bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Monolithic All‐Perovskite Tandem Solar Cells with Minimized Optical and Energetic Losses
Authors: Datta Kunal , Wang Junke , Zhang Dong , Zardetto Valerio , Remmerswaal Willemijn H. M. , Weijtens Christ H. L. , Wienk Martijn M. , Janssen René A. J.
Published: December 2021

Perovskite‐based multijunction solar cells are a potentially cost‐effective technology that can help surpass the efficiency limits of single‐junction devices. However, both mixed‐halide wide‐bandgap perovskites and lead‐tin narrow‐bandgap perovskites suffer from non‐radiative recombination due to the formation of bulk traps and interfacial recombination centers which limit the open‐circuit voltage of sub‐cells and consequently of the integrated tandem. Additionally, the complex optical stack in a multijunction solar cell can lead to losses stemming from parasitic absorption and reflection of incident light which aggravates the current mismatch between sub‐cells, thereby limiting the short‐circuit current density of the tandem. Here, an integrated all‐perovskite tandem solar cell is presented that uses surface passivation strategies to reduce non‐radiative recombination at the perovskite‐fullerene interfaces, yielding a high open‐circuit voltage. By using optically benign transparent electrode and charge‐transport layers, absorption in the narrow‐bandgap sub‐cell is improved, leading to an improvement in current‐matching between sub‐cells. Collectively, these strategies allow the development of a monolithic tandem solar cell exhibiting a power‐conversion efficiency of over 23%.
Physical Implementation of Reservoir Computing through Electrochemical Reaction
Authors: Kan Shaohua , Nakajima Kohei , Asai Tetsuya , Akai‐Kasaya Megumi
Published: December 2021

Nonlinear dynamical systems serving reservoir computing enrich the physical implementation of computing systems. A method for building physical reservoirs from electrochemical reactions is provided, and the potential of chemical dynamics as computing resources is shown. The essence of signal processing in such systems includes various degrees of ionic currents which pass through the solution as well as the electrochemical current detected based on a multiway data acquisition system to achieve switchable and parallel testing. The results show that they have respective advantages in periodic signals and temporal dynamic signals. Polyoxometalate molecule in the solution increases the diversity of the response current and thus improves their abilities to predict periodic signals. Conversely, distilled water exhibits great computing power in solving a second‐order nonlinear problem. It is expected that these results will lead to further exploration of ionic conductance as a nonlinear dynamical system and provide more support for novel devices as computing resources.
Thickness and Morphology Dependent Electrical Properties of ALD‐Synthesized MoS2FETs
Authors: Mahlouji Reyhaneh , Verheijen Marcel A. , Zhang Yue , Hofmann Jan P. , Kessels Wilhelmus. M. M.(Erwin) , Bol Ageeth A.
Published: December 2021

MoS2is a layered 2D semiconductor with thickness‐dependent electrical properties. Often, 6–12 nm of MoS2are advised to be used as the channel material in field‐effect transistors (FETs) for achieving an optimal device electrical performance. However, this notion is based on exfoliated MoS2flakes that cannot be employed for large‐area and wafer‐scale applications. In this work, the thickness‐dependent electrical properties of atomic layer deposition (ALD)‐based MoS2FETs are studied. A two‐step approach is used for the synthesis of MoS2, wherein large‐area and thickness‐controlled MoOxfilms are initially grown using plasma‐enhanced (PE‐)ALD and subsequently sulfurized in H2S gas. The number of MoOxPE‐ALD cycles is varied systematically to obtain MoS2films with a thickness range of 1–10 nm. Current–voltage (I–V) characterization of the fabricated MoS2FETs with various channel thicknesses reveals that ≈1.2 nm MoS2suffices in attaining the best device electrical performance. Scanning transmission electron microscopy imaging elucidates that the synthetic MoS2films are polycrystalline and the resultant ≈1.2 nm of MoS2are not completely continuous. The empty areas in the polycrystalline MoS2network can serve as locations for side contact formation, leading to substantial improvements in the device metrics fabricated from such ultrathin MoS2films.
Hybrid Design of Bulk‐Na Metal Anode to Minimize Cycle‐Induced Interface Deterioration of Solid Na Metal Battery
Authors: Cao Keshuang , Zhao Xitong , Chen Jian , Xu Ben Bin , Shahzad Muhammad Wakil , Sun Wenping , Pan Hongge , Yan Mi , Jiang Yinzhu
Published: December 2021

The pursuit for high‐energy and intrinsically safe energy storage is significantly driving the development of solid‐state alkali metal batteries. The interfacial contact between the metal anode and the solid electrolyte plays a key role in enabling stable cycling of solid batteries. However, the sluggish alkali atom replenishment rate during stripping unavoidably leads to the interface deterioration that destroys the initial physical contact by forming interfacial voids and triggering the dendrite growth. Herein, a hybrid bulk Na anode approach is proposed by incorporating an ion‐conducting phase into a metallic Na matrix, constructing an abundant interfacial electrochemical reaction area and enabling a balanced Na replenishment and consumption to minimize cycle‐induced interface deterioration. Specific attention is paid to the effects of the second phase on the wettability and creep ability of hybrid Na metal. A high critical current density (3.1 mA cm‐2) and long cycling life (6000 h in 0.5 mA cm‐2) are achieved for the symmetric cells. Full cells coupling the hybrid anode with the Na3V2(PO4)3/C cathode deliver excellent cyclability over 7300 cycles at a high rate of 5 C. The viewpoint of balancing the consumption and replenishment rate of metal atoms paves a new way for designing cycle‐stable anode/electrolyte interface in solid‐state batteries.
Recent Progress of Critical Interface Engineering for Highly Efficient and Stable Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Li Yahong , Xie Haibing , Lim Eng Liang , Hagfeldt Anders , Bi Dongqin
Published: December 2021

Organic–inorganic lead halide perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have demonstrated enormous potential as a new generation of solar‐based renewable energy. Although their power conversion efficiency (PCE) has been boosted to a spectacular record value, the long‐term stability of efficient PSCs is still the dominating concern that hinders their commercialization. Notably, interface engineering has been identified as a valid strategy with extraordinary achievements for enhancing both efficiency and stability of PSCs. Herein, the latest research advances of interface engineering for various interfaces are summarized, and the basic theory and multifaceted roles of interface engineering for optimizing device properties are analyzed. As a highlight, the authors provide their insights on the deposition strategy of interlayers, application of first‐principle calculation, and challenges and solutions of interface engineering for PSCs with high efficiency and stability toward future commercialization.
Sulfurized Carbon Composite with Unprecedentedly High Tap Density for Sodium Storage
Authors: Jo Chang‐Heum , Yu Jun Ho , Kim Hee Jae , Hwang Jang‐Yeon , Kim Ji‐Young , Jung Hun‐Gi , Myung Seung‐Taek
Published: December 2021

A novel sulfurized carbon decorated by terephthalic acid (TPA) and polyacrylonitrile (PAN), with unprecedently high tap density (≈1.02 g cm−3), is investigated. Room‐temperature sodium–sulfur batteries offer high energy density; however, the dissolution of the polysulfide is a major factor hindering their commercialization. This dissolution problem can be tolerated by inhibiting the formation of polysulfide through binding sulfur to the carbon structure of PAN. Low sulfur content and low volumetric energy density in the composite are other drawbacks to be resolved. Heat‐treated TPA induces a high‐density carbonaceous material with high conductivity. This TPA is partly replaced by PAN, and the produced carbon and sulfur are composited with dehydrated polyacrylonitrile (CS–DPAN), which exhibits higher conductivity and surface area than the sulfurized dehydrated polyacrylonitrile (S–DPAN). The CS–DPAN composite electrode exhibits excellent electrochemical performance, and the resulting volumetric capacity is also superior to that of the S–DPAN material electrode. Operando Raman and operando X‐ray diffraction analyses confirm that the increased capacity is realized via the avoidance of parasitic C60Na3 formation formed below 1 V, by adjusting the operation voltage range. This finding demonstrates the feasibility of carbon–sulfur composites as a high‐energy electrode material for rechargeable sodium batteries.
A High‐Performance Dual‐Ion Battery‐Supercapacitor Hybrid Device Based on LiCl in Ion Liquid Dual‐Salt Electrolyte
Authors: Xiong Zhangyi , Guo Peijing , Yang Yushan , Yuan Shaoyu , Shang Ningzhao , Wang Chun , Zhang Yufan , Wang Huan , Gao Yongjun
Published: December 2021

A dual‐ion battery‐supercapacitor hybrid device (DIB‐SCHD), cleverly integrating a dual‐ion battery (DIB) and a supercapacitor (SC), is expected to endow both the high energy density of dual‐ion battery and the high power density of supercapacitor. Benefitting from the similar features of the electrolyte and symmetrical electrode configuration, a state‐of‐the‐art DIB‐SCHD is developed by using N‐doped micropores‐dominant carbon(N‐MPC) as the electrode and LiCl in a room‐temperature ion liquid hybrid as the electrolyte, which deliver an ultrahigh mass capacitance of 374 F g−1 with a high voltage of 3.5 V and a remarkable specific energy of 208 Wh kg−1 at 1144 W kg−1 and an ultrahigh specific power of 22834 W kg−1 at 77 Wh kg−1. Combined with ex situ characterizations and theoretical calculations, the assembled DIB‐SCHD presents a synergistic energy storage mechanism simultaneously involving ion intercalation/deintercalation and adsorption/desorption processes, which can promote the reaction kinetics and achieve exceptional electrochemical performance. The perfect integration of the dual‐ion battery‐type and supercapacitor‐type electrodes provides a new strategy toward high energy and power density electrochemical energy storage devices.
Ionic‐Liquid‐Perovskite Capping Layer for Stable 24.33%‐Efficient Solar Cell
Authors: Zhu Xuejie , Yang Shaoan , Cao Yuexian , Duan Lianjie , Du Minyong , Feng Jiangshan , Jiao Yuxiao , Jiang Xiao , Sun Youming , Wang Hui , Zuo Shengnan , Liu Yucheng , Liu Shengzhong (Frank)
Published: December 2021

Metal‐halide perovskite has emerged as an effective photovoltaic material for its high power conversion efficiency (PCE), low cost and straightforward fabrication techniques. Unfortunately, its long‐term operational durability, mainly affected by halide ion migration and undercoordinated Pb2+ is still the bottleneck for its large‐scale commercialization. In this work, an ionic liquid (IL) is designed to effectively cap the grain surface for improved stability and reduced trap density. More specifically, the Br− in the IL passivates the undercoordinated Pb2+ by chemically bonding to it, resulting in a thin layer of ionic‐liquid‐perovskite formed on the surface, leading to improved photovoltaic performance and better stability. Specifically, the solar cell exhibits an open‐circuit voltage of 1.192 V and PCE of 24.33% under one‐sun illumination with negligible hysteresis, and a large area (10.75 cm2) integrated module achieves PCE of 20.33%. Moreover, the bare device maintains over 90% of its initial efficiency after 700 h of aging at 65 °C. It also shows outstanding stability with only about 10% degradation after being exposed to the ambient environment for 1000 h. The superior efficiency and stability demonstrate that the present IL passivating strategy is a promising approach for high‐performance large area perovskite solar cell applications.
The morphological consequences of segmentation anomalies in the human sacrum
Authors: Krenn Viktoria A. , Fornai Cinzia , Webb Nicole M. , Woodert Mirella A. , Prosch Helmut , Haeusler Martin
Published: December 2021

Objectives

Despite the high frequency of segmentation anomalies in the human sacrum, their evolutionary and clinical implications remain controversial. Specifically, inconsistencies involving the classification and counting methods obscure accurate assessment of lumbosacral transitional vertebrae. Therefore, we aim to establish more reliable morphological and morphometric methods for differentiating between sacralizations and lumbarizations in clinical and paleontological contexts.

Materials and Methods

Using clinical CT data from 145 individuals aged 14–47 years, vertebral counts and the spatial relationship between the sacrum and adjoining bony structures were assessed, while the morphological variation of the sacrum was assessed using geometric morphometrics based on varied landmark configurations.

Results

The prevalence of lumbosacral and sacrococcygeal segmentation anomalies was 40%. Lumbarizations and sacralizations were reliably distinguishable based on the spatial relationship between the iliac crest and the upward or downward trajectory of the linea terminalis on the sacrum. Different craniocaudal orientations of the alae relative to the corpus of the first sacral vertebra were also reflected in the geometric morphometric analyses. The fusion of the coccyx (32%) was frequently coupled with lumbarizations, suggesting that the six‐element sacra more often incorporate the coccyx rather than the fifth lumbar vertebra.

Conclusions

Our approach allowed the consistent identification of segmentation anomalies even in isolated sacra. Additionally, our outcomes either suggest that homeotic border shifts often affect multiple spinal regions in a unidirectional way, or that sacrum length is highly conserved perhaps due to functional constraints. Our results elucidate the potential clinical, biomechanical, and evolutionary significance of lumbosacral transitional vertebrae.
Amphiphilic Cyclodextrin‐Based Nanoparticulate Vaccines Can Trigger T‐Cell Immune Responses
Authors: Geisshüsler Silvana , Schineis Philipp , Langer Lara , Wäckerle-Men Ying , Leroux Jean-Christophe , Halin Cornelia , Vogel-Kindgen Sarah , Johansen Pål , Gander Bruno
Published: December 2021

Particulate antigen‐delivery systems are instrumental for therapeutic vaccination, aiming at improving the safety and efficacy of treatments by targeting specialized antigen‐presenting cells (APCs). However, the induction of potent adaptive immune responses, especially cellular immunity, remains a major challenge. Herein, a novel nanoparticulate antigen‐delivery system based on amphiphilic cyclodextrins (CDs) is developed as a platform for therapeutic cancer vaccination. Supramolecular nanosized CD structures are formed in aqueous media and loaded with peptide antigens. The nanoparticle's adjuvant capacity is tested in cell experiments with murine bone marrow‐derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) or macrophages and T cells. Peptide‐loaded nanoparticles cause upregulation of costimulatory molecules on BMDCs and facilitate activation and proliferation of antigen‐specific T‐lymphocytes in vitro. Correct processing for major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class‐I antigen presentation is demonstrated using a capped version of the ovalbumin‐derived peptide SIINFEKL (c‐SFL). After immunization of mice with peptide‐loaded CD nanoparticles, the frequencies of antigen‐specific and cytokine‐producing CD8+ T cells are increased. This work sheds light on the immune‐stimulating properties of amphiphilic CD nanoparticles and reveals their considerable potential as carriers for cancer vaccines.
Unraveling the Function of Metal–Amorphous Support Interactions in Single‐Atom Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Liu Yang , Liu Xinghui , Jadhav Amol R. , Yang Taehun , Hwang Yosep , Wang Hongdan , Wang Lingling , Luo Yongguang , Kumar Ashwani , Lee Jinsun , Bui Huong T. D. , Gyu Kim Min , Lee Hyoyoung
Published: December 2021

Amorphization of the support in single‐atom catalysts is a less researched concept for promoting catalytic kinetics through modulating the metal–support interaction (MSI). We modeled single‐atom ruthenium (RuSAs) supported on amorphous cobalt/nickel (oxy)hydroxide (Ru‐a‐CoNi) to explore the favorable MSI between RuSAs and the amorphous skeleton for the alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Differing from the usual crystal counterpart (Ru‐c‐CoNi), the electrons on RuSAs are facilitated to exchange among local configurations (Ru‐O‐Co/Ni) of Ru‐a‐CoNi since the flexibly amorphous configuration induces the possible d–d electron transfer and medium‐to‐long range p–π orbital coupling, further intensifying the MSI. This embodies Ru‐a‐CoNi with enhanced water dissociation, alleviated oxophilicity, and rapid hydrogen migration, which results in superior durability and HER activity of Ru‐a‐CoNi, wherein only 15 mV can deliver 10 mA cm−2, significantly lower than the 58 mV required by Ru‐c‐CoNi.
Pressure‐Driven Two‐Step Second‐Harmonic‐Generation Switching in BiOIO3
Authors: Jiang Dequan , Song Huimin , Wen Ting , Jiang Zimin , Li Chen , Liu Ke , Yang Wenge , Huang Hongwei , Wang Yonggang
Published: December 2021

Materials with multi‐stabilities controllable by external stimuli have potential for high‐capacity information storage and switch devices. Herein, we report the observation of pressure‐driven two‐step second‐harmonic‐generation (SHG) switching in polar BiOIO3 for the first time. Structure analyses reveal two pressure‐induced phase transitions in BiOIO3 from the ambient noncentrosymmetric phase (SHG‐high) to an intermediate noncentrosymmetric phase (SHG‐intermediate) and then to a centrosymmetric phase (SHG‐off). The three‐state SHG switching was inspected by in situ high‐pressure powder SHG and polarization‐dependent single‐crystal SHG measurements. Local structure analyses based on the in situ Raman spectra and X‐ray absorption spectra reveal that the SHG switching is caused by the step‐wise suppression of lone‐pair electrons on the [IO3]− units. The dramatic evolution of the functional units under compression also leads to subtle changes of the optical absorption edge of BiOIO3. Materials with switchable multi‐stabilities provide a state‐of‐art platform for next‐generation switch and information storage devices.
Preparation and characterization of compatibilized and toughened polylactic acid/cellulose acetate films by long‐chain hyperbranched polymers
Authors: Huang Yansong , Jin Yujuan , Wang Bo , Tian Huafeng , Weng Yunxuan , Sun Kangdi , Men Shuang
Published: December 2021

A type of long‐chain hyperbranched polymers (LCHBPs) was prepared by grafting hydroxyl‐terminated flexible long chain onto hyperbranched polymers (HBPs). The structure of LCHBPs was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (1H‐NMR) analysis. It was then used as the modifier for toughening and compatibilizing the polylactic acid (PLA)/cellulose acetate (CA) blends. Upon the addition of LCHBPs, the compatibility between PLA and CA was improved, the dispersion of CA particles in PLA matrix was more uniform, and the brittle‐ductile tear transition of the PLA/CA blends was occurred. The crystallization of PLA was promoted by the addition of LCHBPs. By adding LCHBPs, glass transition temperature and cold crystallization temperature were reduced, the crystallizability was enhanced, and the crystallization temperature range was expanded. The thermal decomposition temperature of the PLA/CA was found increased with the addition of LCHBPs. When the content of LCHBPs was 1 phr, the elongation at break and the tear strength of the PLA/CA blends were increased by 484% and 38.24%, respectively. Meanwhile, the thermal stability and hydrophilic properties of the blend films were improved by adding LCHBPs.
Revival of Hückel Aromatic (Poly)benzenoid Subunits in Triplet State Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons by Silicon Substitution
Authors: Baranac‐Stojanović Marija , Stojanović Milovan , Aleksić Jovana
Published: December 2021

By employing density functional theory (DFT) calculations we show that mono‐ and disilicon substitution in polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, having two to four benzene units, quenches their triplet state antiaromaticity by creating Hückel aromatic (poly)benzenoid subunit(s) and weakly antiaromatic, or almost nonaromatic silacycle. Therefore, such systems are predicted to be globally aromatic in both the ground state and the first excited triplet state. Putting the silicon atom(s) into various positions of a hydrocarbon provides an opportunity to tune the singlet‐triplet energy gaps. They depend on the global aromaticity degree which, in turn, depends on the type of aromatic carbocyclic subunit(s) and the extent of their aromaticity. On the basis of the set of studied compounds, some preliminary rules on how to regulate the extent of global, semiglobal and local aromaticity are proposed. The results of this work extend the importance of Hückel aromaticity concept to excited triplet states which are usually characterized by the Baird type of (anti)aromaticity.
Encapsulation of Metal Clusters within Porous Organic Materials: From Synthesis to Catalysis Applications
Authors: Yang Xiao‐Dong , Tan Liangxiao , Sun Jian‐Ke
Published: December 2021

Metal clusters (MCs) with dimensions between a single metal atom and nanoparticles of >2 nm usually possess distinct geometric and electronic structures, and their outstanding performance in catalysis applications have underpinned a broad research interest. However, smaller‐sized MCs are easily deactivated by migration coalescence during the catalysis process because of their high surface energy. Therefore, the search of an appropriate stabilizer for MCs is urgently demanded. In recent years, porous organic polymers (POPs) and organic molecular cages (OMCs), as emerging functional materials, have attracted significant attention. Benefiting from the spatial confinement, encapsulating MCs into these porous organic materials is a promising approach to guarantee the uniform size distribution and stability. In this review, we aim to provide a comprehensive summary of the recent progress in the synthetic strategies and catalysis applications of the encapsulated MCs, and seek to uncover promising ideas that can stimulate future developments at both the fundamental and applied levels.
Inorganic Matrices Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Mass Spectrometry for Metabolic Analysis in Biofluids
Authors: Ding Yajie , Pei Congcong , Shu Weikang , Wan Jingjing
Published: December 2021

Metabolic analysis in biofluids interprets the end products in the bioprocess, emerging as an irreplaceable disease diagnosis and monitoring platform. Laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (LDI MS)‐based metabolic analysis holds great potential for clinical applications in terms of high throughput, rapid signal readout, and minimal sample preparation. There are two essential elements to construct the LDI MS‐based metabolic analysis: 1) well‐designed nanomaterials as matrices; 2) machine learning algorithms for data analysis. This review highlights the development of various inorganic matrices to comprehend the advantages of LDI MS in metabolite detection and the recent diagnostic applications based on target metabolite detection and untargeted metabolic fingerprints in biological fluids.
Mild hydrotreatment of biocrude derived from hydrothermal liquefaction of agriculture waste: improving biocrude miscibility with vacuum gas oil to aid co‐processing
Authors: Badoga Sandeep , Alvarez‐Majmutov Anton , Chen Jinwen
Published: December 2021

The co‐processing of biocrude in petroleum refineries is viewed as an economical and practical pathway to produce low‐carbon fuels. A major challenge to co‐processing is the poor miscibility of biocrudes with petroleum due to their high levels of oxygen. This study investigated the mild hydrodeoxygenation of biocrude derived from hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) of agriculture waste as a means to enhance its miscibility with petroleum vacuum gas oil (VGO). Blending compatibility tests were performed to identify the extent of deoxygenation required to achieve blending of 10 wt% treated biocrude in VGO. The highest oxygen removal (~72%) was achieved by increasing the temperature in three steps (240, 280, and 300 °C), with pressure kept at 1400 psi and a catalyst‐to‐feed ratio of 0.19 g g−1. Under such conditions, the hydrotreated biocrude was found to be miscible in VGO and the resulting blend was stable over 7 days. The hydrotreated biocrude products were characterized using nuclear magnetic resonance to identify changes in oxygenated compound classes, such as carboxylic acids, alcohols, ethers, carbohydrates, carbonyls, and phenolics. Carboxylics and phenolics were identified as important contributors to the miscibility of the biocrude. In further testing, two 10 wt% blends of hydrotreated and raw biocrude in VGO were co‐processed through hydrotreating. These supplementary tests confirmed that the hydrotreated biocrude performed better in terms of catalytic activity than the raw biocrude. © 2021 Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada. Biofuels, Bioproducts and Biorefining © 2021 Society of Industrial Chemistry and John Wiley & Sons Ltd. Reproduced with the permission of the Minister of Natural Resources Canada.
Cole‐Cole modeling of real‐time capacitance data for estimation of cell physiological properties in recombinant Escherichia coli cultivation
Authors: Swaminathan Nivedhitha , Priyanka Priyanka , Rathore Anurag S. , Sivaprakasam Senthilkumar , Subbiah Senthilmurugan
Published: December 2021

Real‐time estimation of physiological properties of the cell during recombinant protein production would ensure enhanced process monitoring. In this study, we explored the application of dielectric spectroscopy to track the fed‐batch phase of recombinant Escherichia coli cultivation for estimating the physiological properties, namely, cell diameter and viable cell concentration (VCC). The scanning capacitance data from the dielectric spectroscopy were pre‐processed using moving average. Later, it was modeled through a nonlinear theoretical Cole‐Cole model and further solved using a global evolutionary genetic algorithm (GA). The parameters obtained from the GA were further applied for the estimation of the aforementioned physiological properties. The offline cell diameter and cell viability data were obtained from particle size analyzer and flow cytometry measurements to validate the Cole‐Cole model. The offline VCC was calculated from the cell viability % from flow cytometry data and dry cell weight concentration. The Cole‐Cole model predicted the cell diameter and VCC with an error of 1.03% and 7.72%, respectively. The proposed approach can enable the operator to take real‐time process decisions to achieve desired productivity and product quality.
Influence of age and gender in the sensory nerve fibers excitability
Authors: Caetano André , Pereira Pedro , de Carvalho Mamede
Published: December 2021

Objectives

To assess the influence of age and gender on sensory nerve axonal excitability parameters.

Methods

Thirty‐three healthy subjects (21 women) were included, with a mean age of 34.6 (range 21–76). Median sensory nerve excitability measurements (index finger) were performed using the TRONDNF nerve excitability protocol of the QTRAC program.

Results

Peak sensory nerve action potential (SNAP) amplitude was significantly higher among women (27.1 vs. 9.2 μV; p = .022), and strength–duration time constant (SDTC) was significantly higher in men (0.7 vs. 0.5; p = .011), not dependent on age. Greater age was negatively correlated with resting I/V slope, not dependent on gender (r = –0.4; p = .024). No other changes in excitability properties with increasing age were found.

Conclusions

Physiological features like as age and gender do not have a relevant impact on sensory nerve excitability measurements, which can have implications regarding pharmacological treatments.
Multistage targeting and dual inhibiting strategies based on bioengineered tumor matrix microenvironment‐mediated protein nanocages for enhancing cancer biotherapy
Authors: Hu Fabiao , Deng Changping , Zhou Yiwen , Liu Yuping , Zhang Tong , Zhang Peiwen , Zhao Zhangting , Miao Hui , Zheng Wenyun , Zhang Wenliang , Wang Meiyan , Ma Xingyuan
Published: December 2021

Regulation of the apoptotic pathway plays a critical role in inducing tumor cell death and circumventing drug resistance. Survivin protein is the strongest inhibitor of apoptosis found so far. It is highly expressed in several cancers and is a promising target for cancer therapy. However, clinical applications are limited by incomplete inhibition of survivin expression. Here, we present a novel strategy that extended the release of YM155 (an effective survivin inhibitor that works by inhibiting the activity of survivin promoter) and TATm‐survivin (T34A) (TmSm) protein (survivin protein mutant with penetrating peptide, a potential anticancer protein therapeutic) via tumor matrix microenvironment‐mediated ferritin heavy chain nanocages (FTH1 NCs), enabling significant inhibition of survivin activity at both transcript and protein levels. FTS (FTH1‐matrix metalloproteinase‐2‐TmSm)/YM155 NC synthesis was easily scaled up, and these NCs could sequentially release TmSm protein through matrix metalloproteinase‐2 and promote YM155 to enter the nucleus via transferrin receptor 1 (TfR1) binding, which increased the cytotoxicity and apoptosis of Capan‐2 and A549 cells compared to that with individual drugs. Moreover, FTS/YM155 NCs enhanced drug accumulation at tumor sites and had a higher tumor inhibition rate (88.86%) than the compounds alone in A549 tumor‐bearing mice. In addition, FTS/YM155 NCs exerted significant survivin downregulation (4.43‐fold) and caspase‐3 upregulation (4.31‐fold) and showed better therapeutic outcomes without inducing organ injury, which highlights their promising future clinical application in precision therapy. This tumor microenvironment‐responsive platform could be harnessed to develop an effective therapy via multilevel inhibition of cancer targets.
Children building and having fun while they learn geometry
Authors: Puig Anna , Rodríguez Inmaculada , Baldeón Johan , Múria Sergi
Published: December 2021

Geometry is a basic discipline in STEM education. Recent educational reports, however, suggest that geometry is one of the subjects that sees the lowest levels of performance in the math curriculum. This paper presents a gamified itinerary through digital activities designed to teach geometry. Our aim is to attract Primary School children into the world of geometry. First, we scaffold geometry outcomes to take students progressively from basic geometric shapes to a stronger understanding of complex three‐dimensional (3D) properties. Second, we use gamification to introduce fun into the learning process. Third, we propose digital activities in virtual environments, with which students can, in particular, develop 3D spatial perception. Concretely, children are immersed in a two‐dimensional (2D)–3D world in which they play the role of architects who manipulate 2D and 3D shapes to create buildings. Results obtained in the evaluation of the system with 60 children showed an improvement in both their learning and their interest in math. Both children and teachers rated the experience very positively.
Hypoxia promotes the tolerogenic phenotype of plasmacytoid dendritic cells in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Fan Cui , Wu Jichang , Shen Yilin , Hu Haixia , Wang Quan , Mao Yufeng , Ye Bin , Xiang Mingliang
Published: December 2021

Objective

We aim to review the roles of plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and explore the effects of hypoxia on the tolerogenic transformation of pDCs.

Background

pDCs, best known as professional type I interferon‐secreting cells, play key roles in immune surveillance and antitumor immunity. Recently, pDCs have been shown to be tolerogenic and correlate with poor prognosis in a variety of cancers, including HNSCC. However, it remains unclear what drives the tolerogenic transformation of pDCs in the HNSCC microenvironment. Hypoxia, a prominent hallmark of the tumor microenvironment (TME) of HNSCC, can interfere with multiple immune cells and establish an immunosuppressive TME.

Methods

In this review, we summarize the antitumor and protumor functions of pDCs, explore the effects of hypoxia on the migration and maturation of pDCs, and discuss related mechanisms in HNSCC.

Conclusions

pDCs mainly display protumor functions in HNSCC. The hypoxic TME in HNSCC can enhance the migration of pDCs and inhibit the differentiation and maturation of pDCs, promoting the tolerogenic phenotype of pDCs.
Microbial Degradation of 2‐Methylisoborneol in Forest Soil**
Authors: Drummond Laura , von Wallbrunn Christian , Buchhaupt Markus
Published: December 2021

Microorganisms use a complex array of chemical compounds to interact with their surroundings. They produce and process different molecules in response to changes in the environment or in their metabolism. One of the most well‐known volatile organic compounds produced by microorganisms is the C11‐terpenoid 2‐methylisoborneol (2‐MIB), which has received attention because of the off‐flavor it confers to fresh and reservoir water as well as to cultured fish. Cleaning water supplies of the off‐flavor 2‐MIB has been of interest for the scientific community for years, with the use of techniques that are either expensive, e. g., activated carbon, or create toxic byproducts, e. g., ozonation. In the present study, soil samples from nature were collected from a forest and the volatile organic compounds produced by microbes were extracted and analyzed with focus on non‐canonical terpenoid structures. HS‐SPME‐GC/MS analysis of soil samples revealed 1‐methylcamphene (1‐MC), 2‐methylenebornane (2‐MB) and 2‐MIB as C11‐terpenoids. Due to the high 1‐MC/2‐MIB ratio compared to previous reports, it was hypothesized that microbial degradation of 2‐MIB was in place. Addition of synthetic 2‐MIB to biologically active soil revealed complete degradation of the pollutant to 2‐MB, 1‐MC and 2‐methyl‐2‐bornene (2‐M2B). The results suggest the potential of using respective natural microorganisms for biodegradation of 2‐MIB, with applications in water treatment, fishery and soil ecology.
Role of Phosphorus and Triethylene Glycol Incorporation on the Activity of Model Alumina‐Supported CoMoS Hydrotreating Catalysts
Authors: Garcia de Castro Ricardo , Devers Elodie , Digne Mathieu , Lamic‐Humblot Anne‐Félicie , Pirngruber Gerhard D. , Carrier Xavier
Published: December 2021

Environmental regulations concerning fuel‐related sulfur emissions are currently experiencing worldwide expansion. This is motivating the research and development of improved hydrotreating (HDT) catalysts with carefully engineered synthesis methods that maximize activity as ultimate goal. In this contribution, the effect of phosphorus doping and triethylene glycol (TEG) incorporation on the genesis of the CoMoS phase of model HDT catalysts is assessed. Following a surface‐science approach, α‐Al2O3 single crystals with four orientations: C(0001), A(11
0), M(10
0), and R(1
02) are used as model supports of the traditional γ‐Al2O3 support for the study of active phase‐support interactions at the molecular scale. The model catalysts are prepared by traditional impregnation of a solution containing metal and phosphorus precursors and TEG. The catalysts are characterized in the sulfide phase by XPS, XAS, TEM, and AFM, revealing that the calcination step is key in the emergence of distinctive metal‐support interactions, which are directly related to the nature of alumina surface sorption sites. In addition, TEG incorporation on dried catalysts increases metal sulfidation and enhances promotion with respect to non‐additivated systems, especially at mild sulfidation temperatures. The catalytic activity of the model catalysts is tested in a thiophene hydrodesulfurization reaction, revealing the following activity trend with respect to alumina surface orientations: A
≫ M
>R
, C(0001). This trend is identical to the one observed for non‐phosphorus doped non‐TEG additivated model systems, confirming the predominance of surface effects on the catalytic activity over those exerted by P and TEG. By transposing these results to the industrial γ‐Al2O3 support, the (100) facet would provide surface sites that lead to better performing catalysts. This could result in the development of novel supports, engineered to expose surface sites that maximize hydrotreating activity.
Visible Light‐Driven Molecular Switches and Motors: Recent Developments and Applications
Authors: Wang Hao , Bisoyi Hari Krishna , Zhang Xinfang , Hassan Fathy , Li Quan
Published: December 2021

Inspired by human vision, a diverse range of light‐driven molecular switches and motors have been developed for fundamental understanding and application in material science and biology. Recently, the design and synthesis of visible light‐driven molecular switches and motors have been actively pursued. This emerging trend is partly motivated to avoid the harmful effects of ultraviolet light, which was necessary to drive the classical molecular switches and motors at least in one direction, impeding their employment in biomedical and photopharmacology applications. Moreover, visible light‐driven molecular switches and motors are demonstrated to enable benign optical materials for advanced photonic devices. Therefore, during the past several years, visible light‐driven molecular switches based on azobenzene derivatives, diarylethenes, 1,2‐dicyanodithienylethenes, hemithioindigo derivatives, iminothioindoxyls, donor‐acceptor Stenhouse adducts, and overcrowded alkene based molecular motors have been judiciously designed, synthesized, and used in the development of functional materials and systems for a wide range of applications. In this Review, we present the recent developments toward the design of visible light‐driven molecular switches and motors, with their applications in the fabrication of functional materials and systems in material science, bioscience, pharmacology, etc. The visible light‐driven molecular switches and motors realized so far undoubtedly widen the scope of these interesting compounds for technological and biological applications. We hope this Review article could provide additional impetus and inspire further research interests for future exploration of visible light‐driven advanced materials, systems, and devices.
211At and 125I‐Labeling of (Hetero)Aryliodonium Ylides: Astatine Wins Again
Authors: Maingueneau Clémence , Berdal Marion , Eychenne Romain , Gaschet Joëlle , Chérel Michel , Gestin Jean‐François , Guérard François
Published: December 2021

Despite the growing interest in radioiodine and 211At‐labeled radiopharmaceuticals, the search for radiolabeling reactions has been somewhat neglected, resulting in a limited number of available radiosynthetic strategies. Herein we report a comparative study of nucleophilic 125I and 211At‐labeling of aryliodonium ylides. Whereas radioiodination efficiency was low, 211At‐labeling performed efficiently on a broad scope of precursors. The most activated aryliodonium ylides led rapidly to quantitative reactions at room temperature in acetonitrile. For deactivated precursors, heating up to 90 °C in glyme and addition of 2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidine‐1‐oxyl (TEMPO) as radical scavenger appeared essential to avoid precursor degradation and to achieve high radiochemical yields and molar activity. The approach was applied successfully to the preparation of 4‐[211At]astatophenylalanine (4‐APA), an amino acid derivative increasingly studied as radiotherapeutic drug for cancers. This validated aryliodonium ylides as a valuable tool for nucleophilic 211At‐labeling and will complement the short but now growing list of available astatination reactions.
Heteropolymetallic Architectures as Snapshots of Transmetallation Processes at Different Degrees of Transfer
Authors: Campillo David , Escudero Daniel , Baya Miguel , Martín Antonio
Published: December 2021

Novel heteropolymetallic architectures have been built by integrating Pd, Au and Ag systems. The dinuclear [(CNC)(PPh3)Pd‐G11M(PPh3)](ClO4) (G11M=Au (3), Ag (4); CNC=2,6‐diphenylpyridinate) and trinuclear [{(CNC)(PPh3)Pd}2G11M](ClO4) (G11M=Au (6), Ag (5)) complexes have been accessed or isolated. Structural and DFT characterization unveil striking interactions of one of the aryl groups of the CNC ligand(s) with the G11M center, suggesting these complexes constitute models of transmetallation processes. Further analyses allow to qualitatively order the degree of transfer, proving that Au promotes the highest one and also that Pd systems favor higher degrees than Pt. Consistently, Energy Decomposition Analysis calculations show that the interaction energies follow the order Pd−Au > Pt−Au > Pd−Ag > Pt−Ag. All these results offer potentially useful ideas for the design of bimetallic catalytic systems.
Recent Developments of n‐Type Organic Thermoelectric Materials: Influence of Structure Modification on Molecule Arrangement and Solution Processing
Authors: Wang Jing , Liu Liang , Wu Feiyan , Liu Zuoji , Fan Zhiping , Chen Lie , Chen Yiwang
Published: December 2021

Organic semiconductor (OSCs) thermoelectric materials have been studied widely due to their low thermal conductivity and solution processing characteristics. Currently, the high conductivity (up to 1000 s cm−1) has boosted the performance of p‐type organic thermoelectric materials substantially. In contrast, the development of n‐type organic thermoelectric materials is still limited by their low mobility, inferior air stability, and poor doping efficiency, which is relevant to the molecule structure and dopant dispersion. Herein, the recent development of n‐type organic thermoelectric materials was reviewed with an emphasis on molecule structure modification and solution processing. Methods for optimizing conjugate structure were summarized from the effects of conjugated backbone modification and side chains diversification on molecular stacking. The primary n‐type dopants were also summarized briefly. Especially, the role of solution aggregation controlling on film preparation and properties was given special attention. Additionally, the emergence of organic diradicals with low lowest unoccupied molecular orbital energy level and no doping was introduced, which shows great potential in n‐type organic thermoelectric materials. All these endeavors have led to the development of n‐type OSCs materials. This Review is aimed at illustrating the state‐of‐the‐art progress and providing some guideline for the design of organic thermoelectric materials in the future.
Exploiting Novel Unfused‐Ring Acceptor for Efficient Organic Solar Cells with Record Open‐Circuit Voltage and Fill Factor
Authors: Liu Zuoji , Mao Qilong , Wang Jing , Wu Feiyan , Zhou Dan , Cheng Yujun , Huang Shaorong , Huang Bin , Yang Changduk , Chen Lie
Published: December 2021

Unfused‐ring acceptors (UFAs) show bright application prospects in organic solar cells (OSCs) thanks to their easy synthesis, low cost, and good device performance. The selection of central‐core building block and suitable side chain are the key factors to achieve high‐performance UFAs. Current tremendous endeavors for the development of UFAs mainly concentrate on obtaining higher short‐circuit current density (Jsc), albeit accompanied by low open‐circuit voltage (Voc) and modest fill factor (FF). Herein, two novel A−D−A′−D−A type UFAs (BTCD‐IC and BTCD‐2FIC), which have the same new electron‐withdrawing central‐core dithieno[3′,2′:3,4;2′′,3′′:5,6]‐benzo[1,2‐c][1,2,5]thiadia‐zole (DTBT) and cyclopentadithiophene unit (CPDT, substituted by 2‐butyl‐1‐octyl alkyl chain) coupling with different terminals, were designed and synthesized. Two UFAs showed strong and broad light absorption in the wavelength range of 300–850 nm owing to the strong intramolecular charge transfer effect favorable by DTBT core. Compared with BTCD‐IC, BTCD‐2FIC with F‐containing terminal group exhibited higher molar extinction coefficient, lower energy level, higher charge mobility, stronger crystallinity, more ordered molecular stacking, and better film morphology. As a result, when blended with donor polymer PBDB‐T (poly[(2,6‐(4,8‐bis(5‐(2‐ethylhexyl)thiophen‐2‐yl)benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b′]dithiophene)‐co‐(1,3‐di(5‐thiophene‐2‐yl)‐5,7‐bis(2‐ethylhexyl)benzo[1,2‐c:4,5‐c′]‐dithiophene‐4,8‐dione)]), the BTCD‐2FIC‐based OSC achieved a superior power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 11.32 %, with a high Voc of 0.85 V, a Jsc of 18.24 mA cm−2, and a FF of 73 %, than BTCD‐IC‐based OSC (PCE=8.96 %). Impressively, the simultaneously enhanced Voc and FF values of the PBDB‐T:BTCD‐2FIC device were the highest values of the A−D−A′−D−A‐type UFAs. The results demonstrate the application of electron‐withdrawing DTBT central‐core unit in efficient UFAs provides meaningful molecular design guidance for high‐performance OSCs.
Lactobacillus lactis and Pediococcus pentosaceus‐driven reprogramming of gut microbiome and metabolome ameliorates the progression of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Yu Jeong Seok , Youn Gi Soo , Choi Jieun , Kim Chang‐Ho , Kim Byung Yong , Yang Seung‐Jo , Lee Je Hee , Park Tae‐Sik , Kim Byoung Kook , Kim Yeon Bee , Roh Seong Woon , Min Byeong Hyun , Park Hee Jin , Yoon Sang Jun , Lee Na Young , Choi Ye Rin , Kim Hyeong Seob , Gupta Haripriya , Sung Hotaik , Han Sang Hak , Suk Ki Tae , Lee Do Yup
Published: December 2021

Background

Although microbioa‐based therapies have shown putative effects on the treatment of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), it is not clear how microbiota‐derived metabolites contribute to the prevention of NAFLD. We explored the metabolomic signature of Lactobacillus lactis and Pediococcus pentosaceus in NAFLD mice and its association in NAFLD patients.

Methods

We used Western diet‐induced NAFLD mice, and L. lactis and P. pentosaceus were administered to animals in the drinking water at a concentration of 109 CFU/g for 8 weeks. NAFLD severity was determined based on liver/body weight, pathology and biochemistry markers. Caecal samples were collected for the metagenomics by 16S rRNA sequencing. Metabolite profiles were obtained from caecum, liver and serum. Human stool samples (healthy control [n = 22] and NAFLD patients [n = 23]) were collected to investigate clinical reproducibility for microbiota‐derived metabolites signature and metabolomics biomarker.

Results

L. lactis and P. pentosaceus supplementation effectively normalized weight ratio, NAFLD activity score, biochemical markers, cytokines and gut‐tight junction. While faecal microbiota varied according to the different treatments, key metabolic features including short chain fatty acids (SCFAs), bile acids (BAs) and tryptophan metabolites were analogously restored by both probiotic supplementations. The protective effects of indole compounds were validated with in vitro and in vivo models, including anti‐inflammatory effects. The metabolomic signatures were replicated in NAFLD patients, accompanied by the comparable levels of Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio, which was significantly higher (4.3) compared with control (0.6). Besides, the consequent biomarker panel with six stool metabolites (indole, BAs, and SCFAs) showed 0.922 (area under the curve) in the diagnosis of NAFLD.

Conclusions

NAFLD progression was robustly associated with metabolic dys‐regulations in the SCFAs, bile acid and indole compounds, and NAFLD can be accurately diagnosed using the metabolites. L. lactis and P. pentosaceus ameliorate NAFLD progression by modulating gut metagenomic and metabolic environment, particularly tryptophan pathway, of the gut‐liver axis.