bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Engineering the MSC Secretome: A Hydrogel Focused Approach
Authors: Wechsler Marissa E. , Rao Varsha V. , Borelli Alexandra N. , Anseth Kristi S.
Published: February 2021

The therapeutic benefits of exogenously delivered mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs) have been largely attributed to their secretory properties. However, clinical translation of MSC‐based therapies is hindered due to loss of MSC regenerative properties during large‐scale expansion and low survival/retention post‐delivery. These limitations might be overcome by designing hydrogel culture platforms to modulate the MSC microenvironment. Hydrogel systems could be engineered to i) promote MSC proliferation and maintain regenerative properties (i.e., stemness and secretion) during ex vivo expansion, ii) improve MSC survival, retention, and engraftment in vivo, and/or iii) direct the MSC secretory profile using tailored biochemical and biophysical cues. Herein, it is reviewed how hydrogel material properties (i.e., matrix modulus, viscoelasticity, dimensionality, cell adhesion, and porosity) influence MSC secretion, mediated through cell–matrix and cell–cell interactions. In addition, it is highlighted how biochemical cues (i.e., small molecules, peptides, and proteins) can improve and direct the MSC secretory profile. Last, the authors’ perspective is provided on future work toward the understanding of how microenvironmental cues influence the MSC secretome, and designing the next generation of biomaterials, with optimized biophysical and biochemical cues, to direct the MSC secretory profile for improved clinical translation outcomes.
Molecular Imaging of Infarcted Heart by Biofunctionalized Gold Nanoshells
Authors: Muñoz‐Ortiz Tamara , Hu Jie , Ortgies Dirk H. , Shrikhande Shreya , Zamora‐Perez Paula , Granado Miriam , González‐Hedström Daniel , de la Fuente‐Fernández María , García‐Villalón Ángel Luis , Andrés‐Delgado Laura , Martín Rodríguez Emma , Aguilar Río , Alfonso Fernando , García Solé José , Rivera Gil Pilar , Jaque Daniel , Rivero Fernando
Published: February 2021

The unique combination of physical and optical properties of silica (core)/gold (shell) nanoparticles (gold nanoshells) makes them especially suitable for biomedicine. Gold nanoshells are used from high‐resolution in vivo imaging to in vivo photothermal tumor treatment. Furthermore, their large scattering cross‐section in the second biological window (1000–1700 nm) makes them also especially adequate for molecular optical coherence tomography (OCT). In this work, it is demonstrated that, after suitable functionalization, gold nanoshells in combination with clinical OCT systems are capable of imaging damage in the myocardium following an infarct. Since both inflammation and apoptosis are two of the main mechanisms underlying myocardial damage after ischemia, such damage imaging is achieved by endowing gold nanoshells with selective affinity for the inflammatory marker intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM‐1), and the apoptotic marker phosphatidylserine. The results here presented constitute a first step toward a fast, safe, and accurate diagnosis of damaged tissue within infarcted hearts at the molecular level by means of the highly sensitive OCT interferometric technique.
Pathways of Developing High‐Energy‐Density Flexible Lithium Batteries
Authors: Chang Jian , Huang Qiyao , Gao Yuan , Zheng Zijian
Published: February 2021

Flexible lithium‐based batteries (FLBs) enable the seamless implementation of power supply to flexible and wearable electronics. They not only enhance the energy capacity by fully utilizing the available space but also revolutionize the form factors of future device design. To date, how to simultaneously acquire high energy density and excellent mechanical flexibility is the major challenge of FLBs. Here, a critical discussion for guiding the future development of FLBs toward high energy density and high flexibility is presented. First, the industrial criteria of FLBs for several desirable applications of flexible and wearable electronics are summarized. Then, strategies to achieve flexibility of FLBs are discussed, with highlights of representative examples. The performance of FLBs is benchmarked with a flexible battery plot. New materials and cell design principles are analyzed to realize high‐energy‐density and high‐flexibility FLBs. Other important aspects of FLBs including materials to improve the cycling stability and safety are also discussed.
Recent Advances in Inorganic Chiral Nanomaterials
Authors: Liu Junjun , Yang Lin , Qin Ping , Zhang Shiqing , Yung Ken Kin Lam , Huang Zhifeng
Published: February 2021

Inorganic nanoparticles offer a multifunctional platform for biomedical applications in drug delivery, biosensing, bioimaging, disease diagnosis, screening, and therapies. Homochirality prevalently exists in biological systems composed of asymmetric biochemical activities and processes, so biomedical applications essentially favor the usage of inorganic chiral nanomaterials, which have been widely studied in the past two decades. Here, the latest investigations are summarized including the characterization of 3D stereochirality, the bionic fabrication of hierarchical chirality, extension of the compositional space to poly‐elements, studying optical activities with the (sub‐)single‐particle resolution, and the experimental demonstration in biomedical applications. These advanced studies pave the way toward fully understanding the two important chiral effects (i.e., the chiroptical and enantioselective effects), and prospectively promote the flexible design and fabrication of inorganic chiral nanoparticles with engineerable functionalities to solve diverse practical problems closely associated with environment and public health.
Quantitative Prediction of the Electro‐Mechanical Response in Organic Crystals
Authors: Landi Alessandro , Peluso Andrea , Troisi Alessandro
Published: February 2021

Organic semiconductors’ inherent flexibility makes them appealing for advanced applications such as wearable electronics, e‐skins, or pressure sensors, and can even be used to enhance their intrinsic electronic properties. Unfortunately, these applications for organic materials are currently hindered by the lack of a quantitative understanding of the interplay between their electrical and mechanical properties. In this work, this gap is filled by presenting an accurate methodology able to predict quantitatively the effects of external deformation on the charge transport properties of any organic semiconductors. Three prototypical materials are investigated, showing that the experimental variation of charge carrier mobility with strain is fully reproduced, even in a wide range of deformations applied along different crystal axes. The results indicate that the intrinsic electro‐mechanical response of the materials varies by orders of magnitude within the class of organic semiconductors, a difference rationalized observing that the mobility trend is primarily influenced by the transfer integrals’ variation, rather than by a modification of the crystal phonons. In light of its robustness, accuracy, and low computational cost, this protocol represents an ideal tool to quantify the electro‐mechanical response in new organic compounds, thus establishing a reliable route for a full exploitation of strain engineering in advanced technologies.
Biocatalytic Yarn for Peroxide Decomposition with Controlled Liquid Transport
Authors: Yuan Yue , Zhang Yuxuan , Bilheux Hassina , Salmon Sonja
Published: February 2021

A robust biocatalytic yarn with controllable liquid transport properties is created by coating thin layers of chitosan containing catalase onto a cellulosic yarn. The resulting material integrates enzyme catalytic functionality with protective coating properties of chitosan and structural functionality of the textile. Mild immobilization conditions and good affinity between the two polysaccharides minimize enzyme inactivation during the preparation steps and prevent enzyme from leaching during peroxide decomposition testing and washing, providing a novel and versatile enzyme immobilization strategy. The catalytic efficiency of enzymes in a reaction containing solid, liquid, and gas phases is facilitated when dissolved enzyme substrate is transported by liquid flowing through the coated textile structure. The flow‐through configuration decomposes at least two times more peroxide in a twenty‐times smaller reaction zone volume compared to a stirred tank configuration. Liquid transport through the yarn and liquid spatial distribution within the yarn are investigated by in situ neutron radiography and neutron computed tomography, revealing a constrained wicking mechanism that benefits biocatalytic yarn performance. This new class of sustainable and flexible biocatalytic textile matrices has beneficial multifunctional properties, not previously described, that are applicable for numerous small‐ and large‐scale applications including controlled flow reactors and reactive filtration.
2,4,6‐Triphenyl‐1,3,5‐Triazine Based Covalent Organic Frameworks for Photoelectrochemical H2 Evolution
Authors: Dai Chunhui , He Ting , Zhong Lixiang , Liu Xingang , Zhen Wenlong , Xue Can , Li Shuzhou , Jiang Donglin , Liu Bin
Published: February 2021

Photoelectrochemical water splitting over semiconductors offers a sustainable solar light conversion technique capable of alleviating worldwide energy crisis. Conjugated polymers have recently received increasing attention as a class of promising photoelectrode materials due to their advantages of earth‐abundance, non‐toxicity, light weight, and molecularly tunable functionalities, etc. However, the development of highly efficient organic photoelectrodes remains a big challenge. In this study, two covalent organic frameworks (COFs) incorporated 2,4,6‐triphenyl‐1,3,5‐triazine are demonstrated as excellent photocathodes for H2 production. By introducing 2,4,6‐triphenylbenene to properly create donor/acceptor pairs within COF, a significantly enhanced visible‐light photocurrent of TAPB‐TTB COF (110 µA cm−2) compared to TTA‐TTB COF (35 µA cm−2) at 0 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) is obtained without adding organic sacrificial agent and metal cocatalysts (>420 nm). The enhanced photocurrent density is attributed to the narrowed bandgap and improved charge transfer by intramolecular donor–acceptor combination. This work highlights the great promising applications of crystalline donor–acceptor COFs as high‐efficiency organic photoelectrode for water splitting.
Acoustic Metamaterials: A Review of Theories, Structures, Fabrication Approaches, and Applications
Authors: Liao Guangxin , Luan Congcong , Wang Zhenwei , Liu Jiapeng , Yao Xinhua , Fu Jianzhong
Published: February 2021

Acoustic metamaterials (AMs), which are materials composed of subwavelength periodic artificial structures with specific designs, have drawn significant research attention. This is because of the extraordinary abilities of AMs to manipulate acoustic waves compared with those of traditional acoustic materials. In this review, current advances in AM research are comprehensively investigated and summarized. First, major theories regarding AMs, including the acoustic wave equation, crystal lattice and energy band theory, effective medium theory, and general Snell's law, are explained in detail. Existing AM structures are then described and divided into several categories based on their structural characteristics and responses to acoustic waves. Furthermore, to bridge the gap between design and practical application, both conventional and advanced AM manufacturing methods are summarized. The applications of AMs in the fields of acoustic cloaking, acoustic lensing, acoustic absorption, noise reduction, and supernormal sound transmission are particularly delineated. Finally, contemporary challenges, trends, and strategies relevant to AMs are discussed. This review aims to provide a comprehensive collection of AM‐related knowledge, including information regarding physical theories, structures, fabrication approaches, and applications, which will help promote the further development of AMs.
Efficient Semi‐Transparent Organic Solar Cells with High Color Rendering Index Enabled by Self‐Assembled and Knitted AgNPs/MWCNTs Transparent Top Electrode via Solution Process
Authors: Zhang Yuniu , He Xinjun , Babu Dickson , Li Wenhui , Gu Xiaoyu , Shan Chengwei , Kyaw Aung Ko Ko , Choy Wallace C. H.
Published: February 2021

Semi‐transparent organic solar cells (STOSCs) have attracted tremendous attention in power‐generating windows for buildings and automobiles. Although STOSCs based on vacuum‐deposited thin metal films exhibited power conversion efficiency exceeding 10%, solution‐processed top transparent electrode (TE) is desirable for large‐area and low‐cost fabrication of STOSCs. Here, we present a self‐assembled and knitted Ag nanoparticles/multi‐walled carbon nanotubes composite thin film by solution process as transparent top electrode for STOSC. The composite film exhibits an extremely low sheet resistance of 14.5Ω sq−1, an average visible transmittance (AVT) of ≈67%, and a high color rendering index (CRI) of 97. The optimized device with solution‐processed top TE achieves an AVT of 36% and a high CRI of 90. This work paves a simple and promising route towards low‐cost fabrication of power‐generating window.
Toward Ultra‐Efficient OLEDs: Approaches Based on Low Refractive Index Materials
Authors: Lee Jaeho , Song Jinouk , Park Jaehyeok , Yoo Seunghyup
Published: February 2021

Organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) have successfully established themselves as light sources vital in high‐end mobile displays and television due to various advances made for a wide range of technical aspects from materials, devices, and processes to air‐tight packaging and systems. However, a significant portion of the generated excitons in OLEDs are still lost to various channels. Among them, excitation of surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) is a critical source of exciton loss, the recovery of which often involves structuring in nanoscale. Herein, a nano‐pattern‐free approach is reviewed to reducing SPP loss that makes use of materials with low refractive index. Because of the limited availability of such low refractive index materials, a method to use a low extraordinary refractive index of birefringent organic semiconductors is explored. With the proposed method combined with common lens‐based outcoupling schemes and high refractive index substrates, it is shown that an ultrahigh external quantum efficiency of ≈72% in a green, single‐junction phosphorescent OLED is within the reach. Transient photoluminescence measurement is used to monitor the change in Purcell factor incurred by the use of the birefringent low refractive index layer and to further verify the validity of the proposed concept.
Eu2+Stabilized at Octahedrally Coordinated Ln3+Site Enabling Red Emission in Sr3LnAl2O7.5(Ln = Y or Lu) Phosphors
Authors: Hu Tao , Gao Yan , Molokeev Maxim S. , Xia Zhiguo , Zhang Qinyuan
Published: February 2021

Red spectrum loss in phosphor‐converted light‐emitting diodes (pc‐LEDs) restricts high‐quality warm‐white lighting. Herein, two blue‐light excitable red‐emitting Sr3LnAl2O7.5:Eu (Ln = Y or Lu) phosphors are reported, and red emission originating from an unprecedented substitution model, with Eu2+occupied sixfold octahedrally coordinated lanthanide (Ln3+) sites is demonstrated. Site occupancy identification reveals that three different sites are occupied by Eu2+and one distinct site is occupied by Eu3+, and the Eu2+stabilized at Ln3+site accompanied by Eu3+selectively occupies at Sr2+site as a charge compensator. An anomalous prolonged Eu2+‐photoluminescence decay emission with increasing temperature in the low‐temperature region is demonstrated. This accounts for the trapped electrons, which are thermally released from shallow traps and eventually populate the Eu2+5d level to form an excited‐state Eu2+. The findings help better understand Eu2+occupancy and luminescence. These also provide a new perspective for the exploration of novel Eu2+activated oxide‐based red phosphor for pc‐LEDs.
Artificial Intelligence Accelerators Based on Graphene Optoelectronic Devices
Authors: Gao Weilu , Yu Cunxi , Chen Ruiyang
Published: February 2021

Optical and optoelectronic approaches of performing matrix–vector multiplication (MVM) operations have shown the great promise of accelerating machine learning (ML) algorithms with unprecedented performance. The incorporation of nanomaterials into the system can further improve the device and system performance thanks to their extraordinary properties, but the nonuniformity and variation of nanostructures in the macroscopic scale pose severe limitations for large‐scale hardware deployment. Here, a new optoelectronic architecture is presented, consisting of spatial light modulators and tunable responsivity photodetector arrays made from graphene to perform MVM. The ultrahigh carrier mobility of graphene, high‐power‐efficiency electro‐optic control, and extreme parallelism suggest ultrahigh data throughput and ultralow energy consumption. Moreover, a methodology of performing accurate calculations with imperfect components is developed, laying the foundation for scalable systems. Finally, a few representative ML algorithms are demonstrated, including singular value decomposition, support vector machine, and deep neural networks, to show the versatility and generality of the platform.
Glycosyltransferase Co‐Immobilization for Natural Product Glycosylation: Cascade Biosynthesis of the C‐Glucoside Nothofagin with Efficient Reuse of Enzymes
Authors: Liu Hui , Tegl Gregor , Nidetzky Bernd
Published: February 2021

Sugar nucleotide‐dependent (Leloir) glycosyltransferases are synthetically important for oligosaccharides and small molecule glycosides. Their practical use involves one‐pot cascade reactions to regenerate the sugar nucleotide substrate. Glycosyltransferase co‐immobilization is vital to advance multi‐enzyme glycosylation systems on solid support. Here, we show glycosyltransferase chimeras with the cationic binding module Zbasic2 for efficient and well‐controllable two‐enzyme co‐immobilization on anionic (ReliSorb SP400) carrier material. We use the C‐glycosyltransferase from rice (Oryza sativa; OsCGT) and the sucrose synthase from soybean (Glycine max; GmSuSy) to synthesize nothofagin, the natural 3’‐C‐β‐d‐glucoside of the dihydrochalcone phloretin, with regeneration of uridine 5’‐diphosphate (UDP) glucose from sucrose and UDP. Exploiting enzyme surface tethering via Zbasic2, we achieve programmable loading of the glycosyltransferases (∼18 mg/g carrier; 60%–70% yield; ∼80% effectiveness) in an activity ratio (OsCGT:GmSuSy=∼1.2) optimal for the overall reaction rate (∼0.2 mmol h−1 g−1 catalyst; 30 °C, pH 7.5). Using phloretin solubilized at 120 mM as inclusion complex with 2‐hydroxypropyl‐β‐cyclodextrin, we demonstrate complete substrate conversion into nothofagin (∼52 g/L; 21.8 mg product h−1 g−1 catalyst) at 4% mass loading of the catalyst. The UDP‐glucose was recycled 240 times. The solid catalyst showed excellent reusability, retaining ∼40% of initial activity after 15 cycles of phloretin conversion (60 mM) with a catalyst turnover number of ∼273 g nothofagin/g protein used. Our study presents important progress towards applied bio‐catalysis with immobilized glycosyltransferase cascades.

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Organocatalytic Enantioselective Synthesis of Tetrahydro‐Furanyl Spirooxindoles via [3+2] Annulations of 3‐Hydroxyoxindoles and Cyclic Ketolactams
Authors: Liu Yue , Zhang Ying , Huang Qian‐Wei , Gou Chuan , Li Qing‐Zhu , Dai Qing‐Song , Leng Hai‐Jun , Li Jun‐Long
Published: February 2021

Asymmetric construction of pharmacologically interesting tetrahydrofuranyl spirooxindole frameworks has been achieved through organocatalytic [3+2] annulations of the readily available 3‐hydroxyoxindoles and pyrrolidone‐derived cyclic ketolactams. A variety of chiral spiro tetrahydrofuranyl products, which contain four contiguous stereocenters including two tetrasubstituted carbon centers, have been rapidly synthesized with remarkable results (up to 99% yield, >95:5 dr, and 99:1 er). Synthetic derivatization of the hemiketal moiety enables the installation of various halogen atoms into the structurally complex molecules in a stereospecific manner. Preliminary screening of anticancer bioactivity was performed, and 4 w showed obvious inhibitory capacity to the proliferation on a panel of cancer cell lines.

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CNT Microtubes with Entrapped Fe3O4 Nanoparticles Remove Micropollutants through a Heterogeneous Electro‐Fenton Process at Neutral pH
Authors: Mohseni Mojtaba , Demeestere Kristof , Du Laing Gijs , Yüce Süleyman , Keller Robert G. , Wessling Matthias
Published: February 2021

Catalyst‐coated carbon electrodes require two preparation stages: electrode assembly using carbon and polymeric binders and subsequent catalyst immobilization on the porous carbons electrode. Such conventional coating methods require several steps, which is time‐, chemical‐, and energy‐consuming. Also, polymeric binders can impair the porosity and block catalytic sites of final electrodes. This study introduces a novel one‐pot synthesis method in which Fe3O4 nanoparticles are entrapped within a multi‐walled carbon nanotube network, the latter being templated with microtubular geometry. Such carbon microtubes (CMT) represent a standalone geometry, serving as a binder‐free electrode for an energy‐efficient heterogeneous electro‐Fenton (HEF) process. Fe3O4‐containing CMTs remove carbamazepine (CBZ), a frequently detected pharmaceutical micropollutant in water bodies. While almost all literature reports degradation at acidic conditions requiring the use of acid, this material system functions at pH 7 ± 0.3 with lengthy reusability. The remarkable mineralization of the total oxidized CBZ emerges from the confinement of oxidation by‐products in CMTs’ 3D framework, where unselective radicals are formed once the electro‐generated H2O2 reacts with embedded Fe3O4. Additionally, the 3D network prevents the entrapped catalysts from leaching in acidic environments because of the increased local pH during electrolysis.
Bandgap‐Coupled Template Autocatalysis toward the Growth of High‐Purity sp2Nanocarbons
Authors: Gao Jun , Zhu Zhenxing , Shen Boyuan , Bai Yunxiang , Sun Silei , Wei Fei
Published: February 2021

Extraordinary properties and great application potentials of carbon nanotubes (CNT) and graphene fundamentally rely on their large‐scale perfect sp2structure. Particularly for high‐end applications, ultralow defect density and ultrahigh selectivity are prerequisites, for which metal‐catalyzed chemical vapor deposition (CVD) is the most promising approach. Due to their structure and peculiarity, CNTs and graphene can themselves provide growth templates and nonlocal dual conductance, serving as template autocatalysts with tunable bandgap during the CVD. However, current growth kinetics models all focus on the external factors and edges. Here, the growth kinetics of sp2nanocarbons is elaborated from the perspective of template autocatalysis and holistic electronic structure. After reviewing current growth kinetics, various representative works involving CVD growth of different sp2nanocarbons are analyzed, to reveal their bandgap‐coupled kinetics and resulting selective synthesis. Recent progress is then reviewed, which has demonstrated the interlocking between the atomic assembly rate and bandgap of CNTs, with an explicit volcano dependence whose peak would be determined by the environment. In addition, the topological protection for perfect sp2structure and the defect‐induced perturbation for the interlocking are discussed. Finally, the prospects for the kinetic selective growth of perfect nanocarbons are proposed.
Platelet‐Mimicking Therapeutic System for Noninvasive Mitigation of the Progression of Atherosclerotic Plaques
Authors: Ma Yi , Ma Yuxuan , Gao Mengqiu , Han Zhihao , Jiang Wen , Gu Yueqing , Liu Yi
Published: February 2021

Atherosclerotic plaque is the primary cause of cardiovascular disorders and remains a therapeutic hurdle for the early intervention of atherosclerosis. Traditional clinical strategies are often limited by surgery‐related complications or unsatisfactory effects of long‐term drug administration. Inspired by the plaque‐binding ability of platelets, a biomimic photodynamic therapeutic system is designed to mitigate the progression of atherosclerotic plaques. This system is composed of photosensitizer‐loaded upconversion nanoparticle cores entrapped in the platelet membrane. The platelet membrane coating facilitates specific targeting of the therapeutic system to macrophage‐derived foam cells, the hallmark, and main component of early stage atherosclerotic plaques, which is firmly confirmed by in vivo fluorescent and single‐photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) radionuclide imaging. Importantly, in vivo phototherapy guided by SPECT/CT imaging alleviates plaque progression. Further immunofluorescence analysis reveals foam cell apoptosis and ameliorated inflammation. This biomimic system, which combines plaque‐binding with radionuclide imaging guidance, is a novel, noninvasive, and potent strategy to mitigate the progression of atherosclerotic plaque.
Nanostructured Dense Collagen‐Polyester Composite Hydrogels as Amphiphilic Platforms for Drug Delivery
Authors: Wang Xiaolin , Ronsin Olivier , Gravez Basile , Farman Nicolette , Baumberger Tristan , Jaisser Frédéric , Coradin Thibaud , Hélary Christophe
Published: February 2021

Associating collagen with biodegradable hydrophobic polyesters constitutes a promising method for the design of medicated biomaterials. Current collagen‐polyester composite hydrogels consisting of pre‐formed polymeric particles encapsulated within a low concentrated collagen hydrogel suffer from poor physical properties and low drug loading. Herein, an amphiphilic composite platform associating dense collagen hydrogels and up to 50 wt% polyesters with different hydrophobicity and chain length is developed. An original method of fabrication is disclosed based on in situ nanoprecipitation of polyesters impregnated in a pre‐formed 3D dense collagen network. Composites made of poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA) and poly(lactic acid) (PLA) but not polycaprolactone (PCL) exhibit improved mechanical properties compared to those of pure collagen dense hydrogels while keeping a high degree of hydration. Release kinetics of spironolactone, a lipophilic steroid used as a drug model, can be tuned over one month. No cytotoxicity of the composites is observed on fibroblasts and keratinocytes. Unlike the incorporation of pre‐formed particles, the new process allows for both improved physical properties of collagen hydrogels and controlled drug delivery. The ease of fabrication, wide range of accessible compositions, and positive preliminary safety evaluations of these collagen‐polyesters will favor their translation into clinics in wide areas such as drug delivery and tissue engineering.
The Dual Function of KDM5C in Both Gene Transcriptional Activation and Repression Promotes Breast Cancer Cell Growth and Tumorigenesis
Authors: Shen Hai‐feng , Zhang Wen‐juan , Huang Ying , He Yao‐hui , Hu Guo‐sheng , Wang Lei , Peng Bing‐ling , Yi Jia , Li Ting‐ting , Rong Rui , Chen Xiao‐yan , Liu Jun‐yi , Li Wen‐juan , Ohgi Kenny , Li Shao‐Wei , Rosenfeld Michael G. , Liu Wen
Published: February 2021

Emerging evidence suggested that epigenetic regulators can exhibit both activator and repressor activities in gene transcriptional regulation and disease development, such as cancer. However, how these dual activities are regulated and coordinated in specific cellular contexts remains elusive. Here, it is reported that KDM5C, a repressive histone demethylase, unexpectedly activates estrogen receptor alpha (ERα)‐target genes, and meanwhile suppresses type I interferons (IFNs) and IFN‐stimulated genes (ISGs) to promote ERα‐positive breast cancer cell growth and tumorigenesis. KDM5C‐interacting protein, ZMYND8, is found to be involved in both processes. Mechanistically, KDM5C binds to active enhancers and recruits the P‐TEFb complex to activate ERα‐target genes, while inhibits TBK1 phosphorylation in the cytosol to repress type I IFNs and ISGs. Pharmacological inhibition of both ERα and KDM5C is effective in inhibiting cell growth and tumorigenesis. Taken together, it is revealed that the dual activator and repressor nature of an epigenetic regulator together contributes to cancer development.
Unraveling the Li Penetration Mechanism in Polycrystalline Solid Electrolytes
Authors: Tantratian Karnpiwat , Yan Hanghang , Ellwood Kevin , Harrison Elisa T. , Chen Lei
Published: February 2021

Lithium dendrite penetration has been widely evidenced in ceramic solid electrolytes (SEs), which are expected to suppress Li dendrite formation due to their ultrahigh elastic modulus. This work aims to reveal the mechanism of Li penetration in polycrystalline SEs through electro‐chemo‐mechanical phase‐field model, using Li7La3Zr2O12 (LLZO) as the model material. The results show the Li penetration patterns are influenced by both mechanical and electronic properties of the microstructures, i.e., grain boundaries (GBs). Li nucleates at the GB junctions on the Li/SE interface and propagates along the GB, at which the interfacial compressive stress is small due to the GB softening. Moreover, the excess trapped electrons at the GB may trigger isolated Li nucleation sites, abruptly increasing the Li penetration depth. High‐throughput simulations yield a phase map of Li penetration patterns under different trapped electrons concentrations and GB/grain elastic modulus mismatch. The map can quantitatively inform whether the mechanical or electronic properties dominate Li penetration morphologies, providing a strategy for the design of improved SE materials.
Atomic Gradient Structure Alters Electronic Structure in 3D across the Bulk and Enhances Photoactivity
Authors: Ren Peng , Lu Zexi , Song Miao , Lee Jaewon , Zheng Jian , Sushko Peter V. , Li Dongsheng
Published: February 2021

Understanding structure–function relationships enables the design of materials with tailored functionalities. The long‐standing challenge is to design materials with high active volume to improve efficiency. Tailored grain boundaries and lattice defects are traditionally used to tune the electronic structure near interfaces or defects to promote electron and hole separation. However, the active volume of point defect sites or interfaces in these traditional photocatalysts is extremely low. This study reports a structure with continuous atomic positional deformation across the bulk, altering the electronic structure in 3D and creating a significantly higher active volume. Such a structure in anatase is obtained and tuned by phase transformation during the heating process. Transmission electron microscopy and density functional theory results reveal that atomic deformations result in continuous band bending across the particles, facilitating electron–hole separation, inhibiting their recombination, and inducing dramatically enhanced photoactivity. These findings enable a different materials design paradigm that can potentially be harnessed for a broad range of applications.
Exceptional Capacitance Enhancement of a Non‐Conducting COF through Potential‐Driven Chemical Modulation by Redox Electrolyte
Authors: Kushwaha Rinku , Haldar Sattwick , Shekhar Pragalbh , Krishnan Akshara , Saha Jayeeta , Hui Pramiti , Vinod Chathakudath Prabhakaran , Subramaniam Chandramouli , Vaidhyanathan Ramanathan
Published: February 2021

Capacitors are the most practical high‐storage and rapid charge‐release devices. The number of ions stored per unit area and their interaction strength with the electrode dictates capacitor‐performance. Microporous materials provide a high storage surface and optimal interactions. Adsorbing electron‐rich and easily polarizable molecules into microporous electrodes is expected to boost Faradaic pseudo‐activity. If such electrode–electrolyte interactions can be made as a potential‐driven reversible process, the resulting capacitors would be adaptable and device‐friendly. A composite covalent organic framework (COF)‐carbon electrode with redox‐active KI is combined in an H2SO4 electrolyte for the first time. This composite electrode benefits from the redox‐functionality of COF and electronic conductivity of carbon, leading to superior capacitative activity. Operando spectro‐electrochemical measurements reveal the existence of multiple polyiodide species, although the I3− is the predominantly electroactive species adsorbing on the microporous triazine‐phenol COF electrode. A systematic fabrication of the flexible solid‐state devices using the COF‐redox‐electrolyte reveals a high areal capacitance of 270 ± 11 mF cm−2 and gravimetric capacitance of 57 ± 8 F g−1. The inclusion of KI in H2SO4 (electrolyte) yields an approximately eight‐fold enhancement in solid‐state gravimetric specific capacitance. The imine‐COF retains 89% of its capacity even after 10 000 cycles.
Initiating a Room‐Temperature Rechargeable Aqueous Fluoride‐Ion Battery with Long Lifespan through a Rational Buffering Phase Design
Authors: Li Xuejin , Tang Yongchao , Zhu Jiaxiong , Lv Haiming , Xu Yan , Wang Wenlong , Zhi Chunyi , Li Hongfei
Published: February 2021

Previously reported fluoride‐ion batteries (FIBs) can only work at high temperatures (>150 °C) with solid electrolytes or organic electrolytes. Aqueous FIB has barely been reported due to the unstable F– electrochemistry in aqueous electrolytes. In addition, the electrode materials commonly suffer from serious and adverse volume expansion during the conversion reaction. Herein, a stable aqueous F– electrochemistry is realized by a rational buffering phase design in which stagger distribution of BiF3 and Bi7F11O5 phases is achieved. The enhanced F– electrochemistry is systematically studied and suggests that the Bi7F11O5 phase plays a vital role in the stability and reversibility of the electrode due to its lower volume change and higher electronic conductivity. Pulverization and dissolution of active species issues are also suppressed. As a result, the assembled battery delivers excellent cycling stability, high reversibility, and superior rate capability, which is far better than conventional solid fluoride shuttle batteries. Mechanism studies demonstrate that the capacity comes from reversible conversion between Bi3+ and Bi0 with an intermediate phase of Bi7F11O5. This work initiates room‐temperature FIBs with aqueous electrolytes and provides a good cycling lifespan, which pave the way to a more practical fluoride ion storage system.
Maximizing Energy Storage of Flexible Aqueous Batteries through Decoupling Charge Carriers
Authors: Dai Chunlong , Jin Xuting , Ma Hongyun , Hu Linyu , Sun Guoqiang , Chen Hao , Yang Qiuju , Xu Maowen , Liu Qianwen , Xiao Yukun , Zhang Xinqun , Yang Hongsheng , Guo Qiang , Zhang Zhipan , Qu Liangti
Published: February 2021

Flexible aqueous rechargeable batteries that integrate excellent mechanical flexibility and reliable safety hold a great promise for next‐generation wearable electronics. Unfortunately, currently available options are unsatisfactory due to their low specific capacity, limited energy density, and unstable voltage output. Herein, to overcome these challenges, high theoretical specific capacity zinc and sulfur as the anode and cathode are selected, respectively. Furthermore, a strategy is proposed, that decoupling charge carriers in anolyte and catholyte to simultaneously endow the zinc anode and sulfur cathode with optimal redox chemistry, maximizes the energy storage of flexible aqueous batteries. The new zinc–sulfur hybrid battery possesses merits of ultrahigh theoretical specific capacity (3350 mAh gS−1) and volumetric energy density (3868 Wh L−1), low cost, ecofriendliness, and ease of fabrication and is a promising next‐generation aqueous energy storage system. The fabricated flexible aqueous zinc–sulfur hybrid battery delivers a stable output voltage (release 92% of its full capacity within a small voltage drop of 0.15 V) and an ultrahigh reversible capacity of 2063 mAh gS−1 at 100 mA gS−1, thus setting a new benchmark for flexible aqueous batteries and is promising to play a part in future flexible electronics.
Recent Developments and Future Prospects for Zinc‐Ion Hybrid Capacitors: a Review
Authors: Tang Heng , Yao Junjun , Zhu Yirong
Published: February 2021

The design and development of advanced energy storage systems with both high energy/power densities and long cycling life have long been a research hotspot. Zinc‐ion hybrid capacitors (ZICs) are regarded as emerging and highly promising candidates, which originates from the combined advantages of zinc‐ion batteries (ZIBs) with large energy density and supercapacitors (SCs) with exceptional power density and cycle stability. This critical review comprehensively and systematically summarizes the fundamentals and recent advances of ZICs, including their compositions, two types of energy storage mechanisms, advantages and disadvantages of ZICs as well as their electrode materials, electrolytes and new types of devices. Moreover, the present challenges and future research directions of ZICs are proposed, which need further research. This review is expected to provide good guidance for the design and exploitation of high‐performance ZICs to realize their potential practical applications.
The effect of scientific information and narrative on preferences for possible gene‐edited solutions for citrus greening
Authors: McFadden Brandon R. , Anderton Brittany N. , Davidson Kelly A. , Bernard John C.
Published: February 2021

This study used a national survey to examine how information that compared and contrasted gene editing with other breeding techniques, as well as a narrative, influenced both attitudes towards gene editing generally and preferences between a gene‐edited insect and gene‐edited tree to combat citrus greening. Consumers had low familiarity with gene editing but linked it to genetic modification. For citrus greening, respondents equally supported a gene‐edited insect or tree, but the narrative decreased the perceived safety of both. These findings suggest that in general, consumers may support gene editing approaches to combat citrus greening.

JEL CLASSIFICATION

D83; Q13; Q16
High‐throughput phenotyping of canopy height in cool‐season crops using sensing techniques
Authors: Zhang Chongyuan , Craine Wilson A. , McGee Rebecca J. , Vandemark George J. , Davis James B. , Brown Jack , Hulbert Scot H. , Sankaran Sindhuja
Published: February 2021

Plant breeders are interested in plant height data, which is an important agronomic data associated with lodging and mechanical harvest. Manual measurement of plant height with limited samples per plot and data acquisition frequency remains the standard method in breeding programs. To overcome such limitations, this study focuses on plant height estimation in canola (Brassica napus L./winter canola, and B. napus L. and B. rapa L./spring canola), pea (Pisum sativum L.), chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.), and camelina (Camelina sativa L.) breeding trials using sensors. Plant height data were collected using a light detection and ranging (LiDAR) sensor system mounted on a tractor (for pea and chickpea) and an unmanned aerial system (UAS) integrated with a Red–Green–Blue (RGB) camera (for four crops). The LiDAR data and UAS‐based images were processed to extract six plant height features. Significant (P < .0001) correlations between LiDAR estimated and manually measured plant height data were observed with correlation coefficient (r) of .74 and .91 in chickpea and pea, respectively. Image‐based plant height estimations were also correlated (P < .0001) with manually measurement in the four crops (r = .57 – .98). This study demonstrated that the plant height of four cool‐season crops can be estimated using either proximal or remote sensing techniques even if the canopy architectures of these crops pose challenges. Such high throughput phenotyping technologies can be applied in plant breeding and crop production to monitor plant height and associated traits such as lodging in an efficient and timely manner.
Clinical TNM staging for esophageal, gastric, and colorectal cancers in the era of neoadjuvant therapy: A systematic review of the literature
Authors: Shimada Hideaki , Fukagawa Takeo , Haga Yoshio , Okazumi Shin‐ichi , Oba Koji
Published: February 2021

Aim

Clinical staging is vital for selecting appropriate candidates and designing neoadjuvant treatment strategies for advanced tumors. The aim of this review was to evaluate diagnostic abilities of clinical TNM staging for gastrointestinal, gastrointestinal cancers.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review of recent publications to evaluate the accuracy of diagnostic modalities on gastrointestinal cancers. A systematic literature search was performed in PubMed/MEDLINE using the keywords “TNM staging,” “T4 staging,” “distant metastases,” “esophageal cancer,” “gastric cancer,” and “colorectal cancer,” and the search terms used in Cochrane Reviews between January 2005 to July 2020. Articles focusing on preoperative diagnosis of: (a) depth of invasion; (b) lymph node metastases; and (c) distant metastases were selected.

Results

After a full‐text search, a final set of 55 studies (17 esophageal cancer studies, 26 gastric cancer studies, and 12 colorectal cancer studies) were used to evaluate the accuracy of clinical TNM staging. Positron emission tomography–computed tomography (PET‐CT) and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were the best modalities to assess distant metastases. Fat and fiber mode of CT may be useful for T4 staging of esophageal cancer, CT was a partially reliable modality for lymph node staging in gastric cancer, and CT combined with MRI was the most reliable modality for liver metastases from colorectal cancer.

Conclusion

The most reliable diagnostic modality differed among gastrointestinal cancers depending on the type of cancer. Therefore, we propose diagnostic algorithms for clinical staging for each type of cancer.
Nonlinear model predictive control for distributed parameter systems by time–space‐coupled model reduction
Authors: Qing Xiangyun , Song Jun , Jin Jing , Zhao Shuangliang
Published: February 2021

Nonlinear high‐dimensional distributed parameter systems (DPSs) described by sets of parabolic partial different equations (PDEs) exhibit a dominant, low‐dimensional slow behavior that can be captured using model reduction. A time–space‐coupled model reduction architecture combining encoder–decoder networks with recurrent neural networks (RNNs) was presented in our previous work, for modeling the spatiotemporal dynamics of DPSs without recourse to the governing equations. In this work, we further understand the stability of the training dynamics of the deep architecture by using the Lyapunov exponents (LEs). Subsequently, we construct nonlinear model predictive control (MPC) formulations for the DPS based on the learned, dimensional‐reduced model. We use a path‐integral optimal control algorithm for MPC implementation to avoid any analytic derivatives of the dynamics. The effectiveness of integration of a deep neural network‐based model with MPC is demonstrated in a tubular reactor with recycle cases. The results of the simulation also show that the LE can serve as a readout of training stability for the learned dynamical model.
Psychiatric genomics research during the COVID‐19 pandemic: A survey of Psychiatric Genomics Consortium researchers
Authors: Guintivano Jerry , Dick Danielle , Bulik Cynthia M.
Published: February 2021

Between April 20, 2020 and June 19, 2020 we conducted a survey of the membership of the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium (PGC) to explore the impact of COVID‐19 on their research and academic careers. A total of 123 individuals responded representing academic ranks from trainee to full professor, tenured and fixed‐term appointments, and all genders. The survey included both quantitative and free text responses. Results revealed considerable concern about the impact of COVID‐19 on research with the greatest concern reported by individuals in nonpermanent positions and female researchers. Concerns about the availability of funding and the impact of the pandemic on career progression were commonly reported by early career researchers. Recommendations for institutions, organizations such as the PGC, as well as individual senior investigators have been provided to ensure that the futures of early career investigators, especially those underrepresented in academic medicine such as women and underrepresented minorities, are not disproportionately disadvantaged by the COVID‐19 pandemic.
Advances and Perspectives of Peptide and Polypeptide‐Based Materials for Biomedical Imaging
Authors: Lv Mingchen , Jan Cornel Erik , Fan Zhen , Du Jianzhong
Published: February 2021

Biomedical imaging is an effective tool to reveal internal structures beneath the skin. Such tools are of great importance for disease diagnosis and treatment. Various small molecules, polymers, and micro‐ or nanomaterials have been applied as imaging agents for contrast enhancement. Peptide‐ and polypeptide‐based materials have been designed and developed for enhanced and multifunctional imaging, due to their excellent biocompatibility and diverse biofunctionality. This review aims to summarize recent advances in peptide‐ and polypeptide‐based materials for X‐ray computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), fluorescence imaging (FLI), positron emission tomography (PET), single‐photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), and multimodal imaging. In addition to biomedical imaging, peptide‐ and polypeptide‐based materials have also been endowed with therapeutic functions for disease theranostics. This review is concluded with a perspective on future peptide‐ and polypeptide‐based materials for biomedical imaging.
Conversion of Dinitrogen into Nitrile: Cross‐Metathesis of N2‐Derived Molybdenum Nitride with Alkynes
Authors: Song Jinyi , Liao Qian , Hong Xin , Jin Li , Mézailles Nicolas
Published: February 2021

The direct synthesis of nitrile from N2under mild conditions is of great importance and has attracted much interest. Herein, we report a direct conversion of N2into nitrile via a nitrile–alkyne cross‐metathesis (NACM) process involving a N2‐derived Mo nitride. Treatment of the Mo nitride with alkyne in the presence of KOTf afforded an alkyne‐coordinated nitride, which was then transformed into MoVcarbyne and the corresponding nitrile upon 1 e−oxidation. Both aryl‐ and alkyl‐substituted alkynes underwent this process smoothly. Experiments and DFT calculations have proved that the oxidation state of the Mo center plays a crucial role. This method does not rely on the nucleophilicity of the N2‐derived metal nitride, offering a novel strategy for N2fixation chemistry.