bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Athens, Roman
Authors: karvonis Pavlos
Published: June 2021

The first century
bce
was a tumultuous period for Athens, marked by the sack of the city by Sulla (86 BCE). From the time of Augustus until the late third century
ce
, the city benefited from political stability and the favor of Roman emperors, especially Hadrian. Athens retained its fame as a cultural and artistic center and was visited by many Roman emperors. It was embellished with important new monuments, while the old ones were constantly repaired. This period of prosperity came to an end with the Herulian invasion of 267
ce
, when Athens suffered severe damage.
Report: 1115 waivers provide funds but don't ensure effective SUD care
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: June 2021

The primary manner by which states have been using Medicaid to expand access to substance use disorder (SUD) treatment may actually be making it more difficult for individuals to receive the services most appropriate to their needs, a newly released paper suggests. Moreover, this preferred strategy in many cases violates the law, authors with the National Health Law Program contend.
Nominee for SAMHSA head sails through nomination process
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: June 2021

Miriam Delphin‐Rittmon, Ph.D., nominated to be assistant secretary for mental health and substance use at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), testified before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee June 8, and by all reports, did very well.
Microfluidic Co‐Culture Platform to Recapitulate the Maternal–Placental–Embryonic Axis
Authors: Boos Julia A. , Misun Patrick M. , Brunoldi Giulia , Furer Lea A. , Aengenheister Leonie , Modena Mario , Rousset Nassim , Buerki‐Thurnherr Tina , Hierlemann Andreas
Published: June 2021

Safety assessment of the effects of developmental toxicants on pregnant women is challenging, and systemic effects in embryo–maternal interactions are largely unknown. However, most developmental toxicity studies rely on animal trials, while in vitro platforms that recapitulate the maternal–placental–embryonic axis are missing. Here, the development of a dedicated microfluidic device for co‐cultivation of a placental barrier and 3D embryoid bodies to enable systemic toxicity testing at the embryo–maternal interface is reported. The microfluidic platform features simple handling and recuperation of both tissue models, which facilitates post‐hoc in‐depth analysis at the tissue and single‐cell level. Gravity‐driven flow enables inter‐tissue communication through the liquid phase as well as simple and robust operation and renders the platform parallelizable. As a proof of concept and to demonstrate platform use for systemic embryotoxicity testing in vitro, maternal exposure to plastic microparticles is emulated, and microparticle effects on the embryo–placental co‐culture are investigated.
Understanding Nanoscale Plasticity by Quantitative In Situ Conductive Nanoindentation
Authors: George Jeena , Mannepalli Sowjanya , Mangalampalli Kiran S. R. N.
Published: June 2021

Electronic materials such as semiconductors, piezo‐ and ferroelectrics, and metal oxides are primary constituents in sensing, actuation, nanoelectronics, memory, and energy systems. Although significant progress is evident in understanding the mechanical and electrical properties independently using conventional techniques, simultaneous and quantitative electromechanical characterization at the nanoscale using in situ techniques is scarce. It is essential because coupling/linking electrical signal to the nanoscale plasticity provides vital information regarding the real‐time electromechanical behavior of materials, which is crucial for developing miniaturized smarter technologies. With the advent of conductive nanoindentation, researchers have been able to get valuable insights into the nanoscale plasticity (otherwise not possible by conventional means) in a wide variety of bulk and small‐volume materials, quantify the electromechanical properties, understand the dielectric breakdown phenomenon and the nature of electrical contacts in thin films, etc., by continuously monitoring the real‐time electrical signal changes during any point on the indentation load–hold–unload cycle. This comprehensive Review covers probing the electromechanical behavior of materials using in situ conductive nanoindentation, data analysis methods, the validity of the models and limitations, and electronic conduction mechanisms at the nanocontacts, quantification of resistive components, applications, progress, and existing issues, and provides a futuristic outlook.
Core/Shell Dual‐Responsive Nanocarriers via Iron‐Mineralized Electrostatic Self‐Assembly for Precise Pesticide Delivery
Authors: Zhang Da‐xia , Du Jiang , Wang Rui , Luo Jian , Jing Tong‐fang , Li Bei‐xing , Mu Wei , Liu Feng , Hou Youming
Published: June 2021

It is desirable for a simple and universal method to synthesize stimuli‐responsive nanocarriers to targeted delivery of pesticides. In this study, a novel pH‐value and laccase dual‐responsive nanopesticide system loaded with lambda‐cyhalothrin (LC) is established by iron mineralization after electrostatic self‐assembly between sodium lignosulphonate (SL) and dodecyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride (DDBAC). These nanoparticles are core–shell structures in which iron mineralization plays a key role in stabilizing the nanoparticles. This synthesis strategy is suitable for encapsulating hydrophobic and low‐volatility compounds. The encapsulation of the nanocarriers prolongs the half‐life of the LC under UV irradiation by 4.4‐fold. After irradiation, the mortality of Agrotis ipsilon treated by the LC@SL/DDBAC/Fe is approximately 39% higher than that treated by emulsifiable concentrate (EC) at the concentration of 1 mg L−1. The dual‐responsive property of lignin‐based nanoplatform to alkalinity and laccase enable cargo release on demand. Although the toxicity of EC and LC@SL/DDBAC/Fe to A. ipsilon is similar, that of LC@SL/DDBAC/Fe to Brachydanio rerio is decreased by 11.57‐fold, and the toxicity selective pressure is enhanced by 11‐fold compared with EC. The SL/DDBAC/Fe nanocarriers represent a simple preparation procedure, excellent environmental safety, and dual‐responsive release profiles and can offer a promising nanoplatform for precise pesticide delivery.
Samarium‐Doped Nickel Oxide for Superior Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells: Insight into Doping Effect for Electronic Applications
Authors: Bao Huaxi , Du Minyong , Wang Hui , Wang Kai , Zuo Xiaokun , Liu Fangyv , Liu Lu , Eder Dominik , Cherevan Alexey , Wang Shimin , Wan Li , Zhao Shuai , Liu Shengzhong (Frank)
Published: June 2021

Hole transport layers (HTLs) play a key role in perovskite solar cells (PSCs), particularly in the inverted PSCs (IPSCs) that demand more in its stability. In this study, samarium‐doped nickel oxide (Sm:NiOx) nanoparticles are synthesized via a chemical precipitation method and deposited as a hole transport layer in the IPSCs. Sm3+ doping can reduce the formation energy of Ni vacancy and naturally increase the density of Ni vacancies, thereby rendering increased hole density. Thenceforth, the electronic conductivity is enhanced significantly, and work function enlarged in the Sm:NiOx film in favor of extracting holes and suppressing charge recombination. Consequently, the Sm:NiOx‐based IPSCs attain outstanding power conversion efficiencies as high as 20.71%. Even when it is applied in flexible solar cells, it still outputs efficiency as high as 17.95%. More importantly, the Sm:NiOx is compatible with large‐scale processing whereby the large area IPSCs of 1.0 cm2 and 40 × 40 mm2 deliver high efficiencies of 18.51% and 15.27%, respectively, all are among the highest for the inorganic HTLs based IPSCs. This research demonstrates that, while revealing the doping effect in depth, Sm:NiOx can be a promising hole transport material for fabricating efficient, large‐area, and flexible IPSCs in the future.
Silicon‐Based Lithium Ion Battery Systems: State‐of‐the‐Art from Half and Full Cell Viewpoint
Authors: Guo Junpo , Dong Dongqi , Wang Jun , Liu Dan , Yu Xueqing , Zheng Yun , Wen Zhaorui , Lei Wen , Deng Yonghong , Wang Jie , Hong Guo , Shao Huaiyu
Published: June 2021

Lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) have been occupying the dominant position in energy storage devices. Over the past 30 years, silicon (Si)‐based materials are the most promising alternatives for graphite as LIB anodes due to their high theoretical capacities and low operating voltages. Nevertheless, their extensive volume changes in battery operation causes the structural collapse of Si‐based electrodes, as well as severe side reactions. In this review, the preparation methods and structure optimizations of Si‐based materials are highlighted, as well as their applications in half and full cells. Meanwhile, the developments of promising electrolytes, binders and separators that match Si‐based electrodes in half and full cells have made great progress. Pre‐lithiation technology has been introduced to compensate for irreversible Li+ consumption during battery operation, thereby improving the energy densities and lifetime of Si‐based full cells. More importantly, almost all related mechanisms of Si‐based electrodes in half and full cells are summarized in detail. It is expected to provide a comprehensive insight on how to develop high‐performance Si‐based full cells. The work can help us understand what happens during the lithiation process, the primary causes of Si‐based half and full cells failure, and strategies to overcome these challenges.
Dual‐Zone Photothermal Evaporator for Antisalt Accumulation and Highly Efficient Solar Steam Generation
Authors: Wu Xuan , Wang Yida , Wu Pan , Zhao Jingyuan , Lu Yi , Yang Xiaofei , Xu Haolan
Published: June 2021

Interfacial solar steam generation offers a promising and cost‐effective way for saline water desalination. However, salt accumulation and deposition on photothermal materials during saline and brine evaporation is detrimental to the stability and sustainability of solar evaporation. Although several antisalt strategies are developed, it is difficult to simultaneously achieve high evaporation rates (>2.0 kg m−2 h−1) and energy efficiencies. In this study, a self‐rotating photothermal evaporator with dual evaporation zones (i.e., high‐temperature and low‐temperature evaporation zones) is developed. This photothermal evaporator is sensitive to weight imbalance (<15 mg) thus is able to quickly respond to salt accumulation by rotation to refresh the evaporation surface, while the dual evaporation zones optimize the energy nexus during solar evaporation, simultaneously realizing excellent salt‐resistant performance and high evaporation rate (2.6 kg m−2 h−1), which can significantly contribute to the real‐world application of solar steam generation technology.
Ultrasonic Cavitation‐Assisted and Acid‐Activated Transcytosis of Liposomes for Universal Active Tumor Penetration
Authors: Wang Guowei , Zhang Chao , Jiang Yifan , Song Yue , Chen Jifan , Sun Yu , Li Qunying , Zhou Zhuxian , Shen Youqing , Huang Pintong
Published: June 2021

Active tumor penetration has been recently recognized as a promising strategy to resolve the limitation of nanomedicine in terms of tumor penetration, but it is challenging to develop active transporting nanocarriers. Here, an ultrasonic cavitation‐assisted and acid‐activatable active transporting liposome for a broad range of tumors is reported. The active transporting liposome (size and charge dual‐conversional gemcitabine prodrug‐integrated liposomal nanodroplet (SCGLN)) overcomes the tight blood vessel walls with the aid of ultrasonic cavitation. The SCGLN subsequently transforms from micro‐size to nano‐size under prolonged ultrasound radiation. Once in the acidic tumor microenvironment, the nanosized SCGLN undergoes negative‐to‐positive charge‐reversal and triggers the cationization‐initiated transcytosis to penetrate deep into tumor parenchyma. The gemcitabine‐loaded SCGLN exhibits potent antitumor activity in multiple poorly permeable tumor models, which completely erases subcutaneous U251 glioma and stops the progression of orthotopic BxPC3 pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. This study presents a promising and universal strategy to develop active penetrating nanomedicines for efficient drug delivery in the low permeable tumor.
Quasi‐Ordered Nanoforests with Hybrid Plasmon Resonances for Broadband Absorption and Photodetection
Authors: Li Mao , Shi Meng , Wang Bin , Zhang Chenchen , Yang Shuai , Yang Yudong , Zhou Na , Guo Xin , Chen Dapeng , Li Shaojuan , Mao Haiyang , Xiong Jijun
Published: June 2021

With the continuing development of green energy technology, solar energy is the most widely distributed and easily utilized form of energy in nature. High‐absorption absorbers over a wide spectrum range are beneficial for solar energy harvest. Herein, a fast and efficient method is developed to fabricate a broadband absorber consisting of quasi‐ordered nanoforests and metal nanoparticles using a simple plasma bombardment process on a 4‐inch silicon wafer, offering high throughputs that can meet practical application demands. The absorber exhibits high absorption exceeding 90% from 300 to 2500 nm, good absorption stability with negligible disturbance from the polarization and the incident angle of light. This effective absorption behavior can be ascribed to multilevel hybridization of the plasmon resonances in the hybrid structures and cavity mode resonances inside the nanoforests. Furthermore, the absorber is integrated onto a thermopile for photodetection with largely enhanced photoresponse from 532 to 2200 nm. The photoinduced voltage of the devices shows a large increment of 433% at 100 mW cm−2 light power density, in comparison with a contrast pristine thermopile. It is expected that such a broadband absorber holds great potential for multiple applications, including solar steam generation, photodetection, and solar cells.
Bioinspired Supramolecular Slippery Organogels for Controlling Pathogen Spread by Respiratory Droplets
Authors: Wang Zhaoyue , Yi Bo , Wu Mandi , Lv Dong , He Ming‐Liang , Liu Meijin , Yao Xi
Published: June 2021

Surface‐deposited pathogens are sources for the spread of infectious diseases. Protecting public facilities with a replaceable or recyclable antifouling coating is a promising approach to control pathogen transmission. However, most antifouling coatings are less effective in preventing pathogen‐contained respiratory droplets because these tiny droplets are difficult to repel, and the deposited pathogens can remain viable from hours to days. Inspired by mucus, an antimicrobial supramolecular organogel for the control of microdroplet‐mediated pathogen spread is developed. The developed organogel coating harvests a couple of unique features including localized molecular control‐release, readily damage healing, and persistent fouling‐release properties, which are preferential for antifouling coating. Microdroplets deposited on the organogel surfaces will be spontaneously wrapped with a thin liquid layer, and will therefore be disinfected rapidly due to a mechanism of spatially enhanced release of bactericidal molecules. Furthermore, the persistent fouling‐release and damage‐healing properties will significantly extend the life‐span of the coating, making it promising for diverse applications.
Neutrophil Decoys with Anti‐Inflammatory and Anti‐Oxidative Properties Reduce Secondary Spinal Cord Injury and Improve Neurological Functional Recovery
Authors: Bi Yihui , Duan Wenxiu , Chen Jing , You Tao , Li Shuya , Jiang Wei , Li Min , Wang Gang , Pan Xueyin , Wu Jiang , Liu Dan , Li Jun , Wang Yucai
Published: June 2021

Following spinal cord injury (SCI), immune cell infiltration creates an inflammatory and oxidative microenvironment (known as the secondary injury), which causes neuron death and spinal cord damage, and dramatically hinders neurological functional recovery. Strategies that inhibit the infiltration and/or function of neutrophils offer promises for SCI treatment because they can reduce the secondary injury; however, such strategies remain largely unexplored. Herein, a strategy using neutrophil membrane‐coated nanoparticles (NPs) as decoys (neutrophil decoy, ND) is presented to reduce local neutrophil infiltration and relieve oxidative stress in the injured spinal cord after SCI. Coated with membranes of activated neutrophils, the NDs inherit multiple receptors from the “parent” neutrophils, which can adsorb and neutralize the elevated neutrophil‐related cytokines. In addition, polydopamine NPs with multi‐antioxidative properties (selected as the core for ND) scavenge excessive reactive oxygen and nitrogen species. In a contusion model of SCI, ND treatment significantly reduces neutrophil infiltration and reprograms the inflammatory and oxidative microenvironment in injured spinal cords. Importantly, ND treatment significantly improves neural regeneration and functional recovery in rats. Such a nano‐decoy platform opens up new approaches for efficiently treating SCI.
Strong Reduced Graphene Oxide Coated Bombyx mori Silk
Authors: Cao Can , Lin Zongkai , Liu Xiaochen , Jia Yanyan , Saiz Eduardo , Wolf Stephan E. , Wagner Hanoch Daniel , Jiang Lei , Cheng Qunfeng
Published: June 2021

Bombyx mori silks possess great potential in textile industries due to the large‐scale green production. However, the demand for silks with functional as well as mechanical properties are continuously rising due to the emergence of other functional textiles. It remains a great challenge to functionalize natural silk and simultaneously improve its mechanical properties. Inspired by the relationship between natural core–sheath structure and mechanical properties of cocoon silk, the application of a thin reduced graphene oxide (rGO) layer coated B. mori silk (GS) is shown via hydrogen interfacial interaction. The resultant rGO‐coated silk exhibits a remarkable tensile strength of 1137.7 MPa and toughness of 304.5 MJ m−3, which are 1.9 and 2.6 times higher than that of pure B. mori silk, respectively. Moreover, the GS shows a high electrical conductivity of 0.37 S m−1 with great thermal and deformation sensitivity. The bioinspired approach provides a universal and facile strategy for functionalizing natural fibers by applying rGO nanosheets surface coating.
Solution‐Processable and Thermostable Super‐Strong Poly(aryl ether ketone) Supramolecular Thermosets Cross‐Linked with Dynamic Boroxines
Authors: Lu Xingyuan , Bao Chunyang , Xie Peng , Guo Zhiwei , Sun Junqi
Published: June 2021

High‐performance engineering polymers (HPEPs) are mechanically robust but difficult to be processed and recycled. Aiming to solve such a problem, herein, supramolecular thermosets with high mechanical strength comparable to HPEPs are fabricated by dynamically cross‐linking low‐molecular‐weight poly(aryl ether ketone)s (PAEKs) with boroxines (denoted as PAEK‐B3O3). The PAEK‐B3O3 supramolecular thermosets are solution‐processable, thermally stable, and recyclable. By tailoring the molecular weight (Mn) of PAEK, the PAEK‐B3O3 thermosets can exhibit a tensile strength from ≈60.5 to ≈97.8 MPa and Young's modulus from ≈1.59 to ≈4.10 GPa. The mechanically strongest PAEK‐B3O3 thermosets, which are derived from PAEK with an Mn of ≈9400, have a tensile strength of ≈97.8 MPa, Young's modulus of ≈1.93 GPa, and glass transition temperature (Tg) of ≈154.0 °C. Such PAEK‐B3O3 thermosets retain a substantial amount of boroxine cross‐linkers when the temperature is close to Tg, which guarantees their high mechanical strength at high temperatures. The PAEK‐B3O3 thermosets can be solution‐processed to products of different shapes and further strengthened by the introduction of polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes modified with phenylboronic acids. Due to the high reversibility of boroxines, the PAEK‐B3O3 thermosets can be conveniently re‐processed and recycled in the presence of dioxane/ethanol mixture solvent to regain their original mechanical strength.
Oxygen Defects Engineering of VO2·xH2O Nanosheets via In Situ Polypyrrole Polymerization for Efficient Aqueous Zinc Ion Storage
Authors: Zhang Zhengchunyu , Xi Baojuan , Wang Xiao , Ma Xiaojian , Chen Weihua , Feng Jinkui , Xiong Shenglin
Published: June 2021

What has been a crucial demand is that designing mighty cathode materials for aqueous zinc−ion batteries (AZIBs), which are vigorous alternative devices for large−scale energy storage by means of their high safety and low cost. Herein, a facile strategy is designed that combines oxygen defect engineering with polymer coating in a synergistic action. As an example, the oxygen−deficient hydrate vanadium dioxide with polypyrrole coating (Od−HVO@PPy) is synthesized via a one‐step hydrothermal method in which introducing oxygen vacancy in HVO is simultaneously realized during the in situ polymerization. Such a desirable material adjusts the surface adsorption and internal diffusion of Zn2+ demonstrated by electrochemical characterization and theoretical calculation results. Moreover, it also utilizes conductive polymer coating to improve electrical conductivity and suppress cathode dissolution. Therefore, the Od−HVO@PPy electrode delivers a preferable reversible capacity (337 mAh g−1 at 0.2 A g−1) with an impressive energy density of 228 Wh kg−1 and stable long cycle life. This enlightened design opens up a new modus operandi toward superior cathode materials for advanced AZIBs.
Soft Human–Machine Interface with Triboelectric Patterns and Archimedes Spiral Electrodes for Enhanced Motion Detection
Authors: Guo Hang , Wang Haobin , Xiang Zehua , Wu Hanxiang , Wan Ji , Xu Chen , Chen Haotian , Han Mengdi , Zhang Haixia
Published: June 2021

The rapid development of electronic skins has allowed novel multifunctional human–machine interaction interfaces, especially in motion interaction sensors. Although motion sensing is widely used in advanced flexible electronic devices through the integration of single sensing units, the number of electrodes has increased with the increase in integration by the square multiple. This paper presents a self‐powered electronic skin based on the Archimedes spiral structure design, which can detect the multi‐directional movement of the slider without external energy supply. As the rotation angle of the Archimedes spiral increases from 2π to 4π, the maximum resolvable movement direction of the device increases from 24 to 280, and the number of electrodes is kept at 4. Through the exploration of the principle of triboelectricity, the inherent electronegativity of the triboelectric materials is used as the basis for signal discrimination, which not only increases the reliability of the device, but also solves the problem of energy supply during device operation. A reduced number of electrodes and its battery‐free nature enables this electronic skin to be easily integrated into portable electronic devices, such as laptops, smart phones, healthcare devices, etc.
A Universal Power Management Strategy Based on Novel Sound‐Driven Triboelectric Nanogenerator and Its Fully Self‐Powered Wireless System Applications
Authors: Wang Zhixin , Wu Yonghui , Jiang Weibo , Liu Qingyu , Wang Xiaobing , Zhang Jiawei , Zhou Zhiyong , Zheng Haiwu , Wang Zifa , Wang Zhong Lin
Published: June 2021

With the development of the Internet of Things (IoT), the power supply to trillions of IoT nodes has become a serious challenge. It is of significant importance to propose a rational power management scheme for constructing fully self‐powered systems using triboelectric nanogenerators (TENG). In this study, as inspired by an embroidery hoop, a new type of TENG without the Helmholtz resonant cavity is developed for collecting sound energy, which can generate the Voc and Isc up to 500 V and 124 µA, respectively at a resonance frequency of 170 Hz and sound pressure of 110 dB. Furthermore, the sound‐driven TENG integrated with a specially designed power management circuit derived from the universal power management strategy (PMS) can successfully drive a commercial narrow band‐IoT wireless node, which realizes periodic temperature and humidity data acquisition and transmission. With the same strategy, an electric switch and a temperature and humidity acquisition system based on Bluetooth technology can also be powered by a contact‐separated TENG and a wind‐driven TENG, demonstrating excellent versatility, adaptability, and universality of the PMS. This study provides a novel solution for the application of TENG in the field of low‐frequency IoT in local and wide areas.
Rugged Soft Robots using Tough, Stretchable, and Self‐Healable Adhesive Elastomers
Authors: Tan Matthew Wei Ming , Thangavel Gurunathan , Lee Pooi See
Published: June 2021

Soft robots are susceptible to premature failure from physical damages incurred within dynamic environments. To address this, we report an elastomer with high toughness, room temperature self‐healing, and strong adhesiveness, allowing both prevention of damages and recovery for soft robotics. By functionalizing polyurethane with hierarchical hydrogen bonds from ureido‐4[1H]‐pyrimidinone (UPy) and carboxyl groups, high toughness (74.85 MJ m−3), tensile strength (9.44 MPa), and strain (2340%) can be achieved. Furthermore, solvent‐assisted self‐healing at room temperature enables retention of high toughness (41.74 MJ m−3), tensile strength (5.57 MPa), and strain (1865%) within only 12 h. The elastomer possesses a high dielectric constant (≈9) that favors its utilization as a self‐healing dielectric elastomer actuator (DEA) for soft robotics. Displaying high area strains of ≈31.4% and ≈19.3% after mechanical and electrical self‐healing, respectively, the best performing self‐healable DEA is achieved. With abundant hydrogen bonds, high adhesive strength without additional curing or heating is also realized. Having both actuation and adhesive properties, a “stick‐on” strategy for the assembly of robust soft robots is realized, allowing soft robotic components to be easily reassembled or replaced upon severe damage. This study highlights the potential of soft robots with extreme ruggedness for different operating conditions.
Sub‐50 nm Supramolecular Nanohybrids with Active Targeting Corona for Image‐Guided Solid Tumor Treatment and Metastasis Inhibition
Authors: Li Yunkun , Zhong Dan , Zhou Chuan , Tu Zhaoxu , Mao Hongli , Yang Jun , Zhang Hu , Luo Kui , Gong Qiyong , Gu Zhongwei
Published: June 2021

Tumor metastasis is responsible for almost 90% of failure in cancer therapy and it is also the major cause of cancer‐associated mortality due to poor vascularization. Herein, a sub‐50 nm hybrid theranostic robust nanoplatform is developed via a template supramolecular strategy to achieve active targeting and deep penetration of primary tumors as well as metastatic tumors with poor vascular structures. Quantum dots (QDs) as a template are coordinated with lipoic acid (LA)‐functionalized dendrimers for covalent loading of doxorubicin (DOX) and Arg‐Gly‐Asp (RGD) tripeptide‐functionalized polyethylene glycol (PEG) for prolonging blood circulation and selectively targeting cancer cells. When the nanohybrid is internalized into tumor cells, DOX releases from the nanohybrid in acidic lysosomes and is translocated into nuclei for arresting cell cycles at the G2/M phase, leading to a remarkably therapeutic effect for both primary tumors and distant metastases in a 4T1 xenograft tumor model. The inherent fluorescence of QDs in the nanohybrid allows real‐time monitoring of the therapeutic responses from primary and metastasis tumors. Hence, a facile strategy is demonstrated to construct a hybrid nanoplatform with multifunctionality for inhibition of both primary and metastatic cancer.
Intermediate Phase‐Change States with Improved Cycling Durability of Sb2S3 by Femtosecond Multi‐Pulse Laser Irradiation
Authors: Gao Kun , Du Kang , Tian Senmao , Wang Heng , Zhang Lu , Guo Yaxuan , Luo Bingcheng , Zhang Wending , Mei Ting
Published: June 2021

Sb2S3 has great potential to become a good phase‐change material for visible and near‐infrared wavebands due to its low loss and high refractive index contrast, so great interest lies in the technology development. This work investigates the intermediate phase‐change states and their cycling durabilities by employing a continuous‐wave laser for crystallization and a femtosecond laser for amorphization. By considering stratified partial amorphization due to non‐uniform intensity distribution along propagation in a film, a double‐layer model is proposed to describe intermediate states, which fits experimental data better than the mixture models in effective medium approximation. The phase‐change degree is then defined as the ratio of the amorphization depth to the total film thickness, which can be controlled by combination of the pulse energy and the number of pulses in multi‐pulse femtosecond laser irradiation for amorphization. The cycling durability is improved by reducing pulse energy and increasing the number of pulses. The experimentally achieved maximum cycling durabilities are 30, 1000, and 7000 cycles for 90%, 60%, and 20% phase‐change degrees. The implementation of intermediate states with improved cycling durability may promote the development of Sb2S3‐based reconfigurable photonic devices.
A Heterostructure‐In‐Built Multichambered Host Architecture Enabled by Topochemical Self‐Nitridation for Rechargeable Lithiated Silicon‐Polysulfide Full Battery
Authors: Wei Yunhong , Zhang Mi , Yuan Li , Wang Boya , Wang Hongmei , Wang Qian , Zhang Yun , Guo Junling , Wu Hao
Published: June 2021

Metal nitride‐based heterostructures have been effective polysulfide mediators in lithium‐sulfur batteries. Still, these heterostructures developed so far primarily rely on high‐temperature ammonification with corrosive NH3 or synthetic nitrogen‐contained reagents as nitrogen sources, casting potential environmental hazards, and additional technical challenges. Herein, a multichambered carbon nanofiber host architecture with an in‐built TiN/TiO2 heterostructure configuration derived from natural structured proteins is designed. The TiN/TiO2 heterostructure is spontaneously generated in the carbon nanofibers upon the pyrolysis of inborn N‐enriched bio‐precursor accompanied by thermal‐induced topochemical self‐nitridation without any additional nitrogen sources. Ex‐/in situ experiments with theoretical calculations identify the strong trapping and enhanced charge transfer on the polar heterointerfaces, synchronously realizing the immobilization–diffusion–transformation of polysulfides. The multichambered host framework with rich internal voids and enhanced conductivity promise the accommodation of liquid Li2S6 catholyte, meanwhile ensuring that the cells can work with lean electrolyte. Consequently, the resulted Li‐polysulfide cell exhibits an ultralow capacity decay of 0.023% per cycle over 500 cycles and considerable areal capacity (≈6 mAh cm–2) at high S loading (5.8 mg cm–2). Importantly, an ingenious configurated full battery based on lithiated silicon anode and polysulfide cathode is competent to achieve appreciable cyclability with high energy density even under a low negative/positive capacity ratio (≈1.18).
All‐Nanofiber Self‐Powered Skin‐Interfaced Real‐Time Respiratory Monitoring System for Obstructive Sleep Apnea‐Hypopnea Syndrome Diagnosing
Authors: Peng Xiao , Dong Kai , Ning Chuan , Cheng Renwei , Yi Jia , Zhang Yihan , Sheng Feifan , Wu Zhiyi , Wang Zhong Lin
Published: June 2021

Human respiration is an indispensable physiological behavior of the body, which is an important indicator to evaluate health status, especially for sleep‐related diseases. A real‐time respiratory monitoring and sleep breathing detecting system with convenience, high sensitivity, simple fabrication, and wearing comfort still remains a challenge and urgently desirable. Here, a breathable, highly sensitive, and self‐powered electronic skin (e‐skin) based on a triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) is reported for real‐time respiratory monitoring and obstructive sleep apnea‐hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) diagnosis. By using multilayer polyacrylonitrile and “polyamide 66” nanofibers as the contact pairs, and deposited gold as the electrodes, a contact‐separation type of TENG‐based all‐nanofiber e‐skin is developed. The e‐skin has a peak power density of 330 mW m−2, high pressure sensitivity of 0.217 kPa−1, excellent working stability, and good air permeability. Therefore, the e‐skin is simultaneously capable of energy autonomy and accurate real‐time subtle respiration monitoring. Meanwhile, a self‐powered diagnostic system for real‐time detection and severity evaluation of obstructive sleep apnea‐hypopnea syndrome are further developed to prevent the occurrence of OSAHS, delay its development, and improve sleep quality. This study hopes to pave a new and practical pathway for real‐time respiration monitoring and sleep breathing diseases clinical detection.
Chimerism of Carbon by Ruthenium Induces Gradient Catalysis
Authors: Sun Zhuang , Yang Chushu , Jiang Fangling , Zhang Tao
Published: June 2021

Improving the round‐trip efficiency and cycle life of lithium‐oxygen batteries (LOBs) through the cathode design is essential for their employment in electric vehicles. Here, a neoteric chimeric air‐cathode is proposed, in which ultra‐dispersed ruthenium (Ru) nanoparticles are partially confined by microtube walls of free‐standing carbon textiles, but petty parts of Ru with catalytic surfaces are exposed. The special chimeric structure benefits not only for preventing nanocatalysts agglomeration but also tailoring the formation/decomposition mechanisms of lithium peroxide (Li2O2) during oxygen reduction/evolution reactions. Critically, theoretical simulations disclose that the enlarged chimeric catalyst‐support interphase between the Ru and carbon matrix enhances the electron density of Ru particles and then induces a gradient Gibbs free energy of LiO2 adsorption energy at active sites, and thus fundamentally modulates the morphology evolution mechanism of finial Li2O2. In the LOBs, the chimeric electrode affords a remarkably high energy efficiency of 84.1% and long‐term cyclability (260 cycles at 300 mA g−1).
Heparin Microislands in Microporous Annealed Particle Scaffolds for Accelerated Diabetic Wound Healing
Authors: Pruett Lauren J. , Jenkins Christian H. , Singh Neharika S. , Catallo Katarina J. , Griffin Donald R.
Published: June 2021

Mimicking growth factor–extracellular matrix interactions for promoting cell migration is a powerful technique to improve tissue integration with biomaterial scaffolds for the regeneration of damaged tissues. This is attempted by scaffold‐mediated controlled delivery of exogenous growth factors; however, the predetermined nature of this delivery can limit the scaffold's ability to meet each wound's unique spatiotemporal regenerative needs and presents translational hurdles. To address this limitation, a new approach to growth factor organization is presented that incorporates heparin microislands (μIslands), which are spatially isolated heparin‐containing microparticles that can reorganize and protect endogenous local growth factors via heterogeneous sequestration at the microscale in vitro and result in functional improvements in wound healing. More specifically, the heparin μIslands are incorporated within microporous annealed particle scaffolds, which allows facile tuning of microenvironment heterogeneity through ratiometric mixing of microparticle sub‐populations. In this manuscript, the ability of heparin μIslands to heterogeneously sequester applied growth factor and control downstream cell migration in vitro is demonstrated. Further, their ability to significantly improve wound healing outcomes (epidermal regeneration and re‐vascularization) in a diabetic wound model relative to two clinically relevant controls is presented.
Ultrahigh‐Areal Capacitance Flexible Supercapacitors Based on Laser Assisted Construction of Hierarchical Aligned Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Huang Shan , Du Xianfeng , Li Xiang , Ma Mingbo , Xiong Lilong
Published: June 2021

Electrochemical energy storage is a key technology for a clean and sustainable energy supply. In this respect, supercapacitors (SC) have recently received considerable attention due to their excellent performance, including high‐power density and long‐cycle life. However, the poor binding strength between the active materials and substrate, the low active material loading, and small specific capacitance hinder the overall performance improvement of the device. In this study, an ultrahigh‐areal capacitance flexible SC based on the Al micro grid‐based hierarchical vertically aligned carbon nanotubes (VACNTs) is studied. Interestingly, the Al micro grid‐based VACNTs exhibit ultrahigh loading (13 mg cm−2), and the as‐fabricated VACNTs electrode display outstanding electrochemical performance, including an impressive areal capacitance of 1,300 mF cm−2 at the current density of 13 mA cm−2 and excellent stability with a retention ratio of 90% after 20,000 cycles at the current density of 130 mA cm−2. Furthermore, the hierarchical VACNT electrodes show excellent mechanical flexibility when assembled into quasi‐solid‐state SC using Na2SO4‐PVA gel as the electrolyte. The capacitance of this device is hardly changed bending different angles, even 180°. This study demonstrates the tremendous potential of Al micro grid‐based hierarchical VACNTs as electrodes for high‐performance flexible and wearable energy storage devices.
Highly Customizable Bone Fracture Fixation through the Marriage of Composites and Screws
Authors: Hutchinson Daniel J. , Granskog Viktor , von Kieseritzky Johanna , Alfort Henrik , Stenlund Patrik , Zhang Yuning , Arner Marianne , Håkansson Joakim , Malkoch Michael
Published: June 2021

Open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) metal plates provide exceptional support for unstable bone fractures; however, they often result in debilitating soft‐tissue adhesions and their rigid shape cannot be easily customized by surgeons. In this work, a surgically feasible ORIF methodology, called AdhFix, is developed by combining screws with polymer/hydroxyapatite composites, which are applied and shaped in situ before being rapidly cured on demand via high‐energy visible‐light‐induced thiol–ene coupling chemistry. The method is developed on porcine metacarpals with transverse and multifragmented fractures, resulting in strong and stable fixations with a bending rigidity of 0.28 (0.03) N m2 and a maximum load before break of 220 (15) N. Evaluations on human cadaver hands with proximal phalanx fractures show that AdhFix withstands the forces from finger flexing exercises, while short‐ and long‐term in vivo rat femur fracture models show that AdhFix successfully supports bone healing without degradation, adverse effects, or soft‐tissue adhesions. This procedure represents a radical new approach to fracture fixation, which grants surgeons unparalleled customizability and does not result in soft‐tissue adhesions.
Engineering Single‐Atomic Iron‐Catalyst‐Integrated 3D‐Printed Bioscaffolds for Osteosarcoma Destruction with Antibacterial and Bone Defect Regeneration Bioactivity
Authors: Wang Liying , Yang Qianhao , Huo Minfeng , Lu Dan , Gao Youshui , Chen Yu , Xu Huixiong
Published: June 2021

Effective antitumor therapeutics with distinctive bactericidal and osteogenic properties are in high demand for comprehensive osteosarcoma treatment. Here, a “scaffold engineering” strategy that integrates highly active single‐atomic iron catalysts (FeSAC) into a 3D printed bioactive glass (BG) scaffold is reported. Based on the atomically dispersed iron species within the catalysts, the engineered FeSAC displays prominent Fenton catalytic activity to generate toxic hydroxyl radicals (•OH) in response to the microenvironment specific to osteosarcoma. In addition, the constructed FeSAC‐BG scaffold can serve as a sophisticated biomaterial platform for efficient osteosarcoma ablation, with concomitant bacterial sterilization via localized hyperthermia‐reinforced nanocatalytic therapeutics. The destruction of the osteosarcoma, as well as the bacterial foci, can be achieved, further preventing susceptible chronic osteomyelitis during osteogenesis. In particular, the engineered FeSAC‐BG scaffold is identified with advances in accelerated osteoconduction and osteoinduction, ultimately contributing to the sophisticated therapeutics and management of osteosarcoma. This work broadens the biomedical potential of single‐atom catalysts and offers a comprehensive clinically feasible strategy for overall osteosarcoma therapeutics, bacterial inhibition, and tissue regeneration.
A Gas‐Steamed MOF Route to P‐Doped Open Carbon Cages with Enhanced Zn‐Ion Energy Storage Capability and Ultrastability
Authors: Hou Chun‐Chao , Wang Yu , Zou Lianli , Wang Miao , Liu Hongwen , Liu Zheng , Wang Hao‐Fan , Li Caixia , Xu Qiang
Published: June 2021

Carbon micro/nanocages have received great attention, especially in electrochemical energy‐storage systems. Herein, as a proof‐of‐concept, a solid‐state gas‐steamed metal–organic‐framework approach is designed to fabricate carbon cages with controlled openings on walls, and N, P dopants. Taking advantage of the fabricated carbon cages with large openings on their walls for enhanced kinetics of mass transport and N, P dopants within the carbon matrix for favoring chemical adsorption of Zn ions, when used as carbon cathodes for advanced aqueous Zn‐ion hybrid supercapacitors (ZHSCs), such open carbon cages (OCCs) display a wide operation voltage of 2.0 V and an enhanced capacity of 225 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1. Also, they exhibit an ultralong cycling lifespan of up to 300 000 cycles with 96.5% capacity retention. Particularly, such OCCs as electrode materials lead to a soft‐pack ZHSC device, delivering a high energy density of 97 Wh kg−1 and a superb power density of 6.5 kW kg−1. Further, the device can operate in a wide temperature range from −25 to + 40 °C, covering the temperatures for practical applications in daily life.
Crowning Metal Ions by Supramolecularization as a General Remedy toward a Dendrite‐Free Alkali‐Metal Battery
Authors: Lu Ziyang , Guo Yong , Zhang Siwei , Wu Shichao , Meng Rongwei , Hong Shuang , Li Jiaxi , Xue Haoyu , Zhang Boyi , Fan Dinghui , Zhang Yifang , Zhang Chen , Lv Wei , Yang Quan‐Hong
Published: June 2021

Alkali metals have low potentials and high capacities, making them ideal anodes for next‐generation batteries, but they suffer major problems, including dendrite growth and low Coulombic efficiency (CE). Achieving uniform metal deposition and having a reliable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) are the basic requirements for overcoming these problems. Here, a general remedy is reported for various alkali‐metal anodes by the supramolecularization of alkali‐metal cations with crown ethers that follows a size‐matching rule. The positively charged supramolecular complex provides electrostatic shielding layers to regulate metal deposition and suppress dendrite formation. More promisingly, it reforms electric double layers and drives the production of organic‐dominated SEIs with improved flexibility that can accommodate large volume changes. The high flexibility of SEIs during metal deposition and dissolution reduces the amount of dead metal and improves CE and cycling stability. Specifically, a 200% excess Li‐based full cell has a capacity retention of ≈100% after 100 cycles. This crown‐like supramolecularization strategy is a new chemistry that may be used for the production of dendrite‐free metal‐anode‐based batteries not limited to the cases with alkali metal. It is also expected as a practical technology to improve the uniformity of coatings produced in the electrodeposition industry.
Multimodal Tuning of Synaptic Plasticity Using Persistent Luminescent Memitters
Authors: Bian Hongyu , Qin Xian , Wu Yiming , Yi Zhigao , Liu Sirui , Wang Yu , Brites Carlos D. S. , Carlos Luís D. , Liu Xiaogang
Published: June 2021

Mimicking memory processes, including encoding, storing, and retrieving information, is critical for neuromorphic computing and artificial intelligence. Synaptic behavior simulations through electronic, magnetic, or photonic devices based on metal oxides, 2D materials, molecular complex and phase change materials, represent important strategies for performing computational tasks with enhanced power efficiency. Here, a special class of memristive materials based on persistent luminescent memitters (termed as a portmanteau of “memory” and “emitter”) with optical characteristics closely resembling those of biological synapses is reported. The memory process and synaptic plasticity can be successfully emulated using such memitters under precisely controlled excitation frequency, wavelength, pulse number, and power density. The experimental and theoretical data suggest that electron‐coupled trap nucleation and propagation through clustering in persistent luminescent memitters can explain experience‐dependent plasticity. The use of persistent luminescent memitters for multichannel image memorization that allows direct visualization of subtle changes in luminescence intensity and realization of short‐term and long‐term memory is also demonstrated. These findings may promote the discovery of new functional materials as artificial synapses and enhance the understanding of memory mechanisms.
Amine‐Acrylate Liquid Single Crystal Elastomers Reinforced by Hydrogen Bonding
Authors: Zou Weike , Lin Xueyan , Terentjev Eugene M.
Published: June 2021

Liquid crystalline elastomers (LCEs) have been considered one of the most promising material concepts for artificial muscles. However, accomplishing actuation of LCEs requires macroscopic alignment of the liquid‐crystalline orientation in the rubbery network, which imposes challenges in the materials chemistry and processing. A two‐stage curing strategy has been the dominating approach during last three decades. Despite its many successes, the method is difficult in practice and requires delicate experiential skills, dealing with intrinsic fragility of intermediate gels after the first crosslinking stage. Here, a robust fabrication method for monodomain LCE based on the amine‐acrylate aza‐Michael addition is developed, involving two readily commercially available components with no catalyst. The method is based on the large kinetic difference of hydrogen addition in primary amines to acrylates, which offers a sufficient gap separating two stages of curing and enabling versatile mechanical alignment techniques for manufacturing monodomain LCE in both liquid and gel states. Importantly, the mechanically robust network, helping processability at a partial‐crosslinking stage, is facilitated by the chemically generated hydrogen bonding all through the process, as a by‐product of hydrogen addition. Such a facile two‐component kit‐like fabrication should aid researchers from various fields in the search for a practical and reliable process of making soft actuators.