bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Seed Priming on Fodder Yield of Maize
Authors: Patel Harsh K. , Patel H. K. , Rathod P. H. , Raval C. H. , Dudhat D. H.
Published: January 2024

The study on effect of seed priming on yield and quality of fodder maize was carried out at Main Forage Research Station, Anand Agricultural University, Anand during the rabi season 2020-21. The research comprised of ten treatments and four replications, and it was set up in a randomized block design. The results of the experiments revealed that different seed priming treatments failed to create a significant response on plant population per meter row length at 15 DAS, days to 50% flowering, and plant height at 20 DAS. The growth and yield attributes of fodder maize crop viz., periodical plant height at 40 DAS and at harvest, number of leaves per plant, leaf stem ratio, green fodder yield, dry fodder yield, dry matter, crude protein, acid detergent fiber and Neutral detergent fiber at harvest were significantly affected by different seed priming treatments and recorded significantly higher in treatment of Seed priming with ZnSO4 @ 0.5% for 6 hrs. and also reported maximum net realization with its BCR.
A Comprehensive Analysis of Oil Extraction Technologies for Optimized Biodiesel Production
Authors: Linus A. A. , Mogaji T. S. , Olabanji O. M.
Published: January 2024

There is a critical need for energy diversification due to over depended on fossil fuel and its daunting challenges. These impediments linked with fossil fuels have stirred the search for another energy sources and biodiesel is one of the potential alternatives. Biodiesel is renewable, non-toxic, environmental-friendly and an economically viable choice to solve the diminishing fossil fuels and its harmful environmental effect. It can be made from seeds oil plant, vegetable oils, animal fats, waste oils and algae. Here are various means for the production of the biodiesel oil which comprises; mechanical, chemical/solvent and enzymatic oil extraction methods etc. Report from the open literatures revealed that, all the extraction methods have its own advantages and disadvantages but in all, oil expeller machine which is based on mechanical means of extracting oil from the common wastage seeds oil plant prove to be efficient especially for large scale extraction. Thus, for efficient oil extraction from wastage seeds oil plant, oil expeller machine is appropriate. This research seeks to discuss an improve ways of maximum oil yield with an expeller machine from the wastage seeds oil plant commonly available in our environment.
Genetic Risk Factors for Early-Onset Merkel Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Mohsin Noreen , Hunt Devin , Yan Jia , Jabbour Austin J. , Nghiem Paul , Choi Jaehyuk , Zhang Yue , Freeman Alexandra F. , Bergerson Jenna R. E. , Dell’Orso Stefania , Lachance Kristina , Kulikauskas Rima , Collado Loren , Cao Wenjia , Lack Justin , Similuk Morgan , Seifert Bryce A. , Ghosh Rajarshi , Walkiewicz Magdalena A. , Brownell Isaac
Published: January 2024

Importance

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare, aggressive neuroendocrine skin cancer. Of the patients who develop MCC annually, only 4% are younger than 50 years.

Objective

To identify genetic risk factors for early-onset MCC via genomic sequencing.

Design, Setting, and Participants

The study represents a multicenter collaboration between the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), and the University of Washington. Participants with early-onset and later-onset MCC were prospectively enrolled in an institutional review board–approved study at the University of Washington between January 2003 and May 2019. Unrelated controls were enrolled in the NIAID Centralized Sequencing Program (CSP) between September 2017 and September 2021. Analysis was performed from September 2021 and March 2023. Early-onset MCC was defined as disease occurrence in individuals younger than 50 years. Later-onset MCC was defined as disease occurrence at age 50 years or older. Unrelated controls were evaluated by the NIAID CSP for reasons other than familial cancer syndromes, including immunological, neurological, and psychiatric disorders.

Results

This case-control analysis included 1012 participants: 37 with early-onset MCC, 45 with later-onset MCC, and 930 unrelated controls. Among 37 patients with early-onset MCC, 7 (19%) had well-described variants in genes associated with cancer predisposition. Six patients had variants associated with hereditary cancer syndromes (ATM = 2, BRCA1 = 2, BRCA2 = 1, and TP53 = 1) and 1 patient had a variant associated with immunodeficiency and lymphoma (MAGT1). Compared with 930 unrelated controls, the early-onset MCC cohort was significantly enriched for cancer-predisposing pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants in these 5 genes (odds ratio, 30.35; 95% CI, 8.89-106.30; P < .001). No germline disease variants in these genes were identified in 45 patients with later-onset MCC. Additional variants in DNA repair genes were also identified among patients with MCC.

Conclusions and Relevance

Because variants in certain DNA repair and cancer predisposition genes are associated with early-onset MCC, genetic counseling and testing should be considered for patients presenting at younger than 50 years.
Inpatient Costs of Treating Patients With COVID-19
Authors: Kapinos Kandice A. , Peters Richard M. , Murphy Robert E. , Hohmann Samuel F. , Podichetty Ankita , Greenberg Raymond S.
Published: January 2024

Importance

With more than 6.2 million hospitalizations due to COVID-19 in the US, recognition of the average hospital costs to provide inpatient care during the pandemic is necessary to understanding the national medical resource use and improving public health readiness and related policies.

Objective

To examine the mean cost to provide inpatient care to treat COVID-19 and how it varied through the pandemic waves and by important sociodemographic patient characteristics.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cross-sectional study used inpatient-level data from March 1, 2020, to March 31, 2022, extracted from a repository of clinical, administrative, and financial information covering 97% of academic medical centers across the US.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Cost to produce care for each stay was calculated using direct hospital costs to provide care adjusted for geographic differences in labor costs using area wage indices.

Results

The sample included 1 333 404 stays with a primary or secondary COVID-19 diagnosis from 841 hospitals. The cohort included 692 550 (52%) men, with mean (SD) age of 59.2 (17.5) years. The adjusted mean cost of an inpatient stay was $11 275 (95% CI, $11 252-$11 297) overall, increasing from $10 394 (95% CI, $10 228-$10 559) at the end of March 2020 to $13 072 (95% CI, $12 528-$13 617) by the end of March 2022. Patients with specific comorbidities had significantly higher mean costs than their counterparts: those with obesity incurred an additional $2924 in inpatient stay costs, and those with coagulation deficiency incurred an additional $3017 in inpatient stay costs. Stays during which the patient required extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) had an adjusted mean cost of $36 484 (95% CI, $34 685-$38 284).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cross-sectional study, an adjusted mean hospital cost to provide care for patients with COVID-19 increased more than 5 times the rate of medical inflation overall. This appeared to be explained partly by changes in the use of ECMO, which increased over time.
Clinical utility of a genetic diagnosis in individuals with cerebral palsy and related motor disorders
Authors: Santana Almansa Alexandra , Gable Dustin L. , Frazier Zoë , Sveden Abigail , Quinlan Aisling , Chopra Maya , Lewis Sara A. , Kruer Michael , Poduri Annapurna , Srivastava Siddharth
Published: January 2024

Objective

Evaluation of the clinical utility of a genetic diagnosis in CP remains limited. We aimed to characterize the clinical utility of a genetic diagnosis by exome sequencing (ES) in patients with CP and related motor disorders.

Methods

We enrolled participants with CP and “CP masquerading” conditions in an institutional ES initiative. In those with genetic diagnoses who had clinical visits to discuss results, we retrospectively reviewed medical charts, evaluating recommendations based on the genetic diagnosis pertaining to medication intervention, surveillance initiation, variant‐specific testing, and patient education.

Results

We included 30 individuals with a molecular diagnosis and clinical follow‐up. Nearly all (28 out of 30) had clinical impact resulting from the genetic diagnosis. Medication interventions included recommendation of mitochondrial multivitamin supplementation (6.67%, n = 2), ketogenic diet (3.33%, n = 1), and fasting avoidance (3.33%, n = 1). Surveillance‐related actions included recommendations for investigating systemic complications (40%, n = 12); referral to new specialists to screen for systemic manifestations (33%, n = 10); continued follow‐up with established specialists to focus on specific manifestations (16.67%, n = 5); referral to clinical genetics (16.67%, n = 5) to oversee surveillance recommendations. Variant‐specific actions included carrier testing (10%, n = 3) and testing of potentially affected relatives (3.33%, n = 1). Patient education‐specific actions included referral to experts in the genetic disorder (30%, n = 9); and counseling about possible changes in prognosis, including recognition of disease progression and early mortality (36.67%, n = 11).

Interpretation

This study highlights the clinical utility of a genetic diagnosis for CP and “CP masquerading” conditions, evident by medication interventions, surveillance impact, family member testing, and patient education, including possible prognostic changes.
Industrial internet process management and platform construction in intelligent manufacturing based on blockchain
Authors: Zhang Yan , Xiang Luoyong , Chen Wen
Published: January 2024

The current lack of effective means for information technology to penetrate into the intelligent manufacturing process of products has led to its disconnection from the core links of industrial systems and low efficiency. Therefore, a nonstandard mechanical product lifecycle model and an industrial internet platform data access mechanism have been proposed using blockchain technology, and an industrial internet platform has been constructed based on the two, which has been experimentally verified. The experimental results showed that the calculation methods in the model could overall reduce the average storage of abnormal data in blockchain products by 53.6%. In addition, the maximum time cost of scalar multiplication did not exceed 20 ms, which was lower than that of bi‐linear pairing. In the comparison of different schemes, the highest encryption computation cost of the research scheme did not exceed 100 ms, and the highest decryption computation cost did not exceed 200 ms, which was generally lower than the comparison scheme. At the same time, the max, mini, and average time consumption of encrypting order data during decryption operations were 5.74, 1.10, and 2.77 s, respectively. When the simulation request reached 2000, there were only a few exceptions on the platform server, indicating that it could support at least 2000 simultaneous requests from applications. Overall, the industrial internet process management platform constructed through research has high practicality and can meet the actual needs of intelligent manufacturing enterprises.
Iridium(III) Carbene Phosphors with Fast Radiative Transitions for Blue Organic Light Emitting Diodes and Hyperphosphorescence
Authors: Zheng Zhong , Wang Lu , Xin Yangyang , Wang Qi , Hong Xiangchen , Zhang Yuewei , Yiu Shek‐Man , Zhou Fan , Yan Jie , Zhang Dongdong , Duan Lian , Chi Yun
Published: January 2024

It is envisioned that the efficient and stable blue OLED phosphors can be synthesized using Ir(III) complexes with electron‐deficient carbene cyclometalates. Therefore, three facially coordinated Ir(III) phosphors f‐ct7a‐ c bearing isomeric purinylidene chelates are obtained. They possess three, two, and one 4‐t‐butylphenyl cyclometalate together with the same number of N‐phenyl appendage on carbene fragments, and exhibit photoluminescence centered (λmax) at 452‒461 nm, fast radiative rate constants (kr) of 7.5–11.3 × 105 s‒1, and high quantum yield (PLQY) up to 80% in degassed toluene at RT. Representative OLED based on f‐ct7c gives maximum external quantum efficiency (EQEmax) of 26.6%, CIE(x,y) of 0.16, 0.15, and low roll‐off with EQE of 22.3% at 1000 cd m‒2. Furthermore, they can be utilized to sensitize a deep blue multiple resonance thermally activated delay fluorescence emitter (MR‐TADF), i.e., t‐DABNA. The corresponding hyper‐OLED device based on alternative f‐ct7b realizes an EQEmax of 36.1%, CIE(x,y) of 0.14, 0.09, and full width at half maximum (FWHM) of 26.5 nm. To the understanding, this is the first report on concurrent achieving both the high EQE and small CIEy value for Ir(III)‐based phosphors.
A Strongly Robust Chitosan‐Based Programmed Control Functional Hydrogel Improved Mitochondrial Function and Pro‐Vascularization for Adaptive Repair of Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Li Zhentao , Li Qian , Cao Weidong , Zhan Jiamian , He Yutong , Xing Xianglong , Ding Chengbin , Wang Leyu , Qiu Xiaozhong
Published: January 2024

Hydrogel‐based engineered cardiac patches (ECP) hold great promise as potential treatment options for myocardial infarction (MI). However, optimizing the preparation of ECP with better biocompatibility, mechanical stability, and adaptation to MI repair remains a challenge. In this study, a chitosan (CS) hydrogel with good mechanical robustness through programmed control of hydrogen bonding is constructed to adapt to the continuous beating of myocardial tissue. With the synergistic effects of lipoic acid (TA), proanthocyanidins (PAs), and Eu3+, a functional platform capable of improving mitochondrial function, antioxidation, and pro‐vascularization is further constructed for the adaptive repair of the MI microenvironment. The fabricated functionalized chitosan hydrogel (CS/TA@PAs‐Eu) possessed good mechanical stability and ionic conductivity, showing the potential for long‐term adaptation to myocardial tissue pulsation. Also, the CS/TA@PAs‐Eu hydrogel promoted cardiomyocytes (CMs) maturation and functionalization, and effectively improved mitochondrial function, scavenged reactive oxygen species (ROS) as well as promoted angiogenesis. Animal studies indicated that the CS/TA@PAs‐Eu hydrogel can perform adaptive repair of MI to prevent left ventricular (LV) remodeling and restore cardiac function. This study highlights a functionalized hydrogel ECP with good biocompatibility and mechanical robustness for the adaptive repair of MI.
Rational Design of Environmentally Friendly Carbon Nanotube Embedded Artificial Vesicle‐Structured Photocatalysts for Organic Pollutants Degradation
Authors: Wang Lina , Chen Tianyu , Cui Yanjuan , Wu Junwen , Zhou Xueyan , Xu Meifeng , Liu Zhiqiang , Mao Wei , Zeng Xuemin , Shen Wei , Liu Chang , Zhu Jia , Song Juan , Peng Luming , Zheng Sitong , Shi Hai‐Wei , Tang Sheng
Published: January 2024

Photocatalytic degradation is one of the most promising methods for addressing environmental issues without introducing pollution sources. Nonetheless, the majority of works are devoted to explore high‐efficiency semiconductor photocatalysts, but the potential environmental risks in their application are usually neglected. In this work, an environmentally friendly vesicle‐structured photocatalyst is rationally designed by employing magnetic layered double oxide‐hollow spheres@antimony tin oxide as a core, phospholipid as membrane, and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as channels, yielding a multi‐structural material with robust organic pollutants photocatalytic degradation and mineralization ability. Materials characterization, computational modeling, and cytotoxicity tests suggest that under visible light irradiation, photogenerated charges can be rapidly generated and transfer in the core composite, and H2O2 can be effectively activated to generate hydroxyl radical for organic pollutants rapid degradation. The construction of phospholipid membranes and embedded CNTs not only maintains the photodegradation performance of the material, but also restrains its environmental risk. Such a synthetic approach advances the development of bionic photocatalytic materials.
Over 18.8% Efficiency of Layer‐By‐Layer Organic Photovoltaics Enabled by Ameliorating Exciton Utilization in Acceptor Layer
Authors: Tian Hongyue , Xu Wenjing , Liu Zhongyuan , Xie Yongchao , Zhang Wenqing , Xu Yujie , Jeong Sang Young , Zhang Fenghua , Weng Nan , Zhang Zijian , Wang Kai , Sun Qianqian , Zhang Jian , Li Xiong , Du Xiaoyan , Hao Xiaotao , Woo Han Young , Ma Xiaoling , Zhang Fujun
Published: January 2024

The layer‐by‐layer (LbL) organic photovoltaics (OPVs) are constructed with wide‐bandgap donor PM1 and narrow‐bandgap acceptor L8‐BO. The exciton utilization near cathode is still challenging considering restricted diffusion distance of excitons and inability for transferring energy from L8‐BO to PM1. Herein, donor incorporation into acceptor layer (DIA) strategy is employed to improve exciton utilization near cathode. The efficiency of LbL OPVs can be improved from 18.02% to 18.81% by incorporating 10 wt% PM1 into L8‐BO layer, which is closely associated with efficient exciton separation into L8‐BO layer originated from more adequate donor/acceptor interface for faster charge transfer, as evidenced by magneto‐photocurrent and transient absorption results. The in situ test and morphological characterization clarify that molecular packing property can be improved benefited from prolonged aggregation and nucleation time of acceptor layer assisted by DIA strategy, contributing to more efficient charge transport and inhibited charge recombination in active layers. The thickness insensitive property of LbL OPVs can be also improved induced by DIA strategy, indicated by PCE retention value (82.2% vs. 74.0%) for PM1/L8‐BO:PM1 and PM1/L8‐BO OPVs when acceptor layer thickness increased to ≈180 nm. This work demonstrates the effectiveness of DIA strategy in improving efficiency and thickness tolerance of LbL OPVs.
Metal–Organic Framework Nanocomposites in Conquering Hypoxia for Tumor Therapy
Authors: Zhou Shizhao , Jia Fan , Wei Yingying , Du Jinglei , Liu Jie , Dong Wenhui , Sui Jieyu , Xue Wenqiang , Yang Yongzhen , Chen Lin , Meng Xianwei , Yu Shiping
Published: January 2024

Hypoxia, as a distinctive feature of tumors, is closely related to tumor recurrence, metastasis, and treatment resistance. Metal–organic framework (MOF) exhibits an increasing number of advantages in cancer therapy owing to its porous structure, large specific surface area, and tunable function. The MOF nanocomposites constructed by adjusting components can effectively overcome tumor hypoxia and significantly enhance the anti‐tumor effect. In this review, the hypoxic characteristics of tumors and current strategies for constructing MOF nanocomposites that can overcome tumor hypoxia are summarized, including for delivering O2 or endogenously generating O2 to elevate intra‐tumor O2 content; inhibiting HIF‐1 and its induced products to alleviate tumor hypoxia; reducing cellular aerobic respiration to decrease cellular O2 consumption, and exacerbating hypoxia to improve the efficacy of hypoxia‐activated pre‐drugs. At the same time, the applications of MOF nanocomposites applied to overcome tumor hypoxia in different therapeutic methods at the present stage are described, and finally, the challenges and opportunities in further development of MOF nanocomposites are discussed.
Acceleration of the Diels‐Alder Reaction between 9‐Functionalized Anthracenes and C60/C70 in the Cavity of a Water Soluble Subphthalocyanine Cage
Authors: Salazar Ainhoa , Labella Jorge , Kumar Sunit , Torres Tomás , de la Torre Gema
Published: January 2024

Herein we report on the acceleration of the Diels‐Alder reaction between a series of 9‐functionalized anthracenes and C60/C70 encapsulated in a water‐soluble metallo‐organic Pd(II)‐subphthalocyanine cage (SubPc‐cage), which performs as a catalytic molecular reactor that provides a beneficial hydrophobic environment. Negatively and positively charged anthracenes do not react either with C60 or C70, due to a favored solvation in water medium and/or to detrimental interactions with positively‐charged Pd(II) corners of SubPc‐cage. Experiments with C60 and C70 rendered parallel results, although C70 proved more reactive, leading to anthracene cycloadducts by reaction in the α bonds. All the results have been rationalized by theoretical calculations at the GFN2‐xTB level.
Measurement of Human Urine Specific Gravity Using Nanoplasmonics: A Paradigm Shift from Scales to Biosensors
Authors: Bhalla Nikhil
Published: January 2024

Urine Specific Gravity (USG) is a direct indicator of the osmolarity of the urine and therefore it can be considered as a nonspecific marker of several underlying diseases which result in changes in hydration levels of the body. Here, a biosensor based on the principle of localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) is developed, which utilizes its refractive index sensing properties to measure USG with a sensitivity of 79.21 nm USG−1unit. Additionally, the sensor can measure the serum protein content within the urine. Traditionally, handheld refractometers are used to measure USG which are operated as calibrated refractive index scales rather than a sensor. A simple experiment demonstrating the advantage of a sensor over scale, with LSPR as the transduction method, is also conducted to highlight the enhanced sensitivity of a sensor over a scale. Finally, analysis of results with an unsupervised machine learning algorithm, principal component analysis (PCA), demonstrate the feasibility of automating or perhaps adding artificial intelligence to such sensors, thereby exemplifying a potential paradigm shift from refractive index scales to sensors in USG measurement.
Dampened Regulatory Circuitry of TEAD1/ITGA1/ITGA2 Promotes TGFβ1 Signaling to Orchestrate Prostate Cancer Progression
Authors: Cruz Sara P. , Zhang Qin , Devarajan Raman , Paia Christos , Luo Binjie , Zhang Kai , Koivusalo Saara , Qin Longguang , Xia Jihan , Ahtikoski Anne , Vaarala Markku , Wenta Tomasz , Wei Gong‐Hong , Manninen Aki
Published: January 2024

The extracellular matrix (ECM) undergoes substantial changes during prostate cancer (PCa) progression, thereby regulating PCa growth and invasion. Herein, a meta‐analysis of multiple PCa cohorts is performed which revealed that downregulation or genomic loss of ITGA1 and ITGA2 integrin genes is associated with tumor progression and worse prognosis. Genomic deletion of both ITGA1 and ITGA2 activated epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) in benign prostate epithelial cells, thereby enhancing their invasive potential in vitro and converting them into tumorigenic cells in vivo. Mechanistically, EMT is induced by enhanced secretion and autocrine activation of TGFβ1 and nuclear targeting of YAP1. An unbiased genome‐wide co‐expression analysis of large PCa cohort datasets identified the transcription factor TEAD1 as a key regulator of ITGA1 and ITGA2 expression in PCa cells while TEAD1 loss phenocopied the dual loss of α1‐ and α2‐integrins in vitro and in vivo. Remarkably, clinical data analysis revealed that TEAD1 downregulation or genomic loss is associated with aggressive PCa and together with low ITGA1 and ITGA2 expression synergistically impacted PCa prognosis and progression. This study thus demonstrated that loss of α1‐ and α2‐integrins, either via deletion/inactivation of the ITGA1/ITGA2 locus or via loss of TEAD1, contributes to PCa progression by inducing TGFβ1‐driven EMT.
An Ultra‐Low Self‐Discharge Aqueous|Organic Membraneless Battery with Minimized Br2 Cross‐Over
Authors: Yang Han , Lin Shiyu , Qu Yunpeng , Wang Guotao , Xiang Shuangfei , Liu Fuzhu , Wang Chao , Tang Hao , Wang Di , Wang Zhoulu , Liu Xiang , Zhang Yi , Wu Yutong
Published: January 2024

Batteries dissolving active materials in liquids possess safety and size advantages compared to solid‐based batteries, yet the intrinsic liquid properties lead to material cross‐over induced self‐discharge both during cycling and idle when the electrolytes are in contact, thus highly efficient and cost‐effective solutions to minimize cross‐over are in high demand. An ultra‐low self‐discharge aqueous|organic membraneless battery using dichloromethane (CH2Cl2) and tetrabutylammonium bromide (TBABr) added to a zinc bromide (ZnBr2) solution as the electrolyte is demonstrated. The polybromide is confined in the organic phase, and bromine (Br2) diffusion‐induced self‐discharge is minimized. At 90% state of charge (SOC), the membraneless ZnBr2|TBABr (Z|T) battery shows an open circuit voltage (OCV) drop of only 42 mV after 120 days, 152 times longer than the ZnBr2 battery, and superior to 102 previous reports from all types of liquid active material batteries. The 120‐day capacity retention of 95.5% is higher than commercial zinc‐nickel (Zn–Ni) batteries and vanadium redox flow batteries (VRFB, electrolytes stored separately) and close to lithium‐ion (Li‐ion) batteries. Z|T achieves >500 cycles (2670 h, 0.5 m electrolyte, 250 folds of membraneless ZnBr2 battery) with ≈100% Coulombic efficiency (CE). The simple and cost‐effective design of Z|T provides a conceptual inspiration to regulate material cross‐over in liquid‐based batteries to realize extended operation.
Interpretable Predicting Creep Rupture Life of Superalloys: Enhanced by Domain‐Specific Knowledge
Authors: Yin Jiawei , Rao Ziyuan , Wu Dayong , Lv Haopeng , Ma Haikun , Long Teng , Kang Jie , Wang Qian , Wang Yandong , Su Ru
Published: January 2024

Evaluating and understanding the effect of manufacturing processes on the creep performance in superalloys poses a significant challenge due to the intricate composition involved. This study presents a machine‐learning strategy capable of evaluating the effect of the heat treatment process on the creep performance of superalloys and predicting creep rupture life with high accuracy. This approach integrates classification and regression models with domain‐specific knowledge. The physical constraints lead to significantly enhanced prediction accuracy of the classification and regression models. Moreover, the heat treatment process is evaluated as the most important descriptor by integrating machine learning with superalloy creep theory. The heat treatment design of Waspaloy alloy is used as the experimental validation. The improved heat treatment leads to a significant enhancement in creep performance (5.5 times higher than the previous study). The research provides novel insights for enhancing the precision of predicting creep rupture life in superalloys, with the potential to broaden its applicability to the study of the effects of heat treatment processes on other properties. Furthermore, it offers auxiliary support for the utilization of machine learning in the design of heat treatment processes of superalloys.
Controllable Sulfurization of MXenes to In‐Plane Multi‐Heterostructures for Efficient Sulfur Redox Kinetics
Authors: Li Xiang , Zuo Yinze , Zhang Yongzheng , Wang Jian , Wang Yanli , Yu Huimei , Zhan Liang , Ling Licheng , Du Zhiguo , Yang Shubin
Published: January 2024

Although in‐plane heterostructure with high ion transport pathway and unique interfacial atomic structure offers endless possibilities in the catalysis field, it is still challenging to directly synthesize MXene‐based in‐plane heterostructure due to the differences in crystal structures and growth conditions. Here, Mo2C–MoS2 in‐plane multi‐heterostructures are synthesized by topological conversion of sandwich‐like mesoporous Mo2C–SiO2 layers in sulfur vapor and subsequent removal of SiO2. During the conversion process, the exposed Mo2C will efficiently converted to 2H phase MoS2, meanwhile, the covered Mo2C remained stable, affording metallic Mo2C MXene and semiconducting MoS2 in‐plane multi‐heterostructures compatible in one layer. The resultant Mo2C–MoS2 layer has multiple heterointerfaces, build‐in electric fields as well as abundant defects. Such structural features enable to improve of the electrochemical active surface area (16.4 mF cm−2), which not only facilitates the bidirectional sulfur electrochemistry between solid Li2S and soluble lithium polysulfides, but also enhances the transfer kinetics of electrons and ions, giving rise to a high‐rate performance (642 mAh g−1 at 5 C) and a long‐term cycle life (1000 cycles at 5 C) in lithium–sulfur batteries.
Design of Star‐Shaped Trimer Acceptors for High‐Performance (Efficiency > 19%), Photostable, and Mechanically Robust Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Lee Jin‐Woo , Sun Cheng , Lee Jinho , Kim Dong Jun , Kang Won Jung , Lee Seungbok , Kim Donguk , Park Jinseok , Phan Tan Ngoc‐Lan , Tan Zhengping , Kim Felix Sunjoo , Lee Jung‐Yong , Bao Xichang , Kim Taek‐Soo , Kim Yun‐Hi , Kim Bumjoon J.
Published: January 2024

High power conversion efficiency (PCE), long‐term stability, and mechanical robustness are prerequisites for the commercial applications of organic solar cells (OSCs). In this study, a new star‐shaped trimer acceptor (TYT‐S) is developed and high‐performance OSCs with a PCE of 19.0%, high photo‐stability (t80% lifetime = 2600 h under 1‐sun illumination), and mechanical robustness with a crack‐onset strain (COS) of 21.6% are achieved. The isotropic molecular structure of TYT‐S affords efficient multi‐directional charge transport and high electron mobility. Furthermore, its amorphous structure prevents the formation of brittle crystal‐to‐crystal interfaces, significantly enhancing the mechanical properties of the OSC. As a result, the TYT‐S‐based OSCs demonstrate a significantly higher PCE (19.0%) and stretchability (COS = 21.6%) than the linear‐shaped trimer acceptor (TYT‐L)‐based OSCs (PCE = 17.5% and COS = 6.4%) and the small‐molecule acceptor (MYT)‐based OSCs (PCE = 16.5% and COS = 1.3%). In addition, the increased molecular size of TYT‐S, relative to that of MYT and dimer (DYT), suppresses the diffusion kinetics of the acceptor molecules, substantially improving the photostability of the OSCs. Finally, to effectively demonstrate the potential of TYT‐S, intrinsically stretchable (IS)‐OSCs are constructed. The TYT‐S‐based IS‐OSCs exhibit high device stretchability (strain at PCE80% = 31%) and PCE of 14.4%.
Tuning Surface Rock‐Salt Layer as Effective O Capture for Enhanced Structure Durability of LiCoO2 at 4.65 V
Authors: Ding Wangyang , Ren Hengyu , Li Zijian , Shang Mingjie , Song Yongli , Zhao Wenguang , Chang Liang , Pang Tianlu , Xu Shenyang , Yi Haocong , Zhou Lin , Lin Hai , Zhao Qinghe , Pan Feng
Published: January 2024

Recently, the rock‐salt (RS) phases are utilized to enhance the surface stability of LiCoO2 (LCO), however, the optimization mechanism still remains vague. Herein, the structure stability of LCO is successfully enhanced via constructing a tough surface RS layer (≈5 nm), namely, the RS‐LCO. This surface RS layer plays a significant role on capturing the migrated lattice O ions upon charging, leading to the progressive phase transition from an inert RS phase to an ionic conductive spinel phase in the surface, and suppresses the bulk H1‐3 separation beyond 4.6 V. As a result, not only the oxygen redox induced side reactions are greatly reduced, but also the Li+‐ion's transport is significantly promoted. The RS‐LCO/Li cells show a remarkable cycle stability with 89.7% capacity retention after 1000 cycles in 3–4.6 V at current of 1 C (1 C = 200 mA g−1), and 81.2% capacity retention after 400 cycles in 3–4.65 V at 1 C. Besides, the RS‐LCO/graphite cells show nearly no capacity decay in 600 cycles in 3–4.55 V at 1 C. This work provides a new insight to understand the role of surface RS phase layer on developing the advanced LCO.
Attitudes to medication and effects of IBD nursing service among patients with inflammatory bowel disease in Taiwan
Authors: Yang Chen‐Ta , Hsu Tsui‐Chun , Chen Yang‐Yuan , Huang Siou‐Ping , Yen Hsu‐Heng
Published: January 2024

Medication adherence is crucial in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This study aimed to evaluate attitudes to medication and the effects of IBD nursing services in a Taiwanese cohort. Sixty four adult patients with IBD were invited to complete a questionnaire at Changhua Christian Hospital between October 2020 and June 2021. All the patients (32 with Crohn's disease and 32 with ulcerative colitis) completed the questionnaire. Regarding medication adherence, most patients were highly or moderately adherent and reported never or sometimes forgetting to take medication (100% for steroids and 90.7% to 91.2% for other medications). Regarding worries about adverse reactions, 38.8%, 40.3%, 12.8%, and 6.1% of patients never or rarely, sometimes, often, and always felt worried about adverse reactions, respectively. Regarding the usefulness of IBD nursing service for disease education, medication education, and scheduling of an outpatient clinic, approximately 10.9% to 12.5% of patients felt useful, and 78.1% felt very useful. Our study showed a higher adherence rate and lower worries about adverse reactions, which may be the effects of IBD nursing service at our institution.
Experimental and Theoretical Studies on Stereomutation Through gem‐Difluorocyclopropanylide Intermediates
Authors: Akaishi Dai , Sekine Keisuke , Ito Shigekazu
Published: January 2024

A desilylation process of optically active silyl‐substituted gem‐difluorocyclopropanes with tetrabutylammonium fluoride (TBAF) showed a substantial reduction of enantiopurity of the resultant gem‐difluorocyclopropanes even at ambient temperatures. The electron‐withdrawing aryl substituent at the 3‐position in the 1‐silyl‐2,2‐difluorocyclopropane system accelerated the racemization, indicating a correlation with the stability of the anionic intermediates. The plausible racemization pathway through homolytic cleavage of the distal bond in gem‐difluorocyclopropane is inconsistent with the experimental results because the high energy of >34 kcal/mol is required for generating the open‐shell 2,2‐difluoropropane‐1,3‐diyl skeleton. The DFT studies using the anionic 2,2‐difluoromethyl‐3‐phenylcyclopropanylide intermediate supported the alternative isomerization pathway through the intramolecular migration of hydrogen and the resultant thermodynamically stable 2,2‐difluoromethyl‐1‐phenylcyclopropanylide anion could facilitate the racemization process at the stereocenter. Although the transition state indicated considerable activation energies, the high frequency of imaginary vibration should correlate with a barrier of a very narrow width enabling quantum tunneling under the H‐migration step. The observed isotope effect is compatible with the proposed mechanism through the intramolecular H‐migration.
Trifluoroacetyl‐Containing Scaffolds Assisted in Total Synthesis of Oxostephanine and Thailandine and Their Antimicrobial Activity
Authors: Vijitphan Pongsit , Makarasen Arthit , Baicharoen Apisara , Patnin Suwicha , Reukngam Nanthawan , Khlaychan Panita , Sirithana Wandee , Techasakul Supanna
Published: January 2024

This study is the first to fully synthesize oxostephanine (1) and thailandine (2), two aporphine alkaloids that were originally found in Stephania venosa (Blume) Spreng. The synthesis described in this study utilized commercially available starting materials, namely 2‐bromo‐6‐methoxybenzaldehyde and 3,4‐dihydroxybenzaldehyde. The B‐ring moiety of aporphines was successfully synthesized through the utilization of the Bischler‐Napieralski cyclization process. The synthesis of the C ring in oxoaporphine was accomplished using an order of crucial steps, namely biaryl coupling, incorporation of trifluoroacetyl‐containing scaffolds, and palladium coupling, followed by oxidation using Fremy's salt. The synthesis of oxostephanine (1) and thailandine (2) was successfully achieved in 11 and 12 steps, respectively, resulting in equivalent overall yields of 11.7 %. This study aimed to increase amount of interested compounds and explore the biological activity of those compounds. In this study, both compounds were subjected to testing for antibacterial activity using the CLSI standard M100 guideline. Oxostephanine (1) has shown significant antibacterial efficacy against gram‐positive bacteria and bacterial biofilms, as seen by minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ranging from 7.8 to 125 μg/mL. Conversely, higher MIC values of 250 μg/mL indicated that thailandine (2) exhibited limited antimicrobial activity.
Future directions of lung‐protective ventilation strategies in acute respiratory distress syndrome
Authors: Hoshino Taiki , Yoshida Takeshi
Published: January 2024

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is characterized by the heterogeneous distribution of lung aeration along a gravitational direction due to increased lung density. Therefore, the lung available for ventilation is usually limited to ventral, nondependent lung regions and has been called the “baby” lung. In ARDS, ventilator‐induced lung injury is known to occur in nondependent “baby” lungs, as ventilation is shifted to ventral, nondependent lung regions, increasing stress and strain. To protect this nondependent “baby” lung, the clinician targets and limits global parameters such as tidal volume and plateau pressure. In addition, positive end‐expiratory pressure (PEEP) is used to prevent dorsal, dependent atelectasis and, if successful, increases the size of the baby lung and lessens its susceptibility to injury from inspiratory stretch. Although many clinical trials have been performed in patients with ARDS over the last two decades, there are few successfully showing benefits on mortality (ie, prone positioning and neuromuscular blocking agents). These disappointing results contrast with other medical disciplines, especially in oncology, where the heterogeneity of diseases is recognized widely and precision medicine has been promoted. Thus, lung‐protective ventilation strategies need to take an innovative approach that accounts for the heterogeneity of injured lungs. This article summarizes ventilator‐induced lung injury and ARDS and discusses how to implement precision medicine in the field of ARDS. Potentially useful methods to individualize PEEP with esophageal balloon manometry, lung recruitability, and electrical impedance tomography were discussed.
Binary All‐polymer Solar Cells with a Perhalogenated‐Thiophene‐Based Solid Additive Surpass 18 % Efficiency
Authors: Feng Wanying , Chen Tianqi , Li Yulu , Duan Tainan , Jiang Xue , Zhong Cheng , Zhang Yunxin , Yu Jifa , Lu Guanghao , Wan Xiangjian , Kan Bin , Chen Yongsheng
Published: January 2024

Morphological control of all‐polymer blends is quintessential yet challenging in fabricating high‐performance organic solar cells. Recently, solid additives (SAs) have been approved to be capable in tuning the morphology of polymer: small‐molecule blends improving the performance and stability of devices. Herein, three perhalogenated thiophenes, which are 3,4‐dibromo‐2,5‐diiodothiophene (SA‐T1), 2,5‐dibromo‐3,4‐diiodothiophene (SA‐T2), and 2,3‐dibromo‐4,5‐diiodothiophene (SA‐T3), were adopted as SAs to optimize the performance of all‐polymer organic solar cells (APSCs). For the blend of PM6 and PY‐IT, benefitting from the intermolecular interactions between perhalogenated thiophenes and polymers, the molecular packing properties could be finely regulated after introducing these SAs. In situ UV/Vis measurement revealed that these SAs could assist morphological character evolution in the all‐polymer blend, leading to their optimal morphologies. Compared to the as‐cast device of PM6 : PY‐IT, all SA‐treated binary devices displayed enhanced power conversion efficiencies of 17.4–18.3 % with obviously elevated short‐circuit current densities and fill factors. To our knowledge, the PCE of 18.3 % for SA‐T1‐treated binary ranks the highest among all binary APSCs to date. Meanwhile, the universality of SA‐T1 in other all‐polymer blends is demonstrated with unanimously improved device performance. This work provide a new pathway in realizing high‐performance APSCs.
Using Redox‐Switchable Polymerization Catalysis to Synthesize a Chemically Recyclable Thermoplastic Elastomer
Authors: Liu Jiangwei , Blosch Sarah E. , Volokhova Anastasia S. , Crater Erin R. , Gallin Connor F. , Moore Robert B. , Matson John B. , Byers Jeffery A.
Published: January 2024

In an effort to synthesize chemically recyclable thermoplastic elastomers, a redox‐switchable catalytic system was developed to synthesize triblock copolymers containing stiff poly(lactic acid) (PLA) end blocks and a flexible poly(tetrahydrofuran‐co‐cyclohexene oxide) (poly(THF‐co‐CHO) copolymer as the mid‐block. The orthogonal reactivity induced by changing the oxidation state of the iron‐based catalyst enabled the synthesis of the triblock copolymers in a single reaction flask from a mixture of monomers. The triblock copolymers demonstrated improved flexibility compared to poly(l‐lactic acid) (PLLA) and thermomechanical properties that resemble thermoplastic elastomers, including a rubbery plateau in the range of −60 to 40 °C. The triblock copolymers containing a higher percentage of THF versus CHO were more flexible, and a blend of triblock copolymers containing PLLA and poly(d‐lactic acid) (PDLA) end‐blocks resulted in a stereocomplex that further increased polymer flexibility. Besides the low cost of lactide and THF, the sustainability of this new class of triblock copolymers was also supported by their depolymerization, which was achieved by exposing the copolymers sequentially to FeCl3 and ZnCl2/PEG under reactive distillation conditions.
For Zinc Metal Batteries, How Many Electrons go to Hydrogen Evolution? An Electrochemical Mass Spectrometry Study
Authors: Roy Kingshuk , Rana Ashutosh , Heil Joseph N. , Tackett Brian M. , Dick Jeffrey E.
Published: January 2024

Despite the advantages of aqueous zinc (Zn) metal batteries (AZMB) like high specific capacity (820 mAh g−1 and 5,854 mAh cm−3), low redox potential (−0.76 V vs. the standard hydrogen electrode), low cost, water compatibility, and safety, the development of practically relevant batteries is plagued by several issues like unwanted hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), corrosion of Zn substrate (insulating ZnO, Zn(OH)2, Zn(SO4)x(OH)y, Zn(ClO4)x(OH)y etc. passivation layer), and dendrite growth. Controlling and suppressing HER activity strongly correlates with the long‐term cyclability of AZMBs. Therefore, a precise quantitative technique is needed to monitor the real‐time dynamics of hydrogen evolution during Zn electrodeposition. In this study, we quantify hydrogen evolution using in situ electrochemical mass spectrometry (ECMS). This methodology enables us to determine a correction factor for the faradaic efficiency of this system with unmatched precision. For instance, during the electrodeposition of zinc on a copper substrate at a current density of 1.5 mA/cm2 for 600 seconds, 0.3 % of the total charge is attributed to HER, while the rest contributes to zinc electrodeposition. At first glance, this may seem like a small fraction, but it can be detrimental to the long‐term cycling performance of AZMBs. Furthermore, our results provide insights into the correlation between HER and the porous morphology of the electrodeposited zinc, unravelling the presence of trapped H2 and Zn corrosion during the charging process. Overall, this study sets a platform to accurately determine the faradaic efficiency of Zn electrodeposition and provides a powerful tool for evaluating electrolyte additives, salts, and electrode modifications aimed at enhancing long‐term stability and suppressing the HER in aqueous Zn batteries.
Insights into the Phase Purity and Storage Mechanism of Nonstoichiometric Na3.4Fe2.4(PO4)1.4P2O7 Cathode for High‐Mass‐Loading and High‐Power‐Density Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Fan Ziwei , Song Wande , Yang Nian , Lou Chenjie , Tian Ruiyuan , Hua Weibo , Tang Mingxue , Du Fei
Published: January 2024

Mixed‐anion‐group Fe‐based phosphate materials, such as Na4Fe3(PO4)2P2O7, have emerged as promising cathode materials for sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs). However, the synthesis of pure‐phase material has remained a challenge, and the phase evolution during sodium (de)intercalation is debating as well. Herein, a solid‐solution strategy is proposed to partition Na4Fe3(PO4)2P2O7 into 2NaFePO4 ⋅ Na2FeP2O7 from the angle of molecular composition. Via regulating the starting ratio of NaFePO4 and Na2FeP2O7 during the synthesis process, the nonstoichiometric pure‐phase material could be successfully synthesized within a narrow NaFePO4 content between 1.6 and 1.2. Furthermore, the proposed synthesis strategy demonstrates strong applicability that helps to address the impurity issue of Na4Co3(PO4)2P2O7 and nonstoichiometric Na3.4Co2.4(PO4)1.4P2O7 are evidenced to be the pure phase. The model Na3.4Fe2.4(PO4)1.4P2O7 cathode (the content of NaFePO4 equals 1.4) demonstrates exceptional sodium storage performances, including ultrahigh rate capability under 100 C and ultralong cycle life over 14000 cycles. Furthermore, combined measurements of ex situ nuclear magnetic resonance, in situ synchrotron radiation diffraction and X‐ray absorption spectroscopy clearly reveal a two‐phase transition during Na+ extraction/insertion, which provides a new insight into the ionic storage process for such kind of mixed‐anion‐group Fe‐based phosphate materials and pave the way for the development of high‐power sodium‐ion batteries.
Opportunity and Challenge of Emerging COFs in Chemiresistive Sensing for Gas and Humidity
Authors: Mei Aohan , Yang Zifan , Zhou Min , Jin Wei , Liu Yueli , Chen Wen
Published: January 2024

Novel 2D materials for chemiresistive sensors are attractive due to their large surface area and structure diversity. Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) have received much attention due to their unique properties, including the abundant choice of organic building units, permanent pore structure and crystallinity, which show huge potential of implement in gas and humidity detection in complex environment. Recently, the development of the synthesis and modification methods for COFs powder and film contributes to the sensitivity and compatibility in chemiresistive sensors and integrated devices. In the present review, the current synthesis methods of COFs powder and film as well as their application in the chemiresistive sensors are summarized. The current challenge and future modification strategy are discussed for the further development of COFs as active materials in gas and humidity sensors.
Melt‐reprocessablelinear low‐density polyethylene/cyclic olefin copolymerblends with low dielectric constant and low thermal expansion
Authors: Zhang Yingao , Jiang Chuanyu , Li Hairong , Xu Aihua , Li Danding , Huang Jing , Jiang Ming
Published: January 2024

Insulation materials with low dielectric constants, low coefficients of thermal expansion (CTE), low densities, renewability, and low cost are urgently needed in the fields of communication, control and signal cables. Here we report that combining cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) with linear low‐density polyethylene (LLDPE) by melt blending achieves the above goals. The dielectric constant and CTE of LLDPE/COC blends are minimized at 20 wt% COC content, reaching a value of 2.23 at 1000 Hz and 1.21 × 10−4 K−1, respectively. The density of the blend increases by only 1.6% compared with LLDPE, whereas the tensile modulus increases by 56%, which is conducive to the blends to improve mechanical strength while preserving lightweight. The rheological tests show that the zero‐shear viscosity, storage modulus, and loss modulus of the LLDPE/COC blends do not change much compared with pristine LLDPE, maintaining their good melt processability at 160°C. The cyclic rigid structure of COC causes a decrease in CTE, and the increase in free volume between molecular chains is responsible for the reduced dielectric constant. The present work provides a promising route to the design and fabrication of melt‐reprocessable polymer composites with low dielectric constant and low thermal expansion.