bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of Hierarchical Dopant‐Induced Microstructure on Thermoelectric Properties of p‐Type Si‐Ge Alloys Revealed by Comprehensive Multi‐Scale Characterization
Authors: Jang Kyuseon , Ko Won‐Seok , Son Ji‐Hee , Jang Jeong‐In , Kim Bongseo , Vega‐Parades Miquel , Jang Hanhwi , Allahyari Maryam , Kim Se‐Ho , Ryou KenHee , Chae Donghyeon , Park Hail , Jung Yeon Sik , Oh Min‐Wook , Jung Chanwon , Scheu Christina , Choi Pyuck‐Pa 
Published: April 2024

AbstractDopant‐induced microstructure in thermoelectric materials significantly affects thermoelectric properties and offers a potential to break the interdependence between electron and phonon transport properties. However, identifying all‐scale dopant‐induced microstructures and correlating them with thermoelectric properties remain a huge challenge owing to a lack of detailed microstructural characterization encompassing all length scales. Here, the hierarchical boron (B)‐induced microstructures in B‐doped Si80Ge20 alloys with different B concentrations are investigated to determine their precise effects on thermoelectric properties. By adopting a multi‐scale characterization approach, including X‐ray diffraction, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, and atom probe tomography, five distinctive B‐induced phases within Si80Ge20 alloys are identified. These phases exhibit different sizes, compositions, and crystal structures. Furthermore, their configuration is comprehensively determined according to B doping concentrations to elucidate their consequential impact on the unusual changes in carrier concentration, density‐of‐states effective mass, and lattice thermal conductivity. The study provides insights into the intricate relationship between hierarchical dopant‐induced microstructures and thermoelectric properties and highlights the importance of investigating all‐scale microstructures in excessively‐doped systems for determining the precise structure‐property relationships.
Atomically Dispersed Platinum on Conjugated Polymers with Tailored Cation‐π Interactions and Microstructures for Hydrogen Evolution Electrocatalysis
Authors: Zhang Longsheng , Ma Ziwei , Wu Zhenzhong , Liu Yunxia , Bai Jing , Zhang Shouhan , Debroye Elke , Fan Wei , Lin Haiping , Liu Tianxi 
Published: April 2024

AbstractDeveloping high‐performance platinum (Pt) single atom catalyst with maximum metal‐atom‐utilization efficiency is of significance for water electrolysis, which demonstrates enormous potentials toward hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). In addition to stably immobilizing Pt single atoms on a support material, it is highly desired to elaborately tailor their coordination environments for achieving optimized HER performance. In this work, a general strategy is reported to develop advanced catalysts with Pt single atoms immobilized on conjugated polymers, where their coordination environments and HER activities can be readily tailored by adjusting the cation‐π interactions formed between the Pt single atoms and conjugated polymers. For the proof‐of‐concept study, polypyrrole (PPy), polyfuran (PFu), and polythiophene (PTh) with analogous molecular structures are investigated, where the N, O, and S heteroatoms in PPy, PFu, and PTh can affect their π domains and induce different cation‐π interactions. Experimental and theoretical studies both suggest that the HER performance of the resulting catalysts follows the trend of Pt1‐PTh < Pt1‐PFu < Pt1‐PPy, which shows a correlation with their cation‐π interactions. Moreover, by utilizing the microstructure‐tailorable property of conjugated polymers, PPy aerogel with enhanced specific surface area are prepared to support Pt single atoms, achieving substantial HER performance improvement.
AMPLON: Amplifying DNA with Multiarm Priming and Looping Optimization of Nucleic Acid
Authors: Doganay Mert Tunca , Roman Ethan , Hujer Andrea M. , Bonomo Robert A. , Deeks Steven G. , Kuritzkes Daniel R. , Draz Mohamed S. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractNucleic acid amplification, the bedrock of biotechnology and molecular diagnostics, surges in applications—especially isothermal approaches—heightening the demand for advanced and precisely engineered methods. Here, a novel approach for amplifying DNA with multiarm priming and looping optimization of nucleic acid (AMPLON) is presented. AMPLON relies on a novel polymeric material with unique set of multiarm polyethylene glycol–DNA primers for efficient DNA amplification under isothermal conditions. Each arm carries single‐stranded DNA complementing the sense or antisense sequence of the target DNA. The amplification reaction begins with antisense arms binding to the target DNA, forming a template for sense‐carrying arms to direct multiarm large DNA amplicon synthesis through successive DNA looping and unlooping steps. Using human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV‐1) as a model clinical target, AMPLON exhibits high sensitivity, detecting target concentrations as low as 100 copies mL−1. Compared to a quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction assay using sensitive primers, AMPLON reliably identifies HIV‐1 RNA in plasma samples (n = 20) with a significant agreement rate of 95%. With its ability to achieve highly specific and sensitive target amplification within 30 min, AMPLON holds immense potential to transform the field of nucleic acid research and unleashing new possibilities in medicine and biotechnology.
Achieving High‐Performance Lithium–Sulfur Batteries by Modulating Li+ Desolvation Barrier with Liquid Crystal Polymers
Authors: Miao Xiang , Song Chenxi , Hu Wei , Ren Yaoyu , Shen Yang , Nan Ce‐wen 
Published: April 2024

AbstractLithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries offer high theoretical capacity but are hindered by poor rate capability and cycling stability due to sluggish Li2S precipitation kinetics. Here a sulfonate‐group‐rich liquid crystal polymer (poly‐2,2′‐disulfonyl‐4,4′‐benzidine terephthalamide, PBDT) is designed and fabricated to accelerate Li2S precipitation by promoting the desolvation of Li+ from electrolyte. PBDT‐modified separators are employed to assemble Li–S batteries, which deliver a remarkable rate capacity (761 mAh g−1 at 4 C) and cycling stability (500 cycles with an average decay rate of 0.088% per cycle at 0.5 C). A PBDT‐based pouch cell even delivers an exceptional capacity of ≈1400 mAh g−1 and an areal capacity of ≈11 mAh cm−2 under lean‐electrolyte and high‐sulfur‐loading condition, demonstrating promise for practical applications. Results of Raman spectra, molecular dynamic (MD) and density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal that the abundant anionic sulfonate groups of PBDT aid in Li+ desolvation by attenuating Li+‐solvent interactions and lowering the desolvation energy barrier. Plus, the polysulfide adsorption/catalysis is also excluded via electrostatic repulsion. This work elucidates the critical impact of Li+ desolvation on Li–S batteries and provides a new design direction for advanced Li–S batteries.
A Strong, Tough, and Stable Composite with Nacre‐Inspired Sandwich Structure
Authors: Wang Shaoxiong , Tan Lulu , Yang Zhao , Zhao Hewei , Guo Lin 
Published: April 2024

AbstractImproving the fracture resistance of nacre‐inspired composites is crucial in addressing the strength‐toughness trade‐off. However, most previously proposed strategies for enhancing fracture resistance in these composites have been limited to interfacial modification by polymer, which restricts mechanical enhancement. Here, a composite material consisting of graphene oxide (GO) lamellae and nanocrystalline reinforced amorphous alumina nanowires (NAANs) has been developed. The structure of the composite is inspired by nacre and is composed of stacked GO nanosheets with NAANs in between, forming a sandwich‐like structure. This design enhances the fracture resistance of the composite through the pull‐out of GO nanosheets at the nanoscale and GO/NAANs sandwich‐like coupling at the micro‐scale, while also providing stiff ceramic support. This composite simultaneously possesses high strength (887.8 MPa), toughness (31.6 MJ m−3), superior cyclic stability (1600 cycles), and long‐term (2 years) immersion stability, which outperform previously reported GO‐based lamellar composites. The hierarchical fracture design provides a new path to design next‐generation strong, tough, and stable materials for advanced engineering applications.
Co‐Assembled Nanoparticles toward Multi‐Target Combinational Therapy of Alzheimer's Disease by Making Full Use of Molecular Recognition and Self‐Assembly
Authors: Li Wen‐Bo , Xu Lin‐Lin , Wang Si‐Lei , Wang Ying‐Yue , Pan Yu‐Chen , Shi Lin‐Qi , Guo Dong‐Sheng 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe complex pathologies in Alzheimer's disease (AD) severely limit the effectiveness of single‐target pharmic interventions, thus necessitating multi‐pronged therapeutic strategies. While flexibility is essentially demanded in constructing such multi‐target systems, for achieving optimal synergies and also accommodating the inherent heterogeneity within AD. Utilizing the dynamic reversibility of supramolecular strategy for conferring sufficient tunability in component substitution and proportion adjustment, amphiphilic calixarenes are poised to be a privileged molecular tool for facilely achieving function integration. Herein, taking β‐amyloid (Aβ) fibrillation and oxidative stress as model combination pattern, a supramolecular multifunctional integration is proposed by co‐assembling guanidinium‐modified calixarene with ascorbyl palmitate and loading dipotassium phytate within calixarene cavity. Serial pivotal events can be simultaneously addressed by this versatile system, including 1) inhibition of Aβ production and aggregation, 2) disintegration of Aβ fibrils, 3) acceleration of Aβ metabolic clearance, and 4) regulation of oxidative stress, which is verified to significantly ameliorate the cognitive impairment of 5×FAD mice, with reduced Aβ plaque content, neuroinflammation, and neuronal apoptosis. Confronted with the extremely intricate clinical realities of AD, the strategy presented here exhibits ample adaptability for necessary alterations on combinations, thereby may immensely expedite the advancement of AD combinational therapy through providing an exceptionally convenient platform.
Short‐Wave Infrared Colloidal QD Photodetector with Nanosecond Response Times Enabled by Ultrathin Absorber Layers
Authors: Deng Yu‐Hao , Pang Chao , Kheradmand Ezat , Leemans Jari , Bai Jing , Minjauw Matthias , Liu Jiayi , Molkens Korneel , Beeckman Jeroen , Detavernier Christophe , Geiregat Pieter , Van Thourhout Dries , Hens Zeger 
Published: April 2024

AbstractUltrafast short‐wavelength infrared (SWIR) photodetection is of great interest for emerging automated vision and spatial mapping technologies. Colloidal quantum dots (QDs) stand out for SWIR photodetection compared to epitaxial (In,Ga)As or (Hg,Cd)Te semiconductors by their combining a size‐tunable bandgap and a suitability for cost‐effective, solution‐based processing. However, achieving ultrafast, nanosecond‐level response time has remained an outstanding challenge for QD‐based SWIR photodiodes (QDPDs). Here, record 4 ns response time in PbS‐based QDPDs that operate at SWIR wavelengths is reported, a result reaching the requirement of SWIR light detection and ranging based on colloidal QDs. These ultrafast QDPDs combine a thin active layer to reduce the carrier transport time and a small area to inhibit slow capacitive discharging. By implementing a concentration gradient ligand exchange method, high‐quality p–n junctions are fabricated in these ultrathin QDPDs. Moreover, these ultrathin QDPDs attain an external quantum efficiency of 42% at 1330 nm, due to a 2.5‐fold enhanced light absorption through the formation of a Fabry–Perot cavity within the QDPD and the highly efficient extraction (98%) of photogenerated charge carriers. Based on these results, it is estimated that a further increase of the charge‐carrier mobility can lead to PbS QDPDs with sub‐nanosecond response time.
Primary Human Breast Cancer‐Associated Endothelial Cells Favor Interactions with Nanomedicines
Authors: Wang Lin , Sheth Vinit , Liu Kaili , Panja Prasanta , Frickenstein Alex N. , He Yuxin , Yang Wen , Thomas Abigail G. , Jamei Mohammad Hasan , Park Jeesoo , Lyu Shanxin , Donahue Nathan D. , Chen Wei R. , Bhattacharya Resham , Mukherjee Priyabrata , Wilhelm Stefan 
Published: April 2024

AbstractCancer nanomedicines predominately rely on transport processes controlled by tumor‐associated endothelial cells to deliver therapeutic and diagnostic payloads into solid tumors. While the dominant role of this class of endothelial cells for nanoparticle transport and tumor delivery is established in animal models, the translational potential in human cells needs exploration. Using primary human breast cancer as a model, the differential interactions of normal and tumor‐associated endothelial cells with clinically relevant nanomedicine formulations are explored and quantified. Primary human breast cancer‐associated endothelial cells exhibit up to ≈2 times higher nanoparticle uptake than normal human mammary microvascular endothelial cells. Super‐resolution imaging studies reveal a significantly higher intracellular vesicle number for tumor‐associated endothelial cells, indicating a substantial increase in cellular transport activities. RNA sequencing and gene expression analysis indicate the upregulation of transport‐related genes, especially motor protein genes, in tumor‐associated endothelial cells. Collectively, the results demonstrate that primary human breast cancer‐associated endothelial cells exhibit enhanced interactions with nanomedicines, suggesting a potentially significant role for these cells in nanoparticle tumor delivery in human patients. Engineering nanoparticles that leverage the translational potential of tumor‐associated endothelial cell‐mediated transport into human solid tumors may lead to the development of safer and more effective clinical cancer nanomedicines.
Manufacturing Free‐Standing, Porous Metallic Layers with Dynamic Hydrogen Bubble Templating
Authors: Mularczyk Adrian , Niblett Daniel , Wijpkema Adam , van Maris Marc P. F. H. L. , Forner‐Cuenca Antoni 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe 3D structure (i.e., microstructure) of porous electrodes governs the performance of emerging electrochemical technologies such as fuel cells, electrolysis, and batteries. Sustaining electrochemical reactions and convective‐diffusive mass transport at high efficiency is complex and motivates the search for sophisticated microstructures with multimodal pore size distributions and pore size gradients. Here a new synthesis route for porous, metallic layers is presented that combines the characteristics of carbon structures (i.e., pore size, porosity) with the properties of metals (i.e., recyclability, conductivity). Building on the method of dynamic hydrogen bubble templating, a novel approach is engineered to manufacture thin, free‐standing layers using an electrochemical flow cell through the introduction of an intermediate layer and optimization of the synthesis parameters. Mechanically stable layers are created with thicknesses ranging from ≈50 to ≈200 µm comprising porous, dendritic structures, arranged to form a vascular network of larger pores with a gradient in radii from ≈5 µm at the bottom and up to ≈36 µm at the top of the material. Using X‐ray tomographic data, the morphology is analyzed, and the diffusive transport through the material as a function of liquid filling is simulated and compared to state‐of‐the‐art carbon fiber‐based electrodes, showing significantly higher mass transfer properties.
Bowl Shaped Oxide‐Templated Gold Nanostructured Arrays and Structure‐Induced Hydrophilic–Hydrophobic Transition and Molecular Trapping Effect
Authors: Yang Xiaowei , Lu Yanyan , Zhao Qian , Lei Biao , Chen Kang , Wei Yi , Zhang Hongwen , Cai Weiping 
Published: April 2024

AbstractA facile and versatile methodology is developed for the synthesis of diverse gold nanostructured arrays employing an oxide secondary template combined with sputtering deposition. A bowl‐shaped tin oxide‐built array, with fine structure on its bowl edges, is first designed and prepared by solution‐dipping of an organic colloidal monolayer, drying, and heating treatment. This array is then used as a secondary template for a gold nanostructured array by sputtering deposition on it. By controlling the solution's concentration and drying rate to adjust the fine structure of the secondary template, various new gold nanostructured arrays with hexagonal arrangement are fabricated, including “graphene‐structured” gold nanoarray, non‐contact nanoparticle's ring array, closely contacted nanoring array, and bowl/nanoparticle binary composite nanoarray, achieving the structural diversity and morphological tunability of nanoarrays. Additionally, these gold nanostructured arrays can transition from hydrophilic to hydrophobic properties solely by adjusting their surface architecture. Importantly, the bowl‐shaped structural units within these gold nanoarrays demonstrate a marked capability for capturing target molecules that can only very weakly interact with plasmonic metals. This work offers an efficient route to achieve the structural diversity of nanoarrays, which is of significance in designing and fabricating foundational materials for the next generation of multifunctional nanodevices.
Non‐coalescence of nonidentical droplets in oil under a DC electric field
Authors: Huang Xin , Chen Mindan , Huang Yunyun , Luo Xiaoming , Teng Lin , Xiao Longqiang , Li Jiaqing 
Published: April 2024

AbstractExcessive electric field strength causes the droplets to contact but not coalesce, severely deteriorating the oil–water separation efficiency. The investigation of the non‐coalescence of nonidentical droplets in oil under a DC electric field is conducted using high‐speed photography. The effects of droplet volume ratio and interfacial tension ratio on the characteristics and critical parameters for droplet non‐coalescence are systematically explored. The results show the critical electrocapillary number for the non‐coalescence of nonidentical droplets and critical contact cone angle decreases as the volume sum increases or the interfacial tension ratio decreases, which is related to the competition between the resultant electric field force and the interfacial tension force. These results contribute to optimizing the operating parameters of the electric coalescer and improving the oil–water separation efficiency.
Reconstruction of an enigmatic Pennsylvanian cone reveals a relationship to Sphenophyllales
Authors: D'Antonio Michael P. , Hotton Carol L. , Smith Selena Y. , Crane Peter R. , Herrera Fabiany 
Published: April 2024

AbstractPremiseWe studied the 3D morphology of a small, well‐preserved cone from the Pennsylvanian Mazon Creek Lagerstätte to characterize its structure and determine its systematic affinity. Previously tentatively assigned to the enigmatic Tetraphyllostrobus, we show that it differs in key respects from that genus as described.MethodsWe systematically compared the new fossil with relevant Paleozoic cone genera and employed advanced imaging techniques, including scanning electron microscopy, Airyscan confocal super‐resolution microscopy, optical microscopy, and X‐ray microcomputed tomography to visualize and reconstruct the fossil cone in 3D.ResultsThe analyses demonstrate unequivocally that the sporophylls of the new Mazon Creek cone are arranged in whorls of six and have characters typical of Sphenophyllales, including epidermal cells with undulatory margins and in situ spores assignable to Columinisporites. The combination of characters, including sporophyll arrangement, anatomy, and spore type, supports the establishment of Hexaphyllostrobus kostorhysii gen. et sp. nov. within Sphenophyllales. Furthermore, we show that Tetraphyllostrobus, although originally described as possessing smooth monolete spores, actually possesses Columinisporites‐type spores, indicating that it, too, was most likely a sphenophyll.ConclusionsThe recognition of Hexaphyllostrobus contributes to our knowledge of Pennsylvanian sphenophyll diversity, and in particular increases the number of species with in situ Columinisporites‐type spores. Attribution of Hexaphyllostrobus to Sphenophyllales calls into question current interpretations of Tetraphyllostrobus suggesting that future research on better‐preserved macrofossil material may demonstrate a sphenophyllalean relationship.
Albizzia chinensis (Osbeck) Merr extract YS ameliorates ethanol‐induced acute gastric ulcer injury in rats by regulating NRF2 signaling pathway
Authors: Tang Bo , Li Liangning , Yu Yuanzhi , Wang Guibin , Ma Shuanggang , Yu Shishan , Zhang Jianjun 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundAround the world, there is a high incidence of gastric ulcers. YS, an extract from the Chinese herb Albizzia chinensis (Osbeck) Merr, has potential therapeutic applications for gastrointestinal diseases. Here we elucidated the protective effect and underlying mechanism of action of YS on gastric ulcer in rats injured by ethanol.MethodsThe ethanol‐induced gastric ulcer rat model was used to assess the protective effect of YS. A pathological examination of gastric tissue was performed by H&E staining. GES‐1 cells damaged by hydrogen peroxide were used to simulate oxidative damage in gastric mucosal epithelial cells. Endogenous NRF2 was knocked down using small interfering RNA. Immunoprecipitation was used to detect ubiquitination of NRF2. Co‐immunoprecipitation was used to detect the NRF2–Keap1 interaction.ResultsYS (10 and 30 mg/kg, i.g.) significantly reduced the ulcer index, decreased MDA level, and increased SOD and GSH levels in gastric tissues damaged by ethanol. YS promoted NRF2 translocation from cytoplasm to nucleus and enhanced the NQO1 and HO‐1 expression levels in injured rat gastric tissue. In addition, YS regulated NQO1 and HO‐1 via NRF2 in H2O2‐induced oxidative injured GES‐1 cells. Further studies on the underlying mechanism indicated that YS reduced the interaction between NRF2 and Keap1 and decreased ubiquitylation of NRF2, thereby increasing its stability and expression of downstream factors. NRF2 knockdown abolished the effect of YS on MDA and SOD in GES‐1 cells treated with H2O2.ConclusionYS reduced the NRF2–Keap1 interaction, promoting NRF2 translocation into the nucleus, which increasing the transcription and translation of NQO1 and HO‐1 and improved the antioxidant capacity of rat stomach.
Respiratory‐like movements during an apnea test
Authors: Kida Shinichi , Nagata Isao , Takei Tetsuhiro , Yoshizawa Kazuhiro , Suzuki Taketo , Yamada Hiroyuki , Nakayama Yusuke 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundDespite the possible occurrence of spontaneous movements during an apnea test, respiratory‐like movements are rare.Case PresentationA 51‐year‐old man was transferred to our hospital when a sudden disturbance of consciousness developed into cardiac arrest. After spontaneous circulation returned, we diagnosed bilateral cerebellar hemorrhage. He remained comatose with dilated pupils, absent brainstem reflexes, spontaneous breathing, and electrocerebral activity. After being considered brain dead, his family opted for organ donation. The first legal brain death examination on day 5 was aborted because of respiratory‐like movements mimicking repetitive abdominal respiration during the apnea test. However, an enhanced magnetic resonance image of the head indicated no blood flow and somatosensory evoked potential testing revealed no brain‐derived potentials.ConclusionRespiratory‐like movements can occur during the apnea test in patients considered brain dead. Further research is required to understand this phenomenon.