bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Balance, Gait and Foot Pressure Distribution in Neuropathic Pain Associated with Lumbar Disc Degeneration
Authors: Korkusuz Suleyman , Korkusuz Büsra Seckinogullari , Yuruk Zeliha Ozlem , Kibar Sibel , Yavuz Ferdi 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Background: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of NP associated with LDD on balance, gait and foot pressure distribution.
Methods: This prospective controlled study was conducted on 42 individuals aged between 40-70 years. There were 3 groups in the study: individuals diagnosed with NP associated with LDD (n=14), individuals with LDD without NP (n=14), and the control group (n=14). The Force Plate system and Core Balance System measured static and dynamic postural balance and stability limits. Gait and dynamic plantar pressure distribution analyses were performed with a computerized gait evaluation system.
Results: The Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Signs and Symptoms (LANSS), VAS during gait, and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores were higher in LDD with NP group than in LDD without NP group (p<0.05). It was found that LDD with NP group had backward dynamic balance control (p<0.05). There was no significant difference in balance control, dynamic plantar pressure distribution, and spatiotemporal gait parameters between the groups (p>0.05).
Conclusion: Although participants with NP had higher levels of pain severity in gait and disability, there was no difference in postural balance, dynamic plantar pressure distribution, and spatiotemporal gait parameters compared to participants with LDD without NP and healthy individuals. All participants with LDD were unilaterally affected. Therefore, postural balance and gait tasks would be able to compensate for the unaffected limb.
Drivers of life history variation in a paedomorphic mole salamander
Authors: Sandoval Jessica L. , Anderson Thomas L. 
Published: February 2025

AbstractPhenotypic variation is ubiquitous among organisms and is thought to provide an evolutionary advantage for species living in variable environments. Paedomorphosis, or the retention of juvenile traits in sexually mature adults, is a model system for understanding the ecological causes of phenotypic variation. In the facultatively paedomorphic mole salamander (Ambystoma talpoideum), the species' complex life cycle can follow three pathways that ultimately lead to the expression of two discrete adult phenotypes. An individual may undergo traditional development from egg to aquatic larva but will (1) remain in the water as a reproductive, gilled adult (paedomorph), (2) metamorphose into a terrestrial adult, or (3) delay metamorphosis and overwinter in an immature state in ponds, eventually developing into either the terrestrial or aquatic phenotype. We assessed environmental factors influencing variation in the occupancy and abundance of paedomorphic and overwintering larval A. talpoideum across natural populations in western Kentucky. We sampled 20 ponds in western Kentucky in 2013–2015 and 2022, and measured abiotic (e.g., pond depth, canopy cover, and dissolved oxygen) and biotic (e.g., larval and predator densities) factors to compare several hypotheses concerning phenotypic outcomes in A. talpoideum. We created and compared eight models based on ecologically plausible explanations for phenotypic variation. Paedomorphs occurred more often and in greater numbers following larval periods with favorable aquatic conditions including low larval densities and greater body sizes. The opposite was true for overwintering larvae, which were found more often after unfavorable aquatic conditions, high summer larval densities, dense canopy cover, and low dissolved oxygen.
Effects of pharmacological and non‐pharmacological interventions for the management of sleep problems in people with fibromyalgia: systematic review and network meta‐analysis of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Hudson Jemma , Imamura Mari , Robertson Clare , Whibley Daniel , Aucott Lorna , Gillies Katie , Manson Paul , Dulake Debra , Abhishek Abhishek , Tang Nicole K Y , Macfarlane Gary J , Brazzelli Miriam 
Published: February 2025

Clinical contextFibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterised by widespread musculoskeletal pain and fatigue. Almost everyone with fibromyalgia has sleep problems.ObjectiveWe aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of current interventions for the management of fibromyalgia‐related sleep problems.MethodsMajor electronic databases were searched in November 2021. We focused on randomised controlled trials assessing pharmacological and/or non‐pharmacological interventions in adults and children and identified 168 studies for inclusion. We assessed the methodological quality of included studies using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. Our primary outcome of interest was sleep quality assessed using validated patient‐reported outcome measures.ResultsResults from primary studies were analysed using network meta‐analyses (NMA). The NMA for sleep quality included 65 studies evaluating 35 treatment categories (8247 participants). Most studies were at high overall risk of bias. Compared to placebo or sham treatments, there was some evidence that exercise (specifically land‐based aerobic exercise training in combination with flexibility training [SMD ‐4.69, 95%, Crl ‐8.14 to ‐1.28] and aquatic‐based aerobic exercise training [SMD ‐2.63, 95%, Crl ‐4.74 to ‐0.58]) may improve sleep. There was also a suggestion that land‐based strengthening exercise, psychological and behavioural therapy with a focus on sleep, electrotherapy, weight loss, dental splints, antipsychotics, and tricyclics may have a modest effect on sleep.ConclusionsThere is a low level of certainty surrounding the effectiveness of interventions for the management of sleep problems in people with fibromyalgia, but some forms of exercise training appear more likely to provide an improvement in sleep quality.image
Superlubricious Surfaces Through Surface Attached Hydrogels Obtained by C,H‐insertion Crosslinking
Authors: Maraula Renato , Bahrami Maryam , Jafari Safora , Prucker Oswald , Amann Tobias , Rühe Jürgen 
Published: February 2025

AbstractThe friction behavior of surfaces is investigated which are coated with surface‐attached hydrogel layers inspired by the structure of natural synovial joints. Photoinduced C,H insertion chemistry is used to form polymer networks from hydrogel precursor polymers and simultaneously link them to both sliding partners. As the crosslinking is performed in the dry state and all polymer chains are covalently bound to the surface, the hydrogel layers can only swell in one direction leading to strong chain stretching. This confinement leads to surfaces with ultralow adhesion and strongly reduces friction. The incorporation of charges and the addition of shear‐thinning polymers to the water phase allows for the generation of friction systems having coefficients of friction of µ = 0.002–0.001, thus reaching superlubricity and even surpassing the values reported for the properties of the natural model.
Pressure‐Controlled Nanoimprint Lithography Achieves over 20% Efficiency in Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Li Yinfeng , Li Hongjia , Xu Xiaopeng , Yu Liyang , Li Ruipeng , Peng Qiang 
Published: February 2025

AbstractNanoimprint lithography (NIL) offers unprecedented control over active layer morphology in organic solar cells (OSCs), yet optimal processing conditions remain critical for maximizing device performance. Here, pressure‐dependent NIL fabrication of ordered interdigitated heterojunction structures is demonstrated in D18/L8‐BO‐based OSCs, achieving exceptional performance through systematic pressure optimization. At an optimal pressure of 50 bar, devices exhibit record‐setting metrics: 20.08% power conversion efficiency, 27.34 mA cm−2 short‐circuit current density, and 80.34% fill factor. The NIL‐patterned active layers form well‐defined, solvent‐resistant nanopillar arrays (8.7–29 nm height) with enhanced light‐harvesting capabilities. Detailed characterization reveals improved molecular ordering in both donor and acceptor phases, while advanced spectroscopy demonstrates accelerated charge transfer dynamics with reduced exciton dissociation and diffusion times. This pressure‐optimized NIL strategy simultaneously enhances the optical, morphological, and electronic properties of OSCs, establishing a promising pathway toward commercial‐scale organic photovoltaic technology.
Self‐Regenerating Zwitterionic Hydrogel Coating Modified by Metal‐Organic Framework for Integrated Anti‐Biofouling and Anti‐Corrosion
Authors: Zhang Yichen , Pan Jiansen , Xie Qingyi , Ma Chunfeng , Zhang Guangzhao 
Published: February 2025

AbstractHydrogel coating has a certain ability to inhibit marine biofouling. However, owing to their poor mechanical properties and short service life, they have not found solid applications in marine protection. Herein, a novel self‐regenerating zwitterionic hydrogel coating composed of a self‐crosslinking degradable polymer with hydrolysis‐induced zwitterions and corrosion inhibitor benzotriazole (BTA) loaded metal‐organic framework (MOF) is reported, which exhibits both anti‐biofouling and anti‐corrosion performance. The polymer is prepared by copolymerization of 2‐methylene‐1,3‐dioxepane (MDO) and vinyl chloroacetate (VCA) followed by grafting with 2‐(trimethoxysilyl) propyl dimethylamino propionate (TPD). It can self‐crosslink or crosslink with BTA‐loaded MOF forming a network, and even chemically link the substrate creating a robust interface. Accordingly, the hydrogel coating exhibits good mechanical properties and adhesion. Because the zwitterionic surface with antifouling ability can be continuously renewed by the degradation and hydrolysis of the polymer, the coating has high resistance to bacteria and diatom in seawater. The degradation and hydrolysis also enable the release of BTA, significantly inhibiting surface corrosion. This study represents an important step toward the integration of hydrogel into anti‐biofouling and anti‐corrosion coating.
Constructing Internal Coupling Reactions Through Iron Substitution to Facilitate Manganese‐Based Mixed‐Phosphate Cathode for Sodium‐Ion Storage
Authors: Li Guodong , Zhang Linjuan , Xu Zhenming , Liu Yao , Zhang Kai , Zhao Shaoyuan , Cao Yongjie , Xia Yongyao 
Published: February 2025

AbstractManganese‐based mixed‐phosphate (Na4Mn3(PO4)2P2O7, NMPP) is a promising high‐voltage cathode material for sodium ion batteries (SIBs). However, the sluggish kinetics of Mn3+/Mn2+ redox and Mn dissolution problems result in poor rate capability and cycle stability. Herein, manganese is substituted with iron to synthesize a series of Na4Mn3‐xFex(PO4)2P2O7 (0≤x≤2, NMFPP) materials. Among these, the optimized Na4Mn1.5Fe1.5(PO4)2P2O7 (NMFPP‐1.5) sample exhibits the highest thermodynamic stability and electronic conductivity via theoretical calculations. Practically, NMFPP‐1.5 exhibits not only the largest gravimetric energy density of 378.5 Wh kg−1 (14.4% higher than NMPP) in SIBs, but also the least Mn dissolution and the fastest Na‐ion diffusion kinetics. In situ investigations illustrate the Na‐ion extraction/insertion of NMFPP‐1.5 as an imperfect solid‐solution reaction with lattice distortions. Notably, a kinetic‐controlled electrochemical‐chemical‐coupling discharge mechanism is proposed to understand the voltage hysteresis and additional voltage plateau phenomenon caused by the great kinetics difference between Fe3+/Fe2+ and Mn3+/Mn2+ redox couples. This coupling process facilitates the fast discharge capability of NMFPP‐1.5, guaranteeing for grid‐scale energy storage system application. Furthermore, the practical usability is validated by fabricating NMFPP‐1.5 with hard carbon. The full cell reaches 204.6 Wh kg−1 based on the total anode and cathode mass, exhibiting excellent rate capability and high cycle stability.
Functional Biomaterials Derived from Protein Liquid–Liquid Phase Separation and Liquid‐to‐Solid Transition
Authors: Li Tianchen , Ilhamsyah Dea , Tai Benedict , Shen Yi 
Published: February 2025

AbstractProtein phase transitions play a vital role in both cellular functions and pathogenesis. Dispersed proteins can undergo liquid–liquid phase separation to form condensates, a process that is reversible and highly regulated within cells. The formation and physicochemical properties of these condensates, such as composition, viscosity, and multiphase miscibility, are precisely modulated to fulfill specific biological functions. However, protein condensates can undergo a further liquid‐to‐solid state, forming β‐sheet‐rich aggregates that may disrupt cellular function and lead to diseases. While this phenomenon is crucial for biological processes and has significant implications for neurodegenerative diseases, the phase behavior of naturally derived or engineered proteins and polypeptides also presents opportunities for developing high‐performance, multifunctional materials at various scales. Additionally, the unique molecular recruitment capabilities of condensates inspire innovative advancements in biomaterial design for applications in drug discovery, delivery, and biosynthesis. This work highlights recent progress in understanding the mechanisms underlying protein phase behavior, particularly how it responds to internal molecular changes and external physical stimuli. Furthermore, the fabrication of multifunctional materials derived from diverse protein sources through controlled phase transitions is demonstrated.
Anisotropic Electrical Transport in Mechanically Responsive Silver‐Coated Microparticle‐Gel Composites for Flowable Semiconducting Materials
Authors: Brucks Matthew D. , Arslanova Alina , Byrne Nicholas F. , Hui Janan , Kurtz Heather E. , Hersam Mark C. , Richards Jeffrey J. 
Published: February 2025

AbstractSoft materials with reversible electrical and mechanical properties are critical for the development of advanced bioelectronics that can distinguish between different rates of applied strain and eliminate performance degradation over many cycles. However, the current paradigm in mechano‐electronic devices involves measuring changes in electrical current based on the accumulation of strain within a conductive material that alters the geometry through which electrons flow. Attempts have been made to incorporate soft materials like liquid metals and concentrated solutions of conjugated polymers and salts to overcome materials degradation but are limited in their ability to detect changes in the rate of the applied strain. Herein, the anisotropic electrical performance of a soft semiconducting composite prepared with silver‐coated microspheres dispersed within a swollen copolymer gel is demonstrated. This composite exhibits an electrical response proportional to the magnitude of the applied shear force to enable a rate‐of‐strain dependent conductivity. Furthermore, a 100‐fold increase in the conductivity of the composite is observed when the electric field is oriented parallel to the flow direction. This improvement in the electrical response can be attributed to the enhanced alignment of microspheres in viscoelastic media and can be leveraged in the development of mechanically responsive electronic devices.
2D Conjugated Metal–Organic Framework‐Based Composite Membranes for Nanofluidic Ionic Photoelectric Conversion
Authors: Jiang Xinyan , Zhang Qixiang , Zhao Naijia , Li Zhe , Jiang Lei , Zhang Zhen 
Published: February 2025

AbstractNanofluidic photoelectric conversion system based on photo‐excitable 2D materials can directly transduce light stimuli into an ion‐transport‐mediated electric signal, showing potential for mimicking the retina's function with a more favorable human–robot interactions. However, the current membranes suffer from low generation efficiency of charge carriers due to the mixed microstructure and limited charge transport ability caused by the large interlayer spacing and monotonous pathway. Here, a fully conjugated 2D hexaimino‐substituted triphenylene‐based metal–organic framework (2D‐HATP‐cMOF) based composite membrane with high conductivity for photoelectric conversion is presented. The extended π‐d conjugation within the ab plane and the favorable transport pathway through π–π stacking of the c‐MOF maximize the generation and transfer of charge carrier and greatly accelerate the ion transport. As a result, the 2D‐HATP‐cMOF‐based composite membrane possesses ultrafast photoelectric response, superior to other reported 2D systems like graphene oxide (GO), transition metal carbides, carbonitrides and nitrides (MXene), and MoS2, which require at least 10 s. A successful ion pump phenomenon, that is active transport from low concentration to high concentration as an important way of information transmission in organisms, is realized based on the efficient photoelectric conversion capability. This work demonstrates the great promise of 2D c‐MOF in ionic photoelectric conversion.
Weak Near‐Infrared Light Visualization Enabled by Smart Multifunctional Optoelectronics
Authors: Bi Pengqing , Wang Jianqiu , Chen Zhihao , Li Zelong , Tan Cheng , Qiao Jiawei , Dai Jiangbo , Zhang Tao , Gao Jiajia , Goh Wei Peng , Lyu Chengkun , Jiang Changyun , Hao Xiaotao , Hou Jianhui , Yang Le 
Published: February 2025

AbstractVisualizing weak NIR light is critical for sensing, imaging, and communication, but remains challenging due to inefficient detection and upconversion (UC) mechanisms. A smart NIR‐to‐visible photon‐UC organic optoelectronic device is reported that integrates photodetection, light‐emitting diode (LED), and photovoltaic capabilities to enable clear visualization of weak NIR light. The programmable device has continuous photodetection monitoring of the incident NIR intensity. When the incident intensity falls below a preset threshold, the LED function is automatically triggered to compensate for the UC emission, amplifying the visualization. The smart multifunctional device uses a carefully designed ternary bulk heterojunction sensitizer doped with rubrene:DBP as the emitter. It demonstrates high UC efficiency (>1.5%) for upconversion from 808 to 608 nm, allowing NIR visualization without external power under strong illumination. It also shows excellent NIR photodetection with photoresponsivity of 0.35 A W−1 at 800 nm and specific detectivity reaching 10¹2–10¹3 Jones, enabling sensitive detection under low‐light conditions. It also exhibits a low turn‐on voltage (0.9 V) and luminance exceeding 1200 cd m−2 at 5 V, ensuring energy‐efficient light compensation. Furthermore, it achieves >10% power conversion efficiency, enabling sustainable self‐powered operation. This multifunctional, high‐performance system offers great potential in sensing, energy harvesting, and display technologies.
Reactive Plasma Deposition of ITO as an Efficient Buffer Layer for Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Li Wang , Liu Xinxing , Zhang Junjun , Wang Heming , Yuan Can , Lin Shiju , Chen Chao , Shen Chen , Tang Jiang , Li Jianmin , Bu Tongle , Wang Sheng , Jiang Yan , Xiao Xudong , Gong Junbo 
Published: February 2025

AbstractIn this study, the potential of reactive plasma deposition (RPD) is demonstrated for fabricating indium tin oxide (ITO) as an efficient buffer layer in inverted wide‐bandgap perovskite solar cells (PSCs). This method results in a certified efficiency of 21.33% for wide‐bandgap PSCs, demonstrating superior thermal stability and operational stability. The optimized devices achieve an impressive open‐circuit voltage (VOC) of 1.252 V with a bandgap of 1.67 eV, resulting in a remarkably low voltage deficit of 0.418 V, attributed to improved electron extraction, reduced interface defects, and suppressed surface recombination. The cells maintain over 90% of their initial efficiency after 1023 h of thermal aging at 88 °C. Furthermore, by integrating a highly efficient semi‐transparent PSC with a CIGS bottom cell, a four‐terminal tandem configuration is achieved with a total efficiency of 29.03%, representing one of the most efficient perovskite/CIGS tandem solar cells reported to date. This study provides valuable insights into the potential of RPD for improving the performance and scalability of inverted wide‐bandgap PSCs.
Zwitterionic Photosensitizer‐Assembled Nanocluster Produces Efficient Photogenerated Radicals via Autoionization for Superior Antibacterial Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: He Ping , Jia Mingxuan , Yang Linfang , Zhang Haolin , Chen Ruizhe , Yao Weiyun , Pan Yonghui , Fan Quli , Hu Wenbo , Huang Wei 
Published: February 2025

AbstractPhotodynamic therapy (PDT) holds significant promise for antibacterial treatment, with its potential markedly amplified when using Type I photosensitizers (PSs). However, developing Type I PSs remains a significant challenge due to a lack of reliable design strategy. Herein, a Type I PS nanocluster is developed via self‐assembly of zwitterionic small molecule (C3TH) for superior antibacterial PDT in vivo. Mechanism studies demonstrate that unique cross‐arranged C3TH within nanocluster not only shortens intermolecular distance but also inhibits intermolecular electronic‐vibrational coupling, thus facilitating intermolecular photoinduced electron transfer to form PS radical cation and anion via autoionization reaction. Subsequently, these highly oxidizing or reducing PS radicals engage in cascade photoredox to generate efficient ·OH and O2‾·. As a result, C3TH nanoclusters achieve a 97.6% antibacterial efficacy against MRSA at an ultralow dose, surpassing the efficacy of the commercial antibiotic Vancomycin by more than 8.8‐fold. These findings deepen the understanding of Type I PDT, providing a novel strategy for developing Type I PSs.
A Pathway Toward Sub‐10 nm Surface Nanostructures Utilizing Block Copolymer Crystallization Control
Authors: Meinhardt Alexander , Qi Peng , David Christian , Maximov Ivan , Keller Thomas F. 
Published: February 2025

AbstractIt is elucidated how crystallization can be used to create lateral surface nanostructures in a size regime toward sub‐10 nm using molecular self‐assembly of short chain crystallizable block copolymers (BCP) and assist in overcoming the high‐χ barrier for microphase separation. In this work, an amphiphilic double‐crystalline polyethylene‐b‐polyethylene oxide (PE‐b‐PEO) block co‐oligomer is used. A crystallization mechanism of the short‐chain BCP in combination with neutral wetting of the functionalized substrate surface that permits to form edge‐on, extended chain crystal lamellae with enhanced thermodynamic stability. In situ atomic force microscopy (AFM) analysis along with surface energy considerations suggest that upon cooling from the polymer melt, the PE‐b‐PEO first forms a segregated horizontal lamellar morphology. AFM analysis indicates that the PEO crystallization triggers a morphological transition involving a rotation of the forming extended chain crystals in edge‐on orientation. Exposing their crystal side facets to the top surface permits to minimize their interfacial energy and form vertical nanostructures. Moreover, the edge‐on lamellae can be macroscopically aligned by directed self‐assembly (DSA), one necessity for various nanotechnological applications. It is believed that the observed mechanism to form stable edge‐on lamellae can be transferred to other crystallizable short chain BCPs, providing potential pathways for sub‐10 nm nanotechnology.