bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamic Control of Asymmetric Charge Distribution for Electrocatalytic Urea Synthesis
Authors: Zhang Xin , Sun Hao , Wang Yi‐Rong , Shi Zhan , Zhong Rong‐Lin , Sun Chun‐Yi , Liu Jing‐Yao , Su Zhong‐Min , Lan Ya‐Qian
Published: August 2024

Constructing dual catalytic sites with charge density differences is an efficient way to promote urea electrosynthesis from parallel and CO2 reduction yet still challenging in static system. Herein, a dynamic system is constructed by precisely controlling the asymmetric charge density distribution in an Au‐doped coplanar Cu7 clusters‐based 3D framework catalyst (Au@cpCu7CF). In Au@cpCu7CF, the redistributed charge between Au and Cu atoms changed periodically with the application of pulse potentials switching between −0.2 and −0.6 V and greatly facilitated the electrosynthesis of urea. Compared with the static condition of pristine cpCu7CF (FEurea = 5.10%), the FEurea of Au@cpCu7CF under pulsed potentials is up to 55.53%. Theoretical calculations demonstrated that the high potential of −0.6 V improved the adsorption of *HNO2 and *NH2 on Au atoms and inhibited the reaction pathways of by‐products. While at the low potential of −0.2 V, the charge distribution between Au and Cu atomic sites facilitated the thermodynamic C–N coupling step. This work demonstrated the important role of asymmetric charge distribution under dynamic regulation for urea electrosynthesis, providing a new inspiration for precise control of electrocatalysis.
Near 100% Conversion of Acetylene to High‐purity Ethylene at Ampere‐Level Current
Authors: Wu Zeliang , Zhang Jinqiang , Guan Qihui , Liu Xing , Xiong Hanting , Chen Shixia , Hong Wei , Li Dongfang , Lei Yaojie , Deng Shuguang , Wang Jun , Wang Guoxiu
Published: August 2024

Direct production of high‐purity ethylene from acetylene using renewable energy through electrocatalytic semi‐hydrogenation presents a promising alternative to traditional thermocatalytic processes. However, the low conversion of acetylene results in a significant amount of acetylene impurities in the product, necessitating additional purification steps. Herein, a tandem electrocatalytic system that integrates acetylene electrolyzer and zinc‐acetylene battery units for high‐purity ethylene production is designed. The ultrathin CuO nanoribbons with enriched oxygen vacancies (CuO1‐x NRs) as electrocatalysts achieve a remarkable 93.2% Faradaic efficiency of ethylene at an ampere‐level current density of 1.0 A cm−2 in an acetylene electrolyzer, and the power density reaches 3.8 mW cm−2 in a zinc‐acetylene battery under acetylene stream. Moreover, the tandem electrocatalysis system delivers a single‐pass acetylene conversion of 99.998% and ethylene selectivity of 96.1% at a high current of 1.4 A. Experimental data and calculations demonstrate that the presence of oxygen vacancies accelerates water dissociation to produce active hydrogen atoms while preventing the over‐hydrogenation of ethylene. Furthermore, techno‐economic analysis reveals that the tandem system can dramatically reduce the overall ethylene production cost compared to the conventional thermocatalytic processes. A novel strategy for complete acetylene‐to‐ethylene conversion under mild conditions, establishing a non‐petroleum route for the production of ethylene is reported.
Controlled Functionalization Strategy of Proteins Preserves their Structural Integrity While Binding to Nanocarriers
Authors: Mateos‐Maroto Ana , Gai Meiyu , Brückner Maximilian , Mailänder Volker , Morsbach Svenja , Landfester Katharina
Published: August 2024

The use of proteins as targeting agents often requires their chemical modification for their efficient attachment to a given surface. However, no control over the protein integrity and functionality has been demonstrated to date. Chemical over‐modification causes the loss of the native structure of the protein and thus limits its targeting efficiency. To preserve structural integrity, a minimal modification strategy of proteins is developed while maintaining their functionality. Apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1) and liposomes are utilized as a nanocarrier platform. Monitoring NHS ester chemistry by time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry experiments, the proposed functionalization route allows the effective chemical coupling of the minimally modified ApoA1 to the surface of the liposomes via a click chemistry reaction. The stability of the modified ApoA1 is ensured by analyzing the secondary structure by circular dichroism spectroscopy and the corresponding melting point by nano differential scanning fluorimetry. Furthermore, ApoA1 attachment to the liposomes is confirmed by flow cytometry experiments. The procedure presented in this study has the potential to be easily transferred to other proteins while introducing only minimally necessary chemical modifications to be covalently attached to different drug delivery platforms. This can help to improve their targeting efficiency for future biomedical applications.
Precise and Omnidirectional Opto‐Thermo‐Elastic Actuation in Van Der Waals Contacting Systems
Authors: Jia Qiannan , Tang Renjie , Sun Xiaoyu , Tang Weiwei , Li Lan , Zhu Jiajie , Wang Pan , Yan Wei , Qiu Min
Published: August 2024

Actuation of micro‐objects along unconstrained trajectories in van der Waals contacting systems—in the same capacity as optical tweezers to manipulate particles in fluidic environments—remains a formidable challenge due to the lack of effective methods to overcome and exploit surface friction. Herein, a technique that aims to resolve this difficulty is proposed. This study shows that, by utilizing a moderate power beam of light, micro‐objects adhered on planar solid substrates can be precisely guided to move in arbitrary directions, realizing sub‐nanometer resolution across extended surfaces. The underlying mechanism is the interplay between surface friction and pulsed opto‐thermo‐elastic deformations, and to render a biased motion with off‐centroid light illumination. This technique enables high‐precision assembly, separation control of nanogaps, regulation of rotation angles in various material‐substrate systems, whose capability is further tested in reconfigurable construction of optoelectronic devices. With simple set‐up and theoretical generality, opto‐thermo‐elastic actuation opens up an avenue for versatile optical manipulation in the solid domain.
Sirtuin 5‐Mediated Desuccinylation of ALDH2 Alleviates Mitochondrial Oxidative Stress Following Acetaminophen‐Induced Acute Liver Injury
Authors: Yu Qiwen , Zhang Jiakai , Li Jiye , Song Yaodong , Pan Jie , Mei Chaopeng , Cui Mengwei , He Qianqian , Wang Haifeng , Li Huihui , Cheng Bo , Zhang Yan , Guo Wenzhi , Zhu Changju , Chen Sanyang
Published: August 2024

Acetaminophen (APAP) overdose is a major cause of drug‐induced liver injury. Sirtuins 5 (SIRT5) has been implicated in the development of various liver diseases. However, its involvement in APAP‐induced acute liver injury (AILI) remains unclear. The present study aimed to explore the role of SIRT5 in AILI. SIRT5 expression is dramatically downregulated by APAP administration in mouse livers and AML12 hepatocytes. SIRT5 deficiency not only exacerbates liver injury and the inflammatory response, but also worsens mitochondrial oxidative stress. Conversely, the opposite pathological and biochemical changes are observed in mice with SIRT5 overexpression. Mechanistically, quantitative succinylome analysis and site mutation experiments revealed that SIRT5 desuccinylated aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) at lysine 385 and maintained the enzymatic activity of ALDH2, resulting in the suppression of inflammation and mitochondrial oxidative stress. Furthermore, succinylation of ALDH2 at lysine 385 abolished its protective effect against AILI, and the protective effect of SIRT5 against AILI is dependent on the desuccinylation of ALDH2 at K385. Finally, virtual screening of natural compounds revealed that Puerarin promoted SIRT5 desuccinylase activity and further attenuated AILI. Collectively, the present study showed that the SIRT5‐ALDH2 axis plays a critical role in AILI progression and might be a strategy for therapeutic intervention.
Ginsenoside Rg3 Restores Mitochondrial Cardiolipin Homeostasis via GRB2 to Prevent Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Qi Li‐Feng‐Rong , Liu Shuai , Fang Qiuyuan , Qian Cheng , Peng Chao , Liu Yuci , Yang Peng , Wu Ping , Shan Ling , Cui Qinghua , Hua Qian , Yang Sen , Ye Cunqi , Yang Wei , Li Ping , Xu Xiaojun
Published: August 2024

Regulating cardiolipin to maintain mitochondrial homeostasis is a promising strategy for addressing Parkinson's disease (PD). Through a comprehensive screening and validation process involving multiple models, ginsenoside Rg3 (Rg3) as a compound capable of enhancing cardiolipin levels is identified. This augmentation in cardiolipin levels fosters mitochondrial homeostasis by bolstering mitochondrial unfolded protein response, promoting mitophagy, and enhancing mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation. Consequently, this cascade enhances the survival of tyrosine hydroxylase positive (TH+) dopaminergic neurons, leading to an amelioration in motor performance within PD mouse models. Using limited proteolysis–small‐molecule mapping combined with molecular docking analysis, it has confirmed Growth Factor Receptor‐Bound Protein 2 (GRB2) as a molecular target for Rg3. Furthermore, these investigations reveal that Rg3 facilitates the interaction between GRB2 and TRKA (Neurotrophic Tyrosine Kinase, Receptor, Type 1), thus promotes EVI1 (Ecotropic Virus Integration Site 1 Protein Homolog) phosphorylation by ERK, subsequently increases CRLS1 (Cardiolipin Synthase 1) gene expression and boosts cardiolipin synthesis. The absence of GRB2 or CRLS1 significantly attenuates the beneficial effects of Rg3 on PD symptoms. Finally, Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate (TDF) that also promotes the binding between GRB2 and TRKA is further identified. The identified compounds, Rg3 and TDF, exhibit promising potential for the prevention of PD by bolstering cardiolipin expression and reinstating mitochondrial homeostasis.
Enhanced Dye‐Sensitized Mechanosensation Utilizing Pulsed and Digitally Modulated Light
Authors: Rafeedi Tarek , Becerra Laura L. , Root Nicholas , Qie Yi , Brown William , Qi Baiyan , Fu Lei , Esparza Guillermo , Sasi Lekshmi , Kapadia Kabir , Rouw Romke , Jokerst Jesse , Lipomi Darren J.
Published: August 2024

The generation of pressure perturbations in matter stimulated by pulsed light is a method widely recognized as the photoacoustic or light‐induced thermoelastic effect. In a series of psychophysical experiments, the robustness of the tactile perception generated with a variety of light sources is examined: a diverging pulsed laser used for photoacoustic tomography optical parameter oscillation (OPO), a miniature diode laser (MDL), and a commercial digital light processing (DLP) projector. It is demonstrated that participants can accurately detect, categorically describe the sensations, and discern the direction of pulsed light travel. High detection accuracy is reported as follows: (d′ = 4.95 (OPO);d′ = 2.78 (modulated MDL);d′ = 2.99 (DLP)) of the stimulus on glabrous skin coated with a thin layer of dye absorber. For all light sources, the predominant sensation is felt as vibration at the distal phalanx (i.e., fingertip, 55.21–57.29%) and the proximal phalanx (41.67–44.79%). At the fingertip, thermal sensations are perceived less frequently than mechanical ones. Moreover, these haptic effects are preserved under a wide range of pulse widths, spot sizes, optical energies, and wavelengths of the light sources. This form of sensory stimulation demonstrates a generalizable non‐contact, non‐optogenetic, in situ activation of the mechanosensory system.
Graphene in Water is Hardly Ever Neutral
Authors: Boulbet‐Friedelmeyer Luna , Pécastaings Gilles , Labrugère‐Sarroste Christine , Faraudo Jordi , Pénicaud Alain , Drummond Carlos
Published: August 2024

Graphene in water is electrically charged in most conditions. The level of charge can be large enough to stabilize single (or few) layer graphene colloidal dispersions in water, without the need of using any other additive. In this work, potentiometric titration, isothermal titration calorimetry, electrokinetic measurements, Density Functional Theory calculations, Raman Spectroscopy, and direct force measurements using Atomic Force Microscopy to investigate this charge and explore its origin are combined. The body of data collected suggests that this charge is a consequence of the interaction between water ions (hydroxide and hydronium) and graphene, and can be conveniently tuned (in magnitude and sign) by changing the pH of water.
Pyramid Textured Photonic Films with High‐Refractive Index Fillers for Efficient Radiative Cooling
Authors: Fu Yuting , Chen Le , Guo Yuao , Shi Yuqing , Liu Yanjun , Zeng Yuqiang , Lin Yuanjing , Luo Dan
Published: August 2024

Sub‐ambient cooling technologies relying on passive radiation have garnered escalating research attention owing to the challenges posed by global warming and substantial energy consumption inherent in active cooling systems. However, achieving highly efficient radiative cooling devices capable of effective heat dissipation remains a challenge. Herein, by synergic optimization of the micro‐pyramid surface structures and 2D hexagonal boron nitride nanoplates (h‐BNNs) scattering fillers, pyramid textured photonic films with remarkable solar reflectivity of 98.5% and a mid‐infrared (MIR) emittance of 97.2% are presented. The h‐BNNs scattering filler with high thermal conductivity contributed to the enhanced through‐plane thermal conductivity up to 0.496 W m−1 K−1 and the in‐plane thermal conductivity of 3.175 W m−1 K−1. The photonic films exhibit an optimized effective radiative cooling power of 201.2 W m−2 at 40 °C under a solar irradiance of 900 W m−2 and a daily sub‐ambient cooling effect up to 11 °C. Even with simultaneous internal heat generation by a 10 W ceramic heater and external solar irradiance of 500 W m−2, a sub‐ambient cooling of 5 °C can be realized. The synergic matching strategy of high thermal conductivity scattering fillers and microstructured photonic surfaces holds promise for scalable sub‐ambient radiative cooling technologies.
Morphogenic Modeling of Corrosion Reveals Complex Effects of Intermetallic Particles
Authors: Batista Bruno C. , Romanovskaia Elena , Romanovski Valentin , Emmanuel Michael , Burns James T. , Ma Ji , Kiss Istvan Z. , Scully John R. , Steinbock Oliver
Published: August 2024

Corrosion processes are often discussed as stochastic events. Here, it is shown that some of these seemingly random processes are not driven by nanoscopic fluctuations but rather by the spatial distribution of micrometer‐scale heterogeneities that trigger fast reactions associated with corrosion. Using a novel excitable reaction‐diffusion model, corrosion waves traveling over the metal surface and the associated material loss are described. This resulting nonuniform corrosion penetration, seen as a height loss in modeling, exposes buried intermetallic particles, which depending on the local electrochemical state of the surface trigger or block new waves. Informed by quantitative experimental data for the Mg–Al–Zn alloy AZ31B, wave speeds, wave widths, and average material loss are accurately captured. Morphogenic mitigation based on wave‐breaking microparticles is also simulated. While AZ31B corrosion is identified as a process driven by rare‐wave events, this study predicts several other corrosion regimes that proceed via spots or patchy patterns, opening the door for new protection, design, and prediction strategies.
Soft Fibrous Syringe Architecture for Electricity‐Free and Motorless Control of Flexible Robotic Systems
Authors: Nguyen Chi Cong , Hoang Trung Thien , Davies James , Phan Phuoc Thien , Thai Mai Thanh , Nicotra Emanuele , Abed Amr Al , Tran Hien A. , Truong Thanh An , Sharma Bibhu , Ji Adrienne , Zhu Kefan , Wang Chun Hui , Phan Hoang‐Phuong , Lovell Nigel Hamilton , Do Thanh Nho
Published: August 2024

Flexible robotic systems (FRSs) and wearable user interfaces (WUIs) have been widely used in medical fields, offering lower infection risk and shorter recovery, and supporting amiable human–machine interactions (HMIs). Recently, soft electric, thermal, magnetic, and fluidic actuators with enhanced safety and compliance have innovatively boosted the use of FRSs and WUIs across many sectors. Among them, soft hydraulic actuators offer great speed, low noise, and high force density. However, they currently require bulky electric motors/pumps, pistons, valves, rigid accessories, and complex controllers, which inherently result in high cost, low adaptation, and complex setups. This paper introduces a novel soft fibrous syringe architecture (SFSA) consisting of two or more hydraulically connected soft artificial muscles that enable electricity‐free actuation, motorless control, and built‐in sensing ability for use in FRSs and WUIs. Its capabilities are experimentally demonstrated with various robotic applications including teleoperated flexible catheters, cable‐driven continuum robotic arms, and WUIs. In addition, its sensing abilities to detect passive and active touch, surface texture, and object stiffness are also proven. These excellent results demonstrate a high feasibility of using a current‐free and motor‐less control approach for the FRSs and WUIs, enabling new methods of sensing and actuation across the robotic field.
Neutrophil‐Targeting Semiconducting Polymer Nanotheranostics for NIR‐II Fluorescence Imaging‐Guided Photothermal‐NO‐Immunotherapy of Orthotopic Glioblastoma
Authors: Liu Jiansheng , Cheng Danling , Zhu Anni , Ding Mengbin , Yu Ningyue , Li Jingchao
Published: August 2024

Glioblastoma (GBM) is one of the deadliest primary brain tumors, but its diagnosis and curative therapy still remain a big challenge. Herein, neutrophil‐targeting semiconducting polymer nanotheranostics (SSPNiNO) is reported for second near‐infrared (NIR‐II) fluorescence imaging‐guided trimodal therapy of orthotopic glioblastoma in mouse models. The SSPNiNO are formed based on two semiconducting polymers acting as NIR‐II fluorescence probe as well as photothermal conversion agent, respectively. A thermal‐responsive nitric oxide (NO) donor and an adenosine 2A receptor (A2AR) inhibitor are co‐integrated into SSPNiNO to enable trimodal therapeutic actions. SSPNiNO are surface attached with a neutrophil‐targeting ligand to mediate their effective delivery into orthotopic GBM sites via a “Trojan Horse” manner, enabling high‐sensitive NIR‐II fluorescence imaging. Upon NIR‐II light illumination, SSPNiNO effectively generates heat via NIR‐II photothermal effect, which not only kills tumor cells and induces immunogenic cell death (ICD), but also triggers controlled NO release to strengthen tumor ICD. Additionally, the encapsulated A2AR inhibitor can modulate immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment by blocking adenosine‐A2AR pathway, which further boosts the antitumor immunological effect to observably suppress the orthotopic GBM progression. This study can provide a multifunctional theranostic nanoplatform with cumulative therapeutic actions for NIR‐II fluorescence imaging‐guided effective GBM treatment.
Deciphering 3'UTR Mediated Gene Regulation Using Interpretable Deep Representation Learning
Authors: Yang Yuning , Li Gen , Pang Kuan , Cao Wuxinhao , Zhang Zhaolei , Li Xiangtao
Published: August 2024

The 3' untranslated regions (3'UTRs) of messenger RNAs contain many important cis‐regulatory elements that are under functional and evolutionary constraints. It is hypothesized that these constraints are similar to grammars and syntaxes in human languages and can be modeled by advanced natural language techniques such as Transformers, which has been very effective in modeling complex protein sequence and structures. Here 3UTRBERT is described, which implements an attention‐based language model, i.e., Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers (BERT). 3UTRBERT is pre‐trained on aggregated 3'UTR sequences of human mRNAs in a task‐agnostic manner; the pre‐trained model is then fine‐tuned for specific downstream tasks such as identifying RBP binding sites, m6A RNA modification sites, and predicting RNA sub‐cellular localizations. Benchmark results show that 3UTRBERT generally outperformed other contemporary methods in each of these tasks. More importantly, the self‐attention mechanism within 3UTRBERT allows direct visualization of the semantic relationship between sequence elements and effectively identifies regions with important regulatory potential. It is expected that 3UTRBERT model can serve as the foundational tool to analyze various sequence labeling tasks within the 3'UTR fields, thus enhancing the decipherability of post‐transcriptional regulatory mechanisms.
Electrolyte‐Assisted Structure Reconstruction Optimization of Sn‐Zn Hybrid Oxide Boosts the Electrochemical CO2‐to‐HCOO− Conversion
Authors: Feng Jinxian , Liu Chunfa , Qiao Lulu , An Keyu , Lin Sen , Ip Weng Fai , Pan Hui
Published: August 2024

Electrolyte plays crucial roles in electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (e‐CO2RR), yet how it affects the e‐CO2RR performance still being unclarified. In this work, it is reported that Sn‐Zn hybrid oxide enables excellent CO2‐to‐HCOO− conversion in KHCO3 with a HCOO− Faraday efficiency ≈89%, a yield rate ≈0.58 mmol cm−2 h−1 and a stability up to ≈60 h at −0.93 V, which are higher than those in NaHCO3 and K2SO4. Systematical characterizations unveil that the surface reconstruction on Sn‐Zn greatly depends on the electrolyte using: the Sn‐SnO2/ZnO, the ZnO encapsulated Sn‐SnO2/ZnO and the Sn‐SnO2/Zn‐ZnO are reconstructed on the surface by KHCO3, NaHCO3 and K2SO4, respectively. The improved CO2‐to‐HCOO− performance in KHCO3 is highly attributed to the reconstructed Sn‐SnO2/ZnO, which can enhance the charge transportation, promote the CO2 adsorption and optimize the adsorption configuration, accumulate the protons by enhancing water adsorption/cleavage and limit the hydrogen evolution. The findings may provide insightful understanding on the relationship between electrolyte and surface reconstruction in e‐CO2RR and guide the design of novel electrocatalyst for effective CO2 reduction.
Ubiquitination of NS1 Confers Differential Adaptation of Zika Virus in Mammalian Hosts and Mosquito Vectors
Authors: Huang Chenxiao , Jiang Tao , Pan Wen , Feng Tingting , Zhou Xia , Wu Qihan , Ma Feng , Dai Jianfeng
Published: August 2024

Arboviruses, transmitted by medical arthropods, pose a serious health threat worldwide. During viral infection, Post Translational Modifications (PTMs) are present on both host and viral proteins, regulating multiple processes of the viral lifecycle. In this study, a mammalian E3 ubiquitin ligase WWP2 (WW domain containing E3 ubiquitin ligase 2) is identified, which interacts with the NS1 protein of Zika virus (ZIKV) and mediates K63 and K48 ubiquitination of Lys 265 and Lys 284, respectively. WWP2‐mediated NS1 ubiquitination leads to NS1 degradation via the ubiquitin‐proteasome pathway, thereby inhibiting ZIKV infection in mammalian hosts. Simultaneously, it is found Su(dx), a protein highly homologous to host WWP2 in mosquitoes, is capable of ubiquitinating NS1 in mosquito cells. Unexpectedly, ubiquitination of NS1 in mosquitoes does not lead to NS1 degradation; instead, it promotes viral infection in mosquitoes. Correspondingly, the NS1 K265R mutant virus is less infectious to mosquitoes than the wild‐type (WT) virus. The above results suggest that the ubiquitination of the NS1 protein confers different adaptations of ZIKV to hosts and vectors, and more importantly, this explains why NS1 K265‐type strains have become predominantly endemic in nature. This study highlights the potential application in antiviral drug and vaccine development by targeting viral proteins' PTMs.
Are Sulfide‐Based Solid‐State Electrolytes the Best Pair for Si Anodes in Li‐Ion Batteries?
Authors: Sun Qing , Zeng Guifang , Xu Xiao , Li Jing , Biendicho Jordi Jacas , Wang Shang , Tian Yanhong , Ci Lijie , Cabot Andreu
Published: August 2024

The integration of Si‐based anodes within sulfide‐based solid electrolyte (SSE) Li‐ion batteries (LIB) has emerged as a promising avenue of research and development, attracting increasing interest in recent years. This work comprehensively examines the latest research directions and major strides in this field. It covers the key advances in the design and engineering of nano‐ and micro‐structured Si anode architectures, and strategies of surface modification. Additionally, it explores the impacts of external pressure, the role of binders and conductive additives, and the implications of varying Si particle size. Beyond providing a detailed account of the evolution of Si anodes within SSE LIBs, this work also identifies critical research challenges that urgently need addressing. These include the electrochemical‐mechanical evolution behavior and failure mechanism of Si anodes in SSE LIBs, strategies for structural and interface modifications, methods for preparing Si electrodes, advancements in high‐performance SSEs, and the development of scalable technologies for SSE thin films. Moreover, it discusses high‐energy cathodes tailored for Si‐based SSE LIBs. The identified research priorities are set to offer crucial guidance and insights, supporting the ongoing investigations and innovations in this dynamic area of research.
Rapid degradation of DHX36 revealing its transcriptional role by interacting with G‐quadruplex
Authors: Lu Ziang , Xu Jinglei , Chen Yuqi , Zhou Yuanyuan , Zhou Xiaolu , Wang Qi , Wei Qi , Han Shaoqing , Zhao Ruiqi , Weng Xiaocheng , Zhang Xiaolian , Zhou Xiang
Published: August 2024

Accumulating evidence indicates that G‐quadruplexes (G4s) are involved in transcriptional regulation. Previous studies have demonstrated that DHX36 preferentially resolves G4s, suggesting its potential impact on gene transcription mediated by these structures. However, systematic validation is required to establish a link between DHX36 activity and its roles in transcriptional regulation. In this study, we investigate the role of DHX36 in transcription. First, we employ the cleavage under targets and tagmentation (CUT&Tag), an efficient method for mapping protein–DNA interactions, to identify the binding sites in the chromatin of MCF‐7 cells. Subsequently, we use the auxin‐inducible degron (AID) protein degradation system and improved nascent RNA sequencing method acrylonitrile‐mediated uridine‐to‐cytidine conversion sequencing (AMUC‐seq) to pinpoint genes directly regulated by DHX36. Our results reveal a significant enrichment of G4 structures at DHX36 target sites, predominantly located in active genomic regions. In vitro assays further demonstrate DHX36's interaction with G4 sequences from three specific oncogenes. These findings underscore the potential role of DHX36 in modulating gene transcription through G4 structures.
Bioinspired Morphing Mechanisms for Soft Systems: A Review
Authors: Rabaux Oscar , Jérôme Christine
Published: August 2024

Throughout evolution, plants have developed a number of strategies to induce movement ensuring the survival and reproduction of their species. Carnivorous plants feed by trapping insects, sunflowers grow by following the sun, and pine cones control the dispersal of their seeds under optimal conditions. This comprehensive review first analyses the mechanisms responsible for these adaptive movements highlighting the need for a gradient in one of the physico‐chemical properties to enable morphing. Next, the main synthetic shape‐changing soft systems are presented in terms of their mechanism of action. A gradient in water‐swelling, magneto‐rheological properties, residual deformation, or extensibility gives hygromorphs, magnetomorphs, mechanomorphs, and baromorphs, respectively. The various morphing triggers, namely light, heat, pH, tensile stress, pressure, electric, and magnetic fields, are described. The opportunities and challenges of each system are put into perspective. This report aims to provide the reader with a toolbox for designing shape‐changing materials considering the targeted trigger, as well as providing a deeper understanding of the underlying mechanisms paving the way for future discoveries.
Polaritonic Chemistry Enabled by Non‐Local Metasurfaces
Authors: Verdelli Francesco , Wei Yu‐Chen , Joseph Kripa , Abdelkhalik Mohamed S. , Goudarzi Masoumeh , Askes Sven H. C. , Baldi Andrea , Meijer E. W. , Gomez Rivas Jaime
Published: August 2024

Vibrational strong coupling can modify chemical reaction pathways in unconventional ways. Thus far, Fabry‐Perot cavities formed by pairs of facing mirrors have been mostly utilized to achieve vibrational strong coupling. In this study, we demonstrate the application of non‐local metasurfaces that can sustain surface lattice resonances, enabling chemical reactions under vibrational strong coupling. We show that the solvolysis kinetics of para‐nitrophenyl acetate can be accelerated by a factor of 2.7 by strong coupling to the carbonyl bond of the solvent and the solute with a surface lattice resonance. Our work introduces a new platform to investigate polaritonic chemical reactions. In contrast to Fabry‐Perot cavities, metasurfaces define open optical cavities with single surfaces, which removes alignment hurdles, facilitating polaritonic chemistry across large areas.
Highly Durable Inverted Inorganic Perovskite/Organic Tandem Solar Cells Enabled by Multifunctional Additives
Authors: Li Yanxun , Yan Yichao , Fu Yuang , Jiang Wenlin , Liu Ming , Chen Mingqian , Huang Xiaofeng , Lu Guanghao , Lu Xinhui , Yin Jun , Wu Shengfan , Jen Alex K.‐Y.
Published: August 2024

Inverted perovskite/organic tandem solar cells (P/O TSCs) suffer from poor long‐term device stability due to halide segregation in organic–inorganic hybrid wide‐band gap (WBG) perovskites, which hinders their practical deployment. Therefore, developing all‐inorganic WBG perovskites for incorporation into P/O TSCs is a promising strategy because of their superior stability under continuous illumination. However, these inorganic WBG perovskites also face some critical issues, including rapid crystallization, phase instability, and large energy loss, etc. To tackle these issues, two multifunctional additives based on 9,10‐anthraquinone‐2‐sulfonic acid (AQS) are developed to regulate the perovskite crystallization by mediating the intermediate phases and suppress the halide segregation through the redox‐shuttle effect. By coupling with organic cations having the desirable functional groups and dipole moments, these additives can effectively passivate the defects and adjust the alignment of interface energy levels. Consequently, a record Voc approaching 1.3 V with high power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 18.59 % could be achieved in a 1.78 eV band gap single‐junction inverted all‐inorganic PSC. More importantly, the P/O TSC derived from this cell demonstrates a T90 lifetime of 1000 h under continuous operation, presenting the most stable P/O TSCs reported so far.
Self‐Assembled Hydrazide‐Based Nanochannels: Efficient Water Translocation and Salt Rejection
Authors: Mondal Abhishek , Mondal Debashis , Sarkar Susmita , Shivpuje Umesh , Mondal Jagannath , Talukdar Pinaki
Published: August 2024

Nature has ingeniously developed specialized water transporters that effectively reject ions, including protons, while transporting water across membranes. These natural water channels, known as aquaporins (AQPs), have inspired the creation of Artificial Water Channels (AWCs). However, replicating superfast water transport with synthetic molecular structures that exclude salts and protons is a challenging task. This endeavor demands the coexistence of a suitable water‐binding site and a selective filter for precise water transportation. Here, we present small‐molecule hydrazides 1 b–1 d that self‐assemble into a rosette‐type nanochannel assembly through intermolecular hydrogen bonding and π‐π stacking interactions, and selectively transport water molecules across lipid bilayer membranes. The experimental analysis demonstrates notable permeability rates for the 1 c derivative, enabling approximately 3.18×108 water molecules to traverse the channel per second. This permeability rate is about one order of magnitude lower than that of AQPs. Of particular significance, the 1 c ensures exclusive passage of water molecules while effectively blocking salts and protons. MD simulation studies confirmed the stability and water transport properties of the water channel assembly inside the bilayer membranes at ambient conditions.
Allostery at a Protein‐Protein Interface Harboring an Intermolecular Motional Network
Authors: Medina Gomez Sara , Gonzalez Tye I. , Vasa Suresh K. , Linser Rasmus
Published: August 2024

Motional properties of proteins govern recognition, catalysis, and regulation. The dynamics of tightly interacting residues can form intramolecular dynamic networks, dependencies fine‐tuned by evolution to optimize a plethora of functional aspects. The constructive interaction of residues from different proteins to assemble intermolecular dynamic networks is a similarly likely case but has escaped thorough experimental assessment due to interfering association/dissociation dynamics. Here, we use fast‐MAS solid‐state 15N R1ρ NMR relaxation dispersion aided by molecular‐dynamics simulations to mechanistically assess the hierarchy of individual μs timescale motions arising from a crystal‐crystal contact, in the absence of translational motion. In contrast to the monomer, where particular mutations entail isolated perturbations, specific intermolecular interactions couple the motional properties between distant residues in the same protein. The mechanistic insights obtained from this conceptual work may improve our understanding on how intramolecular allostery can be tuned by intermolecular interactions via assembly of dynamic networks from previously isolated elements.
Studies on Structure, Morphology and Antimicrobial and Anticancer Activities of [BMIM][BF4]‐Coated ZnO Nanoparticles
Authors: Rajarajeswari Arumugam , Stella Selvaraj
Published: August 2024

Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) coated with 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ionic liquid (IL) (ZnO‐[BMIM][BF4] NPs) and ZnO NPs without IL coating were both synthesized by co‐precipitation. Various analytical methods were used to characterize the synthesized NPs. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed that ZnO NPs had a mean crystallite size of 32 nm and that of ZnO‐[BMIM][BF4] NPs was 22 nm. IL alters the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) peaks of the as‐prepared ZnO NPs. A blueshift was seen in the absorption peak of ZnO‐[BMIM][BF4] NPs as compared to bare ZnO NPs. An examination of the UV–visible (UV–Vis) spectra revealed that the optical bandgap decreases with the addition of IL to ZnO NPs. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR‐TEM) investigation revealed the morphology and size of the nanostructured particles. The chemically prepared ZnO‐[BMIM][BF4] NPs displayed the irregular spherical‐shaped morphologies in the range of nanoscale. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed the conventional hexagonal wurtzite structure of ZnO‐[BMIM][BF4] NPs. Synthesized ZnO‐NPs in water have a zeta potential of −13.1 mV, showing that they are stable solutions. Thermal behaviour of ZnO NPs was studied using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential thermal analysis (DTA). The agar‐well diffusion technique was used to investigate and compare the antimicrobial activity of synthesized ZnO‐[BMIM][BF4] NPs against the following bacteria and fungi: Streptococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans. The MCF7 breast cancer cells were used to assess the anticancer capabilities of ZnO‐[BMIM][BF4] NPs at various doses (100 μg/mL, 10 μg/mL, 1 μg/mL, 100 ng/mL, 10 ng/mL and 1 ng/mL) using MTT assays. The range of cell inhibition was determined to be from 19.14% to 70.52%. The percentage of cytotoxicity increases was observed when the concentration of synthesized ZnO‐[BMIM][BF4] NPs ranges from 1 ng/mL to 100 μg/mL.
Molecular insights into the oleic acid accumulation in safflower
Authors: Salunke Gayatri , Badhe Yogesh , Singh Vrijendra , Ghorpade Prakash , Hegde Mahabaleshwar , Kadoo Narendra
Published: August 2024

Most of the Indian safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) varieties produce oil rich in linoleic acid (LA, ~75%) and low in oleic acid (OA, ~15%). In the fatty acid biosynthetic pathway, the fatty acid desaturase 2 (FAD2) enzyme converts OA to LA. Safflower is reported to have 12–20 FAD2 genes. Gene expression analysis of four FAD2 genes during seed development in a high LA variety, PBNS‐12, revealed high expression of FAD2‐1 at 21 days after flowering (DAF), correlating with high LA accumulation. Fatty acid profiling of 448 Indian safflower germplasm accessions revealed four lines to have high (58%–77%) OA content, with NASF‐39 having the highest OA content. Interestingly, all four high OA lines showed the same mutation in the FAD2‐1 gene. The DNA sequence of FAD2‐1 from the four high OA lines showed a deletion of C at the +606 position, resulting in a premature stop codon at the +733 position and a truncated protein of 244 amino acids. Hence, despite the high expression levels of FAD2‐1 in NASF‐39 at 18–21 DAF, it exhibited high OA (77%). The dysfunctional nature of the truncated FAD2‐1 in NASF‐39 was evident in molecular docking studies with 1‐stearoyl‐2‐oleoyl phosphatidylcholine. We also sequenced FATB, a thioesterase responsible for releasing stearic acid from acyl carrier protein for further desaturation to oleic acid, where an A773G substitution was observed. This resulted in E258G substitution in NASF‐39 FATB compared to that of PBNS‐12. This probably made the acyl‐binding pocket of NASF‐39 FATB unstable, contributing to high OA accumulation. Thus, the outcomes of this study can help develop super and ultra‐high oleic safflower varieties through various genetics and genomics approaches.
Suppression of Zinc Dendrite Growth by Enhanced Polyacrylamide Gel Electrolytes in Zinc‐Ion Battery
Authors: Yuan Jingjing , Li Yifan , Ma Yuqing , Ruan Yuan , He Junjie , Xu Hui , Zhang Zhongqiang , He Guangyu , Chen Haiqun
Published: August 2024

Aqueous zinc‐ion batteries have become a promising energy storage battery due to high theoretical specific capacity, abundant zinc resources and low cost. However, zinc dendrite growth and hydrogen evolution reaction limit their application. This study aims to improve the cycling performance and stability of aqueous zinc‐ion batteries by improving the gel electrolyte. Polyacrylamide (PAM) is selected as the base material of the gel electrolyte, which has good stability and safety, but the water retention capacity, Zn2+ migration number, and ionic conductivity of PAM are low, which affects the long‐term stability of the battery. In response to these problems, we optimized PAM by chemical cross‐linking method, and formed an enhanced PAM gel by adding disodium citrate dihydrate (SC). Experimental results show that the introduction of an appropriate amount of SC in the enhanced PAM gel electrolyte can significantly improve its electrochemical performance. The zinc‐ion symmetric battery achieved a stable cycle of more than 2100 hours at a current density of 0.5 mA cm−2, which is mainly attributed to the inhibitory effect of the enhanced PAM gel on zinc dendrite growth and hydrogen evolution reaction. This study provides a new direction for the development and application of flexible zinc‐ion batteries.
A Clean Slate: Adapting the Realization Effect to Online Gambling and Its Effectiveness in People With Gambling Problems
Authors: Zhang Ke , Imas Alex , Clark Luke
Published: August 2024

Betting more after losses (i.e., “loss‐chasing”) is a central clinical feature of disordered gambling. According to prospect theory, increasing risk‐seeking following losses could arise from a failure to “re‐reference.” By contrast, successful re‐referencing between successive decisions closes the mental account, and any losses are regarded as final or realized; gamblers should not chase realized losses. The present study sought to test this “realization effect” among gamblers using an ecologically valid online gambling task. We were further interested in whether the effectiveness of the loss realization varied as a function of problem gambling severity. Using online recruitment of past‐year gamblers stratified on the Problem Gambling Severity Index, we tested a group without gambling problems (n = 227), a group with at‐risk gambling (n = 239), and a group with gambling problems (n = 223). Over a sequence of nine bets, after the sixth bet, half of the participants underwent a simulated realization procedure that entailed cashing out from the gambling website and redepositing their remaining funds on another website. The feedback comparison group were shown their account balance after the sixth bet but did not withdraw or transfer their funds. In line with the realization effect, the group with non‐problem gambling significantly reduced their bet after cashing out. The realization procedure did not significantly ameliorate loss‐chasing in the groups with at‐risk gambling or gambling problems. We conclude that the realization effect can be elicited in an online gambling context but that stronger interventions for realizing losses may be required for people experiencing gambling problems.
The interplay of cash flow uncertainty and firm life cycle on sustainability disclosure
Authors: Shiljas K , Kumar Dilip
Published: August 2024

This study investigates the role of cash flow uncertainty and firm life cycle on sustainability disclosures using environmental, social and governance (ESG) disclosure score data. We conduct our analysis on a sample of 190 Indian firms for a period of 12 years from 2010 to 2021. Drawing upon the real‐option theory and organisational‐inertia theory, we document a negative impact of cash flow uncertainty and firm life cycle on a firm's commitment to disclose sustainability information. We also find a significant impact of managerial risk inclination and risk tolerance at the firm level in moderating the above relationships. Our findings can help managers equip themselves to meet the challenges of sustainability commitments during cash flow constraints and firm life‐cycle transitions. Moreover, our results can also help policymakers in assessing the need to enforce sustainability disclosures depending on the hurdles confronted by a firm.
Acyclovir‐induced psychiatric and renal adverse effects in a diabetic patient: A case report
Authors: Roshanzamiri Soheil , Mousavizadeh Seyyedeh Azam , Razazzadeh Sareh , Ziaie Shadi
Published: August 2024

Key Clinical Message

Acyclovir can cause neurotoxicity and nephrotoxicity, especially in diabetic patients with renal impairment. Consider acyclovir dose adjustment, close monitoring of kidney function, and hemodialysis as a potential therapeutic option in such cases.
Cardiac interventricular septum hemangioma in a colon cancer patient treated with Capecitabine: A case report and review of literature
Authors: Zonooz Yasamin Afsari , Alizadehasl Azin , Davani Delaram Narimani , Jebelli Seyedeh Fatemeh Hosseini , Aliabadi Azam Yalameh , Najdaghi Soroush , Meshgi Shahla , Shafieeardestani Soudabeh
Published: August 2024

Key Clinical Message

We report a case of a 21‐year‐old male with stage IIIB sigmoid colon adenocarcinoma who experienced atypical chest pain post‐adjuvant chemotherapy with Capecitabine (5‐FU prodrug). Evaluation revealed an unexpectedly detected interventricular septum hemangioma. Due to the vasospasm effect of chemotherapy presenting with semi‐ischemia, conservative management was chosen for atypical presentation.
Concomitant manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus flare‐up and nodal marginal zone B‐cell lymphoma in a 41‐year‐old male patient: A challenging case report
Authors: Zarafshani Mohammadkian , Rahmanian Ehsan , Manouchehri Ardekani Reza , Matini Seyed Amir Hassan , Loghman Maryam , Faezi Seyedeh Tahereh
Published: August 2024

Key Clinical Message

Malignancy may be a possible cause of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) flare‐ups, and it is necessary to consider it in the context of treatment resistance. In this case, we present a challenging instance of concomitant nodal marginal zone B‐cell lymphoma (NMZL) and SLE flare‐up in a 41‐year‐old male patient.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease that can cause various symptoms and affect multiple organs in the body. It is also associated with the development of malignancies, especially lymphomas. This case report discusses a patient who experienced a flare‐up of SLE along with hypercalcemia, which led to the diagnosis of nodal marginal zone B‐cell lymphoma (NMZL). This is the first case of its kind to be reported. A 41‐year‐old man with a 10‐year history of SLE and antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) was referred to our center due to several symptoms, including fatigue, oral lesions, dyspnea, bilateral wrist pain and inflammation, mild pericardial effusion, organ enlargement, pancytopenia, high erythrocyte sedimentation (ESR) level, high anti‐double stranded DNA (anti‐dsDNA) level, low complement level, resistant hypercalcemia, and high brain natriuretic peptide (pro‐BNP) level. After further testing, it was discovered that the patient had NMZL, which was the ultimate diagnosis. He underwent six cycles of the R‐CHOP chemotherapy regimen, and his clinical and laboratory conditions improved during follow‐ups. The initial case of SLE flare‐up, with concomitant NMZL is being reported as the final diagnosis. In simpler terms, it is possible for lymphoma to manifest as a potential cause of SLE flare‐ups, and clinicians should be mindful that they need to consider malignant conditions when faced with treatment resistance.
Atypical presentation of Felty syndrome: Successful management with rituximab therapy—A case report and review of literature
Authors: Iqbal Rabia , Colon‐Ramos Ana , Hysenaj Zhenisa , Sinha Samridhi , Nabi Shahzaib , Marowa Sabrin
Published: August 2024

Key Clinical Message

The atypical presentation of Felty syndrome, even without arthritis symptoms, needs further evaluation. Timely diagnosis of neutropenia and splenomegaly in patients with rheumatoid arthritis without joint symptoms is crucial for a better prognosis. Despite the rarity of the condition, clinicians should have a high index of suspicion, and multidisciplinary collaboration between rheumatology, hematology, and other specialists is required for accurate diagnosis.
NMR Screen Reveals the Diverse Structural Landscape of a G‐Quadruplex Library
Authors: Sgallová Ráchel , Volek Martin , Kurfürst Jaroslav , Srb Pavel , Veverka Václav , Curtis Edward A.
Published: August 2024

G‐quadruplexes are noncanonical nucleic acid structures formed by stacked guanosine tetrads. Despite their functional and structural diversity, a single consensus model is typically used to describe sequences with the potential to form G‐quadruplex structures. We are interested in developing more specific sequence models for G‐quadruplexes. In previous work, we functionally characterized each sequence in a 496‐member library of variants of a monomeric reference G‐quadruplex for the ability to bind GTP, promote a model peroxidase reaction, generate intrinsic fluorescence, and to form multimers. Here we used NMR to obtain a broad overview of the structural features of this library. After determining the 1H NMR spectrum of each of these 496 sequences, spectra were sorted into multiple classes, most of which could be rationalized based on mutational patterns in the primary sequence. A more detailed screen using representative sequences provided additional information about spectral classes, and confirmed that the classes determined based on analysis of 1H NMR spectra are correlated with functional categories identified in previous studies. These results provide new insights into the surprising structural diversity of this library. They also show how NMR can be used to identify classes of sequences with distinct mutational signatures and functions.