bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Novel genetic variants in long non-coding RNA MEG3 are associated with the risk of asthma
Authors: Chiu Kuo-Liang , Chang Wen-Shin , Tsai Chia-Wen , Mong Mei-Chin , Hsia Te-Chun , Bau Da-Tian 
Published: January 2023

Background
Asthma is the most common chronic inflammatory airway disease worldwide. Asthma is a complex disease whose exact etiologic mechanisms remain elusive; however, it is increasingly evident that genetic factors play essential roles in the development of asthma. The purpose of this study is to identify novel genetic susceptibility loci for asthma in Taiwanese. We selected a well-studied long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), MEG3, which is involved in multiple cellular functions and whose expression has been associated with asthma. We hypothesize that genetic variants in MEG3 may influence the risk of asthma.

Methods
We genotyped four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in MEG3, rs7158663, rs3087918, rs11160608, and rs4081134, in 198 patients with asthma and 453 healthy controls and measured serum MEG3 expression level in a subset of controls.

Results
The variant AG and AA genotypes of MEG3 rs7158663 were significantly over-represented in the patients compared to the controls (P = 0.0024). In logistic regression analyses, compared with the wild-type GG genotype, the heterozygous variant genotype (AG) was associated with a 1.62-fold [95% confidence interval (CI) [1.18–2.32], P = 0.0093] increased risk and the homozygous variant genotype (AA) conferred a 2.68-fold (95% CI [1.52–4.83], P = 0.003) increased risk of asthma. The allelic test showed the A allele was associated with a 1.63-fold increased risk of asthma (95% CI [1.25–2.07], P = 0.0004). The AG plus AA genotypes were also associated with severe symptoms (P = 0.0148). Furthermore, the AG and AA genotype carriers had lower serum MEG3 expression level than the GG genotype carriers, consistent with the reported downregulation of MEG3 in asthma patients.

Conclusion
MEG3 SNP rs7158663 is a genetic susceptibility locus for asthma in Taiwanese. Individuals carrying the variant genotypes have lower serum MEG3 level and are at increased risks of asthma and severe symptoms.
Relationship between the roots of Hippophae rhamnoides at different stump heights and the root microenvironment in feldspathic sandstone areas
Authors: Liu Lu , Guo Yuefeng , Liu Xiaoyu , Yao Yunfeng , Qi Wei 
Published: January 2023

Background
To solve the withering of Hippophae rhamnoides plantation in the feldspathic sandstone areas of Inner Mongolia and to promote the regeneration, rejuvenation, and sustainability of H. rhamnoides forests.

Methods
We stumped aging H. rhamnoides trees at the ground heights of 0, 10, 15, and 20 cm (S1, S2, S3, and S4, respectively) and utilized unstumped trees as the control (CK). We then analyzed the effects of the different stump heights on the roots and the root microenvironment of H. rhamnoides and the relationship between the roots and the root microenvironment in the stumped H. rhamnoides.

Results
The root fractal features, root branching rate, root length, root soluble proteins, soil moisture content, and soil nutrients among the different treatments were ranked as S3>S2>S1>S4>CK (P < 0.05). The root topological index, root proline, and malondialdehyde among the different treatments were ranked as S3<S2<S1<S4<CK (P < 0.05). The topological indices of S1, S2, S3, S4, and CK were 0.80, 0.86, 0.89, 0.94, and 0.98, respectively, and all were near 1. This result indicated a typical fishtail-shaped branching structure. The root length and root fractal dimensions were primarily affected by the positive correlation of the soil moisture content and the soil organic matter, and the root topological index was primarily affected by the negative correlation of the root proline. Root nutrients were dominant in the changes in the root architecture, while soil moisture and nutrients played supporting roles. These results indicated that stumping can promote plant root growth and root nutrient accumulation, thereby improving soil moisture and the soil nutrient distribution, and the S3 treatment had the greatest impact on the H. rhamnoides roots and root microenvironment. Therefore, the 15 cm stump height treatment should be implemented for withering H. rhamnoides in feldspathic sandstone areas to promote vegetation restoration.
Implementation of Sphinx/Lynx as daily QA equipment for scanned proton and carbon ion beams
Authors: Grevillot Loïc , Moreno Jhonnatan Osorio , Fuchs Hermann , Dreindl Ralf , Elia Alessio , Bolsa‐Ferruz Marta , Stock Markus , Palmans Hugo 
Published: January 2023

AbstractPurposeReporting on the first implementation of a proton dedicated commercial device (IBA Sphinx/Lynx) for daily Quality Assurance (QA) of scanned proton and carbon ion beams.MethodsDaily QA trendlines over more than 3 years for protons and more than 2 years for carbon ions have been acquired. Key daily QA parameters were reviewed, namely the spot size and position, beam range, Bragg peak width, coincidence (between beam and imaging system isocenters), homogeneity and dose.ResultsThe performance of the QA equipment for protons and carbon ions was evaluated. Daily QA trendlines allowed us to detect machine performance drifts and changes. The definition of tolerances and action levels is provided and compared with levels used in the literature.ConclusionThe device has been successfully implemented for routine daily QA activities in a dual particle therapy facility for more than 2 years. It improved the efficiency of daily QA and provides a comprehensive QA process.
Predictors of cognitive decline in older individuals without dementia: An updated meta‐analysis
Authors: Feng Lan , Wang Yuhao , Zeng Daojun , Wang Maohua , Duan Xiaoxia 
Published: January 2023

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of overall peripheral inflammatory levels on cognitive function, we explored the relationship between established biomarkers of peripheral inflammation (circulating C‐reactive protein [CRP], interleukin‐6 [IL‐6], and tumor necrosis factor‐α [TNF‐α]) and cognitive decline by performing a review of observational studies and creating an updated summary.MethodsWe included literatures exploring the relationship between peripheral levels of CRP, IL‐6, and TNF‐α and subsequent cognitive decline, published until July 2022, by searching the following databases: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, ClinicalTrials, CNKI, and VIP databases. We used random‐effects models to pool the odds ratios (ORs) for the risks of subsequent cognitive decline in older adults with high levels of peripheral inflammation. We initially screened out 501 literatures, of which only 17 were ultimately eligible. Overall, there were 19,516 older individuals included in our meta‐analysis, and 2134 of them experienced subsequent cognitive change.ResultsIndividuals with high levels of peripheral inflammation may have 14% more chance to develop subsequent cognitive decline than those with low levels (OR = 1.14, 95% CI: 1.03–1.27; p < 0.00001). In the subgroup analysis, the incidence of cognitive decline was higher in individuals with high levels of IL‐6. This study further demonstrates the link between systemic inflammation and cognitive status.InterpretationDetecting CRP, IL‐6, and TNF‐α in peripheral blood is necessary, as they may become effective indicators for forthcoming cognitive performance.
Intraindividual Change in Cognitive Function Among Adults With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Markov Analysis Over 7 Years
Authors: Perera Stefan , Cook Richard , Lee Ker‐Ai , Katz Patti , Touma Zahi 
Published: January 2023

ObjectiveCognitive impairment is prevalent in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). There remain gaps in understanding cognition and SLE longitudinally. We studied intraindividual change in cognition in SLE over time.MethodsData were from the University of California, San Francisco Lupus Outcome Study, which included 1281 adults with SLE. The Hopkins Verbal Learning Test‐Revised (HVLT‐R) and the Controlled Oral Word Association Test (COWAT) were administered annually over 7 years. A two‐state Markov analysis was used to model transition intensities for probabilities of change in cognition. Logistic regression examined the association between clinical variables and cognitive change.ResultsMinimal transition between cognitive states was observed in the Markov analysis. Using the COWAT, higher levels of self‐reported depression were associated with decreased likelihood of cognitive improvement (Relative Risk [RR]: 0.98; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.96‐0.99), and higher self‐reported disease severity was associated with cognitive decline (RR: 1.05; 95% CI: 1.02‐1.09). Using the HVLT‐R, increasing age (RR: 1.02; 95% CI: 1.01‐1.03) and higher education level (RR: 1.82; 95% CI: 1.28‐2.58) were associated with cognitive improvement, and higher self‐reported disease severity (RR: 1.02; 95% CI: 1.01‐1.03) and depression (RR: 1.05; 95% CI: 1.03‐1.07) were associated with cognitive decline.ConclusionMost individuals with SLE did not transition between states of high (Z score ≥ −1.5) or low (Z score < −1.5) cognition in a Markov analysis over a 7‐year assessment period, highlighting a degree of relative stability in cognition over time. Increasing age and higher education levels were associated with greater likelihood of cognitive improvement. Greater self‐reported SLE disease severity and depression were associated with cognitive decline.
Ligand Exchange Reaction Enables Digital‐To‐Analog Resistive Switching and Artificial Synapse within Metal Nanoparticles
Authors: Guo Jiahui , Liu Lin , Bian Baoan , Wang Jingyu , Zhao Xing , Zhang Yuchun , Yan Yong 
Published: January 2023

AbstractThe transition between digital and analog resistive switching in a single memristive device is beneficial for the reduction in power consumption and circuit complexity, the development of in‐memory neuromorphic computing, and the discovery of new switching mechanisms. However, achieving such transition is a challenge due to the complex switching mechanisms and device designs. Here, it is shown that the digital‐to‐analog resistive switching can be realized by the ligand exchange reaction of metal nanoparticles. The field‐injected copper cations migrate within carboxyl‐functionalized gold nanoparticle (AuNP) layer that are subsequently reduced into metallic filaments, enabling an abrupt resistive switching. Importantly, when the carboxyl groups on the gold nanoparticle are replaced by amino‐carboxyl ligands, the copper cations coordinate with the new ligands and create the conductance bridges to reduce the electron tunneling/hopping energy barriers, leading to continuous modulation in conductivity. This analog resistive switching allows to implement several important synaptic functions such as potentiation/depression, paired‐pulse facilitation, learning behaviors including forgetting curves and spaced learning effect. In the end, due to the non‐volatile characteristics, the gold nanoparticle synapse is used to build single layer perceptron for pattern classification with 100% accuracy.
Controlling C2C12 Cytotoxicity on Liquid Metal Embedded Elastomer (LMEE)
Authors: Won Phillip , Coyle Stephen , Ko Seung Hwan , Quinn David , Hsia K. Jimmy , LeDuc Philip , Majidi Carmel 
Published: January 2023

AbstractLiquid metal embedded elastomers (LMEEs) are highly stretchable composites comprising microscopic droplets of eutectic gallium‐indium (EGaIn) liquid metal embedded in a soft rubber matrix. They have a unique combination of mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties that make them attractive for potential applications in flexible electronics, thermal management, wearable computing, and soft robotics. However, the use of LMEEs in direct contact with human tissue or organs requires an understanding of their biocompatibility and cell cytotoxicity. In this study, the cytotoxicity of C2C12 cells in contact with LMEE composites composed of EGaIn droplets embedded with a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) matrix is investigated. In particular, the influence of EGaIn volume ratio and shear mixing time during synthesis on cell proliferation and viability is examined. The special case of electrically‐conductive LMEE composites in which a percolating network of EGaIn droplets is created through “mechanical sintering” is also examined. This study in C2C12 cytotoxicity represents a first step in determining whether LMEE is safe for use in implantable biomedical devices and biohybrid systems.
Gold(I)‐Catalyzed Alkynylation of N,O‐Acetals: An Access to Alkynylated Saturated N‐heterocycles
Authors: Melot Romain , Olivero Sandra , Michelet Véronique 
Published: January 2023

AbstractA synthetic route for the preparation of alkynylated saturated N‐heterocycles via a sequential combination of a Shono oxidation and a gold(I)‐catalyzed alkynylation reaction has been developed. The electrochemical Shono oxidation allowed an efficient access to a variety of N,O‐acetals via a direct C−H bond functionalization of cyclic amines. The reaction conditions were amenable with functionalized pyrrolidine, tetrahydroisoquinoline and pyrrolidine‐cyclopropyl fused bicyclic skeletons. The gold‐catalyzed process allowed the introduction of aryl acetylene partners bearing electron‐donating and moderate electron‐withdrawing. The efficiency of the gold process is remarkable and could be scaled up to 5 mmol of N,O‐acetal. Post‐functionalization reactions were performed based on the reactivity of the alkyne, showing the broad interest of our methodology. Promising preliminary results on an asymmetric version were obtained (e.r. up to 84.5:15.5).magnified image
Nano‐Brake Halts Mitochondrial Dysfunction Cascade to Alleviate Neuropathology and Rescue Alzheimer's Cognitive Deficits
Authors: Zhang Qian , Song Qingxiang , Yu Renhe , Wang Antian , Jiang Gan , Huang Yukun , Chen Jun , Xu Jianrong , Wang Dayuan , Chen Hongzhuan , Gao Xiaoling 
Published: January 2023

AbstractMitochondrial dysfunction has been recognized as the key pathogenesis of most neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's disease (AD). The dysregulation of mitochondrial calcium ion (Ca2+) homeostasis and the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP), is a critical upstream signaling pathway that contributes to the mitochondrial dysfunction cascade in AD pathogenesis. Herein, a “two‐hit braking” therapeutic strategy to synergistically halt mitochondrial Ca2+ overload and mPTP opening to put the mitochondrial dysfunction cascade on a brake is proposed. To achieve this goal, magnesium ion (Mg2+), a natural Ca2+ antagonist, and siRNA to the central mPTP regulator cyclophilin D (CypD), are co‐encapsulated into the designed nano‐brake; A matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) activatable cell‐penetrating peptide (MAP) is anchored on the surface of nano‐brake to overcome the blood‐brain barrier (BBB) and realize targeted delivery to the mitochondrial dysfunction cells of the brain. Nano‐brake treatment efficiently halts the mitochondrial dysfunction cascade in the cerebrovascular endothelial cells, neurons, and microglia and powerfully alleviates AD neuropathology and rescues cognitive deficits. These findings collectively demonstrate the potential of advanced design of nanotherapeutics to halt the key upstream signaling pathways of mitochondrial dysfunction to provide a powerful strategy for AD modifying therapy.
Dual Integrating Oxygen and Sulphur on Surface of CoTe Nanorods Triggers Enhanced Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Wang Xin , Mao Zhelin , Mao Xin , Hu Ximiao , Gao Feiyue , Gao Minrui , Wu Qi‐Long , Lyu Xiao , Du Aijun , Xu Xiangsheng , Jia Yi , Wang Lei 
Published: January 2023

AbstractThe bottleneck of large‐scale implementation of electrocatalytic water‐splitting technology lies in lacking inexpensive, efficient, and durable catalysts to accelerate the sluggish oxygen evolution reaction kinetics. Owing to more metallic features, transition metal telluride (TMT) with good electronic conductivity holds promising potential as an ideal type of electrocatalysts for oxygen evolution reaction (OER), whereas most TMTs reported up to now still show unsatisfactory OER performance that is far below corresponding sulfide and selenide counterparts. Here, the activation and stabilization of cobalt telluride (CoTe) nanoarrays toward OER through dual integration of sulfur (S) doping and surface oxidization is reported. The as‐synthesized CoO@S‐CoTe catalyst exhibits a low overpotential of only 246 mV at 10 mA cm−2 and a long‐term stability of more than 36 h, outperforming commercial RuO2 and other reported telluride‐based OER catalysts. The combined experimental and theoretical results reveal that the enhanced OER performance stems from increased active sites exposure, improved charge transfer ability, and optimized electronic state. This work will provide a valuable guidance to release the catalytic potential of telluride‐based OER catalysts via interface modulating engineering.
Strengthening Intraframework Interaction within Flexible MOFs Demonstrates Simultaneous Sieving Acetylene from Ethylene and Carbon Dioxide
Authors: Zheng Fang , Chen Rundao , Liu Ying , Yang Qiwei , Zhang Zhiguo , Yang Yiwen , Ren Qilong , Bao Zongbi 
Published: January 2023

AbstractEfficient separation of acetylene (C2H2)/ethylene (C2H4) and acetylene/carbon dioxide (CO2) by adsorption is an industrially promising process, but adsorbents capable of simultaneously capturing trace acetylene from ethylene and carbon dioxide are scarce. Herein, a gate‐opening effect on three isomorphous flexible metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) named Co(4‐DPDS)2MO4 (M = Cr, Mo, W; 4‐DPDS = 4,4‐dipyridyldisulfide) is modulated by anion pillars substitution. The shortest CrO42− strengthens intraframework hydrogen bonding and thus blocks structural transformation after activation, striking a good balance among working capacity, separation selectivity, and trace impurity removal of flexible MOFs out of nearly C2H2/C2H4 and C2H2/CO2 molecular sieving. The exceptional separation performance of Co(4‐DPDS)2CrO4 is confirmed by dynamic breakthrough experiments. It reveals the specific threshold pressures control in anion‐pillared flexible materials enabled elimination of the impurity leakage to realize high purity products through precise control of the intraframework interaction. The adsorption mechanism and multimode structural transformation property are revealed by both calculations and crystallography studies. This work demonstrates the feasibility of modulating flexibility for controlling gate‐opening effect, especially for some cases of significant aperture shrinkage after activation.
Ferroelectric Wide‐Bandgap Metal Halide Perovskite Field‐Effect Transistors: Toward Transparent Electronics
Authors: Xia Jiangnan , Qiu Xincan , Liu Yu , Chen Ping‐An , Guo Jing , Wei Huan , Ding Jiaqi , Xie Haihong , Lv Yawei , Li Fuxiang , Li Wenwu , Liao Lei , Hu Yuanyuan 
Published: January 2023

AbstractTransparent field‐effect transistors (FETs) are attacking intensive interest for constructing fancy “invisible” electronic products. Presently, the main technology for realizing transparent FETs is based on metal oxide semiconductors, which have wide‐bandgap but generally demand sputtering technique or high‐temperature (>350 °C) solution process for fabrication. Herein, a general device fabrication strategy for metal halide perovskite (MHP) FETs is shown, by which transparent perovskite FETs are successfully obtained using low‐temperature (<150 °C) solution process. This strategy involves the employment of ferroelectric copolymer poly(vinylidene fluoride‐co‐trifluoroethylene) (PVDF‐TrFE) as the dielectric, which conquers the challenging issue of gate‐electric‐field screening effect in MHP FETs. Additionally, an ultra‐thin SnO2 is inserted between the source/drain electrodes and MHPs to facilitate electron injection. Consequently, n‐type semi‐transparent MAPbBr3 FETs and fully transparent MAPbCl3 FETs which can operate well at room temperature with mobility over 10−3 cm2 V−1 s−1 and on/off ratio >103 are achieved for the first time. The low‐temperature solution processability of these FETs makes them particularly attractive for applications in low‐cost, large‐area transparent electronics.
Dimensional Tuning in Lead‐Free Tin Halide Perovskite for Solar Cells
Authors: Zhao Jinbo , Zhang Zuhong , Li Guixiang , Aldamasy Mahmoud H. , Li Meng , Abate Antonio 
Published: January 2023

AbstractDue to its outstanding optoelectronic properties, halide perovskite solar cells (PSCs) power conversion efficiency has rapidly grown to 25.7%. Nonetheless, lead poisoning is a significant hurdle to the deployment of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Tin is the most alternative with the most potential due to its similar electric and electronic properties to lead and its less hazardous nature. Yet, the performance of Sn‐based PSCs lags significantly below that of Pb‐based PSCs due to the Sn (II)'s easy oxidation to Sn (IV). Incorporating large‐sized organic cations to form quasi‐two‐dimensional (2D) structured‐tin perovskites increases the stability of the PSC. In addition, the hydrophobic group of the quasi‐2D structure inhibits moisture and oxygen from penetrating the absorber layers. This review analyzes and evaluates the characteristics and performance of quasi‐2D Sn‐based perovskites such as Ruddlesden–Popper, Dion–Jacobson, and alternating cation interlayer (ACI). This work further proposes alternative strategies to improve the efficiency and stability of tin‐based PSCs, including constructing new mixed 2D/3D perovskite structures, enhancing the transmission capacity, novel organic cations, and fabricating new ACI perovskite structures and controlling perovskite strain.
Micelle‐crosslinked hydrogels with stretchable, self‐healing, and selectively adhesive properties: Random copolymers work as dynamic yet self‐sorting domains
Authors: Asai Hiroaki , Shibata Motoki , Takenaka Mikihito , Takata Shinichi , Hiroi Kosuke , Ouchi Makoto , Terashima Takaya 
Published: January 2023

AbstractThe design of crosslinking domains is a vital factor to create functional hydrogels with controlled physical, mechanical, and adhesive properties. This paper demonstrates versatile synthetic systems of micelle‐crosslinked hydrogels with highly stretchable, self‐healing, and selectively adhesive properties. For this, methacrylate‐bearing random copolymer micelles are designed as physical and covalent crosslink domains via the self‐assembly of amphiphilic random copolymers carrying hydrophilic poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), hydrophobic butyl or dodecyl groups, and methacrylate‐terminal PEG in water. The size, aggregation number, and pendant methacrylate number of the micelles are controlled by the composition and degree of polymerization. Hydrogels are efficiently obtained from the free radical polymerization of hydrophilic monomers such as PEG acrylate and acrylamide in the presence of the micelle crosslinkers in water. Owing to the dynamic yet selective chain exchange properties of the micelle domains, the hydrogels are highly stretchable up to over 1000% and show self‐healing and selectively adhesive properties. The self‐healing of hydrogels is promoted upon heating due to the fast chain exchange of the micelle domains, whereas hydrogels consisting of micelles with different alkyl groups are never adhesive because of their self‐sorting properties.