bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Angstrom Scale Interaction between Plasma Membrane ATP-Gated P2X2and α4β2Nicotinic Channels Measured with Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer and Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence Microscopy
Authors: Khakh Baljit S. , Fisher James A. , Nashmi Raad , Bowser David N. , Lester Henry A.
Published: July 2005

Structurally distinct nicotinic and P2X channels interact functionally, such that coactivation results in cross-inhibition of one or both channel types. It is hypothesized, but not yet proven, that nicotinic and P2X channels interact at the plasma membrane. Here, we show that plasma membrane α4β2nicotinic and P2X2channels form a molecular scale partnership and also influence each other when coactivated, resulting in nonadditive cross-inhibitory responses. Total internal reflection fluorescence and fluorescence resonance energy transfer microscopy between fluorescently labeled P2X2and α4β2nicotinic channels demonstrated close spatial arrangement of the channels in human embryonic kidney cells and in hippocampal neuron membranes. The data suggest that P2X2and α4β2channels may form a dimer, with the channels ∼80 Å apart. The measurements also show that P2X2subunits interact specifically and robustly with the β2subunits in α4β2channels. The data provide direct evidence for the close spatial apposition of full-length P2X2and α4β2channels within 100 nm of the plasma membrane of living cells.
Conditional Inactivation of Presenilin 1 Prevents Amyloid Accumulation and Temporarily Rescues Contextual and Spatial Working Memory Impairments in Amyloid Precursor Protein Transgenic Mice
Authors: Saura Carlos A. , Chen Guiquan , Malkani Seema , Choi Se-Young , Takahashi Reisuke H. , Zhang Dawei , Gouras Gunnar K. , Kirkwood Alfredo , Morris Richard G. M. , Shen Jie
Published: July 2005

Accumulation of β-amyloid (Aβ) peptides in the cerebral cortex is considered a key event in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Presenilin 1 (PS1) plays an essential role in the γ-secretase cleavage of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) and the generation of Aβ peptides. Reduction of Aβ generation via the inhibition of γ-secretase activity, therefore, has been proposed as a therapeutic approach for AD. In this study, we examined whether genetic inactivation of PS1 in postnatal forebrain-restricted conditional knock-out (PS1cKO) mice can prevent the accumulation of Aβ peptides and ameliorate cognitive deficits exhibited by an amyloid mouse model that overexpresses human mutant APP. We found that conditional inactivation of PS1 inAPPtransgenic mice (PS1cKO;APPTg) effectively prevented the accumulation of Aβ peptides and formation of amyloid plaques and inflammatory responses, although it also caused an age-related accumulation of C-terminal fragments of APP. Short-term PS1 inactivation in youngPS1cKO;APPTg mice rescued deficits in contextual fear conditioning and serial spatial reversal learning in a water maze, which were associated withAPPTg mice. Longer-term PS1 inactivation in olderPS1cKO;APPTg mice, however, failed to rescue the contextual memory and hippocampal synaptic deficits and had a decreasing ameliorative effect on the spatial memory impairment. These results reveal thatin vivoreduction of Aβ via the inactivation of PS1 effectively prevents amyloid-associated neuropathological changes and can, but only temporarily, improve cognitive impairments inAPPtransgenic mice.
Neural Basis of Aging: The Penetration of Cognition into Action Control
Authors: Heuninckx Sofie , Wenderoth Nicole , Debaere Filiep , Peeters Ronald , Swinnen Stephan P.
Published: July 2005

Although functional imaging studies have frequently examined age-related changes in neural recruitment during cognitive tasks, much less is known about such changes during motor performance. In the present study, we used functional magnetic resonance imaging to investigate age-related changes in cyclical hand and/or foot movements across different degrees of complexity. Right-handed volunteers (11 young, 10 old) were scanned while performing isolated flexion-extension movements of the right wrist and foot as well as their coordination, according to the “easy” isodirectional and “difficult” nonisodirectional mode. Findings revealed activation of a typical motor network in both age groups, but several additional brain areas were involved in the elderly. Regardless of the performed motor task, the elderly exhibited additional activation in areas involved in sensory processing and integration, such as contralateral anterior insula, frontal operculum, superior temporal gyrus, supramarginal gyrus, secondary somatosensory area, and ipsilateral precuneus. Age-related activation differences during coordination of both segments were additionally observed in areas reflecting increased cognitive monitoring of motor performance, such as the pre-supplementary motor area, pre-dorsal premotor area, rostral cingulate, and prefrontal cortex. In the most complex coordination task, the elderly exhibited additional activation in anterior rostral cingulate and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, known to be involved in suppression of prepotent response tendencies and inhibitory cognitive control. Overall, these findings are indicative of an age-related shift along the continuum from automatic to more controlled processing of movement. This increased cognitive monitoring of movement refers to enhanced attentional deployment, more pronounced processing of sensory information, and intersensory integration.
Evidence for an Instructive Role of Retinal Activity in Retinotopic Map Refinement in the Superior Colliculus of the Mouse
Authors: Chandrasekaran Anand R. , Plas Daniel T. , Gonzalez Ernesto , Crair Michael C.
Published: July 2005

Although it is widely accepted that molecular mechanisms play an important role in the initial establishment of retinotopic maps, it has also long been argued that activity-dependent factors act in concert with molecular mechanisms to refine topographic maps. Evidence of a role for retinal activity in retinotopic map refinement in mammals is limited, and nothing is known about the effect of spontaneous retinal activity on the development of receptive fields in the superior colliculus. Using anatomical and physiological methods with two genetically manipulated mouse models and pharmacological interventions in wild-type mice, we show that spontaneous retinal waves instruct retinotopic map refinement in the superior colliculus of the mouse. Activity-dependent mechanisms may play a preferential role in the mapping of the nasal-temporal axis of the retina onto the colliculus, because refinement is particularly impaired along this axis in mutants without retinal waves. Interfering with both axon guidance cues and activity-dependent cues in the same animal has a dramatic cumulative effect. These experiments demonstrate how axon guidance cues and activity-dependent factors combine to instruct retinotopic map development.
Altered Map of Visual Space in the Superior Colliculus of Mice Lacking Early Retinal Waves
Authors: Mrsic-Flogel Thomas D. , Hofer Sonja B. , Creutzfeldt Claire , Cloëz-Tayarani Isabelle , Changeux Jean-Pierre , Bonhoeffer Tobias , Hübener Mark
Published: July 2005

During the development of the mammalian retinocollicular projection, a coarse retinotopic map is set up by the graded distribution of axon guidance molecules. Subsequent refinement of the initially diffuse projection has been shown to depend on the spatially correlated firing of retinal ganglion cells. In this scheme, the abolition of patterned retinal activity is not expected to influence overall retinotopic organization, but this has not been investigated. We used optical imaging of intrinsic signals to visualize the complete retinotopic map in the superior colliculus (SC) of mice lacking early retinal waves, caused by the deletion of the β2 subunit of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. As expected from previous anatomical studies in the SC of β2-/-mice, regions activated by individual visual stimuli were much larger and had less sharp borders than those in wild-type mice. Importantly, however, we also found systematic distortions of the entire retinotopic map: the map of visual space was expanded anteriorly and compressed posteriorly. Thus, patterned neuronal activity in the early retina has a substantial influence on the coarse retinotopic organization of the SC.
Presynaptic Ryanodine Receptors Are Required for Normal Quantal Size at theCaenorhabditis elegansNeuromuscular Junction
Authors: Liu Qiang , Chen Bojun , Yankova Maya , Morest D. Kent , Maryon Ed , Hand Arthur R. , Nonet Michael L. , Wang Zhao-Wen
Published: July 2005

Analyses of the effect of ryanodine in vertebrate brain slices have led to the conclusion that presynaptic ryanodine receptors (RYRs) may have several functions in synaptic release, including causing large-amplitude miniature postsynaptic currents (mPSCs) by promoting concerted multivesicular release. However, the role of RYRs in synaptic release is controversial. To better understand the role of RYRs in synaptic release, we analyzed the effect of RYR mutation on mPSCs and evoked postsynaptic currents (ePSCs) at theCaenorhabditis elegansneuromuscular junction (NMJ). Amplitudes of mPSCs varied greatly at theC. elegansNMJ. Loss-of-function mutations of the RYR geneunc-68(uncoordinated 68) essentially abolished large-amplitude mPSCs. The amplitude of ePSCs was also greatly suppressed. These defects were completely rescued by expressing wild-type UNC-68 specifically in neurons but not in muscle cells, suggesting that RYRs acted presynaptically. A combination of removing extracellular Ca2+and UNC-68 function eliminated mPSCs, suggesting that influx and RYR-mediated release are likely the exclusive sources of Ca2+for synaptic release. Large-amplitude mPSCs did not appear to be caused by multivesicular release, as has been suggested to occur at vertebrate central synapses, because the rise time of mPSCs was constant regardless of the amplitude but distinctive from that of ePSCs, and because large-amplitude mPSCs persisted under conditions that inhibit synchronized synaptic release, including elimination of extracellular Ca2+, and mutations of syntaxin and SNAP25 (solubleN-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein 25). These observations suggest that RYRs are essential to normal quantal size and are potential regulators of quantal size.
The Role of the Protein Matrix in Green Fluorescent Protein Fluorescence
Authors: Maddalo Scott L. , Zimmer Marc
Published: July 2005

In the ground state of the highly conjugated green fluorescent protein (GFP), the chromophore should be planar. However, numerous crystal structures of GFP and GFP‐like proteins have been reported with slightly twisted chromophores. We have previously shown that the protein cavity surrounding the chromophore in wild‐type GFP is not complementary with a planar chromophore. This study shows that the crystal structure of wild‐type GFP is not an anomaly: most of the GFP and GFP‐like proteins in the protein databank have a protein matrix that is not complementary with a planar chromophore. When the π‐conjugation across the ethylenic bridge of the chromophore is removed the protein matrix will significantly twist the freely rotating chromophore from the relatively planar structures found in the crystal structures. The possible consequences of this nonplanar deformation on the photophysics of GFP are discussed. A volume analysis of the cis‐trans‐isomerization of HBDI, a GFP chromophore model compound, reveals that its hula‐twist motion is volume conserving. This means that, if the GFP chromophore or GFP chromophore model compounds undergo a cis‐trans‐isomerization in a volume‐constricting medium, such as a protein matrix or viscous liquid, it will probably isomerize by means of a HT‐type motion.
Discussion of Christine A. Padesky and Aaron T. Beck, “Science and Philosophy: Comparison of Cognitive Therapy and Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy”
Authors: Ellis Albert
Published: July 2005

The author largely agrees with Christine A. Padesky and Aaron T. Beck’s (2003) article, “Science and Philosophy: Comparison of Cognitive Therapy and Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy,” disagrees with several of its statements about REBT, and particularly objects to Padesky and Beck’s view that the fundamental difference between CT and REBT is that the former therapy is empirically based and the latter is philosophically based.
Intensive vs Conventional Blood Pressure Control After Thrombectomy in Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Ghozy Sherief , Mortezaei Ali , Elfil Mohamed , Abdelghaffar Mariam , Kobeissi Hassan , Aladawi Mohammad , Abbas Alzhraa S. , Nayak Sandeep S. , Kadirvel Ramanathan , Rabinstein Alejandro A. , Kallmes David F.
Published: February 2024

Importance

Endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) is standard treatment for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) due to large-vessel occlusion (LVO), but optimal post-EVT blood pressure (BP) control remains debated.

Objective

To assess the association of different systolic BP targets following EVT with functional outcomes, mortality, and complications in patients with AIS due to LVO.

Data Sources

Systematic review and meta-analysis of databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane Library) to September 8, 2023.

Study Selection

Inclusion criteria consisted of randomized clinical trials examining post-EVT management of systolic BP in patients with AIS and LVO comparing intensive vs conventional targets. Nonrandomized studies, observational studies, noninterventional trials, meeting abstracts, duplicate studies, studies with overlapping data, and non–English language studies were excluded. Two authors independently applied these criteria through a blinded review, with discrepancies resolved through consensus. The risk of bias in the included studies was assessed using the revised tool for assessing risk of bias in randomized trials.

Data Extraction and Synthesis

This study adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) reporting guideline. Three authors extracted data regarding study characteristics, baseline patient data, and outcomes of interest. The pooled data were analyzed using a random-effects meta-analysis.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Rates of functional independence, 90-day mortality, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage, and hypotensive events.

Results

A total of 4 randomized clinical trials with 1571 initially enrolled patients were included in the analysis. Lower functional independence rates were observed in the intensive control group (relative risk [RR], 0.81 [95% CI, 0.67-0.98]). No significant differences were found in 90-day mortality (RR, 1.18 [95% CI, 0.92-1.52]), symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (RR, 1.12 [95% CI, 0.75-1.67]), or hypotensive events (RR, 1.80 [95% CI, 0.37-8.76]). There was minimal heterogeneity among the studies included in the functional independence outcome (I2 = 13% and τ2 = 0.003), which was absent among other outcomes (I2 = 0 and τ2 = 0).

Conclusions and Relevance

These findings suggest that intensive post-EVT BP reduction does not yield benefits and may carry risks. While awaiting the results of additional ongoing trials, a conservative BP management strategy after endovascular recanalization is favored in daily practice.
Use of Diagnostic Audiology and Cochlear Implantation in the US
Authors: Zhan Kevin Y. , Mazul Angela , Kallogjeri Dorina L. , Buchman Craig A.
Published: February 2024

This study examined if cochlear implant (CI) use varies geographically within the US and if diagnostic audiology use correlates with CI usage.
Voice as an AI Biomarker of Health—Introducing Audiomics
Authors: Bensoussan Yaël , Elemento Olivier , Rameau Anaïs
Published: February 2024

This Viewpoint discusses the need to create standards for audiomics to identify unique audio biomarkers of health and disease—now possible because of more efficient voice data analysis available through the use of artificial intelligence (AI)—and to improve patient care.
Feasibility of Ethos adaptive treatments of lung tumors and associated quality assurance
Authors: Wegener Sonja , Weick Stefan , Schindhelm Robert , Tamihardja Jörg , Sauer Otto A. , Razinskas Gary
Published: February 2024

Motivation

Online adaptive radiotherapy with Ethos is based on the anatomy determined from daily cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images. Dose optimization and computation are performed on the density map of a synthetic CT (sCT), a deformable registration of the initial planning CT (pCT) onto the current CBCT. Large density changes as present in the lung region are challenging the system.

Methods

Treatment plans for Ethos were created and delivered for 1, 2, and 3 cm diameter lung lesions in an anthropomorphic phantom, combining different insets in the pCT and during adaptive and non‐adaptive treatment sessions. Primary and secondary dose calculations as well as back‐projected dose from portal images were evaluated.

Results

Density changes due to changed insets were not considered in the sCTs. This resulted in errors in the dose; for example, ‐15.9% of the mean dose for a plan when changing from a 3 cm inset in the pCT to 1 cm at the time of treatment. Secondary dose calculation is based on the sCT and could therefore not reveal these dose errors. However, dose calculation on the CBCT, either as a recalculation in the treatment planning system or as pre‐treatment quality assurance (QA) before the treatment, indicated the differences. EPID in‐vivo QA also reported discrepancies between calculated and delivered dose distributions.

Conclusions

An incorrect density distribution in the sCT has an impact on the dose calculation accuracy in the adaptive treatment workflow with the Ethos system. Additional quality checks of the sCT can detect such errors.
General and Pain‐Associated Psychological Distress Phenotypes Among Patients With Low Back Pain in the Military Health System
Authors: Rhon Daniel I. , George Steven Z. , Greenlee Tina A. , Farrokhi Shawn , Lentz Trevor A.
Published: February 2024

Objective

The primary objective was to describe rates of general and pain‐related psychological distress for individuals with low back pain (LBP) in the Military Health System (MHS). We identified common phenotypes defined by rates of general and pain‐related psychological distress and compared phenotypes on their level of pain interference, physical function, anxiety, and depression.

Methods

We created a cohort from two completed trials assessing nonpharmacological treatment for LBP in the MHS (n = 510 total). The Optimal Screening for Prediction of Referral and Outcome Yellow Flag assessment tool identified the presence of 11 different yellow flags. Latent class analysis (LCA) used yellow flag indicators to identify common psychological phenotypes. We then compared Patient‐Reported Outcomes Measurement Information Systems measures of pain interference, physical function, sleep disturbance, depression, and anxiety across phenotypes.

Results

LCA identified five phenotypes (percentage of the sample): low distress (32%), high distress (27%), poor pain coping and low self‐efficacy (18%), low self‐efficacy and acceptance (14%), and poor pain coping (10%). Highly distressed phenotypes reported higher levels of pain interference, sleep disturbance, depression, and anxiety than those with other phenotypes, whereas the low distress phenotype had significantly lower pain interference and higher physical function scores than those characterized by all other phenotypes.

Conclusion

These phenotypes provide opportunities for clinicians and researchers to develop novel LBP treatment pathways tailored to patients with different profiles of psychological distress. Future work is needed to validate their predictive capabilities for clinical outcomes.
The Lithbea Domain
Authors: Gómez‐Márquez Jaime
Published: February 2024

The tree of life is the evolutionary metaphor for the past and present connections of all cellular organisms. Today, to speak of biodiversity is not only to speak of archaea, bacteria, and eukaryotes, but they should also consider the “new biodiversity” that includes viruses and synthetic organisms, which represent the new forms of life created in laboratories. There is even a third group of artificial entities that, although not living systems, pretend to imitate the living. To embrace and organize all this new biodiversity, I propose the creation of a new domain, with the name Lithbea (from life‐on‐the‐border entites) The criteria for inclusion as members of Lithbea are: i) the acellular nature of the living system, ii) its origin in laboratory manipulation, iii) showing new biological traits, iv) the presence of exogenous genetic elements, v) artificial or inorganic nature. Within Lithbea there are two subdomains: Virworld (from virus world) which includes all viruses, regarded as lifeless living systems, and classified according to the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV), and ii) Humade (from human‐made) which includes all synthetic organisms and artificial entities. The relationships of Lithbea members to the three classical woesian domains and their implications are briefly discussed.
Tunable Ferroelectric Topological Defects on 2D Topological Surfaces: Complex Strain Engineering Skyrmion‐Like Polar Structures in 2D Materials
Authors: Xu Bo , Gong Zhanpeng , Liu Jingran , Hong Yunfei , Yang Yang , Li Lou , Liu Yilun , Deng Junkai , Liu Jefferson Zhe
Published: February 2024

Polar topological structures in ferroelectric materials have attracted significant interest due to their fascinating physical properties and promising applications in high‐density, nonvolatile memories. Currently, most polar topological patterns are only observed in the bulky perovskite superlattices. In this work, a discovery of tunable ferroelectric polar topological structures is reported, designed, and achieved using topological strain engineering in two‐dimensional (2D) PbX (X = S, Se, and Te) materials via integrating first‐principles calculations, machine learning molecular dynamics simulations, and continuum modeling. First‐principles calculations discover the strain‐induced reversible ferroelectric phase transition with diverse polarization directions strongly correlated to the straining conditions. Taking advantage of the mechanical flexibility of 2D PbX, using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, it is successfully demonstrated that the complex strain fields of 2D topological surfaces under mechanical indentation can generate unique skyrmion‐like polar topological vortex patterns. Further continuum simulations for experimentally accessible larger‐scale 2D topological surfaces uncover multiple skyrmion‐like structures (i.e., vortex, anti‐vortex, and flux‐closure) and transition between them by adopting/designing different types of mechanical loadings (such as out‐of‐plane indention and air blowing). Topological surfaces with various designable reversible polar topological structures can be tailored by complex straining flexible 2D materials, which provides excellent opportunities for next‐generation nanoelectronics and sensor devices.
Bioinspired, Bioactive, and Bactericidal: Anodized Nanotextured Dental Implants
Authors: Chopra Divya , Guo Tianqi , Jayasree Anjana , Gulati Karan , Ivanovski Sašo
Published: February 2024

Bioinspired titanium implant nanotexturing achieved via advanced techniques such as lithography, hydrothermal and laser patterning enables modulation of cell functions toward enhanced bioactivity and antibacterial efficacy. However, such costly, multi‐step methods limit clinical translation and benchtop implant modification. For the first time, single‐step, cost‐effective, and translatable electrochemical anodization is reported to fabricate bioinspired nanopillar‐like textures on micro‐rough titanium. In‐depth surface characterization confirms the formation of novel nanostructures, namely nanoscale Spinules, Daggers, Papillae, Spikes, and Flames, exhibiting varied roughness and wettability. Next, in separate experiments, primary human osteoblasts and polymicrobial salivary biofilm are cultured on the implant substrates. Nanotextured surfaces show high protein adhesion and maintain the proliferation, adhesion, and spreading of osteoblasts. Interestingly, all nanotextures exhibit superior antibiofilm abilities compared to control surfaces. Bioactive and antibacterial implant surface nano‐texturing achieved via single‐step anodization has the potential for clinical translation as the next generation of orthopedic and dental implant surface modification.
Solution‐Processed Perovskite Quantum Dot Quasi‐BIC Laser from Miniaturized Low‐Lateral‐Loss Cavity
Authors: Xing Di , Chen Mu‐Hsin , Wang Zhiyu , Deng Chih‐Zong , Ho Ya‐Lun , Lin Bo‐Wei , Lin Cheng‐Chieh , Chen Chun‐Wei , Delaunay Jean‐Jacques
Published: February 2024

Laser devices produced via solution‐processed perovskite quantum dots (QDs) offer broad spectral tunability as well as ease of fabrication. Utilizing quasi‐bound states in the continuum (quasi‐BIC) modes, solution‐processed QD laser devices have been demonstrated with a nanostructure coated in a thin‐film gain media configuration. However, light leakage through thin‐film guiding from the cavity side edges becomes more pronounced when shrinking the cavity size, posing challenges for the miniaturization of quasi‐BIC‐based lasers. Here, the fabrication of well‐defined patterns of QDs via a solution process allows them to take advantage of the pattern edges to reduce losses through the cavity edges. A single‐mode BIC laser is reported by using CsPbBr3 QDs with a narrow linewidth of ≈0.1 nm. Importantly, a miniaturized quasi‐BIC laser is realized with a device size as small as 10 × 10 µm2, making it the smallest among existing solution‐processed BIC lasers. This work provides a strategy for developing ultra‐compact BIC lasers via solution‐processed gain media.
Skin‐Attached Arrayed Piezoelectric Sensors for Continuous and Safe Monitoring of Oculomotor Movements
Authors: Kim Nam‐In , Chen Jie , Wang Weijie , Kim Ja‐Yeon , Kwon Min‐Ki , Moradnia Mina , Pouladi Sara , Ryou Jae‐Hyun
Published: February 2024

Abnormal oculomotor movements are known to be linked to various types of brain disorders, physical/mental shocks to the brain, and other neurological disorders, hence its monitoring can be developed into a simple but effective diagnostic tool. To overcome the limitations in the current eye‐tracking system and electrooculography, a piezoelectric arrayed sensor system is developed using single‐crystalline III‐N thin‐film transducers, which offers advantages of mechanical flexibility, biocompatibility, and high electromechanical conversion, for continuous monitoring of oculomotor movements by skin‐attachable, safe, and highly sensitive sensors. The flexible piezoelectric eye movement sensor array (F‐PEMSA), consisting of three transducers, is attached to the face temple area where it can be comfortably wearable and can detect the muscles’ activity associated with the eye motions. Output voltages from upper, mid, and lower sensors (transducers) on different temple areas generate discernable patterns of output voltage signals with different combinations of positive/negative signs and their relative magnitudes for the various movements of eyeballs including 8 directional (lateral, vertical, and diagonal) and two rotational movements, which enable various types of saccade and pursuit tests. The F‐PEMSA can be used in clinical studies on the brain‐eye relationship to evaluate the functional integrity of multiple brain systems and cognitive processes.
Self‐Propulsion by Directed Explosive Emulsification
Authors: Wu Xuefei , Xue Han , Bordia Gautam , Fink Zachary , Kim Paul Y. , Streubel Robert , Han Jiale , Helms Brett A. , Ashby Paul D. , Omar Ahmad K. , Russell Thomas P.
Published: February 2024

An active droplet system, programmed to repeatedly move autonomously at a specific velocity in a well‐defined direction, is demonstrated. Coulombic energy is stored in oversaturated interfacial assemblies of charged nanoparticle‐surfactants by an applied DC electric field and can be released on demand. Spontaneous emulsification is suppressed by an increase in the stiffness of the oversaturated assemblies. Rapidly removing the field releases the stored energy in an explosive event that propels the droplet, where thousands of charged microdroplets are ballistically ejected from the surface of the parent droplet. The ejection is made directional by a symmetry breaking of the interfacial assembly, and the combined interaction force of the microdroplet plume on one side of the droplet propels the droplet distances tens of times its size, making the droplet active. The propulsion is autonomous, repeatable, and agnostic to the chemical composition of the nanoparticles. The symmetry‐breaking in the nanoparticle assembly controls the microdroplet velocity and direction of propulsion. This mechanism of droplet propulsion will advance soft micro‐robotics, establishes a new type of active matter, and introduces new vehicles for compartmentalized delivery.
Hybrid Foams based on Multi‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes and Cellulose Nanocrystals for Anisotropic Electromagnetic Shielding and Heat Transport
Authors: Schiele Carina , Di Andi , Hadi Seyed Ehsan , Rangaiah Pramod K. B. , Augustine Robin , Bergström Lennart
Published: February 2024

Lightweight and mechanically robust hybrid foams based on cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) and multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) with an anisotropic structure are prepared by directional ice‐templating. The anisotropic hybrid CNC‐MWCNT foams displayed a combination of highly anisotropic thermal conductivity and an orientation‐dependent electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding with a maximum EMI shielding efficiency (EMI‐SE) of 41–48 dB between 8 and 12 GHz for the hybrid foam with 22 wt% MWCNT. The EMI‐SE is dominated by absorption (SEA) which is important for microwave absorber applications. Modelling of the low radial thermal conductivity highlighted the importance of phonon scattering at the heterogeneous CNC‐MWCNT interfaces while the axial thermal conductivity is dominated by the solid conduction along the aligned rod‐like particles. The lightweight CNC‐MWCNT foams combination of an anisotropic thermal conductivity and EMI shielding efficiency is unusual and can be useful for directional heat transport and EMI shielding.
Long Time Atmospheric Oxidation Followed by Hydrofluoric Etching and Hydrosilylation for High‐Efficiency Light‐Emitting Silicon Quantum Dots
Authors: He Qiang , Wang Kun , Li Dongke , Yang Deren , Pi Xiaodong
Published: February 2024

Tunable emission wavelength and excellent biocompatibility have positioned silicon quantum dots (Si QDs) as important optoelectronic materials in areas like displays, lighting, and biomedical imaging. However, the challenges of low luminescence efficiency impede the utilization of Si QDs, restraining the advancement of Si QDs‐based light‐emitting diode (LED) devices. This study primarily concentrates on optimizing the surface structure of Si QDs and refining the Si QDs‐based LED device structures. A strategy involving active oxidation followed by hydrofluoric etching and hydrosilylation is proposed to enhance the optical characteristics of Si QDs. A variety of characterization methods are employed to evaluate the impact of the active oxidation on the photoluminescence and surface structures of Si QDs. This approach ultimately achieves an impressive enhancement in the photoluminescence quantum yield (PL QY) of Si QDs from 6.7% to 60.3%. Furthermore, the atmospherically oxidized Si QDs with the highest PL QY are selected as the emitting‐layer material to fabricate LEDs with the structure of ITO/PEDOT:PSS/TFB/Si QDs/ZnMgO/Ag. The introduction of ZnMgO effectively balances charge injection in the Si‐QDs‐based LEDs. As a result, the devices achieve electroluminescence with an external quantum efficiency of 13.2%.
Black Phosphorus Microbubbles Combined with Ultrasound for Treating Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Guo Shuyuan , Zhang Zhuxia , Xu Bingxuan , Wang Mengxin , Fan Taojian , Zhong Xinliang , Hu Azhen , Hu Die , Luo Lan , Lin Shuping , Wang Linlin , Yao Rongquan , Huang Jiabao , Hu Huiying , Shuai Xintao , Shi Jie , Chen Yun , Zheng Tingting
Published: February 2024

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common chronic central nervous system disorder that reduces quality of life and increases mortality. Currently, the treatment of PD is limited due to the challenge of macromolecular drugs crossing the blood‐brain barrier (BBB). Black phosphorus (BP) has antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory effects and shows potential for neuroprotection. To solve the restriction of the BBB, innovative BP microbubbles (BP@MBs) combined with focused ultrasound (FUS) are constructed to facilitate BBB opening. Additionally, the biocompatibility and safety of BP@MBs with varying dimensions are investigated, including BP quantum dot microbubbles (BPQDs@MBs) and BP nanosheet microbubbles (BPNSs@MBs). The findings indicate that low concentrations of BP have good biosafety and that BPQDs@MBs exhibit better biocompatibility than BPNSs@MBs both in vitro and in vivo at the same concentrations. Moreover, a 6‐hydroxydopamine (6‐OHDA)‐induced PD cell model and an animal model are established to verify the anti‐PD effects of BPQDs@MBs and BPNSs@MBs. The results confirmed that BPQDs@MBs and BPNSs@MBs have antioxidant effects that reduced neuronal apoptosis and improved the motor symptoms of PD in rats. BPQDs@MBs combined with FUS may be a promising option for the clinical treatment of PD.
Mitigating Planar Gliding in Single‐Crystal Nickel‐Rich Cathodes through Multifunctional Composite Surface Engineering
Authors: Zhang Qimeng , Chu Youqi , Wu Junxiu , Dong Pengyuan , Deng Qiang , Chen Changdong , Huang Kevin , Yang Chenghao , Lu Jun
Published: February 2024

Nickel‐rich layered oxides are a class of promising cathodes for high‐energy‐density lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). However, their structural instability derived from crystallographic planar gliding and microcracking under high voltages has significantly hindered their practical applications. Herein, resurfacing engineering for single‐crystalline LiNi0.83Co0.07Mn0.1O2 (SNCM) cathode is undertaken. A passivation shell, comprising a surface fast ion conductor Li1.25Al0.25Ti1.5O4 (LATO) layer and a near‐surface confined cation hybridization region, is established through co‐infiltrating Al and Ti into SNCM, which can profoundly improve structural stability. Compelling evidences  show that high‐conductivity LATO‐overcoat facilitates Li+ conduction and resists electrolyte attack. The introduction of strong Al─O bonds and resurfacing regions stabilize bulk and near‐surface lattice oxygen respectively during cycling, thus hindering the formation of oxygen vacancies and the occurrence of detrimental phase transformations, ultimately suppressing the crystallographic planar gliding and nanocracking. Subsequently, the modified SNCM drastically outperforms the baseline SNCM, exhibiting an ultrahigh 88.9% retention rate of original capacity at 1.0C after 400 cycles, and a discharge capacity of 146.8 mAh g−1 with a 92.6% capacity retention rate after 200 cycles at 5.0C within a voltage window of 2.7–4.3 V. The promising performance demonstrated by the multifunctional surface coating highlights a new way to stabilize Ni‐rich cathodes for LIBs.
Synaptic Characteristics of Fully Depleted Silicon‐on‐Insulator Metal‐Oxide‐Semiconductor Field‐Effect Transistors and Synapse‐Neuron Arrayed Neuromorphic Hardware System
Authors: Jeon Yu‐Rim , Kim Jeong‐Hoon , Akinwande Deji , Choi Changhwan
Published: February 2024

A fully depleted silicon‐on‐insulator (FDSOI) metal‐oxide‐semiconductor field‐effect transistors (MOSFETs) device is investigated as for an electronic synapse emulating the synaptic functions of the human brain with stable characteristics. Gate‐last processed FDSOI MOSFET with a high‐k/metal gate stack features a memory window of 103. Synaptic conductance is stably regulated by utilizing the FDSOI MOSFET, which offers the advantage of mitigating leakage current when compared to bulk Si MOSFET. Short‐ and long‐term plasticity are investigated by applying engineered pulse, verifying the long‐term synaptic properties of pattern recognition processes. With controllable synaptic conductance, the trade‐off between conductance change and linearity regarding the recognition rate is evaluated, attaining a recognition rate of 0.83. To verify the pre‐ and post‐synaptic weights within a real hardware‐based neuromorphic system, 5 × 6 FDSOI field‐effect transistor (FET) synapse array is interconnected to 10 × 10 leaky integrate‐and‐fire (LIF) neuron array. The synaptic plasticity of FDSOI MOSFET in post‐neurons following neuron firing in the neuron device is successfully demonstrated. These results indicate that FDSOI MOSFET devices could be applicable as synapse devices due to controllability and capability to realize signal transmissions and self‐learning processes simultaneously and used to mimic a synapse neuron network system by configuring a hardware system interconnected with the LIF neuron.
Colorimetric surface lipid quantification in Drosophila
Authors: Yang Yang , Flaven‐Pouchon Justin , Cortot Jerôme , Ferveur Jean‐François , Moussian Bernard
Published: February 2024

Insects are covered with free neutral cuticular hydrocarbons (CHC) that may be linear, branched, and unsaturated and vary in their chain length. The CHC composition is species‐specific and contributes to the adaptation of the animal to its ecological niche. Commonly, CHCs contribute substantially to the inward and outward barrier function of the cuticle and serve pheromonal communication. They are generally determined by gas‐chromatography, a time‐consuming method requiring detailed expertize, but it is not available in many laboratories. Here, we report on the establishment of a colorimetric method allowing semi‐quantitative determination of unsaturated CHCs in Drosophila flies. This method is based on the in vitro reaction of vanillin with double bounds in lipid molecules in an acidic solution to generate a reddish color. We found a robust correlation between gas chromatographic and vanillin‐colorimetric data on unsaturated CHCs amounts in single flies. As the role of unsaturated CHCs in the performance of insects in their environment is only partly understood, we think that this novel method would allow fast and broad analyses of this type of CHCs in insects both in the field and in laboratories and thereby contribute to a substantial improvement in the investigation of this matter.
Direct Through‐Space Substituent‐π Interactions in Noncovalent Arene–Fullerene Assemblies
Authors: Hashikawa Yoshifumi , Murata Yasujiro
Published: February 2024

The arene‐arene interactions between electron‐rich and deficient aromatics have been less understood. Herein, we focus on a [60]fullerene π‐surface as an electron‐deficient aromatics. Using a 1H signal of H2O@C60 as a magnetic probe, the presence of benzene–fullerene interactions was confirmed. To investigate substituent effects on the noncovalent arene‐fullerene interactions, NMR titration experiments were carried out using an open‐[60]fullerene and a series of substituted benzenes, i. e., PhX (X=NO2, CN, Cl, OMe, H, CH3, and NH2), demonstrating a 1 : 2 stoichiometry with a positive correlation between stabilization energies upon the first association (ΔG1) and Hammet constants (σm). The destabilization of the self‐assembled structure for X=OMe with a σ‐withdrawing nature clearly showed direct through‐space substituent‐π interactions describable by the Wheeler‐Houk model while the second association was suggested to be considerably perturbed by the secondary effects.
Is “M&M® therapy” a misnomer or a concerning truth? A descriptive analysis of the use of edible reinforcers in applied behavior analytic research
Authors: Kemp Jacqueline M. , Ethridge Amy N. , Richling Sarah M. , Drummond Cecelia Z. , Soto Joshua A.
Published: February 2024

Reinforcement is considered an essential component of many behavioral interventions. However, caregivers may criticize the use of edible reinforcers, particularly those viewed as unhealthy. Still, as evidenced by current attitudes toward the profession, addressing the concerns and criticisms of behavior analytic consumers is paramount. Thus, the purpose of this study was to determine the extent to which edible reinforcers are used within published behavior analytic research. To this end, we analyzed research published in six major behavior analytic journals across 3 years. Results indicate that edible reinforcement was utilized in less than one third of the studies using reinforcement often in combination with other nonedible reinforcers. However, it is important to consider potential negative externalities with the use of edible reinforcement and the need for future research on the use of edible reinforcers in clinical practice and research contexts.
Does corruption sand the wheels of sustainable development? Evidence through green innovation
Authors: Majeed Muhammad Ansar , Ahsan Tanveer , Gull Ammar Ali
Published: February 2024

This study investigates the impact of corruption on green innovation, as corruption may impede or foster green innovation in developing economies due to their weak governance systems. We develop a dataset of Chinese non‐financial firms listed between 2007 and 2020 and apply static and dynamic regression techniques. The results indicate a highly significant negative association between corruption and green innovation. This supports the notion that corruption culture reduces corporate legitimacy concerns (institutional theory), increases managerial rent‐seeking (agency theory), and hinders green innovation, thus impeding sustainable development and supporting the “sand the wheels” hypothesis. Our analysis also reveals that corruption's negative impact on green innovation is particularly significant for firms with lower media and analyst coverage, non‐state‐owned firms, and firms in heavy‐polluting industries. These results are robust to alternate proxies of green innovation and corruption as well as econometric specifications that account for endogeneity issues and industry, region, and time‐fixed effects.
Examining #StopAsianHate discourse on Twitter using framing and thematic analyses: Focusing on motivational framing with express behaviour upon the 2021 Atlanta shootings
Authors: Lee Claire Seungeun , Jang Ahnlee
Published: February 2024

In separate events on March 16, 2021, an armed man walked into a spa and a massage parlour in Atlanta and shot eight people, six of whom were women of Asian descendant. Within the first week of the Atlanta shootings, more than 400,000 tweets with the hashtag #StopAsianHate emerged in response to the violence. To highlight the importance of this issue, this current study analyses 5,146 English tweets with #StopAsianHate using social movement framing. Analysis of tweets using Thematic analysis shows that proponents of the AAPI community used diagnostic framing to situate the incident in the context of systematic racial discrimination against AAPI, used prognostic framing to suggest “what” to do to resolve the problem, and used motivational framing to share action words to encourage others and to encouraging political engagements. Findings also show that other than the social movement framing, actors expressed many emotions to show their support and gave immediate reactions in response to significant events as they occurred in relation to the hate crimes. Future studies should examine whether these findings are unique to AAPI members, online social movements, or the topic of racial hate crime.
Clerodendrum Glandulosum Lindl.: A Review of Ethnopharmacology, Pharmacological Potentials, and their Mechanism of Action
Authors: Khound Puspanjali , Devi Rajlakshmi
Published: February 2024

Clerodendrum glandulosum Lindl. is popularly known for its traditional herbal remedies and therapeutic properties among the people of Northeast Indian communities, as well as Chinese traditional medicine. For the myriad pharmacological properties, viz., anti‐hypertensive, hypolipidemic, hepatoprotective, anti‐inflammatory, and neuroprotective, planting this species in kitchen gardens is a common practice to treat various ailments, especially hypertension, diabetes, and other metabolic complications.

Different phytochemicals, representing the diverse classes of secondary metabolites comprising physiological and phytopharmaceutical significance, have been reported from C. glandulosum. Compounds with terpenoids, steroids, and phenolics are in demand in the pharmaceutical industry. An overview of the mechanism of action of the prominent compounds has also been collated for future research on C. glandulosum‐based therapeutics. Current information focuses on this important medicinal plant‘s ethnomedicinal use, phytochemistry, pharmacology, associated mechanisms, and toxicology. This review will help explore this potential medicinal plant, which can pave the path for its application in the pharmaceutical industry.
Mushroom Tyrosinase: Six Isoenzymes Catalyzing Distinct Reactions
Authors: Pretzler Matthias , Rompel Annette
Published: February 2024

“Mushroom tyrosinase” from the common button mushroom is the most frequently used source of tyrosinase activity, both for basic and applied research. Here, the complete tyrosinase family from Agaricus bisporus var. bisporus (abPPO1‐6) was cloned from mRNA and expressed heterologously using a single protocol. All six isoenzymes accept a wide range of phenolic and catecholic substrates, but display pronounced differences in their specificity and enzymatic reaction rate. AbPPO3 ignores γ‐l‐glutaminyl‐4‐hydroxybenzene (GHB), a natural phenol present in mM concentrations in A. bisporus, while AbPPO4 processes 100 μM GHB at 4‐times the rate of the catechol l‐DOPA. All six AbPPOs are biochemically distinct enzymes fit for different roles in the fungal life cycle, which challenges the traditional concept of isoenzymes as catalyzing the same physiological reaction and varying only in secondary properties. Transferring this approach to other enzymes and organisms will greatly stimulate both the study of the in vivo function(s) of enzymes and the application of these highly efficient catalysts.
Modifications of Protein‐Bound Substrates by Trans‐Acting Enzymes in Natural Products Biosynthesis
Authors: Skala Leigh E. , Philmus Benjamin , Mahmud Taifo
Published: February 2024

Enzymatic modifications of small molecules are a common phenomenon in natural product biosynthesis, leading to the production of diverse bioactive compounds. In polyketide biosynthesis, modifications commonly take place after the completion of the polyketide backbone assembly by the polyketide synthases and the mature products are released from the acyl‐carrier protein (ACP). However, exceptions to this rule appear to be widespread, as on‐line hydroxylation, methyl transfer, and cyclization during polyketide assembly process are common, particularly in trans‐AT PKS systems. Many of these modifications are catalyzed by specific domains within the modular PKS systems. However, several of the on‐line modifications are catalyzed by stand‐alone proteins. Those include the on‐line Baeyer‐Villiger oxidation, α‐hydroxylation, halogenation, epoxidation, and methyl esterification during polyketide assembly, dehydrogenation of ACP‐bound short fatty acids by acyl‐CoA dehydrogenase‐like enzymes, and glycosylation of ACP‐bound intermediates by discrete glycosyltransferase enzymes. This review article highlights some of these trans‐acting proteins that catalyze enzymatic modifications of ACP‐bound small molecules in natural product biosynthesis.