bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeled grid cells aligned by a flexible attractor
Authors: Benas Sabrina , Fernandez Ximena , Kropff Emilio
Published: September 2023

Entorhinal grid cells implement a spatial code with hexagonal periodicity, signaling the position of the animal within an environment. Grid maps of cells belonging to the same module share spacing and orientation, only differing in relative two-dimensional spatial phase, which could result from being interconnected by a two-dimensional attractor. However, this architecture has the drawbacks of being complex to construct and rigid, allowing no deviations from the hexagonal pattern such as the ones observed under a variety of experimental manipulations. Here we show that a simpler one-dimensional attractor is enough to align grid cells equally well. Using topological data analysis, we show that the resulting population activity is a sample of a torus, while the ensemble of maps preserves features of the network architecture. The flexibility of this low dimensional attractor allows it to negotiate the geometry of the representation manifold with the feedforward inputs, rather than imposing it. More generally, our results represent a proof of principle against the intuition that the architecture and the representation manifold of an attractor are the same topological object, with implications to the study of attractor networks across the brain.
Positive selection and relaxed purifying selection contribute to rapid evolution of male-biased genes in a dioecious flowering plant
Authors: Zhao Lei , Zhou Wei , He Jun , Li De-Zhu , Li Hong-Tao
Published: September 2023

Sex-biased genes offer insights into the evolution of sexual dimorphism. Sex-biased genes, especially those with male bias, show elevated evolutionary rates of protein sequences driven by positive selection and relaxed purifying selection in animals. Although rapid sequence evolution of sex-biased genes and evolutionary forces have been investigated in animals and brown algae, less is known about evolutionary forces in dioecious angiosperms. In this study, we separately compared the expression of sex-biased genes between female and male floral buds and between female and male flowers at anthesis in dioecious Trichosanthes pilosa (Cucurbitaceae). In floral buds, sex-biased gene expression was pervasive, and had significantly different roles in sexual dimorphism such as physiology. We observed higher rates of sequence evolution for male-biased genes in floral buds compared to female-biased and unbiased genes. Male-biased genes under positive selection were mainly associated with functions to abiotic stress and immune responses, suggesting that high evolutionary rates are driven by adaptive evolution. Additionally, relaxed purifying selection may contribute to accelerated evolution in male-biased genes generated by gene duplication. Our findings, for the first time in angiosperms, suggest evident rapid evolution of male-biased genes, advance our understanding of the patterns and forces driving the evolution of sexual dimorphism in dioecious plants.
Avoiding false discoveries: Revisiting an Alzheimer’s disease snRNA-Seq dataset
Authors: Murphy Alan E , Fancy Nurun Nahar , Skene Nathan G
Published: September 2023

Mathys, H.
et al
. Nature (2019). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-019-1195-2 Mathys
et al
., conducted the first single-nucleus RNA-Seq study (snRNA-Seq) of Alzheimer’s disease (AD)
1
. The authors profiled the transcriptomes of approximately 80,000 cells from the prefrontal cortex, collected from 48 individuals – 24 of which presented with varying degrees of AD pathology. With bulk RNA-Seq, changes in gene expression across cell types can be lost, potentially masking the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) across different cell types. Through the use of single-cell techniques, the authors benefitted from increased resolution with the potential to uncover cell type-specific DEGs in AD for the first time
2
. However, there were limitations in both their data processing and quality control and their differential expression analysis. Here, we correct these issues with best-practice approaches to snRNA-Seq processing and differential expression, resulting 892 times fewer differentially expressed genes at a false discovery rate (FDR) of 0.05.
Micromollusk families in 2 contrasting seasons in Bahia de los Angeles, Gulf of California, Mexico
Authors: Solana-Arellano Elena , Díaz-Castañeda Victoria , Flores-Uzeta Olga
Published: September 2023

Marine mollusks provide important ecosystem services. They create habitats for benthic organisms, filter water, biodeposit organic carbon in the seafloor, and serve as food sources for other organisms. Studies of mollusk diversity require time-consuming methods to process samples and identify species. Thus, it is not surprising that most studies have focused on macromollusks that can be collected and processed easily, ignoring micromollusk species. Without understanding the ecology and distributions of micromollusks properly, it is impossible to assess their populations and implement adequate conservation measures. Here we present microgastropods collected in Bahia de los Angeles at the family level for September 2013 (summer) and February 2014 (winter). During each season, we sampled 6 coastal sediment stations, and analyzed depth, salinity, temperature, granulometry, and organic matter. A total of 20,353 specimens were collected: 15,310 in summer and 5,043 in winter. Seven micromollusk families were identified: Barleeidae, Caecidae, Cerithiidae, Eulimidae, Pyramidellidae, Rissoidae, and Tornidae. Caecidae and Barleeidae exhibited the highest densities among all families in summer and winter, respectively (278,044 ind·m–2, 142,222 ind·m–2). The lowest densities for summer and winter were observed for the Tornidae family (~1,867 ind·m–2, ~1,411 ind·m–2). Barleeidae, Caecidae, Cerithiidae, Rissoidae, and Tornidae were classified as herbivorous and detritivorous; Eulimidae and Pyramidellidae, as carnivorous and ectoparasitic. Tornidae and Eulimidae showed symbiotic relationships with various invertebrate species. The Bayesian analysis of variance indicated a high probability of differences only in summer (BF > 3). When comparing the stations in both periods, all stations, except station 6, showed differences between periods (BF > 3). The canonical correlation analysis indicated some associations between family abundances and temperature. This study provides valuable information that expands the knowledge of micromollusk biodiversity in the coastal area of Bahia de los Angeles, an important site for conservation in Mexico.
Economic Analysis of Marketing Channel of Wheat Production in Hardoi District of Western Uttar Pradesh, India
Authors: Kumar Shiv , Bhargava Hargovind , Singh Pukhraj , Singh Joginder , Verma Sachin Kumar
Published: September 2023

Wheat, a vital global staple, has been cultivated since ancient times, nourishing over a billion people. Its role in agriculture and food security is crucial. In Uttar Pradesh's Hardoi district, the Bharkhani block was chosen for its extensive wheat cultivation, and five villages were randomly selected. Three wheat distribution channels were studied: Producer - Consumer Producer - Village Trader - Consumer Producer - Village Trader - Wholesaler - Retailer - Consumer Findings revealed that in Channels I, II, and III, producers' shares in consumer expenses were 98.63%, 92.14%, and 73.78%, respectively. Marketing costs were Rs. 20.00, Rs. 53.00, and Rs. 73.78 per quintal, with middlemen's margins of Rs. 00.00, Rs. 69.00, and Rs.

196.00 per quintal in Channels II and III.   Channel I stood out as the most efficient due to its lack of middlemen, highlighting its potential to optimize wheat distribution.
The Case Study of Pre-operative Transurethral Resection of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Authors: Zhe Wang , Abbas Muhammad , Ahmad Shahbaz , Siddique Ahmad , Shahid Hamna , Ullah Rafi
Published: September 2023

Objective: The case study of pre-operative transurethral resection of benign prostatic hyperplasia

Methods: The total of 987 patients with BPH in our hospital from September 2016 to December 2019 was selected, all of whom underwent TURP, and the rate and reason for reoperation of all patients were observed.

Results: Among the 987 BPH patients, a total of 46 cases underwent resection, and the rate was 4.66%; compared with patients with one operation, the amount of postoperative wound bleeding was greater than that of patients with one operation, and the incidence of urethral stricture and bladder neck contracture was higher than that of patients with one operation. Statistically significant (P<0.05).

Conclusion: The re-operation rate of BPH patients after TURP is low, but there are still some patients with recurrence. The main reasons Including urethral stenosis, residual glands, postoperative wound bleeding, and bladder neck contracture. At the same time, implementing targeted preventive measures in combination with the above reasons can effectively reduce the risk of repeated electrocardiography. Ratio of surgical resection and improved long-term prognosis.
The Role of Zeolite and NPK Fertilizer on Maize (Zea mays L.) Growth in Inceptisol, Southern Solok District
Authors: Affendi Syafrul , Jamilah  , Berd Isril , Sunadi  , Haryoko Widodo , Utama Zulman Harja , Novia Prima
Published: September 2023

The research objective was to determine the role of zeolite in increasing the efficiency of NPK fertilizer on the growth and yield of maize in Inceptisol Southern Solok. This research was conducted in July - November 2022, in Sangir District, Southern Solok Regency, West Sumatra with an elevation of 998 m above sea level, the soil type is Inceptisol, with a soil pH of 5.76, belonging to the slightly acidic. The experiment was arranged in a randomized block design with a factorial arrangement of treatments in 2 treatment factors. The 1st factor was the dose of zeolite from 0, 100 and 200 kg ha-1, the 2nd factor was NPK fertilizer (15-15-15) with a dose of; 100, 200, and 300 kg ha-1, arranged in 3 blocks. The data obtained was analyzed using the F test with a significance level of 5%, and then using the DNMRT follow-up test with a significance level of 5%. The parameters; soil pH, plant height, leaf area index, weight of 100 maize kernels, moisture content of 14%; and yield per hectare. The data obtained were presented in the form of tables and figures, establishing the interaction relationship between the two treatments in the form of graphs. The resulted was giving 100 kg ha-1 NPK was able to provide optimal NPK nutrient uptake, plant height and LAI at 54 DAP. The combination of 100 kg ha-1 zeolite and 200 kg ha-1 NPK provided optimal yields of dry shelled maize reaching 5.44 tonnes ha-1.
Strategic Planning Implementation Practices and School Performance: Evidence from Public Secondary Schools in Tanzania
Authors: Ibrahim Richard , Kyando Newton , Kiwonde Flora
Published: September 2023

Aims: The study examined the influence of strategic planning implementation practices on school performance in public secondary schools in Tanzania. Specifically, it assessed the influence of strategic implementation practices on school organisational performance; investigated the influence of strategic implementation practices on teacher performance; and evaluated the influence of strategic implementation practices on students’ academic performance.

Study Design: The study employed a concurrent triangulation design within the framework of a mixed methods approach.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in two Districts of Mwanza Region namely: Nyamagana and Magu in which data were collected from public secondary schools between August 2022 and January 2023.

Methodology: The sample size involved a total of 354 respondents including 266 members of the School Management Teams (SMTs), 76 members of the School Governing Boards (SGBs), 10 Ward Education Officers (WEOs) and 2 District Education Officers (DEOs). Research data were collected through questionnaire, interview and documentary review. The quantitative data were analyzed by using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) technique, while the qualitative data were analyzed through content analysis.

Results: The results of hypotheses tests show that, strategic implementation practices was significantly related to: school organizational performance (P<0.05, R2=0.08), teacher performance (P<0.05, R2=0.02) and students’ academic performance (P<0.05, R2=0.24). Therefore, it is was generally observed that, strategic implementation practices significantly influence school performance.

Conclusion: The study concluded that strategic implementation of school operations and activities is an antecedent to school performance.
Influence of INM on Growth and Yield of Green Gram (Vigna radiata L.) NEPZ
Authors: Naushad Mo , Sanodiya Lalit Kumar , Rehan Mohd , Prajapati Ashish , Singh Ravin , Kumar Ravendra
Published: September 2023

At the United University's Agricultural Research Farm in Rawatpur, Jhalwa, Prayagraj (U.P.), India, during the Kharif season of 2022, a research on green gram (Vigna radiata L.) was carried out to examine the effects of integrated nutrient management on growth, yield, and economics. On green gram (Vigna radiata L), the experiment was conducted using a randomized bock design with three replications in all allowable combinations of inorganic fertilizers, Rhizobium, and PSB together with FYM. This study showed that plant height (91.99 cm), dry weight (105.45 g), and number of root nodules (111.33) were all significantly enhanced by 100% RDF + 5.0 tonnes FYM ha-1 + Rhizobium and PSB seed inoculation. In terms of increasing yield and yield-related indicators, such as number of pods plant-1 (31.43), number of seeds pod-1 (12.46), test weight (37.26 g), and harvest index (34.90%), the same treatment combination likewise showed the best results. As a result, adding farm yard manure at a rate of 5 tonnes per hectare coupled with Rhizobium and PSB increased yield compared to the control. But using 100% RDF, bio fertilizer, and FYM @ 5.0 tonnes ha-1 greatly boosts gross returns (₹ 104,120.00), net returns (₹ 76,017.00), and benefit: cost ratio (2.70). These results showed that the addition of organic matter, inorganic fertilizers, and bio-fertilizers all combined to boost yield while using various nutrition sources.
Fruit Characteristics and Yield of Mango cv. Amrapali as Influenced by Bio-enhancers and Bio-fertilizers
Authors: Bhadauria Ankit Singh , Tripathi V. K.
Published: September 2023

To study the “Fruit Characteristics and Yield of Mango cv. Amrapali as Influenced by Bio-enhancers and Bio-fertilizers” a field experiment was conducted in the Garden, Department of Horticulture, Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur (U.P.) during 2020-2021. The experiment consists of seven treatments i.e., FYM (25 kg/tree/year) + Organic mulch (Paddy straw) i.e., Control, FYM (25 kg/tree/year) + Organic mulch (Paddy straw) + Amritpani (20%) + Azotobacter (100 g/tree), FYM (25 kg/tree/year) + Organic mulch (Paddy straw) + Panchagavya (3%) + Azotobacter (100 g/tree), FYM (25 kg/tree/year) + Organic mulch (Paddy straw) + Jivamrit (20%) + Azotobacter (100 g/tree), FYM (25 kg/tree/year) + Organic mulch (Paddy straw) + Amritpani (20%) +  PSB culture (100 g/tree), FYM (25 kg/tree/year) + Organic mulch (Paddy straw) + Panchagavya (3%) + PSB culture (100 g/tree), FYM (25 kg/tree/year) + Organic mulch (Paddy straw) + Jivamrit (20%) + PSB culture (100 g/tree) which were replicated thrice in randomized block design by using one plant as a unit per treatment. The application of different bio-enhancers and bio-fertilizers to mango plant was made as per the requirement of the treatment.
The experimental results clearly revealed that the plants treated with the application of FYM (25 kg/tree/year) + Organic mulch (Paddy straw) + Panchagavya (3%) + Azotobacter (100g/tree) produced fruits with significantly higher length, width, weight, volume, pulp weight, pulp:peel ratio with more yield.  However, the fruit with minimum fruit length, width, weight, volume, pulp weight, pulp:peel ratio, and yield were recorded from the plants treated with the application of FYM (25 kg/tree/year) + Organic mulch (Paddy straw) i.e., Control. Thus, on the basis of the above observations, this can be suggested that the application of FYM (25 kg/tree/year) + Organic mulch (Paddy straw) + Panchagavya (3%) + Azotobacter (100 g/tree) were effective for substantially higher physical fruit characteristics and yield under the sub-tropical plains of Central Uttar Pradesh, India.
Effect of Bio-Agents and Fungicides in Management of EAF Spot of Chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) Caused by Alternaria alternata (Fr.) Keissler
Authors: Kumari Komal , Zacharia Sunil
Published: September 2023

The study entitled “Effect of bio-agents and fungicides in management of leaf spot of chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) caused by Alternaria alternata (Fr.) Keissler” was carried out during the rabi season of 2022-2023 at the Central Research Field, Department of Plant Pathology, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology & Sciences, Prayagraj. The experiment was carried out in Randomized Block Design (RBD). Among the treatments taken up for research Mancozeb (1g/L)+Carbendazim (1g/L for foliar spray) was found most effective against Alternaria alternata. The minimum disease intensity (11.21, 14.42 and 18.97) was obtained in Mancozeb (1g/L)+Carbendazim (1g/L as foliar spray). It can be concluded that foliar spray treatment of chilli with Mancozeb (1g/L)+Carbendazim (1g/L as foliar spray) recorded higher plant height (61.63), number of leaves per plant (184.60), number of branches per plant  (12.07), number of fruit per plant (55.93), fruit weight (g) (4.61), fruit yield (g) per plant (258.70),  fruit yield (g) per plot (1293.49)  and fruit yield (t ha-1) (6.47).
Investments in Research and Development for Supplemental Drug Indications—Implications for Drug Price Negotiations
Authors: Vokinger Kerstin N. , Perényi Gellért , Wouters Olivier J.
Published: September 2023

This Viewpoint compares the research and development costs for a drug’s first indication with supplemental indications to demonstrate that the cost of approval for supplemental indications may be substantially lower.
Chemiresistive Gas Sensors Based on Highly Permeable Sn‐Doped Bismuth Subcarbonate Microspheres: Facile Synthesis, Sensing Performance, and Mechanism Study
Authors: Huang Xin‐Yu , Chen Keyu , Xie Wenhe , Li Yanyan , Yang Fan , Deng Yu , Li Jichun , Jiang Fengluan , Shu Yan , Wu Limin , Xie Wan‐Feng , Deng Yonghui
Published: September 2023

Acetic acid (CH3COOH) detection with high selectivity at low temperatures is significant due to its wide applications in the chemical, medical, and catering industries. Chemiresistive gas sensors based on metal oxide semiconductors (MOSs) are widely used in detecting various gases, but it is necessary to develop MOSs with novel nanostructures to enhance gas‐sensing performance. Herein, a series of bismuth subcarbonate (Bi2O2CO3, abbreviated as BCO) microspheres with highly permeable lamellar structure and tunable Sn‐doping ratios (0–5 at%) is synthesized by controlling kinetics equilibrium of the hydrothermal reaction. The sensor based on 3 at% Sn‐doped BCO microspheres exhibits excellent gas‐sensing performances toward acetic acid (10 ppm), including high sensitivity (S = 8.3), fast recovery speed (10 s), long‐term stability (over 30 days), and good selectivity at a low temperature (150 °C). The unique permeable lamellar structure assembled from 2D Sn‐doped BCO nanosheets and rich Sn4+ doping‐induced active sites is mainly responsible for the enhanced gas‐sensing performances. Moreover, a new acetic acid reaction process is revealed via in situ diffuse reflectance infrared transform spectroscopy. Density functional theory calculations indicate that Sn‐doped BCO has a higher acetic acid adsorption energy and a larger charge transfer than pristine BCO.
Personalized Carbon Monoxide‐Loaded Biomimetic Single‐Atom Nanozyme for Ferroptosis‐Enhanced FLASH Radioimmunotherapy
Authors: Lyu Meng , Luo Min , Li Jingyun , Akakuru Ozioma Udochukwu , Fan Xiaowan , Cao Zhen , Fan Kelong , Jiang Wei
Published: September 2023

Ultra‐high dose rate radiotherapy (FLASH‐RT) has emerged as a novel tool for cancer radiotherapy owing to its extremely rapid radiation delivery to target species. Although FLASH‐RT can protect normal tissues and organs, tumor self‐protection mechanisms limit its therapeutic effect, thus necessitating technological improvement. Here, a multipathway ferroptosis‐enhanced radioimmunotherapeutic strategy that combines single‐atom nanozyme (SAzyme)‐based GSH depletion and CO gas therapy is reported. Personalized FLASH radioimmunotherapy is achieved through encapsulation of the carbon monoxide donor (MnCO)‐loaded porous Pd‐C SAzyme (SM) within 4T1 cancer cell membranes (CSM). Camouflaging with the cancer cell membrane enables the navigation of the MnCO‐loaded Pd‐C SAzyme to the tumor region via homologous targeting. There, it releases MnCO, which generates CO from overexpressed H2O2 to induce mitochondrial apoptosis. Furthermore, the generated CO and Pd‐C SAzyme oxidized glutathione and downregulates glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) expression to induce ferroptosis. The palladium in the SAzyme of the CSM further enhances the photoelectric effects of FLASH‐RT. The CSM‐mediated FLASH‐RT also invokes potent antitumor immunity, suppressing distant tumors, and immune memory, inhibiting tumor recurrence. This work presents a unique personalized nanozyme and CO gas synergistic approach wherein FLASH radioimmunotherapy avoids damage of normal tissues while simultaneously inducing ferroptosis for orthotopic tumor treatment.
Wearable Integrated Self‐Powered Electroluminescence Display Device Based on All‐In‐One MXene Electrode for Information Encryption
Authors: Zhang Siyu , Zhu Yan , Xia Yifan , Liu Kangting , Li Shuhan , Yang Biao , Li Mingyuan , Zhi Xinrong , Wang Xin
Published: September 2023

Anti‐counterfeiting and visual optical information encryption/decryption technology have attracted widespread attention in the field of information security. Luminescent encryption technologies still face a huge challenge in external high voltage power supply, complex architecture, and expensive decryption equipment, which hinder their broad applications. Herein, a wearable integrated self‐powered electroluminescent (EL) display device (W‐ELD) that consists of MXene/Silicone‐based triboelectric nanogenerator (MS‐TENG) and EL device based on a shared MXene electrode is developed for patterned display and information encryption. The W‐ELD features an all‐in‐one MXene electrode with excellent flexibility and high conductivity of 0.6 kΩ sq−1, which is shared by both MS‐TENG and EL devices. The MS‐TENG demonstrates excellent output performances (output power of 0.9 Wm−2) and high stability and durability (104 cycles), which can directly light up the flexible patterned EL device. More importantly, when dripping conductive electrolyte solution, the W‐ELD based on “中國”‐patterned MXene electrode can precisely reveal the encryption information through self‐powered EL emission for real‐time visualized information interaction. Consequently, the all‐in‐one MXene electrode‐based W‐ELD that integrates both MS‐TENG and EL device demonstrates exceptional patterned EL‐based information encryption features, which offers a potential prospect in wearable self‐powered optoelectronic devices, flexible displays, and encryption technology.
An All‐Stretchable, Ultraviolet Protective, and Electromagnetic‐Interference‐Free E‐Textile
Authors: Dong Jiancheng , Peng Yidong , Long Jiayan , Zhang Yuxi , Wang Zicheng , Park Steve , Huang Yunpeng , Liu Tianxi
Published: September 2023

Flexible and skin‐mountable electronics have drawn tremendous research attention with the booming of smart medical systems and wearing technologies, however, their environmental adaptability to electromagnetic and solar radiation has long been neglected. Herein, a novel health monitoring e‐textile with robust ultraviolet (UV) protecting and strong electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding performance is rationally developed on an ultraelastic and bilayered nonwoven textile. Via the respective incorporation of silver flake‐modified liquid metal (AgLM) and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on each side of a permeable substrate, a Janus sensing layer with electrophysiological monitoring function, Joule heating ability, and excellent EMI shielding capability (up to 38.5 dB in X band) is first fabricated. Elastic microfibers embedded with sensitive photochromic microcapsules are then in situ assembled on the bioelectric‐sensing layer, achieving a bilayered e‐textile with a reversible UV‐chromic property and an extraordinary UV protection factor (UPF) of 335.56. The developed all‐stretchable and UV‐EMI proof e‐textile is utilized as a safe and comfortable on‐skin electronic to provide point‐of‐care health regulation under complex UV/EMI radiative environments. Specifically, stable Joule heating performance and accurate monitoring of electrocardiogram (ECG) and surface electromyography (sEMG) are simultaneously obtained, demonstrating promising applications in multifunctional and robust wearing electronics.
Colon‐Targeted Release of Gel Microspheres Loaded with Antioxidative Fullerenol for Relieving Radiation‐Induced Colon Injury and Regulating Intestinal Flora
Authors: Wang Chengyan , Zhao Maoru , Xie Jiani , Wang Hongping , Gu Zhanjun , Sun Fengjun
Published: September 2023

Radiation‐induced colitis is a serious clinical problem worldwide. However, the current treatment options for this condition have limited efficacy and can cause side effects. To address this issue, colon‐targeted fullerenol@pectin@chitosan gel microspheres (FPCGMs) are developed, which can aggregate on colon tissue for a long time, scavenge free radicals generated in the process of radiation, and regulate intestinal flora to mitigate damage to colonic tissue. First, FPCGMs exhibit acid resistance and colon‐targeted release properties, which reduce gastrointestinal exposure and extend the local colonic drug residence time. Second, fullerenol, which has a superior scavenging ability and chemical stability, reduces oxidative stress in colonic epithelial cells. Based on this, it is found that FPCGMs significantly reduce inflammation in colonic tissue, mitigated damage to tight junctions of colonic epithelial cells, and significantly relieved radiation‐induced colitis in mice. Moreover, 16S ribosomal DNA (16S rDNA) sequencing results show that the composition of the intestinal flora is optimized after FPCGMs are utilized, indicating that the relative abundance of probiotics increases while harmful bacteria are inhibited. These findings suggest that it is a promising candidate for treating radiation‐induced colitis.
3D Nanostructuring of Phase‐Change Materials Using Focused Ion Beam toward Versatile Optoelectronics Applications
Authors: Yimam Daniel T. , Liang Minpeng , Ye Jianting , Kooi Bart J.
Published: September 2023

In recent years, phase‐change materials have gained importance in nanophotonics and optoelectronics. Sizable optical contrast and added degree of freedom from phase switching drive the use of phase‐change materials in various optical devices with outstanding results and potential for real‐world applications. The local crystallization/amorphization of phase‐change materials and the corresponding reflectance tuning by the crystallized/amorphized region size have potential applications, for example, for future dynamic display devices. Although the resolution is much higher than in current display devices, the pixel sizes in those devices are limited by the locally switchable structure size. Here, the spot sizes are further reduced by using ion beams instead of laser beams, dramatically increasing pixel density, demonstrating superior resolution. In addition, the power to sputter away materials can be utilized in creating nanostructures with relative height differences and local contrast. The experiment focuses on one archetypal phase‐change material, Sb2Se3, prepared by pulsed‐laser deposition on a reflective gold substrate. This study demonstrates that structural colors can be produced and reflectance tuning can be achieved by focused ion beam milling/sputtering of phase‐change materials at the nanoscale. Furthermore, the local structuring of phase‐change materials by focused ion beam can produce high‐pixel‐density display devices with superior resolutions.
A Balance between Inter‐ and Intra‐Microgel Mechanics Governs Stem Cell Viability in Injectable Dynamic Granular Hydrogels
Authors: Morley Cameron D. , Ding Erika A. , Carvalho Emily M. , Kumar Sanjay
Published: September 2023

Injectable hydrogels are increasingly explored for the delivery of cells to tissue. These materials exhibit both liquid‐like properties, protecting cells from mechanical stress during injection, and solid‐like properties, providing a stable 3D engraftment niche. Many strategies for modulating injectable hydrogels tune liquid‐ and solid‐like material properties simultaneously, such that formulation changes designed to improve injectability can reduce stability at the delivery site. The ability to independently tune liquid‐ and solid‐like properties would greatly facilitate formulation development. Here, such a strategy is presented in which cells are ensconced in the pores between microscopic granular hyaluronic acid (HA) hydrogels (microgels), where elasticity is tuned with static covalent intra‐microgel crosslinks and flowability with mechanosensitive adamantane‐cyclodextrin (AC) inter‐microgel crosslinks. Using the same AC‐free microgels as a 3D printing support bath, the location of each cell is preserved as it exits the needle, allowing identification of the mechanism driving mechanical trauma‐induced cell death. The microgel AC concentration is varied to find the threshold from microgel yielding‐ to AC interaction‐dominated injectability, and this threshold is exploited to fabricate a microgel with better injection‐protecting performance. This delivery strategy, and the balance between intra‐ and inter‐microgel properties it reveals, may facilitate the development of new cell injection formulations.
Constructing Cooperative Interface via Bi‐Functional COF for Facilitating the Sulfur Conversion and Li+ Dynamics
Authors: An Qi , Wang Lilian , Zhao Genfu , Duan Lingyan , Sun Yongjiang , Liu Qing , Mei Zhiyuan , Yang Yongxin , Zhang Conghui , Guo Hong
Published: September 2023

Lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries stand out for their high theoretical specific capacity and cost‐effectiveness. However, the practical implementation of Li–S batteries is hindered by issues such as the shuttle effect, tardy redox kinetics, and dendrite growth. Herein, an appealingly designed covalent organic framework (COF) with bi‐functional active sites of cyanide groups and polysulfide chains (COF‐CN‐S) is developed as cooperative functional promoters to simultaneously address dendrites and shuttle effect issues. Combining in situ techniques and theoretical calculations, it can be demonstrated that the unique chemical architecture of COF‐CN‐S is capable of performing the following functions: 1) The COF‐CN‐S delivers significantly enhanced Li+ transport capability due to abundant ion‐hopping sites (cyano‐groups); 2) it functions as a selective ion sieve by regulating the dynamic behavior of polysulfide anions and Li+, thus inhibiting shuttle effect and dendrite growth; 3) by acting as a redox mediator, the COF‐CN‐S can effectively control the electrochemical behavior of polysulfides and enhance their conversion kinetics. Based on the above advantages, the COF‐CN‐S endows Li–S batteries with excellent performance. This study highlights the significance of interface modification and offers novel insights into the rational design of organic materials in the Li–S realm.
Improving Liposome Delivery with Macroporous Granular Hydrogels Synthesized through Freezing‐Facilitated Secondary Crosslinking of Macromonomers
Authors: Wu Guanfu , Wang Yijia , Shen Yu , Zheng Haiping , Zeng Yunfeng , Zhang Chenyu , Zhang Xiaoyun , Zhang Shaobin , Zhang Jing , Yu Ziyi
Published: September 2023

The integration of liposomes into hydrogels through direct soaking presents advantages such as facile formulation, enhanced drug stability, and controlled release kinetics. However, the feasibility of this approach is impeded by the difficulty of developing matching porous structures within hydrogels and achieving appropriate affinity with liposomes. To address these challenges, an alternative method is proposed for synthesizing macroporous hydrogels using thiolated hyaluronic acid and hyperbranched polyethylene glycol macromonomers in combination with a freezing‐induced secondary crosslinking process. This approach allows the locking of macropores formed by ice crystals during freezing and enables easy modification of the hydrogels with cholesterol groups to promote liposome association. Furthermore, these macroporous hydrogels can be crushed into granular hydrogels, which offer numerous benefits such as high loading capacity, injectability, self‐healing properties, and convenience in storage, dosing, and administration. Therefore, a liposome‐in‐hydrogel system can be formulated without any gelation or pre‐treatment, providing valuable insights for the further development of liposome‐based formulations for medical and cosmetic applications.
Four UV Transparent Linear and Nonlinear Optical Materials Explored from Pure Selenite Compounds
Authors: Li Peng‐Fei , Gong Ya‐Ping , Hu Chun‐Li , Zhang Bo , Mao Jiang‐Gao , Kong Fang
Published: September 2023

UV nonlinear optical materials require the simultaneous achievement of a large second harmonic generation (SHG) coefficient (≥1 × KH2PO4 (KDP), dij > 0.39 pmV−1), wide bandgap (λ < 300 nm, Eg > 4.2 eV), and moderate birefringence (0.05‐0.10@1064 nm) in a single structure. Therefore, designing UV nonlinear optical materials with excellent comprehensive performance is a challenging task. Herein, four UV transparent selenite materials are successfully obtained, namely, Al2(SeO3)3(H2O)3 (1), Ga2(SeO3)3(H2O)3 (2), NaGa3(HSeO3)6(SeO3)2 (3), and Cd5Ga4(HSeO3)2(SeO3)10 (4), through rational design and screening in the pure selenite system. Al2(SeO3)3(H2O)3 (1) and Ga2(SeO3)3(H2O)3 (2) are UV nonlinear optical materials with balanced properties, exhibiting moderate SHG responses (1.2 and 1.1 × KDP), appropriate birefringence (0.084 and 0.076@1064 nm), and wide bandgaps (5.5 and 5.3 eV). Such bandgaps are the largest in the reported pure selenite nonlinear optical (NLO) materials. This work further demonstrates that pure selenite is a good candidate for UV NLO materials.
Transparent 0D Antimony Halides Glassy Wafer with Near‐Unity Photoluminescence Quantum Yield for High Spatial Resolution X‐Ray Imaging
Authors: Xu Ziwei , Li Nan , Yan Xiangyang , Wang Xi , He Tong , Yang Zhou , Liu Shengzhong(Frank)
Published: September 2023

Large‐sized transparent scintillators with a high photoluminescent quantum yield (PLQY) and self‐absorption‐free properties are highly desired to achieve high spatial resolution X‐ray imaging. In this research, a transparent 0D organic–inorganic (ETP)2SbCl5 (ETP = Ethyl triphenylphosphine) amorphous wafer is developed by melting the ETPCl and SbCl3 mixture and then undergoing a quenching process. The obtained amorphous wafer exhibits a high light transmittance of 86% in the range of 450–800 nm. It also shows a light emission peak at 624 nm, a Stokes shift of 259 nm, and PLQY approaching unity (99.3%). These properties enable it to produce X‐ray images with a high spatial resolution of 19.0 lp mm−1 at a modulation transfer function (MTF) value of 0.2, among the best values reported. Additionally, it also shows remarkable stability under continuous X‐ray illumination. Its unique optical properties and ability to be processed in large sizes make the organic–inorganic metal halide transparent wafer a promising scintillator. This also demonstrates the potential application of the melt‐quenching method in fabricating highly luminescent, low‐electronic‐dimensional metal halide wafers.
New [3+2+1] Iridium Complexes as Effective Phosphorescent Sensitizers for Efficient Narrowband Saturated–Blue Hyper–OLEDs
Authors: Wu Chengcheng , Tong Kai‐Ning , Shi Kefei , Jin Zhaoyun , Wu Yuan , Mu Yingxiao , Huo Yanping , Tang Man‐Chung , Yang Chen , Meng Hong , Kang Feiyu , Wei Guodan
Published: September 2023

Two newly designed and synthesized [3+2+1] iridium complexes through introducing bulky trimethylsiliyl (TMS) groups are doped with a terminal emitter of v–DABNA to form an coincident overlapping spectra between the emission of these two phosphors and the absorption of v–DABNA, creating cascade resonant energy transfer for efficient triplet harvesting. To boost the color quality and efficiency, the fabricated hyper‐OLEDs have been optimized to achieve a high external quantum efficiency of 31.06%, which has been among the highest efficiency results reported for phosphor sensitized saturated‐blue hyper‐OLEDs, and pure blue emission peak at 467 nm with the full width at half maxima (FWHM) as narrow as 18 nm and the CIEy values down to 0.097, satisfying the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) requirement for saturated blue OLEDs display. Surprisingly, such hyper‐OLEDs have obtained the converted lifetime (LT50) up to 4552 h at the brightness of 100 cd m−2, demonstrating effective Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) process. Therefore, employing these new bulky TMS substituent [3+2+1] iridium(III) complexes for effective sensitizers can greatly pave the way for further development of high efficiency and stable blue OLEDs in display and lighting applications.
Scalable Electrochemical Decarboxylative Olefination Driven by Alternating Polarity**
Authors: Garrido‐Castro Alberto F. , Hioki Yuta , Kusumoto Yoshifumi , Hayashi Kyohei , Griffin Jeremy , Harper Kaid C. , Kawamata Yu , Baran Phil S.
Published: September 2023

A mild, scalable (kg) metal‐free electrochemical decarboxylation of alkyl carboxylic acids to olefins is disclosed. Numerous applications are presented wherein this transformation can simplify alkene synthesis and provide alternative synthetic access to valuable olefins from simple carboxylic acid feedstocks. This robust method relies on alternating polarity to maintain the quality of the electrode surface and local pH, providing a deeper understanding of the Hofer‐Moest process with unprecedented chemoselectivity.
Room‐Temperature Multiple Phosphorescence from Functionalized Corannulenes: Temperature Sensing and Afterglow Organic Light‐Emitting Diode**
Authors: Si Changfeng , Wang Tao , Gupta Abhishek Kumar , Cordes David B. , Slawin Alexandra M. Z. , Siegel Jay S. , Zysman‐Colman Eli
Published: September 2023

Corannulene‐derived materials have been extensively explored in energy storage and solar cells, however, are rarely documented as emitters in light‐emitting sensors and organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs), due to low exciton utilization. Here, we report a family of multi‐donor and acceptor (multi‐D‐A) motifs, TCzPhCor, TDMACPhCor, and TPXZPhCor, using corannulene as the acceptor and carbazole (Cz), 9,10‐dihydro‐9,10‐dimethylacridine (DMAC), and phenoxazine (PXZ) as the donor, respectively. By decorating corannulene with different donors, multiple phosphorescence is realized. Theoretical and photophysical investigations reveal that TCzPhCor shows room‐temperature phosphorescence (RTP) from the lowest‐lying T1; however, for TDMACPhCor, dual RTP originating from a higher‐lying T1 (T1H) and a lower‐lying T1 (T1L) can be observed, while for TPXZPhCor, T1H‐dominated RTP occurs resulting from a stabilized high‐energy T1 geometry. Benefiting from the high‐temperature sensitivity of TPXZPhCor, high color‐resolution temperature sensing is achieved. Besides, due to degenerate S1 and T1H states of TPXZPhCor, the first corannulene‐based solution‐processed afterglow OLEDs is investigated. The afterglow OLED with TPXZPhCor shows a maximum external quantum efficiency (EQEmax) and a luminance (Lmax) of 3.3 % and 5167 cd m−2, respectively, which is one of the most efficient afterglow RTP OLEDs reported to date.
Life prediction of thermal aging of adhesive for retard‐bonded prestressed tendons
Authors: Jiang Fang‐xin , Li Xian‐hua , Li Pei‐xun , Chen Shang‐zhi , Sun Yue
Published: September 2023

The effectiveness of the adhesive was an important guarantee for the retard‐bonded prestressing technology. This study concentrated on quickly and reasonably predicting the service life of the adhesive. Samples of the adhesive were exposed in air circulating ovens set at 170, 190, and 210°C for various periods of time. The tensile shear strength of unaged and aged samples was tested. Two life prediction methods based on performance degradation data were presented in this paper. The improved Arrhenius model could improve the credibility and accuracy of extrapolation results meanwhile explains the non‐Arrhenius characteristics of adhesive at low temperature. The lifetime prediction result of the neural network model was close to that of the improved Arrhenius model. The conclusion is that the aging lifetime of adhesive is more than 70 years at an environment below 40°C. The research results provide direct and effective reference value for the life prediction of accelerated failure tests of adhesives.
Investigation of ZIF‐8, amine‐modified ZIF‐8 and polysulfone based mixed matrix membranes for CO2/CH4 separation
Authors: Jonnalagedda Aditya , Kuncharam Bhanu Vardhan Reddy
Published: September 2023

Membrane separation is one of the techniques used for biogas upgradation. Mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) are currently being explored to overcome the trade‐off of selectivity‐permeability inherent in polymer membranes used for gas separation. A significant challenge associated with MMMs is the poor polymer‐metal–organic framework (MOF) filler interfacial compatibility, reducing the selectivity or permeability of gas. To address this issue, the present study focuses on the effect of the amine functionalization of ZIF‐8 to enhance the CO2 gas permeation without reducing the CO2/CH4 selectivity. MMMs were fabricated using unmodified ZIF‐8 and amine‐modified ZIF‐8 nanofillers dispersed in polysulfone at 5, 10, and 15 wt% loadings. MMMs were characterized by FTIR, DSC, TGA, and FESEM. X‐ray diffraction and FTIR analysis was conducted to verify the amine modification of ZIF‐8. Further, the performance of MMMs was tested with pure gasses (CO2 and CH4) and a model mixture of CO2 and CH4. In the mixed gas permeation test, the 10 wt% ZIF‐8 MMM exhibited the highest CO2 permeability of 25.4 Barrers, while 15 wt% NH2‐ZIF‐8 MMM exhibited the highest selectivity of 13.5. Notably, the ZIF‐8 MMMs demonstrated a 148% increase in CO2/CH4 selectivity, whereas the NH2‐ZIF‐8 MMMs exhibited a 155% increase compared to the pure polysulfone membrane.
Analyse von Mauerwerksuntersuchungen von Gründerzeithäusern in Wien
Authors: Deix Karl , Rusnov Branko , Dzudzevic Emir , Huber Christian
Published: September 2023

Seit dem Jahr 1992 wurden die Mauerwerkseigenschaften in Form von zerstörenden und nicht zerstörenden Ziegel‐ und Mörteluntersuchungen im Zuge des Ingenieurbefunds an über 200 Gründerzeithäusern in Wien mit über 2000 Prüfstellen festgestellt und ausgewertet. Aus diesen Materialuntersuchungen lassen sich die Stein‐ und Mörteldruckfestigkeiten sowie deren Streuungen in Abhängigkeit von verschiedenen Einflussgrößen, wie Stockwerk, Lage der Wände im Gebäude, Geschossanzahl etc., angeben. Anhand der Gebäude‐Geodaten der Stadt Wien können auch die geografische Lage, der Bezirk, der Bautyp und die Bauperiode der Gebäude in die Untersuchungen mit einbezogen werden. Es wurde ein Datensatz mit 39.026 voneinander unabhängigen numerischen und kategorialen Daten erstellt und mittels Machine‐Learning‐Algorithmen und beschreibender Statistik analysiert. Mit den Verfahren konnten Korrelationen und Clusteranalysen bezüglich der Stein‐ und Mörteldruckfestigkeiten gefunden und die maßgeblichen Einflussgrößen zur Feststellung der Mauerwerksdruckfestigkeit identifiziert werden. Des Weiteren konnten auch die unterschiedlichen Untersuchungsmethoden evaluiert und daraus Empfehlungen abgeleitet werden. Mit den gewonnenen Erkenntnissen können die wesentlichsten Materialkennwerte, die im Rahmen der Tragfähigkeitsnachweise bzw. des Erdbebennachweises notwendig sind, vorweg beurteilt werden.
Betriebssicherheit und Arbeitsschutz beim Einsatz automatisierter Fertigungsverfahren auf Baustellen
Authors: Otto Jens , Mischke Janik
Published: September 2023

Der Einsatz von automatisierten Fertigungsverfahren auf Baustellen beruht auf den Grundlagen der industriellen Fertigung mit Industrierobotern. Infolge der bauspezifischen Besonderheiten können etablierte Standards hinsichtlich der Betriebssicherheit und des Arbeitsschutzes jedoch nur bedingt übernommen werden, obwohl gerade auf Baustellen von selbstständig agierenden Baumaschinen ein erhöhtes Gefahrenpotenzial ausgeht. In diesem Kontext stellt dieser Aufsatz neben spezifischen Grundlagen und dem Status quo der automatisierten Fertigung auf Baustellen die wichtigsten rechtlichen und normativen Randbedingungen zusammen und zieht daraus einen Rückschluss auf die Verantwortlichkeiten und die Umsetzung von Schutzmaßnahmen robotischer Anwendungen.
Temperaturen in Holz‐Beton‐Verbundkonstruktionen im Brandfall – Versuch und Simulation
Authors: Peifer Philipp , Brinnel Fabian , Thiele Catherina , Lorenz Dirk
Published: September 2023

Neben tabellarischen und vereinfachten Nachweismethoden kommen bei der brandschutztechnischen Bemessung auch zunehmend allgemeine Rechenverfahren zum Einsatz. Letztere zeichnen sich durch eine große Flexibilität der untersuchten Bauteile aus und ermöglichen eine wirklichkeitsnahe Berechnung brandbeanspruchter Tragwerke. Sie stellen deshalb eine Alternative zu kostenintensiven Brandversuchen dar. Die Berechnungen erfolgen i. d. R. mithilfe einer Finite‐Elemente‐Software als thermische oder mechanische Simulationen. Mit thermischen Simulationen können Bauteiltemperaturen unter Brandbeanspruchung für beliebige Querschnitte bestimmt werden. Die berechneten Temperaturen werden in hohem Maße von den zugrunde gelegten temperaturabhängigen Materialeigenschaften beeinflusst. Für Konstruktionen aus Beton und Holz stellen Eurocode 2 Teil 1‐2 und Eurocode 5 Teil 1‐2 thermische Materialmodelle zur Verfügung. Diese stellen für die jeweilige Bauweise den Stand der Technik dar. In diesem Beitrag wird untersucht, ob mit den thermischen Materialmodellen der Eurocodes auch Temperaturen in Verbundkonstruktionen aus Brettsperrholz und Beton realitätsnah abgebildet werden können. Dazu werden berechnete Bauteiltemperaturen mit Temperaturen aus experimentellen Untersuchungen verglichen. Neben materiellen Eingabeparametern können softwarespezifische Eingaben die Berechnungen beeinflussen. Hierzu wurde der Einfluss des numerischen Modells und der Simulationsrandbedingungen untersucht.
Wasserstoff‐Überspannung an Blei‐Einkristallen
Authors: Tordesillas Isabel Martin , Bicelli Luisa Peraldo
Published: September 2023

Die Wasserstoff‐Überspannung wurde an Blei (100), (110) und (111) sowie an polykhstallinem Blei bei drei Temperaturen in Überchlorsäure und Amidosulfonsäure bei jeweils zwei Konzentrationen bestimmt. Es wurde eine lineare Abhängigkeit der Überspannung vom Logarithmus der Stromdichte gefunden. Daneben wurden oft zwei solcher Geraden mit verschiedener Neigung im untersuchten Meßbereich beobachtet. Die Überspannungen für die einzelnen Orientierungen sind verschieden.