bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ethanol-Induced Expression of ET-1 and ET-BR in Liver Sinusoidal Endothelial Cells and Human Endothelial Cells Involves Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-1α and MicroRNA-199
Authors: Yeligar Samantha , Tsukamoto Hidekazu , Kalra Vijay K. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractChronic alcohol consumption leads to inflammation and cirrhosis of the liver. In this study, we observed that liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSEC) derived from ethanol-fed rats showed several fold increases in the mRNA expression of endothelin-1 (ET-1), hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), and inflammatory cytochemokines compared with control rat LSEC. We also observed the same results in acute ethanol-treated LSEC from control rats and human dermal microvascular endothelial cells. Ethanol-mediated ET-1 expression involved NADPH oxidase and HIF-1α activation. Furthermore, ethanol increased the expression of the ET-1 cognate receptor ET-BR in Kupffer cells and THP-1 monocytic cells, which also involved HIF-1α activation. Promoter analysis and chromatin immunoprecipitation showed that hypoxia response element sites in the proximal promoter of ET-1 and ET-BR were required for the binding of HIF-1α to up-regulate their expression. We showed that microRNAs, miR-199 among several microRNAs, attenuated HIF-1α and ET-1 expression, while anti-miR-199 reversed the effects, suggesting that ethanol-induced miR-199 down-regulation may contribute to augmented HIF-1α and ET-1 expression. Our studies, for the first time to our knowledge, show that ethanol-mediated ET-1 and ET-BR expression involve HIF-1α, independent of hypoxia. Additionally, ethanol-induced ET-1 expression in rat LSEC is regulated by miR-199, while in human endothelial cells, ET-1 expression is regulated by miR-199 and miR-155, indicating that these microRNAs may function as novel negative regulators to control ET-1 transcription and, thus, homeostatic levels of ET-1 to maintain microcirculatory tone.
Novel Roles of Lysines 122, 125, and 58 in Functional Differences between Human and Murine MD-2
Authors: Vašl Jožica , Oblak Alja , Gioannini Theresa L. , Weiss Jerrold P. , Jerala Roman 
Published: September 2009

Abstract
The MD-2/TLR4 complex provides a highly robust mechanism for recognition and response of mammalian innate immunity to Gram-negative bacterial endotoxins. Despite overall close structural and functional similarity, human (h) and murine (m) MD-2 show several species-related differences, including the ability of hMD-2, but not mMD-2, to bind endotoxin (E) in the absence of TLR4. Wild-type mMD-2 can support TLR4-dependent cell activation by E only when mMD-2 and mTLR4 are coexpressed in the same cell. However, replacement of Glu122, Leu125, and/or Asn58 of mMD-2 with the corresponding residues (lysines) of hMD-2 was sufficient to yield soluble extracellular MD-2 that reacted with monomeric E · sCD14 complex to form extracellular monomeric E · MD-2 that activated cells expressing TLR4 without MD-2. Moreover, in contrast to wild-type mMD-2, double and triple mMD-2 mutants also supported E-triggered signaling in combination with human TLR4. Conversely, a K125L mutant of hMD-2 reacted with E · CD14 and activated TLR4 only when coexpressed with TLR4, and not when secreted without TLR4. These findings reveal novel roles of lysines 122, 125, and 58 in human MD-2 that contribute to the functional differences between human and murine MD-2 and, potentially, to differences in the sensitivity of humans and mice to endotoxin.
Disentangling the Unusual Magnetic Anisotropy of the Near‐Room‐Temperature Ferromagnet Fe4GeTe2
Authors: Pal Riju , Abraham Joyal John , Mistonov Alexander , Mishra Swarnamayee , Stilkerich Nina , Mondal Suchanda , Mandal Prabhat , Pal Atindra Nath , Geck Jochen , Büchner Bernd , Kataev Vladislav , Alfonsov Alexey 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIn the quest for 2D conducting materials with high ferromagnetic ordering temperature the new family of the layered FenGeTe2 compounds, especially the near‐room‐temperature ferromagnet Fe4GeTe2, receives a significant attention. Fe4GeTe2 features a peculiar spin reorientation transition at TSR ≈ 110 K suggesting a non‐trivial temperature evolution of the magnetic anisotropy (MA)—one of the main contributors to the stabilization of the magnetic order in the low‐dimensional systems. An electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopic study reported here provides quantitative insights into the unusual magnetic anisotropy of Fe4GeTe2. At high temperatures the total MA is mostly given by the demagnetization effect with a small contribution of the counteracting intrinsic magnetic anisotropy of an easy‐axis type, whose growth below a characteristic temperature Tshape ≈ 150 K renders the sample seemingly isotropic at TSR. Below one further temperature Td ≈ 50 K the intrinsic MA becomes even more complex. Importantly, all the characteristic temperatures found in the ESR experiment match those observed in transport measurements, suggesting an inherent coupling between magnetic and electronic degrees of freedom in Fe4GeTe2. This finding together with the observed signatures of the intrinsic two‐dimensionality should facilitate optimization routes for the use of Fe4GeTe2 in the magneto‐electronic devices, potentially even in the monolayer limit.
A Polysulfides‐Defensive, Dendrite‐Suppressed, and Flame‐Retardant Separator with Lean Electrolyte for Room Temperature Sodium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Xu Huixiang , Xiang Yang , Xu Xuan , Liang Ye , Li Yi , Qi Yuruo , Xu Maowen 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe dissolution/shuttling of sodium polysulfides, coupled with sodium dendrites growth, severely compromises the lifespan and stability of room temperature sodium–sulfur (RT Na–S) batteries. Herein, it proposes employing a functionalized porous ZIF‐based membrane (PZM) to address these two challenges. First, the metal ions embedded within the zeolitic imidazolate framework chemically bind with polysulfide anions, curtailing their detrimental shuttling. Second, the tailored porous structure of the membrane ensures a selective and uniform pathway for sodium ions, significantly reducing non‐uniform deposition and curbing dendritic sodium growth. Third, the intrinsically non‐combustible nature of the ZIF‐based membrane acts as a fortification against thermal outbursts and electrolyte decomposition. Implementing this polysulfide‐resistant, dendrite‐inhibiting and flame‐retardant PZM with a standard S/C cathode leads to the creation of a robust separator with lean electrolyte RT Na–S battery. This configuration may impart a novel perspective for the advancement and enhancement of RT Na–S battery systems.
Highly Permeable Nanoparticles Achieve Efficient Tumor Treatment through Oxygen‐Independent Photonic Thermodynamic Therapy
Authors: Xiao Jian , Wang Chun , Zhao Yu , Cao Xianghui , Li Qiushi , Wu Xueyao , Liu Yang 
Published: April 2024

AbstractPhotodynamic therapy (PDT) represents a promising strategy for tumor treatment. However, the development of PDT‐based antitumor therapies faces challenges stemming from the hypoxic nature of the tumor microenvironment and the limited penetration of photosensitizers. This study presents a novel class of antitumor nanoparticles, designated as ARLN‐FP, engineered to penetrate tumor tissues deeply and inhibit tumor growth through the generation of oxygen‐independent free radicals. With the encapsulation of IR780 and dimethyl 2,2′‐azobis(2‐methylpropionate) (AIBME) in the core of ARLN‐FP, near‐infrared (NIR) laser irradiation of ARLN‐FP with induced heat generation, which subsequentially led to the decomposition of AIBME and the production of free radicals without relying on oxygen. In vitro studies indicated that ARLN‐FP penetrated more than 100 µm into multicellular tumor spheroids, demonstrating its enhanced tissue permeability. Animal studies confirmed the anti‐tumor effects of ARLN‐FP‐mediated photonic thermodynamic therapy, where the oxygen‐independent radical formation contributed to successful tumor eradication, evidenced by a significant tumor inhibition rate of 90.8% after 22 days. This research presents a feasible method to overcome the limitations of traditional oxygen‐dependent photodynamic therapies, which offers a new approach to developing nanomedicines to overcome resistance in deep and hypoxic tumor regions.
Ascorbic Acid‐derived New Polymer Spheres via Ternary Copolymerization for Highly Effective Activation of B Cells
Authors: Han Gengxu , Li Fangshen , Yu Bin , Liu Yumeng , Yang Jiaming , Feng Jiyuan , Zhang Ling , Yu Xianghui , Qiao Zhen‐An 
Published: April 2024

AbstractLymphocytes are crucial to defend against harmful pathogens and sustain adaptive immunity. Developing immunomodulating materials to activate lymphocytes is imperative to induce effective and enduring immune responses. Here, a new polymer serving as a highly efficient activator of B cells is reported and corresponding polymer spheres are synthesized through a droplet‐assisted ternary copolymerization process of ascorbic acid, ethylenediamine, and glyoxal. In‐depth studies are conducted on the polymerization mechanisms and polymer spheres ranging from 250 to 1200 nm with various surface functional groups are synthesized. These prepared polymer materials exhibit remarkable immunomodulatory functions correlated to the polymer spheres' size and surface functional groups, and effective activations on B cells are observed in vivo and in vitro. Through cell phagocytosis experiments and RNA sequencing analysis, it is proposed that the selective phagocytosis of B cells and the presence of CD21 on the B cell membrane contribute to the activation of B cells. This work has extended the realm of immunological research from a unique perspective of chemical synthesis, further substantiating the fundamental research and application potential of designing immunomodulating polymers.
Implanted Carbon Nanotubes Harvest Electrical Energy from Heartbeat for Medical Implants
Authors: Ruhparwar Arjang , Osswald Anja , Kim Heewoo , Wakili Reza , Müller Jan , Pizanis Nikolaus , Al‐Rashid Fadi , Hendgen‐Cotta Ulrike , Rassaf Tienush , Kim Seon Jeong 
Published: April 2024

AbstractReliability of power supply for current implantable electronic devices is a critical issue for longevity and for reducing the risk of device failure. Energy harvesting is an emerging technology, representing a strategy for establishing autonomous power supply by utilizing biomechanical movements in human body. Here, a novel “Twistron energy cell harvester” (TECH), consisting of coiled carbon nanotube yarn that converts mechanical energy of the beating heart into electrical energy, is presented. The performance of TECH is evaluated in an in vitro artificial heartbeat system which simulates the deformation pattern of the cardiac surface, reaching a maximum peak power of 1.42 W kg−1 and average power of 0.39 W kg−1 at 60 beats per minute. In vivo implantation of TECH onto the left ventricular surface in a porcine model continuously generates electrical energy from cardiac contraction. The generated electrical energy is used for direct pacing of the heart as documented by extensive electrophysiology mapping. Implanted modified carbon nanotubes are applicable as a source for harvesting biomechanical energy from cardiac motion for power supply or cardiac pacing.
Atomic‐Level Engineered Cobalt Catalysts for Fenton‐Like Reactions: Synergy of Single Atom Metal Sites and Nonmetal‐Bonded Functionalities
Authors: Zhu Zhong‐Shuai , Wang Yantao , Duan Xiaoguang , Wang Pengtang , Zhong Shuang , Ren Shiying , Xu Xing , Gao Baoyu , Vongsvivut Jitraporn (Pimm) , Wang Shaobin 
Published: April 2024

AbstractSingle atom catalysts (SACs) are atomic‐level‐engineered materials with high intrinsic activity. Catalytic centers of SACs are typically the transition metal (TM)–nonmetal coordination sites, while the functions of coexisting non‐TM‐bonded functionalities are usually overlooked in catalysis. Herein, the scalable preparation of carbon‐supported cobalt‐anchored SACs (CoCN) with controlled Co─N sites and free functional N species is reported. The role of metal‐ and nonmetal‐bonded functionalities in the SACs for peroxymonosulfate (PMS)‐driven Fenton‐like reactions is first systematically studied, revealing their contribution to performance improvement and pathway steering. Experiments and computations demonstrate that the Co─N3C coordination plays a vital role in the formation of a surface‐confined PMS* complex to trigger the electron transfer pathway and promote kinetics because of the optimized electronic state of Co centers, while the nonmetal‐coordinated graphitic N sites act as preferable pollutant adsorption sites and additional PMS activation sites to accelerate electron transfer. Synergistically, CoCN exhibits ultrahigh activity in PMS activation for p‐hydroxybenzoic acid oxidation, achieving complete degradation within 10 min with an ultrahigh turnover frequency of 0.38 min−1, surpassing most reported materials. These findings offer new insights into the versatile functions of N species in SACs and inspire rational design of high‐performance catalysts in complicated heterogeneous systems.
Liquid Crystal Elastomer Actuators Enhanced by Tapered Optical Fibers for Controllable Bending Directions and Amplitudes
Authors: He Yongcheng , Liu Haojun , Luo Jiajia , Li Nuo , Zhang Zhishen , Gan Jiulin , Yang Zhongmin 
Published: April 2024

AbstractLiquid crystal elastomer (LCE) photoactuators offer a versatile platform for executing complicated tasks through precisely controlled bending directions and amplitudes. Optical waveguides assist photoactuators to perform tasks unimpededly. While most existing optical waveguide actuators are limited to unidirectional bending, limiting their versatility. Here, a LCE actuator integrated with a tapered optical fiber with controllable bending directions and amplitudes is presented. The LCE actuator displays bending motions induced by uneven shrinkage due to the off‐center fiber. The bending directions are parallel to the previous uniaxial alignment of the LCE film, which can be adjusted to an arbitrary angle with the tapered optical fiber. The LCE actuators exhibit adaptable bending directions at 0°, 45°, and 90°, representing the possible bending motions. The bending amplitudes are regulated by infrared laser power. A hook‐like LCE actuator with 0° bending direction carried the handle of a basket. In addition, a 90° bending direction LCE actuator displays the shrinkage behavior, showing a special bending motion control. Moreover, a bionic hand, comprising five LCE actuators with various bending directions, exhibited diverse gestures with precise control. The controllable bending motions in optical waveguide actuators expand the promising applications in complicated scenarios, such as catheters or other medical devices.
Bioinspired Potentiometric and Passive Strain Sensing Based on Mechanical Regulation of Ionically Conductive Percolating Networks
Authors: Zhang Xuyi , Zhou Ruili , Yang Fan , Zhang Jiabei , Wu Xiaodong 
Published: April 2024

AbstractFlexible strain sensors are essential components for wearable devices, human‐machine interaction systems, and intelligent soft robots. Current active strain sensors have high power consumption, while passive strain sensors exhibit limitations in detecting static or slowly‐varying stimulations. Here, inspired by the strain sensing behavior of Ruffini endings in natural skin, a new type of potentiometric, fully passive, and highly stretchable strain sensors are presented based on the mechanical regulation of ionically conductive percolating networks. Specifically, an artificial potential difference is first created with two electrochemical active electrodes, followed by encoding external strain stimulations into the potential difference variations using a new class of highly elastic and ionically conductive composites with configurable ionic percolating networks. Based on the proposed passive strain sensing mechanism, both static and slowly‐varying strain stimulations (up to 100%) can be monitored with ultralow power consumption (at nW level). Promising applications of the passive strain sensors in human motion monitoring, Morse code communication, and hand gesture recognition are demonstrated. This work opens up a new avenue to constructing novel strain sensing devices with high stretchability, ultralow power consumption, and desirable sensing performance.
H2S Increases Blood Pressure via Activation of L‐Type Calcium Channels with Mediation by HS• Generated from Reactions with Oxyhemoglobin
Authors: Liu Taiming , Zhang Meijuan , Hanson Shawn , Juarez Rucha , Wilson Sean , Schroeder Hobe , Li Qian , Zhu Lingchao , Zhang Guangyu , Blood Arlin B. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractAlthough the gasotransmitter hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is well known for its vasodilatory effects, H2S also exhibits vasoconstricting properties. Herein, it is demonstrated that administration of H2S as intravenous sodium sulfide (Na2S) increased blood pressure in sheep and rats, and this effect persisted after H2S has disappeared from the blood. Inhibition of the L‐type calcium channel (LTCC) diminished the hypertensive effects. Incubation of Na2S with whole blood, red blood cells, methemoglobin, or oxyhemoglobin produced a hypertensive product of H2S, which is not hydrogen thioperoxide, metHb‐SH− complexes, per‐/poly‐ sulfides, or thiolsulfate, but rather a labile intermediate. One‐electron oxidation of H2S by oxyhemoglobin generated its redox cousin, sulfhydryl radical (HS•). Consistent with the role of HS• as the hypertensive intermediate, scavenging HS• inhibited Na2S‐induced vasoconstriction and activation of LTCCs. In conclusion, H2S causes vasoconstriction that is dependent on the activation of LTCCs and generation of HS• by oxyhemoglobin.
Long‐term soil change in the US Great Plains: An evaluation of the Haas Soil Archive
Authors: Liebig Mark A. , Calderon Francisco J. , Clemensen Andrea K. , Durso Lisa , Duttenhefner Jessica L. , Eberly Jed O. , Halvorson Jonathan J. , Jin Virginia L. , Mankin Kyle , Margenot Andrew J. , Stewart Catherine E. , Van Pelt Scott , Vigil Merle F. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractDiverse patterns of climate and edaphic factors challenge detection of soil property change in the US Great Plains. Because detectable soil change can take decades, insights into the trajectory of soil properties frequently require long‐term site monitoring and, where available, associated soil archives to enable comparisons with initial or baseline states. Unfortunately, few multi‐decadal soil change investigations have been conducted in this region. Here, we document effects of dryland cropping on a suite of soil properties by comparing matched historic (1947) and contemporary (2018) soil samples from the Haas Soil Archive at three sites in the US Great Plains: Moccasin, MT, Akron, CO, and Big Spring, TX. Current analytical methods were used to provide insight into changes in soil texture, pH, carbon, and micronutrients at 0‐ to 15.2‐cm and 15.2‐ to 30.5‐cm depths. Changes in direction and magnitude of soil properties over 71 years were site specific. Changes in textural class occurred at all sites, with Moccasin and Akron transitioning from loam to clay loam and Big Spring from sandy clay loam to sandy loam. The soil pH reaction class changed from slightly alkaline to moderately acid at Akron and slightly alkaline to moderately alkaline at Big Spring. At 0–15.2 cm, soil organic carbon decreased by 15% and 36% at Moccasin and Big Spring, respectively, but increased by 15% at Akron. Soil micronutrients generally declined at all sites. Weather‐related variables derived from air temperature and precipitation records were not correlated with soil change. Inferred factors contributing to soil change included on‐site management, inherent soil features, weather metrics not evaluated, or a combination thereof.
Mechanical‐Force‐Induced Non‐spontaneous Dehalogenative Deuteration of Aromatic Iodides Enabled by Using Piezoelectric Materials as a Redox Catalyst
Authors: Qu Ruiling , Wan Shan , Zhang Xuemei , Wang Xiaohong , Xue Li , Wang Qingqing , Cheng Gui‐Juan , Dai Lunzhi , Lian Zhong 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe development of green and efficient deuteration methods is of great significance for various fields such as organic synthesis, analytical chemistry, and medicinal chemistry. Herein, we have developed a dehalogenative deuteration strategy using piezoelectric materials as catalysts in a solid‐phase system under ball‐milling conditions. This non‐spontaneous reaction is induced by mechanical force. D2O can serve as both a deuterium source and an electron donor in the transformation, eliminating the need for additional stoichiometric exogenous reductants. A series of (hetero)aryl iodides can be transformed into deuterated products with high deuterium incorporation. This method not only effectively overcomes existing synthetic challenges but can also be used for deuterium labelling of drug molecules and derivatives. Bioactivity experiments with deuterated drug molecule suggest that the D‐ipriflavone enhances the inhibitory effects on osteoclast differentiation of BMDMs in vitro.
Sucrose‐Powered Liposome Nanosensors for Urinary Glucometer‐Based Monitoring of Cancer
Authors: Zhou Dongtao , Zhang Zhibin , Pan Liqing , Wang Yanyi , Yang Jingjing , Gao Yanfeng , Song Yujun 
Published: April 2024

AbstractTimely detection of early‐stage cancer holds immense potential in enhancing prognostic outcomes. There is an increasing desire for versatile tools to enable simple, sensitive, and cost‐effective cancer detection. By exploiting the extraintestinal metabolic inertness and efficiency renal clearance of sucrose, we designed a liposome nanosensor using sucrose as a messenger to convert tumor‐specific esterase activity into glucose meter readout, enabling economical and sensitive urinalysis for cancer detection in point‐of‐care testing (POCT). Our results demonstrate that the nanosensors exhibited significant signal differences between tumor‐bearing and healthy mice in both orthotopic and metastatic tumor models. Additionally, efficient elimination of the nanosensors through the hepatobiliary pathway was observed with no significant toxicity. Such a non‐invasive diagnostic modality significantly assists in personalized pharmacological treatment and follow‐up efficacy assessment. We envision that this modular liposome nanosensor platform might be applied for economically detecting diverse diseases via a simple urinary test.
Metal Poly(heptazine imides) as Multifunctional Photocatalysts for Solar Fuel Production
Authors: Pelicano Christian Mark , Antonietti Markus 
Published: April 2024

AbstractSolar‐driven photocatalysis employing particulate semiconductors represents a promising approach for sustainable production of valuable chemical feedstock. Metal poly(heptazine imide) (MPHI), a novel 2D ionic carbon nitride, has been recognized as an emerging photocatalyst with distinctive properties. In this minireview, we first delineate the forefront innovations of MPHI photocatalysts, spanning from synthetic strategies and solving structures to the exploration of novel properties. We place special emphasis on the structural design principles aimed at developing high‐performance MPHI systems toward photocatalytic solar fuel production such as H2 evolution, H2O oxidation, H2O2 production and CO2 reduction. Finally, we discuss crucial insights and challenges in leveraging highly active MPHIs for efficient solar‐to‐chemical energy conversion.