bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Recent Progress in Piezo‐Phototronic Effect Enhanced Solar Cells
Authors: Zhu Laipan , Wang Zhong Lin 
Published: December 2018

AbstractFor third generation semiconductors, for example, wurtzite ZnO and GaN, a piezopotential will be induced in these non‐centrosymmetric structures through applying a stationery deformation. The synchronous occupancy of semiconductor engineering, piezoelectric property, and optical excitation processes in these materials brings about outstanding device performances, such as promoting carrier creation, transfer, separation, or suppressing carrier recombination. Enormous research interests have been sparked in this emerging field known as the piezo‐phototronic effect. This manuscript reviews the fundamental research progress in enhanced photovoltaic efficiency by this effect, which not only provides a comprehensive coverage of the theoretical and experimental works illustrating the basic physics for understanding the enhanced solar cells when an external mechanical strain is applied, but also gives new insight into designing high‐performance solar cells.
Emerging Carbon‐Based Heterogeneous Catalysts for Electrochemical Reduction of Carbon Dioxide into Value‐Added Chemicals
Authors: Wu Jingjie , Sharifi Tiva , Gao Ying , Zhang Tianyu , Ajayan Pulickel M. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThe electrocatalytic reduction of CO2 provides a sustainable way to mitigate CO2 emissions, as well as store intermittent electrical energy into chemicals. However, its slow kinetics and the lack of ability to control the products of the reaction inhibit its industrial applications. In addition, the immature mechanistic understanding of the reduction process makes it difficult to develop a selective, scalable, and stable electrocatalyst. Carbon‐based materials are widely considered as a stable and abundant alternative to metals for catalyzing some of the key electrochemical reactions, including the CO2 reduction reaction. In this context, recent research advances in the development of heterogeneous nanostructured carbon‐based catalysts for electrochemical reduction of CO2 are summarized. The leading factors for consideration in carbon‐based catalyst research are discussed by analyzing the main challenges faced by electrochemical reduction of CO2. Then the emerging metal‐free doped carbon and aromatic N‐heterocycle catalysts for electrochemical reduction of CO2 with an emphasis on the formation of multicarbon hydrocarbons and oxygenates are discussed. Following that, the recent progress in metal–nitrogen–carbon structures as an extension of carbon‐based catalysts is scrutinized. Finally, an outlook for the future development of catalysts as well as the whole electrochemical system for CO2 reduction is provided.
Emerging Nanotechnologies for Liquid Biopsy: The Detection of Circulating Tumor Cells and Extracellular Vesicles
Authors: Li Wenzhe , Wang Huayi , Zhao Zijian , Gao Houqian , Liu Changliang , Zhu Ling , Wang Chen , Yang Yanlian 
Published: December 2018

AbstractLiquid biopsy enables noninvasive and dynamic analysis of molecular or cellular biomarkers, and therefore holds great potential for the diagnosis, prognosis, monitoring of disease progress and treatment efficacy, understanding of disease mechanisms, and identification of therapeutic targets for drug development. In this review, the recent progress in nanomaterials, nanostructures, nanodevices, and nanosensors for liquid biopsy is summarized, with a focus on the detection and molecular characterization of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and extracellular vesicles (EVs). The developments and advances of nanomaterials and nanostructures in enhancing the sensitivity, specificity, and purity for the detection of CTCs and EVs are discussed. Sensing techniques for signal transduction and amplification as well as visualization strategies are also discussed. New technologies for the reversible release of the isolated CTCs and EVs and for single‐CTC/EV analysis are summarized. Emerging microfluidic platforms for the integral on‐chip isolation, detection, and molecular analysis are also included. The opportunities, challenges, and prospects of these innovative materials and technologies, especially with regard to their feasibility in clinical applications, are discussed. The applications of nanotechnology‐based liquid biopsy will bring new insight into the clinical practice in monitoring and treatment of tumor and other significant diseases.
Cardiomyocytes‐Actuated Morpho Butterfly Wings
Authors: Chen Zhuoyue , Fu Fanfan , Yu Yunru , Wang Huan , Shang Yixuan , Zhao Yuanjin 
Published: December 2018

Abstract
Morpho butterflies are famous for their wings' brilliant structural colors arising from periodic nanostructures, which show great potential value for fundamental research and practical applications. Here, a novel cellular mechanical visualizable biosensor formed by assembling engineered cardiac tissues on the Morpho butterfly wings is presented. The assembled cardiomyocytes benefit from the periodic parallel nanoridges of the wings and can recover their autonomic beating ability with guided cellular orientation and good contraction performance. As the beating processes are accompanied by the cardiomyocytes' elongation and contraction, the elastic butterfly wing substrate undergoes the same cycle of deformations, which causes corresponding synchronous shifts in their structural colors and photonic bandgaps for self‐reporting of the cell mechanics. It is demonstrated that this self‐reporting performance can be further improved by adding oriented carbon nanotubes in the nanoridges of the wings for the culture. In addition, taking advantage of the similar size of the cardiomyocyte and a single Morpho wing scale, the investigation of single‐cell‐level mechanics can be realized by detecting the optical performance of a single scale. These remarkable properties make these butterfly wings ideal platforms for biomedical research.
Endovascular Metal Devices for the Treatment of Cerebrovascular Diseases
Authors: Zhu Yueqi , Zhang Hongbo , Zhang Yiran , Wu Huayin , Wei Liming , Zhou Gen , Zhang Yuezhou , Deng Lianfu , Cheng Yingsheng , Li Minghua , Santos Hélder A. , Cui Wenguo 
Published: December 2018

AbstractCerebrovascular disease involves various medical disorders that obstruct brain blood vessels or deteriorate cerebral circulation, resulting in ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke. Nowadays, platinum coils with or without biological modification have become routine embolization devices to reduce the risk of cerebral aneurysm bleeding. Additionally, many intracranial stents, flow diverters, and stent retrievers have been invented with uniquely designed structures. To accelerate the translation of these devices into clinical usage, an in‐depth understanding of the mechanical and material performance of these metal‐based devices is critical. However, considering the more distal location and tortuous anatomic characteristics of cerebral arteries, present devices still risk failing to arrive at target lesions. Consequently, more flexible endovascular devices and novel designs are under urgent demand to overcome the deficiencies of existing devices. Herein, the pros and cons of the current structural designs are discussed when these devices are applied to the treatment of diseases ranging broadly from hemorrhages to ischemic strokes, in order to encourage further development of such kind of devices and investigation of their use in the clinic. Moreover, novel biodegradable materials and drug elution techniques, and the design, safety, and efficacy of personalized devices for further clinical applications in cerebral vasculature are discussed.
A Biomimetic Non‐Antibiotic Approach to Eradicate Drug‐Resistant Infections
Authors: Zhao Yu , Guo Qianqian , Dai Xiaomei , Wei Xiaosong , Yu Yunjian , Chen Xuelei , Li Chaoxing , Cao Zhiqiang , Zhang Xinge 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThe chronic infections by pathogenic Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) remain to be properly addressed. In particular, for drug‐resistant strains, limited medication is available. An in vivo pneumonia model induced by a clinically isolated aminoglycoside resistant strain of P. aeruginosa is developed. Tobramycin clinically treating P. aeruginosa infections is found to be ineffective to inhibit or eliminate this drug‐resistant strain. Here, a newly developed non‐antibiotics based nanoformulation plus near‐infrared (NIR) photothermal treatment shows a remarkable antibacterial efficacy in treating this drug‐resistant pneumonia. The novel formulation contains 50–100 nm long nanorods decorated with two types of glycomimetic polymers to specifically block bacterial LecA and LecB lectins, respectively, which are essential for bacterial biofilm development. Such a 3D display of heteromultivalent glycomimetics on a large scale is inspired by the natural strengthening mechanism for the carbohydrate–lectin interaction that occurs when bacteria initially infects the host. This novel formulation shows the most efficient bacteria inhabitation and killing against P. aeruginosa infection, through lectin blocking and the near‐infrared‐light‐induced photothermal effect of gold nanorods, respectively. Collectively, the novel biomimetic design combined with the photothermal killing capability is expected to be an alternative treatment strategy against the ever‐threatening drug‐resistant infectious diseases when known antibiotics have failed.
Rationally Designed 3D Hydrogels Model Invasive Lung Diseases Enabling High‐Content Drug Screening
Authors: Tam Roger Y. , Yockell‐Lelièvre Julien , Smith Laura J. , Julian Lisa M. , Baker Alexander E. G. , Choey Chandarong , Hasim Mohamed S. , Dimitroulakos Jim , Stanford William L. , Shoichet Molly S. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractCell behavior is highly dependent upon microenvironment. Thus, to identify drugs targeting metastatic cancer, screens need to be performed in tissue mimetic substrates that allow cell invasion and matrix remodeling. A novel biomimetic 3D hydrogel platform that enables quantitative analysis of cell invasion and viability at the individual cell level is developed using automated data acquisition methods with an invasive lung disease (lymphangioleiomyomatosis, LAM) characterized by hyperactive mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling as a model. To test the lung‐mimetic hydrogel platform, a kinase inhibitor screen is performed using tuberous sclerosis complex 2 (TSC2) hypomorphic cells, identifying Cdk2 inhibition as a putative LAM therapeutic. The 3D hydrogels mimic the native niche, enable multiple modes of invasion, and delineate phenotypic differences between healthy and diseased cells, all of which are critical to effective drug screens of highly invasive diseases including lung cancer.
Atomic Fe Dispersed on N‐Doped Carbon Hollow Nanospheres for High‐Efficiency Electrocatalytic Oxygen Reduction
Authors: Chen Yifan , Li Zhijuan , Zhu Yanbo , Sun Dongmei , Liu Xien , Xu Lin , Tang Yawen 
Published: December 2018

AbstractExploration of high‐efficiency, economical, and ultrastable electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) to substitute precious Pt is of great significance in electrochemical energy conversion devices. Single‐atom catalysts (SACs) have sparked tremendous interest for their maximum atom‐utilization efficiency and fascinating properties. Therefore, the development of effective synthetic methodology toward SACs becomes highly imperative yet still remains greatly challenging. Herein, a reliable SiO2‐templated strategy is elaborately designed to synthesize atomically dispersed Fe atoms anchored on N‐doped carbon nanospheres (denoted as Fe–N–C HNSs) using the cheap and sustainable biomaterial of histidine (His) as the N and C precursor. By virtue of the numerous atomically dispersed Fe–N4 moieties and unique spherical hollow architecture, the as‐fabricated Fe–N–C HNSs exhibit excellent ORR performance in alkaline medium with outstanding activity, high long‐term stability, and superior tolerance to methanol crossover, exceeding the commercial Pt/C catalyst and most previously reported non‐precious‐metal catalysts. This present synthetic strategy will provide new inspiration to the fabrication of various high‐efficiency single‐atom catalysts for diverse applications.
Advances in Solution‐Processed Multijunction Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Di Carlo Rasi Dario , Janssen René A. J. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThe efficiency of organic solar cells can benefit from multijunction device architectures, in which energy losses are substantially reduced. Herein, recent developments in the field of solution‐processed multijunction organic solar cells are described. Recently, various strategies have been investigated and implemented to improve the performance of these devices. Next to developing new materials and processing methods for the photoactive and interconnecting layers, specific layers or stacks are designed to increase light absorption and improve the photocurrent by utilizing optical interference effects. These activities have resulted in power conversion efficiencies that approach those of modern thin film photovoltaic technologies. Multijunction cells require more elaborate and intricate characterization procedures to establish their efficiency correctly and a critical view on the results and new insights in this matter are discussed. Application of multijunction cells in photoelectrochemical water splitting and upscaling toward a commercial technology is briefly addressed.
Cluster‐Assembled Nanocomposites: Functional Properties by Design
Authors: Benel Cahit , Reisinger Thomas , Kruk Robert , Hahn Horst 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThe unique functional properties of nanocomposites meet many of the material requirements sought after in numerous applications of today's high‐tech industry. This, in turn, inspires material scientists to devise new methods that can further expand the palette of available nanocomposites. Precise control over the chemistry, morphology, and microstructure of nanocomposites' constituents promises the eventual ability to design any composite material for any specific requirement. However, today's synthesis methods still lack the ability to simultaneously control all chemical, morphological, and microstructural features of nanocomposites in a one‐step process. Here, an alternative approach to fabricate fully tailorable nanocomposites under well‐defined conditions is described. In particular, this progress report focuses on the combination of cluster ion beam and thin‐film deposition technologies to fabricate cluster‐assembled nanocomposites via codeposition of cluster ions and matrix materials. Emphasis is given to the state‐of‐the‐art cluster deposition system, designed and built by our research group, as well as to its unique abilities. Moreover, case studies on two cluster‐assembled nanocomposite material systems (Fe/Agm and Fe/Crm) prepared with this method are presented. Finally, an outlook on research directions for cluster‐assembled nanocomposites is discussed.
Two‐Terminal Multibit Optical Memory via van der Waals Heterostructure
Authors: Tran Minh Dao , Kim Hyun , Kim Jun Suk , Doan Manh Ha , Chau Tuan Khanh , Vu Quoc An , Kim Ji‐Hee , Lee Young Hee 
Published: December 2018

Abstract2D van der Waals (vdWs) heterostructures exhibit intriguing optoelectronic properties in photodetectors, solar cells, and light‐emitting diodes. In addition, these materials have the potential to be further extended to optical memories with promising broadband applications for image sensing, logic gates, and synaptic devices for neuromorphic computing. In particular, high programming voltage, high off‐power consumption, and circuital complexity in integration are primary concerns in the development of three‐terminal optical memory devices. This study describes a multilevel nonvolatile optical memory device with a two‐terminal floating‐gate field‐effect transistor with a MoS2/hexagonal boron nitride/graphene heterostructure. The device exhibits an extremely low off‐current of ≈10−14 A and high optical switching on/off current ratio of over ≈106, allowing 18 distinct current levels corresponding to more than four‐bit information storage. Furthermore, it demonstrates an extended endurance of over ≈104 program–erase cycles and a long retention time exceeding 3.6 × 104 s with a low programming voltage of −10 V. This device paves the way for miniaturization and high‐density integration of future optical memories with vdWs heterostructures.
Multistable Thermal Actuators Via Multimaterial 4D Printing
Authors: Jeong Hoon Yeub , Lee Eunseo , Ha Sangho , Kim Namhun , Jun Young Chul 
Published: December 2018

Abstract3D printing of smart materials, called “four‐dimensional” (4D) printing, adds active, responsive functions to 3D‐printed structures. Shape memory polymers (SMPs) can be employed as an active material in 4D printing, and this could be useful for a wide range of potential applications. New design for 4D printing is presented here by introducing SMPs into rotational multistable structures. Two different digital SMPs are employed to enable large‐angle, thermal actuation in a controlled manner. It is started with bistable structures and then extending them to quadristable ones. In this design, by adjusting the thickness of SMP beams, a balance is controlled between the energy barrier and shape memory force, and this can enable controlled thermal actuation. Especially, one can control the activation time for thermal actuation. Multistable structures can simplify actuation and motion control without complicated control systems. Therefore, by adopting multistable structures in 4D printing, one can potentially enable precisely controlled, large‐magnitude, rapid actuation beyond the material capability of SMPs. These multistable structures do not require heating in the programming stage and this significantly simplifies the actuation procedure. This work provides new physical insights into 3D‐printable, active structures, and could be useful for various smart actuators responding to the environmental stimuli.
Visible Light‐Mediated Synthesis of Enantiopure γ‐Cyclobutane Amino and 3‐(Aminomethyl)‐5‐phenylpentanoic Acids
Authors: Kerres Sabine , Plut Eva , Malcherek Simon , Rehbein Julia , Reiser Oliver 
Published: December 2018

AbstractA visible light‐mediated [2+2] photocycloaddition of amide‐linked dienes using [Ir(dtb‐bpy)(dF(CF3)ppy)2]PF6 as triplet sensitizer was applied to generate a variety of N‐tert‐butyl, N‐benzyl‐ and N‐tert‐butoxycarbonyl‐protected 3‐azabicyclo[3.2.0]heptan‐2‐ones in good yields and with good diastereoselectivity. Density functional theory calculations shed light on the conformational prerequisites for the [2+2] photocycloaddition. The bicyclic key structures could be readily transformed into γ‐cyclobutane amino acids.For the obtained racemic 3‐phenyl‐2‐aminocyclobutane‐1‐carboxylic acid the resolution with chiral oxazolidin‐2‐one is demonstrated to allow access to both enantiomers. Alternatively, a chiral auxiliary approach led as well to the enantiomerically pure target compound. Finally, the synthesis of either enantiomer of 3‐(aminomethyl)‐5‐phenylpentanoic acid, the racemate being described as an anticonvulsant, is described.magnified image
A Straightforward Homologation of Carbon Dioxide with Magnesium Carbenoids en Route to α‐Halocarboxylic Acids
Authors: Monticelli Serena , Urban Ernst , Langer Thierry , Holzer Wolfgang , Pace Vittorio 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThe homologation of carbon dioxide with stable, (enantiopure) magnesium carbenoids constitutes a valuable method for preparing α‐halo acid derivatives. The tactic features a high level of chemocontrol, thus enabling the synthesis of variously functionalized analogues. The flexibility to generate magnesium carbenoids through sulfoxide‐, halogen‐ or proton‐ Mg exchange accounts for the wide scope of the reaction.magnified image
Programmable Vanishing Multifunctional Optics
Authors: Cai Xiaoqing , Zhou Zhitao , Tao Tiger H. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractPhysically transient optics, a form of optics that can physically disappear with precisely controlled degradation behaviors, has widespread applications including information security, drug release, and degradable implants. Here, a set of silk‐based programmable vanishing, biologically functional, multichromatic diffractive optical elements (MC‐DOEs) is reported. Silk proteins produced by silkworms and spiders are mechanically robust, biocompatible, biodegradable, and importantly, optically transparent, which open up new opportunities for a set of fully degradable transient optical devices with no need of metallic or semiconductor components. Compared with monochromatic DOEs, MC‐DOEs carry out richer information for more practical applications such as encryption and decryption of multilevel information, quantitative sensing/monitoring of chemical/biological cascade reactions, and effective treatment of infections caused by multiple pathogens.
One‐Step In Situ Formation of N‐doped Carbon Nanosheet 3D Porous Networks/TiO2 Hybrids with Ultrafast Sodium Storage
Authors: Li Baosong , Xi Baojuan , Wu Fangfang , Mao Hongzhi , Liu Jing , Feng Jinkui , Xiong Shenglin 
Published: December 2018

AbstractIn spite of the satisfactory advancement in preparing TiO2‐based hybrid structures, most methods rely on additional template‐based multistep reactions for engineering the given structure. Herein, a unique self‐template and in situ recrystallization strategy is explored to synthesize uniform flowerlike multicompositional structures of nitrogen‐doped porous carbon nanosheet networks immobilizing TiO2 nanoparticles (TiO2∩NPCSs) via a self‐prepared single precursor and subsequent thermal treatment. Depending on the unique coordination ability of 2,4‐dihydroxybenzoic acid with metal ions under alkaline conditions to form a flowerlike network, a self‐produced single precursor can be achieved. Careful investigations of the self‐prepared precursor reveal a high practicability of the present synthetic scheme. Because of the novel structural and compositional features, these TiO2∩NCSN flowers indicate superior sodium storage properties when evaluated as anodes for sodium‐ion batteries. Impressively, the TiO2∩NCSN flowers deliver high reversible capacities of 152 mAh g−1 at 2C for 3000 cycles and 114 mAh g−1 at 10C for 10000 cycles, as well as an ultrahigh rate capability up to 50C with a capacity of 101 mAh g−1. The facile method could stimulate further capability in precise construction of complex architectures with complicated compositions for different device applications.
The Rationality of Irrationality in the Monty Hall Problem
Authors: Enßlin Torsten , Westerkamp Margret 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThe rational solution of the Monty Hall problem unsettles many people. Most people, including the authors, think it feels wrong to switch the initial choice of one of the three doors, despite having fully accepted the mathematical proof for its superiority. Many people think the chances are 50‐50 between their options, but still strongly prefer to stay with their initial choice. Is there some sense behind these irrational feelings? Here, the possibility is entertained that intuition solves the problem of how to behave in a real game show and not the abstract textbook version. A real showmaster sometimes plays evil, either to make the show more interesting, to save money, or because he is in a bad mood. A moody showmaster erases any information advantage the guest could extract by him opening other doors which drives the chance of the car being behind the chosen door toward 50%. Furthermore, the showmaster could try to read or manipulate the guest's strategy to the guest's disadvantage. Given this, the preference to stay with the initial choice turns out to be a very rational defense strategy of the show's guest against the threat of being manipulated by its host.