bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dissection of Progressive Disease Patterns for a Modified Classification for Immunotherapy
Authors: Saal Jonas , Eckstein Markus , Ritter Manuel , Brossart Peter , Luetkens Julian , Ellinger Jörg , Grünwald Viktor , Hölzel Michael , Klümper Niklas
Published: December 2024

Importance

Progressive disease (PD) in patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) varies widely in outcomes according to the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST), version 1.1. Efforts to modify RECIST for ICI treatment have not resolved the heterogeneity in PD patterns, posing a clinical challenge.

Objective

To develop and validate a modified PD classification based on PD patterns and evaluate its association with postprogression survival (PPOS) in patients treated with the programmed cell death protein ligand 1 antibody atezolizumab across various solid tumors.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This study analyzed data from 5 phase 3 trials (IMmotion151, IMvigor211, OAK, Impower133, and IMspire150) involving patients treated with atezolizumab for renal cell carcinoma (RCC), urothelial carcinoma, small cell lung cancer, non–small cell lung cancer, and melanoma. This post hoc analysis was conducted from March to September 2024.

Exposure

Treatment with atezolizumab.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was the association of PD patterns with PPOS. Seven PD patterns were identified based on the enlargement of target and nontarget lesions or new lesions and their combinations.

Results

A total of 1377 patients were analyzed across the 5 trials. In RCC, 7 PD patterns significantly affected prognosis. The 6-month PPOS probability ranged from 26% for progression in target and nontarget lesions plus new lesions to 90% for progression in either target or nontarget lesions alone. A modified PD classification was developed that categorized PD into 3 risk levels: low risk (progression of existing lesions), intermediate risk (new lesions without progression of existing lesions), and high risk (progression of existing lesions plus new lesions). This score was associated with PPOS in ICI-treated RCC, with hazard ratios of 0.23 (95% CI, 0.13-0.41; P < .001) and 0.39 (95% CI, 0.23-0.66; P < .001) for low-risk and intermediate-risk PD compared with high-risk PD, respectively. Validation in additional trials confirmed the score’s applicability across various tumors.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this study, a survival score was developed based on PD patterns. The risk classification was associated with PPOS across various solid tumors treated with immunotherapy and may therefore enhance prognostication and clinical decision-making, potentially providing a valuable tool for treating patients with PD who are receiving immunotherapy.
Enhancing Computing Capacity via Reconfigurable MoS2‐Based Artificial Synapse with Dual Feature Strategy for Wide Reservoir Computing
Authors: Lee Hyeonji , Oh Jungyeop , Ahn Wonbae , Kang Mingu , Park Seohak , Kim Hyunmin , Yoo Seungsun , Jang Byung Chul , Choi Sung‐Yool
Published: December 2024

Reservoir computing (RC) has garnered considerable interest owing to its uncomplicated network structure and minimal training costs. Nevertheless, the computing capacity of RC systems is limited by the material‐dependent physical dynamics of reservoir devices. In this study, an efficient neuromorphic reservoir device with adjustable reservoir states, achieved through the development of an electrically tunable three‐terminal charge trap memory, is introduced. This device utilizes molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) as the channel material and a perhydropolysilazane‐based charge trap layer. Notably, the absence of a tunneling layer in the device structure enables dynamic resistive switching, characterized by outstanding endurance and an excellent memory window. Furthermore, by implementing a simple input decay and refresh scheme, a reconfigurable neuromorphic device capable of multiple feature extraction and functioning as an artificial synapse is developed. The device's efficacy is validated through device‐to‐system‐level simulations within a hardware‐based wide RC (WRC) system, resulting in an improved recognition rate in the MNIST hand‐written digit recognition task from 87.6% to 91.0%, a testament to the enhanced computing capacity. This strategic approach advances the development of hardware‐based WRC systems, marking a significant step toward energy‐efficient reservoir computing.
Stabilizing Electron‐Deficient Ru Nanoclusters via Strong Electronic Metal‐Support Interaction for Practical Anion‐Exchange Membrane Electrolyzer
Authors: Wang Haidong , Jiao Yongxin , Zhang Guanghui , Ma Wence , Fan Wenjun , Liu Xinyi , Zhao Yun , Xie Haijiao , Ma Weiguang , Zong Xu
Published: December 2024

Ruthenium (Ru)‐based hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) electrocatalysts are promising candidates for assembling high‐performance anion exchange membrane water electrolyzer (AEMWE) while their intrinsic activities are restricted due to the strong Ru─H bond strength. Herein, we present the synthesis and stabilization of electron‐deficient Ru nanoclusters on oxygen‐functionalized carbon nanotube (Ru/O‐CNT) via strong electronic metal‐support interaction (EMSI) toward highly efficient and stable alkaline HER. A scalable high‐temperature shock method is used to anchor Ru nanoclusters on O‐CNT, which suppresses the aggregation of Ru clusters and the loss of O anion during synthesis, thus strengthening the EMSI between the two components via Ru–O–C link. The strong EMSI helps to stabilize Ru at electron‐deficient state at reductive potentials and optimizes the Ru─H bond strength. Consequently, Ru/O‐CNT delivers outstanding performances for alkaline HER with a small overpotential of 10 mV at 10 mA cm−2, which is superior to the benchmark Pt/C and most reported Ru‐based electrocatalysts. More impressively, an AEMWE assembled with Ru/O‐CNT as cathode achieves high current densities of 1 and 5 A cm−2 at low cell voltages of 1.68 and 2.09 V, respectively, at a Ru mass loading of only 20 µg cm−2.
A Physically‐Based Machine Learning Approach Inspires an Analytical Model for Spider Silk Supercontraction
Authors: Fazio Vincenzo , Malay Ali D. , Numata Keiji , Pugno Nicola M. , Puglisi Giuseppe
Published: December 2024

Scientific and industrial interest in spider silk stems from its remarkable properties, including supercontraction—an activation effect induced by wetting. Understanding the underlying molecular scale mechanisms is then also crucial for biomimetic applications. In this study, it is illustrated how the effective integration of physically‐based machine learning with scientific interpretations can lead to significant physical insights and enhance the predictive power of an existing microstructure‐inspired model. A symbolic data modeling technique, known as Evolutionary Polynomial Regression (EPR), is employed, which integrates regression capabilities with the genetic programming paradigm, enabling the derivation of explicit analytical formulas for deducing structure‐function relationships emerging across different scales, to investigate the impact of protein primary structures on supercontraction. This analysis is based on recent multiscale experimental data encompassing a diverse range of scales and a wide variety of different spider silks. Specifically, this analysis reveals a correlation between supercontraction and the repeat length of the MaSp2 protein as well as the polyalanine region of MaSp1. Straightforward microstructural interpretations that align with experimental observations are proposed. The MaSp2 repeat length governs the cross‐links that stabilize amorphous chains in dry conditions. When hydrated, these cross‐links are disrupted, leading to entropic coiling and fiber contraction. Furthermore, the length of the polyalanine region in MaSp1 plays a critical role in supercontraction by restricting the extent of crystal misalignment necessary to accommodate the shortening of the soft regions. The validation of the model is accomplished by comparing experimental data from the Silkome database with theoretical predictions derived from both the machine learning and the proposed model. The enhanced model offers a more comprehensive understanding of supercontraction and establishes a link between the primary structure of silk proteins and their macroscopic behavior, thereby advancing the field of biomimetic applications.
3D‐Printed Dual‐Bionic Scaffolds to Promote Osteoconductivity and Angiogenesis for Large Segment Bone Restoration
Authors: Chen Bo , Chen Qi , Zhang Haodong , Zhang Donghui , Li Cuidi , Ma Ke , Dou Mengyue , Lu William Weijia , Qi Jin , Deng Lianfu , Liu Runhui , Cui Wenguo
Published: December 2024

Large segment bone defects pose a significant challenge in the field of orthopedic surgery, requiring effective and innovative approaches for restoration. However, many existing scaffolds are bioinert and do not support crucial processes such as cell adhesion, proliferation, and vascularization. In this study, a dual‐bionic 3D printing bredigite scaffold is developed, featuring a combination of physical structure and bioactive functions. Specifically, the structure‐mimetic scaffold has an isotropic single‐cell structure suitable for defects with varying load‐bearing requirements and allowing the ingrowth of vessels and bone. Meanwhile, an extracellular matrix peptide‐mimetic β‐amino acid polymer DM50CO50 and deferoxamine are modified onto the scaffold simultaneously to promote the adhesion of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and vascularization. The dual‐bionic scaffolds demonstrate outstanding osteogenic and angiogenic properties in a rat model with large segment bone defects to promote bone restoration, implying a promising strategy in designing scaffolds to promote osteoconductivity and angiogenesis for large segment bone restoration.
Integrating Hydrogels and Biomedical Plastics via In Situ Physical Entanglements and Covalent Bonding
Authors: Ma Zhenwei , Obuseh Favour O. , Freedman Benjamin R. , Kim Junsoo , Torre Matthew , Mooney David J.
Published: December 2024

Both rigid plastics and soft hydrogels find ample applications in engineering and medicine but bear their own disadvantages that limit their broader applications. Bonding these mechanically dissimilar materials may resolve these limitations, preserve their advantages, and offer new opportunities as biointerfaces. Here, a robust adhesion strategy is proposed to integrate highly entangled tough hydrogels and diverse plastics with high interfacial adhesion energy and strength. Systemic investigations on the effects of hydrogel monomer content and crosslink fraction revealed the significant contributions of both polymer physical entanglements and interfacial covalent bonding. This hybrid engineering strategy also enables the plastic‐hydrogel composite to attenuate foreign body response caused by pristine rigid plastics in vivo in mice. This versatile materials engineering approach may be broadly applicable to other polymer‐based devices commonly used in regenerative medicine and surgical robotics.
Area Selective Atomic Layer Deposition for the Use on Active Implants: An Overview of Available Process Technology
Authors: Simon Nicolai , Stieglitz Thomas , Bucher Volker
Published: December 2024

Area‐selective atomic layer deposition (ASD) is a bottom‐up process that is of particular importance in the semiconductor industry, as it prevents edge defects and avoids cost‐intensive lithography steps. This approach not only offers immense potential for the manufacture of active implants but can also be used to improve them. This review paper presents various processes that can be used for this purpose. It also identifies aspects that shall be considered when implementing such a process for medical applications. For example, the inherent selectivity can be used to produce new biosensors, the passivated ASD can be used to encapsulate polymer‐based implants, and the activated ASD can be used to improve electrode performance. Finally, the aspects that shall be considered in a coating for active implants are highlighted. ASD therefore offers great potential for use on active implants.
An Antifreezing Scaffold‐Based Cryopreservation Platform of Stem Cells for Convenient Application in Wound Repair
Authors: Zhou Shengxi , Zhang Kun , Li Mengya , Qi Kejun , Jia Danqi , Guan Fangxia , Sui Xiaojie
Published: December 2024

Efficient cryopreservation of stem cells is crucial to fabricating off‐the‐shelf cell products for tissue engineering and regeneration medicine. However, it remains challenging due to utilization of toxic cryoprotectants for reducing ice‐related cryodamages to stem cells during freeze‐thaw cycle, stringent post‐thaw washing process, and further integration of stem cells with scaffolds to form tissue engineering constructs for downstream applications. Herein, a novel cryopreservation platform of stem cells based on an antifreezing polyvinylpyrrolidone/gellan gum/gelatin (PGG) scaffold together is reported with an L‐proline assisted cell pre‐dehydration strategy. Results show that this platform is capable of inhibiting extra‐/intracellular ice, thus can achieve high cryoprotection efficacy to stem cells (≈95%) without using any toxic cryoprotectants and eliminate traditional washing process. Meanwhile, the post‐thawed stem cells can maintain their proliferation, differentiation, and paracrine functionalities. More importantly, due to the biocompatibility and three dimensional structure of the PGG scaffold, the post‐thawed stem cell‐laden PGG scaffold can be directly used as tissue engineering constructs for wound repair by mitigating inflammation and promoting collagen deposition at regenerating tissue sites. This present work demonstrates the feasibility of antifreezing scaffold‐based cryopreservation platform of stem cells, which may advance the off‐the‐shelf stem cell‐laden tissue engineering constructs for clinical translation.
In Situ Conversion of Artificial Proton‐Rich Shell to Inorganic Maskant Toward Stable Single‐Crystal Ni‐Rich Cathode
Authors: Xue Haoyu , Liang Yongzhi , Huang Yuxiang , Ji Yuchen , Xu Zhongxing , Chen Xinhan , Wang Honghao , Liu Jiajie , Amine Khalil , Liu Tongchao , Tan Xinghua , Pan Feng
Published: December 2024

Single‐crystal high‐nickel oxide with an integral structure can prevent intergranular cracks and the associated detrimental reactions. Yet, its low surface‐to‐volume ratio makes surficial degradation a more critical factor in electrochemical performance. Herein, artificial proton‐rich (ammonium bicarbonate) shell is successfully introduced on the nickel‐rich LiNi0.92Co0.06Mn0.02O2 single crystals for in situ electrochemically conversing into inorganic maskant to enhance stability of cathode. The process is that the surficial enriched proton, once released from the ammonium bicarbonate shell (proton reservoir) during 1st charge, is immediately captured by LiPF6, in situ electrochemically conversing to LiF and Li3PO4 sub‐nano particle dense maskant (sub‐nano F‐&P‐maskant). The in situ formed compact nano F‐&P‐maskant significantly resists the cathode against electrolyte attack and improves the surface stability of particles during long‐term cycling. Consequently, this surface modification enables 95% capacity retention after 100 cycles at a high voltage of 4.5 V in the half cell and 83% capacity retention after 800 cycles in the full cell. This work demonstrates a strategy for reconstructing the protective layer using the rational design of surficial enriched proton shells for advanced lithium batteries.
Bipolar Modulation in a Self‐Powered Ultra‐Wide Photodetector Based on Bi2Se3/AlInAsSb Heterojunction for Wavelength‐Sensitive Imaging and Encrypted Optical Communication
Authors: Han Yajie , Jiao Shujie , Zhang Xiangyu , Rong Ping , Zhao Yue , Jiang Dongwei , He Wen , Wang Dongbo , Gao Shiyong , Wang Jinzhong
Published: December 2024

Broadband photodetectors (PDs) have garnered significant attention due to their ability to detect optical signals across a wide wavelength range, with applications spanning military reconnaissance, environmental monitoring, and medical imaging. However, existing broadband detectors face several practical challenges, including limited detection range, uneven photoresponse, and difficult to distinguish multispectral signals. To address these limitations, this study presents a self‐powered ultra‐wide PD based on the Bi2Se3/AlInAsSb heterojunction. The device can detect signals across a wide wavelength range from 250 nm to 1900 nm, exhibiting outstanding optoelectronic performance with a maximum responsivity of 0.5 A W−1, a detectivity of 4.2 × 1012 Jones, a switching ratio of 1.1 × 104, and an external quantum efficiency of 71.4%. Furthermore, the detector achieves a detectivity greater than 1010 Jones across the entire broadband range, significantly improving photoresponse uniformity. Notably, due to the differential band alignment of the two materials across spectral ranges, this detector exhibits a photocurrent polarity reversal in the 650–680 nm range. Leveraging its broadband and bipolar characteristics, this PD successfully enables secure information encryption in communication systems. This study significantly advances broadband PD technology, enhancing its practical uses and introducing innovative solutions for secure communications, thus strengthening communication security and confidentiality.
Fast‐Charging Solid‐State Li Batteries: Materials, Strategies, and Prospects
Authors: Yu Jing , Wang Yuhao , Shen Longyun , Liu Jiapeng , Wang Zilong , Xu Shengjun , Law Ho Mei , Ciucci Francesco
Published: December 2024

The ability to rapidly charge batteries is crucial for widespread electrification across a number of key sectors, including transportation, grid storage, and portable electronics. Nevertheless, conventional Li‐ion batteries with organic liquid electrolytes face significant technical challenges in achieving rapid charging rates without sacrificing electrochemical efficiency and safety. Solid‐state batteries (SSBs) offer intrinsic stability and safety over their liquid counterparts, which can potentially bring exciting opportunities for fast charging applications. Yet realizing fast‐charging SSBs remains challenging due to several fundamental obstacles, including slow Li+ transport within solid electrolytes, sluggish kinetics with the electrodes, poor electrode/electrolyte interfacial contact, as well as the growth of Li dendrites. This article examines fast‐charging SSB challenges through a comprehensive review of materials and strategies for solid electrolytes (ceramics, polymers, and composites), electrodes, and their composites. In particular, methods to enhance ion transport through crystal structure engineering, compositional control, and microstructure optimization are analyzed. The review also addresses interface/interphase chemistry and Li+ transport mechanisms, providing insights to guide material design and interface optimization for next‐generation fast‐charging SSBs.
Silica‐Stabilized Lead Halide Perovskite Nanocrystals: Advantages, Progress, and Future Directions
Authors: Miao Yu , Xie Rongzhen , Kan Qihui , Yu Yanni , Dong Shipeng , Wang Shuao , Mao Liang
Published: December 2024

Lead halide perovskite nanocrystals (PNCs) combine properties required by high‐quality light sources like high brightness, color purity, defects tolerance, and tunable emission wavelength. Notably, their nanoscale size enables integration or fabrication into micro/nano light‐emitting devices, which have significant market demand. However, the stability of PNCs remains an open issue for their industrialization. Chemically stable and transparent amorphous silica (SiO2), an ideal cladding for vulnerable optical materials, is widely utilized to expand the applications of PNCs, resulting in many composites. Nevertheless, current composites remain far from achieving a sufficiently stable high‐quality luminescent unit, and the specific challenges in PNCs‐SiO2 integration have not been clearly outlined. To provide inspiration for this field, iodine‐containing PNCs are used as a representative example to deliver a comprehensive review of PNCs‐SiO2 development. First, the performance advantages, prospects, and stability challenges of PNCs are analyzed, with a focus on typical cesium lead iodine nanocrystals. Next, the benefits of SiO2 encapsulation are highlighted and the design, synthesis, and performance improvement of current iodine‐containing PNCs‐SiO2 composites are systematically summarized. Finally, optimism about the potential of single‐particle encapsulation technology for PNCs is expressed and the challenges and future directions in this field are outlined.
Donor–Acceptor Structure Induced Long‐Persistent Luminescence and Application in Temperature Measurement at Cryogenic Environment
Authors: Ding Shunan , Li Huimin , Zhang Su , Li Da , Pang Ran
Published: December 2024

With the development and application of cryogenic technology, the demand for temperature measurement in cryogenic environment is increasing. Optical sensing can provide a non‐contact method of temperature measurement in cryogenic environments. Herein, a new temperature measurement route based on the persistent luminescence is proposed. The single‐component, coordination crystal Zn‐ddcphpy with electron donor and acceptor structures, achieving persistent luminescence (6–7 s) after irradiating by ultraviolet light source at 80 K. The persistent luminescence decay and electron paramagnetic resonance show that the reason for the persistent luminescence generation is the photogenerated charge separation and recombination. In cryogenic environment controlled by liquid nitrogen (80–260 K), the persistent luminescence duration decreases with increasing temperature, the color gradually changes from green to yellow with the spectrum red‐shift. Taking Zn‐ddcphpy as a model material, the unquiet temperature sensitive based persistent luminescence shows convenience, intuitive and inexpensive. Furthermore, the LPL (long‐persistent luminescence) of Zn‐ddcphpy exhibits high sensitivity and responsiveness to temperature at cryonic environment, make it suitable for temperature measurement on real time. In this work, the change of duration and color can indicate temperature without contact, which can be used for temperature measurement and monitoring in the fields of cryogenic wind tunnels, cold chain storage, etc.
Self‐Assembled Fluorophore‐Based Probe for Efficient Detection of Endogenous Nitroreductase Activity in Escherichia Coli
Authors: Nakata Eiji , Yukimachi Yoshihiro , Kariyazono Hirokazu , Nazumi Yoshijiro , Komatsubara Futa , Asif Mashal , Uto Yoshihiro , Hori Hitoshi
Published: December 2024

Fluorescent probes are functional molecules whose fluorescent properties are transformed as a response to specific stimuli. Understanding the mechanisms of these transformations is essential for the design of these stimuli‐responsive fluorescent probes. A rational design strategy has been developed to construct stimuli‐responsive supramolecular cluster fluorescent probes. They operate by a new mechanism called self‐assembly induced lactone formation (SAILac) to control the fluorescence properties of SNARF, an asymmetric xanthene fluorophore. Here, to expand SAILac applicability, the structure‐activity relationship of the fluorophore scaffold is studied. SNARF‐OBn(pNO2), designed as nitroreductase‐reactive fluorescent probe based on the SAILac mechanism, is selected as the initial structure. As the result of the structure‐activity relationship studies, a new nitroreductase‐reactive fluorescent probe, Rhodol‐OBn(pNO2), is created, having a superior signal‐to‐noise (S/N) ratio with higher reactivity toward nitroreductase than the original probe. By using Rhodol‐OBn (pNO2), the activity of endogenous nitroreductase in Escherichia coli is successfully detected.
Regulating Spatial Configuration in Donor‐π‐Acceptor for through‐Space Exciton Transfer: Concentration‐Independent Emitter for OLEDs
Authors: Yadav Nisha , Deori Upasana , Manna Arun K , Rajamalli Pachaiyappan
Published: December 2024

Thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) emitters have garnered much attention due to 100% exciton utilization and toxic metal‐free design but often experience concentration‐quenching, requiring dispersion into the host matrix. Developing emitters that maintain consistent performance and emission wavelength irrespective of the concentration remains a significant challenge. Herein, two TADF emitters (2BPy‐pTC and 2BPy‐oTC) are designed and synthesized. The nature and energetics of the lowest excited singlet (S1) and triplet (T1) along with the extent of through‐bond exciton transfer (TBET) and through‐space exciton transfer (TSET) are unveiled using reliable quantum‐chemical calculations. While 2BPy‐pTC exhibits pre‐dominantly TBET, a greater extent of TSET is found in 2BPy‐oTC. Both emitters show a low singlet‐triplet energy gap (ΔEST), 0.21 eV for 2BPy‐pTC and 0.02 eV for 2BPy‐oTC. For 2BPy‐pTC, increasing the emitter concentration from 5 to 100 wt.% causes a bathochromic shift in the electroluminescence (EL) peak (467 to 495 nm) and a drop in maximum external quantum efficiency (EQEmax) from 12.0% to 5.5%. In contrast, 2BPy‐oTC maintains EL maxima of 500 nm and consistent EQEmax (24.0% – 27.2%) while increasing emitter concentration, acting as a universal emitter for both doped and non‐doped OLEDs and eliminating the need for tedious co‐deposition.
Design of a Novel Selenium‐Containing Spiro Donor for Narrowband Blue Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence Emitters in OLEDs
Authors: Li Mengke , Li Rongzhe , Li Zhizhi , Chen Zijian , Liu Denghui , Yang Zhihai , Xie Hongwei , Liu Kunkun , Su Shi‐Jian
Published: December 2024

Achieving high‐efficiency and narrowband deep‐blue emission is of great significance for organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs). Herein, a novel selenium‐containing spiro‐acridine donor, DspiroSe, is designed for constructing highly efficient blue emitters. The spiro structure of DspiroSe contributes to suppressed aggregation‐caused quenching, while the selenium atom provides heavy‐atom effect. By attaching DspiroSe to a multiple resonance skeleton with different linkage strategies, two isomeric emitters sSeDDBN and PsSe‐DABNA are obtained, which show promise as candidates for blue OLEDs. Note that the different linkage methods of DspiroSe enable tuning of the emission spectrum from sky‐blue to deep‐blue, with PsSe‐DABNA demonstrating exceptional deep‐blue emission characterized by a full‐width at half‐maximum of 18 nm and a peak wavelength of 445 nm in solution. Both sSeDDBN and PsSe‐DABNA exhibit high photoluminescence quantum yields exceeding 90% in films, and OLEDs using them as emitters achieve maximum external quantum efficiencies (EQEmax) of 26.5% and 14.6%, respectively. By utilizing a TADF assistant host, the EQEmax further increases to 28.5% for sSeDDBN and 19.1% for PsSe‐DABNA. Notably, PsSe‐DABNA based OLEDs exhibit excellent color purity with Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage coordinates of (0.145, 0.052), closely approaching the BT.2020 blue standard.
Regioisomer Effect of Pyrene on Multi‐Resonance Emitters and Their Application for Hyperfluorescence Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Lee Chanhee , Lee Yi‐Ting , Chan Chin‐Yiu , Park Chae Won , Lee Sanghyun , Kwon Hye In , Boo Dahee , Tsuchiya Youichi , Lee Sae Youn , Adachi Chihaya
Published: December 2024

Multiple‐resonance (MR) type emitters have overcome several issues in organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) because of their narrowband emission and high electroluminescence quantum yield efficiency. Also, this kind of emitters has been widely used as hyperfluorescence (HF)‐OLEDs thanks to their advantageous properties. However, there has been a significant challenge for HF‐OLEDs based on MR emitters, which is impacted by the nature of the long‐lived triplet excitons of MR emitters, as there is a trade‐off between narrowband emission and short exciton lifetime. Herein, the low‐possessed triplet energy level of pyrene is introduced to an MR core unit to achieve stable HF‐OLEDs with the development of three isomers to investigate the regioisomer effect of pyrenes. The improved device lifetimes are successfully achieved, and the reasons for the differences in excimer formation and stability between those three isomers are studied.
One‐Step Creation of Quantum Emitter Arrays in Hexagonal Boron Nitride by Local Stress Application
Authors: Karankova Sofiya , Lee Yeunjeong , Jang Chaun , Song Yong‐Won , Moon Hyowon
Published: December 2024

Hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) has recently emerged as a promising platform for hosting quantum emitters (QEs) in atomically thin solid‐state materials, as it operates at room temperature, possess exceptional brightness, and the two‐dimensional nature of hBN enables versatile integration with various photonic elements compared to bulk hosts. However, high‐yield fabrication of site‐specific QEs at designated locations still requires complicated pre‐ or post‐processes. In this work, QEs are created in defect‐free exfoliated hBN through localized stress application in series. Indentation is performed at target positions within the hBN flakes of various thickness without any subsequent post‐treatment, resulting in quantum emission from the majority of the indented regions. This technique yields 73% of QE generation per predefined indented site at optimized conditions, highly exceeding the 30–40% yield of previously reported top‐down approaches. In addition, the zero phonon line wavelengths of stress‐induced QEs are focused at 595 ± 18.9 nm, which implies that the emitters originate from the same family of defects. The facile one‐step, on‐demand, and high‐yield fabrication of QE arrays opens the possibility to realize scalable quantum light sources integrated on chip‐scale quantum photonic circuits.
Pegylated Graphene Oxide For 4′‐Fluorouridine Delivery: An Ab Initio Approach to Antiviral Therapy
Authors: Adekoya Oluwasegun Chijioke , Adekoya Gbolahan Joseph , Liu Wanjun , Sadiku Emmanuel Rotimi , Hamam Yskandar
Published: December 2024

Effective antiviral drug delivery systems, such as for 4′‐Fluorouridine (4′‐FlU), are crucial for addressing viral infections like COVID‐19. This study used ab‐initio analysis to examine interactions between 4′‐FlU and graphene oxide (GO)‐based carriers, with and without polyethylene glycol (PEG) functionalization, across various physiological conditions. Non‐PEGylated GO showed strong gas‐phase binding (−103.36 kcal mol−1), supporting systemic stability, while PEGylation reduced aqueous‐phase binding (−33.72 kcal mol−1), enhancing biocompatibility and circulation. Adsorption energies were significant in acidic and alkaline environments, with PEGylation intensifying alkaline interactions (−118.42 kcal mol−1). Charge transfer dynamics, influenced by pH and PEGylation, revealed enhanced stability under acidic conditions, suitable for tumor microenvironments. Hydrogen bonding stabilized GO‐drug complexes, ensuring prolonged release. PEGylated GO excelled in acidic environments, especially for tumor delivery, as confirmed by miscibility studies and controlled release kinetics. Thermodynamic and quantum chemical analyses highlighted environmental factors and PEGylation in optimizing stability and reactivity. GO/PEG‐4′‐FlU is ideal for localized drug delivery in acidic tumors, while GO/4′‐FlU supports systemic delivery requiring broader dispersion. This research lays the groundwork for nanotechnology‐based antiviral strategies and the design of adaptable drug delivery systems for both systemic and localized applications.
Touch Empowerment: Self‐Sustaining e‐Tattoo Thermoelectric System for Temperature Mapping
Authors: Almeida M. A. S. , Pires A. L. , Ramirez J. L. , Malik S. B. , de la Flor S. , Llobet E. , Pereira A. T. , Pereira A. M.
Published: December 2024

In recent advancements within sensing technology, driven by the Internet of Things (IoT), significant impacts are observed on health sector applications, notably through wearable electronics like electronic tattoos (e‐tattoos). These e‐tattoos, designed for direct contact with the skin, facilitate precise monitoring of vital physiological parameters, including body heat, a critical indicator for conditions such as inflammation and infection. Monitoring these indicators can be crucial for early detection of chronic conditions, steering toward proactive healthcare management. This study delves into a thermoelectric sensor e‐tattoo designed for detailed skin temperature mapping. Utilizing a novel design, this sensor detects temperature variations across thermoelectric stripes, leveraging screen‐printed films of p‐type Bi0.35Sb1.65Te3, n‐type Bi2Te2.8Se0.2, and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) for enhanced thermoelectric and flexible properties. The application of a prototype printed thermoelectric device on temporary tattoo paper, a pioneering development in wearable health technology is demonstrated. This device, validated through numerical simulations, exhibits significant potential as a non‐invasive tool for temperature monitoring, highlighting its value in health diagnostics and management.
Viscoelastic Soft Solid Electrolytes Enable Fast Zinc Ion Conductance and Highly Stable Zinc Metal Anode
Authors: Lin Weijia , Zhou Keqin , Xing Lirui , Huang Song , Ye Minghui , Zhang Yufei , Tang Yongchao , Liu Xiaoqing , Wen Zhipeng , Du Wencheng , Li Cheng Chao
Published: December 2024

Achieving both high ionic conductance and stable Zn metal anode simultaneously remains a challenge with current liquid and solid electrolytes. Here, a viscoelastic soft solid electrolyte (VSSE) strategy is presented that effectively balances Zn ion conduction and Zn anode stability. The VSSE is created by nano‐SiO2 inducing a liquid‐to‐solid transition in a liquid solution containing Zn(BF4)2 salt dissolved in an oligomer (glycerol polyoxyethylene‐b‐oxypropylene ether, GPE) and water. The plentiful oxygen functional group in VSSE provides enough hydrogen bonding sites for water molecules to be completely hydrogen‐bonded to form a state without free water. The bound water serves as a Zn‐O coordination modulator that can weaken the strong Zn‐O coordination, lowering the dissociation energy for Zn ions, realizing fast Zn ion decoupling motion mode. Consequently, the VSSE gives impressive Zn ion conductance of (2.28 ± 0.07) ×10−3 S cm−1 at room temperature 10–1000 times higher than reported solid polymer electrolytes. Simultaneously, the restricted molecular activity of bound water allows for excellent storage/cycle life of the Zn metal anode, which is confirmed by remarkably improved storage life (720 h), shelving‐recovery lifespan (850–1200 h), and cycling life (1400–2050 h). This study offers fresh perspectives on multifunctional electrolyte design strategies based on soft‐matter science.
Amidinopyridine Ion Docking in Crown Ether Cavity to Modulate the Top Interface in Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Xu Guoqiang , Muhammad Imran , Zhang Yu , Zheng Xiaojian , Xin Min , Gao Huaxi , Li Jiahao , Liu Chang , Chen Wei , Tang Jun , Yang Fan , Su Yaorong , Han Peigang , Sheng Yifa , Khan Danish , Wang Xingzhu , Tang Zeguo
Published: December 2024

The formation of electric dipoles at the buried interface through self‐assembled molecules is crucial for minimizing non‐radiative recombination and improving the efficiency of inverted perovskite solar cells. However, creating dipoles at the upper interface has seldom been reported in the literature, primarily due to the scarcity of suitable n‐type organic passivants, film sensitivity of perovskite, and chemisorption issues. In this study, a novel bimolecular host–guest strategy is proposed utilizing the cavity of crown ether as the host and the ammonia ion as the guest. The ion‐docking phenomenon is thoroughly examined through a comprehensive range of experimental characterizations and theoretical analyses, instilling confidence in the robustness of the findings. These findings demonstrate that the host–guest electrostatic interlocking induces an electric dipole at the perovskite surface, which facilitates electron extraction and prevents hole recombination. As a result, a power conversion efficiency of 25.25% is achieved with minimal photovoltage and non‐radiative recombination losses. The target devices also exhibited superior long‐term stabilities under high humid and high temperature environments.
Synergistically Promoting Oxygen Electrocatalysis through the Precise Integration of Atomically‐Dispersed Fe Sites and Co Nanoparticles
Authors: Huo Mengtian , Liang Yu , Liu Wei , Zhang Xinye , Qin Kaichi , Ma Yue , Xing Zihao , Chang Jinfa , Zhu Guangshan
Published: December 2024

Oxygen electrochemistry, which encompasses the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and the oxygen evolution reaction (OER), is of utmost importance in energy‐related reactions such as zinc‐air batteries (ZABs). However, due to their four‐electron transfer process, these reactions are still significantly restricted by sluggish reaction kinetics. Supporting atomically‐dispersed (AD) catalyst or metal nanoparticles (NPs) on nitrogen‐doped carbon (NC) is proven to be an effective strategy for enhancing the performance of oxygen electrocatalysis. Nevertheless, the performance of these types of catalysts still fails to meet the critical requirements for ZABs. Herein, a novel FeADCoNPs@NC, which consists of both AD Fe‐N1 and Fe sites in the Co lattice, is developed. Spectroscopy studies and density functional theory calculations indicate that the Fe site in the Co lattice facilitates the conversion of Co NPs to an amorphous CoOOH, and the Fe‐N1 serves as the main active site for ORR. FeADCoNPs@NC demonstrates remarkable activity for both OER and ORR. When it is used as an air‐electrode for ZABs, it demonstrates a power density of 247.49 mW cm−2. This work presents a simple yet efficient method to enhance oxygen electrochemical performance through the synergy between AD sites and metal NPs.
Trends in age‐specific incidence, mortality, and DALYs of female breast cancer from 1990 to 2021
Authors: Priyadarshini Subhadra , Panda Kunja Bihari
Published: December 2024

Objectives

Breast cancer is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among women worldwide. This study aims to analyze the trends in breast cancer incidence, mortality, and disability‐adjusted life years (DALYs) across different age groups from 1990 to 2021, and to project the mortality rate for the next decade.

Methods

Global breast cancer data were analyzed, focusing on three distinct age groups: 15–49 years, 50–69 years, and 70+ years. Joinpoint regression analysis was used to identify periods of significant changes in cancer rate trends (joinpoints). Age‐specific annual percent changes (APC) and average annual percent changes (AAPC) were calculated to identify trends over time. Additionally, an autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model was employed to forecast future mortality rates.

Results

The overall incidence of breast cancer increased significantly with an AAPC of 1.6% from 1990 to 2021. The highest increase was observed in the 15–49 years age group (AAPC: 1.3%), while the 70+ years age group showed the lowest increase (AAPC: 0.2%). Mortality rates exhibited a complex pattern, with a modest overall increase (AAPC: 0.8%), a slight increase in the 15–49 years age group (AAPC: 0.4%), and decreases in both 50 and 69 years (AAPC: −0.4%) and 70+ years age groups (AAPC: –0.3%). DALY rates increased slightly overall (AAPC: 0.7%), primarily driven by the 15–49 years age group (AAPC: 0.4%), while the older age groups showed a declining trend (AAPC: −0.4%).

Conclusion

Incidence rates are rising across all age groups, with the highest increase observed among younger women (15–49 years). In contrast, older age groups (50 + years) are experiencing improvements in mortality and DALYs. These findings underscore the need for targeted public health interventions, enhanced screening practices, and ongoing advancements in breast cancer treatment to address the evolving burden of this disease across different age groups.
Survival benefit of adjuvant therapy completion with early initiation for patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Okada Kenjiro , Uemura Kenichiro , Sumiyoshi Tatsuaki , Shintakuya Ryuta , Baba Kenta , Harada Takumi , Ishii Yasutaka , Oka Shiro , Murakami Yoshiaki , Takahashi Shinya
Published: December 2024

Aim

To evaluate the prognostic effect of initiation timing and completion of adjuvant therapy in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

Methods

The medical records of patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma who underwent radical pancreatectomy between 2006 and 2022 at Hiroshima University were retrospectively reviewed. Patient characteristics, perioperative outcomes, clinicopathological factors, and survival rates were analyzed. Adjuvant indications were for all patients who had a good postoperative status as early as possible. Early initiation was defined as adjuvant initiation within 4 weeks after surgery, and completion was defined as a total of 6 months of administration.

Results

In total, 444 (294, resectable; 150, borderline resectable or locally advanced) patients who received adjuvant therapy were enrolled in this study. The median time to adjuvant therapy initiation was 20 days. In total, 328 patients with early initiation had better overall survival than those with delayed initiation, and 409 patients with adjuvant completion had better survival rates than those with incompletion. Multivariate overall survival analysis demonstrated that early adjuvant therapy initiation and completion were independent prognostic factors for prolonged survival. In total, 310 adjuvant completions with early initiation resulted in a median survival period of 81.8 months. Multivariate analysis identified severe postoperative complication as an independent risk factor preventing adjuvant completion with early initiation.

Conclusion

Adjuvant completion with early initiation may contribute to the improved survival of patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Preventing severe postoperative complications may facilitate adjuvant completion with early initiation.
Metal‐Organic Frameworks: A Potential Platform From Enzyme Immobilization to Mimetic Enzyme
Authors: Kuang Geling , Wang Zichen , Bilal Muhammad , Wang Ziyuan , Feng Yuxiao , Du Yingjie , Cui Jiandong
Published: December 2024

Metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) are a new class of organic‐inorganic hybrid materials that have been widely studied in the past two decades for their potential in catalysis. (1) In this review, we comprehensively summarize the synthesis, application, and potential advancements of MOFs in enzyme immobilization and mimetic enzymes. (2) We also discuss the design principles behind various MOF‐based biocatalysts, such as enzyme@MOF composites, and explore their utility in various reactions. (3) Additionally, we highlight the advantages of MOF materials as enzyme mimetics and provide a perspective on potential solutions to current challenges in MOF catalysis. (4) Ultimately, this review provides a general overview of the most recent advances in MOF‐based catalyst platforms, including enzyme@MOF biocatalysts and MOF‐based nanozymes, in various applications.
Investigation of Analog Memristor Characteristics for Hardware Synaptic Weight in Multilayer Neural Network
Authors: Jang Jingon , Song Yoonseok , Park Sungjun
Published: December 2024

Analog conductance switching characteristics of memristor devices have been studied to be utilized for constituent elements of synaptic weight matrix in neural networks, related to system design of hardware‐level parallel neuromorphic computing architecture for the artificial intelligence application. In this manner, it is important to systematically investigate the specific requirements of memristor characteristics associated with the capability to emulate plenty of synaptic weight elements linked between constituent layers in neural networks. Here, the learning capabilities of analog conductance state of memristor device for the perceptron of unstructured complex dataset in multilayer neural network are analyzed in terms of the number of analog state, nonlinearity, and conductance error. It is found that the requirable number of analog state is analyzed in about ≈50 states and conductance deviation of each analog state is until ≈5% of original value with nonlinearity of ≈0.142 according to constant programming pulse scheme. With the memristor characteristics enough to mimic synaptic weight to be learnt and infer the Fashion‐mnist dataset, the classification accuracy is satisfied as ≈84.36% with the loss of ≈16.8% to original level. Owing to this investigation, applicability of novel memristor device could be conveniently examined for the utilization as synaptic weight in multilayer neural networks.
Exploring the Laws of Developmental Direction Using a Documented Skeletal Collection
Authors: Nelson Jennifer S. , Harrington Lesley , Holland Emily , Cardoso Hugo F. V.
Published: December 2024

Objectives

Many human growth studies note a trend of differential variation in limb segment lengths, where distal elements show greater variability than their proximal counterparts. This has been attributed to their developmental sequence, where bones further from the head develop later and are more impacted by fluctuating growth conditions. We aimed to explore limb dimensions within this framework, known as the laws of developmental direction, in children (0.09–11.75 years) from a documented skeletal collection of low socioeconomic status.

Materials and Methods

Z‐scores were generated for diaphyseal length measurements of six limb bones. Differences between mean z‐score values of the limbs, as well as of the proximal and distal segments of each limb, were assessed using paired samples t‐tests.

Results

The lower limb was significantly more stunted in growth relative to the upper limb (p ≤ 0.001), as was the distal segment of the upper limb relative to the proximal segment (p ≤ 0.001). In contrast, the distal segment of the lower limb was significantly less stunted in growth relative to the proximal segment (p ≤ 0.001).

Discussion

The findings of increased sensitivity in the lower limb relative to the upper limb and in the distal segment of the upper limb relative to its proximal segment are consistent with the laws of developmental direction. However, the finding of greater sensitivity in the proximal segment of the lower limb relative to the distal segment does not align with the theorized developmental gradient. These results reveal the complexity of human growth and developmental plasticity in response to biocultural factors.
Simultaneous High Current Density and Selective Electrocatalytic CO2‐to‐CH4 through Intermediate Balancing
Authors: Hu Shuqi , Chen Yumo , Zhang Zhiyuan , Liu Heming , Kang Xin , Liu Jiarong , Li Shanlin , Luo Yuting , Liu Bilu
Published: December 2024

The electrochemical reduction of CO2 to CH4 is promising for carbon neutrality and renewable energy storage but confronts low CH4 selectivity, especially at high current densities. The key challenge lies in promoting *CO intermediate and *H coupling while minimizing side reactions including C−C coupling and H−H coupling, which is particularly difficult at high current density due to abundant intermediates. Here we report a cooperative strategy to address this challenge using Cu‐based catalysts comprising Cu−N coordination polymer and CuO component that can simultaneously manage the key intermediates *CO and *H. A fast CO2‐to‐CH4 conversion rate of 3.14 mmol cm−2 h−1 is achieved at 1,300 mA cm−2 with a Faradaic efficiency of 51.7 %. In situ spectroscopy and theoretical calculations show that the increased Cu−Cu distance in the Cu−N coordination polymer component favors multistep *CO hydrogenation over the dimerization, and the CuO component ensures an adequate supply of *H, together contributing to the selective CO2‐to‐CH4 conversion at high current densities. This work develops a cooperative strategy for the electrosynthesis of CH4 with simultaneous high current density and high selectivity by rational catalyst design, paving the way for its applications.