bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing Genetic Variability, Heritability and Genetic Advance for Morphological Traits in Different Gladiolus (Gladiolus grandiflorus L.) Genotypes
Authors: Chandra Abhishek , Malik Sunil , Kumar Mukesh , Kumar Satendra , Kumar Mukesh , Awasthi Manuj
Published: October 2023

Gladiolus, commonly known as the gladiola or simply "gladiolus," is a popular flowering plant known for its striking and vibrant flowers. It belongs to the genus Gladiolus and is part of the family Iridaceae. The present investigation was carried out at the Horticultural Research Centre of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh during Rabi season (Mid Nov - April) 2020-21 to determine the extent of genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance for twenty-five genotypes of Gladiolus. For all of the traits, the analysis of variance indicated extremely significant variations between genotypes. Number of spikes per plant had the highest phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) and genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV), (35.81 and 23.41, respectively). For all of the traits studied, the phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) was higher than the genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV), while the differences were very small, indicating that the environmental influence on traits was low. The heritability estimates ranged from 42.75 (number of spikes per plant) to 99.01 (spike weight). This indicated that environmental variables had the least influence on these features. For most features, the estimated genetic progress as a percentage of mean varied from moderate to high. This finding, together with the high heritability values observed, suggested that additive gene action may exist and that simple selection for such traits may be used to improve them.
Evaluation of Mung Bean [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek] Genotypes against Pulse Beetle in Stored Grain
Authors: Kumar Chaman , Singh P. K. , Kumar Pankaj , Yadav Munna , Kumar Amrendra
Published: October 2023

The pulse beetle is a significant issue for the stored pulses. The adoption of resistant sources is a dependable, environmentally friendly prerequisite for sustainable grain protection, even though chemical management is still the most efficient method of controlling pulse beetles at large-scale storage. The impact of mung bean genotypes against pulse beetles (Callosobruchus chinensis) in stored grain was conducted under laboratory conditions in the Department of Agricultural Entomology, Ranchi Agriculture College, Birsa Agricultural University Kanke, Ranchi, from September to October 2018. The experiment was laid out in completely randomized design under the laboratory conditions. The results of the studies carried out on 52 genotypes of mung bean seed. the genotypes (SML 1829, VGG 16-058, IPM 2-14, KM 2355, SML 669, VGG 16-036, IPM 512-1, MH 1320 and Pusa Vishal), (IPM 2-14, HUM 16, SML 668 and KM 2355), (HUM 16, SML 668, IPM 2-14, MH 421, COGG 13-19, KM 2355, SML 1829, SML 1082, COGG 13-39, MH 13-20, VGG 16-058, VMS 13-12, SVM 61-61 and SML 669) and (IPM 2-14 and HUM 16) were performed best against C. chinensis on the basis of number of eggs laid, adult emergence, per cent grain weight loss and per cent seed germination, respectively.
Genetic Variability and Divergence Studies in Quantitative Traits of Wild Pomegranate (Punica granatum L)
Authors: Kumar Pawan , Gupta R. K. , Chandel Ashu , Verma Geeta , Bharti  , Kaur Sukhdeep
Published: October 2023

The mean performance and variability in quantitative traits of Punica granatum seed sources collected from five different districts comprising of ten seed sources. Two seed sources were considered from each district viz; Narag and Neripul from Sirmour district, Waknaghat and Sadhupul from Solan district, Sundernagar and Rewalsar from Mandi district, Mohal and Banjar from Kullu district, Basantpur and Sunni from Shimla district of Himachal Pradesh, India, were evaluated during the year 2018-19. The quantitative traits viz., morphological and seedling characteristics of seed sources varied significantly among the different districts and within the districts. The phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) for all the characters was slightly higher than genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV), which signified the presence of environmental influence to some degree in the phenotypic expression of characters. Collar diameter had the highest PCV (76.83) and GCV (26.67). Genetic advance was recorded as maximum for tree diameter per plant (5.57), whereas genetic advance as percent of mean was highest for tree height (4.86). Highest heritability (H2 , 99.77) was coupled with higher genetic advance (5.57) estimated for tree diameter per plant, which indicated that the character is controlled by additive genes and therefore further improvement could brought by selection. Tree diameter was significantly and positively associated with most of the characters except number of branches per plant, at both genotypic and phenotypic levels; therefore, these are important prerequisites to formulate a successful improvement program. Cluster analysis was performed and the seed sources were grouped into three clusters. The results showed significant variance among different morphological characters, traits namely tree height (m), tree diameter (cm), crown spread E-W (m), crown spread N-S (m), fruit weight (g), leaf length(cm), internodal length(cm), collar diameter (mm), number of branches per plant and leaf petiole (cm)
Field Screening of Some Brinjal Genotypes for Resistance to Major Insect Pests
Authors: Khan Aslam , Bhatnagar Praduman , Rolania Krishna , Parkash Jai , Kamboj Rajan , Maanju Sunny
Published: October 2023

A field experiment was conducted to study the response of 10 brinjal genotypes against the major insect pests of brinjal. The study revealed that the genotype HE-103-1 was best in reducing the whitefly population (3.48/ leaf) and HE-101-4 proved superlative against leafhopper population (0.80/ leaf). Considering the shoot and fruit damage, the genotype HE-101-3 proved to be tolerant to Leucinodes orbonalis whereas BR-112 was recorded as highly susceptible. Further, the study on morphological characters revealed that in different genotypes, the length of leaf varied from 9.4 to 16.5 cm but not found associated with the sucking insect pests while the leaf width in different genotypes ranges from 4.7 to 13.6 cm and shows negative significant correlation (r = -0.737) with the whitefly population. Fruit length among different genotype studied varied from 6.4 to 19.3cm, while the maximum fruit diameter of 7.9 and 7.4 cm was recorded in genotypes H-8 and BR 112, respectively and minimum was recorded from HE-101-3 (3.3 cm). The fruit diameter was found highly significant and positively correlated with the fruit infestation by L. orbonalis. Among different genotypes studied, the pericarp thickness was also found positively and significantly correlated with the fruit infestation.
Interpretation of Mean Values and Extent of Heterosis Bottle Gourd [Lagenaria siceraria (Mol.) Standl.]
Authors: Patel C. J. , Patel R. N. , Gami R. A. , Gameti B. A.
Published: October 2023

Aims: To Study the mean values and heterosis for fruit yield with associated traits of bottle gourd.

Study Design: Randomized block design.

Place and Duration of Study: The seeds of F1 hybrids were produced during summer 2021 at Potato Research Station, S. D. Agricultural University, Deesa.

Methodology: The experimental material consisted of twelve parents, their 35 Line × Tester crosses and one standard check (ABGH 1).

Results: The study was undertaken to reveal mean and per cent heterosis level in bottle gourd [Lagenaria siceraria (Mol.) Standl.]. An examination of mean data of parents with (F1) hybrids for fruit yield and associated traits revealed that DBG 5 amongst females and ABGS 11-17 amongst males, while NDBG 132 × PUNJAB LONG, LOCAL × ABGS 14-25, and LOCAL × ABGS 11-17 amongst hybrids exhibited higher mean value for fruit yield per plant with some of its associated traits. The significant relative heterosis, heterobeltiosis and standard heterosis were perceived in many hybrids for different component traits. The F1 hybrids, NDBG 132 × PUNJAB LONG (75.30, 53.04 & 21.64 %), LOCAL × ABGS 14-25 (34.99, 27.77 and 20.71 %) and LOCAL × ABGS 11-17 (31.82, 23.49 and 19.27 %) manifested significant and positive heterosis over mid parent, better parent and the standard check ABGH 1 for fruit yield per plant. These crosses were also given best mean performance, hence hold promising for commercial exploitation.

Conclusion: The analysis of variance revealed that significant differences among the parents for all traits. This indicated a sufficient variability in the parents (i.e., lines and testers) for studied trait. The best heterotic crosses NDBG 132 × PUNJAB LONG, LOCAL × ABGS 14-25, LOCAL × ABGS 11-17 and GPBG 108 × ABGS 11-24 for fruit yield per plant revealed significant positive heterosis over mid parent, better parent and standard check.
A Simplified, Efficient and Rapid DNA Extraction Protocol from Rice Grains and Leaf
Authors: Kumar Pradeep , Alamgir  , Kirti Simran , Rani Ritu , Singh Pusphendra , Kiran
Published: October 2023

DNA extraction is very complicated with different plant species because the presence of secondary metabolites that hinder with DNA isolation processes and application like DNA restriction, Gene amplification, as well as gene cloning. A simple method for preparation of rice genomic DNA was developed. The current study expressed comparatively rapid, cost-effective, less time consuming, methods for DNA extraction from seed, young leaves and old leaves of rice genotypes without using liquid nitrogen, phenol, and β–mercaptoethanol in extraction buffer. Using this method, high quality and quantity of genomic DNA was get from 0.5 g of rice seed, young leaves and 75 days old leavesand extracted total nucleic acids (genomic DNA) were amplified by employing single sequence repeats (SSR) or microsatellite markers, which produced reproducible results.This protocol resolves the problems of DNA degradation, contamination, and low yield due to binding and/or coprecipitation with starches and polysaccharides.
Molecular Characterization of Cryptosporidium Oocysts in under-Five Children with Diarrhoea in Ile-Ife, Nigeria
Authors: Olopade Bolatito Opeyemi , Ekuntuyi Oyindamola Betty , Odetoyin Babatunde Wumi , Onipede Anthony Oladehinde
Published: October 2023

Aim: Cryptosporidiosis is the fifth leading cause of diarrhoea-related death globally among under-five children. This study was conducted to identify and characterize oocysts of Cryptosporidium in under-five children with diarrhoea in Ile-Ife.

Study Design: It was a case-control study.

Place and Duration of the Study: Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Obafemi Awolowo University between April, and October 2019.

Methodology: Ethical approval was obtained for this study. Consent was also obtained from the parents of the children. Stool samples from 53 children with diarrhoea (cases) and 94 children without diarrhoea (controls) under five years of age were collected. A structured proforma was used to obtain relevant information from the parents of the children. Stool samples were collected and examined macroscopically for consistency, appearance, and colour. Modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining was carried out on all the stool samples. The samples positive for Cryptosporidium oocysts by staining were genotyped by nested polymerase chain reaction and confirmed by sequencing of their 18S rRNA genes. Data generated were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics with SPSS software version 20 and STATA 15. 

Results: The prevalence of cryptosporidiosis among the study participants was 23.1% with rates of 43.4% (23) and 11.7% (11) for diarrhoeic and non-diarrhoeic children respectively. Of the 34 stool samples analysed, 6 (17.6%) were amplified by nested PCR and 4 (11.8%) were identified by sequencing. The species of Cryptosporidium identified were Cryptosporidium parvum (75%) and Cryptosporidium bovis (25%).

Conclusion: In conclusion, Cryptosporidiosis is prevalent among under-five children with Cryptosporidium parvum and Cryptosporidium bovis as the infecting species.
Effect of Ultrasound Guided Thoracic Erector Spinae Plane Block or Modified Pectoral Fascial Plane Block on the Postoperative Analgesia after Modified Radical Mastectomy: A Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Gergis Marian Reda Abdo , Fetouh Nadia Hasan Ibrahim , Ismael Sameh Abdelkhalik A. , Elmazny Maram Ibrahim M.
Published: October 2023

Background: The most common cancer in women worldwide is the breast cancer which needs surgical intervention in large number of cases. The current randomized controlled study aimed to evaluate the postoperative analgesic effect of ultrasound-guided Erector Spinae plane block and ultrasound-guided modified PECs block for female patients subjected to modified radical mastectomy surgeries (MRM).

Methods: This prospective randomized controlled study was carried out in the Anasthesia Department at the Faculty of Medicine Tanta University Female patients aged between 21 and 64 years with American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) physical status II-III who were scheduled for unilateral Modified radical mastectomy were included. Patients had randomly classified us into three equal groups: 20 patients in each group.  Group I: Control group (n=20): Patients of this group did not receive any nerve block, Group II: Erector Spinae plane Block (ESB) (n=20): Patients of this group received ultrasound guided erector spinae plane block with injection of (20 ml) of plain bupivacaine 0.25% injected beneath the erector spinae muscle sheath at the level of the fourth thoracic segment (T4) after induction of general anathesia, Group III: US-modified PEC block (n=20): Patients of this group received ultrasound guided modified PEC block with injection of (10 ml) of plain bupivacaine 0.25% injected between the serratus anterior and pectoralis minor muscle (PECs2)and (20ml)of the same solution between pectoralis major muscle and pectoralis minor muscle after induction of general anathesia.

Results: NRS showed a statistically significant decrease at T2 in group III compared to group II. (P value < 0.05). Comparison between the three groups in intra-operative and post-operative MAP showed statistically significant difference between groups throughout intraoperative and postoperative durations. MAP showed statistically significant decrease in groups II and III compared to group I (P value = 0.001). there was also a statistically significant difference between group II and group III in T0, T15, T45, T60, T00, T2 and T12 in favor of group III. Comparison between the three groups in intra-operative and post-operative HR showed statistically significant difference between groups throughout intraoperative and postoperative duration. HR showed statistically significant decrease in groups II and III compared to group I (P value = 0.001).  There was also a statistically different decrease in HR between group II and group III in favor of group III (modified PECS group).

Conclusions: Both ESB and PECSII blocks provided adequate analgesia as indicated by lowering doses of intraoperative fentanyl consumption, longer duration of postoperative analgesia, lower doses of post-operative morphine consumption compared to general anesthesia alone.
İKİNCİ DÜNYA SAVAŞI VE YUNAN İÇ SAVAŞI SIRASINDA BATI TRAKYA TÜRKLERİ (1944-1949)
Authors: ÇAKICI Derya
Published: October 2023

İkinci Dünya Savaşı Almanya’nın 1 Eylül 1939’da Polonya’ya saldırması ile başlamıştır. 1940’ta İtalya’nın, 1941’de Almanya’nın saldırısına uğrayan Yunanistan, kısa bir süre içerisinde işgal edilmiştir. Yunanistan’ın işgali ile birlikte ülke içerisinde direniş amaçlı örgütler kurulmuş ve işgalci kuvvetlere karşı mücadele başlamıştır. Ancak savaşın sonuna doğru örgütler arasında başlayan iktidar mücadelesi, örgütlerin birbirleriyle çatışmasına sebep olmuş ve ülke bir iç savaşa sürüklenmiştir. İç savaş boyunca Batı Trakya Türkleri bir yandan komünist çete mensuplarının saldırılarına maruz kalırken, diğer taraftan da hükümet kuvvetleri ve sağ görüşlü çete üyelerinin tazyikinden kendilerini kurtaramamışlardır. Mücadeleyi sürdüren taraflardan her biri Batı Trakya bölgesini ve burada yaşayan Türkleri, kendi hedeflerini gerçekleştirebilmek için bir vasıta olarak görmüşlerdir. Türklerin yaşadıkları şehir, kasaba ve köyler baskına uğramış ve Türkler büyük can ve mal kayıpları vermiştir. Bu çalışmada arşiv belgeleri ve dönemin basın-yayın organları kullanılarak, Yunan İç Savaşı boyunca çetelerin Batı Trakya Türklerine yönelik baskı ve yıldırma faaliyetleri ile Türklerin bu faaliyetleri karşı tutumu ele alınmıştır.
Dosimetric characterization of a new surface‐conforming electron MLC prototype
Authors: Paschal Holly M. (Parenica) , Kabat Christopher N. , Martin Thomas , Saenz Daniel , Myers Pamela , Rasmussen Karl , Stathakis Sotirios , Bonnen Mark , Papanikolaou Nikos , Kirby Neil
Published: October 2023

The purpose is to reduce normal tissue radiation toxicity for electron therapy through the creation of a surface‐conforming electron multileaf collimator (SCEM). The SCEM combines the benefits of skin collimation, electron conformal radiotherapy, and modulated electron radiotherapy.

An early concept for the SCEM was constructed. It consists of leaves that protrude towards the patient, allowing the leaves to conform closely to irregular patient surfaces. The leaves are made of acrylic to decrease bremsstrahlung, thereby decreasing the out‐of‐field dose. Water tank scans were performed with the SCEM in place for various field sizes for all available electron energies (6, 9, 12, and 15 MeV) with a 0.5 cm air gap to the water surface at 100 cm source‐to‐surface distance (SSD). These measurements were compared with Cerrobend cutouts with the field size‐matched at 100 and 110 cm SSD. Output factor measurements were taken in solid water for each energy at dmax for both the cerrobend cutouts and SCEM at 100 cm SSD.

Percent depth dose (PDD) curves for the SCEM shifted shallower for all energies and field sizes. The SCEM also produced a higher surface dose relative to Cerrobend cutouts, with the maximum being a 9.8% increase for the 3 cm × 9 cm field at 9 MeV. When compared to the Cerrobend cutouts at 110 cm SSD, the SCEM showed a significant decrease in the penumbra, particularly for lower energies (i.e., 6 and 9 MeV). The SCEM also showed reduced out‐of‐field dose and lower bremsstrahlung production than the Cerrobend cutouts. The SCEM provides significant improvement in the penumbra and out‐of‐field dose by allowing collimation close to the skin surface compared to Cerrobend cutouts. However, the added scatter from the SCEM increases shallow PDD values. Future work will focus on reducing this scatter while maintaining the penumbra and out‐of‐field benefits the SCEM has over conventional collimation.
Recent Advancement in Elimination Strategies and Potential Rejuvenation Targets of Senescence
Authors: Kureel Sanjay Kumar , Blair Brandon , Sheetz Michael P.
Published: October 2023

Cellular senescence is a state of exiting the cell cycle, resisting apoptosis, and changing phenotype. Senescent cells (SCs) can be identified by large, distorted morphology and irreversible inability to replicate. In early development, senescence has beneficial roles like tissue patterning and wound healing, where SCs are cleared by the immune system. However, there is a steep rise in SC number as organisms age. The issue with SC accumulation stems from the loss of cellular function, alterations of the microenvironment, and secretions of pro‐inflammatory molecules, consisting of cytokines, chemokines, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), interleukins, and extracellular matrix (ECM)‐associated molecules. This secreted cocktail is referred to as the senescence‐associated secretory phenotype (SASP), a hallmark of cellular senescence. The SASP promotes inflammation and displays a bystander effect where paracrine signaling turns proliferating cells into senescent states. To alleviate age‐associated diseases, researchers have developed novel methods and techniques to selectively eliminate SCs in aged individuals. Although studies demonstrated that selectively killing SCs improves age‐related disorders, there are drawbacks to SC removal. Considering favorable aspects of senescence in the body, this paper reviews recent advancements in elimination strategies and potential rejuvenation targets of senescence to bring researchers in the field up to date.
Refreshing Industrially Processed 6xxx Series Aluminum Alloys after Prolonged Natural Aging
Authors: Yang Zi , Zheng Xichong , Liang Zeqin , Banhart John
Published: October 2023

Natural aging (NA) undesirably hardens 6xxx series aluminum alloys and hampers subsequent paint‐bake (PB) hardening, thus limiting the use of material after prolonged storage. It is presented that a refreshment treatment for seconds at a temperature between 230 and 290 °C can effectively lower the hardness/strength of two commercial alloys that have experienced NA for ≈3.5 years and enhance their PB hardening, thus enabling the reuse of the material with minimal energy input. The treatment is based on dissolving solute clusters formed during prior aging, but precipitation during refreshment can compromise its efficacy. The dependence of cluster dissolution and precipitation on the refreshment parameters as well as on the alloy composition is analyzed. A higher temperature is suggested for refreshing AA6014 alloy than for AA6016 alloy due to a higher thermal stability of the clusters in the former. Natural secondary aging (NSA) is investigated and it is proposed that the remaining undissolved clusters play an important role in controlling the mobile vacancy concentration. Refreshment experiments utilizing various heating media demonstrate that the treatment is hardly sensitive to the heating rate which facilitates its industrial implementation. The refreshed alloy can undergo further preaging to enhance the NSA stability and PB hardening.
Divide and Conquer: Design of Gallium‐Based Liquid Metal Particles for Soft and Stretchable Electronics
Authors: Park Gyeongsuk , Lee Gun‐Hee , Lee Wonbeom , Kang Jiheong , Park Seongjun , Park Steve
Published: October 2023

Gallium‐based liquid metal (LM) has attracted considerable attention as a promising material for stretchable conductors due to its remarkable combination of deformability and metallic conductivity. However, LM inherently faces challenges such as high surface tension, resistance increase, electrical failure due to leakage, and limited mechanical stability. Recently, researchers have explored the concept of “dividing” bulk LM into microparticles (LMP) as a means of addressing these limitations. Nonetheless, the fabrication of LMP results in inherent electrical insulation, requiring additional activation steps to enable their use as stretchable conductors. In this review, the potential of LMP is discussed as an alternative to bulk LM and explore various methods to generate stable LMP‐based conductors and electrically activate LMP for their implementation in soft and stretchable electronics.
Textile‐Based Stretchable Supercapacitors with Liquid Metal Current Collectors
Authors: Choi Min‐Young , Kim Ji‐Hye , Kim Sung‐Kon , Koo Hyung‐Jun , So Ju‐Hee
Published: October 2023

Stretchable supercapacitors (SCs) have attracted attention as energy storage devices for wearable electronics due to their excellent power performance, low heat generation, and ease of integration into clothing. This paper presents a stretchable SC composed of liquid metal current collectors on textile substrates. For the liquid metal and textile‐based supercapacitors (LM/Tex SCs), the wetting characteristics and electrical resistance of the liquid metal on different types of textile substrates are investigated. The wettability of the carbon nanotube suspension for an electrochemically active material is also affected by the chemical and structural properties of the textile substrates. The intrinsically stretchable LM/Tex SCs are fabricated by sandwiching a soft gel electrolyte layer between the two liquid metal and textile‐based electrodes. The optimized SCs based on the polyester/neoprene textile exhibit a high areal capacitance of 527.8 mF cm−2 and maintain more than 90% of their initial capacitance after 1000 repetitive stretching cycles. Finally, it is demonstrated that the LM/Tex SC is readily integrated into a shirt and reliably supplies electrical energy to light up a light‐emitting diode even under human motion.
Ternary Electrification for Efficient Charge Accumulation and Synergetic Charge Collection
Authors: Shan Chuncai , Li Kaixian , Wu Huiyuan , Fu Shaoke , Liu Anping , Wang Jian , Zhang Xuemei , Liu Boyuan , Wang Xue , Hu Chenguo
Published: October 2023

A direct current triboelectric nanogenerator (DC‐TENG) based on corona discharge has a high efficiency in collecting electrification charges. However, enhancing the constant current output with an ultra‐low crest factor and average power density of DC‐TENG through a rational structure design is still a great challenge. Herein, a novel ternary dielectric electrification TENG (TDE‐TENG) is proposed with Kapton/electrode/Polytetrafluoroetylene (PTFE) on the slider and Polyurethane (PU) modified by PTFE powder on the stator. The PTFE powder is coated on PU film to regulate its triboelectricity and realize its electropositivity/electronegativity under friction with PTFE/Kaption, which is an important discovery for tribomaterials. The collecting electrode on the slider can synergistically capture charges generated from its adjacent two tribo‐materials. This structure of TDE‐TENG can further realize multiple unit integration to fully capture the tribo‐charges. TDE‐TENG achieves a charge density of 5.5 mC m−2 and a constant current output with an ultra‐low crest factor of 1.02 at 30 rpm. Moreover, the sliding TDE‐TENG has an average power density of 12.4 W m−2, which breaks the record for all sliding DC‐TENGs. The direct connection of the 4‐unit TDE‐TENG with the PMC generates an output charge of 1.17 mC s−1. This work provides a novel strategy for enhancing DC‐TENG output performance.
Self‐Assembled Perovskite Nanocomposite With Beneficial Lattice Tensile Strain as High Active and Durable Cathode for Low Temperature Solid Oxide Fuel Cell
Authors: Du Zhihong , Shen Leyu , Gong Yue , Zhang Min , Zhang Jingyan , Feng Jiangyuan , Li Keyun , Świerczek Konrad , Zhao Hailei
Published: October 2023

The sluggish kinetics of oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) at low temperatures and the fast degradation of the cathode are the main obstacles to the commercialization of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). However, it is still very challenging to achieve both high catalytic activity and favorable stability for single‐phase materials. Herein, a highly active and durable nanocomposite cathode (Ba0.5Sr0.5)0.75Pr0.25Co0.575Fe0.3W0.125O3‐δ (BSPCFW) for low‐temperature SOFC (≤650 °C) is presented, which self‐assembles into two cubic perovskites: the simple perovskite Pr0.38Ba0.25Sr0.37Co0.62Fe0.38O3‐δ (PBSCF‐c) and the B‐site cations ordered double perovskite Ba1.30Sr0.70Co1.0Fe0.25W0.75O6‐δ (BSCFW‐c). The former PBSCF‐c serves as the highly conductive and active catalyst for ORR, while the latter BSCFW‐c with a large lattice parameter introduces a key beneficial lattice tensile strain into the PBSCF‐c phase through a coherent interface, which significantly promotes the ORR activity at low temperatures with the area specific resistance of 0.034 Ω cm2 at 650 °C, and the long‐term stability of 2 years storage and 1280 h operation in symmetrical cell. The introduction of the beneficial lattice tensile strain in self‐assembled composite catalysts is an effective way to synergistically enhance the electrochemical activity and durability of the electrode materials for electrochemical devices.
Self‐Trapped Excitons‐Based Warm‐White Afterglow by Room‐Temperature Engineering toward Intelligent Multi‐Channel Information System
Authors: Yang Huanxin , Chen Xiangxiang , Lu Haolin , Li Yue , Sun Wenda , Zhang Yuhai , Liu Xiaowang , Long Guankui , Zhang Libing , Li Xiyan
Published: October 2023

In the era of intelligence, the output colors of foundational phosphors are expected to be controlled by programs, while current activators‐determined afterglow candidates with fixed spectral channel have limitations in creating customized colors. Here, a long‐lived warm‐white emission is successfully demonstrated originating from self‐trapped excitons (STEs) in non‐toxic Cs2NaInCl6:Ag,Bi, ranging from 400 to 850 nm, of which the afterglow color can be easily customized using filters. This investigation indicates that 3% of Ag alloying breaks the dark STEs and introduces traps for efficient afterglow, while 3% Bi doping further improves the quantum yield to ≈100% and greatly enhances afterglow by ≈100‐fold compared with the initial intensity, allowing for an impressive afterglow persistence of over 20,000 s. Intriguingly, the self‐trapped defect bands from Jahn‐Teller distortions are prolonged from hundreds of femtoseconds to several hours, and they are first detected in the steady‐state absorption spectra after the cessation of excitation sources, contributing to the concluded dynamic afterglow model for STEs. And its intelligent application is corroborated by designed multi‐channel information system. These findings offer a novel scheme for understanding dynamic luminescence of STEs and supply an exemplification of designing white afterglow phosphors.
Temporal Enzymatic Treatment to Enhance the Remodeling of Multiple Cartilage Microtissues into a Structurally Organized Tissue
Authors: Burdis Ross , Gallostra Xavier Barceló , Kelly Daniel J.
Published: October 2023

Scaffold‐free tissue engineering aims to recapitulate key aspects of normal developmental processes to generate biomimetic grafts. Although functional cartilaginous tissues are engineered using such approaches, considerable challenges remain. Herein, the benefits of engineering cartilage via the fusion of multiple cartilage microtissues compared to using (millions of) individual cells to generate a cartilaginous graft are demonstrated. Key advantages include the generation of a richer extracellular matrix, more hyaline‐like cartilage phenotype, and superior shape fidelity. A major drawback of aggregate engineering is that individual microtissues do not completely (re)model and remnants of their initial architectures remain throughout the macrotissue. To address this, a temporal enzymatic (chondroitinase‐ABC) treatment is implemented to accelerate structural (re)modeling and shown to support robust fusion between adjacent microtissues, enhance microtissue (re)modeling, and enable the development of a more biomimetic tissue with a zonally organized collagen network. Additionally, enzymatic treatment is shown to modulate matrix composition, tissue phenotype, and to a lesser extent, tissue mechanics. This work demonstrates that microtissue self‐organization is an effective method for engineering scaled‐up cartilage grafts with a predefined geometry and near‐native levels of matrix accumulation. Importantly, key limitations associated with using biological building blocks can be alleviated by temporal enzymatic treatment during graft development.
Electroactive Polymers for On‐Demand Drug Release
Authors: Alkahtani Manal E. , Elbadawi Moe , Chapman Christopher A. R. , Green Rylie A. , Gaisford Simon , Orlu Mine , Basit Abdul W.
Published: October 2023

Conductive materials have played a significant role in advancing society into the digital era. Such materials are able to harness the power of electricity and are used to control many aspects of daily life. Conductive polymers (CPs) are an emerging group of polymers that possess metal‐like conductivity yet retain desirable polymeric features, such as processability, mechanical properties, and biodegradability. Upon receiving an electrical stimulus, CPs can be tailored to achieve a number of responses, such as harvesting energy and stimulating tissue growth. The recent FDA approval of a CP‐based material for a medical device has invigorated their research in healthcare. In drug delivery, CPs can act as electrical switches, drug release is achieved at a flick of a switch, thereby providing unprecedented control over drug release. In this review, recent developments in CP as electroactive polymers for voltage‐stimuli responsive drug delivery systems are evaluated. The review demonstrates the distinct drug release profiles achieved by electroactive formulations, and both the precision and ease of stimuli response. This level of dynamism promises to yield “smart medicines” and warrants further research. The review concludes by providing an outlook on electroactive formulations in drug delivery and highlighting their integral roles in healthcare IoT.
A 2D Heterostructure‐Based Multifunctional Floating Gate Memory Device for Multimodal Reservoir Computing
Authors: Zha Jiajia , Xia Yunpeng , Shi Shuhui , Huang Haoxin , Li Siyuan , Qian Chen , Wang Huide , Yang Peng , Zhang Zhuomin , Meng You , Wang Wei , Yang Zhengbao , Yu Hongyu , Ho Johnny C. , Wang Zhongrui , Tan Chaoliang
Published: October 2023

The demand for economical and efficient data processing has led to a surge of interest in neuromorphic computing based on emerging two‐dimensional (2D) materials in recent years. As a rising van der Waals (vdW) p‐type Weyl semiconductor with many intriguing properties, tellurium (Te) has been widely used in advanced electronics/optoelectronics. However, its application in floating gate (FG) memory devices for information processing has never been explored. Herein, an electronic/optoelectronic FG memory device enabled by Te‐based 2D vdW heterostructure for multimodal reservoir computing (RC) is reported. When subjected to intense electrical/optical stimuli, the device exhibits impressive nonvolatile electronic memory behaviors including ≈108 extinction ratio, ≈100 ns switching speed, >4000 cycles, >4000‐s retention stability, and nonvolatile multibit optoelectronic programmable characteristics. When the input stimuli weaken, the nonvolatile memory degrades into volatile memory. Leveraging these rich nonlinear dynamics, a multimodal RC system with high recognition accuracy of 90.77% for event‐type multimodal handwritten digit‐recognition is demonstrated.
Gelatin Biogel–Liquid Metal Composite Transient Circuits for Recyclable Flexible Electronics
Authors: Song Huafeng , Wang Haifei , Gan Tiansheng , Shi Shiyang , Zhou Xuechang , Zhang Yaokang , Handschuh‐Wang Stephan
Published: October 2023

Transient electronics with degradability or dissolvability on demand possess remarkable characteristics for wearable, bioelectronic, and implanted electronic devices. While synthetic materials have made significant progress in degradability and stretchability, they suffer from intrinsic limitations, including low degradation rates, poor mechanical compliance, and high production cost, which restrict the growth of transient electronic devices. Herein, a versatile fabrication strategy is presented for transient electronics that combine a resilient biopolymer substrate (gelatin biogels) with liquid metal (Galinstan). The circuits made from gelatin biogel‐based and liquid metal are mechanically resilient and durable, exhibiting good compliance with irregular and deformable surfaces, and thus can withstand long‐term exposure to dynamic deformation (about 60 000 cycles at a strain of 50%). More importantly, gelatin biogels are naturally derived and endowed with thermally reversible gelling, which enables on‐demand rapid dissolution and recycling of the materials. As a proof‐of‐concept, transient circuit‐based capacitive sensors, which can be degraded within 20 s, are fabricated for monitoring finger touching, morse code generation, and electrical touchpad. Such a strategy provides a guideline for designing transient electronics with a combination of biopolymer gels and liquid metal, and this approach is anticipated to find applications in human–machine interfaces and wearable devices.
Dual‐Color Photoconvertible BODIPY Dyes Based on Visible‐Light Photouncaging of Nitrobenzyl Moieties for Living‐Cell Imaging
Authors: Li Heng , Zhang Qi , Guo Xing , Bu Weibin , Zuo Huiquan , Jiao Lijuan , Li Zhongxin , Yu Changjiang , Wang Shaozhen , Hao Erhong
Published: October 2023

Photoactivatable fluorophores are useful tools in live cell imaging due to precise spatial and temporal control. Herein, a tandem visible‐light photodecaging and tautomerization strategy is proposed as an activation mechanism for the construction of photoconvertible boron dipyrromethenes (BODIPY) dyes, from which nitro‐benzyloxy BODIPY derivatives are developed as a new class of visible light photoactivated fluorophores. Upon exposure to visible light, the nitro‐benzyloxy moiety is released and the BODIPY moiety is converted to the keto‐form BODIPY analog by tautomerization. The photoconversion process not only achieves over 50 nm blue shift of absorption/emission maxima but also provides bright fluorescence for both the pre‐ and post‐activation forms. Mechanism studies indicate that no indications of radical species and singlet oxygen are involved in this unique photoconversion and both UV and visible light irradiation can efficiently activate this photoinduced release of the nitrobenzyl alcohol through photoexciting of BODIPY core rather than classical nitro‐benzyloxy photocage. Cell and vesicle imaging is successfully performed using the new photoconversion dyes. The results show that these new photoconvertible dyes are highly efficient, universal, and non‐cytotoxic, which are valuable for the development of promising photoactivated molecules.
Adaptive Photochemical Nonlinearities for Optical Neural Networks
Authors: Becker Marlon , Riegelmeyer Jan , Seyfried Maximilian David , Ravoo Bart Jan , Schuck Carsten , Risse Benjamin
Published: October 2023

Optical neural networks (ONNs) hold great potential for faster and more energy‐efficient information processing in coherent photonic circuits. To realize ONNs, linear combinations and nonlinear activation functions have to be implemented in an optical fashion. Optical nonlinearities are, however, still difficult to achieve, and existing designs are usually too inflexible to offer different activation functions as used in artificial neural networks. Herein, the nonlinear properties of the large and highly adaptive class of photoswitchable chemical compounds is made accessible as activation functions in ONNs by employing photo‐induced isomerization in azobenzenes to steer activation behavior through nonlinear modulation of an information‐carrying optical signal. The strength of the nonlinearity can be controlled by the chemical concentration while a physically motivated model describes the experimental data for systematically varied photoswitching parameters, resulting in a tunable yet interpretable activation function. Employing such an activation function in a neural network then allows to gauge its strength and perform established classification tasks. The work combines recent advances with photoswitchable chemical compounds and optical neural networks to enable control over the design of nonlinear activation functions, thus opening exciting perspectives for explaining the emergence of intelligent behavior in neural networks.
Cerebral hemodynamics and oxygenation in adult patients with sickle cell disease after stem cell transplantation
Authors: Afzali‐Hashemi Liza , Dovern Elisabeth , Baas Koen P. A. , Schrantee Anouk , Wood John C. , Nederveen Aart J. , Nur Erfan , Biemond Bart J.
Published: October 2023

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is characterized by chronic hemolytic anemia associated with impaired cerebral hemodynamics and oxygen metabolism. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is currently the only curative treatment for patients with SCD. Whereas normalization of hemoglobin levels and hemolysis markers has been reported after HSCT, its effects on cerebral perfusion and oxygenation in adult SCD patients remain largely unexplored. This study investigated the effects of HSCT on cerebral blood flow (CBF), oxygen delivery, cerebrovascular reserve (CVR), oxygen extraction fraction (OEF), and cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen (CMRO2) in 17 adult SCD patients (mean age: 25.0 ± 8.0, 6 females) before and after HSCT and 10 healthy ethnicity‐matched controls (mean age: 28.0 ± 8.8, 6 females) using MRI. For the CVR assessment, perfusion scans were performed before and after acetazolamide as a vasodilatory stimulus. Following HSCT, gray and white matter (GM and WM) CBF decreased (p < .01), while GM and WM CVR increased (p < .01) compared with the baseline measures. OEF and CMRO2 also increased towards levels in healthy controls (p < .01). The normalization of cerebral perfusion and oxygen metabolism corresponded with a significant increase in hemoglobin levels and decreases in reticulocytes, total bilirubin, and LDH as markers of hemolysis (p < .01). This study shows that HSCT results in the normalization of cerebral perfusion and oxygen metabolism, even in adult patients with SCD. Future follow‐up MRI scans will determine whether the observed normalization of cerebral hemodynamics and oxygen metabolism prevents new silent cerebral infarcts.
Apolipoprotein E moderates the association between non‐APOE polygenic risk score for Alzheimer's disease and aging on preclinical cognitive function
Authors: Xu Yuexuan , Sun Zhongxuan , Jonaitis Erin , Deming Yuetiva , Lu Qiongshi , Johnson Sterling C. , Engelman Corinne D.
Published: October 2023

INTRODUCTION

Variation in preclinical cognitive decline suggests additional genetic factors related to Alzheimer's disease (eg, a non‐APOE polygenic risk score [PRS]) may interact with the APOE ε4 allele to influence cognitive decline.

METHODS

We tested the PRS × APOE ε4 × age interaction on preclinical cognition using longitudinal data from the Wisconsin Registry for Alzheimer's Prevention. All analyses were fitted using a linear mixed‐effects model and adjusted for within individual/family correlation among 1190 individuals.

RESULTS

We found statistically significant PRS × APOE ε4 × age interactions on immediate learning (P = 0.038), delayed recall (P < 0.001), and Preclinical Alzheimer's Cognitive Composite 3 score (P = 0.026). PRS‐related differences in overall and memory‐related cognitive domains between people with and without APOE ε4 emerge around age 70, with a much stronger adverse PRS effect among APOE ε4 carriers. The findings were replicated in a population‐based cohort.

DISCUSSIONS

APOE ε4 can modify the association between PRS and cognition decline.

Highlights

APOE ε4 can modify the association between polygenic risk scores (PRSs) and longitudinal cognition decline, with the modifying effects more pronounced when the PRS is constructed using a conservative P threshold (eg, P < 5e‐8).

The adverse genetic effect caused by the combined effect of the currently known genetic variants is more detrimental among APOE ε4 carriers around age 70.

Individuals who are APOE ε4 carriers with high PRSs are the most vulnerable to the harmful effects caused by genetic burden.
Customizing ultraviolet curable polymer‐ink properties via reactive diluent modification and viscosity control
Authors: Rashid(s) Firdaus Jamal , Mohamed Norsyazfirah , Daik Rusli , Ehsan(s) Abang Annuar
Published: October 2023

In inkjet 3D printing, material selection plays a crucial role in shaping both printing performance and material characteristics. Achieving the desired properties relies on precisely formulated compositions. In this context, ultraviolet (UV) curable polymers require specific viscosities, typically ranging from 3700 to 5700 mPa·s, to function effectively in 3D printing's material jetting technique, preventing complications during material dispensing. This study formulates UV‐curable polymers by blending four distinct monomers: Genomer 4247 Aliphatic Urethane Dimethacrylate, 1,10‐Decanediol Dimethacrylate, Isobornyl Acrylate, and Methyl Acrylate, within a controlled dark room environment at room temperature to prevent undesired crosslinking reactions during mixing. The selection of these monomers and their compositions is meticulous, considering their capacity to achieve specified viscosities and enhance overall material performance. This formulation process yields a wide range of UV‐curable polymer viscosities. The study employs comprehensive methodologies, including rheometry, Fourier transform infrared analysis, Soxhlet extraction, thermal analysis, and tensile testing, for rigorous evaluation of viscosity, curing efficiency, thermal characteristics, and mechanical performance. Notably, mechanical and chemical performance exhibits marginal differences within the viscosity range, attributed to UV‐curable polymer crosslinking, consistently exceeding 99% for all samples. However, the polymer composed of 98% v/v oligomer and methyl acrylate (MA) demonstrates notably better thermal and mechanical properties due to its 99.91% gel content crosslinking. Remarkable polymer fabrication thus occurs within the desired viscosity range.
Tunable focus poly(vinyl chloride) gel microlens Array fabricated by shaping in patterned electric field
Authors: Zhou Zuowei , Liu Yating , Xu Miao
Published: October 2023

In this work, we demonstrate a poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC)‐gel‐based microlens array (MLA) with tunable focus. The MLA is fabricated using a PVC solution and a glass substrate with a ring‐array‐patterned electrode. By coating the solution on the substrate and applying a direct current (DC) voltage to the electrode, a PVC gel membrane with a convex surface profile on the inner region of the electrode (anode) is formed with the solvent evaporation. After the complete evaporation of the solvent and removing the voltage, the solidified PVC gel membrane exhibits an MLA character. When an inverse DC voltage is applied to the electrode, the PVC gel accumulated on the inner region will shift toward the outer electrode connected to the anode, leading the curvature of the convex surface to decrease and the focal length to increase accordingly. The variable surface profile with voltage is precisely measured by a laser confocal microscope and the result shows that the focal length of the MLA can be tuned within a large range.
The flexible stab‐resistant composite membrane made by thermoplastic polyurethane filled with modified nanoparticles
Authors: Sun Xuelin , Ji Ruyi , Zhang Yan , Li Yuanyuan , Wang Ping
Published: October 2023

Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) has good elasticity and tear resistance, and is often applied in the field of flexible puncture resistance although the puncture resistance of pure TPU is limited. In this paper, silica powder (SiO2) and styrene butadiene rubber powder (SBR) with different concentrations were used as fillers to reinforce the TPU matrix respectively. To overcome the problem of poor interfacial compatibility between filler and matrix, the silane coupling agent r‐Aminopropyltrieth oxysilanee (KH550) was selected to modify the particles. The compatibility of particles and matrix, the puncture properties and tensile properties of composites were assessed by FTIR, TEM, SEM, tensile testing, and needle puncture testing. Further, the tensile and puncture properties of composites with different types and concentrations of particles were systematically compared and analyzed to find optimal parameters. The results show that the best modification effect is gained when the mass ratio of KH550 and nanoparticles is 0.85:1 and the specific puncture strength of TPU membranes incorporated modified SiO2 or SBR nanoparticles can be increased by up to 106.4% and 85% respectively compared to pure TPU membrane.