bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electrically Insulating Flexible Films with Quasi‐1D van der Waals Fillers as Efficient Electromagnetic Shields in the GHz and Sub‐THz Frequency Bands
Authors: Barani Zahra , Kargar Fariborz , Ghafouri Yassamin , Ghosh Subhajit , Godziszewski Konrad , Baraghani Saba , Yashchyshyn Yevhen , Cywiński Grzegorz , Rumyantsev Sergey , Salguero Tina T. , Balandin Alexander A.
Published: February 2021

Polymer composite films containing fillers comprising quasi‐1D van der Waals materials, specifically transition metal trichalcogenides with 1D structural motifs that enable their exfoliation into bundles of atomic threads, are reported. These nanostructures are characterized by extremely large aspect ratios of up to ≈106. The polymer composites with low loadings of quasi‐1D TaSe3 fillers (<3 vol%) reveal excellent electromagnetic interference shielding in the X‐band GHz and extremely high frequency sub‐THz frequency ranges, while remaining DC electrically insulating. The unique electromagnetic shielding characteristics of these films are attributed to effective coupling of the electromagnetic waves to the high‐aspect‐ratio electrically conductive TaSe3 atomic‐thread bundles even when the filler concentration is below the electrical percolation threshold. These novel films are promising for high‐frequency communication technologies, which require electromagnetic shielding films that are flexible, lightweight, corrosion resistant, inexpensive, and electrically insulating.
Interfacial Atomistic Mechanisms of Lithium Metal Stripping and Plating in Solid‐State Batteries
Authors: Yang Menghao , Liu Yunsheng , Nolan Adelaide M. , Mo Yifei
Published: February 2021

All‐solid‐state batteries based on a Li metal anode represent a promising next‐generation energy storage system, but are currently limited by low current density and short cycle life. Further research to improve the Li metal anode is impeded by the lack of understanding in its failure mechanisms at lithium–solid interfaces, in particular, the fundamental atomistic processes responsible for interface failure. Here, using large‐scale molecular dynamics simulations, the first atomistic modeling study of lithium stripping and plating on a solid electrolyte is performed by explicitly considering key fundamental atomistic processes and interface atomistic structures. In the simulations, the interface failure initiated with the formation of nano‐sized pores, and how interface structures, lithium diffusion, adhesion energy, and applied pressure affect interface failure during Li cycling are observed. By systematically varying the parameters of solid‐state lithium cells in the simulations, the parameter space of applied pressures and interfacial adhesion energies that inhibit interface failure during cycling are mapped to guide selection of solid‐state cells. This study establishes the atomistic modeling for Li stripping and plating, and predicts optimal solid interfaces and new strategies for the future research and development of solid‐state Li‐metal batteries.
Electric‐Field‐Induced Gradient Ionogels for Highly Sensitive, Broad‐Range‐Response, and Freeze/Heat‐Resistant Ionic Fingers
Authors: Ren Yongyuan , Liu Ziyang , Jin Guoqing , Yang Mengke , Shao Yizhe , Li Weizheng , Wu Yiqing , Liu Lili , Yan Feng
Published: February 2021

Human fingers exhibit both high sensitivity and wide tactile range. The finger skin structures are designed to display gradient microstructures and compressibility. Inspired by the gradient mechanical Young's modulus distribution, an electric‐field‐induced cationic crosslinker migration strategy is demonstrated to prepare gradient ionogels. Due to the gradient of the crosslinkers, the ionogels exhibit more than four orders of magnitude difference between the anode and the cathode side, enabling gradient ionogel‐based flexible iontronic sensors having high‐sensitivity and broader‐range detection (from 3 × 102 to 2.5 × 106 Pa) simultaneously. Moreover, owing to the remarkable properties of the gradient ionogels, the flexible iontronic sensors also show good long‐time stability (even after 10 000 cycles loadings) and excellent performance over a wide temperature range (from −108 to 300 °C). The flexible iontronic sensors are further integrated on soft grips, exhibiting remarkable performance under various conditions. These attractive features demonstrate that gradient ionogels will be promising candidates for smart sensor applications in complex and extreme conditions.
Metal–Organic Framework‐Based Ion‐Selective Membranes
Authors: Li Xingya , Hill Matthew R. , Wang Huanting , Zhang Huacheng
Published: February 2021

Controlling selective ion transport is core for developing novel membrane technologies for high‐efficiency ion separation and energy conversion, and biosensing applications. Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), an emerging family of porous crystalline materials with permanent porosity, Ångstrom‐sized pores and various functional sites, have been recently found to share some similar pore structures and functionalities analogous to biological ion channels. Extensive efforts have been made to develop new strategies for the construction of MOF‐based ion‐selective membranes for efficient ion separation and energy harvesting. Herein, in this progress report, the rational strategies for fabrication of MOF‐based membranes are introduced first, followed by the analysis of their capabilities for selective ion transport. Then, the applications of MOF‐based ion‐selective membranes for ion separation and energy conversion are discussed in detail. Finally, a summary and some recommendations for future directions in the field are presented.
Bioinspired Temperature‐Sensitive Yarn with Highly Stretchable Capability for Healthcare Applications
Authors: Yang Tao , Wang Xi , Yang Qian , Yang Xudong , Li Qiao
Published: February 2021

Real‐time and accurate detection of localized temperature on curved human bodies is always highly demanded for health and medical applications. In this work, a bioinspired temperature‐sensitive yarn is designed and fabricated with different coverage degrees, in which pure metal fiber of platinum instead of conductive polymers is incorporated. The temperature sensitive yarn is observed with excellent temperature–resistance linearity (>0.99), high sensitivity (≈3.00 × 10−3 °C−1), high repeatability (>1000 cycles), fast response, and low hysteresis (<3%). Most importantly and thanks to the bioinspired structure, this superelastic yarn supports extremely large strain of up to 300%, yet can still maintain original electrical integrity. It is further observed that the temperature coefficient of resistance and thermal response velocity are improved by the coverage degrees, which are attributed to the bioinspired helical structure. A bracelet based on the bioinspired yarn is then fabricated to detect temporal skin temperature around the wrist. Not only mechanical advantages, but also chemical stability in human sweat is observed for the bracelet. It is suggested that the bioinspired temperature‐sensitive yarn can be implemented for continuous monitoring of skin temperature for healthcare or medical applications.
Three Types of Charged‐Ligand‐Based Blue–Green to Near‐Infrared Emitting Iridium Complexes: Synthesis, Structures, and Organic Light‐Emitting Diode Application
Authors: Shi Chao , Huang Hong , Li Qiuxia , Yao Jingwen , Wu Cuicui , Cao Yibo , Sun Fangxiang , Ma Dongge , Yan Hong , Yang Chuluo , Yuan Aihua
Published: February 2021

The development of a class of simple‐structure‐based small molecule iridium complexes with adjustable color emission from blue to near‐infrared (NIR) remains a major challenge. A novel straightforward strategy toward a series of three types of charged ligand (0, −1, −2)‐based neutral iridium(III) complexes is described, as it can be easily obtained by efficient three‐step synthesis. All the complexes contain an unusual dianionic ligand (−2) biphenyl and show a great color variation from blue–green (465–503 nm) to NIR (688–706 nm) by controlling different neutral (0) and monoanionic (−1) ligands. Notably, all the NIR‐emitting iridium(III) complexes have excellent chemical and thermal stability, which makes them easy to sublimate and purify, and are eventually applied to organic light‐emitting diode device with a good external quantum efficiency of 2.5%, and low efficiency roll‐off and turn‐on voltage (3 V). This study opens an important avenue for the construction of novel phosphorescent iridium(III) complex materials with tunable properties featuring three types of charged ligands (0, −1, −2), thus providing new opportunities for their optoelectronic applications.
Adsorbed Natural Gas Storage for Onboard Applications
Authors: Wu Zhongjie , Wee Vanessa , Ma Xinbin , Zhao Dan
Published: February 2021

Given its abundance and clean combustion, natural gas (NG) is one of the leading sources of energy to meet present demands. However, the storage and transportation of NG remain challenging. Besides the commonly used NG storage methods such as compression and liquefaction, adsorbed NG is an attractive alternative. Here, the requirements for vehicles to be powered by adsorbed natural gas (ANG) are examined. Despite top‐performing adsorbents and present‐day engineering solutions, there remain obstacles that prevent vehicles fueled by ANG from becoming commonplace. Herein, these challenges are highlighted to inspire engineering solutions for onboard ANG systems.
Photocatalytic Nitrogen Reduction by Ti3C2 MXene Derived Oxygen Vacancy‐Rich C/TiO2
Authors: Qian Jing , Zhao Sen , Dang Wenqiang , Liao Yuan , Zhang Wen , Wang Hui , Lv Lingling , Luo Lei , Jiang Hai‐Ying , Tang Junwang
Published: February 2021

In this work, oxygen vacancy‐rich C/TiO2 (OV‐C/TiO2) samples are prepared by a one‐step calcination approach using Ti3C2 MXene as the precursor, and used for the photocatalytic N2 reduction. The NH3 yields of all the prepared OV‐C/TiO2 samples exceed those achieved on commercial anatase TiO2 and P25, with both H2O and CH3OH as the proton sources. Among them, the OV‐C/TiO2‐600 offers the remarkable NH3 synthesis rates, which are 41.00 µmol g−1 h−1 (with H2O as the proton source) and 84.00 µmol g−1 h−1 (with CH3OH as the proton source). The photocurrent and fluorescence spectra show that OV‐C/TiO2‐600 exhibit the highest generation/separation rate and longest lifetime of photocarriers among all the prepared samples. ESR and TPD experiments confirm much more efficient chemisoption of N2 on the surface of the prepared OV‐C/TiO2‐600 than that on the surface of the commercial anatase TiO2. Moreover, DFT calculations further demonstrate that N2 conversion to NH3 through a Gibbs free energy release leading alternating pathway with a low energy barriers, on the oxygen vacancy on TiO2 surface.
Exploring the Mechanism of Peroxodisulfate Activation with Silver Metavanadate to Generate Abundant Reactive Oxygen Species
Authors: Singh Ajit Kumar , Hollmann Dirk , Schwarze Michael , Panda Chakadola , Singh Baghendra , Menezes Prashanth W. , Indra Arindam
Published: February 2021

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) containing sulfate and hydroxyl radicals can act as Fenton type reagents to remove organic contaminants from water. Here, a catalytic system silver metavanadate is reported for the activation of peroxodisulfate in an aqueous medium to generate ROS, which is further utilized for the efficient degradation of the water‐soluble pollutants such as phenols, pesticides, antibiotics, and organic dyes. Remarkably, complete carbon mineralization of the water‐soluble contaminants is achieved to form carbon dioxide as the major product. In‐situ electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) studies combined with ex‐situ methods reveal that a massive amount of hydroxyl radicals (•OH) are formed through sulfate radical anions (SO4•−) and act as the ROS for the organic pollutant degradation. In addition, the stability of the catalyst is monitored by various characterization techniques.
Sulfoglycodendrimer Therapeutics for HIV‐1 and SARS‐CoV‐2
Authors: Wells Lauren , Vierra Cory , Hardman Janee’ , Han Yanxiao , Dimas Dustin , Gwarada‐Phillips Lucia N. , Blackeye Rachel , Eggers Daryl K. , LaBranche Celia C. , Král Petr , McReynolds Katherine D.
Published: February 2021

Hexavalent sulfoglycodendrimers (SGDs) are synthesized as mimics of host cell heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) to inhibit the early stages in viral binding/entry of HIV‐1 and SARS‐CoV‐2. Using an HIV neutralization assay, the most promising of the seven candidates are found to have sub‐micromolar anti‐HIV activities. Molecular dynamics simulations are separately implemented to investigate how/where the SGDs interacted with both pathogens. The simulations revealed that the SGDs: 1) develop multivalent binding with polybasic regions within and outside of the V3 loop on glycoprotein 120 (gp120) for HIV‐1, and consecutively bind with multiple gp120 subunits, and 2) interact with basic amino acids in both the angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and HSPG binding regions of the Receptor Binding Domain (RBD) from SARS‐CoV‐2. These results illustrate the considerable potential of SGDs as inhibitors in viral binding/entry of both HIV‐1 and SARS‐CoV‐2 pathogens, leading the way for further development of this class of molecules as broad‐spectrum antiviral agents.
Object‐Oriented Lumped‐Parameter Modeling of the Cardiovascular System for Physiological and Pathophysiological Conditions
Authors: Rosalia Luca , Ozturk Caglar , Van Story David , Horvath Markus A. , Roche Ellen T.
Published: February 2021

In this work, a lumped‐parameter Windkessel model of the cardiovascular system that simulates biomechanical parameters of the human physiology is presented. The object‐oriented platform provided by the MATLAB‐based modeling environment SIMSCAPE is employed to compute blood pressures and flows in each heart chamber and at various sites of the vascular tree. The hydraulic domain allows the determination of cardiovascular hemodynamics intuitively from geometrical and mechanical properties of the system, while custom elements model the pumping action of the heart and the effects of respiration on blood flow. The model is validated by comparing predicted hemodynamics with normal physiology during both systole and diastole, demonstrating that changes in arterial pressures with breathing are consistent with reported physiological effects of cardiorespiratory coupling. The capabilities of this platform are explored through two exemplary case studies: i) pressure‐overload heart failure due to aortic constriction, validated in vitro and via finite element analysis, and ii) single‐ventricle Fontan physiology, validated in vitro and compared with the clinical literature. This platform provides a practical tool for the calculation of cardiovascular hemodynamics from hydraulic parameters, enabling the intuitive creation of in silico representations of complex circulatory loops, the planning and optimization of medical interventions, and the prediction of clinically relevant patient‐specific hemodynamics.
Modeling One‐ and Two‐Photon Excitation of 4′‐(Hydroxymethyl)‐4,5′,8‐trimethylpsoralen in Complex with DNA: Solving Electron Spill‐Out Problems in Polarizable QM/MM Calculations
Authors: Attia Amr A. A. , Reinholdt Peter , Kongsted Jacob
Published: February 2021

The polarizable embedding (PE) method is a fully self‐consistent fragment‐based QM/MM approach that uses advanced polarizable force fields and can be applied for various environments, including solvents and DNA. However, lack of proper electronic description of the MM environment can result in electron density leakage from the QM to the MM region, an effect known as electron spill‐out (ESO). ESO can be avoided by applying effective core potentials (ECPs) on MM atoms in PE (PE‐ECP) or by including repulsion operators to model the orthogonality between the two regions, as in the polarizable density embedding (PDE) approach. In this study, the one‐ and two‐photon absorptions of 4′‐(hydroxymethyl)‐4,5′,8‐trimethylpsoralen in complex with DNA and in aqueous solution are investigated. The effect of the missing non‐electrostatic repulsion of the MM region on result accuracy is showcased. While ESO errors are not readily visible for one‐photon absorption spectra, they become significant when computing two‐photon absorption, as more than one excited state is considered. Including ECPs on environment atoms sufficiently addresses the ESO problem, yielding correct structure for excited states. Comparisons with the more advanced PDE model show that PE‐ECP leads to qualitatively correct one‐ and two‐photon absorption spectra.
Bidimensional H‐Bond Network Promotes Structural Order and Electron Transport in BPyMPMs Molecular Semiconductor
Authors: De Nicola Antonio , Correa Andrea , Giunchi Andrea , Muccioli Luca , D'Avino Gabriele , Kido Junji , Milano Giuseppe
Published: February 2021

The presence of a hydrogen bond (H‐Bond) network has been proved to impact significantly the efficiency of organic light‐emitting diode (OLED) devices by promoting molecular orientation and structural anisotropy in thin films. The design of specific compounds to control H‐Bond network formation in an amorphous material, and hence to improve OLED performances, is needed. A successful example is given by the bi‐pyridyl‐based family n‐type of organic semiconductors named BPyMPM. The experimental evidences demonstrate a surprisingly higher electron mobility in thin film composed of 4,6‐bis(3,5‐di(pyridine‐4‐yl)phenyl)‐2‐methylpyrimidine (B4PyMPM (B4)), which is almost two order of magnitude higher than mobility measured for very similar member of the family, 4,6‐bis(3,5‐di(pyridine‐2‐yl)phenyl)‐2‐methylpyrimidine (B2PyMPM (B2)). Herein, a comprehensive computational study is presented, wherein classical and ab initio methods are combined, to investigate the 2D H‐Bond network in B4 and B2 thin films. The results indicate that B4 forms a larger number of intermolecular C‐H···N H‐Bonds that promote a higher orientational and positional order in B4 films, and superior electron transport properties.
Tailor‐Made Nanomaterials for Diagnosis and Therapy of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Hu Xi , Xia Fan , Lee Jiyoung , Li Fangyuan , Lu Xiaoyang , Zhuo Xiaozhen , Nie Guangjun , Ling Daishun
Published: February 2021

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the deadliest cancers worldwide due to its aggressiveness and the challenge to early diagnosis and treatment. In recent decades, nanomaterials have received increasing attention for diagnosis and therapy of PDAC. However, these designs are mainly focused on the macroscopic tumor therapeutic effect, while the crucial nano–bio interactions in the heterogeneous microenvironment of PDAC remain poorly understood. As a result, the majority of potent nanomedicines show limited performance in ameliorating PDAC in clinical translation. Therefore, exploiting the unique nature of the PDAC by detecting potential biomarkers together with a deep understanding of nano–bio interactions that occur in the tumor microenvironment is pivotal to the design of PDAC‐tailored effective nanomedicine. This review will introduce tailor‐made nanomaterials‐enabled laboratory tests and advanced noninvasive imaging technologies for early and accurate diagnosis of PDAC. Moreover, the fabrication of a myriad of tailor‐made nanomaterials for various PDAC therapeutic modalities will be reviewed. Furthermore, much preferred theranostic multifunctional nanomaterials for imaging‐guided therapies of PDAC will be elaborated. Lastly, the prospects of these nanomaterials in terms of clinical translation and potential breakthroughs will be briefly discussed.
Electrostatic Actuating Double‐Unit Electrocaloric Cooling Device with High Efficiency
Authors: Bo Yiwen , Zhang Quan , Cui Heng , Wang Mengyan , Zhang Chunyang , He Wen , Fan Xiangqian , Lv Yiwen , Fu Xiang , Liang Jiajie , Huang Yi , Ma Rujun , Chen Yongsheng
Published: February 2021

Compact solid‐state refrigeration systems that offer a high specific cooling power and a high coefficient of performance (COP) are desirable in a wide range of applications where efficient and localized heat transfer is required. Here, a double‐unit electrocaloric (EC) polymer‐based refrigeration device with high intrinsic thermodynamic efficiency is demonstrated using a flexible EC polymer film with improved performance by doping plasticizer and an electrostatic actuation mechanism. The double‐unit refrigeration device achieves a large temperature span of 4.8 K, which is 71% higher than that of the single‐unit device. A specific cooling power of 3.6 W g−1 and a maximum COP of 8.3 for the cooling device are produced. The surface temperature of a central processing unit (CPU) cooled by an active EC device is 22.4 K lower than that of the CPU cooled in air. The highly efficient and compact EC cooling device demonstrated here not only leapfrogs the performance of existing solid‐state cooling technologies, but also brings solid state cooling closer to reality for a variety of practical applications that require compact or mechanically flexible refrigeration.
Recent advances in novel aerogels through the hybrid aggregation of inorganic nanomaterials and polymeric fibers for thermal insulation
Authors: Liu Qiongzhen , Yan Kun , Chen Jiahui , Xia Ming , Li Mufang , Liu Ke , Wang Dong , Wu Changzheng , Xie Yi
Published: February 2021

Aerogel is a nanoporous solid material with ultrahigh porosity, ultralow density, and thermal conductivity, which is considered to be one of the most promising high‐performance insulation materials today. However, traditional pure inorganic aerogels (i.e., silica aerogel) exhibit inherent structural brittleness, making their processing and handling difficult, and their manufacturing costs are relatively high, which limits their large‐scale practical use. The recently developed aerogel based on polymer nanofibers has ultralow thermal conductivity and density, excellent elasticity, and designable multifunction. More importantly, one‐dimensional polymer nanofibers are directly used as building blocks to construct the network of aerogels via a gelation‐free process. This greatly simplifies the aerogel preparation process, thereby bringing opportunities for large‐scale aerogel applications. The aggregation of inorganic nanomaterials and polymer nanofibers is considered to be a very attractive strategy for obtaining highly flexible, easily available, and multifunctional composite aerogels. Therefore, this review summarizes the recent advances in novel aerogels through the hybrid aggregation of inorganic nanomaterials and polymeric fibers for thermal insulation. The main processing routes, porous microstructure, mechanical properties, and thermal properties and applications of these aerogels are highlighted. In addition, various future challenges faced by these aerogels in thermal insulation applications are discussed in this review.
Most recent advances on enzyme‐activatable optical probes for bioimaging
Authors: Mei Ju , Tian He
Published: February 2021

Enzymes are essential biological elements that play vital roles in many key cellular events and physiological processes. The dysregulation of enzyme activity broadly occurs in a large number of diseases ranging from inflammation to neurodegenerative disorders to tumors. Molecular imaging allows accurate and noninvasive visualization of biological analytes/physiological processes of interest closely linked to human health at different levels. Among various imaging modalities, optical imaging stands out benefited from its high sensitivity, excellent spatiotemporal resolution, real‐time mode, and facile accessibility. Diverse optical probes specifically activatable by disease‐relevant enzymes have sprung up. In comparison to the “always‐on” counterparts, the “off‐on” imaging probes activated by enzymes hold great promise for precise diagnosis of diseases at early stage with high target‐to‐background ratio, dramatically improved specificity, and significantly enhanced sensitivity. Herein, the most recent advances in optical probes activatable by enzymes for biosensing and bioimaging are briefly reviewed emphasizing their molecular design, working mechanism, and biomedical applications. Besides, some important prospects and the current challenges to fully implement the potential of enzyme‐activatable probes for precise and efficient theranostics in life science are also pointed out to hopefully arouse new insights into the development of new generation of theranostics.
Recent advances in AIEgen‐based crystalline porous materials for chemical sensing
Authors: Liu Yaozu , Guan Xinyu , Fang Qianrong
Published: February 2021

Aggregation‐induced emission‐based luminogens (AIEgens) have aroused enormous interest due to their unique high fluorescence in a condensed state. To further explore their potential applications, such as chemical monitoring, immobilization of AIE molecules has been widely studied with a variety of supports. Crystalline porous materials, such as metal‐organic frameworks, covalent organic frameworks, hydrogen‐bonded organic framework, and organic cages, demonstrate well‐controlled structures, large surface areas, and promising stabilities, thus providing a perfect platform for AIE agents loading. Outstanding chemical sensing performances are achieved based on these AIE‐active crystalline porous materials, such as high sensitivity, short response time, selective identification, and high recyclability, which provide a new alternative to readily detect various hazardous molecules. Furthermore, precise structures of AIEgen‐based crystalline porous materials offer an easy way to investigate detection mechanisms. This mini‐review will provide a brief overview of AIEgen‐based crystalline porous materials for detection and then address how to improve sensing performances remarkably.
Progress in aggregation‐induced emission‐active fluorescent polymeric hydrogels
Authors: Lu Wei , Wei Shuxin , Shi Huihui , Le Xiaoxia , Yin Guangqiang , Chen Tao
Published: February 2021

Aggregation‐induced emission (AIE)‐active fluorescent polymeric hydrogels (FPHs) are the marriage of AIE‐active materials and polymeric hydrogels. Different from the widely studied AIE‐active materials that are primarily used in solution or dry solid state, they feature a three‐dimensional crosslinked polymer network that can absorb water without dissolving. Consequently, they are known to bear many advantageous properties such as soft wet nature, tissue‐like mechanical strength, biocompatibility, biomimetic self‐healing feature, facilely tailored structure, as well as responsive fluorescence and volume/shape changes, thus representing a promising category of luminescent materials with many frontier uses. This Review is intended to give a systematic summary of the recent progress in this young but flourishing research area, with particular focus on their design and preparation. Current challenges and future outlooks in this field are also discussed in order to attract new interests and inspire more efforts.
Human–Machine Collaboration for Automated Driving Using an Intelligent Two‐Phase Haptic Interface
Authors: Lv Chen , Li Yutong , Xing Yang , Huang Chao , Cao Dongpu , Zhao Yifan , Liu Yahui
Published: February 2021

Prior to realizing fully autonomous driving, human intervention is periodically required to guarantee vehicle safety. This poses a new challenge in human–machine interaction, particularly during the control authority transition from automated functionality to a human driver. Herein, this challenge is addressed by proposing an intelligent haptic interface based on a newly developed two‐phase human–machine interaction model. The intelligent haptic torque is applied to the steering wheel and switches its functionality between predictive guidance and haptic assistance according to the varying state and control ability of human drivers. This helps drivers gradually resume manual control during takeover. The developed approach is validated by conducting vehicle experiments with 26 participants. The results suggest that the proposed method effectively enhances the driving state recovery and control performance of human drivers during takeover compared with an existing approach. Thus, this new method further improves the safety and smoothness of human–machine interaction in automated vehicles.
A phenotypically diverse family with an atypical 22q11.2 deletion due to an unbalanced 18q23;22q11.2 translocation
Authors: Peter Beate , Scherer Nancy , Liang Winnie S. , Pophal Stephen , Nielsen Colby , Grebe Theresa A.
Published: February 2021

The 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2 DS) is the most common deletion syndrome in humans. In most cases, it occurs de novo. A rare family of three with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2 DS) resulting from an unbalanced 18q;22q translocation is reported here. Their deletion region is atypical in that it includes only 26 of the 36 genes in the minimal critical 22q11.2 DS region but it involves the loss of the centromeric 22q region and the entire p arm. The deletion region overlaps with seven other rare atypical cases; common to all cases was the loss of a region including SEPT5‐GP1BB proximally and most of ARVCF distally. Interrogation of the deleted 22q region proximal to the canonical 22q11.2 deletion region in the DECIPHER database showed seven cases with isolated or combined traits of 22q11.2 DS, including three with clefts. The phenotypes in the present family thus may result from the loss of a subset of genes in the critical region, or alternatively the loss of other genes or sequences in the proximal 22q deletion region, or interactive effects among these. Despite the identical deletion locus in the three affected family members, expression of the 22q11.2 DS traits differed substantially among them. These three related cases thus contribute to knowledge of 22q11.2 DS in that their unusual deletion locus co‐occurred with the cardinal features of the syndrome while their identical deletions are associated with variable phenotypic expression.
Increasing the resolution and precision of psychiatric genome‐wide association studies by re‐imputing summary statistics using a large, diverse reference panel
Authors: Chatzinakos Chris , Lee Donghyung , Cai Na , Vladimirov Vladimir I. , Webb Bradley T. , Riley Brien P. , Flint Jonathan , Kendler Kenneth S. , Ressler Kerry J. , Daskalakis Nikolaos P. , Bacanu Silviu‐Alin
Published: February 2021

Genotype imputation across populations of mixed ancestry is critical for optimal discovery in large‐scale genome‐wide association studies (GWAS). Methods for direct imputation of GWAS summary‐statistics were previously shown to be practically as accurate as summary statistics produced after raw genotype imputation, while incurring orders of magnitude lower computational burden. Given that direct imputation needs a precise estimation of linkage‐disequilibrium (LD) and that most of the methods using a small reference panel for example, ~2,500‐subject coming from the 1000 Genome‐Project, there is a great need for much larger and more diverse reference panels. To accurately estimate the LD needed for an exhaustive analysis of any cosmopolitan cohort, we developed DISTMIX2. DISTMIX2: (a) uses a much larger and more diverse reference panel compared to traditional reference panels, and (b) can estimate weights of ethnic‐mixture based solely on Z‐scores, when allele frequencies are not available. We applied DISTMIX2 to GWAS summary‐statistics from the psychiatric genetic consortium (PGC). DISTMIX2 uncovered signals in numerous new regions, with most of these findings coming from the rarer variants. Rarer variants provide much sharper location for the signals compared with common variants, as the LD for rare variants extends over a lower distance than for common ones. For example, while the original PGC post‐traumatic stress disorder GWAS found only 3 marginal signals for common variants, we now uncover a very strong signal for a rare variant in PKN2, a gene associated with neuronal and hippocampal development. Thus, DISTMIX2 provides a robust and fast (re)imputation approach for most psychiatric GWAS‐studies.
Topical tretinoin in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Antonio Marcelo Augusto , Marson Fernando Augusto Lima , Toro Mariana Dalbo Contrera , Sampaio Marcelo Hamilton , Barreto Icleia Siqueira , Dertkigil Sérgio San Juan , Sakuma Emerson Taro Inoue , Guadagnini Dioze , Sakano Eulalia
Published: February 2021

Background

Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is usually treated with corticosteroids, given their anti‐inflammatory effects. Unlike the nasal administration, the oral and ocular use of tretinoin, an immunoregulatory drug, is well established. Therefore, tretinoin was thought to act on nasal polyps, and possible adverse and/or therapeutic effects were investigated.

Methods

A first‐in‐human open‐label trial was conducted enrolling patients with CRSwNP randomized into: a control group (CTR, n = 15), treated with budesonide for 24 weeks; and an intervention group (TRT, n = 15), who received budesonide and 0.1% tretinoin in the last 12 weeks. Primary endpoint included histopathological analysis and tissue immunoassay (Multiplex) for tumor necrosis factor α (TNF‐α), interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐4, IL‐5, IL‐13, and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP‐9) at 12 and 24 weeks. Secondary endpoints were: adverse events report, endoscopy (modified Lund‐Kennedy scoring system [LKS]), quality of life (22‐item Sino‐Nasal Outcome Test [SNOT‐22]), and olfactory test (Connecticut Chemosensory Clinical Research Center) at baseline, at 12 weeks, and at 24 weeks, in addition to serum biochemistry and tomographic findings (Lund‐Mackay computed tomography [CT] staging system [LMS]) at baseline and 24 weeks.

Results

TRT showed less microscopic edema (2/13 [15.4%] vs 8/13 [61.5%]; p = 0.044) as well as no increase in cytokines levels. All adverse events were categorized as “grade 1” (asymptomatic; mild). The most interesting part of this study was the improvement in smell between baseline (T0) and week 24 (T2) in TRT only (p = 0.041).

Conclusion

Transnasal tretinoin associated with budesonide was safe and well tolerated, and it should be investigated as a treatment option for some CRSwNP endotypes. ©2021 ARSAAOA, LLC.
MRI‐assessed locus coeruleus integrity is heritable and associated with multiple cognitive domains, mild cognitive impairment, and daytime dysfunction
Authors: Elman Jeremy A. , Puckett Olivia K. , Beck Asad , Fennema‐Notestine Christine , Cross Latonya K. , Dale Anders M. , Eglit Graham M. L. , Eyler Lisa T. , Gillespie Nathan A. , Granholm Eric L. , Gustavson Daniel E. , Hagler Donald J. , Hatton Sean N. , Hauger Richard , Jak Amy J. , Logue Mark W. , McEvoy Linda K. , McKenzie Ruth E. , Neale Michael C. , Panizzon Matthew S. , Reynolds Chandra A. , Sanderson‐Cimino Mark , Toomey Rosemary , Tu Xin M. , Whitsel Nathan , Williams McKenna E. , Xian Hong , Lyons Michael J. , Franz Carol E. , Kremen William S.
Published: February 2021

Introduction

The locus coeruleus (LC) undergoes extensive neurodegeneration in early Alzheimer's disease (AD). The LC is implicated in regulating the sleep–wake cycle, modulating cognitive function, and AD progression.

Methods

Participants were 481 men (ages 62 to 71.7) from the Vietnam Era Twin Study of Aging. LC structural integrity was indexed by neuromelanin‐sensitive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast‐to‐noise ratio (LCCNR). We examined LCCNR, cognition, amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI), and daytime dysfunction.

Results

Heritability of LCCNR was .48. Participants with aMCI showed greater daytime dysfunction. Lower LCCNR was associated with poorer episodic memory, general verbal fluency, semantic fluency, and processing speed, as well as increased odds of aMCI and greater daytime dysfunction.

Discussion

Reduced LC integrity is associated with widespread differences across cognitive domains, daytime sleep‐related dysfunction, and risk for aMCI. These findings in late‐middle‐aged adults highlight the potential of MRI‐based measures of LC integrity in early identification of AD risk.
TOMM40‐APOE haplotypes are associated with cognitive decline in non‐demented Blacks
Authors: Deters Kacie D. , Mormino Elizabeth C. , Yu Lei , Lutz Michael W. , Bennett David A. , Barnes Lisa L.
Published: February 2021

Introduction

The goal was to investigate effects of APOE‐TOMM40‐‘523 haplotypes on cognitive decline in non‐demented non‐Hispanic Blacks (NHB), and determine whether effects differ from non‐Hispanic Whites (NHW).

Methods

The impact of zero to two copies of the ’523‐Short variant (S; poly‐T alleles < 20) within apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotype on a composite measure of global cognition and five domains was examined.

Results

In NHB with ε3/ε3 (N = 294), ‘523‐S/S was associated with faster decline in global cognition (β = –0.048, P = 0.017), episodic memory (β = –0.05, P = 0.031), and visuospatial ability (β = ‐0.037, P = 0.034) relative to those without ‘523‐S. For NHB ε4+ (N = 182), ‘523‐S/S had slower decline in global cognition (β = 0.047, P = 0.042) and visuospatial ability (β = 0.07, P = 0.0005) relative to ‘523‐S non‐carriers. NHB ε4+ with ‘523‐S also had a slower rate of decline than NHWs ε4+ with ‘523‐S.

Discussion

‘523‐S/S has a different effect on cognitive decline among NHB dependent on APOE allele. Differences in the effect of ε4‐‘523‐S in NHB may explain prior mixed findings on ε4 and decline in this population.
Plasma p‐tau181, p‐tau217, and other blood‐based Alzheimer's disease biomarkers in a multi‐ethnic, community study
Authors: Brickman Adam M. , Manly Jennifer J. , Honig Lawrence S. , Sanchez Danurys , Reyes‐Dumeyer Dolly , Lantigua Rafael A. , Lao Patrick J. , Stern Yaakov , Vonsattel Jean Paul , Teich Andrew F. , Airey David C. , Proctor Nicholas Kyle , Dage Jeffrey L. , Mayeux Richard
Published: February 2021

Introduction

Blood‐based Alzheimer's disease (AD) biomarkers provide opportunities for community studies and across ethnic groups. We investigated blood biomarker concentrations in the Washington Heights‐Inwood Columbia Aging Project (WHICAP), a multi‐ethnic community study of aging and dementia.

Methods

We measured plasma amyloid beta (Aβ)40, Aβ42, total tau (t‐tau), phosphorylated tau (p‐tau)181, and p‐tau217, and neurofilament light chain (NfL) in 113 autopsied participants (29% with high AD neuropathological changes) and in 300 clinically evaluated individuals (42% with clinical AD). Receiver operating characteristics were used to evaluate each biomarker. We also investigated biomarkers as predictors of incident clinical AD.

Results

P‐tau181, p‐tau217, and NfL concentrations were elevated in pathologically and clinically diagnosed AD. Decreased Aβ42/Aβ40 ratio and increased p‐tau217 and p‐tau181 were associated with subsequent AD diagnosis.

Discussion

Blood‐based AD biomarker concentrations are associated with pathological and clinical diagnoses and can predict future development of clinical AD, providing evidence that they can be incorporated into multi‐ethnic, community‐based studies.
Leucine Zipper 4 Autoantibody: A Novel Germ Cell Tumor and Paraneoplastic Biomarker
Authors: Dubey Divyanshu , Kryzer Thomas , Guo Yong , Clarkson Benjamin , Cheville John C. , Costello Brian A. , Leibovich Bradley C. , Algeciras‐Schimnich Alicia , Lucchinnetti Claudia , Hammami M. Bakri , Knight Andrew M. , Howe Charles , Lennon Vanda A. , McKeon Andrew , Pittock Sean J.
Published: February 2021

Objective

This study was undertaken to describe a novel biomarker of germ cell tumor and associated paraneoplastic neurological syndrome (PNS).

Methods

Archival sera from patients with germ cell tumor–associated PNS were evaluated. We identified a common autoantigen in a human testicular cancer cell line (TCam‐2) by Western blot and mass spectrometry. Its identity was confirmed by recombinant‐protein Western blot, enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and cell‐based assay. Autoantibody specificity was confirmed by analyzing assorted control sera/cerebrospinal fluid.

Results

Leucine zipper 4 (LUZP4)–immunoglobulin G (IgG) was detected in 28 patients' sera, 26 of whom (93%) were men. The median age at neurological symptom onset was 45 years (range = 28–84). Median titer (ELISA) was 1:300 (1:50 to >1:6,400, normal value < 1:50). Coexistent kelchlike protein 11–IgG was identified in 18 cases (64%). The most common presenting phenotype was rhombencephalitis (17/28, 61%). Other presentations included limbic encephalitis (n = 5, 18%), seizures and/or encephalitis (n = 2, 7%), and motor neuronopathy/polyradiculopathy (n = 4, 14%). The most common malignancy among cancer‐evaluated PNS patients was seminoma (21/27, 78%). Nine of the 21 seminomas detected by whole‐body fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography scan (43%) were extratesticular. Both female patients had ovarian teratoma. Regressed testicular germ cell tumors were found in 4 patients. Exposure of T‐cell–dendritic‐cell cocultures from chronic immunosuppression‐naïve LUZP4‐IgG–seropositive patients to recombinant LUZP4 protein evoked a marked increase in CD69 expression on both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells when compared to vehicle‐exposed and healthy control cultures.

Interpretation

LUZP4‐IgG represents a novel serological biomarker of PNS and has high predictive value for germ cell tumors. The demonstrated antigen‐specific T‐cell responses support a CD8+ T‐cell–mediated cytotoxic paraneoplastic and antitumor potential. ANN NEUROL 2021;89:1001–1010
Green synthesis and characterization of poly(glycerol‐azelaic acid) and its nanocomposites for applications in regenerative medicine
Authors: Hosseini Chenani Fatemeh , Rezaei Vahid Faghihi , Fakhri Vafa , Wurm Frederik R. , Uzun Lokman , Goodarzi Vahabodin
Published: February 2021

A series of novel bio‐polyester nanocomposites based on glycerin and azelaic acid as monomers incorporating hydroxyapatite (HA) nanoparticles were fabricated via in situ polymerization method. Chemical structure of the samples was investigated by 1H‐NMR, 13C‐NMR, and Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Energy dispersive X‐ray‐mapping analysis illustrated that the nanoparticles were well dispersed in the poly (glycerol azelaic acid) (PGAZ) matrix. Viscoelastic properties of the samples under various frequencies were examined in which the PGAZ specimen containing 1.0 wt% of HA nanoparticles (PGAZH1.0) exhibited superlative properties. Furthermore, the alterations in the glass transition temperature of the samples were comprehensively discussed. Thermal gravimetric analysis displayed that nanocomposites generally have a difference in degradation patterns from that of the pristine sample. Dynamic contact angle demonstrated that the presence of HA nanoparticles imposed a significant influence on hydrophilicity. The hydrolytic degradation values at pH = 7 and pH = 11 were measured and determined that the degradation rate for the PGAZ sample containing 1.5 wt% HA (PGAZH1.5) was higher than those of the other samples. Moreover, in vitro studies elucidated that cell attachment on PGAZH1.0 and PAZH1.5 surfaces were acceptable.
Preparation and performance evaluation of hydrophobically associating polymer anti‐water channeling agent for oil well cement
Authors: Feng Qian , Yang Xiong , Peng Zhigang , Zheng Yong , Liu Huan
Published: February 2021

The channeling resistance of cement slurry is one of the critical factors related to cementing quality, especially in the cementing of adjustment well. Due to the complex pressure layer and large pressure fluctuation, the annular channeling problem is easily caused by water invasion. Using 2‐acrylamide‐2‐methyl propane sulfonic acid (AMPS), acrylamide (AM), maleic anhydride (MA), acrylic ester 18(St) as raw materials, we prepared a hydrophobic associative polymer (SMAL) by free radical micellar polymerization. The synthetic products were characterized by IR, NMR, and SEM, and the evaluated engineering application performance. The results showed that SMAL achieved the expected synthesis purpose. Compared with the water channeling pressure of 0.1 Mpa for blank cement slurry, the water channeling pressure of SMAL cement slurry reaches 5.3 Mpa, which significantly improves the anti‐water channeling ability of cement slurry. After adding SMAL, the 14d flexural strength of cement stone was also increased from 7.7 to 8.3 MPa, which had no adverse effect on cement slurry's rheological property.
Glycerol polymerization degree effect on the emulsifying properties of polyglycerol esters
Authors: Díaz‐Lasprilla Ana M. , Mercado Ronald A. , Ramírez‐Caballero Gustavo E.
Published: February 2021

Polymeric emulsifiers based on glycerol and oleic acid were developed and their properties evaluated in palm oil and water solutions. Developed polymeric emulsifiers were polyglycerol‐esters. Polymerization degree of polyglycerol‐esters at different dosages (from 0.2 to 3% w/v) had a significant effect over emulsion stability, water surface tension, droplet size, and viscosity. Polyglycerol‐ester with highest polymerization degree behaved more efficiently as emulsifier. A dosage of 0.5% w/v was required to maintain emulsion stability for a half‐life period of 872 min (~14.5 h); which, is 5.6 and 3.6‐fold longer stability than with the other two polyglycerol‐esters developed. When dosage increased to 3% w/v, the emulsion stability also increased to 3792 min (~2.6 days). Nevertheless, surfactants with lower polymerization degree and molecular weight did not behave the same way. Emulsifier with highest polymerization degree reduced water surface tension by 70% and the mean particle diameter decreased when emulsifier polymerization degree increased. For the viscosity parameter, there were two interesting regions: for shear rates up to 1 s−1 the emulsion behaved as Non‐Newtonian fluid type Shear‐thinning; while, higher shear rates, the viscosity exhibited a Newtonian profile.
Optical and thermal properties of commercial polymer film, modeling the albedo effect
Authors: Mohan Saeed D. , Davis Fred J. , Badiee Amir , Hadley Paul , Twitchen Carrie‐Anne , Pearson Simon , Gargan Ken
Published: February 2021

Greenhouse cladding materials are an important part of greenhouse design. The cladding material controls the light transmission and distribution over the plants within the greenhouse, thereby exerting a major influence on the overall yield. Greenhouse claddings are typically translucent materials offering more diffusive transmission than reflection; however, the reflective properties of the films offer a potential route to increasing the surface albedo of the local environment. We model thermal properties by modeling the films based on their optical transmissions and reflections. We can use this data to estimate their albedo and determine the amount of short wave radiation that will be transmitted/reflected/blocked by the materials and how it can influence the local environment.
Intelligent sustained‐release microgel for reduced permeability of fluid channels: Synthesis and properties
Authors: Yu Qin , Song Kaoping , Cai Jiangchao , Li Jihang , Gao Tenglong
Published: February 2021

Polymer microspheres as fluid diverting agents have been applied for profile control in deep reservoirs. However, its reservoir adaptability strictly requires the matching between the particle size and the pore radius, which are hard to realize due to uncertainty of pore radius caused by long‐term water flooding. That behavior has severely reduced their plugging performance to the large channel. The objective of this study was to prepare a kind of intelligent sustained‐release microgel to solve the problem, which could slowly release of sodium silicate during migration, form the larger aggregates and plug high permeability reaching deep reservoir. We developed a novel blocking agent, which is an amphoteric microgel (OICMS) synthesized by light‐initiated polymerization followed by the adsorption of a sodium silicate solution. The microgel properties, including the adsorption and release properties of a sodium silicate solution, and its influencing factors were investigated. The results showed that the OICMS had larger adsorption and release ratio of sodium silicate than conventional polymer microspheres, influenced by the ionic degree, molecular weight, amount of pore‐forming agent, and cross‐linking density.