bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Probing Local Structural Phase Transition at the Surface of (BA)2PbI4 via Interlayer Exciton Emission
Authors: Liu Zeyi , Chen Yingying , Li Junze , Yao Wendian , Luo Ting , Li Dehui
Published: December 2023

2D halide perovskites are extensively studied for optoelectronic applications owing to their outstanding excitonic performance. Studies have revealed the coexistence of the high‐temperature phase and low‐temperature phase in 2D perovskite (BA)2PbI4 flakes and the correlation between the degree of phase transition with the thickness; nevertheless, structural phase transition at surface still remains elusive. Here, the use of interlayer excitons in (BA)2PbI4/WSe2 heterojunctions to characterize its structural phase transitions at surface in (BA)2PbI4 is proposed. Two types of interlayer exciton emission caused by the phase transition of (BA)2PbI4 can be observed, which can be attributed to the low‐temperature and high‐temperature phases of (BA)2PbI4, respectively. Importantly, the spatially resolved PL mapping suggests that two phases in the coexisted region distribute rather uniformly and the degree of phase transition at the surface and interior of crystal remains largely the same. The results provide a novel and non‐destructive approach to explore the phase transition of (BA)2PbI4 and offer new route to further regulate its phase transition.
Ice‐Shedding Endurance Enhancement of Lubricated Polyurethane NP‐GLIDE Coating Through Dual Cross‐Linking with Covalent and Hydrogen Bonds
Authors: Zheng Haili , Lai Ziruo , Liu Guojun
Published: December 2023

An NP‐GLIDE coating, featuring a liquid‐like polymer brush layer on its surface and nanopools of a grafted liquid ingredient for dewetting enablement within its matrix, is normally covalently cross‐linked (CX). This paper introduces a dually cross‐linked (DX) NP‐GLIDE coating, employing urethane bonds and H─bonds for crosslinking. Both the DX and CX coatings, utilizing poly(dimethyl siloxane) (PDMS) as the dewetting enabler, exhibit low ice adhesion strengths (τ). Post‐lubrication with silicone oil (SO), ice is readily shed under gravity from the coatings. The DX coating maintains low τ over numerous icing/de‐icing cycles, outlasting the CX coating. This durability is likely due to the lubricant‐loss‐responsive nature of the DX matrix. The matrix increases its H─bond cross‐links responding to lubricant loss and the cross‐linking density increase triggers additional lubricant release into the PDMS brush layer. This cyclic process persists over time. Under optimal conditions after 31 icing/de‐icing cycles, the lubricated DX coating demonstrates an impressively low τ of 1.8 ± 0.5 kPa. In contrast, the lubricated CX counterpart has a τ of 32 ± 11 kPa, while plain glass records a τ of 325 ± 14 kPa. This study underscores the significant potential of dual cross‐linking for enhancing ice‐shedding endurance of coatings.
Defects and Disorder in Covalent Organic Frameworks for Advanced Applications
Authors: Daliran Saba , Blanco Matías , Dhakshinamoorthy Amarajothi , Oveisi Ali Reza , Alemán José , García Hermenegildo
Published: December 2023

Crystalline porous organic polymers (CPPs) or covalent organic frameworks (COFs), are composed by light elements linked by covalent bonds. Despite the remarkable progress attained, there are still bottlenecks limiting further development, some of them related to the presence of defects during their synthesis as well as in‐depth understanding of structure of active centers and/or details of the reaction mechanism. Indeed, very often the proposed structures are far from reality because defects and disorders have not been considered. The present review provides an illustrative overview of “defects and disorder in COFs”. These defects include those not only generated during the synthesis and manipulation of COFs, but also lack of crystallinity, stacking disorder and network vacancies. The review starts giving general remarks on organic COFs and their synthetic methods, followed by different methods to play and manage defects, how to minimize them or how to take advantage of them to gain new properties and applications. Selected characterization techniques to quantify defective structures and active sites in COFs are also presented. Finally, the challenges and future opportunities in the field have been summarized in the last section.
Enhancing the Photocatalytic Activity via Direct Covalent Functionalization in Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Nova‐Fernández José Luis , González‐Muñoz Daniel , Pascual‐Coca Gustavo , Cattelan Mattia , Agnoli Stefano , Pérez‐Ruiz Raúl , Alemán José , Cabrera Silvia , Blanco Matías
Published: December 2023

Herein, the direct covalent functionalization of single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWNT) is presented with an amino‐decorated phenyl‐phenothiazine (PTH‐NH2) organophotocatalyst through the diazonium chemistry protocol. Three different SWNT‐PTH hybrids are prepared by varying the amount of PTH‐NH2 and diazonium agent and are fully characterized. These hybrids differ not only in the degree of functionalization, but also in the chemical structure and the photophysical properties. The study shows that these features affect the photoredox activity of the materials in the photo‐debromination of aromatic halides. Thus, sample SWNT‐PTH‐5, a functionalized nanotube with a 5% wt loading of PTH, surpasses the catalytic performance of homogeneous PTH in 11 different substrates, finishing the reaction in shorter times, in a recyclable manner and without catalyst leaching. This study demonstrates the importance of controlling the functionalization degree of SWNT with photocatalysts to prepare photocatalytic materials with even higher catalytic activity than that presented by the homogeneous PTH catalyst.
Lead‐Free (K, Na)NbO3 Piezocatalyst with Superior Piezocatalysis and Large‐Scale Production
Authors: Wang Xuzong , Wang Nan , Liao Jiayang , Wang Xin , Zou Anqi , Chen Qiang , Li Chen‐Bo‐Wen , Zhang Junwei , Wang Duan , Peng Yong , Lv Xiang , Wu Jiagang
Published: December 2023

Although piezocatalysis has achieved preliminary achievements in environmental remediation and biomedical applications, large‐scale fabrication of piezocatalysts with high degradation efficiency and low cost remains challenging. In this work, a new and easy strategy to solve this challenge is innovatively proposed, that is, ceramic‐powder‐driven boosted polarization intensity, and validated the strategy is by examining potassium sodium niobate ((K, Na)NbO3, KNN) ferroelectric. KNN‐3 piezocatalyst, obtained by grinding as‐sintered ceramics into powder, shows a degradation rate (k) as high as 148 × 10−3 min−1 for rhodamine B (RhB) dye and for 31 × 10−3 min−1 for methyl orange (MO) dye, ≈18 times and 66 times than those of previously reported KNN piezocatalysts. The superior piezocatalytic activity is attributed to enhanced polarization intensity, increased oxygen vacancies, and higher charge carrier concentrations. Besides, the KNN‐3 piezocatalyst shows excellent inhibitory effects on Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli strains. Therefore, the proven ceramic preparation technology enables the new strategy to mass produce high‐performance KNN piezocatalysts that hold promise for applications in dye degradation and biomedicine.
Nano/Micromotor‐Driven SERS for Highly Sensitive and Spatially Controlled Sensing
Authors: Becerril‐Castro I. Brian , Salgueiriño Veronica , Correa‐Duarte Miguel A. , Alvarez‐Puebla Ramon A.
Published: December 2023

Nano/micromotors (NMs) are tiny structures capable of converting various forms of energy into mechanical motion at the micro and nanoscale. These motors operate in environments characterized by low inertia and low Reynolds numbers. The potential applications of NMs are vast, particularly in the fields of biomedicine and environmental science. One of the most intriguing developments in this field is the integration of NMs with surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectroscopy. SERS is a powerful analytical technique that enhances the Raman intensity of molecules, allowing for highly sensitive detection and analysis of trace amounts of substances. This integration offers highly precise and localized ultrasensing capabilities. The combination of NMs with SERS can also facilitate real‐time imaging inside living organisms. This has immense potential in chemical and cell biology and medical diagnostics and prognosis. Herein this review describes the types of NMs and their fabrication, the incorporation of plasmonic nanostructures, capable of creating strong electromagnetic fields when illuminated by light, which in turn enhances the Raman signals significantly, their applications, and their future prospects in areas such as precision medicine, environmental monitoring, and possibly even in new realms like microscale robotics and targeted therapeutics.
Way to a Library of Ti‐Series Oxide Nanofiber Sponges that are Highly Stretchable, Compressible, and Bendable
Authors: Cheng Xiaota , Chang Xinyi , Zhang Xinxin , Dai Jin , Fong Hao , Yu Jianyong , Liu Yi‐Tao , Ding Bin
Published: December 2023

Ti‐series oxide ceramics in the form of aerogels, such as TiO2, SrTiO3, BaTiO3, and CaCu3Ti4O12, hold tremendous potential as functional materials owing to their excellent optical, dielectric, and catalytic properties. Unfortunately, these inorganic aerogels are usually brittle and prone to pulverization owing to weak inter‐particulate interactions, resulting in restricted application performance and serious health risks. Herein, a novel strategy is reported to synthesize an elastic form of an aerogel‐like, highly porous structure, in which activity‐switchable Ti‐series oxide sols transform from the metastable state to the active state during electrospinning, resulting in condensation and solidification at the whipping stage to obtain curled nanofibers. These curled nanofibers are further entangled when flying in the air to form a physically interlocked, elastic network mimicking the microstructure of high‐elasticity hydrogels. This strategy provides a library of Ti‐series oxide nanofiber sponges with unprecedented stretchability, compressibility, and bendability, possessing extensive opportunities for greener, safer, and broader applications as integrated or wearable functional devices. As a proof‐of‐concept demonstration, a new, elastic form of TiO2, composed of both “white” and “black” TiO2 nanofiber sponges, is constructed as spontaneous air‐conditioning textiles in smart clothing, buildings, and vehicles, with unique bidirectional regulation of radiative cooling in summer and solar heating in winter.
A Synergistic Lipid Nanoparticle Encapsulating mRNA Shingles Vaccine Induces Potent Immune Responses and Protects Guinea Pigs from Viral Challenges
Authors: Cheng Xingdi , Liu Sujia , Sun Jing , Liu Lin , Ma Xinghuan , Li Jingjiao , Fan Bangda , Yang Chen , Zhao Yuanyuan , Liu Shuai , Wen Yixing , Li Wei , Sun Simin , Mi Shiwei , Huo Haonan , Miao Lei , Pan Hao , Cui Xiaolan , Lin Jiaqi , Lu Xueguang
Published: December 2023

Shingles is caused by the reactivation of varicella zoster virus (VZV) and manifests as painful skin rashes. While the recombinant protein‐based vaccine proves highly effective, it encounters supply chain challenges due to a shortage of the necessary adjuvant. Messenger RNA (mRNA)‐based vaccines can be rapidly produced on a large scale, but their effectiveness relies on efficient delivery and sequence design. Here, an mRNA‐based VZV vaccine using a synergistic lipid nanoparticle (Syn‐LNP) containing two different ionizable lipids is developed. Syn‐LNP shows superior mRNA expression compared to LNPs formulated with either type of ionizable lipid and to a commercialized LNP. After encapsulating VZV glycoprotein E (gE)‐encoding mRNA, mgE@Syn‐LNP induces robust humoral and cellular immune responses in two strains of mice. The magnitude of these responses is similar to that induced by adjuvanted recombinant gE proteins and significantly higher than that observed with live‐attenuated VZV. mgE@Syn‐LNP exhibits durable humoral responses for over 7 months without obvious adverse effects. In addition, mgE@Syn‐LNP protects vaccinated guinea pigs against live VZV challenges. Preliminary studies on the mRNA antigen design reveal that the removal of glycosylation sites of gE greatly reduces its immune responses. Collectively, Syn‐LNP encapsulating gE‐encoded mRNA holds great promise as a shingles vaccine.
Important Role of Ion Flux Regulated by Separators in Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Jia Hao , Zeng Chao , Lim Hyung‐Seok , Simmons Ashley , Zhang Yuepeng , Weber Marc H. , Engelhard Mark H. , Gao Peiyuan , Niu Chaojiang , Xu Zhijie , Zhang Ji‐Guang , Xu Wu
Published: December 2023

Polyolefin separators are the most common separators used in rechargeable lithium (Li)‐ion batteries. However, the influence of different polyolefin separators on the performance of Li metal batteries (LMBs) has not been well studied. By performing particle injection simulations on the reconstructed three‐dimensional pores of different polyethylene separators, it is revealed that the pore structure of the separator has a significant impact on the ion flux distribution, the Li deposition behavior, and consequently, the cycle life of LMBs. It is also discovered that the homogeneity factor of Li‐ion toward Li metal electrode is positively correlated to the longevity and reproducibility of LMBs. This work not only emphasizes the importance of the pore structure of polyolefin separators but also provides an economic and effective method to screen favorable separators for LMBs.
Design of a Novel Drug Delivery Nanosystem that Simultaneously Realizes Real‐Time Tracing and Drug Delivery Across the Blood–Brain Barrier
Authors: Wang Xiu , Qin Lijing , Song Baoqin , Wu Mengru , Liang Wanjun
Published: December 2023

Acute encephalitis is a brain infection that can harm the nervous system if not recognized and treated promptly. However, the presence of the blood–brain barrier restricts therapeutic agent distribution from the bloodstream to the brain parenchyma, severely restricting effective therapy for this disease. Herein, a novel drug delivery system based on a macrophage (RAW 264.7 cells) artifactual diagnostic and therapeutic nanoparticles (IPD@RAW) drug‐loading approach is presented, which exploits RAW cells' ability to cross the blood–brain barrier and go toward inflammation, and efficiently realizes the targeted enrichment of diagnostic and therapeutic nanoparticles at the site of inflammation in the brain. This nano‐drug‐carrying technology can accurately depict the degree of inflammation in real time for an extended period due to the significant penetration depth and high signal‐to‐noise ratio of near‐infrared (NIR) imaging. Meanwhile, the modified polydopamine can trigger the controlled release of anti‐inflammatory drugs through photothermal conversion under NIR irradiation to reduce the expression of cellular inflammatory factors, such as TNF‐α, IL‐6, and IL‐1β, and alleviate the brain damage due to secretion of this inflammatory factor. As a result, this drug delivery system provides a reliable tool for overcoming the blood–brain barrier to achieve early diagnosis and treatment of acute encephalitis.
Manufacture of Biomimetic Auricular Surgical Implants Using 3D Printed High Density Polyethylene Microfibers
Authors: Paxton Naomi C , Luposchainsky Simon , Reizabal Ander , Saiz Paula G , Bade Stuart , Woodruff Maria A , Dalton Paul D
Published: December 2023

This study demonstrates a new approach to manufacturing biomimetic auricular surgical implants using melt electrowriting (MEW) technology to fabricate microfiber high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) scaffolds. An emerging filament‐driven printhead and MEW printer, termed the “MEWron”, is used to enable precise control over the material extrusion process and fiber formation. By predicting the optimal extrusion conditions, continuous and uninterrupted fiber production is achieved, enabling further optimization of filament‐driven MEW fibers with a diameter of 60.5 ± 2.6 µm. As a case study, an application of microfiber HDPE fabrication is selected that comprised the design and fabrication of personalized auricular (ear) surgical implants, specifically tailored to match the unique morphology of individual patients. Patient‐specific implant models matched to the natural shape and structure of the human ear are successfully fabricated. Furthermore, the manufactured implants exhibit excellent mechanical properties, offering a 13‐fold increase in tensile stiffness compared to MEW PCL scaffolds. Overall, this research demonstrates the feasibility and potential of MEW‐based HDPE implants as a promising alternative to traditional auricular reconstruction methods, offering an alternative avenue for improved patient outcomes and enhanced aesthetic results.
Asymmetric Silicon Dimers Made by Single‐Shot Laser‐Induced Transfer Demultiplex Light of Different Wavelengths
Authors: Obydennov Dmitry V. , Shilkin Daniil A. , Gulkin Dmitry N. , Lyubin Evgeny V. , Zhigunov Denis M. , Bessonov Vladimir O. , Fedyanin Andrey A.
Published: December 2023

Nanofabrication technologies significantly influence the development of modern optical science. One of such technologies is laser‐induced transfer, which allows the creation of single Mie‐resonant spherical particles on a wide range of substrates. This study shows that this method can provide asymmetric dimers at the output: a single femtosecond pulse being focused on a silicon‐on‐insulator wafer results in appearing two nearly spherical particles of different sizes. The resulting dimers are characterized by scanning electron microscopy, elastic light scattering and Raman spectroscopy to gain insight into their structural properties. Back focal plane imaging and variable‐color evanescent‐wave illumination are then employed to measure the light scattering patterns from isolated dimers. Due to the interference of the excited resonances, the observed patterns are strongly asymmetric in a range of visible wavelengths, which is consistent with theoretical predictions. The results demonstrate the potential of asymmetric silicon dimers made by single‐shot laser‐induced transfer for color routing at visible light.
Semiconductor THz Emitting Nanometasurface (STEN)
Authors: Wang Kemeng , Gu Yangfan , Lu Yongchang , Gu Jianqiang , Singh Ranjan , Zhang Weili
Published: December 2023

The direct bandgap semiconductor serves as a fundamental terahertz (THz) source, generating terahertz waves through ultrafast femtosecond light excitation. While the direct bandgap semiconductor THz source does not rely on an external bias voltage, its limited radiation power poses a challenge to its implementation in compact THz systems. Here, nanometasurfaces etched on a semi‐insulating gallium arsenide (GaAs) substrate for enhanced THz emission are reported. The proposed semiconductor terahertz emitting nanometasurface (STEN) device based on GaAs direct bandgap semiconductor shows a 35‐fold increase in THz power and enables precise control of the emitted bandwidth. Giant emission is attributed to the enhanced absorption of pump light by the GaAs nano‐pillar array and the localized effect of the pump field. Experimental results confirm the effectiveness of the structures, demonstrating a negative correlation between the radiation power enhancement factor and pump power, indicating suitability for low‐power sources. This design offers broad prospects for semiconductor THz emitting nanometasurfaces, ideal for integration with compact femtosecond lasers.
Tunable Far‐Infrared Polarization Imaging Based on VO2 Metasurfaces
Authors: Ma Junwei , Kang Tongtong , Ke Zungui , Yao Mengqi , Ma Xiaoshao , Luo Qing , Bi Lei , Qin Jun
Published: December 2023

Polarization imaging enables the capture of material properties and surface characteristics of objects, finding applications in remote sensing and defense. However, most existing polarization imaging systems rely on polarization filtering elements, resulting in energy loss exceeding 50% and compromising intensity imaging performance. Conventionally, a rotary device equipped with different polarizers and a blank area is used to acquire both polarization and intensity images, which is cumbersome for integration and miniaturization purposes. In this study, a miniaturized and easily integrated active metasurface based on VO2 grating structure for switchable detection of intensity and polarization in the far‐infrared band (8–14 µm) is proposed. With VO2 in the dielectric state, the device exhibits high transmittance for both TE‐ and TM‐polarized light (Experimental transmittance of up to 65%). Upon phase transition to the metallic state, the device demonstrates low transmittance for TE‐polarized light while maintaining high transmittance for TM‐polarized light (linear polarization extinction ratio up to 10 dB). Finally, the tunable thermal intensity and polarization imaging capabilities of the custom‐made setup are characterized. The metasurface showcases comparable performance to standard commercial polarizers in terms of polarization imaging. The developed tunable far‐infrared polarization imaging system holds promise for next‐generation multidimensional information perception.
Nonlinear Optical Response Modulated by Lattice Reconstruction in Small‐Angle Twisted Bilayer MoS2
Authors: Xu Chang , Mao Yu , Li Kaihui , Wang Zixin , Liu Xueying , Dong Ningning , Li Si‐Yu , Pan Anlian , Wang Jun
Published: December 2023

Subtle perturbations in interlayer twist angles offer a novel investigational avenue for revealing intriguing optical characteristics within the domain of 2D materials. In this study, a homogeneous bilayer structure featuring precisely defined interlayer twist angles is meticulously engineered by stacking monolayer single‐crystal MoS2 in a controlled, layer‐by‐layer manner. Scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) reveals an unexpected lattice reconstruction, particularly at twist angles of ≤ 2°, which induces the emergence of expansive rhombohedral‐stacked large triangular domains. Furthermore, a second‐harmonic generation (SHG) is utilized as a sensitive modality to demonstrate profound transformations in the local electron band structures. By combining the linear spectra with SHG, the change in the C‐exciton optical response in the band‐nesting region of the small‐angle twisted bilayer MoS2 before and after crossing a critical twist angle of 2° is discussed. The study shows that SHG can be used as a nondestructive method to characterize the lattice structure of small‐angle twisted bilayer samples. Furthermore, determining the potential relationship between the lattice reconstruction and the linear and nonlinear spectra further demonstrates the regulatory effect of the interlayer twist angle on the nonlinear optical effects of 2D materials.
Organic–Inorganic Hybrid Mn‐Based Transparent Glass for Curved X‐Ray Scintillation Imaging
Authors: Zhang Zhi‐Zhong , He Zi‐Lin , Luo Jian‐Bin , Wei Jun‐Hua , Guo Xiu‐Xian , Chen Jing‐Hua , Kuang Dai‐Bin
Published: December 2023

The current mainstream planar X‐ray imaging techniques face significant challenges for accurately capturing the internal structure of curved objects, since the variable distances between the curved objects and the flat‐panel scintillation screen cannot eliminate the distortion in X‐ray imaging. Though large‐area and transparent curved scintillation screens are much more desirable. Here, organic–inorganic hybrid Mn‐based single crystals ([CH3Ph3P]2MnX4, X = Cl, Br, I) exhibiting high photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) and low melting temperature have been employed to prepare transparent glass for X‐ray scintillation imaging application through a low‐temperature melting strategy. The [CH3Ph3P]2MnBr4‐glass shows high PLQY (47.8%), high‐resolution X‐ray imaging performance (12.3 lp mm−1), low limit of detection (25.33 nGy s−1), and impressive X‐ray irradiation stability (102 Gy). Furthermore, high‐contrast X‐ray imaging at a low dose (6.865 µGy per exposure, 14.5 times lower than the chest radiograph) is achieved. Based on the low glass transition temperature (Tg = 53.6 °C) and easy‐shapeable properties of [CH3Ph3P]2MnBr4‐glass scintillator, the large‐area curved scintillation screen with a series of sizes of Φ 2×4 – Φ 8×4 cm2 can be easily fabricated and show high X‐ray imaging quality. These findings provide a paradigm for future research in shapeable X‐ray scintillators, unlocking new possibilities for curved and 3D X‐ray imaging.
Simple Non‐Destructive and 3D Multi‐Layer Visual Hull Reconstruction with an Ultrabroadband Carbon Nanotubes Photo‐Imager
Authors: Li Kou , Kinoshita Yuya , Shikichi Daiki , Kubota Miki , Takahashi Norika , Zhang Qi , Koshimizu Ryo , Tadenuma Reiji , Yamamoto Minami , Takai Leo , Zhou Zhenyu , Sato Imari , Kawano Yukio
Published: December 2023

While millimeter‐wave (MMW)–infrared (IR) broad photo‐imaging exhibits significant potential as an inspection technique, photo‐thermoelectric (PTE) detector operations employing carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are highly suitable because of their efficient absorption characteristics in the above bands. Such an imaging device design and the associated material coordination allow the aggregation of multiple wavelength‐specific optical information for the constituent identification of target objects in a non‐destructive manner with high sensitivity. On the other side, computer vision techniques facilitate 3D structure reconstruction as approaches from inspection methodologies, in addition to the aforementioned imaging device design. Although non‐destructive inspections require collectively satisfying both constituent identification and structural reconstruction, investigations combining MMW–IR broad photo imaging and computer vision monitoring are still insufficient. This work demonstrates computer vision‐driven simple 3D composite multi‐layer reconstructions via non‐destructive broadband multiple‐wavelength monitoring with the CNT film PTE imager. Visual hull evaluation, which is one of the representative computer vision techniques, converts 2D transmissive PTE images with different viewpoints into 3D reconstruction models. The subsequential graphical superposition of these wavelength‐specific models results in non‐destructive entire reconstructions of 3D composite multi‐layer target objects. Therefore, the present computer vision‐driven PTE broadband 3D reconstruction bridges the gap between methodologies and device design strategies toward non‐destructive inspection applications.
Effective Deep Learning‐Based Infrared Spectral Gas Identification Method
Authors: Wang Zhikang , Zhao Guodong
Published: December 2023

In order to detect infrared spectral gas components fast and correctly, an improved dilation residual module is proposed in this study by substituting the classic convolution module with the dilation convolution to have a broad receptive field. Based on the residual network, an efficient and effective dilation residual network called DA‐Resnet12 is developed for infrared spectral gas identification by reducing the size of the convolution kernel and the number of dilation convolution modules. The classification accuracy, training duration, and model parametric size are employed as assessment indices. The experimental results reveal that the proposed DA‐ResNet12 network outperforms other comparative methods in terms of model parameter number, accuracy, and time efficiency, proving the efficacy and efficiency of the proposed DA‐ResNet12 network model.
A Device Model for Achieving Sizable and Tunable Tunneling Magnetoresistance Using Two‐Dimensional Materials InX (X = O, Se) without Hetero‐Interface
Authors: Meng YeXuan , Jiang Liwei , Zheng Yisong
Published: December 2023

The two‐dimensional (2D) materials InX (X = O, Se), experimentally available thus far, can become a ferromagnetic half metal under hole doping, though the charge neutral states of them are nonmagnetic semiconductors. Based on such an electronic characteristic, a theoretical model of magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) is proposed composed only of one of the 2D InX. In doing so, the two semi‐infinite pieces of 2D InX in the half‐metallic state is assumed as the opposite electrodes which are separated by a strip of the same material but in its nonmagnetic state. Owing to the 2D nature of InX, the half metal electrodes of the InX device induced by hole doping can be achieved by using split gating technique. The numerical simulations identify a proper hole doping concentration, at which 100% tunneling magnetoresistance (TMR) ratios can be realized, accompanying an appreciable conductance of majority spin electron under parallel magnetization configuration. Under a finite bias voltage, the TMR ratio remains high. Therefore, the proposed device model is an ideal candidate for future spintronics applications. It enables electrical control of TMR and circumvents the detriment of hetero‐interface disorder inevitable in conventional MTJs.
Boosting Microglial Lipid Metabolism via TREM2 Signaling by Biomimetic Nanoparticles to Attenuate the Sevoflurane‐Induced Developmental Neurotoxicity
Authors: Li Wenting , Meng Xiaowen , Peng Ke , Han Yaobao , Liu Hanghang , Zhao Weiming , Wang Gang , Deng Li , Liu Hong , Li Zhen , Ji Fuhai
Published: December 2023

Lipid metabolism has been considered as a potential therapeutic target in sevoflurane‐induced neurotoxicity that can potentially affect the learning and memory function in the developmental brain. Recently, triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2) is identified as a crucial step in regulating lipid metabolism and associated with the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. Herein, it is reported that quercetin modified Cu2‐xSe (abbreviated as CSPQ) nanoparticles can ameliorate sevoflurane‐induced neurotoxicity by tuning the microglial lipid metabolism and promoting microglial M2‐like polarization via TREM2 signaling pathway, in which the apolipoprotein E (ApoE), and adenosine triphosphate‐binding cassette transporters (ABCA1 and ABCG1) levels are upregulated. Furthermore, the protective effects of CSPQ nanoparticles against sevoflurane‐induced neurotoxicity via TREM2 are further demonstrated by the small interfering RNA (siRNA)‐TREM2 transfected BV2 cells, which are obviously not influenced by CSPQ nanoparticles. The cell membrane coated CSPQ (referred as CSPQ@CM) nanoparticles can significantly reduce sevoflurane‐induced learning and memory deficits, improve lipid metabolism dysfunction, and promote the remyelination in the hippocampus of mice. The study shows great potential of targeting microglial lipid metabolism in promoting remyelination of neurons for treatment of neurotoxicity and neurodegenerative diseases.
Smart Tumor Cell‐Derived DNA Nano‐Tree Assembly for On‐Demand Macrophages Reprogramming
Authors: Chen Zhiguo , Yang Sha , Zhao Zhuyang , Feng Liu , Sheng Jing , Deng Ruijia , Wang Binpan , He Yuan , Luo Dan , Chen Ming , Chen Lei , Chang Kai
Published: December 2023

Without coordinated strategies to balance the population and activity of tumor cells and polarized macrophages, antitumor immunotherapy generally offers limited clinical benefits. Inspired by the “eat me” signal, a smart tumor cell‐derived proximity anchored non‐linear hybridization chain reaction (Panel‐HCR) strategy is established for on‐demand regulation of tumor‐associated macrophages (TAMs). The Panel‐HCR is composed of a recognition‐then‐assembly module and a release‐then‐regulation module. Upon recognizing tumor cells, a DNA nano‐tree is assembled on the tumor cell surface and byproduct strands loaded with CpG oligodeoxynucleotides (CpG‐ODNs) are released depending on the tumor cell concentration. The on‐demand release of CpG‐ODNs can achieve efficient regulation of M2 TAMs into the M1 phenotype. Throughout the recognition‐then‐assembly process, tumor cell‐targeted bioimaging is implemented in single cells, fixed tissues, and living mice. Afterward, the on‐demand release of CpG‐ODNs regulate the transformation of M2 TAMs into the M1 phenotype by stimulating toll‐like receptor 9 to activate the NF‐κB pathway and increasing inflammatory cytokines. This release‐then‐regulation process is verified to induce strong antitumor immune responses both in vitro and in vivo. Altogether, this proposed strategy holds tremendous promise for on‐demand antitumor immunotherapy.
Organic Donor‐Acceptor Systems for Photocatalysis
Authors: Wang Lingsong , Zhu Weigang
Published: December 2023

Organic semiconductor materials are considered to be promising photocatalysts due to their excellent light absorption by chromophores, easy molecular structure tuning, and solution‐processable properties. In particular, donor‐acceptor (D‐A) type organic photocatalytic materials synthesized by introducing D and A units intra‐ or intermolecularly, have made great progress in photocatalytic studies. More and more studies have demonstrated that the D‐A type organic photocatalytic materials combine effective carrier separation, tunable bandgap, and sensitive optoelectronic response, and are considered to be an effective strategy for enhancing light absorption, improving exciton dissociation, and optimizing carrier transport. This review provides a thorough overview of D‐A strategies aimed at optimizing the photocatalytic performance of organic semiconductors. Initially, essential methods for modifying organic photocatalytic materials, such as interface engineering, crystal engineering, and interaction modulation, are briefly discussed. Subsequently, the review delves into various organic photocatalytic materials based on intramolecular and intermolecular D‐A interactions, encompassing small molecules, conjugated polymers, crystalline polymers, supramolecules, and organic heterojunctions. Meanwhile, the energy band structures, exciton dynamics, and redox‐active sites of D‐A type organic photocatalytic materials under different bonding modes are discussed. Finally, the review highlights the advanced applications of organic photocatalystsand outlines prospective challenges and opportunities.
Reprogramming Metabolic Flux in Escherichia Coli to Enhance Chondroitin Production
Authors: Zhao Chunlei , Li Xiaomin , Guo Liang , Gao Cong , Song Wei , Wei Wanqing , Wu Jing , Liu Liming , Chen Xiulai
Published: December 2023

Reprogramming metabolic flux is a promising approach for constructing efficient microbial cell factories (MCFs) to produce chemicals. However, how to boost the transmission efficiency of metabolic flux is still challenging in complex metabolic pathways. In this study, metabolic flux is systematically reprogrammed by regulating flux size, flux direction, and flux rate to build an efficient MCF for chondroitin production. The ammoniation pool for UDP‐GalNAc synthesis and the carbonization pool for UDP‐GlcA synthesis are first enlarged to increase flux size for providing enough precursors for chondroitin biosynthesis. Then, the ammoniation pool and the carbonization pool are rematched using molecular valves to shift flux direction from cell growth to chondroitin biosynthesis. Next, the adaptability of polymerization pool with the ammoniation and carbonization pools is fine‐tuned by dynamic and static valve‐based adapters to accelerate flux rate for polymerizing UDP‐GalNAc and UDP‐GlcA to produce chondroitin. Finally, the engineered strain E. coli F51 is able to produce 9.2 g L−1 chondroitin in a 5‐L bioreactor. This strategy shown here provides a systematical approach for regulating metabolic flux in complex metabolic pathways for efficient biosynthesis of chemicals.
Target Functionalized Carbon Dot Nanozymes with Dual‐Model Photoacoustic and Fluorescence Imaging for Visual Therapy in Atherosclerosis
Authors: Chen Qiao , Duan Xinmei , Yu Yao , Ni Rongrong , Song Guojing , Yang Xu , Zhu Li , Zhong Yuan , Zhang Kun , Qu Kai , Qin Xian , Wu Wei
Published: December 2023

Multifunctional nanomedicines have been used in atherosclerosis theranostics. Herein, phosphatidylserine‐specific peptide CLIKKPF‐functionalized carbon‐dots nanozymes (pep‐CDs) are reported for specific and efficient noninvasive theranostic of atherosclerosis. Surprisingly, pep‐CDs are discovered to not only inherit the inherent properties of carbon dots (CDs), including deep‐red fluorescence emission, photoacoustic response, and superoxide dismutase‐like antioxidant, and anti‐inflammatory activities but also possess the ability to target recognition on foam cells and target localization on plaques due to the specific interaction of CLIKKPF with phosphatidylserine on the membrane outer surface of foam cells. Furthermore, the target localization effect of pep‐CDs vastly promotes the efficient accumulation of CDs in plaque, thus maximizing AS theranostic of CDs. Interestingly, pep‐CDs could be developed to image plaque for monitoring atherosclerosis pathological progression in real‐time resulting from the different content of foam cells. This work on the one hand proposes a simple and feasible strategy to construct theranostic nanoplatform employing only a single functional unit (i.e., multifunctional CDs) to simplify the fabrication procedure, on the other hand, highlights the advantages of the active target auxiliary mode for atherosclerosis theranostic applications.
Flexible Organic Photovoltaic‐Powered Hydrogel Bioelectronic Dressing With Biomimetic Electrical Stimulation for Healing Infected Diabetic Wounds
Authors: Hu Yi‐Wei , Wang Yu‐Heng , Yang Fang , Liu Ding‐Xin , Lu Guang‐Hao , Li Sheng‐Tao , Wei Zhi‐Xiang , Shen Xiang , Jiang Zhuang‐De , Zhao Yi‐Fan , Pang Qian , Song Bai‐Yang , Shi Ze‐Wen , Shafique Shareen , Zhou Kun , Chen Xiao‐Lian , Su Wen‐Ming , Jian Jia‐Wen , Tang Ke‐Qi , Liu Tie‐Long , Zhu Ya‐Bin
Published: December 2023

Electrical stimulation (ES) is proposed as a therapeutic solution for managing chronic wounds. However, its widespread clinical adoption is limited by the requirement of additional extracorporeal devices to power ES‐based wound dressings. In this study, a novel sandwich‐structured photovoltaic microcurrent hydrogel dressing (PMH dressing) is designed for treating diabetic wounds. This innovative dressing comprises flexible organic photovoltaic (OPV) cells, a flexible micro–electro–mechanical systems (MEMS) electrode, and a multifunctional hydrogel serving as an electrode–tissue interface. The PMH dressing is engineered to administer ES, mimicking the physiological injury current occurring naturally in wounds when exposed to light; thus, facilitating wound healing. In vitro experiments are performed to validate the PMH dressing's exceptional biocompatibility and robust antibacterial properties. In vivo experiments and proteomic analysis reveal that the proposed PMH dressing significantly accelerates the healing of infected diabetic wounds by enhancing extracellular matrix regeneration, eliminating bacteria, regulating inflammatory responses, and modulating vascular functions. Therefore, the PMH dressing is a potent, versatile, and effective solution for diabetic wound care, paving the way for advancements in wireless ES wound dressings.
Boosting Sensing Performance of Flexible Piezoelectric Pressure Sensors by Sb Nanosheets and BaTiO3 Nanoparticles Co‐Doping in P(VDF‐TrFE) Nanofibers Mat
Authors: Wang Jianqiao , Zhao Chaoyu , Cao Chuan , Liu Miaoxuan , Liu Zhongkang , Zhou Peng , Wang Guocheng , Zhang Tianjin , Zhang Lei , Qi Yajun
Published: December 2023

Flexible piezoelectric pressure sensors (FPPS) received a lot of attention because of their prominent performance in body motion detection and energy recovery. However, it has faced a huge challenge in manufacturing FPPS with high sensitivity, low cost, and high flexibility. Herein, a ternary flexible nanofiber composite with Sb nanosheets and BaTiO3 nanoparticles as the fillers of P(VDF‐TrFE) is prepared by electrospinning. An impressive open‐circuit voltage of 17.1 V and short‐circuit current of 4.4 µA is obtained based on the composite nanofiber mat at a pressure of 128 kPa with 2 Hz frequency. The FPPS not only exhibit a high sensitivity of 96 mV kPa−1 but also an ultrafast response time of 2 ms. Excellent flexibility and reliability are demonstrated by the unchanged open‐circuit voltage after 2400 cycles. The enhanced FPPS performance is owed to the interfacial polarization effect at the inorganic filler‐organic matrix interface, which also enhances the ferroelectric and dielectric properties. The present FPPS is further confirmed to be a real‐time motion monitor and voice recognizer, which can distinguish various actions and sounds according to distinct output voltage signals and is expected to be used in virtual reality devices, robotic electronic skin, haptic simulation, artificial throat, etc.
One‐Meter‐Long, All‐3D‐Printed Supercapacitor Fibers Based on Structurally Engineered Electrode for Wearable Energy Storage
Authors: Ovhal Manoj Mayaji , Lee Hock Beng , Satale Vinayak Vitthal , Tyagi Barkha , Chowdhury Sagnik , Kang Jae‐Wook
Published: December 2023

Fiber‐shaped energy storage devices have great potential for use as an intelligent power source for futuristic wearable technology. To produce high‐performance fiber‐shaped energy storage devices, a thin fiber material with a high energy density, shape adaptability, and longevity is critical. Herein, 3D fiber‐shaped supercapacitors (SCs) comprising MXene‐PEDOT:PSS active electrodes made using the 3D‐direct‐ink‐writing (DIW) technique are demonstrated. Embedding a silver (Ag) current collector in the active electrode facilitated faster charge transport in the fiber‐shaped 3D‐SCs, enabling them to create a unique 3D‐electrode structure that solves the thickness and length problem of electrode‐dependent capacitance in fiber‐shaped devices. At one‐meter long, the fully‐printed fiber‐shaped 3D‐SC exhibits a low charge transfer resistance that leads to the high areal capacitance of 1.062 F cm−2 and gravimetric capacitance of 185.9 F g−1, with a high areal energy density of 94.41 µWh cm−2 at a power density of 1,142 µW cm−2. The fiber‐shaped 3D‐SCs also exhibit excellent electrochemical and mechanical stability at different temperatures in air and water. With their unique electrode structure and uninterrupted power supply, these R2R 3D‐DIW printed fiber‐shaped SCs can boost the development of innovative textile technology.
Long‐Range Confinement‐Driven Enrichment of Surface Oxygen‐Relevant Species Promotes C−C Electrocoupling in CO2Reduction
Authors: Pan Fuping , Duan Xinyi , Fang Lingzhe , Li Haoyang , Xu Zhen , Wang Yu , Wang Teng , Li Tao , Duan Zhiyao , Chen Kai‐Jie
Published: December 2023

CO2reduction is a highly attractive route to transform CO2into useful feedstocks, of which C2products are more desired than C1, yet face high kinetic barriers of C−C electrocoupling. Here, the engineering of pore‐enabled local confinement reaction environments is reported for tuning the enrichment of surface‐adsorbed oxygen‐relevant species and the establishment of their pronounced benefits in promoting C−C coupling over oxide‐derived Cu‐based catalysts. A new approach of utilizing the microphase separation of a block copolymer is developed to fabricate bicontinuous mesoporous CuO nanofibers (CuO‐BPNF). The enhanced confinement from long‐range mesochannels enables the adsorption of OHad/Oadon the Cu surface at a wide negative potential range of −0.7 – −1.3 V in CO2reduction, which cannot be achieved over conventional deficient and short‐range pores. Constant‐potential DFT calculations reveal that the surface‐bound oxygen species weakens *CO affinity with the Cu (111) surface and lowers the kinetic barriers for both *CO−CO dimerization and *CO hydrogenation to enable *CO−CHO coupling. Accordingly, a CO2‐to‐C2Faradaic efficiency of 74.7% over CuO‐BPNF is shown, significantly larger than counterparts with conventional pores. This work offers a general design principle of confinement engineering to manage the adsorption of reactive species for steering reaction pathways in interfacial catalysis.
Blood‐based biomarkers of Alzheimer disease as measured by a mass spectrometry assay are as accurate as CSF tests
Authors: Schindler Suzanne E. , Barthélemy Nicolas R. , Saef Benjamin A. , Henson Rachel L. , Li Yan , Benzinger Tammie L.S. , Morris John C , Bateman Randall J.
Published: December 2023

Background

Especially because disease‐modifying treatments (DMTs) for Alzheimer disease (AD) are likely to become more available soon, highly accurate AD blood tests for use in clinical diagnosis are critically needed. Although amyloid PET scans and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) tests are highly accurate in the identification of individuals with brain amyloidosis, blood tests are likely the only test modality that will enable an adequate scale of AD biomarker testing. Mass spectrometry‐based AD blood tests have consistently demonstrated very high performance.

Methods

Research participants enrolled in studies at the Knight Alzheimer Disease Research Center who underwent amyloid PET and measurement of established CSF biomarkers of AD with Lumipulse automated assays were included. The presence and severity of dementia was evaluated with the Clinical Dementia Rating® (CDR®) and Clinical Dementia Rating Sum of Boxes (CDR‐SB). Plasma samples collected at the same session as CSF underwent analysis for specific phosphorylated and non‐phosphorylated tau species with an immunoprecipitation‐mass spectrometry assay. Plasma T217 occupancy was calculated as the percent of phosphorylated to non‐phosphorylated tau at threonine 217.

Results

The study cohort included 337 individuals with an average age of 69.8 ± 8.3 years (mean ± standard deviation); 175 (52%) were female, 128 (38%) were APOE ε4 carriers, 112 (33%) were amyloid PET positive, and 50 (15%) were cognitively impaired. Classification accuracy of amyloid PET status was equivalent for plasma T217 occupancy (AUC 0.973) and CSF Aβ42/Aβ40 (AUC 0.970), (p = 0.72 for the difference). Interestingly, plasma T217 occupancy more accurately classified individuals as cognitively impaired (CDR>0) or cognitively unimpaired (CDR 0), with an AUC of 0.876 versus 0.814 for CSF Aβ42/Aβ40 (p = 0.006 for the difference). Further, plasma T217 occupancy was better correlated with dementia severity as measured by the CDR‐SB (Spearman ρ = 0.455 versus ‐0.338 for CSF Aβ42/Aβ40, p = 0.02).

Conclusion

Plasma T217 occupancy as measured by mass spectrometry had equivalent classification accuracy of amyloid PET status compared to Lumipulse CSF Aβ42/Aβ40. Notably, plasma T217 occupancy was more strongly associated with cognitive impairment and dementia severity than CSF Aβ42/Aβ40. Overall, these data suggest that some AD blood tests have equivalent or better performance characteristics than clinically used CSF tests.
Fluid biomarkers in dementia with Lewy bodies
Authors: Watson Rosie
Published: December 2023

The diagnosis of dementia with Lewy bodies presents specific challenges in clinical practice, with no readily available disease‐specific biomarkers. This leads to delays in diagnosis, exposure to inappropriate treatments, and may be a contributor to poorer outcomes for patients and their caregivers.

There has been renewed interest in developing technologies for the measurement of dysregulated alpha‐synuclein, with some of these techniques yielding promising early results. Further validation of these techniques and exploration their transferability to blood‐based technologies is underway.

Much work has been conducted on using fluid biomarkers to understand the overlap of dementia with Lewy bodies with other neuropathologies and its clinical significance. In particular, the prevalence and impact of comorbid amyloid‐beta and tau pathology in dementia with Lewy bodies has been investigated most thoroughly. In addition, overlap with other important neuropathologies including cerebrovascular disease and neuroinflammation is an area of active investigation.