bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stable, Self‐Adhesive, and High‐Performance Graphene‐Oxide‐Modified Flexible Ionogel Thermoelectric Films
Authors: Sun Shuai , Shi Xiao‐Lei , Lyu Wanyu , Hong Min , Chen Wenyi , Li Meng , Cao Tianyi , Hu Boxuan , Liu Qingfeng , Chen Zhi‐Gang
Published: April 2024

Ionic thermoelectric materials have attracted increasing attention because of their high flexibility and high Seebeck coefficient. However, their insufficient thermoelectric performance and long‐standing processing limit their practical applications. To achieve exotic ionic thermoelectric materials, here, a graphene oxide (GO) modified acrylamide ionogel is designed with high thermoelectric performance and flexibility. Detailed structural characterizations confirm that the uniform dispersion of GO particles in the ionogel structure enables a power factor of 753.0 µW m−1 K−2 and a promising ZT value of 0.19. Additionally, the as‐prepared ionic thermoelectric thin film shows excellent flexibility, stretchability, and self‐adhesiveness. An integrated device, assembled by the as‐prepared ionogel films, can generate an optimal output power density of 1.32 mW cm−2 with a temperature difference of 20 K, indicating great potential for wearable electronics. This work provides insight for searching long‐term, high‐performance ionic thermoelectric materials.
Regulating the Phase and Optical Properties of Mixed‐Halide Perovskites via Hot‐Electron Engineering
Authors: Lin Chun‐Ho , Liu Changxu , Yang Jialin , Kim Jiyun , Hu Long , Huang Chien‐Yu , Zhang Shuo , Chen Fandi , Mishra Rishabh , Shahrokhi Shamim , Huang Jing‐Kai , Guan Xinwei , Baldacchino Alexander J. , Wan Tao , Huang Shujuan , Nielsen Michael P. , Liu Kewei , Chu Dewei , Maier Stefan A. , Wu Tom
Published: April 2024

The rapid development of mixed‐halide perovskites has established a versatile optoelectronic platform owing to their extraordinary physical properties, but there remain challenges toward achieving highly reliable synthesis and performance, in addition, post‐synthesis approaches for tuning their photoluminescence properties after device fabrication remain limited. In this work, an effective approach is reported to leveraging hot electrons generated from plasmonic nanostructures to regulate the optical properties of perovskites. A plasmonic metasurface composed of Au nanoparticles can effectively tailor both photoluminescence and location‐specific phase segregation of mixed‐halide CsPbI2Br thin films. The ultrafast transient absorption spectroscopy measurements reveal hot electron injection on the timescale of hundreds of femtoseconds. Photocurrent measurements confirm the hot‐electron‐enhanced photon‐carrier conversion, and in addition, gate‐voltage tuning of phase segregation is observed because of correlated carrier injection and halide migration in the perovskite films. Finally, the characteristics of the gate‐modulated light emission are found to conform to a rectified linear unit function, serving as nonlinear electrical‐to‐optical converters in artificial neural networks. Overall, the hot electron engineering approach demonstrated in this work provides effective location‐specific control of the phase and optical properties of halide perovskites, underscoring the potential of plasmonic metasurfaces for advancing perovskite technologies.
3D Cryo‐Printed Hierarchical Porous Scaffolds Harmonized with Hybrid Nanozymes for Combinatorial Mitochondrial Therapy: Enhanced Diabetic Bone Regeneration via Micromilieu Remodeling
Authors: Deng Qing‐Song , Li Xu‐Ran , Liu Po‐Lin , He Shu‐Hang , Gao Yuan , Han Zi‐Yin , Shen Zhi‐Han , Wei Zhan‐Ying , Zhang Chang‐Ru , Wang Fei , Dawes Helen , Zhu Tong‐He , Guo Shang‐Chun , Tao Shi‐Cong
Published: April 2024

Regeneration of bone defects in diabetic patients has always been a significant challenge in clinical treatment. The pathologic diabetic micromilieu, characterized by mitochondrial dysfunction, excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, cellular senescence, and chronic inflammation, compromises innate bone healing capacity. 3D cryo‐printing technology is utilized in bone tissue engineering to fabricate hierarchical porous scaffolds that promote a conducive microenvironment for cellular adhesion, migration, proliferation, and nutrient exchange. Nanozymes are used as synthetic mimics of natural enzymes to scavenge ROS, addressing the limitations of natural antioxidative enzymes. To remodel the diabetic bone regeneration micromilieu, a 3D cryo‐printed polyaryletherketone with carboxyl groups (PAEK‐COOH) and 45S5 bioactive glass (BG) hierarchical porous scaffold (PBG scaffold), harmonized with hybrid nanozymes comprising SS31‐enhanced manganese dioxide (MnO2)‐ferritin biomimetic nanozyme (MF@S nanozyme), is developed for combinatorial mitochondrial therapy. The MF@S nanozyme specifically targets mitochondria to enhance mitochondrial function, scavenge ROS accumulated in mitochondria, and suppress mitochondrial ROS (mtROS) production, and thus rejuvenate aging cells, regulate macrophage polarization, and modulate differentiation of osteoblasts and osteoclasts. This 3D cryo‐printed PBG‐MF@S hierarchical porous scaffold combines with a combinatorial mitochondrial therapy system to remodel the diabetic micromilieu and presents a promising therapeutic approach for the regeneration of bone defects in diabetes.
Construction of Weakly Hybridized Excited State Using Donor‐π‐Acceptor Structure and Applications: From Highly Efficient Pure‐Blue Electro‐Fluorescence to Visible‐Light Polymerization
Authors: Wu Ruiya , Sun Ke , Shi Gaopeng , Han Yihao , Gong Tao , Xu Yangyang , Zhang Shi‐Tong , Yang Bing
Published: April 2024

Herein this work, a novel donor‐π‐acceptor (D‐π‐A) pure‐blue hybrid local and charge‐transfer (HLCT) fluorescent material TDFBO and its functionalization as organic light emitting diode (OLED) emitter and photoinitiator (PI) in photopolymerization is reported. The weak‐hybridization property involved by the fluorene π‐bridge can simultaneously give satisfied photo‐luminescent quantum yield (PLQY) and make efficient “hot‐exciton” channel achievable. Moreover, the D‐π‐A structure can also promote an exceeding electron mobility as high as 3.57×10−4 cm2 V−1 s−1. Finally, it is noted that the TDFBO‐doped OLED can be regarded as the best one among the pure‐blue emissive OLEDs, which exhibits a high maximum external quantum efficiency of 11.1%, while the rolling‐off only stands on a low level, as 6% at 100 cd m−2. Additionally, a relatively high final conversion of C = C double bond in a representative acrylate monomer is also attained by photoinitiation of TDFBO under 405 nm LED, where the photopolymerization has been applied to 3D printing.
Improved Operational Stability of Blue Phosphorescent OLEDs by Functionalizing Phenyl‐Carbene Groups of Tetradentate Pt(II) Complexes
Authors: Li Guijie , Ameri Lydia , Dorame Blake , Zhu Zhi‐Qiang , Li Jian
Published: April 2024

Stable and efficient deep‐blue organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) are in high demand for display and lighting applications but are rarely reported due to their poor operational lifetimes. Herein, the study designs and synthesizes two novel N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC)‐based tetradentate Pt(II) complexes PtON5‐dtb and PtON5N‐dtb, and thoroughly investigate their electrochemical and photophysical properties. Functionalization of the NHC moieties can increase the metal‐to‐ligand charge transfer (1/3MLCT) characters in their lowest triplet excited‐states, resulting in significantly shortened photoluminescent lifetimes and remarkably improved device performance. A deep blue OLED employing PtON5N‐dtb as an emitter exhibits a narrow spectral bandwidth with a full‐width at half maximum (FWHM) of 30 nm and a CIEy value of 0.17 and demonstrates a maximum external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 20.4% with a small efficiency roll‐off, which maintains a high EQE of 18.5% at 1000 cd m−2. Moreover, the deep blue OLED also realizes a long‐measured operational lifetime LT90 (time to 90% of the initial luminance) of 71 hours with an initial brightness of 1134 cd m−2, corresponding to an estimated device lifetime LT90 of 85 h at 1000 cd m−2. This represented an eightfold lifetime improvement for PtON5N‐dtb‐based deep blue OLED compared to PtON7‐dtb in the same device setting.
Mechanical and Functional Responses in Astrocytes under Alternating Deformation Modes Using Magneto‐Active Substrates
Authors: Gomez‐Cruz Clara , Fernandez‐de la Torre Miguel , Lachowski Dariusz , Prados‐de‐Haro Martin , del Río Hernández Armando E. , Perea Gertrudis , Muñoz‐Barrutia Arrate , Garcia‐Gonzalez Daniel
Published: April 2024

This work introduces NeoMag, a system designed to enhance cell mechanics assays in substrate deformation studies. NeoMag uses multidomain magneto‐active materials to mechanically actuate the substrate, transmitting reversible mechanical cues to cells. The system boasts full flexibility in alternating loading substrate deformation modes, seamlessly adapting to both upright and inverted microscopes. The multidomain substrates facilitate mechanobiology assays on 2D and 3D cultures. The integration of the system with nanoindenters allows for precise evaluation of cellular mechanical properties under varying substrate deformation modes. The system is used to study the impact of substrate deformation on astrocytes, simulating mechanical conditions akin to traumatic brain injury and ischemic stroke. The results reveal local heterogeneous changes in astrocyte stiffness, influenced by the orientation of subcellular regions relative to substrate strain. These stiffness variations, exceeding 50% in stiffening and softening, and local deformations significantly alter calcium dynamics. Furthermore, sustained deformations induce actin network reorganization and activate Piezo1 channels, leading to an initial increase followed by a long‐term inhibition of calcium events. Conversely, fast and dynamic deformations transiently activate Piezo1 channels and disrupt the actin network, causing long‐term cell softening. These findings unveil mechanical and functional alterations in astrocytes during substrate deformation, illustrating the multiple opportunities this technology offers.
Bi2Te3‐Based Thermoelectric Modules for Efficient and Reliable Low‐Grade Heat Recovery
Authors: Wu Gang , Zhang Qiang , Tan Xiaojian , Fu Yuntian , Guo Zhe , Zhang Zongwei , Sun Qianqian , Liu Yan , Shi Huilie , Li Jingsong , Noudem Jacques. G. , Wu Jiehua , Liu Guo‐Qiang , Sun Peng , Hu Haoyang , Jiang Jun
Published: April 2024

Bismuth‐telluride‐based alloy has long been considered as the most promising candidate for low‐grade waste heat power generation. However, optimizing the thermoelectric performance of n‐type Bi2Te3 is more challenging than that of p‐type counterparts due to its greater sensitivity to texture, and thus limits the advancement of thermoelectric modules. Herein, the thermoelectric performance of n‐type Bi2Te3 is enhanced by incorporating a small amount of CuGaTe2, resulting in a peak ZT of 1.25 and a distinguished average ZT of 1.02 (300–500 K). The decomposed Cu+ strengthens interlayer interaction, while Ga+ optimizes carrier concentration within an appropriate range. Simultaneously, the emerged numerous defects, such as small‐angle grain boundaries, twin boundaries, and dislocations, significantly suppresses the lattice thermal conductivity. Based on the size optimization by finite element modelling, the constructed thermoelectric module yields a high conversion efficiency of 6.9% and output power density of 0.31 W cm−2 under a temperature gradient of 200 K. Even more crucially, the efficiency and output power little loss after subjecting the module to 40 thermal cycles lasting for 6 days. This study demonstrates the efficient and reliable Bi2Te3‐based thermoelectric modules for broad applications in low‐grade heat harvest.
Tuneable Current Rectification Through a Designer Graphene Nanoribbon
Authors: Friedrich Niklas , Li Jingcheng , Pozo Iago , Peña Diego , Pascual José Ignacio
Published: April 2024

Unimolecular current rectifiers are fundamental building blocks in organic electronics. Rectifying behavior has been identified in numerous organic systems due to electron‐hole asymmetries of orbital levels interfaced by a metal electrode. As a consequence, the rectifying ratio (RR) determining the diode efficiency remains fixed for a chosen molecule‐metal interface. Here, a mechanically tunable molecular diode exhibiting an exceptionally large rectification ratio (>105) and reversible direction is presented. The molecular system comprises a seven‐armchair graphene nanoribbon (GNR) doped with a single unit of substitutional diboron within its structure, synthesized with atomic precision on a gold substrate by on‐surface synthesis. The diboron unit creates half‐populated in‐gap bound states and splits the GNR frontier bands into two segments, localizing the bound state in a double barrier configuration. By suspending these GNRs freely between the tip of a low‐temperature scanning tunneling microscope and the substrate, unipolar hole transport is demonstrated through the boron in‐gap state's resonance. Strong current rectification is observed, associated with the varying widths of the two barriers, which can be tuned by altering the distance between tip and substrate. This study introduces an innovative approach for the precise manipulation of molecular electronic functionalities, opening new avenues for advanced applications in organic electronics.
Pearl‐Inspired Intelligent Marine Hetero Nanocomposite Coating Based on “Brick&Mortar” Strategy: Anticorrosion Durability and Switchable Antifouling
Authors: Liu Jiahuan , Tong Zheming , Gao Feng , Wang Jun , Hu Jing , Song Lina , Hou Yang , Lu Jianguo , Zhan Xiaoli , Zhang Qinghua
Published: April 2024

Corrosion activities and biofouling pose significant challenges for marine facilities, resulting in substantial economic losses. Inspired by the “brick&mortar” structure of pearls, a novel nanocomposite coating (Pun‐HJTx) with long‐lasting anticorrosion and intelligent antifouling modes is fabricated by integrating a compatible MoS2/MXene heterostructure as the “brick” into a polyurea‐modified PDMS (Pun) acting as “mortar.” Notably, the presence of multiple hydrogen bonds within the coating effectively reduces the pinholes resulted from solution volatilizing. In the dark, where fouling adhesion and microbial corrosion activities are weakened, the MoS2/MXene plays a role in contact bactericidal action. Conversely, during daylight when fouling adhesion and microbial corrosion activities intensify, the coating releases reactive oxygen species (such as hydroxyl radicals and superoxide ions) to counteract fouling adhesion. Additionally, the coating exhibits multisource self‐healing performance under heated or exposed to light (maximum self‐healing rate can reach 99.46%) and proves efficient self‐cleaning performance and adhesion strength (>2.0 Mpa), making it highly suitable for various practical marine applications. Furthermore, the outstanding performance of the Pun‐HJT1 is maintained for ≈180 days in real‐world marine conditions, which proving its practicality and feasibility in real shallow sea environments.
Unveiling the Potential of Two‐Terminal Perovskite/Organic Tandem Solar Cells: Mechanisms, Status, and Challenges
Authors: Han Mengqi , Zhou Ruimin , Chen Ge , Li Qin , Li Pengwei , Sun Chenkai , Zhang Yiqiang , Song Yanlin
Published: April 2024

Perovskite/organic tandem solar cells (PO‐TSCs) demonstrate exceptional suitability for emerging applications such as building‐integrated photovoltaics, wearable devices, and greenhouse farming. By leveraging the distinctive attributes of perovskite and organic materials, which encompass expanded solar spectrum utilization, chemically benign solubility, and soft nature, PO‐TSCs position themselves as ideal candidates for high‐performance semi‐transparent photovoltaics (ST‐PVs). Despite these advantages, their development significantly lags behind other perovskite‐based counterparts, such as perovskite/perovskite, perovskite/silicon, and perovskite/Cu(In, Ga)Se2. To address existing challenges and unlock the full potential of PO‐TSCs, an exploration of the fundamental mechanisms governing tandem photovoltaic devices is embarked. Delving into critical aspects such as charge generation/separation, energy level alignment, and material choices becomes pivotal for optimizing PO‐TSC performance. The investigation of monolithic two‐terminal PO‐TSCs offers insights into achievements and barriers, recognizing the competitive landscape with other TSC counterparts. Further scrutiny of perovskite absorbers and organic absorbers in TSCs reveals strategies aimed at enhancing stability and efficiency. The discussion extends to interconnection layers, elucidating their role in optimizing light transmission and balancing carrier recombination. In conclusion, a compelling outlook on the dynamic landscape of PO‐TSCs is presented, highlighting the remarkable efficiency progression and signaling their potential to revolutionize solar energy harvesting technologies.
How Wide and High can Polyhedral Liquid Marbles be Fabricated?
Authors: Hayashi Masaki , Manabe Hikaru , Hirai Tomoyasu , Nakamura Yoshinobu , Fujii Syuji
Published: April 2024

Liquid marbles (LMs) are liquid droplets in gaseous phase, which are generally millimeter size, coated by solid particles. In this study, how wide and high LMs can be fabricated is investigated. Polyhedral LMs are fabricated using polymer plates with millimeter to meter sizes as a stabilizer and water as an inner liquid. Rectangular LMs with widths exceeding 1 m, the largest width ever reported, can be successfully fabricated. The height of the LMs is found to be subject to restriction by the hydrostatic pressure and cubic LMs with heights of up to 5 mm, which is the maximum height limit for LMs stabilized with nano/micrometer‐sized particles, are fabricated. Reduction of the hydrostatic pressure by changing the LM shape from cube to pyramid and introduction of particle‐stabilized bubble into the LM enabled the increase of height of the LM up to 9.8 mm, the highest height ever reported. Investigation using non‐aqueous liquids as an inner liquid confirmed that the longer the capillary length, the higher the maximum possible height of LMs. Finally, the polyhedral LMs are demonstrated to function as a microreactor for silver mirror reaction and chemical oxidative polymerization, resulting in the formation of Janus polymer plates.
Sweat and Deformation‐Resistance Graphite/PVDF/PANI‐Based Temperature Sensor for Real‐Time Body Temperature Monitoring
Authors: Zhang Chen , Wei Wenkui , Li Yujing , Li Xiaofeng , Liu Yangchengyi , Wang Xiufeng , Chen Shangda
Published: April 2024

Body temperature is critical indicator of human health, and its real‐time monitoring is crucial for assessing body status and disease diagnosis. In this work, a flexible temperature sensor is presented that employs a graphite/polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)/polyaniline composite and demonstrates a negative temperature coefficient (NTC). This sensor exhibits high sensitivity (−0.832%/ °C), rapid response time (11.05 s), and excellent linearity (R2 = 0.98). Its integration with a self‐adhesion PDMS‐PEG substrate layer ensures close skin contact, enhancing the accuracy of temperature measurements. Notably, the sensor's stability and resistance to sweat and deformation ensure continuous, reliable temperature monitoring, even during extensive exercise. This sensor thus represents a significant advancement in flexible and waterproof temperature sensing technologies.
An Untethered Magnetic Microgripper for High‐Throughput Micromanipulation
Authors: Loganathan Dineshkumar , Chaung Ying , Lu Yueh‐Hsun , Cheng Chia‐Hsin , Chen Chia‐Yuan
Published: April 2024

Microgripper is a small‐miniaturized robotic device employed to maneuver sub‐millimeter‐sized particles or objects that are too small to be manipulated by human hands or conventional tools. The design and fabrication of the microgripper pose challenges due to the integration of actuation components into their structure. To address this challenge, the authors in this work presented a novel magnetic microgripper wherein the functions of the actuation components are executed by the two pairs of microgripper arms made up of magnetic material. A custom‐made electromagnetic system consisting of eight coils is employed to externally control these arms, enabling precise execution of gripping up to a maximum of two microparticles per working cycle. By varying the magnetic field strength from 20 to 120 mT, a wide range of gripper‐arms opening distance is achieved, spanning from 0.3 to 1.3 mm. Consequently, the microgripper is demonstrated to grip different sizes of microparticles ranging from 0.3 to 1.2 mm. As part of the motion control capabilities, the microgripper is demonstrated to orient and navigate across a 360‐degree range within the microfluidic environment. The presented microgripper holds promise for manipulating a wide variety of microparticle sizes and shapes, offering potential for high‐throughput applications
Near‐Infrared Light Trapping and Avalanche Multiplication in Silicon Epitaxial Microcrystals
Authors: Falcone Virginia , Barzaghi Andrea , Signorelli Fabio , Valente Joao , Firoozabadi Saleh , Zucchetti Carlo , Bergamaschini Roberto , Ballabio Andrea , Bottegoni Federico , Zappa Franco , Montalenti Francesco , Miglio Leo , Volz Kerstin , Paul Douglas J. , Biagioni Paolo , Tosi Alberto , Isella Giovanni
Published: April 2024

The chemical vapor deposition of silicon on a patterned silicon substrate leads to the formation of 3D microcrystals, which, due to their inclined top facets and high aspect ratio, produce a light‐trapping effect enhancing the optical absorption in the near‐infrared (NIR). In this work, it is demonstrated that Si microcrystals can form the building blocks of a new class of NIR sensitive photodetectors operating in a linear or avalanche regime. Microcrystal‐based devices are designed by coupling a 2D kinetic‐growth model with a Poisson drift‐diffusion solver and fabricated by combining electron beam lithography and low‐energy plasma‐enhanced chemical vapor deposition (LEPECVD). The optoelectronic properties of microcrystal‐based p–i–n photodiodes are investigated both theoretically and experimentally by means of finite‐difference time‐domain (FDTD) simulations and responsivity measurements. At 1000 nm wavelength, the responsivity of microcrystal‐based devices is six times higher than that of an equivalent mesa diode. Moreover, the photocurrent gains of Si microcrystals operating as an avalanche photodiode (APD), at the same wavelength, reaches 2 × 104 demonstrating the potentialities of substrate patterning, combined with epitaxial growth, for amplified photodetection applications.
Topological Phase Singularities in Light Reflection from Non‐Hermitian Uniaxial Media
Authors: Maslova Valeria , Lebedev Petr , Baranov Denis G.
Published: April 2024

Perfect light transmission into a dielectric at the Brewster angle is one of the simplest effects of macroscopic electromagnetism. The common wisdom states that absorption in the dielectric violates Brewster angle and leads to a non‐vanishing reflection. Yet, incorporating anisotropy may recover perfect transmission of p‐polarized light into the absorbing medium. Unlike the ordinary “lossless” Brewster angle, perfect transmission in this case is accompanied by phase singularities of the reflection amplitude. In this paper, phase singularities and the associated topological charges are theoretically examined as emerging in the wavelength‐incidence angle space upon perfect transmission into absorbing uniaxial dielectrics. The analytical criterion of perfect light transmission into an anisotropic medium is derived, phase singularities are demontrated in these scenarios, and their dynamics are studied as a function of material parameters. Finally, by lowering the symmetry of the problem, this phenomenon is translated into a different parameter space of wave vector components, and illustrate the feasibility of this phenomenon with available optically anisotropic materials. The results may become valuable for the development of novel analog computing schemes and holography approaches.
SiO Enabled by ZSM‐5 and Graphene as Long‐Cycle and High‐Rate Anodes for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Li Qiang , Li Mingzhu , Yao Wang , Liu Baoyang , Ding Xuli
Published: April 2024

Silicon oxides (SiO, SiO2) with high theoretical capacity and low cost are viewed as promising anodes for the next‐generation lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) but suffer from inferior rate capability and coulombic efficiency (CE) owing to the sluggish charge transfer kinetics. Herein, the study proposes a multichannel modulation strategy induced by ZSM‐5 and SiO as well as electron‐rich graphene to effectively solve the above issue. Specially, the ZSM‐5, which can not only provide a certain Li+ reserve capacity as an anode material, but also serve as a bridge to connect the isolated SiO nanoparticles, providing Li+ transport channel and adjusting the transfer kinetic, making it to achieve two things at one stroke, so that the as‐obtained SiO@ZSM@Gra composite shows improved rate performance and CE compared to that of single silicon oxides. Combing with the CV and EIS fitting analysis, it is demonstrated that the constructed composites own higher Li+ diffusion coefficient and more charge conduction capability. Furthermore, the fabricated full cell with LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 exhibits good electro‐chemical properties. The proposed strategy for intrinsic accelerating charge transfer can be conductive to electrode design for the next‐generation low cost and high energy LIBs.
Osteocytes/Osteoblasts Produce SAA3 to Regulate Hepatic Metabolism of Cholesterol
Authors: Huang Shijiang , Jiang Yuanjun , Li Jing , Mao Linlin , Qiu Zeyou , Zhang Sheng , Jiang Yuhui , Liu Yong , Liu Wen , Xiong Zhi , Zhang Wuju , Liu Xiaolin , Zhang Yue , Bai Xiaochun , Guo Bin
Published: April 2024

Hypercholesterolaemia is a systemic metabolic disease, but the role of organs other than liver in cholesterol metabolism is unappreciated. The phenotypic characterization of the Tsc1Dmp1 mice reveal that genetic depletion of tuberous sclerosis complex 1 (TSC1) in osteocytes/osteoblasts (Dmp1‐Cre) triggers progressive increase in serum cholesterol level. The resulting cholesterol metabolic dysregulation is shown to be associated with upregulation and elevation of serum amyloid A3 (SAA3), a lipid metabolism related factor, in the bone and serum respectively. SAA3, elicited from the bone, bound to toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) on hepatocytes to phosphorylate c‐Jun, and caused impeded conversion of cholesterol to bile acids via suppression on cholesterol 7 α‐hydroxylase (Cyp7a1) expression. Ablation of Saa3 in Tsc1Dmp1 mice prevented the CYP7A1 reduction in liver and cholesterol elevation in serum. These results expand the understanding of bone function and hepatic regulation of cholesterol metabolism and uncover a potential therapeutic use of pharmacological modulation of SAA3 in hypercholesterolaemia.
Spectrometer‐Less Remote Sensing Image Classification Based on Gate‐Tunable van der Waals Heterostructures
Authors: Yu Yali , Zhong Mianzeng , Xiong Tao , Yang Jian , Hu Pengwei , Long Haoran , Zhou Ziqi , Xin Kaiyao , Liu Yue‐Yang , Yang Juehan , Qiao Jianzhong , Liu Duanyang , Wei Zhongming
Published: April 2024

Remote sensing technology, which conventionally employs spectrometers to capture hyperspectral images, allowing for the classification and unmixing based on the reflectance spectrum, has been extensively applied in diverse fields, including environmental monitoring, land resource management, and agriculture. However, miniaturization of remote sensing systems remains a challenge due to the complicated and dispersive optical components of spectrometers. Here, m‐phase GaTe0.5Se0.5 with wide‐spectral photoresponses (250–1064 nm) and stack it with WSe2 are utilizes to construct a two‐dimensional van der Waals heterojunction (2D‐vdWH), enabling the design of a gate‐tunable wide‐spectral photodetector. By utilizing the multi‐photoresponses under varying gate voltages, high accuracy recognition can be achieved aided by deep learning algorithms without the original hyperspectral reflectance data. The proof‐of‐concept device, featuring dozens of tunable gate voltages, achieves an average classification accuracy of 87.00% on 6 prevalent hyperspectral datasets, which is competitive with the accuracy of 250–1000 nm hyperspectral data (88.72%) and far superior to the accuracy of non‐tunable photoresponse (71.17%). Artificially designed gate‐tunable wide‐spectral 2D‐vdWHs GaTe0.5Se0.5/WSe2‐based photodetector present a promising pathway for the development of miniaturized and cost‐effective remote sensing classification technology.
Optogenetic Control of Bacterial Cell‐Cell Adhesion Dynamics: Unraveling the Influence on Biofilm Architecture and Functionality
Authors: Quispe Haro Juan José , Chen Fei , Los Rachel , Shi Shuqi , Sun Wenjun , Chen Yong , Idema Timon , Wegner Seraphine V.
Published: April 2024

The transition of bacteria from an individualistic to a biofilm lifestyle profoundly alters their biology. During biofilm development, the bacterial cell‐cell adhesions are a major determinant of initial microcolonies, which serve as kernels for the subsequent microscopic and mesoscopic structure of the biofilm, and determine the resulting functionality. In this study, the significance of bacterial cell‐cell adhesion dynamics on bacterial aggregation and biofilm maturation is elucidated. Using photoswitchable adhesins between bacteria, modifying the dynamics of bacterial cell‐cell adhesions with periodic dark‐light cycles is systematic. Dynamic cell‐cell adhesions with liquid‐like behavior improve bacterial aggregation and produce more compact microcolonies than static adhesions with solid‐like behavior in both experiments and individual‐based simulations. Consequently, dynamic cell‐cell adhesions give rise to earlier quorum sensing activation, better intermixing of different bacterial populations, improved biofilm maturation, changes in the growth of cocultures, and higher yields in fermentation. The here presented approach of tuning bacterial cell‐cell adhesion dynamics opens the door for regulating the structure and function of biofilms and cocultures with potential biotechnological applications.
Scaling up of a Self‐Confined Catalytic Hybridization Circuit for Robust microRNA Imaging
Authors: Gong Xue , Li Ruomeng , Zhang Jiajia , Zhang Pu , Jiang Zhongwei , Hu Lianzhe , Liu Xiaoqing , Wang Yi , Wang Fuan
Published: April 2024

The precise regulation of cellular behaviors within a confined, crowded intracellular environment is highly amenable in diagnostics and therapeutics. While synthetic circuitry system through a concatenated chemical reaction network has rarely been reported to mimic dynamic self‐assembly system. Herein, a catalytic self‐defined circuit (CSC) for the hierarchically concatenated assembly of DNA domino nanostructures is engineered. By incorporating pre‐sealed symmetrical fragments into the preying hairpin reactants, the CSC system allows the hierarchical DNA self‐assembly via a microRNA (miRNA)‐powered self‐sorting catalytic hybridization reaction. With minimal strand complexity, this self‐sustainable CSC system streamlined the circuit component and achieved localization‐intensified cascaded signal amplification. Profiting from the self‐adaptively concatenated hybridization reaction, a reliable and robust method has been achieved for discriminating carcinoma tissues from the corresponding para‐carcinoma tissues. The CSC‐sustained self‐assembly strategy provides a comprehensive and smart toolbox for organizing various hierarchical DNA nanostructures, which may facilitate more insights for clinical diagnosis and therapeutic assessment.
Allometric Scaling Reveals Evolutionary Constraint on Odonata Wing Cellularity via Critical Crack Length
Authors: Eshghi Shahab , Rajabi Hamed , Shafaghi Shaghayegh , Nabati Fatemeh , Nazerian Sana , Darvizeh Abolfazl , Gorb Stanislav N.
Published: April 2024

Scaling in insect wings is a complex phenomenon that seems pivotal in maintaining wing functionality. In this study, the relationship between wing size and the size, location, and shape of wing cells in dragonflies and damselflies (Odonata) is investigated, aiming to address the question of how these factors are interconnected. To this end, WingGram, the recently developed computer‐vision‐based software, is used to extract the geometric features of wing cells of 389 dragonflies and damselfly wings from 197 species and 16 families. It has been found that the cell length of the wings does not depend on the wing size. Despite the wide variation in wing length (8.42 to 56.5 mm) and cell length (0.1 to 8.5 mm), over 80% of the cells had a length ranging from 0.5 to 1.5 mm, which was previously identified as the critical crack length of the membrane of locust wings. An isometric scaling of cells is also observed with maximum size in each wing, which increased as the size increased. Smaller cells tended to be more circular than larger cells. The results have implications for bio‐mimetics, inspiring new materials and designs for artificial wings with potential applications in aerospace engineering and robotics.
Iodine Modulates the MACl‐Assisted Growth of FAPbI3 for High Efficiency Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Hu Junnan , Ahn Jae Won , Xu Zhaojian , Jeong Min Ju , Kim Chanhyeok , Noh Jun Hong , Min Hanul , Rand Barry P.
Published: April 2024

The preferential growth of α‐phase formamidinium perovskite (α‐FAPbI3) at low temperatures can be achieved with the incorporation of chloride‐based additives, with methylammonium chloride (MACl) being the most common example. However, compared to other less‐volatile chloride additives, MACl only remains in the growing perovskite film for a short time before evaporating during annealing, primarily influencing the early stages of film formation. In addition, evaporation of MACl as methylamine (MA0) and HCl can introduce a side reaction between MA0 and formamidinium (FA), undermining the compositional purity and phase stability of α‐FAPbI3. In this study, it is demonstrated that addition of iodine (I2) into the FAPbI3 precursor solution containing MACl suppresses the MA‐FA side reaction during annealing. Additionally, MACl evaporation is delayed owing to strong interaction with triiodide. The added I2 facilitates spontaneous growth of α‐FAPbI3 prior to annealing, with an improved bottom morphology due to the formation of fewer byproducts. Perovskite solar cells derived from an I2‐incorporated solution deliver a champion power conversion efficiency of 25.2% that is attributed to suppressed non‐radiative recombination.
Sustainedly High‐Rate Electroreduction of CO2 to Multi‐Carbon Products on Nickel Oxygenate/Copper Interfacial Catalysts
Authors: Mao Xuejiao , Chang Chun‐Wai , Li Zhiguo , Han Zishan , Gao Jiachen , Lyons Mason , Sterbinsky George , Guo Yong , Zhang Bo , Wang Yaogang , Wang Xinyu , Han Daliang , Yang Quan‐Hong , Feng Zhenxing , Weng Zhe
Published: April 2024

Copper (Cu) is the most attractive electrocatalyst for CO2 reduction to multi‐carbon (C2+) products with high economic value in considerable amounts. However, the rational design of a structurally stable Cu‐based catalyst that can achieve high activity and stability towards C2+ products remain a grand challenge. Here, a highly stable nickel oxygenate/Cu electrocatalyst is developed with abundant NiOOH/Cu interfaces by in situ electrochemical reconstruction. The nickel oxygenate/Cu electrocatalyst achieves a superior Faradaic efficiency of 86.3 ± 3.0% and a record partial current density of 2085 A g−1 for C2+ products with long‐term stability. In situ experimental and theoretical studies demonstrates that the exceptional performance in generating C2+ products is attributed to the presence of the NiOOH/Cu interfaces which increase *CO coverage, lower energy barrier for *CO coupling and stabilize *OCCO simultaneously. This work provides new insights into the rational design of electrocatalysts to achieve stable and efficient electrocatalytic CO2 reduction capabilities.
Psychological safety and perceived organizational support in emergency medicine residencies
Authors: Goodrich Margaret , McCabe Kerry , Basford Jesse , Bambach Kimberly , Kraut Aaron , Love Jeffrey N.
Published: April 2024

Background

The clinical learning environment (CLE) is a key focus of the Accreditation Council of Graduate Medical Education. It impacts knowledge acquisition and professional development. A previous single‐center study evaluated the psychological safety and perceived organizational support of the CLE across different specialties. Building on this work, we explored and evaluated psychological safety and perceived organizational support across multiple heterogeneous emergency medicine (EM) residencies to identify trends and factors affecting perceptions of the CLE.

Methods

Using the Psychological Safety Scale (PSS) and Survey of Perceived Organizational Support (SPOS), residents from seven U.S. EM residencies were surveyed using REDCap software from September through November 2021, with 300 potential respondents. As an adjunct to these surveys, three open‐ended questions were included regarding features of their learning environments.

Results

A total of 137 out of 300 residents completed the survey. The overall response rate was 45.7%. There was a variable response rate across programs (26.0%–96.7%). Pooled results demonstrate an overall positive perception of CLEs, based on positive mean responses (i.e., “Members of my department are able to bring up problems and tough issue” had a mean of 4.2 on a 5‐point Likert scale). Open responses identified teaching, collegiality, and support from program leadership as supportive features of the CLE. Confrontational interdisciplinary communication, a sense of being devalued, and off‐service rotations were identified as threats or areas for improvement to the CLE.

Conclusions

PSS and SPOS scores were generally positive in this multi‐institution study, consistent with the prior single‐institution study indicating that EM is often considered psychologically safe and supportive. EM training programs can consider using the PSS/SPOS to audit their own programs to identify areas for improvement and foster supportive features already in place.
Cover crops and reduced tillage did not alter soil chemistry in first 3 years
Authors: Prince Czarnecki Joby M. , Baker Beth H. , Hu Jing , Dan Prevost J.
Published: April 2024

Cover crops have been promoted for increasing soil organic matter, which is critically low in many mid‐Southern US row crop production fields. This study was conducted to inform adaptive management in the early transition period of conservation adoption. Temporal change in soil chemistry was investigated with a split‐field experiment conducted over a 3‐year period in Mississippi corn (Zea mays L.)–soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] rotational cropping systems that newly implemented winter cover crops and simultaneously reduced tillage. Relative to the untreated (i.e., winter fallow and multiple tillage passes) half of each study field, the chemical soil properties of the treated (i.e., winter cover crop and reduced tillage) half of each study field were not significantly different at the 0.05 significance level. This was true for soil organic matter, all macronutrients, pH, cation exchange capacity, base saturations, and micronutrients, with the exception of iron. Given these results, it is unlikely that growers adopting cover crops while reducing tillage will be able to accumulate significant soil organic matter in the early transition period.
Weed control efficacy and dry bean response to preemergence herbicide incorporation timing
Authors: Adjesiwor Albert T. , Bhattarai P. , Montgomery C. L.‐M. , Gomm J.
Published: April 2024

Field experiments were conducted in 2021 and 2022 to evaluate the effect of irrigation timing on S‐ethyl‐N,N‐dipropylthiocarbamate (EPTC), flumioxazin, pyroxasulfone, and flumioxazin + pyroxasulfone weed control efficacy and safety in dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). Treatments consisted of EPTC (3430 g ai ha−1), flumioxazin (53.6 g ai ha−1), pyroxasulfone (119 g ai ha−1), and flumioxazin + pyroxasulfone (70.4 + 89.3 g ai ha−1) incorporated with overhead irrigation at 1, 4, and 8 days after herbicide treatment (DAT). A nontreated and hand‐weeded check were included for comparison. Delaying irrigation until 8 DAT resulted in 11% and 19% injury in the pyroxasulfone and flumioxazin + pyroxasulfone treatments, respectively, but the crop recovered within 5 weeks after treatment. Delaying irrigation until 8 DAT increased total weed dry weight by 52%. Generally, flumioxazin + pyroxasulfone provided better weed control compared to flumioxazin or pyroxasulfone applied alone. Irrigation timing did not influence dry bean yield. Seed yield was 160 kg ha−1 in the nontreated check and 2521 kg ha−1 in the hand‐weeded check. Seed yield in the flumioxazin + pyroxasulfone treatment (2425 kg ha−1) was similar to the hand‐weeded check. Flumioxazin + pyroxasulfone provided very good weed control with acceptable crop safety. While irrigation timing may play a role in flumioxazin or pyroxasulfone injury, other soil and environmental factors may influence dry bean response to these herbicides.
High‐risk multiple myeloma: Redefining genetic, clinical, and functional high‐risk disease in the era of molecular medicine and immunotherapy
Authors: Rees Matthew J. , Kumar Shaji
Published: April 2024

Multiple myeloma (MM) exhibits significant heterogeneity in its presentation, genetics, and treatment response. Despite therapeutic advances, some patients continue to relapse early (ER, <18‐months) and rapidly cycle through therapies. Myriad prognostic factors have been identified and incorporated into risk stratification models; however, these produce discordant, often three‐tiered outputs that fail to identify many patients destined for ER. Treatment strategies are increasingly focused on disease biology and trials enriched for high‐risk (HR)MM, but consensus on the minimum required testing and a succinct, specific, and clinically meaningful definition for HRMM remains elusive. We review the risk‐factors, definitions, and future directions for HRMM.
Variation in monthly and seasonal elevation use impacts behavioral and dietary flexibility in Rhinopithecus bieti
Authors: Kraus Jacob B. , Huang Zhi‐Pang , Li Yan‐Pang , Cui Liang‐Wei , Wang Shuang‐Jin , Li Jin‐Fa , Liu Feng , Wang Yun , Strier Karen B. , Xiao Wen
Published: April 2024

Black‐and‐white snub‐nosed monkeys (Rhinopithecus bieti) rely on behavioral and dietary flexibility to survive in temperate latitudes at high‐elevation habitats characterized by climate and resource seasonality. However, little is known about how elevation influences their behavioral and dietary flexibility at monthly or seasonal scales. We studied an isolated R. bieti population at Mt. Lasha in the Yunling Provincial Nature Reserve, Yunnan, China, between May 2008 and August 2016 to assess the impacts of elevation on feeding behavior and diet. Across our sample, R. bieti occupied elevations between 3031 and 3637 m above mean sea level (amsl), with a 315.1 m amsl range across months and a 247.3 m amsl range across seasons. Contrary to expectations, individuals spent less time feeding when ranging across higher elevations. Lichen consumption correlated with elevation use across months and seasons, with individuals spending more time feeding on this important resource at higher elevations. Leaf consumption only correlated with elevation use during the spring. Our results suggest that R. bieti do not maximize their food intake at higher elevations and that monthly and seasonal changes in lichen and leaf consumption largely explain variation in elevation use. These findings shed light on the responses of R. bieti to environmental change and offer insight into strategies for conserving their habitats in the face of anthropogenic disturbance.
“To honor and remember”: An ethical awakening to African American remains in museums
Authors: Sholts Sabrina B.
Published: April 2024

In 2021, amid surging activism in the Movement for Black Lives, the Smithsonian Institution's possession of the remains of thousands of African Americans drew widespread attention. In response, the Smithsonian and its National Museum of Natural History undertook a series of steps to assess these remains and to develop a policy for returning as many as possible to descendants and descendant communities, under changes that would apply to all non‐Native American remains in Smithsonian collections. This paper reviews the actions taken to date and the work that is still in progress or planned. I contextualize these steps more broadly within an “ethical awakening” to African American remains that have long been present, studied, and displayed in collections across the museum community in the United States, where other institutions have faced similar challenges and changes.
Quantitative Foot Muscle Magnetic Resonance Imaging Reliably Measures Disease Progression in Children and Adolescents with Charcot–Marie–Tooth Disease Type 1A
Authors: Doherty Carolynne M. , Howard Paige , O'Donnell Luke F. , Zuccarino Riccardo , Wastling Stephen , Milev Evelin , Banks Tina , Shah Sachit , Zafeiropoulos Nick , Stephens Katherine J. , Sarkozy Anna , Grider Tiffany , Feely Shawna M. E. , Manzur Adnan , Shy Rosemary R. , Skorupinska Mariola , Pipis Menelaos , Nicolaisen Emma , McDowell Amy , Dilek Nuran , Rossor Alexander M. , Laura Matilde , Clark Christopher , Muntoni Francesco , Thedens Daniel , Thornton John , Morrow Jasper M. , Shy Michael E. , Reilly Mary M.
Published: April 2024

Quantitative muscle fat fraction (FF) responsiveness is lower in younger Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease type 1A (CMT1A) patients with lower baseline calf‐level FF. We investigated the practicality, validity, and responsiveness of foot‐level FF in this cohort involving 22 CMT1A patients and 14 controls. The mean baseline foot‐level FF was 25.9 ± 20.3% in CMT1A patients, and the 365‐day FF (n = 15) increased by 2.0 ± 2.4% (p < 0.001 vs controls). Intrinsic foot‐level FF demonstrated large responsiveness (12‐month standardized response mean (SRM) of 0.86) and correlated with the CMT examination score (ρ = 0.58, P = 0.01). Intrinsic foot‐level FF has the potential to be used as a biomarker in future clinical trials involving younger CMT1A patients. ANN NEUROL 2024;96:170–174
Multidimensional Electrochemistry Decodes the Operando Mechanism of Hydrogen Oxidation
Authors: Yang Kaicong , Ma Hualong , Ren Renjie , Xiao Li , Jiang Wenyong , Xie Yu , Wang Gongwei , Lu Juntao , Zhuang Lin
Published: April 2024

Being an efficient approach to the utilization of hydrogen energy, the hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR) is of particular significance in the current carbon‐neutrality time. Yet the mechanistic picture of the HOR is still blurred, mostly because the elemental steps of this reaction are rapid and highly entangled, especially when deviating from the thermodynamic equilibrium state. Here we report a strategy for decoding the HOR mechanism under operando conditions. In addition to the wide‐potential‐range I–V curves obtained using gas diffusion electrodes, we have applied the AC impedance spectroscopy to provide independent and complementary kinetic information. Combining multidimensional data sources has enabled us to fit, in mathematical rigor, the core kinetic parameter set in a 5‐D data space. The reaction rate of the three elemental steps (Tafel, Heyrovsky, and Volmer reactions), as a function of the overpotential, can thus be distilled individually. Such an undocumented kinetic picture unravels, in detail, how the HOR is controlled by the elemental steps on polarization. For instance, at low polarization region, the Heyrovsky reaction is relatively slow and can be ignored; but at high polarization region, the Heyrovsky reaction will surpass the Tafel reaction. Additionally, the Volmer reaction has been the fastest within overpotentials of interest. Our findings not only offer a better understanding of the HOR mechanism, but also lay the foundation for the development of improved hydrogen energy utilization systems.