bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relevance of a kite-based calibration for a water vapour Raman lidar
Authors: Totems J. , Chazette P.
Published: October 2015

Abstract. We present a calibration method for a water vapour Raman lidar using a meteorological probe on-board a kite, flown steadily above the lidar site, within the framework of the Hydrological Cycle in the Mediterranean Experiment (HyMeX) and Chemistry-Aerosols Radiative Effect in the Mediterranean (ChArMEx) campaigns. The experiment was carried on in Menorca (Spain) during June 2013, using the mobile Water vapour and Aerosol Lidar WALI. The kite calibration showed a much better degree of co-location with the lidar system than could be achieved with radiosondes, and allowed to calibrate measurements below the full overlap range between the emitter and the receiver. A range-dependent water vapour lidar calibration was determined, with an uncertainty of 2 % in the altitude range 90–8000 m. Water vapour measurements were further compared with radiosondes, showing very good agreement in the lower troposphere (1–5 km) and a relative mean and standard deviation of 5 and 9 %, respectively. Moreover, a reasonable agreement with MODIS integrated water vapour content is found, with a relative mean and standard deviation of 3 and 16 %. However, a discrepancy was found with AERONET retrievals, showing the latter to be underestimated by 28 %. Reanalyses from the ECMWF/IFS numerical weather prediction model were also in agreement with the temporal evolution highlighted with the lidar, with no measurable drift in integrated content over the period.
Links between surface productivity and deep ocean particle flux at the Porcupine Abyssal Plain sustained observatory
Authors: Frigstad H. , Henson S. A. , Hartman S. E. , Omar A. M. , Jeansson E. , Cole H. , Pebody C. , Lampitt R. S.
Published: October 2015

Abstract. In this study we present hydrography, biogeochemistry and sediment trap observations between 2003 and 2012 at Porcupine Abyssal Plain (PAP) sustained observatory in the Northeast Atlantic. The time series is valuable as it allows for investigation of the link between surface productivity and deep ocean carbon flux. The region is a perennial sink for CO2, with an average uptake of around 1.5 mmol m−2 day−1. The average monthly drawdowns of inorganic carbon and nitrogen were used to quantify the net community production (NCP) and new production. Seasonal NCP and new production were found to be 4.57 ± 0.85 mol C m−2 and 0.37 ± 0.14 mol N m−2, respectively. The C : N ratio was high (12) compared to the Redfield ratio (6.6), and the production calculated from carbon was higher than production calculated from nitrogen, which is indicative of carbon overconsumption. The export ratio and transfer efficiency were 16 and 4 %, respectively, and the site thereby showed high flux attenuation. Particle tracking was used to examine the source region of material in the sediment trap, and there was large variation in source regions, both between and within years. There were higher correlations between surface productivity and export flux when using the particle-tracking approach, than by comparing with the mean productivity in a 100 km box around the PAP site. However, the differences in correlation coefficients were not significant, and a longer time series is needed to draw conclusions on applying particle tracking in sediment trap analyses.
High-resolution analysis of 1 day extreme precipitation in Sicily
Authors: Maugeri M. , Brunetti M. , Garzoglio M. , Simolo C.
Published: October 2015

Abstract. Sicily, a major Mediterranean island, has experienced several exceptional precipitation episodes and floods during the last century, with serious damage to human life and the environment. Long-term, rational planning of urban development is indispensable to protect the population and to avoid huge economic losses in the future. This requires a thorough knowledge of the distributional features of extreme precipitation over the complex territory of Sicily. In this study, we perform a detailed investigation of observed 1 day precipitation extremes and their frequency distribution, based on a dense data set of high-quality, homogenized station records in 1921–2005. We estimate very high quantiles (return levels) corresponding to 10-, 50- and 100-year return periods, as predicted by a generalized extreme value distribution. Return level estimates are produced on a regular high-resolution grid (30 arcsec) using a variant of regional frequency analysis combined with regression techniques. Results clearly reflect the complexity of this region, and show the high vulnerability of its eastern and northeastern parts as those prone to the most intense and potentially damaging events.
Examining the fixation kinetics of chelated and non-chelated copper micronutrient and the applications to micronutrient management in semi-arid alkaline soils
Authors: Udeigwe T. K. , Eichmann M. B. , Menkiti M. C.
Published: October 2015

Abstract. The relationship between the deficiency of a nutrient in plants and its total concentration in the soil is complex. This study examined and compared the fixation and fixation kinetics of copper (Cu) in chelated (Ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid, EDTA) and non-chelated mixed systems of micronutrients in the semi-arid soils of the Southern High Plains, US using findings from Cu extraction studies and kinetic models. Approximately, 22 % more Cu was fixed in the non-chelated system within the first 14 days with only 7 % difference between the two systems by day 90. Findings suggest a decrease in the effectiveness of chelated micronutrient over time, highlighting the significance of timing even when chelated micronutrients are applied. The strengths of the relationship of change in available Cu with respect to other micronutrients [iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), and zinc (Zn)] were higher in the non-chelated system (R2: 0.68–0.94), compared to the chelated (R2: 0.42–0.81) with slopes of 0.40 (Cu–Fe), 0.31 (Cu–Mn), and 1.04 (Cu–Zn) in the non-chelated system and 0.26 (Cu–Fe), 0.22 (Cu–Mn), and 0.90 (Cu–Zn) in the chelated. Reduction in the amount of available Cu was best described by the power function model (R2 = 0.91, SE = 0.081) in the non-chelated system and second order model (R2 = 0.95, SE = 0.010) in the chelated system. The applications generated from this study could be used as tools for improved micronutrient management and also provide baseline data for future work in other semi-arid/arid alkaline soils of the world. Findings are also more applicable to field settings, an improvement over related previous studies.
Modelling the dynamic response of Jakobshavn Isbræ, West Greenland, to calving rate perturbations
Authors: Bondzio J. H. , Seroussi H. , Morlighem M. , Kleiner T. , Rückamp M. , Humbert A. , Larour E.
Published: October 2015

Abstract. Calving is a major means of ice discharge of the Antarctic and Greenland Ice Sheets. The breaking off of icebergs changes the ice front configuration of marine terminating glaciers, which affects the stress regime of their upstream areas. Recent observations show the close correlation between the ice front position and the behaviour of many outlet glaciers. However, modelling of a glacier subject to calving poses various challenges. No universal calving rate parametrisation is known, and tracking of a moving ice front and the related boundary conditions in two or three spatial dimensions is non-trivial. Here, we present the theoretical and technical framework for a Level-Set Method, an implicit boundary tracking scheme, which we implemented into the Ice Sheet System Model (ISSM). The scheme allows us to study the dynamic response of a drainage basin to user-defined front ablation rates. We apply the method in a suite of experiments to Jakobshavn Isbræ, a major marine terminating outlet glacier of the western Greenland Ice Sheet. The model robustly reproduces the high sensitivity of the glacier to frontal ablation in form of calving. We find that enhanced calving is able to trigger significant acceleration of the ice stream. Upstream acceleration is sustained through a combination of various feedback mechanisms. However, lateral stress and ice influx into the trough are able to stabilise the ice stream. This study contributes to the present discussion on causes and effects of the continued changes occurring at Jakobshavn Isbræ, and emphasises that the incorporation of seasonal calving and dynamic lateral effects is key for realistic model projections of future global sea level rise on centennial time scales.
Photodegradation Study of Toluidine Blue Dye in Aqueous Solution using Magnesium Oxide as a Photocatalyst
Authors: Mohammad Salim Haydar , Mohammad Salih Sabir
Published: October 2015

The photocatalytic degradation of Toluidine Blue dye (TB) in aqueous solution was investigated under UV light in the presence of magnesium oxide (MgO) as a photocatalyst at different operating parameters. The operating conditions were photocatalyst dose, initial dye concentration and the pH of the solution. Increasing of photocatalyst dose from 10 to 70 mg enhanced the degradation rate of TB dye. However, the increasing of TB dye concentration from 2 to 8 mg/L negatively affected the degradation rate. It was found that the percent of dye removal reached the maximum value at high acidic medium. In dark condition, 15 % of dye was adsorbed by MgO. Furthermore, the kinetics involved in the degradation of TB dye was examined and the degradation was found to follow pseudo first order kinetic model.
Positieve veiligheid. Een theoretische analyse van een omstreden begrip
Authors: Bakker Gerben
Published: October 2015

Positive security. A theoretical analysis of a controversial concept

The concept of positive security appears more and more often in academic and public discussions. It presents a normative agenda for a non-repressive approach of security. In the article, it is claimed that the concept and its implications lack fundamental clarity. First of all, it is illustrated that the meaning of positive security primarily develops on the renouncement of negative security. Second, a historical comparison between the discipline of international relations and criminology discloses that different meanings have been assigned to positive security that seem at times at odds with each other. These frictions substantiate the view that it is problematic to accept positive security as an unequivocal recipe for change. Finally, the consequences of the disseminated structure of meaning are discussed in relation to the ambition of reform that positive security represents. For example, advocates of positive security do not seem eager to commit themselves to very clear normative views. This makes it difficult to really pin down what the suggested changes underlying positive security, are truly implying. Moreover, positive security invites us to extend the horizon of security politics to include various kinds of positive needs and values. But doesn’t this take us back to the initial criticism that the reach of the security concept has extended too much, covering virtually every aspect of life?
The current Afro-optimism – A realistic image of Africa?
Authors: Havnevik Kjell
Published: October 2015

This chapter raises the question whether the current Afro-optimism can be considered a construction of a realistic image (situational) and a narrative (process) of Africa. It does so primarily by analyzing the 180 degree turn-around of the prestigious and influential magazine, The Economist, on Africa within the time span of a decade. In May 2000 the magazine claimed that Africa was a continent without hope, whereas in December 2011, Africa, according to The Economist, could be considered a continent of hopeful economies – where “the sun shines bright.” The chapter identifies and analyses the key editions of The Economist with reference to this complete turn-around on Africa. Three major pillars are identified in the analysis of The Economist in relation to the changes in Africa, (i) the economic pillar (economic growth, investments and trade), (ii) demographic change and (iii) conflict, governance and democratization. Within each pillar a presentation of The Economist’s description and analysis is put forward to be followed by critical reflections by the author. The presentations and reflections also have reference to the analysis/empirical studies on Africa by key research institutions. In the concluding reflections of the chapter, the importance of culture for the understanding of African change - only mentioned in passing by The Economist - is put forward through concrete examples. The findings are that the Afro-optimist images/narrative put forward by The Economist and others do not hold together even if analysed from within its own frame. The analysis of The Economist and the Afro-optimist narrative also shows that it becomes fragile when confronted with an understanding of Africa that integrates cultural perspectives. The Afro-optimist narrative of The Economist has been constructed within a limited knowledge and timeframe that has restricted a deeper understanding of Africa. The conclusion of the chapter is that the way The Economist has constructed its arguments for Africa-optimism has helped create a narrative that aims at legitimising the continued exploitation of Africa.
How much trait variance is captured in autobiographical memory ratings?
Authors: Aytürk Ezgi , Ece Berivan , Göktaş Nilüfer , Gülgöz Sami
Published: August 2024

This study examined the trait‐variance in autobiographical memory recollection (AMR). Participants (N = 397) provided ratings on eight autobiographical memories elicited using cue words. Multilevel random coefficients modeling revealed that 43% of the variance in memory ratings was due to individual differences, while the remaining 57% was related to other factors. Scores on the Brief Autobiographical Recollection Test (Brief ART; Berntsen et al.), a measure of metacognitive evaluations of autobiographical memory, were significantly correlated with mean memory ratings. However, they only explained 34% of the variance in mean ratings, and 15% of the variance in the ratings of individual memories, suggesting that metacognitive evaluations do not fully coincide with actual memory experiences. These findings suggest that AMR is a complex phenomenon influenced by both stable individual differences and situational factors. Multilevel modeling provides a rigorous approach to gaining a more nuanced understanding of AMR by disentangling various sources of variance.
Disease Phenotypes in Refractory Musculoskeletal Pain Syndromes Identified by Unsupervised Machine Learning
Authors: Hügle Thomas , Prétat Tiffany , Suter Marc , Lovejoy Chris , Ming Azevedo Pedro
Published: August 2024

Objective

Overlapping chronic pain syndromes, including fibromyalgia, are heterogeneous and often treatment‐resistant entities carrying significant socioeconomic burdens. Individualized treatment approaches from both a somatic and psychological side are necessary to improve patient care. The objective of this study was to identify and visualize patient clusters in refractory musculoskeletal pain syndromes through an extensive set of clinical variables, including immunologic, psychosomatic, wearable, and sleep biomarkers.

Methods

Data were collected during a multimodal pain program involving 202 patients. Seventy‐eight percent of the patients fulfilled the criteria for fibromyalgia, 77% had a concomitant psychiatric‐mediated disorder, and 22% a concomitant rheumatic immune‐mediated disorder. Five patient phenotypes were identified by hierarchical agglomerative clustering as a form of unsupervised learning, and a predictive model for the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) response was generated. Based on the clustering data, digital personas were created with DALL‐E (OpenAI).

Results

The most relevant distinguishing factors among clusters were living alone, body mass index, peripheral joint pain, alexithymia, psychiatric comorbidity, childhood pain, neuroleptic or benzodiazepine medication, and response to virtual reality. Having an immune‐mediated disorder was not discriminatory. Three of five clusters responded to the multimodal treatment in terms of pain (BPI intensity), one cluster responded in terms of functional improvement (BPI interference), and one cluster notably responded to the virtual reality intervention. The independent predictive model confirmed strong opioids, trazodone, neuroleptic treatment, and living alone as the most important negative predictive factors for reduced pain after the program.

Conclusion

Our model identified and visualized clinically relevant chronic musculoskeletal pain subtypes and predicted their response to multimodal treatment. Such digital personas and avatars may play a future role in the design of personalized therapeutic modalities and clinical trials.
Hybrid sand cat‐galactic swarm optimization‐based adaptive maximum power point tracking and blade pitch controller for wind energy conversion system
Authors: Ebraheem Menda , Jyothsna T. R.
Published: August 2024

As wind energy is sustainable, pollution‐free, easily available, and free of cost, it has become an efficient source of renewable energy for electricity generation. But, the problem with wind energy is that it varies with time, seasons, and location. This makes the Wind Energy Conversion System (WECS) unstable as it frequently needs to match the load demands. The balance in power generation by wind energy is essential since it has to be connected to various grids. So, this unbalanced energy production can affect the stability of the associated power grids as well. It also results in expensive regulatory measures, storage options, and load shedding. So, the stable operation of the WECS is highly essential to adapt it as a trustable source of electricity production. The stable operation of the WECS requires a robust and advanced system for control. Better control of the wind power extracting model is achieved by controlling the Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) and blade pitch. So, an Adaptive MPPT and Blade Pitch Controller (BPC) for the WECS have been developed in this article, with the support of a hybrid optimization algorithm. In order to enhance the working principles of this controller, two effective algorithms such as Sand Cat Swarm Optimization (SCSO) and Galactic Swarm Optimization (GSO) are integrated and named Hybrid Sand Cat Galactic Swarm Optimization (HSC‐GSO). With the help of the recommended HSC‐GSO, the functionality of the controller is enhanced and also at the same time this algorithm helps to optimize the three gains in the Proportional Integral Differential (PID) controller of both MPPT and BPC, respectively. Moreover, with the support of the proposed HSC‐GSO the damping oscillations in the WECS output power and voltage are minimized. In the end, the numerical analysis is conducted for the presented system by comparing it with the traditional techniques. From the overall result analysis, the stability of the recommended adaptive WECS is 97, which is higher than the conventional algorithms such as DHOA, SCSO, GSO, and DA. Thus, it has been proved that the proposed HSC‐GSO algorithm for the parameters optimization in the PID controller of MPPT and the PID controller of BPC attains high robustness, increased steady‐state stability, and efficient transient response than the traditional techniques.
Highly Flexible Electrodes Based on Nano/Micro‐Fiber for Flexible Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Hwang Chihyun , Hwang Jongha , Kwak Myung‐Jun , Kim Hyun‐seung , Song Hyun‐Kon , Song Woo‐Jin
Published: August 2024

Although Li metal batteries (LMBs) with high flexibility are attractive energy storage systems for wearable devices due to their high energy density, there exist critical challenges such as limited loading density, poor dimensional stability, and thus mechanical instability under repeated mechanical deformations including bending, twisting, and folding. In this work, extremely flexible nano/microfiber composite electrodes are developed for LMBs. The highly flexible and mechanically durable electrode is composed of oxidized polyethylene terephthalate (O‐PET) microfiber (MF) substrates covered by single‐walled carbon nanotube (CNT) nanofibers (NF), prepared by mass‐producible O2 plasma treatment and spray‐coating. CNT nanofibers provided an electrical intertangled network to integrate the active materials (i.e., either NCM or passivated Li powder (PLP)) and anchored to a flexible O‐PET MF substrate, which permits high mass loading of active materials, improved electrochemical performance while maintaining mechanical durability. Resultantly, the flexible LMBs based on nano/micro fibrous electrodes have excellent energy density (300.1 Wh kg−1 electrode; nominal voltage of 3.7 V) and stable capacity retention (97.1%) without mechanical failure over 500 folding cycles.
Composites from Self‐Assembled Protein Nanofibrils and Liquid Metal Gallium
Authors: Liu Li , Rahim Md. Arifur , Li Tianchen , Kilani Mohamed , He Yilin , Shao Zeyu , Zheng Jiewei , Wang Chen , Baharfar Mahroo , Chiu Shih‐Hao , Ireland Jake , Sorenson Timothy L. , Rawal Aditya , Mousavi Maedehsadat , Ghasemian Mohammad B. , Zhang Chengchen , Tang Jianbo , Wong Edgar H. H. , Zhang Jin , Allioux Francois‐Marie , Kalantar‐Zadeh Kourosh , Shen Yi
Published: August 2024

Gallium (Ga), a low‐melting‐point liquid metal with soft, metallic, and biocompatible properties, offers many possibilities. However, the potential of composites that integrate Ga with biomacromolecules, combining their biocompatibility, elasticity, and conductivity, has not been thoroughly explored, which is a gap for advancing these composites in various applications. In parallel and independently, protein self‐assembled l.,;3bhnanofibrils have attracted great interest as building blocks for functional biomaterials. Here, composites of Ga droplets and nanofibrils are presented, self‐assembled from plant proteins of soy protein isolate (SPI). It is evidenced that in these composites self‐assembled SPI nanofibrils can effectively reduce the oxidation of Ga droplets. It is observed that the composites of β‐sheet nanofibrils and Ga droplets offer mechanical properties similar to only fibrils‐based films. Films of 32 wt% Ga in SPI showed enhanced electrical conductivity and well‐structured nanofibrils with multifunctional potential in gas‐sensing and electronically controlled antibacterial applications. It is illustrated that the 32 wt% Ga in SPI composite offered the best sensing performance for a diatomic molecule, CO, and electro‐stimulation of this composite effectively reduced bacterial growth. The Ga in SPI composite, combining the advantages of protein nanofibrils and Ga droplets, offers great potential in future biomedical applications.
In Situ Growth Mechanism of Nano Brochantite on Superhydrophobic Eucalyptus Scrimber
Authors: Wang Baiyu , Guo Xueli , Liu Qian , Dai Jiahui , Wang Lingling , Luo Bei , Yang Long , Du Guanben , Gao Wei
Published: August 2024

The urgent requirement of carbon reduction in the world provides wood products a historical opportunity to play a crucial role to fix carbon dioxide and reduce carbon emission. It is essential to reveal the in situ growth mechanism of copper nanoparticles on eucalyptus scrimber surface. Cu4(SO4)(OH)6 nanoflowers are in situ synthesized successfully on the surface of eucalyptus scrimber via a simple hydrothermal process in this work. The detailed nucleation and in situ growth process of Cu4(OH)6SO4 nanoparticles on the surface of eucalyptus scrimber, characterized by the trajectory of size evolution, are revealed first in this work. According to the classical nucleation theory, the nucleation stage of as prepared Cu4(SO4)(OH)6 nanoflowers includes nucleus formation and nucleus growth. Although the same initial precursor reactant is obtained at the nucleation stage, there are two types of early nanoparticles, with morphology of fusiform and strip shape being self assembled to nanoflower structure during the growth stage. Further, the modified eucalyptus scrimber exhibits excellent superhydrophobicity, UV durability, mold and moisture resistance, as well as reversible property. Therefore, the proposed in situ growth kinetics related to Cu4(OH)6SO4 nanoparticles on wood surface have potential to be a reference to develop multifunctional superhydrophobic wood‐based material for variable applications.
Color‐Stable, All‐Phosphorescent White Organic Light Emitting Diodes Using the Polariton‐Enhanced Purcell Effect
Authors: Arneson Claire Ε. , Zhao Haonan , Forrest Stephen R.
Published: August 2024

The short operational lifetimes of high efficiency phosphorescent organic blue light emitting devices (PHOLEDs) has limited their use in displays and lighting. Previously, this problem has been avoided by using less efficient fluorescent blue devices in separately biased red, green, and blue emissive elements to achieve stable full color emission. However, the operational lifetime of blue phosphorescent OLEDs has been significantly improved through the utilization of the plasmon‐exciton‐polariton‐enhanced (PEP) Purcell effect. Here, a white emitting PHOLED comprising stacked red, green, and blue elements is demonstrated that exploits PEPs to extend the operational lifetime of the blue element such that all emissive layers degrade at the same rate. The device features white light emission with an external quantum efficiency of 19.1 ± 0.4%, luminous power efficiency of 13.3 ± 0.3 lm W−1 at a luminance of 1000 cd m−2 when measured over 4π solid angle, with a color rendering index of 76 unchanged throughout the device aging to 70% of its initial luminance, T70. A 2.9 times enhancement in the operational lifetime of the Purcell‐enhanced device is achieved to yield T70 = 2900 ± 100 h for an initial luminance of 1000 cd m−2, compared to devices lacking this enhancement with T70 = 1000 ± 100 h.
Axial Chiral Biphenyl MR‐TADF Enantiomers for Efficient Narrowband Circularly Polarized Electroluminescence
Authors: Wang Xiang‐Zhi , Xing Shuai , Xiao Xiong , Yuan Li , Hou Zhe‐Yuan , Zheng You‐Xuan
Published: August 2024

Circularly polarized multi‐resonance thermally activated delayed fluorescence (CP‐MR‐TADF) materials, capable of achieving circularly polarized luminescence (CPL), play a crucial role in the field of 3D display. In this study, two pairs of axial chiral MR‐TADF enantiomers, (R/S)‐S‐AX‐BN and (R/S)‐SO2‐AX‐BN, are synthesized by fusing biphenyl skeletons containing sulfur/sulfone with classic B/N‐embedded polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. These compounds exhibit good photophysical properties with intense CPL. (R/S)‐S‐AX‐BN and (R/S)‐SO2‐AX‐BN display green photoluminescence, with peaks at 489 and 495 nm, full‐width at half‐maximum (FWHM) values of 21 and 20 nm in toluene, and dissymmetry factors (|gPL|) of 3.5 × 10−3 and 2.3 × 10−3 in doped films, respectively. Additionally, circularly polarized organic light‐emitting diodes (CP‐OLEDs) fabricated from (R/S)‐S‐AX‐BN and (R/S)‐SO2‐AX‐BN exhibit narrow electroluminescence (EL) spectra with FWHMs of 22 and 21 nm. These CP‐OLEDs achieve high maximum external quantum efficiencies of 33.5% and 31.5%, with relatively low efficiency roll‐offs. Furthermore, they exhibit high |gEL| factors of 3.3 × 10−3 and 2.2 × 10−3, respectively, representing the highest values among axial chiral analogs. This work introduces a novel approach for designing axial chiral CP‐MR‐TADF molecules and provides a reference for fabricating narrowband CP‐OLEDs with high efficiency and intense CPL.
A Multifunctional Aptamer Decorated Lipid Nanoparticles for the Delivery of EpCAM‐targeted CRISPR/Cas9 Plasmid for Efficacious In Vivo Tumor Regression
Authors: Sarkar Sourav , Moitra Parikshit , Duan Wei , Bhattacharya Santanu
Published: August 2024

Epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) gene encodes a type‐I trans‐membrane glycoprotein that is overexpressed in many cancerous epithelial cells and promotes tumor progression by regulating the expression of several oncogenes like c‐myc and other cyclins. Because of this tumorigenic association, the EpCAM gene has been a potential target for anti‐cancer therapy in recent days. Herein, it is attempted to knockout the proto‐oncogenic EpCAM expression by efficiently delivering an all‐in‐one Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) plasmid via a lipid nanoparticle system made out of synthetic stimuli‐sensitive lipids. The plasmid possesses the necessary information in the form of a guide RNA targeted to the EpCAM gene. The aptamer decorated system selectively targets EpCAM overexpressed cells and efficiently inhibits the genetic expression. It has explored the pH‐responsive property of the developed lipid nanoparticles and monitored their efficacy in various cancer cell lines of different origins with elevated EpCAM levels. The phenomenon has further been validated in vivo in non‐immunocompromised mouse tumor models. Overall, the newly developed aptamer decorated lipid nanoparticle system has been proven to be efficacious for the delivery of EpCAM‐targeted CRISPR/Cas9 plasmid.
Glucose‐Operated Widget (GLOW) for Closed‐Loop Optogenetic Glycemic Control
Authors: Maity Debasis , Guha Ray Preetam , Fussenegger Martin
Published: August 2024

Closed‐loop control systems for precise control of therapeutic gene expression are promising candidates for personalized treatment of chronic ailments such as diabetes. Pancreatic iβ‐cells are engineered with blue‐light‐inducible melanopsin to drive rapid insulin release by vesicular secretion from intracellular stores. In this work, a glucose‐operated widget (GLOW) is designed as a component of a closed‐loop control system for diabetes treatment by employing a probe that emits blue fluorescence in a glucose‐concentration‐dependent manner as a real‐time glucose sensor to precisely control insulin release from these iβ‐cells. As proof‐of‐concept of the complete control system, the probe is encapsulated together with iβ‐cells in alginate‐poly‐(L‐lysine) hydrogel‐microbeads(400 µm in diameter and containing about 500 cells) called GLOWiβ (GLOW with iβ‐cells), are subcutaneously implanted into type‐1‐diabetic (T1D) mice. Illumination by UV‐A light at 390 nm results in glucose‐concentration‐dependent blue‐light emission from the probe at 445 nm that in turn induces glucose‐concentration‐dependent insulin release from the iβ‐cells in a fully reversible manner. Activation of the injected GLOWiβ at 390 nm for 15 min effectively restores normoglycemia within 60–120 min in a closed‐loop manner in these diabetic mice. The system is robust, as normoglycemia is well maintained by daily activation for at least 7 days.
Low‐Hysteresis and Tough Ionogels via Low‐Energy‐Dissipating Cross‐Linking
Authors: Sun Bin , Liu Kai , Wu Baohu , Sun Shengtong , Wu Peiyi
Published: August 2024

Low‐hysteresis merits can help polymeric gel materials survive from consecutive loading cycles and promote life span in many burgeoning areas. However, it is a big challenge to design low‐hysteresis and tough polymeric gel materials, especially for ionogels. This can be attributed to the fact that higher viscosities of ionic liquids (ILs) would increase chain friction of polymeric gels and eventually dissipate large amounts of energy under deformation. Herein, a chemical design of ionogels is proposed to achieve low‐hysteresis characteristics in both mechanical and electric aspects via hierarchical aggregates formed by supramolecular self‐assembly of quadruple H‐bonds in a soft IL‐rich polymeric matrix. These self‐assembled nanoaggregates not only can greatly reinforce the polymeric matrix and enhance resilience, but also exhibit low‐energy‐dissipating features under stress conditions, simultaneously benefiting for low‐hysteresis properties. These aggregates can also promote toughness and subsequent anti‐fatigue properties in response to external cyclic mechanical stimuli. More importantly, these ionogels are presented as a model system to elucidate the underlying mechanism of the low hysteresis and fatigue resistance. Based on these findings, it is further demonstrated that the supramolecular low‐hysteresis strategy is universal.
Planar Deposition via In Situ Conversion Engineering for Dendrite‐Free Zinc Batteries
Authors: Zhang Hanning , You Yurong , Sha Dawei , Shui Tao , Moloto Nosipho , Liu Jiacheng , Kure‐Chu Song‐Zhu , Hihara Takehiko , Zhang Wei , Sun ZhengMing
Published: August 2024

Owing to the considerable capacity, high safety, and abundant zinc resources, zinc‐ion batteries (ZIBs) have been garnering much attention. Nonetheless, the unsatisfactory cyclic lifespan and poor reversibility originate from side reactions and dendrite obstacles to their practical applications. In addition to inhibiting the corrosion of aqueous electrolytes, regulating planar deposition is a key strategy to enhance their long‐term stability. Herein, an in situ conversion strategy is reported to construct a protective “dual‐layer” structure (VZSe/V@Zn) on zinc metal, consisting of the VSe2‐ZnSe outer layer with low lattice mismatch to Zn (002) plane, and corrosion‐resistant nanometallic V inner layer. Such design integrates superior interfacial ionic/electronic transfer, corrosion resistance, and unique planar deposition regulation capability. The as‐prepared VZSe/V@Zn demonstrates remarkable durability of 238 h at 50 mA cm−2 with a high depth of discharge (68.3% DOD) in the Zn||Zn symmetric cell. Even in the anode‐free system, the as‐prepared protective layer can extend the cycle life up to 2000 cycles, with an outstanding capacity retention of 93.1% and ultra‐high average coulombic efficiency of 99.998%. This work delineates an effective strategy for fabricating lattice‐matching protective layers, with profound implications for elucidating zinc deposition mechanisms and paving the way for the development of high‐performance zinc batteries.
Remarkable Plasmonic Enhanced Luminescence of Ce3+doped Lanthanide Downconversion Nanoparticles in NIR‐II Window by Silver Hole‐Cap Nanoarrays
Authors: Xu Jiamin , Fu Ming , Lu Yao , Centeno Anthony , Xu Jingdong , Xiao Xiaofei , Zhang Qiyu , Evers Koen , Xu Yunfan , Lim Rico , Liu Changxu , Maier Stefan A , Oulton Rupert , Ryan Mary P , Xie Fang
Published: August 2024

Lanthanide downconversion nanoparticles (DCNPs) have huge potential in biosensing and imaging applications in the NIR‐II window. However, DCNPs inherently suffer from low quantum efficiency, due to low absorption cross‐section and the restricted doping concentration of lanthanide ions. In this work, a combined strategy for downconversion luminescence in the NIR‐II window is investigated by the integration of Ce3+ ions into the conventional NaYF4: Yb3+, Er3+ DCNPs and incorporation of periodic silver hole‐cap coupled Nanoarrays (Ag‐HCNAs) simultaneously. Over two orders of magnitude, luminescence enhancement is achieved by the combination of optimized Ce3+ doping and plasmonic effects, compared to NaYF4: Yb3+, Er3+ DCNPs immobilized on the glass substrate. Moreover, 3D Finite‐Difference Time‐Domain (FDTD) simulations and time‐resolved luminescence measurements are combined to gain important insights into the mechanism of downconversion luminescence enhancement. The results show that there is a large electric field enhancement between the Ag nanoholes and the Ag hemisphere cap at 980 nm (excitation enhancement), while the lifetime shortening at 1525 nm revealed an increased radiative decay rate and enhanced quantum yield (emission rate enhancement). The strategy for downconversion luminescence enhancement demonstrated in this work holds a significant potential for advancing the next generation biosensing and bioimaging based on DCNPs in the NIR‐II window.
Optical Characterization of Size‐ and Substrate‐Dependent Performance of Ultraviolet Hybrid Plasmonic Nanowire Lasers
Authors: Vitale Francesco , Church Stephen A. , Repp Daniel , Sunil Karthika S. , Ziegler Mario , Diegel Marco , Dellith Andrea , Do Thi‐Hien , Lin Sheng‐Di , Huang Jer‐Shing , Pertsch Thomas , Parkinson Patrick , Ronning Carsten
Published: August 2024

Nanowire‐based plasmonic lasers are now established as nano‐sources of coherent radiation, appearing as suitable candidates for integration into next‐generation nanophotonic circuitry. However, compared to their photonic counterparts, their relatively high losses and large lasing thresholds still pose a burdening constraint on their scalability. In this study, the lasing characteristics of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanowires on silver (Ag) and aluminum (Al) substrates, operating as optically‐pumped short‐wavelength plasmonic nanolasers, are systematically investigated in combination with the size‐dependent performance of the hybrid cavity. A nanomanipulation‐assisted single nanowire optical characterization combined with high‐throughput photoluminescence spectroscopy enabled the correlation of the lasing characteristics to the metal substrate and the nanowire diameter. The results evidence that the coupling between excitons and surface plasmons is closely tied to the relationship between substrate dispersive behavior and cavity diameter. Such coupling dictates the degree to which the lasing character, be it more plasmonic‐ or photonic‐like, can define the stimulated emission features and, as a result, the device performance.
Directionally Asymmetric in Orbital Angular Momentum Generation Using Single‐Layer Dielectric Janus Metasurfaces
Authors: Lin Chang‐Yi , Huang Jhih‐Hao , Su Huan‐Teng , Chang Shu‐Ming , Wu Yun‐Chien , Huang Yao‐Wei
Published: August 2024

Janus metasurfaces, offering versatile light manipulation contingent on incident direction, are explored across microwave to mid‐infrared spectra. Nonetheless, prior designs often resort to spatial multiplexing or vertical stacking, entailing complex fabrication. Metallic Janus metasurfaces, owing to material properties, suffer notable Ohmic losses in the visible spectrum. In this study, Single‐layer TiO2‐based Janus metasurfaces with arbitrary polarization control is experimentally demonstrated, exhibiting directionally asymmetric functionalities in spin and orbital angular momentum (OAM). A novel Jones matrix formulation tailored for Janus metasurfaces is presented, enabling efficient generation of two asymmetric, high‐purity OAM states of vortex beams at wavelength of 532 nm, contingent on incidence direction. This innovation facilitates compact and versatile phase manipulation, encompassing applications such as lasers and optical combiners, thereby expanding its utility across diverse domains.
A Broadband Multi‐Channel Metasurface for Decoupling of Phase and Polarization
Authors: Chen Chen , Li Chang , Lv Baiying , Huang Jie , Zhang Baoshun , Zeng Zhongming , Wang Lei , Lin Jie , Wang Yiqun , Jin Peng
Published: August 2024

Decoupling of phase and polarization is significant for multidimensional light manipulation. However, this requires traditional cascaded and parallel optical elements, resulting in a bulky and complex system. Metasurfaces can potentially replace complex optical modules as novel ultrathin planar optical elements. Herein, an ultrathin single‐layer metasurface is proposed to decouple the phase and polarization based on the Pancharatnam–Berry phase. The rotation angles of the two nanofins are employed to manipulate the phase and polarization independently, significantly simplifying the design process. Diffraction‐limited focusing with a degree of linear polarization higher than 95% is achieved for wavelengths in the 405–633 nm range. Furthermore, a metasurface can arbitrarily manipulate the relative intensity between different channels. The intensity ratio is adjusted from 0.12 to 6.62. These results will pave the way for miniaturized, integrated, and multi‐channel optical elements.
Design of Aggregation‐Induced Emissive Multiwalled Tubules for Efficiently Sequential Light Harvesting
Authors: Xin Xiaxia , Tang Xiaofang , Guan Weijiang , Lu Chao
Published: August 2024

In the endeavor to mimic natural light‐harvesting systems (LHSs), a persistent challenge has been the tendency of synthetic materials to adopt spherical architectures rather than the desired multitubular structures found in nature. In this study, a novel carboxylbetaine‐type zwitterionic surfactant with aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) properties is designed. By coassembling with anionic surfactants, multiwalled tubules comprising bilayer membranes ≈5 nm thick are successfully constructed. With AIE fluorophores densely packed at the center, their AIE properties are triggered to serve as an efficient antenna for light harvesting and energy transfer. This facilitated high antenna effects via energy transfer from cyan fluorescent donor to yellow fluorescent acceptor and then to red fluorescent acceptor. Additionally, the emission color can be adjusted from blue to red by manipulating the donor/acceptor/acceptor ratio, with pure white‐light emission achievable at specific ratios. This achievement not only realizes the construction of efficient sequential LHSs but also offers inspiration for the future design of artificial multitubular systems.
Vacancy Engineering Optimizing Solid/Liquid Interfacial Properties for Boosting Self‐Powered Solar‐Blind Photodetection
Authors: Zhang Yuan , Shao Zhitao , Zhou Junxin , Sun Simin , Sun Ruyu , Zhang Nana , Liu Jiaming , Gao Xinyu , Hu PingAn , Feng Wei
Published: August 2024

Due to the nature of the aqueous operation characteristics of photoelectrochemical‐type (PEC) optoelectronic devices, it is vital to manipulate the semiconductor/electrolyte interfacial properties to synergistically regulate the photogenerated carrier separation, charge transport in semiconductors, and interfacial charge transfer. In this work, it is demonstrated that sulfur vacancy effectively manipulates the band structure of ZnS and works as electrochemical reaction active sites synchronously. ZnS with more sulfur vacancy forms a larger built‐in electric field at the ZnS/electrolyte interface, simultaneously boosting photogenerated charge separation efficiency and promoting charge transport in ZnS. The sulfur vacancy also functions as the interfacial electrochemical reaction active sites, thereby accelerating the interfacial electrochemical reaction kinetics and reducing photo‐oxidation behavior. Hence, the corresponding ZnS PEC photodetectors exhibit excellent self‐powered solar‐blind ultraviolet detection capability with ultrahigh responsivity of 241.71 mA W⁻1, fast rise/decay time of 15/15 ms, high detectivity of 8.9 × 1011 Jones, outstanding wavelength selectivity of 1343, and excellent stability (92.6% after 8‐month storage), which is one of state‐of‐the‐art PEC UV photodetectors. Furthermore, the prototype of an underwater wireless optical communication device is demonstrated using ZnS PEC photodetectors as the light signal receiver. This work endows new sight for ZnS applications in underwater optoelectronic devices.
Enhancing Proton Exchange Membrane Water Electrolysis with a Checkered Carbon Matrix Containing Ir‐Ru Nanoparticles
Authors: Huynh T. B. Ngoc , Song Jihyeok , Bae Hyo Eun , Sung Yung‐Eun , Kim Myung Jun , Kwon Oh Joong
Published: August 2024

Proton exchange membrane water electrolysis (PEMWE) emerges as a promising avenue for storing excess renewable energy by generating H2 gas without introducing additional carbon emissions. However, PEMWE systems still grapple with challenges related to energy efficiency, cell longevity, and maximum operational current density. Consequently, extensive research efforts have been directed toward enhancing the performance of electrocatalysts and refining system designs to overcome these limitations. Within this framework, this study introduces a novel synthetic approach for fabricating N‐doped carbon matrices with a checkered pattern on the surface of porous transport layers (PTLs) composed of titanium (Ti). The resulting N‐doped checkered carbon matrices serve as robust hosts for Ir‐Ru nanoparticles during the oxygen evolution reaction (OER), ensuring their stable integration. Additionally, the checkered pattern of the N‐doped carbon matrices facilitates the efficient transport of both electrolyte and produced O2 gas. Capitalizing on these advantages, the incorporation of checkered carbon matrices with Ir‐Ru nanoparticles has achieved a cell current density of 6.82 A cm−2 at a unit cell voltage of 2.0 V. The benefits of this structural innovation extend beyond water electrolysis and can be extrapolated to other electrochemical systems involving the production and transport of gas bubbles, such as CO2 reduction.
Scaling Up Stability: Navigating from Lab Insights to Robust Oxygen Evolution Electrocatalysts for Industrial Water Electrolysis
Authors: Meharban Faiza , Lin Chao , Wu Xiaotong , Tan Lei , Wang Haifeng , Hu Weibo , Zhou Dequan , Li Xiaopeng , Luo Wei
Published: August 2024

In the pursuit of sustainable hydrogen production via water electrolysis, paramount importance of electrocatalyst stability emerges as a defining factor for long‐term industrial viability. A thorough understanding and enhancement of stability not only ensure extended catalyst lifetimes but also pave the way for consistent and efficient hydrogen generation. This review focuses on the pivotal role of stability in determining the practical viability of oxygen evolution electrocatalysts (OECs) for large‐scale applications in water electrolysis for hydrogen production. The paper explores the pivotal role of stability over initial activity, citing examples and hypothetical scenarios. First, figures of merits for stability evaluation of the electrocatalyst are explained along with the available benchmarking protocols for stability evaluation. Further, the text delves into various strategies that can enhance the stability of the electrocatalyst which include self‐healing/regeneration pathway, oxygen evolution reaction (OER) mechanism optimization to achieve highly stable OER and stabilization of active metals atoms within the electrocatalyst to inhibit dissolution as a way forward for industrial application. The interplay of stability, activity, and cost is also explained to suit the industrial application of the electrocatalyst. Lastly, it outlines challenges, prospects, and future directions, presenting a guide for advancing OECs in the hydrogen generation landscape.
Short‐term outcomes of robot‐assisted versus conventional minimally invasive esophagectomy: A propensity score‐matched study via a nationwide database
Authors: Nishigori Tatsuto , Kumamaru Hiraku , Obama Kazutaka , Suda Koichi , Tsunoda Shigeru , Yoda Yukie , Hikage Makoto , Shibasaki Susumu , Tanaka Tsuyoshi , Terashima Masanori , Kakeji Yoshihiro , Inomata Masafumi , Kitagawa Yuko , Miyata Hiroaki , Sakai Yoshiharu , Noshiro Hirokazu , Uyama Ichiro
Published: August 2024

Background

The advantages of robot‐assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy (RA‐MIE) over conventional minimally invasive esophagectomy (C‐MIE) are unknown. This nationwide large‐scale study aimed to compare surgical outcomes between RA‐MIE and C‐MIE using rigorous propensity score methods, including detailed covariates and relevant outcomes.

Methods

This Japanese nationwide retrospective cohort study included RA‐MIE or C‐MIE for esophageal malignant tumors performed between October 2018 and December 2019 and registered in the Japanese National Clinical Database. The primary outcome measure was postoperative complications classified as Clavien–Dindo Grade IIIa or higher. Propensity score matching was performed to create a balanced covariate distribution between the two groups.

Results

After propensity score matching, 1092 patients were selected. The RA‐MIE group had a significantly longer operation time and greater blood loss than the C‐MIE group (565 vs. 477 min and 120 vs. 90 mL). Furthermore, the R0 resection rate was lower in the RA‐MIE group than in the C‐MIE group (95.1% vs. 97.8%). The RA‐MIE and C‐MIE groups had no differences regarding overall complications ≥ Grade IIIa (22.0% vs. 20.3%, p = 0.52), 30‐day mortality rates (0.4% vs. 0.5%), and operative mortality rates (0.7% vs. 0.7%). Deep SSI was less frequent (2.7% vs. 6.0%) and pulmonary embolism was more frequent (2.4% vs. 0.5%) in the RA‐MIE group than in the C‐MIE group.

Conclusions

In the initial phase of implementation, RA‐MIE and C‐MIE demonstrated comparable morbidity rates when performed by skilled board‐certified endoscopic surgeons.