bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Modulating the Electrical and Mechanical Microenvironment to Guide Neuronal Stem Cell Differentiation
Authors: Oh Byeongtaek , Wu Yu‐Wei , Swaminathan Vishal , Lam Vivek , Ding Jun , George Paul M. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe application of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) in disease modeling and regenerative medicine can be limited by the prolonged times required for functional human neuronal differentiation and traditional 2D culture techniques. Here, a conductive graphene scaffold (CGS) to modulate mechanical and electrical signals to promote human iPSC‐derived neurons is presented. The soft CGS with cortex‐like stiffness (≈3 kPa) and electrical stimulation (±800 mV/100 Hz for 1 h) incurs a fivefold improvement in the rate (14d) of generating iPSC‐derived neurons over some traditional protocols, with an increase in mature cellular markers and electrophysiological characteristics. Consistent with other culture conditions, it is found that the pro‐neurogenic effects of mechanical and electrical stimuli rely on RhoA/ROCK signaling and de novo ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) production respectively. Thus, the CGS system creates a combined physical and continuously modifiable, electrical niche to efficiently and quickly generate iPSC‐derived neurons.
Inter‐ and Transgenerational Effects of Paternal Exposure to Inorganic Arsenic
Authors: Gong Yingyun , Xue Yanfeng , Li Xin , Zhang Zhao , Zhou Wenjun , Marcolongo Paola , Benedetti Angiolo , Mao Shengyong , Han Leng , Ding Guolian , Sun Zheng 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe rise of metabolic disorders in modern times is mainly attributed to the environment. However, heritable effects of environmental chemicals on mammalian offsprings' metabolic health are unclear. Inorganic arsenic (iAs) is the top chemical on the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry priority list of hazardous substances. Here, we assess cross‐generational effects of iAs in an exclusive male‐lineage transmission paradigm. The exposure of male mice to 250 ppb iAs causes glucose intolerance and hepatic insulin resistance in F1 females, but not males, without affecting body weight. Hepatic expression of glucose metabolic genes, glucose output, and insulin signaling are disrupted in F1 females. Inhibition of the glucose 6‐phosphatase complex masks the intergenerational effect of iAs, demonstrating a causative role of hepatic glucose production. F2 offspring from grandpaternal iAs exposure show temporary growth retardation at an early age, which diminishes in adults. However, reduced adiposity persists into middle age and is associated with altered gut microbiome and increased brown adipose thermogenesis. In contrast, F3 offspring of the male‐lineage iAs exposure show increased adiposity, especially on a high‐calorie diet. These findings have unveiled sex‐ and generation‐specific heritable effects of iAs on metabolic physiology, which has broad implications in understanding gene‐environment interactions.
Wearable and Implantable Electroceuticals for Therapeutic Electrostimulations
Authors: Long Yin , Li Jun , Yang Fan , Wang Jingyu , Wang Xudong 
Published: February 2021

AbstractWearable and implantable electroceuticals (WIEs) for therapeutic electrostimulation (ES) have become indispensable medical devices in modern healthcare. In addition to functionality, device miniaturization, conformability, biocompatibility, and/or biodegradability are the main engineering targets for the development and clinical translation of WIEs. Recent innovations are mainly focused on wearable/implantable power sources, advanced conformable electrodes, and efficient ES on targeted organs and tissues. Herein, nanogenerators as a hotspot wearable/implantable energy‐harvesting technique suitable for powering WIEs are reviewed. Then, electrodes for comfortable attachment and efficient delivery of electrical signals to targeted tissue/organ are introduced and compared. A few promising application directions of ES are discussed, including heart stimulation, nerve modulation, skin regeneration, muscle activation, and assistance to other therapeutic modalities.
A Study of Model‐Based Protective Fast‐Charging and Associated Degradation in Commercial Smartphone Cells: Insights on Cathode Degradation as a Result of Lithium Depositions on the Anode
Authors: Besli Münir M. , Subbaraman Anantharaman , Pour Safaei Farshad R. , Johnston Christina , Schneider Gerhard , Ravi Nikhil , Christensen Jake , Liu Yijin , Doeff Marca M. , Metzger Michael , Kuppan Saravanan 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe ever expanding mobile consumer electronic market has accelerated the need for safe and efficient fast‐charging approaches that improve the overall speed of battery charging without hastened deterioration of the battery performance. Herein, the impact of a resource inexpensive, physics‐based, electrochemically optimized fast‐charging algorithm (charging time < 2 h) for mobile devices is investigated. A critical difference in the amount and morphology of lithium deposits on the anode for cells fast‐charged without an optimized algorithm is observed and found to be the main cause of capacity decay. An in‐depth study of the LiCoO2 cathode regions opposite to pronounced lithium deposits on the anode reveals a “mirroring” phenomenon, i.e., a frozen monoclinic phase, and inactivity to relithiation. In operando hard X‐ray absorption spectroscopy reveals that degraded spots on harvested cathodes seem to be activated again and participate in the intercalation process when lithiated at low rates from lithium foil counter electrodes. On the other hand, tests at higher C‐rates, closer to the actual fast‐charging rate, reveal only negligible oxidation state changes and therefore poor performance.
Interface Aspects in All‐Solid‐State Li‐Based Batteries Reviewed
Authors: Chen Chunguang , Jiang Ming , Zhou Tao , Raijmakers Luc , Vezhlev Egor , Wu Baolin , Schülli Tobias U. , Danilov Dmitri L. , Wei Yujie , Eichel Rüdiger‐A. , Notten Peter H. L. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractExtensive efforts have been made to improve the Li‐ionic conductivity of solid electrolytes (SE) for developing promising all‐solid‐state Li‐based batteries (ASSB). Recent studies suggest that minimizing the existing interface problems is even more important than maximizing the conductivity of SE. Interfaces are essential in ASSB, and their properties significantly influence the battery performance. Interface problems, arising from both physical and (electro)chemical material properties, can significantly inhibit the transport of electrons and Li‐ions in ASSB. Consequently, interface problems may result in interlayer formation, high impedances, immobilization of moveable Li‐ions, loss of active host sites available to accommodate Li‐ions, and Li‐dendrite formation, all causing significant storage capacity losses and ultimately battery failures. The characteristic differences of interfaces between liquid‐ and solid‐type Li‐based batteries are presented here. Interface types, interlayer origin, physical and chemical structures, properties, time evolution, complex interrelations between various factors, and promising interfacial tailoring approaches are reviewed. Furthermore, recent advances in the interface‐sensitive or depth‐resolved analytical tools that can provide mechanistic insights into the interlayer formation and strategies to tailor the interlayer formation, composition, and properties are discussed.
Pleistocene aridification underlies the evolutionary history of the Caribbean endemic, insular, giantConsolea(Opuntioideae)
Authors: Majure Lucas C. , Barrios Duniel , Díaz Edgardo , Zumwalde Bethany A. , Testo Weston , Negrón‐Ortíz Vivian 
Published: February 2021

PremiseThe Caribbean islands are in the top five biodiversity hotspots on the planet; however, the biogeographic history of the seasonally dry tropical forest (SDTF) there is poorly studied.Consoleaconsists of nine species of dioecious, hummingbird‐pollinated tree cacti endemic to the West Indies, which form a conspicuous element of the SDTF. Several species are threatened by anthropogenic disturbance, disease, sea‐level rise, and invasive species and are of conservation concern. However, no comprehensive phylogeny yet exists for the clade.MethodsWe reconstructed the phylogeny ofConsolea, sampling all species using plastomic data to determine relationships, understand the evolution of key morphological characters, and test their biogeographic history. We estimated divergence times to determine the role climate change may have played in shaping the current diversity of the clade.ResultsConsoleaappears to have evolved very recently during the latter part of the Pleistocene on Cuba/Hispaniola likely from a South American ancestor and, from there, moved into the Bahamas, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Florida, and the Lesser Antilles. The tree growth form is a synapomorphy ofConsoleaand likely aided in the establishment and diversification of the clade.ConclusionsPleistocene aridification associated with glaciation likely played a role in shaping the current diversity ofConsolea, and insular gigantism may have been a key innovation leading to the success of these species to invade the often‐dense SDTF. This in‐situ Caribbean radiation provides a window into the generation of species diversity and the complexity of the SDTF community within the Antilles.
Scales of Practices and Outcomes for Community‐Engaged Research
Authors: Boursaw Blake , Oetzel John G. , Dickson Elizabeth , Thein Thomas S. , Sanchez‐Youngman Shannon , Peña Juan , Parker Myra , Magarati Maya , Littledeer Lenora , Duran Bonnie , Wallerstein Nina 
Published: February 2021

AbstractDespite the growth of research on community‐engaged research (CEnR), recent reviews suggest there has been limited development of validated scales to measure key contexts, mechanisms, and outcomes, impairing testing and refinement of theoretical models. The purpose of this study is to present the psychometric properties of scales from the Engage for Equity (E2) project, stemming from a long‐term research partnership examining community‐engaged research projects. This study used a three‐stage, cross‐sectional format: (a) a sampling frame of 413 CEnR projects was identified; (b) 210 principal investigators completed a project‐level survey and nominated partners for another survey; (c) 457 investigators and partners completed a survey about project contexts, processes, interventions, and outcomes. Factorial validity was established through confirmatory factor analysis supporting seven scales: contextual capacity, commitment to collective empowerment, relationships, community engagement in research actions, synergy, partner and partnership transformation, and projected outcomes. Convergent validity was established through examining covariances among the scales. This study largely yielded results consistent with a previous psychometric study of related measures, while demonstrating improved ceiling effects of the items and refined conceptualization of core theoretical constructs.
Language in young females with fragile X syndrome: Influence on the neurocognitive profile and adaptive behavior
Authors: Joga‐Elvira Lorena , Roche‐Martínez Ana , Joga María‐Luisa , Jacas‐Escarcelle Carlos , Brun‐Gasca Carme 
Published: February 2021

AbstractFragile X syndrome (FXS) is the leading cause of inherited intellectual disability. The objective of this research is to analyze the relationship between linguistic functions and performance of the following neuropsychological functions: executive, quantitative reasoning, social perception, behavior, social skills, and adaptive behavior. A neuropsychological and behavioral evaluations were carried out with a group of 26 girls with FXS, and 14 girls without FXS as a control group, using standardized tests. The two groups were homogeneous in age and IQ. Significant differences were found between groups in the relationship between some language processes: inhibition, auditory working memory, cognitive flexibility, level of social adaptation, self‐direction, conceptual adaptation, academic skills, leadership ability, theory of mind, and arithmetic. In the group of girls with FXS, it was found that different aspects of language influence some of the executive functions evaluated, in addition to some specific aspects of social perception, adaptive behavior, and quantitative reasoning, in different ways. Future research should incorporate the study of the influence of other cognitive variables such as visual perception and executive function on behavioral, social, and adaptive aspects to know the real influence of all the cognitive variables on the behavior of girls with FXS.
Understanding the Origin of the Chiral Recognition of Esters with Octahedral Chiral Cobalt Complexes
Authors: Jang Sumin , Kim Hyunwoo 
Published: February 2021

AbstractHere, we report a combined experimental and computational study to understand the chiral recognition of cationic cobalt complexes with esters. The cationic cobalt complexes were synthesized by stereoselective assembly of ligands to the cobalt center. The tetradentate N2O2 ligand was used to control the metal‐centered chirality, and the bidentate diamine ligand played an important role in the chiral discrimination of esters by 1H NMR spectroscopy. The phenyl rings of the cobalt complexes additively enhanced the chiral discrimination. The opposite chiralities of the N2O2 ligand and bidentate diamine ligand constituted a well‐matched combination, which was further demonstrated by computational analysis of 1 : 2 binding models of the cationic cobalt complex and 1‐phenylethyl acetate.
Sex differences in the behavioral variant of frontotemporal dementia: A new window to executive and behavioral reserve
Authors: Illán‐Gala Ignacio , Casaletto Kaitlin B. , Borrego‐Écija Sergi , Arenaza‐Urquijo Eider M. , Wolf Amy , Cobigo Yann , Goh Sheng Yang M. , Staffaroni Adam M. , Alcolea Daniel , Fortea Juan , Blesa Rafael , Clarimon Jordi , Iulita Maria Florencia , Brugulat‐Serrat Anna , Lladó Albert , Grinberg Lea T. , Possin Katherine , Rankin Katherine P. , Kramer Joel H. , Rabinovici Gil D. , Boxer Adam , Seeley William W. , Sturm Virginia E. , Gorno‐Tempini Maria Luisa , Miller Bruce L. , Sánchez‐Valle Raquel , Perry David C. , Lleó Alberto , Rosen Howard J. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIntroductionBiological sex is an increasingly recognized factor driving clinical and structural heterogeneity in Alzheimer's disease, but its role in the behavioral variant of frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD) is unknown.MethodsWe included 216 patients with bvFTD and 235 controls with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) from a large multicenter cohort. We compared the clinical characteristics and cortical thickness between men and women with bvFTD and controls. We followed the residuals approach to study behavioral and cognitive reserve.ResultsAt diagnosis, women with bvFTD showed greater atrophy burden in the frontotemporal regions compared to men despite similar clinical characteristics. For a similar amount of atrophy, women demonstrated better‐than‐expected scores on executive function and fewer changes in apathy, sleep, and appetite than men.DiscussionOur findings suggest that women might have greater behavioral and executive reserve than men, and neurodegeneration must be more severe in women to produce symptoms similar in severity to those in men.
Chemical Compositions and Oxidative Stabilities of Ginkgo biloba Kernel Oils from Four Cultivated Regions in China
Authors: Xie Liangliang , Zhang Tao , Zheng Liyou , Xie Dan , Jin Jun , Wang Xingguo , Jin Qingzhe 
Published: February 2021

AbstractGinkgo biloba is a living fossil and traditionally known as a source of pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, largely because of the lipids in the kernels. In the present study, fatty acids, triacylglycerols, micronutrients, and oxidative stabilities of G. biloba kernel oils from four major different cultivated regions in China were systematically analyzed. The results showed that the kernel oils contained more than 26 triacylglycerol species with high contents of linoleic acid (42.04–43.01%), oleic acid (14.33–18.00%), and trans‐vaccenic acid (15.13–16.86%). Functional fatty acids such as trans‐vaccenic acid, palmitoleic acid, and podocarpic acid were particularly enriched in the oils. In addition, high levels of tocopherols (173.41–272.18 mg/100 g) and 304.09–673.26 mg/100 g of phytosterols in the oils contributed to significantly improve their oxidative stabilities. In particular, α‐tocopherol (106.63–127.35 mg/100 g), γ‐tocopherol (41.41–133.65 mg/100 g), campesterol (53.22–139.88 mg/100 g), and β‐sitosterol (245.50–522.62 mg/100 g) were the dominant micronutrients; while γ‐tocopherol significantly affected oxidative stabilities of the four oils from different regions. It is suggested that the G. biloba kernel oils are ideal sources for high‐valued usages in skin care purpose, physical therapy, functional food, and nutritional supplements.
Geophysical investigation, in a regional and local mode, at Thorikos Valley, Attica, Greece, trying to answer archaeological questions
Authors: Apostolopoulos George , Kapetanios Andreas 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe area known today as Lavreotiki corresponds roughly to the ancient mining district of Lavrion, located in the south‐easternmost part of Attica in Greece. In Classical times, the 5000 hectares of mines and metallurgical workshops provided the wealth to enable the Polis of Athens (the Athenian city‐state) to become the leading hegemonic political power in the Greek world. During this time, Thorikos was one of 10 Attic Demes in the mining district, extending over a complex system of alluvial valleys and across the slopes of the surrounding hills. Archaeological research in this area has previously revealed a theatre, a double doric stoa, mines and metallurgical workshops, dispersed or in clusters. The geoarchaeological investigation presented in this paper attempts to shed light on the spatial organization of the ancient Attic Deme of Thorikos through developing an understanding of the contemporaneous palaeoenvironment. It is designed to test the hypothesis that the ‘Double Doric Stoa’ building was originally part of the Thorician community centre, that is, its Agora, and to suggest possible locations for the Deme's harbour. A geophysical survey of the Thorikos Valley was conducted in regional mode utilizing frequency electromagnetic method (FEM) measurements in order to accommodate a local salinization phenomenon and in local mode, around a ‘Double Doric Stoa’ building, with FEM and ground‐penetrating radar (GPR) measurements. The survey used electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) profiles for deep investigation. This multi‐proxy survey generated a stratigraphy for the palaeoenvironment around the ‘Double Doric Stoa’ building and revealed outlines of anthropogenic, probably ancient, structures. The results suggest that the surveyed area and its features lay on a peninsula‐like land formation, close to the palaeo‐coastline (thus providing clues to the location of the ancient harbour), and that the dispersion and outlines of the buried anthropogenic structures corroborate the interpretation of the site as the Thorician Agora.
A Proinflammatory Cytokine Network Profile in Th1/Type 1 Effector B Cells Delineates a Common Group of Patients in Four Systemic Autoimmune Diseases
Authors: Simon Quentin , Grasseau Alexis , Boudigou Marina , Le Pottier Laëtitia , Bettachioli Eléonore , Cornec Divi , Rouvière Bénédicte , Jamin Christophe , Le Lann Lucas ,   PRECISESADS Clinical Consortium,   PRECISESADS Flow Cytometry Study Group, Borghi Maria Orietta , Aguilar‐Quesada Rocio , Renaudineau Yves , Alarcón‐Riquelme Marta E. , Pers Jacques‐Olivier , Hillion Sophie 
Published: February 2021

ObjectiveThe effector T cell and B cell cytokine networks have been implicated in the pathogenesis of systemic autoimmune diseases, but the association of these cytokine networks with the heterogeneity of clinical manifestations and immune profiles has not been carefully examined. This study was undertaken to examine whether cytokine profiles can delineate distinct groups of patients in 4 systemic autoimmune diseases (systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjögren’s syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, and systemic sclerosis).MethodsA total of 179 patients and 48 healthy volunteers were enrolled in the multicenter cross‐sectional PRECISE Systemic Autoimmune Diseases (PRECISESADS) study. Multi‐low‐dimensional omics data (cytokines, autoantibodies, circulating immune cells) were examined. Coculture experiments were performed to test the impact of the cytokine microenvironment on T cell/B cell cross‐talk.ResultsA proinflammatory cytokine profile defined by high levels of CXCL10, interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), IL‐2, and tumor necrosis factor characterized a distinct group of patients in the 4 systemic autoimmune diseases. In each disease, this proinflammatory cluster was associated with a specific circulating immune cell signature, more severe disease, and higher levels of autoantibodies, suggesting an uncontrolled proinflammatory Th1 immune response. We observed in vitro that B cells reinforce Th1 differentiation and naive T cell proliferation, leading to the induction of type 1 effector B cells and IgG production. This process was associated with an increase in CXCL10, IL‐6, IL‐2, and interferon‐γ production.ConclusionThis composite analysis brings new insights into human B cell functional heterogeneity based on T cell/B cell cross‐talk, and proposes a better stratification of patients with systemic autoimmune diseases, suggesting that combined biomarkers would be of great value for the design of personalized treatments.
A Randomized, Phase II Study Evaluating the Efficacy and Safety of Anakinra in the Treatment of Gout Flares
Authors: Saag Kenneth G. , Khanna Puja P. , Keenan Robert T. , Ohlman Sven , Osterling Koskinen Lisa , Sparve Erik , Åkerblad Ann‐Charlotte , Wikén Margareta , So Alexander , Pillinger Michael H. , Terkeltaub Robert 
Published: February 2021

ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of anakinra compared to triamcinolone in the treatment of gout flares.MethodsPatients for whom nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs and colchicine were not suitable treatments were enrolled in this multicenter, randomized, double‐blind study with follow‐up for up to 2 years. The study was designed to assess superiority of anakinra (100 or 200 mg/day for 5 days) over triamcinolone (40 mg in a single injection) for the primary end point of changed patient‐assessed pain intensity in the most affected joint (scored on a visual analog scale of 0–100) from baseline to 24–72 hours. Secondary outcome measures included: safety, immunogenicity, and patient‐ and physician‐assessed global response.ResultsOne hundred sixty‐five patients were randomized to receive anakinra (n = 110) or triamcinolone (n = 55). The median age was 55 years (range 25–83), 87% were men, the mean disease duration was 8.7 years, and the mean number of self‐reported flares during the prior year was 4.5. A total of 301 flares were treated (214 with anakinra; 87 with triamcinolone). Anakinra in both doses and triamcinolone provided clinically meaningful reduction in patient‐assessed pain intensity in the first and subsequent flares. For the first flare, the mean decline in pain intensity from baseline to 24–72 hours for total anakinra and triamcinolone was −41.2 and −39.4, respectively (P = 0.688). Anakinra performed better than triamcinolone for most secondary end points. There were no unexpected safety findings. The presence of antidrug antibodies was not associated with adverse events or altered pain reduction.ConclusionAnakinra was not superior to triamcinolone for the primary end point, but had comparable efficacy in pain reduction and was favored for most secondary end points. Anakinra is an effective option for gout flares when conventional therapy is unsuitable.