bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Emergence of late cytomegalovirus central nervous system disease in hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients
Authors: Wolf Dana G. , Lurain Nell S. , Zuckerman Tsila , Hoffman Ron , Satinger Judith , Honigman Alik , Saleh Niveen , Robert Emanuel S. , Rowe Jacob M. , Kra-Oz Zipora
Published: December 2002

Preemptive ganciclovir therapy has reduced the occurrence of early cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease after hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) transplantation. However, late disease is increasingly reported. We describe 2 patients who developed late CMV central nervous system (CNS) disease after haploidentical HSC transplantation. Direct genotypic analysis was used to examine the presence of ganciclovir resistance. One patient had a mixed viral population in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), with coexistent wild-type and mutantUL97 sequences. The presence of 2 different strains was confirmed by subclone sequencing of the UL54 gene. One of the strains was different from the concurrent blood strain. The second patient had resistant variant in the lungs. These cases raise concern about the changing natural history of CMV disease in HSC transplantation, with emergence of previously uncommon manifestations following prolonged prophylaxis. Under these circumstances the CNS may be a sanctuary site, where viral persistence and antiviral drug resistance could result from limited drug penetration.
CD28 costimulation and immunoaffinity-based selection efficiently generate primary gene-modified T cells for adoptive immunotherapy
Authors: Berger Carolina , Blau C. Anthony , Clackson Tim , Riddell Stanley R. , Heimfeld Shelly
Published: December 2002

The introduction of an inducible suicide gene has been proposed as a strategy to exploit the antitumor reactivity of donor T cells after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation but permit control of graft-versus-host disease. However, there are several obstacles to this approach that may impair the ability of T cells to function and survive in vivo. These include the requirement for in vitro activation or long-term culture to introduce the transgene and obtain therapeutic cell numbers, the toxicity of drug selection to enrich transduced cells, and the immunogenicity of the transgene-encoded products. Here we have developed a transduction and selection strategy for generating large numbers of polyclonal T cells transduced with a retroviral vector encoding the human low-affinity nerve growth factor receptor (LNGFR) for selection and a Fas-based suicide construct (LV'VFas). Ligation of CD28 in conjunction with a T-cell receptor signal permitted efficient transduction, substantially promoted T-cell growth, and contributed to the generation of gene-modified T cells that retained clonal diversity, functional properties, and a homing receptor profile similar to untransduced peripheral blood lymphocytes. Microbeads conjugated directly to antibody specific to LNGFR significantly improved the immunomagnetic selection of LV'VFas-modified T cells and assisted in scaling of the selection procedure to therapeutic cell numbers. Thus, these studies identified a strategy that requires only a brief ex vivo culture and does not use drug selection to obtain large numbers of functional gene-modified polyclonal T cells that can be used for adoptive immunotherapy.
Diagnosis of personality disorders in learning disability
Authors: Alexander Regi , Cooray Sherva
Published: December 2002

Background

Though contentious, the diagnosis of personality disorders in persons with learning disability is clinically relevant because it affects many aspects of management.

Aims

To examine published literature on the diagnosis of personality disorders in learning disability.

Method

Selective review with computerised (Medline, Embase and PsychInfo) and manual literature searches.

Results

The variation in the cooccurrence of personality disorder in learning disability, with prevalence ranging from less than 1% to 91% in a community setting and 22% to 92% in hospital settings, is very great and too large to be explained by real differences.

Conclusions

The diagnosis of personality disorders in learning disability is complex and difficult, particularly in those with severe disability Developing consensus diagnostic criteria, specific for various developmental levels, is one way forward. Such criteria may need to include objective proxy measures such as behavioural observations and informant accounts.
Cellular functions of the Rap1 GTP-binding protein: a pattern emerges
Authors: Caron Emmanuelle
Published: December 2002

Rap1 belongs to the Ras subgroup of small GTP-binding proteins. Whereas its early history has focused on its biochemical homology to Ras and the alleged functional antagonism between these two small GTPases, recent cellular evidence suggests that endogenous Rap1 plays a unique, Ras-independent role in eukaryotic cells. Activated by virtually all receptor types and second messengers, Rap1 controls adhesion-related functions such as phagocytosis,cell-cell contacts and functional activation of integrins through inside-out signalling. Whereas the precise mechanism by which its downstream effectors exert these diverse functions is unknown, Rap1 seems to fulfil the evolutionarily conserved function of patterning the eukaryotic cell, thus enabling it to respond to its environment, in particular through cytoskeletal remodelling.
New retinoblastoma (RB) drug delivery approaches: anti‐tumor effect of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP)‐conjugated hyaluronic‐acid‐coated gold nanoparticles for intraocular treatment of chemoresistant RB
Authors: Haase André , Miroschnikov Natalia , Klein Stefan , Doege Annika , Dünker Nicole , Van Meenen Dario , Junker Andreas , Göpferich Achim , Apaolaza Paola Stephanie , Busch Maike Anna
Published: January 2024

Intraocular drug delivery is a promising approach for treatment of ocular diseases. Chemotherapeutic drugs used in retinoblastoma (RB) treatment often lead to side effects and drug resistances. Therefore, new adjuvant therapies are needed to treat chemoresistant RBs. Biocompatible gold nanoparticles (GNPs) have unique antiangiogenic properties and can inhibit cancer progression. The combination of gold and low‐molecular‐weight hyaluronan (HA) enhances the stability of GNPs and promotes the distribution across ocular barriers. Attached to HA‐GNPs, the atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), which diminishes neovascularization in the eye, is a promising new therapeutic agent for RB treatment. In the study presented, we established ANP‐coupled HA‐GNPs and investigated their effect on the tumor formation potential of chemoresistant RB cells in an in ovo chicken chorioallantoic membrane model and an orthotopic in vivo RB rat eye model. Treatment of etoposide‐resistant RB cells with ANP‐HA‐GNPs in ovo resulted in significantly reduced tumor growth and angiogenesis compared with controls. The antitumorigenic effect could be verified in the rat eye model, including a noninvasive application form via eye drops. Our data suggest that ANP‐HA‐GNPs represent a new minimally invasive, adjuvant treatment option for RB.
An open chat with… Koji Yamanaka
Authors: Tsagakis Ioannis , Yamanaka Koji
Published: January 2024

Koji Yamanaka is a Professor at the Research Institute of Environmental Medicine at Nagoya University of Japan. His research interests lie in understanding the mechanism of onset and progression of motor neuron disease as well as the role of glial cells in Alzheimer's disease neuroinflammation. Koji has been serving on the FEBS Open Bio Editorial Board since 2013. In this interview, he explains the implications of recent findings in neurobiology for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, provides updates on the research environment in Japan and discusses how editors might use their position to positively influence academic culture.
Consistency of electrical source imaging in presurgical evaluation of epilepsy across different vigilance states
Authors: Avigdor Tamir , Abdallah Chifaou , Afnan Jawata , Cai Zhengchen , Rammal Saba , Grova Christophe , Frauscher Birgit
Published: January 2024

Objective

The use of electrical source imaging (ESI) in assessing the source of interictal epileptic discharges (IEDs) is gaining increasing popularity in presurgical work‐up of patients with drug‐resistant focal epilepsy. While vigilance affects the ability to locate IEDs and identify the epileptogenic zone, we know little about its impact on ESI.

Methods

We studied overnight high‐density electroencephalography recordings in focal drug‐resistant epilepsy. IEDs were marked visually in each vigilance state, and examined in the sensor and source space. ESIs were calculated and compared between all vigilance states and the clinical ground truth. Two conditions were considered within each vigilance state, an unequalized and an equalized number of IEDs.

Results

The number, amplitude, and duration of IEDs were affected by the vigilance state, with N3 sleep presenting the highest number, amplitude, and duration for both conditions (P < 0.001), while signal‐to‐noise ratio only differed in the unequalized condition (P < 0.001). The vigilance state did not affect channel involvement (P > 0.05). ESI maps showed no differences in distance, quality, extent, or maxima distances compared to the clinical ground truth for both conditions (P > 0.05). Only when an absolute reference (wakefulness) was used, the channel involvement (P < 0.05) and ESI source extent (P < 0.01) were impacted during rapid‐eye‐movement (REM) sleep. Clustering of amplitude‐sensitive and ‐insensitive ESI maps pointed to amplitude rather than the spatial profile as the driver (P < 0.05).

Interpretation

IED ESI results are stable across vigilance states, including REM sleep, if controlled for amplitude and IED number. ESI is thus stable and invariant to the vigilance state.
Adaptive behavior assessed by Vineland‐3 as comprehensive outcome measure in vanishing white matter
Authors: Schoenmakers Daphne H. , van Beelen Irene , Voermans Marije M.C. , Perik Denise , Stellingwerff Menno D. , Wolf Nicole I. , Berkhof Johannes , van der Knaap Marjo S.
Published: January 2024

Objectives

Investigate the results and usability of the Vineland‐3 as an outcome measure in vanishing white matter patients.

Methods

A cross‐sectional investigation of the Vineland‐3 based on interviews with caregivers, the Health Utilities Index, and the modified Rankin Scale in 64 vanishing white matter patients.

Results

Adaptive behavior measured with the Vineland‐3 is impaired in the vast majority of vanishing white matter patients and significantly impacts daily life. Typically, the daily living skills domain is most severely affected and the socialization domain is the least affected. Based on the metric properties and the clinical relevance, the standard scores for the daily living skills domain and Adaptive Behavior Composite have the best properties to be used as an outcome measure.

Interpretation

The Vineland‐3 appears to be a useful outcome measure to explore and quantify complex cognitive, behavioral, and psychiatric impairments affecting daily functioning in vanishing white matter. Further research should address the longitudinal evaluation of this tool and its additional value to standard neuropsychological and clinical examination.
Early flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing after mechanical thrombectomy in stroke patients
Authors: Pinho João , Meyer Tareq , Mall Bettina , Maring Bettina , Döpp Annalena , Becker Johanna , Wehner Anneke , Thissen Sara , Schumann‐Werner Beate , Nikoubashman Omid , Wiesmann Martin , Schulz Jörg. B. , Werner Cornelius J. , Reich Arno
Published: January 2024

Objective

The aims of the study were to (1) characterize the findings of flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) in stroke patients undergoing mechanical thrombectomy (MT); (2) analyse the screening performance of the Standardized Swallowing Assessment (SSA); and (3) study the impact of FEES‐defined dysphagia on 3‐month outcomes.

Methods

This single‐centre study was based on a local registry of consecutive acute ischaemic stroke patients undergoing MT during a 1‐year period. Patients received FEES within 5 days of admission regardless of the result of dysphagia screening. We compared baseline demographic and clinical characteristics of patients with and without FEES‐defined dysphagia. We collected 3‐month modified Rankin Scale (mRS) and individual index values of the European Quality of Life 5 Dimensions (EQ‐5D‐iv). Using univariable and multivariable regression analyses we predicted 3‐month outcomes for presence of dysphagia and for FEES‐defined dysphagia severity.

Results

We included 137 patients with a median age of 74 years, 43.1% were female, median NIHSS was 12 and successful recanalization was achieved in 92.7%. Stroke‐associated pneumonia occurred in 8% of patients. FEES‐defined dysphagia occurred in 81% of patients. Sensitivity of the SSA as a dysphagia screening was 67%. Presence of dysphagia and increasing severity of dysphagia were independently associated with increasing 3‐month mRS score. Increasing dysphagia severity dysphagia was independently associated with lower EQ‐5D‐iv.

Interpretation

Early FEES‐defined dysphagia occurs in four in every five patients undergoing MT. SSA has a suboptimal dysphagia screening performance. Presence of dysphagia and increasing dysphagia severity predict worse functional outcome and worse health‐related quality‐of‐life.
Study: Counterfeits/fentanyl making drug use more deadly for adolescents
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: January 2024

As Scott E. Hadland, M.D., senior author of a dramatic paper published last week in the New England Journal of Medicine puts it, drug use among adolescents is not getting more common — it's at its lowest in almost 50 years. But it's getting more deadly, due to fentanyl. In “The Overdose Crisis among U.S. Adolescents,” by Hadland and lead author Joseph Friedman, Ph.D., the problem is laid out clearly: After guns and car crashes, overdose (OD) deaths are now the third leading cause of death among adolescents.
Beds for teens are scarce and expensive: NIDA study
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: January 2024

Residential addiction treatment for teens is limited and expensive, according to a study published in Health Affairs last week. For the study, “Treatment In The US: Uneven Access, Waitlists, And High Costs” — which was funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) — Caroline King, M.D. and colleagues used the FindTreatment.gov database maintained by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and a search analytics company to find 354 centers that claim to provide residential addiction treatment services to people under age 18. The researchers then contacted them.
How each state is using STR and SOR grants
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: January 2024

The State Opioid Response (SOR) grant and its predecessor, the State Targeted Response to the Opioid Crisis (STR) grant, both funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), support prevention, treatment and recovery support services for opioid and stimulant misuse and use dis orders. The grants are administered through the National Association of State Alcohol and Drug Abuse Directors (NASADAD), which developed state‐ and territorial‐specific briefs highlighting how each state is using STR/SOR funds.
Localized Electrochemical Repair (LER) of Conductive Materials
Authors: Mahmoudi Mohammadreza , Mehrdad Ehsan , Shafieizad Amirhossein , Alsup Zachary , Minary‐Jolandan Majid
Published: January 2024

Circular economy models emphasize material repair, akin to nature's healing processes. However, while polymer healing has garnered attention, repairing metals and metal matrix composites (MMCs) remains less extensively studied. Herein, “localized electrochemical repair (LER)”, a process adept at efficiently mending conductive materials, is introduced. LER involves a nozzle with electrolyte near damage, creating a small electrochemical cell that guides controlled metal ion deposition. Notably, LER's energy efficiency, as low as 40 J mm−1, significantly outperforms other methods. This energy efficiency is one‐fifth of that required for conventional bath‐based electrohealing methods. Through the successful repair of a copper/alumina MMC that achieves ≈100% strength recovery, the effectiveness of LER is demonstrated and interface properties are assessed. LER aligns with circular economy ideals, offering precise, localized healing that is eco‐friendly and economically sound. It restores conductive materials while minimizing energy use and waste.
Design and Analysis of Unit Cell Geometry to Improve Mechanical Properties and Surface‐to‐Volume Ratio of Used Scaffold in Treating Damaged Bone Tissue
Authors: Khoshgoftar Mohammad Javad , Ansari Hamidreza
Published: January 2024

Bone tissue damage resulting from trauma, tumor, or bone infection is one of the most common problems that humans face in everyday life. Tissue engineering is a developing method for the reconstruction and repair of damaged tissues, and a scaffold should have properties such as biocompatibility, mechanical properties suitable for the type of damaged tissue, and suitable surface characteristics for better cell adhesion. This study presents a precise and practical process for designing a scaffold used in bone tissue repair, such as the femur, and the effect of unit cell geometry on the mechanical properties and surface characteristics of the scaffold is investigated. CT scan images of the human femur area are obtained, and 3D models of the cortical and cancellous parts of the femur are constructed. The outer surface of the damaged parts is designed with ideal geometry; six types of unit cells with different geometries are designed, and the changes in the Young's modulus are determined as a function of changes in the unit cell porosity. The cubic–star‐shaped unit cell is chosen as the suitable unit cell for the scaffold structure, with a side length of 0.88 mm and a pore size of 0.6 mm.
Selective Metallization of Thermoplastic Elastomers Based on Laser‐Induced Surface Activation
Authors: Zhang Huiyuan , Xu Rui , Zhou Tao
Published: January 2024

Laser direct structuring (LDS) technology successfully realized the selective metallization on thermoplastic elastomers. Polystyrene‐block‐poly(ethylene‐co‐propylene‐block‐polystyrene copolymer (SEPS) and polyether‐block‐amide (Pebax) containing 5 wt% Cu2(OH)PO4 are designed as LDS materials. Copper layers are obtained after NIR  laser activation and metallization. The analysis of morphologies (optical microscope, scanning electron microscopy, confocal laser scanning microscopy), the chemical composition (X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy [XPS], Raman, X‐ray diffraction), and the performance (scotch tape test, resistance) of materials before and after laser activation and metallization are carried out. The key to obtaining a high‐quality metal layer is as follows. 1) Cu2+ is reduced to copper (Cu0) with amorphous carbon acting as a reducing agent, and Cu0 acts as catalyst seeds in metallization. 2) The good adhesion between polymers and copper layers comes from the micropores etched by laser activation. In particular, XPS shows that 64.6% Cu2+ in SEPS/Cu2(OH)PO4 is reduced to Cu0, while only 18.4% Cu2+ in Pebax/Cu2(OH)PO4 is reduced after laser activation. Moreover, resistances of copper layers on SEPS/Cu2(OH)PO4 and Pebax/Cu2(OH)PO4 are 0.96 and 5.04 Ω, respectively. This study puts forward a way of fabricating flexible LDS materials. The prepared SEPS/Cu2(OH)PO4 composite is promising for shape variable decoration and flexible electronic devices.
60 Years of Open‐Celled Ceramics Based on Replica Technique: Applications, Obstacles, and Opportunities
Authors: Haase Daniela , Füssel Alexander , Adler Jörg , Petasch Uwe
Published: January 2024

Open‐celled ceramics look back on a remarkable history of development and innovation spanning around 60 years. Starting with the first patents to produce ceramic foams in the 1960s, the Schwartzwalder process became established industrially for manufacturing molten metal filters. Since then, a wide range of potential applications for these specific structured materials has been identified and discussed in the literature, such as porous burners, direct heaters, structured catalyst supports, filters, bone substitute materials, energy absorbers, preforms, and lightweight or acoustic construction components. For such high‐performance applications, ceramic foams require high quality in terms of purity, mechanical strength, high temperature, and chemical resistance or structural design. On this account, production technologies and material variety of ceramic foams have developed rapidly over the past few decades, and there are numerous applications in the industrial sector. This article gives an overview of the current state of development of open‐celled ceramic foams for various applications. Based on selected examples, it is demonstrated for which applications an industrial implementation is successfully realized and why some applications will never get beyond the proof‐of‐concept stage in research.
Viscoelastic Dynamics of Photothermal‐Responsive Liquid Crystal Elastomer Fibers
Authors: Xu Shihao , Hao Zhixiu , Chen Xindong , Wan Chao , Yu Li , Feng Xi‐Qiao
Published: January 2024

Liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) with photo‐responsive properties, typically driven by either photochemical or photothermal mechanisms, have found extensive applications as, for example, actuators in soft robots. However, intricate temperature‐dependent viscoelasticity of LCEs poses a challenge, leading to a notable gap in the domain of dynamic models for photothermal‐responsive LCE (PTR‐LCE) fibers. Here, a fundamental framework is proposed for accurate modeling and real‐time simulations of PTR‐LCE fiber dynamics. The PTR‐LCE fiber is described as a one‐dimensional (1D) string model that decomposes the fiber deformation into active and passive parts, which are characterized by an order parameter and a temperature‐dependent linear viscoelasticity model, respectively. Then, independent experimental measurements of model parameters are conducted, and a numerical algorithm is developed to solve the model, which is validated for convergence, time efficiency, and accuracy. Finally, the model is employed to simulate both open‐loop and Proportional‐Integral‐Derivative (PID) control of actuators made of PTR‐LCE fibers. The results confirm the advantages of this model over previous models. This work not only reveals the physical mechanisms underlying the PTR‐LCE fiber dynamic behaviors but also provides inspirations for more efficient and precise soft robotic applications.
Highly Reversible Iron Fluoride Conversion Cathodes Enabled by Deep‐Eutectic Solvent Method and Heterostructure Design
Authors: Lai Chuanzhong , Chen Keyi , Lei Meng , Hu Jiulin , Chen Shuangqiang , Li Chilin
Published: January 2024

Conversion‐reaction metal fluoride cathodes have the advantages of low cost, environmental friendliness, and high energy density. However, their tailored synthesis and structure design under safe, facile, and scalable conditions have always been a puzzle, which limits the popularization of conversion‐type cathodes in lithium metal batteries. To address these challenges, here an iron fluoride heterostructure with FeF2 and FeF3 binary phases is proposed and prepared by deep eutectic solvent method under the assistance of cobalt cation as an oxidization promoter. The compact heterogeneous contact between tetragonal FeF2 and hexagonal tungsten bronze FeF3 phases enables the promotion and stabilization of interface charge transfer and topotactic conversion reaction. The narrower band gap of FeF2, higher theoretical capacity and thermodynamic potential of FeF3 synergistically contribute to the balance between cycling reversibility and capacity. The heterostructure cathode with an optimized molar ratio of FeF2/FeF3 can realize a highly reversible capacity of ≈520 mAh g−1 in the first tens of cycles and 305 mAh g−1 after 200 cycles. The typical two‐stage reaction plateaus are well preserved even under the high current density of 1000 mA g−1. The green synthesis strategy and heterostructure fluoride design open a new horizon for the development of high‐energy‐density metal fluoride batteries.
Bioenergetic Metabolism Modulatory Peptide Hydrogel for Cardiac Protection and Repair After Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Zhang Yushan , Gao Yu , Wang Jingrong , Gao Rui , Su Qi , Zhang Ju , Jiang Liqin , Zhang Chuangnian , Huang Pingsheng , Wang Weiwei , Feng Zujian
Published: January 2024

Myocardial infarction (MI) remains a major threat to human health due to the limited energy supply, disordered cell metabolism, massive cardiomyocyte death, and restricted regeneration. Although currently available therapies may relieve myocardial damage, restoring the dysregulated energy metabolism to normal levels has not yet been achieved. MOTS‐c has recently been identified as a regulator of biological metabolism to combat aging; however, its role in reprogramming cardiac metabolism remains to be elucidated. Here, MOTS‐c is chemically conjugated to self‐assembling Q11 peptide to fabricate an injectable hydrogel (MQgel) aimed to improve mitochondria function and cardiomyocyte metabolism post‐MI. It is observed that MQgel effectively protects mitochondria from oxidative damage and normalized cardiomyocyte metabolism, including glucose uptake, glycolysis, and the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, thereby inhibiting cardiomyocyte death and enhancing cardiomyocyte activity. In a rat MI model, intramyocardial injection of MQgel successfully minimizes the infarct area and fibrosis, promotes angiogenesis, suppresses myocardial hypertrophy, and improves cardiomyocyte survival and metabolic enzyme activity, all of which collaboratively attenuate the maladaptive cardiac remodeling and boost cardiac function and tissue repair. The findings suggest that the self‐assembled mitochondria metabolism‐regulatory peptide hydrogel effectively treats MI, and cellular bioenergy modulation provides a new therapeutic approach for tissue repair after injury.
A Dual Active Site Organic–Inorganic Poly(O‐Phenylenediamine)/NH4V3O8 Composite Cathode Material for Aqueous Zinc‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Li Min , Liu Mingzu , Lu Yongyi , Zhang Guangdi , Zhang Yan , Li Zongyang , Xu Qunjie , Liu Haimei , Wang Yonggang
Published: January 2024

Aqueous zinc‐ion batteries, considered one of the important candidate technologies for green and environmentally friendly large‐scale energy storage, hinge upon the performance of cathode materials as the key factor driving their development. Vanadate oxide is a promising cathode material due to its high theoretical capacity; furthermore, in order to accelerate the reaction kinetics, ion or molecular intercalation is often utilized. However, non‐electrochemically active intercalants tend to cause capacity degradation. In this study, a one‐step hydrothermal method is employed to intercalate electrochemically active poly‐o‐phenylenediamine (PoPDA) into the interlayers of NH4V3O8 (NVO), with graphene oxide (GO) being used to further improve the conductivity of the composite material (NVO/PoPDA@GO). The insertion of PoPDA expands the interlayer spacing of the NVO, alters the charge distribution, and enhances the migration rate of Zn2+ among the hybrid materials. Additionally, PoPDA serves as a support within the interlayers, improving the material stability. Moreover, the reversible transformation and rearrangement of chemical bonds (C═N/C─N) in PoPDA allows for coordination with Zn2+, providing additional capacity. As a result, NVO/PoPDA@GO exhibits excellent electrochemical performance, releasing a specific capacity of 433 mAh g−1 at 0.5 A g−1, even with a capacity of 224 mAh g−1 at 5 A g−1. This work provides a promising direction for the preparation of organic–inorganic composite cathode materials with dual active components.
Visualization Materials Using Silicon‐Based Optical Nanodisks (ViSiON) for Enhanced NIR Imaging in Ophthalmology
Authors: Ki Jisun , Lee Hyunji , Lee Tae Geol , Lee Sang‐Won , Wi Jung‐Sub , Na Hee‐Kyung
Published: January 2024

ViSiON (visualization materials composed of silicon‐based optical nanodisks) is presented, which offers a unique optical combination of near‐infrared (NIR) optical properties and biodegradability. Initially, numerical simulations are conducted to calculate the total extinction and scattering effects of ViSiON by the diameter‐to‐thickness ratio, predicting precise control over its scattering properties in the NIR region. A top‐down patterning technique is employed to synthesize ViSiON with accurate diameter and thickness control. ViSiON with a 50 nm thickness exhibits scattering properties over 400 times higher than that of 30 nm, rendering it suitable as a contrast agent for optical coherence tomography (OCT), especially in ophthalmic applications. Furthermore, ViSiON possesses inherent biodegradability in media, with ≈95% degradation occurring after 48 h, and the degradation rate can be finely tuned based on the quantity of protein coating applied to the surface. Subsequently, the OCT imaging capability is validated even within vessels smaller than 300 µm, simulating retinal vasculature using a retinal phantom. Then, using an ex ovo chick embryo model, it is demonstrated that ViSiON enhances the strength of protein membranes by 6.17 times, thereby presenting the potential for ViSiON as an OCT imaging probe capable of diagnosing retinal diseases.
Injectable Conductive Hydrogel with Self‐Healing, Motion Monitoring, and Bacteria Theranostics for Bioelectronic Wound Dressing
Authors: Shan Mengyao , Chen Xin , Zhang Xiaoyang , Zhang Shike , Zhang Linlin , Chen Jinzhou , Wang Xianghong , Liu Xuying
Published: January 2024

Wounds at joints are difficult to treat and tend to recover more slowly due to the frequent motions. When using traditional hydrogel dressings, they are easy to crack and undergo bacterial infection, difficult to match and monitor the irregular wounds. Integrating multiple functions within a hydrogel dressing to achieve intelligent wound monitoring and healing remains a significant challenge. In this research, a multifunctional hydrogel is developed based on polysaccharide biopolymer, poly(vinyl alcohol), and hydroxylated graphene through dynamic borate ester bonding and supramolecular interaction. The prepared hydrogel not only exhibits rapid self‐healing (within 60 s), injectable, conductive and motion monitoring properties, but also realizes in situ bacterial sensing and killing functions. It shows excellent bacterial sensitivity (within 15 min) and killing ability via the changes of electrical signals and photothermal therapy, avoiding the emergence of drug‐resistant bacteria. In vivo experiments prove that the hydrogel can promote wound healing effectively. In addition, it displays great electromechanical performance to achieve real‐time monitoring and prevent re‐tearing of the wound at human joints. The injectable pH‐responsive hydrogel with good biocompatibility demonstrates considerable potential as multifunctional bioelectronic dressing for the detection, treatment, management, and healing of infected joint wounds.
Solid Interfaces for the Garnet Electrolytes
Authors: Feng Wuliang , Zhao Yufeng , Xia Yongyao
Published: January 2024

Solid‐state electrolytes (SSEs) have attracted extensive interests due to the advantages in developing secondary batteries with high energy density and outstanding safety. Possessing high ionic conductivity and the lowest reduction potential among the state‐of‐the‐art SSEs, the garnet type SSE is one of the most promising candidates to achieve high performance solid‐state lithium batteries (SSLBs). However, the elastic modulus of the garnet electrolyte leads to deteriorated interfacial contacts, and the increasing in electronic conduction at either anode/garnet interface or grain boundary results in Li dendrite growth. Here, recent developments of the solid interfaces for the garnet electrolytes, including the strategies of Li dendrite suppression and interfacial chemical/electrochemical/mechanical stabilizations are presented. A new viewpoint of the double edges of interfacial lithiophobicity is proposed, and the rational design of the interphases, as well as effective stacking methods of the garnet‐based SSLBs are summarized. Moreover, practical roles of the garnet electrolyte in SSLB industry are also discussed. This work delivers insights into the solid interfaces for the garnet electrolytes, which provides not only the promotion of the garnet‐based SSLBs, but also a comprehensive understanding of the interfacial stabilization for the whole SSE family.
Low‐Temperature Adaptive Single‐Atom Iron Nanozymes against Viruses in the Cold Chain
Authors: Qin Tao , Chen Yulian , Miao Xinyu , Shao Mengjuan , Xu Nuo , Mou Chunxiao , Chen Zhenhai , Yin Yuncong , Chen Sujuan , Yin Yinyan , Gao Lizeng , Peng Daxin , Liu Xiufan
Published: January 2024

Outbreaks of viral infectious diseases, such as the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) and influenza A virus (IAV), pose a great threat to human health. Viral spread is accelerated worldwide by the development of cold chain logistics; Therefore, an effective antiviral approach is required. In this study, it is aimed to develop a distinct antiviral strategy using nanozymes with low‐temperature adaptability, suitable for cold chain logistics. Phosphorus (P) atoms are added to the remote counter position of Fe‐N‐C center to prepare FeN4P2‐single‐atom nanozymes (SAzymes), exhibiting lipid oxidase (OXD)‐like activity at cold chain temperatures (−20, and 4 °C). This feature enables FeN4P2‐SAzymes to disrupt multiple enveloped viruses (human, swine, and avian coronaviruses, and H1‐H11 subtypes of IAV) by catalyzing lipid peroxidation of the viral lipid envelope. Under the simulated conditions of cold chain logistics, FeN4P2‐SAzymes are successfully applied as antiviral coatings on outer packaging and personal protective equipment; Therefore, FeN4P2‐SAzymes with low‐temperature adaptability and broad‐spectrum antiviral properties may serve as key materials for developing specific antiviral approaches to interrupt viral transmission through the cold chain.
Graphene Electrode for Studying CO2 Electroreduction Nanocatalysts under Realistic Conditions in Microcells
Authors: Toleukhanova Saltanat , Shen Tzu‐Hsien , Chang Chen , Swathilakshmi Swathilakshmi , Bottinelli Montandon Tecla , Tileli Vasiliki
Published: January 2024

The ability to resolve the dynamic evolution of electrocatalytically induced processes with electrochemical liquid‐phase electron microscopy (EM) is limited by the microcell configuration. Herein, a free‐standing tri‐layer graphene is integrated as a membrane and electrode material into the electrochemical chip and its suitability as a substrate electrode at the high cathodic potentials required for CO2 electroreduction (CO2ER) is evaluated. The three‐layer stacked graphene is transferred onto an in‐house fabricated single‐working electrode chip for use with bulk‐like reference and counter electrodes to facilitate evaluation of its effectiveness. Electrochemical measurements show that the graphene working electrode exhibits a wider inert cathodic potential range than the conventional glassy carbon electrode while achieving good charge transfer properties for nanocatalytic redox reactions. Operando scanning electron microscopy studies clearly demonstrate the improvement in spatial resolution but reveal a synergistic effect of the electron beam and the applied potential that limits the stability time window of the graphene‐based electrochemical chip. By optimizing the operating conditions, in situ monitoring of Cu nanocube degradation is achieved at the CO2ER potential of −1.1 V versus RHE. Thus, this improved microcell configuration allows EM observation of catalytic processes at potentials relevant to real systems.
Why the Synthesis Affects Performance of Layered Transition Metal Oxide Cathode Materials for Li‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Li Hang , Wang Li , Song Youzhi , Zhang Zhiguo , Du Aimin , Tang Yaping , Wang Jianlong , He Xiangming
Published: January 2024

The limited cyclability of high‐specific‐energy layered transition metal oxide (LiTMO2) cathode materials poses a significant challenge to the industrialization of batteries incorporating these materials. This limitation can be attributed to various factors, with the intrinsic behavior of the crystal structure during the cycle process being a key contributor. These factors include phase transition induced cracks, reduced Li active sites due to Li/Ni mixing, and slower Li+ migration. In addition, the presence of synthesis‐induced heterogeneous phases and lattice defects cannot be disregarded as they also contribute to the degradation in performance. Therefore, gaining a profound understanding of the intricate relationship among material synthesis, structure, and performance is imperative for the development of LiTMO2. This paper highlights the pivotal role of structural play in LiTMO2 materials and provides a comprehensive overview of how various control factors influence the specific pathways of structural evolution during the synthesis process. In addition, it summarizes the scientific challenges associated with diverse modification approaches currently employed to address the cyclic failure of materials. The overarching goal is to provide readers with profound insights into the study of LiTMO2.
Annealing Temperature Effect on the Physical Properties of NiO Thin Films Grown by DC Magnetron Sputtering
Authors: Timoshnev Sergei , Kazakin Alexey , Shubina Ksenia , Andreeva Valentina , Fedorenko Elizaveta , Koroleva Aleksandra , Zhizhin Evgeniy , Koval Olga , Kurinnaya Alina , Shalin Alexander , Bobrovs Vjaceslavs , Enns Yakov
Published: January 2024

Nickel oxide is a promising material for transparent electronics applications. This semiconductor demonstrates the possibility of modifying its physical properties depending on the method of growth and subsequent processing. Here the effects of the discharge power are reported during reactive dc magnetron sputtering, as well as the modes of subsequent annealing of NiO films, on their structural, electrical, and optical properties. NiO films are annealed at various temperatures both in an oxygen‐containing environment and under vacuum conditions. Deposited NiO films have a polycrystalline structure with a preferred orientation (200) for the low discharge power mode and (111) for the high discharge power mode. However, obtained NiO films exhibit crystallinity improvement after annealing. The presence of both Ni2+ and Ni3+ oxidation states in the deposited films is found. In addition, it is shown that the relative carrier concentration (Ni3+/Ni2+ peak area ratio) can be controlled by choosing the NiO film preparation mode. The trend in this ratio corresponds to the trend in film conductivity and the number of free‐charge carriers. The deposited films are semitransparent, and the estimated optical bandgap of NiO is in the range from 3.50 to 3.74 eV.
Freeze Drying of Organically Modified Layered Silicates as Key Step to Improve the Barrier Properties of Organic Coatings for High Power Electronics Protection
Authors: Lommes Joshua , Hanf Michael , Patzelt Gesa , Deissenberger Andrea , Stenzel Volkmar , Hartwig Andreas
Published: January 2024

Organically modified layered silicates can be used as barrier pigments in organic coating systems to reduce the permeation of water vapor and gases, e.g., oxygen as well as harmful gases that promote corrosion. Unmodified layered silicates are not sufficient to reduce the permeation significantly. However, the arrangement and orientation of the particles have an enormous impact on the later performance in the barrier film. In organic solvents or non‐aqueous polymer matrices the non‐modified layered silicates cannot exfoliate adequately. The organic modification influences the layer spacing and the compatibility to organic solvents. Layered silicates are modified with dodecylamine to enhance the spacing layer. The spacing layer is enhanced by 55% caused by the organic modification as it is commonly known. In contrast to previous work freeze drying of the organically modified layered silicates improved the particle distribution and by this barrier properties significantly. The modified particles reduce the diffusion of water and oxygen by ≈99.6% and 97.2%, respectively. The corrosive gas test of electronic circuit boards shows no growth of dendrites and no failure of the electronics in contrast to protective coating without the layered silicates.
Polydopamine‐Mediated, Amphiphilic Poly(Carboxybetaine Methacrylamide‐r‐Trifluoroethyl Methacrylate) Coating with Resistance to Marine Diatom Adhesion and Silt Adsorption
Authors: Jeong Jinhyeok , Do Jihwan , Kang Sung Min
Published: January 2024

Marine biofouling–the adhesion of marine organisms onto a ship hull–causes increased fuel consumption, leading to massive carbon dioxide emissions. Many attempts are made to address this issue, and antifouling polymer coatings are extensively investigated owing to their environmental friendliness. Zwitterionic polymers, polysaccharides, and polyethylene glycol are frequently used as surface coatings, demonstrating excellent marine antifouling performance. However, these hydrophilic polymer coatings have a major drawback: when exposed to sediment, various minerals are easily adsorbed by the coatings, causing them to lose their inherent antifouling properties. Amphiphilic polymer coatings have therefore been proposed as alternatives to hydrophilic polymer coatings. In this study, the synthesis of amphiphilic copolymers composed of carboxybetaine methacrylamide and trifluoroethyl methacrylate and the immobilization of these copolymers onto solid surfaces are reported. This method utilizes material‐independent surface‐coating properties and the metal complex‐forming ability of polydopamine to immobilize amphiphilic copolymers onto solid surfaces. The resulting surfaces exhibit good antifouling performance against both diatom adhesion and silt adsorption. As this is a facile and substrate‐independent method for immobilizing polymers, an expectation exists for it to be an effective platform for the coating of new marine antifouling polymers.
Novel Double Light‐Color (Blue and Red) Phosphor Sr9Ca(Li, Na, K)(PO4)7:Eu2+ Excited By NUV Light for Outdoor Plant Cultivation
Authors: Yang Lina , Liu Bin , Wang Yuhua , Seto Takatoshi
Published: January 2024

Through the conventional high‐temperature state reaction, a series of Sr9Ca(Li, Na, K)(PO4)7:Eu2+ phosphors are successfully synthesized. The luminescence of these phosphors can be bifurcated into two distinct regions: blue and red. Upon calculation of their Stokes shifts and comparison of their magnitudes, it is inferred that the blue and red emissions are triggered by the integration of Eu2+ into the Ca2+ and Sr2+ sites, respectively. The disorder of Sr9Ca1.5(PO4)7 phosphors in which Ca2+ is substituted by Li+, Na+, and K+ ions is confirmed by Raman spectroscopy. Among the synthesized phosphors, Sr9CaNa(PO4)7:0.03Eu2+ demonstrates an emission that aligns with the spectral range required for plant growth, suggesting its potential application in plant cultivation. An exploration is carried out to assess the impact of a light‐conversion film, which is fabricated by embedding the phosphor within the PDMS matrix. The study focuses on Chlorella, a unicellular algal species, to determine the enhancement in growth rates attributable to the light‐conversion properties of the film. Chlorella cultures subject to placement of a film containing 5% phosphor exhibited a 9.21% improvement in growth over those placed on a whiteboard, and a 27.69% increase relative to the control group. These results suggest that the light‐conversion film substantially benefits the proliferation of Chlorella.
Selectivity and Growth Rate Modulations for Ruthenium Area‐selective Deposition by Co‐Reagent and Nanopattern Design
Authors: Mandal Akhilesh Kumar , van der Veen Marleen H. , Rahnemai Haghighi Negin , Robson Max , Claessens Niels , Meersschaut Johan , Jourdan Nicolas , Tokei Zsolt , Delabie Annelies
Published: January 2024

Area‐selective deposition (ASD) is a bottom‐up technique that provides numerous opportunities for nanoelectronic device fabrication. For example, advanced nano‐interconnect structures with barrierless metals like Ru in the contact holes can be created by Ru ASD with the bottom metals as growth surfaces and dielectrics as non‐growth surfaces. This work investigates Ru ASD by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) on industrially relevant substrates and nanopatterns and reveals how selectivity and growth rate are modulated by the CVD conditions and type of nanopattern. For low‐k dielectric/Cu substrate combinations, the selectivity reverses from metal‐on‐metal to metal‐on‐dielectric upon only changing the CVD co‐reagent from H2 to NH3. In contrast, NH3 is the preferred co‐reagent for SiO2‐TiN line patterns with critical dimension (CD) of 40 nm due to the more favorable adsorption and diffusion kinetics that cause growth rate and selectivity enhancement. Consistent with a diffusion‐mediated mechanism, the growth rate enhances even more for Ru CVD on nanoscale contact holes with CD of 10.5 nm, becoming 2.4 times higher as compared to unpatterned substrates. Thus, the ASD process changes drastically when pattern dimensions reach the nanoscale. The reported insights facilitate rational design of metal ASD processes for multiple applications in nanofabrication.
Engineered Immobilised Organocatalysts for the Synthesis of Chiral Amines
Authors: Maciá María , Muñoz Iván , Porcar Raúl , Cirujano Francisco G. , Altava Belen , Luis Santiago V. , García‐Verdugo Eduardo
Published: January 2024

The art of tuning functional polymeric materials through the covalent incorporation of organocatalysts lies at the core of creating asymmetric immobilized chiral catalysts that mimic the enzymatic action. Herein, we explore diverse synthetic techniques to immobilize l‐proline‐derived N‐carbonyl amides on functional polymeric matrices, transforming them into chiral Lewis bases for facilitating the asymmetric reduction of ketimines with HSiCl3. A comprehensive examination of the design factors, encompassing linker selection, anions, and polymeric support characteristics, enables precise adjustment of steric and electronic features in these immobilized catalysts. This approach establishes structure‐performance relationships, ultimately enabling the development of an engineered immobilized organocatalytic system that meets the desired criteria for activity, stability, and selectivity.
Continuous‐Flow Asymmetric Hydrogenation for the Synthesis of an (S)‐Metolachlor Intermediate Using Catalysts Immobilized on a Core/Shell‐Type Support
Authors: Kuremoto Tatsuya , Yasukawa Tomohiro , Kobayashi Shū
Published: January 2024

Here we show continuous‐flow synthesis of a key inter‐mediate of (S)‐Metolachlor, which is a widely used agrochemical that is in huge demand, with asymmetric hydrogenation using a heterogeneous catalyst immobilized on a core/shell‐type support. We have immobilized a homogeneous catalyst onto a core/shell‐type heterogeneous support that was developed in our laboratory, which showed high turnover frequency and turnover number over a long period (over 120 h) when used in a solvent‐free continuous‐flow manner. This result demonstrates the feasibility of continuous‐flow production of chiral agrochemicals with packed‐bed heterogeneous catalysts. Moreover, the heterogenization protocol was shown to be applicable to elaborate practical catalysts used in industry, especially the group of phosphine ligands.