bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Methylation of drug resistance‐related genes in chemotherapy‐sensitive Epstein–Barr virus‐associated gastric cancer
Authors: Ohmura Hirofumi , Ito Mamoru , Uchino Keita , Okada Chihiro , Tanishima Shigeki , Yamada Yuichi , Momosaki Seiya , Komoda Masato , Kuwayama Miyuki , Yamaguchi Kyoko , Okumura Yuta , Nakano Michitaka , Tsuchihashi Kenji , Isobe Taichi , Ariyama Hiroshi , Kusaba Hitoshi , Oda Yoshinao , Akashi Koichi , Baba Eishi
Published: November 2019

Epstein–Barr virus (EBV)‐associated gastric cancer (GC) is associated with a high degree of DNA methylation. However, the association between chemotherapy susceptibility and tumor DNA methylation in advanced diseases remains unclear. The comprehensive DNA methylation status of GC cells obtained from an advanced EBV‐associated GC (EBVGC) case, in which complete response to S‐1 plus cisplatin chemotherapy was achieved, was analyzed using a DNA methylation microarray. We compared DNA methylation of GC cells with public data and identified genes with higher methylation in EBVGC cell lines than in normal gastric cells, and genes in which methylation was increased by EBV. Of these genes, ABCG2, AHNAK2, BCL2, FZD1, and TP73 are associated with published evidence for resistance to 5‐fluorouracil and cisplatin. Silencing of these genes may be associated with hypersensitivity to chemotherapy.
Impact of detector selections on inter‐institutional variability of flattening filter‐free beam data for TrueBeam™ linear accelerators
Authors: Tanaka Yoshihiro , Akino Yuichi , Mizuno Hirokazu , Isono Masaru , Masai Norihisa , Yamamoto Toshijiro
Published: November 2019

This study evaluates the type of detector influencing the inter‐institutional variability in flattening filter‐free (FFF) beam‐specific parameters for TrueBeam™ linear accelerators (Varian Medical Systems,Palo Alto, CA, USA). Twenty‐four beam data sets, including the percent depth dose (PDD), off‐center ratio (OCR), and output factor (OPF) for modeling within the Eclipse (Varian Medical Systems) treatment planning system, were collected from 19 institutions. Although many institutions collected the data using CC13 (IBA Dosimetry, Schwarzenbruck, Germany) or PTW31010 semiflex (PTW Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany) ionization chambers, some institutions used diode detectors, diamond detectors, and ionization chambers with smaller cavities. The OCR data included penumbra width, full width at half maximum (FWHM), and FFF beam‐specific parameters, including unflatness and slope. The data measured by CC13/PTW31010 ionization chambers were compared with those measured by all other detectors. PDD data demonstrated the variations within ±1% at the dose fall‐off region deeper than peak depth. The penumbra widths of the OCR measured with the CC13/PTW31010 detectors were significantly larger than those measured with all other detectors (P < 0.05). Especially the EDGE detector (Sun Nuclear Corp., Melbourne, FL, USA) and the microDiamond detectors (model 60019; PTW Freiburg) demonstrated much smaller penumbra values compared to those of the CC13/PTW31010 detectors for the 30 × 30 mm2 field. There was no difference in the FWHM, unflatness, and slope parameters between the values for the CC13/PTW31010 detectors and all other detectors. OPF curves demonstrated small variations, and the relative difference from the mean value of each data point was almost within 1% for all field sizes. Although the penumbra region exhibited detector‐dependent variations, all other parameters showed tiny interunit variations regardless of the detector type.
Self‐Healable and Stretchable Organic Thermoelectric Materials: Electrically Percolated Polymer Nanowires Embedded in Thermoplastic Elastomer Matrix
Authors: Jeong Yong Jin , Jung Jaemin , Suh Eui Hyun , Yun Dong‐Jin , Oh Jong Gyu , Jang Jaeyoung
Published: November 2019

Self‐healable and stretchable energy‐harvesting materials can provide a new avenue for the realization of self‐powered wearable electronics, including electronic skins, whose main materials are required to be robust to and stable under external damage and severe mechanical stresses. However, thermoelectric (TE) materials showing both self‐healing properties and stretchability have not yet been demonstrated despite their great potential to harvest thermal energy in the human body. As most existing TE materials are either mechanically brittle or unrecoverable after being subjected to damage, a novel approach is necessary for designing such materials. Herein, self‐healable and stretchable TE materials based on all‐organic composite system wherein polymer semiconductor nanowires are p‐doped with a molecular dopant and embedded in a thermoplastic elastomer matrix are reported. The polymer nanowires are electrically percolated in the matrix, and the resulting composite materials exhibit good TE performance. The composites also exhibit both excellent self‐healing properties under mild heat and pressure conditions and good stretchability. It is believed that this work can be a cornerstone for the design of self‐healable and stretchable energy‐harvesting materials as it provides useful guidelines for imparting electrical conductivity to insulating thermoplastic elastomers, which typically possess versatile and useful mechanical properties.
Magnetoresponsive Surfaces for Manipulation of Nonmagnetic Liquids: Design and Applications
Authors: Zhou Yi , Huang Shilin , Tian Xuelin
Published: November 2019

Magnetic actuation provides a remote, nondestructive, and real‐time way for controllable liquid manipulation, which has promising technological applications for areas ranging from digital microfluidics, biochemical assays, and microreactors, to liquid collection. However, conventional magnetic liquid manipulation usually relies on incorporating magnetic particles into a liquid to empower its motion in response to an external magnetic field, resulting in considerable limitations of magnetic actuation in various applications. Recently, a range of magnetoresponsive surfaces (MRSs) with elaborately designed surface structures and/or compositions have enabled on‐demand liquid manipulation using magnetic fields, even when the liquids do not contain any magnetic particles. Here, the state‐of‐the‐art of MRSs capable of manipulation of nonmagnetic liquids is reviewed. Their preparation, different manipulation modes, including directed propulsion, spreading, and rebound, and the underlying working mechanisms are discussed. Based on the working principles, MRSs are classified into three categories, including surfaces with magnetic bendable microstructures, surfaces with switchable topographies, and surfaces infused with ferrofluids. Their applications in microfluidics, microreactors, liquid distributors and pumps, fog collection, and anti‐icing are presented. Finally, key challenges and the future prospects of MRSs are provided.
Recent Progress in White Light‐Emitting Electrochemical Cells
Authors: Su Hai‐Ching , Chen Yi‐Ru , Wong Ken‐Tsung
Published: November 2019

Solid‐state white light‐emitting electrochemical cells (LECs) exhibit the following advantages: simple device structures, low operation voltage, and compatibility with inert metal electrodes. LECs have been studied extensively since the first demonstration of white LECs in 1997, due to their potential application in solid‐state lighting. This review provides an overview of recent developments in white LECs, specifically three major aspects thereof, namely, host–guest white LECs, nondoped white LECs, and device engineering of white LECs. Host–guest strategy is widely used in white LECs. Host materials are classified into ionic transition metal complexes, conjugated polymers, and small molecules. Nondoped white LECs are based on intra‐ or intermolecular interactions of emissive and multichromophore materials. New device engineering techniques, such as modifying carrier balance, color downconversion, optical filtering based on microcavity effect and localized surface plasmon resonance, light extraction enhancement, adjusting correlated color temperature of the output electroluminescence spectrum, tandem and/or hybrid devices combining LECs with organic light‐emitting diodes, and quantum‐dot light‐emitting diodes improve the device performance of white LECs by ways other than material‐oriented approaches. Considering the results of the reviewed studies, white LECs have a bright outlook.
Automatic Transformation of Membrane‐Type Electronic Devices into Complex 3D Structures via Extrusion Shear Printing and Thermal Relaxation of Acrylonitrile–Butadiene–Styrene Frameworks
Authors: Jang Hun Soo , Yoo Seonggwang , Kang Seong Hyeon , Park Jongjun , Kim Gi‐Gwan , Ko Heung Cho
Published: November 2019

This work demonstrates a means of automatic transformation from planar electronic devices to desirable 3D forms. The method uses a spatially designed thermoplastic framework created via extrusion shear printing of acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene (ABS) on a stress‐free ABS film, which can be laminated to a membrane‐type electronic device layer. Thermal annealing above the glass transition temperature allows stress relaxation in the printed polymer chains, resulting in an overall shape transformation of the framework. In addition, the significant reduction in the Young's modulus and the ability of the polymer chains to reflow in the rubbery state release the stress concentration in the electronic device layer, which can be positioned outside the neutral mechanical plane. Electrical analyses and mechanical simulations of a membrane‐type Au electrode and indium gallium zinc oxide transistor arrays before and after transformation confirm the versatility of this method for developing 3D electronic devices based on planar forms.
The Role of Morphology in Optically Switchable Transistors Based on a Photochromic Molecule/p‐Type Polymer Semiconductor Blend
Authors: Carroli Marco , Duong Duc T. , Buchaca‐Domingo Ester , Liscio Andrea , Börjesson Karl , Herder Martin , Palermo Vincenzo , Hecht Stefan , Stingelin Natalie , Salleo Alberto , Orgiu Emanuele , Samorì Paolo
Published: November 2019

The correlation between morphology and optoelectronic performance in organic thin‐film transistors based on blends of photochromic diarylethenes (DAE) and poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT) is investigated by varying molecular weight (Mw = 20–100 kDa) and regioregularity of the conjugated polymer as well as the temperature of thermal annealing (rt‐160 °C) in thin films. Semicrystalline architectures of P3HT/DAE blends comprise crystalline domains, ensuring efficient charge transport, and less aggregated regions, where DAEs are located as a result of their spontaneous expulsion from the crystalline domains during the self‐assembly. The best compromise between field‐effect mobility (μ) and switching capabilities is observed in blends containing P3HT with Mw = 50 kDa, exhibiting μ as high as 1 × 10−3 cm2 V−1 s−1 combined with a >50% photoswitching ratio. Higher or lower Mw than 50 kDa are found to be detrimental for field‐effect mobility and to lead to reduced device current switchability. The microstructure of the regioregular P3HT blend is found to be sensitive to the thermal annealing temperature, with an increase in μ and a decrease in current modulation being observed as a response to the light‐stimulus likely due to an increased P3HT‐DAE segregation, partially hindering DAE photoisomerization. The findings demonstrate the paramount importance of fine tuning the structure and morphology of bicomponent films for leveraging the multifunctional nature of optoelectronic devices.
A Clear, Strong, and Thermally Insulated Transparent Wood for Energy Efficient Windows
Authors: Mi Ruiyu , Li Tian , Dalgo Daniel , Chen Chaoji , Kuang Yudi , He Shuaiming , Zhao Xinpeng , Xie Weiqi , Gan Wentao , Zhu Junyong , Srebric Jelena , Yang Ronggui , Hu Liangbing
Published: November 2019

The energy used for regulating building temperatures accounts for 14% of the primary energy consumed in the U.S. One‐quarter of this energy is leaked through inefficient glass windows in cold weather. The development of transparent composites could potentially provide affordable window materials with enhanced energy efficiency. Transparent wood as a promising material has presented desirable performances in thermal and light management. In this work, the performance of transparent wood is optimized toward an energy efficient window material that possesses the following attributes: 1) high optical transmittance (≈91%), comparable to that of glass; 2) high clarity with low haze (≈15%); 3) high toughness (3.03 MJ m−3) that is 3 orders of magnitude higher than standard glass (0.003 MJ m−3); 4) low thermal conductivity (0.19 W m−1 K−1) that is more than 5 times lower than that of glass. Additionally, the transparent wood is a sustainable material, with low carbon emissions and scaling capabilities due to its compatibility with industry‐adopted rotary cutting methods. The scalable, high clarity, transparent wood demonstrated in current work can potentially be employed as energy efficient and sustainable windows for significant environmental and economic benefits.
Self‐Polarized BaTiO3 for Greatly Enhanced Performance of ZnO UV Photodetector by Regulating the Distribution of Electron Concentration
Authors: Zhang Yong , Zhao Xiaoyue , Chen Jiaxin , Li Siyuan , Yang Wei , Fang Xiaosheng
Published: November 2019

ZnO film ultraviolet photodetectors (UV PDs) have always suffered from slow speed and low photosensitivity that restrict their broader applications. To break through those barriers, high‐performance ZnO UV PD based on self‐polarized BaTiO3 (BTO) is first introduced through a facile one‐step spin‐coating method. Compared with pure ZnO film UV PD with low on/off ratio (65) and slow speed (4.1/7.5 s) at 3 V bias under 350 nm UV light, the BTO‐ZnO bilayer film device exhibits an ultrahigh on/off ratio (14 300) and ultrafast response speed (0.11/5.80 ms), which is much faster than that of the most reported ZnO film‐based UV PDs. The numerical simulation demonstrates that the spatial distribution of electron concentration of ZnO film is regulated by the self‐polarization of BTO film, resulting in low dark current and fast response time of the BTO‐ZnO PD. This work provides a new approach to fabricate high‐performance PDs based on self‐polarized ferroelectric materials.
Graphene Oxide‐Templated Conductive and Redox‐Active Nanosheets Incorporated Hydrogels for Adhesive Bioelectronics
Authors: Gan Donglin , Huang Ziqiang , Wang Xiao , Jiang Lili , Wang Chaoming , Zhu Mingyu , Ren Fuzeng , Fang Liming , Wang Kefeng , Xie Chaoming , Lu Xiong
Published: November 2019

2D conductive nanosheets are central to electronic applications because of their large surface areas and excellent electronic properties. However, tuning the multifunctions and hydrophilicity of conductive nanosheets are still challenging. Herein, a green strategy is developed for fabricating conductive, redox‐active, water‐soluble nanosheets via the self‐assembly of poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) on the polydopamine‐reduced and sulfonated graphene oxide (PSGO) template. The conductivity and hydrophilicity of nanosheets are highly improved by PSGO. The nanosheets are redox active due to the abundant catechol groups and can be used as versatile nanofillers in developing conductive and adhesive hydrogels. The nanosheets create a mussel‐inspired redox environment inside the hydrogel networks and endow the hydrogel with long‐term and repeatable adhesiveness. This hydrogel is biocompatible and can be implanted for biosignals detection in vivo. This mussel‐inspired strategy for assembling 2D nanosheets can be adapted for producing diverse multifunctional nanomaterials, with various potential applications in bioelectronics.
Electronic Structure Regulation of Layered Vanadium Oxide via Interlayer Doping Strategy toward Superior High‐Rate and Low‐Temperature Zinc‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Geng Hongbo , Cheng Min , Wang Bo , Yang Yang , Zhang Yufei , Li Cheng Chao
Published: November 2019

Currently, development of suitable cathode materials for zinc‐ion batteries (ZIBs) is plagued by the sluggish kinetics of Zn2+ with multivalent charge in the host structure. Herein, it is demonstrated that interlayer Mn2+‐doped layered vanadium oxide (Mn0.15V2O5·nH2O) composites with narrowed direct bandgap manifest greatly boosted electrochemical performance as zinc‐ion battery cathodes. Specifically, the Mn0.15V2O5·nH2O electrode shows a high specific capacity of 367 mAh g−1 at a current density of 0.1 A g−1 as well as excellent retentive capacities of 153 and 122 mAh g−1 after 8000 cycles at high current densities up to 10 and 20 A g−1, respectively. Even at a low temperature of −20 °C, a reversible specific capacity of 100 mAh g−1 can be achieved at a current density of 2.0 A g−1 after 3000 cycles. The superior electrochemical performance originates from the synergistic effects between the layered nanostructures and interlayer doping of Mn2+ ions and water molecules, which can enhance the electrons/ions transport kinetics and structural stability during cycling. With the aid of various ex situ characterization technologies and density functional theory calculations, the zinc‐ion storage mechanism can be revealed, which provides fundamental guidelines for developing high‐performance cathodes for ZIBs.
Enhanced Ionic/Electronic Transport in Nano‐TiO2/Sheared CNT Composite Electrode for Na+ Insertion‐based Hybrid Ion‐Capacitors
Authors: Luo Sainan , Yuan Tao , Soule Luke , Ruan Jiafeng , Zhao Yahui , Sun Dalin , Yang Junhe , Liu Meilin , Zheng Shiyou
Published: November 2019

Ion‐insertion capacitors show promise to bridge the gap between supercapacitors of high power densities and batteries of high energy densities. While research efforts have primarily focused on Li+‐based capacitors (LICs), Na+‐based capacitors (SICs) are theoretically cheaper and more sustainable. Owing to the larger size of Na+ compared to Li+, finding high‐rate anode materials for SICs has been challenging. Herein, an SIC anode architecture is reported consisting of TiO2 nanoparticles anchored on a sheared‐carbon nanotubes backbone (TiO2/SCNT). The SCNT architecture provides advantages over other carbon architectures commonly used, such as reduced graphene oxide and CNT. In a half‐cell, the TiO2/SCNT electrode shows a capacity of 267 mAh g−1 at a 1 C charge/discharge rate and a capacity of 136 mAh g−1 at 10 C while maintaining 87% of initial capacity over 1000 cycles. When combined with activated carbon (AC) in a full cell, an energy density and power density of 54.9 Wh kg−1 and 1410 W kg−1, respectively, are achieved while retaining a 90% capacity retention over 5000 cycles. The favorable rate capability, energy and power density, and durability of the electrode is attributed to the enhanced electronic and Na+ conductivity of the TiO2/SCNT architecture.
Biomineralized Gd2O3@HSA Nanoparticles as a Versatile Platform for Dual‐Modal Imaging and Chemo‐Phototherapy‐Synergized Tumor Ablation
Authors: Hao Tangna , Chen Qixian , Qi Yan , Sun Pengyuan , Chen Dawei , Jiang Weiwei , Liu Kexin , Sun Huijun , Li Lei , Ding Jianxun , Li Zhen
Published: November 2019

A great challenge still remains to explore the facile approaches to construct multifunctional nanoparticles for acquiring precise cancer theranostics. Herein, a biocompatible theranostic nanoplatform capable of simultaneous cancer imaging and therapy is attempted by loading of paclitaxel (PTX) and indocyanine green (ICG) molecules into the matrix of Gd2O3@human serum albumin (HSA) nanoparticles (PIGH NPs) via hydrophobic interaction. The subsequent in vitro investigations reveal that the PIGH NPs afford uniform particle size, sustained drug release profile, strong longitudinal relaxivity, potent photothermal effect, effective singlet oxygen generation, and ideal resistance to photobleaching. Moreover, the PIGH NPs achieve high cellular uptake, efficient cytoplasmic drug translocation based on singlet oxygen‐triggered endolysosomal disruption and prominent cytotoxicity effect against 4T1 cells under 808 nm near‐infrared (NIR) irradiation in contrast to PTX/ICG‐loaded HSA nanoparticles (PIH NPs) and free PTX/ICG. After intravenous injection, the PIGH NPs exhibit preferable tumor accumulation and achieve effective tumor ablation in 4T1 tumor bearing mouse model with excellent dual near‐infrared fluorescence/magnetic resonance (NIRF/MR) imaging guided synergistic chemo‐phototherapy. Hence, the PIGH NPs can be utilized as potential theranostic nanosystem for simultaneous cancer imaging and therapy.
Stable and High‐Power Calcium‐Ion Batteries Enabled by Calcium Intercalation into Graphite
Authors: Park Jooha , Xu Zheng‐Long , Yoon Gabin , Park Sung Kwan , Wang Jian , Hyun Hyejeong , Park Hyeokjun , Lim Jongwoo , Ko Yoon‐Joo , Yun Young Soo , Kang Kisuk
Published: November 2019

Calcium‐ion batteries (CIBs) are considered to be promising next‐generation energy storage systems because of the natural abundance of calcium and the multivalent calcium ions with low redox potential close to that of lithium. However, the practical realization of high‐energy and high‐power CIBs is elusive owing to the lack of suitable electrodes and the sluggish diffusion of calcium ions in most intercalation hosts. Herein, it is demonstrated that calcium‐ion intercalation can be remarkably fast and reversible in natural graphite, constituting the first step toward the realization of high‐power calcium electrodes. It is shown that a graphite electrode exhibits an exceptionally high rate capability up to 2 A g−1, delivering ≈75% of the specific capacity at 50 mA g−1 with full calcium intercalation in graphite corresponding to ≈97 mAh g−1. Moreover, the capacity stably maintains over 200 cycles without notable cycle degradation. It is found that the calcium ions are intercalated into graphite galleries with a staging process. The intercalation mechanisms of the “calciated” graphite are elucidated using a suite of techniques including synchrotron in situ X‐ray diffraction, nuclear magnetic resonance, and first‐principles calculations. The versatile intercalation chemistry of graphite observed here is expected to spur the development of high‐power CIBs.
Construction of Hierarchical Metal–Organic Frameworks by Competitive Coordination Strategy for Highly Efficient CO2 Conversion
Authors: Chang Gang‐Gang , Ma Xiao‐Chen , Zhang Yue‐Xing , Wang Li‐Ying , Tian Ge , Liu Jia‐Wen , Wu Jian , Hu Zhi‐Yi , Yang Xiao‐Yu , Chen Banglin
Published: November 2019

Hierarchical porosity and functionalization help to fully make use of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) for their diverse applications. Herein, a simple strategy is reported to construct hierarchically porous MOFs through a competitive coordination method using tetrafluoroborate (M(BF4)x, where M is metal site) as both functional sites and etching agents. The resulting MOFs have in situ formed defect‐mesopores and functional sites without sacrificing their structure stability. The formation mechanism of the defect‐mesopores is elucidated by a combination of experimental and first‐principles calculation method, indicating the general feasibility of this new approach. Compared with the original microporous counterparts, the new hierarchical MOFs exhibit superior adsorption for the bulky dye molecules and catalytic performance for the CO2 conversion attributed to their specific hierarchical pore structures.
Piezoelectricity in Monolayer Hexagonal Boron Nitride
Authors: Ares Pablo , Cea Tommaso , Holwill Matthew , Wang Yi Bo , Roldán Rafael , Guinea Francisco , Andreeva Daria V. , Fumagalli Laura , Novoselov Konstantin S. , Woods Colin R.
Published: November 2019

2D hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) is a wide‐bandgap van der Waals crystal with a unique combination of properties, including exceptional strength, large oxidation resistance at high temperatures, and optical functionalities. Furthermore, in recent years hBN crystals have become the material of choice for encapsulating other 2D crystals in a variety of technological applications, from optoelectronic and tunneling devices to composites. Monolayer hBN, which has no center of symmetry, is predicted to exhibit piezoelectric properties, yet experimental evidence is lacking. Here, by using electrostatic force microscopy, this effect is observed as a strain‐induced change in the local electric field around bubbles and creases, in agreement with theoretical calculations. No piezoelectricity is found in bilayer and bulk hBN, where the center of symmetry is restored. These results add piezoelectricity to the known properties of monolayer hBN, which makes it a desirable candidate for novel electromechanical and stretchable optoelectronic devices, and pave a way to control the local electric field and carrier concentration in van der Waals heterostructures via strain. The experimental approach used here also shows a way to investigate the piezoelectric properties of other materials on the nanoscale by using electrostatic scanning probe techniques.
Hierarchical Ordered Assembly of Genetically Modifiable Viruses into Nanoridge‐in‐Microridge Structures
Authors: Zhou Ningyun , Li Yan , Loveland Christian H. , Wilson Megan J. , Cao Binrui , Qiu Penghe , Yang Mingying , Mao Chuanbin
Published: November 2019

Hierarchically assembled nanomaterials can find a variety of applications in medicine, energy, and electronics. Here, an automatically controlled dip‐pulling method is developed and optimized to generate an unprecedented ordered nano‐to‐micro hierarchical nanoridge‐in‐microridge (NiM) structure from a bacteria‐specific human‐safe virus, the filamentous phage with or without genetically displaying a foreign peptide. The NiM structure is pictured as a window blind with each lath (the microridge) made of parallel phage bundles (the nanoridges). It is independent of the substrate materials supporting it. Surprisingly, it can induce the bidirectional differentiation of stem cells into neurons and astrocytes within a short timeframe (only 8 d) not seen before, which is highly desired because both neurons and astrocytes are needed simultaneously in treating neurodegenerative diseases. Since phages can direct tissue regeneration, template materials formation, sense molecules, and build electrodes, the NiM structures displaying different peptides and on varying materials hold promise in many technologically important fields.
Instant Thermal Switching from Soft Hydrogel to Rigid Plastics Inspired by Thermophile Proteins
Authors: Nonoyama Takayuki , Lee Yong Woo , Ota Kumi , Fujioka Keigo , Hong Wei , Gong Jian Ping
Published: November 2019

Proteins of thermophiles are thermally stable in a high‐temperature environment, adopting a strategy of enhancing the electrostatic interaction in hydrophobic media at high temperature. Herein, inspired by the molecular mechanism of thermally stable proteins, the synthesis of novel polymer materials that undergo ultrarapid, isochoric, and reversible switching from soft hydrogels to rigid plastics at elevated temperature is reported. The materials are developed from versatile, inexpensive, and nontoxic poly(acrylic acid) hydrogels containing calcium acetate. By the cooperative effects of hydrophobic interaction and ionic interaction, the hydrogels undergo significant spinodal decomposition and subsequent rubbery‐to‐glassy transition when heated to an elevated temperature. As a result, the gels exhibit super‐rapid and significant hikes in stiffness, strength, and toughness by up to 1800‐, 80‐, and 20‐folds, respectively, when the temperature is raised from 25 to 70 °C, while the volumes of the gels are almost unchanged. As a potential application, the performance of the materials as athletic protective gear is demonstrated. This work provides a pathway for developing thermally stiffened materials and may significantly broaden the scope of polymer applications.
Bacteriorhodopsin‐Based Biophotovoltaic Devices Driven by Chemiluminescence as Endogenous Light Source
Authors: Zhou Xin , Lv Fengting , Liu Libing , Huang Yiming , Wang Shu
Published: November 2019

As a light‐driven proton pump, bacteriorhodopsin (bR) captures light and transports protons directionally. Here, a new bR‐based bioelectronic device that employs the chemiluminescence from luminol as an endogenous light source to generate steady current is designed. Purple membrane embedded with bR is modified on indium tin oxide (ITO) electrode followed by electrostatically binding of cationic oligo (p‐phenylene vinylene) derivative (OPV). The device is fabricated by coupling bR/OPV electrode and bare ITO electrode. As a suitable luminescence acceptor of luminol, OPV emits green light through chemiluminescence resonance energy transfer (CRET), which is capable of exciting ground state bR (bR570) nearby to initiate photocycle. Simultaneously, luminol emits blue chemiluminescent light which can be absorbed by M410 intermediate in photocycle, accelerating its reconversion to bR570 by shortcuts. As a result, the photocycle is accelerated and stabilized to generate a stable photocurrent. Furthermore, this study achieves to use oxygen and glucose as the initial source of hydrogen peroxide and produce stable photocurrent by taking advantage of the cascade reaction of glucose oxidase and horseradish peroxide. This provides a proof‐of‐concept for successfully using the CRET system as endogenous light source and provides new ideas for energy utilization and conversion taking advantage of natural bR‐based photosynthetic systems.
Machine Learning Coupled Multi‐Scale Modeling for Redox Flow Batteries
Authors: Bao Jie , Murugesan Vijayakumar , Kamp Carl Justin , Shao Yuyan , Yan Litao , Wang Wei
Published: November 2019

The framework of a multi‐scale model that couples a deep neural network, a widely used machine learning approach, with a partial differential equation solver and provides understanding of the relationship between the pore‐scale electrode structure reaction and device‐scale electrochemical reaction uniformity within a redox flow battery is introduced. A deep neural network is trained and validated using 128 pore‐scale simulations that provide a quantitative relationship between battery operating conditions and uniformity of the surface reaction for the pore‐scale sample. Using the framework, information about surface reaction uniformity at the pore level to combined uniformity at the device level is upscaled. The information obtained using the framework and deep neural network against the experimental measurements is also validated. Based on the multi‐scale model results, a time‐varying optimization of electrolyte inlet velocity is established, which leads to a significant reduction in pump power consumption for targeted surface reaction uniformity but little reduction in electric power output for discharging. The multi‐scale model coupled with the deep neural network approach establishes the critical link between the micro‐structure of a flow‐battery component and its performance at the device scale, thereby providing rationale for further operational or material optimization.
Sub‐3 nm Intermetallic Ordered Pt3In Clusters for Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Wang Qi , Zhao Zhi Liang , Zhang Zhe , Feng Tianli , Zhong Ruyi , Xu Hu , Pantelides Sokrates T. , Gu Meng
Published: November 2019

Industrial applications of Pt‐based oxygen‐reduction‐reaction (ORR) catalysts are limited by high cost and low stability. Here, facile large‐scale synthesis of sub‐3‐nm ordered Pt3In clusters on commercial carbon black as ORR catalyst that alleviates both these shortcomings is reported. As‐prepared Pt3In/C exhibits a mass activity of 0.71 mA mg−1 and a specific area activity of 0.91 mA cm−2 at 0.9 V vs reversible hydrogen electrode, which are 4.1 and 2.7 times the corresponding values of commercial Pt/C catalysts. The as‐prepared ordered Pt3In/C catalyst is also remarkably stable with negligible activity and structural decay after 20 000 accelerated electrochemical durability cycles, due to its ordered structure. Density‐functional‐theory calculations demonstrate that ordered‐Pt3In is more energetically favorable for ORR than the commercial Pt/C catalysts because ∆GO is closer to the peak of the volcano plot after ordered incorporation of indium atoms.
RuNi Nanoparticles Embedded in N‐Doped Carbon Nanofibers as a Robust Bifunctional Catalyst for Efficient Overall Water Splitting
Authors: Li Meixuan , Wang Huiyuan , Zhu Wendong , Li Weimo , Wang Ce , Lu Xiaofeng
Published: November 2019

Developing high‐performance, low‐cost, and robust bifunctional electrocatalysts for overall water splitting is extremely indispensable and challenging. It is a promising strategy to couple highly active precious metals with transition metals as efficient electrocatalysts, which can not only effectively reduce the cost of the preparation procedure, but also greatly improve the performance of catalysts through a synergistic effect. Herein, Ru and Ni nanoparticles embedded within nitrogen‐doped carbon nanofibers (RuNi‐NCNFs) are synthesized via a simple electrospinning technology with a subsequent carbonization process. The as‐formed RuNi‐NCNFs represent excellent Pt‐like electrocatalytic activity for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in both alkaline and acidic conditions. Furthermore, the RuNi‐NCNFs also exhibit an outstanding oxygen evolution reaction (OER) activity with an overpotential of 290 mV to achieve a current density of 10 mA cm−2 in alkaline electrolyte. Strikingly, owing to both the HER and OER performance, an electrolyzer with RuNi‐NCNFs as both the anode and cathode catalysts requires only a cell voltage of 1.564 V to drive a current density of 10 mA cm−2 in an alkaline medium, which is lower than the benchmark of Pt/C||RuO2 electrodes. This study opens a novel avenue toward the exploration of high efficient but low‐cost electrocatalysts for overall water splitting.
Delayed Capillary Flow of Elastomers: An Efficient Method for Fabrication and Nanofunctionalization of Flexible, Foldable, Twistable, and Stretchable Electrodes from Pyrolyzed Paper
Authors: Damasceno Sergio , Corrêa Cátia Crispilho , Gouveia Rubia Figueredo , Strauss Mathias , Bufon Carlos César Bof , Santhiago Murilo
Published: November 2019

Pyrolyzed cellulose‐based materials are extensively used in many fields for many different applications due to their excellent electrical properties. However, pyrolyzed materials are extremely fragile and prone to crack. To address this issue, a new fabrication method is reported to delay the capillary flow of elastomeric materials into the porous structure of the paper. By changing the surface chemistry and porosity of the material, the capillary flow of the elastomer through the porous structure is delayed. Delayed capillary flow of elastomers (DCFE method) ensures both extremely high mechanical stability and electrochemical performance to the devices. Impressively, the electrochemical devices can be bent, folded, twisted, and stretched at 75% of their original length without hindering their electrochemical response. Moreover, cooperative nanofilms are prepared using a co‐deposition process with Meldola's blue (MB) and polydopamine (PDA). While MB guarantees electrocatalytic properties toward nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) electrooxidation, PDA increases the wettability of the surfaces and contribute to addressing hydrophobicity issues of elastomer‐based devices. Remarkably, the nanofilms have unprecedented properties by self‐collecting aqueous liquids. Furthermore, extreme mechanical tests do not impact the electrochemical performance of the nanofilms.
Effect of Mechanical Strain on the Optical Properties of Nodal‐Line Semimetal ZrSiS
Authors: Zhou Weiqing , Rudenko Alexander N. , Yuan Shengjun
Published: November 2019

Optical properties of nodal‐line semimetal ZrSiS are studied using first‐principles calculations. Frequency‐independent optical conductivity is a fingerprint of the infrared optical response in ZrSiS. It is found that this characteristic feature is robust with respect to uniaxial compressive strain of up to 10 GPa, yet with the flat region being narrowed with increasing strain. Upon uniaxial tensile stress of 2 GPa, the Fermi surface undergoes a Lifshitz transition accompanied by a weakening of the interband screening, which reduces the spectral weight of infrared excitations. It is also shown that the high‐energy region is characterized by low‐loss plasma excitations at ≈20 eV with essentially anisotropic dispersion. Strongly anisotropic dielectric properties suggest the existence of a hyperbolic regime for plasmons in the deep ultraviolet range. Although the frequencies of high‐energy plasmons are virtually unaffected by external uniaxial deformation, their dispersion can be effectively tuned by strain.
Transition Metal Oxide Anodes for Electrochemical Energy Storage in Lithium‐ and Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Fang Shan , Bresser Dominic , Passerini Stefano
Published: November 2019

Lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) with outstanding energy and power density have been extensively investigated in recent years, rendering them the most suitable energy storage technology for application in emerging markets such as electric vehicles and stationary storage. More recently, sodium, one of the most abundant elements on earth, exhibiting similar physicochemical properties as lithium, has been gaining increasing attention for the development of sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) in order to address the concern about Li availability and cost—especially with regard to stationary applications for which size and volume of the battery are of less importance. Compared with traditional intercalation reactions, conversion reaction‐based transition metal oxides (TMOs) are prospective anode materials for rechargeable batteries thanks to their low cost and high gravimetric specific capacities. In this review, the recent progress and remaining challenges of conversion reactions for LIBs and SIBs are discussed, covering an overview about the different synthesis methods, morphological characteristics, as well as their electrochemical performance. Potential future research directions and a perspective toward the practical application of TMOs for electrochemical energy storage are also provided.
Hierarchically Structured Porous Transport Layers for Polymer Electrolyte Water Electrolysis
Authors: Schuler Tobias , Ciccone Joseph M. , Krentscher Bernd , Marone Federica , Peter Christian , Schmidt Thomas J. , Büchi Felix N.
Published: November 2019

The high operational and capital costs of polymer electrolyte water electrolysis technology originate from limited catalyst utilization and the use of thick membrane electrolytes. This is due to the coarse surface structure of the state‐of‐the‐art titanium porous transport layer materials used. Therefore, a series of materials with three different microporous layers (MPLs) with advanced interface properties are fabricated and characterized. It is shown that these sintered multilayer structures, made from economically viable titanium powders, have improved interface properties with low surface roughness, as characterized by X‐ray laboratory and synchrotron‐based tomographic microscopy. The transport layer materials provide superior electrochemical performance in comparison to conventional single‐layer structures, with up to three times higher catalyst layer utilization and a ≈60 mV decrease in (anodic) mass transport overpotential at 2 A cm−2. The MPLs combine preferential surface properties with high open porosity and low tortuosity of sinter materials, enabling for the first time the use of thin membranes, in combination with anodic titanium transport layers. The fundamental mechanism of the MPL effect is elucidated and shown to be based on a homogeneous contact pressure distribution, resulting in high catalyst utilization and low mass transport losses.
Rare SUZ12 variants commonly cause an overgrowth phenotype
Authors: Cyrus Sharri S. , Cohen Ana S. A. , Agbahovbe Ruky , Avela Kristiina , Yeung Kit S. , Chung Brian H. Y. , Luk Ho‐Ming , Tkachenko Nataliya , Choufani Sanaa , Weksberg Rosanna , Lopez‐Rangel Elena ,   C.A.U.S.E.S. Study, Brown Kathleen , Saenz Margarita S. , Svihovec Shayna , McCandless Shawn E. , Bird Lynne M. , Garcia Aixa Gonzalez , Gambello Michael J. , McWalter Kirsty , Schnur Rhonda E. , An Jianghong , Jones Steven J. M. , Bhalla Sanjiv K. , Pinz Hailey , Braddock Stephen R. , Gibson William T.
Published: November 2019

The Polycomb repressive complex 2 is an epigenetic writer and recruiter with a role in transcriptional silencing. Constitutional pathogenic variants in its component proteins have been found to cause two established overgrowth syndromes: Weaver syndrome (EZH2‐related overgrowth) and Cohen‐Gibson syndrome (EED‐related overgrowth). Imagawa et al. (2017) initially reported a singleton female with a Weaver‐like phenotype with a rare coding SUZ12 variant—the same group subsequently reported two additional affected patients. Here we describe a further 10 patients (from nine families) with rare heterozygous SUZ12 variants who present with a Weaver‐like phenotype. We report four frameshift, two missense, one nonsense, and two splice site variants. The affected patients demonstrate variable pre‐ and postnatal overgrowth, dysmorphic features, musculoskeletal abnormalities and developmental delay/intellectual disability. Some patients have genitourinary and structural brain abnormalities, and there may be an association with respiratory issues. The addition of these 10 patients makes a compelling argument that rare pathogenic SUZ12 variants frequently cause overgrowth, physical abnormalities, and abnormal neurodevelopmental outcomes in the heterozygous state. Pathogenic SUZ12 variants may be de novo or inherited, and are sometimes inherited from a mildly‐affected parent. Larger samples sizes will be needed to elucidate whether one or more clinically‐recognizable syndromes emerge from different variant subtypes.
The NuRD complex and macrocephaly associated neurodevelopmental disorders
Authors: Pierson Tyler Mark , Otero Maria G. , Grand Katheryn , Choi Andrew , Graham John M. , Young Juan I. , Mackay Joel P.
Published: November 2019

The nucleosome remodeling and deacetylase (NuRD) complex is a major regulator of gene expression involved in pluripotency, lineage commitment, and corticogenesis. This important complex is composed of seven different proteins, with mutations in CHD3, CHD4, and GATAD2B being associated with neurodevelopmental disorders presenting with macrocephaly and intellectual disability similar to other overgrowth and intellectual disability (OGID) syndromes. Pathogenic variants in CHD3 and CHD4 primarily involve disruption of enzymatic function. GATAD2B variants include loss‐of‐function mutations that alter protein dosage and missense variants that involve either of two conserved domains (CR1 and CR2) known to interact with other NuRD proteins. In addition to macrocephaly and intellectual disability, CHD3 variants are associated with inguinal hernias and apraxia of speech; whereas CHD4 variants are associated with skeletal anomalies, deafness, and cardiac defects. GATAD2B‐associated neurodevelopmental disorder (GAND) has phenotypic overlap with both of these disorders. Of note, structural models of NuRD indicate that CHD3 and CHD4 require direct contact with the GATAD2B‐CR2 domain to interact with the rest of the complex. Therefore, the phenotypic overlaps of CHD3‐ and CHD4‐related disorders with GAND are consistent with a loss in the ability of GATAD2B to recruit CHD3 or CHD4 to the complex. The shared features of these neurodevelopmental disorders may represent a new class of OGID syndrome: the NuRDopathies.
Green Metal‐Free Photochemical Hydroacylation of Unactivated Olefins
Authors: Voutyritsa Errika , Kokotos Christoforos G.
Published: November 2019

Direct alkylation of C(sp2)−H bonds to convert an aldehyde into a ketone is a notorious transformation, due to the laborious challenge of the formation of ketyl or acyl radicals. Herein, we report a green, cheap, metal‐free and efficient method for the hydroacylation of olefins in water. This photochemical protocol utilizes phenylglyoxylic acid, a commercially available small organic molecule, as the photoinitiator, water as the solvent and household fluorescent lamps as the irradiation source, leading to a broad substrate scope of products in moderate to good yields. A wide range of aromatic and aliphatic aldehydes, terminal and non‐terminal alkenes and pharmaceutically relevant molecules can be employed, without the need of directing groups and additives or metal catalysts.
Fabrication of nitrogen‐enriched graphene oxide/Cu NPs as a highly efficient and recyclable heterogeneous nanocatalyst for the Chan–Lam cross‐coupling reaction
Authors: Seyedi Neda , Shahabi Nejad Mohaddeseh , Saidi Kazem , Sheibani Hassan
Published: November 2019

Herein, we demonstrate the direct polymerization of melamine and cyanuric chloride in the surface of graphene oxide (GO) (N‐enriched GO) in order to develop a new nanocatalyst. The supramolecular polymerized GO acts not only as a spacer to prevent the restacking of graphene sheets but also as a nitrogen source to generate active centers for Cu NP attachments. Subsequently, the nitrogen on the surface of the GO sheets coordinates with copper ions to generate copper nanoparticles. The prepared nanocatalyst was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. This catalyst showed high efficiency and good activity in the Chan–Lam cross‐coupling reaction ofN‐heterocycles and aniline derivatives with high yields in short reaction times. In addition, the nanocatalyst was easily recovered and reused for five consecutive runs without any noticeable loss of performance.
Biosynthesis of cerium oxide nanoparticles and its cytotoxicity survey against colon cancer cell line
Authors: Miri Abdolhossein , Darroudi Majid , Sarani Mina
Published: November 2019

Nanoparticles of cerium oxide (CeO2‐NPs), as a metal oxide of rare earth, have found an important role in improving technologies such as polishing, the degradation of harmful industrial dyes and even the treatment of some diseases. Therefore, the development of quick and inexpensive production methods for CeO2‐NPs is sought by researchers. In the present study, we report the biosynthesis of CeO2‐NPs using aqueous extract of Salvadora persica. Synthesized nanoparticles were investigated through powder X‐ray diffraction (PXRD), ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis), Fourier transform infrared, transmission electron microscope (TEM), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy‐dispersive X‐ray and Raman techniques. The UV–vis result shows an absorption peak at 325 nm, which confirms the formation of CeO2‐NPs. The band‐gap of synthesized nanoparticles (4.1 eV) is higher than in its bulk state. PXRD and Raman show a crystalline fluorite cubic structure for synthesized nanoparticles. The morphology of synthesized nanoparticles shows a uniform and almost spherical shape via TEM and FESEM images. The particles size was estimated in the range of 10–15 nm. Cytotoxic activity of synthesized nanoparticles was determined through 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay against a colon (HT‐29) cancer cell line. The results did not show any significant cytotoxic effect for synthesized samples even for concentration higher than 800 μg/mL. Hence, CeO2‐NPs were synthesized using a natural source; the procedure was rapid with good productivity and biosynthesized nanoparticles were non‐toxic.