bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamics of immune memory and learning in bacterial communities
Authors: Bonsma-Fisher Madeleine , Goyal Sidhartha
Published: January 2023

From bacteria to humans, adaptive immune systems provide learned memories of past infections. Despite their vast biological differences, adaptive immunity shares features from microbes to vertebrates such as emergent immune diversity, long-term coexistence of hosts and pathogens, and fitness pressures from evolving pathogens and adapting hosts, yet there is no conceptual model that addresses all of these together. To this end, we propose and solve a simple phenomenological model of CRISPR-based adaptive immunity in microbes. We show that in coexisting phage and bacteria populations, immune diversity in both populations is coupled and emerges spontaneously, that bacteria track phage evolution with a context-dependent lag, and that high levels of diversity are paradoxically linked to low overall CRISPR immunity. We define average immunity, an important summary parameter predicted by our model, and use it to perform synthetic time-shift analyses on available experimental data to reveal different modalities of coevolution. Finally, immune cross-reactivity in our model leads to qualitatively different states of evolutionary dynamics, including an influenza-like traveling wave regime that resembles a similar state in models of vertebrate adaptive immunity. Our results show that CRISPR immunity provides a tractable model, both theoretically and experimentally, to understand general features of adaptive immunity.
Dysregulation of the PRUNE2/PCA3 genetic axis in human prostate cancer: from experimental discovery to validation in two independent patient cohorts
Authors: Lauer Richard C , Barry Marc , Smith Tracey L , Thomas Andrew Maltez , Wu Jin , Du Ruofei , Lee Ji-Hyun , Rao Arpit , Dobroff Andrey S , Arap Marco A , Nunes Diana N , Silva Israel T , Dias-Neto Emmanuel , Chen Isan , McCance Dennis J , Cavenee Webster K , Pasqualini Renata , Arap Wadih
Published: January 2023

Background:

We have previously shown that the long non-coding (lnc)RNA prostate cancer associated 3 (PCA3; formerly prostate cancer antigen 3) functions as a trans-dominant negative oncogene by targeting the previously unrecognized prostate cancer suppressor gene PRUNE2 (a homolog of the Drosophila prune gene), thereby forming a functional unit within a unique allelic locus in human cells. Here, we investigated the PCA3/PRUNE2 regulatory axis from early (tumorigenic) to late (biochemical recurrence) genetic events during human prostate cancer progression.

Methods:

The reciprocal PCA3 and PRUNE2 gene expression relationship in paired prostate cancer and adjacent normal prostate was analyzed in two independent retrospective cohorts of clinically annotated cases post-radical prostatectomy: a single-institutional discovery cohort (n=107) and a multi-institutional validation cohort (n=497). We compared the tumor gene expression of PCA3 and PRUNE2 to their corresponding expression in the normal prostate. We also serially examined clinical/pathological variables including time to disease recurrence.

Results:

We consistently observed increased expression of PCA3 and decreased expression of PRUNE2 in prostate cancer compared with the adjacent normal prostate across all tumor grades and stages. However, there was no association between the relative gene expression levels of PCA3 or PRUNE2 and time to disease recurrence, independent of tumor grades and stages.

Conclusions:

We concluded that upregulation of the lncRNA PCA3 and targeted downregulation of the protein-coding PRUNE2 gene in prostate cancer could be early (rather than late) molecular events in the progression of human prostate tumorigenesis but are not associated with biochemical recurrence. Further studies of PCA3/PRUNE2 dysregulation are warranted.

Funding:

We received support from the Human Tissue Repository and Tissue Analysis Shared Resource from the Department of Pathology of the University of New Mexico School of Medicine and a pilot award from the University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center. RP and WA were supported by awards from the Levy-Longenbaugh Donor-Advised Fund and the Prostate Cancer Foundation. EDN reports research fellowship support from the Brazilian National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq), Brazil, and the Associação Beneficente Alzira Denise Hertzog Silva (ABADHS), Brazil. This work has been funded in part by the NCI Cancer Center Support Grants (CCSG; P30) to the University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center (CA118100) and the Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey (CA072720).
Exploring therapeutic strategies for infantile neuronal axonal dystrophy (INAD/PARK14)
Authors: Lin Guang , Tepe Burak , McGrane Geoff , Tipon Regine C , Croft Gist , Panwala Leena , Hope Amanda , Liang Agnes JH , Zuo Zhongyuan , Byeon Seul Kee , Wang Lily , Pandey Akhilesh , Bellen Hugo J
Published: January 2023

Infantile neuroaxonal dystrophy (INAD) is caused by recessive variants in PLA2G6 and is a lethal pediatric neurodegenerative disorder. Loss of the Drosophila homolog of PLA2G6, leads to ceramide accumulation, lysosome expansion, and mitochondrial defects. Here, we report that retromer function, ceramide metabolism, the endolysosomal pathway, and mitochondrial morphology are affected in INAD patient-derived neurons. We show that in INAD mouse models, the same features are affected in Purkinje cells, arguing that the neuropathological mechanisms are evolutionary conserved and that these features can be used as biomarkers. We tested 20 drugs that target these pathways and found that Ambroxol, Desipramine, Azoramide, and Genistein alleviate neurodegenerative phenotypes in INAD flies and INAD patient-derived neural progenitor cells. We also develop an AAV-based gene therapy approach that delays neurodegeneration and prolongs lifespan in an INAD mouse model.
Neurexins in serotonergic neurons regulate neuronal survival, serotonin transmission, and complex mouse behaviors
Authors: Cheung Amy , Konno Kotaro , Imamura Yuka , Matsui Aya , Abe Manabu , Sakimura Kenji , Sasaoka Toshikuni , Uemura Takeshi , Watanabe Masahiko , Futai Kensuke
Published: January 2023

Extensive serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) innervation throughout the brain corroborates 5-HT’s modulatory role in numerous cognitive activities. Volume transmission is the major mode for 5-HT transmission but mechanisms underlying 5-HT signaling are still largely unknown. Abnormal brain 5-HT levels and function have been implicated in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Neurexin (Nrxn) genes encode presynaptic cell adhesion molecules important for the regulation of synaptic neurotransmitter release, notably glutamatergic and GABAergic transmission. Mutations in Nrxn genes are associated with neurodevelopmental disorders including ASD. However, the role of Nrxn genes in the 5-HT system is poorly understood. Here, we generated a mouse model with all three Nrxn genes disrupted specifically in 5-HT neurons to study how Nrxns affect 5-HT transmission. Loss of Nrxns in 5-HT neurons reduced the number of serotonin neurons in the early postnatal stage, impaired 5-HT release, and decreased 5-HT release sites and serotonin transporter expression. Furthermore, 5-HT neuron-specific Nrxn knockout reduced sociability and increased depressive-like behavior. Our results highlight functional roles for Nrxns in 5-HT neurotransmission, 5-HT neuron survival, and the execution of complex behaviors.
Intensification Dimension of Prices Cryptocurrency with Hamiltonian Quantum Mechanics
Authors: Faris Mahrus , Fauzan Rizky , Wendy . , Komari Nurul , Purnomo Bintoro Bagus
Published: January 2023

Aims: Cryptocurrency (CC) is a digital currency innovation that has impacted the financial sector's distribution mechanism since December 2013. This research aims to discover a non-linear mathematical Quantum relationship between the escalation of the development of cryptocurrency price fluctuations and prices in CC predictors.

Study Design: The research uses simulation techniques to operate numerical models that correspond to the process of dynamic observation behavior.

Place and Duration of Study: Types of crypto chosen based on this research data are Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), USD Coin (USDC), and Binance (BNB). The data collection period coverage is required with a number per week from 2019 to 2021 or 52 weeks.

Methodology: From the collection of crypto prices that have been selected, there are 157 data samples taken using a systematic sampling strategy with elements that are randomly selected and then followed by the next element from the column on the table after the first choice. The conceptual form of the research background is modeled by a multiple regression term equation which predicts a continuous variable unit as a non-linear mathematical function.

Results: The results of the research study found that the most prominent altcoins traded in the market are not affected by the price of Bitcoin securities. Percentage-wise, there were 40.33% of factors that influenced the movement of crypto coin price progress, with 59.67% being the remaining limiting factors in the study. Partial results show Bitcoin and altcoin assets have arbitrage potential with significant positives on put option volatility with asset discounting producing negative results and martingale strategies arising from a Hamiltonian perspective.

Conclusion: By time limitations, BTC and USDC have the most potential in martingale conditions, while the cryptocurrency ETH might be a solution in picking assets with growing values at medium risk. Meanwhile, crypto BNB is an asset that offers new data on many market indices.
Nickel/Biochar from Palm Leaves Waste as Selective Catalyst for Producing Green Diesel by Hydrodeoxygenation of Vegetable Oil
Authors: Ramanda Galih Dwiki , Allwar Allwar , Tamyiz Muchammad , Fatimah Is , Doong Ruey-an
Published: January 2023

The objective of this research was to prepare low-cost catalyst for green diesel conversion from vegetable oil. The catalyst of nickel-dispersed biochar (Ni/BC) was prepared by direct pyrolysis of nickel precursor with palm leaves waste under N2 stream at 500 °C. The obtained catalyst was examined by using x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope-energy dispersive x-ray, transmission electron microscopy, gas sorption analysis, FTIR and surface acidity examination. The catalytic activity testing was performed on rice bran oil hydrodeoxygenation at varied temperature and time of reaction. Based on analyses, the results showed the successful preparation of Ni/BC with the characteristic of single nickel nanoparticles decorated on surface. The increasing specific surface area of material was conclusively remarked the surface area enhancement by nickel dispersion along with the increased surface acidity, suggesting that the material can be applied for acid catalysis applications. The Ni/BC exhibited excellent catalytic conversion of rice bran oil with the high selectivity toward diesel fraction with 85.3% yield and 92.6% selectivity. Copyright © 2023 by Authors, Published by BCREC Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).
Clinically Relevant Subgroups Among Athletes Who Have Ruptured Their Anterior Cruciate Ligaments: A Delaware‐Oslo Cohort Study
Authors: Arhos Elanna K. , Pohlig Ryan T. , Di Stasi Stephanie , Risberg May Arna , Snyder‐Mackler Lynn , Silbernagel Karin Grävare
Published: January 2023

Objective

To identify subgroups of individuals with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries based on patient characteristics, self‐reported outcomes, and functional performance at baseline, and to associate subgroups with long‐term outcomes after ACL rupture.

Methods

A total of 293 participants (45.7% male, mean ± SD age 26.2 ± 9.4 years, days from injury 58 ± 35) were enrolled after effusion, pain, and range of motion impairments were resolved and quadriceps strength was at least 70% of the uninvolved limb. Mixture modeling was used to uncover latent subgroups without a prior group classification using probabilistic assignment. Variables include demographics, functional testing, and self‐reported outcome measures. Radiographic evidence of osteoarthritis (OA; i.e., Kellgren/Lawrence grade of ≥1) in the involved knee at 5 years after injury was the primary outcome of interest. Chi‐square tests assessed differences in the presence of radiographic OA in the involved knee between subgroups at 5 years after ACL rupture. Secondary outcomes of interest included radiographic OA in the uninvolved knee, return to preinjury sport by 2 years, operative status, and clinical OA (classified using Luyten et al criteria) at 5 years.

Results

Four distinct subgroups exist after ACL rupture (younger good self‐report, younger poor self‐report, older poor self‐report, older good self‐report) with 30%, 31%, 47%, and 53%, respectively, having involved knee OA. The percentage of radiographic OA was not significantly different between the groups (P = 0.059).

Conclusion

The prevalence of OA in all subgroups is highly concerning. These results suggest there are unique subgroupings of individuals that may guide treatment after ACL rupture and reconstruction by providing support for developing a patient‐centered approach.
Weight learning for ℋ∞$$ {\mathscr{H}}_{\infty } $$ stabilization of uncertain switched neural networks with external disturbance and reaction‐diffusion
Authors: Tai Weipeng , Gao Dandan , Zhao Anqi , Zhou Jianping , Wang Xiaolin
Published: January 2023

This paper considers the stabilization of uncertain switched neural networks with external disturbance and reaction‐diffusion. A weight learning rule that ensures the stability of the network is proposed utilizing the Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional method. Then, a useful lemma concerning the equivalence of matrix inequities is derived. With the aid of the lemma and Schur complement, a more concise existence condition on the learning rule is developed. Finally, theoretical comparisons and a numerical example are given, which show that the obtained results are extensions and improvements of an existing result.
An Experimental Study and Modeling on the Thermo‐Rheological Properties of Polyurethane‐Based Magnetorheological Gel
Authors: Zhang Guang , Chen Junyu , Zhang Jinning , Zhang Zheng , Sun Min , Yu Yang , Wang Jiong
Published: January 2023

Magnetorheological (MR) gel is a novel type of smart material with field‐dependent rheological properties, which is mainly composited of soft magnetic particles and a gel‐like matrix. Its controllable rheological behaviors depend on many factors, in which temperature is a significant factor requiring further study. Herein, polyurethane‐based MR gel with a 60% weight fraction of carbonyl iron is developed. The influence of temperature on the rheological characteristics of the MR gel sample is systematically investigated. The steady shear test is adopted to determine the yield stress and dynamic viscosity of MR gel under different temperatures. A new stress model based on Bingham constitutive model and Arrhenius relation is proposed to incorporate the influence of the temperature and to capture the hysteresis characteristics and strain stiffening properties. The results show that yield stress shows exponential decay with temperature and at the same time, dynamic viscosity displays exponential decay both along with temperature and current. Finally, hysteresis behavior responses by sinusoidal strain excitation with the frequency of 0.1, 5, and 15 Hz at the fixed amplitude of 50% and current of 2 A have been extracted to analyze the impact of temperature on the damping and stiffness properties of the MR gel.
High Gravimetric Capacitance MXene Supercapacitor Electrode Based on Etched Ti3C2Tx by Chemical Etching
Authors: Liu Lingling , Yin Hongdie , Guo Wei , Jia Bi , Jiang Hanmei
Published: January 2023

Ti3C2T
x
MXene is one of the most promising electrode materials for supercapacitors, but it often suffers in poor experiment gravimetric capacitance, which limits practical applications in industry needs. Herein, etched Ti3C2T
x
MXene with high gravimetric capacitance is prepared by chemical etching of MXene with concentrated alkaline solution. The intercalation of K+ and the scissor role of OH− can simultaneously enlarge the interlayer spacing and cut the size of sheets, which lead to the high active‐site concentration and cation diffusion. As a result, the etched Ti3C2T
x
MXene displays high gravimetric capacitance of 368.1 F g−1 at 2 A g−1 and outstanding cycling stability without capacitance loss over 5000 cycles at 6 A g−1,and the surface capacitance contribution in etched Ti3C2T
x
MXene occurs to a greater extent compared with the pristine MXene. Moreover, the effect of chemical etching on the supercapacitor performance and energy‐storage mechanism indicates that the active‐size concentration and cation diffusion could be maximized when the chemical etching conditions are appropriate, leading to the highest performance of etched Ti3C2T
x
MXene. Herein, it is demonstrated that the chemical etching approach is applicable to design MXenes with high gravimetric capacitance to maximize their potential applications in energy‐storage applications and other fields.
The Role of Carbon Content: A Comparison of the Nickel Particle Size and Magnetic Property of Nickel/Polysiloxane‐Derived Silicon Oxycarbide
Authors: Yang Ni , Zhang Xuanyi , Reynolds Lewis , Kumah Divine , Xu Chengying
Published: January 2023

A facile and novel processable method to synthesize the Ni nanoparticles (Ni NPs) by tailoring their size in the matrix of the silicon oxycarbide (SiOC) ceramic system is reported. This method is based on polymer‐derived ceramics (PDCs), instead of the conventional powder route. The specific structural characteristics and magnetic properties of the various Ni NPs/SiOC composites as a function of carbon content are systematically investigated. The magnetic properties are experimentally investigated as a function of NP size and measurement temperature. It is demonstrated that the change in the size of Ni NPs (average from ≈4 to ≈ 19 nm) determines the magnetic nature of superparamagnetism. Zero‐field‐cooled (ZFC) and field‐cooled (FC) magnetization studies under magnetic fields of 100 Oe are performed. The saturated M versus H (M–H) loops (saturation magnetization) increase and the coercivity decreases with the size reduction of Ni NPs. It is an indicator of the presence of superparamagnetic behavior and single‐domain NP for ceramic materials.
Textile Electronic Circuits from Laser‐Patterned Conductive Fabric
Authors: Gaubert Valentin , Boddaert Xavier , Djenizian Thierry , Delattre Roger
Published: January 2023

Textile electronics have shown very promising results in remote health monitoring or personal thermal management. Meanwhile, textile‐based generators are researched to harvest energy from human motion and supply the electronics required for signal acquisition and transmission. Hence, there is a need to fully integrate electronic circuits directly onto textile to achieve self‐powered smart garments. Herein, a thermoadhesive conductive fabric is considered to realize textile electronic circuits. A laser‐based method is developed to pattern the circuit design. After optimizing the spatial resolution, the electrical and mechanical resistances of the resulting textile conductive tracks are evaluated. Heterogeneous interconnections with rigid electronic components are considered with different methods such as soldering and bonding. The interconnections are characterized and compared regarding their electrical contact resistances. Finally, demonstrators are realized to show a proof of concept of “textronic circuits.”
Reaching Highly Uniform Perovskite Ink Flow from a Slot‐Die Head Toward Printed Solar Cells
Authors: Velásquez Juan Pablo , Ramírez Edwin Alexander , Flórez Alejandra , Montoya Juan Felipe , Betancur Rafael , Ramírez Daniel , Carvalho Marcio da Silveira , Jaramillo Franklin
Published: January 2023

Large‐scale manufacturing of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) requires the deposition of homogeneous and defect‐free perovskite films on large‐area substrates. Up to now, the knowledge developed for industrial slot‐die processing has not been fully transferred to the perovskite photovoltaic community. Here, the deposition of uniform perovskite layers by slot‐die coating (SDC). Computer fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations, experimental validation, and calculation of industrial uniformity parameters are demonstrated, which enabled to establish processing conditions for SDC of perovskite ink. This approach allowed for obtaining stable cross‐web flow in the slot‐die head resulting in the formation of a stable coating bead yielding uniform perovskite films. The best processing parameters are used for the fabrication of slot‐die‐coated PSCs, which showed a more homogeneous spatial distribution of photovoltaic parameters compared to their spin‐coated counterparts. Better reproducibility observed in device performance is a step forward toward the commercialization of perovskite photovoltaic technology. For the first time, the industrial approach used for the optimization of slot‐die coating is applied for the processing of perovskite inks that have special conditions such as low viscosity and in situ crystallization on the substrate.
The neglected influence of zinc oxide light‐soaking on stability measurements of inverted organic solar cells
Authors: Günther Marcella , Lotfi Soroush , Rivas Sergio Sánchez , Blätte Dominic , Hofmann Jan P. , Bein Thomas , Ameri Tayebeh
Published: January 2023

Although zinc oxide (ZnO) is one of the most commonly used materials for electron transport layers in organic solar cells (OSCs), it also comes with disadvantages such as the so‐called light‐soaking issues, i.e., its need for exposure to UV light to reach its full potential in OSCs. Here, the impact of ZnO light‐soaking issues on stability measurements of OSCs is investigated. It is found that in the absence of UV light a reversible degradation occurs, which is independent of the used active layer material and accelerates at higher temperatures but can be undone with a short UV exposure. This reversible aging is attributed to the re‐adsorption of oxygen, which for manufacturing reasons is trapped at the interface of ZnO, even in an oxygen‐free environment. This oxygen can be removed with a UV pretreatment of the ZnO but at the expense of device efficiency and production that has to take place in an oxygen‐free environment. This study establishes that stability measurements of ZnO‐containing OSCs must be performed exclusively with a light source including a UV part since the usage of a simple white light source – as often reported in the literature – can lead to erroneous results.
Self‐Healing and Recyclable Polymer Electrolyte Enabled with Boronic Ester Transesterification for Stabilizing Ion Deposition
Authors: Zhou Binghua , Deng Tingzhi , Yang Chaolong , Wang Mingxi , Yan Huan , Yang Zhen , Wang Zhipeng , Xue Zhigang
Published: January 2023

Damage to solid polymer electrolytes can lead to mechanical degradation, short circuits, or functional failures. Therefore, introducing a self‐healing function to solid polymer electrolytes is an ideal strategy to improve the safety and reliability of electrolyte systems. Herein, dynamic boronic ester‐based self‐healing polymer electrolytes (DB‐SHPEs) with excellent mechanical properties and interfacial stability are developed via a thermally initiated ring‐opening reaction between thiol and epoxy groups. The DB‐SHPEs containing boronic ester bonds can not only alter the topologies via boronic ester transesterification and exhibit good self‐healing capability but also enable homogeneous deposition of Li ions on the Li metal through the Lewis acid–base interactions between boron atoms and salt anions. Furthermore, the boronic ester bonds can endow the DB‐SHPE with reprocessability and recyclability taking advantage of associative transesterification reaction. More significantly, the Li/DB‐SHPE/Li symmetric cells exhibit a stable voltage plateau after cycling for 1200 h and the LiFePO4/DB‐SHPE/Li batteries present excellent cycling performance, suggesting that high‐performance self‐healing polymer electrolytes with multiple functions are promising materials for the next‐generation lithium metal batteries.
Discriminating Active BN Sites in Coralloidal B, N Dual‐Doped Carbon Nano‐Bundles for Boosted Zn‐Ion Storage Capability
Authors: Chen Xinghua , Ye Pengcheng , Wang Haiyan , Huang Hao , Zhong Yijun , Hu Yong
Published: January 2023

Dual doping of boron (B) and nitrogen (N) provides an effective strategy to tailor chemical properties and electron distributions in the carbon plane, as well as customize the energy storage performance. Herein, a systematic theoretical and experimental study on rationally constructing coralloidal B, N dual‐doped carbon (BNC) nano‐bundles with abundant BN bonds for efficient Zn‐ion storage is presented. Compared with the single B or N doped sample and other dual‐doped B and N sites, the BN bond sites are found to boost the adsorption of Zn ions and enhance the electronic conductivity, which efficiently contribute to Zn‐ion storage. As expected, the optimized BNC nano‐bundles display greatly improved electrochemical performance, manifested by the high specific capacity of 204 mAh g−1 at 0.2 A g−1 and ultralong cycling stability for 40 000 cycles, outperforming most of the state‐of‐the‐art carbon cathodes. Moreover, a distinguished energy density of 178.7 Wh kg−1 and a high‐power density of 17.5 kW kg−1 are achieved with a constructed BNC//Zn device. This work not only provides critical insight for designing advanced carbon materials but also deepens the fundamental understanding of the governing mechanisms in dual‐doped carbon electrodes.
Multiple Structure Reconstruction by Dual Dynamic Crosslinking Strategy Inducing Self‐Reinforcing and Toughening the Polyurethane/Nanocellulose Elastomers
Authors: Yang Weijun , Zhu Yanlin , Liu Tianxi , Puglia Debora , Kenny Jose M. , Xu Pengwu , Zhang Rui , Ma Piming
Published: January 2023

High‐performance elastomers are expected to possess excellent healing and recycling ability, damage resistance in conjunction with high strength and toughness. Herein, a dual dynamic crosslinking strategy is implemented by multiple hydrogen and disulfide bonds to obtain a novel amorphous and transparent polyurethane/nanocellulose elastomer with excellent self‐healing, self‐reinforcing and toughening performance. First, hydrogen bonds are introduced in TEMPO‐oxidized cellulose nanofibers (TCNF) by modification with 2‐ureido‐4[1H]‐pyrimidone (UTCNF), while disulfide bonds (SS) are introduced in the polyurethane (PU) main chain, leading to the formation of dual dynamic cross‐linking networks. The PU‐SS‐UTCNF elastomer can fully self‐heal within 4.0 h at 50 °C. Surprisingly, for the first time, the PU‐SS‐UTCNF elastomer also self‐strengthens and self‐toughens after multiple hot‐pressing, with tensile strength and toughness that increase by up to 401% and 257% compared to original elastomer samples, up to 50.0 MPa and 132.5 MJ m‐3. The self‐strength and self‐toughening effects are attributed to 1) reconstruction of dual dynamic networks that increase the cross‐linking degree during the multiple hot‐pressing processes; 2) multiple hydrogen bonds in the system are beneficial to the orientation of highly crystallized UTCNF, as a replacement of stress‐induced process in deformation under external tensile force.
Inorganic Ionic Oligomers Induced Organic‐Inorganic Synergistic Toughening Enabling Mechanical Robust and Recyclable Nanocomposite Hydrogels
Authors: Yu Yadong , Liu Zhaoming , Zhao Qian
Published: January 2023

Mechanical robust hydrogels are ideal for applications in energy, environment, biomedicine, and structural engineering materials fields. However, high strength and high toughness are usually in conflict with each other, and simultaneously achieving both of them within a hydrogel has been challenging. Herein an organic‐inorganic synergistic toughening strategy is reported via in‐situ inorganic ionic polymerization of calcium phosphate oligomers within polymer composite networks composed of polyvinyl alcohol chains and aramid nanofibers. The composite hydrogels are provided with a prestress‐induced hierarchically fibrous structure through the assembly, which resulted in the mechanical strength and toughness up to 24.15 ± 1.12 MPa and 15.68 ± 1.78 MJ m−3, respectively, surpassing most toughened hydrogels. Through lamination and crosslinking, bulk hydrogels with controllable mechanical anisotropy and significant energy absorption/dissipation ability are produced. Moreover, the recycling and regeneration of the hydrogels are easily realized owing to the physically crosslinked network and acid‐induced dissolution of the inorganic units of the hydrogels, which lays a foundation for the sustainable large‐scale production and application of the hydrogels. This study provides an alternative approach for the development of mechanical robust and recyclable nanocomposite hydrogels for various applications including soft body armor, flexible electronics, soft robotics, etc.
Highly Crystalline Rubrene Light‐Emitting Diodes with Epitaxial Growth
Authors: Wang Shu‐Jen , Kirch Anton , Sawatzki Michael , Achenbach Tim , Kleemann Hans , Reineke Sebastian , Leo Karl
Published: January 2023

Conventional organic optoelectronic devices suffer from low carrier mobility limited by the static and dynamic disorder. Organic crystals with long‐range order can circumvent the effects of disorder and significantly improve the charge transport. While highly ordered organic crystals offer the desirable electronic coupling strength and charge transport, their integration into large‐area optoelectronic devices remains a challenge. Here, monolithic integrated triclinic crystal rubrene light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) are presented using epitaxial growth with functional additives being engineered into the films. Superior charge transport, excellent operational and long‐term stability in these light‐emitting devices are demonstrated. By comparing two rubrene‐based LEDs, one made from amorphous and one from crystalline rubrene layers, their exciton dynamics are estimated using comprehensive transient electroluminescence simulation. The crystalline LEDs show high triplet‐triplet annihilation (TTA) rate constant similar to TTA rate constant of triclinic single crystals determined by optical spectroscopy. At the same time, the crystalline phase enhances drastically the singlet‐fission and bimolecular annihilation rates, which reduces the overall performance of the LED compared to its amorphous counterpart. Finally, an outlook on the potential applications of rubrene and/or its derivatives crystalline films are provided for enhancing the performance of organic and hybrid optoelectronic devices.
Carrier Transport Enhancement Mechanism in Highly Efficient Antimony Selenide Thin‐Film Solar Cell
Authors: Luo Yandi , Chen Guojie , Chen Shuo , Ahmad Nafees , Azam Muhammad , Zheng Zhuanghao , Su Zhenghua , Cathelinaud Michel , Ma Hongli , Chen Zhigang , Fan Ping , Zhang Xianghua , Liang Guangxing
Published: January 2023

Exhibiting outstanding optoelectronic properties, antimony selenide (Sb2Se3) has attracted considerable interest and has been developed as a light absorber layer for thin‐film solar cells over the decade. However, current state‐of‐the‐art Sb2Se3 devices suffer from unsatisfactory “cliff‐like” band alignment and severe interface recombination loss, which deteriorates device performance. In this study, the heterojunction interface of an Sb2Se3 solar cell is improved by introducing effective aluminum (Al3+) cation into the CdS buffer layer. Then, the energy band alignment of Sb2Se3/CdS:Al heterojunction is modified from a “cliff‐like” structure to a “spike‐like” structure. Finally, heterojunction interface engineering suppresses recombination losses and strengthens carrier transport, resulting in a high efficiency of 8.41% for the substrate‐structured Sb2Se3 solar cell. This study proposes a facile strategy for interfacial treatment and elucidates the related carrier transport enhancement mechanism, paving a bright avenue to overcome the efficiency bottleneck of Sb2Se3 thin‐film solar cells.
A Multifunctional Catalytic Interlayer for Propelling Solid–Solid Conversion Kinetics of Li2S2 to Li2S in Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Zuo Xintao , Zhen Mengmeng , Liu Dapeng , Yu Haohan , Feng Xilan , Zhou Wei , Wang Hua , Zhang Yu
Published: January 2023

The theoretically high‐energy‐density lithium–sulfur batteries (LSBs) are seriously limited by the disadvantages including the shuttle effect of soluble lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) and the sluggish sulfur redox kinetics, especially for the most difficult solid–solid conversion of Li2S2 to Li2S. Herein, a multifunctional catalytic interlayer to improve the performance of LSBs is tried to introduce, in which Fe1–xS/Fe3C nanoparticles are embedded in the N/S dual‐doped carbon network (NSC) composed by nanosheets and nanotubes (the final product is named as FeSC@NSC). The well‐designed 3D NSC network endows the interlayer with a satisfactory LiPSs capture‐catalytic ability, thus ensuring fast redox reaction kinetics and suppressing LiPSs shuttling. The density functional theory calculations disclose the catalytic mechanisms that FeSC@NSC greatly improves the liquid–solid (LiPSs to Li2S2) conversion and unexpectedly the solid–solid (Li2S2 to Li2S) one. As a result, the LSBs based on the FeSC@NSC interlayer can achieve a high specific capacity of 1118 mAh g−1 at a current density of 0.2 C, and a relatively stable capacity of 415 mAh g−1 at a large current density of 2.0 C after 700 cycles as well as superior rate performance.
Substitutional p‐Type Doping in NbS2–MoS2 Lateral Heterostructures Grown by MOCVD
Authors: Wang Zhenyu , Tripathi Mukesh , Golsanamlou Zahra , Kumari Poonam , Lovarelli Giuseppe , Mazziotti Fabrizio , Logoteta Demetrio , Fiori Gianluca , Sementa Luca , Marega Guilherme Migliato , Ji Hyun Goo , Zhao Yanfei , Radenovic Aleksandra , Iannaccone Giuseppe , Fortunelli Alessandro , Kis Andras
Published: January 2023

Monolayer MoS2 has attracted significant attention owing to its excellent performance as an n‐type semiconductor from the transition metal dichalcogenide (TMDC) family. It is however strongly desired to develop controllable synthesis methods for 2D p‐type MoS2, which is crucial for complementary logic applications but remains difficult. In this work, high‐quality NbS2–MoS2 lateral heterostructures are synthesized by one‐step metal–organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) together with monolayer MoS2 substitutionally doped by Nb, resulting in a p‐type doped behavior. The heterojunction shows a p‐type transfer characteristic with a high on/off current ratio of ≈104, exceeding previously reported values. The band structure through the NbS2–MoS2 heterojunction is investigated by density functional theory (DFT) and quantum transport simulations. This work provides a scalable approach to synthesize substitutionally doped TMDC materials and provides an insight into the interface between 2D metals and semiconductors in lateral heterostructures, which is imperative for the development of next‐generation nanoelectronics and highly integrated devices.
RNA‐Targeting Carbon Dots for Live‐Cell Imaging of Granule Dynamics
Authors: Jiang Lei , Cai Hao , Zhou Wanwan , Li Zijian , Zhang Liang , Bi Hong
Published: January 2023

It is significant to monitor the different RNA granules dynamics and phase separation process inside cells under various stresses, for example, oxidative stress. The current small‐molecule RNA probes work well only in fixed cells and usually encounter problems such as insufficient stability and biocompatibility, and thus a specific RNA‐targeting fluorescent nanoprobe that can be used in the living cells is urgently desired. Here, the de novo design and microwave‐assisted synthesis of a novel RNA‐targeting, red‐emissive carbon dots (named as M‐CDs) are reported by choosing neutral red and levofloxacin as precursors. The as‐synthesized M‐CDs is water‐soluble with a high fluorescence quantum yield of 22.83% and can selectively bind to RNA resulting in an enhanced red fluorescence. More interestingly, such an RNA‐targeting, red‐emissive M‐CDs can be fast internalized into cells within 5 s and thus used for real‐time imaging the dynamic process of intracellular stress granules under oxidative stress, revealing some characteristics of granules that have not been identified by previously reported RNA and protein biomarkers. This research paves a new pathway for visualizing bulk RNA dynamics and studying phase‐separation behaviors in living cells by rational design of the fluorescent carbon dots in terms of structure and functionality.
SERS Labels for Optical Anticounterfeiting: Structure, Fabrication, and Performance
Authors: Sun Yujing , Lou Dongyang , Liu Wei , Zheng Zhikun , Chen Xudong
Published: January 2023

Developing new anticounterfeit technologies with good robustness, high safety index, strong readability, and low cost is highly demanded but challenging. In recent years, anticounterfeiting labels by surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) have drawn great attention due to the molecular encoding, highly accurate identification, large coding capacity, and so on. Focusing on several basic elements in SERS anticounterfeiting, the SERS anticounterfeiting labels’ structure, the fabrication strategies, and their performances are summarized and commented in detail based on three main categories of SERS labels (SERS spectra, SERS images, and SERS codes). Moreover, despite the great advances achieved till now, SERS labels for anticounterfeiting still suffer from some limitations. Thus, the current challenges and the perspective of the SERS labels in anticounterfeiting are also discussed, aiming to give a comprehensive understanding and some valid guidelines for the development of SERS labels in anticounterfeiting.
3D Printed Spin‐Decoupled Transmissive Metasurfaces Based on Versatile Broadband Cross‐Polarization Rotation Meta‐Atom
Authors: Zhu Jianfeng , Yang Yang , Wang Fan , Lai Jiexin , Li Mengze
Published: January 2023

This article proposes 3D printed broadband transmissive metasurfaces for spin‐decoupled wavefront shaping based on a versatile broadband cross‐polarization rotation meta‐atom. A meta‐atom combining broadband cross‐linear polarization dynamic phase and Pancharatnam–Berry (P–B) phase is demonstrated to realize spin‐decoupled beam shaping. The meta‐atom is built in an antenna‐circuit‐antenna fashion. Stacked patch antennas are used here as both the receiving and transmitting antennas because they can achieve wide bandwidth and good impedance matching to free space. By carefully selecting the phase delay lines’ path, the meta‐atom converts the x‐polarized or y‐polarized linear incident wave to its cross‐polarization with the co‐polarized components suppressed. The function also leads to the spin conversion for the circularly polarized incident wave. Thus, P–B phase‐shifting will be introduced when the meta‐atom is rotated. In addition, the transmission line provides the same dynamic phase delay for both left‐ and right‐hand circular polarization (LHCP and RHCP) incident waves. Then, combining the two different phase‐shifting methods, i.e., the P–B phase and dynamic phase, the LHCP and RHCP wavefront can be fully decoupled. Two different metasurfaces achieving spin‐decoupled anomalous refraction carrying orbital angular momentum (OAM) with different topological charges are simulated and experimentally verified for demonstration.
MCU Upregulation Overactivates Mitophagy by Promoting VDAC1 Dimerization and Ubiquitination in the Hepatotoxicity of Cadmium
Authors: Liu Cong , Li Hui‐Juan , Duan Wei‐Xia , Duan Yu , Yu Qin , Zhang Tian , Sun Ya‐Pei , Li Yuan‐Yuan , Liu Yong‐Sheng , Xu Shang‐Cheng
Published: January 2023

Cadmium (Cd) is a high‐risk pathogenic toxin for hepatic diseases. Excessive mitophagy is a hallmark in Cd‐induced hepatotoxicity. However, the underlying mechanism remains obscure. Mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU) is a key regulator for mitochondrial and cellular homeostasis. Here, Cd exposure upregulated MCU expression and increased mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake are found. MCU inhibition through siRNA or by Ru360 significantly attenuates Cd‐induced excessive mitophagy, thereby rescues mitochondrial dysfunction and increases hepatocyte viability. Heterozygous MCU knockout mice exhibit improved liver function, ameliorated pathological damage, less mitochondrial fragmentation, and mitophagy after Cd exposure. Mechanistically, Cd upregulates MCU expression through phosphorylation activation of cAMP‐response element binding protein at Ser133(CREBS133) and subsequent binding of MCU promoter at the TGAGGTCT, ACGTCA, and CTCCGTGATGTA regions, leading to increased MCU gene transcription. The upregulated MCU intensively interacts with voltage‐dependent anion‐selective channel protein 1 (VDAC1), enhances its dimerization and ubiquitination, resulting in excessive mitophagy. This study reveals a novel mechanism, through which Cd upregulates MCU to enhance mitophagy and hepatotoxicity.
Overcoming Disordered Preaggregation in Liquid State for Highly Efficient Organic Solar Cells Printed from Nonhalogenated Solvents
Authors: Sun Ming , Zhang Kang‐Ning , Qiao Jia‐Wei , Wang Ling‐Hua , Li Min , Lu Peng , Qin Wei , Xiao Zuo , Zhang Lixiu , Hao Xiao‐Tao , Ding Liming , Du Xiao‐Yan
Published: January 2023

The current power conversion efficiencies of laboratory‐sized organic solar cells (OSCs), based on the spin‐coating process with halogenated solvents, have exceeded 19%. Environmentally friendly printing is needed to bridge the gap between laboratory and industrialization by being compatible with roll‐to‐roll large‐area production. Here, the molecular design rules are revealed for enhancing the green printing potential of the state‐of‐the‐art photovoltaic martial systems by investigating the detailed structure formation dynamic and the key determining factors. By comparing two model systems based on D18:Y6 and D18:BTP‐eC9, it is found that disordered preaggregation in liquid state can result in over‐sized domains with reduced crystallinity and disordered molecular orientation, which significantly limits device performance. By systematically tuning the length of the inner alkyl side chains with multiple Y‐series materials, the authors demonstrate that molecular side‐chain engineering can effectively supress the detrimental disordered preaggregation in liquid state during environmentally friendly printing process, leading to enhanced crystallization with preferential faceon molecular orientation, more efficient exciton dissociation and charge carrier transport, and finally high upscaling potential. The work provides deeper insights into molecular engineering and structure formation dynamics toward environmentally friendly production of OSCs.
Operando Reconstruction toward Dual‐Cation‐Defects Co‐Containing NiFe Oxyhydroxide for Ultralow Energy Consumption Industrial Water Splitting Electrolyzer
Authors: Zhao Yingxia , Wen Qunlei , Huang Danji , Jiao Chi , Liu Youwen , Liu Yan , Fang Jiakun , Sun Ming , Yu Lin
Published: January 2023

Nickel–iron oxygen evolution catalysts have been under the spotlight as substitutes for precious metals, however, they rarely operate efficiently in practical industrial electrolyzers due to their moderate activity. Guided by density functional theory, the interaction of cation vacancies and dopants can manipulate d band centers, thus gaining near‐optimal binding energies of the oxygenated intermediates and ultralow potentials. This principle is implemented experimentally by catalysis operando variations synthesis, more specifically, in situ Mo leaching from high‐entropy Co, Mo co‐doped NiFe hydroxide precursors form Co dopant and cation vacancy coexistent NiFe oxyhydroxide. Operando electrochemical spectroscopy uncovers that dual‐cation‐defects promote the readier oxidation transition of metal sites, thus contributing to a low overpotential of 255 mV at 100 mA cm−2. Furthermore, dual‐regulated NiFe oxyhydroxide electrodes operate stably at 8 A  in practical industrial electrolyzers with ultralow energy consumption of ≈4.6 kWh m−3H2, verifying the feasibility of lab‐constructed novel catalysts towards industrialization.
Advanced Strategies for Improving Lithium Storage Performance under Cryogenic Conditions
Authors: Zheng Yiwei , Qian Tao , Zhou Jinqiu , Liu Jie , Wang Zhenkang , Wang Sai , Wang Yiwen , Yan Chenglin
Published: January 2023

As a vital technology in portable electronic equipment, electric vehicle, and stationary energy storage, lithium‐based batteries are currently gaining widespread attention. However, when batteries are used more frequently, there are greater worries regarding their susceptibility to temperature, especially at low temperatures (LTs). In this review, the factors that lead to capacity loss in lithium‐based batteries at LT are analyzed and a summary of the most recent cutting‐edge approaches for improving LT kinetics is provided. In order to achieve satisfactory LT performance, electrode technology, interface chemistry, and electrolyte engineering must be taken into account during the cell design process. The recently revealed unique cryogenic storage mode and design concepts are also thoroughly introduced in this review, which is intended to motivate researchers in related domains. Finally, new insights, intriguing concepts, and workable solutions are proposed to promote the ongoing development of high‐performance cryogenic lithium batteries.
Industry and occupation in California birth certificates (1998–2019): Reporting disparities and classification codability
Authors: Remy Linda L. , Kaseff Louise , Shiau Rita , Clay Michael
Published: January 2023

Background

Missing and noncodable parental industry and occupation (I/O) information on birth certificates (BCs) can bias analyses informing parental worksite exposures and family economic stability.

Methods

We used the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) software to code parental I/O in 1989–2019 California BC data (N = 21,739,406). We assessed I/O missingness and codability by reporting period, parental sex, race/ethnicity, age, and education.

Results

During 1989–2019, records missing I/O increased from 4.4% to 9.4%. I/O was missing more frequently from parents who were male (7.8% vs. 4.4%), Black or American Indian/Alaska Native (AIAN) (9.3% and 8.9% vs. 3.2%–4.7% in others), and had high school or less education (4.0%–5.9% vs. 1.4%–2.6% in others). Of records with I/O, less than 2% were noncodable by NIOSH software. Noncodable entries were more common for parents who were male (industry (1.9% vs. 1.0%); occupation (1.5% vs. 0.7%)), Asian/Pacific Islander (industry (2.4% vs. 1.2%–1.6% in other groups); occupation (1.7% vs. 0.7%–1.5% in other groups)), age 40 and older (industry (2.1% vs. 0.4%–1.7% in younger groups); occupation (1.7% vs. 0.3%–1.3% in younger groups)), and 4‐year college graduates (industry (2.0% vs. 1.0%–1.9% in other groups); occupation (1.7% vs. 0.5%–1.4%)).

Conclusions

In California BC, I/O missingness was systematically higher among parents who are male, Black, AIAN, less than 20 years old, and report no college education. I/O codability is high when information is reported, with small percentage disparities. Improving data collection is vital to equitably describe economic contexts that determine important family outcomes.