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Recyclable quasi-solid-state dynamic windows via reversible dual-metal electrodeposition for building energy modulation
Research on the evaluation of undergraduate students’ core competencies in the context of industry–education integration
Iridium Photosensitizers Immobilized on Metal–Organic Layers Lead to Enhanced Enantioselectivity in Ni/Ir Dual Photocatalysis
Abstract The Ir/Ni dual‐catalytic system plays a crucial role in asymmetric photocatalysis for synthesizing enantioenriched compounds. However, challenges such as the high cost and limited sustainability of Ir complexes hinder its broader application. In this study, we designed three metal–organic layers (MOLs) and immobilized functionalized Ir photosensitizers (Ir‐PSs) on their surfaces via coordination exchange or click chemistry, yielding six MOL–PSs hybrids. Chiral Ni complexes also adhere to the MOL surface through coordination bonds. These dual catalysts exhibited enantioselectivity (up to 99% ee) superior to that of Ir‐PF 6 in the asymmetric acylation of saturated N ‐heterocycles at α‐C(sp 3 )─H bonds. The enhanced enantioselectivity of the MOL–PSs over Ir‐PF 6 likely arises from steric change of chiral Ni complexes coordinating with hydroxyl or amine groups on the MOLs, which also form ion pairs with Ir‐PSs. This strategy demonstrates broad applicability across diverse chiral ligands and substrates, underscoring the potential of using MOLs in asymmetric photocatalysis to enhance both enantioselectivity and catalyst reusability.
Hydrogen Affinity in Intermetallic Electrides as a Key Indicator of Catalytic Performance in Ammonia Synthesis
Abstract Electrides have emerged as promising catalysts or catalyst supports for efficient ammonia synthesis under mild conditions. ATmSi compounds (A = rare earth/alkaline earth, Tm = transition metal) with a tetragonal CeFeSi‐type structure represent a class of intermetallic electrides, where lattice atoms serve as active sites, offering significant potential for catalytic applications. However, with over 25 ATmSi compounds, their catalytic performance variations and optimization strategies remain poorly understood. In this study, we systematically investigated the structure‐activity relationship of ATmSi compounds, focusing on their anionic electron properties and hydrogen storage capabilities. Analysis of lattice parameters revealed the A–A interlayer distance as a descriptor of anionic electron concentration, with the non‐electride CaRuSi exhibiting a notable reduction in this distance due to minimal anionic electrons. The catalytic activities in ARuSi, ACoSi, and AFeSi systems all increase with the expansion of A–A interlayer spacing. Furthermore, hydrogen storage properties, where anionic electrons are replaced by hydride ions, were evaluated. It is critical for N 2 hydrogenation. The hydrogen affinity, gauged by the desorption temperature, proved pivotal in determining catalytic efficiency, with optimal performance requiring balanced hydrogen binding strength. These findings provide critical insights for designing advanced catalysts for ammonia synthesis and potentially other hydrogenation reactions.
Molecular basis of prostaglandin E2 reuptake by organic anion transporter PGT
Ferulic acid-loaded chitosan nanoparticles enhance radiotherapy efficacy via STAT3 suppression and caspase-8/p53 activation in Ehrlich ascites carcinoma
Abstract Radiotherapy resistance remains a major challenge in cancer treatment, necessitating novel strategies to enhance therapeutic efficacy while minimizing side effects. This study aimed to develop and evaluate ferulic acid-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (FA-ChNPs) as a multimodal radiosensitizer targeting STAT3, caspase-8, and p53 pathways in Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC). FA-ChNPs were synthesized using ionic gelation and thoroughly characterized for their physicochemical properties, including size, and zeta potential through TEM and DLS. The encapsulation efficiency was verified using UV–Vis spectroscopy. In vitro drug release kinetics were evaluated using the dialysis bag method, demonstrating a sustained release profile from the nanoparticles. Biological evaluation included acute toxicity testing in healthy mice to determine the LD50 value according to OECD guidelines. For antitumor assessment, EAC-bearing mice were divided into six treatment groups (n equals 6 per group), receiving either FA-ChNPs alone (115.75mg/kg via oral gavage), gamma-irradiation alone (6Gy per week), or combination therapy. Comprehensive biological parameters were measured, including tumor progression (mass and volume), metabolic profile (total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-C), liver and kidney function markers (ALT, AST, ALP, creatinine, urea), oxidative stress indicators (GSH, SOD, CAT, MDA), inflammatory cytokines (TNF-alpha, IL-6, VEGF), and gene expression levels (STAT3, caspase 8, P53 via qRT-PCR). Histopathological examination of liver tissue complemented these analyses. In silico studies encompassed molecular docking with key targets (STAT3, caspase 8, TP53) and ADMET property predictions. The FA-ChNPs demonstrated favorable physicochemical properties, including a spherical morphology with an average particle size of 41.63 nm and good colloidal stability indicated by a PDI of 0.2, a zeta potential of -2.45 mV. Also, FA-ChNPs exhibited sustained in vitro drug release, contrasting with the rapid diffusion of free ferulic acid, which supports their potential for prolonged therapeutic action and a high safety margin with an LD₅₀ value of 2315mg/kg. The combination therapy demonstrated superior antitumor effects, achieving 44.3% reduction in tumor mass and 67.0% reduction in tumor volume compared to EAC controls, with corresponding tumor dimensions reduced to 1.02cm (length) × 0.74cm (width), confirming potent radiosensitization and synergistic efficacy. Biological assessments revealed significant improvements across multiple parameters: metabolic profile showed 89.2% increase in HDL-C and 29.0% decrease in triglycerides; liver and kidney function markers improved with 29.0% reduction in ALT and 39.7% decrease in creatinine; oxidative stress modulation included 87.9% increase in GSH and 32.4% reduction in MDA; inflammatory markers decreased by 40% for TNF-alpha and 51.1% for IL-6. Molecular analyses showed 70% suppression of STAT3, 108.2% activation of caspase-8, and stabilization of p53. Histopathological evaluation confirmed preserved liver architecture with minimal steatosis and inflammation. Molecular docking studies revealed strong binding affinities:—6.02 kcal/mol for STAT3, -7.31kcal/mol for CASP8, and -5.15kcal/mol for TP53. FA-ChNPs represent a groundbreaking approach to enhance radiotherapy efficacy through simultaneous pathway modulation and organoprotection. These findings support further clinical translation for treatment-resistant cancers.
Panchromatic Gold Alkynyl Complexes with Pyrenyl <i>‐N</i> ‐Heterocyclic Carbene Ligand Displaying Anti‐Kasha Behavior
Abstract A unique family of alkynyl‐gold(I)‐complexes ( 1 – 6 ) containing pyrenyl‐NHC chromophoric ligand (NHC = N ‐heterocyclic carbene) has been prepared and fully characterized. The complexes were engineered such that a pyrenyl ligand was introduced to one nitrogen center of the carbene unit while to the other nitrogen center we attached a methyl ( 1 ), n ‐butyl ( 2 ), or naphthyl ( 3 – 6 ) group in order to probe their effect on the photophysical properties of our Au‐alkynyl complexes. For comparison purposes the cyanide‐gold(I) complex ( 7 ) was prepared and fully characterized. The molecular structures of 3 and 4 and 7 were ascertained by X‐ray diffraction study. In stark contrast to the alkynyl complexes, the cyano‐Au complex 7 displayed only weak fluorescence highlighting the impact of the –C≡C─Ar unit on their emission properties. The alkynyl complexes displayed different behavior, for instance, complex 1 exhibited excimer emissions originated from the pyrene chromophore while compound 2 – 6 displayed remarkable multi‐emissive properties, mainly 3 – 6 showing panchromatic behavior with emissions dependent on the excitation wavelengths suggesting anti‐Kasha behavior. TD‐DFT‐calculations were carried out to support interpretation of the experimental results. These remarkable results have not been observed previously, making these molecules important candidates for a wide range of applications in the optical domain.
Accurate geometric albedo, shape, and size of Hi’iaka from a stellar occultation
Upward comparison predicts an increase in state body dissatisfaction after fitspiration exposure
Abstract As exposure to fitspiration images can lead to body dissatisfaction, it is important to understand which factors contribute to this effect. Therefore, this online experiment examined possible predictors of state body dissatisfaction following fitspiration exposure. In total, n = 131 women with and without self-reported eating disorder (ED) symptoms answered questionnaires on upward comparison , ED pathology, and drive for muscularity. Participants were then presented with 30 Instagram posts reflecting the fitspiration trend. Before and after fitspiration exposure, state body dissatisfaction was assessed. Results of a hierarchical regression analysis showed that when controlling for state body dissatisfaction before fitspiration exposure as well as participants’ age, upward comparison was the only significant predictor of state body dissatisfaction after fitspiration exposure. ED pathology and drive for muscularity did not predict an increase in state body dissatisfaction. Therefore, prevention programs that aim to mitigate harmful effects of fitspiration should focus on reducing upward comparison in women.
Observation of space-time surface plasmon polaritons
Abstract Surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) at metal-dielectric interfaces provide strong out-of-plane confinement enabling nano-scale sensing and imaging, yet diffraction causes spatial delocalization. Conventional strategies to combat diffraction through spatial structuring are inapplicable to dimensionally restricted SPPs, except for nonlocalized cosine plasmons and Airy plasmons that follow curved trajectories. Here we demonstrate space-time SPPs (ST-SPPs), ultrashort (16-fs) diffraction-free SPPs that propagate rectilinearly via precise sculpting of their spatiotemporal spectra. By synthesizing a spatiotemporally structured field in free space and coupling the field to an axially invariant ST-SPP at a metal-dielectric surface, we control the ST-SPP group velocity and propagation characteristics. Time-resolved two-photon fluorescence microscopy reconstructs the surface-bound field in space and time, verifying the predicted spatiotemporal wavefront and diffraction-free propagation. Our work opens new avenues for combining spatiotemporally structured light with the field-localization associated with nanophotonics, and may thus enable novel applications in surface-enhanced sensing and nonlinear optical interactions.
High glucose enhances inflammation-driven platelet adhesion to endothelial cells in vitro
Abstract Endothelial and platelet dysfunction are central to vascular disease development. We established a simplified, reproducible 96-well plate model to assess platelet adhesion to endothelial cells under conditions mimicking in vitro endothelial dysfunction and platelet hyperactivation. Human aortic endothelial cells (HAEC) were treated with tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α, 20–50 ng/mL) and/or high glucose levels (30 mM) to replicate in vitro the states of inflammation and hyperglycaemia. Treated HAEC were then exposed to platelets from healthy volunteers. In some experiments, platelets were treated with tirofiban, a GP IIb/IIIa inhibitor, before HAEC exposure. Platelet adhesion was evaluated by fluorescence, transmission, and scanning electron microscopy. Conditions showing significant effects were subsequently confirmed using a microfluidic device under high shear conditions. TNF-α stimulation significantly increased platelet adhesion to HAEC. This was accompanied by morphological changes indicative of activation. High glucose alone had no significant effect but, when combined with TNF-α, it synergistically enhanced platelet adhesion under both static and dynamic flow conditions. Interestingly, adhesion was prevented by platelet pretreatment with tirofiban. This study demonstrates the utility of a straightforward experimental in vitro setup that allows for mechanistic studies regarding platelet-endothelial interaction. By combining simplicity with reproducibility, the model offers a valuable tool for investigating platelet-endothelium interactions. It also serves as a preclinical platform for evaluating therapeutic interventions aimed at reducing thrombotic risk in conditions of inflammation and hyperglycaemia.
PyFuRNAce: an integrated design engine for RNA origami
Abstract Recent developments in medicine and biotechnology have revealed the transformative power of RNA design. To realize the full potential of RNA nanotechnology and RNA origami, user-friendly design tools are needed. Here, we present pyFuRNAce, an open-source, Python-based software package with a graphical user interface that enables the design of complex RNA nanostructures, with particular focus on co-transcriptional RNA origami. PyFuRNAce integrates the entire RNA origami workflow—from motif definition and blueprint design to sequence generation and primer selection—into a single, user-friendly platform. Built around a motif-based assembly paradigm, the software enables users to create and modify custom RNA nanostructures through an intuitive web interface with streamlined design steps and real-time 3D visualization. We use pyFuRNAce to design three distinct RNA nanostructures, including self-assembling RNA filaments, RNA droplets, and the largest co-transcriptional RNA origami to date, consisting of 2501 nucleotides. The structures and their high-yield assembly are validated experimentally with atomic force microscopy and confocal fluorescence imaging. By consolidating multiple design stages into a unified environment, pyFuRNAce broadens the scope and reduces the barrier of entry for RNA nanotechnology, accelerating the development of functional RNA origami structures for applications in medicine, biotechnology, and synthetic biology.
Perceived knowledge and attitude towards blended learning in pharmacology among medical students
Ultrafast Coulomb blockade in an atomic-scale quantum dot
Analysis of biodiversity distribution patterns around the plateau lake based on the MaxEnt and InVest models
Straightforward construction of functionalized γ-lactams via conjugated-engineered covalent organic framework photocatalysed cascade reactions
Abstract Straightforward synthetic approach for direct constructing functionalized γ -lactams is highly valuable given their ubiquity in bioactive molecules yet challenging due to instability of the products and difficulties in controlling diastereoselectivity. We herein report the design and synthesis of a naphthyl-based pyrene-containing covalent organic framework and utilize it as heterogeneous photocatalyst in visible-light catalytic cascade reactions between tryptamine-derived isocyanides and phosphine oxides. A broad range of 3-(2-aminophenyl)- γ -lactams are isolated in good yields under mild conditions and 3-(2-isocyanobenzyl)-indoles are also tolerated, giving (2-aminophenyl)-tetrahydroquinolines in moderate yield. Experimental studies and theoretical calculations reveal that a proton-coupled electron transfer process occurs between the excited covalent organic framework and phosphine oxide, which subsequently triggers a series of cascade reactions involving cyclization, semipinacol rearrangement, and dehydrogenation/hydration processes. Notably, the in situ generated spiroindolenine is identified to be the key intermediate. Illustrated by the efficient synthesis of 3-(2-aminophenyl)- γ -lactams, this work sets a precedent for the development of heterogeneous photocatalytic strategies for constructing complex bioactive molecules.
Development, performance evaluation and prediction of optimal operational conditions for a double-row sugarcane harvester using deep learning
Emergence of alternative states in a synthetic human gut microbial community
Abstract Several human-associated microbial communities exist in multiple configurations and can change their composition in response to perturbations, remaining in an altered state even after the perturbation ends. Multistability has been previously proposed to explain this behavior for gut microbiota in particular, but has not been clearly demonstrated experimentally. Here, we first investigate the life history strategies of three common human gut bacteria to identify mechanisms driving alternative states. We then use this data to build and parameterize a kinetic model, which predicts that alternative states emerge due to phenotype switching between subpopulations of the same species. Perturbation experiments support these predictions, and confirm the existence of alternative states. Finally, simulations show that phenotype switching can also explain alternative states in larger communities. Thus, a transient perturbation combined with metabolic flexibility is sufficient for alternative communities to emerge.