bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Room‐Temperature Curing Plant Protein‐Based Adhesive with High Strength and Flame Retardancy for Heat‐Free Adhesion
Authors: Jiang Ke , Dong Xuemei , Chen Yuan , Fan Dongbin , Chu Fuxiang 
Published: April 2024

AbstractPlant protein‐based adhesives are gaining traction owing to their low cost and eco‐friendliness. However, achieving flame retardancy and long‐term water resistance in them under room‐temperature curing conditions remains a challenge due to the hydrophilicity and low reactivity of plant proteins. Herein, a novel adhesive synthesized from soybean meal (SM), activated sodium alginate (aSA), nano‐hydroxyapatite (nHA), and polyamidoamine‐epichlorohydrin (PAE) resin addresses this challenge. aSA as a reactive bio‐based cross‐linker formed covalent cross‐linking structures with SM matrix at room temperature, while the nHA‐induced biomineralization and PAE‐constructed supramolecular cross‐linking promote water drainage from the adhesive, preventing water erosion of the adhesive structure. The developed adhesive shows versatility across multiple substrates, with its wet shear strength on wood reaching 0.76 MPa, surpassing that of the commercial aldehyde‐based adhesive. The adhesive is effective over a wide temperature range from room temperature to 150 °C due to the reactivity of the PAE resin above 60 °C. Moreover, it exhibits excellent flame retardancy (limiting oxygen index of 31.2%) owing to its dense structure and the abundance of N‐containing and P‐containing components. This work is expected to break the monopoly of petroleum‐based adhesives in the realm of room‐temperature adhesives.
Fabricating a Structured Single‐Atom Catalyst via High‐Resolution Photopolymerization 3D Printing
Authors: Luo Jiachengjun , Ruta Vincenzo , Kwon Ik Seon , Albertazzi Jody , Allasia Nicolò , Nevskyi Oleksii , Busini Valentina , Moscatelli Davide , Vilé Gianvito 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis study introduces a novel solution to the design of structured catalysts, integrating single‐piece 3D printing with single‐atom catalysis. Structured catalysts are widely employed in industrial processes, as they provide optimal mass and heat transfer, leading to a more efficient use of catalytic materials. They are conventionally prepared using ceramic or metallic bodies, which are then washcoated and impregnated with catalytically active layers. However, this approach may lead to adhesion issues of the latter. By employing photopolymerization printing, a stable and active single‐atom catalyst is directly shaped into a stand‐alone, single‐piece structured material. The battery of characterization methods employed in the present study confirms the uniform distribution of catalytically active species and the structural integrity of the material. Computational fluid dynamics simulations are applied to demonstrate enhanced momentum transfer and light distribution within the structured body. The materials are finally evaluated in the continuous‐flow photocatalytic oxidation of benzyl alcohol to benzaldehyde, a relevant reaction to prepare biomass‐derived building blocks. The innovative approach reported herein to manufacture a structured single‐atom catalyst circumvents the complexities of traditional synthetic methods, offering scalability and efficiency improvements, and highlights the transformative role of 3D printing in catalysis engineering to revolutionize catalysts’ design.
Injectable and Dynamically Crosslinked Zwitterionic Hydrogels for Anti‐Fouling and Tissue Regeneration Applications
Authors: Pan Zhicheng , Dorogin Jonathan , Lofts Andrew , Randhawa Gurpreet , Xu Fei , Slick Rebecca , Abraha Mosana , Tran Cecilia , Lawlor Michael , Hoare Todd 
Published: April 2024

AbstractA zwitterionic injectable and degradable hydrogel based on hydrazide and aldehyde‐functionalized [2‐(methacryloyloxy)ethyl] dimethyl‐(3‐sulfopropyl)ammonium hydroxide (DMAPS) precursor polymers that can address practical in vivo needs is reported. Zwitterion fusion interactions between the zwitterionic precursor polymers create a secondary physically crosslinked network to enable much more rapid gelation than previously reported with other synthetic polymers, facilitating rapid gelation at much lower polymer concentrations or degrees of functionalization than previously accessible in addition to promoting zero swelling and long‐term degradation responses and significantly stiffer mechanics than are typically accessed with previously reported low‐viscosity precursor gelation systems. The hydrogels maintain the highly anti‐fouling properties of conventional zwitterionic hydrogels against proteins, mammalian cells, and bacteria while also promoting anti‐fibrotic tissue responses in vivo. Furthermore, the use of the hydrogels for effective delivery and subsequent controlled release of viable cells with tunable profiles both in vitro and in vivo is demonstrated, including the delivery of myoblasts in a mouse skeletal muscle defect model for reducing the time between injury and functional mobility recovery. The combination of the injectability, degradability, and tissue compatibility achieved offers the potential to expand the utility of zwitterionic hydrogels in minimally invasive therapeutic applications.
Glucopeptide Superstructure Hydrogel Promotes Surgical Wound Healing Following Neoadjuvant Radiotherapy by Producing NO and Anticellular Senescence
Authors: Wang Hang , Mu Ganen , Cai Xiaoyao , Zhang Xiaoguang , Mao Ruiqi , Jia Haixue , Luo Hongjing , Liu Jianfeng , Zhao Cuicui , Wang Zhongyan , Yang Cuihong 
Published: April 2024

AbstractNeoadjuvant radiotherapy, a preoperative intervention regimen for reducing the stage of primary tumors and surgical margins, has gained increasing attention in the past decade. However, radiation‐induced skin damage during neoadjuvant radiotherapy exacerbates surgical injury, remarkably increasing the risk of refractory wounds and compromising the therapeutic effects. Radiation impedes wound healing by increasing the production of reactive oxygen species and inducing cell apoptosis and senescence. Here, a self‐assembling peptide (R‐peptide) and hyaluronic‐acid (HA)‐based and cordycepin‐loaded superstructure hydrogel is prepared for surgical incision healing after neoadjuvant radiotherapy. Results show that i) R‐peptide coassembles with HA to form biomimetic fiber bundle microstructure, in which R‐peptide drives the assembly of single fiber through π–π stacking and other forces and HA, as a single fiber adhesive, facilitates bunching through electrostatic interactions. ii) The biomimetic superstructure contributes to the adhesion and proliferation of cells in the surgical wound. iii) Aldehyde‐modified HA provides dynamic covalent binding sites for cordycepin to achieve responsive release, inhibiting radiation‐induced cellular senescence. iv) Arginine in the peptides provides antioxidant capacity and a substrate for the endogenous production of nitric oxide to promote wound healing and angiogenesis of surgical wounds after neoadjuvant radiotherapy.
5.1 µm Ion‐Regulated Rigid Quasi‐Solid Electrolyte Constructed by Bridging Fast Li‐Ion Transfer Channels for Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Liu Yangxi , Wang Suqing , Chen Weicheng , Kong Wenhan , Wang Shupei , Liu Haixing , Ding Li , Ding Liang‐Xin , Wang Haihui 
Published: April 2024

AbstractAn ultra‐thin quasi‐solid electrolyte (QSE) with dendrite‐inhibiting properties is a requirement for achieving high energy density quasi‐solid lithium metal batteries (LMBs). Here, a 5.1 µm rigid QSE layer is directly designed on the cathode, in which Kevlar (poly(p‐phenylene terephthalate)) nanofibers (KANFs) with negatively charged groups bridging metal‐organic framework (MOF) particles are served as a rigid skeleton, and non‐flammable deep eutectic solvent is selected to be encapsulated into the MOF channels, combined with in situ polymerization to complete safe electrolyte system with high rigidness and stability. The QSE with constructed topological network demonstrates high rigidity (5.4 GPa), high ionic conductivity (0.73 mS cm−1 at room temperature), good ion‐regulated properties, and improved structural stability, contributing to homogenized Li‐ion flux, excellent dendrite suppression, and prolonged cyclic performance for LMB. Additionally, ion regulation influences the Li deposition behavior, exhibiting a uniform morphology on the Li‐metal surface after cycling. According to density‐functional theory, KANFs bridging MOFs as hosts play a vital function in the free‐state and fast diffusion dynamics of Li‐ions. This work provides an effective strategy for constructing ultrathin robust electrolytes with a novel ionic conduction mode.
Toward Sustainable Electroluminescent Devices for Lighting and Sensing
Authors: Polícia Rita , Peřinka Nikola , Mendes‐Felipe Cristian , Martins Pedro , Correia Daniela Maria , Lanceros‐Méndez Senentxu 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIn today's rapidly evolving technological landscape, electroluminescent devices have emerged as pivotal components, illuminating a path toward energy‐efficient lighting solutions, advanced displays, and integrated sensing technologies, profoundly impacting sectors ranging from consumer electronics to sustainable urban development. Based in such socio‐scientific‐economic scenario, and in the pursuit of sustainable and environmentally conscious technologies, this work presents a novel approach to the development of a multifunctional electroluminescent (EL) device capable of both efficient lighting and electric field frequency sensing applications. The proposed device integrates a composite based on zinc sulfide co‐doped with copper (ZnS:Cu) phosphor particles and plant‐based UV resin, to achieve enhanced functional properties and reduced environmental impact. The developed anycubic plant‐based UV resin clear (ECOr)/ZnS:Cu inks display viscosity values between 0.5 and 100 Pa.s (ensuring good quality of screen‐prints), and after printing composites exhibit thermal stability up to ≈200 °C; morphological homogeneity, dielectric properties dependent on the ZnS:Cu content (dielectric constant of 12.8 for the sample with 80 wt.% of filler); 30 cd.m2 luminance for the sample with 80 wt.% of ZnS:Cu; and colorimetric electric field frequency sensing capability in the 0–3 kHz range. Thus, this research contributes to the advancement of sustainable technologies that prioritize both multifunctionality and environmental responsibility in the fabrication of electroluminescent devices for lighting and sensing.
Ginseng‐Bioinspired 3D Photothermal Evaporator for Efficient Seawater Desalination Using Conjugated Microporous Polymer
Authors: Wang Yuzhu , Cheng Zhonghua , Li Wujun , Zhao Xiaojia , Li Shuang , Cheng Chong , Thomas Arne , Liao Yaozu 
Published: April 2024

AbstractPhotothermal conversion technology presents a promising approach for harnessing solar energy to facilitate seawater desalination. However, salts will accumulate on the surface of the photothermal conversion structure during seawater desalination, which hinders solar energy absorption. Meanwhile, the photothermal conversion structure directly immersing in a large water body results in a large heat dissipation loss. Both factors impair solar energy conversion and water steam generation. To address the issues, inspired by a ginseng plant (with a trunk‐to‐branch water supply system), a 3D cotton‐based photothermal evaporator with tunable water supply is facilely designed herein via simple cloak‐weaving of a porphyrin‐based conjugated microporous polymer (PPCMP) as the photothermal conversion material. The as‐designed 3D cloak‐like photothermal evaporator achieves an equilibrium between the water supply flux and evaporation rate via optimizing PPCMP weaving and the water path. As a result, a high evaporation rate of 2.81 kg m−2 h−1 and photothermal conversion efficiency of 155% are obtained under 1 sun illumination. The findings underline the importance of 3D porous organic polymer‐based fabrics as effective media for harnessing solar energy and highlight their potential for seawater desalination.
Predicting Blood Glucose Levels with Organic Neuromorphic Micro‐Networks
Authors: Kurt Ibrahim , Krauhausen Imke , Spolaor Simone , van de Burgt Yoeri 
Published: April 2024

AbstractAccurate glucose prediction is vital for diabetes management. Artificial intelligence and artificial neural networks (ANNs) are showing promising results for reliable glucose predictions, offering timely warnings for glucose fluctuations. The translation of these software‐based ANNs into dedicated computing hardware opens a route toward automated insulin delivery systems ultimately enhancing the quality of life for diabetic patients. ANNs are transforming this field, potentially leading to implantable smart prediction devices and ultimately to a fully artificial pancreas. However, this transition presents several challenges, including the need for specialized, compact, lightweight, and low‐power hardware. Organic polymer‐based electronics are a promising solution as they have the ability to implement the behavior of neural networks, operate at low voltage, and possess key attributes like flexibility, stretchability, and biocompatibility. Here, the study focuses on implementing software‐based neural networks for glucose prediction into hardware systems. How to minimize network requirements, downscale the architecture, and integrate the neural network with electrochemical neuromorphic organic devices, meeting the strict demands of smart implants for in‐body computation of glucose prediction is investigated.
In Silico Discovery of Stapled Peptide Inhibitor Targeting the Nur77‐PPARγ Interaction and Its Anti‐Breast‐Cancer Efficacy
Authors: Bian Huiting , Liang Xiaohui , Lu Dong , Lin Jiayi , Lu Xinchen , Jin Jinmei , Zhang Lijun , Wu Ye , Chen Hongzhuan , Zhang Weidong , Luan Xin 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe binding of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ (PPARγ) to the orphan nuclear receptor Nur77 facilitates the ubiquitination and degradation of Nur77, and leads to aberrant fatty acid uptake for breast cancer progression. Because of its crucial role in clinical prognosis, the interaction between Nur77 and PPARγ is an attractive target for anti‐breast‐cancer therapy. However, developing an inhibitor of the Nur77‐PPARγ interaction poses a technical challenge due to the absence of the crystal structure of PPARγ and its corresponding interactive model with Nur77. Here, ST‐CY14, a stapled peptide, is identified as a potent modulator of Nur77 with a KD value of 3.247 × 10−8 M by in silico analysis, rational design, and structural modification. ST‐CY14 effectively increases Nur77 protein levels by blocking the Nur77‐PPARγ interaction, thereby inhibiting lipid metabolism in breast tumor cells. Notably, ST‐CY14 significantly suppresses breast cancer growth and bone metastasis in mice. The findings demonstrate the feasibility of exploiting directly Nur77‐PPARγ interaction in breast cancer, and generate what to the best knowledge is the first direct inhibitor of the Nur77‐PPARγ interaction available for impeding fatty acid uptake and therapeutic development.
Antitumor Effect of Anti‐c‐Myc Aptamer‐Based PROTAC for Degradation of the c‐Myc Protein
Authors: Wang Yuchun , Yang Gang , Zhang Xinyu , Bai Ruoling , Yuan Deyu , Gao Denghui , He Qianyu , Yuan Yi , Zhang Xinghe , Kou Junchuang , Zheng Lihua , Huang Yanxin , Tang Zhuo , Bao Yongli , Song Xu , Zhao Yongyun 
Published: April 2024

AbstractTargeting “undruggable” targets with intrinsically disordered structures is of great significance for the treatment of disease. The transcription factor c‐Myc controls global gene expression and is an attractive therapeutic target for multiple types of cancers. However, due to the lack of defined ligand binding pockets, targeted c‐Myc have thus far been unsuccessful. Herein, to address the dilemma of lacking ligands, an efficient and high throughput aptamer screening strategy is established, named polystyrene microwell plate‐based systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (microwell‐SELEX), and identify the specific aptamer (MA9C1) against c‐Myc. The multifunctional aptamer‐based Proteolysis Targeting Chimeras (PROTAC) for proteolysis of the c‐Myc (ProMyc) is developed using the aptamer MA9C1 as the ligand. ProMyc not only significantly degrades c‐Myc by the ubiquitin‐proteasome system, but also reduces the Max protein, synergistically inhibiting c‐Myc transcriptional activity. Combination of the artificial cyclization and anti‐PD‐L1 aptamer (PA1)‐based delivery system, circular PA1‐ProMyc chimeras achieve tumor regression in the xenograft tumor model, laying a solid foundation for the development of efficacious c‐Myc degrader for the clinic. Therefore, this aptamer‐based degrader provides an invaluable potential degrader in drug discovery and anti‐tumor therapy, offering a promising degrader to overcome the challenge of targeting intractable targets.
Plants reduced nitrous oxide emissions from a Northern Great Plains saline/sodic soil
Authors: Clay Sharon A. , Nleya Thandiwe , Clay David E. , Joshi Deepak , Bhattarai Dwarika , Marzano Shin‐Yi , Petla Bhanu Prakash 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe slowly establishing salt‐tolerant perennial grasses reduced nitrous oxide (N2O‐N) emissions from saline/sodic soil compared to barren areas. Other salt‐tolerant species may accelerate vegetative establishment and reduce N2O‐N emissions. In a greenhouse study, barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), Florida broadleaf mustard (Brassica juncea L.), and Kernza intermediate wheatgrass [Thinopyrum intermedium (Host) Barkworth & D. R. Dewey] were grown for 63 days to compare shoot biomass and chemical composition, N2O‐N emissions, and the soil microbiome between saline/sodic and productive (non‐salt impacted) soils. Emissions were measured six times daily from 1 to 22 and 42 to 63 days after planting (DAP). Shoot and soil microbial biomass and communities were quantified 63 DAP. N2O‐N emissions were 87% greater from no‐plant saline/sodic than no‐plant productive soil (p < 0.05). N2O‐N emissions were reduced from planted treatments soon after plant emergence. N2O‐N emissions reductions from saline/sodic soil during the first 22 DAP were 84%, 76%, and 61% for barley, mustard, and Kernza, respectively. Barley had the greatest shoot biomass and impact on the soil microbial community, increasing the fungi to bacteria ratio from 0.063 to 0.094 in the productive soil and from 0.056 to 0.076 in the saline/sodic soil. Plant‐induced changes to the soil microbiome, and decreased soil inorganic N and water, contributed to N2O‐N emission reductions. Archived field samples from grass‐established saline/sodic soil areas had a fourfold increase in nos‐Z gene copy number compared to no‐plant controls, which may, in part, explain decreased N2O‐N emissions. Establishing these vigorous species may aid in restoring multiple ecosystem services to saline/sodic areas.
Fine‐Tuning Crystal Structures of Lead Bromide Perovskite Nanocrystals through Trace Cadmium(II) Doping for Efficient Color‐Saturated Green LEDs
Authors: Zhang Jianfeng , Wang Junhui , Cai Lei , Wang Sheng , Wu Kaifeng , Sun Baoquan , Zheng Weitao , Kershaw Stephen V. , Jia Guohua , Zhang Xiaoyu , Rogach Andrey L. , Yang Xuyong 
Published: April 2024

AbstractDecreasing perovskite nanocrystal size increases radiative recombination due to the quantum confinement effect, but also increases the Auger recombination rate which leads to carrier imbalance in the emitting layers of electroluminescent devices. Here, we overcome this trade‐off by increasing the exciton effective mass without affecting the size, which is realized through the trace Cd2+ doping of formamidinium lead bromide perovskite nanocrystals. We observe an ~2.7 times increase in the exciton binding energy benefiting from a slight distortion of the [BX6]4− octahedra caused by doping in the case of that the Auger recombination rate is almost unchanged. As a result, bright color‐saturated green emitting perovskite nanocrystals with a photoluminescence quantum yield of 96 % are obtained. Cd2+ doping also shifts up the energy levels of the nanocrystals, relative to the Fermi level so that heavily n‐doped emitters convert into only slightly n‐doped ones; this boosts the charge injection efficiency of the corresponding light‐emitting diodes. The light‐emitting devices based on those nanocrystals reached a high external quantum efficiency of 29.4 % corresponding to a current efficiency of 123 cd A−1, and showed dramatically improved device lifetime, with a narrow bandwidth of 22 nm and Commission Internationale de I'Eclairage coordinates of (0.20, 0.76) for color‐saturated green emission for the electroluminescence peak centered at 534 nm, thus being fully compliant with the latest standard for wide color gamut displays.
Potent Immunomodulators Developed from an Unstable Bacterial Metabolite of Vitamin B2 Biosynthesis
Authors: Mak Jeffrey Y. W. , Rivero Ryan J. D. , Hoang Huy N. , Lim Xin Yi , Deng Jieru , McWilliam Hamish E. G. , Villadangos Jose A. , McCluskey James , Corbett Alexandra J. , Fairlie David P. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBacterial synthesis of vitamin B2 generates a by‐product, 5‐(2‐oxopropylideneamino)‐d‐ribityl‐aminouracil (5‐OP‐RU), with potent immunological properties in mammals, but it is rapidly degraded in water. This natural product covalently bonds to the key immunological protein MR1 in the endoplasmic reticulum of antigen presenting cells (APCs), enabling MR1 refolding and trafficking to the cell surface, where it interacts with T cell receptors (TCRs) on mucosal associated invariant T lymphocytes (MAIT cells), activating their immunological and antimicrobial properties. Here, we strategically modify this natural product to understand the molecular basis of its recognition by MR1. This culminated in the discovery of new water‐stable compounds with extremely powerful and distinctive immunological functions. We report their capacity to bind MR1 inside APCs, triggering its expression on the cell surface (EC50 17 nM), and their potent activation (EC50 56 pM) or inhibition (IC50 80 nM) of interacting MAIT cells. We further derivatize compounds with diazirine‐alkyne, biotin, or fluorophore (Cy5 or AF647) labels for detecting, monitoring, and studying cellular MR1. Computer modeling casts new light on the molecular mechanism of activation, revealing that potent activators are first captured in a tyrosine‐ and serine‐lined cleft in MR1 via specific pi‐interactions and H‐bonds, before more tightly attaching via a covalent bond to Lys43 in MR1. This chemical study advances our molecular understanding of how bacterial metabolites are captured by MR1, influence cell surface expression of MR1, interact with T cells to induce immunity, and offers novel clues for developing new vaccine adjuvants, immunotherapeutics, and anticancer drugs.
Social justice in fractured times
Authors: Thrift Erin , Sugarman Jeff 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe article provides a historical overview of the evolution of social justice, a concept the development of which is interwoven with liberal ideology and practices. The inception of liberalism and its various historical levels are examined, explicating the way social justice arose as a significant social value and shifted as liberal thought evolved. The impact and limitations of these understandings and implementations of social justice over the past 200 years are discussed. The theories of Nancy Fraser and Martha Nussbaum are briefly summarized and presented as approaches that have sought to overcome current challenges to social justice in a globalized context.