bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adenosine Deaminase Acting on RNA 1 Limits RIG-I RNA Detection and Suppresses IFN Production Responding to Viral and Endogenous RNAs
Authors: Yang Shengyong , Deng Peng , Zhu Zhaowei , Zhu Jianzhong , Wang Guoliang , Zhang Liyong , Chen Alex F. , Wang Tony , Sarkar Saumendra N. , Billiar Timothy R. , Wang Qingde
Published: August 2014

Type I IFNs play central roles in innate immunity; however, overproduction of IFN can lead to immunopathology. In this study, we demonstrate that adenosine deaminase acting on RNA 1 (ADAR1), an RNA-editing enzyme induced by IFN, is essential for cells to avoid inappropriate sensing of cytosolic RNA in an inducible knockout cell model—the primary mouse embryo fibroblast derived from ADAR1 lox/lox and Cre-ER mice as well as in HEK293 cells. ADAR1 suppresses viral and cellular RNA detection by retinoic acid–inducible gene I (RIG-I) through its RNA binding rather than its RNA editing activity. dsRNA binds to both ADAR1 and RIG-I, but ADAR1 reduces RIG-I RNA binding. In the absence of ADAR1, cellular RNA stimulates type I IFN production without viral infection or exogenous RNA stimulation. Moreover, we showed in the ADAR1-inducible knockout mice that ADAR1 gene disruption results in high-level IFN production in neuronal tissues—the hallmark of Aicardi–Goutières syndrome, a heritable autoimmune disease recently found to be associated with ADAR1 gene mutations. In summary, this study found that ADAR1 limits cytosolic RNA sensing by RIG-I through its RNA binding activity; therefore, ADAR1 suppresses type I IFN production stimulated by viral and cellular RNAs. These results explain why loss of ADARA1 causes IFN induction and also indicates a mechanism for the involvement of ADAR1 in autoimmune diseases such as Aicardi–Goutières syndrome.
CXCL1 Contributes to Host Defense in Polymicrobial Sepsis via Modulating T Cell and Neutrophil Functions
Authors: Jin Liliang , Batra Sanjay , Douda David Nobuhiro , Palaniyar Nades , Jeyaseelan Samithamby
Published: August 2014

Severe bacterial sepsis leads to a proinflammatory condition that can manifest as septic shock, multiple organ failure, and death. Neutrophils are critical for the rapid elimination of bacteria; however, the role of neutrophil chemoattractant CXCL1 in bacterial clearance during sepsis remains elusive. To test the hypothesis that CXCL1 is critical to host defense during sepsis, we used CXCL1-deficient mice and bone marrow chimeras to demonstrate the importance of this molecule in sepsis. We demonstrate that CXCL1 plays a pivotal role in mediating host defense to polymicrobial sepsis after cecal ligation and puncture in gene-deficient mice. CXCL1 appears to be essential for restricting bacterial outgrowth and death in mice. CXCL1 derived from both hematopoietic and resident cells contributed to bacterial clearance. Moreover, CXCL1 is essential for neutrophil migration, expression of proinflammatory mediators, activation of NF-κB and MAPKs, and upregulation of adhesion molecule ICAM-1. rIL-17 rescued impaired host defenses in cxcl1−/− mice. CXCL1 is important for IL-17A production via Th17 differentiation. CXCL1 is essential for NADPH oxidase–mediated reactive oxygen species production and neutrophil extracellular trap formation. This study reveals a novel role for CXCL1 in neutrophil recruitment via modulating T cell function and neutrophil-related bactericidal functions. These studies suggest that modulation of CXCL1 levels in tissues and blood could reduce bacterial burden in sepsis.
T Cell–Derived IL-4/IL-13 Protects Mice against Fatal Schistosoma mansoni Infection Independently of Basophils
Authors: Schwartz Christian , Oeser Katharina , Prazeres da Costa Clarissa , Layland Laura E. , Voehringer David
Published: August 2014

Schistosomiasis is a severe and chronic disease caused by the parasitic trematode Schistosoma mansoni after deposition of eggs in the liver and intestines. The immune response to S. mansoni eggs is characterized by increased Th2 cells, eosinophilia, and high serum IgE levels. Granulomas are formed around the eggs to protect the organs against tissue damage caused by toxic products that are secreted from the eggs. Egg-derived components have further been shown to activate the IgE-mediated release of IL-4 and IL-13 from basophils, suggesting that basophils could be involved in protection against a fatal course of infection. Using T cell–specific IL-4/IL-13–deficient mice and basophil-deficient Mcpt8Cre mice, we determined the contribution of Th2 cells and basophils for protective immunity against S. mansoni egg–induced pathology during the patent stage of infection. Our results demonstrate that T cell–derived IL-4/IL-13 was essential for granuloma formation, IgE production, basophilia, differentiation of alternatively activated macrophages, and protection against fatal infection. Although basophils were recruited into liver granulomas, they appeared to be dispensable as a source of IL-4/IL-13 both for differentiation of Th2 cells and for prevention of weight loss and mortality.
TLR-Mediated Inflammatory Responses to Streptococcus pneumoniae Are Highly Dependent on Surface Expression of Bacterial Lipoproteins
Authors: Tomlinson Gillian , Chimalapati Suneeta , Pollard Tracey , Lapp Thabo , Cohen Jonathan , Camberlein Emilie , Stafford Sian , Periselneris Jimstan , Aldridge Christine , Vollmer Waldemar , Picard Capucine , Casanova Jean-Laurent , Noursadeghi Mahdad , Brown Jeremy
Published: August 2014

Streptococcus pneumoniae infections induce inflammatory responses that contribute toward both disease pathogenesis and immunity, but the host–pathogen interactions that mediate these effects are poorly defined. We used the surface lipoprotein-deficient ∆lgt pneumococcal mutant strain to test the hypothesis that lipoproteins are key determinants of TLR-mediated immune responses to S. pneumoniae. We show using reporter assays that TLR2 signaling is dependent on pneumococcal lipoproteins, and that macrophage NF-κB activation and TNF-α release were reduced in response to the ∆lgt strain. Differences in TNF-α responses between Δlgt and wild-type bacteria were abrogated for macrophages from TLR2- but not TLR4-deficient mice. Transcriptional profiling of human macrophages revealed attenuated TLR2-associated responses to ∆lgt S. pneumoniae, comprising many NF-κB–regulated proinflammatory cytokine and chemokine genes. Importantly, non-TLR2–associated responses were preserved. Experiments using leukocytes from IL-1R–associated kinase-4–deficient patients and a mouse pneumonia model confirmed that proinflammatory responses were lipoprotein dependent. Our data suggest that leukocyte responses to bacterial lipoproteins are required for TLR2- and IL-1R–associated kinase-4–mediated inflammatory responses to S. pneumoniae.
The E3 Ubiquitin Ligase Tripartite Motif 33 Is Essential for Cytosolic RNA–Induced NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation
Authors: Weng Leiyun , Mitoma Hiroki , Tricot Coline , Bao Musheng , Liu Ying , Zhang Zhiqiang , Liu Yong-Jun
Published: August 2014

NLRP3 is a key component of caspase-activating macromolecular protein complexes called inflammasomes. It has been found that DHX33 is a cytosolic dsRNA sensor for the NLRP3 inflammasome, which induces caspase-1–dependent production of IL-1β and IL-18 upon activation. However, how the cytosolic dsRNAs induce the interaction between DHX33 and the NLRP3 inflammasome remains unknown. In this study, we report that TRIM33, a member of the tripartite motif (TRIM) family, can bind DHX33 directly and induce DHX33 ubiquitination via the lysine 218 upon dsRNA stimulation. Knocking down of TRIM33 abolished the dsRNA-induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation in both THP-1–derived macrophages and human monocyte-derived macrophages. The ubiquitination of DHX33 by TRIM33 is lysine 63 specific and is required for the formation of the DHX33–NLRP3 inflammasome complex.
Cutting Edge: CD8+ Recent Thymic Emigrants Exhibit Increased Responses to Low-Affinity Ligands and Improved Access to Peripheral Sites of Inflammation
Authors: Berkley Amy M. , Fink Pamela J.
Published: August 2014

To explore the TCR sensitivity of recent thymic emigrants (RTEs), we triggered T cells with altered peptide ligands (APLs). Upon peptide stimulation in vitro, RTEs exhibited increased TCR signal transduction, and following infection in vivo with APL-expressing bacteria, CD8 RTEs expanded to a greater extent in response to low-affinity Ags than did their mature T cell counterparts. RTEs skewed to short-lived effector cells in response to all APLs but also were characterized by diminished cytokine production. RTEs responding to infection expressed increased levels of VLA-4, with consequent improved entry into inflamed tissue and pathogen clearance. These positive outcomes were offset by the capacity of RTEs to elicit autoimmunity. Overall, salient features of CD8 RTE biology should inform strategies to improve neonatal vaccination and therapies for cancer and HIV, because RTEs make up a large proportion of the T cells in lymphodepleted environments.
Geothermal evidence of the Late Pleistocene-Holocene orbital forcing (example from the Urals, Russia)
Authors: Demezhko D. Y. , Gornostaeva A. A.
Published: August 2014

Abstract. We use early obtained in the Middle Urals geothermal reconstruction of the ground surface temperature (GST) history to determine the surface heat flux (SHF) history over the past 35 kyr. A new algorithm of GST-SHF transformation was applied to solve this problem. The time scale of geothermal reconstructions has been corrected by comparing the estimated heat flux and annual insolation at the latitude of 60° N. The consistency of SHF and insolation changes on the interval 35–6 kyr BP (the linear correlation coefficient R = 0.99) points to orbital factors as the main cause of climatic changes during the Pleistocene–Holocene transition. The amplitude of SHF variations is about 1.3% of the insolation changes amplitude. The increase of carbon dioxide concentrations lagged by 2–3 kyr from the SHF increase and occurred synchronously with GST changes.
Tear Osmolarity - Current Perspectives in Cornea Practice
Authors: Dhiman Rebika , Srilathaa G , Tandon Radhika , Vanathi M
Published: August 2014

Dry eye disease (DED) is a multifactorial disease of the tear and ocular surface which can be classified as aqueous deficient and evaporative dry eye. Tear hyperosmolarity is the core mechanism in the pathogenesis of DED which triggers inflammatory cascades and causes morphological changes such as apoptosis of epithelial and goblet cells. This further leads to tear film instability and expresses itself as DED. Hence, the measurement of tear film osmolarity provides a useful objective clinical tool in the assessment of dry eye. It helps in establishing a diagnosis of DED in conjunction with other standard dry eye tests, deciding on the management and subsequent monitoring of the dry eye patients. The use of new osmometers has simplified the osmolarity measurements and therefore encourage its integration in routine clinical practice. The concept of osmoregulation has given a new approach to the management of DED with the use of osmoprotectants.
Endophthalmitis : An Update
Authors: Vedantham Vasumathy
Published: August 2014

Endophthalmitis is inflammation of the intraocular cavities consequent to introduction of microbes. In the absence of aggressive intervention, this often results in poor visual outcome due to irreversible damage to the retinal photoreceptor cells. Endophthalmitis is usually the sequel of intraocular surgery (Postoperative endophthalmitis), trauma (Posttraumatic endophthalmitis) or systemic infection (Endogenous endophthalmitis) or spread from adjacent periocular tissues. The presentation could be fulminant, acute or chronic. Special situations such as endophthalmitis after intravitreal injections and bleb related are a special cause of concern. The majority of cases are due to bacterial infection, although fungal infections also occur. Endophthalmitis is characterised by a massive infiltration of the vitreous by inflammatory cells, especially neutrophils that clinically manifests as vitritis. Progression of inflammation beyond this stage leads to hypopyon and a painful eye, which if not treated leads to blinding sequelae such as corneal perforation, orbital cellulitis, panophthalmitis and phthisis. Early diagnosis and prompt cum aggressive treatment are crucial to save vision. Improvements in surgical techniques, standardization of operating protocols with emphasis on hygienic standards, emergence of powerful antimicrobial drugs, early vitrectomy have lead to a decreased incidence of and better prognosis in endophthalmitis. This review focuses on current principles, techniques, newer types of endophthalmitis and novel antimicrobial drugs, recent experimental and clinical efforts in prophylaxis and management of endophthalmitis.
Acceptance of Low Vision Aids in Patients of ARMD, Myopic Degeneration and Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors: Singh Shilpa , Mithal Charu , Mithal Sandeep
Published: August 2014

Purpose:

To compare and correlate the differences in acceptance of Low vision Aids in patients of ARMD, Myopic degeneration and Diabetic Retinopathy.

Materials and Methods:

Low Vision Aids were prescribed to each of the 15 patients in each group of Diabetic Retinopathy, Age Related Macular Degeneration and Myopic Degeneration with vision less that 6/18 in the better eye, with irreversible damage and their acceptance in each group was observed.

Results:

In patients of ARMD the mean scores pre LVA and post LVA were 25.33 and 32.47 and after applying Paired t test (two tailed t test) and taking P value as < .05 as statistically significant. And a p value <0.01 was found and this was considered to be statistically significant.

In patients of Myopic degeneration the mean scores pre LVA and post LVA were 26.00 and 37.27 and after applying Paired t test (two tailed t test) and taking P value as < .05 as statistically significant. And a p value <0.001 was found and this was considered to be extremely statistically significant.
In patients of DM the mean scores pre LVA and post LVA were 22.87 and 27.27 and after applying Paired t test (two tailed t test) and taking P value as < .05 as statistically significant. And a p value <0.2 was found and this was considered to be not statistically significant.

Conclusions:

Statistical methods concluded that low vision aids were of benefit in patients of Age Related Macular Degeneration and Myopic Degeneration, while they showed no benefit in patients of Diabetic Retinopathy.
Comparison of Corneal Endothelial Cell Loss between Torsional and Linear Phacoemulsification
Authors: Sawhney Amrita , Sridhar Uma , Tandon Charu
Published: August 2014

Purpose:

To compare corneal endothelial cell loss between Torsional phacoemulsification and Linear phacoemulsification systems for cataract surgery.

Materials and Methods:

A prospective randomized study of 100 eyes of 100 patients, who underwent cataract surgery between September 2011 and September 2013, was done. They were divided into two groups, 50 patients underwent torsional phacoemulsification (phaco) and 50 patients underwent linear phacoemulsification. All patients were operated on same phaco machine by the same surgeon. Corneal endothelial cell loss comparison between the two groups was done using specular microscopy. Patients more than 40 years of age of either sex with senile cataract of nuclear sclerosis (NS) grade 2 -3 (according to LOCSII) were included in the study. Age <40, >70 years, corneal pathologies, poorly dilating pupil or posterior synechiae, pseudoexfoliation, subluxated lens, retinal pathology, glaucoma, diabetes mellitus, collagen vascular diseases, post refractive surgeries were excluded.

Results:

The mean percentage change of corneal endothelial cell density (ECD) from baseline was 3.5% in torsional group and 5.1% in linear group on postoperative day1 (p value= 0.026) 6.3% in torsional group and 9.8% in linear group on postoperative day 7 (p < 0.001) and 8.1% in torsional group and 10.78% in linear group on postoperative day 30 (p =0.001).

Conclusions:

There was statistically significant difference in corneal endothelial cell loss between torsional phacoemulsification and linear phacoemulsification systems for cataract surgery. The mean loss of corneal endothelial cells was statistically significantly less in torsional phacoemulsification than linear Phacoemulsification.
Unusual Pigmented Fungal Keratitis by Fonsecaea Copper Pennies
Authors: Agarwal Prakash Chand , Sharma Anjali , Saini V.K. , Awari Abhijit
Published: August 2014

A 35 year male presented with wooden stick injury and corneal infiltrates. On KOH wet mount, light brown coloured septate round shaped structures – “sclerotic bodies” were visible. Such bodies also known as Copper Pennies are characteristically found in pigmented fungus - Fonsecaea species. The patient was put on Natamycin eye drops (1%), however he worsened on treatment. The patient was started on oral and topical Voriconazole (1%) and responded favorably. The infiltrates healed and no recurrences were seen at 12 week follow up. We conclude that unusual pigmented fungus may be resistant to conventional treatment however may respond to voriconazole.
Metastatic Basal Cell Carcinoma of the Eyelid
Authors: Chawla Bhavna , Gupta Anoop , Sen Seema , Bajaj Mandeep S.
Published: August 2014

Metastatic basal cell carcinoma (MBCC) arising from the eyelid is a very rare entity. We describe a case of a 65 year old female who presented to us with a mass lesion on the left upper eyelid. Incisional biopsy from the tumor mass confirmed the diagnosis of basal cell carcinoma (BCC). The primary tumor was excised and lid reconstructive surgery was performed. She also had a nodulo-ulcerative lesion over the dorsum of her left hand. Biopsy from the hand lesion showed BCC features consistent with the primary tumor, confirming the diagnosis of MBCC. This case highlights the fact that although BCC rarely metastasizes, ophthalmologists should be aware of its metastatic potential, especially in the presence of high risk clinical and histopathologic factors.
Femtosecond Laser Assisted Keratoplasty
Authors: Sharma Devesh , Mathur Umang
Published: August 2014

Femtosecond lasers have a wide variety of applications in anterior segment surgery. The technology has also been used for lamellar and penetrating keratoplasties. Graft-host misalignment frequently occurs with conventional penetrating keratoplasty that leads to significant post-operative astigmatism. Improved wound designs with the femtosecond laser-mushroom, top-hat, zig-zag, Christmas tree, and dovetail, increase the surface area of apposition and provide more secure incisions. Early visual rehabilitation and suture removal are possible advantages. Lesser post-operative astigmatism has also been reported. Deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty with the femtosecond laser (FDALK) may help reduce intra-operative complications like perforation of the Descemet's membrane. Incision designs similar to penetrating grafts are used. Femtosecond laser assisted anterior lamellar keratoplasty (FALK) is useful for superficial corneal scars and dystrophies. Sutureless replacement of the anterior corneal stroma greatly enhances visual rehabilitation and limits induced post-operative astigmatism. Additional procedures like photo-refractive keratectomy (PRK) may be performed for refractive errors, post-operatively. Femtosecond laser assisted endothelial keratoplasty (FLEK) has been used to cut donor discs. However, deep in the corneal stroma, microkeratomes give smoother cuts. Disadvantages with this technology include increased cost, longer operative time, and logistics. However, the precision and accuracy of the femtosecond laser has the potential to overcome many of the problems faced with conventional corneal transplant procedures.
Genetic Susceptibility to Retinopathy of Prematurity: A Paradigm for Preterm Disease Traits
Authors: Malik Manzoor Ahmad , Shukla Swati , Srivastava Arpna , Kaur Jasbir
Published: August 2014

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a vasoproliferative retinal disorder in premature infants that can lead to blindness and the incidence is increasing with increased survival of infants born at very early gestational age and low birth weight. Majority of common diseases are complex and multifactorial resulting from the interplay of genetic components and environmental factors. As no single gene or genetic variant on its own can cause the disease pathology, complexities associated with common diseases present unique challenges for management and therapy. Genome wide association and resequencing projects together with gene environment interaction studies are expected to further define the causal relationships that connect genetic variants to ROP pathogenesis and should assist in better design of prevention and intervention. This review summarizes the recent literature on ROP with a special focus to recognize the genetic basis of the disease.
Morphological Variants and Presentations of Retinal Artery Macroaneurysms
Authors: Dhawan Bodhraj , Vig Vipan Kumar , Singh Preetam , Singh Rajbir
Published: August 2014

Retinal Artery Macroaneurysms as vascular retinal lesions are not uncommon. Varied variety of presentations and changing morphology during various stages of natural history may create confusion in diagnosis. Owing to great impact that these lesions may have on ones visual status the conceptual awareness to an ophthalmologist is of utmost importance. Although older age, female gender and history of hypertension are important clues, the posterior location of the lesion is probably the most consistent feature.
Diflunisal versus tafamidis on neuropathy and cardiomyopathy in hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis
Authors: Chao Chi‐Chao , Tzeng Shiou‐Ru , Chiang Ming‐Chang , Hsueh Hsueh‐Wen , Hsieh Wan‐Jen , Chao Yuan‐Chun , Cheng Mei‐Fang , Lin Yen‐Hung , Su Mao‐Yuan , Huang Chun‐Hsiang , Wang Yi‐Shiang , Hsieh Ming‐Fang , Tseng Ping‐Huei , Hsieh Sung‐Tsang
Published: August 2024

Objectives

Hereditary transthyretin (TTR) amyloidosis (ATTRv) is frequently complicated by polyneuropathy (ATTRv‐PN) and cardiomyopathy (ATTRv‐CM). The long‐term efficacy of diflunisal on both polyneuropathy and cardiomyopathy in ATTRv patients, especially those with non‐V30M genotypes, has not been fully investigated and compared with that of tafamidis.

Methods

We compared the structural and biochemical characteristics of A97S‐TTR complexed with tafamidis with those of diflunisal, and prospectively followed up and compared the progression of polyneuropathy and cardiomyopathy between ATTRv‐PN patients taking diflunisal and those taking tafamidis.

Results

Both diflunisal and tafamidis effectively bind to the two thyroxine‐binding sites at the A97S‐TTR dimer–dimer interface and equally and almost sufficiently reduce amyloid fibril formation. Thirty‐five ATTRv‐PN patients receiving diflunisal and 22 patients receiving tafamidis were enrolled. Compared with no treatment, diflunisal treatment significantly delayed the transition of FAP Stage 1 to 2 and Stage 2 to 3 and decreased the deterioration in parameters of the ulnar nerve conduction study (NCS). The progression of FAP stage or NCS parameters did not differ between patients treated with diflunisal and those treated with tafamidis. Both diflunisal and tafamidis treatments significantly decreased radiotracer uptake on 99mTc‐PYP SPECT and stabilized cardiac wall thickness and blood pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide levels. No significant adverse events occurred during diflunisal or tafamidis treatment.

Interpretations

The binding patterns of both tafamidis and diflunisal to A97S‐TTR closely resembled those observed in the wild type. Diflunisal can effectively delay the progression of polyneuropathy and cardiomyopathy with similar efficacy to tafamidis and may become a cost‐effective alternative treatment for late‐onset ATTRv‐PN.
Nanostructuring of AlSiCrMnFeNiCu High‐Entropy Alloy via Cryomilling: Exploring Structural, Magnetic, and Thermoelectric Properties
Authors: Shadangi Yagnesh , Sherpa Pema Chida , Jain Harsh , Varalakshmi S. , Chatterji Sandip , Ghosh Labanya , Mukhopadhyay Nilay Krishna , Tripathi Ajay , Tiwari Archana
Published: August 2024

Efforts are made to understand the influence of milling intensity on structure, morphology, magnetic and thermoelectric properties of nonequiatomic nanostructured AlSiCrMnFeNiCu high‐entropy alloy (HEA) powders prepared by cryomilling. These powders are cryomilled with different ball‐to‐powder ratios (BPR) and present a dual‐phase structure containing a major B2‐type and a minor Cr5Si3‐type phase. An increase in BPR enhances the refinement of crystallite size, grain size, and particle size accompanied by a decrease in the phase fraction of the minor Cr5Si3‐type phase. Magnetic measurements revealed that at room temperature, sufficient increase in BPR leads to a transition from multi‐domain behavior to single‐domain behavior which leads to enhancement in soft magnetic properties. Thermal measurements show the presence of different magnetic phase transitions which vary with an increase in BPR. A change of charge carrier type from p to n‐type was observed as the grain size is reduced. The figure of merit decreases with the decrease in grain size from 2 × 10–5 for as‐cast powders and is lowest for the smallest grain‐sized sample due to a decrease in electrical conductivity. This study shows the possibility of exploring nonequiatomic low‐density HEAs whose functional properties can be tailored, offering flexibility in material design for specific applications.
Microreactor‐Assisted Soft Lithography for Rapid and Inexpensive Patterning of Nanostructured ZnO/CuO Heterojunctions
Authors: Gao Zhongwei , Doddapaneni V. Vinay K. , Pan Changqing , Malhotra Rajiv , Chang Chih‐hung
Published: August 2024

A novel, scalable process to deposit nanostructures with multiscale 3D geometric shapes and its application in fabricating p–n heterojunctions with n‐type ZnO and p‐type CuO is demonstrated. The process combines a microreactor‐assisted solution deposition with soft lithography to control and generate a chemical reactive flux that is transported by a patterned microfluidic channel for film printing. The precursor solutions are mixed and heated in a microreactor to generate reactive species controllably. Patterned polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) channels guides the reacting solution to the substrate surface to form ZnO nanostructures with multiscale 3D geometric shapes. The channel geometry, flow rate, and substrate temperature are found to control the pattern geometry. A thin‐film diode composed of two different layers of a thin film with CuO at the bottom and ZnO at the top is fabricated to demonstrate fabrication of complicated functional nanostructures using low‐cost and facile solution‐based methods on desired substrate regions. The growth of the thin film can be controlled and accelerated compared to the traditional chemical bath deposition process, thanks to the continuous formation of the precursor solution with constant concentrations.
Calcium Hexacyanoferrate (III) Nanocatalyst Enables Redox Homeostasis for Autism Spectrum Disorder Treatment
Authors: Feng Shini , Gong Yan , Xia Lili , Lang Yue , Shen Yizhe , Li Hui , Feng Wei , Chen Fuxue , Chen Yu
Published: August 2024

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a multifaced neurodevelopmental disorder with considerable heterogeneity, in which over‐generated reactive oxygen species (ROS) induce a cascade of pathological changes, including cellular apoptosis and inflammatory responses. Given the complex etiology of ASD, no effective treatment is available for ASD. In this work, a specific catalytic nanoenzyme, calcium hexacyanoferrate (III) nanocatalysts (CaH NCs), is designed and engineered for efficient ASD treatment. CaH NCs can mimic the activities of natural enzymes including superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase, which mitigates intracellular excessive ROS and regulates redox equilibrium. These CaH NCs modulate mitochondrial membrane potential, elevate B‐cell lymphoma‐2 levels, and suppress pro‐apoptotic proteins, including Caspase‐3 and B‐cell lymphoma‐2‐associated X, thus effectively reducing cellular apoptosis. Importantly, CaH NCs alleviate inflammation by upregulating anti‐inflammatory cytokine interleukin‐10 and downregulating pro‐inflammatory factors, resulting in attenuated activation of microglial and astrocytic and subsequent reduction in neuroinflammation. Subsequently, CaH NCs enhance social abilities, decrease anxiety levels, ameliorate repetitive behaviors, and improve learning and memory in ASD animal models through inflammation regulation and apoptosis inhibition. The CaH NCs in managing and preventing ASD represents a paradigm shift in autism treatment, paving the alternative but efficient way for clinical interventions in neurological conditions.
“Bowling Collision Effect” of CoMo6 Polyoxometalate Units Enables Wide Temperature Range from −20 to 60 °C and Dendrite Mitigation Li‐S Batteries
Authors: Li Yiding , Sun Kai , Fu Yujun , Wang Siqi , Zhuge Chenyu , Yin Xiaoqiang , Yang Zhibo , Li Zhenhua , Liu Dequan , Wang Xi , He Deyan
Published: August 2024

To improve the performance of Lithium‐Sulfur (Li‐S) batteries, the reaction catalysts of lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) reactions should have the characteristics of large surface area, efficient atomic utilization, high conductivity, small size, good stability, and strong adjustability. Herein, Anderson‐type polyoxometalate ([TMMo6O24]n−, TM = Co, Ni, Fe, represented by TMMo6 POMs) are used as the modified materials for Li‐S battery separator. By customizing the central metal atoms, this work gains insights into the layer‐by‐layer electron transfer mechanism between TMMo6 units and LiPSs, similar to the collision effect of a bowling ball. Theoretical analysis and in situ experimental characterization show that the changes of CoMo6 units with moderate binding energy and lowest Gibbs free energy result in the formation of robust polar bonds and prolonged S─S bonds after adsorption. Hence, the representative Li‐S battery with CoMo6 and graphene composite modified separator has a high initial capacity of 1588.6 mA h g−1 at 0.2 C, excellent cycle performance of more than 3000 cycles at 5 C, and uniform Li+ transport over 1900 h. More importantly, this work has revealed the inherent contradiction between the kinetics and thermodynamics, achieving a stable cycle in the temperature range of −20 to 60 °C.
Branched Oligomer‐Based Reversible Adhesives Enabled by Controllable Self‐Aggregation
Authors: Qin Chenxi , Yang Hao , Li Bin , Xing Zhencai , Yu Bo , Cai Meirong , Pei Xiaowei , Ma Yanfei , Zhou Feng , Liu Weimin
Published: August 2024

Supramolecular adhesion material systems based on small molecules have shown great potential to unite the great contradiction between strong adhesion and reversibility. However, these material systems suffer from low adhesion strength/narrow adhesion span, limited designability, and single interaction due to fewer covalent bond content and action sites in small molecules. Herein, an ultrahigh‐strength and large‐span reversible adhesive enabled by a branched oligomer controllable self‐aggregation strategy is developed. The dense covalent bonds present in the branched oligomers greatly enhance adhesion strength without compromising reversibility. The resulting adhesive exhibits a large‐span reversible adhesion of ≈140 times, switching between ultra‐strong and tough adhesion strength (5.58 MPa and 5093.92 N m−1) and ultralow adhesion (0.04 MPa and 87.656 N m−1) with alternating temperature. Moreover, reversible dynamic double cross‐linking endows the adhesive with stable reversible adhesion transitions even after 100 cycles. This reversible adhesion property can also be remotely controlled via a voltage of 8 V, with a loading voltage duration of 45 s. This work paves the way for the design of reversible adhesives with long‐span outstanding properties using covalent polymers and offers a pathway for the rational design of high‐performance adhesives featuring both robust toughness and exceptional reversibility.
Grain Boundary Transport in the Argyrodite‐Type Li6PS5Br Solid Electrolyte: Influence of Misorientation and Anion Disorder on Li Ion Mobility
Authors: Sadowski Marcel , Albe Karsten
Published: August 2024

To realize efficient solid‐state batteries, many efforts are directed toward maximizing the bulk Li+ conductivity of sulfide superionic conductors, as demonstrated for the argyrodite‐type materials Li6PS5Cl and Li6PS5Br. Notably, in these archetype materials, the fast Li+ transport benefits from considerable anion disorder on the halide and sulfur sublattices. To further improve the Li+ conductivity, however, one must consider not only the bulk properties of the solid electrolyte (SE) but also microstructural aspects. It is, however, controversially discussed whether grain boundary (GB) transport is generally detrimental for the overall ion conductivity in agyrodite‐type SEs. Thus, by means of atomistic computer simulations, the Li+ ion transport is studied in twist and tilt GBs of Li6PS5Br, revealing that the Br/S site exchange determines whether the presence of GBs deteriorates the ionic conductivity: Whereas the material with 0% Br/S site exchange only shows locally limited bulk diffusion but enhanced GB conductivity, at higher degrees of site exchange, GBs deteriorate Li+ diffusion. These results show that the interplay of GB transport directly depends on the degree of site exchange in argyrodite‐type materials.
Advances in Photonic Crystal Research for Structural Color
Authors: Chen Hao , Wei Jingjiang , Pan Fei , Yuan Tianyu , Fang Yuanlai , Wang Qingyuan
Published: August 2024

Structural color is a remarkable physical phenomenon that exists widely in nature. Unlike traditional color rendering methods, they are realized mainly through micro/nanostructures that interfere, diffract, scatter light, and exhibit long‐life and environmental‐friendly color effects. In nature, a few organisms use their color‐changing system to transmit information, such as courtship, warning, or disguise. Meanwhile, some natural inorganic minerals can also exhibit structural colors. Learning from nature, scientists have achieved large‐scale structural color design and manufacturing technology for artificial photonic crystals. Photonic crystals have a unique microstructure that forms a band gap under the action of the periodic potential field, consequently causing Bragg scattering due to the periodic arrangement of different refractive index media within them. Because of the apparent photonic band gap and the ability to form local photons at crystal defects, photonic crystals have been extensively studied in recent years and have broad application prospects in photonic fibers, optical computers, chips, and other fields. In this review, the research, properties, and applications of photonic crystals in recent years are presented, as well as insight into the future developments of photonic crystals.
Accurate and Robust Wide‐Range Luminescent Microthermometer Based on ALD‐Encapsulated Ga2O3:Cr DBR Microcavities
Authors: Alonso‐Orts Manuel , Neelissen Ruben J. T. , Carrasco Daniel , Schowalter Marco , Rosenauer Andreas , Nogales Emilio , Méndez Bianchi , Eickhoff Martin
Published: August 2024

The high spatial resolution and contactless optical readout capabilities of luminescence thermometry offer significant advantages in numerous fields, including biomedicine, space exploration and optoelectronics. In addition, robust, reproducible, and accurate temperature measurements are essential in these areas. The ultra‐wide band gap semiconductor material Ga2O3 is a suitable host for optical sensing in harsh environments due to its high stability. In this work, the thermometric operation of Ga2O3:Cr‐based microcavities are evaluated. They are designed as follows: Ga2O3:Cr microwires are encapsulated in multilayers fabricated by atomic layer deposition (ALD), which act as both Bragg reflectors and protective layers for the thermometric sensor. Prior to the ALD encapsulation step, focused ion beam carved trenches at the microwire ends are necessary to accommodate the multilayer coating. The structural and optical properties of the devices are assessed experimentally, analytically and by simulations. The developed microthermometers can be easily calibrated using a cubic polynomial for the temperature‐dependent resonant peak position shift. A better than 0.5 °C temperature resolution and accuracy for temperatures above −80 °C is demonstrated. Additionally, the devices show robustness against excitation laser densities of at least 34 W mm−2, can operate at temperatures up to 600 °C and remain functional in liquids.
Enabling Fast Ionic Conductivity and Stable Interfaces of Composite Polymer Electrolytes by Incorporating Borohydride‐Oxide Dual Fillers for Solid State Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Zeng Shunqin , Ren Kaixiang , Ding Xiaoli , Li Hai‐Wen , Li Yongtao , Zhang Qingan
Published: August 2024

Poly ethylene oxide (PEO) composite polymer electrolytes (CPEs) are one of the most promising candidates for all‐solid‐state batteries with high energy density, flexibility and safety. However, the applications of PEO with practicability have been refrained from its poor tensile strength, limited Li‐ion migration and ionic conductivity. In this work, the compact and stable flexible CPEs are prepared by PEO matrix with dual‐fillers of LiBH4 and Al2O3, where Al2O3 with Lewis acid sites can weaken the complexation of Li+ and PEO as well as enhance the dissociation of Li salts. Meanwhile LiBH4 acts as fast ion conductor to provide free Li+ at the interfaces between fillers and PEO. Benefiting from their synergistic effects, both ionic conductivity and interface stability between electrolyte and anode of CPEs are improved greatly while the lithium dendrites is also inhibited. As a result, the PEO/Lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide(LiTFSI)/(4%LiBH4/4%γ‐Al2O3) CPEs exhibit a high ionic conductivity of 0.3 mS cm−1 and the Li‐Li symmetrical battery can cycle for 800 h at 60 °C.
Dimethyl Fumarate Ameliorates the Endometriosis Through Anti‐Inflammatory and Anti‐Proliferation Mechanisms In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Kim Miji , Park Wonhyoung , Kim Hee Seung , Park Soo Jin , Lim Whasun , Song Gwonhwa , Park Sunwoo
Published: August 2024

Dimethyl fumarate is a widely known therapeutic agent with anti‐inflammatory properties for psoriasis and multiple sclerosis. Despite the current attempts to use dimethyl fumarate for treating various inflammatory diseases, its effects on endometriosis have not been previously reported. Endometriosis is a genital disease that causes various health problems in women, and treatment methods targeting the inflammatory environment are being attempted. Therefore, it is hypothesized that dimethyl fumarate has therapeutic effects on endometriosis through its anti‐inflammatory effects. Dimethyl fumarate exerted remarkable effects on cellular mechanisms, including reactive oxygen species production, activation of mitogen‑activated protein kinase signals, loss of mitochondrial function, and disruption of calcium ion homeostasis in the immortalized human ovarian endometrial stromal cells. In an endometriosis mouse model, dimethyl fumarate downregulated cell cycle‐related genes and induced inhibitory effects on endometriosis lesion growth. In particular, the immune cell population and expression of inflammatory cytokines such as IL‐1β, IL‐6, and IL‐10 are regulated by dimethyl fumarate. These results support its potential as a therapeutic agent to control the excessive inflammatory environment in patients with endometriosis. This study identifies for the first time that dimethyl fumarate, which is already in clinical use, can be used to treat endometriosis.
Open‐Source Tools for the Fabrication and Characterization of Organic Electronics
Authors: Butscher Julian F. , Kwon Seonil , Popczyk Anna , Gather Malte C.
Published: August 2024

By promoting collaborative sharing of knowledge, the open‐source movement has catalyzed substantial progress across diverse fields, including software development and artificial intelligence. Similarly, the concept of openly shared hardware has gained attention, due to its cost‐effectiveness and the prospect of improved reproducibility. A major motivation for the development of organic electronics is its promise to deliver substantial advantages in price and manufacturability relative to its inorganic counterpart. Here, two open‐source tools for organic electronics are introduced: a dip‐coating device designed for thin film fabrication and a four‐point probe for precisely measuring the resistance of thin films. These tools only cost a fraction of comparable commercial devices and run with open‐source software to ensure a user‐friendly experience. A case study demonstrates the optimization of simple fluorescent organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) using these open‐source tools achieving 4% external quantum efficiency (EQE). To characterize these OLEDs, a previously reported open‐source setup for accurate efficiency measurements is used. A substantial software upgrade to this setup, which speeds up the characterization of electroluminescence, is also repor. This work contributes open‐source hardware and software to the field of organic electronics, thereby lowering the entrance barrier to the field and fostering the involvement of scientists with diverse scientific backgrounds.
An efficient technology for dye intermediate production: Process intensification of catalytic hydrogenation of aromatic nitrocompounds in a rotating packed bed reactor
Authors: Zhang Xin , Zhou Cai‐Ji , Zheng Liang , Li Zi‐Lun , Sun Bao‐Chang , Chen Jian‐Feng , Luo Yong
Published: August 2024

The rotating packed bed (RPB) is suitable for catalytic hydrogenation of aromatic nitrocompounds whose reaction rate is limited by the mass transfer rate. However, the matching mechanism between the mass transfer rate and intrinsic reaction rate in the RPB reactor is still unclear. In this work, the matching relationship in the RPB reactor is studied by combining the characteristics of mass transfer and reaction in detail. Effects of various operating conditions on the gas–liquid mass transfer coefficient up to 0.31/s, under working conditions were studied and the mass transfer correlation was proposed. The hydrogenation of p‐nitroanisole was used as a probe reaction to analyze the matching mechanism. Various aromatic nitrocompounds in the RPB and stirred tank reactors were investigated. The reaction efficiency of the former is 5–20 times that of the latter, which further explained the universality of the matching mechanism in the RPB reactor.
Visual acuity of the summer flounder (Paralichthys dentatus) captures spatial information relevant to dynamic camouflage at close range
Authors: Moreno Vanessa M. , Schweikert Lorian E.
Published: August 2024

Dynamic camouflage is the capacity to rapidly change skin color and pattern, often for the purpose of background‐matching camouflage. Summer flounder (Paralichthys dentatus) are demersal fish with an exceptional capacity for dynamic camouflage, but with eyes that face away from the substrate, it is unknown if this behavior is mediated by vision. Past studies have shown that summer flounder skin can match the pattern (i.e., spatial detail) of substrate with a high degree of precision, and for that to be achieved using sight, one testable assumption is that the resolution of vision must match the degree of detail produced in color‐change performance. To test this, approaches in morphology and behavior were used to estimate visual acuity, which is the capacity of the visual system to resolve static spatial detail. Using image processing techniques, we then compared the degree of spatial detail from a relevant substrate with what may be detectable by summer flounder spatial vision. The morphological and behavioral estimates of visual acuity were calculated as 3.62 cycles per degree (CPD) ± 0.8 (s.d.) and 4.06 CPD ± 0.4 (s.d.), respectively. These estimates fall within a range of acuities known among other flatfishes and appear adequate for detecting the spatial information needed for background‐matching camouflage, though only at close distances. These data provide new knowledge about summer flounder visual acuity and suggest the capacity of flounder vision to support dynamic camouflage of the skin.
Beyond head and wings: Unveiling influence of diet, body size, and phylogeny on the evolution of the femur in phyllostomid bats
Authors: Louzada Nathália Siqueira Veríssimo , Tavares William Corrêa
Published: August 2024

Phyllostomidae, the most diverse family of Neotropical bats, encompass 230 species with varied dietary habits and food acquisition methods. Their feeding niche diversification has shaped skull and wing morphologies through natural selection, reflecting food processing and flight strategies. Yet, evolution of bat hindlimbs, especially in phyllostomids, remains little understood. Previous studies highlighted the femur's morphology as a key to understanding the evolution of quadrupedalism in yangochiropteran bats, including the adept walking observed in vampire bats (Desmodontinae). Here, we aimed to describe the femoral morphological variation in Phyllostomidae, correlating this with body size and assessing the effects of phylogenetic history, dietary habits, and hindlimb usage. Analyzing 15 femoral traits from 45 species across 9 subfamilies through phylogenetically informed methods, we discovered a significant phylogenetic structure in femoral morphology. Allometric analysis indicated that body mass accounts for about 85% of the variance in phyllostomid femoral size and about 11% in femoral shape. Relatively smaller femurs showed to be typical in Stenodermatinae, Lonchophyllinae, and Glossophaginae, in contrast to the larger femurs of Phyllostominae, Desmodontinae, Micronycterinae, and Lonchorrhininae. Furthermore, extensive femur shape variation was detected, with the most distinct morphologies in vampire bats, followed by frugivorous species. Adaptive evolutionary models related to diet more effectively explained variations in femoral relative size and shape than stochastic models. Contrary to the conventional belief of limited functional demand on bat femurs, our findings suggest that femoral morphology is significantly influenced by functional demands associated with diet and food capture, in addition to being partially structured by body size and shared evolutionary history.
Enhancement of Mass Transport in Catalyst Layers of HT‐PEMFC with Tetrafluorophenyl Phosphonic Acid Binder
Authors: Ma Zhuang , Niu Jianchun , Zhang Shuomeng , Zhang Jialin , Lu Shanfu , He Qinggang
Published: August 2024

The design and development of new and efficient catalyst binder materials are important for improving cell performance in high‐temperature proton‐exchange membrane fuel cells (HT‐PEMFCs). In this study, a series of tetrafluorophenyl phosphonic acid−based binder materials (PF‐y‐P, y=1, 0.83, and 0.67) with rigid structures and controllable degrees of phosphonation were prepared and used in HT‐PEMFCs using the ultra‐strong acid‐catalyzed Friedel−Crafts reaction and the combined Michaelis−Arbuzov reaction. The samples exhibited high stability, low water uptake, superior proton conductivity, and cell performance. In addition, the oxygen mass transport properties of the PF‐1‐P binder were investigated using high‐temperature microelectrode electrochemical testing techniques. Compared with the phosphoric acid‐doped polybenzimidazole (PBI) binder, the O2 solubility of PF‐1‐P binder material increased by 30 % (5.36×10−6 mol cm−3) and the PF‐1‐P binder material exhibited better cell stability in HT‐PEMFCs. After 10.5 h of discharge at a constant current of 0.12 A cm−2, the MEA voltage decreased by 7.1 % and 20.8 % in case of the PF‐1‐P and PBI binders, respectively.