bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanically Robust and Highly Conductive Ionogels for Soft Ionotronics
Authors: Zhang Manwen , Yu Ran , Tao Xinglin , He Yangyang , Li Xinpan , Tian Feng , Chen Xiangyu , Huang Wei
Published: December 2022

Ionogels are promising materials for flexible electronics due to their continuous conductive phase, high thermal and chemical stability. However, a large amount of ionic liquid is required to get high conductivity, resulting in a sharp decline in the mechanical properties. Therefore, it is a great challenge to prepare ionogels with both high conductivity and mechanical properties, which is important for their practical applications. Herein, ionogels with high mechanical strength and stretchability, extraordinary ionic conductivity, excellent transparency, outstanding durability, and stability are fabricated with crosslinked polymer, ionic liquid, and lithium salt. The adoption of lithium salt can significantly improve both the mechanical strength and stretchability, which is a common dilemma in material science, and simultaneously, address the conflict between mechanical strength and ionic conductivity in ionogels. It is primarily corresponding to the microphase‐separation effects induced by the lithium bonds formed between lithium ions and carbonyl groups on the polymer networks. Ionotronics including resistance‐type sensors for strain and temperature sensing and triboelectric nanogenerators with stable output performance are fabricated. Moreover, ionogel‐based microcircuit and sensing arrays with high resolution and accuracy are fabricated through digital light processing printing technology. The ionogels have great promise for various ionotronics in many fields.
Modulating Charge Transport from Thermally Activated to “Band‐Like” Through Interfacial Bottom‐Up Binding Capability of Bilayer Polymer Dielectrics
Authors: Zheng Yingshuang , Lin Hongzhen , Jiang Ting , Zhu Dongyang , Qi Shengli , Li Wei , Li Liqiang , Ji Deyang , Hu Wenping
Published: December 2022

The disordered chain arrangement of polymer dielectrics has complex both internal and external effects on system performance, which generally stimulates the weak acquisition and grain boundaries of vapor‐deposited organic small molecule films (VDOSMFs) with thermally activated charge transport. As a result, achieving “band‐like” transmission of VDOSMs on polymer dielectrics is attempting to prove to be a major challenge. Three types of bi‐polymer dielectrics are developed to modulate charge transport from thermally activated mode to “band‐like” transport at the interfacial level. The bottom consisting of a polyimide layer is critical to interfacial modulation, which shows the selectively binding capability with up‐dielectric layers to realize the modulation of charge transport, as corroborated by interface characterization and density functional‐based tight‐binding calculation. The findings provide an effective strategy for modulating the charge transport through polymer dielectric engineering and also recommend a podium to further comprehend the electrical characteristics of small molecules in organic thin‐film transistors.
Piezoelectric Sensors Operating at Very High Temperatures and in Extreme Environments Made of Flexible Ultrawide‐Bandgap Single‐Crystalline AlN Thin Films
Authors: Kim Nam‐In , Yarali Miad , Moradnia Mina , Aqib Muhammad , Liao Che‐Hao , AlQatari Feras , Nong Mingtao , Li Xiaohang , Ryou Jae‐Hyun
Published: December 2022

Extreme environments are often faced in energy, transportation, aerospace, and defense applications and pose a technical challenge in sensing. Piezoelectric sensor based on single‐crystalline AlN transducers is developed to address this challenge. The pressure sensor shows high sensitivities of 0.4–0.5 mV per psi up to 900 °C and output voltages from 73.3 to 143.2 mV for input gas pressure range of 50 to 200 psi at 800 °C. The sensitivity and output voltage also exhibit the dependence on temperature due to two origins. A decrease in elastic modulus (Young's modulus) of the diaphragm slightly enhances the sensitivity and the generation of free carriers degrades the voltage output beyond 800 °C, which also matches with theoretical estimation. The performance characteristics of the sensor are also compared with polycrystalline AlN and single‐crystalline GaN thin films to investigate the importance of single crystallinity on the piezoelectric effect and bandgap energy‐related free carrier generation in piezoelectric devices for high‐temperature operation. The operation of the sensor at 900 °C is amongst the highest for pressure sensors and the inherent properties of AlN including chemical and thermal stability and radiation resistance indicate this approach offers a new solution for sensing in extreme environments.
Engineering Lipid Spherulites for the Sustained Release of Highly Dosed Small Hydrophilic Compounds
Authors: Montanari Elita , Krupke Hanna , Leroux Jean‐Christophe
Published: December 2022

Currently, there is a lack of parenteral sustained release formulations for the delivery of highly dosed small hydrophilic drugs. Therefore, parenteral lipid spherulites are engineered capable of entrapping large amounts of such compounds and spontaneously releasing them in a sustained fashion. A library of spherulites is prepared with a simple green process, using phosphatidylcholine (PC) and/or phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), nonionic surfactants and water. The vesicle formulations exhibiting appropriate size distribution and morphology are selected and loaded with 4,6‐di‐O‐(methoxy‐diethyleneglycol)‐myo‐inositol‐1,2,3,5‐tetrakis(phosphate), ((OEG2)2‐IP4), an inositol phosphate derivative currently under clinical evaluation for the treatment of aortic valve stenosis. The loading efficiency of spherulites is up to 12.5‐fold higher than that of liposomes produced with the same materials. While the PC‐containing vesicles showed high stability, the PE spherulites gradually lost their multilayer organization upon dilution, triggering the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) release over time. In vitro experiments and pharmacokinetic studies in rats demonstrated the ability of PE spherulites to increase the systemic exposure of (OEG2)2‐IP4 up to 3.1‐fold after subcutaneous injection, and to completely release their payload within 3–4 d. In conclusion, PE spherulites represent a promising lipid platform for the extravascular parenteral administration of highly dosed small hydrophilic drugs.
Utilizing 4D Printing to Design Smart Gastroretentive, Esophageal, and Intravesical Drug Delivery Systems
Authors: Mahmoud Dina B. , Schulz‐Siegmund Michaela
Published: December 2022

The breakthrough of 3D printing in biomedical research has paved the way for the next evolutionary step referred to as four dimensional (4D) printing. This new concept utilizes the time as the fourth dimension in addition to the x, y, and z axes with the idea to change the configuration of a printed construct with time usually in response to an external stimulus. This can be attained through the incorporation of smart materials or through a preset smart design. The 4D printed constructs may be designed to exhibit expandability, flexibility, self‐folding, self‐repair or deformability. This review focuses on 4D printed devices for gastroretentive, esophageal, and intravesical delivery. The currently unmet needs and challenges for these application sites are tried to be defined and reported on published solution concepts involving 4D printing. In addition, other promising application sites that may similarly benefit from 4D printing approaches such as tracheal and intrauterine drug delivery are proposed.
Unlocking the Full Potential of Electron‐Acceptor Molecules for Efficient and Stable Hole Injection
Authors: Oono Taku , Okada Takuya , Sasaki Tsubasa , Inagaki Kaito , Ushiku Takuma , Shimizu Takahisa , Hatakeyama Takuji , Fukagawa Hirohiko
Published: December 2022

Understanding the hole‐injection mechanism and improving the hole‐injection property are of pivotal importance in the future development of organic optoelectronic devices. Electron‐acceptor molecules with high electron affinity (EA) are widely used in electronic applications, such as hole injection and p‐doping. Although p‐doping has generally been studied in terms of matching the ionization energy (IE) of organic semiconductors with the EA of acceptor molecules, little is known about the effect of the EA of acceptor molecules on the hole‐injection property. In this work, the hole‐injection mechanism in devices is completely clarified, and a strategy to optimize the hole‐injection property of the acceptor molecule is developed. Efficient and stable hole injection is found to be possible even into materials with IEs as high as 5.8 eV by controlling the charged state of an acceptor molecule with an EA of about 5.0 eV. This excellent hole‐injection property enables direct hole injection into an emitting layer, realizing a pure blue organic light‐emitting diode with an extraordinarily low turn‐on voltage of 2.67 V, a power efficiency of 29 lm W−1, an external quantum efficiency of 28% and a Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage y coordinate of less than 0.10.
All Organic Aqueous Processable Piezo‐Phototronic Ink for Strain Modulated Photoresponse
Authors: Mishra Hari Krishna , Gill Arshdeep Kaur , Gupta Varun , Malik Pinki , Sinha Tridib Kumar , Patra Debabrata , Mandal Dipankar
Published: December 2022

In this study, poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) nanoparticles (NPs) are fabricated with the preferred electroactive δ‐phase due to the interfacial crystallization at the ternary phase system, i.e., PVDF‐DMF‐water at ambient conditions. Further, the surfaces of PVDF NPs are modified with in situ copolymerized polydopamine‐polyethylenimine (PDA‐PEI) to ensure the well dispersion of poorly dispersive PVDF NPs in water. The piezoresponse force microscopy (PFM) confirms the piezo‐ and ferro‐electric capabilities of PDA‐PEI coated PVDF NPs (i.e., PVDF@f Ink) with an associated phase reversal of Δϕ ≈ 180° upon the application of a very low DC bias voltage that indicates their applicability in low power devices. Additionally, fabricated flexible piezoelectric nanogenerator (f‐PNG) with PVDF@f Ink shows a promising electrical output as a mechanical energy harvester. It also promises the physiological signals detection abilities due to superior mechanoacoustic behavior. Furthermore, f‐PNG has shown excellent photo‐detection and piezo‐phototronic properties. The fast photoresponse of 0.43 s, responsivity of 24 µA W−1, and specific detectivity ≈1.4 × 1010 Jones, promises the ideal choice for the optoelectronic devices. Thus, it is expected that the PDA‐PEI coated δ‐phase comprising PVDF NPs can be utilized as a piezoelectric ink for flexible optoelectronic devices.
4D Printing of Supramolecular Liquid Crystal Elastomer Actuators Fueled by Light
Authors: Lugger Sean J. D. , Ceamanos Lorena , Mulder Dirk J. , Sánchez‐Somolinos Carlos , Schenning Albert P. H. J.
Published: December 2022

Recent years have seen major advances in the additive manufacturing of stimuli‐responsive materials, also known as “4D printing,” among which liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) play an important role. However, during fabrication photo‐crosslinking of the LCEs is required, but this step is time‐consuming and efficient polymerization is challenging, especially in the case of light‐responsive materials. In this work, the first light‐fueled supramolecular LCEs suitable for the direct ink writing (DIW) of soft actuators are synthesized in which a photopolymerization step is not needed. With the responsive supramolecular material, 3D‐printed objects are fabricated by exploiting the thermoreversible interplay of the hydrogen‐bonding physical cross‐links. After printing, the supramolecular LCE shows reversible shape changes in response to light and is capable of bending and lifting a load. Through the combined photothermal and photochemical contributions of the incorporated azobenzene, the actuators can be triggered both in air and water. The freedom provided by DIW allows for the printing of complex responsive objects, as demonstrated by fabricating re‐entrant honeycomb and spiral director structures. This approach of printing light‐responsive supramolecular soft actuators opens avenues toward the application of “smart” and sustainable materials for additive manufacturing without the requirement of photo‐crosslinking.
Effects of Microwave‐Assisted Cross‐Linking on the Creep Resistance and Sensing Accuracy of a Coaxial‐Structured Fiber Strain Sensor
Authors: On Seung Yoon , Park Seong Yeon , Chung Yong Sik , Kim Seong Su
Published: December 2022

Nanocomposites have been widely studied for sensor applications because of their high design flexibility. However, the creep behavior of polymeric materials is a crucial issue of nanocomposite‐based strain sensors in terms of sensing accuracy in high‐temperature environments, which acts as a bottleneck for the use of nanocomposites in embedded type sensors for monitoring the curing reactions and structural health of composite. Herein, we suggest a microwave‐assisted cross‐linking method for enhancing the reliability of polymer‐based coaxial‐structured fiber strain sensors in high temperatures. A dry‐jet wet‐spun ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene core fiber with a microwave post‐treatment in a peroxide bath provided superior strength (2.1 GPa), modulus (69 GPa), and enhanced creep resistance (>94%). By using a creep resistance‐enhanced core fiber, coaxial‐structured fiber strain sensors, which have multi‐layer structured shell parts, could be fabricated via the simple dip‐coating method. The fabricated coaxial‐structured fiber strain sensor showed a high gauge factor (4.12 with strain range of 0%–1%), a low‐temperature sensitivity coefficient (−6.5 × 10−4), and an improved sensing accuracy (<3% error at 80 °C) in high‐temperature environments. From these results, it can be confirmed that the microwave‐assisted cross‐linking method is very promising for use in nanocomposite‐based strain sensors for various application fields.
Degradation of Lignosulfonate to Vanillic Acid Using Ferrate
Authors: Klein Jana , Kupec Robin , Stöckl Markus , Waldvogel Siegfried R.
Published: December 2022

A new method is presented using electrochemically generated ferrate to degrade the technically relevant bio‐based side‐stream products, lignin and lignosulfonate. An exclusive degradation to vanillic acid is found, which was previously a reported by‐product. As a natural resource, lignin can be utilized to substitute fossil‐based chemicals in the industry to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and positively impact climate change. Ferrate is generated from grey cast iron sacrificial anodes in 40 wt% NaOH with a current efficiency of over 22% at a current density of up to 100 mA cm−2. Vanillic acid is obtained as the sole product after optimizing the reaction parameters, temperature, time, and ferrate concentration for the lignosulfonate degradation via the design of experiments. As a result, yields of 7.2 wt% of the flavoring agent and antioxidant vanillic acid are achieved. The presented two‐step degradation provides an inexpensive path for the production of vanillic acid on a laboratory scale from a highly abundant bio‐based side‐stream.
Effects of B and P Doping on Electronic Structure and Lithium Diffusion Properties of Si(100) Surface
Authors: Yan Gongqin , Xu Tianqi , Hu Miao , Xi Yidong , Lan Chunbo
Published: December 2022

Surface and lithium diffusion properties of Si(100) doped with B and P are studied using first‐principles plane wave pseudopotential method. The calculated results show that B‐doping has a greater effect on Si(100)‐7 than P‐doping. For 0.5 mol% P‐doping, the population difference between Si5─P bonds and Si5─Si3 bonds is 0.02. For 0.5 mol% B doping, the bond population of Si5─B is 1.8 times that of Si5─Si3 and the structure fluctuates greatly. The migration of a single Li atom from V and B sites on the structure's surface to an orthotetrahedral site inside the structure is simulated. Simulation results show that with the increase of P doping concentration from 0 to 1.0 mol%, the Li diffusion rate is ordered as 0.5 mol% < 0 mol% < 1.0 mol%. Furthermore, the ab initio molecular dynamics method is used to simulate the diffusion of multiple Li atoms in P‐doped Si(100)‐7. When the simulation time is longer than 0.09 ps, the Li diffusion rate is ordered as 0.5 mol% < 0 mol% < 1.0 mol%. Doping Si(100) surface with P could effectively reduce the diffusion barrier for Li atoms in it.
Gasdermin D Deficiency in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells Ameliorates Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Through Reducing Putrescine Synthesis
Authors: Gao Jianing , Chen Yanghui , Wang Huiqing , Li Xin , Li Ke , Xu Yangkai , Xie Xianwei , Guo Yansong , Yang Nana , Zhang Xinhua , Ma Dong , Lu Hong S. , Shen Ying H. , Liu Yong , Zhang Jifeng , Chen Y. Eugene , Daugherty Alan , Wang Dao Wen , Zheng Lemin
Published: December 2022

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a common vascular disease associated with significant phenotypic alterations in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Gasdermin D (GSDMD) is a pore‐forming effector of pyroptosis. In this study, the role of VSMC‐specific GSDMD in the phenotypic alteration of VSMCs and AAA formation is determined. Single‐cell transcriptome analyses reveal Gsdmd upregulation in aortic VSMCs in angiotensin (Ang) II‐induced AAA. VSMC‐specific Gsdmd deletion ameliorates Ang II‐induced AAA in apolipoprotein E (ApoE)−/− mice. Using untargeted metabolomic analysis, it is found that putrescine is significantly reduced in the plasma and aortic tissues of VSMC‐specific GSDMD deficient mice. High putrescine levels trigger a pro‐inflammatory phenotype in VSMCs and increase susceptibility to Ang II‐induced AAA formation in mice. In a population‐based study, a high level of putrescine in plasma is associated with the risk of AAA (p < 2.2 × 10−16), consistent with the animal data. Mechanistically, GSDMD enhances endoplasmic reticulum stress‐C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) signaling, which in turn promotes the expression of ornithine decarboxylase 1 (ODC1), the enzyme responsible for increased putrescine levels. Treatment with the ODC1 inhibitor, difluoromethylornithine, reduces AAA formation in Ang II‐infused ApoE−/− mice. The findings suggest that putrescine is a potential biomarker and target for AAA treatment.
Hybrid Nanomaterials for Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: Li Jianing , Lu Wanyue , Yang Yannan , Xiang Ruiqing , Ling Yun , Yu Chengzhong , Zhou Yaming
Published: December 2022

Nano‐immunotherapy has been recognized as a highly promising strategy for cancer treatment in recent decades, which combines nanotechnology and immunotherapy to combat against tumors. Hybrid nanomaterials consisting of at least two constituents with distinct compositions and properties, usually organic and inorganic, have been engineered with integrated functions and enormous potential in boosting cancer immunotherapy. This review provides a summary of hybrid nanomaterials reported for cancer immunotherapy, including nanoscale metal–organic frameworks, metal–phenolic networks, mesoporous organosilica nanoparticles, metallofullerene nanomaterials, polymer–lipid, and biomacromolecule‐based hybrid nanomaterials. The combination of immunotherapy with chemotherapy, chemodynamic therapy, radiotherapy, radiodynamic therapy, photothermal therapy, photodynamic therapy, and sonodynamic therapy based on hybrid nanomaterials is also discussed. Finally, the current challenges and the prospects for designing hybrid nanomaterials and their application in cancer immunotherapy are outlined.
3D MXene‐Based Flexible Network for High‐Performance Pressure Sensor with a Wide Temperature Range
Authors: Xie Yimei , Cheng Yongfa , Ma Yanan , Wang Jian , Zou Junjie , Wu Han , Yue Yang , Li Baowen , Gao Yihua , Zhang Xin , Nan Ce‐Wen
Published: December 2022

With the increasing popularity of smart wearable devices, flexible pressure sensors are highly desired in various complex application scenarios. A great challenge for existing flexible pressure sensors is to maintain high sensitivity over a wide temperature range, which is critical for their applications in harsh environments. Herein, a flexible piezoresistive sensor made of polyetherimide (PEI) fibrous network evenly covered with MXene nanosheets is reported to construct conductive pathways, showing ultrahigh sensitivity over a wide temperature range from −5 °C (sensitivity of 80 kPa−1) to 150 °C (20 kPa−1), low detection limit of 9 Pa, fast response time of 163 ms, outstanding durability over 10 000 cycles at room temperature, 2000 cycles at 100 °C and 500 cycles at −5 °C. The pressure sensor can monitor various human activities in real‐time, apply to human–machine interaction, and measure pressure distribution. It also can sensitively respond to external mechanical stimuli at 150 °C and extremely low temperature (in liquid nitrogen). Moreover, the fibrous network exhibits an excellent Joule heating performance, which can reach 78 °C at an applied voltage of 12 V. Thus, the piezoresistive sensor has considerable potential for wearable garments and personal heating applications in harsh temperature conditions.
Allosteric Activation of 15‐Lipoxygenase‐1 by Boswellic Acid Induces the Lipid Mediator Class Switch to Promote Resolution of Inflammation
Authors: Börner Friedemann , Pace Simona , Jordan Paul M. , Gerstmeier Jana , Gomez Mario , Rossi Antonietta , Gilbert Nathaniel C. , Newcomer Marcia E. , Werz Oliver
Published: December 2022

Specialized pro‐resolving mediators (SPM), primarily produced in innate immune cells, exert crucial bioactions for resolving inflammation. Among various lipoxygenases (LOX), 15‐LOX‐1 is key for SPM biosynthesis, but cellular activation principles of 15‐LOX‐1 are unexplored. It was shown that 3‐O‐acetyl‐11‐keto‐β‐boswellic acid (AKBA) shifts 5‐LOX regiospecificity from 5‐ to 12‐lipoxygenation products. Here, it is demonstrated that AKBA additionally activates cellular 15‐LOX‐1 via an allosteric site accomplishing robust SPM formation in innate immune cells, particularly in M2 macrophages. Compared to ionophore, AKBA‐induced LOX activation is Ca2+‐ and phosphorylation‐independent, with modest induction of 5‐LOX products. AKBA docks into a groove between the catalytic and regulatory domains of 15‐LOX‐1 interacting with R98; replacement of R98 by alanine abolishes AKBA‐induced 15‐LOX product formation in HEK293 cells. In zymosan‐induced murine peritonitis, AKBA strikingly elevates SPM levels and promotes inflammation resolution. Together, targeted allosteric modulation of LOX activities governs SPM formation and offers new concepts for inflammation resolution pharmacotherapy.
Manipulation of PD‐L1 Endosomal Trafficking Promotes Anticancer Immunity
Authors: Ye Zuodong , Xiong Yiding , Peng Wang , Wei Wenjie , Huang Lihong , Yue Juliana , Zhang Chunyuan , Lin Ge , Huang Feng , Zhang Liang , Zheng Songguo , Yue Jianbo
Published: December 2022

The aberrant regulation of PD‐L1 in tumor cells remains poorly understood. Here, the authors systematically investigate the endosomal trafficking of plasma membrane PD‐L1 in tumor cells. They show that plasma membrane PD‐L1 is continuously internalized, and then trafficked from early endosomes to multivesicular bodies/late endosomes, recycling endosomes, lysosomes, and/or extracellular vesicles (EVs). This constitutive endocytic trafficking of PD‐L1 is Rab5‐ and clathrin‐dependent. Triazine compound 6J1 blocks the endosomal trafficking of PD‐L1 and induces its accumulation in endocytic vesicles by activating Rab5. 6J1 also promotes exosomal PD‐L1 secretion by activating Rab27. Together, these effects result in a decrease in the membrane level of PD‐L1 in 6J1‐treated tumor cells and enables tumor cells to be more susceptible to the tumor‐killing activity of T cells in vitro. 6J1 also increases tumor‐infiltrating cytotoxic T cells and promotes chemokines secretion in the tumor microenvironment. Rab27 knockdown abolishes 6J1‐induced PD‐L1 secretion in EVs and revokes the exhausted tumor‐infiltrating T cells in tumors, thereby improving the anticancer efficacy of 6J1. Furthermore, a combination of 6J1 and an anti‐PD‐1 antibody significantly improves the anticancer immune response. Therefore, manipulating PD‐L1 endosomal trafficking provides a promising means to promote an anticancer immune response in addition to the immune checkpoint‐blocking antibody therapy.
Effects of pubertal growth variation on knee mechanics during walking in female and male adolescents
Authors: Froehle Andrew W. , Edwards Brian , Peterson Matthew J. , Meyerson Brian , Duren Dana L.
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Puberty substantially alters the body's mechanical properties, neuromuscular control, and sex differences therein, likely contributing to increased, sex‐biased knee injury risk during adolescence. Female adolescents have higher risk for knee injuries than male adolescents of similar age engaging in similar physical activities, and much research has investigated sex differences in mechanical risk factors. However, few studies address the considerable variation in pubertal growth (timing, pace), knee mechanics, and injury susceptibility within sexes, or the impact of such growth variation on mechanical injury risk.

Objectives

The present study tested for effects of variation in pubertal growth on established mechanical knee injury risk factors, examining relationships between and within sexes.

Methods

Pubertal growth indices describing variation in the timing and rate of pubertal growth were developed using principal component analysis and auxological data from serial stature measurements. Linear mixed models were applied to evaluate relationships between these indices and knee mechanics during walking in a sample of adolescents.

Results

Later developing female adolescents with slower pubertal growth had higher extension moments throughout stance, whereas earlier developers had higher valgus knee angles and moments. In male adolescents, faster and later growth were related to higher extension moments throughout gait. In both sexes, faster growers had higher internal rotation moments at foot‐strike.

Conclusions

Pubertal growth variation has important effects on mechanical knee injury risk in adolescence, affecting females and males differently. Earlier developing females exhibit greater injury risk via frontal plane factors, whereas later/faster developing males have elevated risk via sagittal plane mechanisms.
Food availability influences birth seasonality at a small spatial scale in endangered golden monkeys (Cercopithecus mitis kandti)
Authors: Tuyisingize Deogratias , Eckardt Winnie , Kaplin Beth A. , Stoinski Tara S. , Caillaud Damien
Published: December 2022

Objectives

Studying reproductive seasonality helps us understand changes in the energetically demanding periods of pregnancy and lactation. We investigated how diet variability and key food plant phenology relate to mating and birth seasonality in both remaining populations of endangered golden monkeys in the Virunga massif and the Gishwati forest in Rwanda.

Material and Methods

Using scan and ad libitum sampling, we recorded feeding, mating, and births in two social groups (K and M) living in Volcanoes National Park (VNP), in the Virunga massif, from 2004 to 2018, and in one group (G) in the Gishwati forest in 2017–2018. We also monitored bamboo shoot and fruit availability in the groups' home ranges in 2017–2018.

Results

Mating was observed year‐round but peaked four to 6 months prior to each group's respective birth season. Despite the two VNP groups ranging only 16 km apart, they had different birth seasons. Females from group K gave birth during the late bamboo growing season, from September to December, while females from group M gave birth during the early bamboo shooting season, from February to April. This pattern was linked to differences in the availability and consumption of bamboo shoots between low‐elevation (group K) and high‐elevation (group M) habitat. In group G, births occurred from March to April, coinciding with the period of high fruit availability and consumption in the Gishwati forest.

Discussion

Our findings suggest that food availability shapes golden monkey birth seasons, even at a small spatial scale. Current changes in key food plant regeneration, potentially driven by climate change, need to be closely monitored to inform golden monkey conservation management.
Counting homelessness: Working creatively to generate complex descriptive profiles of the health and demographics of people experiencing homelessness in Adelaide
Authors: Flavel Joanne , Wood Lisa , Freeman Toby , Vallesi Shannen , Foley Kristen , Parry Yvonne , Baum Fran
Published: December 2022

Analyses of the prevalence of homelessness suggest homelessness is increasing in Australia and other countries. Yet, difficulties exist in obtaining an accurate picture of homelessness due to a dearth of robust data and inconsistent definitions. This study aimed to build a comprehensive descriptive profile of homelessness and associated health needs in Adelaide. Five data sources were analysed and compared to produce descriptive sociodemographic and health statistics. Across data sources, people experiencing homelessness had a high prevalence of poor health outcomes and service utilisation. Consistent with the international literature, high rates of physical and mental health conditions were reported, including depression, anxiety and dental problems. While there was variability in demographic data, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples were consistently over‐represented. Analysing data from multiple sources provided a richer understanding of who is experiencing homelessness and their health needs, highlights it is not always necessary to collect new data to overcome dataset limitations and illustrates how data comparison can improve the use of existing data. The paper concludes with reflections on the challenges and potential of the methodology. Overall, the study shows analysing data from multiple sources can provide rich information to service providers and government departments to inform more nuanced and effective services.
Plasma p‐tau217 predicts in vivo brain pathology and cognition in autosomal dominant Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Aguillon David , Langella Stephanie , Chen Yinghua , Sanchez Justin S. , Su Yi , Vila‐Castelar Clara , Vasquez Daniel , Zetterberg Henrik , Hansson Oskar , Dage Jeffrey L. , Janelidze Shorena , Chen Kewei , Fox‐Fuller Joshua T. , Aduen Paula , Martinez Jairo E. , Garcia Gloria , Baena Ana , Guzman Claudia , Johnson Keith A. , Sperling Reisa A. , Blennow Kaj , Reiman Eric M. , Lopera Francisco , Quiroz Yakeel T.
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Plasma‐measured tau phosphorylated at threonine 217 (p‐tau217) is a potential non‐invasive biomarker of Alzheimer's disease (AD). We investigated whether plasma p‐tau217 predicts subsequent cognition and positron emission tomography (PET) markers of pathology in autosomal dominant AD.

Methods

We analyzed baseline levels of plasma p‐tau217 and its associations with amyloid PET, tau PET, and word list delayed recall measured 7.61 years later in non‐demented age‐ and education‐matched presenilin‐1 E280A carriers (n = 24) and non‐carrier (n = 20) family members.

Results

Carriers had higher plasma p‐tau217 levels than non‐carriers. Baseline plasma p‐tau217 was associated with subsequent amyloid and tau PET pathology levels and cognitive function.

Discussion

Our findings suggest that plasma p‐tau217 predicts subsequent brain pathological burden and memory performance in presenilin‐1 E280A carriers. These results provide support for plasma p‐tau217 as a minimally invasive diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for AD, with potential utility in clinical practice and trials.

Highlights

Non‐demented presenilin‐1 E280A carriers have higher plasma tau phosphorylated at threonine 217 (p‐tau217) than do age‐matched non‐carriers.

Higher baseline p‐tau217 is associated with greater future amyloid positron emission tomography (PET) pathology burden.

Higher baseline p‐tau217 is associated with greater future tau PET pathology burden.

Higher baseline p‐tau217 is associated with worse future memory performance.
Central Role of Macrophages and Nucleic Acid Release in Myasthenia Gravis Thymus
Authors: Payet Cloé A. , You Axel , Fayet Odessa‐Maud , Hemery Edouard , Truffault Frederique , Bondet Vincent , Duffy Darragh , Michel Frédérique , Fadel Elie , Guihaire Julien , Demeret Sophie , Berrih‐Aknin Sonia , Le Panse Rozen
Published: December 2022

Objective

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a neuromuscular disease mediated by antibodies against the acetylcholine receptor (AChR). The thymus plays a primary role in AChR‐MG and is characterized by a type I interferon (IFN) signature linked to IFN‐β. We investigated if AChR‐MG was characterized by an IFN‐I signature in the blood, and further investigated the chronic thymic IFN‐I signature.

Methods

Serum levels of IFN‐β and IFN‐α subtypes, and mRNA expression for IFN‐I subtypes and IFN‐stimulated genes in peripheral mononuclear blood cells (PBMCs) were analyzed. The contribution of endogenous nucleic acids in thymic expression of IFN‐I subtypes was investigated in human thymic epithelial cell cultures and the mouse thymus. By immunohistochemistry, thymic CD68+ and CD163+ macrophages were analyzed in AChR‐MG. To investigate the impact of a decrease in thymic macrophages, mice were treated with an anti‐CSF1R antibody.

Results

No IFN‐I signature was observed in the periphery emphasizing that the IFN‐I signature is restricted to the MG thymus. Molecules mimicking endogenous dsDNA signalization (Poly(dA:dT) and 2′3′‐cGAMP), or dexamethasone‐induced necrotic thymocytes increased IFN‐β and α‐AChR expression by thymic epithelial cells, and in the mouse thymus. A significant decrease in thymic macrophages was demonstrated in AChR‐MG. In mice, a decrease in thymic macrophages led to an increase of necrotic thymocytes associated with IFN‐β and α‐AChR expression.

Interpretation

These results suggest that the decrease of thymic macrophages in AChR‐MG impairs the elimination of apoptotic thymocytes favoring the release of endogenous nucleic acids from necrotic thymocytes. In this inflammatory context, thymic epithelial cells may overexpress IFN‐β, which specifically induces α‐AChR, resulting in self‐sensitization and thymic changes leading to AChR‐MG. ANN NEUROL 2023;93:643–654
Unveiling Dopant‐Induced Ultrafast Exciton Dynamics in Mn/Yb Codoped Perovskite Nanocrystals
Authors: Niu Weifan , Zhang Ruidan , Wang Zhibin , Huang Feng , Chen Daqin
Published: December 2022

Perovskite nanocrystals (NCs) with intentionally introduced Mn2+/Yb3+ activators enable tunable emissions covering UV‐orange‐NIR spectral range. However, the exact microscopic energy transfer mechanisms in this system remain unknown. Herein, Mn/Yb codoped CsPbCl3 perovskite NCs with triple emissions originated from exciton recombination of host, 3d–3d transition of Mn2+ and 4f–4f transition of Yb3+ are prepared. Femtosecond resolution transient absorption spectra performed on the pristine CsPbCl3, Mn‐doped, Yb‐doped and Mn/Yb codoped samples clarify efficient and simultaneous energy transfer (ET) from excitons to Mn2+ and Yb3+ dopants. It is testified the sensitizations of dopants mainly result from the trapped hole, taking 285 ps for Mn2+ and 17 ps for Yb3+ respectively, which make less trapped hole recombine with de‐localized carriers. Importantly, energy transfer processes from host to Mn2+ and Yb3+ activators emerge as competition, and the ET probability of exciton‐to‐Mn2+ is higher than that of exciton‐to‐Yb3+. Finally, control experiments further prove that tunable Mn2+ orange emission and Yb3+ NIR emission are achievable via elaborate adjustment of the dopant concentrations.
Morphogenetic progression of thigh and lower leg muscles during human embryonic development
Authors: Yamaguchi Yutaka , Kodama Ryota , Yamada Shigehito
Published: December 2022

Fetal musculoskeletal movements are first observed at approximately seven to 8 weeks of gestation. However, the separation and formation of skeletal muscles, especially the limbs, have not yet been described in detail. In this study, we elucidate the sequence of events leading to the formation of each thigh and lower leg muscle using serial sections. To observe muscle formation, 26 serial sections (50 legs) of human embryonic specimens ranging from Carnegie stages (CS) 19 to 23 were selected from the Kyoto collection stored at the Congenital Anomaly Research Center, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine. As a result, we show the detailed formation and separation processes of the thigh and lower leg muscles. In the thigh, sartorius and tensor fasciae latae are separated at CS19, and the individual muscles observed in adults are identified after CS21. In the lower leg, the tibialis anterior exhibits early separation at CS20, and all muscles are identified at CS22. This study enables future research into the relationship between embryonic development and the evolution of muscle action from quadrupedal to erect bipedal walking.
π‐System Functionalization Transforms Amyloidogenic Peptide Fragment of Human Islet Amyloid Polypeptide into a Super Hydrogelator
Authors: Unnikrishnan Anagha C. , Sushana Thennarasu Abinaya , Saveri Puchalapalli , Pandurangan Suryalakshmi , Deshpande Abhijit P. , Ayyadurai Niraikulam , Shanmugam Ganesh
Published: December 2022

While a considerable number of ultra‐short/short amyloid peptides have been reported to form 3D supramolecular hydrogels, they all possess high minimum gelation concentration (MGC) (≥1 wt%), which preclude their applications. In this context, we demonstrate that functionalisation of a well‐known amyloidogenic ultra‐short peptide fragment NFGAIL (IAPf) of human Islet amyloid polypeptide with a π‐system (Fluorenyl, Fm) at the N‐terminus of the peptide (Fm‐IAPf) yield not only highly thermostable hydrogel at physiological pH but also exhibited super gelator nature as the MGC (0.08 wt%) falls below 0.1 wt%. Various experimental results confirmed that aromatic π–π interactions from fluorenyl moieties and hydrogen bonding interactions between the IAPf drive the self‐assembly/fibril formation. Fm‐IAPf is the first super hydrogelator derived from amyloid‐based ultra‐short peptides, to the best of our knowledge. We strongly believe that this report, i. e., functionalization of an amyloid peptide with π‐system, provides a lead to develop super hydrogelators from other amyloid‐forming peptide fragments for their potential applications.
Unraveling Factors Affecting Performance of Quinone‐based Polymer Cathode in Aqueous Zinc‐Ion Battery
Authors: Yang Xiao , Zhao Yi , Xu Qiuju , Yuan Xiangcheng , Liu Jinzhang
Published: December 2022

Organic cathode materials for aqueous rechargeable Zinc‐ion batteries (ZIBs) include a large variety of aromatic molecules with redox‐activity, and such polymer molecules vary largely in terms of specific capacity, discharge voltage plateau, and cycling stability. Here, three different quinone polymers are prepared by electropolymerizing dihydroxynaphthalene (DHN) isomers of 1,5‐DHN, 1,6‐DHN, and 1,7‐DHN, respectively, and their energy storage performances in aqueous ZIBs are compared. Among the three cathode materials, the poly(1,6‐DHN) cathode shows the best performance in specific capacity and cycling stability. The Zn||poly(1,6‐DHN) cell shows a high areal capacity of 1.4 mAh cm−2 and a high capacity retention of 90 % after 5000 cycles. By combing experiment with computation, the HOMO level of the polymer molecule is found to play a key role behind the specific capacity. Using the poly(1,7‐DHN) cathode that suffers from faster capacity decay in the cycling process, our investigation suggests that residual ions stuck between molecular chains in the insertion/deinsertion process account for the capacity loss. This study provides a further understanding of organic cathode materials for aqueous ZIBs.
Improving sandwich variance estimation for marginal Cox analysis of cluster randomized trials
Authors: Wang Xueqi , Turner Elizabeth L. , Li Fan
Published: December 2022

Cluster randomized trials (CRTs) frequently recruit a small number of clusters, therefore necessitating the application of small‐sample corrections for valid inference. A recent systematic review indicated that CRTs reporting right‐censored, time‐to‐event outcomes are not uncommon and that the marginal Cox proportional hazards model is one of the common approaches used for primary analysis. While small‐sample corrections have been studied under marginal models with continuous, binary, and count outcomes, no prior research has been devoted to the development and evaluation of bias‐corrected sandwich variance estimators when clustered time‐to‐event outcomes are analyzed by the marginal Cox model. To improve current practice, we propose nine bias‐corrected sandwich variance estimators for the analysis of CRTs using the marginal Cox model and report on a simulation study to evaluate their small‐sample properties. Our results indicate that the optimal choice of bias‐corrected sandwich variance estimator for CRTs with survival outcomes can depend on the variability of cluster sizes and can also slightly differ whether it is evaluated according to relative bias or type I error rate. Finally, we illustrate the new variance estimators in a real‐world CRT where the conclusion about intervention effectiveness differs depending on the use of small‐sample bias corrections. The proposed sandwich variance estimators are implemented in an R package CoxBcv.
Using bodily displays to facilitating approach action outcomes within the context of a personally relevant task
Authors: Elkjær Emma , Mikkelsen Mai B. , Tramm Gitte , Michalak Johannes , Mennin Douglas S. , O'Toole Mia S.
Published: December 2022

Background

Considerable attention has been paid to the effect of bodily (expansive and contractive) displays on affective, behavioral, and hormonal outcomes. However, the majority of past studies are limited by a lack of control groups with neutral displays and low personal relevance of the experimental tasks employed. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of adopting different bodily displays, including neutral displays, within the context of a personally relevant task.

Methods

In an experiment with healthy participants (N = 90), we investigated the effects of two different bodily manipulations (i.e., expansive and contractive), compared to a control group (i.e., neutral displays). Effects were evaluated in terms of completed valued action in addition to processes considered potentially helpful in preparing and motivating the individual to take valued action, including a change in emotion experience, action tendencies, and appraisals.

Results

Several main effects were detected and only few significant interaction effects were revealed. In case of group differences, results showed that expansive bodily displays outperformed the control group, leading to more positive emotions, more approach action tendencies, less negative emotion variability, and less avoidance action tendencies toward threat.

Discussion

These results mainly suggest that identifying a valued action and explicating the underlying motivational conflict may be beneficial regardless of bodily displays. This conclusion runs somewhat counter both to our hypotheses and to findings in recent meta‐analytic work. However, previous experiments have not evaluated the effect of bodily displays within a personally relevant context.
“Artificial” gender diversity and public visibility: The case of corporate water disclosure in Indonesia
Authors: Salsabila Malisa , Adhariani Desi
Published: December 2022

Global water crises need solutions from various parties including the business sector. This study examines the role of board gender diversity in supporting corporate water disclosure representing companies' efforts to use and manage water efficiently. This research also investigates whether the public visibility of a corporation, measured by the Google Search Volume (GSV) or Google Trends and which describes the monitoring function from stakeholder groups, can strengthen the association. The samples consist of 51 companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) from 2018–2021. The results showed that gender diversity as indicated by the percentage of women on the board of commissioners and directors has insignificant results, which means that the board's gender diversity has not played a role as an important determinant of corporate water accountability. In addition, the moderating role of GSV also showed insignificant results, meaning that the expected positive effect of board gender diversity on water disclosure does not intensify with high public visibility. Only two control variables, namely the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) committee and company size have significant results, implying that if the company has large total assets and a CSR committee in its structure, the company will tend to optimize its growth by disclosing water information as proof of its commitment towards sustainable development. The insignificant results of gender diversity and public visibility on corporate water disclosure may indicate the trivial role of diversity and the lack of stakeholders' scrutiny of the disclosure of the company's water management, which will worsen the water crises if left unattended.
Comprehensive optimization of urinary exfoliated tumor cells tests in bladder cancer with a promising microfluidic platform
Authors: Gao Fengbin , Wang Jie , Yu Yanlan , Yan Jing , Ding Guoqing
Published: December 2022

Background

Enrichment of urinary exfoliated tumor cells (UETCs) is a noninvasive way of bladder cancer diagnosis, but the lack of specific capture and identification of tumor cells from the urine remains a limitation that impedes the development of liquid biopsy.

Methods

The CytoBot® 2000, a novel circulating cell isolation and enrichment platform, was used for UETCs isolation after comprehensive optimization. The commercial cell lines of bladder cancer were used in spiking assay for cell recovery test. The flow cytometry and immunofluorescent staining assays were performed for expression validation of capture target and identification markers. The performance of optimized platform was validated by 159 clinical samples and analyzed using receiver operator characteristic curve.

Results

The chip that had a pore diameter of 15*20 μm could reduce the background residues while maintaining a higher cell recovery rate. We found that the cell capture ability of chip significantly improved after anti‐EpCam antibody encapsulation, but not with T4L6FM1. In identification system optimization, the spiking assay and validation of clinical sample showed that the performance of CK20 and DBC‐1 were better that pan‐CK in tumor cell identification, in addition, the staining quality is more legible with CK20.

Conclusion

The optimized capture chip is more specific for UETCs isolation. CK20 and DBC‐1 are both sensitive biomarkers of UETCs in bladder cancer diagnosis. The performance of this optimized platform is excellent in clinical test that improves the accuracy of urine cell testing and provides a new alternative for the clinical application of BLCA liquid biopsy assessment.
Amber Light Control of Peptide Secondary Structure by a Perfluoroaromatic Azobenzene Photoswitch
Authors: Cataldi Eleonora , Raschig Martina , Gutmann Marcus , Geppert Patrick T. , Ruopp Matthias , Schock Marvin , Gerwe Hubert , Bertermann Rüdiger , Meinel Lorenz , Finze Maik , Nowak‐Król Agnieszka , Decker Michael , Lühmann Tessa
Published: December 2022

The incorporation of photoswitches into the molecular structure of peptides and proteins enables their dynamic photocontrol in complex biological systems. Here, a perfluorinated azobenzene derivative triggered by amber light was site‐specifically conjugated to cysteines in a helical peptide by perfluoroarylation chemistry. In response to the photoisomerization (trans→cis) of the conjugated azobenzene with amber light, the secondary structure of the peptide was modulated from a disorganized into an amphiphilic helical structure.