bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Farmers’ Preferred Characteristics of New Varieties of Jute Mallow (Corchorus olitorius L) and Their Implications for Variety Selection in the Koulikoro Region of Mali
Authors: Sissoko Sory , Traoré Mariam , Guindo Etienne , Camara Abdoulaye Youssouf , Diawara Mamadou Oumar , DIARRA Allihoun , Dolo Aminata
Published: January 2025

Jute Mallow (Corchorus olitorius L) is an important leafy vegetable in West Africa. The leaves are an important source of protein, lipids, carbohydrates, vitamins, etc. In some countries, leafy vegetables are still neglected and underused because of their very localized use and their wild or semi-wild nature, despite their socio-economic interest. In Mali, apart from the fact that the C. olitorius grows spontaneously in the wild, it is produced in all regions through household gardens. And very little information is available on its and, until now, very little research has been carried out on this plant. This study was initiated to improve the value of leafy vegetables by releasing new varieties of C. olitorius based on the characteristics preferred by producers. The study was carried out in the Koulikoro region, in the Sudano-Sahelian zone of Mali. Seeds of six varieties of C. olitorius were randomised to three varieties coded A, B and C per package for 180 producers. A survey questionnaire was established beforehand to take into account the socio-economic characteristics of the producers and the agronomic characteristics of the varieties in the field. The data collected was analyzed using IBM SPSS 25 software. Using producers' perceptions, three C. olitorius varieties have been identified and proposed for homologation and release. These varieties include Bafia due to its superior leaf size (16.2%), leaf yield (9.5 %), and taste (25.7 %); the Line H variety due to its leaf size (17.1 %) and its appreciation on the market by customers (22.9 %); and Sudan 4 due to its leaf yield (10.5 %) and disease resistance (15.2 %).
Nutritional Quality of « Tchonron », a Cultural Sauce Made from Adenia cissampeloïdes and Hibiscus asper Leaves Cooked with and without Potash
Authors: Diallo Djénéba Baba Tapily , Koné Fankroma Martial Thierry , Djédjé Blétro Patrick Gérard , Don Ohouo Régina Antoinette , Kouamé Lucien Patrice
Published: January 2025

Leafy vegetables are an essential component of food and health security in many African countries. The Senoufo people of northern Côte d'Ivoire are well known for their high consumption of leafy vegetables, especially in « Tchonron » sauce, a traditional and cultural food prized by the Senoufo for its nutritional and therapeutic value. Unfortunately, it remains little known and little consumed by the Ivorian population. Although databases on the composition of raw foods (leafy vegetables) are available, data on cooked foods in Côte d'Ivoire are still lacking. The aim of this study was to evaluate the nutritional potential of « Tchonron » sauce prepared from Adenia cissampeloïdes (STAC) and Hibiscus asper (STHA) leaves. To prepare the « Tchonron » sauce, the leafy vegetables were pre-cooked for 20 min with or without potash and then ground. Peanut powder was then added to the crushed leaves and cooked for 10 min. The resulting sauces were dried and the powders obtained were used for analysis according to standard dietary recommendations. The results showed an increase in ash content from STHA (10.64 ± 1.25%) to STHAP (12.32 ± 1.39%) and STAC (15.70 ± 0.20%) to STACP (16.67 ± 1.02%), in fiber STHA (32.66 ± 1.29%) to STHAP (41.58 ± 1.41%) and STAC (29.85 ± 1.6%) to STACP (38.53 ± 1.62%) and in minerals in sauces prepared with potash. The content of other nutrients decreased, especially vitamin C STHA (33.51 ± 0.8%) to STHAP (17.29 ± 1.08%) and STAC (38.53%) to STACP (29.85%), unsaturated STHA (1047.03 ± 0.65%) and STHAP (898.53 ± 4.5%) and STAC (221.76 ± 4.5) to STACP (168.61 ± 0.7%). In addition, all samples had a SAIN score > 5 and a LIM score < 7.5, which is a recommended profile for health. These results showed that « Tchonron » sauce is an important source of nutrients. However, cooking « Tchonron » sauce with potash resulted in more nutrient losses than cooking without potash. An increase in the LIM score of sauces cooked with potash was also observed, so these potash-based sauces should be limited. On the other hand, sauces based on H. asper showed the best nutritional profiles.
Existing Status and Agribusiness Potential of Acacia catechu Based Entrepreneurship in Una and Kangra Districts of Himachal Pradesh, India
Authors: Thakur Vaishali , Kumar Krishan
Published: January 2025

The current research is focused on The existing status and agribusiness potential of Acacia catechu based entrepreneurship in Una and Kangra districts of Himachal Pradesh by using 25 entrepreneurs. In Una districts, there were 17 kattha (cutch) entrepreneurs, while in Kangra districts, there were 8 kattha entrepreneurs. There are a lot of kattha entrepreneurs in one district, which suggests that khair-based entrepreneurship has a lot of potential for the agro industry. 44% of business owners who responded to the survey believed that the earnings from kattha are promising, demonstrating the high potential of kattha production for generating money. However, there were several issues that the kattha entrepreneurs were dealing with, including the lack of highly skilled labour the high cost of raw locally materials, diverse government laws, the growth of large-scale enterprises, high capital requirements, distant markets, and the need for highly trained labour. Government should enact such laws that encourage local labour to participate in this kattha-based entrepreneurship and proper cutch management should be carried out at the manufacturing site.
US County–Level Variation in Preterm Birth Rates, 2007-2019
Authors: Khan Sadiya S. , Vaughan Adam S. , Harrington Katharine , Seegmiller Laura , Huang Xiaoning , Pool Lindsay R. , Davis Matthew M. , Allen Norrina B. , Capewell Simon , O’Flaherty Martin , Miller Gregory E. , Mehran Roxana , Vogel Birgit , Kershaw Kiarri N. , Lloyd-Jones Donald M. , Grobman William A.
Published: December 2023

Importance

Preterm birth is a leading cause of preventable neonatal morbidity and mortality. Preterm birth rates at the national level may mask important geographic variation in rates and trends at the county level.

Objective

To estimate age-standardized preterm birth rates by US county from 2007 to 2019.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This serial cross-sectional study used data from the National Center for Health Statistics composed of all live births in the US between 2007 and 2019. Data analyses were performed between March 22, 2022, and September 29, 2022.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Age-standardized preterm birth (<37 weeks’ gestation) and secondarily early preterm birth (<34 weeks’ gestation) rates by county and year calculated with a validated small area estimation model (hierarchical bayesian spatiotemporal model) and percent change in preterm birth rates using log-linear regression models.

Results

Between 2007 and 2019, there were 51 044 482 live births in 2383 counties. In 2007, the national age-standardized preterm birth rate was 12.6 (95% CI, 12.6-12.7) per 100 live births. Preterm birth rates varied significantly among counties, with an absolute difference between the 90th and 10th percentile counties of 6.4 (95% CI, 6.2-6.7). The gap between the highest and lowest counties for preterm births was 20.7 per 100 live births in 2007. Several counties in the Southeast consistently had the highest preterm birth rates compared with counties in California and New England, which had the lowest preterm birth rates. Although there was no statistically significant change in preterm birth rates between 2007 and 2019 at the national level (percent change, −5.0%; 95% CI, −10.7% to 0.9%), increases occurred in 15.4% (95% CI, 14.1%-16.9%) of counties. The absolute and relative geographic inequalities were similar across all maternal age groups. Higher quartile of the Social Vulnerability Index was associated with higher preterm birth rates (quartile 4 vs quartile 1 risk ratio, 1.34; 95% CI, 1.31-1.36), which persisted across the study period. Similar patterns were observed for early preterm birth rates.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this serial cross-sectional study of county-level preterm and early preterm birth rates, substantial geographic disparities were observed, which were associated with place-based social disadvantage. Stability in aggregated rates of preterm birth at the national level masked increases in nearly 1 in 6 counties between 2007 and 2019.
A scenario‐drafting study to explore potential future implementation pathways of circulating tumor DNA testing in oncology
Authors: Kramer Astrid , Rubio‐Alarcón Carmen , van den Broek Daan , Vessies Daan C. L. , van't Erve Iris , Meijer Gerrit A. , Vink Geraldine R. , Schuuring Ed , Fijneman Remond J. A. , Coupé Veerle M. H. , Retèl Valesca P.
Published: December 2023

Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) detection has multiple promising applications in oncology, but the road toward implementation in clinical practice is unclear. We aimed to support the implementation process by exploring potential future pathways of ctDNA testing. To do so, we studied four ctDNA‐testing applications in two cancer types and elicited opinions from 30 ctDNA experts in the Netherlands. Our results showed that the current available evidence differed per application and cancer type. Tumor profiling and monitoring treatment response were found most likely to be implemented in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) within 5 years. For colorectal cancer, applications of ctDNA testing were found to be at an early stage in the implementation process. Demonstrating clinical utility was found a key aspect for successful implementation, but there was no consensus regarding the evidence requirements. The next step toward implementation is to define how clinical utility of biomarkers should be evaluated. Finally, these data indicate that specific challenges for each clinical application and tumor type should be appropriately addressed in a deliberative process involving all stakeholders to ensure implementation of ctDNA testing and timely access for patients.
Technical specifications of dose management systems: An international atomic energy agency survey
Authors: Tsalafoutas Ioannis A. , Arlany Laurentcia , Titovich Egor , Pynda Yaroslav , Ruggeri Ricardo , Sánchez Roberto Mariano , Reiser Ingrid , Tsapaki Virginia
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Dose management systems (DMS) have been introduced in radiological services to facilitate patient radiation dose management and optimization in medical imaging. The purpose of this study was to gather as much information as possible on the technical characteristics of DMS currently available, regarding features that may be considered essential for simply ensuring regulatory compliance or desirable to fully utilize the potential role of DMS in optimization of many aspects of radiological examinations.

Methods

A technical survey was carried out and all DMS developers currently available (both commercial and open source) were contacted and were asked to participate. An extensive questionnaire was prepared and uploaded in the IAEA International Research Integration System (IRIS) online platform which was used for data collection process. Most of the questions (93%) required a “Yes/No” answer, to facilitate an objective analysis of the survey results. Some free text questions and comments’ slots were also included, to allow participants to give additional information and clarifications where necessary. Depending on the answer, they were considered either as “Yes” or “No.”

Results

Given the way that the questions were posed, every positive response indicated that a feature was offered. Thus, the percentage of positive responses was used as a measure of adherence. The percentages of positive answers per section (and sub‐section) are presented in graphs and limitations of this type of analysis are discussed in detail.

Conclusions

The results of this survey clearly exhibit that large differences exist between the various DMS developers. Consequently, potential end users of a DMS should carefully determine which of the features available are essential for their needs, prioritize desirable features, but also consider their infrastructure, the level of support required and the budget available before selecting a DMS.
Anti–Peptidylarginine Deiminase 4 Autoantibodies and Disease Duration as Predictors of Treatment Response in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Cappelli Laura C. , Hines David , Wang Hong , Bingham Clifton O. , Darrah Erika
Published: December 2023

Background

Given that autoantibodies to peptidylarginine deiminase 4 (PAD4) are associated with erosive disease in established rheumatoid arthritis (RA), this study was conducted to compare the clinical and prognostic use of anti‐PAD4 antibodies in patients with early and established RA.

Methods

Sera from patients with early (duration <2 years; n = 422) or established (duration ≥2 years; n = 359) RA from two randomized clinical trials of tofacitinib ± methotrexate compared with adalimumab + MTX or MTX alone were evaluated for the presence of anti‐PAD4 and anti‐PAD3/4 antibodies at baseline and posttreatment time points. Summary statistics were calculated for demographic, clinical, and serological characteristics, and generalized estimating equations were used to model clinical outcomes by disease duration according to anti‐PAD4 status.

Results

Anti‐PAD4 antibodies were present in 22% and 40% of patients with early and established RA, respectively, stable following treatment, and associated with baseline joint damage only in established RA. In early RA, baseline anti‐PAD4 antibodies were associated with a greater improvement in disease activity score 28‐joint count using C‐reactive protein levels after treatment compared with individuals with negative anti‐PAD4 (P = 0.049). Tofacitinib ± MTX was more broadly efficacious than MTX alone at improving clinical outcomes in early and established RA, irrespective of anti‐PAD4 status (P < 0.05 for all), whereas adalimumab + MTX exhibited differential benefits in achieving disease activity score remission in early RA (P = 0.036) and American College of Rheumatology 20 responses in established RA (P = 0.002).

Conclusion

Differences in prevalence, clinical associations, and treatment‐response outcomes according to anti‐PAD4 antibody status in early and established RA suggests the existence of a therapeutic window to prevent the accumulation of irreversible joint damage in early patients with RA with anti‐PAD4 antibodies.
The use of adaptive multiple models for predefined exponential stability of control systems of uncertain discrete‐time nonlinear objects
Authors: Zhang Yanqi , Wang Xin , Wang Zhenlei
Published: December 2023

In this work, an adaptive multiple model pre‐assigned exponential convergence control scheme based on the time varying exponential function is demonstrated for a class of discrete‐time nonlinear systems. For coping with the noncausality problem from previous adaptive backstepping design method of nonlinear discrete‐time systems, a first‐order recursive filter is used in controller design procedures and the n‐step prediction model is not needed, thereby reducing the computational burden effectively. The time varying function is employed to force all states variables to convergence to zero with a pre‐defined rate which does not rely on the initial conditions of systems. In addition, the multiple model set is constructed to address unknown parameters problem and further the second level adaptive algorithm of unknown parameters is developed. A characteristic feature of the second‐level multi‐model adaptation algorithm is that it dynamically adapts to time changes in the identified model (it uses identification information better than the switching multiple model control). In a unified framework of second level adaption, a first‐order recursive filter and backstepping technique, a pre‐assigned exponential convergence controller is presented. Finally, the results about discrete‐time pre‐assigned exponential convergence method are compared with other methods using two case studies.
Effect of Al–10Sr Addition on Tensile and Wear Properties of 20 wt%SiC/A359 Composites
Authors: Ou Wang , Jia Li Na , Wang Wen Bo , Ye Cheng Tong , Liu Yan Yu , Jin Zu Heng , Qi Yan , Zhang Hu
Published: December 2023

The Al–10Sr master alloy is used to modify the A359/20 wt% SiC composite, aiming to enhance its tensile properties and wear characteristics concurrently. This modification yields improvements surpassing those observed in pure A359 alloys, a phenomenon attributed to the preferential formation of Al–Si–Sr compounds adjacent to SiC particles. The results elucidate that the integration of SiC, serving as a wear‐resistant phase, substantially augments the wear resistance of the alloy. Abrasion marks incurred from singular friction events are discernibly more superficial on eutectic silicon in contrast to the aluminum substrate. Furthermore, the metamorphosis of eutectic silicon from an elongated to a granular form mitigates stress concentrations. This morphological alteration is pivotal, enhancing wear resistance and diminishing the likelihood of particle detachment.
Spintronic Quantum Phase Transition in a Graphene/Pb0.24Sn0.76Te Heterostructure with Giant Rashba Spin‐Orbit Coupling
Authors: DeMell Jennifer E. , Naumov Ivan , Stephen Gregory M. , Blumenschein Nicholas A. , Sun Y.‐J. Leo , Fedorko Adrian , Robinson Jeremy T. , Campbell Paul M. , Taylor Patrick J. , Heiman Don , Dev Pratibha , Hanbicki Aubrey T. , Friedman Adam L.
Published: December 2023

Mechanical stacking of two dissimilar materials often has surprising consequences for heterostructure behavior. In particular, a 2D electron gas (2DEG) is formed in the heterostructure of the topological crystalline insulator Pb0.24Sn0.76Te and graphene due to contact of a polar with a nonpolar surface and the resulting changes in electronic structure needed to avoid polar catastrophe. The spintronic properties of this heterostructure with non‐local spin valve devices are studied. This study observes spin‐momentum locking at lower temperatures that transitions to regular spin channel transport only at ≈40 K. Hanle spin precession measurements show a spin relaxation time as high as 2.18 ns. Density functional theory calculations confirm that the spin‐momentum locking is due to a giant Rashba effect in the material and that the phase transition is a Lifshitz transition. The theoretically predicted Lifshitz transition is further evident in the phase transition‐like behavior in the Landé g‐factor and spin relaxation time.
Bulk‐Phase Grain Boundaries Regulation Enables Highly Reversible Zn Anodes for Rechargeable Aqueous Zn‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Zhang Hong , Yang Lizhuang , Wang Haozhi , Cui Bingfeng , Wang Jingxian , Han Xiaopeng , Hu Wenbin
Published: December 2023

Dendrites and side reactions of Zn anodes severely restrict the application of aqueous Zn‐based batteries for grid‐scale energy storage. While surface/interface modification strategies have shown some progress in improving Zn anode reversibility, they still fall short in addressing the overall regulation and intrinsic mechanisms from the bulk‐phase perspective. Herein, a bulk‐phase composite Zn/CNTs anodes fabricated by a powder‐metallurgy‐based strategy is introduced. Benefiting from the regulation of grain boundary engineering on local electric conductivity, electric field distributions, and Zn atom absorption energy, the Zn/CNTs anodes effectively suppress dendrite growth and enhance corrosion resistance during Zn stripping/plating cycles. Symmetrical cells equipped with Zn/CNT4 anodes exhibit extended cycling stability with minimal voltage hysteresis (only 22 mV). Furthermore, the full cells incorporating Zn/CNT4 with commercial MnO2 demonstrate superior rate performance and specific capacitance retention after 500 h cycling. This breakthrough opens up new avenues for optimizing metallic anodes at the bulk phase level using powder metallurgy, enabling scalable manufacturing processes, and providing valuable insights for various metal anode systems.
Elimination of Senescent Osteocytes by Bone‐Targeting Delivery of β‐Galactose‐Modified Maytansinoid Prevents Age‐Related Bone Loss
Authors: He Yi , Zhang Lei , Chen Xiang , Liu Bin , Shao Xiaoyan , Fang Depeng , Lin Jiaquan , Liu Na , Lou Yabing , Qin Jianghui , Jiang Qing , Guo Baosheng
Published: December 2023

The accumulation of senescent cells in bone during aging contributes to senile osteoporosis, and clearance of senescent cells by senolytics could effectively alleviate bone loss. However, the applications of senolytics are limited due to their potential toxicities. Herein, small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) have been modified by incorporating bone‐targeting peptide, specifically (AspSerSer)6, to encapsulate galactose‐modified Maytansinoids (DM1). These modified vesicles are referred to as (AspSerSer)6‐sEVs/DM1‐Gal, and they have been designed to specifically clear the senescent osteocytes in bone tissue. In addition, the elevated activity of lysosomal β‐galactosidase in senescent osteocytes, but not normal cells in bone tissue, could break down DM1‐Gal to release free DM1 for selective elimination of senescent osteocytes. Mechanically, DM1 could disrupt tubulin polymerization, subsequently inducing senescent osteocytes apoptosis. Further, administration of bone‐targeting senolytics to aged mice could alleviate aged‐related bone loss without non‐obvious toxicity. Overall, this bone‐targeting senolytics could act as a novel candidate for specific clearance of senescent osteocytes, ameliorating age‐related bone loss, with a promising therapeutic potential for senile osteoporosis.
Multi‐Enzyme‐Based Superabsorbent Hydrogel for Self‐Enhanced NIR‐II Photothermal‐Catalytic Antibacterial Therapy
Authors: Ren Xiaofeng , Wang Xiaozhe , Yang Jie , Zhang Xiaoyu , Du Baojie , Bai Peirong , Li Liping , Zhang Ruiping
Published: December 2023

The synergistic strategy of nanozyme‐based catalytic therapy and photothermal therapy holds great potential for combating bacterial infection. However, challenges such as single and limited enzyme catalytic property, unfavorable catalytic environment, ineffective interaction between nanozymes and bacteria, unsafe laser irradiation ranges, and failed trauma fluid management impede their antibacterial capability and wound healing speed. Herein, for the first time, a PNMn hydrogel is fabricated with multi‐enzyme activities and excellent near‐infrared (NIR)‐II photothermal performance for self‐enhanced NIR‐II photothermal‐catalytic capabilities to efficiently eradicate bacteria. This hydrogel triggers parallel and cascade reactions to generate •OH, •O2−, and 1O2 radicals from H2O2 and O2 without external energy input. Notably, it provides a suitable catalytic environment while capturing bacteria (≈30.1% of Escherichia coli and ≈29.3% of Staphylococcus aureus) to reinforce antibacterial activity. Furthermore, the PNMn hydrogel expedites skin wound healing by managing excess fluid (swelling rate up to ≈7299%). The PNMn hydrogel possesses remarkable stretching, elasticity, toughness, and adhesive characteristics under any shape of the wound, thus making it suitable for wound dressing. Therefore, the PNMn hydrogel has great potential to be employed as a next‐generation wound dressing in the clinical context, providing a non‐antibiotic strategy to improve the antibacterial performance and promote wound healing.
Thermal Disorder‐Induced Strain and Carrier Localization Activate Reverse Halide Segregation
Authors: Mussakhanuly Nursultan , Soufiani Arman Mahboubi , Bernardi Stefano , Gan Jianing , Bhattacharyya Saroj Kumar , Chin Robert Lee , Muhammad Hanif , Dubajic Milos , Gentle Angus , Chen Weijian , Zhang Meng , Nielsen Michael P. , Huang Shujuan , Asbury John , Widmer‐Cooper Asaph , Yun Jae Sung , Hao Xiaojing
Published: December 2023

The reversal of halide ions is studied under various conditions. However, the underlying mechanism of heat‐induced reversal remains unclear. This work finds that dynamic disorder‐induced localization of self‐trapped polarons and thermal disorder‐induced strain (TDIS) can be co‐acting drivers of reverse segregation. Localization of polarons results in an order of magnitude decrease in excess carrier density (polaron population), causing a reduced impact of the light‐induced strain (LIS – responsible for segregation) on the perovskite framework. Meanwhile, exposing the lattice to TDIS exceeding the LIS can eliminate the photoexcitation‐induced strain gradient, as thermal fluctuations of the lattice can mask the LIS strain. Under continuous 0.1 W cm⁻2 illumination (upon segregation), the strain disorder is estimated to be 0.14%, while at 80 °C under dark conditions, the strain is 0.23%. However, in situ heating of the segregated film to 80 °C under continuous illumination (upon reversal) increases the total strain disorder to 0.25%, where TDIS is likely to have a dominant contribution. Therefore, the contribution of entropy to the system's free energy is likely to dominate, respectively. Various temperature‐dependent in situ measurements and simulations further support the results. These findings highlight the importance of strain homogenization for designing stable perovskites under real‐world operating conditions.
Hot‐Pressing Transfer of Diffraction‐Grating Perovskite for Efficient Bifacial Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Muthukrishnan Akshaiya Padmalatha , Lee Junyeong , Kim Jun Yong , Karim Abrar , Kim Jongbok , Yoo Jeeyoung , Do Yun Seon , Jo Sungjin
Published: December 2023

Compared with monofacial solar cells, the development of bifacial solar cells has garnered considerable attention for achieving higher power output by simultaneously harvesting direct and diffused light while incurring fewer additional manufacturing costs. Perovskite light absorbers, given their outstanding optoelectronic properties, present great opportunities for fabricating bifacial solar cells. However, one of the challenges in designing bifacial perovskite solar cells (PSCs) is that they suffer from optical and electrical losses due to insufficient light absorption in the perovskite layer. In this respect, in this work, a hot‐pressing transfer process is developed to fabricate a diffraction‐grating (DG) perovskite layer to form a bifacial PSC. The constructed DG structure on the perovskite layer improved its light‐harvesting efficiency, reduced its charge recombination, and enhanced its charge extraction properties. The bifacial DG PSC achieved power conversion efficiencies of 14.01% and 10.04% for the bottom and top illuminations, respectively, resulting in a bifaciality factor of 0.71. Therefore, the newly developed hot‐pressing transfer process for fabricating DG structures on perovskite layers is a promising technique for fabricating high‐efficiency bifacial PSCs with high bifaciality factors.
Solidification of Aerial CO2‐Captured Aralkylamines in Water Triggered by Self‐Assembly Against Affinity for Formation of Reverse Lipid Bilayer
Authors: Murakami Ryo , Kawamitsu Hikari , Otsuka Risa , Tanishima Hiroto , Matsumoto Chiaki , Inagaki Fuyuhiko
Published: December 2023

It is found that aralkylamines solidified even in water by absorption of aerial CO2. Despite being amphiphilic, the aralkylamines absorbed CO2 and self‐assembled against the amphiphilicity to form a reverse lipid bilayer structure and solidified. Once the solid‐liquid separation of aerial CO2‐captured amines in water is achieved, it becomes possible to select the optimum conditions for both absorption and desorption.
Dilution‐Induced Self‐Assembly PEDOT:PSS Interlayer Enables Low‐Noise Near‐Infrared Organic Photodetectors for High‐Contrast Imaging
Authors: Xu Congdi , Miao Kepian , Eisner Flurin , Liu Guoqiang , Feng Chuang , Su Huimin , Lan Linfeng , He Zhicai , Nelson Jenny
Published: December 2023

Poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiphene):poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) is widely used as hole transport layer in photodiodes due to its deep work function, flexibility, low cost, and commercialization potentials. However, organic photodetectors (OPDs) using commercial PEDOT:PSS (C‐PEDOT:PSS) interlayers usually suffer from high noise currents. Here, a simple dilution‐induced strategy is proposed for constructing an ultrathin self‐assembled PEDOD:PSS layer (D‐PEDOT:PSS). Dilution‐induced chain disentanglement leads to smaller grain sizes, which is beneficial to reduce defects and enhances selective charge transport. This enables the fabrication of near‐infrared PM6:Y6 organic photodetectors with three orders of magnitude lower ultra‐low dark current (<1.5×10−10 A cm−2) and one order of magnitude lower spectral‐noise density (2.1×10−14 A Hz−1/2) compared to devices using untreated PEDOT:PSS, at ‐0.1 V applied bias. With low dark current and enhanced responsivity, the shot‐noise‐limited detectivity increases by 35 times. An imaging system using OPDs as a sensing pixel has achieved high‐contrast images, demonstrating the imaging potential of the OPDs. The universality of this strategy to enhance the performance of OPDs is further demonstrated through three additional donor‐acceptor blends. This study presents a simple and effective strategy to reduce the noise current of PEDOT:PSS‐based OPDs and provides insights into the correlation between interfacial properties and the performance of OPDs.
Dynamic Tunable Chiral Plasmonic Properties via Self‐Assembly on Helical Threads
Authors: Guo Zhen , Sarkar Swagato , Liu Rongying , Zhang Ying , Sheng Qing‐Tao , Chen Guosong , König Tobias A. F. , Ye Chunhong
Published: December 2023

Tailorable chiral plasmonic nanostructures have attracted great interest due to their potential applications in photonics and sensing. However, there are limited straightforward fabrication routes to modulate the morphology of chiral materials with an external stimulus. Here, a helical assembly of gold nanospheres (AuNSs) is successfully obtained via self‐assembly using glycopeptide helical nanofibers as templates based on electrostatic interactions. The assembly morphology can be readily tailored from short debris to single‐/double‐ and multiple helical threads by changing pHs, resulting in well‐controlled modulation of circular dichroism (CD) in the visible range. Further, this tunable assembly and corresponding chiroptical properties are fully reversible in the pH range from 6 to 10. The electromagnetic simulation revealed how the structural geometries of AuNS helices changed the electromagnetic field propagation pattern to facilitate corresponding chiral optical properties. This approach is a unique and facilely obtained example of chiral nanomaterials with in situ tailoring morphology and chiral properties through external stimulus, demonstrating a potential application for biosensing.
Superior Effectiveness of PD‐1 Inhibitor Plus Chemotherapy versus Bevacizumab Plus Chemotherapy as First‐Line Treatment for Non‐Small Cell Lung Cancer with Brain Metastases
Authors: Yu Hui , Chen Jing , Li Meichen , Zhang Baishen , Zhang Bei , Chen Likun
Published: December 2023

Optimal first‐line treatment approaches for non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with brain metastases (BMs) without driver gene alterations remain unclear. Recently, some studies preliminarily have suggested that immunotherapy plus chemotherapy (ICI+Chemo) may be superior to bevacizumab plus chemotherapy (Beva+Chemo). However, no study directly compares the effectiveness of two treatment approaches for NSCLC patients with BMs without driver gene alterations. NSCLC patients are retrospectively identified with BMs lacking sensitizing mutations, and patients are divided into ICI+Chemo and Beva+Chemo groups based on the front‐line treatment approach. It is aimed to compare the efficacy for two treatments. All 155 eligible patients between March 2017 and May 2022 have been enrolled. Median intracranial progression‐free survival (iPFS) and systemic PFS (sPFS) in ICI+Chemo group are 14.4 and 12.1 months compared with those in Beva+Chemo group (10.0 and 8.4 months) (hazard ratio (HR), 0.626; P = 0.035; and HR, 0.634; P = 0.022). The PFS benefit of ICI+Chemo over Beva+Chemo is significant in those with programmed cell death‐ligand 1(PD‐L1)‐positive expression. Median overall survival (OS) is similar between the ICI+Chemo and Beva+Chemo groups (26.9 versus 23.1 months, HR, 0.790; P = 0.335). The objective response rates (ORR) are similar in both groups, and both of the regimens are well tolerated without newly reported adverse events (AEs). Sixty‐three patients (40%) received locoregional therapy for BMs including radiotherapy or surgery throughout the course of treatment. The subsequent treatment is analyzed after progression and it is found that patients who receive immunotherapy throughout the course of treatment have significantly improved OS compared with those who are naïve to immunotherapy (P < 0.001). OS is comparable in patients who receive immunotherapy compared with those who receive both immunotherapy and bevacizumab (P = 0.394). The ICI+Chemo significantly improves iPFS and sPFS for PD‐L1‐positive NSCLC patients with BMs lacking driver gene alterations. Immunotherapy provides the vital contribution to improving OS of NSCLC patients with BMs.
Plasma‐Induced 2D Electron Transport at Hetero‐Phase Titanium Oxide Interface
Authors: Yu Kehan , Li Xinglong , Zhao Haoyu , Ma Chen , Wang Zhongyue , Lv Peng , Hu Ertao , Zheng Jiajin , Wei Wei , Ostrikov Kostya (Ken)
Published: December 2023

Interfaces of metal oxide heterojunctions display a variety of intriguing physical properties that enable novel applications in spintronics, quantum information, neuromorphic computing, and high‐temperature superconductivity. One such LaAlO3/SrTiO3 (LAO/STO) heterojunction hosts a 2D electron liquid (2DEL) presenting remarkable 2D superconductivity and magnetism. However, these remarkable properties emerge only at very low temperatures, while the heterostructure fabrication is challenging even at the laboratory scale, thus impeding practical applications. Here, a novel plasma‐enabled fabrication concept is presented to develop the TiO2/Ti3O4 hetero‐phase bilayer with a 2DEL that exhibits features of a weakly localized Fermi liquid even at room temperature. The hetero‐phase bilayer is fabricated by applying a rapid plasma‐induced phase transition that transforms a specific portion of anatase TiO2 thin film into vacancy‐prone Ti3O4 in seconds. The underlying mechanism relies on the screening effect of the achieved high‐density electron liquid that suppresses the electron‐phonon interactions. The achieved “adiabatic” electron transport in the hetero‐phase bilayer offers strong potential for low‐loss electric or plasmonic circuits and hot electron harvesting and utilization. These findings open new horizons for fabricating diverse multifunctional metal oxide heterostructures as an innovative platform for emerging clean energy, integrated photonics, spintronics, and quantum information technologies.
Transdermal Transfersome Nanogels Control Hypertrophic Scar Formation via Synergy of Macrophage Phenotype‐Switching and Anti‐Fibrosis Effect
Authors: Chen Yunsheng , Chen Kun , Zhong Shan , Wang Jiaqiang , Yu Zhixi , Sun Xiyang , Wang Yue , Liu Yan , Zhang Zheng
Published: December 2023

Hypertrophic scar (HS), which results from prolonged inflammation and excessive fibrosis in re‐epithelialized wounds, is one of the most common clinical challenges. Consequently, sophisticated transdermal transfersome nanogels (TA/Fu‐TS) are prepared to control HS formation by synergistically inhibiting inflammation and suppressing fibrosis. TA/Fu‐TSs have unique structures comprising hydrophobic triamcinolone acetonide (TA) in lipid multilayers and hydrophilic 5‐fluorouracil in aqueous cores, and perform satisfactorily with regard to transdermal co‐delivery to macrophages and HS fibroblasts in emerging HS tissues. According to the in vitro/vivo results, TA/Fu‐TSs not only promote macrophage phenotype‐switching to inhibit inflammation by interleukin‐related pathways, but also suppress fibrosis to remodel extracellular matrix by collagen‐related pathways. Therefore, TA/Fu‐TSs overcome prolonged inflammation and excessive fibrosis in emerging HS tissues, and provide an effective therapeutic strategy for controlling HS formation via their synergy of macrophage phenotype‐switching and anti‐fibrosis effect.
Strain Regulation and Defect Passivation of FA‐Based Perovskite Materials for Highly Efficient Solar Cells
Authors: Zhang Linfeng , Luo Guohui , Zhang Weihao , Yao Yuxin , Ren Penghui , Geng Xiuhong , Zhang Yi , Wu Xiaoping , Xu Lingbo , Lin Ping , Yu Xuegong , Wang Peng , Cui Can
Published: December 2023

Formamidine lead triiodide (FAPbI3) perovskites have attracted increasing interest for photovoltaics attributed to the optimal bandgap, high thermal stability, and the record power conversion efficiency (PCE). However, the materials still face several key challenges, such as phase transition, lattice defects, and ion migration. Therefore, external ions (e.g., cesium ions (Cs+)) are usually introduced to promote the crystallization and enhance the phase stability. Nevertheless, the doping of Cs+ into the A‐site easily leads to lattice compressive strain and the formation of pinholes. Herein, trioctylphosphine oxide (TOPO) is introduced into the precursor to provide tensile strain outside the perovskite lattice through intermolecular forces. The special strain compensation strategy further improves the crystallization of perovskite and inhibits the ion migration. Moreover, the TOPO molecule significantly passivates grain boundaries and undercoordinated Pb2+ defects via the forming of P═O─Pb bond. As a result, the target solar cell devices with the synergistic effect of Cs+ and TOPO additives have achieved a significantly improved PCE of 22.71% and a high open‐circuit voltage of 1.16 V (voltage deficit of 0.36 V), with superior stability under light exposure, heat, or humidity conditions.
Aryl‐Modified Pentamethyl Cyanine Dyes at the C2’ Position: A Tunable Platform for Activatable Photosensitizers
Authors: Han Fuping , Abbas Abedi Syed Ali , He Shan , Zhang Han , Long Saran , Zhou Xiao , Chanmungkalakul Supphachok , Ma He , Sun Wen , Liu Xiaogang , Du Jianjun , Fan Jiangli , Peng Xiaojun
Published: December 2023

Pentamethyl cyanine dyes are promising fluorophores for fluorescence sensing and imaging. However, advanced biomedical applications require enhanced control of their excited‐state properties. Herein, a synthetic approach for attaching aryl substituents at the C2’ position of the thio‐pentamethine cyanine (TCy5) dye structure is reported for the first time. C2’‐aryl substitution enables the regulation of both the twisted intramolecular charge transfer (TICT) and photoinduced electron transfer (PET) mechanisms to be regulated in the excited state. Modulation of these mechanisms allows the design of a nitroreductase‐activatable TCy5 fluorophore for hypoxic tumor photodynamic therapy and fluorescence imaging. These C2’‐aryl TCy5 dyes provide a tunable platform for engineering cyanine dyes tailored to sophisticated biological applications, such as photodynamic therapy.
Atomically Dispersed ZnN4 Sites Anchored on P‐Functionalized Carbon with Hierarchically Ordered Porous Structures for Boosted Electroreduction of CO2
Authors: Hu Chenghong , Yao Wen , Yang Xianfeng , Shen Kui , Chen Liyu , Li Yingwei
Published: December 2023

Tuning the coordination structures of metal sites is intensively studied to improve the performances of single‐atom site catalysts (SASC). However, the pore structure of SASC, which is highly related to the accessibility of active sites, has received little attention. In this work, single‐atom ZnN4 sites embedded in P‐functionalized carbon with hollow‐wall and 3D ordered macroporous structure (denoted as H‐3DOM‐ZnN4/P‐C) are constructed. The creation of hollow walls in ordered macroporous structures can largely increase the external surface area to expose more active sites. The introduction of adjacent P atoms can optimize the electronic structure of ZnN4 sites through long‐rang regulation to enhance the intrinsic activity and selectivity. In the electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction, H‐3DOM‐ZnN4/P‐C exhibits high CO Faradaic efficiency over 90% in a wide potential window (500 mV) and a large turnover frequency up to 7.8 × 104 h−1 at −1.0 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode, much higher than its counterparts without the hierarchically ordered structure or P‐functionalization.
Spin‐Polarized Surface Capacitance Effects Enable Fe3O4 Anode Superior Wide Operation‐Temperature Sodium Storage
Authors: Li Zhenwei , Han Meisheng , Yu Peilun , Yu Jie
Published: December 2023

Fe3O4 is widely investigated as an anode for ambient sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs), but its electrochemical properties in the wide operation‐temperature range have rarely been studied. Herein, the Fe3O4 nanoparticles, which are well encapsulated by carbon nanolayers, are uniformly dispersed on the graphene basal plane (named Fe3O4/C@G) to be used as the anode for SIBs. The existence of graphene can reduce the size of Fe3O4/C nanoparticles from 150 to 80 nm and greatly boost charge transport capability of electrode, resulting in an obvious size decrease of superparamagnetic Fe nanoparticles generated from the conversion reaction from 5 to 2 nm. Importantly, the ultra‐small superparamagnetic Fe nanoparticles (≈2 nm) can induce a strong spin‐polarized surface capacitance effect at operating temperatures ranging from −40 to 60 °C, thus achieving highly efficient Na‐ion transport and storage in a wide operation‐temperature range. Consequently, the Fe3O4/C@G anode shows high capacity, excellent fast‐charging capability, and cycling stability ranging from −40 to 60 °C in half/full cells. This work demonstrates the viability of Fe3O4 as anode for wide operation‐temperature SIBs and reveals that spin‐polarized surface capacitance effects can promote Na‐ion storage over a wide operation temperature range.
Boosting Energy Storage Performance of Glass Ceramics via Modulating Defect Formation During Crystallization
Authors: Shang Fei , Wei Juwen , Xu Jiwen , Zhang Haibo , Xia Yang , Zhu Guisheng , Jiang Kunpeng , Chen Guohua , Ye Zuoguang , Xu Huarui
Published: December 2023

Along with the demand for further miniaturization of high and pulsed power devices, it becomes more and more important to realize ultrahigh recoverable energy storage density (Wrec) with high energy storage efficiency (η) and ultrahigh discharge energy storage density (Wd) accompanied by high power density (Pd) in dielectrics. To date, it remains, however, a big challenge to achieve high Wrec or Wd in glass ceramics compared to other dielectric energy storage materials. Herein, a strategy of defect formation modulation is applied to form “amorphous‐disordered‐ordered” microstructure in BaTiO3‐based glass ceramics so as to achieve a high Wrec of 12.04 J cm−3 with a high η of 81.1% and an ultrahigh Wd of 11.98 J cm−3 with a superb Pd of 973 MW cm−3. This work demonstrates a feasible route to obtain glass ceramics with an outstanding energy storage performance and proves the enormous potential of glass ceramics in high and pulsed power applications.
2,4‐Dihydroxybenzoic Acid, a Novel SA Derivative, Controls Plant Immunity via UGT95B17‐Mediated Glucosylation: A Case Study in Camellia Sinensis
Authors: Lu Mengqian , Zhao Yifan , Feng Yingying , Tang Xiaoyan , Zhao Wei , Yu Keke , Pan Yuting , Wang Qiang , Cui Jilai , Zhang Mengting , Jin Jieyang , Wang Jingming , Zhao Mingyue , Schwab Wilfried , Song Chuankui
Published: December 2023

The plant hormone salicylic acid (SA) plays critical roles in plant innate immunity. Several SA derivatives and associated modification are identified, whereas the range and modes of action of SA‐related metabolites remain elusive. Here, the study discovered 2,4‐dihydroxybenzoic acid (2,4‐DHBA) and its glycosylated form as native SA derivatives in plants whose accumulation is largely induced by SA application and Ps. camelliae‐sinensis (Pcs) infection. CsSH1, a 4/5‐hydroxylase, catalyzes the hydroxylation of SA to 2,4‐DHBA, and UDP‐glucosyltransferase UGT95B17 catalyzes the formation of 2,4‐DHBA glucoside. Down‐regulation reduced the accumulation of 2,4‐DHBA glucosides and enhanced the sensitivity of tea plants to Pcs. Conversely, overexpression of UGT95B17 increased plant disease resistance. The exogenous application of 2,4‐DHBA and 2,5‐DHBA, as well as the accumulation of DHBA and plant resistance comparison, indicate that 2,4‐DHBA functions as a potentially bioactive molecule and is stored mainly as a glucose conjugate in tea plants, differs from the mechanism described in Arabidopsis. When 2,4‐DHBA is applied exogenously, UGT95B17‐silenced tea plants accumulated more 2,4‐DHBA than SA and showed induced resistance to Pcs infection. These results indicate that 2,4‐DHBA glucosylation positively regulates disease resistance and highlight the role of 2,4‐DHBA as potentially bioactive molecule in the establishment of basal resistance in tea plants.
Anti‐Acidification and Immune Regulation by Nano‐Ceria‐Loaded Mg–Al Layered Double Hydroxide for Rheumatoid Arthritis Therapy
Authors: Fu Hao , Guo Yuedong , Fang Wenming , Wang Jiaxing , Hu Ping , Shi Jianlin
Published: December 2023

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease featuring an abnormal immune microenvironment and resultant accumulation of hydrogen ions (H+) produced by activated osteoclasts (OCs). Currently, clinic RA therapy can hardly achieve sustained or efficient therapeutic outcomes due to the failures in generating sufficient immune modulation and manipulating the accumulation of H+ that deteriorates bone damage. Herein, a highly effective immune modulatory nanocatalytic platform, nanoceria‐loaded magnesium aluminum layered double hydroxide (LDH‐CeO2), is proposed for enhanced immune modulation based on acid neutralization and metal ion inherent bioactivity. Specifically, the mild alkaline LDH initiates significant M2 repolarization of macrophages triggered by the elevated antioxidation effect of CeO2 via neutralizing excessive H+ in RA microenvironment, thus resulting in the efficient recruitment of regulatory T cell (Treg) and suppressions on T helper 17 cell (Th 17) and plasma cells. Moreover, the osteogenic activity is stimulated by the Mg ion released from LDH, thereby promoting the damaged bone healing. The encouraging therapeutic outcomes in adjuvant‐induced RA model mice demonstrate the high feasibility of such a therapeutic concept, which provides a novel and efficient RA therapeutic modality by the immune modulatory and bone‐repairing effects of inorganic nanocatalytic material.