bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Contact Angle and AFM Analysis of Glassy Carbon Coatings after an Extended Stay on the International Space Station (ISS)
Authors: Teodosiev Dimitar , Bouzekova-Penkova Anna , Simeonova Silviya , Grozev Nikolay
Published: February 2023

The proposed work presents the results for contact angle and atomic force microscopy (AFM), which are applied to characterize the surface of two types of samples, “reference” sample and “space” sample, both made of the same material – graphite covered with glassy carbon coating, but stored for 28 months in different environments (conditions). One “space” sample was mounted outside the International Space Station, and the other “reference” sample was stored on Earth.

The technique applied to measure the contact angle of wetting of the surface of the samples (hydrophilicity-hydrophobicity) is using water droplets. Values of the energy surface area of the sample surfaces were determined by measuring the contact angle with the substances formamide and diiodomethane. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) was applied to characterize the glass surface morphology of carbon coatings.
Investigation of Dst Variations in X Component at Midlatitudes during Geomagnetic Storm on February 3, 2022
Authors: Bojilova Rumiana , Mukhtarov Plamen
Published: February 2023

The main idea of this study is to investigate the Dst variations in the X component of the Earth’s magnetic field and their latitudinal distribution in the conditions of geomagnetic disturbance on February 3, 2022. For this purpose, data from the world database of geomagnetic observatories INTERMAGNET were used. Three sectors of geomagnetic observatories were selected: (i) Eastern Europe, (ii) Western Europe, (iii) Eastern Asia. The considered stations are located at different latitudes (GLAT) but are close to each other in longitudes (GLON). For each sector, changes in the X component were considered and Sq variations were previously removed, based on data for five quiet days determined by the Helmholtz Centre Potsdam, GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences. The results allow proposing a methodology for filtering the variations in the X component for the considered geomagnetic observatories resulting from the geomagnetic disturbance. In the concluding part of this work, an analysis of the relationship between variations in the X component and the equatorial ring current represented by Dst is proposed. The obtained linear regression coefficients for each of the sectors show the well-known dependency, expressed in the reduction of the influence of Dst on the changes in the X component as it moves from the equator to higher northern latitudes.
Assessment of the Subjectively Perceived Cognitive Deficit in Hospitalized Elderly Patients with Depression and the Relationship of Perceived Deficit Questionnaire – PDQ-D5 with the Socio-demographic and Clinical Factors
Authors: Natzkova Jacklin , Stoyanova Vessela
Published: February 2023

The aim of the current study was to assess subjective cognitive dysfunction in elderly depressed patients and the impact of socio-demographic and clinical factors on its presentation.

All patients aged ≥ 65 years, which were hospitalized in the Psychiatric Clinic of “Alexandrovska” University Hospital for a two-year period and met the ICD-10 criteria for depression, were included. They were evaluated by Hamilton Depression Rating Scale 24 items (HDRS24), its emotional-cognitive subscale (HDRScog) and its suicidal item (HDRSsuic), Geriatric Depression Scale 15 items (GDS15), its suicide subscale (GDSsuic), Perceived Deficit Questionnaire – Depression 5 items (PDQ-D5) and University of California, Los Angeles Loneliness Scale (UCLA-LS). The PDQ-D5, UCLA-LS and GDS15 were also applied to a control group of 50 healthy elderlies. The data were processed with the IBM SPSS Statistics 25.0.

Out of 131 patients, 29 had late-onset depression (LOD), 80 had recurrent depressive disorder (RDD) and 22 had bipolar depression (BD). Patients with BD had more episodes than those with RDD, and higher PDQ-D5 and HDRScog scores than those with LOD and RDD. The severity of PDQ-D5 correlated significantly with the severity of depression, loneliness, suicidal and HDRScog scores. After applying multiple linear regression analysis (R2 = 0.489, p <0.001) the UCLA-LS severity had the greatest impact on PDQ-D5, followed by HDRScog and depression severity, assessed by GDS15. The diagnosis of BD hadthe least impact.

PDQ-D5 reflects the severity of the current late-life depression and correlates significantly with the loneliness, emotional-cognitive symptoms and self-assessment of depression.
Epigenetic therapies for neuroblastoma: immunogenicity awakens
Authors: Jiménez Carlos , Moreno Lucas , Segura Miguel F.
Published: February 2023

The development of immunotherapies for neuroblastoma remains challenging owing to the low immunogenicity of neuroblastoma cells, as reflected by the low expression of one of the main triggers of immune recognition, the major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC‐I). Cornel et al. showed that epigenetic modulation of neuroblastoma cells with a histone deacetylase inhibitor can boost the expression of major histocompatibility complex class I, among other immune receptors, priming their recognition by T‐ and natural killer cells. By leveraging the developmentally related aberrant epigenetic landscapes of neuroblastoma, these discoveries pave the way to overcome a major limitation in the field of neuroblastoma immunotherapy.
Highly Efficient Switchable Underwater Adhesion in Channeled Hydrogel Networks
Authors: Eklund Amanda , Ikkala Olli , Zhang Hang
Published: February 2023

The ability to switch adhesion strength is a highly desirable property for adhesives applied in a wet environment. The major challenges involve the presence of a water layer between the substrate and adhesive, and the incorporation of efficient switching mechanisms. Despite the recent progresses in devising such systems, there exist several intrinsic limitations in the current strategies, such as high residual adhesion, the use of solid–liquid transition, or thin film configurations. Herein, a channeled poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAm) hydrogel containing bio‐inspired dopamine‐comonomers is reported, which undergoes temperature‐controlled reversible switching of underwater adhesion on both hydrophilic and hydrophobic surfaces. The introduction of microscopic channels inside the hydrogel, achieved by removing a sacrificial agarose network, greatly facilitates water removal from the interface and thus promotes underwater adhesive strength. On glass, the maximum adhesive stress of the channeled hydrogel can reach six times that of hydrogels without channels. Additionally, high switching efficiency and low residual adhesion can be achieved by the thermal phase transition of the PNIPAm network, also demonstrated by the capture and release of lightweight, irregular, fragile, and biological objects using the hydrogel. The channeling strategy provides implications for designing future underwater adhesive systems for, e.g., soft robotics or biomedical applications.
Combined Optical, Gravimetric, and Electrical Operando Investigation of Structural Variations in Polymeric Mixed Conductors
Authors: Zhang Yu , Paulsen Bryan D. , Schafer Emily A. , Zeng Qiming , Yu Fei , Yang Li , Xue Yan , Rivnay Jonathan , Zhao Ni
Published: February 2023

Bioelectronics based on organic mixed conductors offers tremendous application potential in biological interfacing, drug delivery systems, and neuromorphic devices. The ion injection and water swelling upon electrochemical switching can significantly change the molecular packing of polymeric mixed conductors and thus influence the device performance. Herein, we quantify ion and water injection, and analyze the change of microscopic molecular packing of typical polymeric mixed conducting materials, namely poly(3,4‑ethylenedioxythiophene) doped with poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) and poly(2‐(3,3′‐bis(2‐(2‐(2‐methoxyethoxy)ethoxy) ethoxy)‐[2,2′‐bithiophen]‐5‐yl)thieno[3,2‐b]thiophene) (p(g2T‐TT)), by integrating electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring, in situ charge accumulation spectroscopy, and electrical current‐voltage measurement. The penetration of ions and water can lead to viscous and disordered microstructures in organic mixed conductors and the water uptake property plays a more dominant role in morphological disruption compared with ion uptake is demonstrated. This study demonstrates the potential application of the combined optical, gravimetric, and electrical operando platform in evaluating the structural kinetics of organic mixed conductors and highlights the importance of concertedly tuning the hydration process, structural integrity, and charge transport properties of organic mixed conductors in order to achieve high performance and stable bioelectronic devices.
Uncovering the Function of a Five‐Membered Heterocyclic Solvent‐Based Electrolyte for Graphite Anode at Subzero Temperature
Authors: Yin Yue , Zheng Tianle , Chen Jiawei , Peng Yu , Fang Zhong , Mo Yanbing , Wang Congxiao , Wang Yonggang , Xia Yongyao , Dong Xiaoli
Published: February 2023

Ethylene carbonate (EC) is taken as the essential electrolyte component in lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) due to its high permittivity and film‐forming ability. However, its high melting point (36.4 °C) and strong solvation energy severely hinder Li+ transportation and Li+ desolvation process under low temperatures, resulting in capacity loss and even Li plating on graphite anode. Herein, a five‐membered heterocyclic compound isoxazole (IZ), similar to EC molecule, is well‐formulated to substitute EC for low‐temperature operation of graphite anode. It is revealed that IZ with dispersed charge distribution exhibits a weaker solvation ability than EC with highly polar carbonyl group, which induces relatively more anions into the solvation sheath to form contact ion pairs and aggregates. The tamed electrolyte not only exhibits high ionic conductivities over wide‐temperature range but also generates an inorganic‐rich interphase with low activation barrier for smooth Li+ ions threading. This enables graphite anode with an impressive reversible capacity of 263 mAh g‐1 at the low temperature of −30 °C (a room‐temperature retention of as high as 71.5%), nearly twice higher than graphite with EC‐based electrolyte. This study provides an alternative electrolyte recipe to relieve the anxiety of LIBs operated under harsh conditions.
J‐Type Self‐Assembled Supramolecular Polymers for High‐Performance and Fast‐Response n‐Type Organic Electrochemical Transistors
Authors: Liu Kai‐Kai , Li Peiyun , Lei Yuqiu , Zhang Zhuoqiong , Pan Xiran , So Shu Kong , Lei Ting
Published: February 2023

To date, high‐performance organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs) are almost all based on conjugated polymers. Small molecules can be synthesized with high purity without batch‐to‐batch variations. However, small molecules require highly crystalline films and good molecular packings to achieve high charge carrier mobilities. Such features make their films unsuitable for ion diffusion or make their molecular packing distorted due to ion diffusion, resulting in poor ion/charge carrier transport properties and slow response speed. Herein, it is proposed to construct small‐molecule‐based supramolecular polymers to address these issues. A molecule, namely TDPP‐RD‐G7 is designed, which exhibits J‐type self‐assembling behaviors and can form supramolecular polymers in solution and conjugated‐polymer‐like networks in solid state. More importantly, the porous supramolecular polymer networks allow fast ion diffusion and greatly increase the device response speeds. As a result, the TDPP‐RD‐G7 exhibits record fast response speeds (τon/τoff) of 10.5/0.32 ms with high figure‐of‐merit (µC*) of 5.88 F cm−1 V−1 s−1 in small‐molecule OECTs. This work reveals the possible reasons that hinder the response speeds in small‐molecule OECTs and demonstrates a new “supramolecular polymer” approach to high‐performance and fast‐response small‐molecule‐based OECTs.
Vertical‐type 3D/Quasi‐2D n‐p Heterojunction Perovskite Photodetector
Authors: Hsiao Yuan‐Wen , Cheng Bi Shane , Hsu Hung‐Chieh , Wu Shih‐Hsiung , Wu Hsuan‐Ta , Leu Ching‐Chich , Shih Chuan‐Feng
Published: February 2023

This research demonstrates a state‐of‐the‐art vertical‐transport photodetector with an n‐type 3D MAPbI3/p‐type quasi‐2D (Q‐2D) BA2MA2Pb3I10 perovskite heterojunction. This structure introduces a ≈0.6 V built‐in electric field at the n‐p junction that greatly improves the characteristics of the perovskite photodetector, and the presence of Q‐2D perovskite on the surface improves the life. The electrical polarities of the 3D and the Q‐2D perovskite layers are simply controlled by self‐constituent doping, making clearly defined n‐p characteristics. Doctor‐blade coating is used to fabricate the photodetector with a large area. The Q‐2D materials with highly oriented (040) Q‐2D (n = 2,3) planes are near the surface, and the (111) preferred planes mixed with high index Q‐2D materials (n = 4,5) are found near the 3D/Q‐2D interface. The stacking and interface are beneficial for carrier extraction and transport, yielding an external quantum efficiency of 77.9%, a carrier lifetime long as 295.7 ns, and a responsibility of 0.41 A W−1. A low dark current density of 6.2 × 10−7 mA cm−2 and a high detectivity of 2.82 × 1013 Jones are obtained. Rise time and fall time are fast as 1.33 and 10.1 µs, respectively. The results show the application potential of 3D/Q‐2D n‐p junction perovskite photodetectors.
Interfacing Biology and Electronics with Memristive Materials
Authors: Tzouvadaki Ioulia , Gkoupidenis Paschalis , Vassanelli Stefano , Wang Shiwei , Prodromakis Themis
Published: February 2023

Memristive technologies promise to have a large impact on modern electronics, particularly in the areas of reconfigurable computing and artificial intelligence (AI) hardware. Meanwhile, the evolution of memristive materials alongside the technological progress is opening application perspectives also in the biomedical field, particularly for implantable and lab‐on‐a‐chip devices where advanced sensing technologies generate a large amount of data. Memristive devices are emerging as bioelectronic links merging biosensing with computation, acting as physical processors of analog signals or in the framework of advanced digital computing architectures. Recent developments in the processing of electrical neural signals, as well as on transduction and processing of chemical biomarkers of neural and endocrine functions, are reviewed. It is concluded with a critical perspective on the future applicability of memristive devices as pivotal building blocks in bio‐AI fusion concepts and bionic schemes.
Multienzyme‐Like Nanozymes: Regulation, Rational Design, and Application
Authors: Sheng Jingyi , Wu Yuehuang , Ding He , Feng Kaizheng , Shen Yan , Zhang Yu , Gu Ning
Published: February 2023

Nanomaterials with more than one enzyme‐like activity are termed multienzymic nanozymes, and they have received increasing attention in recent years and hold huge potential to be applied in diverse fields, especially for biosensing and therapeutics. Compared to single enzyme‐like nanozymes, multienzymic nanozymes offer various unique advantages, including synergistic effects, cascaded reactions, and environmentally responsive selectivity. Nevertheless, along with these merits, the catalytic mechanism and rational design of multienzymic nanozymes are more complicated and elusive as compared to single‐enzymic nanozymes. In this review, the multienzymic nanozymes classification scheme based on the numbers/types of activities, the internal and external factors regulating the multienzymatic activities, the rational design based on chemical, biomimetic, and computer‐aided strategies, and recent progress in applications attributed to the advantages of multicatalytic activities are systematically discussed. Finally, current challenges and future perspectives regarding the development and application of multienzymatic nanozymes are suggested. This review aims to deepen the understanding and inspire the research in multienzymic nanozymes to a greater extent.
Fluid Flow Templating of Polymeric Soft Matter with Diverse Morphologies
Authors: Bang Rachel S. , Roh Sangchul , Williams Austin H. , Stoyanov Simeon D. , Velev Orlin D.
Published: February 2023

It is challenging to find a conventional nanofabrication technique that can consistently produce soft polymeric matter of high surface area and nanoscale morphology in a way that is scalable, versatile, and easily tunable. Here, the capabilities of a universal method for fabricating diverse nano‐ and micro‐scale morphologies based on polymer precipitation templated by the fluid streamlines in multiphasic flow are explored. It is shown that while the procedure is operationally simple, various combinations of its intertwined mechanisms can controllably and reproducibly lead to the formation of an extraordinary wide range of colloidal morphologies. By systematically investigating the process conditions, 12 distinct classes of polymer micro‐ and nano‐structures including particles, rods, ribbons, nanosheets, and soft dendritic colloids (dendricolloids) are identified. The outcomes are interpreted by delineating the physical processes into three stages: hydrodynamic shear, capillary and mechanical breakup, and polymer precipitation rate. The insights into the underlying fundamental mechanisms provide guidance toward developing a versatile and scalable nanofabrication platform. It is verified that the liquid shear‐based technique is versatile and works well with many chemically diverse polymers and biopolymers, showing potential as a universal tool for simple and scalable nanofabrication of many morphologically distinct soft matter classes.
Dry Lithography Patterning of Monolayer Flexible Field Effect Transistors by 2D Mica Stamping
Authors: Zou Deng , He Zhenfei , Chen Ming , Yan Lizhi , Guo Yifan , Gao Guoyun , Li Can , Piao Yingzhe , Cheng Xing , Chan Paddy K.L.
Published: February 2023

Organic field‐effect transistors (OFETs) based on 2D monolayer organic semiconductors (OSC) have demonstrated promising potentials for various applications, such as light emitting diode (LED) display drivers, logic circuits, and wearable electrocardiography (ECG) sensors. To date, the fabrications of this class of highly crystallized 2D organic semiconductors (OSC) are dominated by solution shearing. As these organic active layers are only a few molecular layers thick, their compatibilities with conventional thermal evaporated top electrodes or sophisticated photolithography patterning are very limited, which also restricts their device density. Here, an electrode transfer stamp and a semiconductor patterning stamp are developed to fabricate OFETs with channel lengths down to 3 µm over a large area without using any chemicals or causing any damage to the active layer. 2D 2,9‐didecyldinaphtho[2,3‐b:2′,3′‐f]thieno[3,2‐b]thiophene (C10‐DNTT) monolayer OFETs developed by this new approach shows decent performance properties with a low threshold voltage (VTH) less than 0.5 V, intrinsic mobility higher than 10 cm2 V−1 s−1 and a subthreshold swing (SS) less than 100 mV dec−1. The proposed patterning approach is completely comparable with ultraflexible parylene substrate less than 2 µm thick. By further reducing the channel length down to 2 µm and using the monolayer OFET in an AC/DC rectifying circuit, the measured cutoff frequency is up to 17.3 MHz with an input voltage of 4 V. The newly proposed electrode transfer and patterning stamps have addressed the long‐lasting compatibility problem of depositing electrodes onto 2D organic monolayer and the semiconductor patterning. It opens a new path to reduce the fabrication cost and simplify the manufacturing process of high‐density OFETs for more advanced electronic or biomedical applications.
Constructing a Uniform and Stable Mixed Conductive Layer to Stabilize the Solid‐State Electrolyte/Li Interface by Cold Bonding at Mild Conditions
Authors: Chen Yi , Qian Ji , Hu Xin , Ma Yitian , Li Yu , Xue Tianyang , Yu Tianyang , Li Li , Wu Feng , Chen Renjie
Published: February 2023

Garnet‐type Li6.4La3Zr1.4Ta0.6O12 (LLZ) electrolyte is a promising candidate for high‐performance solid‐state batteries, while its applications are hindered by interfacial problems. Although the utilization of functional coatings and molten lithium (Li) effectively solves the LLZ interfacial compatibility problem with Li metal, it poses problems such as high cost, high danger, and structural damage. Herein, a mixed conductive layer (MCL) is introduced at the LLZ/Li interface (RT‐MCL) via an in situ cold bonding process at room temperature. Such a stable and compact RT‐MCL can effectively suppress side reactions and protect the crystal structure of LLZ, and it also inhibits growth of Li dendrites and promotes uniform Li deposition. The critical current density (CCD) of the Li symmetric cell composed of RT‐MCL‐LLZ is increased to 1.8 mA cm‐2 and provides stable cycling performance over 2000 h under 0.5 mA cm‐2. Additionally, this in situ cold bonding treatment can significantly reduce cost and eliminate potential safety issues caused by the high‐temperature processing of Li metal. This work highlights tremendous potential of this cold bonding technique in the reasonable design and optimization of the LLZ/Li interface.
Colorful Triplet Excitons in Carbon Nanodots for Time Delay Lighting
Authors: Song Shi‐Yu , Liu Kai‐Kai , Mao Xin , Cao Qing , Li Na , Zhao Wen‐Bo , Wang Yong , Liang Ya‐Chuang , Zang Jin‐Hao , Li Xing , Lou Qing , Dong Lin , Shan Chong‐Xin
Published: February 2023

Time delay lighting offers an added period of buffer illumination for human eyes upon switching off the light. Long‐lifetime emission from triplet excitons has outstanding potential, but the forbidden transition property due to the Pauli exclusion principle makes them dark, and it stays challenging to develop full‐color and bright triplet excitons. Herein, triplet excitons emission from ultraviolet (UV) to near infrared (NIR) in carbon nanodots (CNDs) is achieved by confining multicolor CNDs emitters in NaCNO crystal. NaCNO crystal can isolate the CNDs, triplet excitons quenching caused by the excited state electrons aggregation induced energy transfer is suppressed, and the confinement crystal can furthermore promote phosphorescence of the CNDs by inhibiting the dissipation of the triplet excitons due to non‐radiative transition. The phosphorescence from radiative recombination of triplet excitons in the CNDs covers the spectral region from 300 nm (UV) to 800 nm (NIR), the corresponding lifetimes can reach 15.8, 818.0, 239.7, 168.4, 426.4, and 127.6 ms. Furthermore, the eco‐friendly luminescent lampshades are designed based on the multicolor phosphorescent CNDs, time delay light‐emitting diodes are thus demonstrated. The findings will motivate new opportunities for the development of UV to NIR phosphorescent CNDs and time delay lighting applications.
Duplex Responsive Nanoplatform with Cascade Targeting for Atherosclerosis Photoacoustic Diagnosis and Multichannel Combination Therapy
Authors: Xu Hong , She Peiyi , Zhao Zhiyu , Ma Boxuan , Li Gaocan , Wang Yunbing
Published: February 2023

The culprits of atherosclerosis are endothelial damage, local disorders of lipid metabolism, and progressive inflammation. Early atherosclerosis is typically difficult to diagnose in time due to the lack of obvious symptoms, thus missing the best period of treatment. In this work, a π‐conjugated polymer (PMeTPP‐MBT) based on 3,6‐bis(4‐methylthiophen‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐bis(2‐octyldodecyl)pyrrolo[3,4‐c]pyrrole‐1,4(2H,5H)‐dione is designed as a novel photoacoustic contrast agent. On this basis, an intelligent responsive theranostic nanoplatform (PA/ASePSD) combining astaxanthin and SS‐31 peptide and loading with PMeTPP‐MBT is developed. The high affinity between the dextran shell with the broken endothelial surface VCAM‐1 and CD44 confers active targeting of PA/ASePSD to atherosclerotic lesions. High levels of ROS in the acidic plaque microenvironment act as an intelligent cascade switch to achieve controlled release of astaxanthin, SS‐31 peptide, and PMeTPP‐MBT for non‐invasive photoacoustic diagnosis, as well as plaque inhibition mediated by anti‐inflammation and multichannel regulation (including ABCA1, ABCG1, CD36, and LOX‐1) of lipid metabolism. Both in vitro and in vivo evaluations confirm the impressive anti‐atherosclerotic capability and the accurate photoacoustic diagnosis of PA/ASePSD nanoparticles, thus promising a candidate for early‐stage atherosclerosis theranostics.
Sustainable Drag Reduction of Fatty Acid Amide‐Based Oleogel Surface Under High‐Speed Shear Flows
Authors: Hameed Ali Zain , Lee Sang Joon
Published: February 2023

Nepenthes alata‐inspired micro/nano‐textured lubricant‐infused surface (LIS) has shown strong potential in the fields of drag reduction (DR), anti‐biofouling, and self‐cleaning. However, its surface‐slippery property is largely degraded under turbulent shear flow conditions due to the loss of the impregnated oil. This condition inhibits its practical applications to marine vehicles. The mucus‐impregnated tissue systems of marine creatures are primarily based on fatty acid amides (FAAs), such as erucamide or oleamide, which have been commercially utilized as solid‐slip additives. A stable lubricant interface of erucamide‐PDMS composite (EPC) oleogel is formed by cross‐linking erucamide with PDMS gel network prior to infusion of silicon oil. In this study, the surface stability and lubricant retention of EPC are investigated in consideration of DR applications. The fabricated EPC‐oleogel surface exhibits shear stable DR under harsh conditions, such as high pressure, temperature, and shear flow conditions. The surface shows a shear stable DR performance of about 14% even up to a high‐speed flow of 12 ms−1, corresponding to friction Reynolds number (Reτ) of approximately 5000. The superior lubrication stability of FAA‐oleogel at the flow conditions of cruising ships ensures its strong potential for sustainable fuel economy of marine vehicles.
Structural Spectrum of 2D Materials in Solution: Toward Establishing 2D Assemblies’ Digital Factory
Authors: Wei Lingfei , Lin Jinguo , Chen Cen , Yu Li , Lu Canhui , Liu Feng
Published: February 2023

The numerous hierarchical architectures of 2D assemblies endow them with a new dimension to realize novel properties. From theoretical perspective, freedoms stem from in‐plane and out‐plane mechanical properties of 2D materials separately, which makes 2D materials embrace more than one “persistence length” giving rise to the diverse morphologies. However, the understanding of 3D architecture formation in 2D assemblies is still in its infancy. In fact, there is even no theoretical classification or reference to help clarify structural difference among numerous experimental obtained 2D assemblies. Based on the theoretical model composed by 2D sheets and Lennard‐Jones liquids, solution concentration dependence of 2D materials conformation is systematically studied, and a ln K behavior is uncovered that can realize the theoretical conformation prediction of 2D materials. More importantly, the digital production line (solution processing procedure) is set up toward establishing the 2D assemblies’ digital factory. The obtained structures may provide a reference to 2D assemblies, which benefits the understanding of the structural difference among different experiments and even help to guide the experimental design of 2D assemblies with targeted architectures and properties.
Mixed Microscopic Eu2+ Occupancies in the Next‐Generation Red LED Phosphor Sr[Li2Al2O2N2]:Eu2+ (SALON:Eu2+)
Authors: Ruegenberg Freia , García‐Fuente Amador , Seibald Markus , Baumann Dominik , Hoerder Gregor , Fiedler Tim , Urland Werner , Huppertz Hubert , Meijerink Andries , Suta Markus
Published: February 2023

Red‐emitting narrow‐band phosphors are of utmost importance for next‐generation white‐light phosphor‐converted light‐emitting diodes (pc‐wLEDs) for improved efficacy and optimized correlated color temperatures. A promising representative crystallizing in an ordered variant of the UCr4C4 structure type is Sr[Li2Al2O2N2]:Eu2+ (SALON:Eu2+) emitting at a desirable wavelength of 614 nm. Despite an expected eightfold coordination of the Eu2+ ions by four N3− and O2− ions, respectively, the exact local coordination symmetry and a 1:1 ratio between the two types of ligands is not straightforwardly proven by X‐ray diffraction. Low‐temperature luminescence spectroscopy in conjunction with ligand field theory are powerful alternatives to resolve local features of Eu2+ as its excited 4f65d1 configuration reacts sensitively to the polarity of the ligands. The dominant emission at 614 nm shows pronounced vibronic fine structure at 10 K. In addition, weak emission bands can be resolved at 570 and 650 nm even at a low doping concentration of 0.5 mol% and are assigned to Eu2+ ions being eightfold coordinated by N3− and O2− ions in a ratio different from 1:1. Due to the feature of vierer ring‐type channels in SALON:Eu2+, those Eu2+ centers are sufficiently close for mutual energy transfer, which is characterized by time‐resolved luminescence at 10 K.
A Universal Approach to High‐Index‐Contrast Flexible Integrated Photonics
Authors: Chen Zequn , Shi Yilin , Wei Maoliang , Luo Ye , Ma Hui , Tang Renjie , Weng Yang , Dai Hao , Zhong Chuyu , Sun Chunlei , Wang Lichun , Si Ke , Gong Wei , Lin Hongtao , Li Lan
Published: February 2023

Flexible integrated photonics is an essential technology for emerging applications, including flexible optical interconnects, optogenetic stimulation, and implantable conformal sensing. Here, a novel and universal route for fabricating flexible photonic components with high‐refractive‐index contrast is reported. Central to such a unique method is the utilization of germanium oxide (GeO) as the sacrificial layer for releasing nanostructures from rigid substrates to flexible substrates. Various high‐quality inorganic optical materials can be grown directly on GeO by different thin‐film deposition methods due to its resistance to both high temperature and high‐power oxygen plasmas. In addition to the absence of restrictions on the material choices and integration processes for flexible photonic structures, the approach uses water as the etchant to remove the sacrificial layer, which has minimal impact on the optical performance of the photonic structures. Using this approach, a strain‐insensitive/sensitive microring resonator based on plasma‐enhanced chemical vapor deposited silicon nitride and reactive sputtered titanium oxide, respectively, is demonstrated, establishing the strategy as a facile and universal route for the fabrication of high‐index‐contrast flexible integrated photonic devices with various functionalities.
Engineering O‐Succinyl‐L‐Homoserine Mercaptotransferase for Efficient L‐Methionine Biosynthesis by Fermentation‐Enzymatic Coupling Route
Authors: Tang Xiao‐Ling , Li Ning , Liu Yan‐Lai , Li Jing‐Peng , Zhao Kai‐Xuan , Liu Zhi‐Qiang , Zheng Yu‐Guo
Published: February 2023

L‐Methionine is the unique sulfur‐containing amino acid essential for humans and animals, which is widely used in pharmaceutical, food and feed industries. Its green and efficient production has attracted a great deal of attention. Fermentation‐enzymatic coupling route is regarded to be promising for L‐methionine biosynthesis, while O‐succinyl‐L‐homoserine mercaptotransferase (MetZ) is the key biocatalyst. Exploring and engineering of MetZ with ideal catalytic properties is highly desired. Herein, the MetZ from Chromobacterium violaceum (CvMetZ) was screened and through in silico analyses, potential beneficial amino acid residues both at the access channel and around the oxygen anion holes were anchored for site‐saturation mutagenesis. The positive mutants were obtained with improved activity for L‐methionine biosynthesis using O‐succinyl‐L‐homoserine (OSH) and methyl mercaptan as substrate. The best mutant was further applied for L‐methionine production and supply of methyl mercaptan was optimized in a fed‐batch approach. The conversion of 100 g/L OSH reached 92% with L‐methionine yield of 62.6 g/L, which was well coupled with the OSH fermentation level.

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Silk‐Gel Powered Adenoviral Vector Enables Robust Genome Editing of PD‐L1 to Augment Immunotherapy across Multiple Tumor Models
Authors: Wu Ming , Li Hao , Zhang Cao , Wang Yingchao , Zhang Cuilin , Zhang Yuting , Zhong Aoxue , Zhang Da , Liu Xiaolong
Published: February 2023

Immune checkpoint blockade based on antibodies has shown great clinical success in patients, but the transitory working manner leads to restricted therapeutic benefits. Herein, a genetically engineered adenovirus is developed as the vector to deliver CRISPR/Cas9 (sgCas9‐AdV) to achieve permanent PD‐L1 gene editing with efficiency up to 78.7% exemplified in Hepa 1‐6 liver cancer cells. Furthermore, the sgCas9‐AdV is loaded into hydrogel made by silk fiber (SgCas9‐AdV/Gel) for in vivo application. The silk‐gel not only promotes local retention of sgCas9‐AdV in tumor tissue, but also masks them from host immune system, thus ensuring effectively gene transduction over 9 days. Bearing these advantages, the sgCas9‐AdV/Gel inhibits Hepa 1‐6 tumor growth with 100% response rate by single‐dose injection, through efficient PD‐L1 disruption to elicit a T cell‐mediated antitumor response. In addition, the sgCas9‐AdV/Gel is also successfully extended into other refractory tumors. In CT26 colon tumor characterized by poor response to anti‐PD‐L1, sgCas9‐AdV/Gel is demonstrated to competent and superior anti‐PD‐L1 antibody to suppress tumor progression. In highly aggressive orthotopic 4T1 mouse breast tumor, such a therapeutic paradigm significantly inhibits primary tumor growth and induces a durable immune response against tumor relapse/metastasis. Thus, this study provides an attractive and universal strategy for immunotherapy.
Epitaxial CsPbBr3/CdS Janus Nanocrystal Heterostructures for Efficient Charge Separation
Authors: Qiu Hengwei , Li Fu , He Shan , Shi Ran , Han Yaoyao , Abudukeremu Hannikezi , Zhang Lin , Zhang Yan , Wang Song , Liu Wangyu , Ma Chao , Fang Honghua , Long Run , Wu Kaifeng , Zhang Hao , Li Jinghong
Published: February 2023

Epitaxial heterostructures of colloidal lead halide perovskite nanocrystals (NCs) with other semiconductors, especially the technologically important metal chalcogenides, can offer an unprecedented level of control in wavefunction design and exciton/charge carrier engineering. These NC heterostructures are ideal material platforms for efficient optoelectronics and other applications. Existing methods, however, can only yield heterostructures with random connections and distributions of the two components. The lack of epitaxial relation and uniform geometry hinders the structure–function correlation and impedes the electronic coupling at the heterointerface. This work reports the synthesis of uniform, epitaxially grown CsPbBr3/CdS Janus NC heterostructures with ultrafast charge separation across the electronically coupled interface. Each Janus NC contains a CdS domain that grows exclusively on a single {220} facet of CsPbBr3 NCs. Varying reaction parameters allows for precise control in the sizes of each domain and readily modulates the optical properties of Janus NCs. Transient absorption measurements and modeling results reveal a type II band alignment, where photoexcited electrons rapidly transfer (within ≈9 picoseconds) from CsPbBr3 to CdS. The promoted charge separation and extraction in epitaxial Janus NCs leads to photoconductors with drastically improved (approximately three orders of magnitude) responsivity and detectivity, which is promising for ultrasensitive photodetection.
Stepwise Amplification of Circularly Polarized Luminescence in Chiral Metal Cluster Ensembles
Authors: Wang Jia‐Yin , Si Yubing , Luo Xi‐Ming , Wang Zhao‐Yang , Dong Xi‐Yan , Luo Peng , Zhang Chong , Duan Chunying , Zang Shuang‐Quan
Published: February 2023

Chiral metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) are usually endowed by chiral linkers and/or guests. The strategy using chiral secondary building units in MOFs for solving the trade‐off of circularly polarized luminescence (CPL)‐active materials, high photoluminescence quantum yields (PLQYs) and high dissymmetry factors (|glum|) has not been demonstrated. This work directionally assembles predesigned chiral silver clusters with ACQ linkers through reticular chemistry. The nanoscale chirality of the cluster transmits through MOF's framework, where the linkers are arranged in a quasi‐parallel manner and are efficiently isolated and rigidified. Consequently, this backbone of chiral cluster‐based MOFs demonstrates superb CPL, high PLQYs of 50.3%, and |glum| of 1.2 × 10−2. Crystallographic analyses and DFT calculations show the quasi‐parallel arrangement manners of emitting linkers leading to a large angle between the electric and magnetic transition dipole moments, boosting CPL response. As compared, an ion‐pair‐direct assembly without interactions between linkers induces one‐ninth |glum| and one‐sixth PLQY values, further highlighting the merits of directional arrangement in reticular nets. In addition, a prototype CPL switching fabricated by a chiral framework is controlled through alternating ultraviolet and visible light. This work is expected to inspire the development of reticular chemistry for high‐performance chiroptical materials.
Interfacial Issues and Modification of Solid Electrolyte Interphase for Li Metal Anode in Liquid and Solid Electrolytes
Authors: Chae Oh B. , Lucht Brett L.
Published: February 2023

The high energy density required for the next generation of lithium batteries will likely be enabled by a shift toward lithium metal anode from the conventional intercalation‐based anode such as graphite. However, several critical challenges for Li metal originate from its highly reactive nature and the hostless reaction of deposition and stripping impede the practical use of Li metal as an anode. The role of the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) is very important for the Li metal anode where the SEI must protect the dynamically changing surface of the Li metal. Since the SEI‐generating reaction mechanisms for the two different electrolyte systems, liquid and solid, are considerably different, the SEI layers formed between the Li metal and the electrolytes in the two electrolyte systems have substantially different properties, causing different interfacial issues. Inhibition of the interfacial problems requires different strategies to reinforce the SEI layer for each of the electrolyte systems. However, the differences in the two electrolyte systems have not been clearly compared in the prior literature. In this report, the interfacial issues for the two different electrolyte systems are compared and different strategies for SEI modification are provided to overcome the issues.
Tailoring Vertically Aligned Inorganic‐Polymer Nanocomposites with Abundant Lewis Acid Sites for Ultra‐Stable Solid‐State Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Nie Yihang , Yang Tingzhou , Luo Dan , Liu Yizhou , Ma Qianyi , Yang Leixin , Yao Yuze , Huang Rong , Li Zhiyun , Akinoglu Eser Metin , Wen Guobin , Ren Bohua , Zhu Ning , Li Ming , Liao Hua , Tan Lichao , Wang Xin , Chen Zhongwei
Published: February 2023

Nanocomposite solid polymer electrolytes are considered as a promising strategy for solid‐state lithium metal batteries (SSLMBs). However, the randomly dispersed fillers in the polymer matrix with limited Li+transference number and insufficient ionic conductivity severely sacrifice the ion transport capacity, thus restricting their practical application. To tackle these issues, a magnetic field‐assisted alignment strategy is proposed to disperse the vertically aligned akaganéite nanotube in the polymer matrix as an inorganic‐polymer nanocomposite solid‐state electrolyte for ultra‐stable SSLMBs. The metal cations as Lewis acid sites can grab anions to promote the dissociation of Li salts while the sufficient oxygen and hydroxyl functional group offer abundant Li‐ion migration sites for favored ion transportation. At the same time, the vertically aligned akaganéite/polymer interface combined with the above synergistic effects can establish oriented channels inside solid‐state electrolyte, which significantly elevates its ionic conductivity. Specially, an organic‐inorganic dual‐layer solid‐electrolyte interface is formed to uniform Li deposition and suppress the dendrite growth. The beneficial effect of the vertically aligned network is also demonstrated in full cell and pouch cell where remarkable 2000 cycles with a capacity decay of 0.012% per cycle can be achieved.
Effect of diet on cardiovascular health‐related circulating parameters in men and women athletes participating in a marathon race: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Martínez‐Rodríguez Alejandro , Nescolarde Lexa , Soler‐Bernad Marcos , Roche Enrique
Published: February 2023

Objectives

The main objective of this study is to understand how diet affects performance and cardiovascular health in a group of women participating in a demanding aerobic race such as marathon, compared to men.

Methods

Fifteen women participating in the Barcelona Marathon‐2016 were recruited to participate in the study. A group of men (n = 15) that performed the same marathon race was selected. Anthropometric parameters and diet records were collected before the race. Circulating parameters were analyzed 24 h‐pre‐race, immediately after the race and 48 h‐post‐race. These included certain minerals, lipid profile, muscle damage, inflammatory and cardiovascular health markers.

Results

Diets were very similar in the men and women, with inadequate amounts of carbohydrates and proteins for endurance events. Creatine kinase (CK; a muscle damage marker) and C‐reactive protein (CRP; a marker of inflammation) remained elevated 48 h post‐race in all participants, but was significant in women (641 vs. 143 U/L for CK and 5.8 vs. 0.7 mg/dL for CRP). Cardiac markers (high sensitivity troponin T (Hs‐TnT), suppression of tumorigenicity and N‐terminal pro B‐type natriuretic peptide) increased post‐race and returned to pre‐race values after 48 h in men and women. In particular, Hs‐TnT (marker of myocyte stress) increased from 2.2 to 62.5 ng/L post‐race in women and from 3.1 to 52.9 ng/L in men. Finally, circulating lipid parameters were at borderline unhealthy levels in both sexes.

Conclusion

Structural and functional cardiac advantages that women display compared to men in aerobic efforts are not manifested when diet is not adequately designed.
Reference percentiles for tri‐ponderal mass index and its association with general and abdominal obesity among Iranian children and adolescents: A report from the SHED LIGHT study
Authors: Tabib Avisa , Samiei Niloufar , Ghavidel Alireza A. , Bakhshandeh Hooman , Noohi Feridoun , Hosseini Saeid , Rezaei Yousef
Published: February 2023

Background

The body mass index (BMI) has some limitations in identifying obesity, particularly among children and adolescents.

Objectives

We sought to determine the reference percentiles of tri‐ponderal mass index (TMI) for Iranian population, and its relation to BMI, waist circumference (WC), and waist circumference‐to‐height ratio (WHtR).

Methods

Baseline characteristics for 14 641 children and adolescents were applied. The area under the characteristics (AUC) curve and optimal cut‐off points for TMI were used to define the accuracy of TMI for discriminating general and central obesity compared to other anthropometric measurements.

Results

TMI levels remained stable from 6 to 18 years with a small range of difference. The highest AUCs for discriminating obesity according to BMI and WHtR ≥0.5 from non‐obese subjects were related to TMI (0.980) and TMI (0.912), respectively, and these findings were similar for both sexes. Moreover, the AUC for TMI to discriminate central obesity by WHtR was higher than that for BMI (0.912 vs. 0.833, p < .001), and this difference was similar among sex and age groups. The optimal value of TMI for discriminating general obesity, obesity by WC, and obesity by WHtR were 15.2 (sensitivity 96.2 and specificity 89.8), 15 (sensitivity 86.9 and specificity 79.9), and 13.9 (sensitivity 85.1 and specificity 81.5), respectively.

Conclusions

TMI discriminated central obesity by WHtR more accurately than obesity by BMI among Iranian children and adolescents irrespective of sex. Besides it remained relatively constant across age‐ and sex‐specific groups providing a single optimal cut‐off point for screening obesity during childhood and adolescence.
Intraspecific Variation in the Terpene Profiles of Dodonaea viscosa
Authors: Dutra‐Nobre Adriana R. , Olivier Wesley J. , Deans Bianca J. , Kilah Nathan L. , Alejandro Fernando Maya , Smith Jason A. , Bissember Alex C.
Published: February 2023

Natural products isolation studies were performed on Dodonaea viscosa plant individuals sampled across seven different populations, which revealed considerable intraspecific variation in the terpene profiles across D. viscosa. In total, 14 ent‐labdane diterpenoids (seven of which are previously unreported), four ent‐kauranes (one which is previously unreported), one rare norhopene, and two previously unreported monoterpenoid wax esters were isolated. Exceedingly few terpene wax esters have been reported in Nature and the isolation of these unusual secondary metabolites is particularly notable for this reason. In each case, the proposed structures were elucidated employing various standard one‐ and two‐dimensional NMR (1H, 13C, NOESY, COSY, HSQC, HMBC) spectroscopic techniques and complemented by IR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and polarimetry, where appropriate. Synthetic derivatization and X‐ray crystallographic analysis were also employed to further support or secure structural assignments.
Associations of potential ADRD plasma biomarkers in cognitively normal volunteers
Authors: Estepp Taylor G. , Charnigo Richard J. , Abner Erin L. , Jicha Gregory A. , Sudduth Tiffany L. , Fardo David W. , Wilcock Donna M.
Published: February 2023

INTRODUCTION

This study examined the relationships between 13 novel blood‐plasma biomarkers and dementia‐related demographic and health factors in a cohort of 237 cognitively normal research volunteers whose average age was ≈82 years and who were 63% female.

METHODS

We regressed each biomarker on selected covariates to explore the associations between the biomarkers and selected factors to assess whether they may contribute to biomarker values. Post hoc sensitivity analyses were done with updated data and consistent variable sets for robustness and batch effects.

RESULTS

Biomarker concentrations were largely not associated with demographics or health conditions, but some expected associations (e.g., apolipoprotein E [APOE] status with amyloid beta [Aβ]42/Aβ40) were observed. Post hoc results remained similar to those of the main analysis.

DISCUSSION

The absence of strong associations between the biomarkers with age, gender, or medical conditions suggests that changes in these biomarkers, when observed, may be attributable to neuropathological changes.

Highlights

Among N = 237 cognitively normal adults, we studied candidate Alzheimer's disease and related dementia (ADRD) plasma biomarkers.

Biomarkers were largely not associated with demographic or health factors.

Apolipoprotein E (APOE) status was associated with amyloid beta (Aβ)42/Aβ40 ratio.

These results support hypotheses that plasma biomarkers are informative for ADRD.