bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An All‐in‐One Nano‐Biomimetic Polyamidoamine Dendrimer Platform for Treatment of CRKP Pneumonia
Authors: Duan Shuxian , Li Hanqing , Wang Fei , Li Lixia , Fan Huizhen , Ma Yingying , Yu Qiang , Wei Li , Wu Mei X. , Mao Yanfei , Lu Min
Published: June 2024

Polymyxin B (PMB) is often considered as the last line of defense for treating carbapenem‐resistantKlebsiella pneumoniae(CRKP). However, its efficacy is hindered by limited penetration across the blood‐air barrier in the lung due to its low lipid solubility. To simultaneously increase PMB in epithelial lining fluid while suppressing the excessive inflammatory response in the lung, a novel nano‐biomimetic system “Siv‐PMB@G4@MM” is designed and fabricated by encapsulating PMB‐ and anti‐inflammatory Sivelestat (Siv)‐loaded G4 PAMAM dendrimers with macrophage membranes (MM). The Siv‐PMB@G4@MM displayed a superior acidic pH‐responsive release property and can target inflamed lung tissues, greatly increasing the concentrations of PMB and Siv at the infection site. Compared with free drugs, Siv‐PMB@G4@MM demonstrated superior synergistic antibacterial and anti‐inflammatory activities. Moreover, due to the ability of MM to sequester lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and some pro‐inflammatory cytokines, Siv‐PMB@G4@MM further enhanced the anti‐inflammatory potential of Siv. In mouse models of LPS‐induced acute lung injury, pulmonary bacterial infection, and sepsis‐induced pneumonia, Siv‐PMB@G4@MM significantly reduced inflammatory responses and/or bacterial burdens, mitigated neutrophil infiltration and pulmonary edema, and decreased neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) secretion. The highly improved biocompatibility and efficiency of the multifunctional Siv‐PMB@G4@MM presents a promising strategy for the clinical treatment of antibiotic‐resistant bacterial pneumonia.
Grid Efferocytosis via Near‐Field Electrostatic Printing Rectifies Skin Immunity
Authors: Li Minxiong , Li Xiaoxiao , Wang Juan , Xia Wenzheng , Bao Luhan , Huang Xin , Mao Jiayi , Zhao Yun , Li Qingfeng , Cui Wenguo , Zan Tao
Published: June 2024

Efferocytosis, by phagocytosing and processing apoptotic cells in injured skin, directly influences the immune microenvironment. However, the comprehensive widespread inflammation and disrupted efferocytosis in injured skin cannot be effectively halted. Herein, “Grid Efferocytosis” strategy within injury site is proposed, which segments the inflammation regulatory into grid microdomains, and further rectifies intra‐grid immune microenvironment to accelerate tissue repair. GelMA/PLA/Laponite gridded fiber membranes (GPL) are custom‐designed via near‐field electrostatic printing, and then coated with HAMA‐PBA/EGCG hydrogel by photo‐crosslinking and dynamic borate bonding to form a composite fiber membrane (GPL‐E). Gridded modulation via GPL‐E confines the entire chaotic inflammatory microenvironment into controllable microinflammatory niches. Leveraging the hydrogel coating and boronic ester bond dissociation induced by microenvironmental glucose and reactive oxygen species, GPL‐E achieves dynamic anti‐glucose and anti‐oxidation within microdomains, reconstructing macrophage efferocytosis. Notably, the “grid efferocytosis” recruits repair cells into the grid by magnesium ion release triggered by Laponite exposure on fibers, and enhances endothelial cell vascularization by ≈2.5‐fold. In a mouse diabetic ischemic flap model, implantation of grid GPL‐E maintains flap‐to‐base fusion, attenuates inflammatory infiltration & spread, and improves blood perfusion for flap survival. This study demonstrates that “Grid Efferocytosis” rectifies the immune microenvironment, fostering tissue repair and regeneration.
Conductive Bio‐based Hydrogel for Wearable Electrodes via Direct Ink Writing on Skin
Authors: Chen Jia Xi Mary , Chen Tianhao , Zhang Yixin , Fang Weiqing , Li Wenxuan Evelyn , Li Terek , Popovic Milos R. , Naguib Hani E.
Published: June 2024

Non‐invasive electrodes for recording and delivering electric signals to the human body are crucial for health monitoring and rehabilitation applications. However, high‐fidelity signal recording or delivery with epidermal electrodes remains a challenge due to the need for shape customization, to account for the variance of body morphology among individuals, and the need for conformal contact, to accommodate creviced skin surfaces, intricate curves, and moving bodies. In this study, a conductive and self‐adhesive hydrogel for direct ink writing of wearable electrodes on the skin is presented, utilizing physical cross‐linking mechanisms between bio‐based polymers. With a fast gelation time and a facile fabrication method, the printed hydrogel achieves a 0.40 mm resolution via handheld 3D printers. Compared with silver/silver chloride (Ag/AgCl) coated gel electrode standards, the hydrogel electrode formed in situ achieves a higher signal‐to‐noise ratio by 88%, for the monitoring of forearm muscle biopotential and decreases the required current from 3.5 to 2.25 mA, for the functional electrical stimulation for eye closure. The lowered contact impedance of the hydrogel electrode is attributed to its sol–gel transition in situ on the skin, demonstrating its potential to enable future healthcare applications with improved personalization, efficiency, and comfort.
Untethered, Dynamic Robotic Fabrics Enabled by Actively‐Rigid Variable Stiffness Fibers
Authors: Buckner Trevor L. , Huang Xiaonan , Kramer‐Bottiglio Rebecca
Published: June 2024

A robot that uses fabrics as its core body material can be lightweight, compact, and highly flexible. Ideally, the robot's actuation, sensing, and structural support are provided by fiber‐based components, designed to integrate with the fabric's soft and conformable nature while preserving its fiber architecture. Typically, variable stiffness fibers are used for the structural elements, functioning as “bones” that can be turned on and off as needed. However, many variable stiffness fibers are passively‐rigid, only allowing the fabric to become soft when powered, while some require bulky external air or power supplies, making them untenable for untethered robotics. In this work, an electrically‐driven variable stiffness fiber is presented that performs a flat‐to‐curved geometry transition, providing a rigid load‐bearing structure when powered but remaining flexible otherwise. Design principles for pairing the actively‐rigid variable stiffness fiber with a materially compatible fiber‐based actuator are presented, and the actuator performance in different configurations is characterized. The variable stiffness fiber can be arranged into sturdy legs, stable enough for a robotic fabric to lift and hold its own battery pack and onboard electronics. This capability is demonstrated with a first‐of‐its‐kind fully‐untethered locomoting robotic fabric using two different quadruped gaits.
Built‐in Electric Field in Yolk Shell CuO‐Co3O4@Co3O4 with Modulated Interfacial Charge to Facilitate Hydrogen Production from Ammonia Borane Methanolysis Under Visible Light
Authors: Li Yuanzhong , Liao Jinyun , Feng Yufa , Li Junhao , Liu Quanbing , Zhou Weiyou , He Mingyang , Li Hao
Published: June 2024

Developing highly efficient and low‐cost catalysts is an endless challenge in the field of producing H2 from ammonia borane (AB). Herein, the manufacture of yolk‐shell CuO‐Co3O4@Co3O4 nanocomposites are reported by using Cu2O@CuO as a template, in which CuO‐Co3O4 is encapsulated into the Co3O4 hollow nanocubes. Due to the unique morphology and built‐in electric field (BIEF) induced by the CuO‐Co3O4 interface, the CuO‐Co3O4@Co3O4 nanocomposites display remarkable catalytic activity in AB methanolysis. The turnover frequency (TOF) is 24.8 min‐1 in the absence of light and significantly increases to 33.9 min‐1 when exposed to visible light. The experimental and theoretical calculations demonstrate that charge migration from CuO to Co3O4 results in the formation of dual active sites (Cu and Co sites) in charge of adsorption and activation of CH3OH and AB, respectively. Visible light‐induced acceleration is likely caused by type‐II heterojunction, which allows a large number of photogenerated electrons to accumulate in the CuO conduction band. This effectively activates the adsorbed CH3OH on the Cu site, rendering it easier to break the O−H bond. A plausible reaction mechanism involved the activation of the O−H bond of CH3OH, as the RDS is proposed according to the FT‐IR and kinetic isotope effect (KIE) experiments. This work offers an avenue to rationally design high‐performance yolk‐shell catalyst for rapid hydrogen production from AB methanolysis reaction under visible light.
Advanced Redox Electrochemical Capacitor Diode (CAPode) Based on Parkerite (Ni3Bi2S2) with High Rectification Ratio for Iontronic Applications
Authors: Bahrawy Ahmed , Galek Przemyslaw , Gellrich Christin , Grothe Julia , Kaskel Stefan
Published: June 2024

Recently, electrochemical capacitor diodes (CAPodes) have been introduced as a new type of capacitive diode analogues. This device realizes unidirectional charging of ultracapacitors based on ion sieving mechanisms. Here, a new redox CAPode system is presented in which hydroxide ions react with nickel bismuth sulfide on nickel foam as a battery‐like electrode. This redox reaction leads to a high capacitance in a specific polarization window. However, for reversed bias this Faradaic electrode becomes inactive as it does not react with potassium cations, resulting in efficient blocking. By adapting counter electrode materials, mass loading, utilized substrates, and electrolyte concentrations a very high rectification ratio (RI = 37 and RII = 0.96 at 10 mV s−1) is achieved, significantly surpassing the performance of other reported redox‐type CAPodes. Moreover, this system shows an outstanding long‐term stability of a rectification retention of 90% for RII over 5000 repolarization cycles. Additionally, operando electrochemical measurements provide deep insights into the charge/discharge mechanism leading to a rationalization of the proposed concept. The integrated device, tested in logic gate circuits such as AND and OR gates, shows prospective results in ionologic applications.
High‐Resolution Carbon‐Based Tactile Sensor Array for Dynamic Pulse Imaging
Authors: Tian Xin , Cheng Guanyin , Wu Zhonghuai , Wen Xudong , Kong Yongkang , Long Pan , Zhao Fubang , Li Zhongxiang , Zhang Dong , Hu Yonghe , Wei Dapeng
Published: June 2024

With the development of modern medicine, the importance of continuous and reliable pulse wave monitoring has increased significantly in physiological evaluation and disease diagnosis. Among them, the 3D reconstruction of the pulse wave is indispensable, and needs rely on ultra‐high resolution sensor arrays, that is, high spatial resolution, temporal resolution, and force resolution. Herein, a flexible high‐density 32 × 32 tactile sensor array based on pressure‐sensitive tunneling mechanism is develpoed. Conformal graphene nanowalls (GNWs) pattern arrays are deposited on micro‐pyramidal structural Si substrate via mask‐assisted plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) method and are adopted as pressure‐sensitive electrode, exhibiting a spatial resolution of 64 dots/cm2, high sensitivity (222.36 kPa−1) and short response time (2 ms). More importantly, HfO2 tunneling layer can effectively suppress noise current, which made it sense weak pressure signals with 1/1000 force resolution and SNR of 36.32 dB. By leveraging its high‐resolution array, more holistic pulse signals are acquired and the 3D shape of the pulse wave are successfully replicated. This work shows high‐resolution sensors have significant promise for applications in remote intelligent diagnostics.
Insight into TaSi2 Nanostructures with Different Morphologies and Their Field Emission Properties
Authors: Su Haijun , Guo Yinuo , Yang Xinyu , Liu Congcong , Li Xiang , Jiang Hao , Yu Minghui , Fan Huichao , Guo Min , Zhang Zhuo , Ren Wei
Published: June 2024

Recognizing the strong potential of cold cathodes for important commercial applications in fields such as electronics, there is a growing interest in the exploration of novel 1D nanomaterials. Among various cold cathode materials, TaSi2 is of great interest for its outstanding field emission performance. In this work, the Si‐TaSi2 eutectic composite with nano‐sized highly oriented TaSi2 fibers and semi‐coherent phase interfaces is prepared by the laser floating zone melting technique with a very high‐temperature gradient of 6000 K cm−1 at a solidification rate of 200 µm s−1. On the basis of directionally solidified Si‐TaSi2 eutectic composite, well‐aligned TaSi2 nanorod and nanotip arrays are fabricated by inductively coupling plasma (ICP) etching process and HNO3/HF wet etching process, respectively. The field emission measurements show that the field enhancement factor, turn‐on electric field, and effective work function are strongly affected by tip morphologies. The TaSi2 array with regular nanotip structure possesses the best field emission characteristic among all TaSi2 nanostructures, with a relatively low turn‐on field of 4.8 V µm−1 and a high current density of 733 µA cm−2. These findings preliminarily establish a clear relationship between the performance and structure of the array, providing technical guidance for the application of this material in electronic devices.
Direct Current Triboelectric Nanogenerator Based on Contact Electrification, Air Breakdown, Electrostatic Induction, and Charge Leakage for Self‐powered Applications
Authors: Gong Shaokun , Xiong Ziyang , Deng Yu , Xiao Yang , Guo Ruilong , He Wencong , Guo Hengyu , Chen Jie
Published: June 2024

Diverging from air breakdown‐based triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs), recent TENG designs present high output power density without requiring precise control over discharge channels. However, existing researches predominantly ascribe its direct current output to electrostatic induction, disregarding the critical factor of charge leakage. This oversight hampers efforts to improve device performance, especially in material selection and optimization. Here, the generation of direct current signals ultimately stems from material charge leakage and spatial electrostatic induction is illustrated. Through theoretical analysis, visualization, and experimental measurement of four phenomena in the device, a quadruple‐effect mechanoelectrical conversion mechanism is established to refine the material selection rule. Under this guideline, the output power density is increased by 34.42% in contrast to the electrostatic induction direct current TENG. For practical applications, a power management circuit is utilized to boost the device's charging rate by up to 18 times. Furthermore, the high voltage of the device can activate discharge‐type UV tubes, demonstrating great potential in developing self‐powered wastewater treatment systems. The multiple charge behaviors proposed in this work, along with the material selection rule, lay a solid foundation for achieving high output power density in direct current TENGs.
Isomeric Engineering of Organic Luminophores for Multicolor Room Temperature Phosphorescence Including Red Afterglow
Authors: Guo Wu‐Jie , Yan Shirong , Chen Lei , Qiao Lu , Xu Shihao , Qi Tongfei , Liu Bin , Peng Hui‐Qing
Published: June 2024

Manipulating and optimizing the room temperature phosphorescence (RTP) behavior of organic luminophores is highly desirable for exploring their extensive potential applications. However, achieving tailored and precise control over RTP emission colors remains a challenging task. Herein, three regioisomers, namely o‐Br, m‐Br, and p‐Br, are developed by directly bonding the nitrogen atom of commercial carbazole and the sulfur atom of the sulfonylbenzene group. This design not only features the bromine substitution at different positions but also leads to the formation of N─S═O resonance linkages. With the variation in position of bromine from ortho to para, the RTP color changes from yellow to red. Experimental investigations and theoretical calculations demonstrate that this color variation arises from the modulation of contributions from different canonical forms of N─S═O, which can be attributed to the regioisomerization of bromine atoms for fine‐tuning intra‐ and intermolecular interactions. Additionally, the in vitro cell imaging is successfully realized by employing red RTP nanoparticles prepared from the p‐Br luminophore. This study reveals a simple and effective approach for customizing RTP emission colors through the integration of isomerization and resonance variation control.
Rape Pollen‐Based Composite Sorbent with Thermo‐Responsive and Photothermal Properties for Atmospheric Water Harvesting
Authors: Zheng Xu , Ma Qianling , Wan Tinghao , Wang Weining , Pan Quanwen , Wang Ruzhu
Published: June 2024

Sorption‐based atmospheric water harvesting (SAWH) has great potential for clean water acquisition and renewable energy use. Adsorption and desorption properties of sorbents play a crucial role in SAWH systems. However, most sorbents with high adsorption capacities are hindered by either slow sorption/desorption kinetics or poor regeneration performance. Here, a highly efficient block copolymer composite sorbent with dual functions of thermo‐responsive and photothermal properties is designed based on rape pollens. This sorbent has a hierarchical porous structure, in which the outermost layer of poly‐pyrrole enables it to convert light energy into heat and the second layer of poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) imparts thermo‐responsive properties to improve the desorption ability. Meanwhile, confined LiCl improves its sorption capacity and cavities of the pollen can store captured moisture to avoid liquid leakage. This sorbent can sorb moisture to more than 144% of its own weight within 3 h under 20 °C&80% relative humidity (RH) and 82% of captured water can be released within 0.5 h under 1 sun. The water harvester using this sorbent can realize an exceptional water productivity of up to 2.21gwater gsorbent−1 day−1 only by three continuous water adsorption‐desorption cycles in a day. The high‐performance sorbent smooths the path for efficiently extracting water from the atmosphere to tackle water scarcity.
Single‐Atom Cobalt Catalyst Boosting Reaction Kinetics in Li–Organosulfur Battery
Authors: Wang Xiaoqin , Sun Wenxuan , Lv Xucheng , Guo Wei
Published: June 2024

Organosulfur compounds are regarded as a kind of prospective cathode materials for lithium batteries due to their high theoretical specific capacity. However, they still suffer from the issues of sluggish redox kinetics and low utilization. The rational design of the cathode host for effectively confining active materials and accelerating the sluggish sulfur kinetics is an effective strategy. Herein, the study synthesizes an atomic‐scale single‐atom cobalt catalyst and interweave it with CNTs to fabricate an ideal host material (donated as CoSANC@CNTs) for the cathode in Li–PTS batteries. Electrochemical measurements reveal that CoSANC not only efficiently accelerates the redox kinetics in the whole reaction process but also shows excellent adsorption capacity, which is corroborated by the theoretical calculation results as well. As excepted, the Li–PTS battery equipped with CoSANC@CNTs electrode delivers an outstanding long cycling stability with a high initial specific capacity of 550.2 mAh g−1 and a slow capacity decay rate of 0.05% per cycle over 700 cycles at 1 C. Even under a high PTS loading of 8.6 mg cm−2, the PTS/CoSANC@CNTs cathode is still maintained with an excellent capacity retention of 91.1% at 0.1 C after 50 cycles.
Activation of Li2S Cathode by an Organoselenide Salt Mediator for All‐Solid‐State Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Fan Junsheng , Sun Wenxuan , Fu Yongzhu , Guo Wei
Published: June 2024

Lithium sulfide (Li2S) is a promising electrode material with high specific capacity and can be paired with commercial anode materials such as graphite. However, bulk Li2S requires a high activation energy during the initial charge due to its inert electrochemical activity, resulting in high charge overpotential. Here, lithium phenyl selenide (PhSeLi) is proposed as a mediator that can effectively activate Li2S by altering the oxidation pathway in the initial charge process. It enables Li2S to release normal capacity over the general voltage range (1.5–3 V). The composite cathode with the Li2S:PhSeLi molar ratio of 4:1 exhibits a high reversible capacity of 615.9 mAh g−1 at 0.2 A g−1 after 400 cycles in all‐solid‐state batteries with Li7P3S11 sulfide electrolyte and In–Li anode (the corresponding capacity based on Li2S is 1016.6 mAh g−1). In a full cell with a partially pre‐lithiated silicon anode, it can still provide an average discharge capacity of 524 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1 (the capacity based on Li2S is 844.2 mAh g−1). This work will contribute to the further development of Li2S‐based all‐solid‐state Li–S batteries.
Superimposed Electric Field Enhanced Electrospray for High‐Throughput and Consistent Cell Encapsulation
Authors: Fan Zejun , Chen Yihan , Yang Zhen , Niu Yudi , Liang Kaini , Zhang Yan , Zeng Jianan , Feng Yiting , Zhang Yuying , Liu Ye , Lv Cheng , Zhao Peng , Zhou Lv , Kong Wenyu , Li Wenjing , Chen Haoke , Han Dongbo , Du Yanan
Published: June 2024

Cell encapsulation technology, crucial for advanced biomedical applications, faces challenges in existing microfluidic and electrospray methods. Microfluidic techniques, while precise, can damage vulnerable cells, and conventional electrospray methods often encounter instability and capsule breakage during high‐throughput encapsulation. Inspired by the transformation of the working state from unstable dripping to stable jetting triggered by local electric potential, this study introduces a superimposed electric field (SEF)‐enhanced electrospray method for cell encapsulation, with improved stability and biocompatibility. Utilizing stiffness theory, the stability of the electrospray, whose stiffness is five times stronger under conical confinement, is quantitatively analyzed. The SEF technique enables rapid, continuous production of ≈300 core–shell capsules per second in an aqueous environment, significantly improving cell encapsulation efficiency. This method demonstrates remarkable potential as exemplified in two key applications: (1) a 92‐fold increase in human‐derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) expansion over 10 d, outperforming traditional 2D cultures in both growth rate and pluripotency maintenance, and (2) the development of liver capsules for steatosis modeling, exhibiting normal function and biomimetic lipid accumulation. The SEF‐enhanced electrospray method presents a significant advancement in cell encapsulation technology. It offers a more efficient, stable, and biocompatible approach for clinical transplantation, drug screening, and cell therapy.
Janus Amphipathic Dressing With Liquid Self‐Pumping and Blood‐Clot Anti‐Adhesion for Satisfactory Hemostasis
Authors: Yu Qiao , Wang Wenjie , Deng Ningyue , Su Baihai , Zhao Weifeng , Zhao Changsheng
Published: June 2024

Ideal hemostatic materials for the emergency rescue of war and traffic accident sufferers are essential to significantly control hemorrhage, reduce patient discomfort, and improve the survival ratio. However, most hemostats absorb blood quickly in contact with the wound; and then, adhere to blood clots, resulting in breaking scabs and tearing the wound when the materials are removed. Herein, an effective Janus amphipathic hemostatic dressing (Fiber@Gel/Ca2+/KL) with a fiber layer (polylactic acid/carboxymethyl chitosan) and a hydrogel layer (polyvinyl alcohol, carboxymethyl chitosan, Ca2+, and kaolin) is reported. Such a composite dressing unidirectionally drains the excessive serum from its hydrophobic side (fiber layer) to its hydrophilic side (hydrogel layer), so‐called self‐pumping, thereby further concentrating coagulated factors (including red blood cells and platelets). Further, Ca2+ diffused from the hydrogel layer subsequently activates platelets and coagulation cascade. Besides, the Fiber@Gel/Ca2+/KL exhibits specific blood‐clot anti‐adhesion property on the fiber layer, making the dressing easily and safely peel off from the wound. It is believed that this novel hemostatic dressing with good hemostatic performance, easy clots removal, and excellent biocompatibility is expected to be used as a safe and efficient hemostatic dressing in clinical applications.
Mobilizing Endogenous Progenitor Cells Using pSDF1α‐Activated Scaffolds Accelerates Angiogenesis and Bone Repair in Critical‐Sized Bone Defects
Authors: Raftery Rosanne M. , Gonzalez Vazquez Arlyng G. , Walsh David P. , Chen Gang , Laiva Ashang L. , Keogh Michael B. , O'Brien Fergal J.
Published: June 2024

Mobilizing endogenous progenitor cells to repair damaged tissue in situ has the potential to revolutionize the field of regenerative medicine, while the early establishment of a vascular network will ensure survival of newly generated tissue. In this study, a gene‐activated scaffold containing a stromal derived factor 1α plasmid (pSDF1α), a pro‐angiogenic gene that is also thought to be involved in the recruitment of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) to sites of injury is described. It is shown that over‐expression of SDF1α protein enhanced MSC recruitment and induced vessel‐like structure formation by endothelial cells in vitro. When implanted subcutaneously, transcriptomic analysis reveals that endogenous MSCs are recruited and significant angiogenesis is stimulated. Just 1‐week after implantation into a calvarial critical‐sized bone defect, pSDF1α‐activated scaffolds are recruited MSCs and rapidly activate angiogenic and osteogenic programs, upregulating Runx2, Dlx5, and Sp7. At the same time‐point, pVEGF‐activated scaffolds are recruited a variety of cell types, activating endochondral ossification. The early response induced by both scaffolds leads to complete bridging of the critical‐sized bone defects within 4‐weeks. The versatile cell‐free gene‐activated scaffold described in this study is capable of harnessing and enhancing the body's own regenerative capacity and has immense potential in a myriad of applications.
Calcium Hexacyanoferrate Nanozyme Enhances Plant Stress Resistance by Oxidative Stress Alleviation and Heavy Metal Removal
Authors: Shen Xiu , Yang Zhenyu , Dai Xinyue , Feng Wei , Li Ping , Chen Yu
Published: June 2024

Oxidative damage, exacerbated by the excessive accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), profoundly inhibits both crop growth and yield. Herein, a biocompatible nanozyme, calcium hexacyanoferrate nanoparticles (CaHCF NPs), targeting ROS is developed, to mitigate oxidative damage and sequestrate heavy metal ions during plant growth. Uniquely, CaHCF NPs feature multifaced enzyme‐like activities, involving superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), glutathione peroxidase, thiol peroxidase, and ascorbate peroxidase, which enable them to neutralize excessive ROS. Furthermore, CaHCF NPs promote calcium‐cadmium exchange process, diminishing the uptake of heavy metals. Importantly, 120 µg mL−1 of CaHCF NPs alleviate the inhibitory effects of hydrogen peroxide and cadmium chloride on Arabidopsis and tomato. The activities of SOD, POD, and CAT increase by 46.2%, 74.4%, and 48.3%, respectively, meanwhile the glutathione level rises by 72.4% in Arabidopsis under cadmium stress. Moreover, CaHCF NPs boost the expression of genes associated with antioxidation, heavy metal detoxification, nutrient transport, and stress resistance. These findings unveil the significant potential of nanoplatforms equipped with nanozymes in alleviating oxidative stress in plants, which not only regulate crop growth but also substantially ameliorate yield and quality, heralding a new era in agricultural nanotechnology.
Electroactive Ionic Polymer of Intrinsic Microporosity for High‐Performance Capacitive Energy Storage
Authors: Hasan A. M. Mahmudul , Bose Saptasree , Roy Rupam , Marquez Joshua D. , Sharma Chaitanya , Nino Juan C. , Kirlikovali Kent O. , Farha Omar K. , Evans Austin M.
Published: June 2024

Here, an ionic polymer of intrinsic microporosity (PIM) as a high‐functioning supercapacitor electrode without the need for conductive additives or binders is reported. The performance of this material is directly related to its large accessible surface area. By comparing electrochemical performance between a porous viologen PIM and a nonporous viologen polymer, it is revealed that the high energy and power density are both due to the ability of ions to rapidly access the ionic PIM. In 0.1 m H2SO4 electrolyte, a pseudocapacitve energy of 315 F g−1 is observed, whereas in 0.1 m Na2SO4, a capacitive energy density of 250 F g−1 is obtained. In both cases, this capacity is retained over 10 000 charge–discharge cycles, without the need for stabilizing binders or conductive additives even at moderate loadings (5 mg cm−2). This desirable performance is maintained in a prototype symmetric two‐electrode capacitor device, which has >99% Coloumbic efficiency and a <10 mF capacity drop over 2000 cycles. These results demonstrate that ionic PIMs function well as standalone supercapacitor electrodes and suggest ionic PIMs may perform well in other electrochemical devices such as sensors, ion‐separation membranes, or displays.
Prelithiated Carbon Nanotube‐Embedded Silicon‐based Negative Electrodes for High‐Energy Density Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Ünal Leyla , Maccio‐Figgemeier Viviane , Haneke Lukas , Eshetu Gebrekidan Gebresilassie , Kasnatscheew Johannes , Winter Martin , Figgemeier Egbert
Published: June 2024

Multi‐walled carbon Nanotubes (MWCNTs) are hailed as beneficial conductive agents in Silicon (Si)‐based negative electrodes due to their unique features enlisting high electronic conductivity and the ability to offer additional space for accommodating the massive volume expansion of Si during (de‐)lithiation. However, both MWCNTs and Siirreversibly consume an enormous amount of Li inventory to principally form a Solid Electrolyte Interphase (SEI) and due to other parasitic reactions, which results in lowering the Coulombic Efficiency (CE), rapid decrease in reversible capacity, and shorter battery life.To tackle these hurdles, electrochemical prelithiation is adopted as a taming strategy to mitigate the large capacity loss (nearly reducing the first irreversible capacity by ≈60%) of MWCNT‐Si/Graphite (Gr) negative electrode‐based full‐cells. In contrast, a yardstick negative electrode utilizing commercially used Super P (Super P‐Si/Gr) showed a reduction of ≈47% after in vitro pre‐doping with lithium, which is considerably smaller compared to that of MWCNTs‐based electrode design. Furthermore, the Initial CE, life cycle, and rate capability are enhanced by prelithiation. Interestingly, prelithiation brings more impact on MWCNTs ‐Si/Gr than with Super P‐Si/Gr design. An in‐depth analysis using X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), RAMAN Spectroscopy, Attenuated Total Reflection Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR FTIR), laser microscopy, and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) reveal deeper insights into the differences in SEI layer between prelithiated MWCNTs and their Super P‐based electrode counterparts.
Synergistic Hydrogen Peroxide‐Driven Cation Valence Regulation and La/O Co‐Doped SnS‐Based Oxysulfide Catalyst for Efficient Catalytic Reduction of Toxic Organics and Cr(VI) Under Dark
Authors: Zhang Hanya , Zhang Pengkun , Su Zhengjie , Kuo Dong‐Hau , Wu Qinhan , Huang Ting , Li Ping , Mosisa Mengistu Tadesse , Lin Jinguo , Chen Xiaoyun , Lu Dongfang
Published: June 2024

A novel La/O co‐doped SnS oxysulfide catalyst (labeled SnLaOS) with heterovalent tin states and sulfur vacancy defects is successfully synthesized for effective catalytic reduction of toxic organics heavy metal ions with NaBH4 in the dark. La/O co‐doped and hydrogen peroxide‐driven SnLaOS catalyst with suitable heterovalent Sn2+/Sn4+ states and sulfur vacancy defects exhibited excellent catalytic reduction capability. The 100 mL 20 ppm of 4‐nitrophenol (4‐NP) and 50 ppm of rhodamine‐B (RhB), methylene blue (MB), methyl orange (MO), and Cr(VI) solution are entirely reduced by 5 mg SnLaOS‐3 within 10, 12, 12, 16, and 14 min, respectively, with durable stability. Synergistic transition metal La3+‐cation and O2−‐anion co‐doped SnS adjusted the energy bandgap and introduced sulfur vacancy defects, and the hydrogen peroxide‐driven regulated the SnLaOS with suitable Sn4+/Sn2+ states ratio. The sulfur vacancies in SnLaOS provide active sites for adsorbed proton for pollutants reduction, and heterovalent Sn2+/Sn4+ states in SnLaOS facilitates electrons efficient transfer through electron hopping between Sn2+ and Sn4+ for pollutants reduction. This study provides a novel efficient catalyst for the water pollutants treatment.
Dendrite‐Free Zn Metal Anodes with Boosted Stability Achieved by Four‐in‐One Functional Additive in Aqueous Rechargeable Zinc Batteries
Authors: Wang Panpan , Zhou Huiqin , Zhong Yi , Sui Xulei , Sun Gang , Wang Zhenbo
Published: June 2024

Zn interfacial issues involved dendrite evolution and undesired parasitic reactions are tough challenges to impede the progress of Zn ion battery. Herein, dendrite‐free Zn anode with boosted stability is achieved by four‐in‐one functional additive triethyl phosphate (TEP). Experiments and theoretical calculation reveal that TEP additive participates in the generation of compact inorganic interface to prevent Zn from corrosion. Meanwhile, the interfacial electrical double layer (EDL) is reconstructed with adsorbed TEP molecules in inner layer and weakened Zn2+ solvation structure in diffusion layer, which efficiently shields Zn from active H2O and moderate electrochemical kinetics, thereby preventing water‐related secondary reaction and Zn electroplating on tip region. Additionally, TEP additive manipulates zinc growth direction by adsorbing on the (002) facet, thus enabling long‐lasting dendrite‐free deposition. Accordingly, Zn||Zn symmetric cell demonstrates an ultralong lifespan over 5000 h (almost 7 months) at 1 mA cm−2, 1 mAh cm−2 and remarkable coulombic efficiency (CE) of ≈97.6% for 1500 cycles. For practical demonstration, Zn||LiFePO4 full cell demonstrates an improved rate capability and an elevated capacity of 116.0 mAh g−1. These findings highlight interface chemistry manipulated by multifunctional additives as an efficient approach to stabilize Zn anode, holding promise for top‐notch Zn‐based batteries with improved longevity.
Wheat crop genotype and age prediction using machine learning with multispectral radiometer sensor data
Authors: Jamil Mutiullah , Ahsan Zoha , Saeed Muhammad Nauman , Raza Ali , Migdady Hazem , Daoud Mohammad Sh. , Altalhi Maryam , Ezugwu Absalom E. , Abualigah Laith
Published: June 2024

Wheat (Triticum aestivum) yield predictions can be improved by using multispectral remote sensing to identify different genotypes and crop growth stages. We propose an innovative machine learning technique aimed at classifying diverse wheat crop genotypes and providing accurate estimations of plant age. Multispectral reflectance data was obtained from different sites where various wheat genotypes were cultivated. This approach involved analyzing incoming radiation and canopy light reflectance across five distinct spectral bands using a multispectral radiometer. The newly collected remote sensing data was utilized as input for the machine learning algorithm. Impressively, the random forest model achieved an accuracy rate of 98.77% in wheat crop genotype classification. Furthermore, the proposed approach's effectiveness was confirmed through a 10‐fold cross‐validation mechanism. Moreover, a multiple linear regression model for predicting the age of wheat genotypes explained 91% of the observed variation. These findings signify significant progress in wheat crop genotype and age prediction, ultimately leading to enhanced wheat yield.
Seed size, planting date, and seeding rate on cotton vigor and yield
Authors: Holladay Sarah K. , Jones Michael A. , Plumblee Michael T. , Marshall Michael W.
Published: June 2024

Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) is one of the top economic crops in South Carolina, and growers make many important decisions prior to planting each year including variety selection, planting date, seed size, and seeding rate. As input costs continue to rise, greater detailed information is needed so that growers can make better informed decisions for their individual operations. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the influence of seed size, seeding rate, and planting date on the growth, development, lint yield, and fiber quality for cotton grown in South Carolina. Two seed sizes large (≤9460 seed kg−1) and small (≥12,100 seed kg−1) were planted at four seeding rates (61,775; 86,485; 111,195; and 135,905 seeds ha−1) on two different planting dates (early [late April/early May] and late [late May/early June]) in 2020, 2021, and 2022 in Florence and in 2020 and 2021 in Blackville, SC. Data collection included stand counts, biomass at multiple growth stages, plant height, lint yield, fiber quality, and overall net returns. Results showed no difference in lint yield for any of the factors in either location in 2020; however, the small‐seeded variety lint yield was 20% more than the large‐seeded variety in Florence in 2021 and 2022 and 5% higher in Blackville in 2021. In Florence, seeding rates over 100,000 seed ha−1 resulted in higher lint yield than the lower two seeding rates. In both locations, delaying planting until after May 22 increased lint yield by approximately 15% in 2021 and 2022. The large‐seeded variety consistently had greater dry biomass (12%–52% greater) than the small‐seeded variety, indicating that it produced larger, more vigorous seedlings. While seed size may not be a reliable predictor of lint yield, it has proven to be an accurate predictor of seedling vigor. Therefore, it may be beneficial to plant a high‐yielding, larger seed size variety when unfavorable planting conditions are expected.
Tactile Sensing and Grasping Through Thin‐Shell Buckling
Authors: Barvenik Kieran , Coogan Zachary , Librandi Gabriele , Pezzulla Matteo , Tubaldi Eleonora
Published: June 2024

Soft and lightweight grippers have greatly enhanced the performance of robotic manipulators in handling complex objects with varying shape, texture, and stiffness. However, the combination of universal grasping with passive sensing capabilities still presents challenges. To overcome this limitation, a fluidic soft gripper is introduced based on the buckling of soft, thin hemispherical shells. Leveraging a single fluidic pressure input, the soft gripper can grasp slippery and delicate objects while passively providing information on this physical interaction. Guided by analytical, numerical, and experimental tools, the novel grasping principle of this mechanics‐based soft gripper is explored. First, the buckling behavior of a free hemisphere is characterized as a function of its geometric parameters. Inspired by the free hemisphere's two‐lobe mode shape ideal for grasping purposes, it is demonstrated that the gripper can perform dexterous manipulation and gentle gripping of fragile objects in confined spaces and underwater environments. Last, the soft gripper's embedded capability of detecting contact, grasping, and release conditions during the interaction with an unknown object is proved. This simple buckling‐based soft gripper opens new avenues for the design of adaptive gripper morphologies with tactile sensing capabilities for applications ranging from medical and agricultural robotics to space and underwater exploration.
Phylogenomics of Brachystegia: Insights into the origin of African miombo woodlands
Authors: Boom Arthur F. , Migliore Jérémy , Ojeda Alayon Dario I. , Kaymak Esra , Hardy Olivier J.
Published: June 2024

Premise

Phylogenetic approaches can provide valuable insights on how and when a biome emerged and developed using its structuring species. In this context, Brachystegia Benth, a dominant genus of trees in miombo woodlands, appears as a key witness of the history of the largest woodland and savanna biome of Africa.

Methods

We reconstructed the evolutionary history of the genus using targeted‐enrichment sequencing on 60 Brachystegia specimens for a nearly complete species sampling. Phylogenomic inferences used supermatrix (RAxML‐NG) and summary‐method (ASTRAL‐III) approaches. Conflicts between species and gene trees were assessed, and the phylogeny was time‐calibrated in BEAST. Introgression between species was explored using Phylonet.

Results

The phylogenies were globally congruent regardless of the method used. Most of the species were recovered as monophyletic, unlike previous plastid phylogenetic reconstructions where lineages were shared among geographically close individuals independently of species identity. Still, most of the individual gene trees had low levels of phylogenetic information and, when informative, were mostly in conflict with the reconstructed species trees. These results suggest incomplete lineage sorting and/or reticulate evolution, which was supported by network analyses. The BEAST analysis supported a Pliocene origin for current Brachystegia lineages, with most of the diversification events dated to the Pliocene‐Pleistocene.

Conclusions

These results suggest a recent origin of species of the miombo, congruently with their spatial expansion documented from plastid data. Brachystegia species appear to behave potentially as a syngameon, a group of interfertile but still relatively well‐delineated species, an aspect that deserves further investigations.
Proteins linking APOE ɛ4 with Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Oveisgharan Shahram , Yu Lei , de Paiva Lopes Katia , Tasaki Shinya , Wang Yanling , Menon Vilas , Schneider Julie A. , Seyfried Nicholas T. , Bennett David A.
Published: June 2024

INTRODUCTION

The ɛ4 allele of the apolipoprotein E gene (APOE ɛ4) is the strongest genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD), but the mechanisms connecting APOE ɛ4 to AD are not clear.

METHODS

Participants (n = 596) were from two clinical‐pathological studies. Tissues from dorsolateral prefrontal cortex were examined to identify 8425 proteins. Post mortem pathological assessment used immunohistochemistry to obtain amyloid beta (Aβ) load and tau tangle density.

RESULTS

In separate models, APOE ɛ4 was associated with 18 proteins, which were associated with Aβ and tau tangles. Examining the proteins in a single model identified Netrin‐1 and secreted frizzled‐related protein 1 (SFRP1) as the two proteins linking APOE ɛ4 with Aβ with the largest effect sizes and Netrin‐1 and testican‐3 linking APOE ɛ4 with tau tangles.

DISCUSSION

We identified Netrin‐1, SFRP1, and testican‐3 as the most promising proteins that link APOE ɛ4 with Aβ and tau tangles.

Highlights

Of 8425 proteins extracted from prefrontal cortex, 18 were related to APOE ɛ4.

The 18 proteins were also related to amyloid beta (Aβ) and tau.

The 18 proteins were more related to APOE ɛ4 than other AD genetic risk variants.

Netrin‐1 and secreted frizzled‐related protein 1 were the two most promising proteins linking APOE ɛ4 with Aβ.

Netrin‐1 and testican‐3 were two most promising proteins linking APOE ɛ4 with tau.
Nickel‐Catalyzed Electrochemical Cross‐Electrophile C(sp2)−C(sp3) Coupling via a NiII Aryl Amido Intermediate
Authors: Luo Jian , Davenport Michael T. , Ess Daniel H. , Liu T. Leo
Published: June 2024

Cross‐electrophile coupling (XEC) between aryl halides and alkyl halides is a streamlined approach for C(sp2)−C(sp3) bond construction, which is highly valuable in medicinal chemistry. Based on a key NiII aryl amido intermediate, we developed a highly selective and scalable Ni‐catalyzed electrochemical XEC reaction between (hetero)aryl halides and primary and secondary alkyl halides. Experimental and computational mechanistic studies indicate that an amine secondary ligand slows down the oxidative addition process of the Ni‐polypyridine catalyst to the aryl bromide and a NiII aryl amido intermediate is formed in situ during the reaction process. The relatively slow oxidative addition is beneficial for enhancing the selectivity of the XEC reaction. The NiII aryl amido intermediate stabilizes the NiII–aryl species to prevent the aryl–aryl homo‐coupling side reactions and acts as a catalyst to activate the alkyl bromide substrates. This electrosynthesis system provides a facile, practical, and scalable platform for the formation of (hetero)aryl–alkyl bonds using standard Ni catalysts under mild conditions. The mechanistic insights from this work could serve as a great foundation for future studies on Ni‐catalyzed cross‐couplings.
Particle size effects on silyl‐chromate/VOx/silica bimetallic catalyst for UHMWPE/HDPE in‐reactor blends
Authors: Du Yu , Tao Hang , Yang Yang , Su Changzhi , Wang Junrong , Wang Yongnian , Liu Boping , Jin Yulong
Published: June 2024

In this work, four kinds of silica with similar textural properties but different particle size (PS) from 6 to 60 μm were selected as support to prepare silyl‐chromate/VOx/silica bimetallic catalysts for ethylene polymerization, thus making it possible to conduct convincing investigation on the effects of catalyst PS over catalytic behaviors and polymer properties. It is found, owing to mass‐ and heat‐transfer limitations, the catalysts with smaller PS showed higher initial activity, while the deactivation in the later stage was more remarkable. Meanwhile, catalysts with smaller PS synthesized bimodal ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene/high‐density polyethylene in‐reactor blends (UHMWPE/HDPE IRBs) with higher molecular weight (MW) and narrower molecular weight distribution (MWD). Four PE sample couples with MW increasing from 5 × 105 to 10 × 105 g mol−1 and PS from 40 to 460 μm were selected for tensile and rheological tests. For each couple with similar MW and MWD, the sample with smaller PS always had larger tensile strength and breaking elongation. The cryogenically fractured surface of the samples made by smaller PE particles showed fewer delamination defects and unfused small particles. The rheological results indicate that higher homogeneity was achieved for the sample with smaller PS, which was reflected by the unexpected higher viscosity and storage modulus.
Electrospun poly(ɛ‐caprolactone) membranes modified with heparin and essential fatty acids for biomedical applications
Authors: Farias Taisa , Ricardo Joelma , Cunha Jessica , Romaguera‐Barcelay Yonny , Gandarilla Ariamna , Ruzo Camila , Bastos Ivanildes , Segala Karen , Nobre Francisco , Junior Joel Silva , Ţălu Ştefan , Paula Marcos , Brito Walter
Published: June 2024

This study aimed to modify poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) membranes with sodium heparin (SH) and essential fatty acids (EFA) for later application in wound healing. The electrospinning technique was used to prepare the membranes containing the maximum concentration of SH and EFA, which were then sterilized with ozone. Microbiological tests confirmed effective sterilization. The membrane characterization included scanning electron microscopy for morphological analysis, contact angle determination for wettability studies, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR) analysis, and thermogravimetry for thermal analysis. Results indicated that the average diameter membrane of PCL, PCL + SH, and PCL + EFA nanofibers was 1.16 ± 0.99 μm, 0.98 ± 0.66 μm and 1.53 ± 0.92 μm, respectively. Adding SH and EFA affected the fiber diameter, with PCL + SH fibers having a smaller diameter than pure PCL and PCL + EFA fibers. The contact angle of the membrane is 123° (PCL), 102° (PCL + SH), and 95° (PCL + EFA). Wettability analysis demonstrated modified surface properties with reduced contact angles. Sterilization of PCL membranes modified with SH and EFA has shown effectiveness in eliminating bacteria and other microorganisms, increasing the permeability of the membranes. Morphological analysis showed well‐formed and randomly distributed fibers, although the PCL + SH membrane exhibited beads on its fibers. FT‐IR analysis showed slight contributions of SH and EFA in the modified PCL membranes, while thermal analysis revealed no substantial changes in thermal stability. In conclusion, PCL membranes modified with SH and EFA can potentially accelerate wound healing, presenting an innovative and cost‐effective approach to treating skin injuries.