bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Polymeric Microbubble Shell Engineering: Microporosity as a Key Factor to Enhance Ultrasound Imaging and Drug Delivery Performance
Authors: Moosavifar Mirjavad , Barmin Roman A. , Rama Elena , Rix Anne , Gumerov Rustam A. , Lisson Thomas , Bastard Céline , Rütten Stephan , Avraham‐Radermacher Noah , Koehler Jens , Pohl Michael , Kulkarni Vedangi , Baier Jasmin , Koletnik Susanne , Zhang Rui , Dasgupta Anshuman , Motta Alessandro , Weiler Marek , Potemkin Igor I. , Schmitz Georg , Kiessling Fabian , Lammers Twan , Pallares Roger M. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractMicrobubbles (MB) are widely used as contrast agents for ultrasound (US) imaging and US‐enhanced drug delivery. Polymeric MB are highly suitable for these applications because of their acoustic responsiveness, high drug loading capability, and ease of surface functionalization. While many studies have focused on using polymeric MB for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, relatively little attention has thus far been paid to improving their inherent imaging and drug delivery features. This study here shows that manipulating the polymer chemistry of poly(butyl cyanoacrylate) (PBCA) MB via temporarily mixing the monomer with the monomer‐mimetic butyl cyanoacetate (BCC) during the polymerization process improves the drug loading capacity of PBCA MB by more than twofold, and the in vitro and in vivo acoustic responses of PBCA MB by more than tenfold. Computer simulations and physisorption experiments show that BCC manipulates the growth of PBCA polymer chains and creates nanocavities in the MB shell, endowing PBCA MB with greater drug entrapment capability and stronger acoustic properties. Notably, because BCC can be readily and completely removed during MB purification, the resulting formulation does not include any residual reagent beyond the ones already present in current PBCA‐based MB products, facilitating the potential translation of next‐generation PBCA MB.
Plant Movement Response to Environmental Mechanical Stimulation Toward Understanding Predator Defense
Authors: Naglich Alex , LeDuc Philip 
Published: August 2024

AbstractPlants are fascinating living systems, possessing starkly different morphology to mammals, yet they have still evolved ways to defend themselves, consume prey, communicate, and in the case of plants like Mimosa pudica even move in response to a variety of stimuli. The complex physiological pathways driving this are of great interest, though many questions remain. In this work, a known responsive plant, M. pudica is mechanically stimulated, in terms of wounding via removal of pinnae, nonwounding mechanical poking, and nonwounding pulses of air through a designed small nozzle approach. Removal of clusters called pinnae resulted in rapid, asymmetric response in the adjacent pinnae, while mechanical poking and air pulse responses are slower and more localized. Additionally, while the response from poking propagated across the plant, wind stimuli consistently resulted in the actuation of only the leaflets directly stimulated, suggesting unique sensing mechanisms. Mechanical damage may imply a potential predator, while mechanical stimulation from airflow may be processed as wind, which is of little danger. These findings demonstrate an intricate, stimulant‐dependent mechanical sensing process, which is important in plant physiology, mechanobiology, and future biohybrid soft robotic designs.
A Genetically Engineered Biomimetic Nanodecoy for the Treatment of Liver Fibrosis
Authors: Du Yang , Ding Hao , Chen Yining , Gao Bingqiang , Mao Zhengwei , Wang Weilin , Ding Yuan 
Published: August 2024

AbstractLiver fibrosis, arising from factors such as viral infections or metabolic disorders, represents an ongoing global health challenge and is a major risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma. Unfortunately, there are no clinically approved drugs available for its treatment. Recent studies have illuminated the pivotal role of macrophage recruitment in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis, presenting a potential therapeutic target. Therefore, it holds great promise to develop novel anti‐fibrotic therapies capable of inhibiting this process. Herein, a drug‐loaded biomimetic nanodecoy (CNV‐C) is developed by harnessing genetically engineered cellular vesicles for the treatment of liver fibrosis. CNV‐C is equipped with a C‐C motif chemokine receptor 2 (CCR2)‐overexpressed surface, enabling it to selectively neutralize elevated levels of C‐C motif chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2), thereby reducing macrophage infiltration and the subsequent production of the fibrogenic cytokine transforming growth factor β (TGF‐β). Moreover, curcumin, an anti‐fibrotic agent, is loaded into CNV‐C and delivered to the liver, facilitating its efficacy in suppressing the activation of hepatic stellate cells by blocking the downstream TGF‐β/Smad signaling. This combinational therapy ultimately culminates in the alleviation of liver fibrosis in a mouse model induced by carbon tetrachloride. Collectively, the findings provide groundbreaking proof‐of‐concept for employing genetically modified nanodecoys to manage liver fibrosis, which may usher in a new era of anti‐fibrotic treatments.
Hypoxic Upregulation of IER2 Increases Paracrine GMFG Signaling of Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress‐CAF to Promote Chordoma Progression via Targeting ITGB1
Authors: Zhang Tao‐Lan , Zheng Bo‐Wen , Xia Chao , Wu Peng‐Fei , Zheng Bo‐Yv , Jiang Ling‐Xiang , Li Jing , Lv Guo‐Hua , Zhou Hong , Huang Wei , Zou Ming‐Xiang 
Published: August 2024

AbstractCurrently, the oncogenic mechanism of endoplasmic reticulum stress‐CAF (ERS‐CAF) subpopulation in chordoma remains unknown. Here, single‐cell RNA sequencing, spatial transcriptomics, GeoMx Digital Spatial Profiler, data‐independent acquisition proteomics, bulk RNA‐seq, and multiplexed quantitative immunofluorescence are used to unveil the precise molecular mechanism of how ERS‐CAF affected chordoma progression. Results show that hypoxic microenvironment reprograms CAFs into ERS‐CAF subtype. Mechanistically, this occurrs via hypoxia‐mediated transcriptional upregulation of IER2. Overexpression of IER2 in CAFs promotes chordoma progression, which can be impeded by IER2 knockdown or use of ERS inhibitors. IER2 also induces expression of ERS‐CAF marker genes and results in production of a pro‐tumorigenic paracrine GMFG signaling, which exert its biological function via directly binding to ITGB1 on tumor cells. ITGB1 inhibition attenuates tumor malignant progression, which can be partially reversed by exogenous GMFG intervention. Further analyses reveal a positive correlation between ITGB1high tumor cell counts and SPP1+ macrophage density, as well as the spatial proximity of these two cell types. Clinically, a significant correlation of high IER2/ITGB1 expression with tumor aggressive phenotype and poor patient survival is observed. Collectively, the findings suggest that ERS‐CAF regulates SPP1+ macrophage to aggravate chordoma progression via the IER2/GMFG/ITGB1 axis, which may be targeted therapeutically in future.
Thermal‐Mechanical Coupling Performance of Heat‐Resistant, High‐Strength and Printable Al‐Si Alloy Antisymmetric Lattice Structure
Authors: Yan Jiaqi , Dong Zhicheng , Jia Ben , Zhu Shunshun , Li Guowei , Zheng Yuhao , Huang Heyuan 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe unsatisfactory mechanical performance at high temperatures limits the broad application of 3D‐printed aluminum alloy structures in extreme environments. This study investigates the mechanical behavior of 4 different lattice cell structures in high‐temperature environments using AlSi12Fe2.5Ni3Mn4, a newly developed, heat‐resistant, high‐strength, and printable alloy. A novel Antisymmetric anti‐Buckling Lattice Cell (ASLC‐B) based on a unique rotation reflection multistage design is developed. Micro‐CT (Computed Tomography) and SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope) analyses revealed a smooth surface and dense interior with an average porosity of less than 0.454%. Quasi‐static compression tests at 25, 100, and 200 °C showed that ASLC‐B outperformed the other 3 lattice types in load‐bearing capacity, energy absorption, and heat transfer efficiency. Specifically, the ASLC‐B demonstrated a 51.56% and 44.14% increase in compression load‐bearing capacity at 100 and 200 °C compared to ASLC‐B(AlSi10Mg), highlighting its excellent high‐temperature mechanical properties. A numerical model based on the Johnson‐Cook constitutive relationship revealed the damage failure mechanisms, showing ASLC‐B's effectiveness in preventing buckling, enhancing load‐transfer efficiency, and reducing stress concentrations. This study emphasizes the importance of improving energy absorption and mechanical performance for structural optimization in extreme conditions. The ASLC‐B design offers significant advancements in maintaining structural integrity and performance under high temperatures.
Ring Transformation of Cyclopropenes to Benzo‐Fused Five‐Membered Oxa‐ and Aza‐Heterocycles via a Formal [4+1] Cyclization
Authors: Gu Fengyan , Lin Binyan , Peng Zhi‐Huan , Liu Shijie , Wu Yuanqing , Luo Mei , Ding Ning , Zhan Qichen , Cao Peng , Zhou Zhi , Cao Tao 
Published: August 2024

AbstractIn the context of the growing importance of heterocyclic compounds across various disciplines, numerous strategies for their construction have emerged. Exploiting the distinctive properties of cyclopropenes, this study introduces an innovative approach for the synthesis of benzo‐fused five‐membered oxa‐ and aza‐heterocycles through a formal [4+1] cyclization and subsequent acid‐catalyzed intramolecular O‐ to N‐ rearrangement. These transformations exhibit mild reaction conditions and a wide substrate scope. The applications in the late‐stage modification of complex molecules and in the synthesis of a potential PD‐L1 gene down‐regulator, make this method highly appealing in related fields. Combined experimental mechanistic studies and DFT calculations demonstrate Rh(III)‐mediated sequential C─H coupling/π‐allylation/dynamically favorable O‐attack route.
Polar Metallicity Controlled by Epitaxial Strain Engineering
Authors: Dong Mingdong , Zhang Yichi , Cao Jing‐ming , Chen Haowen , Lu Qiyang , Wang Hong‐fei , Wu Jie 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe discovery of polar metal opens the door to incorporating electric polarization into electronics with the potential to invigorate next‐generation multifunctional electronic devices. Especially, electric polarization can be induced by geometric design in non‐polar perovskite oxides. Here, the epitaxial strain exerted on the deposited single‐crystalline NdNiO3 thin films is systematically varied in both sign and amplitude by choosing substrates with different lattice mismatch. The pseudocubic NdNiO3(111) film, which is non‐polar in its bulk state, is induced to be polar under both compressive and tensile strain. The fine‐tuning of epitaxial strain is realized by continuously varying the film thickness using the “thickness‐wedge” growth technique, and from the elucidated thickness dependence, the electric polarization and metallicity can be further optimized. Moreover, transitioning from isotropic to anisotropic epitaxial strain gives rise to an ideal polar metal state in the pseudocubic NdNiO3(102) film on an orthorhombic substrate, achieving a remarkably low resistivity of 173 µΩ cm at room temperature. The metal–insulator transition in NdNiO3 is completely suppressed and the polar metal state becomes the ground state at all temperatures. These results demonstrate alluring possibilities of induction and manipulation of both electric polarization and electric transport properties in functional perovskite oxides by epitaxial strain engineering.
Boosting Zn‐Ion Storage Behavior of Pre‐Intercalated MXene with Black Phosphorus toward Self‐Powered Systems
Authors: Fang Cuiqin , Han Jing , Yang Qingjun , Gao Zhenguo , Tan Di , Chen Tiandi , Xu Bingang 
Published: August 2024

AbstractMXene‐based Zn‐ion capacitors (ZICs) with adsorption‐type and battery‐type electrodes demonstrate high energy storage and anti‐self‐discharge capabilities, potentially being paired with triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) to construct self‐powered systems. Nevertheless, inadequate interlayer spacing, deficient active sites, and compact self‐restacking of MXene flakes pose hurdles for MXene‐based ZICs, limiting their applications. Herein, black phosphorus (BP)‐Zn‐MXene hybrid is formulated for MXene‐based ZIC via a two‐step molecular engineering strategy of Zn‐ion pre‐intercalation and BP nanosheet assembly. Zn ions as intercalators induce cross‐linking of MXene flakes with expandable interlayer spacing to serve as scaffolds for BP nanosheets, thereby providing sufficient accessible active sites and efficient migration routes for enhanced Zn‐ion storage. The density functional theory calculations affirm that zinc adsorption and diffusion kinetics are significantly improved in the hybrid. A wearable ZIC with the hybrid delivers a competitive areal energy of 426.3 µWh cm−2 and ultra‐low self‐discharge rate of 7.0 mV h−1, achieving remarkable electrochemical matching with TENGs in terms of low energy loss, matched capacity, and fast Zn‐ion storage. The resultant self‐powered system efficiently collects and stores energy from human motion to power microelectronics. This work advances the Zn‐ion storage of MXene‐based ZICs and their synergy with TENG in self‐powered systems.
Dynamics of Highly Active Ln3IrO7 Catalysts for the Oxygen Evolution Reaction in Acid
Authors: Edgington Jane , Vicente Rafael , Vispute Sejal , Li Ruihan , Sweers Matthew E. , Sullivan Simone R. , Fernandez Pablo S. , Seitz Linsey C. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractAn improved understanding of catalyst dynamics for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in acid is critical for informing the development of highly efficient, stable, and cost‐effective OER catalysts for proton exchange membrane water electrolysis applications. Herein highly tunable, active, and dynamic Ir 5+ materials are studied, Ln3IrO7 (Ln = Pr, Nd, Sm, and Eu). Leveraging a combination of in situ and ex situ characterization, as well as an advanced mercury underpotential deposition technique for Ir surface site quantification, the dynamic nature of Ln3IrO7 materials throughout electrochemical activation under OER conditions is characterized. The trends are elucidated between intrinsic OER activity, surface Ir site quantity, and metal site dissolution behavior as tuned by the Ln site's atomic number. A critical relationship is uncovered to show that maintenance of excellent OER activity throughout performance testing is correlated with a catalysts’ ability to preserve a high degree of Ir enrichment, where heightened stability of Ir sites interestingly parallels reduced stability of Ln sites throughout testing. It is found that as the Ln site's atomic number is decreased, the materials’ intrinsic OER performance improves, due to an increased thermodynamic driving force for Ln dissolution, which is hypothesized to enable the maintenance of highly active Ir‐based surface motifs.
Four‐Helix Triboelectric Nanogenerator Based on Wave Amplitude Amplifier
Authors: Zhou Weiyu , Tuo Liang , Tang Wei , Wen Honggui , Chen Chunjin , Ning Heng , Long Siyu , Wan Lingyu , Liu Guanlin , Wang Zhong Lin 
Published: August 2024

AbstractDeploying triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) units on and below the water surface has been a conventional method for harvesting wave energy. However, this approach restricts the TENG's amplitude to that of the water waves, limiting the actual offshore output. Here, a new method of placing TENG units above the water surface using a wave amplitude amplifier is reported. This addresses the issue of insufficient amplitude in traditional wave energy TENGs and achieves higher electrical output performance in real offshore conditions. Moreover, the innovative four‐helix TENG (FH‐TENG), designed with special pattern cutting and bridging techniques, eliminates the need for internal wires, foundational frameworks, and counterweights. Results show that FH‐TENG placed on the amplitude amplifier achieves over a 76% increase in amplitude and a 235% enhancement in charge output compared to FH‐TENG floating directly on the water surface, and the maximum output voltage, transferred charge and output current reach 246 V, 7.9 µC, and 156.1 µA, respectively. Importantly, when deployed in real marine environments, this system generates more electric energy than in a lab pool under the same peak wave height, providing a reliable power supply solution. This work establishes a precedent for deploying lightweight wave energy TENGs above the water surface.
Enhancing Efficiency and Durability of Alkaline Zn‐Co/Air Hybrid Batteries with Self‐Reconstructed Co/Co2P Heterojunctions
Authors: Xu Zhuying , Chen Jie , Zhang Tianyu , Lu Haidan , Yan Lei , Ning Jiqiang , Hu Yong 
Published: August 2024

AbstractZn‐Co/air hybrid batteries showcase enhanced energy efficiency, power density, and stability compared to Zn‐air batteries. Nevertheless, it remains challenging to fabricate multi‐functional cathode materials with fast reaction kinetics. Herein the synthesis of a wheat‐like cathode composed of the “cereal‐grains” of densely arranged Co/Co2P heterostructures grown on the “central stems” of P/N codoped carbon nanofibers (denoted as Co/Co2P@PNCF) is presented. The biomimetic nanostructures not only offer abundant exposed active sites to maximize accessibility but also establish efficient multi‐channel networks for both electron transfer and O2/OH− diffusion. Furthermore, the active species of high‐valent Co, resulting from self‐reconstruction of the Co/Co2P heterojunction during the first cycle, create efficient Co2+ ↔ Co4+ redox pairs and provide additional charging‐discharging voltage plateaus. In situ Raman spectroscopy measurement combined with ex situ X‐ray diffraction evidence supports the reversible process of Co3+/4+Ox(OH)y ↔ KxCo2+/3+Oy, leading to improved efficiency and durability of the battery. As a result, Zn‐Co/air hybrid battery based on the Co/Co2P@PNCF exhibits a remarkable power density (321 mW cm−2), ultralong cycle stability (700 h), and a large energy efficiency (62% at 20 mA cm−2).
Comparison of surgical outcomes and postoperative nutritional parameters between subtotal and proximal gastrectomy in patients with proximal early gastric cancer
Authors: Soneda Wataru , Terashima Masanori , Koseki Yusuke , Furukawa Kenichiro , Fujiya Keiichi , Tanizawa Yutaka , Takeuchi Hiroya , Bando Etsuro 
Published: August 2024

AbstractAimIn this study, we evaluated the difference in short‐term outcomes and postoperative nutritional status between subtotal gastrectomy (sTG) and proximal gastrectomy (PG) to determine the optimal surgical treatment for early gastric cancer in the upper third of the stomach.MethodsPatients who underwent laparoscopic or robotic sTG or PG at the Shizuoka Cancer Center in Shizuoka between January 2014 and December 2020 were enrolled in this retrospective study. Patient characteristics, surgical outcomes, endoscopic findings, and postoperative nutritional changes, including blood tests, body weight, psoas muscle, and subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue, were measured and compared between the two groups.ResultsA total of 110 patients were enrolled, including 42 in the sTG group and 68 in the PG group. Albumin and hemoglobin levels were comparable between the two groups. Changes in body weight and psoas mass index measured over 36 months postoperatively were favorable in the sTG group compared with the PG group (p = 0.005 and p = 0.002, respectively). There were no significant differences in subcutaneous or visceral adipose tissue between the two groups (p = 0.331 and 0.845, respectively).ConclusionsTG is the preferred function‐preserving gastrectomy procedure for early gastric cancer in the upper third of the stomach because it is associated with less postoperative body weight loss and psoas mass index loss.
Deletions in the CDKL5 5′ untranslated region lead to CDKL5 deficiency disorder
Authors: Haviland Isabel , Hector Ralph D. , Swanson Lindsay C. , Verran Aubrie Soucy , Sherrill Emma , Frazier Zoë , Denny AnneMarie M. , Lucash Jenna , Zhang Bo , Dubbs Holly A. , Marsh Eric D. , Weisenberg Judith L. , Leonard Helen , Crippa Milena , Cogliati Francesca , Russo Silvia , Suter Bernhard , Rajaraman Rajsekar , Percy Alan K. , Schreiber John M. , Demarest Scott , Benke Timothy A. , Chopra Maya , Yu Timothy W. , Olson Heather E. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractPathogenic variants in the cyclin‐dependent kinase‐like 5 (CDKL5) gene are associated with CDKL5 deficiency disorder (CDD), a severe X‐linked developmental and epileptic encephalopathy. Deletions affecting the 5′ untranslated region (UTR) of CDKL5, which involve the noncoding exon 1 and/or alternatively spliced first exons (exons 1a–e), are uncommonly reported. We describe genetic and phenotypic characteristics for 15 individuals with CDKL5 partial gene deletions affecting the 5′ UTR. All individuals presented characteristic features of CDD, including medically refractory infantile‐onset epilepsy, global developmental delay, and visual impairment. We performed RNA sequencing on fibroblast samples from three individuals with small deletions involving exons 1 and/or 1a/1b only. Results demonstrated reduced CDKL5 mRNA expression with no evidence of expression from alternatively spliced first exons. Our study broadens the genotypic spectrum for CDD by adding to existing evidence that deletions affecting the 5′ UTR of the CDKL5 gene are associated with the disorder. We propose that smaller 5′ UTR deletions may require additional molecular testing approaches such as RNA sequencing to determine pathogenicity.
Comparing transabdominal and transvaginal cervical length measurements at mid‐trimester fetal anomaly scan: The impact of bladder fullness and lower uterine contractions
Authors: Beaver Heidi , Lanzarone Valeria , Low Gary KK 
Published: August 2024

AbstractPurposeTo assess the effects of bladder fullness and lower uterine contractions ultrasound on transabdominal and transvaginal cervical length measurements at the mid‐trimester fetal anomaly scan (FAS).MethodsTransabdominal and transvaginal cervical length measurements from 925 mid‐trimester FAS examinations were retrospectively analysed. Images were assessed for lower uterine contraction and bladder fullness using a novel qualitative assessment. Bland–Altman plots and single‐score interclass correlation (ICC) were used to determine correlation between transabdominal and transvaginal measurements. Sensitivity and specificity of transabdominal cut‐offs were calculated.ResultsTransabdominal and transvaginal measurements of the cervix correlated poorly (ICC 0.306). An overfilled bladder and lower uterine contractions on average increased the length of transabdominal cervical length measurements. Removing these variables did not significantly improve correlation between transabdominal and transvaginal measurements of the cervix but resulted in an improved sensitivity of transabdominal assessment to detect a clinically relevant short cervix.DiscussionResolving the confounding factors of an overfilled bladder and lower uterine contractions can help improve the our ability to detect a short cervix on transabdominal ultrasound. Our data set supported a two‐stage approach to cervical length screening which would allow 100% sensitivity when a cut‐off of ≤35 mm is used on transabdominal ultrasound and would limit the need for transvaginal scanning to approximately 39% of patients. This cut‐off is in line with the findings of other studies. The low prevalence of short cervix in our study did however make it difficult to extrapolate reliable calculations.ConclusionAlthough transabdominal measurements correlate poorly with transvaginal measurements of the cervix, we demonstrated an improved sensitivity for detecting a short cervix using a transabdominal approach when no contractions or overfilled bladder is present. This potential could be explored in a future study with a larger sample size.