bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of Hearing Loss With Anatomical and Functional Connectivity in Patients With Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: An You Young , Lee Eek-Sung , Lee Se A , Choi Joon Ho , Park Jung Mi , Lee Tae-Kyeong , Kim Hajoon , Lee Jong Dae
Published: May 2023

Importance

Hearing loss is the most important modifiable risk factor for cognitive impairment; however, the association of hearing loss with anatomical and functional connectivity is not fully understood. This association may be elucidated by evaluating the findings of newer imaging technologies.

Objectives

To evaluate the association of hearing loss with anatomical and functional connectivity in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) by using multimodal imaging technology.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This was a prospective cross-sectional study of patients with MCI under the care of a neurology clinic at the Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital (Republic of Korea) from April to September 2021. Data were analyzed from April 1 to June 30, 2022.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Pure tone averages (PTA) and word recognition scores were used to measure hearing acuity. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography scans of the brain were used to assess functional and anatomical connectivity. Results of diffusion MRI, voxel- and surface-based morphometric imaging, and global brain amyloid standardized uptake ratio were analyzed. Neuroimaging parameters of patients with MCI plus hearing loss were compared with those of patients with MCI and no hearing loss. Correlation analyses among neuroimaging parameters, PTA, and word recognition scores were performed.

Results

Of 48 patients with MCI, 30 (62.5%) had hearing loss (PTA >25 dB) and 18 (37.5%) did not (PTA ≤25 dB). Median (IQR) age was 73.5 (69.0-78.0) years in the group with hearing loss and 75.0 (65.0-78.0) years in the group with normal hearing; there were 20 (66.7%) and 14 (77.8%) women in each group, respectively. The group with MCI plus hearing loss demonstrated decreased functional connectivity between the bilateral insular and anterior divisions of the cingulate cortex, and decreased fractional anisotropy in the bilateral fornix, corpus callosum forceps major and tapetum, left parahippocampal cingulum, and left superior thalamic radiation. Fractional anisotropy in the corpus callosum forceps major and bilateral parahippocampal cingulum negatively correlated with the severity of hearing loss shown by PTA testing. The 2 groups were not significantly different in global β-amyloid uptake, gray matter volume, and cortical thickness.

Conclusion and Relevance

The findings of this prospective cross-sectional study suggest that alterations in the salience network may contribute to the neural basis of cognitive impairment associated with hearing loss in patients who are on the Alzheimer disease continuum.
Combined RBE and OER optimization in proton therapy with FLUKA based on EF5‐PET
Authors: Henjum Helge , Dahle Tordis Johnsen , Mairani Andrea , Pilskog Sara , Stokkevåg Camilla , Boer Camilla Grindeland , Redalen Kathrine Røe , Minn Heikki , Malinen Eirik , Ytre‐Hauge Kristian Smeland
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Tumor hypoxia is associated with poor treatment outcome. Hypoxic regions are more radioresistant than well‐oxygenated regions, as quantified by the oxygen enhancement ratio (OER). In optimization of proton therapy, including OER in addition to the relative biological effectiveness (RBE) could therefore be used to adapt to patient‐specific radioresistance governed by intrinsic radiosensitivity and hypoxia.

Methods

A combined RBE and OER weighted dose (ROWD) calculation method was implemented in a FLUKA Monte Carlo (MC) based treatment planning tool. The method is based on the linear quadratic model, with α and β parameters as a function of the OER, and therefore a function of the linear energy transfer (LET) and partial oxygen pressure (pO2). Proton therapy plans for two head and neck cancer (HNC) patients were optimized with pO2 estimated from [18F]‐EF5 positron emission tomography (PET) images. For the ROWD calculations, an RBE of 1.1 (RBE1.1,OER) and two variable RBE models, Rørvik (ROR) and McNamara (MCN), were used, alongside a reference plan without incorporation of OER (RBE1.1).

Results

For the HNC patients, treatment plans in line with the prescription dose and with acceptable target ROWD could be generated with the established tool. The physical dose was the main factor modulated in the ROWD. The impact of incorporating OER during optimization of HNC patients was demonstrated by the substantial difference found between ROWD and physical dose in the hypoxic tumor region. The largest physical dose differences between the ROWD optimized plans and the reference plan was 12.2 Gy.

Conclusion

The FLUKA MC based tool was able to optimize proton treatment plans taking the tumor pO2 distribution from hypoxia PET images into account. Independent of RBE‐model, both elevated LET and physical dose were found in the hypoxic regions, which shows the potential to increase the tumor control compared to a conventional optimization approach.
Messenger Materials Moving Forward: The Role of Functional Polymer Architectures as Enablers for Dynamic Nano‐to‐Macro Messaging
Authors: Besford Quinn A. , Rossner Christian , Fery Andreas
Published: May 2023

Identifying changes in the nanoscopic domain is a key challenge in the physicochemical sciences, where great interest is on sensing complex processes that involve cellular biochemical reactions, chemical heterogeneities, contact forces, and other interfacial phenomena. This has stimulated the development of diverse materials that allow subtle nanoscopic environments to be "seen". The challenge in the nano‐domain has always been the ability to sense changes on the minute scale and rapidly transduce the information out for macroscopical observation. Ideally, materials should inform when processes are occurring. Recently, new systems that leverage established concepts with fluorescence‐ and plasmonic‐based sensing have been devised, which has reinvigorated the domain, where functional polymers coupled in specific architectures to transducing motifs allow for a new basis of messenger materials to be realized. The key aspect in this regard is that the polymers allow for sensing to be achieved only when they are carefully coupled to the amplification system. In this perspective, the role of specific functional polymer architectures for the realization of nano‐to‐macro sensing of subtle nano‐messengers is discussed and where the exciting field of messenger materials is seen moving forward is pointed out.
Four‐In‐One Strategy to Boost the Performance of Nax[Ni,Mn]O2
Authors: Zhang Shiguang , Li Xinyan , Su Yun , Yang Yang , Yu Hao , Wang Haibo , Zhang Qing , Lu Yaxiang , Song Dawei , Wang Shanfeng , Zhang Qinghua , Rong Xiaohui , Zhang Lianqi , Chen Liquan , Hu Yong‐Sheng
Published: May 2023

High‐performance layered oxide cathode materials are vital to the industrialization of Na‐ion batteries (NIBs) due to their high theoretical capacity and facile production. These materials, however, suffer from complicated phase transitions and poor capacity retention cycling. The modifying impacts of classic strategies, such as doping and coating, are generally restricted. Herein, a rational four‐in‐one strategy to boost the overall performance of Nax[Ni,Mn]O2 materials by innovative composition design and elegant synthesis management is provided. After modification, the half‐cell capacity retention rate increases from 45% to 77% after 250 cycles at 1 C rate. The capacity of the full cells is maintained at 83% after 300 cycles at 0.5 C rate. This four‐in‐one strategy, which encompasses optimization of the energy band structure, ion diffusion, crystal structure, and particle morphology, sheds new insight into the overall optimization of cathode materials for NIBs.
Spintronic State‐Induced Interface Reconfiguration of 2H‐Perovskite Related Oxides for Pseudocapacitance Increase
Authors: Liang Tingting , Hou Ruilin , Zhang Xiaqing , Yang Bingjun , Yang Bao , Yang Shengrong , Zhang Xu , Yan Xingbin
Published: May 2023

Perovskite oxides are able to realize pseudocapacitive energy storage through oxygen anion intercalation. Herein, it is demonstrated that, based on the three 2H‐perovskite related oxides Sr6Co5O15‐x, Sr5Co4O12‐x, and Sr5Co3NiO12‐x as the research objects, metal oxyhydroxides generated through surface reconfiguration during electrochemical processes can contribute extra capacity besides the oxygen‐anion intercalation. This is because the electron spin state controlled by the transition metal valence state in the pseudo trigonal prisms for the 2H‐perovskite structure will affect the Jahn–Teller (JT) distortion. The strong JT distortion of Co2+ and Ni3+ would elongate metal‐O bonds, thereby helping the formation of metal oxyhydroxides on the surface of the pristine material. Among the three 2H‐perovskite related oxides, the specific capacity of Sr5Co3NiO12‐x having the most Co2+ and Ni3+ contents showed the highest capacity increase. This study will provide a promising pathway to develop advanced perovskite‐like oxide pseudocapacitive materials.
Accelerated Sulfur Evolution Reactions by TiS2/TiO2@MXene Host for High‐Volumetric‐Energy‐Density Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Nguyen Viet Phuong , Park Ji Su , Shim Hyung Cheoul , Yuk Jong Min , Kim Jae‐Hyun , Kim Duckjong , Lee Seung‐Mo
Published: May 2023

The poor cycling stability and low volumetric energy density of lithium–sulfur batteries compared with lithium‐ion batteries are hindering their practical applications. Here, it is demonstrated that a dense sulfur electrode containing heavy TiS2/TiO2@MXene heterostructures can tackle these issues. It is observed that the TiO2 part functionally anchors the lithium polysulfides through the strong chemical affinity, and the TiS2 part serves as an efficient electrocatalyst to enhance the kinetics of sulfur evolution reactions. Benefitting from these synergistic effects, the TiS2/TiO2@MXene heterostructures effectively suppress the shuttle effects, leading to superior cyclability of the sulfur cathode with a low capacity decay of 0.038% per cycle for 500 cycles at a current rate of 1 C. More encouragingly, a highly dense S/TiS2/TiO2@MXene cathode exhibits a high volumetric energy density of 2476 Wh L−1 (based on the volume of the composite) at a high sulfur mass loading of 7.5 mg cm−2 and lean electrolyte of 5 µL mg−1. The electrochemical performance is comparable to or even superior to the lithium‐ion and lithium–sulfur batteries reported in the literature. This study provides an effective strategy to design stable and high‐volumetric‐energy‐density lithium–sulfur batteries for practical energy storage applications.
Small Ceria Nanoclusters with High ROS Scavenging Activity and Favorable Pharmacokinetic Parameters for the Amelioration of Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Wu Qianqian , Yang Lu , Zou Ling , Yang Wang , Liu Qingshan , Zhang Anwei , Cao Jiang , Shi Guangyou , He Jian , Yang Xiaochao
Published: May 2023

The over production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) plays a critical role in the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Organic ROS scavengers currently used for CKD treatment do not satisfy low dosage and high efficiency requirements. Ceria nanomaterials featured with renewable ROS scavenging activity are potential candidates for CKD treatment. Herein, a method for the synthesis of ceria nanoclusters (NCs) featured with small size of ≈1.2 nm is reported. The synthesized NCs are modified by three hydrophilic ligands with different molecular weights, including succinic acid (SA), polyethylene glycol diacid 600 (PEG600), and polyethylene glycol diacid 2000 (PEG2000). The surface modified NCs exhibit excellent ROS scavenging activity due to the high Ce3+/Ce4+ ratio in their crystal structures. Compared with bigger‐sized ceria nanoparticles (NPs) (≈45 nm), NCs demonstrate smoother blood concentration‐time curve, lower organ accumulation, and faster metabolic rate superiorities. The administration of NCs to CKD mice, especially PEG600 and PEG2000 modified NCs, can effectively inhibit oxidative stress, inflammation, renal fibrosis, and apoptosis in their kidneys. Due to these benefits, the constructed NCs can ameliorate the progression of CKD. These findings suggest that NCs is a potential redox nanomedicine for future clinical treatment of CKD.
Preclinical Development and Validation of Translational Temperature Sensitive Iodized Oil Emulsion Mediated Transcatheter Arterial Chemo‐Immuno‐Embolization for the Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Kim Heegon , Choi Bongseo , Mouli Samdeep K. , Choi Hyunjun , Harris Kathleen R. , Kulik Laura M. , Lewandowski Robert J. , Kim Dong‐Hyun
Published: May 2023

Herein a practical strategy for augmenting immune activation in transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is presented. Pluronic F127 (PF127) is incorporated with Lipiodol (LPD) to achieve safe and effective delivery of therapeutic agents during transcatheter intra‐arterial (IA) local delivery. Enhanced emulsion stability, IA infusion, embolic effect, safety, pharmacokinetics, and tumor response of Doxorubicin loaded PF127‐LPD (Dox‐PF127‐LPD) for TACE in both in vitro and in vivo preclinical VX2 liver cancer rabbit model and N1S1 HCC rat model are demonstrated. Then, transcatheter arterial chemo‐immuno‐embolization (TACIE) combining TACE and local delivery of immune adjuvant (TLR9 agonist CpG oligodeoxynucleotide) is successfully performed using CpG‐loaded Dox‐PF127‐LPD. Concurrent and safe local delivery of CpG and TACE during TACIE demonstrate leveraged TACE‐induced immunogenic tumor microenvironment and augment systemic anti‐tumor immunity in syngeneic N1S1 HCC rat model. Finally, the broad utility and enhanced therapeutic efficacy of TACIE are validated in the diethylnitrosamine‐induced rat HCC model. TACIE using clinically established protocols and materials shall be a convenient and powerful therapeutic approach that can be translated to patients with HCC. The robust anti‐cancer immunity and tumor regression of TACIE, along with its favorable safety profile, indicate its potential as a novel localized combination immunotherapy for HCC treatment.
Hybrid Polypyrrole and Polydopamine Nanosheets for Precise Raman/Photoacoustic Imaging and Photothermal Therapy
Authors: Geng Hongya , Lupton Emily J. , Ma Yun , Sun Rujie , Grigsby Christopher L. , Brachi Giulia , Li Xiaorui , Zhou Kun , Stuckey Daniel J. , Stevens Molly M.
Published: May 2023

The development of near‐infrared light responsive conductive polymers provides a useful theranostic platform for malignant tumors by maximizing spatial resolution with deep tissue penetration for diagnosis and photothermal therapy. Herein, the self‐assembly of ultrathin 2D polypyrrole nanosheets utilizing dopamine as a capping agent and a monolayer of octadecylamine as a template is demonstrated. The 2D polypyrrole‐polydopamine nanostructure has tunable size distribution which shows strong absorption in the first and second near‐infrared windows, enabling photoacoustic imaging and photothermal therapy. The hybrid double‐layer is demonstrated to increase Raman intensity for 3D Raman imaging (up to two orders of magnitude enhancement and spatial resolution up to 1 µm). The acidic environment drives reversible doping of polypyrrole, which can be detected by Raman spectroscopy. The combined properties of the nanosheets can substantially enhance performance in dual‐mode Raman and photoacoustic guided photothermal therapy, as shown by the 69% light to heat conversion efficiency and higher cytotoxicity against cancer spheroids. These pH‐responsive features highlight the potential of 2D conductive polymers for applications in accurate, highly efficient theranostics.
Progress and Perspective toward Continuous‐Wave Organic Solid‐State Lasers
Authors: Tang Xun , Senevirathne Chathuranganie A. M. , Matsushima Toshinori , Sandanayaka Atula S. D. , Adachi Chihaya
Published: May 2023

A continuous‐wave (CW) organic solid‐state laser is highly desirable for spectroscopy, sensing, and communications, but is a significant challenge in optoelectronics. The accumulation of long‐lived triplet excitons and relevant excited‐state absorptions, as well as singlet–triplet annihilation, are the main obstacles to CW lasing. Here, progress in singlet‐ and triplet‐state utilizations in organic gain media is reviewed to reveal the issues in working with triplets. Then, exciton behaviors that inhibit light oscillations during long excitation pulses are discussed. Further, recent advances in increasing organic lasing pulse widths from microseconds toward the indication of CW operation are summarized with respect to molecular designs, advanced resonator architectures, triplet scavenging, and potential triplet contribution strategies. Finally, future directions and perspectives are proposed for achieving stable CW organic lasers with significant triplet contribution.
The Myth of “Metavalency” in Phase‐Change Materials
Authors: Jones Robert O. , Elliott Stephen R. , Dronskowski Richard
Published: May 2023

Phase‐change memory materials (PCMs) have unusual properties and important applications, and recent efforts to find improved materials have focused on their bonding mechanisms. “Metavalent bonding” or “metavalency,” intermediate between “metallic” and “covalent” bonding and comprising single‐electron bonds, has been proposed as a fundamentally new mechanism that is relevant both here and for halide perovskite materials. However, it is shown that PCMs, which violate the octet rule, have two types of covalent bond: two‐center, two‐electron (2c‐2e) bonds, and electron‐rich, multicenter bonds (3c‐4e bonds, hyperbonds) involving lone‐pair electrons. The latter have bond orders less than one and are examples of the century‐old concept of “partial” bonds.
“Trojan Horse” Phototheranostics: Fine‐Engineering NIR‐II AIEgen Camouflaged by Cancer Cell Membrane for Homologous‐Targeting Multimodal Imaging‐Guided Phototherapy
Authors: Cui Jie , Zhang Fei , Yan Dingyuan , Han Ting , Wang Lei , Wang Dong , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: May 2023

Multimodal phototheranostics on the basis of a single molecule with one‐for‐all characteristics represents a convenient approach for effective cancer treatment. In this report, a versatile molecule featured by aggregation‐induced emission, namely DHTDP, synchronously enabling second near‐infrared (NIR‐II) fluorescence emission and efficient photothermal conversion is developed by elaborate structural modulation. By camouflaging DHTDP nanoparticles with cancer cell membrane, the resultant biomimetic nanoparticles exhibit significantly both facilitated delivery efficiency and homologous targeting capability, and afford precise imaging guidance and maximize therapeutic outcomes in form of NIR‐II fluorescence imaging (FLI)–photoacoustic imaging (PAI)–photothermal imaging (PTI) trimodal imaging‐guided photothermal therapy (PTT). This study presents the first example of biomimetic multimodal phototheranostics loaded by homogeneity‐targeting cell membrane, thus brings a new insight into the exploration of superior phototheranostics for practical cancer theranostics.
Purely Nitrogen‐Based Multi‐Resonance Deep‐Blue Emitter with an Ultralow y Color Coordinate of < 0.03 via Rationally Intramolecular Charge Transfer
Authors: Luo Ming , Li Wei , Du Songyu , Zhang Jiasen , Wang Zhichuan , Zhang Xiaoli , Li Yong , Ge Ziyi
Published: May 2023

For purely nitrogen‐based multi‐resonance emitters (N‐MR), strategies to integrate emission modulation with high color purity remain exclusive, especially in near‐ultraviolet (NUV) regions. Herein, it is demonstrated for the first time that rationally introducing weak intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) to the MR skeleton to modulate the emission from violet to deep‐blue while retaining high color purity is feasible. By replacing the middle phenyl moiety with the pyridine or benzonitrile unit in the solely nitrogen‐based violet MR skeleton of tDIDCz, two proof‐of‐concept emitters, Nm‐ICz and CNm‐ICz, emphasizing mixed excited states of localized excited (LE) transition from the original MR skeleton and emergent transition channel with charge‐transfer (CT) character, successfully realize bathochromic‐shift and polarity‐insensitive fluorescence from 395 nm to 404–407 and 419–421 nm, respectively, while retaining small full‐width at half‐maximums (FWHMs) of 28–37 and 33–43 nm (214‐281 and 237–310 meV). Furthermore, Nm‐ICz shows bright and violet electroluminescence (EL) spectrum with the peak at 412 nm, while CNm‐ICz shows high color purity deep‐blue EL spectrum with the peak at 427 nm, a small FWHM of 42 nm (286 meV), an ultralow y color coordinate of 0.027, and a maximum external quantum efficiency (EQEmax) of 3.7%.
Electrosynthesis of Thiocyanated/Iodinated/Brominated Pyrazol‐5‐amines and Thiocyanated Enamines via C(sp2)−H Functionalization
Authors: Qian Peng , Jiang Siqi , Zhang Wenbao , Zhang Hui , Ma Yuhan , Li Na , Sheng Liangquan
Published: May 2023

An electrochemical method for the C(sp2)−H thiocyanation of pyrazol‐5‐amines and enamines were developed in an undivided cell. A variety of thiocyanated pyrazol‐5‐amine and enamine derivatives were accessed in 36–91% yields, employing thiocyanate salts as electrolyte and thiocyanating reagent. Moreover, this electrochemical protocol can be extended to the synthesis of various iodinated and brominated pyrazol‐5‐amine derivatives in 51–95% yields. This electrochemical protocol does not require a metal or external chemical oxidants and tolerates unprotected amino groups.
212 Co‐delivery of Vitamin D3 and Antigens by Nanoparticles Enhances Immune Tolerance through Induction of Tolerogenic Dendritic Cells in vivo
Authors: Gao Xue , Cong Xiuxiu , Li He , Mao Kuirong , Wang Haorui , Lin Guojiao , Wang Jialiang , Liu Feiqi , Zhu Ge , Tan Huizhu , Zhang Yuning , Sun Liguang , Yang Yong‐Guang , Sun Tianmeng
Published: May 2023

Tolerogenic dendritic cells (tDCs) induces regulatory T cell (Treg) differentiation and promotes immune tolerance. However, the effective generation of tDCs in vivo to treat autoimmune diseases remains a significant challenge. In this study, the potential of 1α, 25‐Dihydroxyvitamin D3 (VD3) is explored, which has been shown to promote tDCs differentiation in vitro, to induce tDCs in a mouse model of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). To overcome the poor solubility of VD3 and induce autoantigen‐specific Tregs, a PLGA‐PEG‐based nano‐drug delivery system is prepared to co‐deliver VD3 and myelin‐oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) peptides. It is found that intradermal (i.d.) injection of NP/VD3/MOG significantly enhanced the level of antigen‐specific Tregs in vivo. Furthermore, NP/VD3/MOG remarkedly delayed the onset, reduced the severity, and promoted the recovery of EAE mice. This study provides an effective strategy for the treatment of autoimmune diseases.
Current Advances in Immunomodulatory Biomaterials for Cell Therapy and Tissue Engineering
Authors: Kim Boram , Pradhan Lipi , Hernandez Andrea , Yenurkar Devyani , Nethi Susheel Kumar , Mukherjee Sudip
Published: May 2023

Biomaterials have gained immense attention for various diseases due to their unique advantages over chemical drugs regarding cost, ease of production, toxicity, and therapeutic efficacy. However, these materials need an inert delivery system that locally delivers cells and minimally elicits foreign body response (FBR). In this aspect, various immunomodulatory biomaterials, including silk, collagen, fibrin, hyaluronic acid, and alginate‐based biomaterials, have great potential due to large natural sources, ease of extraction, low cost, chemical inertness, facile surface functionalization, long‐term polymeric stability, high biocompatibility, and fine tunability of biomaterials sizes and shapes. In this review article, the recent advancements in the biomedical applications of immunomodulatory biomaterials in different diseases, including diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disease, bone regeneration, etc, are highlighted. Moreover, the FBR on immunomodulatory biomaterials is discussed and the current and future strategies for the potential mitigation of considerable immune responses toward immunomodulatory biomaterials and devices are highlighted.
PERK‐Mediated Cholesterol Excretion from IDH Mutant Glioma Determines Anti‐Tumoral Polarization of Microglia
Authors: Wang Tao , Zhou Yunxia , Fan Yunping , Duan Hao , Guo Xiaoyu , Chang Jinlong , Jiang Youheng , Li Changxue , Fu Zhang , Gao Yunfei , Guo Xiaoran , Sidlauskas Kastytis , He Zhenqiang , Da Costa Clive , Sheng Xia , Wu Dinglan , Yuan Jinqiu , Li Huiliang , He Yulong , Mou Yonggao , Li Ningning
Published: May 2023

Isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) mutation, a known pathologic classifier, initiates metabolic reprogramming in glioma cells and has been linked to the reaction status of glioma‐associated microglia/macrophages (GAMs). However, it remains unclear how IDH genotypes contribute to GAM phenotypes. Here, it is demonstrated that gliomas expressing mutant IDH determine M1‐like polarization of GAMs, while archetypal IDH induces M2‐like polarization. Intriguingly, IDH‐mutant gliomas secrete excess cholesterol, resulting in cholesterol‐rich, pro‐inflammatory GAMs without altering their cholesterol biosynthesis, and simultaneously exhibiting low levels of tumoral cholesterol due to expression remodeling of cholesterol transport molecules, particularly upregulation of ABCA1 and downregulation of LDLR. Mechanistically, a miR‐19a/LDLR axis‐mediated novel post‐transcriptional regulation of cholesterol uptake is identified, modulated by IDH mutation, and influencing tumor cell proliferation and invasion. IDH mutation‐induced PERK activation enhances cholesterol export from glioma cells via the miR‐19a/LDLR axis and ABCA1/APOE upregulation. Further, a synthetic PERK activator, CCT020312 is introduced, which markedly stimulates cholesterol efflux from IDH wild‐type glioma cells, induces M1‐like polarization of GAMs, and consequently suppresses glioma cell invasion. The findings reveal an essential role of the PERK/miR‐19a/LDLR signaling pathway in orchestrating gliomal cholesterol transport and the subsequent phenotypes of GAMs, thereby highlighting a novel potential target pathway for glioma therapy.
Heterojunction Engineering Enhanced Self‐Polarization of PVDF/CsPbBr3/Ti3C2Tx Composite Fiber for Ultra‐High Voltage Piezoelectric Nanogenerator
Authors: Xue You , Yang Tao , Zheng Yapeng , Wang Kang , Wang Enhui , Wang Hongyang , Zhu Laipan , Du Zhentao , Wang Hailong , Chou Kuo‐Chih , Hou Xinmei
Published: May 2023

Piezoelectric nanogenerator (PENG) for practical application is constrained by low output and difficult polarization. In this work, a kind of flexible PENG with high output and self‐polarization is fabricated by constructing CsPbBr3–Ti3C2Tx heterojunctions in PVDF fiber. The polarized charges rapidly migrate to the electrodes from the Ti3C2Tx nanosheets by forming heterojunctions, achieving the maximum utilization of polarized charges and leading to enhanced piezoelectric output macroscopically. Optimally, PVDF/4wt%CsPbBr3/0.6wt%Ti3C2Tx‐PENG exhibits an excellent voltage output of 160 V under self‐polarization conditions, which is higher than other self‐polarized PENG previously. Further, the working principle and self‐polarization mechanism are uncovered by calculating the interfacial charge and electric field using first‐principles calculation. In addition, PVDF/4wt%CsPbBr3/0.6wt%Ti3C2Tx‐PENG exhibits better water and thermal stability attributed to the protection of PVDF. It is also evaluated in practice by harvesting the energy from human palm taps and successfully lighting up 150 LEDs and an electronic watch. This work presents a new idea of design for high‐performance self‐polarization PENG.
Bio‐Mimic, Fast‐Moving, and Flippable Soft Piezoelectric Robots
Authors: Chen Erdong , Yang Yiduo , Li Mengjiao , Li Binghang , Liu Guijie , Mu Weilei , Yin Rong
Published: May 2023

Cheetahs achieve high‐speed movement and unique athletic gaits through the contraction and expansion of their limbs during the gallop. However, few soft robots can mimic their gaits and achieve the same speed of movement. Inspired by the motion gait of cheetahs, here the resonance of double spiral structure for amplified motion performance and environmental adaptability in a soft‐bodied hopping micro‐robot is exploited. The 0.058 g, 10 mm long tethered soft robot is capable of achieving a maximum motion speed of 42.8 body lengths per second (BL/s) and a maximum average turning speed of 482° s−1. In addition, this robot can maintain high speed movement even after flipping. The soft robot's ability to move over complex terrain, climb hills, and carry heavy loads as well as temperature sensors is demonstrated. This research opens a new structural design for soft robots: a double spiral configuration that efficiently translates the deformation of soft actuators into swift motion of the robot with high environmental adaptability.
Ant nests effect on organic matter, carbon, and nitrogen flux in the soil under grasses tufts in Lamto savannah (Côte d'Ivoire)
Authors: Ouattara Kaly , Yeo Kolo , Kouakou Lombart M. M. , Dekoninck Wouter
Published: May 2023

Ants are known to contribute to the physical and chemical improvement of the soil. In this context, the hypothesis put forward is that ants improve the nitrogen (N) supplementation necessary to ensure the high primary production measured in the Lamto savannah. Recent investigations in the humid savannah ecosystem showed that ant nests’ association with perennial grasses enhances their growth, productivity, and microorganism activity. This study aimed at understanding the effect of ant nests on organic matter (OM), carbon (C), and N flux beneath grass tufts. Under each grass tuft chosen to carry out this study, soil samples were taken from the depths of 0–10 cm using an auger at shrubby, clear grassy, and transitional grassy savannah. The analytical method by incineration of the loss on fire was used to determine the OM amount. The Kjeldahl method was used to determine the total N amount in the soil under grass tufts. The results showed that these components’ amount is higher beneath grass tufts associated with ant nests than those not associated with ant nests. The presence of ant nests increases OM and C amount in the soil under Hyparrhenia diplandra tufts than Andropogon schirensis, and Loudetia simplex tufts. In contrast, N amount is higher under L. simplex tufts than A. schirensis; but mean under H. diplandra. The carbon/nitrogen ratios less than 10 indicate high OM mineralization under grass tufts associated with ant nests. This provides the plants with an adequate supply of nutrients.
Hand preference predicts behavioral responses to threats in Barbary macaques
Authors: van Dijk Eva S. J. , Bhattacharjee Debottam , Belli Elena , Massen Jorg J. M.
Published: May 2023

The structure and functioning of the brain are lateralized—the right hemisphere processes unexpected stimuli and controls spontaneous behavior, while the left deals with familiar stimuli and routine responses. Hemispheric dominance, the predisposition of an individual using one hemisphere over the other, may lead to behavioral differences; particularly, an individual may be programed to act in a certain way concerning hemispheric dominance. Hand preference is a robust estimator of hemispheric dominance in primates, as each hemisphere controls the opposing side of the body. Studies have found links between hand preference and the exhibition of behaviors in contexts such as exploring and manipulating objects. However, little is known whether hand preference predicts behavioral variations in other ecologically relevant contexts like predation. We investigated the relationship between hand preference and behavioral responses to two types of predator models in captive Barbary macaques (Macaca sylvanus) (n = 22). Besides, a nonpredator novel object was included as control. We found 91% of the macaques to be lateralized with no group‐level bias. A higher rate of tension and focus (behavioral response) behavior was found in predator contexts than in the novel object condition. Unlike their right‐hand counterparts, individuals with a strong left‐hand preference elicited frequent focus and tension behavior toward the predator models. Additionally, the behavioral response varied with predator type. We also found an interaction effect between hand preference and predator type. Our study suggests that hand preference can reliably predict behavioral variations in the context of potential predation. While these results are consistent with lateralized brain function, indicating lateralization a neural mechanism of behavioral variation, the interaction effect between hand preference and predator type elucidates the importance of context‐specificity when investigating laterality noninvasively. Future research on other nonhuman primates using the current framework may provide insights into the evolution of laterality and underlying behavioral predispositions.
Mineral acquisition of Japanese macaques: Contents in the foods, digestibility, and sodium‐provisioning experiment
Authors: Hanya Goro , Ohta Tamihisa , Kurihara Yosuke , He Tianmeng , Sawada Akiko , Shiroishi Izumi , Kinoshita Kodzue
Published: May 2023

Minerals provide micronutrients that function in various ways in the body, and they are necessary for the survival of animals. In this study, we first compared the mineral content of foods of wild Japanese macaques in lowland Yakushima with that of monkey chow used for many years to feed captive macaques and specifically formulated to obtain good health in captive macaques (National Research Council [NRC] recommendations). Second, we clarified the mineral balance in captive individuals when feeding them monkey chow to clarify the digestibility/bioavailability of the minerals. Third, we investigated the physiological response when we experimentally increased sodium intake. In the lowland of Yakushima, which is in the vicinity (<800 m) of the coast, animals, fungi, and mature leaves had high sodium contents compared with NRC recommendations. The calcium contents of mature leaves and animals were higher than the NRC recommendations. The overall mineral intake in this population was lower than that in the captive animals for calcium, phosphorus, sodium, and iron, while similar for magnesium and higher in potassium. Patterns in the intake and excretion of minerals indicated that excretion was mostly from urine and not from feces, and apparent digestibility was high for sodium. This tendency was opposite for calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus and intermediate for potassium. A sodium‐provisioning experiment showed that fecal aldosterone concentration remained low in both control and sodium‐provisioning conditions so the macaques do not need reabsorb sodium in the kidneys. Therefore, sodium content in the monkey chow, which is slightly lower than the NRC recommendation, seemed high enough so that the macaques could avoid the need to reabsorb sodium in the kidneys. We advocate similar studies for other primate populations or species to better understand the role of mineral concentrations on food selection and to identify potential mineral deficiencies.
Retinal arterial Aβ40 deposition is linked with tight junction loss and cerebral amyloid angiopathy in MCI and AD patients
Authors: Shi Haoshen , Koronyo Yosef , Fuchs Dieu‐Trang , Sheyn Julia , Jallow Ousman , Mandalia Krishna , Graham Stuart L. , Gupta Vivek K. , Mirzaei Mehdi , Kramerov Andrei A. , Ljubimov Alexander V. , Hawes Debra , Miller Carol A. , Black Keith L. , Carare Roxana O. , Koronyo‐Hamaoui Maya
Published: May 2023

INTRODUCTION

Vascular amyloid beta (Aβ) protein deposits were detected in retinas of mild cognitively impaired (MCI) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. We tested the hypothesis that the retinal vascular tight junctions (TJs) were compromised and linked to disease status.

METHODS

TJ components and Aβ expression in capillaries and larger blood vessels were determined in post mortem retinas from 34 MCI or AD patients and 27 cognitively normal controls and correlated with neuropathology.

RESULTS

Severe decreases in retinal vascular zonula occludens‐1 (ZO‐1) and claudin‐5 correlating with abundant arteriolar Aβ40 deposition were identified in MCI and AD patients. Retinal claudin‐5 deficiency was closely associated with cerebral amyloid angiopathy, whereas ZO‐1 defects correlated with cerebral pathology and cognitive deficits.

DISCUSSION

We uncovered deficiencies in blood–retinal barrier markers for potential retinal imaging targets of AD screening and monitoring. Intense retinal arteriolar Aβ40 deposition suggests a common pathogenic mechanism of failed Aβ clearance via intramural periarterial drainage.
Machine learning prediction of mechanical and optical properties of uniaxially oriented polymer films
Authors: Fard Arash Sarhangi , Moebus Joseph , Rodriguez George
Published: May 2023

Improving properties of polymers can bring about tremendous opportunities in developing new applications. However, the commonly used trial‐and‐error method cannot meet the current need for new materials. We demonstrate the utility of Machine Learning (ML) algorithms in creating structure‐process‐property models based on industrial data in polymer processing. In this study, ML algorithms were used to predict the optical and tensile strength of multi‐layer co‐extrusion polyethylene films as a function of material structures and process parameters. The input features to predict the mechanical and optical properties are the composition of five‐layer polyethylene film, polyethylene molecular properties like the amount of long chain branching , and the extrusion process conditions. Different data featuring steps are conducted to improve the quality of the input data: (1) feature importance scoring using an ensemble algorithm (XGBoost); (2) application of autoencoder to reduce the dimensionality; (3) replacing the categorical inputs with molecular characteristic properties. We then use this data to build an Artificial Neural Network. Finally, the prediction capability of the resulting model was investigated. This project demonstrates a successful end‐to‐end execution of a material data science project; from understanding material science, data engineering, algorithm development, and the model evaluation.
Volatile Dual‐Solvent Assisted Intermediate Phase Regulation for Anti‐Solvent‐Free Perovskite Photovoltaics
Authors: Yang Yongrui , Wang Yang , Qu Zhiyuan , Zhang Kun , Liang Tongling , Chen Shengnan , Lv Wenkun , Min Fanyi , Chen Yu , Qiao Yali , Song Yanlin
Published: May 2023

The unprecedented development of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) makes them one of the most promising candidates for terawatt‐scale green energy production with low cost. However, the high boiling point solvents during the solution‐processed film deposition cause anisotropic crystal growth and toxic solvent vapor during high‐throughput manufacturing. Here, a dual‐component green solvent consisting of isopropyl acetate and acetonitrile is proposed to form a volatile perovskite precursor, which can realize the high‐quality perovskite thin film deposition by intermediate phase regulation. A room‐temperature stable perovskite intermediate phase is constructed with the engagement of isopropyl acetate as co‐solvent, which suppresses the exploding nucleation rate in volatile perovskite precursor, providing a fine grain growth rate and wide processing window in scalable film deposition. The corresponding PSCs fabricated by blade coating without anti‐solvents or gas quenching achieve power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 16.37 % and 15.29 % for the areas of 14.08 cm2 and 37.83 cm2, respectively.
Single‐Atom Rh on High‐Index CeO2 Facet for Highly Enhanced Catalytic CO Oxidation
Authors: Xu Jing , Wang Ying , Wang Ke , Zhao Meng , Zhang Rui , Cui Wenjie , Liu Li , Bootharaju Megalamane S. , Kim Jeong Hyun , Hyeon Taeghwan , Zhang Hongjie , Wang Yu , Song Shuyan , Wang Xiao
Published: May 2023

Reducible oxide‐supported noble metal nanoparticles exhibit high activity in catalyzing many important oxidation reactions. However, atom migration under harsh reaction conditions leads to deactivation of the catalyst. Meanwhile, single‐atom catalysts demonstrate enhanced stability, but often suffer from poor catalytic activity owing to the ionized surface states. In this work, we simultaneously address the poor activity and stability issues by synthesizing highly active and durable rhodium (Rh) single‐atom catalysts through a “wrap‐bake‐peel” process. The pre‐coated SiO2 layer during synthesis of catalyst plays a crucial role in not only protecting CeO2 support against sintering, but also donating electron to weaken the Ce−O bond, producing highly loaded Rh single atoms on the CeO2 support exposed with high‐index {210} facets. Benefiting from the unique electronic structure of CeO2 {210} facets, more oxygen vacancies are generated along with the deposition of more electropositive Rh single atoms, leading to remarkably improved catalytic performance in CO oxidation.
Robust and Wide Temperature‐Range Zinc Metal Batteries with Unique Electrolyte and Substrate Design
Authors: Xie Chunlin , Liu Shengfang , Zhang Wenxu , Ji Huimin , Chu Shengqi , Zhang Qi , Tang Yougen , Wang Haiyan
Published: May 2023

Rechargeable zinc metal batteries are promising for large‐scale energy storage. However, their practical application is limited by harsh issues such as uncontrollable dendrite growth, low Coulombic efficiency, and poor temperature tolerance. Herein, a unique design strategy using γ‐valerolactone‐based electrolyte and nanocarbon‐coated aluminum substrate was reported to solve the above problems. The electrolyte with extremely low freezing point and high thermal stability enables the symmetric cells with long cycle life over a wide temperature range (−50 °C to 80 °C) due to its ability to regulate zinc nucleation and preferential epitaxial growth. Besides, the nanocarbon‐coated aluminum substrate can also promote a higher Coulombic efficiency over a wide temperature range in contrast to the low Coulombic efficiency of copper substrates with significant irreversible alloying reactions because this unique substrate with excellent chemical stabilization can homogenize the interfacial electron/ion distribution. The optimized zinc metal capacitors can operate stably under various temperature conditions (2000 cycles at 30 °C with 66 % depth of discharge and 1200 cycles at 80 °C with 50 % depth of discharge). This unique electrolyte and substrate design strategy achieves a robust zinc metal battery over a wide temperature range.
Switchable Fluorescent Light‐Up Aptamers Based on Riboswitch Architectures
Authors: Wang Tianhe , Simmel Friedrich C.
Published: May 2023

Fluorescent light‐up RNA aptamers (FLAPs) such as Spinach or Mango can bind small fluorogens and activate their fluorescence. Here, we adopt a switching mechanism otherwise found in riboswitches and use it to engineer switchable FLAPs that can be activated or repressed by trigger oligonucleotides or small metabolites. The fluorophore binding pocket of the FLAPs comprises guanine (G) quadruplexes, whose critical nucleotides can be sequestered by corresponding anti‐FLAP sequences, leading to an inactive conformation and thus preventing association with the fluorophore. We modified the FLAPs with designed toehold hairpins that carry either an anti‐FLAP or an anti‐anti‐FLAP sequence within the loop region. The addition of an input RNA molecule triggers a toehold‐mediated strand invasion process that refolds the FLAP into an active or inactive configuration. Several of our designs display close‐to‐zero leak signals and correspondingly high ON/OFF fluorescence ratios. We also modified purine aptamers to sequester a partial anti‐FLAP or an anti‐anti‐FLAP sequence to control the formation of the fluorogen‐binding conformation, resulting in FLAPs whose fluorescence is activated or deactivated in the presence of guanine or adenine. We demonstrate that switching modules can be easily combined to generate FLAPs whose fluorescence depends on several inputs with different types of input logic.
Boron‐Copper 1,3‐Rearrangement: the New Concept Behind the Boryl Migration from C(sp2) in Alkenyl Boranes to C(sp3)
Authors: Dominguez‐Molano Paula , Weeks Rosemary , Maza Ricardo J. , Carbó Jorge J. , Fernández Elena
Published: May 2023

Regioselective borylcupration of borylated skipped (Z)‐dienes generates diborylated alkylcopper species that are involved in an intramolecular stereospecific B/Cu 1,3‐rearrangement by migration of Bpin moiety from C(sp2) to C(sp3). DFT mechanistic studies showed that boryl migration occurs through the formation of 4‐membered boracycle intermediate with a moderate free‐energy barrier. Moreover, the use of KOMe forms stable Lewis base adducts with Bpin moieties that blocks the reaction. Subsequently to the 1,3‐boron shift, the in situ electrophilic trapping allows selective C−H, C−C and C−X bonds, followed by intramolecular cross coupling giving access to cyclic functionalized alkylidenecyclohexanes or alkylidenecyclobutanes.
High‐damping ultralow−gel nonpolar elastomeric polymer through thiol−ene photo−click chemistry reaction
Authors: Zhang Wenjing , Gao Wenke , Liu Jinhui , Hua Jing
Published: May 2023

With the increasing demand for high‐performance damping rubber material in various fields, improving the damping performance of existing nonpolar rubber has garnered tremendous scientific and industrial interest. However, it remains a long‐standing challenge to improve the damping properties of nonpolar rubber materials due to their low intrinsic glass transition temperature (Tg) and incompatible surface energy with high‐damping polar polymers or fillers. To solve this conundrum, ultra‐low gel multifunctional carboxy‐functional high vinyl polybutadiene HVBR (HVBR/COOH‐x%) was prepared by grafting 3‐mercaptopropionic acid (3PMA) onto HVBR via thiol−ene photo−click. The effects of reaction parameters including molecular weight, 1,2‐vinyl content, photoinitiators, reaction time, thiol and photoinitiator dosage on gel content and carboxyl grafting ratio were investigated. The HVBR/COOH‐x% demonstrate a controllable grafting ratio range from 2% to 73%. Furthermore, the increased Tg and intermolecular force resulted in excellent performance, including high‐glass transition temperature of 26.3°C, tensile strength of 15.52 MPa, and elongation at break of 396.16%. Particularly with a wide range of effective damping temperatures above 46.6°C. Meanwhile, COOH endowed the HVBR with better self‐viscosity, but also equipped it with stronger mutual viscosity. Therefore, this experiment proposes a feasible path to high damping and high adhesion in nonpolar rubber materials.