bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of nanoparticle surfactants on release behavior of trapped Droplet in micro-pore throat
Authors: LI Pinxian , GUO Feng , LUO Zhengyuan , WEN Boyao , BAI Bofeng ,   State Key Laboratory of Multiphase Flow in Power Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xian 710049, China
Published: February 2025

The release of trapped droplets in pore-throat structures is of great significance to study multiphase flow in porous media. In this paper, the effects of nanoparticle surfactants on the release behavior of trapped droplets in micro-pore throat are investigated using microfluidic visualization system and fluorescence techniques. We demonstrate a droplet control technique in microchannel and observe the release states of trapped droplets in pore-throat. We obtain the phase diagram of droplet states and establish mathematical models describing the critical transition condition by mechanism analysis. Based on the analysis of force on the trapped droplets, the breakup mechanism and the release mechanism are also obtained when droplets move through the pore-throat. The breakup of droplets is dominated by capillary pressure, with the critical capillary number of breakup being negatively correlated with droplet size. Conversely, the release of droplets is controlled by capillary pressure and hydrostatic pressure, with the critical capillary number of release exhibiting a positive correlation with droplet size. In addition, this research reveals the effect of nanoparticle surfactants on droplet release behavior by analyzing the variation of droplet length with flow velocity and capillary number. Nanoparticle surfactant reduces the critical flow velocity of droplet release but significantly increases the critical capillary number, and this phenomenon becomes more pronounced with the increase of concentrations of nanoparticle surfactants. Fluorescence experiments further elucidate the mechanism by which nanoparticle surfactants inhibit the release of trapped droplets in pore-throat by inducing interfacial viscoelasticity. Nanoparticles react with polymers at the interface to form the viscoelastic film. This film-induced interfacial viscoelasticity hinders droplet deformation and increases the viscous resistance between droplets and wall, thereby impeding the release of trapped droplets in pore-throat.
A method for measuring depth of focus in ultrafast pulsed laser systems based on Z-scan technique
Authors: Lin Ke-Sheng  , Gao Yu  , Zhong Xiao-Qing  , Jiang Xiao-Fang  ,   1 Key Laboratory of Atomic and Subatomic Structure and Quantum Control (Ministry of Education), Guangdong Basic Research Center of Excellence for Structure and Fundamental Interactions of Matter, School of Physics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China;,   2 Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Quantum Engineering and Quantum Materials, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory of Quantum Matter, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China
Published: February 2025

As technology advances, ultrafast pulse lasers are increasingly used in a wide range of applications, including material processing, imaging, and medical treatments. The precision of these applications often depends on the ability to focus the laser beam to a tight spot with minimal divergence over a certain range along the optical axis. Therefore, accurate measurement of depth of focus (DOF) is crucial for optimizing the performance of ultrafast laser systems and ensuring the reliability of the results obtained in various experiments and applications. Traditional methods for DOF measurement primarily rely on direct capturing of the beam size, which is impractical in high-intensity environments of ultrafast pulse laser systems due to potential damage to sensors and limitations in measurement accuracy. Furthermore, employing autocorrelation or moving sensors to measure DOF in ultrafast pulse lasers introduces complex optical paths that can lead to measurement errors, making them unreliable for precise focusing applications.
To address the limitations of current DOF measurement techniques for ultrafast pulse laser, this paper proposes a novel method based on Z-scan technique. According to nonlinear optical theory, we derive that the transmittance curves obtained from open-aperture (OA) Z-scan measurements of samples exhibiting two-photon absorption (TPA) follows a Lorentzian distribution. By fitting this curve by Lorentzian, the DOF of ultrafast pulse lasers can be determined rapidly to the full width at half maximum (FWHM) of the OA Z-scan curves. We conduct experimental measurements of the transmittance curves of solid and liquid samples with TPA across different types of lenses and microscope objectives within ultrafast optical systems. The results demonstrate a significant consistency between the FWHM of the OA Z-scan curves and the theoretical DOF values. This method effectively correlates the size of the DOF with the beam waist radius derived from the distribution of the Lorentzian function in the OA Z-scan experimental curves, eliminating the influence of other parameters on the measurement results. In conclusion, a novel method for measuring DOF in ultrafast pulse laser systems using the OA Z-scan technique was proposed. It provides a rapid, accurate and reliable way to determine the DOF in ultrafast laser focusing systems, enabling precise control of the ultrafast laser beam for a wide range of applications.
Consistency analysis and nuclear data validation for two series of beryllium reflector critical benchmark experiments
Authors: CHEN Shengli , WANG Tianxiang ,   Sino-French Institute of Nuclear Engineering and Technology, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519082, China
Published: February 2025

Beryllium metal and beryllium oxide are important nuclear materials, with neutron-induced nuclear reaction data on beryllium playing a crucial role in nuclear energy research and development. Macroscopic validation is an essential step in the nuclear data evaluation process, providing a means to assess the reliability and accuracy of such data. Critical benchmark experiments serve as the most important references for this validation. However, discrepancies have been observed in two closely related series of beryllium-reflector fast-spectrum critical benchmark experiments, HMF-058 and HMF-066, which are widely used in current nuclear data validation. A previous systematic study indicates that these two series of experiments reaches contradictory conclusions in verifying the neutron-induced nuclear reaction data of beryllium, creating ambiguity in improving beryllium nuclear data. As a result, the total of 14 experiments in these two series cannot currently support high-precision validation of nuclear data. Although most researches on nuclear data validation and adjustment mainly focus on cross sections, the angular distribution of emitted neutrons is a key factor in reactor physics calculations. In this work, we address these inconsistencies by improving the quadratic angular distributions of the (n, n) and (n, 2n) reactions of beryllium, thereby making the theoretical calculations (C) and experimental results (E) of these two series more consistent, and reducing the cumulative χ2 value from 7.58 evaluated using the ENDF/B-VII.1 to 4.52. All calculations based on the improved nuclear data agree with the experimental measurements within 1σ experimental uncertainty. With these enhancements, the consistency between the HMF-058 and HMF-066 series cannot be rejected within the 1σ experimental uncertainty. Based on the latest comprehensive evaluation of uranium nuclear data , this consistency is slightly improved, and the cumulative χ2 value decreases to 4.36 once again. Despite these advances, systematic differences in the expected values of C/E between the two series still exist. The C/E values of the HMF-066 series are generally 230–330 pcm lower than those of the HMF-058 series, comparable to their experimental uncertainties of 200–400 pcm. Therefore, drawing a definitive conclusion about this systematic difference remains challenging. If the current improvement of differential nuclear data based on experimental data of 9Be is accurate, then the HMF-058 series experiments seem to be more reliable than the HMF-066 series. Ultimately, to achieve this goal, either reducing experimental uncertainty or designing and executing higher-precision integration experiments is required.
Investigations of mechanical energy dissipation pathways in gallium oxide nanoelectromechanical resonators
Authors: ZHENG Xuqian  , GONG Siyu  , GENG Hongshang  , GUO Yufeng  ,   1 College of Integrated Circuit Science and Engineering (College of Industry-Education Integration), Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Nanjing 210023, China;,   2 National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of RF Integration and Micro-Assembly Technology, Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Nanjing 210023, China
Published: February 2025

Beta-gallium oxide (β-Ga2O3), an emerging ultrawide bandgap (~4.8 eV) semiconductor, exhibits excellent electrical properties and cost advantages, positioning it as a promising candidate for high-power, high-frequency, and optoelectronic applications. Furthermore, its superior mechanical properties, including Young's modulus of 261 GPa, mass density of 5950 kg/m³, and acoustic velocity of 6623 m/s, make it particularly attractive for realizing high-frequency micro- and nanoelectromechanical systems (M/NEMS) resonators. In this paper, we investigate the energy dissipation mechanisms in two distinct β-Ga2O3 NEMS resonator geometries – doubly-clamped beams (10.5-20.8 μm length) and circular drumheads (3.3-5.3 μm diameter) – through theoretical analysis, finite element model (FEM) simulations, and experimental measurements under vacuum (<50 mTorr).
Initially, we explore the dominant energy dissipation mechanisms in resonators, including Akhiezer damping (AKE), thermoelastic damping (TED), clamping loss, and surface loss, using a combined theoretical and FEM approach. Experimentally, we fabricate the resonators by employing mechanical exfoliation coupled with dry transfer techniques, yielding device thicknesses of 30-500 nm as verified by atomic force microscopy (AFM). Resonator dynamics are subsequently characterized using laser interferometry, with the resonance frequencies f(5-75 MHz) and quality factors Q (around 200-1700) acquired by Lorentzian fitting of the resonance spectra, enabling validation of the theoretical and simulation results. Our analysis reveals that surface losses and clamping losses constitute the primary limitations to the Q of current β-Ga2O3 resonators. Conversely, AKE and TED, primarily governed by the material properties and resonator geometry, establish an upper limit for the achievable Q with f·Q product up to 1014 Hz.
Our study provides a comprehensive framework, integrating both theoretical analysis and experimental validation, for understanding the intricate energy dissipation mechanisms within β-Ga2O3 NEMS resonators, and projects optimized Q values through strain engineering and phononic crystal anchors. These findings provide essential guidance for performance optimization and bandwidth modulation of β-Ga2O3 NEMS resonators in high-frequency and high-power applications.
Study on the growth of Li3N doped diamond single crystals under HPHT
Authors: Xiao Hong-Yu  , Wang Shuai  , Kang Ru-Wei  , Li Yong  , Li Shang-Sheng  , Tian Chang-Hai  , Wang Qiang  , Jin Hui  , Ma Hong-An  ,   1 School of Physics and Electrical Engineering, Tongren University, Tongren, 554300;,   2 College of Material and Chemical Engineering, Tongren University, Tongren, 554300;,   3 School of Materials Science and Engineering, Henan Polytechnic University, Jiaozuo, 454000
Published: February 2025

In the paper, under 5.8 GPa and 1300℃, the Li3N doped diamond single crystals were synthesized in a cubic anvil high pressure and high temperature apparatus. Firstly, Fe59Ni25Co16 alloy was used as the catalyst, high-purity Li3N powder was used as the additive, industrial high-purity graphite powder was used as the carbon source, and the (100) crystal orientation of industrial grade diamond single crystal with good crystalline quality was used as the growth direction of diamond single crystal, the effect of Li3N addition ratio on the growth of diamond single crystals was systematically investigated with a growth time of 20 hours. The research results indicate that with the increase of Li3N addition ratio, the color of diamond single crystals gradually transitions from yellow green, green, and dark green to dark green, and their morphology gradually transitions from hexahedron, hexahedron to octahedron. Moreover, the growth rate of single crystals decreases with the gradual increase of Li3N addition ratio, which can be attributed to the phenomenon of upward movement in the “V-shaped region” of diamond single crystal growth with the gradual increase of Li3N addition ratio in the P-T phase diagram of carbon. Secondly, using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, it was revealed that the nitrogen content of diamond single crystals increases with the increase of Li3N addition ratio, and increasing the diamond growth pressure can achieve the increase in the nitrogen content of diamond single crystals. Fig. 5 shows FTIR spectra of diamond crystals synthesized under different Li3N addition ratios. When the amount of Li3N added to the catalyst is 0.55 wt.%, the nitrogen content of the grown diamond single crystal is 892 ppm. Thirdly, Raman spectroscopy testing revealed that the Raman characteristic peak of diamond single crystals gradually shifts towards the low-energy end with the increase of Li3N addition ratio, which is related to the increase of internal stress in diamond single crystals. Finally, the PL spectroscopy test results showed that this study achieved high temperature and high pressure preparation of diamond single crystals with NV- color centers, and the zero phonon line intensity of NV- color centers in the single crystals significantly decreased with the increase of crystal nitrogen content. Fig. 7 shows PL spectra of diamond crystals synthesized under different Li3N addition ratios.
Analytical model of diamondene-based transistor channel and current hypersensitivity characteristics
Authors: Zhen Jiapeng  , Guo Silin  , Gong Renfeng  , Zhang Danping  , Xiang Ziqiang  , Lv Kehong  , Qiu Jing  , Liu Guanjun  ,   1 College of Intelligence Science and Technology, National University of Defense Technology, Changsha 410073, China;,   2 National Key Laboratory of Equipment State Sensing and Smart Support, National University of Defense Technology, Changsha 410073, China
Published: February 2025

The new generation of detection equipment puts forward an urgent need for high sensitivity detectors. Looking at the development status of semiconductor detection devices, the sensitivity and channel size of traditional silicon-based detectors cannot meet the needs of the future. Diamondene has excellent performance such as high carrier mobility and wide band gap. Its excellent electronic characteristics are expected to effectively improve the sensitivity performance of the detector and provide a new way for the development of the next generation of detectors. However, the detection mechanism based on diamondene is still unclear. Based on the above problems, the analytical model and mechanism of the transistor channel are first studied. By analyzing the relationship between the surface potential distribution of the current channel and the effective channel size in the working state and the sensitive characteristics of the two-dimensional material electrons of the channel, a theoretical model of the transistor detector based on the electronic characteristics of the channel material is constructed, and the working characteristics of the detector are revealed. Based on the finite element simulation, the working mechanism, potential and electron distribution of the transistor detector are simulated. The simulation results show that the mobility level of the diamondene-based detector is 2.5 times that of the traditional silicon-based detector, which theoretically verifies the hypersensitivity detection characteristics of the diamondene-based detector. The research work in this paper is of great significance to the design and application of a new generation of carbon-based ultra-sensitive detection devices.
Isolation and Identification of Bacteria Associated with Commercially Hawked Ready-To-Eat Fried Fish Sold in Jos Metropolis
Authors: Titus Samchi Ishaku , Seyilnen Gokwat , Ezekiel Wazhi Ponnak , Yunana Tokdima Gershinen , Ponzing Dangtim Hopewell
Published: February 2025

Aims: This study aimed to isolate and identify bacteria associated with commercially hawked ready-to-eat fried fish sold in Jos metropolis in Plateau State, Nigeria.
Methodology: A total of 20 fried fish Samples were obtained through random sampling of fish from vendors and collected in a sterile polyethylene bag and packaged in a sterile foil paper and then it was transported to the laboratory. The media used such as Nutrient agar (NA), Blood agar and MacConkey agar were prepared following the manufacturer’s specification. For microbial isolation, 5mL of each sample was dissolved into 50mL sterile water inside different beakers. Then, 1mL of the dissolved sample was aseptically transferred into 9mL sterile distilled water and serially diluted up to the appropriate dilutions (i.e., 10-1 to 10-6 dilutions). From the dilutions 10-3, 0.1mL was aseptically transferred into sterile Petri dishes and their spread plated with already sterilized molten media. The Petri plates were incubated at 37oC for 24hrs for bacteria. After incubation, the cultural characteristics, colonial morphology were observed on the plates. Pure colonies were obtained by sub-culturing on a fresh growth media and stored at a refrigeration temperature of 0-4oC. Microbial isolates were identified by biochemical and phenotypic characterization.
Results: A total of 35 bacteria species were isolated from 20 commercially hawked ready-to-eat fried fish samples sold within Jos metropolis of Plateau State, Nigeria. The laboratory analysis revealed a significant microbial contamination. Pathogenic bacteria Isolated includes: Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella aerogenes, Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa and streptococcus spp., while non-pathogenic or opportunistic isolates includes: Bacillus coagulans, Bacillus circulans, Citrobacter spp., Coagulase-negative staphylococci and Rahnella inusitata. Total bacterial counts (TBC) reached alarming levels, such as 3.6 x 10^6 CFU/g in sample ABTe. Notably, Klebsiella aerogenes was the most frequently isolated organism, accounting for 28.57% of all isolates, indicating widespread contamination in the local aquatic environment.
Conclusion: The presence of pathogenic bacteria underscores the need for improved food safety measures among vendors. Comparative analysis with prior studies shows consistent contamination levels, reinforcing the necessity for stringent hygiene practices.
Effect of Foliar Application of Various Micronutrients on Fruit Yield and Quality Attributes of Guava
Authors: Sharma Aniket , Topno Samir Ebson , Prasad V. M. , Raj Sneha
Published: February 2025

The present investigation “Effect of foliar application of various micronutrients on fruit yield and quality attributes of Guava (Psidium guajava) cv. Allahabad safeda” was undertaken at Central Research Field, Department of Horticulture, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology & Sciences, Prayagraj (UP) during 2022-2023. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with 10 treatment combinations viz, T0 (Control), T1 (FeSO4) 0.4%, T2 (ZnSO4) 0.5%, T3 (H3BO3) 0.4%, T4 (KNO3) 3%, T5 (FeSO4) 0.4% + (ZnSO4) 0.5%, T6 (ZnSO4) 0.5% + (KNO3) 3%, T7 (KNO3) 3% + (FeSO4) 0.4%, T8 (H3BO3) 0.4% + (KNO3) 3%, T9 (FeSO4) 0.2% + (ZnSO4) 0.25% + H3BO3 (0.2%) +(KNO3) 1.5% with three replications. The main objective of the experiment was to find out the effect of various levels of micronutrients on yield and quality of guava and to estimate the economics of various treatments. From the present investigation treatment T9 (FeSO4) 0.2% + (ZnSO4) 0.25% + (H3BO3) 0.2% +(KNO3) 1.5%, performed best in terms of yield parameters, (fruit weight (130.45g), fruit length (7.93cm), fruit diameter (7.28cm), fruit yield per tree (42.10 kg) and quality parameters T.S.S (10.230Brix), Acidity (0.38%), Ascorbic acid (150.03mg/100g), Total sugars (7.86%) of Guava. However, highest B: C ratio was found in Treatment T5 (FeSO4 (0.4%) +ZnSO4 (0.5%) with 4.61.
Assessing the Real-World Effectiveness of Immunizations for Respiratory Syncytial Virus
Authors: Dawood Fatimah S. , Payne Amanda B. , McMorrow Meredith L.
Published: April 2024

This Viewpoint discusses recommendations from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for newly licensed immunizations for respiratory syncytial virus in infants, children with high-risk conditions, and older adults.
Clinical Response With Pembrolizumab for Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Corbett Mel , Tohani Shivangy , Ramli Ruzaimi , O’Duffy Fergal
Published: April 2024

This case report describes an 89-year-old patient with prior cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma who presented with a new isolated metastasis and was subsequently treated with pembrolizumab, which produced a complete clinical response.
Early spinal muscular atrophy treatment following newborn screening: A 20‐month review of the first Italian regional experience
Authors: Gagliardi Delia , Canzio Eleonora , Orsini Paola , Conti Pasquale , Sinisi Vita , Maggiore Cosimo , Santarsia Maria Carla , Lagioia Giuseppina , Lupis Giovanna , Roppa Isabella , Scianatico Gaetano , Mancini Daniela , Corti Stefania , Comi Giacomo Pietro , Gentile Mattia , Gagliardi Delio
Published: April 2024

Objectives

Mandatory newborn screening (NBS) for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) was implemented for the first time in Italy at the end of 2021, allowing the identification and treatment of patients at an asymptomatic stage.

Methods

DNA samples extracted from dried blood spot (DBS) from newborns in Apulia region were analysed for SMA screening by using a real‐time PCR‐based assay. Infants harbouring homozygous deletion of SMN1 exon 7 confirmed by diagnostic molecular tests underwent clinical and neurophysiological assessment and received a timely treatment.

Results

Over the first 20 months since regional NBS introduction, four out of 42,492 (0.009%) screened children were found to carry a homozygous deletion in the exon 7 of SMN1 gene, with an annual incidence of 1:10,623. No false negatives were present. Median age at diagnosis was 7 days and median age at treatment was 20.5 days. Three of them had two copies of SMN2 and received gene therapy, while the one with three SMN2 copies was treated with nusinersen. All but one were asymptomatic at birth, showed no clinical signs of disease after a maximum follow‐up of 16 months and reached motor milestones appropriate with their age. The minimum interval between diagnosis and the treatment initiation was 9 days.

Interpretation

The timely administration of disease‐modifying therapies prevented presymptomatic subjects to develop disease symptoms. Mandatory NBS for SMA should be implemented on a national scale.
Comparative Effectiveness and Persistence of SB4 and Reference Etanercept in Patients With Psoriatic Arthritis in Norway
Authors: Łosińska Katarzyna , Pripp Are Hugo , Bakland Gunnstein , Fevang Bjørg‐Tilde Svanes , Brekke Lene Kristin , Wierød Ada , Korkosz Mariusz , Haugeberg Glenn
Published: April 2024

Objective

We aim to compare drug effectiveness and persistence between the reference etanercept (ETN) and ETN biosimilar SB4 in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) naive to ETN and to investigate drug effectiveness and persistence in those undergoing a mandatory nonmedical switch from ETN to SB4.

Methods

We used a retrospective comparative database study including 1,138 patients with PsA treated with ETN or SB4 (years 1999–2021) in Norway. Disease activity score in 28 joints (DAS28) and drug persistence were compared between unmatched ETN (n = 644) and SB4 (n = 252) cohorts and in matched analyses (n = 144, both cohorts) at baseline using a propensity score (PS) to adjust for confounders. Drug persistence was analyzed with the Kaplan‐Meier method.

Results

In unmatched analyses, difference in change from baseline between ETN (n = 140) and SB4 (n = 132) for DAS28 at one year was mean 0.67 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.38–0.96) in favor of ETN. In PS‐matched analyses, the difference in change from baseline between ETN (n = 54) and SB4 (n = 54) was mean 0.09 (95% CI −0.33 to 0.50), and the mean difference assessed with an analysis of covariance model was 0.01 (95% CI −0.38 to 0.40), both within predefined equivalence margin (±0.6). Drug persistence at one year was mean 0.75 (95% CI 0.71–0.78) for ETN, mean 0.58 (95% CI 0.51–0.63) for SB4, hazard ratio (HR) 2.45 (95% CI 2.02–2.97) in unmatched analysis, and mean 0.55 (95% CI 0.46–0.63) for ETN, mean 0.60 (95% CI 0.51–0.67) for SB4, HR 1.29 (95%CI 0.94–1.76) in PS‐matched cohorts.

Conclusion

At one year, outcomes for PsA disease activity and drug persistence were comparable for patients treated with either ETN or SB4. In patients undergoing a mandatory nonmedical switch from ETN to SB4, drug effectiveness was maintained during a two‐year period.
Tumor Microenvironment‐Selective Sol–Gel Mineralization of ROS‐Responsive Stretchable and Conductive Hydrogel
Authors: Robby Akhmad Irhas , Yang Jun‐Ho , Jin Eun‐Jung , Park Sung Young
Published: April 2024

Cancer cell‐triggered sol–gel transformation of mineralized hydrogel (PAA‐MnO2) is designed as a facile strategy for cancer detection by manipulating the mineralization process in the presence of cancer cells. The mineralization of polyacrylic acid (PAA) with calcium phosphate via carboxyl‐Ca2+ complex is initially inhibited by the incorporation of reactive oxygen species (ROS)‐sensitive manganese oxide (MnO2) with polymer dots (PDs). In this system, the mineralization can be induced after cleaving MnO2 into Mn2+ by high ROS levels in cancer cells, forming a PAA‐MnO2 mineralized hydrogel and resulting in a naked‐eye system for cancer monitoring. Naked‐eye monitoring of ROS‐responsive sol–gel transformation is performed using a circulator device containing circulating cells to discriminate cancer (HeLa, PC‐3, B16F10) from normal cells (CHO‐K1). With the incorporation of PDs, PAA‐MnO2 mineralized hydrogel not only provides physical transformation (stretchability, viscosity) but also fluorescence‐recovery and electroconductivity changes at different cancer‐cell concentrations (104–106 cells mL−1), including distinct strain–pressure responses that can be wirelessly monitored via smartphones. Furthermore, in vivo, experiments suggest that PAA‐MnO2 mineralized hydrogel can be formed in tumor‐bearing mice owing to its excellent ROS‐scavenging activity at the tumor site, as confirmed by SOD2 and gene‐expression analysis. Thus, this unique approach can potentially enable simple and effective cancer detection in future point‐of‐care diagnostics.
Multidimensional Data Encoding Based on Multicolor Microencapsulated Thermoresponsive Fluorescent Phase Change Materials
Authors: Otaegui Jaume Ramon , Ruiz‐Molina Daniel , Hernando Jordi , Roscini Claudio
Published: April 2024

Luminescent materials are emerging promising tools for digital data encoding due to their reduced cost, facile reading, robustness, and durability. For this, the use of fluorescent systems that combine multicolor emission with sensitivity to external stimuli will be highly desirable, as they can offer rewritable data encoding together with enhanced encryption security and storage density. Herein a novel strategy is pioneered to reach this goal, which exploits the temperature‐responsive emission properties of the mixtures of regular fluorophores with simple organic phase change materials (PCMs) such as paraffins. By preparing a diversity of microcapsules of these mixtures comprising different dyes and PCMs, thermosensitive fluorescent pixels can be prepared in a low‐cost, straightforward, and scalable manner that exhibits multicolor dynamic emission behavior. These features are capitalized to fabricate pixel arrays that perform two advanced digital encoding operations: high‐security 3D information encryption, and 4D data storage.
Stabilizing NiS2 on Conductive Component via Electrostatic Self‐assembly and Covalent Bond Strategy for Promoting Sodium Storage
Authors: Luo Siman , Shang Jian , Xu Yi'nan , Cheng Hao , Zhang Luojiang , Tang Yongbing
Published: April 2024

The high theoretical capacities and excellent redox activities motivate transitional metal sulfides (TMSs) to serve as promising anode materials for sodium‐ion batteries. However, TMSs would experience low electronic conductivity as well as notorious polysulfides dissolution and shuttle effect during charge/discharge processes, which leads to unsatisfactory rate capability and cycling stability. Herein, TMSs‐based anode materials with NiS2 nanoparticles tightly anchoring on nitrogen‐doped graphene (NiS2/NG) via the Ni–N covalent bond have been developed through an electrostatic self‐assembly approach between exfoliated positively charged layered double hydroxide and negatively charged graphene oxide nanosheets, followed by a sulfidation process. The strong coupling between conductive and active components enables NiS2/NG to possess good structural integrity, high ion/electron conductivity, and strong polysulfides adsorption capability, ensuring fast reaction kinetics and energetically stable performance. In consequence, the NiS2/NG delivers a high capacity of 664 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1, good rate performance of 545 mAh g−1 at 2 A g−1, and excellent cycling stability with a retained capacity of 589.9 mAh g−1 after 1200 cycles at 0.5 A g−1, among the best results of reported TMSs‐based anodes. The study provides an effective strategy to design heterostructured materials with strong coupling interaction for high‐efficient‐stable sodium storage.
Fenton Reaction Doubled Biomass Carbon Activation Efficiency for High‐Performance Supercapacitors
Authors: Li Yanyu , Ni Lifeng , Luo Jiayan , Zhu Lulu , Zhang Xiaoxiao , Li Hongjie , Zada Imran , Yu Jin , Zhu Shenmin , Lian Keryn , Li Yao , Zhang Di
Published: April 2024

The huge consumption of alkali during biomass‐derived porous carbon production leads to pollution and high carbon‐emission. This study employs the concept of Fenton chemistry to achieve hierarchical porous biomass carbon materials with a remarkably high specific surface area of 3440 m2 g−1 with double activation efficiency compared to traditional activation process. The optimized carbon electrode demonstrates exceptional specific capacitance of 425.2 F g−1at a current density of 0.1 A g−1 and great rate performance (286.1 F g−1 at 100 A g−1) in 6 m KOH electrolyte. The enabled supercapacitor demonstrates remarkable cycling stability, retaining up to 99.74% of its initial capacitance after undergoing 20 000 charge–discharge cycles. In addition, the electrolyte ion distribution in different pore structures is simulated using Molecular Dynamics, which confirms that the structure is conducive to the rapid diffusion of ions, thus matching the excellent electrochemical properties. The assembled symmetric supercapacitors achieve a maximum energy density of 42.1 Wh kg−1 (12.1 Wh kg−1 based on cell stack mass) in TEABF4/AN electrolyte. This work presents an effective technique for the formation of porous structures from biomass precursors. The novel methodology can be applied to many other similar systems for energy storage and beyond.
Circular Modulation Pathway of the Afterglow Color in Metal‐Organic Coordination Polymer
Authors: Wang Zhong‐Hao , Liu Chen‐Hui , Fu Peng‐Yan , Sun Hui‐Li , Zheng Lin , Pan Mei
Published: April 2024

Long‐lived organic luminescence materials with color‐tunable afterglow have attracted considerable attention due to potential applications in display and information encryption. Nevertheless, the majority of these materials currently have limited capability for regulating the afterglow color in only one direction. Here, a metal‐organic coordination polymer (Zn‐PTZ‐O) is presented that demonstrates the ability to modulate its afterglow color in a circular modulation pathway. As the temperature increases from 77 to 400 K, the afterglow color red‐shifts from blue to green, and then blue‐shifts back to blue, achieving circular modulation. This outstanding phenomenon is attributed to the concurrence of long‐lived thermally activated delayed fluorescence and phosphorescence emission of Zn‐PTZ‐O. Furthermore, the afterglow color of Zn‐PTZ‐O also has forward and reverse excitation wavelength dependence at 77 K and room temperature, respectively. As the excitation wavelength increases from 340 to 460 nm at 77 K, the afterglow color of Zn‐PTZ‐O red‐shifts from blue to yellow. While as the excitation wavelength increases from 375 to 410 nm at room temperature, the afterglow color blue‐shifts from yellowish‐green to blue, almost forming another color‐changing circle. This work provides a good idea for the design of color‐tunable long‐lived organic materials.
Palladium‐Catalyzed/Mn(OAc)3‐Mediated 1,2‐Diazidation and 1,2‐Acetoxy/Hydroxylation of N‐Allyl Sulfonamides
Authors: Papis Marta , Colombo Sara , Lo Presti Leonardo , Poli Giovanni , Broggini Gianluigi , Oble Julie , Loro Camilla
Published: April 2024

Palladium‐catalyzed conditions for diazidation or acetoxy/hydroxylation of N‐allyl sulfonamides by using Pd(OAc)2 as the catalyst combined with Mn(OAc)3 ⋅ 2H2O have been developed. The 1,2‐diazidation reaction of the carbon‐carbon double bond occurs in mild conditions (i. e. NaN3 as azide source in THF at room temperature), whereas the 1,2‐acetoxy/hydroxylation requires an excess of Mn(OAc)3 ⋅ 2H2O. The well‐known ability of this reagent to act through single‐electron transfer (SET) makes plausible a radical mechanism involving high valent palladium complexes.
Modified Cellulose Nanocrystals Enabled Antimicrobial Polymeric Films
Authors: Blanchard Rachel , Jubinville Dylan , Li Jiaqing , Ward Valerie C. A. , Mekonnen Tizazu H.
Published: April 2024

This study presents an antimicrobial polymeric material comprising cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) grafted with an antimicrobial oligomer, polyhexamethylene guanidine hydrochloride (PHGH). A one‐pot reaction is implemented to graft PHGH onto CNCs, creating a non‐leaching and nano‐sized antimicrobial additive (mCNC). The mCNC is subsequently incorporated into a model polymer, polylactic acid (PLA), with concentrations of 2.5 to 10 wt.% and tested for its antimicrobial activity during dynamic and static contact with Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis bacteria. The grafting of PHGH onto CNC is confirmed with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X‐ray spectroscopy (XPS) and elemental analysis. The effect of mCNC incorporation at various loading levels on the morphology and physicomechanical properties of PLA is investigated with polarized optical microscope (POM), scanning electron microscope (SEM), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), tensile testing, and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). In terms of the antimicrobial action, the films exhibited potent efficacy against Gram‐positive bacteria (B. subtilis), with growth inhibition of 3.97 to 4.66‐log reduction. However, 10 wt.% of mCNC loading is needed to achieve a significant bacterial inhibition (>6.24‐log) of the Gram‐negative bacteria (E. coli). Overall, the incorporation of PHGH grafted CNCs in polymers provided a non‐leaching antimicrobial film that has potential application in food packaging.
CodLncScape Provides a Self‐Enriching Framework for the Systematic Collection and Exploration of Coding LncRNAs
Authors: Liu Tianyuan , Qiao Huiyuan , Wang Zixu , Yang Xinyan , Pan Xianrun , Yang Yu , Ye Xiucai , Sakurai Tetsuya , Lin Hao , Zhang Yang
Published: April 2024

Recent studies have revealed that numerous lncRNAs can translate proteins under specific conditions, performing diverse biological functions, thus termed coding lncRNAs. Their comprehensive landscape, however, remains elusive due to this field's preliminary and dispersed nature. This study introduces codLncScape, a framework for coding lncRNA exploration consisting of codLncDB, codLncFlow, codLncWeb, and codLncNLP. Specifically, it contains a manually compiled knowledge base, codLncDB, encompassing 353 coding lncRNA entries validated by experiments. Building upon codLncDB, codLncFlow investigates the expression characteristics of these lncRNAs and their diagnostic potential in the pan‐cancer context, alongside their association with spermatogenesis. Furthermore, codLncWeb emerges as a platform for storing, browsing, and accessing knowledge concerning coding lncRNAs within various programming environments. Finally, codLncNLP serves as a knowledge‐mining tool to enhance the timely content inclusion and updates within codLncDB. In summary, this study offers a well‐functioning, content‐rich ecosystem for coding lncRNA research, aiming to accelerate systematic studies in this field.
Regulation of Hard Segment Cluster Structures for High‐performance Poly(urethane‐urea) Elastomers
Authors: Qin Jianliang , Chen Yifei , Guo Xiwei , Huang Yi , Chen Guoqing , Zhang Qi , He Gaohong , Zhu Shiping , Ruan Xuehua , Zhu He
Published: April 2024

Elastomers are widely used in daily life; however, the preparation of degradable and recyclable elastomers with high strength, high toughness, and excellent crack resistance remains a challenging task. In this report, a polycaprolactone‐based poly(urethane‐urea) elastomer is presented with excellent mechanical properties by optimizing the arrangement of hard segment clusters. It is found that long alkyl chains of the chain extenders lead to small and evenly distributed hard segment clusters, which is beneficial for improving mechanical properties. Together with the multiple hydrogen bond structure and stress‐induced crystallization, the obtained elastomer exhibits a high strength of 63.3 MPa, an excellent toughness of 431 MJ m−3 and an outstanding fracture energy of 489 kJ m−2, while maintaining good recyclability and degradability. It is believed that the obtained elastomer holds great promise in various application fields and it contributes to the development of a sustainable society.
Tissue‐Penetrating Ultrasound‐Triggered Hydrogel for Promoting Microvascular Network Reconstruction
Authors: Zhao Zhenyu , Zhang Yin , Meng Chen , Xie Xiaoyun , Cui Wenguo , Zuo Keqiang
Published: April 2024

The microvascular network plays an important role in providing nutrients to the injured tissue and exchanging various metabolites. However, how to achieve efficient penetration of the injured tissue is an important bottleneck restricting the reconstruction of microvascular network. Herein, the hydrogel precursor solution can efficiently penetrate the damaged tissue area, and ultrasound triggers the release of thrombin from liposomes in the solution to hydrolyze fibrinogen, forming a fibrin solid hydrogel network in situ with calcium ions and transglutaminase as catalysts, effectively solving the penetration impedance bottleneck of damaged tissues and ultimately significantly promoting the formation of microvascular networks within tissues. First, the fibrinogen complex solution is effectively permeated into the injured tissue. Second, ultrasound triggered the release of calcium ions and thrombin, activates transglutaminase, and hydrolyzes fibrinogen. Third, fibrin monomers are catalyzed to form fibrin hydrogels in situ in the damaged tissue area. In vitro studies have shown that the fibrinogen complex solution effectively penetrated the artificial bone tissue within 15 s after ultrasonic triggering, and formed a hydrogel after continuous triggering for 30 s. Overall, this innovative strategy effectively solved the problem of penetration resistance of ultrasound‐triggered hydrogels in the injured tissues, and finally activates in situ microvascular networks regeneration.
Interface Engineering to Operate Reversible Protonic Ceramic Electrochemical Cells Below 500 °C
Authors: Choi Mingi , Kim Donguk , Lee Tae Kyeong , Lee Jaeyeob , Yoo Hyun Sik , Lee Wonyoung
Published: April 2024

The low‐temperature (<500 °C) operation of reversible protonic ceramic electrochemical cells (PCECs) is desirable in achieving efficient and sustainable electricity generation, as well as green hydrogen production. However, significant interfacial resistance, which contributes to both ohmic and polarization resistance, remains a hurdle in lowering the operating temperature. In this study, PrBa0.5Sr0.5Co1.5Fe0.5O5+δ (PBSCF) and BaZr0.4Ce0.4Y0.1Yb0.1O3‐δ (BZCYYb) mono‐grain composite interlayers are introduced, which significantly extend the electrode/electrolyte interface and increase the concentration of vertically aligned oxygen vacancies along the heterointerface. This unique design achieves the lowest ohmic and polarization resistances among previously reported values in solid electrolyte‐based electrochemical cells. As a result, the PCEC can operate at extremely low temperature of 350 °C with an exceptional peak power density of 0.50 W cm−2 in fuel cell mode and current density of 0.25 A cm−2 at 1.3 V in electrolysis cell mode. Furthermore, it demonstrates high energy conversion efficiency and excellent stability under static and dynamic operating conditions.
Asymmetry in linear measurements and cross‐sectional geometry in the humerus during ontogeny
Authors: Osipov Benjamin , Harrington Lesley , Cowgill Libby , MacKinnon Marla , Kurki Helen
Published: April 2024

Objectives

Adult upper limb asymmetry is used to reconstruct behavior. However, the developmental trajectory of asymmetry in bone length, cross‐sectional geometry (CSG), and joint dimensions is poorly understood. This study examines the development trajectory of humeral asymmetry and if asymmetry in bone length, joint size, and CSG develop in concert.

Materials and Methods

Linear measurements of bone length and metaphyseal/epiphyseal breadth, bending rigidity (Imax and Imin), and cross‐sectional shape (Imax/Imin) at 30%, 50%, and 70% of bone length were acquired from 3D models of humeri from four skeletal samples of prehistoric hunter‐gatherer populations (n = 82). Dental age cohorts were used to assess ontogenetic trends. Percent absolute (%AA) and directional (%DA) asymmetry were calculated for paired measures. Percentage of matching direction of asymmetry across variables and correlation analysis tested relationships between variables.

Results

Within the total pooled sample, Imax shows the highest %AA and %DA, followed by shape and linear dimensions. Asymmetry is lowest in neonates and increases with age, particularly %DA of Imax in mid‐proximal sections. Correlations among variables are low to moderate and strongest between Imax measures. Matching direction of asymmetry between variables is low and generally increases with age.

Discussion

Higher correlations with age in CSG likely indicate greater responsiveness to mechanical loading. Low correlations in magnitude of asymmetry and side dominance suggest independence in the development of asymmetry between maximum rigidity, shape, and linear measures. Differences in how asymmetric loading affects the ontogeny of linear and CSG variables may account for the heterogeneous development of asymmetry.
Commercializable Naphthalene Diimide Anolytes for Neutral Aqueous Organic Redox Flow Batteries
Authors: Liu Xu , Zhang Heng , Liu Chenjing , Wang Zengrong , Zhang Xuri , Yu Haiyan , Zhao Yujie , Li Ming‐Jia , Li Yinshi , He Ya‐Ling , He Gang
Published: April 2024

Neutral aqueous organic redox flow batteries (AORFBs) hold the potential to facilitate the transition of renewable energy sources from auxiliary to primary energy, the commercial production of anolyte materials still suffers from insufficient performance of high‐concentration and the high cost of the preparation problem. To overcome these challenges, this study provides a hydrothermal synthesis methodology and introduces the charged functional groups into hydrophobic naphthalene diimide cores, and prepares a series of high‐performance naphthalene diimide anolytes. Under the synergistic effect of π–π stacking and H‐bonding networks, the naphthalene diimide exhibits excellent structural stability and the highest water solubility (1.85 M for dex‐NDI) reported to date. By employing the hydrothermal method, low‐cost naphthalene diimides are successfully synthesized on a hundred‐gram scale of $0.16 g−1 ($2.43 Ah−1), which is also the lowest price reported to date. The constructed full battery achieves a high electron concentration of 2.4 M, a high capacity of 54.4 Ah L−1, and a power density of 318 mW cm−2 with no significant capacity decay observed during long‐duration cycling. These findings provide crucial support for the commercialization of AORFBs and pave the way for revolutionary developments in neutral AORFBs.
Laser‐assisted graphene‐like materials for oil‐spill clean up
Authors: Zamparas Miltiadis , Athanasiou Michail , Samartzis Nikolaos , Dracopoulos Vassileios , Yannopoulos Spyros , Ioannides Theophilos
Published: April 2024

Conventional synthetic sorbents for oil spill cleanup are the most widely employed materials, although a major drawback is the extensive chemical modification that they have undergone, making them economically and environmentally nonsustainable. The use of inexpensive, abundant, nontoxic, biodegradable, and reusable lignocellulosic materials might be an alternative to conventional sorbents, with obvious positive impact on sustainability and circular economy. The present study subsequently utilizes the well‐established process, of converting grape molasses—a byproduct of the winemaking industry that represents a typical and abundant source of biomass—into a laser‐assisted graphene‐like product (LA‐B). Comparative experiments were carried out with two additional materials that are similarly produced by the same laser‐assisted method, yet use synthetic polyimide foil and tape polymers as precursors, namely LA‐F and LA‐T. The results showed that diesel oil adsorption capacity of LA‐B was 33.5 g/g, while the ultraoleophilic LA‐T adsorbed 57 g/g and LA‐F adsorbed 41 g/g. Furthermore, the crude oil uptake was 31.1, 56.0, and 38.6 g/g for LA‐B, LA‐T, and LA‐F, respectively. The adsorption of oil on the used materials could be well‐described by pseudo‐second‐order kinetics, showing that over 80% of oil was removed from the water within 15 min.
Organocatalyzed Hydroacylation of Enones by Photosensitization of Acyl Silanes
Authors: Patel Shiv Shankar , Gupta Samiksha , Tripathi Chandra Bhushan
Published: April 2024

A mild protocol for hydroacylation of enones through photosensitization of acyl silanes with thioxanthone under blue light (455 nm) irradiation is reported. A Brønsted acid is used as a cocatalyst in the reaction. The versatility of the method is demonstrated through inter‐ and intramolecular hydroacylation reaction. The hydroacylation product is applied for synthesizing an anti‐HCV agent. Mechanistic insights are also provided through control experiments.
Constraint‐following servo control for uncertain flexible transmission system with damping
Authors: Dong Fangfang , Hong Yuzi , Ding Zhi , Chen Shan , Zhang Xinrong
Published: April 2024

Due to the flexible components, damping, underactuation, and uncertainties, the control for flexible transmission system (FTS) becomes very difficult. A constraint‐following servo control is designed to address this issue. The damping and applied load of system are integrated into the constraints, so that the desired performance could be achieved by accomplishing the constraints with Udwadia–Kalaba (U–K) equation. The system is divided into two subsystems by introducing a designed fictitious control to the load end, and the controllers of subsystems are designed, respectively. Since the accurate value of uncertainty is usually unknown, a corresponding leakage type of adaptive law is designed to estimate the size of its boundary without requiring the uncertainty itself. The effectiveness and superiority of proposed controller are verified by simulations.