bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaporative Morphology Tuning of Conducting Polymer Films Under Controlled Vacuum Conditions
Authors: Kim Seongju , Weon Byung Mook , Kang Dong Jin , Jung Sungjune 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe evaporation of drops on solid surfaces is a ubiquitous natural phenomenon, and their dynamics play a pivotal role in many biological, environmental, and industrial processes. However, the complexity of the underlying mechanisms has largely confined previous studies to liquid drop evaporation under atmospheric conditions. In this study, the first comprehensive investigation of the evaporation dynamics of conducting polymer‐containing drops under controlled vacuum environments is presented. Utilizing high‐speed imaging of a drop within a vacuum chamber, it is observed that the evaporation of a sessile drop under vacuum conditions unfolds through four distinct stages: Constant Contact Radius (CCR), Constant Contact Angle (CCA), Increasing Contact Angle (ICA), and Stick and Slip (S&S) modes. The detailed analysis of the force balance reveals that the depinning dynamics of the contact line, significantly driven by vacuum‐induced forces, are the primary factor distinguishing these evaporation modes. A modified diffusion‐limited model specifically tailored for vacuum conditions is further developed, which closely aligns with the experimental data on volume reduction over time. Importantly, the study demonstrates that by carefully adjusting the vacuum level, it is possible to precisely manipulate the final film morphology, with uniform deposition achieved at an optimal pressure of 20 kPa. This research introduces a novel approach for controlling drop evaporation dynamics in vacuum, with potential applications in advanced manufacturing processes.
Senescent Fibroblasts Drive FAP/OLN Imbalance Through mTOR Signaling to Exacerbate Inflammation and Bone Resorption in Periodontitis
Authors: Yin Chenghu , Fu Liangliang , Guo Shuling , Liang Youde , Shu Taizhi , Shao Wenjun , Xia Haibin , Xia Ting , Wang Min 
Published: December 2024

AbstractFibroblast activation protein (FAP), predominantly expressed in activated fibroblasts, plays a key role in inflammatory bone diseases, but its role in periodontitis remains unclear. Accordingly, this study identified a positive association between FAP levels and periodontitis susceptibility using Mendelian randomization analysis. Human and mouse periodontitis tissues show elevated FAP and reduced osteolectin (OLN), an endogenous FAP inhibitor, indicating a FAP/OLN imbalance. Single‐cell RNA sequencing revealed gingival fibroblasts (GFs) as the primary FAP and OLN source, with periodontitis‐associated GFs showing increased reactive oxygen species, cellular senescence, and mTOR pathway activation. Rapamycin treatment restored the FAP/OLN balance in GFs. Recombinant FAP increased pro‐inflammatory cytokine secretion and osteoclast differentiation in macrophages, exacerbating periodontal damage, whereas FAP inhibition reduced macrophage inflammation, collagen degradation, and bone resorption in experimental periodontitis. Therefore, senescent fibroblasts drive the FAP/OLN imbalance through mTOR activation, contributing to periodontitis progression. Consequently, targeting FAP may offer a promising therapeutic strategy for periodontitis.
Microglia‐Derived Vitamin D Binding Protein Mediates Synaptic Damage and Induces Depression by Binding to the Neuronal Receptor Megalin
Authors: Kong Yan , Zhang Xian , Li Ling , Zhao Te , Huang Zihan , Zhang Aini , Sun Yun , Jiao Jiao , Zhang Gaojia , Liu Mengyu , Han Yijun , Yang Linfeng , Zhang Zhijun 
Published: December 2024

AbstractVitamin D binding protein (VDBP) is a potential biomarker of major depressive disorder (MDD). This study demonstrates for the first time that VDBP is highly expressed in core emotion‐related brain regions of mice susceptible to chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). Specifically, the overexpression of microglia (MG)‐derived VDBP in the prelimbic leads to depression‐like behavior and aggravates CUMS‐induced depressive phenotypes in mice, whereas conditional knockout of MG‐derived VDBP can reverse both neuronal damage and depression‐like behaviors. Mechanistically, the binding of MG‐derived VDBP with the neuronal receptor megalin mediates the downstream SRC signaling pathway, leading to neuronal and synaptic damage and depression‐like behaviors. These events may be caused by biased activation of inhibitory neurons and excitatory–inhibitory imbalance. Importantly, this study has effectively identified MG‐derived VDBP as a pivotal mediator in the interplay between microglia and neurons via its interaction with the neuronal receptor megalin and intricate downstream impacts on neuronal functions, thus offering a promising therapeutic target for MDD.
Co‐Delivery of aPD‐L1 and CD73 Inhibitor Using Calcium Phosphate Nanoparticles for Enhanced Melanoma Immunotherapy with Reduced Toxicity
Authors: Liu Peng , Guo Jia , Xie Zuozhong , Pan Yusheng , Wei Benliang , Peng Ying , Hu Shuo , Ding Jinsong , Chen Xiang , Su Juan , Liu Hong , Zhou Wenhu 
Published: December 2024

AbstractMelanoma, a malignant skin tumor, presents significant treatment challenges, particularly in unresectable and metastatic cases. While immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) targeting PD‐1/PD‐L1 have brought new hope, their efficacy is limited by low response rates and significant immune‐mediated adverse events (irAEs). Through multi‐omics data analysis, it is discovered that the spatial co‐localization of CD73 and PD‐L1 in melanoma correlates with improved progression‐free survival (PFS), suggesting a synergistic potential of their inhibitors. Building on these insights, a novel therapeutic strategy using calcium phosphate (CaP) nanoparticles is developed for the co‐delivery of aPD‐L1 and APCP, a CD73 inhibitor. These nanoparticles, constructed via a biomineralization method, exhibit high drug‐loading capacity and pH‐responsive drug release. Compared to free aPD‐L1, the CaP‐delivered aPD‐L1 effectively avoids systemic side effects while significantly enhancing anti‐tumor efficacy, surpassing even a 20‐fold dose of free aPD‐L1. Furthermore, the co‐delivery of aPD‐L1 and APCP via CaP nanoparticles demonstrates a synergistic anti‐tumor effect, with substantial immune activation and prevention of tumor recurrence through immune memory effects. These findings suggest that the co‐delivery of aPD‐L1 and APCP using CaP nanoparticles is a promising approach for improving melanoma immunotherapy, achieving enhanced efficacy and reduced toxicity.
Study on Recovery Strategy of Hearing Loss & SGN Regeneration Under Physical Regulation
Authors: Li Zhe , Gao Yijia , Chen Xingyu , Xu Lei , Li Zhou , Chai Renjie 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe World Health Organization (WHO) reports that by 2050, nearly 2.5 billion people are expected to have some degree of hearing loss (HL) and at least 700 million will need hearing rehabilitation. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop treatment strategies for HL. At present, the main treatment strategies for HL are hearing aids and cochlear implants (CIs), which cannot achieve a radical cure for HL. Relevant studies have shown that the most fundamental treatment strategy for sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is to regenerate hair cells and spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs) through stem cells to repair the structure and function of cochlea. In addition, physical stimulation strategies, such as electricity, light, and magnetism have also been used to promote SGN regeneration. This review systematically introduces the classification, principle and latest progress of the existing hearing treatment strategies and summarizes the advantages and disadvantages of each strategy. The research progress of physical regulation mechanism is discussed in detail. Finally, the problems in HL repair strategies are summarized and the future development direction is prospected, which could provide new ideas and technologies for the optimization of hearing treatment strategies and the research of SGN repair and regeneration through physical regulation.
Apparent Stasis of Endocranial Volume in Two Chimpanzee Subspecies
Authors: Wrangham Richard W. , Worthington Steven 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTObjectivesSelf‐domestication theory and preliminary data suggest that western chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes verus) could have smaller brains than eastern chimpanzees (P. t. schweinfurthii), but no large‐scale studies of chimpanzee endocranial volume (ECV) have tested this. This study compares ECV of wild adult P. t. verus and P. t. schweinfurthii, along with femoral head diameter (FHD; an index of body size), bizygomatic breadth (BZB) and palate length (PAL).Materials and MethodsAdult crania of P. t. schweinfurthii (60 females, 90 males, from Uganda and Democratic Republic of Congo) and P. t. verus (43 females, 37 males, from Liberia and Ivory Coast) were sampled. ECV was measured using 3 mm diameter glass beads, and FHD, PAL, and BZB with digital calipers. Quantities of interest were estimated using Bayesian inference.ResultsNo meaningful differences were found between subspecies on average in ECV, FHD, or the relationship between ECV and FHD. Within countries and subspecies, ECV varied widely among individuals, partly because males had higher ECV on average than females. When sex was controlled for, ECV was unrelated to FHD. Within subspecies there was no evidence of meaningful differences in average ECV among countries. PAL was the only measure that differed between subspecies on average, being shorter in P. t. verus females.DiscussionCurrent data show that within sexes, mean ECV is similar between P. t. verus and P. t. schweinfurthii. This suggests that average brain size in chimpanzees has remained unchanged for ~0.7 million years, in contrast to orangutans (Pongo) and humans.
Precision diagnosis of cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer's disease for therapeutic interventions
Authors: Knopman David S. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractWith the advent of anti‐amyloid monoclonal antibody (AAMA) therapy, precision diagnosis is necessary for identifying appropriate patients with cognitive disorders due to Alzheimer's disease. Therapy with AAMAs requires that candidates be diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia, have elevated brain amyloid‐β, have good physical, psychiatric, and medical health, and lack clinical or biomarker evidence of potentially impactful non‐Alzheimer brain disorders. The first three diagnostic activities are the core of the Clinical Practice Guidelines, but the last element of the precision diagnosis requires new decision‐making tools for recognizing multi‐etiology cognitive impairment. Within the context of shared decision‐making between clinician, patient, and family, proper diagnosis is essential. In addition to discussing the benefits and risks of AAMA therapy, the experienced clinician must empathetically assist in bridging the gap between expectations of benefit and the patient's overall diagnostic suitability for AAMA therapy.Highlights
In order to prescribe an anti‐amyloid monoclonal antibody (AAMA) to the right patients, those selected for treatment should be diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia, have elevated brain amyloid‐β (Aβ), and have good physical, psychiatric, or medical health.
Persons with Alzheimer's biology as the primary etiology are the ideal AAMA treatment recipients. A novel activity necessary to optimize therapeutic response is to exclude persons with clinical or biomarker evidence of alternative contributory brain disorders.
While mild clinical severity and elevated brain amyloid‐β are essential elements for selecting patients for AAMA treatment, clinical judgment is required to weigh the implications of more advanced disease severity, other medical co‐morbidities, and the presence of other contributory neuropathologies.
Probing the Protein Kinases′ Cysteinome by Covalent Fragments
Authors: Wang Guiqun , Seidler Nico J. , Röhm Sandra , Pan Yufeng , Liang Xiaojun Julia , Haarer Lisa , Berger Benedict‐Tilman , Sivashanmugam Saran Aswathaman , Wydra Valentin R. , Forster Michael , Laufer Stefan A. , Chaikuad Apirat , Gehringer Matthias , Knapp Stefan 
Published: December 2024

AbstractProtein kinases are important drug targets, yet specific inhibitors have been developed for only a fraction of the more than 500 human kinases. A major challenge in designing inhibitors for highly related kinases is selectivity. Unlike their non‐covalent counterparts, covalent inhibitors offer the advantage of selectively targeting structurally similar kinases by modifying specific protein side chains, particularly non‐conserved cysteines. Previously, covalent fragment screens yielded potent and selective inhibitors for individual kinases such as ERK1/2 but have not been applied to the broader kinome. Furthermore, many of the accessible cysteine positions have not been addressed so far. Here, we outline a generalizable approach to sample ATP‐site cysteines with fragment‐like covalent inhibitors. We present the development of a kinase‐focused covalent fragment library and its systematic screening against a curated selection of 47 kinases, with 60 active site‐proximal cysteines using LC/MS and differential scanning fluorimetry (DSF) assays, followed by hit validation through various complementary techniques. Our findings expand the repertoire of targetable cysteines within protein kinases, provide insight into unique binding modes identified from crystal structures and deliver isoform‐specific hits with promising profiles as starting points for the development of highly potent and selective covalent inhibitors.
Photocatalytic Hydroxylation and Oxidative Coupling Reactions Mediated by Multinuclear Au(I) Supramolecular Clusters
Authors: Sun Qing‐Ya , He Hui‐Zhen , Zhou Ying , Dai Yu‐Peng , Shang Ping , Jiang Xuan‐Feng 
Published: December 2024

AbstractPolynuclear Au(I) cluster photocatalysts, known for their high activity and stability, hold substantial potential in organic synthetic chemistry. This study synthesized two Au(I) supramolecular cluster catalysts with different nuclearities: a tetranuclear cluster, C1 ([(dppmAu2)2L1] • PF6−), and a hexadecanuclear cluster, C2 [(dppmAu2)6(Au4)(L1)4] • 4PF6−, through a multicomponent stepwise self‐assembly approach. Both cluster structures feature aurophilicity interaction motifs that endow them with exceptional photocatalytic performance, exhibiting optical band gaps of 2.27 eV and 2.41 eV, respectively. Upon photoexcitation, these clusters efficiently generate reactive oxygen species, significantly enhancing their photocatalytic efficacy for the oxidative hydroxylation of phenylboronic acids and oxidative coupling of benzylamines under mild conditions. Catalytic efficiencies exceeding 90 % were achieved. Turnover frequencies for C2 and C1 were measured at 52.045 h−1 and 6.030 h−1, respectively, representing the highest efficiencies reported for photocatalysts to date. Compared to C1, C2 exhibited superior photocatalytic activity, attributed to its higher photoelectric sensitivity and greater exposure of active metal sites. Using a combination of experimental data and density functional theory calculations, the plausible mechanisms were proposed for two photocatalytic reactions. This study demonstrates that the use of multicomponent cooperative self‐assembly strategy to synthesize high‐nuclearity Au(I) clusters offers innovative pathways for the development of efficient, green, light‐driven organic synthesis.
Dual‐Loading Strategy Constructing Smart Coatings With Novel Hydroxyapatite/ZIF‐8 Composites
Authors: He Jianmin , Liu Hao , Bao Bingtao , Ren Hanzhong , Xu Weixiang , Luo Qiuyan , Xu Yiting , Li Jie , Zeng Birong , Yuan Conghui , Chen Guorong , Dai Lizong 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTThe marine environment with high humidity and salinity poses higher requests on the service life of traditional polymer coatings therefore, various fillers have been developed for modification. Smart coatings built by fillers that possesses passive barrier and active self‐healing properties show considerable prospects in metal protection. Herein, we applied a novel dual‐loading strategy to design tannic acid (TA) decorating hydroxyapatite (HAp)/zeolite imidazole framework (ZIF‐8) loading 2‐amino benzothiazole (2‐ABT) composite fillers. The epoxy coating (EP) doped with ABT@ZIF8‐HAp@TA (AZHT/EP) presented hydrophobicity and improved mechanical performance on Q215 steel. Moreover, the |Z|f=0.01Hz of AZHT/EP after immersion in saline water for 28 days (6.24 × 1010 Ω•cm2) is higher than pure EPs with two magnitudes. The anticorrosion mechanism of the AZHT/EP was proposed based on the analysis of corrosion products. To conclude, the dual‐loading strategy has considerable potential in designing smart coatings for corrosion protection in harsh environments.
Carl Wirtz' Article From 1924 in Astronomische Nachrichten on the Radial Motions of Spiral Nebulae
Authors: Richtler Tom 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTIn the year 1924, a paper by Carl Wirtz appeared in ‘Astronomische Nachrichten’, entitled ‘De Sitter's cosmology and the radial motion of spiral galaxies’. This paper and its author remained largely unnoticed by the community, but it seems to be the first cosmological interpretation of the redshift of galaxies as a time dilation effect and the expansion of the Universe. Edwin Hubble knew Wirtz' publications quite well. The modern reader would find Wirtz' own understanding diffuse and contradictory in some aspects, but that reflected the early literature on nebulae, to which he himself made important contributions. The 100th anniversary provides a good opportunity to present an English transcription to the community, which can be found in the appendix. This anniversary also provokes to ask for the present status of cosmology which many authors see in a crisis. From an observational viewpoint, it shall be illustrated that until today there is no consistent/convincing understanding of how the Universe evolved.
Biochemical and In Silico Aspects of Active Compounds From Nyctanthes arbor‐tristis Flower As Antidiabetic Agent
Authors: ALNadhari Saleh , Alsakkaf Waleed A. A. , Albarakat Faisal Abdulaziz 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTTargeting alpha‐glucosidase (maltase‐glucoamylase [MGAM] and sucrase‐isomaltase [SI]) under diabetes conditions is important to overcome hyperglycemia. Moreover, it is necessary to mitigate hyperglycemia‐mediated oxidative stress to evade the progression of diabetes‐associated secondary complications. Hence, in the present study, under‐explored Nyctanthes arbor‐tristis flowers (NAFs) were studied for inhibition of alpha‐glucosidase activities. The NAF methanolic extract (NAFME) was prepared. Through liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC–ESI/MS/MS) analysis, various phytocompounds belonging to different classes—flavonoids, iridoid glycosides, proanthocyanidin, anthocyanin, polyphenol, phenolic acid, fatty acid ester, and carotenoid—were identified. NAFME showed in vitro antioxidant activity. NAFME inhibited maltase, sucrase, glucoamylase, and isomaltase in mixed mode with Ki values of 179.93, 176.38, 126.03, and 201.56 µg/mL, respectively. In silico screening of phytocompounds identified in NAFME indicated that hinokiflavone (HKF), pelargonidin‐3‐O‐glucoside (PG), isorhamnetin‐3‐glucoside‐7‐rhamnoside (IGR), and petunidin‐3‐rutinoside (PR) showed better interactions with different subunits of human alpha‐glucosidase, namely, N‐terminal (Nt‐MGAM and Nt‐SI) and C‐terminal (Ct‐MGAM and Ct‐SI). Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation, binding free energy study (molecular mechanics–generalized Born surface area [MM/GBSA]), and post‐MD simulation studies (principal component analysis [PCA] and dynamic cross‐correlation matrix [DCCM]) provided an in‐depth understanding of these ligands’ interactions with proteins. The overall efficacy of NAFME against oxidative stress and alpha‐glucosidase in vitro is understood. Moreover, in silico analysis has shown the possible potential of HKF, PG, IGR, and PR to act as alpha‐glucosidase inhibitors. Further studies on the antidiabetic potential of NAFME, HKF, PG, IGR, and PR in in vivo conditions are required to fully unveil the applicability of NAFME in the management of T2DM as a complementary medicine.
Maximizing yields of furfural and 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural in side streams from steam explosion of lignocellulosic residues
Authors: Hermundsgård Dag Helge , Ghoreishi Solmaz , Tanase‐Opedal Mihaela , Moe Størker T. , Brusletto Rune , Barth Tanja 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe demand for renewable energy and chemicals from biomass resources has led to the development of methods for biorefining lignocellulosic materials into pellets and value‐added chemicals. This has, in turn, driven a search for alternative raw materials to use as feedstock in such biorefineries. This study proposes the inclusion of low‐grade lignocellulosic residues from agriculture and forestry, such as straw and woody biomass with a high bark content, in the feedstock mix for steam explosion (STEX) based biorefineries. It focuses on exploring how the use of low‐grade residues affects the yield of value‐added chemicals that arise as side streams during the steam explosion of lignocellulosic biomass and if acetic acid impregnation of the biomass prior to STEX pretreatment will further improve yields of valuable side stream chemicals. The raw materials were impregnated with water/acetic acid before being subjected to STEX pretreatment, using high temperatures (190 °C–223 °C), and a reaction time of 8 min before pressure release. Value‐added chemicals were identified in two separate aqueous side streams. In the condensed process effluents, the most abundant compounds were acetic acid (1.2 g*kg−1 dry input biomass) and furfural (1.4 g*kg−1 dry input biomass), and the highest yields were found in the samples from mixed spruce and branches and tops (BRAT) at high temperatures. Filtrate samples produced from washing the steam‐exploded biomass contained acetic acid (53.6 g*kg−1 dry input biomass), furfural (4.1–7.9 g*kg−1 dry input biomass) and 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (5‐HMF) (9.0 g*kg−1 dry input biomass) as the most abundant compounds and highest yields of target compounds were found in samples of spruce alone and of spruce mixed with BRAT. All compounds in the side streams were identified and quantified using quantitative 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (qNMR). This study demonstrates that high yields of valuable chemicals are present in the aqueous side streams of pellet production using alternative feedstocks such as forestry and agricultural residues.