bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Single‐Cell Metabolic Profiling Characterizes Human Aging via SlipChip‐SERS
Authors: Liu Fugang , Liu Jiaqing , Luo Yang , Wu Siyi , Liu Xu , Chen Haoran , Luo Zhewen , Yuan Haitao , Shen Feng , Zhu Fangfang , Ye Jian
Published: September 2024

Metabolic dysregulation is a key driver of cellular senescence, contributing to the progression of systemic aging. The heterogeneity of senescent cells and their metabolic shifts are complex and unexplored. A microfluidic SlipChip integrated with surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), termed SlipChip‐SERS, is developed for single‐cell metabolism analysis. This SlipChip‐SERS enables compartmentalization of single cells, parallel delivery of saponin and nanoparticles to release intracellular metabolites and to realize SERS detection with simple slipping operations. Analysis of different cancer cell lines using SlipChip‐SERS demonstrated its capability for sensitive and multiplexed metabolic profiling of individual cells. When applied to human primary fibroblasts of different ages, it identified 12 differential metabolites, with spermine validated as a potent inducer of cellular senescence. Prolonged exposure to spermine can induce a classic senescence phenotype, such as increased senescence‐associated β‐glactosidase activity, elevated expression of senescence‐related genes and reduced LMNB1 levels. Additionally, the senescence‐inducing capacity of spermine in HUVECs and WRL‐68 cells is confirmed, and exogenous spermine treatment increased the accumulation and release of H2O2. Overall, a novel SlipChip‐SERS system is developed for single‐cell metabolic analysis, revealing spermine as a potential inducer of senescence across multiple cell types, which may offer new strategies for addressing ageing and ageing‐related diseases.
Generated White Light Having Adaptable Chromaticity and Emission, Using Spectrally Reconfigurable Microcavities
Authors: Barman Barun Kumar , Hernández‐Pinilla David , Cretu Ovidiu , Kikkawa Jun , Kimoto Koji , Nagao Tadaaki
Published: September 2024

Metal‐free, luminescent, carbogenic nanomaterials (LCNMs) constitute a novel class of optical materials with low environmental impact. LCNMs, e.g., carbon dots (CDs), graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C3N4), and carbonized polymer microspheres (CPM) show strong blue/cyan emissions, but rather weak yellow/red emission. This has been a serious drawback in applying them to light‐emitting and bio‐imaging applications. Here, by integrating single‐component LCNMs in photonic microcavities, the study spectroscopically engineers the coupling between photonic modes in these microcavities and optical transitions to “reconfigure” the emission spectra of these luminescent materials. Resonant photons are confined in the microcavity, which allows selective re‐excitation of phosphors to effectively emit down‐converted photons. The down‐converted photons re‐excite the phosphors and are multiply recycled, leading to enhanced yellow/red emissions and resulting in white‐light emission (WLE). Furthermore, by adjusting photonic stop bands of microcavity components, color adaptable (cool, pure, and warm) WLE is flexibly generated, which precisely follows the black‐body Planckian locus in the chromaticity diagram. The proposed approach offers practical low‐cost chromaticity‐adjustable WLE from single‐component, luminescent materials without any chemical or surface modification, or elaborate machinery and processing, paving the way for practical WLE devices.
Electro‐Driven Multi‐Enzymatic Cascade Conversion of CO2 to Ethylene Glycol in Nano‐Reactor
Authors: Luan Likun , Zhang Yingfang , Ji Xiuling , Guo Boxia , Song Shaoyu , Huang Yuhong , Zhang Suojiang
Published: September 2024

Multi‐enzymatic cascade reaction provides a new avenue for C─C coupling directly from CO2 under mild conditions. In this study, a new pathway with four enzymes including formate dehydrogenase (PaFDH), formaldehyde dehydrogenase (BmFADH), glycolaldehyde synthase (PpGALS), and alcohol dehydrogenase (GoADH) is developed for directly converting CO2 gas molecules to ethylene glycol (EG) in vitro. A rhodium‐based NADH regeneration electrode is constructed to continuously provide the proton and electron of this multi‐enzymatic cascade reaction. The prepared electrode can reach the Faradaic Efficiency (FE) of 82.9% at −0.6 V (vs. Ag/AgCl) and the NADH productivity of 0.737 mM h−1. Shortening the reaction path is crucial for multi‐enzymatic cascade reactions. Here, a hydrogen‐bonded organic framework (HOF) nano‐reactor is successfully developed to immobilize four enzymes in one pot with a striking enzyme loading capacity (990 mg enzyme g−1 material). Through integrating and optimization of NADH electro‐regeneration and enzymatic catalysis in one pot, 0.15 mM EG is achieved with an average conversion rate of 7.15 × 10−7 mmol CO2 min−1 mg−1 enzymes in 6 h. These results shed light on electro‐driven multi‐enzymatic cascade conversion of C─C coupling from CO2 in the nano‐reactor.
Near‐room‐temperature π‐conjugated nematic liquid crystals in molecules with a flexible seven‐membered ring structure
Authors: Iwai Riki , Yoshida Hiroyuki , Arakawa Yuki , Sasaki Shunsuke , Iida Yuuto , Igawa Kazunobu , Sakurai Tsuneaki , Suzuki Satoshi , Tokita Masatoshi , Watanabe Junji , Konishi Gen‐ichi
Published: September 2024

Nematic liquid crystals (NLCs), that is, fluids with optical anisotropy as well as electric‐ and magnetic‐field responsiveness, have been widely used in commercial liquid crystal displays. Recent advancements have extended the scope of NLC molecules to large calamitic π‐conjugated systems, which heralds prospects for novel applications that exploit their superior electronic or optical functionalities in, for example, electric field controlled fluorescence switch devices. However, NLC phases of such extended π‐systems usually flow only at high temperatures, which hampers device applications that operate around room temperature. Here, we show near‐room‐temperature NLCs of a π‐conjugated fluorophore by introducing a flexible cyclic structure into the mesogenic core. 3,8‐Bis(4‐propylphenyl)‐6,7‐dihydro‐5H‐benzo[7]annulene (DPB[7]‐C3) has a nematic phase in a significantly lower temperature range (52.6–160.4°C) than the DPB[7]‐C3 analog without flexible alkylene bridges, (E)‐4‐propyl‐4′‐(4‐propylstyryl)‐1,1′‐biphenyl (248–262°C). We attribute this large decrease in the phase transition temperature to large intramolecular conformational entropies that arise from the geometric change of the cyclic structure, which involves rotational motion of single biaryl‐bonds and bending motions along the long molecular axis in the thermal equilibrium state. The practical utility of these NLC molecules is demonstrated by preparing an electric‐field‐responsive large‐area fluorescent switch device with a sub‐millisecond response time from a mixture of 3,8‐bis(4‐alkylphenyl)‐6,7‐dihydro‐5H‐benzo[7]annulenes (DPB[7]‐Cns).
Spin‐coating fabrication of high‐yield and uniform organic thin‐film transistors via a primer template growth
Authors: Yang Zhenxin , Su Jiale , Wang Junzhan , Li Xuanhe , Li Fushun , Hu Juntao , Chen Nan , Tao Zhang , Yang Delong , Wang Deng‐Ke , Zhu Qiang , Liao Yuhui , Lu Zheng‐Hong
Published: September 2024

Solution coating of organic semiconductors offers great potential for achieving low‐cost and high‐throughput manufacturing of large‐area and flexible electronics. However, the solution processability of semiconducting small molecules for fabricating uniform and reliable thin‐film devices poses challenges due to the low viscosities of small‐molecule solutions. Here, we report a universal approach employing a primer template (PT) to enhance the spreadability of small‐molecule solutions on silicon wafers, enabling the spin‐coating fabrication of uniform thin films composed of millimeter‐scale grains with complete large‐area coverage and well‐ordered molecular packing. Using PT, we fabricated organic thin‐film transistors (OTFTs) using solutions containing various small molecules such as rubrene and 2‐decyl‐7‐phenyl‐[1]benzothieno[3,2‐b][1]benzothiophene. The device yield of all fabricated OTFTs is consistently 100% while achieving a high average mobility of 1.62 cm2 V−1 s−1 with a device‐to‐device variation of 7.7% measured in ambient air condition. In addition, the utilization of PT resulted in a batch‐to‐batch variation of 12.5% in device performance over dozens of OTFT devices. The key industrial manufacturing metrics, such as device yield, reproducibility, and performance uniformity of the PT OTFTs, are among the best for devices fabricated using solution spin‐coating techniques.
Nonlinear Variation Decomposition of Neural Networks for Holistic Semiconductor Process Monitoring
Authors: Yun Hyeok , Jang Hyundong , Lee Seunghwan , Lee Junjong , Cho Kyeongrae , Eom Seungjoon , Kim Soomin , Kim Choong‐Ki , Byun Hong‐Chul , Han Seongjoo , Yoo Min‐Soo , Baek Rock‐Hyun
Published: September 2024

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly used to solve multi‐objective problems and reduce the turnaround times of semiconductor processes. However, only brief AI explanations are available for process/device/circuit engineers to provide holistic feedback on the manufactured results. Herein, linear/nonlinear variation decomposition (LVD/NLVD) of neural networks is demonstrated to quantitatively evaluate the influence of unit processes on the figure of merit (FoM) and co‐analyze the unit process influences with device characteristic behaviors. The NLVD can evaluate the output variation from each input of neural networks in an individual sample, although neural networks are not available in an analytic form. The NLVD is successfully verified by confirming that a) the output and summation of all decomposed output variations perfectly coincide and b) the process influences on the FoM are decomposed to 6.01–54.86% more accurately compared with those of LVD in 1Y nm node dynamic random‐access memory test vehicles with a baseline and split tests introducing high‐k metal gates with a minimum gate length of 1 A nm node for further node scaling. The approaches identify defective processes and defect mechanisms in each sample and wafer, which enhance causal analyses for individual cases in diverse fields based on regression artificial neural networks.
Brown Adipose Tissue Activity and Childhood Exposure to Cold Are Associated With Hot Flashes at Menopause
Authors: Sievert Lynnette Leidy , Shreyer Sofiya , Witkowski Sarah , Brown Daniel E.
Published: September 2024

Objective

Hot flashes (HFs) are experienced as sudden sensations of heat. We hypothesized that brown adipose tissue (BAT) activation could increase the likelihood of HFs in winter. The aim of this study was to test whether women with more BAT activity were more likely to experience self‐reported or biometrically measured HFs.

Methods

Women aged 45–55 years (n = 270) participated in face‐to‐face interviews and anthropometric and ambulatory measures. Level of BAT activity was estimated from the difference in supraclavicular skin temperature measured by infrared thermography before and after cooling. Logistic regressions were applied to examine whether bothersome HFs (yes/no) during the past 2 weeks were associated with BAT activity, adjusting for menopausal status, childhood exposure to cold, waist/hip ratio, and self‐reported health. Linear regressions were used to examine the frequency of self‐reported and biometrically measured HFs during the study period and BAT activity, adjusting for potential confounders.

Results

Menopausal status, childhood exposure to cold, waist‐to‐hip ratio (WHR), and self‐reported health were associated with both BAT activity and HFs. After adjusting for potential confounders, an increase in BAT activity almost tripled the likelihood of bothersome HFs (OR 2.84, 95% CI 1.26–6.43). In linear regressions, BAT activity was not associated with frequency of subjective or objective HFs during the study period, but childhood exposure to cold was associated with subjective HF report (β = 0.163, p = 0.010).

Conclusion

To our knowledge, this is the first study of BAT activation and HFs. Our results support a role for BAT activity in HF experience. Therefore, we encourage further examination of the role of BAT, as well as childhood exposure to cold, in HFs.
Guanylate Kinase 1 Deficiency: A Novel and Potentially Treatable Mitochondrial DNA Depletion/Deletions Disease
Authors: Hidalgo‐Gutierrez Agustin , Shintaku Jonathan , Ramon Javier , Barriocanal‐Casado Eliana , Pesini Alba , Saneto Russell P. , Garrabou Gloria , Milisenda Jose Cesar , Matas‐Garcia Ana , Gort Laura , Ugarteburu Olatz , Gu Yue , Koganti Lahari , Wang Tian , Tadesse Saba , Meneri Megi , Sciacco Monica , Wang Shuang , Tanji Kurenai , Horwitz Marshall S. , Dorschner Michael O. , Mansukhani Mahesh , Comi Giacomo Pietro , Ronchi Dario , Marti Ramon , Ribes Antonia , Tort Frederic , Hirano Michio
Published: September 2024

Objective

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) depletion/deletions syndrome (MDDS) comprises a group of diseases caused by primary autosomal defects of mtDNA maintenance. Our objective was to study the etiology of MDDS in 4 patients who lack pathogenic variants in known genetic causes.

Methods

Whole exome sequencing of the probands was performed to identify pathogenic variants. We validated the mitochondrial defect by analyzing mtDNA, mitochondrial dNTP pools, respiratory chain activities, and GUK1 activity. To confirm pathogenicity of GUK1 deficiency, we expressed 2 GUK1 isoforms in patient cells.

Results

We identified biallelic GUK1 pathogenic variants in all 4 probands who presented with ptosis, ophthalmoparesis, and myopathic proximal limb weakness, as well as variable hepatopathy and altered T‐lymphocyte profiles. Muscle biopsies from all probands showed mtDNA depletion, deletions, or both, as well as reduced activities of mitochondrial respiratory chain enzymes. GUK1 encodes guanylate kinase, originally identified as a cytosolic enzyme. Long and short isoforms of GUK1 exist. We observed that the long isoform is intramitochondrial and the short is cytosolic. In probands’ fibroblasts, we noted decreased GUK1 activity causing unbalanced mitochondrial dNTP pools and mtDNA depletion in both replicating and quiescent fibroblasts indicating that GUK1 deficiency impairs de novo and salvage nucleotide pathways. Proband fibroblasts treated with deoxyguanosine and/or forodesine, a purine phosphatase inhibitor, ameliorated mtDNA depletion, indicating potential pharmacological therapies.

Interpretation

Primary GUK1 deficiency is a new and potentially treatable cause of MDDS. The cytosolic isoform of GUK1 may contribute to the T‐lymphocyte abnormality, which has not been observed in other MDDS disorders. ANN NEUROL 2024;96:1209–1224
Medium engineering of lipase‐catalyzed reaction using CO2
Authors: Matsuda Tomoko , Hoang Hai Nam
Published: September 2024

One of the most frequently used biocatalysts for organic synthesis is lipase, a triacylglycerol hydrolase, that also catalyzes esterification in non‐aqueous solvents. Various non‐aqueous solvents such as organic solvents, ionic liquids, and pressurized carbon dioxide (CO2) have been employed for lipase‐catalyzed reactions. Notably, pressurized CO2 (supercritical CO2, liquid CO2, CO2‐expanded liquid) serves as a functional green solvent. This review briefly outlines the properties of pressurized CO2 relevant to biocatalysis and provides examples of utilizing pressurized CO2 solvents for efficient synthesis with immobilized lipases.
An insight into the investigation of partition characteristics of flow fields based on chaos fractal theory in a jet impingement–negative‐pressure reactor
Authors: Hu Yuxi , Dong Yingying , Jiang Guangchao , Li Zonghan , Qiu Fachen
Published: September 2024

The jet impingement–negative‐pressure reactor (JI‐NPR) is a continuous and efficient technology designed to remove ammonia without clogging. Prior research has discovered that the changing movement of a porous jet impinging under negative‐pressure conditions is distinguished by a more pronounced distribution over many regions. This study utilizes the CFD numerical simulation method in conjunction with the MATLAB platform to investigate the fractal characteristics of water phase distribution, velocity, turbulence intensity, vortex amount, and other parameters at various locations. The fractal dimension is employed as a criterion to analyze the chaotic characteristics of this multi‐area distribution phenomenon. The study demonstrates that the effectiveness of deamination removal can be enhanced by quantitatively assessing the complex characteristics in the fluid flow using the chaotic fractal theory, which facilitates the identification of the ideal parameter settings. The optimal deamination effect can be achieved in the reactor when the jet velocity is set to 3.45 m/s and the negative pressure is maintained at 20 400 Pa.
Effect of different alkoxy POSSs on thermal stability and mechanical properties of silicone rubber
Authors: Yang Song , Chen Xiaoyu , Xu Peng , Shi Jianjun , Yao Qi , Li Junning , Zhou Ziping , Chen Guangxin , Li Qifang , Zhou Zheng
Published: September 2024

Six varieties of alkoxy polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSSs) featuring methoxy, ethoxy, n‐propoxy, isopropoxy, n‐butoxy, and n‐hexoxy as terminal groups were synthesized using the direct dehydrogenation condensation method. These POSSs were then incorporated as cross‐linking agents into hydroxy‐terminated polydimethylsiloxane (HPDMS) to create various formulations of room temperature vulcanized silicone rubbers (RTV SRs), denoted as SRM, SRE, SRP, SRI, SRB, and SRH. The morphology, thermal stability, and mechanical properties of the resulting SRs are analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) and universal tensile testing machine. The findings indicate that the incorporation of POSS into SRs results in significant enhancements in thermal stability and mechanical properties when compared to the control group (TEOS/SR). SRB and SRH exhibit the highest cross‐linking density and tensile strength. Specifically, SRB‐4 demonstrates the highest tensile strength at 2.66 MPa, representing an 8.6‐fold increase compared to TEOS/SR. The maximum decomposition rate temperature of SRP‐4 reaches 527°C and is 194°C higher than TEOS/SR. Because the alkoxy groups with different chain lengths on POSS have different chemical reactivity, they have a great effect on the dispersion of POSS in SRs, which affect the cross‐linking density, tensile strength, and thermal stability.
Enhanced thermal conductivity and electrothermal conversion of epoxy composites through silane‐dopamine modified graphite films
Authors: Li Wen , Kong Lingcheng , Zhang Wei , Zhao Dong , Xin Wenbo
Published: September 2024

A novel surface modification technique for graphite films (GF) to improve the interface thermal resistance with epoxy resin was presented. By utilizing the self‐polymerization of dopamine (PDA), dopamine micro and nanoparticles were formed on the surface of the GF. Subsequently, the surface of the epoxy resin was functionalized with polydopamine (PDA) through grafting of the silane coupling agent 3‐glycidyl ether oxy‐propyl trimethoxy silane (GOPTS), enabling the introduction of epoxy resin groups onto the surface of the GF. Employing a simple folding technique, a three‐dimensional GF network (3DGF) was constructed, in which modified GF was successfully incorporated into the polymer matrix. The results showed that the 3DGF network further promoted the effective transfer of heat and electrons within the composite, leading to a significant improvement in thermal and electrothermal conversion performance. The prepared 3DGPGF/epoxy resin composite exhibits high thermal conductivity (7.14 W/mK) at a relatively low GF loading (31.9 wt%). Under a voltage of 12 V, the surface temperature of the sample rapidly rises from room temperature to 130°C within 200 s, and can completely melt ice cubes within 60 s. These results indicate that epoxy‐silane‐dopamine‐modified graphite film can be a promising candidate material, and this work provides a promising strategy for designing and manufacturing high‐performance composites with improved thermal properties. The developed method has the potential to be extended to other polymer matrices and fillers, and the prepared composites have enormous potential in various applications.
Boron nitride/expanded graphite heterojunction films for the epoxy composites to enhance the heat dissipation capabilities
Authors: Wu Lu , Jia Guozhi
Published: September 2024

The integration and portable development of electronic devices urgently require flexible films with high thermal conductivity and insulation to overcome heat accumulation. The layered heterojunction composite films are prepared by the stacking technique for the first time. The morphology, structure composition and thermal stability of heterojunction films are studied. Compared with pure epoxy resin (EP), the heterojunction film still has good thermal stability at 600°C. At the same time, the plane heat conduction network constructed by the expanded graphite (EG) plane of the heterojunction film enables the film to dissipate heat effectively. In the simulation process of actual heat dissipation, the chip surface temperature can be reduced by 10°C. The thermal conductivity of the heterojunction film is 2.49 Wm−1 K−1 when the mass fraction of boron nitride‐ γ aminopropyl triethoxysilane (BN‐KH550) is 50 wt%. Compared with pure epoxy resin, the thermal conductivity is increased by 1464%. The boron nitride (BN) surface resistance of the heterojunction film is large, which can isolate the conductive path of the EG layer and provide effective electrical insulation.
Chitosan‐enhanced sensitivity of mercaptoundecanoic acid (MUA)‐ capped gold nanorod based localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) biosensor for detection of alpha‐synuclein oligomer biomarker in parkinson’s disease
Authors: Apaydın Begum Balkan , Çamoğlu Tugay , Canbek Özdil Zeliha Cansu , Gezen‐Ak Duygu , Ege Duygu , Gülsoy Murat
Published: September 2024

Alpha‐synuclein oligomers play a crucial role in the early diagnosis of Parkinson's disease (PD). In this study, a mercaptoundecanoic acid (MUA)‐capped gold nanorod (GNR)‐coated and chitosan (CH)‐immobilized fiber optic probe has shown considerable sensitivity of its detection. The proposed U‐shaped fiber optic biosensor based on localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) was applied to detect α‐syn oligomer (OA) biomarker. By analyzing OA concentrations, the biosensor achieved a limit of detection of (LOD) 11 pM within the concentration range of 10–100 pM and the sensitivity value was found as 502.69 Δλ/RIU. Upon analysis of the CV% (coefficient of variation) and accuracy/recovery values, it is revealed that the sensor successfully fulfilled the criteria for success, displaying accuracy/recovery values within the range of 80%–120% and CV% values below 20%. This sensor presents significant advantages, including high sensitivity, specificity, and ability to detect very low concentrations of OA. In conclusion, the suggested U‐shaped fiber optic biosensor has the potential to be valuable in the early detection of PD from a clinical perspective.
Azobenzene‐Attached (NHC)Gold(I) and (NHC)Copper(I) Complexes as Photoswitchable Catalysts
Authors: Islam Sk Aminul , Ghosh Ayan , Kundu Kshama , Murugan Indukumari , Kundu Pintu K.
Published: September 2024

Photoswitchable (pre)catalysts, N,N′‐bis‐azobenzene‐based (NHC)gold(I) and N,N′‐bis‐azobenzene‐derived (NHC)copper(I) complexes are reported. Trans to cis isomerization of the attached photoswitchable moieties in the Au(I) complex enables four‐fold decrement in the rate of oxazoline formation reaction. Whereas the progress of the copper(I) catalyzed, azide‐alkyne cycloaddition reaction gets reduced by at least threefold. Alternate exposure to UV and blue light could easily toggle the rate of reactions remotely. The catalytic activity of thermodynamically stable trans‐trans isomers is found to be similar to the common N‐aryl substituted NHC−Au/Cu(I) complexes. NHC−Au(I) and −Cu(I) compounds bearing (trans)azobenzene moieties were characterized by X‐ray diffraction. Photoswitching, recyclability studies, and the metastable isomer's thermal half‐life in both complexes were studied via UV‐visible spectroscopy. Whereas the extent of photoswitching and concomitant formation of geometrical isomers were investigated by using 1H‐NMR spectroscopic study. Calculated percentage buried volumes of the three geometrical isomers show the trend trans‐trans<trans‐cis<cis‐cis.
Novel Methods for the Formation of Free Carbyne Radicals in Solution
Authors: Avisar Shay , Shner Yahel , Cherki Etoile , Bogoslavsky Benny , Bino Avi
Published: September 2024

Carbyne free radicals
(RC) are usually associated with high‐energy processes, thus research on their preparation, chemical reactivity, and prevalence under mild conditions is scarce. Recently, it was reported that metallo‐complexes containing CR ligands may undergo spontaneous degradation in aqueous solutions to produce free RC radicals. These highly reactive species may react with each other to form the corresponding alkyne and other products. The reaction of 1,1,1 halo‐carbo‐hydrates with Cr(II) ions also forms RC radicals under mild conditions. Herein, we report two additional synthetic routes that produce free RC radicals under mild conditions. First, the reaction between metallic zinc and acetic anhydride produces 2‐butyne and several other C2, C3, and C4 compounds. Isotopic‐labeling experiments indicate that the formation of 2‐butyne results from an inter‐molecular reaction in which two RC moieties from two acetic anhydride molecules combine in solution. In addition, the degradation of the tri‐molybdenum complex [Mo3(H3CC≡CCH3)(OAc)(H2O)2Br7], in which a 2‐butyne ligand is coordinated to the Mo3 framework in a μ3‐η2 (⊥) binding mode in aqueous solution produces several C2, C3, C4 and C5 molecules. This indicates the formation of free CH3C radicals by a homolytic cleavage of the carbon‐carbon triple bond.
Elevating Latent Fingerprint Visualization: Sebaceous Fingerprint Residues‐Responsive Fluorescent Powders for Colour‐Changing Visual Enhancement
Authors: Fang Ying , Luan Jun‐Yu , Zhao Jian‐Shu , Kao Xiu‐Rong , Song Hao‐Rui , Luo Yi‐Ning , Wang Kun‐Peng , Chen Shaojin , Hu Hai‐Yu , Hu Zhi‐Qiang
Published: September 2024

Comprehensive Summary

A new fluorescent fingerprint powder (DFF‐MMT) was formulated by blending cyclic chalcone dye DFF with montmorillonite (MMT), which can develop latent fingerprints (LFPs) with exceptional resolution and contrast on various surfaces, including ordinary glass, tin foil, marble, LED screens, and materials with distinct colors and fluorescent backgrounds. The fluorescence of DFF‐MMT transforms from orange to bright yellow with LFPs, allowing for a flawless visualization of fingerprints on uneven surfaces or materials with static electricity. Impressively, fingerprints developed by DFF‐MMT can be stored for over 21 months and conveniently duplicated. The developed LFPs by DFF‐MMT still keep high quality under the influence of aquatic condition, illumination and thermal effects. DFF‐MMT also exhibits benefits, such as affordability, real‐time, high‐resolution, high‐contrast development and no damage to DNA, making it an ideal choice for sophisticated criminal investigations.
Macrocyclic Calixpyridinium as a Photoacid for the Construction of Photoresponsive Supramolecular Materials
Authors: Wang Kui , Liu Si‐Chen , Wang Yu‐Ting , Meng Xin , Wei Jian‐Wen , Yan Xin
Published: September 2024

Comprehensive Summary

pH is an important stimuli‐responsive signal because deprotonation‐protonation process is crucial for many life functions. Photoacid is a kind of photoresponsive group that can release protons upon irradiation. This property makes invasive pH control can be replaced by noninvasive light control. However, photoacid is rare. In this work, macrocyclic calixpyridinium was found to be used as a photoacid to release protons from acidic methylene under the irradiation of a 254 nm UV lamp. When the solution of calixpyridinium−disulfonated xantphos aggregates were irradiated by a 254 nm portable UV lamp, disulfonated xantphos was able to receive the protons released from calixpyridinium. This noninvasive photocontrolled proton transfer not only replaces an invasive pH regulation but also achieves a synergistic function. The deprotonation of calixpyridinium and the protonation of disulfonated xantphos can occur simultaneously to disrupt the aggregates. Moreover, the photoresponsive disassembly is reversible by heating. This photoresponsive material was further applied as a photocontrolled release model. In addition, a dissipative assembly was successfully designed based on this photoresponsive disassembly. This study supplies a generalized strategy to construct pH‐responsive biocompatible materials with light‐control properties by using macrocyclic calixpyridinium and its matched various guests in water.
Exosomes That Have Different Cellular Origins Followed by the Impact They Have on Prostate Tumor Development in the Tumor Microenvironment
Authors: Huang Cong , Zhang Jialong , Wang Hongzhi , Liang Chaozhao
Published: September 2024

Background

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most common urinary tumor with the highest incidence rate and the second among the leading causes of death worldwide for adult males. In the worldwide cancer incidence rate, PCa is on the increase. The cancerous cells in the prostate and cells in the microenvironment surrounding the tumor communicate through signal transduction, which is crucial for the development and spread of PCa.

Recent findings

Exosomes are nanoscale vesicles released into body fluids by various cells that can aid intercellular communication by releasing nucleic acids and proteins. Exosomes published by different types of cells in the tumor microenvironment can have varying impacts on the proliferation and growth of tumor cells via various signaling pathways, modes of action, and secreted cytokines.

Conclusion

The main purpose of this review is to describe the effects of different cell‐derived exosomes in the tumor microenvironment of PCa on the progression of tumor cells, as well as to summarize and discuss the prospects for the application of exosomes in the treatment and diagnosis of PCa.
Safety and Pharmacokinetics of Single‐Dose Mirikizumab in Chinese Healthy Participants: Results From a Phase 1 Study
Authors: Xu Junyu , Xie Ran , Ji Yongjia , Qian Chenxi , Zhang Xin , Todd Kris , Wang Feng , Cui Yimin
Published: September 2024

The objective of this phase 1 single‐dose study was to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of mirikizumab in Chinese healthy adults. Sixty participants were randomized within 5 planned dose cohorts: intravenous (IV) 300 mg, IV 600 mg, IV 1200 mg, subcutaneous (SC) 200 mg, and SC 400 mg to receive mirikizumab (10 participants in each cohort) or placebo (2 participants in each cohort). No death or serious adverse events occurred. Twenty‐eight (56.0%) participants who received mirikizumab reported 49 treatment‐emergent adverse events (TEAEs) and 8 (80.0%) participants who received placebo reported 18 TEAEs. The majority of TEAEs were mild in severity. Following IV 300‐1200 mg mirikizumab, the arithmetic mean of both area under the concentration versus time curve from time 0 to infinity (AUC0‐∞) and maximum observed drug concentration (Cmax) increased by approximately 3.5‐fold, and the arithmetic mean half‐life (t1/2) ranged from 9.64 to 12.0 days. Following SC 200 and 400 mg mirikizumab, the arithmetic mean of both AUC0‐∞ and Cmax increased by approximately 1.6‐fold, the median time to Cmax (tmax) was 2.98 days for both, and the arithmetic mean t1/2 was 10.6 and 10.5 days, respectively. Absolute bioavailability based on pooled SC and IV dose data was 38.2%. In this study, the safety and pharmacokinetic profile of mirikizumab were consistent with what has been reported in other studies.
A Cost‐Effective Approach for Single‐Stranded DNA Amplification Using Primer‐Blocked Asymmetric PCR
Authors: Percze Krisztina , Harkai Ákos , Mészáros Tamás
Published: September 2024

In vitro amplification of single‐stranded oligonucleotide libraries presents a significant challenge due to the potential for excessive byproduct formation. This phenomenon largely affects the quality of the ssDNAs created using the most commonly used methods, e.g., asymmetric PCR, biotin‐streptavidin separation, or lambda exonuclease digestion of dsDNA. Here, we describe an improved protocol that combines primer‐blocked asymmetric PCR (PBA‐PCR) with emulsion PCR and a cost‐effective downstream process that altogether alleviates byproduct formation without distorting the sequence space of the ssDNA library. In PBA‐PCR, the reaction mixture is complemented with a 3′‐phosphate‐blocked limiting primer that decreases mispriming, thus reducing polymerization of DNA byproducts. The downstream process includes mixing of the PBA‐PCR product with excess reverse complement of the 3′‐phosphate‐blocked limiting primer and removal of dsDNA strands via biotin‐streptavidin separation, yielding purified ssDNAs. In conclusion, we have devised a universally applicable approach for simple and cost‐effective production of ssDNA libraries and unique ssDNA sequences with on‐demand labeling. Our protocol could be beneficial for a variety of uses, such as generating aptamer libraries for SELEX, creating unique molecular identifiers for a wide range of sequencing applications, providing donor DNA for CRISPR‐Cas9 systems, developing scaffold nanostructures, and enabling DNA‐based data storage. © 2024 The Author(s). Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Amplification of ssDNA libraries using PBA‐PCR

Alternate Protocol 1: Amplification of ssDNA libraries using emulsion PBA‐PCR with a simplified extraction of PBA‐PCR products

Basic Protocol 2: Purification of PBA‐PCR products to remove dsDNA and conversion of 3′‐blocked primer to double‐stranded complexes

Alternate Protocol 2: Purification of PBA‐PCR products to remove both dsDNA and blocking primers from the reaction mixture

Support Protocol: Analysis of PBA‐PCR products by gel electrophoresis
Sustainable wins: Exploring the nexus of Environmental, Social and Governance investment and firm efficiency in the gambling industry moderated by business strategy type
Authors: Chang Chia‐Yang , Lu Wen‐Min , Ting Irene Wei Kiong , Liu Day‐Yang , Shieh Joseph C. P.
Published: September 2024

This study investigates the moderating influence of the business strategy type on the correlation between environmental, social and governance (ESG) investment and efficiency in the gambling industry. By employing the range directional measure–network data envelopment analysis model, this study focuses on a sample of 29 gambling firms in North America, Europe, Asia and Oceania for the period of 2019–2022. Findings show that (i) the gambling industry demonstrates steadily increasing trends in the three ESG pillars; (ii) the gambling firms in Asia outperform their counterparts in North America across the three ESG pillars, and among the industry classifications, the betting operators lead in performance in the ESG pillars; and (iii) the adoption of an aggressive business strategy will enhance the translation of social responsibility investment and governance practices into heightened sustainability efficiency and marketability efficiency, respectively. Overall, this study enriches the ESG investment literature by exploring the moderating role of the business strategy type and provides insights into how diverse business strategies within the gambling industry can shape the outcomes of ESG initiatives. The implications of the findings extend to management teams and offer valuable insights into the interplay between the business strategy type and the ESG–firm efficiency nexus. Policymakers can leverage the results to design regulations and incentives that align with the different strategic profiles adopted by gambling firms to foster the creation of tailored and effective approaches for strengthening their sustainability in the industry.
Biomass Derived Self‐Doped Carbon Nanosheets Enable Robust Hole Transport Layers with Ion Buffer for Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Qiu Lele , Xu Ming , Tian Wanyu , Wei Jing , Chen Yuxuan , Xiao Jian , Liang Jing , Liu Fangjing , Zhao Yunpeng
Published: September 2024

The diffusion of iodine species and lead leakage during device degradation represent the main obstacles restricting the commercial application of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Cobalt loaded ultrathin carbon nanosheets (Co(III)‐CNS) derived from biomass are prepared as ion buffer material to construct robust hole transport layers (HTLs). The carbon nanosheets containing trivalent cobalt ions can facilitate the oxidation of the hole transport material while preserving the structural integrity and electrical properties of HTLs under thermal stress, thereby ensuring efficient carrier transport. The two‐dimensional ultrathin graphitized lamellar structure of Co(III)‐CNS is conducive to alleviate the corrosive effects of the outward diffusion of iodine species on HTLs and silver electrodes, while avoiding irreversible degradation of PSCs. With the improvement of HTL composition and the related interfaces, Co(III)‐CNS doped devices can maintain intact device structure under thermal stress and remain above 80 % of the original power conversion efficiency (PCE) after thermal aging at 85 °C for 720 h. Notably, the chemical interactions between heteroatoms of self‐doped carbon nanosheets and the mobile lead ions can effectively alleviate lead leakage and avoid the potential impacts of device degradation on ecosystem. Ultimately, the Co(III)‐CNS doped PSCs with enhanced thermal stability exhibit a champion PCE of 22.32 %.
Bipolar Supercapacitive Performance of N‐Containing Carbon Materials Derived from Covalent Triazine‐Based Framework
Authors: Maity Arijit , Siebels Marvin , Jana Anupam , Eswaran Muthusankar , Dhanusuraman Ragupathy , Janiak Christoph , Bhunia Asamanjoy
Published: September 2024

The search for new electrode materials for bipolar‐supercapacitor performance is the intention of numerous research in the area of functional framework materials. Among various electrode materials, covalent triazine‐based frameworks (CTFs) are in the spotlight drawing much attention as potential electrode material for energy storage owing to their tunable surface area, pore size distribution, and heteroatom content. Herein, we present the synthesis of nitrogen‐functionalized CTFs marked as CTF‐Py‐600 and CTF‐Py‐700 with high nitrogen content (18 % and 14 %, respectively) for supercapacitor application by applying the 2,6‐dicyanopyridine monomer via the polymerization reaction under ionothermal condition. The BET surface areas of these materials are in the range of 940–1999 m2 g−1. CTF‐Py‐700 demonstrates outstanding electrochemical performance in both potential windows. At the negative potential window, it exhibits a higher specific capacitance of 435 F g−1 (at 1 A g−1) compared to the positive potential window, where it shows a specific capacitance of 306 F g−1 (at 1 A g−1) owing to the synergistic existence of its large surface area (1999 m2 g−1) and high nitrogen content (14 %) with inherent microporosity. Remarkable cycling stability without noticeable degradation of specific capacitance after 15000 cycles was recorded for CTF‐Py‐700. This suggests that the nitrogen‐functionalized CTFs are going to be a highly demanded electrode material for electrochemical energy storage applications.
Disease resistance gene count increases with rainfall in Silphium integrifolium
Authors: Keepers Kyle , Peterson Kelsey , Raduski Andrew , Turner Kathryn M. , Van Tassel David , Smith Kevin , Harkess Alex , Bever James D. , Brandvain Yaniv
Published: September 2024

Intracellular plant defense against pathogens is mediated by a class of disease resistance genes known as NB‐LRRs or NLRs (R genes). Many of the diseases these genes protect against are more prevalent in regions of higher rainfall, which provide better growth conditions for the pathogens. As such, we expect a higher selective pressure for the maintenance and proliferation of R genes in plants adapted to wetter conditions. In this study, we enriched libraries for R genes using RenSeq from baits primarily developed from the common sunflower (Helianthus annuus) reference genome. We sequenced the R gene libraries of Silphium integrifolium Michx, a perennial relative of sunflower, from 12 prairie remnants across a rainfall gradient in the Central Plains of the United States, with both Illumina short‐read (n = 99) and PacBio long‐read (n = 10) approaches. We found a positive relationship between the mean effective annual precipitation of a plant's source prairie remnant and the number of R genes in its genome, consistent with intensity of plant pathogen coevolution increasing with precipitation. We show that RenSeq can be applied to the study of ecological hypotheses in non‐model relatives of model organisms.
Unveiling the suitable habitats and future conservation strategies of Tridacna maxima in the Indo‐Pacific core area based on species distribution model
Authors: Liu Shenghao , Li Tingting , Cong Bailin , Yang Leyu , Zhang Zhaohui , Zhao Linlin
Published: September 2024

Climate change is exerting unprecedented impacts on marine habitats, and many sessile invertebrate species, such as the endangered giant clam Tridacna maxima, are particularly sensitive to climate driven changes in their environment. Understanding its spatial distribution and conservation requirements is of crucial significance in formulating effective protection strategies. However, the species has been extensively harvested and depleted in many regions, leading to its listing as endangered species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). While marine protected areas (MPAs) are considered effective conservation tools, it remains uncertain whether existing MPAs adequately protect these vulnerable giant clams. To enhance the management and conservation of this species, we employed a Species Distribution Models (SDMs) approach, integrating occurrence records of T. maxima with environmental variables, to predict its potential distribution based on habitat suitability and capture spatiotemporal changes. Based on geographical and genetic variations, the T. maxima in the Indo‐Pacific core region is primarily divided into two populations: the East Indian Ocean‐South China Sea population (EIOS) and the West Pacific‐Indonesia population (WPI). We first quantified realized niche to reveal significant differences in ecological niche space among different populations. Subsequently, SDMs were constructed at both species and population levels, demonstrating that population‐level SDMs provide more reliable predictions of population distributions due to differential responses to climatic predictor variables. Finally, we conducted an assessment to identify conservation gaps for T. maxima beyond the existing MPAs and proposed recommendations for future establishment of MPAs within the current framework. Based on these findings, appropriate conservation policies have been proposed to effectively protect the habitat of different geographical populations of T. maxima. Additionally, spatiotemporal predictions of habitat suitability provide crucial information for developing adaptive management strategies for T. maxima in response to climate change, including designing new protected areas and adjusting the location and extent of existing protected areas based on their geographical distribution.
Awareness, access, and adoption of natriuretic peptides for diagnosis of heart failure
Authors: Bayes‐Genis Antoni , Petrie Mark C. , Moura Brenda , Chioncel Ovidiu , Volterrani Maurizio , Adamo Marianna , Rakisheva Amina , Savarese Gianluigi , Tocchetti Carlo Gabriele , Metra Marco , Rosano Giuseppe
Published: September 2024

Aims

This survey investigates natriuretic peptide (NP) testing in community and hospital settings, assessing awareness, accessibility, and utilization.

Methods and results

This investigator‐initiated survey, conceived within the HFA of the European Society of Cardiology, comprised 14 questions. It underwent validation and pilot testing to ensure question readability and online system functionality. The survey was accessible for 87 days, from 5 April 2023 to 1 July 2023 via a web platform. There were 751 healthcare professionals across 99 countries who responded. Of them, 92.5% had access to NPs testing in hospital whereas 34.3% had no access to NTproBNP in community settings. Access to point of care NP testing was uncommon (9.6%). Public insurance fully covered NPs testing in 31.0% of cases, with private insurance providing coverage in 37.9%. The majority (84.0%) of participants believed that the medical evidence supporting NPs testing was strong, and 54.7% considered it cost‐effective. Also, 35.8% found access, awareness, and adoption to be in favour of NPs testing both in hospital and community settings. Strategies to optimize NP testing involved regular guideline updates (57.9%), prioritizing NPs testing for dyspnoea assessment (36.4%), and introducing clinician feedback mechanisms (21.2%). Notably, 40% lacked a community‐based HF diagnostic pathway for referring high‐NP patients for echocardiography and cardiology evaluation.

Conclusions

This survey reveals NP awareness, access, and adoption across several countries. Highlighting the importance of community‐based early heart failure diagnosis and optimizing HF diagnostic pathways remains a crucial, unmet opportunity to improve patient outcomes.
AOP report: Development of an adverse outcome pathway for deposition of energy leading to learning and memory impairment
Authors: Sleiman Ahmad , Miller Kathleen B. , Flores Danicia , Kuan Jaqueline , Altwasser Kaitlyn , Smith Benjamin J. , Kozbenko Tatiana , Hocking Robyn , Wood Scott J. , Huff Janice , Adam‐Guillermin Christelle , Hamada Nobuyuki , Yauk Carole , Wilkins Ruth , Chauhan Vinita
Published: September 2024

Understanding radiation‐induced non‐cancer effects on the central nervous system (CNS) is essential for the risk assessment of medical (e.g., radiotherapy) and occupational (e.g., nuclear workers and astronauts) exposures. Herein, the adverse outcome pathway (AOP) approach was used to consolidate relevant studies in the area of cognitive decline for identification of research gaps, countermeasure development, and for eventual use in risk assessments. AOPs are an analytical construct describing critical events to an adverse outcome (AO) in a simplified form beginning with a molecular initiating event (MIE). An AOP was constructed utilizing mechanistic information to build empirical support for the key event relationships (KERs) between the MIE of deposition of energy to the AO of learning and memory impairment through multiple key events (KEs). The evidence for the AOP was acquired through a documented scoping review of the literature. In this AOP, the MIE is connected to the AO via six KEs: increased oxidative stress, increased deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) strand breaks, altered stress response signaling, tissue resident cell activation, increased pro‐inflammatory mediators, and abnormal neural remodeling that encompasses atypical structural and functional alterations of neural cells and surrounding environment. Deposition of energy directly leads to oxidative stress, increased DNA strand breaks, an increase of pro‐inflammatory mediators and tissue resident cell activation. These KEs, which are themselves interconnected, can lead to abnormal neural remodeling impacting learning and memory processes. Identified knowledge gaps include improving quantitative understanding of the AOP across several KERs and additional testing of proposed modulating factors through experimental work. Broadly, it is envisioned that the outcome of these efforts could be extended to other cognitive disorders and complement ongoing work by international radiation governing bodies in their review of the system of radiological protection.