bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Current Advances in Immunomodulatory Biomaterials for Cell Therapy and Tissue Engineering
Authors: Kim Boram , Pradhan Lipi , Hernandez Andrea , Yenurkar Devyani , Nethi Susheel Kumar , Mukherjee Sudip 
Published: May 2023

AbstractBiomaterials have gained immense attention for various diseases due to their unique advantages over chemical drugs regarding cost, ease of production, toxicity, and therapeutic efficacy. However, these materials need an inert delivery system that locally delivers cells and minimally elicits foreign body response (FBR). In this aspect, various immunomodulatory biomaterials, including silk, collagen, fibrin, hyaluronic acid, and alginate‐based biomaterials, have great potential due to large natural sources, ease of extraction, low cost, chemical inertness, facile surface functionalization, long‐term polymeric stability, high biocompatibility, and fine tunability of biomaterials sizes and shapes. In this review article, the recent advancements in the biomedical applications of immunomodulatory biomaterials in different diseases, including diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disease, bone regeneration, etc, are highlighted. Moreover, the FBR on immunomodulatory biomaterials is discussed and the current and future strategies for the potential mitigation of considerable immune responses toward immunomodulatory biomaterials and devices are highlighted.
PERK‐Mediated Cholesterol Excretion from IDH Mutant Glioma Determines Anti‐Tumoral Polarization of Microglia
Authors: Wang Tao , Zhou Yunxia , Fan Yunping , Duan Hao , Guo Xiaoyu , Chang Jinlong , Jiang Youheng , Li Changxue , Fu Zhang , Gao Yunfei , Guo Xiaoran , Sidlauskas Kastytis , He Zhenqiang , Da Costa Clive , Sheng Xia , Wu Dinglan , Yuan Jinqiu , Li Huiliang , He Yulong , Mou Yonggao , Li Ningning 
Published: May 2023

AbstractIsocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) mutation, a known pathologic classifier, initiates metabolic reprogramming in glioma cells and has been linked to the reaction status of glioma‐associated microglia/macrophages (GAMs). However, it remains unclear how IDH genotypes contribute to GAM phenotypes. Here, it is demonstrated that gliomas expressing mutant IDH determine M1‐like polarization of GAMs, while archetypal IDH induces M2‐like polarization. Intriguingly, IDH‐mutant gliomas secrete excess cholesterol, resulting in cholesterol‐rich, pro‐inflammatory GAMs without altering their cholesterol biosynthesis, and simultaneously exhibiting low levels of tumoral cholesterol due to expression remodeling of cholesterol transport molecules, particularly upregulation of ABCA1 and downregulation of LDLR. Mechanistically, a miR‐19a/LDLR axis‐mediated novel post‐transcriptional regulation of cholesterol uptake is identified, modulated by IDH mutation, and influencing tumor cell proliferation and invasion. IDH mutation‐induced PERK activation enhances cholesterol export from glioma cells via the miR‐19a/LDLR axis and ABCA1/APOE upregulation. Further, a synthetic PERK activator, CCT020312 is introduced, which markedly stimulates cholesterol efflux from IDH wild‐type glioma cells, induces M1‐like polarization of GAMs, and consequently suppresses glioma cell invasion. The findings reveal an essential role of the PERK/miR‐19a/LDLR signaling pathway in orchestrating gliomal cholesterol transport and the subsequent phenotypes of GAMs, thereby highlighting a novel potential target pathway for glioma therapy.
Heterojunction Engineering Enhanced Self‐Polarization of PVDF/CsPbBr3/Ti3C2Tx Composite Fiber for Ultra‐High Voltage Piezoelectric Nanogenerator
Authors: Xue You , Yang Tao , Zheng Yapeng , Wang Kang , Wang Enhui , Wang Hongyang , Zhu Laipan , Du Zhentao , Wang Hailong , Chou Kuo‐Chih , Hou Xinmei 
Published: May 2023

AbstractPiezoelectric nanogenerator (PENG) for practical application is constrained by low output and difficult polarization. In this work, a kind of flexible PENG with high output and self‐polarization is fabricated by constructing CsPbBr3–Ti3C2Tx heterojunctions in PVDF fiber. The polarized charges rapidly migrate to the electrodes from the Ti3C2Tx nanosheets by forming heterojunctions, achieving the maximum utilization of polarized charges and leading to enhanced piezoelectric output macroscopically. Optimally, PVDF/4wt%CsPbBr3/0.6wt%Ti3C2Tx‐PENG exhibits an excellent voltage output of 160 V under self‐polarization conditions, which is higher than other self‐polarized PENG previously. Further, the working principle and self‐polarization mechanism are uncovered by calculating the interfacial charge and electric field using first‐principles calculation. In addition, PVDF/4wt%CsPbBr3/0.6wt%Ti3C2Tx‐PENG exhibits better water and thermal stability attributed to the protection of PVDF. It is also evaluated in practice by harvesting the energy from human palm taps and successfully lighting up 150 LEDs and an electronic watch. This work presents a new idea of design for high‐performance self‐polarization PENG.
Bio‐Mimic, Fast‐Moving, and Flippable Soft Piezoelectric Robots
Authors: Chen Erdong , Yang Yiduo , Li Mengjiao , Li Binghang , Liu Guijie , Mu Weilei , Yin Rong 
Published: May 2023

AbstractCheetahs achieve high‐speed movement and unique athletic gaits through the contraction and expansion of their limbs during the gallop. However, few soft robots can mimic their gaits and achieve the same speed of movement. Inspired by the motion gait of cheetahs, here the resonance of double spiral structure for amplified motion performance and environmental adaptability in a soft‐bodied hopping micro‐robot is exploited. The 0.058 g, 10 mm long tethered soft robot is capable of achieving a maximum motion speed of 42.8 body lengths per second (BL/s) and a maximum average turning speed of 482° s−1. In addition, this robot can maintain high speed movement even after flipping. The soft robot's ability to move over complex terrain, climb hills, and carry heavy loads as well as temperature sensors is demonstrated. This research opens a new structural design for soft robots: a double spiral configuration that efficiently translates the deformation of soft actuators into swift motion of the robot with high environmental adaptability.
Ant nests effect on organic matter, carbon, and nitrogen flux in the soil under grasses tufts in Lamto savannah (Côte d'Ivoire)
Authors: Ouattara Kaly , Yeo Kolo , Kouakou Lombart M. M. , Dekoninck Wouter 
Published: May 2023

AbstractAnts are known to contribute to the physical and chemical improvement of the soil. In this context, the hypothesis put forward is that ants improve the nitrogen (N) supplementation necessary to ensure the high primary production measured in the Lamto savannah. Recent investigations in the humid savannah ecosystem showed that ant nests’ association with perennial grasses enhances their growth, productivity, and microorganism activity. This study aimed at understanding the effect of ant nests on organic matter (OM), carbon (C), and N flux beneath grass tufts. Under each grass tuft chosen to carry out this study, soil samples were taken from the depths of 0–10 cm using an auger at shrubby, clear grassy, and transitional grassy savannah. The analytical method by incineration of the loss on fire was used to determine the OM amount. The Kjeldahl method was used to determine the total N amount in the soil under grass tufts. The results showed that these components’ amount is higher beneath grass tufts associated with ant nests than those not associated with ant nests. The presence of ant nests increases OM and C amount in the soil under Hyparrhenia diplandra tufts than Andropogon schirensis, and Loudetia simplex tufts. In contrast, N amount is higher under L. simplex tufts than A. schirensis; but mean under H. diplandra. The carbon/nitrogen ratios less than 10 indicate high OM mineralization under grass tufts associated with ant nests. This provides the plants with an adequate supply of nutrients.
Hand preference predicts behavioral responses to threats in Barbary macaques
Authors: van Dijk Eva S. J. , Bhattacharjee Debottam , Belli Elena , Massen Jorg J. M. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractThe structure and functioning of the brain are lateralized—the right hemisphere processes unexpected stimuli and controls spontaneous behavior, while the left deals with familiar stimuli and routine responses. Hemispheric dominance, the predisposition of an individual using one hemisphere over the other, may lead to behavioral differences; particularly, an individual may be programed to act in a certain way concerning hemispheric dominance. Hand preference is a robust estimator of hemispheric dominance in primates, as each hemisphere controls the opposing side of the body. Studies have found links between hand preference and the exhibition of behaviors in contexts such as exploring and manipulating objects. However, little is known whether hand preference predicts behavioral variations in other ecologically relevant contexts like predation. We investigated the relationship between hand preference and behavioral responses to two types of predator models in captive Barbary macaques (Macaca sylvanus) (n = 22). Besides, a nonpredator novel object was included as control. We found 91% of the macaques to be lateralized with no group‐level bias. A higher rate of tension and focus (behavioral response) behavior was found in predator contexts than in the novel object condition. Unlike their right‐hand counterparts, individuals with a strong left‐hand preference elicited frequent focus and tension behavior toward the predator models. Additionally, the behavioral response varied with predator type. We also found an interaction effect between hand preference and predator type. Our study suggests that hand preference can reliably predict behavioral variations in the context of potential predation. While these results are consistent with lateralized brain function, indicating lateralization a neural mechanism of behavioral variation, the interaction effect between hand preference and predator type elucidates the importance of context‐specificity when investigating laterality noninvasively. Future research on other nonhuman primates using the current framework may provide insights into the evolution of laterality and underlying behavioral predispositions.
Mineral acquisition of Japanese macaques: Contents in the foods, digestibility, and sodium‐provisioning experiment
Authors: Hanya Goro , Ohta Tamihisa , Kurihara Yosuke , He Tianmeng , Sawada Akiko , Shiroishi Izumi , Kinoshita Kodzue 
Published: May 2023

AbstractMinerals provide micronutrients that function in various ways in the body, and they are necessary for the survival of animals. In this study, we first compared the mineral content of foods of wild Japanese macaques in lowland Yakushima with that of monkey chow used for many years to feed captive macaques and specifically formulated to obtain good health in captive macaques (National Research Council [NRC] recommendations). Second, we clarified the mineral balance in captive individuals when feeding them monkey chow to clarify the digestibility/bioavailability of the minerals. Third, we investigated the physiological response when we experimentally increased sodium intake. In the lowland of Yakushima, which is in the vicinity (<800 m) of the coast, animals, fungi, and mature leaves had high sodium contents compared with NRC recommendations. The calcium contents of mature leaves and animals were higher than the NRC recommendations. The overall mineral intake in this population was lower than that in the captive animals for calcium, phosphorus, sodium, and iron, while similar for magnesium and higher in potassium. Patterns in the intake and excretion of minerals indicated that excretion was mostly from urine and not from feces, and apparent digestibility was high for sodium. This tendency was opposite for calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus and intermediate for potassium. A sodium‐provisioning experiment showed that fecal aldosterone concentration remained low in both control and sodium‐provisioning conditions so the macaques do not need reabsorb sodium in the kidneys. Therefore, sodium content in the monkey chow, which is slightly lower than the NRC recommendation, seemed high enough so that the macaques could avoid the need to reabsorb sodium in the kidneys. We advocate similar studies for other primate populations or species to better understand the role of mineral concentrations on food selection and to identify potential mineral deficiencies.
Retinal arterial Aβ40 deposition is linked with tight junction loss and cerebral amyloid angiopathy in MCI and AD patients
Authors: Shi Haoshen , Koronyo Yosef , Fuchs Dieu‐Trang , Sheyn Julia , Jallow Ousman , Mandalia Krishna , Graham Stuart L. , Gupta Vivek K. , Mirzaei Mehdi , Kramerov Andrei A. , Ljubimov Alexander V. , Hawes Debra , Miller Carol A. , Black Keith L. , Carare Roxana O. , Koronyo‐Hamaoui Maya 
Published: May 2023

AbstractINTRODUCTIONVascular amyloid beta (Aβ) protein deposits were detected in retinas of mild cognitively impaired (MCI) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. We tested the hypothesis that the retinal vascular tight junctions (TJs) were compromised and linked to disease status.METHODSTJ components and Aβ expression in capillaries and larger blood vessels were determined in post mortem retinas from 34 MCI or AD patients and 27 cognitively normal controls and correlated with neuropathology.RESULTSSevere decreases in retinal vascular zonula occludens‐1 (ZO‐1) and claudin‐5 correlating with abundant arteriolar Aβ40 deposition were identified in MCI and AD patients. Retinal claudin‐5 deficiency was closely associated with cerebral amyloid angiopathy, whereas ZO‐1 defects correlated with cerebral pathology and cognitive deficits.DISCUSSIONWe uncovered deficiencies in blood–retinal barrier markers for potential retinal imaging targets of AD screening and monitoring. Intense retinal arteriolar Aβ40 deposition suggests a common pathogenic mechanism of failed Aβ clearance via intramural periarterial drainage.
Machine learning prediction of mechanical and optical properties of uniaxially oriented polymer films
Authors: Fard Arash Sarhangi , Moebus Joseph , Rodriguez George 
Published: May 2023

AbstractImproving properties of polymers can bring about tremendous opportunities in developing new applications. However, the commonly used trial‐and‐error method cannot meet the current need for new materials. We demonstrate the utility of Machine Learning (ML) algorithms in creating structure‐process‐property models based on industrial data in polymer processing. In this study, ML algorithms were used to predict the optical and tensile strength of multi‐layer co‐extrusion polyethylene films as a function of material structures and process parameters. The input features to predict the mechanical and optical properties are the composition of five‐layer polyethylene film, polyethylene molecular properties like the amount of long chain branching , and the extrusion process conditions. Different data featuring steps are conducted to improve the quality of the input data: (1) feature importance scoring using an ensemble algorithm (XGBoost); (2) application of autoencoder to reduce the dimensionality; (3) replacing the categorical inputs with molecular characteristic properties. We then use this data to build an Artificial Neural Network. Finally, the prediction capability of the resulting model was investigated. This project demonstrates a successful end‐to‐end execution of a material data science project; from understanding material science, data engineering, algorithm development, and the model evaluation.
Volatile Dual‐Solvent Assisted Intermediate Phase Regulation for Anti‐Solvent‐Free Perovskite Photovoltaics
Authors: Yang Yongrui , Wang Yang , Qu Zhiyuan , Zhang Kun , Liang Tongling , Chen Shengnan , Lv Wenkun , Min Fanyi , Chen Yu , Qiao Yali , Song Yanlin 
Published: May 2023

AbstractThe unprecedented development of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) makes them one of the most promising candidates for terawatt‐scale green energy production with low cost. However, the high boiling point solvents during the solution‐processed film deposition cause anisotropic crystal growth and toxic solvent vapor during high‐throughput manufacturing. Here, a dual‐component green solvent consisting of isopropyl acetate and acetonitrile is proposed to form a volatile perovskite precursor, which can realize the high‐quality perovskite thin film deposition by intermediate phase regulation. A room‐temperature stable perovskite intermediate phase is constructed with the engagement of isopropyl acetate as co‐solvent, which suppresses the exploding nucleation rate in volatile perovskite precursor, providing a fine grain growth rate and wide processing window in scalable film deposition. The corresponding PSCs fabricated by blade coating without anti‐solvents or gas quenching achieve power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 16.37 % and 15.29 % for the areas of 14.08 cm2 and 37.83 cm2, respectively.
Single‐Atom Rh on High‐Index CeO2 Facet for Highly Enhanced Catalytic CO Oxidation
Authors: Xu Jing , Wang Ying , Wang Ke , Zhao Meng , Zhang Rui , Cui Wenjie , Liu Li , Bootharaju Megalamane S. , Kim Jeong Hyun , Hyeon Taeghwan , Zhang Hongjie , Wang Yu , Song Shuyan , Wang Xiao 
Published: May 2023

AbstractReducible oxide‐supported noble metal nanoparticles exhibit high activity in catalyzing many important oxidation reactions. However, atom migration under harsh reaction conditions leads to deactivation of the catalyst. Meanwhile, single‐atom catalysts demonstrate enhanced stability, but often suffer from poor catalytic activity owing to the ionized surface states. In this work, we simultaneously address the poor activity and stability issues by synthesizing highly active and durable rhodium (Rh) single‐atom catalysts through a “wrap‐bake‐peel” process. The pre‐coated SiO2 layer during synthesis of catalyst plays a crucial role in not only protecting CeO2 support against sintering, but also donating electron to weaken the Ce−O bond, producing highly loaded Rh single atoms on the CeO2 support exposed with high‐index {210} facets. Benefiting from the unique electronic structure of CeO2 {210} facets, more oxygen vacancies are generated along with the deposition of more electropositive Rh single atoms, leading to remarkably improved catalytic performance in CO oxidation.
Robust and Wide Temperature‐Range Zinc Metal Batteries with Unique Electrolyte and Substrate Design
Authors: Xie Chunlin , Liu Shengfang , Zhang Wenxu , Ji Huimin , Chu Shengqi , Zhang Qi , Tang Yougen , Wang Haiyan 
Published: May 2023

AbstractRechargeable zinc metal batteries are promising for large‐scale energy storage. However, their practical application is limited by harsh issues such as uncontrollable dendrite growth, low Coulombic efficiency, and poor temperature tolerance. Herein, a unique design strategy using γ‐valerolactone‐based electrolyte and nanocarbon‐coated aluminum substrate was reported to solve the above problems. The electrolyte with extremely low freezing point and high thermal stability enables the symmetric cells with long cycle life over a wide temperature range (−50 °C to 80 °C) due to its ability to regulate zinc nucleation and preferential epitaxial growth. Besides, the nanocarbon‐coated aluminum substrate can also promote a higher Coulombic efficiency over a wide temperature range in contrast to the low Coulombic efficiency of copper substrates with significant irreversible alloying reactions because this unique substrate with excellent chemical stabilization can homogenize the interfacial electron/ion distribution. The optimized zinc metal capacitors can operate stably under various temperature conditions (2000 cycles at 30 °C with 66 % depth of discharge and 1200 cycles at 80 °C with 50 % depth of discharge). This unique electrolyte and substrate design strategy achieves a robust zinc metal battery over a wide temperature range.
Switchable Fluorescent Light‐Up Aptamers Based on Riboswitch Architectures
Authors: Wang Tianhe , Simmel Friedrich C. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractFluorescent light‐up RNA aptamers (FLAPs) such as Spinach or Mango can bind small fluorogens and activate their fluorescence. Here, we adopt a switching mechanism otherwise found in riboswitches and use it to engineer switchable FLAPs that can be activated or repressed by trigger oligonucleotides or small metabolites. The fluorophore binding pocket of the FLAPs comprises guanine (G) quadruplexes, whose critical nucleotides can be sequestered by corresponding anti‐FLAP sequences, leading to an inactive conformation and thus preventing association with the fluorophore. We modified the FLAPs with designed toehold hairpins that carry either an anti‐FLAP or an anti‐anti‐FLAP sequence within the loop region. The addition of an input RNA molecule triggers a toehold‐mediated strand invasion process that refolds the FLAP into an active or inactive configuration. Several of our designs display close‐to‐zero leak signals and correspondingly high ON/OFF fluorescence ratios. We also modified purine aptamers to sequester a partial anti‐FLAP or an anti‐anti‐FLAP sequence to control the formation of the fluorogen‐binding conformation, resulting in FLAPs whose fluorescence is activated or deactivated in the presence of guanine or adenine. We demonstrate that switching modules can be easily combined to generate FLAPs whose fluorescence depends on several inputs with different types of input logic.
Boron‐Copper 1,3‐Rearrangement: the New Concept Behind the Boryl Migration from C(sp2) in Alkenyl Boranes to C(sp3)
Authors: Dominguez‐Molano Paula , Weeks Rosemary , Maza Ricardo J. , Carbó Jorge J. , Fernández Elena 
Published: May 2023

AbstractRegioselective borylcupration of borylated skipped (Z)‐dienes generates diborylated alkylcopper species that are involved in an intramolecular stereospecific B/Cu 1,3‐rearrangement by migration of Bpin moiety from C(sp2) to C(sp3). DFT mechanistic studies showed that boryl migration occurs through the formation of 4‐membered boracycle intermediate with a moderate free‐energy barrier. Moreover, the use of KOMe forms stable Lewis base adducts with Bpin moieties that blocks the reaction. Subsequently to the 1,3‐boron shift, the in situ electrophilic trapping allows selective C−H, C−C and C−X bonds, followed by intramolecular cross coupling giving access to cyclic functionalized alkylidenecyclohexanes or alkylidenecyclobutanes.
High‐damping ultralow−gel nonpolar elastomeric polymer through thiol−ene photo−click chemistry reaction
Authors: Zhang Wenjing , Gao Wenke , Liu Jinhui , Hua Jing 
Published: May 2023

AbstractWith the increasing demand for high‐performance damping rubber material in various fields, improving the damping performance of existing nonpolar rubber has garnered tremendous scientific and industrial interest. However, it remains a long‐standing challenge to improve the damping properties of nonpolar rubber materials due to their low intrinsic glass transition temperature (Tg) and incompatible surface energy with high‐damping polar polymers or fillers. To solve this conundrum, ultra‐low gel multifunctional carboxy‐functional high vinyl polybutadiene HVBR (HVBR/COOH‐x%) was prepared by grafting 3‐mercaptopropionic acid (3PMA) onto HVBR via thiol−ene photo−click. The effects of reaction parameters including molecular weight, 1,2‐vinyl content, photoinitiators, reaction time, thiol and photoinitiator dosage on gel content and carboxyl grafting ratio were investigated. The HVBR/COOH‐x% demonstrate a controllable grafting ratio range from 2% to 73%. Furthermore, the increased Tg and intermolecular force resulted in excellent performance, including high‐glass transition temperature of 26.3°C, tensile strength of 15.52 MPa, and elongation at break of 396.16%. Particularly with a wide range of effective damping temperatures above 46.6°C. Meanwhile, COOH endowed the HVBR with better self‐viscosity, but also equipped it with stronger mutual viscosity. Therefore, this experiment proposes a feasible path to high damping and high adhesion in nonpolar rubber materials.