bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Maturation stage–specific regulation of megakaryopoiesis by pointed-domain Ets proteins
Authors: Pang Liyan , Xue Hai-Hui , Szalai Gabor , Wang Xun , Wang Yuhuan , Watson Dennis K. , Leonard Warren J. , Blobel Gerd A. , Poncz Mortimer
Published: June 2006

Numerous megakaryocyte-specific genes contain signature Ets-binding sites in their regulatory regions. Fli-1 (friend leukemia integration 1), an Ets transcription factor, is required for the normal maturation of megakaryocytes and controls the expression of multiple megakaryocyte-specific genes. However, in Fli-1–/– mice, early megakaryopoiesis persists, and the expression of the early megakaryocyte-specific genes, αIIb and cMpl, is maintained, consistent with functional compensation by a related Ets factor(s). Here we identify the Ets protein GABPα (GA-binding protein α) as a regulator of early megakaryocyte-specific genes. Notably, GABPα preferentially occupies Ets elements of early megakaryocyte-specific genes in vitro and in vivo, whereas Fli-1 binds both early and late megakaryocyte-specific genes. Moreover, the ratio of GABPα/Fli-1 expression declines throughout megakaryocyte maturation. Consistent with this expression pattern, primary fetal liver–derived megakaryocytes from Fli-1–deficient murine embryos exhibit reduced expression of genes associated with late stages of maturation (glycoprotein [GP] Ibα, GPIX, and platelet factor 4 [PF4]), whereas GABPα-deficient megakaryocytes were mostly impaired in the expression of early megakaryocyte-specific genes (αIIb and cMpl). Finally, mechanistic experiments revealed that GABPα, like Fli-1, can impart transcriptional synergy between the hematopoietic transcription factor GATA-1 and its cofactor FOG-1 (friend of GATA-1). In concert, these data reveal disparate, but overlapping, functions of Ets transcription factors at distinct stages of megakaryocyte maturation.
CD32B, the human inhibitory Fc-γ receptor IIB, as a target for monoclonal antibody therapy of B-cell lymphoma
Authors: Rankin Christopher T. , Veri Maria-Concetta , Gorlatov Sergey , Tuaillon Nadine , Burke Steve , Huang Ling , Inzunza H. David , Li Hua , Thomas Shannon , Johnson Syd , Stavenhagen Jeffrey , Koenig Scott , Bonvini Ezio
Published: June 2006

Human CD32B (FcγRIIB), the low-affinity inhibitory receptor for IgG, is the predominant Fc receptor (FcR) present on B cells. Immunohistochemical and expression studies have identified CD32B expression in a variety of B-cell malignancies, suggesting that CD32B is a potential immunotherapeutic target for B-cell malignancies. A high-affinity monoclonal antibody (mAb 2B6), from a novel panel of anti–human CD32B–specific mAbs, was chimerized (ch2B6) and humanized (hu2B6-3.5). Both ch2B6 and hu2B6-3.5 were capable of directing cytotoxicity by peripheral blood mononuclear cells and monocyte-derived macrophages against B-lymphoma lines in vitro. In a human B-cell lymphoma mouse xenograft model, administration of ch2B6 or hu2B6-3.5 reduced tumor growth rate and improved tumor-free survival. Both the in vitro and in vivo activities of 2B6 required an intact Fc, suggesting an FcR-mediated mechanism of action. These data support the hypothesis that CD32B is a viable target for mAb treatment of B-cell lymphoproliferative disorders.
High throughput profile-profile based fold recognition for the entire human proteome
Authors: McGuffin Liam J , Smith Richard T , Bryson Kevin , Sørensen Søren-Aksel , Jones David T
Published: June 2006

Background

In order to maintain the most comprehensive structural annotation databases we must carry out regular updates for each proteome using the latest profile-profile fold recognition methods. The ability to carry out these updates on demand is necessary to keep pace with the regular updates of sequence and structure databases. Providing the highest quality structural models requires the most intensive profile-profile fold recognition methods running with the very latest available sequence databases and fold libraries. However, running these methods on such a regular basis for every sequenced proteome requires large amounts of processing power.

In this paper we describe and benchmark the JYDE (Job Yield Distribution Environment) system, which is a meta-scheduler designed to work above cluster schedulers, such as Sun Grid Engine (SGE) or Condor. We demonstrate the ability of JYDE to distribute the load of genomic-scale fold recognition across multiple independent Grid domains. We use the most recent profile-profile version of our mGenTHREADER software in order to annotate the latest version of the Human proteome against the latest sequence and structure databases in as short a time as possible.

Results

We show that our JYDE system is able to scale to large numbers of intensive fold recognition jobs running across several independent computer clusters. Using our JYDE system we have been able to annotate 99.9% of the protein sequences within the Human proteome in less than 24 hours, by harnessing over 500 CPUs from 3 independent Grid domains.

Conclusion

This study clearly demonstrates the feasibility of carrying out on demand high quality structural annotations for the proteomes of major eukaryotic organisms. Specifically, we have shown that it is now possible to provide complete regular updates of profile-profile based fold recognition models for entire eukaryotic proteomes, through the use of Grid middleware such as JYDE.
An evaluation of indices for quantifying tuberculosis transmission using genotypes of pathogen isolates
Authors: Tanaka Mark M , Phong Renault , Francis Andrew R
Published: June 2006

Background

Infectious diseases are often studied by characterising the population structure of the pathogen using genetic markers. An unresolved problem is the effective quantification of the extent of transmission using genetic variation data from such pathogen isolates.

Methods

It is important that transmission indices reflect the growth of the infectious population as well as account for the mutation rate of the marker and the effects of sampling. That is, while responding to this growth rate, indices should be unresponsive to the sample size and the mutation rate. We use simulation methods taking into account both the mutation and sampling processes to evaluate indices designed to quantify transmission of tuberculosis.

Results

Previously proposed indices generally perform inadequately according to the above criteria, with the partial exception of the recently proposed Transmission-Mutation Index.

Conclusion

Any transmission index needs to take into account mutation of the marker and the effects of sampling. Simple indices are unlikely to capture the full complexity of the underlying processes.
Using the net benefit regression framework to construct cost-effectiveness acceptability curves: an example using data from a trial of external loop recorders versus Holter monitoring for ambulatory monitoring of "community acquired" syncope
Authors: Hoch Jeffrey S , Rockx Marie Antoinette , Krahn Andrew D
Published: June 2006

Background

Cost-effectiveness acceptability curves (CEACs) describe the probability that a new treatment or intervention is cost-effective. The net benefit regression framework (NBRF) allows cost-effectiveness analysis to be done in a simple regression framework. The objective of the paper is to illustrate how net benefit regression can be used to construct a CEAC.

Methods

One hundred patients referred for ambulatory monitoring with syncope or presyncope were randomized to a one-month external loop recorder (n = 49) or 48-hour Holter monitor (n = 51). The primary endpoint was symptom-rhythm correlation during monitoring. Direct costs were calculated based on the 2003 Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) fee schedule combined with hospital case costing of labour, materials, service and overhead costs for diagnostic testing and related equipment.

Results

In the loop recorder group, 63.27% of patients (31/49) had symptom recurrence and successful activation, compared to 23.53% in the Holter group (12/51). The cost in US dollars for loop recording was $648.50 and $212.92 for Holter monitoring. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of the loop recorder was $1,096 per extra successful diagnosis. The probability that the loop recorder was cost-effective compared to the Holter monitor was estimated using net benefit regression and plotted on a CEAC. In a sensitivity analysis, bootstrapping was used to examine the effect of distributional assumptions.

Conclusion

The NBRF is straightforward to use and interpret. The resulting uncertainty surrounding the regression coefficient relates to the CEAC. When the link from the regression's p-value to the probability of cost-effectiveness is tentative, bootstrapping may be used.
Free radical theory of autoimmunity
Authors: Kannan Subburaj
Published: June 2006

Background

Despite great advances in clinical oncology, the molecular mechanisms underlying the failure of chemotherapeutic intervention in treating lymphoproliferative and related disorders are not well understood.

Hypothesis

A hypothetical scheme to explain the damage induced by chemotherapy and associated chronic oxidative stress is proposed on the basis of published literature, experimental data and anecdotal observations. Brief accounts of multidrug resistance, lymphoid malignancy, the cellular and molecular basis of autoimmunity and chronic oxidative stress are assembled to form a basis for the hypothesis and to indicate the likelihood that it is valid in vivo.

Conclusion

The argument set forward in this article suggests a possible mechanism for the development of autoimmunity. According to this view, the various sorts of damage induced by chemotherapy have a role in the pattern of drug resistance, which is associated with the initiation of autoimmunity.
Classroom L2 vocabulary acquisition: investigating the role of pedagogical tasks and form-focused instruction
Authors: de la Fuente Maria J.
Published: June 2006

Framed under a cognitive approach to task-based L2 learning, this study used a pedagogical approach to investigate the effects of three vocabulary lessons (one traditional and two task-based) on acquisition of basic meanings, forms and morphological aspects of Spanish words. Quantitative analysis performed on the data suggests that the type of pedagogical approach had no impact on immediate retrieval (after treatment) of targeted word forms, but it had an impact on long-term retrieval (one week) of targeted forms. In particular, task-based lessons seemed to be more effective than the Presentation, Practice and Production (PPP) lesson. The analysis also suggests that a task-based lesson with an explicit focus-on-forms component was more effective than a task-based lesson that did not incorporate this component in promoting acquisition of word morphological aspects. The results also indicate that the explicit focus on forms component may be more effective when placed at the end of the lesson, when meaning has been acquired. Results are explained in terms of qualitative differences in amounts of focus on form and meaning, type of form-focused instruction provided, and opportunities for on-line targeted output retrieval. The findings of this study provide evidence for the value of a proactive (Doughty and Williams, 1998a) form-focused approach to Task-Based L2 vocabulary learning, especially structure-based production tasks (Ellis, 2003). Overall, they suggest an important role of pedagogical tasks in teaching L2 vocabulary.
Comparison of Body Composition Assessment Methods in Patients with Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Associated Wasting Receiving Growth Hormone
Authors: Esposito John G. , Thomas Scott G. , Kingdon Lori , Ezzat Shereen
Published: June 2006

Context: Bioelectrical impedance spectroscopy (BIS) and skinfold anthropometry (SKF) have been used to monitor body composition among patients with HIV wasting; however, validation of these techniques during recombinant human GH (rhGH) treatment has not been performed.

Objective: Our objective was to evaluate the degree of agreement between criterion measurements of dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and those of BIS and SKF in patients with HIV wasting treated with rhGH.

Design and Setting: We conducted a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, two-period crossover trial at the University of Toronto and Mount Sinai Hospital (Toronto, Canada).

Patients: A referred sample of 27 community-dwelling men with HIV-associated weight loss (≥10% over preceding 12 months) despite optimal antiretroviral therapy participated in the study.

Intervention: Intervention was one daily injection of rhGH (6 mg) or placebo self-administered for 3 months in a crossover fashion with a 3-month washout.

Main Outcome Measures: Fat-free mass (FFM) and fat mass (FM) were measured by BIS, SKF, and DXA before and after rhGH and placebo treatment.

Results: FFMBIS was not significantly different from FFMDXA after rhGH treatment (P = 0.10). Mean differences (bias ± sd) according to Bland-Altman analysis were smaller for SKF than for BIS (P < 0.05) at all time points, yet treatment-induced change in FM was better detected with BIS than with SKF. BIS estimates of FFM and FM showed better agreement with those of DXA after rhGH treatment (1.6 ± 4.6 kg and −2.1 ± 3.9 kg) compared with baseline (3.8 ± 3.5 kg and −4.1 ± 3.6 kg) and placebo (2.7 ± 4.4 kg and −3.1 ± 4.6) (P < 0.05). BIS overestimated and SKF underestimated the treatment-induced changes in FFM and FM.

Conclusions: SKF was more accurate than BIS when measuring body composition in patients with HIV wasting before and after rhGH treatment; nonetheless, the accuracy of BIS increased after treatment. Change in FM because of treatment was not accurately assessed with SKF.
Another Glance through the Historian's Lens: Testimonies in the Study of Health and Medicine in the Ghetto
Authors: Ofer Dalia
Published: June 2006

The essay addresses the issues of health and medicine in the ghettos of eastern Europe, emphasizing the centrality of oral testimonies and memoirs to historical analysis. It opens with some general remarks on Holocaust testimonies and then moves on to a discussion of medicine in the ghettos. It first deals with the state of public health and medicine there, which was shaped by both the community's medical experience and the catastrophic results of the Nazi policy of starvation, persecution, terror, and killing. More than any other factor in ghetto life, public health and medicine represented the coalescence of the private and public spheres. What reinforced the meshing of private and public health was the “work as rescue” strategy, adopted by some Jewish Judenräte (ghetto administrative councils), on the assumption that the Nazis would not kill the workers they needed. As a result, the physical ability of ghetto residents to work became a central interest of the ghetto's Jewish authorities: a health department was established in all large and medium-sized ghettos.

Documentation kept in the ghetto archives provided information about health services. Reports from clinics and hospitals on disease and mortality were included in Judenräte statistical bulletins. However, much of the activity of these health departments and doctors had to be concealed from the German authorities and thus is not reflected in formal ghetto records. Some information can be gleaned from the few surviving diaries and underground sources. Oral testimonies and memoirs not only fill in missing information but also contribute insights into the activities and efforts of the medical services. They are also centrally important for understanding the wider significance of these human efforts and their successes and failures in times of extreme crisis.
Engineering at the Centre for Alternative Technology
Authors: Brown K.
Published: June 2006

From the early days of experimental windmills and inter-seasonal solar heat stores to today's water-balanced cliff railway, wood chip burner and award-winning rammed earth construction, the Centre for Alternative Technology's (CAT) knowledge-sharing ethos has always helped to push sustainable technologies towards the mainstream. This paper covers three decades of engineering innovations at the CAT and looks toward future methods for renewably meeting our energy demands or, rather, making our energy demands meet the renewable solutions.
Positive Responses to Benefit and Harm: Bringing Forgiveness and Gratitude Into Cognitive Psychotherapy
Authors: Bono Giacomo , McCullough Michael E.
Published: June 2006

Forgiveness and gratitude represent positive psychological responses to interpersonal harms and benefits that individuals have experienced. In the present article we first provide a brief review of the research that has shown forgiveness and gratitude to be related to various measures of physical and psychological well-being. We then review the empirical findings regarding the cognitive and affective substrates of forgiveness and gratitude. We also offer a selective review of some of the interventions that appear to be effective in encouraging forgiveness and gratitude. To conclude, we suggest some ways in which the insights from the basic research on promoting forgiveness and gratitude might be meaningfully integrated into cognitive psychotherapy.
On the Integration of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Depression and Positive Psychology
Authors: Karwoski Leslie , Garratt Genevieve M. , Ilardi Stephen S.
Published: June 2006

Cognitive-behavior therapy (CBT) has received extensive empirical support as an efficacious intervention for the acute treatment of major depressive disorder and the prevention of depressive relapse. Nevertheless, many patients do not respond favorably to CBT, and the specific active ingredients of CBT remain unclear. With its emphasis on identifying and cultivating individual strengths, however, positive psychology appears to have considerable potential to enhance the efficacy of CBT and to help clarify the processes that mediate its salubrious effects. We outline existing areas of conceptual and technical overlap between CBT and positive psychology, and discuss how CBT may be extended and improved through the incorporation of positive psychological principles.
Self-Criticism and Self-Warmth: An Imagery Study Exploring Their Relation to Depression
Authors: Gilbert Paul , Baldwin Mark W. , Irons Chris , Baccus Jodene R. , Palmer Michelle
Published: June 2006

When things go wrong for people, those who are self-critical, compared to those who self-reassure, are at increased risk of psychopathology. However, little is known of the internal processes involved in self-criticism and self-reassurance, such as the ease of eliciting critical imagery, and the power, emotion and vividness of self-criticalness and self-reassurance. This study used a self-imagery task to investigate trait self-criticism and trait self-reassurance in relation to the ease and clarity of generating self-critical and self-reassuring images, and the felt power and emotion of self-critical and self-reassuring imagery. We also explored these in relation to depressive symptoms in students. Results suggested that trait self-criticism is associated with ease and clarity in generating hostile and powerful self-critical images, while trait self-reassurance is associated with ease and clarity of generating warm and supportive images of the self. Data analysis using structural equation models also suggests that difficulties in generating self-reassurance and compassionate images about the self with self-directed warmth, may also contribute to depressive symptoms. Thus self-critics may not only suffer for elevated negative feelings about the self but may also struggle to be able to generate self-supportive images and feelings for the self, and these difficulties could be a focus of therapeutic interventions.
Screen Time, Sociodemographic Factors, and Psychological Well-Being Among Young Children
Authors: Kwon Soyang , Armstrong Bridget , Wetoska Nina , Capan Selin
Published: March 2024

Importance

Young children’s screen time increased during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020, but it is unknown whether their screen time returned to prepandemic levels in 2021. Knowledge of the relationship between screen time and child development and health will inform prevention and intervention targets and strategies.

Objective

To evaluate screen time by family income and race and ethnicity in the prepandemic (ie, 2018, 2019) and pandemic (ie, 2020, 2021) periods and to examine the relationship between screen time and psychological well-being among young children in the US.

Design, Setting, and Participants

Cross-sectional population-based web or mail survey study of 2018-2021 National Survey of Children’s Health participants aged 6 months to 5 years.

Exposure

Daily screen time (<1, 1, 2, 3, or ≥4 h/d) reported by participants’ primary caregivers.

Main outcomes and Measures

Flourishing and externalizing behaviors, as indicators of psychological well-being. All analyses were weighted, accounting for the complex survey sample design.

Results

Of the 48 775 participants (50.7% female), the proportion of those with high screen time (defined as ≥1 h/d for children aged 6 months-1 year and ≥2 h/d for children aged 2-5 years) was 48.5% (95% CI, 46.3%-50.7%) in 2018, 49.2% (95% CI, 47.0%-51.5%) in 2019, 55.3% (95% CI, 53.4%-57.2%) in 2020, and 50.0% (95% CI, 48.3%-51.6%) in 2021. Among children living in poverty (federal poverty level <100%), the proportion of those with high screen time was 48.7% (95% CI, 42.8%-54.6%) in 2018, 52.0% (95% CI, 45.4%-58.6%) in 2019, 60.9% (95% CI, 55.4%-66.4%) in 2020, and 58.9% (53.7%-64.1%) in 2021. Adjusted odds ratio of flourishing was 0.66 (95% CI, 0.51-0.85), 0.81 (95% CI, 0.66-0.99), 0.68 (95% CI, 0.52-0.88), and 0.53 (95% CI, 0.42-0.69) for less than 1, 2, 3, and 4 or more hours per day vs 1 hour per day of screen time, respectively, among children aged 3 to 5 years. No association between screen time and flourishing was found among children aged 6 months to 2 years. An adjusted externalizing behavior score was higher by 0.2 points (95% CI, −0.1 to 0.5), 0.5 points (95% CI, 0.3 to 0.8), 1.3 points (95% CI, 1.0 to 1.6), and 2.1 points (95% CI, 1.7 to 2.5) for less than 1, 2, 3, and 4 or more hours per day vs 1 hour per day of screen time, respectively, among children aged 3 to 5 years.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this multiyear cross-sectional study of a representative sample of young children in the US, the increased prevalence of high screen time in 2020 returned to prepandemic levels in 2021; however, it remained elevated in children living in poverty. Two hours or more of daily screen time was associated with lower psychological well-being among preschool-aged children.
Self‐Portrait with Burned Weapon: The Wound That Does Not Heal
Authors: Dorrian Mark
Published: March 2024

Setting aside organic metaphors of growth and maturation, architect and author Mark Dorrian addresses the ‘early work’ by attending to Lebbeus Woods's descriptively yet evocatively named Black Notebooks. Turning his mind's eye to the Notebooks as a record of the interior struggles of their author – as spiritual diaries – he takes on the symbolism of the wound that must be suffered, and finds much that sheds light on the younger Woods and on his lasting ambitions for architecture.
Post‐Apocalypse: The ‘Ring’ Cycle
Authors: Gleiter Jörg H
Published: March 2024

In the late 1970s, Lebbeus Woods embarked on an ambitious project: to depict Richard Wagner's The Ring Cycle. Jörg H Gleiter, Professor of Architectural Theory at the Technical University Berlin, takes us through the intersected worlds of music, drama and visual expression, suggesting that both Wagner and Woods are critics of Enlightenment. Exploitation of Earth, greed and envy are the beginning of the End, for Wagner. A century later, Woods extends this negative mythology.
Exit Velocity: Einstein Tomb
Authors: Becker Joseph
Published: March 2024

As the 1970s faded, Lebbeus Woods set about memorialising the great theoretical physicist Albert Einstein and his theory of relativity. A cosmic scale and an anti‐gravity mode of this visual and poetic remembrance is embodied in his Einstein Tomb project. Joseph Becker, Associate Curator of Architecture and Design at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, articulates its evolution, marrying Woods's cyclic epistemology with the quadripartite mandala form.
Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence Emitters Based on Rigid Lactam Acceptors: Simultaneously Achieving Desirable Emission Efficiency, Horizontal Orientation, and Reverse Intersystem Crossing
Authors: Wu Ze‐Ling , Sun Yu‐Fu , Lv Xin , Zhang Dong‐Hai , Zhou Liang , Meng Lingyi , Chen Xu‐Lin , Lu Can‐Zhong
Published: March 2024

Thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) materials that exhibit simultaneously high photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY), rapid reverse intersystem crossing (RISC), and a high horizontal transition dipole ratio are highly desirable for realizing high‐performance organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs). However, achieving this goal remains a formidable challenge due to the stringent molecular design principles involved. Herein, three highly efficient TADF materials based on lactam‐type electron‐acceptors are reported. The inherent rigidity and planar structure of lactam units, along with the ordered molecular arrangement in solid states, contribute to the reduction of nonradiative decay and the high horizontal transition dipole ratio in the optimized TADF emitters. Moreover, through precise control of the alignment of the lowest excited states by adjusting the charge transfer strength, the rate constants for reverse intersystem crossing (kRISC) are dramatically boosted. Consequently, the two optimized emitters exhibit outstanding merits of ultra‐high PLQYs (98% and 99%), high horizontal transition dipole ratios (91% and 87%), and fast RISC (kRISC ≈ 1.7 ×  106 s−1). Thanks to these merits, the doped OLEDs achieve excellent performance. The top‐performing device achieve a maximum external quantum efficiency of 34.3%, a peak luminance of 57376 cd m−2, and small efficiency roll‐off.
Laser‐Guided Self‐Assembly of Thin Films into Micro‐Rolls
Authors: Chen Yi , Tan Min , Yang Rongliang , Lee Connie Kong Wai , Zhong Haosong , Xu Yang , Huang Yangyi , Tang Miao , Li Mitch Guijun
Published: March 2024

Advanced manufacturing techniques offer tremendous potential in electronics, photonics, and biomedicine. Self‐assembly is a powerful strategy for creating three‐dimensional (3D) artificial structures, but existing thin film release techniques have limitations in the relatively complex processes. Herein, a localized laser scribing strategy is proposed to guide the self‐assembly of two‐dimensional thin films into 3D microstructures. It is revealed that laser‐induced heating and momentum can release thin films and roll them into various microstructures. Uniquely, this method allows accurate control of shapes, curvatures, orientations, and sizes for the fabricated rolls. This is a one‐step strategy with no pre‐patterning or post‐drying required. The proposed method represents a significant improvement over existing self‐assembly techniques and may enrich the thin film self‐assembly materials and applications. As proof of concept, the prepared gold micro‐rolls are demonstrated as implanted stents in porcine arteries with impressive flexibility. This study provides a new approach to creating 3D microstructures with simplicity and high repeatability and has significant implications for the future of advanced manufacturing, especially in emerging miniaturized applications, such as invasive robotics, minimized drug delivery, implanted batteries, and nanophotonics.
Perovskite Quantum Dots for the Next‐Generation Displays: Progress and Prospect
Authors: Shan Qingsong , Dong Yuhui , Xiang Hengyang , Yan Danni , Hu Tianjun , Yuan Beichen , Zhu Hong , Wang Yifei , Zeng Haibo
Published: March 2024

The “Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2023” is awarded to Moungi G. Bawendi, Louis E. Brus, and Alexey I. Yekimov for discovering and synthesizing Quantum Dots (QDs). Colloidal QDs possess fascinating size‐, morphological‐, composition‐, and assembly‐tunable electronic and optical properties, which makes them star materials for various optoelectronic applications, especially as luminescent materials for next‐generation wide color gamut ultra‐high‐definition displays. Perovskite QDs (PQDs) have gained widespread attention in recent years. In less than ten years, research on perovskite‐related materials and devices has basically been perfected in terms of quantum yield and external quantum efficiency (EQE). However, on the eve of its industrial application, some key technical indicators and technical processes need to be met and resolved. The development and transformation of QD materials and then focuses on the progress of luminescence linewidth and EQE of the PQD light‐emitting diode. Finally, several application avenues are reviewed for PQDs, and some challenges and opportunities in the field are proposed.
In‐Operando Spatiotemporal Imaging of Coupled Film‐Substrate Elastodynamics During an Insulator‐to‐Metal Transition
Authors: Stone Greg , Shi Yin , Jerry Matthew , Stoica Vladimir , Paik Hanjong , Cai Zhonghou , Schlom Darrell G. , Engel‐Herbert Roman , Datta Suman , Wen Haidan , Chen Long‐Qing , Gopalan Venkatraman
Published: March 2024

The drive toward non‐von Neumann device architectures has led to an intense focus on insulator‐to‐metal (IMT) and the converse metal‐to‐insulator (MIT) transitions. Studies of electric field‐driven IMT in the prototypical VO2 thin‐film channel devices are largely focused on the electrical and elastic responses of the films, but the response of the corresponding TiO2 substrate is often overlooked, since it is nominally expected to be electrically passive and elastically rigid. Here, in‐operando spatiotemporal imaging of the coupled elastodynamics using X‐ray diffraction microscopy of a VO2 film channel device on TiO2 substrate reveals two new surprises. First, the film channel bulges during the IMT, the opposite of the expected shrinking in the film undergoing IMT. Second, a microns thick proximal layer in the substrate also coherently bulges accompanying the IMT in the film, which is completely unexpected. Phase‐field simulations of coupled IMT, oxygen vacancy electronic dynamics, and electronic carrier diffusion incorporating thermal and strain effects suggest that the observed elastodynamics can be explained by the known naturally occurring oxygen vacancies that rapidly ionize (and deionize) in concert with the IMT (MIT). Fast electrical‐triggering of the IMT via ionizing defects and an active “IMT‐like” substrate layer are critical aspects to consider in device applications.
Fabrication and Characterization of Electrically Conductive 3D Printable TPU/MWCNT Filaments for Strain Sensing in Large Deformation Conditions
Authors: Koohbor Behrad , Xue Wei , Uddin Kazi Z. , Youssef George , Nerbetski Daniel , Steiger Bradley , Kenney Joseph , Yarem Dana
Published: March 2024

This study investigates the development of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) filaments incorporating multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) to enhance strain‐sensing capabilities. Various MWCNT reinforcement ratios are used to produce customized feedstock for fused filament fabrication (FFF) 3D printing. Mechanical properties and the piezoresistive response of samples printed with these multifunctional filaments are concurrently evaluated. Surface morphology and microstructural observations reveal that higher MWCNT weight percentages increase filament surface roughness and rigidity. The microstructural modifications directly influence the tensile strength and strain energy of the printed samples. The study identifies an apparent percolation threshold within the 10–12 wt.% MWCNT range, indicating the formation of a conductive network. At this threshold, higher gauge factors are achieved at lower strains. A newly introduced Electro‐Mechanical Sensitivity Ratio (ESR) parameter enables the classification of composite behaviors into two distinct zones, offering the ability to tailor self‐sensing structures with on‐demand properties. Finally, flexible structures with proven application in soft robotics and shape morphing are fabricated and tested at different loading conditions to demonstrate the potential applicability of the custom filaments produced. The results highlight a pronounced piezoresistive response and superior load‐bearing performance in the examined structures.
An In‐Depth Investigation of the Combined Optoelectronic and Photovoltaic Properties of Lead‐Free Cs2AgBiBr6 Double Perovskite Solar Cells Using DFT and SCAPS‐1D Frameworks
Authors: Uddin M. Shihab , Hossain M. Khalid , Uddin Md Borhan , Toki Gazi F. I. , Ouladsmane Mohamed , Rubel Mirza H. K. , Tishkevich Daria I. , Sasikumar P. , Haldhar Rajesh , Pandey Rahul
Published: March 2024

In the backdrop of today's environmental priorities, where toxicity and stability hinder lead‐based perovskite solar cell (PSC) progress, the emergence of lead‐free alternatives like Cs2AgBiBr6 perovskites has gained significance. This study revolves around the comprehensive evaluation of Cs2AgBiBr6 as a potential photovoltaic (PV) material, using density functional theory (DFT) calculations with CASTEP. Revealing a vital bandgap of 1.654 eV and emphasizing the contributions of Ag‐4d and Br‐4p orbitals, this analysis also underscores Ag atoms' dominance in charge distribution. Optically, Cs2AgBiBr6 exhibits UV absorption peaks around 15 eV, intensifying with photon energy up to 3.75 eV, hinting at its promise for solar applications. Guided by DFT, forty configurations involving various electron transport layers (ETLs) and hole transport layers (HTLs) are explored. Among these, CNTS emerges as the prime HTL due to ideal absorber alignment. The spotlight architecture, FTO/AZnO/Cs2AgBiBr6/CNTS/Au, boasts exceptional efficiency (23.5%), Voc (1.38 V), Jsc (21.38 mA cm−2), and FF (79.9%). In contrast, FTO/CdZnS/Cs2AgBiBr6/CNTS/Au achieves a slightly lower 23.15% efficiency. Real‐world intricacies are probed, encompassing resistances, temperature, current–voltage (J–V) traits, and quantum efficiency (QE), enhancing practical relevance. These findings are thoughtfully contextualized within prior literature, showcasing the study's contributions to non‐toxic, inorganic perovskite solar technology. This work aspires to positively steer sustainable PV advancement.
Direct Observation of Semimetal Contact Induced Charge Doping and Strain Effect in CVD‐Grown Monolayer MoS2 Transistors
Authors: Feng Xuewei , Yu Zhi Gen , Guo Haoyue , Li Yida , Zhang Yong‐Wei , Ang Kah‐Wee
Published: March 2024

Two‐dimensional Materials (2DMs) offer significant promise for advancing device miniaturization and extending Moore's law. Despite the challenges posed by high contact resistance in transistors, recent discoveries highlight semimetals as an effective approach for achieving ohmic contact with near‐quantum‐limit contact resistance. The energy band hybridization between semimetal and MoS2 is found to create degenerate states and heavily doped contact, which is proposed as the underlying mechanism responsible for reducing contact resistance. However, a quantitative and comprehensive characterization of the semimetal‐MoS2 interface is lacking, leaving the physical interactions elusive. This study reveals that semimetals induce n‐type doping and tensile strain in monolayer MoS2 grown using CVD, which serve as the contact resistance and mobility boosters. Among the semimetals investigated, including Bismuth (Bi), Antimony (Sb), and their alloy, Bi results in the highest electron doping of 2 × 1013 cm−2 and a 0.5% tensile strain, leading to reduced contact resistance and enhanced mobility. First‐principles calculations and spectroscopy measurements unveil the impact of electron doping and strain in MoS2, and the thermal effects are subsequently explored. This research underscores the potential of semimetals in boosting device performance and lays the foundation for reducing contact resistance in transistors made from 2D materials.
Electrolyte Additive for Interfacial Engineering of Lithium and Zinc Metal Anodes
Authors: Wang Guanyao , Zhang Qian‐Kui , Zhang Xue‐Qiang , Lu Jun , Pei Chengang , Min Donghyun , Huang Jia‐Qi , Park Ho Seok
Published: March 2024

Electrolytes play a crucial role in facilitating the ionic movement between cathode and anode, which is essential for the flow of electric current during the charging and discharging process of the rechargeable batteries. In particular, electrolyte additives are considered as effective and economical approaches into the advancements of the battery technologies in both the conventional non‐aqueous and burgeoning aqueous electrolyte systems. Herein, a systematic and comprehensive review of the electrolyte additives is reported for the interfacial engineering of Li and Zn metal anodes in the non‐aqueous and aqueous electrolytes, respectively. The types of electrolyte additives and their corresponding functionalities for the protection of these two metal anodes are discussed along with the electrochemical features of solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) derived from electrolyte additives. The recent progress on electrolyte additives for these two battery systems are also addressed from the perspectives of electrode, electrolyte, and the associated SEI. Finally, the outlook and perspective on the current issues and future directions in the field of electrolyte additive engineering are presented for next‐generation battery technologies beyond the conventional Li‐ion batteries.
Matrix‐Product State Approach to the Generalized Nuclear Pairing Hamiltonian
Authors: Rausch Roman , Plorin Cassian , Peschke Matthias , Karrasch Christoph
Published: March 2024

It is shown that from the point of view of the generalized pairing Hamiltonian, the atomic nucleus is a system with small entanglement and can thus be described efficiently using a 1D tensor network (matrix‐product state) despite the presence of long‐range interactions. The ground state can be obtained using the density‐matrix renormalization group (DMRG) algorithm, which is accurate up to machine precision even for large nuclei, is numerically as cheap as the widely used Bardeen‐Cooper‐Schrieffer (BCS) approach, and does not suffer from any mean‐field artifacts. This framework is applied to compute the even‐odd mass differences of all known lead isotopes from to in a very large configuration space of 13 shells between the neutron magic numbers 82 and 184 (i.e., two major shells) and find good agreement with the experiment. Pairing with non‐zero angular momentum is also considered and the lowest excited states in the full configuration space of one major shell is determined, which is demonstrated for the , isotones. To demonstrate the capabilities of the method beyond low‐lying excitations, the first 100 excited states of with singlet pairing and the two‐neutron removal spectral function of are calculated, which relate to a two‐neutron pickup experiment.
Visualizing and Regulating Dynamic Evolution of Interfacial Electrolyte Configuration during De‐solvation Process on Lithium‐Metal Anode
Authors: Wang Junhao , Luo Jing , Wu Haichuan , Yu Xiaoyu , Wu Xiaohong , Li Zhengang , Luo Haiyan , Zhang Haitang , Hong Yuhao , Zou Yeguo , Cao Shuohui , Qiao Yu , Sun Shi‐Gang
Published: March 2024

Acting as a passive protective layer, solid‐electrolyte interphase (SEI) plays a crucial role in maintaining the stability of the Li‐metal anode. Derived from the reductive decomposition of electrolytes (e.g., anion and solvent), the SEI construction presents as an interfacial process accompanied by the dynamic de‐solvation process during Li‐metal plating. However, typical electrolyte engineering and related SEI modification strategies always ignore the dynamic evolution of electrolyte configuration at the Li/electrolyte interface, which essentially determines the SEI architecture. Herein, by employing advanced electrochemical in situ FT‐IR and MRI technologies, we directly visualize the dynamic variations of solvation environments involving Li+‐solvent/anion. Remarkably, a weakened Li+‐solvent interaction and anion‐lean interfacial electrolyte configuration have been synchronously revealed, which is difficult for the fabrication of anion‐derived SEI layer. Moreover, as a simple electrochemical regulation strategy, pulse protocol was introduced to effectively restore the interfacial anion concentration, resulting in an enhanced LiF‐rich SEI layer and improved Li‐metal plating/stripping reversibility.
Polymer Dots with Delayed Fluorescence and Tunable Cellular Uptake for Photodynamic Therapy and Time‐Gated Imaging
Authors: Luppi Bruno T. , Primrose William L. , Hudson Zachary M.
Published: March 2024

By combining bioimaging and photodynamic therapy (PDT), it is possible to treat cancer through a theranostic approach with targeted action for minimum invasiveness and side effects. Thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) probes have gained recent interest in theranostics due to their ability to generate singlet oxygen (1O2) while providing delayed emission that can be used in time‐gated imaging. However, it is still challenging to design systems that simultaneously show (1) high contrast for imaging, (2) low dark toxicity but high phototoxicity and (3) tunable biological uptake. Here, we circumvent shortcomings of TADF systems by designing block copolymers and their corresponding semiconducting polymer dots (Pdots) that encapsulate a TADF dye in the core and expose an additional boron‐dipyrromethene (BODIPY) oxygen sensitizer in the corona. This architecture provides orange‐red luminescent particles (ΦPL up to 18 %) that can efficiently promote PDT (1O2 QY=42 %) of HeLa cells with very low photosensitizer loading (IC50 ~0.05–0.13 μg/mL after 30 min). Additionally, we design Pdots with tunable cellular uptake but similar PDT efficiencies using either polyethylene glycol or guanidinium‐based coronas. Finally, we demonstrate that these Pdots can be used for time‐gated imaging to effectively filter out background fluorescence from biological samples and improve image contrast.
A Universal and Programmable Platform based on Fluorescent Peptide‐Conjugated Probes for Detection of Proteins in Organelles of Living Cells
Authors: Wu Xia , Hu Jing‐Jing , Duan Chong , Liu Rui , Xia Fan , Lou Xiaoding
Published: March 2024

Realizing protein analysis in organelles of living cells is of great significance for developing diagnostic and therapeutic methods of diseases. Fluorescent‐labeled antibodies with well imaging performance and high affinity are classical biochemical tools for protein analysis, while due to the inability to effectively enter into cells, not to mention organelles and the uncontrollable reaction sites that might cause antibodies inactivation when chemically modification, they are hard to apply to living cells. Inspired by the structure of fluorescent‐labeled antibodies, we designed as a universal detection platform that was based on the peptide‐conjugated probes (PCPs) and consisted of three parts: a) a rotor type fluorescent molecular scaffold for conjugation and signal output; b) the cell penetration protein recognition unit; c) the subcellular organelle targeting unit. In living cells, PCPs could firstly localize at organelles and then proceed protein specific recognition, thus jointly leading to the restriction of twisted intramolecular charge transfer and activation of fluorescence signal. As a proof‐of‐concept, six different proteins in three typical intracellular organelles could be detected by our platform through simply replacing the recognition sequence of proteins and matching organelle targeting units. The position and intensity of fluorescence signals demonstrated specificity of PCPs and universality of the platform.
Metal‐Free Catalytic Formation of a Donor‐Acceptor‐Donor Molecule and Its Lewis Acid‐Adduct Singlet Diradical with High‐Efficient NIR‐II Photothermal Conversion
Authors: Kong Shanshan , Yang Liming , Sun Quanchun , Wang Tao , Pei Runbo , Zhao Yue , Wang Wenqing , Zhao Yu , Cui Haiyan , Gu Xinggui , Wang Xinping
Published: March 2024

We have synthesized a quinone‐incorporated bistriarylamine donor‐acceptor‐donor (D–A–D) semiconductor 1 by B(C6F5)3 (BCF) catalyzed C−H/C−H cross coupling via radical ion pair intermediates. Coordination of Lewis acids BCF and Al(ORF)3 (RF=C(CF3)3) to the semiconductor 1 afforded diradical zwitterions 2 and 3 by integer electron transfer. Upon binding to Lewis acids, the LUMO energy of 1 is significantly lowered and the band gap of the semiconductor is significantly narrowed from 1.93 eV (1) to 1.01 eV (2) and 1.06 eV (3). 2 and 3 are rare near‐infrared (NIR) diradical dyes with broad absorption both centered around 1500 nm. By introducing a photo BCF generator, 2 can be generated by light‐dependent control. Furthermore, the integer electron transfer process can also be reversibly regulated via the addition of CH3CN. In addition, the temperature of 2 sharply increased and reached as high as 110 °C in 10 s upon the irradiation of near‐infrared‐II (NIR‐II) laser (1064 nm, 0.7 W cm−2), exhibiting a fast response to laser. It displays excellent photothermal stability with a photothermal (PT) conversion efficiency of 62.26 % and high‐quality PT imaging.
Silver‐Enabled Cycloaddition of Bicyclobutanes with Isocyanides for the Synthesis of Polysubstituted 3‐Azabicyclo[3.1.1]heptanes
Authors: Liang Yujie , Nematswerani Ronewa , Daniliuc Constantin G. , Glorius Frank
Published: March 2024

Synthesis of bicyclic scaffolds has emerged as an important research topic in modern drug development because they can serve as saturated bioisosters to enhance the physicochemical properties and metabolic profiles of drug candidates. Here we report a remarkably simple silver‐enabled strategy to access polysubstituted 3‐azabicyclo[3.1.1]heptanes in a single operation from readily accessible bicyclobutanes (BCBs) and isocyanides. The process is proposed to involve a formal (3+3)/(3+2)/retro‐(3+2) cycloaddition sequence. This novel protocol allows for rapid generation of molecular complexity from simple starting materials, and the products can be easily derivatized, further enriching the BCB cycloaddition chemistry and the growing set of valuable sp3‐rich bicyclic building blocks.
Strain‐Promoted Cycloadditions in Lipid Bilayers Triggered by Liposome Fusion
Authors: Jumeaux Coline , Spicer Christopher D. , Charchar Patrick , Howes Philip D. , Holme Margaret N. , Ma Li , Rose Nicholas C. , Nabarro Joe , Fascione Martin A. , Rashid M. Harunur , Yarovsky Irene , Stevens Molly M.
Published: March 2024

Due to the variety of roles served by the cell membrane, its composition and structure are complex, making it difficult to study. Bioorthogonal reactions, such as the strain promoted azide‐alkyne cycloaddition (SPAAC), are powerful tools for exploring the function of biomolecules in their native environment but have been largely unexplored within the context of lipid bilayers. Here, we developed a new approach to study the SPAAC reaction in liposomal membranes using azide‐ and strained alkyne‐functionalized Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) dye pairs. This study represents the first characterization of the SPAAC reaction between diffusing molecules inside liposomal membranes. Potential applications of this work include in situ bioorthogonal labeling of membrane proteins, improved understanding of membrane dynamics and fluidity, and the generation of new probes for biosensing assays.