bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physicochemical Properties and Consumer Acceptability of Break Fast Cereal Made from Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L) Soybean (Glycine max), Bambara Groundnut (Vigna subterranean) and Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea)
Authors: Usman Mohammed A.
Published: April 2021

The present study was aimed at the assessment of physicochemical and consumer acceptability of breakfast cereals developed from locally-sourced materials (sorghum, soybean, Bambara groundnut and groundnut). Ten samples were formulated by mixing the flours in different ratios while the formulated flours were subjected to various analyses including proximate composition, functional properties, vitamins and microbial evaluation and consumer acceptability. The results revealed the following ranges in the proximate parameters: moisture (6.45 – 10.46%), protein (10.26 –19.64%), fat (3.89–11.42%), ash (1.48 – 2.69%), crude fiber (1.94–3.72%), carbohydrates (56.09 – 72.06%), and energy (363.52 – 405.64 Kcal). The functional properties of the formulated breakfast cereal were bulk density (0.65-1.14 g/cm3), water absorption capacity (70.45-82.45 ml/g), swelling index (7.05-10.95%), solubility (73.55-88.84%), and viscosity (22.96-38.84 cP). Appreciable quantities of vitamins were present in the formulated breakfast cereal including vitamins C, B1, B2, B3, and folic acid. The sensory evaluation on the formulated breakfast cereal revealed that sample F (5% Malted sorghum flour + 65% Unmalted Sorghum flour + 30% Soybean flour) was rated the highest in terms of appearance, taste, and overall acceptability. The comparative advantage of this formulated cereal meal is that the ingredients used (soybean, sorghum, Bambara groundnut and groundnut) are easily grown in the tropical areas with high yield and are locally available.
Die Placement Performance Evaluation on Different Machine Platforms
Authors: Rodriguez Rennier , Jr. Edwin Graycochea , Gomez Frederick Ray
Published: April 2021

The paper focuses on the die placement tolerance capability with critical design for land grid array (LGA) device evaluated on two different die attach machine platforms. The evaluation was narrowed down into two main die attach machines with the objective of attaining the best performance in terms of die placement tolerance capability. Die placement tolerance were quantified and only die attach Machine B was able to satisfy the specification of less than 30 microns. The study used a bar graph comparison in terms of die placement tolerance on the two machines and presented the effect of machine selection on die placement tolerance capability. For future works, the selected die attach machine could be used for devices with critical requirement.
CircCCNB1 inhibits vasculogenic mimicry by sequestering NF90 to promote miR‐15b‐5p and miR‐7‐1‐3p processing in nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Fan Chunmei , Tan Fenghua , Wu Jie , Zeng Zhaoyang , Guo Wenjia , Huang He , Xiong Wei
Published: February 2025

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a kind of malignant tumor with high metastasis. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are involved in tumor progression, but their functions and mechanisms are not well understood. Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) has been discovered as an alternative way to supply tumor nutrition and accelerate tumor progression, including NPC. We previously found that circCCNB1 (derived from cyclin B1) could inhibit the migration and invasion of NPC cells by binding to nuclear factor 90 (NF90), however, whether circCCNB1 has additional biological functions is still unclear. In this study, the effects of circCCNB1 binding to NF90 on the generation of miR‐15b‐5p and miR‐7‐1‐3p were detected using qRT‐PCR, western blotting, RNA pulldown, ribonucleoprotein immunoprecipitation and truncated experiments. VM formation assays were used to assess their biological functions. We found that circCCNB1 promoted the processing and generation of miR‐15b‐5p and miR‐7‐1‐3p through competitive binding to NF90, thereby inhibiting the expression of calumenin (CALU), kinesin family member 1B (KIF1B), RNA polymerase III subunit G (POLR3G), ultimately decreasing the VM of NPC cells. This study not only reveals a new function of circCCNB1 in NPC, but also provides new insights for targeting angiogenesis therapy.
Comparative Effectiveness and Safety of the JAK Inhibitors and Biologic Disease‐Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs in Treating Children With Nonsystemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: A Bayesian Meta‐Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Li Yuxiang , Huang Bin , Andorf Sandra , Yue Xiaomeng , Lovell Daniel J. , Brunner Hermine I.
Published: February 2025

Objective

We evaluated the efficacy and safety profiles of JAK inhibitors (JAKi) and biologic disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) when used with or without methotrexate (MTX) for the treatment of nonsystemic forms of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (nsJIA).

Methods

Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) investigating efficacy and safety outcomes of JAKi or bDMARDs for the nsJIA population up to 2023 were searched in ClinicalTrial.gov, PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases. Bayesian arm‐based network meta‐analysis compared efficacy as measured by Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis‐American College of Rheumatology 70 (JIA‐ACR70) improvement and safety based on rates of serious adverse events (SAEs) among all therapies.

Results

Eligible studies included 45 citations from 16 RCTs (7 parallel and 9 withdrawal trials) with a total of 1,821 participants that investigated nine bDMARDs, three with and six without MTX co‐treatment, and two JAKis (tofacitinib and baricitnib). The reported SAE incidence rates ranged from 0 to 0.3 per person‐year of follow‐up; none of the pairwise comparisons were statistically significant. The JIA‐ACR70 improvement by 16 weeks of treatment ranged from 11.3% to 89.5%. Compared with controls, significant JIA‐ACR70 improvements were observed for etanercept, golimumab, and all three combination therapies (adalimumab+MTX, etanercept+MTX, and infliximab+MTX), with odds ratios ranging from 2.97 to 3.99. No significant pairwise comparisons between bDMARDs and JAKi versus bDMARDs were noted.

Conclusion

Overall, no significant evidence was found for efficacy and safety profiles in pairwise comparisons of JAKis and bDMARDs. Future studies will expand the meta‐analysis by including non‐RCT studies and individual participant data.
Chronicity of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor–Associated Inflammatory Arthritis After Immunotherapy Discontinuation: Results From the Canadian Research Group of Rheumatology in Immuno‐Oncology Database
Authors: Ladouceur Alexandra , Jamal Shahin , Saltman Alexandra , Himmel Megan , Hudson Marie , Pope Janet , Hoa Sabrina , Roberts Janet , Colmegna Inés , Arreola Lourdes Gonzalez , Nevskaya Tatiana , Karmali Ammana , Moon David , Schmidt Emma , Toban Nader , Cho Lindsay , Barnetche Thomas , Ye Carrie
Published: February 2025

Objective

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) improve overall survival (OS) and progression‐free survival (PFS) in many types of malignancies but can result in off‐target immune‐related adverse events including inflammatory arthritis (ICI‐associated inflammatory arthritis [ICI‐IA]), which can persist even after ICI cessation. We aimed to examine the proportion of patients with ICI‐IA who develop chronic ICI‐IA and describe characteristics and outcomes associated with chronic ICI‐IA.

Methods

We identified patients from the Canadian Research Group of Rheumatology in Immuno‐Oncology retrospective cohort who developed de novo ICI‐IA with at least three months of follow‐up after ICI cessation. Chronic ICI‐IA was defined as symptoms or ongoing immunosuppression lasting beyond three months after ICI discontinuation. Acute ICI‐IA was defined as resolution of ICI‐IA symptoms and discontinuation of immunosuppression within three months of ICI discontinuation. OS and PFS were assessed with Kaplan–Meier curves. Landmark multivariable Cox proportional hazard models for OS and PFS were conducted.

Results

The study cohort included 119 patients. A total of 15 patients (13%) had acute ICI‐IA, whereas 104 (87%) had chronic ICI‐IA. Patients with chronic ICI‐IA were more likely to be White and to have polyarthritis at presentation. After adjusting for age, sex, tumor type, stage of cancer, ICI‐IA treatment, and time from ICI initiation to ICI‐IA onset, patients with chronic ICI‐IA had greater PFS from ICI initiation (adjusted hazard ratio 0.27, 95% confidence interval 0.08–0.98; P = 0.046). Adjusted hazard ratio for OS was similar between those with acute versus chronic ICI‐IA.

Conclusion

ICI‐IA frequently persists after ICI discontinuation. Chronic ICI‐IA is associated with improved PFS, but not OS, as compared to acute ICI‐IA.
Current and Future Cornea Chip Models for Advancing Ophthalmic Research and Therapeutics
Authors: Kim Minju , Choi Kanghoon , Lin Amy , Kim Jungkyu
Published: February 2025

Corneal blindness remains a significant global health challenge, with limited treatment options due to donor tissue scarcity outside of the United States and inadequate in vitro models. This review analyzes the current state of cornea chip technology, addressing fundamental challenges and exploring future directions. Recent advancements in biomaterials and fabrication techniques are discussed that aim to recapitulate the complex structure and function of the human cornea, including the multilayered epithelium, organized stroma, and functional endothelium. The review highlights the potential of the cornea chips to revolutionize ocular research by offering more predictive and physiologically relevant models for drug screening, disease modeling, and personalized medicine. Current designs, their applications in studying drug permeability, barrier function, and wound healing, and their limitations in replicating native corneal architecture, are examined. Key challenges include integrating corneal curvature, basement membrane formation, and innervation. Applications are explored in modeling diseases like keratitis, dry eye disease, keratoconus, and Fuchs' endothelial dystrophy. Future directions include incorporating corneal curvature using hydraulically controlled systems, using patient‐derived cells, and developing comprehensive disease models to accelerate therapy development and reduce reliance on animal testing.
Geometry‐Assisted Phase Selection: Interplay of Phase Heterogeneity and Geometry in Gyroid Shell Metamaterials Printed with 17‐4 PH Stainless Steel
Authors: Pürstl Julia T. , Fields Brandon , Ziemke Patrick , della Ventura Nicolò M. , Ainger Kate M. , Apelian Diran , Gianola Daniel S. , Begley Matthew R. , Valdevit Lorenzo
Published: February 2025

Microstructural control is both a major challenge and an opportunity in additive manufacturing of parts, and plays a particularly dominant role in the performance of components with complex geometries. Much effort has gone into metal additive manufacturing of metamaterials; yet a thorough understanding of microstructural controllability toward optimized part performance is lacking. Of interest is the development of functionally graded metamaterials, which locally optimize part properties to enhance overall part performance. 17‐4 precipitation hardened (PH) stainless steel has previously been shown to exhibit phase control as a function of printing parameters; yet the influence of geometry on phase evolution in printing of complex structures and metamaterials has so far remained unexplored. The present study aimed at elucidating the relationship between phase evolution and geometry in gyroid shell metamaterials printed in 17‐4 PH steel via laser powder bed fusion. Local hardening is demonstrated to occur as a function of geometry, likely prompted by topology‐induced variations in cooling profiles. The associated phase evolution is governed by the gyroid geometry and strongly correlates with geometry‐dependent loading paths therein. This demonstrates the possibility of inducing functional grading through geometric complexity, highlighting the possibility of significant property enhancements through local microstructural control.
A Low‐Scattering Conformal Transmitarray Antenna Based on an Absorptive Metasurface
Authors: Li Mengyao , Shen Zhongxiang
Published: February 2025

Reducing scattering of large aperture antenna is crucial and challengeable in many communication and military systems. In addition, in numerous application scenarios, antennas are required to be integrated with conformal platforms. In this article, a conformal transmitarray with a low scattering‐signature is proposed. To overcome the difficulty of realizing curved structures using the traditional printed circuit board technology, an all‐metal phase shifting component with adjustable transmission phase response is designed. In the meanwhile our proposed phase shifting component is based on cross‐polarization conversion, which can avoid stacking multiple metallic layers to achieve a thin profile. A transmitarray aperture is composed of these all‐metal elements which then implemented for beam collimation. Furthermore, a lossy layer based on an ultra‐thin substrate is cascaded with the conformal structure to form an absorptive metasurface‐based transmitarray to absorb scattered waves. As a result, gain enhancement is achieved within the antenna's operating band with a peak gain of 21.59 dBi with a maximum aperture efficiency of 46.7%, while a significant scattering reduction is achieved at the antenna's out‐of‐band frequencies simultaneously.
Quantum‐Dot‐Electrolyte Light‐Emitting Diodes for Displays
Authors: Ren Yunfei , Liang Xiaoci , Lu Xiuyuan , Liu Baiquan , Zhang Li , Zhang Lingjiao , Huang Yi , Zheng Huajian , Jin Yizheng , Liu Chuan
Published: February 2025

Electroluminescence (EL) is essential for modern technologies, such as displays, lighting, and optical communications. To date, some kinds of artificial EL devices have been developed, including organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs), quantum‐dot (QD) LEDs, and light‐emitting electrochemical cells. However, issues (e.g., inefficient charge injection, exciton quenching) limit the further EL performance. Here, another promising kind of EL device is reported, which is called QD‐electrolyte LED (QE‐LED). The key feature of QE‐LED is that an ionic liquid is doped into QDs as the electrolyte emitter of multi‐layer device architectures. Both theoretical and experimental analyses reveal that an enhanced interface electric field from the in situ formed electrical double layer is leveraged to improve the charge injection and transport. With the introduction of insulating polymers into QD‐electrolyte emitters, red QE‐LED achieves an external quantum efficiency of 20.5% and a lifetime (T95) over 3.74 × 105 h at the display‐related luminance of 100 cd m−2, indicating that the QE‐LED is among the best EL devices. Furthermore, an active‐matrix QE‐LED display is demonstrated with superior stability that overtakes the commercial benchmark. These results offer an avenue to discover unexplored EL devices and provide potential pathways to enhance charge dynamics for EL devices.
A Biocompatible Infrared Rewritable Technique Based on Flexible Conjugated Polymer PEDOT:DSS
Authors: Wei Ganghui , Li Qiong , Lan Ni , Fu Yujun , Liu Qiming , Zhao Yonggang , He Deyan
Published: February 2025

With the rapid advancement of information technology, information security has become a major challenge in contemporary society. Optical cryptography has gained attention as a key research area in cryptography due to its unique multi‐dimensional storage and large‐capacity features. In this study, a novel infrared rewritable PEDOT:DSS film (IRR‐PDF) is introduced, that demonstrates excellent biocompatibility and flexibility. Furthermore, it can efficiently regulate thermal emission through a simple redox treatment and can be written and erased reversibly. Additionally, the operational principles of IRR‐PDF in modulating infrared thermal imaging are explored. This investigation reveals that the core mechanisms behind the phenomenon involve the modulation of polar transport properties of PEDOT molecules by redox agents and the regulation of infrared emission through changes in crystal conformation during the redox process. The discovery opens up new possibilities for practical applications in infrared direct writing and cryptographic encryption. The biocompatibility of PEDOT:DSS, which distinguishes it from other conductive polymers such as poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS), allows IRR‐PDF to be widely used in smart wearables field. It also establishes a crucial technological link with the multi‐dimensional storage and high‐capacity features of optical cryptography, which provides novel insights and material foundations for future applications and advancements in information security.
Photochromic Molecules Enable Optical Control of Optomechanical Coupling in a Cavity
Authors: Cagetti Marta , Cardelli Michele , Arimondo Ennio , Lavista Lorenzo , D'Elia Francesca , Camposeo Andrea , Pisignano Dario , Ciampini Donatella
Published: February 2025

Expanding the control of optomechanical coupling into the optical domain, namely beyond electronic and electromechanical gates, offers unequalled advantages in terms of spatial precision and remote operation. Here, a photochromic‐based system is introduced with optically tunable optomechanical coupling. The system features a multilayered membrane as one of its mirrors, as well as a polymer layer doped with a photochromic molecule and a near‐infrared absorbing dye. The interaction between mechanical modes and the electromagnetic field is harnessed to lower the effective temperature of mechanical vibrations. Laser cooling of a membrane vibrational mode is evidenced to about 115 K, and it is found that the cooling efficiency, mechanical damping, and photothermal response time can be effectively tuned by isomerization of the photochromic component. Such effect leads up to about 60% increase in cooling efficiency, related to photoinduced changes in volume and thermal properties during isomer conversion. These findings introduce new possibilities for the development of optomechanical systems with tunable properties entirely driven by light for applications in advanced sensing, nanomechanics, and optical logics.
Dual‐Emission Self‐Protective Phosphorescent Carbon Dots with Ultra‐Long Lifetime and Time‐Dependent Afterglow Colors for Tri‐Mode Encryption
Authors: Wu Yueyue , Li Zifan , Zhou Zhe , Zhang Zicheng , Zhu Duoyi , Dong Xuemei , Xiu Fei , Huang Wei , Liu Juqing
Published: February 2025

Developing matrix‐free phosphorescent carbon dots (CDs) with tunable color emission and exceptionally long lifetimes is highly desirable for sophisticated information encryption. However, the majority of reported matrix‐free CDs demonstrate only single‐color emission and short lifetimes, restricting their practical applications. Herein, dual‐emission self‐protective room temperature phosphorescent CDs (DE‐CDs) with ultra‐long lifetimes and time‐dependent afterglow colors are prepared. These DE‐CDs are synthesized through a microwave heating process involving 1‐butylamine and phosphoric acid aqueous solution. By adjusting excitation wavelength, they display green and yellow phosphorescence with ultra‐long lifetimes of up to 1.25 and 1.74 s, respectively, representing the longest lifetime among matrix‐free green and yellow CDs to date. The dual emission is attributed to the coexistence of a high‐energy state within the carbon core and a low‐energy state associated with C─N/C═N bonds on DE‐CDs surface. The ultra‐long lifetimes originate from the self‐protective internal hydrogen bonds formed between P and N heteroatom‐containing functional groups on the dot surface, which stabilize the emissive species. Intriguingly, under 365 nm irradiation, the afterglow color transitions from yellow to green due to differing triplet‐state decay rates. Leveraging these time‐dependent afterglow colors, a triple‐code mode is achieved for advanced dynamic encryption.
Double Perovskite Scintillators Enabled by Co‐Doped Trap Regulation for Thermally Enhanced X‐Ray Imaging
Authors: Huang Renyan , Zhang Xiong , Xu Xieming , Zheng Yi , Huang Xin , Chen Min , Wang Shuaihua , Wu Shaofan
Published: February 2025

Scintillation materials play a significant role in the exploration of extreme space environments and high‐energy physics. Nevertheless, due to the prevalence of thermal quenching, most traditional scintillators are not capable of stable X‐ray imaging at high‐temperature working mode. In this work, Ce3+ and Tb3+ ions are successfully co‐doped into Cs2NaGdCl6 double perovskites (DPs) via a solvothermal method, exhibiting unusual thermally enhanced scintillation performance. Specifically, the radioluminescence intensity of Cs2NaGdCl6:Tb3+/Ce3+ increases with temperature to achieve a large intensity ratio of 3.67 from 80 to 500 K. Interestingly, the introduction of co‐doped ions brings the dramatic increase of thermoluminescence intensity, demonstrating that an increased number of deep trap results in the suppression of the thermal quenching. At the same time, the extra occurrence of deep traps can be traced to localized octahedral distortions around the dopant ions. Moreover, a flexible DP‐based scintillation film is fabricated by a direct coating method, showing thermally enhanced X‐ray imaging. Ultra‐stable X‐ray imaging performance over 5 h is realized under a high temperature of 380 K by the scintillation film. The results provide a trap regulation strategy for exploring novel high‐performance and stable scintillators at high temperatures.
Plasma‐Engineered AlGaN/GaN Optoelectronic Synapses for Low‐Power Neuromorphic Computing
Authors: Zhang Yuliang , Huang Yunwei , Huang Chenyang , Yang Yizhong , Li Zhenmin , Wang Yan , Luo Linbao , Wu Chunyan
Published: February 2025

The development of hardware‐level synaptic systems is crucial for enabling the advancement of modern humanoid robotics and artificial intelligence systems to emulate biological vision. While optoelectronic synapses offer a promising solution, current implementations often require complex multi‐material integration and floating gate configurations, hindering scalability and energy efficiency. Here, a two‐terminal optoelectronic synaptic device based on AlGaN/GaN heterostructures that integrates sensing and memory functionalities into a single device is introduced. By optimizing the device architecture through oxygen plasma treatment, UV sensitivity is significantly enhanced and carrier recombination is reduced, enabling the device to perceive weak UV light (0.15 µW cm⁻2) with ultralow energy consumption (25.3 fJ per synaptic event). This device exhibits rich synaptic behaviors, including paired‐pulse facilitation, short‐term plasticity, and long‐term plasticity, essential for emulating biological learning and memory processes. Furthermore, its potential for diverse information processing tasks such as photonic information encryption, associative learning, and forgetting is demonstrated. This work paves the way for the development of highly integrated, energy‐efficient neuromorphic systems capable of mimicking the complexity and efficiency of the human brain.
Strong Second‐Harmonic Generation Responses in Salt‐Inclusion Oxychalcogenides Enabled by the Highly Distorted Polyhedra with Mixed‐Anions
Authors: Jing Meng‐Na , Lu Si‐Fan , Li Ming‐Xin , Jiang Xiao‐Ming , Liu Bin‐Wen , Guo Guo‐Cong
Published: February 2025

Nonlinear optical (NLO) crystals demonstrate notable NLO effects, which are predominantly attributed to their anionic groups. However, the role of cations has long been overlooked. For the first time, S2−, Cl−, and O2− are successfully incorporated into two new salt‐inclusion oxychalcogenides, namely, [La4Cl3S][GaGeS6O] (1) and [La4Cl2S2][Ge2S6O] (2), which are characterized by highly distorted and polarizable polycations and anionic groups. Notably, they exhibit substantial second‐harmonic generation (SHG) intensities of 2.7 and 3.8 × AgGaS2 @1700 nm, respectively. To the best of knowledge, the latter represents the highest value recorded for all oxychalcogenides constructed from tetrahedral structural units. Crystal structure analysis and theoretical calculations reveal that the distorted tetrahedral units in the host lattice and the polyhedral units in the guest lattice considerably contributed to the SHG coefficients. Furthermore, compounds 1 and 2 display favorable laser‐induced damage thresholds (4.4 and 7.2 × AgGaS2 @1064 nm) along with expanded transparency windows. This finding underscores the potential of host–guest architectures with multiple anions for markedly enhancing SHG coefficients, which paves the way for the development of new NLO materials.
Efficient UV Emission with Anti‐Thermal Quenching from Ce3+‐Activated 0D All‐Inorganic Zinc Halides
Authors: Zhu Dongyang , Chen Xu , Wang Meng , Li Gaoqiang , Pan Gencai , Jia Mochen , Han Yanbing , Liu Ying , Yang Dongwen , Xu Wen , Li Xinjian , Shan Chongxin , Shi Zhifeng
Published: February 2025

Inorganic metal halide perovskites have emerged as a prominent research focus in the field of visible‐region optoelectronic devices. However, exploring the ultraviolet (UV)‐emitting inorganic metal halide perovskites with both high efficiency and excellent thermal stability is still a large challenge. Herein, a robust anti‐thermal quenching UV‐emitting material, Ce3+ doped 0D Cs2ZnBr4 is reported, exhibiting doublet emission peaks at 342 and 367 nm with a photoluminescence quantum yield of up to 97.0%. Specifically, the Ce3+ doping imparts abnormal anti‐thermal quenching from 303 to 373 K with thermally enhanced 1.8 fold luminescence. Thermoluminescence spectra and density functional theory calculations demonstrate that the behavior originated from the effective compensation of the thermally activated defect levels to the Ce3+ 5d‐band. Furthermore, A bright UV light‐emitting diode based on Cs2ZnBr4:Ce3+ is fabricated, achieving an external quantum efficiency of up to 0.81% and displaying exceptional stability with a long half‐lifetime of 528 h. Thus, this work not only provides a design strategy for abnormal anti‐thermal quenching UV‐emitting phosphors with high efficiency but also paves a new way for cost‐effective, high‐power UV light‐emitting diodes.
CuF2‐Catalyzed C‐N Cross‐Coupling of Aryl Silanes: Expanding the Scope of Chan‐Lam Type Reaction
Authors: Talukdar Vishal , Paul Siddhartha , Mondal Krishanu , Das Parthasarathi
Published: February 2025

An efficient copper‐catalyzed Chan–Lam type N‐arylation of various amides, sulfonamides, urea, azoles, and amines has been demonstrated using a CuF2/DMSO catalytic system with structurally diverse aryl(trimethoxy)silanes under base and ligand‐free conditions. This approach facilitates effective C‐N cross‐coupling with user‐friendly organosilicon reagents without requiring an external fluoride source. CuF2 serves a dual function as both a catalyst and a desilylating agent, facilitating the cleavage of the aryl‐silane bond. The process is compatible with a broad range of substrates, ensuring high efficiency and excellent functional group compatibility. Moreover, this protocol is proven to be valuable for late‐stage modification of amide and sulfonamide‐containing drug molecules, as well as for synthesizing agrochemicals.
Amide synthesis via transaminative amidation of aromatic aldehydes/ketones: An entry to 15N isotopologs
Authors: Wu Jiaping , Wang Yufang , Fang Chaoying , Wang Yuhao , Kong Caiyang , Tao Xinghui , Xie Meihua , Zhang Jitan
Published: February 2025

Herein, we develop the first one‐pot amide synthesis from aldehyde/ketone and amino acids via transaminative amidation reaction and the method requires no catalyst or promoters, by allowing a concise access to structurally diverse amides and lactams with good efficiency. This transformation could also proceed smoothly by direct use of ether solvent as the formylated reagent in stead of formylic acid, thus furnishing an unique synthesis of formamides. The underlying principles of this unique amide synthesis was rationalized by a series of mechanistic studies, which involved a concerted decarboxylatively structural isomerization/acylation process as the key for amidation and a transamination/imine formation/aerobic oxidation cascade for formamidation. The potential utility of this strategy has been demonstrated by the readily accessible late‐stage transformation of ​ biologically active molecules by 15N incorporating. This protocol was also applied to the total synthesis of a kind of drug Butenafine with 15N‐enrichment.
Exploring the Influence of Etching media on the Electrochemical Behavior of Cr2CTx MXene
Authors: Ramachandra Madhushree , Sunajadevi Kalathiparambil Rajendra Pai , Pinheiro Dephan
Published: February 2025

MXenes, a class of 2D materials, have garnered significant attention for energy applications due to their unique properties. This study investigates the influence of different etching media on the synthesis of 2D Cr2CTx MXene derived from cost‐effective Cr2AlC MAX phase. Three etching solutions‐ hydrofluoric acid (HF), HF‐forming (lithium fluoride + Hydrochloric acid, LiF+HCl), and non‐fluoride (sodium hydroxide, NaOH) have been used to treat ternary carbide Cr2AlC MAX phase under varied reaction conditions. The MXenes, Cr2CTx‐HF, Cr2CTx‐LiF/HCl, and Cr2CTx‐NaOH are structurally, and morphologically characterized using XRD, Raman spectroscopy, TGA, XPS, SEM‐EDX, and BET‐BJH analysis. The electrochemical performance of Cr2CTx MXene is assessed, focusing on its performance in water splitting and supercapacitive applications. The materials exhibit lower overpotential values for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), oxygen evolution reaction (OER), and demonstrate improved pseudocapacitive behavior, with enhanced energy and power densities. The introduction of surface termination groups in Cr2CTx MXene (Tx = ─F, ─OH, ─O) resulted in a more open and accessible layered structure with an appreciable surface area, without any modifications. This enhanced electrochemical kinetics, improved ion transport, diffusion, and storage capacity, which are beneficial for electrochemical energy storage and production.
Cell Sizes Matter for Industrial Bioproduction, a Case of Polyhydroxybutyrate
Authors: Chen Yi‐Ling , Liu Xu , Zhang Li‐Zhan , Yang Ji‐Shuai , Guo Wei‐Ke , Zheng Shuang , Wang Jia‐Le , Wu Fu‐Qing , Yan Xu , Wu Qiong , Chen Guo‐Qiang
Published: February 2025

Most bacterial cells are 1–2 microns in size, limiting intracellular products like polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) accumulation. Cell size is regulated by key genes such as mreB and minCD, which encode cellular skeleton protein and control cell fission ring location, respectively. Their expression changes significantly affect microbial growth. This study successfully redesigns the ClpXP protein degradation system by deleting the sspB gene and using mutated SsrA tags with different degradation rates to control MreB degradation. Dynamic degradation of MreB allows non‐model bacterium Halomonas bluephagenesis to grow normally and increase cell size simultaneously. Combined with overexpression of minCD, H. bluephagenesis with progressive MreB degradation increases the cell size further, albeit with a reduced growth rate. H. bluephagenesis CYL0307, with the PHB granule‐associated protein PhaP1 deleted and phaABRe
overexpressed in the MreB‐degraded strain, increases cell volume more than nine times compared to the original strain. CYL0307 produces 149 g L−1 cell dry weight containing 82% PHB after 44 h in a 5000 L bioreactor, with cells containing single large PHB granules, simplifying recovery and purification. These results provide a post‐translational gene regulation method in H. bluephagenesis and a strategy for enhancing PHB production via morphological engineering.
Parkinson's Disease Modeling Using Directly Converted 3D Induced Dopaminergic Neuron Organoids and Assembloids
Authors: Kim Hongwon , Kang Soi , Cho Byounggook , An Saemin , Kim Yunkyung , Kim Jongpil
Published: February 2025

Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by the progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons and the accumulation of α‐synuclein aggregates, yet current models inadequately mimic the complex human brain environment. Recent advances in brain organoid models offer a more physiologically relevant platform for studying PD, however, iPSC‐derived brain organoids require long maturation times and may not accurately represent the aged brain's epigenetics and cellular contexts, limiting their applicability for modeling late‐onset diseases like PD. In this study, a novel approach for generating 3D‐induced dopaminergic (iDA) neuron organoids directly from human fibroblasts is presented. It is confirmed that these 3D iDA organoids more closely resemble the aged human brain and accurately replicate PD pathologies. Furthermore, this model is extended by incorporating astrocytes to create 3D iDA neuron‐astrocyte assembloids, recognizing the critical role of glial cells in neurodegenerative processes. It is identified that PD assembloids incorporating control astrocytes with A53T mutant iDAs demonstrated the neuroprotective effects of healthy astrocytes. In contrast, A53T mutant astrocytes progressively contributed to neuronal degeneration and synucleinopathy in 3D‐iDA assembloids. These findings suggest that directly converted 3D‐iDA organoids and assembloids provide a robust and physiologically relevant model for studying PD pathogenesis and evaluating therapeutic interventions.
Three‐Channel Wavefront Shaping Using Non‐Interleaved Spin‐Multiplexed Plasmonic Metasurfaces
Authors: Pan Xingling , Deng Yadong , Cai Ziru , Chen Zhiming , Ding Yingtao , Zheng Ziwei , Ding Fei
Published: February 2025

Metasurfaces have garnered significant attention for their ability to manipulate light waves with multifunctional capabilities. Integrating independent wavefront controls within a single metasurface is essential to meet the growing demand for high‐capacity, flat photonic devices. In this work, a versatile non‐interleaved plasmonic metasurface platform utilizing quarter‐wave plate meta‐atoms for independent and simultaneous phase modulation of both co‐ and cross‐polarized circularly polarized waves with subwavelength pixels, achieved by merging resonance and Pancharatnam‐Berry phases is presented. We propose and experimentally validate three proof‐of‐concept designs operating in the near‐infrared range: a beam deflector with three distinct reflection angles, a focusing metalens with three focal lengths, and a vortex beam generator with tunable topological charges. This plasmonic metasurface platform paves the way for customizable, multi‐channel functionalities, advancing the development of integrated photonic devices with enhanced versatility.
Reprogramming Lung Redox Homeostasis by NIR Driven Ultra‐Small Pd Loaded Covalent Organic Framework Inhibits NF‐κB Pathway for Acute Lung Injury Immunotherapy
Authors: Lei Doudou , Liao Lin , Qin Tao , Guan Xiaoxuan , Duan Kunpeng , Gao Zhiwei , Jin Weiqian , Yin Mingjing , Zhang Ke , Liu Yan , Chen Yin , Gao Huyang , Li Jiaxiao , Huang Feifei , Liu Wenjing , Xia Chengde , Wang Bailei , Huang Hualin , Lv Shengqiu , Zhi Qiang , Huang Jiahao , Gao Ming , Lu Junyu
Published: February 2025

Acute lung injury (ALI) refers to damage to lung related cells, typically caused by an uncontrollable inflammatory response, and over‐generated reactive oxygen species (ROS). Increasing evidence suggests that reprogramming lung redox homeostasis holds significant potentials for the clinical treatment of ALI. Herein, the simple synthesis of ultra‐small Pd loaded covalent organic framework (COF) (TP@Pd) is reported, which, when combined with near infrared (NIR) irradiation, exhibits nanozyme functionalities, including multiple enzyme mimicking activities and broad spectrum ROS scavenging, thereby promoting tissue repair for ALI immunotherapy. Mechanistically, through the therapeutic strategy of TP@Pd+NIR, the damaged cells and tissues are ameliorated by decreasing intracellular ROS levels (total ROS, ·OH and ·O2−), downregulating inflammatory cytokines levels (IL‐6, TNF‐α and IL‐1β), upregulating antioxidant factor level (SOD2), inducing macrophage M2 directional polarization (downregulation of iNOS and CD86, and upregulation of IL‐10 and CD206), activating immunoregulation (CD4+/CD8+ ratio increase), promoting tissue repair factor levels (upregulation of HSP70 and CD31), and suppressing the NF‐κB signaling pathway (downregulation of phosphorylated p65 and IκBα). Furthermore, following intravenous (IV) injection in rats, TP@Pd accumulated in lung tissue for 6 h, indicating the promising therapeutic efficacy via this administration route. Notably, the TP@Pd+NIR strategy demonstrated the excellent synergistic effects in alleviating lung inflammation storms, reducing diffuse alveolar damage, and accelerating lung tissue repair. Summarily, this work has designed a novel TP@Pd+NIR strategy for the synergistic enhancement of ALI amelioration, which may serve as a promising therapeutic approach for other ROS related diseases.
Integrating Competitive Li+ Coordination with Immobilized Anions in Composite Solid Electrolyte for High‐Performance Li Metal Batteries
Authors: Liang Ziyang , Liu Chang , Bai Xiang , Zhang Jiahui , Chang Xinyue , Zhang Bo , Xia Mengxue , Du Huayun , Huang Hao , Wu Bing , Yang Chengkai , Wang Shi , Liu Wen , Wang Qian
Published: February 2025

Poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF)‐based polymer electrolytes have attracted widespread attention due to their unique Li+ transport mechanism. However, their low ionic conductivity and porous structure, as well as residual solvent limit their application at high current densities. Here, a composite solid electrolyte (CSE) is developed by integrating poly(vinylidene‐co‐trifluoroethylene) [P(VDF‐TrFE)] in its all‐trans conformation with aminofunctionalized metal–organic framework (ZIF‐90‐NH2). In such a CSE, all F atoms located on one side of the polymer chain, providing fast Li+ transport channels. Concurrently, the functionalized ZIF‐90‐NH2 can effectively anchor the residual N, N‐dimethylformamide (DMF) in CSEs while weakening Li+‐DMF solvent coordination, inducing the rearrangement of Li+ solvation structure and inhibiting the decomposition of DMF at the interface. Synergistically, ZIF‐90‐NH2 can immobilize anions in Li salts, promoting their dissociation. Based on integrating competitive Li+ coordination with immobilized anions, the obtained CSEs exhibit a high Li+ transference number (0.77). The full cells with LiFePO4 cathode can run stably over 400 cycles at 5 C, while the Li || LiNi0.7Co0.1Mn0.2O2 full cells deliver a high capacity retention (>85%) after 200 cycles at a charge cutoff voltage of 4.5 V. This work opens up a new path for building CSEs with high interfacial stability and fast Li+ transport.
Pioneering Insights into the Reaction Kinetics of Metastable Intermolecular Composites Based on Metal Fluorides: Virtually non‐existent condensed Phase Combustion Products and Ultra‐Efficient Reactivity
Authors: Liu Xuwen , Li Jingwei , Feng Shenghua , Jia Yongsheng , Hu Maocong , Yao Yingkang , Sun Jinshan , Xie Quanmin , Sang Hongqian
Published: February 2025

As a typical representative of Metastable intermolecular composites (MICs), the energy release of nano‐thermites relying on aluminum‐oxygen reaction is limited by the formation of high boiling point condensed phase products. Low pressure output performance constitutes another pivotal factor influencing their efficacy. In this work, metal fluorides BiF3 at different scales were incorporated into nano‐thermites as oxidants, thereby facilitating the tunability of the released energy. The boiling points of all resultant reaction products fall below the combustion temperature, theoretically abolishing the agglomeration of condensed‐phase products, thus preventing the entrapment of active metals. Additionally, it facilitates the smooth conduction of heat flux, thereby averting losses in biphasic flow dynamics. The n‐Al/n‐BiF3 system exhibits a significant amplification in reactive kinetic properties in stark contrast to the n‐Al/n‐Bi2O3 system. The reduction in ignition threshold is ascribed to a novel reaction kinetics mechanism within the n‐Al/BiF3 system. The highly electronegative fluorine within BiF3 corrodes the Al2O3 shell, inducing a “pre‐ignition” reaction. The application of Density Functional Theory (DFT) evaluations has further corroborated the n‐Al/n‐BiF3 system's preeminence in electron transfer capacity between the oxidizing agent and fuel, thereby furnishing an molecular‐electronic basis for its potent reactive kinetic properties.
Behavioral Abnormalities, Cognitive Impairments, Synaptic Deficits, and Gene Replacement Therapy in a CRISPR Engineered Rat Model of 5p15.2 Deletion Associated With Cri du Chat Syndrome
Authors: Shen Jingjing , Wang Yan , Liu Yang , Lan Junying , Long Shuang , Li Yingbo , Chen Di , Yu Peng , Zhao Jing , Wang Yongjun , Wang Shali , Yang Feng
Published: February 2025

The Cri du Chat Syndrome (CdCS), a devastating genetic disorder caused by a deletion on chromosome 5p, faces challenges in finding effective treatments and accurate animal models. Using CRISPR‐Cas9, a novel CdCS rat model with a 2q22 deletion is developed, mirroring a common genetic alteration in CdCS patients. This model exhibits pronounced deficits in social behavior, cognition, and anxiety, accompanied by neuronal abnormalities and immune dysregulation in key brain regions such as the hippocampus and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). The immunostaining and RNA‐seq analyses provide new insights into CdCS pathogenesis, revealing inflammatory and immune processes. Importantly, it is demonstrated that early gene replacement therapy with AAV‐Ctnnd2 alleviates cognitive impairments in CdCS rats, highlighting the potential for early intervention. However, the effectiveness of this therapy is confined to the early developmental stages and does not fully restore all CdCS symptoms. The findings deepen the understanding of CdCS pathogenesis and suggest promising therapeutic directions.
Generation of Site‐Specifically Labeled Affinity Reagents via Use of a Self‐Labeling Single Domain Antibody
Authors: Fayn Stanley , Roy Swarnali , Cabalteja Chino C. , Lee Woonghee , Makala Hima , Baidoo Kwamena , Nambiar Divya , Sheehan‐Klenk Julia , Chung Joon‐Yong , Buffington Jesse , Ho Mitchell , Escorcia Freddy E. , Cheloha Ross W.
Published: February 2025

Several chemical and enzymatic methods have been used to link antibodies to moieties that facilitate visualization of cognate targets. Emerging evidence suggests that the extent of labeling, dictated by the type of chemistry used, has a substantial impact on performance, especially in the context of antibodies used for the visualization of tumors in vivo. These effects are particularly pronounced in studies using small antibody fragments, such as single‐domain antibodies, or nanobodies. Here, we leverage a new variety of conjugation chemistry, based on a nanobody that forms a crosslink with a specialized high‐affinity epitope analogue, to label target‐specific nanobody constructs with functionalities of choice, including fluorophores, chelators, and click chemistry handles. Using heterodimeric nanobody conjugates, comprised of an antigen recognition module and a self‐labeling module, enables us to attach the desired functional group at a location distal to the site of antigen recognition. Constructs generated using this approach bound to antigens expressed on xenograft murine models of liver cancer and allowed for non‐invasive diagnostic imaging. The modularity of our approach using a self‐labeling nanobody offers a novel method for site‐specific functionalization of biomolecules and can be extended to other applications for which covalent labeling is required.
GPR37 Activation Alleviates Bone Cancer Pain via the Inhibition of Osteoclastogenesis and Neuronal Hyperexcitability
Authors: Wang Kaiyuan , Zhang Yongfang , Shu Ruichen , Yuan Limei , Tu Huifang , Wang Shengran , Ni Bo , Zhang Yi‐Fan , Jiang Changyu , Luo Yuhui , Yin Yiqing
Published: February 2025

Osteolytic bone cancer pain is a primary concern for cancer patients with bone metastasis, and current therapies offer inadequate pain relief. The present study demonstrates that activation of the G protein‐coupled receptor 37 (GPR37) by neuroprotectin D1 (NPD1) or artesunate (ARU) alleviates both acute and persistent pain in multiple mouse models of bone cancer. GPR37 agonists also protect against cancer‐induced bone destruction. Mechanistically, NPD1 or ARU binding to GPR37 in macrophages promotes the release of IL‐10, which further inhibits cancer‐induced osteoclastogenesis. Moreover, direct activation of GPR37 in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons and the spinal dorsal horn reduces action potential firing and the frequency of spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents (sEPSCs), thereby suppressing cancer‐induced neuronal hyperexcitability. Importantly, the analgesic and protective effects of NPD1 and ARU are abolished in Gpr37−/− mice, and β‐arrestin 2 is identified as a key mediator in IL‐10 release and neuronal inhibition. In patients with bone metastases, plasma levels of endogenous NPD1 are negatively correlated with both pain intensity and the bone resorption marker CTX‐I. Collectively, these findings highlight GPR37 activation as a potential therapeutic strategy for alleviating bone cancer pain through direct and synergistic inhibition of osteoclastogenesis and neuronal hyperexcitability.
Carnosic Acid Directly Targets STING C‐Terminal Tail to Improve STING‐Mediated Inflammatory Diseases
Authors: Mu Wenqing , Xu Guang , Li Ling , Wen Jincai , Xiu Ye , Zhao Jia , Liu Tingting , Wei Ziying , Luo Wei , Yang Huijie , Wu Zhixin , Zhan Xiaoyan , Xiao Xiaohe , Bai Zhaofang
Published: February 2025

cGAS (cyclic GMP‐AMP synthase)‐STING (stimulator of interferon genes) signaling plays a vital role in innate immunity, while its deregulation may lead to a wide variety of autoinflammatory and autoimmune diseases. It is essential to identify specifically effective lead compounds to inhibit the signaling. Herein, it is shown that carnosic acid (CA), an active ingredient of medicinal plant Rosmarinus officinalis L., specifically suppressed cGAS‐STING pathway activation and the subsequent inflammatory responses. Mechanistically, CA directly bound to STING C‐terminal tail (CTT), impeded the recruitment of TANK‐binding kinase 1 (TBK1) onto STING signalosome, thereby blocking the phosphorylation of STING and interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) nuclear translocation. Importantly, CA dramatically attenuated STING‐mediated inflammatory responses in vivo. Consistently, CA has a salient ameliorative effect on autoinflammatory disease model mediated by Trex1 deficiency, via inhibition of the cGAS‐STING signaling. Notably, the study further indicates that phenolic hydroxyl groups are essential for CA‐mediated STING inhibitory activity. Collectively, the results thus identify STING as one of the crucial targets of CA for mediating CA's anti‐inflammatory activity, and further reveal that STING CTT may be a novel promising target for drug development.