bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SABMIS: sparse approximation based blind multi-image steganography scheme
Authors: Agrawal Rohit , Ahuja Kapil , Steinbach Marc C. , Wick Thomas
Published: November 2022

We hide grayscale secret images into a grayscale cover image, which is considered to be a challenging steganography problem. Our goal is to develop a steganography scheme with enhanced embedding capacity while preserving the visual quality of the stego-image as well as the extracted secret image, and ensuring that the stego-image is resistant to steganographic attacks. The novel embedding rule of our scheme helps to hide secret image sparse coefficients into the oversampled cover image sparse coefficients in a staggered manner. The stego-image is constructed by using the Alternating Direction Method of Multipliers (ADMM) to solve the Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) formulation of the underlying minimization problem. Finally, the secret images are extracted from the constructed stego-image using the reverse of our embedding rule. Using these components together, to achieve the above mentioned competing goals, forms our most novel contribution. We term our scheme SABMIS (Sparse Approximation Blind Multi-Image Steganography). We perform extensive experiments on several standard images. By choosing the size of the length and the width of the secret images to be half of the length and the width of cover image, respectively, we obtain embedding capacities of 2 bpp (bits per pixel), 4 bpp, 6 bpp, and 8 bpp while embedding one, two, three, and four secret images, respectively. Our focus is on hiding multiple secret images. For the case of hiding two and three secret images, our embedding capacities are higher than all the embedding capacities obtained in the literature until now (3 times and 6 times than the existing best, respectively). For the case of hiding four secret images, although our capacity is slightly lower than one work (about 2/3rd), we do better on the other two goals (quality of stego-image & extracted secret image as well as resistance to steganographic attacks). For our experiments, there is very little deterioration in the quality of the stego-images as compared to their corresponding cover images. Like all other competing works, this is supported visually as well as over 30 dB of Peak Signal-to-Noise Ratio (PSNR) values. The good quality of the stego-images is further validated by multiple numerical measures. None of the existing works perform this exhaustive validation. When using SABMIS, the quality of the extracted secret images is almost same as that of the corresponding original secret images. This aspect is also not demonstrated in all competing literature. SABMIS further improves the security of the inherently steganographic attack resistant transform based schemes. Thus, it is one of the most secure schemes among the existing ones. Additionally, we demonstrate that SABMIS executes in few minutes, and show its application on the real-life problems of securely transmitting medical images over the internet.
Association between American College of Radiology Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System and Bethesda Scoring System in Assessment of Thyroid Nodule: A Prospective Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Dsilva Rithi Melissa , Suresh HB , Jayaprakash CS
Published: November 2022

Introduction: In view of increased detection of incidental thyroid nodules on ultrasonography, there is a need for standardising the reporting system of thyroid nodules for better patient management. Aim: To assess concordance between two classification systems of thyroid nodules: American College of Radiology (ACR) Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (TIRADS) 2017 criteria on sonography and Bethesda categories on cytology. Materials and Methods: A prospective, cross-sectional validation study was conducted in Department of Radiology in collaboration with the Department of Pathology at a tertiary care hospital in Dakshina Kannada district, Karnataka, India, over a period of 12 months between October 2017 to September 2018. A total of 175 thyroid nodules detected on Ultrasonography (USG) were categorised based on ACR TIRADS 2017 criteria. Ultrasound guided Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) was performed on the nodules and were scored on the basis of Bethesda categories. Nodules were categorized into benign and malignant under TIRADS and Bethesda and their concordance was assessed. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value were assessed. Pearsons Chi-square test statistical method and kappa values were used in analysis. Results: Solid composition, hypoechoic echotexture, taller than wide shape, irregular margin and microcalcification descriptors of ACR TIRADS 2017 system were features more in favour of a malignant nodule. With FNAC as gold standard, TIRADS had a sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value and diagnostic accuracy of 91.7 %, 86.3%, 63.5%, 97.6% and 87.4% respectively (p-value <0.001). Conclusion: The stratification of risk among thyroid nodules as benign or malignant using ACR TIRADS 2017 criteria yielded good result in our study. With careful examination of nodules, TIRADS can be used to select appropriate nodules for further evaluation with cytology.
Anthropometry of Bodies of C3-C6 Cervical Vertebrae in Northwest Indian Population: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Sidhu Amanpreet Singh , Malik Vivek Singh , Ghalawat Neeru , Garsa Vipin Kumar
Published: November 2022

Introduction: Knowledge of morphometric dimensions of cervical vertebrae is of immense help in choosing and designing implants for the cervical spine. Previous studies on this subject have emphasized that these dimensions have significant variations among different populations. Aim: To determine and analyse morphometric parameters of the body of typical cervical vertebrae (C3-C6) in the Northwest Indian population. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out on 164 typical cervical vertebrae (C3 to C6) retrieved from the skeleton collection in the Department of Anatomy at Pandit Bhagwat Dayal Sharma Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Rohtak, Haryana, India from February 2020 to April 2022. Morphometric parameters measured in the study were anteroposterior diameters and transverse diameter of both surfaces of the body, and height of anterior surface of the body using a digital vernier calipers. Descriptive statistical analysis was done with the help of Microsoft Excel version 2021. Results: Of the total 164 sample, on the superior surface of the body anteroposterior diameter increased from C3 vertebrae (Mean±Standard Deviation {SD}= 14.67±1.42 mm) to C6 vertebrae (Mean±SD=15.73 mm). The anteroposterior diameter of the inferior surfaces of the body increased from C3 vertebrae (Mean±SD=15.71 mm) to C6 vertebrae (Mean±SD=16.26 mm). Similarly, the transverse diameter of the superior surface also increased from C3 vertebrae (Mean value of 20.24 mm) to C6 vertebrae (Mean value of 23.82 mm). Furthermore, the transverse diameter of the inferior surface increased from C3 vertebrae (Mean±SD=19.35 mm) to C6 vertebrae (Mean±SD=22.99 mm). However, the height of vertebral bodies was found minimum in C5 vertebrae (Mean±SD=10.69 mm) and maximum in C3 vertebrae (Mean±SD=12.04 mm). Conclusion: The dimensions of morphometric parameters observed in the present study were differing from those reported by studies carried out in south Indian population and in the Western world. However, the study did not find any significant side differences in morphometric parameters of bodies of typical cervical vertebrae. Population-specific normal data are reported in this study for the first time.
Funding Options for Agricultural Start-Ups in India- Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Kumar M. Sathish , Vennila M. , Lad Y. A. , Mahera A. B.
Published: November 2022

Startup India is a flagship initiative of the Government of India aimed at fostering innovation and building startups. In order to promote entrepreneurship, economic growth, and employment in India through this initiative, the Government intends to empower startup ventures. Global attention has been drawn to India's startup ecosystem. Innovation and scalable technology can enable start-ups to generate impactful solutions. Consequently, they serve as vehicles for economic and social development and transformation.   Over the past two decades, the Indian start-up ecosystem has undergone a rapid evolution. In recent years, the business world has witnessed an explosion of ground-breaking start-ups providing solutions to the real problems at a mass level thanks to hundreds of innovative youngsters choosing to pursue entrepreneurship instead of joining multinational corporations and government ventures. Over the past decade, the Government of India has introduced a number of schemes aimed at promoting entrepreneurship and growing the economy. These programs have helped a large number of start-ups succeed. As a result of these schemes, the country will move forward and secure the strongest position in the world economy. At different stages of a start-up's development, there are different funding options. The Indian government implements numerous schemes to promote start-ups through a variety of funding options that are easily accessible to budding and existing entrepreneurs. It is encouraging to see India as a country with many opportunities, particularly in the agriculture sector, which lends itself to the development of start-ups and employment creation. A few challenges, funding options and opportunities that Indian start-ups have to face in our current eco-system are discussed in this paper.
Using 3D Tools to Design CCTV Monitoring System for Ghanaian University: A Case of C.K. Tedam University of Technology and Applied Sciences (CKT-UTAS)
Authors: Gyamfi Enoch Opanin , Danso Juliana Mantebea , Opoku-Mensah Nelson , Botchey Francis Effirim , Gyamerah Seth , Adom Dominic Kwasi , Awewonu Gabriel Abugabe
Published: November 2022

CCTV monitoring system is an essential security tool for visual surveillance accelerating the investigation in potential criminal activities when the need arises. Although expensive, universities mostly with public-access campuses in general, all need this system mainly to maintain safety and security in real-time, allowing legitimate students and staff to access campus resources and concurrently preventing any unauthorized persons access within the campus as well as responding to incidents with necessary action. C. K. Tedam University of Technology and Applied Sciences (CKT-UTAS) is a university in the Upper East Region of Ghana that does not have such a monitoring system. Since it is a newly established public university, its allocated funds are limited and could not be used to establish such an expensive system. To supplement their ongoing efforts in building security monitoring system, this study constitutes the blueprint procedures for building economical but reliable and efficient CCTV camera system for monitoring the property on campus and also the in and out of students and university staff members. The CCTV system was tested in monitoring vantage security post of the University. After observing and analyzing the trends in data from both the physical and our proposed automated monitoring approach, it can be concluded that the CCTV camera setup outperforms the physical and manual form or monitoring vantage security posts on University campus. Since the of monitoring security post using the proposed CCTV setup is advantageous in requiring lesser human effort and skills, it can be recommended for universities with low income-flow and low budget. This probably can make the university campus more secure and reliable.
Evaluation of Crop Varieties and Fertilizers Doses on Growth, Yield and Quality of Cherry Tomato Grown under Protected Condition
Authors: Basha Shaik Nazeer , Singh Devi , Wesley C. John
Published: November 2022

The study titled “Evaluation of varieties and fertilizers doses on growth, yield and quality of cherry tomato grown under protected condition” was conducted in 2021-2022 season at the Department of Horticulture, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh during the Rabi-2021-22 with the objective to determine the effect of fertilizer application of micronutrients on cherry tomato variety Pusa cherry, Ngamoti and Roja Red for their growth, fruit quality and yield and to work out the economics of various treatments. There were twelve treatments with T1  (Pusa Cherry -1 (RDF@30+10+40 kg/1000m²) as control, T2 Pusa Cherry -1 @ 30+7+35 kg/1000m2, T3Pusa Cherry -1 @ 35+12+40 kg/1000m2, T4Pusa Cherry -1 @ 40+17+45 kg/1000m2, T5Nagmoti (RDF@30+10+40 kg/1000m²) , T6Nagmoti @ 30+7+35 kg/1000m2, T7Nagmoti @ 35+12+40 kg/1000m2, T8Nagmoti @ 40+17+45 kg/1000m2, T9 Roja Red (RDF@30+10+40 kg/1000m²), T10 Roja Red @ 30+7+35 kg/1000m2, T11 Roja Red @ 35+12+40 kg/1000m2 and T12 Roja Red @ 40+17+45 kg/1000m2. Treatment T4 (Pusa Cherry -1 @ 40+17+45 kg/1000m2) out performed the rest of the treatments in all parameters of growth, yield and quality and net return ofT4 with Rs. 4,07,800 and the highest B:C ratio of 1:6.7.
Thrombocytopenia as an Emerging Adverse Event Associated with COVID-19/SARS-CoV2 Vaccination
Authors: Welker James A. , Crowe Andrew , Hassan Waleed
Published: November 2022

This review includes data supporting thrombocytopenia as an emerging adverse event associated with SARS-CoV2 vaccination, analyzes the published case reports supporting an association with acquired Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (aTTP), reviews the association of  Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS) and Immune Thrombocytopenia Purpura (ITP), analyzes data from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) database, provides guidance for clinicians caring for patients desiring vaccination but at potential risk of COVID-19 vaccination associated thrombocytopenia, and provides guidance for patients with a history of thrombocytopenia to better enable an informed decision regarding the choice of vaccination. Although the incidence of thrombocytopenia is sufficiently low to allow the continued use of SARS-CoV2 vaccines in patients with a history of thrombocytopenia, caution is advised. The burden of disease in reported patients was significant with death in 8.99% of patients developing thrombocytopenia after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine and 15.4% having a life-threatening event. The burden on the healthcare system includes 30.6% of reported patients developing thrombocytopenia after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine requiring an ED visit, 26.5% requiring an office visit, and 49.5% requiring hospitalization. Hospitalizations were significant with a median stay of 7.21 days. Patients desiring vaccination should be screened for prior thrombocytopenia and counseled on the risks/benefits of vaccination that are unique to their medical history. Patients with a history of thrombocytopenia may choose to receive vaccination but should be monitored for the development of thrombocytopenia during 0-90 days and possibly as long as nine months following their last dose of vaccination.
Mortality Among Pediatric Patients With Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in Sweden From 1988 to 2017
Authors: Björk-Eriksson Thomas , Boström Martina , Bryngelsson Ing-Liss , Lähteenmäki Päivi M. , Jarfelt Marianne , Kalm Marie , Olsson Daniel S.
Published: November 2022

Importance

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) constitutes 20% to 30% of all pediatric cancers. The 5-year overall survival among pediatric patients with ALL in high-income countries such as Sweden is currently more than 90%, but long-term unselected nationwide mortality data and mortality data in relation to the general population are lacking.

Objective

To compare mortality between pediatric patients with ALL and the general population during a 30-year period in Sweden and to assess the incidence of ALL in Sweden.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cohort study included pediatric patients (aged <18 years) with a morphologically verified ALL diagnosis in the Swedish Cancer Register and/or at least 2 ALL diagnoses in the Swedish National Patient Register between January 1, 1988, and December 31, 2017. Data were cross-linked to the Swedish Cause of Death Register. Data were analyzed from May 2019 to January 2022.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The main outcomes were mortality among patients with ALL compared with that in the general population and mortality in different subgroups within the cohort. Standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) were calculated using the general Swedish population as a reference. Within-cohort survival analyses were performed.

Results

A total of 2397 patients (1354 [56%] male; mean [SD] age at diagnosis, 6.1 [4.7] years) were included in the study. The mean (SD) incidence of pediatric ALL during the study period was 4.11 (0.60) cases per 100 000 persons per year (females, 3.68 [0.65] cases per 100 000 persons per year; males, 4.52 [0.81] cases per 100 000 persons per year; P < .001). The observed number of deaths among pediatric patients with ALL was 409 vs the 9.5 deaths expected in the general population, resulting in an overall SMR of 43.1 (95% CI, 39.0-47.5); females had a higher SMR than males (57.8 [95% CI, 49.5-67.2] vs 34.5 [95% CI, 32.0-41.4]; P < .001). Analysis within the cohort showed a continued decrease in survival throughout the 30-year follow-up. The association between calendar year of ALL diagnosis, corresponding with different ALL treatment protocols, and mortality showed the lowest survival for the 1988-1991 group and the highest for the 2008-2017 group (χ2 = 20.3; P < .001).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cohort study, a consistently high SMR was seen among pediatric patients with ALL. Within the ALL cohort, survival evolved to a similar extent as in the young general population of Sweden. Furthermore, survival among patients with ALL decreased throughout the whole follow-up period without any trend difference after the 5-year follow-up time point. The changes in ALL treatment protocols were associated with overall improved absolute survival over time.
Association of Body Mass Index With 21-Gene Recurrence Score Among Women With Estrogen Receptor–Positive, ERBB2–Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Lee Janghee , Kim Hakyoung , Bae Soong June , Ji Jung Hwan , Lee Jong Won , Son Byung Ho , Ahn Sei Hyun , Jeong Joon , Lee Sae Byul , Ahn Sung Gwe
Published: November 2022

Importance

Body mass index (BMI) may affect the 21-gene recurrence score (RS) in patients with ER-positive, ERBB2-negative breast cancer. If high BMI increases genomic risk in ER-positive, ERBB2-negative breast cancer, weight control will become more important.

Objective

To assess the association between RS and BMI according to age groups and address BMI as a factor associated with high RS.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cohort study included 2295 patients with ER-positive, ERBB2-negative breast cancer who had undergone a multigene assay between March 29, 2010, and December 31, 2020, in 2 hospitals. All of the study patients were Korean women, and the median follow-up period was 45 months (range, 1-40 months). The correlations between continuous RS and BMI were investigated. A high BMI was defined as a body mass index greater than or equal to 25. In the younger age group (age ≤45 years), a high RS was defined as an RS of greater than 20.

Exposures

Body mass index.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The Pearson correlation coefficient was used to estimate the association between RS and BMI. A multivariable binary logistic model was used to identify high RS.

Results

Among the 2295 women included (mean [SD] age, 49.8 [4.00] years; range, 22-81 years), 776 were aged 45 years or younger; RS and BMI were weakly correlated (correlation coefficient, 0.119; P < .001) in this younger group. Among them, the proportion of patients with an RS greater than 20 was significantly higher in the high BMI group than in the normal BMI group (45.5% [46 of 101] vs 27.3% [184 of 675]; P < .001). In the multivariable analysis, high BMI was an associated factor for high RS (odds ratio, 2.06; 95% CI, 1.28-3.32; P = .003). The 21-gene multigene assay-guided chemotherapy rate was significantly higher in patients with high BMI (30.7% [31 of 101] vs 20.2% [136 of 674]; P = .02).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cohort study of women aged 45 years or younger, high BMI was associated with higher RS in those with ER-positive, ERBB2-negative breast cancer; further studies are necessary to examine the underlying mechanisms.
Long-term Outcomes in Use of Opioids, Nonpharmacologic Pain Interventions, and Total Costs of Spinal Cord Stimulators Compared With Conventional Medical Therapy for Chronic Pain
Authors: Dhruva Sanket S. , Murillo Jaime , Ameli Omid , Morin Pamela E. , Spencer Donna L. , Redberg Rita F. , Cohen Ken
Published: November 2022

Importance

Spinal cord stimulators (SCSs) are increasingly used for the treatment of chronic pain. There is a need for studies with long-term follow-up.

Objective

To determine the comparative effectiveness and costs of SCSs compared with conventional medical management (CMM) in a large cohort of patients with chronic pain.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This was a 1:5 propensity-matched retrospective comparative effectiveness research analysis of insured individuals from April 1, 2016, to August 31, 2018. This study used administrative claims data, including longitudinal medical and pharmacy claims, from US commercial and Medicare Advantage enrollees 18 years or older in Optum Labs Data Warehouse. Patients with incident diagnosis codes for failed back surgery syndrome, complex regional pain syndrome, chronic pain syndrome, and other chronic postsurgical back and extremity pain were included in this study. Data were analyzed from February 1, 2021, to August 31, 2022.

Exposures

SCSs or CMM.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Surrogate measures for primary chronic pain treatment modalities, including pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic pain interventions (epidural and facet corticosteroid injections, radiofrequency ablation, and spine surgery), as well as total costs.

Results

In the propensity-matched population of 7560 patients, mean (SD) age was 63.5 (12.5) years, 3080 (40.7%) were male, and 4480 (59.3%) were female. Among matched patients, during the first 12 months, patients treated with SCSs had higher odds of chronic opioid use (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.14; 95% CI, 1.01-1.29) compared with patients treated with CMM but lower odds of epidural and facet corticosteroid injections (aOR, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.39-0.51), radiofrequency ablation (aOR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.44-0.72), and spine surgery (aOR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.61-0.85). During months 13 to 24, there was no significant difference in chronic opioid use (aOR, 1.06; 95% CI, 0.94-1.20), epidural and facet corticosteroid injections (aOR, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.87-1.14), radiofrequency ablation (aOR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.66-1.09), or spine surgery (aOR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.75-1.09) with SCS use compared with CMM. Overall, 226 of 1260 patients (17.9%) treated with SCS experienced SCS-related complications within 2 years, and 279 of 1260 patients (22.1%) had device revisions and/or removals, which were not always for complications. Total costs of care in the first year were $39 000 higher with SCS than CMM and similar between SCS and CMM in the second year.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this large, real-world, comparative effectiveness research study comparing SCS and CMM for chronic pain, SCS placement was not associated with a reduction in opioid use or nonpharmacologic pain interventions at 2 years. SCS was associated with higher costs, and SCS-related complications were common.
Mapping literature reviews on coral health: Protocol for a review map, critical appraisal and bibliometric analysis
Authors: Burke Samantha , Pottier Patrice , Macartney Erin L. , Drobniak Szymon M. , Lagisz Malgorzata , Ainsworth Tracy , Nakagawa Shinichi
Published: November 2022

The health of coral reef ecosystems is declining. As research examining this decline has grown, review articles (secondary literature) have emerged. Secondary literature can include narrative reviews, systematic reviews, and bibliometric analyses. Synthesizing secondary literature can influence research directions, as syntheses visualize both the current state of knowledge and trends in research. Therefore, we propose to use the combination of bibliometric mapping and systematic mapping techniques to synthesize the secondary literature on coral health and coral reef decline.

We will examine secondary literature on coral health published in peer‐reviewed journals and indexed in Scopus or Web of Science databases. After screening the title, abstract, and keywords of each paper, we will extract information that encompasses the type and purpose of the review, the identified factors affecting coral health, and the health‐related outcomes on coral reefs. We will also conduct a critical appraisal using the Collaboration for Environmental Evidence Synthesis Assessment Tool (CEESAT) criteria for papers that are self‐reported to be systematic reviews. We will also extract bibliometric data to identify author affiliations, collaboration networks, and journals. We will communicate our results from systematic and bibliometric mapping using visualizations and tabulations.

Our systematic map aims to reveal gaps and clusters of topics in review articles on coral health. These findings can guide future research into coral health in both primary and secondary literature. Our critical appraisal will evaluate the robustness of systematic reviews, informing researchers on how to identify and conduct high‐quality reviews. Our bibliometric map will uncover the extent and connectivity of researchers synthesizing evidence on coral health, highlighting the diversity (or lack thereof) of those engaging in coral health research.
Au@NiSx Yolk@Shell Nanostructures as Dual‐Functional Electrocatalysts for Concomitant Production of Value‐Added Tartronic Acid and Hydrogen Fuel
Authors: Vo Truong‐Giang , Tran Giang‐Son , Chiang Chao‐Lung , Lin Yan‐Gu , Chang Huai‐En , Kuo Hsuan‐Hung , Chiang Chia‐Ying , Hsu Yung‐Jung
Published: November 2022

Efficient glycerol electrooxidation reaction (GEOR) over gold@nickel sulfide (Au@NiSx) yolk@shell nanostructures is demonstrated, achieving ≈50.4% glycerol conversion at 10 h, 92.6% selectivity toward three‐carbon products, and 90.7% total Faradaic efficiency. By regulating the electrode potential, tartronic acid (TART), one of the highest value‐added intermediates, can be produced with a selectivity as high as 43.1% and a yield of 45.6 µmol cm−2 h−1. A combination of ex situ microstructural analysis, operando Raman, and operando X‐ray absorption measurements reveals a dynamic surface reconstruction course from Au@NiSx to Au@NiSx/NiOOH during the glycerol oxidation process. The unique reconstructed architectures featuring conductive interior NiSx components and active surface high‐valence Ni3+ species account for the superior GEOR performance. Further integration of GEOR with hydrogen evolution reaction is realized by employing Au@NiSx as both anode and cathode electrocatalysts in a two‐electrode configuration. Concomitantly production of TART and hydrogen fuel is accomplished. This study demonstrates that Au@NiSx not only can convert glycerol to TART with remarkable efficiency and selectivity, but also can produce hydrogen at a moderate level. The findings from this study can facilitate the development of dual‐functional electrocatalysts capable of producing high‐value products at both the cathode and anode sides.
Surface Regulation through Dipolar Molecule Boosting the Efficiency of Mixed 2D/3D Perovskite Solar Cell to 24%
Authors: Yue Xiaopeng , Zhao Xing , Fan Bingbing , Yang Yingying , Yan Luyao , Qu Shujie , Huang Hao , Zhang Qiang , Yan Huilin , Cui Peng , Ji Jun , Ma Junfeng , Li Meicheng
Published: November 2022

Mixed 2D/3D perovskite solar cells (PSCs) show promising performances in efficiency and long‐term stability. The functional groups terminated on a large organic molecule used to construct 2D capping layer play a key role in the chemical interaction mechanism and thus influence the device performance. In this study, 4‐(trifluoromethyl) benzamidine hydrochloride (TFPhFACl) is adopted to construct 2D capping layer atop 3D perovskite. It is found that there are two mechanisms synergistically contributing to the increase of efficiency: 1) The TFPhFA+ cations form a dipole layer promoting the interfacial charge transport. 2) The suppressed nonradiative recombination of perovskite through the coordination of TFPhFA+ cations with Pb–I octahedron, as well as the recrystallization of 3D perovskite induced by Cl‐ ions. As a result, the PSC delivers an efficiency of 24.0% with improved open‐circuit voltage (VOC) of 1.16 V, short‐circuit current density (JSC) of 25.42 mA cm‐2, and fill factor of 81.26%. The device shows no decrease in efficiency after 1500 h stored in the air indicating the good stability. The utilization of TFPhFACl not only provides a facile way to optimize the interfacial problems, but also gives a new perspective for rational design of large spacer molecule for constructing efficient 2D/3D PSCs.
Anisotropic Strain‐Mediated Symmetry Engineering and Enhancement of Ferroelectricity in Hf0.5Zr0.5O2/La0.67Sr0.33MnO3 Heterostructures
Authors: Liu Kai , Jin Feng , Zhang Xingchang , Liu Kuan , Zhang Zixun , Hua Enda , Zhang Jinfeng , Ye Huan , Gao Guanyin , Ma Chao , Wang Lingfei , Wu Wenbin
Published: November 2022

Hafnium‐based binary oxides have attracted considerable attention due to their robust ferroelectricity at the nanoscale and compatibility with silicon‐based electronic technologies. To further promote the potential of Hafnium oxides for practical device applications, it is essential to effectively harness the interplay between structural symmetry, domain configuration, and ferroelectricity. Here, using Hf0.5Zr0.5O2/La0.67Sr0.33MnO3 (HZO/LSMO) heterostructures as a model system, the anisotropic strain‐mediated symmetry engineering and ferroelectricity enhancement are systematically investigated. By growing the heterostructures on (110)‐oriented perovskite substrates, considerable anisotropic strain is imposed on the LSMO bottom electrodes. Such an anisotropically‐strained LSMO layer acts as a structural template and effectively tune the structural symmetry, polar/non‐polar phase ratio, and ferroelectricity of the HZO top layer. Specifically, the anisotropic tensile strain stabilizes the ferroelectric rhombohedral and orthorhombic phases, thus enhancing the remnant polarization (Pr) up to 22 µC cm−2. In contrast, the anisotropic compressive strain facilitates the formation of non‐ferroelectric tetragonal phases, leading to a suppressed Pr down to 8 µC cm−2. These findings provide a guideline for understanding and modulating the intrinsic structure‐ferroelectricity relationship of HZO through anisotropic strain‐mediated symmetry engineering, which may shed light on the development of hafnium‐oxide‐based electronic devices.
Tailoring Antibonding‐Orbital Occupancy State of Selenium in Se‐Enriched ReSe2+x Cocatalyst for Exceptional H2 Evolution of TiO2 Photocatalyst
Authors: Gao Duoduo , Long Haoyu , Wang Xuefei , Yu Jiaguo , Yu Huogen
Published: November 2022

Electron density regulation of active sites can realize an optimal hydrogen‐binding strength, whereas the underlying regulation mechanism is still indistinct. Herein, a new concept of antibonding‐orbital occupancy state is first proposed to unveil the fundamental influence mechanism of electron density on the SeHads bond strength for achieving first‐rank adsorption energy toward atomic hydrogen by constructing Se‐enriched surrounding to form electron‐deficient Se(2‐δ)‐ active sites in ReSe2+x nanodots. To this end, the Se‐rich ReSe2+x nanodots (0.3–1 nm) can be dexterously fabricated onto the TiO2 to prepare Se‐rich ReSe2+x/TiO2 by an ingenious one‐step photosynthesis route. In a surprise, a large number of visual H2 bubbles are continuously produced on the resultant ReSe2+x/TiO2(0.7 wt.%) with an ultrahigh rate of 12 490.4 µmol h−1 g−1 and an apparent quantum efficiency of 60.0%, which is 5.0 times higher than that of traditional ReSe2/TiO2, even comparable with benchmark Pt/TiO2(0.7 wt.%). In situ/ex situ XPS characterizations coupled with density functional theory (DFT) calculations corroborate that a Se‐enriched environment can induce the formation of electron‐deficient Se(2‐δ)− and then reduce its antibonding‐orbital occupancy state, thus increasing the stability of H 1s‐p antibonding and accordingly reinforcing the SeHads bonds. This holistic study identifies the dominant role of antibonding‐orbital occupancy states in the optimization of hydrogen‐binding energy.
A Semi‐Liquid Electrode toward Stable Zn Powder Anode
Authors: Liu Qun , Yu Zhenlu , Zhou Rui , Zhang Biao
Published: November 2022

Zn powder anode possesses great versatility compared to the Zn foil counterpart, but the rough surface with a high surface area aggravates the corrosion and dendrite growth. Herein, a dendrite‐free and anti‐corrosive semi‐liquid Zn anode (SLA) is successfully fabricated based on Zn powder and a thickening agent. Benefiting from the rheological property, the unique anode effectively releases the stress induced by Zn plating, especially under high‐current densities. Meanwhile, the dual‐conductive medium, i.e., ionic and electronic, homogenizes the ion flux and allows the stripping/plating to occur within the entire anode. In a symmetric cell, the SLA anode exhibits stable electrochemical behavior with a prolonged lifespan at the current density of 5 mA cm−2/10 mA cm−2under the capacity of 5 mAh cm−2/10 mAh cm−2. Improved durability of more than 5000 cycles is endowed when assembling an SLA anode with a vanadium‐based cathode. This study provides an electrode rheology‐based approach to overcome the stability challenge of powder anode for scale‐up manufacturing.
Plasmon‐Enhanced Ultrasensitive Digital Imaging Immunoassay for the Quantification of microRNAs Assisted by Convolutional Neural Network Analysis
Authors: Long Zhongwen , Shen Xinyu , Zhang Xiaobo , Zhang Hui , Zhou Qianwei , Yang Cheng , Liang Yuzhang , Xu Ting
Published: November 2022

Digital imaging immunoassays for precisely detecting microRNAs have attracted much attention in early cancer diagnosis. Currently, there is an urgent demand for improving the sensitivity and selectivity in digital immunoassays, which is limited by low imaging signal‐to‐noise ratio and pollutant interference. Herein, a plasmon‐enhanced ultrasensitive and selective digital‐readout imaging immunoassay is reported for microRNA quantification. Through DNA hybridization technology, Au nanoparticles are bound to target microRNAs and selectively placed onto an Au film coated slide, locally forming plasmonic nanocavities that dramatically enhance the scattering imaging signal of nanoparticles in dark‐field microscopy. Additionally, a convolutional neural network algorithm not only automatically recognizes and counts the image spots of the nanoparticles, but also excludes the counting errors inevitably induced by environmental pollutants or other noises. Ultimately, a quantitative determination of the microRNA‐375 cancer biomarker is demonstrated with a dynamic range that spans across 4 orders of magnitude (from 1 fm to 10 pm) with a low limit of detection (1.29 fm). This plasmon‐enhanced digital imaging immunoassay is a promising analytical tool toward point‐of‐care testing for various disease biomarkers at very low concentrations.
17.87% Efficiency All‐Polymer Tandem Solar Cell Enabled by Complementary Absorbing Polymer Acceptors
Authors: Ma Qing , Jia Zhenrong , Meng Lei , Yang Hang , Zhang Jinyuan , Lai Wenbin , Guo Jing , Jiang Xin , Cui Chaohua , Li Yongfang
Published: November 2022

All‐polymer solar cells (all‐PSCs) possess distinguished advantages of excellent morphology stability, thermal stability, and mechanical flexibility. Tandem solar cells, by stacking two sub‐cells, can absorb more photons in a wider wavelength range and can reduce thermal losses. However, limitation of polymer acceptors with suitable bandgaps hinders the development of tandem all‐PSCs. Herein, highly efficient tandem all‐PSCs are fabricated by employing two polymerized small molecular acceptors (PSMAs) of wide bandgap PIDT (1.66 eV) in the front cell and narrow bandgap PY‐IT (1.4 eV) in the rear cell. The two sub‐cells with the polymer donors of PM7 in front cell and PM6 in rear cell show high open circuit voltage (Voc) of 1.10 V for the front cell and 0.94 V for the rear cell. By rational device optimizations, the best power conversion efficiency of 17.87% is achieved for the tandem all‐PSCs with high Voc of 2.00 V. 17.87% is one of the highest efficiency for the all‐PSCs, and 2.00 V is one of the highest Voc for all the tandem organic solar cells. Moreover, the tandem all‐PSCs show excellent thermal and light‐soaking stability compared with their small‐molecule counterparts. The results provide insight to the potential of bandgap tuning in PSMAs, and indicate that the tandem architecture is an effective strategy to boost performance of the all‐PSCs.
An Apoptotic Body‐based Vehicle with Navigation for Photothermal‐Immunotherapy by Precise Delivery and Tumor Microenvironment Regulation
Authors: Sheng Shupei , Yu Xuya , Xing Guozheng , Jin Limin , Zhang Yan , Zhu Dunwan , Dong Xia , Mei Lin , Lv Feng
Published: November 2022

Tumor precision therapy and preventing tumor recurrence and metastasis are the main challenges to tumor eradication. Herein, an apoptotic body‐based vehicle with imaging navigation is developed for precise tumor delivery and photothermal‐immunotherapy by IR820‐conjugated apoptotic body loaded with R848 nanoparticles. The apoptotic body serves as ammunition stores as well as vehicle drive engines, while IR820 acts as a fluorescence imaging navigation and photothermal controlling system. The apoptotic body vehicle can deliver the ammunition to tumor and achieve deep penetration by macrophage‐hitchhiking. Fluorescence imaging navigation opens a control window for photothermal treatment, followed by photothermal triggering of in situ vaccine formation. Further, CD47 antibody loaded hydrogel strengthens innate and adaptive immunity, simultaneously the polarization of macrophages regulates the immunosuppressive microenvironment to further promote the combined antitumor immunotherapy. With breast tumor (4T1)‐bearing mice model, the apoptotic body vehicle performs excellent therapeutic efficacy for primary tumor, distant tumor, tumor metastasis, and recurrence prevention.
Exploring the Ni 3d Orbital Unpaired Electrons Induced Polarization Loss Based on Ni Single‐Atoms Model Absorber
Authors: Liang Hongsheng , Chen Geng , Liu Dong , Li Zijing , Hui Shengchong , Yun Jijun , Zhang Limin , Wu Hongjing
Published: November 2022

Single‐atoms (SAs) strategies have been proved to be effective in modulating electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorption, however, the establishment of a definitive relationship between metal SAs electronic configurations and physical loss mechanisms has been still absent, especially on the atomic scale. Herein, stable Ni‐SAsx/N‐doped carbon (NC) absorbers are fabricated with the strategy of ligand polymerization. The morphology, composition, electrical conductivity, defects, and electronic interactions of the material can be well tailored by Ni species modulation engineering. Theoretical and experimental results show that the atomically dispersed individual Ni atoms contribute to enhanced EMW absorption performance through excess Ni 3d orbital unpaired electron induced polarization loss. Benefiting from it, Ni‐SAs3/NC with the highest Ni SAy‐Nx (y > 1, x > 1) polar/defect centers exhibit excellent EMW absorption with an effective absorption bandwidth of 7.08 GHz at a matched thickness of 2.50 mm. Radar cross‐section simulations further demonstrate its potential for practical application as EMW absorber. This study reveals the continuous evolution of microscopic electromagnetic loss mechanism (i.e., conduction loss→ unique polarization loss→ conduction loss) for the first time, which provides insight into the deep design of absorbers from atom‐scale view.
Engineered Phage with Aggregation‐Induced Emission Photosensitizer in Cocktail Therapy against Sepsis
Authors: Wu Ming‐Yu , Chen Luojia , Chen Qingrong , Hu Rui , Xu Xiaoyu , Wang Yifei , Li Jie , Feng Shun , Dong Changjiang , Zhang Xiao‐Lian , Li Zhiqiang , Wang Lianrong , Chen Shi , Gu Meijia
Published: November 2022

Sepsis, a widely recognized disease, is characterized by multiple pathogen infections. Therefore, it is imperative to develop methods that can efficiently identify and neutralize pathogen species. Phage cocktail therapy utilizes the host specificity of phages to adapt to infect resistant bacteria. However, its low sterilization stability efficiency and lack of imaging units seriously restrict its application. Here, a novel strategy combining the aggregation‐induced emission photosensitizer (AIE‐PS) TBTCP‐PMB with phages through a nucleophilic substitution reaction between benzyl bromide and sulfhydryl groups to remove pathogenic bacteria for sepsis treatment is proposed. This strategy retains the phage's host specificity while possessing AIE‐PS characteristics with a fluorescence imaging function and reactive oxygen species (ROS) for detecting and sterilizing bacteria. This synergetic strategy combining phage cocktail therapy and photodynamic therapy (PDT) shows a strong “1 + 1 > 2” bactericidal efficacy and superior performance in sepsis mouse models with good biocompatibility. Furthermore, the strategy can quickly diagnose blood infections of clinical blood samples. This simple and accurate strategy provides a promising therapeutic platform for rapid pathogen detection and point‐of‐care diagnosis. Moreover, it presents a new method for expanding the library of antibacterial drugs to develop new strain identification and improve infectious disease treatment, thereby demonstrating strong translational potential.
Gold Nanoparticle Enabled Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance on Unique Gold Nanomushroom Structures for On‐Chip CRISPR‐Cas13a Sensing
Authors: Waitkus Jacob , Chang Yu , Liu Li , Puttaswamy Srinivasu Valagerahally , Chung Taerin , Molina Vargas Adrian M. , Dollery Stephen J. , O'Connell Mitchell R. , Cai Haogang , Tobin Gregory J. , Bhalla Nikhil , Du Ke
Published: November 2022

A novel localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) system based on the coupling of gold nanomushrooms (AuNMs) and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) is developed to enable a significant plasmonic resonant shift. The AuNP size, surface chemistry, and concentration are characterized to maximize the LSPR effect. A 31 nm redshift is achieved when the AuNMs are saturated by the AuNPs. This giant redshift also increases the full width of the spectrum and is explained by the 3D finite‐difference time‐domain (FDTD) calculation. In addition, this LSPR substrate is packaged in a microfluidic cell and integrated with a CRISPR‐Cas13a RNA detection assay for the detection of the SARS‐CoV‐2 RNA targets. Once activated by the target, the AuNPs are cleaved from linker probes and randomly deposited on the AuNM substrate, demonstrating a large redshift. The novel LSPR chip using AuNP as an indicator is simple, specific, isothermal, and label‐free; and thus, provides a new opportunity to achieve the next generation multiplexing and sensitive molecular diagnostic system.
Deterministic Thermal Sculpting of Large‐Scale 2D Semiconductor Nanocircuits
Authors: Giordano Maria Caterina , Zambito Giorgio , Gardella Matteo , Buatier de Mongeot Francesco
Published: November 2022

2D transition metal dichalcogenide semiconductor (TMDs) nanocircuits are deterministically engineered over large‐scale substrates. This original additive nanolithography approach combines large‐area physical growth of 2D TMDs layer with high resolution thermal‐scanning probe lithography, to reshape the ultra‐thin semiconducting layers at the nanoscale level. The additive nanofabrication of few‐layer MoS2 nanostructures of controlled thickness, grown in the 2H‐semiconducting phase, is demonstrated as shown by their Raman vibrational fingerprints and by their optoelectronic response. The electronic signatures of the MoS2 nanostructures are locally identified by Kelvin probe force microscopy providing chemical and compositional contrast at the nanometer scale. Finally, the potential role of the 2D TMDs nanocircuits as building blocks of deterministic 2D semiconducting interconnections is demonstrated by high‐resolution local conductivity maps showing the competitive transport properties of these large‐area nanolayers. This work thus provides a powerful approach to scalable nanofabrication of 2D nano‐interconnects and van der Waals heterostructures, and to their integration in real‐world ultra‐compact electronic and photonic nanodevices.
Enhanced Perovskite Solar Cell Stability and Efficiency via Multi‐Functional Quaternary Ammonium Bromide Passivation
Authors: Niu Yunjuan , He Dingchao , Zhang Xianxi , Hu Linhua , Huang Yang
Published: November 2022

The Achilles heel of the perovskite solar cells (PSCs) is the long‐term stability under working condition which restricts the commercialization. There are many causes for the poor stability including intrinsic defects in perovskite and humidity‐induced degradation. This work systematically investigates the synergistic working mechanism of defect passivation and humidity erosion protection on organic‐inorganic metal‐halide perovskite with benzyldodecyldimethylammonium bromide (BDDAB). The functionalized parts of halogen anions (Br−) can simultaneously passivate defects and improve the resistance of the humidity erosion by repairing [PbI6]4− octahedron defects as well as providing hydrophobicity. Moreover, the benzene ring in BDDAB tends to form π–π stacking with the benzene ring in the hole transport layer, which increases the intermolecular interaction. Thus, the highest efficiency of 22.08% is obtained by BDDAB‐modified PSCs, and 93.29% initial efficiency is retained after aging for 500 h at 80% relative humidity.
Quantitative Mid‐Infrared Plasmonic Biosensing on Scalable Graphene Nanostructures
Authors: Bareza Nestor Jr. , Wajs Ewelina , Paulillo Bruno , Tullila Antti , Jaatinen Hannakaisa , Milani Roberto , Dore Camilla , Mihi Agustin , Nevanen Tarja K. , Pruneri Valerio
Published: November 2022

Graphene nanostructures, exhibiting tunable and nanoscale‐confined mid‐infrared (mid‐IR) plasmons, prevail as a powerful spectroscopic platform for novel surface‐enhanced molecular identification. Particularly, graphene shows exciting opportunities for biosensing applications due to its versatile functionalization methods with different biomolecular building blocks (e.g., enzymes, proteins, and DNA). Here, a quantitative bioassay based on the mid‐IR localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) modulation in functionalized graphene nanostructures is demonstrated. Specifically, vitamin B12 (vB12) using the specific recognition elements on modified graphene nanoribbons (i.e., pyrene linkers via π − π stacking + anti‐vB12 antibody fragments via amide bond) is detected. Different concentrations of vB12 spotted on an arrayed panel of a single chip are quantified by the graphene LSPR shifts, where a limit of detection (LOD) of 53.5 ng mL−1 is obtained. The upscaling potential of the bioassay using large area nanostructured graphene films produced by nanoimprinting 2D hole arrays is illustrated. The integration of quantitative bioassay with scalable graphene nanostructures shows promising routes of graphene‐based mid‐IR platforms toward prospective industrial applications.