bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Infrared broadband photoresponse characteristics of nanoporous NbN film
Authors: Zhao Yu-Chen , Zheng Jia-Huan , Wang Yong , Xi Xiao-Li , Song Hai-Zhi ,   Institute of Advanced Navigation and Electromagnetics, Xi’an University of Technology, Xi’an 710048, China,   State Key Laboratory of Electronic Thin Films and Integrated Devices, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, China,   Norla Institute of Technical Physics, Chengdu 610041, China
Published: February 2022

Nanoporous superconducting films with superconductor-insulator transition characteristics have potential application in the field of infrared photoelectric detection, but their broadband optical response characteristics in infrared band have not been reported. Therefore, taking nanoporous niobium nitride (NbN) films as the main object, the optical response characteristics in the near and medium infrared wavelength range of 780–5000 nm are studied in this paper. Firstly, the Drude-model fitting accuracy of measured NbN permittivity is improved by about 17%, and the NbN optical parameters in mid-infrared band are obtained. Furthermore, the optical response characteristics of the back-illuminated device with nanoporous NbN film are analyzed by finite difference time domain method, and a Bruggeman equivalent model which can simplify the nanoporous film into a uniform film is given, thereby reducing the three-dimensional simulation of nanoporous NbN film into one dimensional simulation. Finally, based on the equivalent model and the transfer matrix method, the light absorption characteristics of the back-illuminated device in near-/mid-infrared wavelength ranges are optimized. The results indicate that, on the one hand, simplifying the design process by using Bruggeman equivalent model will not affect the correctness of the final optimization results, and, on the other hand, a relatively simple optical cavity can make the detector achieve polarization-independent film absorption greater than 82% for near-/mid-infrared broadband design and 93.7% for double-wavelength design.
Electron transport property of epitaixial bilayer graphene on SiC substrate
Authors: Hu Ju-Gang , Jia Zhen-Yu , Li Shao-Chun ,   National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures, School of Physics, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China,   Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China,   Shanghai Tianma Micro-electronics, Shanghai 201201, China
Published: February 2022

Graphene can find great potential applications in the future electronic devices. In bilayer graphene, the relative rotation angle between graphene layers can modulate the interlayer interaction and hence induces rich physical phenomena. We systematically study the temperature dependent magnetoresistance (MR) properties in the epitaxial bilayer graphene (BLG) grown on the SiC substrate. High quality BLG is synthesized by molecular beam epitaxy in ultra-high vacuum. We observe the negative MR under a small magnetic field applied perpendicularly at temperature < 80 K, which is attributed to a weak localization effect. The weak localization effect in our epitaxial BLG is stronger than previously reported ones in epitaxial monolayer and multilayer graphene system, which is possibly because of the enhanced interlayer electron transition and thus the enhanced valley scattering in the BLG. As the magnetic field increases, the MR exhibits a classical Lorentz MR behavior. Moreover, we observe a linear magnetoresistance behavior in a large field, which shows no saturation for the magnetic field of up to 9 T. In order to further investigate the negative and linear magnetoresistance, we conduct angle-dependent magnetoresistance measurements, which indicates the two-dimensional magnetotransport phenomenon. We also find that the negative MR phenomenon occurs under a parallel magnetic field, which may correspond to the moiré pattern induced local lattice fluctuation as demonstrated by scanning tunneling microscopy measurement on an atomic scale. Our work paves the way for investigating the intrinsic properties of epitaxial BLG under various conditions.
Quantum Monte Carlo study of strongly correlated electrons
Authors: Xu Xiao-Yan ,   School of Physics and Astronomy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
Published: February 2022

Understanding strongly correlated electrons is an important long-term goal, not only for uncovering fundamental physics behind, but also for their emergence of lots of novel states which have potential applications in quantum control and quantum computations. Meanwhile, the strongly correlated electrons are usually extremely hard problems, and it is generally impossible to understand them unbiasedly. Quantum Monte Carlo is a typical unbiased numeric method, which does not depend on any perturbation, and it can help us to exactly understand the strongly correlated electrons, so that it is widely used in high energy and condensed matter physics. However, quantum Monte Carlo usually suffers from the notorious sign problem. In this paper, we introduce general ideas to design sign problem free models and discuss the sign bound theory we proposed recently. In the sign bound theory, we build a direct connection between the average sign and the ground state properties of the system. We find usually the average sign has the conventional exponential decay with system size increasing, leading to exponential complexity; but for some cases it can have algebraic decay, so that quantum Monte Carlo simulation still has polynomial complexity. By designing sign problem free or algebraic sign behaved strongly correlated electron models, we can approach to several long outstanding problems, such as the itinerant quantum criticality, the competition between unconventional superconductivity and magnetism, as well as the recently found correlated phases and phase transitions in moiré quantum matter.
Competition between parallel sensorimotor learning systems
Authors: Albert Scott T , Jang Jihoon , Modchalingam Shanaathanan , 't Hart Bernard Marius , Henriques Denise , Lerner Gonzalo , Della-Maggiore Valeria , Haith Adrian M , Krakauer John W , Shadmehr Reza
Published: February 2022

Sensorimotor learning is supported by at least two parallel systems: a strategic process that benefits from explicit knowledge and an implicit process that adapts subconsciously. How do these systems interact? Does one system’s contributions suppress the other, or do they operate independently? Here, we illustrate that during reaching, implicit and explicit systems both learn from visual target errors. This shared error leads to competition such that an increase in the explicit system’s response siphons away resources that are needed for implicit adaptation, thus reducing its learning. As a result, steady-state implicit learning can vary across experimental conditions, due to changes in strategy. Furthermore, strategies can mask changes in implicit learning properties, such as its error sensitivity. These ideas, however, become more complex in conditions where subjects adapt using multiple visual landmarks, a situation which introduces learning from sensory prediction errors in addition to target errors. These two types of implicit errors can oppose each other, leading to another type of competition. Thus, during sensorimotor adaptation, implicit and explicit learning systems compete for a common resource: error.
Perception is associated with the brain’s metabolic response to sensory stimulation
Authors: DiNuzzo Mauro , Mangia Silvia , Moraschi Marta , Mascali Daniele , Hagberg Gisela E , Giove Federico
Published: February 2022

Processing of incoming sensory stimulation triggers an increase of cerebral perfusion and blood oxygenation (neurovascular response) as well as an alteration of the metabolic neurochemical profile (neurometabolic response). Here, we show in human primary visual cortex (V1) that perceived and unperceived isoluminant chromatic flickering stimuli designed to have similar neurovascular responses as measured by blood oxygenation level-dependent functional magnetic resonance imaging (BOLD-fMRI) have markedly different neurometabolic responses as measured by proton functional magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-fMRS). In particular, a significant regional buildup of lactate, an index of aerobic glycolysis, and glutamate, an index of malate–aspartate shuttle, occurred in V1 only when the flickering was perceived, without any relation with other behavioral or physiological variables. Whereas the BOLD-fMRI signal in V1, a proxy for input to V1, was insensitive to flickering perception by design, the BOLD-fMRI signal in secondary visual areas was larger during perceived than unperceived flickering, indicating increased output from V1. These results demonstrate that the upregulation of energy metabolism induced by visual stimulation depends on the type of information processing taking place in V1, and that 1H-fMRS provides unique information about local input/output balance that is not measured by BOLD-fMRI.
Global and context-specific transcriptional consequences of oncogenic Fbw7 mutations
Authors: Thirimanne H Nayanga , Wu Feinan , Janssens Derek H , Swanger Jherek , Diab Ahmed , Feldman Heather M , Amezquita Robert A , Gottardo Raphael , Paddison Patrick J , Henikoff Steven , Clurman Bruce E
Published: February 2022

The Fbw7 ubiquitin ligase targets many proteins for proteasomal degradation, which include oncogenic transcription factors (TFs) (e.g., c-Myc, c-Jun, and Notch). Fbw7 is a tumor suppressor and tumors often contain mutations in FBXW7, the gene that encodes Fbw7. The complexity of its substrate network has obscured the mechanisms of Fbw7-associated tumorigenesis, yet this understanding is needed for developing therapies. We used an integrated approach employing RNA-Seq and high-resolution mapping (cleavage under target and release using nuclease) of histone modifications and TF occupancy (c-Jun and c-Myc) to examine the combinatorial effects of misregulated Fbw7 substrates in colorectal cancer (CRC) cells with engineered tumor-associated FBXW7 null or missense mutations. Both Fbw7 mutations caused widespread transcriptional changes associated with active chromatin and altered TF occupancy: some were common to both Fbw7 mutant cell lines, whereas others were mutation specific. We identified loci where both Jun and Myc were coregulated by Fbw7, suggesting that substrates may have synergistic effects. One coregulated gene was CIITA, the master regulator of MHC Class II gene expression. Fbw7 loss increased MHC Class II expression and Fbw7 mutations were correlated with increased CIITA expression in TCGA colorectal tumors and cell lines, which may have immunotherapeutic implications for Fbw7-associated cancers. Analogous studies in neural stem cells in which FBXW7 had been acutely deleted closely mirrored the results in CRC cells. Gene set enrichment analyses revealed Fbw7-associated pathways that were conserved across both cell types that may reflect fundamental Fbw7 functions. These analyses provide a framework for understanding normal and neoplastic context-specific Fbw7 functions.
Sargasso Sea bacterioplankton community structure and drivers of variance as revealed by DNA metabarcoding analysis
Authors: Gill John Geoffrey , Hill-Spanik Kristina M. , Whittaker Kerry A. , Jones Martin L. , Plante Craig
Published: February 2022

Marine microbes provide the backbone for pelagic ecosystems by cycling and fixing nutrients and establishing the base of food webs. Microbial communities are often assumed to be highly connected and genetically mixed, with localized environmental filters driving minor changes in structure. Our study applied high-throughput Illumina 16S ribosomal RNA gene amplicon sequencing on whole-community bacterial samples to characterize geographic, environmental, and stochastic drivers of community diversity. DNA was extracted from seawater collected from the surface (N = 18) and at depth just below the deep chlorophyll-a maximum (DCM mean depth = 115.4 m; N = 22) in the Sargasso Sea and adjacent oceanographic regions. Discrete bacterioplankton assemblages were observed at varying depths in the North Sargasso Sea, with a signal for distance-decay of bacterioplankton community similarity found only in surface waters. Bacterial communities from different oceanic regions could be distinguished statistically but exhibited a low magnitude of divergence. Redundancy analysis identified temperature as the key environmental variable correlated with community structuring. The effect of dispersal limitation was weak, while variation partitioning and neutral community modeling demonstrated stochastic processes influencing the communities. This study advances understanding of microbial biogeography in the pelagic ocean and highlights the use of high-throughput sequencing methods in studying microbial community structure.
Analysis and comparison of protein secondary structures in the rachis of avian flight feathers
Authors: Lin Pin-Yen , Huang Pei-Yu , Lee Yao-Chang , Ng Chen Siang
Published: February 2022

Avians have evolved many different modes of flying as well as various types of feathers for adapting to varied environments. However, the protein content and ratio of protein secondary structures (PSSs) in mature flight feathers are less understood. Further research is needed to understand the proportions of PSSs in feather shafts adapted to various flight modes in different avian species. Flight feathers were analyzed in chicken, mallard, sacred ibis, crested goshawk, collared scops owl, budgie, and zebra finch to investigate the PSSs that have evolved in the feather cortex and medulla by using nondestructive attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR). In addition, synchrotron radiation-based, Fourier transform infrared microspectroscopy (SR-FTIRM) was utilized to measure and analyze cross-sections of the feather shafts of seven bird species at a high lateral resolution to resolve the composition of proteins distributed within the sampled area of interest. In this study, significant amounts of α-keratin and collagen components were observed in flight feather shafts, suggesting that these proteins play significant roles in the mechanical strength of flight feathers. This investigation increases our understanding of adaptations to flight by elucidating the structural and mechanistic basis of the feather composition.
Diversidad y distribución altitudinal de anfibios en la cordillera de Toisán, Ecuador
Authors: Proaño Andy S. , Proaño-Morales Jonathan Josue , Guayasamin Juan Manuel
Published: February 2022

En el presente trabajo, tuvimos como objetivo registrar la diversidad y distribución altitudinal de los anfibios de la cordillera de Toisán, en el noroccidente de Ecuador. Para ello, realizamos cuatro transectos de 400x4 metros (m), desde los 2536 hasta los 2911 metros sobre el nivel del mar (msnm). Nuestro muestreo abarcó los distintos microhábitats donde los anfibios suelen ser comunes (i.e., hojarasca, bromelias, bajo troncos). Las especies registradas fueron colectadas para su revisión en el Museo de la Universidad Tecnológica Indoamérica, Quito, Ecuador. Para estimar la diversidad de la zona y en los distintos puntos altitudinales, utilizamos el índice de Shannon y el algoritmo de vecinos cercanos (K-NN). En total, registramos 14 especies, englobadas en cinco géneros y cuatro familias, siendo el género Pristimantis el de mayor riqueza. El transecto Toisán 1 fue el de mayor diversidad, probablemente debido a que no mostraba pendientes pronunciadas y se encontraba a menor altitud. En conclusión, nuestro estudio indica que varias de las especies estudiadas tienen rangos de distribución altitudinal muy restringidos. Existen también, al menos, cuatro especies de Pristimantis que son potencialmente nuevas. Finalmente, encontramos una especie (Hyloscirtus criptico) considerada como amenazada por la UICN.
Reliability and validity of digital health metrics for assessing arm and hand impairments in an ataxic disorder
Authors: Kanzler Christoph M. , Lessard Isabelle , Gassert Roger , Brais Bernard , Gagnon Cynthia , Lambercy Olivier
Published: February 2022

Objectives

Autosomal recessive spastic ataxia of Charlevoix‐Saguenay (ARSACS) is the second most frequent recessive ataxia and commonly features reduced upper limb coordination. Sensitive outcome measures of upper limb coordination are essential to track disease progression and the effect of interventions. However, available clinical assessments are insufficient to capture behavioral variability and detailed aspects of motor control. While digital health metrics extracted from technology‐aided assessments promise more fine‐grained outcome measures, these have not been validated in ARSACS. Thus, the aim was to document the metrological properties of metrics from a technology‐aided assessment of arm and hand function in ARSACS.

Methods

We relied on the Virtual Peg Insertion Test (VPIT) and used a previously established core set of 10 digital health metrics describing upper limb movement and grip force patterns during a pick‐and‐place task. We evaluated reliability, measurement error, and learning effects in 23 participants with ARSACS performing three repeated assessment sessions. In addition, we documented concurrent validity in 57 participants with ARSACS performing one session.

Results

Eight metrics had excellent test–retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient 0.89 ± 0.08), five low measurement error (smallest real difference % 25.4 ± 5.7), and none strong learning effects (systematic change η −0.11 ± 2.5). Significant correlations (ρ 0.39 ± 0.13) with clinical scales describing gross and fine dexterity and lower limb coordination were observed.

Interpretation

This establishes eight digital health metrics as valid and robust endpoints for cross‐sectional studies and five metrics as potentially sensitive endpoints for longitudinal studies in ARSACS, thereby promising novel insights into upper limb sensorimotor control.
Bridging Evolution of the Solvation Sheath to Rigid‐Soft Coupling and Low‐Resistance Solid Electrolyte Interface for Fast‐Charging and Ultrastable Bi Anode
Authors: Han Xinpeng , Li Xin , Zhang Yiming , Zhang Shaojie , Sun Jie
Published: February 2022

The key issue holding back the application of Bi‐based lithium‐ion battery (LIB) is the rigorous requirements of low interfacial resistance, superior mechanical stability, and high ion conductivity of solid electrolyte interface (SEI). In this work, inspired by human musculoskeletal tissues, a multifunctional SEI with low interfacial resistance and synergistic rigid‐soft features is in situ constructed through the interfacial evolution of PF6 anion‐derived solvation sheath at the Bi anode, facilitating Li ion conductivity, and SEI/electrolyte interface wettability, alleviating the enormous volumetric expansion of Bi anodes, and offering superior Bi/SEI/electrolyte compatibility during long‐term cycles. Attributed to these superiorities, an unprecedented cycling stability can be obtained, i.e., 94.4% capacity retention at 2.6 C after 1000 cycles and 89.6% capacity retention at 5.2 C after 1300 cycles. When this anode is coupled with a LiFePO4 cathode, the full cell delivers superior cyclability with 85.2% capacity retention at 0.6 C after 100 cycles. This research provides new insight into handling the interfacial compatibility and fast‐charging issues of Bi‐based LIB.
Dynamic Light Control Using Bionic Dielectric Elastomer Iris Actuators
Authors: Martin Sina , Bruns Arne , Franke Jörg
Published: February 2022

Apertures are used in optical systems to limit the luminous flux. In the human eye the iris serves this purpose but can be damaged requiring an implant, which to date is static, limiting the optical performance. The authors thus report the development of a prototype demonstrating the feasibility of a flexible dynamic iris implant manufactured with an automated manufacturing technique. The presented actuators are printed via aerosol jet printing allowing a high reliability in produced electrode quality. Through optimization of the actuator design for maximum contraction they demonstrate a pupil area reduction of 13.40% or 6.94% reduction of pupil diameter, respectively. Thereby the prototype demonstrates an illuminance reduction of 18.25% in the central visual axis. Furthermore, they present a first iteration of a bionic closed‐loop control mimicking the human iris reflex thus laying the foundation for a self‐controlled iris implant.
Size‐Dependent Strain Relaxation in InAs Quantum Dots on Top of GaAs(111)A Nanopillars
Authors: Riedl Thomas , Kunnathully Vinay S. , Trapp Alexander , Langer Timo , Reuter Dirk , Lindner Jörg K. N.
Published: February 2022

The size‐dependent strain relaxation in InAs quantum dots on the top face of GaAs(111)A nanopillars is studied experimentally by scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) and theoretically using molecular static simulations. In the experiment, a dislocation‐free, coherent state is observed for InAs dimensions below 10 nm in width and 7 nm in height, while 60° misfit dislocations occur for larger sizes. Experimental strain maps reveal the presence of a narrow‐strained region at the heterointerface with a 20–80% width of 1.2 nm in the coherent case and 0.4 nm in the dislocated state, in agreement with simulations. Moreover, an analysis of the amount of misfit relaxed by the observed dislocations shows that the transition between the purely elastic and plastic relaxation regimes appears to be gradual. Intensity profiles of STEM images reveal that the misfit dislocations are located directly at the GaAs/InAs heterointerface.
High Yield Synthesis of Water‐Processable Donor:Acceptor Janus Nanoparticles with Tuned Internal Morphology and Highly Efficient Charge Separation/Transfer
Authors: Du Yixuan , Li Yue , Aftenieva Olha , Tsuda Takuya , Formanek Petr , König Tobias A. F. , Synytska Alla
Published: February 2022

Here, for the first time, the high‐yield (87.6%) robust and facile synthesis of water‐processable donor–acceptor Janus nanoparticles (JNP) that are of high potential for optoelectronic applications is reported. The water‐processable JNPs have easily controlled Janus ratios and are of excellent quality, which is shown by energy‐filtered transmission electron microscopy. The JNPs exhibit improved charge separation and transfer properties compared to the conventional donor–acceptor nanoparticles which is characterized via both steady‐state and transient photoluminescence spectroscopy. The Janus character of particles allows the combination of two materials into one composite and programs morphology of structures, which can be formed on the basis of the particles. Finally, outstanding performance of JNP‐based photovoltaic cells with 53% improvement of efficiency is shown.
Donor Arylmethylation toward Horizontally Oriented TADF Emitters for Efficient Electroluminescence with 37% External Quantum Efficiency
Authors: Feng Quanyou , Qian Yue , Wang Hongjian , Hou Wei , Peng Xinzhe , Xie Songlin , Wang Shasha , Xie Linghai
Published: February 2022

Designing thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) emitters with high horizontal orientation dipole ratios (Θ//) is regarded as one of the key measures to achieve high light outcoupling efficiency and thus efficient organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs). Herein, donor arylmethylation is presented to construct horizontally oriented TADF emitters. Two compounds PFDMAC‐TRZ and DPFDMAC‐TRZ are designed and synthesized through Friedel‐Crafts arylmethylation of their parent TADF molecule DMAC‐TRZ with 9‐phenyl‐9‐fluorenol. The 9‐phenyl‐9‐fluorene substituents endow PFDMAC‐TRZ and DPFDMAC‐TRZ with similar excited states and emission characteristics as DMAC‐TRZ due to the unique σ–π conjugation. Impressively, with an arylmethylated donor, PFDMAC‐TRZ and DPFDMAC‐TRZ show an enhanced horizontal orientation dipole ratio of 78% and 81%, respectively. Green TADF OLED based on DPFDMAC‐TRZ reaches a maximum external quantum efficiency of 37.0% and power efficiency of 124.5 lm W−1, which represents one of the most efficient green OLEDs reported so far. This work provides a facile yet powerful strategy to design and construct horizontally oriented luminogens for high‐performance optical devices.
Monodisperse CuInS2/CdS and CuInZnS2/CdS Core–Shell Nanorods with a Strong Near‐Infrared Emission
Authors: Portniagin Arsenii S. , Ning Jiajia , Wang Shixun , Li Zhuo , Sergeev Aleksander A. , Kershaw Stephen V. , Zhong Xiaoyan , Rogach Andrey L.
Published: February 2022

Given the ubiquitous examples of semiconductor nanorods synthesis, CuInS2‐based anisotropic heterostructures still lag behind in terms of shape/optical properties control. Here, core/shell CuInS2/CdS dot‐in‐rod nanoheterostructures which exhibit high degree of the morphology control, and a strong emission in the near‐infrared range of 700–900 nm, are realized. The authors made use of the seeded growth approach utilizing wurtzite CuInS2 quantum dots as seeds, which allows for tuning the dimension of the resulting core/shell nanorods, including the core size and the shell thickness. Time‐dependent photoluminescence studies reveal slowing down of the recombination rate with increasing thickness of the shell, which is characteristic for the quasi‐type II heterostructure. Alloying of the CuInS2 cores with Zn does not perturb the shell growth process, but enables improvement of the photoluminescence quantum yield of the resulting core/shell CuInZnS2/CdS nanorods to 45%, as compared to ≈30% for CuInS2/CdS nanorods.
Tunable Bandgap Design of Soft Phononic Crystals Using Topology Optimization
Authors: Luo Yangjun , Li Yan
Published: February 2022

Soft phononic crystals (PnCs) have significant advantages for tuning bandgaps and undergoing reversible large deformations. However, the difficulty of the design arises from the presence of material and geometrical nonlinearities coupled with the energy band performance. This study presents an effective topological optimization method to realize tunable bandgap designs of mechanism‐driven soft PnCs composed of two hyperelastic materials. Based on the material‐field series‐expansion method, the topology optimization model with a small number of topological design variables is defined as maximizing the bandgaps of PnCs before and/or after stretching. The optimization problem is then solved by a gradient‐free algorithm, which eliminates the need for the complex sensitivity analysis. Numerical examples show that using tensile deformation to switch between different acoustic functions can achieve the maintenance, opening, and closing of arbitrary order bandgaps, and the proposed method provides an effective way to design soft PnCs with rapid tunability of bandgaps.
Bi Works as a Li Reservoir for Promoting the Fast‐Charging Performance of Phosphorus Anode for Li‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Zhang Shaojie , Zhang Yiming , Zhang Ziyi , Wang Huili , Cao Yu , Zhang Baoshan , Liu Xinyi , Mao Chong , Han Xinpeng , Gong Haochen , Yang Zhanxu , Sun Jie
Published: February 2022

Phosphorus anodes are a promising for fast‐charging high‐energy lithium‐ion batteries because of their high specific capacity (2596 mAh g–1) and suitable lithiation potential (0.7 V vs Li+/Li). To solve the large volumetric change and inherent poor electrical conductivity, various carbon‐based materials have been studied for loading P. However, the local aggregation of Li ions and electrons in P particles especially in the fast‐charging process induces an uneven lithiation reaction and the great transient stress, leading to poor fast‐charging performance. Herein, bismuth nanoparticles are implanted into a P/graphite (P/C) composite using ball milling. The Bi anode works as a small Li reservoir for trapping Li in the lithiation process and emitting Li in delithiation process prior to P anode, because the Bi anode has a starting lithiation/delithiation potential that is a little bit higher/lower than the P anode. Moreover, the low Li diffusion barrier in Bi and the stable interface between Bi and P enhance the Li reservoir effect of Bi, which promotes fast and uniform lithiation/delithiation reactions and avoids continuous cracking of the Bi‐P/C electrode. Therefore, the Bi‐P/C anode provides a high fast‐charging capacity of 1755.7 mAh g–1 at 7.8 A g–1 (5.2 C) and a high capacity retention of 86.3% after 300 cycles.
De novo loss‐of‐function variant in PTDSS1 is associated with developmental delay
Authors: Gracie Sara , Sengupta Nivedita , Ferreira Carlos , Pemberton Joshua , Anderson Ilse , Wang Xin , Rhodes Lindsay , Brown Kathleen , Balla Tamas , Larson Austin
Published: February 2022

Heterozygous de novo missense pathogenic variants in PTDSS1 that result in gain‐of‐function of phosphatidylserine synthase 1 are associated with Lenz–Majewski hyperostotic dwarfism (LMHD). We identified the novel heterozygous de novo variant p.(Leu137Phe) in PTDSS1 in a child with mild‐to‐moderate developmental delay. Skeletal survey revealed no evidence of LMHD in this patient. Functional assessment of the p.Leu137Phe variant was performed by overexpressing the mutant protein into HEK293 cells. Following C14‐serine labeling and TLC analysis of lipids, we observed that the p.(Leu137Phe) variant displayed no catalytic activity compared to the wild‐type enzyme. We conclude that p.(Leu137Phe) variant has decreased enzymatic activity and that is likely to be the etiology of the patient's symptoms given the gene's constraint in the population. This is the first report of the clinical phenotype seen in an individual with a heterozygous loss‐of‐function variant in PTDSS1. This phenotype is distinct from LMHD, which results from gain‐of‐function pathogenic variants in the same gene. Evaluation of the neurodevelopmental phenotype of additional individuals with loss‐of‐function variants in PTDSS1 is indicated to determine the spectrum of associated phenotypes.
Two novel variants in SCARF2 gene underlie van den Ende‐Gupta syndrome
Authors: Karaer Derya , Karaer Kadri
Published: February 2022

Van den Ende–Gupta syndrome (VDEGS) (MIM#600920) is characterized by skeletal and craniofacial abnormalities that include prominent ears, downslanting palpebral fissures, blepharophimosis, hypoplastic maxilla with or without a cleft palate, a narrow and convex nasal bridge and an everted lower lip, camptodactyly and arachnodactyly. Intelligence is normal. Recent studies have reported that patients with VDEGS have pathogenic variants in the SCARF2 gene on chromosome 22q11.21. Here, we report two Turkish patients with two novel variants [c.2291_2292insC (p.Ser765LeufsTer6) and c.488G>A (p.Cys63Tyr)] in the SCARF2 gene. In silico analysis predicted that both of these novel variants were pathogenic. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report of this syndrome in Turkey.
A Secretory Vesicle Failure in Parkinson's Disease Occurs in Human Platelets
Authors: Montenegro Pablo , Pueyo Mercedes , Lorenzo Jesús Norelis , Villar‐Martinez María Dolores , Alayón Antonio , Carrillo Francisco , Borges Ricardo
Published: February 2022

Objective

The presence of elevated dopamine (DA) and its major metabolites in the cytosol of neurons has been associated with their vulnerability in Parkinson's disease (PD). Over 99% of the cell's amines are confined to secretory vesicles (SVs), making these structures fundamental in the regulation of cytosolic DA levels. SVs of platelets use similar, if not the same mechanisms to accumulate serotonin in SVs as dopaminergic neurons do to store DA. Hence, any functional defects in platelets probably mirrors events in DA neurons.

Methods

We have isolated fresh platelets from the blood of 75 PD patients, 116 matched controls and 24 patients with Parkinsonism, assaying serotonin handling (basal content, accumulation, secretion and spontaneous leakage).

Results

We found a dramatic decrease in the serotonin content and uptake by SVs, as well as decreased thrombin‐induced release by platelets from PD patients but not in those from most Parkinsonism cases. Platelets from PD patients also failed to retain serotonin in SVs.

Interpretation

These findings indicate a functional impairment in the handling of amines by SVs in PD patients. This defect may serve as a biomarker of PD, and the approach described here may be potentially used for the subclinical detection of PD and to establish a platform to assay disease modifying drugs. ANN NEUROL 2022
MS‐Driven Metabolic Alterations Are Recapitulated in iPSC‐Derived Astrocytes
Authors: Ghirotto Bruno , Oliveira Danyllo F. , Cipelli Marcella , Basso Paulo J. , de Lima Jean , Breda Cristiane N. S. , Ribeiro Henrique C. , Silva Camille C. C. , Sertié Andrea L. , Oliveira Antonio Edson R. , Hiyane Meire I. , Caldini Elia G. , Sussulini Alessandra , Nakaya Helder I. , Kowaltowski Alicia J. , Oliveira Enedina M. L. , Zatz Mayana , Câmara Niels O. S.
Published: February 2022

Objective

Astrocytes play a significant role in the pathology of multiple sclerosis (MS). Nevertheless, for ethical reasons, most studies in these cells were performed using the Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis model. As there are significant differences between human and mouse cells, we aimed here to better characterize astrocytes from patients with MS (PwMS), focusing mainly on mitochondrial function and cell metabolism.

Methods

We obtained and characterized induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)‐derived astrocytes from three PwMS and three unaffected controls, and performed electron microscopy, flow cytometry, cytokine and glutamate measurements, gene expression, in situ respiration, and metabolomics. We validated our findings using a single‐nuclei RNA sequencing dataset.

Results

We detected several differences in MS astrocytes including: (i) enrichment of genes associated with neurodegeneration, (ii) increased mitochondrial fission, (iii) increased production of superoxide and MS‐related proinflammatory chemokines, (iv) impaired uptake and enhanced release of glutamate, (v) increased electron transport capacity and proton leak, in line with the increased oxidative stress, and (vi) a distinct metabolic profile, with a deficiency in amino acid catabolism and increased sphingolipid metabolism, which have already been linked to MS.

Interpretation

Here we describe the metabolic profile of iPSC‐derived astrocytes from PwMS and validate this model as a very powerful tool to study disease mechanisms and to perform non‐invasive drug targeting assays in vitro. Our findings recapitulate several disease features described in patients and provide new mechanistic insights into the metabolic rewiring of astrocytes in MS, which could be targeted in future therapeutic studies. ANN NEUROL 2022;91:652–669
Comparison of vertebrate skin structure at class level: A review
Authors: Akat Esra , Yenmiş Melodi , Pombal Manuel A. , Molist Pilar , Megías Manuel , Arman Sezgi , Veselỳ Milan , Anderson Rodolfo , Ayaz Dinçer
Published: February 2022

The skin is a barrier between the internal and external environment of an organism. Depending on the species, it participates in multiple functions. The skin is the organ that holds the body together, covers and protects it, and provides communication with its environment. It is also the body's primary line of defense, especially for anamniotes. All vertebrates have multilayered skin composed of three main layers: the epidermis, the dermis, and the hypodermis. The vital mission of the integument in aquatic vertebrates is mucus secretion. Cornification began in apmhibians, improved in reptilians, and endured in avian and mammalian epidermis. The feather, the most ostentatious and functional structure of avian skin, evolved in the Mesozoic period. After the extinction of the dinosaurs, birds continued to diversify, followed by the enlargement, expansion, and diversification of mammals, which brings us to the most complicated skin organization of mammals with differing glands, cells, physiological pathways, and the evolution of hair. Throughout these radical changes, some features were preserved among classes such as basic dermal structure, pigment cell types, basic coloration genetics, and similar sensory features, which enable us to track the evolutionary path. The structural and physiological properties of the skin in all classes of vertebrates are presented. The purpose of this review is to go all the way back to the agnathans and follow the path step by step up to mammals to provide a comparative large and updated survey about vertebrate skin in terms of morphology, physiology, genetics, ecology, and immunology.
Kreislaufeffektives Potenzial von Holz im Hallenbau
Authors: Graf Jürgen , Shi Wenchang , Birk Stephan
Published: February 2022

Die lineare Wirtschaft des ungezügelten Ressourcenverbrauchs ist durch den kontrollierten Ressourcengebrauch im Sinne der Kreislaufwirtschaft zu ersetzen, und das in den planetaren und sozialen Grenzen. Für den global maßgeblichen Klimaschädling, den Bausektor, wird Bauen in Kreislaufwirtschaft mittelfristig eine signifikante Reduktion der grauen Emissionen und des Ressourcenverbrauchs bedeuten. Essenzielle Forderungen für alle Neu‐ und Umbauten, für Aufstockungen und Bestandsanierungen sind die Abfallvermeidung, die Wiederverwendung und die Nutzungsflexibilität. Diese kreislaufeffektiven Maßnahmen sind durch Elementierung, Standardisierung und Reversibilität der Bauteile umsetzbar. Wir haben kein Erkenntnisproblem. Wir haben ein politisch und wirtschaftlich motiviertes Umsetzungsproblem. Es braucht jetzt die konsequente kreislaufeffektive Bauwende durch den Wandel in Politik und Wirtschaft. Die Umsetzung gelingt auf der Grundlage einer neuen Tektonik des Entwerfens und Bauens. Wiederverwendung ohne Wertverlust elementierter, standardisierter Bauteile (Re‐use) muss das Ziel sein. Dafür ist ein reversibles, form‐ und kraftschlüssiges Konstruieren mit dem nachwachsenden Kohlenstoffspeicher Holz im Besonderen geeignet und im vorliegenden Beitrag am Beispiel eines Hallenbaus veranschaulicht. Disruptive Innovationen und Technologien durch Robotik, künstliche Intelligenz sowie digitale Transformation dienen als Werkzeuge zur Umsetzung.
Fluorine‐Free Electrolytes for Lithium and Sodium Batteries
Authors: Hernández Guiomar , Mogensen Ronnie , Younesi Reza , Mindemark Jonas
Published: February 2022

Fluorinated components in the form of salts, solvents and/or additives are a staple of electrolytes for high‐performance Li‐ and Na‐ion batteries, but this comes at a cost. Issues like potential toxicity, corrosivity and environmental concerns have sparked interest in fluorine‐free alternatives. Of course, these electrolytes should be able to deliver performance that is on par with the electrolytes being in use today in commercial batteries. This begs the question: Are we there yet? This review outlines why fluorine is regarded as an essential component in battery electrolytes, along with the numerous problems it causes and possible strategies to eliminate it from Li‐ and Na‐ion battery electrolytes. The examples provided demonstrate the possibilities of creating fully fluorine‐free electrolytes with similar performance as their fluorinated counterparts, but also that there is still a lot of room for improvement, not least in terms of optimizing the fluorine‐free systems independently of their fluorinated predecessors.
Posttraumatic stress symptoms and financial toxicity among adolescent and young adult oncology patients and their caregivers at cancer diagnosis
Authors: Baum Laura V. , Koyama Tatsuki , Schremp Emma A. , Zhang Kevin , Rodweller Casey A. , Roth Marissa C. , Compas Bruce E. , Friedman Debra L.
Published: February 2022

Background

Adolescent and young adult oncology (AYAO) patients and caregivers may experience significant psychosocial dysfunction and financial toxicity. Understanding early risk factors is critical to improving survivorship trajectories.

Methods

The authors conducted a cross‐sectional study of baseline survey data from a prospective cohort of AYAO patient‐caregiver dyads enrolled within 1 month of medical oncology treatment initiation. Posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) were measured by the Impacts of Events Scale–Revised, and financial toxicity was measured with the Comprehensive Score (COst). The authors fit models of linear association between PTSS, financial toxicity, and other end points and pairwise associations of PTSS and financial toxicity within dyads.

Results

The analytic cohort contained 41 patients, 37 caregivers, and 34 complete dyads. Clinically‐concerning PTSS were observed among patients (44%) and caregivers (52%). The median COst scores were 20.0 for patients (quartiles, 12.5‐29.5) and 22.0 for caregivers (quartiles, 12.8‐26.0), which were consistent with high financial toxicity (patients, 46%; caregivers, 44%). PTSS were positively associated with financial toxicity (P = .013 for patients, P = .039 for caregivers), subjective distress (P < .001 for all), depressive (P < .001 for all) and anxiety symptoms (P = .005 for patients, P = .024 for caregivers), and poorer quality of life (P < .001 for patients, P = .003 for caregivers). A significant paired association was not found in PTSS (Pearson correlation coefficient [PCC], 0.23; 95% confidence interval [CI], −0.15 to 0.56). Financial toxicity was positively associated within dyads (PCC, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.36‐0.83).

Conclusions

At diagnosis, AYAO patients and caregivers exhibit substantial PTSS, which are associated with greater financial toxicity and other psychosocial distress.
Osteosarcoma: A Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program‐based analysis from 1975 to 2017
Authors: Cole Sarah , Gianferante D. Matthew , Zhu Bin , Mirabello Lisa
Published: February 2022

Background

Osteosarcoma is the most common primary bone malignancy. As a rare cancer, population‐based studies remain small with limited information on finer demographic categories. Recent studies have reported important genetic differences based on age and ethnicity, and more detailed studies are needed to better understand potentially important osteosarcoma risk groups.

Methods

Incidence and survival rates for 5016 patients with osteosarcoma from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program (1975‐2017) were analyzed by age (0‐9, 10‐24, 25‐59, and >60 years old), race/ethnicity, histologic subtype, stage, and tumor location using SEER*Stat software.

Results

For cases 0 to 9 years old, incidence of primary osteosarcoma was similar between the sexes, increased significantly throughout the study period (P < .05), and the 5‐year relative survival has steadily increased over time. Blacks had the highest incidence in all aged cases combined and a significant increase in incidence throughout the study period (P < .05). Overall, survival rates for all cases have remained relatively unchanged over recent decades, with worse survival observed in males, American Indian/Alaska Native cases, older patients, metastatic disease, axial tumors, and subsequent osteosarcoma cases. For cases 0 to 24 years old, the incidence of subsequent osteosarcoma increased 3‐fold since the 2000s.

Conclusion

Important differences in osteosarcoma incidence and survival, particularly for the youngest children, ethnic minorities, and subsequent osteosarcoma, are identified. A genetic risk factor may be associated with observed ancestry‐specific incidence differences and illustrates the importance of analyzing osteosarcoma by specific age groups and ethnicities to better understand their unique epidemiology and underlying biology.

Lay Summary

Osteosarcoma is the most common bone cancer, but still a relatively rare disease, and previous studies have had limited information on finer demographics.

Using a large database, osteosarcoma incidence and survival patterns are thoroughly evaluated and important differences, especially for the youngest children, ethnic minorities, and subsequent osteosarcoma cases, are identified.
Sensitization of Nd3+ Luminescence by Mn4+ in Mn4+, Nd3+ Codoped K0.5La0.5SrMgWO6
Authors: Liu Jin , Yang XiaoLiang , Zhao Yaoxiang , Xiao Siguo
Published: February 2022

A series of Mn4+, Nd3+ codoped K0.5La0.5SrMgWO6 phosphors have been prepared by high‐temperature solid‐state reaction method. Under 468 nm excitation, near infrared emission bands centered at around 910 and 1064 nm are observed, assigned to the 4F3/2→4I9/2 and 4F3/2→4I11/2 transitions of Nd3+, respectively. The similarity between the excitation spectra in the 300–550 nm monitored at Mn4+ 697 nm emission and those monitored at Nd3+ 1064 nm emission as well as the lifetime shortening of Mn4+ emission with Nd3+ concentration increasing prove that the occurrence of the energy transfer sensitization from Mn4+ to Nd3+. In terms of the analysis results based on Dexter's theory and Inokuti‐Horayama model, it is believed that the dipole–dipole interaction plays a key role in the energy transfer process.
Embedding sustainability in risk management: The impact of environmental, social, and governance ratings on corporate financial risk
Authors: Landi Giovanni Catello , Iandolo Francesca , Renzi Antonio , Rey Andrea
Published: February 2022

This study investigates the effect of corporate social and environmental evaluation on investors' risk perception to explore the potential market risk for public companies that adopt a sustainable and responsible corporate strategy. We referred to the triple corporate assessment according to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria to check whether ESG factors—meant to direct firms toward social and environmental needs—improve corporate market performance or trigger, among investors, a perception of “window dressing.” In doing so, we tested the impact of corporate social performance—proxied by an ESG assessment—on corporate financial risk using double risk measurement. We conducted a five‐year longitudinal study (fiscal years 2014–2018) of 222 companies listed on the Standard & Poor's index. The empirical findings show higher investor uncertainty regarding corporate sustainability performance, probably due to the misalignment of objectives between investors and investees. Indeed, an overall ESG assessment corresponds to higher systematic risk for firms, and a corporate environmental rating has an upward effect on the same risk dimension.
Time–frequency dynamics of error monitoring in childhood: An EEG study
Authors: Morales Santiago , Bowers Maureen E. , Leach Stephanie C. , Buzzell George A. , Fifer William , Elliott Amy J. , Fox Nathan A.
Published: February 2022

Error monitoring allows individuals to monitor and adapt their behavior by detecting errors. Error monitoring is thought to develop throughout childhood and adolescence. However, most of this evidence comes from studies in late childhood and adolescence utilizing event‐related potentials (ERPs). The current study utilizes time–frequency (TF) and connectivity analyses to provide a comprehensive examination of age‐related changes in error‐monitoring processes across early childhood (N = 326; 50.9% females; 4–9 years). ERP analyses indicated the presence of the error‐related negativity (ERN) and error positivity (Pe) across all ages. Results showed no error‐specific age‐related changes in the ERN and the Pe. However, TF analyses suggested error‐related frontocentral responses in delta and theta signal strength (power), delta consistency (intertrial phase synchrony), and delta synchrony (interchannel phase synchrony) between frontrocentral and frontolateral clusters—all of which increased with age. Additionally, the current study examines the reliability and effect size estimates of the ERP and TF measures. For most measures, more trials were needed to achieve acceptable reliability than what is commonly used in the psychophysiological literature. Resources to facilitate the measurement and reporting of reliability are provided. Overall, findings highlight the utility of TF analyses and provide useful information for future studies examining the development of error monitoring.