bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structural Ordering in Ultrasmall Multicomponent Chalcogenides: The Case of Quaternary Cu‐Zn‐In‐Se Nanocrystals
Authors: Yarema Maksym , Yazdani Nuri , Yarema Olesya , Đorđević Nikola , Lin Weyde M. M. , Bozyigit Deniz , Volk Sebastian , Moser Annina , Turrini Alexandra , Khomyakov Petr A. , Nachtegaal Maarten , Luisier Mathieu , Wood Vanessa
Published: September 2024

The compositional tunability of non‐isovalent multicomponent chalcogenide thin films and the extent of atomic ordering of their crystal structure is key to the performance of many modern technologies. In contrast, the effects of ordering are rarely studied for quantum‐confined materials, such as colloidal nanocrystals. In this paper, the possibilities around composition tunability and atomic ordering are explored in ultrasmall ternary and quaternary quantum dots, taking I‐III‐VI‐group Cu‐Zn‐In‐Se semiconductor as a case study. A quantitative synthesis for 3.3 nm quaternary chalcogenide nanocrystals is developed and shown that cation and cationic vacancy ordering can be achieved in these systems consisting of only 100s of atoms. Combining experiment and theoretical calculations, the relationship between structural ordering and optical properties of the materials are demonstrated. It is found that the arrangement and ordering of cationic sublattice plays an important role in the luminescent efficiency. Specifically, the concentration of Cu‐vacancy couples in the nanocrystal correlates with luminescence quantum yield, while structure ordering increases the occurrence of such optically active Cu‐vacancy units. On the flip side, the detrimental impact of cationic site disorder in I‐III‐VI nanocrystals can be mitigated by introducing a cation of intermediate valence, such as Zn (II).
Coacervation‐Driven Semipermeable Nanoreactors for Enzymatic Cascade‐Mediated Cancer Combination Therapy with Enhanced Efficacy
Authors: Lin Min , Lv Xueli , Wang Hepeng , Shu Lilei , Wang Helin , Zhang Guojing , Sun Jing , Chen Xuesi
Published: September 2024

Utilizing enzyme cascades as a promising approach for targeted cancer therapies holds significant potential, yet its clinical effectiveness is substantially hindered by functional losses during delivery. Complex coacervation emerges as an intriguing strategy for designing functional nanoreactors. In this study, a noteworthy achievement is presented in the development of lactobionic acid‐modified tumor microenvironment (TME)‐responsive polyelectrolyte complex vesicles (HGS‐PCVs) based on bioinspired homopolypeptoids, which serve as a facile, intelligent, and highly efficient nanoreactor tunable for glucose oxidase, hemoglobin, and sorafenib (SRF) to hepatic cancer cells. The TME‐responsive permeability of HGS‐PCVs enables the selective entry of glucose into their interior, triggering an enzymatic cascade reaction within the tumor. This intricate process generates toxic hydroxyl radicals while concurrently lowering the pH. Consequently, this pH shift enhances the SRF release, effectively promoting ferroptosis and apoptosis in the target cancer cells. Further, the administration of the HGS‐PCVs not only initiates immunogenic cell death but also plays a crucial role in inducing the maturation of dendritic cells within lymph nodes. It stimulates an adaptive T‐cell response, a crucial mechanism that contributes to impeding the growth of distant tumors in vivo, demonstrating the promising potential of PCVs for cancer immunotherapy.
Activatable Fluorescence and Bio/Chemiluminescence Probes for Aminopeptidases: From Design to Biomedical Applications
Authors: Wu Xiaofeng , Deng Yu , Xu Ying , Kang Heemin , Hu Jing‐Jing , Yoon Juyoung , Liang Gaolin
Published: September 2024

Aminopeptidases are exopeptidases that catalyze the cleavage of amino acid residues from the N‐terminal fragment of protein or peptide substrates. Owing to their function, they play important roles in protein maturation, signal transduction, cell‐cycle control, and various disease mechanisms, notably in cancer pathology. To gain better insights into their function, molecular imaging assisted by fluorescence and bio/chemiluminescence probes has become an indispensable method to their superiorities, including excellent sensitivity, selectivity, and real‐time and noninvasive imaging. Numerous efforts are made to develop activatable probes that can effectively enhance efficiency and accuracy as well as minimize the side effects. This review is classified according to the type of aminopeptidases, summarizing some recent works on the design, work mechanism, and sensing, imaging, and theranostic performance of their activatable probe. Finally, the current challenges are outlined in developing activatable probes for aminopeptidases and provide possible solutions for future advancements.
Multidentate Fullerenes Enable Tunable and Robust Interfacial Bonding for Efficient Tin‐Based Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Sun Chao , Zhang Hui , Cheng Shuo , Chen Jingfu , Xing Yiming , Nan Ziang , Yang Panpan , Wang Ying , Zhao Xinjing , Xie Liqiang , Tian Chengbo , Wei Zhanhua
Published: September 2024

Improving the efficiency of tin‐based perovskite solar cells (TPSCs) is significantly hindered by energy level mismatch and weak interactions at the interface between the tin‐based perovskite and fullerene‐based electron transport layers (ETLs). In this study, four well‐defined multidentate fullerene molecules with 3, 4, 5, and 6 diethylmalonate groups, labeled as FM3, FM4, FM5, and FM6 are synthesized, and employed as interfacial layers in TPSCs. It is observed that increasing the number of functional groups in these fullerenes leads to shallower lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) energy levels and enhance interfacial chemical interactions. Notably, FM5 exhibits a suitable energy level and robust interaction with the perovskite, effectively enhancing electron extraction and defect passivation. Additionally, the unique molecular structure of FM5 allows the exposed carbon cage to be tightly stacked with the upper fullerene cage after interaction with the perovskite, facilitating efficient charge transfer and protecting the perovskite from moisture and oxygen damage. As a result, the FM5‐based device achieves a champion efficiency of 15.05%, significantly surpassing that of the PCBM‐based (11.77%), FM3‐based (13.54%), FM4‐based (14.34%), and FM6‐based (13.75%) devices. Moreover, the FM5‐based unencapsulated device exhibits excellent stability, maintaining over 90% of its initial efficiency even after 300 h of air exposure.
SHP2‐Triggered Endothelial Cell Activation Fuels Estradiol‐Independent Endometrial Sterile Inflammation
Authors: Pan Jie , Qu Jiao , Fang Wen , Zhao Lixin , Zheng Wei , Zhai Linhui , Tan Minjia , Xu Qiang , Du Qianming , Lv Wen , Sun Yang
Published: September 2024

Sterile inflammation occurs in various chronic diseases due to many nonmicrobe factors. Examples include endometrial hyperplasia (EH), endometriosis, endometrial cancer, and breast cancer, which are all sterile inflammation diseases induced by estrogen imbalances. However, how estrogen‐induced sterile inflammation regulates EH remains unclear. Here, a single‐cell RNA‐Seq is used to show that SHP2 upregulation in endometrial endothelial cells promotes their inflammatory activation and subsequent transendothelial macrophage migration. Independent of the initial estrogen stimulation, IL1β and TNFα from macrophages then create a feedforward loop that enhances endothelial cell activation and IGF1 secretion. This endothelial cell–macrophage interaction sustains sterile endometrial inflammation and facilitates epithelial cell proliferation, even after estradiol withdrawal. The bulk RNA‐Seq results and phosphoproteomic analysis show that endothelial SHP2 mechanistically enhances RIPK1 activity by dephosphorylating RIPK1Tyr380. This event activates downstream activator protein 1 (AP‐1) and instigates the inflammation response. Furthermore, targeting SHP2 using SHP099 (an allosteric inhibitor) or endothelial‐specific SHP2 deletion alleviates endothelial cell activation, macrophage infiltration, and EH progression in mice. Collectively, the findings demonstrate that SHP2 mediates the transition of endothelial activation from estradiol‐driven acute inflammation to macrophage‐amplified chronic inflammation. Targeting sterile inflammation mediated by endothelial cell activation is a promising strategy for nonhormonal intervention in estrogen‐related diseases.
Engineered Cell Elongation Promotes Extracellular Electron Transfer of Shewanella Oneidensis
Authors: Li Feng , Yu Huan , Zhang Baocai , Hu Chaoning , Lan Fei , Wang Yuxuan , You Zixuan , Liu Qijing , Tang Rui , Zhang Junqi , Li Chao , Shi Liang , Li Wen‐Wei , Nealson Kenneth H. , Liu ZhanYing , Song Hao
Published: September 2024

To investigate how cell elongation impacts extracellular electron transfer (EET) of electroactive microorganisms (EAMs), the division of model EAM Shewanella oneidensis (S. oneidensis) MR‐1 is engineered by reducing the formation of cell divisome. Specially, by blocking the translation of division proteins via anti‐sense RNAs or expressing division inhibitors, the cellular length and output power density are all increased. Electrophysiological and transcriptomic results synergistically reveal that the programmed cell elongation reinforces EET by enhancing NADH oxidation, inner‐membrane quinone pool, and abundance of c‐type cytochromes. Moreover, cell elongation enhances hydrophobicity due to decreased cell‐surface polysaccharide, thus facilitates the initial surface adhesion stage during biofilm formation. The output current and power density all increase in positive correction with cellular length. However, inhibition of cell division reduces cell growth, which is then restored by quorum sensing‐based dynamic regulation of cell growth and elongation phases. The QS‐regulated elongated strain thus enables a cell length of 143.6 ± 40.3 µm (72.6‐fold of that of S. oneidensis MR‐1), which results in an output power density of 248.0 ± 10.6 mW m−2 (3.41‐fold of that of S. oneidensis MR‐1) and exhibits superior potential for pollutant treatment. Engineering cellular length paves an innovate avenue for enhancing the EET of EAMs.
Spatial Transcriptomic Study Reveals Heterogeneous Metabolic Adaptation and a Role of Pericentral PPARα/CAR/Ces2a Axis During Fasting in Mouse Liver
Authors: Wang Shiguan , Xu Bowen , Liang Jinyuan , Feng Yawei , Han Penghu , Shen Jing , Li Xinying , Zheng Mengqi , Zhang Tingguo , Zhang Cuijuan , Mi Ping , Zhang Yi , Liu Zhiping , Li Shiyang , Yuan Detian
Published: September 2024

Spatial heterogeneity and plasticity of the mammalian liver are critical for systemic metabolic homeostasis in response to fluctuating nutritional conditions. Here, a spatially resolved transcriptomic landscape of mouse livers across fed, fasted and refed states using spatial transcriptomics is generated. This approach elucidated dynamic temporal‐spatial gene cascades and how liver zonation—both expression levels and patterns—adapts to shifts in nutritional status. Importantly, the pericentral nuclear receptor Nr1i3 (CAR) as a pivotal regulator of triglyceride metabolism is pinpointed. It is showed that the activation of CAR in the pericentral region is transcriptionally governed by Pparα. During fasting, CAR activation enhances lipolysis by upregulating carboxylesterase 2a, playing a crucial role in maintaining triglyceride homeostasis. These findings lay the foundation for future mechanistic studies of liver metabolic heterogeneity and plasticity in response to nutritional status changes, offering insights into the zonated pathology that emerge during liver disease progression linked to nutritional imbalances.
CO‐Free Aminocarbonylation of Terminal Alkynes Catalyzed by Synergistic Effect From Metal–Organic Frameworks
Authors: Zhao Jian , Zhang Tianze , Xu Hang , Hou Sheng‐Li , Ren Fang‐Yu , Han Jie , Zhao Bin
Published: September 2024

Incorporation of CO into substrates to construct high‐value carbonyl compounds is an intensive industrial carbonylation procedure, however, high toxicity and wide explosion limits (12.5–74.0 vol% in air) of CO limit its application in industrial production. The development of a CO‐free catalytic system for carbonylation is one of ideal methods, but full of challenge. Herein, this study reports the CO‐free aminocarbonylation conversion of terminal alkynes synergistically catalyzed by a unique Co(ІІ)/Ag(І) metal–organic framework (MOF), in which the combination of isocyanides and O2 is employed as safe and green source of aminocarbonyl. This reaction has broad substrate applicability in terminal alkyne and isocyanides components with 100% atom economy. The bimetal MOF catalyst can be recycled at least five times without substantial loss of catalytic activities. Mechanistic investigations demonstrate that the synergistic effect between Ag(I) and Co(II) sites can efficiently activate terminal alkyne and isocyanides, respectively. Free radical capture experiments, FT‐IR analysis and theoretical explorations further reveal that terminal alkynes and isocyanides can be catalytically transformed into an anionic intermediate through heterolysis pathways. This work provides secure and practical access to carbonylation as well as a new approach to aminocarbonylation of terminal alkynes.
Configurable Synaptic and Stochastic Neuronal Functions in ZnTe‐Based Memristor for an RBM Neural Network
Authors: Heo Jungang , Kim Seongmin , Kim Sungjun , Kim Min‐Hwi
Published: September 2024

This study presents findings that demonstrate the possibility of simplifying neural networks by inducing multifunctionality through separate manipulation within a single material. Herein, two‐terminal memristor W/ZnTe/W devices implemented a multifunctional memristor comprising a selector, synapse, and a neuron using an ovonic threshold switching material. By setting the low‐current level (µA) in the forming process, a stable memory‐switching operation is achieved, and the capacity to implement a synapse is demonstrated based on paired‐pulse facilitation/depression, potentiation/depression, spike‐amplitude‐dependent plasticity, and spike‐number‐dependent plasticity outcomes. Based on synaptic behavior, the Modified National Institute of Standards and Technology database image classification accuracy is up to 90%. Conversely, by setting the high‐current level (mA) in the forming process, the stable bipolar threshold switching operation and good selector characteristics (300 ns switching speed, free‐drift, recovery properties) are demonstrated. In addition, a stochastic neuron is implemented using the stochastic switching response in the positive voltage region. Utilizing stochastic neurons, it is possible to create a generative restricted Boltzmann machine model.
Open‐shell Poly(3,4‐dioxythiophene) Radical for Highly Efficient Photothermal Conversion
Authors: Wei Qi , Huang Jiaxing , Meng Qiao , Zhang Zesheng , Gu Sichen , Li Yuan
Published: September 2024

Open‐shell organic radical semiconductor materials have received increasing attention in recent years due to their distinctive properties compared to the traditional materials with closed‐shell singlet ground state. However, their poor chemical and photothermal stability in ambient conditions remains a significant challenge, primarily owing to their high reactivity with oxygen. Herein, a novel open‐shell poly(3,4‐dioxythiophene) radical PTTO2 is designed and readily synthesized for the first time using low‐cost raw material via a straightforward BBr3‐demethylation of the copolymer PTTOMe2 precursor. The open‐shell character of PTTO2 is carefully studied and confirmed via the signal‐silent 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum, highly enhanced electron spin resonance signal compared with PTTOMe2, as well as the ultra‐wide ultraviolet‐visible‐near nfraredUV–vis–NIR absorption and other technologies. Interestingly, the powder of PTTO2 exhibits an extraordinary absorption range spanning from 300 to 2500 nm and can reach 274 °C under the irradiation of 1.2 W cm−2, substantially higher than the 108 °C achieved by PTTOMe2. The low‐cost PTTO2 stands as one of the best photothermal conversion materials among the pure organic photothermal materials and provides a new scaffold for the design of stable non‐doped open‐shell polymers.
Enhanced Reliability and Self‐Compliance of Synaptic Arrays for Multibit Encoded Neuromorphic Systems
Authors: Kim Sungjoon , Ji Hyeonseung , Kim Sungjun , Choi Woo Young
Published: September 2024

Utilizing memristors to increase the density of crossbar arrays requires reducing dependency on transistors. This paper presents an approach where the current limiting function is integrated within the memristor by inducing an AlOx/TaOx layer, thereby limiting overshoot current during filament formation. The reaction between TaOx and Al can be accelerated through annealing, which optimizes the on/off ratio and reduces device‐to‐device variation. Additionally, AlN is inserted to inhibit the movement of oxygen ions to the bottom electrode, improving conductive filament reoxidation. Furthermore, biological synaptic properties are examined using electrical pulse schemes, revealing multibit characteristics of >5‐bit. After the structure optimization, 24 × 24 crossbar arrays are fabricated, allowing 100% of cells to achieve self‐compliance filament formation without hard breakdown. Moreover, the crossbar array demonstrates an on/off ratio of over 4 × 102. Additionally, a multibit‐encoded neuromorphic system is proposed based on the device's multibit capability. The number of synapses can be significantly reduced by grouping input data into a single memristor device. When comparing classification accuracies, 97.14% and 95.54% are observed without and with encoding. The improvements in device structure and encoding method presented in this study enable highly integrated crossbar arrays and efficient neuromorphic systems.
Personalizing progressive changes to brain structure in Alzheimer's disease using normative modeling
Authors: Verdi Serena , Rutherford Saige , Fraza Charlotte , Tosun Duygu , Altmann Andre , Raket Lars Lau , Schott Jonathan M. , Marquand Andre F. , Cole James H. ,   for the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: September 2024

INTRODUCTION

Neuroanatomical normative modeling captures individual variability in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Here we used normative modeling to track individuals’ disease progression in people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and patients with AD.

METHODS

Cortical and subcortical normative models were generated using healthy controls (n ≈ 58k). These models were used to calculate regional z scores in 3233 T1‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging time‐series scans from 1181 participants. Regions with z scores < –1.96 were classified as outliers mapped on the brain and summarized by total outlier count (tOC).

RESULTS

tOC increased in AD and in people with MCI who converted to AD and also correlated with multiple non‐imaging markers. Moreover, a higher annual rate of change in tOC increased the risk of progression from MCI to AD. Brain outlier maps identified the hippocampus as having the highest rate of change.

DISCUSSION

Individual patients’ atrophy rates can be tracked by using regional outlier maps and tOC.

Highlights

Neuroanatomical normative modeling was applied to serial Alzheimer's disease (AD) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data for the first time.

Deviation from the norm (outliers) of cortical thickness or brain volume was computed in 3233 scans.

The number of brain‐structure outliers increased over time in people with AD.

Patterns of change in outliers varied markedly between individual patients with AD.

People with mild cognitive impairment whose outliers increased over time had a higher risk of progression from AD.
Outstanding Circularly Polarized TADF in Chiral Cu(I) Emitters: From Design to Application in CP‐TADF OLEDs
Authors: Petyuk Maxim Yu. , Meng Lingqiang , Ma Zihao , Agafontsev Alexander M. , Bagryanskaya Irina Yu. , Berezin Alexey S. , Zhang Jingzhi , Chu Anlea , Rakhmanova Mariana I. , Meng Hong , Tkachev Alexey V. , Yam Vivian Wing‐Wah , Artem'ev Alexander V.
Published: September 2024

Low‐cost molecular emitters that merge circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) and thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) properties are attractive for many high‐tech applications. However, the design of such emitters remains a difficult task. To address this challenge, here, we propose a simple and efficient strategy, demonstrated by the design of pseudochiral‐at‐metal complexes [Cu(L*)DPEPhos]PF6 bearing a (+)/(−)‐menthol‐derived 1,10‐phenanthroline ligand (L*). These complexes exhibit a yellow CP‐TADF with a record‐high quantum yield (close to 100 %) and high dissymmetry factor (|glum|~1×10−2). Remarkably, the above compounds also show a negative thermal‐quenching (NTQ) of luminescence in the 300–77 K range. Exploiting the designed Cu(I) emitters, we fabricated efficient CP‐TADF OLEDs displaying mirror‐imaged CPL bands with high |gEL| factors of 1.5×10−2 and the maximum EQE of 6.15 %. Equally important, using the (+)‐[Cu(L*)DPEPhos]PF6 complex, we have discovered that an external magnetic field noticeably suppresses CP‐TADF of Cu(I) emitters. These findings are an important contribution to the CPL phenomenon and provide access to highly efficient, low‐cost and robust CP‐TADF emitters.
Cleavage of the Robust Silicon–Fluorine σ‐Bond Allows Silicon–Carbon Bond Formation: Synthetic Strategies Toward Ortho‐Silyl Aryl Phosphonates
Authors: Ji Suhyun , Kim Soomin , Lee Jae Kyun , Lee Duck‐Hyung , Han Seo‐Jung
Published: September 2024

A straightforward, mild, and transition‐metal‐free three‐component coupling reaction involving arynes, phosphites, and silyl fluorides was developed through Si−F bond activation. Although the Si−F bond is one of the strongest bonds, Si−C bond formation via Si−F bond cleavage with the assistance of bidentate silicon and phosphonium Lewis acids has been successfully achieved. This unprecedented strategy provides a facile approach for synthesizing ortho‐silyl‐substituted aryl phosphonates. Notably, this method allows the use of not only dialkylarylsilyl fluorides and diarylalkylsilyl fluorides but also triarylsilyl fluorides as coupling partners, which is uncommon in the field of arylsilane synthesis. Furthermore, a variety of ortho‐silyl‐substituted aryl phosphonates were produced in moderate to good yields with broad functional group tolerance. Additionally, the versatility of ortho‐silyl‐substituted aryl phosphonates was demonstrated by the elaboration of the products into a range of silicon‐containing compounds.
Synthesis and Characterization of Fe3O4@SiO2@APIDSO3H as a Novel and Efficient Magnetic Nanocatalyst in Pechmann Condensation
Authors: Aghashiri Zohre , Ghassamipour Soheila , Jamalian Arezu , Emadi Masoomeh
Published: September 2024

Fe3O4@APIDSO3H as a novel and magical magnetic nanocatalyst was designed, synthesized, and characterized by different spectroscopic techniques such as Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), x‐ray diffraction (XRD), energy‐dispersive x‐ray (EDX), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The loading percentage of sulfonic acid on the magnetic nano catalyst was calculated using CHNS analysis. Then, the potential use of it was investigated for the synthesis of various coumarins by Pechmann condensation. The corresponding products were synthesized and isolated in 60%–99% yields. The catalyst was recycled and reused for four times without loss in catalytic activity.
CO2 capture for environmental remediation with hollow fibre membrane: Impact of air gap and bore fluid ratio onto the morphology and performance
Authors: Zainuddin Muhd Izzudin Fikry , Ahmad Abdul Latif , Shah Buddin Meor Muhammad Hafiz , Adnan Mohamad Alif
Published: September 2024

Hollow fibre membrane (HFM) is favourable for carbon dioxide (CO2) due to its high packing density and high volume to area ratio. In this study, the effect of air gap and bore fluid ratio is explored to study its influence on the morphology and separation performance. With high dope extrusion rate (DER), the shear‐induced polymer orientation can be preserved with low air gap which come with the cost of deformed lumen. As such, the coagulant activity of the bore fluid can be reduced by introducing solvent, which in turn reduces rate of phase inversion to prevent sudden contraction of polymer at low air gap, thus allowing proper formation of lumen. With the presence of solvent, the flowability of the dope solution increased due to reduced viscosity as the bore fluid with high solvent content make contact the external coagulant. HFM spun with low air gap with the presence of solvent in the bore fluid shows increased stretched ratio due to the influence of gravitational pull upon being extruded from the spinneret. This in turn improved the polymer chain orientation due to the stretch across the spinning line. Subsequently, HFM spun with 80 wt.% of N‐methyl‐2‐pyrollidone (NMP) in the bore fluid using narrow gap spinneret with 5‐cm air gap shows the highest ideal CO2/N2 and CO2/CH4 selectivity at 23.4 and 28 respectively, even though it also exhibit the lowest CO2 permeance at only 3.1 GPU which was ascribed to the formation of dense skin layer. Meanwhile, when HFM was spun with a bigger annulus gap, the ideal CO2/N2 and CO2/CH4 selectivity slightly dropped, however the CO2 permeance exhibit increment.
Effect of side chain modification on edge‐on oriented dithienobenzodithiophene‐based non‐fullerene acceptors for organic solar cells
Authors: In Kim Da , Kim Kyungsik , Park Byoungwook , Kim Jehan , Kim Yun‐Hi , Lee Kwanghee , Kwon Soon‐Ki , Lee Jinho
Published: September 2024

Two non‐fullerene acceptors (NFAs), DTBDT‐ICN and DTBDT‐SEH, based on dithienobenzodithiophene (DTBDT) and a 2‐(3‐oxo‐2,3‐dihydroinden‐1‐ylidene) malononitrile (IC) with different side chains of alkylthienyl and alkylthio‐thienyl, respectively, were designed and used as electron acceptors in organic solar cells (OSCs). Both NFAs provide suitable energy level configurations that ensure efficient charge transfer with the donor polymer PBDB‐T, as confirmed by significant photoluminescence reduction in the blend films. However, due to the high planarity together with strong π‐π stacking interactions, the DTBDT‐ICN presented significant aggregation and phase separation in the blend films, leading to suboptimal charge generation. In addition, grazing incidence wide‐angle x‐ray scattering measurements revealed a predominance of edge‐on molecular orientations, which are unfavorable for vertical charge transport. On the other hand, DTBDT‐SEH exhibited less pronounced molecular aggregation and edge‐on orientation properties compared to DTBDT‐ICN, resulting in improved carrier mobility (μe of 3.86 × 10−6 compared to 7.59 × 10−7) and mitigated recombination losses (1.19 kT/q compared to 1.21 kT/q) in OSC devices. The improved morphological features of PBDB‐T:DTBDT‐SEH led to a high power conversion efficiency of 3.31%, which is three times higher than that of PBDB‐T:DTBDT‐ICN‐based devices (1.55%). Furthermore, paired with the high performance polymer PM6, PM6:DTBDT‐SEH demonstrated an enhanced efficiency, reaching 7.03%.
PVA/titanate nanotube nanocomposites: Evaluating the required structural properties for their performance as macromolecule delivery systems
Authors: Factori Irina M. , da Silva Emerson R. , Gerbelli Barbara B. , Liberato Michelle S. , de Araujo Daniele Ribeiro , Alves Wendel A.
Published: September 2024

Biopolymer‐based nanocomposites are gaining prominence in the fabrication of biomedical devices, with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) being widely used in smart dressings for drug and protein integration. This study introduces electrospun mats composed of partially hydrolyzed PVA and sodium titanate nanotubes (TiNTs). The investigation involved mats with TiNT concentrations ranging from 0% to 5% at room temperature. The morphological and structural changes resulting from adding TiNTs were examined in detail. The inclusion of TiNTs impacted parameters such as mean fiber diameter (130–190 nm), crystallinity degree (30–50%), and porosity (70–55%) and was closely associated with the viscoelastic properties of the mats. Higher TiNT concentrations led to reductions in either the storage modulus, from 350 to 220 MPa, or in the loss modulus, from 30 to 25 MPa, unveiling an increase in tenacity. Furthermore, in vitro release tests were conducted using bovine serum albumin (BSA) in Franz cells over 48 h. The results indicated that release profiles were best fitted by the Higuchi model (0.95 > R2 > 0.99) for both PVA mats (0% and 5.0% TiNTs), with the 5% TiNTs‐PVA membrane demonstrating greater BSA diffusion when compared to pure PVA. The release constant 𝐾rel, representing the rate of drug diffusion, was found to be 0.006 for 5% TiNT‐PVA mats and 0.002 μg h‐1/2 for pure PVA, respectively. These results suggest the potential of these materials in designing controlled transdermal delivery systems that could significantly improve the efficacy and safety of drug applications.
Impact of sterilization technique on electrospun poly(4‐hydroxybutyrate) membranes for biomedical application
Authors: Chen Qi , Yuan Shuaishuai , Xu Yuanjing , Zhang Fengxiang , Wang Kaiti , Yan Shunjie , Li Chunming , Li Zhibo
Published: September 2024

Bioabsorbable poly(4‐hydroxybutyrate) (P4HB) electrospun membrane has been widely used in various biomedical applications due to its biocompatibility and unique mechanical properties. When commercialization is envisaged, a sterilization procedure aiming to prevent bacterial contamination of biomedical devices is indispensable. Herein, P4HB membranes were sterilized by using different sterilization techniques. It's observed that ethylene oxide (EO), ultraviolet radiation (UV), and electron beam (E‐beam) irradiation do not influence the morphology of fiber membranes. Analysis of the data revealed that E‐beam irradiation sterilization can induce chain scission of P4HB. The EO sterilization process can increase the melting point of P4HB electrospun membranes. None of the sterilization methods showed a significant effect on the hemocompatibility of the P4HB membranes. Furthermore, the cytocompatibility experiment indicated that none of the P4HB membranes had any toxic effects on L929 cells. Taken together, selecting a suitable sterilization method that effectively sterilizes and does less damage during the sterilization process is critical to P4HB membranes for biomedical application.
Autistic‐relevant behavioral phenotypes of a mouse model of cyclin‐dependent kinase‐like 5 deficiency disorder
Authors: Mottolese Nicola , Coiffard Oceane , Ferraguto Celeste , Manolis Athanasios , Ciani Elisabetta , Pietropaolo Susanna
Published: September 2024

Cyclin‐dependent kinase‐like 5 (CDKL5) deficiency disorder (CDD) is a neurodevelopmental disease caused by mutations in the X‐linked CDKL5 gene and characterized by early‐onset epilepsy, intellectual disability, and autistic features. To date, the etiological mechanisms underlying CDD are largely unknown and no effective therapies are available. The Cdkl5 knock‐out (KO) mouse has been broadly employed in preclinical studies on CDD; Cdkl5‐KO mice display neurobehavioral abnormalities recapitulating most CDD symptoms, including alterations in motor, sensory, cognitive, and social abilities. However, most available preclinical studies have been carried out on adult Cdkl5‐KO mice, so little is known about the phenotypic characteristics of this model earlier during development. Furthermore, major autistic‐relevant phenotypes, for example, social and communication deficits, have been poorly investigated and mostly in male mutants. Here, we assessed the autistic‐relevant behavioral phenotypes of Cdkl5‐KO mice during the first three post‐natal weeks and in adulthood. Males and females were tested, the latter including both heterozygous and homozygous mutants. Cdkl5 mutant pups showed qualitative and quantitative alterations in ultrasonic communication, detected first at 2 weeks of age and confirmed later in adulthood. Increased levels of anxiety‐like behaviors were observed in mutants at 3 weeks and in adulthood, when stereotypies, reduced social interaction and memory deficits were also observed. These behavioral effects of the mutation were evident in both sexes, being more marked and varied in homozygous than heterozygous females. These findings provide novel evidence for the autistic‐relevant behavioral profile of the Cdkl5 mouse model, thus supporting its use in future preclinical studies investigating CDD pathology and autism spectrum disorders.
Dangerous liaisons: Loss of keratinocyte control over melanocytes in melanomagenesis
Authors: Green Kathleen J. , Pokorny Jenny , Jarrell Brieanna
Published: September 2024

Melanomas arise from transformed melanocytes, positioned at the dermal‐epidermal junction in the basal layer of the epidermis. Melanocytes are completely surrounded by keratinocyte neighbors, with which they communicate through direct contact and paracrine signaling to maintain normal growth control and homeostasis. UV radiation from sunlight reshapes this communication network to drive a protective tanning response. However, repeated rounds of sun exposure result in accumulation of mutations in melanocytes that have been considered as primary drivers of melanoma initiation and progression. It is now clear that mutations in melanocytes are not sufficient to drive tumor formation—the tumor environment plays a critical role. This review focuses on changes in melanocyte‐keratinocyte communication that contribute to melanoma initiation and progression, with a particular focus on recent mechanistic insights that lay a foundation for developing new ways to intercept melanoma development.
A novel thiourea‐based fluorescent turn‐on sensor for rapidly detecting hypochlorite through a desulfurization reaction
Authors: Choi Boeun , Kim Soyeon , Kim Cheal
Published: September 2024

Excess hypochlorite (ClO−) is harmful to living organisms and can cause various oxidative diseases in the human body. Owing to the toxicity of ClO−, the development of efficient fluorescence sensors to track ClO− is necessary. In this work, we report a novel thiourea‐based fluorescent turn‐on sensor 1‐(9‐ethyl‐9H‐carbazol‐3‐yl)‐3‐(naphthalen‐1‐yl)thiourea (ECNT) for recognizing ClO−. ECNT can detect ClO− with high selectivity, relatively low interference with other analytes, and a significantly fast response time (<1 s) through a desulfurization reaction. The detection limit of ECNT for ClO− is calculated as 5.59 μM. Of note, ECNT is a chemosensor that reacts the fastest with ClO− among the reported thiourea‐based fluorescence turn‐on sensors for detecting ClO−. The response mechanism of ECNT to ClO− is demonstrated through 1H NMR titration, ESI mass, and density functional theory calculations.
Mental health in people living with and beyond colorectal cancer: A patient‐oriented constructivist grounded theory
Authors: Cheng Vicki , McTaggart‐Cowan Helen , Loree Jonathan M. , Murphy Rachel A. , Barnes Mikaela , Bechthold Haydn , Jansen Norman , De Vera Mary A.
Published: September 2024

Background

With the burden of colorectal cancer in Canada, there is a need to address the psycho‐oncologic challenges, including mental health. This study aims to explore the lived mental health experiences in patients with CRC across the phases of the CRC care continuum.

Methods

We employed a patient‐oriented constructivist grounded theory design and recruited English speaking participants ≥18 years, diagnosed with CRC within the last 10 years, residing in Canada. We collected data through semi‐structured individual interviews using a guide co‐constructed with patient research partners. Data collection and analysis were iterative, employed theoretical sampling, and culminated in a theoretical model.

Results

Twenty‐eight participants diagnosed with CRC (18 females, 10 males), aged 18–63 years at time of diagnosis were interviewed, with representation across all CRC stages. There were 10 participants (36%) in treatment, 12 participants (43%) in follow‐up, and 6 participants (21%) in the beyond phase. We constructed a patient‐oriented theory illustrating the dynamic nature between one's self‐identity and their mental health experiences across the CRC care continuum. Mental health experiences encompass emotional and cognitive‐behavioral responses, expressed differently across phases. Mental health care experiences are also shaped by barriers, facilitators, and individual contextual factors, all of which influence their access to care.

Conclusion

Our theory provides insight into the mental health experiences of patients with CRC across phases of the CRC care continuum. Understanding patients' emotional and cognitive‐behavioral responses and care experiences can help identify opportunities to integrate mental health into CRC care.
Detection of Micromolar Glucose Levels in Human Sweat Using an Organic Transistor‐Based Enzymatic Sensor
Authors: Sasaki Yui , Ohshiro Kohei , Kato Miyuki , Haba Daijiro , Nakagami Gojiro , Minami Tsuyoshi
Published: September 2024

Sweat glucose serves as a significant biomarker of health, necessitating accurate determination at the micromolar level for noninvasive monitoring. To address this need, we design an organic field‐effect transistor (OFET)‐based enzymatic sensor to quantify glucose levels in human sweat. The extended‐gate structure of the OFET device ensures stable analyte detection in human sweat owing to its isolated configuration. The extended‐gate‐type OFET has been functionalized with glucose oxidase and an N‐ethylphenazonium‐based mediator‐attached monolayer. This configuration facilitates electron relay, enabling accurate and reproducible glucose detection. Leveraging the amplification ability of the OFET, the enzymatic sensor exhibited highly sensitive glucose detection, achieving a low limit of detection (2.9 μM) suitable for sweat analysis requirements. In addition, the sensor exhibited high discriminability in detecting glucose amidst interferents commonly found in sweat, indicating its practical feasibility for sweat analysis. Validation of glucose recovery rates (95–105 %) in human sweat, without pretreatment, was performed using established instrumental analysis methods.
Industry 4.0‐Driven STEM‐Lab Modernization: Balancing Flexibility and Sustainability
Authors: Aubel Ines , Krinke Stefan , Mende Robert , Dietrich André , Bertau Martin , Zeidler Henning , Zug Sebastian
Published: September 2024

The rapid technological advances of Industry 4.0 require Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) education to adapt and meet the needs of an increasingly digital workforce. However, institutions face significant obstacles in updating their lab spaces due to the significant investment of time and resources required. This article presents innovative approaches that aim to reconcile these conflicting goals. Flexible laboratory configuration approaches are described that can be implemented in diverse learning scenarios to optimize the sustainable use of resources in an educational context. The results suggest that, with strategic planning, adaptable STEM laboratory configurations are beneficial for education in the context of Industry 4.0.
Therapeutic Potential of Terpenoids in Cancer Treatment: Targeting Mitochondrial Pathways
Authors: Guo Jianxin , Huang Ming , Hou Shuang , Yuan Jianfeng , Chang Xiaoyue , Gao Shuang , Zhang Zhenhan , Wu Zhongbing , Li Jing
Published: September 2024

Background

In recent decades, natural compounds have been considered a significant source of new antitumor medicines due to their unique advantages. Several in vitro and in vivo studies have focused on the effect of terpenoids on apoptosis mediated by mitochondria in malignant cells.

Recent findings

In this review article, we focused on six extensively studied terpenoids, including sesquiterpenes (dihydroartemisinin and parthenolide), diterpenes (oridonin and triptolide), and triterpenes (betulinic acid and oleanolic acid), and their efficacy in targeting mitochondria to induce cell death. Terpenoid‐induced mitochondria‐related cell death includes apoptosis, pyroptosis, necroptosis, ferroptosis, autophagy, and necrosis caused by mitochondrial permeability transition. Apoptosis and autophagy interact in meaningful ways. In addition, in view of several disadvantages of terpenoids, such as low stability and bioavailability, advances in research on combination chemotherapy and chemical modification were surveyed.

Conclusion

This article deepens our understanding of the association between terpenoids and mitochondrial cell death, presenting a hypothetical basis for the use of terpenoids in anticancer management.
Identification of PI3K‐AKT Pathway‐Related Genes and Construction of Prognostic Prediction Model for ccRCC
Authors: Hu Shaowen , Zhang Xiaoli , Xin Huiru , Guo Mingjie , Xiao Yafei , Chang Zhongwei , Luo Qingyang , Li Yang , Zhu Chaoyang
Published: September 2024

Background

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), the predominate histological type of renal cell carcinoma (RCC), has been extensively studied, with poor prognosis as the stage increases. Research findings consistently indicated that the PI3K‐Akt pathway is commonly dysregulated across various cancer types, including ccRCC. Targeting the PI3K‐Akt pathway held promise as a potential therapeutic approach for treating ccRCC. Development and validation of PI3K‐Akt pathway‐related genes related biomarkers can enhance healthcare management of patients with ccRCC.

Purpose

This study aimed to identify the key genes in the PI3K‐Akt pathway associated with the diagnosis and prognosis of CCRCC using data mining from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Synthesis (GEO) datasets.

Methods

The purpose of this study is to use bioinformatics methods to screen data sets and clinicopathological characteristics associated with ccRCC patients. The exhibited significantly differential expressed genes (DEGs) associated with the PI3K‐Akt pathway were examined by KEGG. In addition, Kaplan–Meier (KM) analysis used to estimate the survival function of the differential genes by using the UALCAN database and graphPad Prism 9.0. And exploring the association between the expression levels of the selected genes and the survival status and time of patients with ccRCC based on SPSS22.0. Finally, a multigene prognostic model was constructed to assess the prognostic risk of ccRCC patients.

Results

A total of 911 genes with common highly expressed were selected based on the GEO and TCGA databases. According to the KEGG pathway analysis, there were 42 genes enriched in PI3K‐Akt signalling pathway. And seven of highly expressed genes were linked to a poor prognosis in ccRCC. And a multigene prognostic model was established based on IL2RG, EFNA3, and MTCP1 synergistic expression might be utilized to predict the survival of ccRCC patients.

Conclusions

Three PI3K‐Akt pathway‐related genes may be helpful to identify the prognosis and molecular characteristics of ccRCC patients and to improve therapeutic regimens, and these risk characteristics might be further applied in the clinic.
The role of condition on sexual selection in the seed bug Lygaeus simulans
Authors: Balfour Vicki L. , Corliss Mia K. , Shuker David M.
Published: September 2024

Organism condition plays an important role in sexual selection. Sexual ornaments and displays can be condition‐dependent, reflecting either underlying genetic quality, experience of environmental stressors, or both. As such, the phenotypic expression of such traits, and the resulting patterns of mate choice acting on them, may be shaped by intrinsic genetic quality and the environment. Moreover, condition may also influence the choosing individual in mate choice, influencing their ability to invest in mate discrimination, or changing what traits of the chosen, including resources, are most preferred. Here we consider sexual selection and condition in the seed bug Lygaeus simulans, a species characterised by strong post‐copulatory sexual selection, but rather limited pre‐copulatory discrimination. We manipulated short‐term condition in both males and females by restricting access to water for 24 h. Water is particularly important in these bugs, given their feeding ecology and physiology. We found that water‐deprived males proved less likely to mate, while copulation duration with water‐deprived females was significantly reduced. Given the importance of copulation duration for the successful transfer of sperm by males to females, the data suggest cryptic male choice acting against water‐deprived females. These data add to those suggesting that cryptic male choice for fecund females plays an important role in sexual selection in this species. More generally, our results support the widespread importance of condition in terms of mating dynamics and sexual selection.
Bead‐by‐bead normalization of single antigen assays: A necessary step for accurate detection of weak anti‐HLA antibodies
Authors: Usureau Cédric , Lhotte Romain , Devriese Magali , Siemowski Jérémy , Gabet Lionel , Letort Véronique , Taupin Jean‐Luc
Published: September 2024

Ascertaining the presence of weakly positive anti‐HLA donor‐specific antibodies (DSA) in organ transplantation with multiplex single antigen beads assays may be challenging despite their high sensitivity due to technical variability issues. Through extensive datasets of Next‐Generation Sequencing HLA typings and single antigen analyses, we reassessed the mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) positivity threshold of the assay to enhance accuracy. By showing that some beads were more prone to false positivity than others, we propose a nuanced approach that accounts for nonspecific intrinsic reactivities at the HLA antigen level, that is, on a bead‐by‐bead basis, as it enhances assay precision and reliability. This is substantiated by a comprehensive statistical analysis of MFI values and the implementation of the determination of a “Quantile Adjusted Threshold 500” (QAT500) value for each bead. Applied to DSA detection during patients’ follow‐up, this approach discriminated better and earlier low‐strength DSA that would later raise their MFI above the clinically relevant threshold of 3000. Moving from a subjective interpretation to a more objective and precise methodology allows for standardizing HLA antibody and DSA detection. The study emphasizes the need for further research with real clinical data to validate and refine this approach.
Valorization of oil‐based drilling cuttings as a substitute for bauxite in fracturing proppants application
Authors: Li Xiaogang , Xiong Junya , Yang Zhaozhong , Chen Hao
Published: September 2024

This study aimed to increase the scale of oil‐based drilling cuttings (OBDCs) resource utilization in the ceramic industry. The sintering process and mechanism were explored based on the analysis of physicochemical properties, phase transitions, and microstructure. The results showed that (1) The main ceramic‐technological characteristics of the OBDC were determined, which belonged to high‐silica solid waste with a high Si–Al ratio and a low acid–base ratio of oxides. (2) The low meltability temperature of the OBDC could largely influence the determination of the sintering temperature range for ceramic products. (3) The chemical components OBDC provided were involved in the formation of molten phases, which could affect dimensional accuracy and mechanical properties. Meanwhile, the dolomite promoted the formation of closed pores and enhanced lightweight performance. (4) Before 800°C, dolomite decomposed and reacted with SiO2 to form silicate, and then a new feldspar crystal appeared. After 1000°C, orthoclase completely melted into the molten phase, only two phases of quartz and diopside existed in the material until 1150°C. When the temperature was higher than 1350°C, the glass transition of the phase was basically intensified. (5) In the analyzed scenarios, the results indicated OBDC can only be doped in low contents and degrades the ceramic material properties.