bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular Aspects ofH. pylori-Related MALT Lymphoma
Authors: Owens Scott R. , Smith Lauren B.
Published: January 2011

Helicobacter pylori-related extranodal marginal zone lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue is a paradigm for malignancy arising in an inflammatory background. While the diagnosis ofH. pylorigastritis is often straightforward, distinction between severe gastritis and early lymphoma can be difficult and requires careful assessment of clinical findings in addition to histological features and immunohistochemical results. A number of cytogenetic abnormalities have been discovered inH. pylori-related lymphomas and several have clinical importance, related to the responsiveness of lymphoma toH. pylorieradication therapy, but routine molecular studies are not widely utilized. While molecular methods may be used in equivocal cases, a trial of conservative therapy is warranted given the propensity for these lymphomas to regress with eradication of the organism. Once therapy is initiated, care must be taken to avoid a premature assignment of disease refractoriness because complete response can take several months to more than a year. Cases truly refractory toH. pylorieradication therapy may be treated with adjuvant chemoradiation with a high response rate.
Adiponectin Provides Cardiovascular Protection in Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Okamoto Yoshihisa
Published: January 2011

Adipose tissue plays a central role in the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome. Adiponectin (APN) is a bioactive adipocytokine secreted from adipocytes. Low plasma APN levels (hypoadiponectinemia) are observed among obese individuals and in those with related disorders such as diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia. APN ameliorates such disorders. Hypoadiponectinemia is also associated with major cardiovascular diseases including atherosclerosis and cardiac hypertrophy. Accumulating evidence indicates that APN directly interacts with cardiovascular tissue and prevents cardiovascular pathology. Increasing plasma APN or enhancing APN signal transduction may be an ideal strategy to prevent and treat the cardiovascular diseases associated with metabolic syndrome. However, further studies are required to uncover the precise biological actions of APN.
Zygomycosis Associated with HIV Infection and Liver Transplantation
Authors: Nichols Larry , Ocque Rebecca Z. , Daly Ivonne
Published: January 2011

Zygomycosis is an increasing threat to patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Zygomycosis (formerly called mucormycosis) is the fungal infection with Mucor, Rhizopus, or other species that share a common morphology of large empty pauciseptate hyphae with rare random-angle branching and a collapsed “twisted ribbon” appearance. Morphology allows a specific diagnosis on frozen section or smear prior to growth and identification of the fungi in culture which makes it improtant because treatment is different than that for more common mycoses such as candidiasis and aspergillosis. We present an informative and illustrative case of zygomycosis in a patient with HIV infection and liver transplantation.
Optimization for the Production of Cellulase Enzyme from Municipal Solid Waste Residue by Two Novel Cellulolytic Fungi
Authors: Gautam S. P. , Bundela P. S. , Pandey A. K. , Khan Jamaluddin , Awasthi M. K. , Sarsaiya S.
Published: January 2011

The main purpose of this study is to reduce the production cost of cellulase by optimizing the production medium and using an alternative carbon source such as municipal solid waste residue. In the present investigation, we aim to isolate the two novel cellulase producing fungi (Aspergillus niger and Trichoderma sp.) from municipal solid waste. Municipal solid waste residue (4-5% (w/v)) and peptone and yeast extract (1.0% (w/v)) were found to be the best combination of carbon and nitrogen sources for the production of cellulase by A. niger and Trichoderma sp. Optimum temperature and pH of the medium for the cellulase production by A. niger were 40°C and 6-7, whereas those for the production of cellulase by Trichoderma sp. were 45°C and 6.5. Cellulase production from A. niger and Trichoderma sp. can be an advantage as the enzyme production rate is normally higher as compared to other fungi.
Asymptomatic Bacteriuria and Antibacterial Susceptibility Patterns in an Obstetric Population
Authors: Çelen Şevki , Oruç Ayla Sargin , Karayalçin Rana , Saygan Sibel , Ünlü Serpil , Polat Belgin , Danişman Nuri
Published: January 2011

Introduction. Asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB),
occurring in 2–11% of pregnancies, is a major predisposition to
the development of pyelonephritis, which is associated with obstetrical complications,
such as preterm labor and low birth weight infants. The aim of this study was to determine
the prevalence of ASB, the antibacterial susceptibilities of the isolated microorganisms and
the associated risk factors in an outpatient clinical setting in Zekai Tahir Burak Women's
Health Education and Research Hospital in Ankara, Turkey.
Material and Methods. Between December 2009 and May 2010,
pregnant women admitted to the antenatal outpatient clinic were included in this study.
The results of a complete urine analysis, midstream urine culture and antibacterial susceptibility were
evaluated. Results. Of the 2011 pregnant women included, 171 had ASB (8.5%).
E. coli was the most frequently isolated microorganism (76.6%), followed by
Klebsiella pneumonia (14.6%). Both microorganisms were highly sensitive to
fosfomycin, sensivity being 99.2% for E. coli and 88% for Klebsiella pneumonia.
Conclusions. In this certain geographical region, we found E. coli
as the most common causative agent of ASB in the obstetric population and it is very
sensitive to fosfomycin. We recommend fosfomycin for ASB in pregnant women
due to its high sensitivity, ease of administration and safety for use in pregnancy.
Notch Signaling in T-Cell Development and T-ALL
Authors: Li Xiaoyu , von Boehmer Harald
Published: January 2011

The Notch signaling pathway is an evolutionarily conserved cell signaling system present in most multicellular organisms, as it controls cell fate specification by regulating cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and survival. Regulation of the Notch signaling pathway can be achieved at multiple levels. Notch proteins are involved in lineage fate decisions in a variety of tissues in various species. Notch is essential for T lineage cell differentiation including T versus B and αβ versus γδ lineage specification. In this paper, we discuss Notch signaling in normal T-cell maturation and differentiation as well as in T-cell acute lymphoblastic lymphoma/leukemia.
Reliable, Real-Time Routing in Wireless Sensor and Actuator Networks
Authors: Krogmann Martin , Heidrich Mike , Bichler Daniel , Barisic Daniel , Stromberg Guido
Published: January 2011

We present a novel Reliable, Real-time Routing protocol (3R) based on multipath routing for highly time-constrained Wireless Sensor and Actuator Networks (WSANs). The protocol consists of a newly designed routing metric and a routing algorithm utilizing this metric. Our routing metric enables strong Quality-of-Service (QoS) support based on parallel transmissions which significantly reduces transmission delays in WSANs. A routing algorithm utilizing this metric is presented based on Dijkstra's shortest path. A novel Medium Access Control (MAC) layer that supports dynamical adjustments of retransmission limits, reduces traffic overhead in multipath routing protocols. Thorough simulations have been performed to evaluate the routing protocol, and the results show that real-time performance of WSANs can be vastly improved.
Caring for an Aging US Population—the Good News and the Bad News
Authors: Butler Stuart M.
Published: May 2024

This JAMA Forum discusses innovative ideas to care for an aging US population, provides examples of ways to rethink housing and nursing homes, and discusses potential policy changes.
Predictions
Authors: Das Satya
Published: May 2024

This essay describes a physician’s experience with ushering a patient to the end of their life.
Coaches Activating, Reaching, and Engaging Patients to Engage in Advance Care Planning
Authors: Rodriguez Gladys M. , Parikh Divya A. , Kapphahn Kris , Gupta Divya M. , Fan Alice C. , Shah Sumit , Srinivas Sandy , Teuteberg Winifred , Seevaratnam Briththa , Asuncion Khay , Chien Joanne , Moore Kaidi , Ruiz Shann Mika , Patel Manali I.
Published: May 2024

Importance

Advance care planning (ACP) remains low among patients with advanced cancer. Multilevel interventions compared with clinician-level interventions may be more effective in improving ACP.

Objective

To evaluate whether a multilevel intervention could improve clinician-documented ACP compared with a clinician-level intervention alone.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This randomized clinical trial, performed from September 12, 2019, through May 12, 2021, included adults with advanced genitourinary cancers at an academic, tertiary hospital. Data analysis was performed by intention to treat from May 1 to August 10, 2023.

Intervention

Participants were randomized 1:1 to a 6-month patient-level lay health worker structured ACP education along with a clinician-level intervention composed of 3-hour ACP training and integration of a structured electronic health record documentation template (intervention group) or to the clinician-level intervention alone (control group).

Main Outcome and Measures

The primary outcome was ACP documentation in the electronic health record by the oncology clinician within 12 months after randomization. Secondary, exploratory outcomes included shared decision-making, palliative care use, hospice use, emergency department visits, and hospitalizations within 12 months after randomization.

Results

Among 402 participants enrolled in the study, median age was 71 years (range, 21-102 years); 361 (89.8%) identified as male. More intervention group participants had oncology clinician–documented ACP than control group participants (82 [37.8%] vs 40 [21.6%]; odds ratio [OR], 2.29; 95% CI, 1.44-3.64). At 12-month follow-up, more intervention than control group participants had palliative care (72 [33.2%] vs 25 [13.5%]; OR, 3.18; 95% CI, 1.91-5.28) and hospice use (49 [22.6%] vs 19 [10.3%]; OR, 2.54; 95% CI, 1.44-4.51). There were no differences in the proportion of participants between groups with an emergency department visit (65 [30.0%] vs 61 [33.0%]; OR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.57-1.33) or hospitalization (89 [41.0%] vs 85 [46.0%]; OR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.55-1.22). Intervention group participants had fewer hospitalizations than control group participants (mean [SD] number of hospitalizations per year, 0.87 [1.60] vs 1.04 [1.77]) and a lower risk of hospitalization (incidence rate ratio, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.65-0.98).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this randomized clinical trial, a multilevel intervention improved oncology clinician–documented ACP compared with a clinician-level intervention alone for patients with genitourinary cancer. The intervention is one approach to effectively increase ACP among patients with cancer.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03856463
Interventions for Proliferative Vitreoretinopathy
Authors: Wang Wilson X. , Xing Maggie , Apte Rajendra S.
Published: May 2024

Clinical Question

What is the efficacy of pharmacologic interventions in preventing proliferative vitreoretinopathy?

Bottom Line

There is limited high-quality evidence to support currently available pharmacological options for prevention of proliferative vitreoretinopathy.
Episodic Upper Eyelid Edema in an African American Patient
Authors: Akella Sruti S. , Srivatsan Sudarshan , Lin Amy
Published: May 2024

An African American patient in their 60s with a history of monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance presents to the oculoplastic service for intermittent, bilateral upper eyelid swelling and pain for 2 years. Examination reveals hyperpigmented, spongy eyelid edema with redundant skin, and no lymphadenopathy is present. What would you do next?
Suprazygomatic Maxillary Nerve Blocks and Opioid Requirements in Pediatric Adenotonsillectomy
Authors: Lin Carole , Abboud Steven , Zoghbi Veronica , Kasimova Ksenia , Thein Jonathan , Meister Kara D. , Sidell Douglas R. , Balakrishnan Karthik , Tsui Ban C. H.
Published: May 2024

Importance

Pain management following pediatric adenotonsillectomies is opioid-inclusive, leading to potential complications.

Objective

To investigate the use of suprazygomatic maxillary nerve (SZMN) blocks to reduce pain and opioid use after pediatric intracapsular adenotonsillectomy and to measure recovery duration and incidence of complications.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This was a randomized, blinded, prospective single-center tertiary pediatric hospital that included 60 pediatric patients (2-14 years old) scheduled for intracapsular adenotonsillectomy from November 2021 to March 2023. Patients were excluded for having combined surgical procedures, developmental delay, coagulopathy, chronic pain history, known or predicted difficult airway, or unrepaired congenital heart disease. Participants were randomized to receive bilateral SZMN blocks (block group) or not (control group).

Intervention

SZMN block administered bilaterally under general anesthesia for intracapsular adenotonsillectomy.

Primary Outcomes and Measures

Opioid consumption, FLACC (Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability) scores, and rates of opioid-free postanesthesia care unit (PACU) stay. Secondary outcomes were recovery duration and incidence of adverse effects, ie, nausea, vomiting, block site bleeding, and emergency delirium.

Results

The study population included 53 pediatric patients (mean [SD] age, 6.5 [3.6] years; 29 [55%] females; 24 [45%] males); 26 were randomly assigned to the SZMN block group and 27 to the control group. The mean (SD) opioid morphine equivalent consumption during PACU stay was 0.15 (0.14) mg/kg for the 27 patients in the control group compared with 0.07 (0.11) mg/kg for the 26 patients in the block group (mean difference, 0.08; 95% CI, 0.01-0.15; Cohen d, 0.64). The block group had a higher incidence of opioid-free PACU stays (n = 7 patients; 58%) compared with the control group (n = 15 patients; 26%) (mean difference, 32%; 95% CI, 5%-53%). Patients in the block group experienced lower FLACC scores (0.7 vs 1.6; mean difference, 0.9; 95% CI, 0.2-1.6; Cohen d, 0.7). The overall occurrence of adverse events was similar in the 2 groups, with no reported nerve block-related complications.

Conclusions and Relevance

The results of the randomized clinical trial indicate that SZMN blocks are a useful adjunct tool for managing postoperative pain in pediatric intracapsular adenotonsillectomy. Use of these blocks during adenotonsillectomy provided clinically meaningful reductions of postoperative opioid consumption with a low risk of complications.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04797559
Gastric cancer immune microenvironment score predicts neoadjuvant chemotherapy efficacy and prognosis
Authors: Zhao Shaoji , Liu Yinan , Ding Li , Zhang Chaoyue , Ye Jinning , Sun Kaiyu , Song Wu , Cai Shirong , He Yulong , Peng Jianjun , Xu Jianbo
Published: May 2024

The efficacy of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) in patients with advanced gastric cancer (GC) varies greatly. Thus, we aimed to verify the predictive value of tumor‐infiltrating immune cells (TIICs) on the treatment response to NACT and the prognosis of patients with advanced GC, and to explore the impact of NACT on the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME). Paired tumor tissues (pre‐ and post‐NACT) from patients with advanced GC were collected for this study. TIICs were assessed using immunohistochemistry staining and analyzed using logistic regression to establish an immune microenvironment score for GC (ISGC score) and predict NACT efficacy. Kaplan–Meier curves were used to evaluate the survival outcome of patients. The results showed that TIME was dramatically heterogeneous between NACT response and nonresponse patients. In the validation cohort, the ISGC score demonstrated good predictive performance for treatment response to NACT. Moreover, high ISGC indicated better long‐term survival in patients with advanced GC. Furthermore, tumor‐infiltrated T cells (CD3+ and CD8+) and CD11c+ macrophages were significantly increased in the response group, while CD163+ macrophages and FOXP3+ Treg cells were decreased after NACT. However, opposite results were exhibited in the nonresponse group. Finally, we found that the percentage of programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD‐L1)‐positive tumors was 31% (32/104) pre‐NACT and 49% (51/104) post‐NACT, and almost all patients with elevated PD‐L1 were in the NACT response group. The ISGC model accurately predicted NACT efficacy and classified patients with GC into different survival groups. NACT regulates the TIME in GC, which may provide strategies for personalized immunotherapy.
Feasibility of determining external beam radiotherapy dose using LuSy dosimeter
Authors: Wahabi Janatul Madinah , Wong Jeannie Hsiu Ding , Mahdiraji Ghafour A. , Ung Ngie Min
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Radiation dose measurement is an essential part of radiotherapy to verify the correct delivery of doses to patients and ensure patient safety. Recent advancements in radiotherapy technology have highlighted the need for fast and precise dosimeters. Technologies like FLASH radiotherapy and magnetic‐resonance linear accelerators (MR‐LINAC) demand dosimeters that can meet their unique requirements. One promising solution is the plastic scintillator‐based dosimeter with high spatial resolution and real‐time dose output. This study explores the feasibility of using the LuSy dosimeter, an in‐house developed plastic scintillator dosimeter for dose verification across various radiotherapy techniques, including conformal radiotherapy (CRT), intensity‐modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), volumetric‐modulated arc therapy (VMAT), and stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS).

Materials and methods

A new dosimetry system, comprising a new plastic scintillator as the sensing material, was developed and characterized for radiotherapy beams. Treatment plans were created for conformal radiotherapy, IMRT, VMAT, and SRS and delivered to a phantom. LuSy dosimeter was used to measure the delivered dose for each plan on the surface of the phantom and inside the target volumes. Then, LuSy measurements were compared against an ionization chamber, MOSFET dosimeter, radiochromic films, and dose calculated using the treatment planning system (TPS).

Results

For CRT, surface dose measurement by LuSy dosimeter showed a deviation of ‐5.5% and ‐5.4% for breast and abdomen treatment from the TPS, respectively. When measuring inside the target volume for IMRT, VMAT, and SRS, the LuSy dosimeter produced a mean deviation of ‐3.0% from the TPS. Surface dose measurement resulted in higher TPS discrepancies where the deviations for IMRT, VMAT, and SRS were ‐2.0%, ‐19.5%, and 16.1%, respectively.

Conclusion

The LuSy dosimeter was feasible for measuring radiotherapy doses for various treatment techniques. Treatment delivery verification enables early error detection, allowing for safe treatment delivery for radiotherapy patients.
High‐Performance Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells by Dual Interfaces Modification with Identical Organic Salt
Authors: Cai Qingbin , Shan Lianwei , Mi Guojun , Wang Yun , Gu Hao , Huang Yulan , Liu Zhixin , Wu Zhiyang , Xing Guichuan , Amini Abbas , Xu Baomin , Lian Qing , Cheng Chun
Published: May 2024

The improvement of power conversion efficiency (PCE) and stability of perovskite solar cells (PSC) relies on the enhanced quality of perovskite layer and the modification of its adjacent interfaces. For this purpose, a multifunctional organic passivation molecule 1‐(4‐Fluorophenyl) biguanide hydrochloride (F‐BHCl) is introduced to the top and bottom interfaces of the perovskite layer. The PCE of PSC after the modification of double interfaces with F‐BHCl is significantly increased from 22.41% (unmodified) to 25.14%, and the storage, thermal, and operation stability is also improved. The comprehensive theoretical and experimental studies verify that due to its versatile functional groups and adaptation, F‐BHCl can significantly improve the quality of perovskite film, fully passivate several kinds of common defects, smoothen the top surfaces of perovskite film, and construct “molecular bridges” with carrier transporters on both the top and bottom surfaces, leading to significantly reduced non‐recombination and carrier transport losses. As a result, a significant increase is achieved in the open circuit voltage and fill factor as well as the whole performance of the device.
Hygro‐Dynamic and Conductive Actuator That Restructures and Heals by Water
Authors: Chen Qing , Künniger Tina , Song Qun , Zhang Kai , Chumakov Andrei , Bulut Yusuf , Harder Constantin , Müller‐Buschbaum Peter , Roth Stephan V. , Braun Artur
Published: May 2024

The prospects of endowing stimuli‐responsive materials with various life‐like behaviors are promoting the development of intelligent robotic and electronic devices. However, it is challenging to incorporate stimuli‐responsive actuating and healing capabilities into one single material system. Herein, the design and assembly of humidity‐responsive thin films composed of poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (NaCMC) forming a conducting polymer composite through a physically cross‐linked and hydrogen‐bonded supramolecular network are described. Owing to its enhanced dynamics of hydrogen bonding at an elevated humidity, the PEDOT:PSS/NaCMC thin film exhibits a rapid humidity‐responsive actuating performance in an environment with humidity gradient, as well as a repairing function of the structural, mechanical, electrical, and actuating properties after being damaged through a humidifying‐drying cycle. Based on a combined analytical approach, a structural model is proposed for the rearrangement of the thin film when being exposed to stepwise humidity levels at multi‐length scales. Due to the structural rearrangement powered by humidity variations, the film exhibits tunable actuating and healing performance, which makes it a promising candidate material for applications in intelligent soft robotics such as artificial muscles.
Ultra‐Hydrophobic Gauze Driving Super‐Haemostasis
Authors: Chen Ying , Yang Jinrui , Liu Yuqing , Liu Xiaoqiang , Deng Kexin , Xu Kaige , Zhou Hongling , Jiang Xupin , Xing Malcolm , Zhang Jiaping
Published: May 2024

Controlling bleeding by applying pressing cotton gauze is the most facile treatment in prehospital emergencies. However, the wettable nature of cotton fibers leads to unnecessary blood loss due to excessive blood absorption, inseparable adhesion‐induced pain, and pliable to infection. Here, a kind of ultra‐hydrophobic haemostatic anti‐adhesive gauze whose surface is loaded with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and hydrophobic‐modified cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs), achieving a water contact angle of ≈160° is developed. It is demonstrated that the mechanism by which hydrophobic CNCs promote blood clotting is associated with their ability to activate coagulation factors, contributing to fibrin formation, and promoting platelet activation. The blood‐restricting effect results from the low surface energy layer formed by PDMS and then the alkyl chains of hydrophobic CNCs are combined. The produced ultra‐hydrophobic gauze resists blood flow and diffusion, decreases blood loss, is effortlessly peelable, and minimizes pathogen adhesion. Compared to the commercial cotton gauze, this gauze achieved effective haemostasis and antiadhesion by reducing blood loss by more than 90%, shortening haemostasis time by more than 75%, lowering peeling force by more than 90% and minifying bacterium attachment by more than 95%. This work presents promising applications in terms of prehospital first aid.
Bio–Nano Toolbox for Precision Alzheimer's Disease Gene Therapy
Authors: Liu Yang , Xia Xue , Zheng Meng , Shi Bingyang
Published: May 2024

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most burdensome aging‐associated neurodegenerative disorder, and its treatment encounters numerous failures during drug development. Although there are newly approved in‐market β‐amyloid targeting antibody solutions, pathological heterogeneity among patient populations still challenges the treatment outcome. Emerging advances in gene therapies offer opportunities for more precise personalized medicine; while, major obstacles including the pathological heterogeneity among patient populations, the puzzled mechanism for druggable target development, and the precision delivery of functional therapeutic elements across the blood–brain barrier remain and limit the use of gene therapy for central neuronal diseases. Aiming for “precision delivery” challenges, nanomedicine provides versatile platforms that may overcome the targeted delivery challenges for AD gene therapy. In this perspective, to picture a toolbox for AD gene therapy strategy development, the most recent advances from benchtop to clinics are highlighted, possibly available gene therapy targets, tools, and delivery platforms are outlined, their challenges as well as rational design elements are addressed, and perspectives in this promising research field are discussed.
Biologicals and Biomaterials for Corneal Regeneration and Vision Restoration in Limbal Stem Cell Deficiency
Authors: Di Girolamo Nick
Published: May 2024

The mammalian cornea is decorated with stem cells bestowed with the life‐long task of renewing the epithelium, provided they remain healthy, functional, and in sufficient numbers. If not, a debilitating disease known as limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) can develop causing blindness. Decades after the first stem cell (SC) therapy is devised to treat this condition, patients continue to suffer unacceptable failures. During this time, improvements to therapeutics have included identifying better markers to isolate robust SC populations and nurturing them on crudely modified biological or biomaterial scaffolds including human amniotic membrane, fibrin, and contact lenses, prior to their delivery. Researchers are now gathering information about the biomolecular and biomechanical properties of the corneal SC niche to decipher what biological and/or synthetic materials can be incorporated into these carriers. Advances in biomedical engineering including electrospinning and 3D bioprinting with surface functionalization and micropatterning, and self‐assembly models, have generated a wealth of biocompatible, biodegradable, integrating scaffolds to choose from, some of which are being tested for their SC delivery capacity in the hope of improving clinical outcomes for patients with LSCD.
Tailoring the Electrochemical Responses of MOF‐74 Via Dual‐Defect Engineering for Superior Energy Storage
Authors: Chen Tingting , Xu Hengyue , Li Shaopeng , Zhang Jiaqi , Tan Zhicheng , Chen Long , Chen Yiwang , Huang Zhongjie , Pang Huan
Published: May 2024

Rationally designed defects in a crystal can confer unique properties. This study showcases a novel dual‐defects engineering strategy to tailor the electrochemical response of metal–organic framework (MOF) materials used for electrochemical energy storage. Salicylic acid (SA) is identified as an effective modulator to control MOF‐74 growth and induce structural defects, and cobalt cation doping is adopted for introducing a second type of defect. The resulting dual‐defects engineered bimetallic MOF exhibits a discharging capacity of 218.6 mAh g−1, 4.4 times that of the pristine MOF‐74, and significantly improved cycling stability. Moreover, the engineered MOF‐74(Ni0.675Co0.325)‐8//Zn aqueous battery shows top energy/power density performances for Ni–Zn batteries (266.5 Wh kg−1, 17.22 kW kg−1). Comprehensive investigations reveal that engineered defects modify the local coordination environment and promote the in situ electrochemical reconfiguration during operation to significantly boost the electrochemical activity. This work suggests that rational tailoring of the defects within the MOF crystal is an effective strategy to manipulate the coordination environment of the metal centers and the corresponding electrochemical reconfiguration for electrochemical applications.
A Naturally Inspired Extrusion‐Based Microfluidic Approach for Manufacturing Tailorable Magnetic Soft Continuum Microrobotic Devices
Authors: Hertle Lukas , Sevim Semih , Zhu Jiawei , Pustovalov Vitaly , Veciana Andrea , Llacer‐Wintle Joaquin , Landers Fabian C. , Ye Hao , Chen Xiang‐Zhong , Vogler Hannes , Grossniklaus Ueli , Puigmartí‐Luis Josep , Nelson Bradley J. , Pané Salvador
Published: May 2024

Soft materials play a crucial role in small‐scale robotic applications by closely mimicking the complex motion and morphing behavior of organisms. However, conventional fabrication methods face challenges in creating highly integrated small‐scale soft devices. In this study, microfluidics is leveraged to precisely control reaction‐diffusion (RD) processes to generate multifunctional and compartmentalized calcium‐cross‐linkable alginate‐based microfibers. Under RD conditions, sophisticated alginate‐based fibers are produced for magnetic soft continuum robotics applications with customizable features, such as geometry (compact or hollow), degree of cross‐linking, and the precise localization of magnetic nanoparticles (inside the core, surrounding the fiber, or on one side). This fine control allows for tuning the stiffness and magnetic responsiveness of the microfibers. Additionally, chemically cleavable regions within the fibers enable disassembly into smaller robotic units or roll‐up structures under a rotating magnetic field. These findings demonstrate the versatility of microfluidics in processing highly integrated small‐scale devices.
Structurally Tunable Donor−Bridge−Fluorophore Architecture Enables Highly Efficient and Concentration‐Independent Narrowband Electroluminescence
Authors: Feng Yu , Xu Yincai , Qu Cheng , Wang Qingyang , Ye Kaiqi , Liu Yu , Wang Yue
Published: May 2024

Luminescent materials with narrowband emission have extraordinary significance for developing ultrahigh‐definition display. B–N‐containing multiple resonance thermally activated delayed fluorescence (MR‐TADF) materials are strong contenders. However, their device performances pervasively encounter detrimental aggregation‐caused quenching effect that is highly vulnerable to doping concentration, complicating device fabrication. Therefore, constructing highly efficient and concentration‐independent MR‐TADF emitters is of pragmatic importance for improving device controllability and reproducibility, simplifying manufacturing procedures, and conserving production costs. Here, by systematic arrangement of donor triphenylamine and fluorophore BNCz on distinct bridges, a spatial confinement strategy has been developed with a donor−bridge−fluorophore architecture. Structurally fine modulation and progressive evolution to construct molecular entities with congested steric hindrance effect that can suppress intermolecular interactions without substantially affecting the luminescence tone of fluorophore BNCz, resulting in highly efficient and concentration‐independent narrowband emitters; through isomer engineering, two isomers BN‐PCz‐TPA and TPA‐PCz‐BN with different crystal stacking patterns are synthesized by altering the connection mode between triphenylamine and BNCz. As a result, BN‐PCz‐TPA‐based device showcases maximum external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 36.3% with narrow full‐width at half‐maximum of 27 nm at 10 wt% doping concentration. Even at 20 wt% doping concentration, the maximum EQE remains at 32.5% and the emission spectrum is almost unchanged.
Fast Photoactuation and Environmental Response of Humidity‐Sensitive pDAP‐Silicon Nanocantilevers
Authors: Krysztofik Adam , Pula Przemyslaw , Pochylski Mikolaj , Zaleski Karol , Gapinski Jacek , Majewski Pawel , Graczykowski Bartlomiej
Published: May 2024

Multi‐responsive nanomembranes are a new class of advanced materials that can be harnessed in complex architectures for micro and nano‐manipulators, artificial muscles, energy harvesting, soft robotics, and sensors. The design and fabrication of responsive membranes must meet such challenges as trade‐offs between responsiveness and mechanical durability, volumetric low‐cost production ensuring low environmental impact, and compatibility with standard technologies or biological systems This work demonstrates the fabrication of multi‐responsive, mechanically robust poly(1,3‐diaminopropane) (pDAP) nanomembranes and their application in fast photoactuators. The pDAP films are developed using a plasma‐assisted polymerization technique that offers large‐scale production and versatility of potential industrial relevance. The pDAP layers exhibit high elasticity with the Young's modulus of ≈7 GPa and remarkable mechanical durability across 20–80 °C temperatures. Notably, pDAP membranes reveal immediate and reversible contraction triggered by light, rising temperature, or reducing relative humidity underpinned by a reversible water sorption mechanism. These features enable the fabrication of photoactuators composed of pDAP‐coated Si nanocantilevers, demonstrating ms timescale response to light, tens of µm deflections, and robust performance up to kHz frequencies. These results advance fundamental research on multi‐responsive nanomembranes and hold the potential to boost versatile applications in light‐to‐motion conversion and sensing toward the industrial level.
Intranasal Delivery of Near‐Infrared and Magnetic Dual‐Response Nanospheres to Rapidly Produce Antidepressant‐Like and Cognitive Enhancement Effects
Authors: Hu Jiangnan , Lian Zhenglong , Weng Zhenzhen , Xu Zihao , Gao Jie , Liu Yuanyuan , Luo Tao , Wang Xiaolei
Published: May 2024

Restricted by synaptic plasticity, dopamine receptor (DR) upregulation takes a long time to work. Moreover, the impact of the blood–brain barrier (BBB) on delivery efficiency restricts the development of drugs. Taking inspiration from snuff bottles, a convenient, fast‐acting, and nonaddictive nasal drug delivery system has been developed to rapidly reshape the balance of synaptic transmitters. This optical and magnetic response system called CFs@DP, comprised of carbonized MIL‐100 (Fe) frameworks (CFs) and domperidone (DP), which can enter the brain via nasal administration. Under dual stimulation of near‐infrared (NIR) irradiation and catecholamine‐induced complexation, CFs@DP disintegrates to release iron ions and DP, causing upregulation of the dopamine type 1 (D1), type 2 (D2) receptors, and brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) to achieve a therapeutic effect. In vivo experiments demonstrate that the DR density of mice (postnatal day 50–60) increased in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and the hippocampus (HPC) after 10 days of therapy, resulting in antidepressant‐like and cognitive enhancement effects. Interestingly, the cognitive enhancement effect of CFs@DP is even working in noniron deficiency (normal fed) mice, making it a promising candidate for application in enhancing learning ability.
Inkjet Printing of Yb:YAG Transparent Ceramic Planar Waveguide Laser Gain Medium
Authors: Wang Haoran , Gao Wenlan , Zhang Jian , Ma Jie , Ji Haohao , Xie Mengmeng , Mao Xiaojian , Wang Shiwei , Wang Lei , Gao Yuan
Published: May 2024

Herein, a YAG/10 at% Yb:YAG/YAG transparent ceramic planar waveguide (PWG) gain medium has been molded via inkjet printing and dry pressing molding. The composition and rheological property of ink are optimized along with the printing process to enhance the printing accuracy and quality. The PWG has dimensions of 13.5 × 8.0 × 1.8 mm3, while the thickness of the core Yb:YAG layer is ≈190 μm. The in‐line transmittance of the PWG reaches 81.7% at 1030 nm, and the average grain size is ≈2.3 μm. The diffusion characteristics of Yb ions across the interface between the cladding YAG layer and the core Yb:YAG layer are investigated by calculating the diffusion coefficient and the mean diffusion distance of 172Yb ions. The Yb:YAG PWG oscillator, which is pumped from a single end by a 940 nm laser diode, produces continuous wave laser at a wavelength of 1030 nm and exhibits the highest power (3.8 W) and highest absorbed–output slope efficiency (64.6%).
The Interaction of Femtosecond Laser with Perovskites for Advanced Photonics
Authors: Xu Beibei , Man Tao , Yu Xintong , Cai Xinyu , Zhou Zehui , Tan Dezhi , Qiu Jianrong
Published: May 2024

Halide perovskites have attracted increasingly attention as “rising star” materials for advanced photonics and optoelectronics. Construction micro‐/nano‐architecture of perovskites will provide a good platform to investigate and optimize the fundamental photon–matter–structure interaction. It will also improve the properties, pixelate and miniaturize the integration of versatile optoelectronic devices for emerging applications. In this regard, femtosecond (fs) laser processing technique has been widely used to fabricate micro‐/nano‐architecture with high spatial resolution, limitless flexibility, and unrestricted three‐dimensional structuring capability at a large‐scale, low‐cost way. Concurrently, it is reported that the high refractive index, low thermal conductivity and ultrafast thermalization rate of perovskites are beneficial for the processing by fs laser into micro‐/nano‐architecture without the degradation of their optoelectronic properties. This review systematically summarizes the interaction of fs laser with perovskites, including the mechanisms, and phenomena. Besides the traditional optoelectronics and applications of halide perovskites, the novel properties and applications from optical structures generated by fs laser processing of perovskites are also discussed. The challenges and outlooks for fs laser processed perovskite materials and devices are highlighted. This review will promote the relevant fundamental research on light–matter–structure interaction, and facilitate the integration of perovskite micro‐/nano‐architecture‐based optoelectronic devices.
Pressure‐Induced Structural, Electronic, and Optical Properties of Lead‐Free NaGeX3 (X = F, Cl, Br, and I) Perovskites: First‐Principles Calculation
Authors: Sarker Md. Amran , Muntasir Mahin , Momin Md. Al , Solayman Md. , Islam Md. Rasidul
Published: May 2024

In this study, the pressure‐induced structural, electronic, and optical properties of lead‐free inorganic Ge‐based perovskite materials NaGeX3 (X = F, Cl, Br, and I) through density functional theory (DFT) simulations conducted are explored with CASTEP. This research is driven by identifying perovskite materials with a tunable bandgap that are both efficient and non‐toxic for solar cell applications. The materials under consideration are found to be mechanically and thermodynamically stable, as per the Born stability criteria and formation energy calculations. This band structure analysis indicates these compounds exhibit semiconducting behavior with a tunable bandgap. Under ambient conditions, the Ge─X and Na─X bonds display covalent and ionic characteristics, respectively. Substituting halogens from F to I increases lattice parameters and a more covalent nature of the Ge─X bond. Concurrently, the bandgap narrows, transitioning from indirect (F) to direct (Cl, Br, and I). At the same time, the static dielectric constant rises, and both absorption and conductivity are significantly enhanced with a redshift in the optical spectrum. The application of tensile stress (positive pressure) increases both the lattice constant and bandgap, whereas the dielectric constant, absorption, conductivity, and reflectivity decrease. Conversely, compressive stress (negative pressure) induces the opposite effect. Pressure‐induced variations in the bandgap highlight the potential of NaGeX3 materials to significantly impact the next‐generation solar cells’ development, offering a pathway to more sustainable and efficient energy solutions.
Elucidating and Minimizing the Space‐Charge Layer Effect between NCM Cathode and Li6PS5Cl for Sulfide‐Based Solid‐State Lithium Batteries
Authors: Chen Ya , Huang Ling , Zhou Deli , Gao Xin , Hu Tengfei , Zhang Zhiyuan , Zhen Zheng , Chen Xiaodong , Cui Lifeng , Wang Guoxiu
Published: May 2024

The electrochemical performance of all‐solid‐state lithium batteries (ASSLBs) can be significantly improved by addressing the challenges posed by space charge layer (SCL) effect, which plays a crucial role in determining Li+ ions transport kinetic at cathodic interface. Therefore, it is critical to realize the in situ inspection and visualization of SCL behaviors for solving sluggish Li+ ions transport issues, despite remaining grant challenges. Therewith, the well‐defined model of LiNbO3‐coated NCM (NCM@LNO) cathode is constructed and assembled for the representative Li6PS5Cl‐based ASSLBs, which not only ensures excellent cathodic compatibility, but also preferably enables the better monitoring of Li+ ions transport kinetics. Combining ex situ analysis with DFT calculation, the formation and evolution mechanism of SCL are comprehensively understood, and the relationship between well‐controlled SCL configuration and Li+ electrochemical behavior has been also further illustrated and established through the operando Raman spectroscopy. On these grounds, the preferred NCM@LNO cathodes acquire the enhanced discharge capacity of 90.6% (144.8 mAh g−1) after 100 cycles and it can still deliver the exceptional capacity of 136.2 mAh g−1 after 800 cycles in ASSLBs. Hence, the research will pave up a new perspective for fundamental scientific insight of the SCL and reasonable tailoring of cathodic interface for high‐efficiency ASSLBs.
Pressure‐Induced Dense and Robust Ge Architecture for Superior Volumetric Lithium Storage
Authors: Han Meisheng , Liu Jie , Zheng Kunxiong , Deng Chengfang , Mu Yongbiao , Guo Jincong , Chu Youqi , Zou Zhiyu , Yu Fenghua , Li Wenjia , Wei Lei , Zeng Lin , Zhao Tianshou
Published: May 2024

The germanium (Ge) anode attains wide attention in lithium‐ion batteries because of its high theoretical volumetric capacity (8646 mAh cm−3). However, the huge volume expansion (≈230%) results in its poor electrochemical performances. The strategies reported in the literature to solve the issue often cause a low packing density, lowering the volumetric capacity. Here, a pressure‐induced route is proposed to fabricate a Ge architecture, in which nano‐sized Ge (≈15 nm) is encapsulated by robust TiO2 and highly conductive carbon, which offer the advantages of a low stress–strain characteristic, low volume expansion in thickness change, high electrical conductivity (463.2 S m−1), high Li‐ion diffusion coefficient (9.55 × 10−9–8.51 × 10−12 cm2 s−1), and high tapping density (1.79 g cm−3). As a result, the dense architecture obtains outstanding volumetric capacities of 3559.8 mAh cm−3 at 0.1 A g−1 and 2628.2 mAh cm−3 at 20 A g−1, along with excellent cycling life over 5000 cycles at 10 A g−1. Remarkably, the full cell achieves a high volumetric energy density of 1760.1 Wh L−1, along with impressive fast‐charging performances and long cycling life. This work provides a new synthesis strategy and deep insight into the design of high‐volumetric capacity alloy‐based lithium‐ion‐battery anodes.
Triggering C‒N Coupling on Metal Oxide Nanocomposite for the Electrochemical Reduction of CO2 and NOx⁻ to Formamide
Authors: Ramadhany Putri , Trần‐Phú Thành , Yuwono Jodie A. , Ma Zhipeng , Han Chen , Nguyen Thi Kim Anh , Leverett Josh , Kumar Priyank , Hocking Rosalie K. , Tricoli Antonio , Simonov Alexandr N. , Amal Rose , Daiyan Rahman
Published: May 2024

The co‐electroreduction of CO2 and NOx⁻ (NO3⁻/NO2⁻) to generate formamide (HCONH2) offers an opportunity for downstream chemical and polymer manufacturing decarbonization; however, significant challenges lie in the C‒N coupling and the associated low product selectivity. Herein, p‐block metal oxides are incorporated in copper oxides to provide more accessible active sites for reactant adsorption and activation, tuning the reaction selectivity toward the formamide production. Through in situ Raman and synchrotron‐based infrared spectroscopy measurements, C─N bond formation is demonstrated in real‐time with the CuOx/BiOx catalyst, where the C─N bond is detected via a *CHO and *NH2 intermediates formation, in agreement with the density functional theory calculations. When tested in a flow electrolyzer, a formamide yield rate of 134 ± 11 mmol h−1 gcat−1 is reported, the first report of co‐electroreduction of CO2 and NOx⁻ to formamide beyond conventional H‐cell measurements. These new insights on the C‒N coupling mechanisms and scale‐up capability provide directions for further development of electrocatalysts for the formamide production.
Economic freedom, the minimum wage, and food insecurity
Authors: Stansel Dean , Wu Fengyu
Published: May 2024

Economic freedom, a measure of the degree of freedom from government intervention in the economy, has been found to be associated with many positive economic outcomes, such as lower unemployment rates, and higher growth of income, employment, and population. One area that remains unexplored is the relationship with food insecurity. Areas with more government intervention may be expected to have higher food insecurity because those interventions can create greater impediments to people's ability to prosper economically. One specific example of that is the minimum wage, which may make it harder for inexperienced low‐skilled workers to obtain employment. We provide the first state‐level examination of the relationship between food insecurity and economic freedom and find higher values of economic freedom (lower levels of intervention) are associated with lower food insecurity. We also examine one specific component of that economic freedom measure, the minimum wage, and find some limited evidence that higher minimum wages are associated with higher food insecurity.