bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mg‐based reactive materials with high iodine concentration and biocidal characteristics of aerosolized Mg‐based biocidal materials
Authors: Shi Chao , Hu Liang , Liu Xinhang , Chen Lang
Published: September 2023

This work is aimed to develop a stable Mg‐based thermite with high iodine concentration and preliminarily set a method to test inactivation factor (IF) values of biocidal materials with proximity to the combat situation. First, Mg−I2 composites were mechanochemically prepared and up to 10 wt% of iodine could be retained until the material heated to 265 °C. Then biocidal thermites were mechanochemically prepared using Mg−I2 as a fuel and Ca(IO3)2 as an oxidizer. For Mg−I2−Ca(IO3)2 thermites, apparent aging was observed in the material with a stoichiometric fuel‐to‐oxidizer ratio. In heated filament ignition tests, thermites had ignition temperatures of ~760 °C and ~820 °C at heating rates of 1800 K/s and 13000 K/s, respectively, and were slightly lower than that of pure Mg. Particle combustion test showed that the thermite with more fuel fraction burned faster. A setup based on the constant volume explosion experiment was established to test the inactivation effect of biocidal materials. Results showed that pure Mg had the best inactivation effect, and IF value doesn't have a clear correlation with max pressure achieved by explosions of biocidal materials. For results within the same max pressure range, IF value is proportional to the iodine concentration within the materials. Interestingly, for Mg, IF value was exponentially changed with max pressurization rate, this leads to the unexpected high IF value of Mg. This study shows excessive iodine or oxidizer could deactivate the biocidal material, and the heat release rate may play a crucial role in biocidal performance.
Application of evidence‐based nursing in postoperative radiotherapy care for breast cancer
Authors: Zhang Qiuping , Lin Li , Zou Meiying , Jiang Jing , Wu Yaqin
Published: September 2023

To investigate the effect of evidence‐based nursing on breast cancer patients during postoperative radiotherapy care. In the sample selection, 100 breast cancer patients who received postoperative radiotherapy in our hospital from January 2020 to January 2022 were selected to participate in this study. Patients in the control group received routine nursing program, while patients in the study group applied the intervention of evidence‐based nursing philosophy, the nursing effect was compared between the two groups. According to the nursing effect of the two groups, there was a significant difference under the intervention of different protocols. The patients in the study group showed significant improvements in Self‐Rating Depression Scale and Self‐Rating Anxiety Scale scores under the evidence‐based care intervention, superior to those of the control group, and the difference was significant (p < .05); from the scores of shoulder and elbow functions, the patients in the study group showed more significant intervention effects, superior to that of the control group, and the difference was significant (p < .05); from the skin injury degree of the two groups, the skin injury grade of the study group was significantly superior to that of the control group, with a significant difference (p < .05); from the patient satisfaction indexes, after the evidence‐based nursing intervention, the satisfaction indexes of the study group and the control group were 98% and 82%, respectively, and the difference was significant (p < .05). In the current nursing intervention of postoperative radiotherapy for breast cancer patients, evidence‐based nursing models can effectively relieve the adverse emotions of patients, improve patients' shoulder joint and elbow joint function, reduce the skin damage, and improve patient satisfaction, which has an important clinical spread value.
Plant volatiles mediated the orientation preference of slugs to different plant species
Authors: Zhang Zelong , Liu Minghong , Wang Xiaoyan , Gou Jianyu , Li Tianliang , Zhao Te , Zhou Lin , Zhang Fulong , Cheng Fujia , Wang Li
Published: September 2023

BACKGROUND

Slugs mechanically damage plant leaves, resulting in significant economic losses. However, there are limited cost‐efficient strategies available in slug management. By studying how slugs utilize plant volatiles to locate host plants, we can gain insights into the design of attractants and repellents.

RESULTS

Bioassay results suggest slugs (Agriolimax agrestis) prefer to orientate to lettuce (Lactuca sativa), cabbage (Brassica oleracea L.), and young tobacco seedlings, compared with old tobacco seedlings. We analyzed the volatomics of lettuce, cabbage, young and old tobacco seedlings. 2‐(2‐butoxyethoxy)‐ethanol acetate (2EA) had high abundance while nonanal, decanal, and β‐cylocitral had relatively low content in volatiles. Old tobacco seedlings released significantly more hexanal but fewer 1,4‐dihydro‐4‐oxopyridazine (DO). In olfactory tests, hexanal, nonanal, decanal, and β‐cylocitral showed strong repellency to slugs, while DO at a dose of 500 ng/μL and 2EA at a dose of 1% were attractive to slugs. The two alkanes, hexadecane and heptadecane, had no effect on slug orientating to host plants. DO and 2EA can thus alleviate the repellency of hexanal, nonanal, decanal and β‐cylocitral.

CONCLUSION

The high emission of hexanal in old tobacco seedlings helps repel slugs, while 2EA and DO attract slugs to lettuce and cabbage. These findings suggest that these chemicals can be utilized in the design of repellents and attractants, and contribute to constructing a push–pull system for slug control. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Income difference between highly educated migrants and highly educated local‐born workers in urban China
Authors: Wu Xiaoman , Fong Eric
Published: September 2023

Our study explores the income of highly educated migrants in China. Based on the 2014 China Labor‐force Dynamics Survey (CLDS), we conducted Blinder‐Oaxaca decomposition of income among highly educated migrants. we found that highly educated migrants, with or without local hukou, have higher income than highly educated local‐born workers. We also found that highly educated migrants without local hukou have higher average income than those with local hukou. Given that the average income is high and knowing a foreign language is highly rewarded in the eastern region and that highly educated migrants without local hukou are clustered in the eastern region, a large percentage of these highly educated migrants know a foreign language and their average income is higher than that of other two groups. Our study demonstrates that not having local hukou, though it brings institutional constraints, does not necessarily lead to lower economic attainment in comparison to having local hukou. If a group has more human capital resources and is sought‐after by the labour market, its members have the luxury of moving to cities where they can maximize their income.
Lignans as multi‐targeted natural products in neurodegenerative diseases and depression: Recent perspectives
Authors: Li Zhibei , Zheng Yu , Liu Kai , Liang Youdan , Lu Jing , Li Qiuxia , Zhao Bolin , Liu Xing , Li Xiaofang
Published: September 2023

As the global population ages, the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases is becoming more and more important. There is an urgent need to discover novel drugs that are effective in treating neurological diseases. In recent years, natural products and their biological activities have gained widespread attention. Lignans are a class of metabolites extensively present in Chinese herbal medicine and possess good pharmacological effects. Latest studies have demonstrated their neuroprotective pharmacological activity in preventing acute/chronic neurodegenerative diseases and depression. In this review, the pharmacological effects of these disorders, the pharmacokinetics, safety, and clinical trials of lignans were summarized according to the scientific literature. These results proved that lignans mainly exert antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory activities. Anti‐apoptosis, regulation of nervous system functions, and modulation of synaptic signals are also potential effects. Despite the substantial evidence of the neuroprotective potential of lignans, it is not sufficient to support their use in the clinical management. Our study suggests that lignans can be used as prospective agents for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases and depression, with a view to informing their further development and utilization.
Diagnostic imaging of intrathoracic extramedullary haematopoiesis
Authors: Takeda Kenichiro , Yato Yuki , Saito Mikihito , Saito Go , Nishiyama Akira , Kasai Hajime , Suzuki Takuji
Published: September 2023

Key message

Although intrathoracic extramedullary haematopoiesis (EMH) is rare, its nodular lesions should be differentiated from malignancy. 111In‐bone marrow scintigraphy can be useful for the non‐invasive diagnosis of intrathoracic EMH because extramedullary accumulation of 111In can be determined as EMH.
Pulmonary artery aneurysm induced by lung abscess
Authors: Hayakawa Yuki , Yamasaki Kei , Funada Midori , Komatsu Masaya , Maeda Yukinori , Yatera Kazuhiro
Published: September 2023

Key message

Physicians should consider a pulmonary artery aneurysm complication in patients presenting with hemoptysis during treatment for a pulmonary abscess. Contrast‐enhanced CT or angiography is recommended for diagnosis, followed by pulmonary embolization for treatment.
Surgical accuracy of image‐free versus image‐based robotic‐assisted total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Yee Dennis King‐Hang , Ng Jonathan Patrick , Lau Cyrus Tsun‐Kit , Ho Kevin Ki‐Wai , Man Gene Chi‐Wai , Chu Vikki Wing‐Shan , Choi Tsz Lung , Lam Gloria Yan Ting , Ong Michael Tim‐Yun , Yung Patrick Shu‐Hang
Published: September 2023

Background

This study investigated the accuracy in achieving proper lower limb alignment and component positions after total knee replacement (TKR) with image‐free and image‐based robotic‐assisted TKR.

Methods

A total of 129 patients (166 knees) suffering from end‐stage knee arthritis who underwent TKA operated by robotic‐assisted surgery between the years 2018 and mid‐2021 were recruited. Radiological outcomes were compared between image‐free and image‐based robotic‐assisted surgical systems.

Results

There were significant differences between the two robotic systems when comparing the mean planned component alignment and the mean measured alignment on radiographs, in which the image‐free robotic‐assisted system was more varus, whereas the image‐based robotic‐assisted system was more valgus for both the mean femoral and tibial component coronal alignment (p < 0.001). For tibial component sagittal alignment, the image‐based group had a larger deviation from the planned posterior slope (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Image‐free and image‐based robotic assisted TKR had differing accuracy in femoral and tibial alignment.
Time‐varying state constrained estimators‐based command filtered quantized consensus control for nonlinear multiagent systems
Authors: Hao Ruolan , Wang Hongbin , Zheng Wei
Published: September 2023

This article investigates the command filtered backstepping quantized consensus control for the time‐varying full‐state constrained nonlinear multiagent systems based on unknown system dynamics estimators (USDE). First, different from the intelligent control and the USDE‐based control methods, a novel time‐varying state constrained (TVSC)‐USDE is developed to estimate the unknown nonlinear dynamics and disturbances exactly with fewer parameters, where the states in TVSC‐USDE satisfy the state constraints requirements. The proposed TVSC‐USDE can reduce the computational burdens that caused by the online estimation of weights. Second, distinguish from current state constraints methods, by designing the integral barrier Lyapunov functions (IBLFs), the conservatism feasibility conditions are removed, which is more reasonable for the physical multiagent systems. Furthermore, the explosion of complexity (EOC) is a vital issue to tackle under the IBLFs backstepping control schemes. For this purpose, this article designs the command filters to gain the derivatives and handle the EOC problem. Further, to counterbalance the filtering errors, the error compensation signals are first developed in IBLFs‐based control method. Finally, the input quantized signals are introduced for the limited bandwidth problem in multiagent network systems, and the proposed control approach can attain consensus tracking under low communication rates and small tracking errors.
Optimal control of unknown nonlinear system under event‐triggered mechanism and identifier‐critic‐actor architecture
Authors: Liu Ning , Zhang Kun , Xie Xiangpeng
Published: September 2023

This paper proposes an event‐triggered adaptive control algorithm for general continuous‐time systems with unknown system models. Unlike existing articles, the developed method does not require prior determination of the knowledge of system dynamics, and effectively reduces the update frequency of key signals through the introduction of event‐trigger mechanism. Three neural networks (NNs) are designed in the identifier‐critic‐actor (ICA) architecture to learn the optimal control solution online. The unknown system is approximated by the identifier NN, the critic NN is designed to approach the optimal cost function, and the actor NN is designed to approach the optimal controller. Besides, under event‐triggered control, the parameters of critic NN and actor NN as well as control signals are updated only at the trigger time determined by the event‐trigger condition, which reduces effectively the computing burden and communication cost. The stability of event‐trigger control and the convergence of parameters of three NNs are verified via Lyapunov method. Finally, two examples are presented to demonstrate the viability of the proposed algorithm.
Using different acceptance measures: The interplay of evolution acceptance, evolution understanding, and religious belief among German preservice biology teachers, secondary school students, and creationists
Authors: Fiedler Daniela , Moormann Alexandra , Beniermann Anna
Published: September 2023

Evolution understanding is often positively connected with magnitudes of evolution acceptance, whereas religiosity mostly interferes negatively. However, comparisons between studies and countries must be treated cautiously due to the diversity of used instruments and samples. This study aims to generate new evidence concerning the interplay of evolution acceptance, evolution understanding, and religious belief by comparing the results of preservice biology teachers, school students, and self‐identified creationists answering several acceptance instruments (i.e., ATEVO, GAENE, I‐SEA, and MATE) while using the same measurement for understanding and belief. Results of our regression analysis indicate that belief and understanding were significant predictors but often diminished after including the interaction term of belief and understanding. When gender is included in the model, this variable is often significant. The interaction term of belief and understanding was only significant for two instruments in the group of school students. For the creationists, gender appeared as the essential term. While relationship patterns of preservice biology teachers seldom seem to be impacted by the choice of acceptance instruments (at least in correlations and regressions using only belief and understanding), this is not true for our school students and creationists. Our findings indicate that the magnitude of understanding may not mutually be the exclusive factor for (non‐)acceptance. Other factors, such as gender or religiosity, might be more prominent in people's attitudes toward (controversial) topics. Our study creates new insights into the interplay of acceptance, understanding, and belief, and we encourage researchers to carefully consider their choice of instruments.
Exploring the impact of geopolitics on the environmental Kuznets curve research
Authors: Wang Qiang , Ren Feng , Li Rongrong
Published: September 2023

Environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) is one of the key theories of economic and environmentally sustainable development. Has the change in geopolitics in recent years affected the international collaboration in the study of the EKC? Based on the publications on the EKC included in the Web of Science, a case study of recent changes in China–US collaboration on the EKC is conducted to explore the impact of geopolitical changes on international collaborative research on sustainable development. The results show that (1) The EKC is a global study, and countries around the world have made more efforts, among which China, the United States, Turkey, Malaysia, England and other countries have made the most contributions in the global literature database and are the countries with the most development potential in this field. (2) International collaboration between China and the United States in this field has gradually increased, and scientific research collaboration between the two countries has increased under the influence of geopolitical conflicts, and collaboration has shown the characteristics of lasting stability. (3) China and the United States exhibit divergent international collaboration patterns, with Pakistan being China's foremost partner in this domain, while China serves as the US’ primary collaborator. Furthermore, China demonstrates a significantly higher volume of independently published works compared with the United States, highlighting the strengthening of China's scientific research capabilities. The number of countries collaborating internationally with China shows a different upward trend than in the United States across the three data sets set in this paper. (4) In the field of EKC hot research, China and the United States have maintained good international partnerships with other countries, and are the preferred countries for scientific research collaboration in other countries in the world. It can be seen from this that international scientific research collaboration for sustainable development represented by the EKC has shown relative stability, and geopolitical changes have not had a significant impact on international collaborative research for sustainable development.
Stable Low‐Temperature Al Batteries Enabled by Integrating Polydopamine‐Derived N‐Doped Carbon Nanospheres With Flake Graphite
Authors: Guan Wei , Gu Bojun , Tu Jiguo , Wang Zhe , Zhang Ping , Meng Long , Jiao Shuqiang
Published: September 2023

The battery performance declines significantly in severely cold areas, especially discharge capacity and cycle life, which is the most significant pain point for new energy consumers. To address this issue and improve the low‐temperature characteristic of aluminum‐ion batteries, in this work, polydopamine‐derived N‐doped carbon nanospheres are utilized to modify the most promising graphite material. More active sites are introduced into graphite, more ion transport channels are provided, and improved ionic conductivity is achieved in a low‐temperature environment. Due to the synergistic effect of the three factors, the ion diffusion resistance is significantly reduced and the diffusion coefficient of aluminum complex ions in the active material become larger at low temperatures. Therefore, the battery delivers an improved capacity retention rate from 23% to 60% at −20 °C and excellent ultra‐long cycling stability over 5500 cycles at −10 °C. This provides a novel strategy for constructing low‐temperature aluminum‐ion batteries with high energy density, which is conducive to promoting the practicality of aluminum‐ion batteries.
Insight into the High Mobility and Stability of In2O3:H Film
Authors: Ge Ciyu , Liu Zunyu , Zhu Yongchen , Zhou Yilong , Jiang Borui , Zhu Jiaxing , Yang Xuke , Zhu Yongxin , Yan Shuyu , Hu Haojun , Song Haisheng , Li Luying , Chen Chao , Tang Jiang
Published: September 2023

Wide bandgap semiconductors, particularly In2O3:Sn (ITO), are widely used as transparent conductive electrodes in optoelectronic devices. Nevertheless, due to the strohave beenng scattering probability of high‐concentration oxygen vacancy (VO) defects, the mobility of ITO is always lower than 40 cm2 V−1 s−1. Recently, hydrogen‐doped In2O3 (In2O3:H) films have been proven to have high mobility (>100 cm2 V−1 s−1), but the origin of this high mobility is still unclear. Herein, a high‐resolution electron microscope and theoretical calculations are employed to investigate the atomic‐scale mechanisms behind the high carrier mobility in In2O3:H films. It is found that VO can cause strong lattice distortion and large carrier scattering probability, resulting in low carrier mobility. Furthermore, hydrogen doping can simultaneously reduce the concentration of VO, which accounts for high carrier mobility. The thermal stability and acid–base corrosion mechanism of the In2O3:H film are investigated and found that hydrogen overflows from the film at high temperatures (>250 °C), while acidic or alkaline environments can cause damage to the In2O3 grains themselves. Overall, this work provides insights into the essential reasons for high carrier mobility in In2O3:H and presents a new research approach to the doping and stability mechanisms of transparent conductive oxides.
New Insight into the Electronic Effect for Cu Porphyrin Catalysts in Electrocatalytic of CO2 into CH4
Authors: Jiang Hao , Zhao Peng , Shen Haidong , Yang Shaowei , Gao Runze , Guo Ying , Cao Yueling , Zhang Qiuyu , Zhang Hepeng
Published: September 2023

Perturbation of the copper (Cu) active site by electron manipulation is a crucial factor in determining the activity and selectivity of electrochemical carbon dioxide (CO2) reduction reaction (e‐CO2RR) in Cu‐based molecular catalysts. However, much ambiguity is present concerning their electronic structure–function relationships. Here, three molecular Cu‐based porphyrin catalysts with different electron densities at the Cu active site, Cu tetrakis(4‐methoxyphenyl)porphyrin (Cu─T(OMe)PP), Cu tetraphenylporphyrin (Cu─THPP), and Cu tetrakis(4‐bromophenyl)porphyrin (Cu─TBrPP), are prepared. Although all three catalysts exhibit e‐CO2RR activity and the same reaction pathway, their performance is significantly affected by the electronic structure of the Cu site. Theoretical and experimental investigations verify that the conjugated effect of ─OCH3 and ─Br groups lowers the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO)–lowest unoccupied molecular orbitals (LUMO) gap of Cu─T(OMe)PP and Cu─TBrPP, promoting faster electron transfer between Cu and CO2, thereby improving their e‐CO2RR activity. Moreover, the high inductive effect of ─Br group reduces the electron density of Cu active site of Cu─TBrPP, facilitating the hydrolysis of the bound H2O and thus creating a preferable local microenvironment, further enhancing the catalytic performance. This work provides new insights into the relationships between the substituent group characteristics with e‐CO2RR performance and is highly instructive for the design of efficient Cu‐based e‐CO2RR electrocatalysts.
Accelerating Sulfur Redox Chemistry by Atomically Dispersed Zn‐N4 Sites Coupled with Pyridine‐N Defects on Porous Carbon Sheets
Authors: Wang Xiaoting , Yang Juan , Liu Siyu , He Songjie , Liu Zhibin , Che Xiaogang , Qiu Jieshan
Published: September 2023

Single‐atom catalysts (SACs) with specific N‐coordinated configurations immobilized on the carbon substrates have recently been verified to effectively alleviate the shuttle effect of lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) in lithium–sulfur (Li─S) batteries. Herein, a versatile molten salt (KCl/ZnCl2)‐mediated pyrolysis strategy is demonstrated to fabricate Zn SACs composed of well‐defined Zn‐N4 sites embedded into porous carbon sheets with rich pyridine‐N defects (Zn─N/CS). The electrochemical kinetic analysis and theoretical calculations reveal the critical roles of Zn‐N4 active sites and surrounding pyridine‐N defects in enhancing adsorption toward LiPS intermediates and catalyzing their liquid–solid conversion. It is confirmed by reducing the overpotential of the rate‐determining step of Li2S2 to Li2S and the energy barrier for Li2S decomposition, thus the Zn─N/CS guarantees fast redox kinetics between LiPSs and Li2S products. As a proof of concept demonstration, the assembled Li─S batteries with the Zn─N/CS‐based sulfur cathode deliver a high specific capacity of 1132 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C and remarkable capacity retention of 72.2% over 800 cycles at 2 C. Furthermore, a considerable areal capacity of 6.14 mAh cm−2 at 0.2 C can still be released with a high sulfur loading of 7.0 mg cm−2, highlighting the practical applications of the as‐obtained Zn─N/CS cathode in Li─S batteries.
Hierarchical Hollow Carbon Particles with Encapsulation of Carbon Nanotubes for High Performance Supercapacitors
Authors: Song Guoqiang , Li Claudia , Wang Tian , Lim Kang Hui , Hu Feiyang , Cheng Shuwen , Hondo Emmerson , Liu Shaomin , Kawi Sibudjing
Published: September 2023

A novel and sustainable carbon‐based material, referred to as hollow porous carbon particles encapsulating multi‐wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) (CNTs@HPC), is synthesized for use in supercapacitors. The synthesis process involves utilizing LTA zeolite as a rigid template and dopamine hydrochloride (DA) as the carbon source, along with catalytic decomposition of methane (CDM) to simultaneously produce MWCNTs and COx‐free H2. The findings reveal a distinctive hierarchical porous structure, comprising macropores, mesopores, and micropores, resulting in a total specific surface area (SSA) of 913 m2 g−1. The optimal CNTs@HPC demonstrates a specific capacitance of 306 F g−1 at a current density of 1 A g−1. Moreover, this material demonstrates an electric double‐layer capacitor (EDLC) that surpasses conventional capabilities by exhibiting additional pseudocapacitance characteristics. These properties are attributed to redox reactions facilitated by the increased charge density resulting from the attraction of ions to nickel oxides, which is made possible by the material's enhanced hydrophilicity. The heightened hydrophilicity can be attributed to the presence of residual silicon‐aluminum elements in CNTs@HPC, a direct outcome of the unique synthesis approach involving nickel phyllosilicate in CDM. As a result of this synthesis strategy, the material possesses excellent conductivity, enabling rapid transportation of electrolyte ions and delivering outstanding capacitive performance.
Recent Advances of Halloysite Nanotubes in Biomedical Applications
Authors: Jiang Zheng , Sun Shengjun , Liu Jun , Sun Xuping
Published: September 2023

Halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) have emerged as a highly regarded choice in biomedical research due to their exceptional attributes, including superior loading capacity, customizable surface characteristics, and excellent biocompatibility. HNTs feature tubular structures comprising alumina and silica layers, endowing them with a large surface area and versatile surface chemistries that facilitate selective modifications. Moreover, their substantial pore volume and wide range of pore sizes enable efficient entrapment of diverse functional molecules. This comprehensive review highlights the broad biomedical application spectrum of HNTs, shedding light on their potential as innovative and effective therapeutic agents across various diseases. It emphasizes the necessity of optimizing drug delivery techniques, developing targeted delivery systems, rigorously evaluating biocompatibility and safety through preclinical and clinical investigations, exploring combination therapies, and advancing scientific understanding. With further advancements, HNTs hold the promise to revolutionize the pharmaceutical industry, opening new avenues for the development of transformative treatments.
Label‐Free Intracellular Multi‐Specificity in Yeast Cells by Phase‐Contrast Tomographic Flow Cytometry
Authors: Bianco Vittorio , D'Agostino Massimo , Pirone Daniele , Giugliano Giusy , Mosca Nicola , Di Summa Maria , Scerra Gianluca , Memmolo Pasquale , Miccio Lisa , Russo Tommaso , Stella Ettore , Ferraro Pietro
Published: September 2023

In‐flow phase‐contrast tomography provides a 3D refractive index of label‐free cells in cytometry systems. Its major limitation, as with any quantitative phase imaging approach, is the lack of specificity compared to fluorescence microscopy, thus restraining its huge potentialities in single‐cell analysis and diagnostics. Remarkable results in introducing specificity are obtained through artificial intelligence (AI), but only for adherent cells. However, accessing the 3D fluorescence ground truth and obtaining accurate voxel‐level co‐registration of image pairs for AI training is not viable for high‐throughput cytometry. The recent statistical inference approach is a significant step forward for label‐free specificity but remains limited to cells’ nuclei. Here, a generalized computational strategy based on a self‐consistent statistical inference to achieve intracellular multi‐specificity is shown. Various subcellular compartments (i.e., nuclei, cytoplasmic vacuoles, the peri‐vacuolar membrane area, cytoplasm, vacuole‐nucleus contact site) can be identified and characterized quantitatively at different phases of the cells life cycle by using yeast cells as a biological model. Moreover, for the first time, virtual reality is introduced for handling the information content of multi‐specificity in single cells. Full fruition is proofed for exploring and interacting with 3D quantitative biophysical parameters of the identified compartments on demand, thus opening the route to a metaverse for 3D microscopy.
Targeting Adhesive Tumor Adventitia via Injectable Electrospun Short Fibers in Perfusion of Intraperitoneal Sporadic Tumors
Authors: Ruan Dan , Wang Juan , Ding Tao , Chen Liang , Du Yawei , Ruan Yiyin , Cui Wenguo , Feng Weiwei
Published: September 2023

Intraperitoneal sporadic tumor is a common and complicated syndrome in cancers, causing a high rate of death, and people find that intraperitoneal chemotherapy (IPC) can treat intraperitoneal sporadic tumors better than intravenous chemotherapy and surgery. However, the effectiveness and side effects of IPC are controversial, and the operation process of IPC is complicated. Herein, the injectable paclitaxel‐loaded (PTX‐loaded) electrospun short fibers are constructed through a series process of electrospinning, homogenizing, crosslinking, and subsequent polydopamine coating and folate acid (FA) modification. The evenly dispersed short fibers exhibited effective tumor cell killing and good injectable ability, which is convenient to use and greatly improved the complex operation procedure. Mussel‐like protein poly‐dopamine coating and FA modification endowed short fibers with the ability of targeted adhesion to tumors, and therefore the short fibers further acted as a kind of micro membrane that could release drugs to tumors at close range, maintaining local high drug concentration and prevent paclitaxel killing normal tissues. Thus, the target‐adhesive injectable electrospun short fibers are expected to be the potential candidate for cancer treatment, especially the intraperitoneal sporadic tumors, which are hard to treat by surgery or intravenous chemotherapy.
Building Smarter Aqueous Batteries
Authors: Deng Canbin , Li Yiqing , Huang Jiaqiang
Published: September 2023

Amidst the global trend of advancing renewable energies toward carbon neutrality, energy storage becomes increasingly critical due to the intermittency of renewables. As an alternative to lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs), aqueous batteries have received growing attention for large‐scale energy storage due to their economical and safe features. Despite the fruitful achievements at the material level, the reliability and lifetime of aqueous batteries are still far from satisfactory. Alike LIBs, integrating smartness is essential for more reliable and long‐life aqueous batteries via operando monitoring and automatic response to extreme abuses. In this review, recent advances in sensing techniques and multifunctional battery‐sensor systems together with self‐healing methods in aqueous batteries is summarized. The significant role of artificial intelligence in designing and optimizing aqueous batteries with high efficiency is also highlighted. Ultimately, it is extrapolated toward the future and present the humble perspective for building smarter aqueous batteries.
Lattice‐Selective Cross‐Interface Bidentate Passivation for Efficient Bifacial Tandem Carbon‐Based Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Shao Wu , He Jingwen , He Jingshan , Ma Dun , Sheng Jie , Liu Jialing , Wu Wenjun
Published: September 2023

For printable mesoscopic perovskite solar cells (p‐MPSCs), the formation of numerous grain boundaries due to the microstructural confinement of mesoporous materials is a key factor that leads to concentrated defects and limits intercrystalline charge transport. Herein, the electron‐donating and electron‐withdrawing effects of atoms are harnessed, respectively, and a unique molecular configuration with alternating distributions of sulfur atoms in thieno[3,2‐b]thiophene to construct a cross‐interface bidentate passivation molecule, 2,5‐dibromothiophene [3,2‐b] thiophene (TT‐2Br), is utilized. By exploiting its lattice's selective matching, efficient chelation with undercoordinated lead ions, bridging crystal boundaries, is achieved. Furthermore, to overcome the limitation of nonlayered assembly caused by the carbon electrode's full light absorption in p‐MPSCs, an artificial reflector device to achieve dual‐sided four‐terminal tandem assembly with TT‐2Br serving as the small‐molecule interfacial passivating agent is used. This approach significantly improves the bifacial power output (BPO) to 20.44 mW cm−2 and the open‐circuit voltage to 2.03 V in series‐connected devices. In parallel‐connected devices, the BPO increases to 25.84 mW cm−2, and the short‐circuit current reaches 39.96 mA cm−2. This innovative strategy effectively addresses the challenges of interfacial passivation and layered assembly in p‐MPSCs.
High‐Nickel Heterostructured Cathodes with Local Stoichiometry Control for High‐Voltage Operation
Authors: Yin Chong , Ge Mingyuan , Chung Youngmin , Bai Jianming , Lee Wah-Keat , Kisslinger Kim , Ehrlich Steven N. , Xiao Xianghui , Qiu Bao , Trask Stephen E. , Dunlop Alison R. , Jansen Andrew N. , Liu Zhaoping , Shin Youngho , Wang Feng
Published: September 2023

The growing demand for lithium‐ion batteries to power electric vehicles and other energy‐dense devices continues to fuel the need for cathodes of increasingly higher nickel in cathodes. The relentless pursuit of high Ni content, however, raises concerns on compromising cell lifetime and safety, especially under high‐voltage operation. Alternative to the traditional design of uniform or core–shell composition, we report a rational control of local stoichiometry in high‐Ni cathodes, enabling their high thermal and cycling stabilities—up to 258 °C at the fully charged state and 91.4% capacity retention for 100 cycles between 2.7 and 4.4 V. Multimodal synchrotron X‐ray characterization unveils the heterostructure of secondary particles, featuring a high‐Ni core (LiNi0.90Mn0.05Co0.05O2) covered by a thin Ni‐gradient layer that remains stable over prolonged cycling due to suppressed oxygen release and structural deterioration. This work underlines, the intricate interplay between local stoichiometry and redox reactions in stabilizing high‐Ni cathodes for high‐voltage operation while ensuring safety.
Development of reflective cooling plasticized polyvinyl chloride/precipitated barium sulfate composites for building roof applications throughout entire solar wavebands
Authors: Han Songcheng , Yang Zhangbin , Zhang Ling , Zhang Zhen , Zhang Jun
Published: September 2023

Barium sulfate (BaSO4) has high reflectance throughout entire solar waveband (280–2500 nm). In this study, the melt blending method was used to incorporate BaSO4 into a plasticized polyvinyl chloride (PVC) matrix. The aim was to create composites that exhibit excellent reflective cooling performance in the solar waveband, specifically for use in building roofs. By increasing the content of BaSO4 from 0 to 200 phr, the total reflectance of the samples in the solar waveband showed significant improvement, rising from 6% to 48.8%. Furthermore, the thermal conductivity of the samples accordingly emerged apparent enhancement, increasing by 46.3% from 0.178 to 0.262 W m−1 K−1. Additionally, when subjected to irradiation by a solar simulator under a solar light intensity of 1000 W/m2 for 1 h, the indoor simulated irradiation temperature decreased from 41.4 to 27.4°C.

Highlights

White plasticized polyvinyl chloride (PVC) films with reflective cooling performance were prepared.

The solar reflectance and cooling performance of PVC was enhanced by BaSO4.

The reflectance mechanism of BaSO4 in PVC was established.
Generalized thermal properties of hybrid NANOLIQUID composed of aluminum oxide (Al2O3) and silver (Ag) nanoparticles with water (H2O) as base liquid
Authors: Parveen Nabeela , Awais Muhammad , Awan Saeed Ehsan
Published: September 2023

Heat transfer rate is numerically analyzed in convective flow of Al2O3‐Ag/ H2O hybrid nanoliquid through a stretching sheet by incorporating induced magnetic field. Results of entropy generation in system are evaluated as well. Considered physical factors associated with heat transfer are heat generation parameter and viscous dissipation. The system of nonlinear partial differential equations is modeled and dimensionally simplified by implementing boundary layer approximation assumption and proper similarity transformations. Adam's Bashforth method is applied to get highly accurate and stable numerical solutions. Numerical results of flow variables, entropy generation number and physical quantities are interpreted by way of graphs and bar charts to perceive the extensive significance of the problem. It is visualized that rise in numeric values of mixed convection parameter λ1 leads to enhance velocity; entropy generation number and Nusselt number while suppress temperature. High magnitude of heat generation parameter δ augments velocity and temperature but reverse behavior is observed for Nusselt number and entropy generation number. Moreover, the factor of viscous dissipation significantly modifies rate of flow and heat transfer under the effect of no‐slip condition on sheet. The present study is useful in different fields of industries, technological processes, mechanical processes, and electrical processes due to the applications of magnetic hybrid nanofluid with improved heat and mass transfer.
Decay of the mediator particle at threshold
Authors: Matsumoto Shigeki , Watanabe Yu , Watanabe Yuki , White Graham
Published: September 2023

Abstract

A light mediator particle is often predicted in the dark sector scenario, which weakly interacts with the standard model (SM) particles. The weakness of the interaction is usually described by a small coupling; however, the small coupling does not always guarantee the weakness of the interaction. When the mass of the mediator particle lies in a threshold region, the so-called threshold singularity may emerge, and then the perturbative calculation fails. This singularity causes several effects, e.g., the mixing between the mediator particle and bound states, the Sommerfeld effect on the final state of the mediator particle decay, etc. Taking the minimal model of the vector mediator particle decaying mainly into the SM particles as an example, we develop a method to describe the singularity quantitatively. We also calculate some physical quantities using this method, such as the lifetime of the mediator particle and find that those could be significantly altered compared with the result of the perturbative calculation.
Black hole extremality in nonlinear electrodynamics: a lesson for weak gravity and Festina Lente bounds
Authors: Abe Yoshihiko , Noumi Toshifumi , Yoshimura Kaho
Published: September 2023

Abstract

We study black hole extremality in nonlinear electrodynamics motivated by the Weak Gravity Conjecture (WGC) and the Festina Lente (FL) bound. For illustration, we consider the Euler-Heisenberg model and the Dirac-Born-Infeld model in asymptotically flat spacetime, de Sitter spacetime, and anti-de Sitter spacetime. We find that in all cases the extremal condition enjoys a certain monotonicity expected by the WGC. This provides evidence for the conjecture beyond the leading order corrections to the Einstein-Maxwell theory. We also study how light charged particles modify the mass-charge relation of Nariai black holes in de Sitter spacetime and discuss possible implications for the FL bound. Besides, we point out an interesting similarity between our black hole analysis and gravitational positivity bounds on scattering amplitudes.
Anomaly and double copy in quantum self-dual Yang-Mills and gravity
Authors: Monteiro Ricardo , Stark-Muchão Ricardo , Wikeley Sam
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Recent works have explored how scattering amplitudes in quantum self-dual Yang-Mills theory and self-dual gravity can be interpreted as resulting from an anomaly, as first proposed by W. Bardeen. We study this problem in the light-cone-gauge formulation of the theories. Firstly, we describe how the infinite tower of symmetries associated to classical integrability can be quantum corrected, exhibiting the one-loop anomaly. Secondly, we present quantum-corrected light-cone Lagrangians worthy of the simplicity of the amplitudes, building on recent works describing the anomaly in twistor space. Finally, we discover an unexpected BCJ-like double copy for the (loop-integrated) amplitudes, distinct from the well-known BCJ double copy for the loop integrands.
Subduction–exhumation cycle recorded by calcite deformation microstructures: blueschist-facies metacarbonates and kinematic implications for deformation of the Meliata Unit (Western Carpathians)
Authors: Potočný Tomáš , Jeřábek Petr , Plašienka Dušan
Published: September 2023

The Meliata Unit (Meliaticum) is a tectonic superunit of the Western Carpathians that incorporates the blueschists-facies Bôrka Nappe and the low-grade metasediments and polygenetic mélange, Meliata Unit s.s., both occurring as scattered tectonic slices overlying the Gemeric Superunit. Calcitic marbles were sampled in a wide area within the Bôrka Nappe and blocks embedded in Jurassic oceanic sediments (Meliata Unit s.s.). Based on the microstructural evaluation and electron backscatter diffraction analysis (EBSD), the carbonates of the Bôrka Nappe experienced differential post-subduction P–T–D paths related to a collisional/exhumation setting following closure of the Neotethys-related “Meliata Ocean”. Variations in the calcite deformation microstructures were used to distinguish three principal microstructural groups. The first group (G1) contains large columnar and lobate calcite grains (≥ 1 mm) reflecting peak P–T conditions during subduction of the Meliata oceanic lithosphere. The second group (G2) exhibits dynamic recrystallization of the original G1 grains resulting in grain size reduction (< 0.5 mm) and shape-preferred orientation related to exhumation and formation of the accretionary complex. The third group (G3) shows a ‘foam’ microstructure with a uniform grain size (0.4–1 mm), sharp grain boundaries and triple junctions. The G3 microstructure may have been caused by a static recrystallization at elevated temperatures postdating the main deformation, and it is restricted to peripheries of the underlying Veporic metamorphic dome and probably is not associated with the Meliata sequences nor its tectono-metamorphic evolution. The corrected kinematic sections indicate dominantly ESE–WNW-trending lineations suggesting top-to-WNW kinematics of the Meliata subduction–exhumation process for G1 and G2 microstructures, and Gemeric–Veporic E–W orogen-parallel stretching for G3.
Evaluating normative capacity through Arctic environmental governance
Authors: Wood-Donnelly Corine
Published: September 2023

International cooperation in the Arctic is largely operationalised through environmental governance in a constellation of institutions that promote scientific knowledge of the Arctic region. While the Arctic Council is placed at the centre of this network for environmental protection and resource management across the region, other institutions play critical roles in facilitating scientific knowledge production that promotes the security and development of the region and its resources across national boundaries. Evaluating the role of environmental protection in Arctic governance within models of science diplomacy, this paper argues that the assumption of environmental responsibility should act as a normative operator for Arctic environmental governance, shaping the relations between actors in this regional network and legitimising decision-making by Arctic states as they socially construct the mechanisms and regional exceptionalism of Arctic governance. However, environmental responsibility falls short of acting as a normative operator for environmental protection that also prevents the impact of climate change on the Arctic environment, excluding its function as an overarching normative operator for the international system, reducing state legitimacy for regional decision-making in extra-territorial spaces.
Is deeper always better? Evaluating deep learning models for yield forecasting with small data
Authors: Sabo Filip , Meroni Michele , Waldner François , Rembold Felix
Published: September 2023

Predicting crop yields, and especially anomalously low yields, is of special importance for food insecure countries. In this study, we investigate a flexible deep learning approach to forecast crop yield at the provincial administrative level based on deep 1D and 2D convolutional neural networks using limited data. This approach meets the operational requirements—public and global records of satellite data in an application ready format with near real time updates—and can be transferred to any country with reliable yield statistics. Three-dimensional histograms of normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and climate data are used as input to the 2D model, while simple administrative-level time series averages of NDVI and climate data to the 1D model. The best model architecture is automatically identified during efficient and extensive hyperparameter optimization. To demonstrate the relevance of this approach, we hindcast (2002–2018) the yields of Algeria’s three main crops (barley, durum and soft wheat) and contrast the model’s performance with machine learning algorithms and conventional benchmark models used in a previous study. Simple benchmarks such as peak NDVI remained challenging to outperform while machine learning models were superior to deep learning models for all forecasting months and all tested crops. We attribute the poor performance of deep learning to the small size of the dataset available.