bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ANGPTL2‐mediated epigenetic repression of MHC‐I in tumor cells accelerates tumor immune evasion
Authors: Kadomatsu Tsuyoshi , Hara Chiaki , Kurahashi Ryoma , Horiguchi Haruki , Morinaga Jun , Miyata Keishi , Kurano Sohtaro , Kanemaru Hisashi , Fukushima Satoshi , Araki Kimi , Baba Masaya , Linehan W. Marston , Kamba Tomomi , Oike Yuichi
Published: July 2023

Loss or downregulation of major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC‐I) contributes to tumor immune evasion. We previously demonstrated that angiopoietin‐like protein 2 (ANGPTL2) promotes tumor progression using a Xp11.2 translocation renal cell carcinoma (tRCC) mouse model. However, molecular mechanisms underlying ANGPTL2 tumor‐promoting activity in the tRCC model remained unclear. Here, we report that ANGPTL2 deficiency in renal tubular epithelial cells slows tumor progression in the tRCC mouse model and promotes activated CD8+ T‐cell infiltration of kidney tissues. We also found that Angptl2‐deficient tumor cells show enhanced interferon γ‐induced expression of MHC‐I and increased susceptibility to CD8+ T‐cell‐mediated anti‐tumor immune responses. Moreover, we provide evidence that the ANGPTL2‐α5β1 integrin pathway accelerates polycomb repressive complex 2‐mediated repression of MHC‐I expression in tumor cells. These findings suggest that ANGPTL2 signaling in tumor cells contributes to tumor immune evasion and that suppressing that signaling in tumor cells could serve as a potential strategy to facilitate tumor elimination by T‐cell‐mediated anti‐tumor immunity.
The stress sensor GCN2 differentially controls ribosome biogenesis in colon cancer according to the nutritional context
Authors: Piecyk Marie , Triki Mouna , Laval Pierre‐Alexandre , Duret Cedric , Fauvre Joelle , Cussonneau Laura , Machon Christelle , Guitton Jerôme , Rama Nicolas , Gibert Benjamin , Ichim Gabriel , Catez Frederic , Bourdelais Fleur , Durand Sebastien , Diaz Jean‐Jacques , Coste Isabelle , Renno Toufic , Manié Serge N. , Aznar Nicolas , Ansieau Stephane , Ferraro‐Peyret Carole , Chaveroux Cedric
Published: July 2023

Nutrient availability is a key determinant of tumor cell behavior. While nutrient‐rich conditions favor proliferation and tumor growth, scarcity, and particularly glutamine starvation, promotes cell dedifferentiation and chemoresistance. Here, linking ribosome biogenesis plasticity with tumor cell fate, we uncover that the amino acid sensor general control non‐derepressible 2 (GCN2; also known as eIF‐2‐alpha kinase 4) represses the expression of the precursor of ribosomal RNA (rRNA), 47S, under metabolic stress. We show that blockade of GCN2 triggers cell death by an irremediable nucleolar stress and subsequent TP53‐mediated apoptosis in patient‐derived models of colon adenocarcinoma (COAD). In nutrient‐rich conditions, a cell‐autonomous GCN2 activity supports cell proliferation by stimulating 47S rRNA transcription, independently of the canonical integrated stress response (ISR) axis. Impairment of GCN2 activity prevents nuclear translocation of methionyl‐tRNA synthetase (MetRS), resulting in nucleolar stress, mTORC1 inhibition and, ultimately, autophagy induction. Inhibition of the GCN2–MetRS axis drastically improves the cytotoxicity of RNA polymerase I (RNA pol I) inhibitors, including the first‐line chemotherapy oxaliplatin, on patient‐derived COAD tumoroids. Our data thus reveal that GCN2 differentially controls ribosome biogenesis according to the nutritional context. Furthermore, pharmacological co‐inhibition of the two GCN2 branches and RNA pol I activity may represent a valuable strategy for elimination of proliferative and metabolically stressed COAD cells.
Mechanical Properties and Strain Hardening Behavior of Few‐Layered Graphene Nanosheets‐Reinforced Powder Metallurgy Nickel‐Based Superalloy Metal Matrix Composites
Authors: Gao Yuxi , Zou Jinwen , Wang Huaming , Han Yongquan
Published: July 2023

Herein, few‐layered graphene nanosheets (GNS) with approximately 3, 6, or 9 layers are used to reinforce high‐performance nickel‐based superalloy metal matrix composite. A powder metallurgy method comprising solution‐mixing, hot isostatic pressing, and thermal processing is used to prepare GNS‐FGH96 composites with different numbers of GNS layers as well as referential FGH96 matrix materials. Compared with those of unreinforced FGH96, the mechanical properties of the GNS‐FGH96 composites are enhanced, specifically, the ≈6 layers GNS‐FGH96 composite exhibits an ultimate tensile strength of 1660 MPa and a yield strength of 1229 MPa, which are 9.79% and 6.87% higher, respectively, than those without the addition of GNS. Furthermore, the ≈6 layers GNS‐FGH96 composite exhibits the highest elongation‐at‐fracture of 29.9%. The as‐prepared GNS‐FGH96 composites show a good balance of strength and ductility owing to the increased dislocation density between the FGH96 matrix and GNS reinforcement interface area, as well as the high structural integrity of the GNS. Thus, this study provides a novel approach for designing and creating high‐performance graphene‐reinforced FGH96 metal matrix composites that exhibit exceptional strength and toughness.
Digital Light Processing of 2D Lattice Composites for Tunable Self‐Sensing and Mechanical Performance
Authors: Saadi Omar Waqas , Uddin Mohammed Ayaz , Schiffer Andreas , Kumar Shanmugam
Published: July 2023

This study investigates the mechanical and piezoresistive self‐sensing performance of additive manufacturing‐enabled 2D nanocomposite lattices under monotonic and cyclic tensile loading. Lattice structures comprising hexagonal, chiral, triangular, and reentrant unit cell topologies are realized via digital light processing using an acrylic photocurable resin filled with carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The results reveal that the piezoresistive sensitivity of reentrant and triangular lattices is nearly insensitive to changes in relative density. In contrast, the gauge factors of the hexagonal and chiral lattices rise by 300% and 500%, respectively, with an increase in relative density from 20 to 40%, which can be ascribed to their bend‐dominated behavior, causing an increase in surface strains in the lattice struts with increasing relative density for an imposed macroscopic strain. The measured stress versus strain responses compare well with nonlinear finite element results. Under strain‐controlled cyclic loading, the electrical resistance of the 2D lattices is found to decline over time due to reorientation of the CNTs in the surrounding viscoelastic polymer matrix. The findings provide valuable insights into the interrelations between sensing performance, cell architecture, and relative density of the lattices, and offer guidelines for the design of architected strain sensors and self‐sensing lightweight structures.
Modular Soft Robotic Actuators from Flexible Perforated Sheets
Authors: Pagliocca Nicholas , Trkov Mitja , Koohbor Behrad
Published: July 2023

Soft robotic actuators can be designed to achieve complex and tailored motions while simultaneously leveraging their compliance to interact with complex and often delicate environments. Mechanical metamaterials reveal a route to customizable deformations, force exertion, and mechanical energy efficiency attainable by careful arrangement of local geometric features. Herein, modular soft robotic actuators are developed from soft elastomers and flexible thermoplastic sheets of various unit cell designs. The efforts are focused on center‐symmetric perforated sheets, which are formed into flexible cylindrical skins that surround the soft inflatable actuators. The results demonstrate the influence of perforation geometry on the spatial stiffness of the reinforcement structure and the proposed actuators’ response through several investigations. It is demonstrated that the free‐boundary displacement, maximal force exertion, and mechanical energy efficiency of extensile actuators are dependent on a change of deformation mode in the mesostructure. The spatial stiffness concept is extended to develop soft robotic actuators that can bend, twist, and perform hybrid motions, such as simultaneous bending and twisting. Multisegment soft robotic arms are also developed from the aforementioned actuators. Investigations in this study provide a step toward the development of highly customizable and programmable soft robotic actuators for various applications.
New Generation Beta‐Gallium Oxide Nanomaterials: Growth and Performances in Electronic Devices
Authors: Hu Jianqiao , Yu Bo , Zhou Jian
Published: July 2023

In the last decade, beta‐gallium oxide (β‐Ga2O3) has been the subject of extensive research and has rapidly developed as a material for ultra‐wide bandgap semiconductors. One‐dimensional (1D) β‐Ga2O3 nanostructures have advantages over bulk β‐Ga2O3, including a high‐specific surface area, sensitivity, and the quantum confinement effect. These advantages are favorable to developing various applications such as power electronics with improved heat dissipation effect, high detectivity photodetectors, and high sensitivity gas sensors. These nanostructures can be fabricated through top‐down or bottom‐up methods and have been utilized in various shapes, such as nanowires, nanobelts, nanorods, nanotubes, or networks, in various electronic devices. This review summarizes the recent developments in 1D β‐Ga2O3 nanostructures, focusing on growth methodologies and mechanisms. In detail, the growth methodologies of 1D β‐Ga2O3 are summarized based on four categories: vapor–liquid–solid, vapor–solid, solution–solid, and template mechanisms. Ten growth techniques regarding different fabrication mechanisms are reviewed and the corresponding applications such as gas sensors, UV photodetectors, resistive random access memories, and photocatalysts are summarized. This review provides material design strategies for developing next‐generation optoelectronic or electronic products by summarizing the properties and fabrication methods of 1D β‐Ga2O3.
Preparation of Porous Silver Nanowires‐Melamine Formaldehyde Hybrid Composite Materials and Their Electromagnetic Shielding and Flame‐Retardant Properties
Authors: Shi Hai-Gang , Guo Yan-Ni , Wang Hui , Wang Guang-Yan
Published: July 2023

Along with the booming development of communication technology and electronic equipment, higher requirements of flame‐retardant and EMI shielding performances for electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding materials are put forward. Herein, the ultralight and porous silver nanowires (AgNWs)‐melamine formaldehyde (MF) hybrid composite with unique micro‐/nanostructure is developed by a facile dip‐coating method, which uses the AgNWs as 1D conductive coating and MF foam (MF foam) as 3D skeleton template. Benefiting from the unique porous micro‐/nanostructure, the resultant hybrid composite displays low density, excellent EMI shielding performances, and superior flame‐retardant property. The EMI shielding effectiveness (SE) and specific EMI SE (SSEt) of the hybrid composite in X‐band (8.2–12.4 GHz) can be up to 77 dB and 26971.4 dB cm−2 g−1, respectively. At the same time, the hybrid composite also passes the vertical burning test and shows an increased LOI value of 40.6%. The combination of flame‐retardant and EMI shielding performances for EMI shielding materials makes the AgNWs‐MF hybrid composite great application potential in civil and military fields. This work provides a new guide for the design of multifunctional high‐performance EMI shielding materials.
Side‐Chain Functionalized Polymer Hole‐Transporting Materials with Defect Passivation Effect for Highly Efficient Inverted Quasi‐2D Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Pan Zhengwu , Peng Darui , Zhao Xiujie , Xu Weifeng , Bao Yinyu , Feng Ziqian , Zou Qin , Xu Bo , Wang Yue , Gao Han , Yin Chengrong , Li Renzhi , Wang Jianpu , Huang Wei
Published: July 2023

Compared with inverted 3D perovskite solar cell (PSCs), inverted quasi‐2D PSCs have advantages in device stability, but the device efficiency is still lagging behind. Constructing polymer hole‐transporting materials (HTMs) with passivation functions to improve the buried interface and crystallization properties of perovskite films is one of the effective strategies to improve the performance of inverted quasi‐2D PSCs. Herein, two novel side‐chain functionalized polymer HTMs containing methylthio‐based passivation groups are designed, named PVCz‐SMeTPA and PVCz‐SMeDAD, for inverted quasi‐2D PSCs. Benefited from the non‐conjugated flexible backbone bearing functionalized side‐chain groups, the polymer HTMs exhibit excellent film‐forming properties, well‐matched energy levels and improved charge mobility, which facilitates the charge extraction and transport between HTM and quasi‐2D perovskite layer. More importantly, by introducing methylthio units, the polymer HTMs can enhance the contact and interactions with quasi‐2D perovskite, and further passivating the buried interface defects and assisting the deposition of high‐quality perovskite. Due to the suppressed interfacial non‐radiative recombination, the inverted quasi‐2D PSCs using PVCz‐SMeTPA and PVCz‐SMeDAD achieve impressive power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 21.41% and 20.63% with open‐circuit voltage of 1.23 and 1.22 V, respectively. Furthermore, the PVCz‐SMeTPA based inverted quasi‐2D PSCs also exhibits negligible hysteresis and considerably improved thermal and long‐term stability.
Role of Metal Contacts on Halide Perovskite Memristors
Authors: Pérez‐Martínez José Carlos , Berruet Mariana , Gonzales Cedric , Salehpour Saeed , Bahari Ali , Arredondo Belén , Guerrero Antonio
Published: July 2023

Halide perovskites are promising candidates for resistive memories (memristors) due to their mixed electronic/ionic conductivity and the real activation mechanism is currently under debate. In order to unveil the role of the metal contact and its connection with the activation process, four model systems are screened on halide perovskite memristors: Nearly inert metals (Au and Pt), low reactivity contacts (Cu), highly reactive contact (Ag and Al), and pre‐oxidized metal in the form of AgI. It is revealed that the threshold voltage for activation of the memory effect is highly connected with the electrochemical activity of the metals. Redox/capacitive peaks are observed for reactive metals at positive potentials and charged ions are formed that can follow the electrical field. Activation proceeds by formation of conductive filaments, either by the direct migration of the charged metals or by an increase in the concentration of halide vacancies generated by this electrochemical reaction. Importantly, the use of pre‐oxidized Ag+ ions leads to very low threshold voltages of ≈0.2 V indicating that an additional electrochemical reaction is not needed in this system to activate the memristor. Overall, the effect of the metal contact is clarified, and it is revealed that AgI is a very promising interfacial layer for low‐energy applications.
Strategies for Realizing Rechargeable High Volumetric Energy Density Conversion‐Based Aluminum–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Zhang Jing , He Rong , Jia Lujie , You Caiyin , Zhang Yongzheng , Liu Meinan , Tian Na , Lin Hongzhen , Wang Jian
Published: July 2023

Aluminum–sulfur batteries (ASBs) are deemed to be alternatives to meet the increasing demands for energy storage due to their high theoretical capacity, high safety, low cost, and the rich abundances of Al and S. However, the challenging problems including sluggish conversion kinetics, inferior electrolyte compatibility, and potential dendrite formation are still remained. This review comprehensively focuses on summarizing the specific strategies from polysulfide shuttling inhibition to form smooth anodic Al activation/deposition. Especially, innovations in cathodic side for achieving electrochemical kinetic modulations, electrolyte optimizations, and anodic interface mediations are discussed. Upon detailed elaborating the formation process, influencing factors, and their interactions in the Al–S electrochemistry, a comprehensive summary of their causative mechanisms and the corresponding strategies are provided, including optimization of electrolytes, innovative in situ detections, and precise electrocatalytic strategies. Based on such a systematic understanding in the Al–S electrochemistry, the possible electrochemical reaction mechanism is deciphered more clearly and enlightened practical strategies on the future development of stable ASBs. Furthermore, future opportunities and directions of high‐performance conversion‐based Al–S batteries for large‐scale energy storage applications are highlighted.
1D Van der Waals Polymers with Nonlinear Optical Performance Approaching Theoretical Upper Limit
Authors: Yang Jingyu , Deng Jun , Pan Jinbo , Zhu Yongqian , Zhang Yan‐Fang , Li Yuhui , Sun Jia‐Tao , Du Shixuan
Published: July 2023

Nonlinear optical (NLO) materials are of great importance for applications in lasers, atomic clocks, free‐space communication, etc. Herein, inspired by the recent prediction of excellent second harmonic generation (SHG) performance in van der Waals (vdW) materials with 1D building blocks, 14 new NLO materials are found from 244 bulk crystals constructed with 1D polymers using high‐throughput first‐principles calculations. Nearly half of the new NLO materials exhibit superior NLO performance with SHG susceptibilities approaching the theoretical upper limit. The 2D form of 11 candidates inherits the NLO property covering UV, visible, and infrared regions. Bader charge analysis reveals that the SHG susceptibility is determined by the charge difference of ions on the chains. Finally, it is proposed that superior NLO materials can be found in materials with proper bandgaps and large charge differences on the chains. This work not only screens out candidates with outstanding NLO performance in vdW materials with 1D building blocks but also provides a guideline for the search and design of NLO vdW 1D polymer patterns with excellent NLO properties.
Boosting the Performance of Organic Photodetectors with a Solution‐Processed Integration Circuit toward Ubiquitous Health Monitoring
Authors: Luo Gan , Shi Jialin , Deng Wei , Chang Zhizhen , Lu Zhengjun , Zhang Yujian , Pan Rui , Jie Jiansheng , Zhang Xiujuan , Zhang Xiaohong
Published: July 2023

Organic photodetectors, as an emerging wearable photoplethysmographic (PPG) technology, offer exciting opportunities for next‐generation photonic healthcare electronics. However, the mutual restraints among photoresponse, structure complexity, and fabrication cost have intrinsically limited the development of organic photodetectors for ubiquitous health monitoring in daily activities. Here, an effective route to dramatically boost the performance of organic photodetectors with a solution‐processed integration circuit for health monitoring application is reported. Through creating an ideal metal–semiconductor junction interface that minimizes the trap states within the device, solution‐printed organic field‐effect transistors (OFETs) are achieved with an ultrahigh signal amplification efficiency of 37.1 S A−1, approaching the theoretical thermionic limit. Consequently, monolithic integration of the OFET with an organic photoconductor enables the remarkable amplification of photoresponse signal‐to‐noise ratio by more than four orders of magnitude from 5.5 to 4.6 × 105, which is able to meet the demand for accurately extracting physiological information from the PPG waveforms. This work offers an effective and versatile approach to greatly enhance the photodetector performance, promising to revolutionize health monitoring technologies.
Robust and Sustainable Indium Anode Leading to Efficient and Stable Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Xiang Jiale , Liu Zhi‐Xi , Chen Hongzheng , Li Chang‐Zhi
Published: July 2023

The fast degradation of the charge‐extraction interface at indium tin oxide (ITO) poses a significant obstacle to achieving long‐term stability for organic solar cells (OSCs). Herein, a sustainable approach for recycling non‐sustainable indium to construct efficient and stable OSCs and scale‐up modules is developed. It is revealed that the recovered indium chloride (InCl3) from indium oxide waste can be applied as an effective hole‐selective interfacial layer for the ITO electrode (noted as InCl3–ITO anode) through simple aqueous fabrication, facilitating not only energy level alignment to photoactive blends but also mitigating parasitic absorption and charge recombination losses of the corresponding OSCs. As a result, OSCs and modules consisting of InCl3–ITO anodes achieve remarkable power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of 18.92% and 15.20% (active area of 18.73 cm2), respectively. More importantly, the InCl3–ITO anode can significantly extend the thermal stability of derived OSCs, with an extrapolated T80 lifetime of ≈10 000 h.
AI‐Driven Discovery of Amorphous Fluorinated Polymer Electret with Improved Charge Stability for Energy Harvesting
Authors: Mao Zetian , Chen Chi , Zhang Yucheng , Suzuki Kuniko , Suzuki Yuji
Published: July 2023

Electret materials are promising dielectric materials with trapped charges for various applications such as vibration energy harvesters and acoustic transducers. In the present work, ionization potential is discovered as the descriptor to quantify the charging performance for amorphous fluorinated polymer electrets. Using this descriptor, high‐throughput computations, and graph neural network models, 1 176 591 functional groups are screened on the cyclic transparent optical polymers (CYTOP), and 3 promising electrets are identified. The electrets are synthesized experimentally as 15 µm‐thick films. The films are able to keep their both bipolar surface potentials above ±3.1 kV for over 1500 h and are estimated to have longevity of 146 years under 80 °C, achieving significant improvements on charging stability among CYTOP‐based polymer electrets. The excellent bipolar charging performance can greatly enhance power generation capacity of electret‐based vibration energy harvesters. This work also demonstrates the use of deep learning as a new paradigm for accelerating practical materials discovery.
Bifacial and Semitransparent Sb2(S,Se)3 Solar Cells for Single‐Junction and Tandem Photovoltaic Applications
Authors: Qian Chen , Sun Kaiwen , Cong Jialin , Cai Huiling , Huang Jialiang , Li Caixia , Cao Rui , Liu Ziheng , Green Martin , Hoex Bram , Chen Tao , Hao Xiaojing
Published: July 2023

Thin‐film solar cells are expected to play a significant role in the space industry, building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV), indoor applications, and tandem solar cells, where bifaciality and semitransparency are highly desired. Sb2(S,Se)3 has emerged as a promising new photovoltaic (PV) material for its high absorption coefficient, tunable bandgap, and nontoxic and earth‐abundant constituents. However, high‐efficiency Sb2(S,Se)3 solar cells exclusively employ monofacial architectures, leaving a considerable gap toward large‐scale application in aforementioned fields. Here, a bifacial and semitransparent Sb2(S,Se)3 solar cell and its extended application in tandem solar cells are reported. The transparent conductive oxides (TCOs) and the ultrathin inner n–i–p structure provide high long‐wavelength transmittance. Despite the MnS/ITO Schottky junction, power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of 7.41% and 6.36% are achieved with front and rear illumination, respectively, contributing to a great bifaciality of 0.86. Consequently, the reported device gains great enhancement in PV performance by exploiting albedo of surroundings and shows exceptional capability in absorbing tilt incident light. Moreover, an Sb2(S,Se)3/Si tandem solar cell with a PCE of 11.66% is achieved in preliminary trials. These exciting findings imply that bifacial and semitransparent Sb2(S,Se)3 solar cells possess tremendous potential in practical applications based on their unique characteristics.
Two‐Dimensional Oxide Crystals for Device Applications: Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Feng Xiaoqiang , Cheng Ruiqing , Yin Lei , Wen Yao , Jiang Jian , He Jun
Published: July 2023

Atomically thin two‐dimensional (2D) oxide crystals have garnered considerable attention because of their remarkable physical properties and potential for versatile applications. In recent years, significant advancements have been made in the design, preparation, and application of ultrathin 2D oxides, providing many opportunities for new‐generation advanced technologies. This review focuses on the controllable preparation of 2D oxide crystals and their applications in electronic and optoelectronic devices. Based on their bonding nature, the various types of 2D oxide crystals are first summarized, including both layered and nonlayered crystals, as well as their current top‐down and bottom‐up synthetic approaches. Subsequently, in terms of the unique physical and electrical properties of 2D oxides, recent advances in device applications are emphasized, including photodetectors, field‐effect transistors, dielectric layers, magnetic and ferroelectric devices, memories, and gas sensors. Finally, conclusions and future prospects of 2D oxide crystals are presented. It is hoped that this review will provide comprehensive and insightful guidance for the development of 2D oxide crystals and their device applications.
Effect of Au@MoS2 Contacted PEDOT:PSS on Work Function of Planar Silicon Hybrid Solar Cells
Authors: Wang Juan , Zhou Weijie , Wei Qianwen , Liu Guangsheng , Yuan Xibin , Pen Hua , Zhang Guijun , Wang Rongfei , Wang Chong , Yang Yu
Published: July 2023

Solar cells formed by spin‐coating organic absorber layers on silicon have attracted widespread attention due to their simple processes and high photovoltaic conversion efficiency (PCE). In typical organic/Si solar cells, however, surface defects or unsatisfactory carrier separation are inadequate to yield excellent device performance. Here, the Au@MoS2 nanocomposites are well synthesized and doped into the organic layer of poly (3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene)/polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) to improve its work function and the performance of PEDOT:PSS/Si HSCs consequently. By optimizing the doping level of Au@MoS2, the PCE significantly improved from 11.48% to 14.0% by tuning the work function of the PEDOT:PSS layer to more appropriate values. The calculated results based on the Mott–Schottky model indicate that the built‐in field in the PEDOT:PSS/Si interface of HSCs is significantly enhanced due to the increase of work function by the PEDOT:PSS thin films. The enhancement of the built‐in field results in the reduction of the electron–hole recombination loss effectively. The work provides a feasible method for preparing high‐performance PEDOT:PSS/Si HSCs.
Multielementary Alloy Chiral Nanoparticles with Strong Optical Activities
Authors: Ma Yicong , Yang Lin , Hu Xiangchen , Zhang Miao , Qu Geping , Bai Xiaopeng , Sun Haifeng , Zhu Feng , Zhong Xiaoyan , Chen Xiao , Xu Zongxiang , Yu Yi , Huang Zhifeng
Published: July 2023

Structural chirality has been imposed onto nano‐alloys to introduce diverse new properties. Chiral nanoparticles (CNPs) with the atomic scale chirality are composed of metastable chiral lattices having low thermal stability, so multielementary (>2 elements) CNPs are very challenging to produce using traditional high‐energy fabrication methods. Herein, layer‐by‐layer glancing angle deposition (LbL‐GLAD) at a low substrate temperature of ≈−40 °C, consisting of GLAD of the host CNPs and the subsequent GLAD of guests, is devised to extend the alloy compositional space to the ternary (e.g., Ag:Al:Cu and Ag:Al:Au) and quaternary (e.g., Ag:Al:Cu:Au and Al:In:Sn:Ti). The low‐temperature GLAD‐induced alloying facilitates the formation of the metastable multi‐layer chiral twisting of achiral facets, chiral defects due to the diffusion of the guests, and chiral electronic bands, leading to a significant amplification of chiroplasmonic optical activities in 20–30 folds. The LbL‐GLAD can be generally adapted to fabricate multielementary alloy CNPs composed of a wide range of elements, with a prospective application of asymmetric catalysts to synthesize an enantiomer with designable chirality, one of the most important topics in modern chemistry and biochemistry to solve the problems of health and environmental pollution.
Visible White‐Light Emission and Carrier Dynamics Observed in Full‐Series GaSe1‐xSx (0≤x≤1) Multilayers
Authors: Chuang Ching‐An , Yu Feng‐Han , Yeh Bo‐Xian , Ummah Anna Milatul , Rosyadi Adzilah Shahna , Ho Ching‐Hwa
Published: July 2023

Near‐band‐edge emissions ranging from red (≈630 to 602 nm) to green (≈550 to 534 nm) and blue (≈494 to 480 nm) colors have been detected in full‐series GaSe1‐xSx (0≤x≤1) multilayers using micro‐photoluminescence (µPL) measurements from 4 to 300 K. The multilayered chalcogenides crystallize in a hexagonal structure, with observed mixed stacking phases of ε and β polymorphs through X‐ray diffraction and Raman measurements. The µPL results, along with experimental band‐edge characterization through thermoreflectance, identify the ε‐stacked phase as the crucial phase responsible for direct recombination and the emission of free excitons within the visible range. A mixed‐color white light is created by PL, which is emitted from the layered GaSe1‐xSx series of different colors, and is positioned at the center of the CIE coordination plot (i.e., white color). To assess the emission properties of both band edges and defects in the layered compounds, time‐resolved photoluminescence (TRPL) is employed, using an area mapping function. The photoluminescence decay lifetime increases as the sulfur content is increased, owing to the greater occurrence of mixed‐phase stacking faults near the β‐GaS end within the GaSe1‐xSx (0≤x≤1) series. The multilayer GaSe1‐xSx (0≤x≤1) represents a distinct 2D chalcogenide series well‐suited for emitting full‐color visible light.
Designing Regenerative Bioadhesives for Tissue Repair and Regeneration
Authors: Li Xuan , Liu Yin , Liu Shiyu , Li‐Jessen Nicole Y. K. , Haglund Lisbet , Huang Baolin , Li Jianyu
Published: July 2023

Tissue loss through injury, surgery, and disease motivates the development of new biomaterials to enable tissue repair and regeneration. Emerging at the interface between bioadhesives and regenerative medicine, a new generation of regenerative bioadhesives is created to possess dual functions of seamless tissue adhesion and effective tissue repair. This bioadhesive innovation has wide clinical applications, ranging from wound management to the regeneration of musculoskeletal tissues such as tendons and intervertebral discs. This perspective covers the design principles of regenerative bioadhesives in considering both mechanical and biological elements. Case studies of regenerative bioadhesives for load‐bearing organs such as skin, tendon, and intervertebral discs are presented here. Finally, immediate opportunities and future perspectives are outlined to further advance the field of regenerative bioadhesives.
Chloroquine Intervenes Nephrotoxicity of Nilotinib through Deubiquitinase USP13‐Mediated Stabilization of Bcl‐XL
Authors: Yan Hao , Huang Xiangliang , Xu Jiangxin , Zhang Ying , Chen Jiajia , Xu Zhifei , Li Hui , Wang Zeng , Yang Xiaochun , Yang Bo , He Qiaojun , Luo Peihua
Published: July 2023

Nephrotoxicity has become prominent due to the increase in the clinical use of nilotinib, a second‐generation BCR‐ABL1 inhibitor in the first‐line treatment of Philadelphia chromosome‐positive chronic myeloid leukemia. To date, the mechanism of nilotinib nephrotoxicity is still unknown, leading to a lack of clinical intervention strategies. Here, it is found that nilotinib could induce glomerular atrophy, renal tubular degeneration, and kidney fibrosis in an animal model. Mechanistically, nilotinib induces intrinsic apoptosis by specifically reducing the level of BCL2 like 1 (Bcl‐XL) in both vascular endothelial cells and renal tubular epithelial cells, as well as in vivo. It is confirmed that chloroquine (CQ) intervenes with nilotinib‐induced apoptosis and improves mitochondrial integrity, reactive oxygen species accumulation, and DNA damage by reversing the decreased Bcl‐XL. The intervention effect is dependent on the alleviation of the nilotinib‐induced reduction in ubiquitin specific peptidase 13 (USP13) and does not rely on autophagy inhibition. Additionally, it is found that USP13 abrogates cell apoptosis by preventing excessive ubiquitin‒proteasome degradation of Bcl‐XL. In conclusion, the research reveals the molecular mechanism of nilotinib's nephrotoxicity, highlighting USP13 as an important regulator of Bcl‐XL stability in determining cell fate, and provides CQ analogs as a clinical intervention strategy for nilotinib's nephrotoxicity.
A Bi‐Gradient Dielectric Polymer/High‐Κ Nanoparticle/Molecular Semiconductor Ternary Composite for High‐Temperature Capacitive Energy Storage
Authors: Li Manxi , Zhu Yujie , Wang Rui , Fu Jing , Ran Zhaoyu , Yang Mingcong , Li Junluo , Hu Jun , He Jinliang , Li Qi
Published: July 2023

Attaining compact energy storage under extreme temperature conditions is of paramount importance in the development of advanced dielectric materials. The polymer composite approach has proved effective towards this goal, and addressing the correlation between filler distribution and electrical properties is foremost in designing composite dielectrics, especially in multifiller systems. Here, the design of a bi‐gradient polymer composite dielectric using an integrated framework based on the phase field model is reported. This framework can predict the charge‐inhibiting behavior of composite dielectrics, which is a key factor impacting the high‐temperature capacitive performance but unfortunately is ignored in conventional phase field models. It is found that due to the traps provided by the functional organic fillers, more carriers are trapped near the electrodes and weaken the electric field, thus significantly suppressing the breakdown initialization process. An interpenetrating gradient structure is designed rationally and synthesized experimentally, which exhibits concurrent high energy density (5.51 J cm−3) and high charge‐discharge efficiency (90%) up to 200 °C. This work provides a strategy to predict the high‐temperature energy storage performance of polymer composites containing charge‐inhibiting components and helps broaden the scope of data‐driven materials design based on phase‐field modeling.
Mechanical Seed Mechanism to Facilitate Homogeneous Li Metal Growth
Authors: Choi Gwanghyeon , Kim Youngoh , Choi Joonmyung , Kim Duho
Published: July 2023

An intriguing mechanical seed (MS) concept that modulates (in)homogeneous Li metal growth is proposed based on an in‐depth understanding of its fundamental mechanism using unified atomistic computations. A large dataset of thermodynamic energies for Li disordered phase decouples the dual‐body interactions into three components: i) crystal‐like, ii) long, and iii) short bonds of Li─Li based on machine learning assisted by density function theory calculations. The contributions of these dual‐body interactions offer a mechanical factor for controlling the disordered‐ordered phase transition during electrochemical deposition. Macroscopic molecular dynamics simulations systematically construct the core–shell sphere and cross‐sectional models to reinforce the MS premise. The former reveals that the lower energy level of disordered phase under the moderate compression causes a slow phase kinetics, whereas the strain‐free mode exhibits a relatively fast transition. In addition, the cross‐sectional model exhibits a smooth surface landscape for the strain‐optimized case. These observations are attributed to the surface area evolutions depending on the MS conditions and elucidate the dynamic atomic displacements near the grain boundary from a local structural perspective. The proposed mechanical design concept facilitates uniform Li growth and is expected to be a global parameter in harnessing the full potential of Li metal batteries.
Hetero‐Packing Nanostructures of Iron (III) Fluoride Nanocomposite Cathode for High‐Rate and Long‐Life Rechargeable Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Guan Tuxiang , Zhao Lei , Zhou Yu , Qiu Xinming , Wu Jian , Wu Guan , Bao Ningzhong
Published: July 2023

High‐performance metal fluoride cathodes are crucial to design ultrahigh‐capacity lithium metal batteries for taking part in the next‐generation energy storage market. However, their insulating nature and sluggish reaction kinetics result in voltage hysteresis, low‐rate capability, and rapid capacity degradation. Herein, a generalizable one‐step melt synthesis approach is reported to construct hetero‐packing nanostructures of FeF3@C‐Asphalt nanocomposites, where ultrafine FeF3 nanoparticles are homogeneously covered by a high conductive carbon framework. By the electrochemical kinetics calculation and multiphysics simulations, this FeF3@C‐Asphalt nanocomposites consist of ultrafine nanoparticles and a constrained carbon framework, offering a high tap density (1.8 g cm−3), significantly improved conductivity, and enhanced charge pathways, and thereby enabling the fast electron transport, rapid ion migration, depressed electrode internal stress, and mitigated volume expansion. As a result, the optimized FeF3@C‐Asphalt cathode delivers a high capacity of 517 mAh g−1, high cyclic stability of 87.5% after 1000 cycles under 5 A g−1 (10 C), and excellent capacity retention of 77% from 0.5 A g−1 to 10 A g−1 (20 C, 250 mAh g−1). The work provides an easy‐to‐operate and low‐cost approach to accomplish high cyclic stability metal fluoride‐lithium batteries, which will guide the development of fast‐charging ultrahigh‐capacity cathode materials for the new energy industry.
Impact of rural households' digital ability on their production efficiency in China
Authors: Li Danyang , Kojima Daizo , Wu Laping , Ando Mitsuyoshi
Published: July 2023

Rural digitalization has become a key part of modernization in China. However, this rural digitalization follows a top‐down approach, from government guidance to private construction. Rural households' digital abilities have not received sufficient attention. This study explores rural households' digital abilities and their impact on production efficiency. One thousand eight hundred and seventy households are grouped into digital households (who have access to both digital and traditional channels) and traditional households (who only access traditional channels) based on their access to information channels for comparative analysis. The two‐parameter item response theory is applied to measure digital ability; stochastic frontier models are constructed to test the impact of digital ability on production efficiency; and a stochastic meta‐frontier approach is used to compare the efficiency between groups. The results indicate that: (1) digital households have stronger digital abilities than traditional households. (2) Digital ability is positively correlated with production efficiency. This effect is most evident among traditional households, followed by social households (digital households who use more social channels than nonsocial channels), and finally, nonsocial households (digital households who use more nonsocial channels). (3) Human capital (education, health, and skills) of laborers, off‐farm work, and village internet infrastructure all promote efficiency significantly. Research findings can help policymakers formulate targeted interventions to improve rural households' livelihoods.
Development of predictive score for postoperative dysphagia after emergency abdominal surgery in patients of advanced age
Authors: Iguchi Tomohiro , Mita Junya , Iseda Norifumi , Sasaki Shun , Harada Noboru , Ninomiya Mizuki , Sugimachi Keishi , Honboh Takuya , Sadanaga Noriaki , Matsuura Hiroshi
Published: July 2023

Aim

Postoperative dysphagia after emergency abdominal surgery (EAS) in patients of advanced age has become problematic, and appropriate dysphagia management is needed. This study was performed to identify predictive factors of dysphagia after EAS and to explore the usefulness of swallowing screening tools (SSTs).

Methods

This retrospective study included 267 patients of advanced age who underwent EAS from 2012 to 2022. They were assigned to a dysphagia group and non‐dysphagia group using the Food Intake Level Scale (FILS) (dysphagia was defined as a FILS level of <7 on postoperative day 10). From 2018, original SSTs including a modified water swallowing test were performed by nurses.

Results

The incidence of postoperative dysphagia was 22.8% (61/267). Patients were significantly older in the dysphagia than non‐dysphagia group. The proportions of patients who had poor nutrition, cerebrovascular disorder, Parkinson's disease, dementia, nursing‐care service, high intramuscular adipose tissue content (IMAC), and postoperative ventilator management were much higher in the dysphagia than non‐dysphagia group. Using logistic regression analysis, high IMAC, postoperative ventilator management, cerebrovascular disorder, and dementia were correlated with postoperative dysphagia and were assigned 10, 4, 3, and 3 points, respectively, according to each odds ratio. The optimal cut‐off value was 7 according to a receiver operating characteristics curve. Using 1:1 propensity score matching for high‐risk patients, the incidence of postoperative dysphagia was reduced by SSTs.

Conclusions

The new prediction score obtained from this study can identify older patients at high risk for dysphagia after EAS, and SSTs may improve these patients' short‐term outcomes.
Unprecedented Reactivity of AgSCF3 with o‐Isocyanobiaryls: Synthetic and Mechanistic Insight
Authors: Phetcharawetch Jongkonporn , Betterley Nolan M. , Hassa Nattawoot , Witayapaisitsan Naphol , Leowanawat Pawaret , Soorukram Darunee , Reutrakul Vichai , Surawatanawong Panida , Kuhakarn Chutima
Published: July 2023

The work reports an unusual reaction of o‐isocyanobiaryls and AgSCF3, which led to the unexpected formation of 6‐(trifluoromethyl)phenanthridines and o‐biaryl isothiocyanates as products, instead of the expected 6‐((trifluoromethyl)thio)phenanthridines. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations on the relative free energy of β‐fragmentation and 6‐endo‐trig radical cyclization pathways of the key thioimidoyl radical intermediate suggested that β‐fragmentation of the S−CF3 bond is preferable, releasing CF3 radical and o‐biaryl isothiocyanate. The CF3‐imidoyl intermediate arising from the addition of CF3 radical to o‐isocyanobiaryl then underwent 6‐endo‐trig radical cyclization to provide 6‐(trifluoromethyl)phenanthridines. This work demonstrates the alternate application of AgSCF3 in generating trifluoromethylated and isothiocyanate products.
Gallium Triggers Ferroptosis through a Synergistic Mechanism
Authors: Peng Xin‐Xin , Zhang Hang , Zhang Ruijing , Li Ze‐Hao , Yang Zi‐Shu , Zhang Jing , Gao Song , Zhang Jun‐Long
Published: July 2023

The gallium ion (Ga3+) has long been believed to disrupt ferric homeostasis in the body by competing with iron cofactors in metalloproteins, ultimately leading to cell death. This study revealed that through an indirect pathway, gallium can trigger ferroptosis, a type of non‐apoptotic cell death regulated by iron. This is exemplified by the gallium complex of the salen ligand (Ga‐1); we found that Ga‐1 acts as an effective anion transporter that can affect the pH gradient and change membrane permeability, leading to mitochondrial dysfunction and the release of ferrous iron from the electron transfer chain (ETC). In addition, Ga‐1 also targeted protein disulfide isomerases (PDIs) located in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane, preventing the repair of the antioxidant glutathione (GSH) system and thus enforcing ferroptosis. Finally, a combination treatment of Ga‐1 and dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), which enhances lipid peroxidation during ferroptosis, showed a synergistic therapeutic effect both in vitro and in vivo. This study provided us with a strategy to synergistically induce Ferroptosis in tumor cells, thereby enhancing the anti‐neoplastic effect.
In situ Generated Iridium Nanoparticles as Hydride Donors in Photoredox‐Catalyzed Hydrogen Isotope Exchange Reactions with Deuterium and Tritium Gas
Authors: Kramp Henrik , Weck Remo , Sandvoss Martin , Sib Anna , Mencia Gabriel , Fazzini Pier‐Francesco , Chaudret Bruno , Derdau Volker
Published: July 2023

We have studied the photoredox‐catalyzed hydrogen isotope exchange (HIE) reaction with deuterium or tritium gas as isotope sources and in situ formed transition metal nanoparticles as hydrogen atom transfer pre‐catalysts. By this means we have found synergistic reactivities applying two different HIE mechanisms, namely photoredox‐catalyzed and CH‐functionalization HIE leading to the synthesis of highly deuterated complex molecules. Finally, we adopted these findings successfully to tritium chemistry.
Spectroscopic and electrochemical investigation of ternary Cu (II) complex interaction with calf thymus DNA
Authors: Mostafa Nourhan Adel , Abdelaziz Youssef S. , Qutb Sarah Ali , Hameed R.M. Abdel , Shoukry Azza A.
Published: July 2023

Aiming to design unique metallic drugs with significant therapeutic activity, in this work, mixed ligand Cu (II) complex involving 2,2′‐bipyridine and phenylalanine [Cu (bpy) (phenala.)Cl].2H2O has been fabricated and characterized using IR spectroscopy. The interaction of Cu (II) complex with CT‐DNA molecules was examined through UV–vis absorption titration plots, thermal denaturation experiments, viscosity measurements, and electrochemical studies. Cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and chronoamperometry measurements have been exploited to elucidate their binding style. The negative potential shift in ΔE and E1/2 values as well as the increased current density of Cu (II)/Cu(I) redox couple suggested the promoted rate of electron transfer process in presence of CT‐DNA molecules in the examined solution. Some kinetic parameters were also estimated such as the diffusion coefficient, the exchange current density, and Tafel slope values. Based on the results of these binding experiments, a groove and/or electrostatic interaction mode was expected. The antimicrobial activity of the studied Cu (II) complex was screened against a series of bacteria and fungi. An outstanding performance was shown when treating different Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria types. Moreover, an enhanced cytotoxicity behavior toward some human tumor cell lines, including MCF7, HEPG2, and HFB4, was detected with respective IC50 values of 43.02, 51.21, and >200 μM when incubated with Cu (II) complex for 72 h. These results suggest the application of [Cu (bpy) (phenala.)Cl].2H2O complex as a chemotherapeutic agent with a promising output in the drug discovery field.
Flocculation efficiency of phosphorylated hemoglobin on kaolin and hematite systems
Authors: Lee Changhoon , Garcia Rafael A. , Bumanlag Lorelie P. , Liang Chen
Published: July 2023

Hemoglobin recovered from slaughterhouse blood has proven to be an effective flocculant of negatively charged particulate contaminants, but it is ineffective against positively charged contaminants. Phosphorylation is useful for modifying proteins to increase the number of negatively charged sites. Dry‐heat phosphorylation and chemical phosphorylation were applied to hemoglobin. The kaolin/hematite clarification efficiencies of modified hemoglobin at different dosages and pH values were determined. ζ‐potential and total phosphorus content were also measured. Chemical phosphorylation was generally more effective than dry heat phosphorylation at achieving the desired modification of properties; it produced modified hemoglobin (CPhosHb) with higher phosphorus content and lower isoelectric point, and it had greater efficiency in flocculating hematite suspensions. At the optimal dosage of 5 mg/g hematite, treatment with CPhosHb resulted in a 99% turbidity reduction in the hematite suspension after 24 h. When 500 mM calcium chloride was applied to CPhosHb, it exhibited a positive charge in the overall pH range and was capable of clarifying suspensions of negatively charged kaolin particles at low doses. From these results, the effectiveness of chemical phosphorylation on hemoglobin is demonstrated and CPhosHb can be used as a flocculant of either negatively charged or positively charged contaminants in wastewater.