bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Utilizing Shear Piezoelectricity of Chiral Lead‐Free Metal Halides for Electromechanical Sensing
Authors: Gong Yong‐Ji , An Lian‐Cai , Zhang Ying , Zhao Chen , Li Zhi‐Gang , Guo Tian‐Meng , He Min , Yu Jie , Li Wei , Bu Xian‐He
Published: April 2024

Chiral hybrid metal halides have emerged as a promising class of piezoelectric materials owing to their ease of synthesis, low acoustic impedance, and solution processibility. However, many known chiral halides crystalize in structures with only shear piezoelectricity which is less facile to be utilized compared with the longitudinal piezoelectricity, largely preventing their practical utility. In addressing this problem, chiral lead‐free S‐MPBiCl5 and R‐MPBiCl5 (MP = 2‐methylpiperazinium) with shear piezoelectricity are synthesized and the thin films orientating along the polarization direction are fabricated. These orientated films, characterized by numerous grains and compact grain boundaries, can effectively facilitate the grain boundary sliding to convert normal stress into shear stress, thus facilely activating the shear piezoelectricity. The resulting devices can accurately identify the position and type of ultrasound sources without the need for a complex acoustic impedance matching layer. Moreover, these devices can successfully sense delicate variations in momentum caused by table tennis balls. The findings open up a new pathway to utilize shear piezoelectricity that is normally considered unuseful of metal halides and other molecular piezoelectrics.
Fibrous Solar Evaporator with Tunable Water Flow for Efficient, Self‐Operating, and Sustainable Hydroelectricity Generation
Authors: Ge Can , Xu Duo , Song Yuhang , Liu Yingcun , Feng Xiao , Gao Chong , Chen Ze , Liu Keshuai , Sun Zhe , Fang Jian
Published: April 2024

Convenient and green hydroelectricity generation (HG) systems are widely studied to cope with the energy crisis. Electricity can be generated through streaming potential with merely water droplets. Nevertheless, the operational requirement of persistent water supply restricts the durability and practicality of HG. Solar‐driven steam generation with continuous and sufficient water flow has become a promising integration way to enhance HG sustainability. However, most evaporation‐accelerated hydroelectricity generators are threatened by excessive wetting decay and ionic erosion damage, which significantly impair charge accumulation and operational durability. To address this issue, a carbon black/polypyrrole decorated Tencel framework (CPF) with tunable water flow is fabricated through twisting and braiding technology. The modified water flow rate, height, and content ensure rapid ion migration, appropriate wetting boundary, and sufficient brine circulation, respectively. The aqueous flow and ion strength are optimized through the evaporation‐accelerated and desalination‐integrated HG. Hence, the CPF evaporator shows an efficient, self‐operating, and sustainable output of 0.73 V, 0.6 µA, and 2.38 kg m−2 h−1 in 3.5 wt.% brine under 1 sun radiation without salt deposition. The scalable, prolonged, and adaptable outdoor operation throughout the daytime ensures the clean production of electricity and freshwater.
Triplet‐Triplet Annihilation Upconversion‐Based Photolysis: Applications in Photopharmacology
Authors: Klimezak Maxime , Chaud Juliane , Brion Anaïs , Bolze Frédéric , Frisch Benoit , Heurtault Béatrice , Kichler Antoine , Specht Alexandre
Published: April 2024

The emerging field of photopharmacology is a promising chemobiological methodology for optical control of drug activities that could ultimately solve the off‐target toxicity outside the disease location of many drugs for the treatment of a given pathology. The use of photolytic reactions looks very attractive for a light‐activated drug release but requires to develop photolytic reactions sensitive to red or near‐infrared light excitation for better tissue penetration. This review will present the concepts of triplet‐triplet annihilation upconversion‐based photolysis and their recent in vivo applications for light‐induced drug delivery using photoactivatable nanoparticles.
Ultimately Adaptive Fluid Interfacial Phospholipid Membranes Unveiled Unanticipated High Cellular Mechanical Work
Authors: Lu Zhou , Tenjimbayashi Mizuki , Zhou Junhong , Nakanishi Jun
Published: April 2024

Living cells actively interact biochemically and mechanically with the surrounding extracellular matrices (ECMs) and undergo dramatic morphological and dimensional transitions, concomitantly remodeling ECMs. However, there is no suitable method to quantitatively discuss the contribution of mechanical interactions in such mutually adaptive processes. Herein, a highly deformable “living” cellular scaffold is developed to evaluate overall mechanical energy transfer between cell and ECMs. It is based on the water–perfluorocarbon interface decorated with phospholipids bearing a cell‐adhesive ligand and fluorescent tag. The bioinert nature of the phospholipid membranes prevents the formation of solid‐like protein nanofilms at the fluid interface, enabling to visualize and quantify cellular mechanical work against the ultimately adaptive model ECM. A new cellular wetting regime is identified, wherein interface deformation proceeds to cell flattening, followed by its eventual restoration. The cellular mechanical work during this adaptive wetting process is one order of magnitude higher than those reported with conventional elastic platforms. The behavior of viscous liquid drops at the air–water interface can simulate cellular adaptive wetting, suggesting that overall viscoelasticity of the cell body predominates the emergent wetting regime and regulates mechanical output. Cellular‐force‐driven high‐energy states on the adaptive platform can be useful for cell fate manipulation.
Scalable Approach to Molecular Motor‐Polymer Conjugates for Light‐Driven Artificial Muscles
Authors: Yao Xuyang , Vishnu Jude Ann , Lupfer Claudius , Hoenders Daniel , Skarsetz Oliver , Chen Weixiang , Dattler Damien , Perrot Alexis , Wang Wen‐zhi , Gao Chuan , Giuseppone Nicolas , Schmid Friederike , Walther Andreas
Published: April 2024

The integration of molecular machines and motors into materials represents a promising avenue for creating dynamic and functional molecular systems, with potential applications in soft robotics or reconfigurable biomaterials. However, the development of truly scalable and controllable approaches for incorporating molecular motors into polymeric matrices has remained a challenge. Here, it is shown that light‐driven molecular motors with sensitive photo‐isomerizable double bonds can be converted into initiators for Cu‐mediated controlled/living radical polymerization enabling the synthesis of star‐shaped motor‐polymer conjugates. This approach enables scalability, precise control over the molecular structure, block copolymer structures, and high‐end group fidelity. Moreover, it is demonstrated that these materials can be crosslinked to form gels with quasi‐ideal network topology, exhibiting light‐triggered contraction. The influence of arm length and polymer structure is investigated, and the first molecular dynamics simulation framework to gain deeper insights into the contraction processes is developed. Leveraging this scalable methodology, the creation of bilayer soft robotic devices and cargo‐lifting artificial muscles is showcased, highlighting the versatility and potential applications of this advanced polymer chemistry approach. It is anticipated that the integrated experimental and simulation framework will accelerate scalable approaches for active polymer materials based on molecular machines, opening up new horizons in materials science and bioscience.
Ultrafast Shift Current in SnS2 Single Crystals: Structure Considerations, Modeling, and THz Emission Spectroscopy
Authors: Kushnir Friedman Kateryna , Khanmohammadi Sepideh , Morissette Erin M. , Doiron Curtis W. , Stoflet Roy , Koski Kristie J. , Grimm Ronald L. , Ramasubramaniam Ashwin , Titova Lyubov V.
Published: April 2024

Above‐band gap optical excitation of non‐centrosymmetric semiconductors can lead to the spatial shift of the center of electron charge in a process known as shift current. Shift current is investigated in single‐crystal SnS2, a layered semiconductor with the band gap of ≈2.3 eV, by THz emission spectroscopy and first principles density functional theory (DFT). It is observed that normal incidence excitation with above gap (400 nm; 3.1 eV) pulses results in THz emission from 2H SnS2 () polytype, where such emission is nominally forbidden by symmetry. It is argued that the underlying symmetry breaking arises due to the presence of stacking faults that are known to be ubiquitous in SnS2 single crystals and construct a possible structural model of a stacking fault with symmetry properties consistent with the experimental observations. In addition to shift current, it is observed THz emission by optical rectification excited by below band gap (800 nm; 1.55 eV) pulses but it requires excitation fluence more than two orders of magnitude higher to produce same signal amplitude. These results suggest that ultrafast shift current in which can be excited with visible light in blue–green portion of the spectrum makes SnS2 a promising source material for THz photonics.
Copper‐Catalyzed α‐Indolmethylation of 2‐Pyridylacetates with 3‐Indoleacetic Acids via Alkylideneindolenine Intermediates
Authors: Chen Chen , Chen Yongjun , Kong Weiya , Pang Jianxin , Tang Xiaodong
Published: April 2024

This study reports the copper‐catalyzed α‐indolmethylation of 2‐pyridylacetates with 3‐indoleacetic acids. This reaction offers an approach to generating alkylideneindolenine electrophiles via the oxidative decarboxylation of 3‐indoleacetic acids. The developed reaction system demonstrates good versatility, extending beyond the indolmethylation of 2‐pyridylacetates to include activated esters and nitroalkanes. Moreover, a biological evaluation revealed that several products exhibited antiproliferative activity against different cancer cell lines.
Cobalt‐Catalyzed Annulation of Benzimidates or NH‐Benzaldimines with Ynamides: Synthesis of 1‐Alkoxy‐ and 1‐Alkyl‐3‐Aminoisoquinolines
Authors: Sanaa Hamdi , Mimoun Liliane , Retailleau Pascal , Anselmi Elsa , Nicolas Cyril , Gillaizeau Isabelle
Published: April 2024

Inexpensive cobalt‐catalyzed, pivalic acid‐assisted oxidative C−H functionalization of benzimidates or NH‐benzaldimines with ynamides is presented, providing an access to 3‐aminoisoquinoline derivatives. The procedure is compatible with various substrates featuring alkyl, alkoxy, acyl or halogen as substituents, heteroaryl structures, and diverse ynamides. The reaction has been scaled up, with subsequent transformation of the yielded products. Control experiments and mechanistic investigations corroborate the regioselectivity of this conversion, positioning the amine group proximal to the nitrogen atom in isoquinolines.
Organocatalyzed, Three‐Component Construction of Cyanopyrazoles Using Diazoacetonitrile
Authors: Dhami Anamika , Kumar Anuj , Nasreen Hisana Kalathingal , Mohanan Kishor
Published: April 2024

An organocatalyzed three‐component protocol using diazoacetonitrile to access a wide range of cyanopyrazole derivatives is reported here. This strategy, which proceeds through a piperidine‐catalyzed Knoevenagel condensation/formal [3+2] cycloaddition/dehydrocyanation sequence, provides an efficient route to construct dicyanopyrazoles from aldehydes, malononitrile, and diazoacetonitrile regioselectively. Interestingly, by engaging cyanoacetate and cyanoacetamide in this protocol, we could achieve cyanopyrazole esters and carboxamides.
HnRNPA2B1 ISGylation Regulates m6A‐Tagged mRNA Selective Export via ALYREF/NXF1 Complex to Foster Breast Cancer Development
Authors: Jin Ting , Yang Liping , Chang Chao , Luo Haojun , Wang Rui , Gan Yubi , Sun Yan , Guo Yuetong , Tang Rui , Chen Shanchun , Meng Die , Dai Peijin , Liu Manran
Published: April 2024

Regulating nuclear export precisely is essential for maintaining mRNA homeostasis and impacts tumor progression. However, the mechanisms governing nuclear mRNA export remain poorly elucidated. Herein, it is revealed that the enhanced hypoxic long no‐ncoding RNA (lncRNA prostate cancer associated transcript 6 (PCAT6) in breast cancer (BC) promotes the nuclear export of m6A‐modified mRNAs, bolstering breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) stemness and doxorubicin resistance. Clinically, hypoxic PCAT6 correlates with malignant BC features and poor prognosis. Mechanically, PCAT6 functions as a scaffold between interferon‐stimulated gene 15 (ISG15) and heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein A2/B1 (hnRNPA2B1), leading to ISGylation of hnRNPA2B1, thus protecting hnRNPA2B1 from ubiquitination‐mediated proteasomal degradation. Interestingly, as an m6A reader, hnRNPA2B1 selectively mediates m6A‐tagged mRNAs nuclear export via the Aly/REF export factor (ALYREF)/ nuclear RNA export factor 1 (NXF1) complex, which promotes stemness‐related genes expression. HnRNPA2B1 knockdown or mRNA export inhibition can result in the retention of nuclear m6A‐tagged mRNA associated with stemness maintenance, which suppresses BCSCs self‐renewal and effectively improves the efficacy of doxorubicin therapy. These findings demonstrate the pivotal role of m6A‐modified mRNA nuclear export in BC progression, highlighting that the inhibition of m6A‐tagged mRNA and its nuclear export is a potential therapeutic strategy for the amelioration of cancer chemotherapy.
On‐Surface Synthesis of Organolanthanide Sandwich Complexes
Authors: Mathialagan Shanmugasibi K. , Parreiras Sofia O. , Tenorio Maria , Černa Lenka , Moreno Daniel , Muñiz‐Cano Beatriz , Navío Cristina , Valvidares Manuel , Valbuena Miguel A. , Urgel José I. , Gargiani Pierluigi , Miranda Rodolfo , Camarero Julio , Martínez José I. , Gallego José M. , Écija David
Published: April 2024

The synthesis of lanthanide‐based organometallic sandwich compounds is very appealing regarding their potential for single‐molecule magnetism. Here, it is exploited by on‐surface synthesis to design unprecedented lanthanide‐directed organometallic sandwich complexes on Au(111). The reported compounds consist of Dy or Er atoms sandwiched between partially deprotonated hexahydroxybenzene molecules, thus introducing a distinct family of homoleptic organometallic sandwiches based on six‐membered ring ligands. Their structural, electronic, and magnetic properties are investigated by scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy, X‐ray absorption spectroscopy, X‐ray linear and circular magnetic dichroism, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, complemented by density functional theory‐based calculations. Both lanthanide complexes self‐assemble in close‐packed islands featuring a hexagonal lattice. It is unveiled that, despite exhibiting analogous self‐assembly, the erbium‐based species is magnetically isotropic, whereas the dysprosium‐based compound features an in‐plane magnetization.
Unravelling the Bi‐Functional Electrocatalytic Properties of {Mo72Fe30} Polyoxometalate Nanostructures for Overall Water Splitting Using Scanning Electrochemical Microscope and Electrochemical Gating Methods
Authors: Krishnamoorthy Karthikeyan , Pazhamalai Parthiban , Swaminathan Rajavarman , Mohan Vigneshwaran , Kim Sang‐Jae
Published: April 2024

This study reports the use of Keplerate‐type {Mo72Fe30} polyoxometalate (POMs) nanostructures as a bi‐functional‐electrocatalyst for HER and OER in an alkaline medium with a lower overpotential (135 mV for HER and 264 mV for OER), and excellent electrochemical stability. The bi‐functional catalytic properties of {Mo72Fe30} POM are studied using a scanning electrochemical microscope (SECM) via current mapping using substrate generation and tip collection mode. Furthermore, the bipolar nature of the {Mo72Fe30} POM nano‐electrocatalysts is studied using the electrochemical gating via simultaneous monitoring of the electrochemical (cell) and electrical ({Mo72Fe30} POM) signals. Next, a prototype water electrolyzer fabricated using {Mo72Fe30} POM electrocatalysts showed they can drive 10 mA cm−2 with a low cell voltage of 1.62 V in lab‐scale test conditions. Notably, the {Mo72Fe30} POM electrolyzers’ performance assessment based on recommended conditions for industrial aspects shows that they require a very low overpotential of 1.89 V to drive 500 mA cm−2, highlighting their promising candidature toward clean‐hydrogen production.
Mechanical Milling – Induced Microstructure Changes in Argyrodite LPSCl Solid‐State Electrolyte Critically Affect Electrochemical Stability
Authors: Wang Yixian , Hao Hongchang , Naik Kaustubh G. , Vishnugopi Bairav S. , Fincher Cole D. , Yan Qianqian , Raj Vikalp , Celio Hugo , Yang Guang , Fang Hong , Chiang Yet‐Ming , Perras Frédéric A. , Jena Puru , Watt John , Mukherjee Partha P. , Mitlin David
Published: April 2024

Microstructure of argyrodite solid‐state electrolyte (SSE) critically affects lithium metal electrodeposition/dissolution. While the stability of unmodified SSE is mediocre, once optimized state‐of‐the‐art electrochemical performance is achieved (symmetric cells, full cells with NMC811) without secondary interlayers or functionalized current collectors. Planetary mechanical milling in wet media (m‐xylene) is employed to alter commercial Li6PS5Cl (LPSCl) powder. Quantitative stereology demonstrates how milling progressively refines grain and pore size/distribution in the SSE compact, increases its density, and geometrically smoothens the SSE‐Li interface. Mechanical indentation demonstrates that these changes lead to reduced site‐to‐site variation in the compact's hardness. Milled microstructures promote uniform early‐stage electrodeposition on foil collectors and stabilize solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) reactivity. Analysis of half‐cells with bilayer electrolytes demonstrates the importance of microstructure directly contacting current collector, with interface roughness due to pore and grain size distribution being key. For the first time, short‐circuiting Li metal dendrite is directly identified, employing 1.5 mm diameter “mini” symmetrical cell and cryogenic focused ion beam (cryo‐FIB) electron microscopy. The branching sheet‐like dendrite traverses intergranularly, filling the interparticle voids and forming an SEI around it. Mesoscale modeling reveals the relationship between Li‐SSE interface morphology and the onset of electrochemical instability, based on underlying reaction current distribution.
Constructing Robust LiF‐Enriched Interfaces in High‐Voltage Solid‐State Lithium Batteries Utilizing Tailored Oriented Ceramic Fiber Electrolytes
Authors: Mu Yongbiao , Chu Youqi , Shi Yutao , Huang Chaozhu , Yang Lin , Zhang Qing , Li Chi , Feng Yitian , Zhou Yuke , Han Meisheng , Zhao Tianshou , Zeng Lin
Published: April 2024

The pursuit of high‐performance energy storage devices has fueled significant advancements in the all‐solid‐state lithium batteries (ASSLBs). One of the strategies to enhance the performance of ASSLBs, especially concerning high‐voltage cathodes, is optimizing the structure of composite polymer electrolytes (CPEs). This study fabricates a high‐oriented framework of Li6.4La3Zr2Al0.2O12 (o‐LLZO) ceramic nanofibers, meticulously addressing challenges in both the Li metal anode and the high‐voltage LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 (NCM811) cathode. The as‐constructed electrolyte features a highly efficient Li+ transport and robust mechanical network, enhancing both electron and ion transport, ensuring uniform current density distribution, and stress distribution, and effectively suppressing Li dendrite growth. Remarkably, the Li symmetric cells exhibit outstanding long‐term lifespan of 9800 h at 0.1 mA cm−2 and operate effectively over 800 h even at 1.0 mA cm−2 under 30 °C. The CPEs design results from the formation of a gradient LiF‐riched SEI and CEI film at the Li/electrolyte/NCM811 dual interfaces, enhancing ion conduction and maintaining electrode integrity. The coin‐cells and pouch cells demonstrate prolonged cycling stability and superior capacity retention. This study sets a notable precedent in advancing high‐energy ASSLBs.
Nanofibrous Covalent Organic Frameworks Based Hierarchical Porous Separators for Fast‐Charging and Thermally Stable Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Wang Kexiang , Duan Ju , Chen Xin , Wang Jianan , Li Jiaqiang , Jiang Lexin , Yan Wei , Lyu Wei , Liao Yaozu
Published: April 2024

Engineering multifunctional smart separators are important for the ongoing pursuit of fast‐charging and safe batteries. Herein, a novel nanofibrous covalent organic framework (COF) based separator with well‐designed hierarchical porous channels is fabricated to effectively regulate mass transport for fast‐charging and thermally stable lithium metal batteries (LMBs). Such a hierarchical porous separator consists of electrospun polyacrylonitrile nanofibers with macroporous channels (average diameter of 323 nm) and mesoporous channels (≈7 nm) created between amide‐group‐bonded COF nanoparticles with intrinsic 1.6 nm lithiophilic microporous channels (PAN/AM‐COF). Computational fluid dynamics and density functional theory calculations demonstrate that PAN/AM‐COF can simultaneously facilitate high‐speed and selective transport of Li+, as well as homogeneous deposition of Li, achieving high conductivity (3.33 mS cm−1) and high Li+ transference number (0.79). As a result, Li || LFP full cell with PAN/AM‐COF displays superior cycling stability at 10 C with an acceptable capacity attenuation (0.037% per cycle) over 1000 cycles. Moreover, when operating under an extreme temperature of 100 °C, the Li || LFP full cell with PAN/AM‐COF can still operate stably for 300 cycles at 30 C, highlighting its potential processing scalability for ultrafast‐charging energy storage systems. This study gives insights into designing functional separators for fast‐charging LMBs.
Estimating soil organic carbon sequestration potential in the Chinese Mollisols region
Authors: Li Hui , Qian Rongfang , Pei Jiubo , Li Shuangyi , Wang Jingkuan
Published: April 2024

Mollisols region of China is a ballast stone of Chinese food security. In this study, 484 soil organic carbon (SOC) data points from the documented soil surface (0–20 cm) samples in the typical Chinese Mollisols region were selected. The regional soil fertility was divided into high, medium, and low levels based on the SOC content from the long‐term positioning fertilization stations in Shenyang, Harbin, and Hailun of Northeast China. Furthermore, the regional SOC balance point (SOCb) model was built driven by the factors of annual mean temperature, annual precipitation, annual effective accumulative temperature, the ratio of precipitation and temperature, soil clay content, and pH. Using geographic information systems (GIS) interpolation method, the regional mean SOCb and SOC sequestration potential (SOCsp) at the SOCb's status were simulated to be 40.10 g kg−1 and 10.71 kg m−2, respectively. Moreover, the SOC content increased (SOCc) and the SOC sequestration capacity increased of medium‐ or low‐fertility soil were evaluated by GIS subtraction. Consequently, the means of SOCc in medium‐ and low‐fertility soils could be 16.88 g kg−1 and 26.79 g kg−1, respectively. Furthermore, the means of SOCsp in medium‐ and low‐fertility soils could be 4.30 kg m−2 and 7.43 kg m−2, respectively. The sensitivity analysis of this model showed that the high SOCb area was distributed in study region with low temperature, dry, high clay content, and low pH. The results provide an actual perspective on estimating regional SOCsp and soil fertility promotion target induced by the different soil fertility levels.
The marriage of perovskite nanocrystals with lanthanide‐doped upconversion nanoparticles for advanced optoelectronic applications
Authors: Zhang Wen , Zheng Wei , Huang Ping , Yang Dengfeng , Shao Zhiqing , Chen Xueyuan
Published: April 2024

The exceptional optoelectronic properties of lead halide perovskite nanocrystals (PeNCs) in the ultraviolet and visible spectral regions have positioned them as a promising class of semiconductor materials for diverse optoelectronic and photovoltaic applications. However, their limited response to near‐infrared (NIR) light due to the intrinsic bandgap (>1.5 eV) has hindered their applications in many advanced technologies. To circumvent this limitation, it is of fundamental significance to integrate PeNCs with lanthanide‐doped upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) that are capable of efficiently converting low‐energy NIR photons into high‐energy ultraviolet and visible photons. By leveraging the energy transfer from UCNPs to PeNCs, this synergistic combination can not only expand the NIR responsivity range of PeNCs but also introduce novel emission profiles to upconversion luminescence with multi‐dimensional tunability (e.g., wavelength, lifetime, and polarization) under low‐to‐medium power NIR irradiation, which breaks through the inherent restrictions of individual PeNCs and UCNPs and thereby opens up new opportunities for materials and device engineering. In this review, we focus on the latest advancements in the development of PeNCs‐UCNPs nanocomposites, with an emphasis on the controlled synthesis and optical properties design for advanced optoelectronic applications such as full‐spectrum solar cells, NIR photodetectors, and multilevel anticounterfeiting. Some future efforts and prospects toward this active research field are also envisioned.
Seasonal variability in body mass index, waist circumference, and skinfolds in Norwegian children
Authors: Moen Oda Klavestad , Júlíusson Pétur Benedikt , Roelants Mathieu , Spielau Ulrike
Published: April 2024

Objectives

Studies have shown that children develop a higher body weight during summer months. This has been demonstrated repeatedly using the body mass index (BMI), but the effect of season on other weight‐related anthropometric measurements is still unclear.

Methods

Measurements of height, weight, waist circumference (WC), triceps, and subscapular skinfolds (TSF and SSF), collected from September till May in a cross‐sectional sample of 4–16‐year‐old children and adolescents (n = 4525) from the Bergen Growth Study 1 (BGS1). Differences in z‐score by season were tested with linear models adjusted for age group and separately for sex. Overall differences were tested with a one‐way between‐group analysis of variance.

Results

The girls had higher BMIz (+0.12, p = .03) and WCz (+0.18, p = .002) in fall compared with spring. TSFz (−0.19, p < .001) and SSFz (−0.18, p < .001) were lower in winter in girls, and in boys both in fall (TSFz −0.10, p = .046; SSFz – 0.16, p < .001), and winter (TSFz −0.15, p = .004; SSFz −0.14, p = .003), when compared with spring.

Conclusions

Seasonal variation was detected for all anthropometric measures, but differences in the direction of the effect between measures of global (BMI), central (WC) or subcutaneous (SF) adiposity suggest a more complex mechanism that needs further exploration.
Immunological and hematological findings as major features in a patient with a new germline pathogenic CBL variant
Authors: Stellacci Emilia , Carter Jennefer N. , Pannone Luca , Stevenson David , Moslehi Dorsa , Venanzi Serenella ,   Undiagnosed Diseases Network, Bernstein Jonathan A. , Tartaglia Marco , Martinelli Simone
Published: April 2024

Casitas B‐lineage lymphoma (CBL) encodes an adaptor protein with E3‐ligase activity negatively controlling intracellular signaling downstream of receptor tyrosine kinases. Somatic CBL mutations play a driver role in a variety of cancers, particularly myeloid malignancies, whereas germline defects in the same gene underlie a RASopathy having clinical overlap with Noonan syndrome (NS) and predisposing to juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia and vasculitis. Other features of the disorder include cardiac defects, postnatal growth delay, cryptorchidism, facial dysmorphisms, and predisposition to develop autoimmune disorders. Here we report a novel CBL variant (c.1202G>T; p.Cys401Phe) occurring de novo in a subject with café‐au‐lait macules, feeding difficulties, mild dysmorphic features, psychomotor delay, autism spectrum disorder, thrombocytopenia, hepatosplenomegaly, and recurrent hypertransaminasemia. The identified variant affects an evolutionarily conserved residue located in the RING finger domain, a known mutational hot spot of both germline and somatic mutations. Functional studies documented enhanced EGF‐induced ERK phosphorylation in transiently transfected COS1 cells. The present findings further support the association of pathogenic CBL variants with immunological and hematological manifestations in the context of a presentation with only minor findings reminiscent of NS or a clinically related RASopathy.
Chronic stress, social support, and symptoms at midlife. Is there a buffering effect?
Authors: Rulu Peteneinuo , Bertone‐Johnson Elizabeth R. , Kamilar Jason , Dhall Meenal , Sievert Lynnette Leidy
Published: April 2024

Objectives

This study was designed to examine associations among measures of stress, social support, and symptoms at midlife. Specifically, the study examined whether support buffered against the negative effects of stress on severity of symptoms grouped via factor analyses into emotional instability, vaso‐somatic symptoms, mood disturbances, and aches and pains.

Methods

We used cross‐sectional data from n = 119 women aged 40–55 in Nagaland, India. Midlife symptoms were measured with the help of questionnaires, and factor analysis was used to identify latent factors. Stress and social support were measured by Perceived Stress Scale and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, respectively. Chronic stress was measured by fingernail cortisol.

Results

After adjusting for menopausal status, tobacco use, body mass index, and socioeconomic status, cortisol level was positively associated with emotional instability (p < 0.01), vaso‐somatic symptom score (p < 0.05), and total symptoms at midlife (p < 0.05). Familial support was negatively associated with emotional instability (p < 0.05) and total symptoms at midlife (p < 0.05). However, no significant associations were observed with spousal or friend support. Although no significant interactions between stress, social support, and symptoms at midlife were observed, spousal support when stratified as high and low support using the means, perceived stress and vaso‐somatic symptoms indicated an interaction.

Conclusion

Cortisol level and support from family were independently associated with symptoms at midlife. The study highlights the importance of family ties and support for navigating the stressors of everyday life among women in Nagaland.
Self‐Inclusion Complexation of Electron‐Accepting Guest into Electron‐Donating Cyclic Host by Photoexcitation
Authors: Wada Keisuke , Nagata Yuuya , Cui Luxia , Ono Toshikazu , Akine Shigehisa , Ohtani Shunsuke , Kato Kenichi , Fa Shixin , Ogoshi Tomoki
Published: April 2024

Self‐inclusion complexes consisting of host‐guest conjugates are one of the unique supramolecular structures because they form in‐state and out‐state depending on the external stimuli. Despite many reports of the stimuli‐responsive self‐inclusion complex formation, study of the structural relaxation from out‐state to in‐state by photoexcitation has been unexplored. Herein, we report that an electron‐donating host and an electron‐accepting guest conjugate exhibits the structural relaxation from out‐state to in‐state by photoexcitation. Formation of the in‐state in the excited state resulted in exciplex emission along with the locally excited emission from the out‐state. Moreover, this structural relaxation by photoexcitation was suppressed not only by temperature, but also by the presence of guest molecules, resulting in changes in the ratio of the dual emission intensities.
Donor memorialization practices at religious institutions in the United States
Authors: Grachan Jeremy J. , Robinson Rhiannon , Doll Julie , Stevens Kelsey , Leeper Bobbie J.
Published: April 2024

Many institutions worldwide honor the gift of human body donors through memorial services, ceremonies, and various other means, such as guided reflection or art activities. Memorial services can vary when it comes to the name, who is involved in the planning, and who may attend. Within the United States, the role of religion in the planning and delivery of these ceremonies at religious institutions has yet to be actively explored. This study aimed to collect information about human body donor memorialization practices at religious institutions in the United States to help guide further suggestions for enhancing inclusivity in these practices. This study utilized a voluntary survey that was distributed to anatomy educators and human body donor programs to complete if they were from a religious institution that utilized human body donors. Based on the data collected in this study (n = 39), most religious institutions have some form of donor memorialization practices, which may or may not include a formal memorial service. In these practices described by survey participants, religion was commonly represented using an interfaith approach, in which campus ministry often assisted in planning and facilitating the memorialization. Those with masses/services refer to them by different names, and most occur in a religious‐specific place on campus. In conclusion, among survey participants at religious institutions that utilize and memorialize human body donors, most take an inclusive interfaith approach to their memorialization practices, as this can be more representative of the body donors and students who learn from them.
Protocol for responding to the detection of Legionella pneumophila in drinking water distribution systems
Authors: Bartrand Timothy A. , LeChevallier Mark W. , Clancy Jennifer L. , Burlingame Gary A.
Published: April 2024

A protocol for responding to Legionella pneumophila detections in distribution system samples is presented and justified. The protocol was developed using existing protocols for building water systems, vetted in workshops, and provided to utilities participating in a research project. The protocol provides action levels and actions that utilities can take when L. pneumophila is detected in distribution system samples. Action levels are based on the best available science and expert judgment and are similar to those in protocols for assessing building water system monitoring results. Action levels should be reassessed as additional data and knowledge on the occurrence and growth potential of L. pneumophila in distribution systems become available. All positive detections trigger assessments that focus first on conditions local to the sample location and then extend further into the distribution system. Higher concentration or more frequent detections initiate more assertive responses and communication than lower concentration and frequency detections. The protocol provides a starting point for the development of protocols for purposes such as L. pneumophila operational surveillance or within an outbreak investigation.
Biological and environmental factors influencing reproductive performance in ICR mice, Mus musculus
Authors: Tanaka Toyohito
Published: April 2024

Background

Since strain names and breeding facilities of ICR mice used in 37 reproductive toxicity studies have changed from 1990 to 2022 in our laboratory, biological and environmental factors that affect reproductive parameters were investigated in control mice to examine the validity of the background data.

Methods

Litter size and sex ratio were measured at birth [postnatal day (PND) 0], while offspring body weight was measured on PND 0 and 21 during the lactation. The relationships between biological and environmental factors and reproductive parameters were assessed with multiple regression analysis using stepwise regression as an explanatory variable selection strategy. The biological factors of litter size at birth, secondary sex ratio (male%), body weight (g) at birth and strain name, and environmental factors of facilities (room), temperature/humidity, and bedding materials were used as explanatory variables, and reproductive parameters of litter size at birth, secondary sex ratio (male%), body weight (g) at birth, and survival index (%) of offspring at PND 21 were used as response variables.

Results

No significant effects were indicated in litter size and sex ratio (male %) with any biological and environmental factors. Male and female offspring weights were significantly affected by strain names. No significant effects were indicated in the survival index (%) at PND 21 in both sexes with any biological and environmental factors.

Conclusions

Litter size and sex ratio in this report are sufficient as background data throughout the period because no significant variables of biological and environmental factors affected litter size and gender composition.
Intergenerational transmission and the reinforcement of the political engagement gap: Identifying how university‐educated parents enable their children to become more politically interested during early adolescence
Authors: Hoskins Bryony , Janmaat Jan Germen
Published: April 2024

Research consistently shows that parents' educational attainment is associated with their children's level of political interest. The life stage when this relationship is established and grows has been identified to be between the ages of 10 and 16. This paper identifies the social class‐based practices that drive the influence of parental education on the development of political interest among early adolescents and explains why the social gap grows at this point. The paper draws on two panel surveys, the Citizenship Education Longitudinal Study and the Understanding Society Youth Survey, and applies latent growth curve modelling and path analysis. The findings show that university‐educated parents influence the change in political interest of their children in early adolescence by raising their educational aspirations, enabling their access to political activities in school, choosing the school for their children, taking their children to museums and art galleries and influencing their children's friendship groups.
Effects of smart watch‐delivered text messaging on social initiations of adolescents with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: DiDomenico Justin , Tincani Matt , Dowdy Art
Published: April 2024

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience challenges with social skills when interacting with peers, which can affect their ability to form friendships and participate in inclusive settings. This study evaluated text messaging prompts and prompt fading delivered by a smart watch to increase social initiations of three adolescent students with ASD and their peers without ASD. We used a single‐case, multiple probe across participants design to assess participants' level of and type of independent and prompted appropriate social initiations without and with the intervention. Textual prompts substantially increased each participant's social initiations compared to baseline. Two participants remained reliant on textual prompts to make initiations, whereas the third was less reliant on prompts and continued to make independent initiations after prompts were completely faded. Participants' social skills gains maintained up to 3 weeks following intervention and participants and parents reported agreement with the goals, procedures, and outcomes of the strategy.
Visual screening of CRISPR/Cas9 editing efficiency based on micropattern arrays for editing porcine cells
Authors: Peng Wanliu , Gao Mengyu , Zhu Xinglong , Liu Xinmei , Yang Guang , Li Shun , Liu Yong , Bai Lang , Yang Jiayin , Bao Ji
Published: April 2024

CRISPR/Cas9 technology, combined with somatic cell nuclear transplantation (SCNT), represents the primary approach to generating gene‐edited pigs. The inefficiency in acquiring gene‐edited nuclear donors is attributed to low editing and delivery efficiency, both closely linked to the selection of CRISPR/Cas9 forms. However, there is currently no direct method to evaluate the efficiency of CRISPR/Cas9 editing in porcine genomes. A platform based on fluorescence reporting signals and micropattern arrays was developed in this study, to visually assess the efficiency of gene editing. The optimal specifications for culturing porcine cells, determined by the quantity and state of cells grown on micropattern arrays, were a diameter of 200 µm and a spacing of 150 µm. By visualizing the area of fluorescence loss and measuring the gray value of the micropattern arrays, it was quickly determined that the mRNA form targeting porcine cells exhibited the highest editing efficiency compared to DNA and Ribonucleoprotein (RNP) forms of CRISPR/Cas9. Subsequently, four homozygotes of the β4GalNT2 gene knockout were successfully obtained through the mRNA form, laying the groundwork for the subsequent generation of gene‐edited pigs. This platform facilitates a quick, simple, and effective evaluation of gene knockout efficiency. Additionally, it holds significant potential for swiftly testing novel gene editing tools, assessing delivery methods, and tailoring evaluation platforms for various cell types.
PD‐L1 inhibitors combined with whole brain radiotherapy in patients with small cell lung cancer brain metastases: Real‐world evidence
Authors: Huang Litang , Chen Shen , Liu Hui , Meng Lu , Liu Chengxing , Wu Xiaoting , Wang Yingying , Luo Shilan , Tu Hongbin , Wang Chunlei , Zhang Ming , Gong Xiaomei
Published: April 2024

Background

Numerous studies have demonstrated that brain metastases patients may benefit from intracranial radiotherapy combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). However, it is unclear whether this treatment is effective for patients with small cell lung cancer brain metastases (SCLC‐BMs).

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study by analyzing medical records of patients with SCLC‐BMs from January 1, 2017 to June 1, 2022. Data related to median overall survival (mOS), median progression‐free survival (mPFS), and intracranial progression‐free survival (iPFS) were analyzed.

Results

A total of 109 patients were enrolled, of which 60 received WBRT and 49 received WBRT‐ICI. Compared to the WBRT alone cohort, the WBRT‐ICI cohort showed longer mOS (20.4 months vs. 29.3 months, p = 0.021), mPFS (7.9 months vs. 15.1 months, p < 0.001), and iPFS (8.3 months vs. 16.5 months, p < 0.001). Furthermore, WBRT‐ICI cohort had a better response rate for both BMs. (p = 0.035) and extracranial diseases (p < 0.001) compared to those receiving WBRT alone. Notably, the use of WBRT before ICI was associated with longer mOS compared to the use of WBRT after ICI (23.3 months for the ICI‐WBRT group vs. 34.8 months for the WBRT‐ICI group, p = 0.020).

Conclusion

Our results indicated that WBRT combined with immunotherapy improved survival in SCLC‐BMs patients compared to WBRT monotherapy. Administering WBRT prior to ICI treatment is associated with improved survival outcomes compared to WBRT following ICI treatment, for patients with SCLC‐BMs. These findings highlight the significance of conducting further prospective researches on combination strategies of intracranial radiotherapy and ICI in SCLC‐BMs patients.
Application of interpretable machine learning algorithms to predict distant metastasis in ovarian clear cell carcinoma
Authors: Guo Qin‐Hua , Xie Feng‐Chun , Zhong Fang‐Min , Wen Wen , Zhang Xue‐Ru , Yu Xia‐Jing , Wang Xin‐Lu , Huang Bo , Li Li‐Ping , Wang Xiao‐Zhong
Published: April 2024

Background

Ovarian clear cell carcinoma (OCCC) represents a subtype of ovarian epithelial carcinoma (OEC) known for its limited responsiveness to chemotherapy, and the onset of distant metastasis significantly impacts patient prognoses. This study aimed to identify potential risk factors contributing to the occurrence of distant metastasis in OCCC.

Methods

Utilizing the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database, we identified patients diagnosed with OCCC between 2004 and 2015. The most influential factors were selected through the application of Gaussian Naive Bayes (GNB) and Adaboost machine learning algorithms, employing a Venn test for further refinement. Subsequently, six machine learning (ML) techniques, namely XGBoost, LightGBM, Random Forest (RF), Adaptive Boosting (Adaboost), Support Vector Machine (SVM), and Multilayer Perceptron (MLP), were employed to construct predictive models for distant metastasis. Shapley Additive Interpretation (SHAP) analysis facilitated a visual interpretation for individual patient. Model validity was assessed using accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, F1 score, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC).

Results

In the realm of predicting distant metastasis, the Random Forest (RF) model outperformed the other five machine learning algorithms. The RF model demonstrated accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, F1 score, and AUC (95% CI) values of 0.792 (0.762–0.823), 0.904 (0.835–0.973), 0.759 (0.731–0.787), 0.221 (0.186–0.256), 0.974 (0.967–0.982), 0.353 (0.306–0.399), and 0.834 (0.696–0.967), respectively, surpassing the performance of other models. Additionally, the calibration curve's Brier Score (95%) for the RF model reached the minimum value of 0.06256 (0.05753–0.06759). SHAP analysis provided independent explanations, reaffirming the critical clinical factors associated with the risk of metastasis in OCCC patients.

Conclusions

This study successfully established a precise predictive model for OCCC patient metastasis using machine learning techniques, offering valuable support to clinicians in making informed clinical decisions.
Expression and prognostic significance of the PD‐1/PD‐L1 pathway in AIDS‐related non‐Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Zhao Han , Cai Shaohang , Xiao Yanhua , Xia Muye , Chen Hongjie , Xie Zhiman , Tang Xiaoping , He Haolan , Peng Jie , Chen Juanjuan
Published: April 2024

Objective

Immune tolerance and evasion play a critical role in virus‐driven malignancies. However, the phenotype and clinical significance of programmed cell death 1 (PD‐1) and its ligands, PD‐L1 and PD‐L2, in aggressive acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)‐related non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (AR‐NHL) remain poorly understood, particularly in the Epstein–Barr virus (EBV)‐positive subset.

Methods

We used in situ hybridization with EBV‐encoded RNA (EBER) to assess the EBV status. We performed immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry analysis to evaluate components of the PD‐1/PD‐L1/L2 pathway in a multi‐institutional cohort of 58 patients with AR‐NHL and compared EBV‐positive and EBV‐negative cases.

Results

The prevalence of EBV+ in AR‐NHL was 56.9% and was associated with a marked increase in the expression of PD‐1/PD‐L1/PD‐L2 in malignant cells. Patients with AR‐NHLs who tested positive for both EBER and PD‐1 exhibited lower survival rates compared to those negative for these markers (47.4% vs. 93.8%, p = 0.004). Similarly, patients positive for both EBER and PD‐L1 also demonstrated poorer survival (56.5% vs. 93.8%, p = 0.043). Importantly, PD‐1 tissue‐expression demonstrated independent prognostic significance for overall survival in multivariate analysis and was correlated to elevated levels of LDH (r = 0.313, p = 0.031), increased PD‐1+ Tregs (p = 0.006), and robust expression of EBER (r = 0.541, p < 0.001) and PD‐L1 (r = 0.354, p = 0.014) expression.

Conclusions

These data emphasize the importance of PD‐1‐mediated immune evasion in the complex landscape of immune oncology in AR‐NHL co‐infected with EBV, and contribute to the diagnostic classification and possible definition of immunotherapeutic strategies for this unique subgroup.