bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metamaterial‐Augmented Head‐Mounted Audio Module
Authors: Ji Jun , Zhao Chuming , Yao Frank , Oishi Tetsuro , Stewart John , Jing Yun
Published: August 2023

Recent developments in metamaterial research have shown promising progress in overcoming the fundamental physical limitations of acoustics. While the majority of this research is curiosity‐driven and focused on fundamental physics, there has been a scarcity of acoustic metamaterials research that can have a direct and immediate impact on real‐world applications. In this study, an acoustic metamaterial inside a head‐mounted audio module is incorporate to achieve a 3–7 dB broadband sound pressure level (SPL) improvement in the bass range (50–700 Hz), which is the most challenging frequency range for radiation enhancement. The adoption of the acoustic metamaterial not only enhances voltage sensitivity near the intrinsic metamaterial resonance frequency, but also extends the broadband enhancement to a lower transducer resonance frequency by carefully engineering the metamaterial‐transducer resonant coupling. The improvement of the audio module is demonstrated through fully coupled electrical‐mechanical‐acoustical numerical simulations using finite element analysis, which are validated against comprehensive measurements including electrical impedance analysis, speaker diaphragm displacement analysis, voltage sensitivity and power sensitivity analysis, and spectrogram. This study not only offers a promising path to improve the audio module quality without increasing the size, but also represents an important milestone toward using acoustic metamaterial research to solve audio industry challenges.
Plasmonic Imaging of Spatiotemporal Electrochemical Bubble Evolution on Smooth Electrodes with Different Wettabilities
Authors: Xie Pengpeng , Liu Yiwei , Zhang Zhengyi , Kumar Anuj , Zhou Daojin , Xu Haijun , Luo Liang , Sun Xiaoming
Published: August 2023

Although evolution dynamic investigation onto electrochemically generated bubbles on electrode surfaces is crucial for releasing “bubble blocking” effects, traditional “top view” or “side view” methods make spatiotemporal interfacial revolutions difficult to achieve, which are critical for a deeper understanding and better electrode design. In this study, a novel method utilizing surface plasmon resonance (SPR) is proposed to probe bubble interfacial dynamics. By monitoring reflectivity changes and utilizing differential imaging, real‐time fluctuations in the contact area can be accurately visualized. The investigation onto bubble growth events on both aerophilic and aerophobic surfaces reveals that they occur in very distinct patterns. Due to the “necking effect”, the reflectivity of aerophilic electrodes rushed to its highest value and remained or gradually decreased, followed by a sudden drop due to bubble disengagement. While the aerophobic ones increased to the bubble release threshold after a downward parabola function, then dropped abruptly without plateau. This in situ imaging technique provides a feasible tool for bubble disengagement dynamic investigations on electrode surface. Based on current observations, it is revealed that changing the wettability of electrodes causes substantial changes in bubble evolution dynamics.
Fabrication Technologies of Flexible Transparent Electrodes for Supercapacitors: Recent Advances and Perspectives
Authors: Lin Feifei , Yang Pin , Wang Qixiang , Zhang Yijie , Wang Weikang , Liu Shujuan , Zhao Weiwei , Zhao Qiang
Published: August 2023

Flexible transparent portable electronic products provide substantial support for the rapid development of the intelligent era. Flexible transparent supercapacitors (FTSCs) are considered the most promising energy storage devices due to their exceptional electrochemical performance, outstanding mechanical flexibility, and high optical transmittance. However, it is difficult to balance their mechanical flexibility and optical transmittance. The key to reconciling the contradiction is to fabricate flexible transparent conductive electrodes (FTCEs) with excellent mechanical flexibility and optical transmittance by combining the characteristics of manufacturing technologies and electrode materials. In this review, the characteristics of advanced FTCEs manufacturing technologies and their applications in FTSCs are systematically summarized. First, the device structure, working mechanism, and basic performance of FTSCs are briefly introduced. Second, the manufacturing characteristic and principle of different FTCEs preparation technologies are mainly described, including vacuum filtration, coating, deposition, printing, and layer‐by‐layer assembly. Next, the device structure and design principle of multifunctional FTSCs are demonstrated in detail. Finally, the challenges and prospects of applying FTCEs manufacturing technology to construct FTSCs are proposed.
Urea ammonium nitrate as the carrier for preplant burndown herbicides
Authors: Mookodi Kaone L. , Spackman Jared A. , Adjesiwor Albert T.
Published: August 2023

Preplant weed control is a common practice for many small grain farmers. The timing of these applications often coincides with starter nitrogen (N) fertilizer application. Co‐application of the herbicides and N fertilizers, such as urea‐ammonium nitrate (UAN), can reduce the number of trips across the field, labor costs, and the costs of N and herbicide applications. However, there is a dearth of information on the effect of herbicide‐N fertilizer mixtures on herbicide efficacy. Field studies were conducted in the summer of 2021 and 2022 to evaluate the effect of UAN (32‐0‐0) rate (0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% of carrier volume) on the efficacy of three non‐selective herbicides (glyphosate [1260 g ae ha−1], paraquat [560 g ai ha−1], and tiafenacil [74 g ai ha−1]). There was no effect of UAN volume on herbicide efficacy. The addition of UAN did not reduce the efficacy of glyphosate, paraquat, or tiafenacil. At 3 weeks after herbicide application, glyphosate efficacy ranged from 92% to 94% (broadleaved weeds) and 97% (grassy weeds). Paraquat efficacy ranged from 63% to 87% (broadleaved weeds) and 87% (grassy weeds). Tiafenacil efficacy ranged from 52% to 74% (broadleaved weeds) and 70% (grassy weeds). Higher application volume may be needed to increase the efficacy of contact herbicides such as paraquat and tiafenacil.
The CAR‐HEMATOTOX score identifies patients at high risk for hematological toxicity, infectious complications, and poor treatment outcomes following brexucabtagene autoleucel for relapsed or refractory MCL
Authors: Rejeski Kai , Wang Yucai , Albanyan Omar , Munoz Javier , Sesques Pierre , Iacoboni Gloria , Lopez‐Corral Lucia , Ries Isabelle , Bücklein Veit L. , Mohty Razan , Dreyling Martin , Baluch Aliyah , Shah Bijal , Locke Frederick L. , Hess Georg , Barba Pere , Bachy Emmanuel , Lin Yi , Subklewe Marion , Jain Michael D.
Published: August 2023

CD19‐directed CAR T‐cell therapy with brexucabtagene autoleucel (brexu‐cel) has substantially improved treatment outcomes for patients with relapsed/refractory mantle cell lymphoma (r/r MCL). Prolonged cytopenias and infections represent common and clinically relevant side effects. In this multicenter observational study, we describe cytopenias and infections in 103 r/r MCL patients receiving brexu‐cel. Furthermore, we report associations between the baseline CAR‐HEMATOTOX (HT) score and toxicity events, non‐relapse mortality (NRM), and progression‐free/overall survival (PFS/OS). At lymphodepletion, 56 patients were HTlow (score 0–1) while 47 patients were HThigh (score ≥2). The HThigh cohort exhibited prolonged neutropenia (median 14 vs. 6 days, p < .001) and an increased rate of severe infections (30% vs. 5%, p = .001). Overall, 1‐year NRM was 10.4%, primarily attributed to infections, and differed by baseline HT score (high vs. low: 17% vs. 4.6%, p = .04). HThigh patients experienced inferior 90‐day complete response rate (68% vs. 93%, p = .002), PFS (median 9 months vs. not‐reached, p < .0001), and OS (median 26 months vs. not‐reached, p < .0001). Multivariable analyses showed that high HT scores were independently associated with severe hematotoxicity, infections, and poor PFS/OS. In conclusion, infections and hematotoxicity are common after brexu‐cel and contribute to NRM. The baseline HT score identified patients at increased risk of poor treatment outcomes.
Synergistic interaction between long shifts and short rest periods on depression in shift workers: A cross‐sectional study from Korea
Authors: Park Sungjin , Lee Jongin , Lee June‐Hee
Published: August 2023

Background

Long shifts and short rest periods (SRP) between shifts are important factors that greatly affect shift workers' health. However, reports on the psychological effects of shift work, such as depression, have been inconsistent. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the combined effect of long shifts and SRP on depression in shift workers.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study included 3295 shift workers in the sixth Korean Working Conditions Survey. The relative excess risk due to interaction (RERI) was computed to estimate the combined effect of long shifts and SRP on depression.

Results

Depression in shift workers was not significantly associated with long shifts or SRP after adjustment, but the risk was significantly increased when exposed to both factors simultaneously (odds ratio 1.36, 95% confidence interval 1.03–1.79). The RERI between the two factors was statistically significant (p = 0.020), indicating a synergistic interaction with depression. Sensitivity analysis by occupation showed a significant interaction in the combined group of office and service workers (p = 0.034).

Conclusions

Simultaneous exposure to SRP and long shifts should be avoided when planning shift work schedules or devising health policies for shift workers. Special consideration is needed for healthcare and service workers, who may be particularly vulnerable to negative health impacts due to shift work.
Size‐Selective Ionic Crosslinking Provides Stretchable Mixed Ionic–Electronic Conductors
Authors: Lee Junwoo , Bark Hyunwoo , Xue Yazhen , Lee Pooi See , Zhong Mingjiang
Published: August 2023

Mechanically compliant conductors are of utmost importance for the emerging fields of soft electronics and robotics. However, the development of intrinsically deformable organic conductors remains a challenge due to the trade‐off between mechanical performance and charge mobility. In this study, we report a solution to this issue based on size‐selective ionic crosslinking. This rationally designed crosslinking mediated by length‐regulated oligo(ethylene glycol) pendant groups and metal ions simultaneously improved the softness and toughness and ensured excellent mixed ionic–electronic conductivity in poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrene sulfonate composite materials. Moreover, the added ions remarkably promoted accumulation of charge carriers in response to temperature gradient, thus offering a viable approach to stretchable thermoelectric generators with enhanced stability against humidity.
Light‐Controlled Biocatalysis by Unspecific Peroxygenases with Genetically Encoded Photosensitizers
Authors: Püllmann Pascal , Homann Dominik , Karl Tobias A. , König Burkhard , Weissenborn Martin J.
Published: August 2023

Fungal unspecific peroxygenases (UPOs) have gained substantial attention for their versatile oxyfunctionalization chemistry paired with impressive catalytic capabilities. A major drawback, however, remains their sensitivity towards their co‐substrate hydrogen peroxide, necessitating the use of smart in situ hydrogen peroxide generation methods to enable efficient catalysis setups. Herein, we introduce flavin‐containing protein photosensitizers as a new general tool for light‐controlled in situ hydrogen peroxide production. By genetically fusing flavin binding fluorescent proteins and UPOs, we have created two virtually self‐sufficient photo‐enzymes (PhotUPO). Subsequent testing of a versatile substrate panel with the two divergent PhotUPOs revealed two stereoselective conversions. The catalytic performance of the fusion protein was optimized through enzyme and substrate loading variation, enabling up to 24300 turnover numbers (TONs) for the sulfoxidation of methyl phenyl sulfide. The PhotUPO concept was upscaled to a 100 mg substrate preparative scale, enabling the extraction of enantiomerically pure alcohol products.
Self‐Assembled Monolayers of Bi‐Functionalized Porphyrins: A Novel Class of Hole‐Layer‐Coordinating Perovskites and Indium Tin Oxide in Inverted Solar Cells
Authors: Hung Chieh‐Ming , Mai Chi‐Lun , Wu Chi‐Chi , Chen Bo‐Han , Lu Chih‐Hsuan , Chu Che‐Chun , Wang Meng‐Chuan , Yang Shang‐Da , Chen Hsieh‐Chih , Yeh Chen‐Yu , Chou Pi‐Tai
Published: August 2023

Self‐assembled monolayers (SAMs) offer the advantage of facile interfacial modification, leading to significant improvements in device performance. In this study, we report the design and synthesis of a new series of carboxylic acid‐functionalized porphyrin derivatives, namely AC‐1, AC‐3, and AC‐5, and present, for the first time, a strategy to exploit the large π‐moiety of porphyrins as a backbone for interfacing the indium tin oxide (ITO) electrode and perovskite active layer in an inverted perovskite solar cell (PSC) configuration. The electron‐rich nature of porphyrins facilitates hole transfer and the formation of SAMs, resulting in a dense surface that minimizes defects. Comprehensive spectroscopic and dynamic studies demonstrate that the double‐anchored AC‐3 and AC‐5 enhance SAMs on ITO, passivate the perovskite layer, and function as conduits to facilitate hole transfer, thus significantly boosting the performance of PSCs. The champion inverted PSC employing AC‐5 SAM achieves an impressive solar efficiency of 23.19 % with a high fill factor of 84.05 %. This work presents a novel molecular engineering strategy for functionalizing SAMs to tune the energy levels, molecular dipoles, packing orientations to achieve stable and efficient solar performance. Importantly, our comprehensive investigation has unraveled the associated mechanisms, offering valuable insights for future advancements in PSCs.
Constructing Solid Electrolyte Interphase for Aqueous Zinc Batteries
Authors: Li Yating , Yu Zuhao , Huang Jianhang , Wang Yonggang , Xia Yongyao
Published: August 2023

Problems of zinc anode including dendrite and hydrogen evolution seriously degrade the performance of zinc batteries. Solid electrolyte interphase (SEI), which plays a key role in achieving high reversibility of lithium anode in aprotic organic solvent, is also beneficial to performance improvement of zinc anode in aqueous electrolyte. However, various studies about interphase for zinc electrode is quite fragmented, and lack of deep understanding on root causes or general design rules for SEI construction. And water molecules with high reactivity brings serious challenge to the effective SEI construction. Here, we reviewed the brief development history of zinc batteries firstly, then summarized the approaches to construct SEI in aqueous electrolyte. Furthermore, the formation mechanisms behind approaches are systematically analyzed, together with discussion on the SEI components and evaluation on electrochemical performance of zinc anode with various types of SEI. Meanwhile, the challenge between lab and industrialization are also discussed.
Introducing Spiro‐locks into the Nitrogen/Carbonyl System towards Efficient Narrowband Deep‐blue Multi‐resonance TADF Emitters
Authors: Yu You‐Jun , Feng Zi‐Qi , Meng Xin‐Yue , Chen Long , Liu Fu‐Ming , Yang Sheng‐Yi , Zhou Dong‐Ying , Liao Liang‐Sheng , Jiang Zuo‐Quan
Published: August 2023

The current availability of multi‐resonance thermally activated delayed fluorescence (MR‐TADF) materials with excellent color purity and high device efficiency in the deep‐blue region is appealing. To address this issue in the emerged nitrogen/carbonyl MR‐TADF system, we propose a spiro‐lock strategy. By incorporating spiro functionalization into a concise molecular skeleton, a series of emitters (SFQ, SOQ, SSQ, and SSeQ) can enhance molecular rigidity, blue‐shift the emission peak, narrow the emission band, increase the photoluminescence quantum yield by over 92 %, and suppress intermolecular interactions in the film state. The referent CZQ without spiro structure has a more planar skeleton, and its bluer emission in the solution state redshifts over 40 nm with serious spectrum broadening and a low PLQY in the film state. As a result, SSQ achieves an external quantum efficiency of 25.5 % with a peak at 456 nm and a small full width at half maximum of 31 nm in a simple unsensitized device, significantly outperforming CZQ. This work discloses the importance of spiro‐junction in modulating deep‐blue MR‐TADF emitters.
Linkages Make a Difference in the Photoluminescence of Covalent Organic Frameworks
Authors: Wang Yue , Cheng Yuan‐Zhe , Wu Ke‐Ming , Yang Dong‐Hui , Liu Xin‐Feng , Ding Xuesong , Han Bao‐Hang
Published: August 2023

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) with structural designability and tunability of photophysical properties enable them to be a promising class of organic luminescent materials by incorporating well‐designed fluorescent units directly into the periodic skeletons. The photophysical properties of COFs are mainly affected by the structural features, which determine the conjugation degree, charge delocalization ability, and exciton dynamics of COFs. To understand the relationship between COF structures and their photophysical properties, two COFs with the same pyrene chromophore units but different linkages (imine or vinylene) were designed and synthesized. Interestingly, different linkages endow COFs with huge differences in solid‐state photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) for imine‐ and vinylene‐linked pyrene‐based COFs, which possess PLQY values of 0.34 % and 15.43 %, respectively. The femtosecond‐transient absorption spectra and time‐dependent density functional theory reveal the different charge‐transfer pathways in imine‐ and vinylene‐linked COFs, which influence the exciton relaxation way and fluorescence intensity. In addition, an effective white‐light device was obtained by coating the vinylene‐linked COF on a light‐emitting diode strip.
Präzise Graphen‐Nanostreifen Heteroübergänge durch Kettenwachstumspolymerisation
Authors: Zhang Jin‐Jiang , Liu Kun , Xiao Yao , Yu Xiuling , Huang Li , Gao Hong‐Jun , Ma Ji , Feng Xinliang
Published: August 2023

Graphene‐Nanostreifen (GNS, engl. GNR) werden als vielversprechende Kandidaten für Nanoelektroniken der nächsten Generation gehandelt. Besonders Heteroübergänge in diesen Materialien erhalten durch ihre exotischen topologischen elektronischen Phasen am Heteroübergang in letzter Zeit viel Aufmerksamkeit. Allerdings sind Synthesestrategien für die atompräzise Synthese noch am Beginn ihrer Entwicklung. Hier berichten wir von einer neuartigen Strategie zur Kettenwachstumspolymerisation für die Konstruktion von Heteroübergängen zwischen N=9 Sessel‐GNR (engl. armchair, 9‐AGNR) und chevron GNRs (cGNR). Die Synthese beinhaltet eine kontrollierte Suzuki–Miyaura Katalysatortransferpolymerisation (engl. SCTP) zwischen 2‐(6′‐bromo‐4,4′′‐ditetradecyl‐[1,1′:2′,1′′‐terphenyl]‐3′‐yl)boronsäureester (M1) und 2‐(7‐bromo‐9,12‐diphenyl‐10,11‐bis(4‐tetradecylphenyl)‐triphenylen‐2‐yl)boronsäureester (M2) um das Blockcopolymer poly‐M1/M2 mit einem kontrollierten Mn (18 kDa) und einem schmalen Polydispersitätsindex Đ (1.45) zu erhalten. Darauf folgt eine Schollreaktion des Blockcopolymers zur Heterostruktur 9‐AGNR/cGNR. NMR und SEC von poly‐M1/M2 bestätigen die erfolgreiche Blockcopolymerisation. Die lösungsvermittelte Zyklodehydrierung von poly‐M1/M2 zu 9‐AGNR/cGNR wurde eindeutig über FT‐IR, Raman und UV/Vis Spektroskopie nachgewiesen. Weiter konnten wir die Ausbildung von 9‐AGNR/cGNR durch Oberflächenchemie des unsubstituierten Blockcopolymers mit Hilfe von Rastertunnelmikroskopie (RTM) direkt visualisieren.
Isoreticular Preparation of Tetraphenylethylene‐based Multicomponent Metallacages towards Light‐Driven Hydrogen Production
Authors: Mu Chaoqun , Zhang Lei , Li Guoping , Hou Yali , Liu Haifei , Zhang Zeyuan , Zhang Ruoqian , Gao Tingting , Qian Yuchen , Guo Chenxing , He Gang , Zhang Mingming
Published: August 2023

Multicomponent metallacages can integrate the functions of their different building blocks to achieve synergetic effects for advanced applications. Herein, based on metal‐coordination‐driven self‐assembly, we report the preparation of a series of isoreticular tetraphenylethylene‐based metallacages, which are well characterized by multinuclear NMR, ESI‐TOF‐MS and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction techniques. The suitable integration of photosensitizing tetraphenylethylene units as faces and Re catalytic complexes as the pillars into a single metallacage offers a high photocatalytic hydrogen production rate of 1707 μmol g−1 h−1, which is one of the highest values among reported metallacages. Femtosecond transient absorption and DFT calculations reveal that the metallacage can serve as a platform for the precise and organized arrangement of the two building blocks, enabling efficient and directional electron transfer for highly efficient photocatalytic performance. This study provides a general strategy to integrate multifunctional ligands into a certain metallacage to improve the efficiency of photocatalytic hydrogen production, which will guide the future design of metallacages towards photocatalysis.
Efficient Recycling of Gold and Copper from Electronic Waste by Selective Precipitation
Authors: Nag Abhijit , Singh Mukesh K. , Morrison Carole A. , Love Jason B.
Published: August 2023

The recycling of metals from electronic waste (e‐waste) using efficient, selective, and sustainable processes is integral to circular economy and net‐zero aspirations. Herein, we report a new method for the selective precipitation of metals such as gold and copper that offsets the use of organic solvents that are traditionally employed in solvent extraction processes. We show that gold can be selectively precipitated from a mixture of metals in hydrochloric acid solution using triphenylphosphine oxide (TPPO), as the complex [(TPPO)4(H5O2)][AuCl4]. By tuning the acid concentration, controlled precipitation of gold, zinc and iron can be achieved. We also show that copper can be selectively precipitated using 2,3‐pyrazinedicarboxylic acid (2,3‐PDCA), as the complex [Cu(2,3‐PDCA‐H)2]n ⋅ 2n(H2O). The combination of these two precipitation methods resulted in the recovery of 99.5 % of the Au and 98.5 % of the Cu present in the connector pins of an end‐of‐life computer processing unit. The selectivity of these precipitation processes, combined with their straightforward operation and the ability to recycle and reuse the precipitants, suggests potential industrial uses in the purification of gold and copper from e‐waste.
Molecular Engineering of Corrole Radicals by Polycyclic Aromatic Fusion: Towards Open‐Shell Near‐Infrared Materials for Efficient Photothermal Therapy
Authors: Gao Hu , Zhi Xu , Wu Fan , Zhao Yue , Cai Fangjian , Li Pengfei , Shen Zhen
Published: August 2023

Open‐shell radicals are promising near‐infrared (NIR) photothermal agents (PTAs) owing to their easily accessible narrow band gaps, but their stabilization and functionalization remain challenging. Herein, highly stable π‐extended nickel corrole radicals with [4n+1] π systems are synthesized and used to prepare NIR‐absorbing PTAs for efficient phototheranostics. The light‐harvesting ability of corrole radicals gradually improves as the number of fused benzene rings on β‐pyrrolic locations increases radially, with naphthalene‐ and anthracene‐fused radicals and their one‐electron oxidized [4n] π cations exhibiting panchromatic visible‐to‐NIR absorption. The extremely low doublet excited states of corrole radicals promote heat generation via nonradiative decay. By encapsulating naphthocorrole radicals with amphiphilic polymer, water‐soluble nanoparticles Na‐NPs are produced, which exhibit outstanding photostability and high photothermal conversion efficiency of 71.8 %. In vivo anti‐tumor therapy results indicate that Na‐NPs enable photoacoustic imaging of tumors and act as biocompatible PTAs for tumor ablation when triggered by 808 nm laser light. The “aromatic‐ring fusion” strategy for energy‐gap tuning of corrole radicals opens a new platform for developing robust NIR‐absorbing photothermal materials.
α‐Difluoroalkylation of Benzyl Amines with Trifluoromethylarenes
Authors: Yue Wen‐Jun , Martin Ruben
Published: August 2023

An α‐difluoroalkylation of benzyl amines with trifluoromethylarenes is disclosed herein. This protocol is characterized by its operational simplicity, excellent chemoselectivity and broad scope—even with advanced synthetic intermediates—, thus offering a new entry point to medicinally‐relevant α‐difluoroalkylated amines from simple, yet readily accessible, precursors.
Precision Graphene Nanoribbon Heterojunctions by Chain‐Growth Polymerization
Authors: Zhang Jin‐Jiang , Liu Kun , Xiao Yao , Yu Xiuling , Huang Li , Gao Hong‐Jun , Ma Ji , Feng Xinliang
Published: August 2023

Graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) are considered promising candidates for next‐generation nanoelectronics. In particular, GNR heterojunctions have received considerable attention due to their exotic topological electronic phases at the heterointerface. However, strategies for their precision synthesis remain at a nascent stage. Here, we report a novel chain‐growth polymerization strategy that allows for constructing GNR heterojunction with N=9 armchair and chevron GNRs segments (9‐AGNR/cGNR). The synthesis involves a controlled Suzuki–Miyaura catalyst‐transfer polymerization (SCTP) between 2‐(6′‐bromo‐4,4′′‐ditetradecyl‐[1,1′:2′,1′′‐terphenyl]‐3′‐yl) boronic ester (M1) and 2‐(7‐bromo‐9,12‐diphenyl‐10,11‐bis(4‐tetradecylphenyl)‐triphenylene‐2‐yl) boronic ester (M2), followed by the Scholl reaction of the obtained block copolymer (poly‐M1/M2) with controlled Mn (18 kDa) and narrow Đ (1.45). NMR and SEC analysis of poly‐M1/M2 confirm the successful block copolymerization. The solution‐mediated cyclodehydrogenation of poly‐M1/M2 toward 9‐AGNR/cGNR is unambiguously validated by FT‐IR, Raman, and UV/Vis spectroscopies. Moreover, we also demonstrate the on‐surface formation of pristine 9‐AGNR/cGNR from the unsubstituted copolymer precursor, which is unambiguously characterized by scanning tunneling microscopy (STM).
Isolable Tetragold(0) Clusters with Polarity‐Tunable exo‐Au−Au Bond via Intramolecular σ‐Aromatization
Authors: Chen Jiaxin , Huang Lu , Wu Lifang , Zhang Yichi , Zhang Rong , Li Yinhuan , Zhao Yunqing , Wang Liliang , Feng Dewei , Kira Mitsuo , Lin Zhenyang , Li Zhifang
Published: August 2023

Intramolecular π‐aromatization is a trait of many organic compounds that enhances the stability of their structures and polarizes related C−C π bonds. In contrast, rare study is focused on this phenomenon in metal clusters. Many existing homometallic clusters exhibit aromaticity, often characterized by nonpolar metal‐metal bonds and a high degree of symmetry. However, synthesizing low‐symmetric homometallic clusters with high‐polar metal‐metal bonds is challenging due to their limited thermodynamic stability. Herein, we report a facile strategy for the synthesis of [Au(μ2‐ER2)]3−AuPMe3 (E=Ge, Sn; R2=1,1,4,4‐tetrakis(trimethylsilyl)butane‐1,4‐diyl) clusters and reveal a novel stabilization mode, intramolecular σ‐aromatization. Our electronic structure analyses show that these low‐symmetric clusters possess a ten‐electron σ‐aromatic system, which is achieved via intramolecular σ‐aromatization. Moreover, the strength of σ‐aromaticity gives rise to a polarity‐tunable exo‐Au−Au bond.
Bimetallic AuCo supported on magnetic crosslinked copoly(ionic liquid) nanohydrogel and study of its catalytic activity
Authors: Gholinejad Mohammad , Mozafari Saeideh , Nikfarjam Nasser , Nayeri Sara , Sansano José M.
Published: August 2023

Synergistic effects in bimetallic catalysts produce a catalyst with superior activity than a monometallic component. In this work, a novel magnetic crosslinked copoly(ionic liquid) nanohydrogel was synthesized and employed for the stabilization of AuCo bimetallic nanoparticles (Fe3O4@PolyIL‐AuCo). This material was characterized using different instrumental techniques such as FT‐IR, TGA, XPS, VSM, solid‐state UV–Vis, SEM mapping, and TEM. Results indicated a narrow size distribution of nanoparticles and high water dispersibility of Fe3O4@PolyIL‐AuCo. Using this catalyst, a series of nitroarenes were reduced to the corresponding amines in aqueous media. In addition, organic dyes were efficiently degraded by this catalyst. Different experiments dealing with the same transformation confirmed that Fe3O4@PolyIL‐AuCo exhibited higher catalytic activity than the similar monometallic Au and Co catalysts. This catalyst was recycled for at least 11 consecutive runs with very small deactivation, and TEM, VSM, and XPS confirmed the stability of the reused catalyst.
Wet torrefaction of shea nut chaff to improve its fuel properties
Authors: Ibrahim Mustapha Danladi , Teoh Rui Hong , Abakr Yousif Abdalla , Lee Lai Yee , Gan Suyin , Thangalazhy‐Gopakumar Suchithra
Published: August 2023

Biomass is a renewable alternative energy source with almost zero‐carbon footprint. This work focused on the physicochemical analysis and wet torrefaction of shea nut chaff (SNC) biomass. The SNC is a semi‐solid waste generated during the production process of shea nut butter and is least studied for its bioenergy potential. Wet torrefaction or hydrothermal carbonization studies of sun‐dried SNC were conducted at different temperatures (180–260°C), residence times (15–30 min) and water‐to‐biomass (W/B) ratios (5–15:1). Characterization studies of the torrefied biomass for different temperatures were conducted using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) analyses. The best‐fit analysis of variance (ANOVA) model for wet torrefaction mass yield was 2FI, with p‐values of <0.05, and a regression coefficient (R2) of 0.9443. The yield of torrefied SNC attained at 260°C, 45 bar, W/B ratio of 5, and 10‐min residence time was 55.5 wt.%, and the corresponding energy yield was 89.5%. Both temperature and W/B ratio had significant effect on torrefaction yield. There was a significant improvement in the volatile matter, fixed carbon, moisture, and heating value reduction in the torrefied SNC compared to the raw SNC making it a potential bioenergy source. However, high ash content is a major concern even after torrefaction.
Optical transparency of electrospun nanofibrous membranes: A study on influencing parameters
Authors: Zheng Jiawen , Li Yifu , Liu Jingxian , Tan Zhongchao
Published: August 2023

This paper studies the effects of five parameters, including fiber diameter, crystallinity, thickness, packing density, and surface roughness, on the transparency of electrospun polymethyl methacrylate/polydimethylsiloxane (PMMA/PDMS) nanofibrous membranes after heat treatment. The PMMA/PDMS membranes produced at an electrospinning voltage of 20 kV reaches 54.85% transparency with the diameter 0.759 μm, crystallinity 14.81%, thickness 9.2 μm, roughness 0.659 μm, and packing density α 0.0081% after the heat treatment from 80 to 200°C. In general, the PMMA/PDMS membranes present higher transparency with the decrease of diameter, crystallinity, thickness, roughness, and packing density. The influencing parameters on transparency are first quantified by multiple nonlinear regressions with a R2 of the model equals 0.869. A composite scaled sensitivity (CSSj) analysis shows that the most influential factor is the nanofibrous membrane thickness with a CSSj value of 1, followed by fiber diameter with a CSSj value of 0.515. The CSSj values for packing density, membrane roughness and crystallinity are 0.385, 0.361, and 0.173, respectively. Finally, the nanofibrous membrane transparency is a function of nanofiber material density, fiber diameter, and nanofibrous membrane thickness based on the Chandrasekhar radiative transfer equation and the Rayleigh's Scattering Theory.
Non‐covalent interactions between ionic liquid and graphene nanoplatelets as a tool to fine tune the properties of styrene butadiene rubber nanocomposites
Authors: Joseph Subin , Francis Bejoy
Published: August 2023

Achieving a robust interfacial interaction between the filler and polymer matrix is crucial for the production of polymer nanocomposites with superior performance. 1‐butyl‐3‐methyl imidazolium bromide (BMIB) was used to fine‐tune the surface properties of graphene nanoplatelets (GnP) in the preparation of ionic liquid (IL)‐functionalized styrene‐butadiene rubber (SBR) nanocomposites. The combined results of Fourier transformation infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, x‐ray diffraction (XRD), x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) confirmed multiple non‐covalent interactions between BMIB molecules and GnP in modified graphene (IMG). FTIR and XRD studies confirmed the role of IL as an efficient surface modifier for the uniform dispersion of GnP in the SBR matrix via secondary interactions. And the TEM micrographs revealed an even dispersion of IMG in the SBR matrix. TGA and DTG studies showed significant improvements in the thermal stability of SBR nanocomposites with IMG loading. The Cole‐Cole plot showed imperfect semicircles for all the filled systems, indicating heterogeneity. The novel SBR nanocomposites showed an improvement of 271% in tensile strength with 10‐phr IMG loading
Recent Advances in Direct Optical Patterning of Inorganic Materials and Devices
Authors: Baek Seongheon , Son Jae Sung
Published: August 2023

Direct patterning technology holds significant promise owing to its ability to streamline complex patterning processes, fostering affordable design and production of various devices. Direct optical lithographic techniques have recently been applied to diverse ranges of functional inorganic nanomaterials, providing a viable alternative to conventional photolithography. These techniques facilitate the fabrication of diverse thin‐film devices and enable 3D printability for inorganic microarchitectures. This review discusses the recent progress in the direct patterning of inorganic materials and associated device fabrication. The chemical design of inorganic building blocks is delved into, which entails the photochemistry of surface ligands or additives that respond to external stimuli and the different patterning methodologies predicated on these external stimuli. Moreover, device fabrication is introduced through direct patterning methods, highlighting examples from optoelectronic, electronic, and energy devices. Last, the prospects of this field are presented, focusing on materials and processes.
Functional morphology of the Triassic apex predator Saurosuchus galilei (Pseudosuchia: Loricata) and convergence with a post‐Triassic theropod dinosaur
Authors: Fawcett Molly J. , Lautenschlager Stephan , Bestwick Jordan , Butler Richard J.
Published: August 2023

Pseudosuchian archosaurs, reptiles more closely related to crocodylians than to birds, exhibited high morphological diversity during the Triassic and are thus associated with hypotheses of high ecological diversity during this time. One example involves basal loricatans which are non‐crocodylomorph pseudosuchians traditionally known as “rauisuchians.” Their large size (5–8+ m long) and morphological similarities to post‐Triassic theropod dinosaurs, including dorsoventrally deep skulls and serrated dentitions, suggest basal loricatans were apex predators. However, this hypothesis does not consider functional behaviors that can influence more refined roles of predators in their environment, for example, degree of carcass utilization. Here, we apply finite element analysis to a juvenile but three‐dimensionally well‐preserved cranium of the basal loricatan Saurosuchus galilei to investigate its functional morphology and to compare with stress distributions from the theropod Allosaurus fragilis to assess degrees of functional convergence between Triassic and post‐Triassic carnivores. We find similar stress distributions and magnitudes between the two study taxa under the same functional simulations, indicating that Saurosuchus had a somewhat strong skull and thus exhibited some degree of functional convergence with theropods. However, Saurosuchus also had a weak bite for an animal of its size (1015–1885 N) that is broadly equivalent to the bite force of modern gharials (Gavialis gangeticus). We infer that Saurosuchus potentially avoided tooth–bone interactions and consumed the softer parts of carcasses, unlike theropods and other basal loricatans. This deduced feeding mode for Saurosuchus increases the known functional diversity of basal loricatans and highlights functional differences between Triassic and post‐Triassic apex predators.
H‐representation to stochastic observability conservation by output feedback and Gramian bounds
Authors: Zhang Liangquan , Zhang Weihai
Published: August 2023

In this paper, we are concerned with uniform complete observability of linear stochastic time‐varying systems conserved by output feedback and Gramian bounds via so called
‐representation method. We obtain the lower and upper bounds for the Gramian of output feedback stochastic system from the original system and vice versa. A numerical example is constructed to verify the effectiveness of our main result. The uniform complete observability is useful for the analysis and synthesis of the Kalman filter.
The mean‐field linear quadratic optimal control problem for stochastic systems controlled by impulses
Authors: Dragan Vasile , Aberkane Samir
Published: August 2023

In the present note, we state and solve the linear quadratic (LQ) control problem for a class of McKean–Vlasov stochastic differential equations for which the control actions are of impulsive nature. After reformulating the original optimization problem using an orthogonal decomposition of the state variables, we introduce an adequately defined system of two coupled matrix Lyapunov‐type differential equations with jumps. Such equations are central for the definition of the optimal feedback gains corresponding to the closed‐loop representation of the optimal LQ control.
Big data in autism research: Methodological challenges and solutions
Authors: Lee Brian K. , Schendel Diana E. , Shea Lindsay L.
Published: August 2023

While the concept of big data has emerged over the past decade as a hot topic in nearly all areas of scientific inquiry, it has rarely been discussed in the context of autism research. In this commentary we describe aspects of big data that are relevant to autism research and methodological issues such as confounding and data error that can hamper scientific investigation. Although big data studies can have transformative impact, bigger is not always better, and big data require the same methodological considerations and interdisciplinary collaboration as “small data” to extract useful scientific insight.
Crack Suppression by Downsizing Sulfide‐Electrolyte Particles for High‐Current‐Density Operation of Metal/Alloy Anodes
Authors: Kim Han‐Seul , Watanabe Kenta , Matsui Naoki , Suzuki Kota , Kanno Ryoji , Hirayama Masaaki
Published: August 2023

Stable physical contact between lithium metal/alloy anodes and the solid electrolyte layer is crucial for the durable operation of all‐solid‐state batteries. Herein, we have attempted to control the mechanical properties of a Li10.35Ge1.35P1.65S12 (LGPS) solid electrolyte layer by the grain size and examined the mechanical strength against stresses originating from volumetric changes of an In‐Li anode layer. The submicron‐sized LGPS electrolyte (d50: 0.51 μm) with a uniform particle size distribution was successfully fabricated by a wet‐milling process. The crystallinity of LGPS negligibly changes on pulverization. In‐Li symmetric cells with the wet‐milled LGPS exhibit higher cycle stability than those constructed with micro‐sized LGPS (d50: 1.32 μm), not well‐controlled by particle size, owing to greater suppression of overvoltage generation and growth. Microstructural analyses have revealed that the small and uniform LGPS particles are less prone to physical degradation (cracking) owing to volume changes of In‐Li. Downsizing of solid electrolytes is a good strategy for developing physically stable electrode/solid electrolyte interfaces even at high current density operation.
Enzyme selection, optimization, and production toward biodegradation of post‐consumer poly(ethylene terephthalate) at scale
Authors: Soong Ya‐Hue Valerie , Abid Umer , Chang Allen C. , Ayafor Christian , Patel Akanksha , Qin Jiansong , Xu Jin , Lawton Carl , Wong Hsi‐Wu , Sobkowicz Margaret J. , Xie Dongming
Published: August 2023

Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) is one of the world's most widely used polyester plastics. Due to its chemical stability, PET is extremely difficult to hydrolyze in a natural environment. Recent discoveries in new polyester hydrolases and breakthroughs in enzyme engineering strategies have inspired enormous research on biorecycling of PET. This study summarizes our research efforts toward large‐scale, efficient, and economical biodegradation of post‐consumer waste PET, including PET hydrolase selection and optimization, high‐yield enzyme production, and high‐capacity enzymatic degradation of post‐consumer waste PET. First, genes encoding PETase and MHETase from Ideonella sakaiensis and the ICCG variant of leaf‐branch compost cutinase (LCCICCG) were codon‐optimized and expressed in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3) for high‐yield production. To further lower the enzyme production cost, a pelB leader sequence was fused to LCCICCG so that the enzyme can be secreted into the medium to facilitate recovery. To help bind the enzyme on the hydrophobic surface of PET, a substrate‐binding module in a polyhydroxyalkanoate depolymerase from Alcaligenes faecalis (PBM) was fused to the C‐terminus of LCCICCG. The resulting four different LCCICCG variants (LCC, PelB‐LCC, LCC‐PBM, and PelB‐LCC‐PBM), together with PETase and MHETase, were compared for PET degradation efficiency. A fed‐batch fermentation process was developed to produce the target enzymes up to 1.2 g L−1. Finally, the best enzyme, PelB‐LCC, was selected and used for the efficient degradation of 200 g L−1 recycled PET in a well‐controlled, stirred‐tank reactor. The results will help develop an economical and scalable biorecycling process toward a circular PET economy.
Enhancing the accumulation of lipid and docosahexaenoic acid in Schizochytrium sp. by co‐overexpression of phosphopantetheinyl transferase and ω‐3 fatty acid desaturase
Authors: Li Jin , Zheng Yi , Yang Wen‐Qian , Wei Zhi‐Yun , Xu Ying‐Shuang , Zhang Zi‐Xu , Ma Wang , Sun Xiao‐Man
Published: August 2023

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) as one of ω‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), plays a key role in brain development, and is widely used in food additives and the pharmaceutical industry. Schizochytrium sp. is often considered as a satisfactory strain for DHA industrialization. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of phosphopantetheinyl transferase (PPTase) and ω‐3 fatty acid desaturase (FAD) for regulating DHA content in Schizochytrium sp. PPTase is essential to activate the polyketide‐like synthase (PKS) pathway, which can transfer apo‐acyl‐carrier protein (apo‐ACP) into holo‐ACP, and plays a key role in DHA synthesis. Moreover, DHA and docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) are synthesized by the PKS pathway simultaneously, so high DPA synthesis limits the increase of DHA content. In addition, the detailed mechanisms of PKS pathway have not been fully elucidated, so it is difficult to improve DHA content by modifying PKS. However, ω‐3 FAD can convert DPA into DHA, and it is the most direct and effective way to increase DHA content and reduce DPA content. Based on this, PPTase was overexpressed to enhance the synthesis of DHA by the PKS pathway, overexpressed ω‐3 FAD to convert the co‐product of the PKS pathway into DHA, and co‐overexpressed PPTase and ω‐3 FAD. With these strategies, compared with wild type, the final lipid, and DHA titer were 92.5 and 51.5 g L−1, which increased by 46.4% and 78.1%, respectively. This study established an efficient DHA production strain, and provided some feasible strategies for industrial DHA production in Schizochytrium sp.
Development of a novel purification method for AAV vectors using tangential flow filtration
Authors: Miyaoka Rimi , Tsunekawa Yuji , Kurosawa Yae , Sasaki Takako , Onodera Azusa , Sakamoto Kenji , Kakiuchi Yuko , Wada Mikako , Nitahara‐Kasahara Yuko , Hayashita‐Kinoh Hiromi , Okada Takashi
Published: August 2023

Adeno‐associated virus (AAV) vector can efficiently transduce therapeutic genes in various tissue types with less side effects; however, owing to complex multistep processes during manufacture, there have been surges in the pricing of recently approved AAV vector‐based gene therapy products. This study aimed to develop a simple and efficient method for high‐quality purification of AAV vector via tangential flow filtration (TFF), which is commonly used for concentration and diafiltration of solutions during AAV vector purification. We established a novel purification method using TFF and surfactants. Treatment with two classes of surfactants (anionic and zwitterionic) successfully inhibited the aggregation of residual proteins separated from the AAV vector in the crude product by TFF, obtaining a clearance of 99.5% residual proteins. Infectivity of the AAV vector purified using the new method was confirmed both in vitro and in vivo, and no remarkable inflammation or tissue damage was observed in mouse skeletal muscle after local administration. Overall, our proposed method could be used to establish a platform for the purification of AAV vector.
Characterization of a quail suspension cell line for production of a fusogenic oncolytic virus
Authors: Göbel Sven , Jaén Karim E. , Fernandes Rita P. , Reiter Manfred , Altomonte Jennifer , Reichl Udo , Genzel Yvonne
Published: August 2023

The development of efficient processes for the production of oncolytic viruses (OV) plays a crucial role regarding the clinical success of virotherapy. Although many different OV platforms are currently under investigation, manufacturing of such viruses still mainly relies on static adherent cell cultures, which bear many challenges, particularly for fusogenic OVs. Availability of GMP‐compliant continuous cell lines is limited, further complicating the development of commercially viable products. BHK21, AGE1. CR and HEK293 cells were previously identified as possible cell substrates for the recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus (rVSV)‐based fusogenic OV, rVSV‐NDV. Now, another promising cell substrate was identified, the CCX.E10 cell line, developed by Nuvonis Technologies. This suspension cell line is considered non‐GMO as no foreign genes or viral sequences were used for its development. The CCX.E10 cells were thus thoroughly investigated as a potential candidate for OV production. Cell growth in the chemically defined medium in suspension resulted in concentrations up to 8.9 × 106 cells/mL with a doubling time of 26.6 h in batch mode. Cultivation and production of rVSV‐NDV, was demonstrated successfully for various cultivation systems (ambr15, shake flask, stirred tank reactor, and orbitally shaken bioreactor) at vessel scales ranging from 15 mL to 10 L. High infectious virus titers of up to 4.2 × 108 TCID50/mL were reached in orbitally shaken bioreactors and stirred tank reactors in batch mode, respectively. Our results suggest that CCX.E10 cells are a very promising option for industrial production of OVs, particularly for fusogenic VSV‐based constructs.