bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A semi‐analytical solution for displacement‐controlled elliptical cavity expansion in undrained MCC soil
Authors: Zhou Hang , Liu Hanlong , Wang Zengliang
Published: November 2021

Conventional cavity expansion theory is a one‐dimensional problem and is not applicable for the two‐dimensional cavity expansion issue, which is also required for geotechnical problems. This paper proposes a novel semi‐analytical solution for displacement‐controlled elliptical cavity expansion (DC‐ECE) in undrained soil. The displacement and strain fields for DC‐ECE are obtained from the strain path method (SPM) with the aid of conformal mapping theory. The effective stress can be subsequently obtained by the incremental stress‐strain calculation using a suitable constitutive model such as the MCC model. Then, the computed effective stress results are substituted into the stress equilibrium equation to give the pore pressure solution. The new semi‐analytical solution reveals the non‐axisymmetric characteristics of DC‐ECE and allows the elastic‐plastic (EP) boundary, excess pore pressure, stress, and displacement to be calculated. The proposed method provides a solution to non‐axisymmetric cavity expansion issues and it can be applied to geotechnical engineering problems, including vertical drain installation, flat dilatometer tests and noncylindrical pile penetration in clay.
Why you should be texting your prospects
Authors: Talarico Donna
Published: November 2021

SMS — or short message service — is the more technical term for text messaging. And, as a marketing channel, it's gaining ground in industries of all kinds. From generating and qualifying leads to sending application reminders and status updates, text messaging can be an efficient and cost‐effective channel for enrollment marketers.
Develop FERPA guidance for online course delivery
Authors: Pavlik Amelia
Published: November 2021

March 2020 brought a lot of firsts to Helen Garrett's professional world as University Registrar and Chief Officer of Enrollment Information Services at the University of Washington.
Support degree reclamation with disaggregated data, degree mining
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: November 2021

About 36 million adults in the United States have accrued some college credits but have not yet earned a degree. Degrees When Due, an initiative out of the Institute for Higher Education Policy, a nonprofit nonpartisan research and advocacy organization, looks to empower campuses by offering them tools to help degree reclamation efforts at institutions.
Study reveals increase in mental health crises for student‐veterans
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: November 2021

Student‐veterans lost access to needed support services, while reporting increases in mental health crises, during the COVID‐19 pandemic, according to a survey released by Operation College Promise.
Finding balance, fostering productivity, avoiding burnout
Authors: McGee Laura G.
Published: November 2021

There are good reasons to manage yourself and your work effectively. If your head is buried in administrivia, you won't have time to develop professional relationships, continue your learning and productivity, and practice self‐care.
A mindset favoring decentralization encourages individualized service
Authors: Enos Gary A.
Published: November 2021

Frank Blalark, Ph.D., encountered a much more decentralized operation when he made the transition to Registrar at Duke University from holding the same post at Purdue University. While variations among the colleges at Duke can present challenges in scheduling and other operational areas, Blalark sees the structure as ideal for tailoring the student experience to individual circumstances.
Fe(II)ion‐imprinted copolymer gels − smart materials for Fe(II)/Fe(III) speciation in surface waters
Authors: Dakova Ivanka , Mitreva Mariya , Karadjova Irina
Published: November 2021

The effect of template species – Fe(II) complexes with 4‐(2‐pyridylazo)resorcinol or 2,2′‐bipyridine as well as the functional monomers: acidic (methacrylic acid) and neutral (hydroxyethyl methacrylate) on the extraction efficiency and applicability of Fe(II) ion‐imprinted polymers for iron speciation in surface waters is presented in this study. The polymers were synthesized by precipitation copolymerization of functional monomer, trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate (crosslinking agent) and 2,2′‐azo‐bis‐isobutyronitrile (initiator) in the presence of template and characterized by elemental microanalysis, SEM and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller analyses. Extraction efficiency was examined by batch solid‐phase extraction. The equilibrium experimental data of adsorption processes with different synthesized sorbents were fitted by both Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms and are discussed from the viewpoint of possible bond formation between monomer and template species and the stability of the prepolymerization complex. Pseudo‐first‐order and pseudo‐second‐order kinetic models were tested to elucidate the possible controlling mechanism of the sorption process for different sorbents. Under the optimum conditions pH 7 and equilibrium time of 30 min the highest extraction efficiency and selectivity toward Fe(II) was achieved for Fe(II) ion‐imprinted polymer containing methacrylic acid and Fe(II)–4‐(2‐pyridylazo)resorcinol complex as a template. The analytical procedure for Fe speciation was developed and validated with this sorbent. © 2021 Society of Industrial Chemistry.
Novel corrosive behavior of titanium oxynitride film deposited on nickel–titanium alloy using cathodic cage plasma processing technique
Authors: Yousaf Muhammad , Iqbal Tahir
Published: November 2021

In this study, we used a cathodic cage plasma system to deposit an oxynitride coating on a nickel–titanium metallic substrate for three different processing gas compositions (60%H2 + 40%N2; NT1, 50%H2 + 50%N2; NT2%, and 40%H2 + 60%N2; NT3). The influence of various gas mixtures on surface morphology, chemical composition, and crystal structure of treated samples (NT1, NT2, and NT3) was investigated. A spectrophotometer is used to determine the amount of nickel ion leaching in a chloride‐containing saline electrolyte using atomic absorption spectroscopy. Potentiodynamic polarization curves and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy depict the enhanced corrosion resistance of treated samples as compared to the base Ni–Ti sample. Titanium oxynitride coating in NT3 samples shows an excellent barrier against corrosion behavior and nickel ion leakage in a corrosive environment.
Pediatric tracheostomy tube decannulation with or without polysomnography: A PRO‐CON debate
Authors: Xiao Lena , Kaspy Kimberley , Zielinski David , Amin Reshma
Published: November 2021

Determining the timing for decannulation in children with a tracheostomy is a complex process, as the appropriate timing varies based on the initial indication for the tracheostomy tube as well as individual patient characteristics. The original condition for which a tracheostomy was created may improve over time with decannulation being a very important long‐term goal for many families and multidisciplinary teams. However, decannulation is an inherently risky procedure associated with morbidity and mortality. Therefore, careful planning is required to ensure the safety of the procedure. Although routine airway endoscopy is an important component of decannulation protocols, guidelines are less prescriptive regarding the definition of a complete endoscopic airway evaluation and the routine use of polysomnography. This review will summarize the important PRO and CON arguments of integrating polysomnography into pediatric decannulation protocols.
Crystal structure of semisynthetic obelin‐v
Authors: Larionova Marina D. , Wu Lijie , Eremeeva Elena V. , Natashin Pavel V. , Gulnov Dmitry V. , Nemtseva Elena V. , Liu Dongsheng , Liu Zhi‐Jie , Vysotski Eugene S.
Published: November 2021

Coelenterazine‐v (CTZ‐v), a synthetic derivative with an additional benzyl ring, yields a bright bioluminescence of Renilla luciferase and its “yellow” mutant with a significant shift in the emission spectrum toward longer wavelengths, which makes it the substrate of choice for deep tissue imaging. Although Ca2+‐regulated photoproteins activated with CTZ‐v also display red‐shifted light emission, in contrast to Renilla luciferase their bioluminescence activities are very low, which makes photoproteins activated by CTZ‐v unusable for calcium imaging. Here, we report the crystal structure of Ca2+‐regulated photoprotein obelin with 2‐hydroperoxycoelenterazine‐v (obelin‐v) at 1.80 Å resolution. The structures of obelin‐v and obelin bound with native CTZ revealed almost no difference; only the minor rearrangement in hydrogen‐bond pattern and slightly increased distances between key active site residues and some atoms of 2‐hydroperoxycoelenterazine‐v were found. The fluorescence quantum yield (ΦFL) of obelin bound with coelenteramide‐v (0.24) turned out to be even higher than that of obelin with native coelenteramide (0.19). Since both obelins are in effect the enzyme‐substrate complexes containing the 2‐hydroperoxy adduct of CTZ‐v or CTZ, we reasonably assume the chemical reaction mechanisms and the yields of the reaction products (ΦR) to be similar for both obelins. Based on these findings we suggest that low bioluminescence activity of obelin‐v is caused by the low efficiency of generating an electronic excited state (ΦS). In turn, the low ΦS value as compared to that of native CTZ might be the result of small changes in the substrate microenvironment in the obelin‐v active site.
Defining and unpacking the core concepts of pharmacology education
Authors: Santiago Marina , Davis Elizabeth A. , Hinton Tina , Angelo Thomas A. , Shield Alison , Babey Anna‐Marie , Kemp‐Harper Barbara , Maynard Gregg , Al‐Sallami Hesham S. , Musgrave Ian F. , Fernandes Lynette B. , Ngo Suong N. T. , Christopoulos Arthur , White Paul J.
Published: November 2021

Pharmacology education currently lacks a research‐based consensus on which core concepts all graduates should know and understand, as well as a valid and reliable means to assess core conceptual learning. The Core Concepts in Pharmacology Expert Group (CC‐PEG) from Australia and New Zealand recently identified a set of core concepts of pharmacology education as a first step toward developing a concept inventory—a valid and reliable tool to assess learner attainment of concepts. In the current study, CC‐PEG used established methodologies to define each concept and then unpack its key components. Expert working groups of three to seven educators were formed to unpack concepts within specific conceptual groupings: what the body does to the drug (pharmacokinetics); what the drug does to the body (pharmacodynamics); and system integration and modification of drug–response. First, a one‐sentence definition was developed for each core concept. Next, sub‐concepts were established for each core concept. These twenty core concepts, along with their respective definitions and sub‐concepts, can provide pharmacology educators with a resource to guide the development of new curricula and the evaluation of existing curricula. The unpacking and articulation of these core concepts will also inform the development of a pharmacology concept inventory. We anticipate that these resources will advance further collaboration across the international pharmacology education community to improve curricula, teaching, assessment, and learning.
Polyphenols: Potential anti‐inflammatory agents for treatment of metabolic disorders
Authors: Zamani‐Garmsiri Fahimeh , Emamgholipour Solaleh , Rahmani Fard Soheil , Ghasempour Ghasem , Jahangard Ahvazi Roya , Meshkani Reza
Published: November 2021

Ample evidence highlights the potential benefits of polyphenols in health status especially in obesity‐related metabolic disorders such as insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Mechanistically, due to the key role of “Metainflammation” in the pathomechanism of metabolic disorders, recently much focus has been placed on the properties of polyphenols in obesity‐related morbidities. This narrative review summarizes the current knowledge on the role of polyphenols, including genistein, chlorogenic acid, ellagic acid, caffeic acid, and silymarin in inflammatory responses pertinent to metabolic disorders and discusses the implications of this evidence for future directions. This review provides evidence that the aforementioned polyphenols benefit health status in metabolic disorders via direct and indirect regulation of a variety of target proteins involved in inflammatory signaling pathways. However, due to limitations of the in vitro and in vivo studies and also the lack of long‐term human clinical trials studies, further high‐quality investigations are required to firmly establish the clinical efficacy of the polyphenols for the prevention and management of metabolic disorders.
Role of herbal medicine for prevention and treatment of migraine
Authors: Chen Yulong , Wang Shengpeng , Wang Yitao
Published: November 2021

Migraine is a disabling neurovascular disease with unilateral or bilateral pulsatile headache, which intensively affects human health and quality of life due to high morbidity worldwide. Migraine is commonly accompanied by abnormal pain sensitization, neuroinflammatory response, and vasomotor dysfunction. Owing to the management dilemmas of migraine, there is an urgent need to develop effective and low‐cost therapies. In recent years, herbal medicines as a promising strategy with analgesic activity and minor side effect, have been proposed for the prevention and treatment of migraine. Considering the lack of a review integrating experimental studies regarding the herbal treatment of migraine, this review systematically summarizes the important potential applications of herbal medicines in ameliorating migraine via multiple therapeutic targets and pathways, as well as provides a reference for further development of novel antimigraine drugs.
A modified GnRH antagonist method in combination with letrozole, cabergoline, and GnRH antagonist for PCOS: Safe and effective ovarian stimulation to treat PCOS and prevent OHSS
Authors: Yanagihara Yasuho , Tanaka Atsushi , Nagayoshi Motoi , Tanaka Izumi , Shinohara Rina , Fukushima Fumihisa , Tanaka Akihiro , Ohno Motoharu , Yamaguchi Takashi , Itakura Atsuo
Published: November 2021

Purpose

To analyze the therapeutic efficacy of a modified controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) protocol for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) that does not cause ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) while maintaining oocyte quality.

Method

This study is a retrospective cohort study of reproductive medicine at St. Mother Clinic. We analyzed ART clinical outcomes, embryonic development, and hormone levels in 175 PCOS patients treated with four COS (GnRH agonist based long protocol, Group A; GnRH antagonist protocol with HCG trigger, Group B; GnRH antagonist protocol with GnRH agonist trigger, Group C, and the modified COS group) between 2010 and 2021.

Results

Of 175 patients with PCOS, 45 and 130 patients underwent 47 and 136 oocyte retrieval cycles, 75 and 250 embryo transfer cycles with the modified COS, and with conventional methods, respectively. The cumulative pregnancy rate at one trial was a significantly higher result than in Group A and higher than in Groups B and C (cumulative pregnancy rate at one trial of Group A, B, C, and modified COS: 40.0%, 54.5%, 56.3%, and 72.3%, respectively). With this method, not clinically problematic OHSS and higher clinical outcomes than in conventional methods were observed.

Conclusion

This modified COS can significantly improve clinical outcomes and eliminate OHSS.
Adaptive neural output‐feedback tracking control for a class of stochastic nonlinear systems with output constraint and unknown control coefficients
Authors: Shen Fei , Wang Xinjun , Yin Xinghui
Published: November 2021

This article addresses adaptive neural output‐feedback tracking control problem for a class of stochastic nonlinear systems with output constraint and unknown control coefficients. A state observer is designed to estimate the unmeasurable system states. Nussbaum gain technique is employed to deal with the problem of unknown control coefficients. Simultaneously, aiming at the output constraint requirements of stochastic systems, the tan‐type barrier Lyapunov function (BLF) structure is proposed. The constraint requirement on the system output trace error is not violated during the operation in the sense of probability. An adaptive output‐feedback controller is designed to ensure that the output tracking error converges to a small region of the origin. The control scheme ensures that all signals in the closed‐loop systems are semi‐global uniformly ultimately bounded. Results of simulation are presented to prove the effectiveness of the theoretical analysis.
Vega—A small, low cost, ground robot for nuclear decommissioning
Authors: Bird Benjamin , Nancekievill Matthew , West Andrew , Hayman Jim , Ballard Chris , Jones Will , Ross Shaun , Wild Toby , Scott Tom , Lennox Barry
Published: November 2021

This paper presents the Vega robot, which is a small, low cost, potentially disposable ground robot designed for nuclear decommissioning. Vega has been developed specifically to support characterization and inspection operations, such as 2D and 3D mapping, radiation scans and sample retrieval. The design and construction methodology that was followed to develop the robot is described and its capabilities detailed. Vega was designed to provide flexibility, both in software and hardware, is controlled via tele‐operation, although it can be extended to semi and full autonomy, and can be used in either tethered or untethered configurations. A version of the tethered robot was designed for extreme radiation tolerance, utilizing relay electronics and removing active electronic systems. Vega can be outfitted with a multitude of sensors and actuators, including gamma spectrometers, alpha/beta radiation sensors, LiDARs and robotic arms. To demonstrate its flexibility, a 5 degree‐of‐freedom manipulator has been successfully integrated onto Vega, facilitating deployments where handling is required. To assess the tolerance of Vega to the levels of ionizing radiation that may be found in decommissioning environments, its individual components were irradiated, allowing estimates to be made of the length of time Vega would be able to continue to operate in nuclear environments. Vega has been successfully deployed in an active environment at the Dounreay nuclear site in the UK, deployed in nonactive environments at the Atomic Weapons Establishment, and demonstrated to many other organizations in the UK nuclear industry including Sellafield Ltd, with the goal of moving to active deployments in the future.
Incorporating craft: An experiment in community ownership in postliberalization India
Authors: Lynch Jane E.
Published: November 2021

This article traces the efforts of India's largest private retailer of craft—Fabindia—to realize its vision of “inclusive capitalism” by creating a network of “community‐owned companies” in which artisan‐suppliers own shares. The contradictions and tensions inherent to this corporate project offer a critical vantage from which to examine processes of economic and political change both in India and globally. This ethnography reveals how the proposal to replace the traditional middleperson with a corporate body introduced new complications and conflicting interests throughout the supply chain. The competing efforts to determine the terms and nature of the relationships between supplier‐shareholders, the community‐owned companies, and Fabindia illuminate the on‐the‐ground negotiation of corporate social responsibility.
Exploration of Novel Hepatitis B Virus Capsid Assembly Modulators by Integrated Molecular Simulations
Authors: Wang Chenchen , Zhai Na , Zhao Yilan , Wu Fengshou , Luo Xiaogang , Ju Xiulian , Liu Genyan , Liu Hui
Published: November 2021

Capsid protein (Cp) plays an important role in the entire life cycle of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) and is considered as a novel anti‐HBV target. A series of novel sulfamoylbenzamide (SBA) derivatives have been recently identified as HBV capsid assembly modulators (CAMs) with EC50 values at a low micromolar range. In this study, ligand‐ and receptor‐based molecular simulations were performed to understand the structure‐activity relationships (SARs) and the interaction mechanisms of these novel HBV CAMs. The constructed three‐dimensional quantitative SAR (3D‐QSAR) models exhibited good predictive abilities and well explained the SARs of these novel CAMs. Docking results suggested that HBV Cp TRP102 and THR128 might be key residues, which could form significant hydrogen bonds with these CAMs. Molecular dynamics (MD) results indicated that the most potent CAM could stably bind to the HBV Cp dimer or hexamer rather than the monomer, indicating that the inter‐dimer interface might be important for SBA CAMs to stably bind with HBV Cp. Furthermore, five novel hit compounds (N1‐5) as HBV CAMs were screened out by a comprehensive virtual screening. Compounds N1 and N2 were proved to bind well with the HBV Cp dimer and hexamer by MD simulations, and might have stronger interactions with the protein than the most potent SBA. These results might provide advantageous enlightenments for designing and developing novel HBV CAMs.
Amine Functionalized Silica Coated Cotton Fabric Supported Pd(0) Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Characterization and Catalytic Application for Suzuki Cross‐Coupling and Hydrogenations
Authors: Sharma Surbhi , Kaur Manpreet , Sharma Chandan , Sharma Shally , Paul Satya
Published: November 2021

In this study, a simple and cost‐effective approach has been reported, wherein cotton fabric containing hydroxyl groups was utilized as a support material for the immobilization of Pd(0) nanoparticles. Cotton fabric was first modified with SiO2 to enhance the thermal stability followed by functionalization with ethylene diamine to chelate Pd nanoparticles. Sodium borohydride was used for the reduction of palladium ions to nano‐sized palladium. The developed cotton fabric based catalyst was successfully applied to Suzuki cross‐coupling reaction between bromoarenes and arylboronic acids in the presence of potassium carbonate as base and selective hydrogenation of C=C double bond in α,β‐unsaturated carbonyl compounds as well as reduction of nitroarenes using molecular hydrogen as a green reductant. The structural investigation of the catalyst was done using FTIR, TGA, XRD, FEG‐SEM, ICP‐AES and XPS. The catalyst could be removed easily using lab tweezers and reused up to five reaction cycles.
Noble Metal (Pt, Rh, Pd, Ir) Doped Ru/CNT Ultra‐Small Alloy for Acidic Hydrogen Evolution at High Current Density
Authors: Zhang Dan , Wang Zuochao , Wu Xueke , Shi Yue , Nie Nanzhu , Zhao Huan , Miao Hongfu , Chen Xilei , Li Shaoxiang , Lai Jianping , Wang Lei
Published: November 2021

There are still great challenges to prepare high‐efficiency Ru‐based catalysts that are superior to Pt/C under acidic conditions, especially under high current conditions. In this work, a series of surfactant‐free noble metal doped Ru/CNT (M‐Ru/CNT, M = Pt, Rh, Pd, Ir, CNT stands for carbon nanotube) are prepared by microwave reduction method in 1 minute with ≈3–3.5 nm in size for the first time. In 0.5 m H2SO4, the overpotential of Pt‐Ru/CNT (Pt: 4.94 at %) is only 12 mV. What's more, it also has much larger electrochemical surface area and intrinsic activity than Pt/C. Pt‐Ru/CNT still has an ultra‐small overpotential under high current density (113 mV at 500 mA cm−2, 155 mV at 1000 mA cm−2). At the same time, it possesses excellent stability regardless of high current or low current after the durability test of 100 h. Theoretical calculation also deeply reveals that Ru is the main adsorption site of H+. The comparison of the electronic structure of a series of noble metals adjusted by Ru shows that Pt has the most excellent Gibbs free energy of the adsorbed hydrogen and promotes the desorption of the product.
Ultrafast Na Transport into Crystalline Sn via Dislocation‐Pipe Diffusion
Authors: Kim Jae‐Hwan , Lee Young‐Hwan , Park Jun‐Hyoung , Lee Byeong‐Joo , Byeon Young‐Woon , Lee Jae‐Chul
Published: November 2021

The charging process of secondary batteries is always associated with a large volume expansion of the alloying anodes, which in many cases, develops high compressive residual stresses near the propagating interface. This phenomenon causes a significant reduction in the rate performance of the anodes and is detrimental to the development of fast‐charging batteries. However, for the Na‐Sn battery system, the residual stresses that develop near the interface are not stored, but are relieved by the generation of high‐density dislocations in crystalline Sn. Direct‐contact diffusion experiments show that these dislocations facilitate the preferential transport of Na and accelerate the Na diffusion into crystalline Sn at ultrafast rates via “dislocation‐pipe diffusion”. Advanced analyses are performed to observe the evolution of atomic‐scale structures while measuring the distribution and magnitude of residual stresses near the interface. In addition, multi‐scale simulations that combined classical molecular dynamics and first‐principles calculations are performed to explain the structural origins of the ultrafast diffusion rates observed in the Na‐Sn system. These findings not only address the knowledge gaps regarding the relationship between pipe diffusion and the diffusivity of carrier ions but also provide guidelines for the appropriate selection of anode materials for use in fast‐charging batteries.
Laser‐Assisted Fabrication of Injectable Nanofibrous Cell Carriers
Authors: Nakielski Paweł , Rinoldi Chiara , Pruchniewski Michał , Pawłowska Sylwia , Gazińska Małgorzata , Strojny Barbara , Rybak Daniel , Jezierska‐Woźniak Katarzyna , Urbanek Olga , Denis Piotr , Sinderewicz Emilia , Czelejewska Wioleta , Staszkiewicz‐Chodor Joanna , Grodzik Marta , Ziai Yasamin , Barczewska Monika , Maksymowicz Wojciech , Pierini Filippo
Published: November 2021

The use of injectable biomaterials for cell delivery is a rapidly expanding field which may revolutionize the medical treatments by making them less invasive. However, creating desirable cell carriers poses significant challenges to the clinical implementation of cell‐based therapeutics. At the same time, no method has been developed to produce injectable microscaffolds (MSs) from electrospun materials. Here the fabrication of injectable electrospun nanofibers is reported on, which retain their fibrous structure to mimic the extracellular matrix. The laser‐assisted micro‐scaffold fabrication has produced tens of thousands of MSs in a short time. An efficient attachment of cells to the surface and their proliferation is observed, creating cell‐populated MSs. The cytocompatibility assays proved their biocompatibility, safety, and potential as cell carriers. Ex vivo results with the use of bone and cartilage tissues proved that NaOH hydrolyzed and chitosan functionalized MSs are compatible with living tissues and readily populated with cells. Injectability studies of MSs showed a high injectability rate, while at the same time, the force needed to eject the load is no higher than 25 N. In the future, the produced MSs may be studied more in‐depth as cell carriers in minimally invasive cell therapies and 3D bioprinting applications.
Magnetically Driven Tunable 3D Structured Fe3O4 Vertical Array for High‐Performance Solar Steam Generation
Authors: Zhang Xiangyi , Ren Lipei , Xu Jie , Shang Bin , Liu Xin , Xu Weilin
Published: November 2021

Structural design of the solar‐absorbing layer has been considered as one of the most direct and effective approaches for improving the solar steam generation performance by maximizing the absorption of sunlight, but great challenges in manipulation simplification and structure controllability still remain. Herein, a polyester (PET) fabric covered with a vertically aligned 3D tower‐like ferrosoferric oxide (Fe3O4) array via a convenient magnetically driven spray‐coating method is reported, and both the spatial density and height of the Fe3O4 array are tunable upon spraying time. It shows an extremely high solar absorbance (98.6%) in the entire solar spectrum, which is superior to the corresponding 2D Fe3O4 structure (91.1%). Combining the obtained 3D Fe3O4/PET with a yolk‐shell hydrophobic/superhydrophilic modified melamine‐formaldehyde (mMF) sponge, the carefully designed and fabricated 3D Fe3O4/PET‐mMF evaporator can realize a high water evaporation rate of 1.59 kg m−2 h−1 under 1 kW m−2 solar illumination, outperforming most related solar steam generation systems. With the advantages of cost‐effectiveness, high evaporation rate, reliable endurance, and structural controllability, this 3D structural design provides an avenue to build up high‐performance solar energy‐driven water steam generation systems.
DNAzyme‐Functionalized Nanomaterials: Recent Preparation, Current Applications, and Future Challenges
Authors: Jouha Jabrane , Xiong Hai
Published: November 2021

DNAzyme–nanomaterial bioconjugates are a popular hybrid and have received major attention for diverse biomedical applications, such as bioimaging, biosensor development, cancer therapy, and drug delivery. Therefore, significant efforts are made to develop different strategies for the preparation of inorganic and organic nanoparticles (NPs) with specific morphologies and properties. DNAzymes functionalized with metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), graphene oxide (GO), and molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) are introduced and summarized in detail in this review. Moreover, the focus is on representative examples of applications of DNAzyme–nanomaterials over recent years, especially in bioimaging, biosensing, phototherapy, and stimulation response delivery in living systems, with their several advantages and drawbacks. Finally, the perspective regarding the future directions of research addressing these challenges is also discussed and highlighted.
Flexible Zinc–Air Battery with High Energy Efficiency and Freezing Tolerance Enabled by DMSO‐Based Organohydrogel Electrolyte
Authors: Jiang Dingqing , Wang Hongyang , Wu Shuang , Sun Xiaoyi , Li Juan
Published: November 2021

With the emergence of various flexible electronics, the flexible zinc–air battery (ZAB) is considered a promising energy source with low cost, high energy density, and safety. However, gel electrolytes that improve the freezing tolerance and energy efficiency of ZABs are rarely explored. Herein, an organohydrogel electrolyte (OHE) is fabricated by soaking poly(2‐acrylamido‐2‐methylpropanesulfonic acid)/polyacrylamide (PAMPS/PAAm) double‐network hydrogel in aqueous KOH electrolyte with dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) additive. The prepared OHE exhibits high mechanical strength and excellent ionic conductivity. In addition, the introduction of DMSO effectively improves freezing tolerance and electrochemical performance especially in energy efficiency of ZABs due to that DMSO can break the hydrogen bonds between water molecules and alter the path of the conventional oxygen evolution reaction in ZAB simultaneously. Compared with the control hydrogel electrolyte, the optimized OHE enables flexible ZABs to not only exhibit an exceptionally low charge voltage of 1.63 V, high energy efficiency of 74.2%, and long cycling life of 177 cycles, but also to operate with an excellent specific capacity of 562 mAh g−1 and energy density of 523.4 Wh kg−1 at −40 °C. Moreover, the obtained flexible ZABs keep a stable output under deformations and extreme low temperature, manifesting a great potential for functional wearable devices.
Realization of a General Method for Extracting Specific Contact Resistance of Silicon‐Based Dopant‐Free Heterojunctions
Authors: Chen Liyan , Lin Hao , Liu Zhaolang , Wu Taojian , Pang Yicong , Gao Pingqi , Shen Wenzhong
Published: November 2021

Specific contact resistance (ρC) plays a significant role in determining the efficiency of dopant‐free heterojunction (DFHJ) silicon solar cells. Existing methods allow accurate measurement of ρC only in the majority carrier collection region. Herein, taking the heterojunctions of transition metal oxide/c‐Si(n) as an example, how to extract ρC from the minority carrier (hole) collection region by ingeniously using the expanded Cox and Strack method is demonstrated. On the basis of technology computer‐aided design and a double (diode + resistance) equivalent circuit model, the improved method can separate the electron current density and hole current density from each other and thus the corresponding resistance for both polarities can be well determined. The effectiveness of the improved method in precisely extracting the corresponding ρC is further verified by a series of experimental examples. A general method of unambiguously extracting specific contact resistance in DFHJ silicon solar cells is established.
Suppressing Interfacial Shunt Loss via Functional Polymer for Performance Improvement of Lead‐Free Cs2AgBiBr6 Double Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Li Jiabao , Yan Furi , Yang Peizhi , Duan Yanyan , Duan Jialong , Tang Qunwei
Published: November 2021

All‐inorganic lead‐free Cs2AgBiBr6 double perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have attracted growing attention owing to their eco‐friendly features and robust intrinsic stability. However, arising from the rapid crystal growth, the poor film quality always leads to substantial non‐radiative recombination and inferior performance improvement. Herein, high‐efficiency and stable Cs2AgBiBr6 PSCs are obtained by introducing a functional polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) layer at the perovskite surface to avoid direct contact between carbon and the underlying charge transfer layer, as well as to passivate the defects. When assembling into solar cells, the non‐radiative charge recombination is suppressed and the interfacial charge extraction is accelerated. As a result, the carbon‐electrode‐based Cs2AgBiBr6 PSC yields an enhanced efficiency of 2.25% with a high open‐circuit voltage of 1.18 V. Moreover, the unencapsulated device exhibits superior long‐term stability owing to the protection of the PMMA layer from corrosion by the extraneous water and oxygen, retaining nearly 100% of the initial efficiency after storage in 25 °C, with 5% relative humidity (RH) for 80 days and high temperature of 85 °C, and 0% RH for 60 days, respectively. A simple method of polymer passivation for enhancing the performance and stability of Pb‐free Cs2AgBiBr6 PSCs is provided.
Single-cell profiling of long noncoding RNAs and their cell lineage commitment roles via RNA-DNA-DNA triplex formation in mammary epithelium
Authors: Xu Haibo , Yang Xing , Huang Weiren , Ma Yujie , Ke Hao , Zou Li , Yang Qin , Jiao Baowei
Published: November 2021

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), which are crucial for organ development, exhibit cell-specific expression. Thus, transcriptomic analysis based on total tissue (bulk-seq) cannot accurately reflect the expression pattern of lncRNAs. Here, we used high-throughput single-cell RNA-seq data to investigate the role of lncRNAs using the hierarchical model of mammary epithelium. With our comprehensive annotation of the mammary epithelium, lncRNAs showed much greater cell-lineage specific expression than coding genes. The lineage-specific lncRNAs were functionally correlated with lineage commitment through the coding genes via the cis- and trans-effects of lncRNAs. For the working mechanism, lncRNAs formed a triplex structure with the DNA helix to regulate downstream lineage-specific marker genes. We used lncRNA-Carmn as an example to validate the above findings. Carmn, which is specifically expressed in mammary gland stem cells (MaSCs) and basal cells, positively regulated the Wnt signaling ligand Wnt10a through formation of a lncRNA-DNA-DNA triplex, and thus controlled the stemness of MaSCs. Our study suggests that lncRNAs play essential roles in cell-lineage commitment and provides an approach to decipher lncRNA functions based on single-cell RNA-seq data.

Significance statement By coupling multiple database originated gene annotation files and the bulk-seq assembled transcriptome, researchers could use the high throughput scRNA-seq technology, for example, Drop-seq, 10X Genomic scRNA-seq, to understand the temporal- and cell type- specific of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), concurrently include numerous previously unannotated lncRNAs, in the mammary gland epithelium. The expression specificity of lncRNAs can be used to demarcate subpopulations of mammary epithelium. By systematically integrated analysis the expression correlation of lncRNA-mRNA and the lncRNA-DNA-DNA triplex formation potency, it shows lineage-specific lncRNAs can regulate lineage commitment through formation of a lncRNA-DNA-DNA triplex, pervasively, and thus control the stemness of mammary gland stem cells. The present study provides an approach to decipher lncRNA functions by incorporating scRNA-seq with bulk-seq data.
On the road again: Establishment and maintenance of stemness in the neural crest from embryo to adulthood
Authors: Perera Surangi N. , Kerosuo Laura
Published: November 2021

Unique to vertebrates, the neural crest (NC) is an embryonic stem cell population that contributes to a greatly expanding list of derivatives ranging from neurons and glia of the peripheral nervous system, facial cartilage and bone, pigment cells of the skin to secretory cells of the endocrine system. Here, we focus on what is specifically known about establishment and maintenance of NC stemness and ultimate fate commitment mechanisms, which could help explain its exceptionally high stem cell potential that exceeds the “rules set during gastrulation.” In fact, recent discoveries have shed light on the existence of NC cells that coexpress commonly accepted pluripotency factors like Nanog, Oct4/PouV, and Klf4. The coexpression of pluripotency factors together with the exceptional array of diverse NC derivatives encouraged us to propose a new term “pleistopotent” (Greek for abundant, a substantial amount) to be used to reflect the uniqueness of the NC as compared to other post-gastrulation stem cell populations in the vertebrate body, and to differentiate them from multipotent lineage restricted stem cells. We also discuss studies related to the maintenance of NC stemness within the challenging context of being a transient and thus a constantly changing population of stem cells without a permanent niche. The discovery of the stem cell potential of Schwann cell precursors as well as multiple adult NC-derived stem cell reservoirs during the past decade has greatly increased our understanding of how NC cells contribute to tissues formed after its initial migration stage in young embryos.
Fibulin 5, a human Wharton's jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells-secreted paracrine factor, attenuates peripheral nervous system myelination defects through the Integrin-RAC1 signaling axis
Authors: Won So Yeon , Kwon Soojin , Jeong Hui Su , Chung Ki Wha , Choi Byung-Ok , Chang Jong Wook , Lee Ji Eun
Published: November 2021

In the peripheral nervous system (PNS), proper development of Schwann cells (SCs) contributing to axonal myelination is critical for neuronal function. Impairments of SCs or neuronal axons give rise to several myelin-related disorders, including dysmyelinating and demyelinating diseases. Pathological mechanisms, however, have been understood at the elementary level and targeted therapeutics has remained undeveloped. Here, we identify Fibulin 5 (FBLN5), an extracellular matrix (ECM) protein, as a key paracrine factor of human Wharton's jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells (WJ-MSCs) to control the development of SCs. We show that co-culture with WJ-MSCs or treatment of recombinant FBLN5 promotes the proliferation of SCs through ERK activation, whereas FBLN5-depleted WJ-MSCs do not. We further reveal that during myelination of SCs, FBLN5 binds to Integrin and modulates actin remodeling, such as the formation of lamellipodia and filopodia, through RAC1 activity. Finally, we show that FBLN5 effectively restores the myelination defects of SCs in the zebrafish model of Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) type 1, a representative demyelinating disease. Overall, our data propose human WJ-MSCs or FBLN5 protein as a potential treatment for myelin-related diseases, including CMT.
Reprogramming progressive cells display low CAG promoter activity
Authors: Hu Xiao , Wu Qiao , Zhang Jian , Kim Jonghun , Chen Xinyue , Hartman Amaleah A. , Eastman Anna E. , Park In-Hyun , Guo Shangqin
Published: November 2021

There is wide variability in the propensity of somatic cells to reprogram into pluripotency in response to the Yamanaka factors. How to segregate these variabilities to enrich for cells of specific traits that reprogram efficiently remains challenging. Here we report that the variability in reprogramming propensity is associated with the activity of the MKL1/SRF transcription factor and concurs with small cell size as well as rapid cell cycle. Reprogramming progressive cells can be prospectively identified by their low activity of a widely used synthetic promoter, CAG. CAGlow cells arise and expand during cell cycle acceleration in the early reprogramming culture of both mouse and human fibroblasts. Our work illustrates a molecular scenario underlying the distinct reprogramming propensities and demonstrates a convenient practical approach for their enrichment.
Adipose stem cell secretome markedly improves rodent heart and human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocyte recovery from cardioplegic transport solution exposure
Authors: Ellis Bradley W. , Traktuev Dmitry O. , Merfeld-Clauss Stephanie , Can Uryan Isik , Wang Meijing , Bergeron Ray , Zorlutuna Pinar , March Keith L.
Published: November 2021

Heart transplantation is a life-saving therapy for end-stage organ failure. Organ deterioration during transportation limits storage to 4 hours, limiting hearts available. Approaches ameliorating organ damage could increase the number of hearts acceptable for transplantation. Prior studies show that adipose-derived stem/stromal cell secretome (ASC-S) rescues tissues from postischemic damage in vivo. This study tested whether ASC-S preserved the function of mouse hearts and human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (iCM) exposed to organ transportation and transplantation conditions. Hearts were subjected to cold University of Wisconsin (UW) cardioplegic solution ± ASC-S for 6 hours followed by analysis using the Langendorff technique. In parallel, the effects of ASC-S on the recovery of iCM from UW solution were examined when provided either during or after cold cardioplegia. Exposure of hearts and iCM to UW deteriorated contractile activity and caused cell apoptosis, worsening in iCM as a function of exposure time; these were ameliorated by augmenting with ASC-S. Silencing of superoxide dismutase 3 and catalase expression prior to secretome generation compromised the ASC-S cardiomyocyte-protective effects. In this study, a novel in vitro iCM model was developed to complement a rodent heart model in assessing efficacy of approaches to improve cardiac preservation. ASC-S displays strong cardioprotective activity on iCM either with or following cold cardioplegia. This effect is associated with ASC-S-mediated cellular clearance of reactive oxygen species. The effect of ASC-S on the temporal recovery of iCM function supports the possibility of lengthening heart storage by augmenting cardioplegic transport solution with ASC-S, expanding the pool of hearts for transplantation.
Bone marrow-derived myeloid progenitors in the leptomeninges of adult mice
Authors: Koeniger Tobias , Bell Luisa , Mifka Anika , Enders Michael , Hautmann Valentin , Mekala Subba Rao , Kirchner Philipp , Ekici Arif B. , Schulz Christian , Wörsdörfer Philipp , Mencl Stine , Kleinschnitz Christoph , Ergün Süleyman , Kuerten Stefanie
Published: November 2021

Although the bone marrow contains most hematopoietic activity during adulthood, hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells can be recovered from various extramedullary sites. Cells with hematopoietic progenitor properties have even been reported in the adult brain under steady-state conditions, but their nature and localization remain insufficiently defined. Here, we describe a heterogeneous population of myeloid progenitors in the leptomeninges of adult C57BL/6 mice. This cell pool included common myeloid, granulocyte/macrophage, and megakaryocyte/erythrocyte progenitors. Accordingly, it gave rise to all major myelo-erythroid lineages in clonogenic culture assays. Brain-associated progenitors persisted after tissue perfusion and were partially inaccessible to intravenous antibodies, suggesting their localization behind continuous blood vessel endothelium such as the blood-arachnoid barrier. Flt3Cre lineage tracing and bone marrow transplantation showed that the precursors were derived from adult hematopoietic stem cells and were most likely continuously replaced via cell trafficking. Importantly, their occurrence was tied to the immunologic state of the central nervous system (CNS) and was diminished in the context of neuroinflammation and ischemic stroke. Our findings confirm the presence of myeloid progenitors at the meningeal border of the brain and lay the foundation to unravel their possible functions in CNS surveillance and local immune cell production.
Niche-dependent inhibition of neural stem cell proliferation and oligodendrogenesis is mediated by the presence of myelin basic protein
Authors: Lakshman Nishanth , Bourget Clara , Siu Ricky , Bamm Vladimir V. , Xu Wenjun , Harauz George , Morshead Cindi M.
Published: November 2021

Neural stem and progenitor cells (collectively termed neural precursor cells [NPCs]) are found along the ventricular neuraxis extending from the spinal cord to the forebrain in regionally distinct niches comprised of different cell types, architecture, and cell-cell interactions. An understanding of the factors that regulate NPC behavior is critical for developing therapeutics to repair the injured central nervous system. Herein, we demonstrate that myelin basic protein (MBP), the major cytoplasmic protein constituent of the myelin sheath in oligodendrocytes, can regulate NPC behavior. Under physiological conditions, NPCs are not in contact with intracellular MBP; however, upon injury, MBP is released into the neural parenchyma. We reveal that MBP presented in a spinal cord niche is inhibitory to NPC proliferation. This inhibitory effect is regionally distinct as spinal cord NPCs, but not forebrain-derived NPCs, are inhibited by MBP. We performed coculture and conditioned media experiments that reveal the stem cell niche is a key regulator of MBP's inhibitory actions on NPCs. The inhibition is mediated by a heat-labile protein released by spinal cord niche cells, but not forebrain niche cells. However, forebrain NPCs are also inhibited by the spinal cord derived factor as revealed following in vivo infusion of the spinal cord niche-derived conditioned media. Moreover, we show that MBP inhibits oligodendrogenesis from NPCs. Together, these findings highlight the role of MBP and the regionally distinct microenvironment in regulating NPC behavior which has important implications for stem cell-based regenerative strategies.