bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Achieving Nearly 100% Photoluminescence Quantum Efficiency in Organic Radical Emitters by Fine‐Tuning the Effective Donor‐Acceptor Distance
Authors: Lu Chen , Cho Eunkyung , Wan Keke , Wu Chunxiao , Gao Yuhang , Coropceanu Veaceslav , Brédas Jean‐Luc , Li Feng
Published: February 2024

Donor‐acceptor (D–A•) type luminescent organic radicals have received widespread attention as efficient doublet emitters. However, their generally low photoluminescence quantum efficiency (PLQE) and limited photostability restrict their various applications. Since unraveling the relationship between structure and properties of D–A• type luminescent radicals remains a challenge, here, a series of tri(2,4,6‐trichlorophenyl)methyl (TTM) radical derivatives, which differ by the location of their ring fusion sites and nature of their heteroatoms, is synthesized. The PLQE of isomers varies by ten times as a function of ring fusion sites. In particular, the PLQE of a radical undergoing ring fusion at the carbazole 3,4‐position is as high as 98.0%. Quantum‐chemical calculations show that in the case of overlapping holes and electrons, by increasing the effective distance between the D and A moieties, the radiative transition rates of the radicals increase. Also, decreasing the electronic coupling between the charge‐transfer and local‐excited states and avoiding large geometrical distortions between the ground state (D0)_and the first excited state (D1) can significantly reduce the nonradiative transition rates. This work offers a design strategy to obtain efficient and stable luminescent radicals by modifying the sites of ring fusion, which allows control of the radiative and nonradiative transition rates.
Ultrasmall CoFe Bimetallic Alloy Anchored on Fluoride‐Free MXene by One‐Pot Etching Strategy for the Barrier‐Adsorption‐Catalyst Functions of Polysulfides in Lithium‐Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Wang Zhengran , Jiang Huiyu , Wei Chuanliang , Tian Kangdong , Li Yuan , Zhang Xinlu , Xiong Shenglin , Zhang Chenghui , Feng Jinkui
Published: February 2024

The rational construction of electrocatalysts has sparked a growing interest in accelerating redox kinetics of polysulfide and effectively restricting the “shuttle effect” in Li‐S batteries. In this work, a novel MXene‐supported ultrasmall Co3Fe7 bimetallic alloy hybrids are fabricated via a one‐pot molten salt etching strategy. The Ti3AlC2 precursor can be directly converted to Co3Fe7‐MXene using this environmentally friendly approach, eliminating the need for acid/alkaline treatments and complex procedures. Meanwhile, the ultrasmall Co3Fe7 alloy particles are in situ formed and tightly anchored on the MXene substrate. By simple coating, Co3Fe7‐MXene modified separator functions as a barrier to effectively inhibit the shuttle effect. Furthermore, electrochemical tests and theoretical calculations demonstrate that Co3Fe7‐MXene exhibits exceptional adsorption capacity and remarkable catalytic ability toward polysulfides, owing to the synergistic effect of bimetallic alloy. Consequently, Li‐S cells assembled with Co3Fe7‐MXene modified separator achieve a high capacity, excellent rate performance, and superior cycle stability. This study provides a comprehensive insight into the design of MXene with bimetallic alloys as efficient electrocatalysts for LiPSs in high‐performance and long‐life Li‐S batteries.
Incorporation of Decidual Stromal Cells Derived Exosomes in Sodium Alginate Hydrogel as an Innovative Therapeutic Strategy for Advancing Endometrial Regeneration and Reinstating Fertility
Authors: Liang Yuxiang , Shuai Qizhi , Zhang Xiao , Jin Shanshan , Guo Yuqian , Yu Zhaowei , Xu Xinrui , Ao Ruifang , Peng Zhiwei , Lv Huimin , He Sheng , Wang Chunfang , Song Guohua , Liu Zhizhen , Zhao Hong , Feng Qilong , Du Ruochen , Zheng Bin , Chen Zhaoyang , Xie Jun
Published: February 2024

Intrauterine adhesion (IUA) stands as a prevalent medical condition characterized by endometrial fibrosis and scar tissue formation within the uterine cavity, resulting in infertility and, in severe cases, recurrent miscarriages. Cell therapy, especially with stem cells, offers an alternative to surgery, but concerns about uncontrolled differentiation and tumorigenicity limit its use. Exosomes, more stable and immunogenicity‐reduced than parent cells, have emerged as a promising avenue for IUA treatment. In this study, a novel approach has been proposed wherein exosomes originating from decidual stromal cells (DSCs) are encapsulated within sodium alginate hydrogel (SAH) scaffolds to repair endometrial damage and restore fertility in a mouse IUA model. Current results demonstrate that in situ injection of DSC‐derived exosomes (DSC‐exos)/SAH into the uterine cavity has the capability to induce uterine angiogenesis, initiate mesenchymal‐to‐epithelial transformation (MET), facilitate collagen fiber remodeling and dissolution, promote endometrial regeneration, enhance endometrial receptivity, and contribute to the recovery of fertility. RNA sequencing and advanced bioinformatics analysis reveal miRNA enrichment in exosomes, potentially supporting endometrial repair. This finding elucidates how DSC‐exos/SAH mechanistically fosters collagen ablation, endometrium regeneration, and fertility recovery, holding the potential to introduce a novel IUA treatment and offering invaluable insights into the realm of regenerative medicine.
Sensing, Imaging, and Therapeutic Strategies Endowing by Conjugate Polymers for Precision Medicine
Authors: Shen Qi , Song Gang , Lin Hongrui , Bai Haotian , Huang Yiming , Lv Fengting , Wang Shu
Published: February 2024

Conjugated polymers (CPs) have promising applications in biomedical fields, such as disease monitoring, real‐time imaging diagnosis, and disease treatment. As a promising luminescent material with tunable emission, high brightness and excellent stability, CPs are widely used as fluorescent probes in biological detection and imaging. Rational molecular design and structural optimization have broadened absorption/emission range of CPs, which are more conductive for disease diagnosis and precision therapy. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advances in the application of CPs, aiming to elucidate their structural and functional relationships. The fluorescence properties of CPs and the mechanism of detection signal amplification are first discussed, followed by an elucidation of their emerging applications in biological detection. Subsequently, CPs‐based imaging systems and therapeutic strategies are illustrated systematically. Finally, recent advancements in utilizing CPs as electroactive materials for bioelectronic devices are also investigated. Moreover, the challenges and outlooks of CPs for precision medicine are discussed. Through this systematic review, it is hoped to highlight the frontier progress of CPs and promote new breakthroughs in fundamental research and clinical transformation.
Optical Monitoring of Water Side Permeation in Thin Film Encapsulation
Authors: Wu Kangling , Mariello Massimo , Leterrier Yves , Lacour Stéphanie P.
Published: February 2024

The stability of long‐term microfabricated implants is hindered by the presence of multiple water diffusion paths within artificially patterned thin‐film encapsulations. Side permeation, defined as infiltration of molecules through the lateral surface of the thin structure, becomes increasingly critical with the trend of developing high‐density and miniaturized neural electrodes. However, current permeability measurement methods do not account for side permeation accurately nor quantitatively. Here, a novel optical, magnesium (Mg)‐based method is proposed to quantify the side water transmission rate (SWTR) through thin film encapsulation and validate the approach using micrometric polyimide (PI) and polyimide‐silicon carbide (PI‐SiC) multilayers. Through computed digital grayscale images collected with corroding Mg film microcells coated with the thin encapsulation, side and surface WTRs are quantified. A 4.5‐fold ratio between side and surface permeation is observed, highlighting the crucial role of the PI–PI interface in lateral diffusion. Universal guidelines for the design of flexible, hermetic neural interfaces are proposed. Increasing encapsulation's width (interelectrode spacing), creating stronger interfacial interactions, and integrating high‐barrier interlayers such as SiC significantly enhance the lateral hermeticity.
Engineered Microchannel Scaffolds with Instructive Niches Reinforce Endogenous Bone Regeneration by Regulating CSF‐1/CSF‐1R Pathway
Authors: Li Xing , Cheng Yaling , Gu Peiyang , Zhao Chengkun , Li Zhulian , Tong Lei , Zeng Weinan , Liang Jie , Luo En , Jiang Qing , Zhou Zongke , Fan Yujiang , Zhang Xingdong , Sun Yong
Published: February 2024

Structural and physiological cues provide guidance for the directional migration and spatial organization of endogenous cells. Here, a microchannel scaffold with instructive niches is developed using a circumferential freeze‐casting technique with an alkaline salting‐out strategy. Thereinto, polydopamine‐coated nano‐hydroxyapatite is employed as a functional inorganic linker to participate in the entanglement and crystallization of chitosan molecules. This scaffold orchestrates the advantage of an oriented porous structure for rapid cell infiltration and satisfactory immunomodulatory capacity to promote stem cell recruitment, retention, and subsequent osteogenic differentiation. Transcriptomic analysis as well as its in vitro and in vivo verification demonstrates that essential colony‐stimulating factor‐1 (CSF‐1) factor is induced by this scaffold, and effectively bound to the target colony‐stimulating factor‐1 receptor (CSF‐1R) on the macrophage surface to activate the M2 phenotype, achieving substantial endogenous bone regeneration. This strategy provides a simple and efficient approach for engineering inducible bone regenerative biomaterials.
Dual‐Epigenetically Relieving the MYC‐Correlated Immunosuppression via an Advanced Nano‐Radiosensitizer Potentiates Cancer Immuno‐Radiotherapy
Authors: Wang Guohao , Yan Jie , Tian Hao , Li Bei , Yu Xinying , Feng Yuzhao , Li Wenxi , Zhou Songtao , Dai Yunlu
Published: February 2024

Cancer cells can upregulate the MYC expression to repair the radiotherapy‐triggered DNA damage, aggravating therapeutic resistance and tumor immunosuppression. Epigenetic treatment targeting the MYC‐transcriptional abnormality may intensively solve this clinical problem. Herein, 5‐Aza (a DNA methyltransferase inhibitor) and ITF‐2357 (a histone deacetylase inhibitor) are engineered into a tungsten‐based nano‐radiosensitizer (PWAI), to suppress MYC rising and awaken robust radiotherapeutic antitumor immunity. Individual 5‐Aza depletes MYC expression but cannot efficiently awaken radiotherapeutic immunity. This drawback can be overcome by the addition of ITF‐2357, which triggers cancer cellular type I interferon (IFN‐I) signaling. Coupling 5‐Aza with ITF‐2357 ensures that PWAI does not evoke the treated model with high MYC‐related immune resistance while amplifying the radiotherapeutic tumor killing, and more importantly promotes the generation of IFN‐I signal‐related proteins involving IFN‐α and IFN‐β. Unlike the radiation treatment alone, PWAI‐triggered immuno‐radiotherapy remarkably enhances antitumor immune responses involving the tumor antigen presentation by dendritic cells, and improves intratumoral recruitment of cytotoxic T lymphocytes and their memory‐phenotype formation in 4T1 tumor‐bearing mice. Downgrading the radiotherapy‐induced MYC overexpression via the dual‐epigenetic reprogramming strategy may elicit a robust immuno‐radiotherapy.
Three‐in‐One Strategy Enables Single‐Component Organic Solar Cells with Record Efficiency and High Stability
Authors: Cheng Yujun , Huang Bin , Mao Qilong , Huang Xuexiang , Liu Jiabin , Zhou Chunxiang , Zhou Wen , Ren Xinyuan , Kim Seoyoung , Kim Wonjun , Sun Zhe , Wu Feiyan , Yang Changduk , Chen Lie
Published: February 2024

Single‐component organic solar cells (SCOSCs) with covalently bonding donor and acceptor are becoming increasingly attractive because of their superior stability over traditional multicomponent blend organic solar cells (OSCs). Nevertheless, the efficiency of SCOSCs is far behind the state‐of‐the‐art multicomponent OSCs. Herein, by combination of the advantages of three‐component and single‐component devices, this work reports an innovative three‐in‐one strategy to boost the performance of SCOSCs. In this three‐in‐one strategy, three independent components (PM6, D18, and PYIT) are covalently linked together to create a new single‐component active layer based on ternary conjugated block copolymer (TCBC) PM6‐D18‐b‐PYIT by a facile polymerization. Precisely manipulating the component ratios in the polymer chains of PM6‐D18‐b‐PYIT is able to broaden light utilization, promote charge dynamics, optimize, and stabilize film morphology, contributing to the simultaneously enhanced efficiency and stability of the SCOSCs. Ultimately, the PM6‐D18‐b‐PYIT‐based device exhibits a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 14.89%, which is the highest efficiency of the reported SCOSCs. Thanks to the aggregation restriction of each component and chain entanglement in the three‐in‐one system, the PM6‐D18‐b‐PYIT‐based SCOSC displays significantly higher stability than the corresponding two‐component (PM6‐D18:PYIT) and three‐component (PM6:D18:PYIT). These results demonstrate that the three‐in‐one strategy is facile and promising for developing SCOSCs with superior efficiency and stability.
Achieving Stable Lithium Anodes through Leveraging Inevitable Stress Variations via Adaptive Piezoelectric Effect
Authors: Chang Chengshuai , Zhang Mengtian , Lao Zhoujie , Xiao Xiao , Lu Gongxun , Qu Haotian , Wu Xian , Fu Hongyan , Zhou Guangmin
Published: February 2024

Unleashing the potential of lithium‐metal anodes in practical applications is hindered by the inherent stress‐related challenges arising from their limitless volume expansion, leading to mechanical failures such as electrode cracking, solid electrolyte interphase damage, and dendritic growth. Despite the various protective strategies to “combat” stress in lithium‐metal anodes, they fail to address the intrinsic issue fundamentally. Here, a unique strategy is proposed that leverages the stress generated during the battery cycling via the piezoelectric effect, transforming to the adaptive built‐in electric field to accelerate lithium‐ion migration, homogenize the lithium deposition, and alleviate the stress concentration. The mechanism of the piezoelectric effect in modulating electro‐chemomechanical field evolution is further validated and decoupled through finite element method simulations. Inspired by this strategy, a high sensitivity, fast responsive, and strength adaptability polymer piezoelectric is used to demonstrate the feasibility and the corresponding protected lithium‐metal anode shows cycling stability over 6000 h under a current density of 10 mA cm−2 and extending life in a variety of coin and pouch cell systems. This work effectively tackles the stress‐related issues and decoupling the electro‐chemomechanical field evolution also contributes to developing more stable lithium anodes for future research.
Controlled Sixfold Symmetric Exfoliation of Oriented MoS2 Monolayers by Coulomb Force
Authors: Liu Sheng , Fong Chee Fai , Liu Xue , Tan Beng Hau , Zeng Qingyun , Okada Yoshinori , Nguyen Nam‐Trung , An Hongjie
Published: February 2024

Atoms, molecules, and nanoparticles can be spatially manipulated by an atomic force microscopy (AFM) tip, through van der Waals (vdW) and/or Coulomb forces. These point‐to‐point manipulations are highly accurate at nanoscale, facilitating the construction and modification of nanostructures. Nevertheless, it is difficult to manipulate 2D layers in vdW crystals by an AFM tip, because the tip‐induced attractive force is usually insufficient to outcompete the interlaminar vdW forces. Herein, manipulation of the surface layers on a MoS2 single crystal by a conductive AFM tip is successfully reported. By applying a bias between the tip and MoS2, the Coulomb attractive force allows the topmost MoS2 layers to be picked up. These exfoliated layers are deformed into micron‐sized bubbles with sixfold symmetry, which are composed of high‐quality monolayers and visually reflecting the hexagonal lattice orientation. The underlying mechanisms of the sixfold symmetric exfoliation and the formation of monolayers are discussed by in situ monitoring of the tunneling volt‐ampere characteristics and simulation of the force distribution. The findings open a new route to obtain high‐quality transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD) monolayers and their derived nanostructures on the surface of TMD single crystals for optoelectronic and photonic device applications.
Dry‐Wet Hybrid Direct Printing of Laser‐Induced Graphene and Zinc Oxide Nanoribbons for Continuous‐Flow Manufacturing of Flexible Wearable Photodetectors
Authors: Qu Menglong , Zhao Wenfei , Wu Daosheng , Liu Zixuan , Feng Shichao , Cheng Yi‐Bing , Zhong Jie , Zhang Cheng
Published: February 2024

Flexible wearable electronics enable an in situ and real‐time measurement of human physiology and micro‐environment. Although large‐scale production of flexible wearable electronics is demonstrated using direct printing techniques, the “wet” nature of these techniques requires multiple procedures and chemicals to prepare printable inks, increasing the complexity and cost. Here, a dry‐wet hybrid direct printing is developed for the mass production of flexible wearable photodetectors, in which a “dry” direct laser writing and a “wet” screen printing are employed to fabricate laser‐induced graphene as electrode layer and zinc oxide as photosensitive layer, respectively. The liquid‐free fabrication of LIG significantly reduces the complexity and cost of the production. An automatic conveyor belt is designed to realize continuous‐flow manufacturing. The photodetectors demonstrate good ultraviolet (UV) photodetection performances, such as a photo‐to‐dark current ratio (Iphoto/Idark) of 5.67 × 105, approaching the record of similar devices. The manufacturing system presents a high reproducibility, considering that Iphoto/Idark only fluctuates within 7.10%. The flexible photodetectors are worn as wristbands after being integrated with a data acquisition and transmission circuit. UV intensity is real‐time monitored on a self‐developed mobile application. The continuous‐flow manufacturing based on the developed dry‐wet hybrid direct printing sheds light on the mass production of flexible wearable electronics.
Ice Microsphere Optical Cavities
Authors: Li Xiangzheng , Cui Bowen , Xu Peizhen , Xie Yu , Wang Pan , Tong Limin , Guo Xin
Published: February 2024

Whispering gallery mode (WGM) optical microcavities have played an essential role in both fundamental research and practical applications, such as cavity quantum electrodynamics, optomechanics, microlasers, and optical sensors. While microcavities made of various materials (e.g., SiO2, As2S3, polymethylmethacrylate) have been extensively investigated, exploiting new materials for microcavities holds great promise for expanding the functionalities of the microcavities. As one of the most ubiquitous and important solids on earth's surface, ice exhibits intriguing optical properties that render it an excellent material for optical applications. Here, ice microsphere optical cavities are demonstrated for the first time. By rapidly freezing water microdroplets, ice microspheres are batch‐fabricated with relatively smooth surfaces and diameters of 5–50 µm. Excitation of a series of WGMs within ice microsphere cavities is achieved over a broad spectral range from near‐ultraviolet to near‐infrared region (380–1600 nm) with quality factors up to 1.4 × 103. Considering the extremely low absorption coefficient of ice in the ultraviolet, this work provides an exceptional platform for exploring ultraviolet microcavity photonics and its diverse applications.
Boosting Photoresponse of Self‐Powered Photoelectrochemical Photodetectors via Planar Interdigital Electrodes
Authors: Gao Qiyue , Shao Zhitao , Sun Simin , Guan Haoran , Gao Xinyu , Zhang Nana , Yao Jing , Gao Feng , Feng Wei
Published: February 2024

Underwater optical communications (UOC) and light imaging have aroused tremendous attention due to the ever‐growing exploration of marine resources. Photoelectrochemical‐type photodetectors (PEC PDs) have good application potential in underwater optoelectronic devices because of their intrinsic aqueous operation characteristics with a self‐powered function and high sensitivity. However, most of the currently reported PEC PDs consist of sandwich‐like device structures, increasing the weight, volume, and complexity of the devices. Here, a planar interdigital electrode (IE) structure for high‐performance self‐powered PEC PDs for the first time is proposed. The CuO‐based IE PEC PDs achieve good photoresponse in the wide region of 365–850 nm with a high responsivity of 21.86 mA W−1 (455 nm irradiation), a fast response time (0.02/0.17 s), and good stability in artificial seawater. The good photoresponse is attributed to the promotion of interfacial electrochemical reaction kinetics and the accelerated charge transport by IE structure. Moreover, the CuO‐based IE PEC PDs show good UOC and underwater light imaging capability. Furthermore, the IE structure successfully applies in p‐Se and CuSe PEC PDs, demonstrating its good universality. The simpler structure and good photoresponse demonstrate that IE structure provides a new perspective for designing high‐performance, low‐cost, and self‐powered PEC PDs.
Dilute Sb Doping Yields Softer p‐Type Bi2Te3 Thermoelectrics
Authors: Chen Hung‐Wei , Chen Bo‐Chia , Wu Hsin‐Jay
Published: February 2024

In this study, the Sb content within p‐type Bi2Te3 by employing phase diagram engineering is strategically tuned. This method retains the advantages of Sb doping but mitigated the brittleness typically seen in high‐Sb Bi0.5Sb1.5Te3 (BST). The as‐constructed phase diagram demonstrates the asymmetrical homogeneity of (Bi, Sb)2Te3, guiding focus toward developing an optimized p‐type (Bi2Te3)0.96(Sb2Te)0.04 with reduced Sb content. The resulting crystal of (Bi2Te3)0.96(Sb2Te)0.04 exhibit an exceptional peak zT of 1.3 at 303 K, surpassing the mechanical robustness of standard high‐Sb BST. Additionally, it matches the energy conversion efficiency of traditional BST, achieving 2.3% at a temperature difference ΔT of 150 K. This significant advance makes (Bi2Te3)0.96(Sb2Te)0.04 a potential competitor to the well‐established BST, thanks to its enhanced thermoelectric performance owing to the elevated carrier concentration and a less brittle nature due to the diluted Sb dopant.
Charting the Irreversible Degradation Modes of Low Bandgap Pb‐Sn Perovskite Compositions for De‐Risking Practical Industrial Development
Authors: Kamaraki Christina , Klug Matthew T. , Lim Vincent J.‐Y. , Zibouche Nourdine , Herz Laura M. , Islam M. Saiful , Case Christopher , Miranda Perez Laura
Published: February 2024

The commercialization of a solar technology necessitates the fulfillment of specific requirements both regarding efficiency and stability to enter and gain space in the photovoltaic market. These aims are heavily dependent on the selection of suitable materials, which is critical for suppressing any reliability risks arising from inherent instabilities. Focusing on the absorber material, herein the most suitable low bandgap lead‐tin composition candidate for all‐perovskite tandem applications is investigated by studying their degradation mechanisms with both widely available and advanced characterization techniques. Three irreversible degradation processes are identified in narrow bandgap Pb‐Sn perovskite absorbers: 1) Tin (Sn) oxidation upon air exposure, 2) methylammonium (MA) loss upon heat exposure, and 3) formamidinium (FA) and cesium (Cs) segregation leading to impurity phase formation. From an industrial perspective, it is proposed to refocus attention on FASn0.5Pb0.5I3 which minimizes all three effects while maintaining a suitable bandgap for a bottom cell and good performance. Moreover, a practical and highly sensitive characterization method is proposed to monitor the oxidation, which can be deployed both in laboratory and industrial environments and provide useful information for the technological development process, including, the effectiveness of encapsulation methods, and the acceptable time windows for air exposure.
Cell‐Membrane Inspired Multifunctional Nanocoating for Rescuing the Active‐Material Microenvironment in High‐Capacity Sulfur Cathode
Authors: Feng Lanxiang , Yan Rui , Sun Xiao‐Rong , Zhu Zhiwei , Jia Weishang , Yan Xinxiu , Yang Yao‐Yue , Li Shuang , Fu Xuewei , Yang Wei , Wang Yu
Published: February 2024

Achieving healthy active‐material microenvironment (ME@AM) for stable and efficient electron/ion transport around each active‐material particle is crucial for high‐performance battery electrodes. However, this goal has been proved extremely challenging for most high‐capacity AMs such as sulfur, owing to its notable volume change and severe shuttle effect. Here, a multifunctional hybrid material with zein protein reinforced catalytic single Cu atom/carbon composite (Cu─C) (zein/Cu─C) is coated onto sulfur/carbon (SC) particle, to prepare the advanced zein/Cu─C@SC core–shell particle. Similar to the multifunctional cell membrane well‐known in biology, this multifunctional zein/Cu─C coating helps build a healthy and stable ME@AM within sulfur cathode. Specifically, it can simultaneously provide robust protective shell for the AM particle, adsorption and catalyst function to the dissolved polysulfides, and AM surface treatment to improve AM/conductive agent interface. All these functions are the keys to build and maintain a healthy ME@AM in sulfur cathode. This study not only brings effective solutions to the challenges in volume‐change high‐capacity sulfur active materials and beyond, but also helps achieve comprehensive understanding of the key factors controlling the structuring and final quality of ME@AM.
Effectiveness of exercise interventions on muscle mass among older adults with sarcopenic obesity: A scoping review
Authors: Janani S. , Sedhunivas R.
Published: February 2024

A disease known as sarcopenic obesity is characterized by decreased lean body mass in conjunction with excessive amounts of adipose tissue. Skeletal muscle mass, also known as SMM, is responsible for the largest share of fat‐free mass in the body and plays an extremely vital role in the maintaining of metabolic health. Physical activity and exercise boosts the physiological health and overall quality of life of senior citizens. The objective of the study is to investigate the effectiveness of varied exercise interventions among the geriatric people with sarcopenic obesity. During the time period (2016–2023), a scoping review was undertaken using PubMed, orthopedic journals, and the Google Scholar database, and six literature evidences relating to the topic were discovered and subsequently analyzed. The study includes six randomized control trial publications that investigated the effectiveness and impact of exercise therapies on sarcopenic obesity. According to the pre and post‐test values found in the reviewed articles, we discovered that resistance exercise is more effective than aerobic or combination exercise therapies. In conclusion, according to this scoping analysis, resistance training is more effective than other types of exercise in improving muscle mass in older people with sarcopenic obesity.
Factors affecting Chinese consumers' beef purchase frequency
Authors: Dahal Bhishma R. , DeLong Karen L. , Gao Shijun , Grebitus Carola , Muhammad Andrew
Published: February 2024

China is an emerging beef market and per capita consumption of beef increased by 48% in the past decade. Given the importance of the Chinese beef market to domestic beef producers as well as foreign beef exporters, we evaluated the factors associated with how often Chinese consumers purchase beef. Using a 2021 survey of 560 beef consumers in the cities of Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, we found that nearly 50% purchased beef at least two to three times a week. Results of an ordered probit regression suggest that respondents who purchase steak, flank, shank, and brisket are more likely to purchase beef more frequently than those who do not purchase those cuts of beef. Similarly, those who purchase beef more from wet markets and supermarkets, younger shoppers, and those with higher incomes were more likely to purchase beef more frequently. Respondents who considered country of origin and hormone‐free production to be important factors purchased beef more frequently. Consumers who thought price and premium quality grades were more important purchased beef less frequently. These findings provide insights for domestic and foreign beef producers regarding the factors associated with consumer preferences and their frequency of beef purchasing in China. [EconLit Citations: EconLit Citation: Q130, Q170].
Numerical modeling and experimental verification of ceramic membrane emulsification for stable emulsion production
Authors: Zhou Ke , Wang Yaxin , Yuan Can , Jing Wenheng , Chen Min , Zhong Zhaoxiang , Xing Weihong
Published: February 2024

Continuous ceramic membrane emulsification is a promising and scalable technique to prepare water‐in‐heavy oil (W/O) emulsions. The droplet size of W/O emulsions is comprehensively influenced by phase parameters, operational parameters, and membrane parameters, which collectively impact the forces acting on water droplets. In this work, a droplet size prediction model involving multiple factors is established. The forces are analyzed by considering the influence of transmembrane pressure and the viscosity ratio between the dispersed and continuous phases, which are not well considered by current researchers. Additionally, the effects of pore size, crossflow velocity, temperature, and transmembrane pressure were experimentally verified. The experimental results show a high degree of agreement with the predictions. Also, based on the relaxation time difference in oil and water, magnetic resonance imaging was used for the first time to assess the stability of W/O emulsions which was found to be stable for 4 months.
The impact of a virtual mind–body program on symptoms of depression and anxiety among international English‐speaking adults with neurofibromatosis
Authors: McDermott Katherine , Bakhshaie Jafar , Brewer Julie , Vranceanu Ana‐Maria
Published: February 2024

The neurofibromatoses (NFs) are a set of incurable genetic disorders that predispose individuals to nervous system tumors. Although many patients experience anxiety and depression, there is little research on psychosocial interventions in this population. The present study examined the effects of a mind–body intervention on depression and anxiety in adults with NF. This is a secondary analysis of the Relaxation Response Resiliency Program for NF (3RP‐NF), an 8‐week virtual group intervention that teaches mind–body skills (e.g., relaxation, mindfulness) to improve quality of life. Participants were randomized to 3RP‐NF or the Health Enhancement Program for NF (HEP‐NF) consisting of health informational sessions and discussion. We evaluated depression (PHQ‐9) and anxiety (GAD‐7) at posttreatment, 6 months, and 12 months. Both groups improved in depression and anxiety between baseline and posttest, 6 months, and 12 months. The 3RP‐NF group showed greater improvements in depression scores from baseline to 6 months compared with HEP‐NF and with lower rates of clinically significant depressive symptoms. There were no between‐group differences for anxiety. Both interventions reduced distress and anxiety symptoms for individuals with NF. The 3RP‐NF group may be better at sustaining these improvements. Given the rare nature of NF, group connection may facilitate reduced distress.
Epilepsy with faint capillary malformation or reticulated telangiectasia associated with mosaic AKT3 pathogenic variants
Authors: De Bortoli Martina , Ivars Marta , Revencu Nicole , Nassogne Marie‐Cécile , Lavarino Cinzia , Paco Sonia , Lammens Martin , Renders Anne , Dumitriu Dana , Helaers Raphaël , Boon Laurence M. , Baselga Eulalia , Vikkula Miikka
Published: February 2024

Capillary malformations (CMs) are the most common type of vascular anomalies, affecting around 0.3% of newborns. They are usually caused by somatic pathogenic variants in GNAQ or GNA11. PIK3CA and PIK3R1, part of the phosphoinositide 3‐kinase–protein kinase B–mammalian target of rapamycin pathway, are mutated in fainter CMs such as diffuse CM with overgrowth and megalencephaly CM. In this study, we present two young patients with a CM‐like phenotype associated with cerebral anomalies and severe epilepsy. Pathogenic variants in PIK3CA and PIK3R1, as well as GNAQ and GNA11, were absent in affected cutaneous tissue biopsies. Instead, we identified two somatic pathogenic variants in the AKT3 gene. Subsequent analysis of the DNA obtained from surgically resected brain tissue of one of the two patients confirmed the presence of the AKT3 variant. Focal cortical dysplasia was also detected in this patient. Genetic analysis thus facilitated workup to reach a precise diagnosis for these patients, associating the vascular anomaly with the neurological symptoms. This study underscores the importance of searching for additional signs and symptoms to guide the diagnostic workup, especially in cases with atypical vascular malformations. In addition, it strongly emphasizes the significance of genotype–phenotype correlation studies in guiding clinicians' informed decision‐making regarding patient care.
Sonographic features of sternal pseudotumour in children
Authors: Gerrie Samantha , Watson Mike , Morreau Phil
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Sternal pseudotumour is an important but rare entity thought to be an inflammatory, non‐neoplastic lesion that can mimic tumours. The purpose of this paper was to illustrate the imaging features of this lesion to avoid unnecessary investigations.

Methods

The clinical notes and imaging features of four patients with a diagnosis of sternal pseudotumour were reviewed over a period from February 2016 to July 2019.

Results

All patients were afebrile with no history of trauma. The median age at presentation was 12.5 months. The median length of symptoms prior to presentation was 3.5 days. One patient had a mildly elevated C‐reactive protein. Chest radiographs showed a pre‐sternal soft‐tissue mass, with or without osseous destruction of the subjacent sternum. Ultrasound showed a heterogeneous, hypoechoic pre‐sternal soft‐tissue mass with variable internal vascularity with extension between sternal ossification centres. CT and MRI showed an enhancing dumbbell‐shaped lesion with a pre‐sternal and retro‐sternal soft‐tissue component. The median time to complete resolution was 3 months. One patient had a biopsy that showed chronic inflammation and fibrosis.

Discussion

These lesions present in young children typically with a 1‐ to 2‐week history of a focal 2‐ to 4‐cm swelling over the sternum. The aetiology is unknown but may be on the basis of a yet‐to‐be identified pathogen. Inflammatory markers and cultures are normal or mildly elevated. Important differential considerations include sternal osteomyelitis or neoplastic causes such as Ewing sarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, Langerhans cell histiocytosis and infantile fibrosarcoma.

Conclusion

Sternal pseudotumor is a rare but important entity to be aware of to avoid unnecessary invasive biopsy or further investigations. Our suggestion is that this is a ‘Don't touch’ lesion that requires close short‐interval follow‐up at a surgical outpatient clinic and with ultrasound until resolution.
Self‐Assembly of Rod‐Coil Bottlebrush Copolymers into Degradable Nanodiscs with a UV‐Triggered Self‐Immolation Process
Authors: Zeng Haoxiang , Liang Xiaoli , Roberts Derrick A. , Gillies Elizabeth R. , Müllner Markus
Published: February 2024

Polymer nanodiscs, especially with stimuli‐responsive features, represent an unexplored frontier in the nanomaterial landscape. Such 2D nanomaterials are considered highly promising for advanced biomedicine applications. Herein, we designed a rod‐coil copolymer architecture based on an amphiphilic, tadpole‐like bottlebrush copolymer, which can directly self‐assemble into core–shell nanodiscs in an aqueous environment. As the bottlebrush side chains are made of amorphous, UV‐responsive poly(ethyl glyoxylate) (PEtG) chains, they can undergo rapid end‐to‐end self‐immolation upon light irradiation. This triggered nanodisc disassembly can be used to boost small molecule release from the nanodisc core, which is further aided by a morphological change from discs to spheres.
Confinement of CsPbBr3 Perovskite Nanocrystals into Extra‐large‐pore Zeolite for Efficient and Stable Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Gao Shiqin , Wang Bolun , Chen Feijian , He Guangyuan , Zhang Tianjun , Li Lin , Li Junyan , Zhou Yida , Feng Binyao , Mei Donghai , Yu Jihong
Published: February 2024

Metal halide perovskites (MHPs), renowned for their outstanding optoelectronic properties, hold significant promise as photocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). However, the low stability and insufficient exposure of catalytically active sites of bulky MHPs seriously impair their catalytic efficiency. Herein, we utilized an extra‐large‐pore zeolite ZEO‐1 (JZO) as a host to confine and stabilize the CsPbBr3 nanocrystals (3.4 nm) for boosting hydrogen iodide (HI) splitting. The as‐prepared CsPbBr3@ZEO‐1 featured sufficiently exposed active sites, superior stability in acidic media, along with intrinsic extra‐large pores of ZEO‐1 that were favorable for molecule/ion adsorption and diffusion. Most importantly, the unique nanoconfinement effect of ZEO‐1 led to the narrowing of the band gap of CsPbBr3, allowing for more efficient light utilization. As a result, the photocatalytic HER rate of the as‐prepared CsPbBr3@ZEO‐1 photocatalyst was increased to 1734 μmol ⋅ h−1 ⋅ g−1(CsPbBr3) under visible light irradiation compared with bulk CsPbBr3 (11 μmol ⋅ h−1 ⋅ g−1(CsPbBr3)), and the long‐term durability (36 h) can be achieved. Furthermore, Pt was incorporated with well‐dispersed CsPbBr3 nanocrystals into ZEO‐1, resulting in a significant enhancement in activity (4826 μmol ⋅ h−1 ⋅ g−1(CsPbBr3)), surpassing most of the Pt‐integrated perovskite‐based photocatalysts. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations and charge‐carrier dynamics investigation revealed that the dramatically boosted photocatalytic performance of Pt/CsPbBr3@ZEO‐1 could be attributed to the promotion of charge separation and transfer, as well as to the substantially lowered energy barrier for HER. This work highlights the advantage of extra‐large‐pore zeolites as the nanoscale platform to accommodate multiple photoactive components, opening up promising prospects in the design and exploitation of novel zeolite‐confined photocatalysts for energy harvesting and storage.
Transient Metallo‐Lipidoid Assemblies Amplify Covalent Catalysis of Aqueous and Non‐Aqueous Reactions
Authors: Solra Manju , Kapila Rohit , Das Sourav , Bhatt Preeti , Rana Subinoy
Published: February 2024

Dissipative supramolecular assemblies are hallmarks of living systems, contributing to their complex, dynamic structures and emerging functions. Living cells can spatiotemporally control diverse biochemical reactions in membrane compartments and condensates, regulating metabolite levels, signal transduction or remodeling of the cytoskeleton. Herein, we constructed membranous compartments using self‐assembly of lipid‐like amphiphiles (lipidoid) in aqueous medium. The new double‐tailed lipidoid features Cu(II) coordinated with a tetravalent chelator that dictates the binding of two amphiphilic ligands in cis‐orientation. Hydrophobic interactions between the lipidoids coupled with intermolecular hydrogen bonding led to a well‐defined bilayer vesicle structure. Oil‐soluble SNAr reaction is efficiently upregulated in the hydrophobic cavity, acting as a catalytic crucible. The modular system allows easy incorporation of exposed primary amine groups, which augments the catalysis of retro aldol and C−N bond formation reactions. Moreover, a higher‐affinity chelator enables consumption of the Cu(II) template leveraging the differential thermodynamic stability, which allows a controllable lifetime of the vesicular assemblies. Concomitant temporal upregulation of the catalytic reactions could be tuned by the metal ion concentration. This work offers new possibilities for metal ion‐mediated dynamic supramolecular systems, opening up a massive repertoire of functionally active dynamic “life‐like” materials.
Isolierte Rhodium(II)‐Metallradikalzentren Katalysieren die Hydrofunktionalisierung von Olefinen
Authors: Qiu Zihang , Deng Hao , Neumann Constanze N.
Published: February 2024

Rh(II)‐Porphyrinkomplexe weisen einen ausgeprägten metallzentrierten Radikalcharakter auf, und die Fähigkeit kleine Moleküle unter milden Bedingungen zu aktivieren. Katalyse mit Rh(II)‐Porphyrinen ist jedoch äußerst selten. Zusätzlich zu Dimerisierung gehen Rh(II)‐Porphyrine leicht kinetisch und thermodynamisch einfache Reaktionen ein, an denen zwei Rh(II)‐Zentren beteiligt sind, um stabile Rh(III)‐X Zwischenprodukte zu erzeugen, die den Umsatz in der thermischen Katalyse behindern. Hier berichten wir über die geometrische Isolierung von Rh(II)‐Metallradikalen in einem MOF‐Wirt, die Rh(II)‐Metallradikale nicht nur vor Dimerisierung schützt, sondern ihnen auch die Teilnahme an der thermischen Katalyse ermöglicht. Der Zugang zu PCN‐224 oder PCN‐222, bei denen die Porphyrin‐Linker vollständig durch Rh(II) metalliert sind, aber keine begleitenden Rh(0)‐Nanopartikel erzeugt werden, gelang durch die erste direkte MOF‐Synthese mit einem Linker der ein Übergangsmetall‐Alkyl Motiv enthält, gefolgt von Photolyse der Rh(III)−C Bindung.
Selective Construction and Structural Transformation of Homogeneous Linear Metalla[4]catenane and Metalla[2]catenane Assemblies
Authors: Shan Wei‐Long , Hou Huan‐Huan , Si Nian , Wang Cai‐Xia , Yuan Guozan , Gao Xiang , Jin Guo‐Xin
Published: February 2024

Although the synthesis of mechanically interlocked molecules has been extensively researched, selectively constructing homogeneous linear [4]catenanes remains a formidable challenge. Here, we selectively constructed a homogeneous linear metalla[4]catenane in a one‐step process through the coordination‐driven self‐assembly of a bidentate benzothiadiazole derivative ligand and a binuclear half‐sandwich rhodium precursor. The formation of metalla[4]catenanes was facilitated by cooperative interactions between strong sandwich‐type π‐π stacking and non‐classical hydrogen bonds between the components. Moreover, by modulating the aromatic substituents on the binuclear precursor, two homogeneous metalla[2]catenanes were obtained. The molecular structures of these metallacatenanes were unambiguously characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. Additionally, reversible structural transformation between metal‐catenanes and the corresponding metallarectangles could be achieved by altering their concentration, as confirmed by mass spectrometry and NMR spectroscopy studies.
Tuning the Absorption, Fluorescence, Intramolecular Charge Transfer, and Intersystem Crossing in Spiro[fluorene]acridinone
Authors: Bo Yifan , Zhang He , Li Yue , Reva Yana , Xie Linghai , Guldi Dirk M.
Published: February 2024

In this work, we prepared a series of electron donor‐acceptor systems based on spiro[fluorene‐9,7’‐dibenzo[c,h]acridine]‐5’‐one (SFDBAO). Our SFDBAOs consist of orthogonally positioned fluorenes and aromatic ketones. By fine‐tuning the substitution of electron‐donating pyrenes, the complex interplay among different excited‐state decay channels and the overall impact of solvents on these decay channels were uncovered. Placing pyrene, for example, at the aromatic ketones resulted in a profound solvatochromism in the form of a bright charge‐transfer (CT) emission spanning from yellow to red‐NIR. In contrast, a dark non‐emissive CT was noted upon pyrene substitution at the fluorenes. In apolar solvents, efficient triplet‐excited state generation was observed for all SFDBAOs. Either charge transfer was concluded to mediate the intersystem crossing (ISC) in the case of pyrene substitution or the El‐Sayed rule was applicable when lacking pyrene substitution as in the case of SFABAO. In polar solvents, charge separation is the sole decay upon pyrene substitution. Moreover, competition between ISC and CT lowered the triplet‐excited state generation in SFDBAO.
Enzymatic Synthesis of TNA Protects DNA Nanostructures
Authors: Qin Bohe , Wang Qi , Wang Yuang , Han Feng , Wang Haiyan , Jiang Shuoxing , Yu Hanyang
Published: February 2024

Xeno‐nucleic acids (XNAs) are synthetic genetic polymers with improved biological stabilities and offer powerful molecular tools such as aptamers and catalysts. However, XNA application has been hindered by a very limited repertoire of tool enzymes, particularly those that enable de novo XNA synthesis. Here we report that terminal deoxynucleotide transferase (TdT) catalyzes untemplated threose nucleic acid (TNA) synthesis at the 3’ terminus of DNA oligonucleotide, resulting in DNA‐TNA chimera resistant to exonuclease digestion. Moreover, TdT‐catalyzed TNA extension supports one‐pot batch preparation of biostable chimeric oligonucleotides, which can be used directly as staple strands during self‐assembly of DNA origami nanostructures (DONs). Such TNA‐protected DONs show enhanced biological stability in the presence of exonuclease I, DNase I and fetal bovine serum. This work not only expands the available enzyme toolbox for XNA synthesis and manipulation, but also provides a promising approach to fabricate DONs with improved stability under the physiological condition.
Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction Using CO2‐Binding Enzymes
Authors: Terholsen Henrik , Huerta‐Zerón Hilario Diego , Möller Christina , Junge Henrik , Beller Matthias , Bornscheuer Uwe T.
Published: February 2024

Novel concepts to utilize carbon dioxide are required to reach a circular carbon economy and minimize environmental issues. To achieve these goals, photo‐, electro‐, thermal‐, and biocatalysis are key tools to realize this, preferentially in aqueous solutions. Nevertheless, catalytic systems that operate efficiently in water are scarce. Here, we present a general strategy for the identification of enzymes suitable for CO2 reduction based on structural analysis for potential carbon dioxide binding sites and subsequent mutations. We discovered that the phenolic acid decarboxylase from Bacillus subtilis (BsPAD) promotes the aqueous photocatalytic CO2 reduction selectively to carbon monoxide in the presence of a ruthenium photosensitizer and sodium ascorbate. With engineered variants of BsPAD, TONs of up to 978 and selectivities of up to 93 % (favoring the desired CO over H2 generation) were achieved. Mutating the active site region of BsPAD further improved turnover numbers for CO generation. This also revealed that electron transfer is rate‐limiting and occurs via multistep tunneling. The generality of this approach was proven by using eight other enzymes, all showing the desired activity underlining that a range of proteins is capable of photocatalytic CO2 reduction.