Search

The strain‐driven morphotropic boundary in BiFeO3 can enhance the piezoelectric properties. However, the tetragonal phase has generally been observed in BiFeO3 films grown on substrates with intense compressive strain (more than −4.5%) within a limited thickness range (<300 nm) due to significant thickness‐dependent strain relaxation during film growth at high deposition temperatures. This work proposes suppressing thickness‐dependent strain relaxation by decreasing growth temperature. Utilizing a hydrothermal method, the growth temperature of epitaxial BiFeO3 films decreases to 200 °C. As a result, the tetragonal phase is observed in 600‐nm‐thick BiFeO3 film on (001) SrTiO3 substrates (strain equals only −1.5%), accompanied by the monoclinic phase. This SrTiO3‐available morphotropic phase boundary significantly enhances the piezoelectric response (d33,f′=110pmV−1)$ {({d}^{\prime}_{\rm 33,f} = 110\, {\rm pm\, V}^{-1})} $ in epitaxial BiFeO3 film. Ex situ and in situ measurements, theoretical calculations, and simulation confirm that the SrTiO3‐available morphotropic phase boundary originates from the suppressed strain relaxation. Furthermore, a critical temperature (400 °C), below which the tetragonal phase can be maintained, is identified to offer an applicable strategy for extending strain‐driven morphotropic phase boundary for high‐performance piezoelectric films. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The wrinkles are pervasive in ultrathin two‐dimensional (2D) materials, but the regulation of wrinkles is rarely explored systematically. Here, we employed a series of carboxylic acids (from formic acid to octanoic acid) to control the wrinkles of Zr‐BTB (BTB=1, 3, 5‐(4‐carboxylphenyl)‐benzene) metal–organic framework (MOF) nanosheet. The wrinkles at the micrometer scale were observed with transmission electron microscopy. Furthermore, high‐angle annular dark‐field (HAADF) images showed lattice distortion in many nanoscale regions, which was precisely matched to the nano‐wrinkles. With the changes of hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity, MOF‐MOF and MOF‐solvent interactions were possibly synergistically regulated and wrinkles with different sizes were obtained, which was supported by HAADF, molecular dynamics, and density functional theory calculation. Different wrinkle sizes resulted in different pore sizes between the Zr‐BTB nanosheet interlayers, providing highly‐oriented thin films and the successive optimization of kinetic diffusion pathways, proved by grazing‐incidence wide‐angle X‐ray scattering and nitrogen adsorption. The most suitable wrinkle pore from Zr‐BTB‐C4 exhibited highly efficient chromatographic separation of the substituted benzene isomers. Our work provides a rational route for the modulation of nanoscale wrinkles and their stacked pores of MOF nanosheets and improves the separation abilities of MOFs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Calycosin (Caly), a flavonoid compound, demonstrates a variety of beneficial properties. However, the specific mechanisms behind Caly's anticancer effects remain largely unexplored. Network pharmacology was used to explore the potential targets of Caly in renal cancer. Additionally, RNA‐seq sequencing was used to detect changes in genes in renal cancer cells after Caly treatment. Validation was carried out through quantitative reverse transcription‐PCR and Western blot analysis. The luciferase reporter assay was applied to pinpoint the interaction site between MAZ and HAS2. Furthermore, the immunoprecipitation assay was utilized to examine the ubiquitination and degradation of MAZ. In vivo experiments using cell line‐derived xenograft mouse models were performed to assess Calycosin's impact on cancer growth. Network pharmacology research suggests Caly plays a role in promoting apoptosis and inhibiting cell adhesion in renal cancer. In vitro, Caly has been observed to suppress proliferation, colony formation, and metastasis of renal cancer cells while also triggering apoptosis. Additionally, it appears to diminish hyaluronic acid synthesis by downregulating HAS2 expression. MAZ is identified as a transcriptional regulator of HAS2 expression. Calycosin further facilitates the degradation of MAZ via the ubiquitin‐proteasome pathway. Notably, Caly demonstrates efficacy in reducing the growth of renal cell carcinoma xenograft tumors in vivo. Our findings indicate that Caly suppresses the proliferation, metastasis, and progression of renal cell carcinoma through its action on the MAZ/HAS2 signaling pathway. Thus, Caly represents a promising therapeutic candidate for the treatment of renal cell carcinoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The construction of large and complex supramolecular architectures through self‐assembly is at the forefront of contemporary coordination chemistry. Notwithstanding great success in various systems using anionic bridges (e.g., O2− or S2−) or organic ligands (e.g., pyridine or carboxylate ligands), the assembly of large cyanide‐bridged clusters with increasing nuclearity remains a formidable synthetic challenge. In this study, it is achieved in preparing two heterometallic cyanometallate clusters with unprecedented complexity, [Fe20Co20] (1) and [Fe12Co15] (2), by creating the "flexibility" through a versatile ligand of bis((1H‐imidazol‐4‐yl)methylene)hydrazine (H2L) and low‐coordinate cobalt. Complex 1 features a super‐square array of four cyanide‐bridged [Fe4Co4] cube subunits as the corners that are interconnected by four additional [FeCo] units, resulting in a torus‐shaped architecture. Complex 2 contains a lantern‐like core‐shell cluster with a triple‐helix kernel of [Co3L3] enveloped by a [Fe12Co12] shell. The combined structure analysis and mass spectrometry study reveal a hierarchical assembly mechanism, which sheds new light on constructing cyanometallate nanoclusters with atomic precision. Moreover, complex 1 undergoes a thermally induced electron‐transfer‐coupled spin transition (ETCST) between the diamagnetic {FeIILS(µ‐CN)CoIIILS} and paramagnetic {FeIIILS(µ‐CN)CoIIHS} configurations (LS = low spin, HS = high spin) above room temperature, representing the largest molecule displaying electron transfer and spin transition characteristic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ainsliaea is an Eastern Asian genus with approximately 50 species, and is characterized by two main habit types or leaf arrangements: rosulate with leaves aggregated at the stem base or pseudo‐verticillate with leaves clustered above the stem base. Most species of Ainsliaea have been classified into two sections, A. sect. Ainsliaea and sect. Aggregatae, respectively, based on their habit type. However, recent molecular phylogenetic studies have challenged existing infrageneric classifications for Ainsliaea, and the systematic value of habit needs to be re‐evaluated because the habits of some key species were described differently, leading to taxonomic controversies on infrageneric classifications and species delimitations. To address these issues, this study reconstructed a more comprehensive phylogeny of Ainsliaea with two more samples of the highly variable A. lancifolia and a new sampling of A. nana. Habit variations in Ainsliaea were observed both in the field and in herbarium collections, and habit evolution was reconsidered based on the updated phylogeny. The phylogenetic analysis highly supports that A. uniflora and A. lancifolia form the first‐ and the second‐earliest diverging lineages in Ainsliaea, respectively; A. nana, recently rediscovered by us after more than 60 years, constitutes a distinct lineage sister to a large clade with all leaves aggregated above the stem base; and A. pertyoides forms another large clade with the rosulate‐leaf species. The latter three species have distinct habits: A. lancifolia with leaves sparsely alternate along the stem but often reduced to a basal rosette in rheophytic environments, A. nana with leaves aggregated at and also above the same stem base, and A. pertyoides with rosulate leaves when young. Thus, two new sections, A. sect. Alternae sect. nov. and A. sect. Intermediae sect. nov., are proposed to accommodate A. lancifolia and A. nana, respectively, and A. pertyoides is reasonably kept in A. sect. Ainsliaea. The results of this study provide insights into the evolution of habits in Ainsliaea and suggest that the traditional classification based solely on habit may not accurately mirror the evolutionary history of the genus. The newly proposed A. sect. Alternae and sect. Intermediae reflect a more natural classification of Ainsliaea and provide a framework for future studies on the evolution and ecology of the genus. Combining evidence from phylogeny and morphology, a conspectus of the genus and taxonomic updates for A. lancifolia, A. nana and A. pertyoides are provided. Overall, this study highlights the importance of combining molecular and morphological data to accurately classify and understand the evolutionary history of plant groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although white matter hyperintensity (WMH) is closely associated with cognitive decline, the precise neurobiological mechanisms underlying this relationship are not fully elucidated. Connectome studies have identified a primary‐to‐transmodal gradient in functional brain networks that support the spectrum from sensation to cognition. However, whether connectome gradient structure is altered as WMH progresses and how this alteration is associated with WMH‐related cognitive decline remain unknown. Methods: A total of 758 WMH individuals completed cognitive assessment and resting‐state functional MRI (rs‐fMRI). The functional connectome gradient was reconstructed based on rs‐fMRI by using a gradient decomposition framework. Interrelations among the spatial distribution of WMH, functional gradient measures, and specific cognitive domains were explored. Results: As the WMH volume increased, the executive function (r = −0.135, p = 0.001) and information‐processing speed (r = −0.224, p = 0.001) became poorer, the gradient range (r = −0.099, p = 0.006), and variance (r = −0.121, p < 0.001) of the primary‐to‐transmodal gradient reduced. A narrower gradient range (r = 0.131, p = 0.001) and a smaller gradient variance (r = 0.136, p = 0.001) corresponded to a poorer executive function. In particular, the relationship between the frontal/occipital WMH and executive function was partly mediated by gradient range/variance of the primary‐to‐transmodal gradient. Conclusions: These findings indicated that WMH volume, the primary‐to‐transmodal gradient, and cognition were interrelated. The detrimental effect of the frontal/occipital WMH on executive function was partly mediated by the decreased differentiation of the connectivity pattern between the primary and transmodal areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents the development of ultra‐thin azo‐dye polarizers, notable for their minimal thickness (100‐200 nm) and superior optical performance, with polarization efficiency exceeding 99.9%, extinction ratios above 4000, transmittance over 45.3%, and dichoric ratio over 100. Utilizing cost‐effective solution‐processing methods, we fabricate these high‐performance polarizers and determine optimal experimental conditions for peak efficacy. Our research includes comprehensive Scanning Electron Microscopy analyses to understand the microstructural properties of these azo‐dye thin film polarizers, contributing significantly to the field of advanced display technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given the multifaceted nature of digital phenomena, theorising has shifted from the correlational view toward the configurational approach, which embraces equifinality and seeks to identify conjunctural causal conditions culminating in a given outcome. Despite growing scholarly interest in the configurational approach, little is known about how moderation functions in conjunctural causation. Although there is a growing urgency for elucidating the boundary conditions of conjunctural causation to bolster the precision of theoretical explanations, a systematic approach to theorising, identifying, and interpreting moderation in configurational theories is missing. To bridge this knowledge gap, we first establish the theoretical grounding for moderation in the configurational approach. We then articulate the theoretical mechanism underlying how the interdependence of causal factors in a causal recipe is altered by the presence of a moderator. We also offer guidance on how to validate and interpret moderation in the configurational approach based on Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA). We conduct an illustrative study in the context of technostress to showcase the utility of our proposed guidelines and their value in aiding theory development. Our study hence contributes to extant literature by attesting to the significance of moderation in the configurational approach and offering recommendations for theorising such moderations. Insights from this study can be harnessed to guide future theory development by identifying and validating moderated configurational relationships, which in turn can further enhance our understanding of nuances in multifaceted digital phenomena. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents the characterization and performance evaluation of photo‐aligned azo‐dye thin‐film polarizers, highlighting their ultra‐thin profiles and superior optical functionalities. Utilizing cost‐effective solution‐processing methods, these high‐efficiency polarizers were developed, with the research pinpointing optimal experimental conditions for peak performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is an aggressive and devastating cancer due to its metastasis induced by increased invasion. Lentinan is a polysaccharide exerting antitumor roles in multiple cancers, including lung cancer. However, the influence of lentinan on cell invasion in NSCLC remains unclear. Cell invasion was detected by transwell analysis. Matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP9) levels were measured through immunofluorescence staining. The markers arginase‐1 (Arg‐1), CD206 and interleukin (IL)‐10 (IL‐10) of M2 macrophages, Wnt3a, and β‐catenin levels were measured by western blot or enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Lentinan did not affect cell viability and proliferation in NSCLC cells. Lentinan suppressed cell invasion and reduced the expression and secretion of MMP9. Lentinan attenuated also M2 polarization of tumor‐associated macrophages. Moreover, lentinan mitigated the M2 macrophage conditioned medium‐mediated cell invasion and MMP9 alterations in NSCLC cells. Lentinan inhibited the activation of the Wnt/β‐catenin signaling in NSCLC cells. The activated Wnt/β‐catenin pathway reversed the suppressive effects of lentinan on cell invasion and MMP9 level in NSCLC cells. In conclusion, lentinan reduces cell invasion in NSCLC cells by inhibiting the M2 polarization of tumor‐associated macrophages and the Wnt/β‐catenin signaling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ovarian tissue cryopreservation is considered to be the only means to preserve fertility for prepubertal girls and women whose cancer treatment cannot be postponed. However, ovarian tissues are inevitably damaged by oxidative stress during cryopreservation, which threatens follicle survival and development, and thus affects female fertility. Therefore, reducing tissue oxidative stress injury is one of the major challenges to achieving efficient cryopreservation of ovarian tissues, especially for whole ovaries. Here, we proposed a new method to improve the antioxidant capacity of whole ovaries during cryopreservation, static magnetic field assisted thawing. The results demonstrated that the antioxidant capacity of the ovarian tissue was significantly improved by static magnetic field treatment. In addition, ovarian tissue allograft transplantation was carried out, which successfully achieved vascular regeneration and maintained follicular development. The findings of this study not only provide a new reference for the preservation of female fertility, but also is a major step forward in the cryopreservation of tissues and organs. It will have good application prospects in the field of assisted reproduction and cryo‐biomedicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]