bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Achieving High Power Density and Long‐Term Stable Flexible Triboelectric Nanogenerators through Surface Functionalization of High Work‐Function Electrode with Cationic Thiol‐Based Self‐Assembled Monolayer
Authors: Cheng Yu‐Hsuan , Lee Chia‐Jung , Chang Chih‐Yu 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIn this study, a reliable strategy is demonstrated to improve performance and stability of a triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) by using cationic (11‐mercaptoundecyl)‐N,N,N‐trimethylammonium bromide (MUTAB) self‐assembled monolayer (SAM) as the surface modification layer for high work‐function (WF) Ag electrode. The thiol head group of MUTAB can form covalent bond to Ag surface, while the positively charged ammonium group can induce favorable surface dipole moment to lower the WF of Ag layer, enabling efficient charge transfer from Ag electrode to polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) dielectric layer. This strategy is highly compatible with large‐area flexible TENG based on solution‐processed Ag nanoparticle layer, affording open‐circuit voltage (Voc) of 1008 V, short‐circuit current (Isc) of 124.9 µA, and power density of 39.4 W m−2. To the best of our knowledge, such remarkable power density represents the highest value ever reported for SAM‐modified TENG. Taking advantage of high output characteristics of flexible TENG, 328 light‐emitting diodes can be lit up instantaneously. More encouragingly, the resulting TENG also possesses good stability, maintaining ≈96% of its original Voc after 300 000 cycles of continuous testing. The present findings highlight the importance of surface modification with SAM for efficient and long‐term stable TENG, which can advance the development of intelligent self‐powered systems.
Elucidating the Structure and Photophysics of Layered Perovskites through Cation Fluorination
Authors: Tekelenburg Eelco K. , Kahmann Simon , Kamminga Machteld E. , Blake Graeme R. , Loi Maria A. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractOptoelectronic devices based on layered perovskites containing fluorinated cations display a well‐documented improved stability and enhanced performance over non‐fluorinated cations. The effect of fluorination on the crystal structure and photophysics, however, has received limited attention up until now. Here, 3‐fluorophenethylammonium lead iodide ((3‐FPEA)2PbI4) single crystals are investigated and their properties to the non‐fluorinated ((PEA)2PbI4) variant are compared. The bulkier 3‐FPEA cation increases the distortion of the inorganic layers, resulting in a blue‐shifted absorbance and photoluminescence. Temperature‐dependent photoluminescence spectroscopy reveals an intricate exciton substructure in both cases. The fluorinated variant shows hot‐exciton resonances separated by 12 to 15 meV, values that are much smaller than the 40 to 46 meV found for (PEA)2PbI4. In addition, high‐resolution spectra show that the emission at lower energies consists of a substructure, previously thought to be a single line. With the analysis on the resolved photoluminescence, a vibronic progression is excluded as the origin of the emission at lower energies. Instead, part of the excitonic substructure is proposed to originate from bound excitons. This work furthers the understanding of the photophysics of layered perovskites that has been heavily debated lately.
Multiband Photonic Topological Valley‐Hall Edge Modes and Second‐Order Corner States in Square Lattices
Authors: Kim Kwang‐Hyon , Om Kwang‐Kwon 
Published: February 2021

AbstractRobust multiband photonic topological edge states are of great importance for photonic applications, including nonlinear wavelength conversion. In particular, higher‐order photonic topological states provide the realizability of photonic nanoresonators with high robustness against structural disorder of photonic crystals. This work reveals that multiband photonic topological valley‐Hall edge states and second‐order corner states can be observed in square lattice photonic crystals consisting of triangular dielectric rods. For small sizes of the triangles, multiband gapless edge modes propagate through the photonic topological waveguide. Their transmission characteristics and robustness against the structural defects have been evaluated for linear and Z‐shaped interfaces. When the size of the triangles increases, most of edge bands become gapped and one can obtain disorder‐immune multiband second‐order topological corner states, which is the core result of this report. The results obtained in this work can find important applications for nonlinear topological frequency conversion.
Blue Emissive fac/mer‐Iridium (III) NHC Carbene Complexes and their Application in OLEDs
Authors: Idris Muazzam , Kapper Savannah C. , Tadle Abegail C. , Batagoda Thilini , Muthiah Ravinson Daniel Sylvinson , Abimbola Opeoluwa , Djurovich Peter I. , Kim Jongchan , Coburn Caleb , Forrest Stephen R. , Thompson Mark E. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe photophysical and electrochemical properties of N‐heterocyclic carbene complexes of Iridium (III) (Ir(C^C:)3, where C^C: = N‐phenyl,N‐methyl‐pyrazinoimidazol‐2‐yl (pmpz), N,N‐di‐p‐tolyl‐pyrazinoimidazol‐2‐yl (tpz)) are reported. Facial and meridional isomers of Ir(pmpz)3 are prepared, but only the facial isomer can be isolated for Ir(tpz)3. The fac‐Ir(pmpz)3 and fac‐Ir(tpz)3 complexes have emission maxima at 465 nm in polystyrene, whereas the emission maximum of mer‐Ir(pmpz)3 is redshifted to 495 nm. The emission energies and photoluminescent quantum yield (ΦPL) in solution decrease on going from nonpolar to polar solvents; however, all the complexes are efficient emitters in polystyrene at room temperature (ΦPL = 88–96%) and 77 K. Blue phosphorescent organic light emitting diodes employing fac‐Ir(tpz)3 as an emissive dopant achieves a high external electroluminescence efficiency (≈18 ± 1%) and brightness (29 000 cd m−2) at low current density.
Theoretical Evidence of the Singlet Predominance in the Intramolecular Energy Transfer in Ruhemann's Purple Tb(III) Complexes
Authors: Moura Renaldo T. , Oliveira Jhulie A. , Santos Inácio A. , de Lima Ewerton M. , Carlos Luís D. , Aguiar Eduardo C. , Neto Albano N. Carneiro 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThis work presents a theoretical study on the geometries and intramolecular energy transfer (IET) process of Tb3+‐complexes based on the Ruhemman's purple (RP) as ligands. Density functional theory and its time‐dependent extension are performed to examine the coordination energies and excited states using the ωB97X‐D3/MWB54/def2‐TZVP/polarizable continuum model level of theory. The inclusion of solvent effect causes a blueshift in all excitation energies, which is crucial for a better description of the electronic situations of RP isomers and coordination compounds. The IET rates are assessed for 18 Tb‐RP different compounds, each one with 44 IET pathways, also, it is obtained that the main energy transfer channel comes from the singlet state, in complete agreement with previous experimental data. The energy transfer from the singlet state is mainly composed of the nonradiative absorptions7F6→5G6and7F5→5G5, representing together 97% of the total IET rate. As far as it is known, this is the first time that the solvent effect is included in the IET rates calculation, registering a step toward the development of IET analysis without any experimental or phenomenological input data.
Assessing Dysferlinopathy Patients Over Three Years With a New Motor Scale
Authors: Jacobs Marni B. , James Meredith K. , Lowes Linda P. , Alfano Lindsay N. , Eagle Michelle , Muni Lofra Robert , Moore Ursula , Feng Jia , Rufibach Laura E. , Rose Kristy , Duong Tina , Bello Luca , Pedrosa‐Hernández Irene , Holsten Scott , Sakamoto Chikako , Canal Aurélie , Sanchez‐Aguilera Práxedes Nieves , Thiele Simone , Siener Catherine , Vandevelde Bruno , DeWolf Brittney , Maron Elke , Guglieri Michela , Hogrel Jean‐Yves , Blamire Andrew M. , Carlier Pierre G. , Spuler Simone , Day John W. , Jones Kristi J. , Bharucha‐Goebel Diana X. , Salort‐Campana Emmanuelle , Pestronk Alan , Walter Maggie C. , Paradas Carmen , Stojkovic Tanya , Mori‐Yoshimura Madoka , Bravver Elena , Díaz‐Manera Jordi , Pegoraro Elena , Mendell Jerry R. ,   The Jain COS Consortium, Mayhew Anna G. , Straub Volker 
Published: February 2021

ObjectiveDysferlinopathy is a muscular dystrophy with a highly variable clinical presentation and currently unpredictable progression. This variability and unpredictability presents difficulties for prognostication and clinical trial design. The Jain Clinical Outcomes Study of Dysferlinopathy aims to establish the validity of the North Star Assessment for Limb Girdle Type Muscular Dystrophies (NSAD) scale and identify factors that influence the rate of disease progression using NSAD.MethodsWe collected a longitudinal series of functional assessments from 187 patients with dysferlinopathy over 3 years. Rasch analysis was used to develop the NSAD, a motor performance scale suitable for ambulant and nonambulant patients. Generalized estimating equations were used to evaluate the impact of patient factors on outcome trajectories.ResultsThe NSAD detected significant change in clinical progression over 1 year. The steepest functional decline occurred during the first 10 years after symptom onset, with more rapid decline noted in patients who developed symptoms at a younger age (p = 0.04). The most rapidly deteriorating group over the study was patients 3 to 8 years post symptom onset at baseline.InterpretationThe NSAD is the first validated limb girdle specific scale of motor performance, suitable for use in clinical practice and clinical trials. Longitudinal analysis showed it may be possible to identify patient factors associated with greater functional decline both across the disease course and in the short‐term for clinical trial preparation. Through further work and validation in this cohort, we anticipate that a disease model incorporating functional performance will allow for more accurate prognosis for patients with dysferlinopathy. ANN NEUROL 2021;89:967–978
Redox Donor–Acceptor Conjugated Microporous Polymers as Ultralong‐Lived Organic Anodes for Rechargeable Air Batteries
Authors: Zhong Linfeng , Fang Zhengsong , Shu Chenhao , Mo Chunshao , Chen Xiaochuan , Yu Dingshan 
Published: February 2021

AbstractHerein, we explore a new redox donor–acceptor conjugated microporous polymer (AQ‐CMP) by utilizing anthraquinone and benzene as linkers via C‐C linkages and demonstrate the first use of CMP as ultralong‐lived anodes for rechargeable air batteries. AQ‐CMP features an interconnected octupole network, which affords not only favorable electronic structure for enhanced electron transport and n‐doping activity compared to linear counterpart, but also high density of active sites for maximizing the formula‐weight‐based redox capability. This coupled with highly cross‐linked and porous structure endows AQ‐CMP with a specific capacity of 202 mAh g−1 (96 % of theoretical capacity) at 2 Ag−1 and ≈100 % capacity retention over 60000 charge/discharge cycles. The assembled CMP‐air full cell shows a stable and high capacity with full capacity recovery after only refreshing cathodes, while the decoupled electrolyte and cathode design boosts the discharge voltage and voltage efficiency to ≈1 V and 87.5 %.
CRISPR/Cas technology as a promising weapon to combat viral infections
Authors: Escalona‐Noguero Carmen , López‐Valls María , Sot Begoña 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe versatile clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas system has emerged as a promising technology for therapy and molecular diagnosis. It is especially suited for overcoming viral infections outbreaks, since their effective control relies on an efficient treatment, but also on a fast diagnosis to prevent disease dissemination. The CRISPR toolbox offers DNA‐ and RNA‐targeting nucleases that constitute dual weapons against viruses. They allow both the manipulation of viral and host genomes for therapeutic purposes and the detection of viral nucleic acids in “Point of Care” sensor devices. Here, we thoroughly review recent advances in the use of the CRISPR/Cas system for the treatment and diagnosis of viral deleterious infections such as HIV or SARS‐CoV‐2, examining their strengths and limitations. We describe the main points to consider when designing CRISPR antiviral strategies and the scientific efforts to develop more sensitive CRISPR‐based viral detectors. Finally, we discuss future prospects to improve both applications. Also see the video abstract here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C0z1dLpJWl4
Design of synthetic promoters for controlled expression of therapeutic genes in retinal pigment epithelial cells
Authors: Johari Yusuf B. , Mercer Andrew C. , Liu Ye , Brown Adam J. , James David C. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAge‐related macular degeneration (AMD) associated with dysfunction of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells is the most common cause of untreatable blindness. To advance gene therapy as a viable treatment for AMD there is a need for technologies that enable controlled, RPE‐specific expression of therapeutic genes. Here we describe design, construction and testing of compact synthetic promoters with a pre‐defined transcriptional activity and RPE cell specificity. Initial comparative informatic analyses of RPE and photoreceptor (PR) cell transcriptomic data identified conserved and overrepresented transcription factor regulatory elements (TFREs, 8–19 bp) specifically associated with transcriptionally active RPE genes. Both RPE‐specific TFREs and those derived from the generically active cytomegalovirus‐immediate early (CMV‐IE) promoter were then screened in vitro to identify sequence elements able to control recombinant gene transcription in model induced pluripotent stem (iPS)‐derived and primary human RPE cells. Two libraries of heterotypic synthetic promoters varying in predicted RPE specificity and transcriptional activity were designed de novo using combinations of up to 20 discrete TFREs in series (323–602 bp) and their transcriptional activity in model RPE cells was compared to that of the endogenous BEST1 promoter (661 bp, plus an engineered derivative) and the highly active generic CMV‐IE promoter (650 bp). Synthetic promoters with a highpredicted specificity, comprised predominantly of endogenous TFREs exhibited a range of activities up to 8‐fold that of the RPE‐specific BEST1 gene promoter. Moreover, albeit at a lower predicted specificity, synthetic promoter transcriptional activity in model RPE cells was enhanced beyond that of the CMV‐IE promoter when viral elements were utilized in combination with endogenous RPE‐specific TFREs, with a reduction in promoter size of 15%. Taken together, while our data reveal an inverse relationship between synthetic promoter activity and cell‐type specificity, cell context‐specific control of recombinant gene transcriptional activity may be achievable.
Trace element alterations in Alzheimer's disease: A review
Authors: Cilliers Karen 
Published: February 2021

AbstractDyshomeostasis of trace elements have been implicated in the progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD), which is characterized by amyloid‐β (Aβ) plaques. Trace elements are particularly associated with the Aβ plaques. Metal‐protein attenuating compounds have been developed to inhibit metals from binding to Aβ proteins, which result in Aβ termination, in the hope of improving cognitive functioning. However, there are still some contradicting reports. This review aims to first establish which trace elements are increased or decreased in the brains of Alzheimer's patients, and secondly, to review the effectiveness of clinical trials with metal‐protein attenuating compounds for AD. Studies have consistently reported unchanged or increased iron, contradicting reports for zinc, decreased copper, unchanged or decreased manganese, inconsistent results for calcium, and magnesium seems to be unaffected. However, varied results have been reported for all trace elements. Clinical trials using metal‐protein attenuating compounds to treat AD have also reported varied results. Copper chelators have repeatedly been used in clinical trials, even though few studies report increased brain copper levels in AD patients. Homeostasis of copper levels is important since copper has a vital role in several enzymes, such as cytochrome c, Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase and ceruloplasmin. Dyshomeostasis of copper levels can lead to increased oxidative stress and neuronal loss. Future studies should assess a variety of trace element levels in moderately and severely affected AD patients since there are contradicting reports. This review thus provides some insight into trace element alterations in the brains of individuals with AD.
Morphological alterations of the cornea following crosslinking treatment (CXL)
Authors: Subasinghe Sandeepani K. , Ogbuehi Kelechi C. , Mitchell Logan , Dias George J. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIntroductionCorneal crosslinking (CXL) has revolutionized the treatment of keratoconus during the past decade. In the present study, the morphological changes in the corneal collagen fibrils (CFs) following crosslinking treatment are described.Materials and MethodsTen pairs of porcine and rabbit corneas were retrieved. In each pair, one cornea was the control and the other underwent CXL treatment. The central corneal thickness (CCT) was measured before and after CXL treatment. Each treated and control cornea was examined with light microscopy and by transmission electron microscopy.Results(a) The mean CCT was significantly reduced following treatment. (b) CFs were more closely packed in the anterior region and loosely packed in the posterior region. (c) CF diameter increased significantly in the anterior and intermediate regions but declined gradually towards the deeper regions. (d) There was a statistically significant decrease in the interfibrillar distance over the different regions of the cornea, except for the posterior region in porcine corneas, where there was no change. (e) The distance between adjacent collagen lamellae was significantly decreased in all regions of treated rabbit corneas. There was no change in porcine corneas.ConclusionCXL treatment resulted in increased the CF diameter and decreased interfibrillar distance in the anterior and intermediate regions, while its effects on the posterior region differed among species. The effect on interlamellar distance was more prominent in the rabbit model than the porcine model. CXL treatment stiffened the corneas by increasing CF diameter and decreasing interfibrillar distance in both rabbit and pig corneas.
William Hunter's aristocratic post mortems
Authors: McDonald Stuart W. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractWilliam Hunter's writings, lectures and his collection of circa 1,400 pathological specimens at the University of Glasgow show that, within the scientific limitations of the 18th Century, he had a sound grasp of the significance of morbid anatomical appearances. Unlike John Hunter's collection at the Royal College of Surgeons of England, few of the Hunterian specimens at Glasgow have an accompanying case history. Within the Special Collections at the Glasgow University Library are a small number of post mortem reports, including four involving William Hunter's aristocratic patients. This article explores these patient cases, and also the only instance recorded by John Hunter of William working with him on a post mortem of an aristocrat, that of the Marquis of Rockingham, Prime Minister, who died in 1782. The study aims to better understand William Hunter's medical practice and his professional connections with other practitioners. The post mortem examinations were carried out by a surgeon/anatomist and observed by the patient's physician(s). For aristocratic post mortems, those attending were senior and well‐established practitioners. The notes made were not particularly detailed. The reports show clearly that William Hunter's practice, in the 1760s at least, was not confined to midwifery.
Daily provision of instrumental and emotional support to friends is associated with diurnal cortisol during adolescence
Authors: Armstrong‐Carter Emma , Telzer Eva H. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThis study investigates how adolescents' daily prosocial behaviors to friends are related to diurnal cortisol using between‐ and within‐subject analyses. Further, we examine whether role fulfillment (i.e., feeling like a good friend) moderates links between prosocial behaviors and cortisol. Ethnically diverse adolescents (N = 370; ages 11–18) reported whether they provided instrumental and emotional support to friends for 5 days, and provided four saliva samples/day for 4 days. On the daily level, providing emotional support predicted lower cortisol awakening response the next day, and providing instrumental assistance to friends was associated with a flatter cortisol slope the same day (a cardiovascular risk factor). Adolescents also provided more emotional support on days they had lower CAR and steeper cortisol slopes. On the average level, providing more instrumental support was associated with steeper cortisol slopes among adolescents who felt high levels of role fulfillment, but not among adolescents who felt low levels of role fulfillment. Providing instrumental support may be physiologically taxing from day to day but, across the long term, linked to lower cardiovascular risk for adolescents who experience helping as highly fulfilling.
Midkine is neuroprotective and influences glial reactivity and the formation of Müller glia‐derived progenitor cells in chick and mouse retinas
Authors: Campbell Warren A. , Fritsch‐Kelleher Amanda , Palazzo Isabella , Hoang Thanh , Blackshaw Seth , Fischer Andy J. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractRecent studies suggest midkine (MDK) is involved in the development and regeneration of the zebrafish retina. We investigate the expression patterns of MDK and related factors, roles in neuronal survival, and influence upon the formation of Müller glia‐derived progenitor cells (MGPCs) in chick and mouse model systems. By using single‐cell RNA‐sequencing, we find that MDK and pleiotrophin (PTN), a MDK‐related cytokine, are upregulated by Müller glia (MG) during later stages of development in chick. While PTN is downregulated, MDK is dramatically upregulated in mature MG after retinal damage or FGF2 and insulin treatment. By comparison, MDK and PTN are downregulated by MG in damaged mouse retinas. In both chick and mouse retinas, exogenous MDK induces expression of cFos and pS6 in MG. In the chick, MDK significantly decreases numbers dying neurons, reactive microglia, and proliferating MGPCs, whereas PTN has no effect. Inhibition of MDK‐signaling with Na3VO4 blocks neuroprotective effects with an increase in the number of dying cells and negates the pro‐proliferative effects on MGPCs in damaged retinas. Inhibitors of PP2A and Pak1, which are associated with MDK‐signaling through integrin β1, suppressed the formation of MGPCs in damaged chick retinas. In mice, MDK promotes a small but significant increase in proliferating MGPCs in damaged retinas and potently decreases the number of dying cells. We conclude that MDK expression is dynamically regulated in Müller glia during embryonic maturation, following retinal injury, and during reprogramming into MGPCs. MDK mediates glial activity, neuronal survival, and the re‐programming of Müller glia into proliferating MGPCs.