bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CaO Nanoparticles Seed Invigoration on Germination and Seedling Growth of Rice var. TRY 3
Authors: Gopinath S. , Raja K. , Manonmani V. , Jeyaprakash P. , Ramesh T. , Vanniarajan C. , Kavitha S.
Published: September 2023

Rice (Oryza sativa L.), a vital cereal and staple food crop in South East Asia. It faces significant challenges in cultivation worldwide, due to soil salinity. Seed enhancement techniques like priming have shown resilience against salt stress. In this study, the potential of nano-priming with calcium oxide nanoparticles (CaO NPs) to enhance rice seed germination and growth was investigated. CaO NPs were synthesized from organic waste (eggshells) using a sol-gel technique and characterized using Raman and UV-Vis spectroscopy. Paddy seeds were primed with varying concentrations of CaO NPs, and their germination and seedling growth were assessed. The results showed that nano-priming with 40 ppm of CaO NPs significantly improved germination, root and shoot length, dry matter production, and seedling vigour as compared to the control. However, higher concentrations of CaO NPs had a detrimental effect on germination. The study suggests that CaO NP seed priming has the potential to enhance rice germination and seedling development.
Foliar Application of Nutrient and Hormonal Consortia Boost-up the Growth Parameters in Greengram Plants
Authors: Rangasamy S. , Prasad V. Babu Rajendra , Senthil A. , Kumar G.  Prabu , Suresh R. , Sumathi A.
Published: September 2023

Aim: To understand the influence of nutrients and plant growth regulators on growth attributes of greengram.

Study Design:  Factorial and randomized complete block design.

Place and Duration of Study: Wetland farms, Department of Agronomy, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore; April - June 2023.

Methodology: A field experiment was conducted on clay soil fields located at Wetlands farm, TNAU, Coimbatore. Two greengram varieties CO 8 and VBN 4 were taken for the experiment. The treatments were Control – Water spray (T1), Nutrio-hormonal consortia 1 (T2), Nutrio-hormonal consortia 2 (T3), Pulse consortia 1 (T4), Pulse consortia 2 (T5). The treatments were applied as foliar spray at flowering stage of the crop. The observations are recorded after 10 days of spraying. Growth parameters were recorded. Two-way ANOVA was used to analyze the data.

Results: The significant difference between the treatments was observed at p < 0.05. Foliar application of Pulse consortia 2 (T5) resulted in higher growth attributes such as leaf area, leaf area index, leaf area duration, specific leaf weight and crop growth rate in both the greengram varieties and resulted in improved growth attributes over control.

Conclusion: The present study concluded that foliar application of the Pulse consortia 2 (T5) exhibit highest growth attributes in greengram. Improved growth parameters might attribute to improve the yield.
Study the Seasonal Incidence of Major Sucking Insect-Pests of Sesame (Sesamum indicum, L.) Crop
Authors: Thakur Kiran , Panday Anand Kumar , Dwarka  , Deepali
Published: September 2023

The present investigation was carried out at the experimental farm of Project Coordinating Unit Sesame and Niger (ICAR), College of Agriculture, Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Jabalpur (Madhya Pradesh) during summer season, 2022. The results revealed that the peak period for the incidence of whitefly and mirid bug were recorded in 19th standard week while peak period for the incidence of leafhopper was recorded in 20 standard week. The 40°C maximum and 24°C minimum temperature and 59% morning and 30% evening relative humidity were found congenial for the multiplication of whitefly and mirid bug while 41.70°C maximum and 27.60°C minimum temperature and 52% morning and 28% evening relative humidity were found congenial for the multiplication of leafhopper.
STOCK PORTFOLIO OPTIMIZATION IN BULLISH AND BEARISH CONDITIONS USING THE BLACK-LITTERMAN MODEL
Authors: Wiharno Herma , Lesmana Arief Surya , Maulana Yasir , Djuniardi Dede , Komarudin Munir Nur
Published: September 2023

Bullish and bearish phenomena characterize the development of the capital market. Therefore, this study aimed to identify and analyze bullish and bearish conditions in the Indonesian capital market to formulate an optimal portfolio. The sample consisted of 20 selected companies based on their substantial market capitali- zation. The results showed that from January 2011 to December 2020, the capital market experienced 77 bullish and 43 bearish months. The transition probability from bullish to bearish and bearish to bullish state was 15.67% and 56.14%. Furthermore, employing the Markov-switching model for determining market conditions and using the Black-Litterman model for portfolio construction proved advantageous for investors' financial forecasting techniques and their potential to generate valuable insights to create a well-informed portfolio.
Factors influencing the knowledge, attitude, and practices of police personnel toward dengue fever in Kathmandu, Nepal
Authors: Paudel Damodar , Kakchapati Sampurna , Lageju Nabin , Karki Samriddhi , Dhungana Jayanti , Regmi Sirish , Chudal Deepa , Sharma Ram Prasad
Published: September 2023

Objective

Dengue fever is a significant public health problem in Nepal, and police personnel are considered to play a crucial role in preventing and controlling dengue fever. This study aimed to assess the factors that influence the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of police personnel toward dengue in Kathmandu, Nepal.

Methods

The study design was a descriptive cross-sectional study among 422 police personnel, where data were collected using self-administered questionnaires. Bi-variate analysis and multivariate analysis were used to examine the association between sociodemographic factors and environmental factors with knowledge, attitude, and practices of dengue.

Results

The study found that the knowledge, attitude, and practice toward dengue prevention was 58%, 46%, and 75%, respectively. The study found that family history of dengue (AOR = 2.78, 95% CI = 1.38-5.6), owning bed nets (AOR = 2.13, 95% CI = 1.04-4.35) and having covered water storage containers (AOR = 2.99, 95% CI = 1.74-5.13) were associated with higher odds of knowledge on dengue. Having family history of dengue (AOR = 2.45, 95% CI = 1.24-4.87) and the presence of broken glasses or discarded plastic bottles in the house (AOR = 2.07, 95% CI = 1.93-5.36) were associated with attitude on dengue. Knowledge on dengue was associated with higher odds of attitude (AOR = 3.3, 95% CI = 2.09-5.36) and practices (AOR = 3.21, 95% CI = 1.93, 5.36).

Conclusion

The study identified specific factors associated with knowledge, attitude, and practices toward dengue prevention. The study concluded that regular training and awareness-raising activities are needed to improve their knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward dengue.
Assay‐agnostic spatial profiling detects tumor microenvironment signatures: new diagnostic insights for triple‐negative breast cancer
Authors: Ziegler Colleen , Mir Alain , Anandakrishnan Sangeetha , Martin Patrick , Contreras Elma , Slemons Isaiah , Witkowski Barbara , DeSilva Chris , Farmer Andrew , Vranic Semir , Gatalica Zoran , Richardson David , Derkach Dmitry N.
Published: September 2023

The role of the tumor microenvironment (TME) in immuno‐oncology has driven demand for technologies that deliver in situ, or spatial, molecular information. Compartmentalized heterogeneity that traditional methods miss is becoming key to predicting both acquired drug resistance to targeted therapies and patient response to immunotherapy. Here, we describe a novel method for assay‐agnostic spatial profiling and demonstrate its ability to detect immune microenvironment signatures in breast cancer patients that are unresolved by the immunohistochemical (IHC) assessment of programmed cell death ligand‐1 (PD‐L1) on immune cells, which represents the only FDA microenvironment‐based companion diagnostic test that has been approved for triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC). Two distinct physiological states were found that are uncorrelated to tumor mutational burden (TMB), microsatellite instability (MSI), PD‐L1 expression, and intrinsic cancer subtypes.
Preliminary study on dosimetry characteristics of a novel cylindrical dose verification system
Authors: He Long , Zhu Jinhan , Wang Xuetao , Zhang Bailin , Hu Qiang , Chen Lixin , Liu Xiaowei
Published: September 2023

Objective

To develop a novel ionization chamber array dosimetry system, study its dosimetry characteristics, and perform preliminary tests for plan dose verification.

Methods

The dosimetry characteristics of this new array were tested, including short‐term and long‐term reproducibility, dose linearity, dose rate dependence, field size dependence, and angular dependence. The open field and MLC field plans were designed for dose testing. Randomly select 30 patient treatment plans (10 intensity‐modulated radiation therapy [IMRT] plans and 20 volumetric modulated arc therapy [VMAT] plans) that have undergone dose verification using Portal Dosimetry to perform verification measurement and evaluate dose verification test results.

Results

The dosimetry characteristics of the arrays all performed well. The gamma passing rates (3%/2 mm) were more than 96% for the combined open field and MLC field plans. The average gamma pass rates were (99.54 ± 0.58)% and (96.70 ± 3.41)% for the 10 IMRT plans and (99.32 ± 0.89)% and (94.91 ± 6.01)% for the 20 VMAT plans at the 3%/2 mm and 2%/2 mm criteria, respectively, which is similar to the Portal Dosimetry's measurement results.

Conclusions

This novel ionization chamber array demonstrates good dosimetry characteristics and is suitable for clinical IMRT and VMAT plan verifications.
Could Some Patients With Fibromyalgia Potentially Have Hypophosphatasia? A Retrospective Single‐Center Study
Authors: Injean Patil , Tan John , Lee Sandy , Downey Christina
Published: September 2023

Objective

Hypophosphatasia (HPP) is a rare disease characterized by incomplete or defective bone mineralization due to a mutation in the alkaline phosphatase (ALP) gene causing low levels of ALP. Disease presentation is heterogeneous and can present as a chronic pain syndrome like fibromyalgia (FM). Our objective was to determine if there are any potential patients with HPP in the group of patients who were diagnosed with FM. Antiresorptive therapy use can trigger atypical femur fractures in patients with HPP.

Methods

We performed a retrospective chart review of all patients 18 years or older at a single academic center who were diagnosed with FM and had either a low or a normal ALP level. The following characteristics were reviewed: biological sex; age; history of fractures; diagnosis of osteoporosis, osteopenia, osteoarthritis, and chondrocalcinosis; genetic testing; vitamin B6 level testing; and medications.

Results

Six hundred eleven patients with FM were identified. Two hundred had at least one low ALP level, and 57 had at least three consecutively low measurements of ALP, 44% of which had a history of fractures. No patients had vitamin B6 levels checked. None of the patients had previous genetic testing for HPP or underwent testing for zinc or magnesium levels.

Conclusion

The percentage of patients with FM who were found to have consistently low ALP levels was 9.3%. None had vitamin B6 level or genetic testing, suggesting that the diagnosis was not suspected. It is important to diagnose HPP given the availability of enzyme replacement therapy to prevent complications from HPP such as fractures. Our data support screening for this condition as a part of the initial workup of FM.
Development and Isolation of Dot LEDs for Display Applications through Electrochemical Etching and Sonochemical Separation
Authors: Ko Minji , Hong Eunha , Eo Yun Jae , Lee SeungJe , Kim Soyeon , Kim Hyeng Jin , Lee Keyong Nam , Kim Changwook , Do Young Rag
Published: September 2023

This paper presents a top‐down fabrication and an isolation process for producing billions of multifunctional dot light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) without a sacrificial layer. The process involves a combination of electrochemical etching (ECE) of an n‐GaN layer and sonochemical separation of an etched porous layer to isolate the dot LEDs. The structure of the developed dot LEDs can be expressed as Au/indium tin oxide (ITO)/p‐GaN/multiple quantum well (MQW)‐InGaN/n‐GaN@SiO2. The nanopore size, separation ratio, and emission characteristics of dot LEDs produced by ECE are investigated, as well as the solvent type on ultrasonic separation in the sonochemical process. Blue electroluminance devices fabricated in a vertical structure using dot LEDs exhibit a peak external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 6.21% at an applied voltage of 4.0 V, and a luminous efficacy of 1070 cd m−2, at an applied voltage of 10.0 V. Although the current technology for blue dot LEDs may not produce a higher EQE than the existing display technologies, it is essential to consider that the development of dot LED displays is still in its early stages. Furthermore, the findings show that the dot LEDs have the potential to significantly reduce material costs and provide new opportunities for nanoscale GaN‐based LED displays.
The Positive Versus Negative Effects of Defect Engineering for Solar Water Splitting: A Review
Authors: Huang Yulong , Meng Linxing , Xu Weiwei , Li Liang
Published: September 2023

Although defect design is an essential means of improving the performance of photocatalytic materials, defect introduction is not always beneficial. Current defect engineering focuses on avoiding or modifying introduced defects to mitigate their adverse effects on solar water splitting performance. This review comprehensively summarizes the strategies for defect introduction and discusses their crucial roles in solar water splitting. Focusing on the dual effects of defects, the most basic schemes for preparing favorable defects through pretreatment and posttreatment methods are reviewed. In addition, the review focuses on strategies for overcoming or mitigating the detrimental effects of defects to improve the performance of photocatalysts. Finally, the challenges and prospects of developing a defect‐based photocatalyst design strategy are outlined. This review provides a reference for preparing defect‐based photocatalysts for conducting more in‐depth research on defects. Additionally, it offers ideas for utilizing unfavorable defects and converting them into favorable defects for performance improvement.
Ni3N–CeO2 Heterostructure Bifunctional Catalysts for Electrochemical Water Splitting
Authors: Ding Xin , Jiang Run , Wu Jialin , Xing Minghui , Qiao Zelong , Zeng Xiaofei , Wang Shitao , Cao Dapeng
Published: September 2023

Developing low‐cost and high‐efficient bifunctional catalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is greatly significant for water electrolysis. Here, Ni3N‐CeO2/NF heterostructure is synthesized on the nickel foam, and it exhibits excellent HER and OER performance. As a result, the water electrolyzer based on Ni3N‐CeO2/NF bifunctional catalyst only needs 1.515 V@10 mA cm−2, significantly better than that of Pt/C||IrO2 catalysts. In situ characterizations unveil that CeO2 plays completely different roles in HER and OER processes. In situ infrared spectroscopy and density functional theory calculations indicate that the introduction of CeO2 can optimizes the structure of interface water, and the synergistic effect of Ni3N and CeO2 improve the HER activity significantly, while the in situ Raman spectra reveal that CeO2 accelerates the reconstruction of OV (oxygen vacancy)‐rich NiOOH for boosting OER. This study clearly unlocks the different catalytic mechanisms of CeO2 for boosting the HER and OER activity of Ni3N for water splitting, which provides the useful guidance for designing the high‐performance bifunctional catalysts for water splitting.
Artificial Intelligence‐Assisted Label‐Free Spectroscopic Quantification of Global DNA Cytosine Methylation in a Miniature Plasmonic Pickering Emulsion
Authors: Xie Yangcenzi , Chen Mingyang , Liu Xinyu , Su Xiaoming , Li Ming
Published: September 2023

Epigenetic DNA methylations are early and frequently observed events in a diversity of diseases such as cancer. Despite the considerable clinical values for cancer liquid biopsy, quantitative analysis of DNA methylations remains a major challenge due to the lack of rapid, sensitive detection techniques. Here, an artificial intelligence‐assisted label‐free surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) (iMeSERS) biosensor is reported for simultaneous quantification of C5‐methylcytosine (5mC) level and methylation ratio in DNA samples. This method utilizes the plasmonic Pickering emulsions as the biosensing platform for label‐free SERS detection, formed upon the addition of a sub‐microliter DNA sample to the hydrophobic Au nanostar‐containing n‐decane. Distinct spectral signatures of monophosphates of canonical deoxyribonucleotides (dNMPs) and the common methylation modification 5‐methyl‐2′‐deoxycytidine (d5mCMP) are identified and distinguished by the iMeSERS biosensor. The deep learning algorithms trained with SERS signatures of dNMPs and d5mCMP are then applied to the quantitative analysis of global DNA methylation. The exceptional capability of the deep learning‐driven approach is demonstrated for simultaneous quantification of the methylation ratio and level using a sub‐microliter volume of DNA samples. This work shows the power of label‐free SERS techniques combined with deep learning algorithms for quantitative analysis of epigenetic DNA modifications with great promises for clinical diagnosis.
Modulating Carrier Kinetics in BiVO4 Photoanodes through Molecular Co4O4 Cubane Layers
Authors: Chen Hang , Li Jingguo , Meng Lingshen , Bae Sanghyun , Erni Rolf , Abbott Daniel F. , Li Shangkun , Triana Carlos A. , Mougel Victor , Patzke Greta R.
Published: September 2023

Understanding the role and immobilization of molecular catalysts on photoelectrodes is essential to use their full potential for efficient solar fuel generation. Here, a CoII4O4 cubane with proven catalytic performance and an active H2O─Co2(OR)2─OH2 edge‐site moiety is immobilized on BiVO4 photoanodes through a versatile layer‐by‐layer assembly strategy. This delivers a photocurrent of 3.3 mA cm−2 at 1.23 VRHE and prolonged stability. Tuning the thickness of the Co4O4 layer has remarkable effects on photocurrents, dynamic open circuit potentials, and charge carrier behavior. Comprehensive‐time and frequency‐dependent perturbation techniques are employed to investigate carrier kinetics in transient and pseudo‐steady‐state operando conditions. It is revealed that the Co4O4 layer can prolong carrier lifetime, unblock kinetic limitations at the interface by suppressing recombination, and enhance charge transfer. Additionally, its flexible roles are identified as passivation/hole trapping/catalytic layer at respective lower/moderate/higher potentials. These competing functions are under dynamic equilibrium, which fundamentally defines the observed photocurrent trends.
Finite‐Sized Atom Reconstruction Enhanced High‐Frequency Multi‐Domain Magnetic Response
Authors: Liu Minmin , Wu Zhengchen , Yang Liting , Lv Xiaowei , Zhang Ruixuan , Zhang Huibin , Wang Xiangyu , Chen Guanyu , Zhang Jincang , Lv Hualiang , Che Renchao
Published: September 2023

The technological advances in wearable electronics and military stealth have spawned extensive research into electromagnetic wave absorbents. Despite the rapid progress in the geometrical modulation of magnetic absorbents, the engineering strategy of microwave‐responsive magnetic domains is underdeveloped and the response dynamics remain unclear. Herein, a surface finite‐sized atom reconstruction procedure is proposed to accurately modulate the local magnetic topological domains, dramatically enhancing the magnetic loss capacity. Due to the selectivity of atom reconstruction, vortex and stripe domains are controllably hybridized around the porous surface to broaden the interactive domain region, significantly intensifying energy absorption of the microwave field. Meanwhile, the amorphous/crystalline interfaces around atom reconstruction regions can induce interfacial polarization, enabling the optimization of dielectric loss capacity. Therefore, a satisfactory magnetic–dielectric synergy is realized to demonstrate the strong absorption intensity of −31.2 dB and the broad absorption bandwidth of 5.9 GHz. Furthermore, the surface‐based magnetic domain transformation and microwave energy attenuation mechanisms are thoroughly revealed to break the black box of structure–function through electron holography and micromagnetic simulation. These achievements demonstrate a promising solution to improve high‐frequency magnetic properties and provide a feasible route to interpret the structure‐relevant magnetic loss capacity.
Hole‐Transporting Polymers Bearing Fine‐Tuning Side Chains via Ternary Copolymerization Strategy for High‐Performance Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Wang Xuelin , He Zhichao , Chen Haotian , Yao Lu , Li Chunyan , Lin Xin , Zhou Zhonggao , Li Kan , Wang Wen , Cai Wanzhu , Ling Qidan , Zhen Hongyu
Published: September 2023

The binary electron donor–electron acceptor (D‐A) type conjugated polymers have proven to be efficient dopant‐free hole‐transporting materials (HTMs) for the n‐i‐p perovskite solar cells (PVSCs). However, D‐A type terpolymeric HTMs containing two D units are not exploited. Reserving the high‐planarity backbone of benzodithiophene (BDT)‐benzodithiophene‐4,8‐dione, D1‐A‐D2‐A type terpolymers PT‐Cz30, PT‐Cz50, and PT‐Cz70 are obtained by side‐chain engineering and ternary copolymerization strategy, in which BDT bearing the side chains of thiophene and carbazole serves as D1 and D2 units, respectively. PT‐Cz50 performs best due to the appropriate side‐chain ratio around 1:1. Meanwhile, a polymer blend HTM PA‐Cz50 is studied for comparison, in which two binary D‐A polymers PBDB‐T and PBDB‐Cz are blended with the molar ratio of 1:1. Containing similar side‐chain composition, terpolymer PT‐Cz50 presents superior hole transport properties over the polymer blend PA‐Cz50 and endows better device performances to the PVSCs with a promising power conversion efficiency of 22.53% and high device stability.
CuS@TA‐Fe Nanoparticle‐Doped Multifunctional Hydrogel with Peroxide‐Like Properties and Photothermal Properties for Synergistic Antimicrobial Repair of Infected Wounds
Authors: Zhou Xiaohu , Chen Tiantian , Ma Tengda , Yan Lizhao , Wei Haojie , Liu Shuang , Dai Zhiyin , Xie Zhizhong , Deng Jun , Tao Shengxiang , Fan Lihong , Chu Yingying
Published: September 2023

Bacterial infection is a critical factor in wound healing. Due to the abuse of antibiotics, some pathogenic bacteria have developed resistance. Thus, there is an urgent need to develop a non‐antibiotic‐dependent multifunctional wound dressing for the treatment of bacteria‐infected wounds. In this work, a multifunctional AOCuT hydrogel embedded with CuS@TA‐Fe nanoparticles (NPs) through Schiff base reaction between gelatin quaternary ammonium salt – gallic acid (O‐Gel‐Ga) and sodium dialdehyde alginate (ADA) along with electrostatic interactions with CuS@TA‐Fe NPs is prepared. These composite hydrogels possess favorable injectability, rapid shape adaptation, electrical conductivity, photothermal antimicrobial activity, and biocompatibility. Additionally, the doped NPs not only impart fast self‐healing properties and excellent adhesion performance to the hydrogels, but also provide excellent peroxide‐like properties, enabling them to scavenge free radicals and exhibit anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant capabilities via photothermal (PTT) and photodynamic (PDT) effects. In an S. aureus infected wound model, the composite hydrogel effectively reduces the expression level of wound inflammatory factors and accelerates collagen deposition, epithelial tissue, and vascular regeneration, thereby promoting wound healing. This safe and synergistic therapeutic system holds great promise for clinical applications in the treatment of infectious wounds.
Flexible Specific Determination of Glucose in Solution, Blood Serum, and Sweat Using a Terahertz Hydrogel‐Functionalized Metamaterial
Authors: Zhang Min , Zhang Shoujun , Wang Qingwei , Xu Yihan , Jiang Liwen , Yan Yuyue , Li Jiao , Tian Zhen , Zhang Weili
Published: September 2023

Terahertz metamaterials have shown promises in biomolecules detection, however, aqueous solvents such as blood serum strongly absorb the terahertz waves, interfering with the detection. To avoid such interference, an ultrathin, flexible, biogel‐based metamaterial that can specifically detect the transmission of terahertz waves through biomolecules in aqueous solution is proposed and demonstrated. The glucose in water can be detected with a sensitivity of 0.0446 dL mg−1 and a detection limit of 1.64 mg dL−1, as well as glucose in human serum. The metamaterial that detects glucose in human sweat is part of a wearable device. The biosensor functions well for more than 100 detection cycles. The results suggest a strategy for real‐time detection of glucose and potentially other biomolecules.
Multi‐Functional Eutectic Hydrogel for 3D Printable Flexible Omnidirectional Strain Sensors
Authors: Han Songjiu , Wu Qirui , Xu Yidan , Zhang Jiayu , Chen Anbang , Chen Yujia , Huang Jianren , Yang Xiaoxiang , Guan Lunhui
Published: September 2023

Flexible electronic devices are attracting much attention on account of their great potential in artificial intelligence, electronic skin, and biomedicine. However, the poor stretchability, conductivity, and machinability of flexible materials limit the application of flexible electronic devices in practical environments. Herein, hydrogels with excellent mechanical, electrical, and processable properties are synthesized by introducing deep eutectic solvent (DES) and MXene into a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) matrix, which shows more than 2700% tensile strain, and 1.21 S m−1 conductivity. Interestingly, hydrogels also exhibited 3D printable properties, enabling the fabrication of sensors with complex structures in a short period of time. Besides, the serpentine lines strain sensor is successfully prepared by digital light processing (DLP) 3D printing and assembled into a bidirectional strain rosette sensor and omnidirectional strain rosette sensor, which could recognize the direction and magnitude of stress. More importantly, the omnidirectional strain sensor can accurately distinguish the signal responses of different directions and sizes generated by ping‐pong players swinging the racket, showing excellent strain recognition ability. In brief, the hydrogels designed are expected to realize the manufacture of large‐scale and low‐cost flexible sensors through a simple preparation process, which provides a new idea for the manufacture of flexible electronic devices.
Controlling Field Asymmetry in Nanoscale Gaps for Second Harmonic Generation
Authors: Meier Jessica , Zurak Luka , Locatelli Andrea , Feichtner Thorsten , Kullock René , Hecht Bert
Published: September 2023

Field hotspots in nanoscale gaps of plasmonic antennas can boost nonlinear processes such as harmonic generation, photoelectron emission, and ultrafast electron transport. Alongside large field enhancement, such phenomena often require control over the field symmetry in the hotspot, which is challenging considering the nanometer length scales. Here, by means of strongly enhanced second harmonic generation, unprecedented control over the field distribution in a hotspot is demonstrated by systematically introducing geometrical asymmetry to the antenna gap. Focused helium ion beam milling of mono‐crystalline gold is used to realize asymmetric‐gap dimer antennas in which an ultra‐sharp tip faces a flat counterpart. This allows to increase both field enhancement and asymmetry while maintaining the bonding antenna mode at the fundamental frequency, thereby enhancing second harmonic radiation to the far‐field. Combining these findings with second harmonic radiation patterns as well as quantitative nonlinear simulations, remarkably detailed insight into the mechanism of second harmonic generation at the nanoscale is obtained. These results open new opportunities for the realization of nonreciprocal nanoscale systems.
A Roadmap toward the Thematic Design of Plasmonic Field Effect Transistors: Crossing the Milestones
Authors: Chatterjee Hirak , Pal Sudip Kumar , Bardhan Dorothy , Debnath Deejan , Ghosh Sujit Kumar
Published: September 2023

Recently, nano‐optics have attracted immense interest among researchers for the design of all‐optical devices to fulfill the ongoing demands of sustainable energy. Plasmonics of nanoscale materials can be employed to manipulate, guide, and convert ambient electromagnetic radiation to elevate the present state‐of‐the‐art in energy technology. To meet the clean energy challenges that lie ahead, it is indispensable to imbue preconceived notions of the electromagnetic configurations emerging from a set of physical observables that define the plasmonic states of the nanosystem. In this work, a set of hypothetical two‐dimensional plasmonic lattices formed with periodically interdigitated gold nanorods having different geometries and orientations is used as a top layer to simulate the carrier densities of field effect transistors (FETs) as a function of their near‐field potentials within the limit of classical electromagnetism. Based on these considerations, theoretically, a set of principles for the strategic design of different symmetric motifs is illustrated that can increase the effective path length of carriers through strong electromagnetic field confinement to achieve the desired enhancement of the photocurrent of a FET. In essence, the work demonstrates a protocol to design a plasmonic top layer for the maximization of gain voltage of an FET by manipulating the on‐chip local field through plasmonic coupling, giving a new pathway to designing plasmonic FETs.
Cascade Wolff Rearrangement and Double N‐Acylation: A Cyclization of α‐Diazoketones with 2‐aminopyridines or 3‐aminopyrazoles to Synthesize Fused Pyrimidinediones
Authors: Ren Jun‐Jie , Zhou Jia‐Xin , Song Yanqin , Zhang An‐Xin , Zhao Lu‐Xin , Zhao Zun‐Yuan , Zhu Yan‐Ping , Zhu Wei
Published: September 2023

A cascade Wolff rearrangement and double N‐acylation reaction has been developed for the synthesis of fused pyrimidinediones in one‐pot under air. These reactions were performed with α‐diazoketones and 2‐aminopyridines or 3‐aminopyrazoles under catalyst‐ and additive‐free conditions. The protocol avoided traditional purification procedures, such as organic solvent extraction and column chromatography. The synthesis of biologically active molecules and gram‐scale experiment demonstrated the potential applications of this reaction.
Highly Efficient and Robust Ternary All‐Polymer Solar Cells Achieved by Electro‐Active Polymer Compatibilizers
Authors: Kim Geon‐U , Choi Changeun , Jeong Dahyun , Kim Dong Jun , Phan Tan Ngoc‐Lan , Song Seunghoon , Park Jinseok , Kim Taek‐Soo , Kim Yun‐Hi , Kim Bumjoon J.
Published: September 2023

All‐polymer solar cells (all‐PSCs), using polymerized non‐fullerene acceptors (PNFAs), have shown promise in improving device stabilities compared to small‐molecular acceptor‐based PSCs. However, low mixing entropy between polymer donors (PDs) and PNFAs hampers the development of optimized blend morphology. Herein, this study develops efficient conjugated polymers that serve as interfacial compatibilizers between host PD and PNFA. Ternary all‐polymer blends containing the compatibilizer demonstrate improved blend morphology with strengthened interfaces, resulting in better photovoltaic properties and thermal/mechanical stabilities. In detail, the power conversion efficiency (PCE) increases from 15.4 to 17.1% upon the addition of the compatibilizer. Moreover, the devices based on the ternary blend enable good thermal stability, retaining 90% of the initial PCE after 96 h at 125 °C. Additionally, the mechanical properties are improved; the cohesive fracture energy (Gc) of 2.6 J m−2 and crack onset strain (COS) of 20.4% of the ternary blend outperform those of the binary blend (Gc = 1.1 J m−2 and COS = 16.5%). Resultingly, the stretchable PSCs based on the ternary blend exhibit an excellent PCE of 13.7% and stretchability with a strain at PCE80% of 35%.
A New Design Rule for Developing SiO with High Performance: Controlling Short‐Range Ordering of SiO2 Phase
Authors: Choi Geunho , Kim Minkyu , Kang Byoungwoo
Published: September 2023

Simultaneously achieving high initial coulombic efficiency (ICE) with high reversible capacity and excellent cycle retention is a key factor for developing next‐generation SiO anode, but it has never been achieved. Here, a new potential for achieving these desired properties simultaneously by controlling of short‐range ordering of amorphous SiO2 matrix in SiO anode is reported. The controlled SiO has a unique microstructure that consists of a nano‐crystalline Si phase dispersed within SiO2 matrix that is short‐range ordered while maintaining an amorphous state in the long‐range. It is found that a high degree of short‐range ordering in SiO2 phase can change the pathway of the irreversible reactions of SiO anode forming less lithiated Li─Si─O phase, and this can result in high ICE (79.6%) with high reversible capacity after the first cycle (1582 mAh g−1) of SiO anode. Furthermore, even though the irreversible reactions can be significantly suppressed in the controlled SiO anode, the resulting material achieved excellent long‐term cycle stability (82.8% up to 100 cycles at 1 C rate). It is demonstrated that control of short‐range ordering of amorphous SiO2 matrix in SiO while maintaining its long‐range disordering is a key design rule to simultaneously achieve both high ICE and high reversible capacity with long‐term cycle stability.
Climate and management factors influence saffron yield in different environments
Authors: Pirasteh‐Anosheh Hadi , Babaie‐Zarch Mohammad Javad , Nasrabadi Mohammadebrahim , Parnian Amir , Alavi‐Siney Seid Mohammad , Beyrami Hossein , Kaveh Hamed , Hashemi Seyed Elahe , Durrer Urs , McDonald Karl , Race Marco
Published: September 2023

The economic yield of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) has a wide range in different parts of the world, and it is not clear why this considerable difference exists. In this research saffron yield and yield components of 13 fields with varied geographic and climatic conditions were studied to determine which factor(s) are more important. Among the studied factors, temperature, field age, soil texture, bulk density, soil and water pH, irrigation events, and growth period had the greatest effect on saffron yield. The highest dry stigma weight, as economic yield, was obtained in three regions of Birjand (27 kg ha−1), Sarayan (24 kg ha−1), and Golshan (23.5 kg ha−1), followed by Neyshabur (18 kg ha−1) and Kashmar (17.5 kg ha−1), which had lower temperatures, coarse soil, balanced soil, and water pH, and longer growth periods. The average yields were increased until the sixth or seventh year (20.8 kg ha−1) and then decreased, however, it seems to be economic before the 10th year. Lower temperatures in early fall were important to stimulate flowering and increase yield in that year, and warm and sunny days in the spring are important for next year yields. We found that the optimal temperature for the first irrigation is ∼16°C and for flowering is ∼5°C–10°C. High‐yield fields did not have higher irrigation water volumes but more irrigation events (6.3), resulting in less water volume per irrigation. No direct relationship was observed between manure consumption and yield; however, processed manure increases yield by improving the soil structure and moisture retention ability. Fields with a complete chemical fertilizer composition had higher yields. It was concluded higher yields are achieved in saffron fields where regions are higher in altitude (at least 1300 m) and lower temperature in early autumn with complete fertilizer composition (especially sulfur and iron). There was no evidence of high salinity sensitivity of saffron.
Nichima gen. nov. (Alismataceae) based on reproductive structures from the Oligocene‐Miocene of Mexico
Authors: Hernández‐Sandoval Luis , Cevallos‐Ferriz Sergio R. S. , Hernández‐Damián Ana L.
Published: September 2023

Premise

Alismataceae, a sub‐cosmopolitan family with ca. 17 genera and 113 species, is a large group of aquatic plants. Compression/impressions and bioinclusions of reproductive parts in amber support the documentation of the lineage in low‐latitude North America. In Mexico, fossil aquatic plants have been infrequently documented. The new reproductive structures exhibit characteristics of Alismataceae, whose fossil record is mainly documented in the northern hemisphere through of fruits and seeds.

Methods

We described and compared 150 samples of reproductive structures preserved as impressions/compressions from the Oligocene Los Ahuehuetes locality in the state of Puebla, and two bioinclusions from the Miocene amber of Simojovel de Allende in the state of Chiapas, Mexico with extinct and extant taxa. Using a parsimony analysis based on 29 floral characters of 17 extant genera of the Alismataceae, we evaluated the relationship between the fossil material and potential living relatives.

Results

We discovered a new genus Nichima based on a perfect, actinomorphic flower with an expanded receptacle, three persistent sepals with multiple vasculatures, delicate and caducous petals, six stamens, and a gynoecium composed of three to more superior carpels, maturing into achenes. These characteristics resemble flowers of Alismataceae. Nichima represents an extinct member of the family, with two new species described here, Nichima magalloniae L. Hern., Cevallos‐Ferriz et Hernández‐Damián sp. nov. and Nichima gonzalez‐medranoi L. Hern., Cevallos‐Ferriz et Hernández‐Damián, sp. nov. Their phylogenetic position suggests affinity with a clade that includes Baldiella, Echinodorus, and Alisma.

Conclusions

Reproductive structures from the Cenozoic of Mexico support the identification of a new extinct genus, Nichima, evidencing the extensive history of Alismataceae in North America's low latitudes and suggesting a southern extension of the boreotropical flora.
Formation of xylem tissues and secondary cell walls is diminished by severe and consecutive insect defoliation
Authors: Watanabe Yoko , Yamagishi Shohei , Takata Naoki , Tsuyama Taku , Yasue Koh , Ohno Yasuyuki
Published: September 2023

Premise

Insect defoliation of trees causes unusual changes to wood anatomy and slows radial growth that decreases tree value; however, the characteristics of these anatomical changes in hardwoods remain unclear. The aim of this study was to characterize the anatomy and histochemistry of the wood in trunks of Betula maximowicziana trees after severe insect defoliation.

Methods

Secondary xylem tissues were sampled from trunks that had been defoliated by Caligula japonica at Naie and Furano in central Hokkaido during 2006‐2012, then cross‐dated and examined microscopically and stained histochemically to characterize anatomical and chemical changes in the cells.

Results

White rings with thin‐walled wood fibers and greatly reduced annual ring width in the subsequent year were observed in samples from both sites. From these results, the year that the white rings formed was determined, and severe defoliation was confirmed to trigger white ring formation. The characteristics may prove useful to detect the formation year of white rings. Scanning electron microscopy and histochemical analyses of the white rings indicated that the thickness of the S2 layer in the wall of wood fiber cells decreased, but xylan and lignin were still deposited in the cell walls of wood fibers. However, the walls of the fibers rethickened after the defoliation.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that B. maximowicziana responds to a temporary lack of carbon inputs due to insect defoliation by regulating the thickness of the S2 layer of the cell wall of wood fibers. For B. maximowicziana, insect defoliation late in the growing season has serious deleterious effects on wood formation and radial growth.
What kills the virtually immortal palms of the Florida scrub?
Authors: Abrahamson Warren G. , Abrahamson Christy R. , Koontz Stephanie M. , Tran Elan H. , Menges Eric S. , David Aaron S.
Published: September 2023

Premise

Life span varies greatly across plants, with some species being capable of extreme longevity. Yet even long‐lived individuals are susceptible to climatic events, fire, and other challenges. We examined rare mortality events and their causes in two long‐lived palmettos over four decades.

Methods

We monitored the survival of the clonalSerenoa repensand non‐clonal, Florida‐endemicSabal etoniafrom 1981 to 2022 in four habitats along an elevational gradient within the globally imperiled Florida scrub ecosystem. We considered several challenges to palmetto survival, including extreme fires, shading due to lack of fire, droughts, periods of high precipitation, and possible pathogens.

Results

Survival of palmettos was remarkably high, and mortality was infrequent (Serenoa: cumulative, 5.7%; annualized, 0%–0.68%;Sabal: cumulative, 3.5%; annualized, 0%–0.43%). Mortality was highest in higher‐elevation habitats with greater soil drainage, and smaller palmettos were more likely to die. When subjected to extreme fire,Serenoasuffered greater mortality thanSabal. Mortality in long‐unburned habitats with increased shading rivaled that which occurred with extreme fire. There was no evidence of mortality due to lethal bronzing palm disease.

Conclusions

Both palmettos had exceptionally low mortality rates, which, coupled with earlier work showing slow rates of transition from seedling to adult and remarkable adult longevity, suggest notably low rates of population turnover. Observed mortality in long‐unburned habitats suggests the importance of fire‐management planning with prescription burning. Lengthy age to reproduction and/or dependency on clonal propagation limits migration or genetic adaptation to altered conditions caused by climate change.
The role of intraspecific variation in bumblebee body size and behavior on buzz pollination of a tropical legume species
Authors: Barbosa Bruna C. , Delgado de Lima Tamiris D. , Mota Guilherme V. , Nogueira Anselmo
Published: September 2023

Premise

The outcomes of generalized mutualisms rely on partner trait variation. In pollination mutualisms, although less explored, intraspecific variation in pollinator traits can be pivotal for successful pollination. We investigated the role of intraspecific body size and behavioral trait variations of bumblebee Bombus morio on the pollination of a buzz‐pollinated legume species, Chamaecrista latistipula.

Methods

To explore the impact of body size and behavior of B. morio on the pollination of C. latistipula, we observed visits to virgin flowers and quantified the pollen removal and deposition (pollination performance) and fruit and seed production (reproductive fitness). By analyzing video and sound recordings, we measured B. morio body size and behavior on each flower, including bee vibration descriptors.

Results

We observed intraspecific behavioral differences among B. morio bumblebees associated with different body sizes. Larger bumblebees had half the handling time and vibrational pulses, less angular displacement within flowers, and larger relative peak amplitudes during vibrations than smaller bumblebees did. Regardless of their large variation in size and behavior, bumblebees were equally effective in removing pollen and pollinating flowers. The high female reproductive fitness was independent of bumblebee body size and behavior, likely due to the interaction between both. On the other hand, larger bumblebees visited flowers for shorter periods, probably promoting higher male reproductive fitness.

Conclusions

This study is the first to highlight the large intraspecific variation of bumblebee body size and behavior in buzz‐pollinated flowers in the field. Together, body size and behavior effects unexpectedly cancel each other, generating a high buzz pollination efficiency.
Testing the effect of individual scent compounds on pollinator attraction in nature using quasi‐isogenic Capsella lines
Authors: Xiong Ying‐Ze , Kappel Christian , Hagemann Laura , Jantzen Friederike , Wozniak Natalia , Sicard Adrien , Huang Shuang‐Quan , Lenhard Michael
Published: September 2023

Premise

Floral scent, usually consisting of multiple compounds, is a complex trait, and its role in pollinator attraction has received increasing attention. However, disentangling the effect of individual floral scent compounds is difficult due to the complexity of isolating the effect of single compounds by traditional methods.

Methods

Using available quasi‐isogenic lines (qILs) that were generated as part of the original mapping of the floral scent volatile‐related loci CNL1 (benzaldehyde) and TPS2 (β‐ocimene) in Capsella, we generated four genotypes that should only differ in these two compounds. Plants of the four genotypes were introduced into a common garden outside the natural range of C. rubella or C. grandiflora, with individuals of a self‐compatible C. grandiflora line as pollen donors, whose different genetic background facilitates the detection of outcrossing events. Visitors to flowers of all five genotypes were compared, and the seeds set during the common‐garden period were collected for high‐throughput amplicon‐based sequencing to estimate their outcrossing rates.

Results

Benzaldehyde and β‐ocimene emissions were detected in the floral scent of corresponding genotypes. While some pollinator groups showed specific visitation preferences depending on scent compounds, the outcrossing rates in seeds did not vary among the four scent‐manipulated genotypes.

Conclusions

The scent‐manipulated Capsella materials constructed using qILs provide a powerful system to study the ecological effects of individual floral scent compounds under largely natural environments. In Capsella, individual benzaldehyde and β‐ocimene emission may act as attractants for different types of pollinators.
Anticoagulant therapies against sepsis‐induced disseminated intravascular coagulation
Authors: Umemura Yutaka , Nishida Takeshi , Yamakawa Kazuma , Ogura Hiroshi , Oda Jun , Fujimi Satoshi
Published: September 2023

Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is a frequent but lethal complication in sepsis. Anticoagulant therapies, such as heparin, antithrombin, activated protein C, and recombinant human‐soluble thrombomodulin, were expected to regulate the progression of coagulopathy in sepsis. Although a number of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have evaluated the survival effects of these therapies over the past few decades, there remains no consistent evidence showing a significant survival benefit of anticoagulant therapies. Currently, anticoagulant therapies are not conducted as a standard treatment against sepsis in many countries and regions. However, most of these RCTs were performed overall in patients with sepsis but not in those with sepsis‐induced DIC, who were theoretically the optimal target population of anticoagulants. Actually, multiple lines of evidence from observational studies and meta‐analyses of the RCTs have suggested that anticoagulant therapies might reduce mortality only when used in septic DIC. In addition, the severity of illness is another essential factor that maximally affects the efficacy of the therapy. Therefore, to provide evidence on the true effect of anticoagulant therapies, the next RCTs must be designed to enroll only patients with sepsis‐induced overt DIC and a high severity of illness. To prepare these future RCTs, a novel scientific infrastructure for accurate detection of patients who can receive maximal benefit from anticoagulant therapies also needs to be established.