bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Locus Coeruleus‐Dorsolateral Septum Projections Modulate Depression‐Like Behaviors via BDNF But Not Norepinephrine
Authors: Zhang Qian , Xue You , Wei Ke , Wang Hao , Ma Yuan , Wei Yao , Fan Yi , Gao Lei , Yao Hang , Wu Fangfang , Ding Xin , Zhang Qingyu , Ding Jianhua , Fan Yi , Lu Ming , Hu Gang 
Published: December 2023

AbstractLocus coeruleus (LC) dysfunction is involved in the pathophysiology of depression; however, the neural circuits and specific molecular mechanisms responsible for this dysfunction remain unclear. Here, it is shown that activation of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) neurons in the LC alleviates depression‐like behaviors in susceptible mice. The dorsolateral septum (dLS) is the most physiologically relevant output from the LC under stress. Stimulation of the LCTH‐dLSSST innervation with optogenetic and chemogenetic tools bidirectionally can regulate depression‐like behaviors in both male and female mice. Mechanistically, it is found that brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), but not norepinephrine, is required for the circuit to produce antidepressant‐like effects. Genetic overexpression of BDNF in the circuit or supplementation with BDNF protein in the dLS is sufficient to produce antidepressant‐like effects. Furthermore, viral knockdown of BDNF in this circuit abolishes the antidepressant‐like effect of ketamine, but not fluoxetine. Collectively, these findings underscore the notable antidepressant‐like role of the LCTH‐dLSSST pathway in depression via BDNF‐TrkB signaling.
In Vitro Models for Investigating Intestinal Host–Pathogen Interactions
Authors: McCoy Reece , Oldroyd Sophie , Yang Woojin , Wang Kaixin , Hoven Darius , Bulmer David , Zilbauer Matthias , Owens Róisín M. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractInfectious diseases are increasingly recognized as a major threat worldwide due to the rise of antimicrobial resistance and the emergence of novel pathogens. In vitro models that can adequately mimic in vivo gastrointestinal physiology are in high demand to elucidate mechanisms behind pathogen infectivity, and to aid the design of effective preventive and therapeutic interventions. There exists a trade‐off between simple and high throughput models and those that are more complex and physiologically relevant. The complexity of the model used shall be guided by the biological question to be addressed. This review provides an overview of the structure and function of the intestine and the models that are developed to emulate this. Conventional models are discussed in addition to emerging models which employ engineering principles to equip them with necessary advanced monitoring capabilities for intestinal host‐pathogen interrogation. Limitations of current models and future perspectives on the field are presented.
Bamboo‐Inspired Crack‐Face Bridging Fiber Reinforced Composites Simultaneously Attain High Strength and Toughness
Authors: Wang Hao , Wu Zhangyu , Tao Jie , Wang Bin , He Chaobin 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBiological strong and tough materials have been providing original structural designs for developing bioinspired high‐performance composites. However, new synergistic strengthening and toughening mechanisms from bioinspired structures remain yet to be explored and employed to upgrade current carbon material reinforced polymer composites, which are keystone to various modern industries. In this work, from bamboo, the featured cell face‐bridging fibers, are abstracted and embedded in a cellular network structure, and develop an epoxy resin/carbon composite featuring biomimetic architecture through a fabrication approach integrating freeze casting, carbonization, and resin infusion with carbon fibers (CFs) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs). Results show that this bamboo‐inspired crack‐face bridging fiber reinforced composite simultaneously possesses a high strength (430.8 MPa) and an impressive toughness (8.3 MPa m1/2), which surpass those of most resin‐based nanocomposites reported in the literature. Experiments and multiscale simulation models reveal novel synergistic strengthening and toughening mechanisms arising from the 2D faces that bridge the CFs: sustaining and transferring loads to enhance the overall load‐bearing ability and furthermore, incorporating CNTs pullout that resembles the intrinsic toughening at the molecular to nanoscale and strain delocalization, crack branching, and crack deflection as the extrinsic toughening at the microscale. These constitute a new effective and efficient strategy to develop simultaneously strong and tough composites through abstracting and implenting novel bioinspired structures, which contributes to addressing the long‐standingly challenging attainment of both high strength and toughness for advanced structural materials.
A Graphene Geometric Diode with the Highest Asymmetry Ratio and Three States Gate‐Tunable Rectification Ability
Authors: Wang Heng , Chen Maolin , Yang Yiming , Ma Yinchang , Luo Linqu , Liu Chen , Getmanov Igor , Anthopoulos Thomas D. , Zhang Xixiang , Shamim Atif 
Published: December 2023

AbstractGraphene geometric diodes, with applications in THz detection, energy harvesting, and high‐speed rectification, have been previously constrained by graphene quality and geometry feature size. This study presents significant advancements in graphene geometric diodes by employing the h‐BN/monolayer graphene/h‐BN heterojunction and extremely precise electron beam lithography. Two distinct designs of graphene geometric diodes with neck widths of 23 and 26 nm are fabricated, the superior of which demonstrated an asymmetry ratio of 1.97, a zero bias current responsivity of 0.6 A W−1, and a voltage responsivity of 12,000 V W−1, setting new benchmarks for such devices. Integrating this device into a rectification circuit, the experimentally validate that the rectified DC output voltage can be dynamically modulated and even inverted through adjustments to the diode's gate voltage. This behavior aligns seamlessly with graphene's intrinsic tunability of charge carriers, implying promising prospects for the device's application in advanced logic circuits, bidirectional switches, and signal modulation/demodulation techniques.
Measurement of droplet coalescence in a mixing tank
Authors: Cai Yubin , Yang Zhongshu , Jin Yijing , Jing Shan , Lan Wenjie , Li Shaowei 
Published: December 2023

AbstractIt is in urgent requirement to directly measure the droplet coalescence frequency for the application of the population balance model. In this study, a method was firstly developed to directly measure the droplet coalescence frequency in turbulent flow field by using a specially designed mixing tank and a high‐speed camera. The effects of the rotating speed and holdup fraction on the droplet coalescence frequency were quantitatively investigated. The increasing of rotation speed promotes first and then inhibits the coalescence, while the holdup fraction has little influence on the coalescence frequency function. The droplet collision frequency was also counted and the coalescence efficiency was calculated. The models in the literature were tested with our experimental data and were found failing to predict the coalescence frequency in the stirring tank. Empirical correlation was finally proposed and good agreement was found between the prediction results and the experimental data.
High‐pressure and high‐temperature synthesis of crystalline Sb3N5
Authors: Ceppatelli Matteo , Serrano‐Ruiz Manuel , Morana Marta , Dziubek Kamil , Scelta Demetrio , Garbarino Gaston , Poręba Tomasz , Mezouar Mohamed , Bini Roberto , Peruzzini Maurizio 
Published: December 2023

AbstractA chemical reaction between Sb and N2 was induced under high‐pressure (32–35 GPa) and high‐temperature (1600–2200 K) conditions, generated by a laser heated diamond anvil cell. The reaction product was identified by single crystal synchrotron X‐ray diffraction at 35 GPa and room temperature as crystalline antimony nitride with Sb3N5 stoichiometry and structure belonging to orthorhombic space group Cmc21. Only Sb−N bonds are present in the covalent bonding framework, with two types of Sb atoms respectively forming SbN6 distorted octahedra and trigonal prisms and three types of N atoms forming NSb4 distorted tetrahedra and NSb3 trigonal pyramids. Taking into account two longer Sb−N distances, the SbN6 trigonal prisms can be depicted as SbN8 square antiprisms and the NSb3 trigonal pyramids as NSb4 distorted tetrahedra. The Sb3N5 structure can be described as an ordered stacking in the bc plane of bi‐ layers of SbN6 octahedra alternated to monolayers of SbN6 trigonal prisms (SbN8 square antiprisms). The discovery of Sb3N5 finally represents the long sought‐after experimental evidence for Sb to form a crystalline nitride, providing new insights about fundamental aspects of pnictogens chemistry and opening new perspectives for the high‐pressure chemistry of pnictogen nitrides and the synthesis of an entire class of new materials.
A ultra‐low viscosity stearic acid emulsion prepared by lauric acid as waterproof agent for cement mortar
Authors: Huang Haowei , Wu Liangliang , Wang Gang , Wang Xianjun , Xie Yunchuan 
Published: December 2023

AbstractSafe building structures cannot be achieved without reliable waterproofing engineering. To address the susceptibility of concrete materials to water leakage, a low‐viscosity stearic acid emulsion has been developed as a waterproofing agent for mortar. By introducing lauric acid, the formation of stearic acid crystals in water could be effectively prevented, resulting in a stearic acid emulsion with a viscosity of only 24 mPa·s. It is found that the best overall performance was achieved when the ratio (R) of lauric acid to stearic acid was 2/3. This emulsion has the least effect on mortar fluidity and setting time. The as‐prepared modified mortar possessed the highest compressive strength (127% of the blank) and the lowest water absorption at 48 h (37% of the blank). X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), energy‐dispersive x‐ray spectroscopy (EDS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS) particle size analysis, and water contact angle measurements were used to investigate the mechanism of stearic acid emulsion's modification. It is determined that the stearic acid emulsions successfully modified the internal and external hydrophobicity of the mortar by chemical action with calcium hydroxide.
Liquid metal flexible wearable triboelectric nanogenerator device for human energy harvesting
Authors: Liang Shuting , Li Fengjiao , Xie Shunbi , Chen JianYang , Jiang Dabo , Qu Xi , Zhang Haifeng 
Published: December 2023

AbstractHumans generate a lot of irregular movements in their daily lives, and much of the movement energy is difficult to collect. This paper develops a wearable device based on a liquid metal (LM)‐based frictional electric nanogenerator, including: flexible power‐generating fiber, power‐generating surface, and power‐generating insole. Friction nano power generation fibers are prepared using LM, epoxy resin, and silicone. The power generation device could be formed by weaving the fibers in cross, mesh and spiral arrangement, with a maximum open circuit voltage of 142 mV and current of 1.06 A, which could be coded into intelligent clothing. Power generating surfaces use LM, nylon,polycaprolactone (PCL), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) as friction electrodes. The LM‐PCL produces a maximum open‐circuit voltage of 2.4 V and a maximum current of 1.23 A when they form a friction electrode. Electricity‐generating insoles are composed of silicone holes filled with LM, and the movement of the human foot generates electricity. With a friction area of 18.75 cm2, a maximum output voltage of 221 mV is obtained. These friction nano power devices have the advantages of a green environment, and low cost, which could be widely used in medical, biological, and clothing formulation fields.
An ultra‐tough, creep‐resistant, wear‐resistant hydrogel for cartilage replacement
Authors: Ren Hanyu , Guo Andi , Wang Wentang , Luo Chunhui 
Published: December 2023

AbstractAs a load‐bearing tissue, natural cartilages possess a compressive stress above 50 MPa, a water content around 60%, and a friction coefficient (FC) less than 0.1, which remains difficult for synthetic materials to realize. Herein, a facile strategy was reported to achieve this goal. The hydrogel was obtained through a three‐step strategy from polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), chitosan (CS), sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC‐Na), lecithin (LS), and deionized water. First, freezing–thawing the aqueous solution of PVA and CS three times generated the precursor gel. Second, immersing it in aqueous solution of CMC‐Na to form multiple linkages (hydrogen bonds, ionic interactions, and crystallize domains). Third, it was coated with LS to form a lubrication layer. Due to the synergy of dynamic interactions, the compressive stress was 115 MPa, superior to most tough hydrogels. Owing to existence of LS, the FC was 0.03, better than the requirement for artificial cartilage. Remarkably, the FC remained stable within 50,000 wear cycles. On account of the reversible break/reformation of physical linkages, the creep recovery efficiency was 93%. The raw materials are all biocompatible and the fabrication process exclude the adoption of toxic additives. All of these features make it an ideal material for cartilage replacement.
Investigation of the size effect of mica sheets on the anticorrosion behavior of UV‐cured coatings
Authors: Xing Zheng , Song Bin , Liu Ren , Sang Xinxin , Luo Jing 
Published: December 2023

AbstractIn this article, four different grades of mica sheets were used to investigate the influence of the size of mica sheet on the UV‐curing process and the anticorrosion performance of UV‐cured coatings. The dispersion of mica sheets in coating matrix was explored by viscosity and morphology measurements. The curing behavior of the composite coatings was studied by gel content and double bond conversion rate. The dispersing behavior of the mica sheets with different grades was investigated by SEM image and rheology measurement. And the anticorrosive performance of the UV‐cured composite coatings was studied by electrochemical measurements and neutral salt spray tests. It was found that the curing degree of the UV‐cured coating was not affected with incorporation of mica sheet as well as its size. Mica sheets with medium size (10 μm) could be more efficiently dispersed in UV‐cured coating than other grades, which helps to form a denser filler pathway and suppresses the diffusion of corrosive agents into the coating matrix, leading to the lowest water adsorption and best anticorrosion performance. After 45 days of immersion in NaCl solution, the impedance modulus of the UV‐cured composite coating with 10 μm mica sheets did not decrease and still maintained at the initial impedance value. After 1500 h's salt spray test, the corresponding coating remained intact without bubbling, peeling, corrosion, and other defects, whereas the coating with other grades of mica sheets all exhibited corrosion pits and blisters, demonstrating that the size of mica sheet played an important role in enhancing the anticorrosion performance of UV‐cured coatings.
Eco‐friendly approach for the determination of moxifloxacin in pharmaceutical formulations and biological fluids based on fluorescence quenching of l‐tryptophan
Authors: Khan Muhammad Naeem , Khan Mashal , Jan Muhammad Noman 
Published: December 2023

AbstractA rapid, novel and cost‐effective spectrofluorimetric method developed to determine moxifloxacin (MFX) in pharmaceutical preparations because MFX in a pH 10 medium could reduce the fluorescence intensity of l‐tryptophan. The maximum fluorescence excitation and emission wavelengths were found to be 280 and 363 nm respectively. A range of factors affecting fluorescence quenching and the effect of co‐existing substances were investigated. Fluorescence quenching values (ΔF = FL‐tryptophan − FMoxi‐L‐tryptophan) displayed a strong linear relationship with the MFX concentration ranging from 0.2 to 8.0 μg/ml under optimum conditions. The limit of detection was found to be 6.1 × 10−4 μg/ml. The proposed method was shown to be suitable for MFX determination in pharmaceutical tablets and biological fluids by the linearity, recovery and limit of detection. The spectrofluorimetric approach that has been developed is extremely eco‐friendly, as evidenced by the fact that all the experimental components and solvents were safe for the environment.
Engineered extracellular vesicles: A new approach for targeted therapy of tumors and overcoming drug resistance
Authors: Ming‐Kun Chen , Zi‐Xian Chen , Mao‐Ping Cai , Hong Chen , Zhuang‐Fei Chen , Shan‐Chao Zhao 
Published: December 2023

AbstractTargeted delivery of anti‐tumor drugs and overcoming drug resistance in malignant tumor cells remain significant clinical challenges. However, there are only few effective methods to address these issues. Extracellular vesicles (EVs), actively secreted by cells, play a crucial role in intercellular information transmission and cargo transportation. Recent studies have demonstrated that engineered EVs can serve as drug delivery carriers and showed promising application prospects. Nevertheless, there is an urgent need for further improvements in the isolation and purification of EVs, surface modification techniques, drug assembly processes, and precise recognition of tumor cells for targeted drug delivery purposes. In this review, we summarize the applications of engineered EVs in cancer treatment and overcoming drug resistance, and current challenges associated with engineered EVs are also discussed. This review aims to provide new insights and potential directions for utilizing engineered EVs as targeted delivery systems for anti‐tumor drugs and overcoming drug resistance in the near future.
Is serum‐derived exosomal hTERT transcript a marker of oncogenic activity in primary brain tumors? An exploratory study
Authors: Uziel Orit , Kanner Andrew A. , Beery Einat , Lev Sapir , Lahav Meir , Horn‐Fichman Suzana , Nof Sagi Har , Laviv Yuseph , Yust‐Katz S. , Amiel Alexandra , Shkara Ramez Abu , Siddeeq Mustafa , Levy‐Barda Adva , Raanani Pia , Sela Yaron , Cohen Zvi , Siegal Tali 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundIn order to proliferate indefinitely, all tumors require a telomere maintenance mechanism. The expression of human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) enables telomere maintenance and provides cancer cells with limitless replicative potential. As such, it may serve as an attractive biomarker for oncogenic activity. This study explored whether a liquid biopsy that analyses blood derived exosomal hTERT transcript (e‐hTERT‐trans) may serve as such a biomarker in gliomas and meningiomas when compared to healthy controls.MethodsExosomes were isolated from the pre‐operative sera of patients' samples stored in the biobank of both Rabin and Sheba Medical Centers. The levels of e‐hTERT‐trans were measured in 81 healthy controls, 117 meningiomas, 17 low‐grade gliomas, and 61 glioblastomas. Clinical parameters of the patients were collected retrospectively and compared to the levels of the e‐hTERT‐trans.ResultsThe upper normal limit of controls e‐hTERT‐trans was 1.85 relative quantitation (RQ). The rate of detection increased with rising tumor grade and correlated with tumor recurrence in meningiomas: mean RQ without recurrence (2.17 ± 11.7) versus with recurrence (3.59 ± 4.42; p = 0.002). In glioblastomas, preoperative measurements correlated with tumor volume and with the disease course on serial sampling.ConclusionsWe demonstrated for the first time that the expression of e‐hTERT‐trans transcript can be measured in the serum of primary brain tumors. This exosomal marker carries the potential to serve as a biomarker once used in conjunction with other clinical and radiological parameters. Future studies are required to investigate whether the sensitivity could be augmented and whether it can be implemented into routine patients care.
Biological Activity and Sterilization Mechanism of Marine Fungi‐derived Aromatic Butenolide Asperbutenolide A Against Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Jiang Yufeng , Wang Jiule , Zhang Hua , Tian Xuelu , Liang Zhiqiang , Xu Xinli , Bao Jie , Chen Biao 
Published: December 2023

AbstractMarine fungi represent a huge untapped resource of natural products. The bio‐activity of a new asperbutenolide A from marine fungus Aspergillus terreus was not well known. In the present study, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and RNA‐Sequencing were used to analyze the bio‐activity and sterilization mechanism of asperbutenolide A against clinical pathogenic microbes. The results showed that the MICs of asperbutenolide A against methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) were 4.0–8.0 μg/mL. The asperbutenolide A present poor bio‐activity against with candida. The sterilization mechanism of asperbutenolide A against MRSA showed that there were 1426 differentially‐expressed genes (DEGs) between the groups of MRSA treated with asperbutenolide A and negative control. Gene Ontology (GO) classification analysis indicated that the DEGs were mainly involved in cellular process, metabolic process, cellular anatomical entity, binding, catalytic activity, etc. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) classification analysis showed that these DEGs were mainly enriched in amino acid metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism, membrane transport, etc. Moreover, qRT‐PCR showed similar trends in the expressions of argF, ureA, glmS and opuCA with the RNA‐Sequencing. These results indicated that asperbutenolide A was with ideal bio‐activity against with MRSA and could be as a new antibacterial agent.
Relative Oral Bioavailability and Food Effects of Two Sepiapterin Formulations in Healthy Participants
Authors: Gao Lan , Kaushik Diksha , Xia Yi , Ingalls Kimberly , Milner Sarah , Smith Neil , Kong Ronald 
Published: December 2023

AbstractSepiapterin is an orally administered drug in development for the treatment of phenylketonuria, an inborn error of metabolism characterized by the deficiency of the phenylalanine‐metabolizing enzyme phenylalanine hydroxylase. This study characterized the pharmacokinetics, safety, and tolerability of 2 clinical sepiapterin formulations (Phase 1/2, Phase 3) and the effects of food on the pharmacokinetics of the Phase 3 formulation in healthy participants. In Part A, 18 participants were randomized to one of 2 treatment sequences, each with 4 dosing periods comprising a single dose (20 or 60 mg/kg) of the Phase 1/2 or the Phase 3 formulation with a low‐fat diet. In Part B, 14 participants were randomized to one of 2 sequences, each comprising 4 dosing periods of a single dose (20 or 60 mg/kg) of the Phase 3 formulation under fed (high‐fat) or fasted conditions. Following oral administration, sepiapterin was quickly absorbed and rapidly and extensively converted to tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4). BH4 was the major circulating active moiety. Under low‐fat conditions, the Phase 3 formulation was bioequivalent to the Phase 1/2 formulation at 20 mg/kg, while slightly lower BH4 exposure (approximately 0.81×) for the Phase 3 formulation was observed at 60 mg/kg. BH4 exposure increased to approximately 1.7× under the low‐fat condition and approximately 2.8× under the high‐fat condition at a dose of either 20 or 60 mg/kg for the Phase 3 formulation, compared with the fasted condition. Both sepiapterin formulations were well tolerated, with no serious or severe adverse events reported. All treatment‐emergent adverse events were mild or moderate in severity.