bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Magnetic Dynamic Polymers for Modular Assembling and Reconfigurable Morphing Architectures
Authors: Kuang Xiao , Wu Shuai , Ze Qiji , Yue Liang , Jin Yi , Montgomery S. Macrae , Yang Fengyuan , Qi H. Jerry , Zhao Ruike
Published: June 2021

Shape‐morphing magnetic soft materials, composed of magnetic particles in a soft polymer matrix, can transform shape reversibly, remotely, and rapidly, finding diverse applications in actuators, soft robotics, and biomedical devices. To achieve on‐demand and sophisticated shape morphing, the manufacture of structures with complex geometry and magnetization distribution is highly desired. Here, a magnetic dynamic polymer (MDP) composite composed of hard‐magnetic microparticles in a dynamic polymer network with thermally responsive reversible linkages, which permits functionalities including targeted welding for magnetic‐assisted assembly, magnetization reprogramming, and permanent structural reconfiguration, is reported. These functions not only provide highly desirable structural and material programmability and reprogrammability but also enable the manufacturing of functional soft architected materials such as 3D kirigami with complex magnetization distribution. The welding of magnetic‐assisted modular assembly can be further combined with magnetization reprogramming and permanent reshaping capabilities for programmable and reconfigurable architectures and morphing structures. The reported MDP are anticipated to provide a new paradigm for the design and manufacture of future multifunctional assemblies and reconfigurable morphing architectures and devices.
Bipolar Light‐Addressable Potentiometric Sensor Based on Fullerene Photosensitive Layer
Authors: Li Yun‐Chong , Jiao Bo , Zhang Yi‐Jun , Wang Jian , Ren Wei , Zhang De‐Wen , Hou Xun , Wu Zhao‐Xin
Published: June 2021

Light‐addressable potentiometric sensor (LAPS) is highly attractive in many sectors, including human disease detection, drug screening, and environmental monitoring. Currently, classical LAPS chips adopt inorganic semiconductors, such as silicon, as the photosensitive layer. Organic semiconductors can provide the next generation of the photosensitive layer because of their high absorption efficiency, large structural variability, eco‐friendliness, and bendability. However, no promising organic materials have been reported so far for the construction of LAPS chips. Here, the authors demonstrate the potential of fullerene (C60), a π‐conjugated carbon molecule with high n‐type conduction, as a candidate material for the photosensitive layer of LAPS. They report on a peculiar bipolar photo‐response under both reverse and forward biased conditions for C60‐based LAPS. An oxygen‐trap‐induced space‐charge mechanism is proposed to explain the unique bipolar photo‐response phenomenon. The proposed C60‐based LAPS exhibits an excellent pH sensitivity of 150 mV/pH as well as a high spatial resolution of 3.8 µm. The authors anticipate that these results will spark interest in this field and enable the replacement of the inorganic‐semiconductor photosensitive layer by organic semiconductor materials for the construction of high‐performance LAPS.
In Situ Direct Laser Writing of 3D Graphene‐Laden Microstructures
Authors: Restaino Michael , Eckman Noah , Alsharhan Abdullah T. , Lamont Andrew C. , Anderson Jackson , Weinstein Dana , Hall Asha , Sochol Ryan D.
Published: June 2021

A wide range of applications rely on the ability to integrate electrically conductive microstructures with microfluidic channels. To bypass the planar geometric restrictions of conventional microfabrication processes, researchers have recently explored the use of “Direct Laser Writing (DLW)”—a submicron‐scale additive manufacturing (or “3D printing”) technology—for creating conductive microfeatures with fully 3D configurations. Despite considerable progress in the development of DLW‐compatible photomaterials, thermal post‐processing requirements to support electrical conductivity remain a critical barrier to microfluidics integration. In this work, novel graphene‐laden photocomposites are investigated to enable DLW‐based printing of true 3D conductive microstructures directly inside of enclosed microchannels (i.e., in situ). Photoreactive composite materials comprising reduced graphene oxide (rGO) particle concentrations of up to 10 wt% exhibited high compatibility with DLW, with minimal optical interference at critical wavelengths. Developed rGO‐photocomposites revealed an ultimate DC conductivity of 9.85 ± 0.48 × 10−5 S m−1. Experimental results for DLW of 3D microcoils (1 wt% rGO; wire diameter = 10 µm; coil diameter = 40 µm) revealed an impedance of 2.71 ± 0.12 MΩ at 2 MHz. In addition, results for in situ DLW of geometrically sophisticated rGO‐laden microstructures suggest utility of the presented approach for potential 3D microelectronics‐based microfluidic applications.
Strongly Circularly Polarized Crystalline and β‐Phase Emission from Poly(9,9‐dioctylfluorene)‐Based Deep‐Blue Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Wan Li , Shi Xingyuan , Wade Jessica , Campbell Alasdair J. , Fuchter Matthew J.
Published: June 2021

A key challenge in the realization of circularly polarized polymer light‐emitting diodes (CP‐PLEDs) is the generation of highly circularly polarized deep‐blue electroluminescence (EL). Here, by blending the achiral luminescent polymer poly(9,9‐dioctylfluorene) (PFO) with a helically chiral molecule 1‐aza[6]helicene the authors present CP‐PLEDs with state‐of‐the‐art device performance for deep‐blue CP emission: for an inverted device with a semicrystalline microstructure a current efficiency (CE) of 1.13 cd A−1, a power efficiency (PE) of 0.81 lm W−1, and an EL dissymmetry (gEL) of −0.42 are achieved; for the planarized and extended “β‐phase” chain conformation a CE of 1.23 cd A−1, a PE of 0.63 lm W−1, and a gEL of −0.44 are achieved. While these two phases achieve both high CE, as well as gEL, the latter affords the first demonstration of chiral β‐phase emission from solid‐state PFO devices. Such strongly circularly polarized light is generated from a supramolecular assembly of interacting planar polymer backbones. The authors rationalize that the strong chiroptical effects observed within such chiral β‐phase PFO domains originate from coupled interchain aggregates. The findings not only demonstrate efficient deep‐blue CP‐PLEDs, but also provide insight into the mechanisms that underpin the strong CP emission from excitonically coupled polymer chains.
Origin of the Efficiency Roll‐Off in Single‐Layer Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes Based on Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence
Authors: van der Zee Bas , Li Yungui , Wetzelaer Gert‐Jan A. H. , Blom Paul W. M.
Published: June 2021

The efficiency roll‐off in organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) based on thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) is attributed to either singlet–triplet or triplet–triplet annihilation (TTA) as well as triplet–charge annihilation. The origin of the efficiency roll‐off on a TADF OLED consisting of a host‐less single‐layer emitter is studied. Varying the charge‐carrier concentration at constant exciton density or the exciton density at constant charge‐carrier density with temperature unambiguously shows that the dominant contribution to the roll‐off originates from TTA. Using an analytical model, also the TTA rate constant can be obtained. These results show that single‐layer TADF OLEDs are suited not only to determine the roll‐off mechanism, but also to provide its rate constant directly from OLED efficiency measurements.
A Flip‐Over Plasmonic Structure for Photoluminescence Enhancement of Encapsulated WS2 Monolayers
Authors: Liang Minpeng , Han Chunrui , Zheliuk Oleksandr , Chen Qihong , Wan Puhua , Peng Xiaoli , Zhang Le , Ye Jianting
Published: June 2021

Transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD) monolayers, with their direct band gaps, have attracted wide attention from the fields of photonics and optoelectronics. However, monolayer semiconducting TMDs generally suffer from low excitation absorption and emission efficiency, limiting their further applications. Here a flip‐over plasmonic structure comprised of silver nano‐disk arrays supporting a WS2 monolayer sandwiched by hexagonal boron nitride (h‐BN) layers is demonstrated. The flip‐over configuration optimizes the optical process with a free excitation/emission path from the top and a strong plasmonic interaction from the bottom. As a result, the photoluminescence from the TMD monolayers can be greatly enhanced more than tenfold by optimizing the metasurface, which can be further improved nearly tenfold by optimizing the thickness of bottom h‐BN. This study shows the advantages of using the flip‐over structure, where the plasmonic interaction between the metasurface and TMDs can be tuned by introducing optimized plasmonic arrays and h‐BN layers with suitable thickness. This hybrid device configuration paves a reliable platform to study the light–matter interaction, achieving highly efficient plasmonic TMD devices.
Light Recycling Using Perovskite Solar Cells in a Half‐Cylinder Photonic Plate for an Energy Efficient Broadband Polarized Light Emission
Authors: Ferreira Catarina G. , Martínez-Denegri Guillermo , Kramarenko Mariia , Toudert Johann , Martorell Jordi
Published: June 2021

Energy efficiency in many illumination devices is far from optimal. For instance, in liquid crystal displays, a large fraction of the emitted light is lost provided absorbing polarizers are used for the image formation. Herein, a light‐guiding structure to achieve diffuse polarized light emission from the top of the guide, combined with light harvesting and conversion back into electricity of the light with the unwanted polarization is proposed. Key in achieving such a double goal is the use of a half‐cylinder photonic plate for an ergodic light‐guided propagation incorporating a nonabsorbing reflective multilayer light polarizer and perovskite (PVK) solar cells. In the complex combination of micro‐ and nanometric dimensions of the proposed structure, light propagation was resolved using ray optics tracing interlaced with a full wave vector inverse integration approach. A broadband polarization extinction ratio of 0.1 for the light diffused from the top surface is demonstrated, while close to 90% of the s‐polarized light remains trapped and can be recycled back to electricity by the PVK solar cells placed on the front and back ends of the guide. PVK cells are shown to be optimal in such conversion with an overall efficiency ranging from 38 to 52%.
Mn3O4 Nanozyme for Inflammatory Bowel Disease Therapy
Authors: Cheng Yuan , Cheng Chaoqun , Yao Jia , Yu Yijun , Liu Yufeng , Zhang He , Miao Leiying , Wei Hui
Published: June 2021

Recently, reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging nanozymes have been developed as natural enzyme alternatives to treat inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) as well as other inflammatory diseases. Among them, manganese oxide nanozymes are advantageous because of remarkable biocompatibility and their good biodegradability. It is herein reported that phospholipid coated Mn3O4 nanozymes mimic both superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) to effectively eliminate ROS that exacerbate inflammation and cause damages to tissues and organs. With the help of phospholipid decoration, the Mn3O4 nanozymes are well dispersed and show good stability. Moreover, the coating enables the successful fluorescence labelling to study their biodistribution and fate. Excitingly, the Mn3O4 nanozymes exhibit superior therapeutic efficacy for both ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD) in mouse models over aminosalicylic acid, a first‐line medication for IBD, under the same dosage. Thus, the Mn3O4 nanozymes in this work offer a promising nano‐medication for inflammation‐related disease therapy and broaden the spectrum of biomedical application of nanozymes.
Nanoengineering Apolipoprotein A1‐Based Immunotherapeutics
Authors: Schrijver David P. , de Dreu Anne , Hofstraat Stijn R. J. , Kluza Ewelina , Zwolsman Robby , Deckers Jeroen , Anbergen Tom , de Bruin Koen , Trines Mirre M. , Nugraha Eveline G. , Ummels Floor , Röring Rutger J. , Beldman Thijs J. , Teunissen Abraham J. P. , Fayad Zahi A. , van der Meel Roy , Mulder Willem J. M.
Published: June 2021

In the slipstream of targeting the adaptive immune system, innate immunotherapy strategies are being developed. In this context, technologies based on natural carrier vehicles that inherently interact with the innate immune system, are increasingly being considered. Immunoregulatory nanotherapeutics based on natural apolipoprotein A1 (apoA1) are discussed here. This protein is a helical, amphipathic macromolecule and the main constituent of high‐density lipoprotein. In that capacity, apoA1 interacts specifically with innate immune cells, such as monocytes and macrophages, to collect and transport lipophilic molecules throughout the body. Exactly these unique features make apoA1 a compelling elementary constituent of biocompatible self‐assembled nanotherapeutics. Such apoA1‐based nanotherapeutics (A1‐nanotherapeutics) can be engineered and functionalized to induce or mitigate an innate immune response or to orchestrate an adaptive immune response through antigen delivery to dendritic cells. The authors first discuss apoA1's properties and how these can be exploited to generate libraries of A1‐nanotherapeutics using advanced manufacturing approaches such as microfluidics or continuous flow methods. Using high‐throughput in vitro screening methods and in vivo imaging to identify promising formulations are then recommend. Finally, three distinct immunotherapy strategies are proposed to effectively treat a variety of diseases—including cancer, infection, and cardiovascular disease—and promote allograft survival in transplantation.
Enhanced Near‐Infrared Photocatalytic Eradication of MRSA Biofilms and Osseointegration Using Oxide Perovskite‐Based P–N Heterojunction
Authors: Mao Congyang , Zhu Weidong , Xiang Yiming , Zhu Yizhou , Shen Jie , Liu Xiangmei , Wu Shuilin , Cheung Kenneth M. C. , Yeung Kelvin Wai Kwok
Published: June 2021

Methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) biofilm infections after orthopedic implant increase the risk of failure and potentially cause amputation of limbs or life‐threatening sepsis in severe cases. Additionally, satisfactory bone‐implant integration is another important indicator of an ideal implant. Here, an antibiotic‐free antibacterial nanofilm based on oxide perovskite‐type calcium titanate (CTO)/fibrous red phosphorus (RP) on titanium implant surface (Ti‐CTO/RP) in which the P–N heterojunction and internal electric field are established at the heterointerface, is designed. Near‐infrared light‐excited electron–hole pairs are effectively separated and transferred through the synergism of the internal electric field and band offset, which strongly boosts the photocatalytic eradication of MRSA biofilms by reactive oxygen species with an efficacy of 99.42% ± 0.22% in vivo. Additionally, the charge transfer endows the heterostructure with hyperthermia to assist biofilm eradication. Furthermore, CTO/RP nanofilm provides a superior biocompatible and osteoconductive platform that enables the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells, thus contributing to the subsequent implant‐to‐bone osseointegration after eradicating MRSA biofilms.
Bias‐Polarity‐Dependent Direct and Inverted Marcus Charge Transport Affecting Rectification in a Redox‐Active Molecular Junction
Authors: Han Yingmei , Nickle Cameron , Maglione Maria Serena , Karuppannan Senthil Kumar , Casado‐Montenegro Javier , Qi Dong‐Chen , Chen Xiaoping , Tadich Anton , Cowie Bruce , Mas‐Torrent Marta , Rovira Concepció , Cornil Jérôme , Veciana Jaume , del Barco Enrique , Nijhuis Christian A.
Published: June 2021

This paper describes the transition from the normal to inverted Marcus region in solid‐state tunnel junctions consisting of self‐assembled monolayers of benzotetrathiafulvalene (BTTF), and how this transition determines the performance of a molecular diode. Temperature‐dependent normalized differential conductance analyses indicate the participation of the HOMO (highest occupied molecular orbital) at large negative bias, which follows typical thermally activated hopping behavior associated with the normal Marcus regime. In contrast, hopping involving the HOMO dominates the mechanism of charge transport at positive bias, yet it is nearly activationless indicating the junction operates in the inverted Marcus region. Thus, within the same junction it is possible to switch between Marcus and inverted Marcus regimes by changing the bias polarity. Consequently, the current only decreases with decreasing temperature at negative bias when hopping is “frozen out,” but not at positive bias resulting in a 30‐fold increase in the molecular rectification efficiency. These results indicate that the charge transport in the inverted Marcus region is readily accessible in junctions with redox molecules in the weak coupling regime and control over different hopping regimes can be used to improve junction performance.
A Smart Design Strategy for Super‐Elastic Hydrogel with Long‐Term Moisture, Extreme Temperature Resistance, and Non‐Flammability
Authors: Zhang Haiquan , Liu Zijing , Mai Junping , Wang Ning , Liu Houji , Zhong Jie , Mai Xianmin
Published: June 2021

Elastic hydrogel is a promising material category for designing biological muscles, repairable building materials, flexible electronic devices, and vulcanized rubber substitutes, which is required to have a long life, good self‐healing performance and extreme temperature tolerance. Herein, a super‐elastic mineral hydrogel is developed with long‐lasting moisture, based on dynamic physical crosslinking between hydrated calcium ion clusters and amide groups of polyacrylamide (PAM). The complex hydrogel exhibits a super stretchability of 13 600% at room temperature, and can maintain the super flexibility in a wide temperature range of −40–50 °C or for a long period of 28 days. Particularly, the soft material cannot be ignited under an open flame at 400–500 °C, because of coupling dual flame retardant mechanisms containing the endothermic effect of liquid water evaporation and the barrier effect of calcium mineral salt on oxygen. In conclusion, the novel complex hydrogel with excellent tensile property, stability in extreme temperature or long operating time, and flame retardancy may become a promising candidate in the fields of agriculture, food, construction, medicine, and machinery.
Single‐Molecule Bioelectronic Label‐Free Assay of both Protein and Genomic Markers of Pancreatic Mucinous Cysts’ in Whole Blood Serum
Authors: Macchia Eleonora , Sarcina Lucia , Driescher Caroline , Gounani Zahra , Tewari Amit , Osterbacka Ronald , Palazzo Gerardo , Tricase Angelo , Kovacs Vajna Zsolt Miklos , Viola Fabrizio , Modena Francesco , Caironi Mario , Torricelli Fabrizio , Esposito Irene , Torsi Luisa
Published: June 2021

The timely diagnosis of cystic pancreatic cancer precursors is of utmost importance to improve patients’ low survival rate. Fine‐needle aspiration cytology is endowed with low diagnostic sensitivity, while more effective is the assay of markers, such as a mutated KRAS, in the cyst fluids. Next‐generation sequencing, detecting down to a single copy of a genomic marker, enables early diagnosis but the diagnostic sensitivity of high‐grade cysts, likely to become malignant, is low. Assaying both mutated KRAS and MUC1 protein markers can improve diagnostic accuracy. Their detection in blood would also be minimally invasive. Here, the mucinous lesions markers, KRAS and MUC1, are both successfully assayed in blood serum at the physical limit with the label‐free “Single‐Molecule assay with a large Transistor—SiMoT.” This is a compelling proof of principle that the SiMoT platform holds high potential to enable a timely, minimally invasive, and accurate diagnosis of pancreatic cancer precursor cysts.
Cyclopentadiene‐Based Hole‐Transport Material for Cost‐Reduced Stabilized Perovskite Solar Cells with Power Conversion Efficiencies Over 23%
Authors: Bauer Michael , Zhu Hongwei , Baumeler Thomas , Liu Yuhang , Eickemeyer Felix T. , Lorenz Christoph , Mena‐Osteritz Elena , Hertel Dirk , Olthof Selina , Zakeeruddin Shaik Mohammed , Meerholz Klaus , Grätzel Michael , Bäuerle Peter
Published: June 2021

Hole transport materials (HTM) are an important component in perovskite solar cells (PSC). Despite a multitude of HTMs developed in recent years, only few of them lead to solar cells with efficiencies over 20%. Therefore, it is still a challenge to develop high‐performing HTMs, which have ideal energy levels of the frontier orbitals, are highly efficient in transporting charges, and stabilize the solar cell at the same time. In this work, the development of a structurally novel molecular HTM, CPDA 1, is described which is based on a common cyclopentadiene core and can be efficiently and inexpensively synthesized from readily available starting materials, which is important for future realization of low‐cost photovoltaics on larger scale. Due to excellent optoelectronic, thermal, and transport properties, CPDA 1 not only meets the envisioned properties by reaching high efficiencies of 23.1%, which is among the highest reported to date, but also contributes to a respectable long‐term stability of the PSCs.
Toward an Understanding of the Enhanced CO2 Electroreduction in NaCl Electrolyte over CoPc Molecule‐Implanted Graphitic Carbon Nitride Catalyst
Authors: Tan Xinyi , Yu Chang , Song Xuedan , Zhao Changtai , Cui Song , Xu Hanyu , Chang Jiangwei , Guo Wei , Wang Zhao , Xie Yuanyang , Qiu Jieshan
Published: June 2021

Direct CO2 electrolysis in seawater enables the simultaneous conversion of CO2 into CO and the chlorine ions into Cl2, further meeting downstream industry needs such as phosgene synthesis and also facilitating the net consumption of CO2. As a result, the direct implementation of CO2 electrolysis in seawater is urgently required. Herein, a CoPc molecule‐implanted graphitic carbon nitride nanosheets (CoPc/g‐C3N4) electrocatalyst is prepared via a simple mechanochemistry method. The CoPc/g‐C3N4 with a negatively charged surface and preferential adsorption capability for Na+ can achieve appreciable faradaic efficiency (FE, 89.5%) toward CO with a current density of 16.0 mA cm−2 in natural seawater and also realize long‐term operation for 25 h in simulated seawater. Process monitoring further reveals that the chlorine ions in NaCl electrolyte can modulate the reaction microenvironment around the anode, which in turn has positive effects on the CO2RR in cathode. The CO2RR overall splitting in the simulated seawater exhibits a maximum FE of 98.1% towards CO at cell voltage of 3 V. This work describes the development of a carbon‐coupled CoPc molecular catalyst that can drive the CO2 electrolysis in simulated seawater and provides a promising and energy‐saving coupled reaction system for direct coproduction of CO and Cl2.
Photoelectrochemical Water Oxidation and Longevous Photoelectric Conversion by a Photosystem II Electrode
Authors: Tian Wenjie , Zhang Huayang , Sibbons Jane , Sun Hongqi , Wang Hao , Wang Shaobin
Published: June 2021

The immobilization of natural photosystem II (PSII) enzyme onto an artificial electrode offers an ingenious and promising avenue for semiartificial solar energy conversion. However, this process is significantly limited by the poor stability and the short life of PSII. Here, a new prototype of a semiartificial system is reported by anchoring PSII on polyethylenimine‐coated macroporous carbon electrode with a high load. Good electronic communication is established at the biointerface of this PSII electrode, enabling excellent photoelectrochemical (PEC) water oxidation and lasting electricity generation. The maximum turnover number of 10 200 ± 1380 mol O2 per mol PSII dimer is obtained in this system at around 10 h before complete deactivation, reaching high current‐to‐O2 conversion efficiencies. The functions of PSII to release O2 both in light and dark conditions as well as for H2O2 formation are revealed. Under periodic irradiation (AM 1.5G 1 sun), this PSII electrode allows for stable mediated photocurrent output of ≈4.31 µA cm−2 after five days, which represents the most stable photoelectric performance achieved so far for PSII‐related electrodes.
Energy Storage Materials for Solid‐State Batteries: Design by Mechanochemistry
Authors: Schlem Roman , Burmeister Christine Friederike , Michalowski Peter , Ohno Saneyuki , Dewald Georg F. , Kwade Arno , Zeier Wolfgang G.
Published: June 2021

Commercialization of solid‐state batteries requires the upscaling of the material syntheses as well as the mixing of electrode composites containing the solid electrolyte, cathode active materials, binders, and conductive additives. Inspired by recent literature about the tremendous influence of the employed milling and dispersing procedure on the resulting ionic transport properties of solid ionic conductors and the general performance of all solid‐state batteries, in this review, the underlying physical and mechanochemical processes that influence this processing are discussed. By discussing and combining the theoretical backgrounds of mechanical milling with regard to mechanochemical synthesis and dispersing of particles together with a wide range of examples, a better understanding of the critical parameters attached to mechanical milling of solid electrolytes and solid‐state battery components is provided.
Dual‐Sites Coordination Engineering of Single Atom Catalysts for Flexible Metal–Air Batteries
Authors: Yu Deshuang , Ma Yanchen , Hu Feng , Lin Chia‐Ching , Li Linlin , Chen Han‐Yi , Han Xiaopeng , Peng Shengjie
Published: June 2021

Dual‐sites single atom catalysts hold promise for efficiently regulating multiple reaction processes and explicitly explaining the underlying mechanisms. However, delicate atomic engineering for dual‐site single atom catalysts remains a huge challenge. Herein, atomically dispersed Fe‐Ni single atoms embedded in a nitrogen‐doped carbon matrix (FeNi SAs/NC) are successfully developed with extraordinary activity for electrocatalytic oxygen reduction and evolution reactions (ORR/OER). The atomic FeNi SAs/NC catalyst displays high onset potential (0.98 V) and half‐wave potential (0.84 V) for the ORR, as well as, low overpotential of (270 mV) at 10 mA cm−2 for the OER. The density functional theory calculations indicate that the Fe site as the active center can facilitate the four‐electron reaction process, while Ni sites regulate the electronic structure of Fe sites and further reduce the energy barrier of the rate‐determining step. In addition, the nitrogen‐doped carbon matrix prevents the metal atoms from aggregation and corrosion, leading to the improvement of catalyst durability. As a proof of concept, flexible quasi‐solid‐state zinc– and aluminum–air batteries assembled with the FeNi SAs/NC catalyst exhibit superior peak power densities and discharging specific capacities outperforming the commercial Pt/C. This work provides rational guidance for the synthesis of bifunctional electrocatalysts in next‐generation energy devices for flexible consumer electronics.
Ternary Two‐Step Sequential Deposition Induced Perovskite Orientational Crystallization for High‐Performance Photovoltaic Devices
Authors: Chen Chun‐Hao , Lou Yan‐Hui , Wang Kai‐Li , Su Zhen‐Huang , Dong Chong , Chen Jing , Shi Yi‐Ran , Gao Xing‐Yu , Wang Zhao‐Kui
Published: June 2021

State‐of‐the‐art, high‐performance formamidinium‐lead‐iodide‐based (FAPbI3‐based) perovskite photovoltaics are mainly prepared by one‐step antisolvent dripping deposition or two‐step sequential fabrication methods. Compared with the one‐step deposition, the two‐step fabricated perovskite films tend to grow columnar perovskite grains vertically which is easier for carrier extraction and transportation. Herein, the concept of formamidinium methylammonium cesium based ternary‐cation two‐step sequential deposition method is put forward by incorporating cesium acetate (CsAc) into a lead iodide precursor, which generates CsPbI3 crystal nuclei improving the further perovskite crystallization. When the formamidinium/methylammonium‐based organic amine salts solution is spin coated on the PbI2 substrate, the acetate moves upward and induces perovskite orientational and uniform crystallization, which can go a step further for the vertical columnar grains achieving fewer defects and higher photovoltaic efficiency. The champion outdoor power conversion efficiency of the modified device under AM 1.5G reaches 21.50% and its indoor efficiency at 1000 lux reaches 40.99%. This work paves the way for further exploring ternary‐cation two‐step sequential deposition methods to prepare high‐performance perovskite photovoltaics.
Exploring optimal film mulching to enhance potato yield in China: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Li Hao , Chang Weiyew
Published: June 2021

China is the world's largest potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) producer. Film mulching is widely used in potato production because it can effectively modify the soil micro‐environment. Here, we conducted a meta‐analysis to quantitatively evaluate the effects of film mulching on the potato yield in China. Film mulching noticeably increased potato yield by an average 32.5%. The enhancement was significantly higher with plastic film (33.5%) than with biodegradable (19.5%) or liquid (16.9%) film. Yield increases under plastic film mulching (PFM) varied across regions, with the largest increases observed in Northwest and North China. The improvements in potato yield tended to increase along with experimental duration and film thickness. Loam and clay loam soils, mulching ratio (ratio of the area of farmland mulched with film to the total area of farmland) of 50–99%, and potato monoculture or rotations with legumes had favorable effects on potato yields under PFM conditions. Whole season film mulching benefitted more from PFM than partial season film mulching, and ridge‐furrow planting benefitted more from PFM than traditional flat planting. White film was more effective in regions having lower average annual precipitation (<400 mm) and temperature (<10 °C), while black film was the opposite. In conclusion, this meta‐analysis suggests the adoption of PFM should be site specific. Moreover, although PFM may significantly enhance potato yield, the development of biodegradable film with comparable mulching effects and the improvement of technology for recovering residual film are important to achieve a sustainable and healthy agricultural industry.
Arthropod‐Metamerism‐Inspired Resonant Piezoelectric Millirobot
Authors: Liu Yingxiang , Li Jing , Deng Jie , Zhang Shijing , Chen Weishan , Xie Hui , Zhao Jie
Published: June 2021

Miniaturization, fast motion, high resolution, high agility, and good adaptability are relatively contradictory characteristics in mobile robot design. It is indeed a challenge to satisfy these performances at the same time. Inspired by the arthropod metamerism in nature, herein, a millirobot composed of three piezoelectric segments is proposed. The millirobot is tethered for power, and the whole size of the millirobot is 58 × 44 × 12 mm; it uses several principles of arthropod locomotion, can carry loads and cross obstacles, and also has the rapidity and agility like a centipede through the coordination of multiple piezoelectric segments. Fast motion with a maximum speed of 516 mm s−1 is realized by operating at resonant mode, and stepping motion with a resolution of 0.44 μm is achieved by the pulsed sinusoidal mode. The widest speed range among published reports of millirobots is achieved (from 4.5e−3 to 9 BL s−1). Its agility surpasses other piezoelectric millirobots; the linear, steering, and rotational motions are performed and switched flexibly. The results show that fast motion, high resolution, wide speed range, high agility, large load capacity, good adaptability, and miniaturization are successfully achieved by the millirobot.
Chemoselektive γ‐Oxidation von β,γ‐ungesättigten Amiden mit TEMPO
Authors: Heindl Sebastian , Riomet Margaux , Matyasovsky Ján , Lemmerer Miran , Malzer Nicolas , Maulide Nuno
Published: June 2021

Ein chemoselektives und robustes Protokoll zur γ‐Oxidation von β,γ‐ungesättigten Amiden wird dargelegt. Bei dieser Methode ermöglicht elektrophile Amidaktivierung eine bei ungesättigten Amiden bisher selten angewendete regioselektive Reaktion mit TEMPO, die zu γ‐aminoxylierten α,β‐ungesättigten Amiden führt. Radikalische Zyklisierungen und Oxidationen der synthetisierten Produkte untermauern die Nützlichkeit der hergestellten Verbindungen.
Enantioselective Addition of Pyrazoles to Dienes**
Authors: Jiu Alexander Y. , Slocumb Hannah S. , Yeung Charles S. , Yang Xiao‐Hui , Dong Vy M.
Published: June 2021

We report the first enantioselective addition of pyrazoles to 1,3‐dienes. Secondary and tertiary allylic pyrazoles can be generated with excellent regioselectivity. Mechanistic studies support a pathway distinct from previous hydroaminations: a Pd0‐catalyzed ligand‐to‐ligand hydrogen transfer (LLHT). This hydroamination tolerates a range of functional groups and advances the field of diene hydrofunctionalization.
Social and non‐social sensory responsivity in toddlers at high‐risk for autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Gunderson Jaclyn , Worthley Emma , Grzadzinski Rebecca , Burrows Catherine , Estes Annette , Zwaigenbaum Lonnie , Botteron Kelly , Dager Stephen , Hazlett Heather , Schultz Robert , Piven Joseph , Wolff Jason ,   IBIS Network
Published: June 2021

Empirical evidence concerning sensory responsivity in young children who later develop autism spectrum disorder (ASD) remains relatively limited. It is unclear whether specific patterns or aspects of sensory responsivity underlay the emergence of the disorder. The goals of this study were to (a) examine whether social versus non‐social context impacted the expression of sensory responsivity in infants at high risk for ASD, and (b) examine if sensory responsivity in social or non‐social contexts was associated with severity of ASD symptoms. The Sensory Experiences Questionnaire 2.1 was collected for 338 infants (131 females, 207 males) at high‐risk for ASD at 12 and/or 24 months of age. High‐risk toddlers meeting diagnostic criteria for ASD (n = 75) showed elevated sensory responsivity in both social and non‐social contexts at 12 months of age and differences widened over the second year of life. Individuals with ASD demonstrate higher responsivity in both contexts suggestive of generalized atypical sensory responsivity in ASD.

Lay Summary

Behaviors such as avoiding or noticing sensory input (e.g., sounds, touches) are often different in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) than those without. The reason for this is widely unknown. The findings from this study show that in toddlers, sensory responsivity increased in both social and non‐social situations. Therefore, the setting of sensory input does not explain these differences.
Investigation of the impact of grapefruit juice, pomegranate juice and tomato juice on pharmacokinetics of brexpiprazole in rats using UHPLC–QTOF–MS
Authors: Thakkar Disha , Sahu Amit Kumar , Rathod Rajeshwari , Sengupta Pinaki , Kate Abhijeet S.
Published: June 2021

Brexpiprazole (BRX) is approved for the treatment of schizophrenia and major depressive disorders and it is mainly metabolized by CYP3A4 and CYP2D6. Grapefruit juice (GFJ), pomegranate juice (PJ) and tomato juice (TJ) have the potential to inhibit CYP3A4 enzymes in the body. However, fruit juice–drug interactions between BRX and GFJ, PJ and TJ have not been studied extensively. The present study describes the influence of GFJ, PJ and TJ on the pharmacokinetic parameters of BRX in rats. The study samples were analyzed using a mass‐accurate and single‐step bioanalytical method by ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography–quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry over a wide calibration range of 20–1,500 ng/ml. The results of the pharmacokinetic study denoted that the combined administration of GFJ and PJ could increase systemic exposure of BRX. The area under the curve of BRX increased 3.43‐ and 1.88‐fold with co‐administration of GFJ and PJ, respectively, while TJ with BRX had no effect on the area under the curve. Time to peak concentration and half‐life were not significantly changed by any juice co‐administration. The results show that GFJ and PJ affect the pharmacokinetic profile of BRX and hence advice needs to be given to patients.
Systematic investigation for the mechanisms and the substance basis of Yang–Xin–Ding–Ji capsule based on the metabolite profile and network pharmacology
Authors: Wu Yin , Qiu Zhihong , Ren Bingnan , Sui Feng
Published: June 2021

Because traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is a complex mixture of multiple components, the application of methodologies for evaluating single‐component Western medicine in TCM studies may have certain limitations. Appropriate strategies that recognize the integrality of TCM and connect to TCM theories remain to be developed. Yang–Xin–Ding–Ji (YXDJ) capsule is originally from a classical TCM formula used for the treatment of arrhythmia. In this study, we used UPLC‐Q–TOF–MS detection method, coupled with the metabolic research and network pharmacology analysis, to study the scientific connotation of the YXDJ capsule. A total of 33 absorbed constituents and 23 metabolites were identified or tentatively characterized in dosed plasma and urine, and the possible metabolic pathways were mainly methylation, oxidation, sulfation, glucuronidation, and deglucosylation. We optimized the conventional process ways of network pharmacology by collecting targets based on absorbed constituents into the blood. The constituents‐target disease and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes pathway analysis revealed that 24 absorbed constituents, 32 target genes, and 10 key pathways were probably related to the efficacy of the YXDJ capsule against arrhythmia. The results provided a scientific basis for understanding the bioactive compounds and the pharmacological mechanism of the YXDJ capsule.
KDELR2 promotes breast cancer proliferation via HDAC3‐mediated cell cycle progression
Authors: Wei Haoran , Ma Wenhao , Lu Xiaofei , Liu Haiying , Lin Kashuai , Wang Yinghui , Ye Zijian , Sun Linchong , Huang Zhitong , Pan Tingting , Zhou Zilong , Cheng Eric Y. , Zhang Huafeng , Gao Ping , Zhong Xiuying
Published: June 2021

Background

Histone deacetylases (HDACs) engage in the regulation of various cellular processes by controlling global gene expression. The dysregulation of HDACs leads to carcinogenesis, making HDACs ideal targets for cancer therapy. However, the use of HDAC inhibitors (HDACi) as single agents has been shown to have limited success in treating solid tumors in clinical studies. This study aimed to identify a novel downstream effector of HDACs to provide a potential target for combination therapy.

Methods

Transcriptome sequencing and bioinformatics analysis were performed to screen for genes responsive to HDACi in breast cancer cells. The effects of HDACi on cell viability were detected using the MTT assay. The mRNA and protein levels of genes were determined by quantitative reverse transcription‐PCR (qRT‐PCR) and Western blotting. Cell cycle distribution and apoptosis were analyzed by flow cytometry. The binding of CREB1 (cAMP‐response element binding protein 1) to the promoter of the KDELR (The KDEL (Lys‐Asp‐Glu‐Leu) receptor) gene was validated by the ChIP (chromatin immunoprecipitation assay). The association between KDELR2 and protein of centriole 5 (POC5) was detected by immunoprecipitation. A breast cancer‐bearing mouse model was employed to analyze the effect of the HDAC3‐KDELR2 axis on tumor growth.

Results

KDELR2 was identified as a novel target of HDAC3, and its aberrant expression indicated the poor prognosis of breast cancer patients. We found a strong correlation between the protein expression patterns of HADC3 and KDELR2 in tumor tissues from breast cancer patients. The results of the ChIP assay and qRT‐PCR analysis validated that HDAC3 transactivated KDELR2 via CREB1. The HDAC3‐KDELR2 axis accelerated the cell cycle progression of cancer cells by protecting the centrosomal protein POC5 from proteasomal degradation. Moreover, the HDAC3‐KDELR2 axis promoted breast cancer cell proliferation and tumorigenesis in vitro and in vivo.

Conclusion

Our results uncovered a previously unappreciated function of KDELR2 in tumorigenesis, linking a critical Golgi‐the endoplasmic reticulum traffic transport protein to HDAC‐controlled cell cycle progression on the path of cancer development and thus revealing a potential therapeutical target for breast cancer.
Improved esophageal squamous cell carcinoma screening effectiveness by risk‐stratified endoscopic screening: evidence from high‐risk areas in China
Authors: Li He , Ding Chao , Zeng Hongmei , Zheng Rongshou , Cao Maomao , Ren Jiansong , Shi Jufang , Sun Dianqin , He Siyi , Yang Zhixun , Yu Yiwen , Zhang Zhe , Sun Xibin , Guo Guizhou , Song Guohui , Wei Wenqiang , Chen Wanqing , He Jie
Published: June 2021

Background

Risk‐stratified endoscopic screening (RSES), which offers endoscopy to those with a high risk of esophageal cancer, has the potential to increase effectiveness and reduce endoscopic demands compared with the universal screening strategy (i.e., endoscopic screening for all targets without risk prediction). Evidence of RSES in high‐risk areas of China is limited. This study aimed to estimate whether RSES based on a 22‐score esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) risk prediction model could optimize the universal endoscopic screening strategy for ESCC screening in high‐risk areas of China.

Methods

Eight epidemiological variables in the ESCC risk prediction model were collected retrospectively from 26,618 individuals aged 40‐69 from three high‐risk areas of China who underwent endoscopic screening between May 2015 and July 2017. The model's performance was estimated using the area under the curve (AUC). Participants were categorized into a high‐risk group and a low‐risk group with a cutoff score having sensitivities of both ESCC and severe dysplasia and above (SDA) at more than 90.0%.

Results

The ESCC risk prediction model had an AUC of 0.80 (95% confidence interval: 0.75–0.84) in this external population. We found that a score of 8 (ranging from 0 to 22) had a sensitivity of 94.2% for ESCC and 92.5% for SDA. The RSES strategy using this threshold score would allow 50.6% of endoscopies to be avoided and save approximately US$ 0.59 million compared to universal endoscopic screening among 26,618 participants. In addition, a higher prevalence of SDA (1.7% vs. 0.9%), a lower number need to screen (60 vs. 111), and a lower average cost per detected SDA (US$ 3.22 thousand vs. US$ 5.45 thousand) could have been obtained by the RSES strategy.

Conclusions

The RSES strategy based on individual risk has the potential to optimize the universal endoscopic screening strategy in ESCC high‐risk areas of China.
Methylation of three genes encoded by X chromosome in blood leukocytes and colorectal cancer risk
Authors: Tian Tian , Bi Haoran , Zhang Ding , Liu Yupeng , Sun Hongru , Jia Chenyang , Zheng Ting , Huang Hao , Fu Jinming , Zhu Lin , Zhao Yashuang
Published: June 2021

X chromosome change has been proved to be associated with carcinogenesis and related to gender differences in cancer risk. If aberrant methylation of genes encoded by X chromosome involve in the risk and prognosis of cancers, including colorectal cancer (CRC), remain unclear. We conducted a case–control study consisted of 432 CRC cases and 434 controls, detecting the methylation levels of FAM156B, PIH1D3, and PPP1R3F in the X chromosome in blood leukocytes using methylation‐sensitive high‐resolution melting (MS‐HRM). We analyzed the relationship between the methylation levels and CRC susceptibility and then explored the interactions with environmental factors on CRC risk with logistics regression. Moreover, we conducted a follow‐up study containing 225 CRC patients to explore the associations between the methylation of FAM156B, PPP1R3F, and PIH1D3 and CRC prognosis. The hypermethylation of FAM156B, PPP1R3F, and PIH1D3 was related to increased CRC risk (ORPS‐adj = 2.932, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.029–4.237; ORPS‐adj = 1.602, 95% CI: 1.078–2.382; ORPS‐adj = 1.628, 95% CI: 1.065–2.490, respectively). In the multiple CpG site methylation (MCSM) analysis, compared with non‐MCSM, a significant relationship between MCSM and increased CRC risk was found (ORPS‐adj = 2.202, 95% CI: 1.512–3.208). We observed synergistic interaction between PPP1R3F hypermethylation and fried food consumption on CRC risk (ORi = 2.682, 95% CI: 1.321–5.446). However, there were no associations between the methylation of FAM156B, PPP1R3F, and PIH1D3 and CRC prognosis (p > 0.05). In conclusion, the methylation of FAM156B, PPP1R3F, and PIH1D3 genes in blood leukocytes is significantly related to CRC risk and may be potential biomarkers for CRC risk but not prognosis.
Current progress in chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapy for glioblastoma multiforme
Authors: Marei Hany E. , Althani Asmaa , Afifi Nahla , Hasan Anwarul , Caceci Thomas , Pozzoli Giacomo , Cenciarelli Carlo
Published: June 2021

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is one of the deadliest brain tumors with an unfavorable prognosis and overall survival of approximately 20 months following diagnosis. The current treatment for GBM includes surgical resections and chemo‐ and radiotherapeutic modalities, which are not effective. CAR‐T immunotherapy has been proven effective for CD19‐positive blood malignancies, and the application of CAR‐T cell therapy for solid tumors including GBM offers great hope for this aggressive tumor which has a limited response to current treatments. CAR‐T technology depends on the use of patient‐specific T cells genetically engineered to express specific tumor‐associated antigens (TAAs). Interaction of CAR‐T cells with tumor cells triggers the destruction/elimination of these cells by the induction of cytotoxicity and the release of different cytokines. Despite the great promise of CAR‐T cell‐based therapy several challenges exist. These include the heterogeneity of GBM cancer cells, aberrant various signaling pathways involved in tumor progression, antigen escape, the hostile inhibitory GBM microenvironment, T cell dysfunction, blood‐brain barrier, and defective antigen presentation. All need to be addressed before full application at the clinical level can begin. Herein we provide a focused review of the rationale for the use of different types of CAR‐T cells (including FcγRs), the different GBM‐associated antigens, the challenges still facing CAR‐T‐based therapy, and means to overcome such challenges. Finally, we enumerate currently completed and ongoing clinical trials, highlighting the different ways such trials are designed to overcome specific problems. Exploitation of the full potential of CAR‐T cell therapy for GBM depends on their solution.