bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Role of Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1 in the Metabolic Syndrome and Its Regulation
Authors: Phelan Martha , Kerins David M.
Published: August 2014

Obesity is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Lipid abnormalities, hypertension, impaired glucose tolerance or diabetes, are cardiovascular risk factors that are frequently present in patients with obesity. Haemostatic and fibrinolytic disturbances are also considered to be important risk factors for CVD hence, a potential link between CVD, obesity and the metabolic syndrome arises. Regulation of the fibrinolytic system can occur at the level of plasminogen activators and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1). PAI-1, a glycoprotein, is one of the most important inhibitors of fibrinolysis. Regulation of this serine protease inhibitor may have a beneficial effect on other conditions associated with the metabolic syndrome. Human adipose tissue is a source of PAI-1. PAI-1 production may in turn be controlled by a number of hormones and cytokines which are secreted by adipose tissue in addition to dietary factors. In this review we summarise the current knowledge regarding the role of altered fibrinolytic function in obesity, CVD and hence the metabolic syndrome. Regulatory factors including different dietary components, weight loss and dietary intervention will also be discussed.
The non‐enzymatic oxidation of phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylserine and their intriguing roles in inflammation dynamics and diseases
Authors: Santos Matilde , Melo Tânia , Maurício Tatiana , Ferreira Helena , Domingues Pedro , Domingues Rosário
Published: August 2024

Phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) and phosphatidylserine (PS), along with phosphatidylcholine (PC), are key phospholipids (PL) in cell membranes and lipoproteins, prone to oxidative modifications. Their oxidized forms, OxPE and OxPS, play significant roles in inflammation and immune response. This review explores their structural oxidative changes under non‐enzymatic conditions and their roles in physiological and pathological contexts, influencing inflammation, and immunity. Specific oxidations of PE and PS significantly alter their physicochemical properties, leading to enhanced biological functions, reduced activity, or inactivation. OxPE may show pro‐inflammatory actions, similar to well‐documented OxPC, while the OxPS pro‐inflammatory effects are less noted. However, OxPS and OxPE have also shown an antagonistic effect against lipopolysaccharides (LPS), suggesting a protective role against exacerbated immune responses, similar to OxPC. Further research is needed to deepen our understanding of these less‐studied OxPL classes. The role of OxPE and OxPS in disease pathogenesis remains largely unexplored, with limited studies linking them to Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, traumatic brain injury, and skin inflammation. These findings highlight the potential of OxPE and OxPS as biomarkers for disease diagnosis, monitoring, and therapeutic targeting.
Cell‐Anchored Lead‐Free Piezoelectric KNN NPs Resisting Washout for Low‐Intensity Ultrasound Driven Neuromodulation
Authors: Zhang Yusheng , Jiang Junzhong , Xie Xianwei , Jiang Laiming , Wu Chengheng , Sun Jing , Zheng Ting , Fan Hongsong , Wu Jiagang
Published: August 2024

Piezoelectric nanomaterials for wireless neuromodulation is a promising alternative to traditional electrical stimulation. However, the low‐avidity between piezoelectric nanomaterials and cellular membranes leads to low efficiency of electrical signal transmission, which requires high‐intensity thresholds of ultrasound stimulation (US). Here, lead‐free piezoelectric (K,Na)NbO3 (KNN) nanoparticles (NPs) with cholesterol coating (KNNC) are presented, in which Cholesterol can be accommodated in the membrane and make them append on the plasma membrane. Compared to non‐modified nanoparticles, cell‐anchored KNNC NPs highly resist convective washout owing to high affinity of cholesterol to biological membranes, which enables highly efficient wireless electrical stimulation to activate cell impulses under low‐intensity ultrasound. Meanwhile, after perfusion washing, the KNNC NPs distributed around the cells are washed away, while part of KNNC NPs remain on the surface of cell membrane still can induce significant Ca2+ influx under US, similar to the group without washing, indicating the KNNC NPs appended on the cell play a major role in wireless electrical stimulation. Furthermore, the highly efficient electrical transmission of KNNC enables neural differentiation of stem cells in regulating synaptic plasticity by modulating Ca2+ influx, demonstrating that KNNC NPs offer a perspective toward minimally invasive wireless neuromodulation therapies for neurological diseases.
Near‐Zero Segregation on Strongly Exciton Confined Mixed Halide Perovskites Quantum Dots via Octahedron Alloying Reconstruction Engineering
Authors: Lian Huiwang , Kuang Rongyi , Zhu Yunfei , Gao Meng , Gu Simin , Li Yang , Wang Jing
Published: August 2024

The state‐of‐the‐art mixed‐halide perovskite (MHP) quantum dots (QDs) open up promising applications in photovoltaic and optoelectronic communities, yet are limited by huge halide segregation. In contrast to the previous A‐site alloy method, customizing other octahedral units for replacing the fundamental optoelectronic unit of [PbX6]4− (X = Cl, Br, or I), the so‐called B‐site alloying strategy, is expected to inhibit halide segregation fully. Here, a halide octahedron alloying reconstruction engineering is reported to fabricate MHP QDs with near‐zero halide segregation due to their strongly confined excitons. This unprecedented regime is obtained at a water–oil interfacial reaction system using amino‐silane ion exchange accelerator and transition metal hydroxy‐halides salts, introducing abundant [MX6]4− (M = Zn, Ni, Co, Mn, and Cu) octahedron block and finally fabricating transition metal‐alloyed MAPbX3 QDs. Photo‐induced excitons in strongly dielectric‐confined Zn‐alloyed perovskite QDs are hardly thermally dissociated and transferred, as featured by ultra‐high exciton binding energy (Eb), fast fluorescence lifetimes (τavg), and near 100% photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY). The fabricated mixed‐halide MAPb1‐xZnxX3 QDs with reduced Pb content over 40% exhibit near‐zero halide segregation, marking the emergence of a practical solution to the detrimental segregation problem, which paves the wave for emerging solar cells and lighting display applications.
Effect of Molecular Conformation on Intermolecular Interactions and Photovoltaic Performances of Giant Molecule Acceptors
Authors: Zhuo Hongmei , Li Xiaojun , Qin Shucheng , Zhang Jinyuan , Gong Yufei , Wu Yilei , Zou Tianwei , Chen Zekun , Yin Kaige , Yuan Meng , Li Jing , Meng Lei , Li Yongfang
Published: August 2024

The molecular conformation of giant molecule acceptors (GMAs) plays a significant role in regulating the intermolecular interactions and their photovoltaic performances in organic solar cells (OSCs). For the linear GMA GT‐l, the stronger homo‐molecular interaction causes its aggregation being weakly affected by the donor, thus forming an ordered molecular stacking and proper phase separation in its blend film. The star‐shaped GMA GT‐s‐based blend film shows a dominant hetero‐molecular interaction that suppresses the aggregation of the donor and acceptor, resulting in smaller phase separation and more uniform vertical phase distribution. While for another star‐shaped GMA GTs, the weakest hetero‐molecular interaction causes its blend film to form larger phase separation. Therefore, the GT‐l based OSC with PM6 as donor shows the highest charge mobilities, the fastest charge transfer (CT) process, reduced energy loss and less charge recombination, contributing to a higher power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 19.03%. Comparatively, the PCEs of the OSCs based on GTs and GT‐s are 18.05% and 17.58% respectively. Notably, all the three GMAs based OSCs show excellent thermal stability and long‐term storage stability. This study provides a facile strategy by tuning the linking unit and its connecting mode for designing highly efficient and stable organic photovoltaic materials.
Enhancement of Electromagnetic Wave Attenuation through Polarization Loss Induced by Hybridization of Rare‐Earth 4f and Mo‐4d Orbitals in Liquid Plasma
Authors: Wen Jiaming , Hui Shengchong , Chang Qing , Chen Geng , Zhang Limin , Fan Xiaomeng , Tao Kai , Wu Hongjing
Published: August 2024

The incorporation of large‐sized rare earth (RE) elements with high coordination characteristics into transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD) absorbers while preserving a high 1T phase content during post‐processing poses a significant challenge. To address this, a novel strategy involving the confinement of RE elements within the 1T‐MoS2 lattice via liquid plasma assistance, is proposed. This approach effectively mitigates the environmental impact on the 1T phase of MoS2, yielding a remarkable 1T phase content of 82.69% for Ce20‐D7 (20 wt.% Cerium trinitrate and 7 kV applied voltage). Combining experimental and theoretical investigations reveals that the multi‐orbital characteristics of RE elements facilitate hybridization between the RE‐4f and Mo‐4d orbitals on the MoS2 surface, leading to the occupation of weakly bound electrons in bonding orbitals with short‐distance motion, enhanced inter‐orbital electron‐electron interactions, and induced polarization loss. Notably, the results demonstrate that the Pr15‐D7 sample (15 wt.% praseodymium nitrate and 7 kV applied voltage) exhibits an effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) of 7.12 GHz at 2.6 mm, with a minimum reflection loss of ‐52.02 dB while the Ce20‐D7 sample achieves an EAB of 6.96 GHz at 2.7 mm. These findings provide valuable insights for the rational design and development of high‐performance TMD absorbers leveraging RE‐modified materials.
Biomimetic Tumor Cell Membrane‐Encapsulated Nanoparticles Combine NIR‐II Photothermal Therapy and Chemotherapy for Enhanced Immunotherapy in Triple‐Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Xiong Wei , Cheng Ziyi , Chen Hongwei , Liang Huixian , Wang Miao , Chen Yan , Ying Junyu , Cai Yizhou , Chai Jinxuan , Dou Kun , Zheng Wuping , Zheng Shaojiang , Zhao Linlu
Published: August 2024

To advance the understanding and potential treatment strategies for triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC), particularly focusing on its high metastatic propensity and uncertain molecular targets, a biomimetic tumor cell membrane‐encapsulated nanodelivery system is developed for enhanced immunotherapy. This system is assembled with the second near‐infrared (NIR‐II) photothermal agent, chemotherapeutic drug, and programmed death‐ligand 1 (PD‐L1) inhibitors camouflaged by TNBC cell membranes. An NIR‐II Ag2S quantum dots (QDs) is introduced for not only realizing pronounced imaging‐guided photothermal therapy (PTT), but also co‐activating immunogenic cell death (ICD) with chemotherapy. Homologous targeting and camouflage properties endowed the nanodelivery system with excellent biocompatibility and efficient delivery ability to the tumor site, demonstrating excellent synergistic therapeutic efficacy. The release of damage‐associated molecular patterns (DAMP) marked the induction of ICD, crucial for reshaping the immune microenvironment. Further integration of α‐PD‐L1 achieved a 56.5% immune checkpoint inhibition rate, synergistically amplifying immune response to ultimately activate key cytokines, thereby achieving pronounced anti‐tumor immunotherapy effects. Notably, this approach realized a considerable reduction of metastatic nodules by 51.2% in the TNBC lung metastasis model. The proposed nanodelivery system extended tumor remission and effectively reduced lung metastasis, paving the way for a reliable and promising approach in TNBC immunotherapy.
Diffusion of Carbon Quantum Dots on Lithium Liquid Metal for Artificial SEI
Authors: Liu Wenxin , Xie Tian , Wang Xianwen , Deng Wentao , Huang Lu , Khan Rashid , Wang Yan , Hou Hongshuai , Wang Dong , Wu Yingpeng
Published: August 2024

The unstable solid electrolyte interface (SEI) formed on the surface of Li metal can induce dendrite growth, resulting in capacity fading, battery short circuit, and other problems, thus hindering the practical application of Li metal battery. In order to obtain stable and effective SEI, it is an effective strategy to construct an ideal artificial SEI (ASEI) by regulating the composition and structure of the interface. Among the inorganic materials used in the construction of ASEI, carbon quantum dots (CQDs) stand out as promising material due to their small size and abundant active sites. Herein, benefiting from the fluidity, surface smoothness, and high reactivity of liquid metal, combined with the use of N‐doped CQDs as dispersing particles, a surface modification method to achieve uniform dispersion of particles within the liquid metal is proposed. This technique offers a low‐cost solution for achieving uniform dispersion of little quantities of N‐doped CQDs (single dose < 0.1 mg cm−2) while ensuring enhanced interface adhesion to realize the construction of dense, strong and uniform ASEI. The corresponding symmetrical cells show lower voltage polarization and outstanding cycling stability than the bare Li electrode.
Manipulating Interfacial Renovation via In Situ Formed Metal Fluoride Heterogeneous Protective Layer toward Exceptional Durable Sodium Metal Anodes
Authors: Guo Jia , Li Yue , Xu Kang , Huang Ziling , Hu Weijiang , Tan Yajun , Sun Chencheng , Yang Jun , Geng Hongbo
Published: August 2024

Sodium metal is regarded as an optimal anode material for high‐energy‐density sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs). However, during the processes of sodium deposition and stripping, the failure of the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) film leads to the continuous accumulation of inactive sodium, thereby compromising the cycling reversibility of the battery. Here, a novel metal fluoride heterointerface layer is generated and constructed through in situ manipulation of the continuous reaction between TiF4 and metal Na. The reconstructed NaF/TiF3 interface layer, which tightly anchors the sodium metal, effectively suppresses the formation of sodium dendrites during the charge‐discharge process. The highly sodium‐philic TiF3 component exhibits strong binding with Na ions, while NaF reduces the Na+ diffusion energy barrier, significantly enhancing the reaction kinetics. Due to the successful artificial construction of this interface layer, the Na/TiF4 composite electrode demonstrates an exceptional ultra‐long cycling stability of 2370 h in symmetric cells (0.5 mAh cm−2). Density functional theory (DFT) calculations further validate the functionality of each component in the Na/TiF4 protective layer. When paired with NaNi1/3Fe1/3Mn1/3O2 cathode in a pouch cell, it exhibits stability up to 2000 cycles at current densities of 2 C and 4 C, with a maximum energy density output of 483.1 Wh kg−1 (power density: 320.8 W kg−1).
High‐Entropy Design Toward Ultrahigh Energy Storage Density Under Moderate Electric Field in Bulk Lead‐Free Ceramics
Authors: Zhao Hanyu , Cao Wenjun , Liang Cen , Wang Changyuan , Wang Chunchang , Cheng Zhenxiang
Published: August 2024

Electrostatic capacitors with ultrahigh energy‐storage density are crucial for the miniaturization of pulsed power devices. A long‐standing challenge is developing dielectric materials that achieve ultrahigh recoverable energy density Wrec ≥ 10 J cm−3 under moderate electric fields (30 ≤ E ≤ 50 kV mm−1). Herein, a specific high‐entropy strategy is proposed to modulate the phase structure and interfacial polarization of medium‐entropy base materials using linear dielectrics. This strategy ensures a sufficient polar phase and a high enough electric field for complete polarization, thereby achieving ultrahigh Wrec by enhancing polarization strength. The validity of this strategy is demonstrated in the (Na0.282Bi0.282Ba0.036Sr0.28Nd0.08)TiO3‐xCa0.7Bi0.2TiO3 (NBBSNT‐xCBT) (x = 0–0.15) system. The CBT‐modulated samples exhibit a polyphase structure of R3c, P4bm, and Pm‐3m with reduced remnant polarization (Pr). Additionally, the addition of CBT effectively suppresses interfacial polarization, enhancing the maximum polarization (Pmax). These factors significantly improve the value of ∆P = Pmax − Pr. As a result, an ultrahigh Wrec of 10.5 J cm−3 with a high‐efficiency η of 80.3% is obtained in the x = 0.1 sample under a moderate electric field of 45 kV mm−1 for the first time. This work paves the way for achieving superior energy‐storage performance under moderate electric fields.
Facile Fabrication of Highly Crystallized, Air‐Stable, and Flexible Perovskite Micromesh Film Photodetector
Authors: Xiong Yuting , Chen Bo , Xu Xiuzhen , Dai Shijie , Zhan Yiqiang , Xu Xiaobin
Published: August 2024

Perovskite materials such as organic‐inorganic MAPbX3 (X = Cl, I, Br) have attracted broad interests in photoelectric applications, such as image sensors and photovoltaics. Here, a facile and general approach, called soft‐print solvent‐assisted evaporation crystallization (SSEC) is reported, for fabrication of highly crystallized, air‐stable, and flexible perovskite micromesh films, including organic–inorganic (MAPbX3) and inorganic (CsPbX3) perovskite. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM/TEM) characterization reveals their high crystallinity without obvious grain boundaries. The photodetectors constructed based on MAPbI3 micromesh films exhibit a typical responsivity of ≈352 A W−1 and detectivity of ≈5.7 × 1013 Jones (at 650 nm in wavelength). The MAPbI3 micromesh film also shows good mechanical stability when bended at different bending radius, and after 800 bending cycles, they still exhibit highly reproducible photocurrent and on/off switching ratios. Furthermore, they are also air‐stable that they can survive for >20 days in high humid environments (65–75%) with <10% reduction in photocurrent. This work provides a facile and scalable approach for fabrication of highly crystallized, stable, and flexible perovskite micromesh films for a variety of optoelectronic applications with improved performance and durability.
Estimating the Optically Pumped Threshold Fluence of Thin‐Film Gain Media Using Arbitrary Excitation Beams
Authors: Annavarapu Nirav , Goldberg Iakov , Elkhouly Karim , Hamdad Sarah , Genoe Jan , Gehlhaar Robert , Heremans Paul
Published: August 2024

Optically pumped threshold fluences are a widely reported metric to benchmark the performance of thin‐film gain media and lasers. Estimating the threshold fluence for nonhomogeneous beams, such as a circular Gaussian excitation, is not trivial since the average fluence depends on the estimated spot diameter. Using an exemplary lead halide perovskite film, the inversion volume at different pump energies is mapped. It is shown that the peak fluence of an arbitrary spatial beam profile is more relevant at the threshold, as it provides an upper bound to the threshold fluence. Also, simple conversion factors to estimate the peak fluence using Gaussian excitation beams are provided and the methodology to arbitrary profiles is extrapolated. Furthermore, it is advocated for using flat‐top or uniform stripe excitations to unambiguously extract the threshold fluence, since these excitations display minor discrepancies between the average and peak fluence, and keep the inversion volume relatively constant during the measurement.
Enhancement of Signal‐to‐Background Ratio in Molecular Vibrational Signal Extraction by Stimulated Emission Depletion Mechanism
Authors: Wang Ge , Chen Lizhen , Zhan Qiuqiang , Fang Guangyou , Wang Yisen
Published: August 2024

Herein, a novel approach is presented to mitigate the fluorescence interference during the detection of vibrational signal via the stimulated emission depletion (STED). STED is the mechanism commonly employed in optical imaging; however, its application should not be confined solely to this field. To explore additional possibilities, a novel application of STED in vibrational spectroscopy detection is introduced. Vibrational spectroscopy is a widely used technique for the material detection and identification, but its sensitivity is influenced by impurity signals, especially the fluorescence. The proposed method is capable of suppressing fluorescence without influencing vibrational signal. At the low concentration of fluorescent impurities, the signal‐to‐background ratio of vibrational spectroscopy is 2.6 times as high as that without this method. The introduction of depletion light can enhance the detection of vibrational signals, resulting in more optimal signal detection. A promising new application of STED other than super‐resolution imaging is investigated.
A Compact, Portable Device for Microscopic Magnetic Imaging Based on Diamond Quantum Sensors
Authors: Shaji Alex , Rietwyk Kevin J. , Robertson Islay O. , Reineck Philipp , Broadway David A. , Tetienne Jean‐Philippe
Published: August 2024

Magnetic imaging based on ensembles of diamond nitrogen‐vacancy quantum sensors has emerged as a useful technique for the spatial characterization of magnetic materials and current distributions. However, demonstrations have so far been restricted to laboratory‐based experiments using relatively bulky apparatus and requiring manual handling of the diamond sensing element, hampering broader adoption of the technique. Here a simple, compact device that can be deployed outside a laboratory environment and enables robust, simplified operation is presented. It relies on a specially designed sensor head that directly integrates the diamond sensor while incorporating a microwave antenna and all necessary optical components. This integrated sensor head is complemented by a small control unit and a laptop computer that displays the resulting magnetic image. The device is tested by imaging a magnetic sample, demonstrating a spatial resolution of 4 µm over a field of view exceeding 1 mm, and a best sensitivity of 45 µT per (5 µm)2 pixel. The portable magnetic imaging instrument may find use in situations where taking the sample to be measured to a specialist lab is impractical or undesirable.
Efficient Ionovoltaic Energy Harvesting via Water‐Induced p–n Junction in Reduced Graphene Oxide
Authors: Cho Yong Hyun , Jin Minho , Jin Huding , Han Junghyup , Yu Seungyeon , Li Lianghui , Kim Youn Sang
Published: August 2024

Water motion‐induced energy harvesting has emerged as a prominent means of facilitating renewable electricity from the interaction between nanostructured materials and water over the past decade. Despite the growing interest, comprehension of the intricate solid–liquid interfacial phenomena related to solid state physics remains elusive and serves as a hindrance to enhancing energy harvesting efficiency up to the practical level. Herein, the study introduces the energy harvester by utilizing inversion on the majority charge carrier in graphene materials upon interaction with water molecules. Specifically, various metal electrode configurations are employed on reduced graphene oxide (rGO) to unravel its distinctive charge carriers that experience the inversion in semiconductor type upon water contact, and exploit this characteristic to leverage the efficacy of generated electricity. Through the strategic arrangement of the metal electrodes on rGO membrane, the open‐circuit voltage (Voc) and short‐circuit current (Isc) have exhibited a remarkable augmentation, reaching 1.05 V and 31.6 µA, respectively. The demonstration of effectively tailoring carrier dynamics via electrode configuration expands the practicality by achieving high power density and elucidating how the water‐induced carrier density modulation occurs in 2D nanomaterials.
Computed Tomography Imaging Guided Microenvironment‐Responsive Ir@WO3−x Dual‐Catalytic Nanoreactor for Selective Radiosensitization
Authors: Song Jiayu , Feng Yue , Yan Jiazhuo , Wang Ying , Yan Weixiao , Yang Nan , Wu Tusheng , Liu Sijia , Wang Yuan , Zheng Nannan , He Liangcan , Zhang Yunyan
Published: August 2024

Radiotherapy (RT) is often administered, either alone or in combination with other therapies, for most malignancies. However, the degree of tumor oxygenation, damage to adjacent healthy tissues, and inaccurate guidance remain issues that result in discontinuation or failure of RT. Here, a multifunctional therapeutic platform based on Ir@WO3−x is developed which simultaneously addresses these critical issues above for precision radiosensitization. Ir@WO3−x nanoreactors exhibit strong absorption of X‐ray, acting as radiosensitizers. Moreover, ultrasmall Ir enzyme‐mimic nanocrystals (NCs) are decorated onto the surface of the nanoreactor, where NCs have catalyst‐like activity and are sensitive to H2O2 in the tumor microenvironment (TME) under near infrared‐II (NIR‐II) light stimulation. They efficiently catalyze the conversion of H2O2 to O2, thereby ameliorating hypoxia, inhibiting the expression of HIF‐1α, and enhancing RT‐induced DNA damage in cancerous tissue, further improving the efficiency of RT. Additionally, in response to high H2O2 levels in TME, the Ir@WO3−x nanoreactor also exerts peroxidase‐like activity, boosting exogenous ROS, which increases oxidative damage and enhances ROS‐dependent death signaling. Furthermore, Ir@WO3−x can serve as a high‐quality computed tomography contrast agent due to its high X‐ray attenuation coefficient and generation of pronounced tumor‐tissue contrast. This report highlights the potential of advanced health materials to enhance precision therapeutic modalities.
Ubiquitin‐Specific Protease 22 Plays a Key Role in Increasing Extracellular Vesicle Secretion and Regulating Cell Motility of Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Zhen Fang , Sun Yue , Wang Hongyi , Liu Wei , Liang Xiao , Wang Yaru , Wang Qi , Hu Jing
Published: August 2024

Tumor‐derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) are potential biomarkers for tumors, but their reliable molecular targets have not been identified. The previous study confirms that ubiquitin‐specific protease 22 (USP22) promotes lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) metastasis in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, USP22 regulates endocytosis of tumor cells and localizes to late endosomes. However, the role of USP22 in the secretion of tumor cell‐derived EVs remains unknown. In this study, it demonstrates that USP22 increases the secretion of tumor cell‐derived EVs and accelerates their migration and invasion, invadopodia formation, and angiogenesis via EV transfer. USP22 enhances EV secretion by upregulating myosin IB (MYO1B). This study further discovers that USP22 activated the SRC signaling pathway by upregulating the molecule KDEL endoplasmic reticulum protein retention receptor 1 (KDELR1), thereby contributing to LUAD cell progression. The study provides novel insights into the role of USP22 in EV secretion and cell motility regulation in LUAD.
Photoinduced Single Electron Reduction of the 4‐O‐5 Linkage in Lignin Models for C‐P Coupling Catalyzed by Bifunctional N‐Heterocyclic Carbenes
Authors: Liu Qiang , Ren Ying‐Zheng , Zhang Bei‐Bei , Tang Wen‐Xin , Wang Zhi‐Xiang , He Lin , Chen Xiang‐Yu
Published: August 2024

Catalytic activation of Caryl‐O bonds is considered as a powerful strategy for the production of aromatics from lignin. However, due to the high reduction potentials of diaryl ether 4‐O‐5 linkage models, their single electron reduction remains a daunting challenge. This study presents the blue light‐induced bifunctional N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC)‐catalyzed one‐electron reduction of diaryl ether 4‐O‐5 linkage models for the synthesis of trivalent phosphines. The H‐bond between the newly devised bifunctional NHC and diaryl ethers is responsible for the success of the single electron transfer. Furthermore, this approach demonstrates selective one‐electron reduction of unsymmetric diaryl ethers, oligomeric phenylene oxide, and lignin model.
Super‐Durable, Tough Shape‐Memory Polymeric Materials Woven from Interlocking Rigid‐Flexible Chains
Authors: Xu Jing , Shao Mingchao , Chen Tianze , Li Song , Zhang Yaoming , Yang Zenghui , Zhang Nan , Zhang Xinrui , Wang Qihua , Wang Tingmei
Published: August 2024

Developing advanced engineering polymers that combine high strength and toughness represents not only a necessary path to excellence but also a major technical challenge. Here for the first time a rigid‐flexible interlocking polymer (RFIP) is reported featuring remarkable mechanical properties, consisting of flexible polyurethane (PU) and rigid polyimide (PI) chains cleverly woven together around the copper(I) ions center. By rationally weaving PI, PU chains, and copper(I) ions, RFIP exhibits ultra‐high strength (twice that of unwoven polymers, 91.4 ± 3.3 MPa), toughness (448.0 ± 14.2 MJ m−3), fatigue resistance (recoverable after 10 000 cyclic stretches), and shape memory properties. Simulation results and characterization analysis together support the correlation between microstructure and macroscopic features, confirming the greater cohesive energy of the interwoven network and providing insights into strengthening toughening mechanisms. The essence of weaving on the atomic and molecular levels is fused to obtain brilliant and valuable mechanical properties, opening new perspectives in designing robust and stable polymers.
Axially‐Polarized Excitonic Series and Anisotropic van der Waals Stacked Heterojunction in a Quasi‐1D Layered Transition‐Metal Trichalcogenide
Authors: Rosyadi Adzilah Shahna , Lin Ying‐Xuan , Peng Yu‐Hung , Ho Ching‐Hwa
Published: August 2024

Anisotropic optical 2D materials are crucial for achieving multiple‐quanta functions within quantum materials, which enables the fabrication of axially polarized electronic and optoelectronic devices. In this work, multiple excitonic emissions owning polarization‐sensitive orientations are clearly detected in a multilayered quasi‐1D ZrS3 nanoribbon with respect to the nanostripe edge. Four excitons denoted as AS1, AS2, AS, and A2 with E ⊥ b polarized direction and one prominent A1 exciton with E || b polarized emission are simultaneously detected in the polarized micro‐photoluminescence (µPL) measurement of 1.9–2.2 eV at 10 K. In contrast to light emission, polarized micro‐thermoreflectance (µTR) measurements are performed to identify the polarization dependence and verify the excitons in the multilayered ZrS3 nanoribbon from the perspective of light absorption. At 10 K, a prominent and broadened peak on the lower‐energy side, containing an indirect resonant emission (DI) observed by µPL and an indirect defect‐bound exciton peak (AInd) observed by both µPL and µTR, is simultaneously detected, confirming the existence of a quasi‐direct band edge in ZrS3. A van der Waals stacked p‐GaSe/n‐ZrS3 heterojunction solar cell is fabricated, which demonstrates a maximum axially‐polarized conversion efficiency up to 0.412% as the E || b polarized light incident onto the device.
Construction of Sulfone‐Based Polymer Electrolyte Interface Enables the High Cyclic Stability of 4.6 V LiCoO2 Cathode by In Situ Polymerization
Authors: Huang Yuli , Cao Bowei , Xu Xilin , Li Xiaoyun , Zhou Kun , Geng Zhen , Li Quan , Yu Xiqian , Li Hong
Published: August 2024

Lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2) is considered an indispensable cathode material in the realm of consumer electronic batteries due to its high volumetric energy density. However, at a charging cut‐off voltage as high as 4.6 V, significant interfacial side reactions between LiCoO2 and the electrolyte occur, which adversely impact the battery's cycle performance. The surface‐related issues of LiCoO2 at high charge voltages not only constrain its utilization in conventional lithium‐ion batteries with liquid electrolytes but also limit its application in solid‐state batteries. Although traditional coating methods using inert inorganic compounds can partially alleviate this issue, their point‐like coatings fail to completely prevent the surface of LiCoO2 from direct contact with the electrolyte. The exploration of novel surface protection strategies for LiCoO2 remains imperative to address the associated challenges. Herein, introducing a sulfone‐based polymer electrolyte interface is proposed on the surface of LiCoO2 using methyl vinyl sulfone (MVS) through in situ polymerization. Remarkably, LiCoO2 with sulfone‐based polymer electrolyte interface exhibits a capacity retention rate of 83% after 500 cycles when employing a carbonate electrolyte without additives at a charge cut‐off voltage of 4.6 V. Furthermore, the LiCoO2 and polymer electrolyte interface exhibits exceptional cycle stability when paired with polyether solid electrolytes that do not possess high voltage tolerance. Moreover, the incorporation of a polymer electrolyte interface not only enhances the cycle stability of LiCoO2 but also improves its thermal stability. This work presents novel research perspectives for exploring high‐voltage stable LiCoO2.
Rotating cylinder electrode in reactive CO2 capture: Identifying active C species via transport, VLE models and kinetics
Authors: Banerjee Avishek , Yue Chudi , Choi Jounghwan , Morales‐Guio Carlos G.
Published: August 2024

This article explores technical challenges and potential methodologies for understanding electrochemical Reactive CO Capture (RCC) mechanisms. RCC offers potential energy cost advantages by directly converting captured CO into fuels and chemicals, unlike traditional carbon capture and utilization (CCU) processes that require sequential capture, concentration, and compression. However, direct conversion of captured CO introduces complexity due to additional equilibrium buffer reactions, making it challenging to identify active species for reduction in electrochemical studies. This article discusses methods to integrate transport, thermodynamics, and kinetics concepts to identify active carbon sources in RCC. Vapor‐Liquid Equilibrium (VLE) and transport models are validated against experimental results obtained in a gastight rotating cylinder electrode reactor and are shown as useful tools for studying RCC in heterogeneous electrocatalysts across different capture agents, solvents, and temperatures. This article establishes an experimental framework for advancing research in electrochemical RCC.
Dimension Reduction of Multidimensional Structured and Unstructured Datasets through Ensemble Learning of Neural Embeddings
Authors: Alvarado‐Pérez Juan Carlos , Garcia Miguel Angel , Puig Domenec
Published: August 2024

Dimension reduction aims to project a high‐dimensional dataset into a low‐dimensional space. It tries to preserve the topological relationships among the original data points and/or induce clusters. NetDRm, an online dimensionality reduction method based on neural ensemble learning that integrates different dimension reduction methods in a synergistic way, is introduced. NetDRm is designed for datasets of multidimensional points that can be either structured (e.g., images) or unstructured (e.g., point clouds, tabular data). It starts by training a collection of deep residual encoders that learn the embeddings induced by multiple dimension reduction methods applied to the input dataset. Subsequently, a dense neural network integrates the generated encoders by emphasizing topological preservation or cluster induction. Experiments conducted on widely used multidimensional datasets (point‐cloud manifolds, image datasets, tabular record datasets) show that the proposed method yields better results in terms of topological preservation ( curves), cluster induction (V measure), and classification accuracy than the most relevant dimension reduction methods.
OXidative Stress PREDictor: A Supervised Learning Approach for Annotating Cellular Oxidative Stress States in Inflammatory Cells
Authors: Chen Po‐Yuan , Ko Tai‐Ming
Published: August 2024

Oxidative stress, characterized by an imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidants, plays a pivotal role in inflammatory responses associated with both chronic diseases and acute injuries. In this study, OXidative Stress PREDictor (OxSpred), a supervised learning model tailored to accurately annotate the oxidative stress state of innate immune cells at the single‐cell level, is introduced. Compared to the traditional gene‐set‐variation‐analysis‐based enrichment method, OxSpred demonstrates superior accuracy with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.89 and offers interpretable embeddings with significant biological relevance. Using the predicted ROS states, precise elucidation and interpretation of the roles of novel innate immune cell subtypes can be achieved. Overall, OxSpred enhances the utility of single‐cell transcriptomic datasets by providing a robust in silico method for determining intracellular oxidative stress states, thereby enriching the understanding of innate immune cell functions during inflammation.
Presentation of ichthyosis after substrate reduction therapy in Gaucher type 1
Authors: Herbster Jack , Prada Carlos E. , Rasmussen Carly A. , Quadri Allegra , Kuritza Victoria , Viglione Michael , Hoyer Sheryl
Published: August 2024

We describe a case in which a type 1 Gaucher patient developed ichthyosis weeks after starting substrate reduction therapy (SRT) with eliglustat. There are no reports of ichthyosis in the literature in enzyme replacement or SRT for Gaucher disease. Ichthyosis is seen with type 2 and 3 Gaucher disease, but not type 1. This raises the question: Why would a patient develop ichthyosis after starting SRT?
Co‐prevalence of chronic rhinosinusitis and inflammatory bowel disease: A large aggregated electronic health record study
Authors: Dhamija Ravi , Ding Peng , Das Nikita , Shah Varunil N. , Kaelber David C. , Chaaban Mohamad R.
Published: August 2024

Key points

IBD patients have a 4.04‐fold elevated likelihood of having CRS compared to non‐IBD patients.

CRS patients have a 4.23‐fold elevated likelihood of having IBD compared to non‐CRS patients.

The risk of CRS development after IBD is five times higher than IBD development after CRS.
Prediction of Cognitive Heterogeneity in Parkinson's Disease: A 4‐Year Longitudinal Study Using Clinical, Neuroimaging, Biological and Electrophysiological Biomarkers
Authors: Puig‐Davi Arnau , Martinez‐Horta Saul , Pérez‐Carasol Laura , Horta‐Barba Andrea , Ruiz‐Barrio Iñigo , Aracil‐Bolaños Ignacio , Pérez‐González Rocío , Rivas‐Asensio Elisa , Sampedro Frederic , Campolongo Antonia , Pagonabarraga Javier , Kulisevsky Jaime
Published: August 2024

Objective

Cognitive impairment in Parkinson's disease (PD) can show a very heterogeneous trajectory among patients. Here, we explored the mechanisms involved in the expression and prediction of different cognitive phenotypes over 4 years.

Methods

In 2 independent cohorts (total n = 475), we performed a cluster analysis to identify trajectories of cognitive progression. Baseline and longitudinal level II neuropsychological assessments were conducted, and baseline structural magnetic resonance imaging, resting electroencephalogram and neurofilament light chain plasma quantification were carried out. Linear mixed‐effects models were used to study longitudinal changes. Risk of mild cognitive impairment and dementia were estimated using multivariable hazard regression. Spectral power density from the electroencephalogram at baseline and source localization were computed.

Results

Two cognitive trajectories were identified. Cluster 1 presented stability (PD‐Stable) over time, whereas cluster 2 showed progressive cognitive decline (PD‐Progressors). The PD‐Progressors group showed an increased risk for evolving to PD mild cognitive impairment (HR 2.09; 95% CI 1.11–3.95) and a marked risk for dementia (HR 4.87; 95% CI 1.34–17.76), associated with progressive worsening in posterior‐cortical‐dependent cognitive processes. Both clusters showed equivalent clinical and sociodemographic characteristics, structural magnetic resonance imaging, and neurofilament light chain levels at baseline. Conversely, the PD‐Progressors group showed a fronto‐temporo‐occipital and parietal slow‐wave power density increase, that was in turn related to worsening at 2 and 4 years of follow‐up in different cognitive measures.

Interpretation

In the absence of differences in baseline cognitive function and typical markers of neurodegeneration, the further development of an aggressive cognitive decline in PD is associated with increased slow‐wave power density and with a different profile of worsening in several posterior‐cortical‐dependent tasks. ANN NEUROL 2024;96:981–993
An Approach to Successful Development of Clinician–Scientists in Neurology: The NINDS R25 Experience
Authors: Josephson S. Andrew , Tennekoon Michael S. , Carmichael S. Thomas , Cash Sydney S. , Detre John A. , Hillis Argye E. , Pennell Page B. , Pomeroy Scott L. , Richerson George B. , Sansing Lauren H. , Korn Stephen J.
Published: August 2024

Objective

Training clinician–scientists is a primary objective of many academic neurology departments, as these individuals are uniquely positioned to perform insightful clinical or laboratory‐based research informed both by clinical knowledge and their own experiences caring for patients. Despite its importance, training clinician–scientists has perhaps never been so challenging. The National Institute of Neurologic Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) R25 program was designed in an attempt to support these individuals, decrease the time needed to obtain National Institutes of Health K awards, and to help educate a cohort of trainees preparing for a career in academic neurology. We endeavored to describe the structure and features of the program while examining its outcomes.

Methods

R25 outcome data from 2009 to 2024 were reviewed. Statistical comparisons were made using 2‐sided Mann–Whitney U testing.

Results

A total of 67% of adult neurologists who received an R25 had a successful application for a National Institutes of Health K award compared with 45% of adult neurologists who had not received R25 support (p < 0.0001). Among child neurologists, 73% who applied went on to receive K funding after R25 support, compared with 45% who had not been part of the R25 program (p < 0.001). The average time between completion of residency and obtaining a K award for R25 participants was decreased by 26 months among those with an MD/PhD degree, and 32 months for those with an MD degree compared with non‐R25 individuals.

Interpretation

The R25 program has been successful in achieving its training goals, but stands as only one component of support for aspiring clinician–scientists. Investments and commitments made by academic neurology departments are key to supporting this success. ANN NEUROL 2024;96:625–632
Signal Amplification by Reversible Exchange and its Translation to Hyperpolarized Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Biomedicine
Authors: Schmidt Andreas B. , Chekmenev Eduard Y. , de Maissin Henri , Groß Philipp R. , Petersen Stefan , Nagel Luca , Schilling Franz , Schwartz Ilai , Reinheckel Thomas , Hövener Jan‐Bernd , Knecht Stephan
Published: August 2024

Hyperpolarized magnetic resonance imaging (HP‐MRI) has emerged as a powerful tool in molecular imaging, providing in vivo, real‐time insights into metabolic pathways without ionizing radiation. Signal Amplification by Reversible Exchange (SABRE) represents a promising hyperpolarization technique, leveraging parahydrogen to enhance MRI signals. In this concept, we delineate the evolution of SABRE and landmark papers that have enabled us recently to produce biocompatible and low‐cost hyperpolarized pyruvate within minutes for in vivo metabolic imaging, showcasing SABRE′s potential for preclinical and near‐future clinical settings. Looking ahead, with ongoing efforts focused on optimizing polarizer technology and expanding applications beyond pyruvate, we envision SABRE as a key player in the research and application of HP‐MRI due to its simplicity and throughput.
Enhancement of flame retardancy in ceramic polymer composite materials with ammonium polyphosphate/melamine cyanurate
Authors: Zhou Shitao , Xu Lang , Sun Qing , Zhang Jian , Sheng Jiawei
Published: August 2024

To enhance the flame‐retardant characteristics of ceramifiable polyethylene (PE) composites, a composite flame retardant comprising ammonium polyphosphate (APP) and melamine cyanurate (MCA) was integrated. This addition markedly bolstered their flame‐retardant attributes. A meticulous exploration was conducted to ascertain the impacts of APP and MCA on the ceramifiable PE composites' visible morphology, mechanical robustness, and dimensional constancy, and to study the phase transition and microstructure deformation during sintering. Findings underscored that the amalgamation of APP/MCA markedly enhanced the flame resistance of these ceramifiable composites, registering a limiting oxygen index of 25.6% and achieving the vertical burning test (UL‐94) rating of V‐0. The collaborative flame‐retardant action of APP/MCA significantly enhanced the flame resistance of the PE composites while effectively mitigating the composite's propensity to drip. Upon detailed phase analysis, a eutectic reaction was observed between APP and wollastonite fiber, culminating in the genesis of a novel crystalline phase, calcium pyrophosphate (Ca2P2O7). When subjected to elevated temperatures, glass–ceramics manifest with both crystalline and vitreous phases. The proportion of the vitreous phase plays a pivotal role in influencing the ceramic's overall performance.
Corrosion protective properties on 2024‐T3 of chitosan‐modified montmorillonite epoxy coatings based on Ce3+ loading
Authors: Li Gang , Li Yayun , Lin Chuanxi , Peng Hao , Xue Yunsheng , Qin Wenfeng , Zhao Xin , Zhou Bin
Published: August 2024

2024 aluminum alloy has high strength, processing performance, and good damage tolerance performance, but it is prone to intergranular corrosion and pitting. Therefore, the development of corrosion protective coatings is essential for the aluminum alloy. In this paper, cerium ion (Ce3+) was doped into chitosan‐modified montmorillonite (Ce‐CS‐MMT) by ion exchange method, and the corrosion protective performance of Ce‐CS‐MMT epoxy coating (Ce‐CS‐MMT/EP) was investigated. The electrochemical analysis of aluminum alloy in cerium‐containing solution showed the corrosion inhibition efficiency reached 95.52%. The result indicates the corrosion inhibition effect of cerium‐containing solution was better than pure NaCl solution and MMT solution. The corrosion study of the coating illustrates that the protection rate of Ce‐CS‐MMT/EP reached 95.82%, which was higher than that 91.83% of Ce‐MMT/EP. The result indicates the resistance of charge transfer was greater and the better shielding effect for electrolyte corrosion ions than MMT and Ce‐MMT epoxy coatings, and the corrosion protective performance was excellent.
Advanced Modeling of Electro‐Optic Sampling: Nonlinear Vectoral‐Field Solutions to Maxwell's Equations
Authors: Carnio B. N. , Moutanabbir O. , Elezzabi A. Y.
Published: August 2024

A comprehensive modeling approach for elucidating the intricacies of electro‐optic (EO) sampling is presented, which fully encapsulates the EO sampling process by accounting for all linear and second‐order nonlinear optical effects. The developed approach implements a multi‐step procedure, involving a vectorial‐field modeling of the second‐order nonlinear interactions occurring within the EO crystal, followed by a theoretical evaluation of the subsequent optical EO sampling components. To assess the efficacy of the approach, it is used for the sampling of terahertz electric fields (<1–>60 THz) within the bulk crystals of ZnTe and LiNbO3, as well as a ZnTe‐based waveguide. Nonetheless, this versatile method enables the investigation of EO sampling within any crystal incorporated within any geometry. This model provides a powerful tool for the in‐depth exploration of EO sampling, paving the way for advancements in various applications.