bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Challenges and Prospects of All‐Solid‐State Electrodes for Solid‐State Lithium Batteries
Authors: Dong Shaowen , Sheng Li , Wang Li , Liang Jie , Zhang Hao , Chen Zonghai , Xu Hong , He Xiangming
Published: August 2023

In the development of all‐solid‐state lithium batteries (ASSLB), progress is made with solid‐state electrolytes; however, challenges regarding compatibility and stability still exist with solid electrodes. These issues result in a low battery capacity and short cycle life, which limit the commercial application of ASSLBs. This review summarizes the recent research progress on solid‐state electrodes in ASSLBs including the solid–solid interface phenomena such as the interface between electrode materials and electrolytes. The mechanical stability problems in solid electrodes, including fracture, brittleness, and deformation of electrode materials, are also discussed, and corresponding methods to measure the solid electrode stress are provided. In addition, strategies for mitigating stress‐related issues are examined. Finally, the fabrication process of solid electrodes is introduced and their future developments, including the exploration of new electrode materials and the design of more intelligent electrode structures, are proposed.
Light‐Induced Electron Transfer Toward On/Off Room Temperature Phosphorescence in Two Photochromic Coordination Polymers
Authors: Feng Dong‐Xue , Mu Ying , Li Jie , De Han Song‐ , Li Jin‐Hua , Sun Hui‐Li , Pan Mei , Hu Ji‐Xiang , Wang Guo‐Ming
Published: August 2023

Photoswitchable room temperature phosphorescence (RTP) materials are of great interest due to their potential applications in optical devices and switches. Herein, two Zn‐based coordination polymers (CPs) (H3‐TPB)·[Zn6(H‐HEDP)(HEDP)3(H2O)2]·5H2O (complex 1; HEDP = hydroxyethylidene diphosphonate; TPB = 1,3,5‐tris(4‐pyridyl)benzene) and (H‐TPB)·[Zn3(H‐HEDP)(HEDP)(H2O)]·2H2O (complex 2) with distinguishable photochromism and tunable RTP are synthesized involving photoactive TPB molecules with different packing modes. Complex 1 exhibits bidirectionally on/off RTP regulation via on‐switch with excitation of 250−330 nm light and off‐switch with 350−380 nm, and the “turn‐on” behavior can be attributed to the advance of Förster resonance energy transfer‐assisted intersystem crossing (ISC) process while “turn‐off” process due to the transformation from H3‐TPB cations to H3‐TPB· radicals. Complex 2 exhibits photoswitchable RTP accompanied with reversible photochromism by leveraging the self‐absorption and RTP emission. Two demos based on the above compounds are further applied to demonstrate the application in information recording and encryption fields. This work supplies a strategy toward the design of switchable RTP systems using electron transfer photochromism, shedding light on broadening the frontiers of photoresponsive materials.
Tumor Shape‐Specific Brachytherapy Implants by 3D‐Printing, Precision Radioactivity Painting, and Biomedical Imaging
Authors: Lescot Théophraste , Lebel‐Cormier Marie‐Anne , Seniwal Baljeet , Gros‐Louis Philippe , Bellerive Claudine , Landreville Solange , Beaulieu Luc , Fortin Marc‐André
Published: August 2023

In brachytherapy (BT), or internal radiation therapy, cancer is treated by radioactive implants. For instance, episcleral plaques (EPs) for the treatment of uveal melanoma, are designed according to generic population approximations. However, more personalized implants can enhance treatment precision through better adjustment of dose profiles to the contours of cancerous tissues. An original approach integrating biomedical imaging, 3D printing, radioactivity painting, and biomedical imaging, is developed as a workflow for the development of tumor shape‐specific BT implants. First, computer‐aided design plans of EP are prepared according to guidelines prescribed by the Collaborative Ocular Melanoma Study protocol. Polyetheretherketone (PEEK), a high‐performance polymer suitable for permanent implants, is used to 3D‐print plaques and the geometrical accuracy of the printed design is evaluated by imaging. The possibility to modulate the dose distribution in a tridimensional manner is demonstrated by painting the inner surfaces of the EPs with radioactive 103Pd, followed by dose profile measurements. The possibility to modulate dose distributions generated by these 3D‐printed plaques through radioactivity painting is therefore confirmed. Ex vivo surgical tests on human eyeballs are performed as an assessment of manipulation ease. Overall, this work provides a solution for the fabrication of tumor‐specific radioactive implants requiring higher dose precision.
High Entropy Nonlinear Dielectrics with Superior Thermally Stable Performance
Authors: Wang Yong‐Jyun , Lai Hung‐Chi , Chen Yu‐Ang , Huang Rong , Hsin Ti , Liu Heng‐Jui , Zhu Ruixue , Gao Peng , Li Cong , Yu Pu , Chen Yi‐Chun , Li Jiangyu , Chen Yi‐Cheng , Yeh Jien‐Wei , Chu Ying‐Hao
Published: August 2023

A high configurational entropy, achieved through a proper design of compositions, can minimize the Gibbs free energy and stabilize the quasi‐equilibrium phases in a solid‐solution form. This leads to the development of high‐entropy materials with unique structural characteristics and excellent performance, which otherwise could not be achieved through conventional pathways. This work develops a high‐entropy nonlinear dielectric system, based on the expansion of lead magnesium niobate–lead titanate. A dense and uniform distribution of nano‐polar regions is observed in the samples owing to the addition of Ba, Hf, and Zr ions, which lead to enhanced performance of nonlinear dielectrics. The fact that no structural phase transformation is detected up to 250 °C, and no noticeable change or a steep drop in structural and electrical characteristics is observed at high temperatures suggests a robust thermal stability of the dielectric systems developed. With these advantages, these materials hold vast potential for applications such as dielectric energy storage, dielectric tunability, and electrocaloric effect. Thus, this work offers a new high‐entropy configuration with elemental modulation, with enhanced dielectric material features.
Patchy Bubble‐Propelled Colloids at Interfaces
Authors: Rivas David P. , Sokolich Max , Muller Harrison , Das Sambeeta
Published: August 2023

Liquid–liquid or liquid–air interfaces provide interesting environments to study colloids and are ubiquitous in nature and industry, as well as relevant in applications involving emulsions and foams. They present a particularly intriguing environment for studying active particles which exhibit a host of phenomena not seen in passive systems. Active particles can also provide on‐demand controllability that greatly expands their use in future applications. However, research on active particles at interfaces is relatively rare compared to those at solid surfaces or in the bulk. Here, magnetically steerable active colloids at liquid–air interfaces that self‐propel by bubble production via the catalytic decomposition of chemical fuel in the liquid medium is presented. The bubble formation and dynamics of “patchy” colloids with a patch of catalytic coating on their surface is investigated and compared to more traditional Janus colloids with a hemispherical coating. The patchy colloids tend to produce smaller bubbles and undergo smoother motion which makes them beneficial for applications such as precise micro‐manipulation. This is demonstrated by manipulating and assembling patterns of passive spheres on a substrate as well as at an air–liquid interface. The propulsion and bubble formation of both the Janus and patchy colloids is characterized and it is found that previously proposed theories are insufficient to fully describe their motion and bubble bursting mechanism. Additionally, the colloids, which reside at the air–liquid interface, demonstrate novel interfacial positive gravitaxis towards the droplet edges which is attributed to a torque resulting from opposing downward and buoyant forces on the colloids.
A Simple and Fast Compression‐Based Method to Fabricate Responsive Gold‐pNIPAM Hybrid Materials: From Thin Films to Anisotropic Microgels
Authors: Sepúlveda Adolfo , Feller Déborah , Karg Matthias , Boudreau Denis
Published: August 2023

In recent years, hydrogel‐based soft materials with hybrid properties have found widespread use in various technological fields, including tissue engineering, soft actuators, and flexible electronics. The proper implementation of these smart multifunctional materials into real‐world applications requires the development of simple, cost‐effective, and large‐scale fabrication methods. Herein, a simple compression‐ and colloid‐based method is presented to fabricate responsive Au‐poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (pNIPAM) hybrid films using photopolymerizable resin containing Au‐pNIPAM core–shell microgels as building blocks. Uniform Au‐pNIPAM hybrid films of 25 × 25 mm with adjustable thickness in the micron‐size range (2.3–1.2 µm) w ere successfully fabricated on glass substrates and flexible commercial acetate sheets. The resulting flexible Au‐pNIPAM films exhibit robust optical and mechanical properties, even after repeated edge‐to‐edge bending cycle tests. Additionally, using patterned light to polymerize the Au‐pNIPAM films allows synthesizing of anisotropic Au‐pNIPAM microgels with high width‐to‐height aspect ratios, such as square, circular, and rectangular microgels, adding a new dimension to the proposed fabrication method.
Easy Approach to Graphene Growth on Ir(111) and Ru(0001) from Liquid Ethanol
Authors: Dedkov Yuriy , Zhou Junhao , Guo Yefei , Voloshina Elena
Published: August 2023

The growth of a high‐quality complete graphene layer is successfully achieved for Ir(111) and Ru(0001) substrates using liquid ethanol as a precursor. Metallic substrates, which are cleaned in ultra‐high vacuum conditions, were ex‐situ immersed in liquid ethanol followed by the controlled in situ thermal annealing. The process of graphene formation and its quality are carefully monitored using X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, low‐energy electron diffraction, and scanning tunneling microscopy methods. It is found that graphene formation starts at 400 °C via ethanol decomposition and desorption of oxygen from the surface leading to the formation of the high‐quality complete graphene layer at 1000 °C. The results of the systematic angular‐resolved photoelectron spectroscopy experiments confirm the high quality of the obtained graphene layer, and it concludes that such an approach offers an easy, quick, and reproducible method to synthesize large‐scale graphene on different metallic substrates.
Origin of the Memory Effect in Electrochromic Sputtered WO3 Films: Composition, Structure, or Morphology?
Authors: Faceira Brandon , Teulé‐Gay Lionel , Le Hébel Jade , Labrugère‐Sarroste Christine , Ibalot Fabienne , Huang Hou‐Yi , Huang Yu‐Cheng , Dong Chung‐Li , Salvetat Jean‐Paul , Maglione Mario , Rougier Aline
Published: August 2023

The memory effect property, described as a reversible color persistence while the potential is withdrawn, is of particular importance to reaching zero‐energy consumption electrochromic devices. Nevertheless, often observed in organic materials, it is poorly studied in oxides. In this study, electrochromic tungsten oxide thin films are elaborated at different working pressures by radiofrequency magnetron sputtering. The influence of the deposition pressure on the electrochemical properties of WO3 films as well as on their memory effect is investigated. Three kinds of WO3 films can be distinguished: with irreversible blue coloration, with reversible coloration presenting a high memory effect, and with reversible coloration with a low memory effect. The origin of these discrepancies is studied through the composition, the local atomic environment, and the morphology of the WO3 thin films. An increase of transmittance at 550 nm as low as 15.8% in 48 h in air and 5.2% in 24 h in the electrolyte is recorded. This study highlights a better understanding of the memory effect property of electrochromic oxides for low‐consumption energy electrochromic devices, pointing out morphology as a key parameter.
Plasmon‐Assisted Directional Infrared Photoluminescence of HgTe Nanocrystals
Authors: Bossavit Erwan , Dang Tung Huu , He Puyuan , Cavallo Mariarosa , Khalili Adrien , Dabard Corentin , Zhang Huichen , Gacemi Djamal , Silly Mathieu G. , Abadie Claire , Gallas Bruno , Pierucci Debora , Todorov Yanko , Sirtori Carlo , Diroll Benjamin T. , Degiron Aloyse , Lhuillier Emmanuel , Vasanelli Angela
Published: August 2023

HgTe nanocrystals offer a unique spectral tunability with both absorption and emission covering the near and mid‐infrared as well as the THz window. Nevertheless, a very limited amount of work is dedicated to electroluminescence from this material. An efficient diode not only requires designing a structure that achieves a high electrical efficiency (i.e., efficient electron and hole injections), but also finding a way to efficiently extract the emitted photons. The shift from visible to infrared certainly demands revisiting the strategies proposed for shorter wavelengths (microlens arrays). Here, a metallic grating is used to enhance the photoluminscence signal up to a factor of 4 while enabling directionality in the emission, which is driven by the grating period.
Three‐Component Radical Cascade Reaction of Quinoxalinones, Alkenes and AgSCF3
Authors: Peng Sha , Xie Long‐Yong , Yang Luo
Published: August 2023

A convenient and practical protocol for the preparation of SCF3‐containing quinoxalin‐2(1H)‐one derivatives via K2S2O8 mediated difunctionalization of alkenes with quinoxalinones and AgSCF3 was developed. The preliminary study showed that a SCF3 radical triggered cascade reaction process might be involved in the current transformation.
Programming Injectable DNA Hydrogels Yields Tumor Microenvironment‐Activatable and Immune‐Instructive Depots for Augmented Chemo‐Immunotherapy
Authors: Fan Yu , Zhan Mengsi , Liang Junhao , Yang Xingsen , Zhang Beibei , Shi Xiangyang , Hu Yong
Published: August 2023

Injectable hydrogels have attracted increasing attention for promoting systemic antitumor immune response through the co‐delivery of chemotherapeutics and immunomodulators. However, the biosafety and bioactivity of conventional hydrogel depots are often impaired by insufficient possibilities for post‐gelling injection and means for biofunction integration. Here, an unprecedented injectable stimuli‐responsive immunomodulatory depot through programming a super‐soft DNA hydrogel adjuvant is reported. This hydrogel system encoded with adenosine triphosphate aptamers can be intratumorally injected in a gel formulation and then undergoes significant molecular conformation change to stimulate the distinct release kinetics of co‐encapsulated therapeutics. In this scenario, doxorubicin is first released to induce immunogenic cell death that intimately works together with the polymerized cytosine‐phosphate‐guanine oligodeoxynucleotide (CpG ODN) in gel scaffold for effectively recruiting and activating dendritic cells. The polymerized CpG ODN not only enhances tumor immunogenicity but minimizes free CpG‐induced splenomegaly. Furthermore, the subsequently released anti‐programmed cell death protein ligand 1 (aPDL1) blocks the corresponding immune inhibitory checkpoint molecule on tumor cells to sensitize antitumor T‐cell immunity. This work thus contributes to the first proof‐of‐concept demonstration of a programmable super‐soft DNA hydrogel system that perfectly matches the synergistic therapeutic modalities based on chemotherapeutic toxicity, in situ vaccination, and immune checkpoint blockade.
Enantioselective SN2 Alkylation of Homoenolates by N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Catalysis
Authors: Li En , Tang Kai , Ren Zhuhui , Liao Xiaoyun , Liu Qianchen , Huang Yong , Chen Jiean
Published: August 2023

The functionalization of the β‐carbon of enals with electrophiles is a signature umpolung reactivity of N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) derived homoenolates. However, only a limited number of electrophiles are shown to be compatible, with most of them being π‐electrophiles. In this study, the successful enantioselective β‐alkylation of homoenolates is reported using Csp3 electrophiles through an SN2 strategy. The protocol shows a broad scope regarding alkyl electrophiles, delivering good yields, and excellent enantioselectivities (up to 99% ee). It enables the installation of drug‐like structural motifs in either enals or alkylating agents, demonstrating its potential as a valuable tool for late‐stage modification. Furthermore, a concise synthetic route is presented to chiral pyrroloindoline‐type skeletons. Preliminary mechanistic studies support a direct SN2 mechanism.
Rare earth Eu3+/Tb3+‐doped hollow microspheres (LaPO4) and core‐shell nanocomposite luminescent materials with different transmittance (SiO2@LaPO4 Eu3+) preparation and research on luminescence performance
Authors: Ma Yujie , Wang Xigui , E Namila
Published: August 2023

For the manufacture of hollow nanospheres that had different shapes, three distinct templates—urea, carbon microspheres, and polyethylene glycol 20,000—were used. The relationship between microspheres with various hollow structures and their luminescent properties were investigated. Furthermore, the effects of annealing temperature and the proportion of rare earth Eu3+/Tb3+ions in the reaction were investigated using the structural characteristics of the microspheres and fluorescent materials. The fluorescent materials were wrapped on the outer surface of the microspheres. The ideal balance between the best structure and superior luminescent performance was found, to create reasonably good white light.
MFSD2A potentiates gastric cancer response to anti‐PD‐1 immunotherapy by reprogramming the tumor microenvironment to activate T cell response
Authors: Zhang Bin , Wang Chun‐Mei , Wu Hao‐Xiang , Wang Feng , Chai Yang‐Yang , Hu Ye , Wang Bing‐Jing , Yu Zhou , Xia Rong‐Hua , Xu Rui‐Hua , Cao Xue‐Tao
Published: August 2023

Background

The efficacy of anti‐programmed cell death protein 1 (PD‐1) immunotherapy in various cancers, including gastric cancer (GC), needs to be potentiated by more effective targeting to enhance therapeutic efficacy or identifying accurate biomarkers to predict clinical responses. Here, we attempted to identify molecules predicting or/and promoting anti‐PD‐1 therapeutic response in advanced GC (AGC).

Methods

The transcriptome of AGC tissues from patients with different clinical responses to anti‐PD‐1 immunotherapy and GC cells was analyzed by RNA sequencing. The protein and mRNA levels of the major facilitator superfamily domain containing 2A (MFSD2A) in GC cells were assessed via quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry. Additionally, the regulation of anti‐PD‐1 response by MFSD2A was studied in tumor‐bearing mice. Cytometry by Time‐of‐Flight, multiple immunohistochemistry, and flow cytometry assays were used to explore immunological responses. The effects of MFSD2A on lipid metabolism in mice cancer tissue and GC cells was detected by metabolomics.

Results

Higher expression of MFSD2A in tumor tissues of AGC patients was associated with better response to anti‐PD‐1 immunotherapy. Moreover, MFSD2A expression was lower in GC tissues compared to adjacent normal tissues, and its expression was inversely correlated with GC stage. The overexpression of MFSD2A in GC cells enhanced the efficacy of anti‐PD‐1 immunotherapy in vivo by reprogramming the tumor microenvironment (TME), characterized by increased CD8+ T cell activation and reduced its exhaustion. MFSD2A inhibited transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1) release from GC cells by suppressing cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2)‐prostaglandin synthesis, which consequently reprogrammed TME to promote anti‐tumor T cell activation.

Conclusions

MFSD2A potentially serves as a predictive biomarker for anti‐PD‐1 immunotherapy response in AGC patients. MFSD2A may be a promising therapeutic target to potentiate the efficacy of anti‐PD‐1 immunotherapy by reprogramming the TME to promote T cells activation.
Single‐dose NEPA versus an aprepitant regimen for prevention of chemotherapy‐induced nausea and vomiting in patients receiving moderately emetogenic chemotherapy
Authors: Zelek Laurent , Navari Rudolph , Aapro Matti , Scotté Florian
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Non‐inferiority of NEPA (fixed combination of NK1 receptor antagonist (RA), netupitant, and 5‐HT3RA, palonosetron) versus an aprepitant regimen was previously shown in a pragmatic study in patients receiving anthracycline cyclophosphamide (AC) and non‐AC moderately emetogenic chemotherapy (MEC). In the MEC group a numerically higher complete response (CR: no emesis, no rescue) rate was seen for NEPA during the overall 0–120 h phase (NEPA 76.1% vs. 63.1% aprepitant). As NEPA exhibits long‐lasting efficacy, this study evaluated a prolonged period up to 144 h, beyond the traditional 120 h post‐chemotherapy. In this post‐hoc analysis we explore the comparative efficacy of NEPA versus the aprepitant regimen in the MEC group up to 144 h, while also assessing the impact of risk factors on CINV prevention.

Methods

This was a pragmatic, multicenter, randomized, prospective study. Oral NEPA was administered as a single dose on day 1, while aprepitant was given on days 1–3 + ondansetron on day 1; all patients were to receive dexamethasone on days 1–4. Patients were chemotherapy‐naïve and receiving MEC, with a subset evaluation of those with a risk factor for developing CINV (i.e., female, male <60 years, male ≥60 years who received carboplatin, or male ≥60 years with anxiety). CR rates were compared during the extended overall (0–144 h) phase.

Results

The MEC group included 211 patients; of these 181 were in the risk factor subset. Significantly higher CR rates were seen for NEPA than aprepitant during the extended overall phase for the total MEC group (NEPA 77.1%, aprepitant 57.8%, p = 0.003) and also in the subset of patients with CINV risk factors (NEPA 73.9%, aprepitant 56.2%, p = 0.012).

Conclusion

A single dose of NEPA, administered on day 1 only, was more effective than a 3‐day aprepitant regimen in preventing CINV for an extended duration in patients receiving MEC and in those with emetic risk factors.
Scheduling radiotherapy for patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma in the corresponding time window can reduce radiation‐induced oral mucositis: A randomized, prospective study
Authors: Lv Jun , Liao Shibin , Li Bo , Pan Linjiang , Wang Rensheng
Published: August 2023

Background

To explore a new method to reduce radiation‐induced oral mucositis by scheduling radiotherapy for patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) in the corresponding time window of the cycle of oral mucosal cells.

Methods

Eighty‐two NPC patients were randomly divided into a day group (n = 41) and a night group (n = 41). The radiotherapy was scheduled at noon (11:30–15:30) for the day group, while at night (19:00–23:00) for the night group. Oral mucositis and oral pain were recorded in both groups after each radiotherapy fraction. The short‐term efficacy of primary tumor regression, weight loss, and bone marrow suppression was recorded.

Results

The incidence of Grade 2 oral mucositis was 87.8% (36/41) and 63.4% (26/41) in the night group and day group, respectively (p = 0.010). The incidence of Grade 3 oral mucositis was 65.9% (27/41) and 22.0% (9/41) in the night group and day group, respectively (p < 0.001). The mean number of radiotherapy for patients to develop Grade 2 oral mucositis was 15.67 ± 5.05 and 20.92 ± 6.21 in the night group and day group, respectively. The incidence of Grade 2 oral pain was 48.8% (20/41) and 22.0% (9/41) in the night group and day group, respectively (p = 0.011). There were no significant differences in tumor regression, weight loss, and bone marrow suppression between the two groups.

Conclusion

By scheduling radiotherapy based on the corresponding time window of the cycle of oral mucosal cells, the severity of oral mucositis in NPC patients was reduced.
Electrodialysis with Irregular Membrane Spacers: Which is the Right Choice?
Authors: Al-Amshawee Sajjad Khudhur Abbas , Bin Mohd Yunus Mohd Yusri , Binti Ismail Nurul Ain , Hafiz Zaki Yasmeen
Published: August 2023

Membrane operations function well in turbulent conditions, requiring the use of a turbulence model. By increasing the velocity and generating eddies with membrane spacers, mass transport can be enhanced and permeability can be intensified while reducing concentration polarization. Spacers act as solid barriers for the bulk fluid and have been shown to facilitate mass transfer at channel thicknesses of 1 mm due to eddy promotion. Spacers are used in a variety of membrane processes including nanofiltration, reverse osmosis, electrodialysis, and membrane distillation. Membrane spacers can also be used for other applications such as membrane electrolysis, fuel cells, capacitive deionization, and electrodialysis with bipolar membranes. This work systematically reviews and compares irregular geometries of spacers, including Gyroid, tCLP, multilayered, crimped, and tortuous spacers. The review consistently concludes that the spacer geometrical properties are the primary determinants of the streamline effectiveness.
Chiral Purification of S‐Methyl‐2‐chloropropionate from Enantiomer Mixtures by Three‐Phase Crystallization
Authors: Shiau Lie-Ding , Hsu Ming-Hong
Published: August 2023

Three‐phase crystallization (TPC) was applied to purify S‐methyl‐2‐chloropropionate (S‐M2CP) from liquid enantiomer mixtures with various initial concentrations. TPC combines melt crystallization and vaporization to produce the desired crystalline solid along with the vapor from the liquid feed via a series of three‐phase transformations. The three‐phase states during TPC were calculated in terms of the thermodynamic properties of M2CP. Basically, the liquid mixture was gradually transformed to the S‐M2CP crystalline solid and vapor mixture at reduced temperature and pressure during TPC. A model was proposed based on the material and energy balances to determine the variations of the masses of the remained liquid mixture, of the produced S‐M2CP crystalline solid, and of the produced vapor mixture during the batch TPC operation. The results indicated that the experimental yield and purity for the final S‐M2CP product obtained during TPC were consistent with those predicted by the model.
Investigation of Multi‐Phase Structure and Optoelectronic Performance of Bi‐Doped (Cu−Zn) Oxide Composite Thin Films
Authors: Altinay Yasemin , Akkaya Abdullah , Aydin Rasit , Sahin Bünyamin
Published: August 2023

In this research, thin film composite structures were used to prepare optoelectronic devices from bare and Bi‐substituted p‐CuO/n‐ZnO systems. The p‐CuO/n‐ZnO composite thin film structures were prepared by the SILAR technique, and the influences of two different Bi contents on the structure and main physical performances of the samples were investigated. The X‐ray diffraction (XRD) technique showed that the composited thin film materials were multiphased in rutile hexagonal (wurtzite) phase (ZnO) and monoclinic tenorite phase (CuO) type crystal structure. The obtained surface morphological results presented that the structure exhibits an almost homogeneous, plate‐like surface distribution, and depending on the increase of Bi concentration, the plate‐like sheet area widens from ~2.5 μm to 10 μm and the layer boundaries decrease. FT‐IR and Raman spectroscopy were used to investigate the various vibration and Raman active phonon modes of Bi:p‐CuO/n‐ZnO nanostructured heterostructures. For a comprehensive analysis of the optical bandgap of the fabricated composite samples, the estimated values were obtained from the Tauc plot. Produced samples exhibited an Ohmic behavior and dc resistivity values of films can be determined via Ohm′s Law. The adjusted sheet resistance value of 11.51 MΩ/sq when the content of Bi 3.0 % in the growth bath.
Improved inference for a boundary parameter
Authors: Elkantassi Soumaya , Bellio Ruggero , Brazzale Alessandra R. , Davison Anthony C.
Published: August 2023

The limiting distributions of statistics used to test hypotheses about parameters on the boundary of their domains may provide very poor approximations to the finite‐sample behaviour of these statistics, even for very large samples. We review theoretical work on this problem, describe hard and soft boundaries and iceberg estimators, and give examples highlighting how the limiting results greatly underestimate the probability that the parameter lies on its boundary even in very large samples. We propose and evaluate some simple remedies for this difficulty based on normal approximation for the profile score function, and then outline how higher order approximations yield excellent results in a range of hard and soft boundary examples. We use the approach to develop an accurate test for the need for a spline component in a linear mixed model.
TAZ upregulates MIR‐224 to inhibit oxidative stress response in multiple myeloma
Authors: Abegunde Samuel O. , Grieve Stacy , Reiman Tony
Published: August 2023

Background

Oxidative stress within the bone marrow niche of multiple myeloma contributes to disease progression and drug resistance. Recent studies have associated the Hippo pathway with miRNA biogenesis and oxidative stress in solid tumors. Oxidative stress and miRNA pathway inter‐relates in several cancers. Our group recently showed that TAZ functions as a tumor suppressor in MM. However, the role of TAZ in oxidative stress in MM is unknown.

Aims

We sought to examine the role of TAZ in myeloma cells' response to BM oxidative stress. We postulated that TAZ might be associated with an oxidative stress phenotype and distinct miRNA signature in MM.

Methods and Results

Using human myeloma cell lines and clinical samples, we demonstrate that TAZ promotes myeloma cells' sensitivity to oxidative stress and anticancer‐induced cytotoxicity by inducing miR‐224 to repress the NRF2 antioxidant program in MM. We show that low expression of TAZ protein confers an oxidative stress‐resistant phenotype in MM. Furthermore, we provide evidence that overexpression of miR‐224 in myeloma cells expressing low amounts of TAZ protein inhibits cell growth and enhances sensitivity to anti‐myeloma therapeutics.

Conclusion

Our findings uncover a potential role for TAZ in oxidative stress response in MM via the miR‐224‐NRF2 molecular pathway. This provides the scientific ground to explore miR‐224 as a potential molecular target to modify TAZ expression and enhance myeloma sensitivity to treatment.
Immunofluorescence Microscopy
Authors: Galati Domenico F. , Asai David J.
Published: August 2023

Visualizing fluorescence‐tagged molecules is a powerful strategy that can reveal the complex dynamics of the cell. One robust and broadly applicable method is immunofluorescence microscopy, in which a fluorescence‐labeled antibody binds the molecule of interest and then the location of the antibody is determined by fluorescence microscopy. The effective application of this technique includes several considerations, such as the nature of the antigen, specificity of the antibody, permeabilization and fixation of the specimen, and fluorescence imaging of the cell. Although each protocol will require fine‐tuning depending on the cell type, antibody, and antigen, there are steps common to nearly all applications. This article provides protocols for staining the cytoskeleton and organelles in two very different kinds of cells: flat, adherent fibroblasts and thick, free‐swimming Tetrahymena cells. Additional protocols enable visualization with widefield, laser scanning confocal, and eSRRF super‐resolution fluorescence microscopy. © 2023 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Immunofluorescence staining of adherent cells such as fibroblasts

Basic Protocol 2: Immunofluorescence of suspension cells such as Tetrahymena

Basic Protocol 3: Visualizing samples with a widefield fluorescence microscope

Alternate Protocol 1: Staining suspension cells adhered to poly‐l‐lysine‐coated coverslips

Alternate Protocol 2: Visualizing samples with a laser scanning confocal microscope

Alternate Protocol 3: Generating super‐resolution images with SRRF microscopy
A High‐Throughput Absolute Quantification of Protein‐Bound Tryptophan from Model and Crop Seeds
Authors: Ansaf Huda , Yobi Abou , Angelovici Ruthie
Published: August 2023

This protocol describes a high‐throughput absolute quantification protocol for the aromatic essential amino acid, tryptophan (Trp). This procedure consists of a milligram‐scale alkaline hydrolysis followed by an absolute quantification step using a multiple reaction monitoring tandem mass spectrometric (LC‐MS/MS) detection method. The approach facilitates the analysis of a few hundred samples per week by using a 96‐well plate extraction setup. Importantly, the method uses only ∼4 mg of tissue per sample and uses the common alkaline hydrolysis protocol, followed by water extraction that includes L‐Trp‐d5 as an internal standard to enable the quantification of the absolute level of the bound Trp with high precision, accuracy, and reproducibility. The protocol described herein has been optimized for seed samples for Arabidopsis thaliana, Glycine max, and Zea mays but could be applied to other plant tissues. © 2023 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol: Analysis of protein‐bound tryptophan from seeds
The characterization of toll‐like receptor repertoire in Pinna nobilis after mass mortality events suggests adaptive introgression
Authors: Coupé Stéphane , Giantsis Ioannis A. , Vázquez Luis Maite , Scarpa Fabio , Foulquié Mathieu , Prévot Jean‐Marc , Casu Marco , Lattos Athanasios , Michaelidis Basile , Sanna Daria , García‐March José Rafa , Tena‐Medialdea José , Vicente Nardo , Bunet Robert
Published: August 2023

The fan mussel Pinna nobilis is currently on the brink of extinction due to a multifactorial disease mainly caused to the highly pathogenic parasite Haplosporidium pinnae, meaning that the selection pressure outweighs the adaptive potential of the species. Hopefully, rare individuals have been observed somehow resistant to the parasite, stretching the need to identify the traits underlying this better fitness. Among the candidate to explore at first intention are fast‐evolving immune genes, of which toll‐like receptor (TLR). In this study, we examined the genetic diversity at 14 TLR loci across P. nobilis, Pinna rudis and P. nobilis × P. rudis hybrid genomes, collected at four physically distant regions, that were found to be either resistant or sensitive to the parasite H. pinnae. We report a high genetic diversity, mainly observed at cell surface TLRs compared with that of endosomal TLRs. However, the endosomal TLR‐7 exhibited unexpected level of diversity and haplotype phylogeny. The lack of population structure, associated with a high genetic diversity and elevated dN/dS ratio, was interpreted as balancing selection, though both directional and purifying selection were detected. Interestingly, roughly 40% of the P. nobilis identified as resistant to H. pinnae were introgressed with P. rudis TLR. Specifically, they all carried a TLR‐7 of P. rudis origin, whereas sensitive P. nobilis were not introgressed, at least at TLR loci. Small contributions of TLR‐6 and TLR‐4 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms to the clustering of resistant and susceptible individuals could be detected, but their specific role in resistance remains highly speculative. This study provides new information on the diversity of TLR genes within the P. nobilis species after MME and additional insights into adaptation to H. pinnae that should contribute to the conservation of this Mediterranean endemic species.
Conservation implications of elucidating the Korean wolf taxonomic ambiguity through whole‐genome sequencing
Authors: Hernández‐Alonso Germán , Ramos‐Madrigal Jazmín , Sun Xin , Scharff‐Olsen Camilla Hjorth , Sinding Mikkel‐Holger S. , Martins Nuno F. , Ciucani Marta Maria , Mak Sarah S. T. , Lanigan Liam Thomas , Clausen Cecilie G. , Bhak Jong , Jeon Sungwon , Kim Changjae , Eo Kyung Yeon , Cho Seong‐Ho , Boldgiv Bazartseren , Gantulga Gankhuyag , Unudbayasgalan Zunduibaatar , Kosintsev Pavel A. , Stenøien Hans K. , Gilbert M. Thomas P. , Gopalakrishnan Shyam
Published: August 2023

The taxonomic status of the now likely extirpated Korean Peninsula wolf has been extensively debated, with some arguing it represents an independent wolf lineage, Canis coreanus. To investigate the Korean wolf's genetic affiliations and taxonomic status, we sequenced and analysed the genomes of a Korean wolf dated to the beginning of the 20th century, and a captive wolf originally from the Pyongyang Central Zoo. Our results indicated that the Korean wolf bears similar genetic ancestry to other regional East Asian populations, therefore suggesting it is not a distinct taxonomic lineage. We identified regional patterns of wolf population structure and admixture in East Asia with potential conservation consequences in the Korean Peninsula and on a regional scale. We find that the Korean wolf has similar genomic diversity and inbreeding to other East Asian wolves. Finally, we show that, in contrast to the historical sample, the captive wolf is genetically more similar to wolves from the Tibetan Plateau; hence, Korean wolf conservation programmes might not benefit from the inclusion of this specimen.
Visible‐Light‐Mediated Synthesis of Bicalutamide by Regioselective Hydroxysulfonylation of Acrylamides
Authors: Zurro Mercedes , Torres‐Oya Sergio , Merino Estíbaliz
Published: August 2023

Synthesis of anticancer drug bicalutamide promoted by visible light in one step from the corresponding N‐arylacrylamide is described. This approach involves a one‐pot hydroxysulfonylation reaction through a photocatalytic redox process. The use of Na2Eosin Y as photocatalyst and blue light allows the access to a broad range of α‐hydroxysulfonylamides bearing a quaternary center in moderate to good yields with complete regioselectivity via radical process.
Long‐term and short‐term analysis of shoreline change and cliff retreat on Brazilian equatorial coast
Authors: Leisner Melvin Moura , de Paula Davis Pereira , Alves Deivid Cristhian Leal , da Guia Albuquerque Miguel , de Holanda Bastos Frederico , Vasconcelos Yan Gurgel
Published: August 2023

Assessing historical changes in the shoreline and retreat of cliffs is essential for understanding the evolution and behaviour of specific coastal systems. The present study focused on shoreline changes and cliff base retreat trends at different time scales (annual/decadal) along a 680‐m stretch of Pacheco Beach (Caucaia, Northeast Brazil), which are characterized by coastal erosion and mass movements that have posed risks to residents and visitors to this beach. Shoreline position data were obtained through images collected by satellites and field campaigns for precision mapping through unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) photogrammetry. The spatiotemporal variations of the shoreline were acquired through an extension of the ArcGIS Digital Shoreline Analysis System (DSAS) and the linear regression rate (LRR) statistical method that reflects the variations that have occurred in the coastal segment. The long‐term results show constant erosion patterns in the study area, with a shoreline retreat of −31 m in the last 17 years at an average rate of −1.8 m/year. In the short term, the average rate of retreat between May 2021 and Jan 2022 was −2.9 m, indicating that 88.78% of the evaluated section was in a continuous process of erosion. Several factors and processes cause the short‐term rates to be more severe than historical rates, demonstrating the stochastic nature of the Pacheco Beach cliff system. This research provides essential data for understanding and predicting shoreline changes on different time scales, thereby contributing to the identification and zoning of unstable cliffs and allowing for the mapping of risk areas to direct coastal management strategies.
Hybrid power management and control of fuel cells‐battery energy storage system in hybrid electric vehicle under three different modes
Authors: Belkhier Youcef , Oubelaid Adel , Shaw Rabindra Nath
Published: August 2023

In most situations, fuel cells (FCs) are insufficient to supply power demands in hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), thus battery storage systems (BSSs) are used to make the system more efficient like as rapid starting, high power density, and enhanced dynamic set response. How the power sources are regulated and distributed determines the accomplishment efficiency of the driving forces in such a configuration. The most critical aspect should be how to guarantee torque stability of the traction motor which is in our case a permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) while attaining quick reaction. This study discusses a hybrid battery‐FCs energy storage and management system for a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), as well as an integrated PMSM's passivity‐based control (PBC) technique to enable power integration and increase the hybrid electric vehicle (HEV)'s operating speed. The present paper is separated into two sections. First, a power management control (PMC) technology is used to manage the FCs‐battery system to guarantee that the HEV gets continuous power from the hybrid energy resources, where a fuzzy logic controller is used as an artificial intelligence system for the FCs converter to maximize the power produced. The second is dedicated to the new proposed PBC control of the EV's PMSM to rectify non‐linearities, external disturbances, and parametric fluctuations. The standard proportional‐integral (PI) control and sliding mode control (SMC) are built for comparison with the proposed PBC dedicated to the PMSM in order to properly assess the efficacy of the proposed control strategy. The simulation results obtained using MATALB/Simulink show that the proposed PBC technique and hybrid battery‐ proton‐exchange membrane PEMFCs energy management enables high power integration and increase the EV's operational speed.
The combined anticancer of peanut skin procyanidins and resveratrol to CACO‐2 colorectal cancer cells
Authors: Wang Na , Gao Enguang , Cui Chenxu , Wang Fan , Ren Hongtao , Xu Chao , Ning Cancan , Zheng Yuru , Liu Qingqing , Yu Qiuying , Zhang Gaiping
Published: August 2023

Colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths worldwide. Currently, chemotherapy is the primary way for colorectal cancer, but with severe side effects. Therefore, it is urgent to find safer and more effective adjuvant treatment methods. At present, natural active substances are promising alternatives, as numerous studies have demonstrated possible synergistic anticancer effects in plant‐active polyphenols. In the present study, the combined effect of procyanidins (PC) (from peanut skin) and resveratrol (RES) (from peanut buds) on the synergistic anticancer potential was investigated. CACO‐2 and HCT‐8 cells were served as colorectal cancer models, and HEPG‐2 and HUH‐7 cells were served as liver cancer models to observe the effects of PC and RES alone or in combination on the growth and proliferation of these four types of cancer cells. The results revealed that both PC and RES could inhibit the cells’ proliferation in a manner with concentration‐dependent, but they exerted synergistic anticancer effects only on CACO‐2 cells. PC and RES could synergistically inhibit CACO‐2 cell clone formation, inducing apoptosis of CACO‐2 cells and blocking their cell cycle in G0/G1 phase. Additionally, as observed by the results of Western blot assay, the combined effect of PC and RES also inhibited the phosphorylation of Thr308, Ser473, and ERK and promoted the phosphorylation of IKBα and NF‐κB in CACO‐2 cells. These findings collectively indicate that PC combined with RES might exert synergistic anticancer effects by regulating AKT, ERK, and NF‐κB signaling pathways.
A practical model‐based segmentation approach for improved activation detection in single‐subject functional magnetic resonance imaging studies
Authors: Chen Wei‐Chen , Maitra Ranjan
Published: August 2023

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) maps cerebral activation in response to stimuli but this activation is often difficult to detect, especially in low‐signal contexts and single‐subject studies. Accurate activation detection can be guided by the fact that very few voxels are, in reality, truly activated and that these voxels are spatially localized, but it is challenging to incorporate both these facts. We address these twin challenges to single‐subject and low‐signal fMRI by developing a computationally feasible and methodologically sound model‐based approach, implemented in the R packageMixfMRI, that bounds the a priori expected proportion of activated voxels while also incorporating spatial context. An added benefit of our methodology is the ability to distinguish voxels and regions having different intensities of activation. Our suggested approach is evaluated in realistic two‐ and three‐dimensional simulation experiments as well as on multiple real‐world datasets. Finally, the value of our suggested approach in low‐signal and single‐subject fMRI studies is illustrated on a sports imagination experiment that is often used to detect awareness and improve treatment in patients in persistent vegetative state (PVS). Our ability to reliably distinguish activation in this experiment potentially opens the door to the adoption of fMRI as a clinical tool for the improved treatment and therapy of PVS survivors and other patients.
Predictors of recurrence based on intravascular ultrasound findings after Eluvia placement in symptomatic peripheral arterial disease: A retrospective study
Authors: Yamada Takehiro , Tokuda Takahiro , Yoshioka Naoki , Koyama Akio , Nishikawa Ryusuke , Shimamura Kiyotaka , Aoyama Takuma
Published: August 2023

Background and Aims

Polymer‐coated drug‐eluting stents (Eluvia) have shown favorable clinical outcomes in real‐world registries. There are no reports on recurrent predictors after Eluvia placement based on intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) findings.

Methods

We analyzed clinical data from the ASIGARU PAD registry, a retrospective, multicenter, observational study that enrolled patients who underwent endovascular therapy for superficial femoral and proximal popliteal arteries lesions using Eluvia or drug‐coated balloon. The primary outcome was the identification of recurrent predictors, including IVUS parameters at 12 months. The rate of target lesion recurrence was also assessed.

Results

IVUS images were obtained in 54 of 65 cases. Seven recurrent cases (13.0%) were observed within 12 months. The random survival forest method presented eight predictive variables of recurrence: Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS), distal stent edge area, distal plaque burden, age, sex, distal external elastic membrane (EEM) area, minimum stent area (MSA), and distal lumen area. Furthermore, the partial dependence plot showed that frailty (CFS ≥ 6), smaller distal stent edge area, higher and lower distal plaque burden, older and younger age, female sex, smaller distal EEM area, smaller MSA, and smaller and larger distal lumen area predicted recurrence after Eluvia placement within 12 months.

Conclusion

CFS, distal stent edge area, distal plaque burden, age, sex, distal EEM area, MSA, and distal lumen area were significant recurrent predictors after Eluvia placement.