bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Short texts, best-fitting curves and new measures of lexical diversity
Authors: Jarvis Scott
Published: July 2002

Following up on recent work by Malvern and Richards (1997, this issue; McKee et al., 2000) concerning the measurement of lexical diversity through curve fitting, the present study compares the accuracy of five formulae in terms of their ability to model the type-token curves of written texts produced by learners and native speakers. The most accurate models are then used to consider unresolved issues that have been at the forefront of past research on lexical diversity: the relationship between lexical diversity and age, second language (L2) instruction, L2 proficiency, first language (L1) background, writing quality and vocabulary knowledge. The participants in the study comprise 140 Finnish-speaking and 70 Swedish-speakinglearners of English, and an additional group of 66 native English speakers. The data include written narrative descriptions of a silent film, and the results show that two of the curve-fitting formulae provide accurate models of the type-token curves of over 90% of the texts. The texts for which accurate models were obtained were subjected to further analyses, and the results indicate a clear relationship between lexical diversity and amount of instruction, but a more complicated relationship between lexical diversity and L1 background, writing quality and vocabulary knowledge.
Context and content visuals and performance on listening comprehension stimuli
Authors: Ginther April
Published: July 2002

The listening comprehension section of the TOEFL has traditionally involved audio presentations of language without accompanying visual stimuli. Now that TOEFL is computer based, listening comprehension items are being created that include both audio and visual information. A nested cross-over design (participants nested in proficiency, level and form) was used to examine the effects of visual condition (present or absent), type of stimuli (dialogues/short conversations, academic discussions and mini-talks) and language proficiency (high or low) on performance on CBT (Computer-based Test) listening comprehension items. Three two-way interactions were significant: proficiency by type of stimuli, type of stimuli by visual condition and type of stimuli by time. The interaction between type of stimuli by visual condition although weak, was perhaps the most interesting and indicated that the presence of visuals results in facilitation of performance when the visuals bear information that complements the audio portion of the stimulus.
How do teachers manage topic and repair?
Authors: Ridley Julia , Radford Julie , Mahon Merle
Published: July 2002

A case study is presented of a 10-year-old child described as having comprehension difficulties, in conversation with a specialist teacher, a mainstream teacher and a peer. Tape recordings of social talk between the child and the adults and peer were made in the school setting. The data are subjected to detailed sequential analysis, drawing on some of the insights gained into the management of topic and repair by researchers working in the tradition of conversation analysis. We find that both our subject’s specialist teacher and the mainstream peer use some helpful devices to extend the topical material produced by the child and to repair ‘troubles’ in the conversation. We consider the language learning potential of these turns and the implications for classroom teachers working with children with language needs.
Low-prime perfusion circuit and autologous priming in CABG surgery on a Jehova’s Witness: a case report
Authors: van Kempen R A Brest , Gasiorek J M , Bloemendaal K , van Leeuwen R PH Storm , Bulder E R
Published: July 2002

Cardiac surgery on Jehovah’s Witnesses is a great challenge for the cardiothoracic surgery team and especially for the perfusionist. To reduce the risk of surgery in these patients, a very small extracorporeal circuit was designed to decrease the amount of priming volume and thereby the degree of hemodilution. A small bypass system was built, consisting of a 3/8-in. arterial line and a 3/8-in. venous line, a venous collapsible reservoir, a centrifugal pump, a hollow fiber oxygenator and a cell saver reservoir. The circuit priming volume was 650 ml. By using antegrade and retrograde autologous priming, the total amount of priming was reduced to ± 50 ml. Bypass time was 63 min with an average blood flow of 5300± 114 ml/min and postmembrane pressures of 180± 45 mmHg. Venous line pressure was monitored and kept between -8 and -20 mmHg with a mean arterial pressure (MAP) of 55± 12.3 mmHg. The hematocrit before extracorporeal circulation (ECC) was 36%, per-ECC 35% and post-ECC 35%. On the fifth postoperative day, the hematocrit was 40%. The patient was discharged 7 days after surgery. A low-prime circuit, in combination with autologous priming, seems to be safe and effective in avoiding the use of banked blood.
A comparison of several variables of off-pump coronary artery bypass procedures versus myocardial revascularization utilizing cardiopulmonary bypass
Authors: Zarro Debra L , Palanzo David A , Montesano Ralph M
Published: July 2002

An investigation was conducted to compare several variables of off-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB) procedures with those using cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) for myocardial revascularization by two surgeons. The patients were divided into four groups: group 1 patients received CPB for their myocardial revascularization performed by surgeon A; group 2 patients received the OPCAB procedure performed by surgeon A; group 3 patients received CPB for their myocardial revascularization performed by surgeon B; and group 4 received the OPCAB procedure performed by surgeon B. The same anesthesia technique and postoperative management were employed for all patients in this study. The CPB procedures received the same perfusion circuit and conduct. Postoperative laboratory values, including hemoglobin, hematocrit and platelet counts for the OPCAB groups, were higher than the CPB groups. Chest tube drainage was similar for both the OPCAB and CPB groups, but postoperative urine outputs were significantly higher in the CPB groups for both surgeons. Positive fluid balance was statistically greater in the CPB groups compared to the OPCAB groups for both surgeons. Ventilator times, length of stay in the intensive care unit (ICU) and length of hospital stay were not statistically significant for the groups in this study. Postoperative weight gain for both surgeons was higher in the CPB groups. Intraoperative packed red blood cell (PRBC) usage for surgeon B was similar for both the OPCAB and CPB groups, but the OPCAB group for surgeon A had greater intraoperative PRBC usage than the CPB group.
A simplified technique for antegrade selective cerebral perfusion
Authors: Colangelo N , Benussi S , Piazza G , Alfieri O
Published: July 2002

Various methods of cerebral protection have been used during aortic arch surgery. We reviewed our experience with a modified technique for selective cerebral perfusion (SCP) administration during surgery on the thoracic aorta from October 1999. Conventionally, this technique requires an additional roller pump on the cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) console. In order to simplify the extracorporeal circuit (ECC), the paediatric double-roller pump used for the administration of cardioplegia was utilized by adding a ‘Y-connection’ on the blood line of the cardioplegia circuit, upstream of the cardioplegia reservoir, to provide SCP blood flow. SCP administration with a Y-connection is both easy and fast to set up on the ECC circuit and does not create additional difficulties to the surgeon. It simplifies SCP delivery by allowing the perfusionist to use a standard ECC system set-up.
Depression after stroke: a review of the evidence base to inform the development of an integrated care pathway. Part 2: Treatment alternatives
Authors: Turner-Stokes Lynne , Hassan Nibras
Published: July 2002

Background: Depression is a common complication of stroke, leading to increased morbidity and mortality. It can impede the process of rehabilitation, and has been associated with poorer outcomes and increased length of stay in hospital.

This systematic review was undertaken as a preliminary step to the development of an evidence-based integrated care pathway (ICP) for the management of post-stroke depression (PSD) in a rehabilitation setting, and is divided into two parts. In part 1 we reviewed the frequency of depression in stroke, its impact on functional recovery and the different methods for assessment.

Aims and objectives: In part 2, we discuss the rationale for treatment of PSD, appraise the evidence for effectiveness of the different antidepressant drugs, and consider whether we can identify a recommended ”rst-line treatment for use in our ICP.

Methods: Data sources comprised a computer-aided search of published studies on depression in stroke and references to literature used in reviews.

Main ” ndings: From the few controlled trials of anti-depressant therapy in PSD, both tricyclics and selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) appear to be effective, but the latter may be preferable in stroke because of their prompt action and better side-effect pro”les. Within the group of SSRIs there is currently no direct evidence to guide the choice of agent. In the absence of ”rm guidance, sertraline was chosen on theoretical grounds as one of the most potent with minimal sedative effects and no reported interaction with warfarin. Citalopram may offer an appropriate second choice.

Conclusions: A suggested regimen for the use of sertraline in PSD was put forward. Development of an ICP may help to establish a more consistent approach to assessment and treatment of PSD, and form a basis for future comparison of different treatments as they become available.
Euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide in Scandinavia — with a conceptual suggestion regarding international research in relation to the phenomena
Authors: Materstvedt L J , Kaasa S
Published: July 2002

This article analyses and compares recent research on Scandinavian physicians' attitudes towards, as well as their practice of, euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide. The studies discussed are quite dissimilar in their design, resulting in considerable difficulties as far as comparability is concerned. Such difficulties are common in these fields of research. As an intended contribution to the amendment of future research, we suggest what we take to be detailed and precise definitions of the terms euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide for use internationally. Our definitions, or interpretations, basically draw on the Dutch experience and understanding of these terms. The Dutch approach implies that acts of abstention from life-prolonging treatment, i.e., withholding and withdrawing treatment, and pain and symptom treatment that theoretically could shorten life (including terminal sedation) are to be considered ‘normal medical practice’. Furthermore, death is seen as having natural causes in all of these acts. That, however, is not the case with euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide. When a physician performs either of these acts, he or she is required to state ‘unnatural death’ in the patient's death certificate. Our conceptual suggestions do not address the ethical status of the various medical decisions that are made with regard to the death of patients; our aim is conceptual clarity only. As far as euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide in Scandinavia is concerned, even though comparisons prove difficult, we do think some observations may be made: physicians from Norway, Denmark and Sweden display differences in both attitude and practice concerning these phenomena. Norwegian physicians are most restrictive with regard to attitude. Danish and Swedish physicians display a more liberal attitude, the latter being the most liberal. These findings did not fit the physicians' practice. Danish physicians have performed euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide more often than Norwegian physicians. Swedish physicians, even though they are the most liberal when it comes to attitude, appear never to have performed euthanasia and very seldom physician-assisted suicide.
Recent research on landslide dams - a literature review with special attention to New Zealand
Authors: Korup Oliver
Published: July 2002

More than a decade has passed since the publication of the benchmark paper of Costa and Schuster (Costa, J.E. and Schuster, R.L. 1988: The formation and failure of natural dams. Geological Society of America Bulletin 100, 1054-68) on the formation and failure of natural dams. This review takes a critical look at recent trends and developments in international and New Zealand-based research on landslide dams. Temporary or permanent stream blockages by mass movements commonly occur in steep terrain, and gradually receive more attention and awareness with increasing population and land use pressure in upland regions. Different approaches in methodology and their relevance and application potential for engineering and mitigative measures are reviewed and several shortcomings outlined, with a view towards possible future research directions. A high percentage of previous work on landslide dams has been mainly descriptive in character, and has produced a multitude of documented case studies. Recent attempts to redress the balance have included the establishment of global and nationwide databases (inventories) of landslide dams, progress in predictive, quantitative and GIS-based modelling. Furthermore, interpretative approaches towards the reconstruction of former stream blockages and their spatio-temporal distribution patterns have been pursued, which may assist assessments of present and future geomorphic hazards. Both such appraisals as well as management strategies in mountainous regions in general, will have to rely on key data efficiently extracted from a plethora of case examples. Further work includes consideration of temporal and permanent landslide-triggered stream impoundments within Quaternary landscape evolution, quantification of sediment budgets and palaeoenvironmental reconstruction. Overall, there is still a considerable lack of understanding of geomorphic forms and processes involved with landslide-dam formation, stability and failure, part of which is inherent in the often ephemeral nature of stream blockages in coupled hillslope-valley systems.
Age-related differences in pulmonary inflammatory responses to JP-8 jet fuel aerosol inhalation
Authors: Wang Shengjun , Young R Scott , Witten Mark L
Published: July 2002

Our previous studies have demonstrated that JP-8 jet fuel aerosol inhalation induced lung injury and dysfunction. To further examine JP-8 jet fuel-induced inflammatory mechanisms, a total of 40 male C57BL/6 mice (young, 3.5 months; adult, 12 months; half in each age group) were randomly assigned to the exposure or control groups. Mice were nose-only exposed to room air or atmospheres of 1000 mg/m3 JP-8 jet fuel for 1 h/day for 7 days. Lung injury was assessed by pulmonary mechanics, respiratory permeability, lavaged cell profile, and chemical mediators in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). The young and adult mice exposed to JP-8 jet fuel had similar values with regards to increased lung dynamic compliance, lung permeability, BALF cell count, and decreased PGE2. However, there were several different responses between the young-versus-adult mice with respect to BALF cell differential, TNF-α, and 8-iso-PGF2α levels after exposure to JP-8 jet fuel. These data suggest that JP-8 jet fuel may have different inflammatory mechanisms leading to lung injury and dysfunction in the younger-versus-adult mice.
Simultaneous analysis of quality of life and survival data
Authors: Billingham L J , Abrams K R
Published: July 2002

In many phase III clinical trials, particularly in the field of cancer, the comparison of treatments is based on both length of survival and quality of life. Subjects are followed over time until death and during this period, quality of life is assessed on a number of occasions. Simultaneous analysis of these two outcomes supplements the comparison of treatments in terms of each outcome independently with an assessment of the net effect. In addition, it provides a means of accounting for the informative dropout due to death of patients within the time frame of the quality of life study. The methods also have the potential to be extended to allow for informative dropout from the quality of life study prior to death. There are a number of broad approaches for the simultaneous analysis of quality of life and survival data. The most widely used approach in clinical research is quality-adjusted survival analysis, where treatments are compared in terms of a composite measure of quality and quantity of life. The paper reviews the different techniques for quality-adjusted survival analysis, illustrating the methodology by application to data from a phase III clinical trial in pancreatic cancer. In addition, alternative approaches using multistate survival analysis and joint modelling methods are also discussed.
The Real Thing: A Reply to Terence Zuber’s ‘Terence Holmes Reinvents the Schlieffen Plan’
Authors: Holmes Terence M.
Published: July 2002

This article continues the debate over Terence Zuber’s thesis that ‘there never was a “Schlieffen plan” ’, with particular emphasis on showing that the manpower requirements of the Schlieffen plan were consistent with the resources of the German army. It also provides further evidence for the conditional status of the march around Paris, and for Schlieffen’s view of Russia’s military incapacity in 1905. The Generalstabsreisen of 1904 are revisited in order to explain the reasons why Schlieffen was inclining towards the concept of a strong right-wing offensive, as opposed to a counter-offensive strategy. The new documentation that Zuber has adduced for the Kriegsspiel of late 1905 is analysed to demonstrate that this two-front counter-offensive exercise was not relevant to Schlieffen’s real concern at the time, which was to plan for a west-front offensive by the whole of the German army.
Paclitaxel (Taxol) attenuates clinical disease in a spontaneously demyelinating transgenic mouse and induces remyelination
Authors: Moscarello M A , Mak B , Nguyen T A , Wood D D , Mastronardi F , Ludwin S K
Published: July 2002

Treatment with paclitaxel by four intraperitoneal injections (20 mg/kg) 1 week apart attenuated clinical signs in a spontaneously demyelinating model, if given with onset of clinical signs. If given at 2 months of age (1 month prior to clinical signs), disease was almost completely prevented. The astrogliosis, prominent in our model, was reversed by paclitaxel as determined by astrocyte counts and quantitation of GFAP. Electron microscopic examination of affected regions at 2.5 months demonstrated that the myelin was generally normal. By 4 months of age, demyelination was common in the superior cerebellar peduncle, maximal at 6 months, but continued to 8 months. In addition to myelin vacuolation and nude axons, the presence of many thin myelin sheaths suggested remyelination or partial demyelination. Although no evidence of oligodendrocyte loss was seen, nuclear changes were observed. To substantiate that remyelination was occurring, we measured MBP (18.5 kDa), MBP-exon II, Golli-MBP, TP8, Golli-MBP-J37, platelet-derived growth factor a (PDGFRa) and sonic hedgehog (SHH). Of these TP8, PDGFRa and SHH were up-regulated in the untreated transgenic. After paclitaxel treatment, MBP-Exon II, TP8, PDGFRa and SHH were further up-regulated. We concluded that some of the effects of paclitaxel were to stimulate proteins involved in early myelinating events possibly via a signal transduction mechanism.
Learners’ evaluations of teacher-fronted and student-centred classroom activities
Authors: Garrett Peter , Shortall Terry
Published: July 2002

Various claims have been made in the educational literature about the relative merits of pair and group activities in classrooms. With the shift in language teaching towards a more learner-centred approach, however, there is now a stronger emphasis on the views of learners themselves. One hundred and three Brazilian EFL students (beginners, elementary, intermediate) completed and then evaluated different types of learning activities: teacher-fronted grammar (TFG), student-centred grammar (SCG), teacher-fronted fluency (TFF) and student-centred fluency (SCF). They were asked to evaluate these in terms of affective reactions (enjoyment, anxiety) and perceived learning value, by completing 5-point scales and writing reasons for their ratings. There were some significant differences among the different levels of students. Beginners saw TFG as better for learning than SCG. Intermediates saw TFG as less fun. The same groups also viewed SCF as more fun and more relaxing than TFF, though neither of them perceived any difference in learning outcomes. Elementary learners felt TFF was better for learning than SCF, but saw no difference between them when it came to enjoyment and relaxation. These findings are discussed alongside the reasons the learners gave for their ratings.
Experimental conditions to examine the relationship between lamp colour properties and apparent brightness
Authors: Fotios Steve A
Published: July 2002

This paper reviews experimental conditions used in previous studies to explore the relationship between lamp colour properties and apparent brightness in interior spaces. A comparison is needed to identify the extent to which results from different studies can be reliably compared and extended to real lighting and to guide the design of further research. It is found that further work is needed to enable this comparison.
Favorable Impact of the t(9;11) in Childhood Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Rubnitz Jeffrey E. , Raimondi Susana C. , Tong Xin , Srivastava Deo Kumar , Razzouk Bassem I. , Shurtleff Sheila A. , Downing James R. , Pui Ching-Hon , Ribeiro Raul C. , Behm Frederick G.
Published: July 2002

PURPOSE: To determine the impact of
MLL
rearrangements on the outcome of children with acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

PATIENTS AND METHODS: We analyzed the clinical and biologic features of 298 infants and children with primary AML treated on four consecutive institutional clinical trials. The Kaplan-Meier method was used in survival analysis and the Cox proportional-hazards model was used to analyze the effect of potential prognostic factors on event-free survival (± 1 SE).

RESULTS: Molecular studies of 152 cases detected 42 with
MLL
rearrangements. The karyotypes of these 42 revealed the t(9;11) (15 cases), abnormalities of chromosomes 10 and 11 (nine cases), the t(11;19) (four cases), other abnormalities of 11q23 (seven cases), and miscellaneous rearrangements (seven cases). Among these 42 patients, the 15 whose leukemic cells carried the t(9;11) had a better outcome (66% ± 15%) than the other 27 (25.9% ± 11.2%;
P
= .004). Cases with the t(9;11) were also characterized by M5 AML morphology (21 of 23 cases). Of the 63 patients with M5 AML, the 21 whose leukemic cells demonstrated the t(9;11) had a better outcome (71.1% ± 11%) than the other 42 (25.8% ± 7.9%;
P
= .0004). The only independent factors indicating a favorable prognosis were presenting leukocyte count less than 50 × 10
9
/L (relative risk of relapse, 0.73; 95% confidence interval, 0.55 to 0.97;
P
= .03) and the t(9;11) (relative risk of relapse, 0.32; 95% confidence interval, 0.16 to 0.64;
P
= .002).

CONCLUSION: We conclude that the t(9;11) is the most favorable genetic factor for patients with AML treated at our institution.
The Pathology of Familial Breast Cancer: Predictive Value of Immunohistochemical Markers Estrogen Receptor, Progesterone Receptor, HER-2, and p53 in Patients With Mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2
Authors: Lakhani Sunil R. , van de Vijver Marc J. , Jacquemier Jocelyne , Anderson Thomas J. , Osin Peter P. , McGuffog Lesley , Easton Douglas F.
Published: July 2002

PURPOSE: The morphologic and molecular phenotype of breast cancers may help identify patients who are likely to carry germline mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2. This study evaluates the immunohistochemical profiles of tumors arising in patients with mutations in these genes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Samples of breast cancers obtained from the International Breast Cancer Linkage Consortium were characterized morphologically and immunohistochemically using antibodies to estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, HER-2 (c-erbB-2 oncogene), and p53 protein.

RESULTS: Breast cancers in patients with BRCA1 germline mutations are more often negative for estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and HER-2, and are more likely to be positive for p53 protein compared with controls. In contrast, BRCA2 tumors do not show a significant difference in the expression of any of these proteins compared with controls.

CONCLUSION: BRCA1 has a distinctive morphology and immunohistochemical phenotype. The combined morphologic and immunohistochemical data can be used to predict the risk of a young patient harboring a germline mutation in BRCA1. The BRCA2 phenotype is currently not well defined.
Ultrafast and Highly Efficient Sodium Ion Storage in Manganese‐Based Tunnel‐Structured Cathode
Authors: Liu Hanghui , Feng Ruijie , Hussain Fiaz , Liu Yanchen , Wang Liuqi , Fan Qi , Ni Mingzhu , Qiu Ce , Sun Mingqing , Wang Jinshi , Wang Tong , Shi Zhengyi , Zhu Xiaohui , Xia Hui
Published: September 2024

Na0.44MnO2 with tunnel structure is considered a promising low‐cost cathode material for sodium‐ion batteries. However, the sluggish Na+ transport kinetics and low initial Coulombic efficiency restrict its practical applications in rechargeable sodium‐ion batteries. Herein, a manganese‐based tunnel‐structured cathode with high rate capability and high initial Coulombic efficiency is prepared by niobium doping and sodium compensation. Via materials characterizations and theoretical calculations, it is demonstrated that a proper amount of niobium doping in tunnel structure can effectively improve its structural stability and charge transport kinetics, resulting in outstanding rate capability (76.6% capacity retained from 0.5 to 30 C) and superior cycling performance (82.3% capacity retention after 800 cycles at 5 C) for the optimized Nb‐doped Na0.44MnO2 cathode (Na0.44Mn0.98Nb0.02O2). Furthermore, NaCrO2 is added into the Na0.44Mn0.98Nb0.02O2 cathode as a self‐sacrificing sodium compensation additive, and a high initial Coulombic efficiency close to 100% is achieved for the composite cathode. This work establishes a facile strategy to design advanced manganese‐based cathode materials for large‐scale energy storage applications.
Inulin‐Based Nanoparticle Modulates Gut Microbiota and Immune Microenvironment for Improving Colorectal Cancer Therapy
Authors: Zhu Runqi , Yuan Wenhui , Xia Anqi , Sun Xujie , Yan Wenlu , Wu Ting , Wang Guanru , Li Yu , Yin Qi , Li Yaping
Published: September 2024

In consideration of the important influence of gut microbiota on colorectal cancer (CRC) development and host immune system, regulating microbiota and intestinal environment can be an assisting approach to CRC treatment. To remodel tumor microenvironment, the anti‐CRC molecular targeting drug regorafenib (REG)‐encapsulating nanoparticle (UIRN) is constructed with the amphiphilic inulin‐ursodeoxycholic acid conjugate. UIRN increases the intra‐tumoral concentration and accumulation time of REG. In the CT26 tumor‐bearing mouse model, the relative abundance of probiotics and short‐chain fatty acid concentrations in colon are upregulated after treatment with UIRN, with decreased proportion of pro‐tumoral bacteria. Combining gut microbiota modulation and the function of REG to induce polarization of tumor‐associated macrophages toward the M1‐type, UIRN conquers immunosuppression and enhances anti‐tumor immunity. UIRN not only efficiently controls tumor progression alone but also exhibits adjuvant effects to chemotherapy and immunotherapy agents. The microbiota‐regulating and tumor‐suppressing functions of UIRN also work in the colitis‐associated CRC model. With good biosafety, UIRN displays hopeful application prospects in CRC therapy.
Engineered Nanotopographies Induce Transient Openings in the Nuclear Membrane
Authors: Sarikhani Einollah , Patel Vrund , Li Zhi , Meganathan Dhivya Pushpa , Rahmani Keivan , Sadr Leah , Hosseini Ryan , Visda Diether , Shukla Shivani , Naghsh‐Nilchi Hamed , Balaji Adarsh , McMahon Gillian , Chen Shaoming , Schöneberg Johannes , McHugh Colleen A. , Shi Lingyan , Jahed Zeinab
Published: September 2024

Materials with engineered nano‐scale surface topographies, such as nanopillars, nanoneedles, and nanowires, mimic natural structures like viral spike proteins, enabling them to bypass biological barriers like the plasma membrane. These properties have led to applications in nanoelectronics for intracellular sensing and drug delivery platforms, some of which are already in clinical trials. Here, evidence is present that nanotopographic materials can induce transient openings in the nuclear membranes of various cell types without penetrating the cells, breaching the nucleo‐cytoplasmic barrier, and allowing uncontrolled molecular exchange across the nuclear membrane. These openings, induced by nanoscale curvature, are temporary and repaired through the Endosomal Sorting Complexes Required for Transport (ESCRT)‐mediated mechanisms. The findings suggest a potential for nano\topographic materials to temporarily breach the nuclear membrane with potential applications in direct nuclear sensing and delivery.
A Battery‐Free Wireless Tactile Sensor for Multimodal Force Perception
Authors: Gu Haicheng , Lu Bohan , Gao Zhenqiu , Wu Shaokuan , Zhang Liming , Xie Lingjie , Yi Jixin , Liu Yina , Nie Baoqing , Wen Zhen , Sun Xuhui
Published: September 2024

Multimodal tactile sensors, as key information input channel in human‐machine interactions, have faced the significant challenges including high power‐consumption, multimodal data fusion, and wireless transmission. In this work, a battery‐free multimodal wireless tactile sensor (TC‐MWTS) based on tribo‐capacitive coupled effect for normal and shear force fusion sensing is proposed, which is enabled by a 3D structure combining a triboelectric sensor and a capacitive sensor coupled with an inductive coil. A triboelectric sensor equipped with contact‐discharge structures exhibits 25‐fold wireless signal enhancement compared to conventional triboelectric sensors. Based on the characteristics of dual time‐frequency domain information existing in the wireless signals, both normal and shear forces can simultaneously be converted into voltage amplitude V and eigenfrequency f, respectively, without crosstalk and complex decoupling signals. The TC‐MWTS exhibits a maximum sensitivity of 2.47 V kPa−1 for normal force from 2 to 30 kPa and a sensitivity of 0.28 MHz N−1 for shear force between 0.3 and 1.0 N. Finally, the excellent sensing capability of TC‐MWTS to sense complex multidimensional forces in human‐machine interaction is demonstrated. This work innovatively proposes a new mechanism and methodology for effectively fusing and processing multimodal tactile information, which may drive the tremendous development of low‐power multimodal tactile sensing system.
Dual‐Ion Co‐Insertion Engineering for Kinetics Enhancement and Stress Regulation in Cu3VS4 Toward Durable Magnesium/Lithium Hybrid Batteries
Authors: Si Wenhui , Tian Miao , Wang Zhitao , Ma Heping , Du Yibo , Wang Wenlong , Zhang Wenming , Yang Hui Ying , Chen Song
Published: September 2024

Rechargeable magnesium batteries (rMBs) have tremendous development prospects in the field of energy storage, however, the strong electrostatic interactions induced by divalent Mg2+ give rise to the sluggish diffusion kinetics. Herein, the dual ion co‐intercalation strategy is proposed to expedite ion migration in Cu3VS4, achieving elevated specific capacity, transcendent rate capability, and ultra‐stable cycling capability. Kinetic analyses combined with DFT calculations indicate that the dual‐ion co‐insertion can fast charge transfer, reduce the diffusion barrier of Mg2+and optimize the reaction kinetics. Finite element simulations quantitatively verify that dual ion co‐intercalation contributes to alleviating magnesiation/lithiation‐induced stress in the shell layer and maintains structural integrity from a mechanical standpoint. Ex situ characterizations profoundly illustrates the multistep magnesium/lithium storage mechanisms and the evolution of structure. The proposed cation co‐intercalation strategy not only holds promise in opening new insights for high‐performance, continuously stable rMBs, but also provides inspiration for multivalent battery systems.
Transcriptomic Analysis Reveals the Heterogeneous Role of Conducting Films Upon Electrical Stimulation
Authors: Lawler Nicholas B. , Bhatt Uditi , Agarwal Vipul , Evans Cameron W. , Kaluskar Priya , Amos Sebastian E. , Chen Kai , Yao Yin , Jiang Haibo , Choi Yu Suk , Zheng Minghao , Spagnoli Dino , Suarez‐Martinez Irene , Zetterlund Per B. , Wallace Vincent P. , Harvey Alan R. , Hodgetts Stuart I. , Iyer K. Swaminathan
Published: September 2024

Central nervous system (CNS) injuries and neurodegenerative diseases have markedly poor prognoses and can result in permanent dysfunction due to the general inability of CNS neurons to regenerate. Differentiation of transplanted stem cells has emerged as a therapeutic avenue to regenerate tissue architecture in damaged areas. Electrical stimulation is a promising approach for directing the differentiation outcomes and pattern of outgrowth of transplanted stem cells, however traditional inorganic bio‐electrodes can induce adverse effects such as inflammation. This study demonstrates the implementation of two organic thin films, a polymer/reduced graphene oxide nanocomposite (P(rGO)) and PEDOT:PSS, that have favorable properties for implementation as conductive materials for electrical stimulation, as well as an inorganic indium tin oxide (ITO) conductive film. Transcriptomic analysis reveals that electrical stimulation improves neuronal differentiation of SH‐SY5Y cells on all three films, with the greatest effect for P(rGO). Unique material‐ and electrical stimuli‐mediated effects are observed, associated with differentiation, cell‐substrate adhesion, and translation. The work demonstrates that P(rGO) and PEDOT:PSS are highly promising organic materials for the development of biocompatible, conductive scaffolds that will enhance electrically‐aided stem cell therapeutics for CNS injuries and neurodegenerative diseases.
Recapitulating the Cancer‐Immunity Cycle on a Chip
Authors: Lee Yujin , Min Jaehong , Kim Solbin , Park Wooju , Ko Jihoon , Jeon Noo Li
Published: September 2024

The cancer‐immunity cycle is a fundamental framework for understanding how the immune system interacts with cancer cells, balancing T cell recognition and elimination of tumors while avoiding autoimmune reactions. Despite advancements in immunotherapy, there remains a critical need to dissect each phase of the cycle, particularly the interactions among the tumor, vasculature, and immune system within the tumor microenvironment (TME). Innovative platforms such as organ‐on‐a‐chip, organoids, and bioprinting within microphysiological systems (MPS) are increasingly utilized to enhance the understanding of these interactions. These systems meticulously replicate crucial aspects of the TME and immune responses, providing robust platforms to study cancer progression, immune evasion, and therapeutic interventions with greater physiological relevance. This review explores the latest advancements in MPS technologies for modeling various stages of the cancer‐immune cycle, critically evaluating their applications and limitations in advancing the understanding of cancer‐immune dynamics and guiding the development of next‐generation immunotherapeutic strategies.
Chain Friction and Lubrication Balanced Ultra‐Tough Polyacrylates With Wide‐Span Switchable Stiffness for Strain‐Programmable Deformation
Authors: Zheng Guojun , Xiong Wenjie , Xu Yiting , Zeng Birong , Yuan Conghui , Dai Lizong
Published: September 2024

Natural mollusks perform complex mechanical actions through reversible large‐strain deformation and stiffness switching, which are challenging to achieve simultaneously in synthetic materials. Herein, it is shown that a set of polyacrylates designed according to a chain friction and lubrication balanced strategy shows ultra‐stretchability (λ up to 324), high resilience (near 100% recovery at strain ≥ 100), and wide‐span stiffness switching (up to 2073 times). The typical emulsion polymerization method and casting technique are adopted to fabricate the polyacrylate films. Quaternary ammonium surfactants are used as the emulsifier and reserved in the polymer matrix to enhance the chain segment lubrication with their long alkyl group but improve the whole chain friction through the formation of nano‐eutectics. These polyacrylates undergo multimodal mechanical responses, including temperature‐ or time‐programmed deformation and load‐bearing like artificial muscles. This molecular design principle and synthetic method provide a robust platform for the fabrication of ultra‐tough polymers for soft robots with multiple customized functions.
High‐Resolution Structuring of Silica‐Based Nanocomposites for the Fabrication of Transparent Multicomponent Glasses with Adjustable Properties
Authors: Prediger Richard , Kluck Sebastian , Hambitzer Leonhard , Sauter Daniel , Kotz‐Helmer Frederik
Published: September 2024

Silicate‐based multicomponent glasses are of high interest for technical applications due to their tailored properties, such as an adaptable refractive index or coefficient of thermal expansion. However, the production of complex structured parts is associated with high effort, since glass components are usually shaped from high‐temperature melts with subsequent mechanical or chemical postprocessing. Here for the first time the fabrication of binary and ternary multicomponent glasses using doped nanocomposites based on silica nanoparticles and photocurable metal oxide precursors as part of the binder matrix is presented. The doped nanocomposites are structured in high resolution using UV‐casting and additive manufacturing techniques, such as stereolithography and two‐photon lithography. Subsequently, the composites are thermally converted into transparent glass. By incorporating titanium oxide, germanium oxide, or zirconium dioxide into the silicate glass network, multicomponent glasses are fabricated with an adjustable refractive index nD between 1.4584–1.4832 and an Abbe number V of 53.85–61.13. It is further demonstrated that by incorporating 7 wt% titanium oxide, glasses with ultralow thermal expansion can be fabricated with so far unseen complexity. These novel materials enable for the first time high‐precision lithographic structuring of multicomponent silica glasses with applications from optics and photonics, semiconductors as well as sensors.
Chiral Intranasal Nanovaccines as Antivirals for Respiratory Syncytial Virus
Authors: Shi Baimei , Qu Aihua , Li Zongda , Xiong Yingcai , Ji Jianjian , Xu Liguang , Xu Chuanlai , Sun Maozhong , Kuang Hua
Published: September 2024

This study aimed to develop an intranasal nanovaccine by combining chiral nanoparticles with the RSV pre‐fusion protein (RSV protein) to create L‐nanovaccine (L‐Vac). The results showed that L‐NPs increased antigen attachment in the nasal cavity by 3.83 times and prolonged its retention time to 72 h. In vivo experimental data demonstrated that the intranasal immunization with L‐Vac induced a 4.86‐fold increase in secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) secretion in the upper respiratory tract, a 1.85‐fold increase in the lower respiratory tract, and a 20.61‐fold increase in RSV‐specific immunoglobin G (IgG) titer levels in serum, compared with the commercial Alum Vac, while the neutralizing activity against the RSV authentic virus is 1.66‐fold higher. The mechanistic investigation revealed that L‐Vac activated the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) signaling pathway in nasal epithelial cells (NECs), in turn increasing the expression levels of interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and C–C motif chemokine ligand 20 (CCL20) by 1.67‐fold and 3.46‐fold, respectively, through the downstream nuclear factor kappa‐B (NF‐κB) signaling pathway. Meanwhile, CCL20 recruited dendritic cells (DCs) and L‐Vac activated the Toll‐like receptor signaling pathway in DCs, promoting IL‐6 expression and DCs maturation, and boosted sIgA production and T‐cell responses. The findings suggested that L‐ Vac may serve as a candidate for the development of intranasal medicine against various types of respiratory infections.
Multifunctional Scavenger Boosts Cathode Interfacial Stability with Reduced Water Footprint for Direct Recycling of Spent Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Yu Xiaolu , Yu Sicen , Lin Jiao , Gupta Varun , Gao Hongpeng , Li Weikang , Appleberry Maura , Liu Ping , Chen Zheng
Published: September 2024

The burgeoning accumulation of spent lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs), a byproduct from the widespread adoption of portable electronics and electric vehicles, necessitates efficient recycling strategies. Direct recycling represents a promising strategy to maximize the value of LIB waste and minimize harmful environmental outcomes. However, current efforts to large‐scale direct recycling face challenges stemming from heterophase residues (e.g., Li2CO3, LiOH) in the recycled products and uncontrolled interfacial instability, often requiring repeated washing that generates significant wastewater. Here, a refined direct recycling process is proposed to improve cathode interface stability by leveraging in situ reaction between surface residual lithium species and a weak inorganic acid to form a conformal Li+ conductive coating that stabilizes the regenerated Ni‐rich cathodes with significantly reduced water footprint. The findings reveal that the conductive coating also prevents direct contact between contaminants and the cathode surface, thus improving the ambient storage stability. By eliminating the need for extensive washing, this intensified recycling process offers a more sustainable approach with the potential to transition from laboratory to industrial‐scale applications, improving both product quality and environmental sustainability.
Constructing Multiscale Fibrous Morphology to Achieve 20% Efficiency Organic Solar Cells by Mixing High and Low Molecular Weight D18
Authors: Wei Nan , Chen Jieni , Cheng Yetai , Bian Ziqing , Liu Wenlong , Song Haoming , Guo Yawen , Zhang Wenkai , Liu Yahui , Lu Hao , Zhou Jianjun , Bo Zhishan
Published: September 2024

This study underscores the significance of precisely manipulating the morphology of the active layer in organic solar cells (OSCs). By blending polymer donors of D18 with varying molecular weights, a multiscale interpenetrating fiber network structure within the active layer is successfully created. The introduction of 10% low molecular weight D18 (LW‐D18) into high molecular weight D18 (HW‐D18) produces MIX‐D18, which exhibits an extended exciton diffusion distance and orderly molecular stacking. Devices utilizing MIX‐D18 demonstrate superior electron and hole transport, improves exciton dissociation, enhances charge collection efficiency, and reduces trap‐assisted recombination compared to the other two materials. Through the use of the nonfullerene acceptor L8‐BO, a remarkable power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 20.0% is achieved. This methodology, which integrates the favorable attributes of high and low molecular weight polymers, opens a new avenue for enhancing the performance of OSCs.
Targeting the Labile Iron Pool with Engineered DFO Nanosheets to Inhibit Ferroptosis for Parkinson's Disease Therapy
Authors: Lei Li , Yuan Jiali , Dai Zhijun , Xiang Song , Tu Qiuxia , Cui Xing , Zhai Suzhen , Chen Xiaozhong , He Zhixu , Fang Boyan , Xu Zhiai , Yu Haijun , Tang Lei , Zhang Chunlin
Published: September 2024

Ferroptosis in neurons is considered one of the key factors that induces Parkinson's disease (PD), which is caused by excessive iron accumulation in the intracellular labile iron pool (LIP). The iron ions released from the LIP lead to the aberrant generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) to trigger ferroptosis and exacerbate PD progression. Herein, a pioneering design of multifunctional nanoregulator deferoxamine (DFO)‐integrated nanosheets (BDPR NSs) is presented that target the LIP to restrict ferroptosis and protect against PD. The BDPR NSs are constructed by incorporating a brain‐targeting peptide and DFO into polydopamine‐modified black phosphorus nanosheets. These BDPR NSs can sequester free iron ions, thereby ameliorating LIP overload and regulating iron metabolism. Furthermore, the BDPR NSs can decrease lipid peroxidation generation by mitigating ROS accumulation. More importantly, BDPR NSs can specifically accumulate in the mitochondria to suppress ROS generation and decrease mitochondrial iron accumulation. In vivo experiments demonstrated that the BDPR NSs highly efficiently mitigated dopaminergic neuronloss and its associated behavioral disorders by modulating the LIP and inhibiting ferroptosis. Thus, the BDPR‐based nanovectors holds promise as a potential avenue for advancing PD therapy.
Optical Coherence Tomography of Van Der Waals Heterostructures Using Extreme Ultraviolet Light
Authors: Wiesner Felix , Abel Johann J. , Hussain Muhammad , Krishna Vipin , Cadore Alisson R. , Felipe Juan P. G. , Valencia Ana M. , Wünsche Martin , Reinhard Julius , Gruenewald Marco , Cocchi Caterina , Paulus Gerhard G. , Soavi Giancarlo , Fuchs Silvio
Published: September 2024

New experimental methods with high out‐of‐plane spatial sensitivity combined with ultrafast temporal resolution can revolutionize the understanding of charge‐ and heat‐transfer dynamics occurring at interfaces. In this work, a step forward is taken in this direction by applying coherence tomography with extreme ultraviolet (EUV) light to different van der Waals heterostructures, which enables a 3D sample reconstruction with nanoscopic axial resolution. Furthermore, the measurements and, more in general, the approach is confirmed by ab initio calculations of the refractive index of layered materials that we compare to existing databases of empirical data. The EUV coherence tomography contrast is estimated in a broad spectral range (photon energy 65 –100 eV). This work sets the basis for the development of a new spectroscopy tool that, thanks to the temporal profile of EUV light sources and the high axial resolution of coherence tomography, can become the ideal probe of ultrafast processes occurring in van der Waals heterostructures and buried nanoscale opto‐electronic devices.
Paper‐Based RNase Digestion toward Viral Nucleic Acid Self‐Tests
Authors: Chondrogiannis Georgios , Toldrà Anna , Hanze Martin , Hamedi Mahiar Max
Published: September 2024

Home‐based Nucleic Acid Amplification Tests (NAATs) for viral infections would be an important step to improve public health, but sample preparation remains an important obstacle, particularly for the protection of target RNA from RNases in samples. Here, a new method for RNase deactivation in saliva samples is presented. This method uses Proteinase K (PK) immobilized on nitrocellulose membrane to store and deliver the enzyme, capable of digesting nucleases present in the sample. The immobilized PK is also separated from the amplification reagents, so that it does not disrupt DNA amplification, thus omitting the need for heat‐deactivation or dilution steps. Treatment by PK nitrocellulose at 50 °C dramatically decreases the RNase activity of RNase A, in diluted saliva samples, and even shows promising results at 42 °C. The potential of this method to protect RNA from digestion is further demonstrated, by pretreating diluted saliva samples spiked with Influenza Virus A (IVA) genomic RNA, which allows its amplification and colorimetric detection by lateral flow strips. In the absence of PK pretreatment, the RNA is digested by RNase, which leads to false negative results. These findings show that immobilized PK enables the integration of sample preparation of viral samples toward home‐based NAATs.