bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
4D Printing of Surface Morphing Hydrogels
Authors: Liaw Chya‐Yan , Pereyra Jorge , Abaci Alperen , Ji Shen , Guvendiren Murat
Published: December 2021

Polymeric systems displaying spontaneous formation of surface wrinkling patterns are useful for a wide range of applications, such as diffraction gratings, flexible electronics, smart adhesives, optical devices, and cell culture platforms. Conventional fabrication techniques for wrinkling patterns involves multitude of processing steps and impose significant limitations on fabrication of hierarchical patterns, creating wrinkles on 3D and nonplanar structures, the scalability of the manufacturing process, and the integration of wrinkle fabrication process into a continuous manufacturing process. In this work, 4D printing of surface morphing hydrogels enabling direct fabrication of wrinkling patterns on curved and/or 3D structures with user‐defined and spatially controlled pattern geometry and size is reported. The key to successful printing is to tailor the photopolymerization time and partial crosslinking time of the hydrogel inks. The interplay between crosslinker concentration and postprinting crosslinking time allow for the control over wrinkling morphology and the characteristic size of the patterns. The pattern alignment is controlled by the print strut size—the size of the solid material extruded from the print nozzle in the form of a line. To demonstrate the utility of the approach, tunable optical devices, a solvent/humidity sensor for microchips, and cell culture platforms to control stem cell shape are fabricated.
Graded Kirigami Composites for Programmed Strain Distributions
Authors: Haque A B M Tahidul , Hwang Dohgyu , Bartlett Michael D.
Published: December 2021

Stretchable devices and components have emerged as a vital platform for wearable electronics, biomedical sensors, and soft robotics. However, the soft‐rigid interfaces that arise when integrating rigid components with soft and deformable substrates can cause stress concentrations, leading to premature failure of devices at these multi‐material interfaces. Here, a stiffness‐graded kirigami composite is introduced to control strain transitions at soft‐rigid interfaces. The graded composite consists of soft elastomers bonded to rigid kirigami films with defined beam architectures to tune the stiffness gradient along the loading direction. Kirigami geometry is designed by coupling finite element analysis with experimental digital image correlation to achieve diverse strain profiles for flexible interfaces. Furthermore, an inverse design method is utilized to determine kirigami patterns to obtain predefined strain fields. These stiffness‐graded kirigami composites create opportunities for more robust soft‐rigid interfaces and defect‐tolerant stretchable devices and robots.
Two‐Dimensional Nanomaterials for the Development of Efficient Gas Sensors: Recent Advances, Challenges, and Future Perspectives
Authors: Kiani Maryam , Rehman Majeed Ur , Tian Xiaoqing , Yakobson Boris
Published: December 2021

The advancement of nanotechnology has produced a huge potential to prepare highly sensitive and portable sensors with low cost and low energy consumption. Here, a comprehensive review of the recent development of two‐dimensional nanomaterials for gas sensors is presented. Emerging kinds of two‐dimensional nanomaterials‐based sensors with high surface‐to‐volume ratio and porous nanostructures are considered superior for the adsorption of gas molecules, for various gases have been discussed in this review. In addition, strategies that can enhance sensor performance by nanomaterials design and synthesis are also discussed and elaborated for the novel two‐dimensional nanomaterials to the development of sensing technology. Finally, the current challenges have been summarized and future perspectives for the development of gas sensors are also suggested.
Recent Advances and Perspectives of Photostability for Halide Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Wang Zhen , Zhang Zeyu , Xie Li , Wang Shurong , Yang Chenguang , Fang Changqing , Hao Feng
Published: December 2021

Halide perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have attracted much attention in the next generation of photovoltaic devices due to their low material costs, simple preparation process, and excellent power conversion efficiency (PCE). However, the poor photostability severely limits their commercial application. In this review, the degradation mechanism of PSCs under different light conditions, and various recovery mechanisms are discussed in detail, including i) the degradation of hybrid perovskite under visible light and ultraviolet (UV) light; ii) the degradation of inorganic perovskite under the mixed conditions of oxygen, moisture, and light; iii) the superoxide promoted degradation of perovskite under the combined action of photo‐oxygen; iv) photoinduced ion migration and phase segregation in mixed halide perovskites. Moreover, recent approaches to improve the photostability of PSCs are further summarized and discussed. Among them, the interface modification, the structural optimization of perovskite layer, the material selection of carrier transport layers, and the associated encapsulation technology of PSCs are essential to the photostability of PSCs. A perspective and outlook toward more photo‐stable PSCs are further given.
Reversible Kinetic Trapping of FUS Biomolecular Condensates
Authors: Chatterjee Sayantan , Kan Yelena , Brzezinski Mateusz , Koynov Kaloian , Regy Roshan Mammen , Murthy Anastasia C. , Burke Kathleen A. , Michels Jasper J. , Mittal Jeetain , Fawzi Nicolas L. , Parekh Sapun H.
Published: December 2021

Formation of membrane‐less organelles by self‐assembly of disordered proteins can be triggered by external stimuli such as pH, salt, or temperature. These organelles, called biomolecular condensates, have traditionally been classified as liquids, gels, or solids with limited subclasses. Here, the authors show that a thermal trigger can lead to formation of at least two distinct liquid condensed phases of the fused in sarcoma low complexity (FUS LC) domain. Forming FUS LC condensates directly at low temperature leads to formation of metastable, kinetically trapped condensates that show arrested coalescence, escape from which to untrapped condensates can be achieved via thermal annealing. Using experimental and computational approaches, the authors find that molecular structure of interfacial FUS LC in kinetically trapped condensates is distinct (more β‐sheet like) compared to untrapped FUS LC condensates. Moreover, molecular motion within kinetically trapped condensates is substantially slower compared to that in untrapped condensates thereby demonstrating two unique liquid FUS condensates. Controlling condensate thermodynamic state, stability, and structure with a simple thermal switch may contribute to pathological protein aggregate stability and provides a facile method to trigger condensate mixing for biotechnology applications.
Polarization‐Induced Band‐Alignment Transition and Nonvolatile p‐n Junctions in 2D Van der Waals Heterostructures
Authors: Yang Mingjun , Shu Haibo , Li Yanyan , Cao Dan , Chen Xiaoshuang
Published: December 2021

2D van der Waals (vdW) p‐n junctions based on vertically stacked atomically thin semiconductor materials have shown tremendous potential in high‐performance integrated electronics and optoelectronics. However, unlike traditional semiconductors, the conventional doping methods to achieve p‐type and n‐type doping in 2D semiconductors remain a large challenge due to their ultrathin structures with limited physical space. Here, by means of density functional theory computations, a nonvolatile doping strategy to obtain self‐defined p‐n junctions in 2D vdW heterostructures created by assembling monolayer transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) on polar semiconductors (PSs) is reported. The calculated results show that the quantum‐confined Stark effect causes the band inclination of 2D PSs along the polarization direction, which allows to manipulate the type of band alignment and spatial distribution of carriers in the heterostructures via the polarization modulation. In particular, the realization of nonvolatile p‐n junctions in type‐III TMD/PS heterostructures with ultrahigh carrier concentration (≈1013 ‐ 1014 cm‐2) is demonstrated, and the spatial distribution of charge carriers in the heterostructures can be tuned by the polarization switching. This work provides a nondestructive doping strategy to obtain programmable vdW p‐n junctions with high carrier concentration and band‐engineering approach for the development of versatile 2D electronics and optoelectronics.
Impact of Bracing on Large Format Prismatic Lithium‐Ion Battery Cells during Aging
Authors: Daubinger Philip , Schelter Matthias , Petersohn Ronny , Nagler Felix , Hartmann Sarah , Herrmann Matthias , Giffin Guinevere A.
Published: December 2021

To reduce the ecological footprint and to increase the lifetime of lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs), it is necessary to understand aging phenomena inside the cells during cycling. In this study, the positive effect of external pressure through bracing the cells on aging is investigated for automotive battery cells with more than 7000 cycles. After cycling, the aged cells are studied by using post‐mortem analysis. It is shown that bracing does not affect the anode and cathode in the same manner. A lack of external pressure results in lithium plating due to contact losses on the anode. Such a loss of lithium inventory plays only a small role in the braced cells. However, the structural and morphological degradation, such as particle cracking at the cathode, is significant. Half‐cell tests of aged and unaged anode samples extracted from the automotive cells confirm the post‐mortem findings, where only minimal differences can be seen for the braced cell. In contrast, the aged cathodes from braced cells demonstrate substantial capacity fade in half‐cell measurements as compared to the cathodes extracted from the unbraced cell. Finally, a new concept of the mechanical state of health (mechanical SOH) is introduced to correlate mechanical effects with electrode degradation.
Collectively Exhaustive Hybrid Triboelectric Nanogenerator Based on Flow‐Induced Impacting‐Sliding Cylinder for Ocean Energy Harvesting
Authors: Kim Ji‐Seok , Kim Junyoung , Kim Jong‐Nam , Ahn Junseong , Jeong Jun‐Ho , Park Inkyu , Kim Daegyoum , Oh Il‐Kwon
Published: December 2021

For the sustainable application of remote sensing and monitoring in the ocean environment, energy harvesting technology based on flow‐induced vibration is in the spotlight. Herein, based on the flow‐induced self‐excitation of an impacting‐sliding cylinder, a collectively exhaustive hybrid triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) is reported, that utilizes both freestanding‐sliding (FS) and contact‐separation (CS) modes. Most importantly, the flow‐induced impacting cylinder (FIC) between two side walls is newly implemented to resolve the critical problem of the lock‐in phenomena occurring in conventional vortex‐induced vibration systems of circular cylinders. Owing to the presence of two side walls, the FIC based TENG (FIC‐TENG) shows a stable electrical power generation in a wide range of flow velocity (0.05–1.02 m s−1) without lock‐in phenomena. In addition, the collectively exhaustive FIC‐TENG can be used to continuously produce electric power utilizing both FS and CS hybrid modes. The energy harvesting performance is greatly enhanced by adopting nanopatterns on triboelectric surfaces in the CS mode TENG and a frequency upconversion effect of interdigitated electrodes in the FS mode TENG, resulting in proper remote operation of a wireless fidelity thermometer.
An Efficient Power Management System Using Dynamically Configured Multiple Triboelectric Nanogenerators and Dual‐Parameter Maximum Power Point Tracking
Authors: Chandrarathna Seneke Chamith , Graham Sontyana Adonijah , Ali Muhammad , Yu Jae Su , Lee Jong‐Wook
Published: December 2021

Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) have shown great potential as sustainable energy sources with the advantages of a lightweight, low cost, simple fabrication, and small size. Nevertheless, schemes for efficient power extraction from TENGs remains difficult, partly because of their short, high‐voltage (HV) pulse output. The available power from a single TENG is not usually enough for practical applications. An efficient power management system for TENGs using a dynamically reconfigured combining method and dual‐parameter maximum power point tracking (MPPT) is proposed. A series to parallel/parallel to series (SPPS) adaptive control method, which dynamically reconfigures the connection of multiple TENGs, efficiently combines the outputs. An MPPT method, which adjusts the dual parameters in a closed‐loop, provides a wide range for matching the high output impedance (≈MΩ) of TENGs. The proposed technique is implemented using a 416 nW energy harvester interface integrated circuit (EHI‐IC), realized using a 180 nm, 48 V Bipolar‐CMOS‐DMOS (BCD) process. Measured results show that the proposed approach achieves a 159‐fold improvement in power extraction compared to the results without EHI‐IC. Finally, a triboelectric energy harvesting ball (T‐EHB), which combines 12 TENG pairs for multi‐axis excitation, and several examples of device powering are presented using the T‐EHB.
Zero‐Strain Structure for Efficient Potassium Storage: Nitrogen‐Enriched Carbon Dual‐Confinement CoP Composite
Authors: Yun Yuanxing , Xi Baojuan , Tian Fang , Chen Weihua , Sun Wenping , Pan Hongge , Feng Jinkui , Qian Yitai , Xiong Shenglin
Published: December 2021

A new type of anode material in which small‐sized CoP nanoparticles coated with N‐doped carbon are immobilized into 1D nitrogen‐doped carbon frameworks (CoP@NC⊂NCFs) is accurately synthesized via self‐template catalysis. The hierarchical structure bears various structural advantages, including more active sites and ultrahigh electrical conductivity provided by enriched nitrogen, strong interface interaction between CoP and N‐doped carbon, and the stability of the structure. As a result, the rapid potassium ion reaction kinetics and the strong adsorption of potassium ions of CoP are realized, verified by galvanostatic intermittent titration and density function theory calculations. In addition, through the advanced in situ characterization techniques, the solid‐solution reaction mechanism of CoP and potassium ions is clarified. The zero‐strain structure of CoP further ensures structural robustness, giving CoP@NC⊂NCFs excellent potassium storage properties, especially cycle stability with a capacity of ≈206 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1 for 1200 cycles, achieving an ultralow decay rate of 0.01%. The corresponding K‐ion full cell is also prepared, as expected, and shows stable capacity retention.
Associations between early marriage and preterm delivery: Evidence from lowland Nepal
Authors: Miller Faith A. , Marphatia Akanksha A. , Wells Jonathan C. , Cortina‐Borja Mario , Manandhar Dharma S. , Saville Naomi M.
Published: December 2021

Objectives

Preterm delivery (<37 weeks gestation) is the largest cause of child mortality worldwide. Marriage and pregnancy during adolescence have been associated with an increased risk of preterm delivery. We investigate independent associations of age at marriage and age at first pregnancy with preterm delivery in a cohort of women from rural lowland Nepal.

Methods

We analyzed data from 17 974 women in the Low Birth Weight South Asia Trial. Logistic regression models tested associations of age at marriage and age at first pregnancy with preterm delivery, for primigravida (n = 6 243) and multigravida (n = 11 731) women. Models were adjusted for maternal education, maternal caste, and household asset score.

Results

Ninety percent of participants had married at <18 years and 58% had their first pregnancy at <18 years. 20% of participants delivered preterm. Primigravida participants married at ≤14 years had higher odds of preterm delivery than those married ≥18 years, when adjusting for study design (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.45, 95% CI: 1.15–1.83), confounders (aOR 1.28: 1.01–1.62) and confounders + age at pregnancy (aOR 1.29: 1.00–1.68). Associations were insignificant for multigravida women. No significant associations were observed between age at first pregnancy and preterm delivery.

Discussion

In this population, early marriage, rather than pregnancy, is a risk factor for preterm delivery. We hypothesize that psychological stress, a driver of preterm delivery which is increased among those marrying young, rather than physiological immaturity, drives this association. Further research into the psychological consequences of child marriage in Nepal is needed.
A homozygous CAP2 pathogenic variant in a neonate presenting with rapidly progressive cardiomyopathy and nemaline rods
Authors: Gurunathan Sharavana , Sebastian Jessica , Baker Jennifer , Abdel‐Hamid Hoda Z. , West Shawn C. , Feingold Brian , Peche Vivek , Reyes‐Múgica Miguel , Madan‐Khetarpal Suneeta , Field Jeffrey
Published: December 2021

Nemaline Myopathy (NM) is a disorder of skeletal muscles caused by mutations in sarcomere proteins and characterized by accumulation of microscopic rod or thread‐like structures (nemaline bodies) in skeletal muscles. Patients diagnosed with both NM and infantile cardiomyopathy are very rare. A male infant presented, within the first few hours of life, with severe dilated cardiomyopathy, biventricular dysfunction and left ventricular noncompaction. A muscle biopsy on the 8th day of life from the right sternocleidomastoid muscle identified nemaline rods. Whole exome sequencing identified a c.1288 delT (homozygous pathogenic variant) in the CAP2 gene (NM_006366), yielding a CAP2 protein (NP_006357.1) with a p.C430fs. Both parents were heterozygous for the same variant but have no history of heart or muscle disease. Analysis of patient derived fibroblasts and cardiomyocytes derived from induced pluripotent stem cells confirmed the p.C430fs mutation (pathogenic variant), which appears to cause loss of both CAP2 protein and mRNA. The CAP2 gene encodes cyclase associated protein 2, an actin monomer binding and filament depolymerizing protein and CAP2 knockout mice develop severe dilated cardiomyopathy and muscle weakness. The patient underwent a heart transplant at 1 year of age. Heart tissue explanted at that time also showed nemaline rods and additionally disintegration of the myofibrillar structure. Other extra cardiac concerns include mild hypotonia, atrophic and widened scarring. This is the first description of a patient presenting with nemaline myopathy associated with a pathogenic variant of CAP2.
Uncovering the hidden history of transpacific contact between Latin America, the Caribbean, and Asia through skeletal population genetics
Authors: Godde Kanya , Rangel González Miriam
Published: December 2021

Objectives

The long history of contact between Latin America, the Caribbean, and Asia extending back to the 16th century has only recently been focused upon in the literature, documenting the intersection of their population histories. Specifically, Chinese laborers immigrated to work in a variety of occupations in the region, along with Japanese workers and those of other Asian nationalities. In this study, we seek to uncover these hidden relationships and hypothesize that Latin American and Caribbean populations will show a close affinity to Asian populations due to a shared population history extending from the 16th century and later.

Materials and methods

Using a population structure approach with craniometrics, we analyzed samples of modern individuals from Panamá, Cuba, China, and Japan, using Mahalanobis D2, principal coordinates analysis (PCoA), canonical variates analysis (CVA), minimum Fst, and an R matrix.

Results

The results from the population structure analyses are consistent with more recent contact between Latin America, the Caribbean, and Asia as they cluster together on 3D plots and population genetics parameters align with knowledge of contact among these populations.

Conclusions

Transpacific contact between Latin America, the Caribbean, and Asia in the 16th–20th centuries is detailed, showing an extensive trade network and evidence of Asian migrations into Latin America and the Caribbean that may be under‐enumerated in the censuses. The population signal in the craniometric data closely follow documented events with Asian populations in Panamá and Cuba in the 19th and 20th centuries, as well as the construction of the Asian Latina/o identity.
A Biomicrofluidic Screening Platform for Dysfunctional Endothelium‐Targeted Nanoparticles and Therapeutics
Authors: Bazban-Shotorbani Salime , Gavins Felicity , Kant Krishna , Dufva Martin , Kamaly Nazila
Published: December 2021

The internal surfaces of all blood and lymphatic vessels are lined with an endothelium, which tightly controls and regulates the permeability of biological molecules. A dysfunctional endothelium (Dys‐En) is a hallmark of many diseases, including atherosclerosis. Dys‐En in atherosclerosis leads to loss of adherens junctions between cells, thus enhancing permeability and upregulation of adhesion receptors such as vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM‐1). Both this enhanced permeability of the endothelium and associated upregulated endothelial cell surface receptors can be exploited in nanomedicine targeting to atherosclerotic plaques. However, the relationship between targeting ligand and nanoparticle (NP) size is not well understood within this context. Herein, a biomicrofluidic model of Dys‐En is developed and this platform is used to screen VCAM‐1 targeted NPs. Screening of NPs with varying properties under flow shows that size plays a dominant role in NP targeting, with NPs in the range of 30–60 nm showing increased targeting to Dys‐En. Moreover, treatment of Dys‐En‐on‐a‐chip with Annexin A1, as a novel proresolving mediator of inflammation, results in restoration of adherens junctions and normalization of the barrier integrity. The results demonstrate utility of using “Dys‐En‐on‐a‐chip” as a screening platform for Dys‐En‐targeted nanomedicines and biologics.
Flexible Networks of Patterned Conducting Polymer Nanowires for Fully Polymeric Bioelectronics
Authors: Chapman Christopher A. R. , Cuttaz Estelle A. , Tahirbegi Bogachan , Novikov Alexey , Petkos Konstantinos , Koutsoftidis Simos , Drakakis Emmanuel M. , Goding Josef A. , Green Rylie A.
Published: December 2021

Patterning of conducting polymers (CPs) into fully functioning devices remains a challenge for the creation of polymeric bioelectronics. Presently, the most successful method for patterning CPs is preprocess blending with structural components and using either subtractive or additive processes to produce the desired design. This work focuses on the development and characterization of a filter‐based processing method for direct pattern transfer of the CP poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) to elastomeric substrates. Laser sintering of a pattern into the surface of a filter membrane and the subsequent filtering of PEDOT nanowires onto the surface of the filter enable feature sizes of approximately 400 μm to be resolved without the need for any postprocessing. The resulting films of patterned PEDOT nanowires are found to possess high conductivity as well as improved wet electrochemical properties in comparison to platinum. Using the process developed in this work, thin and flexible arrays of PEDOT nanowire films are produced and used as an EMG device to test muscle contractions.
Nanocomposites in 3D Bioprinting for Engineering Conductive and Stimuli‐Responsive Constructs Mimicking Electrically Sensitive Tissue
Authors: Züger Fabian , Marsano Anna , Poggio Martino , Gullo Maurizio R.
Published: December 2021

Rebuilding damaged or diseased tissue by means of biological additive manufacturing has recently gained lot of attention and shown very promising result. Using biofabrication techniques to mimic and replicate natural tissue as well as cell environment is a very capable way to achieve physiologically relevant conditions. Especially in electrophysiological human tissue like cardiac or neural tissue, proper signal transduction is of paramount importance for appropriate function and cell maturation as well as differentiation. Precisely, these conductive properties are challenging to engineer. However, a lot of outstanding work has been done recently. Therefore, this review focuses on additives, i.e., nanocomposites with intrinsic conductive properties, to the usually nonconductive hydrogels used in 3D‐bioprinting. Recent work on exploiting the properties of these nanocomposites, such as metal nanoparticles (NPs), carbon nanotubes (CNTs), graphene, or MXenes, to alter the nanoenvironment of the manufactured construct toward conductive tissues is presented. An overview of responsiveness to external stimuli, a second intrinsic property of such nanocomposites is provided as well. Furthermore, these materials are critically analyzed concerning their electrophysiology, i.e., cell–scaffold interaction, their biocompatibility as well as their toxicological properties.
Diazapentabenzocorannulenium: A Hydrophilic/Biophilic Cationic Buckybowl
Authors: Li Qiang‐Qiang , Hamamoto Yosuke , Kwek Germain , Xing Bengang , Li Yongxin , Ito Shingo
Published: December 2021

Polycyclic aromatic molecules are promising functional materials for a wide range of applications, especially in organic electronics. However, their largely hydrophobic nature has impeded further applications. As such, imparting high solubility/hydrophilicity to polycyclic aromatic molecules leads to a breakthrough in this research field. Herein, we report the synthesis of diazapentabenzocorannulenium, a cationic nitrogen‐embedded buckybowl bearing a central imidazolium core, by a bottom‐up strategy from polycyclic aromatic azomethine ylide. X‐ray crystallography analyses have revealed a bowl‐shaped molecular structure that is capable of forming charge‐segregated one‐dimensional columns by bowl‐in‐bowl packing. In addition to its fluorescence capabilities and high dispersibility in water, the molecule was found to selectively localize in the mitochondria of various tumor cells, showing potential as viable mitochondria‐selective fluorescent probes.
Architecture of chitosan chains withsulfur‐dopedcarbon dots along with decoratingCeO2nanoparticles for the photocatalytic application
Authors: Shahabi Nejad Mohaddeseh , Sheibani Hassan
Published: December 2021

Diazinon insecticide from the group of phosphorus pesticides is widely used in pest control. This pesticide can seep into water resources from used agricultural areas and pose a threat to the environment. An economical method to eliminate of pesticides is the degradation in the presence of sunlight, which intensifies the need to design and manufacture new generation photocatalysts with suitable bandgaps to accelerate the process of optical degradation. Nanopolymers with active optical properties can be helpful in this regard In the present study, a new generation of nanopolymers was synthesized by cross‐linking of chitosan with nitrogen and sulfur‐doped carbon dots. In the following, the prepared nanopolymer was decorated and reinforced with nanoceria and confirmation of the structure was done by different techniques such as Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX), thermogravimetric (TGA), and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) After that, the photocatalyst's ability to optically degrade the diazinon organophosphorus toxin was evaluated which yielded promising results.
Synthesis of novel calixarene‐based intumescent flame retardant and application of flame retardant epoxy resin
Authors: Zhang Dingran , Lu Lingang , Chen Lei , Wang Yiqi
Published: December 2021

A new intumescent flame retardant containing APP, MEL and p‐tert‐Butylcalix[4]arene was synthesized and added to epoxy (EP) resin in different proportions with aluminum hydroxide (ATH). The flame retardancy, thermal stability and smoke suppression of flame retardant EP composites were studied. When adding 20% APP to EP matrix, the limiting oxygen index can reach 30.5%. After adding synergist ATH, the amount of char residue in air at 700°C increased significantly from 0.83% to 15.80%, indicating that its heat resistance and oxidation resistance were improved. In terms of peak heat release rate (pHRR), the pHRR of ATH synergistic flame‐retardant EP composites can be reduced to 128.53 kW/m2 (EP3), which is much lower than pure EP and FR/EP composites, indicating that FR and ATH has a good synergistic flame retardant effect. For the stable carbon layer produced, on the one hand, it can block the release of combustible gas, and on the other hand, it can function as heat insulation and oxygen barrier inside the matrix.
In‐reactor blends based on ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene: Effect of microstructure of modifying fraction on the morphology and viscoelastic behavior of blends
Authors: Ushakova Tatiana , Starchak Elena , Krasheninnikov Vadim , Shcherbina Maxim , Gostev Sergey , Novokshonova Ludmila
Published: December 2021

A morphology and viscoelastic behavior of a wide range of in‐reactor blends (RBs) on the base of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) with Mw = 1000 kg mol−1 and polymer fractions of different microstructure were investigated to develop the understanding of relationships between the structure and properties of polyolefin materials. Linear low‐molecular weight polyethylene of high density (LMWPE) with Mw = 160 kg mol−1 as well as ethylene/1‐hexene copolymers (CEH‐n) containing from 3 to 19 mol% of 1‐hexene were used as the components of RBs. In‐reactor blends UHMWPE/CEH‐n and UHMWPE/LMWPE with a varied content of CEH‐n or LMWPE fractions were prepared in the two‐step polymerization processes of ethylene homo‐ and copolymerization over metallocene catalyst. It was found by the methods of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and Wide Angle X ray Scattering (WAXS) methods, that the percentages of crystalline and amorphous phases and the lamella sizes in the materials depend on the nature and amount of modifying polymer fractions. Linear dependences of α‐relaxation temperature on the lamella sizes in crystalline phase and β‐relaxation temperature on the density of butyl branches in copolymer fractions of in‐reactor blends UHMWPE/CEH‐n were found by the method of dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) method. The mechanisms of the processes of α‐ and β‐relaxations in the in‐reactor blends including polymer fractions with different microstructure are discussed.
Preparation of an oxyalkylated lignin‐g‐polylactic acid copolymer to improve the compatibility of an organosolv lignin in blended poly(lactic acid) films
Authors: Gu Qiang , Eberhardt Thomas L. , Shao Jingjing , Pan Hui
Published: December 2021

To improve the compatibility of an organosolv lignin (OL) in polylactic acid (PLA) blends, a green approach was pursued whereby the lignin was modified with propylene carbonate (PC) to increase its aliphatic hydroxyl content, and thereby, its reactivity. The oxyalkylated organosolv lignin (OOL, synthesized at 170°C) was analyzed by quantitative 31P NMR and showed the number of phenolic hydroxyls decreased from 4.73 to 0.16 mmol·g−1, and the number of aliphatic hydroxyls increased from 3.56 to 3.92 mmol·g−1. OOL‐g‐PLA copolymer (OOLPC) samples were prepared by graft polymerization of L‐lactide with the OOL and showed the molecular weights (Mn) to range from 12,343 to 16,834 Da, increasing with the lignin loading of the copolymer. Scanning electron microscope indicated that the graft copolymerization reaction between L‐lactide and the OOL afforded a copolymer that was compatible with PLA. The highest increase in elongation at break was 7.43% for the PLA blend films prepared with the OOLPC having a 5.0% loading of OOL; the tensile strength at this level of lignin loading was 12.03% lower. Introducing an OL into the blend films showed excellent ultraviolet absorption ability and thus the OOLPC could be used as a well‐dispersed UV‐blocking agent for biocompatible packaging materials.
1,5‐Benzodiazepines as a platform for the design of carbonic anhydrase inhibitors
Authors: Ismail Chiraz , Nocentini Alessio , Supuran Claudiu T. , Winum Jean‐Yves , Gharbi Rafik
Published: December 2021

A series of novel N‐triazolo‐benzene sulfonamides‐1,5‐benzodiazepines 9a–d and 10d were designed and prepared through the copper‐catalyzed azide alkyne cycloaddition click chemistry procedure, reacting the N1‐propargyl‐1,5‐benzodiazepine 2 and the N1,N5‐dipropargyl analog 6 with various benzene sulfonamide azides 8a–d. The synthesized compounds were found to show nanomolar affinity toward relevant isoforms of human carbonic anhydrase such as hCA I, II, IV, VII, IX, and XII. The divalent derivative 10d showed a particularly high inhibitory activity against all hCA isoforms when compared with acetazolamide, and showed potent multivalent effects, better than reported previously for divalent CA inhibitors.
Universal design for learning in anatomy education of healthcare students: A scoping review
Authors: Dempsey Audrey M. K. , Lone Mutahira , Nolan Yvonne M. , Hunt Eithne
Published: December 2021

There are concerns among healthcare practitioners about poor anatomical knowledge among recent healthcare graduates. Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a framework developed to enhance students' experience of learning and help students to become motivated learners. This scoping review identified whether UDL has been utilized in third level healthcare education and if so, whether it had been used to enhance student motivation to study anatomy. Seven online databases were searched for studies reporting the use of UDL in the curricula of medical, dental, occupational therapy (OT) or speech and language therapy (SLT) programs. Studies were screened for eligibility with set inclusion criteria. Data were extracted and analyzed. Analysis revealed that UDL was not specifically mentioned in any of the studies thus there are no published studies on UDL being formally applied in healthcare education. However, the authors identified 33 publications that described teaching methods which aligned with UDL in anatomy curricula and a thematic analysis yielded four main themes relating to teaching strategies being employed. Universal design for learning was not mentioned specifically, indicating that educators may not be aware of the educational framework, although they appeared to be utilizing aspects of it in their teaching. The review revealed that there is a lack of research concerning the anatomy education of OT and SLT students. The role of UDL in enhancing motivation to learn anatomy in medical, dental, OT and SLT programs has yet to be explored.
One‐ and two‐sided monitoring schemes for BINARCH(1) processes
Authors: Anastasopoulou Maria , Rakitzis Athanasios C.
Published: December 2021

In this article we propose and study one‐ and two‐sided control charts for monitoring a first order binomial integer‐valued ARCH process. This model can be used for modeling integer‐valued time series of counts with a finite support, which also exhibit overdispersion. We consider Shewhart as well as exponentially weighted moving average control charts. The performance of both schemes is investigated for various shifts in process parameters, which result in an upward or a downward shift in process mean level. Practical guidelines concerning the statistical design of the proposed charts are given as well. The case of two‐sided control charts is also considered. Finally, we describe the implementation of the proposed schemes by using a real dataset about the monthly inflation of the Eurozone members.
Parallel age‐related cognitive effects in autism: A cross‐sectional replication study
Authors: Torenvliet Carolien , Groenman Annabeth P. , Radhoe Tulsi A. , Agelink van Rentergem Joost A. , Van der Putten Wikke J. , Geurts Hilde M.
Published: December 2021

Findings on age‐related cognitive effects in autism in adulthood are inconsistent across studies. As these studies substantially differ in their methodology, replication studies are needed. In this replication study frequentist (i.e., null‐hypothesis significance testing), and Bayesian statistics were used to investigate the hypothesis that in autistic adults compared to non‐autistic adults mostly parallel, but also protective age‐related cognitive effects can be observed. Participants were 88 autistic adults, and 88 non‐autistic matched comparisons (age range: 30–89 years, mean age: 55 years). Cognitive measures were administered on the following six domains: verbal memory, visual memory, working memory, Theory of Mind (ToM), verbal fluency, and processing speed, and self‐reported cognitive failures. Non‐autistic adults outperformed autistic adults on ToM, verbal fluency, and verbal memory, but only the first two were confirmed with Bayesian replication analyses. Also, more cognitive failures were reported by autistic adults. No interactions between group and age were observed, suggesting a parallel age‐related effect on all cognitive domains. In sum, previously observed difficulties in ToM and verbal fluency were replicated which seem to persist at older age. Previously reported parallel age‐related cognitive patterns were replicated, yet no evidence for protective age‐related patterns was found.

Lay summary

We investigated whether our previous findings on cognitive aging in autism could be confirmed in a new study measuring the cognitive effects of age in autistic and non‐autistic adults. As expected, tasks that younger autistic adults had difficulties with (theory of mind, fluency) were also difficult for older autistic adults, and the effect of age itself was similar in autistic and non‐autistic adults. Unexpectedly, we observed no protective effects (less cognitive aging) in autism.
Evaluation of the binding effect and cytotoxicity assay of 2‐Ethyl‐5‐(4‐methylphenyl) pyramido pyrazole ophthalazine trione on calf thymus DNA: spectroscopic, calorimetric, and molecular dynamics approaches
Authors: Marjani Narges , Dareini Maryam , Asadzade‐Lotfabad Maryam , Pejhan Mahtab , Mokaberi Parisa , Amiri‐Tehranizadeh Zeinab , Saberi Mohammad Reza , Chamani Jamshidkhan
Published: December 2021

With advances in new drug therapies, it is essential to understand the interactions between drugs and target molecules. In this study, we applied multiple spectroscopic techniques including absorbance, fluorescence, circular dichroism spectroscopy, viscosity, thermal melting, calorimetric, and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation to study the interaction between 2‐Ethyl‐5‐(4‐methylphenyl) pyramido pyrazole ophthalazine trione (PPF) and calf thymus DNA (ct DNA) in the absence or presence of histone H1. PPF exhibits a high binding affinity towards ct DNA in binary and ternary systems. In addition, the result for the binding constant was observed within the range 104 M−1 achieved through fluorescence quenching data, while the values for enthalpy and entropy changes for ct DNA–PPF and (ct DNA–H1) PPF complexes were measured to be −72.54 kJ.mol−1, −161.14 J.mol−1 K−1, −85.34 kJ.mol−1, and −19.023 J.mol−1 K−1, respectively. Furthermore, in accordance with circular dichroism spectra, the inducement of ct DNA structural changes was observed during binding of PPF and H1 in binary and ternary system forms. The essential roles of hydrogen bonding and van der Waals forces throughout the interaction were suggested using thermodynamic parameters. According to the obtained data, the interaction mode of ct DNA–PPF and (ct DNA–H1) PPF complexes was intercalation binding. Suggested by the MD simulation study, the ct DNA–H1 complex caused a reduction in the stability of the DNA structure in the presence or absence of ligand, which demonstrated that PPF as an intercalating agent can further distort the structure. The information achieved from this study will be very helpful in understanding the effects of PPF on the conformational state of ct DNA in the absence or presence of the H1 molecule, which seems to be quite significant for clarifying the mechanisms of action and its pharmacokinetics.
Relaxation time of brain tissue in the elderly assessed by synthetic MRI
Authors: Ndengera Martin , Delattre Bénédicte M. A. , Scheffler Max , Lövblad Karl‐Olof , Meling Torstein R. , Vargas Maria Isabel
Published: December 2021

Background

Synthetic MRI (SyMRI) is a quantitative technique that allows measurements of T1 and T2 relaxation times (RTs). Brain RT evolution across lifespan is well described for the younger population. The aim was to study RTs of brain parenchyma in a healthy geriatric population in order to define the normal value of structures in this group population. Normal values for geriatric population could help find biomarker for age‐related brain disease.

Materials and methods

Fifty‐four normal‐functioning individuals (22 females, 32 males) with mean age of 83 years (range 56–98) underwent SyMRI. RT values in manually defined ROIs (centrum semiovale, middle cerebellar peduncles, thalamus, and insular cortex) and in segmented whole‐brain components (brain parenchyma, gray matter, white matter, myelin, CSF, and stromal structures) were extracted from the SyMRI segmentation software. Patients' results were combined into the group age. Main ROI‐based and whole‐brain results were compared for the all dataset and for age group results as well.

Results

For white matter, RTs between ROI‐based analyses and whole‐brain results for T2 and for T1 were statistically different and a trend of increasing T1 in centrum semiovale and cerebellar peduncle was observed. For gray matter, thalamic T1 was statistically different from insular T1. A difference was also found between left and right insula (p < .0001). T1 RTs of ROI‐based and whole‐brain‐based analyses were statistically different (p < .0001). No significant difference in T1 and T2 was found between age groups on ROI‐based analysis, but T1 in centrum semiovale and thalamus increased with age. No statistical difference between age groups was found for the various segmented volumes except for myelin between 65–74 years of age and the 95–105 years of age groups (p = .038).

Conclusions

SyMRI is a new tool that allows faster imaging and permits to obtain quantitative T1 and T2. By defining RT values of different brain components of normal‐functioning elderly individuals, this technique may be used as a biomarker for clinical disorders like dementia.
Association of PTPRT mutations with immune checkpoint inhibitors response and outcome in melanoma and non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Zhang Wenjing , Shi Fuyan , Kong Yujia , Li Yuting , Sheng Chao , Wang Suzhen , Wang Qinghua
Published: December 2021

Purpose

Protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor type T (PTPRT), which is a well‐known phosphatase and mutates frequently in melanoma and non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Our research aims to elucidate its mutation association with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) efficacy.

Methods

We integrated whole‐exome sequencing (WES)‐based somatic mutation profiles and clinical characteristics of 631 melanoma samples received ICI agents from eight studies and 109 NSCLC samples from two studies. For validation, 321 melanoma and 350 NSCLC immunotherapy samples with targeted next‐generation sequencing (NGS) were employed. Besides, an independent NSCLC cohort contained 240 samples was also collected for further corroboration. Distinct immune infiltration was evaluated according to the PTPRT mutational status.

Results

In the WES melanoma cohort, patients with PTPRT mutations harbored a significantly elevated ICI response rate (40.5% vs. 28.6%, p = 0.036) and a prolonged survival outcome (35.3 vs. 24.9 months, p = 0.006). In the WES NSCLC cohort, the favorable response and immunotherapy survival were also observed in PTPRT‐mutated patients (p = 0.036 and 0.019, respectively). For the validation cohorts, the associations of PTRPT mutations with better prognoses were identified in melanoma, NSCLC, and pan‐cancer patients with targeted‐NGS (all p < 0.05). Moreover, immunology analyses showed the higher mutation burden, increased lymphocyte infiltration, decreased‐ activated‐stroma, and immune response pathways were detected in patients with PTPRT mutations.

Conclusion

Our investigation indicates that PTPRT mutations may be considered as a potential indicator for assessing ICI efficacy in melanoma and NSCLC, even across multiple cancers. Further prospective validation cohorts are warranted.
ENPEP as a potential predictor of immune checkpoint inhibitor efficacy
Authors: Wang Aoyun , Chu Han , Jin Zheng , Gong Zhihua , Jia Qingzhu , Zhu Bo
Published: December 2021

Background

The gene ENPEP encodes glutamyl aminopeptidase, which can cut N‐terminal aspartic acid from angiotensin II, and is related to tumorigenesis and immune microenvironment, however, the association between the expression of ENPEP and benefits of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has had no investigation.

Methods

We assess the immunotherapeutic predictive performance of ENPEP expression and mutation in multiple cohorts, including one discovery cohort (Pender cohort), four validation cohorts (Hugo cohort; Liu cohort; Mariathasan cohort; Zhao cohort), and one mutation cohort (Miao cohort). Cohorts from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) were used to explore mechanism and analysis prognosis.

Results

In the discovery cohort, patients with lower ENPEP expression had superior response rates (47.2% vs. 36.1%) and over‐all survival (OS) (HR [95% CI] = 0.61 [0.39–0.96]; p = 0.032) compared with those with higher ENPEP expression. The association between ENPEP and immunotherapy efficacy was consistently observed in validation cohorts (Hugo: OS HR [95% CI] = 0.41 [0.11–1.45], p = 0.158; Liu: OS HR [95% CI] = 0.73 [0.44–1.20], p = 0.211; Mariathasan: OS HR [95% CI] = 0.84 [0.65–1.09], p = 0.181; Zhao: OS HR [95% CI] = 0.20 [0.04–1.01], p = 0.033; Pooled cohort: OS HR [95% CI] = 0.76 [0.61–0.95], p = 0.015), and in the mutation cohort (ENPEP mutation vs. wild type (WT), OS HR [95% CI] = 0.46 [0.26–0.93], p = 0.017). Reliably, ENPEP is associated with M2 macrophage infiltration and activation in TCGA.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrated ENPEP is a potential biomarker to classify patients’ response to ICIs treatment.
The Small Open Reading Frame‐Encoded Peptides: Advances in Methodologies and Functional Studies
Authors: Chen Lei , Yang Ying , Zhang Yuanliang , Li Kecheng , Cai Hongmin , Wang Hongwei , Zhao Qian
Published: December 2021

Small open reading frames (sORFs) are an important class of genes with less than 100 codons. They were historically annotated as noncoding or even junk sequences. In recent years, accumulating evidence suggests that sORFs could encode a considerable number of polypeptides, many of which play important roles in both physiology and disease pathology. However, it has been technically challenging to directly detect sORF‐encoded peptides (SEPs). Here, we discuss the latest advances in methodologies for identifying SEPs with mass spectrometry, as well as the progress on functional studies of SEPs.