bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characteristics That Predict Psoriatic Arthritis by the Classification Criteria for Psoriatic Arthritis in Patients With Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis 18 Years After Disease Onset
Authors: Szentpetery Agnes , Glerup Mia , Aalto Kristiina , Arnstad Ellen D. , Fasth Anders , Herlin Troels , Myrup Charlotte , Nordal Ellen , Peltoniemi Suvi , Rygg Marite , Gjertsen Rypdal Veronika , Berntson Lillemor
Published: December 2024

Objective

The purposes of this study were to assess the clinical characteristics of patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) who fulfill the ClASsification criteria for Psoriatic ARthritis (CASPAR) 18 years after disease onset in a population‐based setting and to identify features likely to predict psoriatic arthritis (PsA).

Methods

Patients with JIA from defined geographic regions of Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden with disease onset from 1997 to 2000 were enrolled prospectively and followed up for 18 years. Clinical, laboratory, and heredity data for psoriasis were collected. Patients were classified according to the International League of Associations for Rheumatology (ILAR) criteria at baseline, and we applied ILAR and CASPAR criteria at 18 years. Logistic regression was performed to study the effects of JIA‐related characteristics and heredity for psoriasis on being classified for PsA.

Results

Among the 510 patients enrolled, 434 participated in the 18‐year follow‐up, 28 (6.5%) met the ILAR criteria, and 41 (9.4%) fulfilled the CASPAR criteria. Patients with wrist or subtalar joint involvement at onset had higher odds of being classified with PsA at 18 years (odds ratio [OR] 3.3, P = 0.02 and OR 12.9, P = 0.01, respectively). Presence of psoriasis, nail abnormalities, or dactylitis showed significant association with development of PsA (OR 20.2, P < 0.001; OR 11.6, P = 0.002; and OR 43.4, P < 0.001, respectively).

Conclusion

CASPAR criteria identify more patients with PsA compared with ILAR criteria and may better capture the heterogeneous nature of the disease. Presence of psoriasis and dactylitis at disease onset were the strongest predictors for the development of PsA. Further studies on the utility of CASPAR criteria in patients with JIA are needed.
Contraceptives or Hormone Replacement Therapy and Associations with Autoimmune Conditions: Exploring Effects of Estrogen Analog Supplementation
Authors: Tskhakaia Irakli , Gonzalez Moret Yurilu , Palmer Anna‐Kay , Lema Diego , Musri M. Carolina , Tsibadze Nanuka , Lau Arthur
Published: December 2024

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of estrogen and progesterone analog supplementation on the development of autoimmune conditions.

Methods

This retrospective observational study used data from the TriNetX network, which comprised over 100 million patients from 89 health care organizations. We compared patients exposed to estrogen and progesterone analogs to those exposed to progesterone‐only therapy, using 1:1 propensity score matching based on age, ethnicity, and additional criteria. The primary outcomes were incidences of various autoimmune conditions.

Results

We included 3,338,925 patients in the group who received estrogen and progesterone and 2,090,758 patients in the group who received progesterone only. Prematching, the group who received combined therapy showed increased risks for Sjögren disease (risk ratio [RR] 1.46), rheumatoid arthritis (RR 1.1), and other autoimmune conditions. Postmatching, significant associations persisted for most conditions, with increased risks for systemic sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, giant cell arteritis, Behcet disease, psoriatic arthritis, reactive arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. The group who received combination therapy appeared to have lower risks of developing antiphospholipid syndrome (RR 0.7).

Conclusion

Combined estrogen and progesterone therapy is associated with an increased risk of several autoimmune conditions. The role of estrogen, despite its protective effects against some conditions, underscores the complex interplay of sex hormones in autoimmunity. Further prospective studies are needed to elucidate underlying mechanisms and evaluate causality.
Mechanisms of De‐icing by Surface Rayleigh and Plate Lamb Acoustic Waves
Authors: Pandey Shilpi , del Moral Jaime , Jacob Stefan , Montes Laura , Gil‐Rostra Jorge , Frechilla Alejandro , Karimzadeh Atefeh , Rico Victor J. , Kanter Raul , Kandelin Niklas , López‐Santos Carmen , Koivuluoto Heli , Angurel Luis , Winkler Andreas , Borrás Ana , González‐Elipe Agustin R.
Published: December 2024

Acoustic waves (AW) have recently emerged as an energy‐efficient ice‐removal procedure compatible with functional and industrial‐relevant substrates. However, critical aspects at fundamental and experimental levels have yet to be disclosed to optimize their operational conditions. Identifying the processes and mechanisms by which different types of AWs induce de‐icing are some of these issues. Herein, using model LiNbO3 systems and two types of interdigitated transducers, the e‐icing and anti‐icing efficiencies and mechanisms driven by Rayleigh surface acoustic waves (R‐SAW) and Lamb waves with 120 and 510 μm wavelengths, respectively, are analyzed. Through the experimental analysis of de‐icing and active anti‐icing processes and the finite element simulation of the AW generation, propagation, and interaction with small ice aggregates, it is disclosed that Lamb waves are more favorable than R‐SAWs to induce de‐icing and/or prevent the freezing of small ice droplets. Prospects for applications of this study are supported by proof of concept experiments, including de‐icing in an icing wind tunnel, demonstrating that Lamb waves can efficiently remove ice layers covering large LN substrates. Results indicate that the de‐icing mechanism may differ for Lamb waves or R‐SAWs and that the wavelength must be considered as an important parameter for controlling the efficiency.
Snowflake‐Like RuMn Branched Nanosheets Enable Topocatalytic Therapy of Cardiac Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury via Resisting Inflammatory Cascade and Neutrophil Invasion
Authors: Mo Xinhai , Liu Liping , Zhang Libo , Hu Min , Xiang Huijing , Chen Yu , Zhang Bo
Published: December 2024

Myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury is the main cause for limited response to treatment after clinical revascularization. The primary mechanisms are over production of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) and severe inflammatory response, leading to irreversible damage to cardiac tissue. Herein, this work proposes the concept of topocatalytic nanomedicine and reports a distinctive class of snowflake‐like ultrathin manganese‐doped ruthenium branched nanosheets with PEGylation (RuMn BNSP) that could overcome complex biological conditions to attenuate myocardial I/R injury. The snowflake‐like RuMn BNSP mimic the function of antioxidative enzymes to effectively scavenge RONS, thereby enabling the excellent cellular protection against oxidative stress. In addition, in an oxidized environment, the snowflake‐like RuMn BNSP could maintain mitochondrial function by preventing mitochondrial membrane potential depolarization and mitochondrial permeability transition pore opening. In a myocardial I/R murine model, a single intravenous bolus of RuMn BNSP prevents the recruitment of inflammatory neutrophils and amplification of inflammatory responses in cardiac tissue, thereby reducing the size of myocardial infarction and improving the cardiac function. These findings validate the rational design of snowflake‐like RuMn BNSP to effectively scavenge toxic RONS and reduce neutrophil infiltration on myocardial I/R injury, providing strong evidence for the application of RuMn BNSP in other oxidative stress‐related diseases.
Multifunctional Submicron SiC Fibers for Extreme Environments: Superior Electromagnetic Absorption and High‐Temperature Performance
Authors: Kang Weifeng , Shen Yan , Yang Tianyue , Zhao Zhongqian , Gou Yanzi
Published: December 2024

The development of radar stealth for high‐speed flight vehicles and aviation engines requires novel flexible fiber materials that can not only withstand high temperatures, but also exhibit superior electromagnetic wave absorption. This study addresses this challenge by reporting the successful fabrication of submicron‐diameter (≈700 nm) SiC fibers with excellent properties. These fibers achieve the best electromagnetic wave absorption performance (−63.34 dB) among all the ceramic fibers, maintaining high‐temperature stability up to 1800 °C. They also demonstrate excellent oxidation resistance (1400 °C) and thermal insulation (0.273 W m−1 K−1 at 1200 °C). Furthermore, the fibers exhibit excellent corrosion resistance, prominent hydrophobic properties, reliable filtering quality, and excellent flexibility. This study overcomes the limitations of conventional multifunctional micro/nanofibers by achieving superior high‐temperature performance and electromagnetic absorption. These SiC fibers are promising materials for structural and functional integration in extreme environments.
On‐Chip Multidimensional Manipulations of Spatial Laser Fields by Jointly Controlling Amplitude and Phase of Metasurface
Authors: Bao Lei , Wu Bo , Wu Rui Yuan , Wang QiuHua , Pei Xianzi , Zhang Huan , Chen Pei Pei , Xu Chen , Kan Qiang , Cui Tie Jun , Xie Yi‐Yang
Published: December 2024

Over the past decades, metasurfaces have experienced rapid development controlling the propagation of electromagnetic waves. Seamlessly combining metasurfaces with semiconductor devices enhance the device's performance and expand functional diversity. Currently, vertical‐cavity surface‐emitting lasers integrated with metasurfaces (MS‐VCSELs) employed to generate various wavefronts. However, the existing MS‐VCSELs that use only phase modulation still face limitations and challenges in generating customized fields, especially in 3D space. Here, amplitude‐phase metasurfaces are proposed and joint amplitude‐phase modulations are employed to increase the degree of freedom in controlling laser fields. By using electron beam lithography (EBL) and inductively coupled plasma reaction ion etching (ICP‐RIE), metasurfaces are directly fabricated on the back‐emitting surface of VCSELs, enabling samples to realize diverse functions such as multi‐focus multi‐plane generation and intensity control, multi‐plane holographic images, and laser beam deflections with different intensities. Compared to traditional discrete metasurface configurations, the proposed scheme achieves on‐chip integration of amplitude‐phase metasurface with the light source, enhancing the multidimensional laser field modulation capabilities of MS‐VCSELs in the 3D space while further promoting the cross‐integration of metasurfaces with optoelectronic devices. It is believed that MS‐VCSELs with amplitude‐phase modulations hold significant promise for applications in 3D imaging, facial recognition, and laser communications.
Strong Exciton Emission and Ultra‐Photostable Near Infrared‐II Fluorescent Protein for In Vivo Imaging
Authors: Chang Zong , Cai Jianglan , Liu ChenChen , Zhao Shubi , Zhang Xiaoping , Wang Feifei , Sun Qinchao
Published: December 2024

In vivo fluorescent imaging in the second near‐infrared window (NIR‐II) provides an excellent approach for understanding the biological processes in substantially scattered tissue environments with reasonable temporal‐spatial resolution. In spite of an enormous amount of organic and inorganic NIR‐II fluorophores developed, there are no reported NIR‐II fluorescent protein. Here, the first NIR‐II fluorescent protein is presented, IRFP1032, which exhibits strong exciton absorption and emission in the NIR‐II region, with exciton extinction coefficient about 4.1 × 106 M−1cm−1 at the excitation maximum 1008 nm, emission maximum of 1032 nm, and emission quantum yield about 0.84%. The IRFP1032 is found to be one of the brightest NIR‐II fluorophores ever reported (brightness of 3.4×104 M−1cm−1 in PBS), thousands‐fold brighter than IR26 in DCM. Furthermore, the IRFP1032 exhibits an ultra‐photostability in comparison to small organic fluorophore. Taking the advantage of the excellent photophysical properties of the NIR‐II fluorescent protein, high‐quality in vivo imaging is realized, for instance, real time observation of blood flow dynamics, dual‐channel imaging of the lymphatic/blood vessel network, and the trajectories of single bacterial cell travelling in blood vessels. The promising NIR‐II in vivo imaging properties demonstrated here with IRPF1032 can open a new scene in fluorescent protein‐based imaging.
Heterogeneous Amine with Polycyclic‐Aromatics‐Modified Hole Transport Material for Efficient and Operationally Durable Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Luo Yang , Li Tianyu , He Lifei , Dong Linlin , Xie Tianyou , Ren Yutong , Zhang Zheng , Yang Gen , Jia Yixin , Zhou Jinpeng , Guo Kunpeng
Published: December 2024

Achieving efficient perovskite solar cells (PSCs) with high operational durability is a challenging task. Here, by exploiting the heterogeneous amine strategy at the molecular level, a novel spirobifluorene derivative bearing methoxynaphthalene and 9,9‐dimethylfluorene heterogeneous amine peripheral groups (N2,N2′,N7,N7′‐tetrakis(9,9‐dimethyl‐9H‐fluoren‐2‐yl)‐N2,N2′,N7,N7′‐tetrakis(6‐methoxynaphthalen‐2‐yl)‐9,9′‐spirobi[fluorene]‐2,2′,7,7′‐tetraamine, denoted as Spiro‐NADF) as a hole transport material (HTM) is developed to address the efficiency and durability issues of PSCs. Compared with 2,2′,7,7′‐tetrakis(N,N‐di‐p‐methoxyphenyl)‐amine‐9,9′‐spirobifluorene, Spiro‐NADF exhibits not only favorable energy level alignment but also a higher glass transition temperature and strong adhesion to perovskite. Moreover, Spiro‐NADF‐based transport layer shows excellent morphological stability in devices against damp heat stress. These advantages reduce voltage loss and suppress perovskite decomposition and ion migration. Consequently, PSCs based on Spiro‐NADF exhibit a champion efficiency of 24.66% with an open‐circuit voltage of 1.19 V. The corresponding cells show greatly enhanced operational durability against harsh environments, retaining over 92% of the initial efficiencies for 500 h aging under a damp heat test (85 °C and 70–90% relative humidity) and illumination under the maximum power point tracking, respectively. This work demonstrates that molecular engineering of HTMs using heterogeneous amines with polycyclic aromatics leaves considerable room for developing efficient and stable PSCs.
Self‐Healable, Shape‐Programmable and Humidity‐Responsive Liquid Crystalline Elastomer Actuators Enabled by Dynamic Covalent Boronic Ester Bonds and Aggregation Induced Emission Luminogens
Authors: Wang Zizheng , Yuan Baohua , Yang Yihai , Li Zhaozhong , Zhang Yuhan , Bao Jinying , Zhang Lanying , Lan Ruochen , Yang Huai
Published: December 2024

Liquid crystalline elastomers (LCEs) are considered as emerging functional materials that present potentials in fabrication of intelligent soft robots, biomimetic devices and photonic actuators. Here, a new functional liquid crystalline (LC) monomer with dynamic boronic ester group is designed and synthesized. This new molecule has a wide LC phase and polymerizable acrylic double bonds, which facilitates subsequent polymerization to prepare films. The prepared LCEs matrix is intrinsically self‐healable and self‐weldable. In addition, such material can be used as versatile matrix to be functionalized as diverse devices. By introducing the humidity responsive aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) molecules into the LCEs film, which exhibit bright fluorescence at low relative humidity (RH). Finally, copper sulfide (CuS) nanoparticles are doped into the LCEs film to achieve programmable thermal‐responsive deformations. This work provides valuable insight for the development of smart soft robots in actuating area.
Omnibearing Molecular‐Locking of Perovskite Lattice Enables High‐Performance Perovskite Solar Cells with Efficiency over 26%
Authors: Zhao Wenhao , Lin Deyou , Guo Pengfei , Jia Ning , Wu Jiahao , Ye Qian , Yan Feng , Wang Hongqiang
Published: December 2024

Solution‐processed polycrystalline perovskite films are favorable for low‐cost manufacturing of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). However, multiple‐energy‐level trap states in perovskites can trigger ionic migration and degrade device efficiency. Herein, a multidentate‐anchoring strategy by introducing 6‐thioguanine as an additive is employed to enable omnibearing molecular locking of the perovskite lattice. Theoretical calculations indicate that the molecular locking can increase the formation energy of multiple‐energy‐level defects including I vacancy, Pb vacancy, Pb interstitial, and Pb‐I antisite, which can enhance the stability of PSCs. The additive can not only retard crystal growth that initiates the construction of high‐crystallinity film with fewer trap states, but also up‐shift energy level of perovskite that favors interfacial hole extraction. Owing to these merits, present work achieves a formamidinium lead iodide PSC that delivers a champion efficiency of 26.02%, setting a new benchmark for TiO2‐based planar PSCs, along with pronounced operational stability with almost no efficiency degradation over 400 h. This work paves a way for exploring constructive molecular configurations to simultaneously eliminate multiple‐energy‐level defects in perovskite for advanced photovoltaics.
Adsorption Removal of NO2 Under Low‐Temperature and Low‐Concentration Conditions: A Review of Adsorbents and Adsorption Mechanisms
Authors: Wang Yuying , Wang Tianqi , Gu Qinfen , Shang Jin
Published: December 2024

The efficient mitigation of harmful nitrogen oxides (NOx) under ambient conditions remains a challenging task. Selective adsorption offers a viable solution for the capture of low‐concentration NOx from the polluted stream at low temperatures. This review summarizes recent progress in the development of NO2 adsorbents, delves into the understanding of adsorption mechanisms, and discusses the criteria for evaluating their performance. First, the present NO2 adsorbents are categorized according to their distinct characteristics. This review then provides insights into the mechanisms of adsorption, highlighting the interaction between active sites and NO2, drawing from both experimental and theoretical research. The performance of these adsorbents is also assessed, focusing on their capacity, reusability, stability and selectivity. Finally, perspectives are proposed to address the significant challenges and explore potential advancements for NO2 adsorbents, aiming to enhance their suitability for diverse practical application scenarios.
Synthesis of Highly Anisotropic 2D Insulator CrOCl Nanosheets for Interfacial Symmetry Breaking in Isotropic 2D Semiconductors
Authors: Tang Yue , Ping Yue , Yang Xiaoxin , Xing Jiabao , Chen Jiabiao , Wang Xiao , Lu Jiangbo , Jing Hongmei , Liu Kaiqiang , Wu Jinxiong , Zhou Xing , Zhai Tianyou , Xu Hua
Published: December 2024

Chromium oxychloride (CrOCl), a van der Waals antiferromagnetic insulator, has attracted significant interest in 2D optoelectronic, ferromagnetic, and quantum devices. However, the bottom–up preparation of 2D CrOCl remains challenging, limiting its property exploration and device application. Herein, the controllable synthesis of 2D CrOCl crystals by chemical vapor deposition is demonstrated. The combination reaction of precursors together with the space‐confined growth strategy, providing stable and stoichiometric growth conditions, enable a robust synthesis of high‐crystallinity CrOCl nanosheets with regular rhombus‐like morphology and uniform thickness. By tuning the growth temperature from 675 to 800 °C, the thickness of CrOCl nanosheets can be continuously modulated from 10.2 to 30.8 nm, with the domain size increasing from 16.9 to 25.5 µm. The as‐grown CrOCl nanosheets exhibit significant structural/optical anisotropy, ultrahigh insulativity, and superior air stability. Furthermore, a MoS2/CrOCl heterostructure with single‐mirror symmetry stacking and ultrastrong interfacial coupling is built to realize interfacial symmetry breaking, a novel interface phenomenon that converts MoS2 from isotropy to anisotropy. Consequently, the MoS2/CrOCl heterostructure device achieves polarization‐sensitive photodetection and bulk photovoltaic effect, which are nonexistent in high‐symmetry 2D materials. This work paves the way for the future exploration of CrOCl‐based 2D physics and devices via symmetry engineering.
Thiol Carbazole Self‐Assembled Monolayers as Tunable Carrier Injecting Interlayers for Organic Transistors and Complementary Circuits
Authors: Nugraha Mohamad Insan , Yang Yu‐Ying , Liu Zhongzhe , Harrison George T. , Ardhi Ryanda Enggar Anugrah , Firdaus Yuliar , He Qiao , Luo Linqu , Hedhili Mohamed Nejib , Thaler Marco , Ling Zhaoheng , Zeilerbauer Matthias , Patera Laerte L. , Tsetseris Leonidas , Fatayer Shadi , Heeney Martin , Anthopoulos Thomas D.
Published: December 2024

The significant contact resistance at the metal‐semiconductor interface is a well‐documented issue for organic thin‐film transistors (OTFTs) that hinders device and circuit performance. Here, this issue is tackled by developing three new thiol carbazole‐based self‐assembled monolayer (SAM) molecules, namely tBu‐2SCz, 2SCz, and Br‐2SCz, and utilizing them as carrier‐selective injection interlayers. The SAMs alter the work function of gold electrodes by more than 1 eV, making them suitable for use in hole and electron‐transporting OTFTs. Scanning tunneling microscopy analysis indicates that 2SCz and Br‐2SCz form highly ordered molecular rows, resulting in work function values of 4.86 and 5.48 eV, respectively. The latter value is higher than gold electrodes modified by the commonly used pentafluorobenzenethiol (≈5.33 eV), making Br‐2SCz promising for hole injection. Conversely, tBu‐2SCz appears disordered with a lower work function of 4.52 eV, making it more suitable for electron injection. These intriguing properties are leveraged to demonstrate hole‐ and electron‐transporting OTFTs with improved operating characteristics. All‐organic complementary inverters are finally demonstrated by integrating p‐ and n‐channel OTFTs, showcasing the potential of this simple yet powerful contact work function engineering approach. The present study highlights the versatility of thiol carbazole SAMs as carrier injecting interlayers for OTFTs and integrated circuits.
Self‐Healing Yet Strong Actuator Materials with Muscle‐Like Diastole and Contraction via Multilevel Relaxations
Authors: Huang Zhuo , Wu Zhibo , Li Changchun , Li Xinkai , Yang Xin , Qiu Xiaoyan , Wang Yuyan , Miao Yinggang , Zhang Xinxing
Published: December 2024

Skeletal muscles represent a role model in soft robotics featuring agile locomotion and incredible mechanical robustness. However, existing actuators lack an optimal combination of actuation parameters (including actuation modes, work capacity, mechanical strength, and damage repair) to rival biological tissues. Here, a biomimetic structural design strategy via multilevel relaxations (α/β/γ/δ‐relaxation) modulation is proposed for mechanical robust and healable actuator materials with muscle‐like diastole and contraction abilities by orientational alignment of dendritic polyphenol‐modified nano‐assembles in eutectogels. The anisotropic hierarchical micro‐nanostructures assembled by supramolecular interaction mimic the relative slippage of actin filaments and myosin in muscles, ensuring bistable actuation through rapid thermal α‐relaxation and expansion. Furthermore, kinetically active secondary β/γ/δ‐relaxation at reconfigurable interfaces can conquer the limited self‐healing ability of fixed‐orientation polymeric chains. The obtained artificial muscle exhibits high output actuation, robust mechanical properties (tensile strength of 33.5 MPa), and desired functional, mechanical self‐healing efficiency (89.7%), exceeding typical natural muscles in living systems. The bionic micro‐nano design strategy achieves bottom‐up cooperative relaxation modulation to integrate all‐round performance of natural muscles, which paves the way for substantial advancements in next‐generation intelligent robotics.
Emerging Sustainable Structural Materials by Assembling Cellulose Nanofibers
Authors: Yang Huai‐Bin , Yue Xin , Liu Zhao‐Xiang , Guan Qing‐Fang , Yu Shu‐Hong
Published: December 2024

Under the guidance of the carbon peaking and carbon neutrality goals, the urgency for green ecological construction and the depletion of nonrenewable resources highlight the importance of the research and development of sustainable new materials. Cellulose nanofiber (CNF) is the most abundant natural nanoscale building block widely existing on Earth. CNF has unique intrinsic physical properties, such as low density, low coefficient of thermal expansion, high strength, and high modulus, which is an ideal candidate with outstanding potential for constructing sustainable materials. In recent years, CNF‐based structural material has emerged as a sustainable lightweight material with properties very different from traditional structural materials. Here, to comprehensively introduce the assembly of structural materials based on CNF, it starts with an overview of different forms of CNF‐based materials, including fibers, films, hydrogels, aerogels, and structural materials. Next, the challenges that need to be overcome in preparing CNF‐based structural materials are discussed, their assembly methods are introduced, and an in‐depth analysis of the advantages of the CNF‐based hydrogel assembly strategy to fabricate structural materials is conducted. Finally, the unique properties of emerging CNF‐based structural materials are summarized and concluded with an outlook on their design and functionalization, potentially paving the way toward new opportunities.
Reviving Zn Dendrites to Electroactive Zn2+ by Ion Sieve Interface
Authors: Liu Zhenjie , Xi Murong , Li Guanjie , Huang Yudai , Mao Lei , Xu Jun , Wang Wei , Qi Zihan , Ding Juan , Zhang Shilin , Guo Zaiping
Published: December 2024

Zn0 dendrite formation during repeated plating/stripping processes limits the practical use of Zn‐metal anodes in reliable and affordable energy storage. Traditional methods, including dendrite suppression and dendrite regulation, fail under demanding performance conditions due to Zn2+ diffusion limitations and concentration gradients. Here, using an in situ pre‐zincation approach, a Li2ZnxTi3‐xO8 (LZTO, 0<x<3) layer with uniform ion channels is introduced. This layer acts as an ionic sieve, reviving Zn0 dendrite into Zn2+ through redox reactions and enhancing Zn2+ diffusion kinetics. Experiment and simulation results reveal that Zn2+ migrates along the (111) crystal plane of LZTO through the successive replacement of Zn atoms in tetrahedral positions, with a high transference number of 0.796. LZTO@Zn performs better in coin cells at high currents (e.g., 50 mA cm−2) and operates at higher Zn utilization (300 h at 56.98% Zn utilization), with four times the lifespan at −40 °C and six times longer in alkaline electrolytes compared to bare Zn. Pouch cells with LZTO@Zn anodes operate in a low N/P ratio (6.9) and lean electrolyte (E/C is 20 µL mA h−1), achieving enhanced cycling stability. The findings indicate the significance of ion sieves with ordered ion channels in mitigating Zn0 dendrites and promoting rapid Zn2+ transport.
Adaptive In‐Sensor Computing for Enhanced Feature Perception and Broadband Image Restoration
Authors: Shao He , Wang Weijun , Zhang Yuxuan , Gao Boxiang , Jiang Chunsheng , Li Yezhan , Xie Pengshan , Yan Yan , Shen Yi , Wu Zenghui , Wang Ruiheng , Ji Yu , Ling Haifeng , Huang Wei , Ho Johnny C.
Published: December 2024

Traditional imaging systems struggle in weak or complex lighting environments due to their fixed spectral responses, resulting in spectral mismatches and degraded image quality. To address these challenges, a bioinspired adaptive broadband image sensor is developed. This innovative sensor leverages a meticulously designed type‐I heterojunction alignment of 0D perovskite quantum dots (PQDs) and 2D black phosphorus (BP). This configuration enables efficient carrier injection control and advanced computing capabilities within an integrated phototransistor array. The sensor's unique responses to both visible and infrared (IR) light facilitate selective enhancement and precise feature extraction under varying lighting conditions. Furthermore, it supports real‐time convolution and image restoration within a convolutional autoencoder (CAE) network, effectively countering image degradation by capturing spectral features. Remarkably, the hardware responsivity weights perform comparably to software‐trained weights, achieving an image restoration accuracy of over 85%. This approach offers a robust and versatile solution for machine vision applications that demand precise and adaptive imaging in dynamic lighting environments.
Precise Cell Type Electrical Stimulation Therapy Via Force‐electric Hydrogel Microspheres for Cartilage Healing
Authors: Han Zeyu , Wang Fan , Xiong Wei , Meng Chen , Yao Yubin , Cui Wenguo , Zhang Mingzhu
Published: December 2024

Electrical stimulation enhances cellular activity, promoting tissue regeneration and repair. However, specific cells and maintaining a stable energy supply are challenges for precise cell electrical stimulation therapy. Here, force‐electric conversion hydrogel microspheres (Piezo@CR MPs) is devloped to induce specific stem cell aggregation and promote chondrogenic differentiation through localized electrical stimulation. These MPs contain barium titanate (BT) nanoparticles embedded in hyaluronic acid methacrylate hydrogel MPs, with a polydopamine (pDA) coating bound to stem cell recruitment peptides (CR) via π‐π conjugation and electrostatic forces. Piezo@CR MPs convert pressure (ultrasound) into electrical stimulation, directing BMSCs for colonization and chondrogenesis. In vitro, directionally migrated stem cells almost covered the Piezo@CR MP surface, generating up to 451 mV of electrical output that enhanced chondrogenic differentiation. In a rabbit osteochondral defect model, Piezo@CR MPs promoted cartilage regeneration, nearly resembling native cartilage. In a rat osteoarthritis model, they reduced cartilage degeneration and improved behavioral outcomes. Additionally, Piezo@CR MPs promoted cartilage regeneration by driving the influx of extracellular calcium and activating the p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. In conclusion, Piezo@CR MPs offer a new approach for precise cell type electrical stimulation therapy in treating of cartilage injuries and degeneration.
Control of Cellular Differentiation Trajectories for Cancer Reversion
Authors: Gong Jeong‐Ryeol , Lee Chun‐Kyung , Kim Hoon‐Min , Kim Juhee , Jeon Jaeog , Park Sunmin , Cho Kwang‐Hyun
Published: December 2024

Cellular differentiation is controlled by intricate layers of gene regulation, involving the modulation of gene expression by various transcriptional regulators. Due to the complexity of gene regulation, identifying master regulators across the differentiation trajectory has been a longstanding challenge. To tackle this problem, a computational framework, single‐cell Boolean network inference and control (BENEIN), is presented. Applying BENEIN to human large intestinal single‐cell transcriptome data, MYB, HDAC2, and FOXA2 are identified as the master regulators whose inhibition induces enterocyte differentiation. It is found that simultaneous knockdown of these master regulators can revert colorectal cancer cells into normal‐like enterocytes by synergistically inducing differentiation and suppressing malignancy, which is validated by in vitro and in vivo experiments.
Epitranscriptomic RNA m6A Modification in Cancer Therapy Resistance: Challenges and Unrealized Opportunities
Authors: Uddin Mohammad Burhan , Wang Zhishan , Yang Chengfeng
Published: December 2024

Significant advances in the development of new cancer therapies have given rise to multiple novel therapeutic options in chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapies. Although the development of resistance is often reported along with temporary disease remission, there is often tumor recurrence of an even more aggressive nature. Resistance to currently available anticancer drugs results in poor overall and disease‐free survival rates for cancer patients. There are multiple mechanisms through which tumor cells develop resistance to therapeutic agents. To date, efforts to overcome resistance have only achieved limited success. Epitranscriptomics, especially related to m6A RNA modification dysregulation in cancer, is an emerging mechanism for cancer therapy resistance. Here, recent studies regarding the contributions of m6A modification and its regulatory proteins to the development of resistance to different cancer therapies are comprehensively reviewed. The promise and potential limitations of targeting these entities to overcome resistance to various anticancer therapies are also discussed.
Tumor Microenvironment‐Responsive Nanoparticles Enhance IDO1 Blockade Immunotherapy by Remodeling Metabolic Immunosuppression
Authors: Wang Mengna , Liu Yuhong , Li Yanshi , Lu Tao , Wang Min , Cheng Zhaobo , Chen Lin , Wen Tongling , Pan Min , Hu Guohua
Published: December 2024

The clinical efficacy of immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy is significantly compromised in the metabolically disordered tumor microenvironment (TME), posing a formidable challenge that cannot be ignored in current antitumor strategies. In this study, TME‐responsive nanoparticles (HMP1G NPs) loaded with 1‐methyltryptophan (1‐MT; an indoleamine 2,3‐dioxygenase 1 [IDO1] inhibitor,) and S‐nitrosoglutathione (GSNO; a nitric oxide donor) is developed to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of 1‐MT‐mediated ICB. The HMP1G NPs responded to H+ and glutathione in the TME, releasing Mn2+, GSNO, and 1‐MT. The released Mn2+ catalyzed the production of abundant reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide from hydrogen peroxide and GSNO, and the generated nitric oxide, synergistically with 1‐MT, inhibited the accumulation of kynurenine mediated by IDO1 in the tumor. Mechanistically, HMP1G NPs downregulated tumor cell‐derived IDO1 via the aryl hydrocarbon receptor/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3/interleukin signaling axis to improve kynurenine/tryptophan metabolism and immunosuppression. In a murine breast cancer model, treatment with HMP1G NPs elicited effective antitumor immunity and enhanced survival outcomes. This study highlights a novel nano‐platform that simultaneously improves metabolism and enhances ICB efficacy to achieve a new and efficient antitumor strategy.
Engineering p‐Orbital States via Molecular Modules in All‐Organic Electrocatalysts toward Direct Water Oxidation
Authors: Yu Li‐Hong , Zhang Xue‐Feng , Ye Zi‐Ming , Du Hong‐Gang , Wang Li‐Dong , Xu Ping‐Ping , Dou Yuhai , Cao Li‐Ming , He Chun‐Ting
Published: December 2024

Oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is an indispensable anode reaction for sustainable hydrogen production from water electrolysis, yet overreliance on metal‐based catalysts featured with vibrant d‐electrons. It still has notable gap between metal‐free and metal‐based electrocatalysts, due to lacking accurate and efficient p‐band regulation methods on non‐metal atoms. Herein, a molecular modularization strategy is proposed for fine‐tuning the p‐orbital states of series metal‐free covalent organic frameworks (COFs) for realizing OER performance beyond benchmark precious metal catalysts. Optimized combination of benzodioxazole/benzodiimide‐based building blocks achieves an impressive applied potential of 1.670 ± 0.004 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) and 1.735 ± 0.006 V versus RHE to deliver enhanced current densities of 0.5 and 1.0 A cm−2, respectively. Moreover, it holds a notable charge transfer amount (stands for a long service life) within operation period that outperforms all reported metal‐free electrocatalysts. Operando differential electrochemical mass spectrometry (DEMS) with isotope labeling identifies the adsorbate evolution mechanism (AEM). A variety of spectroscopic techniques and density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal that the p‐band center of these catalysts can be shifted stepwise to optimize the oxygen intermediate adsorption and lower the reaction energy barrier. This work provides a novel perspective for enhancing the electrocatalytic performance of metal‐free COFs.
Neuroligin 1 Regulates Autistic‐Like Repetitive Behavior through Modulating the Activity of Striatal D2 Receptor‐Expressing Medium Spiny Neurons
Authors: Lv Dandan , Liu An , Yi Ziyue , Mu Mingdao , Wu Miao , Li Xingcan , Cao Kun , Liu Ruining , Jia Zhengping , Han Junhai , Xie Wei
Published: December 2024

Restricted and repetitive behavior (RRB) is a primary symptom of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), which poses a significant risk to individuals' health and is becoming increasingly prevalent. However, the specific cellular and neural circuit mechanisms underlying the generation of RRB remain unclear. In this study, it is reported that the absence of the ASD‐related protein Neuroligin 1 (NLGN1) in dopamine receptor D2‐expressing medium spiny neurons (D2‐MSNs) in the dorsal striatum is associated with the duration and frequency of self‐grooming and digging behaviors. The Nlgn1‐deficient D2‐MSNs are hyperactivated, which correlates with excessive self‐grooming and digging behaviors. Inhibiting the activity of D2‐MSNs reduces the duration and frequency of these RRBs. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that the generation of self‐grooming and digging behaviors depends on distinct patterns of D2‐MSN activity. Finally, through single‐nucleus RNA sequencing (sn‐RNAseq) and protein detection verification, it is revealed that the overactivation of protein kinase C (PKC) in Nlgn1‐deficient mice contributes to excessive repetitive behaviors and increased neuronal excitability. In this study, potential mechanisms are proposed for the generation of self‐grooming and digging behaviors, as well as suggest possible treatments and interventions ASD.
Avoided Crossing Phonons Realizes High‐Performance Single‐Crystalline β‐Zn4Sb3 Thermoelectrics
Authors: Jen I‐Lun , Lin Cheng‐Yen , Wang Kuang‐Kuo , Wu Chun‐Ming , Lee Chi‐Hung , Wu Hsin‐Jay
Published: December 2024

This study reveals the mechanisms behind the ultralow lattice thermal conductivity κL in β‐Zn4Sb3 single crystals through inelastic neutron scattering (INS). Analyzing phonon behaviors and the interaction between acoustic phonons and rattling modes, the first experimental evidence of avoided crossing in β‐Zn4Sb3 is provided. The rattler‐phonon avoided crossings contribute to the low κL in a β‐Zn4Sb3 single crystal, enhancing the thermoelectric figure‐of‐merit (zT). TEM characterizations of the β‐Zn4Sb3 single crystal with intrinsic and ultralow κL reveal a grain‐boundary‐free structure with uniformly dispersed rotation moiré fringes that contribute to low lattice thermal conductivity while maintaining a uniform elemental distribution. Additionally, the significant impact of crystallinity control coupled with dilute doping on boosting thermoelectric performance, with single‐crystalline single leg outperforming their polycrystalline counterparts is demonstrated. Notably, the conversion efficiency η of the undoped β‐Zn4Sb3 single leg achieves 1.4% under a temperature gradient of 200 K.
Toward Reuse‐Ready PV: A Perspective on Recent Advances, Practices, and Future Challenges
Authors: Tsanakas Ioannis (John) A. , Oreski Gernot , Eder Gabriele , Gassner Anika , van der Heide Arvid , Ariolli Daniela M. Godinho , Hernandez Guillermo Oviedo , Moser David , Wambach Karsten
Published: December 2024

Photovoltaic (PV) industry is facing challenges in end‐of‐life (EoL) management, as cumulative PV waste is expected to increase exponentially over the next two decades. The increase in revamping and repowering activities, especially of older PV fleets, underscores the need to refine EoL strategies and increase the reuse readiness of PV modules and other components. As PV systems transition from operational to the EoL regime, streamlined PV qualification and repair strategies become indispensable. This is the only way to ensure reusable PV systems and a bankable second‐life PV market. This perspective study sheds light on current research, innovations, practices, and future challenges toward higher PV reuse readiness in the PV industry, highlighting qualification methods, repair strategies, and standardization for PV reuse. An exemplary triage‐for‐reuse framework is discussed, involving four steps: 1) off‐site eligibility checks; 2) on‐site inspections and functionality tests; 3) collection and transportation; 4) deeper technical checks. The study also reviews recent advances and research in repair strategies for reuse—addressing notably reliability issues of backsheet, glass and interconnection components—as well as ongoing standardization efforts. Conclusions underscore the the pressing need for circularity in the entire PV products’ lifecycle: from design/material level to system, operations and maintenance, and EoL.
Plant–microbe interactions in tropical and subtropical ecosystems
Authors: Krishnadas Meghna , Kandlikar Gaurav , Corrales Adriana
Published: December 2024

Microbes regulate many dimensions of plant performance with multiscale implications for plant fitness, competition, coexistence, and ecosystem functioning. Yet, this fascinating and diverse arena of study has been limited to a few thematic areas, ecosystems, and regions. In particular, despite growing evidence that microbes may be critical players in the dynamics of plant communities in tropical and subtropical ecosystems, these regions remain poorly represented in studies of plant–microbe interactions. Such geographical gaps limit our ability to draw general inferences to comprehend how microbial effects on plant community dynamics may vary with context and, by extension, respond to global environmental change. In this special section of the American Journal of Botany, we bring together a diverse set of research on plant–microbe interactions from tropical and subtropical ecosystems. These papers explore intraspecific variation of soil microbial communities, the context dependency of host‐specific assembly of microbial communities on plants, and the new and exciting frontier of the microbiome of epiphytic plants. We hope that this compilation will fuel deeper forays into the many dimensions of plant–microbe interactions in megadiverse tropical and subtropical forests.
Catalytic Asymmetric Synthesis and Applications of Stereogenic β′‐Methyl Enones and β,β′‐Dimethyl Ketones
Authors: Zhang Zongpeng , Zhu Bing‐Ke , Yi Zhi‐Yuan , Fang Ting , Jin Zhuan , He Ling , Chen Bo‐Bin , Qi Xiaotian , Wang Chun‐Jiang
Published: December 2024

The “Magic Methyl” effect has received tremendous interest in medicinal chemistry due to the significant pharmacological and physical modification of properties that have been observed upon introducing a methyl group, especially, a stereogenic methyl group into potential chiral drug candidates. The prevalence of stereogenic β‐methyl ketone structural motifs in bioactive compounds and natural products has long motivated the development of enantioselective strategies toward their synthesis. Herein, we have rationally designed a Rh‐catalyzed asymmetric monohydrogenation of readily‐available β′‐methylene conjugated enones with high efficiency and remarkable site‐selectivity and enantioselectivity control for the practical construction of enantioenriched β′‐methyl unsaturated enones that are difficult to access by other methods. Control experiments revealed that the conjugated C=C bond in β′‐methylene conjugated enones plays a significant role in enhancing the reactivity of monohydrogenation. This methodology is applicable for the preparation of chiral β,β′‐dimethyl ketones through consecutive double asymmetric hydrogenation of β,β′‐dimethylene ketones. Detailed mechanistic investigation and DFT studies further provided strong support for a unique processive catalysis pathway for double asymmetric hydrogenation. The synthetic utilities have been demonstrated in the concise synthesis of several key intermediates for bioactive molecules, asymmetric total synthesis of natural products (S)‐(+)‐ar‐Turmerone and (S)‐(+)‐dihydro‐ar‐Turmerone, and two C2‐symmetric chiral spirocyclic diol frameworks.
Halting Oxygen Evolution to Achieve Long Cycle Life in Sodium Layered Cathodes
Authors: Wang Haoji , Gao Jinqiang , Mei Yu , Ni Lianshan , He Yi , Hong Ningyun , Huang Jiangnan , Deng Wentao , Zou Guoqiang , Hou Hongshuai , Liu Tongchao , Liang Chaoping , Ji Xiaobo , Amine Khalil
Published: December 2024

Oxygen redox chemistries at high voltage have materialized as a revolutionary paradigm for cathodes with high‐energy density; however, they are plagued by the challenges of labile oxygen loss and rapid degradations upon cycling, even after concerted endeavors from the research community. Here we propose a multi‐concentration stratagem propelled by entropy reinforcement to enhance the electronic structure disorder (ESD) at high desodiation states for impeding undesired oxygen mobility and ensuring controlled oxygen activity, elucidated by density functional theory calculations. The increased disorder strengthens the reversible electrochemistry of lattice oxygen redox, leading to effectively suppressed P−O structural evolution and highly stable localized TMO6 octahedral environments, as demonstrated by soft/hard X‐ray absorption spectroscopy. Furthermore, through a comparative analysis of sodium‐layered cathodes with different configuration entropy, we reveal that a high‐entropy state induced by cationic disordering has the capacity to perturb cationic redox boundaries, significantly restraining the formation of detrimental O′3 phases. As a consequence, the high‐voltage cycling stability has been greatly upgraded, up to 4.4 V versus Na+/Na, with an impressive 90.1 % capacity retention at 1 C over 100 cycles and 76.1 % capacity retention at 2 C over 300 cycles. The resilient oxygen redox, enabled through the control of ESD, broadens the horizons for entropy engineering and lays the foundation for advancements in high‐energy, long‐cycling, and safe batteries.
Control of Bilayer Transport through a Photoswitchable Membrane‐Stiffening Agent
Authors: Bos Jasper E. , Duindam Nol , Kock Thomas J. F. , Siegler Maxime A. , Wezenberg Sander J.
Published: December 2024

The mobility of proteins in the bilayer membrane is affected by (local) changes in lipid environment, which is important to their biological functioning. Artificial molecular systems that—to some extent—imitate tasks of membrane‐embedded proteins are increasingly developed, however, they are usually controlled through responsive units in their core structure. Here we present an alternative approach based on an amphiphilic stiff‐stilbene derivative that enables control of membrane fluidity by light. The fluidity increase upon E‐to‐Z isomerization is shown to enhance the activity of known synthetic anion transporters as a result of a higher mobility. The photoisomerization process is studied by UV/Vis and 1H NMR spectroscopy in solution and in POPC vesicles, where the light‐induced changes in fluidity and hence, activity of anion transporters, are monitored by fluorescence spectroscopy. Dynamic light‐scattering (DLS) and cryo‐EM studies show that vesicle integrity is not impaired by photoswitching. Our work introduces a versatile approach to control solute transport by carrier molecules. Moreover, the photocontrol over membrane fluidity and, with that, mobility could eventually be used for directed motion, which we expect to be key in achieving active transport in the future.