bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Heat‐Excitation‐Based Triboelectric Charge Promotion Strategy
Authors: Xia Xin , Zi Yunlong
Published: September 2024

The surface charge decay is observed at high temperatures due to thermionic emission, which, however, may not be the only mechanism contributing to the surface charge variation. Here, a triboelectric charge promotion strategy due to the heat‐excitation effect of hot electrons near the fermi level is demonstrated, while the final charge is determined by the balance between thermionic emission and the heat‐excitation effect. It is demonstrated that metals with lower work function exhibit a better heat excitation capability, and polymers with lower fluorine content in molecule chains further boost the charge output, where metal/Kapton pairs demonstrated a charge promotion of over 2 times at the temperature of 383 K with good durability during 90 min measurement. The heat‐excitation effect and charge durability in sliding freestanding‐triboelectric‐layer (SFT) mode triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) is demonstrated as well, where the energy is promoted by over 3 times and the capacitor charging speed is doubled as well, with an energy promotion from 109.34 to 373 µJ per cycle to successfully trigger a discharger. This work suggests a promising future of the heat‐excitation effect as a new charge promotion strategy for TENG toward different applications in high‐temperature environments.
Adult mortality in the metropolis of London 1100–1850: A Bayesian view based on osteological data
Authors: Müller‐Scheeßel Nils , Rinne Christoph , Fuchs Katharina
Published: September 2024

Objectives

The present paper highlights the potential of osteological data for answering demographic questions through the development and application of a Bayesian approach incorporating age estimations of adults.

Materials and methods

The metropolis of London is a rewarding study region for such an approach due to the large number of cemeteries, with thousands of individuals, spanning a period from 1100 AD to the mid‐19th century, that have been excavated and published in the past two decades. Furthermore, London has a rich tradition of early written records on mortality that can be used for comparison purposes. In order to gain comparable results from the different source categories, we use a Bayesian framework in which the Gompertz distribution features centrally.

Results

Our intensive simulations show that the Bayesian approach performs better than maximum likelihood estimation or ordinary least squares in terms of recovering the original age distribution parameters. They also show how strongly population growth affects mortality patterns. The osteological data suggests that during medieval times and the Early Modern period, the modal age‐at‐death of the general population of London remained more or less constant and hovered around 30 years, and that only monks showed a higher modal age, of about 45 years. However, from the 17th century onwards, life expectancy of adults increased markedly.

Discussion

Our comparison of written sources and osteological data demonstrates their general comparability and highlights the much higher mortality among adults in London than in the rest of England and Wales. We conclude that Bayesian modeling has great potential for recovering true mortality patterns from osteological data.
Meeting the UN Sustainable Development Goals with Mechanochemistry
Authors: Alić Jasna , Schlegel Moritz‐Caspar , Emmerling Franziska , Stolar Tomislav
Published: September 2024

Chemistry traditionally relies on reactions in solution, but this method is increasingly problematic due to the scale of chemical processes and their economic and environmental impact. Handling residual chemical waste, including solvents, incurs significant costs and environmental pressure. Conversely, novel chemical approaches are needed to address pressing societal issues such as climate change, energy scarcity, food insecurity, and waste pollution. Mechanochemistry, a sustainable chemistry discipline that uses mechanical action to induce chemical reactivity without bulk solvents, is a hot topic in academic research on sustainable and green chemistry. Given its fundamentally different working principles from solution chemistry, mechanochemistry offers more efficient chemical processes and the opportunity to design new chemical reactions. Mechanochemistry has a profound impact on many urgent issues facing our society and it is now necessary to use mechanochemistry to address them. This Minireview aims to provide a guide for using mechanochemistry to meet the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), thereby contributing to a prosperous society. Detailed analysis shows that mechanochemistry connects with most UN SDGs and offers more cost‐efficiency than other approaches together with a superior environmental performance.
Assembly Regulates Gamma Radiation Polymerization of Polytelluoxane
Authors: Zhang Shenghan , Lu Yijie , Song Junjie , Guan Jun , Dai Yiheng , Cao Wei , Xu Huaping
Published: September 2024

Regulating chemical drug's responsiveness to gamma radiation is crucial for achieving better therapeutic effects in cancer treatment. Most research focused on thermodynamic chemical structure design, while little attention was paid to kinetic regulate strategy, which possesses greater universality and security. In this study, we achieved a kinetic‐based regulate strategy of gamma radiation reaction, through the construction of microphase environment during polymerization of polytelluoxane (PTeO). We designed hydrophobic segments forming large compound micelles (LCMs) assembly to create kinetically favorable higher concentration for radiation‐induced reaction. It exhibited a > ten times higher responsiveness and, as far as we know, merely required a minimum dosage of 5 Gy for polymerization to occur. What's more, by taking advantages of the assembly change with Te−O hydrophilic segments and gamma radiation, polymerization became milder with lower polydispersity than previous methods. Such kinetic‐based regulate strategy could offer a novel perspective on the design of radiation‐responsive chemoradiotherapy and other radiation‐induced chemical process.
New advances in the role of JAK2 V617F mutation in myeloproliferative neoplasms
Authors: Zhang Yongchao , Zhao Yue , Liu Yusi , Zhang Minyu , Zhang Jihong
Published: September 2024

The JAK2 V617F mutation is the most common driver gene in myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN), which means that the JAK/STAT signaling pathway is persistently activated independent of cytokines, and plays an important part in the onset and development of MPN. The JAK inhibitors, although widely used in the clinical practice, are unable to eradicate MPN. Therefore, the unavoidable long‐term treatment poses a serious burden for patients with MPN. It is established that the JAK2 V617F mutation, in addition its role in the JAK/STAT pathway, can promote cell proliferation, differentiation, anti‐apoptosis, DNA damage accumulation, and other key biologic processes through multiple pathways. Other than that, the JAK2 V617F mutation affects the cardiovascular system through multiple mechanisms. Although JAK inhibitors cannot eradicate MPN cells, the combined use of JAK inhibitors and other drugs may have surprising effects. This requires an in‐depth understanding of the mechanism of action of the JAK2 V617F mutation. In this review, the authors explored the role of the JAK2 V617F mutation in MPN from multiple aspects, including the mechanisms of non‐JAK/STAT pathways, the regulation of cellular methylation, the induction of cellular DNA damage accumulation, and effects on the cardiovascular system, with the objective of providing valuable insights into multidrug combination therapy for MPN.
Ethical Considerations for Enrolling “Invested Parties” in Large‐Scale Clinical Studies: Insights from the RECOVER Initiative
Authors: Owens Kellie , Anderson Emily E. , Esquenazi‐Karonika Shari , Hanson Keith , Mitchell Maika , Linton Janelle , Briscoe Jasmine , Baucom Leah Castro , Fisher Liza , Letts Rebecca , Nguyen Kian , Parent Brendan
Published: September 2024

Research institutions often lack policies addressing the risks and benefits of enrolling “invested parties” such as investigators, research staff, and patient, caregiver, and community representatives (groups most affected by a disease or intervention) in studies where they have direct involvement. Invested parties may have both strong motivations to study the condition or intervention and to participate as study subjects. More guidance is needed to promote appropriate access to research participation and mitigate potential risks. This article addresses the gap in guidance by presenting an ethical framework and practical guidelines for the enrollment of invested parties. Drawing from experiences with the Researching COVID to Enhance Recovery (RECOVER) Initiative, a large multisite observational cohort study, we argue that invested parties should not be categorically excluded from enrollment in their own research studies if certain criteria are met and appropriate safeguards are in place. We underscore the need to balance inclusion with fairness, promote valid voluntary informed consent, ensure data privacy, protect scientific validity, and mitigate unique risks to invested parties as participants. Additionally, we recommend regular reporting and empirical assessment to evaluate the impact of enrolling invested parties on participants and study outcomes.
Polymedia Literacy and Other Ethical Considerations for Online Ethnographic Research on Social Networking Sites
Authors: Guccini Federica , Cantin Marie‐Pier , Thirunavukkarasu Ahrrabie , McKinley Gerald P.
Published: September 2024

Drawing on the authors’ own ethnographic research, this article discusses the importance of developing polymedia literacy as a key step toward ethical online research on social networking sites (SNS). Polymedia literacy entails the ability to critically analyze the vast landscape of SNS, their affordances, and users’ social motivations for choosing specific SNS for their interactions. Internet researchers face several ethical challenges, including issues of informed consent, “public” and “private” online spaces, and data protection. Even when research ethics committees waive the need for a formal ethics approval process, researchers of online spaces need to ensure that their studies are conducted and presented in an ethical and responsible manner. This is particularly important in research contexts that pertain to vulnerable populations in online communities.
The First‐ and Second‐Order Ethical Reasons Approach: The Case of Human Challenge Trials
Authors: Battisti Davide , Capulli Emma , Picozzi Mario
Published: September 2024

At the height of the Covid pandemic, there was much discussion in the literature about using human challenge trials (HCTs) to expedite the development of effective Covid‐19 vaccines. Historically, reluctance to fully accept HCTs has largely been due to potential conflicts with the principle of nonmaleficence in bioethics. Only a few commentators have explored this topic in depth. In this paper, we claim that to address ethical concerns regarding HCTs, two types of ethical reasons should be identified and investigated: first‐order reasons that can be given to claim that a practice in itself is in direct conflict with the principles of bioethics; and second‐order reasons that take into consideration how a practice is carried out and its consequences. We argue that understanding these ethical reasons is crucial for guiding the implementation of HCTs. We investigate a first‐order reason against HCTs when the practice is in conflict with the principle of nonmaleficence, and when it is not. Following this argument and assuming there is no first‐order reason based on nonmaleficence that hinders using HCTs, we argue there may be second‐order reasons to guide implementation of this practice, such as difficulty in obtaining informed consent; protection of the weaker party; and trust in the scientific enterprise.
Translational Bioethics in China: Brain‐Computer Interface Research as a Case Study
Authors: Chen Haidan
Published: September 2024

The research and development of emerging technologies has potential long‐term and societal impacts that pose governance challenges. This essay summarizes the development of research ethics in China over the past few decades, as well as the measures taken by the Chinese government to build its ethical governance system of science and technology after the occurrence of the CRISPR‐babies incident. The essay then elaborates on the current problems of this system through the case study of ethical governance of brain‐computer interface research, and explores how the transition from research ethics to translational bioethics, which encourages interdisciplinary collaboration and focuses on societal implications, may respond to the challenges of ethical governance of science and technology.
Mitochondrial phylogeography of grassland caterpillars (Lepidoptera: Lymantriinae: Gynaephora) endemic to the Qinghai–Tibetan plateau
Authors: Yuan Ming‐Long , Bao Ming‐Hui , Zhang Qi‐Lin , Guo Zhong‐Long , Li Min , Wang Juan
Published: September 2024

Grassland caterpillars (Lepidoptera: Lymantriinae: Gynaephora) are the most damaging pests to alpine meadows in the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau (QTP). Here, we conducted extensive sampling from 39 geographic populations covering almost the entire distribution of the eight QTP Gynaephora (Hübner) species to investigate phylogeographic patterns and speciation based on two mitochondrial genes (COI and ND5). A total of 40 haplotypes were detected in the 39 populations, with >70% of all haplotypes not shared between populations. The monophyletic QTP Gynaephora migrated from non‐QTP regions during the Pliocene, corresponding to the uplift of the QTP, suggesting a mode of transport into the QTP. Among the eight QTP Gynaephora species described by morphological characteristics, two species (G. alpherakii and G. menyuanensis) were recovered as monophyletic groups (Clades B and C), while the remaining six formed two monophyletic clades: Clade A (G. qinghaiensis, G. jiuzhiensis, and G. qumalaiensis) and Clade D (G. aureata, G. ruoergensis, and G. minora). These results suggested that the number of the QTP Gynaephora species may be overestimated and further studies based on both morphological and nuclear gene data are needed. Genetic differentiation and speciation of the QTP Gynaephora were likely driven by the QTP uplifts and associated climate fluctuations during the Pleistocene, indicated by divergence time estimation, suggesting that isolation and subsequent divergence was the dominant mode of speciation. The Sanjiangyuan region (i.e., Clade A, characterized by high genetic diversity) may have been a glacial refugium of the QTP Gynaephora, as supported by analyses of gene flow and biogeography. High levels of genetic diversity were found in QTP Gynaephora, without population expansion, which may explain the high‐altitude adaptation and outbreaks of grassland caterpillars in alpine meadows of the QTP. This study provides the largest phylogeographic analysis of QTP Gynaephora and improves our understanding of the diversity and speciation of QTP insects.
Early life movements and mortality of Egyptian vultures: Implications for transcontinental conservation
Authors: Oltra Juan , García Javier , Carbonell Isidoro , Jambas José , Álvarez Ernesto , Iglesias‐Lebrija Juan J. , Gil‐Carrera Alberto , Pérez‐García Juan M. , Frías Óscar , González del Barrio José L. , Blanco Guillermo , Carrete Martina
Published: September 2024

Understanding the movements and mortality of individuals across different life stages is crucial for the effective conservation of wild populations. We used data from 32 Egyptian vultures (Neophron percnopterus) tagged with GPS transmitters as nestlings in three Iberian breeding areas to study their dependence period, migration routes, movements in Africa, and mortality at each stage. Our results show no significant differences in the timing of nest departure or the duration of the dependence period between individuals of different sexes or breeding nuclei. Most juveniles migrated to sub‐Saharan Africa in their first year, but some (3 of 32, 9.4%) remained in the Iberian Peninsula. Individuals that migrated to Africa did so annually, while those remaining in Iberia never migrated to the Sahel, indicating distinct migratory and non‐migratory strategies. Non‐migratory individuals consistently moved northward during the breeding season to their natal territories. Siblings did not coordinate their migration strategy or timing. All juveniles showed extensive overlap in the vast areas used in Africa, where females arrived before males, and in the Iberian Peninsula. Our study also revealed that no juveniles died immediately after fledging, but that none of the tagged individuals lived more than 7 years or were recruited as breeders. Although most casualties occurred during the longer stay in the Sahel, the mortality rate was highest during the few days of the first migration. Our results show that despite small variations in movement patterns between breeding nuclei and sexes, Egyptian vultures face similar challenges during the years before recruitment as breeders, mostly determined by their migratory strategy. These findings are relevant for designing conservation strategies, both in breeding areas and, more importantly, in wintering areas and along migration pathways. Such strategies will significantly impact the entire Iberian population of this endangered species.
Detection rates and diel activity patterns of four understudied felids from Borneo
Authors: Allen Maximilian L. , Allan Andrew T. L.
Published: September 2024

Carnivore guilds are charismatic and have vital and irreplaceable roles in their native ecosystems, yet many of these species are threatened and remain understudied. Borneo is a biodiversity hotspot that hosts a rich diversity of endemic wildlife but is threatened by deforestation and habitat loss. Using cameras placed by the Smithsonian Institution in Sabah, Borneo, we assessed the detection rates and diel activity patterns of the native felid species. Across 51 camera trap sites between 2016 and 2019, felids were detected 55 times across a combined 9958 trap nights, including 20 independent detection events for Sunda leopard cats, 15 for Sunda clouded leopards, 12 for Borneo bay cats, and 5 for marbled cats, with no detections of flat‐headed cats. Collectively, this demonstrates the challenge of sampling cryptic species that have declined due to habitat loss and conflict with humans. Despite this, we show that Borneo bay cats and marbled cats exhibited different diel activity patterns than Sunda cloud leopards, suggesting the smaller species use temporal displacement to avoid competition and predation. Sunda leopard cats exhibited broadly similar activity patterns to Sunda clouded leopard, potentially because the two species typically occupy different dietary and habitat niches. These results demonstrate the importance of devoting future research towards monitoring these species and understanding the mechanisms by which they co‐exist.
Potential adaptive habitats for the narrowly distributed and rare bamboo species Chimonobambusa tumidissinoda J. R. Xue & T. P. Yi ex Ohrnb. under future climate change in China
Authors: Wang Wei‐Hua , Peng Shu‐Lei , Shu Hua , Fu Xi , Ye Xia‐Ying
Published: September 2024

The global climate change has resulted in substantial modifications to the distribution patterns of narrowly distributed species across different time periods, leading to an imminent threat to the survival of some vulnerable species. Chimonobambusa tumidissinoda J. R. Xue & T. P. Yi ex Ohrnb., a bamboo species endemic to the transition zone from the Yunnan‐Guizhou Plateau to the Sichuan Basin with high economic and ecological value, exhibits a limited range and rarity. Utilizing eight environmental variables and 56 occurrence records, we employed the MaxEnt model to predict the potential distribution range of C. tumidissinoda under current and future climate scenarios. The findings revealed that precipitation of the driest month (Bio14), elevation and isothermality (Bio3) were the crucial factors determining the species' distribution, accounting for 31.24%, 28.27% and 17.24% of data variability, respectively. The distribution centroid of C. tumidissinoda is anticipated to shift towards higher latitudes in response to future climate change, and the projected habitat suitability is expected to expand under ssp245 and ssp585 scenarios while remaining unchanged or contracting under the ssp126 scenario. Despite these expansions, the suitable habitats remain limited, with the largest being approximately 2.08 × 104 km2, indicating a significant threat to its survival. Our study provides insights into the adaptive responses of C. tumidissinoda to climate change, enriching scientific knowledge for developing effective conservation measurements as well as sustainable utilization.
Neuroanatomical and functional correlates in tic disorders and Tourette's syndrome: A narrative review
Authors: Liberati Anna Sara , Perrotta Giulio
Published: September 2024

Tic disorders represent a developmental neuropsychiatric condition whose causes can be attributed to a variety of environmental, neurobiological, and genetic factors. From a neurophysiological perspective, the disorder has classically been associated with neurochemical imbalances (particularly dopamine and serotonin) and structural and functional alterations affecting, in particular, brain areas and circuits involved in the processing and coordination of movements: the basal ganglia, thalamus, motor cortical area, and cingulate cortex; however, more recent research is demonstrating the involvement of many more brain regions and neurotransmission systems than previously observed, such as the prefrontal cortex and cerebellum. In this paper, therefore, we summarize the evidence to date on these abnormalities with the intent to illustrate and clarify the main neuroanatomical differences between patients with tic disorders and healthy individuals.
Monetary policy and equity returns: The role of investor risk aversion
Authors: Zhang Licheng
Published: September 2024

This article examines the role of investor risk aversion in the transmission of monetary policy to stock returns based on U.S. data. Our results show that following an expansionary monetary policy shock, investor risk aversion falls, leading to a decrease in the equity risk premium and an increase in equity returns. Moreover, the returns of high‐beta stocks increase much more than those of low‐beta stocks. Finally, we investigate the mechanism through mutual fund flows. We find that high‐beta funds attract greater inflows in response to lower interest rates, and there is a positive relationship between fund returns and flows. Our findings have policy implications for financial stability.
Analysis of assisted reproductive outcomes in patients with atypical endometrial hyperplasia and early‐stage endometrial cancer after fertility‐sparing treatment
Authors: Li Jiaheng , Li Mengnuo , Li Yijiang , Zhao Xianling , Guan Yichun , Yuan Xiaoqiong , Du Shanshan , Zhang Caihua , Liu Wenxia , Ren Bingnan
Published: September 2024

Objective

To explore the assisted reproductive outcomes of patients with atypical endometrial hyperplasia (AEH) and early‐stage endometrial cancer (EEC) who achieved complete remission after conservative treatment and to provide reference for clinical selection of appropriate conservative treatment.

Method

This retrospective cohort study included seven patients with EEC and 62 patients with AEH who underwent in vitro fertilization or intracytoplasmic sperm injection at the Reproductive Center of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University between August 2015 and October 2023. The authors divided the participants into two groups based on the type of fertility‐sparing treatment received: the oral medication group and the levonorgestrel‐releasing intrauterine system (LNG‐IUS) group. The primary outcome was the cumulative clinical pregnancy rate. Secondary outcomes included clinical pregnancy rate per transfer cycle, embryo utilization rate, and high‐quality embryo rate.

Results

The LNG‐IUS group had a significantly higher rate of usable embryos compared with the oral medication group (80.8% vs 91.1%, P = 0.005) and also had a thinner endometrial thickness on the day of embryo transfer. The cumulative clinical pregnancy rate was higher in the LNG‐IUS group compared with the medication group (46.7% vs 78.9%, P = 0.037), and the difference was statistically significant.

Conclusion

For patients with AEH and EEC with fertility needs, the conservative treatment method of LNG‐IUS can achieve better assisted reproductive outcomes.
Adhesion barriers in gynecologic surgeries and cesarean section: An Asia‐Pacific expert panel consensus recommendation
Authors: Tanigaki Shinji , Batra Achla , Chan Te‐Fu , Kang Julian Hean‐Leng , Lam Siu‐Keung , Lim Timothy Yong‐Kuei , Mayya Raghavendra , Nur Azurah Abdul Ghani , Walker Graeme
Published: September 2024

Adhesions arising from gynecologic surgeries and cesarean sections pose substantial clinical, social, and economic challenges, leading to issues like pelvic pain, infertility, bowel obstruction, and recurring surgeries. Preventing adhesions is a pressing unmet need, hindered by difficulties in assessing postoperative adhesions and understanding barriers. To bridge adhesion prevention gaps, statements on clinical practices were synthesized to present Asia‐Pacific expert perspectives on gynecologic surgery and cesarean section adhesion prevention. An expert panel of eight physicians from various healthcare settings in the Asia‐Pacific region was convened and a comprehensive literature search on topics related to adhesion prevention in gynecologic surgeries and cesarean sections was performed. Information from full‐text publications was used to develop draft consensus statements, with each statement assigned the highest available evidence level based on a systematic literature review and graded using the Oxford Center for Evidence‐based Medicine criteria. A modified Delphi process, involving two rounds of online voting and discussions with an extended group of 109 experts, was employed to reach a consensus on six topics related to adhesion barriers. A set of 15 consensus statements were synthesized. Key topics include adhesion incidence in Asia, cesarean section complications, barrier application status, adhesion formation and prevention, absorbable barriers' effectiveness, recommendations, and future considerations. The statements provide guidance for healthcare professionals, especially in the Asia‐Pacific region, to tackle the challenges posed by postoperative adhesions and improve patient outcomes. Further research is needed to enhance understanding and prevention of adhesions in this region.
Enhancing the accuracy of preoperative and intraoperative evaluation of malignant ovarian germ cell tumors with a focus on fertility preservation in young women
Authors: Ju U Chul , Kang Woo Dae , Kim Seok Mo
Published: September 2024

Objective

To analyze and improve the accuracy of preoperative assessment and intraoperative frozen‐section analysis (FSA) for malignant ovarian germ cell tumors (MOGCTs), especially in the context of fertility preservation.

Methods

A retrospective review of 48 women aged under 40 years, diagnosed with MOGCTs, and treated at Chonnam National University Hospital between July and December 2022 was conducted. The results of preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), measurement of serum tumor markers (α‐fetoprotein [AFP], β‐human chorionic gonadotropin, lactate dehydrogenase [LDH], cancer antigen [CA] 125, CA 19–9, CA 72–4, carcinoembryonic antigen), and intraoperative FSA were compared with the final pathology diagnosis.

Results

MRI demonstrated a sensitivity of 95.5%, whereas FSA showed a sensitivity of 72.9% for all MOGCTs. Sensitivities varied according to the subtype, but were consistently higher in MRI (100% for dysgerminoma, 88.9% for immature teratoma, 100% for endodermal sinus tumor, 100% for others). However, there were differences in FSA according to subtype (100% for dysgerminoma, 50.0% for immature teratoma, 100% for endodermal sinus tumor, 25.0% for others). Serum tumor markers also provided diagnostic insights, particularly LDH for dysgerminoma (82.4%) and AFP for immature teratoma (75.0%) and endodermal sinus tumor (100%).

Conclusion

Preoperative MRI and serum tumor marker measurement may be effective in guiding fertility‐sparing surgical decisions. MRI could outperform FSA in terms of accuracy, especially for immature teratoma.
Interaction between intestinal mycobiota and microbiota shapes lung inflammation
Authors: Wang Youxia , He Fang , Liu Bingnan , Wu Xiaoyan , Han Ziyi , Wang Xuefei , Liao Yuexia , Duan Jielin , Ren Wenkai
Published: September 2024

Gut microbiota is an intricate microbial community containing bacteria, fungi, viruses, archaea, and protozoa, and each of them contributes to diverse aspects of host health. Nevertheless, the influence of interaction among gut microbiota on host health remains uncovered. Here, we showed that the interaction between intestinal fungi and bacteria shaped lung inflammation during infection. Specifically, antifungal drug‐induced dysbiosis of gut mycobiota enhanced lung inflammation during infection. Dysbiosis of gut mycobiota led to gut Escherichia coli (E. coli) overgrowth and translocation to the lung during infection, which induced lung accumulation of the CD45+F4/80+Ly6G−Ly6C−CD11b+CD11c+ macrophages. Clearance of macrophages or deletion of TLR4 (Toll‐like receptor 4, recognition of LPS) rather than Dectin‐1 (recognition of beta‐1,3/1,6 glucans on fungi) blocked the antifungal drug‐induced aggravation of lung inflammation during infection. These findings suggest that the interaction between intestinal mycobiota and commensal bacteria affects host health through the gut–lung axis, offering a potential therapeutic target for ameliorating lung inflammation during infection.
Electrical impedance characterization and modelling of Ti‐Β implants
Authors: Navarro Paula , Barrera Miguel , Olmo Alberto , Torres Yadir
Published: September 2024

Commercially pure titanium (c.p. Ti) and Ti6Al4V alloys are the most widely used metallic biomaterials in the biomedical sector. However, their high rigidity and the controversial toxicity of their alloying elements often compromise their clinical success. The use of porous β‐Titanium alloys is proposed as a solution to these issues. In this regard, it is necessary to implement economic, repetitive, and non‐destructive measurement techniques that allow for the semi‐quantitative evaluation of the chemical nature of the implant, its microstructural characteristics, and/or surface changes. This study proposes the use of simple measurement protocols based on electrical impedance measurements, correlating them with the porosity inherent to processing conditions (pressure and temperature), as well as the chemical composition of the implant. Results revealed a clear direct relationship between porosity and electrical impedance. The percentage and/or size of the porosity decrease with an increase in compaction pressure and temperature. Moreover, there is a notable influence of the frequency used in the measurements obtained. Additionally, the sensitivity of this measurement technique has enabled the evaluation of differences in chemical composition and the detection of intermetallics in the implants. For the first time in the literature, this research establishes relationships between stiffness and electrical impedance, using approximations and models for the observed trends. All the results obtained corroborate the appropriateness of the technique to achieve the real‐time characterization of Titanium implants, in an efficient and non‐invasive way.
Nonlinear Optics Through the Field Tensor Formalism
Authors: Duboisset Julien , Boulanger Benoît , Brasselet Sophie , Segonds Patricia , Zyss Joseph
Published: September 2024

The “field tensor” is the tensor product of the electric fields of the interacting waves during a sum‐ or difference‐frequency generation nonlinear optical interaction. It is therefore a tensor describing light interacting with matter, the latter being characterized by the “electric susceptibility tensor.” The contracted product of these two tensors of equal rank gives the light‐matter interaction energy, whether or not propagation occurs. This notion having been explicitly or implicitly present from the early pioneering studies in nonlinear optics, its practical use has led to original developments in many highly topical theoretical or experimental situations, at the microscopic as well macroscopic level throughout a variety of coherent or non‐coherent processes. The aim of this review article is to rigorously explain the field tensor formalism in the context of tensor algebra and nonlinear optics in terms of a general time‐space multi‐convolutional development, using spherical tensors, with components expressed in the frame of a common basis set of irreducible tensors, or Cartesian tensors. A wide variety of media are considered, including biological tissues and their imaging, artificially engineered by various combinations of optical and static electric fields, with the two extremes of all‐optical and purely electric poling, and also bulk single crystals.
Patient‐reported outcome and survival in premenopausal hormone receptor‐positive breast cancer patients at moderate to high risk: comparing toremifene with aromatase inhibitor in a real‐world study
Authors: Yang Yaping , Gan Fengxia , Luo Ting , Lin Qun , Yang Wenqian , Chen Lili , Zhang Wei , Liu Qiang , Gong Chang
Published: September 2024

Toremifene, a selective estrogen receptor modulator, is commonly used in China for premenopausal breast cancer patients. This real‐world study aimed to compare patient‐reported outcome (PRO) and survival between toremifene and aromatase inhibitor (AI) plus ovarian function suppression (OFS) in patients with moderate‐/high‐risk premenopausal hormone receptor (HR)‐positive breast cancer. The primary endpoint was PROs, assessed using SF‐36 and EQ‐5D‐5L questionnaires between January and March 2023. A total of 392 patients were included, with 171 receiving toremifene and 221 receiving AI. The toremifene group showed significantly higher scores in the role physical (p = 0.034) and mental health (p = 0.009) dimensions of SF‐36 and lower anxiety/depression (AD) scores (p = 0.038) in EQ‐5D‐5L compared to AI group. The estimated 5‐ and 8‐year disease‐free survival (DFS) rates were similar in toremifene and AI groups: 96.5% versus 91.9%, and 87.4% versus 87.8% (p = 0.39), respectively. Adverse event rates were similar in two groups, except for a greater risk of endometrial thickening (p < 0.001) and a lower occurrence of morning stiffness (p < 0.001) in the toremifene compared to the AI group. Premenopausal HR‐positive breast cancer patients receiving toremifene plus OFS had better role physical and mental health outcomes and lower AD dimensions than those receiving AI plus OFS. Both treatments had comparable DFS and favorable tolerability profiles.
A novel small molecule ZYZ384 targeting SMYD3 for hepatocellular carcinoma via reducing H3K4 trimethylation of the Rac1 promoter
Authors: Ding Qian , Cai Jianghong , Jin Li , Hu Wei , Song Wu , Rose Peter , Tang Zhiyuan , Zhan Yangyang , Bao Leilei , Lei Wei , Zhu Yi Zhun
Published: September 2024

SMYD3 (SET and MYND domain‐containing 3) is a histone lysine methyltransferase highly expressed in different types of cancer(s) and is a promising epigenetic target for developing novel antitumor therapeutics. No selective inhibitors for this protein have been developed for cancer treatment. Therefore, the current study describes developing and characterizing a novel small molecule ZYZ384 screened and synthesized based on SMYD3 structure. Virtual screening was initially used to identify a lead compound and followed up by modification to get the novel molecules. Several technologies were used to facilitate compound screening about these novel molecules' binding affinities and inhibition activities with SMYD3 protein; the antitumor activity has been assessed in vitro using various cancer cell lines. In addition, a tumor‐bearing nude mice model was established, and the activity of the selected molecule was determined in vivo. Both RNA‐seq and chip‐seq were performed to explore the antitumor mechanism. This work identified a novel small molecule ZYZ384 targeting SMYD3 with antitumor activity and impaired hepatocellular carcinoma tumor growth by reducing H3K4 trimethylation of the Rac1 promoter triggering the tumor cell cycle arrest through the AKT pathway.
The interaction of innate immune and adaptive immune system
Authors: Wang Ruyuan , Lan Caini , Benlagha Kamel , Camara Niels Olsen Saraiva , Miller Heather , Kubo Masato , Heegaard Steffen , Lee Pamela , Yang Lu , Forsman Huamei , Li Xingrui , Zhai Zhimin , Liu Chaohong
Published: September 2024

The innate immune system serves as the body's first line of defense, utilizing pattern recognition receptors like Toll‐like receptors to detect pathogens and initiate rapid response mechanisms. Following this initial response, adaptive immunity provides highly specific and sustained killing of pathogens via B cells, T cells, and antibodies. Traditionally, it has been assumed that innate immunity activates adaptive immunity; however, recent studies have revealed more complex interactions. This review provides a detailed dissection of the composition and function of the innate and adaptive immune systems, emphasizing their synergistic roles in physiological and pathological contexts, providing new insights into the link between these two forms of immunity. Precise regulation of both immune systems at the same time is more beneficial in the fight against immune‐related diseases, for example, the cGAS–STING pathway has been found to play an important role in infections and cancers. In addition, this paper summarizes the challenges and future directions in the field of immunity, including the latest single‐cell sequencing technologies, CAR‐T cell therapy, and immune checkpoint inhibitors. By summarizing these developments, this review aims to enhance our understanding of the complexity interactions between innate and adaptive immunity and provides new perspectives in understanding the immune system.
Anoikis in cell fate, physiopathology, and therapeutic interventions
Authors: Mei Jie , Jiang Xue‐Yao , Tian Hui‐Xiang , Rong Ding‐Chao , Song Jia‐Nan , Wang Luozixian , Chen Yuan‐Shen , Wong Raymond C. B. , Guo Cheng‐Xian , Wang Lian‐Sheng , Wang Lei‐Yun , Wang Peng‐Yuan , Yin Ji‐Ye
Published: September 2024

The extracellular matrix (ECM) governs a wide spectrum of cellular fate processes, with a particular emphasis on anoikis, an integrin‐dependent form of cell death. Currently, anoikis is defined as an intrinsic apoptosis. In contrast to traditional apoptosis and necroptosis, integrin correlates ECM signaling with intracellular signaling cascades, describing the full process of anoikis. However, anoikis is frequently overlooked in physiological and pathological processes as well as traditional in vitro research models. In this review, we summarized the role of anoikis in physiological and pathological processes, spanning embryonic development, organ development, tissue repair, inflammatory responses, cardiovascular diseases, tumor metastasis, and so on. Similarly, in the realm of stem cell research focused on the functional evolution of cells, anoikis offers a potential solution to various challenges, including in vitro cell culture models, stem cell therapy, cell transplantation, and engineering applications, which are largely based on the regulation of cell fate by anoikis. More importantly, the regulatory mechanisms of anoikis based on molecular processes and ECM signaling will provide new strategies for therapeutic interventions (drug therapy and cell‐based therapy) in disease. In summary, this review provides a systematic elaboration of anoikis, thus shedding light on its future research.
Nanosilica reinforced epoxy under super high strain rate loading
Authors: Wu Zhibo , Zhang Chenxu , Yin Jianping , Tang Zhongbin , Miao Yinggang
Published: September 2024

Nanosilica reinforced epoxy‐matrix composites have been extensively investigated for higher mechanical strengths since its emergence, while few literatures are available about enhancement characteristics under super high strain rate loading, which is usually encountered during impact. Hereby, this work investigates the composites containing various kinds of nanosilica subjected to compression of strain rate higher than 20,000 s−1. A series of stress:strain curves are obtained and it is found that peak stresses increase with increasing strain rate along with silica fraction. Excitedly, the silica particle plays another enhancement role in anti‐localization of adiabatic shearing which occurs in pure epoxy, as indicated from abruptly dropped strain‐hardening index at ~22,000 s−1. A mechanism is proposed that uniformly distributed silica delays adiabatic shearing localizations to form through cracks, which is confirmed by fracture surface observance.

Highlights

Higher strain rate is achieved experimentally up to ~20,000 s−1.

Strain rate effect is found on the peak stress of composites.

Reinforcement of nanosilica is more distinct on strain‐hardening behavior.

Silica particles hinder adjacent shearing localizations from abrupt evolution.
Tip‐Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy Coherence Length of 2D Materials: An Application to Graphene
Authors: Nadas Rafael , Correa Raul , Cançado Luiz Gustavo , Jorio Ado
Published: September 2024

Herein, a protocol is presented for determining the tip‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (TERS) coherence length (Lc) of the two main Raman bands of graphene. This method involves performing approach curve experiments and plotting the normalized areas of the G and 2D bands as a function of tip–sample distance. The resultant data are fitted using a specific TERS formula to extract Lc. The results indicate different coherence lengths for the G and 2D bands in graphene as and  nm. While this protocol is specifically done for graphene, the underlying theoretical framework, based on mode symmetry, can be extended to other 2D materials, such as transition metal dichalcogenides. This demonstrates the versatility and potential of TERS in exploring the coherence properties of various 2D materials.
Magnetic Anisotropy of Cr2Te3: Competition between Surface and Middle Layers
Authors: Wang Yile , Ji Shilei , Yang Jianping , Li Xing'ao
Published: September 2024

Recently, the orbital coupling in 2D materials has been demonstrated to have a significant impact on the magnetic anisotropy (MA) of CrTe2. The Te atomic layers on the surface layers determine the magnetocrystalline anisotropy (MCA) of the system due to orbital coupling. Herein, is proposed to investigate the surface and middle layers of Te atoms on MA. The MCA of consists of in‐plane and out‐of‐plane components, which are contributed by the surface layer and middle layer, respectively. Due to the lack of Cr–Te–Cr chemical bonds in the z‐axis, the surface layer produces coupling and results in the in‐plane MA. In addition, a tensile strain can enhance the coupling on the middle layer and lead to the out‐of‐plane MCA. At the same time, the out‐of‐plane MCA breaks the vertical mirror symmetry and an anomalous Hall effect has been detected on monolayer (1L) . Based on this result, an anomalous Hall device is designed to record and read information. The opposing contribution of the surface and middle layers provides a completely new way to understand 2D materials.
Tunneling Mechanisms of Quinones in Photosynthetic Reaction Center–Light Harvesting 1 Supercomplexes
Authors: Mao Ruichao , Guo Jianping , Bie Lihua , Liu Lu‐Ning , Gao Jun
Published: September 2024

In photosynthesis, light energy is absorbed and transferred to the reaction center, ultimately leading to the reduction of quinone molecules through the electron transfer chain. The oxidation and reduction of quinones generate an electrochemical potential difference used for adenosine triphosphate synthesis. The trafficking of quinone/quinol molecules between electron transport components has been a long‐standing question. Here, an atomic‐level investigation into the molecular mechanism of quinol dissociation in the photosynthetic reaction center–light‐harvesting complex 1 (RC–LH1) supercomplexes from Rhodopseudomonas palustris, using classical molecular dynamics (MD) simulations combined with self‐random acceleration MD‐MD simulations and umbrella sampling methods, is conducted. Results reveal a significant increase in the mobility of quinone molecules upon reduction within RC–LH1, which is accompanied by conformational modifications in the local protein environment. Quinol molecules have a tendency to escape from RC–LH1 in a tail‐first mode, exhibiting channel selectivity, with distinct preferred dissociation pathways in the closed and open LH1 rings. Furthermore, comparative analysis of free energy profiles indicates that alternations in the protein environment accelerate the dissociation of quinol molecules through the open LH1 ring. In particular, aromatic amino acids form π‐stacking interactions with the quinol headgroup, resembling the key components in a conveyor belt system. This study provides insights into the molecular mechanisms that govern quinone/quinol exchange in bacterial photosynthesis and lays the framework for tuning electron flow and energy conversion to improve metabolic performance.
Thermal Decomposition of Hematite Ore Fines in Air
Authors: Anand Raja A. , Pande Manish M. , Kumar Deepoo , Viswanathan Nurni N.
Published: September 2024

Thermal decomposition of hematite plays an important role during pelletization and the iron fine‐based smelting processes such as HIsarna and flash shaft smelter. The temperature at which pure hematite decomposition occurs depends on the partial pressure of oxygen in the gaseous atmosphere. In the air, that is, at  = 0.21, the hematite decomposes at 1386 °C. In the present work, for an ore of a given composition, the effect of gangue on the thermal decomposition of hematite is experimentally determined using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). A decomposition temperature of 1320 °C is found in the platinum crucible after analyzing the TGA curve. Thermodynamic calculations have been carried out using FactSage8.1 to investigate the effect of gangue on the stability of hematite. Thermodynamics calculations confirm that the hematite present in the ore decomposes at a lower temperature with the increase in the gangue content. Additionally, if gangue content can affect the temperature at which dissociation of hematite occurs, it is expected that the crucible material can also affect the dissociation. Interestingly most of the reported TGA experiments are performed either in alumina crucibles or it was not reported in the literature. Therefore, the effect of crucible materials, namely alumina and platinum, is also investigated.