bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Agro-ecological Zones on the Agronomic Performance of Cowpea in the Central African Republic
Authors: Alain Kola Doli , Innocent Zinga , Emmanuel Kamba Mebourou , Semballa Silla , Simplice Yandja Prosper , Dimitri Longue Sokpe , Christiant Ballot , Brice Tocko Marabena , Moustapha Koala , Fidèle Tiendrebeogo , James Neya Bouma
Published: April 2023

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) is a legume cultivated and consumed in the Central African Republic. Few studies have been carried out on cowpea in the Central African Republic. For this reason, four local accessions (Kahkir, Gbarah, Aie-toung and Bambalassa) collected in different localities were evaluated at three different sites. Yield squares were laid out according to randomized block design with four replications. These accessions were selected on the basis of quantitative parameters such as height, growth, number of pods, weight of pods (g), pod yield, haulm yield and seed yield. The data was subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA). The results show that the seed yield, pod yield and haulm yield are statistically different among the four accessions studied. The emergence rate of all accessions was over 75%. The analysis of variance showed that height of the plants are significantly different compared to the study areas (p < 0.05). The study showed that all accessions were susceptible to viral diseases with a prevalence of more than 50 to 98%. The analysis showed that the Kahkir and Gbarah accessions were the best in pod, seed and biomass production and that the most productive sites were that of M'Baïki.
Incidence of Perineural Invasion of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Its Association with Worst Pattern of Invasion and Staging of Tumor: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Shaikh Aamir Zubair , Chandra Jagadish , Sequeira Joyce P. , K. Madan , Mathew Rohan T.
Published: April 2023

Background: Histological parameters are the most reliable factors in diagnosis, management and prognosis of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). The incidence of perineural invasion (PNI) and its association with staging of tumor and worst pattern of invasion (WPOI) have influenced the outcome of the disease. This retrospective study was conducted to determine the association of PNI with staging of tumor and WPOI.

Methodology: Sixty-six cases of histopathologically confirmed OSCC treated surgically without neo-adjuvant chemo-radiotherapy between 2019 Jan -2020 June were included in the study. The subjects were divided into group A with PNI negative subjects and Group B with PNI positive subjects.

Results: Out of 66 cases, 42 patient were PNI negative (63.6%) and 24 patients were PNI positive (36.4%). WPOIIV-V was present in 38 (57.6 %) of the cases and I-III was seen in 28 (42.4%) of the 66 patients.

Conclusion: WPOI and PNI are significantly important risk factors for predicting LN metastasis in all stages of Oral squamous cell carcinoma and are associated with a poorer outcome in early-stage tumors.
Upland prairie adaptive management staged‐scale restoration practices for native plant and endangered butterfly reintroduction
Authors: Muzychko Claudia G.
Published: April 2023

The present practice insight derives from land manager requests to document current on‐site activity and provides a management planning reference for restoration on Violet Prairie. Start‐up restoration initiates from trial‐and‐error adaptive management practices in the Puget Sound region of western Washington, USA. Treatments used focus on the implementation of staged‐scale restoration. Preparation intends to meet reintroduction goals of establishing a native plant community that could potentially support the threatened endemic Castilleja levisecta (golden paintbrush). Reintroduction of the associated native plant community provides habitat for endangered Euphydryas editha taylori (Taylor's checkerspot butterfly).

Known conventional agricultural use coupled to fire suppression since the 1800s altered regional prairie lands to an unfavourable state for native plant species. Local native prairie soil types were favoured for growing conventional grasses and exotic forb species common to grazing pastures. Land abandonment and degradation has lengthened the time of disturbance and complicated restoring to a generalized reference point prior to settlement. Persistent exotic species, encroaching housing development, coniferous forest and recent wildfire complicate converting back to native prairie.

Threatened and endangered species and their habitat are targeted in a trial‐and‐error process of staged‐scale adaptive management within the goal of whole ecosystem and connectivity restoration. Land managers focus on exotics removal and intensive native reseeding while restoring the use of prescribed burning as a maintenance tool. Embedded monitoring and observation advises where future practices need to be adapted by focusing on treatments and outcomes.

Past land use practices replaced native soil seed banks with exotic seed banks that further distort reference proxies. Unknowns interrupt the current implementation additionally to soil conversion issues, while short‐term adaptive management methods initiate conversion back to native prairie. Species reintroduction choices to develop community structure are complicated by the fact that historical reference point species may be missing altogether from existing native communities. An unanswered outcome of the restoration process is determining which set of treatments best prepares soil for the desired native plant community.
Effectiveness and safety of Endostar combined with chemotherapy in treating advanced NSCLC patients with different ages
Authors: Jiang Wei , Liang Jing , Sun Wei , Li Wenhui , Gao Jin , Wang Hui , Zhou Wei , Aa Lixiang , Wang Luhua
Published: April 2023

Introduction

This study aims to compare the real‐world effectiveness and safety of Endostar in combination with chemotherapy in the treatment of advanced non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in different age groups.

Methods

Electronic medical records of patients with NSCLC who received Endostar combined with chemotherapy from June 2012 to August 2019 in 7 cancer centers were retrospectively collected. Baseline characteristics before and after propensity score matching (PSM), effectiveness evaluation, and safety data of two age groups were analyzed. Tumor response was evaluated according to RECIST v1.1. Adverse events (AEs) were graded according to NCI‐CTCAE 5.0.

Results

In this study, 554 and 571 patients were assigned to ≤60 years non‐aged group and >60 years aged group, respectively. After propensity score matching (PSM) was introduced, 166 patients in each age group were analyzed. The median PFS for the two groups was 8.9 and 8.0 months, with the overall response rate was 24.7% and 26.5% (p = 0.7060), disease control rate was 64.5% versus 68.7% (p = 0.4600), respectively. Cox regression result showed that advanced age has no significant influence on PFS (hazard ratio = 1.02, 95% CI: 0.98−1.06, p = 0.3034) in contrast with younger patients. The most common AEs in both age groups were myelosuppression, gastrointestinal reactions, and hepatic impairment. The total incidence for the above AEs in the two groups was 18.67% versus 24.10%, 22.89% versus 21.69%, 12.05% versus 7.23%, with no statistically significant difference.

Conclusion

Compared with treating patients with NSCLC younger than 60 years old, the effectiveness of Endostar combined with chemotherapy in treating advanced patients showed no significant differences, with tolerable adverse events.
Preparation of Robust, Room‐Temperature Self‐Healable and Recyclable Polysiloxanes Based on Hierarchical Hard Domains
Authors: Lai Pengyuan , Yuan Yuan , Huang Yiwu , Bai Haomin , Zhou Zhi , Tang Chao , Wen Jianwu , Liu Lili
Published: April 2023

The contradiction between high mechanical strength and mild healing conditions has long existed in self‐healing materials, which limits the application of self‐healing materials. The preparation of robust materials with excellent healing performance under mild conditions can effectively reduce resource waste and environmental pollution. Herein, self‐healing polysiloxane elastomer materials, APDMS‐MDI‐IPDI‐Bs, based on microphase separation strategy are reported. Through the synergistic effect of the designed urea hydrogen bond and the nitrogen‐coordinated boroxine structure, the materials can maintain high mechanical properties (maximum tensile strength up to 3.35 MPa, elongation at break up to 316%), while maintaining excellent self‐healing and recyclable ability (24 h healing efficiency at room temperature can reach 94.77 ± 3.23%), and the performance can be repeated many times without decay. APDMS‐MDI‐IPDI‐Bs also exhibit unique hydrophobicity, expanding the application scenarios of materials containing boroxine structure.
Tough PEGgels by In Situ Phase Separation for 4D Printing
Authors: Wang Zhenwu , Heck Matthias , Yang Wenwu , Wilhelm Manfred , Levkin Pavel A.
Published: April 2023

Polymer gels, consisting of cross‐linked polymer network systems swollen by a solvent, show great potential in biomedicine, flexible electronics, and artificial muscles, due to their tissue‐like mechanical properties. Due to the presence of a large amount of solvent, the improvement of the mechanical properties of the polymer gel is a challenge. Moreover, combining high toughness with useful properties, such as 3D printability or shape‐memory, in one polymer gel system is even more challenging. In this study, a simple and efficient method is developed for the fabrication of tough polymer gels by polymerizing 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) in a mixture of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and poly(propylene glycol) (PPG). The polymerized elastic networkpresents distinct compatibility with PEG (compatible) and PPG (poorly compatible), resulting in in‐situ phase separation at the microscale. The resulting phase‐separated gel demonstrates high strength (8.0 MPa), favorable fracture strain (430%), and large toughness (17.0 MJ m−3). The separated hard phasewith a high glass transition temperature (75 °C) endows the whole soft polymer gel with the property of shape memory at room temperature. Finally, the fabrication of tunable tough PEGgels is combined with 3D printing as well as with shape memory properties, demonstrating the use of PEGgels for 4D printing.
Direct Observation of Quadrupolar Strain Fields forming a Shear Band in Metallic Glasses
Authors: Kang Sangjun , Wang Di , Caron Arnaud , Minnert Christian , Durst Karsten , Kübel Christian , Mu Xiaoke
Published: April 2023

For decades, scanning/transmission electron microscopy (S/TEM) techniques have been employed to analyze shear bands in metallic glasses and understand their formation in order to improve the mechanical properties of metallic glasses. However, due to a lack of direct information in reciprocal space, conventional S/TEM cannot characterize the local strain and atomic structure of amorphous materials, which are key to describe the deformation of glasses. For this work, 4‐dimensional‐STEM (4D‐STEM) is applied to map and directly correlate the local strain and the atomic structure at the nanometer scale in deformed metallic glasses. Residual strain fields are observed with quadrupolar symmetry concentrated at dilated Eshelby inclusions. The strain fields percolate in a vortex‐like manner building up the shear band. This provides a new understanding of the formation of shear bands in metallic glass.
Versatile Host Materials for Both D–A‐Type and Multi‐Resonance TADF Emitters toward Solution‐Processed OLEDs with Nearly 30% EQE
Authors: Li Nengquan , Chen Zhanxiang , Zhou Changjiang , Ni Fan , Huang Zhongyan , Cao Xiaosong , Yang Chuluo
Published: April 2023

Fabricating solution‐processible host material for thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) emitter remains a formidable challenge for organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs). In this work, two new host materials, namely 3CzAcPy and 9CzAcPy, are found to exhibit high triplet energy levels, high thermal stability, and excellent film morphology from a solution process. An in‐depth analysis on the photophysical data and device performance reveals the isomeric effect of the host materials has a significant impact not only on the host properties, but also on the host–dopant interactions and thus the performance of the resulting solution‐processed TADF OLEDs. Impressively, the new hosts are proven to be suitable for both donor–acceptor type and multi‐resonance TADF emitters, achieving state‐of‐the‐art device performance. By using the new host 9CzAcPy, solution‐processed OLED based on a donor–acceptor TADF emitter of DPAC‐PCN, a maximum external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 29.5% is achieved, and solution‐processed narrowband OLED based on a multiple‐resonance TADF emitter of BN‐CP1 acquires a maximum EQE of 26.6%. These efficiencies represent the highest values among the solution‐processed TADF OLEDs. This study highlights the significance of host–dopant interactions in modulating the electroluminescence performance of TADF emitters, and provides an effective design principle for solution‐processible host materials.
Dopant‐Free Pyrrolopyrrole‐Based (PPr) Polymeric Hole‐Transporting Materials for Efficient Tin‐Based Perovskite Solar Cells with Stability Over 6000 h
Authors: Kuan Chun‐Hsiao , Balasaravanan Rajendiran , Hsu Shih‐Min , Ni Jen‐Shyang , Tsai Yi‐Tai , Zhang Zhong‐Xiang , Chen Ming‐Chou , Diau Eric Wei‐Guang
Published: April 2023

A new set of pyrrolopyrrole‐based (PPr) polymers incorporated with thioalkylated/alkylated bithiophene (SBT/BT) is synthesized and explored as hole‐transporting materials (HTMs) for Sn‐based perovskite solar cells (TPSCs). Three bithiophenyl spacers bearing the thioalkylated hexyl (SBT‐6), thioalkylated tetradecyl (SBT‐14), and tetradecyl (BT‐14) chains are utilized to examine the effect of the alkyl chain lengths. Among them, the TPSCs are fabricated using PPr‐SBT‐14 as HTMs through a two‐step approach by attaining a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 7.6% with a remarkable long‐term stability beyond 6000 h, which has not been reported elsewhere for a non‐PEDOT:PSS‐based TPSC. The PPr‐SBT‐14 device is stable under light irradiation for 5 h in air (50% relative humidity) at the maximum power point (MPP). The highly planar structure, strong intramolecular S(alkyl)···S(thiophene) interactions, and extended π‐conjugation of SBT enable the PPr‐SBT‐14 device to outperform the standard poly(3‐hexylthiophene,‐2,5‐diyl (P3HT) and other devices. The longer thio‐tetradecyl chain in SBT‐14 restricts molecular rotation and strongly affects the molecular conformation, solubility, and film wettability over other polymers. Thus, the present study makes a promising dopant‐free polymeric HTM model for the future design of highly efficient and stable TPSCs.
A Universal Microscopic Patterned Doping Method for Perovskite Enables Ultrafast, Self‐Powered, Ultrasmall Perovskite Photodiodes
Authors: Cheng Jiangong , Ma Yang , Zhou Wencai , Zhang Tong , Li Wenling , Zhang Xiaobo , Yan Hui , Li Jinpeng , Zheng Zilong , Chen Xiaoqing , Zhang Yongzhe
Published: April 2023

Novel metal halide perovskite is proven to be a promising optoelectronic material. However, fabricating microscopic perovskite devices is still challenging because the perovskite is soluble with the photoresist, which conflicts with conventional microfabrication technology. The size of presently reported perovskite devices is about 50 µm. Limited by the large size of perovskite optoelectronic devices, they cannot be readily adopted in the fields of imaging, display, etc. Herein a universal microscopic patterned doping method is proposed, which can realize microscale perovskite devices. Rather than by the conventional doping method, in this study the local Fermi level of perovskite is modulated by the redistributing intrinsic ion defects via a polling voltage. A satisfactorily stable polarized ion distribution can be achieved by optimization of the perovskite material and polling voltage, resulting in ultrafast (40 µs), self‐powered microscale (2 µm) photodiodes. This work sheds light on a route to fabricate integrated perovskite optoelectronic chips.
A Microbial Community Cultured in Gradient Hydrogel for Investigating Gut Microbiome‐Drug Interaction and Guiding Therapeutic Decisions
Authors: Zheng Di‐Wei , Qiao Ji‐Yan , Ma Jun‐Chi , An Jia‐Xin , Yang Chi‐Hui , Zhang Yu , Cheng Qian , Rao Zhi‐Yong , Zeng Si‐Min , Wang Lin , Zhang Xian‐Zheng
Published: April 2023

Despite the recognition that the gut microbiota acts a clinically significant role in cancer chemotherapy, both mechanistic understanding and translational research are still limited. Maximizing drug efficacy requires an in‐depth understanding of how the microbiota contributes to therapeutic responses, while microbiota modulation is hindered by the complexity of the human body. To address this issue, a 3D experimental model named engineered microbiota (EM) is reported for bridging microbiota‐drug interaction research and therapeutic decision‐making. EM can be manipulated in vitro and faithfully recapitulate the human gut microbiota at the genus/species level while allowing co‐culture with cells, organoids, and isolated tissues for testing drug responses. Examination of various clinical and experimental drugs by EM reveales that the gut microbiota affects drug efficacy through three pathways: immunological effects, bioaccumulation, and drug metabolism. Guided by discovered mechanisms, custom‐tailored strategies are adopted to maximize the therapeutic efficacy of drugs on orthotopic tumor models with patient‐derived gut microbiota. These strategies include immune synergy, nanoparticle encapsulation, and host–guest complex formation, respectively. Given the important role of the gut microbiota in influencing drug efficacy, EM will likely become an indispensable tool to guide drug translation and clinical decision‐making.
Supported Ruthenium Single‐Atom and Clustered Catalysts Outperform Benchmark Pt for Alkaline Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Zhu Yanping , Fan Ke , Hsu Chia‐Shuo , Chen Gao , Chen Changsheng , Liu Tiancheng , Lin Zezhou , She Sixuan , Li Liuqing , Zhou Hanmo , Zhu Ye , Chen Hao Ming , Huang Haitao
Published: April 2023

Guaranteeing satisfactory catalytic behavior while ensuring high metal utilization has become the problem that needs to be addressed when designing noble‐metal‐based catalysts for electrochemical reactions. Here, well‐dispersed ruthenium (Ru) based clusters with adjacent Ru single atoms (SAs) on layered sodium cobalt oxide (Ru/NC) are demonstrated as a superb electrocatalyst for alkaline HER. The Ru/NC catalyst demonstrates an activity increase by a factor of two relative to the commercial Pt/C. Operando characterizations in conjunction with density functional theory (DFT) simulations uncover the origin of the superior activity and establish a structure–performance relationship, that is, under HER condition, the real active species are Ru SAs and metallic Ru clusters supported on the NC substrate. The excellent alkaline HER activity of the Ru/NC catalyst can be understood by a spatially decoupled water dissociation and hydrogen desorption mechanism, where the NC substrate accelerates the water dissociation rate, and the generated H intermediates would then migrate to the Ru SAs or clusters and recombine to have H2 evolution. More importantly, comparing the two forms of Ru sites, it is the Ru cluster that dominates the HER activity.
Efficient Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells Using Dual Fluorinated Additive Modification
Authors: Li Hui , Chu Ronan , Bati Abdulaziz S. R. , Gupta Satakshi , Burn Paul L. , Gentle Ian R. , Shaw Paul E.
Published: April 2023

Materials engineering is key to improving the stability and photovoltaic parameters of inverted perovskite solar cells (PSCs). This work presents the effect of two different fluorinated additives on the performance of PSCs containing the archetypal three‐dimensional perovskite, methylammonium lead triiodide (MAPbI3). 3‐(2,3,4,5,6‐Pentafluorophenyl)propylammonium iodide (FPAI) is added to the anode modifying layer and (2,3,4,5,6‐pentafluorophenyl)methylammonium bromide (FMABr) is blended into the perovskite layer. The inverted devices containing FPAI in the anode modifying layer and 0.32 mol% of FMABr from the perovskite precursor solution had hysteresis‐free current density‐voltage characteristics and a maximum power conversion efficiency of 22.3%, which is an absolute increase of 1.7% compared to the MAPbI3 device (20.6%) of the same architecture but without the additives.
Bioinspired Adhesive Manufactured by Projection Microstereolithography 3D Printing Technology and Its Application
Authors: He Qingsong , Zhao Zefang , Zhang Hao , Duan Jinjun , Zhang Ning , Cui Kunkun , Zhong Qiyun , Yang Changli
Published: April 2023

Many methods are used to manufacture bioinspired adhesive arrays such as photolithography and nanoimprinting methods, which are very high cost and time‐consuming. In this manuscript, projection microstereolithography 3D printing method is firstly adopted to prepare the bioinspired dry adhesive in several micrometers, which is low cost, time saving, convenient and can realize rapid, large‐scale, high‐precision, and controllable complex structure manufacture. The morphology and adhesive properties of four kinds of adhesive with flat punch, mushroom‐shaped, suction cup‐shaped, and titled micropillar structures are investigated. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) observation shows that the very regular pattern of the adhesive is generated and no collapse phenomenon is observed. The adhesion test results show the mushroom‐shaped adhesive reach the maximum adhesion of 15 KPa, which can be maintained after repeated uses. The contact angle of the adhesive is 143.7°, showing the good self‐cleaning ability. The mushroom‐shaped adhesive exhibits excellent adhesion property, high repeatability, and good self‐cleaning ability, which is further applied in grasping and transferring various surfaces such as solar panels, printed circuit board, flanges, and so on.
Infrared Electrochromic Devices Based on Thin Metal Films
Authors: Cheng Baizhang , Cheng Haifeng , Jia Yan , Liu Tianwen , Liu Dongqing
Published: April 2023

Tunable emissivity technology is promising for the dynamic regulation of infrared radiation. Herein, infrared electrochromic devices based on thin metal films that operate via a novel hydrogen‐induced metal–insulator transition are demonstrated. The use of thin magnesium–nickel (MgxNi) alloy films as both a variable emissivity material and top conductive electrode simplifies the device structure and ensures that large changes in emissivity can be achieved. The constructed sandwich‐structured electrochromic devices also have polyethyleneimine (PEI) as a middle proton‐conducting electrolyte layer and hydrogen tungsten bronze (HxWO3)/indium tin oxide (ITO) as a bottom ion‐storage layer. Upon application of a voltage of ±2.6 V, the emissivity of the MgxNi/Pd/PEI/HxWO3/ITO device can be reversibly regulated, with emissivity changes of 0.48 and 0.43 in the 3–5 and 7.5–14 µm atmospheric windows, respectively. Under open‐circuit conditions, the high‐emissivity state of the device can be stably maintained for 3 h. The emissivity change is affected by the composition and thickness of the MgxNi film and the device failure mechanism involves the breakage and oxidation of this film after cycling. Corresponding flexible devices that exhibit electrochromism in the visible region have great potential for adaptive thermal camouflage, smart thermal management, and dynamic information displays.
Preparation of ROS‐Responsive Exosome Coating of Nitinol Material for Making the Neurointerventional Stent
Authors: Duan Lin , He Yanyan , Wu Haigang , Li Tianxiao , Liang Jia , Jia Rufeng , Guo Dehua , Lu Taoyuan , Ma Chi , Liu Wenbo , He Yingkun
Published: April 2023

Nitinol (NiTi) alloy is an ideal material for preparing neurointerventional stents due to its excellent mechanical properties and biocompatibility. However, NiTi stents without surface‐specific functionalization cause a high rate of stent thrombosis and in‐stent restenosis after implantation. In ischemic stroke, exosomes have a role in regulating nervous system development, regeneration, vascular remodeling, and neuroinflammation. In this work, the effect of exosome coating on the biocompatibility of NiTi alloy is evaluated. NiTi alloy is successively immersed in relevant solution (sodium alginate, 3‐aminophenylboronic acid, distearoylphosphatidylethanolamine, and exosomes) to form ROS‐responsive exosome coated surfaces. In vitro experiments (platelets, endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, and macrophages) and in vivo subcutaneous implantation experiments are performed to test coatings for biocompatibility. The results show that the modified NiTi alloy surface has high hydrophilicity, which has the functions of inhibiting platelet aggregation, promoting endothelialization, inhibiting smooth muscle cell migration, anti‐inflammatory, and good tissue biocompatibility. This study develops exosome neurointerventional stent coating as a bioactive drug via reactive oxygen species accumulation in lesions, thus targeting drug release, inhibiting intimal hyperplasia, and reducing inflammation and thrombosis.
Oriented Fibers Cooperate with DFO to Prevent Tendon Adhesions by Improving the Repair Microenvironment
Authors: Wang Weixing , Yu Yifeng , Zhang Hao , Wang Zhiwei , Dai Honglian , Yu Aixi
Published: April 2023

To solve the problem of tendon adhesion after an operation, an anti‐adhesion membrane is designed, which can inhibit the exogenous healing of tendons and promote endogenous healing. Here, poly[3(S)‐methyl‐morpholine‐2,5‐dione‐co‐lactic acid] P(MMD‐co‐LA) containing alanine units is obtained by melt ring‐opening polymerization (ROP). It can effectively reduce the production of acidic degradation products that cause aseptic inflammation. Then a kind of oriented P(MMD‐co‐LA)/deferoxamine (DFO) anti‐adhesion membrane with good mechanical properties, cell adhesion properties, and induced macrophage polarization properties is constructed by electrospinning. In vitro and in vivo studies have shown that oriented fibrous membranes can down‐regulate the expression of inflammatory cytokines. In addition, the fibrous membrane can up‐regulate the expression of angiogenesis‐related genes, namely HIF1‐α, SDF‐1α, and VEGF, by releasing DFO in situ, thus promoting the revascularization of tendon defects and providing nutritional support for endogenous tendon healing. This method provides a new barrier strategy to reduce tendon adhesion through anti‐inflammation combined with vascularization to inhibit exogenous tendon healing while promoting tendon endogenous healing. The results provide essential insights into the corresponding regulation of the tendon healing microenvironment.
Magnetotransport‐Induced Non‐Contact Terahertz Detection of Weak Magnetic Fields in Optically Thin Frequency‐Agile Superlattice Metasurfaces
Authors: Karmakar Subhajit , Acharyya Nityananda , Rane Shreeya , Varshney Ravendra K. , Roy Chowdhury Dibakar
Published: April 2023

Magnetotransport, the magnetic field induced electron transport phenomenon through metals and semiconductors, has proven to be a useful technique to tailor the properties of electromagnetic radiation upon interaction with suitable materials and structures. Very recently, magnetotransport has become an important tool to dynamically tailor terahertz (THz) radiation and response of different optical devices. Based on these backgrounds, optically thin, subwavelength superlattice (with alternate arrangement of four metallic films: two non‐magnetic aluminum [Al] and two ferromagnetic nickel [Ni] films, having thickness of each film as 10 nm) metasurfaces are demonstrated, consisting of periodic arrays of asymmetric cut‐wire pair metasurfaces, which have a unique ability to exhibit both frequency and intensity modulation at its hybridized resonances when low‐intensity magnetic fields are applied. Such dynamic tuning characteristics are attributed to the combined effects of spin‐dependent THz magnetotransport in superlattice films, near‐field electromagnetic coupling between the resonators, and lattice mode coupling. Such THz metasurface is further employed for non‐contact detection of external magnetic fields in the range of 0–30 mT, while operating at the optically thin regime. The demonstrated scheme can further be extended to realize THz magneto‐spectroscopy toward devising state‐of‐the‐art photonic and magnetic technologies.
Surface Patterning Enhanced Visualization for Ultrasensitive Naked‐Eye Detection and RGB‐Based High‐Density Information Storage
Authors: Zhang Yuanhua , Qiu Yan , Xia Lan , Yuan Long , Wu Hailong , Shi Rui , Chen Anqi , Zhou Kai , Zhou Mingxue , Zhang Kailian , Zhang Chunxiang , Xia Zhining , Fu Qifeng
Published: April 2023

The emerging visualization techniques have aroused wide interest for optical information detection and storage. However, they suffer from fairly limited optical information density and poor visual detection performance. Herein, an innovative surface patterning enhanced visualization (SPEV) approach is developed for ultrasensitive naked‐eye detection and RGB‐based high‐density information storage. Through “ship covalently linked in bottle” method, a novel HP‐UiO‐66‐NH2‐based ratiometric fluorescent (RF) composite probe is fabricated, exhibiting remarkably enhanced CdTe QDs encapsulation efficiency and superior dual‐sensing performance for F− and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Then, the novel surface patterned CdTe QDs@HP‐UiO‐66‐NH2 hydrogel sensor is prepared, emitting multi‐stimuli‐responsive optical information with significantly improved abundance and dimensionality. The pseudo‐color postprocessing of the fluorescence images is performed to convert the analyte‐induced imperceptible color variations into easily perceptible color tonality change, resulting in ultra‐high sensitivity and excellent accuracy for naked‐eye quantitative detection of ALP and F− in human serum. Furthermore, the highly accurate pattern block‐based RGB (PB‐RGB) assay is demonstrated and the concept of RGB‐based 3D patterning codes is presented for highly reliable extraction of quantitative color information and high‐density information storage. The SPEV technique provides a universal route to realize instrument‐free precise visual quantitative detection, high‐density optical information storage, multi‐stimuli‐responsive encryption, and anti‐counterfeiting.
Recent Advances in Artificial Intelligence Sensors
Authors: Zhang Zixuan , Wang Luwei , Lee Chengkuo
Published: April 2023

Significant growth in the development and deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) is being witnessed. Driven by the great versatility of emerging computer science and material science, various AI sensors provide cost‐effective approaches for a wide range of monitoring applications toward the realization of smart homes and personal healthcare. Advanced AI sensors have multiple sensors capable of detecting multidimensional information and human‐brain‐like computation device for data processing. Herein, this review outlines the recent advances in the development of AI sensors. This review first introduces the materials, fabrication methods, and algorithms of current AI sensors and their applications, i.e., complementary metal oxide semiconductor image sensors for computer vision, microelectromechanical systems, microphone sensors for voice recognition, and wearable sensors for gesture recognition. Then, the recent advances in AI wearables sensors and self‐powered sensor systems are highlighted. Next, the current developments of neuromorphic computing systems, multimodality, and digital twins are reviewed. Last, a perspective on future directions for further research development is also provided. In summary, the trend of advanced AI sensors is the complementary between edge computing and cloud computing, which will show great potential in the applications of smart buildings, individual healthcare, the Internet of things, etc.
Molecular/Nanomechanical Insights into Electrostimulation‐Inhibited Energy Metabolism Mechanisms and Cytoskeleton Damage of Cancer Cells
Authors: Qi Guohua , Zhang Miaomiao , Tang Jilin , Jin Yongdong
Published: April 2023

Inhibiting energy metabolism of cancer cells is an effective way to treat cancer but remains a great challenge. Herein, electrostimulation (ES) is applied to effectively suppress energy metabolism of cancer cells to induce rapid cell death, and deeply reveal the underlying mechanisms at the molecular and nanomechanical levels by combined use of fluorescence imaging and atomic force microscopy. Cancer cells are found significantly less tolerant to ES than normal cells; and ES causes “domino effect” to induce mitochondrial dysfunction to impede electron transport chain (ETC) and tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle pathways, leading to fatal energy‐supply crisis and death of cancer cells. From the perspective of cell mechanics, the Young's modulus decreases and cytoskeleton destruction of MCF‐7 cell membranes caused by F‐actin depolymerization occurs, along with down‐regulation and sporadic distribution of glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) after ES. Such a double whammy renders ES highly effective and promising for potential clinical cancer treatments.
Electrical Phase Modulation Based on Mid‐Infrared Intersubband Polaritonic Metasurfaces
Authors: Chung Hyeongju , Hwang Inyong , Yu Jaeyeon , Boehm Gerhard , Belkin Mikhail A. , Lee Jongwon
Published: April 2023

Electrically reconfigurable metasurfaces that overcome the static limitations in controlling the fundamental properties of scattered light are opening new avenues for functional flat optics. This work proposes and experimentally demonstrates electrically phase‐tunable mid‐infrared metasurfaces based on the polaritonic coupling of Stark‐tunable intersubband transitions in semiconductor heterostructures and electromagnetic modes in plasmonic nanoresonators. In the applied voltage range of −3 to +3 V, the local phase tuning of the light reflects from the metasurface, which enables the electrical control of the polarization state and wavefront of the reflected wave. Electrical beam polarization control, electrical beam diffraction control, and electrical beam steering are experimentally demonstrated as applications for local phase tunability. The proposed electrically tunable metasurfaces can easily tune the operating wavelength and function at relatively low voltages, which will enable various applications in the mid‐infrared region.
High Strength Titanium with Fibrous Grain for Advanced Bone Regeneration
Authors: Wang Ruohan , Wang Mingsai , Jin Rongrong , Wang Yanfei , Yi Min , Li Qinye , Li Juan , Zhang Kai , Sun Chenghua , Nie Yu , Huang Chongxiang , Mikos Antonios G. , Zhang Xingdong
Published: April 2023

Pure titanium is widely used in clinical implants, but its bioinert properties (poor strength and mediocre effect on bone healing) limit its use under load‐bearing conditions. Modeling on the structure of collagen fibrils and specific nanocrystal plane arrangement of hydroxyapatite in the natural bone, a new type of titanium (Ti) with a highly aligned fibrous‐grained (FG) microstructure is constructed. The improved attributes of FG Ti include high strength (≈950 MPa), outstanding affinity to new bone growth, and tight bone‐implant contact. The bone‐mimicking fibrous grains induce an aligned surface topological structure conducive to forming close contact with osteoblasts and promotes the expression of osteogenic genes. Concurrently, the predominant Ti(0002) crystal plane of FG Ti induces the formation of hydrophilic anatase titanium oxide layers, which accelerate biomineralization. In conclusion, this bioinspired FG Ti not only proves to show mechanical and bone‐regenerative improvements but it also provides a new strategy for the future design of metallic biomaterials.
Edge‐Site‐Free and Topological‐Defect‐Rich Carbon Cathode for High‐Performance Lithium‐Oxygen Batteries
Authors: Yu Wei , Yoshii Takeharu , Aziz Alex , Tang Rui , Pan Zheng‐Ze , Inoue Kazutoshi , Kotani Motoko , Tanaka Hideki , Scholtzová Eva , Tunega Daniel , Nishina Yuta , Nishioka Kiho , Nakanishi Shuji , Zhou Yi , Terasaki Osamu , Nishihara Hirotomo
Published: April 2023

The rational design of a stable and catalytic carbon cathode is crucial for the development of rechargeable lithium‐oxygen (LiO2) batteries. An edge‐site‐free and topological‐defect‐rich graphene‐based material is proposed as a pure carbon cathode that drastically improves LiO2 battery performance, even in the absence of extra catalysts and mediators. The proposed graphene‐based material is synthesized using the advanced template technique coupled with high‐temperature annealing at 1800 °C. The material possesses an edge‐site‐free framework and mesoporosity, which is crucial to achieve excellent electrochemical stability and an ultra‐large capacity (>6700 mAh g−1). Moreover, both experimental and theoretical structural characterization demonstrates the presence of a significant number of topological defects, which are non‐hexagonal carbon rings in the graphene framework. In situ isotopic electrochemical mass spectrometry and theoretical calculations reveal the unique catalysis of topological defects in the formation of amorphous Li2O2, which may be decomposed at low potential (∼ 3.6 V versus Li/Li+) and leads to improved cycle performance. Furthermore, a flexible electrode sheet that excludes organic binders exhibits an extremely long lifetime of up to 307 cycles (>1535 h), in the absence of solid or soluble catalysts. These findings may be used to design robust carbon cathodes for LiO2 batteries.
Status and Prospects of MXene‐Based Lithium–Oxygen Batteries: Theoretical Prediction and Experimental Modulation
Authors: Zheng Xingzi , Yuan Mengwei , Zhao Yuelin , Li Zihan , Shi Kefan , Li Huifeng , Sun Genban
Published: April 2023

The consumption of fossil fuels has contributed to global warming and other problems. It is urgent to exploit progressive, low‐cost, and environmentally friendly energy storage devices with super high energy density. Rechargeable lithium oxygen batteries (LOBs) with a high theoretical energy density (≈11400 Wh kg−1) are one of the most promising chemical power supplies. MXenes have recently emerged in energy storage and conversion due to their superior conductivity and adjustable structural properties. Here, this paper summarizes the latest research progress in MXene‐based materials in the cathode, anode, separator and electrolyte of LOBs and emphasizes the significance of high conductivity and surface functionalization strategies in the theoretical design and experimental modulation, which promote electrode reaction kinetics and increase the cyclability of LOBs. It also summarizes the prospects and challenges of MXene‐based LOBs and proposes novel strategies to promote battery performance, inspiring the future progress of MXene‐based materials in designing high‐performance LOBs.
Conductive Li+ Moieties‐Rich Cathode Electrolyte Interphase with Electrolyte Additive for 4.6 V Well‐Cycled Li||LiCoO2 Batteries
Authors: Guo Kanglong , Zhu Chunlei , Wang Huaping , Qi Shihan , Huang Junda , Wu Daxiong , Ma Jianmin
Published: April 2023

Increasing the cut‐off voltage of cathodes can improve the energy density of Li||LiCoO2 batteries. However, the electrolyte and cathode suffer from oxidation and deterioration at high voltage, respectively, which lead to rapid battery degradation. Herein, a uniform, highly Li+ conductive cathode electrolyte interphase (CEI) is constructed by using bis‐(benzenesulfonyl)imide (BBSI) as an additive to stabilize Li||LiCoO2 batteries at 4.6 cut‐off voltage with superior cycling and high‐rate performance. Such a CEI is comprised of LiF and conductive Li+ moieties (e.g., Li2S and Li3N), which can improve the Li+ migration, alleviate cathode degradation, and other secondary degradation factors caused by uneven local Li+ intercalation/deintercalation. As expected, Li||LiCoO2 batteries with a 1% BBSI‐containing electrolyte sustain 81.30% of initial capacity after 300 cycles at 0.5C, and 88.27% of initial capacity even after 500 cycles at 2C/3C.
Co/CoSe Junctions Enable Efficient and Durable Electrocatalytic Conversion of Polysulfides for High‐Performance Li–S Batteries
Authors: Wen Yang , Shen Zihan , Hui Junfeng , Zhang Huigang , Zhu Qingshan
Published: April 2023

Lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries are regarded as promising candidates for next‐generation energy storage systems. However, the slow kinetics and shuttle effects of polysulfides hinder their practical applications. Designing high‐efficiency catalysts to enhance the kinetics and suppress shuttling is one major task for the building of durable Li–S batteries. Here, a Co/CoSe junction is reported to catalyzepolysulfide conversion efficiently because the junction has metallic electron mobility and field‐enhanced catalytic activity. The mechanistic investigation reveals that the difference in the work functions of Co and CoSe rearranges the charge distribution in the junction and strengthens the interaction between polysulfides and CoSe, thereby yielding high catalytic activity. In addition, the relative stability of CoSe, as compared to Co, renders the junction durable upon cycling; therefore, demonstrating long‐term catalytic activity. Such a junction makes full use of metal‐like conductivity and field‐enhanced catalysis and provides an alternative approach to enhancing the catalytic conversion of polysulfides.
Unveiling the Selenization Reaction Mechanisms in Ambient Air‐Processed Highly Efficient Kesterite Solar Cells
Authors: Yu Zixuan , Li Chuanhao , Chen Shuo , Zheng Zhuanghao , Fan Ping , Li Yingfen , Tan Manlin , Yan Chang , Zhang Xianghua , Su Zhenghua , Liang Guangxing
Published: April 2023

The selenization annealing process is vital for highly efficient kesterite solar cells. Generally, SnS is added during the selenization process, but excessive S and related defects are introduced. Meanwhile, the path of supplementing Sn has never been elucidated. Herein, in order to solve the above problems, a combination of strategies involving SnS and Sn or SnSe or SnSe2 is put forward. And the composition of the vapor inhibiting Sn loss (gaseous SnSe3) and the pathway through which SnSe3 facilitates the formation of Cu2ZnSn(SxSe1‐x)4 (CZTSSe) are clarified. When SnSe2 is added to SnS in the selenization process, grain fusion is effectively promoted. The high crystalline quality kesterite absorber makes the band bending at the GBs optimal and the interface recombination be effectively suppressed. Moreover, cation disorder is remarkably reduced. Therefore, the open‐circuit voltage (Voc) is significantly elevated from 508 to 546 mV with increased fill factor (FF) and short‐circuit current density (Jsc). A state‐of‐the‐art ambient air‐processed kesterite device with 12.89% efficiency is achieved, and the unveiled reaction mechanisms have guiding significance for further optimizing selenization atmosphere and elevating the efficiency of CZTSSe solar cells.
A Micro‐3‐Degree‐of‐Freedom Force Sensor for Intraocular Dexterous Surgical Robots
Authors: Zhang He , Wang Chunbo , Bai Ming , Yi Haoran , Yang Jiahui , Zhu Yanhe , Zhao Jie
Published: April 2023

The continuum manipulator improves the intraocular robot flexibility during retinal surgery. Herein, a micro‐3‐degree of freedom (DOF) force sensor with a length of only 3.8 mm that can adjust the puncture angle during retinal vein cannulation (RVC) is proposed. Taking advantage of 3D printing technology, the optical fiber and injection line are embedded in the nitinol tube with flexible hinges to achieve integration of the force sensing and injection functions. A new fiber Bragg grating (FBG) configuration method and linear decoupling algorithm are also proposed herein. Static calibration experiments demonstrate excellent resolution of the force sensor, of less than 0.072 mN for transverse force and 0.738 mN for the axial force in the range from −20 to 20 mN. The proposed sensor is installed on a newly developed actuator, and an ex vivo experiment is performed on pig cadaver eyes. The interaction forces at each stage of the RVC are recorded in detail for the first time, further confirming the feasibility and effectiveness of the developed sensor for monitoring the RVC interaction forces.
Long‐term home range stability provides foraging benefits in western gorillas
Authors: Scarry Clara J. , Salmi Roberta , Lodwick Jessica , Doran‐Sheehy Diane M.
Published: April 2023

Objectives

Long‐term home range stability presumably emerges because familiarity with an area improves fitness through increased foraging efficiency, reduced predation risk, or reduced costs of intergroup aggression. While the use of spatial memory by primates has been widely demonstrated, few studies have examined whether long‐term space use creates opportunities for interannual reuse of spatial knowledge. Here we examine the ranging behavior of western gorillas (Gorilla gorilla) to assess the degree of long‐term site fidelity and the foraging consequences of reuse of space.

Methods

We measured interannual home range overlap over a 10‐year period for a single group of gorillas at the Mondika Research Center, using both grid‐based and kernel density estimation. By plotting the total area used over time, we identified periods of home‐range stability and expansion. We compared foraging and ranging behavior in familiar versus unfamiliar areas, considering fruit trees visited, dietary diversity, and daily path length, to determine whether the lack of spatial knowledge in unfamiliar areas was associated with foraging costs.

Results

Average interannual home range overlap by the group remained high throughout the study. During periods of home range expansion, daily path lengths increased but not the number of fruit trees visited, suggesting that reduced familiarity with the area led to decreased foraging efficiency because individuals lacked prior knowledge of where to find resources.

Discussion

Western gorillas at Mondika exhibit long‐term home range stability, presumably reflecting a strategy that relies on the use of spatial memory to increase foraging efficiency that is favored by their reliance on ephemeral fruit resources.
The age at first reproduction as a potential mediator between facial fluctuating asymmetry and reproductive success in women
Authors: Klimek Magdalena , Marcinkowska Urszula M. , Galbarczyk Andrzej , Nenko Ilona , Jasienska Grazyna
Published: April 2023

Objectives

The level of fluctuating asymmetry is suggested as a putative signal of developmental stability, thus according to this theoretical framework more symmetric individuals should be in better biological condition and have greater reproductive potential. Here we hypothesize that women with more symmetric faces have more successful reproduction.

Methods

Data were collected from 164 postmenopausal Polish women. Facial photographs were taken and the overall facial asymmetry (OFA) was calculated. The associations between the OFA and reproductive parameters were analyzed using multiple regression models. Furthermore, the mediation analysis was conducted to test for the indirect effects of the OFA on reproductive success.

Results

There was a statistically significant relationship between the OFA and the number of children born, which was mediated by the age at first reproduction (p = 0.03), however, the size of the effect was rather low. Women with more symmetric faces had an earlier age at first reproduction and, in consequence, a greater number of children.

Discussion

As fluctuating asymmetry is suggested to be established in utero, these findings shed light on the possible life‐long importance of developmental conditions in shaping women's reproductive potential and performance.