bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preparation and Physical Properties of Stretchable FeRh Films with Periodic Wrinkle Structure
Authors: Huang Kai , Xie Yali , Yang Huali , Li Mengchao , Pan Lili , Bao Xilai , He Zidong , Li Wangchang , Li Run‐Wei
Published: March 2023

Stretchable magnetic materials are highly desirable for developing flexible high‐performance magnetoelectronic devices. However, it is still challenge to fabricate stretchable magnetic films with high growth temperature. In this work, metamagnetic FeRh films are grown on mica substrates at high temperature and then transferred onto the prestrained polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). Due to the large modulus mismatch between FeRh films and PDMS, FeRh films with periodic wrinkle pattern is formed after releasing the prestrain, enabling a controllable stretchability up to a few tens of percent. Moreover, the meta‐magnetic phase transition temperature can be effectively controlled by the prestrain, with an increase of ≈4 K for every 10% increase in the prestrain. In case of the applied tensile strain less than the prestrain, the obtained flexible FeRh films can maintain stable performance after thousands of stretches, making it promising for applications in flexible magnetoelectronic devices.
Substrate‐Independent Electrohydrodynamic Jet Printing with Dual‐Ring Electrostatic Focusing Structure
Authors: Li Xiaojian , Liang Junsheng , Xiao Jianping , Su Shijie , Zhu Long , Sun Lujing , Gao Liangjie , Wang Huaan , Yin Penghe , Chen Li , Wang Dazhi
Published: March 2023

Electrohydrodynamic jet (E‐Jet) printing is one of the most effective methods for fabricating micro/nanostructures due to its high‐resolution, broad material adaptability, and simple process. However, printing high‐resolution patterns on curved or insulated substrates still is of a great challenge because it is quite difficult to keep the electric field distribution stable between the nozzle and the substrate during the printing process. To address these issues, a dual‐ring electrostatic focused electrohydrodynamic jet (DEFEJ) printing method is proposed. In this technique, a microtip with a radius of curvature (ROC) of several micrometers is placed in a conductive dual‐ring structure to form the built‐in electrostatic focusing and drive the Taylor cone. The high‐speed jets then fall on the substrate due to their own motion inertia, eliminating the influence of the substrate curvature and its conductivity on the electric field distribution. Submicrometer droplets with an average diameter of about 0.83 µm are obtained using a 10‐µm‐ROC microtip. In addition, high‐resolution microstructure patterns are also printed on substrates with different conductivity and curvature. This DEFEJ printing method not only has the same printing accuracy as conventional E‐Jet printing, but also can significantly increase the adaptability of E‐Jet printing to different substrates.
Single Molecule with a Large Transistor – SiMoT cytokine IL‐6 Detection Benchmarked against a Chemiluminescent Ultrasensitive Immunoassay Array
Authors: Scandurra Cecilia , Björkström Kim , Sarcina Lucia , Imbriano Anna , Di Franco Cinzia , Österbacka Ronald , Bollella Paolo , Scamarcio Gaetano , Torsi Luisa , Macchia Eleonora
Published: March 2023

Early diagnosis and efficient treatments of oncological, neurological, inflammatory, and infectious diseases rely more and more on ultrasensitive detection of protein markers; the ultimate limit is a reliable immunoassay capable of single‐protein detection. Among protein biomarkers, cytokines play a key role in clinical diagnosis as they are involved in developing many complex diseases and disorders, such as chronic inflammatory diseases including metabolic syndrome, neurodegenerative diseases, and cardiovascular diseases, along with autoimmune diseases and cancer. Herein, the improvement of a Single Molecule with Transistor (SiMoT) is reported based on an electrolyte‐gated organic field‐effect transistor applied for the detection of cytokine IL‐6 in blood serum, reaching a limit‐of‐detection (LOD) of 1 ± 1 protein in a sample of 0.1 mL. The analytical performance levels are benchmarked against the Simoa Planar Array SP‐X technology, a benchtop chemiluminescent array. After comprehensive optimization, Simoa SP‐X by using a multivariate experimental design approach exhibits a LOD 103 higher than SiMoT. The proposed SiMoT electronic assay is label‐free, fast (30 min), and selective, paving the way for an ultra‐sensitive point‐of‐care immunoassay platform enabling pre‐symptomatic disease diagnosis.
A 4D‐Printed Electromagnetic Cloaking and Illusion Function Convertible Metasurface
Authors: Liang Qingxuan , Li Zhaohui , Xu Jiahui , Duan Yubing , Yang Zhen , Li Dichen
Published: March 2023

The appearance of metasurfaces provides a new way for the realization of cloaking and illusion devices. However, most proposed metasurface functional devices only display a single cloaking and illusion function. Herein, a dynamic metasurface device with switchable electromagnetic cloaking and illusion functions is fabricated based on a 4D‐printing process. Owing to the shape memory polymer's characteristic of shape change above the glass transition temperature, under the stimulation of temperature, it can control the structural shape change of the metasurface, change the phase distribution law, and realize dynamic cloaking and illusion functions. As proof, the metasurface samples with changeable structure are designed and fabricated by fused deposition modeling of 4D printing combined with liquid metal injection molding. Both the simulation and experimental results confirm that the designed metasurface has excellent cloaking and illusion performance at microwave frequency. This work provides a new idea for the realization of integrated metasurface devices with electromagnetic cloaking and illusion functions.
Revealing Ultrafast Carrier Dynamics of Hybrid Perovskites at Various Stages of Nucleation and Growth Kinetics
Authors: Dhami Bibek S. , Tripathi Ravi P.N. , Hoxie David J. , Appavoo Kannatassen
Published: March 2023

With hybrid organic–inorganic perovskites expanding their technological reach, from photovoltaic solar cells that operate at low carrier densities (1011 − 1013 cm−3) to light‐emitting diodes and lasers that operate at higher carrier densities (1013 − 1019 cm−3), it is critical to know how microstructure dictates carrier dynamics at varying injected carrier densities. For fabrication at scale, it is equally critical to know how quickly during the growth process do hybrid perovskites develop their characteristic optoelectronic properties. This work reports on a facile fabrication method that “freezes” different stages of nucleation and growth kinetics of prototypical hybrid perovskite on the same substrate—providing a unique strategy to assess differences in optoelectronic properties and carrier dynamics from nascent nucleating microcrystals to large‐grain thin films. The solution‐processed fabrication technique, optimized to control the nucleation density of an intermediate phase, successfully decouples the nucleation and growth steps that lead to large‐grain thin films. Ultrafast broadband absorption microscopy finds that the nucleating microcrystals already possess the optoelectronic properties of hybrid perovskites and share similar femtosecond‐to‐nanosecond dynamics as large‐grain thin films. When compared to the large‐grain thin films, the confining microcrystals exhibit enhanced carrier interactions, marked by an increase in bimolecular and Auger recombination rates.
Excitation Wavelength‐Dependent Upconversion Luminescence Enhancement in Tm3+‐Doped LiErF4@LiYF4 System Under High Pressure
Authors: Zhang Ling , Lang Zhongling , Lu Yang , Zhao Xu , Jiang Bin , Yan Xu , Sun Peng , Liu Fengmin , Zhou Guangdong , Zhou Mi , Wang Yanchao , Liu Xiaomin , Lu Geyu
Published: March 2023

Local structural engineering is an endogenous approach to modulate upconversion luminescence (UCL) from upstream to meet the needs of specific application scenarios. Herein, high pressure is utilized as a means to modulate the local structure, and the designed LiErF4:0.5%Tm3+@LiYF4 (Er:Tm@Y) nanoparticles with fast energy transfer rates, abundant cross‐relaxation processes, and multiple near‐infrared wavelengths (808, 980, 1530 nm) excitation properties are tailored as local structure‐sensitive hosts. A unique excitation wavelength‐dependent UCL enhancement of Er:Tm@Y upconversion nanoparticles is observed by pressure‐induced local structure distortions. When the pressure of ≈6 GPa is applied, the UCL is enhanced by a factor of 2.6 at 980 nm excitation only. After pressure release, the luminescence diminishes and recovers. Density functional theory calculations show that the symmetry distortion of the LiErF4 crystal reaches a maximum at pressurization to 6 GPa, while a new Er‐4f state emerges, greatly reducing the bandgap from 8.3 to 5.7 eV. Comparative experiments demonstrate that the local symmetry distortion caused by 0.5%Tm3+ doping and the different energy transfer patterns of Er3+ to Tm3+ at different excitations are responsible for this wavelength‐dependent luminescence enhancement.
π‐Conjugated Carbon‐Based Materials for Infrared Thermal Imaging
Authors: Cho Eunkyung , Pratik Saied Md , Pyun Jeffrey , Coropceanu Veaceslav , Brédas Jean‐Luc
Published: March 2023

Infrared (IR) thermal imaging is receiving a great deal of attention due to its wide range of applications. Given multiple issues (like cost and availability) with the inorganic materials currently exploited for IR imaging, there is nowadays a great push of developing organic imaging materials. Carbon‐based materials are known to have significant transparency in the visible and IR regions and some are used as transparent conductors. Here, whether π‐conjugated carbon‐based materials are suitable for long‐wave (LW) and mid‐wave (MW) IR imaging applications is computationally assessed. Using density functional theory calculations, the IR‐vibrational properties of molecules from acenes to coronenes and fullerenes, and of periodic systems like graphene and carbon nanotubes are characterized. Fullerenes, graphenes, and double‐walled carbon nanotubes are found to be very attractive as they are transparent in both the LWIR and MWIR regions, a feature resulting from the absence of hydrogen atoms. Also, it is found that replacing hydrogen atoms in a molecule with deuterium or sulfur atoms can be an efficient way to improve their LWIR or MWIR transparency, respectively. For fused‐ring systems having hydrogen atoms on the periphery, designing molecules with trio CH‐units is another way to enhance the transparency in the LWIR region.
RuHCl(CO)(PPh3)3‐Catalyzed Isomerization of Homoallyl Silyl Ethers and Carbonates to Allyl Silyl Ethers and Carbonates
Authors: Fukuyama Takahide , Kuwahara Takashi , Yamamoto Yuki , Picard Baptiste , Ryu Ilhyong
Published: March 2023

The selective olefin isomerization of homoallyl silyl ethers and carbonates was studied using RuHCl(CO)(PPh3)3 as a catalyst. While an aryl or alkyl substituent at the α‐position to the oxygen atom caused the selective conversion to allyl silyl ethers, no substituent at the α‐position resulted in the isomerization to enol silyl ethers. In contrast, the isomerization of homoallyl carbonates gave the corresponding allyl carbonates selectively regardless of the substituent at α‐position.

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Metal‐free Dehydrogenation of Substituted Cyclohexanones to Phenols
Authors: Leng Li‐Jing , Zhang De‐Long , Zhang Liang , Lin Xiao‐Long , Cai Tian , Tan Jian‐Ping , Luo Qun‐Li
Published: March 2023

The preparation of substituted phenols via a direct carbonyl desaturation is an intrinsic challenging task in modern synthetic chemistry. Herein, we develop a modular catalytic protocol for the synthesis of substituted phenols via the direct dehydrogenative aromatization of simple cyclohexanones in a metal‐free manner. A broad variety of substrates bearing an assortment of functional substituent groups are compatible with this protocol. Preliminary mechanistic investigations revealed that the reaction underwent a hydride leaving mechanism in the presence of a catalytic amount of tetrabutylammonium iodide. The current approach features simple operation, low reagent cost and green conditions. Insight gained from our studies is expected to advance general efforts towards the green synthesis of structurally diverse phenols via readily available raw materials, offering an alternative strategy for the carbonyl desaturation in organic synthesis.

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A Low‐Temperature Synthetic Route Toward a High‐Entropy 2D Hexernary Transition Metal Dichalcogenide for Hydrogen Evolution Electrocatalysis
Authors: Qu Jie , Elgendy Amr , Cai Rongsheng , Buckingham Mark A. , Papaderakis Athanasios A. , de Latour Hugo , Hazeldine Kerry , Whitehead George F. S. , Alam Firoz , Smith Charles T. , Binks David J. , Walton Alex , Skelton Jonathan M. , Dryfe Robert A. W. , Haigh Sarah J. , Lewis David J.
Published: March 2023

High‐entropy (HE) metal chalcogenides are a class of materials that have great potential in applications such as thermoelectrics and electrocatalysis. Layered 2D transition‐metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) are a sub‐class of high entropy metal chalcogenides that have received little attention to date as their preparation currently involves complicated, energy‐intensive, or hazardous synthetic steps. To address this, a low‐temperature (500 °C) and rapid (1 h) single source precursor approach is successfully adopted to synthesize the hexernary high‐entropy metal disulfide (MoWReMnCr)S2. (MoWReMnCr)S2 powders are characterized by powder X‐ray diffraction (pXRD) and Raman spectroscopy, which confirmed that the material is comprised predominantly of a hexagonal phase. The surface oxidation states and elemental compositions are studied by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) whilst the bulk morphology and elemental stoichiometry with spatial distribution is determined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with elemental mapping information acquired from energy‐dispersive X‐ray (EDX) spectroscopy. The bulk, layered material is subsequently exfoliated to ultra‐thin, several‐layer 2D nanosheets by liquid‐phase exfoliation (LPE). The resulting few‐layer HE (MoWReMnCr)S2 nanosheets are found to contain a homogeneous elemental distribution of metals at the nanoscale by high angle annular dark field‐scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF‐STEM) with EDX mapping. Finally, (MoWReMnCr)S2 is demonstrated as a hydrogen evolution electrocatalyst and compared to 2H‐MoS2 synthesized using the molecular precursor approach. (MoWReMnCr)S2 with 20% w/w of high‐conductivity carbon black displays a low overpotential of 229 mV in 0.5 M  H2SO4 to reach a current density of 10 mA cm−2, which is much lower than the overpotential of 362 mV for MoS2. From density functional theory calculations, it is hypothesised that the enhanced catalytic activity is due to activation of the basal plane upon incorporation of other elements into the 2H‐MoS2 structure, in particular, the first row TMs Cr and Mn.
Upgrading Electricity Generation and Electromagnetic Interference Shielding Efficiency via Phase‐Change Feedback and Simple Origami Strategy
Authors: Hu Xinpeng , Quan Bingqing , Zhu Chuanbiao , Wen Haoye , Sheng Mengjie , Liu Shuang , Li Xiaolong , Wu Hao , Lu Xiang , Qu Jinping
Published: March 2023

Developing ultimate electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding materials that can simultaneously upgrade the quality of generated electricity and the light‐thermal‐electric conversion efficiency based on traditional thermoelectric devices is crucially desired. Herein, a series of flexible multilayered phase change films (PCFs) is developed by a simple and novel origami strategy. The PCFs are first reported to improve the light‐thermal‐electric conversion efficiency by as high as 11.3%. Simultaneously, the PCFs could significantly upgrade the generated electricity on average voltage (27.3%), average current (23.8%), and lasting power outputs by 2010 times from microwatts to milliwatts. Besides, the EMI shielding efficiency of PCFs could be tuned from 39.2 to 71.9 dB by the origami process, the wide‐range EMI shielding performance could be suitable for varying occasions. Overall, this work provides a promising solution for both the preparation of multifunctional materials, high‐efficiency solar energy harvesting and upgrading electricity generation, which shows broad application prospects in EMI shielding, energy storage, and conversion.
Multilayered Molybdate Microflowers Fabricated by One‐Pot Reaction for Efficient Water Splitting
Authors: Wang Jingyi , Feng Jianrui , Li Yuying , Lai Feili , Wang Gui‐Chang , Liu Tianxi , Huang Jiajia , He Guanjie
Published: March 2023

The development of high‐performance, low‐cost and rapid‐production bifunctional electrocatalysts towards overall water splitting still poses huge challenges. Herein, the authors utilize a facile hydrothermal method to synthesize a novel structure of Co‐doped ammonium lanthanum molybdate on Ni foams (Co‐ALMO@NF) as self‐supported electrocatalysts. Owing to large active surfaces, lattice defect and conductive channel for rapid charge transport, Co‐ALMO@NF exhibits good electrocatalytic performances which requires only 349/341 mV to achieve a high current density of 600 mA cm−2 for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER), respectively. Besides, a low cell voltage of 1.52 V is required to reach the current density of 10 mA cm−2 in alkaline medium along with an excellent long‐term stability for two‐electrode configurations. Density functional theory calculations are performed to reveal the reaction mechanism on Co‐ALMO@NF, which shows that the Mo site is the most favorable ones for HER, while the introduction of Co is beneficial to reduce the adsorption intensity on the surface of Co‐ALMO@NF, thus accelerating OER process. This work highlighted the importance of the structural design for self‐supporting electrocatalysts.
High‐Performance X‐Ray Imaging using Lanthanide Metal–Organic Frameworks
Authors: Zhang Xintong , Qiu Haiyi , Luo Wang , Huang Kaofeng , Chen Ying , Zhang Jiacheng , Wang Bohan , Peng Daoling , Wang Yu , Zheng Kezhi
Published: March 2023

Scintillating materials that convert ionizing radiation into low‐energy photons hold great potential for radiation detection, nondestructive inspection, medical radiography, and space exploration. However, organic scintillators are characterized by low radioluminescence, while bulky inorganic scintillators are not suitable for the development of flexible detectors. Here, high‐resolution X‐ray imaging using solution‐processable lanthanide‐based metal–organic frameworks as microscale scintillators is demonstrated. Mechanistic studies suggest that lanthanide ions absorb X‐rays to generate high‐density molecular triplet excitons, and excited linkers subsequently sensitize lanthanide ions via nonradiative resonance energy transfer. Furthermore, the crystalline nature offers a delocalized electronic feature rather than isolated subunits, which enables direct trapping of charge carriers by lanthanide emitters. By controlling the concentration ratio between Tb3+ and Eu3+ ions, efficient and color‐tunable radioluminescence of lanthanide ions can be achieved. When coupled with elastic, transparent polymer matrices, these metal–organic framework‐based microscintillators allow the fabrication of flexible X‐ray detectors. Such detectors feature a detection limit of 23 nGy s−1, which is 240 times lower than the typical radiation dose for medical diagnosis. X‐ray imaging with resolution higher than 16.6 line pairs per millimeter is further demonstrated. These findings provide insight into the future design of hybrid scintillators for optoelectronics and X‐ray sensing and imaging.
Self‐Reconstructed Spinel Surface Structure Enabling the Long‐Term Stable Hydrogen Evolution Reaction/Oxygen Evolution Reaction Efficiency of FeCoNiRu High‐Entropy Alloyed Electrocatalyst
Authors: Huang Kang , Xia Jiuyang , Lu Yu , Zhang Bowei , Shi Wencong , Cao Xun , Zhang Xinyue , Woods Lilia M. , Han Changcun , Chen Chunjin , Wang Tian , Wu Junsheng , Huang Yizhong
Published: March 2023

High catalytic efficiency and long‐term stability are two main components for the performance assessment of an electrocatalyst. Previous attention has been paid more to efficiency other than stability. The present work is focused on the study of the stability processed on the FeCoNiRu high‐entropy alloy (HEA) in correlation with its catalytic efficiency. This catalyst has demonstrated not only performing the simultaneous hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) with high efficiency but also sustaining long‐term stability upon HER and OER. The study reveals that the outstanding stability is attributed to the spinel oxide surface layer developed during evolution reactions. The spinel structure preserves the active sites that are inherited from the HEA's intrinsic structure. This work will provide an insightful direction/pathway for the design and manufacturing activities of other metallic electrocatalysts and a benchmark for the assessment of their efficiency–stability relationship.
Selective Ethylene Glycol Oxidation to Formate on Nickel Selenide with Simultaneous Evolution of Hydrogen
Authors: Li Junshan , Li Luming , Ma Xingyu , Han Xu , Xing Congcong , Qi Xueqiang , He Ren , Arbiol Jordi , Pan Huiyan , Zhao Jun , Deng Jie , Zhang Yu , Yang Yaoyue , Cabot Andreu
Published: March 2023

There is an urgent need for cost‐effective strategies to produce hydrogen from renewable net‐zero carbon sources using renewable energies. In this context, the electrochemical hydrogen evolution reaction can be boosted by replacing the oxygen evolution reaction with the oxidation of small organic molecules, such as ethylene glycol (EG). EG is a particularly interesting organic liquid with two hydroxyl groups that can be transformed into a variety of C1 and C2 chemicals, depending on the catalyst and reaction conditions. Here, a catalyst is demonstrated for the selective EG oxidation reaction (EGOR) to formate on nickel selenide. The catalyst nanoparticle (NP) morphology and crystallographic phase are tuned to maximize its performance. The optimized NiS electrocatalyst requires just 1.395 V to drive a current density of 50 mA cm−2 in 1 m potassium hydroxide (KOH) and 1 m EG. A combination of in situ electrochemical infrared absorption spectroscopy (IRAS) to monitor the electrocatalytic process and ex situ analysis of the electrolyte composition shows the main EGOR product is formate, with a Faradaic efficiency above 80%. Additionally, C2 chemicals such as glycolate and oxalate are detected and quantified as minor products. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations of the reaction process show the glycol‐to‐oxalate pathway to be favored via the glycolate formation, where the CC bond is broken and further electro‐oxidized to formate.
Advances in Ultrathin Soft Sensors, Integrated Materials, and Manufacturing Technologies for Enhanced Monitoring of Human Physiological Signals
Authors: Kim Hodam , Lee Yoon Jae , Byun Garan , Choi Chanyoung , Yeo Woon‐Hong
Published: March 2023

Recent advances in soft sensors and flexible electronics offer various applications in detecting physical, electrical, and chemical signals. However, there are still technical barriers in current mechanical, electrical, and material properties for enhanced signal sensing. When measuring signals from the human skin, minimizing the skin‐sensor contact impedance is still challenging while maximizing sensitivity through optimized materials and soft electronics. Here, this review summarizes recent advances in materials, manufacturing, and integration technologies to develop ultrathin soft sensors for monitoring various human physiological signals. The enhancements in soft and compliant structures and mechanical properties are critical to making reliable wearable electronic systems. This article shares the details of soft sensors, integration processes, manufacturing methods, and their applications to target physical, electrical, and chemical signals. In addition, the limitations and current trends in developing multifunctional sensors, self‐powered devices, and integration with external stimuli systems are discussed.
Accelerated Perovskite Oxide Development for Thermochemical Energy Storage by a High‐Throughput Combinatorial Approach
Authors: Cai Runxia , Bektas Hilal , Wang Xijun , McClintock Kyle , Teague Lauren , Yang Kunran , Li Fanxing
Published: March 2023

The structural and compositional flexibility of perovskite oxides and their complex yet tunable redox properties offer unique optimization opportunities for thermochemical energy storage (TCES). To improve the relatively inefficient and empirical‐based approaches, a high‐throughput combinatorial approach for accelerated development and optimization of perovskite oxides for TCES is reported here. Specifically, thermodynamic‐based screening criteria are applied to the high‐throughput density functional theory (DFT) simulation results of over 2000 A/B‐site doped SrFeO3−δ. 61 promising TCES candidates are selected based on the DFT prediction. Of these, 45 materials with pure perovskite phases are thoroughly evaluated. The experimental results support the effectiveness of the high‐throughput approach in determining both the oxygen capacity and the oxidation enthalpy of the perovskite oxides. Many of the screened materials exhibit promising performance under practical operating conditions: Sr0.875Ba0.125FeO3−δ exhibits a chemical energy storage density of 85 kJ kgABO3−1 under an isobaric condition (with air) between 400 and 800 °C whereas Sr0.125Ca0.875Fe0.25Mn0.75O3−δ demonstrates an energy density of 157 kJ kgABO3−1 between 400 °C/0.2 atm O2 and 1100 °C/0.01 atm O2. An improved set of optimization criteria is also developed, based on a combination of DFT and experimental results, to improve the effectiveness for accelerated development of redox‐active perovskite oxides.
Enhancing Carrier Mobility and Seebeck Coefficient by Modifying Scattering Factor
Authors: Su Lizhong , Shi Haonan , Wang Sining , Wang Dongyang , Qin Bingchao , Wang Yuping , Chang Cheng , Zhao Li‐Dong
Published: March 2023

Thermoelectric materials possess the potential for refrigeration and power generation due to their ability to directly convert heat and electricity. Carrier mobility and the Seebeck coefficient are key properties of thermoelectric materials. Improving the effective mass is the most effective and frequent way to optimize the Seebeck coefficient. However, carrier mobility deteriorates dramatically with increasing effective mass and thus limits further improvement of thermoelectric performance. Here, the focus is on the importance of modifying the scattering factor (r) to enhance the electrical properties, and it is found that the anisotropic scattering factor enhances the carrier mobility and Seebeck coefficient of anion‐doped n‐type tin selenide crystals along the out‐of‐plane direction, indicating the potential of modifying r to improve electrical properties. Following this strategy, the average dimensionless figure of merit (ZTave) for iodine‐doped SnSe crystals is significantly improved from 0.84 to 1.57 in 300–773 K. The results emphasize the critical role of scattering factor and propose a new perspective for enhancing carrier mobility, providing a novel strategy to optimize thermoelectric performance.
Do large farms make better choices: Evidence from dairy margin coverage program participation patterns
Authors: Yu Jisang , Gabrielyan Georgi T.
Published: March 2023

Risk management has been a centerpiece of U.S. farm policy since the Agricultural Act of 2014. The 2018 Farm Bill authorized the new Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) program, which replaced the Margin Protection Program for Dairy. We study the DMC program by utilizing administrative data from the operation‐level information on program participation. By investigating the participation and choice decisions of dairy operations in the U.S., we find that larger operations are more likely to participate in DMC and to make margin coverage choices that maximize the net returns from the program. In addition, we show that the budgetary consequences of continued consolidation in the dairy industry depend on whether milk production from exiting dairies is absorbed by larger farms alone or is more evenly distributed among the remaining dairies.
Synthesis, optimization, and characterization of silver/gold allied bimetallic from Hippeastrum hybridum (L.) and their ex vivo anti‐acetylcholinesterase activity in rat brain
Authors: Sher Naila , Ahmed Mushtaq , Mushtaq Nadia
Published: March 2023

Nanotechnology, a modern technique, is apprehensive for small‐size nanoparticle (NP) generation via superficial, straightforward, and pharmaceutically modes. The main aim of the current research was to project the development of a green justifiable method to synthesize Ag/Au bimetallic NPs (BNPs) via Hippeastrum hybridum (HH) extract and then to use these BNPs as rat brain anti‐acetylcholinesterase (anti‐AChE) in ex vivo mode. According to the current results, BNPs exhibited a sharp peak of 542 nm when characterized by ultravioet (UV)–visible spectroscopy; Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) analysis exhibited peaks, which confirmed the existence of various phytochemicals in HH plant extract; X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed the crystal BNPs 8.34 nm mean size; scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that BNPs had a square shape with 20‐nm nanomeasures calculated sizes; and energy dispersive X‐ray (EDX) analysis confirmed Ag and Au composition, which was reported to be 12% and 38.26%, respectively. Moreover, the anti‐AChE potential of BNPs was also tested to cure Alzheimer's disease (AD). An excellent anti‐AChE activity was exhibited by BNPs in which AChE exhibited 31 ± 0.22% activity at 150‐μg concentration of BNPs with 103 ± 0.42 μg IC50. Statistical analysis exhibited that BNPs inhibit AChE noncompetitively, Km remain constant, whereas Vmax decreased from 7.24 to 6.1 (18.23% to 31.11%). Ag/Au BNPs do not affect KIapp, while increasing Vmaxiapp from 11.07 to 16 (17.39% to 67.4%). The Km, Ki, and KI were described to be 0.024 mM, 169 μg, and 91 μg, respectively. So, it is concluded that small‐size, stable, potent Ag/Au BNPs were synthesized from HH extract, and consequently, these BNPs significantly inhibit AChE activity in rat brain homogenate and thus prove to be a significant remedy in the treatment of AD.
The global Cenozoic diversification process of tortoises (Testudinidae)
Authors: Oliveira Isabela , Liparini Alexandre , Martinez Pablo A. , Eduardo Anderson A.
Published: March 2023

Great environmental changes may affect the survival capability of a variety of organisms. Testudinidae is the most diverse family of terrestrial chelonians within the whole order (Testudines). Interestingly, however, the number of extinct species overcome the extant ones. In order to understand better how the diversification process of this family occurred, this work used the PyRate software, which estimates both the preservation and diversification processes in a continuous time interval. For such, the software used a list of fossil occurrences obtained from the Paleobiology Database whereas the extant species list was obtained from Catalogue of Life. This way, the software was able to infer the probability of the ancestral clade having resulted in these species during its evolutionary history. The analyses generated graphs containing the diversification, extinction and speciation curves and their respective associated 95% credibility intervals. A great rise in the extinction rate was observed starting 6 million years ago. This rise is believed to be related to the drop of atmospheric CO2 all over the globe at the end of the Miocene, about 8–6 million years ago. This event led to a turnover of the vegetation composition on the warmer areas of the planet, with plants that used C3 metabolism giving way to C4 plants. In terms of landscape, grasses and herbal vegetation, such as savannas, started dominating. As for other animal groups, those herbivores with grazing habits were more successful than those used to only browsing or that did not have enough flexibility of choice.
A mixed method analysis of student satisfaction with active learning techniques in an online graduate anatomy course: Consideration of demographics and previous course enrollment
Authors: Bradley Libby J. , Meyer Kimberly E. , Robertson Taylor C. , Kerr Marcel Satsky , Maddux Scott D. , Heck Amber J. , Reeves Rustin E. , Handler Emma K.
Published: March 2023

Online learning has become an essential part of mainstream higher education. With increasing enrollments in online anatomy courses, a better understanding of effective teaching techniques for the online learning environment is critical. Active learning has previously shown many benefits in face‐to‐face anatomy courses, including increases in student satisfaction. Currently, no research has measured student satisfaction with active learning techniques implemented in an online graduate anatomy course. This study compares student satisfaction across four different active learning techniques (jigsaw, team‐learning module, concept mapping, and question constructing), with consideration of demographics and previous enrollment in anatomy and/or online courses. Survey questions consisted of Likert‐style, multiple‐choice, ranking, and open‐ended questions that asked students to indicate their level of satisfaction with the active learning techniques. One hundred seventy Medical Science master's students completed the online anatomy course and all seven surveys. Results showed that students were significantly more satisfied with question constructing and jigsaw than with concept mapping and team‐learning module. Additionally, historically excluded groups (underrepresented racial minorities) were generally more satisfied with active learning than non‐minority groups. Age, gender, and previous experience with anatomy did not influence the level of satisfaction. However, students with a higher‐grade point average (GPA), those with only a bachelor's degree, and those with no previous online course experience were more satisfied with active learning than students who had a lower GPA, those holding a graduate/professional degree, and those with previous online course experience. Cumulatively, these findings support the beneficial use of active learning in online anatomy courses.
Investigating the impact of disposable surgical face‐masks on face identity and emotion recognition in adults with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Ventura Martina , Innamorato Fiorita , Palmisano Annalisa , Cicinelli Giovanni , Nobile Emanuela , Manippa Valerio , Keller Roberto , Rivolta Davide
Published: March 2023

With the outburst of the COVID‐19 pandemic, disposable surgical face‐masks (DSFMs) have been widely adopted as a preventive measure. DSFMs hide the bottom half of the face, thus making identity and emotion recognition very challenging, both in typical and atypical populations. Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are often characterized by face processing deficits; thus, DSFMs could pose even a greater challenge for this population compared to typically development (TD) individuals. In this study, 48 ASDs of level 1 and 110 TDs underwent two tasks: (i) the Old‐new face memory task, which assesses whether DSFMs affect face learning and recognition, and (ii) the Facial affect task, which explores DSFMs' effect on emotion recognition. Results from the former show that, when faces were learned without DSFMs, identity recognition of masked faces decreased for both ASDs and TDs. In contrast, when faces were first learned with DSFMs, TDs but not ASDs benefited from a “context congruence” effect, that is, faces wearing DSFMs were better recognized if learned wearing DSFMs. In addition, results from the Facial affect task show that DSFMs negatively impacted specific emotion recognition in both TDs and ASDs, although differentially between the two groups. DSFMs negatively affected disgust, happiness and sadness recognition in TDs; in contrast, ASDs performance decreased for every emotion except anger. Overall, our study demonstrates a general, although different, disruptive effect on identity and emotion recognition both in ASD and TD population.
Yolk sac development, function and role in rodent pregnancy
Authors: Ornoy Asher , Miller Richard K.
Published: March 2023

During the early phases of embryonic development, the yolk sac serves as an initial placenta in many animal species. While in some, this role subsides around the end of active organogenesis, it continues to have important functions in rodents, alongside the chorio‐allantoic placenta. The yolk sac is the initial site of hematopoiesis in many animal species including primates. Cells of epiblastic origin form blood islands that are the forerunners of hematopoietic cells and of the primitive endothelial cells that form the vitelline circulation. The yolk sac is also a major route of embryonic and fetal nutrition apparently as long as it functions. In mammals and especially rodents, macro and micronutrients are absorbed by active pinocytosis into the visceral yolk sac, degraded and the degradation products (i.e., amino acids) are then transferred to the embryo. Interference with the yolk sac function may directly reflect on embryonic growth and development, inducing congenital malformations or in extreme damage, causing embryonic and fetal death. In rodents, many agents were found to damage the yolk sac (i.e., anti–yolk sac antibodies or toxic substances interfering with yolk sac pinocytosis) subsequently affecting the embryo/fetus. Often, the damage to the yolk sac is transient while embryonic damage persists. In humans, decreased yolk sac diameter was associated with diabetic pregnancies and increased diameter was associated with pregnancy loss. In addition, culture of rat yolk sacs in serum obtained from pregnant diabetic women or from women with autoimmune diseases induced severe damage to the visceral yolk sac epithelium and embryonic malformations. It can be concluded that as a result of the crucial role of the yolk sac in the well‐being of the early embryo, any damage to its normal function may severely and irreversibly affect further development of the embryo/fetus.
Fully integrated downstream process to enable next‐generation manufacturing
Authors: Ramos Irina , Sharda Nikunj , Villafana Ramon , Hill‐Byrne Kevin , Cai Kang , Pezzini Joanna , Coffman Jon
Published: March 2023

Next‐generation manufacturing (NGM) has evolved over the past decade to a point where large biopharmaceutical organizations are making large investments in the technology and considering implementation in clinical and commercial processes. There are many well‐considered reasons to implement NGM. For the most part, organizations will not fund NGM unless the implementation benefits the funding organization by providing reduced costs, reduced time, or additional needed capabilities. Productivity improvements gained from continuous purification are shown in this work, which used a new system that fully integrates and automates several downstream unit operations of a biopharmaceutical process to provide flexibility and easy implementation of NGM. The equipment and automation needed to support NGM can be complicated and expensive. Biopharmaceutical Process Development considered two options as follows: (1) design its own NGM system or (2) buy a prebuilt system. PAK BioSolutions offers a turn‐key automated and integrated system that can operate up to four continuous purification stages simultaneously, while maintaining a small footprint in the manufacturing plant. The system provides significant cost benefits (~10× lower) compared with the alternative—integration of many different pieces of equipment through a Distributed Control System that would require significant engineering time for design, automation, and integration. Integrated and Continuous Biomanufacturing can lead to significant reductions in facility size, reduced manufacturing costs, and enhanced product quality when compared with the traditional batch mode of operation. The system uses new automation strategies that robustly link unit operations. We present the optimized process fit, sterility and bioburden control strategy, and automation features (such as pH feedback control and in‐line detergent addition), which enabled continuous operation of a 14‐day end‐to‐end monoclonal antibody purification process at the clinical manufacturing scale.
Identification of the anti‐inflammatory quality markers of Chrysanthemi Flos (Juhua) using spectrum–effect relationships combined with bioactivity re‐evaluation
Authors: Liu Dan , Zhu Qianqian , Zhang Lian , Wang Shiqin , Yin Xuan , Wu Shiyu , Wang Bo , Ye Xiaochuan , Nie Jing
Published: March 2023

Chrysanthemi Flos (Juhua), an edible herbal medicine that possesses efficacies of dispersing wind, clearing heat and detoxifying. Studies have demonstrated that the health benefits of Chrysanthemi Flos are largely attributable to its anti‐inflammatory effects. However, the correlation between the compounds monitored by the current quality control methods and the anti‐inflammatory effects of Chrysanthemi Flos is unclear. In order to better control the quality of Chrysanthemi Flos, the identification of anti‐inflammatory quality markers (Q‐markers) of Chrysanthemi Flos was performed. The chemical components of Chrysanthemi Flos were profiled by HPLC fingerprints combined with chemometrics methods. Simultaneously, the anti‐inflammatory activities of 10 batches of water extracts of Chrysanthemi Flos were evaluated in lipopolysaccharide‐activated RAW 264.7 macrophages cells. Gray correlation analysis was performed to assess the relationship between the anti‐inflammatory activity and chemical properties. The results showed that 13 common peaks were closely correlated with the anti‐inflammatory effect, and further bioactivity re‐evaluation confirmed that 10 known compounds exerted a strong anti‐inflammatory effect. The quantitative analysis of the 10 Q‐markers showed that the 25 batches of samples could be discriminated into different zones according to their producing areas. Conclusively, the present work identified 10 anti‐inflammatory Q‐markers of Chrysanthemi Flos using spectrum–effect relationships combined with bioactivity re‐evaluation.
Survival and prognostic factors of early‐stage non‐small cell lung cancer in Central and Eastern Europe: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Sheikh Mahdi , Virani Shama , Robbins Hilary A. , Foretova Lenka , Holcatova Ivana , Janout Vladimir , Lissowska Jolanta , Navratilova Marie , Mukeriya Anush , Ognjanovic Miodrag , Swiatkowska Beata , Zaridze David , Brennan Paul
Published: March 2023

Background

Although early diagnosis and surgical resection of the tumor have been shown to be the most important predictors of lung cancer survival, long‐term survival for surgically‐resected early‐stage lung cancer remains poor.

Aims

In this prospective study we aimed to investigate the survival and prognostic factors of surgically‐resected early‐stage non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in Central and Eastern Europe.

Methods

We recruited 2052 patients with stage I‐IIIA NSCLC from 9 centers in Russia, Poland, Serbia, Czech Republic, and Romania, between 2007–2016 and followed them annually through 2020.

Results

During follow‐up, there were 1121 deaths (including 730 cancer‐specific deaths). Median survival time was 4.9 years, and the 5‐year overall survival was 49.5%. In the multivariable model, mortality was increased among older individuals (HR for each 10‐year increase: 1.31 [95% CI: 1.21–1.42]), males (HR:1.24 [1.04–1.49]), participants with significant weight loss (HR:1.25 [1.03–1.52]), current smokers (HR:1.30 [1.04–1.62]), alcohol drinkers (HR:1.22 [1.03–1.44]), and those with higher stage tumors (HR stage IIIA vs. I: 5.54 [4.10 – 7.48]). However, education, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD), and tumor histology were not associated with risk of death. All baseline indicators of smoking and alcohol drinking showed a dose‐dependent association with the risk of cancer‐specific mortality. This included pack‐years of cigarettes smoked (p‐trend = 0.04), quantity of smoking (p‐trend = 0.008), years of smoking (p‐trend = 0.010), gram‐days of alcohol drank (p‐trend = 0.002), frequency of drinking (p‐trend = 0.006), and years of drinking (p‐trend = 0.016).

Conclusion

This study shows that the 5‐year survival rate of surgically‐resected stage I‐IIIA NSCLC is still around 50% in Central and Eastern Europe. In addition to non‐modifiable prognostic factors, lifetime patterns of smoking and alcohol drinking affected the risk of death and disease progression in a dose‐dependent manner in this population.
Performance of a PLK1‐based immune risk model for prognosis and treatment response prediction in breast cancer
Authors: Chen Yan , You Yiqing , Wu Qiaoling , Wu Jing , Lin Shujing , Sun Yang , Cui Zhaolei
Published: March 2023

Objective

Polo‐like kinase 1 (PLK1), a serine/threonine‐protein kinase, functions as a potent oncogene in the initiation and progression of tumor. The aim of this study is to assess potential correlations between PLK1 expression and immune infiltration in breast cancer (BRCA) and construct a PLK1‐based immune risk model applicable for prognosis and treatment response prediction in BRCA.

Methods

We collected data on PLK1 gene expression in BRCA patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Thereafter, we analyzed the associations of PLK1 expression with immune cell infiltration and immunomodulators, and established a prognostic risk model based on seven PLK1‐associated immunomodulator genes and a nomogram for survival prediction.

Results

BRCA prognosis, clinical stage progression, and tumor classification were all shown to be substantially correlated with PLK1 expression. The PLK1 gene was significantly enriched in T cell and B cell receptors and molecules of the chemokine signaling pathways. Specifically, PLK1 expression was positively correlated with the CD8+ T cell and regulatory T cell (Tregs) activation and negatively correlated with M2 macrophage infiltration. The seven‐genes‐based risk model could serve as an independent prognostic factor of BRCA. The risk model was markedly correlated with the expression of programmed cell death protein 1/programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD‐1/PD‐L1; both p < 0.001) immune checkpoints, and tumor mutation burden (TMB). High‐ and low‐risk BRCA patients identified by the risk model responded differently to anti‐PD‐1 and/or anti‐CTLA4 therapy, as well as common chemotherapy drugs, like cisplatin, paclitaxel, and gemcitabine.

Conclusion

This PLK1‐based immune risk model can effectively predict the prognosis and tumor progression of BRCA, identify gene mutations, and evaluate patient's response toward immunotherapy and chemotherapy regimens.