bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Critical Review on Room‐Temperature Sodium‐Sulfur Batteries: From Research Advances to Practical Perspectives
Authors: Zhao Lingfei , Tao Ying , Zhang Yiyang , Lei Yaojie , Lai Wei‐Hong , Chou Shulei , Liu Hua‐Kun , Dou Shi‐Xue , Wang Yun‐Xiao
Published: March 2024

Room‐temperature sodium‐sulfur (RT‐Na/S) batteries are promising alternatives for next‐generation energy storage systems with high energy density and high power density. However, some notorious issues are hampering the practical application of RT‐Na/S batteries. Besides, the working mechanism of RT‐Na/S batteries under practical conditions such as high sulfur loading, lean electrolyte, and low capacity ratio between the negative and positive electrode (N/P ratio), is of essential importance for practical applications, yet the significance of these parameters has long been disregarded. Herein, it is comprehensively reviewed recent advances on Na metal anode, S cathode, electrolyte, and separator engineering for RT‐Na/S batteries. The discrepancies between laboratory research and practical conditions are elaborately discussed, endeavors toward practical applications are highlighted, and suggestions for the practical values of the crucial parameters are rationally proposed. Furthermore, an empirical equation to estimate the actual energy density of RT‐Na/S pouch cells under practical conditions is rationally proposed for the first time, making it possible to evaluate the gravimetric energy density of the cells under practical conditions. This review aims to reemphasize the vital importance of the crucial parameters for RT‐Na/S batteries to bridge the gaps between laboratory research and practical applications.
Biofunctional Polyacrylamide Hydrogels using Tetrazole‐Methylsulfone Comonomer for Thiol Conjugation
Authors: Farrukh Hafiz Syed Usama Bin , Milos Frano , Díaz Álvarez Ana , Pearson Samuel , del Campo Aránzazu
Published: March 2024

Biofunctionalized polyacrylamide (PAAm) hydrogels are important 2D substrates for studying cell physics and mechanobiology. In this work, an arylmethylsulfone (MS) comonomer is developed that can be incorporated into PAAm gels under aqueous radical polymerization conditions. The resulting hydrogels show similar properties to unmodified PAAm gels, indicating that the comonomer is incorporated without affecting PAAm physical properties. The MS‐containing PAAm hydrogels allow efficient conjugation of thiol derivatized biomolecules and require very low comonomer content (2 mM, 0.18 mol% relative to AAm) and thiol incubation amounts (≥ 0.15 µg per gel) to achieve functional densities that elicit cell responses. Compared to carboxyl‐functionalized PAAm hydrogels, a 10‐fold lower comonomer concentration and a 10‐fold lower ligand feed concentration are sufficient to achieve comparable cell adhesion responses. The new comonomer opens up possibilities for efficient and straightforward biofunctionalization of PAAm hydrogels used in cell biophysical studies.
Development of an Operational Digital Twin of a Freight Car Braking System for Fault Diagnosis
Authors: Davidyan Gabriel , Bortman Jacob , Kenett Ron S.
Published: March 2024

In the evolving landscape of digital technology, the concept of digital twinning has emerged as one of the most important innovations. Digital twinning, characterized by a one‐to‐one correlation with physical structures in a digital environment, has become an important tool in transferring physical dynamics into digital replicas. This platform, integrating advanced sensor technologies and analytical tools, enables a comprehensive monitoring, diagnosis, and optimization concept. The present research focuses on the application of digital twinning in addressing the complex challenge of managing fault types in freight car brakes. A Digital Twin (DT) model of a freight car braking system is developed that forms the basis for an innovative approach to fault classification. This approach leverages the ability of the DT to emulate and analyze the behavior of the braking system under different conditions. The effectiveness of the proposed method is evaluated through extensive testing and analysis with an experimental data set. The results show that the method is able to accurately diagnose different types of faults. This represents a significant advance in the field of freight car brake system diagnosis.
Construction of Interlayer Coupling Diatomic Nanozyme with Peroxidase‐Like and Photothermal Activities for Efficient Synergistic Antibacteria
Authors: Shi Xiudong , Lv Jie , Deng Shuangling , Zhou Fang , Mei Jiangang , Zheng Lei , Zhang Jing
Published: March 2024

Pathogenic bacteria are the main cause of bacterial infectious diseases, which have posed a grave threat to public health. Single‐atom nanozymes have emerged as promising candidates for antibacterial applications, but their activities need to be further improved. Considering diatomic nanozymes exhibit superior metal loading capacities and enhanced catalytic performance, a new interlayer coupling diatomic nanozyme (IC‐DAN) is constructed by modulating the coordination environment in an atomic‐level engineering. It is well demonstrated that IC‐DAN exhibited superior peroxidase‐mimetic activity in the presence of H2O2 to yield abundant ∙OH and possessed high photothermal conversion ability, which synergistically achieves efficient antibacterial therapy. Therefore, IC‐DAN shows great potential used as antibacterial agent in clinic and this study open a new route to developing high‐performance artificial enzymes.
Bioelectronic Direct Current Stimulation at the Transition Between Reversible and Irreversible Charge Transfer
Authors: Matter Lukas , Abdullaeva Oliya S. , Shaner Sebastian , Leal José , Asplund Maria
Published: March 2024

Many biological processes rely on endogenous electric fields (EFs), including tissue regeneration, cell development, wound healing, and cancer metastasis. Mimicking these biological EFs by applying external direct current stimulation (DCS) is therefore the key to many new therapeutic strategies. During DCS, the charge transfer from electrode to tissue relies on a combination of reversible and irreversible electrochemical processes, which may generate toxic or bio‐altering substances, including metal ions and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) based electrodes are emerging as suitable candidates for DCS to improve biocompatibility compared to metals. This work addresses whether PEDOT electrodes can be tailored to favor reversible biocompatible charge transfer. To this end, different PEDOT formulations and their respective back electrodes are studied using cyclic voltammetry, chronopotentiometry, and direct measurements of H2O2and O2. This combination of electrochemical methods sheds light on the time dynamics of reversible and irreversible charge transfer and the relationship between capacitance and ROS generation. The results presented here show that although all electrode materials investigated generate ROS, the onset of ROS can be delayed by increasing the electrode's capacitance via PEDOT coating, which has implications for future bioelectronic devices that allow longer reversibly driven pulse durations during DCS.
A Review of Recent Advancements in Sensor‐Integrated Medical Tools
Authors: Park Jaeho , Seo Bokyung , Jeong Yongrok , Park Inkyu
Published: March 2024

A medical tool is a general instrument intended for use in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases in humans or other animals. Nowadays, sensors are widely employed in medical tools to analyze or quantify disease‐related parameters for the diagnosis and monitoring of patients’ diseases. Recent explosive advancements in sensor technologies have extended the integration and application of sensors in medical tools by providing more versatile in vivo sensing capabilities. These unique sensing capabilities, especially for medical tools for surgery or medical treatment, are getting more attention owing to the rapid growth of minimally invasive surgery. In this review, recent advancements in sensor‐integrated medical tools are presented, and their necessity, use, and examples are comprehensively introduced. Specifically, medical tools often utilized for medical surgery or treatment, for example, medical needles, catheters, robotic surgery, sutures, endoscopes, and tubes, are covered, and in‐depth discussions about the working mechanism used for each sensor‐integrated medical tool are provided.
Thromboxane A2 Modulates de novo Synthesis of Adrenal Corticosterone in Mice via p38/14‐3‐3γ/StAR Signaling
Authors: Yan Shuai , Wang Yuanyang , Wang Bei , Zuo Shengkai , Yu Ying
Published: March 2024

Prostanoids are endogenous lipid bioactive mediators that play essential roles in physiological processes such as glucocorticoid secretion. Here, it is found that the thromboxane (Tx)A2 receptor (TP) is highly expressed in the adrenal cortex of mice. Both global and adrenocortical‐specific deletion of the TP receptor lead to increased adiposity in mice by elevating corticosterone synthesis. Mechanistically, the TP receptor deletion increases the phosphorylation of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) and corticosterone synthesis in adrenal cortical cells by suppressing p‐p38‐mediated phosphorylation of 14‐3‐3γ adapter protein at S71. The activation of the p38 in the adrenal cortical cells by forced expression of the MKK6EE gene attenuates hypercortisolism in TP‐deficient mice. These observations suggest that the TxA2/TP signaling regulates adrenal corticosterone homeostasis independent of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis and the TP receptor may serve as a promising therapeutic target for hypercortisolism.
Naphthalene Diimide‐Based Metallacage as an Artificial Ion Channel for Chloride Ion Transport
Authors: Ling Qing‐Hui , Fu Yuanyuan , Lou Zhen‐Chen , Yue Bangkun , Guo Chenxing , Hu Xinyu , Lu Weiqiang , Hu Lianrui , Wang Wei , Zhang Min , Yang Hai‐Bo , Xu Lin
Published: March 2024

Developing synthetic molecular devices for controlling ion transmembrane transport is a promising research field in supramolecular chemistry. These artificial ion channels provide models to study ion channel diseases and have huge potential for therapeutic applications. Compared with self‐assembled ion channels constructed by intermolecular weak interactions between smaller molecules or cyclic compounds, metallacage‐based ion channels have well‐defined structures and can exist as single components in the phospholipid bilayer. A naphthalene diimide‐based artificial chloride ion channel is constructed through efficient subcomponent self‐assembly and its selective ion transport activity in large unilamellar vesicles and the planar lipid bilayer membrane by fluorescence and ion‐current measurements is investigated. Molecular dynamics simulations and density functional theory calculations show that the metallacage spans the entire phospholipid bilayer as an unimolecular ion transport channel. This channel transports chloride ions across the cell membrane, which disturbs the ion balance of cancer cells and inhibits the growth of cancer cells at low concentrations.
Recyclable and Stable Porphyrin‐Based Self‐Assemblies by Electrostatic Force for Efficient Photocatalytic Organic Transformation
Authors: Cai Bin , Huang Ping , Fang Yuan , Tian Haining
Published: March 2024

Development of efficient, stable, and recyclable photocatalysts for organic synthesis is vital for transformation of traditional thermal organic chemistry into green sustainable organic chemistry. In this work, the study reports an electrostatic approach to assemble meso‐tetra (4‐sulfonate phenyl) porphyrin (TPPS)tetra (4‐sulfonate phenyl) porphyrin (TPPS) as a donor and benzyl viologen (BV) as an acceptor into stable and recyclable photocatalyst for an efficient organic transformation reaction – aryl sulfide oxidation. By use of the electrostatic TPPS‐BV photocatalysts, 0.1 mmol aryl sulfide with electron‐donating group can be completely transformed into aryl sulfoxide in 60 min without overoxidation into sulfone, rendering near 100% yield and selectivity. The photocatalyst can be recycled up to 95% when 10 mg amount is used. Mechanistic study reveals that efficient charge separation between TPPS and BV results in sufficient formation of superoxide which further reacts with the oxidized sulfide by the photocatalyst to produce the sulfoxide. This mechanistic pathway differs significantly from the previously proposed singlet oxygen‐dominated process in homogeneous TPPS photocatalysis.
Monolithic Perovskite–Silicon Dual‐Band Photodetector for Efficient Spectral Light Discrimination
Authors: Kim Woochul , Seo Yeonju , Ahn Dante , Kim In Soo , Balamurugan Chandran , Jung Gun Young , Kwon Sooncheol , Kim Hyeonghun , Pak Yusin
Published: March 2024

Selective spectral discrimination of visible and near‐infrared light, which accurately distinguishes different light wavelengths, holds considerable promise in various fields, such as automobiles, defense, and environmental monitoring. However, conventional imaging technologies suffer from various issues, including insufficient spatial optimization, low definition, and optical loss. Herein, a groundbreaking advancement is demonstrated in the form of a dual‐band photodiode with distinct near‐infrared‐ and visible‐light discrimination obtained via simple voltage control. The approach involves the monolithic stacking integration of methylammonium lead iodide (MAPbI3) and Si semiconductors, resulting in a p‐Si/n‐phenyl‐C61‐butyric acid methyl ester/i‐MAPbI3/p‐spiro‐MeOTAD (PNIP) device. Remarkably, the PNIP configuration can independently detect the visible and near‐infrared regions without traditional optical filters under a voltage range of 3 to −3 V. In addition, an imaging system for a prototype autonomous vehicle confirms the capability of the device to separate visible and near‐infrared light via an electrical bias and practicality of this mechanism. Therefore, this study pushes the boundaries of image sensor development and sets the stage for fabricating compact and power‐efficient photonic devices with superior performance and diverse functionality.
The Hydrophilic Metabolite UMP Alleviates Obesity Traits through a HIF2α‐ACER2‐Ceramide Signaling Axis
Authors: Liu Huiying , Wang Pengcheng , Xu Feng , Nie Qixing , Yan Sen , Zhang Zhipeng , Zhang Yi , Jiang Changtao , Qin Xiaomei , Pang Yanli
Published: March 2024

Metabolic abnormalities contribute to the pathogenesis of obesity and its complications. Yet, the understanding of the interactions between critical metabolic pathways that underlie obesity remains to be improved, in part owing to the lack of comprehensive metabolomics studies that reconcile data from both hydrophilic and lipophilic metabolome analyses that can lead to the identification and characterization of key signaling networks. Here, the study conducts a comprehensive metabolomics analysis, surveying lipids and hydrophilic metabolites of the plasma and omental adipose tissue of obese individuals and the plasma and epididymal adipose tissue of mice. Through these approaches, it is found that a significant accumulation of ceramide due to inhibited sphingolipid catabolism, while a significant reduction in the levels of uridine monophosphate (UMP), is critical to pyrimidine biosynthesis. Further, it is found that UMP administration restores sphingolipid homeostasis and can reduce obesity in mice by reversing obesity‐induced inhibition of adipocyte hypoxia inducible factor 2a (Hif2α) and its target gene alkaline ceramidase 2 (Acer2), so as to promote ceramide catabolism and alleviate its accumulation within cells. Using adipose tissue Hif2α‐specific knockout mice, the study further demonstrates that the presence of UMP can alleviate obesity through a HIF2α‐ACER2‐ceramide pathway, which can be a new signaling axis for obesity improvement.
Harnessing Mechanical Stress with Viscoelastic Biomaterials for Periodontal Ligament Regeneration
Authors: Zhang Jiu‐Jiu , Li Xuan , Tian Yi , Zou Jie‐Kang , Gan Dian , Deng Dao‐Kun , Jiao Chen , Yin Yuan , Tian Bei‐Min , Wu Rui‐Xin , Chen Fa‐Ming , He Xiao‐Tao
Published: March 2024

The viscoelasticity of mechanically sensitive tissues such as periodontal ligaments (PDLs) is key in maintaining mechanical homeostasis. Unfortunately, PDLs easily lose viscoelasticity (e.g., stress relaxation) during periodontitis or dental trauma, which disrupt cell–extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions and accelerates tissue damage. Here, Pluronic F127 diacrylate (F127DA) hydrogels with PDL‐matched stress relaxation rates and high elastic moduli are developed. The hydrogel viscoelasticity is modulated without chemical cross‐linking by controlling precursor concentrations. Under cytomechanical loading, F127DA hydrogels with fast relaxation rates significantly improved the fibrogenic differentiation potential of PDL stem cells (PDLSCs), while cells cultured on F127DA hydrogels with various stress relaxation rates exhibited similar fibrogenic differentiation potentials with limited cell spreading and traction forces under static conditions. Mechanically, faster‐relaxing F127DA hydrogels leveraged cytomechanical loading to activate PDLSC mechanotransduction by upregulating integrin–focal adhesion kinase pathway and thus cytoskeletal rearrangement, reinforcing cell–ECM interactions. In vivo experiments confirm that faster‐relaxing F127DA hydrogels significantly promoted PDL repair and reduced abnormal healing (e.g., root resorption and ankyloses) in delayed replantation of avulsed teeth. This study firstly investigated how matrix nonlinear viscoelasticity influences the fibrogenesis of PDLSCs under mechanical stimuli, and it reveals the underlying mechanobiology, which suggests novel strategies for PDL regeneration.
5G NB‐IoT System Integrated with High‐Performance Fiber Sensor Inspired by Cirrus and Spider Structures
Authors: Lu Lijun , Hu Guosheng , Liu Jingquan , Yang Bin
Published: March 2024

Real‐time telemedicine detection can solve the problem of the shortage of public medical resources caused by the coming aging society. However, the development of such an integrated monitoring system is hampered by the need for high‐performance sensors and the strict‐requirement of long‐distance signal transmission and reproduction. Here, a bionic crack‐spring fiber sensor (CSFS) inspired by spider leg and cirrus whiskers for stretchable and weavable electronics is reported. Trans‐scale conductive percolation networks of multilayer graphene around the surface of outer spring‐like Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fibers and printing Ag enable a high sensitivity of 28475.6 and broad sensing range over 250%. The electromechanical changes in different stretching stages are simulated by Comsol to explain the response mechanism. The CSFS is incorporated into the fabric and realized the human‐machine interactions (HMIs) for robot control. Furthermore, the 5G Narrowband Internet of Things (NB‐IoT) system is developed for human healthcare data collection, transmission, and reproduction together with the integration of the CSFS, illustrating the huge potential of the approach in human–machine communication interfaces and intelligent telemedicine rehabilitation and diagnosis monitoring.
Biomimetic Self‐Propelled Asymmetric Nanomotors for Cascade‐Targeted Treatment of Neurological Inflammation
Authors: Ye Jiamin , Fan Yueyue , She Yaoguang , Shi Jiacheng , Yang Yiwen , Yuan Xue , Li Ruiyan , Han Jingwen , Liu Luntao , Kang Yong , Ji Xiaoyuan
Published: March 2024

The precise targeted delivery of therapeutic agents to deep regions of the brain is crucial for the effective treatment of various neurological diseases. However, achieving this goal is challenging due to the presence of the blood‒brain barrier (BBB) and the complex anatomy of the brain. Here, a biomimetic self‐propelled nanomotor with cascade targeting capacity is developed for the treatment of neurological inflammatory diseases. The self‐propelled nanomotors are designed with biomimetic asymmetric structures with a mesoporous SiO2 head and multiple MnO2 tentacles. Macrophage membrane biomimetic modification endows nanomotors with inflammatory targeting and BBB penetration abilities The MnO2 agents catalyze the degradation of H2O2 into O2, not only by reducing brain inflammation but also by providing the driving force for deep brain penetration. Additionally, the mesoporous SiO2 head is loaded with curcumin, which actively regulates macrophage polarization from the M1 to the M2 phenotype. All in vitro cell, organoid model, and in vivo animal experiments confirmed the effectiveness of the biomimetic self‐propelled nanomotors in precise targeting, deep brain penetration, anti‐inflammatory, and nervous system function maintenance. Therefore, this study introduces a platform of biomimetic self‐propelled nanomotors with inflammation targeting ability and active deep penetration for the treatment of neurological inflammation diseases.
High‐Valent Copper Catalysis Enables Regioselective Fluoroarylation of Gem‐Difluorinated Cyclopropanes
Authors: Wu Xiuli , Song Xiangyu , Xia Ying
Published: March 2024

Transition‐metal (TM) catalyzed reaction of gem‐difluorinated cyclopropanes (gem‐DFCPs) has drawn much attention recently. The reaction generally occurs via the activation of the distal C─C bond in gem‐DFCPs by a low‐valent TM through oxidative addition, eventually producing mono‐fluoro olefins as the coupling products. However, achieving regioselective activation of the proximal C─C bond in gem‐DFCPs that overcomes the intrinsic reactivity via TM catalysis remains elusive. Here, a new reaction mode of gem‐DFCPs enabled by high‐valent copper catalysis, which allows exclusive activation of the congested proximal C─C bond is presented. The reaction that achieves fluoroarylation of gem‐DFCPs uses NFSI (N‐fluorobenzenesulfonimide) as electrophilic fluoro reagent and arenes as the C─H nucleophiles, enabling the synthesis of diverse CF3‐containing scaffolds. It is proposed that a high‐valent copper species plays an important role in the regioselective activation of the proximal C─C bond possibly via a σ‐bond metathesis.
Superatomic‐based chirality: Asymmetric structures constructed by superatoms
Authors: Yu Famin , Li Rui , Yang Xinrui , Shi Yulei , Wang Zhigang
Published: March 2024

Chirality is one of the fundamental properties of molecules traditionally constructed from atoms. Here, we report for the first time the successful construction of asymmetric chiral structures utilizing highly symmetric endohedral metallofullerene superatoms based on their own bonding properties. Specifically, stable mirror‐symmetric sinister and rectus structures are obtained by selecting a superatom capable of forming four chemical bonds as the chiral center. Further analysis shows that the chiral vibration frequency of superatomic assemblies can be as low as a few wavenumbers, which greatly expands the range of chiral spectra compared to atom‐based molecules. We term this type of chirality based on superatoms as “superatomic‐based chirality”. It is anticipated that this work will significantly expand the variety of chiral structures at the atomic level.
A Review of Quadruped Robots: Structure, Control, and Autonomous Motion
Authors: Fan Yanan , Pei Zhongcai , Wang Chen , Li Meng , Tang Zhiyong , Liu Qinghua
Published: March 2024

With their unique point‐contact ability with the ground and exceptional adaptability to complex terrains, quadruped robots have become a focal point in the fields of automation and robotic engineering. Significant research progress has been made in aspects such as structural design, motion planning, and balance control of these robots. However, a primary challenge in current research lies in further enhancing the dynamic performance, environmental adaptability, and payload capacity. In this article, research achievements in key technical areas of quadruped robots, encompassing structural design, gait planning, traditional control strategies, intelligent control strategies, and autonomous movement, are comprehensively discussed. The focus of the article is on analyzing trends in intelligence and technological innovation within the aforementioned areas, aiming to provide robust theoretical support and forward‐looking technical guidance for quadruped robots research. Additionally, it offers valuable references for scholars engaged in this field.
The relationship between mental well‐being and wealth varies by wealth type, place and sex/gender: Evidence from Namibia
Authors: Owens Caroline , Hadley Craig
Published: March 2024

This paper explores the impact of livelihood strategies and place on mental well‐being. Identifying different socioeconomic factors that impact mental well‐being across contexts is pressing given the global rise in mental health disorders. Numerous studies in the population and social sciences have emphasized the protective role of material wealth on human health and well‐being; however, scholars frequently assess wealth as a one‐dimensional variable, which may fail to capture diverse forms of wealth. Acknowledging different forms of wealth may be particularly important in settings where agricultural economies coexist with cash economies. Using data from the 2013 Namibia Demographic Health Survey (n = 13 377), we use a newly developed measure of success in agricultural activities, an agricultural wealth index, or AWI, generated by Hackman et al., (2021). To examine the role of different forms of wealth on mental health symptoms. We find mental well‐being, assessed through three survey questions, is lower among urban dwellers and females and shows varied associations with wealth type and sex/gender. In general, success in agricultural activities is associated with better mental well‐being, while the association with market success is null or and conditional upon sex/gender and place. This study adds to recent work on the value of using multidimensional measures of wealth and raises important questions about why wealth type and sex/gender differentially impact mental well‐being.
Work outcomes in public safety personnel after potentially traumatic events: A systematic review
Authors: Wagner Shannon L. , White Nicole , White Marc , Fyfe Trina , Matthews Lynda R. , Randall Christine , Regehr Cheryl , Alden Lynn E. , Buys Nicholas , Carey Mary G. , Corneil Wayne , Krutop Elyssa , Fraess‐Phillips Alex
Published: March 2024

Background

It is well documented that public safety personnel are exposed to potentially traumatic events (PTEs) at elevated frequency and demonstrate higher prevalence of trauma‐related symptoms compared to the general population. Lesser studied to date are the organizational consequences of workplace PTE exposure and associated mental health outcomes such as acute/posttraumatic stress disorder (ASD/PTSD), depression, and anxiety.

Methods

The present review synthesizes international literature on work outcomes in public safety personnel (PSP) to explore whether and how PTE and trauma‐related symptoms relate to workplace outcomes. A total of N = 55 eligible articles examining PTE or trauma‐related symptoms in relation to work outcomes were systematically reviewed using best‐evidence narrative synthesis.

Results

Three primary work outcomes emerged across the literature: absenteeism, productivity/performance, and costs to organization. Across n = 21 studies of absenteeism, there was strong evidence that PTE or trauma‐related symptoms are associated with increased sickness absence. N = 27 studies on productivity/performance demonstrated overall strong evidence of negative impacts in the workplace. N = 7 studies on cost to organizations demonstrated weak evidence that PTE exposure or trauma‐related mental health outcomes are associated with increased cost to organization.

Conclusions

Based on available evidence, the experience of workplace PTE or trauma‐related symptoms is associated with negative impact on PSP occupational functioning, though important potential confounds (e.g., organizational strain and individual risk factors) remain to be more extensively investigated.
Megalencephaly secondary to a novel germline missense variant p.Asp322Tyr in AKT3 associated with growth hormone deficiency and central hypothyroidism: A case report
Authors: Renard E. , Bonnet C. , Di Patrizio M. , Schmitt E. , Madkaud A. C. , Chabot C. , Kuchenbuch M. , Lambert L.
Published: March 2024

Germline gain of function variations in the AKT3 gene cause brain overgrowth syndrome with megalencephaly and diffuse bilateral cortical malformations. Here we report a child with megalencephaly, who is a carrier of a novel heterozygous missense variant in the AKT3 gene NM_005465.7:c.964G>T,p.Asp322Tyr. The phenotype of this patient is associated with pituitary deficiencies diagnosed at 2 years of age: growth hormone (GH) deficiency responsible for growth delay and central hypothyroidism. After 6 months of GH treatment, intracranial hypertension was noted, confirmed by the observation of papilledema and increased intracranial pressure, requiring the initiation of acetazolamide treatment and the discontinuation of GH treatment. This is the second reported patient described with megalencephaly and AKT3 gene variant associated with GH deficiency . Other endocrine disorders have also been reported in few cases with hypothyroidism and hypoglycemia. Pituitary deficiency may be a part of the of megalencephaly phenotype secondary to germline variant in the AKT3 gene. Special attention should be paid to growth in these patients and search for endocrine deficiency is necessary in case of growth retardation or hypoglycemia.
FOXG1 variants can be associated with milder phenotypes than congenital Rett syndrome with unassisted walking and language development
Authors: Mazel Benoit , Delanne Julian , Garde Aurore , Racine Caroline , Bruel Ange‐Line , Duffourd Yannis , Lopergolo Diego , Santorelli Filippo Maria , Marchi Viviana , Pinto Anna Maria , Mencarelli Maria Antonietta , Canitano Roberto , Valentino Floriana , Papa Filomena Tiziana , Fallerini Chiara , Mari Francesca , Renieri Alessandra , Munnich Arnold , Niclass Tanguy , Le Guyader Gwenaël , Thauvin‐Robinet Christel , Philippe Christophe , Faivre Laurence
Published: March 2024

Since 2008, FOXG1 haploinsufficiency has been linked to a severe neurodevelopmental phenotype resembling Rett syndrome but with earlier onset. Most patients are unable to sit, walk, or speak. For years, FOXG1 sequencing was only prescribed in such severe cases, limiting insight into the full clinical spectrum associated with this gene. Next‐generation sequencing (NGS) now enables unbiased diagnostics. Through the European Reference Network for Rare Malformation Syndromes, Intellectual and Other Neurodevelopmental Disorders, we gathered data from patients with heterozygous FOXG1 variants presenting a mild phenotype, defined as able to speak and walk independently. We also reviewed data from three previously reported patients meeting our criteria. We identified five new patients with pathogenic FOXG1 missense variants, primarily in the forkhead domain, showing varying nonspecific intellectual disability and developmental delay. These features are not typical of congenital Rett syndrome and were rarely associated with microcephaly and epilepsy. Our findings are consistent with a previous genotype–phenotype analysis by Mitter et al. suggesting the delineation of five different FOXG1 genotype groups. Milder phenotypes were associated with missense variants in the forkhead domain. This information may facilitate prognostic assessments in children carrying a FOXG1 variant and improve the interpretation of new variants identified with genomic sequencing.
Genetic associations with dementia‐related proteinopathy: Application of item response theory
Authors: Katsumata Yuriko , Fardo David W. , Shade Lincoln M. P. , Wu Xian , Karanth Shama D. , Hohman Timothy J. , Schneider Julie A. , Bennett David A. , Farfel Jose M. , Gauthreaux Kathryn , Mock Charles , Kukull Walter A. , Abner Erin L. , Nelson Peter T. ,   The Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative,   The National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center
Published: March 2024

INTRODUCTION

Although dementia‐related proteinopathy has a strong negative impact on public health, and is highly heritable, understanding of the related genetic architecture is incomplete.

METHODS

We applied multidimensional generalized partial credit modeling (GPCM) to test genetic associations with dementia‐related proteinopathies. Data were analyzed to identify candidate single nucleotide variants for the following proteinopathies: Aβ, tau, α‐synuclein, and TDP‐43.

RESULTS

Final included data comprised 966 participants with neuropathologic and WGS data. Three continuous latent outcomes were constructed, corresponding to TDP‐43‐, Aβ/Tau‐, and α‐synuclein‐related neuropathology endophenotype scores. This approach helped validate known genotype/phenotype associations: for example, TMEM106B and GRN were risk alleles for TDP‐43 pathology; and GBA for α‐synuclein/Lewy bodies. Novel suggestive proteinopathy‐linked alleles were also discovered, including several (SDHAF1, TMEM68, and ARHGEF28) with colocalization analyses and/or high degrees of biologic credibility.

DISCUSSION

A novel methodology using GPCM enabled insights into gene candidates for driving misfolded proteinopathies.

Highlights

Latent factor scores for proteinopathies were estimated using a generalized partial credit model.

The three latent continuous scores corresponded well with proteinopathy severity.

Novel genes associated with proteinopathies were identified.

Several genes had high degrees of biologic credibility for dementia risk factors.
Promoting diverse perspectives: Addressing health disparities related to Alzheimer's and all dementias
Authors: Maestre Gladys , Hill Carl , Griffin Percy , Hall Stephen , Hu William , Flatt Jason , Babulal Ganesh , Thorpe Roland , Henderson J. Neil , Buchwald Dedra , Manson Spero , Cicero Ethan , Gilmore‐Bykovskyi Andrea , Gamaldo Alyssa , Glover Crystal , Barnes Lisa , Kind Amy , James Bryan , Zeki Al Hazzouri Adina , Wharton Whitney , Caramelli Paulo , Szanton Sarah , Whitmer Rachel , Benn Torres Jada , Deters Kacie , Okonkwo Ozioma , Das Rina , Martinez‐Gonzalez Karen , Carrillo Maria
Published: March 2024

Dementia research lacks appropriate representation of diverse groups who often face substantial adversity and greater risk of dementia. Current research participants are primarily well‐resourced, non‐Hispanic White, cisgender adults who live close to academic medical centers where much of the research is based. Consequently, the field faces a knowledge gap about Alzheimer's‐related risk factors in those other groups. The Alzheimer's Association hosted a virtual conference on June 14–16, 2021, supported in part by the National Institute on Aging (R13 AG072859‐01), focused on health disparities. The conference was held entirely online and consisted of 2 days of core programming and a day of focused meetings centered on American Indian and Alaska Natives and on LGBTQIA+ populations. Over 1300 registrants attended discussions focused on the structural and systemic inequities experienced across diverse groups, as well as ways to investigate and address these inequities.
Monitoring the Intracellular Fate of Molecular Beacons: The Challenge of False Positive Signals
Authors: Volpati Diogo , Aoki Pedro H. B. , Johansson Therese B. , Munita Roberto , Ekstrand Frida , Ruhrmann Sabrina , Bacos Karl , Ling Charlotte , Prinz Christelle N.
Published: March 2024

Molecular beacons (MBs) have been used on surfaces for detecting oligonucleotides. Attempts to use them intracellularly for monitoring mRNA content have been made, however, without any clear conclusion regarding the reliability of the method, mainly due to false positive signals. To reach an understanding of the intracellular fate of MBs, a critical question remains: how long after MB delivery and where in the cell does a false positive signal appear? To answer that question, the MB delivery method should allow for a time‐stamped synchronized delivery of MBs to multiple cells, resulting in MBs being distributed in the cytosol immediately after delivery. Herein, nanostraws are used to inject MBs targeting insulin (Ins1) mRNA directly in the cytosol of clonal beta‐cells, and the evolution of the MB fluorescence in time and space is monitored. The results show an MB translocation to the nucleus, where MBs are degraded or where they open nonspecifically, before the fluorophore alone is expelled back from the nucleus to the cytosol. The signal translocation to the nucleus and back to the cytosol is faster when scrambled MBs are used. The results shed light on the intracellular fate of MBs and highlight the short time scales before false positive signals become predominant.
Advances in Pulmonary Protein Delivery Systems
Authors: Zhao Yuanyuan , Liu Shuai , Lu Xueguang
Published: March 2024

Protein‐based therapeutics and vaccines play a pivotal role in the realm of biomedical science. Pulmonary administration offers several advantages including rapid adsorption, non‐invasive, increased local drug concentration, and bypassed first‐pass metabolism, thus holding great potential to address multiple unmet medical needs in lung‐related diseases and vaccination. However, the limited success of inhaled proteins in clinical settings highlights the challenges associated with protein stability and the physiological barriers within the respiratory system. To overcome these hurdles, a variety of delivery systems including polymers, liposomes, cell‐derived membranes, and inorganic materials are developed to improve the stability, mucus penetration, retention time, and bioavailability of proteins. With the outbreak of COVID‐19, the pulmonary administration of proteins has drawn great attention. In this review, the design principle, preparation, biomedical application, progress in clinical translation, advantages, and disadvantages of each kind of delivery system are summarized, with an emphasis on carrier materials.
The Propagation Dynamics of the Symmetric Pearcey Gaussian Beam in the Kerr Medium
Authors: Yu Peixin , Yang Shuo , Li Shuyu , Zhang Xiao , Man Zhongsheng , Ge Xiaolu , Zhang Wenfei , Chen Chidao , Deng Dongmei , Zhang Liping
Published: March 2024

In this paper, symmetric Pearcey Gaussian beams (SPGBs) are studied in a Kerr medium. By varying the initial input power, the autofocusing ability of the beams is investigated, to find a clear restrictive relationship between the breath‐like structure and the initial input power. The critical collapse power is investigated when SPGBs change from discrete beams to regular breath‐like structure. Finally, the transmission of SPGBs is discussed under different phase modulation when SPGBs are affected by astigmatic, the whole beam is rotated and the angle of rotation can be controlled.
High‐Precision Viral Detection Using Electrochemical Kinetic Profiling of Aptamer‐Antigen Recognition in Clinical Samples and Machine Learning
Authors: Sen Payel , Zhang Zijie , Sakib Sadman , Gu Jimmy , Li Wantong , Adhikari Bal Ram , Motsenyat Ariel , L'Heureux‐Hache Jonathan , Ang Jann C. , Panesar Gurpreet , Salena Bruno J. , Yamamura Debora , Miller Matthew S. , Li Yingfu , Soleymani Leyla
Published: March 2024

High‐precision viral detection at point of need with clinical samples plays a pivotal role in the diagnosis of infectious diseases and the control of a global pandemic. However, the complexity of clinical samples that often contain very low viral concentrations makes it a huge challenge to develop simple diagnostic devices that do not require any sample processing and yet are capable of meeting performance metrics such as very high sensitivity and specificity. Herein we describe a new single‐pot and single‐step electrochemical method that uses real‐time kinetic profiling of the interaction between a high‐affinity aptamer and an antigen on a viral surface. This method generates many data points per sample, which when combined with machine learning, can deliver highly accurate test results in a short testing time. We demonstrate this concept using both SARS‐CoV‐2 and Influenza A viruses as model viruses with specifically engineered high‐affinity aptamers. Utilizing this technique to diagnose COVID‐19 with 37 real human saliva samples results in a sensitivity and specificity of both 100 % (27 true negatives and 10 true positives, with 0 false negative and 0 false positive), which showcases the superb diagnostic precision of this method.
Appending Coronene Diimide with Carbon Nanohoops Allows for Rapid Intersystem Crossing in Neat Film
Authors: Zhao Jingjing , Xu Jingwen , Huang Huaxi , Wang Kangwei , Wu Di , Jasti Ramesh , Xia Jianlong
Published: March 2024

The development of innovative triplet materials plays a significant role in various applications. Although effective tuning of triplet formation by intersystem crossing (ISC) has been well established in solution, the modulation of ISC processes in the solid state remains a challenge due to the presence of other exciton decay channels through intermolecular interactions. The cyclic structure of cycloparaphenylenes (CPPs) offers a unique platform to tune the intermolecular packing, which leads to controllable exciton dynamics in the solid state. Herein, by integrating an electron deficient coronene diimide (CDI) unit into the CPP framework, a donor‐acceptor type of conjugated macrocycle (CDI‐CPP) featuring intramolecular charge‐transfer (CT) interaction was designed and synthesized. Effective intermolecular CT interaction resulting from a slipped herringbone packing was confirmed by X‐ray crystallography. Transient spectroscopy studies showed that CDI‐CPP undergoes ISC in both solution and the film state, with triplet generation time constants of 4.5 ns and 238 ps, respectively. The rapid triplet formation through ISC in the film state can be ascribed to the cooperation between intra‐ and intermolecular charge‐transfer interactions. Our results highlight that intermolecular CT interaction has a pronounced effect on the ISC process in the solid state, and shed light on the use of the characteristic structure of CPPs to manipulate intermolecular CT interactions.
Spontaneous Curvature Induction in an Artificial Bilayer Membrane
Authors: Elizebath Drishya , Vedhanarayanan Balaraman , Dhiman Angat , Mishra Rakesh K. , Ramachandran C. N. , Lin Tsung‐Wu , Praveen Vakayil K.
Published: March 2024

Maintaining lipid asymmetry across membrane leaflets is critical for functions like vesicular traffic and organelle homeostasis. However, a lack of molecular‐level understanding of the mechanisms underlying membrane fission and fusion processes in synthetic systems precludes their development as artificial analogs. Here, we report asymmetry induction of a bilayer membrane formed by an extended π‐conjugated molecule with oxyalkylene side chains bearing terminal tertiary amine moieties (BA1) in water. Autogenous protonation of the tertiary amines in the periphery of the bilayer by water induces anisotropic curvature, resulting in membrane fission to form vesicles and can be monitored using time‐dependent spectroscopy and microscopy. Interestingly, upon loss of the induced asymmetry by extensive protonation using an organic acid restored bilayer membrane. The mechanism leading to the compositional asymmetry in the leaflet and curvature induction in the membrane is validated by density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Studies extended to control molecules having changes in hydrophilic (BA2) and hydrophobic (BA3) segments provide insight into the delicate nature of molecular scale interactions in the dynamic transformation of supramolecular structures. The synergic effect of hydrophobic interaction and the hydrated state of BA1 aggregates provide dynamicity and unusual stability. Our study unveils mechanistic insight into the dynamic transformation of bilayer membranes into vesicles.
Efficient Selective Catalytic Fixation of CO2 into Epoxide to Form Cyclic Carbonates Using Sodium Aluminate Engineered Gamma Alumina Catalyst
Authors: Dhanusha Rajanna , Srinivasappa Puneethkumar M. , Alla Sarat Chandra , Hemavathi Manjunath , Prasad Divya , Chaudhari Nitin K. , Jadhav Arvind H.
Published: March 2024

The anthropogenic carbon dioxide (CO2) fixation and various engineering strategies are gaining very significant attention because of the expansion of the net‐zero carbon environment in the atmosphere. Herein, we designed a sodium aluminate@γ‐alumina (NaAlO2@γ‐Al2O3) catalyst by a simple and facile precipitation and impregnation tactics. A series of different weight percentage NaAlO2@γ‐Al2O3 materials were successfully synthesized and well characterized by using advanced analytical and spectroscopic techniques such as TGA, XRD, FE‐SEM, TEM/HR‐TEM, FT‐IR, Raman, TPD, and XPS analysis. The NaAlO2@γ‐Al2O3 catalyst was employed as a competent catalyst for the CO2 fixation under atmospheric pressure reaction conditions. The catalytic activity results evidently revealed that the cycloaddition reaction successfully achieved 94% styrene oxide conversion and 93% selectivity, along with an 87% yield of the styrene carbonate at 120 °C for 6 h. Furthermore, we comprehensively examined the effect of different reaction parameters such as the effect of sodium aluminate amount, co‐catalyst amount, temperature, and time for CO2 fixation reaction. Additionally, different terminal and internal epoxides were tested under optimized reaction conditions and achieved moderate to excellent yield of the desired cyclic carbonate products. Interestingly, a plausible reaction mechanism was proposed for the styrene carbonate synthesis using NaAlO2@γ‐Al2O3 catalyst surface with the support of characterization and experimental results. Remarkably, the NaAlO2@γ‐Al2O3 catalyst could be easily recoverable and successfully recyclable up to six consecutive cycles without declining its initial catalytic activity along with stable structural and physicochemical properties.
Can intensive trapping to reduce the abundance of an invasive crayfish benefit an imperiled congener?
Authors: Reisinger Lindsey , Tripp Nicole , Atchia Alison , Bolds Sara , Cook David , Fralick Kasey , Ganas Danielle , Hayman Blair
Published: March 2024

Management aimed at reducing the population sizes of established invasive species can be beneficial for the conservation of native species. Crayfish are some of the most widespread and impactful invasive species in freshwater ecosystems.

This study evaluated the efficacy of intensive baited trapping as a tool to reduce the abundance of an invasive crayfish (Procambarus spiculifer) in small streams and benefit an imperiled congener (Procambarus pictus). The invasive crayfish was captured and removed from a 1‐km stream reach through three rounds of intensive trapping conducted over a 16‐month period.

The abundance of the invasive species declined significantly in the trapping reach after the initial round of trapping. Throughout the year following the onset of trapping, its abundance within the trapping reach was less than half of that at control sites. The sex ratio of invasive crayfish collected in traps was approximately 1:1, and 31% of captured individuals were likely to be immature based on size class. The abundance of the imperiled species did not change significantly over the study period, but 1 year may not be long enough to detect a response.

Overall, the data suggest that periodic intensive trapping can effectively reduce the abundance of this invasive crayfish in small streams, and the extent to which this benefits the imperiled species remains an open question. Future research examining how trapping can best be applied to achieve lasting effects (including trap type, season and barriers to immigration) would be valuable for understanding the conservation potential of this management technique.