Article
Chemistry, Physical
Long Ma, Xuan An, Fenhong Song, Yinghua Qiu
Summary: The enhancement of ionic diffusion by charged exterior surfaces is investigated, and the relationship between effective charged areas and nanopore characteristics is explored.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Kenichi Nagase, Haruno Wakayama, Junnosuke Matsuda, Naoto Kojima, Hideko Kanazawa
Summary: Thermoresponsive mixed polymer brushes were developed to modulate cell adhesion through temperature change. These brushes enhanced cell adhesion and exhibited thermoresponsive adhesion and detachment properties with different cell types.
MATERIALS TODAY BIO
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Jingwen Zhu, Daniel Margulies, Anqi Qiu
Summary: It has been found that fluctuations in fMRI data can reflect meaningful patterns of brain activity in the white matter. This study used resting-state fMRI from adolescents to investigate the formation of large-scale white matter functional gradients. The results showed gray-matter-like unimodal-to-transmodal and sensorimotor-to-visual gradients with specific cognitive associations, as well as a unique superficial-to-deep gradient with nonspecific cognitive associations. The formation of these functional gradients is likely influenced by both functional and structural mechanisms during adolescence.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Josh D. Littlefair, Daniel J. Cole, Thomas J. Penfold
Summary: This study uses simple approximations to improve the accuracy of density functionals, while simultaneously investigating the impact of energy and density errors in CuCl and related complexes; the results show that simple metrics can reveal the relative contributions of energy errors from approximate density and exchange-correlation functionals.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF QUANTUM CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Yu Wang, Takahiro Shimada, Jie Wang, Takayuki Kitamura, Hiroyuki Hirakata
Summary: This study demonstrates the rectilinear motion of individual skyrmions in temperature gradients using a temperature-related phase field model and reveals that the energy imbalance induced by temperature gradients drives the motion of skyrmions. A kinematic equation is proposed to describe the motion of skyrmions in temperature gradients.
Article
Polymer Science
Koosha Ehtiati, Saeed Z. Moghaddam, Anders E. Daugaard, Esben Thormann
Summary: This study systematically investigated how nonelectrostatic interactions dramatically affect the swelling behavior of polyelectrolyte brushes, revealing fundamentally different swelling behaviors depending on the relative contributions of ion osmotic and nonelectrostatic effects. The results provide new opportunities for applications of polyelectrolyte brushes based on their tunable hydrophobicity and suggest new ideas for fundamental investigations of these systems.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yu Feng, Jin-Peng Xue, Tian-Dong Zhang, Qing-Guo Chi, Jing-Lei Li, Qing-Guo Chen, Jian-Jun Wang, Long-Qing Chen
Summary: The study demonstrates that by introducing double gradients into the microstructure design, the energy density of polymer nanocomposites can be improved, achieving optimized energy storage performance.
ENERGY STORAGE MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jessica L. Faubel, Wenbin Wei, Jennifer E. Curtis
Summary: A method for sculpting ultra-thick, enzyme-generated hyaluronan polymer brushes with light is presented, where the patterning mechanism is driven by reactive oxygen species created by photochemical interactions. Indirect spatial control over the grafting density and quantitative variation of the brush height is achieved by inactivating the enzyme in an energy dose-dependent manner. This method lays the foundation for flexible and quantitative sculpting of complex three-dimensional landscapes in enzyme-generated hyaluronan brushes.
Article
Neurosciences
Xinyu Liang, Chenxi Zhao, Xinhu Jin, Yaya Jiang, Liyuan Yang, Yijun Chen, Gaolang Gong
Summary: The study found symmetrical functional gradients between the left and right hemispheres of the human brain, with the left hemisphere showing a larger range of the principal gradient and greater asymmetry in males. Additionally, sex had an impact on the asymmetry of certain brain regions.
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Lei Jing, Yabin Yang, Changli Yao, Longjun Qiu, Deyuan Chen, Menglong Xu
Summary: The spatial position and dip feature of density boundaries are crucial for the study of fault and tectonic frameworks. A density gradient inversion method is proposed to quantitatively and qualitatively identify the strike and dip features of faults, overcoming the limitations of sparse distribution and poor lateral resolution of existing seismic data.
FRONTIERS IN EARTH SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Biology
Majd Abdallah, Gaston E. Zanitti, Valentin Iovene, Demian Wassermann
Summary: This study utilizes a novel approach to infer the functional organization of the LPFC through analyzing a large number of neuroimaging studies. The study reveals rostrocaudal and dorsoventral gradients in the LPFC, as well as specific structure-function associations. The study also identifies inter-hemispheric asymmetries.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jiufeng Dong, Renchao Hu, Yujuan Niu, Liang Sun, Liuting Li, Shuai Li, Desheng Pan, Xinwei Xu, Rui Gong, Jin Cheng, Zizhao Pan, Qing Wang, Hong Wang
Summary: The interface plays a significant role in the conduction and breakdown behaviors of dielectric materials. This study focuses on the effect of the energy level structure in the filler/polymer and electrode/dielectric interface region on the breakdown strength and high-temperature energy storage performances. By incorporating wide bandgap oxide layers, this study reveals that the energy level structure of the interface region can be regulated, which introduces deep traps in the nanocomposites and increases the Schottky barrier to impede charge injection and transport. The nanocomposites exhibit enhanced dielectric constants and improved capacitive performance at elevated temperatures.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Rupesh Rohan, Miao-Ken Hung, Yi-Fei Yang, Chia-Wei Hsu, Cheng-Kuang Yeh, Yu-Lung Chang, Jyh-Tsung Lee
Summary: By reducing grafting density, the PTMA brush exhibited excellent high-rate performance and cycle-life performance in thin-film organic radical battery cells, attributed to the loose packing of polymer chains that enhanced polymer chain mobility and transportation of ClO4- anions.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Biology
Jakob Thyrring, Lloyd S. Peck
Summary: Global latitudinal diversity gradients in rocky intertidal alpha-diversity exist, but they are outweighed by local processes rather than global-scale drivers. Species richness of three functional groups declines with latitude, coinciding with an inverse gradient in algae distribution.
Article
Polymer Science
Sergei A. Egorov
Summary: The Density Functional Theory is employed to investigate structural properties and interactions between solvent-free polymer-grafted nanoparticles, focusing on the effects of grafting density, grafted chain length, and stiffness on brush-brush overlap and attractive interaction strength. The theory results are compared with simulation data, showing good quantitative agreement.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Vinicius J. S. Osterne, Joost Verduijn, Claudia F. Lossio, Bogdan Parakhonskiy, Messias Oliveira, Vanir R. Pinto-Junior, Kyria S. Nascimento, Andre G. Skirtach, Els J. M. Van Damme, Benildo S. Cavada
Summary: This study created a controlled-release system using CaCO3 particles adsorbed with Dioclea violacea lectin (DVL) to enhance its anticancer potential against cervical cancer cells. The bioconjugates showed a stronger cytotoxic effect compared to free lectin, suggesting the potential of lectin-particle bioconjugates as agents in cancer research.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Bushra Zafar, Jack Campbell, Jake Cooke, Andre G. Skirtach, Dmitry Volodkin
Summary: This article reviews the progress in modifying solid surfaces with vaterite CaCO3 crystals, focusing on the mechanism of vaterite growth initiated by various substances mentioned above, as well as discussing the applications of such modified surfaces.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Yanqi Huang, Lin Cao, Bogdan V. Parakhonskiy, Andre G. Skirtach
Summary: This article introduces the characteristics and applications of inorganic calcium carbonate particles and organic alginate hydrogels as drug delivery carriers, as well as hybrid structures containing both types of carriers. It proposes the rational combination of these two carrier types to enhance their performance, and discusses their similarities and differences.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nathan Carpentier, Louis Van der Meeren, Andre G. Skirtach, Lindsey Devisscher, Hans Van Vlierberghe, Peter Dubruel, Sandra Van Vlierberghe
Summary: This study developed Dexox-Gel and DexNB-GelSH hydrogels and investigated their processability and in vitro biocompatibility. The results showed that DexNB-GelSH exhibited physicochemical properties similar to natural liver tissue and had comparable performance to GelMA in biological evaluation, indicating its promising potential in the field of liver tissue engineering.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jie Li, Bogdan V. Parakhonskiy, Andre G. Skirtach
Summary: The article provides an overview of the fabrication methods and applications of polyelectrolyte multilayer capsules, highlighting the current trends and expanding range of applications.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Louis Van der Meeren, Joost Verduijn, Dmitri V. Krysko, Andre G. Skirtach
Summary: The investigation of regulated cell death (RCD) has gained increasing importance in recent years. A microfluidics-based technique called shear flow deformability cytometry (sDC) is used to distinguish dying cells from viable cells based on their mechanical properties. Analysis of the deformation and morphological characteristics of cells indicates significant differences in RCD-induced cells compared to control cells. These results highlight the importance of mechanical properties during RCD and the significance of label-free techniques like sDC for the detection and sorting of live and dead cells.
CELL PROLIFERATION
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Louis van der Meeren, Iuliia Efimova, Robin Demuynck, Bogdan Parakhonskiy, Dmitri V. Krysko, Andre G. Skirtach
Summary: The clearance of dead cells is important for tissue homeostasis and immune responses, but the impact of the mechanobiological properties of dead cells on efferocytosis is not well understood. This study found that cancer cells undergoing ferroptosis have reduced Young's modulus. A nano-coating was developed to modulate their Young's modulus. The coating increased the Young's modulus of the dead cells and enhanced their efferocytosis by macrophages. This research highlights the crucial role of mechanobiology in regulating efferocytosis and its potential for therapeutic strategies and drug delivery systems.
ADVANCED HEALTHCARE MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Or Filc, Hagit Gilon, Shmuel Gershon, Gal Ribak, Bat-El Pinchasik
Summary: Miniature flapping drones with lightweight membranous wings can operate in small spaces. Properly designing these flexible wings is crucial for optimal flight performance. Using a bioinspired approach and 3D printing technology, significant advancements in aerodynamic performance are achieved by modeling the wings of the rose chafer beetle.
ADVANCED ENGINEERING MATERIALS
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Anatolii Abalymov, Bat-El Pinchasik, Roman A. Akasov, Maria Lomova, Bogdan V. Parakhonskiy
Summary: This review investigates different techniques for aligning polymer fibrils within hydrogels to promote cell adhesion and spatial organization. These techniques include mechanical strains, temperature modulation, fluidic dynamics, chemical modulators, as well as the use of magnetic and electric fields. These methods have significant implications for cellular alignment in the fields of biomaterials and tissue engineering.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Claudia F. Lossio, Vinicius J. S. Osterne, Vanir R. Pinto-Junior, Simin Chen, Messias V. Oliveira, Joost Verduijn, Isabel Verbeke, Sonia Serna, Niels C. Reichardt, Andre Skirtach, Benildo S. Cavada, Els J. M. Van Damme, Kyria S. Nascimento
Summary: This study investigated the structural properties and anticancer potential of a mannose-specific lectin from Canavalia villosa seeds. The lectin showed specific binding activity to carbohydrates and inhibited cancer cell proliferation by activating autophagic and apoptotic pathways.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
David Feldmann, Bat-El Pinchasik
Summary: The study found that biphilic surfaces can be used for controlled dropwise condensation and liquid transport. The surface temperature and subcooling greatly affect their performance. Compared to uniform superhydrophobic surfaces, biphilic surfaces have faster condensation dynamics, but most droplets remain immobile within a few hours. This provides guidance for applications such as water collection, heat transfer, and separation processes.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Camilla Sammartino, Yair Shokef, Bat-El Pinchasik
Summary: Liquid diodes are surface structures that enable the spontaneous flow of liquids in a specific direction. By simulating, designing, and 3D printing liquid diode networks, the researchers provide guidelines for directional liquid transport and introduce percolation theory to identify the threshold between connected and disconnected networks. Through constructing well-defined networks with uni- and bidirectional pathways, they experimentally demonstrate the applicability of models describing isotropically directed percolation and accurately predict network permeability and liquid final state. These guidelines show great promise for the development of structures for spontaneous, yet predictable, directional liquid transport.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Lenny Van Daele, Babs van de Voorde, Robin Colenbier, Lobke De Vos, Laurens Parmentier, Louis Van der Meeren, Andre Skirtach, Ruslan I. Dmitriev, Peter Dubruel, Sandra Van Vlierberghe
Summary: Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide. Poly(alkylene terephthalate)s (PATs) with longer alkyl chain lengths show potential for improving compliance in vascular graft materials. This study investigated the effects of polymer molar mass and alkyl chain length on the surface properties of spin-coated PAT films, as well as endothelial cell adhesion and proliferation. The results showed that higher molar mass and longer alkyl chain lengths increased surface roughness, while no significant trend was observed for wettability. All investigated PATs were non-cytotoxic and supported endothelial cell adhesion and growth, with some PATs even promoting angiogenic maturation.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY B
(2023)
Article
Automation & Control Systems
Dror Kobo, Bat-El Pinchasik
Summary: In this study, a small untethered robot inspired by backswimmers is developed, capable of autonomously regulating its buoyancy through controlled nucleation and release of microbubbles. This mechanism can replace traditional buoyancy regulation systems and enable miniaturization of underwater vehicles.
ADVANCED INTELLIGENT SYSTEMS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Rakesh Das, Shmuel Gershon, Benny Bar-On, Maryam Tadayon, Amir Ayali, Bat-El Pinchasik
Summary: Female locusts have a unique mechanism for digging and protecting their eggs. The stiffness of their valves changes with sexual maturation and environmental conditions. Mature females have stiffer valves, especially in the direction of soil shuffling and compression.
JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY INTERFACE
(2022)