bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Fully Self‐Healing and Highly Stretchable Liquid‐Free Ionic Conductive Elastomer for Soft Ionotronics
Authors: Luo Chuan , Chen Yutong , Huang Zhenkai , Fu Mi , Ou Wenbin , Huang Tianrui , Yue Kan
Published: August 2023

Soft ionic conductors hold great potential for soft ionotronics, such as ionic skin, human–machine interface and soft luminescent device. However, most hydrogel and ionogel‐based soft ionic conductors suffer from freezing, evaporation and liquid leakage problems, which limit their use in complex environments. Herein, a class of liquid‐free ionic conductive elastomers (ICEs) is reported as an alternative soft ionic conductor in soft ionotronics. These liquid‐free ICEs offer a combination of desirable properties, including extraordinary stretchability (up to 1913%), toughness (up to 1.08 MJ cm−3), Young's modulus (up to 0.67 MPa), rapid fully self‐healing capability at room temperature, and good conductivity (up to 1.01 × 10−5 S cm−1). The application of these ICEs is demonstrated by creating a wearable sensor that can detect and discriminate minimal deformations and human body movements, such as finger or elbow joint flexion, walking, running, etc. In addition, self‐healing soft ionotronic devices are demonstrated to confront mechanical breakdown, such as an ionic skin and an alternating‐current electroluminescent device that can reuse from damage. It is believed that these liquid‐free ICEs hold great promises for applications in wearable devices and soft ionotronics.
Giant Spontaneous Magnetostriction in MnTe Driven by a Novel Magnetostructural Coupling Mechanism
Authors: Baral Raju , Abeykoon A.M. Milinda , Campbell Branton J. , Frandsen Benjamin A.
Published: August 2023

A comprehensive x‐ray scattering study of spontaneous magnetostriction in hexagonal MnTe, an antiferromagnetic semiconductor with a Néel temperature of TN = 307 K, is presented. The largest spontaneous magnetovolume effect known for an antiferromagnet is observed, reaching a volume contraction of |ΔV/V| > 7 × 10−3. This can be justified semiquantitatively by considering bulk material properties, the spatial dependence of the superexchange interaction, and the geometrical arrangement of magnetic moments in MnTe. The highly unusual linear scaling of the magnetovolume effect with the short‐range magnetic correlations, beginning in the paramagnetic state well above TN, points to a novel physical mechanism, which is explained in terms of a trilinear coupling of the elastic strain with superposed distinct domains of the antiferromagnetic order parameter. This novel mechanism for coupling lattice strain to robust short‐range magnetic order casts new light on magnetostrictive phenomena and also provides a template by which the exceptional magnetostrictive properties of MnTe might be realized in a wide range of other functional materials.
Fine‐Tuning Alkyl Chains on Quinoxaline Nonfullerene Acceptors Enables High‐Efficiency Ternary Organic Solar Cells with Optimizing Molecular Stacking and Reducing Energy Loss
Authors: Guo Yuntong , Chen Zhenyu , Ge Jinfeng , Zhu Jintao , Zhang Jinna , Meng Yuanyuan , Ye Qinrui , Wang Shijie , Chen Fei , Ma Wei , Ge Ziyi
Published: August 2023

Material design of guest acceptor is always a big challenge for improving the efficiency of ternary organic solar cells (OSCs). Here, a pair of isomeric nonfullerene acceptors based on quinoxaline core, Qx–p‐C7H8O and Qx–m‐C7H8O, is designed and synthesized. By moving the alkoxy chain attached on side phenyl from meta‐position to para‐position, both π–π stacking distance and crystallinity are enhanced simultaneously. They obtain the uplifted lowest unoccupied molecular orbital level. Compared to Qx–m‐C7H8O, Qx–p‐C7H8O exhibits wider absorption spectrum and higher extinction coefficient. Using D18‐Cl:N3 as host materials, the addition of guest acceptor Qx–p‐C7H8O significantly improves the power conversion efficiency (PCE) from 17.61% to 18.49% because of higher open‐circuit voltage (0.875 V) and short‐circuit current density (27.85 mA cm−2). This can be attributed to the faster exciton dissociation, more balanced carrier mobility, fine fiber morphology, and lower energy loss in the ternary devices. However, Qx–m‐C7H8O‐based ternary device achieves relatively low PCE of 17.17% because this device shows extremely low electron mobility. The results indicate that molecular stacking, film morphology, etc., can be effectively modulated by fine‐tuning the side chains of guest materials, which may be an effective design rule for further improving the PCE of OSCs.
Synthesis and Assembly of Core–Shell Nanorods with High Quantum Yield and Linear Polarization
Authors: Zeng Yicheng , Su Huixue , Liu Yuan , Chen Weiwei , Liu Fangze , Gao Hanfei , Wu Yuchen , Manna Liberato , Li Hongbo
Published: August 2023

The seeded growth method offers an efficient way to design core–shell semiconductor nanocrystals in the liquid phase. The combination of seed and shell materials offers wide tunability of morphologies and photophysical properties. Also, semiconductor nanorods (NRs) exhibit unique polarized luminescence which can potentially break the theoretical limit of external quantum efficiency in light emitting diodes based on spherical quantum dots. Although rod‐in‐rod core–shell NRs present higher degree of polarization, most studies have focused on dot‐in‐rod core–shell NRs due to the difficulties in achieving uniform NR seeds. Here, this study prepares high‐quality uniform CdSe NRs by improving the reactivity of the Se source, using a secondary phosphine, namely diphenylphosphine, to dissolve the Se power, along with the conventional tertiary phosphine, namely trioctylphosphine. Starting from these high‐quality NR seeds, this study synthesizes CdSe/CdxZn1−xS/ZnS core–shell NRs with narrow emission bandwidth (29 nm at 620 nm), high PLQY (89%) and high linear polarization (p = 0.90). This study then assembles these core–shell NRs using the confined assembly method and fabricates long‐range‐ordered microarrays with programmable patterns and displaying highly polarized emission (p = 0.80). This study highlights the great potential of NRs for application in liquid crystal displays and full‐color light emitting diodes displays.
Organic‐Inorganic Conformal Extending High‐Purity Metal Nanosheets for Robust Electrochemical Lithium‐Ion Storage
Authors: Xie Donghao , Zhang Miao , Liu Qirong , Lin Yunjie , Yu Ao , Tang Yongbing
Published: August 2023

2D metal nanosheets present potential applications in catalysis, surface‐enhanced Raman scattering, nonlinear optics, energy conversion, and storage due to their extraordinary surface chemistry and quantum‐size effects. However, the massive preparation of 2D metal nanosheets with high purity remains challenging. Herein, a scalable and highly efficient approach that relies on organic‐inorganic conformal extending procedures to prepare high‐purity 2D metal nanosheets (e.g., Sn and Al) with thicknesses of one to a few nanometers is developed. This approach not only results in metal nanosheets with a very uniform and controllable thickness but also effectively avoids the introduction of impurities of other metals and oxides. As a result, this strategy enables scalable preparation of 2D ultrathin metal nanosheets with thicknesses of 1–3 nm. As a proof‐of‐the‐concept application, a compact hybrid anode is constructed from a 2D stacked combination of Sn nanosheets and 2D graphene oxide (SnNS‐GO), which show a high reversible capacity of ≈940 mAh g−1 and excellent cycling stability of 1200 cycles without capacity decay. It is believed that this scalable and facile preparation methodology will facilitate the fundamental research and applications of 2D metal nanosheets in important fields, such as electrochemical energy storage, catalysis, nonlinear optics, sensors, etc.
Low‐Coordinated Single‐Atom Catalysts Modulated by Metal Ionic Liquids for Efficient CO2 Electroreduction
Authors: Yuan Lei , Zeng Shaojuan , Li Guilin , Wang Yaofeng , Peng Kuilin , Feng Jiaqi , Zhang Xiangping , Zhang Suojiang
Published: August 2023

Modulating the coordination environment of single‐atom catalysts (SACs) is an attractive approach for maximizing the catalytic activity of single‐atom centers. Currently, the synthesis of low‐coordinated SACs is mainly confined to increasing the pyrolysis temperature (≥900 °C) to control C─N volatile fragments. Herein, a novel and universal strategy for the low‐coordinated SACs modulation is presented using transition metal (e.g., Ni, Co, Zn) ionic liquid precursors under relatively mild temperature of 600 °C, which regulates the L‐shell electronic structure and decreases nearly 50% electrophilic reactivity by ionization of 4‐position N atom, thereby orienting synthesis of the SACs with metal‐N3 centers. The Ni‐N3 SACs exhibit exceptional CO2 electroreduction performance of 99.7% CO Faraday efficiency with an ultra‐high CO partial current density of 467.55 mA·cm−2 as well as a CO production rate up to 10417.51 µmol·h−1·cm−2 in flow cell. The superior catalytic activity achieves over twofold increase compared with the Ni‐N4 SACs prepared by non‐metal ionic liquid precursors due to the lower free energy of the key intermediate *COOH and the stronger adsorption energy.
Charge Density Wave Order and Electronic Phase Transitions in a Dilute d‐Band Semiconductor
Authors: Chen Huandong , Zhao Boyang , Mutch Josh , Jung Gwan Yeong , Ren Guodong , Shabani Sara , Seewald Eric , Niu Shanyuan , Wu Jiangbin , Wang Nan , Surendran Mythili , Singh Shantanu , Luo Jiang , Ohtomo Sanae , Goh Gemma , Chakoumakos Bryan C. , Teat Simon J. , Melot Brent , Wang Han , Pasupathy Abhay N. , Mishra Rohan , Chu Jiun‐Haw , Ravichandran Jayakanth
Published: August 2023

As one of the most fundamental physical phenomena, charge density wave (CDW) order predominantly occurs in metallic systems such as quasi‐1D metals, doped cuprates, and transition metal dichalcogenides, where it is well understood in terms of Fermi surface nesting and electron–phonon coupling mechanisms. On the other hand, CDW phenomena in semiconducting systems, particularly at the low carrier concentration limit, are less common and feature intricate characteristics, which often necessitate the exploration of novel mechanisms, such as electron–hole coupling or Mott physics, to explain. In this study, an approach combining electrical transport, synchrotron X‐ray diffraction, and density‐functional theory calculations is used to investigate CDW order and a series of hysteretic phase transitions in a dilute d‐band semiconductor, BaTiS3. These experimental and theoretical findings suggest that the observed CDW order and phase transitions in BaTiS3 may be attributed to both electron–phonon coupling and non‐negligible electron–electron interactions in the system. This work highlights BaTiS3 as a unique platform to explore CDW physics and novel electronic phases in the dilute filling limit and opens new opportunities for developing novel electronic devices.
Fully Printed, High‐Temperature Micro‐Supercapacitor Arrays Enabled by a Hexagonal Boron Nitride Ionogel Electrolyte
Authors: Chaney Lindsay E. , Hyun Woo Jin , Khalaj Maryam , Hui Janan , Hersam Mark C.
Published: August 2023

The proliferation and miniaturization of portable electronics require energy‐storage devices that are simultaneously compact, flexible, and amenable to scalable manufacturing. In this work, mechanically flexible micro‐supercapacitor arrays are demonstrated via sequential high‐speed screen printing of conductive graphene electrodes and a high‐temperature hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) ionogel electrolyte. By combining the superlative dielectric properties of 2D hBN with the high ionic conductivity of ionic liquids, the resulting hBN ionogel electrolyte enables micro‐supercapacitors with exceptional areal capacitances that approach 1 mF cm−2. Unlike incumbent polymer‐based electrolytes, the high‐temperature stability of the hBN ionogel electrolyte implies that the printed micro‐supercapacitors can be operated at unprecedentedly high temperatures up to 180 °C. These elevated operating temperatures result in increased power densities that make these printed micro‐supercapacitors particularly promising for applications in harsh environments such as underground exploration, aviation, and electric vehicles. The combination of enhanced functionality in extreme conditions and high‐speed production via scalable additive manufacturing significantly broadens the technological phase space for on‐chip energy storage.
Programmable Dual‐Responsive Actuation of Single‐Hydrogel‐Based Bilayer Actuators by Photothermal and Skin Layer Effects with Graphene Oxides
Authors: Li Minghao , Bae Jinhye
Published: August 2023

Shape morphing of stimuli‐responsive composite hydrogels has received considerable attention in different research fields. Although various multilayer structures with dissimilar materials are studied to achieve shape morphing, combining swellable hydrogel layers with non‐swellable layers results in issues with interface adhesion and structural integrity. In this study, single‐hydrogel‐based bilayer actuators comprising poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) matrices and graphene oxide (GO)–PNIPAM hinges are presented. Upon temperature rising, the PNIPAM hydrogel acts as the passive layer due to the formation of dense microstructures near the surface (i.e., the skin layer effect), whereas the GO‐PNIPAM hydrogel functions as the active layer, maintaining porous due to structural modification by the presence of GO. Under light exposure, the GO‐PNIPAM hinges experience selective heating due to the photothermal effect of GO. Consequently, the resulting bilayer structures exhibit programmable dual‐responsive 3D shape morphing. Additionally, the folding kinetics of these actuators can be adjusted based on the applied stimulus (temperature changes or light), as they are driven by different mechanisms, the skin layer, or photothermal effects, respectively. Furthermore, the hinge‐based bilayer structures demonstrate walking and steering locomotion by light exposure. This approach can lead to advances in soft robotics, biomimetic systems, and autonomous soft actuators in hydrogel‐based systems.
High‐Sensitive and Fast Speed UV Photodetector Based on HfSe2/InSe Heterostructure
Authors: Zhang Chengcheng , Zhang Shiji , Ding Jingzu , Wang Wenhui , Cao Zhangyu , Han Tao , Li Feng , Zhu Xiangde , Shan Lei , Long Mingsheng
Published: August 2023

The type‐II band‐aligned van der Waals (vdW) heterostructures are favorable for photocarrier separation and are often used for designing high‐performance photodetectors. Inspired by this, a metal‐mirror electrode enhanced HfSe2‐InSe vdW heterostructure photodetector is designed and demonstrated excitement performance in UV light detection. It is demonstrated the moderate bandgap heterostructure can be configured as a high‐performance UV photodetector with excellent light on/off ratio of 106, high photoresponsivity of 47.3 AW−1, competitive high specific detectivity of 3.2 × 1012 cmHz1/2W−1 and very low noise equivalent power of 2.8 × 10−16 WHz−1/2. Notably, the photoresponse speed of the device is very fast, with a rise time of 4.1 µs and a decay time of 5.4 µs. The results indicate that 2D HfSe2‐InSe vdW heterostructure possesses great potential applications in UV photodetection.
Road Narrow‐Inspired Strain Concentration to Wide‐Range‐Tunable Gauge Factor of Ionic Hydrogel Strain Sensor
Authors: Zhao Wenyu , Lin Zhuofan , Sun Zongtao , Zhu Zhihao , Lin Waner , Xu Yingtian , Peng Zhengchun , Sun Zhenglong , Wang Ziya
Published: August 2023

The application of stretchable strain sensors in human movement recognition, health monitoring, and soft robotics has attracted wide attention. Compared with traditional electronic conductors, stretchable ionic hydrogels are more attractive to organization‐like soft electronic devices yet suffer poor sensitivity due to limited ion conduction modulation caused by their intrinsic soft chain network. This paper proposes a strategy to modulate ion transport behavior by geometry‐induced strain concentration to adjust and improve the sensitivity of ionic hydrogel‐based strain sensors (IHSS). Inspired by the phenomenon of vehicles slowing down and changing lanes when the road narrows, the strain redistribution of ionic hydrogel is optimized by structural and mechanical parameters to produce a strain‐induced resistance boost. As a result, the gauge factor of the IHSS is continuously tunable from 1.31 to 9.21 in the strain range of 0–100%, which breaks through the theoretical limit of homogeneous strain‐distributed ionic hydrogels and ensures a linear electromechanical response simultaneously. Overall, this study offers a universal route to modulate the ion transport behavior of ionic hydrogels mechanically, resulting in a tunable sensitivity for IHSS to better serve different application scenarios, such as health monitoring and human–machine interface.
Large Improvement of Thermoelectric Performance by Magnetism in Co‐Based Full‐Heusler Alloys
Authors: Gui Zhigang , Wang Guiwen , Wang Honghui , Zhang Yuqing , Li Yanjun , Wen Xikai , Li Yikang , Peng Kunling , Zhou Xiaoyuan , Ying Jianjun , Chen Xianhui
Published: August 2023

Full‐Heusler alloys (fHAs) exhibit high mechanical strength with earth‐abundant elements, but their metallic properties tend to display small electron diffusion thermopower, limiting potential applications as excellent thermoelectric (TE) materials. Here, it is demonstrated that the Co‐based fHAs Co2XAl (X= Ti, V, Nb) exhibit relatively high thermoelectric performance due to spin and charge coupling. Thermopower contributions from different magnetic mechanisms, including spin fluctuation and magnon drag are extracted. A significant contribution to thermopower from magnetism compared to that from electron diffusion is demonstrated. In Co2TiAl, the contribution to thermopower from spin fluctuation is higher than that from electron diffusion, resulting in an increment of 280 µW m−1 K−2in the power factor value. Interestingly, the thermopower contribution from magnon drag can reach up to ‐47 µV K−1, which is over 2400% larger than the electron diffusion thermopower. The power factor of Co2TiAl can reach 4000 µW m−1 K−2which is comparable to that of conventional semiconducting TE materials. Moreover, the corresponding figure of meritzTcan reach ≈0.1 at room temperature, which is significantly larger than that of traditional metallic materials. The work shows a promising unconventional way to create and optimize TE materials by introducing magnetism.
Fundamentals of Electrolyte Design for Wide‐Temperature Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Liu Qianqian , Wang Liguang
Published: August 2023

Lithium metal‐based batteries (LMBs) have garnered significant attention due to their exceptional energy density and lightweight characteristics. However, the electrochemical performance of LMBs often falls short, particularly in extreme temperature conditions. To address these challenges, the development of electrolytes capable of withstanding wide temperature ranges has emerged as a highly promising strategy for enhancing the operational capabilities of LMB across diverse weather conditions. This comprehensive review aims to explore the degradation mechanisms of wide‐temperature electrolytes, establishing a fundamental understanding of the failure mechanisms that impede LMB performance at harsh temperatures. Essential properties required for wide‐temperature electrolytes are elucidated, and the latest advancements in electrolyte technologies tailored specifically for all‐climate operations are comprehensively discussed. Particular emphasis is placed on the unique role of electrolyte solvation structure and interfacial properties across diverse weather conditions. This review offers valuable insights and proposes directions for the practical implementation of wide‐temperature electrolytes for LMBs, contributing significantly to the existing knowledge base while concurrently paving the way for developing robust LMBs capable of withstanding the rigors of diverse temperature environments.
Three‐Component Aza‐Diels‐Alder Reaction for the Syntheses of Tetrahydroisoquinoline Derivatives
Authors: Ngamnithiporn Aurapat , Chuentragool Padon , Ploypradith Poonsakdi , Ruchirawat Somsak
Published: August 2023

Reported herein is the development of a normal electron‐demand, three‐component aza‐Diels‐Alder reaction between sultines, aldehydes, and amines. In the presence of Cu(OTf)2 as a Lewis acid catalyst, the use of sultines as o‐quinodimethane precursors in conjunction with the in situ generation of imines enables the facile preparation of various polysubstituted tetrahydro‐isoquinoline derivatives from readily available substrates. The synthetic utility of these products was further explored through a number of product transformations, including the syntheses of tricyclic N‐heterocycles.
Ethosomes as Promising Transdermal Delivery Systems of Natural‐Derived Active Compounds
Authors: Emanet Melis , Ciofani Gianni
Published: August 2023

Ethosomes are novel lipid‐based vesicular systems that demonstrate unique improvements in drug delivery with respect to other nanoparticles, especially for transdermal applications. Their high ethanol content strongly improves flexibility and deformability, which allows squeezing through the intercellular spaces without any drug leakage. The ethanol, moreover, contributes to increase the fluidity of the lipids of the cell membranes in dermal layers, allowing an in‐depth penetration of the nanostructures. Moreover, the high ethanol content of ethosomes allows the promotion of the encapsulation of either hydrophilic or lipophilic active agents, a feature particularly useful when it deals with natural extracts, a family of compounds characterized by a huge chemical variability. As a further advantage, being natural extracts often obtained in ethanol‐based solutions, their incorporation in ethosomes makes not necessarily expensive and time‐consuming procedures finalized at solvent removal. Following the initial exploitation of ethosomes, research focuses on the development of variants such as invasomes and transethosomes, which show improved drug encapsulation and delivery capacity. This review provides the state‐of‐the‐art on ethosomal research, with special attention on the encapsulation and delivery of natural extracts and their transdermal delivery.
MIDA‐ and TIDA‐Boronates Stabilize α‐Radicals Through B−N Hyperconjugation
Authors: LaPorte Antonio J. , Feldner Jack E. , Spies Jan C. , Maher Tom J. , Burke Martin D.
Published: August 2023

Multifunctional organoboron compounds increasingly enable the simple generation of complex, Csp3‐rich small molecules. The ability of boron‐containing functional groups to modify the reactivity of α‐radicals has also enabled a myriad of chemical reactions. Boronic esters with vacant p‐orbitals have a significant stabilizing effect on α‐radicals due to delocalization of spin density into the empty orbital. The effect of coordinatively saturated derivatives, such as N‐methyliminodiacetic acid (MIDA) boronates and counterparts, remains less clear. Herein, we demonstrate that coordinatively saturated MIDA and TIDA boronates stabilize secondary alkyl α‐radicals via σB‐N hyperconjugation in a manner that allows site‐selective C−H bromination. DFT calculated radical stabilization energies and spin density maps as well as LED NMR kinetic analysis of photochemical bromination rates of different boronic esters further these findings. This work clarifies that the α‐radical stabilizing effect of boronic esters does not only proceed via delocalization of radical character into vacant boron p‐orbitals, but that hyperconjugation of tetrahedral boron‐containing functional groups and their ligand electron delocalizing ability also play a critical role. These findings establish boron ligands as a useful dial for tuning reactivity at the α‐carbon.
Pushing the Upper Limit of Nucleophilicity Scales by Mesoionic N‐Heterocyclic Olefins
Authors: Eitzinger Andreas , Reitz Justus , Antoni Patrick W. , Mayr Herbert , Ofial Armin R. , Hansmann Max M.
Published: August 2023

A series of mesoionic, 1,2,3‐triazole‐derived N‐heterocyclic olefins (mNHOs), which have an extraordinarily electron‐rich exocyclic CC‐double bond, was synthesized and spectroscopically characterized, in selected cases by X‐ray crystallography. The kinetics of their reactions with arylidene malonates, ArCH=C(CO2Et)2, which gave zwitterionic adducts, were investigated photometrically in THF at 20 °C. The resulting second‐order rate constants k2(20 °C) correlate linearly with the reported electrophilicity parameters E of the arylidene malonates (reference electrophiles), thus providing the nucleophile‐specific N and sN parameters of the mNHOs according to the correlation lg k2(20 °C)=sN(N+E). With 21<N<32, the mNHOs are much stronger nucleophiles than conventional NHOs. Some mNHOs even excel the reactivity of mono‐ and diacceptor‐substituted carbanions. It is exemplarily shown that the reactivity parameters thus obtained allow to calculate the rate constants for mNHO reactions with further Michael acceptors and predict the scope of reactions with other electrophilic reaction partners including carbon dioxide, which gives zwitterionic mNHO‐carboxylates. The nucleophilicity parameters N correlate linearly with a linear combination of the quantum‐chemically calculated methyl cation affinities and buried volumes of mNHOs, which offers a valuable tool to tailor the reactivities of strong carbon nucleophiles.
Design, synthesis, antimicrobial activity and molecular docking study of cationic bis‐benzimidazole‐silver(I) complexes
Authors: Üstün Elvan , Şahin Neslihan , Özdemir İlknur , Günal Selami , Gürbüz Nevin , Özdemir İsmail , Sémeril David
Published: August 2023

Two series of bis(1‐alkylbenzimidazole)silver(I) nitrate and bis(1‐alkyl‐5,6‐dimethylbenzimidazole)silver(I) nitrate complexes, in which the alkyl substituent is either an allyl, a 2‐methylallyl, an isopropyl or a 3‐methyloxetan‐3‐yl‐methyl chain, were synthesized and fully characterized. The eight N‐coordinated silver(I) complexes were screened for both antimicrobial activities against Gram‐negative (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Acinetobacter baumannii) and Gram‐positive (Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus aureus MRSA, and Enterococcus faecalis) bacteria and antifungal activities against Candida albicans and Candida glabrata strains. Moderate minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of 0.087 μmol/mL were found when the Gram‐negative and Gram‐positive bacteria were treated with the silver complexes. Nevertheless, MIC values of 0.011 μmol/mL, twice lower than for the well‐known fluconazole, against the two fungi were measured. In addition, molecular docking was carried out with the structure of Escherichia coli DNA gyrase and CYP51 from the pathogen Candida glabrata with the eight organometallic complexes, and molecular reactivity descriptors were calculated with the density functional theory‐based calculation methods.
An analysis of the use of augmented reality and virtual reality as educational resources
Authors: de Moraes Rossetto Anubis G. , Martins Thauany C. , Silva Luís Augusto , Leithardt Daiana R. F. , Bermejo‐Gil Beatriz María , Leithardt Valderi R. Q.
Published: August 2023

In recent years, the utilization of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) has emerged as a transformative approach in education, revolutionizing traditional teaching methods. This study seeks to explore the efficacy of AR and VR as pedagogical resources for enhancing the teaching of the solar system. The research process involved the development of an application comprising two modules, AR and VR, which were evaluated to assess their impact on the teaching process. Furthermore, a comparative study was conducted to evaluate the immersiveness, interactivity, and ease of use offered by these technologies. The findings demonstrate that both AR and VR demonstrate promise in supporting the teaching process, with the VR module garnering particularly positive evaluations. However, it is crucial to acknowledge existing barriers in underprivileged communities, where public schools face limited investments in technology infrastructure. These limitations hinder the widespread implementation of such immersive experiences and their potential to foster new knowledge acquisition.
Rare FGFR fusion genes in cervical cancer and transcriptome‐based subgrouping of patients with a poor prognosis
Authors: Hiranuma Kengo , Asami Yuka , Kato Mayumi Kobayashi , Murakami Naoya , Shimada Yoko , Matsuda Maiko , Yazaki Shu , Fujii Erisa , Sudo Kazuki , Kuno Ikumi , Komatsu Masaaki , Hamamoto Ryuji , Makinoshima Hideki , Matsumoto Koji , Ishikawa Mitsuya , Kohno Takashi , Terao Yasuhisa , Itakura Atsuo , Yoshida Hiroshi , Shiraishi Kouya , Kato Tomoyasu
Published: August 2023

Background

Although cervical cancer is often characterized as preventable, its incidence continues to increase in low‐ and middle‐income countries, underscoring the need to develop novel therapeutics for this disease.This study assessed the distribution of fusion genes across cancer types and used an RNA‐based classification to divide cervical cancer patients with a poor prognosis into subgroups.

Material and Methods

RNA sequencing of 116 patients with cervical cancer was conducted. Fusion genes were extracted using StarFusion program. To identify a high‐risk group for recurrence, 65 patients who received postoperative adjuvant therapy were subjected to non‐negative matrix factorization to identify differentially expressed genes between recurrent and nonrecurrent groups.

Results

We identified three cases with FGFR3‐TACC3 and one with GOPC‐ROS1 fusion genes as potential targets. A search of publicly available data from cBioPortal (21,789 cases) and the Center for Cancer Genomics and Advanced Therapeutics (32,608 cases) showed that the FGFR3 fusion is present in 1.5% and 0.6% of patients with cervical cancer, respectively. The frequency of the FGFR3 fusion gene was higher in cervical cancer than in other cancers, regardless of ethnicity. Non‐negative matrix factorization identified that the patients were classified into four Basis groups. Pathway enrichment analysis identified more extracellular matrix kinetics dysregulation in Basis 3 and more immune system dysregulation in Basis 4 than in the good prognosis group. CIBERSORT analysis showed that the fraction of M1 macrophages was lower in the poor prognosis group than in the good prognosis group.

Conclusions

The distribution of FGFR fusion genes in patients with cervical cancer was determined by RNA‐based analysis and used to classify patients into clinically relevant subgroups.
Hybrid Catalysts for One‐pot Cascade Production of Gluconic Acid
Authors: Yang Ziyi , Wang Zhenfu , Dong Xiaoyan , Sun Yan
Published: August 2023

Gluconic acid is a valuable commodity in various industries such as pharmaceuticals, food, and construction. As the demand for gluconic acid grows, the development of its efficient and cost‐effective production methods has become a prominent research priority. Enzymatic synthesis has emerged as a promising approach for the production of gluconic acid due to its numerous advantages such as being eco‐friendly, highly efficient, and cost‐effective. Furthermore, the one‐pot catalytic method simplifies production equipment and operational steps. This concept review discusses the latest development in the field of multi‐enzymatic hybrid catalysts and chemo‐enzymatic hybrid catalysts for the one‐pot cascade catalytic production of gluconic acid. Perspectives for further research in this field are also provided to promote the application of multi‐enzyme complex cascade catalytic systems in extensive areas of organic synthesis.
Impact of Ultrasound Treatment Duration on Dihydrate Precursor Implying the Sesquihydrate Route
Authors: Palanychamy Prakas , Kong Leong Loong , Issabayeva Gulnaziya
Published: August 2023

The present invention relates to a technique for synthesizing vanadium phosphorus oxide (VPO) catalyst employing an ultrasonic treatment approach while assessing phase composition and hydrocarbon oxidation activity to a conventionally synthesized catalyst. The ultrasonic treatment approach has been shown to produce a catalyst with improved surface constitution and accelerated hydrocarbon conversion in 3 h, as opposed to the typically heating process, which takes 24 h. Product selectivity is influenced by the nature of the catalyst, with an integration consisting of (VO)2P2O7 (V4+) and VOPO4 (V5+) being optimal for high rate of conversion. A 39 % conversion rate and 89 % maleic anhydride selectivity were achieved under optimum reaction conditions.
Comparative cost analysis of implanting devices in different cardiac resynchronization therapeutic strategies
Authors: Chen Mengna , Shi Jing , Zhang Yimin , Ge Xiaozhen , Zhang Xu , Fan Wenbin , Wang Shuo , Guo Zhiqin , Guan Jian , Wu Yongquan , Zhang Junmeng
Published: August 2023

Background

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is an established treatment option for heart failure patients. However, the implementation of triple‐chamber pacemakers can be cost‐prohibitive. His‐Purkinje system pacing (HPSP) can also enable cardiac resynchronization, and it can be achieved with relatively inexpensive conventional pacemakers.

Hypothesis

This article aims to comparatively evaluate the cost of implanting devices in different CRT strategies to provide meaningful guidance for clinical decision‐making by electrophysiologists.

Methods

Data was collected on the prices, designed life, and price/designed life of multiple mainstream models of CRT‐P, CRT‐D, dual‐chamber pacemakers, and single‐chamber pacemakers that were sold in the Chinese market in 2022. The prices, designed lives, and price/designed life of different pacemaker models were then compared.

Results

The costs of CRT‐P and CRT‐D (13008.44 ± 2752.30 USD and 22043.36 ± 3676.25 USD) were significantly higher than those of conventional pacemakers (dual‐chamber: 11142.39 ± 4273.85 USD and single‐chamber: 5634.28 ± 2032.80 USD) (p < .05). Additionally, the price/designed life of conventional pacemakers (dual‐chamber: 839.63 ± 258.62 US dollar/year and single‐chamber: 435.86 ± 125.44 US dollar/year) was significantly better than that of CRT‐P and CRT‐D (1386.91 ± 266.73 and 2585.53 ± 520.27 US dollar/year, respectively) (p < .05).

Conclusion

Conduction system pacing (CSP)‐based CRT is more cost‐effective than BVP‐based CRT. Furthermore, CSP‐based CRT can achieve cardiac resynchronization with conventional pacemakers and may be a good option for HF patients who do not need defibrillation.
Dissociation of N2 on a Si(111)‐7x7 Surface at Room Temperature
Authors: Geagea Elie , Hamadeh Ali , Jeannoutot Judicaël , Palmino Frank , Breault Nicolas , Rochefort Alain , Hajjar‐Garreau Samar , Pirri Carmelo , Thomas Christophe M. , Chérioux Frédéric
Published: August 2023

The front cover artwork is provided by Nanosciences group of FEMTO‐ST (Université de Franche‐Comté / CNRS). The image shows the dissociation of N2 molecules on the surface due to an electron transfer from the Si(111)‐7x7 surface to the the π*‐antibonding orbitals of N2. Read the full text of the Research Article at 10.1002/cphc.202300182.
A Metabolomic Analysis of Sensitivity and Specificity of 23 Previously Proposed Biomarkers for Renal Transporter‐Mediated Drug‐Drug Interactions
Authors: Gessner Arne , Müller Fabian , Wenisch Pia , Heinrich Markus R. , König Jörg , Stopfer Peter , Fromm Martin F.
Published: August 2023

Endogenous biomarkers are discussed as tools for detection of drug‐drug interactions (DDIs) mediated by renal transport proteins, such as organic cation transporter 2 (OCT2), multidrug and toxin extrusion proteins (MATE1 and MATE2‐K) and organic anion transporters (OAT1 and OAT3). Whereas sensitivity of some endogenous biomarkers against at least one clinical transporter inhibitor has frequently been shown, intra‐study comparisons of the extent of effects of inhibitors on different biomarkers are frequently lacking. Moreover, in vivo specificity of such discussed biomarkers has frequently not been studied. We therefore investigated changes of 10 previously described putative biomarkers for inhibition of OCT2/MATEs, as well as 15 previously described putative biomarkers for OATs in human plasma and urine samples of healthy volunteers in response to treatment with 4 inhibitors of transport proteins [verapamil (P‐glycoprotein), rifampin (organic anion transporting polypeptides), cimetidine (OCT2/MATEs), and probenecid (OATs)]. Two of the putative biomarkers had been suggested for both OCT2/MATEs and OATs. All substances were unequivocally identified in an untargeted metabolomics assay. The OCT2/MATE biomarkers choline and trimethylamine N‐oxide were both sensitive and specific (median log2‐fold changes −1.18 in estimated renal elimination and −0.85 in urinary excretion, respectively). For renal OATs, indoleacetyl glutamine and indoleacetic acid (median log2‐fold changes −3.77 and −2.85 in estimated renal elimination, respectively) were the candidates for sensitive and specific biomarkers with the most extensive change, followed by taurine, indolelactic acid, and hypoxanthine. This comprehensive study adds further knowledge on sensitivity and specificity of 23 previously described biomarkers of renal OCT2/MATE‐ and OAT‐mediated DDIs.
Genetic and pharmacological inhibition of METTL3 alleviates renal fibrosis by reducing EVL m6A modification through an IGF2BP2‐dependent mechanism
Authors: Ni Wei‐Jian , Zhou Hong , Lu Hao , Ma Nan‐Nan , Hou Bing‐Bing , Li Wei , Kong Fan‐Xu , Yu Ju‐Tao , Hou Rui , Jin Juan , Wen Jia‐Gen , Zhang Tao , Meng Xiao‐Ming
Published: August 2023

Background

N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) is of great importance in renal physiology and disease progression, but its function and mechanism in renal fibrosis remain to be comprehensively and extensively explored. Hence, this study will explore the function and potential mechanism of critical regulator‐mediated m6A modification during renal fibrosis and thereby explore promising anti‐renal fibrosis agents.

Methods

Renal tissues from humans and mice as well as HK‐2 cells were used as research subjects. The profiles of m6A modification and regulators in renal fibrosis were analysed at the protein and RNA levels using Western blotting, quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction and other methods. Methylation RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing and RNA sequencing coupled with methyltransferase‐like 3 (METTL3) conditional knockout were used to explore the function of METTL3 and potential targets. Gene silencing and overexpression combined with RNA immunoprecipitation were performed to investigate the underlying mechanism by which METTL3 regulates the Ena/VASP‐like (EVL) m6A modification that promotes renal fibrosis. Molecular docking and virtual screening with in vitro and in vivo experiments were applied to screen promising traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) monomers and explore their mechanism of regulating the METTL3/EVL m6A axis and anti‐renal fibrosis.

Results

METTL3 and m6A modifications were hyperactivated in both the tubular region of fibrotic kidneys and HK‐2 cells. Upregulated METTL3 enhanced the m6A modification of EVL mRNA to improve its stability and expression in an insulin‐like growth factor 2 mRNA‐binding protein 2 (IGF2BP2)‐dependent manner. Highly expressed EVL binding to Smad7 abrogated the Smad7‐induced suppression of transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β1)/Smad3 signal transduction, which conversely facilitated renal fibrosis progression. Molecular docking and virtual screening based on the structure of METTL3 identified a TCM monomer named isoforsythiaside, which inhibited METTL3 activity together with the METTL3/EVL m6A axis to exert anti‐renal fibrosis effects.

Conclusions

Collectively, the overactivated METTL3/EVL m6A axis is a potential target for renal fibrosis therapy, and the pharmacological inhibition of METTL3 activity by isoforsythiaside suggests that it is a promising anti‐renal fibrosis agent.
A sequence of multiyear wet and dry periods provides opportunities for grass recovery and state change reversals
Authors: Peters Debra P. C. , Savoy Heather M.
Published: August 2023

Multiyear periods (≥4 years) of extreme rainfall are increasing in frequency as climate continues to change, yet there is little understanding of how rainfall amount and heterogeneity in biophysical properties affect state changes in a sequence of wet and dry periods. Our objective was to examine the importance of rainfall periods, their legacies, and vegetation and soil properties to either the persistence of woody plants or a shift toward perennial grass dominance and a state reversal. We examined a 28‐year record of rainfall consisting of a sequence of multiyear periods (average, dry, wet, dry, average) for four ecosystem types in the Jornada Basin. We analyzed relationships between above ground net primary production (ANPP) and rainfall for three plant functional groups that characterize alternative states (perennial grasses, other herbaceous plants, dominant shrubs). A multimodel comparison was used to determine the relative importance of rainfall, soil, and vegetation properties. For perennial grasses, the greatest mean ANPP in mesquite‐ and tarbush‐dominated shrublands occurred in the wet period and in the dry period following the wet period in grasslands. Legacy effects in grasslands were asymmetric, where the lowest production was found in a dry period following an average period, and the greatest production occurred in a dry period following a wet period. For other herbaceous plants, in contrast, the greatest ANPP occurred in the wet period. Mesquite was the only dominant shrub species with a significant positive response in the wet period. Rainfall amount was a poor predictor of ANPP for each functional group when data from all periods were combined. Initial herbaceous biomass at the plant scale, patch‐scale biomass, and soil texture at the landscape scale improved the predictive relationships of ANPP compared with rainfall alone. Under future climate, perennial grass production is expected to benefit the most from wet periods compared with other functional groups with continued high grass production in subsequent dry periods that can shift (desertified) shrublands toward grasslands. The continued dominance by shrubs will depend on the effects that rainfall has on perennial grasses and the sequence of high‐ and low‐rainfall periods rather than the direct effects of rainfall on shrub production.
Microvascular function and inflammatory activation in Takotsubo cardiomyopathy
Authors: Solberg Ole Geir , Aaberge Lars , Bosse Gerhard , Ueland Thor , Gullestad Lars , Aukrust Pål , Stavem Knut
Published: August 2023

Aims

The aim of this study was to determine microvascular function in the acute phase of Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) and to identify inflammatory mediators that could reflect TTS‐induced pathology.

Methods and results

The study included 20 females [median age 65 years; interquarile range (IQR) = 58–70 years] with TTS according to the Mayo diagnostic criteria. During heart catheterization, we determined the index of microvascular resistance (IMR) and drew blood samples almost simultaneously from the aorta and coronary sinus. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was done in the acute phase. We present descriptive coronary physiology and cardiac MRI data and compare inflammatory biomarkers between samples from the aorta, coronary sinus, and venous samples after 3 months using the Wilcoxon signed‐rank test. For comparison, we also analysed the actual biomarkers in venous blood from 15 healthy female controls. A supplementary analysis explored Spearman's rank correlation between the inflammatory biomarkers, IMR, MRI data, and cardiac biomarkers. The median IMR was 16.5 mmHg·s (IQR = 10.5–28.2 mmHg·s), which was only slightly higher than that in the reference populations. Seven (35%) of the study subjects had IMR > 25 mmHg·s, suggesting a microvascular dysfunction. IMR was not affected by time from symptom onset. According to MRI, the apical region of the left ventricle was affected in 65% of the subjects. The median ejection fraction was 41% (IQR = 31–48%). Biomarker analyses revealed elevation of markers for extracellular matrix remodelling and fibrosis, inflammation, immune activation, and upstream inflammation as compared with healthy controls. Only the levels of interleukin (IL)‐1 receptor antagonist and soluble T‐cell immunoglobulin mucin domain‐3 (sTIM‐3) were higher in the coronary sinus than in the aorta. No variable was significantly correlated with IMR. The IL‐6 level in the aorta was inversely correlated with the left ventricular ejection fraction. Growth differentiation factor‐15, osteoprotegerin, and von Willebrand factor levels in both aorta and coronary sinus were positively correlated with N‐terminal‐pro‐brain‐natriuretic peptide, while the correlations of IL‐6 and sTIM‐3 with N‐terminal‐pro‐brain‐natriuretic peptide were restricted to the aorta and coronary sinus, respectively. While most of the markers were within normal limits after 3 months, matrix metalloproteinase‐9 increased during follow‐up to reach levels higher than those in the healthy controls.

Conclusion

The median IMR was only slightly elevated in this study, but about one‐third of the patients had values indicating microvascular dysfunction. The present study supports the involvement of several inflammatory pathways in TTS, including monocyte/macrophage activation, with sTIM‐3 as a potential novel marker.
Oxidation of 3‐Oxo‐N‐Confused Porphyrin with PIFA: Inner and meso Functionalizations
Authors: Zhang Yihuan , Liu Haoran , He Huowang , Zou Bo , Zhai Zhaofen , Yu Taoxing , Osuka Atsuhiro , Jiang Hua‐Wei
Published: August 2023

Conjugate addition of ethanol and subsequent oxidation with [bis (trifluoroacetoxy)iodo]benzene (PIFA) allowed for the inner ethoxylation of 3‐oxo‐N‐confused tetraphenylporphyrin (ONCP). First oxidation of ONCP with PIFA followed by treatment with ethanol gave two more N‐confused phlorins derivatives 5 and 6.
Chemical compositions and possible transportation of PM2.5 during two haze periods in a coastal city of the North China Plain
Authors: Wang Wenhua , Gao Yutao , Shao Longyi , Fan Chao , Li Xian , Li Yaowei , Liu Mengyao , Zhou Xiuyan
Published: August 2023

Although numerous studies have been carried out to study haze formation in the North China Plain (NCP) and Northeastern Plain (NP), little is known about the chemical compositions and haze formations in Qinhuangdao city, which is located in the northeast edge of the NCP and adjacent to the NP. In this study, water‐soluble inorganic ions, organic carbon and elemental carbon (EC) were analysed offline during two haze periods from October 29 to November 7, 2021. The results showed that NO3− and organic matter (OM) accounted for 34.81% and 21.15% of total PM2.5 mass concentration, respectively, followed by NH4+ (14.06%) and SO42− (12.33%). The sulphur oxidation ratio and nitrogen oxidation ratio as well as OM/EC ratio on haze days were higher than those on non‐haze days, suggesting both high secondary inorganic and organic aerosol formation on haze days under high relative humidity. Source apportionment results showed that marine aerosols contributed small of total aerosol particle loads, while the combustion‐related sources were the most, possibly coal combustion, biomass burning and vehicle emissions. Air masses during haze periods mainly came from southwest and west directions in this case. Further calculated meteorological data of 2018–2021 showed high PM2.5 mass in Qinhuangdao were mainly affected by low‐speed southwest wind in autumn. The results highlighted the important role of long‐range transport of air pollutants from the NCP instead of the NP on haze formation in autumn in Qinhuangdao.