bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nature‐Inspired Directional Microneedle Structures for Reversible Gripping on Skin and Fibrous Materials
Authors: Farzam Melika , Beitollahpoor Mohamadreza , Pesika Noshir S.
Published: February 2024

Plants such as Galium aparine show directional gripping to various surfaces because of their microscale hook structures. A bio‐inspired artificial version of microhooks holds potential as a bidirectional, reversible, and reusable dry adhesive for soft, wet, or fibrous substrates such as skin or textiles. However, current methods for fabricating 3D structures are often costly, time‐consuming, or require precise alignment steps. Herein, a facile, cost‐effective, scalable, and unconventional microfabrication technique is proposed using tilted photolithography on a rotary stage and shear molding to fabricate a soft polydimethylsiloxane polymer mold containing the inverse replica of directional microneedle structures. To demonstrate the proof‐of‐concept, polyurethane is then added to the mold to obtain directional microneedles, referred to as microhooks. Friction force measurements using a nanotribometer show anisotropic performance (strong attachment in one direction and easy detachment in the opposite direction over multiple cycles) similar to the natural microhooks. Tribological characterization of the microhooks shows a gripping force 2.25 times greater than the sliding force. The fabricated microhook structures also provide an adhesion force of ≈0.62 N cm−2 to artificial skin. This biomimetic approach promises precise adhesion control and material versatility for attaching wearable devices and patches to the skin in biomedical applications.
Apt‐19s‐Functionalized 3D‐Printed Mesoporous Bioactive Glass Scaffold Promotes BMSC Recruitment in Bone Regeneration via SDF‐1α/CXCR4 Axis and MAPK Signaling
Authors: Wang Zeying , Lao An , Huang Xingtai , Zhou Yongsheng , Shen Steve GF , Lin Dan
Published: February 2024

Directional migration and differentiation of stem cells in situ are two essential processes for tissue regeneration. However, transplanted scaffold itself lacks sufficient ability to induce stem cell recruitment. As an artificial synthesized nucleic acid, aptamer 19s (Apt‐19s), with high cost‐effectiveness and bioactivity, demonstrates a robust capacity for specific binding and recruitment of mesenchymal stem cells. In this study, a mesoporous bioactive glass scaffold fabricated via a seamless route of self‐assembly and 3D printing (3D‐MBG), functionalized with Apt‐19s is successfully prepared via physical adsorption and lyophilization with optimized release kinetics and bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) recruiting efficiency in vitro. This scaffold significantly enhanced migration and osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs in vitro and in vivo. The mechanism underlying Apt‐19s‐induced BMSCs recruitment is elucidated for the first time, that Apt‐19s promoted BMSCs migration by upregulating stromal cell‐derived factor‐1α (SDF‐1α) gene expression, facilitating SDF‐1α protein translation and secretion, and further activating the SDF‐1α/CXCR4 signaling axis and MAPK pathway. In summary, the Apt‐19s‐functionalized 3D‐MBG scaffold offers an economical and efficient solution for customized bone regeneration in situ, and the elucidation of Apt‐19s‐induced BMSCs recruitment at molecular biological level may shed light on its broader clinical applications.
Elephant Trunk Inspired Multimodal Deformations and Movements of Soft Robotic Arms
Authors: Leanza Sophie , Lu‐Yang Juliana , Kaczmarski Bartosz , Wu Shuai , Kuhl Ellen , Zhao Ruike Renee
Published: February 2024

Elephant trunks are capable of complex, multimodal deformations, allowing them to perform task‐oriented high‐degree‐of‐freedom (DOF) movements pertinent to the field of soft actuators. Despite recent advances, most soft actuators can only achieve one or two deformation modes, limiting their motion range and applications. Inspired by the elephant trunk musculature, a liquid crystal elastomer (LCE)‐based multi‐fiber design strategy is proposed for soft robotic arms in which a discrete number of artificial muscle fibers can be selectively actuated, achieving multimodal deformations and transitions between modes for continuous movements. Through experiments, finite element analysis (FEA), and a theoretical model, the influence of LCE fiber design on the achievable deformations, movements, and reachability of trunk‐inspired robotic arms is studied. Fiber geometry is parametrically investigated for 2‐fiber robotic arms and the tilting and bending of these arms is characterized. A 3‐fiber robotic arm is additionally studied with a simplified fiber arrangement analogous to that of an actual elephant trunk. The remarkably broad range of deformations and the reachability of the arm are discussed, alongside transitions between deformation modes for functional movements. It is anticipated that this design and actuation strategy will serve as a robust method to realize high‐DOF soft actuators for various engineering applications.
Dual‐Responsive Nanogels with Cascaded Gentamicin Release and Lysosomal Escape to Combat Intracellular Small Colony Variants for Peritonitis and Sepsis Therapies
Authors: Xie Shuang , Li Yu , Cao Wenxiong , Peng Jiawen , Huang Kun , Meng Jie , Li Xiaohong
Published: February 2024

Intracellular bacteria are the major cause of serious infections including sepsis and peritonitis, but face great challenges in fighting against the stubborn intracellular small colony variants (SCVs). Herein, the authors have developed nanogels (NGs) to destroy both planktonic bacteria and SCVs and eliminate excessive inflammations for peritonitis and sepsis therapies. Free gentamicin (GEN) and hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (NPs) with GEN loading and mannose grafts (mHAG) are inoculated into ε‐polylysine NGs to obtain NG@G1‐mHAG2 through crosslinking with phenylboronic acid and tannic acid. The H2O2 consumption after reaction with phenylboronic esters and the elimination of free radicals by tannic acid alleviates the escalated inflammatory status to promote sepsis therapy. After mannose‐mediated uptake into macrophages, the acid‐triggered degradation of mHAG NPs generates Ca2+ to destabilize lysosomes and the efficient lysosomal escape leads to reversion of hypometabolic SCVs into normal phenotype and their sensitivity to GEN. In a peritonitis mouse model, NG@G1‐mHAG2 treatment provides strong and persistent bactericidal effects against both extracellular bacteria and intracellular SCVs and extends survival of peritonitis mice without apparent hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, pulmonary edema, and inflammatory cell infiltration. Thus, this study demonstrates a concise and versatile strategy to eliminate SCVs and relieve inflammatory storms for peritonitis and sepsis therapies without infection recurrence.
Accurate Spatio‐Temporal Delivery of Nitric Oxide Facilitates the Programmable Repair of Avascular Dense Connective Tissues Injury
Authors: Feng Yubo , Su Lefeng , Liu Lei , Chen Zhanyi , Ji Yucheng , Hu Yuwei , Zheng Dandan , Chen Zhi , Lei Changbin , Xu He , Han Yingchao , Shen Hongxing
Published: February 2024

Avascular dense connective tissues (e.g., the annulus fibrosus (AF) rupture, the meniscus tear, and tendons and ligaments injury) repair remains a challenge due to the “biological barrier” that hinders traditional drug permeation and limits self‐healing of the injured tissue. Here, accurate delivery of nitric oxide (NO) to penetrate the “AF biological barrier” is achieved thereby enabling programmable AF repair. NO‐loaded BioMOFs are synthesized and mixed in a modified polyvinyl alcohol and PCL‐composited electrospun fiber membrane with excellent reactive oxygen species‐responsive capability (LN@PM). The results show that LN@PM could respond to the high oxidative stress environment at the injured tissue and realize continuous and substantial NO release. Based on low molecular weight and lipophilicity, NO could penetrate through the “biological barrier” for accurate AF drug delivery. Moreover, the dynamic characteristics of the LN@PM reaction can be matched with the pathological microenvironment to initiate programmable tissue repair including sequential remodeling microenvironment, reprogramming the immune environment, and finally promoting tissue regeneration. This tailored programmable treatment strategy that matches the pathological repair process significantly repairs AF, ultimately alleviating intervertebral disc degeneration. This study highlights a promising approach for avascular dense connective tissue treatment through intelligent NO release, effectively overcoming “AF biological barriers” and programmable treatment.
An Integrated Deposition and Passivation Strategy for Controlled Crystallization of 2D/3D Halide Perovskite Films
Authors: Kodalle Tim , Byranvand Mahdi Malekshahi , Goudreau Meredith , Das Chittaranjan , Roy Rajarshi , Kot Małgorzata , Briesenick Simon , Zohdi Mohammadreza , Rai Monika , Tamura Nobumichi , Flege Jan Ingo , Hempel Wolfram , Sutter‐Fella Carolin M. , Saliba Michael
Published: February 2024

This work introduces a simplified deposition procedure for multidimensional (2D/3D) perovskite thin films, integrating a phenethylammonium chloride (PEACl)‐treatment into the antisolvent step when forming the 3D perovskite. This simultaneous deposition and passivation strategy reduces the number of synthesis steps while simultaneously stabilizing the halide perovskite film and improving the photovoltaic performance of resulting solar cell devices to 20.8%. Using a combination of multimodal in situ and additional ex situ characterizations, it is demonstrated that the introduction of PEACl during the perovskite film formation slows down the crystal growth process, which leads to a larger average grain size and narrower grain size distribution, thus reducing carrier recombination at grain boundaries and improving the device's performance and stability. The data suggests that during annealing of the wet film, the PEACl diffuses to the surface of the film, forming hydrophobic (quasi‐)2D structures that protect the bulk of the perovskite film from humidity‐induced degradation.
Stimuli‐Responsive Nanostructured Viologen‐Siloxane Materials for Controllable Conductivity
Authors: van den Bersselaar Bart W. L. , van de Ven Alex P. A. , de Waal Bas F. M. , Meskers Stefan C. J. , Eisenreich F. , Vantomme G.
Published: February 2024

Spontaneous phase separation is a promising strategy for the development of novel electronic materials, as the resulting well‐defined morphologies generally exhibit enhanced conductivity. Making these structures adaptive to external stimuli is challenging, yet crucial as multistate reconfigurable switching is essential for neuromorphic materials. Here, a modular and scalable approach is presented to obtain switchable phase‐separated viologen‐siloxane nanostructures with sub‐5 nm features. The domain spacing, morphology, and conductivity of these materials can be tuned by ion exchange, repeated pulsed photoirradiation and electric stimulation. Counterion exchange triggers a postsynthetic modification in domain spacing of up to 10%. Additionally, in some cases, 2D to 1D order–order transitions are observed with the latter exhibiting a sevenfold decrease in conductivity with respect to their 2D lamellar counterparts. Moreover, the combination of the viologen core with tetraphenylborate counterions enables reversible and in situ reduction upon light irradiation. This light‐driven reduction provides access to a continuum of conducting states, reminiscent of long‐term potentiation. The repeated voltage sweeps improve the nanostructures alignment, leading to increased conductivity in a learning effect. Overall, these results highlight the adaptivity of phase‐separated nanostructures for the next generation of organic electronics, with exciting applications in smart sensors and neuromorphic devices.
Ultraflexible Temperature‐Strain Dual‐Sensor Based on Chalcogenide Glass‐Polymer Film for Human‐Machine Interaction
Authors: Fu Yanqing , Kang Shiliang , Xiang Guofeng , Su Chengran , Gao Chengwei , Tan Linling , Gu Hao , Wang Shengpeng , Zheng Zhuanghao , Dai Shixun , Lin Changgui
Published: February 2024

Skin‐like thermoelectric (TE) films with temperature‐ and strain‐sensing functions are highly desirable for human‐machine interaction systems and wearable devices. However, current TE films still face challenges in achieving high flexibility and excellent sensing performance simultaneously. Herein, for the first time, a facile roll‐to‐roll strategy is proposed to fabricate an ultraflexible chalcogenide glass‐polytetrafluoroethylene composite film with superior temperature‐ and strain‐sensing performance. The unique reticular network of the composite film endows it with efficient Seebeck effect and flexibility, leading to a high Seebeck coefficient (731 µV/K), rapid temperature response (≈0.7 s), and excellent strain sensitivity (gauge factor = 836). Based on this high‐performance composite film, an intelligent robotic hand for action feedback and temperature alarm is fabricated, demonstrating its great potential in human‐machine interaction. Such TE film fabrication strategy not only brings new inspiration for wearable inorganic TE devices, but also sets the stage for a wide implementation of multifunctional human‐machine interaction systems.
Bottom‐Up Film‐to‐Bulk Assembly Toward Bioinspired Bulk Structural Nanocomposites
Authors: Chen Si‐Ming , Zhang Zhen‐Bang , Gao Huai‐Ling , Yu Shu‐Hong
Published: February 2024

Biological materials, although composed of meager minerals and biopolymers, often exhibit amazing mechanical properties far beyond their components due to hierarchically ordered structures. Understanding their structure–properties relationships and replicating them into artificial materials would boost the development of bulk structural nanocomposites. Layered microstructure widely exists in biological materials, serving as the fundamental structure in nanosheet‐based nacres and nanofiber‐based Bouligand tissues, and implying superior mechanical properties. High‐efficient and scalable fabrication of bioinspired bulk structural nanocomposites with precise layered microstructure is therefore important yet remains difficult. Here, one straightforward bottom‐up film‐to‐bulk assembly strategy is focused for fabricating bioinspired layered bulk structural nanocomposites. The bottom‐up assembly strategy inherently offers a methodology for precise construction of bioinspired layered microstructure in bulk form, availability for fabrication of bioinspired bulk structural nanocomposites with large sizes and complex shapes, possibility for design of multiscale interfaces, feasibility for manipulation of diverse heterogeneities. Not limited to discussing what has been achieved by using the current bottom‐up film‐to‐bulk assembly strategy, it is also envisioned how to promote such an assembly strategy to better benefit the development of bioinspired bulk structural nanocomposites. Compared to other assembly strategies, the highlighted strategy provides great opportunities for creating bioinspired bulk structural nanocomposites on demand.
Impact of Pulse Duration on the Properties of Laser Hyperdoped Black Silicon
Authors: Mc Kearney Patrick , Schäfer Sören , Liu Xiaolong , Paulus Simon , Lebershausen Ingo , Radfar Behrad , Vähänissi Ville , Savin Hele , Kontermann Stefan
Published: February 2024

The impact of three different pulse durations (100 fs, 1, and 10 ps) on the formation of laser hyperdoped black silicon with respect to surface morphology, sub‐bandgap absorptance, the sulfur concentration profile, and the effective minority carrier lifetime after Al2O3surface passivation is investigated. The current flow behavior is compared through the hyperdoped layer byI–Vmeasurements after hyperdoping with different pulse durations. For conditions that give the same absolute sub‐bandgap absorptance, an increase in pulse duration from 100 fs to 10 ps results in a shallower sulfur concentration profile. Findings are explained by an increasing ablation threshold from 0.19 J cm−2for a pulse duration of 100 fs to 0.21 J cm−2for 1 ps and 0.34 J cm−2for 10 ps. The formation of an equally absorbing layer with a shallower doping profile results in a reduction in contact and/or sheet resistance. Despite the higher local sulfur concentration, the samples show no decrease in carrier lifetime measured by quasi‐steady‐state photoconductance decay on Al2O3surface‐passivated samples. The investigation shows that longer pulses of up to 10 ps during laser hyperdoping of silicon result in advanced layer properties that promise to be beneficial in a potential device application.
On‐Site Melanoma Diagnosis Utilizing a Swellable Microneedle‐Assisted Skin Interstitial Fluid Sampling and a Microfluidic Particle Dam for Visual Quantification of S100A1
Authors: Wang Gaobo , Zhang Yuyue , Kwong Hoi Kwan , Zheng Mengjia , Wu Jianpeng , Cui Chenyu , Chan Kannie W. Y. , Xu Chenjie , Chen Ting‐Hsuan
Published: February 2024

Malignant melanoma (MM) is the most aggressive form of skin cancer. The delay in treatment will induce metastasis, resulting in a poor prognosis and even death. Here, a two‐step strategy for on‐site diagnosis of MM is developed based on the extraction and direct visual quantification of S100A1, a biomarker for melanoma. First, a swellable microneedle is utilized to extract S100A1 in skin interstitial fluid (ISF) with minimal invasion. After elution, antibody‐conjugated magnetic microparticles (MMPs) and polystyrene microparticles (PMPs) are introduced. A high expression level of S100A1 gives rise to a robust binding between MMPs and PMPs and reduces the number of free PMPs. By loading the reacted solution into the device with a microfluidic particle dam, the quantity of free PMPs after magnetic separation is displayed with their accumulation length inversely proportional to S100A1 levels. A limit of detection of 18.7 ng mL−1 for S100A1 is achieved. The animal experiment indicates that ISF‐based S100A1 quantification using the proposed strategy exhibits a significantly higher sensitivity compared with conventional serum‐based detection. In addition, the result is highly comparable with the gold standard enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay based on Lin's concordance correlation coefficient, suggesting the high practicality for routine monitoring of melanoma.
JPT2 Affects Trophoblast Functions and Macrophage Polarization and Metabolism, and Acts as a Potential Therapeutic Target for Recurrent Spontaneous Abortion
Authors: Chen Xin , Song Qian Lin , Ji Rui , Wang Jia Yu , Cao Ming Liang , Guo Duan Ying , Zhang Yan , Yang Jing
Published: February 2024

Recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) is a pregnancy‐related condition with complex etiology. Trophoblast dysfunction and abnormal macrophage polarization and metabolism are associated with RSA; however, the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. Jupiter microtubule‐associated homolog 2 (JPT2) is essential for calcium mobilization; however, its role in RSA remains unclear. In this study, it is found that the expression levels of JPT2, a nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide phosphate‐binding protein, are decreased in the villous tissues of patients with RSA and placental tissues of miscarried mice. Mechanistically, it is unexpectedly found that abnormal JPT2 expression regulates trophoblast function and thus involvement in RSA via c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) signaling, but not via calcium mobilization. Specifically, on the one hand, JPT2 deficiency inhibits trophoblast adhesion, migration, and invasion by inhibiting the JNK/atypical chemokine receptor 3 axis. On the other hand, trophoblast JPT2 deficiency contributes to M1 macrophage polarization by promoting the accumulation of citrate and reactive oxygen species via inhibition of the JNK/interleukin‐6 axis. Self‐complementary adeno‐associated virus 9‐JPT2 treatment alleviates embryonic resorption in abortion‐prone mice. In summary, this study reveals that JPT2 mediates the remodeling of the immune microenvironment at the maternal–fetal interface, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic target for RSA.
Recent Progress in Dopant‐Free and Green Solvent‐Processable Organic Hole Transport Materials for Efficient and Stable Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Cheng Qinrong , Chen Weijie , Li Yaowen , Li Yongfang
Published: February 2024

Dopant‐free hole transport layers (HTLs) are crucial in enhancing perovskite solar cells (pero‐SCs). Nevertheless, conventional processing of these HTL materials involves using toxic solvents, which gives rise to substantial environmental concerns and renders them unsuitable for large‐scale industrial production. Consequently, there is a pressing need to develop dopant‐free HTL materials processed using green solvents to facilitate the production of high‐performance pero‐SCs. Recently, several strategies have been developed to simultaneously improve the solubility of these materials and regulate molecular stacking for high hole mobility. In this review, a comprehensive overview of the methodologies utilized in developing dopant‐free HTL materials processed from green solvents is provided. First, the study provides a brief overview of fundamental information about green solvents and Hansen solubility parameters, which can serve as a guideline for the molecular design of optimal HTL materials. Second, the intrinsic relationships between molecular structure, solubility in green solvents, molecular stacking, and device performance are discussed. Finally, conclusions and perspectives are presented along with the rational design of highly efficient, stable, and green solvent‐processable dopant‐free HTL materials.
Acoustic Wave‐Induced Stroboscopic Optical Mechanotyping of Adherent Cells
Authors: Combriat Thomas , Olsen Petter Angell , Låstad Silja Borring , Malthe‐Sørenssen Anders , Krauss Stefan , Dysthe Dag Kristian
Published: February 2024

In this study, a novel, high content technique using a cylindrical acoustic transducer, stroboscopic fast imaging, and homodyne detection to recover the mechanical properties (dynamic shear modulus) of living adherent cells at low ultrasonic frequencies is presented. By analyzing the micro‐oscillations of cells, whole populations are simultaneously mechanotyped with sub‐cellular resolution. The technique can be combined with standard fluorescence imaging allowing to further cross‐correlate biological and mechanical information. The potential of the technique is demonstrated by mechanotyping co‐cultures of different cell types with significantly different mechanical properties.
Spatial Confinement of Sn/TiO2 Nanoparticles in Hollow Mesoporous Carbon Spheres Opal for Stable Zn Metal Anodes
Authors: Sun Peng Xiao , Zheng Ya Qi , Zhang Xin Yu , Yu Huan , Guo Yan , Yu Le
Published: February 2024

The sluggish Zn2+ diffusion and high nucleation energy barrier induce uncontrolled growth of Zn dendrites and detrimental parasitic reactions, severely hampering the commercialization of Zn metal anodes (ZMAs). Herein, hollow mesoporous carbon sphere opal with confined Sn/TiO2 clusters (HMCSST) is designed as the host to spatially regulate the Zn deposition. Owing to the capillary effect of the ordered hierarchical porous structure, the mass diffusion can be dramatically accelerated to promote a fast deposition kinetics at the interface between ZMA and electrolyte. Besides, the encapsulated ultrafine Sn/TiO2 clusters serve as zincophilic sites to achieve both the uniform Zn deposition on the hierarchical porous opal host and the high thermodynamic stability of ZMAs. Benefiting from the structural and componential merits, the HMCSST host effectively reduces the activation energy to enable a temporal‐spatial ordering of Zn nucleation and growth. As expected, the stable HMCSST‐Zn electrode guarantees steady Zn platting/stripping with long‐term stability over 1300 h in a symmetrical cell at a depth of discharge of 37.5%. As a proof‐of‐concept demonstration, an HMCSST‐Zn||ammonium vanadate full cell shows a long lifespan over 5000 cycles at 10.0 A g−1 with low polarization.
Death in the high mountains: Evidence of interpersonal violence during Late Chalcolithic and Early Bronze Age at Roc de les Orenetes (Eastern Pyrenees, Spain)
Authors: Moreno‐Ibáñez Miguel Ángel , Saladié Palmira , Ramírez‐Pedraza Iván , Díez‐Canseco Celia , Fernández‐Marchena Juan Luis , Soriano Eni , Carbonell Eudald , Tornero Carlos
Published: February 2024

Objectives

To test a hypothesis on interpersonal violence events during the transition between Chalcolithic and Bronze Age in the Eastern Pyrenees, to contextualize it in Western Europe during that period, and to assess if these marks can be differentiated from secondary funerary treatment.

Materials and Methods

Metric and non‐metric methods were used to estimate the age‐at‐death and sex of the skeletal remains. Perimortem injuries were observed and analyzed with stereomicroscopy and confocal microscopy.

Results

Among the minimum of 51 individuals documented, at least six people showed evidence of perimortem trauma. All age groups and both sexes are represented in the skeletal sample, but those with violent injuries are predominantly males. Twenty‐six bones had 49 injuries, 48 of which involved sharp force trauma on postcranial elements, and one example of blunt force trauma on a cranium. The wounds were mostly located on the upper extremities and ribs, anterior and posterior. Several antemortem lesions were also documented in the assemblage.

Discussion

The perimortem lesions, together with direct dating, suggest that more than one episode of interpersonal violence took place between the Late Chalcolithic and the Early Bronze Age in northeastern Spain. The features of the sharp force trauma indicate that different weapons were used, including sharp metal objects and lithic projectiles. The Roc de les Orenetes assemblage represents a scenario of recurrent lethal confrontation in a high mountain geographic context, representing the evidence of inferred interpersonal violence located at the highest altitude settings in the Pyrenees, at 1836 meters above sea level.
The Bio‐Hermes Study: Biomarker database developed to investigate blood‐based and digital biomarkers in community‐based, diverse populations clinically screened for Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Mohs Richard C. , Beauregard Douglas , Dwyer John , Gaudioso Jennifer , Bork Jason , MaGee‐Rodgers Tamiko , Key Mickeal N. , Kerwin Diana R. , Hughes Lynn , Cordell Cyndy B. ,   The Bio‐Hermes Collaborative Group
Published: February 2024

INTRODUCTION

Alzheimer's disease (AD) trial participants are often screened for eligibility by brain amyloid positron emission tomography/cerebrospinal fluid (PET/CSF), which is inefficient as many are not amyloid positive. Use of blood‐based biomarkers may reduce screen failures.

METHODS

We recruited 755 non‐Hispanic White, 115 Hispanic, 112 non‐Hispanic Black, and 19 other minority participants across groups of cognitively normal (n = 417), mild cognitive impairment (n = 312), or mild AD (n = 272) participants. Plasma amyloid beta (Aβ)40, Aβ42, Aβ42/Aβ40, total tau, phosphorylated tau (p‐tau)181, and p‐tau217 were measured; amyloid PET/CSF (n = 956) determined amyloid positivity. Clinical, blood biomarker, and ethnicity/race differences associated with amyloid status were evaluated.

RESULTS

Greater impairment, older age, and carrying an apolipoprotein E (apoE) ε4 allele were associated with greater amyloid burden. Areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve for amyloid status of plasma Aβ42/Aβ40, p‐tau181, and p‐tau217 with amyloid positivity were ≥ 0.7117 for all ethnoracial groups (p‐tau217, ≥0.8128). Age and apoE ε4 adjustments and imputation of biomarker values outside limit of quantitation provided small improvement in predictive power.

DISCUSSION

Blood‐based biomarkers are highly associated with amyloid PET/CSF results in diverse populations enrolled at clinical trial sites.

Highlights

Amyloid beta (Aβ)42/Aβ40, phosphorylated tau (p‐tau)181, and p‐tau 217 blood‐based biomarkers predicted brain amyloid positivity.

P‐tau 217 was the strongest predictor of brain amyloid positivity.

Biomarkers from diverse ethnic, racial, and clinical cohorts predicted brain amyloid positivity.

Community‐based populations have similar Alzheimer's disease (AD) biomarker levels as other populations.

A prescreen process with blood‐based assays may reduce the number of AD trial screen failures.
Photochemische Cobaltkatalysierte Synthese von Heterozyklen durch die Zykloisomerisierung Nichtaktivierter Olefine
Authors: Lindner Henry , Amberg Willi M. , Martini Tristano , Fischer David M. , Moore Eléonore , Carreira Erick M.
Published: February 2024

Eine allgemeine, intramolekulare Zykloisomerisierung nichtaktivierter Olefine mit Nukleophilen wird beschrieben. Die Reaktion erfolgt unter milden Bedingungen und toleriert Ether, Ester, geschützte Amine, Acetale, Pyrazole, Carbamate und Arene. Sie ist zugänglich für N‐, O‐ und C‐Nukleophile, wobei eine Reihe verschiedener Heterozyklen gebildet werden kann, darunter Pyrrolidine, Piperidine, Oxazolidinone und Lactone. Durch die Kombination eines Benzothiazinoquinoxalins als Organophotokatalysator und eines Cobaltsalen‐Katalysators sind keine stöchiometrischen Oxidations‐ oder Reduktionsmittel erforderlich. Wir zeigen den Nutzen des Protokolls für die Diversifizierung von Arzneimitteln sowie die Synthese mehrerer kleiner Naturstoffe.
Synthesis and characterization of polylactic acid‐lecithin‐starch bioplastic film
Authors: Mukaila Taofeek , Adeniyi Adewale , Bello Ibrahim , Sarker Niloy Chandra , Monono Ewumbua , Hammed Ademola
Published: February 2024

Plastic‐induced environmental issues could be solved using biomaterials, such as polylactic acid (PLA) film. PLA film is a costly solution suggesting the need to add less expensive starch. However, PLA and starch do not mix due to their diverging water behavior. In this study, we evaluated the impact of lecithin as a compatibilizer in varying ratio of PLA and starch film. The results show that inclusion of lecithin in PLA/starch composite leads to enhanced mechanical properties compared with the composite without lecithin. All films' thermal properties were stable but the thermograph of PLA/starch display two peaks whose distance is impacted by lecithin. In addition, morphology and functional group fingerprints revealed that the addition of lecithin improved the interfacial adhesion between the two polymers. Lecithin influenced the positioning and dispersion pattern of starch granules and distinct transmittance characteristics. The improved compatibility of PLA/starch makes the resulting films less susceptible to water penetration and dissolution. This work demonstrated the possibility of using lecithin as emulsifier between PLA and starch which could expand the application of PLA/starch film especially in packaging industries and bale net wrapping.
Non‐isothermal crystallization kinetic of recycled PET and its blends with PBT modified with epoxy‐based multifunctional chain extender
Authors: Himmelsbach Andreas , Brütting Christian , Akdevelioglu Yavuz , Albuquerque Rodrigo Q. , Nofar Mohammadreza , Ruckdäschel Holger
Published: February 2024

A fundamental understanding of crystallization behavior is essential for the processing of both virgin and recycled polymers. This research delves into the crystallization characteristics and non‐isothermal crystallization kinetics of recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) and its blends with poly butylene terephthalate (PBT), which have been modified using epoxy‐based multifunctional chain extenders (CE). The preparation of rPET/PBT blends involved a twin‐screw extruder, with varying weight ratios and different CE concentrations. Differential scanning calorimetry was employed to perform crystallization analysis on the samples. The results underscore the profound impact of blend composition on the thermal characteristics of the system, with CE exerting only a marginal influence. The glass transition temperatures (Tg) of the two polymers were measured at 49 and 79°C. During blending, the Tg values demonstrated variations relative to the proportions but did not adhere to the Fox equation. Furthermore, PBT was found to enhance the crystallization tendencies of rPET, resulting in an increase in relative crystallinity from 11% to 36%. Notably, the crystallization rate of PBT at 0.40 min−1 exceeded that of rPET at 0.36 min−1. PBT minimally affected the crystallization rate constant of rPET‐dominant blends, while rPET significantly reduced the crystallization rate in PBT‐dominant blends.
Properties of polylactic acid blends with potato thermoplastic starch using maleated polyethylene as a compatibilizer
Authors: Licea‐Saucedo Daniel C. , Guzmán‐Rojas Víctor Miguel , Moscoso‐Sánchez Francisco Javier , Rodrigue Denis , González‐Núñez Rubén
Published: February 2024

In this study, blends of polylactic acid (PLA) and potato thermoplastic starch (TPS) with and without maleated polyethylene (MAPE) as a compatibilizer were prepared by twin‐screw extrusion followed by compression molding. Different formulations were proposed based on an experimental design to determine the concentration of each component for a specific range of composition: 49%–79% of PLA, 20%–50% of TPS, and 0.5%–2% of MAPE. As a first step, the mechanical properties (tensile, flexural, and impact) were used to determine the best performance of these formulations. Then, the mechanical results were used in an objective function to maximize the blends' properties compared to virgin PLA. The optimal formulation was found to be 67.5% PLA, 32.0% TPS, and 0.5% MAPE. Selected formulations were characterized for their thermal, morphological, and water absorption properties. The results show the possibility of producing sustainable polymers for single‐use applications.
A roadmap to achieving a healthier information ecosystem through GDPR implementation and privacy compliance technologies
Authors: Li Wilson , Xiong Bingqing , Yang Chaofan
Published: February 2024

Privacy protection has become a central issue in information science, with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) significantly impacting information ecosystems. Research gaps persist in understanding the causal relationship between GDPR implementation and websites' proactive changes, such as adopting privacy compliance technologies. This study aims to examine the influence of GDPR implementation on websites' information ecosystems and identify boundary conditions that may affect this relationship. Utilizing domain‐level data from a professional platform tracking website technologies before and after GDPR implementation, which encompasses a comprehensive longitudinal dataset of over 1.2 million websites, our results indicate that GDPR implementation has increased the decision, breadth, depth, and intensity of adopting related technologies. The variance in these adoptions is significantly shaped by the differing levels of institutional impacts experienced by trailblazing versus laggard industries. Our study contributes to the literature by revealing the importance of policy factors in fostering a healthier information ecosystem. We demonstrate the complex nature of the relationship between policy factors and technology adoption, highlighting the need for researchers to consider institutional context and industry‐specific characteristics. We further discuss valuable insights for relevant stakeholders.
Racial and ethnic disparities in the co‐occurrence of intellectual disability and autism: Impact of incorporating measures of adaptive functioning
Authors: Furnier Sarah M. , Gangnon Ronald , Daniels Julie L. , Ellis Weismer Susan , Nadler Cy , Pazol Karen , Reyes Nuri M. , Rosenberg Steven , Rubenstein Eric , Wiggins Lisa D. , Yeargin‐Allsopp Marshalyn , Durkin Maureen S.
Published: February 2024

Intellectual disability (ID) commonly co‐occurs in children with autism. Although diagnostic criteria for ID require impairments in both cognitive and adaptive functioning, most population‐based estimates of the frequency of co‐occurring ID in children with autism—including studies of racial and ethnic disparities in co‐occurring autism and ID—base the definition of ID solely on cognitive scores. The goal of this analysis was to examine the effect of including both cognitive and adaptive behavior criteria on estimates of co‐occurring ID in a well‐characterized sample of 2‐ to 5‐year‐old children with autism. Participants included 3264 children with research or community diagnoses of autism enrolled in the population‐based Study to Explore Early Development (SEED) phases 1–3. Based only on Mullen Scales of Early Learning (MSEL) composite cognitive scores, 62.9% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 61.1, 64.7%) of children with autism were estimated to have co‐occurring ID. After incorporating Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, Second Edition (VABS‐II) composite or domains criteria, co‐occurring ID estimates were reduced to 38.0% (95% CI: 36.2, 39.8%) and 45.0% (95% CI: 43.1, 46.9%), respectively. The increased odds of meeting ID criteria observed for non‐Hispanic (NH) Black and Hispanic children relative to NH White children when only MSEL criteria were used were substantially reduced, though not eliminated, after incorporating VABS‐II criteria and adjusting for selected socioeconomic variables. This study provides evidence for the importance of considering adaptive behavior as well as socioeconomic disadvantage when describing racial and ethnic disparities in co‐occurring ID in epidemiologic studies of autism.
Box–Behnken experimental design for optimization of chitosan foam materials reinforced with cellulose and zeolite
Authors: Kurt Rıfat , Ergun Halime , Ergun Mehmet Emin , Istek Abdullah
Published: February 2024

Foam materials produced from biopolymers stand out as a more environmentally friendly insulation material solution. This study presents a comprehensive investigation into the development and optimization of chitosan‐based foam materials using a Box–Behnken design. The foams were engineered using varying proportions of chitosan (0.5–3%), cellulose (0.5–3%), and zeolite (0.5–3%), targeting their application as thermal insulators. The physical and thermal properties of the foams that were produced were affected by the type and ratios of components, with density and thermal conductivity ranging from 0.0853 to 0.1915 g cm−3 and 0.0324 to 0.0921 W mK−1, respectively. Higher chitosan content improved insulation properties and mechanical strength whereas zeolite increments increased density and thermal conductivity. Using statistical analysis through the Box–Behnken design, we optimized the foam formulations, achieving minimum thermal conductivity and maximum compression strength at an averaged density, suggesting a strong potential for environmental sustainability applications. The recommended optimal chitosan:cellulose:zeolite composition ratio of 3:3:0.88 provides a valuable insight for tailored foam material formulation. This study shows the relationships between the composition of a composite material and its resultant properties, optimizing its preparation for industrial applicability in an environmentally conscious way within the context of insulation and construction. This investigation contributes to the field of material science by highlighting the versatility and potential of biopolymers but also aligns with the increasing need for green building materials.
Total synthesis of cypripedin
Authors: Kim Hyun Jung , Kang Bok Yun , Shim Jung‐Hyun , Cho Seung‐Sik , Kim Eunae , Yoon Goo
Published: February 2024

The first facile synthesis of cypripedin (1) was achieved using commercially available 2,3‐dihydroxybenzaldehyde (2) and 5‐bromovanillin (4) via a convergent strategy involving the Mizoroki–Heck reaction and photocyclization as key steps.
Corporate sustainability strategy: From definitional ambiguity toward conceptual clarification
Authors: Adolph Jennifer , Beckmann Markus
Published: February 2024

The concept of corporate sustainability strategy (CSS) suffers from considerable definitional ambiguity. Rather than attempting to create a universally acceptable CSS definition, this study scrutinizes the various uses of different existing definitions. Our two‐step methodology began with a systematic literature review to identify different topical perspectives on CSS. Next, a purposeful sampling approach allowed for a more detailed review of each perspective. As a result, we identified and discussed eight topical perspectives: means‐and‐ends, hierarchical, materiality, geographic‐scope, management‐approach, maturity, actor‐and‐process, and contingency perspectives. These were then compared and integrated into a shared conceptual CSS framework. We found the means‐and‐ends perspective to be most fundamental, as it frames how sustainability shapes the purpose and constraints of strategizing. We refine this perspective by distinguishing among indifferent, instrumental, intrinsic, and integrated CSSs. We conclude with discussions on limitations, suggestions for future research, and managerial implications.
Discovery of a Pimaradiene that Decreases Viability of MDA‐MB‐468 Cells Through Inhibition of EGFR Signaling Pathway
Authors: Wang Nina , Qin Li , Liu Zi , Cao Jianguo , Huang Jiayi , Ma Liang , Huang Guozheng
Published: February 2024

Triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) is characterized by strong invasiveness, high relapse rates, and poor overall survival. It occurs in approximately 15–20 % of all breast cancer cases. Natural compounds are a promising option for managing breast cancer. ent‐8(14),15‐Pimaradiene‐2β,19‐diol (JXE‐23), is a pimaradiene isolated from the fern Aleuritopteris albofusca. However, the effects and molecular mechanisms of JXE‐23 on cancer cells are still unknown. Thus, this study was designed to determine the potential of JXE‐23 for its anticancer properties in TNBC cells. JXE‐23 was evaluated for its antiproliferative activity in vitro against human breast cancer cell lines, and showed selectively cytotoxic activity against MDA‐MB‐468, an EGFR‐overexpressing TNBC cancer cell line, with an IC50 value of 1.17±0.04 μM. Moreover, mechanistic investigations indicated that JXE‐23 was significantly capable of inhibiting cell proliferation and viability in MDA‐MB‐468 cells. In addition, JXE‐23 exerted an anticancer effect against MDA‐MB‐468 cells via restraining cell migration in a dose‐dependent mode. Moreover, after treatment with JXE‐23, the protein expressions of pEGFR, pERK, pAkt and p‐p70S6K were significantly reduced in MDA‐MB‐468 cells. The results underscored that JXE‐23 could be a potential lead compound for the treatment of EGFR‐overexpressing TNBC cells.
Long term clinical outcome of sirolimus drug coated balloons in large coronary vessels
Authors: Sciahbasi Alessandro , Salvi Nicolò , Heang Tay M. , Perez Ignacio S. , Geraci Salvatore , Vaccaro Giovanni , Benincasa Susanna , Nuruddin Amin A. , Ocaranza Raymundo , Giannini Francesco , Greco Antonio , Cortese Bernardo
Published: February 2024

Background

Studies evaluating the safety and efficacy of drug coating balloons (DCB) for the treatment of lesions in large coronary vessel are limited.

Aims

Our study aimed to evaluate the performance of a sirolimus DCB in large coronary arteries.

Methods

We analyzed all the procedures included in the EASTBOURNE Registry (NCT03085823) enrolling patients with a clinical indication to percutaneous coronary intervention performed by a sirolimus DCB according to investigator judgment. In the present analysis, a cut‐off of 2.75 mm was used to define large coronary arteries. Primary endpoint of the study was clinically driven target lesion revascularization (TLR) at 24 months whereas secondary endpoint included procedural success, myocardial infarction (MI), cardiac death and total mortality.

Results

Among the 2123 patients and 2440 lesions enrolled in the EASTBOURNE study between 2016 and 2020, 757 patients/810 lesions fulfilled the criteria for the present analysis. Mean reference vessel diameter was 3.2 ± 0.3 mm with mean lesion length of 22 ± 7 mm. Procedural success was high (96%) and at 2‐year follow up the device showed a good efficacy with a TLR rate of 9%. There were 34 deaths (4.5%), 30 MIs (4%) and 8 BARC type 3–5 bleedings (1.1%). In‐stent restenosis (629 lesions) and de novo lesions (181) were associated with 11% and 4% rates of TLR at 2 years, respectively (p = 0.003).

Conclusions

Clinical performance of a sirolimus DCB in large coronary artery vessels shows promising signals at 2‐year follow up, both in de novo and in‐stent restenosis lesions.
Ultrasound‐assisted endovascular thrombolysis versus large‐bore thrombectomy in acute intermediate‐high risk pulmonary embolism: The propensity‐matched EKNARI cohort study
Authors: Al‐Terki Hani , Lauder Lucas , Mügge Andreas , Götzinger Felix , Elhakim Abdelrahman , Mahfoud Felix
Published: February 2024

Background

Ultrasound‐assisted thrombolysis (USAT) and large‐bore‐thrombectomy (LBT) are under investigation for the treatment of intermediate‐high and high‐risk pulmonary embolisms (PE). Comparative studies investigating both devices are scarce.

Aims

This study aimed to compare the safety and efficacy of the two most frequently used devices for treatment of acute PE.

Methods

This multicenter, retrospective study included 125 patients undergoing LBT or USAT for intermediate‐ or high‐risk PE between 2019 and 2023. Nearest neighbor propensity matching with logistic regression was used to achieve balance on potential confounders. The primary outcome was the change in the right to left ventricular (RV/LV) ratio between baseline and 24 h.

Results

A total of 125 patients were included. After propensity score matching, 95 patients remained in the sample, of which 69 (73%) underwent USAT and 26 (27%) LBT. The RV/LV ratio decrease between baseline and 24 h was greater in the LBT than in the USAT group (adjusted between‐group difference: −0.10, 95% CI: −0.16 to −0.04; p = 0.001). Both procedures were safe and adverse events occurred rarely (10% following USAT vs. 4% following LBT; p = 0.439).

Conclusion

In acute intermediate‐high and high‐risk PE, both LBT and USAT were feasible and safe. The reduction in RV/LV ratio was greater following LBT than USAT. Further randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm these findings.