Search Results (236)

Escin is a steroidal triterpene saponin isolated from the seeds of horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum L.). Due to its anti-edematous, anti-inflammatory, and venotonic properties, it is used in the treatment of chronic venous insufficiency. This study aimed to determine the effect of escin on human red blood cells (RBCs). The effect of escin on RBC hemolysis, plasma membrane fluidity, and thiol, amino, and carbonyl group levels was examined, while the conformational state of membrane proteins was also determined. Low concentrations of saponin (15–60 µg/mL) led to RBC hemolysis and increased RBC membrane fluidity, as determined using the spin probe method. Escin caused a statistically insignificant increase in thiol groups but a significant increase in amino and carbonyl groups in cell membranes. Using two spin labels that covalently bonded with thiols, we demonstrated that treatment of RBCs with escin did not affect cytoskeletal proteins or plasma membrane surface proteins. Research indicates that the main target of escin’s action is the lipid portion of the membrane, not membrane proteins. Full article

Some giant US conglomerates are now undergoing corporate spin-offs or are considering such spin-offs in the near future. Corporate spin-offs offer a unique opportunity to assess corporate capital structure decisions. The leverage ratio of the spin-off firms represents their initial capital structure. We investigate the capital structure of corporate spin-offs and find evidence that they adhere to the trade-off theory. This study provides evidence that the subsidiary firms tend to aim for a target capital ratio during the sample period. The results indicate that the partial adjustment model with firm fixed effects is a good fit for the data sample. The parent companies in corporate spin-offs exhibit a similar pattern but with a slower adjustment speed. The tendency to target capital ratios is observable in both market value and book value leverage measures for the parent and subsidiary firms. Indicators of the pecking order assumption do not possess statistically significant coefficients. Changes in share price affect market debt ratios in the short term. With alternative definitions of leverage, the estimated adjustment speeds vary. In the case of longer horizons, the results align with a continuous rate of adjustment. Full article

Proteins that span cellular membranes represent around 30% of the proteome and over 50% of drug targets. A variety of synthetic and naturally-occurring small organic molecules interact with membrane proteins and up- and down-regulate protein function. The atomic details of these regulatory molecules offer important information about protein function and aid the discovery, refinement and optimization of new drugs. X-ray crystallography and cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) are not always able to resolve the structures of small molecules in their physiological sites on membrane proteins, particularly if the molecules are unstable or are reactive enzyme substrates. Solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (SSNMR) is a valuable technique for filling in missing details on the conformations, dynamics and binding environments of small molecules regulators of membrane proteins. SSNMR does not require diffracting crystals possessing long-range order and can be performed on proteins within their native membranes and with freeze-trapping to maintain sample stability. Here, work over the last two decades is described, in which SSNMR methods have been developed to report on interactions of the ATP substrate with the Na,K-ATPase (NKA), an ion-transporting enzyme that maintains cellular potential in all animals. It is shown how a combination of SSNMR measurements on membranous NKA preparations in the frozen and fluid states have provided unique information about the molecular conformation and local environment of ATP in the high-affinity nucleotide site. A combination of chemical shift analysis using density functional theory (DFT) calculations, dipolar coupling measurements using REDOR and measurements of the rates of proton spin diffusion is appraised collectively. The work described herein highlights the methods developed and challenges encountered, which have led to a detailed and unrivalled picture of ATP in its high-affinity binding site. Full article

This review summarizes the recent advances in the application of nanomaterial coatings in optical fiber sensors, with a particular focus on deposition techniques and the research progress over the past five years in humidity sensing, gas detection, and biosensing. Benefiting from the high specific surface area, abundant surface active sites, and quantum confinement effects of nanomaterials, advanced thin-film fabrication techniques—including spin coating, dip coating, self-assembly, physical/chemical vapor deposition, atomic layer deposition (ALD), electrochemical deposition (ECD), electron beam evaporation (E-beam evaporation), pulsed laser deposition (PLD) and electrospinning, and other techniques—have been widely employed in the construction of functional layers for optical fiber sensors, significantly enhancing their sensitivity, response speed, and environmental stability. Studies have demonstrated that nanocoatings can achieve high-sensitivity detection of targets such as humidity, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and biomarkers by enhancing evanescent field coupling and enabling optical effects such as surface plasmon resonance (SPR), localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR), and lossy mode resonance (LMR). This paper first analyzes the principles and optimization strategies of nanocoating fabrication techniques, then explores the mechanisms by which nanomaterials enhance sensor performance across various application domains, and finally presents future research directions in material performance optimization, cost control, and the development of novel nanocomposites. These insights provide a theoretical foundation for the functional design and practical implementation of nanomaterial-based optical fiber sensors. Full article

Developing perovskite solar cells (PSCs) with both high performance and long-term stability remains a critical challenge and research focus in the field of photovoltaic devices. Herein, we report a multi-step spin-coating strategy for high-efficiency 2D/3D perovskite heterojunction solar cells by sequentially depositing low-concentration 3-pyridine methylamine iodine solutions onto 3D perovskite films. This approach enables controlled Ostwald ripening and forms graded 2D/3D heterointerfaces rather than insulating capping layers, yielding a champion device with a PCE of 22.7%, significantly outperforming conventional 2D/3D planar counterparts. The optimized structure exhibits enhanced carrier extraction, suppressed recombination, and exceptional humidity stability; the hydrophobic structure further enabled >85% initial efficiency retention after 800 h at 45% relative humidity (RH) for target devices. This study establishes a novel research paradigm for developing high-performance and stable 2D/3D perovskite solar cells through gradient dimensionality engineering. Full article

Vortex electromagnetic (EM) waves exhibit spiral wavefront phase distributions, owing to their orbital angular momentum (OAM). Thus, the scattered waves from targets contain OAM characteristics, demonstrating novel scattering properties. Although researchers have carried out both theoretical and experimental studies on the target scattering characteristics of vortex EM waves, a comprehensive and standardized characterization framework is still lacking. This paper proposes and defines an EM vortex scattering matrix (EVSM), which can be used as a characterization method for the target scattering characteristics in the OAM dimension of vortex EM waves. Since vortex EM waves carry both OAM and spin angular momentum (SAM), the EM vortex-polarization joint scattering matrix (EVPJSM) is defined by extending EVSM. This joint matrix simultaneously describes the target scattering characteristics in both OAM and SAM dimensions of vortex EM waves. And it can offer a thorough framework of target scattering characteristics for arbitrary OAM–SAM combinations in new-dimensional EM waves. Numerical simulations are performed to compute each element in EVPJSM for two typical targets under twelve different pairs of OAM modes and two SAM polarization combinations. The numerical results can be used as an example of the characterization method in new dimensions for the targets’ scattering characteristics. Full article

Nanotechnologies bring a rapid paradigm shift in hard and soft bone tissue regeneration (BTR) through unprecedented control over the nanoscale structures and chemistry of biocompatible materials to regenerate the intricate architecture and functional adaptability of bone. This review focuses on the transformative analyses and prospects of current and next-generation nanomaterials in designing bioactive bone scaffolds, emphasizing hierarchical architecture, mechanical resilience, and regenerative precision. Mainly, this review elucidated the innovative findings, new capabilities, unmet challenges, and possible future opportunities associated with biocompatible inorganic ceramics (e.g., phosphates, metallic oxides) and the United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) approved synthetic polymers, including their nanoscale structures. Furthermore, this review demonstrates the newly available approaches for achieving customized standard porosity, mechanical strengths, and accelerated bioactivity to construct an optimized nanomaterial-oriented scaffold. Numerous strategies including three-dimensional bioprinting, electro-spinning techniques and meticulous nanomaterials (NMs) fabrication are well established to achieve radical scientific precision in BTR engineering. The contemporary research is unceasingly decoding the pathways for spatial and temporal release of osteoinductive agents to enhance targeted therapy and prompt healing processes. Additionally, successful material design and integration of an osteoinductive and osteoconductive agents with the blend of contemporary technologies will bring radical success in this field. Furthermore, machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) can further decode the current complexities of material design for BTR, notwithstanding the fact that these methods call for an in-depth understanding of bone composition, relationships and impacts on biochemical processes, distribution of stem cells on the matrix, and functionalization strategies of NMs for better scaffold development. Overall, this review integrated important technological progress with ethical considerations, aiming for a future where nanotechnology-facilitated bone regeneration is boosted by enhanced functionality, safety, inclusivity, and long-term environmental responsibility. Therefore, the assimilation of a specialized research design, while upholding ethical standards, will elucidate the challenge and questions we are presently encountering. Full article

The photon spin Hall effect (PSHE) arises from the spin–orbit interaction of light. Metasurfaces enable precise control over the PSHE through their influence. Using electromagnetic simulations as its foundation, this work engineers a metal–insulator–metal (MIM) metasurface for generating vortex beams in the near-infrared band, targeting enhanced modulation of the PSHE. Electromagnetic simulations embed vanadium dioxide (VO₂)—a thermally responsive phase-change material—within the MIM metasurface architecture. Numerical evidence confirms that harnessing VO₂’s insulator–metal-transition-mediated optical switching dynamically tailors spin-dependent splitting in the illuminated MIM-VO₂ hybrid, thereby achieving a significant amplification of the PSHE displacement. Electromagnetic simulations determine the reflection coefficients for both VO₂ phase states in the MIM-VO₂ structure. Computed spin displacements under vortex beam incidence reveal that VO₂’s phase transition couples to the MIM’s top metal and dielectric layers, modifying reflection coefficients and producing phase-dependent PSHE displacements. The simulation results show that the displacement change of the PSHE before and after the phase transition of VO₂ reaches 954.7 µm, achieving a significant improvement compared with the traditional layered structure. The dynamic modulation mechanism of the PSHE based on the thermal–optical effect has been successfully verified. Full article

Background: Singlet oxygen (¹O₂) generation in biological samples remains a significant challenge. Studying the mechanism of ¹O₂ action during photodynamic therapy (PDT) in atherosclerotic plaques in vitro represents an innovative cardiological approach. Atherosclerosis, a chronic and progressive disease, is characterized by plaque buildup inside arterial walls. Objectives: This study focused on the use of spin–lattice (T₁) and spin–spin (T₂) relaxation times measured by Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) before and after the administration of indocyanine green-mediated PDT (ICG-PDT). Methods: To enhance visualization of morphological changes in atherosclerotic plaques, the clinically approved MRI contrast agent Gadovist was utilized. A total of 12 atherosclerotic plaque samples were collected from six patients undergoing endarterectomy. The generation of ¹O₂ in these plaques was assessed using quantitative MRI measurements and microscopic imaging, which visualized structural changes induced by PDT. Results: This research explores the potential of T₁ and T₂ relaxation times as indicators of PDT efficacy, while Gadovist helped provide evidence of ¹O₂ diffusion within the samples. Conclusions: Considering advancements in modern treatment, PDT may offer a novel approach for targeting atherosclerosis. Full article

One of the key elements in the analysis of gene expression and its post-translational regulation is miRNAs. Degradome-seq analyses are performed to analyze the cleavage of target RNAs in the transcriptome. This work presents the first degradome-seq library preparation protocol that enables successful construction of libraries, even from highly degraded RNA samples with RIN below 3, thus significantly expanding the possibilities for research when working with low-quality material. The developed protocol improves the efficiency of library preparation in degradome-seq analysis used to identify miRNA targets, reduces library preparation time, and lowers the cost of purchasing reagents by using reagents from the RNA-seq library preparation kit and proprietary-designed primers. A crucial feature of this new protocol is optimizing the purification step for short library fragments, which increases the yield of correctly sized fragments compared to previously used methods. This is achieved by implementing an original method involving tube-spin purification with gauze and precipitation using sodium acetate with glycogen, greatly enhancing recovery efficiency—a factor especially critical when working with degraded RNA. Cloning to a plasmid and sequencing of the inserted fragment verified the correctness of the library preparation using the developed protocol. This protocol represents a groundbreaking tool for degradome research, enabling the construction and sequencing of degradome libraries, even from degraded samples previously considered unsuitable for such analyses. This is due to the use of residues from the sRNA-seq library kit. It noticeably reduces the cost of library construction. The precision of the excised fragment after electrophoresis was performed during the procedure to isolate fragments of the correct length, which was improved using additional size markers. Compared to previously used methods, optimizing the purification method of degradome-seq libraries allowed an increase in the yield of fragments obtained. Full article

Background: Modern viral vector production needs to consider process intensification for higher yields from smaller production volumes. However, innate antiviral immunity triggered in the producer cell may limit virus replication. While commonly used cell lines (e.g., Vero or E1A-immortalised cells) are already compromised in antiviral pathways, the redundancy of innate signaling complicates host cell optimization by genetic engineering. Small molecules that are hypothesized to target antiviral pathways (Viral Sensitizers, VSEs) added to the culture media offer a versatile alternative to genetic modifications to increase permissiveness and, thus, viral yields across multiple cell lines. Methods: To explore how the yield for a chimeric Zika vaccine candidate (YF-ZIK) could be further be increased in an intensified bioprocess, we used spin tubes or an Ambr15 high-throughput microbioreactor system as scale-down models to optimize the dosing for eight VSEs in three host cell lines (AGE1.CR.pIX, BHK-21, and HEK293-F) based on their tolerability. Results: Addition of VSEs to an already optimized infection process significantly increased infectious titers by up to sevenfold for all three cell lines tested. The development of multi-component VSE formulations using a design of experiments approach allowed further synergistic titer increases in AGE1.CR.pIX cells. Scale-up to 1 L stirred-tank bioreactors and 3D-printed mimics of 200 or 2000 L reactors resulted in up to threefold and eightfold increases, respectively. Conclusions: Addition of single VSEs or combinations thereof allowed a further increase in YF-ZIK titers beyond the yield of an already optimized, highly intensified process. The described approach validates the use of VSEs and can be instructive for optimizing other virus production processes. Full article

This paper investigates flexible multibody dynamic modeling and a staged deployment strategy for large-scale spinning tethered satellite systems, targeting deployment instability, inefficiencies, and tension-induced fracture risks. A nonlinear flexible multibody model is constructed using the absolute nodal coordinate formulation within an arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian framework, enabling accurate large-deformation modeling of the tether with geometric nonlinearity. This model surpasses traditional massless/rigid rod models by integrating tether mass distribution, flexible dynamics, and satellite attitude dynamics. A two-stage deployment strategy is proposed based on tether safe tension thresholds. Stage 1 optimizes deployment velocity to eliminate libration angles, ensuring stability while maintaining deployment efficiency. Stage 2 employs dynamic angular velocity tracking and torque compensation to reduce tether tension, prioritizing deployment safety. Numerical simulations validate the model’s accuracy and the strategy’s effectiveness, showing significant tension reduction compared to the single-stage strategy and suppressing libration angle oscillations within ±0.5°. The impact of space environmental forces on deployment stability across different orientations is analyzed, highlighting the necessity of force compensation for parallel-to-ground configurations. This research integrates dynamics and control, providing a practical solution for safe and efficient deployment of the spinning tethered satellite system. Full article

When a space target malfunctions and is no longer controlled by its attitude control system, it usually tumbles in orbit and exhibits a slow spinning state. Accurately estimating the on-orbit attitude of spinning space targets is of vital importance for ensuring the operation of space assets. Moreover, it plays a significant role in tasks such as reentry observation and collision avoidance. Currently, most existing methods estimate the attitude of space targets by using a single inverse synthetic aperture radar (ISAR) for long-term observation. However, this approach not only requires a long observation time but also fails to estimate the attitude of spinning targets. To address these limitations, this paper proposes a novel approach for estimating the attitude of spinning space targets, which utilizes the joint observations of a multiple-station ISAR. Specifically, the proposed method fully exploits the projection principle of ISAR imaging and uses an ISAR high-resolution network (ISAR-HRNet) to automatically extract the projection features of typical components of the target. Then, the analytical expressions for the target’s instantaneous attitude and spin vector under the multi-station observation imaging projection model are derived. Based on the extracted features of the typical components, the lengths, orientations, and spin vectors of the space target are determined. Importantly, the proposed method can achieve the attitude estimation of the spinning space targets within a single observation period, without the need for manual intervention or prior information about the target’s three-dimensional (3D) model. Additionally, the analytical method for solving the spin vector offers high efficiency and accuracy. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed attitude estimation algorithm is verified by experiments on simulated data, and the performance of the ISAR-HRNet is also tested in the key point extraction experiments using measured data. Full article

This work presents the synthesis, characterisation, photophysical properties, time-resolved spectroscopic behaviour, and biological evaluation of two structurally distinct heavy-atom-free BODIPY-anthracene dyads (BDP-1) and the newly designed 2,6-bis[1-(tert-butyl) 4-(prop-2-yn-1-yl) piperazine-1,4-dicarboxylate] BODIPY-anthracene (BDP-2), incorporating 2,6-alkynyl-piperazine substituents for potential application in antimicrobial photodynamic therapy. BDP-1 exhibits absorption and emission maxima at 507 nm and 516 nm, respectively, with a Stokes shift of 344 cm⁻¹ in dichloromethane (DCM), characteristic of unsubstituted BODIPYs. In contrast, BDP-2 undergoes a red-shift in the absorption maximum to 552 nm (Stokes shift of 633 cm⁻¹), which is attributed to the extended conjugation from the introduction of the alkyne groups. Time-resolved infrared spectroscopy confirmed efficient spin-orbit charge transfer intersystem crossing, and nanosecond transient absorption studies confirmed the formation of a long-lived triplet state for BDP-2 (up to 138 µs in MeCN). A binding constant (K_b) of 9.6 × 10⁴ M⁻¹ was obtained for BDP-2 when titrated with bovine serum albumin (BSA), which is higher than comparable BODIPY derivatives. BDP-2 displayed improved hemocompatibility compared to BDP-1 (<5% haemolysis of human erythrocytes up to 200 μg·mL⁻¹). Antimicrobial activity of BDP-1 and BDP-2 was most potent when irradiated at 370 nm compared to the other wavelengths employed. However, BDP-2 did not retain the potent (6 log) and rapid (within 15 min) eradication of Staphylococcus aureus achieved by BDP-1 under irradiation at 370 nm. These findings demonstrate the rational design of BDP-2 as a biocompatible, and heavy-atom-free BODIPY offering promise for targeted antimicrobial photodynamic therapeutic applications. Full article

Targeting the nonlinear issues of the canard dual-spin aircraft, which relies on the high-speed rotation of the afterbody for flight stability and achieves trajectory correction by adjusting the roll angle of the low-speed rotating forebody to alter aerodynamics, the establishment of an accurate aerodynamic model is crucial for in-depth studies of its ballistic characteristics and design. For this, by taking the effects of canard–body interference, fore/aft body reversal, and other factors into account, an accurate model of the body aerodynamics applicable to large angles of attack is presented. This model theoretically elucidates the intricate relationship between the body aerodynamics and both the flight state and the aerodynamic parameters of the original aircraft. Subsequently, numerical simulations are conducted to analyze the body nonlinear aerodynamic characteristics and their impact on ballistics. The results reveal that all aerodynamic forces and moments acting on the aircraft body, particularly the Magnus force and moment, exhibit strong nonlinearities due to the coupling between the forebody roll angle and the amplitude and phase of the complex angle of attack. Moreover, the established model accurately captures the body aerodynamics and the influence of various disturbance factors, which can significantly alter the controlled angular motions and corrected ballistic calculations. Full article