BINA

This study delves into the critical role of customized material design and synthesis methods in influencing the performance of electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in anion exchange membrane fuel cells (AEMFCs). It introduces a novel approach to obtain platinum-free electrocatalysts (PGM-free), based on the controlled integration of iron active sites onto the surface of silica nanoparticles (NPs) by using nitrogen-based surface ligands. These NPs are used as hard templates to form tailored nanostructured electrocatalysts with an improved iron dispersion into the carbon matrix. Utilizing a wide array of analytical techniques including infrared and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopies, X-ray diffraction and surface area measurements, this work provides insight into the physical parameters that are critical for the ORR electrocatalysis with PGM-free electrocatalysts. These findings underscore the potential …

Battery technologies based in multivalent charge carriers with ideally two or three electrons transferred per ion exchanged between the electrodes have large promises in raw performance numbers, most often expressed as high energy density, and are also ideally based on raw materials that are widely abundant and less expensive. Yet, these are still globally in their infancy, with some concepts (e.g., Mg metal) being more technologically mature. The challenges to address are derived on one side from the highly polarizing nature of multivalent ions when compared to single valent concepts such as Li+ or Na+ present in Li-ion or Na-ion batteries, and on the other, from the difficulties in achieving efficient metal plating/stripping (which remains the holy grail for lithium). Nonetheless, research performed to date has given some fruits and a clearer view of the challenges ahead. These include technological topics …

The testis is responsible for sperm production and androgen synthesis. Abnormalities in testis development and function lead to disorders of sex development and male infertility. Currently, no in vitro system exists for modelling the testis. Here, we generated testis organoids from neonatal mouse primary testicular cells using transwell inserts and show that these organoids generate tubule-like structures and cellular organization resembling that of the in vivo testis. Gene expression analysis of organoids demonstrates a profile that recapitulates that observed in in vivo testis. Embryonic testicular cells, but not adult testicular cells are also capable of forming organoids. These organoids can be maintained in culture for 8-9 weeks and shows signs of entry into meiosis. We further developed defined media compositions that promote the immature versus mature Sertoli cell and Leydig cell states, enabling organoid …

Pharmaceutical waste and contaminants pose a significant global concern for water and food safety. The detection of piperidine, a common residue in drug and supplement synthesis, is critical due to its toxic nature to both humans and animals. In this study, we develop a plasmonic-based detector for surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) measurements. The plasmonic device is composed of triangular cavities, milled in silver thin film and protected by 5 nm of SiO2 layer. Due to the confined and enhanced electromagnetic field, remarkable sensitivity to piperidine with concentration of 10-8M in water is achieved. Despite the relative small polarizability of piperidine, high sensitivity is observed even when using a low numerical aperture of 0.3., attributing to the directional scattring from our plasmonic device. Thus, It offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional high numerical aperture used in SERS, and the …

Mutations in NR2E3 have been implicated in several progressive retinal disease phenotypes such as enhanced S-cone syndrome, Goldmann-Favre syndrome and retinitis pigmentosa. One of the most frequent mutations in NR2E3 is c.932G>A (p.R311Q), where pathogenicity is thought to stem from the resulting amino acid substitution. However, multiple studies that evaluated the effect of this substitution on the protein, did not elucidate the molecular basis underlying the pathogenicity. Primed by bioinformatic analyses, we hypothesized and experimentally validated that the NR2E3 c.932G>A mutation leads to aberrant splicing which results in a short, non-functional protein isoform. Using cell models expressing WT and mutant constructs of the full NR2E3 sequence (including exonic and intronic regions), we observed that the mutated transcript exhibits a high level (75%) of aberrant splicing through gain of a novel splice acceptor site within exon 6. This mis-splicing results in the in-frame loss of 186 base pairs that code for a portion of the protein ligand binding domain. We further designed and evaluated splice-shifting antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), that circumvented the aberrant splicing. The best performing ASO successfully restored 70% of the total NR2E3 full-length isoform levels and demonstrated rescue of nuclear localization and rhodopsin transcriptional activation. This study demonstrates the importance of understanding splicing consequences of pathogenic mutations, allowing the design and development of ASO-based therapies. Our findings set the stage for the potential treatment of NR2E3-related retinal degeneration caused by …

Gonadal sex determination in mice is a complex and dynamic process, crucial for the development of functional reproductive organs. The expression of genes involved in this process is regulated by a variety of genetic and epigenetic mechanisms. Recently, there has been increasing evidence that transposable elements (TEs), which are a class of mobile genetic elements, play a significant role in regulating gene expression during embryogenesis and organ development. In this study, we aimed to investigate the involvement of TEs in the regulation of gene expression during mouse embryonic gonadal development. Through bioinformatic analysis, we aimed to identify and characterize specific TEs acting as regulatory elements for sex-specific genes, as well as their potential mechanisms of regulation. We identified TE loci expressed in a time- and sex-specific manner along fetal gonad development that correlate positively and negatively with nearby gene expression, suggesting that their expression is integrated to the gonadal regulatory network. Moreover, chromatin accessibility and histone post-transcriptional modification analyses in the differentiating supporting cells revealed that TEs are acquiring sex-specific signature for promoter-, enhancer-, and silencer-like elements with some of them being proximal to critical sex determining genes. Altogether, our study introduces TEs as new potential players of the gene regulatory network controlling gonadal development in mammals.

Traumatic injuries, neurodegenerative diseases and oxidative stress serve as the early biomarkers for neuronal damages, impedes angiogenesis and subsequently neuronal growth. In this line, the present work is aimed to develop angiogenesis/neurogenesis properties imprinted poly(N-acryloylglycine)-co-(acrylamide)-co-(N-acryloylglutamate) hydrogel [p(NAG-Ac-NAE)]. As constituents of this polymer to modulate the vital role in biological functions, inhibitory neurotransmitter glycine regulates neuronal homeostasis, and glutamatergic signalling regulates angiogenesis. The p(NAG-Ac-NAE) is highly-branched, biodegradable and shows pH-responsive with very high swelling behavior upto 6188%. Mechanical stability (G’, 2.3-2.7kPa) of this hydrogel is commendable in differentiation of the mature neurons. This hydrogel is biocompatible in HUVEC cells and proliferative in PC12 cells (152.7±13.7 %), whereas …

The enteric nervous system (ENS) senses microbiota-derived signals and orchestrates mucosal immunity and epithelial barrier functions, in health and disease. However, mechanistic dissections of intestinal neuro-immune-microbiota communications remain challenging and existing research methods limit experimental controllability and throughput. Here, we present a novel optogenetics-integrated gut organ culture system that enables real-time, whole-tissue stimulation of specific ENS lineages, allowing for detailed analysis of their functional impact. We demonstrate that optogenetic activation of enteric cholinergic neurons rapidly modulates intestinal physiology. Interestingly, distinct neuronal firing patterns differentially modulate neuro-immunological gene expression and epithelial barrier integrity. Furthermore, diverse enteric neuronal lineages exert distinct regulatory roles. While cholinergic activation promotes gene-sets associated with type-2 immunity, tachykininergic enteric neurons differentially control mucosal defense programs. Remarkably, luminal introduction of the immunomodulatory bacterium C. ramosum significantly remodeled cholinergic-induced neuro-immunological transcription. These findings suggest that complex combinatorial signals delivered by gut microbes and enteric neurons are locally integrated to fine-tune intestinal immunity and barrier defense. Collectively, we provide a powerful platform for systematic discovery and mechanistic exploration of functional neuroimmune connections, and their potential modulation by drugs, microbes, or metabolites.

Topological insulators, a class of materials possessing bulk bandgap and metallic surface states with a topological nontrivial symmetry, are considered promising candidates for emerging quantum and optoelectronic applications. However, achieving scalable growth and control over the parameters including thickness, carrier density, bulk bandgap, and defect density remains a challenge in realizing such applications. In this work, we show the scalable growth of topological insulator alloys Bi2Se(3−x)Sx and demonstrate composition-tunable bandgap, using chemical vapor deposition (CVD). A bandgap increase of up to ∼40% at a sulfur concentration of ∼15% is demonstrated. Correspondingly, the real part (n) of the refractive index is reduced in the alloy by ∼25% relative to that of Bi2Se3. Additionally, electronic transport measurements indicate a bulk p-type doping and field-effect tunable metallic surface states …

Chronic inflammatory diseases, like rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have been described to cause central nervous system (CNS) activation. Less is known about environmental factors that enable the CNS to suppress peripheral inflammation in RA. Here, we identified gut microbiota-derived histamine as such factor. We show that low levels of histamine activate the enteric nervous system, increase inhibitory neurotransmitter concentrations in the spinal cord and restore homeostatic microglia, thereby reducing inflammation in the joints. Selective histamine 3 receptor (H3R) signaling in the intestine is critical for this effect, as systemic and intrathecal application did not show effects. Microglia depletion or pharmacological silencing of local nerve fibers impaired oral H3R agonist-induced pro-resolving effects on arthritis. Moreover, therapeutic supplementation of the SCFA propionate identified one way to expand local intestinal histamine concentrations in mice and humans. Thus, we define a gut-CNS-joint axis pathway where microbiota-derived histamine initiates the resolution of arthritis via the CNS.

Topological insulators, a class of materials possessing bulk bandgap and metallic surface states with a topological nontrivial symmetry, are considered promising candidates for emerging quantum and optoelectronic applications. However, achieving scalable growth and control over parameters including thickness, carrier density, bulk bandgap, and defect density remains a challenge in realizing such applications. In this work, we show the scalable growth of topological insulator alloys Bi2Se(3-x)Sx and demonstrate composition-tunable bandgap, using chemical vapor deposition (CVD). A bandgap increase of up to ~40% at a sulfur concentration of ~15% is demonstrated. Correspondingly, the real part (n) of the refractive index is reduced in the alloy by ~25% relative to that of Bi2Se3. Additionally, electronic transport measurements indicate a bulk p-type doping and field-effect tunable metallic surface states of the …

Accumulated evidence of transgenerational inheritance of epigenetic and symbiotic changes begs the question of whether (and under which conditions) the population can benefit from inheritance of changes that are acquired during the individuals' lifetime. To address this question, we introduce a population epigenetics model of individuals undergoing stochastic and/or induced changes that are either partially or fully transmitted to the offspring. This model is equally applicable to internal changes in individuals (e.g. epigenetic and symbiotic variations) as well as niche construction changes that they make in their environment. Potentially adaptive and maladaptive responses are represented, respectively, by induced changes that reduce and increase the individuals' rate of death (i.e. reduction and increase of selective pressure). We use this framework to investigate how inheritance of acquired changes affects the long-term dynamics of the population. Analytic solution in a simple case of a population exposed to environments that change in time shows that inheritance of changes that transiently alleviate the selective pressure is beneficial even when the offspring environment differs from that of their parents. The benefit from these changes is even more pronounced at lower fidelity of inheritance as well as for populations with age-dependent decline in fertility. We also show that this benefit is essential for preventing population extinction under a range of successive shifts in the environment. Analysis of long-term influences of various population and environmental factors reveals a non-trivial landscape of outcomes, including a surprising regime in …

The testis is responsible for sperm production and androgen synthesis. Abnormalities in testis development and function lead to disorders of sex development and male infertility. Currently, no in vitro system exists for modelling the testis. Here, we generated testis organoids from neonatal mouse primary testicular cells using transwell inserts and show that these organoids generate tubule-like structures and cellular organization resembling that of the in vivo testis. Gene expression analysis of organoids demonstrates a profile that recapitulates that observed in in vivo testis. Embryonic testicular cells, but not adult testicular cells are also capable of forming organoids. These organoids can be maintained in culture for 8-9 weeks and shows signs of entry into meiosis. We further developed defined media compositions that promote the immature versus mature Sertoli cell and Leydig cell states, enabling organoid …

Complete decarbonization of hard-to-abate industrial sectors is critical to reach the carbon neutrality goal set for 2050. The production of nitrogen-containing fertilizers (N-fertilizers) is responsible for 2.1% of the overall global carbon dioxide emissions. Urea is the most common N-fertilizer, and it is currently produced through the Bosch-Meiser process starting from ammonia (NH3) and carbon dioxide (CO2). Electrochemical production of urea can reduce drastically the emission of greenhouse gases and the energy required for the process. Promising results were recently reported using nitrate (NO3-) and CO2 as reagents with increasing production rate and Faradaic efficiency. In this mini-review, we summarize the most recent studies, including reaction mechanisms, electrocatalysts, and detection methods, highlighting the challenges in the field. A roadmap for future developments is envisioned with the scope of …

Fe–N–C catalysts are currently the leading candidates to replace Pt-based catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction in proton exchange membrane fuel cells. To maximize their activity, it is necessary to optimize their structure to allow high active site density on one hand, and hierarchical porous structure that will allow good mass transport of reactants and products to and from the active sites on the other hand. Hence, the hierarchical structure of the catalyst plays an important role in the balance between the electrochemical active site density and the mass transport resistance. Aerogels were synthesized in this work to study the interplay between these two parameters. Aerogels are covalent organic frameworks with ultra-low density, high porosity, and large surface area. The relative ease of tuning the composition and pore structure of aerogels make them prominent candidates for catalysis. Herein, we report on a …

Tissue Optics and Photonics III Page 1 PROCEEDINGS OF SPIE Volume 13010 Proceedings of SPIE 0277-786X, V. 13010 SPIE is an international society advancing an interdisciplinary approach to the science and application of light. Tissue Optics and Photonics III Valery V. Tuchin Walter C. Blondel Zeev Zalevsky Editors 9–11 April 2024 Strasbourg, France Sponsored by SPIE Cooperating Organisations Photonics 21 (Germany) EOS—European Optical Society (Germany) Published by SPIE Tissue Optics and Photonics III, edited by Valery V. Tuchin, Walter CPM Blondel, Zeev Zalevsky, Proc. of SPIE Vol. 13010, 1301001 · © 2024 SPIE 0277-786X · doi: 10.1117/12.3037614 Proc. of SPIE Vol. 13010 1301001-1 Page 2 The papers in this volume were part of the technical conference cited on the cover and title page. Papers were selected and subject to review by the editors and conference program committee. Some …

Achieving selectivity of ligands towards guanine-quadruplexes (GQs) is a prerequisite for their implementation in a cellular environment. Herein, we explored the binding properties of the hemopeptide microperoxidase-11 (MP-11) towards different GQs and configurations. The peptide-heme interplay promoted selective ligand binding for c-MYC GQ by uncaging and binding it from duplex DNA. The spectroscopic studies here provide versatile tools to probe the binding mode of MP-11 to GQ frameworks.

Photo‐induced evolution of statistically rough surfaces of amorphous chalcogenide films As20Se80 at room temperature has been studied by measuring the angular dependence of the intensity of light scattered from a surface illuminated by cw laser (λ = 660 nm). The interpretation of the scattering data based on the resonant scattering theory enabled to confirm unequivocally the diffusion mechanism of PI mass transfer. It was detected that the change of the amplitude of a spatial harmonic in the roughness spectra strongly depended on its period Λ. During illumination, the amplitude increased at Λ > Λ∗, whereas harmonics with Λ < Λ∗ decreased. Λ∗ , which corresponds to zero evolution rate. was found to be 6.7 μm. In accordance with our theoretical prediction, both growth and decrease were exponential with the rates depended on Λ. As the result, the roughness with initial rms height of 50 ‐ 70 nm transformed …

Self‐healing (SH) of (opto)electronic material damage can have a huge impact on resource sustainability. The rising interest in halide perovskite (HaP) compounds over the past decade is due to their excellent semiconducting properties for crystals and films, even if made by low‐temperature solution‐based processing. Direct proof of self‐healing in Pb‐based HaPs is demonstrated through photoluminescence recovery from photodamage, fracture healing and their use as high‐energy radiation and particle detectors. Here, the question of how to find additional semiconducting materials exhibiting SH, in particular lead‐free ones is addressed. Applying a data‐mining approach to identify semiconductors with favorable mechanical and thermal properties, for which Pb HaPs are clear outliers, it is found that the Cs2AuIAuIIIX6, (X = I, Br, Cl) family, which is synthesized and tested for SH. This is the first demonstration of …

Magnesium batteries have attracted considerable attention as a promising technology for future energy storage because of their capability to undergo multiple charging reactions. However, most oxide materials utilized as hosts for magnesium batteries do not perform well at room temperature or in nonaqueous electrolytes. Herein, a host material, Na0.04MoO3·(H2O)0.49 is successfully developed through the chemical reduction of alpha‐MoO3, which enables magnesium storage reaction in a 0.5 m Mg(ClO4)2/acetonitrile electrolyte at 25 °C. Electrochemical analysis reveals that the cathode material possesses a discharge capacity of 157.4 mAh g−1 at a 0.2 C rate. The Na0.04MoO3·(H2O)0.49 cathode material also exhibits a capacity retention of 93.4% after 100 cycles compared to the first cycle at a 2 C rate, with an average discharge voltage of −0.474 V versus activated carbon (≈2.16 V estimated …

Nanocomposite materials, integrating nanoscale additives into a polymer matrix, hold immense promise for their exceptional property amalgamation. This study delves into the fabrication and characterization of polyetherimide (PEI) nanocomposite strings fortified with multiwall WS2 nanotubes. The manufacturing process capitalizes on the preferential alignment of WS2 nanotubes along the string axis, corroborated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Mechanical measurements unveil a remarkable acceleration of strain hardening in the nanocomposite strings, chiefly attributed to the WS2 nanotubes. Structural analyses via X-ray diffraction (XRD) and wide-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS) reveal intriguing structural alterations during tensile deformation. Notably a semi-crystalline framework ~100 nm in diameter surrounding the WS2 nanotubes emerges, which is stabilized by the π-π interactions between the PEI …