bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Elephant Trunk Inspired Multimodal Deformations and Movements of Soft Robotic Arms
Authors: Leanza Sophie , Lu‐Yang Juliana , Kaczmarski Bartosz , Wu Shuai , Kuhl Ellen , Zhao Ruike Renee 
Published: February 2024

AbstractElephant trunks are capable of complex, multimodal deformations, allowing them to perform task‐oriented high‐degree‐of‐freedom (DOF) movements pertinent to the field of soft actuators. Despite recent advances, most soft actuators can only achieve one or two deformation modes, limiting their motion range and applications. Inspired by the elephant trunk musculature, a liquid crystal elastomer (LCE)‐based multi‐fiber design strategy is proposed for soft robotic arms in which a discrete number of artificial muscle fibers can be selectively actuated, achieving multimodal deformations and transitions between modes for continuous movements. Through experiments, finite element analysis (FEA), and a theoretical model, the influence of LCE fiber design on the achievable deformations, movements, and reachability of trunk‐inspired robotic arms is studied. Fiber geometry is parametrically investigated for 2‐fiber robotic arms and the tilting and bending of these arms is characterized. A 3‐fiber robotic arm is additionally studied with a simplified fiber arrangement analogous to that of an actual elephant trunk. The remarkably broad range of deformations and the reachability of the arm are discussed, alongside transitions between deformation modes for functional movements. It is anticipated that this design and actuation strategy will serve as a robust method to realize high‐DOF soft actuators for various engineering applications.
Dual‐Responsive Nanogels with Cascaded Gentamicin Release and Lysosomal Escape to Combat Intracellular Small Colony Variants for Peritonitis and Sepsis Therapies
Authors: Xie Shuang , Li Yu , Cao Wenxiong , Peng Jiawen , Huang Kun , Meng Jie , Li Xiaohong 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIntracellular bacteria are the major cause of serious infections including sepsis and peritonitis, but face great challenges in fighting against the stubborn intracellular small colony variants (SCVs). Herein, the authors have developed nanogels (NGs) to destroy both planktonic bacteria and SCVs and eliminate excessive inflammations for peritonitis and sepsis therapies. Free gentamicin (GEN) and hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (NPs) with GEN loading and mannose grafts (mHAG) are inoculated into ε‐polylysine NGs to obtain NG@G1‐mHAG2 through crosslinking with phenylboronic acid and tannic acid. The H2O2 consumption after reaction with phenylboronic esters and the elimination of free radicals by tannic acid alleviates the escalated inflammatory status to promote sepsis therapy. After mannose‐mediated uptake into macrophages, the acid‐triggered degradation of mHAG NPs generates Ca2+ to destabilize lysosomes and the efficient lysosomal escape leads to reversion of hypometabolic SCVs into normal phenotype and their sensitivity to GEN. In a peritonitis mouse model, NG@G1‐mHAG2 treatment provides strong and persistent bactericidal effects against both extracellular bacteria and intracellular SCVs and extends survival of peritonitis mice without apparent hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, pulmonary edema, and inflammatory cell infiltration. Thus, this study demonstrates a concise and versatile strategy to eliminate SCVs and relieve inflammatory storms for peritonitis and sepsis therapies without infection recurrence.
Accurate Spatio‐Temporal Delivery of Nitric Oxide Facilitates the Programmable Repair of Avascular Dense Connective Tissues Injury
Authors: Feng Yubo , Su Lefeng , Liu Lei , Chen Zhanyi , Ji Yucheng , Hu Yuwei , Zheng Dandan , Chen Zhi , Lei Changbin , Xu He , Han Yingchao , Shen Hongxing 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAvascular dense connective tissues (e.g., the annulus fibrosus (AF) rupture, the meniscus tear, and tendons and ligaments injury) repair remains a challenge due to the “biological barrier” that hinders traditional drug permeation and limits self‐healing of the injured tissue. Here, accurate delivery of nitric oxide (NO) to penetrate the “AF biological barrier” is achieved thereby enabling programmable AF repair. NO‐loaded BioMOFs are synthesized and mixed in a modified polyvinyl alcohol and PCL‐composited electrospun fiber membrane with excellent reactive oxygen species‐responsive capability (LN@PM). The results show that LN@PM could respond to the high oxidative stress environment at the injured tissue and realize continuous and substantial NO release. Based on low molecular weight and lipophilicity, NO could penetrate through the “biological barrier” for accurate AF drug delivery. Moreover, the dynamic characteristics of the LN@PM reaction can be matched with the pathological microenvironment to initiate programmable tissue repair including sequential remodeling microenvironment, reprogramming the immune environment, and finally promoting tissue regeneration. This tailored programmable treatment strategy that matches the pathological repair process significantly repairs AF, ultimately alleviating intervertebral disc degeneration. This study highlights a promising approach for avascular dense connective tissue treatment through intelligent NO release, effectively overcoming “AF biological barriers” and programmable treatment.
An Integrated Deposition and Passivation Strategy for Controlled Crystallization of 2D/3D Halide Perovskite Films
Authors: Kodalle Tim , Byranvand Mahdi Malekshahi , Goudreau Meredith , Das Chittaranjan , Roy Rajarshi , Kot Małgorzata , Briesenick Simon , Zohdi Mohammadreza , Rai Monika , Tamura Nobumichi , Flege Jan Ingo , Hempel Wolfram , Sutter‐Fella Carolin M. , Saliba Michael 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThis work introduces a simplified deposition procedure for multidimensional (2D/3D) perovskite thin films, integrating a phenethylammonium chloride (PEACl)‐treatment into the antisolvent step when forming the 3D perovskite. This simultaneous deposition and passivation strategy reduces the number of synthesis steps while simultaneously stabilizing the halide perovskite film and improving the photovoltaic performance of resulting solar cell devices to 20.8%. Using a combination of multimodal in situ and additional ex situ characterizations, it is demonstrated that the introduction of PEACl during the perovskite film formation slows down the crystal growth process, which leads to a larger average grain size and narrower grain size distribution, thus reducing carrier recombination at grain boundaries and improving the device's performance and stability. The data suggests that during annealing of the wet film, the PEACl diffuses to the surface of the film, forming hydrophobic (quasi‐)2D structures that protect the bulk of the perovskite film from humidity‐induced degradation.
Stimuli‐Responsive Nanostructured Viologen‐Siloxane Materials for Controllable Conductivity
Authors: van den Bersselaar Bart W. L. , van de Ven Alex P. A. , de Waal Bas F. M. , Meskers Stefan C. J. , Eisenreich F. , Vantomme G. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractSpontaneous phase separation is a promising strategy for the development of novel electronic materials, as the resulting well‐defined morphologies generally exhibit enhanced conductivity. Making these structures adaptive to external stimuli is challenging, yet crucial as multistate reconfigurable switching is essential for neuromorphic materials. Here, a modular and scalable approach is presented to obtain switchable phase‐separated viologen‐siloxane nanostructures with sub‐5 nm features. The domain spacing, morphology, and conductivity of these materials can be tuned by ion exchange, repeated pulsed photoirradiation and electric stimulation. Counterion exchange triggers a postsynthetic modification in domain spacing of up to 10%. Additionally, in some cases, 2D to 1D order–order transitions are observed with the latter exhibiting a sevenfold decrease in conductivity with respect to their 2D lamellar counterparts. Moreover, the combination of the viologen core with tetraphenylborate counterions enables reversible and in situ reduction upon light irradiation. This light‐driven reduction provides access to a continuum of conducting states, reminiscent of long‐term potentiation. The repeated voltage sweeps improve the nanostructures alignment, leading to increased conductivity in a learning effect. Overall, these results highlight the adaptivity of phase‐separated nanostructures for the next generation of organic electronics, with exciting applications in smart sensors and neuromorphic devices.
Ultraflexible Temperature‐Strain Dual‐Sensor Based on Chalcogenide Glass‐Polymer Film for Human‐Machine Interaction
Authors: Fu Yanqing , Kang Shiliang , Xiang Guofeng , Su Chengran , Gao Chengwei , Tan Linling , Gu Hao , Wang Shengpeng , Zheng Zhuanghao , Dai Shixun , Lin Changgui 
Published: February 2024

AbstractSkin‐like thermoelectric (TE) films with temperature‐ and strain‐sensing functions are highly desirable for human‐machine interaction systems and wearable devices. However, current TE films still face challenges in achieving high flexibility and excellent sensing performance simultaneously. Herein, for the first time, a facile roll‐to‐roll strategy is proposed to fabricate an ultraflexible chalcogenide glass‐polytetrafluoroethylene composite film with superior temperature‐ and strain‐sensing performance. The unique reticular network of the composite film endows it with efficient Seebeck effect and flexibility, leading to a high Seebeck coefficient (731 µV/K), rapid temperature response (≈0.7 s), and excellent strain sensitivity (gauge factor = 836). Based on this high‐performance composite film, an intelligent robotic hand for action feedback and temperature alarm is fabricated, demonstrating its great potential in human‐machine interaction. Such TE film fabrication strategy not only brings new inspiration for wearable inorganic TE devices, but also sets the stage for a wide implementation of multifunctional human‐machine interaction systems.
Bottom‐Up Film‐to‐Bulk Assembly Toward Bioinspired Bulk Structural Nanocomposites
Authors: Chen Si‐Ming , Zhang Zhen‐Bang , Gao Huai‐Ling , Yu Shu‐Hong 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBiological materials, although composed of meager minerals and biopolymers, often exhibit amazing mechanical properties far beyond their components due to hierarchically ordered structures. Understanding their structure–properties relationships and replicating them into artificial materials would boost the development of bulk structural nanocomposites. Layered microstructure widely exists in biological materials, serving as the fundamental structure in nanosheet‐based nacres and nanofiber‐based Bouligand tissues, and implying superior mechanical properties. High‐efficient and scalable fabrication of bioinspired bulk structural nanocomposites with precise layered microstructure is therefore important yet remains difficult. Here, one straightforward bottom‐up film‐to‐bulk assembly strategy is focused for fabricating bioinspired layered bulk structural nanocomposites. The bottom‐up assembly strategy inherently offers a methodology for precise construction of bioinspired layered microstructure in bulk form, availability for fabrication of bioinspired bulk structural nanocomposites with large sizes and complex shapes, possibility for design of multiscale interfaces, feasibility for manipulation of diverse heterogeneities. Not limited to discussing what has been achieved by using the current bottom‐up film‐to‐bulk assembly strategy, it is also envisioned how to promote such an assembly strategy to better benefit the development of bioinspired bulk structural nanocomposites. Compared to other assembly strategies, the highlighted strategy provides great opportunities for creating bioinspired bulk structural nanocomposites on demand.
On‐Site Melanoma Diagnosis Utilizing a Swellable Microneedle‐Assisted Skin Interstitial Fluid Sampling and a Microfluidic Particle Dam for Visual Quantification of S100A1
Authors: Wang Gaobo , Zhang Yuyue , Kwong Hoi Kwan , Zheng Mengjia , Wu Jianpeng , Cui Chenyu , Chan Kannie W. Y. , Xu Chenjie , Chen Ting‐Hsuan 
Published: February 2024

AbstractMalignant melanoma (MM) is the most aggressive form of skin cancer. The delay in treatment will induce metastasis, resulting in a poor prognosis and even death. Here, a two‐step strategy for on‐site diagnosis of MM is developed based on the extraction and direct visual quantification of S100A1, a biomarker for melanoma. First, a swellable microneedle is utilized to extract S100A1 in skin interstitial fluid (ISF) with minimal invasion. After elution, antibody‐conjugated magnetic microparticles (MMPs) and polystyrene microparticles (PMPs) are introduced. A high expression level of S100A1 gives rise to a robust binding between MMPs and PMPs and reduces the number of free PMPs. By loading the reacted solution into the device with a microfluidic particle dam, the quantity of free PMPs after magnetic separation is displayed with their accumulation length inversely proportional to S100A1 levels. A limit of detection of 18.7 ng mL−1 for S100A1 is achieved. The animal experiment indicates that ISF‐based S100A1 quantification using the proposed strategy exhibits a significantly higher sensitivity compared with conventional serum‐based detection. In addition, the result is highly comparable with the gold standard enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay based on Lin's concordance correlation coefficient, suggesting the high practicality for routine monitoring of melanoma.
JPT2 Affects Trophoblast Functions and Macrophage Polarization and Metabolism, and Acts as a Potential Therapeutic Target for Recurrent Spontaneous Abortion
Authors: Chen Xin , Song Qian Lin , Ji Rui , Wang Jia Yu , Cao Ming Liang , Guo Duan Ying , Zhang Yan , Yang Jing 
Published: February 2024

AbstractRecurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) is a pregnancy‐related condition with complex etiology. Trophoblast dysfunction and abnormal macrophage polarization and metabolism are associated with RSA; however, the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. Jupiter microtubule‐associated homolog 2 (JPT2) is essential for calcium mobilization; however, its role in RSA remains unclear. In this study, it is found that the expression levels of JPT2, a nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide phosphate‐binding protein, are decreased in the villous tissues of patients with RSA and placental tissues of miscarried mice. Mechanistically, it is unexpectedly found that abnormal JPT2 expression regulates trophoblast function and thus involvement in RSA via c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) signaling, but not via calcium mobilization. Specifically, on the one hand, JPT2 deficiency inhibits trophoblast adhesion, migration, and invasion by inhibiting the JNK/atypical chemokine receptor 3 axis. On the other hand, trophoblast JPT2 deficiency contributes to M1 macrophage polarization by promoting the accumulation of citrate and reactive oxygen species via inhibition of the JNK/interleukin‐6 axis. Self‐complementary adeno‐associated virus 9‐JPT2 treatment alleviates embryonic resorption in abortion‐prone mice. In summary, this study reveals that JPT2 mediates the remodeling of the immune microenvironment at the maternal–fetal interface, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic target for RSA.
Recent Progress in Dopant‐Free and Green Solvent‐Processable Organic Hole Transport Materials for Efficient and Stable Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Cheng Qinrong , Chen Weijie , Li Yaowen , Li Yongfang 
Published: February 2024

AbstractDopant‐free hole transport layers (HTLs) are crucial in enhancing perovskite solar cells (pero‐SCs). Nevertheless, conventional processing of these HTL materials involves using toxic solvents, which gives rise to substantial environmental concerns and renders them unsuitable for large‐scale industrial production. Consequently, there is a pressing need to develop dopant‐free HTL materials processed using green solvents to facilitate the production of high‐performance pero‐SCs. Recently, several strategies have been developed to simultaneously improve the solubility of these materials and regulate molecular stacking for high hole mobility. In this review, a comprehensive overview of the methodologies utilized in developing dopant‐free HTL materials processed from green solvents is provided. First, the study provides a brief overview of fundamental information about green solvents and Hansen solubility parameters, which can serve as a guideline for the molecular design of optimal HTL materials. Second, the intrinsic relationships between molecular structure, solubility in green solvents, molecular stacking, and device performance are discussed. Finally, conclusions and perspectives are presented along with the rational design of highly efficient, stable, and green solvent‐processable dopant‐free HTL materials.
Acoustic Wave‐Induced Stroboscopic Optical Mechanotyping of Adherent Cells
Authors: Combriat Thomas , Olsen Petter Angell , Låstad Silja Borring , Malthe‐Sørenssen Anders , Krauss Stefan , Dysthe Dag Kristian 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIn this study, a novel, high content technique using a cylindrical acoustic transducer, stroboscopic fast imaging, and homodyne detection to recover the mechanical properties (dynamic shear modulus) of living adherent cells at low ultrasonic frequencies is presented. By analyzing the micro‐oscillations of cells, whole populations are simultaneously mechanotyped with sub‐cellular resolution. The technique can be combined with standard fluorescence imaging allowing to further cross‐correlate biological and mechanical information. The potential of the technique is demonstrated by mechanotyping co‐cultures of different cell types with significantly different mechanical properties.
Spatial Confinement of Sn/TiO2 Nanoparticles in Hollow Mesoporous Carbon Spheres Opal for Stable Zn Metal Anodes
Authors: Sun Peng Xiao , Zheng Ya Qi , Zhang Xin Yu , Yu Huan , Guo Yan , Yu Le 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe sluggish Zn2+ diffusion and high nucleation energy barrier induce uncontrolled growth of Zn dendrites and detrimental parasitic reactions, severely hampering the commercialization of Zn metal anodes (ZMAs). Herein, hollow mesoporous carbon sphere opal with confined Sn/TiO2 clusters (HMCSST) is designed as the host to spatially regulate the Zn deposition. Owing to the capillary effect of the ordered hierarchical porous structure, the mass diffusion can be dramatically accelerated to promote a fast deposition kinetics at the interface between ZMA and electrolyte. Besides, the encapsulated ultrafine Sn/TiO2 clusters serve as zincophilic sites to achieve both the uniform Zn deposition on the hierarchical porous opal host and the high thermodynamic stability of ZMAs. Benefiting from the structural and componential merits, the HMCSST host effectively reduces the activation energy to enable a temporal‐spatial ordering of Zn nucleation and growth. As expected, the stable HMCSST‐Zn electrode guarantees steady Zn platting/stripping with long‐term stability over 1300 h in a symmetrical cell at a depth of discharge of 37.5%. As a proof‐of‐concept demonstration, an HMCSST‐Zn||ammonium vanadate full cell shows a long lifespan over 5000 cycles at 10.0 A g−1 with low polarization.
Death in the high mountains: Evidence of interpersonal violence during Late Chalcolithic and Early Bronze Age at Roc de les Orenetes (Eastern Pyrenees, Spain)
Authors: Moreno‐Ibáñez Miguel Ángel , Saladié Palmira , Ramírez‐Pedraza Iván , Díez‐Canseco Celia , Fernández‐Marchena Juan Luis , Soriano Eni , Carbonell Eudald , Tornero Carlos 
Published: February 2024

AbstractObjectivesTo test a hypothesis on interpersonal violence events during the transition between Chalcolithic and Bronze Age in the Eastern Pyrenees, to contextualize it in Western Europe during that period, and to assess if these marks can be differentiated from secondary funerary treatment.Materials and MethodsMetric and non‐metric methods were used to estimate the age‐at‐death and sex of the skeletal remains. Perimortem injuries were observed and analyzed with stereomicroscopy and confocal microscopy.ResultsAmong the minimum of 51 individuals documented, at least six people showed evidence of perimortem trauma. All age groups and both sexes are represented in the skeletal sample, but those with violent injuries are predominantly males. Twenty‐six bones had 49 injuries, 48 of which involved sharp force trauma on postcranial elements, and one example of blunt force trauma on a cranium. The wounds were mostly located on the upper extremities and ribs, anterior and posterior. Several antemortem lesions were also documented in the assemblage.DiscussionThe perimortem lesions, together with direct dating, suggest that more than one episode of interpersonal violence took place between the Late Chalcolithic and the Early Bronze Age in northeastern Spain. The features of the sharp force trauma indicate that different weapons were used, including sharp metal objects and lithic projectiles. The Roc de les Orenetes assemblage represents a scenario of recurrent lethal confrontation in a high mountain geographic context, representing the evidence of inferred interpersonal violence located at the highest altitude settings in the Pyrenees, at 1836 meters above sea level.
The Bio‐Hermes Study: Biomarker database developed to investigate blood‐based and digital biomarkers in community‐based, diverse populations clinically screened for Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Mohs Richard C. , Beauregard Douglas , Dwyer John , Gaudioso Jennifer , Bork Jason , MaGee‐Rodgers Tamiko , Key Mickeal N. , Kerwin Diana R. , Hughes Lynn , Cordell Cyndy B. ,   The Bio‐Hermes Collaborative Group
Published: February 2024

AbstractINTRODUCTIONAlzheimer's disease (AD) trial participants are often screened for eligibility by brain amyloid positron emission tomography/cerebrospinal fluid (PET/CSF), which is inefficient as many are not amyloid positive. Use of blood‐based biomarkers may reduce screen failures.METHODSWe recruited 755 non‐Hispanic White, 115 Hispanic, 112 non‐Hispanic Black, and 19 other minority participants across groups of cognitively normal (n = 417), mild cognitive impairment (n = 312), or mild AD (n = 272) participants. Plasma amyloid beta (Aβ)40, Aβ42, Aβ42/Aβ40, total tau, phosphorylated tau (p‐tau)181, and p‐tau217 were measured; amyloid PET/CSF (n = 956) determined amyloid positivity. Clinical, blood biomarker, and ethnicity/race differences associated with amyloid status were evaluated.RESULTSGreater impairment, older age, and carrying an apolipoprotein E (apoE) ε4 allele were associated with greater amyloid burden. Areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve for amyloid status of plasma Aβ42/Aβ40, p‐tau181, and p‐tau217 with amyloid positivity were ≥ 0.7117 for all ethnoracial groups (p‐tau217, ≥0.8128). Age and apoE ε4 adjustments and imputation of biomarker values outside limit of quantitation provided small improvement in predictive power.DISCUSSIONBlood‐based biomarkers are highly associated with amyloid PET/CSF results in diverse populations enrolled at clinical trial sites.Highlights
Amyloid beta (Aβ)42/Aβ40, phosphorylated tau (p‐tau)181, and p‐tau 217 blood‐based biomarkers predicted brain amyloid positivity.
P‐tau 217 was the strongest predictor of brain amyloid positivity.
Biomarkers from diverse ethnic, racial, and clinical cohorts predicted brain amyloid positivity.
Community‐based populations have similar Alzheimer's disease (AD) biomarker levels as other populations.
A prescreen process with blood‐based assays may reduce the number of AD trial screen failures.