bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A General Synthesis of Soft Magnetic 2:17‐Type Rare‐Earth Cobalt Nanoalloys Decorated with Graphite as High‐Frequency Electromagnetic Materials
Authors: Ma Jie , Li Zhenyang , Tian Hao , Yang Bai , Yuan Yingbo , Li Ran , Yu Ronghai
Published: February 2024

A general approach is reported to fabricate a series of single‐phase 2:17‐type rare‐earth cobalt (RE2Co17, RE = Y, Ce, Pr, Nd, and Gd) nanoalloys by precisely controlled calcium thermic reduction of amorphous RE‐Co precursors. High‐purity hexagonal RE2Co17 phases are formed without the precipitation of Co and the other RE‐Co phases through the accurately manipulated co‐reduction of the two ions, which avoids the disadvantages of the impurity or second phases for RE metal alloys. RE2Co17/graphite nanostructures constructed with flower‐like RE2Co17 nanoalloys superficially decorated with nanosized graphite are further fabricated by introducing graphene oxides into the co‐reduction process. Compared with traditional magnetic planar‐anisotropy RE2Co17 alloys, the preserved high saturation magnetization (51.2–102.9 A m2 kg−1) and unusually increased coercivity (152–310.5 Oe) are achieved in these graphite‐decorated RE2Co17 nanoalloys. Moreover, these RE2Co17/graphite nanostructures exhibit good microwave absorption with an applied frequency range of 11.76–18 GHz, which shows their potential applications as new‐type Ku‐band electromagnetic materials. This work provides a facial way for the large‐scale production for varieties of single‐phase 2:17‐type RE‐Co nanoalloys and expands their application fields by constructing novel composite structures.
Highly Stretchable Semiconducting Aerogel Films for High‐Performance Flexible Electronics
Authors: Gu Puzhong , Lu Linlin , Yang Xiao , Hu Zhenyu , Zhang Xiaoyu , Sun Zejun , Liang Xing , Liu Muxiang , Sun Qi , Huang Jia , Zu Guoqing
Published: February 2024

Highly stretchable aerogel films are attractive for advanced next‐generation stretchable electronics. However, it is a great challenge to achieve high stretchability for aerogel films. Here, several types of unprecedented ultra‐stretchable semiconducting polymer‐based aerogel films with crimpled porous structures are developed via crosslinking and template methods combined with uniaxial and biaxial pre‐stretching strategies. The semiconducting aerogel films obtained by uniaxial pre‐stretching exhibit ultrahigh stretchability up to 100–200%, while those obtained by biaxial pre‐stretching show high biaxial stretchability up to 50%. The resulting aerogel films show strain‐insensitive electrical and joule heating properties. A prototype of the aerogel film‐based stretchable organic electrochemical transistor (OECT) is developed for the first time. Benefiting from their unique porous structures, the aerogel film‐based OECTs exhibit enhanced on/off ratio and transconductance compared with corresponding dense film‐based OECTs, high stretchability up to 100%, and high stretching stability with 10 000 stretching cycles under 30% strain. It is demonstrated that the aerogel film‐based OECTs can be applied as high‐performance stretchable artificial synapses and biosensors. This work gives a versatile strategy toward highly stretchable aerogel films promising for flexible electronics.
Silk‐Fabric Reinforced Silk for Artificial Bones
Authors: Lu Linlin , Liu Xuqing , Sun Yan , Wang Shujuan , Liu Jiantao , Ge Shengbo , Wei Tongxue , Zhang Haiyang , Su Jinhui , Zhang Yingying , Fan Wei
Published: February 2024

Bone implants for different body parts require varying mechanical properties, dimensions, and biodegradability rates. Currently, it is still challenging to produce artificial bones with perfect compatibility with human bones. In this study, a silk‐fabric reinforced silk material (SFS) composed of pure silk with exceptional biocompatibility, osteogenesis, and biodegradability is reported, and demonstrates its outstanding performance as a bone implant material. The SFS is fabricated using a simple hot‐pressing technique, with degummed silk fabric as the reinforcement and silk fibroin as the matrix. The SFS as a self‐reinforced composite, has exceptional mechanical properties due to the almost perfect interface between the matrix and reinforcement. More importantly, its mechanical properties, biodegradability rates, and density can be tailored by adjusting the reinforcement structure and the ratio of the reinforcement to the matrix to align with the requirements for bone implantation in different parts of the human body. Besides, the SFS can improve osteoblastic proliferation and increase osteogenic activity, which is not the case with clinically used titanium alloy artificial bone. Therefore, the SFS holds significant potential to replace conventional metal or ceramic implants in the field of medical fracture repair.
Imaging the Breakdown and Restoration of Topological Protection in Magnetic Topological Insulator MnBi2Te4
Authors: Li Qile , Di Bernardo Iolanda , Maniatis Johnathon , McEwen Daniel , Dominguez‐Celorrio Amelia , Bhuiyan Mohammad T. H. , Zhao Mengting , Tadich Anton , Watson Liam , Lowe Benjamin , Vu Thi‐Hai‐Yen , Trang Chi Xuan , Hwang Jinwoong , Mo Sung‐Kwan , Fuhrer Michael S. , Edmonds Mark T.
Published: February 2024

Quantum anomalous Hall (QAH) insulators transport charge without resistance along topologically protected chiral 1D edge states. Yet, in magnetic topological insulators to date, topological protection is far from robust, with zero‐magnetic field QAH effect only realized at temperatures an order of magnitude below the Néel temperature TN, though small magnetic fields can stabilize QAH effect. Understanding why topological protection breaks down is therefore essential to realizing QAH effect at higher temperatures. Here a scanning tunneling microscope is used to directly map the size of exchange gap (Eg,ex) and its spatial fluctuation in the QAH insulator 5‐layer MnBi2Te4. Long‐range fluctuations of Eg,ex are observed, with values ranging between 0 (gapless) and 70 meV, appearing to be uncorrelated to individual surface point defects. The breakdown of topological protection is directly imaged, showing that the gapless edge state, the hallmark signature of a QAH insulator, hybridizes with extended gapless regions in the bulk. Finally, it is unambiguously demonstrated that the gapless regions originate from magnetic disorder, by demonstrating that a small magnetic field restores Eg,ex in these regions, explaining the recovery of topological protection in magnetic fields. The results indicate that overcoming magnetic disorder is the key to exploiting the unique properties of QAH insulators.
Suppressing Element Inhomogeneity Enables 14.9% Efficiency CZTSSe Solar Cells
Authors: Li Yimeng , Cui Changcheng , Wei Hao , Shao Zhipeng , Wu Zucheng , Zhang Shu , Wang Xiao , Pang Shuping , Cui Guanglei
Published: February 2024

Kesterites, Cu2ZnSn(SxSe1−x)4 (CZTSSe), solar cells suffer from severe open‐circuit voltage (VOC) loss due to the numerous secondary phases and defects. The prevailing notion attributes this issue to Sn‐loss during the selenization. However, this work unveils that, instead of Sn‐loss, elemental inhomogeneity caused by Cu‐directional diffusion toward Mo(S,Se)2 layer is the critical factor in the formation of secondary phases and defects. This diffusion decreases the Cu/(Zn+Sn) ratio to 53% at the bottom fine‐grain layer, increasing the Sn‐/Zn‐related bulk defects. By suppressing the Cu‐directional diffusion with a blocking layer, the crystal quality is effectively improved and the defect density is reduced, leading to a remarkable photovoltaic coversion efficiency (PCE) of 14.9% with a VOC of 576 mV and a certified efficiency of 14.6%. The findings provide insights into element inhomogeneity, holding significant potential to advance the development of CZTSSe solar cells.
In Situ Plasma Studies Using a Direct Current Microplasma in a Scanning Electron Microscope
Authors: Grünewald Lukas , Chezganov Dmitry , De Meyer Robin , Orekhov Andrey , Van Aert Sandra , Bogaerts Annemie , Bals Sara , Verbeeck Jo
Published: February 2024

Microplasmas can be used for a wide range of technological applications and to improve the understanding of fundamental physics. Scanning electron microscopy, on the other hand, provides insights into the sample morphology and chemistry of materials from the mm‐ down to the nm‐scale. Combining both would provide direct insight into plasma‐sample interactions in real‐time and at high spatial resolution. Up till now, very few attempts in this direction have been made, and significant challenges remain. This work presents a stable direct current glow discharge microplasma setup built inside a scanning electron microscope. The experimental setup is capable of real‐time in situ imaging of the sample evolution during plasma operation and it demonstrates localized sputtering and sample oxidation. Further, the experimental parameters such as varying gas mixtures, electrode polarity, and field strength are explored and experimental V–I curves under various conditions are provided. These results demonstrate the capabilities of this setup in potential investigations of plasma physics, plasma‐surface interactions, and materials science and its practical applications. The presented setup shows the potential to have several technological applications, for example, to locally modify the sample surface (e.g., local oxidation and ion implantation for nanotechnology applications) on the µm‐scale.
Counter‐Propagating Evanescent Illumination Super‐Resolution Chip
Authors: Pang Chenlei , Liu Xiaowei , Zhang Qianwei , Wang Zhi , Yang Xiaoyu , Shen Weidong , Liu Xu , Yang Qing
Published: February 2024

Super‐resolution chip (SRC) made of fluorescent polymer film and polygon film waveguide can realize subdiffraction imaging. However, the propagation losses of evanescent waves impose a serious restriction on imaging performance. Meanwhile, the required redundant raw images hinder the imaging speed. Multiple‐azimuths evanescent illumination at the same time can efficiently increase the illumination intensity and uniformity, and reduce the number of required raw images. But, the experimental realization is impeded by the complex spatial frequency mixing problem. Herein, an SRC microscopy method with counter‐propagating evanescent illumination is demonstrated, which circumvents the influence of complex spatial frequency mixing, and efficiently enhances the reconstructed results. Meanwhile, the proposed method reduces the number of required raw images by half and saves the image acquisition time, which benefits the imaging speed enhancement of the SRC microscopy system and promotes its future practical application.
The Asymmetric Synthesis of Polycyclic Tetrahydroxanthone via the Cascade Reaction of Alkene‐Substituted 1,3‐diketones and Alkenyloxindoles
Authors: Zhang Rong , Wang Wenhui , Zhang Yonghui , Chen Yushuang , Yao Weijun , Wang Zhen
Published: February 2024

Enantioselective access to polycyclic tetrahydroxanthone compounds was achieved through an organocatalyzed cascade reaction of alkene‐substituted 1,3‐diketones and alkenyloxindoles, using quinine‐derived squaramide as an efficient catalyst. It afforded a variety of optically active spirooxindole‐based tetrahydroxanthones with 18–94% yields, >19:1 dr, and 86–99% ee.
Enabling C2H2/CO2 Separation Under Humid Conditions with a Methylated Copper MOF
Authors: Zhao Yan‐Long , Chen Qiancheng , Zhang Xin , Li Jian‐Rong
Published: February 2024

As a unique subclass of metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs), MOFs with open metal site (OMS) are demonstrated efficient gas separation performance through pi complexation with unsaturated hydrocarbons. However, their practical application faces the challenge of humidity that causes structure degradation and completive binding at the OMS. In this work, the effect of linker methylation of a copper MOF (BUT‐155) on the C2H2/CO2 separation performance under humid condition is evaluated. The water adsorption isotherm, adsorption kinetics, and breakthrough under dry and humid conditions are performed. The BUT‐155 with methylated linker exhibits lower water uptake and adsorption kinetics under humid condition (RH = 20%), in comparison with HKUST‐1. Therefore, the C2H2/CO2 separation performance of BUT‐155 is much less affected by water, especially under higher gas flow rate. Moreover, the dynamic C2H2/CO2 separation performance of BUT‐155 can maintain five breakthrough cycles under humid conditions (RH = 20% and RH = 80%) without obvious performance degradation.
Atomic‐Scale Study of Dead Layers in Epitaxial Perovskite Dielectric Thin Films with Oxide and Metal Top Electrodes
Authors: Bang Jeongil , Do Eun Cheol , Kim Haeryong , Kim Hyungjun , Park Bo‐Eun , Na Byunghoon , Lee Jooho , Park Sehyuck , Jang Ho Won , Lee Jaeho
Published: February 2024

Perovskite‐oxide‐based capacitors, which exhibit high charge storage capacity, have attracted considerable attention as a potential candidate for overcoming the limitations of nanoscale integration. Unfortunately, a dead layer forms in these capacitors at the interface between the electrode and the dielectric, which degrades the charge storage capacity; thus, this layer has been extensively investigated. The dead layer in perovskite‐oxide‐based capacitors exhibits different characteristics depending on the electrode materials; however, a method for minimizing this layer is lacking. In this study, the charge storage capacity of a perovskite‐oxide‐based capacitor is evaluated considering the effect of the Ru and SrRuO3 top electrodes on the SrRuO3/Ba0.5Sr0.5TiO3 stack. Dead layers at the interface between each top electrode material and the dielectric are studied on the atomic scale. The results indicate that the Ru metal electrode causes oxygen to diffuse from the dielectric to the electrode, forming elongated perovskite oxide at the interface, which acts as a dead layer. However, minimizing the dead layer at the top interface increases the dielectric permittivity from 667 to 953. Consequently, the phenomenon and mechanism of the dead layer are intuitively identified. This study proposes a method to overcome the limitations of next‐generation dynamic random access memory (DRAM).
Assessing the Electrochemical CO2 Reduction Reaction Performance Requires More Than Reporting Coulombic Efficiency
Authors: Izadi Paniz , Song Jia , Singh Chandani , Pant Deepak , Harnisch Falk
Published: February 2024

Reporting coulombic efficiency () is the common way to assess the performance of electrochemical carbon dioxide (CO2) reduction reaction (eCO2RR) in literature, whereas its carbon conversion efficiency () is frequently neglected. Herein, the importance of reporting both efficiencies when evaluating the eCO2RR is discussed, using Sn‐based gas diffusion electrodes (GDEs) as model electrodes. It is shown that can vary remarkably at a constant with minor operational changes. Over 120 min experiments with operational conditions being representative of numerous previous studies, the is increased from ≈20% to 41% (being only 9% below the theoretical maximum). This was achieved by simply adjusting the inlet CO2 flow rate from ≈35 to 16 mL min−1, while was identical at both CO2 flow rates (≈85%, 7%, and 4% for production of formate/formic acid, CO, and H2, respectively at both conditions). Thus, it is advocated that reporting of both efficiencies, for electrons and carbon, is required for meaningfully assessing the performance of an eCO2RR system.
Associations of 24‐Hour Rest‐Activity Rhythm Fragmentation, Cognitive Decline, and Postmortem Locus Coeruleus Hypopigmentation in Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Van Egroo Maxime , van Someren Eus J.W. , Grinberg Lea T. , Bennett David A. , Jacobs Heidi I.L.
Published: February 2024

Objective

While studies suggested that locus coeruleus (LC) neurodegeneration contributes to sleep–wake dysregulation in Alzheimer's disease (AD), the association between LC integrity and circadian rest‐activity patterns remains unknown. Here, we investigated the relationships between 24‐hour rest‐activity rhythms, cognitive trajectories, and autopsy‐derived LC integrity in older adults with and without cortical AD neuropathology.

Methods

This retrospective study leveraged multi‐modal data from participants of the longitudinal clinical‐pathological Rush Memory and Aging Project. Indices of 24‐hour rest‐activity rhythm fragmentation (intradaily variability) and stability (interdaily stability) were extracted from annual actigraphic recordings, and cognitive trajectories were computed from annual cognitive evaluations. At autopsy, LC neurodegeneration was determined by the presence of hypopigmentation, and cortical AD neuropathology was assessed. Contributions of comorbid pathologies (Lewy bodies, cerebrovascular pathology) were evaluated.

Results

Among the 388 cases included in the study sample (age at death = 92.1 ± 5.9 years; 273 women), 98 (25.3%) displayed LC hypopigmentation, and 251 (64.7%) exhibited cortical AD neuropathology. Logistic regression models showed that higher rest‐activity rhythm fragmentation, measured up to ~7.1 years before death, was associated with increased risk to display LC neurodegeneration at autopsy (odds ratio [OR] = 1.46, 95% confidence interval [CI95%]: 1.16–1.84, pBONF = 0.004), particularly in individuals with cortical AD neuropathology (OR = 1.56, CI95%: 1.15–2.15, pBONF = 0.03) and independently of comorbid pathologies. In addition, longitudinal increases in rest‐activity rhythm fragmentation partially mediated the association between LC neurodegeneration and cognitive decline (estimate = ‐0.011, CI95%: ‐0.023–‐0.002, pBONF = 0.03).

Interpretation

These findings highlight the LC as a neurobiological correlate of sleep–wake dysregulation in AD, and further underscore the clinical relevance of monitoring rest‐activity patterns for improved detection of at‐risk individuals. ANN NEUROL 2024;95:653–664
Cavity‐Directed Synthesis of Labile Polyoxometalates for Catalysis in Confined Spaces
Authors: Liu Cui‐Lian , Moussawi Mhamad Aly , Kalandia Givi , Salazar Marcano David E. , Shepard William E. , Parac‐Vogt Tatjana N.
Published: February 2024

The artificial microenvironments inside coordination cages have gained significant attention for performing enzyme‐like catalytic reactions by facilitating the formation of labile and complex molecules through a “ship‐in‐a‐bottle” approach. Despite many fascinating examples, this approach remains scarcely explored in the context of synthesizing metallic clusters such as polyoxometalates (POMs). The development of innovative approaches to control and influence the speciation of POMs in aqueous solutions would greatly advance their applicability and could ultimately lead to the formation of elusive clusters that cannot be synthesized by using traditional methods. In this study, we employ host–guest stabilization within a coordination cage to enable a novel cavity‐directed synthesis of labile POMs in aqueous solutions under mild conditions. The elusive Lindqvist [M6O19]2− (M=Mo or W) POMs were successfully synthesized at room temperature via the condensation of molybdate or tungstate building blocks within the confined cavity of a robust and water‐soluble Pt6L4(NO3)12 coordination cage. Importantly, the encapsulation of these POMs enhances their stability in water, rendering them efficient catalysts for environmentally friendly and selective sulfoxidation reactions using H2O2 as a green oxidant in a pure aqueous medium. The approach developed in this paper offers a means to synthesize and stabilize the otherwise unstable metal‐oxo clusters in water, which can broaden the scope of their applications.
A Dual Fluorescence Turn‐On Sensor Array Formed by Poly(para‐aryleneethynylene) and Aggregation‐Induced Emission Fluorophores for Sensitive Multiplexed Bacterial Recognition
Authors: Yu Yang , Ni Weiwei , Hu Qin , Li Huihai , Zhang Yi , Gao Xu , Zhou Lingjia , Zhang Shuming , Ma Shuoyang , Zhang Yanliang , Huang Hui , Li Fei , Han Jinsong
Published: February 2024

Bacterial infections have emerged as the leading causes of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Herein, we developed a dual‐channel fluorescence “turn‐on” sensor array, comprising six electrostatic complexes formed from one negatively charged poly(para‐aryleneethynylene) (PPE) and six positively charged aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) fluorophores. The 6‐element array enabled the simultaneous identification of 20 bacteria (OD600=0.005) within 30s (99.0 % accuracy), demonstrating significant advantages over the array constituted by the 7 separate elements that constitute the complexes. Meanwhile, the array realized different mixing ratios and quantitative detection of prevalent bacteria associated with urinary tract infection (UTI). It also excelled in distinguishing six simulated bacteria samples in artificial urine. Remarkably, the limit of detection for E. coli and E. faecalis was notably low, at 0.000295 and 0.000329 (OD600), respectively. Finally, optimized by diverse machine learning algorithms, the designed array achieved 96.7 % accuracy in differentiating UTI clinical samples from healthy individuals using a random forest model, demonstrating the great potential for medical diagnostic applications.
Self‐Polymerized Spiro‐Type Interfacial Molecule toward Efficient and Stable Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Tian Qiushuang , Chang Jingxi , Wang Junbo , He Qingyun , Chen Shaoyu , Yang Pinghui , Wang Hongze , Lai Jingya , Wu Mengyang , Zhao Xiangru , Zhong Chongyu , Li Renzhi , Huang Wei , Wang Fangfang , Yang Yingguo , Qin Tianshi
Published: February 2024

In the pursuit of highly efficient perovskite solar cells, spiro‐OMeTAD has demonstrated recorded power conversion efficiencies (PCEs), however, the stability issue remains one of the bottlenecks constraining its commercial development. In this study, we successfully synthesize a novel self‐polymerized spiro‐type interfacial molecule, termed v‐spiro. The linearly arranged molecule exhibits stronger intermolecular interactions and higher intrinsic hole mobility compared to spiro‐OMeTAD. Importantly, the vinyl groups in v‐spiro enable in situ polymerization, forming a polymeric protective layer on the perovskite film surface, which proves highly effective in suppressing moisture degradation and ion migration. Utilizing these advantages, poly‐v‐spiro‐based device achieves an outstanding efficiency of 24.54 %, with an enhanced open‐circuit voltage of 1.173 V and a fill factor of 81.11 %, owing to the reduced defect density, energy level alignment and efficient interfacial hole extraction. Furthermore, the operational stability of unencapsulated devices is significantly enhanced, maintaining initial efficiencies above 90 % even after 2000 hours under approximately 60 % humidity or 1250 hours under continuous AM 1.5G sunlight exposure. This work presents a comprehensive approach to achieving both high efficiency and long‐term stability in PSCs through innovative interfacial design.
Elaborate Modulating Binding Strength of Intermediates via Three‐component Covalent Organic Frameworks for CO2Reduction Reaction
Authors: Liu Minghao , Cui Cheng‐Xing , Yang Shuai , Yang Xiubei , Li Xuewen , He Jun , Xu Qing , Zeng Gaofeng
Published: February 2024

The catalytic performance for electrocatalytic CO2reduction reaction (CO2RR) depends on the binding strength of the reactants and intermediates. Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) have been adopted to catalyze CO2RR, and their binding abilities are tuned via constructing donor‐acceptor (DA) systems. However, most DA COFs have single donor and acceptor units, which caused wide‐range but lacking accuracy in modulating the binding strength of intermediates. More elaborate regulation of the interactions with intermediates are necessary and challenge to construct high‐efficiency catalysts. Herein, the three‐component COF with D‐A‐A units was first constructed by introducing electron‐rich diarylamine unit, electron‐deficient benzothiazole and Co‐porphyrin units. Compared with two‐component COFs, the designed COF exhibit elevated electronic conductivity, enhanced reducibility, high efficiency charge transfer, further improving the electrocatalytic CO2RR performance with the faradic efficiency of 97.2 % at −0.8 V and high activity with the partial current density of 27.85 mA cm−2at −1.0 V which exceed other two‐component COFs. Theoretical calculations demonstrate that catalytic sites in three‐component COF have suitable binding ability of the intermediates, which are benefit for formation of *COOH and desorption of *CO. This work offers valuable insights for the advancement of multi‐component COFs, enabling modulated charge transfer to improve the CO2RR activity.
Mechanochemical Approaches to Fundamental Studies in Soft‐Matter Physics
Authors: O'Neill Robert T. , Boulatov Roman
Published: February 2024

Stretching a segment of a polymer beyond its contour length makes its (primarily backbone) bonds more dissociatively labile, which enables polymer mechanochemistry. Integrating some backbone bonds into suitably designed molecular moieties yields mechanistically and kinetically diverse chemistry, which is becoming increasingly exploitable. Examples include, most prominently, attempts to improve mechanical properties of bulk polymers, as well as prospective applications in drug delivery and synthesis. This review aims to highlight an emerging effort to apply the concepts and experimental tools of mechanochemistry to fundamental physical questions in soft matter. A succinct summary of the state‐of‐the‐knowledge of the field, with emphasis on foundational concepts and generalizable observations, is followed by analysis of 3 recent examples of mechanochemistry yielding molecular‐level details of elastomer failure, macromolecular chain dynamics in elongational flows and kinetic allostery. We conclude with reasons to assume that the highlighted approaches are generalizable to a broader range of physical problems than considered to date.
Exfoliation of Metal–Organic Frameworks to Give 2D MOF Nanosheets for the Electrocatalytic Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Wu Peng , Geng Shuang , Wang Xinyu , Zhang Xinglong , Li Hongfeng , Zhang Lulu , Shen Yu , Zha Baoli , Zhang Suoying , Huo Fengwei , Zhang Weina
Published: February 2024

The structure and properties of materials are determined by a diverse range of chemical bond formation and breaking mechanisms, which greatly motivates the development of selectively controlling the chemical bonds in order to achieve materials with specific characteristics. Here, an orientational intervening bond‐breaking strategy is demonstrated for synthesizing ultrathin metal–organic framework (MOF) nanosheets through balancing the process of thermal decomposition and liquid nitrogen exfoliation. In such approach, proper thermal treatment can weaken the interlayer bond while maintaining the stability of the intralayer bond in the layered MOFs. And the following liquid nitrogen treatment results in significant deformation and stress in the layered MOFs’ structure due to the instant temperature drop and drastic expansion of liquid N2, leading to the curling, detachment, and separation of the MOF layers. The produced MOF nanosheets with five cycles of treatment are primarily composed of nanosheets that are less than 10 nm in thickness. The MOF nanosheets exhibit enhanced catalytic performance in oxygen evolution reactions owing to the ultrathin thickness without capping agents which provide improved charge transfer efficiency and dense exposed active sites. This strategy underscores the significance of orientational intervention in chemical bonds to engineer innovative materials.
Changes in the Workforce Characteristics of Providers Who Care for Adult Patients With Rheumatologic and Musculoskeletal Disease in the United States
Authors: Mannion Melissa L. , Xie Fenglong , FitzGerald John D. , Alexander Amanda , Mudano Amy , Su Yujie , Saag Kenneth G. , Curtis Jeffrey R.
Published: February 2024

Objective

The aim of this study was to describe the adult rheumatology workforce in the United States, assess change in rheumatology providers over time, and identify variation in rheumatology practice characteristics.

Methods

Using national Medicare claims data from 2006 to 2020, clinically active rheumatology physicians and advanced practice providers (APPs) were identified. Each calendar year was used for inclusion, exclusion, and analysis, and providers were determined to be entering, exiting, or stable based upon presence or absence in the prior or subsequent years of data. Characteristics (age, gender, practice type, rural, and region) of rheumatologists were determined for 2019 and in mutually exclusive study periods from 2009 to 2011, 2012 to 2015, and 2016 to 2019. The location of rheumatology practice was determined by billing tax identification and mapped. Demographics of physicians exiting or entering the rheumatology workforce were compared separately to those stable by logistic regression.

Results

The clinically active adult rheumatology workforce identified in US Medicare in 2019 was 5,667 rheumatologists and 379 APPs. From 2009 to 2020, the number of rheumatologists increased 23% and the number of APPs increased 141%. There was an increase in female rheumatologists over time, rising to 43% in 2019. Women and those employed by a health care system were more likely to exit, and those in a small practice or in the South were less likely to exit.

Conclusion

The overall number of clinically active rheumatology providers grew more than 20% over the last decade to a high of 6,036 in 2020, although this rate of growth appears to be flattening off in later years.

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Boosting the Electrocatalytic Water Splitting Performance Using Hydrophilic Metal‐Organic Framework
Authors: Suliman Munzir , Alarfaj Fatima , Usman Muhammad , AlAqad Khaled M. , Hussein Mohamed A. , Abdelnaby Mahmoud M.
Published: February 2024

In this study, we employed a rapid and efficient microwave method to synthesize Metal‐Organic Framework (MOF‐303), which was subsequently embedded onto Palladium/Carbon (Pd/C) electrodes. The resulting hybrid material, Pd/C@MOF‐303, was thoroughly characterized, and its performance in the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction (HER) was systematically investigated. The Pd/C@MOF‐303 composite exhibited remarkable improvements in HER performance compared to the unmodified Pd/C electrode. At a benchmark current density of 10 mA cm−2, the overpotentials for Pd/C and Pd/C@MOF‐303 were measured at 185 mV and 175 mV, respectively. This reduction in overpotential highlights the superior catalytic activity of the Pd/C@MOF‐303 hybrid material in facilitating the HER. Furthermore, the Pd/C@MOF‐303 electrode demonstrated enhanced HER activity, increased mass activity, and excellent charge transfer rates compared to its unmodified counterpart, Pd/C. The findings underscore the significance of the hydrophilic MOF‐303 in tailoring the surface characteristics of electrocatalysts, thereby offering insights into the design principles for advanced materials with superior performance in electrochemical applications.
Strategic Insertion of Heavy Atom to Tailor TADF OLED Material for the Development of Type I Photosensitizing Catalytic Red Emissive Assemblies
Authors: Singh Manpreet , Kumar Manoj , Bhalla Vandana
Published: February 2024

The work presented in the manuscript describes a simple strategy for transforming thermally activated delayed fluorescent organic light‐emitting diodes (TADF OLEDs) compound 10‐(dibenzo[a,c]phenazin‐11‐yl)‐10H‐phenoxazine (DPZ‐PXZ) into type I photosensitizer 10‐(dibenzo[a,c]phenazin‐11‐yl)‐10H‐phenothiazine (DPZ‐PHZ) by strategically introducing sulfur atom in the photosensitizing core. The synthesized compound DPZ‐PHZ exhibits aggregation‐induced enhancement (AIE) and through‐space charge transfer (TSCT) characteristics and generates red emissive assemblies in mixed aqueous media. The original compound DPZ‐PXZ exhibits well‐separated HOMO and LUMO levels and is reported to have highly efficient reverse intersystem crossing (RISC). In comparison, the incorporation of sulfur atom in the phenothiazine donor regulates the electronic communication between donor and acceptor units and promotes the intersystem crossing (ISC) in DPZ‐PHZ molecules. Interestingly, compound DPZ‐PHZ exhibits rapid activation of aerial oxygen for instant generation of superoxide radical anion. Backed by excellent type I photosensitizing activity, DPZ‐PHZ assemblies have high catalytic potential for the synthesis of benzimidazoles, benzothiazoles and quinazolines derivatives under mild reaction conditions. The work presented in the manuscript provides an insight into the combination of heavy atom approach and TSCT for achieving adequate electronic communication between donor and acceptor units, balanced RISC/ISC, and stabilized‐charge separated state for the development of efficient type I photosensitizing assemblies.
Overexpression of Klotho gene using CRISPR/Cas9 induces apoptosis and inhibits cell motility in the human colorectal cancer cells
Authors: Soykan Merve Nur , Gunes Sibel
Published: February 2024

Despite advances in early detection and treatment, colorectal cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer‐related deaths. The klotho (KL) gene plays a critical role in the development and progression of colorectal cancer. This study investigates the role of the KL gene in colorectal cancer by using the CRISPR/Cas9 system to overexpress and knock out (KO) the KL gene in human colorectal cancer cells (Caco‐2). The effects of the changes were assessed by gene expression analysis, flow cytometry, scratch wound closure assays, colony formation assays, and immunofluorescence staining. Our results showed that overexpression of the KL gene increased apoptosis and decreased cell motility in cancer cells, whereas knockout of the KL gene had the opposite role. The present study elucidates the mechanisms underlying this role and highlights the potential of the CRISPR/Cas9 system as a gene editing tool in cancer research. Our data suggest that activation of the KL gene may serve as a novel therapeutic strategy and biomarker for studies in colorectal cancer.
Therapeutic Potential of Cornus Genus: Navigating Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, Clinical Studies, and Advanced Delivery Approaches
Authors: Badoni Subhashini , Rawat Deepshikha , Mahato Arun Kumar , Jangwan Nitish Singh , Ashraf Ghulam Md , Alexiou Athanasios , Tayeb Haythum O. , Alghamdi Badrah S. , Papadakis Marios , Singh Mamta F.
Published: February 2024

The genus Cornus (Cornaceae) plants are widely distributed in Europe, southwest Asia, North America, and the mountains of Central America, South America, and East Africa. Cornus plants exhibit antimicrobial, antioxidative, antiproliferative, cytotoxic, antidiabetic, anti‐inflammatory, neuroprotective and immunomodulatory activities. These plants are exploited to possess various phytoconstituents such as triterpenoids, iridoids, anthocyanins, tannins and flavonoids. Pharmacological research and clinical investigations on various Cornus species have advanced significantly in recent years. Over the past few decades, a significant amount of focus has also been made into developing new delivery systems for Cornus mas and Cornus officinalis. This review focuses on the morphological traits, ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, pharmacological activities and clinical studies on extracts and active constituents from plants of Cornus genus. The review also highlights recent novel delivery systems for Cornus mas and Cornus officinalis extracts to promote sustained and targeted delivery in diverse disorders. The overwhelming body of research supports the idea that plants from the genus Cornus have therapeutic potential and can be investigated in the future for treatingseveral ailments.
Preventing Cancer by Inhibiting Ornithine Decarboxylase: A Comparative Perspective on Synthetic vs. Natural Drugs
Authors: Sahu Preeti Nanda , Sen Anik
Published: February 2024

This perspective delves into the investigation of synthetic and naturally occurring inhibitors, their patterns of inhibition, and the effectiveness of newly utilized natural compounds as inhibitors targeting the Ornithine decarboxylase enzyme. This enzyme is known to target the MYC oncogene, thereby establishing a connection between polyamine metabolism and oncogenesis in both normal and cancerous cells. ODC activation and heightened polyamine activity are associated with tumor development in numerous cancers and fluctuations in ODC protein levels exert a profound influence on cellular activity for inhibition or suppressing tumor cells. This perspective outlines efforts to develop novel drugs, evaluate natural compounds, and identify promising inhibitors to address gaps in cancer prevention, highlighting the potential of newly designed synthetic moieties and natural flavonoids as alternatives. It also discusses natural compounds with potential as enhanced inhibitors.
Prediction models to evaluate baking quality instruments for commercial wheat flour
Authors: Selga Louise , Johansson Eva , Andersson Roger
Published: February 2024

Background and Objectives

Loaf volume is the main indicator of wheat flour quality, but test baking has major limitations. Here, prediction models were used to evaluate which methodology best captured the baking quality in Swedish commercial wheat flour and if the chemical composition of flour increased prediction accuracy.

Findings

Flour type (e.g., winter vs. spring wheat) affected prediction model results significantly. Thus, separate prediction models should be developed for each flour type. Combining data from alveograph, farinograph, and glutomatic tests with protein and damaged starch gave the best prediction results. The main loaf volume predictors were dough strength for winter wheat, stability for spring wheat, and extensibility for flour blends. The composition of protein and arabinoxylan influenced several quality parameters but did not improve loaf volume predictions.

Conclusions

Best predictions were obtained for winter wheat. Spring wheat and flour blend models contained only one latent variable, indicating that protein content was the main determinant for loaf volume in these samples.

Significance and Novelty

This study is one of few using prediction models to evaluate instrument suitability to determine loaf volume. Instruments suitable for predicting quality were determined for commercial winter wheat flour, which is the main product of Swedish mills.
Designing, refining and reflecting on 3 years of daily evidence surveillance for Australia's living national COVID‐19 guidelines
Authors: McDonald Steve , Turner Tari
Published: February 2024

Australia's national living guidelines for COVID‐19 were launched in April 2020 and include over 200 recommendations to guide the clinical care of patients with COVID‐19. Until the guidelines were retired in August 2023, new evidence was continually monitored through daily surveillance. This paper describes the initial design for evidence surveillance (at a time when efforts to collate information on the novel coronavirus were in their infancy and often duplicative) and how it was refined throughout the pandemic. Among the wide range of sources monitored, the collections of COVID‐19 research from leading medical journals, medRxiv preprints and PubMed auto alerts proved the most enduring in identifying time‐critical and impactful evidence. The paper also explores how evidence was tracked and surveillance integrated into the overall evidence workflow by using messaging apps and communication platforms. Finally, we consider the implications for living guidelines and reflect on factors that contributed to the feasibility of daily surveillance: the clearly defined scope of the guidelines; focusing efforts on maximum impact; minimizing duplication by partnering with others; setting up simple but effective processes for managing evidence; and the value of continuous involvement of personnel from the outset. Australia's living COVID‐19 guidelines were underpinned by a novel approach to evidence surveillance that was feasible and essential in maintaining COVID‐19 living guidelines for over 3 years.
Each Interruption is an Opportunity: Novel Synthetic Strategies Explored Through Interrupted Click Reactions
Authors: Brunelli Francesca , Russo Camilla , Giustiniano Mariateresa , Tron Gian Cesare
Published: February 2024

The particular and unique mechanism of the copper‐catalyzed reaction between azides and alkynes (CuAAC) has not only allowed for the efficient synthesis of 1,2,3‐trisubstituted 1,4‐triazoles in excellent yields and under mild conditions, becoming the quintessential click reaction, but it has also enabled the straightforward formation of a metallocycle intermediate, the copper triazolyl. This, under suitable reaction conditions able to suppress its protonolysis, can be used either for the creation of new bicyclic triazolyl structures or for the generation of novel three or four‐component reactions. The aim of this review is to rationalize and unify all these transformations, which are collectively referred to as “interrupted click reactions”.
A higher non‐HDL‐C/HDL‐C ratio was associated with an increased risk of progression of nonculprit coronary lesion in patients with acute coronary syndrome undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Liu Jiamin , Zhao Li , Zhang Yazhou , Wang Lili , Feng Qianqian , Cui Jing , Zhang Wenhong , Zheng Jianyong , Wang Dan , Zhao Fengjiao , He Jiangchun , Chen Yu
Published: February 2024

Background

The ratio of nonhigh‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (non‐HDL‐C) to high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) has been shown associated with various metabolic diseases and atherosclerosis in primary prevention. However, there is limited evidence on the relationship between the non‐HDL‐C/HDL‐C ratio and progression of nonculprit coronary lesion (NCCL) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Hypothesis

Our study aimed to investigate the potential association between the non‐HDL‐C/HDL‐C ratio and NCCL progression in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) undergoing PCI.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of ACS patients who underwent coronary angiography twice at a single center from 2016 to 2022. Lipid measurements, demographic, clinical, and other laboratory data were collected from electronic medical records. NCCLs were evaluated using quantitative coronary angiography. The primary outcome was the progression of NCCL. Patients were categorized based on NCCL progression and tertiles of the non‐HDL‐C/HDL‐C ratio. Associations were analyzed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis.

Results

The study included 329 ACS patients who underwent PCI, with a median follow‐up angiography of 1.09 years. We found NCCL progression in 95 (28.9%) patients with acceptable low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol control (median: 1.81 mmol/L). Patients in the top tertile of the non‐HDL‐C/HDL‐C ratio had a higher risk of NCCL progression. After adjusting for potential confounding factors, the non‐HDL‐C/HDL‐C ratio remained a significant predictor for NCCL progression (adjusted odds ratio: 1.45; 95% confidence interval: 1.14–1.86;p < 0.05).

Conclusions

The non‐HDL‐C/HDL‐C ratio predicts NCCL progression in ACS patients following PCI, providing a valuable tool for risk assessment and enhancing secondary prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
The amphipathic design in helical antimicrobial peptides
Authors: Bui Thi Phuong Hai , Doan Ngan Hoa , Le Huy Binh , Vu Dinh Hoang , Luong Xuan Huy
Published: February 2024

Amphipathicity is a critical characteristic of helical antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). The hydrophilic region, primarily composed of cationic residues, plays a pivotal role in the initial binding to negatively charged components on bacterial membranes through electrostatic interactions. Subsequently, the hydrophobic region interacts with hydrophobic components, inducing membrane perturbation, ultimately leading to cell death, or inhibiting intracellular function. Due to the extensive diversity of natural and synthetic AMPs with regard to the design of amphipathicity, it is complicated to study the structure‐activity relationships. Therefore, this work aims to categorize the common amphipathic design and investigate their impact on the biological properties of AMPs. Besides, the connection between current structural modification approaches and amphipathic styles was also discussed.
Mouse and Rat Anesthesia and Analgesia
Authors: Oh Sang Su , Narver Heather L.
Published: February 2024

Anesthesia and analgesia play pivotal roles in ethically and humanely using animal models in research, especially concerning mice and rats. These rodent species, extensively utilized in scientific investigations due to their genetic resemblance to humans, serve as invaluable tools for studying diseases and testing treatments. Proper anesthesia and analgesia not only prioritize animal welfare but also heighten experimental validity by minimizing stress‐induced physiological responses. Recent years have seen remarkable advancements in anesthesia for mice and rats. The focus has shifted away from the ‘one size fits all’ toward tailoring anesthesia protocols, considering factors like age, strain, and the nature of the experimental procedure. The use of inhalation agents such as isoflurane and sevoflurane is often preferred due to their rapid induction and recovery characteristics, allowing precise control over anesthesia depth. However, refinements in injectable anesthetic agents also provide researchers the flexibility to select suitable agents based on study requirements. Additionally, progress in analgesic techniques has led to effective pain management strategies for these rodents. Common analgesics such as nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), opioids, and local anesthetics are administered to alleviate pain and discomfort. However, standard practice also involves continuous monitoring of animals' behavior and physiological parameters, ensuring timely adjustments in analgesic regimens for optimal pain relief without compromising experimental outcomes. By integrating tailored anesthesia and analgesia protocols into the experimental design, researchers uphold high animal welfare standards while obtaining reliable scientific data. This contributes significantly to advancing medical knowledge and therapeutic interventions with reproducible results. Published 2024. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Injectable anesthesia for mouse and rat

Basic Protocol 2: Inhalant anesthesia using isoflurane for mouse and rat

Basic Protocol 3: Analgesia for mice and rats
Enhancing environmental reporting: A study on the role of narrative disclosure, firm‐ and country‐level incentives
Authors: Arena Claudia , Bozzolan Saverio , Imperatore Claudia
Published: February 2024

Moving from the ongoing debate on the benefits of mandating environmental reporting, this paper provides an analysis of the role of narrative information quality in enhancing environmental reporting, considering the moderating effect of firm‐level and country‐level incentives. We examine an international sample of listed firms belonging to an environmental‐sensitive industry and construct disclosure indices based on a content analysis of the company's reporting. Results reveal that mandatory narrative information quality is positively associated with the quality of environmental reporting displaying a credibility effect beyond earnings quality. Country‐level factors that increase the demand for environmental information weaken this relation by reducing the marginal benefit of disclosing environmental information. Our approach advances existing literature on the link between CSR and financial reporting and highlights the unintended consequences of mandating environmental reporting.