bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Octopus Inspired Hydrogel Actuator with Synergistic Structural Color and Shape Change
Authors: Yu Ronghua , Zhu Liqian , Xia Yongqing , Liu Jiahui , Liang Jinhui , Xu Jintao , Wang Baoshuo , Wang Shengjie 
Published: May 2022

AbstractLiving organisms in nature, such as chameleon and octopus, have amazing performances by changing their color and shape simultaneously for camouflage. Inspired by the camouflage behaviors of octopus, an intelligent hydrogel actuator with tunable structural color is presented in this work. The actuator is fabricated by a typical bilayer of active poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) hydrogel layer and inert poly(acrylamide‐acrylic acid) hydrogel layer, which endows the actuator shape‐changing by temperature stimulus. The only difference about this actuator is a thin layer of thermoresponsive microgels film embedded into the PNIPAM hydrogel layer, and thus tunable structural color can be displayed with the shape‐changing of the actuator. This makes the preparation procedure straightforward and environment‐friendly. Moreover, when multi‐wall carbon nanotubes are incorporated into the hydrogel, the color and shape of the hydrogel can be controlled via remote near‐infrared irradiation. This smart hydrogel actuator would be of benefit in various fields such as grippers, and soft robots with dynamic camouflage.
Plasmonic Polycrystals within Microbowl Arrays
Authors: Liu Hong , Xu Chao , Ding Qianqian , Zhao Chenglong , Xiao Xiangheng , Yang Shikuan 
Published: May 2022

AbstractPlasmonic polycrystals composed of loosely packed plasmonic nanoparticles formed microscale plasmonic grains with random orientations may exhibit interesting optical properties. Their fabrication includes placing nanoparticles in order to form plasmonic grains and forming the random orientation of the plasmonic grains. The seemingly mutually exclusive nanoparticle ordering and random grain orientation processes challenge existing technologies. Here a self‐assembled bowl‐in‐bowl template‐confined dewetting process to prepare plasmonic polycrystals is developed. The size and composition of the plasmonic nanoparticles can be conveniently designed before experiments, which are inaccessible to conventional fabrication methods. Complex plasmonic coupling between the Au nanoparticles and the plasmonic grains within the plasmonic polycrystals is observed. The microbowls further endow plasmonic nanostructures with more interesting optical properties arising from multiple scattering processes within the concave bowl surfaces. The broadband response of the plasmonic polycrystals makes them active under 532, 633, and 785 nm laser excitation for surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) sensing applications. Finite‐difference time‐domain simulations are performed to explain the optical properties of the plasmonic polycrystals and the SERS enhancement. The simple template‐confined dewetting process provides a powerful approach to design plasmonic polycrystals with application potentials in plasmonic, sensing, and photonic fields.
Self‐Healing Perovskite Films Enabled by Fluorinated Cross‐Linked Network Targeting Flexible Light‐Emitting Diode
Authors: Zang Jiaqing , Cai Lei , Zou Yatao , Li Ya , Bai Guilin , Hong Zhiwei , Chen Zhewei , Jiang Conghui , Song Yuhang , Zeng Xuelian , Song Tao , Sun Baoquan 
Published: May 2022

AbstractPerovskite light‐emitting diodes (PeLEDs) are promising technologies for advanced display and lighting source applications. Alongside tremendous efforts to improve efficiency, developing flexible devices could potentially enable PeLEDs compatible with wearable, foldable, bio‐integrated, and other intriguing functionalities. However, the flexible PeLEDs currently have not received enough attention. The overall performance still lags behind the rigid one, mainly attributed to the lack of mechanically stable perovskite thin films with desirable optical and electrical properties. Herein, a self‐healing strategy to achieve flexible perovskite films with improved mechanical reliability and optoelectrical properties is proposed. A multi‐functional silane molecule of (3,3,3‐trifluoropropyl) trimethoxysilane (TFPTMS) is incorporated into a perovskite precursor, which could undergo an in situ cross‐linking process and generate a flexible Si–O–Si network within the perovskite films. In addition, the reversible hydrolysis and condensation reactions and the fluorinated alkyl chains endow the perovskite films with self‐healing capability. Accordingly, the synergistic influences contribute to high‐efficiency flexible PeLEDs with an external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 16.2%. Moreover, 75% of the initial efficiency value is reserved even after 1000 bending cycles. This work paves a way to rationalize flexible perovskite thin films for various optoelectronic applications.
Targeting the HDAC6‐Cilium Axis Ameliorates the Pathological Changes Associated with Retinopathy of Prematurity
Authors: Ran Jie , Zhang Yao , Zhang Sai , Li Haixia , Zhang Liang , Li Qingchao , Qin Juan , Li Dengwen , Sun Lei , Xie Songbo , Zhang Xiaomin , Liu Lin , Liu Min , Zhou Jun 
Published: May 2022

AbstractRetinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is one of the leading causes of childhood visual impairment and blindness. However, there are still very few effective pharmacological interventions for ROP. Histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6)‐mediated disassembly of photoreceptor cilia has recently been implicated as an early event in the pathogenesis of ROP. Herein it is shown that enhanced expression of HDAC6 by intravitreal injection of adenoviruses encoding HDAC6 induces the typical pathological changes associated with ROP in mice, including disruption of the membranous disks of photoreceptor outer segments and a decrease in electroretinographic amplitudes. Hdac6 transgenic mice exhibit similar ROP‐related defects in retinal structures and functions and disassembly of photoreceptor cilia, whereas Hdac6 knockout mice are resistant to oxygen change‐induced retinal defects. It is further shown that blocking HDAC6‐mediated cilium disassembly by intravitreal injection of small‐molecule compounds protect mice from ROP‐associated retinal defects. The findings indicate that pharmacological targeting of the HDAC6‐cilium axis may represent a promising strategy for the prevention of ROP.
High‐Rate, Large Capacity, and Long Life Dendrite‐Free Zn Metal Anode Enabled by Trifunctional Electrolyte Additive with a Wide Temperature Range
Authors: Lin Chuyuan , Yang Xuhui , Xiong Peixun , Lin Hui , He Lingjun , Yao Qi , Wei Mingdeng , Qian Qingrong , Chen Qinghua , Zeng Lingxing 
Published: May 2022

AbstractAqueous Zn‐ion batteries (AZIBs) have been recognized as promising energy storage devices due to their high theoretical energy density and cost‐effectiveness. However, side reactions and Zn dendrite generation during cycling limit their practical application. Herein, ammonium acetate (CH3COONH4) is selected as a trifunctional electrolyte additive to enhance the electrochemical performance of AZIBs. Research findings show that NH4+ (oxygen ligand) and CH3COO– (hydrogenligand) with preferential adsorption on the Zn electrode surface can not only hinder Zn anode directly contact with active H2O, but also regulate the pH value of the electrolyte, thus suppressing the parasitic reactions. Additionally, the formed SEI is mainly consisted of Zn5(CO3)2(OH)6 with a high Zn2+ transference number, which could achieve a dendrite‐free Zn anode by homogenizing Zn deposition. Consequently, the Zn||Zn symmetric batteries with CH3COONH4‐based electrolyte can operate steadily at an ultrahigh current density of 40 mA cm–2 with a cumulative capacity of 6880 mAh cm–2, especially stable cycling at −10 °C. The assembled Zn||MnO2 full cell and Zn||activated carbon capacitor also deliver prominent electrochemical reversibility. This work provides unique understanding of designing multi‐functional electrolyte additive and promotes a long lifespan at ultrahigh current density for AZIBs.
Investigating the Interactions of Glioma Stem Cells in the Perivascular Niche at Single‐Cell Resolution using a Microfluidic Tumor Microenvironment Model
Authors: Adjei‐Sowah Emmanuela A. , O'Connor Samantha A. , Veldhuizen Jaimeson , Lo Cascio Costanza , Plaisier Christopher , Mehta Shwetal , Nikkhah Mehdi 
Published: May 2022

AbstractThe perivascular niche (PVN) is a glioblastoma tumor microenvironment (TME) that serves as a safe haven for glioma stem cells (GSCs), and acts as a reservoir that inevitably leads to tumor recurrence. Understanding cellular interactions in the PVN that drive GSC treatment resistance and stemness is crucial to develop lasting therapies for glioblastoma. The limitations of in vivo models and in vitro assays have led to critical knowledge gaps regarding the influence of various cell types in the PVN on GSCs behavior. This study developed an organotypic triculture microfluidic model as a means to recapitulate the PVN and study its impact on GSCs. This triculture platform, comprised of endothelial cells (ECs), astrocytes, and GSCs, is used to investigate GSC invasion, proliferation and stemness. Both ECs and astrocytes significantly increased invasiveness of GSCs. This study futher identified 15 ligand‐receptor pairs using single‐cell RNAseq with putative chemotactic mechanisms of GSCs, where the receptor is up‐regulated in GSCs and the diffusible ligand is expressed in either astrocytes or ECs. Notably, the ligand–receptor pair SAA1‐FPR1 is demonstrated to be involved in chemotactic invasion of GSCs toward PVN. The novel triculture platform presented herein can be used for therapeutic development and discovery of molecular mechanisms driving GSC biology.
Gold Nanostrip Array‐Mediated Wireless Electrical Stimulation for Accelerating Functional Neuronal Differentiation
Authors: Yang Hongru , Su Yue , Sun Zhaoyang , Ma Baojin , Liu Feng , Kong Ying , Sun Chunhui , Li Boyan , Sang Yuanhua , Wang Shuhua , Li Gang , Qiu Jichuan , Liu Chao , Geng Zhaoxin , Liu Hong 
Published: May 2022

AbstractNeural stem cell (NSC)‐based therapy holds great promise for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Presently, however, it is hindered by poor functional neuronal differentiation. Electrical stimulation is considered one of the most effective ways to promote neuronal differentiation of NSCs. In addition to surgically implanted electrodes, traditional electrical stimulation includes wires connected to the external power supply, and an additional surgery is required to remove the electrodes or wires following stimulation, which may cause secondary injuries and infections. Herein, a novel method is reported for generation of wireless electrical signals on an Au nanostrip array by leveraging the effect of electromagnetic induction under a rotating magnetic field. The intensity of the generated electrical signals depends on the rotation speed and magnetic field strength. The Au nanostrip array‐mediated electric stimulation promotes NSC differentiation into mature neurons within 5 days, at the mRNA, protein, and function levels. The rate of differentiation is faster by at least 5 days than that in cells without treatment. The Au nanostrip array‐based wireless device also accelerates neuronal differentiation of NSCs in vivo. The novel method to accelerate the neuronal differentiation of NSCs has the advantages of wireless, timely, localized and precise controllability, and noninvasive power supplementation.
Pearl millet yields and yield stability under long‐term soil fertility management in the Sahel
Authors: Iliasso Aboubacar Dan Kassoua Tawaye , Ali Ibrahim , Dougbedji Fatondji , Jean Baptiste Ettien D. , Vincent Bado 
Published: May 2022

AbstractLittle is known about the impact of long‐term fertilizer microdose on pearl millet [Cenchrus americanus (L.) Morrone] yields and yield stability in the Sahel. An 8‐yr, long‐term experiment evaluated pearl millet yields and yield stability under fertilizer microdose along with crop residues (CRs) management in different plant spacings. Treatments included (a) one absolute control (without fertilizer) and two fertilizer microdose options, (b) 2 g diammonium phosphate fertilizer per planting hole, and (c) 6 g of 15–15–15 (N–P–K) fertilizer per planting hole—under two plant spacings (10,000 and 15,000 pockets ha–1) and with and without CR removal. These were arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replications. A decrease in pearl millet plant spacing (15,000 pockets ha–1) markedly enhanced pearl millet grain yield and total dry matter by 12 and 11%, respectively, vs. the recommended plant spacing (10,000 pockets ha–1). The mean pearl millet grain yields over 8 yr were 470 and 262 kg ha–1 in fertilizer microdose and control plots, respectively. The pearl millet yields increased by 7 and 81% with CR retention in microdose and control plots, respectively, vs. plots with CR removal. Grain yields reductions of 16 and 38% were recorded in fertilizer microdose and control plots, respectively, after 8 yr regardless of CR retention. Fertilizer microdose without CR removal was more stable. However, a considerable decrease in soil N status was observed after 8 yr. These results suggest that fertilizer microdose in combination with CR retention should be used as a base practice for increasing yield in the low‐input, pearl millet‐based cropping system of the Sahel and similar cropping systems.
Insights for Indigenous employment into a case study of unconscious bias in the Australian Public Service
Authors: Leon Craig 
Published: May 2022

AbstractDrawing on a case study of unconscious bias levels in the Australian Public Service (APS), findings suggest gender equality remains a concern for career prospects for women, particularly for Indigenous women when two‐thirds of Indigenous employees in the APS are women. Additionally, age and length of service provide further insights into the implications for a workplace free of discrimination and prejudice. For example, male respondents across each successive age category show higher preference levels for Caucasian Australians than do female respondents. In this paper, I compare findings with results found in an Australian study reported by Shirodkar, (2019). Journal of Australian Indigenous Issues, 22, 3. The basis of both studies was the Australian Aboriginal Implicit Association Test (IAT) administered by Project Implicit. Arguably most importantly for the APS will be the need to convince senior managers to accept and act on the discriminatory effects of unconscious bias in Indigenous employment. Any policy response will need an enhanced understanding of unconscious bias, including a broader knowledge of Indigenous culture and gender equity in the APS. The framework presented at the end of this paper offers an opportunity to revisit the effectiveness of unconscious bias training for the APS.
Effect of melting temperatures on the orientation and rheology of polyacrylate/silica (PAcr/SiO2) composite microspheres in twin‐screw extruder
Authors: Cui Zhonglan , Zhang Yan , Zhu Chenkai , Song Lixiang , Wang Jicheng , Jin Qianhong , Su Qunchao , Qi Dongming 
Published: May 2022

AbstractThe dispersion and orientation arrangement of functional polymers with fillers are critical to their performance. However, there are rare detailed researches on the visualization of the orientation process about functional fillers in composite melts and the mechanistic effects on performance. In this work, it explored the change process of the orientation morphology for polyacrylate/silica (PAcr/SiO2) composite microspheres in polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) at different melting temperatures. Afterwards, the morphology and distribution of oriented microfibers in composite fibers melted at different temperatures were observed by transmission electron microscope (TEM). The results showed that composite microfibers could be formed in tight arrangement and obtained average orientation of 50.88 in the composite fibers at 250°C. Under this circumstance, the addition of nano SiO2 particles had no effect on the rheological type. Meanwhile, the shear stress was 99.29% higher than that of pure PMMA system under the same conditions. As for the elongation at break, it was found that the elongation at break of the composite fiber prepared at 250°C was 169.43% higher than that of pure PMMA. Therefore, it provided a new method to achieve well dispersion of functional fillers in molten systems. Furthermore, it was beneficial to enhance the elongation at break of functional composites.
Paradigm shifts in animal epigenetics: Research on non‐model species leads to new insights into dependencies, functions and inheritance of DNA methylation
Authors: Vogt Günter 
Published: May 2022

AbstractRecent investigations with non‐model species and whole‐genome approaches have challenged several paradigms in animal epigenetics. They revealed that epigenetic variation in populations is not the mere consequence of genetic variation, but is a semi‐independent or independent source of phenotypic variation, depending on mode of reproduction. DNA methylation is not positively correlated with genome size and phylogenetic position as earlier believed, but has evolved differently between and within higher taxa. Epigenetic marks are usually not completely erased in the zygote and germ cells as generalized from mouse, but often persist and can be transgenerationally inherited, making them evolutionarily relevant. Gene body methylation and promoter methylation are similar in vertebrates and invertebrates with well methylated genomes but transposon silencing through methylation is variable. The new data also suggest that animals use epigenetic mechanisms to cope with rapid environmental changes and to adapt to new environments. The main benefiters are asexual populations, invaders, sessile taxa and long‐lived species.
Effect of biphosphate salt on dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine bilayer deformation by Tat polypeptide
Authors: Patra Piya , Banerjee Raja , Chakrabarti Jaydeb 
Published: May 2022

AbstractTranslocation of positively charged cell penetrating peptides (CPP) through cell membrane is important in drug delivery. Here we report all‐atom molecular dynamics simulations to investigate how a biphosphate salt in a solvent affects the interaction of a CPP, HIV‐1 Tat peptide with model dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) lipid bilayer. Tat peptide has a large number of basic arginines and a couple of polar glutamines. We observe that in absence of salt, the basic residues of the polypeptide get localized in the vicinity of the membrane without altering the bilayer properties much; polypeptide induce local thinning of the bilayer membrane at the area of localization. In presence of biphosphate salt, the basic residues, dressed by the biphosphate ions, are repelled by the phosphate head groups of the lipid molecules. However, polar glutamine prefers to stay in the vicinity of the bilayer. This leads to larger local bilayer thickness at the contact point by the polar residue and non‐uniform bilayer thickness profile. The thickness deformation of bilayer structure disappears upon mutating the polar residue, suggesting importance of the polar residue in bilayer deformation. Our studies point to control bilayer deformation by appropriate peptide sequence and solvent conditions.
Effects of different delivery modes on teaching biomedical science practical skills in higher education during the 2021 pandemic measures
Authors: Heng Zealyn Shi‐Lin , Koh Darius Wen‐Shuo , Yeo Joshua Yi , Ooi Chui‐Ping , Gan Samuel Ken‐En 
Published: May 2022

AbstractThe COVID‐19 pandemic related measures had augmented the rise of online education. While online teaching had mitigated the negative impacts from educational institutional closures, it was unable to displace hands‐on biomedical laboratory practical lessons effectively. Without practical sessions, there was concern over the imparting of laboratory skills even with video demonstrations. To investigate the effectiveness of different delivery modes in imparting laboratory skills, theoretical and practical student assessments were analyzed alongside an anonymous survey on their motivation and prior experience. The undergraduate students were exposed to (1) instructor‐live demonstration; (2) video demonstration or (3) no demonstration prior to the practical test which was a plasmid extraction. Significantly higher mini‐prep yields and purity were found for both instructor‐live and video demonstrations compared to no demonstration. Comparison with pre‐pandemic theoretical assessment performance showed no significant differences despite longer contact hours during pre‐pandemic times. Prior lab experience and motivation for selecting the course did not significantly affect student mini‐prep yields. In conclusion, our findings suggest that video demonstrations were as effective as instructor‐live demonstrations during the pandemic without noticeably compromising the teaching and learning of biomedical laboratory skills.
Methylation of HPV16 and EPB41L3 in oral gargles and the detection of early and late oropharyngeal cancer
Authors: Dickey Brittney L. , Nedjai Belinda , Preece Matthew D. , Schell Michael J. , Boulware David , Whiting Junmin , Sirak Bradley , Abrahamsen Martha , Isaacs‐Soriano Kimberly A. , Kennedy Kayoko , Chung Christine H. , Giuliano Anna R. 
Published: May 2022

AbstractAs oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) increases in men, the need for a screening test to diagnose OPC early is crucial. While HPV‐associated OPC has a favorable prognosis, recurrence is likely, and metastatic OPC is often incurable regardless of HPV status. Our previous study of pretreatment, male OPC cases (n = 101) and age‐ and smoking‐matched controls (n = 101) found methylation of the host EPB41L3 tumor suppressor gene and HPV16 in the oral gargle was correlated with these biomarkers in the tumor. Methylation of these genes in the oral gargle was significantly (p < 0.0001) higher among cases compared to controls. To further study the utility of HPV16/EPB41L3 methylation, we expanded the sample size and specifically increased the number of early OPC cases (T1‐T2, N0‐N1; small tumors with a single ipsilateral node <3 cm) to evaluate these biomarkers in early and late OPC. This study included 228 OPC cases, 92 of which were early cases and frequency matched to 142 healthy controls. In logistic regression, the AUC for HPV16/EPB41L3 methylation for all OPC cases was 0.82. Among early and late OPC cases, the AUC was 0.78 and 0.85, respectively. For early cases, 76% sensitivity was achieved, replicating results from our prior study, with a specificity of 65%, indicating room for improvement. The ability of HPV16/EPB41L3 methylation to distinguish OPC from healthy controls highlights its utility as a potential biomarker for OPC. However, the inability to predict early OPC better than late stage OPC indicates the need for additional biomarkers to improve screening performance.