bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Van Der Waals Heterojunction Modulated Charge Collection for H2O2 Production Photocathode
Authors: Zhang Zemin , Chen Xu , Hao Rui , Feng Qingliang , Xie Erqing
Published: April 2023

Efficient photocarrier generation and collection are highly desirable for solar‐fuel conversion systems. However, the latter is challenging for many photoelectrodes due to carrier losses happening in the semiconductor‐electrolyte interface and the semiconductor‐substrate interface. To overcome it, a novel Au/CuBi2O4 (CBO)/PtSe2 van der Waals heterojunction photocathode has been developed to boost photocarrier collection. As a result, the ohmic contact at Au/CBO interface shows a low resistance for hole transfer. Meanwhile, while promoting electron transfer, the Van der Waals heterojunction of CBO/PtSe2 interface with energy barrier‐blocked holes. Concurrently, the composite photocathode exhibits significantly enhanced performance: a photocurrent of −0.59 mA cm−2 at 0.5 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode and an H2O2 generation rate of 2.39 mol (Lhm2)−1. This work demonstrates the charge regulation role of Van der Waals heterojunctions in the solar‐fuel system. More broadly, Van der Waals heterojunctions provide an excellent bond‐free approach to creating versatile optoelectronic devices.
An Automation Workflow for High‐Throughput Manufacturing and Analysis of Scaffold‐Supported 3D Tissue Arrays
Authors: Cao Ruonan , Li Nancy T. , Latour Simon , Cadavid Jose L. , Tan Cassidy M. , Forman Ari , Jackson Hartland W. , McGuigan Alison P.
Published: April 2023

Patient‐derived organoids have emerged as a useful tool to model tumour heterogeneity. Scaling these complex culture models while enabling stratified analysis of different cellular sub‐populations, however, remains a challenge. One strategy to enable higher throughput organoid cultures is the scaffold‐supported platform for organoid‐based tissues (SPOT). SPOT allows the generation of flat, thin, and dimensionally‐defined microtissues in both 96‐ and 384‐well plate footprints that are compatible with longitudinal image‐based readouts. SPOT is currently manufactured manually, however, limiting scalability. In this study, an automation approach to engineer tumour‐mimetic 3D microtissues in SPOT using a liquid handler is optimized and comparable within‐ and between‐sample variation to standard manual manufacturing is shown. Further, a liquid handler‐supported cell extraction protocol to support single‐cell‐based end‐point analysis using high‐throughput flow cytometry and multiplexed cytometry by time of flight is developed. As a proof‐of‐value demonstration, 3D complex tissues containing different proportions of tumour and stromal cells are generated to probe the reciprocal impact of co‐culture. It is also demonstrated that primary patient‐derived organoids can be incorporated into the pipeline to capture patient‐level tumour heterogeneity. It is envisioned that this automated 96/384‐SPOT workflow will provide opportunities for future applications in high‐throughput screening for novel personalized therapeutic targets.
A Photo‐Activated Thermoelectric Catalyst for Ferroptosis‐/Pyroptosis‐Boosted Tumor Nanotherapy
Authors: Jiang Xiaoyan , Yang Muyue , Fang Ying , Yang Zhenyu , Dai Xinyue , Gu Ping , Feng Wei , Chen Yu
Published: April 2023

Phototherapy including photothermal therapy (PTT) and photodynamic therapy (PDT) has gradually come into the limelight for oncological treatment due to its noninvasiveness, high specificity, and low side effects. However, upregulated heat‐shock proteins (HSPs) and reactive oxygen species (ROS)‐defensing system such as glutathione (GSH) or MutT homolog 1 (MTH1) protein in tumor microenvironment counteract the efficiency of single‐modality therapy either PTT or PDT. Herein, the well‐defined bismuth telluride nanoplates (Bi2Te3 NPs) are engineered with a high‐performance photo‐thermo‐electro‐catalytic effect for tumor‐synergistic treatment. Upon near‐infrared light illumination, Bi2Te3 NPs induce a significant temperature elevation for PTT, which effectively inhibits MTH1 expression. Especially, heating and cooling alteration caused temperature variations result in electron–hole separation for ROS generation, which not only damages HSPs to reduce the thermotolerance for enhance PTT, but also arouses tumor cell pyroptosis. Additionally, Bi2Te3 NPs conspicuously reduce GSH, further improving ROS level and leading to decrease glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) activity, which triggers tumor cell ferroptosis. Due to the photo‐thermo‐electro‐catalytic synergistic therapy, Bi2Te3 NPs are gifted with impressive tumor suppression on both ectopic and orthotopic ocular tumor models. This work highlights a high‐performance multifunctional energy‐conversion nanoplatform for reshaping tumor microenvironment to boost the tumor‐therapeutic efficacy of phototherapy.
Electrochemical Doping in Ordered and Disordered Domains of Organic Mixed Ionic–Electronic Conductors
Authors: Cavassin Priscila , Holzer Isabelle , Tsokkou Demetra , Bardagot Olivier , Réhault Julien , Banerji Natalie
Published: April 2023

Conjugated polymers are increasingly used as organic mixed ionic–electronic conductors in electrochemical applications for neuromorphic computing, bioelectronics, and energy harvesting. The design of efficient electrochemical devices relies on large modulations of the polymer conductivity, fast doping/dedoping kinetics, and high ionic uptake. In this work, structure–property relations are established and control of these parameters by the co‐existence of order and disorder in the phase morphology is demonstrated. Using in situ time‐resolved spectroelectrochemistry, resonant Raman, and terahertz (THz) conductivity measurements, the electrochemical doping in the different morphological domains of poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT) is investigated. The main finding is that bipolarons are found preferentially in disordered polymer regions, where they are formed faster and are thermodynamically more favored. On the other hand, polarons show a preference for ordered domains, leading to drastically different bipolaron/polaron ratios and doping/dedoping dynamics in the distinct regions. A significant enhancement of the electronic conductivity is evident when bipolarons start forming in the disordered regions, while the presence of bipolarons in the ordered regions is detrimental for transport. This study provides significant advances in the understanding of the impact of morphology on the electrochemical doping of conjugated polymers and the induced increase in conductivity.
Surface Ligand Engineering Ruthenium Nanozyme Superior to Horseradish Peroxidase for Enhanced Immunoassay
Authors: Fan Huizhen , Zheng Jiajia , Xie Jiaying , Liu Juewen , Gao Xingfa , Yan Xiyun , Fan Kelong , Gao Lizeng
Published: April 2023

Nanozymes have great potential to be used as an alternative to natural enzymes in a variety of fields. However, low catalytic activity compared with natural enzymes limits their practical use. It is still challenging to design nanozymes comparable to their natural counterparts in terms of the specific activity. In this study, a surface engineering strategy is employed to improve the specific activity of Ru nanozymes using charge‐transferrable ligands such as polystyrene sulfonate (PSS). PSS‐modified Ru nanozyme exhibits a peroxidase‐like specific activity of up to 2820 U mg−1, which is twice that of horseradish peroxidase (1305 U mg−1). Mechanism studies suggest that PSS readily accepts negative charge from Ru, thus reducing the affinity between Ru and ·OH. Importantly, the modified Ru‐peroxidase nanozyme is successfully used to develop an immunoassay for human alpha‐fetoprotein and achieves a 140‐fold increase in detection sensitivity compared with traditional horseradish‐peroxidase‐based enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Therefore, this work provides a feasible route to design nanozymes with high specific activity that meets the practical use as an alternative to natural enzymes.
A Composite of Hierarchical Porous MOFs and Halloysite Nanotubes as Single‐Ion‐Conducting Electrolyte Toward High‐Performance Solid‐State Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Tao Fencheng , Wang Xin , Jin Sheng , Tian Li , Liu Zixin , Kang Xiaomin , Liu Zhiliang
Published: April 2023

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), as a promising rechargeable electrochemical energy storage material have emerged in the field of solid‐state lithium batteries. However, low ionic conductivity and high interfacial impedance still severely hamper the application of MOF‐based solid‐state electrolytes (SSE). In this work, a novel hierarchical porous H‐ZIF‐8 solid‐state electrolyte (SSE) material is harvested through the in situ growth of zinc nitrate hydroxide nanosheets, expressing excellent ion conductivity of 1.04 × 10−3 S cm−1 and Li+‐transference number of 0.71. Moreover, the morphology and structure of H‐ZIF‐8 is further optimized to obtain a composite H‐ZIF‐8/HNT by decorating halloysite nanotubes (HNT). Notably, functionalized H‐ZIF‐8/HNT as an electrolyte presents obvious enhancement on electrochemical properties: higher ionic conductivity of 7.74 × 10−3 S cm−1, better single‐ion transmittability ( = 0.84), good interfacial compatibility as well as excellent rate performance. More importantly, the Li/LiFePO4 battery equipped with H‐ZIF‐8/HNT SSE has efficient lithium‐dendrite suppression and up to 84% capacity retention (104.16 mA h g−1) after 200 times galvanostatic charge/discharge cycles. This work enriches the solid‐state lithium‐ion composite electrolyte materials, opening an entirely new way for enhancing electrochemical performance.
Material Breakthroughs in Smart Food Monitoring: Intelligent Packaging and On‐Site Testing Technologies for Spoilage and Contamination Detection
Authors: Khan Shadman , Monteiro Jonathan K. , Prasad Akansha , Filipe Carlos D. M. , Li Yingfu , Didar Tohid F.
Published: April 2023

Despite extensive commercial and regulatory interventions, food spoilage and contamination continue to impose massive ramifications on human health and the global economy. Recognizing that such issues will be significantly eliminated by the accurate and timely monitoring of food quality markers, smart food sensors have garnered significant interest as platforms for both real‐time, in‐package food monitoring and on‐site commercial testing. In both cases, the sensitivity, stability, and efficiency of the developed sensors are largely informed by underlying material design, driving focus toward the creation of advanced materials optimized for such applications. Herein, a comprehensive review of emerging intelligent materials and sensors developed in this space is provided, through the lens of three key food quality markers – biogenic amines, pH, and pathogenic microbes. Each sensing platform is presented with targeted consideration toward the contributions of the underlying metallic or polymeric substrate to the sensing mechanism and detection performance. Further, the real‐world applicability of presented works is considered with respect to their capabilities, regulatory adherence, and commercial potential. Finally, a situational assessment of the current state of intelligent food monitoring technologies is provided, discussing material‐centric strategies to address their existing limitations, regulatory concerns, and commercial considerations.
Transport Layer Engineering Toward Lower Threshold for Perovskite Lasers
Authors: Zhang Jia , Qin Jiajun , Cai Weidong , Tang Yipeng , Zhang Huotian , Wang Tong , Bakulin Artem , Hu Bin , Liu Xiao‐Ke , Gao Feng
Published: April 2023

Charge‐transport layers are essential for achieving electrically pumped perovskite lasers. However, their role in perovskite lasing is not fully understood. Here, the role of charge‐transport layers on the lasing actions of perovskite films is explored by investigating the amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) thresholds. A largely reduced ASE threshold and enhanced ASE intensity is demonstrated by introducing an additional hole transport layer poly(triaryl amine) (PTAA). It is shown that the key role of the PTAA layer is to accelerate the hot‐carrier cooling process by extracting holes in perovskites. With reduced hot holes, the Auger recombination loss is largely suppressed, resulting in decreased ASE threshold. This argument is further supported by the fact that the ASE threshold can be further reduced from 25.7 to 7.2 µJ cm−2 upon switching the pumping wavelength from 400 to 500 nm to directly avoid excess hot‐hole generation. This work exemplifies how to further reduce the ASE threshold with transport layer engineering through hot‐hole manipulation. This is critical to maintaining the excellent gain properties of perovskites when integrating them into electrical devices, paving the way for electrically pumped perovskite lasers.
Thermally Stable Red‐Emitting Oxide Ceramics for Laser Lighting
Authors: Yang Zhiyu , de Boer Tristan , Braun Patrick M. , Su Binbin , Zhang Qinyuan , Moewes Alexander , Xia Zhiguo
Published: April 2023

Laser‐driven phosphor‐converted white light sources are highly desirable for their unprecedented energy efficiency and lighting quality. However, important challenges remain due to a lack of efficient and stable red‐emitting materials. Here Eu2+‐activated oxide‐based double perovskites are explored as red emitters with thermally stable photoluminescence. Sr3TaO5.5:Eu2+ ceramics exhibit a red emission band peaking at 620 nm upon blue laser pumping owing to the Eu2+ occupation at highly ordered substitutional lattice sites. A constructed laser‐driven white light wheel under an incident power density of 19.2 W mm−2 presents a record luminous flux of 1115 lm with an excellent color rendering index of 90. This study invigorates the development of Eu2+‐activated oxide‐based ceramics with thermally stable luminescence for laser‐pumped lighting and display applications.
An Ultrahigh‐Mass‐Loading Integrated Free‐Standing Functional All‐Carbon Positive Electrode Prepared using an Architecture Tailoring Strategy for High‐Energy‐Density Dual‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Wei Yike , Tang Bin , Liang Xiao , Zhang Fan , Tang Yongbing
Published: April 2023

Dual‐ion batteries (DIBs) have been attracting great attention for the storage of stationary energy due to their low cost, environmental friendliness, and high working voltage. However, most reports on DIBs involve low‐mass‐loading electrodes (<2.5 mg), while the use of high mass‐loading electrodes (>10 mg cm−2), which are critical for practical application, is overlooked. Herein, an integrated free‐standing functional carbon positive electrode (named MSCG) with a “point‐line‐plane” hierarchical architecture at the practical level of ultrahigh mass‐loading (>50 mg cm−2) is developed for high‐energy‐density DIBs. The rationally designed microstructure and the advanced assembly method that is adopted produce a well‐interconnected ion/electron transport channel in the MSCG electrode, which confers rapid ion/electron kinetic properties while maintaining good mechanical properties. Consequently, the DIBs with ultrahigh‐mass‐loading MSCG electrodes exhibits a high discharge capacity of 100.5 mAh g−1 at 0.5 C (loading mass of 50 mg cm−2) and a long‐term cycling performance with a capacity retention of 87.7% at 1 C after 500 cycles (loading mass of 23 mg cm−2). Moreover, the DIB with the ultrahigh‐mass‐loading positive electrode achieves a high energy density of 379 Wh kg−1 based on the mass of electrode materials, the highest value recorded to date for any DIBs.
Stretchable, Nano‐Crumpled MXene Multilayers Impart Long‐Term Antibacterial Surface Properties
Authors: Asadi Tokmedash Mohammad , Nagpal Neha , Chen Po‐Yen , VanEpps J. Scott , Min Jouha
Published: April 2023

Infections are a significant risk to patients who receive medical implants, and can often lead to implant failure, tissue necrosis, and even amputation. So far, although various surface modification approaches are proposed for prevention and treatment of microbial biofilms on indwelling medical devices, most are too expensive/complicated to fabricate, unscalable, or limited in durability for clinical use. Here, this work presents a new bottom‐up design for fabricating scalable and durable nano‐patterned coatings with dynamic topography for long‐term antibacterial effects. This work shows that MXene layer‐by‐layer (LbL) self‐assembled coatings—with finely tunable crumpled structures with nanometer resolution and excellent mechanical durability—can be successfully fabricated on stretchable poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS). The crumpled MXene coating with sharp‐edged peaks shows potent antibacterial effects against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. In addition, this work finds that on‐demand dynamic deformation of the crumpled coating can remove ≥99% of adhered bacterial cells for both species, resulting in a clean surface with restored functionality. This approach offers improved practicality, scalability, and antibacterial durability over previous methods, and its flexibility may lend itself to many types of biomaterials and implantable devices.
Antimicrobial Effect of Nitric Oxide Releasing Hydrogels on Staphylococcus Aureus Derived Proteases
Authors: Deller Robert C. , Li Man , Doherty Kyle G. , Aveyard Jenny , Williams Rachel L. , Kolegraff Keli N. , Kaye Stephen B. , D'Sa Raechelle A.
Published: April 2023

The skin serves as a crucial barrier against environmental insults and invading pathogens. However, traumatic injury or skin disorder can compromise this barrier function, leasing to bacterial colonization and infection of the wound with microorganisms such as Staphylococcus aureus, which are normally present on healthy skin. The secretion of bacterial proteases such as V8 protease from S. aureus can disturb the equilibrium between extracellular matrix degradation and deposition during wound healing resulting in loss of barrier integrity. We report the feasibility of a nitric oxide (NO) releasing poly‐ε‐lysine (pεK) hydrogel to prevent loss of barrier function caused by V8 proteases. The fabrication and characterization of the pεK hydrogel and NO releasing properties in biologically relevant media are reported. The NO‐releasing pεK hydrogel have demonstrated bactericidal activity against a clinical isolate of S. aureus in complex physiological media and concurrently reduce the catalytic activity of secreted V8 protease. Moreover, pεK hydrogels are cytocompatible with keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts. In contrast, Penicillin G loaded pεK hydrogels showed excellent antimicrobial efficacy but did not affect V8 catalytic activity. This demonstrates that NO‐releasing pεK hydrogels hold potential as an effective treatment for infected wounds reducing the microbial burden and inactivating bacterial secreted proteases.
A High‐Resolution, Transparent, and Stretchable Polymer Conductor for Wearable Sensor Arrays
Authors: Shimura Tokihiko , Sato Shun , Tominaga Taizo , Abe Shuma , Yamashita Kaoru , Ashizawa Minoru , Kato Takeo , Ishikuro Hiroki , Matsuhisa Naoji
Published: April 2023

Arrays of stretchable and transparent electronic sensors realize next‐generation skin‐conformable wearables and soft robotic skins, which require a high‐resolution patternable stretchable conductor. However, the difficulty of simultaneously engineering desirable material properties (i.e., conductivity, stretchability, and patternability) has limited the development of such stretchable electronic materials. Herein, a high‐resolution patternable, stretchable, and transparent conducting polymer by decoupled engineering of the material properties is shown. The high conductivity of the conducting polymer is achieved by rationally designing an ionic additive. The high stretchability is realized by matching the mechanical properties of the conducting polymer to the substrate. The developed conducting polymer is then patterned in a resolution less than 10 µm by nanosecond UV laser ablation, which enables the feasible demonstration of stretchable and transparent sensor arrays for touch and strain. The findings in this work will accelerate the development of high‐density stretchable sensor arrays and stretchable semiconductor devices.
4D Printing Of Shape Memory Epoxy For Adaptive Dynamic Components
Authors: Liu Sen , Dong Xuanxuan , Wang Yixian , Xiong Jian , Guo Rui , Xiao Junfeng , Sun Chufeng , Zhai Fei , Wang Xiaolong
Published: April 2023

Programmed 4D printing shape‐memory polymers (SMPs) have been endorsed as an emerging paradigm for developing adaptive dynamic components with sophisticated architectures and biomimetic adaptation capacities. However, the species of SMPs systems are still rare while most of them are produced from expensive monomers which have restricted their mass production. Moreover, most SMPs show poor elongation at break and strain which cannot support a higher degree of bending during shape memory deformation. Herein, a kind of new epoxy vinyl ester resin ink is developed and improves the 4D printing process of shape memory epoxy‐based polymer. By adjusting the printing conditions to match the ink property, a series of precisely designed printing structures are successfully produced. The printed SMP system shows a favorable strain rate under heat‐treated conditions above its glass transition temperature (Tg) which leads to fine shape memory performance. Furthermore, the printed components obtained through micro to macro multi‐scale 4D printing structure design confirm its application potential as dynamic adaptive devices in aerospace and safety engineering.
Non‐Invasive Touch‐Based Lithium Monitoring Using an Organohydrogel‐Based Sensing Interface
Authors: Lin Shuyu , Zhu Jialun , Yeung Justin , Wu Tsung‐Yu , Cheng Xuanbing , Zhao Yichao , Wang Bo , Tan Jiawei , Peeters Sophie , Seroussi Ariel , Sankararaman Sriram , Milla Carlos , Emaminejad Sam
Published: April 2023

Lithium is a drug widely employed for the treatment of bipolar disorder owing to its high efficacy in mood management and suicide prevention. However, this efficacy is often undermined by misdosing and nonadherence, and diligent drug monitoring is required during treatment. Standard lithium monitoring involves invasive blood collections and laboratory analysis with low time granularity. Recent advances in sensor technology have enabled the development of personalized drug‐monitoring devices that analyze biomarker information noninvasively. Herein, based on the fact that the analyte partition onto the fingertip with a high flux, a touch‐based noninvasive monitoring modality for managing lithium pharmacotherapy is devised. The system is built based on a thin organohydrogel‐mounted lithium ion‐selective electrode (TOH‐ISE). The TOH coating provides a stable environment for sensing. Through the utilization of a water/glycerol bi‐solvent matrix, the gel exhibits dehydration‐resist properties, rendering a controlled micro‐environment for ISE conditioning, and subsequently minimizing signal drift. To illustrate the clinical application of the solution, the system is tested on a subject prescribed lithium. The system successfully detected the increase in circulating drug levels following medication intake. Collectively, the results indicate the devised solution is capable to facilitate lithium adherence monitoring and has broader potential for optimizing lithium pharmacotherapy.
Multi‐Effects Coupled Nanogenerators for Simultaneously Harvesting Solar, Thermal, and Mechanical Energies
Authors: Zhu Wenxuan , Hu Chaosheng , Zhang Maoyi , Jiang Tao , Bowen Chris R. , Mu Xiaojing , Yang Ya
Published: April 2023

As a result of the widespread use of small‐scale and low‐power electronic devices, the demand for micro‐energy sources has increased, in particular the potential to harvest the wide variety of energy sources present in their surrounding environment. In this paper, a novel coupled nanogenerator that can realize energy harvesting for multiple energy sources is reported. Based on the unique electrical properties of ferroelectric Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3 (BNT) materials, it is possible to combine a photovoltaic cell, pyroelectric nanogenerator, and triboelectric‐piezoelectric nanogenerator in a single element to harvest light, heat, and mechanical energy simultaneously. To evaluate the effectiveness of coupling for different materials, a Yang coupling factor (kC,Q) is defined in terms of transferred charge, where BNT has the largest kC,Q of 1.29 during heating, indicating that BNT has the best coupling enhancement compared to common ferroelectric materials. This new criterion and novel device structure therefore provide a new basis for the future development of coupled nanogenerators which are capable of harvesting multiple sources of energy.
Upcycling Chips‐Bags for Passive Daytime Cooling
Authors: Song Qimeng , Tran Thomas , Herrmann Kai , Schmalz Holger , Retsch Markus
Published: April 2023

Plastic pollution has caused numerous environmental issues in recent decades. As one of the most commonly used packaging materials, aluminum‐plastic laminates (APL) are particularly challenging for recycling purposes due to their sophisticated materials components. This work reveals a new strategy to upcycle such post‐consumer APL packaging waste, e.g., chips‐bags, for passive daytime cooling applications. This opens an attractive route to reuse APLs while at the same time reducing global energy consumption and carbon emissions. The mirror‐like appearance of the APLs possesses a strong solar reflection, up to 86%. By coating, this reflective layer of the APL waste with a high emissive polydimethylsiloxane layer, a simple but effective passive daytime cooling foil is constructed, which shows promising passive cooling performance theoretically and practically. More importantly, the passive cooling foil based on APL waste is flexible and can be applied to any target object, protecting it from harsh sunlight. The low‐cost APL waste‐based passive cooling foil proposed in this work will significantly contribute to both energy and environmental issues that humans face today.
Phase‐Coupling‐Induced Far‐Field Modulation between Nontrivial and Trivial Modes in Cavity–Waveguide Systems
Authors: Zhan Xudong , Zang Xiaofei , Liu Kun , Xu Jiong , Zhu Yiming , Zhuang Songlin
Published: April 2023

Photonic crystal (PhC) can be accurately designed to generate nontrivial and trivial modes, that is, edge states (ES)/corner states (CS) and cavity modes, respectively. The coupled cavity–waveguide system designed by PhC provides a chip‐scale platform to manipulate electromagnetic (EM) waves that is usually based on near‐field coupling between nontrivial and trivial modes. However, the far‐field interaction between nontrivial and trivial modes for manipulating EM waves has not attracted wide attention yet. Herein this article, the coupled cavity–waveguide systems, which consist of two separated CS cavities (interacting with single/multiple trivial cavity/cavities) coupled by means of an ES waveguide, are designed to robustly tune the transmission properties of EM waves by modulating the phase coupling between CS cavities. As proof‐of‐principle examples, single‐, dual‐, and triple‐electromagnetically‐induced‐transparency‐like (EIT‐like) phenomena with tunable transmission spectra are theoretically and numerically demonstrated by controlling the distance (generated phase accumulation) between the CS cavities. In addition, the robustness in generating EIT‐like transmission characteristics is also demonstrated due to the robustness of the CS cavities. The unique cavity–waveguide systems with unprecedented capability in robustly tuning the transmission spectra of EM waves can be extended to design other high‐performance devices with potential applications in sensing, detecting, and information processing.
Electrochemical Oxidative Carbon‐atom Multifunctionalization and N‐Cyanation of Imine: Synthesis of (Z)‐N′‐Cyano‐N‐carbamimidothioate
Authors: Yu Xiao , Song Shengjie , Zhang Zenghui , Liu Yi , Zhang Mei , Zhu Wenjing , Duan Guiyun , Zhang Pengfei , Ji Yafei , Xia Chengcai
Published: April 2023

Cyanoimines (C=N−CN) are eliciting increased attention because of their extensive presence in medicine and biologically active molecules. This study demonstrated the use of the electrochemical oxidative carbon‐atom multifunctionalization and N‐cyanation of imine to synthesize (Z)‐N′‐cyano‐N‐carbamimidothioate. This multicomponent reaction showed good step economy, thereby providing a tool to construct various cyanoimines. Moreover, good functional‐group tolerance and large‐scale synthesis were achieved under metal‐free and external‐oxidant‐free conditions, indicating the potential applicability of this methodology.

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Stable Hybrid Nanocapsules with Gold Nanorods and Cyanine Dyes for Near‐Infrared Photothermal Ablation of Subcutaneous Tumor
Authors: Shao Yutong , Hao Caiqin , Guo Yanhui , Song Jitao , Song Fengling
Published: April 2023

Gold nanorods and cyanine dyes are promising to be widely used in photothermal therapy due to their adjustable absorption wavelength and excellent photothermal conversion efficiency. However, it is unclear how gold nanorods differ from cyanine dyes in therapeutic effects. Nanocapsules are synthesized from hybrid silica encapsulated gold nanorods (AuNRs@YSiO2, hereafter GNR@YS). Composite nanocapsules (hereafter GNR@YS‐CyN) are prepared from GNR@YS loaded with CyN to treat subcutaneous tumor. Cyanine dye (CyCl) with similar absorption to gold nanorods is also synthesized to match the existing commercial 808 nm laser. The results show that both materials have good therapeutic effect, but differ in healing scabs on skin tissue surface after tumor ablation. GNR@YS‐CyN are superior to CyCl in the treatment of subcutaneous tumor. This may be the size effect of GNR@YS‐CyN has permeability and retention enhancement effect at the tumor site. GNR@YS‐CyN have no obvious dye diffusion phenomenon, which reduces the damage to normal tissue.
Electrolyte‐Wettability Issues and Challenges of Electrode Materials in Electrochemical Energy Storage, Energy Conversion, and Beyond
Authors: Zhao Lei , Li Yuan , Yu Meimei , Peng Yuanyou , Ran Fen
Published: April 2023

The electrolyte‐wettability of electrode materials in liquid electrolytes plays a crucial role in electrochemical energy storage, conversion systems, and beyond relied on interface electrochemical process. However, most electrode materials do not have satisfactory electrolyte‐wettability for possibly electrochemical reaction. In the last 30 years, there are a lot of literature have directed at exploiting methods to improve electrolyte‐wettability of electrodes, understanding basic electrolyte‐wettability mechanisms of electrode materials, exploring the effect of electrolyte‐wettability on its electrochemical energy storage, conversion, and beyond performance. This review systematically and comprehensively evaluates the effect of electrolyte‐wettability on electrochemical energy storage performance of the electrode materials used in supercapacitors, metal ion batteries, and metal‐based batteries, electrochemical energy conversion performance of the electrode materials used in fuel cells and electrochemical water splitting systems, as well as capacitive deionization performance of the electrode materials used in capacitive deionization systems. Finally, the challenges in approaches for improving electrolyte‐wettability of electrode materials, characterization techniques of electrolyte‐wettability, as well as electrolyte‐wettability of electrode materials applied in special environment and other electrochemical systems with electrodes and liquid electrolytes, which gives future possible directions for constructing interesting electrolyte‐wettability to meet the demand of high electrochemical performance, are also discussed.
TWEAK Signaling‐Induced ID1 Expression Drives Malignant Transformation of Hepatic Progenitor Cells During Hepatocarcinogenesis
Authors: Liu Wenting , Gao Lu , Hou Xiaojuan , Feng Shiyao , Yan Haixin , Pan Hongyu , Zhang Shichao , Yang Xue , Jiang Jinghua , Ye Fei , Zhao Qiudong , Wei Lixin , Han Zhipeng
Published: April 2023

The malignant transformation of hepatic progenitor cells (HPCs) in the inflammatory microenvironment is the root cause of hepatocarcinogenesis. However, the potential molecular mechanisms are still elusive. The HPCs subgroup is identified by single‐cell RNA (scRNA) sequencing and the phenotype of HPCs is investigated in the primary HCC model. Bulk RNA sequencing (RNA‐seq) and proteomic analyses are also performed on HPC‐derived organoids. It is found that tumors are formed from HPCs in peritumor tissue at the 16th week in a HCC model. Furthermore, it is confirmed that the macrophage‐derived TWEAK/Fn14 promoted the expression of inhibitor of differentiation‐1 (ID1) in HPCs via NF‐κB signaling and a high level of ID1 induced aberrant differentiation of HPCs. Mechanistically, ID1 suppressed differentiation and promoted proliferation in HPCs through the inhibition of HNF4α and Rap1GAP transcriptions. Finally, scRNA sequencing of HCC patients and investigation of clinical specimens also verified that the expression of ID1 is correlated with aberrant differentiation of HPCs into cancer stem cells, patients with high levels of ID1 in HPCs showed a poorer prognosis. This study provides important intervention targets and a theoretical basis for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of HCC.
Double Perovskite La2MnNiO6 as a High‐Performance Anode for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Zhang Chang , Zhang Yue , Nie Zhiwei , Wu Cong , Gao Tianyi , Yang Nan , Yu Yi , Cui Yuanyuan , Gao Yanfeng , Liu Wei
Published: April 2023

Traditional lithium‐ion batteries cannot meet the ever‐increasing energy demands due to the unsatisfied graphite anode with sluggish electrochemical kinetics. Recently, the perovskite material family as anode attracts growing attention due to their advantages on specific capacity, rate capability, lifetime, and safety. Herein, a double perovskite La2MnNiO6 synthesized by solid‐state reaction method as a high‐performance anode material for LIBs is reported. La2MnNiO6 with an average operating potential of <0.8 V versus Li+/Li exhibits a good rate capability. Besides, the Li|La2MnNiO6 cells perform long cycle life without decay after 1000 cycles at 1C and a high cycling retention of 93% is observed after 3000 cycles at 6C. It reveals that this material maintains stable perovskite structure with cycling. Theoretical calculations further demonstrate the high electronic conductivity, low diffusion energy barrier, and structural stability of the lithiated La2MnNiO6. This study highlights the double perovskite type material as a promising anode for next‐generation batteries.
In Situ Nitric Oxide Gas Nanogenerator Reprograms Glioma Immunosuppressive Microenvironment
Authors: Liu Yang , Cui Lin , Wang Xiao , Miao Weiling , Ju Yongxu , Chen Tiandong , Xu Huiting , Gu Ning , Yang Fang
Published: April 2023

Universal chemotherapy in glioblastoma patients causes chemoresistance and further limits immune cells by creating an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment that are difficult to solve by single‐drug therapeutic approaches. Here, this work designs hybrid drug‐loaded nanoliposomes by co‐loading the chemotherapeutic drug temozolomide (TMZ) and nitric oxide (NO) prodrug JS‐K with sphingosine‐1‐phosphate molecules (S1P) on the surface. The S1P‐S1P receptors axis endows nanoliposomes with rapid targeting and lysosomal escaping capability. Then, fine‐tuned TMZ release and NO gas production following JS‐K release in glioma microenvironment decrease chemoresistance and increase tumor immunogenicity through inhibiting the cellular autophagy as well as inducing mitochondrial dysfunction. RNA sequencing analysis demonstrates that the NO gas generation reprograms glioma microenvironment immune and inflammation‐related pathways. The positive immune response in turn effectively activates the enhanced efficacy of chemotherapy. NO gas generated nanoliposomes thus have attractive paradigm‐shifting applications in the treatment of “cold” tumors across a range of immunosuppressive indications.
Molecularly Resonant Metamaterials for Broad‐Band Electromagnetic Stealth
Authors: Wang Yifan , Niu Jiarong , Jin Xin , Qian Xiaoming , Xiao Changfa , Wang Wenyu
Published: April 2023

Electromagnetic (EM) metamaterial is a composite material with EM stealth properties, which is constructed by artificially reverse engineering metal split resonance rings (SRR). However, the greatest limitation of EM metamaterials is that they can only stealth at a fixed and lower frequency of EM waves, and modern processing techniques still cannot meet the accuracy requirements to fabric nano‐size structural unit. Nano‐sized and even ultra‐small SRR at molecular level are promising arrays to realize the ability of EM stealth function at a higher frequency, although it has proven challenging to synthesize long, straight, connected molecular SRR, and also difficult to arrange those molecular SRR into a strict array. Here, the study overcomes this challenge and demonstrates that the fabric of polypyrrole molecular SRR achieves an ultra‐small inner diameter of 2.49 Å and realizes the arrays arrangement at molecular level. Furthermore, the study exploits the EM stealth function and verifies that such arrays of molecular SRR with 2.49 Å have the ability to reach high‐performance EM stealth in the range of 106–1016 Hz. This design concept opens a pathway for developing new metamaterials with broadband EM wave stealth and also serves the wider range of new applications.
A Smart Nano‐Theranostic Platform Based on Dual‐microRNAs Guided Self‐Feedback Tetrahedral Entropy‐Driven DNA Circuit
Authors: Yang Sha , Luo Jie , Zhang Ligai , Feng Liu , He Yuan , Gao Xueping , Xie Shuang , Gao Mingxuan , Luo Dan , Chang Kai , Chen Ming
Published: April 2023

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) can act as oncogenes or tumor suppressors, capable of up or down‐regulating gene expression during tumorigenesis; they are diagnostic biomarkers or therapeutic targets for tumors. To detect low abundance of intracellular oncogenic miRNAs (onco‐miRNAs) and realize synergistic gene therapy of onco‐miRNAs and tumor suppressors, a smart nano‐theranostic platform based on dual‐miRNAs guided self‐feedback tetrahedral entropy‐driven DNA circuit is created. The platform as a delivery vehicle is a DNA tetrahedral framework, in which the entropy‐driven DNA circuit achieves a dual‐miRNAs guided self‐feedback, between an in situ amplification of the onco‐miRNAs and activation of suppressor miRNAs release. To test this platform, dual‐miRNAs are selected, miRNA‐155, an up‐regulated miRNA, as cancer indicators, and miRNA‐122, a down‐regulated miRNA as therapy targets in hepatocellular carcinoma, respectively. Through the circuit, the platform to detect onco‐miRNAs at femtomolar level as well as visualized miRNAs inside cells, fixed tissues, and mice is programmed. Furthermore, triggered by miRNA‐155, preloaded miRNA‐122 is amplified via the self‐feedback and released into target cells; the sudden increase of miRNA‐122 and simultaneous decrease of miRNA‐155 synergistically served as therapeutic drugs for gene regulation with enhanced antitumor efficacy and superior biosafety. It is envisioned that this nano‐theranostic platform will initiate an essential step toward tumor theranostics in personalized/precise medicine.
Ultrathin Carbon Coating and Defect Engineering Promote RuO2 as an Efficient Catalyst for Acidic Oxygen Evolution Reaction with Super‐High Durability
Authors: Yan Haohao , Jiang Zhongqing , Deng Binglu , Wang Yongjie , Jiang Zhong‐Jie
Published: April 2023

Developing acid‐stable electrocatalysts with high activity for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is of paramount importance for many energy‐related technologies. This work reports that ultrathin nitrogen‐doped carbon coated oxygen‐vacancy (Vo·) rich RuO2 nanoparticles on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) (NC@Vo·‐RuO2/CNTs‐350), synthesized through the controlled calcination in air, is an efficient acid‐stable electrocatalyst for the OER. It only needs an overpotential of 170.0 mV to drive 10.0 mA cm−2 and shows excellent stability with no distinguishable activity loss observed for >900 h. Its mass activity is >110 times higher than the commercial RuO2. In particular, an electrolyzer assembled with this catalyst shows a record‐low cell voltage of 1.45 V to deliver 10.0 mA cm−2 and exhibits a low performance drop for >1000 h. The NC@Vo·‐RuO2/CNTs‐350 also shows super‐high catalytic activities and excellent stabilities for OER in neutral and alkaline media. DFT calculations indicate that its high catalytic activity mainly arises from the strong electronic coupling between RuO2 and NC/CNTs, which increases the oxidation state and catalytic activity of Ru at the active site and improves the stabilities of lattice oxygen and surface Ru during the OER processes. The presence of Vo· can strengthen the electronic coupling between RuO2 and NC/CNTs.
A Stable Imide‐Linked Metalphthalocyanine Framework with Atomically Dispersed Fe‐N4 Sites and Ultrafine Nickel Oxide Nanoparticles to Boost Reversible Oxygen Electrocatalysis with a Record‐Low ΔE of 0.59 V
Authors: Zhang Zhen , Wang Tianping , Wang Weiwen , Wang Xiangnan , Luo Xianglin , Cheng Chong , Liu Xikui
Published: April 2023

Metallophthalocyanines (MPcs) hold great promise in the electrochemical reduction of oxygen; however, their practical applications in energy storage and conversion are still limited by their low stability and poor water oxidation activity. Herein, a novel stable 2D imide‐linked metalphthalocyanine framework (denoted as FePc‐PI) is reported, that has atomically dispersed Fe‐N4 sites deposited on the KB substrate via in situ growth, followed by incorporation of ultrafine nickel oxide nanoparticles (NiOx@FePc‐PI/KB) to induce bifunctional electrocatalytic activities for the oxygen reduction reaction and oxygen evolution reaction. Benefitting from the robust aromatic backbone, the engineered catalytic centers, and the unique electronic structures owing to the interaction between the Fe‐N4 sites and NiOx species, the newly developed NiOx@FePc‐PI/KB catalyst exhibits excellent reversible oxygen bifunctional activity (E1/2 = 0.926 V, η10 = 285 mV), delivering a record‐low overpotential difference (ΔE) of 0.59 V, which far exceeds the noble‐metal‐based Pt/C+RuO2 benchmark (ΔE = 0.77 V) and represents the highest level for reported bifunctional electrocatalysts. Furthermore, the rechargeable aqueous Zn‐air batteries assembled with the NiOx@FePc‐PI/KB catalyst deliver a high peak power density of 232.9 mW cm−2 and long‐term cycling durability over 1400 cycles. Flexible all‐solid‐state Zn‐air batteries exhibit stable cycling at various flat/bent/flat states, thus demonstrating their excellent prospects in realistic implementations.
Hafnium Diboride Spherical Superstructure Born of 5d‐Metal Hf‐MOF‐Induced p Orbital Activity of B Atom and Enhanced Kinetics of Sulfur Cathode Reaction
Authors: Wang Bin , Wang Lu , Kong Yueyue , Wang Fengbo , Jing Zhongxin , Yang Xiaofan , Qian Yitai , Chen Ming , Xu Liqiang
Published: April 2023

Improving the intrinsic catalytic activity of electrocatalysts is considered to be the “gold standard” to inhibit the shuttle effect in Li–S batteries. The question of how to expose active sites for anchoring and catalytic conversion of the polysulfides represents the direction of this research. The assembly of 0D nanoparticles or 2D nanosheets into 3D spherical superstructure is one of the problems of materials synthesis. Here, a spherical superstructure hafnium diboride derived from metal‐organic framework (MOF) nanoparticles is synthesized by one‐step borification. Benefiting from its unique superstructure, the obtained HfB2 exhibits excellent catalytic activity for the conversion of polysulfide. Theoretical calculations indicate that the strong spin–orbital coupling property of electron configuration of 5d Hf induces p orbitals of nonmetallic atoms closer to the Fermi level, thus endowing the anions with redox activity and unconventional superconductivity. These merits enable the HfB2‐based sulfur cathode to deliver a high initial discharge capacity of 1433 mAh g−1 at 0.2 C and 580 mAh g−1 at 5 C. With sulfur loading of 12.8 mg cm−2 and electrolyte dosage of 4 µL mg−1, the areal capacity can reach 15.5 mAh cm−2. This work provides a new understanding for designing superstructure borides involving 5d metals in Li–S batteries.
Employment effects of an emergency assistance package for migrants displaced by COVID‐19 in India
Authors: Varshney Deepak , Meenakshi J. V.
Published: April 2023

This paper examines the employment effects of an emergency assistance package by the Indian government, the Garib Kalyan Rozgar Abhiyaan that had the sole objective of providing employment to returning migrants. It was targeted to 116 districts that had seen returning migrants in excess of 25,000, was limited in duration to 4 months, and was directed at top‐up funding to public works and 25 other target sectors in rural areas. Using a sharp RD approach, we find that the intervention had substantive impacts on employment and in reducing rationing in public works and that it did so in a cost‐effective manner. In contrast to the widespread impression of a slow‐moving bureaucracy, these results point to an administrative machinery that was able to successfully implement this project within a relatively short period of time.
“Just because I have a medical degree does not mean I have the answers”: Using CBPR to enhance patient‐centered care within a primary care setting
Authors: Siegal Rachel , Nance Andrew , Johnson Atalaya , Case Andrew
Published: April 2023

Patient‐centered care (PCC) is a health care delivery model that is considered a means to reduce inequities in the healthcare system, specifically through its prioritization of patient voice and preference in treatment planning. Yet, there are documented challenges to its implementation. Community‐based participatory research (CBPR) is seemingly well‐positioned to address such challenges, but there has been limited discussion of utilizing CBPR in this way. This article begins to address this gap. In it, we present three diverse stakeholders' perspectives on a CBPR project to enhance PCC within a primary care clinic serving low‐income patients. These perspectives provide insights into benefits, challenges, and lessons learned in using CBPR to implement PCC. Key benefits of using CBPR to implement PCC include increasing the acceptability and feasibility of data collection tools and process, and the generating of high‐quality actionable feedback. Important CBPR facilitators of PCC implementation include intentional power‐sharing between patients and providers and having invested stakeholders who “champion” CBPR within an organization with empowering practices.
Synthesis and Application of Amino‐1H‐1,2,3‐triazolium Salts
Authors: Kase Daiya , Takada Tsuyoshi , Tsuji Nanami , Mitsuhashi Takuya , Haraguchi Ryosuke
Published: April 2023

Herein, we developed a fluoride‐mediated nucleophilic aromatic amination of chloro‐1H‐1,2,3‐triazolium salts. Various functional groups were tolerated in this reaction, which enabled the synthesis of functionalized amino‐1H‐1,2,3‐triazolium salts. In addition, we investigated the catalytic properties of triazolium‐based N‐heterocyclic imines (NHIs) for cyanosilylation of ketones. The substituent was found to play a crucial role for inducing high catalytic activity.