capacity and security remains challenging. Herein, a 3D quick response (QR) cube platform that utilizes near‐infrared (NIR)‐to‐NIR upconversion nanoparticles as light‐emitting probes, benefiting from their photostability and low scattering properties. These features enable precise reconstruction of the 3D QR cube. The platform employs volumetric space for information encoding by leveraging spatial information in a 3D environment, demonstrating potential to significantly increase information capacity and facilitate access from all three spatial dimensions (x, y, z), while enhancing security. This study develops a platform for analyzing and reconstructing 3D QR cubes using NIR imaging and employs a convolutional neural network model to determine the 3D structure from image intensity variations, achieving 99.9% accuracy in predicting cube configurations. By leveraging 3D spatial information and logical circuits, the encryption method has the potential to significantly surpass the encryption strength of traditional 2D codes. The findings demonstrate high prediction accuracy and introduce new possibilities for multi‐level encryption with spatial security keys in 3D space, offering a robust solution for advanced information storage and security.
Programmable Morphology‐Adaptive Peptide Nanoassembly for Enhanced Catalytic Therapy
Authors: Zhang Xue‐Hao , Song Ben‐Li , Yi Ning‐Bo , Zhang Guang‐Xu , Zheng Wen‐Fu , Cheng Dong‐Bing , Qiao Zeng‐Ying , Wang Hao
Published: December 2024

Nanocatalytic therapy holds significant promise in cancer treatment by exploiting the high oxidative stress within tumor cells. However, efficiently delivering nanocatalytic agents to tumor tissues and maximizing their catalytic activity in situ remain critical challenges. Morphology‐adaptive delivery systems, capable of adjusting their physical form in response to physiological conditions, offer unique spatiotemporal control for navigating complex biological environments like the tumor microenvironment. While designing systems that undergo multiple shape transformations often involves complex stimuli‐responsive mechanisms, making programmable responses through simple designs highly desirable yet challenging. Here, FeFKC, an innovative adaptive material is introduced that achieves multi‐step morphological transformations at the tissue level and amplifies catalytic activity through a straightforward design. As the microenvironmental pH decreases during drug delivery, FeFKC dynamically transitions between single chains, nanoparticles, and nanofibers. This programmable shape‐shifting facilitates deep tumor penetration, enhanced cellular uptake, and lysosomal escape, significantly improving its catalytic efficiency in nanocatalytic tumor therapy. In vivo studies demonstrate that FeFKC achieves impressive tumor suppression efficacy of up to 95% without notable biosafety concerns. The findings highlight the potential of adaptive nanomaterials with programmable shape‐transforming capabilities to overcome biological barriers and enhance catalytic therapy, opening new avenues for cancer treatment and other complex diseases.
Switchable Pancharatnam–Berry Phases in Heterogeneously Integrated THz Metasurfaces
Authors: Dong Bowen , Zhu Shuangqi , Guo Guanxuan , Wu Tong , Lu Xueguang , Huang Wanxia , Ma Hua , Xu Quan , Han Jiaguang , Zhang Shuang , Wang Yongtian , Zhang Xueqian , Huang Lingling
Published: December 2024

The Pancharatnam–Berry (PB) phase has revolutionized the design of metasurfaces, offering a straightforward and robust method for controlling wavefronts of electromagnetic waves. However, traditional metasurfaces have fixed PB phases determined by the orientation of their individual elements. In this study, an innovative structural design and integration scheme is proposed that utilizes vanadium dioxide, a phase‐change material, to achieve thermally controlled dynamic PB phase control within the metasurface. By leveraging the material's properties, this can dynamically alter the optical orientation of individual elements of the metasurface and achieve temperature‐dependent local phase modulation based on the geometric phase principle. This approach, combined with advanced fabrication processing technology, paves the way for next‐generation dynamic devices with customizable functions.
Design and Preparation of Activated Carbon with High Specific Surface Area and Porosity Through an Organic Activator Coupled with CO2 Activation
Authors: Li Yizhong , Yan Xiaoqing , Cui Zhi , Yuan Jingkang , Xu Baorong , Yang Guidong
Published: December 2024

The advancement of effective techniques for the production of activated carbon has been a prominent focus of research. Herein, this work designs and successfully prepares a nontoxic, environmentally friendly organic activator on the surface of carbon materials through in situ organic fermentation treatment method. The production of activated carbon via this novel organic activator is at a temperature of 850 °C under CO2 atmosphere for an activation time of 90 min, showing a specific surface area (SBET) of 1354 m2 g−1, an adsorption capacity of iodine (QI) of 1195 mg g−1, and a total pore volume (Vtot) of 0.855 cm3 g−1. Compared to the activated carbon prepared at high temperature under pure CO2, these results represent increases of 69.67%, 53.01%, and 93.44% in SBET, QI, and Vtot values, respectively. By means of thermogravimetric (TG) analysis and simultaneous thermal analysis‐Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy‐gas chromatography/mass spectrometry a suggested activation process and mechanism of the novel organic activators is proposed. This organic activator is not only used for semi‐coke (SC) based activated carbon preparation and saturated activated carbon (SAC) regeneration, but also attracts other industrial activated carbon production.
Back Mirror‐Free Selective Light Absorbers for Thermoelectric Applications
Authors: Nasiri Mohammad Ali , Serrano‐Claumarchirant José F. , Gómez Clara M , Cantarero Andres , Canet‐Ferrer Josep
Published: December 2024

Improving light absorption is essential for the development of solar thermoelectric generators. Most efficient light absorbers require a back mirror (a thick metal film) to reduce the reflectivity by promoting the interference between the incident and the reflected light. However, the presence of thick a continuous metal film supposes a limitation for thermoelectric applications, as it behaves like a shortcut of the Seebeck voltage. In this work, a back mirror‐free selective light absorber is presented, designed for the fabrication of thermoelectric devices. The combination of a high and a low refractive index material covered by a semi‐transparent electrode is optimized. As a difference to the back mirror, the semi‐transparent electrode can be patterned to prevent the quenching of the Seebeck voltage. Thanks to this, the low refractive index material can be replaced by a transparent thermoelectric, enabling efficient heat‐to‐energy conversion with negligible loss of absorption performance.
A Multi‐Polarization Multi‐Band Reconfigurable Cloaking‐Illusion Metasurface
Authors: Fu Yang , Huang Xiaojun , Luo Yu , Guo Linyan , Liang Junyu , Jin Jing , Yang Helin
Published: December 2024

A switchable conformal‐skin cloak for multi‐polarization cloaking‐illusion is presented. Multi‐polarization electromagnetic cloaking‐illusion of the Poincaré sphere is analyzed and realized based on generalized Snell's law and Pancharatnam–Berry (PB) phase theory. The cloak achieves adaptive cloaking‐illusion with linearly polarized in X‐band (7.5–9.5 GHz) and circularly polarized in K‐band(16–20 GHz), respectively. To achieve a reconfigurable carpet cloak, structured water acting as a phase‐change material is introduced into the cell structure design, enabling reconfigurable reflection phases during circularly polarized excitation. This is the first time that a water structure is used instead of a phase‐change material to create a phase‐shifting invisibility cloak. Conformal integration samples are fabricated and tested by combining 3D‐printing technology and PCB fabrication technology, and the simulation results are in agreement with the experimental results. This method realizes switchable cloaking‐illusion. The impact of surface fabrication on electromagnetic properties are reduced using 3D printing. The approach is adaptable to terahertz and optical bands, providing crucial guidance for the integrated creation of cloaking‐illusion on arbitrary shapes.
Planar Large Field‐of‐View Spectral Imaging Based on Metasurface Array
Authors: Yuan Quan , Yang Yuhang , Bi Qianhui , Wu Fei , Yu Haoxiang , Ge Qin , He Boping , Yang Shujie , Zhen Qingyue , Wang Shuming , Zhu Shining , Wang Zhenlin
Published: December 2024

Achieving high‐performance spectral imaging over large fields of view (FOV) has remained challenging, particularly with conventional bulky optical systems. Here, a compact transversely dispersive metasurface array is introduced, designed for wide FOV spectral imaging. The system achieves efficient aperture encoding via distinct phase gradients tailored to different incident angles. A genetic algorithm optimizes the spectral reconstruction process, allowing for high‐accuracy imaging with a single snapshot. The system demonstrates 120° FOV spectral imaging across 11 channels in the 400–700 nm visible range, using a 91 × 91 metasurface array with 81.5% efficiency in light focusing and first‐order diffraction. This approach represents an advancement over traditional methods, offering broad potential in material classification, chemical analysis, remote sensing, and defect detection.
Synergistic Integration of a Ru(bda)‐Based Catalyst in a Covalent Organic Framework for Enhanced Photocatalytic Water Oxidation
Authors: Sicignano Marina , Gobbato Thomas , Bonetto Ruggero , Centomo Paolo , Di Vizio Biagio , De Biasi Federico , Rosa‐Gastaldo Daniele , Pierantoni Chiara , Bonetto Alessandro , Glisenti Antonella , Costa Paolo
Published: December 2024

To address the urgent need for sustainable energy processes, there is a growing demand for multifunctional materials that mimic natural photosynthetic enzyme functions, specifically light‐harvesting, efficient photoinduced charge separation, and integration of molecularly defined catalysts, synergistically interacting within these structures. Herein, the successful synthesis of an innovative Covalent Organic Framework (COF‐TFPT‐IsoQ) constructed from optically active triazine (TFPT) and isoquinoline units (IsoQ) as building blocks is reported. Post‐synthetic incorporation of a Ru(bda)‐based water oxidation catalyst (WOC) is achieved through the IsoQ moieties acting as coordinating sites. Leveraging the synthetic flexibility of the designed COF architecture featuring binding sites on its pore walls, various Ru@COF‐TFPT‐IsoQ systems at different Ru:COF ratios are synthesized and tested in the photoinduced (λ > 400 nm) oxygen evolution reaction (OER) under sacrificial conditions. All synthesized Ru@COF‐TFPT‐IsoQ systems demonstrate efficiency in the photocatalytic OER, with the highest turnover number (TON) of 9.1 observed for the system where the Ru‐based WOC is incorporated every fourth COF‐TFPT‐IsoQ unit cell. This work provides valuable insights into the structural integration and catalytic behavior of Ru‐based complexes within COF architectures, highlighting the potential of Ru@COF‐TFPT‐IsoQ as a robust, efficient, and synthetically flexible multifunctional material for light‐induced water oxidation catalysis.