bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cascade Bioreactors Based on Host–Guest Molecular Inclusion Complexes for Triple‐Negative Breast Cancer Therapy via Inducing Ferroptosis
Authors: Jia Zengguang , Zhang Jun , Wei Yawen , Pan Xiuhua , Hu Zongwei , Kang Ruixin , Zhou Xiawei , Shen Qi
Published: December 2023

Triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) poses significant challenges in tumor treatment. Ferroptosis, as a novel cell death mechanism, holds promise as a potential therapeutic strategy for TNBC. In this study, cascade bioreactors based on host–guest molecular inclusion complexes (PCFP@PL/p53) are constructed for TNBC therapy via inducing ferroptosis. The bioreactors are composed of hydrophobic hemirotaxane (mPEG‐β‐CD/α‐CD) and hydrophilic multi‐branched polyethyleneimine‐ferrocene (PEI‐Fc). They are linked by the reactive oxygen species (ROS)‐responsive molecular switch β‐CD@Fc, which can be activated by high levels of ROS. This activation leads to the rapid disassembly of PCFP@PL/p53 and the subsequent release of the loaded piperlongumine (PL) and p53 plasmids. In addition to acting as a “switch,” Fc can react with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in a Fenton reaction to produce hydroxyl radicals. PL decreases intracellular reduced glutathione and induces H2O2 accumulation, which corporates with Fc to launch ferroptosis and activated p53. The activated p53 disrupts the SLC7A11‐GSH‐GPX4 pathway, further increasing the intracellular ROS levels, resulting in a cascade amplification of ROS that ultimately induces massive ferroptosis. Meanwhile, the PCFP@PL/p53‐induced ferroptosis also activates the immune system in vivo, restricting the growth and metastasis of TNBC, thus providing a novel approach for TNBC therapy based on ferroptosis.
Superionic Conductor Enabled Composite Lithium with High Ionic Conductivity and Interfacial Wettability for Solid‐State Lithium Batteries
Authors: Li Zongyang , Zheng Weikang , Lu Guanjie , Li Menghong , Tang Desha , Zhao Qiannan , Wang Yumei , Xu Chaohe , Wang Ronghua
Published: December 2023

The urgent demand for high energy and safety batteries has generated the rapid development of Li6.4La3Zr1.4Ta0.6O12 (LLZTO) type solid‐state lithium metal batteries. However, severe dendritic lithium growth, which is caused by poor interfacial contact of the Li/LLZTO interface and loss of electrical contact during cycles due to low intrinsic Li+ diffusion coefficient of lithium, greatly hampers its practical application. Here, from the point of view of reducing surface tension and improving ion diffusion of lithium, a composite lithium anode (CLA) with high wettability and ion diffusion coefficient is prepared by adding GaP into molten lithium, thus strengthening the CLA/LLZTO interface even in cycling. As envisioned, compared to pure lithium, CLA presents lower surface tension, larger adhesion work, and higher ion diffusion coefficient, ensuring close contact of the CLA/LLZTO interface. Therefore, the assembled symmetric cells exhibit a low area specific resistance of 4.5 Ω cm2, a large critical current density of 2.5 mA cm−2, and ultra‐long lifespan of 5700 h at 0.3 mA cm−2 at 25 °C. Meanwhile, full cells coupled with LiFePO4 cathode show a high‐capacity retention of 97.32% after 490 cycles at 1C. This work provides a new solution to the interfacial challenges of solid‐state lithium‐metal batteries.
Bi‐Oriented Step Guided Nucleation and Epitaxy of Twist Bilayer Graphene with Precisely Controlled Twist Angle
Authors: Dong Ruikang , Gong Xiaoshu , Yang Jiafu , Sun Yueming , Wang Jinlan , Ma Liang
Published: December 2023

Twist bilayer graphene (tBLG) with a small magic angle deviated from trivial stacking exhibits fantastic electronic properties. However, the growth of large‐area tBLG with precisely controlled twist angle remains a grand challenge due to the thermodynamically unfavorable nucleation. Here, a bi‐oriented step‐guided strategy is theoretically proposed for the nucleation and epitaxial growth of tBLG, where the twist angle can be predetermined by the orientations of adjacent steps owing to the covalent alignment between the steps and graphene zigzag edges. The presence of bi‐oriented steps can greatly reduce the free energy of the tBLG with matched twist angle, thus promoting the nucleation priority of tBLG. Importantly, it is shown that the 28 sets of bi‐oriented steps with twist angles of 1.5°–30° can be intentionally constructed via two‐step miscutting from bulk crystal of catalytic metals by exploring all potential combinations of bi‐steps on different epitaxial surfaces. The employment of either low‐temperature CVD growth with certain precursors or the high‐melting‐point metal substrates is suggested to against the reconstruction of bi‐oriented steps during growth. This work demonstrates an efficient scheme for the epitaxial growth of large‐area tBLG with pre‐designed twist angle, which can be potentially extended to the growth of other twist 2D materials.
Phase Change Materials‐Based Bilayer Metasurfaces for Near‐Infrared Photonic Routing
Authors: Li Chensheng , Du Shuo , Pan Ruhao , Xiong Xiaoyu , Tang Zhiyang , Zheng Ruixuan , Liu Yunan , Geng Guangzhou , Sun Jingbo , Gu Changzhi , Guo Haiming , Li Junjie
Published: December 2023

Photonic routing holds immense significance in the fields of photonic integrated circuits (PICs) for free‐space optical linking. The emergence of programmable metasurfaces with powerful phase regulation capability provides a promising strategy for achieving designated wavefront modulation and thus photonic routing in the optical communication waveband. Here, a bilayer metasurfaces with four‐level codable unit pixels, which realize controllable photonic routing in near‐infrared (NIR) region is reported. The unit pixel of the metasurfaces consists of the underneath amorphous silicon (α‐Si) nanofin and the upper Ge2Sb2Te5 (GST) nano‐antenna, which contribute to the cross‐polarization generation and amplitude modulation of cross‐polarization light, respectively. Each unit pixel can be designated with desired states, thus achieving on‐demand non‐volatile photonic routing for coherent NIR light. In particular, polarization conversion modulation of the tunable metasurfaces comprising identical unit cell with large cross‐polarization switching (≈55%) at ≈1550 nm is demonstrated. Moreover, the metasurfaces with coded unit pixels to realize designated photonic routing are prototyped. The metasurfaces with four‐level programmability portend a new paradigm in NIR photonic routing for PICs.
Sound Continuous Production of Thermosets
Authors: Yao Guang , Xiang Hongping , Lucas Margaret , Gao Hang , Zheng Lijuan , Wu Dandan , Han Zexi , Lai Jianhua , Wang Chengyong
Published: December 2023

Existing manufacturing technologies for thermoset components are limited by long cycle times, simple structures, limited material, and poor controllability, making it difficult to realize complex structures with functionally graded properties. Herein, a sound continuous production (SCP) technology is proposed for the rapid manufacture of thermosets by accelerating the gelation through the mechanical, physical, and chemical effects of ultrasound. SCP is shown to enable the continuous production of homogeneous and heterogeneous thermosets. Its combination with a robotic arm allows for 360° omnidirectional continuous production, which is demonstrated by the successful construction of lateral and vertical‐oriented spiral structures via unsupported fabrication. Multiscale filaments with diameters ranging from 150 µm to 2 cm are manufactured and are shown capable of producing functionally graded materials with mechanical property gradients of up to five. The direct fabrication via SCP of a set of functional composites is demonstrated and a novel fabrication technique for multilayer carbon fiber‐reinforced plastic laminates is presented. This method can bring technological innovation to the rapid manufacture of thermosets for several emerging fields.
Bridging the Catalytic Turnover Gap Between Single‐Atom Iron Nanozymes and Natural Enzymes by Engineering the First and Second Shell Coordination
Authors: Choi Daeeun , Jung Hyeonjung , Im Jihye , Yi Seung Yeop , Kim Seongbeen , Lee Donghyun , Park Seonhye , Lee Changha , Kim Jaeyun , Han Jeong Woo , Lee Jinwoo
Published: December 2023

Single‐atom nanozymes (SAzymes) constitute a promising category of enzyme‐mimicking materials with outstanding catalytic performance. The performance of SAzymes improves through modification of the coordination environments around the metal center. However, the catalytic turnover rates of SAzymes, which are key measures of the effectiveness of active site modifications, remain lower than those of natural enzymes, especially in peroxidase‐reactions. Here, the first and second shell coordination tuning strategy that yields SAzymes with structures and activities analogous to those of natural enzymes is reported. The optimized SAzyme exhibits a turnover rate of 52.7 s−1 and a catalytic efficiency of 6.97 × 105 M−1 s−1. A computational study reveals that axial S‐ligands induce an alternative reaction mechanism, and SO2− functional groups provide hydrogen bonds to reduce the activation energy. In addition, SAzyme shows superior anti‐tumor ability in vitro and in vivo. These results demonstrate the validity of coordination engineering strategies and the carcinostatic potential of SAzymes.
Longevous Cycling of Rechargeable Zn‐Air Battery Enabled by “Raisin‐Bread” Cobalt Oxynitride/Porous Carbon Hybrid Electrocatalysts
Authors: Park Moon Gyu , Hwang Jeemin , Deng Ya‐Ping , Lee Dong Un , Fu Jing , Hu Yongfeng , Jang Myeong Je , Choi Sung Mook , Feng Renfei , Jiang Gaopeng , Qian Lanting , Ma Qianyi , Yang Lin , Jun Yun Seok , Seo Min Ho , Bai Zhengyu , Chen Zhongwei
Published: December 2023

Developing commercially viable electrocatalyst lies at the research hotspot of rechargeable Zn‐air batteries, but it is still challenging to meet the requirements of energy efficiency and durability in realistic applications. Strategic material design is critical to addressing its drawbacks in terms of sluggish kinetics of oxygen reactions and limited battery lifespan. Herein, a “raisin‐bread” architecture is designed for a hybrid catalyst constituting cobalt nitride as the core nanoparticle with thin oxidized coverings, which is further deposited within porous carbon aerogel. Based on synchrotron‐based characterizations, this hybrid provides oxygen vacancies and Co‐Nx‐C sites as the active sites, resulting from a strong coupling between CoOxNy nanoparticles and 3D conductive carbon scaffolds. Compared to the oxide reference, it performs enhanced stability in harsh electrocatalytic environments, highlighting the benefits of the oxynitride. Furthermore, the 3D conductive scaffolds improve charge/mass transportation and boost durability of these active sites. Density functional theory calculations reveal that the introduced N species into hybrid can synergistically tune the d‐band center of cobalt and improve its bifunctional activity. As a result, the obtained air cathode exhibits bifunctional overpotential of 0.65 V and a battery lifetime exceeding 1350 h, which sets a new record for rechargeable Zn‐air battery reported so far.
Strong Substrate Influence on Atomic Structure and Properties of Epitaxial VO2 Thin Films
Authors: Atul Atul , Ahmadi Majid , Koutsogiannis Panagiotis , Zhang Heng , Kooi Bart J.
Published: December 2023

The metal–insulator transition (MIT) observed in vanadium dioxide has been a topic of great research interest for past decades, with the underlying physics yet not fully understood due to the complex electron interactions and structures involved. The ability to understand and tune the MIT behavior is of vital importance from the perspective of both underlying fundamental science as well as potential applications. In this work, scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) is used to investigate cross‐section lamella of the VO2 films deposited using pulsed laser deposition on three substrates: c‐cut sapphire, TiO2(101) and TiO2(001). Advanced STEM imaging is performed in which also the oxygen atom columns are resolved. The overall film quality and structures on atomic and nanoscale are linked to the electrical transition characteristics. Relatively poor MIT characteristics are observed on c‐sapphire due to the presence of very small domains with six orientation variants, and on TiO2 (001) due to the presence of cracks induced by stress relaxation. However, the MIT on TiO2 (101) behaves favorably, despite similar stress relaxation which, however, only leads to domain boundaries but no cracks.
Integration of Metal Meshes as Transparent Conducting Electrodes into Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Ongaro Chiara , Roose Bart , Fleury Jeremy , Schneider René , Frohna Kyle , Ooi Zher Ying , Heier Jakob , Stranks Samuel D. , Schüler Andreas
Published: December 2023

As the demand for photovoltaic technologies continues to grow, the quest for efficient and sustainable transparent conducting electrodes (TCEs) rapidly rises. Traditional solutions, such as indium tin oxide (ITO), face challenges related to indium scarcity and environmental impact. To tackle these issues, a novel metal mesh rear TCE consisting of gold micro‐meshes is developed as ITO replacement in perovskite solar cells (PSCs). This study reveals that optimized Au meshes can guarantee 75% of the extracted photocurrent compared to reference devices with ITO and a promising power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 8.65%. By utilizing hybrid mesh structures with a 10‐nm ITO layer, the PCE further improves to 12.1%, with the extracted current exceeding 80% of the reference. Metal meshes can even serve to replace the opaque metal contact of PSCs, amplifying their functionality and efficiency through bifacial and multi‐junction applications. Here, aerosol jet‐printed silver meshes serve as front electrodes, combined with either 5–10 nm of Au, achieving efficient semi‐transparent devices (PCE 16.8%), or with 5–10 nm of ITO, providing enhanced bifacial properties while maintaining competitive efficiency. Overall, this work highlights remarkable features of metal meshes, making them promising alternatives to commonly used TCEs in optoelectronic applications.
Constructing 1D/2D NiCo‐LDH Nanowire/MXene Composites for Efficient And Stable Lithium Storage
Authors: Yang Tao , Zhang Zehao , Ma Pin , Li Haibo
Published: December 2023

Bimetallic layered double hydroxide (LDH) delivers competitive performance in lithium‐ion battery (LIB) because of the unique layered structure. However, the electrochemical performance of LDH is hindered by the low conductivity and the huge structure change upon cycling. To face this challenge, the 1D/2D NiCo‐LDH nanowire/MXene composites (NiCo‐LDH/MXene) are dedicatedly constructed via a simple one‐step hydrothermal method. Owing to the robust conductive skeleton is enabled by MXene nanosheets and abundant electroactive sites provided by NiCo‐LDH nanowires, the NiCo‐LDH/MXene anode exhibits rapid ion diffusion, exceptional redox reaction, and superior structural stability. Consequently, it offers a high specific capacitance of 1081 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles at the current density of 100 mA g−1 and impressive rate performance, i.e., 439 mAh g−1 at the current density of 1000 mA g−1. These results will motivate the exploration of advanced electrode materials for application in energy storage devices.
Contractible Plasmonic Nanospheres Array with Dynamically Tailorable Gap Size for Molecule Trapping and Sensitive SERS Detection
Authors: Yan Sisi , Tang Haibin , Sun Jiacheng , Zhu Chuhong , Pan Qijun , Chen Bin , Meng Guowen
Published: December 2023

Surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) is a powerful analysis technique, and the SERS sensitivity is strongly dependent on metallic nanogaps with a greatly enhanced local electromagnetic field (i.e., hot spots). Once the analytes are located in the hot spot region, their Raman signals are enormously amplified. However, delivering analytes into such tiny hot spots remains a great challenge, particularly for molecules with small Raman scattering cross‐sections and no metal affinity. Here, by employing the isotropic contraction characteristics of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) when heated, a molecule trapping and SERS sensing strategy is demonstrated based on a large‐area ordered gold‐coated polystyrene nanospheres (PS@Au NSs) array with well‐controlled gap size assembled on PVC sheet. Compared with the traditional contraction‐adsorption mode, the developed adsorption‐contraction mode enables efficient delivery of analytes with or without metal affinity into the hot spots between the PS@Au NSs, leading to a significantly improved SERS performance with a large SERS enhancement factor of ≈3.57 × 107. The contractible SERS substrate exhibits a high sensitivity of 10−12 m for rhodamine 6G (R6G), 10−10 m for thiram, and 5 × 10−6 m for 2,3,4‐trichlorobiphenyl, as well as good signal reproducibility with relative standard deviations of 2.81% and 4.25% for R6G and thiram, respectively.
G3BP1 and SLU7 Jointly Promote Immune Evasion by Downregulating MHC‐I via PI3K/Akt Activation in Bladder Cancer
Authors: Zheng Xianchong , Chen Jiawei , Deng Minhua , Ning Kang , Peng Yulu , Liu Zhenhua , Li Xiangdong , Zhou Zhaohui , Tang Huancheng , Li Yaoying , Kang Tiebang , Liu Zhuowei
Published: December 2023

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) show promise as second‐line treatment for advanced bladder cancer (BLCA); however, their responsiveness is limited by the immune evasion mechanisms in tumor cells. This study conduct a Cox regression analysis to screen mRNA‐binding proteins and reveals an association between Ras GTPase‐activating protein‐binding protein 1 (G3BP1) and diminished effectiveness of ICI therapy in patients with advanced BLCA. Subsequent investigation demonstrates that G3BP1 enhances immune evasion in BLCA cells by downregulating major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC‐I) through phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling activation. Mechanistically, G3BP1 interacts with splicing factor synergistic lethal with U5 snRNA 7 (SLU7) to form a complex with poly(A)‐binding protein cytoplasmic 1 and eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4 gamma 1. This complex stabilizes the closed‐loop structure of the mRNAs of class IA PI3Ks and consequently facilitates their translation and stabilization, thereby activating PI3K/Akt signaling to downregulate MHC‐I. Consistently, targeting G3BP1 with epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) impedes immune evasion and sensitizes BLCA cells to anti‐programmed cell death (PD)‐1 antibodies in mice. Thus, G3BP1 and SLU7 collaboratively contribute to immune evasion in BLCA, indicating that EGCG is a precision therapeutic agent to enhance the effectiveness of anti‐PD‐1 therapy.
A Novel Cargo Delivery System‐AnCar‐ExoLaIMTS Ameliorates Arthritis via Specifically Targeting Pro‐Inflammatory Macrophages
Authors: Li Song , Wu Ya‐ran , Peng Xiu‐qin , Chen Han‐gang , Zhang Tong‐yi , Chen Hua , Yang Jing , Xie Yang‐li , Qi Hua‐bing , Xiang Wei , Huang Bo , Zhou Si‐ru , Hu Yan , Tan Qiao‐yan , Du Xiao‐lan , Huang Jun‐lan , Zhang Ruo‐bin , Li Xiao‐hong , Luo Feng‐tao , Jin Min , Su Nan , Luo Xiao‐qing , Huang Shuo , Yang Peng , Yan Xiao‐Jing , Lian Ji‐qin , Zhu Ying , Xiong Yan , Xiao Gong‐yi , Liu Ying‐ying , Shen Chen , Kuang Liang , Ni Zhen‐hong , Chen Lin
Published: December 2023

Macrophages are heterogenic phagocytic cells that play distinct roles in physiological and pathological processes. Targeting different types of macrophages has shown potent therapeutic effects in many diseases. Although many approaches are developed to target anti‐inflammatory macrophages, there are few researches on targeting pro‐inflammatory macrophages, which is partially attributed to their non‐s pecificity phagocytosis of extracellular substances. In this study, a novel recombinant protein is constructed that can be anchored on an exosome membrane with the purpose of targeting pro‐inflammatory macrophages via antigen recognition, which is named AnCar‐ExoLaIMTS. The data indicate that the phagocytosis efficiencies of pro‐inflammatory macrophages for different AnCar‐ExoLaIMTS show obvious differences. The AnCar‐ExoLaIMTS3 has the best targeting ability for pro‐inflammatory macrophages in vitro and in vivo. Mechanically, AnCar‐ExoLaIMTS3 can specifically recognize the leucine‐rich repeat domain of the TLR4 receptor, and then enter into pro‐inflammatory macrophages via the TLR4‐mediated receptor endocytosis pathway. Moreover, AnCar‐ExoLaIMTS3 can efficiently deliver therapeutic cargo to pro‐inflammatory macrophages and inhibit the synovial inflammatory response via downregulation of HIF‐1α level, thus ameliorating the severity of arthritis in vivo. Collectively, the work established a novel gene/drug delivery system that can specifically target pro‐inflammatory macrophages, which may be beneficial for the treatments of arthritis and other inflammatory diseases.
Polydopamine‐Modified 2D Iron (II) Immobilized MnPS3 Nanosheets for Multimodal Imaging‐Guided Cancer Synergistic Photothermal‐Chemodynamic Therapy
Authors: Xie Hanhan , Yang Ming , He Xiaoli , Zhan Zhen , Jiang Huaide , Ma Yanmei , Hu Chengzhi
Published: December 2023

Manganese phosphosulphide (MnPS3), a newly emerged and promising member of the 2D metal phosphorus trichalcogenides (MPX3) family, has aroused abundant interest due to its unique physicochemical properties and applications in energy storage and conversion. However, its potential in the field of biomedicine, particularly as a nanotherapeutic platform for cancer therapy, has remained largely unexplored. Herein, a 2D “all‐in‐one” theranostic nanoplatform based on MnPS3 is designed and applied for imaging‐guided synergistic photothermal‐chemodynamic therapy. (Iron) Fe (II) ions are immobilized on the surface of MnPS3 nanosheets to facilitate effective chemodynamic therapy (CDT). Upon surface modification with polydopamine (PDA) and polyethylene glycol (PEG), the obtained Fe‐MnPS3/PDA‐PEG nanosheets exhibit exceptional photothermal conversion efficiency (η = 40.7%) and proficient pH/NIR‐responsive Fenton catalytic activity, enabling efficient photothermal therapy (PTT) and CDT. Importantly, such nanoplatform can also serve as an efficient theranostic agent for multimodal imaging, facilitating real‐time monitoring and guidance of the therapeutic process. After fulfilling the therapeutic functions, the Fe‐MnPS3/PDA‐PEG nanosheets can be efficiently excreted from the body, alleviating the concerns of long‐term retention and potential toxicity. This work presents an effective, precise, and safe 2D “all‐in‐one” theranostic nanoplatform based on MnPS3 for high‐efficiency tumor‐specific theranostics.
RNA m6A Methylation Suppresses Insect Juvenile Hormone Degradation to Minimize Fitness Costs in Response to A Pathogenic Attack
Authors: Guo Zhaojiang , Bai Yang , Zhang Xinyi , Guo Le , Zhu Liuhong , Sun Dan , Sun Kaiyue , Xu Xudan , Yang Xin , Xie Wen , Wang Shaoli , Wu Qingjun , Crickmore Neil , Zhou Xuguo , Zhang Youjun
Published: December 2023

Bioinsecticides and transgenic crops based on the bacterial pathogen Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) can effectively control diverse agricultural insect pests, nevertheless, the evolution of resistance without obvious fitness costs has seriously eroded the sustainable use of these Bt products. Recently, it has been discovered that an increased titer of juvenile hormone (JH) favors an insect host (Plutella xylostella) to enhance fitness whilst resisting the Bt pathogen, however, the underlying regulatory mechanisms of the increased JH titer are obscure. Here, the involvement of N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) RNA modification in modulating the availability of JH in this process is defined. Specifically, it is found that two m6A methyltransferase subunit genes, PxMettl3 and PxMettl14, repress the expression of a key JH‐degrading enzyme JH esterase (JHE) to induce an increased JH titer, mitigating the fitness costs associated with a robust defense against the Bt pathogen. This study identifies an as‐yet uncharacterized m6A‐mediated epigenetic regulator of insect hormones for maintaining fitness during pathogen defense and unveils an emerging Bt resistance‐related m6A methylation atlas in insects, which further expands the functional landscape of m6A modification and showcases the pivotal role of epigenetic regulation in host‐pathogen interactions.
Electron Modulated and Phosphate Radical Stabilized 1T‐Rich MoS2 for Ultra‐Fast‐Charged Sodium Ion Storage
Authors: Zhang Yuxiang , Wang Jing , Shan Lina , Han Bo , Gao Qiang , Cai Zhao , Zhou Chenggang , Tian Xike , Sun Ruimin , Mai Liqiang
Published: December 2023

Metallic phase molybdenum sulfide (1T‐MoS2) is considered as an attractive electrode material for sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) owing to its abundant active sites, metallic conductivity and high theoretical capacity. Unfortunately, the thermodynamic unstable characteristic under natural conditions makes 1T‐MoS2 difficult to synthesize directly, which greatly hinders its further applications. Herein, an electron modulated and phosphate radical stabilized strategy is employed to construct stable 1T‐rich MoS2 (1T‐P‐MoS2). The PO43− groups are intercalated into MoS2 via a simple one‐step synthesis process, which enlarges the interlayer spacings and improves the insertion/extraction kinetics of Na+. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations and experiments demonstrate that the PO43− can give partial electrons to Mo upon PO43− intercalation, which triggers the reorganization of Mo 4d orbitals, resulting in a spontaneous phase transition of MoS2 from 2H to 1T phase, thereby enhancing the electrical conductivity of MoS2. The obtained 1T‐P‐MoS2 exhibits ultra‐fast charged properties (up to 277.1 mAh g−1 at 40 A g−1, discharged/charged within 25 s) and excellent cycling performance (up to 498.9 mAh g−1 after 300 cycles at 1 A g−1). This work provides a feasible technical solution and analyses the deep mechanisms on tuning of metal sulfide electrodes for advanced SIBs.
Persistence and disadoption of sustainable agricultural practices in the Mississippi Delta region
Authors: Pathak Santosh , Wang Hua , Tran Dat Q. , Adusumilli Naveen C.
Published: December 2023

The working lands programs in the United States are specifically tailored to support farmers in initiating or enhancing conservation practices. The expectation is that farmers receiving financial assistance will continue implementing these practices even after their initial contracts end, thereby increasing the programs’ cost‐effectiveness and promoting natural resources conservation. However, little is known about the likelihood of persistence and disadoption of conservation practices once the initial cost‐share contracts expire. Using the first‐order Markov chain framework on state‐level conservation practices acreage data from the Mississippi Delta region (2005–2022), this study provides quantitative estimates of changing (dis)adoption patterns of four conservation practices: cover crops (CCs), conservation tillage (CT), nutrient and irrigation management (NIM), and conservation crop rotation (CCR). The findings reveal a higher probability of persistence of NIM practices. In contrast, acres devoted to CCs and CT tend to transition into other alternative practices, indicating a greater likelihood of disadoption. Importantly, the likelihood of acres that initially adopt conservation practices with funding shifting to a condition of no conservation activity is minimal. The transition probability estimates facilitate the prediction of future adoption rates of conservation practices and aid funding agencies in prioritizing their conservation efforts.
One‐Carbon Ring Expansion of Indoles and Pyrroles: A Straightforward Access to 3‐Fluorinated Quinolines and Pyridines
Authors: Guo Huaixuan , Qiu Shiqin , Xu Peng
Published: December 2023

3‐Fluorinated quinolines and pyridines are prevalent pharmacophores, yet their synthesis is often challenging. Herein, we demonstrate that dibromofluoromethane as bromofluorocarbene source enables the one‐carbon ring expansion of readily available indoles and pyrroles to structurally diverse 3‐fluorinated quinolines and pyridines. This straightforward protocol requires only a short reaction time of ten minutes and can be performed under air atmosphere. Preliminary investigations reveal that this strategy can also be applied to the synthesis of other valuable azines by using different 1,1‐dibromoalkanes as bromocarbene sources.
Pauling‐Type Adsorption of O2Induced by Heteroatom Doped ZnIn2S4for Boosted Solar‐Driven H2O2Production
Authors: Zhang Kailian , Tian Lei , Yang Jingfei , Wu Fengxiu , Wang Leigang , Tang Hua , Liu Zhao‐Qing
Published: December 2023

Breaking the trade‐off between activity and selectivity has perennially been a formidable endeavor in the field of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) photosynthesis, especially the side‐on configuration of oxygen (O2) on the catalyst surface will cause the cleavage of O−O bonds, which drastically hinders the H2O2production performance. Herein, we present an atomically heteroatom P doped ZnIn2S4catalyst with tunable oxygen adsorption configuration to accelerate the ORR kinetics essential for solar‐driven H2O2production. Indeed, the spectroscopy characterizations (such as EXAFS and in situ FTIR) and DFT calculations reveal that heteroatom P doped ZnIn2S4at substitutional and interstitial sites, which not only optimizes the coordination environment of Zn active sites, but also facilitates electron transfer to the Zn sites and improves charge density, avoiding the breakage of O−O bonds and reducing the energy barriers to H2O2production. As a result, the oxygen adsorption configuration is regulated from side‐on (Yeager‐type) to end‐on (Pauling‐type), resulting in the accelerated ORR kinetics from 874.94 to 2107.66 μmol g−1 h−1. This finding offers a new avenue toward strategic tailoring oxygen adsorption configuration by the rational design of doped photocatalyst.
Tuning Active Site Flexibility by Defect Engineering of Graphene Ribbon Edge‐hosted Fe−N3 Sites
Authors: Yang Piaoping , Li Jiang , Vlachos Dionisios G. , Caratzoulas Stavros
Published: December 2023

Nitrogen‐doped, carbon‐supported transition metal catalysts are excellent for several reactions. Structural engineering of M−Nx sites to boost catalytic activity is rarely studied. Here, we demonstrate that the structural flexibility of Fe−N3 site is vital for tuning the electronic structure of Fe atoms and regulating the catalytic transfer hydrogenation (CTH) activity. By introducing carbon defects, we construct Fe−N3 sites with varying Fe−N bond lengths distinguishable by X‐ray absorption spectroscopy. We investigate the CTH activity by density‐functional theory and microkinetic calculations and reveal that the vertical displacement of the Fe atom out of the plane of the support, induced by the Fe−N3 distortion, raises the Fe
orbital and strengthens binding. We propose that the activity is controlled by the relaxation of the reconstructed site, which is further affected by Fe−N bond length, an excellent activity descriptor. We elucidate the origin of the CTH activity and principles for high‐performing Fe−N−C catalysts by defect engineering.
Self‐Propelling Macroscale Sheets Powered by Enzyme Pumps
Authors: Song Jiaqi , Shklyaev Oleg E. , Sapre Aditya , Balazs Anna C. , Sen Ayusman
Published: December 2023

Nanoscale enzymes anchored to surfaces act as chemical pumps by converting chemical energy released from enzymatic reactions into spontaneous fluid flow that propels entrained nano‐ and microparticles. Enzymatic pumps are biocompatible, highly selective, and display unique substrate specificity. Utilizing these pumps to trigger self‐propelled motion on the macroscale has, however, constituted a significant challenge and thus prevented their adaptation in macroscopic fluidic devices and soft robotics. Using experiments and simulations, we herein show that enzymatic pumps can drive centimeter‐scale polymer sheets along directed linear paths and rotational trajectories. In these studies, the sheets are confined to the air/water interface. With the addition of appropriate substrate, the asymmetric enzymatic coating on the sheets induces chemically driven, buoyancy flows that controllably propel the sheet's motion on the air/water interface. The directionality and speed of the motion can be tailored by changing the pattern of the enzymatic coating, type of enzyme, and nature and concentration of the substrate. This work highlights the utility of biocompatible enzymes for generating motion in macroscale fluidic devices and robotics and indicates their potential utility for in vivo applications.
Chemical Approaches to Optimize the Properties of Organic Fluorophores for Imaging and Sensing
Authors: Jiang Gangwei , Liu Han , Liu Hong , Ke Guoliang , Ren Tian‐Bing , Xiong Bin , Zhang Xiao‐Bing , Yuan Lin
Published: December 2023

Organic fluorophores are indispensable tools in cells, tissue and in vivo imaging, and have enabled much progress in the wide range of biological and biomedical fields. However, many available dyes suffer from insufficient performances, such as short absorption and emission wavelength, low brightness, poor stability, small Stokes shift, and unsuitable permeability, restricting their application in advanced imaging technology and complex imaging. Over the past two decades, many efforts have been made to improve these performances of fluorophores. Starting with the luminescence principle of fluorophores, this review clarifies the mechanisms of the insufficient performance for traditional fluorophores to a certain extent, systematically summarizes the modified approaches of optimizing properties, highlights the typical applications of the improved fluorophores in imaging and sensing, and indicates existing problems and challenges in this area. This progress not only proves the significance of improving fluorophores properties, but also provide a theoretical guidance for the development of high‐performance fluorophores.
Plant‐based fat substitutes with promising functional properties and health benefits
Authors: Zhang Tianyi , Zhang Xin , Zhou Xiangqi , Tian Ruiqi , Tang Xufei , Zhang Yan , Jiang Lianzhou , Sui Xiaonan
Published: December 2023

The pursuit of nutrition and environmental protection is driving the demand for healthy and environmentally friendly food alternatives. Various plant‐based substitute products are gaining popularity. Fats are crucial components of food, playing a pivotal role in human nutrition and contributing to the sensory properties of food. In addition to the use of healthier plant oils, the development of plant‐based fat substitutes offers innovative ways to replicate the texture and mouthfeel of animal fats. A wide range of plant‐derived matrices has been extensively employed in the creation of fat substitutes, including protein matrices, polysaccharide matrices, and complex matrices. The objective of this review is to examine the current advancements in plant‐based fat substitutes. It will primarily focus on the selection of suitable substitutes and their specific applications within diverse food systems. By doing so, this review aims to shed light on the potential of plant‐based fat substitutes in the development of low‐fat foods, providing valuable insights into this emerging field.
Thermo‐mechanical and antioxidant properties of eugenol‐loaded carrageenan‐cellulose nanofiber films for sustainable packaging applications
Authors: Wan Yahaya Wan Amnin , Mohd Azman Nurul Aini , M. Krishnnan Prithinah , Adam Fatmawati , Almajano Maria Pilar
Published: December 2023

This study aimed to investigate the thermomechanical and antioxidant properties of an active film composed of carrageenan and cellulose nanofibers incorporating (0.1%v/v–0.5%v/v) eugenol (Eu), intended for active packaging applications. The mechanical, physical, morphology, and thermal properties of the active film were extensively characterized, and the antioxidant activity was monitored over a 34‐day‐storage period. Broido's model was employed to assess the thermomechanical properties and activation energy of the films towards the Eu structure in carrageenan and cellulose nanofiber film. The findings revealed that the addition of Eu had a negative impact on the activation energy of the film's decomposition while positively affecting the release of antioxidants during storage. The film containing 0.4% Eu demonstrated optimal physical and mechanical characteristics, including a tensile strength of 38.08 ± 2.06 MPa and elongation at break of 21.95% ± 9.02%. Furthermore, the SGC‐0.4% (SGC stand for Semi refined carragenan + Glycerol + Cellulose nanofiber) Eu film exhibited a higher activation energy (365.82 kJ/mol), suggesting enhanced stability and durability compared with other films. The film with 0.4% Eu content showed the highest release rate of polyphenols (614.9290 mg gallic acid/L sample) up to 28 days of storage. Additionally, it exhibited a 58% efficiency of radical scavenging activity. Overall, these results highlight the potential of the SGC‐0.4% Eu film as a biodegradable packaging solution that offers prolonged food shelf life.
Harnessing metabolic plasticity in CHO cells for enhanced perfusion cultivation
Authors: Nöbel Matthias , Barry Craig , MacDonald Michael A. , Baker Kym , Shave Evan , Mahler Stephen , Munro Trent , Martínez Verónica S. , Nielsen Lars K. , Marcellin Esteban
Published: December 2023

Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells have rapidly become a cornerstone in biopharmaceutical production. Recently, a reinvigoration of perfusion culture mode in CHO cell cultivation has been observed. However, most cell lines currently in use have been engineered and adapted for fed‐batch culture methods, and may not perform optimally under perfusion conditions. To improve the cell's resilience and viability during perfusion culture, we cultured a triple knockout CHO cell line, deficient in three apoptosis related genes BAX, BAK, and BOK in a perfusion system. After 20 days of culture, the cells exhibited a halt in cell proliferation. Interestingly, following this phase of growth arrest, the cells entered a second growth phase. During this phase, the cell numbers nearly doubled, but cell specific productivity decreased. We performed a proteomics investigation, elucidating a distinct correlation between growth arrest and cell cycle arrest and showing an upregulation of the central carbon metabolism and oxidative phosphorylation. The upregulation was partially reverted during the second growth phase, likely caused by intragenerational adaptations to stresses encountered. A phase‐dependent response to oxidative stress was noted, indicating glutathione has only a secondary role during cell cycle arrest. Our data provides evidence of metabolic regulation under high cell density culturing conditions and demonstrates that cell growth arrest can be overcome. The acquired insights have the potential to not only enhance our understanding of cellular metabolism but also contribute to the development of superior cell lines for perfusion cultivation.
Tandem annulation and dipolar cycloaddition of azomethine imines in catalytic C(sp2)–H functionalization
Authors: Mishra Neeraj Kumar , Rakshit Amitava , Moon Kyeongwon , Singh Pargat , Kim In Su
Published: December 2023

The synthesis and functionalization of privileged nitrogen heterocycles has emerged as a central topic in drug discovery and material science. In this context, the tandem C–H functionalization and intramolecular annulation has received prodigious attention, as it is able to expedite the construction of heteroaromatic frameworks beyond conventional C–H functionalization. In general, significant effort has been made to develop the [3 + 2] dipolar cycloaddition of azomethine imines with π‐unsaturated compounds. Moreover, the [3 + 3], [4 + 3], [3 + 2 + 2], and [5 + 3] cycloaddition reactions of azomethine imines with various dipolarophiles have been demonstrated. To date, however, the combination of catalytic C–H functionalization and intramolecular cyclization using azomethine imines as both directing groups and dipolar units has been less explored. This review focuses on recent progress toward the catalytic tandem C–H functionalization and dipolar cycloaddition of azomethines imines with a range of coupling partners.
Flexible, ultrathin bioelectronic materials and devices for chronically stable neural interfaces
Authors: Zhou Lianjie , Wu Zhongyuan , Sun Mubai , Park Jaejin , Han Mengdi , Wang Ming , Yu Junsheng , Di Zengfeng , Mei Yongfeng , Bai Wubin , Yu Xinge , Yu Ki Jun , Song Enming
Published: December 2023

Advanced technologies that can establish intimate, long‐lived functional interfaces with neural systems have attracted increasing interest due to their wide‐ranging applications in neuroscience, bioelectronic medicine, and the associated treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. A critical challenge of significance remains in the development of electronic platforms that offer conformal contact with soft brain tissue for the sensing or stimulation of brain activities and chronically stable operation in vivo, at scales that range from cellular‐level resolution to macroscopic areas. This review summarizes recent advances in this field, with an emphasis on the use of demonstrated concepts, constituent materials, engineered designs, and system integration to address the current challenges. The article begins with an overview of recent bioelectronic platforms with unique form factors, ranging from filamentary probes to conformal sheets and three‐dimensional frameworks for alleviating the mechanical mismatch between interface materials and neural tissues. Next, active interfaces which utilize inorganic/organic semiconductor‐enabled devices are reviewed, highlighting various working principles of recording mechanisms including capacitively and conductively coupled sensing enabled by high transistor matrices at high spatiotemporal resolution. The subsequent section presents approaches to biological integration which use active materials for multiplexed addressing, local amplification and multimodal operation with high‐channel‐count and large‐scale electronic systems in a safe fashion that provides multi‐decade stable performance in both animal models and human subjects. The advances summarized in this review will guide the future direction of this technology and provide a basis for next‐generation chronic neural interfaces with long‐lived high‐performance operation.
Nerolidol attenuates airway inflammation and airway remodeling and alters gut microbes in ovalbumin‐induced asthmatic mice
Authors: Wang Tingting , Song Guihua , Sun Mengmeng , Zhang Yan , Zhang Bingxue , Peng Minghao , Li Mengyin
Published: December 2023

Asthma is a common respiratory disease associated with airway inflammation. Nerolidol is an acyclic sesquiterpenoid with anti‐inflammatory properties. BALB/C mice were sensitized with ovalbumin (OVA) to induce asthma symptoms and given different doses of Nerolidol. We found that Nerolidol reduced OVA‐induced inflammatory cell infiltration, the number of goblet cells and collagen deposition in lung tissue. Nerolidol reduced the OVA‐specific IgE levels in serum and alveolar lavage fluid in an asthma model. Immunohistochemical staining of α‐SMA (the marker of airway smooth muscle) showed that Nerolidol caused bronchial basement membrane thinning in asthmatic mice. The hyperplasia of airway smooth muscle cells (ASMCs) is an important feature of airway remodeling in asthma. ASMCs were treated with 10 ng/mL TGF‐β to simulate the pathological environment of asthma in vitro and then treated with different doses of Nerolidol. Nerolidol inhibited the activity of TGF‐β/Smad signaling pathway both in the lung tissue of OVA‐induced mouse and TGF‐β‐stimulated ASMCs. 16s rRNA sequencing was performed on feces of normal mice, the changes of intestinal flora in OVA‐induced asthmatic mice and Nerolidol‐treated asthmatic mice were studied. The results showed that Nerolidol reversed the reduced gut microbial alpha diversity in asthmatic mice. Nerolidol changed the relative abundance of gut bacteria at different taxonomic levels. At the phylum level, the dominant bacteria were Bacteroidota, Firmicutes, and Proteobacteria. At the genus level, the dominant bacteria were Lactobacillus, Muribaculaceae, Bacteroides, and Lachnospiraceae. We conclude that Nerolidol attenuates OVA‐induced airway inflammation and alters gut microbes in mice with asthma via TGF‐β/Smad signaling.
Small‐Molecule Regulators for Gene Switches to Program Mammalian Cell Behaviour
Authors: Mansouri Maysam , Fussenegger Martin
Published: December 2023

Synthetic or natural small molecules have been extensively employed as trigger signals or inducers to regulate engineered gene circuits introduced into living cells in order to obtain desired outputs in a controlled and predictable manner. Here, we provide an overview of small molecules used to drive synthetic‐biology‐based gene circuits in mammalian cells, together with examples of applications at different levels of control, including regulation of DNA manipulation, RNA synthesis and editing, and protein synthesis, maturation, and trafficking. We also discuss the therapeutic potential of these small‐molecule‐responsive gene circuits, focusing on the advantages and disadvantages of using small molecules as triggers, the mechanisms involved, and the requirements for selecting suitable molecules, including efficiency, specificity, orthogonality, and safety. Finally, we explore potential future directions for translation of these devices to clinical medicine.
Sexual misconduct among elementary and middle school‐aged children in partial hospitalization setting
Authors: Azar Margaret
Published: December 2023

Often discussions of sexual misconduct of minors center on adult‐on‐child incidents; however, the frequency of student‐on‐student sexual misconduct has been on the rise. Sexual misconduct is defined as any conduct which is sexual in nature and is unwelcome and engaged in without consent. Sexual misconduct can include a range of behaviors including sexual harassment and unwanted touching. Recent data indicates that one‐half to three‐quarters of child sexual abuse and assault victimization experiences are committed by other children.
Difference between antegrade and retrograde orbital atherectomy system debulking using an artificial pulsatile heart model
Authors: Kawamura Akito , Egami Yasuyuki , Okamoto Naotaka , Kawanami Shodai , Yasumoto Koji , Tsuda Masaki , Matsunaga‐Lee Yasuharu , Yano Masamichi , Nishino Masami , Okayama Keita
Published: December 2023

Background

Debulking devices are necessary to treat severe calcified lesions. OAS has a unique characteristic that the burr moves forward and backward. There are few studies reporting the differences of ablation style between only‐antegrade and only‐retrograde OAS.

Aims

The aim of this study was to evaluate the difference of ablation style between only‐antegrade and only‐retrograde orbital atherectomy system (OAS) using an artificial pulsatile heart model (HEARTROID system®) and optical coherence tomography (OCT).

Methods

The calcified lesion model was inserted into the mid of left anterior descending in the HEARTROID®. Only‐antegrade and only‐retrograde ablation of OAS were conducted for each five lesions. Pre‐OCT, OCT after low speed debulking and OCT after high speed debulking were conducted. The width and the depth of debulked area, the debulked area and the direction of debulked area were investigated.

Results

In all of 210 cross‐sections, 91 debulked cross sections were chosen for analysis. Only‐antegrade group had 47 debulked cross‐sections, and only‐retrograde group 44 cross‐sections. In the evaluation of OCT after high speed debulking, the debulked area (0.76 mm2 [0.58−0.91] vs. 0.53 mm2 [0.36−0.68], p < 0.001) and the depth of debulked area (0.76 mm [0.58−0.91] vs. 0.53 mm [0.36−0.68], p < 0.001) were significantly higher in only‐antegrade group compared to only‐retrograde group. The debulked bias and the width of debulked area are not significantly different between the two groups.

Conclusions

Compared to only‐retrograde debulking, only‐antegrade debulking acquired larger debulked area because of larger cutting depth, although the debulked bias and the width of debulked area were comparable between the two groups.