bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characteristics of The Citizen of the Future According to the Views of Pre-Service Social Studies Teachers
Authors: Kan Çiğdem
Published: March 2022

The present study aimed to allow pre-service social studies teachers to define the citizens of the future and to determine the characteristics of the citizens of the future according to pre-service social studies teachers. The study group included 19 pre-service social studies teachers attending Fırat University, Faculty of Education and participated in the study on a volunteer basis. Criterion sampling method was used in the study. Thus, a semi-structured interview form that included open-ended questions was utilized to interview the students. In the study, the data were analzyed with descriptive analysis. The study findings demonstrated that pre-service social studies teachers defined the citizens of the future as individuals who love their homeland, adhere to the state and national ideals, are educated, well-informed, and aware of their rights and responsibilities as active citizens. The characteristics of the citizens of the future were described as well-informed, concerned, research-oriented, prioritizing national unity and solidarity, respectful, honest, charitable, and educated by the students. According to the pre-service teachers, citizens of the future should not be insensitive and irresponsible, betray their homeland and be useful, should not be self-seeking and selfish, uninformed, uneducated, unaware.
Digital Literacy and Views of the COVID-19 Pandemic of Students Who Prepared for Musical Aptitude Tests during the Pandemic
Authors: Özparlak Çağla Serin
Published: March 2022

This study was carried out with the aim of determining the opinions and digital literacy status of the students who are preparing for the music talent exams of the universities during the COVID-19 process. The research is in the survey model, which is one of the quantitative research methods and is limited to 300 students who took the music department and department aptitude exams of 21 different universities. The type of high school from which the relevant students graduated, the universities they applied to for special talent exams, their previous undergraduate education, their status of researching distance education opportunities, and digital literacy levels of the universities they applied for special talent exams were included in the scope of the study. Within the scope of the problem situation of the research, the effects of the duration of the pandemic on the ear training, instrument training, voice training, and psychological state of the students were investigated. According to the data obtained from the interview form applied to the students, the pandemic process gave the students extra time for ear training, instrument training, and voice training, but this extra time could not be properly evaluated because there was no educator guidance. It was concluded that students felt inadequate about digital literacy.
Views of Secondary School Science, Pre-school and Primary School Teachers on Science Education with Intelligence Games
Authors: Kurupınar Abdulhamit , Yüksel İbrahim , Kurt Hakan
Published: March 2022

Science education is important at all educational levels, from pre-school to higher education. For this reason, in this study, it is aimed to determine the views of secondary school science, pre-school and primary school teachers on science education with intelligence games. The research was designed as a qualitative method case study. The study group was formed by random sampling method. Accordingly, a total of 131 teachers took part in the study group in 38 secondary school science, 47 pre-school and 46 primary school teaching branches. Semi-structured interview questions were developed by the researchers and teachers’ opinions were collected online. The data obtained in this way were analyzed by content analysis. As a result of the analysis, six basic themes were reached: definition, education, belief, preference, and problem and solution proposal. Regarding the science education implemented using intelligence games, most of the teachers pointed out that they did not have any education, they regarded these games as an educational tool and that these games contributed to their vocational developments. It has emerged as a solution that games are entertaining, skill-enhancing, interesting and support permanent learning, cost of games and primary school management are problems, associating games with subjects and eliminating the lack of game materials.
A Review of Historical Development of Student Selection and Placement for Higher Education in Turkey
Authors: Alaca Eray , Şanal Mustafa
Published: March 2022

A central exam with objective criteria in student selection and placement for higher education in Turkey had not been applied until 1960s. Each higher education institution used to conduct its own exam according to the demand density. No exams were made when the applications were sometimes below the available capacity. In the 1960s, there were so many applications to higher education institutions that it exceeded the existing capacity. Upon the increase in the number of graduates from secondary education, the number of students who want to enroll in higher education increased, and thus some efforts were made to generate an examination that was acceptable by everyone, based on objective criteria, central, equal, fair, and economical, except for the oral and/or written exams of higher education institutions. In conclusion, the “Interuniversity Student Selection and Placement Center (ISSPC)” was established in 1974 so as to conduct exams for student selection and placement in higher education institutions. So, the student selection and placement exams for higher education gained a central quality based on the principles of assessment and evaluation. In this context, it is aimed to show the historical development of the student selection and placement process in higher education in Turkey in this study, which was carried out using document analysis method.
Investigation of Syrian Refugees’ Motivations for Learning Turkish
Authors: TÜRKER Murat Sami , ÇELİK Halit
Published: March 2022

Motivation undoubtedly plays an important role in learning a second language in that the whole process presupposes motivation to some extent. In the context of Syrian refugees, understanding the factors motivating learners is the very first step in the language learning process in that the refugees must first be integrated into the education system, which will soon facilitate adaptation to society. In this quantitative study, a cross-sectional survey model was employed to determine the reasons for Syrian adult refugees to learn Turkish and examine the influence of motivation on Turkish language achievement. The participants were Syrian adult refugees who learned Turkish as a second language in Turkey. The data of the study were obtained using a questionnaire including the “Motivation Scale for Learning Turkish as a Foreign Language” and the “Turkish Achievement Test” developed by the researchers. Data obtained from the motivation scale were analyzed quantitatively by using descriptive statistics, and the mean values and the standard deviations of the achievement test scores were calculated using SPSS. The results indicated that the main reasons Syrian refugees learn Turkish are professional career, academic career, survival needs and social adaptation. On the other hand, their motivations were found to be high, and it was revealed that refugees were mostly instrumentally motivated. While no significant differences were found in the level of motivation among of Syrian adult refugees in terms of their reasons for learning Turkish, the results clarified that motivation has a great role in raising proficiency in learning Turkish as a second language. Regarding the results of the study, it can be suggested that language teachers should be aware of various reasons of their learners to learn a language and seek ways to motivate them, which will support the learning process.
Workshops for Improving Speaking Skills of Secondary School Fifth-Grade Students through Web-Based Games
Authors: PEHLİVAN COŞKUN Yağmur , ŞEKER Perihan Tuğba
Published: March 2022

In this study, workshop suggestions are offered to improve the speaking skills of secondary school 5th-grade students through web-based games. The qualitative method was used in the study, and the data were obtained by document analysis. The study includes web 2.0 supported activity suggestions planned to support and improve the speaking skills of 5th-grade students. The activities are planned as five online workshops. A template was created in the workshop planning phase using the document analysis method, and the workshops were developed following this template. The stages of the workshops were created by taking expert opinions. The study is expected to serve to improve many skills of secondary school 5th-grade students besides speaking skills, such as problem-solving, critical thinking, creativity, and managing their own learning process, which are intrinsically included in the game. The planned web 2.0 supported workshops will contribute to the related literature and set an example for online course alternatives.
Extrusion Reactions Affording Aromatic Systems, Dienes and Polyenes
Authors: Guziec Frank S. , Guziec Lynn James
Published: March 2022

Extrusion reactions may be defined as chemical reactions in which an atom or small molecular fragment Y connected to two other atoms W and Z is lost from a molecule, leading to a product in which W becomes directly bonded to Z. Cheletropic reactions that afford aromatic or conjugated π systems by loss of a stable atomic or molecular fragment have also been classified as extrusion reactions. Typically, the fragments liberated in these reactions are small, stable inorganic molecules or atoms such as carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, sulfur, sulfur monoxide, sulfur dioxide, selenium, tellurium, oxygen and nitrogen. This chapter primarily deals with the synthesis of arenes, heterocycles, 1,3‐dienes and polyenes using such extrusion processes. The utility of these reactions in the synthesis of sterically hindered molecules, dendrimers, pheromones, and other natural products are highlighted. The use of extrusion reactions for the “Click and Release” approach in drug development is also introduced.
Correlation of plasma and neuroimaging biomarkers in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Brickman Adam M. , Manly Jennifer J. , Honig Lawrence S. , Sanchez Danurys , Reyes‐Dumeyer Dolly , Lantigua Rafael A. , Vonsattel Jean Paul , Teich Andrew F. , Kang Min Suk , Dage Jeffrey L. , Mayeux Richard
Published: March 2022

Blood‐based phosphorylated tau (Ptau) 181 and 217 biomarkers are sensitive and specific for Alzheimer's disease. In this racial/ethnically diverse cohort study, participants were classified as biomarker positive (Ptau+) or negative (Ptau‐) based on Ptau 181 and 217 concentrations and as cognitively impaired (Sym) or unimpaired (Asym). The four groups, Ptau‐/Asym, Ptau+/Asym, Ptau‐/Sym, and Ptau+/Sym, differed by age, APOE‐4 allele frequency, total tau, neurofilament light chain, and cortical thickness measured by MRI. Our results add to increasing evidence that plasma Ptau 181 and 217 concentrations are valid Alzheimer's disease biomarkers in diverse populations.
A Dual‐Functional Titanium Nitride Chloride Layered Matrix with Facile Lithium‐Ion Diffusion Path and Decoupled Electron Transport as High‐Capacity Anodes
Authors: Zhao Siwei , Dong Chenlong , Wang Xiaotong , Tang Yufeng , Huang Fuqiang
Published: March 2022

Intercalation typed electrodes are expected with low theoretical capacity, which falls behind their high rate performance and stability. In this work, α‐TiNCl, an isoelectronic system of TiO2, is designed as a promising high‐capacity intercalation anode. TiNCl features are layered TiN backbone terminated by Cl atoms. While the rocksalt TiN backbones function as electron conductors, the interlayer voids provide Cl‐coordinated Li+ sites without strong Li‐Ti repulsion, which proves to be a rapid diffusion path with a low energy barrier (0.06 vs 0.47 eV of TiO2). Therefore, a dual‐functional TiNCl matrix is established for Li+ and e– transport. To stabilize the layered structure, TiNCl is scaffolded by an in situ grown TiO2 coating, which also serves as an electron reservoir during lithiation. The TiNCl‐TiO2 anode exhibits significantly large Li+ intercalation capacity (243% of TiO2) and outstanding battery performance (231 mA h g–1 at ≈17 C for 2500 cycles, 94 mA h g–1 at ≈34 C for 10 000 cycles). The (+) LiCoO2 || TiNCl‐TiO2 (–) full battery maintains 170 mA h g–1 for 300 cycles. This work may shed light on the molecular engineering of new compounds for electrodes.
Superior Volumetric Capability Dual‐Ion Batteries Enabled by A Microsize Niobium Tungsten Oxide Anode
Authors: Xu Yongtai , Feng Jianze , Ma Hongyun , Zhu Jiaojiao , Zhang Xu , Lang Junwei , Yang Shengrong , Yan Xingbin
Published: March 2022

Dual‐ion batteries (DIBs) have gained great attention due to their advantages of high operating voltage and low cost. However, the overall performance of the reported DIBs falls far below expectation. In particular, electrode materials with rapid‐charging kinetics and high volumetric packing densities are still in short supply. Herein, a holistic design of the DIB is proposed by using a Wadsley–Roth phase niobium tungsten oxide as the anode, which possesses facile ion transport tunnels and ultrahigh electrode density to deliver superior volumetric performance (521.5 Ah L−1 at 0.2 C and 154.3 Ah L−1 at 60 C), and choosing graphite as the cathode. Benefiting from the respective advantages of this novel anode and the graphite cathode, the as‐built DIB full cell exhibits high volumetric and excellent rate performance (137.7 Ah L−1 at 1 C and 79.2 Ah L−1 at 5 C), and long‐term cyclic stability (1000 cycles at 5 C with negligible capacity attenuation). More impressively, such cells can deliver a high volumetric energy density (422.7 Wh L−1) and power density (8.3 kW L−1) . Furthermore, the comprehensive charge storage chemistry of this DIB is elaborated by operando electrochemical characterizations, and this assembly of flexible pouch cells shows its practical prospects.
Self‐Assembly of Naturally Small Molecules into Supramolecular Fibrillar Networks for Wound Healing
Authors: Huang Haibo , Gong Wei , Wang Xinchuang , He Wanying , Hou Yiyang , Hu Jiangning
Published: March 2022

Self‐assemblies of bioactively natural compounds into supramolecular hydrogels without structural modifications are of interest to improve their sustained releases and bioavailabilities in vivo. However, it is still a formidable challenge to dig out such a naturally small molecule with a meticulous structure which can be self‐assembled to form a hydrogel for biomedical applications. Here, a new hydrogel consisting only of gallic acid (GA) via π–π stacking and hydrogen bond interactions, whereas none of GA analogues can form the similar supramolecular hydrogels, is reported. This interesting phenomenon is intriguing to further investigate the potential applications of GA hydrogels in wound healing. Notably, this GA hydrogel has rod‐like structures with lengths varying from 10 to 100 µm. The biocompatibility and antibacterial tests prove that this well‐assembled GA hydrogel has no cytotoxicity and excellent antibacterial activities against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Moreover, the GA hydrogel can significantly accelerate the process of wound healing with or without bacterial infections by mediation of inflammation signaling pathways. It is believed that the current study may shed a new light on the design of a supramolecular hydrogel based on self‐assemblies of naturally small molecules to improve their bioavailabilities and diversify their uses in biomedical applications.
Metal‐Organic Framework‐Based Nanoheater with Photo‐Triggered Cascade Effects for On‐Demand Suppression of Cellular Thermoresistance and Synergistic Cancer Therapy
Authors: Zhu Yuanyuan , Huang Yanyan , Yan Tian‐Hao , Li Jialuo , Li Yongming , Drake Hannah F. , Zhong Huifei , Jin Yulong , Zhao Rui , Zhou Hong‐Cai
Published: March 2022

Nanomedicine with stable light‐heat conversion and spatiotemporally controllable drug activation is crucial for the success of photothermal therapy (PTT). Herein, a metal–organic framework (MOF)‐based nanoheater with light‐triggered multi‐responsiveness is engineered to in‐situ and on‐demand sensitize cancer cells to local hyperthermia. Well‐dispersed platinum nanoparticles synthesized inside nanospaces of the MOF are employed as the near‐infrared (NIR)‐harvesting unit with stable and high light–heat conversion performance. A conformation switchable polymer shell is constructed as a secondary light‐responding unit to gate the targeted activation of a molecular inhibitor against thermoresistance. By cascade transformation of light stimuli to downstream signals, the nanoheater enables inhibitor release to go with local heating at the same time restricted in lesion sites to maximize efficacy and minimize systemic toxicity. The efficient photothermal conversion and the blockage of cellular heat‐protective pathways provide a dual‐mode of action which selectively sensitizes cancer cells to hyperthermia in a spatiotemporally controlled manner. With NIR as the remote switch, the MOF‐based nanosystem demonstrates localized and boosted PTT efficacy against cancer both in vitro and in vivo. These results present nanosized MOFs as tailorable and versatile platforms for synergistic and precise cancer therapy.
Porous Silicon Nanocarriers with Stimulus‐Cleavable Linkers for Effective Cancer Therapy
Authors: Xue Yufei , Bai Hua , Peng Bo , Tieu Terence , Jiang Jiamin , Hao Shiping , Li Panpan , Richardson Mark , Baell Jonathan , Thissen Helmut , Cifuentes Anna , Li Lin , Voelcker Nicolas H.
Published: March 2022

Porous silicon nanoparticles (pSiNPs) are widely utilized as drug carriers due to their excellent biocompatibility, large surface area, and versatile surface chemistry. However, the dispersion in pore size and biodegradability of pSiNPs arguably have hindered the application of pSiNPs for controlled drug release. Here, a step‐changing solution to this problem is described involving the design, synthesis, and application of three different linker‐drug conjugates comprising anticancer drug doxorubicin (DOX) and different stimulus‐cleavable linkers (SCLs) including the photocleavable linker (ortho‐nitrobenzyl), pH‐cleavable linker (hydrazone), and enzyme‐cleavable linker (β‐glucuronide). These SCL‐DOX conjugates are covalently attached to the surface of pSiNP via copper (I)‐catalyzed alkyne‐azide cycloaddition (CuAAC, i.e., click reaction) to afford pSiNP‐SCL‐DOXs. The mass loading of the covalent conjugation approach for pSiNP‐SCL‐DOX reaches over 250 µg of DOX per mg of pSiNPs, which is notably twice the mass loading achieved by noncovalent loading. Moreover, the covalent conjugation between SCL‐DOX and pSiNPs endows the pSiNPs with excellent stability and highly controlled release behavior. When tested in both in vitro and in vivo tumor models, the pSiNP‐SCL‐DOXs induces excellent tumor growth inhibition.
A Dual‐Modal Magnetic Resonance/Photoacoustic Imaging Tracer for Long‐Term High‐Precision Tracking and Facilitating Repair of Peripheral Nerve Injuries
Authors: Ren Jingyan , Tang Xiaoduo , Wang Tao , Wei Xin , Zhang Junhu , Lu Laijin , Liu Yang , Yang Bai
Published: March 2022

Neuroanatomical tracing is considered a crucial technique to assess the axonal regeneration level after injury, but traditional tracers do not meet the needs of in vivo neural tracing in deep tissues. Magnetic resonance (MR) and photoacoustic (PA) imaging have high spatial resolution, great penetration depth, and rich contrast. Fe3O4nanoparticles may work well as a dual‐modal diagnosis probe for neural tracers, with the potential to improve nerve regeneration. The present study combines antegrade neural tracing imaging therapy for the peripheral nervous system. Fe3O4@COOH nanoparticles are successfully conjugated with biotinylated dextran amine (BDA) to produce antegrade nano‐neural tracers, which are encapsulated by microfluidic droplets to control leakage and allow sustained, slow release. They have many notable advantages over traditional tracers, including dual‐modal real‐time MR/PA imaging in vivo, long‐duration release effect, and limitation of uncontrolled leakage. These multifunctional anterograde neural tracers have potential neurotherapeutic function, are reliable and may be used as a new platform for peripheral nerve injury imaging and treatment integration.
A Smart Hydrogel with Anti‐Biofilm and Anti‐Virulence Activities to Treat Pseudomonas aeruginosa Infections
Authors: Hu Jingjing , Chen Sijia , Yang Yongxin , Li Lin , Cheng Xuejing , Cheng Yiyun , Huang Quan
Published: March 2022

Biofilm is the main culprit of refractory infections and seriously threaten to the human health. Here, a smart hydrogel consisted of norspermidine, aminoglycosides, and oxidized polysaccharide is prepared via the formation of acid‐labile imine linkage to treat Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm infections in several animal models. The increased acidity caused by bacterial infection triggers the release of norspermidine and aminoglycosides covalently bound with the polymer scaffold. The released norspermidine inhibits biofilm formation and virulence production by regulating the quorum sensing of P. aeruginosa, while the aminoglycoside antibiotics effectively kill the released bacteria. The gel thoroughly inhibits biofilm formation on various medical devices and decreases bacteria pathogenicity. It efficiently inhibits implantation‐associated biofilm infections and chronic wound infections, and shows great promise to prevent and treat biofilm‐induced refractory infection in clinics.
The Universal Growth of Ultrathin Perovskite Single Crystals
Authors: Li Linyi , Yu Yantao , Li Peng , Liu Jinxin , Liang Lihan , Wang Luyang , Ding Yu , Han Xiaocang , Ji Jiamin , Chen Shengli , Li Dehui , Liu Pan , Zhang Shunping , Zeng Mengqi , Fu Lei
Published: March 2022

Perovskites have engaged significant attention owing to rich species and remarkable physical properties as well as optoelectronic applications. Compared to bulk counterparts, ultrathin perovskites exhibit more available compositions due to the breaking of bulk lattice limitation. Coupled with crystal lattice relaxation and quantum confinement, infinite intriguing properties of ultrathin perovskites deserve to be explored. Developing ultrathin perovskites with alterable composition and structure is a necessity to fully explore this versatile family. Herein, a universal strategy is conceived via constructing oriented solvent microenvironment induced by the interfacial electric field originated from the charge separation between solid and liquid phases, which is conducive to controlling the precursor distribution and makes crystals preferentially nucleate and grow in the preferentially lateral mode. From layered to nonlayered, organic to inorganic, and toxic to low‐toxic lead‐free perovskite, a full‐range synthesis is achieved of ultrathin perovskites. This work opens up opportunities both for ultrathin perovskite exploration through compositional engineering and for device miniaturization in energy conversion applications.
Fermi‐Level Pinning‐Free WSe2 Transistors via 2D Van der Waals Metal Contacts and Their Circuits
Authors: Jang Jisu , Ra Hyun‐Soo , Ahn Jongtae , Kim Tae Wook , Song Seung Ho , Park Soohyung , Taniguch Takashi , Watanabe Kenji , Lee Kimoon , Hwang Do Kyung
Published: March 2022

Precise control over the polarity of transistors is a key necessity for the construction of complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor circuits. However, the polarity control of 2D transistors remains a challenge because of the lack of a high‐work‐function electrode that completely eliminates Fermi‐level pinning at metal–semiconductor interfaces. Here, a creation of clean van der Waals contacts is demonstrated, wherein a metallic 2D material, chlorine‐doped SnSe2 (Cl–SnSe2), is used as the high‐work‐function contact, providing an interface that is free of defects and Fermi‐level pinning. Such clean contacts made from Cl–SnSe2 can pose nearly ideal Schottky barrier heights, following the Schottky–Mott limit and thus permitting polarity‐controllable transistors. With the integration of Cl–SnSe2 as contacts, WSe2 transistors exhibit pronounced p‐type characteristics, which are distinctly different from those of the devices with evaporated metal contacts, where n‐type transport is observed. Finally, this ability to control the polarity enables the fabrication of functional logic gates and circuits, including inverter, NAND, and NOR.
Inhibition and Reconstruction of Zener Tunneling in Photonic Honeycomb Lattices
Authors: Chang Yi‐Jun , Lu Yong‐Heng , Yang Ying‐Yue , Wang Yao , Zhou Wen‐Hao , Wang Xiao‐Wei , Jin Xian‐Min
Published: March 2022

Quantum coherence is the central element of particle states, and it characterizes the overall performance of various quantum materials. Bloch oscillation is a fundamental coherent behavior of particles under a static potential, which can be easily destroyed by Zener tunneling in multiband 2D lattice materials. The control of Zener tunneling therefore plays the key role in quantum engineering for complicated physical systems. Here, the inhibition and reconstruction of Zener tunneling in photonic honeycomb lattices are experimentally demonstrated.  Deformed honeycomb lattices are integrated and an effective static potential is realized on the 2D lattice materials. Zener tunneling disappears in stretch‐type lattices and wave packets stay in the dispersionless upper energy band. On the contrary, Zener tunneling is greatly enhanced in compression‐type lattices and wave packets exhibit directional oscillations without branches, which manifest the preserved coherence of the wave packets. The results demonstrate the protection of photonic coherence by structurally controlling the Zener tunneling, representing a step toward flexible quantum engineering for large‐scale artificial quantum materials.
Influence of Oxidation on Structure, Performance, and Application of Metallic Glasses
Authors: Zhang Mao , Huang Ting , Zhang Jiacheng , Deng Lei , Gong Pan , Wang Xinyun
Published: March 2022

Owing to their unique structure and outstanding properties, metallic glasses are a novel class of structural and functional materials with vast application prospects. However, the metastable amorphous structures and chemical activity of metallic glass constituent elements lead to frequent oxidation during preparation, processing, and application. Comprehensively understanding the oxidation behaviors and underlying mechanisms of metallic glasses is essential for gaining knowledge of metallic glass structures and properties and for promoting engineering applications. Although many studies have examined these issues, more investigations are still required to explore potential industrial applications of metallic glasses. Here, recent research on metallic glass oxidation is consolidated by summarizing the oxidation influence on metallic glass structure, performance, and application and the possibilities and feasibility of oxidizing metallic glasses to reinforce materials or develop material systems are discussed.
A Deep‐Learning‐Assisted On‐Mask Sensor Network for Adaptive Respiratory Monitoring
Authors: Fang Yunsheng , Xu Jing , Xiao Xiao , Zou Yongjiu , Zhao Xun , Zhou Yihao , Chen Jun
Published: March 2022

Wearable respiratory monitoring is a fast, non‐invasive, and convenient approach to provide early recognition of human health abnormalities like restrictive and obstructive lung diseases. Here, a computational fluid dynamics assisted on‐mask sensor network is reported, which can overcome different user facial contours and environmental interferences to collect highly accurate respiratory signals. Inspired by cribellate silk, Rayleigh‐instability‐induced spindle‐knot fibers are knitted for the fabrication of permeable and moisture‐proof textile triboelectric sensors that hold a decent signal‐to‐noise ratio of 51.2 dB, a response time of 0.28 s, and a sensitivity of 0.46 V kPa−1. With the assistance of deep learning, the on‐mask sensor network can realize the respiration pattern recognition with a classification accuracy up to 100%, showing great improvement over a single respiratory sensor. Additionally, a customized user‐friendly cellphone application is developed to connect the processed respiratory signals for real‐time data‐driven diagnosis and one‐click health data sharing with the clinicians. The deep‐learning‐assisted on‐mask sensor network opens a new avenue for personalized respiration management in the era of the Internet of Things.
A Novel Electrochemically Switchable Conductive Polymer Interface for Controlled Capture and Release of Chemical and Biological Entities
Authors: Akbarinejad Alireza , Hisey Colin Lee , Martinez‐Calderón Miguel , Low Jeffery , Bryant Devon T. , Zhu Bicheng , Brewster Diane , Chan Eddie Wai Chi , Ashraf Jesna , Wan Ziyao , Artuyants Anastasiia , Blenkiron Cherie , Chamley Larry , Barker David , Williams David E. , Evans Clive W. , Pilkington Lisa I. , Travas‐Sejdic Jadranka
Published: March 2022

Materials platforms that enable controlled isolation and subsequent release of chemical/biological entities are in great demand for a diverse range of practical applications. Current technologies lack good control and efficiency of the release, which is needed to preserve the captured targets of interest. Here, this need is addressed by providing a versatile, controllable, electrochemical capture/release interface. The interface consists of a highly porous electrospun membrane, electrodeposited with a thiol‐functionalized 3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT) conductive terpolymer, in which the thiol moiety undergoes oxidation/reduction cycles at moderate potentials (+1.0 and −0.8 V, respectively) to enable capture/release. The fast oxidative capture (1 min) and reductive release (2 min) of a model thiol molecule in a highly controllable manner, followed by successful capture/release of an antibody, are demonstrated. Then, femtosecond laser‐patterning is used to fabricate an array of ≈30 µm pores on the electrospun membrane, subsequently coated with the conducting terpolymer, enabling the highly efficient (>90%), fast (20 min) and selective capture of MCF7 cancer cells with 33% release efficiency when polarized at −0.8 V. The released cells show a high level of viability, indicating the capture and release process does not affect cell survival.
Can Metals Other than Au be Used for Large Area Exfoliation of MoS2 Monolayers?
Authors: Johnston Ammon Cody , Khondaker Saiful I.
Published: March 2022

Au‐mediated exfoliation of 2D transition‐metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) has received significant attention due to its ability to produce large‐area monolayer (ML) flakes. This process has been attributed to strong TMD/Au binding energy (BE) as well as the uniform strain between the TMDs and Au. However, large‐area exfoliation of TMDs with other metals that have even stronger theoretical BE than Au/TMD is not successful, leading to question whether the BE plays any role in the exfoliation process. Here, successful demonstration of large‐area ML MoS2 using Cu, Ni, and Ag with various predicted strain, including Pd with almost no strain, but stronger BE than Au/MoS2 is demonstrated. Optical micrographs show MoS2 flakes with 100s of µm in size with a yield of several tens to hundreds of ML flakes per exfoliation. Photoluminescence and Raman spectroscopy confirm the ML nature of the flakes, while electrical transport measurements show mobilities of ≈6 cm2 V−1 s−1 with a current on‐off ratio ≈108 consistent with high‐quality ML MoS2. Given that MoS2 can be exfoliated with metals that have strong BE irrespective of their strain values suggests that BE is the primary mechanism in successful exfoliation of large‐area ML MoS2.
Near‐Infrared to Visible Light Converter by Integrating Graphene Transistor into Perovskite Quantum Dot Light Emitting Diodes
Authors: Zhao Wei , Bi Sheng , Jiang Chengming , Song Jinhui
Published: March 2022

A light converter system with high light sensitivity that could sense the near‐infrared (NIR) signal is one of the prerequisites for the whole Internet of Things (IoT) field. Here, a NIR to visible light converter (NVLC) which could emit visible light according to external NIR is reported. The NVLC is an integration of an inverted perovskite quantum dot light emitting diodes and a hybrid lead sulfide quantum dots/graphene transistor. The latter acts as a photodetector to convert NIR signals into electrical signals, and the former emits visible light with an intensity controlled by the electrical signals. The luminous intensity of the device, which emits green light with a peak of 520 nm, is positively correlated with the intensity of the NIR. Further, the micron‐scale NVLCs are integrated into a matrix device that could sense NIR image and display it into visible light image. The NVLC with sensing, converting NIR to visible light is believed to have various promising applications in the IoT field.
Polarized Raman Scattering of In‐Plane Anisotropic Phonon Modes in α‑MoO3
Authors: Gong Youning , Zhao Yanyu , Zhou Zhichao , Li Delong , Mao Hu , Bao Qiaoliang , Zhang Yupeng , Wang Guo Ping
Published: March 2022

The recent discovery of in‐plane hyperbolic phonon polaritons in biaxial polar crystal—α‐MoO3, has aroused a huge research upsurge on anisotropic photonic quasiparticles in van der Waals materials. The physical origin of these highly anisotropic phonon polaritons is attributed to the strong anisotropy of crystal phonons. However, the orientation‐dependent phonon modes have not been fully understood from crystallographic point of view. This work systematically performs in situ angle‐resolved polarized Raman spectroscopy on α‐MoO3 to investigate its anisotropic photo‐phonon interactions. The sample orientation and Raman tensors are unambiguously determined under different polarization configurations. Specifically, the in‐plane anisotropic phonon modes of α‐MoO3 can be well characterized from the highly polarization‐dependent Raman‐active modes with periodic intensity variation. It can be concluded that these findings cannot only offer a better understanding of anisotropic phonon modes in α‐MoO3, but also provide a valuable reference for other anisotropic van der Waals crystals.
Reprogrammable and Reconfigurable Photonic Molecular Logic Gates Based on Ln3+ Ions
Authors: Zanella Sofia , Hernández‐Rodríguez Miguel A. , Fu Lianshe , Carlos Luís D. , Ferreira Rute A. S. , Brites Carlos D. S.
Published: March 2022

The miniaturization of the silicon chips is reaching its physical limits, and the transistors are so small that current leakage will become an insurmountable problem. Additionally, the actual chip shortage makes clear the excessive world dependence on silicon, stressing the need for silicon‐free computing strategies. Quantum computing process information by manipulating photons, and computation performed by individual molecules are being proposed as alternatives, with potential benefits in terms of miniaturization, performance enhancement, and energy efficiency. Molecular logics can play a decisive role in the future of the computer industry, and the unique photonic characteristics of trivalent lanthanide ions make them suitable candidates to integrate future molecular logic applications. In this work, a Eu3+/Tb3+ co‐doped organic–inorganic hybrid is presented as an illustrative all‐photonic logic platform constructed through the decay dynamics of both lanthanide and hybrid host emissions. Besides combinatory AND, NAND, and INH logic gates, this system presents on‐choice Eu3+, Tb3+, or host emission enabling the development of reprogrammable and reconfigurable photonic molecular logic gates. All‐photonic temperature‐reprogrammable changes from AND to INH logic gates and a reconfiguration among INH and AND1 or AND2 gates, based on the excitation wavelength are demonstrated, showing a clear step forward toward mirroring electronic logic counterparts.
Silver Nanowires Embedded Chitosan/Poly‐Lactic Acid Electrospun Nanocomposite Web Based Nanofibrous Multifunctional Membrane for Safe Water Purification
Authors: Gadkari R. R. , Ali S. Wazed , Das A. , Alagirusamy R.
Published: March 2022

This paper reports the development of a three‐layer antibacterial cartridge system for water filtration applications. Chitosan/poly(lactic acid) (CS/PLA) nanofibers with various blend ratios are produced through an electrospinning technique. Finer and more uniform nanofibers are obtained at a 70/30 CS/PLA blend ratio, which demonstrate average 86% and 84% antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus, Gram positive) and Escherichia coli (E. coli, Gram negative) bacteria, respectively. In order to further enrich the antibacterial activity, silver nanowires (AgNWs) are synthesized by a Solvothermal method and loaded into 70/30 CS/PLA nanofibers, in varying concentrations, to fabricate a CS/PLA/AgNW composite nanofibrous membrane. The CS/PLA/AgNW nanofibrous membrane loaded with 3% AgNWs demonstrates 100% antibacterial activity against both types of bacteria. The developed novel materials also adsorb heavy metal ions. Moreover, the silver leach‐out tendency of this fibrous web is found to be just 0.003 ppm over a 36 h time frame, which is well within the acceptable limit prescribed by WHO (<0.1 ppm). This 3% CS/PLA/AgNW composite nanofibrous membrane is coated over polyester nonwoven and used as a middle‐layer in the development of a three‐layer antibacterial cartridge system, which effectively removes bacterial and heavy metal ion contaminants from pond water to an extent desired to deem it potable.
Anionic Self‐Assembling Supramolecular Enhancers of Antimicrobial Efficacy against Gram‐Negative Bacteria
Authors: Boles Jessica E. , Williams George T. , Allen Nyasha , White Lisa J. , Hilton Kira L. F. , Popoola Precious I. A. , Mulvihill Daniel P. , Hiscock Jennifer R.
Published: March 2022

As a result of the looming antimicrobial resistance crisis, there is an urgent need for novel antimicrobial treatments. This is particularly true for hard‐to‐treat Gram‐negative bacteria, as many antimicrobial agents are unable to cross the cell membrane to gain access to the cell interior, and thus elicit a therapeutic response. Herein, evidence is provided of the use of anionic supramolecular self‐associating amphiphiles (SSAs) as antimicrobial efficacy enhancers for commonly used antimicrobial agents, to which there is known resistance, against Gram‐negative bacteria. The co‐administration of the SSAs with antimicrobials is shown to sensitize traditionally hard to treat Pseudomonas aeruginosa to both rifampicin and novobiocin, from which structure activity relationships can be elucidated. Quantitative fluorescence microscopy is performed, indicating membrane permeabilization to be the likely mode of action of drug efficacy enhancement by the SSAs. These results offer an alternative strategy in antimicrobial adjuvant design, expanding focus beyond cationic peptides and into the realm of anionic small molecules. Finally, the self‐assembly of the SSAs in the presence of these antimicrobials is investigated through a combination of quantitative NMR, tensiometry, dynamic light scattering, and zeta potential studies, demonstrating the impact of these agents on SSA self‐association events.
Targeting the Negative Feedback of Adenosine‐A2AR Metabolic Pathway by a Tailored Nanoinhibitor for Photothermal Immunotherapy
Authors: Liu Yiqiong , Liu Ying , Xu Dailin , Zang Jie , Zheng Xiao , Zhao Yuge , Li Yan , He Ruiqing , Ruan Shuangrong , Dong Haiqing , Gu Jingjing , Yang Yan , Cheng Qian , Li Yongyong
Published: March 2022

The metabolite adenosine plays an important immunosuppressive role in the tumor microenvironment (TME) through its ligation with the metabolic checkpoint adenosine 2A receptor (A2AR). Here, an adenosine‐A2AR negative feedback pathway is highlighted during photothermal‐induced immunogenic cell death (ICD). Adenosine, hydrolyzed from ATP, is amplified during the photothermal‐induced ICD process. It is possible to achieve a robust ICD‐based immunotherapy via targeting the adenosine‐A2AR metabolic pathway. In this regard, an A2AR inhibitor‐loaded polydopamine nanocarrier masked by an acid‐sensitive PEG shell is designed to enable tumor‐specific delivery and photothermal‐induced ICD simultaneously. Upon reaching the acidic TME, the PEG shell selectively detaches and exposes the adhesive polydopamine layer, causing the inhibitors to accumulate at the tumor tissue. The accumulated inhibitors attenuate adenosine's metabolically suppressive effect and strengthen the ICD immune response. It occurs through promoting dendritic cell (DC) activation, increasing CD8+ T lymphocyte infiltration, and reducing the myeloid‐derived suppressor cell (MDSC) population. Furthermore, this synergistic therapy significantly regresses the primary tumor, inhibits distal tumor growth, and prevents lung metastasis. The study highlights a strategy to enhance the immunotherapy efficacy of ICD by blocking the metabolic checkpoint A2AR using advanced nanomaterials.
Tuning Acceptor Composition in Ternary Organic Photovoltaics–Impact of Domain Purity on Non‐Radiative Voltage Losses
Authors: Bi Zhaozhao , Naveed Hafiz Bilal , Wu Hongbo , Zhang Cankun , Zhou Xiaobo , Wang Jing , Wang Meng , Wu Xuanhao , Zhu Qinglian , Zhou Ke , Chen Kai , Wang Cheng , Tang Zheng , Ma Wei
Published: March 2022

Exaggerated charge losses from excited to charge transfer (CT) and ground states in bulk heterojunction (BHJ) structures results in small voltages (< 1 V) for organic solar cells (OSCs). Characterizing morphology‐voltage loss correlations is difficult due to the complexity of BHJ structures but promises the realization of 20% efficiency for OSCs. By utilizing two similar non‐fullerene acceptors (NFA) in a ternary blend, a pseudo‐binary system is constructed to control the acceptor composition and donor‐acceptor (D‐A) miscibility. Within the framework of miscibility‐morphology controlled device photovoltaics, it is found that higher D‐A miscibility results in enhanced domain purity, which is associated with inefficient excitons dissociation and improves the excited and CT state emission, thereby resulting in enhanced electroluminescence efficiency to reduce the non‐radiative (NR) loss contribution to device voltage. The simple but effective composition mediated morphology control identifies domain purity as one key feature to lower the NR recombination in high quantum yield polymer/NFA blends.
Applications of ambient ionization mass spectrometry in 2021: An annual review
Authors: Rankin‐Turner Stephanie , Reynolds James C. , Turner Matthew A. , Heaney Liam M.
Published: March 2022

Ambient ionization mass spectrometry (AIMS) has revolutionized the field of analytical chemistry, enabling the rapid, direct analysis of samples in their native state. Since the inception of AIMS almost 20 years ago, the analytical community has driven the further development of this suite of techniques, motivated by the plentiful advantages offered in addition to traditional mass spectrometry. Workflows can be simplified through the elimination of sample preparation, analysis times can be significantly reduced and analysis remote from the traditional laboratory space has become a real possibility. As such, the interest in AIMS has rapidly spread through analytical communities worldwide, and AIMS techniques are increasingly being integrated with standard laboratory operations. This annual review covers applications of AIMS techniques throughout 2021, with a specific focus on AIMS applications in a number of key fields of research including disease diagnostics, forensics and security, food safety testing and environmental sciences. While some new techniques are introduced, the focus in AIMS research is increasingly shifting from the development of novel techniques toward efforts to improve existing AIMS techniques, particularly in terms of reproducibility, quantification and ease‐of‐use.
Some phenolic natural compounds as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors: An in vitro and in silico study
Authors: Aggul Ahmet Gokhan , Uzun Naim , Kuzu Muslum , Taslimi Parham , Gulcin Ilhami
Published: March 2022

This paper presents experimental and molecular docking studies on the inhibitory effects of tyrosol, hydroxytyrosol, luteolin, diosmetin, caffeic acid, luteolin 7‐O‐glycoside, and apigenin 7‐O‐glycoside from olive (Olea europaea L.) leaf against human carbonic anhydrase (hCA, E.C.4.2.1.1) isozymes I and II. After these isozymes were separately purified, their activities were determined using the esterase activity. IC50 values for hCA I and II were calculated as 2.02–11.38 µM and 2.23–9.05 µM, respectively. The compounds were identified as CA inhibitors, with Ki values in the ranges of 1.66–9.17 µM for the hCA I isozyme and 1.49–14.21 µM for hCA II. The inhibitory effects of these natural compounds were also compared to acetazolamide, which is a potent inhibitor of both CA isozymes. Our results may contribute to the synthesis of new CA inhibitors and pave the way for new drug design in the treatment of a number of diseases including cancer, obesity, diabetes, and glaucoma.
Preparation and antibacterial effect of chitooligosaccharides monomers with different polymerization degrees from crab shell chitosan by enzymatic hydrolysis
Authors: Zhao Xin‐Peng , Liu Jie , Sui Zhu‐Jun , Xu Meng‐Jie , Zhu Zhen‐Yuan
Published: March 2022

This study aimed to explore the structure and antibacterial properties of chitooligosaccharide monomers with different polymerization degrees and to provide a theoretical basis for inhibiting Salmonella infection. Chitosan was used as a raw material to prepare and separate low‐molecular‐weight chitooligosaccharides. Chitobiose, chitotriose, and chitotetraose were obtained by gradient elution with cation exchange resin. The molecular weights and acetyl groups of the three monomers were determined by matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization time‐of‐flight (MALDI‐TOF) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), respectively. Three chitooligosaccharide monomers were used to explore the antibacterial effect on Salmonella. The results showed that the degree of deacetylation of chitosan was 92.6%, and the enzyme activity of chitosanase was 102.53 U/g. Within 18 h, chitosan was enzymatically hydrolyzed to chitooligosaccharides containing chitobiose, chitotriose, and chitotetraose, which were analyzed by thin‐layer chromatography (TLC) and MALDI‐TOF. MALD‐TOF and TLC showed that the separation of monomers with ion exchange resins was effective, and NMR showed that there was no acetyl group. Chitobiose had a poor inhibitory effect on Salmonella, and chitotriose and chitotetraose had equivalent antibacterial effects.