bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Porous PDMS‐Based Microsystem (ExoSponge) for Rapid Cost‐Effective Tumor Extracellular Vesicle Isolation and Mass Spectrometry‐Based Metabolic Biomarker Screening
Authors: Marvar Joseph , Kumari Abha , Onukwugha Nna‐Emeka , Achreja Abhinav , Meurs Noah , Animasahun Olamide , Roy Jyotirmoy , Paserba Miya , Raju Kruthi Srinivasa , Fortna Shawn , Ramnath Nithya , Nagrath Deepak , Kang Yoon‐Tae , Nagrath Sunitha
Published: January 2023

Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is an inexpensive robust polymer that is commonly used as the fundamental fabrication material for soft‐lithography‐based microfluidic devices. Owing to its versatile material properties, there are some attempts to use PDMS as a porous 3D structure for sensing. However, reliable and easy fabrication has been challenging along with the inherent hydrophobic nature of PDMS hindering its use in biomedical sensing applications. Herein, a cleanroom‐free inexpensive method to create 3D porous PDMS structures, “ExoSponge” and the effective surface modification to functionalize its 3D porous structure is reported. The ability of ExoSponge to recover cancer‐associated extracellular vesicles (EVs) from complex biological samples of up to 10 mL in volume is demonstrated. When compared to ultracentrifugation, the ExoSponge showes a significant increase in cancer EV isolation of more than 210%. Targeted ultra‐high pressure liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) is further employed to profile 70 metabolites in the EVs recovered from the lung cancer patient's plasma. The resulting profiles reveal the potential intraexosomal metabolite biomarker, phenylacetylglutamine (PAG), in non‐small cell lung cancer. The high sensitivity, simple usage, and cost‐effectiveness of the ExoSponge platform creates huge potential for rapid, economical and yet specific isolation of exosomes enabling future diagnostic applications of EVs in cancers.
Conductive Micropatterns Containing Photoinduced In Situ Reduced Graphene Oxide Prepared by Ultraviolet Photolithography
Authors: Yi Mei , Wang Jing , Li Ang , Xin Yangyang , Pang Yulian , Zou Yingquan
Published: January 2023

Herein, one kind of conductive patterned film with high resolution comprised of reduced graphene oxide (RGO) is prepared by the ultraviolet photolithography technique. RGO working as a conductive filler greatly improves the conductivity of films and is formed through the photoinduced in situ reduction of graphene oxide (GO) added to the photoresist of the patterned films. This photoreduction method is very eco‐friendly and efficient with a reduction time of <20 min. Furthermore, the effect of various factors on the conductivity of the films is investigated in detail, and appropriate conditions are selected to optimize the photoreduction of GO to obtain the best conductivity. The maximum conductivity of the fabricated films is 9.90 S cm−1, and micropatterns can reach 0.98 S cm−1. While photoinduced in situ reduction facilitates the dispersion of RGO in the photoresist, the photoresist also serves as an encapsulant to avoid the contact of RGO with oxygen and moisture in the air, which enables the conductive films and micropatterns to have excellent storage stability and suitability for various substrates, especially flexible substrates. Hence, a feasible strategy is offered for the preparation of conductive films and micropatterns with promising prospects in the field of flexible electronic devices.
Facile Preparation of Metallic Sites Anchored Nanocarbon Materials for Electrocatalysis
Authors: Liu Qing , Xu Yida , Zhao Yingxuan , Wang Kai , Liang Chenjia , Zhao Siyuan , Wang Xianghao , Guo Xiangke , Xue Nianhua , Ding Weiping
Published: January 2023

Herein, a novel method, heat mechanochemical synthesis (HMCS), is reported for facile and scalable preparation of electrocatalysts with metallic sites anchored on carbon materials. The method simultaneously provides mechanical energy and heat to drive reaction, by which target metal atoms are efficiently trapped in N‐doped and defect‐rich carbon that prepared in advance (NC). The advantages of this method are: (1) high contents of metals at the outermost surface; (2) unique metal sites formed under collisions with mechanical energy; and (3) not annealed at high temperatures, which would retain some unique active sites on the materials. A series of unitary transition metal (Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, or Zn) superficially anchored carbons are obtained via the HMCS. More than this, it is quite convenient to prepare multiple metals, such as combinations among these metals, highly dispersed and anchored on the carbon materials in one time. As a representative, the as‐prepared Fe‐NC (denoted as FeNCHM in context) is investigated in detail as catalyst for ORR and Zn‐air battery applications. The authors envision that the method of HMCS provides a good support of surface engineering for preparation of metals sites containing carbon at large scale.
Photonic Band Inversion and Absorption Enhancement in Dirac Semi‐Metal Tamm Plasmon Multilayer System
Authors: Meghna C. H. , Mathew Vincent
Published: January 2023

Topological photonics is becoming increasingly important due to its possibility to manipulate light with topological phases. Constrained by tunable material, the concept of the topological phase of light is less employed for the realization of terahertz (THz) devices. Incorporating tunable plasmonic materials with topological photonic structures can promote topological protection at the THz frequency. Here the topological phase transition in the terahertz bands is demonstrated by integrating Dirac semi‐metal with topological photonic crystal. This work proposes photonic band inversion induced frequency splitting and absorption enhancement in bulk Dirac semi‐metal (BDS) based Tamm plasmon multilayer system. The enhancement in absorption is achieved by designing a one‐dimensional  topological edge state such that the combination with the Tamm plasmon state provides topological protection to the entire BDS–photonic crystal heterostructure. The proposed structure undergoes band inversion, a topological transition in the photonic band structure. These results may facilitate the realization of terahertz topological effects and contribute to the goal of topological protection in sensing applications.
Perovskite CsPbBr3 Single‐Crystal Detector Operating at 1010 Photons s−1 mm−2 for Ultra‐High Flux X‐ray Detection
Authors: Pan Lei , Pandey Indra Raj , Miceli Antonino , Klepov Vladislav V. , Chung Duck Young , Kanatzidis Mercouri G.
Published: January 2023

Semiconductors for detecting hard radiation are confronted with considerable problems when operating at high photon fluxes. A perovskite CsPbBr3 single‐crystal detector capable of operating at X‐ray fluxes of up to 1010 photons s−1 mm−2 with beam area ≤ 0.25 mm2 at 58.61 keV for current‐mode X‐ray detection is reported. The spectrometer‐grade melt‐grown CsPbBr3 detectors show a gamma‐ray energy resolution of ~7.5% at 122 keV for 57Co and dark current as low as 4.3 nA (0.5 nA mm−2) at a reverse bias voltage of 200 V (118 V mm−1). The detector is tested at X‐ray energies of 8.2, 10, and 58.61 keV at a synchrotron light source under a reverse bias voltage of up to 1000 V (588 V mm−1). Under a sufficiently high bias voltage and within several hundreds of seconds X‐ray exposure, good photocurrent linearity (goodness of fit R2 > 0.99) and reproducibility are obtained up to a flux of ≈1010 photons s−1 mm−2 at beam area 0.25 mm2 with Lower Limit of Detection of ≈105 photons s−1 mm−2 and Charge Collection Efficiency of ≈100% for 58.61 keV X‐rays. Accordingly, wide application of CsPbBr3 detectors in high‐flux X‐ray detection is anticipated.
Forecasting Catalytic Property‐Performance Correlations for CO2 Hydrogenation to Methanol via Surrogate Machine Learning Framework
Authors: Tripathi Komal , Gupta Vrinda , Awasthi Varsha , Pant Kamal Kishore , Upadhyayula Sreedevi
Published: January 2023

The hydrogenation of CO2 to methanol has been studied by several researchers owing to its two significant merits, namely, mitigation of CO2 emissions and production of renewable fuel. Consequently, numerous experiments have been reported for carbon‐neutral methanol synthesis over copper‐based catalysts over the past few years. However, it is very expensive and time‐consuming to always observe reaction changes with respect to input parameters (operating conditions and catalytic properties) experimentally. Herein, this study develops an ultrafast machine learning (ML) based framework to predict CO2 conversion and methanol selectivity by comprehensive knowledge extraction (extensive database construction) from existing published literature. Among various ML algorithms, artificial neural networks (ANNs) exhibit best accuracy with R2test values of 0.885 and 0.861 for CO2 conversion and methanol selectivity, respectively. Subsequently, the efficacy and fidelity of developed neural networks are depicted by satisfactory performance (R2 ≥ 0.80) for majority of unseen test datasets (literature‐based as well as the experimental dataset for Cu/ZnO/Al2O3 catalyst). Finally, this work concludes that this ML‐based concept allows to uncover catalytic property–performance correlations hidden in large body of existing experimental research. This offers an open and generic platform for a major breakthrough of ML in heterogeneous catalysis which can help in planning future experiments.
Bifunctional Nanostructured Palladium/MoSx Electrocatalyst for Cathode Hydrogen Evolution Reaction PEM Water Electrolysis and Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Kagkoura Antonia , Karamoschos Nikolaos , Perivoliotis Dimitrios K. , García Alexis Piñeiro , Gracia‐Espino Eduardo , Tasis Dimitrios , Tagmatarchis Nikos
Published: January 2023

The creation of effective Pd‐based architectures with numerous electrocatalytic active sites and efficient charge transfer is of key importance for improving the electrocatalytic performance in water electrolyzer and fuel cell applications. On the other hand, MoS2, possessing multiple electrocatalytic active sites, can act both as support and booster to Pd‐based electrocatalytic structures. Herein, MoSx@Pd hybrids were successfully synthesized by using a one‐pot liquid phase solvothermal strategy with stoichiometric excess of Pd. The optimized MoSx@Pd proves to be an excellent bifunctional electrocatalyst for both hydrogen evolution reaction and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Optimized MoSx@Pd operates the process for hydrogen evolution at the same potential as Pt/C and achieves a low overpotential of 76 mV at −10 mA cm−2 due to improved reaction kinetics and charge transfer processes between Pd and MoS2. On top of that, MoSx@Pd exhibits excellent performance and stability as cathode electrocatalyst in a polymer electrolyte membrane water electrolyzer. Simultaneously, the bifunctional electrocatalyst shows enhanced electrocatalytic ORR activity and stability by maintaining 93% of its initial activity outperforming commercial Pt/C. Finally, rotating ring disk electrode analysis reveals that ORR proceeds through the energy efficient 4e− pathway, with water being the main product, rendering MoSx@Pd a promising component for fuel cells.
Machine Learning Regression Model for Predicting the Formation Energy of Nonlinear Optical Crystals
Authors: Fan Zhen , Sun Zhixin , Wang Ai , Yin Yaohui , Li Hui , Jin Guangyong , Xin Chao
Published: January 2023

Nonlinear optical crystals have been a key material in lasers due to their excellent frequency conversion properties. The search for new nonlinear crystals has been extremely active due to the inherent drawbacks of existing nonlinear crystals, such as the low laser damage threshold of infrared nonlinear crystals and the phenomenon of two‐photon absorption. The stability of a material can be characterized by calculating the formation energy, and machine learning (ML) is currently the most mainstream tool to explore materials. In this paper, the digital features of nonlinear crystals are established by using only the component information. Based on the low‐variance and cross‐validated recursive feature elimination (RFECV), 11 features with strong correlation are obtained for model training. Among them, the two features related to electronegativity account for 71.44% of all features, and become the most critical factor for the formation energy predicted by the model. Three ML regression models have been proposed to predict the formation energy of nonlinear crystals. Among them, the gradient boosting regression model shows excellent prediction performance with R2 = 0.939, RMSE = 0.205, and MAE = 0.132 eV per atom. The model provides a useful tool for fast and low‐cost prediction of nonlinear crystal formation energy.
Single‐Cell Transcriptomic Analysis of Primary and Metastatic Tumor Ecosystems in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Jia Yongxu , Zhang Baifeng , Zhang Chunyang , Kwong Dora Lai‐Wan , Chang Zhiwei , Li Shanshan , Wang Zehua , Han Huiqiong , Li Jing , Zhong Yali , Sui Xin , Fu Li , Guan Xinyuan , Qin Yanru
Published: January 2023

Lymph node metastasis, the leading cause of mortality in esophageal squamous carcinoma (ESCC) with a highly complex tumor microenvironment, remains underexplored. Here, the transcriptomes of 85 263 single cells are analyzed from four ESCC patients with lymph node metastases. Strikingly, it is observed that the metastatic microenvironment undergoes the emergence or expansion of interferon induced IFIT3+ T, B cells, and immunosuppressive cells such as APOC1+APOE+ macrophages and myofibroblasts with highly expression of immunoglobulin genes (IGKC) and extracellular matrix component and matrix metallopeptidase genes. A poor‐prognostic epithelial‐immune dual expression program regulating immune effector processes, whose activity is significantly enhanced in metastatic malignant epithelial cells and enriched in CD74+CXCR4+ and major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II genes upregulated malignant epithelia cells is discovered. Comparing with primary tumor, differential intercellular communications of metastatic ESCC microenvironment are revealed and furtherly validated via multiplexed immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry staining, which mainly rely on the crosstalk of APOC1+APOE+ macrophages with tumor and stromal cell. The data highlight potential molecular mechanisms that shape the lymph‐node metastatic microenvironment and may inform drug discovery and the development of new strategies to target these prometastatic nontumor components for inhibiting tumor growth and overcoming metastasis to improve clinical outcomes.
Targeting GSTP1 as Therapeutic Strategy against Lung Adenocarcinoma Stemness and Resistance to Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors
Authors: Wang Si‐Qi , Chen Jun‐Jiang , Jiang Yuchen , Lei Zi‐Ning , Ruan Ye Chun , Pan Yihang , Yam Judy Wai Ping , Wong Maria Pik , Xiao Zhi‐Jie
Published: January 2023

Glutathione S‐transferase pi (GSTP1), a phase II detoxification enzyme, is known to be overexpressed and mediates chemotherapeutic resistance in lung cancer. However, whether GSTP1 supports cancer stem cells (CSCs) and the underlying mechanisms in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) remain largely unknown. This study unveiled that GSTP1 is upregulated in lung CSCs and supports tumor self‐renewal, metastasis, and resistance to targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitors of LUAD both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, CaMK2A (calcium/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase 2 isoform A)/NRF2 (nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2)/GSTP1 is uncovered as a regulatory axis under hypoxia. CaMK2A increased GSTP1 expression through phosphorylating the Sersine558 residue of NRF2 and promoting its nuclear translocation, a novel mechanism for NRF2 activation apart from conventional oxidization‐dependent activation. Upregulation of GSTP1 in turn suppressed reactive oxygen species levels and supported CSC phenotypes. Clinically, GSTP1 analyzed by immunohistochemistry is upregulated in a proportion of LUAD and serves as a prognostic marker for survival. Using patient‐derived organoids from an ALK‐translocated LUAD, the therapeutic potential of a specific GSTP1 inhibitor ezatiostat in combination treatment with the ALK inhibitor crizotinib is demonstrated. This study demonstrates GSTP1 to be a promising therapeutic target for long‐term control of LUAD through targeting CSCs.
Design of Imide Oligomer‐Mediated MOF Clusters for Solar Cell Encapsulation Systems by Interface Fusion Strategy
Authors: Wu Minghong , Li Jiaxin , Zhang Xi , Liu Shumei , Zhao Jianqing , Xie Weiqi
Published: January 2023

Dielectric encapsulation materials are promising for solar cell areas, but the unsatisfactory light‐management capability and relatively poor dielectric properties restrict their further applications in photovoltaic and microelectronic devices. Herein, an interface fusion strategy to engineer the interface of MOF (UiO‐66‐NH2) with anhydride terminated imide oligomer (6FDA‐TFMB) is designed and a novel MOF cluster (UFT) with enhanced forward scattering and robust porosity is prepared. UFT is applied as an optical and dielectric modifier for bisphenol A epoxy resin (DGEBA), and UFT epoxy composites with high transmittance (>80%), tunable haze (45–58%) and excellent dielectric properties can be prepared at low UFT contents (0.5–1 wt%), which delivers an optimal design for dielectric encapsulation systems with efficient light management in solar cells. Additionally, UFT epoxy composites also show excellent UV blocking, and hydrophobic, thermal and mechanical properties. This work provides a template for the synthesis of covalent bond‐mediated nanofillers and for the modulation of haze and dielectric properties of dielectric encapsulation materials for energy systems, semiconductors, microelectronics, and more.
A H2O2‐Supplied Supramolecular Material for Post‐irradiated Infected Wound Treatment
Authors: Du Peidong , Shen Yanzhe , Zhang Baoli , Li Shan , Gao Minzheng , Wang Ting , Ding Xiaokang , Yu Bingran , Wang Zhen‐Gang , Xu Fu‐Jian
Published: January 2023

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a light triggered therapy by producing reactive oxygen species (ROS), but traditional PDT may suffer from the real‐time illumination that reduces the compliance of treatment and cause phototoxicity. A supramolecular photoactive G‐quartet based material is reported, which is self‐assembled from guanosine (G) and 4‐formylphenylboronic acid/1,8‐diaminooctane, with incorporation of riboflavin as a photocatalyst to the G4 nanowire, for post‐irradiation photodynamic antibacterial therapy. The G4‐materials, which exhibit hydrogel‐like properties, provide a scaffold for loading riboflavin, and the reductant guanosine for the riboflavin for phototriggered production of the therapeutic H2O2. The photocatalytic activity shows great tolerance against room temperature storage and heating/cooling treatments. The riboflavin‐loaded G4 hydrogels, after photo‐irradiation, are capable of killing gram‐positive bacteria (e.g., Staphylococcus aureus), gram‐negative bacteria (e.g., Escherichia coli), and multidrug resistant bacteria (methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus) with sterilization ratio over 99.999%. The post‐irradiated hydrogels also exhibit great antibacterial activity in the infected wound of the rats, revealing the potential of this novel concept in the light therapy.
Fast Response, High‐Power Tunable Ultrathin Soft Actuator by Functional Piezoelectric Material Composite for Haptic Device Application
Authors: Shouji Yoshinori , Sekine Tomohito , Ito Keita , Ito Naoya , Yasuda Tatsuya , Wang Yi‐Fei , Takeda Yasunori , Kumaki Daisuke , Santos Fabrice Domingues Dos , Miyabo Atsushi , Tokito Shizuo
Published: January 2023

Recently, self‐driven soft robotics based on biomimetics, capable of mimicking biological motion, has attracted attention. Soft actuators using intrinsically soft organic materials are expected to be applied to haptic devices, artificial muscles, and micropumps. Ferroelectric polymers can aid in the realization of such soft actuators. However, actuators using such materials encounter problems in terms of the response frequency to an applied voltage. In this study, a soft actuator is fabricated by a printing process using a unique composite material comprising P(VDF‐TrFE), nano‐carbon material (single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) and graphene oxide (GO)), and conductive polymer. To characterize the actuator using a minimum substrate thickness of 25 µm, hysteresis curves in the ferroelectric properties and driving characteristics according to the applied frequency are clarified. In addition, the mechanical life of the actuator under continuous voltage sweep is clarified considering it as a mechanical property. Subsequently, a simple haptics system is constructed using the fabricated actuators, and a human‐sensitive actuator demonstration system is constructed wherein the phase of the sweep frequency is variable.
Biodegradable Cellulose Nanocomposite Substrate for Recyclable Flexible Printed Electronics
Authors: Jaiswal Aayush Kumar , Kumar Vinay , Jansson Elina , Huttunen Olli‐Heikki , Yamamoto Akio , Vikman Minna , Khakalo Alexey , Hiltunen Jussi , Behfar Mohammad H.
Published: January 2023

Printed, flexible, and hybrid electronic technologies are advancing rapidly leading to remarkable developments in smart wearables, intelligent textiles, and health monitoring systems. Flexible electronics are typically fabricated on petroleum‐derived polymeric substrates. However, in the light of global environmental concerns regarding fossil raw materials, there is a need to drive the production of flexible electronics devices based on sustainable materials. Additionally, there is a need to reduce the quantity of electronic waste by developing material recovery and recycling technologies. Here, a fully biobased and biodegradable substrate tailored for printed flexible electronic applications is developed. Based on a nanocomposite of cellulose nanofibril (CNF) and hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC), the substrate shows excellent mechanical and optical properties for printed flexible electronics applications. High‐resolution screen printing of conductive ink and typical electronics assembly processes are possible to realize on the substrate. An electrocardiograph (ECG) device is fabricated on the cellulosic substrate as a technology demonstrator and its performance is confirmed on human volunteers. Last, end‐of‐life scenarios are studied for printed electronic devices where device degradation and subsequent material recovery concepts are presented. This work demonstrates that sustainable plant‐derived materials can play a big role toward a green transition in the electronics industry.
Logic‐in‐Memory Operation of Ternary NAND/NOR Universal Logic Gates using Double‐Gated Feedback Field‐Effect Transistors
Authors: Son Jaemin , Shin Yunwoo , Cho Kyoungah , Kim Sangsig
Published: January 2023

In this study, the logic‐in‐memory operations are demonstrated of ternary NAND and NOR logic gates consisting of double‐gated feedback field‐effect transistors. The component transistors reconfigure their operation modes into n‐ or p‐channel modes by adjusting the gate biases. The highly symmetrical operation between these operation modes with an excellent on‐current ratio of 1.03 enables three distinguishable and stable logic levels in the ternary logic gates. Moreover, the ternary logic gates maintain the three logic states for several tens to hundreds of seconds under zero‐bias condition. This study demonstrates that the ternary logic gates are promising candidates for next‐generation low‐power computing systems.
Concept of Photoactive Invisible Inks toward Ultralow‐Cost Fabrication of Transistor Photomemories
Authors: Prakoso Suhendro Purbo , Li Yen‐Ting , Lai Juin‐Yih , Chiu Yu‐Cheng
Published: January 2023

Finding the outperforming photoactive charge trapping materials for a new‐trending transistor photomemory application is labor intensive, costly reagents and solvents, and not to mention, inefficient energy and time consumption. In this work, costless organic‐based inks are introduced as a novel photoactive charge storage material that is inspired by high fluorescent ink of cheap invisible pens when exposed to ultraviolet light. The pure powder inks of invisible pens with bright red and greenish‐yellow emission are selected. The estimated usage costs about $0.003 cm−2, confirming its ultralow‐budget material. The pentacene‐based organic field‐effect transistor memory scheme is employed to evaluate the memory behaviors. These invisible‐ink‐based charge storage layers endow a transistor memory device with photoinduced recovery. Interestingly, by conducting the photoassisted operation on the same device, its threshold voltage shifts toward more positive direction, resulting in broaden memory window and faster device operations. On top of that, invisible‐ink‐based transistor photomemory demonstrates the well‐defined and feasible multibit memory cell for the next‐generation storage media. As a result, the employment of commercial invisible inks as a cheapest photoactive charge trapping material can favor the advancement of transistor photomemory devices and related functional applications.
Axial InN/InGaN Nanorod Array Heterojunction Photodetector with Ultrafast Speed
Authors: Chai Jixing , Liu Qianhu , Chen Liang , Cao Ben , Kong Deqi , Lin Tingjun , Wang Wenliang , Li Guoqiang
Published: January 2023

Due to wavelength‐selective characteristics, the InGaN‐based photodetectors show bright prospects in visible light communication and fast imaging system. However, the application of InGaN photodetectors with simple structures is limited in the above field owing to the slow response speed. Herein, an ultrafast photodetector based on axial InN/InGaN nanorod array (NRA) heterojunction is prepared through a self‐catalytic high (930 °C) and low (400 °C) temperature two‐step growth method by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE). The performance of photodetectors is analyzed by semiconductor device analyzer, wavelength response system (consists with a xenon lamp and monochromator), and time response system (combined by an optical chopper, a laser, and a digital oscilloscope). The photodetectors present a fast response speed with a rise/full time of 18.2/24.7 µs. Further analyses reveal a responsivity of 9.27 A W−1 and a specific detectivity of 3.54 × 1010 Jones under −1 V bias. As a result, the axial NRA heterojunction photodetectors exhibit great potential for application in ultrafast photoelectric conversion systems and provide valuable guidance for realizing ultrafast photodetectors.
Improved Performance of HfxZnyO‐Based RRAM and its Switching Characteristics down to 4 K Temperature
Authors: Lan Jun , Li Zhixiong , Chen Zhenjie , Zhu Quanzhou , Wang Wenhui , Zaheer Muhammad , Lu Jiqing , Liang Jinxuan , Shen Mei , Chen Peng , Chen Kai , Zhang Guobiao , Wang Zhongrui , Zhou Feichi , Lin Longyang , Li Yida
Published: January 2023

The search for high‐performance resistive random‐access memory (RRAM) devices is essential to pave the way for highly efficient non‐Von Neumann computing architecture. Here, it is reported on an alloying approach using atomic layer deposition for a Zn‐doped HfOx‐based resistive random‐access memory (HfZnO RRAM), with improved performance. As compared with HfOx RRAM, the HfZnO RRAM exhibits reduced switching voltages (>20%) and switching energy (>3×), as well as better uniformity both in voltages and resistance states. Furthermore, the HfZnO RRAM exhibits stable retention exceeding 10 years, as well as write/erase endurance exceeding 105 cycles. In addition, excellent linearity and repeatability of conductance tuning can be achieved using the constant voltage pulse scheme, achieving ≈90% accuracy in a simulated multi‐layer perceptron network for the recognition of modified national institute of standards and technology database handwriting. The HfZnO RRAM is also characterized down to the temperature of 4 K, showing functionality and the elucidation of its carrier conduction mechanism. Hence, a potential pathway for doped‐RRAM to be used in a wide range of temperatures including quantum computing and deep‐space exploration is shown.
Enabling Internal Electric Fields to Enhance Energy and Environmental Catalysis
Authors: Chen Lei , Ren Jin‐Tao , Yuan Zhong‐Yong
Published: January 2023

Recent years have witnessed an upsurge of interest in exploiting advanced photo‐/electrocatalysts for efficient energy conversion and environmental remediation. Constructing internal electric fields has been highlighted as a rising star to help facilitate various catalytic processes, with the merits of promoting charge transfer/separation, optimizing redox potential and creating effective active/adsorption sites. Internal electric fields are usually formed by the polarization of uneven charge distributions between different constituent layers, which widely exist in piezoelectrics, polar surface terminations, and heterostructure materials. Herein, a groundbreaking and interdisciplinary overview of the latest advances in the construction of internal electric fields to improve photo(electro)catalytic and electrocatalytic activity is provided. This critical review begins with an encyclopedic summary of the classification, advantages, and synthesis strategies of internal electric fields. Subsequently, the identification methods are thoroughly discussed based on the characterization techniques, experiments, and theoretical calculations, which can provide profound guidance for the in‐depth study of internal electric fields. To elaborate the theory–structure–activity relationships for internal electric fields, the corresponding reaction mechanisms, modification strategies, and catalytic performance are jointly discussed, along with a discussion of their practical energy and environmental applications. Finally, an insightful analysis of the challenges and future prospects for internal electric field‐based catalysts are discussed.
Quasi‐Decoupled Solid–Liquid Hybrid Electrolyte for Highly Reversible Interfacial Reaction in Aqueous Zinc–Manganese Battery
Authors: Pan Yicai , Liu Zhexuan , Liu Sainan , Qin Lipin , Yang Yongqiang , Zhou Miao , Sun Yanyan , Cao Xinxin , Liang Shuquan , Fang Guozhao
Published: January 2023

Aqueous zinc–manganese batteries with low cost, reliable safety, and considerable energy density, show promise for grid‐scale storage. Their durable operation is highly dependent on the reversibility and stability of both electrode interfaces, which is limited by the different requirements of the interfaces of manganese‐based cathodes and zinc anodes. Here, a quasi‐decoupled solid–liquid hybrid electrolyte is proposed, which demonstrates good compatibility and high reversibility for both interfaces with different electrolyte environments, showing quasi‐decoupling characteristics. Such a hybrid electrolyte can endow the anode interface with abundant favorable nucleation sites for achieving uniform zinc platting/stripping, as well as limit the presence of free H2O molecules, to suppress side‐reactions. This electrolyte is also adapted to a reversible and stable MnO2/Mn2+ manganese deposition/dissolution reaction at the cathode interface by restricting OH−/H+ ion diffusion, preventing formation of irreversible electrochemically inert MnOOH. As a result, the quasi‐decoupled solid–liquid hybrid electrolyte enables Zn||Zn cycling for more than 500 h, and a specific capacity of a Zn||α‐MnO2 battery up to 348 mAh g−1 at 0.2 A g−1. It also allows 87% capacity retention after 500 cycles at 0.5 A g−1. This work provides a new insight into electrolyte design that focuses on the different requirements of differing electrode interfaces.
Localized Geometry Determined Selectivity of Iodide‐Derived Copper for Electrochemical CO2 Reduction
Authors: Shi Yuchuan , Wang Yiqing , Dong Chung‐Li , Nga Ta Thi Thuy , Wei Daixing , Wang Jialin , Zhao Xiaoli , Wang Miao , Zhang Kaini , Li Mingtao , Dong Fan , Shen Shaohua
Published: January 2023

Two iodide‐derived copper (ID‐Cu) electrocatalysts (E‐ID‐Cu and W‐ID‐Cu) are prepared by electrochemical/wet chemical iodination of Cu foil and subsequent in situ electrochemical reduction reaction. In comparison to electropolished Cu (EP‐Cu), both E‐ID‐Cu and W‐ID‐Cu can produce multicarbon (C2+) products with much‐improved selectivity, with Faradic efficiency (FE) reaching 64.39% for E‐ID‐Cu and 71.16% for W‐ID‐Cu at −1.1 V versus reversible hydrogen electrodes (RHE), which can be attributed to their localized geometry features with high defect density and high surface roughness. Given the well‐determined FEs towards C2+ products, the partial current densities for C2+ production can be estimated to be 251.8 mA cm−2 for E‐ID‐Cu and 290.0 mA cm−2 for W‐ID‐Cu at −1.2 V versus RHE in a flow cell. In situ characterizations and theoretical calculations reveal that the high‐density defects and high surface roughness can promote *CO adsorption by raising the d band center and then facilitate C–C coupling, contributing to the high selectivity of C2+ products for ID‐Cu. Interestingly, the high surface roughness can increase the residence time of *C–H intermediates and decrease the formation energy of the *OCCO and*CH3CH2O intermediates, thus favoring C2+ production, with a unique C2H6 product observed over W‐ID‐Cu with FE of 10.14% at −0.7 V versus RHE.
Switchable and Tunable Chemical/Structure Color in a Flexible Hierarchical Surface
Authors: Li Bo , Wu Yehui , Sun Ya , Ma Wentao , Jiang Lei , Yang Zicheng , Zhao Pengfei , Hu Ying , Chang Longfei , Wang Yanjie , Yang Lili , Ge Dengteng , Chen Guimin
Published: January 2023

Cephalopod skin is capable of fast color changing enabled by tunable skin transparency as well as structure color. Under this inspiration, herein, a flexible surface with unique hierarchical structure that integrates both transparency change in chemical color (optical scattering) and structure coloration (optical interfering) is developed by harnessing wrinkling instability, thanks to the interfacial Au catalysis in soft lithography. As a result, a hierarchical structure in terms of wrinkled film overlaid by nano‐dome array is obtained in the flexile surface. Experiments find that subject to biaxial strains from 0% to 60%, the hierarchical surface first experiences a transition from nontransparent to transparent owing to the flattening of the wrinkles and then exhibits iridescence structure color shifting from blue to red. The switchable and dynamical tunable mechanochromic characteristics are demonstrated in a smart window, offering potentials for developing flexible devices with optical multiple functionality.
Fluorescence Imaging Study of Film Coating Structure and Composition Effects on DNA Hybridization
Authors: Yang Bingquan , Gordiyenko Klavdiya , Schäfer Andreas , Dadfar Seyed Mohammad Mahdi , Yang Wenwu , Riehemann Kristina , Kumar Ravi , Niemeyer Christof M. , Hirtz Michael
Published: January 2023

Hybridization of surface‐bound DNA with complementary strands is the basis of many biotechnological applications. Herein, the structure of interfacial coatings between substrate and bound DNA is a crucial element for hybridization behavior. Herein, three reactive surfaces for constructing DNA‐sensing platforms, namely, plain gold films on silicon, poly(bisphenolA‐co‐epichlorohydrin) (PBAG) surfaces with a brush‐like bilayer structure, and dibenzocyclooctyne monolayers (both on glass), are compared. Fluorescence imaging is employed to survey the effect of coating structure and conformation on hybridization performance. To better understand the interfacial structural properties and chemistry of the coated films, atomic force microscopy, water contact angle measurements, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy are employed to characterize the surface morphology. DNA probe microarrays are created on the different platforms via microchannel cantilever spotting, and their performance for hybridizing with the DNA counterparts is assessed. While all three platforms work reliable for DNA detection, a protein‐binding assay reveals that PBAG surfaces offer the highest hybridization efficiency among these approaches. The results of the present work have significant implications for comprehension of the interactions between the DNA hybridization efficiency and the physico‐chemical properties of surface coatings and can inform the fabrication of DNA sensors.
Delivery Route Considerations for Designing Antigen‐Specific Biomaterial Strategies to Combat Autoimmunity
Authors: Ackun-Farmmer Marian A. , Jewell Christopher M.
Published: January 2023

Disease‐modifying drugs and biologics used to treat autoimmune diseases, although promising, are non‐curative. As the field moves toward development of new approaches to treat autoimmune disease, antigen‐specific immunotherapies (ASITs) have emerged. Despite clinical approval of ASITs for allergies, clinical trials using soluble ASITs for autoimmunity have been largely unsuccessful. A major effort to address this shortcoming is the use of biomaterials to harness the unique features of specific delivery routes. This review focuses on biomaterials delivery route considerations to induce antigen‐specific responses in autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and celiac disease. The delivery strategies used in ongoing and completed clinical trials in autoimmune ASITs are first discussed. Next, preclinical biomaterial approaches from the most recent 3 years in the context of these same delivery route considerations are highlighted. Finally, discussion on the gaps remaining in biomaterials development is provided and the need to consider delivery routes in the process of designing biomaterials for ASITs is commented on.
Polymeric Scaffolds for Regeneration of Central/Peripheral Nerves and Soft Connective Tissues
Authors: Cao Shunze , Bo Renheng , Zhang Yihui
Published: January 2023

The advancement in material science and fabrication techniques has led to the booming of tissue engineering in recent years, covering tissue culture, repair, regeneration, and the rest. Among the aforementioned, considering the indispensable roles of central/peripheral nerve and soft connective tissues playing in life‐sustaining activities, their regenerations have attracted intense research attention, especially using polymeric scaffolds, an easy‐to‐access, cost efficient, biocompatible and diverse family of engineering materials. Herein, commonly used natural and synthetic polymeric materials for tissue scaffolds are outlined. Specially, polymer‐based hybrids, being able to provide both structural support and bio‐microenvironments, are discussed. Additionally, representative manufacturing approaches for polymeric scaffolds, including freeze‐drying, electrospinning, 3D printing, soft lithography among others are highlighted. Notably, combined techniques (e.g., electrospinning, 3D printing, etc.) allowing tailorable structural configurations of composite polymeric scaffolds are also reviewed. Furthermore, recent achievements in central/peripheral nerve and soft connective tissues regenerations using polymeric scaffolds are discussed in detail. In the end, conclusions and outlooks are provided to draw a roadmap for future research.
Recent Advances in Ultrasound and Photoacoustic Analysis for Thyroid Cancer Diagnosis
Authors: Park Byullee , Kim Chulhong , Kim Jeesu
Published: January 2023

Thyroid cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers worldwide, with a continuously increasing incidence rate in recent decades. Although ultrasonography, which is the current screening method in clinical workflows, has successfully triaged cancerous nodules for biopsy, overdiagnosis has also grown due to the relatively low specificity of the method. Studies are conducted to overcome this overdiagnosis issue by complementing ultrasonography with additional image‐based analysis techniques. This review presents an overview of the current advances in clinical trials using advanced ultrasound (US) and photoacoustic (PA) imaging techniques for thyroid nodules in humans. A summary of initial trials by Doppler US and US elastography to improve the classification accuracy of thyroid nodules is presented. Furthermore, recent PA techniques with multispectral analyses utilizing clinically available machines are explored. By amending the existing ultrasonography, the advanced US and PA techniques can enhance the triaging accuracy by analyzing both structural and functional information of thyroid nodules in vivo.
An Efficient Design of TaOx‐Based Memristor by Inserting an Ultrathin Al2O3 Layer with High Stability for Neuromorphic Computing and Logic Operation
Authors: Jiang Li , Jin Yaoyao , Zhao Yifan , Meng Jiahao , Zhang Jun , Chen Xin , Wu Xinjiang , Xiao Yongyue , Tao Zipei , Jiang Bei , Wen Xin , Ye Cong
Published: January 2023

New computing‐in‐memory architecture based on memristors can achieve in situ storage and computing of data, which greatly improves the computing efficiency of the hardware system. Here, a reliable bilayer structured TaOx/Al2O3 memristor with a 2 nm Al2O3 insertion layer is demonstrated. This device exhibits stable and gradual switching behavior with a low set/reset voltage (0.61 V/−0.49 V) and multilevel conductance characteristics. It is further indicated that the device has a larger ON/Off ratio (≈148×) and better nonlinearity of conductance modulation by inserting an Al2O3 layer. Various forms of synaptic plasticity are mimicked, such as long‐term potentiation/depression (LTP/LTD), paired‐pulse facilitation (PPF), and spike‐timing‐dependent plasticity (STDP). Based on the quasi‐linear conductance modulation characteristics, excellent classification accuracy (90.4%) is achieved for the applications of handwritten digit recognition. Moreover, the logic operations (intersection, union, and complement) are implemented on a 3 × 5 memristor array, which shows an efficient way to design versatile and reliable devices and provides a novel idea for neuromorphic computing and in‐memory logic operation.
Tuning Local Conductance to Enable Demonstrator Ferroelectric Domain Wall Diodes and Logic Gates
Authors: Suna Ahmet , McCluskey Conor Joseph , Maguire Jesi Rit , Holsgrove Kristina Mary , Kumar Amit , McQuaid Raymond Gerard Peter , Gregg John Marty
Published: January 2023

Fundamentally, lithium niobate is a good electrical insulator. However, this can change dramatically when 180° domain walls are present, as they are often found to be strongly conducting. Conductivities depend on the inclination angles of walls with respect to the polarization axis and so, if these angles can be altered, then electrical conduction can be tuned, or toggled on and off. In ≈500 nm thick z‐cut ion‐sliced thin films, localized wall angle variations can be controlled by both the sense and magnitude of applied electrical bias. It is shown that this results in diode‐like behaviour, allowing half‐wave rectification at modest frequencies. Importantly, it is experimentally demonstrated that these domain wall diodes can be used to construct “AND” and inclusive “OR” logic gates, where “0” and “1” output states are clearly distinguishable. Extrapolation to more complex arrangements shows that output states can still be distinguished in two‐level cascade logic. Insights show that simple logic circuits can be realized by localized manipulation of domain wall conductivity. Our research complements that by Jie Sun et al. (Adv. Funct. Mater. 2207418 (2022)), where NOT, NOR, and NAND gates are realized by moving conducting domain walls to make or break electrical contacts.
Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using seagrass Cymodocea serrulata (R.Br.) Asch. & Magnus, characterization, and evaluation of anticancer, antioxidant, and antiglycemic index
Authors: Dilipan Elangovan , Sivaperumal Pitchiah , Kamala Kannan , Ramachandran Marimuthu , Vivekanandhan Perumal
Published: February 2023

In the present study, the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using ethanol extract of Cymodocea serrulata and biological activity were investigated by UV‐visible spectrophotometer, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), x‐ray powder diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy. The results show that nanoparticles synthesized were confirmed by color change from green to dark brown. The XRD analysis confirmed that the AgNPs were crystalline and found that their UV maximum specific absorbance was between 200 and 400 nm, and their field emission scanning electron microscopy size was between 60 and 69 nm. FTIR studies identified different functional groups involved in the potential capping of AgNPs. The antidiabetic activity of the AgNPs was tested by the inhibition of carbohydrate digestive enzymes (a‐glucosidase and amylase). In addition, it has exhibited potential anticancer activity against breast cancer cells (MDF7). Hence, the present result warrants ecofriendly and efficient method in the synthesis of AgNPs, which can act as an alternative biomaterial for biomedical applications.
Mitochondrial protein import machinery conveys stress signals to the cytosol and beyond
Authors: Lionaki Eirini , Gkikas Ilias , Tavernarakis Nektarios
Published: January 2023

Mitochondria hold diverse and pivotal roles in fundamental processes that govern cell survival, differentiation, and death, in addition to organismal growth, maintenance, and aging. The mitochondrial protein import system is a major contributor to mitochondrial biogenesis and lies at the crossroads between mitochondrial and cellular homeostasis. Recent findings highlight the mitochondrial protein import system as a signaling hub, receiving inputs from other cellular compartments and adjusting its function accordingly. Impairment of protein import, in a physiological, or disease context, elicits adaptive responses inside and outside mitochondria. In this review, we discuss recent developments, relevant to the mechanisms of mitochondrial protein import regulation, with a particular focus on quality control, proteostatic and metabolic cellular responses, triggered upon impairment of mitochondrial protein import.
Neddylation‐CRLs regulate the functions of Treg immune cells
Authors: Wu Di , Sun Yi
Published: January 2023

Neddylation, a ubiquitylation‐like post‐translational modification, is catalyzed by a cascade composed of three enzymes: E1 activating enzyme, E2 conjugating enzyme, and E3 ligase with cullins as physiological substrates. Specifically, neddylation E2 UBE2M couples with E3 RBX1 to neddylate cullins 1–4, whereas neddylation E2 UBE2F couples with E3 RBX2/SAG to neddylate cullin 5, leading to activation of CRL1‐4 (Cullin‐RING ligases 1–4) and CRL5, respectively. While over‐activation of the neddylation‐CRLs axis occurs frequently in many human cancers, how neddylation‐CRLs regulate the function of immune cells, particularly Treg cells was previously unknown. To this end, we recently performed Treg selective knockout of two neddylation E2s and two E3s, individually, driven by Foxp3‐Cre, and found that while the Ube2f‐Sag E2/E3 pair plays a minimal role, if any, the Ube2m‐Rbx1 pair is essential for the maintenance of Treg functionality, since their deletion triggers robust inflammatory response with autoimmune phenotypes. Milder phenotype severity upon Treg KO of upstream Ube2m than that of downstream Rbx1 strongly suggested that Rbx1 regulates Treg function in a manner dependent and independent of neddylation.