bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Powering Electronic Devices from Salt Gradients in AA‐Battery‐Sized Stacks of Hydrogel‐Infused Paper
Authors: Guha Anirvan , Kalkus Trevor J. , Schroeder Thomas B. H. , Willis Oliver G. , Rader Chris , Ianiro Alessandro , Mayer Michael 
Published: June 2021

AbstractStrongly electric fish use gradients of ions within their bodies to generate stunning external electrical discharges; the most powerful of these organisms, the Atlantic torpedo ray, can produce pulses of over 1 kW from its electric organs. Despite extensive study of this phenomenon in nature, the development of artificial power generation schemes based on ion gradients for portable, wearable, or implantable human use has remained out of reach. Previously, an artificial electric organ inspired by the electric eel demonstrated that electricity generated from ion gradients within stacked hydrogels can exceed 100 V. The current of this power source, however, was too low to power standard electronics. Here, an artificial electric organ inspired by the unique morphologies of torpedo rays for maximal current output is introduced. This power source uses a hybrid material of hydrogel‐infused paper to create, organize, and reconfigure stacks of thin, arbitrarily large gel films in series and in parallel. The resulting increase in electrical power by almost two orders of magnitude compared to the original eel‐inspired design makes it possible to power electronic devices and establishes that biology's mechanism of generating significant electrical power can now be realized from benign and soft materials in a portable size.
An Analytical Model for Dual Gate Piezoelectrically Sensitive ZnO Thin Film Transistors
Authors: Oh Hongseok , Dayeh Shadi A. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractHighly sensitive force sensors of piezoelectric zinc oxide (ZnO) dual‐gate thin film transistors (TFTs) are reported together with an analytical model that elucidates the physical origins of their response. The dual‐gate TFTs are fabricated on a polyimide substrate and exhibited a field effect mobility of ≈5 cm2 V−1 s−1, Imax/Imin ratio of 107, and a subthreshold slope of 700 mV dec−1, and demonstrated static and transient current changes under external forces with varying amplitude and polarity in different gate bias regimes. To understand the current modulation of the dual‐gate TFT with independently biased top and bottom gates, an analytical model is developed. The model includes accumulation channels at both surfaces and a bulk channel within the film and accounts for the force‐induced piezoelectric charge density. The microscopic piezoelectric response that modulates the energy‐band edges and correspondent current–voltage characteristics are accurately portrayed by this model. Finally, the field‐tunable force response in single TFT is demonstrated as a function of independent bias for the top and bottom gates with a force response range from −0.29 to 22.7 nA mN−1. This work utilizes intuitive analytical models to shed light on the correlation between the material properties with the force response in piezoelectric TFTs.
Direct Use of Benzylic Alcohols for Multicomponent Synthesis of 2‐Aryl Quinazolinones Utilizing the π‐Benzylpalladium(II) System in Water
Authors: Hikawa Hidemasa , Nakayama Taku , Takahashi Makiko , Kikkawa Shoko , Azumaya Isao 
Published: June 2021

AbstractWe demonstrate the direct use of benzylic alcohols for a multicomponent reaction of readily available isatoic anhydrides with amines in water, which is a synthetic route for the direct construction of a series of 2‐aryl quinazolinones. This one‐pot synthetic method involves the dehydrative N‐benzylation of in situ generated anthranilamides followed by an amide‐directed benzylic C−H amination process utilizing the π‐benzylPd(II) system. Comparison of independent rate measurements using benzyl alcohol and its deuterated form gave a kinetic isotope effect of 3.5. Therefore, the benzylic C−H bond is cleaved in the rate‐determining step. We successfully carried out a gram‐scale reaction in 85% yield with simplified product isolation.magnified image
Biomedical Implants with Charge‐Transfer Monitoring and Regulating Abilities
Authors: Wang Donghui , Tan Ji , Zhu Hongqin , Mei Yongfeng , Liu Xuanyong 
Published: June 2021

AbstractTransmembrane charge (ion/electron) transfer is essential for maintaining cellular homeostasis and is involved in many biological processes, from protein synthesis to embryonic development in organisms. Designing implant devices that can detect or regulate cellular transmembrane charge transfer is expected to sense and modulate the behaviors of host cells and tissues. Thus, charge transfer can be regarded as a bridge connecting living systems and human‐made implantable devices. This review describes the mode and mechanism of charge transfer between organisms and nonliving materials, and summarizes the strategies to endow implants with charge‐transfer regulating or monitoring abilities. Furthermore, three major charge‐transfer controlling systems, including wired, self‐activated, and stimuli‐responsive biomedical implants, as well as the design principles and pivotal materials are systematically elaborated. The clinical challenges and the prospects for future development of these implant devices are also discussed.
Investigation of the Performance of Donor–Acceptor Conjugated Polymers in Electrolyte‐Gated Organic Field‐Effect Transistors
Authors: Doumbia Amadou , Tong Jincheng , Wilson Richard J. , Turner Michael Lewis 
Published: June 2021

AbstractElectrolyte‐gated organic field‐effect transistors (EGOFETs) are gaining interest for application in bioelectronic devices. However, robust performance in terms of charge‐carrier mobility, on‐to‐off drain current ratio (Ion/Ioff), and turn‐on speed are required for real application. Here, donor‐acceptor (D‐A) conjugated polymers, namely poly[2,5‐(2‐octyldodecyl)‐3,6‐diketopyrrolopyrrole‐alt‐5,5‐(2,5‐di(thien‐2‐yl)thieno[3,2‐b]thiophene)] (PDPPDTT) and indacenodithiophene‐co‐benzothiadiazole (PIDTBT), are evaluated in EGOFETs. The operational performance of these materials is compared to that of the well‐established conjugated polymer, poly[2,5‐bis(3‐hexadecylthiophen‐2‐yl)thieno[3,2‐b]thiophene] (PBTTT). The effective mobility extracted for the PDPPDTT (0.18 cm2 V−1 s−1), and PIDTBT (0.16 cm2 V−1 s−1) devices is almost double that of the PBTTT (0.10 cm2 V−1 s−1) based device and the Ion/Ioff is one ((PDPPDTT): 3 × 103) or two ((PIDTBT): 2 × 104) orders of magnitude higher than that of PBTTT (2 × 102) devices. The extracted values compare favorably to those of the highest performing EGOFETs and EGOFETs based on the D‐A polymers turn from off to on state two to ten times faster than the analogous PBTTT device with an improved subthreshold swing. These results show that D‐A polymers with a planar conjugated backbone enable the development of robust EGOFETs that are well appropriate for applications in bioelectronic devices.
Achieving Efficient Magnesium–Sulfur Battery Chemistry via Polysulfide Mediation
Authors: Zou Qingli , Sun Yue , Liang Zhuojian , Wang Wanwan , Lu Yi‐Chun 
Published: June 2021

AbstractMagnesium–sulfur batteries promise a higher theoretical volumetric energy density, improved safety, and lower cost compared to lithium–sulfur batteries. However, Mg–S batteries suffer from poor cycle life and low energy efficiency. Here, it is revealed that Mg–S reactions are dominated by “solid–solid” reactions due to much lower polysulfide solubility in the presence of Mg2+ compared to that of Li+ in 1,2‐dimethoxyethane (DME)‐based electrolyte, leading to sluggish kinetics and poor reversibility. The polysulfide solubility is increased by using high‐donor‐number solvents (e.g., dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)), which increases the discharge capacity from 660 to ≈1500 mAh g−1 and decreases the sulfur overpotential from >600 to ≈200 mV at 0.1 C (energy efficiency over 90%). Based on this strategy, an Mg–S cathode with DMSO‐based electrolyte demonstrates a reversible capacity of 700 mAh g−1 at 0.4 C over 300 cycles. This work reveals a reaction limitation of Mg–S batteries and provides critical insights into the electrolyte design for high‐energy and reversible Mg–S batteries.
Health care transition for individuals with Down syndrome: A needs assessment
Authors: VanZant Jordan Seth , McCormick Andrew A. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractTransition to adulthood is a multifaceted process that requires integration of numerous domains within a young person's life, including their health care. For children with special health care needs, the transition process can be markedly more difficult to navigate. This is especially true for children with Down syndrome (DS) who receive fewer transition planning services. The aim of this needs assessment was to identify current trends, potential gaps, and areas for targeted intervention within the current transition landscape for individuals with DS. We utilized DS‐Connect, a National Institutes of Health (NIH) funded family/self‐advocate survey repository, as a platform to recruit respondents to the “Transition to Adulthood” survey. Sixty‐five respondents (64 parents and 1 caregiver) completed the survey. Responses indicated that 42% of respondents reported comfort in the transition process, but 5% or less reported completing one of the core transition outcomes: transition readiness assessment, portable medical summary, or written transition plan. These findings translated across other domains of respondents' lives. While many individuals with DS and their caregivers are aware of the transition process, there appears to be a disconnect between the introduction of transition concepts and an actualization of transition outcomes necessary for success.
“Repaired and Activated” DNAzyme Enables the Monitoring of DNA Alkylation Repair in Live Cells
Authors: Wang Xiangnan , Yi Xin , Huang Zhimei , He Jianjun , Wu Zhenkun , Chu Xia , Jiang Jian‐Hui 
Published: June 2021

AbstractDirect measurement of DNA repair is critical for the annotation of their clinical relevance and the discovery of drugs for cancer therapy. Here we reported a “repaired and activated” DNAzyme (RADzyme) by incorporating a single methyl lesion (O6MeG, 3MeC, or 1MeA) at designated positions through systematic screening. We found that the catalytic activity of the RADzyme was remarkably suppressed and could be restored via enzyme‐mediated DNA repair. Benefit from these findings, a fluorogenic RADzyme sensor was developed for the monitoring of MGMT‐mediated repair of O6MeG lesion. Importantly, the sensor allowed the evaluation of MGMT repair activity in different cells and under drugs treatment. Furthermore, another RADzyme sensor was engineered for the monitoring of ALKBH2‐mediated repair of 3MeC lesion. This strategy provides a simple and versatile tool for the study of the basic biology of DNA repair, clinical diagnosis and therapeutic assessment.
Beam Search for Automated Design and Scoring of Novel ROR Ligands with Machine Intelligence**
Authors: Moret Michael , Helmstädter Moritz , Grisoni Francesca , Schneider Gisbert , Merk Daniel 
Published: June 2021

AbstractChemical language models enable de novo drug design without the requirement for explicit molecular construction rules. While such models have been applied to generate novel compounds with desired bioactivity, the actual prioritization and selection of the most promising computational designs remains challenging. Herein, we leveraged the probabilities learnt by chemical language models with the beam search algorithm as a model‐intrinsic technique for automated molecule design and scoring. Prospective application of this method yielded novel inverse agonists of retinoic acid receptor‐related orphan receptors (RORs). Each design was synthesizable in three reaction steps and presented low‐micromolar to nanomolar potency towards RORγ. This model‐intrinsic sampling technique eliminates the strict need for external compound scoring functions, thereby further extending the applicability of generative artificial intelligence to data‐driven drug discovery.
Enabling Cysteine‐Free Native Chemical Ligation at Challenging Junctions with a Ligation Auxiliary Capable of Base Catalysis
Authors: Fuchs Olaf , Trunschke Sebastian , Hanebrink Hendrik , Reimann Marc , Seitz Oliver 
Published: June 2021

AbstractLigation auxiliaries are used in chemical protein synthesis to extend the scope of native chemical ligation (NCL) beyond cysteine. However, auxiliary‐mediated ligations at sterically demanding junctions have been difficult. Often the thioester intermediate formed in the thiol exchange step of NCL accumulates because the subsequent S→N acyl transfer is extremely slow. Here we introduce the 2‐mercapto‐2‐(pyridin‐2‐yl)ethyl (MPyE) group as the first auxiliary designed to aid the ligation reaction by catalysis. Notably, the MPyE auxiliary provides useful rates even for junctions containing proline or a β‐branched amino acid. Quantum chemical calculations suggest that the pyridine nitrogen acts as an intramolecular base in a rate‐determining proton transfer step. The auxiliary is prepared in two steps and conveniently introduced by reductive alkylation. Auxiliary cleavage is induced upon treatment with TCEP/morpholine in presence of a MnII complex as radical starter. The synthesis of a de novo designed 99mer peptide and an 80 aa long MUC1 peptide demonstrates the usefulness of the MPyE auxiliary.
Efficient Electroconversion of Carbon Dioxide to Formate by a Reconstructed Amino‐Functionalized Indium–Organic Framework Electrocatalyst
Authors: Wang Zhitong , Zhou Yansong , Xia Chenfeng , Guo Wei , You Bo , Xia Bao Yu 
Published: June 2021

AbstractWe report an amino‐functionalized indium‐organic framework for efficient CO2 reduction to formate. The immobilized amino groups strengthen the absorption and activation of CO2 and stabilize the active intermediates, which endow an enhanced catalytic conversion to formate despite the inevitable reduction and reconstruction of the functionalized indium‐based catalyst during electrocatalysis. The reconstructed amino‐functionalized indium‐based catalyst demonstrates a high Faradaic efficiency of 94.4 % and a partial current density of 108 mA cm−2 at −1.1 V vs. RHE in a liquid‐phase flow cell, and also delivers an enhanced current density of ca. 800 mA cm−2 at 3.4 V for the formate production in a gas‐phase flow cell configuration. This work not only provides a molecular functionalization and assembling concept of hybrid electrocatalysts but also offers valuable understandings in electrocatalyst evolution and reactor optimization for CO2 electrocatalysis and beyond.
Structure and photocatalytic performance comparison of two distinctive copper phenylacetylides
Authors: Li Jing , Tian Meng , Zhang Wen , Qian Jing , Zhao Sen , Dang Wenqiang , Jiang Hai‐Ying , Li Chengbo 
Published: June 2021

AbstractA new copper phenylacetylide of PhC2Cu2.5 was prepared and compared with PhC2Cu, a copper‐based metal–organic coordination polymer we reported previously. Based on the characterizations on the structures of the two prepared samples, they possessed significantly different crystal structures and similar micro and band structures. Interestingly, they also showed different preferences for the photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange (MO) and 2,4‐diclorophenol (2,4‐DCP). The active species trap experimental results show that different active species were required for the degradation of MO and 2,4‐DCP, resulting to different degradation pathways and mechanism. At last, different preferentially production of active species by PhC2Cu2.5 and PhC2Cu were studied by electrochemical measurements and fluorescence spectra, as well as the photocatalytic productions of reactive oxygen species by PhC2Cu and PhC2Cu2.5, which further demonstrated the obtained conclusions by active species trap experimental results. This work developed a new copper phenylacetylide of PhC2Cu2.5 as a photocatalyst and demonstrated the different degradation pathways of MO and 2,4‐DCP.
Great enhancement of mechanical features in PLA based composites containing aligned few layer graphene (FLG), the effect of FLG loading, size, and dispersion on mechanical and thermal properties
Authors: El Marouazi Hamza , van der Schueren Benoit , Favier Damien , Bolley Anaëlle , Dagorne Samuel , Dintzer Thierry , Janowska Izabela 
Published: June 2021

AbstractFour series of polylactide (PLA) based composite films containing horizontally aligned few layer graphene (FLG) flakes of high aspect ratio and adsorbed albumin are prepared. The mechanical and thermal properties varies with percentage, dispersion degree and size of FLG flakes. Great improvement up to 290% and 360% of tensile modulus and strength respectively were obtained for the composite containing high lateral size of FLG at 0.17% wt, and up to 60% and 80% for the composite with very well dispersed 0.02% wt FLG. The composites of PLA and PEG‐PLLA containing very well dispersed FLG flakes at 0.07% wt are ductile showing enhancement of elongation at break up to respectively 80% and 88%. Relatively high electrical conductivity, 5 × 10−3 S/cm, is measured for PLA film charged with 3% of FLG.
Octopamine signaling is involved in the female postmating state in Nilaparvata lugens Stål (Hemiptera: Delphacidae)
Authors: Ahmad Sheraz , Chen Yu , Zhang Jieyu , Stanley David , Song Qisheng , Ge Linquan 
Published: June 2021

AbstractMating triggers physiological and behavioral changes in female insects. In many species, females experience postmating behavioral and physiological changes that define a post‐mated state. These changes are comprised of several conditions, including long‐term refractoriness to re‐mating and increased production and laying of eggs. Here, we report that mating led to several changes in brown planthopper (BPH) females, including increased octopamine (OA), cAMP concentrations, and activities of several enzymes. Mating also led to changes in the expression of several genes acting in female physiology, including those in the cAMP/PKA signal transduction pathway. OA injections into virgin females led to similar changes. RNAi silencing of the gene encoding tyramine β‐hydroxylase, involved in the final step in OA synthesis, led to decreased expression of these genes, and reduced the cAMP/PKA signaling. At the whole‐organism level, the RNAi treatments led to reduced fecundity, body weights, and longevity. RNAi silencing of genes acting in OA signaling led to truncated ovarian development, egg maturation, and ovarian vitellogenin (Vg) uptake. The impact of these decreases is also registered at the population level, seen as decreased population growth. We infer that OA signaling modulates the postmating state in female BPH and possibly other hemipterans.
Synthesis of new anthracene‐substituted calix[4]triazacrown‐5 as highly sensitive fluorescent chemosensor and extractant against hazardous dichromate anion
Authors: Sayin Serkan 
Published: June 2021

AbstractA new fluorogenic anthracene functionalized calix[4]triazacrown‐5 (Ant‐AzClx) was successfully synthesized using a simple Schiff’s base reaction. The 1H‐NMR, 13C‐NMR, ESI‐MS, and elemental analysis techniques were performed to characterize its structure. Excited at 370 nm, Ant‐AzClx reveals excimer emission at 418 nm. Therefore, its anion binding properties were investigated against F−, HCO3−, H2PO4−, NO3−, Cr2O72−, and SO42− ions. When hazardous dichromate anion was introduced into medium, the fluorescence intensity of Ant‐AzClx was markedly quenched. The binding constant, stoichiometry, the detection limits and Stern–Volmer equation for the complex formed between Ant‐AzClx and Cr2O72− ion were determined. Furthermore, the 1H‐NMR technique was also performed to assess the mechanism of the complex (Ant‐AzClx@Cr2O72−). Apart from its excellent fluorescent chemosensor properties for selective and sensitive recognition of Cr2O72− ion, Ant‐AzClx was used as an efficient extractant towards dichromate anion. The extraction results indicated that Ant‐AzClx exhibited high extraction capability, leading to it being a promising extractant for the removal of dichromate anions from water.
A motivational framework of acculturation
Authors: Vishkin Allon , Horenczyk Gabriel , Ben‐Nun Bloom Pazit 
Published: June 2021

AbstractA key distinction in motivational processes is between motivations and the means for pursuing motivations. Despite being a motivated process, existing models of acculturation do not make this distinction, neither empirically nor theoretically. A motivational framework that is informed by theories of goal constructs to understand the process of acculturation is proposed. This model is tested in two distinct samples comprising immigrants from the former Soviet Union to Israel (N = 239) as well as immigrants from Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh to Britain (N = 236). Results revealed that the motivation to preserve one's heritage culture and the motivation to adopt one's host culture were each uniquely associated with the respective means for doing so. Furthermore, outcomes in acculturation were determined by the match between acculturation motivations and acculturation means. These findings demonstrate the theoretical and practical implications of analyzing the process of acculturation using a motivational framework.
Advancing to the era of cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Wang Yun , Wang Min , Wu Hao‐Xiang , Xu Rui‐Hua 
Published: June 2021

AbstractCancer greatly affects the quality of life of humans worldwide and the number of patients suffering from it is continuously increasing. Over the last century, numerous treatments have been developed to improve the survival of cancer patients but substantial progress still needs to be made before cancer can be truly cured. In recent years, antitumor immunity has become the most debated topic in cancer research and the booming development of immunotherapy has led to a new epoch in cancer therapy. In this review, we describe the relationships between tumors and the immune system, and the rise of immunotherapy. Then, we summarize the characteristics of tumor‐associated immunity and immunotherapeutic strategies with various molecular mechanisms by showing the typical immune molecules whose antibodies are broadly used in the clinic and those that are still under investigation. We also discuss important elements from individual cells to the whole human body, including cellular mutations and modulation, metabolic reprogramming, the microbiome, and the immune contexture. In addition, we also present new observations and technical advancements of both diagnostic and therapeutic methods aimed at cancer immunotherapy. Lastly, we discuss the controversies and challenges that negatively impact patient outcomes.
Remodeling of the Fibrillation Pathway of α‐Synuclein by Interaction with Antimicrobial Peptide LL‐III
Authors: Oliva Rosario , Mukherjee Sanjib K. , Ostermeier Lena , Pazurek Lilli A. , Kriegler Simon , Bader Verian , Prumbaum Daniel , Raunser Stefan , Winklhofer Konstanze F. , Tatzelt Jörg , Winter Roland 
Published: June 2021

AbstractLiquid‐liquid phase separation (LLPS) has emerged as a key mechanism for intracellular organization, and many recent studies have provided important insights into the role of LLPS in cell biology. There is also evidence that LLPS is associated with a variety of medical conditions, including neurodegenerative disorders. Pathological aggregation of α‐synuclein, which is causally linked to Parkinson's disease, can proceed via droplet condensation, which then gradually transitions to the amyloid state. We show that the antimicrobial peptide LL‐III is able to interact with both monomers and condensates of α‐synuclein, leading to stabilization of the droplet and preventing conversion to the fibrillar state. The anti‐aggregation activity of LL‐III was also confirmed in a cellular model. We anticipate that studying the interaction of antimicrobial‐type peptides with liquid condensates such as α‐synuclein will contribute to the understanding of disease mechanisms (that arise in such condensates) and may also open up exciting new avenues for intervention.