bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Ultra‐Compact Spoof Surface Plasmon Polariton Transmission Line and Its Signal Integrity Analysis
Authors: You Zi Hua , Gao Xinxin , Cheng Zhang Wen , Wang Hai Lin , Ma Hui Feng , Cui Tie Jun
Published: August 2022

An ultra‐compact spoof surface plasmon polariton (UCSSPP) transmission line (TL) based on a meander line is proposed, which can achieve almost the same transmission performance as the conventional rectangular‐groove SSPP TL, but the linewidth is greatly reduced by more than 40%. The coupling effect between two UCSSPP TLs in different line arrangements has been well studied, revealing that excellent crosstalk suppression can be achieved when two TLs are arranged back‐to‐back, while strong coupling occurs when they are arranged face‐to‐back or face‐to‐face. The signal integrity of back‐to‐back UCSSPP TLs is analyzed and demonstrated, which shows that the signal integrity can be greatly improved compared with microstrip (MS) TLs. In addition, based on the principle of mode mismatch, MS and UCSSPP TLs are arranged alternately to solve the mutual coupling problem in multi‐line systems. In contrast, benefiting from the strong coupling of face‐to‐face UCSSPP TLs, an ultra‐miniaturized SSPP coupler working at 9 GHz is designed, whose size can be reduced by over 75% compared with conventional MS coupler. The measurement results show good agreement with full‐wave simulations, indicating that the proposed UCSSPP TL has significant advantages in signal integrity and device miniaturization over previously reported SSPP TLs.
Multinozzle 3D Printing of Multilayer and Thin Flexible Electronics
Authors: Li Yang , Wang Rui , Zhu Xiaoyang , Yang Jianjun , Zhou Longjian , Shang Shuai , Sun Peng , Ge Wensong , Xu Quan , Lan Hongbo
Published: August 2022

Multilayer flexible electronics have broad applications in the fields of sensors, biomedicine, flexible displays, etc. The existing multilayer flexible electronic manufacturing methods are complicated and usually require multiprocess and multiequipment combinations for processing; especially, it is difficult to achieve integrated manufacturing. The increase in the overall thickness of multilayer flexible electronics also limits its flexibility, stretchability, and spatial density. Herein, a method for integrated multinozzle 3D printing of multilayer flexible electronics with thin structures is proposed and a new strategy for interlayer interconnection is presented. Printing high‐viscosity stretchable silver paste on the edge of the multilayer dielectric material and avoiding microholes and vertically printed conductive micropillar structures in traditional interlayer interconnection wires are discussed. The influences of process parameters on the fabrication of multilayer and thin flexible electronics are explored, and the minimum layer thickness for the fabrication of multilayer circuits is determined. A five‐layer flexible pressure sensor and two flexible electromagnetic actuators with different coils are fabricated, and the related performance tests of the two devices are carried out. The test results demonstrate that the proposed fabrication method of flexible electronics provides a high‐efficiency, low‐cost, and simple manufacture solution for the fabrication of multilayer and thin flexible electronics.
Elevation of Domain Wall Velocity Driven by Current Pulses in 2D Ferromagnetic Material Fe3GeTe2
Authors: Yang Chendi , Pei Ke , Yuan Mingyue , Qin Gang , Zhang Ruixuan , Wang Longyuan , Yang Liting , Che Renchao
Published: August 2022

Controlling the domain wall motion in the 2D ferromagnetic materials is significantly critical to the topological spin electronics, non‐volatile magnetic memories, and logic devices. The elevation of the domain wall velocity has become an urgent challenge. Herein, a current‐pulse‐driving strategy is unprecedentedly established to boost the domain wall velocity with an out‐of‐plane magnetic field and a rising temperature in the Fe3GeTe2 by using the in situ Lorentz Transmission Electron Microscopy. Elevation of domain wall velocity depends on the demagnetization energy increase and Zeeman energy reduction, which originates from the magnetic moments tilting by a non‐parallel to the magnetic field. By injecting ≈2000 times of alternative current pulses, a uniform instead of an unsynchronized domain wall velocity is achieved. The key mechanism lies in the decrease of the domain wall number, leading to a reduction in the expansion and compression of the domain areas. Optimized pulse parameters are applied with a critical duration of 60 ns and the density of ≈2  × 1010 A m−2, leading to an elevation of velocity from 0.0308 to 0.39 m s−1. The elevation in magnetic domain wall velocity can be useful for the application of 2D van der Waals ferromagnetic materials in future spintronic devices.
Dense Heterointerfaces and Unsaturated Coordination Synergistically Accelerate Electrocatalysis in Pt/Pt5P2Porous Nanocages
Authors: Li Yinghao , Kidkhunthod Pinit , Zhou Yingtang , Wang Xin , Lee Jong‐Min
Published: August 2022

Designing cost‐effective and durable Pt‐based catalysts is vital and challenging for practicable energy storage and conversion technologies. Here, a fast phosphating strategy to establish a Pt/Pt5P2porous nanocage with numerous heterointerfaces and defects is presented. It exhibits extraordinary activity and stability for both hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) with a small overpotential of 29 mV at 10 mA cm−2and methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) with a high mass activity of 1.37 A mg−1Ptat peak values, surpassing Pt/C. Microstructural analyzes show that many stacking faults are induced around heterointerfaces, while rich vacancies and atomic steps are created by the phosphorus‐induced thermal migration of Pt atoms, serving as highly active low‐coordination sites. X‐ray absorption spectroscopy and theoretical calculations reveal that introducing P atoms can modify the electronic configuration of Pt, thus optimizing H2O/H* binding strength and lowering water dissociation energy to accelerate HER, while decreasing the energy barrier of the rate‐limiting step (*CHO to *HCOOH) to facilitate MOR.
Air Induced Formation of Cs3Bi2Br9/Cs3BiBr6 Bulk Heterojunction and Its Dual‐band Photodetection Abilities for Light Communication
Authors: Cao Fa , Li Ziqing , Liu Xinya , Shi Zhifeng , Fang Xiaosheng
Published: August 2022

Metal‐halide perovskites have long carrier diffusion lengths, low trap densities, and high carrier mobilities, and are therefore of value in the development of photodetectors (PDs). However, the research on dual‐band lead‐free perovskite bulk heterojunction has not been well developed. Here, a novel air induced formation of Cs3Bi2Br9/Cs3BiBr6 bulk heterojunction, reaching a high‐performance dual‐band photodetecting performance with an ultra‐violet main band (360 nm) peak responsivity of 5.6 mA W−1 and a blue sub‐band (450 nm) peak responsivity of 0.6 mA W−1 at 2 V, is reported. The bulk heterojunction exhibits superior photodetecting performance than that of lateral heterojunction. Furthermore, the PD exhibits a fast response speed (rise time 1.4 µs and decay time 2.0 µs) and good cyclic stability. Theoretical and experimental characterizations suggest Cs3Bi2Br9 exhibits a more stable structure in air than that of Cs3BiBr6. The dual‐band photodetection abilities of Cs3Bi2Br9/Cs3BiBr6 bulk‐heterojunction demonstrate great application prospects in light communication. These state‐of‐the‐art findings shed light on the fabrication of novel dual‐band high‐performance PDs based on lead‐free perovskite bulk‐heterojunction.
Semi‐Crystalline Rubber as a Light‐Responsive, Programmable, Resilient Robotic Material
Authors: Yang Qi , Shahsavan Hamed , Deng Zixuan , Guo Hongshuang , Zhang Hang , Liu Heng , Zhang Chunyu , Priimagi Arri , Zhang Xuequan , Zeng Hao
Published: August 2022

Polymers with large and reversible light‐induced deformation offer a plethora of opportunities for the wireless control of small‐scale soft robots. However, their widespread adoption in real‐world applications is hindered, mainly due to their intrinsic softening upon illumination. Such limitation has detrimental effects on the achievable stress, durability, and precise positional control of the soft actuators after multiple cycles of use. Here, a synthetic rubber from a polybutadiene‐polyethylene copolymer is reported as a durable material for light‐controlled soft robots. The rubber can be programmed to exhibit various deformation modes controlled by visible‐to‐infrared light through a photothermal effect. Semi‐crystallinity of polyethylene within the rubbery network provides this material with a remarkable modulus at high temperatures (2.5 MPa at 100–140 °C), deformation repeatability (>90%) and shape‐recovery (>98%) after 100 actuation cycles subject to loads ranging from 10 to 10 000 times of its body weight (1.4 kPa–1.4 MPa). Soft robotic applications are demonstrated, such as thermally‐driven jumping and photo‐driven cargo transport carrying up to 1200 times its own weight. The results expand the portfolio of materials in designing remotely‐controlled, robust, and resilient soft robots working at small scales.
A Bioactive and Photoresponsive Platform for Wireless Electrical Stimulation to Promote Neurogenesis
Authors: Wu Chengheng , Pu Yiyao , Zhang Yusheng , Liu Xiaoyin , Qiao Zi , Xin Nini , Zhou Ting , Chen Suping , Zeng Mingze , Tang Jiajia , Pi Jinkui , Wei Dan , Sun Jing , Luo Fang , Fan Hongsong
Published: August 2022

Delivering electrical signals to neural cells and tissue has attracted increasing attention in the treatment of nerve injuries. Unlike traditional wired electrical stimulation, wireless and remote light stimulation provides less invasive and longer‐lasting interfaces, holding great promise in the treatment of nerve injuries and neurodegenerative diseases, as well as human–computer interaction. Additionally, a bioactive matrix that bridges the injured gap and induces nerve regeneration is essential for injured nerve repair. However, it is still challenging to construct a 3D biomimetic cell niche with optoelectrical responsiveness. Herein, a bioactive platform for remote and wireless optoelectrical stimulation is established by incorporating hydrophilic poly(3‐hexylthiophene) nanoparticles (P3HT NPs) into a biomimetic hydrogel matrix. Moreover, the hydrogel matrix is modified by varying the composition and/or the crosslinking degree to meet the needs of different application scenarios. When exposed to pulsed green light, P3HT NPs in hydrogels convert light signals into electrical signals, resulting in the generation of tens of picoampere photocurrent, which is proved to promote the growth of cortical neurons that covered by hydrogels and the neuronal differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) encapsulated in hydrogels. This work is of great significance for the design of next‐generation neural electrodes and scaffolds.
Long‐Term Synergistic Antibacterial Composite Films Boosted by Controlled Underwater Surface Reconstruction
Authors: Wu Xinlei , Zheng Sijia , Yao Jun , Cao Zhihai
Published: August 2022

Implanting bactericidal ability to low surface energy fluoropolymer is expected to develop advanced surfaces with excellent antibacterial performance for various applications. However, the fundamental conflicts, the difficulty of discharging release‐active bactericides from hydrophobic fluoropolymers and the trade‐off between the electrostatic contact‐active microbicides and the minimized surface interaction for contaminant release, are general consensus in the field and explain the very limited success in existing reports. The current work highlights an effective and feasible strategy that utilizes the interaction between silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) and polymer matrices to generate composite films with controllable underwater surface reconstruction, enabling to regulate surface energy exquisitely to area facilitating the bacterial release and establish a synergistic bacteria‐killing action, and thereby boosting the bacteria‐killing and bacteria‐release simultaneously. Quaternized fluoropolymer/Ag NPs nanocomposite particles (qf‐polymer/Ag NCPs) are first synthesized through miniemulsion polymerization, and then used as building blocks to fabricate the quaternized fluoropolymer/Ag NPs nanocomposite films (qf‐polymer/Ag CFs) through a convenient squeegeeing technique. The qf‐polymer/Ag CFs display long‐term antibacterial performance against diverse bacteria. A synergistic antibacterial mechanism contributed by the Ag NPs, quaternary ammonium, and fluorinated components is proposed. This work provides new insight into the design, fabrication, and performance optimization of long‐term antibacterial surfaces for diverse applications.
Self‐Alignment Embedded Thin‐Film Transistor with High Transparency and Optimized Performance
Authors: Zheng Fei , Li Lei , Hu Luodan , Huang Xiaoqing , Kuo Tze‐Peng , Chang Kuan‐Chang
Published: August 2022

Amorphous oxide semiconductor thin‐film transistors (AOS TFTs) have shown significant potential in the applications of increasingly advanced transparent and flexible electronic devices, where high speed, high transparency, and low power consumption are highly demanded. Yet, typical back‐channel etch (BCE) configuration used in the majority of TFTs still suffers from poor gate controllability, severe electrical field dispersion, relatively large parasitic capacitance and contact resistance. Here, a new embedded structure for TFTs with self‐alignment and even simpler fabrication process, outperforming conventional BCE counterpart in above aspects, is proposed in this work. More concentrated electrical field, improved gate control ability accompanied with lower contact resistance are achieved in the embedded TFTs. Consequently, superior electrical characteristics with subthreshold swing of 106.7 mV dec−1 and mobility as high as 32.10 cm2 V−1 s−1 are obtained. In addition, leakage current as well as contact resistance evidently decline compared to that in traditional BCE TFTs. By the assistance of Silvaco TCAD simulation, the performance and mechanism behind are cross‐validated from another perspective. Overall, such embedded configuration has equipped TFTs with appealing performance and it is also possible to enable other devices exploiting such structure with new possibility and thus a broader application.
Coherent Control of the Nonlinear Emission of Single Plasmonic Nanoantennas by Dual‐Beam Pumping
Authors: Di Francescantonio Agostino , Locatelli Andrea , Wu Xiaofei , Zilli Attilio , Feichtner Thorsten , Biagioni Paolo , Duò Lamberto , Rocco Davide , De Angelis Costantino , Celebrano Michele , Hecht Bert , Finazzi Marco
Published: August 2022

The control of nonlinear optical signals in nanostructured systems is pivotal to develop functional devices suitable for integration in optical platforms. A possible control mechanism is exploiting coherent interactions between different nonlinear optical processes. Here, this concept is implemented by taking advantage of the strong field enhancement and high optical nonlinearity provided by plasmonic nanostructures. Two beams, one at the angular frequency ω, corresponding to the telecom wavelength λ = 1551 nm, and the other at 2ω, are combined to generate a sum‐frequency signal at 3ω from single asymmetric gold nanoantennas. This nonlinear signal interferes with the third‐harmonic radiation generated by the beam at ω, resulting in a modulation up to 50% of the total signal at 3ω depending on the relative phase between the beams. Such a large intensity modulation of the nonlinear signal is accompanied by a rotation of its polarization axis, due to the lack of central symmetry of the nanostructure. The demonstration that the nonlinear emission can be coherently controlled through the phase difference of the two‐color illumination represents a promising route toward all‐optical logic operations at the nanoscale through nonlinear optical signal manipulation.
All‐Inorganic Functional Phosphor–Glass Composites by Light Curing Induced 3D Printing for Next‐Generation Modular Lighting Devices
Authors: Yang Jiaxin , Feng Ming , Zhang Kang , Chen Ziyu , Xu Rui , Khan Adnan , Li Yan , Xie Jinyue , Liu Lisa , Song Feng , Huang Wei
Published: August 2022

Digital light processing 3D printing and pressureless sintering are combined to construct color‐tunable all‐inorganic functional composites by a simple and general strategy. The insertion of Y3Al5O12:Ce (YAG:Ce) into silica glass (YAG:Ce‐PiSG) is realized by pressureless sintering based on silica nanocomposites for 3D printing, which effectively controls the intense interface reaction between phosphor and substrate. The chromaticity of YAG:Ce‐PiSG‐based white light‐emitting diodes (WLEDs) shifts from blue‐white to white and yellow, and the 3D‐printed dome structure aids in the heat dissipation and pump blue light utilization. In addition, a series of red‐emitting color converters (CASN:Eu‐PiBSG) are synthesized by cofiring CaAlSiN3:Eu (CASN:Eu) with low softening‐point borosilicate glass powders, overcoming the fatal drawback of inherently low thermal performance. The chromaticity of integrated YAG:Ce‐PiSG/CASN:Eu‐PiBSG‐based WLEDs benefiting from 3D printing technology is adjusted in the color range from cold white to warm white. A warm WLED with high luminous efficiency (92.6 lm W−1) and excellent color rendering index (90.2) is successfully assembled. The 3D printed customizable phosphor–glass composites offer a great potential to develop high‐power and color‐tunable WLEDs, which are also of great significance for developing innovative glass composites with high‐temperature stability.
Phosphine‐Catalyzed (4+2) Annulation of Alkenes with Acidic Hydrogen‐Tethered Allylic Carbonates
Authors: Liao Jianning , Han Qihuan , Liu Min , Shi Wangyu , Xu Jiaqing , Wang Wei , Wu Yongjun , Guo Hongchao
Published: August 2022

Phosphine‐catalyzed (4+2) annulation of the acidic hydrogen‐tethered allylic carbonates with electron‐deficient alkenes was achieved. Various electron‐deficient alkenes and allylic carbonates were well tolerated under mild reaction conditions, providing a variety of polysubstituted spirocyclohexenes, spirocyclohexanones or cyclohexanones in moderate to high yields. The scale‐up reactions and further transformations of the products had been performed. The acidic hydrogen‐tethered allylic carbonates displayed nice reactivity and will find more applications.

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Prader–Willi syndrome, deletion subtypes, and magnesium: Potential impact on clinical findings
Authors: Butler Merlin G. , Cowen Neil , Bhatnagar Anish
Published: August 2022

Prader–Willi syndrome is a complex neurodevelopmental genetic imprinting disorder with severe congenital hypotonia, failure to thrive with learning and behavioral problems, and hyperphagia with obesity developing in early childhood. Those with the typical 15q11–q13 Type I deletion compared with the smaller Type II deletion have more severe neurobehavioral problems and differ by the absence of four genes in the 15q11.2 BP1–BP2 region. Two of the genes encode magnesium transporters supporting brain and neurological function and we report on magnesium levels in the two deletion groups of PWS participants. We measured baseline plasma magnesium and analyzed data from a PWS cohort with and without the Type I or Type II deletion. Significantly lower plasma magnesium levels were found in PWS participants with the larger Type I deletion and more so with females with Type I deletion compared with females having the Type II deletion, although magnesium levels remained within normal range in both subgroups. Those with PWS and the larger 15q11–q13 Type I deletion were more clinically affected than those with the smaller Type II deletion. Two of the four genes missing in those with the larger deletion code for magnesium transporters and may impact magnesium levels. Our study showed lower magnesium levels in those with the larger deletion which could contribute to neurobehavioral differences seen in the two separate 15q11‐q13 deletion subtypes and in addition affect both glucose and insulin metabolism impacting comorbidities but will require more research.
Recent Developments in Nucleophilic Fluorination with Potassium Fluoride (KF): A Review
Authors: Khandelwal Manisha , Pemawat Gangotri , Kanwar Khangarot Rama
Published: August 2022

Fluorinated compounds act as a link between synthetic organic chemistry and medicinal chemistry and compel researchers to explore modified and innovative methods for the syntheses of fluorinated motifs. The identification of reliable and efficient methods for the fluorination of organic moieties remains a major challenge in synthetic organic chemistry. Nucleophilic fluorination reactions using a combination of potassium fluoride (KF) and various catalysts or promoters emerged as a viable strategy and provided access to versatile organofluorine compounds. This review will emphasize recent advancements in nucleophilic fluorination reactions using KF: aliphatic nucleophilic fluorination, aromatic nucleophilic fluorination, and heteroatomic nucleophilic fluorination with ionic liquids, modified crown ethers, and transition metal‐catalysts in various protic and aprotic media.
Human talar ontogeny: Insights from morphological and trabecular changes during postnatal growth
Authors: Figus Carla , Stephens Nicholas B. , Sorrentino Rita , Bortolini Eugenio , Arrighi Simona , Lugli Federico , Marciani Giulia , Oxilia Gregorio , Romandini Matteo , Silvestrini Sara , Baruffaldi Fabio , Belcastro Maria Giovanna , Bernardini Federico , Erjavec Igor , Festa Anna , Hajdu Tamás , Mateovics‐László Orsolya , Novak Mario , Pap Ildikó , Szeniczey Tamás , Tuniz Claudio , Ryan Timothy M. , Benazzi Stefano
Published: August 2022

Objectives

The study of the development of human bipedalism can provide a unique perspective on the evolution of morphology and behavior across species. To generate new knowledge of these mechanisms, we analyze changes in both internal and external morphology of the growing human talus in a sample of modern human juveniles using an innovative approach.

Materials and Methods

The sample consists of high‐resolution microCT scans of 70 modern juvenile tali, aged between 8 postnatal weeks and 10 years old, from a broad chronological range from Middle/Late Neolithic, that is, between 4800 and 4500 BCE, to the 20th century. We applied geometric morphometric and whole‐bone trabecular analysis (bone volume fraction, degree of anisotropy, trabecular number, thickness, and spacing) to all specimens to identify changes in the external and internal morphology during growth. Morphometric maps were also generated.

Results

During the first year of life, the talus has an immature and globular shape, with a dense, compact, and rather isotropic trabecular architecture, with numerous trabeculae packed closely together. This pattern changes while children acquire a more mature gait, and the talus tends to have a lower bone volume fraction, a higher anisotropy, and a more mature shape.

Discussion

The changes in talar internal and external morphologies reflect the different loading patterns experienced during growth, gradually shifting from an “unspecialized” morphology to a more complex one, following the development of bipedal gait. Our research shows that talar plasticity, even though genetically driven, may show mechanical influences and contribute to tracking the main locomotor milestones.
Polarization Rotator between the Linear Polarization and the Circular Polarization Based on the Layered Photonic Structure
Authors: Xing Feng‐Ge , Zhang Dan , Zhang Hai‐Feng
Published: August 2022

A polarization rotator is investigated using a layered photonic structure composed of nonlinear media with the Kerr and single negative materials including epsilon‐negative media and mu‐negative media. Since the zero effective phase (expressed as zero‐φeff) bandgap formed by the alternating epsilon‐negative media and mu‐negative media has the characteristics of broadband phase retardation, as well as the nonlinear effect of the defect layer, the reflection phase difference and polarization form can be adjusted by the incident angle and light intensity. Studying the effect of those two parameters on reflectivity, reflection phase difference, and the polarization form under the forward and backward incidence, it is found that different incident directions can coherently tune the polarization form. By adjusting the incident angle and light intensity, the linear polarization can be converted to the left‐handed circular polarization in the forward incidence, and it can be converted to the right‐handed circular polarization in the backward incidence, thereby obtaining two different forms of circular polarization. Therefore, the different handed circularly polarized waves with relatively wide bandwidths can be obtained by changing the incident direction of electromagnetic waves, which provides the basis for tunable polarization selectors.
Directly Imaging Dynamic Electronic Coupling during Electrochemical Oxidation of Single Silver Nanoparticles
Authors: Jiang Bo , Gu Wenjie , Jiang Wenxuan , Lv Mengqi , Niu Ben , Wu Xue‐Jun , Wang Wei , Wang Hui
Published: August 2022

The electronic coupling between a metal electrode and single nano‐entities is of unfading significance which impacts the heterogeneous electron transfer. Herein, we demonstrated a simple optical technique for directly imaging the transient interfacial electronic coupling events during electrochemical oxidation of single Ag nanoparticles on Au electrode. The electronic coupling brings out a dramatic dip behavior of bright field imaging traces, and is conductive to cross the energy barrier of oxidation for single silver nanoparticles. This dip behavior is further verified by in situ vis‐transmission spectroscopy, and the heterogeneity of the Au−Ag electronic coupling down to single‐nanoparticle level is uncovered by unifying the morphology and size of individual silver nanoparticles. These results suggest the interfacial electronic coupling facilitates electron transfer of single nanoparticles, and provide important insight into understanding detailed mechanism of nanoelectrochemistry.
Tuning Intramolecular Stacking of Rigid Heteroaromatic Compounds for High‐Efficiency Deep‐Blue Through‐Space Charge‐Transfer Emission
Authors: Zhao Zhennan , Zeng Cheng , Peng Xiaomei , Liu Yuchao , Zhao Haisong , Hua Lei , Su Shi‐Jian , Yan Shouke , Ren Zhongjie
Published: August 2022

A series of ultrapure‐blue thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) emitters featuring through‐space charge transfer (TSCT) have been constructed by close stacking between the donor and acceptor moieties in rigid heteroaromatic compounds. The obviously accelerated radiative transition of singlet excitons, the diminished vibrionic relaxation of ground and excited states, and the consequent reduced Stokes shift and the narrow emission are evident. The corresponding organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) based on AC‐BO realize the best performance among all deep‐blue TSCT‐TADF emitters, with an external quantum efficiency (EQEmax) of 19.3 %. Furthermore, the OLEDs based on QAC‐BO display an EQEmaxof 15.8 %, and achieve the first high‐efficiency ultrapure‐blue TSCT‐TADF material with an excellent Commission Internationale de L'Eclairage coordinate (CIE) of (0.145, 0.076) which perfectly matches the ultrapure‐blue CIE requirements (0.14, 0.08) defined by the National Television System Committee.
Au⋅⋅⋅H−C Interactions Support a Robust Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence (TADF) Gold(I) Complex for OLEDs with Little Efficiency Roll‐Off and Good Stability
Authors: Feng Xingyu , Yang Jian‐Gong , Miao Jingsheng , Zhong Cheng , Yin Xiaojun , Li Nengquan , Wu Chao , Zhang Qizheng , Chen Yong , Li Kai , Yang Chuluo
Published: August 2022

The practical use of luminescent mononuclear gold(I) complexes as optoelectronic materials has been limited by their inferior stability. Herein we demonstrate a strategy to improve the stability of gold(I) complexes which display thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF). A highly rigid and groove‐like σ‐donating aryl ligand has been used to form dual Au⋅⋅⋅H−C hydrogen bonds. The secondary metal‐ligand interactions have been authenticated by single‐crystal structure, NMR spectroscopy and theoretical simulations. The TADF AuI complex exhibits appealing emission properties (photoluminescence quantum yield=76 %; delayed fluorescence lifetime=1.2 μs) and much improved thermal and photo‐stability. Vacuum‐deposited organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) show promising electroluminescence with a maximum external quantum efficiency (EQE) over 23 % and negligible efficiency roll‐off even at 10 000 cd m−2. An estimated LT50 longer than 77 000 h with initial luminance of 100 cd m−2 reveals good operational stability. This work suggests a way for design of stable luminescent gold(I) complexes.
Profiling and characterization of Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz meal proteins
Authors: Perera Suneru P. , McIntosh Tara , Coutu Cathy , Tyler Robert T. , Hegedus Dwayne D. , Wanasundara Janitha P. D.
Published: August 2022

Protein from camelina seed is a valuable co‐product that can be derived from the meal remaining after oil extraction. The current study describes the types and physicochemical properties of the major proteins present in camelina meal. Seed coat mucilage, which interferes with protein extraction, was removed from whole seeds by digestion with Viscozyme® and lipids were removed with hexane to obtain demucilaged/defatted meal. Protein comprised 51.3% of meal dry matter and the eight essential amino acids comprised 40.8% of total amino acids. The meal polypeptide profile showed bands originating from cruciferin (~44.1 and 51.7 kDa), napin (~14 kDa) and oil body proteins (OBP; ~15–20 kDa) resembling that of other crucifers. Cruciferins (11 isoforms) were the predominant proteins, while vicilins (6 isoforms) also were identified among the proteins soluble at pH 8.5. Among the proteins soluble at pH 3, napins (5 isoforms) comprised the majority, though late embryogenesis abundant proteins also were found. Camelina cruciferin and napin were confirmed to possess predominantly β‐sheet and α‐helix secondary structures, respectively. Camelina cruciferin structure was highly sensitive to changes in pH of the medium and underwent acid‐induced denaturation at pH 3, but exhibited high thermal stability (>80°C) at neutral and alkaline pHs. The structure of camelina napins was less sensitive to pH. The major proteins associated with oil bodies were oleosins (6 isoforms). Identification and characterization of the properties of camelina meal proteins will enable strategic paths for co‐product valorization such as developing plant protein ingredients.
Effect of synergy between pyrolysis carbon black and carbon nanofibers on composite properties
Authors: Yan Gang , Han Deshang , Li Li
Published: August 2022

Carbon nanofibers (CNFs) as new materials have been the focus of materials research, while being widely used in the processing of rubber composites. To solve the problem that CNFs are easy to agglomerate, the existing methods are mainly chemical modification of CNFs (complicated processing process), blending with fillers such as carbon nanotube (expensive material and high production cost ratio). In this study, we integrated the economics and processing methods, and used pyrolysis carbon black (CBp) and CNFs for blending to prepare rubber composites to solve the filler agglomeration problem. It was found that CBp and CNFs produce a synergistic effect, and the two are isolated from each other and in contact with each other, forming a more complete filler network inside the composite. Through the synergistic effect, the filler dispersion in the rubber becomes better and the performance of the composite is greatly improved. Compared with traditional filler blending, it is more economical and can save production costs to a great extent; compared with chemical modification, the process is simple and saves production time. The recycling of rubber products can be promoted through the mass use of CBp, which has a certain environmental protection effect. This study provides new ideas for polymer composite processing, and more experiments are needed later to verify the feasibility of this method.
Infrared and Raman spectroscopic analysis of functionalized graphene
Authors: Hinrichs Karsten , Neubert Tilmann , Kratz Christoph , Shaykhutdinov Timur , Rappich Jörg , Balasubramanian Kannan
Published: August 2022

In this mini‐review, we discuss our work in the analysis of material properties of electrochemically functionalized graphene using infrared (IR) and Raman techniques as thin film sensitive vibrational spectroscopies. Multiscale characterization is demonstrated using a combination of IR spectroscopic ellipsometry (IRSE), confocal Raman spectroscopy (RS) and photothermal atomic force microscopy coupled IR analysis (AFM‐IR). IRSE is used for spots with dimensions of a few mm, RS for spots with a diameter of a few micrometer and AFM‐IR at the sub‐100 nm scale. In the first part of the article, functionalized large‐area graphene sheets electrochemically modified by ultrathin oligomer films of maleimidophenyl or 4‐aminophenyl acetic acid are studied. Characteristic molecular vibrations of the functional layers are analyzed by the IR methods, while the graphene‐related phonons are characterized by RS. This dual approach allowed for the determination of the attached functional groups as well as the identification of the nature of chemical coupling of the functional moieties to graphene. The thickness of the deposited layers extracted from IRSE data correlates very well with AFM measurements. In the second part of the article, functionalized graphene sheets are characterized by correlative vibrational optical spectroscopy directly at a device level.
Exploring the role and mechanism of gut microbiota in methamphetamine addiction using antibiotic treatment followed by fecal microbiota transplantation
Authors: Wang Qiuting , Guo Xiuwen , Yue Qingwei , Zhu Shaowei , Guo Liying , Li Guibao , Zhou Qidi , Xiang Yunzhi , Chen Ganggang , Yin Wei , Sun Jinhao
Published: August 2022

Recently, the role of the gut microbiota in the context of drug addiction has attracted the attention of researchers; however, the specific effects and underlying mechanisms require further exploration. To accomplish this, C57BL/6 mice were firstly treated with methamphetamine (MA). Conditioned place preference (CPP) behavior changes, gut permeability and function, microglial activation, and inflammatory cytokine expression were systematically analyzed in antibiotics‐treated mice with microbiota depletion and in fecal microbiota transplantation mice with microbiota reconstitution. MA treatment altered microbiota composition and caused gut dysbiosis. Depletion of gut microbiota with antibiotics inhibited MA‐induced CPP formation, and fecal microbiota transplantation reversed this inhibition. Mechanistic analyses indicated that antibiotic treatment decreased gut permeability and neuroinflammation, while fecal microbiota transplantation offset the impact of antibiotic treatment. Additionally, MA‐induced microglial activation was suppressed by antibiotics but restored by microbiota transplantation, and this correlated well with the CPP score. Compared to antibiotic treatment, microbiota transplantation significantly increased 5‐HT4 receptor expression in both the nucleus accumbens and the hippocampus. Furthermore, when fecal microbiota from healthy mice was transplanted into MA‐treated mice, the CPP scores decreased. Our results provide a novel avenue for understanding MA addiction and suggest a potential future intervention strategy.
A Color‐tunable Nitride Phosphor for Near‐Ultraviolet Excitation of White Light‐emitting Diodes
Authors: Wang Lixuan , Sun Dashuai , Lyu Zeyu , Shen Sida , Lu Zheng , Zhao Hanwei , Wang Jianhui , You Hongpeng
Published: August 2022

Due to the diversity of structure and composition and the unique coordination environment, nitride materials enable the doped activator ions to possess compelling luminescence characteristics, such as rich emission colors, favorable stability and tunable emission spectra. Here, novel SrLuSi4N7:Ce3+,Tb3+ nitride phosphors were successfully synthesized by a modified carbothermal reduction and nitridation method at atmospheric pressure. SrLuSi4N7 (SLSN) belongs to hexagonal symmetry, with space group P63mc, and its crystal structure is composed of the basic building block with corner‐sharing [SiN4] tetrahedron. Under 365 nm excitation, SLSN:Ce3+ exhibits a broad emission band peaking at 450 nm with a full width at half‐maximum (FWHM) of 92 nm and the most forceful intensity obtained at the Ce3+ concentration amount of 0.04. On the basis of the efficient energy transfer, SLSN:Ce3+,Tb3+ exhibits color‐tunable emission from blue (450 nm) to green (545 nm). Our results indicate that SLSN nitride phosphor is a promising candidate for near‐ultraviolet (n‐UV) based white LEDs.
The screening and expression of polysaccharide deacetylase from Caulobacter crescentus and its function analysis
Authors: Liu Qing , Hao Li‐fang , Chen Yao , Liu Zhong‐cheng , Xing Wei‐wei , Zhang Chao , Fu Wen‐liang , Xu Dong‐gang
Published: August 2022

The bacterium Caulobacter crescentus secretes an adhesive polysaccharide called holdfast, which is the known strongest underwater adhesive in nature. The deacetylase encoded by hfs (holdfast synthesis) H gene is a key factor affecting the adhesion of holdfast. Its structure and function are not yet clear, and whether other polysaccharide deacetylases exist in C. crescentus is still unknown. The screening of both HfsH and its structural analogue as well as their purification from the artificial expression products of Escherichia coli is the first step to clarify these questions. Here, we determined the conserved domains of HfsH via sequence alignment among carbohydrate esterase family 4 enzymes and screened out its structural analogue (CC_2574) in C. crescentus. The recombinant HfsH and CC_2574 were effectively expressed in E. coli. Both of them were purified by chromatography from their corresponding productions in E. coli and were then functionally analyzed. The results indicated that a high deacetylase activity (61.8 U/mg) was observed in recombinant HfsH but not in CC_2574, which suggesting that HfsH might be the irreplaceable gene mediating adhesion of holdfast in C. crescentus. Moreover, the divalent metal ions Zn2+, Mg2+, and Mn2+ could promote the activity of recombinant HfsH at the concentration from 0.05 to 1 mM, but inhibit its activity when the concentration exceeds 1 mM. In sum, our study first realized the artificial production of polysaccharide deacetylase HfsH and its structural analogue, and further explored their functions, both of which laid the foundation for the development of new adhesive materials.
Isolation, cloning, and functional analysis of a putative constitutive promoter of E3 ubiquitin‐protein ligase RF4 from Coleus amboinicus Lour
Authors: Evangelene Christy SM , Arun V
Published: August 2022

A promoter is a region in the genome sequence located upstream of the transcription start site comprising cis acting elements that initiates and regulates the transcription of an associated genes and restriction endonucleases. As the need for genetically engineered plants has widened, the requirement to develop methods to optimize the control of transgene expression has also increased. Therefore, analyzing the functionality of the promoter is very important in understanding the target gene expression. The widespread use of viral constitutive promoters (cauliflower mosaic virus, CaMV35) has raised concerns about the safety and containment of transgene in the environment. Hence isolation and characterization of novel promoters using fast and efficient genetic engineering tools is the need of the hour. The present study, for the first time, describes the isolation and characterization of a novel constitutive promoter driving ubiquitin E3 ligase from the plant Coleus amboinicus, a perennial herb, of the Lamiaceae family. The functionality of the isolated promoter was demonstrated using the β ‐glucuronidase as a reporter in tobacco var Petit havana. The development of blue color in the tobacco leaves indicated the presence of a functional promoter.
Associations between maternal reports of periconceptional fever from miscellaneous causes and structural birth defects
Authors: Mohan Dass Nithya Lakshmi , Botto Lorenzo D. , Tinker Sarah C. , Canfield Mark A. , Finnell Richard H. , Gallaway Michael Shayne , Hashmi Syed Shahrukh , Hoyt Adrienne T. , Nembhard Wendy N. , Waller Dorothy K. ,   National Birth Defects Prevention Study
Published: August 2022

Background

Associations between birth defects and fevers attributed to colds, influenza, and urinary tract infections (UTIs) have been observed in previous studies. Our aim was to study associations between birth defects and fevers attributed to other causes.

Methods

We analyzed data from 34,862 participants in the National Birth Defects Prevention Study, a multistate case–control study of major structural birth defects. Using multivariable logistic regression, we assessed the association between maternal report of fever during early pregnancy due to causes other than colds, influenza, or UTI and 36 categories of birth defects.

Results

Maternal reports of fever due to other causes were associated with significantly elevated odds ratios ranging from 1.93 to 10.60 for 8 of 36 birth defects, primarily involving the spine, limbs, and heart (spina bifida, intestinal atresia, intercalary limb deficiency, transverse limb deficiency, congenital heart defect with heterotaxy, tetralogy of Fallot, pulmonary atresia and atrial septal defect, not otherwise specified).

Conclusion

Our data suggests fever itself or other physiologic changes associated with many infections are associated with some birth defects. Women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant may want to consider speaking with their healthcare provider about the best ways to avoid infections that may cause fever and for guidance on how to treat fevers during pregnancy.
Development of virus‐like particles‐based vaccines against coronaviruses
Authors: Yong Chean Yeah , Liew Winnie Pui Pui , Ong Hui Kian , Poh Chit Laa
Published: August 2022

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS‐CoV), Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS‐CoV), and the current severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) are the most impactful coronaviruses in human history, especially the latter, which brings revolutionary changes to human vaccinology. Due to its high infectivity, the virus spreads rapidly throughout the world and was declared a pandemic in March 2020. A vaccine would normally take more than 10 years to be developed. As such, there is no vaccine available for SARS‐CoV and MERS‐CoV. Currently, 10 vaccines have been approved for emergency use by World Health Organization (WHO) against SARS‐CoV‐2. Virus‐like particle (VLP)s are nanoparticles resembling the native virus but devoid of the viral genome. Due to their self‐adjuvanting properties, VLPs have been explored extensively for vaccine development. However, none of the approved vaccines against SARS‐CoV‐2 was based on VLP and only 4% of the vaccine candidates in clinical trials were based on VLPs. In the current review, we focused on discussing the major advances in the development of VLP‐based vaccine candidates against the SARS‐CoV, MERS‐CoV, and SARS‐CoV‐2, including those in clinical and pre‐clinical studies, to give a comprehensive overview of the VLP‐based vaccines against the coronaviruses.
Study on Components with Neuroinflammation Inhibitory Activities from Croton tiglium L. var. xiaopadou
Authors: Zhang Yanping , Sui Minghao , Bai Zisong , Zhou Di , Lin Bin , Chen Gang , Hou Yue , Li Ning
Published: August 2022

An undescribed tigliane diterpenoid, 13‐acetyl‐12,17‐di‐O‐tiglylphorbol (1), along with thirty‐three known components, were isolated from the stems of Croton tiglium L. var. xiaopadou (Euphorbiaceae). Their structures were established based on spectroscopic data and ECD spectra. Their anti‐neuroinflammatory effects were evaluated in LPS‐induced BV‐2 microglia. Thirteen tested compounds showed significant inhibitory activities, especially compounds 10, 16, 18 and 21 exhibited an inhibitory effect with IC50 values in the range of 12.39 to 17.80 μM, which are comparable with that of the positive control (minocycline, IC50 13.92 μM).
Responding to neurodiversity in the courtroom: A brief evaluation of environmental accommodations to increase procedural fairness
Authors: Clasby Betony , Mirfin‐Veitch Brigit , Blackett Rose , Kedge Sally , Whitehead Esther
Published: August 2022

Recent research has highlighted that a high prevalence of young adults who have various forms of neurodivergence come into contact with the criminal justice system. Currently, many courts are not designed to respond to neurological differences often seen in young people who engage with them. The aim of this study was to identify ways to make locality courts more accessible, engaging, and ultimately more responsive to neurodivergence. A panel of neurodivergence specialists reviewed the general district courtroom environment of a new specialised young adult list court in Aotearoa New Zealand to identify potential barriers to accessibility and to highlight areas for improvement. The methodology involved naturalistic observation of a typical morning in the courtroom. We identified a series of recommendations with the potential to improve the court experience and increase access to justice for neurodivergent young adults. This study identified specific need for neurodiversity education and screening within the court environment.
A Macrocyclic Furan with Accessible Oxidation States: Switching Between Aromatic and Antiaromatic Global Ring Currents
Authors: Dishi Or , Rahav Yuval , Carmieli Raanan , Gidron Ori
Published: August 2022

Macrocyclic furans are predicted to switch between global aromaticity and antiaromaticity, depending on their oxidation states. However, the macrocyclic furans reported to date are stabilized by electron withdrawing groups, which result in inaccessible oxidation states. To circumvent this problem, a post‐macrocyclization approach was applied to introduce methylene‐substituted macrocyclic furans, which display an extremely low oxidation potential of −0.23 vs. Fc/Fc+, and are partially oxidized in ambient conditions. Additional oxidation to the dication results in aromaticity switching to a global 30πe− aromatic state, as indicated by the formation of a strong diatropic current observed in the 1H NMR spectrum. NICS and ACID calculations support this trend and provide evidence for a different pathway for the global current in the neutral and dicationic states. According to these findings, macrocyclic furans can be rendered as promising p‐type materials with stable oxidation states.