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Abstract Currently, conventional dimethoxymethane synthesis methods are environmentally unfriendly. Here, we report a photo-redox catalysis system to generate dimethoxymethane using a silver and tungsten co-modified blue titanium dioxide catalyst (Ag.W-BTO) by coupling CO2 reduction and CH3OH oxidation under mild conditions. The Ag.W-BTO structure and its electron and hole transfer are comprehensively investigated by combining advanced characterizations and theoretical studies. Strikingly, Ag.W-BTO achieve a record photocatalytic activity of 5702.49 µmol g−1 with 92.08% dimethoxymethane selectivity in 9 h of ultraviolet-visible irradiation without sacrificial agents. Systematic isotope labeling experiments, in-situ diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier-transform analysis, and theoretical calculations reveal that the Ag and W species respectively catalyze CO2 conversion to *CH2O and CH3OH oxidation to *CH3O. Subsequently, an asymmetric carbon-oxygen coupling process between these two crucial intermediates produces dimethoxymethane. This work presents a CO2 photocatalytic reduction system for multi-carbon production to meet the objectives of sustainable economic development and carbon neutrality.

Abstract Chirality‐induced spin selectivity observed in chiral 2D organic–inorganic hybrid perovskite holds promise to achieve spin‐dependent electrochemistry. However, conventional chiral 2D perovskites suffer from low conductivity and hygroscopicity, limiting electrochemical performance and operational stability. Here, a cutting‐edge material design is introduced to develop a stable and efficient chiral perovskite‐based spin polarizer by employing fluorinated chiral cation. The fluorination approach effectively promotes the charge carrier transport along the out‐of‐plane direction by mitigating the dielectric confinement effect within the multi‐quantum well‐structured 2D perovskite. Integrating the fluorinated cation incorporated spin polarizer with BiVO4 photoanode considerably boosts the photocurrent density while reducing overpotential through a spin‐dependent oxygen evolution reaction. Furthermore, the hydrophobic nature of fluorine in spin polarizer endows operational stability to the photoanode, extending the durability by 280% as compared to the device with non‐fluorinated spin polarizer.

Abstract The development of advanced anode materials for lithium‐ion batteries that can provide high specific capacity and stable cycle performance is of paramount importance. This study presents a novel approach for synthesizing molecular‐level homogeneous carbon integration to porous SiO2 nanoparticles (SiO2@C NPs) tailored to enhance their electrochemical activities for lithium‐ion battery anode. By varying the ratio of the precursors for sol–gel reaction of (phenyltrimethoxysilane (PTMS) and tetraethoxysilane (TEOS)), the carbon content and porosity within SiO2@C NPs is precisely controlled. With a 4:6 PTMS and TEOS ratio, the SiO2@C NPs exhibit a highly mesoporous structure with thin carbon and the partially reduced SiOx phases, which balances ion and charge transfer for electrochemical activation of SiO2@C NPs resulting remarkable capacity and cycle performance. This study offers a novel strategy for preparing affordable high capacity SiO2‐based advanced anode materials with enhanced electrochemical performances.

Abstract Transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD) layered semiconductors possess immense potential in the design of photonic, electronic, optoelectronic, and sensor devices. However, the sub-bandgap light absorption of TMD in the range from near-infrared (NIR) to short-wavelength infrared (SWIR) is insufficient for applications beyond the bandgap limit. Herein, we report that the sub-bandgap photoresponse of MoS2/Au heterostructures can be robustly modulated by the electrode fabrication method employed. We observed up to 60% sub-bandgap absorption in the MoS2/Au heterostructure, which includes the hybridized interface, where the Au layer was applied via sputter deposition. The greatly enhanced absorption of sub-bandgap light is due to the planar cavity formed by MoS2 and Au; as such, the absorption spectrum can be tuned by altering the thickness of the MoS2 layer. Photocurrent in the SWIR wavelength range increases due to increased absorption, which means that broad wavelength detection from visible toward SWIR is possible. We also achieved rapid photoresponse (~150 µs) and high responsivity (17 mA W−1) at an excitation wavelength of 1550 nm. Our findings demonstrate a facile method for optical property modulation using metal electrode engineering and for realizing SWIR photodetection in wide-bandgap 2D materials.

Abstract Multispectral photodetectors are crucial for detecting light across a wide wavelength range, serving applications requiring precise wavelength specificity and spectral imaging capabilities. However, the development of these photodetectors is hindered by several challenges, including material compatibility issues, low responsivity, the complexity of signal processing, and precise bandgap engineering. A strategy is proposed using a MoS2‐graphene photodetector to address these issues. Gate‐tunable spectral responses are achieved in a graphene photodetector by utilizing carrier transfer from MoS2 and interfacial gating effects from a SiO2/p‐doped Si substrate. Precise gate bias manipulation enables selective photocurrent capture in the range of 500–680 nm, identical to the absorption of MoS2. Furthermore, by applying a highly negative gate bias, photocurrent signals below the MoS2 bandgap, i.e., in the 680–800 nm region, are detected, significantly provoking broadband photodetection. The results highlight the versatility of gate‐tunable multispectral response, leading to an exceptional responsivity of up to 1.4 × 105 mA W−1. Moreover, through the precise modulation of gate bias and incident wavelength, it seamlessly switches between negative and positive photocurrents. This study provides important insight into carrier photogeneration in sensitized graphene‐based multifunctional optoelectronic devices, establishing a versatile platform for detecting a broad range of photocurrents with a single detector.

Crocin is a hydrophilic carotenoid pigment found in the stigma of Crocus sativus or the fruit of Gardenia jasminoides. In this study, we investigated the effects of Crocin on the activation of the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain, leucine-rich repeat, and pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome in J774A.1 murine macrophage cells and monosodium urate (MSU)-induced peritonitis. Crocin significantly inhibited Nigericin-, adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-, MSU-induced interleukin (IL)-1β secretion, and caspase-1 cleavage without affecting pro-IL-1β and pro-caspase-1. Crocin also suppressed gasdermin-D cleavage and lactate dehydrogenase release and enhanced cell viability, indicating that Crocin reduces pyroptosis. Similar effects were observed in primary mouse macrophages. However, Crocin did not affect poly(dA:dT)-induced absent in melanoma 2 (AIM2) and muramyl dipeptide-induced NLRP1 inflammasomes. Crocin decreased Nigericin-induced oligimerization and the speck formation of apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a caspase recruitment domain (ASC). Crocin also dramatically alleviated the ATP-induced production of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS). Finally, Crocin ameliorated the MSU-induced production of IL-1β and IL-18 and the recruitment of neutrophils during peritoneal inflammation. These results suggest that Crocin suppresses NLRP3 inflammasome activation by blocking mtROS production and ameliorates MSU-induced mouse peritonitis. Thus, Crocin may have therapeutic potential in various NLRP3 inflammasome-related inflammatory diseases.

Abstract Graphdiyne (GDY), a new 2D material, has recently proven excellent performance in photodetector applications due to its direct bandgap and high mobility. Different from the zero‐gap of graphene, these preeminent properties made GDY emerge as a rising star for solving the bottleneck of graphene‐based inefficient heterojunction. Herein, a highly effective graphdiyne/molybdenum (GDY/MoS2) type‐II heterojunction in a charge separation is reported toward a high‐performance photodetector. Characterized by robust electron repulsion of alkyne‐rich skeleton, the GDY based junction facilitates the effective electron–hole pairs separation and transfer. This results in significant suppression of Auger recombination up to six times at the GDY/MoS2 interface compared with the pristine materials owing to an ultrafast hot hole transfer from MoS2 to GDY. GDY/MoS2 device demonstrates notable photovoltaic behavior with a short‐circuit current of −1.3 × 10−5 A and a large open‐circuit voltage of 0.23 V under visible irradiation. As a positive‐charge‐attracting magnet, under illumination, alkyne‐rich framework induces positive photogating effect on the neighboring MoS2, further enhancing photocurrent. Consequently, the device exhibits broadband detection (453–1064 nm) with a maximum responsivity of 78.5 A W−1 and a high speed of 50 µs. Results open up a new promising strategy using GDY toward effective junction for future optoelectronic applications.

Abstract Background Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) causes severe respiratory disease in humans, with a case fatality rate of approximately 35%, thus posing a considerable threat to public health. The lack of approved vaccines or antivirals currently constitutes a barrier in controlling disease outbreaks and spread. Methods In this study, using a mammalian expression system, which is advantageous for maintaining correct protein glycosylation patterns, we constructed chimeric MERS-CoV virus-like particles (VLPs) and determined their immunogenicity and protective efficacy in mice. Results Western blot and cryo-electron microscopy analyses demonstrated that MERS-CoV VLPs were efficiently produced in cells co-transfected with MERS-CoV spike (S), envelope, membrane and murine hepatitis virus nucleocapsid genes. We examined their ability as a vaccine in a human dipeptidyl peptidase 4 knock-in C57BL/6 congenic mouse model. Mice immunized with MERS VLPs produced S-specific antibodies with virus neutralization activity. Furthermore, MERS-CoV VLP immunization provided complete protection against a lethal challenge with mouse-adapted MERS-CoV and improved virus clearance in the lung. Conclusions Overall, these data demonstrate that MERS-CoV VLPs have excellent immunogenicity and represent a promising vaccine candidate.

Quasi-two-dimensional (quasi-2D) perovskites are increasingly explored for integration into light-emitting diodes (LEDs) as light-emissive layers. However, the quasi-2D perovskite films likely exhibit non-uniform dimensional phase distribution and irregular internal crystal structures. These characteristics are known to contribute to undesirable effects, including non-radiative recombination losses and radiative recombination in perovskites of various dimensions, impeding the realization of efficient electroluminescence and high color purity in LEDs. In this study, we present an investigation on the correlation between the dimensional distribution of quasi-2D perovskites and charge carrier behavior by modulating anti-solvent dripping during the film fabrication processes. We provide a comprehensive analysis of the impact of controlled dimensional distribution on charge injection and recombination processes associated with the performance of quasi-2D perovskite LEDs. Our work emphasizes the crucial role played by controlled dimensionality in quasi-2D perovskites in realizing efficient and stable perovskite-based LEDs.

In the quest to combat infections attributable to antibiotic-resistant superbacteria, an essential oil derived from the needles of Pinus koraiensis Sieb. et Zucc. (PKEO) has emerged as a promising solution. In this study, we demonstrate that PKEO can be used to inhibit the growth, glucose metabolite acidogenicity, and biofilm formation of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Quantitative PCR analysis provided direct evidence that PKEO reduces the mRNA expression of the accessory gene regulator A (agrA) and staphylococcal accessory regulator A (sarA), thereby indicating its inhibitory effect on pathogenic regulatory genes. Chromatographic analyses of PKEO identified terpene hydrocarbons as prominent essential oil constituents. These compounds, notably α-pinene, limonene, and β-caryophyllene, have been established to have antimicrobial properties. Our findings indicate that an oil derived from P. koraiensis can effectively combat antibiotic-resistant strains by disrupting the pathogenicity regulatory system, thereby establishing PKEO as a promising candidate for the treatment of MRSA infections.

Abstract Although large exciton binding energies of typically 0.6–1.0 eV are observed for monolayer transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) owing to strong Coulomb interaction, multilayered TMDs yield relatively low exciton binding energies owing to increased dielectric screening. Recently, the ideal carrier-multiplication threshold energy of twice the bandgap has been realized in multilayered semiconducting 2H-MoTe2 with a conversion efficiency of 99%, which suggests strong Coulomb interaction. However, the origin of strong Coulomb interaction in multilayered 2H-MoTe2, including the exciton binding energy, has not been elucidated to date. In this study, unusually large exciton binding energy is observed through optical spectroscopy conducted on CVD-grown 2H-MoTe2. To extract exciton binding energy, the optical conductivity is fitted using the Lorentz model to describe the exciton peaks and the Tauc–Lorentz model to describe the indirect and direct bandgaps. The exciton binding energy of 4 nm thick multilayered 2H-MoTe2 is approximately 300 meV, which is unusually large by one order of magnitude when compared with other multilayered TMD semiconductors such as 2H-MoS2 or 2H-MoSe2. This finding is interpreted in terms of small exciton radius based on the 2D Rydberg model. The exciton radius of multilayered 2H-MoTe2 resembles that of monolayer 2H-MoTe2, whereas those of multilayered 2H-MoS2 and 2H-MoSe2 are large when compared with monolayer 2H-MoS2 and 2H-MoSe2. From the large exciton binding energy in multilayered 2H-MoTe2, it is expected to realize the future applications such as room-temperature and high-temperature polariton lasing.

Abstract Hot electron photodetection provides a powerful platform for photosensing beyond the bandgap of a semiconductor. High‐performing hot electron photodetection has been reported in 2D transition metal dichalcogenide material‐based devices without the support of plasmonic metal nanostructures but with planar metal electrodes. However, the mechanism driving hot electron dynamics in 2D transition metal dichalcogenide devices has not been explored. Here, we uncover the hot electron transfer in MoS2 and Pt van der Waals (vdW) metal electrodes by transient reflection spectroscopy, revealing a sub‐picosecond transfer time of hot electron and a decelerated recombination process in MoS2 at the below bandgap photoexcitation compared to the pristine MoS2. With an independent photocurrent mapping, the ultralong diffusion is revealed in MoS2/vdW metal electrode and a self‐powered near‐infrared (NIR) photodetector is demonstrated with a high responsivity of 6 mA W−1 and detectivity of 9 × 109 Jones at a wavelength of 1062 nm by integrating Pt and Ag asymmetric vdW electrodes into MoS2. The results will pave the way for the next generation of hot‐electron‐based self‐powered optoelectronic devices.

Perturbations of Ca2+ signaling in podocytes may deteriorate kidney function and eventually lead to proteinuria. Here the authors show that insulin can affect the function of the calcium regulator Ora1 in podocytes, which is critical for maintaining kidney filter integrity.

Abstract The interest in skin microbiome differences by ethnicity, age, and gender is increasing. Compared to other ethnic groups, studies on the skin microbiome of Koreans remains insufficient; we investigated facial skin microbiome characteristics according to gender and age among Koreans. Fifty-one healthy participants were recruited, the facial skin characteristics of each donor were investigated, their skin bacterial DNA was isolated and metagenomic analysis was performed. The donors were divided into two groups for age and sex each to analyze their skin microbiomes. Moreover, we investigated the correlation between the skin microbiome and clinical characteristics. The alpha diversity of the skin microbiome was significantly higher in the elderly, and beta diversity was significantly different according to age. The comparative skin microbials showed that the genus Lawsonella was more abundant in the younger age group, and Enhydrobacter was predominant in the older age group. Staphylococcus and Corynebacterium were more abundant in males, while Lactobacillus was more abundant in females. Lawsonella had a negative correlation with skin moisture and brown spots. Staphylococcus and Corynebacterium both had negative correlations with the number of UV spots and positive correlations with transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Furthermore, Staphylococcus aureus had a negative correlation with skin moisture parameters.

Mechanisms underlying the cardiotoxicity associated with thoracic irradiation and doxorubicin treatment during anticancer therapy remain poorly understood. Here the authors show that treatment with an antibody against the L1 cell adhesion molecule inhibits nuclear L1CAM translocation, thereby controlling vascular DNA damage and preventing cardiotoxicity.

Abstract Integration of distinct materials to form heterostructures enables the proposal of new functional devices based on emergent physical phenomena beyond the properties of the constituent materials. The optical responses and electrical transport characteristics of heterostructures depend on the charge and exciton transfer (CT and ET) at the interfaces, determined by the interfacial energy level alignment. In this work, heterostructures consisting of aggregates of fluorescent molecules (DY1) and 2D semiconductor MoS2 monolayers are fabricated. Photoluminescence spectra of DY1/MoS2 show quenching of the DY1 emission and enhancement of the MoS2 emission, indicating a strong electronic interaction between these two materials. Nanoscopic mappings of the light‐induced contact potential difference changes rule out the CT process at the interface. Using femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy, the rapid interfacial ET process from DY1 aggregates to MoS2 and a fourfold extension of the exciton lifetime in MoS2 are elucidated. These results suggest that the integration of 2D inorganic semiconductors with fluorescent molecules can provide versatile approaches to engineer the physical characteristics of materials for both fundamental studies and novel optoelectronic device applications.

Inflammatory vascular disease: miRNAs in blood vessel damage miRNA molecules that inhibit the activity of specific genes are implicated in a cellular control network involved in some of the damaging effects of inflammation on blood vessels. Researchers in South Korea led by Young-Myeong Kim at Kangwon National University School of Medicine, Chuncheon, identified the link by studying cells from patients with the inflammatory condition pre-eclampsia, characterized by hypertension. They found that two miRNAs, miR-31 and miR-155, are involved in molecular signaling processes that impair the production of endothelial progenitor cells lining blood vessels, which is essential for maintenance and repair. The research also identified the key protein eNOS involved in the miRNA molecules’ mechanism of action. Understanding these miRNAs and the protein involved in their production and action may help researchers develop new treatments for blood vessel diseases associated with inflammation.

Cell biology: effect of changes in cell type on disease A process of cellular conversion known as endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) may offer a valuable target for treating cancer and other diseases. In EndMT, the cells lining blood vessels undergo a striking change in shape and physiology, acquiring features of cells called fibroblasts. Fibroblasts form the body’s connective tissue, but also produce scar tissue that impairs organ function. Researchers led by Yoon-Jin Lee of the Korea Institute of Radiological & Medical Sciences in Seoul, South Korea, have reviewed the impact of this transformation on human disease. EndMT is seen as a prelude to heart failure, in lung tissue affected by pulmonary fibrosis, and within tumors, where the process recruits cells that further stimulate cancer progression. The authors highlight the potential of using drugs that target EndMT to bolster the efficacy and safety of tumor therapy.

The incidence of severe inflammatory diseases caused by chronic inflammation has increased owing to unprecedented changes brought about by industrialization. In this study, we aimed to assess the effect of treatment of lipopolysaccharide- (LPS-) induced murine macrophages with Commelina communis Linne extract (CCE) on synthesis of nitric oxide (NO), hypersecretion of proinflammatory cytokines, intranuclear transition of the p65 subunit of nuclear factor- (NF-) κB, and degradation of the NF-κB inhibitor IκBα. Notably, CCE treatment did not affect cell viability even at a final concentration of 1.5 mg/mL. At a high concentration of CCE, the LPS-induced high levels of NO, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin- (IL-) 1β, and IL-6 were decreased via downregulation of inducible NO synthase and proinflammatory cytokine mRNA expression. Furthermore, phosphorylation of IκBα was significantly decreased upon CCE treatment, and the intranuclear transition of NF-κB p65 triggered by LPS was inhibited at a high concentration of CCE. Polyphenols and flavonoids, secondary metabolites in CCE that regulate the NF-κB pathway, may be responsible for its anti-inflammatory activity. We suggest that CCE has anti-inflammatory effects related to suppression of the NF-κB pathway and can be used to treat chronic inflammation.

During carrier multiplication, high-energy free carriers in a given material relax by generation of additional electron-hole pairs. Here, the authors report evidence of carrier multiplication in multilayer MoTe2 and WSe2 films with up to 99% conversation efficiency.

Abstract Many‐body effect and strong Coulomb interaction in monolayer transition metal dichalcogenides lead to intrinsic bandgap shrinking, originating from the renormalization of electrical/optical bandgap, exciton binding energy, and spin‐orbit splitting. This renormalization phenomenon has been commonly observed at low temperature and requires high photon excitation density. Here, the augmented bandgap renormalization (BGR) in monolayer MoS2 anchored on CsPbBr3 perovskite quantum dots at room temperature via charge transfer is presented. The amount of electrons significantly transferred from perovskite gives rise to the large plasma screening in MoS2. The bandgap in heterostructure is red‐shifted by 84 meV with minimal pump fluence, the highest BGR in monolayer MoS2 at room temperature, which saturates with a further increase of pump fluence. Further, it is found that the magnitude of BGR inversely relates to Thomas–Fermi screening length. This provides plenty of room to explore the BGR within existing vast libraries of large bandgap van der Waals heterostructure toward practical devices such as solar cells, photodetectors, and light‐emitting‐diodes.

Background:. Although small and medium facial defects can be reconstructed with local flaps to ensure skin color and texture matching, extensive facial defects require the application of free flaps, including perforator free flaps. We hereby propose a personalized strategy for facial reconstruction to overcome these limitations, based on the use of free flaps accompanied by local flaps and thickness-controlled perforator flap concept, for extensive facial defects. Methods:. A series of consecutive facial reconstructions were performed from 2006 to 2016 in the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Department of our institution. Only extensive facial defects greater than 40 cm2 were included in this study. Results:. A total of 323 patients underwent reconstruction using free flaps with or without local flaps, from November 2005 to March 2019. Of these, 79 extensive facial surface reconstruction cases were analyzed retrospectively. The size of the defects, their areas (upper, middle, or lower third of the face), and the method of reconstruction were analyzed. This led to the development of a personalized reconstruction procedure for extensive facial defects. These extensive facial reconstruction cases included 24 defects of the upper third of the face, 43 cases of the middle third, and 12 of the lower third. Four cases addressed the middle and lower thirds simultaneously. Conclusions:. The facial surface reconstruction strategy I suggest in this study is based on the flap selection, thickness-controlled perforator flap elevation, and combination of local and free flaps. We expect this procedure will improve the treatment and resolution of extensive facial defects.

Few studies have shown an increased risk of Parkinson’s disease (PD) with the use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), and the pathophysiological mechanism for this association has not been unveiled. This study examined the relationship between PPI use and PD in a Korean population. We investigated 3026 PD patients and 12,104 controls who were matched by age, sex, income, and region of residence at a ratio of 1:4 in the Korean National Health Insurance Service, National Sample Cohort between 2002 and 2015. We estimated the associations between current and past use of PPIs and PD using odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) in a conditional/unconditional logistic regression after adjusting for probable confounders. Compared with PPI nonusers, both current users and past users had significantly greater odds of having PD, with ORs of 1.63 (95% CI = 1.44–1.84) and 1.12 (95% CI = 1.01–1.25), respectively. A significant association with PD was observed in individuals who used PPIs for 30–90 days and ≥90 days (OR = 1.26 and 1.64, 95% CI = 1.12–1.43 and 1.43–1.89) but not among those who used PPIs for

Fanconi syndrome is a dysfunction of the proximal renal tubules that results in impaired reabsorption and increased urinary loss of phosphate and other solutes. The pathophysiology of drug-induced Fanconi syndrome is unclear. Here we report the case of a 36-year-old woman who presented with pain in multiple bones and proteinuria. She had a 7-year history of taking adefovir at 10 mg/day for chronic hepatitis B. Three years previously she had received surgery for a nontraumatic right femur neck fracture, after which she continued to complain of pain in multiple bones, and proteinuria, glycosuria, and phosphaturia were noted. The findings of a light-microscope examination of a renal biopsy sample were normal, but mitochondrial damage of the proximal tubules was evident in electron microscopy. Western blot analysis revealed that the level of serum fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) was lower than in normal controls. After 2 months of treatment, hypophosphatemia and proximal tubular dysfunction were reversed, and serum FGF23 had normalized. This case suggests that direct mitochondrial damage in proximal tubules can cause drug-induced Fanconi syndrome associated with osteomalacia.

Abstract The excitation intensity dependent carrier dynamics of blends with PC[70]BM of three new medium-band gap conjugated polymers with central chalcogen heteroatoms, PBDTfDTBX (X = O, T(Sulphur), Se) were studied. The PBDTfDTBX polymers (Poly[4,8-bis(5-(2-butyloctyl)thiophene-2-yl)benzo[1,2-b;4,5-b′]dithiophene-alt-4,7-bis(4-(2-ethylhexyl)-2-thienyl)-dithieno[3′,2′:3,4;2″,3″:5,6]benzo[1,2-c][1,2,5] furazan or thiadiazole or selenadiazole]) have symmetrical structures but exhibit different solar cell performances. In this study, we determined how the photogenerated charge carrrier dynamics of the PBDTfDTBX:PC[70]BM blends varies with the heteroatom by performing transient absorption measurements at various excitation intensities. It was found that the charge carrier dynamics of the PBDTfDTBX blends with X = T or Se heteroatoms are dependent on the excitation intensity whereas that of the PBDTfDTBO blend is independent of the intensity. The photogenerated charge carrier dynamics of the PBDTfDTBO:PCBM, PBDTfDTBT:PCBM, and PBDTfDTBSe:PCBM blends were all modeled globally and rates were estimated for different photophysical processes occurring on different time scales.

Human deciduous and permanent teeth exhibit different developmental processes, morphologies, histological characteristics and life cycles. In addition, their pulp tissues react differently to external stimuli, such as the pulp sensitivity test, dental trauma and pulp therapy materials. These suggest differences in gene expression and regulation, and in this study we compared gene-expression profiles of the human dental pulp from deciduous and permanent teeth. Pulp tissues from permanent premolars and deciduous molars aged 11-14 years were extirpated and mRNA was isolated for cDNA microarray analysis, and quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). Other teeth were used for immunohistochemical analysis (IHC). Microarray analysis identified 263 genes with a twofold or greater difference in expression level between the two types of pulp tissue, 43 and 220 of which were more abundant in deciduous and permanent pulp tissues, respectively. qPCR analysis was conducted for eight randomly selected genes, and the findings were consistent with the cDNA microarray results. IHC confirmed that insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA-binding protein 1 (IGF2BP1) was broadly expressed in deciduous dental pulp tissue, but minimally expressed in permanent dental pulp tissue. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that calbindin 1 (CALB1), leucine-rich repeat-containing G-protein-coupled receptor 5 (LGR5), and gamma-aminobutyric acid A receptor beta 1 (GABRB1) were abundantly expressed in permanent predentin/odontoblasts, but only minimally expressed in deciduous dental pulp tissue. These results show that deciduous and permanent pulp tissues have different characteristics and gene expression, suggesting that they may have different functions and responses to therapies focused on pulp or dentin regeneration.

The residue of ground coffee obtained after the brewing process (spent coffee) still contains various functional components with high antioxidant capacity and health benefits, but no attempts have been made to use it as a resource to produce value-added food ingredients. This study evaluates the antioxidant activity of ethanol or hot water extracts from the residues of coffee after brewing. An extraction experiment was carried out using the conventional solid–liquid methods, including ethanol and water as the extraction media at different temperatures and liquid/solid ratios. The antioxidant activity of extracts was tested for total phenolic compound (TPC), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and 2-thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) using oil emulsion and raw/cooked meat systems. The DPPH radical scavenging activity of the ethanol extracts with heating (HEE) and without heating (CEE) were higher than that of the hot water extracts (WE). The highest DPPH value of HEE and CEE at 1000 ppm was 91.22% and 90.21%, respectively. In oil emulsion and raw/cooked systems, both the water and ethanol extracts had similar antioxidant effects to the positive control (BHA), but HEE and CEE extracts showed stronger antioxidant activities than WE extract. These results indicated that the ethanol extracts of coffee residue have a strong antioxidant activity and have the potential to be used as a natural antioxidant in meat.

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) presents significant clinical challenges, highlighting the importance of understanding its molecular mechanisms. While store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) is known to play an essential role in tumorigenesis and metastasis, its specific implications across various RCC subtypes remain underexplored. This study analyzed SOCE-related mRNA profiles from the KIRC and KIRP projects in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, focusing on differential gene expression and overall survival outcomes. Functional studies in clear cell RCC (Caki-1) and papillary RCC cell lines (pRCC, Caki-2) revealed increased expression of Orai1 and Orai3, along with STIM1, exhibited in both subtypes, with decreased STIM2 and increased Orai2 expression in pRCC. Notably, Orai3 expression had a gender-specific impact on survival, particularly in females with pRCC, where it inversely correlated with STIM2 expression. Functional assays showed Orai3 dominance in Caki-2 and Orai1 in Caki-1. Interestingly, 2-APB inhibited SOCE in Caki-1 but enhanced it in Caki-2, suggesting Orai3 as the primary SOCE channel in pRCC. Knockdown of Orai1 and Orai3 reduced cell migration and proliferation via regulating focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and Cyclin D1 in both cell lines. These findings highlight the critical roles of Orai1 and Orai3 in RCC metastasis, with Orai3 linked to poorer prognosis in females with pRCC. This study offers valuable insights into RCC diagnostics and potential therapeutic strategies targeting ORAI channels and STIM proteins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Much of the literature on the English progressive has focused on the relationship between an event in progress and its potential future culmination, often overlooking its broader range of uses— event-in-progress, characterizing, and futurate readings. Event-based analyses have struggled to establish a unified core meaning that accounts for these interpretations. In response, this study advances a process-based approach, positing that the progressive aspect systematically emphasizes a process unfolding within a specific reference time. By foregrounding the ongoing process as the fundamental element, this account provides a cohesive explanation for the progressive across its diverse readings. Additionally, it addresses or resolves longstanding challenges in the semantics of the progressive—such as the Imperfective Paradox, Existential Generalization, (Un)Interruption, and Contextual Influence—in a more principled manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]