bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of ice particles shattering on the 2D-S probe
Authors: Lawson R. P.
Published: July 2011

Abstract. Recently, considerable attention has been focused on the issue of large ice particles shattering on the inlets and tips of cloud particle probes, which produces copious ice particles that can be mistakenly measured as real ice particles. Currently two approaches are being used to mitigate the problem: (1) Based on recent high-speed video in icing tunnels, probe tips have been designed that reduce the number of shattered particles that reach the probe sample volume, and (2) Post processing techniques such as image processing and using the arrival time of each individual particle. This paper focuses on exposing suspected errors in measurements of ice particle size distributions due to shattering, and evaluation of the two techniques used to reduce the errors. Data from 2D-S probes constitute the primary source of the investigation, however, when available comparisons with 2D-C and CIP measurements are also included. Korolev et al. (2010b) report results from a recent field campaign (AIIE) and conclude that modified probe tips are more effective than an arrival time algorithm when applied to 2D-C and CIP measurements. Analysis of 2D-S data from the AIIE and SPARTICUS field campaigns shows that modified probe tips significantly reduce the number of shattered particles, but that a particle arrival time algorithm is more effective than the probe tips designed to reduce shattering. A large dataset of 2D-S measurements with and without modified probe tips was not available from the AIEE and SPARTICUS field campaigns. Instead, measurements in regions with large ice particles are presented to show that shattering on the 2D-S with modified probe tips produces large quantities of small particles that are likely produced by shattering. Also, when an arrival time algorithm is applied to the 2D-S data, the results show that it is more effective than the modified probe tips in reducing the number of small (shattered) particles. Recent results from SPARTICUS and MACPEX show that 2D-S ice particle concentration measurements are more consistent with physical arguments and numerical simulations than measurements with older cloud probes from previous field campaigns. The analysis techniques in this paper can also be used to estimate an upper bound for the effects of shattering. For example, the additional spurious concentration of small ice particles can be measured as a function of the mass concentration of large ice particles. The analysis provides estimates of upper bounds on the concentration of natural ice, and on the remaining concentration of shattered ice particles after application of the post-processing techniques. However, a comprehensive investigation of shattering is required to quantify effects that arise from the multiple degrees of freedom associated with this process, including different cloud environments, probe geometries, airspeed, angle of attack, particle size and type.
Turning sunlight into stone: the oxalate-carbonate pathway in a tropical tree ecosystem
Authors: Cailleau G. , Braissant O. , Verrecchia E. P.
Published: July 2011

Abstract. An African oxalogenic tree, the iroko tree (Milicia excelsa), has the property to enhance carbonate precipitation in tropical oxisols, where such accumulations are not expected due to the acidic conditions in these types of soils. This uncommon process is linked to the oxalate-carbonate pathway, which increases soil pH through oxalate oxidation. In order to investigate the oxalate-carbonate pathway in the iroko system, fluxes of matter have been identified, described, and evaluated from field to microscopic scales. In the first centimeters of the soil profile, decaying of the organic matter allows the release of whewellite crystals, mainly due to the action of termites and saprophytic fungi. In addition, a concomitant flux of carbonate formed in wood tissues contributes to the carbonate flux and is identified as a direct consequence of wood feeding by termites. Nevertheless, calcite biomineralization of the tree is not a consequence of in situ oxalate consumption, but rather related to the oxalate oxidation inside the upper part of the soil. The consequence of this oxidation is the presence of carbonate ions in the soil solution pumped through the roots, leading to preferential mineralization of the roots and the trunk base. An ideal scenario for the iroko biomineralization and soil carbonate accumulation starts with oxalatization: as the iroko tree grows, the organic matter flux to the soil constitutes the litter, and an oxalate pool is formed on the forest ground. Then, wood rotting agents (mainly termites, saprophytic fungi, and bacteria) release significant amounts of oxalate crystals from decaying plant tissues. In addition, some of these agents are themselves producers of oxalate (e.g. fungi). Both processes contribute to a soil pool of "available" oxalate crystals. Oxalate consumption by oxalotrophic bacteria can then start. Carbonate and calcium ions present in the soil solution represent the end products of the oxalate-carbonate pathway. The solution is pumped through the roots, leading to carbonate precipitation. The main pools of carbon are clearly identified as the organic matter (the tree and its organic products), the oxalate crystals, and the various carbonate features. A functional model based on field observations and diagenetic investigations with δ13C signatures of the various compartments involved in the local carbon cycle is proposed. It suggests that the iroko ecosystem can act as a long-term carbon sink, as long as the calcium source is related to non-carbonate rocks. Consequently, this carbon sink, driven by the oxalate carbonate pathway around an iroko tree, constitutes a true carbon trapping ecosystem as defined by ecological theory.
Experimental investigation of turbulent particle radial transport processes in DWDS using optical tomography
Authors: Floris R. , van Thienen P.
Published: July 2011

Abstract. Several transport mechanisms govern the cross-sectional particle distribution in fully developed turbulent flow in a pipe. These transport mechanisms affect particle load deposition as well as particle resuspension, which are identified as principal protagonists in the build-up of potential discolouration risk in drinking water distribution systems (DWDS). Both are to a large degree controlled by particle size and flow conditions. However, so far, these relationships are not completely understood in the context of DWDS. In this research we have attempted to identify under which conditions particles suspended in water are transported towards the pipe wall, which generate favourable conditions for deposition. Experimental results are reported and then compared, qualitatively and quantitatively, to the theoretical predictions in the regime transport map for turbulent flow proposed by van Thienen et al. (2011a). The research was conducted by completing a series of experiments in a laboratory test facility with different hydraulic regimes and different particle size ranges. A newly developed optical tomography measurement system was used in order to produce cross-sectional images of particle concentration in water flowing inside a pipe. The experimental results allowed us to identify flow conditions and particles sizes under which gravitational settling and turbophoresis dominated the radial particle transport. These findings show a good correspondence between experimental data and theoretical predictions on the occurrence of turbophoresis and lead to a better understanding of the processes that increase the potential discolouration risk in DWDS.
Use of agricultural statistics to verify the internannual variability in land surface models: a case study over France with ISBA-A-gs
Authors: Calvet J.-C. , Lafont S. , Cloppet E. , Souverain F. , Badeau V. , Le Bas C.
Published: July 2011

Abstract. In order to verify the interannual variability of the above-ground biomass of herbaceous vegetation simulated by the ISBA-A-gs land surface model, within the SURFEX modelling platform, French agricultural statistics for C3 crops and grasslands were compared with the simulations for the 1994–2008 period. While excellent correlations are obtained for grasslands, representing the interannual variability of crops is more difficult. It is shown that, the Maximum Available soil Water Capacity (MaxAWC) has a large influence on the correlation between the model and the agricultural statistics. In particular, high values of MaxAWC tend to reduce the impact of the climate interannual variability on the simulated biomass, and to allow the simulation of a negative trend in biomass production, in relation to a marked warming trend, of about 0.12 Ky−1 on average, affecting the daily maximum air temperature during the growing period (April–June), especially in northern France. The estimates of MaxAWC for C3 crops and grasslands, currently used in SURFEX, are about 129 mm and do not vary much. Therefore, more accurate grid-cell values of this parameter are needed.
Characteristic analysis of large-scale loess landslides: a case study in Baoji City of Loess Plateau of Northwest China
Authors: Wang H. B. , Zhou B. , Wu S. R. , Shi J. S. , Li B.
Published: July 2011

Abstract. Landslides are one of the most common geologic hazards in the Loess Plateau of northwest China, especially with some of the highest landslide densities found in Shaanxi and adjacent provinces. Prior to assessing the landslide hazard, a detailed landslide inventory map is fundamental. This study documents the landslides on the northwest Loess Plateau with high accuracy using high-resolution Quickbird imagery for landslide inventory mapping in the Changshou valley of Baoji city. By far the majority of landslides are in loess, representing small-scale planar sliding. Most of the large-scale landslides involve loess and bedrock, and the failure planes occurred either along the contacts between fluvial deposits and Neogene argillites, or partially within the bedrock. In the sliding zones of a large scale landslide, linear striations and fractures of the soils were clearly developed, clay minerals were oriented in the same direction and microorganism growths were present. From the analysis of microstructure of sliding soils, it is concluded that the Zhuyuan landslide can be reactivated if either new or recurring water seepage is caused in the sliding surface. It can be concluded that most landslides are attributed to the undercutting of the slope associated with gullying, and numerous ancillary factors including bedrock-loess interface, slope steepness, vegetation cover and land utilization.
Geoinformatics in mangrove monitoring: damage and recovery after the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami in Phang Nga, Thailand
Authors: Kamthonkiat D. , Rodfai C. , Saiwanrungkul A. , Koshimura S. , Matsuoka M.
Published: July 2011

Abstract. In the aftermath of the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami, it has been proven that mangrove ecosystems provide protection against coastal disasters by acting as bioshields. Satellite data have been effectively used to detect, assess, and monitor the changes in mangroves during the pre- and post- tsunami periods. However, not much information regarding mangrove restoration or reforestation is available. Rather than undertaking time-consuming fieldwork, this study proposed using geoinformatic technologies such as Remote Sensing (RS), Geographic Information System (GIS), and Global Positioning System (GPS) to monitor the mangrove recovery. The analysis focused only on the tsunami-impacted mangrove areas along the western coast of the Tai Muang, Takuapa and Khuraburi Districts of Phang Nga Province, southern region of Thailand. The results consisted of 2 parts, first: the supervised classification of main land uses, namely forest, mangrove, agricultural land, built-up area, bare soil, water body, and miscellaneous covers in ASTER images, was conducted using the maximum likelihood method with higher than 75 % for overall accuracy. Once the confusion between classes was improved in post-processing, the accuracy of mangrove class was greater than 85 % for all dates. The results showed that the mangrove area in 2005 was reduced by approximately 5 % (1054.5 ha) from 2003 due to the impact of the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami. Although the recovery program (replacing the same species of dead mangrove trees, mainly the Rhizophora apiculata Bl and Rhizophora mucronata Poir, in situ) had started by mid-2005, the areas gradually decreased to approximately 7–8 % in 2006 and 2010 compared with the reference year of 2003. Second, the recovery trend was observed in the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) fluctuation curve and the supporting field survey data. The recovery patterns were summarized into 2 categories: (i) gradually recovery, and (ii) fluctuating recovery. The gradually recovery category that implied the homogeneous pattern or uniform reforestation was observed in the seriously damaged area where most of the mangrove trees were swept away during the tsunami. This pattern covered approximately 50.35 % of the total reforested area. The NDVI time series of the uniform or homogeneous reforested mangrove at the sampled plots has gradually increased after 2005. The fluctuating recovery category that implied the heterogeneous pattern or non-uniform reforestation was observed in partially damaged areas where some of the mangrove trees were swept away and broken but still some trees were remained in the area. The heterogeneous patterns covered approximately 49.65 % of the total reforested area.
On Differential Properties Rν-Generalized Solution of the Dirichlet Problem with Coordinated Degeneration of the Input Data
Authors: Anatolievich Rukavishnikov Victor
Published: July 2011

We consider the first boundary value problem
for second-order differential equation with strong singularity caused by coordinated degeneration of the input data. For this
problem, we study the differential properties of the Rν-generalized solution, that is, the fact that it belongs to the space H2,ν+β/2k+2(Ω).
Decrease in TSH Receptor Autoantibodies during Antithyroid Treatment: Relationship with a Long Noncoding Heg RNA and Cdk1 mRNA in Mononuclear Cells
Authors: Christensen Niels Juel , Habekost Gurli , Bratholm Palle
Published: July 2011

We have previously shown that a long noncoding RNA transcript Heg is negatively correlated with TSH receptor autoantibodies (TRAb) in patients with untreated Graves' disease and with CD14 mRNA in treated patients and controls. Thus patients with high concentrations of Heg RNA have low levels of TRAb or CD14 mRNA, respectively. Here we show that an additional factor, gene expression of Cdk1 in mononuclear cells, is positively related to concentrations of TRAb in patients with untreated Graves' disease. Cdk1 mRNA is very important for regulation of cell cycle activity. It is well known that TRAb decrease significantly during treatment with antithyroid drugs. This decrease during treatment cannot be explained by Heg RNA, which remains unchanged. Cdk1 mRNA decreased significantly during treatment to values below values obtained in normal subjects. Thus both Heg RNA and Cdk1 mRNA may influence the level of TSH receptor autoantibodies but by different mechanisms.
Analytical Solution for the Differential Equation Containing Generalized Fractional Derivative Operators and Mittag-Leffler-Type Function
Authors: Chaurasia V. B. L. , Dubey Ravi Shanker
Published: July 2011

We discuss and derive the analytical solution for the fractional partial differential equation with generalized Riemann-Liouville fractional operator of order and . Here, we derive the solution of the given differential equation with the help of Laplace and Hankel transform in terms of Fox's -function as well as in terms of Fox-Wright function .
Diagnosis and Therapy of Microscopic Colitis with Presence of Foamy Macrophages in Children
Authors: Józefczuk Jan , Woźniewicz Bogdan Marian
Published: July 2011

We discuss the diagnosis of and efficacy 5-amino-2-hydroxybenzoic acid (5-ASA), Saccharomyces boulardii, or magnesium in therapy of
microscopic colitis with presence of foamy macrophages.
A basis for diagnosis and inclusion to the analysed group was presence of characteristic foamy macrophages in histopathological examination of hematoxylin
and eosin-stained specimens collected from the large intestine, reviewed under ×200 or ×320 magnification.
No statistically significant improvement was found following the use of 5-amino-2-dihydroxybenzoic acid in therapy of the disease.
The use of Saccharomyces boulardii was associated with statistically significant improvement in clinical, endoscopic, and histopathological condition.
Use of magnesium caused a histological, statistically significant improvement but failed to have any effect on the clinical and endoscopic presentation.
In the group of children in whom no therapeutic intervention was provided, a statistically significant spontaneous clinical improvement was observed, but no
statistically significant changes in endoscopic and microscopic condition were found.
One-Day Antibiotic Infusion for the Prevention of Postoperative Infection Following Arthroplasty: A Case Control Study
Authors: Niimi Rui , Hasegawa Masahiro , Kawamura Goshin , Sudo Akihiro
Published: July 2011

Intravenous antibiotics effectively reduce the prevalence of postoperative infection. However, Japanese orthopaedic surgeons have no consensus with regard to the optimal duration of prophylaxis. The aim of this study is to compare the outcome of one-day intravenous antibiotic administration with that of long-term intravenous antibiotic administration. Patients who underwent total hip or knee arthroplasty were divided into 2 groups to receive one of 2 prophylactic protocols retrospectively. Group A (223 patients) received intravenous antibiotics twice only on the day of surgery, whereas Group B (104 patients) received intravenous antibiotics for at least 3 days after surgery. We analyzed the wound infection rate and monitored liver and renal functions. None of these patients had a postoperative infection. No liver dysfunction and renal dysfunction were observed. One-day antibiotic infusion was as effective as long-term antibiotics in preventing infection after arthroplasty and achieved greater cost effectiveness.
Ex Vivo Evaluation of Insulin Nanoparticles Using Chitosan and Arabic Gum
Authors: Avadi M. R. , Sadeghi A. M. M. , Mohamadpour Dounighi Naser , Dinarvand R. , Atyabi F. , Rafiee-Tehrani M.
Published: July 2011

Polymeric delivery systems based on nanoparticles have emerged as a promising approach for peroral insulin delivery. The aim of the present study was to investigate the release of insulin nanoparticulate systems and ex vivo studies. The nanoparticles were prepared by the ion gelation method. Particle size distribution, zeta potential, and polydispersity index of the nanoparticles were determined. It was found that the nanoparticles carried positive charges and showed a size distribution in the range of 170–200 nm. The electrostatic interactions between the positively charged group of chitosan and negatively charged groups of Arabic gum play an important role in the association efficiency of insulin in nanoparticles.
In vitro insulin release studies showed an initial burst followed by a slow release of insulin. The mucoadhesion of the nanosystem was evaluated using excised rat jejunum. Ex vivo studies have shown a significant increase in absorption of insulin in the presence of chitosan nanoparticles in comparison with free insulin.
Patient-Perceived Quality of Life after Total Hip Arthroplasty: Elective versus Traumatological Surgery
Authors: Aprato Alessandro , Massè Alessandro , Caranzano Francesco , Matteotti Renato , Pautasso Patrick , Daghino Walter , Kain Michael , Governale Giorgio
Published: July 2011

Purpose. The aim was to evaluate and compare patient's health-related quality of life after THA for osteoarthritis and femoral neck fracture. The postoperative outcome was retrospectively evaluated in patients who underwent THA with an intracapsular femoral neck fracture (Group A) or with an hip osteoarthritis (Group B). Methods. Length discrepancy was measured on postoperative X-rays. Study groups were compared as to age, results of WOMAC and SF-36 tests, limb length discrepancy (LLD) by independent group t-test. Correlations between LLD and results obtained atWOMAC test were performed. 117 patients were enrolled. The 2 groups were similar as to age, type of implanted stem and sex. Mean follow up was 2,4 years for group A and 2,3 years for group B. Results. WOMAC score was found higher in group A in all items examinated. Correlation tests did not indicate a statistically significant linear relationship between LLD and WOMAC score in both groups. Conclusions. Patients who received THA for arthritis have better perception of quality of life than traumatologic patients. Although LLD should always be strongly considered by the surgeons performing a THA, LLD alone can't be considered as an indicator of patient dissatisfaction or clinical bad result after a 2-year followup.
Development and Validation of a HPLC and an UV Spectrophotometric Methods for Determination of Dexibuprofen in Pharmaceutical Preparations
Authors: Muralidharan Selvadurai , Meyyanathan Subramania Nainar
Published: July 2011

A high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) and a ultraviolet (UV) methods were developed and validated for the quantitative determination of Dexibuprofen (DI) in pharmaceutical dosage form. HPLC was carried out by reversed phase technique on a RP-18 column with a mobile phase composed of acetonitrile and 0.5% triethylamine (pH 7.5 adjusted with orthophosphoric acid (30 : 70, v/v)). UV method was performed with the λ max at 222.0 nm. Both the methods showed good linearity, reproducibility and precision. No spectral or chromatographic interferences from the tablet excipients were found in UV and HPLC. The method was successfully applied to commercial DEXIFEN tablets. Validation parameters such as linearity, precision, accuracy, and specificity were determined. The proposed method could be applicable for routine analysis of DI and monitoring of the quality of marketed drugs.
New Research Could Help Explain Anger’s Link to Heart Attacks and Strokes
Authors: Anderer Samantha
Published: May 2024

This Medical News article discusses a randomized clinical trial that investigated the effects of negative emotions on blood vessel dilation.
Experience of Personal Loss Due to Drug Overdose Among US Adults
Authors: Kennedy-Hendricks Alene , Ettman Catherine K. , Gollust Sarah E. , Bandara Sachini N. , Abdalla Salma M. , Castrucci Brian C. , Galea Sandro
Published: May 2024

Importance

Since 1999, over 1 million people have died of a drug overdose in the US. However, little is known about the bereaved, meaning their family, friends, and acquaintances, and their views on the importance of addiction as a policy priority.

Objectives

To quantify the scope of the drug overdose crisis in terms of personal overdose loss (ie, knowing someone who died of a drug overdose) and to assess the policy implications of this loss.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cross-sectional study used data from a nationally representative survey of US adults (age ≥18 years), the fourth wave of the COVID-19 and Life Stressors Impact on Mental Health and Well-Being (CLIMB) study, which was conducted from March to April 2023.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Respondents reported whether they knew someone who died of a drug overdose and the nature of their relationship with the decedent(s). They also reported their political party affiliation and rated the importance of addiction as a policy issue. Logistic regression models estimated the associations between sociodemographic characteristics and political party affiliation and the probability of experiencing a personal overdose loss and between the experience of overdose loss and the perceived salience of addiction as a policy issue. Survey weights adjusted for sampling design and nonresponse.

Results

Of the 7802 panelists invited to participate, 2479 completed the survey (31.8% response rate); 153 were excluded because they did not know whether they knew someone who died of a drug overdose, resulting in a final analytic sample of 2326 (51.4% female; mean [SD] age, 48.12 [0.48] years). Of these respondents, 32.0% (95% CI, 28.8%-34.3%) reported any personal overdose loss, translating to 82.7 million US adults. A total of 18.9% (95% CI, 17.1%-20.8%) of all respondents, translating to 48.9 million US adults, reported having a family member or close friend die of drug overdose. Personal overdose loss was more prevalent among groups with lower income (<$30 000: 39.9%; ≥$100 000: 26.0%). The experience of overdose loss did not differ across political party groups (Democrat: 29.0%; Republican: 33.0%; independent or none: 34.2%). Experiencing overdose loss was associated with a greater odds of viewing addiction as an extremely or very important policy issue (adjusted odds ratio, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.09-1.72) after adjustment for sociodemographic and geographic characteristics and political party affiliation.

Conclusions and Relevance

This cross-sectional study found that 32% of US adults reported knowing someone who died of a drug overdose and that personal overdose loss was associated with greater odds of endorsing addiction as an important policy issue. The findings suggest that mobilization of this group may be an avenue to facilitate greater policy change.
Patient Lung Cancer Screening Decisions and Environmental and Psychosocial Factors
Authors: Richmond Jennifer , Fernandez Jessica R. , Bonnet Kemberlee , Sellers Ashley , Schlundt David G. , Forde Allana T. , Wilkins Consuelo H. , Aldrich Melinda C.
Published: May 2024

Importance

Screening for lung cancer using low-dose computed tomography is associated with reduced lung cancer–specific mortality, but uptake is low in the US; understanding how patients make decisions to engage with lung cancer screening is critical for increasing uptake. Prior research has focused on individual-level psychosocial factors, but environmental factors (eg, historical contexts that include experiencing racism) and modifying factors—those that can be changed to make it easier or harder to undergo screening—also likely affect screening decisions.

Objective

To investigate environmental, psychosocial, and modifying factors influencing lung cancer screening decision-making and develop a conceptual framework depicting relationships between these factors.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This multimethod qualitative study was conducted from December 2021 to June 2022 using virtual semistructured interviews and 4 focus groups (3-4 participants per group). All participants met US Preventive Services Task Force eligibility criteria for lung cancer screening (ie, age 50-80 years, at least a 20 pack-year smoking history, and either currently smoke or quit within the past 15 years). Screening-eligible US participants were recruited using an online panel.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Key factors influencing screening decisions (eg, knowledge, beliefs, barriers, and facilitators) were the main outcome. A theory-informed, iterative inductive-deductive approach was applied to analyze data and develop a conceptual framework summarizing results.

Results

Among 34 total participants (interviews, 20 [59%]; focus groups, 14 [41%]), mean (SD) age was 59.1 (4.8) years and 20 (59%) identified as female. Half had a household income below $20 000 (17 [50%]). Participants emphasized historical and present-day racism as critical factors contributing to mistrust of health care practitioners and avoidance of medical procedures like screening. Participants reported that other factors, such as public transportation availability, also influenced decisions. Additionally, participants described psychosocial processes involved in decisions, such as perceived screening benefits, lung cancer risk appraisal, and fear of a cancer diagnosis or harmful encounters with practitioners. In addition, participants identified modifying factors (eg, insurance coverage) that could make receiving screening easier or harder.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this qualitative study of patient lung cancer screening decisions, environmental, psychosocial, and modifying factors influenced screening decisions. The findings suggest that systems-level interventions, such as those that help practitioners understand and discuss patients’ prior negative health care experiences, are needed to promote effective screening decision-making.
Use of Artificial Intelligence in Drug Development
Authors: Druedahl Louise C. , Price W. Nicholson , Minssen Timo , Sarpatwari Ameet
Published: May 2024

This cross-sectional study investigates the scope and breadth of artificial intelligence use in drug development.
Innovative Formulation Platform: Paving the Way for Superior Protein Therapeutics with Enhanced Efficacy and Broadened Applications
Authors: Cao Zheng , Liu Chaoyong , Wen Jing , Lu Yunfeng
Published: May 2024

Protein therapeutics offer high therapeutic potency and specificity; the broader adoptions and development of protein therapeutics, however, have been constricted by their intrinsic limitations such as inadequate stability, immunogenicity, suboptimal pharmacokinetics and biodistribution, and off‐target effects. This review describes a platform technology that formulates individual protein molecules with a thin formulation layer of crosslinked polymers, which confers the protein therapeutics with high activity, enhanced stability, controlled release capability, reduced immunogenicity, improved pharmacokinetics and biodistribution, and ability to cross the blood brain barriers. Based on currently approved protein therapeutics, this formulating platform affords the development of a vast family of superior protein therapeutics with improved efficacy and broadened indications at significantly reduced cost.
Nanoscale Investigation of the Effect of Annealing Temperature on the Polarization Switching Dynamics of Hf0.5Zr0.5O2 Thin Films
Authors: An Sang Won , Bae Seong Bin , Kim Beomjun , Kim Yoon Ki , Kim Jaeseung , Jung Tae Hyun , Lee Jae Heon , Lee Sang Woo , Park Yu Bin , Kim Hyunjung , Yoo Hyobin , Yang Sang Mo
Published: May 2024

Recently, HfO2‐based ferroelectric thin films have attracted widespread interest in developing next‐generation nonvolatile memories. To form a metastable ferroelectric orthorhombic phase in HfO2, a post‐annealing process is typically necessary. However, the microscopic mechanism underlying the effect of annealing temperature on ferroelectric domain nucleation and growth is still obscure, despite its importance in optimizing the operation speed of HfO2‐based devices. In this study, the ferroelectric properties and polarization switching of Hf0.5Zr0.5O2 thin films annealed at different temperatures (550–700 °C) are systematically investigated. Evidently, the crystal structure, remnant polarization, and dielectric constant monotonically change with annealing temperature. However, microscopic piezoresponse force microscopy images as well as macroscopic switching current measurements reveal non‐monotonic changes in the polarization switching speed with annealing temperature. This intriguing behavior is ascribed to the difference in the ferroelectric‐domain nucleation process induced by the amount of oxygen vacancies in the Hf0.5Zr0.5O2 thin films annealed at different temperatures. This work demonstrates that controlling the defect concentration of ferroelectric HfO2 by tuning the post‐annealing process is critical for optimizing device performance, particularly polarization switching speed.
Ultrasound‐Assisted Photothermal Therapy (ULTRA‐PTT) for the Treatment of Deep‐Seated Tumors
Authors: Kim Haemin , Kim Jinwoo , Seo An Na , Chang Jin Ho
Published: May 2024

Photothermal therapy (PTT) has garnered considerable attention as an attractive treatment tool for cancer due to precisely selective treatment and minimal side effects. The primary challenge of PTT, which hinders its widespread application, is the limited therapeutic depth. This limitation arises from optical scattering in biological tissues, causing inadequate heat distribution within the deep tissue. To overcome this challenge, ultrasound‐assisted PTT (ULTRA‐PTT) is proposed that leverages the temporary formation of gas bubbles induced by ultrasound within the light propagation path. These bubbles act as optical clearing agents, effectively reducing optical scattering in biological tissues. To facilitate ULTRA‐PTT, a dedicated handpiece consisting of a ring‐shaped ultrasound transducer and a laser delivery module is developed. In‐vivo experiments show that ULTRA‐PTT statistically outperforms conventional PTT in melanoma treatment, mostly due to its ability to deliver sufficient laser energy to deep‐seated cancer cells. These findings underscore the potential of ULTRA‐PTT to expand the clinical applications of PTT beyond local tumors occurring in superficial tissue.
Circularly Polarized Perovskite Luminescence in Composite Films with High Flexibility and Stability
Authors: Yu Furong , Liu Shuaijun , Liu Xuan , Zhang Huidong , Zheng Zhigang , Zhu Wei‐Hong , Wu Yongzhen
Published: May 2024

Flexible circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) exhibits significant potential for applications in smart wearable devices and high‐end anti‐counterfeiting. However, existing technologies suffer from low dissymmetry factor (glum) and poor mechanical reliability. Here, a metal halide perovskite is employed as the emitter to construct efficient and robust flexible CPL films through a facile strategy of bilayer stacking, which comprises a layer of perovskite nanocrystalline embedded polymer film and a layer of photonic crystal film based on polymerized chiral liquid crystals (LCs). The photoluminescence efficiency of perovskite nanocrystals in polyacrylonitrile (PAN) matrix is improved by incorporating an appropriate amount of phenylethylammonium bromide (PEABr) as a passivation agent, and the helical arrangement and optical activity of free‐standing flexible photonic crystal films are found to be highly related to the supporting substrates. Upon stacking, the resulting flexible composite film exhibits extremely high |glum| values of up to 1.81, representing the highest value among reported flexible CPL‐active films. Moreover, the composite films demonstrate remarkable mechanical robustness, which shows negligible degradation in terms of glum value even after 1000 bending cycles at a bending radius of 2 mm. Based on the flexible CPL‐active films, advanced anti‐counterfeit labels with switchable patterns under circular polarizers are demonstrated.
The Mn2+‐Doped Chiral 2D Perovskite with Strong Orange Fluorescent and Enhanced Circularly Polarized Luminescence
Authors: Xing Guoxiang , Sun Xiaowei , Yang Xiaorui , Wen Feilong , Zhang Tianyong , Li Bin , Jiang Shuang
Published: May 2024

Recently, the potential circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) property of chiral 2D organic–inorganic hybrid perovskites has garnered attention due to their strong stability. However, the photoluminescence (PL) intensity of chiral 2D perovskite is generally low, which undoubtedly limits its development. Therefore, improving the PL and CPL intensity of chiral 2D perovskite has become an important focal point. To overcome this problem, a series of Mn2+‐doped R/S‐(MPEA)2PbBr4 thin films is successfully synthesized. The Mn2+‐doped films can produce strong orange emission under UV excitation with the highest photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) of 37.37%, a high value among reported chiral 2D perovskites. Moreover, all Mn: (R/S‐MPEA)2PbBr4 films show symmetric CPL signals. The flexible regulation of CPL is meaningful for applications, which is generally lacking in current studies. Here, it is found that the strength of CPL can be effectively regulated by doping guanidine (Gua), and the maximum glum value of 1.4 × 10−2 and PLQY of 51.31% is achieved, which are the highest among reported chiral 2D perovskites. This work provides a new idea for the development of CPL‐active materials and lays the foundation for spin devices based on chiral hybrid 2D perovskite.
Photonic Crystal Materials with Full Spectrum Structural Color Modulated by Co‐Assembly Strategy
Authors: Guo Qilin , Guo Jia , Wang Changchun
Published: May 2024

Photonic materials have drawn considerable attention for a great deal of promising applications with versatile optical characteristics and functionalities. This review provides a concise overview of co‐assembly strategies for the creation of photonic crystals, offering precise control over structural colors throughout the entire visible spectrum by manipulating the interaction of light with complex micro‐nano structures. Specifically, the utilization of block copolymers (BCPs) and colloidal nanoparticles as wavelength‐scale building blocks facilitates the modulation of defined nanostructures with functionality and tailorability for diverse coloration effects. Additionally, by facilely adjusting the relative ratios, a flexible balance can be struck between photonic crystals and photonic glasses for dynamic control of arrangements. Finally, this review concludes by discussing the future outlook and challenges in advancing co‐assembly‐based photonic functional materials.
Catalytic Dual‐Mode Immunotherapy: Anisotropic AuPt Heterostructure Decorated with Starry Pt Nanoclusters for Robust Cancer Photometalloimmunotherapy
Authors: Bian Wei , Hu Xi , Xiao Ruixue , Yao Rui , Zhang Bo , Zhu Mingjian , Liu Tianqi , Liu Yamin , Li Jing , Lin Peihua , Xie An , Li Fangyuan , Ling Daishun
Published: May 2024

To overcome current limitations in photoimmunotherapy, such as insufficient tumor antigen generation and a subdued immune response, a novel photo‐/metallo dual‐mode immunotherapeutic agent (PMIA) is introduced for potent near‐infrared (NIR) light‐triggered cancer therapy. PMIA features a dumbbell‐like AuPt heterostructure decorated with starry Pt nanoclusters, meticulously engineered for enhancing plasmonic catalysis through multi‐dimensional regulation of Pt growth on Au nanorods. Under NIR laser exposure, end‐tipped Pt nanoclusters induce efficient electron‐hole spatial separation along the longitudinal axis, resulting in radial and axial electron distribution polarization, conferring unique anisotropic properties to PMIA. Additionally, starry Pt nanoclusters on the sides of Au nanorods augment the local electron enrichment field. Validated through finite‐difference time‐domain analysis and Raman scattering, this configuration fosters local electron enrichment, facilitating robust reactive oxygen species generation for potent photoimmunotherapy. Moreover, Pt nanoclusters facilitate Pt2+ ion release, instigating intranuclear DNA damage and inducing synergistic immunogenic cell death (ICD) for metalloimmunotherapy. Consequently, PMIA elicits abundant danger‐associated molecular patterns, promotes T cell infiltration, and triggers systemic immune responses, effectively treating primary and distant tumors, inhibiting metastasis in vivo. This study unveils a pioneering dual‐mode ICD amplification strategy driven by NIR light, synergistically integrating photoimmunotherapy and metalloimmunotherapy, culminating in potent cancer photometalloimmunotherapy.
20.1 % Certified Efficiency of Planar Hole Transport Layer‐Free Carbon‐Based Perovskite Solar Cells by Spacer Cation Chain Length Engineering of 2D Perovskites
Authors: Tang Jiawei , Lin Yu , Yan Haocong , Lin Jiaru , Rao Huashang , Pan Zhenxiao , Zhong Xinhua
Published: May 2024

The planar triple‐layer hole transport layer (HTL)‐free carbon‐based perovskite solar cells (C‐PSCs) have outstanding advantages of low cost and high stability, but are limited by low efficiency. The formation of a 3D/2D heterojunction has been widely proven to enhance device performance. However, the 2D perovskite possesses multiple critical properties associated with 3D perovskite, including defect passivation, energy level, and charge transport properties, all of which can impact device performance. It is challenging to find a powerful means to achieve comprehensive regulation and trade‐off of these key properties. Herein, we propose a chain‐length engineering of alkylammonium spacer cations to achieve this goal. The results show that the 2D perovskite formed by short‐chain alkylammonium cations primarily acts to passivate defects. With the increase in cation chain length, the 2D perovskite achieves a more matched energy level with 3D perovskite, enhancing the built‐in electric field and promoting charge separation. However, the further increase in chain length impedes the charge transport due to the insulativity of organic cations. Comprehensively, the 2D perovskite formed by tetradecylammonium cations achieves the optimal balance of defect passivation, interface charge separation, and charge transport. The planar HTL‐free C‐PSCs exhibit a new record efficiency of 20.40 % (certified 20.1 %).
Rigid Phase Formation and Sb3+ Doping of Tin (IV) Halide Hybrids toward Photoluminescence Enhancement and Tuning for Anti‐Counterfeiting and Information Encryption
Authors: Jin Jiance , Wang Yuzhen , Han Kai , Xia Zhiguo
Published: May 2024

Multi‐excitonic emitting materials in luminescent metal halides are emerging candidates for anti‐counterfeiting and information encryption applications. Herein, ATPP2SnCl6 (ATPP=acetonyltriphenylphosphonium) phase was designed and synthesized by rationally choosing emissive organic reagent of ATPPCl and non‐toxic stable metal ions of Sn4+, and Sb3+ was further doped into ATPP2SnCl6 to tune the photoluminescence with external self‐trapped excitons emission. The derived non‐toxic ATPP2SnCl6 shows multi‐excitonic luminescent centers verified by optical study and differential charge‐density from density functional theory calculations. Incorporation of Sb3+ dopants and the increasing concentrations induce the efficient energy transfer therein, thus enhancing photoluminescence quantum yield from 5.1 % to 73.8 %. The multi‐excitonic emission inspires the creation of information encryption and decryption by leveraging the photoluminescence from ATPPCl to ATPP2SnCl6 host and ATPP2SnCl6 : Sb3+. This study facilitates the anti‐counterfeiting application by employing solution‐processable luminescent metal halides materials with excitation‐dependent PL properties.
Selective Increase in CO2 Electroreduction to Ethanol Activity at Nanograin‐Boundary‐Rich Mixed Cu(I)/Cu(0) Sites via Enriching Co‐Adsorbed CO and Hydroxyl Species
Authors: Zhang Ting , Xu Shenglin , Chen De‐Li , Luo Ting , Zhou Jinlei , Kong Lichun , Feng JiuJu , Lu Ji‐Qing , Weng Xuexiang , Wang Ai‐Jun , Li Zhengquan , Su Yaqiong , Yang Fa
Published: May 2024

Selective producing ethanol from CO2 electroreduction is highly demanded, yet the competing ethylene generation route is commonly more thermodynamically preferred. Herein, we reported an efficient CO2‐to‐ethanol conversion (53.5 % faradaic efficiency at −0.75 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode (vs. RHE)) over an oxide‐derived nanocubic catalyst featured with abundant “embossment‐like” structured grain‐boundaries. The catalyst also attains a 23.2 % energy efficiency to ethanol within a flow cell reactor. In situ spectroscopy and electrochemical analysis identified that these dualphase Cu(I) and Cu(0) sites stabilized by grain‐boundaries are very robust over the operating potential window, which maintains a high concentration of co‐adsorbed *CO and hydroxyl (*OH) species. Theoretical calculations revealed that the presence of *OHad not only promote the easier dimerization of *CO to form *OCCO (ΔG~0.20 eV) at low overpotentials but also preferentially favor the key *CHCOH intermediate hydrogenation to *CHCHOH (ethanol pathway) while suppressing its dehydration to *CCH (ethylene pathway), which is believed to determine the remarkable ethanol selectivity. Such imperative intermediates associated with the bifurcation pathway were directly distinguished by isotope labelling in situ infrared spectroscopy. Our work promotes the understanding of bifurcating mechanism of CO2ER‐to‐hydrocarbons more deeply, providing a feasible strategy for the design of efficient ethanol‐targeted catalysts.
Hypercanines: Not just for sabertooths
Authors: Werdelin Lars
Published: May 2024

Hypercanines are here defined as hypertrophied caniniform teeth, that is, canine teeth that are elongated to serve specific functions in different clades of mammals and their synapsid ancestors. This article presents an overview of the occurrence of hypercanines, their growth, and their function across a broad range of clades. Sabertooth felids and felid‐like taxa are found to be unique in having determinate growth (although some Dinocerata may also have this). The most common function of hypercanines among herbivores is found to be sexual display and male–male competition. Three clades of small ruminants have evolved hypercanines that can move within their sockets, although the evolutionary details behind this convergent adaptation have not been worked out.
RETRACTED: Aerial imagery reveals abnormal stingrays, Taeniura lymma (Myliobatiformes: Dasyatidae), in the central Red Sea
Authors: Ciocănaru Ioana Andreea , Nieuwenhuis Brian Owain , Ostrovski Raquel Lubambo , Cochran Jesse , Jones Burton H.
Published: May 2024

While morphological abnormalities have been widely reported in batomorphs, ontogenetic deformities of the posterior pectoral fin are rare. In this paper, we present two individuals of the bluespotted ribbontail ray, Taeniura lymma (Forsskål, 1775), with symmetrically deformed posterior pectoral fins. Both individuals were observed through aerial imagery on a coastal sandflat in the central Red Sea (22.30° N, 39.09° E). The similarity of this symmetrical deformity in both individuals indicates it likely has a genetic base. However, lacking access to the specimens, the ultimate cause of the abnormality remains uncertain. The incomplete disk closure did not seem to affect survival, as both individuals had reached a disk width of 22 cm, well above the typical birth size of the species. Our observations constitute both the first report of a morphological abnormality in T. lymma and the first record of a batomorph with a symmetrically deformed posterior pectoral fin.
Hydraulic redistribution supplies a major water subsidy and improves water status of understory species in a longleaf pine ecosystem
Authors: Belovitch Michael W. , Brantley Steven T. , Aubrey Doug P.
Published: May 2024

Hydraulic redistribution (HR) is a common phenomenon in water‐limited ecosystems; however, it remains unclear how the volume of water transported via HR compares to other components of the hydrologic budget and how HR influences water availability for understory plant communities. In this study, we investigate the absolute and relative magnitude of HR on a forest water budget and identify potential impacts of this water subsidy to understory plant communities. We scaled tree‐level estimates of transpiration and HR of three common tree species naturally occurring in a longleaf pine woodland with plot‐level measurements of basal area to determine their magnitude at the stand scale. We trenched plots containing understory vegetation but devoid of mature trees and their connected roots to exclude HR subsidies to understory plant species. We analysed soil water isotopes and assessed leaf water potential (ΨL) in trenched and control plots to determine if HR results in mixing of water among soil strata and improves understory plant moisture status. Water inputs from HR were equivalent to >30% of total rainfall for the site during the observation period and ~40% of total tree water uptake, depending on species. A stable isotope mixing model confirmed that soil water within HR‐exposed plots was more similar to groundwater, whereas soil water within trenched plots was more similar to precipitation. Exclusion of HR via trenching decreased soil moisture and pre‐dawn ΨL for all understory species. These three lines of evidence suggest that HR from overstory trees redistributes a sizable portion of water from deeper to shallower soil profiles and that this water subsidy enhances understory plant water status.