bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cell‐to‐Cell Signaling at the Neuromuscular Junction
Authors: Werle Michael J. 
Published: June 2008

The extracellular matrix at the neuromuscular junction plays many roles. The matrix plays a structural role in that it maintains the spatial relationship between the muscle cell, Schwann cell, and presynaptic motor neuron. The matrix also plays a role in cell‐to‐cell signaling. The most studied member of this group is the heparan sulfate proteoglycan, agrin. Agrin is an integral member of the synaptic matrix, and it plays the pivotal role of instructing the muscle cell to aggregate acetylcholine receptors (AChRs) to the synapse. Agrin is released by the motor neuron, where it binds stably to the extracellular matrix. Agrin interacts with the muscle‐specific tyrosine kinase (MuSK). Mice that lack agrin, or MuSK, fail to form neuromuscular junctions. Thus, the extracellular matrix is critical to both the structure and function of the neuromuscular junction.Remodeling of the extracellular matrix at the neuromuscular junction is needed to maintain stability, to allow growth, or to destabilize and remove synapses. Matrix metalloproteinases are key regulators of the extracellular matrix. In particular, matrix metalloproteinase 3 (MMP3) has been implicated in regulation of synaptic structure. MMP3 cleaves agrin. Antibodies to MMP3 recognize molecules concentrated at the synapses of frog neuromuscular junctions. Neuromuscular junctions in MMP3 null mutant mice have increased junctional folds, and AChR aggregates. Changes in synaptic activity will alter the activity of MMP3 at the synapse. Thus, the extracellular matrix is critical to the formation of the synapse, and synaptic activity controls the structure and function of the molecules in the extracellular matrix.
Multiple-marker screening for Down's syndrome: a method of assessing the statistical robustness of proposed tests
Authors: Morris J K , Bestwick J , Wald N J 
Published: June 2008

Objectives Antenatal screening for Down's syndrome relies on the use of multiple markers in combination. Markers that are highly correlated can cause statistical instability. We used the maximum variance inflation factor (VIFmax) to determine whether a screening test using multiple markers was robust to imprecision in the estimation of the marker distribution parameters. Methods The VIFmax for a specified screening test was calculated from the correlations between markers in Down's syndrome pregnancies for six tests: integrated and serum integrated tests without repeat measurements, both tests with repeat measurements across trimesters analysed in the standard way, and both tests with repeat measurements analysed as cross-trimester (CT) marker ratios. The screening performance of each test using published parameter values, in terms of the false-negative rates for a 3% false-positive rate (FN3), were calculated for simulated populations with medians 0.2 standard deviations (SD) higher or lower than the published values (to reflect imprecision in parameter estimation) for pregnancy-associated plasma protein A and unconjugated oestriol in affected pregnancies. For each test, the VIFmax value was compared with the coefficient of variation of the FN3 (FN3 CV). An independent set of 27 Down's syndrome pregnancies was used to determine how many had meaningless low risks (<1 in 10,000) with each test. Results Tests with VIFmax values greater than 5 had FN3CV values over 50%, but those with VIFmax values less than 5 had FN3 CV values less than 21%. The numbers of Down's syndrome pregnancies with meaningless low risk estimates in the independent set were 18 (64%) in tests with VIFmax values ≥5 and none for those with values <5. Conclusion VIFmax values of 5 or more suggest instability. The tests using CT marker ratios were stable (VIFmax < 3), but the tests using repeat measurements in the standard manner were not (VIFmax > 5).
Comparison of stress hyperglycemia ratio and glycemic gap on acute ICH in‐hospital outcomes
Authors: Zhang Jia , Zhang Qian , Gu Hongqiu , Zhou Qi , Li Zixiao , Zhao Xingquan 
Published: April 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo compare the effect of different indicators on stress‐induced hyperglycemia for predicting in‐hospital outcomes of acute intracerebral hemorrhage.MethodsUsing data from the Chinese Stroke Center Alliance database, which is a national, multicenter, prospective, and consecutive program. Stress‐induced hyperglycemia was described as glycemic gap (GG, defined as fasting blood glucose [FBG] minus estimated average blood glucose) and stress hyperglycemia ratio (SHR, defined as FBG‐to‐estimated average blood glucose ratio [SHR 1] or FBG‐to‐HbA1c ratio [SHR 2]). The primary outcome was in‐hospital mortality, and the second outcome was hematoma expansion.ResultsA total of 71,333 patients with acute intracerebral hemorrhage were included. In multivariate analyses, the highest levels of GG (OR 1.68, 95% CI 1.12–2.51), SHR 1 (OR 1.73, 95% CI 1.15–2.60), and SHR 2 (OR 2.07, 95% CI 1.33–3.23) were associated with in‐hospital death (all the p trends <0.01). Only the highest level of SHR 2 (OR 1.24 [1.02–1.51], p trend >0.05) was related to hematoma expansion. No association between GG or SHR 1 and hematoma expansion was observed. The areas under the ROC curve of GG, SHR 1, and SHR 2 for in‐hospital mortality were 0.8808 (95% CI 0.8603–0.9014), 0.8796 (95% CI 0.8589–0.9002), and 0.8806 (95% CI 0.8600–0.9012). The areas under the ROC curve of SHR 2 for hematoma expansion were 0.7133 (95% CI 0.6964–0.7302).InterpretationSHR (FBG‐to‐HbA1c ratio) was associated with both in‐hospital death and hematoma expansion in intracerebral hemorrhage, and might serve as an accessory indicator for the in‐hospital prognosis of intracerebral hemorrhage.
Serum CCL24 as a Biomarker of Fibrotic and Vascular Disease Severity in Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: De Lorenzis Enrico , Mor Adi , Ross Rebecca L. , Di Donato Stefano , Aricha Revital , Vaknin Ilan , Del Galdo Francesco 
Published: April 2024

BackgroundSystemic sclerosis (SSc) is a heterogeneous disease, characterized by variable tissue and vascular fibrosis in the context of autoimmune activation. CCL24 (or Eotaxin2) has been shown to promote microangiopathic, proinflammatory, and profibrotic processes in preclinical models of SSc. Here, we study serum CCL24 levels in a real‐life cohort of patients with SSc, to determine its distribution across disease features and its value in predicting disease progression and related mortality.MethodsSerum CCL24 was assessed in an observational cohort of consecutively enrolled patients with SSc. A high CCL24 cutoff was defined based on its distribution in a matched cohort of healthy controls. Disease progression and mortality were analyzed from the date of serum assessment.ResultsTwo‐hundred thirteen consecutively enrolled patients with SSc were included in this analysis. Median disease duration was six years (interquartile range 3–14), 28.6% of patients presented with interstitial lung disease (ILD), 46.9% had digital ulcers, and 25.3% showed high CCL24 serum concentration. High‐CCL24 patients were more frequently male and positive for anti–scl‐70, with a diagnosis of ILD and synovitis (P < 0.05 for all). Notably, high‐CCL24 patients had lower diffusion of carbon monoxide and higher prevalence of digital ulcers, telangiectasias, and calcinosis (P < 0.05 for all). In a longitudinal setting, high CCL24 was associated with greater lung function decline and with higher disease‐related mortality.ConclusionSerum CCL24 is a biomarker of disease severity across fibrotic and vascular disease manifestations. These data support the development of therapies targeting CCL24 as a novel comprehensive therapeutic target in SSc.
Demystifying the Semiconductor‐to‐Metal Transition in Amorphous Vanadium Pentoxide: The Role of Substrate/Thin Film Interfaces
Authors: Esther A. Carmel Mary , Muralikrishna G. Mohan , Chirumamilla Manohar , Pinto Manoel da Silva , Ostendorp Stefan , Peterlechner Martin , Yu Petrov Alexander , Eich Manfred , Divinski Sergiy V. , Hahn Horst , Wilde Gerhard 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe precise mechanism governing the reversible semiconductor‐to‐metal transition (SMT) in V2O5 remains elusive, yet its investigation is of paramount importance due to the remarkable potential of V2O5 as a versatile “smart” material in advancing optoelectronics, plasmonics, and photonics. In this study, distinctive experimental insights into the SMT occurring in amorphous V2O5 through the application of highly sensitive, temperature‐dependent, in situ analyses on a V2O5 thin film deposited on soda‐lime glass are presented. The ellipsometry measurements reveal that the complete SMT occurs at ≈340 °C. Remarkably, the refractive index and extinction coefficients exhibit reversible characteristics across visible and near‐infrared wavelengths, underscoring the switch‐like behavior inherent to V2O5. The findings obtained from ellipsometry are substantiated by calorimetry and in situ secondary ion mass spectrometry analyses. In situ electron microscopy observations unveil a separation of oxidation states within V2O5 at 320 °C, despite the thin film retaining its amorphous state. The comprehensive experimental investigations effectively demonstrate that alterations in electronic state can trigger the SMT in amorphous V2O5. It is revealed for the first time that the SMT in V2O5 is solely contingent upon electronic state changes, independent of structural transitions, and importantly, it is a reversible transformation within the amorphous state itself.
An Active and Stable Cobalt‐Free Ruddlesden–Popper Nd0.8Sr1.2Ni1‐xFexO4±δ Air Electrode for Reversible Proton‐Conducting Solid Oxide Cells
Authors: Chen Ting , Zhang Guangjun , Liu Kui , Wang Chenxiao , Zheng Guozhu , Huang Zuzhi , Sun Ning , Xu Lang , Zhou Juan , Zhou Yucun , Wang Shaorong 
Published: April 2024

AbstractReversible proton‐conducting solid oxide cells (R‐PSOCs) are considered to be one of the most promising devices for efficient power generation and hydrogen production. However, the requirement of high catalytic activity for fast oxygen reduction/evolution reaction (ORR/OER) and durability under high steam concentration of air electrode materials remains the major challenge for the practical application of R‐PSOCs. Here, a series of cobalt‐free Ruddlesden–Popper perovskite of Nd0.8Sr1.2Ni1‐xFexO4±δ are reported with mixed conductivity for enhanced ORR/OER kinetics. The R‐PSOCs with an optimal Nd0.8Sr1.2Ni0.7Fe0.3O4±δ air electrode show a high peak power density of 1.28 W cm−2 in the fuel cell mode and a promising current density of 3.24 A cm−2 at 1.3 V in the electrolysis cell mode at 700 °C. In addition, the R‐PSOCs show favorable stability under the fuel cell, electrolysis, and reversible modes for hundreds of hours. This work demonstrates that the Ruddlesden–Popper materials can be utilized as suitable air electrodes for R‐PSOCs.
Field‐Free Switching of Perpendicular Magnetization by Anisotropic Spin Hall Effect in Mn3Ir
Authors: Pu Yuchen , Shi Guoyi , Yang Qu , Yang Dongsheng , Wang Fei , Zhang Chenhui , Yang Hyunsoo 
Published: April 2024

AbstractManipulation of the magnetization by spin‐orbit torque (SOT) stands as a crucial advancement in spintronics due to its merits in energy‐efficient and high‐speed operation. However, the conventional SOT devices involving a heavy metal/ferromagnet cannot deterministically switch the perpendicularly magnetized ferromagnet without an external magnetic field, which hinders its practical implementation. Here, room temperature field‐free switching for perpendicularly magnetized ferromagnets is demonstrated using spin currents with the out‐of‐plane spin polarization induced by noncollinear antiferromagnets L12‐Mn3Ir. Both in‐plane and out‐of‐plane spin polarizations are observed, and the tilting angle of the spin polarization is estimated to be ≈10°. The spin Hall conductivity of out‐of‐plane spin is 1.43 × 104 ћ/2e·Ω−1m−1, which is the largest among several 2D and antiferromagnetic materials, including WTe2, RuO2, and Mn3GaN. Furthermore, field‐free SOT switching is demonstrated with an ns‐current pulse, and the current density is comparable with the reported values of the field‐assisted pulse switching. This work paves the way for employing noncollinear antiferromagnets for wafer‐scale spintronic device applications.
Highly Transparent and Long‐Term Stable Dielectric Elastomer Composites Enabled by Poly(ionic liquid) Inclusion
Authors: Zhang Changgeng , Bao Qihan , Zhu He , Zhang Qi 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe demand for high‐performance flexible electronic devices has propelled research toward dielectric elastomer composites that exhibit excellent stretchability, high dielectric constant, exceptional transparency, and enduring stability. Compositing with soft fillers is an emerging method that can increase the dielectric constant of the materials while retaining good flexibility. However, liquid metals inclusion results in opaque composites while liquid electrolytes inclusion brings issues with long‐term stability. In this study, compositing polymeric ionic liquids with elastomeric matrix is proposed to address these requisites. Benefiting from adjustable refractive index, high ionic conductivity, softness, and excellent stability, the prepared dielectric elastomer composites exhibit remarkable transparency, excellent elasticity, and increased dielectric constants. Notably, the composites demonstrate resilience to high temperatures up to 250 °C without compromising dielectric or mechanical properties. Furthermore, the composites retain all properties after prolonged exposure at 80 °C for 6 months, highlighting the potential for sustained performance in real‐world applications. Utilizing the exceptional characteristics of polymeric ionic liquid including dielectric elastomers, strain sensors, and alternating current electroluminescence devices are demonstrated, which also presents excellent stability over prolonged use, emphasizing the reliability and long‐term stability of the composites, and showcasing potentials for multifaceted applications in flexible electronics.
3D Ternary Alloy Artificial Interphase Toward Ultra‐Stable and Dendrite‐Free Aqueous Zinc Batteries
Authors: Xin Yan , Qi Jiayao , Xie Huanhuan , Ge Yunnian , Wang Zerui , Zhang Fang , He Bijiao , Wang Shuwei , Tian Huajun 
Published: April 2024

AbstractRechargeable aqueous zinc‐ion batteries (AZIBs) are one of the most promising post‐lithium battery technologies due to their low cost, high safety, and environmental friendliness. However, their practical development is hindered by the issues of Zn metal anodes, including dendrite growth, passivation, hydrogen evolution and other side reactions. Herein, to circumvent these issues, a facile and universal alloy electrodeposition strategy is proposed to construct a 3D structured ternary Zn alloy artificial interphase layer on Zn foil as an anode for high‐performance AZIBs. The density functional theory (DFT) theoretical calculations, in situ optical visualization and spectroscopic results validate that the zincophilic Zn─Sn─Bi@Zn ternary alloy anode with lower migration energy barrier and weak hydrogen adsorption sites can promote the uniform Zn deposition and suppress hydrogen evolution reactions. The Zn─Sn─Bi@Zn//NH4V4O10 full cell demonstrates a high specific capacity 110.4 mAh g−1 even after 10 000 cycles at 5.0 A g−1. Notably, the full cell with a high NH4V4O10 cathode loading mass of ≈20.0 mg cm−2 maintains cyclic stability for 400 cycles. This work proposes an innovative Zn‐based ternary alloy anode methodology as a design strategy for advanced AZIBs and beyond.
Harvesting Hot Excitons for High‐Efficiency OLEDs with Extremely Low‐Efficiency Roll‐Off via Utilizing the Cascade Exciton Energy Transfer from Host and Sensitizer to Emitter
Authors: Wang Huiyao , Chen Jing , Yang Song , Lu Hong , Wei Fuxian , Wu Yuting , Zhao Xi , Cheng Lihong , Li Zuo , Yi Yingfei , Yu Tian , Zhang Sijie , Zhu Hongqiang , Chen Xiaoli , Xiong Zuhong 
Published: April 2024

AbstractAlthough high‐efficiency host‐sensitizer‐TBRb‐based organic light‐emitting diodes (HST‐OLEDs) are widely reported, the reasons for their high performances are still vague because the important role of hot exciton in TBRb emitter (T2, TBRb) has not been recognized previously. Herein, a maximum external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 24.9% is obtained from a HST‐OLED by co‐doping the Ir(ppy)3 sensitizer and TBRb emitter into the CBP host. Such a remarkable efficiency is mainly attributed to the efficient utilization of the T2, TBRb via the cascade Dexter energy transfer (DET) channels from triplet excitons of host and sensitizer to T2, TBRb (T1, CBP
T1, Ir(ppy)3
T2, TBRb) followed by the hot‐exciton reverse intersystem crossing (RISC, T2, TBRb
S1, TBRb) and triplet fusion (TF, T2, TBRb + T2, TBRb Sm, TBRb S1, TBRb) processes for radiative decays. These cascade DET channels are demonstrated by spectroscopic analyses and magneto‐electroluminescence studies. More importantly, this HST‐OLED presents an extremely low‐efficiency roll‐off, that is, the EQEs separately exhibit 24.34% and 19.73% at 1000 and 10 000 cd m−2 compared to the maximum EQE of 24.9%. Obviously, this work paves a promising pathway for fabricating further high‐efficiency HST‐OLEDs for applications in illumination and flat‐panel display.
Regulation of Ni/Co Ratio and Gas Transport in High‐Order Ruddlesden–Popper Perovskite Air Electrodes for Protonic Ceramic Electrochemical Cells
Authors: Xia Jiaojiao , Zhou Mingyang , Gao Hui , He Fan , Du Zhiwei , Chen Yu 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe delicate design of efficient air electrodes is conducive to improving the reaction kinetics and operational durability of protonic ceramic electrochemical cells (PCECs) at intermediate‐low temperatures. Here, a series of high‐order Ruddlesden–Popper (RP) perovskite electrodes are developed via the regulation of Ni/Co ratio and porosity for efficient charge/gas transfer. As verified by structural analysis and electrochemical characterizations, the electrode with a composition of Pr4Ni1.8Co1.2O10‐δ (PNCO64) shows the most matchable thermal expansion behavior with electrolytes, and highest electrical conductivity, and best catalytic activity toward oxygen reduction/evolution reactions. The Ni/Co ratio of 6:4 can induce the formation of an optimized amount of Pr6O11 in PNCO64, which is likely the pivotal source of the improved catalytic activity. When implemented on PCECs, the PNCO64 electrodes with the addition of 5% graphite pore‐former achieve a remarkable peak power density (1.18 W cm−2) and a high current density of 2.08 A cm−2 at 1.3 V at 600 °C. Excellent durability in fuel cell mode (≈85 h) and electrolysis mode (≈92 h) is also accomplished in PCECs at 600 °C.
A Mesoporous Silica‐Loaded Multi‐Functional Hydrogel Enhanced Tendon Healing via Immunomodulatory and Pro‐Regenerative Effects
Authors: Wan Renwen , Luo Zhiwen , Nie Xiaoshuang , Feng Xinting , He Yanwei , Li Fangqi , Liu Shan , Chen Wenbo , Qi Beijie , Qin Haocheng , Luo Wei , Zhang Hanli , Jiang Hongyi , Sun Junming , Liu Xuanyong , Wang Qing , Shang Xiliang , Qiu Jiajun , Chen Shiyi 
Published: April 2024

AbstractTendon injuries are pervasive orthopedic injuries encountered by the general population. Nonetheless, recovery after severe injuries, such as Achilles tendon injury, is limited. Consequently, there is a pressing need to devise interventions, including biomaterials, that foster tendon healing. Regrettably, tissue engineering treatments have faced obstacles in crafting appropriate tissue scaffolds and efficacious nanomedical approaches. To surmount these hurdles, an innovative injectable hydrogel (CP@SiO2), comprising puerarin and chitosan through in situ self‐assembly, is pioneered while concurrently delivering mesoporous silica nanoparticles for tendon healing. In this research, CP@SiO2hydrogel is employed for the treatment of Achilles tendon injuries, conducting extensive in vivo and in vitro experiments to evaluate its efficacy. This reults demonstrates that CP@SiO2hydrogel enhances the proliferation and differentiation of tendon‐derived stem cells, and mitigates inflammation through the modulation of macrophage polarization. Furthermore, using histological and behavioral analyses, it is found that CP@SiO2hydrogel can improve the histological and biomechanical properties of injured tendons. This findings indicate that this multifaceted injectable CP@SiO2hydrogel constitutes a suitable bioactive material for tendon repair and presents a promising new strategy for the clinical management of tendon injuries.
Enzymatic Mesoporous Metal Nanocavities for Concurrent Electrocatalysis of Nitrate to Ammonia Coupled with Polyethylene Terephthalate Upcycling
Authors: Sun Lizhi , Lv Hao , Xiao Jie , Liu Ben 
Published: April 2024

AbstractElectrochemical upcycling of waste pollutants into high value‐added fuels and/or chemicals is recognized as a green and sustainable solution that can address the resource utilization on earth. Despite great efforts, their progress has seriously been hindered by the lack of high‐performance electrocatalysts. In this work, bimetallic PdCu mesoporous nanocavities (MCs) are reported as a new bifunctional enzymatic electrocatalyst that realizes concurrent electrocatalytic upcycling of nitrate wastewater and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic waste. Abundant metal mesopores and open nanocavities of PdCu MCs provide the enzymatic confinement of key intermediates for the deeper electroreduction of nitrate and accelerate the transport of reactants/products within/out of electrocatalyst, thus affording high ammonia Faradic efficiency (FENH3) of 96.6% and yield rate of 5.6 mg h−1 mg−1 at the cathode. Meanwhile, PdCu MC nanozymes trigger the selective electrooxidation of PET‐derived ethylene glycol (EG) into glycolic acid (GA) and formic acid with high FEs of >90% by a facile regulation of potentials at the anode. Moreover, concurrent electrosynthesis of value‐added NH3 and GA is disclosed in the two‐electrode coupling system, further confirming the high efficiency of bifunctional PdCu MC nanozymes in producing value‐added fuels and chemicals from waste pollutants in a sustainable manner.
Electrodeposited Silver Dendrites on Laser‐Induced Graphene for Electrochemical Detection of Nitrate with Tunable Sensor Properties
Authors: Adiraju Anurag , Jalasutram Aditya , Wang Junfei , Tegenkamp Christoph , Kanoun Olfa 
Published: April 2024

AbstractLaser‐induced graphene (LIG) is a promising technology enabling cost‐effective, scalable, and high surface area 3D‐porous graphene electrodes for electrochemical applications. Nitrate in water bodies is a harmful contaminant to humans and the ecosystems. Its detection by electrochemical sensors is challenging due to the interference from nitrite. Herein, for the first time, a LIG‐based electrochemical sensor modified with electrodeposited silver dendrites (EdAg/LIG) without using surfactants is proposed for the detection of nitrate with tunable selectivity and sensitivity. The modified electrode surface is extensively characterized by spectroscopic and electrochemical methods and the underlying mechanism for the formation of dendrites is substantiated. The developed EdAg dendrites/LIG electrode shows excellent sensing properties for the detection of nitrate at pH 2. The interference with nitrite in acidic media is eliminated by implementing a novel strategy to shift the working pH of the electrode to 7. The achieved sensor properties at both pH values surpass other LIG‐based sensors with limit of detection of 0.46 at pH 2 and 5.53 µm at pH 7. The developed sensor also shows good recovery characteristics in mineral, tap, and groundwater across a wide range of concentrations and also demonstrates good stability under temperature fluctuations and deformations.