bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimation of Crop-coefficients and Evapotranspiration of Field Pea (Pisum sativum L.) Using Lysimeter and Empirical Models under Temperate Climate
Authors: Pandey Yogesh , Mehraj Nifa , Dadhich Sushmita M. , Akhtar Yasmeen , Lateef Zeenat
Published: November 2023

During Rabi 2020-21, a field experiment was conducted at SKUAST-K, Shalimar, India, focusing on field Pea (Pisum sativum L.). The aim of this study was to determine the water requirement and single crop coefficient (Kc) of pea using a lysimeter setup. Four empirical models were employed to calculate the reference evapotranspiration and were then compared with the actual crop evapotranspiration at different growth stages. The Kc values for field pea were 0.50, 0.80, 1.15, and 1.10 during the initial, development, mid-season and late season stages, respectively. The water requirement was found as 239.9 mm for the whole cropping period of the pea. Among the models, the Penman Montieth crop evapotranspiration model exhibited the closest agreement with the corresponding values obtained in the field through water balance study, yielding RMSE, RSR, and NSE values of 0.97, 9.5, and 11.6, respectively. These findings highlight the significance of using Penman Monteith crop evapotranspiration model for estimating crop evapotranspiration in temperate regions.
Evaluating Soil Erosion within the Neyyar Basin in Kerala through RUSLE and Geospatial Analysis
Authors: Gladis R. , Rani G. V. Asha , Rema K. P.  , Rani B. , Joseph Biju , Rehana M. R.
Published: November 2023

Soil erosion represents a significant issue in the Western Ghats, especially within the Neyyar river basin in the southern region of Kerala. To address this problem, a research project was conducted in three sub-watersheds of the Neyyar river basin, specifically Neyyar, Mullayar, and Chittar, with the primary goals of quantifying annual loss of soil and creating erosion maps. To predict this, researchers employed the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) in conjunction with Geographic Information System (GIS). To compute the RUSLE factors viz., R, K, LS, C and P for these sub-watersheds, monthly and yearly rainfall, soil texture and organic matter content, length and steepness of slope, crop cover and conservation practices data were used.The results showed that the extent of soil loss varied among the three watersheds. Soil loss ranged from 0 to 92, 257, and 28 tons per hectare per year for Chittar, Mullayar, and Neyyar sub-watersheds, respectively. In 38% of Mullayar, 41% of Chittar, and 45% of Neyyar watersheds, soil loss was relatively low, being less than 10 tons per hectare per year. However, in 35% of Mullayar, 30% of Chittar, and 25% of Neyyar sub-watersheds, soil loss was moderate to very high, ranging from 15 to over 40 tons per hectare per year. These variations in soil loss were attributed to factors beyond just rainfall, such as slope (LS) and soil erodibility (K), indicating that other elements influenced the soil erosion risk. Moreover, it was observed that Mullayar had the highest erosion risk, followed by Chittar watershed, highlighting the significance of factors like slope and soil erodibility in contributing to the loss of soil.
Effect of Hormones on Rooting of Apical Cuttings for Propagation of Guava Cv. Lucknow-49
Authors: Yogesh S. , Harikanth P. , Kumar T. Suresh , Madhavi B.
Published: November 2023

An attempt was made on the propagation of Guava cv. Lucknow-49 during the period of 2022-23 from apical cuttings under mist chamber conditions was undertaken. The apical cuttings were collected from shoot tips measuring about 10 to15 cm treated with different hormones of concentrations viz., IAA @ 2000, 3000 and 4000 ppm; NAA @ 2000, 3000 and 4000 ppm along with IBA @ 3000, 4000 and 5000 ppm and these were compared with control, the treated apical cuttings were planted in 40 cavity protrays and kept till 30 days for root induction under mist conditions. The different growth hormonal applications and its varied concentrations excerted a significant effect on root development in cuttings. Apical cuttings treated with IBA @ 5000 ppm was found better for rooting percentage (69.90 %), survival percentage (67.50 %), time taken to root (23.75 days), number of roots per cutting (15.15, 16.25, 17.53 and 24.64) and root length (7.33, 9.78, 13.85 and 18.33 cm) respectively at 30, 60, 90 and 120 DAP, fresh root weight (3.93 and 10.15 g), dry root weight (1.13 and 2.18 g) at 60 and 120 DAP, respectively. The rooting hormone IBA performed better in formation of rooting in apical cuttings when compared to IAA, NAA and untreated control. It can be revealed from the current study that propagation of guava through apical cuttings when treated with IBA @ 5000 ppm was proved as a better propagation method for rooting of cuttings.
Medicinal Plant-Derived Copper Nanoparticles Effectively Manage Early Blight Disease in Tomato: An In vitro Study
Authors: Shukla Anju , Mishra Mihira Kumara , Dwibedi Sanat Kumar , Bal Madhusmita
Published: November 2023

Aims: Early blight of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) incited by Alternaria solani is an economically important disease. This paper analyses the efficacy of copper nanoparticles (Cu-NPs) as an alternative to its existing management practices that predominantly rely on toxic fungicides which are potentially harmful to humans and the environment.

Study Design: The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized block design with 7 treatments viz. T1:Cu-NPs from tulsi leaves, T2:Cu-NPs from neem leaves, T3:Cu-NPs from bael leaves, T4: Cu-NPs  from chemical A (prepared from 0.2 M of Cu(NO3)2.3H2O + 0.2 M Ascorbic acid), T5: Cu-NPs  from chemical B (0.2 M Cu(NO3)2.3H2O + 0.2 M CuCl2 + 0.4 N NH4OH), T6: Carbendazim 50 WP as check and T7: Control. Each treatment was tested at two levels of in vitro concentrations (i.e. 300 and 500 ppm) and the treatments were replicated thrice.

Place and Duration of Study: Considering the importance of the disease and for developing an effective management strategy, the present study was carried out in the Department of Plant Pathology, College of Agriculture, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar during 2020-21.

Methodology: Stable Cu-NPs were synthesized through three green synthesis methods by using bael (Agel marmelos L.), tulsi (Ocimum sanctum L.), and neem (Azadirachta indica L.) leaves and two chemical synthesis methods (i.e. chemical A and B).

Results: The size (diameter) of the Cu-NPs from Agel marmelos, Ocimum sanctum, and Azadirachta indica were 427.4, 1,019, and 246.5 nm, and that from the aqueous solution reduction method and precipitation method were 1,537 and 867.8 nm, respectively. The synthesized Cu-NPs were evaluated against Alternaria solani at 300 and 500 ppm while Carbendazim 50 WP served as the standard check. The Azadirachta indica leaf-derived Cu-NPs at 300 and 500 ppm in the in vitro potato dextrose ager (PDA) medium exhibited the maximum mycelial growth inhibition of 60.24% and 75.9%, respectively. The size of Cu-NPs showed an inverse relation with the antifungal efficacy that indicated greater cellular penetration of smaller nanoparticles whereas much lower inhibition of mycelial growth in Carbendazim 50 WP as a check showed the lowest growth inhibition of 39.75% (300 ppm) and 59.03% (500 ppm).

Conclusion: The results thus indicated higher efficacy of nanoformulations at lower concentrations that can be effectively used for the development of new nano-based plant protection agents against the early blight of tomatoes.
Climate Change Knowledge Assessment for Farmers in Bundelkhand, Uttar Pradesh: Test Development and Validation
Authors: Pratiksha  , Ansari M. A.
Published: November 2023

An assessment of climate change knowledge is important to understand farmers' knowledge. There are several tests available to measure it, but they are all dispersed, making the study tedious. The present study, conducted in 2022-23, aimed at developing a composite climate change knowledge test that would aid in the amalgamation of various aspects to holistically study climate change such as farmers’ knowledge of climate change; climate change extreme events knowledge (rainfall, temperature, relative-humidity, drought and so on); and adaptation strategies. Initially, items from diverse literature were collected and discussed with specialists. A total of 63 items were selected. At two levels, the knowledge item was judged and screened. For the first level of screening, 63 items were sent to 100 experts for review. 39 items were chosen for item analysis based on the opinions of 60 experts. These 39 items were distributed to 60 non-sample farmers for second-level screening. The difficulty and discrimination indexes were calculated using the item analysis score. Items with difficulty index of 0.30 to 0.80 and discrimination index of 0.25 and higher were chosen. Following that, 29 items were selected for the final climate change knowledge test for farmers. Finally, the split-half method reliability of the test was 0.85. The developed knowledge tool aids in identifying knowledge gaps and planning the future policy for better adaptation. Furthe, enhancing farmers' knowledge can also help them solve problems more effectively and with a more optimistic outlook when dealing with the challenges posed by climate change.
Assesment of Borewell Irrigation Water Quality in Hiriyur Taluk Chitradurga District, Karnataka, India
Authors: Hanumanta D. L.  , Ashok L. B.  , Umesh H. R.
Published: November 2023

In the quest for understanding the suitability of borewell groundwater for irrigation purposes in Hiriyur Taluk, Chitradurga District, we embarked on a comprehensive assessment of key physico-chemical parameters. Our study involved the collection and analysis of thirty water samples, drawn from both banana leaf margin-affected and their healthier counterparts within the taluk. These samples were meticulously scrutinized for pH levels, electrical conductivity (EC), calcium, magnesium, sulphate, nitrate, Exchangable sodium percentage (ESP), chloride, residual sodium carbonate (RSC) and sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), all vital components in the evaluation of irrigation water quality. The findings from this study not only underscore the importance of assessing and understanding these parameters but also advocate for proactive measures in promoting the development of borewell groundwater for sustainable and productive irrigation practices within the region.
Analysing the Impact of the Southwest Monsoon on Kharif Rice Acreage in the Raipur District Using Microwave Remote Sensing
Authors: Gowtham S.  , Das Gopi Krishna , Kawishwar Prashant , Harithalekshmi V.  , Saran Deepak
Published: November 2023

This study utilized Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data from Sentinel-1 to estimate the kharif paddy acreage in the Raipur district. The unique capability of microwaves to penetrate clouds enabled the mapping of paddy fields even during the monsoon season. Supervised classification based on training samples was employed to delineate paddy fields. The results demonstrated that the estimated paddy area closely matched the reported area, with error percentages of 5.3% and 8.6% in 2017 and 2019, respectively. The analysis of data from 2011 to 2019 revealed a consistent decline in both paddy acreage and rainfall during that period. Furthermore, the block-level analysis indicated significant spatial variations, with the Arang blocks having the largest paddy cover and the Raipur block the least. Moreover, a strong correlation was observed between southwest monsoon rainfall and the kharif rice cultivation, with paddy acreage decreasing during SW monsoon deficit years. These findings shed light on the impact of monsoons on rice cultivation and can guide agricultural planning and water resource management strategies in the region.
Effect of Organic Manures and Natural Farming on Soil Properties and Nutrient Uptake by Carrot
Authors: Kumar Sumit , Panghal Vijay Pal Singh , Narender  , Kumar Shiv
Published: November 2023

The present investigation carried out at the Research Farm Area of Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Center of Excellence for Organic Farming, Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar during Rabi season  2022-23 with the objectives to evaluate the effect of organic manures and natural farming on growth, yield and quality of carrot as well as on microbial count and nutrient uptake and economics of carrot. The experiment consisting of 8 treatments i.e., T1- RDN through Farm Yard Manure (FYM), T2- RDN through Vermicompost (VC), T3- RDN through Poultry Manure (PM), T4- RDN through FYM + Biofertilizers, T5- RDN through Vermicompost + Biofertilizerss, T6- RDN through Poultry Manure + Biofertilizers (Azatobecter + PSB), T7- Cow based bio-formulations and T8- Control was laid out in randomized block design with three replications. Total sugar, reducing sugar, non-reducing sugar %, TSS and N content and its uptake in root and shoot was also recorded the highest in treatment T5 whereas, P, K contents and their uptake in root and shoot were recorded highest in treatment T4. Soil organic carbon (0.69 %), available N (165.5 kg ha⁻¹), P (16.82 kg ha⁻¹), K (369.60 kg ha⁻¹) were observed maximum in treatment T5 and remained at par with the treatments receiving organic manures conjointly with biofertilizers. Microbial population of soil was recorded the maximum in treatment T5 (6.94 × 10⁶ cfu count g⁻¹ of soil) which was at par to treatments T1, T2, T4 and T7 but significantly higher over the control (6.52 × 10⁶ cfu count g⁻¹ of soil).
Burkholderia pseudomallei Isolate from Soil Adhering to Underground Pipeline Repair pit of a Delhi Market Highlights Importance of Improvising Policies Addressing Environmental Pathogens
Authors: Kannan Sriram , Earny Venkat Abhiram , Chowdhury Soumi , Sisodia Kavita , Kunwar Shweta , Ashiq Mohammed , Asha  , Raghunath Aswathy , Rakshitha  , Manish  , Anusha  , Shabnaz Khazi , Kumar Rohit , Rynga Dabet , Saksena Rushika , Vandana K. E.  , Mukhopadhyay Chiranjay , Kaur Harpreet
Published: November 2023

Background: Burkholderia pseudomallei is a Gram –negative bacteria that can cause the fatal disease of Melioidosis with mortality ranging from 21-40% in different countries. Further, Burkholderia pseudomallei is a highly resilient environmental pathogen and can live as a free-living bacterium in soil, water and a parasite within amoeba, fungi, and animal cells.  It is known to have developed adaptation to stressful environmental factors like salinity, iron levels, and oxidation.  Widely this pathogen is associated with agricultural activities, construction activities and hence farmers, laborers being the important target groups. The other risk factor for this disease includes Diabetes mellitus and India having increasing incidence of diabetes cases is a matter of concern as for the prevalence of melioidosis. Since certain states and places in India have higher incidence of diabetes like Delhi, it is quite possible to have higher incidence of Melioidosis in these places.

Approach: Environmental Screening of urban village that has a convergence of vegetable market and urban households. 

Results: In this report, we demonstrate the presence of Burkholderia pseudomallei in a 3-4 feet deep pipeline repair pit with a rusted iron pipeline in a busy market area in Kotla, South Delhi.

Conclusion: Burkholderia pseudomallei being an environmental pathogen, it becomes essential to focus on policies that govern environmental pollution. Thus, the construction and demolition (C&D) policies that govern the dismantling of underground repair pipelines, especially in crowded areas, needed to be followed as it is not only dust that pollutes but also human pathogens.
Growth and Yield Performance of Chili (Capsicum annuum L.) on Rooftop of Different Height of Buildings
Authors: Husen Md. Ujjal , Naher Nazmun , Habib Zannatul Firdaus Binte , Rahaman Hapsa , Halim Abdul
Published: November 2023

In urban agriculture, rooftop gardening is a remarkable part which is practiced to overcome the food crisis and climate change; if it is not economically viable on the basis of productivity, then rooftop garden will not enhance and sustain. So, a pot experiment was conducted during November 2021 to April 2022 on the rooftop of different height of buildings and Agroforestry research field at Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka-1207 to study the productivity of chili (BARI Morich 3). The experiment was laid out in a Completely Randomized Design with four replications. The treatments of this experiment were T1= Control (Ground, 0.0 m), T2= Rooftop of three storied building (11.28 m), T3 = Rooftop of six storied building (21.34 m) and T4 = Rooftop of ten storied building (34.75 m). Results indicated that soil moisture content, plant height, stem diameter, number of (leaf, branch and fruit), fresh and dry weight of plant, single fruit (weight, length and diameter), fresh and dry weight of yield per plant were significantly decreased with the increased of building height (T1>T2>T3>T4) and air temperature, soil temperature and light intensity were significantly increased with the increased of building height (T4> T3> T2> T1). As gradually increased the height of building rooftop, sequentially decreased the growth, yield and yield contributing characteristics of chili plant. Although ground performed the best productivity, up to rooftop of three storied building can be selected as an appropriate height for chili (BARI Morich-3) cultivation to increase the rooftop gardening.
Effect of Dietary Sodium on Blood Pressure
Authors: Gupta Deepak K. , Lewis Cora E. , Varady Krista A. , Su Yan Ru , Madhur Meena S. , Lackland Daniel T. , Reis Jared P. , Wang Thomas J. , Lloyd-Jones Donald M. , Allen Norrina B.
Published: November 2023

Importance

Dietary sodium recommendations are debated partly due to variable blood pressure (BP) response to sodium intake. Furthermore, the BP effect of dietary sodium among individuals taking antihypertensive medications is understudied.

Objectives

To examine the distribution of within-individual BP response to dietary sodium, the difference in BP between individuals allocated to consume a high- or low-sodium diet first, and whether these varied according to baseline BP and antihypertensive medication use.

Design, Setting, and Participants

Prospectively allocated diet order with crossover in community-based participants enrolled between April 2021 and February 2023 in 2 US cities. A total of 213 individuals aged 50 to 75 years, including those with normotension (25%), controlled hypertension (20%), uncontrolled hypertension (31%), and untreated hypertension (25%), attended a baseline visit while consuming their usual diet, then completed 1-week high- and low-sodium diets.

Intervention

High-sodium (approximately 2200 mg sodium added daily to usual diet) and low-sodium (approximately 500 mg daily total) diets.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Average 24-hour ambulatory systolic and diastolic BP, mean arterial pressure, and pulse pressure.

Results

Among the 213 participants who completed both high- and low-sodium diet visits, the median age was 61 years, 65% were female and 64% were Black. While consuming usual, high-sodium, and low-sodium diets, participants’ median systolic BP measures were 125, 126, and 119 mm Hg, respectively. The median within-individual change in mean arterial pressure between high- and low-sodium diets was 4 mm Hg (IQR, 0-8 mm Hg; P < .001), which did not significantly differ by hypertension status. Compared with the high-sodium diet, the low-sodium diet induced a decline in mean arterial pressure in 73.4% of individuals. The commonly used threshold of a 5 mm Hg or greater decline in mean arterial pressure between a high-sodium and a low-sodium diet classified 46% of individuals as “salt sensitive.” At the end of the first dietary intervention week, the mean systolic BP difference between individuals allocated to a high-sodium vs a low-sodium diet was 8 mm Hg (95% CI, 4-11 mm Hg; P < .001), which was mostly similar across subgroups of age, sex, race, hypertension, baseline BP, diabetes, and body mass index. Adverse events were mild, reported by 9.9% and 8.0% of individuals while consuming the high- and low-sodium diets, respectively.

Conclusions and Relevance

Dietary sodium reduction significantly lowered BP in the majority of middle-aged to elderly adults. The decline in BP from a high- to low-sodium diet was independent of hypertension status and antihypertensive medication use, was generally consistent across subgroups, and did not result in excess adverse events.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04258332
Rapid Improvement in Recalcitrant Cutaneous Juvenile Dermatomyositis With Anifrolumab Treatment
Authors: Shaw Katharina S. , Reusch Diana B. , Castillo Rochelle L. , Hashemi Kimberly B. , Sundel Robert , Dedeoglu Fatma , Vleugels Ruth Ann
Published: November 2023

This case report describes a 14-year-old girl with juvenile dermatomyositis who presented with a 6-year history of a pruritic, photosensitive eruption involving her face, neck, trunk, and extremities and was successfully treated with anifrolumab.
Functions of episodic future thinking: A validation and comparative study across individuals with normal versus pathological worry
Authors: Akbari Mehdi , Jamshidi Shiva , Seydavi Mohammad , Hallford David J.
Published: November 2023

Future thinking is the ability to mentally simulate future scenarios, events, or circumstances that one might be personally involved in. The present study sought to evaluate the Persian version of the Functions of Future Thinking Scale (FoFTS) in a large sample of the Iranian general population and to compare individuals with normal versus pathological worry. The Persian FoFTS had an acceptable 10‐factor structure and the reliability index of all factors was within an acceptable range. The validity was explored in terms of temporal distance of future thinking, past (positive and negative) thinking, self‐efficacy, affect (positive and negative), and mindset (pessimism and optimism). Individuals with pathological worry scored significantly higher on seven functions of future thinking (boredom reduction, death preparation, negative regulation, social bonding, planning, problem‐solving, and decision‐making) compared to individuals with normal worry, and they did not differ on three functions of future thinking (identity contrast, goal setting, and positive regulation).
Interpreting eyewitness confidence: Numeric, verbal, and graded verbal scales
Authors: Greenspan Rachel Leigh , Loftus Elizabeth F.
Published: November 2023

In empirical research, eyewitnesses typically report their confidence numerically (e.g., “I'm 90% sure”). In contrast, in the field, lineup administrators typically ask witnesses to explain their confidence verbally, in the witness' own words (e.g., “I'm quite sure”). Across three studies, we explored how evaluators assess verbal confidence statements: both freely reported and reported using a graded verbal scale. Results showed wide variability in the interpretation of both kinds of confidence statements. Even when evaluating seemingly very strong statements of verbal confidence (e.g., “completely certain”) participants did not necessarily translate these statements into the strongest levels of numeric confidence. Variability in the interpretation of verbal confidence was particularly pronounced for low confidence statements. Moreover, participants preferred to report their confidence numerically rather than verbally. These results indicate the importance of documenting confidence verbatim at the time of the lineup so that the meaning of the witness' original confidence statement is preserved.
Wireless Electric Cues Mediate Autologous DPSC‐Loaded Conductive Hydrogel Microspheres to Engineer the Immuno‐Angiogenic Niche for Homologous Maxillofacial Bone Regeneration
Authors: Sun Jiwei , Xu Chao , Wo Keqi , Wang Yifan , Zhang Junyuan , Lei Haoqi , Wang Xiaohan , Shi Yunsong , Fan Wenjie , Zhao Baoying , Wang Jinyu , Su Bin , Yang Cheng , Luo Zhiqiang , Chen Lili
Published: November 2023

Stem cell therapy serves as an effective treatment for bone regeneration. Nevertheless, stem cells from bone marrow and peripheral blood are still lacking homologous properties. Dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) are derived from neural crest, in coincidence with maxillofacial tissues, thus attracting great interest in in situ maxillofacial regenerative medicine. However, insufficient number and heterogenous alteration of seed cells retard further exploration of DPSC‐based tissue engineering. Electric stimulation has recently attracted great interest in tissue regeneration. In this study, a novel DPSC‐loaded conductive hydrogel microspheres integrated with wireless electric generator is fabricated. Application of exogenous electric cues can promote stemness maintaining and heterogeneity suppression for unpredictable differentiation of encapsulated DPSCs. Further investigations observe that electric signal fine‐tunes regenerative niche by improvement on DPSC‐mediated paracrine pattern, evidenced by enhanced angiogenic behavior and upregulated anti‐inflammatory macrophage polarization. By wireless electric stimulation on implanted conductive hydrogel microspheres, loaded DPSCs facilitates the construction of immuno‐angiogenic niche at early stage of tissue repair, and further contributes to advanced autologous mandibular bone defect regeneration. This novel strategy of DPSC‐based tissue engineering exhibits promising translational and therapeutic potential for autologous maxillofacial tissue regeneration.
High‐Confidentiality X‐Ray Imaging Encryption Using Prolonged Imperceptible Radioluminescence Memory Scintillators
Authors: Yang Zhijian , Zhang Peng , Chen Xiaofeng , Hong Zhongzhu , Gong Jianwei , Ou Xiangyu , Wu Qinxia , Li Weihong , Wang Xiaoze , Xie Lili , Zhang Zhenzhen , Yu Zhiyang , Qin Xian , Tang Jiang , Zhang Hongjie , Chen Qiushui , Han Sanyang , Yang Huanghao
Published: November 2023

X‐ray imaging plays an increasingly crucial role in clinical radiography, industrial inspection, and military applications. However, current X‐ray imaging technologies have difficulty in protecting against information leakage caused by brute force attacks via trial‐and‐error. Here high‐confidentiality X‐ray imaging encryption by fabricating ultralong radioluminescence memory films composed of lanthanide‐activated nanoscintillators (NaLuF4: Gd3+ or Ce3+) with imperceptible purely‐ultraviolet (UV) emission is reported. Mechanistic investigations unveil that ultralong X‐ray memory is attributed to the long‐lived trapping of thermalized charge carriers within Frenkel defect states and subsequent slow release in the form of imperceptible radioluminescence. The encrypted X‐ray imaging can be securely stored in the memory film for more than 7 days and optically decoded by perovskite nanocrystal. Importantly, this encryption strategy can protect X‐ray imaging information against brute force trial‐and‐error attacks through the perception of lifetime change in the persistent radioluminescence. It is further demonstrated that the as‐fabricated flexible memory film enables achieving of 3D X‐ray imaging encryption of curved objects with a high spatial resolution of 20 lp/mm and excellent recyclability. This study provides valuable insights into the fundamental understanding of X‐ray‐to‐UV conversion in nanocrystal lattices and opens up a new avenue toward the development of high‐confidential 3D X‐ray imaging encryption technologies.
Nanoscopic Force Sensitivity of Polydiacetylene 2D Layered Composites with Guest Molecules
Authors: Das Bratati , Shioda Nano , Yagi Shunsuke , Oaki Yuya , Sugihara Kaori
Published: November 2023

2D polydiacetylene (PDA) layered composites with added guest molecules have demonstrated an excellent tunable mechanochromic properties toward the development of mechanochromic force sensors in energy‐related and medical applications. However, its force sensitivity at the nanoscale is left uncharacterized due to a lack of technique to conveniently apply forces to the 2D films in different directions, limiting the quantitative understanding of the sensitivity‐tuning mechanism. In this work, the quantitative friction force microscopy combined with fluorescence microscopy is introduced to measure the force sensitivity of the PDA layered composites with guest organic amines at the nanoscale. Intercalating nonylamine and 1‐aminodecane increase the sensitivity of 10,12‐pentacosadiynoic acid by 127% and 111%, respectively, whereas adding n‐tridecaylamine and stearylamine reduce it by 77% and 86%. This force sensitivity at the nanoscale is inversely correlated to the thermochromic temperature and the Young's moduli of the films, suggesting that the softer film has both higher force‐ and thermo‐sensitivity.
The Impact of Ligand Removal on the Optoelectronic Properties of Inorganic and Hybrid Lead Halide Perovskite Nanocrystal Films
Authors: Papagiorgis Paris , Sergides Marios , Manoli Andreas , Athanasiou Modestos , Bernasconi Caterina , Galatopoulos Fedros , Ioakeimidis Apostolos , Nicolaides Constantinos , Leontidis Epameinondas , Trypiniotis Theodossis , Choulis Stelios , Bodnarchuk Maryna I. , Kovalenko Maksym V. , Othonos Andreas , Itskos Grigorios
Published: November 2023

Ligand exchange performed during or after the colloidal synthesis of nanocrystals (NCs) provides an efficient way to produce conductive NC solids for optoelectronics. Herein, a post‐synthetic ligand washing process is developed and applied to two different combinations of ligands and perovskite NCs, namely robust green CsPbBr3 NCs capped by didodecyldimethylammonium bromide and near‐infrared FAPbI3 NCs decorated by weakly bound oleic acid ligands. The impact of such processes on the morphological and optoelectronic NC properties is examined while exploring parameters such as the reaction time and the influence of oxygen and humidity. For the FAPbI3 NCs, ligand washing results in extended NC aggregation and substantial photoluminescence loss, with the treatment becoming more aggressive for air‐exposed films. For the CsPbBr3 NCs, the process is insensitive to the environmental conditions and results in partial ligand shell loss and NC close packing rather than bulk‐like aggregation while affecting less the optical properties. Upon ligand removal, the photoconductance increases by up to ≈90% and ≈60% for FAPbI3 NCs and CsPbBr3 NCs, respectively. THz spectroscopy produces qualitatively similar trends of the conductivity with ligand removal time, with THz mobility values as high as 30 and 6 V−1s−1cm2 for glove box prepared FAPbI3 and CsPbBr3 NCs, respectively.
Ultrafast Multistage Lattice Strain via Laser‐Excited Phonons in Lithium Niobate
Authors: Wu Bo , Yang Qing , Zhang Bin , Wang Lei , Ren Yingying , Meng Sheng , Chen Feng
Published: November 2023

Ultrafast laser‐excitation of lithium niobate (LiNbO3) crystal has triggered numerous photonic applications through the structural transitions in LiNbO3. However, the explanations for ultrafast laser‐induced modification of LiNbO3 have remained phenomenological, lacking a convincing in‐depth understanding of the fundamental laser‐lattice interaction process. Based on ab initio simulations, it is demonstrated that photoexcited anharmonic phonons play a significant role in influencing the lattice structure of LiNbO3. Harnessing the real‐time time‐dependent density functional theory, it is revealed that the excitation of TO4 phonons via electric‐phonon coupling triggers displacement‐induced lattice oscillations during multiphoton ionization. These oscillations give rise to multistage structural strains, resulting in alterations of the refractive index. Significantly, these modifications exhibit sensitivity to the incident laser energy. Experimentally, using the waveguide technique and micro‐Raman spectroscopy, the correlation between local refractive index, lattice volume density, and phonon vibrational modes has been established, exhibiting good consistency with theoretical predictions. This work provides an effective means to understand the ultrafast excitation of phonons and relaxation processes of the lattice in dielectric crystals.
Visible Light‐Mediated, Acid‐Catalyzed, C−N Cross Dehydrogenative Coupling of Quinoxalin‐2(1H)‐ones with Carbazoles and Amides: Access to Fluorescent Probes Featuring Aggregate Induced Emission
Authors: Dixit Vikas , Pooja  , Jain Nidhi
Published: November 2023

We demonstrate a photocatalyst and transition metal catalyst free photo‐activation of quinoxalin‐2(1H)‐ones in visible light in the presence of an acid catalyst. The photoactivated quinoxalin‐2(1H)‐one species transfers its energy to oxygen which promotes C−N cross dehydrogenative coupling with nucleophilic partners such as carbazoles, azoles and amides giving the products in 42–75% yields. Preliminary studies reveal quinoxalin‐2(1H)‐one‐carbazole adducts to display fluorescent properties including Intramolecular Charge Transfer (ICT) and Aggregate Induced Emission (AIE).
Targeting CBX3 with a Dual BET/PLK1 Inhibitor Enhances the Antitumor Efficacy of CDK4/6 Inhibitors in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Liang Huaiyuan , Yang Chunguang , Zeng Ruijiang , Song Yingqiu , Wang Jianxi , Xiong Wei , Yan Binyuan , Jin Xin
Published: November 2023

The development of castration‐resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) is a significant factor that reduces life expectancy among patients with prostate cancer. Previously, it is reported that CDK4/6 inhibitors can overcome the resistance of CRPC to BET inhibitors by destabilizing BRD4, suggesting that the combination of CDK4/6 inhibitors and BET inhibitors is a promising approach for treating CRPC. In this study, candidates that affect the combined antitumor effect of CDK4/6 inhibitors and BET inhibitors on CRPC is aimed to examine. The data demonstrates that CBX3 is abnormally upregulated in CDK4/6 inhibitors‐resistant cells. CBX3 is almost positively correlated with the cell cycle in multiple malignancies and is downregulated by BET inhibitors. Mechanistically, it is showed that CBX3 is transcriptionally upregulated by BRD4 in CRPC cells. Moreover, it is demonstrated that CBX3 modulated the sensitivity of CRPC to CDK4/6 inhibitors by binding with RB1 to release E2F1. Furthermore, it is revealed that PLK1 phosphorylated CBX3 to enhance the interaction between RB1 and CBX3, and desensitize CRPC cells to CDK4/6 inhibitors. Given that BRD4 regulates CBX3 expression and PLK1 affects the binding between RB1 and CBX3, it is proposed that a dual BRD4/PLK1 inhibitor can increase the sensitivity of CRPC cells to CDK4/6 inhibitors partially through CBX3.
Double‐Network DNA Macroporous Hydrogel Enables Aptamer‐Directed Cell Recruitment to Accelerate Bone Healing
Authors: Miao Yali , Liu Xiao , Luo Jinshui , Yang Qian , Chen Yunhua , Wang Yingjun
Published: November 2023

Recruiting endogenous bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) in vivo to bone defect sites shows great promise in cell therapies for bone tissue engineering, which tackles the shortcomings of delivering exogenous stem cells, including limited sources, low retention, stemness loss, and immunogenicity. However, it remains challenging to efficiently recruit stem cells while simultaneously directing cell differentiation in the dynamic microenvironment and promoting neo‐regenerated tissue ingrowth to achieve augmented bone regeneration. Herein, a synthetic macroporous double‐network hydrogel presenting nucleic acid aptamer and nano‐inducer enhances BMSCs recruitment, and osteogenic differentiation is demonstrated. An air‐in‐water template enables the rapid construction of highly interconnective macroporous structures, and the physical self‐assembly of DNA strands and chemical cross‐linking of gelatin chains synergistically generate a resilient double network. The aptamer Apt19S and black phosphorus nanosheets‐specific macroporous hydrogel demonstrate highly efficient endogenous BMSCs recruitment, cell differentiation, and extracellular matrix mineralization. Notably, the enhanced calvarial bone healing with promising matrix mineralization and new bone formation is accompanied by adapting this engineered hydrogel to the bone defects. The findings suggest an appealing material approach overcoming the traditional limitations of cell‐delivery therapy that can inspire the future design of next‐generation hydrogel for enhanced bone tissue regeneration.
Light‐controlled molecular tweezers capture specific amyloid oligomers
Authors: Qian Chengyuan , Chen Jiefang , Wang Cheng , Wang Qiang , Wang Xiaoyong , Wang Xiaohui
Published: November 2023

Amyloid‐β peptide (Aβ) oligomers, characteristic symptom of Alzheimer's disease (AD), have been identified as the most neurotoxic species and significant contributors to neurodegeneration in AD. However, due to their transient and heterogeneous nature, the high‐resolution structures and exact pathogenic processes of Aβ oligomers are currently unknown. Using light‐controlled molecular tweezers (LMTs), we describe a method for precisely capturing specific Aβ oligomers produced from synthetic Aβ and AD animal models. Light irradiation can activate LMTs, which are composed of two Aβ‐targeting pentapeptides (KLVFF) motifs and a rigid azobenzene (azo) derivative, to form a tweezer‐like cis configuration that preferentially binds to specific oligomers matching the space of the tweezers via multivalent interactions of KLVFF motifs with the oligomers. Surprisingly, cis‐LMTs can immobilize the captured oligomers in transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans under light irradiation. The LMTs may serve as spatiotemporally controllable molecular tools to extract specific native oligomers for the structure and function studies via reversible photoisomerization, which would improve the understanding of the toxic mechanisms of Aβ oligomers and development of oligomer‐targeted diagnosis and therapy.
Formation mechanisms of molecular compound in saturated‐unsaturated mixed‐acid triacylglycerols mixture systems and its edible applications
Authors: Bayés‐García Laura , Sato Kiyotaka , Zhang Lu , Yoshikawa Shinichi , Kaneko Fumitoshi , Yamamoto Yoshinori , Watanabe Shimpei , Taguchi Ken
Published: November 2023

The triacylglycerols (TAGs) containing saturated (Sat)‐unsaturated (U) fatty acid moieties (Sat‐U mixed acid TAGs) are widely present in most natural fats and employed in many industrial applications. The mixing behavior of different Sat‐U mixed acid TAGs acts important roles in the physicochemical properties TAG‐based materials. Among the three main mixing states of miscible, eutectic and molecular compound (MC) forming mixtures, fundamental research has been conducted on the MC crystals formed by different Sat‐U mixed acid TAGs to understand the structures, phase behavior and crystallization properties. This article reviews studies to date on the complex thermodynamic, kinetic and structural factors that affect the formation of MC crystals in binary and ternary mixtures of Sat‐U mixed acid TAGs (SatUSat, SatSatU, USatU and UUSat) through specific molecular interactions among the component TAGs. Furthermore, the application of the MC‐forming mixtures containing cacao butter to new types of cocoa butter alternative is reviewed.
Environmental variables influencing occurrence and distribution ofDelphinus delphisin the eastern Aegean Sea (eastern Mediterranean Sea)
Authors: Ingrosso Maurizio , Tintoré Beatriz , Cipriano Giulia , Ricci Pasquale , Grandjean Tim , Tsimpidis Thodoris , Nomikou Paraskevi , Carlucci Roberto , Miliou Anastasia
Published: November 2023

Cetaceans are considered bioindicators of the health state of marine ecosystems owing to their wide distribution across the different aquatic ecosystems in the world and their significant top‐down control role in the food chain, despite their low biomass. At the same time, effective management of wild cetacean populations severely affected by human pressure requires extensive knowledge on species distribution, habitat use, and associated threats. In this context, defining the factors that directly influence the local occurrence and distribution of cetaceans is one of the underlying challenges and is essential for their conservation and long‐term survival.

Delphinus delphissightings data, collected between 2017 and 2021 during 284 standardized vessel‐based surveys, were used to set up a presence–absence distribution model in the eastern Aegean Sea, eastern Mediterranean Sea. Binomial generalized additive models with logit as link function were run using the R package mgcv (restricted maximum likelihood method) and different biogeochemical explanatory variables collected from different sources.

Longitude, latitude, salinity, chlorophyll a, dissolved ammonium, and dissolved phosphate were selected as non‐collinear predictive variables. Through a model validation based on a 10‐fold cross‐validation approach and a random data splitting procedure of 70%/30% (train/test dataset), a model formula has been selected with an explained deviance of 38.10%, an Akaike information criterion value of 1,661.3, and an area under curve of 0.91.

The study confirms that long‐term time series of satellite‐derived data are useful to assess the occurrence and the spatial distribution ofD. delphis, suggesting the need for a better understanding of the influence of these environmental factors especially in the framework of climate changes.

Outcomes highlight the need to test further variables and further methods in order to provide increasingly reliable results in view of the conservation measures that must be adopted to stop or reduce the degree of pressure to which these species are subjected.
On the dentition, tooth replacement, and taxonomic status of Charruodon tetracuspidatus Abdala & Ribeiro, 2000: A bizarre cynodont from the middle upper Triassic of southern Brazil
Authors: Hoffmann Carolina Abreu , Ribeiro Ana Maria , de Andrade Marco Brandalise
Published: November 2023

Among the living tetrapods, mammals present a unique tooth replacement pattern, diphyodonty. Therefore, studying the dentition of mammalian ancestors is relevant to a better understanding of how this remarkable feature evolved. However, little is known about the postcanine tooth replacement pattern among Triassic cynodonts. Here, we applied the nondestructive method of microcomputed tomography (microCT) to analyze the dentition of the enigmatic Upper Triassic sectorial‐toothed cynodont Charruodon tetracuspidatus (MCP 3934 PV, holotype) from the Candelaria Sequence, Santa Maria Supersequence, Brazil. The microCT‐scan data allowed visualization of the replacement dentition and roots of the functional teeth, which provided information to inform interpretations of the ontogenetic stage and taxonomy of the species. A combination of dental and mandibular traits, as well as the small size of the specimen MCP 3934 PV, suggest an early ontogenetic stage. Additionally, the specimen could potentially be an ontogenetically immature form of another taxon, or a yet unknown species of probainognathian cynodont. Therefore, Charruodon tetracuspidatus is here designated as a nomen dubium, given the challenges of maintaining the species as valid.
Dibenzi Heteroheptaphyrin(2.0.1.1.1.1.0)s: Synthesis, Spectral, Redox and Theoretical Studies
Authors: Tiwari Shubham , Ravikanth Mangalampalli
Published: November 2023

Three examples of dibenzi heteroheptaphyrin(2.0.1.1.1.1.0)s were synthesized by condensing bis(phenylene ethene) based hexapyrrane with appropriate diol, 2,5‐bis(α‐hydroxy‐α‐arylmethyl) thiophene or selenophene in CH2Cl2 under BF3 ⋅ OEt2 catalyzed inert atmosphere conditions followed by DDQ oxidation in open air. HR‐MS analyses confirmed the identities of dibenzi heteroheptaphyrins. The DFT optimized structures revealed that dibenzi heteroheptaphyrins were highly distorted nonplanar macrocycles with two thiophene rings preferred to be in an inverted conformation. 1D & 2D NMR helped in deducing the molecular structures of dibenzi heteroheptaphyrins and supported their nonaromatic nature. The theoretical NMR calculations were carried which matched closely with the experimental NMR data. NMR studies also revealed that the π‐delocaliztion was significantly altered in dibenzi heteroheptaphyrins compared to previously reported dibenzi hexaphyrins. The dibenzi heptaphyrins showed one sharp absorption band in 400–500 nm region and a broad band in the region of 600–800 nm which were bathochromically shifted in their diprotonated derivatives. The theoretical absorption calculations corroborate the slight hypsochromic shift of the broad absorption band in the lower energy region of dibenzi heptaphyrins compared to dibenzi hexaphyrins. The electrochemical studies revealed that the dibenzi heptaphyrins were easier to reduce but difficult to oxidize compared to dibenzi hexaphyrins.
Comprehension of irony in autistic children: The role of theory of mind and executive function
Authors: Song Yongning , Nie Ziyun , Shan Jiatong
Published: November 2023

Although previous studies have examined irony comprehension in autistic children and potential impact factors, the relationship between theory of mind (ToM), executive function (EF), symptoms of autism, and comprehension of irony in this population remains largely unknown. This study explored irony comprehension in autistic children and examined the roles of ToM and EF in linking autism symptoms to deficits in irony comprehension. Twenty autistic children were compared with 25 typically developing (TD) children in an irony story picture task, ToM task, and EF task. The results showed that autistic children had impaired comprehension of irony compared with TD children, and performance on ironic stories showed a significant moderate discriminatory effect in predicting autistic children. A ToM deficit has also been proposed for autistic children. Comprehension of irony was significantly correlated with second‐order ToM (2nd ToM) but was not significantly correlated with any components of EF. Moreover, 2nd ToM can predict the level of irony comprehension and mediate the relationship between symptoms of autism and irony comprehension. Taken together, these findings suggest that irony comprehension may offer a potential cognitive marker for quantifying syndrome manifestations in autistic children, and 2nd ToM may provide insight into the theoretical mechanism underlying the deficit in irony comprehension in this population.
Luminescence and dosimetry approach in terbium(III)‐activated tungstate double perovskite
Authors: Degda Naresh , Patel Nimesh , Verma Vishwnath , Murthy Kota Venkata Ramana , Srinivas Mangalampalli
Published: November 2023

A series of tungstate double perovskite Ca3WO6 doped with Tb3+ was prepared by a combustion process using urea as a flux. The crystal structure identification of Ca3WO6:Tb3+ phosphors was done using X‐ray diffraction patterns, and a monoclinic structure was discovered. The Fourier transform infrared spectrum of Ca3WO6:Tb3+ displayed characteristic vibrations of tungstate bonds. Under 278 nm excitation, Ca3WO6:Tb3+ exhibited intense downconversion green emission, which corresponded to the 5D4–7FJ (J = 4,5) transitions of Tb3+. The phosphor exhibited the highest photoluminescence (PL) intensity when it was doped with 1 mol% of Tb3+; later intensity quenching appeared to be due to the multipolar interaction at higher dopant concentrations. Moreover, high‐quality thermoluminescence (TL) was detected when phosphors were irradiated using beta rays. The effects of Tb3+ concentration and beta dose on TL intensity were the two major aspects studied in detail. The TL intensity demonstrated excellent linear response to the applied range of beta dose. The trap parameters of the studied phosphors were computed by the peak shape approach and glow curve deconvolution. The fading effect on TL intensity was studied by recording the TL glow curves after 1 month of beta irradiation. Obtained results from the PL and TL characterizations showed that the phosphors under study have the potential to be used in lighting displays and in thermoluminescence dosimetry.