bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lipid hydroperoxides promote sarcopenia through carbonyl stress
Authors: Eshima Hiroaki , Shahtout Justin L , Siripoksup Piyarat , Pearson MacKenzie J , Mahmassani Ziad S , Ferrara Patrick J , Lyons Alexis W , Maschek John Alan , Peterlin Alek D , Verkerke Anthony RP , Johnson Jordan M , Salcedo Anahy , Petrocelli Jonathan J , Miranda Edwin R , Anderson Ethan J , Boudina Sihem , Ran Qitao , Cox James E , Drummond Micah J , Funai Katsuhiko
Published: March 2023

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation is a cardinal feature of skeletal muscle atrophy. ROS refers to a collection of radical molecules whose cellular signals are vast, and it is unclear which downstream consequences of ROS are responsible for the loss of muscle mass and strength. Here, we show that lipid hydroperoxides (LOOH) are increased with age and disuse, and the accumulation of LOOH by deletion of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPx4) is sufficient to augment muscle atrophy. LOOH promoted atrophy in a lysosomal-dependent, proteasomal-independent manner. In young and old mice, genetic and pharmacological neutralization of LOOH or their secondary reactive lipid aldehydes robustly prevented muscle atrophy and weakness, indicating that LOOH-derived carbonyl stress mediates age- and disuse-induced muscle dysfunction. Our findings provide novel insights for the role of LOOH in sarcopenia including a therapeutic implication by pharmacological suppression.
Short-range interactions between fibrocytes and CD8+ T cells in COPD bronchial inflammatory response
Authors: Eyraud Edmée , Maurat Elise , Sac-Epée Jean-Marc , Henrot Pauline , Zysman Maeva , Esteves Pauline , Trian Thomas , Dupuy Jean-William , Leipold Alexander , Saliba Antoine-Emmanuel , Begueret Hugues , Girodet Pierre-Olivier , Thumerel Matthieu , Hustache-Castaing Romain , Marthan Roger , Levet Florian , Vallois Pierre , Contin-Bordes Cécile , Berger Patrick , Dupin Isabelle
Published: March 2023

Bronchi of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are the site of extensive cell infiltration, allowing persistent contact between resident cells and immune cells. Tissue fibrocytes interaction with CD8+ T cells and its consequences were investigated using a combination of in situ, in vitro experiments and mathematical modeling. We show that fibrocytes and CD8+ T cells are found in the vicinity of distal airways and that potential interactions are more frequent in tissues from COPD patients compared to those of control subjects. Increased proximity and clusterization between CD8+ T cells and fibrocytes are associated with altered lung function. Tissular CD8+ T cells from COPD patients promote fibrocyte chemotaxis via the CXCL8-CXCR1/2 axis. Live imaging shows that CD8+ T cells establish short-term interactions with fibrocytes, that trigger CD8+ T cell proliferation in a CD54- and CD86-dependent manner, pro-inflammatory cytokines production, CD8+ T cell cytotoxic activity against bronchial epithelial cells and fibrocyte immunomodulatory properties. We defined a computational model describing these intercellular interactions and calibrated the parameters based on our experimental measurements. We show the model’s ability to reproduce histological ex vivo characteristics, and observe an important contribution of fibrocyte-mediated CD8+ T cell proliferation in COPD development. Using the model to test therapeutic scenarios, we predict a recovery time of several years, and the failure of targeting chemotaxis or interacting processes. Altogether, our study reveals that local interactions between fibrocytes and CD8+ T cells could jeopardize the balance between protective immunity and chronic inflammation in the bronchi of COPD patients.
Cylicins are a structural component of the sperm calyx being indispensable for male fertility in mice and human
Authors: Schneider Simon , Kovacevic Andjela , Mayer Michelle , Dicke Ann-Kristin , Arévalo Lena , Koser Sophie A , Hansen Jan N , Young Samuel , Brenker Christoph , Kliesch Sabine , Wachten Dagmar , Kirfel Gregor , Strünker Timo , Tüttelmann Frank , Schorle Hubert
Published: March 2023

Cylicins are testis-specific proteins, which are exclusively expressed during spermiogenesis. In mice and humans, two Cylicins, the gonosomal X-linked Cylicin 1 (Cylc1/CYLC1) and the autosomal Cylicin 2 (Cylc2/CYLC2) genes, have been identified. Cylicins are cytoskeletal proteins with an overall positive charge due to lysine-rich repeats. While Cylicins have been localized in the acrosomal region of round spermatids, they resemble a major component of the calyx within the perinuclear theca at the posterior part of mature sperm nuclei. However, the role of Cylicins during spermiogenesis has not yet been investigated. Here, we applied CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing in zygotes to establish Cylc1- and Cylc2-deficient mouse lines as a model to study the function of these proteins. Cylc1 deficiency resulted in male subfertility, whereas Cylc2-/-, Cylc1-/yCylc2+/-, and Cylc1-/yCylc2-/- males were infertile. Phenotypical characterization revealed that loss of Cylicins prevents proper calyx assembly during spermiogenesis. This results in decreased epididymal sperm counts, impaired shedding of excess cytoplasm, and severe structural malformations, ultimately resulting in impaired sperm motility. Furthermore, exome sequencing identified an infertile man with a hemizygous variant in CYLC1 and a heterozygous variant in CYLC2, displaying morphological abnormalities of the sperm including the absence of the acrosome. Thus, our study highlights the relevance and importance of Cylicins for spermiogenic remodeling and male fertility in human and mouse, and provides the basis for further studies on unraveling the complex molecular interactions between perinuclear theca proteins required during spermiogenesis.
Keeping it cool
Authors: Nguyen Vy , Searle Iain
Published: March 2023

A well-established model for how plants start the process of flowering in periods of cold weather may need revisiting.
Ligamentum teres reconstruction using autogenous semitendinosus tendon with toggle technique in rabbits
Authors: Abibe Rebeca Bastos , Rahal Sheila Canevese , Reis Mesquita Luciane dos , Doiche Danuta , da Silva Jeana Pereira , Mamprim Maria Jaqueline , Pinho Renata Haddad , Battazza Alexandre , Alves Carlos Eduardo Fonseca , Saunders W. Brian
Published: March 2023

Background

Ligamentum teres (LT) has traditionally been considered a vestigial or redundant structure in humans; however, based on new studies and the evolution of hip arthroscopy, the LT injury has been viewed as a source of hip pain. Therefore, LT reconstruction can be beneficial in some cases. Rabbits have been frequently used as a model for cranial cruciate ligament reconstruction but few studies are available for ligamentum teres reconstruction.

Objective

To evaluate the semitendinosus tendon to replace ligamentum teres with the toggle technique, using rabbits as an experimental model.

Methods

Twenty-six female Norfolk rabbits with approximately 3 months of age were divided into two equal groups after excision of ligamentum teres (LT) from the right hip joint: G1—no reconstruction of LT and capsulorrhaphy; G2—double—bundle reconstruction of the LT using semitendinosus tendon autograft. In both groups, the LT was removed from the right hip joint. In G2 the autograft was harvested from the left hind limb of the same rabbit. The rabbits were evaluated clinically at different time intervals; before surgery (M1), 48 h (M2), 15 days (M3), 30 days (M4) and 90 days (M5) after surgery.

Results

The rabbits supported their limbs on the ground in both the groups. As complications of the procedure, four hip joints showed subluxations in the radiographic evaluation of G1; three at M4 and one at M5. In G2; two luxations of hip joints at M3 and one subluxation at M4 were seen. On ultrasound, irregular articular surface was seen in 30.8% of the rabbits that had subluxation of hip joints. Gross evaluation identified tendon graft integrity in 76.92% of the rabbits. Histological analysis revealed graft adhesion to the bone in the early phase comprised of sharpey-like collagen fibers.

Conclusion

The double-bundle reconstruction of the LT using autologous semitendinosus tendon associated with the toggle rod shows an early phase of tendon graft ligamentization at 90 days post-operatively in young rabbits, but biomechanical bias suffered by the tendon during gait must be considered.
Intersexual and body size-related variation in chemical constituents from feces and cloacal products involved in intraspecific communication of a fossorial amphisbaenian
Authors: Martín José , Rodríguez-Ruiz Gonzalo , Cuervo José Javier , López Pilar
Published: March 2023

Background

Many animals rely on chemical cues for intraspecific communication. This is especially important in fossorial animals because visual restrictions of the underground environment limit the opportunities for visual communication. Previous experiments showed the ability of the amphisbaenian Trogonophis wiegmanni to discriminate between several categories of conspecifics based on chemical cues alone. However, in contrast with many other reptile species, T. wiegmanni does not have external secretory glands, but uses uncharacterized secretions from the cloaca in intraspecific chemosensory communication.

Methods

Using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), we analyzed the lipophilic compounds from feces and cloacal products freshly extracted from the cloaca of male and female T. wiegmanni. We identified and estimated relative proportions of the compounds found, and tested for intersexual and body-size related differences.

Results

We found a total of 103 compounds, being some steroids (mainly cholesterol and cholestanol), some alkanes and squalene the most abundant and frequent. Further, we found intersexual differences, with males, especially larger ones, having higher proportions of several alkanes between C13 and C24 and of squalene than females, which had higher proportions of several steroids and also of nonacosane and methylnonacosane than males. We compared these findings with secretions of other animals and discuss the potential role of these compounds and their variations in intraspecific communication of amphisbaenians.
Asambleas y ensamblajes : hacia un espacio de ciencia, arte y participación ciudadana : el derecho a la ciencia y la arquitectura como su soporte
Authors:   ,   Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. Facultad de Arquitectura, Diseño y Estudios Urbanos, Hojman Betancourt Galit
Published: March 2023

El Derecho a la Ciencia fue consagrado en la Declaración Universal de Derechos Humanos de Naciones Unidas. Sin embargo, la ciencia, como consecuencia de su abultada diversificación, de su monumental acervo y de su creciente complejidad, se ha distanciado progresivamente del público general. La sociedad actual se caracteriza por la velocidad del cambio y por la incertidumbre, y más que nunca necesitamos de ciudadanos informados para tomar decisiones complejas en relación a problemas y desafíos en los que el conocimiento científico juega un papel protagónico. Uno de ellos es la crisis ambiental que experimenta el planeta que, por una parte, es resultado del progreso sostenido a través de los siglos y por otra, solo se podrá resolver echando mano al conocimiento y a la tecnología disponibles. El daño se manifiesta a toda escala y en todos los ámbitos del planeta: en el suelo, en la atmósfera y en el océano. Como mostramos en este trabajo, por sus peculiaridades, el océano es un sujeto de estudio ineludible, por una parte, pero abordable por otra. Y tiene una característica que lo hace indispensable en el empeño de establecer una conversación con los ciudadanos y acortar su distancia con la ciencia: su transitabilidad. Proponemos aquí el espacio rquitectónico que, de acuerdo a los estudios especializados, toma en consideración los elementos necesarios para lograr encarnar el derecho a la ciencia en pos de la búsqueda de soluciones colaborativas que contribuyan a mitigar el deterioro del medio ambiente.
Indicador multidimensional de pobreza energética integrando confort térmico de verano en ciudades con clima cálido seco
Authors:   ,   Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. Facultad de Arquitectura, Diseño y Estudios Urbanos, Rodríguez Huitrado Blanca Alejandra
Published: March 2023

En regiones con clima cálido seco la pobreza energética tradicionalmente se ha definido por la utilización de calefacción durante el invierno. En el contexto de las tendencias al cambio climático y el calentamiento urbano, se requiere se amplié su definición para incluir las necesidades de confort térmico de verano ; así se propone establecer una relación espacial entre variables de pobreza energética, condiciones socioeconómicas y elementos ambientales urbanos. Esta tesis utiliza consultas a un panel de expertos con el propósito de llegar a un consenso para definir las variables y ponderaciones del indicador multidimensional de pobreza energética que integra confort térmico de verano en ciudades con clima cálido seco. Los resultados del indicador multidimensional que integra confort térmico de verano demuestran un alto porcentaje de viviendas y población en situación de pobreza energética. Concluimos que incluir las necesidades de confort térmico en verano mediante la implementación de estrategias pasivas complementan los indicadores de pobreza energética actuales. Utilizando este indicador a futuro se puede implementar medidas y estrategias de política pública para atender situaciones de pobreza energética en hogares vulnerables frente a los fenómenos cada vez más frecuentes productos del cambio climático.
Divide et praegressio : the effects of Hadrian’s wall on Britain’s longlasting development
Authors:   ,   Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. Instituto de Economía, Quiroga Armaza José Tomás
Published: March 2023

Did Roman presence have long-term impacts? I exploit plausibly exogenous differences across the Roman frontier in Northern England. Through a Regression Discontinuity Desing (RDD), I show that zones just South of the Roman wall still have significant advantage in luminosity and connectivity than those just at the North, and possible differences in population and human capital indicators. I argue that this is due to a legacy of infrastructure and urban centers left by the Romans, which influenced progress through all following centuries. To prove this, I show the effect of Roman rule on a number of intermediate outcomes from a rich amount of datasets. Almost all of them were statistically more positive South of the wall, although some differences appear to fade out after the Industrial Revolution period. All these results are robust to bandwidth, polynomial degree and numerous other tests.
Desafíos de gestionar redes educacionales: el caso de los servicios locales de educación pública
Authors:   ,   Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. Instituto de Economía, Razmilic Vedran
Published: March 2023

En este trabajo se desarrolla un modelo de gestión acorde a la realidad de los establecimientos educacionales públicos que sea compatible con los instrumentos de gestión impulsados por el Ministerio. A su vez, se realiza una revisión de las fuentes de información disponibles para poder construir indicadores que midan el avance en las dimensiones del modelo. Finalmente, se realiza una propuesta de indicadores que midan el logro de objetivos estratégicos y se evalúa empíricamente su relación con el desempeño académico de los establecimientos.
Promoción de la cultura visual en la asignatura de artes visuales: análisis de la contextualización curricular docente
Authors:   ,   Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. Facultad de Educación, Ovalle Garcés Nicole
Published: March 2023

El presente trabajo se enmarca en la enseñanza de la cultura visual en la asignatura de artes visuales y su vínculo con la contextualización curricular. La pregunta que guía esta investigación es: ¿De qué manera los docentes de artes visuales al momento de contextualizar el currículum generan prácticas que promuevan la cultura visual?, para dar respuesta a la interrogante se utiliza análisis temático (Braun & Clarke 2006) y las seis fases de este análisis descritas por los autores. En torno a los resultados de la investigación, se describen los principales hallazgos en cinco apartados: (1) formación docente y contextualización curricular, (2) formación docente y cultura visual, (3) transmisión de la cultura visual en la enseñanza de las Artes Visuales, (4) presencia de los enfoques de educación artística en la investigación, (5) cultura visual y currículum nacional en Artes Visuales. Finalmente se presentan el posicionamiento profesional que define tres niveles: proyecciones a nivel personal, mejora en los contextos educativos y el impacto del programa de magíster a partir de las dimensiones de conocimiento, innovación y colaboración. Posterior a eso, se presenta el plan de mejora y sus características más importantes de aplicación.
Fortalecimiento de decisiones curriculares en tiempos de crisis: una mirada desde las vivencias docentes de 3° y 4° básico
Authors:   ,   Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. Facultad de Educación, García Zamorano Constanza
Published: March 2023

El presente estudio tiene como finalidad fortalecer la toma de decisiones curriculares en futuros contextos de crisis, desde la comprensión de las vivencias de docentes de 3° y 4° básico en una escuela de Quinta Normal durante la pandemia. Para esto, se profundizó en sus vivencias, sus significados y tensiones del fenómeno, para finalizar con un ciclo reflexivo; donde las participantes propusieron sugerencias de mejora en base al proceso investigativo narrativo. Los datos se recopilaron a través de entrevistas semiestructuradas realizadas a dos docentes de 3° y 4° básico. Las entrevistas se analizaron mediante la cronología narrativa y análisis temático narrativo. Se encontró que las docentes vivenciaron el tiempo de pandemia como una crisis que les trajo tanto aprendizajes como tensiones respecto al quehacer curricular. Dentro de estas, destacan decisiones curriculares de secuenciación, alcance, y continuidad; decisiones permeadas por contextos complejos de adaptación a exigencias internas y externas al establecimiento, como el propio contexto de cada docente. No obstante, el trabajo colaborativo fue crucial para las decisiones curriculares. De esta manera, el estudio finaliza con una serie de sugerencias y acciones para la mejora de dicho proceso en próximos contextos de crisis, además de la reflexión profesional al respecto.
Evaluation of CMIP6 Models Skill in Representing Annual Extreme Precipitation over Northern and Southern Nigeria
Authors: Bala Adamu , Aliu A. Momoh , Wan Liman Salihu
Published: March 2023

In this study, we evaluate the performance of 13 climate models from phase 6 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP6) in simulating seven (7) extreme precipitation indices over Northern and southern Nigeria. The considered extreme indices designated in this study were, Total precipitation (PRCPTOT), maximum consecutive wet days (CWD), Heavy precipitation days (R10mm), Very heavy precipitation days (R20mm), Max-5 days Precipitation (RX5day), Extremely wet days (R99pTOT) and Very wet days (R95pTOT). The performance of these 13 climate models are assesed by comparing the model simulation to the observed dataset from the Global Precipitation Climatology Project (GPCP). The performance of CMIP6 models in capturing extreme precipitation characteristics is revealed through some selected multiple descriptive statistics: the normalized mean bias error, RMSE, NRMSE, and Taylor diagram. The descriptive statistics conclusively revealed the satisfactory performance of Cmip6 models in simulation of most extreme events over the north and southern region of Nigeria, as the selected 13 climate models showed a high statistical correlation of (~0.8) when compared with the observed GPCP data except for maximum consecutive wet days (CWD). Overall, majority of CMIP6 models were able to accurately represented only six (6) of the extreme indices, and a significant majority of CMIP6 models failed in simulating maximum consecutive wet days (CWD) in both northern and southern Nigeria.
Concordance and Discrepancies Among 5 Creatinine-Based Equations for Assessing Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate in Older Adults
Authors: Beridze Giorgi , Vetrano Davide L. , Marengoni Alessandra , Dai Lu , Carrero Juan-Jesús , Calderón-Larrañaga Amaia
Published: March 2023

Importance

There is uncertainty as to which estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) equation should be used among older adults.

Objective

To compare the 5 most commonly used creatinine-based eGFR equations in older adults, quantifying the concordance among the equations, comparing their discriminative capacity in regards to 15-year mortality, and identifying sources of potential discrepancies.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cohort study used data from the Swedish National Study on Aging and Care in Kungsholmen (SNAC-K), a longitudinal study of adults aged 60 years or older in Sweden. Participants were recruited between 2001 and 2004 and followed up for mortality until December 2016. Participants missing creatinine values were excluded. Data were originally analyzed March through July 2022, and were rerun in January 2023.

Exposures

Five creatinine-based equations were considered: Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD), 2009 Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiological Collaboration (CKD-EPI), Revised Lund-Malmö (RLM), Berlin Initiative Study (BIS), and European Kidney Function Consortium (EKFC).

Main Outcomes and Measures

Concordance between equations was quantified using Cohen κ. Discriminative capacity for mortality was quantified using area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and the Harrel C statistic. Calf circumference, body mass index (BMI), and age were explored as correlates of discrepancies.

Results

The study sample consisted of 3094 older adults (1972 [63.7%] female; median [IQR] age, 72 [66-81] years). Cohen κ between dyads of equations ranged from 0.42 to 0.91, with poorest concordance between MDRD and BIS, and best between RLM and EKFC. MDRD and CKD-EPI provided higher estimates of GFR compared with the other equations. The best mix of AUC and Harrel C statistic was observed for BIS (0.80 and 0.73, respectively); however, the prognostic accuracy for death decreased among those aged over 78 years and those with low calf circumference. Differences between equations were inconsistent across levels of calf circumference, BMI, and age.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cohort study, we found that eGFR equations were not interchangeable when assessing kidney function. BIS outperformed other equations in predicting mortality; however, its discriminative capacity was reduced in subgroup analyses. Clinicians should consider these discrepancies when monitoring kidney function in old age.
Association of Visit Volume and Sociodemographic Characteristics With Vocal Improvement Among Older US Adults With a Self-reported Voice Problem
Authors: Marmor Schelomo , Cohen Seth M. , Misono Stephanie
Published: March 2023

This cross-sectional study evaluates the association of sociodemographic characteristics and care utilization with improved voice function among a large sample of older US adults.
Localization of Lesion Cells and Targeted Mitochondria Via Embedded Hydrogel Microsphere using Heat Transfer Microneedles
Authors: Lin Feng , Zhuang Yaping , Xiang Lei , Ye Tingjun , Wang Zhen , Wu Longxi , Liu Yupu , Deng Lianfu , Cui Wenguo
Published: March 2023

The localization of lesion cells and targeted regulation of organelle function can promote the lesion repair. However, conventional regulation is difficult to reach deep lesions and target mitochondria. In this study, dynamic spiral Mosaic technology is ued to construct heat transfer microneedles with spiral Mosaic micro/nano hydrogel microspheres (ST‐needle), using molecular chain motion in response to heat stimulation to regulate the adhesion of non‐oriented triblock polymer, as a dual delivery system for heat energy and biological factors. The ST‐needle system use its physical property to accurately reach the deep lesions and transfer heat to the lesion cells. Heat activates the dynamic spiral Mosaic mechanism of the ST‐needle system, removing the Mosaic state of hydrogel microspheres and realizing the arrival of heat and hydrogel microspheres into lesion together. Through the rapid inhibition of mitochondrial apoptosis by heat, and long‐term induce mitophagy by hydrogel microspheres releasing biological factors, finally complete the synergistic targeted regulation of mitochondrial function. In vitro/vivo experiments show that ST‐needle system can inhibit chondrocyte apoptosis more effectively (64.41% lower than conventional regulation). Based on dynamic spiral Mosaic technique and the synergistic regulation of heat and biological factors, the ST‐needle system is a promising method for lesion repair.
N‐Butyl Pyridinium Diiodido Argentate(I): A One‐Dimensional Ag‐I Network with Superior Solid‐State Ionic Conductivity at Room Temperature
Authors: Bhattacharyya Biswajit , Balischewski Christian , Sperlich Eric , Günter Christina , Mies Stefan , Kelling Alexandra , Taubert Andreas
Published: March 2023

A new solid‐state material, N‐butyl pyridinium diiodido argentate(I), is synthesized using a simple and effective one‐pot approach. In the solid state, the compound exhibits 1D ([AgI2]−)n chains that are stabilized by the N‐butyl pyridinium cation. The 1D structure is further manifested by the formation of long, needle‐like crystals, as revealed from electron microscopy. As the general composition is derived from metal halide‐based ionic liquids, the compound has a low melting point of  100–101 °C, as confirmed by differential scanning calorimetry. Most importantly, the compound has a conductivity of 10−6 S cm−1 at room temperature. At higher temperatures the conductivity increases and reaches to 10−4 S cm−1 at 70 °C. In contrast to AgI, however, the current material has a highly anisotropic 1D arrangement of the ionic domains. This provides direct and tuneable access to fast and anisotropic ionic conduction. The material is thus a significant step forward beyond current ion conductors and a highly promising prototype for the rational design of highly conductive ionic solid‐state conductors for battery or solar cell applications.
Shape Memory Alloy Thin Film Auxetic Structures
Authors: Dengiz Duygu , Goldbeck Hauke , Curtis Sabrina M. , Bumke Lars , Jetter Justin , Quandt Eckhard
Published: March 2023

Auxetic structures provide an interesting approach to solving engineering problems due to their negative Poisson's ratio, which allows for elongation perpendicular to applied stresses, opposite to a conventional structure's necking behavior. Thus, they can function well in applications requiring compacting the device into a small volume during the deployment (e.g., implants inserted with catheters) or stretchability with area coverage (e.g., stretchable electronics). Fabricating them with shape memory alloys (SMAs) expands the possibilities. The high strains experienced by auxetic structures may become reversible compared to ordinary metals due to superelastic or shape memory effect. This work studies four different auxetic microstructures using thin film SMAs that are capable of surviving strains up to 57.4%. Since these structures are fabricated by layer deposition and lithography, other components, such as microelectronics, can be seamlessly integrated into the fabrication process. These auxetic thin films are investigated for their mechanical behavior under tension for their stretchability and stability. Under tension, thin films are known to show wrinkling instabilities. In two of four designs, the large auxetic behavior leads to wrinkling, while the other two display stable, non‐wrinkling behavior. These designs can be candidates for stretchable electronics, wearable medical devices (e.g., biosensors), or implants (e.g., stents).
Gallium Phosphide Nanoparticles for Low‐Loss Nanoantennas in Visible Range
Authors: Shima Daisuke , Sugimoto Hiroshi , Assadillayev Artyom , Raza Søren , Fujii Minoru
Published: March 2023

Colloidal nanoparticles of gallium phosphide (GaP) with moderately high refractive index (n > 3) and a small extinction coefficient in the visible range are developed using a combination of mechanical milling and a pulsed laser melting process in solution. The combined process yields GaP nanoparticles with an almost spherical shape and the smooth surface. The single particle scattering spectroscopy reveals that smoothening of the surface by the pulsed laser melting process is crucial for achieving distinctive Mie resonances of the dipolar and higher‐order modes in the visible range. The near‐field profile at the Mie resonances studied by electron energy loss spectroscopy in a scanning transmission electron microscope confirms the existence of the magnetic dipole mode. Finally, the Purcell enhancement of fluorescence of molecules on the surface due to the Mie resonances is demonstrated.
Electrochemical Dearomative Amination of Phenol Derivatives: Access to Spirooxazolidinones
Authors: Wan Jin‐Lin , Huang Jing‐Mei
Published: March 2023

An electrochemical oxidative approach to spirooxazolidinones from phenol derivatives via intramolecular dearomative amination reactions is developed. This reaction proceeds without metal catalysts and external chemical oxidants, and shows broad substrate scope and diverse functional group compatibility. The synthetic utility of this strategy is further exhibited by the gram‐scale synthesis and late‐stage functionalization. By slightly tunning the reaction conditions, the alcohols (1°, 2° and 3°) can be afforded from phenol derivatives, which is a good strategy for the deprotection of para‐methoxyphenyl (PMP) group to recover the alcohol function.

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Ultrathin Conformable Electronic Tattoo for Tactile Sensations
Authors: Mazzotta Arianna , Mattoli Virgilio
Published: March 2023

Conformable electronics has emerged in recent years as an innovative research field and the ability of conformable devices to monitor human physiological signals has been extensively explored. Therefore, in this study, the possibility of using conformable electronics as active devices capable of providing stimuli to the human body is investigated. In particular, a new approach is proposed to elicit tactile sensations on human skin using an operating principle based on the generation of localized heat in correspondence with a closed volume of air. This latter consequently expands causing the deformation of a thin membrane. The use of fast prototyping fabrication techniques, i.e., inkjet printing, and commercially available materials, i.e., transfer tattoo paper, allow the device to be produced quickly and easily transferred on the target substrate. Despite the ultrathin thickness (few micrometers), it is possible to observe forces and displacements thanks to localized heating at very low working powers (<300 mW). A pilot test on a voluntary subject demonstrates how it is possible to discriminate the tactile sensation elicited by the active tattoo device. While the working principle on a single taxel is demonstrated, these results show the potential of the new approach for developing wearable tactile displays.
Surface Regulation with Polymerized Small Molecular Acceptor Towards Efficient Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Li Dongyang , Huang Yulan , Ma Ruijie , Liu Heng , Liang Qiong , Han Yu , Ren Zhiwei , Liu Kuan , Fong Patrick Wai‐Keung , Zhang Zhuoqiong , Lian Qing , Lu Xinhui , Cheng Chun , Li Gang
Published: March 2023

Optimizing the interface between the perovskite and transport layers is an efficient approach to promote the photovoltaic performance of inverted perovskite solar cells (IPSCs). Given decades of advances in bulk materials optimization, the performance of IPSCs has been pushed to its limits by interface engineering with a power conversion efficiency (PCE) over 25% and excellent stability. Herein, an n‐type polymeric semiconducting material, PY‐IT, that has shown remarkable performance in organic photovoltaics, is introduced as an interface regulator between perovskite and ETL. Encouragingly, this polymerized small molecular acceptor (PSMA) exhibits significant effectiveness in both passivation defects and electron transfer facilitation properties with the merits of strong planarity and rotatable linkers, which significantly optimizes perovskite grain growth orientation and added charge transport channels. As a result, the PSMA‐treated IPSC devices obtain an optimal efficiency of 23.57% with a fill factor of 84%, among the highest efficiency among PSMA‐based IPSCs. Meanwhile, the photo‐stability of PSMA devices is eye‐catching, maintaining ≈80% of its initial PCE after 1000 h of simulated 1‐sun illumination under maximal power point tracking. This work combines the achievements of polymer science and IPSC device engineering to provide a new insight into interface regulation of efficient and stable devices.
Chemical Prepotassiation Realizes Scalable KC8Foil Anodes for Potassium‐Ion Pouch Cells
Authors: Liang Lei , Tang Mengyao , Zhu Qiaonan , Wei Wei , Wang Sicong , Wang Jiawei , Chen Jiangchun , Yu Dandan , Wang Hua
Published: March 2023

Currently, graphite (Gr) and potassium metal are two typical and widely used anodes for potassium‐ion batteries (PIBs). Unfortunately, the inevitable electrochemical prepotassiation of Gr anode and the unprocessable nature of K metal hinder the advancement of potassium‐ion pouch cells. There is an urgent need to develop alternative anodes for promoting the practical applications of PIBs. Herein, KC8is proposed as a specialized anode for the research of PIBs. By taking a chemical prepotassiation strategy, a large‐area KC8foil is successfully fabricated for the first time. Through molecularly tailoring K‐arene complex, the Gibb's free energy of the Gr prepotassiation reaction can be changed, thus enabling accurate preparation of pure‐phase KC8.The size‐controllable KC8anode exhibits a high areal capacity of 1.49 mAh cm−2comparable to the commercial Gr anode used in lithium‐ion batteries. Based on this, a stackable pouch cell delivers an unprecedented high capacity of 106 mAh and high energy density >100 Wh kg−1cathode+anode. This work highlights the prospect of scalable KC8foil anodes to achieve practical PIBs.
Development and content validation of the checklist for assessing placement of a small‐bore chest tube (CAPS) for small‐bore chest tube placement
Authors: Shafiq Majid , Russo Stefani , Davis Joshua , Hall Ronald , Calhoun Jared , Jasper Edward , Berg Katherine , Berg Dale , O'Hagan Emma C. , Riesenberg Lee Ann
Published: March 2023

Background

Small‐bore chest tube (SBCT) placement via modified Seldinger technique is a commonly performed invasive procedure for treatment of pleural effusion and pneumothorax. When performed suboptimally, it may lead to serious complications. Validated checklists are central to teaching and assessing procedural skills and may result in improved health care quality. In this paper, we describe the development and content validation of a SBCT placement checklist.

Methods

A literature review across multiple medical databases and seminal textbooks was performed to identify all publications describing procedural steps involved in SBCT placement. No studies were identified that involved systematic development of a checklist for this purpose. After the first iteration of a comprehensive checklist (CAPS) based on literature review was developed, the modified Delphi technique involving a panel of nine multidisciplinary experts was used to modify it and establish its content validity.

Results

After four Delphi rounds, the mean expert‐rated Likert score across all checklist items was 6.85 ± 0.68 (out of 7). The final, 31‐item checklist had a high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.846) with 95% of the responses (by nine experts across 31 checklist items) being a numerical score of 6 or 7.

Conclusions

This study reports the development and content validity of a comprehensive checklist for teaching and assessing SBCT placement. For purposes of demonstrating construct validity, this checklist should next be studied in the simulation and clinical setting.
Continuum Robots: An Overview
Authors: Russo Matteo , Sadati Seyed Mohammad Hadi , Dong Xin , Mohammad Abdelkhalick , Walker Ian D. , Bergeles Christos , Xu Kai , Axinte Dragos A.
Published: March 2023

Herein, recent advances, current limitations, and open challenges in the design, modeling, and control of continuum robots are discussed. Thanks to their lean bodies, these robots achieve a long reach through narrow and tortuous environments, enabling currently unachievable tasks for medical, industrial, and service applications. The recent surge in research on these robots leads to significant advances in design, modeling, and control methods. Herein, these developments with a comprehensive review of existing continuum robots and emerging technologies are examined. Then, modeling and control approaches are compared, and navigation strategies exclusive to continuum robots, such as follow the leader, coiling, and circumnutation are examined. Finally, an overview of their applications is provided with a focus on industrial and service tasks, outlining open research challenges and future developments.
Audio Classification with Skyrmion Reservoirs
Authors: Msiska Robin , Love Jake , Mulkers Jeroen , Leliaert Jonathan , Everschor-Sitte Karin
Published: March 2023

Physical reservoir computing is a computational paradigm that enables spatiotemporal pattern recognition to be performed directly in matter. The use of physical matter leads the way toward energy‐efficient devices capable of solving machine learning problems without having to build a system of millions of interconnected neurons. Proposed herein is a high‐performance “skyrmion mixture reservoir” that implements the reservoir computing model with multidimensional inputs. This implementation solves spoken digit classification tasks with an overall model accuracy of 97.4% and a < 1% word error ratethe best performance ever reported for in materio reservoir computers. Due to the quality of the results and the low‐power properties of magnetic texture reservoirs, it is evident that skyrmion fabrics are a compelling candidate for reservoir computing.
Self‐Folding Method Using a Linkage Mechanism for Origami Structures
Authors: Sato Yusuke , Iwase Eiji
Published: March 2023

Origami is garnering attention in fields such as medical and electronic devices as this approach allows transitioning from a 2D to a 3D structure. Self‐folding method is effective for fabricating origami structures, but conventional strategy of self‐folding by driving all hinges is unsophisticated and thus makes redundancy and unnecessary limitations in fabrication. The behavior of deformation of origami structures can be described as a linkage mechanism, so that the degree of freedom of the origami structure is essentially not equal to the number of hinges. Herein, a self‐folding method is proposed for origami structures such that an entire structure can be folded by driving only a few hinges using the characteristics of force transmission of origami as a linkage mechanism. This proposed self‐folding method allows the selection of the position of the driving hinges and enables the self‐folding of origami structures with the restrictions of the position of the driving hinge. In addition, the method can provide high process compatibility for the fabrication and folding processes of origami devices.
A Soft Enveloping Gripper with Enhanced Grasping Ability via Morphological Adaptability
Authors: Hao Yufei , Wang Zhongkui , Zhou Yuzhao , Zhou Weitai , Cai Tengfei , Zhang Jianhua , Sun Fuchun
Published: March 2023

Hitherto, automated grasping with robotic grippers requires adjusting the posture and force of the fingers based on the size, geometry, stiffness, and pose of the objects. To provide a simpler but efficient grasping methodology, a soft enveloping gripper is presented and investigated how its morphological adaptability improves the grasping ability by comparing its performance with fingered grippers. Results show that this enveloping gripper can omnidirectionally envelop objects via active–passive interaction, which allows the gripper to 100% grasp the object located at different positions within range and keep their orientations. However, the grasping success rate and orientation error of the fingered grippers highly depend on the relative position and angle of the objects to the grippers, as well as the number of fingers. The dynamic vibration and decay time of the enveloping gripper when grasping a 500 g weight are, both, approximately one‐sixth of those of the two‐fingered gripper when grasping a 12.37 g cube. This enveloping gripper can automatically grasp objects (including deformable ones) lying in different poses without posture estimation and force control with a simple vision‐based automatic grasping method. The enveloping grasping method may open an avenue for simple, low cost yet powerful automatic grasping applications.
‘2E−2N squares’: Chalcogen (E=S, Se and Te) Bonding Involving Benzochalcogenodiazoles
Authors: Pati Palas Baran
Published: March 2023

Several intra and intermolecular interactions (secondary bonding interactions, SBIs) such as halogen bonding (XB), hydrogen bonding (HB) have great impact on crystal engineering, from catalysis to material and pharmaceutical applications. With respect to other interactions chalcogen (S, Se and Te) bonding (ChB) is less explored until very recently, although it has great potential to evolve in larger domain. In literature there are several reports on ChB and their roles in solid‐state packing of molecular materials having benzochalcogenodiazole as an active moiety applicable in organic electronics. Some important and informative reviews on ChB and their various applications in catalysis and structural properties relationship were also presented. Here purpose of this review is to summarize the ChB involved in π‐conjugated molecular system having benzochalcogenodiazole to form ‘2E−2N square’ which seems to be very important supramolecular synthon involving ChB.
Revealing the Interfacial Chemistry of Fluoride Alkyl Magnesium Salts in Magnesium Metal Batteries
Authors: Long Juncai , Tan Shuangshuang , Wang Junjun , Xiong Fangyu , Cui Lianmeng , An Qinyou , Mai Liqiang
Published: March 2023

Exploring promising electrolyte‐system with high reversible Mg plating/stripping and excellent stability is essential for rechargeable magnesium batteries (RMBs). Fluoride alkyl magnesium salts (Mg(ORF)2) not only possess high solubility in ether solvents but also compatible with Mg metal anode, thus holding a vast application prospect. Herein, a series of diverse Mg(ORF)2 were synthesized, among them, perfluoro‐tert‐butanol magnesium (Mg(PFTB)2)/AlCl3/MgCl2 based electrolyte demonstrates highest oxidation stability, and promotes the in situ formation of robust solid electrolyte interface. Consequently, the fabricated symmetric cell sustains a long‐term cycling over 2000 h, and the asymmetric cell exhibits a stable Coulombic efficiency of 99.5 % over 3000 cycles. Furthermore, the Mg||Mo6S8 full cell maintains a stable cycling over 500 cycles. This work presents guidance for understanding structure–property relationships and electrolyte applications of fluoride alkyl magnesium salts.
Reactivity of Glutaconamides Within [2]Rotaxanes: Mechanical Bond Controlled Chemoselective Synthesis of Highly Reactive α‐Ketoamides and their Light‐Triggered Cyclization
Authors: de Maria Perez Jesus , Alajarin Mateo , Martinez‐Cuezva Alberto , Berna Jose
Published: March 2023

Glutaconamide‐based [2]rotaxanes are efficiently oxidized to the respective interlocked α‐ketoamides, whereas their non‐interlocked threads afford hydroxycyclohexene tetraamides under similar reaction conditions. These results showcase the mechanically interlocking of highly reactive substrates as a powerful tool for controlling their chemical behavior. Inside the macrocycle and under irradiation with light, the α‐ketoamide threads convert, in a divergent manner, into the corresponding interlocked hydroxy‐β‐lactams or oxazolidinones by two modes of Norrish/Yang type‐II intramolecular cyclizations, processes that are efficiently chemocontrolled by the mechanical bond.
Contact‐electro‐catalysis for Direct Synthesis of H2O2 under Ambient Conditions
Authors: Zhao Jiawei , Zhang Xiaotong , Xu Jiajia , Tang Wei , Lin Wang Zhong , Ru Fan Feng
Published: March 2023

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is an indispensable basic reagent in various industries, such as textile bleach, chemical synthesis, and environmental protection. However, it is challenging to prepare H2O2 in a green, safe, simple and efficient way under ambient conditions. Here, we found that H2O2 could be synthesized using a catalytic pathway only by contact charging a two‐phase interface at room temperature and normal pressure. Particularly, under the action of mechanical force, electron transfer occurs during physical contact between polytetrafluoroethylene particles and deionized water/O2 interfaces, inducing the generation of reactive free radicals (⋅OH and ⋅O2− ), and the free radicals could react to form H2O2, yielding as high as 313 μmol L−1 h−1. In addition, the new reaction device could show long‐term stable H2O2 production. This work provides a novel method for the efficient preparation of H2O2, which may also stimulate further explorations on contact‐electrification‐induced chemistry process.
Self‐assembly Induced Enhanced Electrochemiluminescence of Copper Nanoclusters Using DNA Nanoribbon Templates
Authors: Ouyang Xiangyuan , Wu Yongli , Guo Linjie , Li Le , Zhou Mo , Li Xinyi , Liu Ting , Ding Yawen , Bu Huaiyu , Xie Gang , Shen Jianlei , Fan Chunhai , Wang Lihua
Published: March 2023

Copper nanoclusters (CuNCs) are attractive electrochemiluminescence (ECL) emitters as Cu is comparatively inexpensive, nontoxic, and highly abundant. However, their ECL yield is relatively low. Herein, we report that orderly self‐assembly of CuNCs using DNA nanoribbon as the template (DNR/CuNCs) conferred the CuNCs with improved ECL properties compared with individual CuNCs in both annihilation and co‐reactant processes. The DNR/CuNCs resulted in a high ECL yield of 46.8 % in K2S2O8, which was ≈68 times higher than that of individual CuNCs. This strategy was successfully extended to other ECL emitters, such as gold nanoclusters and the Ru(bpy)32+/TPrA system. Furthermore, as an application of DNR/CuNCs, a DNR/CuNC‐based ECL biosensor with higher sensitivity was constructed for dopamine determination (two orders of magnitude lower than that previously reported), showing that DNR/CuNCs have a potential for application in ECL bioanalysis as a new type of superior luminophore candidate.