Injection Molding of Liquid Metal by Harnessing Nonstick Molds

The fluid nature of liquid metals combined with their ability to form a solid native oxide skin enables them to be patterned in ways that would be challenging for solid metals. The present work shows a unique way of patterning liquid metals by injecting liquid metals into a mold. The mold contains a nonstick coating that enables the removal of the mold, thereby leaving just the liquid metal on the target substrate. This approach offers the simplicity and structural control of molding but without having the mold become part of the device. Thus, the metal can be encapsulated with very soft polymers that collapse if used as microchannels. The same mold can be used multiple times for high-volume patterning of liquid metal. The injection molding method is rapid and reliably produces structures with complex geometries on both flat and curved surfaces. We demonstrate the method by fabricating an elastomeric Joule heater and an electroadhesive soft gripper to show the potential of the method for soft and stretchable devices.

A Guide to Printed Stretchable Conductors

Printing of stretchable conductors enables the fabrication and rapid prototyping of stretchable electronic devices. For such applications, there are often specific process and material requirements such as print resolution, maximum strain, and electrical/ionic conductivity. This review highlights common printing methods and compatible inks that produce stretchable conductors. The review compares the capabilities, benefits, and limitations of each approach to help guide the selection of a suitable process and ink for an intended application. We also discuss methods to design and fabricate ink composites with the desired material properties (e.g., electrical conductance, viscosity, printability). This guide should help inform ongoing and future efforts to create soft, stretchable electronic devices for wearables, soft robots, e-skins, and sensors.

[Periodic dynamic observation and analysis of cellular and humoral immunity indexes of adults infected with Omicron BA.1]

Objective: To analyze the immunological characteristics and antibody changes of patients infected with the Omicron BA.1 and evaluate the possibility of secondary infection. Methods: A total of 104 patients infected with Omicron BA.1 in the Jinnan District of Tianjin from January 8 to February 2, 2022, were included in the study. The control group and case group were matched 1∶1 based on age, sex and vaccination status. Serum was collected from the case group and control group at 3, 6 and 9 months after infection. The serum levels of interleukin4 (IL-4), IL-5 and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), as well as the positive rates of IgG, IgG1 and IgG2, were detected by ELISA. Results: The highest concentration of IFN-γ in the case group at 6 months after infection was 145.4 pg/ml, followed by a decrease in concentration. The concentrations of IL-4 and IL-5 began to decrease at 6 months after infection (all P<0.001). There was no significant difference in the IgG2 positive rate between the case group and the control group at 6 months after BA.1 infection. However, at 9 months, there was a significant decrease compared to the control group (P=0.003). The ratio of IFN-γ/IL4 at 3 months after infection in the case group was lower than that in the control group (P<0.001). There was no significant difference in the ratio between the case group and the control group at 9 months after infection. Conclusion: The cellular immune function has been impaired at 3 months after infection with BA.1, and the specific cellular immune and humoral immune functions decrease significantly after 6 months, and the risk of secondary infection increases.

Dietary cholecalciferol and 25-hydroxycholecalciferol supplementation interact to modulate reproductive performance, egg quality, serum antioxidant capacity, intestinal morphology and tibia quality of breeder geese

1. A study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) and 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25-OH-D3) supplementation on the reproductive performance, egg quality, eggshell ultrastructure, serum hormone level and antioxidant capacity, intestinal morphology and tibia quality of breeder geese during the laying period.2. The trial was designed as a 3 × 3 factorial arrangement with three levels (300, 400 and 500 IU/kg) of vitamin D3 supplementation and three levels (25, 50 and 75 μg/kg) of 25-OH-D3 supplementation in a 10-wk feeding trial.3. The results showed that the combined supplementation of 400 IU/kg vitamin D3 and 50 μg/kg 25-OH-D3 had a better feed conversion ratio and a higher egg laying rate than the other groups. Vitamin D3 supplementation significantly increased the rate of qualified eggs for hatching, eggshell strength and thickness, serum testosterone and progesterone levels, serum total superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities, tibia ash content and bone mineral density (P < 0.05). Dietary 25-OH-D3 supplementation significantly increased serum glutathione peroxidase activity and duodenal villus height and villus height-to-crypt-depth ratio (P < 0.05). The geese receiving 500 IU/kg vitamin D3 and 75 µg/kg 25-OH-D3 had the highest tibia calcium and phosphorous content among all groups (P < 0.05).4. Feeding 400 IU/kg vitamin D3 plus 50 µg/kg 25-OH-D3 gave optimal effects on feed conversion ratio and egg laying rate. This combination could be a nutritional strategy for increasing the laying rate, eggshell quality, serum hormone levels and serum antioxidant function regardless of 25-OH-D3 supplementation. Supplementation of 50 μg/kg 25-OH-D3 could be a recommended dose for improving the serum antioxidant capacity and intestinal morphology regardless of vitamin D3 supplementation.

[Clinical observation of bow-tie adjustable suture technique for overcorrection in intermittent exotropia]

Objective: To investigate the clinical effects of the bow-tie adjustable suture technique in managing overcorrection in patients with intermittent exotropia after surgery. Methods: This was a retrospective case series study. Clinical data were collected from children with intermittent exotropia who underwent strabismus correction surgery, including the bow-tie adjustable suture technique and conventional techniques, at the Department of Strabismus and Pediatric Ophthalmology, Shanxi Eye Hospital, from January 2020 to September 2021. Children with postoperative esodeviation≥15 prism diopters (PD) within the first 6 days were treated differently based on the surgical technique and their individual conditions, including suture adjustment and conservative treatment. The overcorrection rate and its changes among different surgical groups, the recovery of ocular alignment and binocular visual function after different treatment methods in children with overcorrection on the sixth postoperative day, and the postoperative complications in different surgical groups were observed. Statistical analysis was performed using independent samples t-test, Wilcoxon rank-sum test, repeated-measures analysis of variance, Bonferroni test, chi-square test, or Fisher's exact probability test, as appropriate. Results: A total of 643 children who underwent intermittent exotropia correction surgery were included in the study. Among them, 325 children underwent the bow-tie adjustable suture technique, with 185 males and 140 females, and the mean age was (9.50±2.69) years. The remaining 318 children underwent conventional techniques, with 176 males and 142 females, and the mean age was (9.90±2.67) years. There were no statistically significant differences in age and gender distribution between the two surgical groups (all P>0.05). On the first postoperative day, among children who underwent the bow-tie adjustable suture technique, 40 had an esodeviation of≥10 PD, resulting in an overcorrection rate of 12.3% (40/325), while among children who underwent conventional techniques, 32 had an esodeviation of≥10 PD, resulting in an overcorrection rate of 10.1% (32/318). On the sixth postoperative day, these rates decreased to 5.5% (18/325) and 3.1% (10/318) in the two groups, respectively. At 1, 6, and 12 months postoperatively, the overcorrection rate in children who underwent the bow-tie adjustable suture technique was 0, while in children who underwent conventional techniques, the overcorrection rate did not show a significant decrease compared to before surgery. The differences between the two surgical groups were statistically significant (all P<0.05). On the sixth postoperative day, among children with an esodeviation of≥15 PD, 13 underwent suture adjustment and 7 received conservative treatment. The results of repeated-measures analysis of variance showed statistically significant differences in near and distance esodeviation angles among children who received different treatment methods (F=145.20, 106.87, both P<0.001), as well as statistically significant differences in near and distance esodeviation angles at different time points within each group of children (F=81.67, 35.09, both P<0.001). There were also significant differences in the trends of change in near and distance esodeviation angles at different time points among children who received different treatment methods (F=79.90, 36.73, both P<0.001). Further pairwise comparisons showed significant differences in near and distance esodeviation angles between the sixth postoperative day and 1, 6, and 12 months postoperatively in children who underwent suture adjustment (all P<0.05), while no statistically significant differences were observed in children who received conservative treatment (all P>0.05). At 12 months postoperatively, among the 13 children who underwent suture adjustment, 12 achieved stereopsis, while among the 7 children who received conservative treatment, all became stereo-blind after removing the prismatic correction. No serious complications occurred in any of the children postoperatively. Conclusion: The proportion of children with intermittent exotropia who achieved orthotropic alignment one year after surgery was relatively low among those who had an overcorrection of≥15 PD on the sixth postoperative day. The bow-tie adjustable suture technique is a simple and effective approach for managing overcorrection in patients with intermittent exotropia. Adjusting the sutures on the sixth postoperative day can reduce the overcorrection rate and is considered a safe and effective method.

Shaping a Soft Future: Patterning Liquid Metals

This review highlights the unique techniques for patterning liquid metals containing gallium (e.g., eutectic gallium indium, EGaIn). These techniques are enabled by two unique attributes of these liquids relative to solid metals: 1) The fluidity of the metal allows it to be injected, sprayed, and generally dispensed. 2) The solid native oxide shell allows the metal to adhere to surfaces and be shaped in ways that would normally be prohibited due to surface tension. The ability to shape liquid metals into non-spherical structures such as wires, antennas, and electrodes can enable fluidic metallic conductors for stretchable electronics, soft robotics, e-skins, and wearables. The key properties of these metals with a focus on methods to pattern liquid metals into soft or stretchable devices are summari.

Impact of human coronavirus infections on paediatric patients at a tertiary paediatric hospital: a retrospective study of the prepandemic era

BACKGROUND

Human coronaviruses (HCoVs) are important respiratory pathogens in humans and animals. Most HCoVs are emerging pathogens, with five known human pathogens identified in the last two decades.

AIM

To examine the clinical course of HCoV infection in children to improve understanding of severity and outcomes.

METHODS

A retrospective review was undertaken of all encounters of children with known HCoV infection at a tertiary paediatric hospital from January 2015 to January 2018. Electronic medical records were reviewed for demographic data, HCoV type, viral co-pathogens, time to testing, need for hospitalization, requirement for higher-level care (HLC) including intensive care unit management and requirement for oxygen support, radiographic findings suggestive of lower respiratory tract (LRT) disease, and length of stay (LOS).

FINDINGS

In total, 450 encounters for 430 different patients were identified, with the majority (85%) being inpatient. OC43 was the most common HCoV. Younger patients (age <5 years) had higher probability of hospitalization [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 2.2, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.2-4.1], requirement for HLC (aOR 1.8, 95% CI 1.0-3.1) and presence of LRT findings on chest radiographs (aOR 1.7, 95% CI 1.01-2.9). Clinical outcomes did not differ between HCoV types, except LOS which was longer for 229E. Fifty-two (11%) encounters were detected after 3 days of hospitalization (median 25.5 days), suggesting possible nosocomial infection.

CONCLUSION

HCoVs are important respiratory pathogens in the paediatric population, especially among patients aged <5 years who are at increased risk for severe disease. The role of HCoVs as hospital-acquired pathogens may be underappreciated.

Growth of delafossite CuAlO2single crystals in a reactive crucible

Delafossite oxide CuAlO₂has received great attention as a promising p-type conducting oxide. In this work, high-quality CuAlO₂single crystals with a size of several millimeters (mm) are successfully synthesized with areactivecrucible melting method. The crystals are characterized by x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive spectroscopy, transport measurement, and magnetic susceptibility measurement. The CuAlO₂single crystals show semiconducting behavior with hole carriers, which is consistent with other crystals grown by the conventional slow-cooling method. This growth method we reported here eliminates the process of removing the remaining flux, allowing easy access to the high-quality single crystals. This new approach to growing high-quality delafossite oxide CuAlO₂with a few mm size is important for new technologies that demand p-type semiconductor-based device fabrication.

Left atrial anatomical variations correlate with atrial fibrillation sources near the left atrial ridge

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Background

Anatomical variations and characteristics of the left atrium (LA) may have a previously undescribed effect on source locations in atrial fibrillation (AF). Electrographic flow (EGF) mapping is a novel method used to estimate cardiac action potential flow in the atria that can detect AF sources in patients with persistent AF. The EGF technology offers a revolutionary mapping possibility for AF, however, it is not commercially available yet.

Purpose

This is the first study aiming to investigate the relationship between anatomical characteristics of the LA and non-PV sources detected by EGF in patients with persistent AF.

Methods

We collected cardiac computed tomography (CT) and EGF data from patients who underwent radiofrequency catheter ablation (CA) for persistent AF. EGF mapping creates a spatial and temporal reconstruction of electric potentials derived from endocardial unipolar electrograms. By analyzing EGF maps obtained during CA procedures, we localized non-PV sources in the LA. Patients with individual stable sources with a source activity above threshold (leading source present in more than &gt; 26% of the time) were classified as having an S-Type EGF signature with source-dependent AF. Patients with no stable active source pattern and no leading source with a source activity above threshold were characterized as having a C-Type EGF signature consistent with source-independent AF. We assessed LA anatomical characteristics including size, LAA length, LAA ostial diameter, trajectory of the left superior pulmonary vein (LSPV) and its relation to the LAA on cardiac CT scans. Abutting LAA-LSPV was defined as cases when the LSPV touched the posterior aspect of LAA, and the maximal distance between the two structures was less than 2 mm. Those cases where the distance between LAA and LSPV was more than 2 mm were defined as non-abutting LAA-LSPV.

Results

Thirty patients were included in this study (mean age 62.4±6.8 years):23 patients had an S-Type EGF signature (77%), and 7 patients had a C-Type EGF signature (23%). We identified 10 patients with AF sources near the LA ridge, while twenty patients had no leading source near the LA ridge. LA anatomical characteristics, LAA length and ostial diameter showed no correlation with the presence of a leading source near the ridge. We described 19 patients with abutting LAA-LSPV, and 11 patients with non-abutting LAA-LSPV. Three out of 19 patients presented with a leading source near ridge in the abutting LAA-LSPV group, while 7 out of 11 patients presented with a leading source near ridge in the non-abutting LAA-LSPV group (p=0.01).

Conclusion

Our data suggests that non-abutting LAA-LSPV is associated with the presence of AF sources near the LA ridge.

Use of a neural network to generate a whole atrium 3D reconstruction of electrographic flow and basket catheter geometry from biosignals alone

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Background

Electrographic flow (EGF) mapping detects and quantifies patterns of electrical wavefront propagation in the atrial myocardium from basket catheter recordings. However, no single catheter can map the entire endocardial surface simultaneously. Creating panoramic maps of the whole atrium may be possible by reconstructing multiple basket positions obtained within a few minutes of each other.

Purpose

Present a method of 3D reconstruction of EGF maps generated from individual basket recordings using QRS morphologies and CT anatomies.

Methods

EGF maps were generated from unipolar signals recorded over 1 minute from 64-pole basket catheters. QRS morphologies recorded by each individual electrode were used to train a neural network (NN) on the reconstruction of the basket geometries in 3D. The NN uses the similarities between QRS morphologies to represent multiple recordings in one coherent 3D space and spatially integrate phenomena across multiple recordings without any external navigation system.

Results

A basket catheter was placed in the superior vena cava of a chronic AF canine model. The catheter was manually pulled back in steps of 5mm under fluoroscopic supervision. After reconstruction of the 3D electrode positions, a successive displacement of 3.5±1.2mm per step was reproduced. We applied the proposed method on recordings of 18 patients where an EGF source was identified. Independently, an expert determined the source locations on a 3rd party navigation system, based on 10 predefined regions in the left atrium. In 83% of the cases, the proposed method projected the sources in the same or adjacent region.

Conclusion

Novel 3D reconstruction from QRS signatures enables integration of EGF maps from multiple basket recordings that can be aligned with CT anatomy. Due to the real-time EGF map acquisition, synthesizing maps from more than 1 basket position provides a more panoramic visualization of complex atrial flow patterns.

[Short-term outcomes of prism treatment in a manner of reducing prism diopters step by step for small-angle acute acquired concomitant esotropia]

Objective: To investigate the short-term efficacy of the prism treatment in a manner of reducing prism diopters step by step for small-angle acute acquired concomitant esotropia (AACE). Methods: Retrospective case series study. The clinical data of 17 AACE patients with strabismus ≤25 prism degrees (PD) including 6 males and 11 females, aged 14 to 60 years, who underwent the prism treatment in the Strabismus and Pediatric Ophthalmology Clinic of Shanxi Eye Hospital from October 2018 to June 2020 were collected. The prism treatment was conducted by a step-by-step reduction of prism diopters. An under-corrected prism was applied to the patient for the first time, and the degree of the prism was reduced gradually with the decrease in the degree of strabismus. Statistical analysis was performed after 6 months of treatment. The treatment success was defined as obtaining orthotropia and deleting diplopia when prism glasses were weaned off. The strabismus degree, Worth 4 dot test results, near stereopsis (Titmus stereopsis) and synoptophore fusion function before and after treatment were compared, and the factors affecting the curative effect were analyzed. Statistical methods mainly included paired t-test, Wilcoxon rank sum test, the Fisher exact test and univariate logistic regression analysis. Results: Among these 17 patients, 15 had myopia and 2 had emmetropia. Pretherapeutic esodeviation was (13.94±5.83) PD at near (33 cm), and was (15.76±5.24) PD at distance (6 m). After 6 months of treatment, 7 patients were successfully cured. The deviation angle at distance [(10.60±7.16) PD] and near [(9.80±6.00) PD] of the remaining 10 patients at 6 months after prismatic treatment was significantly smaller than that before treatment [(17.50±5.40) PD and (16.10±5.47) PD; t=3.69, 4.10; both P<0.01]. The Titmus stereogram showed that 2 cases had no stereopsis, 6 cases had peripheral stereopsis, 3 cases had macular stereopsis, and 6 cases had foveal stereopsis before treatment. Stereopsis was significantly improved at 6 months after prismatic treatment, with 3 cases havimg macular stereopsis and 14 cases having foveal stereopsis (Z=-2.99; P<0.01). The Worth-4-dot test disclosed that, the number of patients who saw four lamps at distance and near was 0 and 2 before treatment, and 7 and 9 after treatment, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (both P<0.05). The divergent fusional amplitude and convergent fusional amplitude in the synoptophore at 6 month after treatment was not significantly different from that before treatment (both P>0.05). The efficacy of treatment was not significantly related to the duration from onset to treatment, the pretherapeutic esodeviation, the Titmus stereoacuity, cycloplegic refractive error, and age (all P>0.05). None of the 7 patients, who were successfully cured had a recurrence of esotropia or diplopia during the observation period of 6 to 24 months (median, 11 months). Conclusions: Prism treatment in a manner of step-by-step reduction of prism diopters can significantly diminish the degree of esotropia and improve the binocular function in small-angle AACE. Furthermore, some patients could be cured, achieving orthophoria without diplopia.

Are Contact Angle Measurements Useful for Oxide-Coated Liquid Metals?

This work establishes that static contact angles for gallium-based liquid metals have no utility despite the continued and common use of such angles in the literature. In the presence of oxygen, these metals rapidly form a thin (∼1-3 nm) surface oxide "skin" that adheres to many surfaces and mechanically impedes its flow. This property is problematic for contact angle measurements, which presume the ability of liquids to flow freely to adopt shapes that minimize the interfacial energy. We show here that advancing angles for a metal are always high (>140°)-even on substrates to which it adheres-because the solid native oxide must rupture in tension to advance the contact line. The advancing angle for the metal depends subtly on the substrate surface chemistry but does not vary strongly with hydrophobicity of the substrate. During receding measurements, the metal droplet initially sags as the liquid withdraws from the "sac" formed by the skin and thus the contact area with the substrate initially increases despite its volumetric recession. The oxide pins at the perimeter of the deflated "sac" on all the surfaces are tested, except for certain rough surfaces. With additional withdrawal of the liquid metal, the pinned angle gets smaller until eventually the oxide "sac" collapses. Thus, static contact angles can be manipulated mechanically from 0° to >140° due to hysteresis and are therefore uninformative. We also provide recommendations and best practices for wetting experiments, which may find use in applications that use these alloys such as soft electronics, composites, and microfluidics.

Surface Diffusion and Epitaxial Self-Planarization for Wafer-Scale Single-Grain Metal Chalcogenide Thin Films

Although wafer-scale single-grain thin films of 2D metal chalcogenides (MCs) have been extensively sought after during the last decade, the grain size of the MC thin films is still limited in the sub-millimeter scale. A general strategy of synthesizing wafer-scale single-grain MC thin films by using commercial wafers (Si, Ge, GaAs) both as metal source and epitaxial collimator is presented. A new mechanism of single-grain thin-film formation, surface diffusion, and epitaxial self-planarization is proposed, where chalcogen elements migrate preferentially along substrate surface and the epitaxial crystal domains flow to form an atomically smooth thin film. Through synchrotron X-ray diffraction and high-resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy, the formation of single-grain Si₂ Te₃ , GeTe, GeSe, and GaTe thin films on (111) Si, Ge, and (100) GaAs is verified. The Si₂ Te₃ thin film is used to achieve transfer-free fabrication of a high-performance bipolar memristive electrical-switching device.

Single-cell RNA-seq analysis identifies unique chondrocyte subsets and reveals involvement of ferroptosis in human intervertebral disc degeneration

OBJECTIVE

Nucleus pulposus (NP) plays a central role in disc degeneration pathogenesis, however, as a heterogeneous tissue, cell subsets in NP and their corresponding biological process in intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) are unreported.

METHOD

Nucleus pulposus were isolated from normal control and IVDD, and then subjected to single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq). Unsupervised clustering of the cells based on the gene expression profiles using the Seurat package and passed to tSNE for clustering visualization. Rat model of disc degeneration was built to validate the pathways identified by scRNA-Seq.

RESULTS

Seven chondrocyte subsets were revealed in NP based on differential gene expression, among which 4 subsets (C1-C4) were reported for the first time. Furthermore, GO and KEGG analyses discovered that ferroptosis pathways were enriched. Rat model of disc degeneration was built (n = 6/group, control vs. model) to validate the pathways identified by scRNA-Seq. Iron levels of NP were significantly higher in model group than control group (means 0.712 vs. 0.248, respectively, mg/gpro, p = 0.0026), and the levels of Heme Oxygenase 1 (HO-1) were also elevated in model group (means 14.33 vs. 5.16 IOD, respectively, p = 0.0002). However, the levels of ferritin light chain (FTL) were significantly decreased in model group compared to control group (means 26.17 vs. 9.00 FTL⁺ cell number, respectively, p = 0.0011).

CONCLUSIONS

Novel chondrocyte subsets in nucleus pulposus were discovered through scRNA-Seq, which provided novel insight to understand the pathological change during the development of IVDD. Ferroptosis participated in disc degeneration pathogenesis and it might serve as a new target for intervening IVDD.

Transparent Omni-Directional Stretchable Circuit Lines Made by a Junction-Free Grid of Expandable Au Lines

Although various stretchable optoelectronic devices have been reported, omni-directionally stretchable transparent circuit lines have been a great challenge. Cracks are engineered and fabricated to be highly conductive patterned metal circuit lines in which gold (Au) grids are embedded. Au is deposited selectively in the cracks to form a grid without any junction between the grid lines. Since each grid line is expandable under stretching, the circuit lines are stretchable in all the directions. This study shows that a thin coating of aluminum on the oxide surface enables precise control of the cracks (crack density, crack depth) in the oxide layer. High optical transparency and high stretchability can be achieved simultaneously by controlling the grid density in the circuit line. Light-emitting diodes are integrated directly on the circuit lines and stable operation is demonstrated under 100% stretching.

Stretchable anisotropic conductive film (S-ACF) for electrical interfacing in high-resolution stretchable circuits

In stretchable electronics, high-resolution stretchable interfacing at a mild temperature is considered as a great challenge and has not been achieved yet. This study presents a stretchable anisotropic conductive film (S-ACF) that can electrically connect high-resolution stretchable circuit lines to other electrodes whether they are rigid, flexible, or stretchable. The key concepts of this study are (i) high-resolution (~50 μm) but low-contact resistance (0.2 ohm in 0.25 mm²) interfacing by periodically embedding conductive microparticles in thermoplastic film, (ii) low-temperature interfacing through the formation of chemical bonds between the S-ACF and the substrates, (iii) economical interfacing by selectively patterning the S-ACF, and (iv) direct interfacing of chips by using the adhesion of the thermoplastic matrix. We integrate light-emitting diodes on the patterned S-ACF and demonstrate stable light operation at large biaxial areal stretching (ε_xy = 70%).

Electroactive 1T-MoS2 Fluoroelastomer Ink for Intrinsically Stretchable Solid-State In-Plane Supercapacitors

Full advantage of stretchable electronic devices can be taken when utilizing an intrinsically stretchable power source. High-performance stretchable supercapacitors with a simple structure and solid-state operation are good power sources for stretchable electronics. This study suggests a new type of intrinsically stretchable, printable, electroactive ink consisting of 1T-MoS₂ and a fluoroelastomer (FE). The active material (1T-MoS₂/FE) is made by fluorinating the metallic-phase MoS₂ (1T-MoS₂) nanosheets with the FE under high-power ultrasonication. The MoS₂ in the 1T-MoS₂/FE has unconventional crystal structures in which the stable cubic (1T) and distorted 2H structures were mixed. The printed line of the 1T-MoS₂/FE on the porous stretchable Au collector electrodes is intrinsically stretchable at more than ε = 50% and has good specific capacitance (28 mF cm^-2 at 0.2 mA cm^-2) and energy density (3.15 mWh cm^-3). The in-plane all-solid-state stretchable supercapacitor is stretchable at ε = 40% and retains its relative capacity (C/C_o) by 80%. This printable device platform potentially opens up the in-plane fabrication of stretchable micro-supercapacitor devices for wearable electronic applications.

Publication trends and hotspots in enhanced recovery after surgery: 20-year bibliometric analysis

We evaluated enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) research and used bibliometric analysis to quantitatively and qualitatively predict research hotspots through extracting relevant publications from the core collection of the Web of Science database.

Interface Design for Stretchable Electronic Devices

Stretchable electronics has emerged over the past decade and is now expected to bring form factor-free innovation in the next-generation electronic devices. Stretchable devices have evolved with the synthesis of new soft materials and new device architectures that require significant deformability while maintaining the high device performance of the conventional rigid devices. As the mismatch in the mechanical stiffness between materials, layers, and device units is the major challenge for stretchable electronics, interface control in varying scales determines the device characteristics and the level of stretchability. This article reviews the recent advances in interface control for stretchable electronic devices. It summarizes the design principles and covers the representative approaches for solving the technological issues related to interfaces at different scales: i) nano- and microscale interfaces between materials, ii) mesoscale interfaces between layers or microstructures, and iii) macroscale interfaces between unit devices, substrates, or electrical connections. The last section discusses the current issues and future challenges of the interfaces for stretchable devices.

Hydrogen-doped viscoplastic liquid metal microparticles for stretchable printed metal lines

Conductive and stretchable electrodes that can be printed directly on a stretchable substrate have drawn extensive attention for wearable electronics and electronic skins. Printable inks that contain liquid metal are strong candidates for these applications, but the insulating oxide skin that forms around the liquid metal particles limits their conductivity. This study reveals that hydrogen doping introduced by ultrasonication in the presence of aliphatic polymers makes the oxide skin highly conductive and deformable. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and atom probe tomography confirmed the hydrogen doping, and first-principles calculations were used to rationalize the obtained conductivity. The printed circuit lines show a metallic conductivity (25,000 S cm^-1), excellent electromechanical decoupling at a 500% uniaxial stretching, mechanical resistance to scratches and long-term stability in wide ranges of temperature and humidity. The self-passivation of the printed lines allows the direct printing of three-dimensional circuit lines and double-layer planar coils that are used as stretchable inductive strain sensors.

Multiple-Scale Analysis of Water Quality Variations and Their Correlation with Land use in Highly Urbanized Taihu Basin, China

Understanding the relationship between land use and water quality at different scales is essential in the restoration and protection of water quality. On March 2014, we collected 97 samples in highly urbanized Taihu Basin and analyzed their water quality characteristics. Spatial differences in water quality were evident in sub-basins. The Hu Xi zone with the largest forest area had the best water quality among all the sub-basins. The correlation analysis indicated that the proportions of forest and construction land were significantly associated with multiple water quality variables from buffer to sub-basin scale. Farmland was significantly related to NO₃-N at the sub-basin scale. The impact of landscape metrics at the sub-basin was insignificant. Forest and construction land in the 1-2 km buffer zone appeared to have a greater influence on the water quality than the buffers with smaller distance. These results are beneficial toward the understanding of water quality status in highly urbanized watersheds and provide a reference for water quality conservation and land use management in the future.

A higher level of total bile acid in early mid-pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of gestational diabetes mellitus: a prospective cohort study in Wuhan, China

PURPOSE

To assess the longitudinal associations between maternal total bile acid (TBA) levels during early mid-pregnancy and the subsequent risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

METHODS

In a prospective cohort study, pregnant women who were enrolled prior to gestational week 16 were followed until delivery. TBA levels were tested during weeks 14-18 of gestation. Using logistic regression, we analyzed the associations between quartiles of TBA and GDM based on a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) at 24-28 gestational weeks.

RESULTS

The GDM rate was 7.9% (114/1441). The mean TBA level was higher in women with GDM than in those without GDM (2.1 ± 2.0 vs 1.5 ± 1.0 µmol/L, P = 0.000). The highest TBA level quartile (2.1-10.7 µmol/L) had a 1.78-fold (95% CI 1.01, 3.14) increased risk of GDM compared with that of the lowest quartile (0.0-0.8 µmol/L) after adjusting for pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI), gestational, age at TBA test and other confounders. High TBA levels were involved in the fasting glucose level rather than that at 1 h and 2 h after OGTT in all participants.

CONCLUSIONS

Pregnant women with higher serum TBA levels during early mid-pregnancy have a higher risk of developing GDM. TBA may be a new risk factor for GDM.

Subnanosecond phase transition dynamics in laser-shocked iron

Iron is one of the most studied chemical elements due to its sociotechnological and planetary importance; hence, understanding its structural transition dynamics is of vital interest. By combining a short pulse optical laser and an ultrashort free electron laser pulse, we have observed the subnanosecond structural dynamics of iron from high-quality x-ray diffraction data measured at 50-ps intervals up to 2500 ps. We unequivocally identify a three-wave structure during the initial compression and a two-wave structure during the decaying shock, involving all of the known structural types of iron (α-, γ-, and ε-phase). In the final stage, negative lattice pressures are generated by the propagation of rarefaction waves, leading to the formation of expanded phases and the recovery of γ-phase. Our observations demonstrate the unique capability of measuring the atomistic evolution during the entire lattice compression and release processes at unprecedented time and strain rate.

Electro-Photoluminescence Color Change for Deformable Visual Encryption

Although structural coloring and photoluminescence (PL) have been investigated for radiation-responsive color change, electroluminescence (EL) has not been used for the radiation-responsive system. An electro-photoluminescence (EPL) color change is presented here. The phosphors in the alternating current electroluminescence (ACEL) act simultaneously as electro-luminophores and photo-luminophores. The EPL chromaticity is systematically investigated depending on the ACEL frequency and UV intensity. It is found that the PL variation depending on UV intensity is the mechanism of the EPL color change. It is revealed that EL and PL can be controlled independently in the low electric field so that the EPL chromaticity can be adjusted by a linear combination of the EL color and the PL color. The EPL color-changing device is used as a deformable visual encryption system and a soft skin for a soft robotic rover, imitating the concealment and signaling functions in nature.

A New Framework for Performing Cardiac Strain Analysis from Cine MRI Imaging in Mice

Cardiac magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is one of the most rigorous form of imaging to assess cardiac function in vivo. Strain analysis allows comprehensive assessment of diastolic myocardial function, which is not indicated by measuring systolic functional parameters using with a normal cine imaging module. Due to the small heart size in mice, it is not possible to perform proper tagged imaging to assess strain. Here, we developed a novel deep learning approach for automated quantification of strain from cardiac cine MR images. Our framework starts by an accurate localization of the LV blood pool center-point using a fully convolutional neural network (FCN) architecture. Then, a region of interest (ROI) that contains the LV is extracted from all heart sections. The extracted ROIs are used for the segmentation of the LV cavity and myocardium via a novel FCN architecture. For strain analysis, we developed a Laplace-based approach to track the LV wall points by solving the Laplace equation between the LV contours of each two successive image frames over the cardiac cycle. Following tracking, the strain estimation is performed using the Lagrangian-based approach. This new automated system for strain analysis was validated by comparing the outcome of these analysis with the tagged MR images from the same mice. There were no significant differences between the strain data obtained from our algorithm using cine compared to tagged MR imaging. Furthermore, we demonstrated that our new algorithm can determine the strain differences between normal and diseased hearts.

Diazoxide induces endoplasmic reticulum stress-related neuroprotection mediated by p38 MAPK against Aβ25-35 insults

OBJECTIVE

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) -resident caspase-12 was identified as a mediator of Aβ neurotoxicity. Recent evidence indicates that mitochondrial ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channel openers mediate their neuroprotective role by adjusting ER stress pathways, but the molecular details remain largely unknown and have been investigated.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this study, the protein expression levels of calreticulin (CRT) and caspase-12 activation and phosphorylated p38 MAPK were observed by immunoblotting in cultured PC12 cells from different groups: treatment with Aβ25-35 (group Aβ25-35), treatment with diazoxide (group diazoxide), pretreatment with diazoxide and then exposure to Aβ25-35 (group diazoxide + Aβ25-35), pretreatment with p38 MAPK inhibitor SB 203580 and then exposure to diazoxide and Aβ25-35 (group SB 203580 + diazoxide + Aβ25-35), and the control (group control).

RESULTS

In response to the treatment with Aβ25-35 (10 µM) for 24 h, the protein expression levels of CRT and caspase-12 activation were increased and phosphorylated p38 MAPK was decreased significantly. Diazoxide reduced CRT overexpression and caspase-12 activation and increased the up-regulation of phosphorylated p38 MAPK. When SB 203580 was presented before exposure to diazoxide and Aβ25-35, CRT expression was markedly suppressed, and the inhibition effect of diazoxide on caspase-12 activation was almost eliminated.

CONCLUSIONS

We showed that diazoxide induced ERS-related neuroprotection mediated by p38 MAPK against Aβ25-35 insults. From the clinical point of view, these results are of considerable importance for the understanding of AD pathogenesis. However, further studies are required to explore more detailed mechanisms of the observed effects.

Linc-ROR promotes endometrial cell proliferation by activating the PI3K-Akt pathway

OBJECTIVE

To observe the expressions of Linc-ROR and proteins in the PI3K-Akt pathway in an ectopic lesion of adenomyosis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The expression of Linc-ROR in the ectopic endometrium, eutopic endometrium, and normal endometrium of adenomyosis was detected by qRT-PCR. Western blot was used to detect the protein expressions of PI3K-Akt in endometriosis and lesion endometriosis. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was utilized to detect cell proliferative activity. After interfering or overexpressing Linc-ROR, protein expressions of the PI3K-Akt pathway were detected by Western blot.

RESULTS

Linc-ROR expression in the ectopic endometrium of adenomyosis was higher than that in the eutopic endometrium and normal endometrium, and the expression level of PTEN in adenomyosis tissues was decreased, whilst expression levels of Akt, p-Akt, p-PTEN were increased. Clinical data of enrolled patients indicated that there was a relationship between Linc-ROR expression and the type and severity of dysmenorrhea of adenomyosis. However, no relationship was observed between Linc-ROR expression and age, cesarean section, uterine surgery, and menstrual cycle. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay showed that the proliferative activity of cells was significantly decreased after knockdown of Linc-ROR in the adenomyosis cells. Western blot revealed that the expression level of PTEN increased but the expression levels of p-Akt, p-PTEN and p-PDK1 decreased. Overexpression of Linc-ROR obtained the opposite results.

CONCLUSIONS

Linc-ROR is highly expressed in the ectopic endometrium of adenomyosis, and it can promote the proliferative activity of endometrial cells by activating the PI3K-Akt pathway.

Liquid Metal Covered with Thermoplastic Conductive Composites for High Electrical Stability and Negligible Electromechanical Coupling at Large Strains

Stretchable electrode is an essential part of soft electronic devices. Practical stretchable electrodes must meet the following requirements: metallic conductivity and no resistance change in various situations such as repeated large deformation, toxic environment, and large temperature change. This study suggests a simple electrode design that meets all of these requirements simultaneously. The electrode consists of a liquid metal (LM) mesh pattern that is sandwiched between a thermoplastic block copolymer (BCP) film and a BCP/Ag flake composite film with a microfibril network structure on its surface. The electrode has a high conductivity (1.2 × 10⁴ S/cm) and is stretchable up to 600% uniaxial strain (ε). Its resistance remains unchanged during repeated stretching cycles at ε = 300% (ΔR < 0.04 Ω) as well as under simultaneous situation of large deformation (ε = 400%) and large temperature change (20-70 °C). The electrode is anticorrosive in an acidic solution owing to the hydrophobic BCP layer that protects the LM from being etched. This study shows the connection of two separate electrodes and complete healing of scratched electrodes by finger pressing. In addition, it demonstrates the fabrication of superstretchable electroluminescence display as an example of potential uses of the electrode.

Fabrication of Foldable Metal Interconnections by Hybridizing with Amorphous Carbon Ultrathin Anisotropic Conductive Film

With the advent of foldable electronics, it is necessary to develop a technology ensuring foldability when the circuit lines are placed on the topmost substrate rather than in the neutral plane used in the present industry. Considering the potential technological impacts, conversion of the conventional printed circuit boards to foldable ones is most desirable to achieve the topmost circuitry. This study realizes this unconventional conversion concept by coating an ultrathin anisotropic conductive film (UACF) on a printed metal circuit board. This study presents rapid large-area synthesis of hydrogenated amorphous carbon (a-C:H) thin films and their use as the UACF. Since the synthesized a-C:H thin film has electrical transparency, the metal/a-C:H hybrid board reflects the complexity of the underlying metal circuit board. The a-C:H thin film electrically connects the cracked area of the metal line; thus, the hybrid circuit board is foldable without resistance change during repeated folding cycles. The metal/UACF hybrid circuit board can be applied to the fabrication of various foldable electronic devices.

Abstract P5-12-07: Expression of adipocyte fatty acid binding protein promotes obesity-associated mammary tumor growth

Background: The underlying mechanisms that drive obesity-related breast cancer remain unclear. Adipocyte/macrophage fatty acid binding protein (A-FABP) is linked to obesity and breast cancer, while transforming growth factor (TGF)β appears to play a pleiotropic role in breast cancer, suppressing its development but promoting its progression. Whether the proteins work together to drive breast cancer progression is not known. We evaluated the expression of these two markers in matched serum from healthy women and women with breast cancer.

Hypothesis: A-FABP and TGFβ drive breast cancer development and progression.

Methods: Serum was collected under an institutional review board approved protocol. A-FABP was measured in serum collected from 275 women (92 with breast cancer and 183 without) and TGFβ from 245 matched women (92 with breast cancer and 153 without). A-FABP levels were measured using a human A-FABP4 ELISA kit while TGFβ was measured using human TGFβ ELISA kit. The Kruskal-Wallis test was used to determine if a difference in marker expression existed between women with and without breast cancer, as well as in women with early vs. more advanced breast cancer. Linear mixed effect models were used to examine the relationship between A-FABP and BMI, as well as between TGFβ and BMI, controlling for age, menopause status and a diagnosis of breast cancer.

Results:A-FABP expression was higher in obese than lean postmenopausal women, both those with breast cancer (mean : 44.9 vs. 25.1 ng/mL, p=0.002) and without breast cancer (39.4 vs. 26.9 ng/mL, p=0.003). A-FABP expression was also higher in premenopausal obese vs. lean women with cancer (28.9 vs. 12.7 ng/mL, p=0.027), but not in premenopausal healthy women. A-FABP expression was higher in postmenopausal obese vs. lean women with early stage (0-2A) breast cancer (45.6 vs. 21.9 ng/mL, p=0.013) and was inversely associated with HER-2 expression, though being of borderline significance (p=0.060). This was most notable among triple negative vs. ER/PR negative HER2 positive breast cancers. Considering both early and advanced breast cancer, TGFβ expression trended higher in post- than in pre-menopausal obese women with breast cancer (138.9 vs. 68.7 pg/mL, p=0.061), however among premenopausal women with advanced (Stages 2B-3C) disease, TGFβ expression was 5 fold higher in lean than obese individuals (251.7 vs. 48.2 pg/mL, p=0.029) but trended higher in obese vs lean postmenopausal women. TGFβ and A-FABP were found to be significantly associated (ρ=0.14, p=0.024).

Impact: Both A-FABP and TGFβ expression are associated with postmenopausal breast cancer among obese women, and their expression in matched samples is significantly associated.. TGFβ is associated with premenopausal advanced breast cancer in premenopausal women. TGFβ is known to induce epithelial mesenchymal transition and may play a role in pregnancy associated breast cancer. Further studies are needed to determine if A-FABP and TGFβ work together in postmenopausal breast cancer.

Citation Format: Sauter E, Hao J, Yan X, Kong M, Li B. Expression of adipocyte fatty acid binding protein promotes obesity-associated mammary tumor growth [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P5-12-07.

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement in atypical valve anatomy using the Lotus valve : A Chinese single-center experience

BACKGROUND

In the West, the safety and efficacy of the Lotus valve have been demonstrated; however, data in the Chinese population are still lacking. Few studies have compared the clinical outcomes of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) with the Lotus valve in patients with bicuspid or tricuspid aortic valve stenosis. Our aim was to assess TAVR outcomes with the Lotus aortic valve in a Chinese patient cohort.

METHODS

In total, 23 symptomatic, high-surgical risk patients with severe aortic valve stenosis were enrolled. Among them, nine patients (39%) had bicuspid aortic valves, and three patients had a large annulus dimension. The Lotus valve was successfully implanted in all patients. To facilitate accurate positioning, partial re-sheathing was attempted in ten patients (43.5%), while one patient had a full retrieval. One-year clinical follow-up was completed in all patients.

RESULTS

There were no deaths, strokes, or major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events in 22 of the 23 patients at 30 days; the all-cause mortality rate at 1 year was 4.4% (1 of 23 patients). The mean aortic valve gradient decreased from 51.5 ± 8.8 mm Hg at baseline to 13.4 ± 4.9 mm Hg (p < 0.001) and the valve area increased from 0.6 ± 0.2 cm² to 1.5 ± 0.4 cm² (p < 0.001) at 30 days. Paravalvular leakage was absent or mild (22%), and no patient had severe paravalvular leakage. Six patients (26.1%) required a postprocedural pacemaker. There was no difference regarding the procedural and the 1‑year outcomes between patients with bicuspid and tricuspid aortic valve stenosis.

CONCLUSION

Our single-center experience demonstrated that the Lotus valve is feasible and effective for Chinese patients with aortic valve stenosis, including atypical cases with bicuspid aortic valves or large aortic annulus size.

The combination of apolipoprotein E4, age and Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale - Cognitive Subscale improves the prediction of amyloid positron emission tomography status in clinically diagnosed mild cognitive impairment

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Randomized clinical trials involving anti-amyloid interventions focus on the early stages of Alzheimer's disease (AD) with proven amyloid pathology, using amyloid positron emission tomography (amyloid-PET) imaging or cerebrospinal fluid analysis. However, these investigations are either expensive or invasive and are not readily available in resource-limited centres. Hence, the identification of cost-effective clinical alternatives to amyloid-PET is highly desirable. This study aimed to investigate the accuracy of combined clinical markers in predicting amyloid-PET status in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) individuals.

METHODS

In all, 406 MCI participants from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative database were dichotomized into amyloid-PET(+) and amyloid-PET(-) using a cut-off of >1.11. The accuracies of single clinical markers [apolipoprotein E4 (ApoE4) genotype, demographics, cognitive measures and cerebrospinal fluid analysis] in predicting amyloid-PET status were evaluated using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. A logistic regression model was then used to determine the optimal model with combined clinical markers to predict amyloid-PET status.

RESULTS

Cerebrospinal fluid amyloid-β (Aβ) showed the best predictive accuracy of amyloid-PET status [area under the curve (AUC) = 0.927]. Whilst ApoE4 genotype (AUC = 0.737) and Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale - Cognitive Subscale (ADAS-Cog) 13 (AUC = 0.724) independently discriminated amyloid-PET(+) and amyloid-PET(-) MCI individuals, the combination of clinical markers (ApoE4 carrier, age >60 years and ADAS-Cog 13 > 13.5) improved the predictive accuracy of amyloid-PET status (AUC = 0.827, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Cerebrospinal fluid Aβ, which is an invasive procedure, is most accurate in predicting amyloid-PET status in MCI individuals. The combination of ApoE4, age and ADAS-Cog 13 also accurately predicts amyloid-PET status. As this combination of clinical markers is cheap, non-invasive and readily available, it offers an attractive surrogate assessment for amyloid status amongst MCI individuals in resource-limited settings.

Block Copolymer Elastomers for Stretchable Electronics

As industrial needs for healthcare sensors, electronic skin, and flexible/stretchable displays increase, interest in stretchable materials is increasing as well. In recent years, the studies on stretchable materials have spread to various pivot components, such as electrodes, circuits, substrates, semiconductors, dielectric layers, membranes, and active nanocomposite films. The block copolymer (BC) elastomers have been playing considerable role in the development of stretchable materials. Since BCs are soft elastomers based on physical cross-links, they show differences in physical properties from normal elastomers formed with chemical cross-linking. BC elastomers does not require additional chemical cross-linking procedure, so they can be easily processed after dissolved in various solvents. Their viscoelasticity and thermoplasticity enable the BCs to become moldable and sticky. Although their unique physical properties may serve as disadvantages in some cases, they have been actively applied to create various stretchable electronic materials and their uses are expected to be enlarged more than ever. In this Account, we summarize recent successful applications of BCs for the stretchable electronic devices and discuss the possibility of further uses and the challenges to be addressed for practical uses. Studies on BC-based stretchable materials have focused initially on the fabrication process of stretchable conductors; mixing conductive fillers physically with BCs, infiltrating BCs in a conductive filler layer, and converting metal precursors into metal nanoparticles inside BCs. When conductive fillers with high aspect ratios, such as nanowires or nanosheets are used, the fillers can be infiltrated by the BCs after deposited. Since the contacts between the fillers are maintained during the infiltration process, even thin composite films possess high conductivity and stretchability. The metal precursor solution printing is suggested as a promising approach because it is compatible with traditional printing techniques without clogging the nozzles and allows high filler loading efficiency. When using a BC as a substrate, it is advisable to use a BC/PDMS double layer because of viscoelastic and thermoplastic properties of BCs. If BC/PDMS double layer is used with much thicker PDMS layer instead of viscoelastic BC alone, the double layer substrate can show a perfect elastomeric behavior, and the advantages of the BC substrate are preserved. Additionally, the use of conventional manufacturing techniques is important for commercialization of the stretchable devices. BC substrates having preformed microfibril network on their surfaces facilitate the fabrication of high-resolution circuitry by directly depositing metals through a mask on the substrate. Recent successes of fabricating stretchable organic transistors were obtained based on in situ phase separation of polymer semiconductors to form nanofibril bundles on the surface of a BC substrate. They have led to the achievement of high resolution transistor array printed in large area. BCs are expected to expand their applicability, including stretchable batteries, since they make it feasible to fabricate various hybrid nanocomposites, pore size-controlled membranes, and microstructured surfaces. However, it is necessary to secure long-term stability under heat, solvent, and UV; in addition, there is a need for the synthesis of functional BCs for use in stretchable implanted biomedical devices.

S-nitrosylation of Src by NR2B-nNOS signal causes Src activation and NR2B tyrosine phosphorylation in levodopa-induced dyskinetic rat model

Abnormality in Src PSD-95 NR2B signaling complex assemble occurs in levodopa-induced dyskinesia (LID). N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) subunit NR2B tyrosine phosphorylation mediated by Src family protein tyrosine kinases is closely associated with dyskinesia. Src autophosphorylation (p-Src) is an important part of Src-catalyzed phosphorylation of NR2B. In addition, the neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS)-derived NO (nNOS/NO) signal which was also involved in dyskinesia recently was proved to participate in the regulation of Src function. Yet, the detailed signal mechanism about the interactions of NR2B, nNOS, and Src is still unknown. In the present study, we investigated the influences of nNOS on Src activation and NR2B tyrosine phosphorylation in dyskinetic rat model by immunoblotting and immunoprecipitation. The results demonstrated that chronic levodopa treatment resulted in downregulation of p-nNOS-S847, one marker of nNOS overactivation. Coinstantaneously, the S-nitrosylation (SNO-Src) and autophosphorylation (p-Src) of Src and NR2B tyrosine phosphorylation were upregulated in dyskinetic rat model. Conversely, administration of 7-NI, one nNOS inhibitor, reversed all these effects of levodopa treatment. Besides, NR2B-containing NMDAR (NR2B/NMDAR) antagonist CP-101,606 could upregulate p-nNOS-S847 and thus attenuate nNOS activation and simultaneously reduce the SNO-Src, p-Src, and NR2B tyrosine phosphorylation. Taken together, the S-nitrosylation of Src is caused by nNOS/NO signal, which is overactivated via Ca²⁺ influx dependent on NR2B/NMDAR, and subsequently facilitates Src auto-tyrosine phosphorylation and further phosphorylates NR2B. The "NR2B/NMDAR-nNOS/NO-SNO-Src-p-Src-NR2B/NMDAR" signaling cycle may be the molecular basis of NR2B tyrosine phosphorylation upward positive feedback, which demonstrates the possibility as one latent target for dyskinesia therapy.

Change of Femoral Anteversion Angle in Children With Intoeing Gait Measured by Three-Dimensional Computed Tomography Reconstruction: One-Year Follow-Up Study

Objective

To evaluate femoral anteversion angle (FAA) change in children with intoeing gait depending on age, gender, and initial FAA using three-dimensional computed tomography (3D-CT).

Methods

The 3D-CT data acquired between 2006 and 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. Children 4 to 10 years of age with symptomatic intoeing gait with follow-up interval of at least 1 year without active treatment were enrolled. Subjects were divided into three groups based on age: group 1 (≥4 and <6 years), group 2 (≥6 and <8 years), and group 3 (≥8 and <10 years). Initial and follow-up FAAs were measured using 3D-CT. Mean changes in FAAs were calculated and compared.

Results

A total of 200 lower limbs of 100 children (48 males and 52 females, mean age of 6.1±1.6 years) were included. The mean follow-up period was 18.0±5.4 months. Average initial and follow-up FAA in children with intoeing gait was 31.1°±7.8° and 28.9°±8.2°, respectively. The initial FAA of group 1 was largest (33.5°±7.7°). Follow-up FAA of group 1 was significantly reduced to 28.7°±9.2° (p=0.000). FAA changes in groups 1, 2, and 3 were −6.5°±5.8°, −6.4°±5.1°, and −5.3°±4.0°, respectively. These changes of FAA were not significantly (p=0.355) different among the three age groups. However, FAA changes were higher (p=0.012) in females than those in males. In addition, FAA changes showed difference depending on initial FAA. When initial FAA was smaller than 30°, mean FAA change was −5.6°±4.9°. When initial FAA was more than 30°, mean FAA change was −6.8°±5.4° (p=0.019).

Conclusion

FAA initial in children with intoeing gait was the greatest in age group 1 (4–6 years). This group also showed significant FAA decrease at follow-up. FAA changes were greater when the child was a female, younger, and had greater initial FAA.

Fully Elastic Conductive Films from Viscoelastic Composites

We investigated, for the first time, the conditions where a thermoplastic conductive composite can exhibit completely reversible stretchability at high elongational strains (ε = 1.8). We studied a composite of Au nanosheets and a polystyrene-block-polybutadiene-block-polystyrene block copolymer as an example. The composite had an outstandingly low sheet resistance (0.45 Ω/sq). We found that when a thin thermoplastic composite film is placed on a relatively thicker chemically cross-linked elastomer film, it can follow the reversible elastic behavior of the bottom elastomer. Such elasticity comes from the restoration of the block copolymer microstructure. The strong adhesion of the thermoplastic polymer to the metallic fillers is advantageous in the fabrication of mechanically robust, highly conductive, stretchable electrodes. The chemical stability of the Au composite was used to fabricate high luminescence, stretchable electrochemiluminescence displays with a conventional top-bottom electrode setup and with a horizontal electrode setup.

Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. mori, a New Forma Specialis Causing Fusarium Wilt of Blackberry

Fusarium oxysporum has recently been identified as the cause of a wilt disease affecting blackberry in California and Mexico. Thirty-six isolates of F. oxysporum obtained from symptomatic blackberry plants in California and Mexico were comprised of nine distinct somatic compatibility groups (SCGs). Phylogenetic analysis of a concatenated data set, consisting of sequences of the translation elongation factor 1-α and β-tubulin genes and the intergenic spacer of the ribosomal DNA, identified nine three-locus sequence types, each of which corresponded to an SCG. Six SCGs were present only in California, two only in Mexico, and one in both California and Mexico. An isolate associated with the most common SCG in California was tested for pathogenicity on blueberry, raspberry, strawberry, and lettuce. All blueberry, raspberry, and lettuce plants that were inoculated remained healthy, but two of the five strawberry cultivars tested developed symptoms. The three strawberry cultivars that were resistant to the blackberry pathogen were also resistant to F. oxysporum f. sp. fragariae, the cause of Fusarium wilt of strawberry. We propose to designate strains of F. oxysporum that are pathogenic to blackberry as Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. mori forma specialis nov.

Boosting up the electrical performance of low-grade PEDOT:PSS by optimizing non-ionic surfactants

Although PEDOT:PSS has already been applied to various electronic devices, commercialized PEDOT:PSS products having high conductivity are expensive, which is a considerable burden on device manufacturing. In this study, we optimize non-ionic surfactants mixed in a PEDOT:PSS solution to upgrade a low-grade product of low conductivity to the level of a high-grade product of high conductivity. This study systematically investigates the phase diagram, morphology, conductivity, and mechanical stability of the PEDOT:PSS films according to the hydrophilicity of non-ionic surfactants. This study reveals that the conductivity of the PEDOT:PSS film varies greatly depending on the chemical structure of the surfactant and its weight fraction in the thin film. Under the optimum conditions (chemical structure and weight fraction) of the surfactant, the conductivity of the low value product could be improved to the conductivity level of the high value product. The electrical properties of the films were excellently stable even under the extreme cyclic bending tests at a bending radius of 1.5 mm. The low-grade and high grade products showed the same electrical performance when they were used in the Ag nanowires/PEDOT:PSS hybrid transparent electrodes. The results are expected to be applied immediately not only in the laboratory but also in various industrial fields.

Tumor-associated mutant p53 promotes cancer cell survival upon glutamine deprivation through p21 induction

Cancer cells depend on glutamine to sustain their increased proliferation and manage oxidative stress, yet glutamine is often depleted at tumor sites due to excessive cellular consumption and poor vascularization. We have previously reported that p53 protein, while a well-known tumor suppressor, can contribute to cancer cell survival and adaptation to low glutamine conditions. However, the TP53 gene is frequently mutated in tumors, and the role of mutant p53 (mutp53) in response to metabolic stress remains unclear. Here, we demonstrate that tumor-associated mutp53 promotes cancer cell survival upon glutamine deprivation both in vitro and in vivo. Interestingly, cancer cells expressing mutp53 proteins are more resistant to glutamine deprivation than cells with wild type p53 (wtp53). Depletion of endogenous mutp53 protein in human lymphoma cells leads to cell sensitivity to glutamine withdrawal, while expression of mutp53 in p53 null cells results in resistance to glutamine deprivation. Furthermore, we found that mutp53 proteins hyper-transactivate p53 target gene CDKN1A upon glutamine deprivation, thus triggering cell cycle arrest and promoting cell survival. Together, our results reveal an unidentified mechanism by which mutp53 confers oncogenic functions by promoting cancer cell adaptation to metabolic stresses.