bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hypothalamic Deep Brain Stimulation in Positron Emission Tomography
Authors: May Arne , Leone Massimo , Boecker Henning , Sprenger Till , Juergens Tim , Bussone Gennaro , Tolle Thomas R.
Published: March 2006

Recently, functional imaging data have underscored the crucial role the hypothalamus plays in cluster headache, one of the most severe forms of primary headache. This prompted the application of hypothalamic deep brain stimulation. Yet, it is not apparent how stimulation of an area that is thought to act as a pace-maker for acute headache attacks is able to prevent these attacks from occurring. We addressed this issue by examining 10 operated chronic cluster headache patients, using H215O-positron emission tomography and alternately switching the hypothalamic stimulator on and off. The stimulation induced activation in the ipsilateral hypothalamic gray (the site of the stimulator tip), the ipsilateral thalamus, somatosensory cortex and praecuneus, the anterior cingulate cortex, and the ipsilateral trigeminal nucleus and ganglion. We additionally observed deactivation in the middle temporal gyrus, posterior cingulate cortex, and contralateral anterior insula. Both activation and deactivation are situated in cerebral structures belonging to neuronal circuits usually activated in pain transmission and notably in acute cluster headache attacks. Our data argue against an unspecific antinociceptive effect or pure inhibition of hypothalamic activity. Instead, the data suggest a hitherto unrecognized functional modulation of the pain processing network as the mode of action of hypothalamic deep brain stimulation in cluster headache.
CD8+ Lymphocyte-Mediated Injury of Dorsal Root Ganglion Neurons during Lentivirus Infection: CD154-Dependent Cell Contact Neurotoxicity
Authors: Zhu Yu , Antony Joseph , Liu Shuhong , Martinez Jose A. , Giuliani Fabrizio , Zochodne Douglas , Power Christopher
Published: March 2006

Neuronal damage in dorsal root ganglia (DRGs) with accompanying axonal injury is a key feature of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-related distal sensory polyneuropathy (DSP). In a model of HIV-related DSP, we observed numerous CD3+ T lymphocytes (p< 0.05) in DRGs from feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)-infected animals, which also exhibited low CD4+ and high CD8+ lymphocyte levels in blood accompanied by a selective loss of small-diameter sural nerve axons (p< 0.05). FIV-infected lymphocytes cocultured with syngeneic DRGs caused neuronal damage, indicated by neurite retraction, neuronal soma atrophy, and loss (p< 0.05). In contrast, supernatants from FIV-infected or uninfected lymphocytes were minimally neurotoxic, despite high FIV virion levels. Among lymphocyte subsets cocultured with DRG cultures, CD8+ T cells from both FIV-infected and uninfected lymphocytes selectively caused DRG neuronal injury (p< 0.05). FIV-infected CD8+ T cells showed markedly increased CD154 expression (p< 0.05), whereas neurons were the predominant cells expressing CD40 in DRGs. Blocking CD154 on activated CD8+ T cells protected DRG neurons (p< 0.05). These findings indicated that CD8+ T cells were principal effectors of DRG neuronal injury after FIV infection through a CD40–CD154 interaction in a cell contact-dependent manner.
Temporal Control of Rac in Schwann Cell–Axon Interaction Is Disrupted inNF2-Mutant Schwannoma Cells
Authors: Nakai Yoko , Zheng Yi , MacCollin Mia , Ratner Nancy
Published: March 2006

Schwann cell–axon interaction is the hallmark feature of peripheral nerves, yet the intracellular signals underlying this interaction are unknown. Schwann cells extend processes and migrate on developing axons before differentiation, requiring coordinated regulation of the Schwann cell cytoskeleton. Small GTPases of the Rho family, including Rho, Rac, and cell division cycle 42, regulate the actin cytoskeleton. The neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) gene is commonly mutated in schwannomas, Schwann cell tumors that contain cells lacking axon interaction. NF2 is involved in suppression of Rac signaling, and cultured schwannoma cells contain elevated, GTP-bound, active Rac. Despite these previous studies, a causal relationship between Rac activation and the abnormal cellular morphology of schwannoma is unknown. We used fluorescence resonance energy transfer to follow Rac activity in normal human Schwann cells and schwannoma cells during interaction with neurons. Normal Schwann cells elongated processes along neurites under low Rac activity. Schwannoma cells showed high Rac activity at distal regions of the cells and failed to align processes with neurites. Application of a Rac-specific inhibitor, the chemical compoundNSC23766, to schwannoma cells restored neuronal interaction. The data support the significance of regulated Rac signaling in mediating Schwann cell–axon interaction and suggest that controlling Rac activity as a possible therapy for schwannomas.
Wiring Stability of the AdultDrosophilaOlfactory Circuit after Lesion
Authors: Berdnik Daniela , Chihara Takahiro , Couto Africa , Luo Liqun
Published: March 2006

Neuronal wiring plasticity in response to experience or injury has been reported in many parts of the adult nervous system. For instance, visual or somatosensory cortical maps can reorganize significantly in response to peripheral lesions, yet a certain degree of stability is essential for neuronal circuits to perform their dedicated functions. Previous studies on lesion-induced neuronal reorganization have primarily focused on systems that use continuous neural maps. Here, we assess wiring plasticity in a discrete neural map represented by the adultDrosophilaolfactory circuit. Using conditional expression of toxins, we genetically ablated specific classes of neurons and examined the consequences on their synaptic partners or neighboring classes in the adult antennal lobe. We find no alteration of connection specificity between olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs) and their postsynaptic targets, the projection neurons (PNs). Ablating an ORN class maintains PN dendrites within their glomerular borders, and ORN axons normally innervating an adjacent target do not expand. Likewise, ablating PN classes does not alter their partner ORN axon connectivity. Interestingly, an increase in the contralateral ORN axon terminal density occurs in response to the removal of competing ipsilateral ORNs. Therefore, plasticity in this circuit can occur but is confined within a glomerulus, thereby retaining the wiring specificity of ORNs and PNs. We conclude that, although adult olfactory neurons can undergo plastic changes in response to the loss of competition, the olfactory circuit overall is extremely stable in preserving segregated information channels in this discrete map.
Competition between Feedback Loops Underlies Normal and Pathological Dynamics in the Basal Ganglia
Authors: Leblois Arthur , Boraud Thomas , Meissner Wassilios , Bergman Hagai , Hansel David
Published: March 2006

Experiments performed in normal animals suggest that the basal ganglia (BG) are crucial in motor program selection. BG are also involved in movement disorders. In particular, BG neuronal activity in parkinsonian animals and patients is more oscillatory and more synchronous than in normal individuals.

We propose a new model for the function and dysfunction of the motor part of BG. We hypothesize that the striatum, the subthalamic nucleus, the internal pallidum (GPi), the thalamus, and the cortex are involved in closed feedback loops. The direct (cortex–striatum–GPi–thalamus–cortex) and the hyperdirect loops (cortex–subthalamic nucleus–GPi–thalamus–cortex), which have different polarities, play a key role in the model. We show that the competition between these two loops provides the BG–cortex system with the ability to perform motor program selection. Under the assumption that dopamine potentiates corticostriatal synaptic transmission, we demonstrate that, in our model, moderate dopamine depletion leads to a complete loss of action selection ability. High depletion can lead to synchronous oscillations. These modifications of the network dynamical state stem from an imbalance between the feedback in the direct and hyperdirect loops when dopamine is depleted.

Our model predicts that the loss of selection ability occurs before the appearance of oscillations, suggesting that Parkinson's disease motor impairments are not directly related to abnormal oscillatory activity. Another major prediction of our model is that synchronous oscillations driven by the hyperdirect loop appear in BG after inactivation of the striatum.
Different Neural Substrates Mediate Cocaine Seeking after Abstinence versus Extinction Training: A Critical Role for the Dorsolateral Caudate–Putamen
Authors: Fuchs Rita A. , Branham R. Kyle , See Ronald E.
Published: March 2006

Cue-induced reinstatement of extinguished drug seeking is a preclinical model of relapse. However, relapse typically occurs after abstinence rather than explicit extinction training. We show that inactivation of the dorsolateral caudate–putamen, but not other structures previously implicated in reinstatement, attenuates cocaine seeking after abstinence. This suggests that there is limited overlap in the substrates of cocaine seeking after abstinence versus extinction, and that habit learning exerts greater control over drug seeking than regions implicated in stimulus–reward associations.
Kinematic and Electromyographic Study of the Nociceptive Withdrawal Reflex in the Upper Limbs during Rest and Movement
Authors: Serrao Mariano , Pierelli Francesco , Don Romildo , Ranavolo Alberto , Cacchio Angelo , Currà Antonio , Sandrini Giorgio , Frascarelli Massimo , Santilli Valter
Published: March 2006

This study set out to evaluate nociceptive withdrawal reflex (NWR) excitability and the corresponding mechanical response in the upper limbs during rest and movement. We used a three-dimensional motion analysis system and a surface EMG system to record, in 10 healthy subjects, the NWR in eight upper limb muscles and the corresponding mechanical response in two experimental conditions: rest and movement (reaching for, picking up, and moving a cylinder). The NWR was elicited through stimulation of the index finger with trains of pulses delivered at multiples of the pain threshold (PT). We correlated movement types (reach-to-grasp, grasp-and-lift), movement phases (acceleration, deceleration), and muscle activity types (shortening, lengthening, isometric) with the presence/absence of the NWR (reflex-muscle pattern), with NWR size values, and with the mechanical responses.

At rest, when the stimulus was delivered at 4× PT, the NWR was present, in all muscles, in >90% of trials, and the mechanical response consisted of wrist adduction, elbow flexion, and shoulder anteflexion. At this stimulus intensity, during movement, the reflex-muscle pattern, reflex size, and mechanical responses were closely modulated by movement type and phase and by muscle activity type. We did not find, during movement, significant correlations with the level of EMG background activity.

Our findings suggest that a complex functional adaptation of the spinal cord plays a role in modulating the NWR in the transition from rest to movement and during voluntary arm movement freely performed in three-dimensional space. Study of the upper limb NWR may provide a window onto the spinal neural control mechanisms operating during movement.
Intracerebral Peripheral Blood Stem Cell (CD34+) Implantation Induces Neuroplasticity by Enhancing β1 Integrin-Mediated Angiogenesis in Chronic Stroke Rats
Authors: Shyu Woei-Cherng , Lin Shinn-Zong , Chiang Ming-Fu , Su Ching-Yuan , Li Hung
Published: March 2006

Although stem cell-based treatments for stroke and other neurodegenerative diseases have advanced rapidly, there are still few clinical treatments available. In this study, rats receiving intracerebral peripheral blood hematopoietic stem cell (CD34+) (PBSC) transplantation showed much more improvement in neurological function after chronic cerebral ischemia in comparison with vehicle-treated control rats. Using laser-scanning confocal microscopy, implanted PBSCs were seen to differentiate into glial cells [GFAP+(glial fibrillary acidic protein-positive)], neurons [Nestin+, MAP-2+(microtubule-associated protein 2-positive), Neu-N+(neuronal nuclear antigen-positive)], and vascular endothelial cells [vWF+(von Willebrand factor-positive)], thereby enhancing neuroplastic effects in the ischemic brain. Cortical neuronal activity, as evaluated by1H-MRS (proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy), also increased considerably in PBSC-treated rats compared with a vehicle-treated control group. In addition, PBSC implantation promoted the formation of new vessels, thereby increasing the local cortical blood flow in the ischemic hemisphere. These observations may be explained by the involvement of stem cell-derived macrophage/microglial cells, and β1 integrin expression, which might enhance this angiogenic architecture over the ischemic brain. Furthermore, quantitative reverse transcription-PCR analysis showed significantly increased modulation of neurotrophic factor expression in the ischemic hemisphere of the PBSC-transplanted rats compared with vehicle-treated control rats. Thus, intracerebral PBSC transplantation might have potential as a therapeutic strategy for treating cerebrovascular diseases.
Neural Representation of Object Approach in a Decision-Making Motor Circuit
Authors: Preuss Thomas , Osei-Bonsu Princess E. , Weiss Shennan A. , Wang C. , Faber Donald S.
Published: March 2006

Although behavior is ultimately guided by decision-making neurons and their associated networks, the mechanisms underlying neural decision-making in a behaviorally relevant context remain mostly elusive. To address this question, we analyzed goldfish escapes in response to distinct visual looming stimuli with high-speed video and compared them with electrophysiological responses of the Mauthner cell (M-cell), the threshold detector that initiates such behaviors. These looming stimuli evoke powerful and fast body-bend (C-start) escapes with response probabilities between 0.7 and 0.91 and mean latencies ranging from 142 to 716 ms. Chronic recordings showed that these C-starts are correlated with M-cell activity. Analysis of response latency as a function of the different optical parameters characterizing the stimuli suggests response threshold is closely correlated to a dynamically scaled function of angular retinal image size, θ(t), specifically κ(t) = θ(t− δ ×e−βθ(t − δ), where the exponential term progressively reduces the weight of θ(t). Intracellular recordings show that looming stimuli typically evoked bursts of graded EPSPs with peak amplitudes up to 9 mV in the M-cell. The proposed scaling function κ(t) predicts the slope of the depolarizing envelope of these EPSPs and the timing of the largest peak. An analysis of the firing rate of presynaptic inhibitory interneurons suggests the timing of the EPSP peak is shaped by an interaction of excitatory and inhibitory inputs to the M-cell and corresponds to the temporal window in which the probabilistic decision of whether or not to escape is reached.
A Peptide c-Jun N-Terminal Kinase (JNK) Inhibitor Blocks Mechanical Allodynia after Spinal Nerve Ligation: Respective Roles of JNK Activation in Primary Sensory Neurons and Spinal Astrocytes for Neuropathic Pain Development and Maintenance
Authors: Zhuang Zhi-Ye , Wen Yeong-Ray , Zhang De-Ren , Borsello Tiziana , Bonny Christophe , Strichartz Gary R. , Decosterd Isabelle , Ji Ru-Rong
Published: March 2006

Optimal management of neuropathic pain is a major clinical challenge. We investigated the involvement of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) in neuropathic pain produced by spinal nerve ligation (SNL) (L5). SNL induced a slow (>3 d) and persistent (>21 d) activation of JNK, in particular JNK1, in GFAP-expressing astrocytes in the spinal cord. In contrast, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase activation was found in spinal microglia after SNL, which had fallen to near basal level by 21 d. Intrathecal infusion of a JNK peptide inhibitor, D-JNKI-1, did not affect normal pain responses but potently prevented and reversed SNL-induced mechanical allodynia, a major symptom of neuropathic pain. Intrathecal D-JNKI-1 also suppressed SNL-induced phosphorylation of the JNK substrate, c-Jun, in spinal astrocytes. However, SNL-induced upregulation of GFAP was not attenuated by spinal D-JNKI-1 infusion. Furthermore, SNL induced a rapid (<12 h) but transient activation of JNK in the L5 (injured) but not L4 (intact) DRG. JNK activation in the DRG was mainly found in small-sized C-fiber neurons. Infusion of D-JNKI-1 into the L5 DRG prevented but did not reverse SNL-induced mechanical allodynia. Finally, intrathecal administration of an astroglial toxin,l-α-aminoadipate, reversed mechanical allodynia. Our data suggest that JNK activation in the DRG and spinal cord play distinct roles in regulating the development and maintenance of neuropathic pain, respectively, and that spinal astrocytes contribute importantly to the persistence of mechanical allodynia. Targeting the JNK pathway in spinal astroglia may present a new and efficient way to treat neuropathic pain symptoms.
An introduction to the UK marine renewable atlas
Authors: Cooper W. S. , Hinton C. L. , Ashton N. , Saulter A. , Morgan C. , Proctor R. , Bell C. , Huggett Q.
Published: March 2006

The UK marine renewable atlas is a new information resource designed to assist government strategic planning for large-scale offshore renewable energy development. The atlas provides a means to identify, quantify and spatially map the potential interest areas for wave, tidal and offshore wind resources at a regional scale across the limits of the UK continental shelf. The assembled database and technical reports generated by the study are publicly available, and have received great interest from potential developers, stakeholders and the general public. The project has been funded by the Department of Trade and Industry’s strategic environmental assessment combined programme covering oil and gas and marine renewable agendas.
Improved numerical modelling of estuarine flows
Authors: Liang D. , Falconer R. A. , Lin B.
Published: March 2006

Three key improvements to a widely used numerical model for predicting depth-averaged shallow water flows in estuarine and coastal waters are outlined herein. They include the adoption of a new grid layout for calculating friction and viscosity, a new method for simulating flooding and drying processes and a better representation of irregular wall boundaries. Although these improvements are currently implemented in the Depth Integrated Velocities And Solute Transport (DIVAST) model, they can easily be extended to other numerical models in the framework of a finite-difference or finite-volume method on a space-staggered rectangular grid system. Much effort has been made to keep the improvements simple and efficient so that they can be used in long-term and large-area simulations of estuarine and coastal flows. Numerical tests have been undertaken to verify the performance of these refinements for idealised bed forms, different beach configurations and irregular shoreline boundaries. The results show that for all conditions these refinements produce either the same or better results than the original model. Finally, the refined numerical model was used to simulate the tidal flow in a natural coastal basin. On the whole, the predicted variations in the inundation areas and the velocity fields were reproduced more accurately for different stages of the tide. At field measurement sites, the predicted water levels and velocities agreed favourably with the measured data.
Push-pull alkenes: Structure and -electron distribution
Authors: Kleinpeter Erich
Published: March 2006

Push-pull alkenes are substituted alkenes with one or two electron-donating substituents on one end of C=C double bond and with one or two electron-accepting substituents at the other end. Allowance for ?-electron delocalization leads to the central C=C double bond becoming ever more polarized and with rising push-pull character, the ?-bond order of this double bond is reduced and, conversely, the corresponding ?-bond orders of the C-Don and C-Acc bonds are accordingly increased. This push-pull effect is of decisive influence on both the dynamic behavior and the chemical reactivity of this class of compounds and thus it is of considerable interest to both determine and to quantify the inherent push-pull effect. Previously, the barriers to rotation about the C=C, C-Don and/or C-Acc partial double bonds (?G?, as determined by dynamic NMR spectroscopy) or the 13C chemical shift difference of the polarized C=C partial double bond (??C=C) were employed for this purpose. However, these parameters can have serious limitations, viz. the barriers can be immeasurable on the NMR timescale (either by being too high or too low; heavily-biased conformers are present, etc.) or ??C=C behaves in a non-additive manner with respect to the combination of the four substituents. Hence, a general parameter to quantify the push-pull effect is not yet available. Ab initio MO calculations on a collection of compounds, together with NBO analysis, provided valuable information on the structure, bond energies, electron occupancies and bonding/antibonding interactions. In addition to ?G?C=C (either experimentally determined or theoretically calculated) and ??C=C, the bond length of the C=C partial double bond was also examined and it proved to be a reliable parameter to quantify the push-pull effect. Equally so, the quotient of the occupation numbers of the antibonding and bonding ? orbitals of the central C=C partial double bond ( ?*C=C/ ?C=C) could also be employed for this purpose. .
Solvation model for the oxidation of methionine by imidazolium fluorochromate in aqueous acetic acid medium
Authors: Bincy John , Pandeeswaran M. , Bhuvaneshwari D.S. , Elango K.P.
Published: March 2006

The oxidation of methionine by imidazolium fluorochromate (IFC) were studied, in the presence of chloroacetic acid, in water-acetic acid mixtures of varying molar compositions. The reaction is first order with respect to methionine, IFC and acid. The reaction rates were determined at different temperatures and the activation parameters were computed. The reaction rate increases with increasing mole fraction of acetic acid in the mixture and specific solvent-solvent-solute interactions were found to predominate (86 %). A solvation model and a probable mechanism for the reaction are postulated.
A new role of N-arylbenzoquinoneimine N-oxides in the von Richter reaction
Authors: Karami Bahador , Damavandi Asgarin , Bayat Maasomeh , Montazerozohori Monteza
Published: March 2006

The title nitrones react with cyanide ions to give benzoic acids and N-aryl-4-hydroxy-2-cyanophenylamines via two different pathways.
Acid-base equilibria of 2,4-diiodo-6-methylphenylcarbamoylmethyl iminodiacetic acid and its labeling with technetium-99m
Authors: Brboric Jasmina , Jovanovic Mirjana , Popovic Gordana , Kapetanovic Vera , Vladimirov Sote
Published: March 2006

The acid-base equilibria of a novel hepatobiliary imaging agent, 2,4-diiodo-6-methylphenylcarbamoylmethyl iminodiacetic acid (DIIODIDA) were studied. The potentiometrically determined acidity constants of the second carboxylic group, amino and amide groups were pK2 = 2.52 ? 0.02; pK3 = 5.86 ? 0.06 and pK4 = 10.9 ? 0.1. The determinations were performed at 25 ?C and an ionic strength of 0.1 mol/dm3 (NaCl). The acidity constants (pK1 = 1.3 ? 0.4) corresponding to the first carboxylic group was determined indirectly, on the basis of equilibrium constants obtained in a heterogeneous system, at 25 ?C and an ionic strength 1 mol/dm3 (HCl, NaCl). DIIODIDA was labeled with technetium-99m, and the influence of pH on the yield of labeling was investigated. It was found that labeling within the pH range from 5.5 to 6.5 provided a radiopharmaceutical of high radiochemical purity (>98 %).
Application of in situ digital holography to the study of the effect of a magnetic field on the anodic dissolution of iron in thichloroacetic acid
Authors: Yang Xuegeng , Chen Shenhao , Wang Chao , Liang LI.
Published: March 2006

The effect of a magnetic field on the anodic dissolution of iron in 1.0 mol dm-3 trichloroacetic acid solution was studied by the potentiodynamic polarization method and in situ digital holography. It was found that the magnetohydrodynamic force increased the mass transport, which resulted in a faster anodic dissolution of iron. The effect of the magnetic field was analyzed by holograms and is discussed in terms of the magnetohydrodynamic force.
About implementing a Monte Carlo simulation algorithm for enzymatic reactions in crowded media
Authors: Isvoran Adriana , Vilaseca Eduald , Ortega Fernano , Cascante Marta , Mas Francesc
Published: March 2006

In this paper, several aspects of implementing a Monte Carlo simulation algorithm for studying the Michaelis-Menten mechanism of enzymatic reactions in crowded media are presented. Using a two dimensional lattice with obstacles, it is shown how the initial distribution of the reactants and obstacles on the lattice affects the values of the rate coefficients and the concentration of the reactants. The influence of the number of considered nearest neighbors and of the obstacle concentration on the values of the rate coefficients is also demonstrated. The results strongly suggest fractal kinetics for enzyme reactions in crowded media.
Something’s Not Quite Right
Authors: Adžemović Tessa
Published: February 2024

In this narrative medicine essay, a physician recalls that when she presented with a suspected appendicitis as a medical student, she repeatedly requested a confirmation CT scan, which revealed a different diagnosis, and relates her experience with those of many women whose symptoms are not thoroughly checked out.
Vascular System Inspired 3D Electrolyte Network for High Rate and High Mass Loading Graphene Supercapacitor
Authors: Li Congming , Li Xiangming , Yang Qingzhen , Wu Lifeng , Wang Chao , Tian Hongmiao , Wang Chunhui , Chen Xiaoliang , Shao Jinyou
Published: February 2024

High charge rate and high mass loading ability are of practical importance for high power and high volumetric performance supercapacitors but are always challenged by tortuous and sluggish ion diffusion in thick electrodes. Here, inspired by the hepatic vascular system, hierarchical 3D electrolyte networks are proposed to facilitate ion diffusion across laminar graphene films, resulting in a 14‐fold improved ion diffusion coefficient, better rate ability, and high mass loading ability for graphene supercapacitors. Such design enables graphene electrodes with high capacitance up to 236 F g−1, packing densities of 0.67–0.78 g cm−3 depending on structures; and core stack with 10 mg cm−2 mass loading exhibits a high energy density of 45.4 Wh L−1, which is among the state‐of‐the‐art graphene supercapacitors. This study provides a comprehensive investigation of structure‐related capacitive properties, guiding electrode design for high‐rate and high‐mass‐loading graphene supercapacitors. Moreover, such design also benefits solid‐state graphene supercapacitors by forming 3D gel electrolyte structures, which enable higher capacitance and better mechanical robustness, showing potential for flexible energy storage.
Facile Electrolytic (111)‐Textured Copper Foil for Dendrite‐Free Zinc Metal Batteries
Authors: Hao Zhimeng , Zhang Yufeng , Lu Yong , Hou Jinze , Liu Xinyi , Yan Zhenhua , Chen Jun
Published: February 2024

Aqueous Zn metal batteries are emerging as a promising candidate for the next‐generation largescale energy storage system due to their high safety, low lost, and eco‐friendliness. Nevertheless, their practical application is restricted by the uncontrollable Zn dendrite growth and the limited utilization of the Zn metal anode. Herein, a room temperature electrodeposition strategy based on an optimized rate relationship between the diffusion and consumption of Cu2+ to prepare a (111)‐textured Cu current collector for the construction of the dendrite‐free Zn metal anode with high reversibility is developed. Attributed to the high lattice match between the (002) facet of Zn with the (111) facet of Cu, the deposition of Zn along its [001] orientation is achieved on the (111)‐textured Cu. The (002) facets horizontally aligned with the current collector endow Zn with the dendrite‐free planar construction and superior corrosion resistance, resulting in a high reversibility with a long life‐span over 2186 cycles. Impressively, the resultant Zn anodes can stabilize the operation of pouch cells with an extremely demanding negative‐to‐positive capacity ratio of 2. This work provides a new avenue for the development of the current collectors for the low‐cost sustainable energy storage.
Polymeric Conductive Adhesive‐Based Ultrathin Epidermal Electrodes for Long‐Term Monitoring of Electrophysiological Signals
Authors: Shin Joo Hwan , Choi Ji Yeong , June Keonuk , Choi Hyesu , Kim Tae‐il
Published: February 2024

Electrophysiology, exploring vital electrical phenomena in living organisms, anticipates broader integration into daily life through wearable devices and epidermal electrodes. However, addressing the challenges of the electrode durability and motion artifacts is essential to enable continuous and long‐term biopotential signal monitoring, presenting a hurdle for its seamless implementation in daily life. To address these challenges, an ultrathin polymeric conductive adhesive, poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene): poly(styrenesulfonate)/polyvinyl alcohol/d‐sorbitol (PPd) electrode with enhanced adhesion, stretchability, and skin conformability, is presented. The skin conformability and stability of electrodes is designed by theoretical criteria obtained by mechanical analysis. Thus, impedance stability is obtained over 1‐week of daily life, and the PPd electrode addresses the challenges related to durability during prolonged usage. Proving stability in electromyography (EMG) signals during high‐intensity exercise, the wireless PPd measurement system exhibits high signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) signals even in situations involving significant and repetitive skin deformation. Throughout continuous 1 week‐long electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring in daily life, the system consistently preserves signal quality, underscoring the heightened durability and applicability of the PPd measurement system.
Self‐Assembly PbS Quantum Dot‐Conjugated Polymer Hybrid‐Layered Phototransistor Enables SWIR Photodetection with High Detectivity
Authors: Jiang Zhixiang , Gao Yuanhong , Hui Wei , Feng Yang , Xu Meili , Li Jinxiong , Jiang Feng , Zhang Xiaopeng , Wang Jianing , Meng Hong , Huang Wei
Published: February 2024

Lead sulfide colloid quantum dots (PbS QDs) offer great opportunities to revolutionize large‐area short‐wave infrared (SWIR) detection technologies due to high absorption coefficients and spectral selectivity. However, a critical issue for QDs‐based SWIR detectors is high dark current noise due to thermal carriers and the large amounts of surface defect states induced by the ligand exchange process, which hinders the improvement of the room temperature detectivity and linear dynamic range. Herein, it is demonstrated that these dilemmas can be overcome by adopting a novel hybrid‐layered phototransistor device architecture composed of a self‐assembly high‐mobility organic conduction channel and a bulk heterojunction infrared absorber containing PbS QDs as sensitizers. Strong photo absorption in the photoactive layer creates photogenerated charges that are transferred to the conduction channel, where they recirculate many times due to the long trapped‐electron lifetime in the photoactive layer and the high carrier mobility of the channel. Therefore, low dark current noise and high photoconductive gain are achieved by both electrical gating and photodoping for carrier‐density modulation of phototransistors. Finally, an optimized SWIR phototransistor device with a low room‐temperature dark current of 7 pA and a high detectivity of 8 × 1012 Jones under 1650 nm light illumination is demonstrated.
Soybean test weight in relation to genotype, environment, and genotype × environment interaction in the Southern United States
Authors: Koebernick Jenny , Gillen Anne M. , Fett Robert , Patel Sejal , Fallen Ben , Pantalone Vince , Shannon Grover , Li Zenglu , Scaboo Andrew , Schapaugh William , Mian Rouf , Read Quentin D.
Published: February 2024

Test weight (TW) is a unit of bulk density that is influenced by several factors, including both genetics and environment. A subset of the trials in the Uniform Soybean Tests—Southern States was used to correlate seed composition traits of oil and protein percentages, and seed weight (SW) with TW to investigate the interaction of these traits in multi‐environments for four different maturity group (MG) tests. The results indicate that environment (location and year combination) had a larger impact on TW than genetic effect in all MG tests. This difference was greater in the earlier MGs, compared to MG VI and MG VII. In all tests across four MGs, the genotype interaction with environment effect was significant, but practically was not as important as genotype or environment effects. Significant negative correlations between TW and SW (MG V, VI, and VII tests), and TW and oil (MG V and VI tests) were observed but not consistent in all environments within these tests. TW and protein correlations were inconsistent with a negative relationship in MG V but a positive relationship in MG VII. As anticipated, the inconsistencies in the relationships across MGs for TW and seed composition traits suggest that selection strategies for improving TW will differ across soybean breeding programs. In the future, a similar study using a diverse panel of cultivars that do not change from year to year may shed more light on the influence of seed composition and environmental conditions on TW.
Assessing relationships of cover crop biomass and nitrogen content to multispectral imagery
Authors: Miller Jarrod O. , Shober Amy L. , Taraila Jamie
Published: February 2024

Cover crops provide valuable roles in sustainable agriculture, provided they produce enough biomass. To accurately measure their services to field management, spatial estimates would be useful to producers. This study used multispectral drone imagery to produce maps of normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), normalized difference red edge index (NDRE), and a digital surface model (DSM) of cover crop plots on sandy, Mid‐Atlantic soils. Cover crops included cereal rye (Secale cereale), mixtures of rye and crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum), and mixtures of rye and hairy vetch (Vicia villosa). Their biomass was sampled in the spring of 2019, 2020, and 2021, dried, weighed, and analyzed for total nitrogen (N) content. Measurements of NDVI became saturated (i.e., reached a linear plateau) at 3.86 Mg biomass ha−1, NDRE at 5.72 Mg biomass ha−1, and the DSM at 5.11 Mg biomass ha−1. The measured N content became saturated at 80.9, 139.1, and 75 kg N ha−1 for NDVI, NDRE, and the DSM, respectively. Based on log transformations, NDVI was a stronger predictor of biomass and N, but not C:N. The NDRE was important for biomass, N, and C:N, while the DSM interactions with cover crop species helped predict both the N content and C:N of cover crop tissues. Accumulated growing degree days was important as an individual variable for biomass and N and as an interaction with cover crop species.
Bothersome symptoms at midlife in relation to body fat percentage
Authors: Gerber L. M. , Whitcomb B. W. , Verjee M. A. , Sievert L. L.
Published: February 2024

Objectives

Increasing obesity has been associated with a higher frequency of symptoms at midlife. Bothersomeness represents an important measure of perceived symptom severity, but has received relatively little consideration, and relationships between symptom bothersomeness and obesity are not known. We evaluated the association between body fat percentage (%BF) and the bothersomeness of symptoms at midlife.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study included women aged 40–60 in Qatar (n = 841). Participants reported frequency and bothersomeness of midlife symptoms hypothesized to be related to body composition. Initially, we characterized the relationship between continuous %BF and presence (yes/no) and bothersomeness (yes/no) for each symptom using restricted cubic spline (RCS) models to test nonlinearity. Subsequently, we used multinomial logistic regressions to evaluate associations between %BF and multilevel symptom outcomes, where categories were: (a) no symptoms or bother, (b) symptoms without bothersomeness, and (c) symptoms with bothersomeness.

Results

The highest frequency of bothersomeness was reported for aches/stiffness in joints (51%), followed by trouble sleeping (34%), night sweats (21%), urinary incontinence (18%), hot flashes (16%), and shortness of breath (15%). In unadjusted multinomial logistic regressions, aches/stiffness in joints with and without bothersomeness had the same significant relationship with %BF. Bothersome night sweats, urinary incontinence, and hot flashes were significantly associated with %BF (p < .05), but those same symptoms without bothersomeness were not significantly associated with %BF.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that bothersomeness is an important variable that tracks with body fat and gives different information than report of the presence/absence of a symptom alone.
3q29 duplications: A cohort of 46 patients and a literature review
Authors: Massier Marie , Doco‐Fenzy Martine , Egloff Matthieu , Le Guillou Xavier , Le Guyader Gwenaël , Redon Sylvia , Benech Caroline , Le Millier Karine , Uguen Kevin , Ropars Juliette , Sacaze Elise , Audebert‐Bellanger Séverine , Apetrei Andreea , Molin Arnaud , Gruchy Nicolas , Vincent‐Devulder Aline , Spodenkiewicz Marta , Jacquin Clémence , Loron Gauthier , Thibaud Marie , Delplancq Geoffroy , Brisset Sophie , Lesieur‐Sebellin Marion , Malan Valérie , Romana Serge , Rio Marlène , Marlin Sandrine , Amiel Jeanne , Marquet Valentine , Dauriat Benjamin , Moradkhani Kamran , Mercier Sandra , Isidor Bertrand , Arpin Stéphanie , Pujalte Mathilde , Jedraszak Guillaume , Pebrel‐Richard Céline , Salaun Gaëlle , Laffargue Fanny , Boudjarane John , Missirian Chantal , Chelloug Nora , Toutain Annick , Chiesa Jean , Keren Boris , Mignot Cyril , Gouy Evan , Jaillard Sylvie , Landais Emilie , Poirsier Céline
Published: February 2024

Duplications of the 3q29 cytoband are rare chromosomal copy number variations (CNVs) (overlapping or recurrent ~1.6 Mb 3q29 duplications). They have been associated with highly variable neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) with various associated features or reported as a susceptibility factor to the development of learning disabilities and neuropsychiatric disorders. The smallest region of overlap and the phenotype of 3q29 duplications remain uncertain. We here report a French cohort of 31 families with a 3q29 duplication identified by chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA), including 14 recurrent 1.6 Mb duplications, eight overlapping duplications (>1 Mb), and nine small duplications (<1 Mb). Additional genetic findings that may be involved in the phenotype were identified in 11 patients. Focusing on apparently isolated 3q29 duplications, patients present mainly mild NDD as suggested by a high rate of learning disabilities in contrast to a low proportion of patients with intellectual disabilities. Although some are de novo, most of the 3q29 duplications are inherited from a parent with a similar mild phenotype. Besides, the study of small 3q29 duplications does not provide evidence for any critical region. Our data suggest that the overlapping and recurrent 3q29 duplications seem to lead to mild NDD and that a severe or syndromic clinical presentation should warrant further genetic analyses.
De novo variants predicting haploinsufficiency for DIP2C are associated with expressive speech delay
Authors: Ha Thoa , Morgan Angela , Bartos Meghan N. , Beatty Katelyn , Cogné Benjamin , Braun Dominique , Gerber Céline B. , Gaspar Harald , Kopps Anna M. , Rieubland Claudine , Hurst Anna C. E. , Amor David J. , Nizon Mathilde , Pasquier Laurent , Pfundt Rolph , Reis André , Siu Victoria Mok , Tessarech Marine , Thompson Michelle L. , Vincent Marie , de Vries Bert B. A. , Walsh Matthew B. , Wechsler Stephanie Burns , Zweier Christiane , Schnur Rhonda E. , Guillen Sacoto Maria J. , Margot Henri , Masotto Barbara , Palafoll Maria Irene Valenzuela , Nawaz Urwah , Voineagu Irina , Slavotinek Anne
Published: February 2024

The disconnected (disco)‐interacting protein 2 (DIP2) gene was first identified in D. melanogaster and contains a DNA methyltransferase‐associated protein 1 (DMAP1) binding domain, Acyl‐CoA synthetase domain and AMP‐binding sites. DIP2 regulates axonal bifurcation of the mushroom body neurons in D. melanogaster and is required for axonal regeneration in the neurons of C. elegans. The DIP2 homologues in vertebrates, Disco‐interacting protein 2 homolog A (DIP2A), Disco‐interacting protein 2 homolog B (DIP2B), and Disco‐interacting protein 2 homolog C (DIP2C), are highly conserved and expressed widely in the central nervous system. Although there is evidence that DIP2C plays a role in cognition, reports of pathogenic variants in these genes are rare and their significance is uncertain. We present 23 individuals with heterozygous DIP2C variants, all manifesting developmental delays that primarily affect expressive language and speech articulation. Eight patients had de novo variants predicting loss‐of‐function in the DIP2C gene, two patients had de novo missense variants, three had paternally inherited loss of function variants and six had maternally inherited loss‐of‐function variants, while inheritance was unknown for four variants. Four patients had cardiac defects (hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, atrial septal defects, and bicuspid aortic valve). Minor facial anomalies were inconsistent but included a high anterior hairline with a long forehead, broad nasal tip, and ear anomalies. Brainspan analysis showed elevated DIP2C expression in the human neocortex at 10–24 weeks after conception. With the cases presented herein, we provide phenotypic and genotypic data supporting the association between loss‐of‐function variants in DIP2C with a neurocognitive phenotype.
Enhancing the efficacy of cisplatin against breast cancer cells using carnosine‐functionalized magnetic nanoparticles
Authors: Hassani Zahra , Amirabadi Sakineh Farajmand , Mahani Masoud Torkzadeh , Malekshah Rahime Eshaghi
Published: February 2024

The majorities of chemotherapy drugs and drug‐delivery models have significant health concerns and cause undesirable side effects because they lack specificity and proper targeting systems and are too large. It is crucial to prioritize the rational design and synthesis of chemotherapeutics that specifically target their intended sites. This research work aims to create magnetic nanocarriers conjugated with L‐carnosine (CAR) as a cancer‐targeting peptide for the development of targeted anticancer drugs. These nanoparticles are designed to reduce toxicity, allow for sustained release, and increase the circulating time of cisplatin. The nanoparticles were made by coating them with silane and an aldehyde linker, which allowed them to be attached to L‐carnosine peptide. Cisplatin was then attached to the surface of the nanoparticles via chemical bonds. The prepared nanoparticles were characterized using vibrating sample magnetometer, dynamic light scattering, and scanning electron microscopy and FT‐IR spectrophotometry. In vitro studies demonstrated the cytotoxic and inhibitory effects of cisplatin nanoconjugates on breast cancer cells. Significantly, the nanoconjugates showed higher potency compared to free cisplatin. In continuous study, the optimization of synthesized compounds was performed using the DMol3 module in Materials Studio 2017. Energy calculations and molecular docking analysis using the HEX software revealed that the nanoconjugates showed stronger binding to the minor and major grooves of the DNA receptor. These interactions involved eight hydrogen bonds, exceeding those of other compounds.
Benzannulated Double Aza[9]helicenes: Synthesis, Structures, and (Chir)optical Properties
Authors: Matsuo Yusuke , Gon Masayuki , Tanaka Kazuo , Seki Shu , Tanaka Takayuki
Published: February 2024

A benzannulated double aza[9]helicene 1 was successfully synthesized via a one‐pot oxidative fusion reaction. 1 was derivatized to N‐alkylated double aza[9]helicene 1‐Et and 1‐Bu, whose structures were determined by X‐ray diffraction analysis. 1‐Et and 1‐Bu exhibited red‐shifted absorption and fluorescence spectra compared to single aza[9]helicene. The double aza[9]helicenes were expected to have two different conformers. Consistent with solid‐state structure, the chiral‐isomer was estimated to be more stable by 16 kcal/mol relative to meso‐isomer. Indeed, enantiomers of 1‐Et and 1‐Bu were optically resolved by HPLC and showed mirror‐imaged CD and CPL spectra with the CPL brightness up to 19.2 M−1cm−1 for 1‐Bu.
‘All about the NHS and what about the rest of us?’: Exploring how low‐paid health and social care workers construct key stakeholders and account for the UK's response to the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Buckley Tieran , Carr Philippa
Published: February 2024

Good practice on disaster response emphasises the importance of leadership and cohesive group identities. The COVID‐19 pandemic provided an opportunity to explore how low‐paid health and social care workers (HSCWs) accounted for the UK government's response, given worker's limited resources and disproportionate impact on their lives. Thirteen semi‐structured interviews took place with low‐paid HSCWs in England. Interviews were analysed using critical reflexive thematic analysis that is influenced by discursive psychology and membership categorisation analysis to explore the construction of identities and how they are used to account for the pandemic response. Three themes were generated from the data: (1) ‘They kind of knew what was coming’: UK government slow to react to pandemic developments; (2) ‘the right thing kept changing every five minutes: Frustrations with changing guidelines and (3) ‘all about the NHS and what about the rest of us?’: Private sector HSCWs presented as inferior. This research highlights the importance of addressing the minimisation of low‐paid HSCWs through communications and access to material resources. There is a need to address economic disparities within the social care sector and for the UK government to plan future crisis management with all frontline staff at the forefront to form a collective identity.