bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stretchable Redox‐Active Semiconducting Polymers for High‐Performance Organic Electrochemical Transistors
Authors: Dai Yahao , Dai Shilei , Li Nan , Li Yang , Moser Maximilian , Strzalka Joseph , Prominski Aleksander , Liu Youdi , Zhang Qingteng , Li Songsong , Hu Huawei , Liu Wei , Chatterji Shivani , Cheng Ping , Tian Bozhi , McCulloch Iain , Xu Jie , Wang Sihong
Published: April 2022

Organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs) represent an emerging device platform for next‐generation bioelectronics owing to the uniquely high amplification and sensitivity to biological signals. For achieving seamless tissue–electronics interfaces for accurate signal acquisition, skin‐like softness and stretchability are essential requirements, but they have not yet been imparted onto high‐performance OECTs, largely due to the lack of stretchable redox‐active semiconducting polymers. Here, a stretchable semiconductor is reported for OECT devices, namely poly(2‐(3,3′‐bis(2‐(2‐(2‐methoxyethoxy)ethoxy)ethoxy)‐[2,2′‐bithiophen]‐5)yl thiophene) (p(g2T‐T)), which gives exceptional stretchability over 200% strain and 5000 repeated stretching cycles, together with OECT performance on par with the state‐of‐the‐art. Validated by systematic characterizations and comparisons of different polymers, the key design features of this polymer that enable the combination of high stretchability and high OECT performance are a nonlinear backbone architecture, a moderate side‐chain density, and a sufficiently high molecular weight. Using this highly stretchable polymer semiconductor, an intrinsically stretchable OECT is fabricated with high normalized transconductance (≈223 S cm−1) and biaxial stretchability up to 100% strain. Furthermore, on‐skin electrocardiogram (ECG) recording is demonstrated, which combines built‐in amplification and unprecedented skin conformability.
Electrochemical Insertion of Zinc Ions into Self‐Organized Titanium Dioxide Nanotube Arrays to Achieve Strong Osseointegration with Titanium Implants
Authors: Zhao Hang , Wang Wenhan , Liu Feng , Kong Ying , Chen Xin , Wang Liang , Ma Wenjun , Liu Chao , Sang Yuanhua , Wang Xingbang , Wang Shuhua , Liu Hong
Published: April 2022

The construction of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanotube arrays on the surface of metallic titanium has been demonstrated as a practical approach for improving the biocompatibility of titanium orthopedic implants. However, it remains a challenge to form strong bonds between such TiO2‐based systems and the surrounding bone due to their lack of osseointegration ability. Herein, inspired by the intercalation mechanism of rechargeable batteries, a feasible electrochemical strategy is developed to insert high‐concentration bioactive zinc ions into the lattices of TiO2 nanotube arrays with a controlled release performance and without nanostructure collapse. The zinc ion‐inserted TiO2 nanotube arrays give titanium implants that exhibit excellent osteogenesis properties due to the synergistic effect of the nanotube topography and the release of zinc ions. Using the proposed electrochemical zinc insertion technique, the prepared substrates can trigger the osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in vitro and subsequent implant‐to‐bone osseointegration in vivo. This study establishes a feasible and general electrochemical method to enhance the bioactivity and osseointegration of titanium implants, thereby providing a promising strategy for bone tissue repair.
Zero‐Dimensional Organic Copper(I) Iodide Hybrid with High Anti‐Water Stability for Blue‐Light‐Excitable Solid‐State Lighting
Authors: Su Binbin , Jin Jiance , Peng Yinhui , Molokeev Maxim S. , Yang Xiaobao , Xia Zhiguo
Published: April 2022

The discovery of rare‐earth free luminescent materials with blue‐light‐excitable characteristic is of great importance for solid‐sate lighting applications. Herein, a Cu(I)‐based 0D luminescent hybrid (1,3‐dppH2)2Cu4I8∙H2O is synthesized by a facile solution method, and it shows the orange‐red emission peaking at 625 nm upon 460 nm excitation. The structure‐related luminescence mechanism has been elaborated by experimental and theoretical investigations. Moreover, the emission intensity remains unchanged even after continuous water treatment for 60 days due to the improved structural stability originating from intermolecular π–π interaction between organic cations. A warm white light‐emitting diode (LED) device with the color rendering index of 91.4% has been fabricated by combining the 440 nm LED chip, green‐emitting Lu3Al5O12:Ce3+, and (1,3‐dppH2)2Cu4I8∙H2O. This work provides a new design route towards 0D cuprous halide materials and will initiate more exploration of their intrinsic luminescence mechanism.
The sector‐level safety net provided by the current mix of farm programs
Authors: Westhoff Patrick , Rosenbohm Marc , Kim Youngjune , Brown Benjamin
Published: April 2022

Current farm policy includes a diverse set of programs intended to provide a financial safety net for producers of grains, oilseeds, and cotton. These programs make payments contingent on national market prices and yields at the farm or county level. A review of data for the 2014–2020 period demonstrates the successes and limitations of crop insurance, agriculture risk coverage and price loss coverage at offsetting reductions in national net market revenues for particular crops. Forward‐looking stochastic analysis confirms these programs protect against different types of risks but provide support levels that can vary greatly across commodities and time.
From home to the streets: Can cultural socialization foster Latinx youths' social responsibility?
Authors: Martinez Saraí Blanco , Pinetta Bernardette J. , Rivas‐Drake Deborah
Published: April 2022

Grassroots movements such as Poder Quince exemplify how Latinx youth intertwine their cultural heritage and traditions with civic action to create positive change within their communities. Parents' cultural socialization messages have been shown to instill cultural pride and encourage prosocial behaviors (e.g., helping others, caring for younger siblings). However, there is a dearth of research on the sociopolitical discussions Latinx adolescents have with their parents and the mechanisms by which cultural socialization encourages prosocial civic development. Drawing on data from a sample of 269 self‐identified Latinx youth from three Midwestern US schools, the present study explored the direct links between parental cultural socialization and adolescents' sense of social responsibility (i.e., concern for others and caring for community) as well as the potential indirect associations via sociopolitical and civic socialization at home. Our findings suggest direct associations between cultural socialization and caring for their communities. Additionally, we observed indirect associations between cultural socialization and youths' social responsibility via family civic socialization practices and engagement in sociopolitical discussions taking place in the home.
Tregs Attenuate Peripheral Oxidative Stress and Acute Phase Proteins inALS
Authors: Beers David R. , Thonhoff Jason R. , Faridar Alireza , Thome Aaron D. , Zhao Weihua , Wen Shixiang , Appel Stanley H.
Published: April 2022

Oxidative stress (OS) induces inflammation, which in turn exacerbates OS and the expression of acute phase proteins (APPs). Regulatory T lymphocyte (Treg) therapy was assessed for suppression of OS and APP responses in longitudinal serum samples from subjects with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) enrolled in a phase I clinical trial. The first round of Treg therapy suppressed levels of oxidized low‐density lipoprotein (ox‐LDL). During a 6‐month washout period, ox‐LDL levels increased. A second round of therapy again suppressed ox‐LDL levels and then rose following the cessation of treatment. Serum levels of APPs, soluble CD14, lipopolysaccharide binding protein, and C‐reactive protein, were stabilized during Treg administrations, but rose during the washout period and again after therapy was discontinued. Treg therapy potentially suppresses peripheral OS and the accompanying circulating pro‐inflammatory induced APPs, both of which may serve as peripheral candidates for monitoring efficacies of immunomodulating therapies. ANN NEUROL 2022;92:195–200
A decimation method for studying transport properties of disordered systems
Authors: Leadbeater Mark , Lambert Colin J.
Published: April 2022

We present a numerical decimation method for the study of transport properties of disordered tight‐binding systems. We demonstrate this method by considering two situations: 1) the problem of two interacting particles (TIP) in a quasi‐one dimensional random potential and 2) the conductance of disordered normal — superconducting structures. For case 1) we compute the two particle localisation length λ2 presenting results for its dependence on disorder, interaction strength and system width. For case 2) we illustrate the method by presenting results for the sub‐gap conductance of a normal wire connected to one normal and one superconducting reservoir and the case of a normal region in contact with two superconductors.
Spectral properties and localization of few interacting electrons in a one dimensional random potential
Authors: Halfgap O. , Zharekeshev I.Kh. , MacKinnon A. , Kramer B.
Published: April 2022

We calculate the density of states and the level‐number variance of two and three interacting electrons in a one dimensional disordered system by diagonalization the many particle Hamiltonian. The localization length, and its scaling properties, are investigated with different methods and compared for particle and center‐of‐mass coordinates. The results are consistent with interaction induced delocalization.
Can percolation theory be applied to the stock market?
Authors: Stauffer Dietrich
Published: April 2022

The fluctuations of the stock market — the price changes per unit time — seem to deviate from Gaussians for short time steps. Power laws, exponentials, and multifractal descriptions have been offered to explain this short‐time behavior. Microscopic models dealing with the decisions of single traders on the market have tried to reproduce this behavior. Possibly the simplest of these models is the herding approach of Cont and Bouchaud. Here a total of Nt traders cluster together randomly as in percolation theory. Each cluster randomly decides by buy or sell an amount proportional to its size, or not to trade. Monte Carlo simulations in two to seven dimensions at the percolation threshold depend on the number N of clusters trading within one time step. For N ∼ 1, the changes follow a power law; for 1 ≪ N ≪ Nt they are bell‐shaped with power‐law tails; for N ∼ Nt they crossover to a Gaussian. The correlations in the absolute value of the change decay slowly with time. Thus percolation not only describes the origin of life or the boiling of your breakfast egg, but also explains why we are not rich.
Gas transport through polymer membranes and free volume percolation
Authors: Paul W. , Weber H. , Binder K.
Published: April 2022

We consider the influence of structural and dynamical properties of a polymer membrane on the gas transport through this matrix. The diffusant and the polymer only interact through repulsive interactions. In the case of a glassy polymer, when one can consider the matrix as frozen, the gas particle diffusion is determined by the free volume structure of the system. We show how the percolation properties of the free volume show up in a subdiffusive behavior of the diffusant. When one takes matrix mobility into account the ideal percolation transition vanishes but its trace can still be found in a subdiffusive regime in the gas particle mean square displacement. In the statically non‐percolating regime gas transport is enabled and dominated through matrix mobility, whereas in the percolating regime it is determined by matrix structure.
An atom optics experiment to investigate faster‐than‐light tunneling
Authors: Steinberg A.M. , Myrskog S. , Moon H.S. , Kim H.A. , Fox J. , Kim J.B.
Published: April 2022

We describe a series of atom optics experiments underway at Toronto for investigating tunnelling interaction times of various sorts. We begin by discussing some outstanding issues and confusions related to the question of whether or not superluminal tunnelling can be construed as true faster‐than‐light “signal propagation,” a question which we answer in the negative. We then argue that atom optics is an arena ideally suited for addressing a variety of remaining questions about how, where, and for how long a particle interacts with a tunnel barrier. We present recent results on a modified “delta‐kick cooling” scheme which we have used to prepare Rubidium atoms with one‐dimensional de Broglie wavelengths on the order of an optical wavelength, along with simulations showing that from these temperatures, we will be able to use acousto‐optically modulated dipole‐force barriers to velocity‐select ultracold atom samples ideal for future tunnelling experiments.
Observable tachyons in the tunneling regime?
Authors: Stahlhofen A.A. , Druxes H.
Published: April 2022

Some aspects are discussed of experiments reporting superluminal velocities of electromagnetic waves propagating across a photonic barrier. Emphasis is put on optical tunneling in frustrated total internal reflection while using the propagation of evanescent modes as guiding idea. This allows to distinguish between obvious and hidden time scales in tunneling by monitoring nonspecular deformations of the incoming beam. The possibility of using specially designed systems for a detailed study of these deformations is addressed.
Einstein causality and the superluminal velocities of the Cologne microwave experiment
Authors: Goenner H.
Published: April 2022

Physics is an empirical science in the sense that its theories and the basic principles on which they are founded are always open to discussion, reformulation, and even to rejection – if the facts require it. Surprisingly, some of these important principles have withstood all storms of time and also the exponential increase both in data taken and in knowledge gained about nature. Some of the sturdiest ones are conservation of energy, conservation of charge and the causality principle. In this paper, we will try to give simple, not too technical, arguments why the claim that, in a number of experiments with microwaves encountering and passing a barrier in a waveguide, the principle of causality has been violated, is not acceptable. These measurements are contained within the domain of classical electromagnetism such that there is no need for applying the quantum mechanical concept of tunneling. Some of the difficulties which occured during the debate concerning the interpretation of the experiments, seem to be due to an overstretching of the concepts of “particle” and “field”, respectively. These concepts, in classical physics, are less intertwined than in quantum theory.
Density‐matrix spectra for integrable models
Authors: Peschel Ingo , Kaulke Matthias , Legeza Örs
Published: April 2022

The spectra which occur in numerical density‐matrix renormalization group (DMRG) calculations for quantum chains can be obtained analytically for integrable models via corner transfer matrices. This is shown in detail for the transverse Ising chain and the uniaxial XXZ Heisenberg model and explains in particular their exponential character in these cases.
Consistent field equations for higher spin on curved spacetimes
Authors: Illge Reinhard , Schimming Rainer
Published: April 2022

The field equations proposed by Buchdahl and Wünsch for a classical spinor field with any spin quantum number on a curved spacetime background are reported. These equations do not suffer from the inconsistencies of the earlier attempts and thus solve a long‐standing problem.
Copenhagen's single system premise prevents a unified view of integer and fractional quantum hall effect
Authors: Post Evert Jan
Published: April 2022

This essay presents conclusive evidence of the impermissibility of Copenhagen's single system interpretation of the Schroedinger process. The latter needs to be viewed as a tool exclusively describing phase and orientation randomized ensembles and is not be used for isolated single systems. Asymptotic closeness of single system and ensemble behavior and the rare nature of true single system manifestations have prevented a definitive identification of this Copenhagen deficiency over the past three quarter century. Quantum uncertainty so becomes a basic trade mark of phase and orientation disordered ensembles. The ensuing void of usable single system tools opens a new inquiry for tools without statistical connotations. Three, in part already known, period integrals here identified as flux, charge and action counters emerge as diffeo‐4 invariant tools fully compatible with the demands of the general theory of relativity. The discovery of the quantum Hall effect has been instrumental in forcing a distinction between ensemble disorder as in the normal Hall effect versus ensemble order in the plateau states. Since the order of the latter permits a view of the plateau states as a macro‐ or meso‐scopic single system, the period integral description applies, yielding a straightforward unified description of integer and fractional quantum Hall effects.
Low‐temperature dephasing in disordered conductors: experimental aspects
Authors: Gershenson M.E.
Published: April 2022

What is the lowest temperature to which one can trace the growth of the dephasing timeτφin low‐dimensional conductors? I consider the fundamental limitation, the crossover from weak to strong localization, as well as several experimental reasons for frequently observed saturation ofτφ(hot‐electron effects, dephasing by external noise). Recent progress in our understanding of the electron‐phonon interaction in disordered conductors is also briefly discussed.
Scaling laws, phase diagram, localized magnetic moments and Kondo effect in two‐dimensional metals
Authors: Washburn S. , Kim N.J. , Feng X.G. , Popović Dragana
Published: April 2022

Metallic properties in two‐dimensional electron systems appear in different trends to asymptotes of non‐zero conductivity σ at zero temperature T. The spin interaction plays a crucial role in the metallic behavior, and interactions with localized moments lead to a Kondo effect, but they do not destroy the metal. Different scaling forms with one or two parameters are used to describe the dependence of σ in different ranges of T and carrier concentration ns. The two‐parameter scaling form describes both the “Kondo metal” and the more conventional metal at all temperatures.
Weak localization in the 2D metallic regime of Si‐MOS
Authors: Brunthaler G. , Prinz A. , Bauer G. , Pudalov V.M. , Dizhur E.M. , Jaroszynski J. , Glod P. , Dietl T.
Published: April 2022

The negative magnetoresistance due to weak localization is investigated in the two‐dimensional metallic state of Si‐MOS structures for high conductance values between 35 and 120 e2/h. The extracted phase coherence time is equal to the momentum relaxation time at 10 K but nearly 100 times longer at the lowest temperature. Nevertheless, only weak logarithmic corrections to the conductivity are present in the investigated temperature and concentration range thus proving the absence of strong quantum effects due to electron‐electron interaction. From saturation effects of the phase coherence time a lower boundary for spin‐orbit scattering of about 200 ps is estimated.
Numerical results for two interacting particles in a random environment
Authors: Römer R.A. , Leadbeater M. , Schreiber M.
Published: April 2022

Much evidence has been collected to date which shows that repulsive electron‐electron interaction can lead to the formation of particle pairs in a one‐dimensional random m energy landscape. The localization length λ2 of these pair states is finite, but larger than the localization length λ1 of the individual particles. After a short review of previous work, we present numerical evidence for this effect based on an analysis of the interaction matrix elements and an application of the decimation method. The results based on the decimation method for a two‐dimensional disordered medium support the localization‐delocalization transition of pair states predicted recently.
The disordered Fermi‐liquid fixed point and its instabilities
Authors: Belitz D. , Kirkpatrick T.R.
Published: April 2022

The concept of a disordered Fermi‐liquid fixed point is introduced and used to understand various properties of disordered metals within a unifying framework. Corrections to scaling near this fixed point give what are commonly called weak‐localization effects. Various instabilities of the disordered Fermi‐liquid phase are discussed. These include two distinct types of superconducting‐to‐normal‐metal quantum phase transitions. First, the quantum phase transition from a disordered metal to a conventional superconductor in bulk materials is considered. Second, a quantum phase transition in two dimensions from metallic‐like behavior to a novel type of disorder induced, spin‐triplet, even‐parity, superconductivity is treated. The paper is concluded with a discussion of the nature of the ground state of two‐dimensional, disordered electron systems.
Superconductor‐insulator transitions in films and bulk materials
Authors: Larkin A.
Published: April 2022

Two different approaches to the problem of the superconductor‐insulator transition in two‐dimensional (2D) and three‐dimensional (3D) systems are discussed. In the first approach, the mean field theory of the superconducting transition is modified to include the electron‐electron repulsion and disorder. In the alternative phenomenological approach, the critical region around the quantum phase transition is treated in terms of interacting bosons. In our point of view, these two methods are applicable respectively in the two complimentary regimes of weak and strong quantum fluctuations of the order parameter. The combination of the two approaches allows us to explain the observed recently non‐monotonous dependence of the resistivity on magnetic field in 3D strongly disordered superconductors. It also allows us to relate the non‐monotonous temperature dependence of the resistivity in the 2D case to the crossover between the two regimes. The non‐monotonous behavior of the resistivity near the quantum phase transitions in the 2D and 3D cases is explained by the suppression of superconductivity with the increase of temperature or magnetic field, which at even higher temperatures or fields is followed by the suppression of localization. Matching of the results of the two approaches yields also the width of the critical region for the quantum phase transition.
Weyl transformation in Fermi systems
Authors: Okamoto Yoshiwo , Sugita Katsumi , Sekine Matsuo
Published: April 2022

In the path integral representation, the Hamiltonian in a quantum system is associated with the Hamiltonian in a classical system through the Weyl transformation. From this, it is possible to describe the time evolution in a quantum system by the Hamiltonian in a classical system.

In a Bose system, the Weyl transformation is defined by the eigenstates of the canonical operators, since the Hamiltonian is given by a function of the canonical operators. On the other hand, in a Fermi system, the Hamiltonian is usually described by a function of the creation and annihilation operators, and hence the Weyl transformation is defined by the coherent states which are the eigenstate of an annihilation operator.

Here, we formulate the Weyl transformation in Fermi systems in terms of the eigenstates of the canonical operators so as to clarify the correspondence between both systems. Using this, we can derive the path integral representation in Fermi systems.
Global variational methods in general relativity with applications to gravitational lensing
Authors: Giannoni Fabio
Published: April 2022

In this note we give an idea of two of the more important theories concerning global variational methods, namely Ljusternik‐Schnirelmann Theory and Morse Theory. Thanks to them it is possible, in many different situations, to link the topological properties of a given manifold X with the number of critical points of the funcionals defined on X. We show, as example, how to apply Morse Theory to obtain a mathematical description of the gravitational lens effect.
Crystalline Porphyrazine‐Linked Fused Aromatic Networks with High Proton Conductivity
Authors: Im Yoon‐Kwang , Lee Dong‐Gue , Noh Hyuk‐Jun , Yu Soo‐Young , Mahmood Javeed , Lee Sang‐Young , Baek Jong‐Beom
Published: April 2022

Fused aromatic networks (FANs) have been studied in efforts to overcome the low physicochemical stability of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) and covalent organic frameworks (COFs), while preserving crystallinity. Herein, we describe the synthesis of a highly stable and crystalline FAN (denoted as Pz‐FAN) using pyrazine‐based building blocks to form porphyrazine (Pz) linkages via an irreversible reaction. Unlike most COFs and FANs, which are synthesized from two different building blocks, the new Pz‐FAN is formed using a single building block by self‐cyclotetramerization. Controlled and optimized reaction conditions result in a highly crystalline Pz‐FAN with physicochemical stability. The newly prepared Pz‐FAN displayed a high magnitude (1.16×10−2 S cm−1) of proton conductivity compared to other reported FANs and polymers. Finally, the Pz‐FAN‐based membrane was evaluated for a proton‐exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC), which showed maximum power and current densities of 192 mW cm−2and 481 mA cm−2, respectively.
A Biostablel‐DNA Hydrogel with Improved Stability for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Yang Bo , Zhou Bini , Li Cuifeng , Li Xiaowei , Shi Ziwei , Li Yuxin , Zhu Chenyou , Li Xin , Hua Yi , Pan Yufan , He Jian , Cao Tianyang , Sun Yawei , Liu Wanli , Ge Min , Yang Yuhe R. , Dong Yuanchen , Liu Dongsheng
Published: April 2022

DNA hydrogels have attracted increasing attention owing to their excellent permeability and high mechanical strength, together with thixotropy, versatile programmability and good biocompatibility. However, the moderate biostability and immune stimulation of DNA have arisen as big concerns for future potential clinical applications. Herein, we report the self‐assembly of a novell‐DNA hydrogel, which inherited the extraordinary physical properties of ad‐DNA hydrogel. With the mirror‐isomer deoxyribose, this hydrogel exhibited improved biostability, withstanding fetal bovine serum (FBS) for at least 1 month without evident decay of its mechanical properties. The low inflammatory response of thel‐DNA hydrogel has been verified both in vitro and in vivo. Hence, thisl‐DNA hydrogel with outstanding biostability and biocompatibility can be anticipated to serve as an ideal 3D cell‐culture matrix and implanted bio‐scaffold for long‐term biomedical applications.
Spectroscopic studies, DFT calculations, cytotoxicity activity, and docking stimulation of novel metal complexes of Schiff base ligand of isonicotinohydrazide derivative
Authors: Mahmoud Nelly H. , Elsayed Ghada H. , Aboelnaga Asmaa , Fahim Asmaa M.
Published: April 2022

In this elucidation, the reactivity of isonicotinohydrazide derivative (3)(L) was reacted with the nitrate salts of Cr(III), Fe(III), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), and Zn(II) to afford the corresponding stable metal coordination compounds. The synthesized metal coordination compounds were confirmed through physicochemical and analytical analysis such as elemental analysis, UV‐Visible, FT‐IR, TGA, Mass,1H NMR, XRD, magnetic, and molar conductance analysis. All complexes exhibit distorted octahedral geometry except Zn(II) complex which has a distorted tetrahedral arrangement. Both the thermal stability and the kinetic parameter for all complexes were elucidated via TGA analysis and Coats‐Redfern method. XRD study suggested that the complexes have a partially amorphous structure which was further confirmed by calculating the crystallinity index. Moreover, the synthesized metal complexes exhibited excellent cytotoxicity  activity contra lung cancer cells (A549) and liver cancer cells (HepG2) using neutral red uptake assay. The complexes of Fe(III), Ni(II), and Zn(II) showed higher cytotoxic effect than doxorubicin againstA549andHepG2cells for 24 h incubation. Furthermore, the Cr(III), Co(II), Zn(II), and Cu(II) coordination compounds showed more inhibitory influence when treated withA549andHepG2cells for 48 h incubation. The biological studies of these complexes were confirmed through molecular docking studies with different proteins such as (PDB ID: 2ITO) and (PDB ID: 5H38) and showed low binding energy and shortage bond length with different amino acids. Also, computational calculations of all metal complexes were carried out utilizing DFT/B3LYP/LANL2DZ basis set to detect the FMO, ESP, MEP, and physical descriptor's of them and confirms their reactivity.
Benzothiazole azo derivatives as colorimetric probes for optical recognition of different metal ions and anions
Authors: El‐Nahass Marwa N. , Fayed Tarek A. , El‐Daly Hosny A. , Youssif Mahmoud M.
Published: April 2022

In this study, we report on novel optical chemosensors containing benzothiazole moeity, namely, 2‐(6‐chloro‐benzothiazol‐2‐yl azo)‐4‐methyl‐phenol (CBAMP) and 1‐(6‐chloro‐benzothiazol‐2‐yl azo)‐naphthalen‐2‐ol (CBAN), which were synthesized and characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), 1H‐NMR, 13C‐NMR, and mass spectrometry. The solvatochromic behavior was explored in different solvents of various polarities to explore the active fluorescent tautomer, and the photophysical parameters have been measured. The naked eyes, as well as ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) and fluorescence spectroscopy, were used to study the colorimetric and optical sensing properties of CBAMP and CBAN toward various metal ions and anions. These chemosensors have a strong detecting ability, with excellent sensitivity and selectivity for certain of the metal ions investigated, as well as CO32− and CN− over other anions. The Benesi–Hildebrand and Job's plots were used to determine the binding constants and stoichiometry of the formed metal ions–sensor complexes, respectively. Co2+ and Cu2+ ions have lower detection limits in CBAMP and CBAN than other metal ions (6.4 × 10−7 and 8.4 × 10−7 M, respectively). Furthermore, fluorescent imaging investigations for Co2+ and Cu2+ ions in living cells reveal CBAMP and CBAN's promise for biological chemosensing.
Aptamer empowered hydrogels: Fabrication and bio‐sensing applications
Authors: Murtaza Ghulam , Rizvi Aysha Sarfraz , Qiu Lili , Xue Min , Meng Zihui
Published: April 2022

Aptamer‐based hydrogels have drawn great attention due to their biocompatibility, mechanical properties, responsiveness, and stability. Aptamers are utilized to obtain specific molecular recognition. Aptamers are short single‐stranded DNA (ssDNA) or RNA molecules selected through systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX) process, to bind to a specific target with high affinity and specificity. Aptamer functionalized hydrogels have become popular in a wide range of promising applications with the advantages of a vast target distribution, good stability, easy modification, and low cost. In this review, the recent progress on aptamer functionalized hydrogels including their design, fabrication, and bio‐sensing applications have been summarized. The prospects and challenges have also been discussed.
Black wattle tannin‐immobilized mesostructured collagen as a promising adsorbent for cationic organic dyes (methylene blue) removal in batch and continuous fixed‐bed systems
Authors: Li Aofei , Liu Jie , Qin Ziwei , Wang Lu , Li Lu , Tang Keyong , Pei Ying
Published: April 2022

Black wattle tannin‐immobilized mesostructured collagen (TC) was synthesized by using exfoliated mesostructured collagen as carriers. The structure of TC was characterized by scanning electron microscope, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and zeta potential test. Methylene blue (MB) as a cationic dye model was applied to evaluate the adsorption ability of TC through batch and continuous fixed‐bed system experiments. Results of batch adsorption experiment indicated that the adsorption behaviors of TC conformed to the Freundlich isotherm model and the pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model as well as the intraparticle diffusion model. The maximum adsorption amount (Qmax) of TC was 46.5 mg/g at 303 K. Fixed‐bed adsorption experiments revealed that the initial concentration, flow rate, and column height significantly influenced the removal of MB, and all breakthrough curves were well fitted by Thomas and Yoon‐Nelson models. Adsorption–desorption experiments demonstrated that TC possessed excellent stability and reusable ability. The removal efficiency of MB was still above 80% after five adsorption–desorption cycles. The excellent adsorption capacity of TC owed to the immobilized tannins as binding sites to MB and support of mesostructured collagen with hierarchical structure. This work developed a novel collagen‐based adsorption material for efficient removal of cationic dye.
Atractylodes lancea volatile oils target ADAR2‐miR‐181a‐5p signaling to mesenchymal stem cell chondrogenic differentiation
Authors: Ye Shanyu , Si Wenwen , Qin Wei , Yang Lin , Luo Ziwei , Li Zhen , Xie Yulu , Pan Hao , Li Xinrong , Huang Zifeng , Zhu Meiling , Chen Dongfeng
Published: April 2022

Atractylodeslancea Rhizoma (Rhizoma atractylodis [RA]) has long been recommended for the treatment of arthritis in traditional Chinese medicine, but its mechanism of action is still unclear. RA contains a large amount of Atractylodes lancea volatile oils (Atr). In this study, we investigated whether Atr can promote mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) chondrogenic differentiation. The Atr were extracted from RA by steam distillation method, and the effect of Atr on MSCs was detected by the CCK8 assay. The optimal concentration of Atr for MSCs cultivation was 3 μg/ml. The differentially expressed miR‐181a‐5p was screened by miRNA microarray assay, and its mimics and inhibitors were transfected into MSCs. It was found that the inhibitor of miR‐181a‐5p could upregulate cartilage‐specific genes such as SOX9, COL2A1, and ACAN. Meanwhile, we also found that the expression of gene editing enzyme ADAR2 was significantly increased in the chondrogenic differentiation of MSCs induced by Atr, and the bases of precursor sequence of miR‐181a‐5p were changed from A to G. After ADAR2 deletion, the expression of cartilage‐specific genes was significantly down‐regulated and the precursor sequence bases of miR‐181a‐5p were not changed. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that the predicted target gene of miR‐181a‐5p was yingyang1 (YY1), and the targeting relationship was verified by dual‐luciferase reporter assay. After deleting YY1, the expression of cartilage‐specific genes was significantly down‐regulated. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that Atr can promote chondrogenic differentiation of MSC through regulation of the ADAR2‐miR‐181a‐5p signaling pathway. This may provide a new insight into the possible mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine (Atr) in treating inflammatory joint diseases.
Genetic mouse models of autism spectrum disorder present subtle heterogenous cardiac abnormalities
Authors: Assimopoulos Stephania , Hammill Christopher , Fernandes Darren J. , Spencer Noakes Tara Leigh , Zhou Yu‐Qing , Nutter Lauryl M. J. , Ellegood Jacob , Anagnostou Evdokia , Sled John G. , Lerch Jason P.
Published: April 2022

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and congenital heart disease (CHD) are linked on a functional and genetic level. Most work has investigated CHD‐related neurodevelopmental abnormalities. Cardiac abnormalities in ASD have been less studied. We investigated the prevalence of cardiac comorbidities relative to ASD genetic contributors. Using high frequency ultrasound imaging, we screened 9 ASD‐related genetic mouse models (Arid1b(+/−), Chd8(+/−), 16p11.2 (deletion), Sgsh(+/−), Sgsh(−/−), Shank3 Δexon 4–9(+/−), Shank3 Δexon 4–9(−/−), Fmr1(−/−), Vps13b(+/−)), and pooled wild‐type littermates (WTs). We measured heart rate (HR), aorta diameter (AoD), thickness and thickening of the left‐ventricular (LV) anterior and posterior walls, LV chamber diameter, fractional shortening, stroke volume and cardiac output, mitral inflow Peak E and A velocity ratio, ascending aorta velocity time integral (VTI). Mutant groups presented small‐scale alterations in cardiac structure and function compared to WTs (LV anterior wall thickness and thickening, chamber diameter and fractional shortening, HR). A greater number of significant differences was observed among mutant groups than between mutant groups and WTs. Mutant groups differed primarily in structural measures (LV chamber diameter and anterior wall thickness, HR, AoD). The mutant groups with most differences to WTs were 16p11.2 (deletion), Fmr1(−/−), Arid1b(+/−). The mutant groups with most differences from other mutant groups were 16p11.2 (deletion), Sgsh(+/−), Fmr1(−/−). Our results recapitulate the associated clinical findings. The characteristic ASD heterogeneity was recapitulated in the cardiac phenotype. The type of abnormal measures (morphological, functional) can highlight common underlying mechanisms. Clinically, knowledge of cardiac abnormalities in ASD can be essential as even non‐lethal abnormalities impact normal development.

Lay Summary

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and congenital heart disease (CHD) are linked functionally and genetically. ASD cardiac phenotyping is limited. We assessed the cardiac phenotype of 9 ASD‐related mouse models. We found subtle heterogenous cardiac abnormalities compared to controls, with more differences within ASD than between ASD and controls, mirroring clinical findings. Clinically, knowing the cardiac abnormalities in ASD is vital as even non‐lethal cardiac abnormalities can impact development.
Brief assessment and treatment of pica using differential reinforcement, response interruption and redirection, and competing stimuli
Authors: Ruckle Mary M. , Bednar Molly K. , Suen Kevin , Falligant John Michael
Published: April 2022

Pica is a life threating form of challenging behavior displayed by individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In most cases, pica is maintained by automatic reinforcement. Common interventions for pica use some combination of response blocking, response interruption and redirection (RIRD), differential reinforcement of alternative behavior (DRA), and noncontingent reinforcement with competing stimuli. However, there is need for additional research regarding DRA procedures that emphasize skills acquisition by teaching alternative behaviors that modify the established behavioral chain of pica responses that occur in the presence of non‐edible stimuli. There is also a need to examine the generality of recent advances in competing stimulus assessment (CSA) methodologies—namely, the augmented‐CSA (A‐CSA)—to pica. Thus, the purpose of the present investigation was to systematically replicate and extend previous research for the assessment and treatment of pica in an individual with IDD. First, we conducted a functional analysis to identify environmental variables associated with pica. Next, taught Patrick a differential response (i.e., discard pica items in trash receptacle) to earn reinforcers in conjunction with a RIRD procedure. Finally, we conducted an A‐CSA for pica. Overall, low rates of pica were maintained over time with a combination of these procedures, and treatment was generalized across settings and people.
The effect of local non‐thermal plasma therapy on the cancer‐immunity cycle in a melanoma mouse model
Authors: Lin Abraham , De Backer Joey , Quatannens Delphine , Cuypers Bart , Verswyvel Hanne , De La Hoz Edgar Cardenas , Ribbens Bart , Siozopoulou Vasiliki , Van Audenaerde Jonas , Marcq Elly , Lardon Filip , Laukens Kris , Vanlanduit Steve , Smits Evelien , Bogaerts Annemie
Published: April 2022

Melanoma remains a deadly cancer despite significant advances in immune checkpoint blockade and targeted therapies. The incidence of melanoma is also growing worldwide, which highlights the need for novel treatment options and strategic combination of therapies. Here, we investigate non‐thermal plasma (NTP), an ionized gas, as a promising, therapeutic option. In a melanoma mouse model, direct treatment of tumors with NTP results in reduced tumor burden and prolonged survival. Physical characterization of NTP treatment in situ reveals the deposited NTP energy and temperature associated with therapy response, and whole transcriptome analysis of the tumor identified several modulated pathways. NTP treatment also enhances the cancer‐immunity cycle, as immune cells in both the tumor and tumor‐draining lymph nodes appear more stimulated to perform their anti‐cancer functions. Thus, our data suggest that local NTP therapy stimulates systemic, anti‐cancer immunity. We discuss, in detail, how these fundamental insights will help direct the translation of NTP technology into the clinic and inform rational combination strategies to address the challenges in melanoma therapy.
A novel needle‐free microjet drug injector using Er:YAG LASER: A completely new concept of transdermal drug delivery system
Authors: Lee Jong‐Jin , Yi Kyu‐Ho , Kim Heon‐Soo , An Min Ho , Seo Kyle K. , Chang‐Hun Huh , Kim Hee‐Jin
Published: April 2022

The skin barrier effectively inhibits the penetration of substances; therefore, drug delivery, especially the delivery of drugs that are hydrophilic, through the skin, is challenging. Objectives: Physicians in the esthetic field now use the transdermal drug delivery system to attempt to deliver esthetic materials, such as hyaluronic acid and poly‐DL‐lactic acid into the skin. Conventionally, esthetic physicians manually injected these materials using needle syringes into the dermis layer. However, the injection is often irregular, imprecise, slow, and painful. Injector devices have been developed to overcome these limitations. A total of five Korean cadavers (that of three men and two women with a mean age of 69.2 years; range, 60–73 years) underwent laser injection. We used a device called Er:YAG LASER to create the pressure needed for microjet delivery to the skin of the cadaver. Discussion: In this study, the first LASER pressure‐based, needle‐free microjet injector was used to deliver drugs effectively into the dermis of a cadaver. This study showed that a novel needle‐free microjet injector using Er:YAG LASER can introduce beneficial, liquid, esthetic drugs into the papillary dermal layer (depth of 300um) with minimal epidermal damage.
The porcupine inhibitor WNT974 provokes ectodermal lineage differentiation of human embryonic stem cells
Authors: Kalantary‐Charvadeh Ashkan , Hosseini Vahid , Mehdizadeh Amir , Nazari Soltan Ahmad Saeed , Rahbarghazi Reza , Nozad Charoudeh Hojjatollah , Nouri Mohammad , Darabi Masoud
Published: April 2022

Porcupine (Porcn) enzyme plays an essential role in Wnt signaling activation. Stearoyl‐CoA desaturase‐1 (SCD1) is required to provide Porcn substrates. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of a novel Porcn inhibitor on the fate of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) and the reliance of Porcn on SCD1 activity. hESCs were cultured on a feeder layer or Matrigel‐coated plates. Small molecules WNT974 (LGK‐974) and CAY10566 were used to inhibit Porcn and SCD1 activity, respectively. We assessed the effect of Porcn inhibition on viability, expression of Wnt signaling targets, pluripotency markers, proliferation, differentiation, and protein fatty acylation. hESCs' conditioned medium (CM) containing secreted Wnt proteins were applied in rescue experiments. To examine the catalytic dependency of Porcn on SCD1, the results of combined inhibitor treatment were compared with the SCD1 inhibitor alone. LGK‐974 at the selected concentrations showed mild effects on hESCs viability, but significantly reduced messenger RNA and protein expression of Wnt signaling targets (Axin‐2 and c‐Myc) and pluripotency markers (OCT‐4 and SOX‐2) (p < .05). Adding 1 μM of Porcn inhibitor reduced proliferation (p = .03) and enhanced differentiation capacity into ectodermal progenitors (p = .02), which were reverted by CM. Click chemistry reaction did not show significant alteration in protein fatty acylation upon LGK‐974 treatment. Moreover, combined inhibitor treatment caused no further substantial reduction in Wnt signaling targets, pluripotency markers, and protein fatty acylation relative to CAY10566‐treated cultures. The substrate availability for Porcn activity is regulated by SCD1 and targeting Porcn by LGK‐974 prompts the transition of hESCs from self‐renewal state to ectodermal lineage.
Spontaneous coronary artery dissection and exogenous estrogen in a transgender female
Authors: Hirsch Kellen , Yogeswaran Vidhushei , Dean Larry S.
Published: April 2022

We report the case of a 37‐year‐old transgender patient with a history of orchiectomy on gender‐affirming estrogen therapy who was hospitalized with an acute onset of chest pain with a resolution shortly after the presentation. On presentation, the patient had a rapid rise in troponin level and was urgently taken to the cardiac catheterization lab where spontaneous coronary artery dissection was diagnosed and treated with cutting balloon angioplasty and medical management. After a multidisciplinary discussion, the only notable risk factor was estrogen supplementation after gender reassignment surgery. To our knowledge, this is the only report of a male to female transgender patient reported to have spontaneous coronary artery dissection.
Radical Reactivity of the Biradical [⋅P(μ‐NTer)2P⋅] and Isolation of a Persistent Phosphorus‐Cantered Monoradical [⋅P(μ‐NTer)2P‐Et]
Authors: Rosenboom Jan , Chojetzki Lukas , Suhrbier Tim , Rabeah Jabor , Villinger Alexander , Wustrack Ronald , Bresien Jonas , Schulz Axel
Published: April 2022

The activation of C−Br bonds in various bromoalkanes by the biradical [⋅P(μ‐NTer)2P⋅] (1) (Ter=2,6‐bis‐(2,4,6‐trimethylphenyl)‐phenyl) is reported, yielding trans‐addition products of the type [Br−P(μ‐NTer)2P−R] (2), so‐called 1,3‐substituted cyclo‐1,3‐diphospha‐2,4‐diazanes. This addition reaction, which represents a new easy approach to asymmetrically substituted cyclo‐1,3‐diphospha‐2,4‐diazanes, was investigated mechanistically by different spectroscopic methods (NMR, EPR, IR, Raman); the results suggested a stepwise radical reaction mechanism, as evidenced by the in‐situ detection of the phosphorus‐centered monoradical [⋅P(μ‐NTer)2P‐R].< To provide further evidence for the radical mechanism, [⋅P(μ‐NTer)2P‐Et] (3Et⋅) was synthesized directly by reduction of the bromoethane addition product [Br‐P(μ‐NTer)2P‐Et] (2 a) with magnesium, resulting in the formation of the persistent phosphorus‐centered monoradical [⋅P(μ‐NTer)2P‐Et], which could be isolated and fully characterized, including single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Comparison of the EPR spectrum of the radical intermediate in the addition reaction with that of the synthesized new [⋅P(μ‐NTer)2P‐Et] radical clearly proves the existence of radicals over the course of the reaction of biradical [⋅P(μ‐NTer)2P⋅] (1) with bromoethane. Extensive DFT and coupled cluster calculations corroborate the experimental data for a radical mechanism in the reaction of biradical [⋅P(μ‐NTer)2P⋅] with EtBr. In the field of hetero‐cyclobutane‐1,3‐diyls, the demonstration of a stepwise radical reaction represents a new aspect and closes the gap between P‐centered biradicals and P‐centered monoradicals in terms of radical reactivity.