bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A SYNTACTIC OMNI-FONT CHARACTER RECOGNITION SYSTEM
Authors: WOLBERG GEORGE
Published: November 2004

This paper introduces a syntactic omni-font character recognition system. The "omni-font" attribute reflects the wide range of fonts that fall within the class of characters that can be recognized. This includes hand-printed characters as well.

A structural pattern-matching approach is employed. Essentially, a set of loosely constrained rules specify pattern components and their interrelationships. The robustness of the system is derived from the orthogonal set of pattern descriptors, location functions, and the manner in which they are combined to exploit the topological structure of characters.

By virtue of the new pattern description language, PDL, developed in this paper, the user may easily write rules to define new patterns for the system to recognize. The system also features scale-invariance and user-definable sensitivity to tilt orientation.
A KNOWLEDGE BASED SPEECH UNDERSTANDING SYSTEM
Authors: NIEMANN H. , BRIETZMANN A. , EHRLICH U. , POSCH S. , REGEL P. , SAGERER G. , SALZBRUNN R. , SCHUKAT-TALAMAZZINI G.
Published: November 2004

This article describes the work in the development of the speech understanding and dialog system EVAR. The relevant knowledge bases containing the raw linguistic knowledge and the preprocessors converting this to the specialized form needed by the processing algorithms are treated. Processing so far covers the level of the speech signal up to the level of pragmatic analysis. Some topics of ongoing and future work are mentioned briefly.
PARALLEL SPLIT-LEVEL RELAXATION
Authors: SAMAL ASHOK , HENDERSON TOM
Published: November 2004

The goal of high level vision is to identify a set of regions in a given image. This has been called by various names: the scene labeling problem’, the consistent labeling problem2, the constraint satisfaction problem3, Waltz filtering4, the satisfying assignment problem5, etc.

There are several approaches to solve this problem, including backtracking, graph matching and relaxation. A new method called split-level relaxation, which is based on discrete relaxation was proposed in Ref. 6. It takes care of multiple semantic constraints by considering each of them independently. The problem is known to be NP-complete, so it takes a long time to solve. With the advent of multiprocessors, it is now imperative to see if the problem can be solved faster in the average case.

In this paper we give a framework for solving the scene analysis problem in a parallel processing environment, using split-level relaxation. Experiments done on a multiprocessor show that it is indeed advantageous to use multiprocessors to solve this problem.
PATTERN RECOGNITION BY GRAPH MATCHING—COMBINATORIAL VERSUS CONTINUOUS OPTIMIZATION
Authors: KUNER PETER , UEBERREITER BIRGIT
Published: November 2004

A generalization of subgraph isomorphism for the fault-tolerant interpretation of disturbed line images has been achieved. Object recognition is effected by optimal matching of a reference graph to the graph of a distorted image. This optimization is based on the solution of linear and quadratic assignment problems. The efficiency of the procedures developed for this objective has been proved in practical applications. NP-complete problems such as subgraph recognition need exhaustive computation if exact (branch-and-bound) algorithms are used. In contrast to this, heuristics are very fast and sufficiently reliable for less complex relational structures of the kind investigated in the first part of this paper. Constrained continuous optimization techniques, such as relaxation labeling and neural network strategies, solve recognition problems within a reasonable time, even in rather complex relational structures where heuristics can fail. They are also well suited to parallelism. The second part of this paper is devoted exclusively to them.
A MULTILINGUAL APPROACH TO TASK-ORIENTED MAN-MACHINE DIALOGUE BY VOICE
Authors: MORIN PHILIPPE , HATON JEAN-PAUL , PIERREL JEAN-MARIE , RUSKE GUENTHER , WEIGEL WALTER
Published: November 2004

In the framework of man-machine communication, oral dialogue has a particular place since human speech presents several advantages when used either alone or in multimedia interfaces. The last decade has witnessed a proliferation of research into speech recognition and understanding, but few systems have been defined with a view to managing and understanding an actual man-machine dialogue.

The PARTNER system that we describe in this paper proposes a solution in the case of task oriented dialogue with the use of artificial languages. A description of the essential characteristics of dialogue systems is followed by a presentation of the architecture and the principles of the PARTNER system. Finally, we present the most recent results obtained in the oral management of electronic mail in French and German.
EXPERT SYSTEMS AND PATTERN RECOGNITION
Authors: ZAGORUIKO N.G.
Published: November 2004

A definition of expert systems is given, its pragmatic demands are cited and its structure is described. The methods and ways of pattern recognition are used in the subsystems DIALOGUE, ANALYTIC and HOMEOSTAT. The recognition algorithms which work on the information to be retained in the data base and knowledge base are described. The problems of recognition appearing under the construction of expert systems are noted.
AN AUTO-PICKING STACKING VELOCITY ALGORITHM BASED ON AN AI AND PR APPROACH
Authors: WU L. , LUO Z. , ZHOU J. , WANG H.
Published: November 2004

Stacking velocity is a very important parameter in seismic data processing. Until now the determination of stacking velocity has been done manually. This article proposes an automatic algorithm for picking stacking velocity. The algorithm uses artificial intelligence and pattern recognition techniques.
A HYBRID FRAMEWORK COMBINING STRUCTURAL AND DECISION-THEORETIC PATTERN RECOGNITION AND APPLICATIONS
Authors: VIDAL ENRIQUE , CASACUBERTA FRANCISCO
Published: November 2004

A new framework is introduced which allows the formulation of difficult structural classification tasks in terms of decision-theoretic-based pattern recognition. It is based on extending the classical formulation of generalized linear discriminant functions so as to permit each given object to have a different vector representation in each class. The proposed extension properly accounts for the corresponding extension of the classical learning techniques of linear discriminant functions in a way such that the convergence of the extended techniques can still be proved. The proposed framework can be considered as a hybrid methodology in which both structural and decision-theoretic pattern recognition are integrated. Furthermore, it can be considered as a means to achieve convenient tradeoffs between the inductive and deductive ways of knowledge acquisition, which can result in rendering tractable the possibly hard original inductive learning problem associated with the given task. The proposed framework and methods are illustrated through their use in two difficult structural classification tasks, showing both the appropriateness and the capability of these methods to obtain useful results.
SKELETONIZING BINARY PATTERNS ON THE HOMOGENEOUS MULTIPROCESSOR
Authors: BEFFERT HELMUT , SHINGHAL RAJJAN
Published: November 2004

A modification is proposed to the Safe Point Thinning Algorithm (SPTA) to speed it up. The modified algorithm was implemented on a single processor. It was then implemented on the Homogeneous Multiprocessor Proper under two techniques: data decomposition and function decomposition. Experimental results show that with our modification and multiprocessor implementations, the SPTA was considerably speeded up.
PARALLEL GENERATION OF FINITE IMAGES
Authors: NIVAT M. , SAOUDI A. , DARE V. R.
Published: November 2004

We define a syntactic model for generating sets of images, where an image can be viewed as an array over finite alphabet. This model is called image grammar. Image grammar can be considered as a generalization of classical Chomsky grammar. Then we study some combinatorial and language theoretical properties such as reduction, pumping lemmas, complexity measure, we give a strict infinite hierarchy. We also characterize these families in terms of deterministic substitutions and Chomsky languages.
GRAMMARS ON THE HEXAGONAL ARRAY
Authors: AIZAWA KUNIO , NAKAMURA AKIRA
Published: November 2004

In this paper, we will define array grammars on the hexagonal grid. One of the advantages obtained from using the hexagonal grid is that each point has only one kind of neighbor. It is shown that the class of the context-free array grammars on the hexagonal grid includes the class of the rectangular ones even if their languages are restricted to the pictures connected on the rectangular grid. It is also shown that, in the monotonic case, they own the same class of languages jointly.
ACCESS METHODS OF IMAGE DATABASE
Authors: LEE SUH-YIN , SHAN MAN-KWAN
Published: November 2004

The perception of spatial relationships among objects in a picture is one of the important selection criteria to discriminate and retrieve images in an image database system. The data structure called 2-D string, proposed by Chang et al., is adopted to represent the symbolic pictures. When there are a large number of images in the image database and each image contains many objects, the processing time for image retrievals is tremendous. It is essential to develop efficient access methods for these retrievals. In this paper, the efficient methods for retrieval by objects, retrieval by pairwise spatial relationships and retrieval by subpicture are proposed. All the methods are based on the superimposed coding technique.
PLAYMAKER: A KNOWLEDGE-BASED APPROACH TO CHARACTERIZING HYDROCARBON PLAYS
Authors: BISWAS GAUTAM , YU XUDONG , HAGINS WILLIAM , BEZDEK JAMES , STROBEL JOHN , KENDALL CHRISTOPHER , CANNON ROBERT
Published: November 2004

This paper discusses the design and implementation of PLAYMAKER, a knowledge-based system for characterizing hydrocarbon plays. PLAYMAKER is a component of XX (eXpert eXplorer), a workstation-based tool that aids exploration geologists in a number of different tasks: sediment and carbonate simulation, play and field characterization, retrieval and storage of information in a geological database, comparison of the play or field under study with other fields in the database, and report generation. PLAYMAKER is implemented using MIDST (Mixed Inferencing Dempster-Shafer Tool), a rule-based expert system shell that incorporates mixed-initiative and inexact reasoning based on the Dempster-Shafer evidence combination scheme. This paper discusses the effectiveness of a two-level knowledge base structure adopted for the design and implementation of PLAYMAKER.
DEALING WITH AMBIGUITIES IN ENGLISH CONJUNCTIONS AND COMPARATIVES BY A DETERMINISTIC PARSER
Authors: LIU REY-LONG , SOO VON-WUN
Published: November 2004

The major problems in parsing English conjunctions and comparatives are ambiguities of scoping and ellipsis. Scoping ambiguities occur when a parser cannot deterministically detect boundaries of constituents, while ellipsis ambiguities occur when a parser cannot deterministically detect missing components. Since simple lookahead mechanisms cannot collect adequate information to resolve these ambiguities, a parsing strategy that only employs such mechanisms will need to backtrack each time it makes incorrect assumptions. In this paper, we extend the Wait-And-See strategy to parse conjunctions and comparatives deterministically and simultaneously. Several mechanisms, such as bottom-up preparsing, suspension, and pattern matching, are implemented. The bottom-up preparsing accesses the dictionary and recognizes isolated sentence fragments which can be determined without ambiguities. The suspension, which is different from Marcus’s attention shifting, allows the parser to suspend temporally at ambiguous points and continue to parse the rest of the sentence until it obtains the necessary information to resolve the ambiguities. Pattern matching uses the concept of symmetry to detect missing components (the ellipses) in the two conjoined or compared sentence fragments.
Stagnation‐point flow of the Walters′ B′ fluid with slip
Authors: Labropulu F. , Husain I. , Chinichian M.
Published: November 2004

The steady two‐dimensional stagnation point flow of a non‐Newtonian Walters′ B′ fluid with slip is studied. The fluid impinges on the wall either orthogonally or obliquely. A finite difference technique is employed to obtain solutions.
Relationship between hydrogel spacer distribution and dosimetric parameters in linear‐accelerator‐based stereotactic body radiotherapy for prostate cancer
Authors: Ohira Shingo , Yamashita Hideomi , Minamitani Masanari , Sawayanagi Subaru , Ogita Mami , Imae Toshikazu , Katano Atsuto , Nozawa Yuki , Ohta Takeshi , Nawa Kanabu , Nishio Teiji , Koizumi Masahiko , Nakagawa Keiichi
Published: February 2024

Purpose

To explore the potential of quantitative parameters of the hydrogel spacer distribution as predictors for separating the rectum from the planning target volume (PTV) in linear‐accelerator‐based stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) for prostate cancer.

Methods

Fifty‐five patients underwent insertion of a hydrogel spacer and were divided into groups 1 and 2 of the PTV separated from and overlapping with the rectum, respectively. Prescribed doses of 36.25–45 Gy in five fractions were delivered to the PTV. The spacer cover ratio (SCR) and hydrogel–implant quality score (HIQS) were calculated.

Results

Dosimetric and quantitative parameters of the hydrogel spacer distribution were compared between the two groups. For PTV, D99% in group 1 (n = 29) was significantly higher than that in group 2 (n = 26), and Dmax, D0.03cc, D1cc, and D10% for the rectum were significantly lower in group 1 than in group 2. The SCR for prostate (89.5 ± 12.2%) in group 1 was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than that in group 2 (74.7 ± 10.3%). In contrast, the HIQS values did not show a significant difference between the groups. An area under the curve of 0.822 (95% confidence interval, 0.708–0.936) for the SCR was obtained with a cutoff of 93.6%, sensitivity of 62.1%, and specificity of 100%.

Conclusions

The SCR seems promising to predict the separation of the rectum from the PTV in linear‐accelerator‐based SBRT for prostate cancer.
The effectiveness of Baduanjin on metabolic syndrome: An overview of systematic reviews and meta‐analyses
Authors: Zhao JingYi , Li Min , Ma KaiLe , Hao Rui , Zhou LiJuan
Published: February 2024

Objective

This meta‐analysis evaluated the effects of Baduanjin on the metabolic status of individuals with metabolic syndrome (MetS). The aim was to identify effective interventions for MetS prevention and treatment.

Methods

We conducted a comprehensive search of English (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library) and Chinese (CNKI, Wanfang, Chinese Biomedical Database, VIP) databases till August 19, 2022. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) focusing on Baduanjin for MetS patients were included. Data were pooled and assessed using the Cochrane risk‐of‐bias tool. The Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation for Systematic Reviews was used to evaluate literature quality.

Results

Eight RCTs involving 435 participants were included. Baduanjin showed significant improvements in fasting blood glucose (mean difference [MD] = −0.41, 95% confidence interval [CI] [−0.22, −0.61], p < 0.0001) and glycated hemoglobin levels (MD = −0.99, 95% CI [−0.38, −1.60], p < 0.00001). Waist‐to‐hip ratio (MD = −0.04, 95% CI [−0.03, −0.06], p = 0.002), body mass index (MD = −1.60, 95% CI [−0.10, −3.10], p = 0.04), fasting insulin (MD = −4.82, 95% CI [−0.15, −8.59], p = 0.01), systolic blood pressure (MD = −7.16, 95% CI [−5.16, −9.17], p < 0.00001), diastolic blood pressure (MD = −3.43, 95% CI [−0.62, −6.24], p = 0.02), total cholesterol (MD = −0.48, 95% CI [−0.10, −0.85], p = 0.01), triglycerides (MD = −0.39, 95% CI [−0.14, −0.64], p = 0.003), and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (MD = −0.52, 95% CI [−0.10, −0.94], p = 0.01) also significantly improved. No adverse events were reported. Literature quality ranged from very low to moderate.

Conclusions

Baduanjin effectively improves metabolic status in individuals with MetS, including blood glucose, lipid profile, obesity‐related indicators, insulin levels, and blood pressure. However, the overall literature quality is moderate to low. Further rigorous RCTs are needed to explore Baduanjin's effects on MetS, considering intervention methods, content, and research methodologies.
Tungsten Oxide Thin Films for Electrochromic Applications: Pulse Width‐Controlled Deposition by High‐Power Impulse Magnetron Sputtering
Authors: Najafi‐Ashtiani Hamed , Bilek Marcela M. , Akhavan Behnam
Published: February 2024

Tungsten oxide (WO3) thin films have been of prime interest among electrochromic materials because of their chemical stability, strong adherence to various substrates, and high coloration efficiency. High‐power impulse magnetron sputtering (HiPIMS) holds great potential in fabricating durable WO3‐based electrochromic layers. However, the tungsten target–plasma interactions in reactive‐HiPIMS deposition of WO3 and their role in modulating the electrochromic function of the resulting WO3 coatings are yet to be understood. Herein, by controlling the HiPIMS pulse length, the stoichiometry of tungsten oxide structures can be tuned to optimize the transparency and electrochromic function of the coatings. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy data shows that at pulse lengths shorter than 85 μs, the concentration of suboxide compounds is less than that of tungsten trioxide, while for pulse lengths longer than 100 μs, this balance is reversed. The average optical transparency of the coatings in the range of visible light is higher than 80%. The optical transmittance modulation (ΔT) of 38.1, 36.2, and 34.3% and coloration efficiency of 41.3, 38.4, and 35.9 cm2 C−1 are measured for the WOx samples deposited at pulse lengths of 70, 85, and 100 μs, respectively. Tuning the HiPIMS pulse characteristics is a simple strategy to deposit tungsten oxide films with tuned electrochromic properties for an array of applications, from smart windows to wearable displays.
Bipolar Current Collectors of Cu/polymer/Al Composite for Anode‐Free Batteries
Authors: Liao Xiangbiao , Wang Xiao , Yan Chong , Zhang Baidu , Ni Yong , Yuan Haozhi , Pan Yong , Pan Jun'an , Huang Jiaqi
Published: February 2024

The all‐in‐one design of cathode and anode is a promising strategy to improve energy density and assembly efficiency for lithium batteries. However, it is an important prerequisite to combine negative and positive current collectors in a single sheet. Here, an asymmetric structure of bipolar composite current collector (BCCC), thin copper (Cu) and aluminum (Al) metal layers respectively deposited on each side of a thin polyethylene terephthalate (PET) polymer substrate is developed. Unlike conventional metal foils, the electronically insulative polymer blocks electron transfer between the cathode and anode coated on each side of BCCC. Buckling‐based mechanics measurement and molecular simulation are conducted to quantitatively evaluate the interfacial strength of metal/polymer, which is enhanced by introducing an intermediate chromium (Cr) layer. For applications in anode‐free wound batteries, the integrated sheet of separator/cathode/BCCC can simplify the alignment of the electrodes during the winding process. Without special surface and electrolyte optimizations, a higher Coulombic efficiency (99.1%) and larger capacity retention (50.0%) are achieved after 100 cycles in the LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 anode‐free battery than the battery using Cu foils.
Molecularly Reconfigurable Neuroplasticity of Layered Artificial Synapse Electronics
Authors: Kumbhar Dhananjay D. , Je Yeonjin , Hong Seongin , Lee Donghyun , Kim Hyeongtae , Kwon Mi Ji , Cho Su‐Yeon , Lee Do‐Hyeon , Lim Dong‐Hyeok , Kim Sunkook , Park Jun Hong
Published: February 2024

Brain‐inspired electronics with multimodal signal processing have been investigated as the next‐generation semiconductor platforms owing to the limitations of von Neumann architecture, which limits data processing and energy consumption efficiencies. This study demonstrates the molecular reconfiguration of plasticity of artificial synaptic devices with tunable electric conductance based on molecular dynamics at the channel surfaces for realizing chemical multimodality. Carrier transport dynamics are adjusted using the density of trapped carriers for the molecular adsorption of HS in the MoSe2 channel, and the results are consistent with the molecular simulations. In molecular dynamics‐controlled devices, enhanced hysteresis enables the engineering of artificial neuroplasticity, mimicking the neurotransmitter release of biological synapses. Owing to the molecular reconfigurability of MoSe2 devices, the synaptic weights of excitatory and inhibitory synapse modes are significantly enhanced. Thus, this study can potentially contribute to the creation of the next generation of multimodal interfaces and artificial intelligence hardware realization.
Sequentially Deposited Elastomer‐Based Ternary Active Layer for High‐Performance Stretchable Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Tang Weibing , Ding Zicheng , Su Yueling , Weng Qiang , Zhang Yi , Li Ruipeng , Huang Wenliang , Wang Zhichao , Wu Yin , Han Yanchun , Zhao Kui , Yang Zhou , Wang Xiaochen , Liu Shengzhong (Frank)
Published: February 2024

Stretchable organic solar cells (OSCs) with high power conversion efficiency and good mechanical deformation are promising as power sources for wearable electronics. However, synergistic improvement of both photovoltaic efficiency and mechanical ductility is challenging for state‐of‐the‐art polymer donor: non‐fullerene acceptor (NFA)‐based photovoltaic active layers. Here, a high‐performance stretchable OSC with a power conversion efficiency of 16.54% and a crack‐onset strain of 26.38% by synergetic optimization film microstructure of sequentially deposited ternary active layer consisting of a polymer donor poly[2,6‐(4,8‐bis(5‐(2‐ethylhexyl‐3‐fluoro)thiophen‐2‐yl)‐benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b']dithiophene))‐alt‐5,5'‐(5,8‐bis(4‐(2‐butyloctyl)thiophen‐2‐yl)dithieno[3',2':3,4;2'',3'':5,6]benzo[1,2‐c][1,2,5]thiadiazole)] (D18), an NFA 2,2'‐((2Z,2'Z)‐((12,13‐bis(2‐ethylhexyl)‐3,9‐diundecyl‐12,13‐dihydro‐[1,2,5]thiadiazolo[3,4‐e]thieno[2'',3'':4',5']thieno[2',3':4,5]pyrrolo[3,2‐g]thieno[2',3':4,5]thieno[3,2‐b]indole‐2,10‐diyl)bis(methanylylidene)bis(5,6‐difluoro‐3‐oxo‐2,3‐dihydro‐1H‐indene‐2,1‐diylidene))dimalonitrile) (Y6), and an elastomer polystyrene‐block‐poly(ethylene‐ran‐butylene)‐block‐polystyrene (SEBS) is reported. Adding a low‐content solvent additive para‐xylene into main solvent carbon disulfide induces high‐density fibers networks with low crystallinity in bottom D18 layer, and this further suppresses the large phase separation between Y6 and SEBS in top layer. Moreover, incorporating a solid additive 1,3‐dibromo‐5‐chlorobenzene with better compatibility with Y6 can promote Y6 dispersions to form smaller ordered domains in SEBS matrix. Finally, the optimal ternary active layer shows significantly higher efficiency and stretchability, resulting in a large efficiency‐stretchability factor of 4.36%, which is among the best values for stretchable OSCs.
Bi‐Directional Growth of Thin Films: Unlocking Anisotropic Ferromagnetism and Superconductivity
Authors: Bonmassar Nicolas , Christiani Georg , Brucker Maximilian , Logvenov Gennady , Suyolcu Y. Eren , van Aken Peter A.
Published: February 2024

The pursuit of breakthroughs in thin film technology drives the exploration of novel growth strategies for quantum materials that surpass conventional limitations. Departing from the prevailing unidirectional growth approach, the methodology allows for atomic precision in both the in‐plane and out‐of‐plane directions. To demonstrate the capabilities of this transformative technique, a bi‐directionally grown superlattice comprised of alternating LaMnO3 and SrMnO3 layers is engineered, enabling the emergence of interfacial ferromagnetism. By adopting this superlattice as a model system, the vast potential of the approach is highlighted through comprehensive analysis and characterization. Furthermore, the application of the method is extended to the growth of superconducting La1.84Sr0.16CuO4 thin films on various offcut substrates. Remarkably, these substrates induce an anisotropic critical current originating from two distinct mechanisms.
Modified Highly Elastic 3D Nanofiber Embolic Scaffolds for Precise In Situ Embolization Therapy
Authors: Cai Pengfei , Cao Lei , Ding Yangfan , Han Yu , Yu Xiao , Cui Jie , Wang Hongsheng , Wu Jinglei , EL‐Newehy Mohamed , Abdulhameed Meera Moydeen , Mo Xiumei , Wang Shoubao , Sun Binbin
Published: February 2024

Transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) is an effective treatment for hemangiomas or highly vascular tumors. However, conventional embolic agents have limitations such as off‐target embolization, regurgitation, and embolic migration, which can affect the efficacy and safety of embolic therapy. The study designed a highly elastic modified embolic scaffold constructed with Polycaprolactone/Gelatin (PCL/GEL) nanofibers to achieve precise in situ embolization in vivo. The embolic scaffolds can be extruded to a small size for smooth intervention in the vessel and rapidly regain their volume when reaching the target area. The results of the in vitro study indicate that the embolic scaffolds modified with lysine and PEI exhibit good biocompatibility and functionality. Furthermore, the in vivo rabbit ear embolization test demonstrated that the modified embolic scaffolds fit closely to the vessels and induced a significant amount of neo tissue deposition in the embolized area. The embolization process using the modified embolic scaffolds is safe and stable and results in more desirable embolization outcomes compared to commercial gelatin embolic agents. In conclusion, the modified highly elastic embolic scaffolds designed in this study offer a novel method for in situ embolization that has potential for clinical application in TAE.
Substituting Poly(ethylene glycol) Lipids with Poly(2‐ethyl‐2‐oxazoline) Lipids Improves Lipid Nanoparticle Repeat Dosing
Authors: Sanchez Alejandro J. Da Silva , Loughrey David , Echeverri Elisa Schrader , Huayamares Sebastian G. , Radmand Afsane , Paunovska Kalina , Hatit Marine , Tiegreen Karen E. , Santangelo Philip J. , Dahlman James E.
Published: February 2024

Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)–lipids are used in Food‐and‐Drug‐Administration‐approved lipid nanoparticle (LNP)–RNA drugs, which are safe and effective. However, it is reported that PEG–lipids may also contribute to accelerated blood clearance and rare cases of hypersensitivity; this highlights the utility of exploring PEG–lipid alternatives. Here, it is shown that LNPs containing poly(2‐ethyl‐2‐oxazoline) (PEOZ)–lipids can deliver messenger RNA (mRNA) to multiple cell types in mice inside and outside the liver. In addition, it is reported that LNPs formulated with PEOZ–lipids show reduced clearance from the bloodstream and lower levels of antistealth lipid immunoglobulin Ms than LNPs formulated with PEG–lipids. These data justify further exploration of PEOZ–lipids as alternatives to PEG–lipids in LNP–RNA formulations.
Brain‐Decellularized ECM‐Based 3D Myeloid Sarcoma Platform: Mimicking Adaptive Phenotypic Alterations in the Brain
Authors: Yoon Heejeong , Kang Joo H. , Cho Seung Woo , Park Chun Gwon , Kim Dong‐Wook , Park Tae‐Eun
Published: February 2024

Leukemia circulates in the bloodstream and induces various symptoms and complications. Occasionally, these cells accumulate in non‐marrow tissues, forming a tumor‐like myeloid sarcoma (MS). When the blast‐stage leukemia cells invade the brain parenchyma, intracranial MS occurs, leading to a challenging prognosis owing to the limited penetration of cytostatic drugs into the brain and the development of drug resistance. The scarcity of tissue samples from MS makes understanding the phenotypic changes occurring in leukemia cells within the brain environment challenging, thereby hindering development of effective treatment strategies for intracranial MS. This study presents a novel 3D in vitro model mimicking intracranial MS, employing a hydrogel scaffold derived from the brain‐decellularized extracellular matrix in which suspended leukemia cells are embedded, simulating the formation of tumor masses in the brain parenchyma. This model reveals marked phenotypic changes in leukemia cells, including altered survival, proliferation, differentiation, and cell cycle regulation. Notably, proportion of dormant leukemia stem cells increases and expression of multidrug resistance genes is upregulated, leading to imatinib resistance, mirroring the pathological features of in vivo MS tissue. Furthermore, suppression of ferroptosis is identified as an important characteristic of intracranial MS, providing valuable insights for the development of targeted therapeutic strategies.
Genetically Engineered Cytomembrane Nanovaccines for Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: Pan Yuanwei , Wu Xianjia , Liu Lujie , Zhao Chenchen , Zhang Jing , Yang Shengren , Pan Pan , Huang Qinqin , Zhao Xing‐Zhong , Tian Rui , Rao Lang
Published: February 2024

Cancer nanovaccines have attracted widespread attention by inducing potent cytotoxic T cell responses to improve immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy, while the lack of co‐stimulatory molecules limits their clinical applications. Here, a genetically engineered cancer cytomembrane nanovaccine is reported that simultaneously overexpresses co‐stimulatory molecule CD40L and immune checkpoint inhibitor PD1 to elicit robust antitumor immunity for cancer immunotherapy. The CD40L and tumor antigens inherited from cancer cytomembranes effectively stimulate dendritic cell (DC)‐mediated immune activation of cytotoxic T cells, while the PD1 on cancer cytomembranes significantly blocks PD1/PD‐L1 signaling pathway, synergistically stimulating antitumor immune responses. Benefiting from the targeting ability of cancer cytomembranes, this nanovaccines formula shows an enhanced lymph node trafficking and retention. Compared with original cancer cytomembranes, this genetically engineered nanovaccine induces twofold DC maturation and shows satisfactory precaution efficacy in a breast tumor mouse model. This genetically engineered cytomembrane nanovaccine offers a simple, safe, and robust strategy by incorporating cytomembrane components and co‐stimulatory molecules for enhanced cancer immunotherapy.
HLCT‐Type Acceptor Molecule‐Based Exciplex System for Highly Efficient Solution‐Processable OLEDs with Suppressed Efficiency Roll‐Offs
Authors: Yin Yixiao , Lai Xiaoyi , Ma Qian , Ma Huili , Zhu Weiguo , Lee Jun Yeob , Wang Yafei
Published: February 2024

Exciplex systems are promising candidates for thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) molecules because of the small energy difference between the lowest singlet and triplet excited states (ΔEST). However, realizing high‐efficiency and low‐external‐quantum‐efficiency (EQE) roll‐off in solution‐processed organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) using an exciplex system remains a formidable challenge. In this study, two (HLCT)‐type isomers with a spiro skeleton, 2‐tBuspoCz‐TRZ and 10‐tBuspoCz‐TRZ, are designed and synthesized as acceptors of exciplexes, where tert‐butylspirofluorene indole is regarded as a donor and the triazine unit as an acceptor. Green exciplex emissions are observed for the 2‐tBuspoCz‐TRZ:TAPC and 10‐tBuspoCz‐TRZ:TAPC exciplexes, indicating distinct TADF characteristics with a very small ΔEST of 35 ± 5 meV. By using the TADF exciplex system based on the HLCT acceptor as an emitter, solution‐processable OLEDs achieve a maximum external quantum efficiency (EQEmax) of 20.8%. Furthermore, a high EQEmax > 25% with a very low‐efficiency roll‐off (≈3.5% at 1000 cd m−2) is obtained for solution‐processable phosphorescent devices using HLCT‐based exciplexes as the host matrix of phosphors. This study paves the way for a novel strategy for designing acceptor exciplex molecules for effective TADF molecules and host matrices in solution‐processable OLEDs.
Enhancement of the Surface and Mechanical Properties of Polyurethane Coating Through Changing the Additive Ratio of Silane
Authors: Kant İrem Elmas , Tarkuç Simge , Köken Nesrin , Yeşilçubuk Süleyman Alper , Kızılcan Nilgün
Published: February 2024

Continuous development in the formulation and processing techniques of polyurethane (PU) coatings improves an aesthetic appearance as well as protection against environmental factors. In this study, the formulation of PU coating with polyethylene glycol 600 (PEG600), isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI), and trimethoxysilylpropylcarbamoyloxyhexane (TMSCH) silane‐based additive is optimized to obtain high scratch‐resistant coating. An addition of 43.1 wt.% TMSCH in PU formulation resulted in a significant improvement in the scratch resistance and wettability properties compared with pure PU film. The homogenously prepared micron‐thick coatings are characterized using scanning electron microscopy analysis and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The results confirm the presence of silane additives in the PU coating matrix. The mechanical properties improved due to the increased crosslinking networks via the formation of urethane bonds by increasing the TMSCH in PU formulation. Prepared PU coating showed combined features of transparency, hydrophobicity, scratch resistance, and mechanical strength that make it a promising candidate for household appliances.
High‐Performance Green Quasi‐2D Perovskite Light‐Emitting Diodes via Passivated Defects
Authors: Yang Wei , Ban Xin‐Xin , He Xiao‐Li , Huang Xin‐Mei , Wang Xiao‐Yu , Zhang Yong , Gao Chun‐Hong
Published: February 2024

In next generation semiconductors, metal halide perovskite materials would replace traditional light‐emitting materials since their exceptional photoelectronic characteristics. The future development of perovskite light‐emitting diodes have generated challenges such as abundant surface or interfacial defects and exciton quenching. To overcome these challenges, the light‐emitting layer is modified utilizing benzimidazole/phosphine oxide hybrid 1,3,5‐tris(1‐(4‐(diphenylphenylphosphoryl)phenyl)‐1H‐benzo[d]imidazol‐2‐yl)benzene (TPOB) and 1,3,5‐tris(diphenylphosphoryl)benzene (TPO) with high triple energy state. It is demonstrated by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy results that the oxygen atoms in the P = O functional group of TPOB and TPO provided lone electron pairs coordinate to the unsaturated Pb2+ in turn led to a decrease in the electron cloud density of Pb2+ and Br‐, which can suppress defects. Additionally, this technique improved the morphology of film, reduced surface roughness, and facilitated carrier transport, all of which are crucial for achieving high‐emission efficiency. As a result, the optimal devices has EQEs of 16.20 (TPOB) and 20.48% (TPO), respectively. Furthermore, the devices demonstrated excellent reproducibility. Excitingly, the champion EQE value for the optimal device is 22.64%. Simultaneously, it can increase the stability of the devices and the lifetimes are increased from 1231 s (Pristine) to 5421 (TPOB) and 5631 s (TPO).
Anti‐Fouling Polymer or Peptide‐Modified Electrochemical Biosensors for Improved Biosensing in Complex Media
Authors: Saxena Survanshu , Sen Payel , Soleymani Leyla , Hoare Todd
Published: February 2024

Electrochemical biosensing represents a highly effective technology for detecting disease biomarkers given its high sensitivity, low and clinically relevant limit of detection, and cost effectiveness. However, in complex media such as urine, blood, sweat or saliva, biosensing performance can be significantly impacted by electrode biofouling by proteins, cells, lipids, and other matrix components. Such biofouling leads to reduced signal from the target analyte coupled with an elevated background signal, resulting in poor signal‐to‐noise ratios (SNRs), reduced sensitivity, and lower specificity. This comprehensive review describes the design of anti‐fouling polymers and peptides as a potential solution to prevent or suppress electrochemical biosensor fouling. Various anti‐fouling polymers and peptides developed for improved biosensing in complex media are summarized in the context of their mechanism(s) of anti‐fouling, methods of deposition, and practical applications. Recent advances and persistent challenges in the field are also reviewed to provide perspectives on new directions toward enhancing anti‐fouling in electrochemical biosensors.
An Innovative Sunlight‐Driven Device for Photocatalytic Drugs Degradation: from laboratory‐ to real‐Scale Application. A First Step Toward Vulnerable Communities
Authors: Galloni Melissa Greta , Falletta Ermelinda , Mahdi Milad , Cerrato Giuseppina , Giordana Alessia , Boffito Daria Camilla , Bianchi Claudia Letizia
Published: February 2024

Freshwater represents one of the most precious resources on the planet, so it is fundamental to preserve it. In this work, an innovative sunlight‐driven device composed of bismuth oxybromide (BiOBr) grown on a material derived from natural sources, i.e., Lightweight Expanded Clay Aggregates (LECA), is developed to clean surface waters under natural solar light irradiation. For this purpose, the photodegradation of two non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs, ibuprofen, and diclofenac, is investigated under varying operative conditions. Laboratory‐ and real‐scale experiments reveal that the fabricated floating BiOBr/LECA photocatalyst fully degrades diclofenac, whereas limited abatement of ibuprofen is observed. Based on the identification of specific transformation products (TPs) during the degradation, this behavior seems to be strongly related to the different structures of the two drugs. In fact, the main TP produced during diclofenac degradation derives from dechlorination and ring condensation: this type of photocatalytic degradation pathway is generally favored over the C─C bonds's cleavage, which is a unique possibility for IBU abatement. Moreover, the potential partial adsorption of these species on the photocatalyst's active sites can cause their deactivation. Finally, reusability tests demonstrate the high stability of the floating composite.
Catalytic Asymmetric Difluoroalkylation Using In Situ Generated Difluoroenol Species as the Privileged Synthon
Authors: Xie Xiongda , Dong Shanliang , Hong Kemiao , Huang Jingjing , Xu Xinfang
Published: February 2024

A robust and practical difluoroalkylation synthon, α,α‐difluoroenol species, which generated in situ from trifluoromethyl diazo compounds and water in the presence of dirhodium complex, is disclosed. As compared to the presynthesized difluoroenoxysilane and in situ formed difluoroenolate under basic conditions, this difluoroenol intermediate displayed versatile reactivity, resulting in dramatically improved enantioselectivity under mild conditions. As demonstrated in catalytic asymmetric aldol reaction and Mannich reactions with ketones or imines in the presence of chiral organocatalysts, quinine‐derived urea, and chiral phosphoric acid (CPA), respectively, this relay catalysis strategy provides an effective platform for applying asymmetric fluorination chemistry. Moreover, this method features a novel 1,2‐difunctionalization process via installation of a carbonyl motif and an alkyl group on two vicinal carbons, which is a complementary protocol to the metal carbene gem‐difunctionalization reaction.
Batch Fabrication and Interface Stabilization Accelerate Application of Skutterudite Thermoelectric Module for Power Generation
Authors: Shi Wenjing , Qin Dandan , Sun Yuxin , Wu Hao , Tong Haoyang , Xie Liangjun , Liu Zihang , Zhang Qian , Cai Wei , Guo Fengkai , Sui Jiehe
Published: February 2024

To achieve the commercial application of high‐performance skutterudite (SKD) thermoelectric (TE) devices, breakthroughs in the batch fabrication of TE material and the realization of its stable bonding to the barrier layer are necessary. In this work, the large‐scale SKD bulks with excellent TE performance and decent homogeneity are prepared by melt‐spinning (MS) combined with a hot pressing process. Then, a modified two‐step sintering method is employed to effectively suppress the degree of initial interfacial reaction, resulting in a barrier layer/SKD joint that exhibits low contact resistivity (≈2µΩ·cm2) and high bonding strength (≈30 MPa) with no significant change after aging at 773 K for 30 days. Encouragingly, the joints welded with Mo50Cu50 electrodes also show high stability under the same aging conditions. Finally, the as‐fabricated 8‐pair module shows a highly competitive conversion efficiency of 9% under a temperature difference of 580 K. In addition, during a 360 h aging test with hot‐side temperature of 773 K, the module shows excellent stability. Overall, this work paves the way for batch fabrication of high‐performance SKD using MS and lays a solid foundation for the stable operation of SKD‐based modules.
In Situ Fabrication of Graphdiyne Nanoisland Anchored Ti3C2Tx Film to Accelerate Intercalation Pseudocapacitance Kinetics
Authors: Wu Danni , Zhang Yuman , Man Zengming , Zhang Haiyang , Zhu Xiaolin , Ding Jing , Xu Jianhong , Bao Ningzhong , Lu Wangyang
Published: February 2024

A key challenge in flexible supercapacitor is balancing the trade‐off between high capacity and fast charging ability caused by dense structure‐induced sluggish ionic diffusion and storage dynamics. Herein, a hydrogen‐rich graphdiyne (GDY)–Ti3C2Tx electrode is reported with tunable interlayer spacing, abundant active sites, and extensive charge storage nanochannels. In particular, the GDY–Ti3C2Tx (12.6 wt.%) electrode has a remarkable volumetric capacitance (2296 F cm−3 at 1 A cm−3) and fast charging behavior (1262 F cm−3 at 50 A cm−3) resulting from the shortened transport pathways, enhanced ionic diffusion rate, and facilitated electrolyte mass transport. Moreover, an all‐solid‐state supercapacitor (ASSC) delivers a high volumetric energy density of 65.6 mWh cm−3, as well as long‐term deformable cyclic stability and high capacitance retention properties under harsh conditions. Density functional theory calculations and molecular dynamic simulation demonstrate the fast electronic responsiveness of the GDY–Ti3C2Tx heterostructure owning to the stronger H+ electrostatic attraction, lower migration resistance, and accelerated intercalation pseudocapacitance kinetics. In situ X‐ray diffraction reveals that a stable Ti─O─C bond bridged organic–inorganic heterostructure can tolerate the repeated high‐current charge/discharge cycling process. The state‐of‐the‐art ASSC delivers multiple functional outputs and shows great potential for efficient energy supply in practical applications.
Self‐Adaptive Hierarchical Hosts with Switchable Repulsive Shielding for Dendrite‐Free Zinc‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Lin Dewu , Shi Dehuan , Zhu Anquan , Yang Chengkai , Zhang Tian , Liu Kai , Liu Kunlun , Hong Guo , Zhang Wenjun
Published: February 2024

The engineering of anode‐electrolyte interphase for highly reversible and dendrite‐free Zn plating‐stripping continues to pose a significant challenge in the progression of aqueous Zn‐ion batteries (AZIBs). In this study, a novel approach is introduced that involves the design of a hierarchical carbon nanotube (CNT)‐based host through functionalization with cetyltrimethylammonium cations (CTA+). This hierarchical host enables dynamically switchable repulsive shielding to regulate Zn plating. The CNT scaffold, featured with high flexibility and conductivity, facilitates expandable accommodation of continuous Zn plating. Concurrently, the entangled CTA+ cations, acting as manipulators to form switchable repulsive shields, dynamically suppress the growth of Zn dendrites, and result in uniform Zn plating within cationic CNT (C‐CNT) hosts. The cationic shielding effect is further elucidated through density functional theory calculations. By incorporating the self‐adaptive C‐CNT host, Zn symmetric cells exhibit an impressively stable cycling lifespan exceeding 6500 h at 1 mA·cm−2 and achieve a cumulative capacity of 6000 mAh·cm−2 at 4 mA·cm−2. Full batteries, by coupling the C‐CNT@Zn anode and MnO2 cathode, demonstrate an 88% capacity retention after 2000 cycles at 2 A·g−1. The design of the self‐adaptive C‐CNT host offers a promising approach in electrode‐electrolyte interphase engineering toward the practical applications of Zn‐based energy storage systems.
A review of soil erosion modeling in Nigeria using the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation model
Authors: Ezeh Christopher Uche , Igwe Ogbonnaya , Asare Mensah Yaw , Ndulue Dominic C. , Ayadiuno Romanus U. , Preko Kwasi
Published: February 2024

Soil erosion is a severe soil degradation problem that endangers the actualization of Sustainable Development Goals. It affects agricultural production by reducing soil fertility via topsoil translocation, leading to soil quality deterioration. A review of soil erosion modeling using the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) model shows that Nigeria lags behind other developing countries like Ethiopia despite the massive improvements provided by remote sensing and geographic information system (GIS) technologies. Fewer than 50 articles were found on the Google Scholar search engine that used the RUSLE model for empirical studies on soil erosion. Only four research articles were found on the ScienceDirect website. Additionally, there were differences in the findings from studies across Nigeria. Such disparities were due to differences in the approaches used to estimate key factors in the RUSLE model. Therefore, we recommend that the Ministries of Agriculture and Environment take soil erosion research seriously by adopting proactive soil conservation and management measures. Ensemble models can be used including machine learning approaches rather than focusing mainly on structural intervention. In addition, there should be a harmonized look‐up table for the cover management factor and conservation practices factor that fairly represent the various ecoclimatic regions. The limitations to the model's use are highlighted, and a way forward is suggested.