bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Ottawa clinical fear of recurrence instruments: A screener, self‐report, and clinical interview
Authors: Giguère Lauriane , Mutsaers Brittany , Harris Cheryl , Smith Allan ‘Ben’ , Humphris Gerald M. , Costa Daniel , Kogan Cary S. , Simard Sébastien , Lebel Sophie ,   FORWARDS
Published: June 2024

Objective

Clinical fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) was recently defined by a group of experts during a Delphi study. Five criteria were agreed upon, namely: (a) high levels of preoccupation, (b) high levels of worry, (c) that are persistent, (d) hypervigilance and hypersensitivity to physical sensations that e) may result in functional impairment. No existing instruments comprehensively capture all these criteria for clinical FCR.

Methods

To remedy this gap, a set of three patient‐reported outcome instruments including a one‐item screener, self‐report questionnaire, and semi‐structured clinical interview, named the Ottawa Clinical Fear of Recurrence instruments, were developed. To do so, the research team first conducted a literature review of potential items. Additional FCR experts discussed the content of the screener and interview. The self‐report's items were assessed for content validity by the same expert panel using Likert ratings and the Content Validity Index to narrow down the number of items. The three instruments were piloted with a group of cancer survivors to assess face validity following the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer recommendations.

Results

The literature review and content validity assessment led to a final draft pre‐pilot of 23 potential items for the self‐report questionnaire. The instruments were piloted. Pilot study participants suggested changing wording and response options (particularly for the self‐report) for greater clarity.

Conclusions

Based on the feedback received, minor modifications were made, mostly for the self‐report. In general, content and face validity for the three instruments were good for both experts and cancer survivors.
Data driven discovery and quantification of hyperspectral leaf reflectance phenotypes across a maize diversity panel
Authors: Tross Michael C. , Grzybowski Marcin W. , Jubery Talukder Z. , Grove Ryleigh J. , Nishimwe Aime V. , Torres‐Rodriguez J. Vladimir , Sun Guangchao , Ganapathysubramanian Baskar , Ge Yufeng , Schnable James C.
Published: June 2024

Estimates of plant traits derived from hyperspectral reflectance data have the potential to efficiently substitute for traits, which are time or labor intensive to manually score. Typical workflows for estimating plant traits from hyperspectral reflectance data employ supervised classification models that can require substantial ground truth datasets for training. We explore the potential of an unsupervised approach, autoencoders, to extract meaningful traits from plant hyperspectral reflectance data using measurements of the reflectance of 2151 individual wavelengths of light from the leaves of maize (Zea mays) plants harvested from 1658 field plots in a replicated field trial. A subset of autoencoder‐derived variables exhibited significant repeatability, indicating that a substantial proportion of the total variance in these variables was explained by difference between maize genotypes, while other autoencoder variables appear to capture variation resulting from changes in leaf reflectance between different batches of data collection. Several of the repeatable latent variables were significantly correlated with other traits scored from the same maize field experiment, including one autoencoder‐derived latent variable (LV8) that predicted plant chlorophyll content modestly better than a supervised model trained on the same data. In at least one case, genome‐wide association study hits for variation in autoencoder‐derived variables were proximal to genes with known or plausible links to leaf phenotypes expected to alter hyperspectral reflectance. In aggregate, these results suggest that an unsupervised, autoencoder‐based approach can identify meaningful and genetically controlled variation in high‐dimensional, high‐throughput phenotyping data and link identified variables back to known plant traits of interest.
Efficacy of steam and diatomaceous earth dust against the tropical bed bug Cimex hemipterus (F.) under laboratory and field conditions
Authors: Kong Delong , Xie Ying , Wang Zitong , Shi Daxia , Liang Qiling , Fan Min , Lyu Lingling , Xu Xu , Guo Hui , Jia Chunsheng , Wang Changlu , Wang Desen
Published: June 2024

BACKGROUND

Over the past two decades, bed bugs (Cimex spp.) have resurged as common urban pests around the world. The search for efficient and safe control measures has become a key interest among researchers, manufacturers, and pest control professionals. In this study, we evaluated and compared the efficacy of steam, diatomaceous earth (DE) dust, and a combination of both against tropical bed bugs (Cimex hemipterus (F.)) under laboratory and field conditions.

RESULTS

In the laboratory study, the mortality of bed bugs after 2 days of exposure to DE dust was 100%. When bed bugs stayed on the surface of an object or in cracks, a brief steam treatment (1 s) caused 100% mortality. However, when bed bugs were hidden under a fabric cover, steam application for 10 s only caused 89 ± 6% mortality. Bed bugs that survived steam treatment exhibited reduced feeding activity. In a 14‐week long study, there was no significant difference in the reduction rate of bed bugs between steam treatment and DE dust treatment. A 37‐week long control study showed that steam and steam plus DE dust treatments eliminated 97–100% of the infestations.

CONCLUSION

Applying steam and DE dust are effective strategies for eliminating natural tropical bed bug infestations. Continuous follow‐up monitoring and treatment until no bed bugs are found are crucial in completely eliminating the infestation of tropical bed bugs. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Low‐Intensity and Low‐Temperature Effects on the Upright Metamorphic Four‐Junction Solar Cells
Authors: Zhou Jiaming , Zhao Kelun , Zhang Yanqing , Liu Chaoming , Li Xinyi , Sun Lijie , Zheng Hongquan , Qi Chunhua , Ma Guoliang , Wang Tianqi , Huo Mingxue
Published: June 2024

Upright metamorphic four junctions solar cells are evaluated under different low‐intensity and low‐temperature conditions. The efficiency findings near the Earth's orbit (1 sun, 300 K), Jupiter (0.032 sun, 123 K), and Saturn (0.01 sun, 100 K) are 26.54%, 29.68%, and 28.27%, respectively. According to the single diode model, Jsc is linear with light intensity (I), while Voc is linear with the natural logarithm of light intensity (ln(I)). Voc shows a linear relationship with temperature within the range of 150 to 300 K, with a temperature coefficient of ≈−7.7 mV K−1. However, Voc displays a sublinear relationship with temperatures below 150 K.
Severe bronchospasm and acute respiratory failure associated with inhaled prostacyclin therapy
Authors: Steinbacher Donna , Murray Brian , Devlin Thomas , Carson Shannon S. , Ford H. James
Published: June 2024

Prostacyclin therapy is a mainstay of the management of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Inhaled prostacyclins present safe and effective options for the management of PAH that limit systemic side effects. We describe the first reported case of life‐threatening bronchospasm and acute respiratory failure associated with inhaled prostacyclin administration.
Superconducting Diode Effect in a Constricted Nanowire
Authors: Zhang Xiaofu , Huan Qingchang , Ma Ruoyan , Zhang Xingyu , Huang Jia , Liu Xiaoyu , Peng Wei , Li Hao , Wang Zhen , Xie Xiaoming , You Lixing
Published: June 2024

Due to isotropic superconducting properties and the lack of breaking of inversion symmetry for conventional s‐wave superconductors, a nonreciprocal superconducting diode effect is absent. Recently, a series of superconducting structures, including superconducting superlattice, and quantum‐material‐based superconducting Josephson junction, have exhibited a superconducting diode effect in terms of polarity‐dependent critical current. However, due to complex structures, these composite systems are not able to construct large‐scale integrated superconducting circuits. Here, it is demonstrated that the minimal superconducting electric component‐superconducting nanowire‐based diode with a nonreciprocal transport effect under a perpendicular magnetic field, in which the superconducting to normal metallic phase transition relies on the polarity and amplitude of the bias current. These nanowire diodes can be reliably operated near at all temperatures below the critical temperature, and the rectification efficiency at 2 K can be more than 24%. Moreover, the superconducting nanowire diode is able to rectify both square wave and sine wave signals. Combining the superconducting nanowire‐based diodes and transistors, superconducting nanowires hold the possibility to construct novel low‐dissipation superconducting integrated circuits.
Progesterone resistance in endometriosis: A pathophysiological perspective and potential treatment alternatives
Authors: Tang Hsiao‐Chien , Lin Ting‐Chien , Wu Meng‐Hsing , Tsai Shaw‐Jenq
Published: June 2024

Background

Endometriosis is a common gynecological disease affecting women of reproductive age. Patients with endometriosis frequently experience severe chronic pain and have higher chances to experience infertility. Progesterone resistance is a major problem that develops during the medical treatment of endometriosis, which often leads to treatment failure of hormonal therapies. Previous studies indicated that the dysregulation of progesterone receptors (PR) is the primary factor leading to progesterone resistance in endometriosis.

Methods

This review article systematically reviewed and summarized findings extracted from previously published papers available on PubMed, encompassing both experimental studies and clinical trials.

Main findings

Various determinants influencing PR expression in endometriosis have been identified, including the environmental toxins, microRNAs, cell signaling pathways, genetic mutations, and the pro‐inflammatory cytokines. The selective estrogen/progesterone receptor modulators have emerged as novel therapeutic approaches for treating endometriosis, offering potential improvements in overcoming progesterone resistance.

Conclusion

Concerns and limitations persist despite the newly developed drugs. Therefore, studies on unraveling new therapeutic targets based on the molecular mechanisms of progesterone resistance is warranted for the development potential alternatives to overcome hormonal treatment failure in endometriosis.
Immersion and invariance orbital stabilization of underactuated mechanical systems with collocated pre‐feedback
Authors: Romero Jose Guadalupe , Yi Bowen
Published: June 2024

In this note we study the generation of non‐trivial oscillations of a class of mechanical systems with underactuation one. The proposed design consists of two terms, that is, a partial linearizing state feedback, and an immersion and invariance orbital stabilization controller. The first step is adopted to simplify analysis and design, however, bringing an additional difficulty that the model loses its Euler–Lagrange structure after the collocated pre‐feedback. To address this, we propose a constructive solution to the orbital stabilization problem via a smooth controller in an analytic form, and the model class identified in the article is characterized via some easily a priori verifiable assumptions on the inertia matrix and the potential energy function.
Tracking control for a class of fully actuated systems on manifolds with impulsive effects
Authors: Huang Qinbo , Sun Jitao
Published: June 2024

In this paper, the tracking control problem of the fully actuated rigid body system defined on the matrix Lie groups with impulsive effects is considered. By embedding the impulsive control systems defined on manifolds into Euclidean space via a feedback integrator, we obtain sufficient conditions for the invariance and attractivity of the manifolds. Then the embedding technique is applied to the fully actuated rigid body system with impulsive effects. The study of such a system with impulsive effects can be divided into impulsive disturbance problems and impulsive control problems, both of which are addressed in this paper. In the presence of impulsive disturbances, we realize the tracking target by the Lyapunov functions as well as the generalized Barbalat's Lemma. For the impulsive control problem, a controller containing impulsive input is designed for tracking control based on the high‐order fully actuated system approach. Finally, several examples demonstrate the effectiveness of the results presented in this paper.
Sediment contributions from a low‐head dam failure on the Big Blue River near Marysville, KS
Authors: Mansfield Michael , Shelley John , Haring Christopher
Published: June 2024

The purpose of this research is to analyze the headcut propagation and downstream sediment yield as a result of a low‐head dam failure. While frameworks have been presented elsewhere to track headcut propagation from a dam failure/removal, little research has been conducted to calculate the downstream sediment yield of the resulting headcut. The sediment yield is of particular interest when a reservoir is located downstream of the headcut. This paper estimates the increased sediment yield to Tuttle Creek Lake as a result of a low‐head dam failure on the Big Blue River. From 2018 to 2022, the headcut contributed an estimated 859,000 m3 of sediment to Tuttle Creek Lake. Erosion is unlikely to continue due to the presence of natural grade control provided by boulder riffles and bedrock.
A seamless phase II/III design with dose optimization for oncology drug development
Authors: Li Yuhan , Zhang Yiding , Mi Gu , Lin Ji
Published: June 2024

The US FDA's Project Optimus initiative that emphasizes dose optimization prior to marketing approval represents a pivotal shift in oncology drug development. It has a ripple effect for rethinking what changes may be made to conventional pivotal trial designs to incorporate a dose optimization component. Aligned with this initiative, we propose a novel seamless phase II/III design with dose optimization (SDDO framework). The proposed design starts with dose optimization in a randomized setting, leading to an interim analysis focused on optimal dose selection, trial continuation decisions, and sample size re‐estimation (SSR). Based on the decision at interim analysis, patient enrollment continues for both the selected dose arm and control arm, and the significance of treatment effects will be determined at final analysis. The SDDO framework offers increased flexibility and cost‐efficiency through sample size adjustment, while stringently controlling the Type I error. This proposed design also facilitates both accelerated approval (AA) and regular approval in a “one‐trial” approach. Extensive simulation studies confirm that our design reliably identifies the optimal dosage and makes preferable decisions with a reduced sample size while retaining statistical power.
Studies on the CO2 Adsorption of Li‐Containing Porous Carbon Materials with Supported CuO
Authors: Liu Kaiqiang , Li Honghao , Tuniyazi Gulimeikereyi , Tuerxun Nasiman
Published: June 2024

In this study, Li‐containing porous carbon materials were prepared from terephthalic acid and lithium hydroxide, and then loaded with different contents of copper oxide. After these materials were fully characterized with X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, Raman spectrum, nitrogen adsorption and desorption, and CO2‐TPD, their CO2 capture performance was measured. Results showed that the CO2 capture capacity of CuO(0.75)/LiC at 0 °C under 1 bar was as high as 142.8 mg‐CO2 g−1. However, excess CuO significantly reduced CO2 capture performance of the material. For example, the maximum adsorption capacity of CuO(2)/LiC was only 119.7 mg‐CO2 g−1. Meanwhile, with CO2/N2 mixed gas, these materials had significantly and selectively higher CO2 adsorption capacity over N2. Additionally, all of these lithium‐containing carbon‐based porous materials with supported copper oxide, including CuO(0.75)/LiC, could effectively capture CO2 with high selectivity and reproducibility.
Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents (NADES): Manufacture, Characteristics, and Their Significance as Designer Solvents
Authors: Satija Pinky , Chambyal Anamika , Singh Gurleen , Ritvik  , Singh Gurjaspreet , Devi Swati , Singh Jandeep
Published: June 2024

To replace the hazardous organic solvents currently in use, one of the key objectives of green chemistry has been the development of green solvents obtained from natural sources. Natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES) are bio‐based natural compounds, namely primary metabolites like organic acids, sugar, alcohols, amines, and amino acids, which are acceptable to the environment and may eventually replace the conventionally used harsh organic solvents. This study focuses on the recent developments in the realm of these innovative materials as well as the conventional deep eutectic solvents (DES)‐based techniques. A more in‐depth examination of DES's applications in various chemical processes is covered after a description of its definition, manufacture, and unique characteristics. Their significance as designer solvents in various organic reactions and their impact on production methods are addressed.
Fabrication of Hollow CoP/FeP Nanocatalysts from Metal‐Organic Frameworks for Oxygen Reduction and Evolution Reactions
Authors: Qian Shangzhi , Wang Qiuju , Zhou Tianyou , Jing Maoxiang , Wang Chunhui , Li Longwei , Zou Lianli
Published: June 2024

The morphology and composition of nanocatalysts influence greatly on catalytic activities of both oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen revolution reaction (OER). Via a thermal transformation of core‐shelled metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs), we synthesized a hollow nanocomposite containing highly distributed CoP and FeP nanoparticles (h‐FeCoP) on a shell, which was used as the catalysts for electrochemical reactions, and showed superb catalytic performances with an overpotential of 329 mV for OER and a half‐wave potential of 0.85 V for ORR, comparable to those of noble metal nanocatalysts. The interactions between CoP and FeP, and the effects of carbon contents on catalytic reactions were investigated. Finally, a rechargeable zinc‐air battery using h‐FeCoP as a cathode material was constructed and tested, which could be used as a power source for overall water splitting.
Chemical and Imaging Analysis of Questioned Document Paper by FTIR, ICP and Video Spectral Comparator (VSC) for Forensic Discrimination
Authors: Kizil Soner
Published: June 2024

Forensic document examination has been considered one of the most important fields in the forensic science. For this, a quick, effective, and cheap techniques for evaluation of forensic evidence is highly required. This study explores the comparison of A4 document paper by chemical and physical analysis. 16 of white A4 paper from different brands were analyzed by FTIR for investigation of structural characteristics. Video Spectral Comparator 8000 has been used to compare the A4 papers under different light source. The inorganic filler composition in the paper is also explored by ICP‐OES. The calcium carbonate content in document papers play a discriminant role which found to be between 16.02 % and 35.54 %. Also, water contact angle has been utilized in order to examine the surface of paper which is generally related to the inorganic filler and other additives. The WCA results ranged between 83° and 111° that enable quick and easy way to compare A4 document papers. The experimental results have demonstrated that besides FTIR methods, other methods such as ICP‐OES for elemental composition, WCA for wetting test, VSC for visualization under different light of source could have been applied for comparison of document papers in case of criminal cases.
Development of 1D‐Metalloid‐Induced Highly Porous Carbon Nanofiber Conjugated with PEDOT Polymer Through Concurrent Selenization of ZIF‐67 for Energy Storage and Green H2 Production
Authors: Karingula Sampath , Kummari Shekher , Kotagiri Yugender Goud , Bhookya Thirupathi , Gobi K.Vengatajalabathy
Published: June 2024

Manufacturing high‐performance and cost‐affordable non‐metallic, electroactive 1D carbon material for energy storage and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is of foremost importance to respond positively to the impending energy crisis. Porous N‐doped carbon nanofiber (PNCNF) is successfully synthesized by electrospinning, using selenium nanoparticles as a sacrificial template (where Se is reutilized for ZIF‐67 selenization as a bi‐process, and the surface of PNCNF is modified with poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) (PNCNT/PEDOT) by electropolymerization. The prepared materials are found ideal for energy storage (supercapacitor) and electrocatalysis (HER). The bi‐functional material has shown excellent energy storage capability with the specific capacitance (CS) of 230 F g−1 (PNCNF) and 395 F g−1 (PNCNF/PEDOT), and the symmetric supercapacitor device, PNCNF/PEDOT//PEDOT/PNCNF, exhibits 32.4 Wh kg−1 energy density at 14400 W kg−1 power density with 96.6% Coulombic efficiency and 106% CS at the end of 5000 charge–discharge cycles. The rate capability of the symmetric supercapacitor cell of PNCNF/PEDOT is 51% for the current density increase from 1 to 8 A g−1, while that of PNCNF is a meager 29% only. Electrocatalytic HER at the PNCNF electrode is achieved with an overpotential of 281 mV@10 mA cm−2 relative to the Pt/C electrode and a low Tafel slop value of 96 mV dec−1.
Doping‐Engineered Piezoelectric Ultrathin Nanosheets for Synergistically Piezo‐Chemocatalytic Antitumor and Antibacterial Therapies Against Cutaneous Melanoma
Authors: Jing Luxia , Zhuang Fan , Feng Wei , Huang Hui , Chen Yu , Huang Beijian
Published: June 2024

The post‐surgical melanoma recurrence and wound infections have persistently troubled clinical management. Piezocatalytic therapy features high efficiency in generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) for tumor therapy, but it faces limitations in piezoelectricity and redox‐active site availability. Herein, Fe‐doped ultrathin Bi4Ti3O12 nanosheets (designated as Fe‐UBTO NSs) with synergistically piezo‐chemocatalytic activity are engineered for antitumor and antibacterial treatment against cutaneous melanoma. The doping‐engineered strategy induces oxygen vacancies and lattice distortions in Fe‐UBTO NSs, which narrows bandgap to enhance piezocatalytic 1O2 and H2O2 generation by improving the electron‐hole pairs separation, hindering their recombination, and increasing oxygen adsorption. Moreover, Fe doping establishes a piezo‐chemocatalytic system, in which the piezocatalysis enables the self‐supply of H2O2 and expedites electron transfer in Fenton reactions, inducing increased ·OH production. Besides, the atomic‐level thickness and expanded surface area enhance the sensitivity to ultrasound stimuli and expose more redox‐active sites, augmenting the piezo‐chemocatalytic efficiency, and ultimately leading to abundant ROS generation. The Fe‐UBTO‐mediated piezo‐chemocatalytic therapy causes intracellular oxidative stress, triggering apoptosis and excessive autophagy of tumor cells. Moreover, this strategy accelerates wound healing by facilitating sterilization, angiogenesis, and collagen deposition. This work provides distinct options to develop doping‐engineered ultrathin nanosheets with augmented piezo‐chemocatalytic activity for postoperative management of cutaneous melanoma.
Highly Biocompatible Antibacterial Hydrogel for Wearable Sensing of Macro and Microscale Human Body Motions
Authors: Cheng Hsin , Keerthika Devi Ramadhass , Huang Kuan‐Yeh , Ganesan Muthusankar , Ravi Sai Kishore , Lin Chun Che
Published: June 2024

Flexible electronics, like electronic skin (e‐skin), rely on stretchable conductive materials that integrate diverse components to enhance mechanical, electrical, and interfacial properties. However, poor biocompatibility, bacterial infections, and limited compatibility of functional additives within polymer matrices hinder healthcare sensors' performance. This study addresses these challenges by developing an antibacterial hydrogel using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), konjac glucomannan (KGM), borax (B), and flower‐shaped silver nanoparticles (F‐AgNPs), referred as PKB/F‐AgNPs hydrogel. The developed hydrogel forms a hierarchical network structure, with a tensile strength of 96 kPa, 83% self‐healing efficiency within 60 minutes, and 128% cell viability in Cell Counting Kit‐8 (CCK‐8) assays, indicating excellent biocompatibility. It also shows strong antibacterial efficacy against Gram‐negative Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Gram‐positive Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). Blue light irradiation enhances its antibacterial activity by 1.3‐fold for E. coli and 2.2‐fold for S. aureus. The hydrogel's antibacterial effectiveness is assessed by monitoring changes in electrical conductivity, providing a cost‐effective alternative to traditional microbial culture assays. The PKB/F‐AgNPs hydrogel's flexibility and electrical conductivity enable it to function as strain sensors for detecting body movements and facial expressions. This antibacterial hydrogel underscores its potential for future human‐machine interfaces and wearable electronics.
Biomimetic Leaf‐Vein Aerogel for Electromagnetic Wave Absorption and Thermal Superinsulation
Authors: Gu Haodong , Tian Li , Zhang Qiuqi , You Xiao , Wang Mengmeng , Dong Shaoming , Yang Jinshan
Published: June 2024

Electromagnetic protection in extreme environments requires materials with excellent thermal insulation capability and mechanical property to withstand severe temperature fluctuations and complex external stresses. Achieving strong electromagnetic wave absorption (EMA) while sustaining these exceptional properties remains a significant challenge. Herein, a facile approach is demonstrated to fabricate a biomimetic leaf‐vein MXene/CNTs/PI (MCP) aerogel with parallel venations through bidirectional freeze‐casting method. Due to its multi‐arch lamellar structure and parallel venations within the aerogel layers, the ultralight MCP aerogel (16.9 mg·cm−3) achieves a minimum reflection loss (RLmin) of −75.8 dB and a maximum effective absorption bandwidth (EABmax) of 7.14 GHz with an absorber content of only 2.4 wt%, which also exhibits superelasticity and structural stability over a wide temperature range from −196 to 400 °C. Moreover, this unique structure facilitates rapid heat dissipation within the layers, while significantly impeding heat transfer between adjacent layers, achieving an ultralow thermal conductivity of 15.3 mW·m−1·K−1 for thermal superinsulation. The combination of excellent EMA performance, robust structural stability, and thermal superinsulation provides a potential design scheme under extreme conditions, especially in aerospace applications.
Kiwi‐Inspired Rational Nanoarchitecture with Intensified and Discrete Magneto‐Fluorescent Functionalities for Ultrasensitive Point‐of‐Care Immunoassay
Authors: Li Daquan , Ao Lijiao , Hu Rong , Zhang Xueqiang , Huang Liang , Jiang Chenxing , Gao Guosheng , Shen Zhenlu , Hu Jun , Wang Jing
Published: June 2024

Fluorescent lateral flow immunoassays (FLFIA) is a well‐established rapid detection technique for quantitative analysis. However, achieving accurate analysis of biomarkers at the pg mL−1 level using FLFIA still poses challenges. Herein, an ultrasensitive FLFIA platform is reported utilizing a kiwi‐type magneto‐fluorescent silica nanohybrid (designated as MFS) that serves as both a target‐enrichment substrate and an optical signal enhancement label. The spatially‐layered architecture comprises a Fe3O4 core, an endocarp‐fibers like dendritic mesoporous silica, seed‐like quantum dots, and a kiwi‐flesh like silica matrix. The MFS demonstrates heightened fluorescence brightness, swift magnetic response, excellent size uniformity, and dispersibility in water. Through liquid‐phase capturing and fluorescence‐enhanced signal amplification, as well as magnetic‐enrichment sample amplification and magnetic‐separation noise reduction, the MFS‐based FLFIA is successfully applied to the detection of cardiac troponin I that achieved a limit of detection at 8.4 pg mL−1, tens of times lower than those of previously published fluorescent and colorimetric lateral flow immunoassays. This work offers insights into the strategic design of magneto‐fluorescent synergetic signal amplification on LFIA platform and underscores their prospects in high‐sensitive rapid and on‐site diagnosis of biomarkers.
Zwitterion Intercalated Manganese Dioxide Nanosheets as High‐Performance Cathode Materials for Aqueous Zinc Ion Batteries
Authors: Zhang Aina , Yin Xiuxiu , Saadoune Ismael , Wei Yingjin , Wang Yizhan
Published: June 2024

In this study, a novel approach is introduced to address the challenges associated with structural instability and sluggish reaction kinetics of δ‐MnO2 in aqueous zinc ion batteries. By leveraging zwitterionic betaine (Bet) for intercalation, a departure from traditional cation intercalation methods, Bet‐intercalated MnO2 (MnO2‐Bet) is synthesized. The positively charged quaternary ammonium groups in Bet form strong electrostatic interactions with the negatively charged oxygen atoms in the δ‐MnO2 layers, enhancing structural stability and preventing layer collapse. Concurrently, the negatively charged carboxylate groups in Bet facilitate the rapid diffusion of H+/Zn2+ ions through their interactions, thus improving reaction kinetics. The resulting MnO2‐Bet cathode demonstrates high specific capacity, excellent rate capability, fast reaction kinetics, and extended cycle life. This dual‐function intercalation strategy significantly optimizes the electrochemical performance of δ‐MnO2, establishing it as a promising cathode material for advanced aqueous zinc ion batteries.
Broadband Sound Absorption and High Damage Resistance in a Turtle Shell‐Inspired Multifunctional Lattice: Neural Network‐Driven Design and Optimization
Authors: Feng Jianbin , Qiao Jing , Xu Qishan , Wu Yingdan , Zhang Guangyu , Li Longqiu
Published: June 2024

Incorporating acoustic and mechanical properties into a single multifunctional structure has attracted considerable attention in engineering. However, effectively integrating these sound absorption properties and damage resistance to achieve multifunctional structural designs remains a great challenge due to imperfect design methods. In this study, the inherent mechanical properties of turtle shells by introducing dissipative pores are leveraged to present a lattice structure that possesses both excellent sound‐absorbing and high damage‐resistant characteristics. To achieve acoustic optimization design, a universal high‐fidelity neural network correction model is proposed to address the impedance calculation challenge in complex structures. Building upon this foundation, a multi‐cell combination design enables to achieve high absorption through optimization with a low thickness of 50 mm, resulting in average sound absorption coefficients reaching 0.88 and 0.93 within the frequency ranges of 300–600 Hz and 500–1000 Hz, respectively. It is also found that the optimized structures exhibit exceptional damage resistance under varying relative densities via the coupling effect of the shell thickness on the acoustic and mechanical properties. Overall, this work introduces a novel paradigm for designing intricate multifunctional structures with acoustic and mechanical properties while providing valuable inspiration for future research on multifunctional structure design.
Electrolyte‐Enabled High‐Voltage Operation of a Low‐Nickel, Low‐Cobalt Layered Oxide Cathode for High Energy Density Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Yi Michael , Sim Richard , Manthiram Arumugam
Published: June 2024

The lithium‐ion battery industry acknowledges the need to reduce expensive metals, such as cobalt and nickel, due to supply chain challenges. However, doing so can drastically reduce the overall battery energy density, attenuating the driving range for electric vehicles. Cycling to higher voltages can increase the capacity and energy density but will consequently exacerbate cell degradation due to the instability at high voltages. Herein, an advanced localized high‐concentration electrolyte (LHCE) is utilized to enable long‐term cycling of a low‐Ni, low‐Co layered oxide cathode LiNi0.60Mn0.31Co0.07Al0.02O2 (NMCA) in full cells with graphite or graphite‐silicon anodes at 4.5 V (≈4.6 vs Li+/Li). NMCA cells with the LHCE deliver a high initial capacity of 194 mA h g−1 at C/10 rate along with 73% capacity retention after 400 cycles compared to 49% retention in a baseline carbonate electrolyte. This is facilitated by reduced impedance growth, active material loss, and gas evolution with the NMCA cathode. These improvements are attributed to the formation of robust, inorganic‐rich interphase layers on both the cathode and anode throughout cycling, which are induced by a favorable salt decomposition in the LHCE. This study demonstrates the efficacy of electrolytes toward facilitating the operation of high‐energy‐density, long‐life, and cost‐effective cathodes.
Compartmentalized CRISPR Reactions (CCR) for High‐Throughput Screening of Guide RNA Potency and Specificity
Authors: Supakar Tinku , Herring‐Nicholas Ashley , Josephs Eric A.
Published: June 2024

CRISPR ribonucleoproteins (RNPs) use a variable segment in their guide RNA (gRNA) called a spacer to determine the DNA sequence at which the effector protein will exhibit nuclease activity and generate target‐specific genetic mutations. However, nuclease activity with different gRNAs can vary considerably in a spacer sequence‐dependent manner that can be difficult to predict. While computational tools are helpful in predicting a CRISPR effector's activity and/or potential for off‐target mutagenesis with different gRNAs, individual gRNAs must still be validated in vitro prior to their use. Here, the study presents compartmentalized CRISPR reactions (CCR) for screening large numbers of spacer/target/off‐target combinations simultaneously in vitro for both CRISPR effector activity and specificity by confining the complete CRISPR reaction of gRNA transcription, RNP formation, and CRISPR target cleavage within individual water‐in‐oil microemulsions. With CCR, large numbers of the candidate gRNAs (output by computational design tools) can be immediately validated in parallel, and the study shows that CCR can be used to screen hundreds of thousands of extended gRNA (x‐gRNAs) variants that can completely block cleavage at off‐target sequences while maintaining high levels of on‐target activity. It is expected that CCR can help to streamline the gRNA generation and validation processes for applications in biological and biomedical research.
Active Assembly of CsPbBr3 Nanorods into Microcolumns by Electric Field in Nonpolar Solvent
Authors: Pan Shuhan , Yang Lijie , Zhou Yao , Cao Huimin , Hu Wei , Zhang Weihua , Lu Zhenda
Published: June 2024

High‐precision, controllable, mass‐producible assembly of nanoparticles into complex structures or devices holds immense importance in the application across various fields but it remains challenging. Here a highly controllable and reversible active assembly of colloidal CsPbBr3 nanorods, driven by an external electric field is achieved. This approach enables the nanorods dynamically orient themselves, assemble into chains, aggregate into columns, and eventually form an ordered column array, with the electric field intensity varying from 0 to 50 V µm−1 at 100 kHz. The nanorods inside the columns align parallel to the electric field, leading to a well‐ordered structure. With the analysis of the interactions among the nanorods, a quantitative interpretation of the assembly is proposed. Monte Carlo calculation is also introduced to simulate the assembly process and the results prove to be in great agreement with the experimental observations. This electric field‐driven assembly presents an exciting opportunity to pave the way for next‐generation sensors and photonic devices based on well‐developed colloidal nanoparticles.
Cisplatin‐coordinated copolythiophene for synergistic chemotherapy and sonodynamic therapy of tumor
Authors: Tang Yuanyu , Pang E. , Zhu Pan , Tan Qiuxia , Zhao Shaojing , Wang Benhua , Yao Chaoyi , Song Xiangzhi , Lan Minhuan
Published: June 2024

Sonodynamic therapy (SDT) is a novel cancer treatment type showing the advantages of high tissue penetration ability, non‐invasion, low systemic toxicity, and high selectivity. However, SDT depends on ultrasound (US) irradiation; once US is turned off, the sonosensitizer will stop producing reactive oxygen species (ROS). Moreover, most sonosensitizers generate oxygen‐dependent ROS, that is, singlet oxygen (1O2), significantly limiting the therapeutic effect of SDT in treating deep and hypoxic tumor. Therefore, combining SDT with other treatment modalities is essential. Here, we designed and synthesized a series of cisplatin‐coordinated copolythiophenes (CPT‐Pts), simultaneously generating 1O2, superoxide anion, and hydroxyl radicals for synergistic chemotherapy and SDT of tumor. The sonodynamic toxicity and cytotoxicity of CPT‐Pts were accurately regulated by tuning the monomer ratio of the polythiophene. This copolymerization strategy avoids the side effects originating from the high‐dose chemotherapy drug while making up for limiting SDT relying on ultrasonic activation, effectively inhibiting cancer cells and tumors.
Pseudo‐Wet Plasma Mechanism Enabling High‐Throughput Dry Etching of SiO2 by Cryogenic‐Assisted Surface Reactions
Authors: Hsiao Shih‐Nan , Sekine Makoto , Britun Nikolay , Mo Michael K. T. , Imai Yusuke , Tsutsumi Takayoshi , Ishikawa Kenji , Iijima Yuki , Suda Ryutaro , Yokoi Masahiko , Kihara Yoshihide , Hori Masaru
Published: June 2024

Manufacturing semiconductor devices requires advanced patterning technologies, including reactive ion etching (RIE) based on the synergistic interactions between ions and etch gas. However, these interactions weaken as devices continuously scale down to sub‐nanoscale, primarily attributed to the diminished transport of radicals and ions into the small features. This leads to a significant decrease in etch rate (ER). Here, a novel synergistic interaction involving ions, surface‐adsorbed chemistries, and materials at cryogenic temperatures is found to exhibit a significant increase in the ER of SiO2 using CF4/H2 plasmas. The ER increases twofold when plasma with H2/(CF4 + H2) = 33% is used and the substrate temperature is lowered from 20 to −60 °C. The adsorption of HF and H2O on the SiO2 surface at cryogenic temperatures is confirmed using in situ Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The synergistic interactions of the surface‐adsorbed HF/H2O as etching catalysts and plasma species result in the ER enhancement. Therefore, a mechanism called “pseudo‐wet plasma etching” is proposed to explain the cryogenic etching process. This synergy demonstrates that the enhanced etch process is determined by the surface interactions between ions, surface‐adsorbed chemistry, and the material being etched, rather than interactions between ion and gas phase, as observed in the conventional RIE.
Influence of Ausforming on the Micro‐ and Nanostructure of PH 13‐8 Mo Maraging Steels
Authors: Rosenauer Andreas , Krammer Klaus , Stadler Manfred , Turk Christoph , Schnitzer Ronald
Published: June 2024

Herein, the potential of using the thermomechanical treatment ausforming to optimize the microstructure of PH 13‐8 Mo maraging steels is investigated. Of particular interest are the effects on the formation of β‐NiAl precipitates and reverted austenite during subsequent aging. Ausforming experiments at deformation temperatures of 400 and 600 °C and strains of 40% and 70% are conducted using a deformation dilatometer. Afterward, the samples are subjected to aging at temperatures varying from 482 to 593 °C. This is followed by a thorough microstructural characterization ranging from light optical microscopy to X‐Ray diffraction and atom probe tomography. The results demonstrate that ausforming effectively refines the microstructure, resulting in a significant increase in hardness. Moreover, it is revealed that the ausforming parameters have a noticeable influence on the number density of β‐NiAl precipitates and the amount of reverted austenite. A well‐balanced microstructure containing relatively fine precipitates and a high amount of reverted austenite can be achieved by ausforming at 600 °C with 40% strain. Overall, the results prove a promising potential of ausforming for PH 13‐8 Mo maraging steels with regard to tailoring optimized microstructures, which could ultimately benefit the aerospace industry where these alloys are used.
Characterization of Functionally Graded Material (Stainless Steel 347/308L) Fabricated through Wire and Arc Additive Manufacturing: Microstructure and Mechanical Perspectives
Authors: Thirugnanasambandam Arunkumar , Subramaniyan Mohan Kumar , Hariharan Manikandan
Published: June 2024

This study investigates the fabrication and mechanical assessment of functionally graded material (FGM) walls using metal inert welding‐based wire and arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) technology. The research utilizes stainless steel (SS) 308L and SS 347 filler wires to create FGM, which offers a smooth gradient of diverse material properties, enhancing its functional versatility. The FGM, made from a combination of 308L and 347 filler wires, exhibits superior mechanical attributes, including a tensile strength (TS) of 632.1 ± 6.1 MPa, making it a preferred choice for application prioritizing mechanical performance. Compared to WAAM‐processed SS 347 (TS: 559.4 ± 7.6), FGM consistently shows improved TS and retains ductility. Additionally, FGM displays a hardness of 239 HV, which is higher than the average hardness of SS 347 (226.2 HV). This improvement is attributed to microstructural changes influenced by cyclic thermal history, resulting in inhibited grain growth and formation of a dendritic structure and residual ferrite in WAAM‐processed FGM. The ferrite number in interface is measured to be 5.3. The study underscores the potential of FGM (SS 308L/SS 347) in fulfilling the requirements of engineering application such as pipelines, pressure vessels, and power plants, which demand superior mechanical properties.
Effect of Heat Input on the Metal Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Q960 High‐Strength Steel Solid Core Welding Wire
Authors: Zhu Zhiyuan , Min Liang , Xiao Bingzheng , Xue Lei , Zhao Shouzhong , Shen Jiabao , Xu Chaofan
Published: June 2024

The self‐developed Q960 high‐strength steel solid wire with different heat input is welded by MIG welding to solve the problem of insufficient low‐temperature toughness of Q960 steel weld. The effect of heat input on the microstructure and mechanical properties of butt welding deposited metal is studied in depth. The results show that the microstructure of deposited metal is composed of granular bainite (GB), degenerate upper bainite (DUB), martensite (M), and acicular ferrite (AF). DUB and M play key roles as strengthening phases, whereas GB and AF serve as primary toughening phases. Elevated heat input leads to a progressively rougher microstructure in the deposited metal. AF and DUB increase first and then decrease, GB increases and M decreases slightly. The inclusions conducive to AF nucleation are mainly composed of oxides of Mn, Si, Ti, and Mn sulfide with sizes between 100 and 500 nm. At a 14 kJ cm−1 heat input, the complex phase microstructure effectively refines the grain, and the high‐angle grain boundaries and ferrite interlocking structure optimize the strength and toughness balance of the deposited metals. The tensile strength measures 958 MPa, with the highest elongation at 19% and an average impact toughness of 50 J at −40 °C.
End‐Point Prediction of Converter Steelmaking Based on Main Process Data
Authors: Kang Yi , Zhao Jun‐xue , Li Bin , Ren Meng‐meng , Cao Geng , Yue Shen , An Bei‐qi
Published: June 2024

In this article, main process data, notably time–series data such as lance position patterns, are analyzed during converter steelmaking, and methodologies in data processing and transforming are proposed. In this study, utilizing both the transformed key time–series and primary static process data, the influence of various process parameters on the end‐point parameters of converter steelmaking is analyzed. Furthermore, it establishes predictive models for the end‐point content of carbon (C) and phosphorus (P), as well as the end‐point temperature. In the findings, it is indicated that the end‐point carbon content and temperature are primarily influenced by the oxygen flow pattern, lime addition pattern, and key smelting parameters. The end‐point phosphorus content is mainly affected by the oxygen flow pattern, limestone addition pattern, and dolomite addition pattern. Regarding the prediction of end‐point carbon and phosphorus content, and end‐point temperature, compared to seven sub‐models, the hybrid model demonstrates an average accuracy improvement of 37.88%, 25.03%, and 31.51%, respectively, and the end‐point hit rate improves by 18.77%, 19.59%, and 20.41%, respectively.
Liquid Metal Embrittlement Susceptibility of the Transformation‐Induced Plasticity Steel/Lead–Bismuth Eutectic System
Authors: Fitriani Cholidah Akbar , Claeys Lisa , Gavrilov Serguei , Verbeken Kim
Published: June 2024

Liquid metal embrittlement (LME) is one of the main concerns in the development of new generations of nuclear reactors, such as lead‐cooled fast reactor systems. Many research efforts have not been able to reveal the mechanisms responsible for having LME‐sensitive phases (ferrite/martensite) and LME‐insensitive phases (austenite). Transformation‐induced plasticity (TRIP) steels combine LME insensitive and sensitive phases but are not studied in lead–bismuth eutectic (LBE) yet. This work aims to investigate the LME susceptibility of TRIP steel in contact with LBE by slow strain rate tensile tests at 350 °C and strain rate. In addition, the role of the surface features on the LME susceptibility is also discussed. The obtained results show that TRIP steel is highly susceptible to LME. Corrosion by the liquid LBE, surface degradation effects due to the electrical discharge machining surface finish, the TRIP effect, and mechanical degradation by LBE are all identified to have a certain impact on this severe ductility reduction in the TRIP/LBE system.
On Drifting Apart: Temporality and Space in the Dissolution of Relationships
Authors: Liu Sida , Nasr Gihad
Published: June 2024

Sociologists have written thousands of pages on collective action but surprisingly little on how people and groups drift apart. Following the traditions of interactionist and processual sociology, this article develops a conceptual framework that explains the complex and dynamic social process of relationship dissolution. Our framework underscores three formal aspects of relationship dissolution: relational, temporal, and spatial. Though actors have agency in ending relationships, the physical and social spaces, in which they are located, as well as their varying access to those spaces, shape this process. Duration, frequency, rhythm, and synchronization, which are shaped by a series of events that influence the dynamics of interaction, characterize the temporality of relationship dissolution. The dissolution of relationships entails spatial and eventful changes to actors, their positions, and the nature of their interactions.