bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dural arteriovenous fistula of the anterior condylar confluence and hypoglossal canal mimicking a jugular foramen tumor
Authors: Liu James K. , Mahaney Kelly , Barnwell Stanley L. , McMenomey Sean O. , Delashaw Johnny B.
Published: July 2008

The anterior condylar confluence (ACC) is located on the external orifice of the canal of the hypoglossal nerve and provides multiple connections with the dural venous sinuses of the posterior fossa, internal jugular vein, and the vertebral venous plexus. Dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) of the ACC and hypoglossal canal (anterior condylar vein) are extremely rare. The authors present a case involving an ACC DAVF and hypoglossal canal that mimicked a hypervascular jugular bulb tumor.

This 53-year-old man presented with right hypoglossal nerve palsy. A right pulsatile tinnitus had resolved several months previously. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated an enhancing right-sided jugular foramen lesion involving the hypoglossal canal. Cerebral angiography revealed a hypervascular lesion at the jugular bulb, with early venous drainage into the extracranial vertebral venous plexus. This was thought to represent either a glomus jugulare tumor or a DAVF.

The patient underwent preoperative transarterial embolization followed by surgical exploration via a far-lateral transcondylar approach. At surgery, a DAVF was identified draining into the ACC and hypoglossal canal. The fistula was surgically obliterated, and this was confirmed on postoperative angiography. The patient's hypoglossal nerve palsy resolved.

Dural arteriovenous fistulas of the ACC and hypoglossal canal are rare lesions that can present with isolated hypoglossal nerve palsies. They should be included in the differential diagnosis of hypervascular jugular bulb lesions. The authors review the anatomy of the ACC and discuss the literature on DAVFs involving the hypoglossal canal.
Eyelid approach to the anterior cranial base
Authors: Andaluz Norberto , Romano Alberto , Reddy Likith V. , Zuccarello Mario
Published: July 2008

Skull base approaches play a fundamental role in modern neurosurgery by reducing surgical morbidity. Increasing experience has allowed surgeons to perform minimally invasive approaches without straying from the premises of skull base surgery. The eyelid approach has evolved from the orbitopterional osteotomy into a more effective and targeted approach to disease of the anterior cranial fossa. In this technique, after an incision is made on the supratarsal fold, the orbicularis oculi muscle is incised, and a myocutaneous flap composed of the elements of the anterior lamella is elevated. Subperiosteal dissection is used to expose the superior and lateral walls of the orbit, the superior and lateral orbital rim, and the frontosphenoidal suture. A MacCarty bur hole is drilled, and a frontal osteotomy is fashioned medial to the supraorbital notch and extending through the orbital roof back toward the orbital half of the MacCarty bur hole, exposing the frontobasal brain. A conventional microsurgical technique is used to treat tumors and aneurysms of the anterior cranial fossa under the operative microscope.

Five patients were treated for unruptured aneurysms of the anterior circulation (3 anterior communicating artery aneurysms, 1 ophthalmic artery aneurysm, and 1 posterior communicating artery aneurysm) using the eyelid approach. The mean aneurysm size was 5 mm, and all aneurysms were approached from the right side. Three tumors in the anterior fossa (2 suprasellar pituitary adenomas and 1 craniopharyngioma) were also excised using this approach. There was no surgical morbidity. Three months after surgery all patients presented excellent cosmetic results. The eyelid approach may be considered as an effective, cosmetically beneficial, and minimally invasive skull base approach to selected aneurysms and tumors of the anterior circulation.
American influence on the origins of neurosurgery in the Netherlands
Authors: Kloet Alfred , Krouwer Hendrikus G. J. , Koehler Peter J.
Published: July 2008

Although the Netherlands played a major role in the revival of craniotomy in the late 19th century, modern neurosurgery made a late start there. Unlike the situation in other European countries, Dutch neurosurgery lacked a protagonist when, at the turn of the last century, craniotomy became less popular due to discouraging results.

During two lecture tours in the US in the 1920s and 1930s, the influential Dutch neurologist Bernard Brouwer also visited the leading neurosurgical centers. He was deeply impressed by the high standards and results in the New World, and upon his return to Amsterdam, he decided to try to change the dismal state of Dutch neurosurgery. Funds were raised to send the general surgeon Ignaz Oljenick for training to Harvey Cushing, and close ties between Amsterdam and neuroscientists in the US remained. Several American neurosurgeons received part of their basic training in Amsterdam. A second Dutch surgeon, Ferdinand Verbeek, honed his neurosurgical skills under Dr. Walter Dandy. The strong American influence on the philosophy and everyday actions of Dutch neurosurgeons continues until this day.
Extracranial traumatic carotid artery dissections in children: a review of current diagnosis and treatment options
Authors: Chamoun Roukoz B. , Mawad Michel E. , Whitehead William E. , Luerssen Thomas G. , Jea Andrew
Published: July 2008

Object

Currently, no diagnostic or treatment standards exist for extracranial carotid artery dissection (CAD) in children after trauma. The purpose of this study was to review and describe the characteristics, diagnosis, and treatment of this rather uncommon sequelae of pediatric trauma.

Methods

A systematic review of the literature was performed to examine the pertinent studies of traumatic extracranial carotid artery (CA) injuries in children.

Results

No randomized trials were identified; however, 19 case reports or small case series consisting of 34 pediatric patients were found in the literature. The diagnosis of CAD was made in 33 of 34 patients only after the onset of ischemic symptomatology. Twenty-four of 34 patients underwent cerebral angiography to confirm diagnosis; MR angiography affirmed the diagnosis in 6 of 34 patients. There was little published experience with CA ultrasonography or CT angiography for diagnosis. Thirty of 34 patients were treated with medical therapy or observation; 2 of 4 patients treated with observation alone died. There was little experience with open surgical treatment of CAD in the pediatric population, and there were no studies on the endovascular treatment of traumatic CAD in children. The literature does not support anticoagulation therapy over antiplatelet therapy.

Conclusions

As a result of this review of the literature, the authors propose the algorithms for the evaluation and treatment of traumatic extracranial CADs in children. These recommendations include utilizing MR angiography as a screening tool in cases in which the clinical suspicion of CAD is high, using conventional cerebral angiography to confirm the diagnosis, implementing antiplatelet therapy as initial medical management, and reserving endovascular stenting in cases of failed medical treatment.
Use of thalidomide to diminish growth velocity in a life-threatening congenital intracranial hemangioma
Authors: Frei-Jones Melissa , McKinstry Robert C. , Perry Arie , Leonard Jeffrey R. , Park Tae Sung , Rubin Joshua B.
Published: July 2008

Infantile or capillary hemangioma is the most common vascular tumor of childhood. The tumors most frequently affect the head and neck area, but rare cases of intracranial lesions have been reported. Their natural history is marked by initial rapid growth velocity followed by a plateau and, in most cases, subsequent involution. Although the lesions are considered benign, 10% of affected children develop life-threatening complications (mortality rate 20–80% in this subgroup). When surgical intervention or other methods of local control are not possible, therapeutic options are limited. Corticosteroids have been the mainstay of therapy but therapeutic response is not predictable and the infectious risk is not negligible. Interferon α-2a may also be effective but has significant toxicities.

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) have been implicated in the pathogenesis of hemangiomas, and antiangiogenesis agents are being evaluated in the treatment of these tumors. Thalidomide may be an ideal therapy for life-threatening hemangiomas because it inhibits new blood vessel formation by antagonizing both the bFGF and VEGF pathways and has a more acceptable toxicity profile than other agents. The authors present the case of an infant born with a life-threatening, unresectable intracranial hemangioma in which treatment with thalidomide resulted in a good clinical outcome.
Unilateral partial hemilaminectomy for disc removal in a 1-year-old child
Authors: Benifla Mony , Melamed Igor , Barrelly Revital , Aloushin Andrey , Shelef Ilan
Published: July 2008

Intravertebral disc herniation is common in adults, often due to degenerative processes. The occurrence of disc herniation is rare in children and is usually related to traumatic injury. The authors present an unusual case of a 13-month-old boy with L5–S1 lumbar disc herniation. The disc was removed via a unilateral partial hemilaminectomy approach, sparing the spinal midline structural elements. Although rare, lumbar disc herniation should be in the differential diagnosis for children presenting with low-back pain and/or neurological deficit of the lower limbs.
Foramen magnum stenosis from overgrowth of the opisthion in a child with achondroplasia
Authors: Jha Ruchira M. , Klimo Paul , Smith Edward R.
Published: July 2008

Achondroplasia has a known association with foramen magnum stenosis that can result in cervicomedullary compression, which is most often due to a hypertrophied posterior occipital rim and an undersized transverse diameter. The authors present a unique case of a child with achondroplasia with symptomatic craniocervical compression from marked overgrowth of his opisthion anterior to the posterior arch of the atlas. This 22-month-old child with achondroplasia presented with severe respiratory and motor disabilities, including progressive quadriparesis and apneic episodes requiring continuous positive airway pressure. Magnetic resonance imaging and CT scans revealed marked foramen magnum stenosis from overgrowth of the opisthion, a hypoplastic C-1 ring, and spinal cord edema at the cervicomedullary junction. Foramen magnum decompression and a C-1 laminectomy were performed. Postoperatively, steady motor improvement has been observed and the patient no longer requires ventilatory support. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of this unusual anatomical entity.
Chronic Mucocutaneous Candidiasis Due to STAT1 Gene Variant
Authors: Jing Danrui , Liang Guanzhao , Li Xiaofang
Published: April 2024

This case report describes a man in his 40s who presented with a 5-month history of recurrent pruritic papular erythema with mild scaling on the face, left forearm, and groin.
Association of Park Renovation With Park Use in New York City
Authors: Kodali Hanish P. , Wyka Katarzyna E. , Costa Sergio A. , Evenson Kelly R. , Thorpe Lorna E. , Huang Terry T.-K.
Published: April 2024

Importance

Equity-driven citywide park redesign and renovation, such as the Community Parks Initiative (CPI), has the potential to increase park use and opportunities for physical activity in underserved communities.

Objective

To evaluate changes in patterns of park use following park redesign and renovation in low-income New York City (NYC) neighborhoods.

Design, Setting, and Participants

The Physical Activity and Redesigned Community Spaces study was a prospective quality improvement preintervention-postintervention study design with matched control parks. Thirty-three intervention and 21 control neighborhood parks were selected based on specific criteria related to poverty rates, population growth, and population density in park neighborhoods and not having received more than $250 000 in investment in the past 2 decades. Data were collected at baseline (prerenovation) and 2 follow-up points (3 months and 1 year post renovation) between June 5 and December 4 from 2016 to 2022. Participants were individuals observed as users of study parks.

Intervention

The CPI, which involved the redesign and renovation of neighborhood parks by the municipal government of New York City.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Main outcomes encompassed park use and physical activity levels assessed using the well-validated System for Observing Play and Recreation in Communities. Park use was quantified by total number of park users, categorized by age group (≤20 years vs ≥21 years), sex, and physical activity level (sitting or standing vs walking or vigorous activity). Changes in outcomes between groups were compared via the generalized estimation equation.

Results

A total of 28 322 park users were observed across 1458 scans. At baseline, 6343 of 10 633 users (59.7%) were 20 years or younger, 4927 of 10 632 (46.3%) were female and 5705 (53.7%) were male, and 4641 of 10 605 (43.8%) were sitting or standing. Intervention parks showed more net park users compared with control parks from baseline to the final follow-up (difference-in-difference relative rate ratio, 1.69 [95% CI, 1.22-2.35] users/scan; P = .002). The association was driven by a significant increase in adult users at intervention parks and overall decrease in all users at control parks. Park users engaging in sitting or standing at intervention parks increased (difference, 4.68 [95% CI, 1.71-7.62] users/scan; P = .002) and park users engaging in walking or vigorous physical activity at control parks decreased (difference, −7.30 [95% CI, −10.80 to −4.26] users/scan; P < .001) over time.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this quality improvement study, park redesign and renovation were positively associated with park use in low-income neighborhoods. However, park renovations may need to be accompanied by other programmatic strategies to increase physical activity.
Trends in Deaths of Despair by Race and Ethnicity From 1999 to 2022
Authors: Friedman Joseph , Hansen Helena
Published: April 2024

This cross-sectional study examines trends in deaths of despair by race and ethnicity from 1999 to 2022.
Trajectories of Adolescent Media Use and Their Associations With Psychotic Experiences
Authors: Paquin Vincent , Ferrari Manuela , Rej Soham , Boivin Michel , Ouellet-Morin Isabelle , Geoffroy Marie-Claude , Shah Jai L.
Published: April 2024

Importance

Adolescent media use is thought to influence mental health, but whether it is associated with psychotic experiences (PEs) is unclear.

Objective

To examine longitudinal trajectories of adolescent media use and their associations with PEs at 23 years of age.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cohort study included participants from the Québec Longitudinal Study of Child Development (1998-2021): children who were born in Québec, Canada, and followed up annually or biennially from ages 5 months through 23 years. Data were analyzed between January 2023 and January 2024.

Exposures

Participants reported their weekly amount of television viewing, video gaming, computer use, and reading at ages 12, 13, 15, and 17 years.

Main Outcome and Measures

Lifetime occurrence of PEs was measured at 23 years of age. Covariables included sociodemographic, genetic, family, and childhood characteristics between ages 5 months and 12 years.

Results

A total of 1226 participants were included in the analyses (713 [58.2%] female, 513 [41.8%] male). For each media type, latent class mixed modeling identified 3 group-based trajectories, with subgroups following trajectories of higher use: television viewing, 128 (10.4%); video gaming, 145 (11.8%); computer use, 353 (28.8%); and reading, 140 (11.4%). Relative to lower video gaming, higher video gaming was preceded by higher levels of mental health and interpersonal problems at age 12 years. Adjusting for these risk factors mitigated the association between higher video gaming and PEs at age 23 years. The curved trajectory of computer use (189 [15.4%] participants), characterized by increasing levels of use until age 15 years followed by a decrease, was associated with higher PEs (estimated difference, +5.3%; 95% CI, +1.5% to +9.3%) relative to lower use (684 [55.8%] participants). This association remained statistically significant after covariable adjustment.

Conclusions and Relevance

This study found that longitudinal trajectories of media use during adolescence were modestly associated with PEs at age 23 years, likely reflecting the influence of shared risk factors. Understanding the environmental determinants and psychosocial functions of media use during adolescence may help better integrate digital technologies in the prevention and management of PEs.
OTUD6A orchestrates complex modulation of TEAD4‐mediated transcriptional programs
Authors: Kim Hyo Jin , Choi Yunsik , Lee Yuri , Hwangbo Mi , Kim Jongchan
Published: April 2024

TEAD transcription factors play a central role in the Hippo signaling pathway. In this study, we focused on transcriptional enhancer factor TEF‐3 (TEAD4), exploring its regulation by the deubiquitinase OTU domain‐containing protein 6A (OTUD6A). We identified OTUD6A as a TEAD4‐interacting deubiquitinase, positively influencing TEAD‐driven transcription without altering TEAD4 stability. Structural analyses revealed specific interaction domains: the N‐terminal domain of OTUD6A and the YAP‐binding domain of TEAD4. Functional assays demonstrated the positive impact of OTUD6A on the transcription of YAP–TEAD target genes. Despite no impact on TEAD4 nuclear localization, OTUD6A selectively modulated nuclear interactions, enhancing YAP–TEAD4 complex formation while suppressing VGLL4 (transcription cofactor vestigial‐like protein 4)–TEAD4 interaction. Critically, OTUD6A facilitated YAP–TEAD4 complex binding to target gene promoters. Our study unveils the regulatory landscape of OTUD6A on TEAD4, providing insights into diseases regulated by YAP–TEAD complexes.
Scutoids as Building Blocks for Topologically Interlocking Material Systems
Authors: Ballance Tanner , Siegmund Thomas
Published: April 2024

Topologically interlocking material (TIM) systems are constrained assemblies of building blocks with geometry such that individual unit elements cannot be removed from the assembly without complete disassembly. These assemblies can bear load in the absence of adhesive bonds. TIM systems with scutoid‐shaped building blocks are investigated. Scutoids are prism‐like shapes with two polygonal faces and contain vertices on the lateral sides which enable geometric interlocking. The quasi‐static mechanical behavior of two types of scutoid‐based TIM systems is investigated and compared to reference tetrahedron‐based TIM systems. TIM systems are realized as plate‐type assemblies and a central point‐force load is considered. The computational analysis is conducted with the finite‐element method. Scutoid‐based TIM systems are found, in aggregate, to match or exceed the performance of the tetrahedra‐based systems. It is documented that TIM systems in general, but scutoid‐based systems in particular, emerge to possess chiral characteristics. The combination of building block symmetry and assembly symmetry together determines the type of chirality in the mechanical response. Experimental data validates the computational finding. In summary, considering scutoids as building blocks for load‐carrying TIM assemblies opens the pathway to new classes of mechanical behavior in systems where structure and microstructure strongly interact with each other.
Multifunctional Photodetector with Tunable Response Bandwidth and Polarization Sensitivity
Authors: Jiang Jingzan , Deng Yadan , Li Jia , Guo Min , Sun Jun , Li Xiaolong , Lou Zhidong , Hou Yanbing , Hu Yufeng , Teng Feng
Published: April 2024

Multifunctional organic photodetectors (MFOPDs) have garnered significant attention due to their remarkable potential for integrating diverse device functionalities. In contrast to previous MFOPDs that have primarily emphasized the integration of various response bands, a pioneering multifunctional photodetector is introduced based on the P3HT:PC61BM system capable of selectively responding to both wavelength and polarization. Under positive bias, the device operates in a wide‐band, polarization‐insensitive mode, achieving an external quantum efficiency (EQE) of up to 7.01 × 104%. The EQE dichroic ratio (DR) of the device remains <1.01 (at 650 nm). Conversely, under negative bias, the device transitions into a narrow‐band, polarization‐sensitive mode, achieving an EQE of up to 4.82 × 104% with a narrow full width at half maximum (FWHM) of only 25 nm at 650 nm. The EQE DR exceeds 10 in this mode, marking it as one of the highest values within the field of polarization‐sensitive organic photodetectors. This versatile operation is made possible through the strategic use of double‐sided barriers, an oriented light harvesting layer, and a charge injection narrowing (CIN) approach. This work represents a significant advancement toward the realization of multifunctional photodetectors capable of selecting response bands and polarization sensitivity.
MoC‐MoSe2 Heterostructures as Multifunctional Catalyst Toward Promoting the Stepwise Polysulfide Conversion for Lithium‐Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Xia Wenlong , Chen Yufang , Han Mingyu , Wu Xingqiao , Yang Hankun , Fu Keyang , Chen Manfang , Wang Xianyou , Shu Hongbo
Published: April 2024

Catalyzing polysulfides conversion for lithium‐sulfur batteries is an efficient strategy to overcome the sluggish kinetics of polysulfides conversion as well as its serious shuttling effect. Due to the multistep and complicated phase transformation of sulfur species, the monofunctional catalyst can hardly promote the overall polysulfides redox process. Herein, a molybdenum‐based heterostructure is proposed, that facilitates the entire reduction process by tandemly catalyzing liquid‐liquid conversion and liquid‐solid conversion. It is uncovered that the MoC physiochemically immobilizes the soluble long‐chain polysulfide and accelerates the conversion between S8 to Li2S4 through adsorbing Li2S8 and extending its S─S bond distance. Then, the kinetics of Li2S precipitation is enhanced by facilitating the migration of Li2S4 from MoC to MoSe2. This is driven by the internal electric field at the heterogeneous interface and the low diffusion energy barrier on MoSe2 for Li2S4. Moreover, MoC‐MoSe2 exhibits the smallest degree of Li2S2 disproportionation throughout the reduction process. Consequently, the cell with MoC‐MoSe2/C/S cathode delivers an initial discharge‐specific capacity of 841.1 mAh g−1 and long‐term cycling stability with a capacity attenuation rate of 0.08% per cycle at 1.0 C. This work presents a novelty view to design a rational multifunction catalyst for sequentially accelerating the stepwise conversion of polysulfides.
Interface‐Engineering Induced Swift and Controllable Solar‐Blind Photoresponse in Ga2O3/SiC Heterojunction Based on Unconventional Rectification Characteristics
Authors: Wang Zhiwei , Han Keju , Huang Hong , Zhao Xiaolong , Zhan Haoyan , Hou Xiaohu , Feng Xiao , Zhou Xuanze , Xu Guangwei , Zhang Feng , Long Shibing
Published: April 2024

Ga2O3 photodetectors with demonstrated high sensitivity provide a potential subversive scheme for solar‐blind photodetection. However, the planar structure and the relatively slow response speed of the device have restricted the integration and application of Ga2O3 photodetectors. Herein, a narrow SiO2 barrier layer is introduced on the commercial SiC substrate, and a vertical photodetector is realized based on β‐Ga2O3/SiO2/SiC heterostructure with controllable tunneling effect by tailoring the band structure at the interface. The developed device exhibits unconventional rectification characteristics and photoresponse performance in different biasing modes owing to the controllable tunneling effect at the interface. In particular, the photodetector achieves a high responsivity (186.8 A W−1) under solar‐blind illumination at reverse bias, while exhibiting obvious advantages in dark current (3 pA), photo‐to‐dark current ratio (8.8 × 106), linear dynamic range (138.8 dB), and specific detectivity (1.4 × 1015 Jones) at forward bias. The photodetector also demonstrates excellent photoresponse stability after 6 months in air without encapsulation. In addition, an alternating biasing strategy, inspired by its bidirectional operability, is proposed to suppress the persistent photoconductivity effect and increase the decay speed by 1.23 × 105 times. This work provides a referable strategy for the further development of high‐performance Ga2O3‐based photoelectronics.
Facilitating Highly Reversible Li‐Ion Storage of MoSe2‐TiO2‐MXene via Double Heterostructures
Authors: Liu Cai , Zhao Peng , Lu Keren , Han Shuai , Zhang Chao , Xia Xifeng , Lei Wu , Guo Qiubo , Hao Qingli
Published: April 2024

Heterostructured composites, inheriting the integrated properties of the individual components due to the synergistic effect, have engendered great attention in materials science and energy storage. However, conventional biphasic heterostructures not only optimize the performance of the composites but also aggregate the inevitable drawbacks, which can be addressed with the construction of the triphasic heterostructures by introducing an appropriate intermediate phase, significantly. Herein, a two‐dimensional (2D) double‐heterostructures MoSe2‐TiO2‐MXene anode is architected for Li‐ion storage, which combines the advantages of the high theoretical capacity of MoSe2 and metallic conductivity of MXene. Besides, the in‐situ derived TiO2 can alleviate the irreversible phase transition of MoSe2, arising from the low electronic/ionic conductivities, through electronic coupling effects. Meanwhile, the intermediate phase of TiO2 can further prevent the restacking issue of MXene, thus sustaining its high conductivity. Finally, the three‐dimensional (3D) printing technology is employed to further improve the kinetics of the electrodes for Li‐ion capacitors (LICs), which deliver the power density of 5563 W kg−1 at an energy density of 51 Wh kg−1, and a remarkable cycling stability for 20 000 cycles at 1 A g−1. This work deepens the understanding of the influence of heterostructured engineering on the design of high‐energy/power storage devices.
Zwitterionic Organic Multifunctional Additive Stabilizes Electrodes for Reversible Aqueous Zn‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Zhang Jing , Liu Yuexin , Wang Yangjie , Zhu Zhongjie , Yang Zhenglong
Published: April 2024

Aqueous zinc‐ion batteries (AZIBs) exhibit significant potential for grid energy storage due to their low cost and safety. However, the commercial applications of AZIBs face challenges, particularly in the anode, such as zinc dendrites, hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), and zinc corrosion. In this study, a protonated triglycine (ggg) as a multifunctional electrolyte additive for AZIBs is employed. This ggg molecule can dissociate as zwitterion (both anion and cation) in mildly acidic ZnSO4 electrolytes. The NH3+ cation in ggg molecule can adsorb on the surface of the zinc anode, regulating the deposition of Zn2+ and slowing down the side reactions, and the spontaneously dissociated ggg anions will combine with Zn2+ to regulate the solvated Zn2+ chemistry in the electrolyte, establishing the electrostatic interaction via the strong adsorption ability to Zn2+. Theoretical calculations indicate that ggg molecule demonstrates a strong affinity toward Zn2+, enabling the reconstruction of Zn(H2O)62+ and facilitating subsequent de‐solvation processes. As a result, Zn||Zn symmetric cells in ZnSO4/0.2 mM ggg electrolyte exhibited an extended cycling lifetime of ≈4500 h. Furthermore, the Zn||MnO2 full battery demonstrated enhanced capacity and cycling performance with the addition of ggg molecule. This study provides valuable insights into constructing a highly reversible electrolyte for AZIBs.
Sodium Difluoro(oxalato)borate Additive‐Induced Robust SEI and CEI Layers Enable Dendrite‐Free and Long‐Cycling Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Liu Xiaohao , Zhao Jiahua , Dong Huanhuan , Zhang Lingling , Zhang Hang , Gao Yun , Zhou Xunzhu , Zhang Longhai , Li Li , Liu Yang , Chou Shuchun , Lai Weihong , Zhang Chaofeng , Chou Shulei
Published: April 2024

Sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) are a promising candidate for large‐scale energy storage due to the low cost and abundant sodium resources. However, the formation of sodium dendrites on the surface of hard carbon (HC) anodes is the most intractable challenge for full cells during charging, leading to severe performance degradation and safety hazards. Here, a robust additive‐induced borate and fluoride‐rich interphase is constructed by introducing sodium difluoro(oxalato)borate (NaDFOB) as additive in the ether‐based electrolyte to relieve the performance deterioration for SIBs. NaDFOB can participate in the passivation process of electrolyte‐electrode interfaces through preferential oxidation and reduction of DFOB− to effectively restrain the growth of sodium dendrites. Moreover, the electrolyte decomposition and dissolution of transition metal ions are effectively inhibited. Benefiting from that, FeMn‐based Prussian blue (FeMnHCF) || HC full cell with a negative/positive capacity ratio (N/P ratio) of 1.09 displays a capacity retention of 82.1%, especially with a low N/P ratio of 0.96 the cell still demonstrates a stable Coulombic efficiency of over 99.9% after 500 cycles via using NaDFOB as additive. As a practical demonstration, the designed 18650 full cells display enhanced cycling stability with NaDFOB additive. The findings provide insights into the additive‐induced inorganic‐rich interfacial layers for dendrite‐free SIBs.
Fully‐Recyclable Green and Fire‐Resistant Triboelectric Elastomer via Geometrical Synergistic Fillers and Its Applications for Smart Firefighting Boots
Authors: Chu Junfeng , Wu Wenjie , Wei Yi , Wang Zhong Lin , Chen Xiangyu , Zhang Liqun
Published: April 2024

Wearable sensors for high temperatures (WSHT) applications pose a significant challenge in the electronics field due to the inherent inability of most electronics to function in harsh environments. Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENG) present a substantial potential for applications in such challenging conditions. Herein, a fully‐recyclable flame‐retardant triboelectric elastomer is developed, which exhibits superior charge stability under high temperature conditions and proposes the specially designed synergistic fillers that play a dual role by trapping more charges into the interface and stabilizing the char layers via layer‐ball‐layer structure. An efficient flame‐retardant system is presented, which exhibits a 31% lower fire growth index than the individual components. The maximum surface charge density of this triboelectric elastomer can reach 361 µC m−2, while this surface charge density can be preserved to 70.9% after 16 s of combustion (≈520 °C) and to 37.9% by continuously working at 130 °C. At last, utilizing this flame‐retardant triboelectric elastomer, smart firemen's boots featuring gait analysis for identification and second level early warning systems have been developed. This work paves the way for the development of triboelectric materials and intelligent wearable devices suitable for applications in harsh environments.
Immunomodulation Using BMP‐7 and IL‐10 to Enhance the Mineralization Capacity of Bone Progenitor Cells in a Fracture Hematoma‐Like Environment
Authors: Wiesli Matthias Guido , Huber Matthias Werner , Weisse Bernhard , Zboray Robert , Kiderlen Stefanie , González‐Vázquez Arlyng , Maniura‐Weber Katharina , Rottmar Markus , Lackington William Arthur
Published: April 2024

Following biomaterial implantation, a failure to resolve inflammation during the formation of a fracture hematoma can significantly limit the biomaterial's ability to facilitate bone regeneration. This study aims to combine the immunomodulatory and osteogenic effects of BMP‐7 and IL‐10 with the regenerative capacity of collagen‐hydroxyapatite (CHA) scaffolds to enhance in vitro mineralization in a hematoma‐like environment. Incubation of CHA scaffolds with human whole blood leads to rapid adsorption of fibrinogen, significant stiffening of the scaffold, and the formation of a hematoma‐like environment characterized by a limited capacity to support the infiltration of human bone progenitor cells, a significant upregulation of inflammatory cytokines and acute phase proteins, and significantly reduced osteoconductivity. CHA scaffolds functionalized with BMP‐7 and IL‐10 significantly downregulate the production of key inflammatory cytokines, including IL‐6, IL‐8, and leptin, creating a more permissive environment for mineralization, ultimately enhancing the biomaterial's osteoconductivity. In conclusion, targeting the onset of inflammation in the early phase of bone healing using BMP‐7 and IL‐10 functionalized CHA scaffolds is a promising approach to effectively downregulate inflammatory processes, while fostering a more permissive environment for bone regeneration.
Simple Sol‐Gel Protein Stabilization toward Rainbow and White Lighting Devices
Authors: Gutiérrez‐Armayor David , Atoini Youssef , Van Opdenbosch Daniel , Zollfrank Cordt , Nieddu Mattia , Costa Rubén D.
Published: April 2024

Fluorescent proteins (FPs) are heralded as a paradigm of sustainable materials for photonics/optoelectronics. However, their stabilization under non‐physiological environments and/or harsh operation conditions is the major challenge. Among the FP‐stabilization methods, classical sol‐gel is the most effective, but less versatile, as most of the proteins/enzymes are easily degraded due to the need of multi‐step processes, surfactants, and mixed water/organic solvents in extreme pH. Herein, sol‐gel chemistry with archetypal FPs (mGreenLantern; mCherry) is revisited, simplifying the method by one‐pot, surfactant‐free, and aqueous media (phosphate buffer saline pH = 7.4). The synthesis mechanism involves the direct reaction of the carboxylic groups at the FP surface with the silica precursor, generating a positively charged FP intermediate that acts as a seed for the formation of size‐controlled mesoporous FP@SiO2 nanoparticles. Green‐/red‐emissive (single‐FP component) and dual‐emissive (multi‐FPs component; kinetic studies not required) FP@SiO2 are prepared without affecting the FP photoluminescence and stabilities (>6 months) under dry storage and organic solvent suspensions. Finally, FP@SiO2 color filters are applied to rainbow and white bio‐hybrid light‐emitting diodes featuring up to 15‐fold enhanced stabilities without reducing luminous efficacy compared to references with native FPs. Overall, an easy, versatile, and effective FP‐stabilization method is demonstrated in FP@SiO2 toward sustainable protein lighting.
Excited‐State Engineering Enables Efficient Deep‐Blue Light‐Emitting Diodes Exhibiting BT.2020 Color Gamut
Authors: An Rui‐Zhi , Sun Yuqi , Chen Hao‐Yang , Liu Yuan , Privitera Alberto , Myers William K. , Ronson Tanya K. , Gillett Alexander J. , Greenham Neil C. , Cui Lin‐Song
Published: April 2024

Organic luminescent materials that exhibit thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) can convert non‐emissive triplet excitons into emissive singlet states through a reverse intersystem crossing (RISC) process. Therefore, they have tremendous potential for applications in organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs). However, with the development of ultra‐high definition 4K/8K display technologies, designing efficient deep‐blue TADF materials to achieve the Commission Internationale de l’Éclairage (CIE) coordinates fulfilling BT.2020 remains a significant challenge. Here, an effective approach is proposed to design deep‐blue TADF molecules based on hybrid long‐ and short‐range charge‐transfer by incorporation of multiple donor moieties into organoboron multiple resonance acceptors. The resulting TADF molecule exhibits deep‐blue emission at 414 nm with a full width at half maximum (FWHM) of 29 nm, together with a thousand‐fold increase in RISC rate. OLEDs based on the champion material achieve a record maximum external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 22.8% with CIE coordinates of (0.163, 0.046), approaching the coordinates of the BT.2020 blue standard. Moreover, TADF‐assisted fluorescence devices employing the designed material as a sensitizer exhibit an exceptional EQE of 33.1%. This work thus provides a blueprint for future development of efficient deep‐blue TADF emitters, representing an important milestone towards meeting the blue color gamut standard of BT.2020.
Advances in Material‐Assisted Electromagnetic Neural Stimulation
Authors: Sun Yuting , Xiao Zhifeng , Chen Bing , Zhao Yannan , Dai Jianwu
Published: April 2024

Bioelectricity plays a crucial role in organisms, being closely connected to neural activity and physiological processes. Disruptions in the nervous system can lead to chaotic ionic currents at the injured site, causing disturbances in the local cellular microenvironment, impairing biological pathways, and resulting in a loss of neural functions. Electromagnetic stimulation has the ability to generate internal currents, which can be utilized to counter tissue damage and aid in the restoration of movement in paralyzed limbs. By incorporating implanted materials, electromagnetic stimulation can be targeted more accurately, thereby significantly improving the effectiveness and safety of such interventions. Currently, there have been significant advancements in the development of numerous promising electromagnetic stimulation strategies with diverse materials. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the fundamental theories, neural stimulation modulating materials, material application strategies, and pre‐clinical therapeutic effects associated with electromagnetic stimulation for neural repair. It offers a thorough analysis of current techniques that employ materials to enhance electromagnetic stimulation, as well as potential therapeutic strategies for future applications.
Microscale Chiral Rectennas for Energy Harvesting
Authors: Suárez‐Rodríguez Manuel , Martín‐García Beatriz , Skowroński Witold , Staszek Kamil , Calavalle Francesco , Fert Albert , Gobbi Marco , Casanova Fèlix , Hueso Luis E.
Published: April 2024

Wireless radiofrequency rectifiers have the potential to power the billions of “Internet of Things” (IoT) devices currently in use by effectively harnessing ambient electromagnetic radiation. However, the current technology relies on the implementation of rectifiers based on Schottky diodes, which exhibit limited capabilities for high‐frequency and low‐power applications. Consequently, they require an antenna to capture the incoming signal and amplify the input power, thereby limiting the possibility of miniaturizing devices to the millimeter scale. Here, the authors report wireless rectification at the GHz range in a microscale device built on single chiral tellurium with extremely low input powers. By studying the crystal symmetry and the temperature dependence of the rectification, the authors demonstrate that its origin is the intrinsic nonlinear conductivity of the material. Additionally, the unprecedented ability to modulate the rectification output by an electrostatic gate is shown. These results open the path to developing tuneable microscale wireless rectifiers with a single material.
Microstrain‐Stimulated Elastico‐Mechanoluminescence with Dual‐Mode Stress Sensing
Authors: Yang Hang , Wei Yi , Ju Haonan , Huang Xinru , Li Jun , Wang Wei , Peng Dengfeng , Tu Dong , Li Guogang
Published: April 2024

Elastico‐mechanoluminescence technology has shown significant application prospects in stress sensing, artificial skin, remote interaction, and other research areas. Its progress mainly lies in realizing stress visualization and 2D or even 3D stress‐sensing effects using a passive sensing mode. However, the widespread promotion of mechanoluminescence (ML) technology is hindered by issues such as high stress or strain thresholds and a single sensing mode based on luminous intensity. In this study, a highly efficient green‐emitting ML with dual‐mode stress‐sensing characteristics driven by microscale strain is developed using LiTaO3:Tb3+. In addition to single‐mode sensing based on the luminous intensity, the self‐defined parameter (Q) is also introduced as a dual‐mode factor for sensing the stress velocity. Impressively, the fabricated LiTaO3:Tb3+ film is capable of generating discernible ML signals even when supplied with strains as low as 500 µst. This is the current minimum strain value that can drive green‐emitting ML. This study offers an ideal photonic platform for exploring the potential applications of rare‐earth‐doped elastico‐ML materials in remote interaction devices, high‐precision stress sensors, and single‐molecule biological imaging.
Lamellar Nanoporous Metal/Intermetallic Compound Heterostructure Regulating Dendrite‐Free Zinc Electrodeposition for Wide‐Temperature Aqueous Zinc‐Ion Battery
Authors: Meng Huan , Ran Qing , Dai Tian‐Yi , Jia Jian‐Hui , Liu Jie , Shi Hang , Han Gao‐Feng , Wang Tong‐Hui , Wen Zi , Lang Xing‐You , Jiang Qing
Published: April 2024

Aqueous zinc‐ion batteries are attractive post‐lithium battery technologies for grid‐scale energy storage because of their inherent safety, low cost and high theoretical capacity. However, their practical implementation in wide‐temperature surroundings persistently confronts irregular zinc electrodeposits and parasitic side reactions on metal anode, which leads to poor rechargeability, low Coulombic efficiency and short lifespan. Here, this work reports lamellar nanoporous Cu/Al2Cu heterostructure electrode as a promising anode host material to regulate high‐efficiency and dendrite‐free zinc electrodeposition and stripping for wide‐temperatures aqueous zinc‐ion batteries. In this unique electrode, the interconnective Cu/Al2Cu heterostructure ligaments not only facilitate fast electron transfer but work as highly zincophilic sites for zinc nucleation and deposition by virtue of local galvanic couples while the interpenetrative lamellar channels serving as mass transport pathways. As a result, it exhibits exceptional zinc plating/stripping behaviors in aqueous hybrid electrolyte of diethylene glycol dimethyl ether and zinc trifluoromethanesulfonate at wide temperatures ranging from 25 to −30 °C, with ultralow voltage polarizations at various current densities and ultralong lifespan of >4000 h. The outstanding electrochemical properties enlist full cell of zinc‐ion batteries constructed with nanoporous Cu/Al2Cu and ZnxV2O5/C to maintain high capacity and excellent stability for >5000 cycles at 25 and −30 °C.
Vacancy‐Induced Extraordinary Second Harmonic Generation Response for Diamond‐Like Cu3PS4
Authors: Guo Weiping , Fu Yudi , Cui Hong‐Hua , Li Lingyun , Yu Yan , Luo Zhong‐Zhen , Zou Zhigang
Published: April 2024

Improving polarizability is an important strategy for designing high‐performance mid‐infrared (mid‐IR) nonlinear optical (NLO) materials. The substitution of equivalent or aliovalent atoms can manipulate the polarizability by adjusting the symmetry of the polyhedron. Herein, the Li+ and Cd2+ are introduced into the Cu3PS4 as the equivalent and aliovalent dopants for the Cu site. As a result, Li+ can significantly improve the bandgap (Eg) of LixCu3−xPS4 from 2.38 to 2.88 eV, leading to a higher laser‐induced damage threshold (LIDT) of 4.9 times than AgGaS2 (AGS) with a comparable second harmonic generation (SHG) response of AGS (26−45 µm). Interestingly, Cd2+ can improve the SHG response and enlarge the Eg simultaneously. As a result, Cd0.4Cu2.2PS4 has a large SHG response of 10 × AGS at 2050 nm (26−45 µm) and a LIDT of 2.6 × AGS. Theoretical calculations reveal that lattice vacancies induced by Cd2+ significantly boost polarizability compared to LixCu3−xPS4 with no vacancy, leading to a strong NLO response.
Achievement of Sub‐Diffractive Detection Depth in Absorption Spectroscopy Using Excitation from an Upconverting Particle
Authors: Goswami Jayesh , Chakraborty Snigdhadev , Nalupurackal Gokul , Roy Srestha , Roy Basudev
Published: April 2024

Conventionally, a collimated visible laser beam can only be focused to a transverse region volume with a waist of about 200 nm and an axial waist of about 1200 nm due to the wave nature of light. Several techniques have been used to bypass the diffraction limit, including a recently developed one using the emission from an optically trapped upconverting nanoparticle. This nanoparticle has a diameter smaller than 200 nm, such that it emits like a dipole into a 45° cone. Thus, not only is the emission coming from a particle smaller in size than the waist of the diffraction‐limited spot but also the cone is smaller than that of the volume of a very tightly focused beam. Here, the technique is developed even further where the emission coming from a specific region of the cone is selected by an optical fiber‐based pinhole in the detection path. Using this technique, a confocal depth of about 200 nm is achieved as the overlap between the emission cone and the detection volume. This would correspond to a volume of about 250 attoliters for a 1.5 μm diameter particle which can be reduced to 40 attoliters by using a 500 nm diameter particle.
Are crop insurance discount programs for cover crops effective? Evidence from Iowa
Authors: Sawadgo Wendiam P. M.
Published: April 2024

Cover crops are promoted by agronomists and governments due to their on‐farm and off‐farm benefits. Incentive programs were created because high planting costs have hindered cover crop adoption in the United States. Crop insurance discount programs are novel incentives that subsidize farmers’ crop insurance premiums by $5 per acre ($12.36 ha−1) on cover cropped land. While this payment is smaller than those typically offered through the Natural Resources Conservation Service and state‐level cost‐share programs, crop insurance discount programs have the potential to reach a significant proportion of farmers who purchase crop insurance. This paper uses data from a survey of Iowa farmers to quantify whether participation in the Iowa Crop Insurance Discount Program (ICIDP) affects the area planted to cover crops. I find that 11% of the ICIDP area would not have been planted to cover crops in the absence of the program, which is similar to other programs after considering the lower payment rate.
Prediction and Elucidation of Physical Properties of Polycrystalline Materials Using Multichannel Machine Learning of Electron Backscattering Diffraction
Authors: Nozawa Koki , Ishiyama Takamitsu , Suemasu Takashi , Toko Kaoru
Published: April 2024

The application of machine learning in materials science has yielded several benefits, including the prediction of physical properties and the improvement of experimental efficiency. However, with complex models, such as convolutional neural networks (CNN), learning has become a black box, from which no universal physical knowledge can be obtained. In this study, a highly accurate prediction of the electrical properties of polycrystalline semiconductor thin films is achieved by learning multichannel CNN models from electron backscattering diffraction (EBSD) data, that is band contrasts, grain boundaries, and inverse pole figures. In addition, it examines how the CNN model learned the correlation between the crystallinity, grain boundaries, crystallographic orientation, and carrier mobility by polarizing certain EBSD data and checking the predicted changes in carrier mobility. Physical parameters affecting carrier mobility can be extracted, which is challenging via human image recognition. The methods proposed in this study will not only enable the prediction of electrical properties from EBSD data for all materials but also will contribute to the discovery of complex physical phenomena beyond the limits of human analysis.