bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Revisiting Cobalt Dopability in GeTe System to Design Modulation‐Doped Thermoelectrics
Authors: Hu Ming‐Hang , Li Meng , Wang De‐Zhuang , Yin Liang‐Cao , Wu Hao , Liu Wei‐Di , Shi Xiao‐Lei , Wang Yifeng , Liu Qingfeng , Chen Zhi‐Gang
Published: January 2025

Dopability plays a pivotal role in determining the limit of carrier concentration and the chemical potential of semiconductor thermoelectric materials, which are directly related to the figure of merit. Here, the doping behavior and mechanism of cobalt (Co) in GeTe‐based thermoelectric materials are first investigated. According to theoretical calculations and tentative experiments, the extremely hard Co dopability in GeTe system is ascribed to the formation of an insoluble intermetallic phase in eutectics, even though the point defect formation energy and charge transition level indicate a 3at.% doping limit. A two‐step method is developed to synthesize (CoGe2)xGe0.85Sb0.10Te composited thermoelectric materials and use synchrotron technologies to investigate both average and local structures. CoGe2 nanoprecipitates are observed endotaxially and uniformly embedded in Ge0.85Sb0.10Te matrix, which acts as an electron reservoir to optimize carrier concentration without deteriorating carrier mobility, conceiving an ideal modulation doping scheme. Moreover, the phonon mismatch at the semi‐coherent CoGe2/Ge0.85Sb0.10Te interfaces gives rise to the Kapitza resistance to impede phonon propagation. The synergistic manipulation of electronic and thermal transport leads to a desirable figure of merit of 2.2 at 775 K and a conversion efficiency of 8.2% under a temperature difference of 420 K, representing a promising performance in this field and providing a benchmark workflow to design composited thermoelectrics.
Supramolecules Containing Homogeneous Electron‐rich Cu Sites for Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction to C2H6
Authors: Yang Tingyu , Dong Yuming , Liu Chunyu , Zhong Jun , Sun Xinyu , Zhang Jiawei , Cao Xin , Chen Xinying , Zhu Yongfa
Published: January 2025

Light‐driven CO2 reduction to multi‐carbon (C2+) products is ideal but remains challenging. This paper anchors the metal active center on the electron‐rich capabilities 4‐(diphenylamine)‐thiophene carboxylic acid supramolecular receptor unit. Then a novel supramolecular catalyst that satisfies the optimal distance of C–C coupling is constructed utilizing the π‐conjugated group stacking effect. The activity of this catalyst is superior to most photocatalysts reported for the reduction of CO2 to C2H6, with a C2H6 yield of 250.9 µmol h−1 g−1, a selectivity of 64.2%. In situ spectroscopic and theoretical calculations demonstrate that the photogenerated electrons accumulate at the adjacent metal active center, thereby effectively CO2 activation and *CO capture. This process reduces the reaction energy barrier of C–C coupling. In addition, constructing controllable and homogeneous Cu active sites improved the selectivity of CO2 reduction to C2H6. This study provides a new way to design photocatalysts with precisely controllable electron‐enriched metal active sits to realize photo‐driven reduction of CO2 to C2+ products.
Porous Materials for Early Diagnosis of Neurodegenerative Diseases
Authors: Arghavani Payam , Daneshgar Hossein , Sojdeh Soheil , Edrisi Mohammad , Moosavi‐Movahedi Ali Akbar , Rabiee Navid
Published: January 2025

Neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease, present formidable challenges in modern medicine due to their complex pathologies and the absence of curative treatments. Despite advances in symptomatic management, early diagnosis remains essential for mitigating disease progression and improving patient outcomes. Traditional diagnostic methods, such as MRI, PET, and cerebrospinal fluid biomarker analysis, are often inadequate for the early detection of these diseases. Emerging porous materials, including metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), covalent–organic frameworks (COFs), MXene, zeolites, and porous silicon, offer promising new approaches for the early diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases. These materials, characterized by highly tunable physicochemical properties, have the potential to capture and concentrate disease‐specific biomarkers such as amyloid‐beta (Aβ), tau protein, and alpha‐synuclein (α‐Syn). The integration of these materials into advanced biosensors for real‐time detection holds the promise of revolutionizing neurodiagnostic, enabling non‐invasive, highly sensitive, and specific detection platforms. Furthermore, the incorporation of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) techniques into the analysis of sensor data enhances diagnostic accuracy and allows for more efficient interpretation of complex biomarker profiles. AI and ML can optimize feature selection, improve pattern recognition, and facilitate the prediction of disease progression, making them indispensable tools for personalized medicine. This review explores the potential of porous materials in neurodegenerative disease diagnostics, emphasizing their design, functionality, and the synergistic role of AI and ML in advancing clinical applications.
Elastocaloric Thermal Battery: Ultrahigh Heat‐Storage Capacity Based on Generative Learning‐Designed Phase‐Change Alloys
Authors: Dang Pengfei , Hu Jinlong , Xian Yuehui , Li Cheng , Zhou Yumei , Ding Xiangdong , Sun Jun , Xue Dezhen
Published: January 2025

An elastocaloric thermal battery based on generative learning‐designed phase‐change alloys is developed to facilitate the efficient recycling of low‐temperature waste heat. This battery stores thermal energy as latent heat in a phase‐change alloy and releases it on demand through applied stress at ambient temperature. Alloy compositions and corresponding processing parameters, tailored to desired transformation characteristics, are efficiently discovered through a generative learning‐enabled inverse design framework, which converts the hand‐drawn target heat flow curve into tangible compositional and processing designs. The designed battery achieves an ultrahigh figure of merit for heat storage capacity, surpassing existing thermal batteries, and boasts a work‐to‐heat efficiency exceeding 9. This opens up exciting possibilities for manipulating thermal energy in diverse applications such as low‐temperature waste heat recycling, solar thermal collection, and heat management in electric vehicles and data center facilities. The inverse design framework promises to expedite the development of various materials with tailored property curves.
Buried Interface Modulation Using Self‐Assembled Monolayer and Ionic Liquid Hybrids for High‐Performance Perovskite and Perovskite/CuInGaSe2 Tandem Photovoltaics
Authors: Feng Zihao , Liu Xinxing , Tian Ting , Zhu Zewei , Jiang Ruixuan , Li Jing , Yuan Ye , Gong Junbo , Gao Guanbin , Tong Jinhui , Peng Yong , Bai Sai , Huang Fuzhi , Xiao Xudong , Müller‐Buschbaum Peter , Cheng Yi‐Bing , Bu Tongle
Published: January 2025

Effective modifications for the buried interface between self‐assembled monolayers (SAMs) and perovskites are vital for the development of efficient, stable inverted perovskite solar cells (PSCs) and their tandem photovoltaics. Herein, an ionic‐liquid‐SAM hybrid strategy is developed to synergistically optimize the uniformity of SAMs and the crystallization of perovskites above. Specifically, an ionic liquid of 1‐butyl‐3‐methyl‐1H‐imidazol‐3‐iumbis((trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl)amide (BMIMTFSI) is incorporated into the SAM solution, enabling reduced surface roughness, improved wettability, and a more evenly distributed surface potential of the SAM film. Leveraging this optimized substrate, a favorable growth of high‐quality perovskite crystals is achieved. Furthermore, the introduced functional ions readily bond with the perovskites, effectively passivating undesirable cation or halide vacancies of the perovskite near the buried interface. Remarkably, high power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of 25.68% and 22.53% are obtained for normal‐bandgap (≈1.55 eV) and wide‐bandgap (WBG) (≈1.66 eV) PSCs along with improved operational stability. Additionally, a champion PCE of 19.50% is achieved for semitransparent WBG PSCs, further delivering an impressive PCE of 28.34% for integrated four‐terminal tandem photovoltaics when combined with CuInGaSe2 solar cells.
Enhancing Photovoltaically Preferred Orientation in Wide‐Bandgap Perovskite for Efficient All‐Perovskite Tandem Solar Cells
Authors: Wu Zhanghao , Zhao Yue , Wang Changlei , Ma Tianshu , Chen Chen , Liu Yuhui , Jia Tianci , Zhai Yuhang , Chen Cong , Zhang Cheng , Cao Guogyang , Yang Zhenhai , Zhao Dewei , Li Xiaofeng
Published: January 2025

Wide‐bandgap perovskite solar cells (WBG PSCs) have promising applications in tandem devices yet suffer from low open‐circuit voltages (VOCs) and less stability. To address these issues, the study introduces multifunctional nicotinamide derivatives into WBG PSCs, leveraging the regulation on photovoltaically preferential orientation and optoelectronic properties via diverse functional groups, e.g., carbonyl, amino. Isonicotinamide (IA) molecule emerges as the most effective agent, enhancing crystallization kinetics and defect passivation due to its unique planar spatial configuration. Incorporating IA into WBG perovskites improves the (100) preferred crystal orientation, reduces trap density, and enables well‐matched energy band alignment. High‐performance 1.77 eV WBG PSCs are achieved with a champion power conversion efficiency of 19.34% and a VOC of 1.342 V, leading to the fabrication of the best‐performing all‐perovskite tandem solar cell with a PCE of 28.53% (certified 28.27%) and excellent operational stability, maintaining over 90% of the initial efficiency under 1 sun illumination for 600 h.
Extending Exciton Diffusion Length via an Organic‐Metal Platinum Complex Additive for High‐Performance Thick‐Film Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Zou Wentao , Sun Yanna , Sun Lingya , Wang Xunchang , Gao Chuanlin , Jiang Dongcheng , Yu Jinyang , Zhang Guangye , Yin Hang , Yang Renqiang , Zhu Haiming , Chen Hongzheng , Gao Ke
Published: January 2025

The long exciton diffusion length (LD) plays an important role in promoting exciton dissociation, suppressing charge recombination, and improving the charge transport process, thereby improving the performance of organic solar cells (OSCs), especially in thick‐film OSCs. However, the limited LD hinders further improvement in device performance as the film thickness increases. Here, an organic‐metal platinum complex, namely TTz‐Pt, is synthesized and served as a solid additive into the D18‐Cl:L8‐BO system. The addition of TTz‐Pt enhanced the crystallinity of blends, reduced energy disorder, and trap density, and decreased non‐radiative recombination and exciton binding energy, which is conducive to prolonging the LD in the TTz‐Pt‐treated film, thereby facilitating the exciton dissociation and charge transport process along with inhibiting the charge recombination. Consequently, the TTz‐Pt‐treated D18:L8‐BO:IDIC device (100 nm) exhibits a champion power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 20.12% (certified as 19.54%), one of the highest PCEs reported for OSCs to date. Remarkably, a record‐breaking PCE of 18.84% is yielded for the active layer thickness of 300 nm. Furthermore, the TTz‐Pt exhibits superior universality in improving the performance of OSCs. This work provides a simple and universal approach to extending LD by introducing an organic‐metal platinum complex as a solid additive to achieve highly efficient thick‐film OSCs.
Reversible Nanocomposite by Programming Amorphous Polymer Conformation Under Nanoconfinement
Authors: Chen Tiffany , Qian Yiwen , Laine Antoine , Kwon Junpyo , Liu Luofu , Pal Subhadeep , Gupta Supriya , Vargo Emma , Su Gregory M. , Ritchie Robert O. , Keten Sinan , Wang Rui , Salmeron Miquel , Xu Ting
Published: January 2025

Nanoconfinements are utilized to program how polymers entangle and disentangle as chain clusters to engineer pseudo bonds with tunable strength, multivalency, and directionality. When amorphous polymers are grafted to nanoparticles that are one magnitude larger in size than individual polymers, programming grafted chain conformations can “synthesize” high‐performance nanocomposites with moduli of ≈25GPa and a circular lifecycle without forming and/or breaking chemical bonds. These nanocomposites dissipate external stresses by disentangling and stretching grafted polymers up to ≈98% of their contour length, analogous to that of folded proteins; use both polymers and nanoparticles for load bearing; and exhibit a non‐linear dependence on composition throughout the microscopic, nanoscopic, and single‐particle levels.
Fe/Mo‐Based Lipid Peroxidation Nanoamplifier Combined with Adenosine Immunometabolism Regulation to Augment Anti‐Breast Cancer Immunity
Authors: Xiang Qinyanqiu , Yang Xue , Zhang Zhiqi , Yang Jie , Li Yingbo , Du Jiawei , Wang Jue , Fan Kai , Yuan Jiaxin , Zhang Jianqiong , Xie Jinbing , Ju Shenghong
Published: January 2025

Immunogenic cell death (ICD)‐mediated immunization strategies have great potential against breast cancer. However, traditional strategies neglect the increase in the immunosuppressive metabolite, adenosine (ADO), during ICD, leading to insufficient therapeutic outcomes. In this study, it is found that the adenosine A2A receptor (A2AR) is significantly expressed in breast cancer and positively associated with regulatory T (Treg) cells. Herein, a strategy combining Fe/Mo‐based lipid peroxidation (LPO) nanoamplifiers and A2AR blockade is reported to maximize ICD‐mediated anti‐tumor immunity. This LPO nanoamplifier causes LPO explosion by the Fe (II)‐mediated Fenton reaction and Mo(V)‐mediated Russell mechanism. Subsequently, it elicits the ICD magnification of tumor cells by inducing multiple regulated cell death patterns of ferroptosis, apoptosis, and necroptosis. Additionally, the A2AR antagonist (SCH58261), an immunometabolic checkpoint blocker, is found to relieve ADO‐related immunosuppression, amplify anti‐tumor immunological effects, and elicit immune memory responses. This robust anti‐tumor immunity is observed in primary, distant, pulmonary metastatic, and recurrent tumors. This study provides a novel strategy for optimizing ICD‐mediated immunotherapy and highlights the benefits of combining LPO explosion with A2AR blockade to enhance breast cancer immunotherapy.
Leveraging Multifaceted Polyphenol Interactions: An Approach for Hair Loss Mitigation
Authors: Kim Eunu , Lee Geon Min , Lee Haeshin
Published: January 2025

Hair loss affects millions globally, creating a demand for safer, more effective treatments. Traditional treatments like minoxidil often have limited efficacy and side effects. This study explores tannic acid, a polyphenol, as a promising alternative, serving as a multifaceted adhesion mediator that binds to keratin on the hair surface and serves as a reservoir for functional molecules‐salicylic acid (SCA), niacinamide (N), and dexpanthenol (DAL)‐collectively termed SCANDAL. Tannic acid forms a stable coating on hair through hydrogen bonding, while its unbound phenolic sites sequester SCANDAL molecules, enabling their controlled release upon exposure to moisture. This gradual release delivers active molecules directly to hair follicles, enhancing hair health and mitigating hair loss. In a seven‐day study with 12 human participants, an average reduction of 56.2 ± 18.2% in the number of shed hairs is observed compared to their baseline counts. The presence of tannic acid on the hair surface is confirmed via X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and the formation of tannic acid/SCANDAL complexes is visualized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). This approach demonstrates that hair keratin surfaces can serve as large‐area platforms for controlled release of therapeutic agents, addressing various challenges in hair and scalp health.
Enhancing Prediction Performance and Generalizing for Transverse Behavior of Unidirectional Composites via Strategic Input Feature Augmentation
Authors: Park Minwoo , Jung Jiyoung , Moon Hyeonbin , Park Donggeun , Go Myeong‐Seok , Noh Hong‐Kyun , Lim Jae Hyuk , Ryu Seunghwa
Published: January 2025

This study proposes an efficient method for analyzing complex fracture patterns in the cross‐sections of unidirectional (UD) composites, influenced by the volume fraction (VF) and fiber arrangement, and for predicting the corresponding transverse mechanical responses. Traditional finite element (FE) analysis incurs high computational costs when evaluating responses for every configuration. To address this, deep learning (DL), particularly convolutional neural networks (CNNs), have been applied, but these approaches have typically focused on limited VF spaces, leading to large data requirements and reduced prediction accuracy for new configurations. In this research, a novel DL approach is introduced that can be effectively extended to broader VF spaces by integrating low‐cost, physically insightful auxiliary features as multi‐modal inputs. Specifically, the Mori–Tanaka (MT) feature and stress concentration factor (SCF) are selected as auxiliary inputs and incorporated them into the conventional CNN model for comparative analysis. The results showed that the model incorporating the MT feature significantly improved extrapolation performance in unseen VF spaces while maintaining robust predictive performance as the training dataset size increased. In contrast, the SCF feature does not demonstrate similar benefits. These findings illustrate that integrating advanced features like the MT feature into the DL model can offer more effective and versatile solutions for predicting material properties.
Direct Observation of Anisotropic Coulomb Interaction in a Topological Nodal Line Semimetal
Authors: Kim Hyo Won , Jung Junseo , Lee Gahee , Park Taesu , Jang Won‐Jun , Kim Hoil , Kim Jun Sung , Shim Ji Hoon , Yang Bohm‐Jung , Jeon Sangjun
Published: January 2025

The fundamental characteristics of collective interactions in topological band structures can be revealed by the exploration of charge screening in topological materials. In particular, distinct anisotropic screening behaviors are predicted to occur in Dirac nodal line semimetals (DNLSMs) due to their peculiar anisotropic low‐energy dispersion. Despite the recent extensive theoretical research, experimental observations of exotic charge screening in DNLSMs remain elusive, which is partly attributed to the coexisting trivial bands near the Fermi energy. This study reports the first direct observation of highly anisotropic charge‐screening behavior in the DNLSM SrAs3. Through atomically resolved conductance measurements, a highly anisotropic charge‐screening pattern around charged impurities on a surface is demonstrated. Moreover, the combination of model studies and first‐principles calculations reveals the unique nature of the screening anisotropy in DNLSMs. The results of this study are expected to pave the way for understanding the profound collective behavior of interacting low‐energy fermions in topological materials.
Tape‐Assisted Residual Layer‐Free One‐Step Nanoimprinting of High‐Index Hybrid Polymer for Optical Loss‐Suppressed Metasurfaces
Authors: Park Yujin , Kim Joohoon , Yang Younghwan , Oh Dong Kyo , Kang Hyunjung , Kim Hongyoon , Rho Junsuk
Published: January 2025

The commercialization of metasurfaces is crucial for real‐world applications such as wearable sensors, pigment‐free color pixels, and augmented and virtual reality devices. Nanoparticle‐embedded resin‐based nanoimprint lithography (PER‐NIL) has shown itself to be a low‐cost, high‐throughput manufacturing method enabling the replication of high‐index nanostructures. It has been extensively integrated into the fabrication of hologram metasurfaces, metalenses, and sensors due to its procedural simplicity. Most research on PER‐NIL has been limited to exploring appropriate materials to enhance the efficiency of imprinted metasurfaces, but the intrinsic issue of PER‐NIL lies in the high‐index residual layer remaining on the substrate. This high‐index residual layer generates undesired noise, limiting the efficiency and functionality of imprinted metasurfaces. Despite the need for the removal of the residual layer, it has never been experimentally achieved owing to the different etching rates between the nanoparticles and resin. Here, a new methodology named tape‐assisted PER‐NIL is proposed, achieving one‐step removal of the residual layer using a tape. This novel method enables the replication of residual layer‐free, high‐index metasurfaces. As a result, imprinted residual layer‐free metasurfaces prove their potential in high‐purity dielectric structural colorations by achieving a sharp reflectance peak unattainable with conventional NIL, and in vivid hologram metasurfaces by covering a full 2π phase without unwanted scattering.
Posttranscriptional Control of Neural Progenitors Temporal Dynamics During Neocortical Development by Syncrip
Authors: Wu Jiarui , Yu Haoyang , Dou Xinyi , Yin Bin , Hou Lin , Xue Yuanchao , Qiang Boqin , Shu Pengcheng , Peng Xiaozhong
Published: January 2025

The development of the mammalian neocortex is precisely regulated by temporal gene expression, yet the temporal regulatory mechanisms of cortical neurogenesis, particularly how radial glial cells (RGCs) sequentially generate deep to superficial neurons, remain unclear. Here, the hnRNP family member Syncrip (hnRNP Q) is identified as a key modulator of superficial neuronal differentiation in neocortical neurogenesis. Syncrip knockout in RGCs disrupts differentiation and abnormal neuronal localization, ultimately resulting in superficial cortical layer defects as well as learning and memory impairments in mice. Single‐cell RNA sequencing analysis demonstrated that the knockout of Syncrip disrupts the late‐stage neurogenesis, stalling transcriptional progression in RGCs. Mechanistically, Syncrip maintains the transcription of temporal process‐related transcription factors by recruiting stabilization complexes through phase separation, crucially regulating the Notch signaling pathway that determines the fate of RGCs. Furthermore, pathogenic human mutations in Syncrip weaken its phase‐separation capability, failing to form stable complexes normally. Thus, Syncrip acts as a mediator of posttranscriptional regulatory mechanisms, governing the fate progression of RGCs and the advancement of intrinsic temporal programs. This study establishes an intracellular mechanism for posttranscriptional regulation of progressive fate determination in cortical neurogenesis.
Cellular Core/Sheath Filaments with Thermoresponsive Vacuum Cavities for Prolonged Passive Temperature‐Adaptive Thermoregulation
Authors: Sui Jiayi , Jiang Shoukun , Peng Jinhao , Kang Zhanxiao , Fan Jintu
Published: January 2025

Acting as the interface between the human body and its environment, clothing is indispensable in human thermoregulation and even survival under extreme environmental conditions. Development of clothing textiles with prolonged passive temperature‐adaptive thermoregulation without external energy consumption is much needed for protection from thermal stress and energy saving, but very challenging. Here, a temperature‐adaptive thermoregulation filament (TATF) consisting of thermoresponsive vacuum cavities formed by the temperature‐responsive volume change of the material confined in the cellular cores of the filament is proposed. Using a droplet‐based microfluidic system, the cellular core/sheath filament using octadecane (OD) as a temperature‐responsive volume‐changing material to form droplet cellular cores within the thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) sheath is fabricated. It is found that the fabric made of TATF has a remarkable temperature adaptive thermal conductivity, which increases by 83% as the mean fabric temperature increases from 20 °C to 35 °C, due to the volume change of vacuum cavities in the cellular cores of the filament in response to temperature. TATF fabrics have no problem associated with undesirable appearance changes or leakage of encapsulated molten materials as some existing thermoregulatory textiles do, and can therefore have wide applications in functional clothing for prolonged passive personal thermal management.
Tailoring Super‐Performed Chemo‐Sensor via Simulation‐Modeling and MEMS‐Screening
Authors: Xu Wei , Zhang Wukun , Shen Zhengqi , Xu Wenxing , Zhao Jianhao , Li Huizi , He Qingguo , Fu Yanyan , Cheng Jiangong
Published: January 2025

Chemo‐sensor designing involves a time‐consuming trial‐and‐error screening process, which commonly cannot lead to optimal S4R features (Sensitivity, Selectivity, Speed, Stability, and Reversibility). Due to strong path dependence on reported groups/mechanisms, conventional chemo‐sensors often fail to meet critical application demands, especially in achieving high reversibility without compromising other features. Here, a three‐step screen and design strategy is developed for gaining customized chemo‐sensors, through Structure modeling; MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) analysis, and Performance verification. With such a strategy, the coordination hanging anion mechanism is screened out for reversible nerve agent detection and shows reversible emission enhancement by 25.8 times with DCP, ultrasensitive vapor phase detection (5.7 ppb), and rapid response(10 s) and recovery speed (20 s). Such tailored designing strategy for new organic chemo‐sensors will probably play an important role in developing high‐performance sensing system in the future.
Step by step: Anti‐Asian discrimination and bystander intervention
Authors: Woo Bongki , Roth Benjamin
Published: January 2025

Combating the recent surge of anti‐Asian racism requires a collective effort that includes the willingness of nontarget bystanders to intervene, but little is known about the circumstances under which they are willing to do so. The present qualitative study explores why non‐Asian bystanders decide to intervene when they witness anti‐Asian racism, and why, under other circumstances, they choose not to. Twenty semi‐structured interviews were conducted with non‐Asian college students who witnessed anti‐Asian discrimination. Guided by the five‐stage sequential decision‐making framework of bystander intervention, we analyzed intervention as a series of stages: seeing the event, recognizing it as worthy of intervention, determining one's responsibility for acting, deciding how to act, and, finally, executing on that plan. The respondents recounted a diverse range of situations and factors in each stage that impacted why they intervened or not. Our findings suggest that the act of intervening increases the bystander's confidence and desire to intervene again in the future. Given the complexity of the bystander decision chain and the compressed timeframe in which it often occurs, we conclude that training on bystander antiracist intervention might benefit from being structured according to the multi‐stage model.
Defluorinative Hydroxylation Promoted by Silica to Access Optically Pure Hexahydrofuranocarbazole via [4+2] Addition Reaction
Authors: Prasad Madavi S. , Bedanta Thoudam , Saha Souvik , Kumar Jha Aman , Bharani Sankar , Chandrasekhar Ponnada
Published: January 2025

Crafting an efficient strategy for the synthesis of biologically active and functionally rich hexahydrofuranocarbazole is a highly desirable but demanding pursuit. This research elucidates a groundbreaking strategy involving an unanticipated defluorinative hydroxylation reaction facilitated by silica gel, yielding highly enantio‐ and diastereoselective hexahydrofuranocarbazole frameworks. This method results in the formation of five consecutive chiral centers, including three quaternary stereocenters and an all‐carbon spiro center, via an aminocatalytic asymmetric remote [4+2] addition process. The developed methodology allows for the construction of a diverse array of products (24 examples, up to >99 % ee and 17 : 1 dr), reflecting its notable substrate scope. Furthermore, we demonstrate the feasibility of gram‐scale synthesis and control experiments that underscore the methodological advancements and provide insights into the underlying mechanism.
Multicomponent Polymerization toward Poly(BODIPY‐sulfonamide)s as Unique SO2 Generators for Sonodynamic and Gas Combination Therapy
Authors: Liu Shuxin , Li Juan , Wang Aiguo , Ng Dennis K. P. , Zheng Nan
Published: January 2025

In this work, a multicomponent polymerization (MCP) approach involving bipyrroles, sulfonyl azides, and diynes was developed to afford a library of poly(bipyrrole‐sulfonylimide)s (PPSIs) in high yields and molecular weights, which were further modified to form unique sulfur dioxide (SO2) generators. Bipyrroles served as carbon‐based nucleophiles to undergo Cu‐catalyzed C−C coupling during the MCP. Upon post‐MCP modification by transforming the bipyrrole unit to boron dipyrromethene (BODIPY) and the sulfonylimide moiety to sulfonamide, poly(BODIPY‐sulfonamide)s (PBSAs) were obtained as potent anticancer therapeutic agents. This study disclosed the decomposition and SO2‐releasing ability of PBSAs under ultrasound (US) irradiation. Furthermore, one of these polymers having a reactive oxygen species‐cleavable thioketal linker was modified with triethylene glycol chains to give PBSA‐EG, which was further studied for in vitro and in vivo US‐induced anti‐cancer therapy. Upon tail veil administration of PBSA‐EG nanoparticles into tumor‐bearing mice followed by US irradiation, remarkable tumor suppression was observed. This study demonstrates that the innovative and efficient MCP method can construct polymers bearing the BODIPY‐sulfonamide moieties, which show a great potential as safe and potent materials for combined gas and sonodynamic therapy against cancer.
Design of Cell‐Penetrating Domain Antibodies via a Genetically Encoded β‐Lactam Amino Acid
Authors: Rabb Johnathan D. , Kruse Lucas E. , Lin Qing
Published: January 2025

Domain antibodies such as monobodies provide an attractive immunoglobin fold for evolving high‐affinity protein binders targeting the intracellular proteins implicated in cell signalling. However, it remains a challenge to endow cell permeability to these small and versatile protein binders. Here, we report a streamlined approach combining orthogonal crosslinking afforded by a genetically encoded β‐lactam‐lysine (BeLaK) and genetic supercharging to generate cell‐penetrating monobodies. When introduced to the N‐terminal β‐strand of a series of supercharged monobodies, BeLaK enabled efficient inter‐strand crosslinking with the neighbouring lysine. Compared to its non‐crosslinked counterpart, a BeLaK‐crosslinked, +18‐charged monobody exhibited enhanced thermostability and greater cellular uptake at 40 nM. Moreover, this structurally rigidified, supercharged monobody inhibited ERK1/2 phosphorylation in KYSE‐520 esophageal cancer cell line at sub‐micromolar concentration, indicating significant endosomal escape after endocytosis. Together, the discovery of this BeLaK‐encoded, rigidified immunoglobin fold should facilitate the design of cell‐penetrating monobodies targeting intracellular signalling proteins.
Modular Photoswitchable Molecular Glues for Chemo‐Optogenetic Control of Protein Function in Living Cells
Authors: Zhang Jun , Herzog Laura K. , Corkery Dale P. , Lin Tzu‐Chen , Klewer Laura , Chen Xi , Xin Xiaoyi , Li Yaozong , Wu Yao‐Wen
Published: January 2025

Optogenetic systems using photosensitive proteins and chemically induced dimerization/proximity (CID/CIP) approaches enabled by chemical dimerizers (also termed molecular glues), are powerful tools to elucidate the dynamics of biological systems and to dissect complex biological regulatory networks. Here, we report a versatile chemo‐optogenetic system using modular, photoswitchable molecular glues (sMGs) that can undergo repeated cycles of optical control to switch protein function on and off. We use molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to rationally design the sMGs and further expand their scope by incorporating different photoswitches, resulting in sMGs with customizable properties. We demonstrate that this system can be used to reversibly control protein localization, organelle positioning, protein‐fragment complementation as well as posttranslational protein levels by light with high spatiotemporal precision. This system enables sophisticated optical manipulation of cellular processes and thus opens up a new avenue for chemo‐optogenetics.
Unveiling Chirality in MoS2 Nanosheets: A Breakthrough in Phase Engineering for Enhanced Chiroptical Properties
Authors: Branzi Lorenzo , Fitzsimmons Lucy , Chunin Igor , Shvets Igor , Gun'ko Yurii K.
Published: January 2025

The development of new synthetic strategies to introduce and control chirality in inorganic nanostructures has been highly stimulated by the broad spectrum of potential applications of these exiting nanomaterials. Molybdenum disulfide is among the most investigated transition metal dichalcogenides due to its promising properties for applications that spread from optoelectronic to spintronic. Herein, we report a new two‐step approach for the production of chiroptically active semiconductor 2H MoS2 nanosheets with chiral morphology based on the manipulation of their crystallographic structure. In the first step, metastable metallic 1T MoS2 nanosheets with chiral morphology were produced via hydrothermal synthesis. Then, thermal annealing was used to progressively tune the conversion of the metallic 1T phase into the thermodynamically stable semiconductor 2H phase while preserving the nanocrystals’ chiral morphology. Our detailed study covers the evolution of the chiroptical properties of the material during the crystallographic phase transition, revealing critical insights into the formation of chiroptically active excitonic transitions. This study represents a unique approach to the production of high‐quality chiral nanomaterials by exploiting phase engineering, and paves the way for the development of new synthetic methods to further expand the range and properties of chiral nanomaterials.
The Structural, Electrical and Dielectric Studies of CMC Based Biopolymer Gel Electrolytes for Ecofriendly Device Applications
Authors: Singh C. P. , Shukla P. K. , Singh Shubham , Agrawal S. L. , Srivastava Anshuman , Asthana Nidhi , Mishra Ajay Kumar
Published: January 2025

The solution casting procedure has been effectively used to synthesize biopolymer gel electrolytes (BGEs) using carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and ammonium thiocyanate (NH4SCN). The XRD patterns of the bio‐based green emulsions (BGEs) have provided evidence of the non‐crystalline structure of the films. Optical micrographs of BGEs have revealed the formation of homogeneous gel electrolyte films. Complex impedance spectroscopy has been used to investigate the ion transport mechanism and dielectric relaxation dynamics of biopolymer gel electrolyte films over a wide range of temperatures. The conductivity of the gel electrolyte samples has been shown to rise with the amount of salt present. The optimum ionic conductivity, determined at room temperature, is σ = 3.97 × 10−3 Scm−1, and it is achieved in the gel electrolyte sample containing 35 wt% NH4SCN. The variation in ionic conductivity with temperature has shown a blend of Arrhenius and Vogel‐Tamman‐Fulcher (VTF) characteristics. An analysis has been conducted on the impedance data to investigate the ion transport process using the formalisms of ac conductivity, permittivity, and electric modulus. The dielectric impedance of the BGEs films has been used to determine the charge carrier density and mobility. The electrolyte with the best conductivity has shown a broad range of electrochemical stability, spanning from −1.49 to +1.27 V. The I‐t investigations has shown a high transference number (tion ~ 0.99), indicating that ions are the primary contributors to conductivity. The cyclic voltammetry tests have shown excellent reusability, indicating its potential use in devices, such as supercapacitors and rechargeable batteries.
Photoredox/Sulfide Dual Catalysis for Modular Synthesis of Multi‐substituted Furan Rings via Catalytic Indirect Reductive Quenching
Authors: Matsukuma Kakeru , Tayu Masanori , Ogino Takumi , Ohrui Sayaka , Noji Masahiro , Hayashi Satoshi , Saito Nozomi
Published: January 2025

The catalytic indirect reductive quenching method is facilitated by a combination of Ir(III) photoredox and sulfide dual‐catalysis system. This study demonstrated a method for synthesizing multi‐substituted furans by using a photoredox/sulfide dual‐catalysis system. This method enables the synthesis of various furan derivatives, including spirofurans and phthalans. The utility of this system was demonstrated through gram‐scale synthesis of the pharmaceutical molecule talopram. Mechanistic studies and density functional theory calculations suggested the formation of sulfonium species via sulfide radical cations, followed by intramolecular cyclization to produce the desired furan derivatives.
Economic assessment and process design to valorize citrus juice industry waste
Authors: Marchette Isabela Rosa , Cavallari Renata Beatriz Calegari , Rothier Fernanda do Canto , Bojorge Ninoska Isabel Bojorge Ramirez , Alhadeff Eliana M. , Young André Ferreira , dos Santos Brunno Ferreira
Published: January 2025

This study examines a biorefinery in an orange‐juice processing plant that uses sweet orange peels to produce biofuel, food additives, and essential oils. The simulation was run in Aspen Plus v12.1 and scaled using a rigorous economic analysis model. The study proves that biorefinery processes can transform the orange juice industry's organic waste into valuable products. Specifically, the proposed plant can produce 12.2 tons of 99.8% w/w ethanol and 25.8 t h‐1 of pectin from a flow rate of 381.6 t h‐1 of wet biomass. Using a sensitivity analysis tool, the optimal conditions for limonene extraction were identified as a temperature of 90 °C and a pressure of 0.68 atm, resulting in a production rate of 5.9 t h‐1 (97% w/w), This achieved a limonene recovery of 99.6% w/w per dry mass of biomass. Finally, this study provides insights into the potential for sustainable resource use in the orange juice sector.
Students' sense of belonging and authenticity in higher education
Authors: Verbree Anne‐Roos , van der Schaaf Marieke , Wijngaards‐de Meij Leoniek , Dilaver Gönül
Published: January 2025

Sense of belonging entails students' comfort level in the classroom and experienced faculty and peer support. A diminished sense of belonging can hamper academic performance. Therefore, it is important to know which student groups may experience weaker belonging and whether these disparities extend to students' authenticity, or perception they can be true to themselves. This survey research examines student differences in sense of belonging and authenticity by gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion, disabilities, extracurricular involvement, parental education, prior education, study year and school. We also examined whether belonging and authenticity were related to students' self‐reported academic performance. Our sample (N = 4473) consisted of Dutch undergraduate and graduate students. Data analysis employing structural equation modelling showed that male students felt more comfortable in the classroom and students with disabilities experienced less sense of belonging and authenticity than their peers. Extracurricular involvement enhanced students' belonging and authenticity. Being part of multiple minority groups impaired aspects of students' belonging and authenticity. Sense of belonging and the experienced room for authenticity positively and independently predicted academic performance. We conclude that fostering both belonging and authenticity is crucial for all students, but especially for minority students. We suggest educators foster students' sense of belonging and authenticity, which can enhance academic performance and promote educational equality and opportunities for all students. Stimulating extracurricular involvement or others forms of non‐academic participation is promising to contribute to this goal.
Evaluating Circular Strategies for the Resilience of Agri‐Food Business: Evidence From the Olive Oil Supply Chain
Authors: Spada E. , Carlucci D. , Cembalo L. , Chinnici G. , D'Amico M. , Falcone G. , Giannoccaro G. , Gulisano G. , Iofrida N. , Stempfle S. , De Luca A. I.
Published: January 2025

In the agri‐food sector, the valorization of by‐products according to a circular economy (CE) approach can be a viable solution to increase profits and improve business resilience. However, to facilitate its implementation and dissemination, it is necessary to validate the application of CE approaches in real case studies and as well as to verify their economic sustainability. This paper analyses the adoption of different circular paths of real case studies in the olive oil supply chain and assesses their degree of circularity through the Material Circularity Indicator (MCI) and economic sustainability through life cycle costing (LCC). As evidenced in the scientific literature, these methodologies represent the optimal approach to assess the impact of circularity in agri‐food processes on companies' sustainability strategies. Moreover, the results can be integrated to facilitate progress toward ever‐greater sustainability. Findings show that the degree of circularity varies according to the different strategies adopted, highlighting better economic viability of firms that adopt CE strategies, whose profits are less sensitive to changes in input and output prices and therefore more resilient from an economic point of view when market fluctuations occur.
Exploring Multiplex Immunohistochemistry (mIHC) Techniques and Histopathology Image Analysis: Current Practice and Potential for Clinical Incorporation
Authors: Sun Aria Kaiyuan , Fan Song , Choi Siu Wai
Published: January 2025

Background

By simultaneously staining multiple immunomarkers on a single tissue section, multiplexed immunohistochemistry (mIHC) enhances the amount of information that can be observed in a single tissue section and thus can be a powerful tool to visualise cellular interactions directly in the tumour microenvironment. Performing mIHC remains technically and practically challenging, and this technique has many limitations if not properly validated. However, with proper validation, heterogeneity between histopathological images can be avoided.

Aims

This review aimed to summarize the currently used methods and to propose a standardised method for effective mIHC.

Materials and Methods

An extensive literature review was conducted to identify different methods currently in use for mIHC.

Results

Guidelines for antibody selection, panel design, antibody validation and analytical strategies are given. The advantages and disadvantages of each method are discussed.

Conclusion

This review summarizes widely used pathology imaging software and discusses the potential for automation of pathology image analysis so that mIHC technology can be a truly powerful tool for research as well as clinical use.
The Association Between Body Composition, Overall Survival, Treatment Decisions, and Patient‐Reported Outcomes in Metastatic Non‐Small‐Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Coletta Adriana M. , Lee Hyejung , Puri Sonam , Culleton Sinead , Covington Matthew F. , Yap Jeffrey T. , Maslana Kelsey E. , Haaland Benjamin , Akerley Wallace
Published: January 2025

Introduction

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between body composition, overall survival, odds of receiving treatment, and patient‐reported outcomes (PROs) in individuals living with metastatic non‐small‐cell lung cancer (mNSCLC).

Methods

This retrospective analysis was conducted in newly diagnosed patients with mNSCLC who had computed‐tomography (CT) scans and completed PRO questionnaires close to metastatic diagnosis date. Cox proportional hazard models and logistic regression evaluated overall survival and odds of receiving treatment, respectively. Hazard ratios (HR) and odds ratios (OR) were evaluated as the interquartile range for body composition compartments. Multiple linear regression evaluated the association between PROs and body composition. Models were adjusted for gender, age at diagnosis, smoking history, and mutation status. The survival model also included adjustment for tumor histology.

Results

Our sample (n = 69) included men (52%) and women (48%), with a median age of 67.4‐years, history of smoking (67%), wild‐type genotype (75.4%), and a tumor histology of adenocarcinoma (68%). Greater skeletal muscle area was associated with higher physical function scores. Larger intermuscular adipose tissue area was associated with higher mortality risk (HR 2.03, 95% CI 1.32, 3.11), lower odds of receiving treatment (OR 0.76, 95% CI 0.61, 0.93), and higher fatigue. Larger subcutaneous adipose tissue area was associated with lower mortality risk (HR 0.42, 95% CI 0.22, 0.82) and higher odds of receiving treatment (OR 1.03, 95% CI 1.01, 1.06). Larger total adipose tissue area was linked with improved survival (HR 0.59, 95% CI 0.36, 0.96).

Conclusion

Findings support an association between different body composition compartments at mNSCLC diagnosis and survival, decisions to treat, and PROs. This work supports the use of data collected in routine CT scans and PROs to inform treatment decisions and supportive care options.
Differentiating Pulmonary Nodule Malignancy Using Exhaled Volatile Organic Compounds: A Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Lu Guangyu , Su Zhixia , Yu Xiaoping , He Yuhang , Sha Taining , Yan Kai , Guo Hong , Tao Yujian , Liao Liting , Zhang Yanyan , Lu Guotao , Gong Weijuan
Published: January 2025

Background

Advances in imaging technology have enhanced the detection of pulmonary nodules. However, determining malignancy often requires invasive procedures or repeated radiation exposure, underscoring the need for safer, noninvasive diagnostic alternatives. Analyzing exhaled volatile organic compounds (VOCs) shows promise, yet its effectiveness in assessing the malignancy of pulmonary nodules remains underexplored.

Methods

Employing a prospective study design from June 2023 to January 2024 at the Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, we assessed the malignancy of pulmonary nodules using the Mayo Clinic model and collected exhaled breath samples alongside lifestyle and health examination data. We applied five machine learning (ML) algorithms to develop predictive models which were evaluated using area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, specificity, and other relevant metrics.

Results

A total of 267 participants were enrolled, including 210 with low‐risk and 57 with moderate‐risk pulmonary nodules. Univariate analysis identified 11 exhaled VOCs associated with nodule malignancy, alongside two lifestyle factors (smoke index and sites of tobacco smoke inhalation) and one clinical metric (nodule diameter) as independent predictors for moderate‐risk nodules. The logistic regression model integrating lifestyle and health data achieved an AUC of 0.91 (95% CI: 0.8611–0.9658), while the random forest model incorporating exhaled VOCs achieved an AUC of 0.99 (95% CI: 0.974–1.00). Calibration curves indicated strong concordance between predicted and observed risks. Decision curve analysis confirmed the net benefit of these models over traditional methods. A nomogram was developed to aid clinicians in assessing nodule malignancy based on VOCs, lifestyle, and health data.

Conclusions

The integration of ML algorithms with exhaled biomarkers and clinical data provides a robust framework for noninvasive assessment of pulmonary nodules. These models offer a safer alternative to traditional methods and may enhance early detection and management of pulmonary nodules. Further validation through larger, multicenter studies is necessary to establish their generalizability.

Trial Registration: Number ChiCTR2400081283