bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Static versus dynamic medical images: The role of cue utilization in diagnostic performance
Authors: Carrigan Ann J. , Stoodley Paul , Ng Kenny , Moerel Denise , Wiggins Mark W.
Published: July 2021

Echocardiographers can detect abnormalities accurately and rapidly from dynamic images. This is likely due to the application of cue‐based associations resident in memory, a process known as cue utilization. This study investigated whether cue utilization is associated with the ability to apply within‐domain capabilities (dynamic) to more degraded images (static). Fifty‐eight echocardiographers completed the echocardiography edition of the Expert Intensive Skills Evaluation 2.0 (EXPERTise 2.0) to establish behavioral indicators of within‐domain cue utilization. They also completed an abnormality detection and categorization task that comprised briefly presented static and moving images (50% abnormal). Behaviors consistent with higher cue utilization were associated with greater accuracy in detecting both static and dynamic images but not for categorization. This study provides important information about how experts who have the capacity to utilize cue‐based strategies can rapidly and accurately detect abnormalities from domain‐specific stimuli and generalize their skills to more challenging stimuli.
Impaired Antibody Response to the BNT162b2 Messenger RNA Coronavirus Disease 2019 Vaccine in Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Ammitzbøll Christian , Bartels Lars Erik , Bøgh Andersen Jakob , Risbøl Vils Signe , Elbæk Mistegård Clara , Dahl Johannsen Anders , From Hermansen Marie‐Louise , Kragh Thomsen Marianne , Erikstrup Christian , Hauge Ellen‐Margrethe , Troldborg Anne
Published: July 2021

Objective

With a vaccine effectiveness of 95% for preventing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), Pfizer‐BioNTech BNT162b2 (BNT162b2) was the first vaccine against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) to be approved. However, immunosuppressive therapy was an exclusion criterion in the phase 3 trial that led to approval. Thus, extrapolation of the trial results to patients with rheumatic diseases treated with immunosuppressive drugs warrants caution.

Methods

Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE; n = 61) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA; n = 73) were included from the COPANARD (Corona Pandemic Autoimmune Rheumatic Disease) cohort, followed since the beginning of the COVID‐19 pandemic. Patients received the BNT162b2 vaccine between December 2020 and April 2021. All patients had total antibodies against SARS‐CoV‐2 measured before vaccination and 1 week after the second vaccination (VITROS Immunodiagnostic Products).

Results

Of 134 patients (median age, 70 years), 77% were able to mount a detectable serological response to the vaccine. Among patients treated with rituximab, only 24% had detectable anti–SARS‐CoV‐2 antibodies in their serum after vaccination. The time since the last rituximab treatment did not seem to influence the vaccine response. No significant difference was observed between patients with RA or SLE when adjusting for treatment, and no correlation between antibody levels and age was detected (r = −0.12; P = 0.18).

Conclusion

Antibody measurements against SARS‐CoV‐2 in patients with RA and SLE after two doses of the BNT162b2 vaccine demonstrated that 23% of patients could not mount a detectable serological response to the vaccine. B cell–depleting therapy (BCDT) is of specific concern, and our findings call for particular attention to the patients receiving BCDT.
Local Strong Solvation Electrolyte Trade‐Off between Capacity and Cycle Life of Li‐O2 Batteries
Authors: Lai Jingning , Liu Hanxiao , Xing Yi , Zhao Liyuan , Shang Yanxin , Huang Yongxin , Chen Nan , Li Li , Wu Feng , Chen Renjie
Published: July 2021

Li‐O2 batteries are promising energy storage devices with ultra‐high theoretical energy density. However, in practice they show severe capacity fading and limited cycle life, meaning that more suitable electrolytes are urgently needed. Here, solvents are combined with high donor number and low donor number, and a Li salt to produce a new local strong solvation effect electrolyte. High discharge capacity and good cycling performance are achieved when the optimized electrolyte is used in a Li‐O2 battery. The optimized electrolyte inhibits side reactions within the battery and facilitates stable solid electrolyte interphase film formation on the surfaces of Li anode. This work opens a new route for the design of high‐performance electrolytes to increase both capacity and cycle life of Li‐O2 batteries.
Camouflaged Hybrid Cancer Cell‐Platelet Fusion Membrane Nanovesicles Deliver Therapeutic MicroRNAs to Presensitize Triple‐Negative Breast Cancer to Doxorubicin
Authors: Liu Yi , Sukumar Uday K. , Kanada Masamitsu , Krishnan Anandi , Massoud Tarik F. , Paulmurugan Ramasamy
Published: July 2021

Camouflaged cell‐membrane‐based nanoparticles have gained increasing attention owing to their improved biocompatibility and immunomodulatory properties. Using nanoparticles prepared from the membranes of specific cell types or fusions derived from different cells membranes, their functional performance could be improved in several aspects. Here, cell membranes extracted from breast cancer cells and platelets are used to fabricate a hybrid‐membrane vesicle (cancer cell‐platelet‐fusion‐membrane vesicle, CPMV) loaded with therapeutic microRNAs (miRNAs) for the treatment of triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC). A clinically scalable microfluidic platform is presented for fusion of cell membranes. The reconstitution process during synthesis allows for efficient loading of miRNAs into CPMVs. Conditions for preparation of miRNA‐loaded CPMVs are systematically optimized and their property of homing to source cells is demonstrated using in vitro experiments and therapeutic evaluation in vivo. In vitro, the CPMVs exhibit significant recognition of their source cells and avoided engulfment by macrophages. After systemic delivery in mice, CPMVs show a prolonged circulation time and site‐specific accumulation at implanted TNBC‐xenografts. The delivered antimiRNAs are sensitized TNBCs to doxorubicin, resulting in an improved therapeutic response and survival rate. This strategy has considerable potential for clinical translation to improve personalized therapy for breast cancer and other malignancies.
Metal–Organic Framework Nanosheets: Programmable 2D Materials for Catalysis, Sensing, Electronics, and Separation Applications
Authors: Nicks Joshua , Sasitharan Kezia , Prasad Ram R. R. , Ashworth David J. , Foster Jonathan A.
Published: July 2021

Metal–organic framework nanosheets (MONs) have recently emerged as a distinct class of 2D materials with programmable structures that make them useful in diverse applications. In this review, the breadth of applications that have so far been investigated are surveyed, thanks to the distinct combination of properties afforded by MONs. How: 1) The high surface areas and readily accessible active sites of MONs mean they have been exploited for a variety of heterogeneous, photo‐, and electro‐catalytic applications; 2) their diverse surface chemistry and wide range of optical and electronic responses have been harnessed for the sensing of small molecules, biological molecules, and ions; 3) MONs tunable optoelectronic properties and nanoscopic dimensions have enabled them to be harnessed in light harvesting and emission, energy storage, and other electronic devices; 4) the anisotropic structure and porous nature of MONs mean they have shown great promise in a variety of gas separation and water purification applications; are discussed. The aim is to draw links between the uses of MONs in these different applications in order to highlight the common opportunities and challenges presented by this promising class of nanomaterials.
Mechanistic Investigation of Polymer‐Based All‐Solid‐State Lithium/Sulfur Battery
Authors: Liu Yang , Liu Haowen , Lin Yitao , Zhao Yuxing , Yuan Hua , Su Yipeng , Zhang Jifang , Ren Shuaiyang , Fan Haiyan , Zhang Yuegang
Published: July 2021

Although employing solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) in all‐solid‐state lithium/sulfur (ASSLS) batteries is a promising approach to obtain a power source with both high energy density and safety, the actual performance of SPE‐ASSLS batteries still lag behind conventional lithium/sulfur batteries with liquid ether electrolyte. In this work, combining characterization methods of X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, in situ optical microscopy, and three‐electrode measurement, a direct comparison between these two battery systems is made to reveal the mechanism behind their performance differences. In addition to polysulfides, it is found that the initial elemental sulfur can also dissolve into and diffuse through the SPE to reach the anode. Different from the shuttle effect that causes uniform corrosion on the anode in a liquid electrolyte, dissolved sulfur species in SPE unevenly passivate the anode surface and lead to the inhomogeneous Li+ plating/stripping at the anode/SPE solid‐solid interface. Such inhomogeneity eventually causes void formation at the interface, which leads to the failure of SPE‐ASSLS batteries. Based on this understanding, a protection interlayer is designed to inhibit the shuttling of sulfur species, and the modified SPE‐ASSLS batteries show much‐improved performance in cycle life.
A Bioinspired Versatile Spore Coat Nanomaterial for Oral Probiotics Delivery
Authors: Song Qingling , Zhao Hongjuan , Zheng Cuixia , Wang Ke , Gao Hui , Feng Qianhua , Zhang Hongling , Zhang Zhenzhong , Zhang Yun , Wang Lei
Published: July 2021

A fundamental challenge in probiotic therapy is effective delivery and rapid colonization of probiotics; however, the physiological structure of probiotic spores provides an interesting idea to address this problem. Herein, the spore coat is innovatively prepared into a type of versatile spore coat nanomaterial (CN) which is subsequently anchored to the surface of probiotics to form CN‐coated probiotics. The CN retains the characteristics of high resistance and natural affinity of spore coats, which serve as the “armor” for the enhancement of the probiotics delivery. Moreover, CN is beneficial for the explosive proliferation and competitive colonization of probiotics. Notably, it is found that not only CN used solely has good anti‐inflammatory effect, but also it can significantly improve the functions of probiotics such as microbiome regulation, gut barrier integrity and tumor prevention. This work provides a simple and universal strategy that may guide the development of nanomaterial and material‐based microecological agents.
Charge Carrier Mobility and Series Resistance Extraction in 2D Field‐Effect Transistors: Toward the Universal Technique
Authors: Chien Yu‐Chieh , Feng Xuewei , Chen Li , Chang Kai‐Chun , Tan Wee Chong , Li Sifan , Huang Li , Ang Kah‐Wee
Published: July 2021

2D semiconductor field‐effect transistors (2D FETs) have emerged as a promising candidate for beyond‐silicon electronics applications. However, its device performance has often been limited by the metal‐2D semiconductor contact, and the non‐negligible contact resistance (RSD) not only deteriorates the on‐state current but also hinders the direct characterization of the intrinsic properties of 2D semiconductors (e.g., intrinsic charge carrier mobility, μint). Therefore, a proper extraction technique that can independently characterize the metal‐2D semiconductor contact behavior and the intrinsic properties of a 2D semiconducting layer is highly desired. In this study, a universal yet simple method is developed to accurately extract the critical parameters in 2D FETs, including characteristic temperature (To), threshold voltage (VT), RSD, and μint. The practicability of this method is extensively explored by characterizing the temperature‐dependent carrier transport behavior and the strain‐induced band structure modification in 2D semiconductors. Technology computer aided design simulation is subsequently employed to verify the precision of RSD extraction. Furthermore, the universality of the proposed method is validated by successfully implementing the extraction to various 2D semiconductors, including black phosphorus, indium selenide, molybdenum disulfide, rhenium disulfide, and tungsten disulfide with top‐ and bottom‐gated configurations.
Developing Acid‐Responsive Glyco‐Nanoplatform Based Vaccines for Enhanced Cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte Responses Against Cancer and SARS‐CoV‐2
Authors: Gao Yanan , Zhao Qingyu , Dong Huiling , Xiao Min , Huang Xuefei , Wu Xuanjun
Published: July 2021

Cytotoxic T‐lymphocytes (CTLs) are central for eliciting protective immunity against malignancies and infectious diseases. Here, for the first time, partially oxidized acetalated dextran nanoparticles (Ox‐AcDEX NPs) with an average diameter of 100 nm are fabricated as a general platform for vaccine delivery. To develop effective anticancer vaccines, Ox‐AcDEX NPs are conjugated with a representative CTL peptide epitope (CTLp) from human mucin‐1 (MUC1) with the sequence of TSAPDTRPAP (referred to as Mp1) and an immune‐enhancing adjuvant R837 (referred to as R) via imine bond formation affording AcDEX‐(imine)‐Mp1‐R NPs. Administration of AcDEX‐(imine)‐Mp1‐R NPs results in robust and long‐lasting anti‐MUC1 CTL immune responses, which provides mice with superior protection from the tumor. To verify its universality, this nanoplatform is also exploited to deliver epitopes from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). By conjugating Ox‐AcDEX NPs with the potential CTL epitope of SARS‐CoV‐2 (referred to as Sp) and R837, AcDEX‐(imine)‐Sp‐R NPs are fabricated for anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccine candidates. Several epitopes potentially contributing to the induction of potent and protective anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 CTL responses are examined and discussed. Collectively, these findings shed light on the universal use of Ox‐AcDEX NPs to deliver both tumor‐associated and virus‐associated epitopes.
Stem Cell‐Recruiting Injectable Microgels for Repairing Osteoarthritis
Authors: Lei Yiting , Wang Yuping , Shen Jieliang , Cai Zhengwei , Zeng Yongsheng , Zhao Piao , Liao Junyi , Lian Chengjie , Hu Ning , Luo Xiaoji , Cui Wenguo , Huang Wei
Published: July 2021

The differentiation potentials and viability of stem cells are often impaired during cell isolation and delivery. Inspired by the phenomenon where islands can recruit seabirds for nesting, “cell island” microgels (MGs), that is, growth factor‐loaded methacrylated hyaluronic acid and heparin blend MGs, which can recruit endogenous stem cells and promote chondrogenic differentiation, are constructed using microfluidic technology and photopolymerization processes, followed by non‐covalently binding platelet‐derived growth factor‐BB (PDGF‐BB) and transforming growth factor‐beta3 (TGF‐β3). The loading efficiency of PDGF‐BB and TGF‐β3 are 96% and 91%, respectively. In vitro and in vivo experiments find that the “cell island” MGs can enhance the migratory capacity of cells and recruit them from their niche via releasing PDGF‐BB. Meanwhile, by using hyaluronic acid, the “cell island” MGs provide a suitable microenvironment for cell attachment and spreading. Furthermore, the “cell island” MGs induce chondrogenic differentiation of the recruited cells via releasing TGF‐β3 and present a promising therapeutic effect for osteoarthritis. In sum, this developed “cell island” MG might serve as a temporary “nest site” to allow the migration, adhesion, and differentiation of endogenous stem cells, which can be a promising candidate rather than the conventional cell‐seeded scaffolds for promoting tissue regeneration.
Harnessing Selective Exsolution of Sn Metal to Enhance Electrical Conductivity in Oxygen‐Deficient Perovskite Stannates
Authors: Yoon Daseob , Lee Yujeong , Kim Gi‐Yeop , Kang Youngho , Choi Si‐Young , Son Junwoo
Published: July 2021

The versatile application of newly discovered oxide semiconductors calls for developing a simple process to generate conducting carriers. High‐temperature reduction treatment leads to electrical conduction in perovskite stannate semiconductors, but carrier concentration is poorly controlled and inconsistently reported in BaSnO3−δ films after the reduction process so far. Here, a new strategy to enhance the electrical conductivity of BaSnO3−δ films is demonstrated by exploiting selective exsolution of Sn metals in the perovskite framework. Due to strong dependence of conductivity on initial Sn/Ba cation ratio in the reduced BaSnO3−δ films, interestingly, only Sn‐excess BaSnO3−δ films show a dramatic increase of carrier concentration (∆n3D = 5–7 × 1019 cm−3) after high‐temperature reduction; exceptionally high electrical conductivity (σ ≈ 6000 S cm−1) is achieved in reduced Sn‐excess (La, Ba)SnO3−δ films, which exceed full activation of La dopants in untreated (La, Ba)SnO3. By multiple characterizations combined with theoretical calculation, it is disclosed that a small fraction of segregated β‐Sn nanoparticles is likely to contribute the additional source of n3D in the BaSnO3−δ matrix as a result of spontaneous charge transfer from the segregated β‐Sn metallic phase to BaSnO3−δ. These original results propose a simple strategy to further increase electrical conductivity in perovskite oxide semiconductors by non‐stoichiometry‐driven metal exsolution.
Synthesis and Enhanced Capture Properties of a New BioMOF@SWCNT‐BP: Recovery of the Endangered Rare‐Earth Elements from Aqueous Systems
Authors: Tursi Antonio , Mastropietro Teresa F. , Bruno Rosaria , Baratta Mariafrancesca , Ferrando‐Soria Jesus , Mashin Alexander I. , Nicoletta Fiore P. , Pardo Emilio , De Filpo Giovanni , Armentano Donatella
Published: July 2021

Human society is facing—among other environmental threats—an enormous challenge due to human activities. The extensive use of high‐tech devices and electronics equipment in the daily life makes, among others, rare‐earth elements (REEs) recovery from secondary sources highly required. Here, a novel bioMOF‐based single‐walled carbon nanotube buckypaper (SWCNTBP) is presented as a new and efficient composite material (BioMOF@SWCNT‐BP). The flexible and highly crystalline metal–organic framework (MOF), prepared from the natural amino acid L‐threonine, has been homogeneously dispersed within the tangled net of a self‐standing SWCNT‐BP for lanthanides recovery from water. This MOF‐carbon‐based membrane exhibits high efficiency, either in static or dynamic regimes, in the recovery of lanthanides from aqueous streams outperforming the state‐of‐the‐art. The capture performances of BPs are successfully improved after incorporation of such MOF featuring hexagonal functional channels decorated with the threonine amino acid residues, pointing toward the accessible void spaces, which boosts the capture properties of the final membrane, providing the adaptable functional environment to interact with lanthanides. This material's preparation presents also a potential for large‐scale applications with a potential benefit on natural aquatic ecosystems as well. It is highly demanded because REEs from non‐recycled waste materials are potential pollutants for surface waters.
Versatile, Rapid, and Plasma‐Assisted Synthesis of Cuprous Halide Composites at Room Temperature and Pressure
Authors: Hartl Hugo , Ostrikov Kostya (Ken) , MacLeod Jennifer
Published: July 2021

Cuprous halides (CuX) are transparent semiconductors with a range of appealing characteristics, and with targeted applications in electronics, energy storage, and sensing. Here, it is demonstrated that CuX films can be formed at room temperature and atmospheric pressure using a rapid, plasma‐based approach. Crystalline CuX products are formed using dielectric barrier discharge plasma to react liquid small‐molecule precursors (1,2‐dichloro‐4‐X‐benzene, where X = Cl, Br, and I) with a copper substrate via a plasma‐assisted reaction. This process produces a composite film, containing both an organic polymer and the cuprous halide crystallites, with a hierarchical nanostructure. The cuprous halides have the zincblende structure, with sizes ranging from ≈10 to ≈85 nm. By employing either neat or mixed precursors, products including CuCl, CuBr, CuCl0.1I0.9, and CuBr0.5I0.5 are accessed. Furthermore, the same process can be used to produce AgI films from the iodated precursor molecule on a silver film, demonstrating the remarkable versatility of this approach. This work reveals a flexible new method to produce these technologically relevant I–VII semiconductor films, which can have applications in sensing, batteries, or photovoltaics.
High‐Resolution Capillary Printing of Eutectic Gallium Alloys for Printed Electronics
Authors: Hussain Navid , Fu Tongtong , Marques Gabriel , Das Chittaranjan , Scherer Torsten , Bog Uwe , Berner Lukas , Wacker Irene , Schröder Rasmus R. , Aghassi‐Hagmann Jasmin , Hirtz Michael
Published: July 2021

A versatile liquid metal (LM) printing process enabling the fabrication of various fully printed devices such as intra‐ and interconnect wires, resistors, diodes, transistors, and basic circuit elements such as inverters which are process compatible with other digital printing and thin film structuring methods for integration is presented. For this, a glass capillary‐based direct‐write method for printing LMs such as eutectic gallium alloys, exploring the potential for fully printed LM‐enabled devices is demonstrated. Examples for successful device fabrication include resistors, p–n diodes, and field effect transistors. The device functionality and easiness of one integrated fabrication flow shows that the potential of LM printing is far exceeding the use of interconnecting conventional electronic devices in printed electronics.
Global Inverse Design across Multiple Photonic Structure Classes Using Generative Deep Learning
Authors: Yeung Christopher , Tsai Ryan , Pham Benjamin , King Brian , Kawagoe Yusaku , Ho David , Liang Julia , Knight Mark W. , Raman Aaswath P.
Published: July 2021

Understanding how nano‐ or micro‐scale structures and material properties can be optimally configured to attain specific functionalities remains a fundamental challenge. Photonic metasurfaces, for instance, can be spectrally tuned through material choice and structural geometry to achieve unique optical responses. However, existing numerical design methods require prior identification of specific material−structure combinations, or device classes, as the starting point for optimization. As such, a unified solution that simultaneously optimizes across materials and geometries has yet to be realized. To overcome these challenges, a global deep learning‐based inverse design framework is presented, where a conditional deep convolutional generative adversarial network is trained on colored images encoded with a range of material and structural parameters, including refractive index, plasma frequency, and geometric design. It is demonstrated that, in response to target absorption spectra, the network can identify an effective metasurface in terms of its class, materials properties, and overall shape. Furthermore, the model can arrive at multiple design variants with distinct materials and structures that present nearly identical absorption spectra. The proposed framework is thus an important step towards global photonics and materials design strategies that can identify combinations of device categories, material properties, and geometric parameters which algorithmically deliver a sought functionality.
Full‐Color and White Circularly Polarized Luminescence Promoted by Liquid Crystal Self‐Assembly Containing Chiral Naphthalimide Dyes
Authors: Li Yang , Yao Kun , Chen Yihan , Quan Yiwu , Cheng Yixiang
Published: July 2021

Chiral emissive nematic liquid crystals (N*‐LCs) can greatly amplify the circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) signals promoted by a highly regular spiral self‐assembly in the LCs system. Naphthalimide (NI) derivatives have been assigned to be one of the most excellent chromophores for fluorescent materials. In this paper, a novel strategy is first developed to regulate full‐color CPL behavior of N*‐LCs through different chiral NI‐based dyes. Chiral NI‐based dyes are doped into nematic liquid crystals (E7, N‐LCs) to form N*‐LCs as CPL‐active liquid crystal materials. Most interestingly, this kind of N*‐LCs could emit standard white CPL signals (CIE coordinates: (0.31, 0.33)) by choosing the blue‐red match of two chiral NI‐based dyes at the appropriate ratio.
Electrolyte Design for Lithium Metal Anode‐Based Batteries Toward Extreme Temperature Application
Authors: Luo Dan , Li Matthew , Zheng Yun , Ma Qianyi , Gao Rui , Zhang Zhen , Dou Haozhen , Wen Guobin , Shui Lingling , Yu Aiping , Wang Xin , Chen Zhongwei
Published: July 2021

Lithium anode‐based batteries (LBs) are highly demanded in society owing to the high theoretical capacity and low reduction potential of metallic lithium. They are expected to see increasing deployment in performance critical areas including electric vehicles, grid storage, space, and sea vehicle operations. Unfortunately, competitive performance cannot be achieved when LBs operating under extreme temperature conditions where the lithium‐ion chemistry fail to perform optimally. In this review, a brief overview of the challenges in developing LBs for low temperature (<0 °C) and high temperature (>60 °C) operation are provided followed by electrolyte design strategies involving Li salt modification, solvation structure optimization, additive introduction, and solid‐state electrolyte utilization for LBs are introduced. Specifically, the prospects of using lithium metal batteries (LMBs), lithium sulfur (Li‐S) batteries, and lithium oxygen (Li‐O2) batteries for performance under low and high temperature applications are evaluated. These three chemistries are presented as prototypical examples of how the conventional low temperature charge transfer resistances and high temperature side reactions can be overcome. This review also points out the research direction of extreme temperature electrolyte design toward practical applications.
Wireless Soft Scalp Electronics and Virtual Reality System for Motor Imagery‐Based Brain–Machine Interfaces
Authors: Mahmood Musa , Kwon Shinjae , Kim Hojoong , Kim Yun‐Soung , Siriaraya Panote , Choi Jeongmoon , Otkhmezuri Boris , Kang Kyowon , Yu Ki Jun , Jang Young C. , Ang Chee Siang , Yeo Woon‐Hong
Published: July 2021

Motor imagery offers an excellent opportunity as a stimulus‐free paradigm for brain–machine interfaces. Conventional electroencephalography (EEG) for motor imagery requires a hair cap with multiple wired electrodes and messy gels, causing motion artifacts. Here, a wireless scalp electronic system with virtual reality for real‐time, continuous classification of motor imagery brain signals is introduced. This low‐profile, portable system integrates imperceptible microneedle electrodes and soft wireless circuits. Virtual reality addresses subject variance in detectable EEG response to motor imagery by providing clear, consistent visuals and instant biofeedback. The wearable soft system offers advantageous contact surface area and reduced electrode impedance density, resulting in significantly enhanced EEG signals and classification accuracy. The combination with convolutional neural network‐machine learning provides a real‐time, continuous motor imagery‐based brain–machine interface. With four human subjects, the scalp electronic system offers a high classification accuracy (93.22 ± 1.33% for four classes), allowing wireless, real‐time control of a virtual reality game.
Redox‐Mediated Artificial Non‐Enzymatic Antioxidant MXene Nanoplatforms for Acute Kidney Injury Alleviation
Authors: Zhao Xing , Wang Li‐Ya , Li Jia‐Meng , Peng Li‐Mei , Tang Chun‐Yan , Zha Xiang‐Jun , Ke Kai , Yang Ming‐Bo , Su Bai‐Hai , Yang Wei
Published: July 2021

Acute kidney injury (AKI), as a common oxidative stress‐related renal disease, causes high mortality in clinics annually, and many other clinical diseases, including the pandemic COVID‐19, have a high potential to cause AKI, yet only rehydration, renal dialysis, and other supportive therapies are available for AKI in the clinics. Nanotechnology‐mediated antioxidant therapy represents a promising therapeutic strategy for AKI treatment. However, current enzyme‐mimicking nanoantioxidants show poor biocompatibility and biodegradability, as well as non‐specific ROS level regulation, further potentially causing deleterious adverse effects. Herein, the authors report a novel non‐enzymatic antioxidant strategy based on ultrathin Ti3C2‐PVP nanosheets (TPNS) with excellent biocompatibility and great chemical reactivity toward multiple ROS for AKI treatment. These TPNS nanosheets exhibit enzyme/ROS‐triggered biodegradability and broad‐spectrum ROS scavenging ability through the readily occurring redox reaction between Ti3C2 and various ROS, as verified by theoretical calculations. Furthermore, both in vivo and in vitro experiments demonstrate that TPNS can serve as efficient antioxidant platforms to scavenge the overexpressed ROS and subsequently suppress oxidative stress‐induced inflammatory response through inhibition of NF‐κB signal pathway for AKI treatment. This study highlights a new type of therapeutic agent, that is, the redox‐mediated non‐enzymatic antioxidant MXene nanoplatforms in treatment of AKI and other ROS‐associated diseases.
A Stacked Hybrid Organic/Inorganic Electrochemical Random‐Access Memory for Scalable Implementation
Authors: Tuchman Yaakov , Quill Tyler J. , LeCroy Garrett , Salleo Alberto
Published: July 2021

Organic semiconductors have emerged as an attractive class of materials for neuromorphic computing applications, particularly in crossbar arrays for artificial neural network (ANN) accelerators. Here, one of the last persistent challenges facing organic materials for adoption in these applications is addressed by developing a fabrication process capable of lithographically patterning vertical, three‐terminal electrochemical random‐access memories (ECRAMs). Central to the realization of this device architecture is the development of a hybrid electrolyte system: a porous inorganic matrix permeated with an ionic liquid, which enables vertical stacking of the organic semiconductor channel and gate. The resulting stacked hybrid organic/inorganic ECRAMs (SHOEs) exhibit superior dynamic range to comparable lateral devices (>2×), exceptional cycling endurance (>109 Write–Read Cycles), low energy switching (2.7 pJ), and can be fabricated with dimensions limited by lithographic resolution. The fabrication process developed allows for independent control over device channel, electrolyte, and gate dimensions, and by reducing channel lengths down to a single micron, the fabricated devices can operate (Write+Read) at >MHz speeds. Further, the hybrid electrolyte design provides an effective means to confine an ionic liquid for use in other electrolyte‐gated devices.
Inkjet Printing of Few‐Layer Enriched Black Phosphorus Nanosheets for Electronic Devices
Authors: Jun Ho Young , Ryu Sang Ouk , Kim Se Hyun , Kim Jun Young , Chang Chih‐Hung , Ryu Si Ok , Choi Chang‐Ho
Published: July 2021

Black phosphorus (BP) is considered among the promising material for electronic devices. A wide range of studies involving properties, exfoliation, and applications of thin‐layered BP nanosheets (NSs) has been put forward. Along with understanding properties of thin‐layered BP NSs, efforts to enlighten the intrinsic characteristics of the BP film should be also accompanied to extend applications of the material. In this study, a facile and efficient inkjet printing approach is introduced to fabricate patterned BP films. This approach successfully addresses the complexity of the ink formulation and thus enables to pattern the high‐quality BP film at as high a resolution as tens of micrometers. The printed BP pattern provides its intrinsic characteristics including electronic properties, conducting mechanism, and stability, which are essential to advancing the printed BP electronic device. By integrating the printed BP pattern into a diode device, its potential for electronic devices is demonstrated. This inkjet printing technique will facilitate the development of printing patterns of 2D materials in a facile and cost‐effective manner and further boost the research on advanced electronic devices.
Porous 3D Silicon‐Diamondyne Blooms Excellent Storage and Diffusion Properties for Li, Na, and K Ions
Authors: Yang Ze , Song Yuwei , Zhang Chunfang , He Jianjiang , Li Xiaodong , Wang Xin , Wang Ning , Li Yuliang , Huang Changshui
Published: July 2021

Regarding different kinds of alkali metal ion batteries such as lithium‐ion battery (LIB), sodium‐ion battery (NIB), and potassium‐ion battery (KIB), since the diameters and properties of these ions are different, there are few materials that are adaptable simultaneously as the anode for these batteries. To achieve the versatile compatibility material, its chemical component and spatial configuration need to be predesigned for possessing abundant storage sites and efficient diffusion paths. Here, a well‐designed 3D material silicon‐diamondyne (Si‐DY) is prepared which is only comprised of butadiyne units and sp3‐hybridized silicon atoms. Owing to the combination of the abundant diyne and various inner channels in the stable diamond‐like skeleton, Si‐DY exhibits excellent storage and diffusion properties for alkali metal ions. The Si‐DY is predicted with an ultrahigh theoretical capacity of 3674, 2810, and 1945 mAh g−1 for lithium, sodium, and potassium ions, respectively. Especially, as the anode of LIB, NIB, and KIB, Si‐DY achieves very high stable practical specific capacities of 2350, 812, and 512 mAh g−1, respectively, as well as an ultra‐long cycling stability. Those outstanding results demonstrate that the as‐designed Si‐DY displays an exceptional potential as the versatile material for energy applications.
Are improvements in convenience good enough for consumers to prefer new food processing technologies?
Authors: Garrido Dolores , Karina Gallardo Rosa
Published: July 2021

We use choice experiments to investigate heterogeneity in preferences for a refrigerated ready‐to‐heat meal with an extended shelf life and the processing technology (i.e., microwave‐assisted pasteurization) that provides that longevity. On average, an extra day of shelf life decreases the utility associated with purchasing and eating the meal. A segmentation analysis reveals the presence of convenience consumers, who are willing to pay a premium for a more convenient meal (with an extended shelf life), but the interaction effect of shelf life with technology reverts their willingness to pay for an extra day of shelf life, suggesting a negative reaction to the new technology. (EconLit Citations: Q13, Q16, Q19).
Separation of multicomponent aromatic/aliphatic mixtures by simulated moving bed adsorption: Modeling and experiments
Authors: Yang Shaowei , Kalyanaraman Jayashree , Jayachandrababu Krishna C. , Fu Qiang , Guo Siwei , Partridge Randall D. , Joshi Yogesh V. , Paek Changyub , Nair Sankar
Published: July 2021

Simulated moving bed (SMB) adsorption has potential for efficient separation of many valuable chemical mixtures, but considerably less attention has been devoted to multicomponent feeds relative to binary mixtures. We take a rigorous experimental and modeling approach to study multicomponent separation of aromatics and aliphatics with a mesoporous silica adsorbent, which is relevant in many petrochemical applications such as separation of reformate and distillate streams. Our approach involves refining multicomponent adsorption, mass transfer, and SMB process parameters based upon detailed experimental inputs, with progressive addition of components. We develop a robust model that quantitatively predicts the influence of key operating parameters such as stream flow rates, desorbent/feed ratio, and switch time on the separation results and concentration profiles. The model is validated as a function of feed complexity by SMB experiments and column concentration profile measurements in a 16‐column mini‐plant. Furthermore, conditions for clear separation of each mixture are developed.
What is normal bone health? A bioarchaeological perspective on meaningful measures and interpretations of bone strength, loss, and aging
Authors: Agarwal Sabrina C.
Published: July 2021

Bioarchaeological (the study of archeological human remains together with contextual and documentary evidence) offers a unique vantage point to examine variation in skeletal morphology related to influences such as activity, disease, and nutrition. The human skeleton is composed of a dynamic tissue that is forged by biocultural factors over the entire life course, providing a record of individual, and community history. Various aspects of adult bone health, particularly bone maintenance and loss and the associated skeletal disease osteoporosis, have been examined in numerous past populations. The anthropological study of bone loss has traditionally focused on the signature of postmenopausal aging, costs of reproduction, and fragility in females. The a priori expectation of normative sex‐related bone loss/fragility in bioanthropological studies illustrates the wider gender‐ideological bias that continues in research design and data analysis in the field. Contextualized data on bone maintenance and aging in the archeological record show that patterns of bone loss do not constitute predictable consequences of aging or biological sex. Instead, the critical examination of bioarchaeological data highlights the complex and changing processes that craft the human body over the life course, and calls for us to question the ideal or “normal” range of bone quantity and quality in the human skeleton, and to critically reflect on what measures are actually biologically and/or socially meaningful.
Exon skip‐inducing variants in FLNA in an attenuated form of frontometaphyseal dysplasia
Authors: Wade Emma M. , Jenkins Zandra A. , Morgan Tim , Gimenez Gregory , Gibson Hayley , Peng Hui , Sanchez Russo Rossana , Skraban Cara M. , Bedoukian Emma , Robertson Stephen P.
Published: July 2021

Pathogenic variation in the X‐linked gene FLNA causes a wide range of human developmental phenotypes. Loss‐of‐function is usually male embryonic‐lethal, and most commonly results in a neuronal migration disorder in affected females. Gain‐of‐function variants cause a spectrum of skeletal dysplasias that present with variable additional, often distinctive, soft‐tissue anomalies in males and females. Here we present two, unrelated, male individuals with novel, intronic variants in FLNA that are predicted to be pathogenic. Their phenotypes are reminiscent of the gain‐of‐function spectrum without the skeletal manifestations. Most strikingly, they manifest urethral anomalies, cardiac malformations, and keloid scarring, all commonly encountered features of frontometaphyseal dysplasia. Both variants prevent inclusion of exon 40 into the FLNA transcript, predicting the in‐frame deletion of 42 amino acids, however the abundance of FLNA protein was equivalent to that observed in healthy individuals. Loss of these 42 amino acids removes sites that mediate key FLNA functions, including binding of some ligands and phosphorylation. This phenotype further expands the spectrum of the FLNA filaminopathies.
Copper‐Mediated (2‐Methylthio)aniline Directed Annulation of sp2 C−H Bonds with Primary Anilines
Authors: Tran Khoa M. , Ho Nhat T. , Le Trang T. T. , Nguyen Tung T. , Phan Nam T. S.
Published: July 2021

A method for copper‐mediated, directed functionalization of sp2 C−H bonds in benzamides with primary anilines toward synthesis of indazolones is reported. Successful transformations relied on the use of a bidentate 2‐methylthio aniline directing group. Functionalities including halogen, methylthio, cyano, ester, protected alcohol, and tertiary amine groups were compatible with reaction conditions. The method features a rare example for directed annulation of sp2 C−H bonds with amines.
Conventional microscopy makes perikymata count and spacing data feasible for large samples
Authors: Edgar Heather J. H. , Moes Emily , Willermet Cathy , S. Ragsdale Corey
Published: July 2021

Objectives

Current methods of quantifying defects of dental enamel (DDE) include either gross or low‐level examination for linear enamel hypoplasia, histological analysis of striae of Retzius, or scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of a tooth or a tooth cast. Gross examination has been shown to miss many defects. Other methods can be destructive, require transporting samples, and are expensive. Here, we show that digital light microscopy (DLM) can be used for the analysis of DDE as indicated by widened perikymata spacing (WPS). This method takes advantage of high‐power (100×) microscopy, but is non‐destructive, can be implemented almost anywhere, and is inexpensive.

Materials and Methods

As proof of concept, we created photomontages of labial surfaces of five human canines from images made using DLM and SEM. We counted and measured the widths of all visible perikymata for each imaging modality and fit measurements to a negative curve representing the expected values for each tooth. We calculated residuals for each measurement. WPS were defined when R2 was in the 90th percentile, and were considered matched in DLM and SEM images when observed within the same decile of the tooth surface.

Results

There were more WPS detected in the images derived from DLM than from SEM. Overall, the data derived from the two imaging modalities provided similar information about the frequency and timing of stress during dental development.

Conclusions

The method described here allows for DDE data acquisition as WPS from large samples, making feasible population‐level studies that reflect sophisticated understanding of dental development.
Untersuchung von Dynamik, Struktur und Magnetismus von schaltbaren Metall‐organischen Gerüstverbindungen mittels 1H‐detektierter MAS‐NMR‐Spektroskopie
Authors: Blahut Jan , Lejeune Arthur L. , Ehrling Sebastian , Senkovska Irena , Kaskel Stefan , Wisser Florian M. , Pintacuda Guido
Published: July 2021

Wir präsentieren neue Werkzeuge für die schnelle Charakterisierung pulverförmiger Proben paramagnetischer MOFs in natürlicher Häufigkeit mittels 1H‐detektierter Festkörper‐NMR‐Spektroskopie. Sehr schnelle MAS‐Raten bei Raumtemperatur und tiefen Temperaturen sowie eine Auswahl maßgeschneiderter Pulssequenzen werden genutzt, um die Beschränkungen hinsichtlich Empfindlichkeit und Auflösung zu beheben, von denen die Charakterisierung neuer MOFs oft begleitet ist. Wir demonstrieren diesen Ansatz an DUT‐8(Ni), einem MOF mit Ni2+‐Schaufelrad‐Einheiten, das in zwei deutlich unterschiedlichen Strukturen existiert. Gut aufgelöste 1H‐ und 13C‐Resonanzen der organischen Linker werden mit nur 1–2 mg Probe in natürlicher Häufigkeit binnen weniger Stunden erhalten, zugeordnet, und genutzt, um schnell Informationen über die Struktur und die lokale interne Dynamik der Verbindungen zu erlangen und um die elektronischen Eigenschaften des Metalls in einem weiten Temperaturbereich aufzuklären.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Dearomative Methoxyallylation of 3‐Nitroindoles with Allyl Carbonates
Authors: Xie Jia‐Hao , Zheng Chao , You Shu‐Li
Published: July 2021

Herein we report a Pd‐catalyzed dearomative methoxyallylation of 3‐nitroindoles with readily available allyl carbonates. Good yields (up to 86 %) and diastereoselectivity (up to >20:1 dr) are obtained for a wide range of substrates. The compatibility of gram‐scale synthesis and the relatively low catalyst loading (down to 1 mol % of [Pd]) enhance the practicality of this method. The kinetic experiments indicate that the rate‐determining step of this reaction is the nucleophilic attack of the alkoxide anion.
Glycopolymer Microarrays with Sub‐Femtomolar Avidity for Glycan Binding Proteins Prepared by Grafted‐To/Grafted‐From Photopolymerizations
Authors: Valles Daniel J. , Zholdassov Yerzhan S. , Korpanty Joanna , Uddin Samiha , Naeem Yasir , Mootoo David R. , Gianneschi Nathan C. , Braunschweig Adam B.
Published: July 2021

We report a novel glycan array architecture that binds the mannose‐specific glycan binding protein, concanavalin A (ConA), with sub‐femtomolar avidity. A new radical photopolymerization developed specifically for this application combines the grafted‐from thiol–(meth)acrylate polymerization with thiol–ene chemistry to graft glycans to the growing polymer brushes. The propagation of the brushes was studied by carrying out this grafted‐to/grafted‐from radical photopolymerization (GTGFRP) at >400 different conditions using hypersurface photolithography, a printing strategy that substantially accelerates reaction discovery and optimization on surfaces. The effect of brush height and the grafting density of mannosides on the binding of ConA to the brushes was studied systematically, and we found that multivalent and cooperative binding account for the unprecedented sensitivity of the GTGFRP brushes. This study further demonstrates the ease with which new chemistry can be tailored for an application as a result of the advantages of hypersurface photolithography.
Monitoring Dynamics, Structure, and Magnetism of Switchable Metal–Organic Frameworks via 1H‐Detected MAS NMR
Authors: Blahut Jan , Lejeune Arthur L. , Ehrling Sebastian , Senkovska Irena , Kaskel Stefan , Wisser Florian M. , Pintacuda Guido
Published: July 2021

We present a toolbox for the rapid characterisation of powdered samples of paramagnetic metal–organic frameworks at natural abundance by 1H‐detected solid‐state NMR. Very fast MAS rates at room and cryogenic temperatures and a set of tailored radiofrequency irradiation schemes help overcome the sensitivity and resolution limits often associated with the characterisation of MOF materials. We demonstrate the approach on DUT‐8(Ni), a framework containing Ni2+ paddle‐wheel units which can exist in two markedly different architectures. Resolved 1H and 13C resonances of organic linkers are detected and assigned in few hours with only 1–2 mg of sample at natural isotopic abundance, and used to rapidly extract information on structure and local internal dynamics of the assemblies, as well as to elucidate the metal electronic properties over an extended temperature range. The experiments disclose new possibilities for describing local and global structural changes and correlating them to electronic and magnetic properties of the assemblies.
The influence of the transparent layer thickness on the absorption capacity of epoxy/carbon nanotube buckypaper at X‐band
Authors: Reis Felipe Carlos dos , Rezende Mirabel Cerqueira , Ribeiro Bruno
Published: July 2021

Carbon nanotube films (BPs) as EMI shielding materials can be applied in electronic and communication devices due to their high electrical conductivity. Sandwich structures can offer excellent shielding effectiveness by introducing a wave‐transmitting layer between conductive films. However, the optimization of the structure demands a deep investigation and plays a crucial role in the final shielding properties of the composites. In this work, BPs are incorporated into epoxy substrates with variable thicknesses (1–6 mm) to fabricate epoxy/BP sandwich structures. The morphology of the CNT films is analyzed by SEM, and the electrical conductivity of all prepared samples is measured by 4‐point method. The electromagnetic tests are carried out in the X‐band (8.2–12.4 GHz) through the scattering parameters. SEM images reveal a porous structure without visible agglomeration. The electrical conductivity of the BP reaches up to 996 S/m, whereas the values for epoxy/BP composites varies in the range of 8.51–3.13 S/m (1 to 3 mm). BP total shielding efficiency (SET) is approximately 14 dB along the X‐band spectrum, with similar contributions of reflection and absorption losses. While, the composites show mainly absorbing behavior, especially in the thicker samples, with more significant SET values (23.4 dB–6 mm).