bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancing Initial Surface Adsorption for Doped Lead‐Free Copper(I) Halide Microcrystals Through a Moderate Lewis Base Ligand
Authors: Yan Xinxin , Zhou Yali , Wang Qiangshuai , Zhang Jin Zhong , Chen Yibo , Pang Qi , Liu Zhao‐Qing
Published: January 2024

Doping Mn2+ in newly emerged lead‐free metal halides to access versatile optoelectronic applications is highly desired. However, understanding the chemical pathway of Mn2+ doping and precisely controlling it remains challenging. Here, the crucial role of the initial surface adsorption of Mn2+ in doping kinetics is demonstrated, and the adsorption step is effectively optimized by a moderate Lewis base ligand. The results show that not only the doping concentration of Mn2+ in Cs3Cu2I5 is modulated flexibly but also the produced Cs3Cu2I5:Mn2+ microcrystals exhibit tuned photoluminescence/radioluminescence properties, indicating their applicability in anti‐counterfeiting and X‐ray imaging. Systematic experimental and theoretical outcomes reveal that the moderate Lewis base ligand dually links Mn2+ (hard acid) and Cu+ (soft acid) on the matrix surface, which improves the initial surface adsorption of the dopant and further promotes the doping step. This study contributes a simple strategy for simply controlling Mn2+ doping in Cu(I)‐based halides and also opens a new avenue for understanding the fundamentals of doping dynamics in metal halide systems.
Construction of Robust Organic–Inorganic Interface Layer for Dendrite‐Free and Durable Zinc Metal Anode
Authors: Zhou Chuancong , Shan Lutong , Nan Qing , Zhang Jie , Fan Zihao , Tang Boya , Li Jing , Yang Jinlin , Zhang Hui , Kang Zhenye , Tian Xinlong , Shi Xiaodong
Published: January 2024

Constructing artificial interface layer is an effective approach to facilitate the utilization rate of zinc metal, but the practical application is still hindered by the inferior mechanical strength, low ionic conductivity, and poor stability. Herein, robust organic–inorganic layer (Nafion/BM@Zn) is coated on zinc metal through ultrasonic spraying method with boehmite and Nafion as the composite precursor. As demonstrated, the high cation selectivity and high hydrophilicity of Nafion, as well as the zincophilic property and layered structure of boehmite, synergistically contribute to the low nucleation barrier, uniform deposition, and fast transport kinetics of Zn2+ ions. As a result, the Nafion/BM@Zn anode exhibits superior reversibility with a high Coulombic efficiency of 99.9% for 9000 cycles in asymmetrical cells and durable cycling stability for 4200 h in symmetrical cells at 5 mA cm−2−1 mAh cm−2. Even in the seawater‐based electrolyte, the Nafion/BM@Zn anode still displays reversible deposition behavior for 820 h and high Coulombic efficiency of 99.91% for 2800 cycles at 5 mA cm−2−1 mAh cm−2. Furthermore, the corresponding Nafion/BM@Zn//NH4V4O10 cell presents high capacity of 258.4 mAh g−1 after 1500 cycles at 5 A g−1. This work provides a new design strategy for high‐efficiency interfacial layer of zinc metal anode.
Halogenation Strategy of Thiophene Derived Solvent Additives Enables Optimized Morphology for Organic Solar Cells with 19.17% Efficiency
Authors: Su Wenyan , Zhou Xuming , Yao Ze‐Fan , Bai Hairui , Duan Yuwei , Sun Rui , Wu Yue , Wu Qiang , Qin Hongmei , Zhao Chao , Zhu Weiguo , Woo Han Young , Min Jie , Li Yuxiang , Ma Wei , Fan Qunping
Published: January 2024

As simple and versatile tools, additives have been widely used to refine active layer morphology and have played a crucial role in boosting the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of organic solar cells (OSCs). Herein, three novel solvent additives named Th‐FSi, Th‐ClSi, and Th‐BrSi with the same backbone of 2,5‐bis(trimethylsilyl)thiophene are designed and synthesized by substituting different halogens of fluorine, chlorine, and bromine, respectively. Notably, Th‐ClSi exhibits the more significant dipole moment and engages in non‐covalent interactions with a small‐molecule acceptor (SMA) L8‐BO, which slight adjustments in intermolecular interaction, crystallinity, and molecular packing in the PM6:L8‐BO active layer. Consequently, the OSCs incorporating Th‐ClSi outperform their Th‐FSi and Th‐BrSi counterparts in photo‐capturing, reduced energy loss, superior exciton dissociation, and charge transfer properties, out‐coming yields in an enhanced PCE of 18.29%. Moreover, by integrating a near‐infrared absorbing SMA (BTP‐eC9) guest into the PM6:L8‐BO matrix, the absorption spectrum to span 880–930 nm, and the resultant ternary OSCs achieve a commendable PCE of 19.17%, ranking among the highest efficiencies reported to date is expanded. These findings underscore the promise of halogenated thiophene‐based solvent additives as a potent avenue for morphological fine‐tuning and consequent PCE enhancement in OSCs.
Cyanoesterthiophene Based Low‐Cost Polymer Donors for High Efficiency Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Wang Junjie , Bi Fuzhen , Du Li , Shang Chenyu , Liu Shizhao , Du Zhengkun , Yu Donghong , Bao Xichang
Published: January 2024

To achieve commercial application of organic solar cells (OSCs), it is necessary to reduce material costs and improve device efficiency. This paper reports on the utilization of a multifunctional building block, namely 3‐cyanoesterthiophene, which exhibits simple structure and accessibility of synthetic for cost‐effective and high‐performance polymer donors (PDs). Meanwhile, ternary and terpolymerization strategies have been studied. Two similar PDs, PBTCl0‐TCA and PBTCl100‐TCA, are synthesized, and the devices exhibit less‐than‐satisfactory efficiency of 13.21% and 11.53% due to mismatching energy level and imperfect morphology. The two PDs with comparable structures and commendable compatibility easily form alloy‐like phase in active layer, which can effectively boost the efficiency of ternary devices to 14.17% with retained high JSC and significant improved open‐circuit voltage (VOC) and fill factor (FF). Encouraged by the ternary blending phenomenon, a polymer donor (PBTCl50‐TCA) with same ratio by random terpolymerization is designed. And over 17% efficiency binary OSCs using terpolymerization donor are demonstrated. The synergies of incorporation of the cyanoester‐group and terpolymer endow the developed PDs with deep‐lying energy levels, face‐on orientation, thermodynamic miscibility with the prevailing nonfullerene acceptor and appropriate polymer crystallinity. The findings study provide valuable insights and support for the advancement of cost‐effective and high‐performance PDs.
A Liquid‐Metal‐Assisted Competitive Galvanic Reaction Strategy Toward Indium/Oxide Core−Shell Nanoparticles with Enhanced Microwave Absorption
Authors: Zhao Biao , Yan Zhikai , Liu Lulu , Zhang Yuanyuan , Guan Li , Guo Xiaoqin , Li Ruosong , Che Renchao , Zhang Rui
Published: January 2024

The preparation of core–shell structured nanoparticles using the galvanic replacement reaction of liquid metals is a simple and efficient method. However, precise modulation of the core and shell components to regulate the microwave absorption performance still needs to be further explored. In this study, various types of indium/oxide core–shell nanoparticles are prepared based on a competitive galvanic reaction of gallium‐indium liquid metals. The prepared indium/oxide core–shell structured nanoparticles exhibit superior electromagnetic (EM) wave absorption properties with a minimum reflection loss (RL) of −40.25 dB at 1.7 mm and the widest effective absorption band of 6.12 GHz at 2.1 mm. The superior wave‐absorbing properties originate from the dielectric losses of the interfacial and dipole polarizations. In addition, an externally applied magnetic field improves the polarization loss and microwave dissipation to achieve a minimum RL of −45.65 dB at 2.4 mm. The liquid‐metal‐assisted competitive galvanic reaction strategies extend the variety of core–shell structured nanoparticles for electromagnetic wave absorption applications.
Hybrid Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework‐Derived Co3Mo/Mo2C Heterostructure for Enhanced Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Wang Xiao‐Li , Sun Liming , Yang Lei , Zhao Jianwei , Xu Qiang
Published: January 2024

Constructing heterostructures is an efficient strategy to develop high‐performance and robust electrocatalysts for oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Herein, an ion‐impregnation method and an environmentally friendly in situ carbonization strategy are successively employed to fabricate a novel Co3Mo/Mo2C heterostructure anchored on nitrogen‐doped carbon (Co3Mo/Mo2C@NC). Thanks to the formation of heterostructure, the obtained Co3Mo/Mo2C@NC exhibits an enhanced catalytic performance toward OER with a low overpotential (282 mV @ 10 mA cm−2, 322 mV @ 50 mA cm−2, and 355 mV @100 mA cm−2) and robust stability (100 mA cm−2 for 200 h) in alkaline media. Detailed experimental results combined with theoretical calculations reveal the formation of a Co3Mo/Mo2C heterojunction interface can decrease the energy barrier of the rate‐determining step for intermediates during the OER process, thereby inherently enhancing the OER performance. This work presents a rational synthetic route for designing high‐performance heterostructures for energy conversion technologies.
Opposite Mechanical Preference of Bone/Nerve Regeneration in 3D‐Printed Bioelastomeric Scaffolds/Conduits Consistently Correlated with YAP‐Mediated Stem Cell Osteo/Neuro‐Genesis
Authors: Cheng Xiaopeng , Xu Bowen , Lei Bingxi , Wang Shanfeng
Published: January 2024

To systematically unveil how substrate stiffness, a critical factor in directing cell fate through mechanotransduction, correlates with tissue regeneration, novel biodegradable and photo‐curable poly(trimethylene carbonate) fumarates (PTMCFs) for fabricating elastomeric 2D substrates and 3D bone scaffolds/nerve conduits, are presented. These substrates and structures with adjustable stiffness serve as a unique platform to evaluate how this mechanical cue affects the fate of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) and hard/soft tissue regeneration in rat femur bone defect and sciatic nerve transection models; whilst, decoupling from topographical and chemical cues. In addition to a positive relationship between substrate stiffness (tensile modulus: 90–990 kPa) and hMSC adhesion, spreading, and proliferation mediated through Yes‐associated protein (YAP), opposite mechanical preference is revealed in the osteogenesis and neurogenesis of hMSCs as they are significantly enhanced on the stiff and compliant substrates, respectively. In vivo tissue regeneration demonstrates the same trend: bone regeneration prefers the stiffer scaffolds; while, nerve regeneration prefers the more compliant conduits. Whole‐transcriptome analysis further shows that upregulation of Rho GTPase activity and the downstream genes in the compliant group promote nerve repair, providing critical insight into the design strategies of biomaterials for stem cell regulation and hard/soft tissue regeneration through mechanotransduction.
Cancer Metastasis‐on‐a‐Chip for Modeling Metastatic Cascade and Drug Screening
Authors: Brooks Anastasia , Zhang Yali , Chen Jiezhong , Zhao Chun‐Xia
Published: January 2024

Microfluidic chips are valuable tools for studying intricate cellular and cell–microenvironment interactions. Traditional in vitro cancer models lack accuracy in mimicking the complexities of in vivo tumor microenvironment. However, cancer‐metastasis‐on‐a‐chip (CMoC) models combine the advantages of 3D cultures and microfluidic technology, serving as powerful platforms for exploring cancer mechanisms and facilitating drug screening. These chips are able to compartmentalize the metastatic cascade, deepening the understanding of its underlying mechanisms. This article provides an overview of current CMoC models, focusing on distinctive models that simulate invasion, intravasation, circulation, extravasation, and colonization, and their applications in drug screening. Furthermore, challenges faced by CMoC and microfluidic technologies are discussed, while exploring promising future directions in cancer research. The ongoing development and integration of these models into cancer studies are expected to drive transformative advancements in the field.
Porphyrin Derivative with Binary Properties of Photodynamic Therapy and Water‐Dependent Reversible Photoacidity Therapy for Treating Hypoxic Tumor
Authors: Kang Lin , Sun Tianzhen , Liu Shiyang , Zhao Hongyou , Zhao Yuxia
Published: January 2024

Porphyrin photosensitizers are the classic drugs in clinical photodynamic therapy (PDT), but the hypoxia of tumor environment and the rapid oxygen consumption of PDT severely weaken their therapeutic effect. A recently reported water‐dependent reversible photoacidity therapy (W‐RPAT) is O2‐independence, providing a solution for the treatment of hypoxic tumors. In this work, TPP‐O‐PEG5, a porphyrin derivative with binary properties of PDT and W‐RPAT, is designed and synthesized for the first time. The nanoparticles (NPs) of TPP‐O‐PEG5 encapsulated with DSPE‐mPEG2000, an amphiphilic polymer approved by Food and Drug Administration, can simultaneously produce reactive oxygen species and H+ under irradiation of a 660 nm laser, and revert the H+ back under darkness, presenting strong phototoxicity to multiple tumor cell lines with no obvious difference between the IC50 values tested under normoxic (≈20% O2) and hypoxic (<0.5% O2) conditions. Excitingly, in vivo experiments show that the therapeutic effect of TPP‐O‐PEG5 NPs on large hypoxic tumors is better than that of NPe6, a clinical porphin PDT drug. This work provides a novel strategy for porphyrin photosensitizers to break through the limitation of hypoxic environment, and significantly improve the phototherapeutic effect on hypoxic tumors.
MOF@COF Nanocapsules Enhance Soft Tissue Sarcoma Treatment: Synergistic Effects of Photodynamic Therapy and PARP Inhibition on Tumor Growth Suppression and Immune Response Activation
Authors: Tai Yi , Chen Zhihao , Luo Tianqi , Luo Bingling , Deng Chuangzhong , Lu Zhenhai , Wen Shijun , Wang Jin
Published: January 2024

Soft tissue sarcomas (STS) are highly malignant tumors with limited treatment options owing to their heterogeneity and resistance to conventional therapies. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) and poly‐ADP‐ribose polymerase (PARP) inhibitors (PARPi) have shown potential for STS treatment, with PDT being effective for sarcomas located on the extremities and body surface and PARPi targeting defects in homologous recombination repair. To address the limitations of PDT and harness the potential of PARPi, herein, a novel therapeutic approach for STS treatment combining nanocapsules bearing integrated metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) and covalent organic frameworks (COFs), i.e., MOF@COF, with PDT and PARPi is proposed. Nanocapsules are designed, referred to as ZTN@COF@poloxamer, which contain a Zr‐based MOF and tetrakis (4‐carbethoxyphenyl) porphyrin as a photosensitizer, are coated with a COF to improve the sensitizing properties, and are loaded with niraparib to inhibit DNA repair. Experiments demonstrate that this new nanocapsules treatment significantly inhibits STS growth, promotes tumor cell apoptosis, exhibits high antitumor activity with minimal side effects, activates the immune response of the tumor, and inhibits lung metastasis in vivo. Therefore, MOF@COF nanocapsules combined with PARPi offer a promising approach for STS treatment, with the potential to enhance the efficacy of PDT and prevent tumor recurrence.
Revitalizing Ancient Mitochondria with Nano‐Strategies: Mitochondria‐Remedying Nanodrugs Concentrate on Disease Control
Authors: Long Xingyu , Liu Min , Nan Yayun , Chen Qiaohui , Xiao Zuoxiu , Xiang Yuting , Ying Xiaohong , Sun Jian , Huang Qiong , Ai Kelong
Published: January 2024

Mitochondria, widely known as the energy factories of eukaryotic cells, have a myriad of vital functions across diverse cellular processes. Dysfunctions within mitochondria serve as catalysts for various diseases, prompting widespread cellular demise. Mounting research on remedying damaged mitochondria indicates that mitochondria constitute a valuable target for therapeutic intervention against diseases. But the less clinical practice and lower recovery rate imply the limitation of traditional drugs, which need a further breakthrough. Nanotechnology has approached favorable regiospecific biodistribution and high efficacy by capitalizing on excellent nanomaterials and targeting drug delivery. Mitochondria‐remedying nanodrugs have achieved ideal therapeutic effects. This review elucidates the significance of mitochondria in various cells and organs, while also compiling mortality data for related diseases. Correspondingly, nanodrug‐mediate therapeutic strategies and applicable mitochondria‐remedying nanodrugs in disease are detailed, with a full understanding of the roles of mitochondria dysfunction and the advantages of nanodrugs. In addition, the future challenges and directions are widely discussed. In conclusion, this review provides comprehensive insights into the design and development of mitochondria‐remedying nanodrugs, aiming to help scientists who desire to extend their research fields and engage in this interdisciplinary subject.
Efficiency Roll‐Off in Light‐Emitting Electrochemical Cells
Authors: Zhang Xiaoying , Ràfols‐Ribé Joan , Mindemark Jonas , Tang Shi , Lindh Mattias , Gracia‐Espino Eduardo , Larsen Christian , Edman Ludvig
Published: January 2024

Understanding “efficiency roll‐off” (i.e., the drop in emission efficiency with increasing current) is critical if efficient and bright emissive technologies are to be rationally designed. Emerging light‐emitting electrochemical cells (LECs) can be cost‐ and energy‐efficiently fabricated by ambient‐air printing by virtue of the in situ formation of a p‐n junction doping structure. However, this in situ doping transformation renders a meaningful efficiency analysis challenging. Herein, a method for separation and quantification of major LEC loss factors, notably the outcoupling efficiency and exciton quenching, is presented. Specifically, the position of the emissive p‐n junction in common singlet‐exciton emitting LECs is measured to shift markedly with increasing current, and the influence of this shift on the outcoupling efficiency is quantified. It is further verified that the LEC‐characteristic high electrochemical‐doping concentration renders singlet‐polaron quenching (SPQ) significant already at low drive current density, but also that SPQ increases super‐linearly with increasing current, because of increasing polaron density in the p‐n junction region. This results in that SPQ dominates singlet‐singlet quenching for relevant current densities, and significantly contributes to the efficiency roll‐off. This method for deciphering the LEC efficiency roll‐off can contribute to a rational realization of all‐printed LEC devices that are efficient at highluminance.
Nonlocal Acoustic Moiré Hyperbolic Metasurfaces
Authors: Han Chenglin , Fan Shida , Li Changyou , Chen Li‐Qun , Yang Tianzhi , Qiu Cheng‐Wei
Published: January 2024

The discovery of the topological transition in twisted bilayer (tBL) materials has attracted considerable attention in nano‐optics. In the analogue of acoustics, however, no such topological transition has been found due to the inherent nondirectional scalar property of acoustic pressure. In this work, by using a theory‐based nonlocal anisotropic design, the in‐plane acoustic pressure is transformed into a spatially distributed vector field using twisted multilayer metasurfaces. So‐called “acoustic magic angle”‐related acoustic phenomena occur, such as nonlocal polariton hybridization and the topological Lifshitz transition. The dispersion becomes flat at the acoustic magic angle, enabling polarized excitations to propagate in a single direction. Moreover, the acoustic topological transition (from hyperbolic to elliptic dispersion) is experimentally observed for the first time as the twist angle continuously changes. This unique characteristic facilitates low‐loss tunable polariton hybridization at the subwavelength scale. A twisted trilayer acoustic metasurface is also experimentally demonstrated, and more possibilities for manipulating acoustic waves are found. These discoveries not only enrich the concepts of moiré physics and topological acoustics but also provide a complete framework of theory and methodologies for explaining the phenomena that are observed.
Discovering a New Drug Against Acute Kidney Injury by Using a Tailored Photoacoustic Imaging Probe
Authors: Zhang Wangning , Chan Chenming , Zhang Kaiyu , Qin Haifeng , Yu Bo‐Yang , Xue Zhaoli , Zheng Xianchuang , Tian Jiangwei
Published: January 2024

Acute kidney injury (AKI) has become an increasing concern for patients due to the widespread clinical use of nephrotoxic drugs. Currently, the early diagnosis of AKI is still challenging and the available therapeutic drugs cannot meet the clinical demand. Herein, this work has investigated the key redox couple involved in AKI and develops a tailored photoacoustic (PA) imaging probe (AB‐DiOH) which can reversibly respond to hypochlorite (ClO−)/glutathione (GSH) with high specificity and sensitivity. This probe enables the real‐time monitoring of AKI by noninvasive PA imaging, with better detection sensitivity than the blood test. Furthermore, this probe is utilized for screening nephroprotective drugs among natural products. For the first time, astragalin is discovered to be a potential new drug for the treatment of AKI. After oral administration, astragalin can be efficiently absorbed by the animal body, alleviate kidney injury, and meanwhile induce no damage to other normal tissues. The treatment mechanism of astragalin has also been revealed to be the simultaneous inhibition of oxidative stress, ferroptosis, and cuproposis. The developed PA imaging probe and the discovered drug candidate provide a promising new tool and strategy for the early diagnosis and effective treatment of AKI.
Programming Polarity Heterogeneity of Energy Storage Dielectrics by Bidirectional Intelligent Design
Authors: Chen Xiaoxiao , Shen Zhong‐Hui , Liu Run‐Lin , Shen Yang , Liu Han‐Xing , Chen Long‐Qing , Nan Ce‐Wen
Published: January 2024

Dielectric capacitors, characterized by ultra‐high power densities, are considered as fundamental energy storage components in electronic and electrical systems. However, synergistically improving energy densities and efficiencies remains a daunting challenge. Understanding the role of polarity heterogeneity at the nanoscale in determining polarization response is crucial to the domain engineering of high‐performance dielectrics. Here, a bidirectional design with phase‐field simulation and machine learning is performed to forward reveal the structure‐property relationship and reversely optimize polarity heterogeneity to improve energy storage performance. Taking BiFeO3‐based dielectrics as typical systems, this work establishes the mapping diagrams of energy density and efficiency dependence on the volume fraction, size and configuration of polar regions. Assisted by CatBoost and Wolf Pack algorithms, this work analyzes the contributions of geometric factors and intrinsic features and find that nanopillar‐like polar regions show great potential in achieving both high polarization intensity and fast dipole switching. Finally, a maximal energy density of 188 J cm−3 with efficiency above 95% at 8 MV cm−1 is obtained in BiFeO3‐Al2O3 systems. This work provides a general method to study the influence of local polar heterogeneity on polarization behaviors and proposes effective strategies to enhance energy storage performance by tuning polarity heterogeneity.
Extended Π‐Conjugation Toward Efficient Orange Purely Organic Phosphorescence OLEDs
Authors: Chen Zijian , Gu Qing , Li Mengke , Qiu Weidong , Jiao Yihang , Peng Xiaomei , Xie Wentao , Liu Denghui , Liu Kunkun , Yang Zhihai , Su Shi‐Jian
Published: January 2024

In purely organic room‐temperature phosphorescence (RTP) materials, fluorescence radiative transitions generally compete against inter‐system crossing (ISC) transitions to give fluorescence/phosphorescence dual emission. In order to achieve pure phosphorescence in RTP organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs), extended π‐conjugation is introduced into Se‐containing donors to suppress the fluorescence radiative transitions by the symmetry excited state orbitals in the introduced π–π* transitions that cancel the overlap of the orbitals, and two novel nonaromatic amine donor containing orange RTP emitters namely 2‐(benzo[c]phenoxaselenin‐10‐yl)‐4,6‐diphenyl‐1,3,5‐triazine (BPXSeDRZ) and 2‐(dibenzo[a,c]phenoxaselenin‐11‐yl)‐4,6‐diphenyl‐1,3,5‐triazine (DBPXSeDRZ) are developed, both of which exhibit efficient orange pure phosphorescence in doped films thanks to the sufficient ISC transitions. As a result, high external quantum efficiencies of 17.2% and 17.9% are respectively achieved for the orange RTP‐OLEDs based on BPXSeDRZ and DBPXSeDRZ for the first time, and they also exhibit stable pure electro‐phosphorescence spectra in a wide driving voltage. Moreover, by adopting DBPXSeDRZ as a sensitizer to harvest the triplet excitons and tetraphenyldibenzoperiflanthene as a conventional fluorescent emitter, the external quantum efficiency of the sensitized red fluorescent OLED can be elevated to 10.1%, which greatly expands the potential applications of the metal‐free phosphors in OLEDs.
CO2 Pressure‐Induced Self‐Trapped Excitons in SrTiO3
Authors: Li Lianyu , Chen Zongwei , Gao Bo , Xu Qun
Published: January 2024

With strong electron–phonon coupling, self‐trapped excitons (STEs) are typically formed in perovskite materials, and radiative recombination of STEs can produce broadband emission with large Stokes shifts. STEs are essential to further improve the optoelectronic properties of materials. Surprisingly, 2D system is the edge case, with low even no self‐trapping barriers, leading to effortless formation of STEs. In this work, 2D strontium titanate (SrTiO3) with defects is prepared using supercritical carbon dioxide (SC CO2) and its carrier transport and transition are studied. The appearance of wide photoinduced positive absorption signals in the femtosecond transient absorption spectra is direct evidence for the formation of STEs. The presence of STEs is further supported by the increased Stokes shift and full width at half maximum in the steady‐state photoluminescence spectra.
Spin–Orbit Torque and Current‐Driven Switching in Pt100‐yTby/Co/AlOx Trilayers
Authors: Wu Jinxiang , Zhao Xiaotian , Liu Wei , Li Yang , Liu Long , Ju Hongzhan , Song Yuhang , Ma Jun , Zhang Zhidong
Published: January 2024

To decrease the energy consumption for the electrical manipulation of magnetization, the enhancement of the spin Hall effect through alloying is widely investigated, but the use of rare earth elements is rarely mentioned. This work reports the modification of the spin Hall effect on Pt by doping rare earth Tb atoms. The spin–orbit torque (SOT) performance is significantly enhanced in Pt100‐yTby alloyed heavy metal (HM) layer. Compared with the Tb‐free sample, the damping‐like effective field per unit current density increases to 1.9 times in the samples with Tb content between 5% and 10%. The critical current density for magnetization reversal is greatly reduced by 65% in a device with Pt87Tb13 HM layer and the in‐plane assistant field as small as ±20 Oe is sufficient for the deterministic switching in the same device. By magneto‐optical Kerr effect imaging, it is confirmed that the increased in‐plane field can effectively compensate the Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya interaction (DMI), which not only helps to reduce the critical current, but also facilitates the domain wall motion and is beneficial for the switching process. All results show that the Pt‐Tb alloy is a competitive candidate for low‐power spintronic devices.
Farm heterogeneity and leveraging federal crop insurance for conservation practice adoption
Authors: Ifft Jennifer , Jodlowski Margaret
Published: January 2024

Current and proposed policies aim to leverage the Federal Crop Insurance Program (FCIP) to promote conservation practices. This study uses corn farm‐level survey data to inform the effectiveness of targeting FCIP participants. We implement an unsupervised machine learning algorithm to assess what conservation practices are most common among participants. We find that farms that use crop insurance have higher adoption rates for practices that are generally profit‐maximizing. We also calculate nitrogen balance, a yield‐scaled measure of nitrogen fertilizer's potential environmental impact. We find a positive relationship between crop insurance and nitrogen balance closer to the optimum.
Progressive encephalopathy after routine 4‐month immunizations in a patient with NAXD genetic variant
Authors: Cepress Marissa , Grund Ethan , Leng Tomas , Patterson Marc , Saify Mariya , Mohandesi Nessa Aghazadeh , Homme Jason
Published: January 2024

Metabolic pathways are known to generate byproducts—some of which have no clear metabolic function and some of which are toxic. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate hydrate (NAD(P)HX) is a toxic metabolite that is produced by stressors such as a fever, infection, or physical stress. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate hydrate dehydratase (NAXD) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate hydrate epimerase (NAXE) are part of the nicotinamide repair system that function to break down this toxic metabolite. Deficiency of NAXD and NAXE interrupts the critical intracellular repair of NAD(P)HX and allows for its accumulation. Clinically, deficiency of NAXE manifests as progressive, early onset encephalopathy with brain edema and/or leukoencephalopathy (PEBEL) 1, while deficiency of NAXD manifests as PEBEL2. In this report, we describe a case of probable PEBEL2 in a patient with a variant of unknown significance (c.362C>T, p.121L) in the NAXD gene who presented after routine immunizations with significant skin findings and in the absence of fevers.
Repeatability of measures of behavioral organization over two years in captive infant rhesus macaques, Macaca mulatta
Authors: Pritchard Alexander J. , Capitanio John P. , Del Rosso Laura , McCowan Brenda , Vandeleest Jessica J.
Published: January 2024

Individual differences of infant temperament have been associated with future health outcomes that provide explanatory power beyond adult personality. Despite the importance of such a metric, our developmental understanding of personality‐like traits is poor. Therefore, we examined whether young primates show consistency in personality traits throughout development. We replicated a Biobehavioral Assessment (BBA) at three time periods: 3–4 months, 1 year, and 2 years of age in 47 rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta) subjects from large mixed‐sex outdoor social housing units at the California National Primate Research Center. We report results for tests focused on responses and adaptation to the temporary separation and relocation, responses to a threatening stimulus, and ratings of overall temperament. We found consistently repeatable associations in measures of Emotionality; these associations were stronger in males, but also present in females, and broadly consistent between Years 1 and 2. We also explored whether behavioral responses to this experimental relocation might be influenced by their experience being relocated for other reasons (i.e., hospitalizations) as individuals' responses might be influenced by similar experiences to the BBA procedure. Only locomotion, during one of the assessments, was associated with past hospitalization events. Overall, repeatability in Emotionality‐associated behaviors was evident across the 2 years, in both sexes. We did, however, find evidence of the emergence of sex differences via differentiated expression of behavioral responses during the BBA. We emphasize that there is likely contextual nuance in the use of these BBA factor‐associated behaviors. Further research is required to determine whether and how shifts occur in underlying factor structure and the expression of associated behaviors.
Nanocatalytic Anti‐Tumor Immune Regulation
Authors: Li Mingyuan , Jiang Han , Hu Ping , Shi Jianlin
Published: January 2024

Immunotherapy has brought a new dawn for human being to defeat cancer. Although existing immunotherapy regimens (CAR‐T, etc.) have made breakthroughs in the treatments of hematological cancer and few solid tumors such as melanoma, the therapeutic efficacy on most solid tumors is still far from being satisfactory. In recent years, the researches on tumor immunotherapy based on nanocatalytic materials are under rapid development, and significant progresses have been made. Nanocatalytic medicine has been demonstrated to be capable of overcoming the limitations of current clinicnal treatments by using toxic chemodrugs, and exhibits highly attractive advantages over traditional therapies, such as the enhanced and sustained therapeutic efficacy based on the durable catalytic activity, remarkably reduced harmful side‐effects without using traditional toxic chemodrugs, and so on. Most recently, nanocatalytic medicine has been introduced in the immune‐regulation for disease treatments, especially, in the immunoactivation for tumor therapies. This article presents the most recent progresses in immune‐response activations by nanocatalytic medicine‐initiated chemical reactions for tumor immunotherapy, and elucidates the mechanism of nanocatalytic medicines in regulating anti‐tumor immunity. By reviewing the current research progress in the emerging field, this review will further highlight the great potential and broad prospects of nanocatalysis‐based anti‐tumor immune‐therapeutics.
“Turbo‐Charged” DNA Motors with Optimized Sequence Enable Single‐Molecule Nucleic Acid Sensing
Authors: Zhang Luona , Piranej Selma , Namazi Arshiya , Narum Steven , Salaita Khalid
Published: January 2024

DNA motors that consume chemical energy to generate processive mechanical motion mimic natural motor proteins and have garnered interest due to their potential applications in dynamic nanotechnology, biosensing, and drug delivery. Such motors translocate by a catalytic cycle of binding, cleavage, and rebinding between DNA “legs” on the motor body and RNA “footholds” on a track. Herein, we address the well‐documented trade‐off between motor speed and processivity and investigate how these parameters are controlled by the affinity between DNA legs and their complementary footholds. Specifically, we explore the role of DNA leg length and GC content in tuning motor performance by dictating the rate of leg‐foothold dissociation. Our investigations reveal that motors with 0 % GC content exhibit increased instantaneous velocities of up to 150 nm/sec, three‐fold greater than previously reported DNA motors and comparable to the speeds of biological motor proteins. We also demonstrate that the faster speed and weaker forces generated by 0 % GC motors can be leveraged for enhanced capabilities in sensing. We observe single‐molecule sensitivity when programming the motors to stall in response to the binding of nucleic acid targets. These findings offer insights for the design of high‐performance DNA motors with promising real‐world biosensing applications.
Tip‐like Fe−N4 Sites Induced Surface Microenvironments Regulation Boosts the Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Zhu Yanwei , Jiang Yimin , Li HuangJingWei , Zhang Dongcai , Tao Li , Fu Xian‐Zhu , Liu Min , Wang Shuangyin
Published: January 2024

Single atom catalysts with defined local structures and favorable surface microenvironments are significant for overcoming slow kinetics and accelerating O2 electroreduction. Here, enriched tip‐like FeN4 sites (T−Fe SAC) on spherical carbon surfaces were developed to investigate the change in surface microenvironments and catalysis behavior. Finite element method (FEM) simulations, together with experiments, indicate the strong local electric field of the tip‐like FeN4 and the more denser interfacial water layer, thereby enhancing the kinetics of the proton‐coupled electron transfer process. In situ spectroelectrochemical studies and the density functional theory (DFT) calculation results indicate the pathway transition on the tip‐like FeN4 sites, promoting the dissociation of O−O bond via side‐on adsorption model. The adsorbed OH* can be facilely released on the curved surface and accelerate the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) kinetics. The obtained T−Fe SAC nanoreactor exhibits excellent ORR activities (E1/2=0.91 V vs. RHE) and remarkable stability, exceeding those of flat FeN4 and Pt/C. This work clarified the in‐depth insights into the origin of catalytic activity of tip‐like FeN4 sites and held great promise in industrial catalysis, electrochemical energy storage, and many other fields.
Inkjet‐printed flexible MXetronics: Present status and future prospects
Authors: Krishnamoorthy Rajavel , Das Suprem R.
Published: January 2024

Over the past several years, atomically thin two‐dimensional carbides, nitrides, and carbonitrides, otherwise known as MXenes, have been expanded into over fifty material candidates that are experimentally produced, and over one hundred fifty more candidates that have been theoretically predicted. They have demonstrated transformative properties such as metallic‐type electrical conductivities, optical properties such as plasmonics and optical nonlinearity, and key surface properties such as hydrophilicity, and unique surface chemistry. In terms of their applications, they are poised to transform technological areas such as energy storage, electromagnetic shielding, electronics, photonics, optoelectronics, sensing, and bioelectronics. One of the most promising aspects of MXene's future application in all the above areas of interest, we believe, is reliably developing their flexible and bendable electronics and optoelectronics by printing methods (henceforth, termed as printed flexible MXetronics). Designing and manipulating MXene conductive inks according to the application requirements will therefore be a transformative goal for future printed flexible MXetronics. MXene's combined property of high electrical conductivity and water‐friendly nature to easily disperse its micro/nano‐flakes in an aqueous medium without any binder paves the way for designing additive‐free highly conductive MXene ink. However, the chemical and/or structural and hence functional stability of water based MXene inks over time is not reliable, opening research avenues for further development of stable and conductive MXene inks. Such priorities will enable applications requiring high‐resolution and highly reliable printed MXene electronics using state‐of‐the art printing methods. Engineering MXene structural and surface functional properties while tuning MXene ink rheology in benign solvents of choice will be a key for ink developments. This review article summarizes the present status and prospects of MXene inks and their use in inkjet‐printed (IJP) technology for future flexible and bendable MXetronics.
Tying up loose ends together: Cetaceans, maritime traffic and spatial management tools in the Strait of Gibraltar
Authors: Scuderi Alessia , Campana Ilaria , Gregorietti Martina , Moreno Estefanía Martín , García Sanabria Javier , Arcangeli Antonella
Published: January 2024

The transboundary area of the Strait of Gibraltar is home to seven protected cetacean species that are threatened by high intensity of maritime traffic. More comprehensive knowledge of cetaceans and maritime traffic is required, together with analyses of legislations, strategies and policies.

This study quantitatively investigates cetacean distribution and maritime traffic intensity and, for the species of community interest bottlenose dolphin, habitat suitability. Results are qualitatively discussed considering the overlap of cetacean hot spots with different maritime activities and the consistency of spatial conservation management measures in force.

The Fixed Line Transect Mediterranean Monitoring Network protocols were followed for 59 visual surveys using ferries as observation platforms for monitoring cetaceans and maritime traffic. Surveys were carried out along the transects between Algeciras and Ceuta and between Algeciras and Tanger‐Med, in 2018 and 2019. 264 cetacean sightings, including seven different species and four near‐miss collision events (involving pilot, sperm and fin whales), were reported.

Monitoring cetaceans from ferries in the Strait provided insights into cetacean distribution and maritime traffic, enabling the identification of cetacean hot spots, suitable habitats and maritime traffic high‐risk zones.

A transboundary management effort is required, together with an adaptive approach for protecting highly mobile species such as cetaceans. Proposals include a long‐term cetacean monitoring program carried out by dedicated observers on board ferries as a cost‐effective methodology and mandatory training for crew members, to increase cetacean knowledge and reduce collision risk.

The designation of an international temporal or, in some zones, permanent speed reduction area (i.e., Cetacean Critical Navigation Zone, with a maximum speed of 13 knots) and of a micro‐sanctuary with a seasonal no‐take zone in the Bay between Algeciras and Gibraltar, together with international surveillance, are recommended measures for the enhancement of conservation efforts in the Strait.
Towards better differentiation of archaeological objects based on geomorphometric features of a digital elevation model, the case of the Old Oder Canal
Authors: Janowski Łukasz , Pydyn Andrzej , Popek Mateusz , Gajewski Juliusz , Gmińska‐Nowak Barbara
Published: January 2024

Limited visibility in the underwater environment often restricts opportunities for archaeological prospection. Especially in reservoirs with a high content of suspended solids, methods based on acoustics prove to be extremely useful. This study represents the first high‐resolution acoustic mapping and archaeological prospections of the Old Oder Canal, which has extremely poor visibility. The study site is located near the town of Krosno Odrzańskie in Poland. The town is one of the country's most significant river crossings and settlements of mediaeval origin (including its wooden bridges). The following research objectives were identified: (1) exploration of the Old Oder Canal, including underwater acoustics and archaeological prospections; (2) analysis and interpretation of the study area based on acquired datasets; and (3) evaluation of secondary features of the river bathymetry for identification of archaeological objects. Possible locations of archaeological objects were determined based on analysis and interpretation of multibeam echosounder measurements of the riverbed. Fieldwork allowed structural elements of mediaeval bridges to be found and dendrochronological sampling performed. Feature selection analyses allowed the determination and evaluation of geomorphometric attributes, combining the characteristics of the discovered objects and diagnostics in order better to differentiate archaeological remains. Proposed secondary features may facilitate archaeological explorations in difficult environments.
Facile synthesis process for preparing silicon carbide with unique honeycomb structure
Authors: Nguyen Quynh Thi , Luu Quy Son , Kim Jiwon , Do Uyen Thi , Park Yeeun , Kim Jihyun , Lee Youngbok
Published: January 2024

This study introduces a novel and versatile method for synthesizing honeycomb‐structured silicon carbide (SiC). The innovative approach utilizes a sucrose solution as the carbon source and nonporous silica spheres, which serve both as silicon precursors and templates, allowing for precise control over pore sizes. Notably, the process is characterized by its cost‐effectiveness, eco‐friendliness, and the utilization of milder conditions attributed to magnesiothermic reduction. The tunable pore sizes achieved through adjustments in the size of silica particles offer a versatile platform for customizing SiC materials to meet specific application requirements. Beyond its customizable nature, the method reduces the environmental footprint of SiC synthesis by utilizing eco‐friendly materials. Its combined attributes of accessibility, sustainability, and performance optimization underscore its potential for driving advancements in SiC‐based applications across various industrial and scientific domains.
Global prevalence of restless legs syndrome among hemodialysis patients: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhou Xu‐Hua , Liu Yuan , Zhang Xin‐Rui , Wang Cong , Liu Shan‐Shan , Jiang Yan
Published: January 2024

Objectives: Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a common complaint in patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD). Despite the fact that the estimated prevalence of RLS among HD patients is widely reported, these results varied significantly in the relevant literature. Due to this limitation, the aim of this study was to determine the global prevalence of RLS among HD patients.

Methods: This systematic review was conducted and reported in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐analyses 2020 statement. We searched the electronic databases: Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, China Knowledge Resource Integrated Database, Wanfang Database, Chinese Biomedical Database, and Weipu Database. A random effects model was employed to calculate pooled prevalence rates.

Results: The global pooled prevalence of RLS in HD patients was 27.2% (95% CI: 24.8–29.7). Stratified analyses demonstrated that included studies with sample size <100 had the highest pooled prevalence of RLS. The prevalence of RLS using clinical interviews and questionnaires was 28.7% (95% CI: 25.2–32.2) and 25.9% (95% CI: 22.8–29.1), respectively. RLS prevalence is higher in females (29.7%, 95% CI: 26.2–33.2) HD patients than in males (23.5%, 95% CI: 20.9–26.0), and the African region has the highest prevalence in the world when the diagnostic criteria were restricted to the 2003 version of International RLS Study Group criteria, the prevalence of RLS was highest (28.9%, 95% CI: 25.9–31.9).

Conclusion: Our results revealed a high RLS prevalence in HD patients worldwide. However, the prevalence of RLS among HD patients varied significantly based on sample size, data collection method, gender, diagnostic criteria, and geographical region.
Implications of confounding from unmodeled interactions between explanatory variables when using latent variable regression models to make inferences
Authors: Kvalheim Olav M. , Vidar Warren S. , Baumeister Tim U. H. , Linington Roger G. , Cech Nadja B.
Published: January 2024

With linear dependency between the explanatory variables, partial least squares (PLS) regression is commonly used for regression analysis. If the response variable correlates to a high degree with the explanatory variables, a model with excellent predictive ability can usually be obtained. Ranking of variable importance is commonly used to interpret the model and sometimes this interpretation guides further experimentation. For instance, when analyzing natural product extracts for bioactivity, an underlying assumption is that the highest ranked compounds represent the best candidates for isolation and further testing. A problem with this approach is that in most cases, the number of compounds is larger than the number of samples (and usually much larger) and that the concentrations of the compounds correlate. Furthermore, compounds may interact as synergists or as antagonists. If the modeling process does not account for this possibility, the interpretation can be thoroughly wrong because unmodeled variables that strongly influence the response will give rise to confounding of a first‐order PLS model and send the experimenter on a wrong track. We show the consequences of this by a practical example from natural product research. Furthermore, we show that by including the possibility of interactions between explanatory variables, visualization using a selectivity ratio plot may provide model interpretation that can be used to make inferences.