bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Are the Effects of Resistance Exercise on Pain and Function in Knee and Hip Osteoarthritis Dependent on Exercise Volume, Duration, and Adherence? A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Marriott Kendal A. , Hall Michelle , Maciukiewicz Jacquelyn M. , Almaw Rachel D. , Wiebenga Emily G. , Ivanochko Natasha K. , Rinaldi Daniel , Tung Emma V. , Bennell Kim L. , Maly Monica R.
Published: February 2024

Objective

The purpose of this study was to determine dose parameters for resistance exercise associated with improvements in pain and physical function in knee and hip osteoarthritis (OA) and whether these improvements were related to adherence.

Methods

We searched six databases, from inception to January 28, 2023, for randomized controlled trials comparing land‐based, resistance exercise–only interventions with no intervention, or any other intervention. There were four subgroups of intervention duration: 0 to <3 months, 3 to 6 months, >6 to <12 months, ≥12 months. The between‐group effect was calculated for immediate postintervention pain and physical function (activities of daily living [ADL] and sports/recreation [SPORT]).

Results

For both knee and hip, data from 280 studies showed moderate benefit for pain, physical function ADL, and physical function SPORT in favor of interventions 3 to 6 months. For the knee, there was also a moderate benefit for physical function ADL in favor of interventions >6 to <12 months. From 151 knee and hip studies that provided total exercise volume data (frequency, time, duration), there was no association between volume with the effect size for pain and physical function. A total of 74 studies (69 knee, 5 hip) reported usable adherence data. There was no association between adherence with the effect size for pain and physical function.

Conclusion

In knee and hip OA, resistance exercise interventions 3 to 6 months (and for the knee >6 to <12 months) duration improve pain and physical function. Improvements do not depend on exercise volume or adherence, suggesting exercise does not require rigid adherence to a specific dose.

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Numerical Analysis of Compound Biochemical Calcium Oscillations Process in Hepatocyte Cells
Authors: Joshi Hardik , Yavuz Mehmet
Published: February 2024

The hepatocyte cells regulate the wide range of liver function by moderating cellular activities such as lipid, protein metabolism, carbohydrate, and interact with other cells for proliferation and maintenance. In hepatocyte cells, the concentration of calcium uptake is quite extensive from various agonists such as active subunit, active phospholipase C, free calcium in the cytosol, and endoplasmic reticulum. The overproduction and degradation of calcium signals can cause homeostasis, liver inflammation, and liver diseases. The spatiotemporal behavior of calcium oscillation reveals the physiological role of these cellular entities in understanding the process of production and degradation. No computational attempt has been registered to date on the compound calcium regulation of these cellular entities including the memory of cells. Hence, the authors proposed a fractional order compartmental model that systematically simulates the exchange of calcium intake in cellular entities. The nonlinear equations of the rate of changes in the active subunit, active phospholipase C, free calcium in the cytosol, and endoplasmic reticulum are coupled to form a nonlinear fractional order initial value problem. The existence and uniqueness, stability analysis of the model is performed that validate the theoretical results and explore the dynamic behaviour of calcium oscillation in each compartment.
Exploring the Properties of Disordered Rocksalt Battery Cathode Materials by Advanced Characterization
Authors: Chen Roujia , Leung Chu Lun Alex , Huang Chun
Published: February 2024

Cation‐disordered metal oxides as cathode materials for Li ion batteries have been overlooked from early studies due to to the restriction of Li ion diffusion, leading to poor electrochemical performance. However, the discovery of a new disordered rocksalt (DRX) structured material Li1.211Mo0.467Cr0.3O2 with a high capacity of >260 mAh g−1 at 0.05 C opened new research prospects in this emerging field and established DRX materials as a promising alternative with wider choices of transition metal elements compared with currently widely used layered cathode materials. Some of the major obstacles of the DRX materials include γ‐LiFeO2 type cation short‐range‐order that impedes Li ion diffusion, irreversible oxygen loss, and transition metal dissolution, which also present challenges for appropriate characterization techniques. Several performance optimization strategies have been employed, including fluorine incorporation, high entropy modification, and surface coating. This review article focuses on advancements in characterization techniques to uncover underlying mechanisms of Li ion diffusion and degradation of the DRX cathode materials to address the abovementioned challenges and provide inspiration for future studies of this class of materials.
Acid‐Unlocked Switch Controlled the Enzyme and CO In Situ Release to Induce Mitochondrial Damage via Synergy
Authors: Zhou Yifei , Zhang Ruohao , Lu Yu , Fu Xinyu , Lv Kehong , Gong Jitong , Wang Daguang , Feng Jing , Zhang Hongjie , Guo Yuchen
Published: February 2024

CO gas therapy has attracted enormous attention in tumor therapy due to the abilities of mitochondrial damage and inhibition of cellular respiration. However, the inefficient and random release of CO greatly limit its application. Taking this into account, the study constructs an acid‐unlocked nanostructure based on MPDA‐MnCO‐GOx@DSNPs, designated as MMGD. The nanostructure enables tumor microenvironment (TME) specific enzyme and CO prodrug (manganese carbonyl, MnCO) cascade reaction, thus facilitating CO release in situ. Mesoporous polydopamine (MPDA) can provide the space for MnCO and glucose oxidase (GOx) loading. Especially, lanthanide (Ln3+)‐doped down‐shifting luminescent nanoparticles (DSNPs) can not only serve as the near‐infrared II (NIR‐II) fluorescence imaging probe, but also act as the acid‐unlocked gating switch. The slightly acidic TME can render the dissociation of DSNPs, thus exposing GOx and releasing MnCO. The catalytic reaction of GOx can produce H2O2 and create a more acidic environment, which facilitates the CO generation in situ, leading to mitochondrial damage by reducing cytochrome c oxidase activity and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels. Meanwhile, MPDA has the NIR light absorption capability for photothermal therapy (PTT). This study provides an ingenious strategy for efficient and controllable CO gas, starvation, and PTT of tumor guided by NIR‐II fluorescence imaging.
Continuously‐Tunable and Ultrawide‐Range Thermal Regulator Based on Superaligned Carbon Nanotube Aerogels for Dynamic Thermal Management of Batteries and Buildings
Authors: Yu Wei , Dai Wenhua , Hong Zixin , Li Guoxian , Wang Ziying , Meng Chuizhou , Wang Jiaping , Liu Changhong , Guo Shijie , Fan Shoushan
Published: February 2024

Efficient heat transfer control is highly demanded for dynamic thermal management of equipment and buildings especially when the environmental temperature dramatically changes. Thermal switches, the current approach of heat transfer control, suffer from the issues of low switching ratios below eight and sharp state transition between “on” and “off”. Herein, a continuously‐tuned thermal regulator with an ultrahigh thermal‐conductivity change ratio of 43 based on superaligned carbon nanotube aerogel is reported, which works on the regulation of both thermal interfacial resistance and conduction pathways by compressive deformation‐induced microstructure evolution. This thermal regulator can stabilize the device temperature at 25 °C when the environmental temperature varies by 7 and 11 °C under the natural convection and forced convection conditions, respectively. Toward practical application, the thermal regulator with flexibility is wrapped around a cylindrical lithium‐ion battery to control the operation temperature within the optimal range of 20–40 °C for enhanced discharging performance even at an environmental temperature of −20 °C. Besides, by combining the thermal regulator with radiative cooling film, the house model temperature can be lowered by 2.7 °C during daytime and raised by 1.1 °C during nighttime compared with the bare one. This efficient thermal regulation approach offers an effective solution for practical thermal management.
Atomistic Study of the Configurational Entropy and the Fragility of Supercooled Liquid GeTe
Authors: Chen Yuhan , Campi Davide , Bernasconi Marco , Mazzarello Riccardo
Published: February 2024

Phase‐change materials (PCMs) are an important family of alloys employed in non‐volatile memories and neuromorphic devices. These devices exploit the ability of PCMs to undergo rapid transitions between amorphous and crystalline phases at moderately high temperature. At ambient conditions, both phases are stable. These properties imply a very strong temperature dependence of the crystallization kinetics, which has been attributed to the high fragility of the supercooled liquid phase. In this work, the fragility index of GeTe, an important PCM, is extracted from a computational exploration of the potential energy landscape of the system by molecular dynamics simulations. For this purpose, a neural‐network potential is used to describe the interatomic interactions, which enables the evaluation of the configurational entropy in the deeply supercooled regime. The viscosity and the relaxation times are also calculated in the same temperature range. Finally, the Adam‐Gibbs relation is used to extrapolate the data to low temperatures and estimate the glass transition temperature and the fragility index. The latter quantity turns out to be of the order of 135–140, which shows that liquid GeTe is a highly fragile system.
Engineering Copper‐Based Covalent Organic Framework Microenvironments to Enable Efficient CO2 Electroreduction with Tunable Ethylene/Methane Switch
Authors: Chen Qian , Si Duan‐Hui , Wu Qiu‐Jin , Cao Rong , Huang Yuan‐Biao
Published: February 2024

A microenvironment engineering strategy has been developed to switch the CO2 electroreduction reaction (CO2RR) selectivity from methane (CH4) to ethylene (C2H4) by adjusting the coordination microstructures of trinuclear copper cluster‐based metal‐covalent organic framework (MCOF). When Cu sites are oriented to channels in Cu‐PyCA‐MCOF, methane is the main product. Conversely, when trinuclear copper sites are coordinated with OH− and H2O molecules in Cu‐PyCAOH‐MCOF nanosheets, the main product switches from CH4 to C2H4 with 50.5% selectivity and 200.2 mA cm− partial current density at −1.2 V (vs RHE). This happens because CO2 molecules can only contact active sites perpendicular to the trinuclear copper cluster plane in Cu‐PyCAOH‐MCOF nanosheets, where the Cu─Cu distance between them is 3.2 Å, favoring the efficient conversion of CO2 to C2H4 through the C─C coupling reaction. Operando infrared spectroscopy, in situ X‐ray absorption near‐edge structure spectra, and DFT calculations reveal that changing the coordination environments of MCOFs significantly stabilizes key intermediates and reduces the energies of the CO2RR. This work offers an effective strategy for enhancing CO2RR performance toward C2H4 products by tuning the microenvironments of copper‐based electrocatalysts.
Electrospun Coaxial Nanowire‐Based FETs with Annular Heterogeneous Interface Gain for Intelligent Functional Electronics
Authors: He Bo , He Gang , Fu Can , Jiang Shanshan , Fortunato Elvira , Martins Rodrigo , Wang Shouguo
Published: February 2024

Exploitation of low‐dimensional metal‐oxide semiconductor nanowires (MOS NWs) with peculiar and radial coaxial architectures is of great significance for constructing nanoscale, high‐performance, multi‐module integrable functional electronic products. Here, highly ordered In2O3@ZnO coaxial NW arrays (CNWA) using a simple and economical electrospinning technique are synthesized and assembled into field‐effect transistors (FETs). Featuring strong carrier effusion efficiency at the In2O3@ZnO circular heterogeneous interface, the field effect mobility (εFE) gets an intrinsic improvement and can reach as high as 202.3 cm2 V‒1 s‒1 for high‐k‐based CNWA FETs, which exceeds the performance of oxide‐based FETs devices reported by far. Furthermore, the unique structural advantages endowing In2O3@ZnO CNWA FETs with excellent optoelectronic coupling capabilities are identified, for which further optoelectronic detection and artificial photonic synaptic devices are constructed and functional simulations are implemented. This work offers new insights in designing optoelectronics and artificial synapses to process and recognize information for neuromorphic computing and artificial intelligence applications.
Platinum‐Loaded Cerium Oxide Capable of Repairing Neuronal Homeostasis for Cerebral Ischemia‐Reperfusion Injury Therapy
Authors: Zhang Qiang , Liu Zihao , Li Bo , Mu Liuhua , Sheng Kai , Xiong Yijia , Cheng Jiahui , Zhou Jia , Xiong Zhi , Zhou Lingling , Jiang Lixian , Wu Jianrong , Cai Xiaojun , Zheng Yuanyi , Du Wenxian , Li Yuehua , Zhu Yueqi
Published: February 2024

Effective neuroprotective agents are required to prevent neurological damage caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by cerebral ischemia‐reperfusion injury (CIRI) following an acute ischemic stroke. Herein, it is aimed to develop the neuroprotective agents of cerium oxide loaded with platinum clusters engineered modifications (Ptn‐CeO2). The density functional theory calculations show that Ptn‐CeO2 could effectively scavenge ROS, including hydroxyl radicals (·OH) and superoxide anions (·O2−). In addition, Ptn‐CeO2 exhibits the superoxide dismutase‐ and catalase‐like enzyme activities, which is capable of scavenging hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The in vitro studies show that Ptn‐CeO2 could adjust the restoration of the mitochondrial metabolism to ROS homeostasis, rebalance cytokines, and feature high biocompatibility. The studies in mice CIRI demonstrate that Ptn‐CeO2 could also restore cytokine levels, reduce cysteine aspartate‐specific protease (cleaved Caspase 3) levels, and induce the polarization of microglia to M2‐type macrophages, thus inhibiting the inflammatory responses. As a result, Ptn‐CeO2 inhibits the reperfusion‐induced neuronal apoptosis, relieves the infarct volume, reduces the neurological severity score, and improves cognitive function. Overall, these findings suggest that the prominent neuroprotective effect of the engineered Ptn‐CeO2 has a significant neuroprotective effect and provides a potential therapeutic alternative for CIRI.
Antimicrobial Guanidinylate Polycarbonates Show Oral In Vivo Efficacy Against Clostridioides Difficile
Authors: Xue Menglin , Chakraborty Soumyadeep , Gao Ruixuan , Wang Shaohui , Gu Meng , Shen Ning , Wei Lulu , Cao Chuanhai , Sun Xingmin , Cai Jianfeng
Published: February 2024

The emerging antibiotic resistance has been named by the World Health Organization (WHO) as one of the top 10 threats to public health. Notably, methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin‐resistant Enterococcus faecalis (VREF) are designated as serious threats, whereas Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) is recognized as one of the most urgent threats to human health and unmet medical need. Herein, they report the design and application of novel biodegradable
polymers — the lipidated antimicrobial guanidinylate polycarbonates. These polymers showed potent antimicrobial activity against a panel of bacteria with fast‐killing kinetics and low resistance development tendency, mainly due to their bacterial membrane disruption mechanism. More importantly, the optimal polymer showed excellent antibacterial activity against C. difficile infection (CDI) in vivo via oral administration. In addition, compared with vancomycin, the polymer demonstrated a much‐prolonged therapeutic effect and virtually diminished recurrence rate of CDI. The convenient synthesis, easy scale‐up, low cost, as well as biodegradability of this class of polycarbonates, together with their in vitro broad‐spectrum antimicrobial activity and orally in vivo efficacy against CDI, suggest the great potential of lipidated guandinylate polycarbonates as a new class of antibacterial biomaterials to treat CDI and combat emerging antibiotic resistance.
Metal–Phenolic Networks‐Reinforced Extracellular Matrix Scaffold for Bone Regeneration via Combining Radical‐Scavenging and Photo‐Responsive Regulation of Microenvironment
Authors: Liu Zhiqing , Wang Tianlong , Zhang Lei , Luo Yiping , Zhao Jinhui , Chen Yixing , Wang Yao , Cao Wentao , Zhao Xinyu , Lu Bingqiang , Chen Feng , Zhou Zifei , Zheng Longpo
Published: February 2024

The limited regulation strategies of the regeneration microenvironment significantly hinder bone defect repair effectiveness. One potential solution is using biomaterials capable of releasing bioactive ions and biomolecules. However, most existing biomaterials lack real‐time control features, failing to meet high regulation requirements. Herein, a new Strontium (Sr) and epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate (EGCG) based metal–phenolic network with polydopamine (PMPNs) modification is prepared. This material reinforces a biomimetic scaffold made of extracellular matrix (ECM) and hydroxyapatite nanowires (nHAW). The PMPNs@ECM/nHAW scaffold demonstrates exceptional scavenging of free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS), promoting HUVECs cell migration and angiogenesis, inducing stem cell osteogenic differentiation, and displaying high biocompatibility. Additionally, the PMPNs exhibit excellent photothermal properties, further enhancing the scaffold's bioactivities. In vivo studies confirm that PMPNs@ECM/nHAW with near‐infrared (NIR) stimulation significantly promotes angiogenesis and osteogenesis, effectively regulating the microenvironment and facilitating bone tissue repair. This research not only provides a biomimetic scaffold for bone regeneration but also introduces a novel strategy for designing advanced biomaterials. The combination of real‐time photothermal intervention and long‐term chemical intervention, achieved through the release of bioactive molecules/ions, represents a promising direction for future biomaterial development.
AI‐Enabled Materials Design of Non‐Periodic 3D Architectures With Predictable Direction‐Dependent Elastic Properties
Authors: Deng Weiting , Kumar Siddhant , Vallone Alberto , Kochmann Dennis M. , Greer Julia R.
Published: February 2024

Natural porous materials have exceptional properties—for example, light weight, mechanical resilience, and multi‐functionality. Efforts to imitate their properties in engineered structures have limited success. This, in part, is caused by the complexity of multi‐phase materials composites and by the lack of quantified understanding of each component's role in overall hierarchy. This challenge is twofold: 1) computational. because non‐periodicity and defects render constructing design guidelines between geometries and mechanical properties complex and expensive and 2) experimental. because the fabrication and characterization of complex, often hierarchical and non‐periodic 3D architectures is non‐trivial.
A Gas Therapy Strategy for Intestinal Flora Regulation and Colitis Treatment by Nanogel‐Based Multistage NO Delivery Microcapsules
Authors: Fu Ya‐Jun , Zhao Xing , Wang Li‐Ya , Li Kai , Jiang Niu , Zhang Shu‐Ting , Wang Rao‐Kaijuan , Zhao Yi‐Fan , Yang Wei
Published: February 2024

Current approaches to treating inflammatory bowel disease focus on the suppression of overactive immune responses, the removal of reactive intestinal oxygen species, and regulation of the intestinal flora. However, owing to the complex structure of the gastrointestinal tract and the influence of mucus, current small‐molecule and biologic‐based drugs for treating colitis cannot effectively act at the site of colon inflammation, and as a result, they tend to exhibit low efficacies and toxic side effects. In this study, nanogel‐based multistage NO delivery microcapsules are developed to achieve NO release at the inflammation site by targeting the inflammatory tissues using the nanogel. Surprisingly, oral administration of the microcapsules suppresses the growth of pathogenic bacteria and increases the abundance of probiotic bacteria. Metabolomics further show that an increased abundance of intestinal probiotics promotes the production of metabolites, including short‐chain fatty acids and indole derivatives, which modulate the intestinal immunity and restore the intestinal barrier via the interleukin‐17 and PI3K‐Akt signaling pathways. This work reveals that the developed gas therapy strategy based on multistage NO delivery microcapsules modulates the intestinal microbial balance, thereby reducing inflammation and promoting intestinal barrier repair, ultimately providing a new therapeutic approach for the clinical management of colitis.
Programmed Targeting Pyruvate Metabolism Therapy Amplified Single‐Atom Nanozyme‐Activated Pyroptosis for Immunotherapy
Authors: Niu Rui , Liu Yang , Xu Bo , Deng Ruiping , Zhou Shijie , Cao Yue , Li Wanying , Zhang Hao , Zheng Haiyang , Song Shuyan , Wang Yinghui , Zhang Hongjie
Published: February 2024

Increasing cellular immunogenicity and reshaping the immune tumor microenvironment (TME) are crucial for antitumor immunotherapy. Herein, this work develops a novel single‐atom nanozyme pyroptosis initiator: UK5099 and pyruvate oxidase (POx)‐co‐loaded Cu‐NS single‐atom nanozyme (Cu‐NS@UK@POx), that not only trigger pyroptosis through cascade biocatalysis to boost the immunogenicity of tumor cells, but also remodel the immunosuppressive TME by targeting pyruvate metabolism. By replacing N with weakly electronegative S, the original spatial symmetry of the Cu‐N4 electron distribution is changed and the enzyme‐catalyzed process is effectively regulated. Compared to spatially symmetric Cu‐N4 single‐atom nanozymes (Cu‐N4 SA), the S‐doped spatially asymmetric single‐atom nanozymes (Cu‐NS SA) exhibit stronger oxidase activities, including peroxidase (POD), nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) oxidase (NOx), L‐cysteine oxidase (LCO), and glutathione oxidase (GSHOx), which can cause enough reactive oxygen species (ROS) storms to trigger pyroptosis. Moreover, the synergistic effect of Cu‐NS SA, UK5099, and POx can target pyruvate metabolism, which not only improves the immune TME but also increases the degree of pyroptosis. This study provides a two‐pronged treatment strategy that can significantly activate antitumor immunotherapy effects via ROS storms, NADH/glutathione/L‐cysteine consumption, pyruvate oxidation, and lactic acid (LA)/ATP depletion, triggering pyroptosis and regulating metabolism. This work provides a broad vision for expanding antitumor immunotherapy.
Improve the Charge Carrier Transporting in Two‐Dimensional Ruddlesden–Popper Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Dong Xue , Li Xin , Wang Xiaobo , Zhao Yuzhen , Song Wenqi , Wang Fangmin , Xu Shudong , Miao Zongcheng , Wu Zhongbin
Published: February 2024

Conventional 3D organic–inorganic halide perovskite materials have shown substantial potential in the field of optoelectronics, enabling the power conversation efficiency of solar cells beyond 26%. A key challenge limiting the further commercial application of 3D perovskite solar cells is their inherent instability over outer oxygen, humidity, light, and heat. By contrast, 2D Ruddlesden–Popper (2DRP) perovskites with bulky organic cations can effectively stabilize the inorganic slabs, yielding excellent environmental stability. However, the efficiencies of 2DRP perovskite solar cells are much lower than those of the 3D counterparts due to poor charge carrier transporting property of insulating bulky organic cations. Their inner structural, dielectric, optical, and excitonic properties remain to be primarily studied. In this review, the main reasons for the low efficiency of 2DRP perovskite solar cells are first analyzed. Next, a detailed description of various strategies for improving the charge carrier transporting of 2DRP perovskites is provided, such as bandgap regulation, perovskite crystal phase orientation and distribution, energy level matching, interfacial modification, etc. Finally, a summary is given, and the possible future research directions and methods to achieve high‐efficiency and stable 2DRP perovskite solar cells are rationalized.
Sculpting Tiered Micro‐Nanogradient Structure by Anisotropic Stepped Anodization for Mediating Water Distribution and Transportation
Authors: Liang Ruiqing , Ma Yingjun , Chen Junlin , Mei Chaoyuan , Xu Wang , Wu Keyu , Li Juan
Published: February 2024

Tiered micro‐nanogradient structures with custom‐tailored profiles and dimensions can be fabricated by the anisotropic electrochemical anodization of aluminum, where the micro and nanostructures are simultaneously formed. The microgradient structures can be sculpted by the chronological and spatial order of polymer masking followed by step anodization; the nanostructures can be controlled by electrochemical conditions in step anodization. Water spatial distribution and directional transportation abilities of the exemplified micro‐nanogradient structures (i.e., tiered micro symmetric circular structure, microasymmetric circular structure, and microrectangular step structure which are all integrated with nanotip‐capped nanopore structure) are studied under the fogging condition. It is found that despite the directional self‐jumping of the microdroplets caused by the cooperation of asymmetric structure and wind blowing, microdroplets can also be quickly gathered on the topper tier of the gradient structures to form large droplets and then roll away along the descending direction of the structures (also wind blowing direction), which sweep the microdroplets they passed by. These tiered micro‐nanogradient structures not only have potentials to become high efficiency fog collector but also could be a platform for the preparation of tiered micro‐nanogradient structures of various materials with advanced functions.
Enhanced Cyan Photoluminescence and Stability of CsPbBr3 Quantum Dots Via Surface Engineering for White Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: He Xingyi , Li Tianfeng , Liang Zifan , Liu Renming , Ran Xia , Wang Xiaojuan , Guo Lijun , Pan Caofeng
Published: February 2024

The emission of cyan light (470‐500 nm) plays a vital role in the visible light spectrum and is essential for applications such as lighting, displays, and optical communication. Inorganic cesium lead bromide perovskite quantum dots (CsPbBr3 PQDs) have made significant progress in the field of luminescence materials and devices, however, the lack of techniques to obtain highly emissive and stable cyan‐emitting CsPbBr3 PQDs has limited their device applications. Here, it is demonstrated that the complete surface passivation by treatment of didodecyldimethylammonium bromide (DDAB) and lead bromide, which can enhance the photoluminescence and stability of cyan emitting CsPbBr3 PQDs. In particular, the photoluminescence quantum yield of CsPbBr3 QDs can be greatly improved from 10.5% to 83.8%. Through an effective PMMA passivation, the obtained stable and bright CsPbBr3 PQDs composite films as the cyan color converters can effectively emit the cyan light to fill the “cyan gap” of white light‐emitting diode (WLED). The color rendering index value of such WLED is remarkably enhanced from 73.6 to 82.5. This study paves the way for the application of PQD color converters in the next generation of full‐visible‐spectrum WLED lighting.
The Birefringence Modulation in Short‐Wave Ultraviolet Sulfates with Functional π‐Conjugated Cations and Polymerized Heteroleptic Tetrahedral Anions
Authors: Shang Yanran , Sha Hongyuan , Wang Zujian , Su Rongbing , He Chao , Yang Xiaoming , Long Xifa
Published: February 2024

Sulfates with a large bandgap are always promising optical candidates. However, due to insufficient birefringence, their applications are restricted. Here, in terms of this deficiency, two strategies are proposed to rationally modulate the optical anisotropy of sulfates by cations and anions, respectively. For the cation modulation, the [C(NH2)3]Al(SO4)2·6H2O crystal is investigated, which exhibits an unprecedented birefringence (0.098 @ 546 nm) compared with other deep‐ultraviolet transparent sulfates, resulting from the synergy of π‐conjugated [C(NH2)3]+ and non‐π‐conjugated [SO4]2− groups. For the anion modulation, a novel functional group, [S3O6]2−, with a large polarizability anisotropy, is designed. Thus, a new crystal, NaKS3O6, is obtained, which exhibits a large birefringence of 0.130 @ 546 nm with a short ultraviolet absorption cutoff edge of 215 nm. These results confirm the validity of the strategies. Therefore, the strategies play an important role in improving sulfate's birefringence and then promoting their potential applications in advanced optical systems.
Circularly Polarized Room Temperature Phosphorescence of Chiral Bromoxanthone Using a Chiral Self‐Assembled Liquid Crystal Polymer Frameworks
Authors: Xu Dan , Liu Chao , Li Hang , Cheng Yixiang , Zheng Wen‐Hua
Published: February 2024

Chiral self‐assembly has often been found to be an efficient strategy for the development of high‐performance circularly polarized luminescent (CPL) materials, through the regulation of the ordered helical superstructure blocks in liquid crystal media. Here, the design and synthesis of two pairs of axially chiral emitters (BBXT‐3‐Br and BOHXT‐3‐Br) are reported based on bromoxanthone. And the chiral self‐assembled liquid crystal polymer (LCP) framework (PRM257) is demonstrated by mixing of the emitters with liquid crystal monomer (RM257) through thermal annealing and photoinitiated polymerization. Both BBXT‐3‐Br@PRM257 and BOHXT‐3‐Br@PRM257 exhibited excellent room temperature phosphorescence (RTP) properties. In addition, BBXT‐3‐Br@PRM257 enantiomers showed afterglow with an average lifetime (τ) of 162.41 ms and emitted blue CPL (λem = 450 nm, ΦFL = 1.3%, |gFL| = 0.071), although weak circularly polarized RTP (CP‐RTP) is observed. Interestingly, BOHXT‐3‐Br@PRM257 with a less conjugated system emits red RTP (τ = 98.83 ms) and also intense CP‐RTP (λem = 612 nm, ΦPhos = 0.45%, |gRTP| = 0.057).
Direct Determination of Photonic Stopband Topological Character: A Framework Based on Dispersion Measurements
Authors: Gupta Nitish Kumar , Srinivasu Sapireddy , Kumar Mukesh , Tiwari Anjani Kumar , Pal Sudipta Sarkar , Wanare Harshawardhan , Ramakrishna S. Anantha
Published: February 2024

Ascertainment of photonic stopband absolute topological character requires information regarding the Bloch eigenfunction spatial distribution. Consequently, the experimental investigations predominantly restrict themselves to the bulk‐boundary correspondence principle and the ensuing emergence of topological surface state. Although capable of establishing the equivalence/inequivalence of bandgaps, the determination of their absolute topological identity remains out of its purview. The alternate method of reflection phase‐based identification also provides only contentious improvements owing to the measurement complexities pertaining to the interferometric setups. To circumvent these limitations, the Kramers–Kronig amplitude‐phase causality considerations are resorted to and an experimentally conducive method is proposed for bandgap topological character determination directly from the parametric reflectance measurements. Particularly, it is demonstrated that in case of 1D photonic crystals, polarization‐resolved dispersion measurements suffice in qualitatively determining bandgaps’ absolute topological identities. By invoking the translational invariance of the investigated samples, a parameter “differential effective mass” is also defined, that encapsulates bandgaps’ topological identities and engenders an experimentally discernible bandgap classifier.
tert‐Butyl Nitrite Promoted Visible‐Light‐Induced Steric‐Hindrance‐Regulated Concurrent Cross‐Coupling and Regioselective Nitration of 3‐Alkylidene‐2‐oxindoles
Authors: Sarkar Prabhat , Rana Soumitra , Jana Debashis , Mandal Subham , Mukhopadhyay Chhanda
Published: February 2024

A tert‐butyl nitrite (TBN) promoted visible‐light‐induced one‐pot C−N cross coupling reaction of 3‐alkylidene‐2‐oxindoles with benzene‐1,2‐diamine was explored. Simultaneously, the indoline motif of 3‐alkylidene‐2‐oxindoles as well as 3‐ylidene oxindoles are regioselectively nitrated at the C‐6 position by in‐situ formed NO2 radical. (E)‐3‐(2‐(aryl)‐2‐oxoethylidene)oxindole and (E)‐3‐ylidene oxindole produce distinct nitrated diastereomeric coupling products, a phenomenon influenced by the steric bulk of the functional group. The experimental findings suggest the potential involvement of a radical pathway in this reaction.
Nickel‐Catalyzed Sonogashira Couplings: Extending the Reaction Scope to Aryl Bromides and Chlorides
Authors: Braconi Elena , Godineau Edouard , Smejkal Tomas , Jäckh Simon
Published: February 2024

The alkyne motif is present in several naturally occurring molecules and specialty chemicals. The Sonogashira reaction is recognized as one of the most exploited methods for the synthesis of substituted alkynes. While palladium catalysts have been traditionally employed, recent efforts have been directed towards developing alternatives based on Earth‐abundant metals such as nickel. However, nickel‐catalyzed Sonogashira couplings still present important substrate limitations. While more reactive aryl iodides have been well documented, the coupling of more challenging yet cost‐effective aryl bromides and chlorides lags significantly behind. Herein, we present a method for the nickel‐catalyzed Sonogashira coupling of aryl bromides and chlorides, whose discovery was accelerated thanks to high‐throughput experimentation. Fine‐tuning of the bipyridine ligand was essential to activate chemoselectively C(sp2)−Br or C(sp2)−Cl bonds. A wide range of functionally diverse alkynes, including examples of active ingredients and their intermediates, were accessed in a single step and with yields up to 98%. The developed methodology is expected to be widely adopted by academia and industry, marking a step forward in the field of base metal catalysis.
Synthesis of Chiral Vicinal Amino Alcohol Derivatives via Lewis Acid‐Catalyzed Asymmetric Ring Opening of Aziridines with Alcohols and Carboxylic Acids
Authors: Ma Chen‐Xue , Hu Qi , Qin Hai‐Lin , Yang Gaosheng , Chai Zhuo
Published: February 2024

Under the catalysis of a Cu(I) or Ag(I) salt with a chiral diphosphine ligand, the enantioselective nucleophilic ring opening of racemic 2‐styrenylaziridines via kinetic resolution or dynamic kinetic asymmetric transformation (DyKAT) and of meso aziridines via desymmetrization with alcohols was realized. The reaction provided a range of chiral vicinal amino ether derivatives in 47%‐98% yields and with 50%–98% ee. The reaction could be extended to aliphatic carboxylic acids as nucleophiles. The synthetic utility was demonstrated in a four‐step formal synthesis of a diastereomer of the antirythmetic agent vernakalant.
Pathway Evolution Through a Bottlenecking‐Debottlenecking Strategy and Machine Learning‐Aided Flux Balancing
Authors: Deng Huaxiang , Yu Han , Deng Yanwu , Qiu Yulan , Li Feifei , Wang Xinran , He Jiahui , Liang Weiyue , Lan Yunquan , Qiao Longjiang , Zhang Zhiyu , Zhang Yunfeng , Keasling Jay D. , Luo Xiaozhou
Published: February 2024

The evolution of pathway enzymes enhances the biosynthesis of high‐value chemicals, crucial for pharmaceutical, and agrochemical applications. However, unpredictable evolutionary landscapes of pathway genes often hinder successful evolution. Here, the presence of complex epistasis is identifued within the representative naringenin biosynthetic pathway enzymes, hampering straightforward directed evolution. Subsequently, a biofoundry‐assisted strategy is developed for pathway bottlenecking and debottlenecking, enabling the parallel evolution of all pathway enzymes along a predictable evolutionary trajectory in six weeks. This study then utilizes a machine learning model, ProEnsemble, to further balance the pathway by optimizing the transcription of individual genes. The broad applicability of this strategy is demonstrated by constructing an Escherichia coli chassis with evolved and balanced pathway genes, resulting in 3.65 g L−1 naringenin. The optimized naringenin chassis also demonstrates enhanced production of other flavonoids. This approach can be readily adapted for any given number of enzymes in the specific metabolic pathway, paving the way for automated chassis construction in contemporary biofoundries.
Dynamic Chemistry Toolbox for Advanced Sustainable Materials
Authors: Deng Yuanxin , Zhang Qi , Feringa Ben L.
Published: February 2024

Developing dynamic chemistry for polymeric materials offers chemical solutions to solve key problems associated with current plastics. Mechanical performance and dynamic function are equally important in material design because the former determines the application scope and the latter enables chemical recycling and hence sustainability. However, it is a long‐term challenge to balance the subtle trade‐off between mechanical robustness and dynamic properties in a single material. The rise of dynamic chemistry, including supramolecular and dynamic covalent chemistry, provides many opportunities and versatile molecular tools for designing constitutionally dynamic materials that can adapt, repair, and recycle. Facing the growing social need for developing advanced sustainable materials without compromising properties, recent progress showing how the toolbox of dynamic chemistry can be explored to enable high‐performance sustainable materials by molecular engineering strategies is discussed here. The state of the art and recent milestones are summarized and discussed, followed by an outlook toward future opportunities and challenges present in this field.
Unveiling the Impact of the Electrolyte's Counter Ions on Organic Electrochemical Transistor Performance
Authors: Bitton Sapir , Tessler Nir
Published: February 2024

The effect of the electrolyte's counter‐ion in organic electrochemical transistors is often neglected. the influence of anions (i.e., counter ions) is investigated on organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs) with a PEDOT:PSS‐like semiconductor through device simulations. The study examined the effects of mobile anions on OECT performance under two scenarios: when anions are blocked by the semiconductor and when they can penetrate it. In each case, the OECT's ON and OFF states are analyzed. The findings show that when anions can penetrate the semiconductor, the ON/OFF ratio of the OECT remains unchanged while the transconductance significantly increases. In the ON state, the case of blocked anions is observed that the current is predominantly surface‐current, whereas it becomes volumetric only when anions can penetrate the semiconductor. Furthermore, the extreme case is explored in which anions remain stationary within the electrolyte. In this scenario, achieving a reasonable ON/OFF ratio necessitates an ion density within the electrolyte that is two orders of magnitude higher than the dopant density of the semiconductor. This work underscores the substantial influence of counter anions on OECT performance, highlighting their critical role in shaping device behavior.
Understanding Piezoionic Effects in Chemo–Mechanical Energy Harvesting by Carbon Nanotube Yarn Twists
Authors: Kim Keon Jung , Oh Seongjae , Kim Youngoh , Park Chae‐Lin , Song Young‐Chul , Lee Habeom , Kim Eun Sung , Suh Dongseok , Lim Seong Chu , Kim Hyun , Choi Joonmyung , Kim Shi Hyeong
Published: February 2024

Strategies for converting mechanical energy into electrical energy hold significant importance in diverse battery‐free and battery‐supported applications. Recent studies have demonstrated promising approaches involving the twisting of carbon nanotube yarns, which alter the intrinsic electrochemical capacitance during mechanical motion, thereby generating electrical energy in various aqueous environments. However, the fundamental mechanism of chemo–mechanical energy harvesters based on the nanoscale piezoionic effect, as well as the kinetics of both cations and anions within the system, remains to be clarified. In this study, experimental and computational approaches aimed at fundamentally understanding the piezoionic effect in nanoscale chemo–mechanical dynamics are presented. This phenomenon is analyzed using in situ Raman scattering, piezoelectrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and molecular dynamics simulations. The findings elucidate the collective contributions of cations and anions under mechanical energy inputs and demonstrate the impact of piezoionic kinetics on electrical energy outputs. By gaining a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental piezoionic effect in chemo–mechanical energy harvesting systems, significant advancements in energy sustainability across numerous practical applications are anticipated.
Non‐Sacrificial Additive Enables a Non‐Passivating Cathode Interface for 4.6 V Li||LiCoO2 Batteries
Authors: Li Wei , Wang Huwei , Zhang Jinkai , Zhang Haodong , Chen Ming , Wang Jiali , Gao Yueteng , Zhao Rongyi , Hu Junyang , Feng Guang , Zhai Dengyun , Kang Feiyu
Published: February 2024

Various electrolyte additives are developed to construct a cathode electrolyte interphase (CEI) layer for high‐voltage LiCoO2 since the cathode suffers severe interfacial degradation when increasing the cut‐off voltage over 4.55 V. However, the CEI derived from the additive sacrificial reaction faces the risk of rupture due to the corrosion reaction and the volumetric variation of the cathode. Herein, a non‐passivating cathode interface is realized for 4.6 V LiCoO2 with a non‐sacrificial electrolyte additive (TBAClO4) by regulating the solvent environment at the interface rather than the preferential decomposition for CEI formation. Owing to the novel protection mechanism, the cell performance shows little dependence on the CEI‐formation process. Therefore, an ultra‐high initial coulombic efficiency (96.63%) and excellent cycling stability (81% capacity retention after 300 cycles) are achieved in Li||LiCoO2 batteries. Moreover, even with the electrolyte containing 1000 ppm H2O, the remarkable water capture ability of the additive together with its interfacial regulation enables the 4.6 V Li||LiCoO2 battery to retain 80% capacity after 200 cycles. This non‐sacrificial strategy provides new insights into high‐voltage electrolyte additive design for high‐energy‐density lithium metal batteries.
Cost‐Effective Transparent N‐Doped Tin Oxide Electrodes with Excellent Thermal and Chemical Stabilities Enabling Stable Perovskite Photovoltaics Based on Tin Oxide Electron Transport Layer
Authors: Seok Hae‐Jun , Kim Su Hyun , Yeom Kyung Mun , Noh Jun Hong , Kim Han‐Ki
Published: February 2024

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) incorporating chemical‐bath‐deposited (CBD) SnO2 layers have garnered considerable attention because they combine high electron mobility and low‐temperature processing, affording remarkable photovoltaic performance. However, the acidic conditions of CBD limit its compatibility with front transparent electrodes (FTEs). Herein, cost‐effective, thermally stable, and highly transparent nitrogen‐doped SnO2 (NTO) FTEs tailored to integrate with CBD‐SnO2‐based PSCs are developed. By precisely controlling the N dopant content in the magnetron sputtering process, a NTO FTE with a sheet resistance of 38.64 Ω/square, an optical transmittance of 86.17%, a smooth surface morphology (1.2 nm), and mechanical flexibility is obtained. Furthermore, doping N in SnO2 imparts thermal and chemical stability superior to those of conventional Sn‐doped In2O3 (ITO) electrodes. Additionally, a well‐matched energy band of NTO with a SnO2 electron transport layer (ETL) and homogeneous interfaces is a critical advantage. By implementing this multifaceted strategy using a novel low‐cost NTO FTE, CBD‐SnO2‐based PSCs with elevated open‐circuit voltages and energy‐barrier‐free characteristics are fabricated. A champion power conversion efficiency of 20.43% is achieved, and 93.30% of the initial efficiency is retained even after 3 000 h without encapsulation. This integration of a NTO FTE with a SnO2 ETL paves the way for robust and long‐lasting high‐performance PSCs.
Navigating sarcopenia in COVID‐19 patients and survivors: Understanding the long‐term consequences, transitioning from hospital to community with mechanisms and interventions for future preparedness
Authors: Shadmand Foumani Moghadam Mohammad Reza , Vaezi Amirmohammad , Jandari Sajedeh , Araste Asie , Rezvani Reza
Published: February 2024

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic has caused widespread devastation, with millions of confirmed cases and deaths worldwide. Although there were efforts made to develop treatments and vaccines for COVID‐19, the coexistence of sarcopenia, a muscle disorder, has been largely overlooked. It is while new variants of this disease (eg, BA.2.86) are challenging the current protocols. Sarcopenia is associated with increased mortality and disability, and shares common mechanisms with COVID‐19, such as inflammation, hormonal changes, and malnutrition. This can worsen the effects of both conditions. Furthermore, survived patients with COVID‐19 who have elevated risk, as well as aging, which increases the process of sarcopenia. Therefore, addressing sarcopenia in patients with COVID‐19 and surviving individuals can be crucial for improving outcomes and preventing long‐term disability. During hospital stays, assessing sarcopenia through indicators like muscle wasting and malnutrition is important. Nutritional interventions, such as malnutrition screening and enteral feeding, play a critical role in preventing sarcopenia in hospitals. Mental health and physical activity evaluations and interventions are also necessary. Even after recovering from COVID‐19, there is a risk of developing sarcopenia, requiring continued monitoring. Nutrition and physical activity considerations are vital for prevention and management, necessitating tailored training programs and diet therapy. Mental health should not be overlooked, with regular screening, and community‐based interventions. Infrastructure should support physical activity, and mental health services must become more accessible. Community engagement through support groups and peer networks can foster resilience and social connection. Efforts are needed to promote healthy diets and ensure access to nutritious foods.
US consumer preferences and attitudes toward seaweed and value‐added products
Authors: Zheng Qiujie , Davis Christopher V. , Noll Anne Langston , Bernier Raymond , Labbe Randy
Published: February 2024

Food reformulation and the introduction of novel sources of nutrition are considered potential strategies to address poor nutrition and public health issues. Seaweed, a novel food in Western cuisine, is gaining popularity, and seaweed farming in the United States is an emerging and fast‐growing aquaculture segment. This paper provides a comprehensive understanding of US consumers' preferences and attitudes toward seaweed and value‐added seaweed products. Specifically, the study focuses on two distinct consumer groups: those who consume seaweed and those who do not. It includes separate analyses for each group to compare their attitudes and examine the characteristics and factors affecting their attitudes. This paper summarizes the different characteristics of seaweed consumers and nonconsumers. The results show that the seaweed consumers' knowledge of seaweed and perceptions of seaweed quality, price, and availability positively affect their intentions to try a new product flavored with seaweed. Nonconsumers have unique reasons for not consuming seaweed, several of which are associated with their intentions to try a new seaweed product [EconLit Citations: D12, Q13].