bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SUPERWOMAN1 and DROOPING LEAFgenes control floral organ identity in rice
Authors: Nagasawa Nobuhiro , Miyoshi Masahiro , Sano Yoshio , Satoh Hikaru , Hirano Hiroyuki , Sakai Hajime , Nagato Yasuo
Published: January 2003

We analyzed recessive mutants of two homeotic genes in rice,SUPERWOMAN1 (SPW1) and DROOPING LEAF (DL). The homeotic mutation spw1 transforms stamens and lodicules into carpels and palea-like organs, respectively. Two spw1 alleles,spw1-1 and spw1-2, show the same floral phenotype and did not affect vegetative development. We show that SPW1 is a riceAPETALA3 homolog, OsMADS16. In contrast, two strong alleles of the dl locus, drooping leaf-superman1 (dl-sup1)and drooping leaf-superman2 (dl-sup2), cause the complete transformation of the gynoecium into stamens. In these strong mutants, many ectopic stamens are formed in the region where the gynoecium is produced in the wild-type flower and they are arranged in a non-whorled, alternate pattern. The intermediate allele dl-1 (T65), results in an increase in the number of stamens and stigmas, and carpels occasionally show staminoid characteristics. In the weakest mutant, dl-2, most of the flowers are normal. All four dl alleles cause midrib-less drooping leaves. The flower of the double mutant, spw1 dl-sup, produces incompletely differentiated organs indefinitely after palea-like organs are produced in the position where lodicules are formed in the wild-type flower. These incompletely differentiated organs are neither stamens nor carpels, but have partial floral identity. Based on genetic and molecular results, we postulate a model of stamen and carpel specification in rice, with DLas a novel gene controlling carpel identity and acting mutually and antagonistically to the class B gene, SPW1.
Mitochondrial respiration and Ca2+ waves are linked during fertilization and meiosis completion
Authors: Dumollard Rémi , Hammar Katherine , Porterfield Marshall , Smith Peter J. , Cibert Christian , Rouvière Christian , Sardet Christian
Published: January 2003

Fertilization increases both cytosolic Ca2+ concentration and oxygen consumption in the egg but the relationship between these two phenomena remains largely obscure. We have measured mitochondrial oxygen consumption and the mitochondrial NADH concentration on single ascidian eggs and found that they increase in phase with each series of meiotic Ca2+ waves emitted by two pacemakers (PM1 and PM2). Oxygen consumption also increases in response to Ins(1,4,5)P3-induced Ca2+transients. Using mitochondrial inhibitors we show that active mitochondria sequester cytosolic Ca2+ during sperm-triggered Ca2+waves and that they are strictly necessary for triggering and sustaining the activity of the meiotic Ca2+ wave pacemaker PM2. Strikingly, the activity of the Ca2+ wave pacemaker PM2 can be restored or stimulated by flash photolysis of caged ATP. Taken together our observations provide the first evidence that, in addition to buffering cytosolic Ca2+, the egg's mitochondria are stimulated by Ins(1,4,5)P3-mediated Ca2+ signals. In turn,mitochondrial ATP production is required to sustain the activity of the meiotic Ca2+ wave pacemaker PM2.
Roles of myosin phosphatase duringDrosophiladevelopment
Authors: Tan Change , Stronach Beth , Perrimon Norbert
Published: January 2003

Myosins are a superfamily of actin-dependent molecular motor proteins,among which the bipolar filament forming myosins II have been the most studied. The activity of smooth muscle/non-muscle myosin II is regulated by phosphorylation of the regulatory light chains, that in turn is modulated by the antagonistic activity of myosin light chain kinase and myosin light chain phosphatase. The phosphatase activity is mainly regulated through phosphorylation of its myosin binding subunit MYPT. To identify the function of these phosphorylation events, we have molecularly characterized theDrosophila homologue of MYPT, and analyzed its mutant phenotypes. We find that Drosophila MYPT is required for cell sheet movement during dorsal closure, morphogenesis of the eye, and ring canal growth during oogenesis. Our results indicate that the regulation of the phosphorylation of myosin regulatory light chains, or dynamic activation and inactivation of myosin II, is essential for its various functions during many developmental processes.
Neurohormonal and glutamatergic neuronal control of the cardioarterial valves in the isopod crustaceanBathynomus doederleini
Authors: F.-Tsukamoto Yoko , Kuwasawa Kiyoaki
Published: January 2003

The heart of Bathynomus doederleini gives rise to an anterior median artery (AMA), one pair of anterior lateral arteries (ALAs) and five pairs of lateral arteries (LAs). Cardioarterial valves are located at the junctions between the heart and arteries, each composed of a pair of muscular flaps. All valves of the AMA and the ALAs receive valve excitatory(constrictor) nerves (VEs). The valves of the ALAs receive dual innervation from both constrictor and inhibitor (dilator) nerves, while the valves of the AMA receive innervation from a constrictor nerve alone. The effects of candidate neurohormones on cardioarterial valves were examined by measuring the pressure in each artery at which haemolymph flows out of the heart through the valve. Serotonin, octopamine, norepinephrine, glutamate (Glu) and proctolin constricted the cardioarterial valves and thus decreased the arterial pressure in all the arteries. Dopamine also decreased the arterial pressure of arteries except for the ALAs, in which pressure was increased. Among the neurohormones exerting excitatory effects on the valves, only Glu depolarized the membrane potential of valve muscle cells. The glutamatergic agonists kainate and quisqualate also depolarized the valve muscle cells of the AMA. Excitatory junctional potentials produced in the valves of the AMA in response to the stimulation of a VE were blocked by the glutamatergic antagonists Joro spider toxin and MK-801. Glu is the likeliest candidate for a neurotransmitter for the VEs.
Localization and characterization of phenamil-sensitive Na+influx in isolated rainbow trout gill epithelial cells
Authors: Reid Scott D. , Hawkings G. S. , Galvez F. , Goss G. G.
Published: January 2003

Percoll density-gradient separation, combined with peanut lectin agglutinin(PNA) binding and magnetic bead separation, was used to separate dispersed fish gill cells into sub-populations. Functional characterization of each of the sub-populations was performed to determine which displayed acid-activated phenamil- and bafilomycin-sensitive Na+ uptake. Analysis of the mechanism(s) of 22Na+ influx was performed in control and acid-activated (addition of 10 mmoll-1 proprionic acid) cells using a variety of Na+ transport inhibitors (ouabain, phenamil,HOE-694 and bumetanide) and a V-type ATPase inhibitor (bafilomycin). We found that cells migrating to a 1.03-1.05 g ml-1 Percoll interface[pavement cells (PVCs)] possessed the lowest rates of Na+ uptake and that influx was unchanged during either bafilomycin (10 nmoll-1) treatment or internal acidification with addition of proprionic acid (10 mmoll-1). Mitochondria-rich (MR) cells that migrated to the 1.05-1.09 g ml-1 interface of the Percoll gradient demonstrated acidification-activated bafilomycin and phenamil-sensitive Na+ influx. Further separation of the MR fraction into PNA+ and PNA- fractions using magnetic separation demonstrated that only the PNA- cells (α-MR cells)demonstrated phenamil-and bafilomycin-sensitive acid-activated 22Na+ uptake. We confirm the coupling of a V-type H+-ATPase with phenamil-sensitive Na+ uptake activity and conclude that high-density α-MR cells function in branchial Na+ uptake in freshwater fish.
Endogenous and exogenous ice-nucleating agents constrain supercooling in the hatchling painted turtle
Authors: Costanzo Jon P. , Baker Patrick J. , Dinkelacker Stephen A. , Lee Richard E.
Published: January 2003

Hatchlings of the painted turtle (Chrysemys picta) commonly hibernate in their shallow, natal nests. Survival at temperatures below the limit of freeze tolerance (approximately -4°C) apparently depends on their ability to remain supercooled, and, whereas previous studies have reported that supercooling capacity improves markedly with cold acclimation, the mechanistic basis for this change is incompletely understood. We report that the crystallization temperature (Tc) of recently hatched(summer) turtles acclimated to 22°C and reared on a substratum of vermiculite or nesting soil was approximately 5°C higher than the Tc determined for turtles acclimated to 4°C and tested in winter. This increase in supercooling capacity coincided with elimination of substratum (and, in fewer cases, eggshell) that the hatchlings had ingested; however, this association was not necessarily causal because turtles reared on a paper-covered substratum did not ingest exogenous matter but nevertheless showed a similar increase in supercooling capacity. Our results for turtles reared on paper revealed that seasonal development of supercooling capacity fundamentally requires elimination of ice-nucleating agents (INA) of endogenous origin: summer turtles, but not winter turtles, produced feces(perhaps derived from residual yolk) that expressed ice-nucleating activity. Ingestion of vermiculite or eggshell, which had modest ice-nucleating activity, had no effect on the Tc, whereas ingestion of nesting soil, which contained two classes of potent INA, markedly reduced the supercooling capacity of summer turtles. This effect persisted long after the turtles had purged their guts of soil particles, because the Tc of winter turtles reared on nesting soil (mean ±S.E.M.=-11.6±1.4°C) was approximately 6°C higher than the Tc of winter turtles reared on vermiculite or paper. Experiments in which winter turtles were fed INA commonly found in nesting soil showed that water-soluble, organic agents can remain fully active for at least one month. Such INA may account for the limited supercooling capacity(Tc≈-7.5°C) we found in turtles overwintering in natural nests and may therefore pose a formidable challenge to the winter survival of hatchling C. picta.
The blood volumes of the primary and secondary circulatory system in the Atlantic codGadus morhuaL., using plasma bound Evans Blue and compartmental analysis
Authors: Skov P. V. , Steffensen J. F.
Published: January 2003

The volume of the primary (PCS) and secondary (SCS) circulatory system in the Atlantic cod Gadus morhua was determined using a modified dye dilution technique. Cod (N=10) were chronically cannulated in the second afferent branchial artery with PE-50 tubing. Evans Blue dye was bound to harvested fish plasma at a concentration of 1 mg dye ml-1plasma, and injected at a concentration of 1 mg kg-1 body mass. Serial sampling from the cannula produced a dye dilution curve, which could be described by a double exponential decay equation. Curve analysis enabled the calculation of the primary circulatory and total distribution volume. The difference between these volumes is assumed to be the volume of the SCS. From the dilution curve, it was also possible to calculate flow rates between and within the systems. The results of these experiments suggest a plasma volume in the PCS of 3.42±0.89 ml 100 g-1 body mass, and in the SCS of 1.68±0.35 ml 100 g-1 body mass (mean ± S.D.) or approximately 50% that of the PCS. Flow rates to the SCS were calculated as 2.7% of the resting cardiac output. There was an allometric relationship between body mass and blood volumes. Increasing condition factor showed a tendency towards smaller blood volumes of the PCS, expressed as percentage body mass, but this was not evident for the volume of the SCS.
Mechanoreceptors involved in the hindwing-evoked escape behaviour in cricket,Gryllus bimaculatus
Authors: Hiraguchi Tetsutaro , Yamaguchi Tsuneo , Takahata Masakazu
Published: January 2003

Mechanoreceptors involved in the escape jumping evoked by hindwing stimulation have been investigated in the field cricket Gryllus bimaculatus. By partial ablation of the hindwing, we found that a mechanosensory system relevant to the escape behaviour was localized on specific veins of the hindwing tip. Scanning electron microscopy revealed three types of mechanoreceptive sensillae on the corresponding region. Based on their morphology, type I and type III sensillae were judged to be trichoid and chaetic sensillae, respectively. Type II sensillae were newly found in this study, having a twisted shaft with a socket-like structure at its base. They existed almost exclusively on the tip and middle regions of the hindwing. The conduction velocity of type II units was significantly smaller than that of type I units. One cycle of sinusoidal deflection of a single type II sensilla at frequencies in the range of 10-120 Hz caused the sensory unit to discharge a single or a few spikes that were not directly correlated with any specific direction of hair movement nor specific deflection angle. The response probability decreased with the stimulus frequency to be less than 0.1 at 0.2 Hz. The results suggest that type II sensillae would serve as contact mechanoreceptors with a low-cut filter property to obtain general information on the presence of stimuli on the hindwing tip rather than specific information on their precise positioning or movement.
Electrophysiology of posterior, NaCl-absorbing gills ofChasmagnathus granulatus: rapid responses to osmotic variations
Authors: Tresguerres M. , Onken H. , Pérez A. F. , Luquet C. M.
Published: January 2003

In the present study, the influence of short-term osmotic variations on some electrophysiological properties related to NaCl absorption across posterior gills of Chasmagnathus granulatus was investigated. The transepithelial potential difference (Vte) of isolated and perfused gills increased significantly when hyposmotic saline (699 mosmol l-1) was used instead of isosmotic solution (1045 mosmol l-1). A reduction of the concentration of Na+ or Cl- at constant osmolarity did not produce any change in Vte. Transepithelial short-circuit current(Isc) and conductance (Gte), measured with split gill lamellae mounted in a modified Ussing chamber, also increased after changing to hyposmotic salines (Isc: from-89.0±40.8 μA cm-2 to -179.3±37.0 μA cm-2; Gte: from 40.5±16.9 mS cm-2 to 47.3±15.8 mS cm-2). The observed effects of reduced osmolarity were fast, reversible and gradually dependent on the magnitude of the osmotic variation. The activity of the Na+/K+-ATPase increased significantly after perfusion with hyposmotic saline, from 18.73±6.35 μmol Pih-1 mg-1 to 41.84±14.54 μmol Pih-1 mg-1. Theophylline maintained part of the elevated Vte induced by hyposmotic saline, suggesting that an increased cellular cyclic AMP level is involved in the response to reduced osmolarity. In summary, the results indicate that the hemolymph osmolarity regulates active transbranchial NaCl absorption by modulating the activity of the basolateral Na+/K+-ATPase and by changing a conductive pathway, probably at the apical membrane.
Lactate efflux from sarcolemmal vesicles isolated from rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss white muscle is via simple diffusion
Authors: Sharpe Rainie L. , Milligan C. Louise
Published: January 2003

Lactic acid is produced as an end product of glycolysis in rainbow trout white muscle following exhaustive exercise. The metabolically produced lactic acid causes an intramuscular acidosis that must be cleared, either via net transport out of the muscle or by conversion to glycogen,thereby replenishing the muscle energy store. Trout muscle has been shown to retain lactate and utilise it as a substrate for in situ glycogen resynthesis. The giant sarcolemmal vesicle preparation was used to characterise the potential for lactate loss from white muscle of rainbow trout. Minimal lactate loss was expected due to the requirement within the intramuscular compartment of lactate for glycogen resynthesis. The sarcolemma was found to be highly resistant to lactate loss, with efflux rates approximately 500-fold lower than influx rates [0.049±0.006 nmol mg-1 min-1 (N=21) versus26.4±6.3 nmol mg-1 min-1 (N=5),respectively, at 25 mmol l-1 lactate concentration]. Lactate efflux was linear over the range 10-250 mmol l-1 lactate, and greatest under conditions when intravesicular pH was lower than extravesicular pH, but was unaffected by α-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamate, a known inhibitor of lactate transport. These results suggest that lactate is relatively impermeant to the trout white muscle membrane and any lactate loss occurs viapassive diffusion. This resistance to lactate diffusion can explain why trout muscle retains lactate post-exercise, despite transmembrane gradients that should favour net efflux.
Foveal Pseudoduplication in a Young Male Patient
Authors: Agrawal Surbhi , Ramanjulu Rajesh
Published: January 2024

This case report describes a diagnosis of pseudofovea found on examination in an otherwise asymptomatic young male patient.
Long-Term Risk and Prediction of Progression in Primary Angle Closure Suspect
Authors: Yuan Yixiong , Xiong Ruilin , Wang Wei , Xu Benjamin Y. , Liao Chimei , Yang Shaopeng , Li Cong , Zhang Jian , Yin Qiuxia , Zheng Yingfeng , Friedman David S. , Foster Paul J. , He Mingguang
Published: January 2024

Importance

Identifying primary angle closure suspect (PACS) eyes at risk of angle closure is crucial for its management. However, the risk of progression and its prediction are still understudied in long-term longitudinal studies about PACS.

Objective

To explore baseline predictors and develop prediction models for the 14-year risk of progression from PACS to primary angle closure (PAC).

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cohort study involved participants from the Zhongshan Angle Closure Prevention trial who had untreated eyes with PACS. Baseline examinations included tonometry, ultrasound A-scan biometry, and anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) under both light and dark conditions. Primary angle closure was defined as peripheral anterior synechiae in 1 or more clock hours, intraocular pressure (IOP) greater than 24 mm Hg, or acute angle closure. Based on baseline covariates, logistic regression models were built to predict the risk of progression from PACS to PAC during 14 years of follow-up.

Results

The analysis included 377 eyes from 377 patients (mean [SD] patient age at baseline, 58.28 [4.71] years; 317 females [84%]). By the 14-year follow-up visit, 93 eyes (25%) had progressed from PACS to PAC. In multivariable models, higher IOP (odds ratio [OR], 1.14 [95% CI, 1.04-1.25] per 1-mm Hg increase), shallower central anterior chamber depth (ACD; OR, 0.81 [95% CI, 0.67-0.97] per 0.1-mm increase), and shallower limbal ACD (OR, 0.96 [95% CI, 0.93-0.99] per 0.01 increase in peripheral corneal thickness) at baseline were associated with an increased 14-year risk of progression from PACS to PAC. As for AS-OCT measurements, smaller light-room trabecular-iris space area (TISA) at 500 μm from the scleral spur (OR, 0.86 [95% CI, 0.77-0.96] per 0.01-mm2 increase), smaller light-room angle recess area (ARA) at 750 μm from the scleral spur (OR, 0.93 [95% CI, 0.88-0.98] per 0.01-mm2 increase), and smaller dark-room TISA at 500 μm (OR, 0.89 [95% CI, 0.80-0.98] per 0.01-mm2 increase) at baseline were identified as predictors for the 14-year risk of progression. The prediction models based on IOP and central and limbal ACDs showed moderate performance (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.63-0.75) in predicting progression from PACS to PAC, and inclusion of AS-OCT metrics did not improve the model’s performance.

Conclusions and Relevance

This cohort study suggests that higher IOP, shallower central and limbal ACDs, and smaller TISA at 500 μm and light-room ARA at 750 μm may serve as baseline predictors for progression to PAC in PACS eyes. Evaluating these factors can aid in customizing PACS management.
Four‐dimensional treatment planning strategies for dynamic tumor tracking
Authors: Carpentier Emilie E. , McDermott Ronan L. , Camborde Marie‐Laure A. , Karan Tania , Bergman Alanah M. , Mestrovic Ante
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Dynamic tumor tracking (DTT) is a motion management technique where the radiation beam follows a moving tumor in real time. Not modelling DTT beam motion in the treatment planning system leaves an organ at risk (OAR) vulnerable to exceeding its dose limit. This work investigates two planning strategies for DTT plans, the “Boolean OAR Method” and the “Aperture Sorting Method,” to determine if they can successfully spare an OAR while maintaining sufficient target coverage.

Materials and methods

A step‐and‐shoot intensity modulated radiation therapy (sIMRT) treatment plan was re‐optimized for 10 previously treated liver stereotactic ablative radiotherapy patients who each had one OAR very close to the target. Two planning strategies were investigated to determine which is more effective at sparing an OAR while maintaining target coverage: (1) the “Boolean OAR Method” created a union of an OAR's contours from two breathing phases (exhale and inhale) on the exhale phase (the planning CT) and protected this combined OAR during plan optimization, (2) the “Aperture Sorting Method” assigned apertures to the breathing phase where they contributed the least to an OAR's maximum dose.

Results

All 10 OARs exceeded their dose constraints on the original plan four‐dimensional (4D) dose distributions and average target coverage was V100% = 91.3% ± 2.9% (ranging from 85.1% to 94.8%). The “Boolean OAR Method” spared 7/10 OARs, and mean target coverage decreased to V100% = 87.1% ± 3.8% (ranging from 80.7% to 93.7%). The “Aperture Sorting Method” spared 9/10 OARs and the mean target coverage remained high at V100% = 91.7% ± 2.8% (ranging from 84.9% to 94.5%).

Conclusions

4D planning strategies are simple to implement and can improve OAR sparing during DTT treatments. The “Boolean OAR Method” improved sparing of OARs but target coverage was reduced. The “Aperture Sorting Method” further improved sparing of OARs and maintained target coverage.
Proteomic signatures of physical, cognitive, and imaging outcomes in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Jalaleddini Kian , Jakimovski Dejan , Keshavan Anisha , McCurdy Shannon , Leyden Kelly , Qureshi Ferhan , Ghoreyshi Atiyeh , Bergsland Niels , Dwyer Michael G. , Ramanathan Murali , Weinstock‐Guttman Bianca , Benedict Ralph HB , Zivadinov Robert
Published: January 2024

Background

A quantitative measurement of serum proteome biomarkers that would associate with disease progression endpoints can provide risk stratification for persons with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) and supplement the clinical decision‐making process.

Materials and Methods

In total, 202 PwMS were enrolled in a longitudinal study with measurements at two time points with an average follow‐up time of 5.4 years. Clinical measures included the Expanded Disability Status Scale, Timed 25‐foot Walk, 9‐Hole Peg, and Symbol Digit Modalities Tests. Subjects underwent magnetic resonance imaging to determine the volumetric measures of the whole brain, gray matter, deep gray matter, and lateral ventricles. Serum samples were analyzed using a custom immunoassay panel on the Olink™ platform, and concentrations of 18 protein biomarkers were measured. Linear mixed‐effects models and adjustment for multiple comparisons were performed.

Results

Subjects had a significant 55.6% increase in chemokine ligand 20 (9.7 pg/mL vs. 15.1 pg/mL, p < 0.001) and neurofilament light polypeptide (10.5 pg/mL vs. 11.5 pg/mL, p = 0.003) at the follow‐up time point. Additional changes in CUB domain‐containing protein 1, Contactin 2, Glial fibrillary acidic protein, Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein, and Osteopontin were noted but did not survive multiple comparison correction. Worse clinical performance in the 9‐HPT was associated with neurofilament light polypeptide (p = 0.001). Increases in several biomarker candidates were correlated with greater neurodegenerative changes as measured by different brain volumes.

Conclusion

Multiple proteins, selected from a disease activity test that represent diverse biological pathways, are associated with physical, cognitive, and radiographic outcomes. Future studies should determine the utility of multiple protein assays in routine clinical care.
Amide‐Engineered Metal–Organic Porous Liquids Toward Enhanced CO2 Photoreduction Performance
Authors: Xu Yangrui , Ren Yewei , Zhou Guosheng , Feng Sheng , Yang Zhenzhen , Dai Sheng , Lu Ziyang , Zhou Tianhua
Published: January 2024

The development of alternative catalytic systems toward high‐performance CO2 photoreduction is considered to be a promising approach to address the future energy demand and reduce the CO2 emissions. However, CO2 molecules are thermodynamically stable in nature, and thus the adsorption and activation of CO2 on the surface of catalysts are the key factors to determine the conversion efficiency. Herein, a porous liquid (NH2‐UIO‐66 PL) is demonstrated for efficiently facilitating the adsorption and activation of CO2 by modification of metal–organic framework (NH2‐UIO‐66) with ionic liquid via amide bonds. CdS/NH2‐UIO‐66 PL exhibits high‐performance CO2‐to‐CO photoreduction with CO yield of 71.37 µmol g−1 h−1 and selectivity of 100%. Experiments and theoretical calculations show that the introduced amide moieties not only enriched the electron density at Zr4+ active sites but also stabilize *COOH intermediate. The achievements provide an effective strategy for the development of metal–organic frameworks for energy catalysis.
Half‐Full Filled Aerogels with a 348% Increment in Energy Absorption and a Retained High Electromagnetic Shielding Performance
Authors: Kong Ying , Lv Zhengqiang , Li Changwei , Men Chuanling , Wu Xianqian , Wang Jin , Hu Dongmei
Published: January 2024

Aerogels, as kinetic energy absorbing materials, can find crucial applications for safeguarding in transportation, sports, buildings, construction, and aerospace. However, the highly porous structure makes it extremely fragile for endurance usage. In this study, a half‐full filled structure has been proposed, and the concept has been demonstrated based on shear thickening fluid (STF) and chemically vapor deposited carbon nanotube aerogels (CNTAs), in which the outer part of CNTA is filled with STF while the inner core keeping unfilled. Chemical vapor deposition significantly enhances the elasticity and electromagnetic shielding performance of the native CNTA. The half‐full filled aerogels (HFFA) show a 348% increase in energy absorption compared to the CNTA. At the same time, the density, electronic conductivity, and electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness (EMI SE) of the HFFAs are 0.117 g cm−3, 1213 S m−1, and 69.52 dB (which is a neglectable reduction of 0.63% compared to native CNTA), respectively. The HFFA strategy provides an alternative route to fabricate robust aerogels with a remarkable increase of target properties while maintaining other properties, such as low density, high pore volume, and conductivity, with limited changes.
Electrospun Composite PLLA‐PPSB Nanofiber Nerve Conduits for Peripheral Nerve Defects Repair and Regeneration
Authors: Dai Yuan , Lu Tingwei , Li Linli , Zhang Fan , Xu Haocheng , Li Hailong , Wang Weizhong , Shao Minghao , Lyu Feizhou
Published: January 2024

Peripheral nerve injury (PNI) is a common clinical problem and regenerating peripheral nerve defects remain a significant challenge. Poly(polyol sebacate) (PPS) polymers are developed as promising materials for biomedical applications due to their biodegradability, biocompatibility, elastomeric properties, and ease of production. However, the application of PPS‐based biomaterials in nerve tissue engineering, especially in PNI repair, is limited. In this study, PPS‐based composite nanofibers poly(l‐lactic acid)‐poly(polycaprolactone triol‐co‐sebacic acid‐co‐N,N‐bis(2‐hydroxyethyl)‐2‐aminoethanesulfonic acid sodium salt) (PLLA‐PPSB) are aimed to construct through electrospinning and assess their in vitro biocompatibility with Schwann cells (SCs) and in vivo repair capabilities for peripheral nerve defects. For the first time, the biocompatibility and bioactivity of PPS‐based nanomaterial are examined at the molecular, cellular, and animal levels for PNI repair. Electrospun PLLA‐PPSB nanofibers display favorable physicochemical properties and biocompatibility, providing an effective interface for the proliferation, glial expression, and adhesion of SCs in vitro. In vivo experiments using a 10‐mm rat sciatic nerve defect model show that PLLA‐PPSB nanofiber nerve conduits enhance myelin formation, axonal regeneration, angiogenesis, and functional recovery. Transcriptome analysis and biological validation indicate that PLLA‐PPSB nanofibers may promote SC proliferation by activating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. This suggests the promising potential of PLLA‐PPSB nanomaterial for PNI repair.
220 V/50 Hz Compatible Bipolar Quantum‐Dot Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Zhang Heng , Wang Jiming , Chen Shuming
Published: January 2024

Alternating current (AC)‐driven quantum‐dot light‐emitting diodes (QLEDs) are superior to direct current‐driven QLEDs because they can be directly integrated into household AC electricity and have high stability. However, achieving high‐performance AC‐driven QLEDs remains challenging. In this work, a bipolar QLED with coplanar electrodes is realized by horizontally connecting a regular QLED and an inverted QLED in series using an Al bridging layer. The bipolar QLED can be turned on with either a positive or a negative bias voltage, with a high external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 22.9%. By replacing the Al with Ag, the resistances of the electron transport layers are effectively reduced, and thus the bipolar QLED shows an enhanced brightness of 16370 cd m−2 at 15 V. By connecting multiple bipolar QLEDs in series, the resulting light source can be directly driven by a 220 V/50 Hz household power supply without the need for back‐end electronics. The bipolar QLED can also be realized by vertically stacking a regular QLED and an inverted QLED with a metallic intermediate connection layer. It is demonstrated that the coplanar or vertical bipolar QLEDs could find potential applications in household AC electricity play‐and‐plug solid‐state lighting and single‐ or double‐sided displays.
Polymer Donor with a Simple Skeleton and Minor Siloxane Decoration Enables 19% Efficiency of Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Chen Xing , Chen Mingqing , Liang Jiahao , Liu Haizhen , Xie Xianglun , Zhang Lianjie , Ma Dongge , Chen Junwu
Published: January 2024

Development of polymer donors with simple chemical structure and low cost is of great importance for commercial application of organic solar cells (OSCs). Here, side‐chain random copolymer PMQ‐Si605 with a simply 6,7‐difluoro‐3‐methylquinoxaline‐thiophene backbone and 5% siloxane decoration of side chain is synthesized in comparison with its alternating copolymer PTQ11. Relative to molecular weight (Mn) of 28.3 kg mol−1 for PTQ11, the random copolymer PMQ‐Si605 with minor siloxane decoration is beneficial for achieving higher Mn up to 51.1 kg mol−1. In addition, PMQ‐Si605 can show stronger aggregation ability and faster charge mobility as well as more efficient exciton dissociation in active layer as revealed by femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy. With L8‐BO‐F as acceptor, its PMQ‐Si605 based OSCs display power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 18.08%, much higher than 16.21% for PTQ11 based devices. With another acceptor BTP‐H2 to optimize the photovoltaic performance of PMQ‐Si605, further elevated PCEs of 18.50% and 19.15% can be achieved with the binary and ternary OSCs, respectively. Furthermore, PMQ‐Si605 based active layers are suitable for processing in high humidity air, an important factor for massive production of OSCs. Therefore, the siloxane decoration on polymer donors is promising, affording PMQ‐Si605 as a high‐performing and low cost candidate.
Design of All‐Oxide Multilayers with High‐Temperature Stability Toward Future Thermophotovoltaic Applications
Authors: Song Jiawei , He Zihao , Shen Chao , Zhu Jie , Qi Zhimin , Sun Xing , Zhang Yizhi , Liu Juncheng , Zhang Xinghang , Ruan Xiulin , Bermel Peter , Wang Haiyan
Published: January 2024

Thermophotovoltaic (TPV) technology converts heat into electricity using thermal radiation. Increasing operating temperature is a highly effective approach to improving the efficiency of TPV systems. However, most reported TPV selective emitters degrade rapidly via. oxidation as operating temperatures increase. To address this issue, replacing nanostructured oxide‐metal films with oxide–oxide films is a promising way to greatly limit oxidation, even under high‐temperature conditions. This study introduces new all‐oxide photonic crystal designs for high‐temperature stable TPV systems, overcoming limitations of metal phases and offering promising material choices. The designs utilize both yttria‐stabilized zirconia (YSZ)/MgO and CeO2/MgO combinations with a multilayer structure and stable high‐quality growth. Both designsexhibit positive optical dielectric constants with tunable reflectivity, measured via optical characterization. Thermal stability testing using in situ heating X‐ray diffraction (XRD) suggests high‐temperature stability (up to 1000 °C) of both YSZ/MgO and CeO2/MgO systems. The results demonstrate a new and promising approach to improve the high‐temperature stability of TPV systems, which can be extended to a wide range of material selection and potential designs.
3D Printable Hydrogel Bioelectronic Interfaces for Healthcare Monitoring and Disease Diagnosis: Materials, Design Strategies, and Applications
Authors: Dutta Sayan Deb , Ganguly Keya , Randhawa Aayushi , Patil Tejal V. , Kim Hojin , Acharya Rumi , Lim Ki‐Taek
Published: January 2024

In recent years, additive manufacturing tools, such as 3D printing, has gained enormous attention in biomedical engineering for developing ionotropic devices, flexible electronics, skin‐electronic interfaces, and wearable sensors with extremely high precision and sensing accuracy. Such printed bioelectronics are innovative and can be used as multi‐stimuli response platforms for human health monitoring and disease diagnosis. This review systematically discusses the past, present, and future of the various printable and stretchable soft bioelectronics for precision medicine. The potential of various naturally and chemically derived conductive biopolymer inks and their nanocomposites with tunable physico‐chemical properties is also highlighted, which is crucial for bioelectronics fabrication. Then, the design strategies of various printable sensors for human body sensing are summarized. In conclusion, the perspectives on the future advanced bioelectronics are described, which will be helpful, particularly in the field of nano/biomedicine. An in‐depth knowledge of materials design to functional aspects of printable bioelectronics is demonstrated, with an aim to accelerate the development of next‐generation wearables.
Recent Progresses of Aqueous Zinc‐Ion Batteries and Their Prospects in the Field of Smart City
Authors: Lu Pengyi , Fan Zhanxi , Guo Cong , Liang Ji
Published: January 2024

Due to their excellent reliability, low cost, and environmental friendliness, aqueous Zn‐ion batteries (AZIBs) present a promising prospect for both mobile and stationary energy storage for smart devices and cities. However, current challenges, such as anode dendrite growth, cathode dissolution, and parasitic side reactions, hinder the practical application of AZIBs. This review first provides an in‐depth explanation of the energy storage mechanisms of anodes and cathodes. A comprehensive discussion of typical issues with the anode, cathode, and electrolyte of AZIBs is then presented. Furthermore, the practical considerations and potential applications in the development of smart flexible electronics are illustrated. Finally, the challenges and perspectives for the future development of practical AZIBs are highlighted. This review is expected to serve as a guidepost for the practical applications of AZIBs for clean, sustainable, and efficient energy storage and management in new urban forms.
Coupled Ferroelectric‐Photonic Memory in a Retinomorphic Hardware for In‐Sensor Computing
Authors: Duong Ngoc Thanh , Shi Yufei , Li Sifan , Chien Yu‐Chieh , Xiang Heng , Zheng Haofei , Li Peiyang , Li Lingqi , Wu Yangwu , Ang Kah‐Wee
Published: January 2024

The development of all‐in‐one devices for artificial visual systems offers an attractive solution in terms of energy efficiency and real‐time processing speed. In recent years, the proliferation of smart sensors in the growth of Internet‐of‐Things (IoT) has led to the increasing importance of in‐sensor computing technology, which places computational power at the edge of the data‐flow architecture. In this study, a prototype visual sensor inspired by the human retina is proposed, which integrates ferroelectricity and photosensitivity in two‐dimensional (2D) α‐In2Se3 material. This device mimics the functions of photoreceptors and amacrine cells in the retina, performing optical reception and memory computation functions through the use of electrical switching polarization in the channel. The gate‐tunable linearity of excitatory and inhibitory functions in photon‐induced short‐term plasticity enables to encode and classify 12 000 images in the Mixed National Institute of Standards and Technology (MNIST) dataset with remarkable accuracy, achieving ≈94%. Additionally, in‐sensor convolution image processing through a network of phototransistors, with five convolutional kernels electrically pre‐programmed into the transistors is demonstrated. The convoluted photocurrent matrices undergo straightforward arithmetic calculations to produce edge and feature‐enhanced scenarios. The findings demonstrate the potential of ferroelectric α‐In2Se3 for highly compact and efficient retinomorphic hardware implementation, regardless of ambipolar transport in the channel.
Injectable, Antioxidative, and Tissue‐Adhesive Nanocomposite Hydrogel as a Potential Treatment for Inner Retina Injuries
Authors: Liu Yi‐Chen , Lin Yi‐Ke , Lin Yu‐Ting , Lin Che‐Wei , Lan Guan‐Yu , Su Yu‐Chia , Hu Fung‐Rong , Chang Kai‐Hsiang , Chen Vincent , Yeh Yi‐Cheun , Chen Ta‐Ching , Yu Jiashing
Published: January 2024

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been recognized as prevalent contributors to the development of inner retinal injuries including optic neuropathies such as glaucoma, non‐arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, traumatic optic neuropathy, and Leber hereditary optic neuropathy, among others. This underscores the pivotal significance of oxidative stress in the damage inflicted upon retinal tissue. To combat ROS‐related challenges, this study focuses on creating an injectable and tissue‐adhesive hydrogel with tailored antioxidant properties for retinal applications. GelCA, a gelatin‐modified hydrogel with photo‐crosslinkable and injectable properties, is developed. To enhance its antioxidant capabilities, curcumin‐loaded polydopamine nanoparticles (Cur@PDA NPs) are incorporated into the GelCA matrix, resulting in a multifunctional nanocomposite hydrogel referred to as Cur@PDA@GelCA. This hydrogel exhibits excellent biocompatibility in both in vitro and in vivo assessments, along with enhanced tissue adhesion facilitated by NPs in an in vivo model. Importantly, Cur@PDA@GelCA demonstrates the potential to mitigate oxidative stress when administered via intravitreal injection in retinal injury models such as the optic nerve crush model. These findings underscore its promise in advancing retinal tissue engineering and providing an innovative strategy for acute neuroprotection in the context of inner retinal injuries.
Nanotextile 100% Si Anodes for the Next Generation Energy‐Dense Li‐ion Batteries
Authors: Pendashteh Afshin , Tomey Rafael , Vilatela Juan J.
Published: January 2024

Combined with other materials and device improvements, Si anodes can provide a step change in Lithium‐ion battery properties, enabling cell energy density to exceed 400 Wh kg−1. Freestanding, large‐area anodes of 100% Si produced by a slurry‐free method without carbon or binders are introduced. Their structure, a dense network of interconnected high aspect ratio Si nanowires (Si NWs), is analogous to a nanotextile and provides handling like paper. In conventional liquid electrolytes, the anode capacity is 2500 mAh g−1 at high mass loadings (e.g., 6.6 mAh cm−2), and cycling stability is 76% after 200 deep cycles, and 100% after 1800 cycles when cycled at 1000 mAh g−1. The nanowire network structure reduces junction resistance between particles and prevents any pulverization upon cycling. Combined impedance and composition‐selective electron microscopy demonstrate that capacity fading is exclusively through the progressive increase of SEI thickness and resistance. Full cell capacity with NMC811 translates into an energy density of 420 Wh kg−1 at the true cell level.
Single‐Atom Immobilization Boosting Oxygen Redox Kinetics of High‐Entropy Perovskite Oxide Toward High‐Performance Lithium‐Oxygen Batteries
Authors: Du Dayue , He Hanna , Zheng Ruixin , Zeng Li , Wang Xinxiang , Shu Chaozhu , Zhang Chuhong
Published: January 2024

Understanding and modulating the unique electronic interaction between single‐metal atoms and high entropy compounds are of great significance to enable their high‐efficiency oxygen electrocatalysis for aprotic lithium‐oxygen (Li‐O2) batteries. Herein, a novel bi‐functional electrocatalyst is for the first time created by immobilizing single‐atom ruthenium (Ru) on lanthanum‐based high entropy perovskite oxide La(Mn0.2Co0.2Fe0.2Ni0.2Cr0.2)O3 (Ru@HEPO), which demonstrates high activity and stability in Li‐O2 batteries. The heteronuclear coordination between single‐atom Ru and HEPO facilitates fast electron transfer from Ru to HEPO by establishing Ru‐O‐M (M stands for Mn, Co, Fe, Ni) bridges, which well redistributes electrons within the Ru@HEPO hence significantly improving its interfacial charge transfer kinetics and electrocatalytic activity. Additionally, the strong electron coupling between Ru and Mn atoms enhances the hybridization between Mn 3d and O 2p orbitals, which promotes the inherent affinity of Ru@HEPO toward the LiO2 intermediate, thereby reducing the reaction energy barrier of the oxygen electrode. As a result, the Ru@HEPO‐based Li‐O2 batteries deliver remarkable electrochemical performances, such as high energy efficiency (87.3% at 100 mA g−1), excellent rate capability (low overpotential of 0.52 V at 100 mA g−1) and durable cyclability (345 cycles at 300 mA g−1). This work opens up a promising avenue for the development of high entropy‐based electrocatalysts for Li‐O2 batteries by precisely tailoring the electronic distributions at an atomic scale.
Long‐lifespan Zinc‐ion Capacitors Enabled by Anodes Integrated with Interconnected Mesoporous Chitosan Membranes through Electrophoresis‐driven Phase Separation
Authors: Wang Ruoyu , Wang Wenqiang , Sun Ming , Hu Yanjie , Wang Gengchao
Published: January 2024

The advancement of highly secure and inexpensive aqueous zinc ion energy storage devices is impeded by issues, including dendrite growth, hydrogen evolution and corrosion of zinc anodes. It is essential to modify the interface of zinc anodes that homogenizes ion flux and facilitates highly reversible zinc planarized deposition and stripping. Herein, by coupling zinc ion coordination with acid‐base neutralization under the driving of electrophoresis, manageable mesoscopic phase separation for constructing chitosan frameworks was achieved, thereby fabricating interconnected mesoporous chitosan membranes based heterogeneous quasi‐solid‐state electrolytes integrated with anodes. The framework is constructed by twisted chitosan nanofiber bundles, forming a three‐dimensional continuous spindle‐shaped pore structure. With this framework, the electrolyte provides exceptional ion conductivity of 25.1 mS cm−1, with a puncture resistance strength of 2.3 GPa. In addition, the amino groups of chitosan molecule can make the surface of the framework positively charged. Thus, reversible zinc planarized deposition is successfully induced by the synergistic effect of stress constraint and electrostatic modulation. As a result, as‐assembled zinc ion capacitor has an excellent cycle life and sustains the capacity by over 95 % after 20000 cycles at a current density of 5 A g−1. This research presents a constructive strategy for stable electrolytes‐integrated zinc anodes.
Water‐Resistance‐Based S‐Scheme Heterojunction for Deep Mineralization of Toluene
Authors: Li Yuhan , Chen Bangfu , Liu Li , Zhu Bicheng , Zhang Dieqing
Published: January 2024

Deep mineralization of low concentration toluene (C7H8) is one of the most significant but challenging reactions in photocatalysis. It is generally assumed that hydroxyl radicals (⋅OH) as the main reactive species contribute to the enhanced photoactivity, however, it remains ambiguous at this stage. Herein, a S‐scheme ZnSn(OH)6‐based heterojunction with AlOOH as water resistant surface layer is in situ designed for tuning the free radical species and achieving deep mineralization of C7H8. By employing a combination of in situ DRIFTS and materials characterization techniques, we discover that the dominant intermediates such as benzaldehyde and benzoic acid instead of toxic phenols are formed under the action of holes (h+) and superoxide radicals (⋅O2−). These dominant intermediates turn out to greatly decrease the ring‐opening reaction barrier. This study offers new possibilities for rationally tailoring the active species and thus directionally producing dominant intermediates via designing water resistant surface layer.
Topologically Invisible Defects in Chiral Mirror Lattices
Authors: Coutant Antonin , Zheng Li‐Yang , Achilleos Vassos , Richoux Olivier , Theocharis Georgios , Pagneux Vincent
Published: January 2024

One of the hallmark of topological insulators is having conductivity properties that are unaffected by the possible presence of defects. In this work, by going beyond backscattering immunity and topological invisibility across defects or disorder is obtained. Using a combination of chiral and mirror symmetry, the transmission coefficient is guaranteed to be unity. Importantly, but no phase shift is induced making the defect completely invisible. Many lattices possess the chiral‐mirror symmetry, and the principle is chosen to be demonstrated on an hexagonal lattice model with Kekulé distortion displaying topological edge waves, and analytically and numerically is shown that the transmission across symmetry preserving defects is unity. Then this lattice in an acoustic system is realized, and the invisibility is confirmed with numerical experiments. It is foreseen that the versatility of the model will trigger new experiments to observe topological invisibility in various wave systems, such as photonics, cold atoms or elastic waves.