Preparation of Bifunctional Orthosilicophosphate MgO-CaO-ZnO-PO-SiO Glasses: in vitro Evaluation of Antibacterial Activity and Osteoblast Gene Expression Behavior.

Phosphate and phosphate invert glasses contain various elements, with a wide range of compositions. Recently, our group reported orthosilicophosphate glasses (SPGs) and the glass network structure composed of orthophosphates and orthosilicates crosslinked by cations. ZnO is an intermediate oxide that improves the chemical durability of glass.

Enhancing cybersecurity in virtual power plants by detecting network based cyber attacks using an unsupervised autoencoder approach.

The increasing adoption of the Internet of Things (IoT) in energy systems has brought significant advancements but also heightened cyber security risks. Virtual Power Plants (VPPs), which aggregate distributed renewable energy resources into a single entity for participation in energy markets, are particularly vulnerable to cyber-attacks due to their reliance on modern information and communication technologies. Cyber-attacks targeting devices, networks, or specific goals can compromise system integrity.

Single-cell glycome and transcriptome profiling uncovers the glycan signature of each cell subpopulation of human iPSC-derived neurons.

Human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived neurons are often heterogeneous, posing challenges for disease modeling and cell therapy. We previously developed single-cell glycan and RNA sequencing (scGR-seq) to analyze the glycome and transcriptome simultaneously. Here, we applied scGR-seq to examine heterogeneous populations of human iPSC-derived neurons.

BaTiO-Ni Flexible Thin-Film Capacitor via Photoassisted Chemical Solution Deposition Retaining Pristine Ni Foil Elasticity and Hardness.

The direct deposition of piezoelectric ceramic thin films onto metal foils has become a significant challenge due to the increasing demand for embedded decoupling capacitors, nanogenerators, and flexible piezo-sensors. However, traditional thermal sintering (TS) methods present several issues for metal foils, including alterations in mechanical properties, the formation of wrinkles, and the need for precise control over the sintering atmosphere to prevent oxidation. In this study, we successfully crystallized BaTiO on a Ni foil under atmospheric conditions, mitigating thermal damage to the foil through a hybrid-solution-incorporated photoassisted chemical solution deposition (HS-PCSD) method.

Iron-catalyzed continuous-flow synthesis of sulfoxide with hydrogen peroxide.

A continuous-flow synthesis of sulfoxides from sulfides was achieved oxidation with hydrogen peroxide (HO) in the presence of the catalyst generated by simply packing a reactor column with a mixture of iron(III) chloride (FeCl) and activated carbon followed by the pre-activation step in which an HO-acetonitrile solution was passed into the column. This activation step appeared to convert FeCl to iron oxide species, thereby enhancing catalytic efficiency. Sulfoxides were continuously produced in >90% yield for up to 150 h.

Distinct Hole and Electron Transport Anisotropy in Ambipolar Nickel Dithiolene-Based Semiconductor.

Understanding anisotropic charge transport in molecular semiconductors is crucial for device optimization, yet its intricate dependence on orbital-specific intermolecular interactions and molecular packing remains a challenge, especially in ambipolar systems. In ambipolar semiconductors, where both holes and electrons participate in conduction, distinct molecular orbitals prompt a critical inquiry: can orbital variations result in coexisting yet distinct anisotropic transport properties within a single component? We confirm this possibility by demonstrating that the air-stable nickel dithiolene, Ni(4OPr), exhibits such behavior. Despite its herringbone stacking implying a two-dimensional electronic structure, Ni(4OPr) uniquely exhibits distinct intermolecular interactions for hole (HOMO-to-HOMO; HOMO = highest occupied molecular orbital) and electron (LUMO-to-LUMO; LUMO = lowest unoccupied molecular orbital) transport.

Ultra-low core loss in Fe-enriched soft magnetic ribbons enabled by nanostructure and high-frequency domain engineering.

The next generation of power electronics necessitates materials capable of rapid response at tens of kilohertz frequencies while ensuring minimal core losses. Accelerating the advancement of power electronics hinges on addressing the current shortage of ultra-low core loss soft magnets, thereby enabling sustainable energy utilization and paving the way toward achieving zero carbon footprints. Here we demonstrate an approach that integrates nanostructure engineering with high-frequency domain structure control, significantly enhancing the performance of Fe-enriched amorphous ribbons.

Public perceptions of radioactively contaminated waste resulting from environmental decontamination efforts after a large nuclear accident: a comparison with high-level radioactive waste and industrial waste.

The aim of this study was to gather practical insights into the social aspects of waste disposal following environmental decontamination after a nuclear accident. By comparing decontamination waste with high-level radioactive waste and industrial waste, we gained a clearer understanding of the public's perceptions. In March 2024, an online survey was conducted targeting people aged 20-69 in the Kanto region of Japan, with 1,500 respondents assigned to each of three categories (decontamination waste, high-level radioactive waste and industrial waste), totalling 4,500 participants.

Development of Keap1-Nrf2 Protein-Protein Interaction Inhibitor Activating Intracellular Nrf2 Based on the Naphthalene-2-acetamide Scaffold, and its Anti-Inflammatory Effects.

Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) axis is an attractive therapeutic target for various intractable diseases. Although protein-protein interaction inhibitors against Keap1-Nrf2 have been developed over the past decade, more structural expansion is needed to improve efficacy. In this article, several candidate compounds are designed and synthesized as novel Nrf2 activators and their intracellular Nrf2-activating effects are evaluated.

Development of high-sensitivity data collection system for time-resolved x-ray diffraction measurement at the photon factory advanced ring.

We have developed a high-sensitivity data collection and measurement system for time-resolved x-ray diffraction experiments at the Photon Factory Advanced Ring. Use of x-ray pixel array photon counting detectors provides a suitable improvement in measurement sensitivity when compared to existing systems. The system is equipped with a laser that operates with a variable repetition rate, thus making it highly suitable for synchronization with the synchrotron x-ray source and the electronic gating detectors.

Modeling-Making-Modulating High-Entropy Alloy with Activated Water-Dissociation Centers for Superior Electrocatalysis.

High-entropy alloys (HEAs) have recently emerged as promising electrocatalysts for complex reactions owing to their tunable electronic structures and diverse, unique binding sites. However, their vast compositional space, in terms of both elemental variety and atomic ratios, presents a major challenge to the rational design of high-performance catalysts, as experimental efforts are often hindered by ambiguous element selection and inefficient trial-and-error methods. In this work, a bottom-up research strategy using machine learning-assisted first-principles calculations was applied to accelerate the design of quinary HEAs toward efficient multielectron transfer reactions.

Optical properties of the jellyfish surface above the waterline: microvillar array in pleustonic hydrozoans.

Background: The transparent jellyfish body is often difficult to see underwater, as its refractive index is similar to that of seawater, resulting in a low light reflectance on the body surface. Nevertheless, the outlines of jellyfish can be recognized by the slight reflection of light from their body surfaces. In some jellyfish species, the epidermis covering the body surface has an array of microvilli, nanostructures that can potentially reduce light reflection.

Development and interlaboratory validation of a linearized plasmid DNA certified reference material by single molecule direct counting and digital PCR.

Digital PCR (dPCR) technology is widely utilized for various applications, including the quantification of gene mutations and copy number variations. Certified reference materials (CRMs) play a critical role in improving the comparability of dPCR results, establishing SI-traceable copy number concentration values for dPCR calibration remains a key challenge due to the limited availability of CRMs value-assigned by higher-order, independent methods. To tackle this issue, a linearized plasmid DNA reference material (RM) was developed and rigorously characterized through an interlaboratory comparison involving three national measurement institutes (NMIs) from China (NIM), South Korea (KRISS), and Japan (NMIJ).

Tumor-expressed GPNMB orchestrates Siglec-9 TAM polarization and EMT to promote metastasis in triple-negative breast cancer.

Metastasis remains the leading cause of cancer-related mortality, driven by complex interactions within the tumor microenvironment (TME). Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) play a pivotal role in metastatic progression, yet their molecular diversity and upstream regulators remain poorly defined. Glycoprotein nonmetastatic melanoma protein B (GPNMB), overexpressed in subsets of tumors including triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), is implicated in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cancer stemness.

Induction of intercellular interaction and cell fusion by cell-penetrating peptide-conjugated lipids.

Cell fusion is widely used in biomedical applications. However, conventional cell fusion methods, including polyethylene glycol (PEG)-based methods, often exhibit low efficiency. In this study, we investigated an alternative strategy to induce cell fusion with higher efficiency using transactivator of transcription peptide-conjugated PEG-lipids (Tat-PEG-lipids) with lauroyl chains (C12).

Scaling Effects on Single-Cell Manipulation Using Magnetic Forces at Edge of Flat Plate With Elliptically Micro-Projection.

Single-cell manipulation is needed for various cellular analyses and biomedical applications. In the conventional single-cell manipulation methodology, cells are the center of a flat dish or hollow space, where the medium spontaneously penetrates. However, manipulation at the edge of the plate, where the flow of the medium is interrupted by its surface tension, has not yet been shown.

Comparative genomics of two closely related Acropora coral species with different spawning seasons reveals genomic regions possibly associated with gametogenesis.

Marine invertebrates release their gametes at an optimal time to produce the next generation. In reef-building scleractinian corals, synchronous spawning is essential for reproductive success. Molecular mechanisms of scleractinian gametogenesis have been studied; however, the mechanism by which coral gametes mature at specific times has yet to be discovered.

Furfurilactobacillus entadae sp. nov., Isolated from Bark of Entada phaseoloides.

A novel lactic acid bacterium, OKN36, was isolated from the bark of Entada phaseoloides on Amami Island in Japan. Strain OKN36 is characterized as a Gram-stain-positive, non-motile, catalase-negative, heterofermentative, and rod-shaped bacterium. The strain grew at temperatures ranging from 10 to 37 °C, in a pH range of 4.

Durable Heterogeneous Pd-PNP Pincer Complex for CarbonCarbon Bond Formation in Continuous-Flow Systems.

A durable PNP pincer catalyst, designated "Pd-SCORPI", is developed and prepared by immobilizing a bis(diphenylphosphinoethyl)amine-Pd complex onto Merrifield resin. The heterogeneous catalyst demonstrates notable stability in continuous-flow carboncarbon coupling reactions. For the Mizoroki-Heck benchmark (4-iodoanisole and n-butyl acrylate in DMF, 120 °C, 0.

A Review of Quartz Crystal Microbalance-Based Mercury Detection: Principles, Performance, and On-Site Applications.

Mercury (Hg) is a globally recognized toxic element, and the Minamata Convention on Mercury entered into force in 2017 to address its associated risks. Under the United Nations Environment Programme, international efforts to reduce Hg emissions and monitor its environmental presence are ongoing. In support of these initiatives, we developed a simple and rapid mercury detection device based on a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM-Hg sensor), which utilizes the direct amalgamation reaction between Hg and a gold (Au) electrode.

Silane-Coupled Silica Nanoparticles Encapsulating Emitting Quantum Dots: Advancing Robust Phosphors for Displays and Beyond.

Colloidal quantum dots (QDs) are semiconductor crystals a few nanometers in size. Due to their vibrant colors and unique photoluminescence (PL), QDs are widely utilized in displays, where barrier films provide essential shielding. However, one of the primary challenges of QD applications remains achieving sufficient robustness while keeping costs low.

Importance of Selective Quenching of the Triplet Excited State of Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence (TADF) Photosensitizers in Redox-Photosensitized Reactions: Case Studies on Photocatalytic CO Reduction.

Redox photosensitizers exhibiting thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) are widely used in the various research fields. We investigated the roles of the singlet and triplet excited states of such molecules in photocatalytic CO reduction. Two TADF compounds ( and ) were used in combination with a manganese(I) complex as a catalyst and 1,3-dimethyl-2-phenyl-2,3-dihydro-1-benzo[]imidazole (BIH) and triethanolamine (TEOA) as sacrificial electron donors.

Structural and functional characterization of a complex of Zn(II)-substituted pheophorbide and all-parallel G-quadruplex DNA.

Zn(II)-substituted pheophorbide (ZnPhed ), a chlorophyll derivative, exhibited strong binding affinity with all-parallel G-quadruplex DNA (d[(TTAGGG)], 6mer). Fluorescence spectroscopy, H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, and computational analysis were applied to characterize the resulting ZnPhed -6mer complex. Fluorescence titration experiments revealed that the apparent binding constant () of the ZnPhed -6mer complex was (1.

Spontaneous Perovskite Passivators Effectively Combined with PTAA Hole-Transport Materials in Perovskite Solar Cells.

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) utilizing poly[bis(4-phenyl)(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)amine (PTAA) as hole-transport materials (HTMs) in n-i-p structures are promising owing to their thermal stability. However, they suffer from the absence of perovskite passivation techniques suitably combined with PTAA HTMs. Herein, phenylalkylammonium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imides (PRA-TFSIs) are presented as spontaneous perovskite passivators specifically tailored for PTAA HTMs.