bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Metallic Contamination in Soils and Sediments in the Bétaré-Oya Gold Artisanal Mine District, East-Cameroon
Authors: Doumo Elvine Paternie Edjengte , Nga Léopold Ekengele , Ondoa Augustin Desire Balla , Lucien Dieudonné Bitom , Béllo Bienvenue , Bessa Armel Zacharie Ekoa
Published: August 2022

Mining is an activity that involves the use of chemicals and results in unsustainable and dangerous conditions for the miners, their families, the community and the surrounding ecosystem. This study was done to assess metallic contamination of soils and sediments in the Bétaré-Oya gold artisanal mine district, East-Cameroon. A total of thirty (30) samples of exploited soils, control soils and sediments were taken from the mining sites of Lom, Mbal and Mali. The concentrations of heavy metals and metalloids (Fe, Sr, Cu, As, Pb and Zn) were determined by Inductive Plasma Ionisation Source Atomic Emission Spectrometry. The results show that in the sediments metals such as: As (1.82), Cu (24.22), Pb (18.04) and Zn (65.69) have average concentrations slightly higher than the UCC and Average Shale reference values. In the exploited soil As (1.93), Cu (16.86) and Zn (96.22) have average concentrations slightly higher than the UCC and Average Shale reference values.While in the cotrol soils only As (1.62) and Zn (59.72) shows an average concentration slightly above the UCC reference values. The average concentrations of the different heavy metals and metalloids were then used to calculate the intensity of contamination in soils and sediments.  The results of this calculation indicate that the Enrichment Factor (EF) of As, Sr, Zn and Pb indicate an extremely high enrichment in these elements. The geo-accumulation Index (Igeo) (22.85-25), the Contamination (CF) (1.47), the low values of the ecological risk indices suggest a low potential ecological risk and Pollution load index (PLI) (0.67) indicates extreme contamination with these elements in the soils and sediments. However, only As indicates a slight contamination (class 1) in soils and sediments. Gold panning activities and untreated mine tailings discharges would be considered as the main sources of sediment and soil pollution in Bétaré-Oya.
Influence of Sea Weed Extract (Kappaphycus alverzii) and Zinc on Growth and Yield of Blackgram (Vigna mungo L.)
Authors: Manjula C. , Singh Shikha
Published: August 2022

A field experiment was conducted in Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Science, Prayagraj, (U.P), during the zaid season of 2022 with the objective to study the ‟Influence of sea weed extract (Kappaphycus alverzii) and Zinc on growth and yield of Blackgram (Vigna mungo L.)”. Pulses are an integral part of many diets across the globe and they have great potential to improve human health. Black gram crop grown in many parts of India. This crop is grown in the cropping systems as a mixed crop, catch crop, sequential crop besides growing as a sole crop under residual moisture conditions after the harvest of other summer crops under semi-irrigated and dry land conditions ,and the variety is shekar 2. The soil in the experimental plot was sandy loam in texture, pH (6.9), low in organic carbon (0.112%), available N(278.93 kg ha-1), available P (10.80 kg ha-1) and available K (206.4 kg ha-1).The layout of the experiment was done in a Randomized block design with nine treatments which is replicated thrice. The 3 levels of concentration of sea weed extract (Kappaphycus alverzii) (2%, 3%, 4%) foliar application and three levels of zinc (15,20,25 kg ha-1) soil application.Growth and yield parameters namely plant height, dry weight, pods plant-1, number of seeds pod-1, test weight, seed yield, Stover yield, harvest index were collected from this experiment. Results revealed that significantly higher plant height (24.2cm), dry weight (4.9), pods/plant (21.2), seeds/pod (5.7), seed yield (637.0 kg ha-1), Stover yield (873 kg ha-1) were recorded with treatment combination of 4%K sap + ZnSO4 25 kg ha-1 (treatment 9). Maximum gross return (82819.00 INR/ha), net returns (55880.00 INR/ha), and benefit cost (2.07) were obtained highest in the treatment combination of 4%K sap + ZnSO4 25 kg ha-1 (treatment 9).
Effect of Foliar Spraying of Nano Boron on Qualitative Parameters of Tomato Grown in Polybags
Authors: Rajani D. , Padma M. , Kumar M. Raj , Kiran A. , Vijaya M. , Padmaja G.
Published: August 2022

An experiment was conducted during kharif, 2020 to know about the effect of foliar application of nano boron on qualitative parameters of tomato. The experiment was laid out in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with nine treatments comprising different concentrations of nano boron (50, 100, 150, 200, 300, 400 and 500 ppm) boron (1g L-1) and control (Without boron application). Each treatment was replicated thrice. The foliar application of nano boron was done at 30 and 45 DAT. Nano boron 400 ppm (T7) recorded minimum values for TSS (4.10 oBrix), pH (4.45), total sugars (2.45%), reducing sugars (2.22%), lycopene content (5.85 mg 100g-1) and maximum values for ascorbic acid (24.02 mg 100g-1), titrable acidity (0.52%) and non-reducing sugars (0.23%). Whereas nano boron 500 ppm (T8) recorded significantly maximum TSS (5.30 oBrix), pH (4.74), total sugars (3.27%), reducing sugars (3.18%), lycopene content (7.03 mg 100g-1) and minimum values for ascorbic acid (19.60 mg 100g-1), titrable acidity (0.32%) and non-reducing sugars (0.09%).
Estimation of General and Specific Combining Ability Effects for Quality Protein Maize Inbred Lines
Authors: Mekasha Goshime Muluneh , Chere Adefris Teklewold , Ali Hussein Mohammed , Gissa Dagne Wegary , Seyoum Solomon Amassu
Published: August 2022

Background: Maize (Zea mays L.) plays a critical role in meeting high food demand. It is globally one of the most widely adapted and cultivated crops. Hybrid development from fixed inbred lines is one of the strategies for the improvement of maize production. The national average maize yield in Ethiopia is low and thus, selection of promising germplasm and knowledge of combining ability are prerequisites to developing high yielding maize varieties. Forty-two Quality Protein Maize (QPM) crosses (21 inbred lines each crossed with two testers) along with three popular standard hybrids were evaluated in two replications using alpha lattice during the 2017 cropping season at Ambo, Arsi-Negele, and Kulumsa. The objectives of this study were to identify lines with high GCA and estimate the SCA of crosses for grain yield, and other agronomic and morphological characters.

Results: Significant difference among crosses was observed for 19 traits at Ambo, 14 traits at Arsi-Negele, and 19 traits at Kulumsa in the hybrid trial. Regarding the GCA effect, L8 had a significant difference to the positive side with the highest magnitude of GCA effect at three locations (3.40, 2.03, and 1.88 GCA effect values at Arsi-Negele, Ambo, and Kulumsa, respectively) which is followed by L7 for GY. All crosses did not show a significant SCA effect for GY in both directions at Ambo and Arsi-Negele but at Kulumsa, five crosses: L2xT1(1.89), L13xT2(1.88), L7xT1(1.86), L4xT2(1.49) and L19xT1(1.41) showed significant difference. In the combined analysis for six traits, Additive gene action was more important which was manifested by a higher sum square contribution of DS (79.6) EPP (79.3%), EL (80.0%), KPR (80.1%), ED (78.5%) and TSW (79.1%).

Conclusion: Based on mean grain yield, and combining ability, L8xT2, L7xT1, L8xT1, L19xT1, L6xT2, and L18xT1 are promising crosses that could be forwarded for further use in maize breeding programs for further works.
Resistance in Pink Bollworm Pectinophora gossypiella (Saunders) against Bt Cotton, a Major Threat to Cotton in India: A Brief Review
Authors: Garg Ruby , Singh Bishan , Kargwal Raveena , Tiwari Sangeeta , Yadav Sunita , Jakhar Anil , Kumar Dalip , Sharma Bajrang Lal
Published: August 2022

The pink bollworm, Pectinophora gossypiella (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) is a primary pest of cotton in many regions of the world.  In many parts of India, pink bollworm (PBW) has become resistant to BG-I (Bollgard I®) that expresses a single Bt gene (Cry1Ac) in 2009 and BG-II (Cry1Ac and cry 2Ab) in 2015. The brief review addresses the possible reasons and solutions to resistance posed by this insect. The review addresses the following points: reasons for resistance in PBW is discussed; the life-history is discussed how it’s distinctness from other bollworms; the introduction of hybrid cotton lead to insecticide treadmill in India; reduced accomplishment of the refugia recommendations also contributed to the problem; poor compliance of the bio-safety laws also led to the problem; unfavorable crop management practices prove to be an add-on to the problem. Furthermore, the possible solutions of the problem are discussed; monitoring and mating disruption; cultivation of High-density short season (HD-SS) pure line varieties; case studies of sterile insect technique (SIT) proved to be supporting in control of PBW; RNA interference technique can overcome the problem of resistance; use of chemical insecticides in different manner can change the perspective; proper cultural or farming practices can make the difference; Bio-control agents can overcome the problem; extension functionaries can help in solving the PBW problem. Therefore the management of resistance in PBW requires a broader vision and development of technology.
Effect of Rhizobium Inoculation with Different Levels of Inorganic Fertilizers on Yield, Nutrient Content & Uptake of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)
Authors: Singh Ashish Kumar , Dimree Sushil , Kumar Anil , Sachan Ravindra , Sirohiya Abhishek , Nema Saumya
Published: August 2022

The field experiment was conducted during Rabi season of 2021-22, to study the   effect of combination of biofertilizer and different level of inorganic fertilizers on yield, quality, nutrient content & uptake of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) at pot culture farm of Department of Soil Science & Agricultural Chemistry of Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture & Technology, Kanpur (U.P.). The experiment comprises of eight treatments T1 (Control), T2 (RDF 75%), T3 (RDF 100%), T4 (RDF 125%), T5 (Rhizobium), T6 (RDF 75% + Rhizobium), T7 (RDF 100% + Rhizobium), T8 (RDF 125% + Rhizobium) in randomized block design with four replications. The chickpea variety RVG-202 is grown by adopting various agronomic practices. The result revealed that among all the treatments, RDF 125% + Rhizobium (T8) treatment recorded maximum yield, highest nutrient content in terms of % N(3.58 %), % P (1.34 %) and % K (0.69 %) in grain % N(2.38 %), % P (1.35 %) and % K (0.86 %) in stover. Highest nutrient uptake viz. N (65.69 kg ha-1), P (24.58 kg ha-1) and (12.66 kg ha-1) in grain and N (61.14 kg ha-1), P (8.99 kg ha-1) and (47.78 kg ha-1) stover is also associated with the treatment T8 [RDF 125% + Rhizobium]. It is clearly identified that seed inoculated with rhizobium can increase yield, nutrient content and uptake values of chickpea crop.
Effect of Organic Manures and Inorganic Fertilizers on Growth, Fruit Yield and Quality of Cherry Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum var. cerasiforme) c.v. Pusa Cherry Tomato-1 under Naturally Ventilated Polyhouse Condition
Authors: Phonia Laikangbam , Bahadur Vijay , Thomas Tarence , Prasad V. M.
Published: August 2022

The present investigation was carried out at Naturally Ventilated Polyhouse, Department of Horticulture, SHUATS, Prayagraj (U.P.) during winter season of 2021 - 2022, to evaluate the most suitable treatment combination of organic manures and inorganic fertilizers for growth, fruit yield and Quality of Cherry Tomato. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with 13 treatments replicated thrice. The treatments consisted of different combinations of organic manures i.e., FYM (Farmyard Manure), Poultry manure and Vermicompost and inorganic fertilizers. Among thirteen treatments under study, treatment T3 100% Organic Manures (33% FYM+ 33% Poultry manure + 33% Vermicompost) recorded maximum plant height (235.20 cm), minimum days to first flowering (45.36), minimum days to 50% flowering (61.42), maximum number of branches per plant (11.33), maximum number of fruits per cluster (24.17), minimum days to first fruit setting (55.97), maximum number of cluster per plant (12.2), maximum average number of fruits per plant (237.53), maximum fruit set Percentage (86.65%),maximum fruit weight (13.25 g), maximum fruit width (3.04 cm), maximum fruit yield per plant (3.91 kg), maximum fruit yield per hectare (130.59 tonne), maximum TSS (10.64 Brix), maximum Juiciness (27%).Maximum number of flowers per cluster (29.33) was observed in T6(75% RDN + 25% Vermicompost), Maximum ascorbic acid content (24.57 mg/100 g) was observed in T11( 25% RDN + 75% Poultry manure),Maximum B:C ratio was found in treatment T3 100% Organic Manures (33% FYM+ 33% Poultry manure + 33% Vermicompost), i.e., (5.97).
Students and Teachers’ Perception of Social Studies Subject: A Case of Selected Senior High Schools (SHS) in Tamale Metropolis of Northern Ghana
Authors: Segkulu Lucy
Published: August 2022

The upsurge of moral decadence among the youth of Ghana these days seems to attest to the fact that the teaching and learning of social studies is beset by some limiting factors. The question that comes to mind is whether students and teachers really understand the purpose of social studies as a subject and whether they even have the right perceptions about social studies for preparing the use for productive citizenship. A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was chosen for this study involving 335 SHS social studies students and 32 social studies teachers for the 2020-2021 academic years within the Tamale Metropolis. Questionnaires were designed to collect data from the respondents. The quantitative data obtained were analyzed using frequencies and percentages. The results showed that even though students and teachers of social studies had appreciable knowledge of what social studies is meant to achieve in the lives of students, the realization of the aims of social studies appears to be hindered by perceptions they have about social studies classroom climate, a situation that has led to poor participation during lessons. The study therefore, recommends that resources such as social studies room, museum, laboratory, reference books, and audio-visual materials should be made available during social studies lessons to encourage active participation by learners.
Clinician-Level Implications of Bans on Gender-Affirming Medical Care for Youth in the US
Authors: Warling Allysa , Keuroghlian Alex S.
Published: August 2022

This Viewpoint discusses the potential effects of state-level legislation blocking access to gender-affirming care for US adolescents who identify as transgender.
First‐Principles Exploration of 2D Benzenehexathiolate Coordination Nanosheets for Broadband Electrochromic Devices
Authors: Li Meng , Wu Zhenzhen , Zheng Mengting , Chen Hao , Gould Tim , Zhang Shanqing
Published: August 2022

Electrochromic materials can tune the illumination and heat exchange of a building with the environment and thereby save energy in lighting, heating, and air conditioning in a cost‐effective way, which is vital in realizing carbon neutrality. 2D frameworks such as coordination nanosheets (CONASHs) that are widely explored for a wide range of applications in energy storage and conversion can be a cluster of novel electrochromic materials. In this work, a series of transition metal benzenehexathiol (TM‐BHT) CONASHs are theoretically investigated via first‐principles simulations. During ion intercalation and deintercalation in TM‐BHTs, changes in lattice structures, lithium diffusion barriers, atomic charges, bond strength, and electronic properties are explored in‐depth. The incurred changes are then correlated with critical electrochromic properties, including the transmittance adjustment ranges in the visible light, near‐infrared, solar spectrum, and mid‐infrared. Among the various TM‐BHT systems, Cu‐BHT and Ag‐BHT are the most promising broadband electrochromic materials for optical and thermal management in the wavelength range from visible to mid‐infrared. The theoretical guidance from this work paves a new path toward electrochromic applications of CONASHs that exploit the versatility of these 2D materials.
Wearable Hybrid Device Capable of Interactive Perception with Pressure Sensing and Visualization
Authors: Guo Yunjian , Li Hao , Li Yang , Wei Xiao , Gao Song , Yue Wenjing , Zhang Chunwei , Yin Feifei , Zhao Songfang , Kim Nam‐Young , Shen Guozhen
Published: August 2022

A wearable interactive device that can synchronously detect and visualize pressure, stimuli will supplement easily identifiable in situ signals with conventional sensing that outputs only electronic signals. Currently, most interactive devices are composed of physically connected separate pressure sensors and display elements, which do not conform to the development of miniaturization and high integration. The realization of combining these two functions in one device with a simplified configuration is still only beginning to be explored. Inspired by the two‐in‐one response of the octopus, which can both sense and visualize stimuli, an integrated hybrid device based on ionic sensing and electrochromic display is proposed for interactive pressure perception. By efficiently reusing the electrodes and ionic gel, the device enables quantitative sensing and direct color changing in response to pressure. Benefiting from its excellent comprehensive performance, the applications are explored and verified, including the interactive perception of pressure information, hiding and display of visual information under pressure regulation, and repeated writing and erasing on flexible boards. Notably, multiple customized systems with improved design flexibility are implemented to provide remote monitoring and visual warning of behavioral states and physiological parameters. This study diversifies solutions to realize a direct link between pressure detection and visualization.
Recent Advances in Laser‐Induced Graphene: Mechanism, Fabrication, Properties, and Applications in Flexible Electronics
Authors: Le Truong‐Son Dinh , Phan Hoang‐Phuong , Kwon Soongeun , Park Sangbaek , Jung Yeongju , Min Jinki , Chun Byung Jae , Yoon Hana , Ko Seung Hwan , Kim Seung‐Woo , Kim Young‐Jin
Published: August 2022

Laser‐induced graphene (LIG) is a newly emerging 3D porous material produced when irradiating a laser beam on certain carbon materials. LIG exhibits high porosity, excellent electrical conductivity, and good mechanical flexibility. Predesigned LIG patterns can be directly fabricated on diverse carbon materials with controllable microstructure, surface property, electrical conductivity, chemical composition, and heteroatom doping. This selective, low‐cost, chemical‐free, and maskless patterning technology minimizes the usage of raw materials, diminishes the environmental impact, and enables a wide range of applications ranging from academia to industry. In this review, the recent developments in 3D porous LIG are comprehensively summarized. The mechanism of LIG formation is first introduced with a focus on laser‐material interactions and material transformations during laser irradiation. The effects of laser types, fabrication parameters, and lasing environment on LIG structures and properties are thoroughly discussed. The potentials of LIG for advanced applications including biosensors, physical sensors, supercapacitors, batteries, triboelectric nanogenerators, and so on are also highlighted. Finally, current challenges and future prospects of LIG research are discussed.
Improving the Efficiency of Gallium Telluride for Photocatalysis, Electrocatalysis, and Chemical Sensing through Defects Engineering and Interfacing with its Native Oxide
Authors: Bondino Federica , Duman Songül , Nappini Silvia , D'Olimpio Gianluca , Ghica Corneliu , Menteş Tevfik Onur , Mazzola Federico , Istrate Marian Cosmin , Jugovac Matteo , Vorokhta Mykhailo , Santoro Sergio , Gürbulak Bekir , Locatelli Andrea , Boukhvalov Danil W. , Politano Antonio
Published: August 2022

Gallium telluride (GaTe) is a van der Waals semiconductor, currently adopted for photonic and optoelectronic devices. However, the rapid degradation of GaTe in air, promoted by Te vacancies, is detrimental for device applications. Here, it is demonstrate that the surface oxidation of GaTe can be unexpectedly exploited for expanding the breadth of applications of GaTe. Specifically, the formation of a nanoscale sub‐stoichiometric wide‐band‐gap Ga2O3 skin, promoted by Te vacancies, over narrow‐band‐gap GaTex upon air exposure  is beneficial for electrocatalysis, photocatalysis, and gas sensing . In particular, the Heyrovsky step (Hads + H+ + e− → H2) of hydrogen evolution reaction in an acidic medium is barrier‐free for the sub‐stoichiometric gallium‐oxide/gallium‐telluride heterostructure, which also enables a significant reduction of costs with respect to state‐of‐the‐art Pt/C electrodes. In the photocatalytic process, the photo‐generated electrons migrate from GaTe to Ga2Ox skin, which acts as the chemically active side of the interface. Moreover, the Ga2O3/GaTe heterostructure is a suitable platform for sensing of H2O, NH3, and NO2 at operational temperatures extended up to 600 °C (useful for gas detection in combustion processes), mainly due to the increased area of charge redistribution after adsorption achieved upon oxidation of GaTe.
Ultra‐Clean Isotope Engineered Double‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes as Tailored Hosts to Trace the Growth of Carbyne
Authors: Cui Weili , Simon Ferenc , Zhang Yifan , Shi Lei , Ayala Paola , Pichler Thomas
Published: August 2022

A unique scope of mechanical, optical, and electrical properties makes the 1‐D allotrope of carbon, carbyne, one of the most promising materials for applications in various fields. Despite the important progress in the synthesis of carbyne confined to double‐walled carbon nanotubes (DWCNTs), its formation and growth mechanisms remain elusive. Here, it is shown how a rational design of isotope‐engineered ultra‐clean DWCNTs with 13C‐enriched inner walls—which act as precursors and as tailored hosts—can trace the growth mechanism of confined carbyne upon high‐vacuum annealing at high temperatures. It is unambiguously proven that an exchange of C atoms between the inner and outer tubes takes place, and it is distinguished from the growth of confined carbyne. The latter only happens after the ultra‐clean DWCNT hosts react by partial oxidation yielding encapsulated carbonaceous products, which are well‐defined precursors for the carbyne synthesis with a record of ≈28.8% 13C enrichment. Tracing the synthesis of carbyne and disentangling it from concomitant high‐temperature processes like healing, reorganization and regrowth of DWCNTs are a crucial step towards accessing the full application potential of confined carbyne hybrids by tailoring the isotopic fillers, as well as the inner and outer tubes of the DWCNT hosts.
Bioinspired Silk Fibroin Mineralization for Advanced In Vitro Bone Remodeling Models
Authors: de Wildt Bregje W. M. , van der Meijden Robin , Bartels Paul A. A. , Sommerdijk Nico A. J. M. , Akiva Anat , Ito Keita , Hofmann Sandra
Published: August 2022

Human in vitro bone models can create the possibility for investigation of physiological bone remodeling while addressing the principle of replacement, reduction and refinement of animal experiments (3R). Current in vitro models lack cell–matrix interactions and their spatiotemporal complexity. To facilitate these analyses, a bone‐mimetic template is developed in this study, inspired by bone's extracellular matrix composition and organization. Silk fibroin (SF) is used as an organic matrix, poly‐aspartic acid (pAsp) is used to mimic the functionality of noncollagenous proteins, and 10× simulated body fluid serves as mineralization solution. By using pAsp in the mineralization solution, minerals are guided toward the SF material resulting in mineralization inside and as a coating on top of the SF. After cytocompatibility testing, remodeling experiments are performed in which mineralized scaffold remodeling by osteoclasts and osteoblasts is tracked with nondestructive microcomputed tomography and medium analyses over a period of 42 d. The mineralized scaffolds support osteoclastic resorption and osteoblastic mineralization, in the physiological bone remodeling specific sequence. This model could therefore facilitate the investigation of cell–matrix interactions and may thus reduce animal experiments and advance in vitro drug testing for bone remodeling pathologies like osteoporosis, where cell–matrix interactions need to be targeted.
Dopant‐Induced Giant Photoluminescence of Monolayer MoS2 by Chemical Vapor Transport
Authors: Ma Zhao , Ren Caixia , Wu Yu , Qiu Hailong , Liu Hongjun , Hu Zhanggui , Wu Yicheng
Published: August 2022

Substitutional doping of 2D transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) has been recognized as a promising strategy to tune their optoelectronic properties for a wide array of applications. However, controllable doping of TMDCs remains a challenging issue due to the natural doping of these materials. Here, the controllable growth of Ti‐doped MoS2 monolayers is demonstrated via the chemical vapor transport method, and the atomic embedded structure is confirmed by scanning transmission electron microscope with a probe corrector measurements. Furthermore, the grown Ti‐doped MoS2 monolayer exhibits giant photoluminescence (PL), 85‐fold stronger than a pristine MoS2 monolayer prepared by the same method. The giant PL enhancement is attributed to dopant‐induced O‐Ti‐S units and improved interaction between the monolayer and the mica substrate, increasing the photoluminescence quantum yield and facilitating radiation recombination. The successful growth of Ti‐doped MoS2 monolayer and the improvement of its optical and electrical properties by Ti doping may provide a promising method to engineer the optoelectronic properties of 2D TMDCs materials.
Additively Manufactured Polarization Insensitive Broadband Transmissive Metasurfaces for Arbitrary Polarization Conversion and Wavefront Shaping
Authors: Zhu Jianfeng , Yang Yang , Lai Jiexin , Nulman Jaim
Published: August 2022

Arbitrarily manipulating the polarization and wavefront of electromagnetic waves using ultrathin and highly efficient devices is desirable for many systems. Ultrathin broadband polarization‐insensitive transmissive metasurfaces, which can achieve the same polarization conversion and wavefront shaping for arbitrary linearly polarized incident waves, are proposed. The meta‐atom is composed of a transmitting antenna and a receiving antenna with a group of phase delay lines connecting them. The rotation of the transmitting antenna introduces the polarization conversion, and the different lengths of the transmission lines provide [−π, π] phase shift for wavefront shaping. Both the polarization conversion and wavefront shaping functions are polarization insensitive. Differential feeding is applied to both the transmitting and the receiving patch antennas to improve the transmission efficiency. The prototypes are conveniently printed by using the additive manufacturing technique. Two polarization‐insensitive metasurfaces are designed and measured to demonstrate. One of them produces vortex beams with 90° polarization conversion, and the other achieves anomalous refraction with 45° polarization conversion.
Coupling Intracompound Charge Transfer and Cluster‐Centered Excited States in Cu(I) Halide Hybrids for Efficient White Light Emission
Authors: Liu Xing , Li Yue , Zhou Lei , Li Ming , Zhou Yuanyuan , He Rongxing
Published: August 2022

0D hybrid organic–inorganic metal halides have attracted significant interest due to their unique optoelectronic properties, but attainment of efficient and stable white light emission (WLE) in such compounds remains a challenge. Here, efficient WLE via a molecular design that couples intracompound charge transfer and cluster‐centered excited states in 0D halide hybrids is demonstrated. Two Cu(I) halide hybrids, K(18‐crown‐6)Cu2Br3 and Na4(18‐crown‐6)5In2Cu4Br14·8H2O, are synthesized wherein luminescent [Cu4Br6]2− clusters are isolated from each other and surrounded by 18‐crown‐6 coordinated alkali metal cations. In the case of K(18‐crown‐6)Cu2Br3, [Cu4Br6]2− clusters are only partially isolated, leading to strong orange emission with a photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) of 53% under UV excitation. Strikingly, to a larger extent of isolation as that, in Na4(18‐crown‐6)5In2Cu4Br14·8H2O as a result of the incorporation of nonemissive [InBr4]− clusters, intense white light emission with a PLQY of 97% is achieved. The dual cluster‐centered states, coupled with a mixed metal‐to‐ligand and halide‐to‐ligand charge transfer state, are responsible for this bright white luminescence. This work provides new design principles for expanding the materials library for single‐component, solid‐state WLE.
Development of Multifunctional Materials Based on Heavy Concentration Er3+‐Activated Lead‐free Double Perovskite Cs2NaBiCl6
Authors: Zhu Keming , Wang Zhiying , Xu Hanyu , Fu Zuoling
Published: August 2022

Lead halide perovskites have been very promising for versatile optoelectronic applications, whereas the inherent toxicity and instability of lead halide restrict its wide application. Herein, a kind of high‐performance multifunctional phosphor is designed based on heavy concentration Er3+‐activated lead‐free double perovskite Cs2NaBiCl6 (CNBC), which realizes the self‐sensitization of Er3+ ions and emits high‐brightness pure green emission upon dual near‐infrared (dual‐NIR) excitation. The luminescence properties can be further optimized by adding sensitizers (Yb3+/Nd3+). Interestingly, the emission intensity of the green region is heightened by 212‐fold after Yb3+ ions doping, which is 40 times higher than that of the current popular phosphors (α‐NaYF4:2%Er3+,18%Yb3+). Meanwhile, the temperature sensing properties of the thermally coupled levels (Er3+:2H11/2,4S3/2) in Cs2NaBiCl6:40%Er3+ are also investigated systematically based on the luminescence intensity ratio principle, and the maximum relative sensitivity is calculated to be as high as 1.27% K‐1 (980 nm) and 1.57% K‐1 (808 nm). Fortunately, the thermal stability and the performance for temperature readout of the studied phosphors are still maintaining a high level after doping sensitizers. The insights provided by this work will broaden the scope of lead‐free halide double perovskites in the fields of luminescence and thermometry.
Light Emitting Si‐Based Mie Resonators: Toward a Huygens Source of Quantum Emitters
Authors: Khoury Mario , Quard Hugo , Herzig Tobias , Meijer Jan , Pezzagna Sébastien , Cueff Sébastien , Abbarchi Marco , Nguyen Hai Son , Chauvin Nicolas , Wood Thomas
Published: August 2022

Silicon‐based micro‐ and nano‐structures for light management at near‐infrared and visible frequencies have been widely exploited for guided optics and metasurfaces. However, light emission with this material has been hampered by the indirect character of its bandgap. Here it is shown that, via ion beam implantation, light emitting G‐centers can be directly embedded within Si‐based Mie resonators previously obtained by solid state dewetting. Size‐ and position‐dependent, directional light emission at 120 K is demonstrated experimentally and confirmed by finite difference time domain simulations. It is estimated that, with an optimal coupling of the G‐centers emission with the resonant antennas, a collection efficiency of about 90% can be reached using a conventional objective lens. The integration of these telecom‐frequency emitters in resonant antennas is relevant for their efficient exploitation in quantum optics applications and more generally to Si‐based photonic metasurfaces.
Cryotronic Low‐Powered Strained Polymorphic Photodetector Functionalized by Palladium Incorporated Tin Diselenide
Authors: Gupta Shubham Umeshkumar , Dalvaniya Ankit G. , Chauhan Payal , Patel Keeritkumar D. , Solanki Gunvant K. , Pathak Vivek M. , Jha Prafulla K.
Published: August 2022

Researchers’ challenging task is to develop a material that can bear extreme environmental conditions. In this context, ‘metal dichalcogenide’ based solid‐state devices are highly beneficial for cryogenic optoelectronic applications but rarely reported. Herein, novel meta‐materials PdxSn1−xSe2 (x = 0.0, 0.2, 0.4) and their photodetector application are introduced. These ternary crystals are grown by direct vapour transport (DVT) technique in which palladium incorporated SnSe2 crystals exhibit polymorphism of hexagonal‐orthorhombic multiphase. PdxSn1−xSe2 (x = 0.0, 0.2, 0.4) single crystal photodetectors (SCPDs) demonstrate excellent photodetection in which SCPD functionalized by Pd0.4Sn0.6Se2 displays superior photoresponse. Cryogenic temperature directed blue‐shifting and sharpening of Raman peak displays noteworthy thermal‐sensing ability. Captivatingly, 10 µV low‐powered Pd0.4Sn0.6Se2 SCPD demonstrates substantial photodetection with 2.41 × 108 Jones detectivity at the cryogenic temperature of 10 K. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, a photosensor that displays excellent photodetection at a very low bias of 10 µV applied to the detector at the cryogenic temperature of 10 K is reported for the first time by them in present investigation. Higher stability, reproductiveness, and a low‐powered operating ability at a cryogenic temperature of 10 K declares Pd0.4Sn0.6Se2 as a potential candidate to design next‐generation low‐powered optoelectronic applications in cryotronics.
Reevaluation of regional lymph nodes in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma in the pancreatic body and tail
Authors: Matsui Yuki , Hashimoto Daisuke , Satoi Sohei , Yamamoto Tomohisa , Yamaki So , Ishida Mitsuaki , Hirooka Satoshi , Ikeura Tsukasa , Sekimoto Mitsugu
Published: August 2022

Introduction

In patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) in the pancreatic body (Pb) and tail (Pt), the appropriate area for lymphadenectomy is controversial. This study aimed to reevaluate the extent of lymph node (LN) metastasis in Pb‐ and Pt‐PDAC, and to define the optimal area of LN dissection.

Patients and methods

This single‐center retrospective study evaluated patients with Pb‐ and Pt‐PDAC who underwent distal pancreatectomy with extended lymphadenectomy between 2006 and 2020. LN metastasis in >3.0% of patients were defined as new regional LN.

Results

The study cohort included 135 patients with Pb‐PDAC and 42 patients with Pt‐PDAC. In patients with Pb‐PDAC, LNs around the splenic artery (SPA) had the highest metastasis‐positive rate (54.1%). LNs along the left gastric artery, common hepatic artery, celiac axis (CA), superior mesenteric artery (SMA), and splenic hilus were defined as new regional LNs. In patients with Pt‐PDAC, LNs at the splenic hilum had the highest metastasis‐positive rate (38.1%). The station and LN around the SPA were defined as new regional LNs in those with Pt‐PDAC. Metastasis beyond the newly defined regional LNs was not associated with survival. The incidence of LN metastasis was lower in patients who received preoperative chemotherapy than in those who underwent upfront surgery in both Pb‐ and Pt‐PDAC.

Conclusion

Although it needs to be verified in future multicenter studies, LN of both the CA and SMA systems should be dissected in patients with Pb‐PDAC. However, only those around the SPA and splenic hilus should be dissected routinely in those with Pt‐PDAC.
Wide range of phenotypic severity in individuals with late truncations unique to the predominant CDKL5 transcript in the brain
Authors: Keehan Laura , Haviland Isabel , Gofin Yoel , Swanson Lindsay C. , El Achkar Christelle Moufawad , Schreiber John , VanNoy Grace E. , O'Heir Emily , O'Donnell‐Luria Anne , Lewis Richard Alan , Magoulas Pilar , Tran Alyssa , Azamian Mahshid S. , Chao Hsiao‐Tuan , Pham Lisa , Samaco Rodney C. , Elsea Sarah , Thorpe Erin , Kesari Akanchha , Perry Denise , Lee Brendan , Lalani Seema R. , Rosenfeld Jill A. , Olson Heather E. , Burrage Lindsay C. ,   Undiagnosed Diseases Network
Published: August 2022

Cyclin‐dependent kinase‐like 5 (CDKL5) deficiency disorder (CDD) is caused by heterozygous or hemizygous variants in CDKL5 and is characterized by refractory epilepsy, cognitive and motor impairments, and cerebral visual impairment. CDKL5 has multiple transcripts, of which the longest transcripts, NM_003159 and NM_001037343, have been used historically in clinical laboratory testing. However, the transcript NM_001323289 is the most highly expressed in brain and contains 170 nucleotides at the 3′ end of its last exon that are noncoding in other transcripts. Two truncating variants in this region have been reported in association with a CDD phenotype. To clarify the significance and range of phenotypes associated with late truncating variants in this region of the predominant transcript in the brain, we report detailed information on two individuals, updated clinical information on a third individual, and a summary of published and unpublished individuals reported in ClinVar. The two new individuals (one male and one female) each had a relatively mild clinical presentation including periods of pharmaco‐responsive epilepsy, independent walking and limited purposeful communication skills. A previously reported male continued to have a severe phenotype. Overall, variants in this region demonstrate a range of clinical severity consistent with reports in CDD but with the potential for milder presentation.
Salivary CGRP and Erenumab Treatment Response: Towards Precision Medicine in Migraine
Authors: Alpuente Alicia , Gallardo Victor J , Asskour Laila , Caronna Edoardo , Torres‐Ferrus Marta , Pozo‐Rosich Patricia
Published: August 2022

Objective

We aimed (1) to analyze salivary calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP) levels in patients with migraine, (2) to predict erenumab response from baseline CGRP levels, and (3) to evaluate CGRP change post‐treatment.

Methods

This is a prospective observational study that measured salivary CGRP levels in healthy controls (HCs), patients with episodic migraine (EM) and patients with chronic migraine (CM). Participants collected saliva samples at baseline and, the patients who were candidates to receive erenumab, also collected saliva after 3 doses of treatment. We quantified CGRP‐like immunoreactivity (CGRP‐LI) by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and we performed an analysis at baseline and post‐treatment through generalized linear mixed models.

Results

At baseline, a higher headache frequency was associated with higher CGRP levels, those being even higher in the presence of depressive symptoms. A cutoff point (mean, 95% confidence interval [CI]) of 103.93 (95% CI = 103.35–104.51) pg/ml was estimated to differentiate migraine from controls with an area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC, 95% CI) of 0.801 (95% CI = 0.798–0.804). We also found that higher pretreatment salivary CGRP levels were statistically significantly associated to a higher probability of having 50% or greater reduction in headache frequency in patients with EM, but not in patients with CM. After 12 weeks of treatment with erenumab, salivary CGRP levels from patients within all spectrum of migraine frequency converged to similar CGRP values. In contrast, in patients with concomitant depressive symptoms, this convergence did not happen.

Interpretation

Patients with migraine not only have higher CGRP levels compared with HCs, but also the presence of depressive symptoms seems to increase salivary CGRP levels and we have evidence, for the first time, that baseline salivary CGRP concentration is associated with treatment response to erenumab. ANN NEUROL 2022;92:846–859
Successive Redox‐Reaction‐Triggered Interface Radical Polymerization for Growing Hydrogel Coatings on Diverse Substrates
Authors: Zhang Yunlei , Xu Rongnian , Zhao Weiyi , Zhao Xiaoduo , Zhang Liqiang , Wang Rui , Ma Zhengfeng , Sheng Wenbo , Yu Bo , Ma Shuanhong , Zhou Feng
Published: August 2022

Growing lubricating hydrogel coatings in controllable manners on diverse material surfaces demonstrates promising applications. Here, a surface modification method is reported for in situ growing hydrogel coatings onto surfaces of diverse substrates in the absence of UV assistance. It is performed by decorating substrates with a universal mussel‐inspired synthetic adhesive with catechol groups. Upon being immersed in reaction solution, these groups can assist substrate bonding and in situ capture and reduce Fe3+ into Fe2+ for decomposing S2O82− into SO4−⋅ catalytically at the interface to initiate interface polymerization of monomers. As a result, hydrogel coatings with controllable thickness could be grown on surfaces of arbitrary substrates to change their surface characteristics regardless of materials size, category, geometry and transparency, implying considerable potential in surface engineering.
A Carbon‐Carbon Bond Cleavage‐Based Prodrug Activation Strategy Applied to β‐Lapachone for Cancer‐Specific Targeting
Authors: Gong Qijie , Li Xiang , Li Tian , Wu Xingsen , Hu Jiabao , Yang Fulai , Zhang Xiaojin
Published: August 2022

Prodrugs are one of the most common strategies for the design of targeted anticancer agents. However, their application is often hampered by the modifiable groups available on parent drugs. Herein, a carbon‐carbon (C−C) bond cleavage‐based prodrug activation strategy is reported, which was successfully used to design prodrugs of β‐lapachone (β‐lap), anortho‐quinone natural product without traditional modifiable groups for the construction of C−N/C−O bond cleavage‐based prodrugs. The designed β‐lap prodrug with a reactive oxygen species‐specific trigger was quickly activated, releasing β‐lap. It exerted anticancer efficacy via NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1)‐mediated futile redox cycling, resulting in potent cytotoxicity that was highly selective for NQO1‐rich cancer cells over normal cells both in vitro and in vivo. This significantly amplified the therapeutic window of β‐lap. This study provides a practical strategy for the design of prodrugs for parent drugs that do not contain traditional modifiable groups.
Autonomous Chiral Microswimmers with Self‐mixing Capabilities for Highly Efficient Enantioselective Synthesis
Authors: Arnaboldi Serena , Salinas Gerardo , Bonetti Giorgia , Garrigue Patrick , Cirilli Roberto , Benincori Tiziana , Kuhn Alexander
Published: August 2022

The development of chiral catalysts plays a very important role in various areas of chemical science. Heterogeneous catalysts have the general advantage of allowing a more straightforward separation from the products. One specific case of heterogeneous catalysis is electrocatalysis, being potentially a green chemistry approach. However, a typical drawback is that the redox conversion of molecules occurs only at the electrode/electrolyte interface, and not in the bulk of the electrolyte. The second limitation is that the electrodes have to be physically connected to a power supply to induce the desired reactions. To circumvent these problems, we propose here a complementary approach by replacing macroscopic electrodes with an ensemble of self‐propelled redox active microswimmers. They move autonomously in solution while transforming simultaneously a prochiral starting compound into a specific enantiomer with a very high enantiomeric excess, accompanied by a significantly increased production rate of the favorite enantiomer.
Cocoa butter equivalent from Kpangnan butter and Pequi oil
Authors: Ghazani Saeed M. , Guedes Andréa Madalena Maciel , Antoniassi Rosemar , Chiu Ming Chih , Marangoni Alejandro G.
Published: August 2022

Novel cocoa butter equivalents were designed using dry fractionated Pequi oil and solvent fractionated Kpangnan butter. Static crystallization of binary mixtures into the triclinic form (β2) was achieved after 12 days of static crystallization at room temperature for all mixtures and after 4 days only for the 80:20 w/w and 90:10 w/w fractionated Kpangnan: Pequi oil mixtures. However, after 60 days of storage at 22°C, all binary blends (except 100% fractionated pequi oil and 100% fractionated Kpangnan butter) were crystallized in the most stable triclinic crystal form (β1). Here we also reported a higher melting behavior for the fractionated Pequi oil: fractionated Kpangnan (80:20 w/w and 90:10 w/w), after 4 days of static crystallization at room 22°C, which, based on the x‐ray results, could be addressed to completion of crystal polymorphic transition to the triclinic β2 form during 4 days of storage. Our results suggest that the 70:30 w/w fractionated Pequi oil: Kpangnan mixture after 60 days of storage at 22°C showed a melting point of 34°C, a stable triclinic β2 form, and a triglyceride composition of 28% POP, 4.6% POS, and 33% SOS displayed solid‐state characteristics, melting point, and crystal structure, of a novel cocoa butter equivalent.
Development of nanostructured green divalent manganese‐coordinated polyurea
Authors: Laxmi  , Shahzaib Adnan , Alam Manawwer , Ghosal Anujit , Zafar Fahmina , Nishat Nahid
Published: August 2022

The work presented here reports the greener synthesis of polyurea (GPUa) via in‐situ solvent‐free precipitation polymerization of toluene diisocyanate (TDI) (used as monomer) and water. The divalent manganese [Mn(II)] ions were incorporated into GPUa to form Mn(II)‐GPUa to enhance its applicability. The structure of GPUa and Mn(II)‐GPUa was validated by Fourier‐transform infrared and proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectral techniques. The morphology along with the elemental analysis of GPUa and Mn(II)‐GPUa was assessed by X‐ray diffraction analysis and field emission scanning electron microscopy along with energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy. Thermal degradation behavior and stability of GPUa and Mn(II)‐GPUa were investigated by thermo‐gravimetric, differential thermal, differential scanning calorimetry, and integral procedure decomposition temperature analysis. Furthermore, the batch adsorption method was used to examine the adsorption behavior of Mn(II)‐GPUa. The study's results indicated that Mn(II)‐GPUa might be used as an eco‐friendly, thermally stable material and adsorbent, making it suitable as an effective dye adsorbent for wastewater treatment. The current work is aligned with Green chemistry principles (Principles 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, and 12).
Dual Photoredox Cobalt Catalyzed [4+1] Annulation and C−H Alkoxylation
Authors: Kumar Shreemoyee , Nair Akshay M. , Volla Chandra M. R.
Published: August 2022

Herein, we developed two distinct pyridineN‐oxide directed C−H activation protocols to achieve [4+1] annulation and alkoxylation of benzamide derivatives by merging Co‐catalysis with visible‐light photoredox catalysis. The protocols deliver the respective products in good yields under facile conditions at room temperature. The use of an inexpensive photocatalyst coupled with molecular oxygen bypassing the need of stoichiometric oxidants forms the chief highlight of the work. The protocols are scalable and the products could be further modified. Additionally, preliminary studies were carried out to probe the reaction mechanism.