bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Acoustic Cell Patterning for Structured Cell‐Laden Hydrogel Fibers/Tubules
Authors: Yin Qiu , Luo Yucheng , Yu Xianglin , Chen Keke , Li Wanlu , Huang Hu , Zhang Lin , Zhou Yinning , Zhu Benpeng , Ma Zhichao , Zhang Wenming 
Published: February 2024

AbstractCell‐laden hydrogel fibers/tubules are one of the fundamentals of tissue engineering. They have been proven as a promising method for constructing biomimetic tissues, such as muscle fibers, nerve conduits, tendon and vessels, etc. However, current hydrogel fiber/tubule production methods have limitations in ordered cell arrangements, thus impeding the biomimetic configurations. Acoustic cell patterning is a cell manipulation method that has good biocompatibility, wide tunability, and is contact‐free. However, there are few studies on acoustic cell patterning for fiber production, especially on the radial figure cell arrangements, which mimic many native tissue‐like cell arrangements. Here, an acoustic cell patterning system that can be used to produce hydrogel fibers/tubules with tunable cell patterns is shown. Cells can be pre‐patterned in the liquid hydrogel before being extruded as cross‐linked hydrogel fibers/tubules. The radial patterns can be tuned with different complexities based on the acoustic resonances. Cell viability assays after 72 h confirm good cell viability and proliferation. Considering the biocompatibility and reliability, the present method can be further used for a variety of biomimetic fabrications.
Zygotic Splicing Activation of the Transcriptome is a Crucial Aspect of Maternal‐to‐Zygotic Transition and Required for the Conversion from Totipotency to Pluripotency
Authors: Zhang Hua , Wang Yang , Hu Zhe‐Wei , Wu Yun‐Wen , Chen Nuo , Zhu Yi‐Min , Yu Yuan‐Song , Fan Heng‐Yu , Wang Hua‐Nan 
Published: February 2024

AbstractDuring maternal‐to‐zygotic transition (MZT) in the embryo, mRNA undergoes complex post‐transcriptional regulatory processes. However, it is unclear whether and how alternative splicing plays a functional role in MZT. By analyzing transcriptome changes in mouse and human early embryos, dynamic changes in alternative splicing during MZT are observed and a previously unnoticed process of zygotic splicing activation (ZSA) following embryonic transcriptional activation is described. As the underlying mechanism of RNA splicing, splicing factors undergo dramatic maternal‐to‐zygotic conversion. This conversion relies on the key maternal factors BTG4 and PABPN1L and is zygotic‐transcription‐dependent. CDK11‐dependent phosphorylation of the key splicing factor, SF3B1, and its aggregation with SRSF2 in the subnuclear domains of 2‐cell embryos are prerequisites for ZSA. Isoforms generated by erroneous splicing, such as full‐length Dppa4, hinder normal embryonic development. Moreover, alternative splicing regulates the conversion of early embryonic blastomeres from totipotency to pluripotency, thereby affecting embryonic lineage differentiation. ZSA is an essential post‐transcriptional process of MZT and has physiological significance in generating new life. In addition to transcriptional activation, appropriate expression of transcript isoforms is also necessary for preimplantation embryonic development.
Synthesis of High‐Performance Polyvinylidene Fluoride Composites via Hydroxyl Anchoring Effect and Directional Freeze‐Drying Method
Authors: Lu Jiaqi , Zhang Kaihang , Hazarika Dinku , Xu Liangquan , Li Jie , Wu Jianhui , Naeem Shah Muhammad , Jin Hao , Dong Shurong , Huang Yuhui , Zhang Qilong , Wu Yongjun , Luo Jikui 
Published: February 2024

Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and its copolymers present extensive application prospects, especially in the field of wearable electronics. However, utilizing nanofillers for enhanced β‐phase and piezoelectric properties faces challenges like noncontinuous interfaces, poor compatibility between nanofillers and PVDF matrix, and the requirement of high‐voltage polarization, hindering extensive domain alignment on a large scale. Herein, a method is proposed to synthesize high‐performance PVDF composites by introducing hydroxylated barium titanate (H@BTO) nanoparticles and a directional freeze‐drying method to enhance β‐phase content and piezoelectric properties without polarization. Molecular dynamics simulations reveal robust binding interactions between Ba and F atoms along with OH surface terminations on H@BTO, facilitating hydrogen bonding within the PVDF matrix, resulting in dipole alignment and increased spontaneous polarization. The composite film achieves an 86.69% β phase content and a piezoelectric coefficient of ≈14.49 pm V−1 without electric polarization. The freeze‐drying PVDF‐H@BTO composite film paired with a PA6 membrane is used to fabricate triboelectric nanogenerator, demonstrating a current density of ≈107.5 mA m−2 and an output voltage of ≈832 V. Results demonstrate that the utilization of strong binding interactions between various atoms, the hydroxyl anchoring effect, and directional freeze‐drying method as a strategy holds promising prospects for synthesizing high‐performance piezoelectric composites.
Hydrogen peroxide priming promotes salinity tolerance in plants—A comprehensive review
Authors: Jamshidi Goharrizi Kiarash , Karami Soraya , Ghanaei Sedighe 
Published: February 2024

AbstractSalinity stress is a growing concern for agriculture, as soil salinization is increasing worldwide and seriously affects global agricultural production and food security. How to minimize the adverse effects of salinity stress and meet the food needs of the growing human population becomes an urgent problem. Conventional techniques in agriculture and recently modern plant science have limitations; therefore, alternative technologies such as hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) priming have emerged as promising solutions. The findings highlight that H2O2 priming enhances antioxidant defenses, regulating the balance between reactive oxygen species production and scavenging. Furthermore, H2O2 priming promotes osmotic adjustment by stimulating the accumulation of osmoprotectants, maintaining cellular water status under salinity conditions. The review also discusses how H2O2 priming modulates gene expression and signaling processes, causing stress‐responsive genes and transcription factors activation. Moreover, H2O2 priming helps to preserve chloroplast integrity and photosynthetic efficiency, mitigating the detrimental impacts of salt stress on plant development and productivity. Overall, the collective knowledge gathered here, covering various aspects of the H2O2 priming phenomenon, may facilitate the design and conduct of future research on plant tolerance to salinity or other abiotic stresses. However, future research needs to focus on elucidating how priming can be applied on a large scale to diverse plants, understanding biochemical and molecular mechanisms of H2O2 priming for precise and reliable applications of this approach, and figuring out the potential benefits of in vitro priming (H2O2) technology in plant science.
A Monte‐Carlo approach for the simulation of microbial population dynamics in an heterogeneous scale‐down bioreactor
Authors: Thi Doan Dieu , Kremling Andreas , Morchain Jérôme 
Published: February 2024

AbstractPopulation heterogeneity is due to intrinsic and extrinsic noises; cell to cell variability is related to cell partitioning at division and external forcing by the environment. In this article, a Monte‐Carlo calculation of integral source terms is coupled to a compartment approach. The biological phase is represented by an ensemble of discrete particles which are equipped with a coarse‐grained model that describes the intracellular response to extracellular conditions. The redistribution of cell properties at division generates unbalanced cells and introduces additional time scales into the population dynamics. Using this fully two‐way coupled approach, the consequences of repeated exposure to feast and famine events on both the reactor and the population heterogenities are investigated in a CSTR+PFR scale‐down bioreactor. It is shown that the integration of intrinsic noise due to cell division continuously produces cells that are not at equilibrium with their environment and this contributes to population heterogeneity, even in homogeneous environments.
The associations between digit ratio (2D:4D and right – left 2D:4D), maximal oxygen consumption and ventilatory thresholds in professional male football players
Authors: Parpa Koulla , Manning John T. , Kobus Magdalena , Mason Laura , Michaelides Marcos 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIntroductionDigit ratio (2D:4D: the relative length of the 2nd and 4th digit) is thought to be a negative correlate of prenatal testosterone. The 2D:4D is related to oxygen metabolism, but the precise nature of this relationship is unclear. The purpose of the present study was to consider associations between digit ratios (right 2D:4D, left 2D:4D, right–left 2D:4D [Dr‐l]) and VO2max and ventilatory thresholds (VT1 and VT2).MethodsOne hundred and thirty‐three Caucasian (n = 133) professional football players competing in Cyprus participated in the study. Players underwent anthropometric measurements, and digit lengths were measured from hand scans. They also completed an incremental cardiopulmonary test to exhaustion on a treadmill.ResultsThere were negative correlations between digit ratios and VO2max (right 2D:4D, r = −.65; left 2D:4D r = −.37, both p < .0001; Dr‐l r = −.30, p = .0005). There were no relationships between digit ratios and VT1. For VT2, there were negative relationships with digit ratios (right 2D:4D, r = −.43, p < .0001; left 2D:4D, r = −.21 and Dr‐l, r = −.21, both p = .02). Digit ratios are negatively related to VO2max with large (right 2D:4D) and medium (left 2D:4D, Dr‐l) effect sizes. For VT2, there were also negative correlations, which were medium (right 2D:4D) and small (left 2D:4D, Dr‐l).ConclusionOur findings may help clarify the relationships between digit ratios and high‐intensity actions for extended periods, which are dependent on efficient oxygen metabolism.
Metal‐Free K2S2O8‐Mediated Direct Hydrazonation of Methylene in Pyrazoline‐5‐ones
Authors: Ji Long , Ablajan Keyume 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe K2S2O8‐mediated direct hydrazonation of methylene in pyrazoline‐5‐one substrates with carbazates and benzhydrazides is reported. This protocol provides facile access to a variety of pyrazoline‐5‐one‐4‐hydrazones in 53–78 % yields. Compared to conventional methods, this approach is a simple one‐pot direct route procedure conducted under transition metal‐free conditions and with easily available raw materials.
Bioanthropological analysis of human remains from the archaic and classic period discovered in Puyil cave, Mexico
Authors: Navarro‐Romero María Teresa , Muñoz María de Lourdes , Krause‐Kyora Ben , Cervini‐Silva Javiera , Alcalá‐Castañeda Enrique , David Randy E. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractObjectivesDetermine the geographic place of origin and maternal lineage of prehistoric human skeletal remains discovered in Puyil Cave, Tabasco State, Mexico, located in a region currently populated by Olmec, Zoque and Maya populations.Materials and MethodsAll specimens were radiocarbon (14C) dated (beta analytic), had dental modifications classified, and had an analysis of 13 homologous reference points conducted to evaluate artificial cranial deformation (ACD). Following DNA purification, hypervariable region I (HVR‐1) of the mitogenome was amplified and Sanger sequenced. Finally, Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) was performed for total DNA. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) variants and haplogroups were determined using BioEdit 7.2 and IGV software and confirmed with MITOMASTER and WebHome softwares.ResultsRadiocarbon dating (14C) demonstrated that the inhabitants of Puyil Cave lived during the Archaic and Classic Periods and displayed tabular oblique and tabular mimetic ACD. These pre‐Hispanic remains exhibited five mtDNA lineages: A, A2, C1, C1c and D4. Network analysis revealed a close genetic affinity between pre‐Hispanic Puyil Cave inhabitants and contemporary Maya subpopulations from Mexico and Guatemala, as well as individuals from Bolivia, Brazil, the Dominican Republic, and China.ConclusionsOur results elucidate the dispersal of pre‐Hispanic Olmec and Maya ancestors and suggest that ACD practices are closely related to Olmec and Maya practices. Additionally, we conclude that ACD has likely been practiced in the region since the Middle‐Archaic Period.
The Melanocortin and Endorphin Neuropeptides in Patients with Restless Legs Syndrome
Authors: Koo Brian B. , Abdelfattah Ahmed , Eysa Athar , Lu Lingeng 
Published: February 2024

ObjectiveBased upon similarities between the urge to move and sensory discomfort of restless legs syndrome (RLS) and properties of melanocortin hormones, including their incitement of movement and hyperalgesia, we assessed plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) α‐melanocyte‐stimulating hormone (α‐MSH) and β‐endorphin in RLS patients and controls.MethodsForty‐two untreated moderate‐to‐severe RLS patients and 44 matched controls underwent venipuncture at 19:00, 20:30, and 22:00; 37 RLS and 36 controls had lumbar puncture at 21:30. CSF and plasma were analyzed for pro‐opiomelanocortin (POMC), adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH), α‐MSH, β‐MSH, and β‐endorphin by immunoassay. RLS severity was assessed by International RLS Study Group Severity Scale.ResultsRLS participants were 52.7 ± 12.0 years old, 61.9% were women, 21.4% had painful RLS, and RLS severity was 24.8 ± 9.0. Controls had similar age and sex. Plasma ACTH, α‐MSH, and β‐endorphin were similar between groups. Plasma POMC was significantly greater in RLS than controls (17.0 ± 11.5 vs 12.7 ± 6.1fmol/ml, p = 0.048). CSF ACTH was similar between groups. CSF β‐MSH was significantly higher in painful than nonpainful RLS or controls (48.2 ± 24.8 vs 32.1 ± 14.8 vs 32.6 ± 15.2pg/ml, analysis of variance [ANOVA] p = 0.03). CSF α‐MSH was higher in RLS than controls (34.2 ± 40.9 vs 20.3 ± 11.0pg/ml, p = 0.062). CSF β‐EDP was lowest in painful RLS, intermediate in nonpainful RLS, and highest in controls (8.0 ± 3.4 vs 10.8 ± 3.1 vs 12.3 ± 5.0pg/ml, ANOVA p = 0.049). The ratio of the sum of CSF α‐ and β‐MSH to CSF β‐endorphin was highest, intermediate, and lowest in painful RLS, nonpainful RLS, and controls (p = 0.007).InterpretationCSF β‐MSH is increased and CSF β‐endorphin decreased in RLS patients with painful symptoms. ANN NEUROL 2024;95:688–699
Molecular and Structural Basis for Cγ−C Bond Formation by PLP‐Dependent Enzyme Fub7
Authors: Liu Shaonan , Yeh Christopher , Reavill Chloe , Jones Benjamin , Zou Yike , Hai Yang 
Published: February 2024

AbstractPyridoxal 5’‐phosphate (PLP)‐dependent enzymes that catalyze γ‐replacement reactions are prevalent, yet their utilization of carbon nucleophile substrates is rare. The recent discovery of two PLP‐dependent enzymes, CndF and Fub7, has unveiled unique C−C bond forming capabilities, enabling the biocatalytic synthesis of alkyl‐ substituted pipecolic acids from O‐acetyl‐L‐homoserine and β‐keto acid or aldehyde derived enolates. This breakthrough presents fresh avenues for the biosynthesis of pipecolic acid derivatives. However, the catalytic mechanisms of these enzymes remain elusive, and a dearth of structural information hampers their extensive application. Here, we have broadened the catalytic scope of Fub7 by employing ketone‐derived enolates as carbon nucleophiles, revealing Fub7’s capacity for substrate‐dependent regioselective α‐alkylation of unsymmetrical ketones. Through an integrated approach combining X‐ray crystallography, spectroscopy, mutagenesis, and computational docking studies, we offer a detailed mechanistic insight into Fub7 catalysis. Our findings elucidate the structural basis for its substrate specificity, stereoselectivity, and regioselectivity. Our work sets the stage ready for subsequent protein engineering effort aimed at expanding the synthetic utility of Fub7, potentially unlocking novel methods to access a broader array of noncanonical amino acids.
Grafting Ultra‐fine Nanoalloys with Amorphous Skin Enables Highly Active and Long‐lived Acidic Hydrogen Production
Authors: Zeng Biao , Liu Xinzheng , Wan Li , Xia Chenghui , Cao Lixin , Hu Yubin , Dong Bohua 
Published: February 2024

AbstractLarge‐scale deployment of proton exchange membranes water electrolysis (PEM‐WE) requires a substantial reduction in usage of platinum group metals (PGMs) as indispensable electrocatalyst for cathodic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Ultra‐fine PGMs nanocatalysts possess abundant catalytic sites at lower loading, but usually exhibit reduced stability in long‐term operations under corrosive acidic environments. Here we report grafting the ultra‐fine PtRu crystalline nanoalloys with PtxRuySez “amorphous skin” (c‐PtRu@a‐PtxRuySez) by in situ atomic layer selenation to simultaneously improve catalytic activity and stability. We found that the c‐PtRu@a‐PtxRuySez‐1 with ~0.6 nm thickness amorphous skin achieved an ultra‐high mass activity of 26.7 A mg−1Pt+Ru at −0.07 V as well as a state‐of‐the‐art durability maintained for at least 1000 h at −10 mA cm−2 and 550 h at −100 mA⋅cm−2 for acid HER. Experimental and theoretical investigations suggested that the amorphous skin not only improved the electrochemical accessibility of the catalyst surface and increasing the intrinsic activity of the catalytic sites, but also mitigated the dissolution/diffusion of the active species, thus resulting in improved catalytic activity and stability under acidic electrolyte. This work demonstrates a direction of designing ultra‐fine PGMs electrocatalysts both with high utilization and robust durability, offers an in situ “amorphous skin” engineering strategy.
Synthesis and Detection of BODIPY‐, Biotin‐, and 19F‐ Labeled Single‐Entity Dendritic Heparan Sulfate Mimetics
Authors: Spijkers‐Shaw Sam , Devlin Rory , Shields Nicholas J. , Feng Xiang , Peck Tessa , Lenihan‐Geels Georgia , Davis Connor , Young Sarah L. , La Flamme Anne C. , Zubkova Olga V. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractHeparin and heparan sulfate (HS) are naturally occurring mammalian glycosaminoglycans, and their synthetic and semi‐synthetic mimetics have attracted significant interest as potential therapeutics. However, understanding the mechanism of action by which HS, heparin, and HS mimetics have a biological effect is difficult due to their highly charged nature, broad protein interactomes, and variable structures. To address this, a library of novel single‐entity dendritic mimetics conjugated to BODIPY, Fluorine‐19 (19F), and biotin was synthesized for imaging and localization studies. The novel dendritic scaffold allowed for the conjugation of labeling moieties without reducing the number of sulfated capping groups, thereby better mimicking the multivalent nature of HS‐protein interactions. The 19F labeled mimetics were assessed in phantom studies and were detected at concentrations as low as 5 mM. Flow cytometric studies using a fluorescently labeled mimetic showed that the compound associated with immune cells from tumors more readily than splenic counterparts and was directed to endosomal‐lysosomal compartments within immune cells and cancer cells. Furthermore, the fluorescently labeled mimetic entered the central nervous system and was detectable in brain‐infiltrating immune cells 24 hours after treatment. Here, we report the enabling methodology for rapidly preparing various labeled HS mimetics and molecular probes with diverse potential therapeutic applications.
Exploring the efficacy of AHA–BHA infused nanofiber skin masks as a topical treatment for acne vulgaris
Authors: Tören Elçin , Mazari Adnan Ahmed , Buzgo Matej 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThis study investigates the efficacy of AHA–BHA infused nanofiber skin masks as a topical treatment for acne vulgaris. The skin is a vital organ that functions as a barrier to protect the body from external substances. In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on skin treatment research. Hyaluronic acids (HAs) are commonly used in cosmetic and drug formulations to regulate excessive skin cornification, making them promising candidates for acne treatment. The introduction of HAs in dermatology has revolutionized the field of skin care, and they are used to treat various skin disorders, such as acne, ichthyosis, keratoses, warts, psoriasis, and photoaged skin. The antiaging benefits of HA have gained considerable attention in cosmetic dermatology, resulting in a surge in cosmetic products and skin care systems that contain HA. The study found that AHA–BHA‐infused nanofiber skin masks are effective in treating acne vulgaris. The nanofiber masks were found to reduce inflammation, sebum production, and acne lesions. The study suggests that AHA–BHA‐infused nanofiber skin masks could be a promising topical treatment for acne vulgaris.
Permeation of urea and water through sulfonated poly(styrene‐isobutylene‐styrene) membranes with counterion substitution
Authors: Rivera‐Diaz Juan C. , Suleiman David 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThis study describes the influence of counterion substitution on the transport of urea and water through sulfonated poly(styrene‐isobutylene‐styrene) (SIBS) membranes. SIBS was sulfonated to 66.4% to allow for enough ionic domains to transport urea and water through the membrane. Counterions, including alkyl‐substituted ammonium ions, influenced the ionic domains creating a selective barrier that hindered the transport of urea and water through SIBS. Permeability measurements demonstrated that counterion substitution significantly affected the transport of urea. Membranes with higher charge counterions exhibited a more pronounced reduction in permeability due to the formation of crosslinks and increased restriction on molecular diffusion. Membranes substituted with ammonium salts showed reduced permeability due to the alkyl chains' hydrophobic nature, which created a physical barrier against the passage of urea molecules. Pure water flux tests indicated that counterion substitution also reduced the water flux of the membranes. Membranes with +1 counterions showed a small reduction in the water flux, while membranes with higher charge counterions and alkyl chain substitutions exhibited larger reductions, highlighting the influence of crosslinking and hydrophobicity on water transport.
State transition of macroscopic supramolecular hydrogel by the host‐guest coverage effect
Authors: Liu Yizhe , Wu Yang , Feng Kai , Liu Hui , Qin Chenxi , Cai Meirong , Pei Xiaowei , Zhou Feng 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIn this work, a hydrophobic guest monomer containing adamant end‐group was synthesized and introduced into the acrylamide hydrogel system to prepare macroscopic guest hydrogel. The swelling, transparency, and mechanical properties of the guest hydrogels can be significantly changed by soaking the guest hydrogel into hydrophilic cyclodextrin solution because the hydrophobic guest groups were recognized and covered by the hydrophilic host molecules. In addition, the surface lubrication property could be adjusted by changing the proportion of acrylamide and adamantane monomers in the hydrogel system. More importantly, cyclodextrin can bind with adamantane through host‐guest interactions, enabling the adjustment of the hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity properties of the hydrogel system. By controlling the assembly time, the hydrogel with different lubrication behaviors can be obtained. The controllable surface friction that this specific binding of host‐guest interaction has broad application prospects in intelligent device, bionic lubrication and other fields.