bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrating Flexible Ultralight 3D Ni Micromesh Current Collector with NiCo Bimetallic Hydroxide for Smart Hybrid Supercapacitors
Authors: Zhang Guanhua , Hu Jin , Nie Yan , Zhao Yanli , Wang Lei , Li Yizhou , Liu Huaizhi , Tang Lizhen , Zhang Xianan , Li Du , Sun Ling , Duan Huigao
Published: April 2021

Flexible and lightweight supercapacitors with superior mechanical flexibility and outstanding capacity are regarded as an ideal power source for wearable electronic devices. Meanwhile, incorporating additional novel characters such as transparency and electrochromism can further benefit the development of smart supercapacitors. Nevertheless, the application of the commonly used planar‐structural current collectors is seriously restricted by their intrinsic properties such as poor rigidity, large thickness, and limited loading surface area. Flexible and ultralight current collectors with 3D architecture, high conductivity, and easy integration are believed to be the most appropriate alternatives to build high‐performance supercapacitors. In this study, a novel and scalable manufacturing technique is developed to produce a flexible and ultralight 3D Ni micromesh (3D NM) current collector for supercapacitor. Flexible smart supercapacitor integrated by 3D NM and high active Ni–Co bimetallic hydroxide (3D NM@NiCo BH) delivers a considerable rate performance (60.6% capacity retention from 1 to 50 mA cm−2). Furthermore, the fabricated hybrid supercapacitor device integrated with electrochromic functionality can visually indicate the energy level by a color display. This flexible electrochromic supercapacitor based on ultralight 3D Ni micromesh provides a novel insight into multifunctional energy storage systems for smart wearable electronic devices.
Simultaneous Deep Tracking of Stem Cells by Surface Enhanced Raman Imaging Combined with Single‐Cell Tracking by NIR‐II Imaging in Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Hua Shiyuan , Zhong Shuhan , Arami Hamed , He Jian , Zhong Danni , Zhang Dongxiao , Chen Xiaoying , Qian Jun , Hu Xinyang , Zhou Min
Published: April 2021

Stem cell therapy has been used as a potential approach for the treatment of myocardial infarction (MI) over the last two decades. Imaging cellular behaviors of the transplanted stem cells with deep tissue penetration and high precision imaging modalities is crucial for the clinical translation of stem cell therapy approaches for MI. Herein, a gold nanostar (Au‐Star) based second near‐infrared window (NIR‐II) fluorescence/surface enhanced Raman scattering dual‐modal imaging probe (gold nanostar‐3.3′‐diethylthiatricarbocyanine iodide‐silver sulfide nanoparticles, Au‐Star‐DTTC‐Ag2S NPs, GDS NPs) is designed for labeling and precise tracking of the stem cells. The Ag2S compartment generates strong NIR‐II emission, which compensates for the deficiencies of bioluminescent imaging and enables the dynamic observation of in vivo cellular behavior. Subsequently, the specific Raman signal of Au‐Star‐DTTC compartment enables high‐resolution imaging, which could effectively delineate stem cells from the surrounding normal tissues, even at a single‐cell resolution. Using this imaging and tracking approach, it is able to track stem cells in hypodermic and MI models, with high resolution and depth‐independent imaging capabilities, which have not been reported in any other cell tracking platform. This two‐armed imaging toolkit offers new opportunities for a wide range of mechanistic stem cell therapy investigations in different organs.
Exceptional Performance Driven by Planar Honeycomb Structure in a New High Temperature Thermoelectric Material BaAgAs
Authors: Peng Kunling , Zhou Zizhen , Wang Honghui , Wu Hong , Ying Jianjun , Han Guang , Lu Xu , Wang Guoyu , Zhou Xiaoyuan , Chen Xianhui
Published: April 2021

The discovery of new, high‐performing thermoelectrics is of vital importance to promoting thermal energy conversion efficiency. Herein, a new p‐type thermoelectric material BaAgAs with an exceptional figure of merit (zT) surpassing 1.1 at 970 K is present as a promising candidate for high‐temperature applications. Verified by comprehensive experimental and theoretical investigations, BaAgAs possesses two intrinsic features in favoring zT: i) low lattice thermal conductivity, ascribed to the heavy element Ba in a loose mono‐hexagonal layer, the large mass fluctuation in the Ag‐As honeycomb layer, and the alternately interlayer stacking between mono‐hexagonal and honeycomb layers; ii) good electrical properties contributed by multiple band transport, due to the small band offset between two valence band extremums and the strong anisotropic band effective mass. With enhanced phonon–phonon scattering via Sb/Bi substitution on the As sites, the lattice thermal conductivity is minimized, which results in significantly enhanced zT values. Additionally, an inspiring prediction via the first‐principles calculation suggests that n‐type BaAgAs can potentially outperform its p‐type counterpart due to its higher conducting band degeneracy. This study will stimulate intense interests in the exploration of compounds with planar honeycomb structures as new high‐performance thermoelectric materials.
Porphyrin Aerogel Catalysts for Oxygen Reduction Reaction in Anion‐Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells
Authors: Zion Noam , Douglin John C. , Cullen David A. , Zelenay Piotr , Dekel Dario R. , Elbaz Lior
Published: April 2021

Platinum group metal (PGM)‐free catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction have shown high oxygen reduction reaction activity in alkaline media. In order to further increase the power density of anion‐exchange membrane fuel cells (AEMFCs), PGM‐free catalysts need to have a high site density to reach high current densities. Herein, synthesis, characterization, and utilization of heat‐treated iron porphyrin aerogels are reported as cathode catalysts in AEMFCs. The heat treatment effect is thoroughly studied and characterized using several techniques, and the best performing aerogel is studied in AEMFC, showing excellent performance, reaching a peak power density of 580 mW cm−2 and a limiting current density of as high as 2.0 A cm−2, which can be considered the state‐of‐the‐art for PGM‐free based AEMFCs.
Electrical Conductivity Adjustment for Interface Capacitive‐Like Storage in Sodium‐Ion Battery
Authors: Li Qianwen , Wang Hang , Tang Xinfeng , Zhou Min , Zhao Huaping , Xu Yang , Xiao Wei , Lei Yong
Published: April 2021

Sodium‐ion battery (SIB) is significant for grid‐scale energy storage. However, a large radius of Na ions raises the difficulties of ion intercalation, hindering the electrochemical performance during fast charge/discharge. Conventional strategies to promote rate performance focus on the optimization of ion diffusion. Improving interface capacitive‐like storage by tuning the electrical conductivity of electrodes is also expected to combine the features of the high energy density of batteries and the high power density of capacitors. Inspired by this concept, an oxide‐metal sandwich 3D‐ordered macroporous architecture (3DOM) stands out as a superior anode candidate for high‐rate SIBs. Taking Ni‐TiO2 sandwich 3DOM as a proof‐of‐concept, anatase TiO2 delivers a reversible capacity of 233.3 mAh g−1 in half‐cells and 210.1 mAh g−1 in full‐cells after 100 cycles at 50 mA g−1. At the high charge/discharge rate of 5000 mA g−1, 104.4 mAh g−1 in half‐cells and 68 mAh g−1 in full‐cells can also be obtained with satisfying stability. In‐depth analysis of electrochemical kinetics evidence that the dominated interface capacitive‐like storage enables ultrafast uptaking and releasing of Na‐ions. This understanding between electrical conductivity and rate performance of SIBs is expected to guild future design to realize effective energy storage.
High Performance Composite Polymer Electrolytes for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Fan Peng , Liu Hao , Marosz Vladimir , Samuels Nia T. , Suib Steven L. , Sun Luyi , Liao Libing
Published: April 2021

Today, there is an urgent demand to develop all solid‐state lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) with a high energy density and a high degree of safety. The core technology in solid‐state batteries is a solid‐state electrolyte, which determines the performance of the battery. Among all the developed solid electrolytes, composite polymer electrolytes (CPEs) have been deemed as one of the most viable candidates because of their comprehensive performance. In this review, the limitations of traditional solid polymer electrolytes and the recent progress of CPEs are introduced. The effect and mechanism of inorganic fillers to the various properties of electrolytes are discussed in detail. Meanwhile, the factors affecting ionic conductivity are intensively reviewed. The recent representative CPEs with synthetic fillers and natural clay‐based fillers are highlighted because of their great potential. Finally, the remaining challenges and promising prospects are outlined to provide strategies to develop novel CPEs for high‐performance LIBs.
Ionic Conductive Organohydrogels with Dynamic Pattern Behavior and Multi‐Environmental Stability
Authors: Liu Jing , Chen Zhen , Chen Yujie , Rehman Hafeez Ur , Guo Yutong , Li Hua , Liu Hezhou
Published: April 2021

Multi‐environmental tolerant hydrogels have received significant attention and are promising for application as smart materials in multiple environments (e.g., water, oil, freezing, and dry). However, the macroscopic change and anti‐swelling mechanisms of organohydrogels in different solvents and their corresponding applications have not been adequately harnessed. Herein, an ionic organohydrogel with excellent mechanical properties and unique behaviors (information identification and encryption) and mechanical sensing in multiple environments is prepared. The prepared organohydrogel shows an obvious transparent change in different solvents owing to the microphase separation in poor solvents and swelling in suitable solvents, and can be treated as a dynamic information memory device for recording and encrypting information. Furthermore, owing to the interaction between water and dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), the organohydrogel demonstrates a prominent freezing resistance (−90 to 20 °C) and moisturizing retention properties (76% after 15 days). In addition, the ionic conductive hydrogel exhibits outstanding human motion detection and physiological signal response and displays a stable mechanical sensing performance in freezing, dry conditions, and oil or water environments. It is envisioned that the design strategies and mechanistic investigation of organohydrogels may be promising for application as bio‐sensors and information‐recognition platforms in harsh environments.
Vapor Transport Deposition of Highly Efficient Sb2(S,Se)3 Solar Cells via Controllable Orientation Growth
Authors: Pan Yanlin , Hu Xiaobo , Guo Yixin , Pan Xingyu , Zhao Fei , Weng Guoen , Tao Jiahua , Zhao Chunhu , Jiang Jinchun , Chen Shaoqiang , Yang Pingxiong , Chu Junhao
Published: April 2021

The vapor transport deposition of quasi‐one‐dimensional antimony selenosulfide (Sb2(S,Se)3) has recently attracted increasing research interest for the inexpensive, high‐throughput production of thin film photovoltaic devices. Further improvements in Sb2(S,Se)3 solar cell performance urgently require the identification of processing strategies to control the orientation, however the growth mechanism of high quality absorbers is still not completely clear. Herein, a facile and general vapor transport deposition approach to precisely control the growth of large‐grained dense Sb2(S,Se)3 films with good crystallization and preferred orientation via the source vapor speed is utilized. It is found that defect activation energy rather than the defect concentration plays a decisive role in the Sb2(S,Se)3 photovoltaic performance. Admittance spectroscopy analysis is used to obtain efficient Sb2(S,Se)3 solar cells. By employing dual‐source coordinations to optimize the absorber layer a power conversion efficiency of 8.17% is obtained which is the highest efficiency for Sb2(S,Se)3 solar cells fabricated by vapor transport technology. This study suggests that there are other opportunities for gaining deeper a understanding of the defect physics and carrier recombination mechanisms in other highly oriented low‐dimensional materials to achieve improved device performance.
Lithium‐Ion Desolvation Induced by Nitrate Additives Reveals New Insights into High Performance Lithium Batteries
Authors: Wahyudi Wandi , Ladelta Viko , Tsetseris Leonidas , Alsabban Merfat M. , Guo Xianrong , Yengel Emre , Faber Hendrik , Adilbekova Begimai , Seitkhan Akmaral , Emwas Abdul‐Hamid , Hedhili Mohammed N. , Li Lain‐Jong , Tung Vincent , Hadjichristidis Nikos , Anthopoulos Thomas D. , Ming Jun
Published: April 2021

Electrolyte additives have been widely used to address critical issues in current metal (ion) battery technologies. While their functions as solid electrolyte interface forming agents are reasonably well‐understood, their interactions in the liquid electrolyte environment remain rather elusive. This lack of knowledge represents a significant bottleneck that hinders the development of improved electrolyte systems. Here, the key role of additives in promoting cation (e.g., Li+) desolvation is unraveled. In particular, nitrate anions (NO3−) are found to incorporate into the solvation shells, change the local environment of cations (e.g., Li+) as well as their coordination in the electrolytes. The combination of these effects leads to effective Li+ desolvation and enhanced battery performance. Remarkably, the inexpensive NaNO3 can successfully substitute the widely used LiNO3 offering superior long‐term stability of Li+ (de‐)intercalation at the graphite anode and suppressed polysulfide shuttle effect at the sulfur cathode, while enhancing the performance of lithium–sulfur full batteries (initial capacity of 1153 mAh g−1 at 0.25C) with Coulombic efficiency of ≈100% over 300 cycles. This work provides important new insights into the unexplored effects of additives and paves the way to developing improved electrolytes for electrochemical energy storage applications.
Perovskite Light‐Emitting Diodes with External Quantum Efficiency Exceeding 22% via Small‐Molecule Passivation
Authors: Chu Zema , Ye Qiufeng , Zhao Yang , Ma Fei , Yin Zhigang , Zhang Xingwang , You Jingbi
Published: April 2021

Perovskite light‐emitting diodes (PeLEDs) are considered as particularly attractive candidates for high‐quality lighting and displays, due to possessing the features of wide gamut and real color expression. However, most PeLEDs are made from polycrystalline perovskite films that contain a high concentration of defects, including point and extended imperfections. Reducing and mitigating non‐radiative recombination defects in perovskite materials are still crucial prerequisites for achieving high performance in light‐emitting applications. Here, ethoxylated trimethylolpropane triacrylate (ETPTA) is introduced as a functional additive dissolved in antisolvent to passivate surface and bulk defects during the spinning process. The ETPTA can effectively decrease the charge trapping states by passivation and/or suppression of defects. Eventually, the perovskite films that are sufficiently passivated by ETPTA make the devices achieve a maximum external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 22.49%. To our knowledge, these are the most efficient green PeLEDs up to now. In addition, a threefold increase in the T50 operational time of the devices was observed, compared to control samples. These findings provide a simple and effective strategy to make highly efficient perovskite polycrystalline films and their optoelectronics devices.
Insights on Flexible Zinc‐Ion Batteries from Lab Research to Commercialization
Authors: Dong Haobo , Li Jianwei , Guo Jian , Lai Feili , Zhao Fangjia , Jiao Yiding , Brett Dan J. L. , Liu Tianxi , He Guanjie , Parkin Ivan P.
Published: April 2021

Owing to the development of aqueous rechargeable zinc‐ion batteries (ZIBs), flexible ZIBs are deemed as potential candidates to power wearable electronics. ZIBs with solid‐state polymer electrolytes can not only maintain additional load‐bearing properties, but exhibit enhanced electrochemical properties by preventing dendrite formation and inhibiting cathode dissolution. Substantial efforts have been applied to polymer electrolytes by developing solid polymer electrolytes, hydrogel polymer electrolytes, and hybrid polymer electrolytes; however, the research of polymer electrolytes for ZIBs is still immature. Herein, the recent progress in polymer electrolytes is summarized by category for flexible ZIBs, especially hydrogel electrolytes, including their synthesis and characterization. Aiming to provide an insight from lab research to commercialization, the relevant challenges, device configurations, and life cycle analysis are consolidated. As flexible batteries, the majority of polymer electrolytes exploited so far only emphasizes the electrochemical performance but the mechanical behavior and interactions with the electrode materials have hardly been considered. Hence, strategies of combining softness and strength and the integration with electrodes are discussed for flexible ZIBs. A ranking index, combining both electrochemical and mechanical properties, is introduced. Future research directions are also covered to guide research toward the commercialization of flexible ZIBs.
Nanocatalytic Innate Immunity Activation by Mitochondrial DNA Oxidative Damage for Tumor‐Specific Therapy
Authors: Jiang Han , Guo Yuedong , Wei Chenyang , Hu Ping , Shi Jianlin
Published: April 2021

The innate immune system plays a key role in protecting the human body from tumors, which, unfortunately, is largely counteracted by their immune‐suppression function. Such an immune suppression has been reported to be induced by the immunosuppressive microenvironment, including the exhausted cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) and tumor‐promoting M2‐polarized macrophages. Here, a novel tumor‐immunotherapeutic modality based on the nanocatalytic innate immunity activation by tumor‐specific mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) oxidative damage is proposed. In detail, a nanocatalytic medicine, Fe2+–Ru2+‐loaded mesoporous silica nanoparticle named as MSN‐Ru2+/Fe2+ (MRF), is constructed to induce oxidative damage in the mtDNA of tumor cells. Such an oxidative mtDNA is able to escape from the tumor cells and acts as an immunogenic damage‐associated molecular pattern to M1‐polarize tumor‐associated macrophages (TAMs), resulting in the reactivated immunoresponse of macrophages against cancer cells, and the subsequent inflammatory response of innate immunity. Most importantly, the treatment strategy based on regulating the innate immune response of TAMs not only stops the primary tumor progression, but also almost completely inhibits the growth of distant tumors in the periods of treatments.
Triple Modification of Alginate Hydrogels by Fibrin Blending, Iron Nanoparticle Embedding, and Serum Protein‐Coating Synergistically Promotes Strong Endothelialization
Authors: Richter Alena , Li Yaya , Rehbock Christoph , Barcikowski Stephan , Haverich Axel , Wilhelmi Mathias , Böer Ulrike
Published: April 2021

Stent therapy can reduce both morbidity and mortality of chronic coronary stenosis and acute myocardial infarction. However, delayed re‐endothelialization, endothelial dysfunction, and chronic inflammation are still unsolved problems. Alginate hydrogels can be used as a coating for stent surfaces; however, complete and fast endothelialization cannot be achieved. In this study, alginate hydrogels are modified by fibrin blending, iron nanoparticle (Fe‐NP) embedding, and serum protein coating (SPC) while surface properties and endothelialization capacity are monitored. Only a triple, synergetic modification of the alginate coating by simultaneous I) fibrin blending, II) Fe‐NP addition complemented by III) SPC is found to significantly improve endothelial cell viability (live–dead‐staining) and proliferation (WST‐8 assay). These conditions yield formation of closed endothelial cell monolayers and an up to threefold increase (p < 0.01) in viability, while, interestingly, no effect is found when the modifications (I)–(III) are conducted individually. This synergetic effect is attributed to an accumulation of agglomerated Fe‐NP and serum proteins along fibrin fibers, observed via laser scanning microscopy tracking nanoparticle scattering and tetramethylrhodamine (TRITC)‐albumin fluorescence. These synergetic effects can pave the way toward a novel strategy for the modification of various hydrogel‐based biomaterials and biomaterial coatings.
Stimuli‐Responsive Nanoparticles Combining Photodynamic Therapy and Mitochondria Disruption Suppressed Tumor Metastasis
Authors: Li Xiang , Zhou Zhou , Zhou Rui , Yang Jiatao , Zhou Minglu , Li Qiuyi , Li Lian , Huang Yuan
Published: April 2021

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a kind of commonly used strategy for the treatment of cancer, but tumor hypoxia severely limits the efficiency of this oxygen (O2)‐dependent modality. Disrupting mitochondria may be a promising direction to reverse the tumor hypoxia. However, to date, very few studies utilize mitochondria inhibiting strategy to complement PDT, because low permeability of mitochondria impedes the entry of therapeutic agents. A stimuli‐responsive nanoparticle system that combines PDT and mitochondria disruption strategy is reported here. The nanoparticle consists of a gelatin core that accommodates photosensitizer chlorin e6 (Ce6) and a polymeric shell that chemically attaches with mitochondria‐targeted anticancer drugs (doxorubicin‐glycyrrhetinic acid conjugates, Dox‐GA). Specifically, Ce6 produces excessive reactive oxygen species to support Dox‐GA in escaping from lysosome. Then, thanks to mitochondria targeting, Dox‐GA contributes significantly to mitochondrial dysfunction and O2 consumption depression in tumor cells, resulting in enhanced PDT. As a result, the integration of mitochondria‐targeting drug delivery and PDT shows synergistic effects in apoptosis induction, tumor growth inhibition and anti‐metastasis. The tumor metastasis is almost completely inhibited without any lung nodules observed in vivo, making it a promising strategy by integrating mitochondria‐targeting drug and PDT for metastatic breast cancer treatment.
Open Framework Material Based Thin Films: Electrochemical Catalysis and State‐of‐the‐art Technologies
Authors: Li Weijin , Mukherjee Soumya , Ren Baohui , Cao Rong , Fischer Roland A.
Published: April 2021

Open framework materials (OFMs), such as metal‐organic frameworks and covalent organic frameworks have emerged as promising electrocatalysts to address the global energy crisis and environmental problems. Powdered non‐film forms, that is, bulk OFMs exhibit excellent catalytic activities toward electrocatalytic carbon dioxide reduction, water splitting, and the oxygen reduction reaction. However, electrode preparation using bulk solids suffers from a range of oft‐encountered difficulties, primarily limited by challenges in controlling their thickness, roughness, and particle sizes, despite early performance promises. Targeting energy sustainability, it is a matter of growing interest to directly integrate OFMs in the form of thin films onto conductive substrates. In essence, this leads to electrocatalysts with controlled features: thickness, roughness, and particle sizes. Thus far, there are only a handful of OFM thin films developed for electrocatalysis. Exploration of these understudied OFM thin films to serve electrocatalysis still lies at its infancy. This review will cover the key discoveries of OFM thin films as electrocatalysts and will critically examine the strengths, challenges, and future goals in exploring bespoke OFM thin films for electrocatalysis, under conditions that mimic real‐world applications.
Simultaneous Solar Steam and Electricity Generation from Synergistic Salinity‐Temperature Gradient
Authors: Wang Hui , Xie Wenke , Yu Boyang , Qi Bei , Liu Rong , Zhuang Xinyan , Liu Shiyou , Liu Pei , Duan Jiangjiang , Zhou Jun
Published: April 2021

Solar‐driven interfacial evaporation by localization of solar heating at the air–liquid surface has emerged as a cost‐effective desalination technology. The rapid interfacial evaporation induces simultaneous salinity and temperature gradient between evaporation surface and bulk water, which enables electricity generation but is not comprehensively utilized. Herein, the combination of a thermogalvanic cell (TGC) and reverse electrodialysis (RED) in solar‐driven interfacial evaporation is proposed to extract energy from temperature and salinity gradients simultaneously. Because of the synergistic ion transport effect, the coupling of TGC and RED enables mutual power enhancement by orders of magnitude based on the rational spatial layout and the fabrication of composite electrodes. Finally, a steam‐electricity cogeneration system is designed, which achieves the 1.4 kg m−2 h−1 vapor and 1.11 W m−2 electricity simultaneously under one sun illumination. This concept opens a promising avenue towards a solar‐driven water‐energy nexus.
A novel homozygous SLC13A5 whole‐gene deletion generated by Alu/Alu‐mediated rearrangement in an Iraqi family with epileptic encephalopathy
Authors: Duan Ruizhi , Saadi Nebal Waill , Grochowski Christopher M. , Bhadila Ghalia , Faridoun Afnan , Mitani Tadahiro , Du Haowei , Fatih Jawid M. , Jhangiani Shalini N. , Akdemir Zeynep C. , Gibbs Richard A. , Pehlivan Davut , Posey Jennifer E. , Marafi Dana , Lupski James R.
Published: April 2021

Biallelic loss‐of‐function (LoF) of SLC13A5 (solute carrier family 13, member 5) induced deficiency in sodium/citrate transporter (NaCT) causes autosomal recessive developmental epileptic encephalopathy 25 with hypoplastic amelogenesis imperfecta (DEE25; MIM #615905). Many pathogenic SLC13A5 single nucleotide variants (SNVs) and small indels have been described; however, no cases with copy number variants (CNVs) have been sufficiently investigated. We describe a consanguineous Iraqi family harboring an 88.5 kb homozygous deletion including SLC13A5 in Chr17p13.1. The three affected male siblings exhibit neonatal‐onset epilepsy with fever‐sensitivity, recurrent status epilepticus, global developmental delay/intellectual disability (GDD/ID), and other variable neurological findings as shared phenotypical features of DEE25. Two of the three affected subjects exhibit hypoplastic amelogenesis imperfecta (AI), while the proband shows no evidence of dental abnormalities or AI at 2 years of age with apparently unaffected primary dentition. Characterization of the genomic architecture at this locus revealed evidence for genomic instability generated by an Alu/Alu‐mediated rearrangement; confirmed by break‐point junction Sanger sequencing. This multiplex family from a distinct population elucidates the phenotypic consequence of complete LoF of SLC13A5 and illustrates the importance of read‐depth‐based CNV detection in comprehensive exome sequencing analysis to solve cases that otherwise remain molecularly unsolved.
Whole‐genome sequencing reveals new Alzheimer's disease–associated rare variants in loci related to synaptic function and neuronal development
Authors: Prokopenko Dmitry , Morgan Sarah L. , Mullin Kristina , Hofmann Oliver , Chapman Brad , Kirchner Rory ,   Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI), Amberkar Sandeep , Wohlers Inken , Lange Christoph , Hide Winston , Bertram Lars , Tanzi Rudolph E.
Published: April 2021

Introduction

Genome‐wide association studies have led to numerous genetic loci associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Whole‐genome sequencing (WGS) now permits genome‐wide analyses to identify rare variants contributing to AD risk.

Methods

We performed single‐variant and spatial clustering–based testing on rare variants (minor allele frequency [MAF] ≤1%) in a family‐based WGS‐based association study of 2247 subjects from 605 multiplex AD families, followed by replication in 1669 unrelated individuals.

Results

We identified 13 new AD candidate loci that yielded consistent rare‐variant signals in discovery and replication cohorts (4 from single‐variant, 9 from spatial‐clustering), implicating these genes: FNBP1L, SEL1L, LINC00298, PRKCH, C15ORF41, C2CD3, KIF2A, APC, LHX9, NALCN, CTNNA2, SYTL3, and CLSTN2.

Discussion

Downstream analyses of these novel loci highlight synaptic function, in contrast to common AD‐associated variants, which implicate innate immunity and amyloid processing. These loci have not been associated previously with AD, emphasizing the ability of WGS to identify AD‐associated rare variants, particularly outside of the exome.
Highly Efficient Thermal Energy Storage Using a Hybrid Hypercrosslinked Polymer**
Authors: Liu Changhui , Zhang Jiahao , Liu Jian , Tan Zengyi , Cao Yuqi , Li Xia , Rao Zhonghao
Published: April 2021

In this work, an organic/inorganic hybrid polymer containing siloxyl functional groups was synthesized and applied to encapsulate phase change materials (PCMs). Owing to the mild conditions of the hypercrosslinking reaction, which only requires the addition of a catalytic amount of aqueous alkaline solution, both organic and inorganic PCMs are tolerated. It is noteworthy that the initial homogeneous state of the reaction mixture allowed the ultimate encapsulation rate of the PCMs and the uniform blending of the third nano‐additives with the aim of thermal conductivity enhancement. Further study reveals that the presence of this hybrid hydrophobic polymer in a phase change composite endows the latter with a unique self‐cleaning property. This novel PCM encapsulation protocol is suitable for nanoparticles including carbon‐based nanomaterials, metal oxide nanoparticles, and inorganic oxide nanoparticles. A thermal conductivity enhancement of 600 % was achieved along with 93.7 % light‐to‐thermal conversion efficiency with a latent heat of 180 J g−1 without leakage.
A (4‐fluorophenyl)(phenyl)phosphine oxide‐modified epoxy resin with improved flame‐retardancy, hydrophobicity, and dielectric properties
Authors: Duan Haodong , Xu Xiaolei , Leng Kangwei , Zhang Sheng , Han Yuxi , Gao Jun , Yu Qing , Wang Zhongwei
Published: April 2021

The compound (4‐fluorophenyl)(phenyl) phosphine oxide (4‐FPO) was designed, synthesized, and used in the modification of epoxy resin (EP). The 4‐FPO‐modified EP was prepared by curing the reaction mixture of diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA) and 4‐FPO in the presence of 4,4′‐diaminodiphenylsulfone (DDS). Compared with the unmodified EP, the limiting oxygen index value of the EP/4‐FPO‐0.6 (4‐FPO‐modified EP with 0.6 wt% of phosphorus) increased to 31.6%, and the sample achieved UL‐94 V‐0 rating. The peak of the heat release rate, average of the heat release rate, and total heat release of EP/4‐FPO‐0.6 were reduced by 39, 24, and 19%, respectively. Mechanism study showed that the quenching effect in the gas and barrier effect in the condensed phase were responsible for the enhanced flame‐retardant properties of the 4‐FPO‐modified EP. The results showed that hydrophobicity and dielectric properties of the modified EP were clearly improved.
Mechanical and viscoelastic properties of polyethylene‐based microfibrillated composites from 100% recycled resources
Authors: Nofar Mohammadreza , Yenigul Beril Saadet , Ozdemir Burcu , Kovanci Ceren Yargici , Ghanbari Abbas , Jalali Amirjalal
Published: April 2021

In this study, recycled polyethylene (rPE) based microfibrillated composites (MFCs) were developed while incorporating recycled poly(ethylene terephthalate) (rPET) and recycled polyamide 6 (rPA) as the reinforcing fibrillar phases at a given weight ratio of 80 wt% (rPE)/20 wt% (rPET or rPA). The blends were first melt processed using a twin‐screw extruder. The extrudates were then cold stretched at a drawing ratio of 2.5 to form rPET and rPA fibrillar structures. Next, the pelletized drawn samples were injection molded at the barrel temperatures below the melting temperatures of rPET and rPA. The tensile, three‐point bending, impact strength, dynamic thermomechanical, and rheological properties of the fabricated MFCs were analyzed. The effects of injection molding barrel temperature (i.e., 150°C and 190°C) and extrusion melt processing temperature (i.e., 250°C and 275°C) on the generated fibrillar structure and the resultant properties were explored. A strong correlation between the fibrillar morphology and the mechanical properties with the extrusion and injection molding temperatures was observed. Moreover, the ethylene/n‐butyl acrylate/glycidyl methacrylate (EnBAGMA) terpolymer and maleic anhydride grafted PE (MAH‐g‐PE) were, respectively, melt processed with rPE/rPET and rPE/rPA6 blends as compatibilizers. The compatibilizers refined the fibrillar structure and remarkably influenced mechanical properties, specifically the impact strength.
Acetylxylan‐pheophorbide‐a nanoparticles designed for tumor‐targeted photodynamic therapy
Authors: Bouramtane Soukaina , Bretin Ludovic , Pinon Aline , Leger David , Liagre Bertrand , Perez Denilson Da Silva , Launay Yann , Brégier Frédérique , Sol Vincent , Chaleix Vincent
Published: April 2021

The poor solubility of most photosensitizers (PS) hampers their practical use as clinical agents. Conjugation of PS with water‐soluble nanoparticles has been often used to bypass this hurdle. We describe in this study the extraction of glucuronoacetylxylan from chestnut sawdust, the hemisynthesis of pheophorbide‐a (Pha) and its covalent attachment to xylan. The resulting conjugates (xyl‐Pha) spontaneously form water‐soluble spherical nanoparticles (xyl‐Pha NPs) ranging between 100 and 250 nm in diameter. Assayed against the HT‐29 colorectal cancer cell line, xyl‐Pha NPs exhibited a dose‐dependent phototoxicity only when irradiated with red light.
Green tea polyphenols inhibit malignant melanoma progression via regulating circ_MITF/miR‐30e‐3p/HDAC2 axis
Authors: Wu Kejia , Wei Yuegang , Yu Ye , Shan Minjie , Tang Ye , Sun Yan
Published: April 2021

Green tea polyphenols (GTPs) are regarded as anticancer substances and have been revealed to play significant roles in the development of malignant melanoma. However, the mechanisms by which GTPs perform anticarcinogenic activity are not well elucidated. Cellular function assays revealed that GTPs inhibited melanoma cell proliferation, migration, invasion, epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT), and promoted apoptosis in vitro. Circ_MITF expression was elevated in melanoma tissues and cells but was decreased by GTPs in cells. Functional experiments indicated circ_MITF overexpression reversed the anticancer effects of GTPs on melanoma cells. Then the underlying mechanism analysis suggested that circ_MITF served as a sponge for miR‐30e‐3p to upregulate the level of HDAC2. MiR‐30e‐3p reexpression attenuated the regulatory effects of circ_MITF on GTPs‐treated melanoma cells. Silencing of miR‐30e‐3p promoted the malignant phenotypes in GTPs‐treated melanoma cells, which were reversed by HDAC2 knockdown. Preclinically, administration of GTPs suppressed the expression of downstream target genes and repressed tumorigenesis of xenografts in nude mice. In all, GTPs suppressed melanoma progression by regulating circ_MITF/miR‐30e‐3p/HDAC2 axis, providing a potential therapeutic strategy for human malignant melanoma intervention.
Discovery of potent Covid‐19 main protease inhibitors using integrated drug‐repurposing strategy
Authors: T Muthu Kumar , K Rohini , James Nivya , V Shanthi , K Ramanathan
Published: April 2021

The emergence and rapid spreading of novel SARS‐CoV‐2 across the globe represent an imminent threat to public health. Novel antiviral therapies are urgently needed to overcome this pandemic. Given the significant role of the main protease of Covid‐19 for virus replication, we performed a drug‐repurposing study using the recently deposited main protease structure, 6LU7. For instance, pharmacophore‐ and e‐pharmacophore‐based hypotheses such as AARRH and AARR, respectively, were developed using available small molecule inhibitors and utilized in the screening of the DrugBank repository. Further, a hierarchical docking protocol was implemented with the support of the Glide algorithm. The resultant compounds were then examined for their binding free energy against the main protease of Covid‐19 by means of the Prime‐MM/GBSA algorithm. Most importantly, the machine learning‐based AutoQSAR algorithm was used to predict the antiviral activities of resultant compounds. The hit molecules were also examined for their drug‐likeness and toxicity parameters through the QikProp algorithm. Finally, the hit compounds activity against the main protease was validated using molecular dynamics simulation studies. Overall, the present analysis yielded two potential inhibitors (DB02986 and DB08573) that are predicted to bind with the main protease of Covid‐19 better than currently used drug molecules such as N3 (cocrystallized native ligand), lopinavir, and ritonavir.
Preventing violent extremism: Resourcing, stakeholder strategies and fostering belonging and connection in Australian schools
Authors: Stahl Garth , Baak Melanie , Schulz Sam , Adams Ben , Peterson Andrew
Published: April 2021

Countering violent extremism (CVE) continues to be a topic of national and international concern as well as media interest. In the field of CVE, educational institutions have an important role to play, but precisely how educators and policymakers should best respond to extremism within schools remains unclear. This article draws on interviews with multiple stakeholders implementing a small‐scale nationally funded grant in Australian schools to guard against behaviours leading to violent extremism through developing restorative justice (RJ) practices. In foregrounding their accounts, we draw attention to the complexity of negotiating the CVE space by resisting dominant narratives that could be considered ‘exaggerations’ regarding both the manifestations of and motivations behind violent or extreme student behaviour. To conclude, we highlight how—in important ways—the money and resourcing allocated for CVE in local settings simply recycles what are already established to be best practices for fostering belonging and connection in schools, particularly in socio‐economically disadvantaged communities.
Reconciling the seemingly irreconcilable: The WHO's ICF system integrates biological and psychosocial environmental determinants of autism and ADHD
Authors: Bölte Sven , Lawson Wenn B. , Marschik Peter B. , Girdler Sonya
Published: April 2021

Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), such as autism and ADHD, are behaviorally defined adaptive functioning difficulties arising from variations, alterations and atypical maturation of the brain. While it is widely agreed that NDDs are complex conditions with their presentation and functional impact underpinned by diverse genetic and environmental factors, contemporary and polarizing debate has focused on the appropriateness of the biomedical as opposed to the neurodiverse paradigm in framing conceptions of these conditions. Despite being largely overlooked by both research and practice, the International Classification of Functioning Disability and Health (ICF) endorsed by the World Health Organization in 2001 views functioning dynamically, offering a framework for investigating, assessing and treating NDDs holistically. Exemplified by autism and ADHD, we argue that the ICF provides not only a multitude of opportunities in accounting for the environmental determinants in researching and clinically managing NDDs, but opportunities for harmonizing the seemingly irreconcilable biomedical and neurodiverse paradigms. Also see the video abstract here:https://youtu.be/YwuWPDUOs5k
The impact of primary tumor sidedness on survival in early‐onset colorectal cancer by stage: A National Veterans Affairs retrospective analysis
Authors: Azar Ibrahim , Al Masalmeh Nada , Esfandiarifard Saghi , Virk Gurjiwan , Kiwan Wissam , Frank Shields Anthony , Mehdi Syed , Philip Philip A.
Published: April 2021

Background

The incidence of early‐onset colorectal cancer (EOCRC) is rising. Left‐sided colorectal cancer (LCC) is associated with better survival compared to right‐sided colon cancer (RCC) in metastatic disease. NCCN guidelines recommend the addition of EGFR inhibitors to KRAS/NRAS WT metastatic CRC originating from the left only. Whether laterality impacts survival in locoregional disease and EOCRC is of interest.

Methods

65,940 CRC cases from the National VA Cancer Cube Registry (2001–2015) were studied. EOCRC (2096 cases) was defined as CRC diagnosed at <50 years. Using ICD codes, RCC was defined from the cecum to the hepatic flexure (C18.0–C18.3), and LCC from the splenic flexure to the rectum (C18.5–18.7; C19 and C20).

Results

EOCRC is more likely to originate from the left side (66.65% LCC in EOCRC vs. 58.77% in CRC). Overall, LCC has better 5‐year Overall Survival (OS) than RCC in stages I (61.67% vs. 58.01%) and III (46.1% vs. 42.1%) and better 1‐year OS in stage IV (57.79% vs. 49.49%). Stage II RCC has better 5‐year OS than LCC (53.39% vs. 49.28%). In EOCRC, there is no statistically significant difference between LCC and RCC in stages I‐III. Stage IV EOCRC patients with LCC and RCC have a 1‐year OS of 73.23% and 59.84%, respectively.

Conclusion

In EOCRC, LCC is associated with better OS than RCC only stage IV. In the overall population, LCC is associated with better OS in all stages except stage II. The better prognosis of stage II RCC might be due to the high incidence of mismatch repair deficient tumors in this subpopulation.
Mixed fermentation of corn and pretreated corn stover for fuel ethanol production
Authors: Johnston David B. , Nghiem Nhuan P.
Published: April 2021

Background and objectives

Fuel ethanol is almost exclusively produced from corn with minor contributions from other cereal grains. Cellulosic ethanol production has significant potential as well as serious limitations. This study proposed that pretreated corn stover could be simultaneously converted and fermented with corn in existing ethanol facilities.

Findings

Mixed fermentation ethanol yields increased significantly relative to the control fermentations. Incorporation of 5% pretreated corn stover increased ethanol yields by 12.7% with 10% corn mash and 11.9% with 20% corn mash over corn only control fermentations. Using 20% corn, residual xylose and arabinose were 0.072 and 0.023 grams/gram biomass, respectively, indicating addition ethanol potential with a C5 fermenting yeast. DDGS color and lipid contents were negatively impacted; however, the nutrient value of the corn portion is unlikely to be altered.

Conclusions

Direct incorporation of pretreated corn stover into the corn ethanol process can be done with little or no reduction in corn or stover conversion efficiency.

Significance and novelty

This study demonstrates clearly that pretreated biomass can be efficiently co‐fermented with corn to produce cellulosic ethanol in yields approximating those from biomass alone and eliminates many of the significant economic and processing issues that stand‐alone cellulosic ethanol facilities face.
CeO2@N/C@TiO2 Core‐shell Nanosphere Catalyst for the Aerobic Oxidation of 5‐Hydroxymethylfurfural to 5‐Hydroxymethyl‐2‐Furancarboxylic Acid
Authors: Song Yong , Waterhouse Geoffrey I. N. , Han Feng , Li Yan , Ai Shiyun
Published: April 2021

Defective D‐CeO2@N/C@TiO2 nanospheres, each comprising a spherical CeO2 core coated with shells of N‐doped carbon and TiO2, were successfully synthesized then evaluated for the aerobic oxidation of 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) to 5‐hydroxymethyl‐2‐furancarboxylic acid (HMFCA). Detailed catalyst characterization studies using XRD, SEM, TEM, TG‐DTA, XPS, N2 physisorption confirmed the hierarchical core‐shell structure of the D‐CeO2@N/C@TiO2 nanospheres, with the defective surface structures created through a thermal hydrogenation process using NaBH4 promoting HMF conversion. The effect of various reaction parameters, including the reaction time, temperature, oxygen pressure, type of alkali co‐reactant and the amount of catalyst, on HMF oxidation to HMFCA over the D‐CeO2@N/C@TiO2 nanospheres were studied. Under the optimized reaction conditions (temperature 80 °C, reaction time 30 min, O2 pressure 1 MPa), a high HMF conversion of 87.8 % and a remarkable HMFCA selectivity of 100 % were obtained. In addition, the D‐CeO2@N/C@TiO2 nanosphere catalyst showed great stability over four consecutive HMF oxidation tests, implying good catalyst stability. Experimental findings were used to develop a plausible reaction mechanism for the selective oxidation of HMF on the D‐CeO2@N/C@TiO2 nanospheres.
Nitridated Fibrous Silica/Tetrabutylammonium Iodide (N‐DFNS/TBAI): Robust and Efficient Catalytic System for Chemical Fixation of Carbon Dioxide to Cyclic Carbonates
Authors: Saptal Vitthal B. , Singh Rustam , Juneja Gaurav , Singh Saideep , Chauhan Satish M. , Polshettiwar Vivek , Bhanage Bhalchandra M.
Published: April 2021

The development of an active and competent catalyst for the conversion of carbon dioxide (CO2) to value added‐chemicals at low pressure and temperature have great importance in the field of industrial chemical production as well as in tackling global warming. In this report, nitridated dendritic fibrous nano‐silica (N‐DFNS) as highly porous and stable nano‐material have been synthesized by using ammonolysis reaction at various temperature ranging from 500–800 °C and used as heterogeneous catalysts in combination with TBAI for the synthesis of cyclic carbonates from CO2 and epoxide. The presence of high surface area balanced acid‐base bi‐functionalities generated on silica due to ammonolysis offered high activity towards the synthesis of cyclic carbonates at the atmospheric pressure with excellent recyclability.
Persuasive effect of potential employees' names and photographs in a recruitment advertisement
Authors: Pfiffelmann Jean , Soulez Sébastien
Published: April 2021

While targeting job postings is a common practice for recruiters, they can now personalize their ads by embedding the recipients' names and photographs in the advertisement. Research shows divergent results on the effects of personalization. This experiment, conducted among 236 participants, assesses the combined effect of recruitment advertisement personalization and job targeting on attitudinal reactions. Our results show that personalization and targeting help increase self‐referencing, which in turn positively influences the attitude about the advertisement, click intention, and job‐pursuit intention. However, personalization has a negative main effect on these attitudinal reactions.