bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Aleutian mink disease virus (AMDV) prevalence in feral American mink in Iceland. Case study of a pending epizootiological concern in Europe
Authors: Panicz Remigiusz , Eljasik Piotr , Skorupski Jakub , Śmietana Przemysław , Stefánsson Róbert A. , von Schmalensee Menja , Szenejko Magdalena
Published: September 2021

Background

Recurring escapes or deliberate releases and subsequent infiltration or establishment of feral populations by individuals from fur farms have been commonly noted since the beginning of fur industry expansion. Once animals have invaded ecosystems adjacent to source farms escapees can change the demography of the feral populations through hybridization, outbreeding depression, competition and spreading of various pathogens which can decimate wild populations. In our study, we aimed to assess spread of Aleutian mink disease virus (AMDV) in the feral population of American mink (Neovison vison) in Iceland. The additional objective was to elucidate whether basic morpho-anatomical parameters (i.e., Fulton’s condition factor or spleen to body weight ratio) might be used as a preliminary indicator of AMDV infection.

Methods

American mink (n = 164) were captured by professional hunters in 8 regions of Iceland. The detection of AMDV in the spleen of male and female individuals was based on PCR amplification of an NS1 gene fragment.

Results

We confirmed AMDV presence in 23.8% (n = 39) of collected samples with no significant difference in infection rate between males and females. Additionally, we revealed that the prevalence of virus in the feral population was higher closer to fur farms. However, the countrywide prevalence and direction of AMDV distribution needs to be further investigated. Comparison of condition indices in non-infected and infected animals showed significant deterioration of body and spleen parameters in the latter group. Therefore, the application of basic measurements of the American mink may be used to evaluate the health status of individuals in terms of pathogen infection.

Conclusions

The study shed a new light on prevalence and distribution of AMDV in the feral population of American mink in Iceland and the results might be successfully applied to develop models to infer dynamics of various pathogens, even those latently transmitted by disease-free animals.
Exosomal hsa-miR-21-5p is a biomarker for breast cancer diagnosis
Authors: Liu Min , Mo Fei , Song Xiaohan , He Yun , Yuan Yan , Yan Jiaoyan , Yang Ye , Huang Jian , Zhang Shu
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Breast cancer (BC) is characterized by concealed onset, delayed diagnosis, and high fatality rates making it particularly dangerous to patients’ health. The purpose of this study was to use comprehensive bioinformatics analysis and experimental verification to find a new biomarker for BC diagnosis.

Methods

We comprehensively analyzed microRNA (miRNA) and mRNA expression profiles from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and screened out differentially-expressed (DE) miRNAs and mRNAs. We used the miRNet website to predict potential DE-miRNA target genes. Using the Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery (DAVID), we performed Gene Ontology (GO) and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses on overlapping potential target genes and DE-mRNAs. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was then established. The miRNA-mRNA regulatory network was constructed using Cytoscape and the analysis results were visualized. We verified the expression of the most up-regulated DE-miRNA using reverse transcription and a quantitative polymerase chain reaction in BC tissue. The diagnostic value of the most up-regulated DE-miRNA was further explored across three levels: plasma-derived exosomes, cells, and cell exosomes.

Results

Our comprehensive bioinformatics analysis and experimental results showed that hsa-miR-21-5p was significantly up-regulated in BC tissue, cells, and exosomes. Our results also revealed that tumor-derived hsa-miR-21-5p could be packaged in exosomes and released into peripheral blood. Additionally, when evaluating the diagnostic value of plasma exosomal hsa-miR-21-5p, we found that it was significantly up-regulated in BC patients. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis also confirmed that hsa-miR-21-5p could effectively distinguish healthy people from BC patients. The sensitivity and specificity were 86.7% and 93.3%, respectively.

Conclusion

This study’s results showed that plasma exosomal hsa-miR-21-5p could be used as a biomarker for BC diagnosis.
The Impact of Conservation Agriculture Practice and Socio-Economic Factors on Yam Production (Dioscorea alata and Dioscorea rotundata) in Kalagoé (Lobaye, Central African Republic)
Authors: Touckia G. I. , Aba-Toumnou L. , Yongo O. D. , Yara M. Ganima , Kokou K.
Published: September 2021

Few studies have been carried out on Yam (Dioscorea alata and Dioscorea rotundata) in relation with the conservation agriculture in CAR. Yam is cultivated in limited quantities despite its role in improving food security.  In order to increase  Yam   production  in the smallholder farms in CAR, the potential effect   of  crop management practices  like    nutrient application,  mulching and minimum  tillage  on  Yam  crop  yield  and  household  financial  returns,  needs  to  be  understood. A  questionnaire  was  prepared  and  used  as  a  tool  for the  collection  of  information  from 100 producers  of Yam without distinction of ages and sexes. In order to determinate the agronomical performance of Yam, two plots were explored. The first plot with 625m² (12.5m ×50m), known as the improved plot, is a plot on which all conservation agriculture practices were applied. The second plot, known as the traditional plot, is one on which traditional farming techniques were applied. The results of the survey show that 32% of the farmers are in favor for CA practice nevertheless 68% are not favor, which shows that a large proportion of farmers in Kalangoé are not aware of the benefits of this technique. The most widely cultivated variety is D. rotundata, because of its taste qualities.  Some producers also grow both varieties at the same time. Some producers (28%) clear their plots by cutting down all the trees to leave the field bare, while a large number (72%) practice partial cutting by removing the shrubs to keep the large trees in order to protect the forest. A large number of producers (62%) also burn their plots for various reasons, including freeing up space and making it easier to move around the field because the plant debris from clearing prevents them from working properly. A small proportion of producers (26%) practice ploughing against 74% who do not practice this technique. The conservation agriculture practice applied to Yam gave interesting agronomic performances (growth and production parameters) than the farmers practices.
Prevalence of Intestinal Parasitic Infection in Relation to Age in the Urban Population from Chandigarh, India
Authors: Mehta Manjula , Bhardwaj Sonia Bhonchal , Sharma Jyoti
Published: September 2021

Background: Intestinal parasitic infection is a global health problem particularly in the developing countries with different prevalence rates in different regions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection in different age groups in the urban population of Chandigarh, India.

Materials and Methods: The retrospective study included stool samples 504 in number from human subjects from Chandigarh. Unstained wet saline mount preparations of stool sample were done to detect eggs or larvae and iodine wet mount to detect ova/ cysts of tapeworm, Enterobius, Ascaris, Giardia, Trichuris and Hookworm.

Results: A high prevalence rate of intestinal parasitosis (73%) was seen. The age group distribution shows a higher prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection in the young population (age group 21-30 years and 31-40 years). Ascariasis was the most common parasitic infection observed.

Conclusion: The present study reveals a high prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection in the study population and calls for long term control measures to improve their sanitary and living conditions.
HERD BEHAVIOR IN USING MOBILE PAYMENT WITH UNIFIED THEORY OF ACCEPTANCE AND USE OF TECHNOLOGY (UTAUT2)
Authors: Armansyah Rohmad Fuad
Published: September 2021

The development of information technology, followed by higher bank competition, has encouraged innovation in providing various alternatives for non-cash payments. Mobile payment services are increasingly popular with the increasing use of smartphones in the last five years in Indonesia, so that financial behavior has shifted its function towards digitalization. This study aims to discuss the financial herding behavior of using mobile payments using the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT2) approach. The data used is respondent data as many as 355 Indonesian students who use the mobile payment application on a mobile device. The results obtained by the variable performance expectance and price value have a significant effect on the behavioral intention of users of mobile payment applications in Indonesia. Then behavioral intention was proven to significantly influence usage behavior and herd behavior as a form of financial behavior deviation which was proven to affect performance expectations.
PRODUCT CONFIGURATION CAPABILITY FOR IMPROVING MARKETING PERFORMANCE OF SMALL AND MEDIUM METAL INDUSTRY IN CENTRAL JAVA - INDONESIA
Authors: Hanfan Ahmad
Published: September 2021

This study explored and examined the role of product configuration capabilities to improve marketing performance. Product configuration capability represented the company's capability to configure products with visibility/clarity of product origin, products that were different from competitors and products that were difficult to imitate. This capability indicated that the products produced by the company were more efficient and quality than that of others. The results found that product configuration capabilities could improve product success, growth in product marketing reach and market share product. This study was expected to provided a contri­bution to both theoretical and practical knowledge of strategic management. Business players had focussed on developing dynamic capabilities to address the constantly changing business environment.
A panel of DNA methylation markers for the classification of consensus molecular subtypes 2 and 3 in patients with colorectal cancer
Authors: van den Berg Inge , Smid Marcel , Coebergh van den Braak Robert R. J. , van de Wiel Mark A. , van Deurzen Carolien H. M. , de Weerd Vanja , Martens John W. M. , IJzermans Jan N. M. , Wilting Saskia M.
Published: September 2021

Consensus molecular subtypes (CMSs) can guide precision treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC). We aim to identify methylation markers to distinguish between CMS2 and CMS3 in patients with CRC, for which an easy test is currently lacking. To this aim, fresh‐frozen tumor tissue of 239 patients with stage I‐III CRC was analyzed. Methylation profiles were obtained using the Infinium HumanMethylation450 BeadChip. We performed adaptive group‐regularized logistic ridge regression with post hoc group‐weighted elastic net marker selection to build prediction models for classification of CMS2 and CMS3. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data were used for validation. Group regularization of the probes was done based on their location either relative to a CpG island or relative to a gene present in the CMS classifier, resulting in two different prediction models and subsequently different marker panels. For both panels, even when using only five markers, accuracies were > 90% in our cohort and in the TCGA validation set. Our methylation marker panel accurately distinguishes between CMS2 and CMS3. This enables development of a targeted assay to provide a robust and clinically relevant classification tool for CRC patients.
Caffeic acid: an antioxidant with novel antisickling properties
Authors: Kassa Tigist , Whalin James G. , Richards Mark P. , Alayash Abdu I.
Published: September 2021

It is well documented that caffeic acid (3,4‐dihydroxycinnamic acid) (CA) interacts with and inhibits the oxidative reactions of myoglobin (Mb) and hemoglobin (Hb), and this interaction underlies its antioxidative action in meat. Sickle cell hemoglobin (HbS) is known for its tendency to oxidize more readily than normal HbA in the presence of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), which leads to a more persistent and highly oxidizing ferryl Hb (HbFe4+). We have investigated the effects of CA on HbS oxidation intermediates, specifically on the ferric/ferryl forms. At a low concentration of H2O2 (0.5‐fold over heme), we observed a fivefold reduction in the amount of HbFe4+ accumulated in a mixture of ferric and H2O2 solution. Higher levels of H2O2 (onefold and twofold over heme) led to a lesser threefold and twofold reduction in the content of HbFe4+, respectively, possibly due to the saturation of the binding sites on the Hb molecule. The most intriguing finding was that when 5‐molar excess CA over heme was used, and a considerable increase in the delay time of HbS polymerization to approximately 200 s was observed. This delay in polymerization of HbS is theoretically sufficient to avoid microcapillary blockage and prevent vasoconstrictions in vivo. Mass spectrometry analysis indicated that CA was more extensively covalently bonded to βCys93 than to βCys112 and αCys104. The dual antioxidant and antisickling properties of CA may be explored further to maximize its therapeutic potential in SCD.
The crystal structure of MreC provides insights into polymer formation
Authors: Xu Qin , Sun Ning , Xiao Qingjie , Huang Chia‐ying , Xu Mengxue , Zhang Weizhe , Li Lina , Wang Qisheng , Olieric Vincent , Wang Weiwu , He Jianhua , Sun Bo
Published: September 2021

MreC is a scaffold protein required for cell shape determination through interactions with proteins related to cell wall synthesis. Here, we determined the crystal structure of the major periplasmic part of MreC from Escherichia coli at 2.1 Å resolution. The periplasmic part of MreC contains a coiled‐coil domain and two six‐stranded barrel domains. The coiled‐coil domain is essential for dimer formation, and the two monomers are prone to relative motion that is related to the small interface of β‐barrel domains. In addition, MreC forms an antiparallel filament‐like structure along the coiled‐coil direction, which is different from the helical array structure in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Our structure deepens our understanding of polymer formation of MreC.
Biological and clinical implications of metastasis‐associated circular RNAs in oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Fang Xin , Shrestha Sachin Mulmi , Ren Li‐Hua , Shi Rui‐hua
Published: September 2021

Oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a prevalent malignancy with high morbidity and mortality as a result of early metastasis and poor prognosis. Metastasis is a multistep process, involving various signalling pathways. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a class of covalently closed noncoding RNAs, the aberrant expression of which is reported to be involved in several biological events, including cell transformation, proliferation, migration, invasion, apoptosis and metastasis. Several studies have reported interactions between circRNAs and metastasis‐associated signalling pathways. The abundance, stability and highly specific expression of candidate circRNAs make them potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets in OSCC. In this review article, we comprehensively describe metastasis‐related circRNAs and their interactions with epithelial–mesenchymal transition‐associated molecules. We also describe the molecular mechanisms and clinical relevance of circRNAs in OSCC progression and metastasis.
Demonstrator training needs to be active and focused on personalized student learning in bioscience teaching laboratories
Authors: Awais Raheela , Stollar Elliott
Published: September 2021

Demonstrators spend significant time with students on a weekly basis in instructional laboratories and are well poised to offer students meaningful learning. Most often, effective demonstrator training is neglected due to time and resource restraints and it is clear more attention is needed. We hypothesized that students’ learning experience in laboratories would improve if demonstrators were well trained particularly across three overlapping learning domains: subject‐specific knowledge (cognitive and psychomotor), problem solving (cognitive) and group management including personalized student learning strategies (affective). We assessed both students and demonstrators on the impact of this extensive demonstrator training in 1st‐ and 2nd‐year bioscience practical courses over two years. The results show that all students rated the demonstrators’ performance higher after the extensive training. Students from both years valued the provision of problem‐solving skills; however, 1st‐year students placed greater value on the demonstrator’s ability to address student inclusivity, whereas 2nd‐year students preferred the provision of strong subject knowledge. Interestingly, demonstrators’ own perception of their teaching ability was different from student feedback on their performance, which may be due to lack of reflective practice. We propose a multimodal training framework that includes inclusivity/approachability and reflection as an integral part of training. This study further suggests that demonstrator training needs to be tailored to the changing needs of students as they progress through the different levels of their degree. Our proposed framework is particularly relevant to the current pandemic which has affected young people’s mental health, confidence and openness to new experiences.
The Neighborhood Effect Averaging Problem
Authors: Kwan Mei‐Po
Published: September 2021

The neighborhood effect averaging problem (NEAP) is the problem that individual mobility‐based exposures to environmental factors tend toward the mean level of the participants or population of a study area when compared to their residence‐based exposures. As a result of the NEAP, ignoring people's daily mobility and exposures to nonresidential contexts in geographic or epidemiological studies may lead to erroneous results in the study of mobility‐dependent exposures (e.g., noise and air pollution) and their health impact, because people's daily mobility may amplify or attenuate the exposures that they have experienced in their residential neighborhoods.
Race and the politics of exclusion: The socio‐historical contexts of Black brutality and the emergence of the Black Lives Matter movement
Authors: Alfred Mary V.
Published: September 2021

The fight for racial justice has been an ongoing battle for African Americans for centuries, a battle that is currently championed by the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement, the latest civil rights movement in a long fight for Black equality and social justice. To understand the historical contexts and backdrop for the fight for Black lives, this article begins with a historical timeline depicting important events in the fight for racial justice, followed by a discussion of the BLM movement and the role racial capitalism plays in the subjugation of Black Americans. Intersectionality is presented as a guiding framework for illuminating the complexities of Black lives within a capitalist system.
Social movements, community education, and the fight for racial justice: Black women and social transformation
Authors: Roumell Elizabeth A. , James‐Gallaway ArCasia D.
Published: September 2021

This article addresses the role of community learning within social movements and the fight for social justice and human rights. To understand contemporary social movements and their role in community learning and advocacy for social change, it is essential to contextualize them within the long history of Black women's activist labor and accomplishments. The #BLM movement is presented as a continuation of Black women's longstanding inclusive activism, punctuated by the Abolition, Suffrage, Civil Rights, and modern feminist movements. It highlights the efforts of specific Black women community leaders in creating counterpublics that make claims to power and work to change the status quo. Black women, through their inclusive, community‐based activist endeavors, continue to carve out fugitive spaces and counterpublics where counternarratives are actively generated to fight for a more equitable and inclusive democracy that serves all. This article conceptualizes the role of adult education in social movements and transformative change.
Health disparities, race, and the global pandemic of COVID‐19: The demise of Black Americans
Authors: Hill Lilian H. , Holland Rebecca
Published: September 2021

This article examines the chronic health conditions of African Americans who experience disparities because of poverty, low literacy, and cultural practices that affect decisions about food, nutrition, and health care. It will examine governmental policies, for example, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) (Artiga et al., 2020), and how these policies contribute to health and wellbeing of people from low‐income communities. Furthermore, it explores the overrepresented deaths among African Americans and other communities of color resulting from the pandemic—deaths that result from co‐existing health conditions and the inability to afford immediate care.
Black women at the intersection of race and poverty in urban communities: Partnerships for transformation
Authors: Johnson Michelle A.
Published: September 2021

This article examines the intersection of race and poverty on the lives of Black women living in urban communities. Historical systemic racism continues to leave many marginalized communities on the periphery and struggling to maneuver in a society that limits access to empowerment to move out of poverty. To transform the lives of those living in poor urban communities, dismantling systemic racism where race and poverty intersect must be included in policymakers’ priorities. This work begins with partnerships forged between public policy makers, adult educators, literacy education and training programs, welfare programs, and employment programs and employers.
Fused Filament Fabrication‐Based Additive Manufacturing of Commercially Pure Titanium
Authors: Thompson Yvonne , Polzer Markus , Gonzalez-Gutierrez Joamin , Kasian Olga , Heckl Johannes P. , Dalbauer Valentin , Kukla Christian , Felfer Peter J.
Published: September 2021

Fabrication of titanium components is very cost intensive, partly due to the complex machining and limited recyclability of waste material. For electrochemical applications, the excellent corrosion resistance of pure titanium is of high importance, whereas medium mechanical strength of fabricated parts is sufficient for such a use case. For smaller parts, metal fused filament fabrication (MF3) enables the fabrication of complex metallic structures densified during a final sintering step. Pure titanium can be processed to near‐net‐shape geometries for electrochemical applications if the parameters and the atmosphere during sintering are carefully monitored. Herein, the influence of thermal debinding and sintering parameters on the fabrication of high‐density pure titanium using MF3 is investigated. Particular focus is placed on enhancing sintered density while limiting impurity uptake to conserve the high chemical purity of the initial powder material. Relative densities of 95% are repeatedly reached inside the bulk of the samples. An oxygen content of 0.56 wt% as a result of vacuum processing induces the formation of the retained α‐Ti phase (925 HV0.2) inside the α matrix (295 HV0.2). Fabricated parts exhibit high mechanical strength, albeit reduced elongation due to remaining pores, and, in terms of electrochemistry, enhanced stability toward anodic dissolution.
Evolution of Damage in All‐Oxide Ceramic Matrix Composite After Cyclic Loading
Authors: Kupsch Andreas , Laquai René , Müller Bernd R. , Paciornik Sidnei , Horvath Jürgen , Tushtev Kamen , Rezwan Kurosch , Bruno Giovanni
Published: September 2021

While structural ceramics usually display a brittle mechanical behavior, their composites may show nonlinearities, mostly due to microcracking. Herein, the stiffness evolution of a sandwich‐like laminate of an Al2O3−15%vol. ZrO2 matrix reinforced with Nextel 610 fibers is studied as a function of number of cycles N in tension. The stiffness of the composite degrades with increasing N, indicating microcracking. However, synchrotron X‐ray refraction radiography shows that the internal specific surface of such cracks varies differently. A modeling strategy is developed for the calculation of the equivalent stiffness of mixtures (first the matrix and then the sandwich), based on the Voigt and Reuß schemes. The Bruno–Kachanov model is then used to estimate the initial microcrack density in the matrix (due to the thermal expansion mismatch) and the amount of microcracking increase upon cyclic loading. The stiffness in the composite degrades dramatically already after 20 000 cycles but then remains nearly constant. The combination of mechanical testing, quantitative imaging analysis, and modeling provides insights into the damage mechanisms acting: microcrack propagation is more active than microcrack initiation upon cyclic loading, but the second also occurs. This scenario is similar but not equal to previous results on porous and microcracked ceramics.
Triaxial Perovskite Composite Fibers Spinning the Way to Flexible Solar Cells
Authors: Bohr Christoph , Lê Khan , Fischer Thomas , Mathur Sanjay
Published: September 2021

Hybrid halide perovskites have made significant progress in achievably high photoconversion efficiencies (>25%) and stability as a function of their chemical engineering realized by isomorphous substitution at all three sites in AMX3 composition. Whereas the focus of current research lies on planar (2D) devices, this work brings forth an innovative structural engineering concept based on direct electrospinning of the three major perovskite solar cell components, namely, photoabsorber, hole, and electron transport materials, as continuous single triaxial fibers of μm radial dimensions (<5 μm). These perovskite fibers lay the foundation of materials engineering for fabricating tiny solar cells, which can either be woven into fabrics or incorporated as single fibers to power wearables and a variety of devices or sensors, forming the internet of things. The structures of the here presented coaxial CuSCN/MAPbI3 (MA = CH3NH3
+) and triaxial CuSCN/MAPbI3/ZnO‐Zn(OAc)2 composite fibers are verified by X‐ray diffraction data and electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive spectroscopy and cross‐sectional analysis with focused ion beam. This work demonstrates the first report where the entire photovoltaic (PV) device and material configuration are achieved as concentric axial cables fabricated via single‐step electrospinning process.
In Silico Evaluation of Bilinear Elastoplastic Coronary Artery Stents
Authors: Alihemmati Zakieh , Vahidi Bahman , Bakhshian Nik Amirala , Vaez Ghaemi Roza , Taghizadeh Yasin
Published: September 2021

Mechanical responses of the endovascular stent determine the arterial homeostasis and vulnerability of the atherosclerotic plaque. Given the various plaque components when the stent is deployed, the stent may apply excessive stress to the lesion and cause plaque rupture. Herein, using the interaction between the Palmaz–Schatz stent with two stent biomaterials, stainless steel, and magnesium alloy, and three different types of plaque, namely hypocellular, hypercellular, and calcified, are studied. An implicit finite element method is used to simulate and analyze the stress and strain acting on the stents, artery, and plaques. The Mooney–Rivlin hyperelastic material model is considered to study the responses of each component. The results reveal that stainless‐steel stents applied a higher level of stress to the plaques and vessel wall, which may lead to vascular damage and plaque rupture. However, a magnesium alloy stent with the similar design and geometrical parameters generates less stress on the plaque and artery. Interestingly, a minor improvement in magnesium alloy stents, increasing the strut thickness, can enhance the stent performance and lower the applied stresses to the vasculature and plaque, making them an ideal choice of material for stenting applications.
Self‐Assembled Perovskite Nanoislands on CH3NH3PbI3 Cuboid Single Crystals by Energetic Surface Engineering
Authors: Zhang Yurou , Kim Dohyung , Yun Jung‐Ho , Lim Jongchul , Jung Min‐Cherl , Wen Xiaoming , Seidel Jan , Choi Eunyoung , Xiao Mu , Qiu Tengfei , Lyu Miaoqiang , Han EQ , Ghasemi Mehri , Lim Sean , Snaith Henry J. , Yun Jae Sung , Wang Lianzhou
Published: September 2021

Organometal perovskite single crystals have been recognized as a promising platform for high‐performance optoelectronic devices, featuring high crystallinity and stability. However, a high trap density and structural nonuniformity at the surface have been major barriers to the progress of single crystal‐based optoelectronic devices. Here, the formation of a unique nanoisland structure is reported at the surface of the facet‐controlled cuboid MAPbI3 (MA = CH3NH3+) single crystals through a cation interdiffusion process enabled by energetically vaporized CsI. The interdiffusion of mobile ions between the bulk and the surface is triggered by thermally activated CsI vapor, which reconstructs the surface that is rich in MA and CsI with reduced dangling bonds. Simultaneously, an array of Cs‐Pb‐rich nanoislands is constructed on the surface of the MAPbI3 single crystals. This newly reconstructed nanoisland surface enhances the light absorbance over 50% and increases the charge carrier mobility from 56 to 93 cm2 V−1 s−1. As confirmed by Kelvin probe force microscopy, the nanoislands form a gradient band bending that prevents recombination of excess carriers, and thus, enhances lateral carrier transport properties. This unique engineering of the single crystal surface provides a pathway towards developing high‐quality perovskite single‐crystal surface for optoelectronic applications.
Manifestation of Strongly Correlated Electrons in a 2D Kagome Metal–Organic Framework
Authors: Kumar Dhaneesh , Hellerstedt Jack , Field Bernard , Lowe Benjamin , Yin Yuefeng , Medhekar Nikhil V. , Schiffrin Agustin
Published: September 2021

2D and layered electronic materials characterized by a kagome lattice, whose valence band structure includes two Dirac bands and one flat band, can host a wide range of tunable topological and strongly correlated electronic phases. While strong electron correlations have been observed in inorganic kagome crystals, they remain elusive in organic systems, which benefit from versatile synthesis protocols via molecular self‐assembly and metal‐ligand coordination. Here, direct experimental evidence of local magnetic moments resulting from strong electron–electron Coulomb interactions in a 2D metal–organic framework (MOF) is reported. The latter consists of di‐cyano‐anthracene (DCA) molecules arranged in a kagome structure via coordination with copper (Cu) atoms on a silver surface [Ag(111)]. Temperature‐dependent scanning tunneling spectroscopy reveals magnetic moments spatially confined to DCA and Cu sites of the MOF, and Kondo screened by the Ag(111) conduction electrons. By density functional theory and mean‐field Hubbard modeling, it is shown that these magnetic moments are the direct consequence of strong Coulomb interactions between electrons within the kagome MOF. The findings pave the way for nanoelectronics and spintronics technologies based on controllable correlated electron phases in 2D organic materials.
Structure–Property Relationships of Precisely Chlorinated Thiophene‐Substituted Acceptors
Authors: Tan Pu , Liu Longzhu , Chen Zi‐Yi , Lai Hanjian , Zhu Yulin , Chen Hui , Zheng Nan , Zhang Yuanzhu , He Feng
Published: September 2021

Systematic investigation of three nonfullerene acceptors, BTIC‐4Cl‐T, BTIC‐4Cl‐TCl‐γ, and BTIC‐4Cl‐TCl‐b, with or without a chlorine substituent at the γ/b‐position of the side chain thiophene ring, reveals that molecular planarity, stacking structure, and photovoltaic performance of the compounds are dependent on the position of the chlorine substituent. Of the materials using thiophenes in conjugated side chains, BTIC‐4Cl‐T shows a relatively lower open‐circuit voltage of 0.81 V, decreased current density, leading to an efficiency of only 10.86%. BTIC‐4Cl‐TCl‐γ with chlorine at the γ‐position of the conjugated thiophene shows a 3D network structure, a greatly increased current density, and an efficiency of 14.35%. BTIC‐4Cl‐TCl‐b, with a chlorine atom in b‐position, is found to have been reformed to a quasi‐3D network, in which electron hopping can be efficiently realized in adjacently positioned, linearly arranged molecules due to S···S interactions. With this quasi‐3D network, BTIC‐4Cl‐TCl‐b promotes the open‐circuit voltage up to 0.86 V and has the highest efficiency (15.65%) among the three acceptors. These results prove that chlorination is an effective strategy to improve photovoltaic performance and highlights the decisive relationship between structural regulation and molecular arrangement. It also provides a good starting point for the exploration and design of next generation high‐performance materials.
Biocompatible and Biodegradable Neuromorphic Device Based on Hyaluronic Acid for Implantable Bioelectronics
Authors: Lee Jin Hyeok , Rim You Seung , Min Won Kyung , Park Kyungho , Kim Hyung Tae , Hwang Gyuho , Song Jaewhan , Kim Hyun Jae
Published: September 2021

Neurodegenerative disorders are challenging issues for initial diagnosis and cure. False signals from neurons that make up the brain must be corrected. To treat neurodegenerative diseases, neuromorphic devices are inserted into the body and connected to nerves. However, there are major concerns regarding implanting these devices into living bodies, that is, toxicity caused by the materials and the need for an additional operation to remove the device after treatment. In this research, a neuromorphic device is fabricated based on hyaluronic acid (HA), which is biocompatible and biodegradable, that meets the requirements for implantable bioelectronics. The fabricated device have a paired‐pulse facilitation index of ≈121.00% and short term‐to‐long term memory transition behavior that resembled human learning‐experience behavior. It is confirmed that the synaptic behavior mechanism of the device is due to an Mg oxide layer formed at the Mg/HA interface. Biodegradability and cell cytotoxicity tests confirmed the suitability of HA‐based neuromorphic devices as implantable bioelectronics. Based on the results, it is believed that such implantable devices will lead to better healthcare.
Ru‐Pincer Complex‐Bridged Cu‐Porphyrin Polymer for Robust (Photo)Electrocatalytic H2 Evolution via Single‐Atom Active Sites
Authors: Wang Tingxia , Guo Lulu , Jiang Zhuo , Chen Shengtao , Xu Shuran , Zhang Yuexing , Zhang Jing , Li Renjie , Peng Tianyou
Published: September 2021

Organic polymers have attracted much attention in the field of energy conversion owing to their excellent tailoring ability via heterometal incorporation and/or functionalization. Herein, a novel pincer complex‐bridged porphyrin polymer is synthesized using Cu‐porphyrin (CuPor) and Ru‐N′NN′‐pincer complex (RuN3) as monomers. The resultant CuPor‐RuN3 polymer delivers robust electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) performance with outstanding durability and ultralow overpotentials of 73 and 114 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm‐2 in acidic and alkaline media, respectively. Moreover, the CuPor‐RuN3 polymer displays great potential to fabricate photoelectrochemical (PEC) cells with a BiVO4 photoanode, where the additional photoinduced electrons from CuPor‐RuN3 endow the BiVO4||CuPor‐RuN3 PEC cell with much better activity for overall water splitting than the BiVO4||Pt/C one, demonstrating that CuPor‐RuN3 would be a promising (photo)electrocatalyst to replace the benchmark Pt/C. The experimental and theoretical studies reveal that the Cu/Ru heterobimetallic centers in the polymer not only enhance the inherent electron transfer from Cu sites to Ru ones that serve as single‐atom catalytic sites (Ru‐N3), but also efficiently regulate the electronic property of the Ru‐N3 sites, and thus boosting (photo)electrocatalytic HER activity. The proposed strategy opens a new avenue to fabricate porphyrin‐based polymers with heteromultimetallic centers as effective HER (photo)electrocatalysts.
Microbubble Functionalization with Platelet Membrane Enables Targeting and Early Detection of Sepsis‐Induced Acute Kidney Injury
Authors: Yang Jing , Miao Xiaoyan , Guan Yu , Chen Chaojin , Chen Sufang , Zhang Xinmin , Xiao Xue , Zhang Zheng , Xia Zhengyuan , Yin Tinghui , Hei Ziqing , Yao Weifeng
Published: September 2021

The morbidity and mortality of sepsis‐induced acute kidney injury (SAKI) remain high. Early detection using molecular ultrasound imaging may reduce mortality and improve the prognosis. Inspired by the intrinsic relationship between platelets and SAKI, platelet membrane‐coated hybrid microbubbles (Pla‐MBs) are designed for early recognition of SAKI. Pla‐MBs are prepared by ultrasound‐assisted recombination of liposomes and platelets, consisting of inherent platelet membrane isolated from platelets. By coating with platelet membranes, Pla‐MBs are endowed with various adhesive receptors (such as integrin αIIbβ3), providing a benefit for selective adhesion to damaged endothelium in SAKI. In a rat SAKI model, by combining the advantages of molecular ultrasound imaging and platelet membrane, Pla‐MBs display platelet‐mimicking properties and achieve the early targeted diagnosis of SAKI prior to the regular laboratory markers of kidney function. Moreover, the expression of platelet‐binding proteins (von Willebrand factor and fibrinogen) in the kidneys shows consistent results with molecular ultrasound imaging. Together, microbubble functionalization with platelet membranes is diagnostically beneficial for SAKI and might be a promising modality for endothelial injury diseases in the future.
3D Bioprinting of Engineered Tissue Flaps with Hierarchical Vessel Networks (VesselNet) for Direct Host‐To‐Implant Perfusion
Authors: Szklanny Ariel A. , Machour Majd , Redenski Idan , Chochola Václav , Goldfracht Idit , Kaplan Ben , Epshtein Mark , Simaan Yameen Haneen , Merdler Uri , Feinberg Adam , Seliktar Dror , Korin Netanel , Jaroš Josef , Levenberg Shulamit
Published: September 2021

Engineering hierarchical vasculatures is critical for creating implantable functional thick tissues. Current approaches focus on fabricating mesoscale vessels for implantation or hierarchical microvascular in vitro models, but a combined approach is yet to be achieved to create engineered tissue flaps. Here, millimetric vessel‐like scaffolds and 3D bioprinted vascularized tissues interconnect, creating fully engineered hierarchical vascular constructs for implantation. Endothelial and support cells spontaneously form microvascular networks in bioprinted tissues using a human collagen bioink. Sacrificial molds are used to create polymeric vessel‐like scaffolds and endothelial cells seeded in their lumen form native‐like endothelia. Assembling endothelialized scaffolds within vascularizing hydrogels incites the bioprinted vasculature and endothelium to cooperatively create vessels, enabling tissue perfusion through the scaffold lumen. Using a cuffing microsurgery approach, the engineered tissue is directly anastomosed with a rat femoral artery, promoting a rich host vasculature within the implanted tissue. After two weeks in vivo, contrast microcomputer tomography imaging and lectin perfusion of explanted engineered tissues verify the host ingrowth vasculature's functionality. Furthermore, the hierarchical vessel network (VesselNet) supports in vitro functionality of cardiomyocytes. Finally, the proposed approach is expanded to mimic complex structures with native‐like millimetric vessels. This work presents a novel strategy aiming to create fully‐engineered patient‐specific thick tissue flaps.
Interfacial Model Deciphering High‐Voltage Electrolytes for High Energy Density, High Safety, and Fast‐Charging Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Zou Yeguo , Cao Zhen , Zhang Junli , Wahyudi Wandi , Wu Yingqiang , Liu Gang , Li Qian , Cheng Haoran , Zhang Dongyu , Park Geon‐Tae , Cavallo Luigi , Anthopoulos Thomas D. , Wang Limin , Sun Yang‐Kook , Ming Jun
Published: September 2021

High‐voltage lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) enabled by high‐voltage electrolytes can effectively boost energy density and power density, which are critical requirements to achieve long travel distances, fast‐charging, and reliable safety performance for electric vehicles. However, operating these batteries beyond the typical conditions of LIBs (4.3 V vs Li/Li+) leads to severe electrolyte decomposition, while interfacial side reactions remain elusive. These critical issues have become a bottleneck for developing electrolytes for applications in extreme conditions. Herein, an additive‐free electrolyte is presented that affords high stability at high voltage (4.5 V vs Li/Li+), lithium‐dendrite‐free features upon fast‐charging operations (e.g., 162 mAh g−1 at 3 C), and superior long‐term battery performance at low temperature. More importantly, a new solvation structure‐related interfacial model is presented, incorporating molecular‐scale interactions between the lithium‐ion, anion, and solvents at the electrolyte–electrode interfaces to help interpret battery performance. This report is a pioneering study that explores the dynamic mutual‐interaction interfacial behaviors on the lithium layered oxide cathode and graphite anode simultaneously in the battery. This interfacial model enables new insights into electrode performances that differ from the known solid electrolyte interphase approach to be revealed, and sets new guidelines for the design of versatile electrolytes for metal‐ion batteries.
Wafer‐Scale 2D Hafnium Diselenide Based Memristor Crossbar Array for Energy‐Efficient Neural Network Hardware
Authors: Li Sifan , Pam Mei‐Er , Li Yesheng , Chen Li , Chien Yu‐Chieh , Fong Xuanyao , Chi Dongzhi , Ang Kah‐Wee
Published: September 2021

Memristor crossbar with programmable conductance could overcome the energy consumption and speed limitations of neural networks when executing core computing tasks in image processing. However, the implementation of crossbar array (CBA) based on ultrathin 2D materials is hindered by challenges associated with large‐scale material synthesis and device integration. Here, a memristor CBA is demonstrated using wafer‐scale (2‐inch) polycrystalline hafnium diselenide (HfSe2) grown by molecular beam epitaxy, and a metal‐assisted van der Waals transfer technique. The memristor exhibits small switching voltage (0.6 V), low switching energy (0.82 pJ), and simultaneously achieves emulation of synaptic weight plasticity. Furthermore, the CBA enables artificial neural network with a high recognition accuracy of 93.34%. Hardware multiply‐and‐accumulate (MAC) operation with a narrow error distribution of 0.29% is also demonstrated, and a high power efficiency of greater than 8‐trillion operations per second per Watt is achieved. Based on the MAC results, hardware convolution image processing can be performed using programmable kernels (i.e., soft, horizontal, and vertical edge enhancement), which constitutes a vital function for neural network hardware.
Disentangling Ferroelectric Wall Dynamics and Identification of Pinning Mechanisms via Deep Learning
Authors: Liu Yongtao , Proksch Roger , Wong Chun Yin , Ziatdinov Maxim , Kalinin Sergei V.
Published: September 2021

Field‐induced domain‐wall dynamics in ferroelectric materials underpins multiple applications ranging from actuators to information technology devices and necessitates a quantitative description of the associated mechanisms including giant electromechanical couplings, controlled nonlinearities, or low coercive voltages. While the advances in dynamic piezoresponse force microscopy measurements over the last two decades have rendered visualization of polarization dynamics relatively straightforward, the associated insights into the local mechanisms have been elusive. This work explores the domain dynamics in model polycrystalline materials using a workflow combining deep‐learning‐based segmentation of the domain structures with nonlinear dimensionality reduction using multilayer rotationally invariant autoencoders (rVAE). The former allows unambiguous identification and classification of the ferroelectric and ferroelastic domain walls. The rVAE discovers the latent representations of the domain wall geometries and their dynamics, thus providing insight into the intrinsic mechanisms of polarization switching, that can further be compared to simple physical models. The rVAE disentangles the factors affecting the pinning efficiency of ferroelectric walls, offering insights into the correlation of ferroelastic wall distribution and ferroelectric wall pinning.
Single‐Atom Catalysis: From Simple Reactions to the Synthesis of Complex Molecules
Authors: Chen Zhongxin , Liu Jia , Koh Ming Joo , Loh Kian Ping
Published: September 2021

To date, the scope of single‐atom catalysts (SAC) in liquid‐phase transformations is rather limited owing to stability issues and the inability to activate complex substances. This calls for a better design of the catalyst support that can provide a dynamic coordination environment needed for catalytic action, and yet retain robustness against leaching or aggregation. In addition, the chemical orthogonality of SAC is useful for designing tandem or multicomponent reactions, in which side reactions common to metal nanoparticles are suppressed. In this review, the intrinsic mechanism will be highlighted that controls reaction efficiency and selectivity in SAC‐catalyzed pathways, as well as the structural dynamism of SAC under complex liquid‐phase conditions. These mechanistic insights are helpful for the development of next‐generation SAC systems for the synthesis of high‐value pharmaceuticals through late‐stage functionalization, sequential and multicomponent strategies.
Skin‐Integrated Devices with Soft, Holey Architectures for Wireless Physiological Monitoring, With Applications in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Kwak Sung Soo , Yoo Seonggwang , Avila Raudel , Chung Ha Uk , Jeong Hyoyoung , Liu Claire , Vogl Jamie L. , Kim Joohee , Yoon Hong‐Joon , Park Yoonseok , Ryu Hanjun , Lee Geumbee , Kim Jihye , Koo Jahyun , Oh Yong Suk , Kim Sungbong , Xu Shuai , Zhao Zichen , Xie Zhaoqian , Huang Yonggang , Rogers John A.
Published: September 2021

Continuous monitoring of vital signs is an essential aspect of operations in neonatal and pediatric intensive care units (NICUs and PICUs), of particular importance to extremely premature and/or critically ill patients. Current approaches require multiple sensors taped to the skin and connected via hard‐wired interfaces to external data acquisition electronics. The adhesives can cause iatrogenic injuries to fragile, underdeveloped skin, and the wires can complicate even the most routine tasks in patient care. Here, materials strategies and design concepts are introduced that significantly improve these platforms through the use of optimized materials, open (i.e., “holey”) layouts and precurved designs. These schemes 1) reduce the stresses at the skin interface, 2) facilitate release of interfacial moisture from transepidermal water loss, 3) allow visual inspection of the skin for rashes or other forms of irritation, 4) enable triggered reduction of adhesion to reduce the probability for injuries that can result from device removal. A combination of systematic benchtop testing and computational modeling identifies the essential mechanisms and key considerations. Demonstrations on adult volunteers and on a neonate in an operating NICUs illustrate a broad range of capabilities in continuous, clinical‐grade monitoring of conventional vital signs, and unconventional indicators of health status.