bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hierarchical Morphogenesis of Swallowtail Butterfly Wing Scale Nanostructures
Authors: Seah Kwi Shan , Saranathan Vinodkumar
Published: September 2023

The study of color patterns in the animal integument is a fundamental question in biology, with many lepidopteran species being exemplary models in this endeavor due to their relative simplicity and elegance. While significant advances have been made in unravelling the cellular and molecular basis of lepidopteran pigmentary coloration, the morphogenesis of wing scale nanostructures involved in structural color production is not well understood. Contemporary research in this topic largely focuses on a few nymphalid model taxa (
e.g.
,
Bicyclus
,
Heliconius
), despite an overwhelming diversity in the hierarchical nanostructural organization of lepidopteran wing scales. Here, we present a time-resolved, comparative developmental study of hierarchical scale nanostructures in
Parides eurimedes
and five other papilionid species. Our results uphold the putative conserved role of F-actin bundles in acting as spacers between developing ridges, as previously documented in several nymphalid species. Interestingly, while ridges are developing in
P. eurimedes
, plasma membrane manifests irregular mesh-like crossribs characteristic of Papilionidae, which delineate the accretion of cuticle into rows of planar disks in between ridges. Once the ridges have grown, disintegrating F-actin bundles appear to reorganize into a network that supports the invagination of plasma membrane underlying the disks, subsequently forming an extruded honeycomb lattice. Our results uncover a previously undocumented role for F-actin in the morphogenesis of complex wing scale nanostructures, likely specific to Papilionidae.
Major patterns in the introgression history of Heliconius butterflies
Authors: Thawornwattana Yuttapong , Seixas Fernando , Yang Ziheng , Mallet James
Published: September 2023

Gene flow between species, although usually deleterious, is an important evolutionary process that can facilitate adaptation and lead to species diversification. It also makes estimation of species relationships difficult. Here, we use the full-likelihood multispecies coalescent (MSC) approach to estimate species phylogeny and major introgression events in Heliconius butterflies from whole-genome sequence data. We obtain a robust estimate of species branching order among major clades in the genus, including the ‘melpomene-silvaniform’ group, which shows extensive historical and ongoing gene flow. We obtain chromosome-level estimates of key parameters in the species phylogeny, including species divergence times, present-day and ancestral population sizes, as well as the direction, timing, and intensity of gene flow. Our analysis leads to a phylogeny with introgression events that differ from those obtained in previous studies. We find that Heliconius aoede most likely represents the earliest-branching lineage of the genus and that ‘silvaniform’ species are paraphyletic within the melpomene-silvaniform group. Our phylogeny provides new, parsimonious histories for the origins of key traits in Heliconius, including pollen feeding and an inversion involved in wing pattern mimicry. Our results demonstrate the power and feasibility of the full-likelihood MSC approach for estimating species phylogeny and key population parameters despite extensive gene flow. The methods used here should be useful for analysis of other difficult species groups with high rates of introgression.
Evaluating field-goal shooting effectiveness in wheelchair basketball players across a competitive season: a preliminary study
Authors: Cavedon Valentina , Zecchini Marta , Sandri Marco , Zuccolotto Paola , Biasiolo Caterina , Zancanaro Carlo , Milanese Chiara
Published: September 2023

Background

Information about non-elite wheelchair basketball (WB) players across national competitive seasons are still missing. This study aimed at identifying which situational-related variables were associated with shooting effectiveness in non-elite WB players.

Methods

All the matches played by one WB team across one national competitive season were video-recorded and analysed; 333 shooting attempts from high-point players and several situational-related variables were considered.

Results

Pearson’s Chi-square test showed that increased shooting effectiveness under the following conditions: playing on home ground, during won matches, while taking shots with the wheelchair in motion, and when no opposing player raised their arm in defence. Results of the multivariable logistic regression analysis showed a statistically significant influence of match location (p-value = 0.001), shot-clock remaining (p-value = 0.015) and modality of press (p-value < 0.001). The highest attack effectiveness was achieved when teams played at home (odds ratio [OR] = 2.49), while the shooting effectiveness decreased when the shot occurred during the last seconds of the action (OR = 0.36), or the opponents defended with the arm raised (OR = 0.19). These results suggest that coaches should include exercises aimed at shooting under conditions of increased pressure in their programmes in order to create specific situations during the training sessions to prepare their high-point athletes for shots under specific match constraints.
Library Crimes among Users of Library Resources in University Libraries, Nigeria
Authors: Nzewi Adaeze Nwona
Published: September 2023

This research is aimed at Library Crimes among Users of Library Resources in University Libraries in Nigeria. Descriptive survey and simple linear and multiple correlational research designs were adopted.  A 4-point rating scale was used to collect data from a sample size of 394 drawn from 33,159 population. The sample size was determined using Krecjie and Morgan’s table for determining sample size while proportionate sampling technique was applied to determine the individual student respondents of each of the schools.  The Universities studied are Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Delta State University, Abraka, Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba, Delta State University of Science and Technology, Ozor, Federal University of Technology, Owerri Imo State University, Owerri, Madonna University, Okija, Paul University Awka, Chukwuemeka Odiumegwu Ojukwu University, Uli. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics to obtain means and coefficient of correlation for answering research.                                   Findings show among others that, the crime practices in university libraries studied is not significantly carried out above average rating; the measure of patrons’ utilization of the library resources in universities studied is not significantly above average rating; and there is a very high and significant relationship among theft, mutilation, vandalism, mis-shelving of books and staff assault on one hand and the patrons’ use of the library resources. The researcher made some recommendations on the study.
Kinetics and Mechanism of Lead Removal from Effluents by Synthesized TiO2 Nanoparticles Via Sol-Gel Method: Adsorption Studies
Authors: Yaseen Zobia , Jabeen Tabinda , Hussain Ashraf , Ismaeel Muhammad , Munawar Tayyaba , Yaseen Ammara , Ramzan Muhammad , Khan Zarwali , Shabir Tayyaba , Abbas Nasir
Published: September 2023

Water is essential for living organisms, with our bodies containing a significant 60% water content. Water pollution resulting from harmful industrial practices and human activities poses a significant danger to humanity. The release of organic and inorganic substances, pathogens, herbicides, pesticides, drugs, heavy metals, and visible pollutants into water bodies leads to a decline in water quality, causing a reduction in oxygen levels. The toxicity and bioaccumulative properties of heavy metals make them prominent environmental pollutants. Researchers are particularly interested in the adsorption method due to its exceptional ability to eliminate toxic metals, wherein adsorbates bind to the solid surface of adsorbents through physicochemical interactions. In this study, TiO2 nanoparticles were synthesized via solgel method. These nanoparticles were used to remove lead from contaminated water. Various techniques, including XRD and EDX were employed to analyze the nanoparticle synthesis. The Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer was used to measure the removal of Lead before and after adsorption. Key variables like pH, dosage, and contact time were carefully controlled in the experiments. To ensure the findings, statistical analysis were applied to examine all collected data. The ultimate aim was to enhance the efficiency of heavy metal removal and offer valuable insights into the use of chemically synthesized TiO2 nanoparticles for water purification purposes. This research has the potential to contribute to safer water resources and improved environmental management.
Lactococcus lactis Causes Pulmonary Valve Endocarditis in a Patient with Complex Congenital Heart Disease
Authors: Naaim M. , Essaket I. , Nafidi S. , Eljamili M. , Karimi S. El , Hattaoui M. El
Published: September 2023

Lactococcus lactis (L. lactis) a gram-positive cocci used in the production of cheese and dairy products. Generally considered non-pathogenic in humans, rare cases have been reported describing L. lactis infections. Of these, infective endocarditis has been reported in a small number of cases.

We describe here the case of a young patient with endocarditis caused by L. lactis. To our knowledge, this is the first case of endocarditis caused by L. lactis in a pulmonary valve with complex congenital heart disease. Similar to numerous cases in the literature that attest to the severity of this infection, our patient's course of development was fatal.

Due to the limited information on the susceptibility of this bacterium, further research is required to develop conventional antibiotic therapy strategies to treat infective endocarditis caused by L. lactis.
Factors Influencing Adoption of Precision Farming Technologies in Watermelon Cultivation
Authors: Sangeetha S. , Parameswari K. , Dhanushkodi V.
Published: September 2023

Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) is one of the important fruit crops cultivating in India. Adoption improved production technologies in watermelon cultivation is not followed by majority of the farmers. Tamil Nadu Irrigated Agriculture Modernization and Water Bodies Restoration and Management (TN IAMWARM) is a unique World Bank funded project implemented with the prime motive of increasing the productivity of irrigated agriculture in the state of Tamil Nadu. Accordingly the TNIAMWARM project was implemented in Villupuram district through Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Tindivanam with one of the interventions that dissemination of precision farming technologies in watermelon cultivation to improve its productivity. The present study analysed the factors influencing adoption of Precision farming technologies in Watermelon cultivation. Most of the respondents gave first preference to the higher yield (Mean score - 72.2) as their reason of adoption of precision farming technologies in tomato cultivation followed by yield increase, provision of subsidy. Under external factors, the respondents gave first rank to TNAU scientists (Mean score - 79.42) as the influencer to adopt the precision farming technologies in watermelon cultivation. Further, the respondents expressed that the influence of executing TNIAMWARM project (79.25) exerted some compulsion on them which was deemed as a social factor in the adoption of Precision Farming technologies.
Estimation of Runoff Using USDA SCS-Curve Number and Autoregressive Time Series Model Parameters for Kachhinda Watershed, Morena District, Madhya Pradesh, India
Authors: Basediya Shiv Singh , Tripathi Mahesh , Pathak Rishi
Published: September 2023

Hydrological modeling is an influential method for examining hydrologic systems, serving as a valuable tool in investigating these systems for both present studies involving two hydrologic runoff models viz. Soil Conservation Service Two methods, namely the Soil Conservation Service-Curve Number (SCS-CN) method and the Autoregressive Time Series model, were utilized in the Kachhinda watershed to estimate surface runoff, CN, and AMC conditions. The study area covers 600 hectares and is sited in Morena district of M.P. in Chambal division. The SCS-CN technique was employed to determine the curve number and estimate surface runoff by using the potential maximum retention. The CN of the watershed was calculated and compared to observed and estimated surface runoff, which were found to be in close agreement with each other. Additionally, an Autoregressive Time Series model was developed to establish the correlation between observed and estimated runoff, resulting in a correlation coefficient of 0.974. Different orders of AR time series models (0, 1, and 2) were tested to predict annual stream flow, and the model goodness of fit was evaluated using the Box-Pierce Portmanteau test and the Akaike Informations Principle. The Akaike Information Criterions value for the Autoregressive (1) model for runoff was found to be 0.919158, which is within the range of the values obtained for Autoregressive (0) (0.207433) and Autoregressive (2) (5.9767) models.
A Review on Synthesis, Lanthanide Complexes and Biological Activites of Hydrazone Derivatives of Hydrazinecarbothioamides
Authors: Amadi Ugochukwu. B. , Ogwuegbu Martin. O. C. , Enenebeaku Conrad. K. , Onyedika Gerald. O.
Published: September 2023

Hydrazinecarbothioamides are important intermediates with biological activities in organic chemistry synthesis, especially in the synthesis of biologically active heterocyclic scaffolds and compounds. The uniqueness in of synthesis and a wild range of pharmaceutical, medicinal biological potentials and properties, their preferred application as building brick in and the synthesis of heterocyclic and other important organic compounds and nonlinear optical (NLO) materials have made them attractive derivatives of thiosemicarbazides in the recent years. In this review, a detailed account in terms of synthesis and applications of their hydrazone derivatives and their lanthanide  complexes are presented .Further, the biological and analytical applications of newly reported ligands and their  complexes are reported. The wide investigation of the lanthanide (III) coordination complexes with organic ligands are mainly due to their structures and strong potential biological and pharmacological properties of hydrazones as derivatives of hydrazinecarbothioamides possess sites that play important roles in the formation of heterocyclics and other biologically active scaffolds.
US Medical Student Health Insurance Coverage for Mental Health Treatment After the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Mercado Amelia E. , Chesky Karissa A. , Panchamukhi Ananth V. , Boyd J. Wesley
Published: September 2023

This quality improvement study aims to update the existing literature and evaluate current mental health insurance coverage for medical students in the postpandemic environment.
Chatbot-Delivered Online Intervention to Promote Seasonal Influenza Vaccination During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Wang Zixin , Chan Paul Shing-fong , Fang Yuan , Yu Fuk-yuen , Ye Danhua , Zhang Qingpeng , Wong Martin C. S. , Mo Phoenix K. H.
Published: September 2023

Importance

Receiving seasonal influenza vaccination (SIV) is important for adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. There are few robust evaluations of tailored interventions for improving SIV uptake among adults 65 years or older.

Objective

To evaluate the relative efficacy of a stages of change (SOC)-tailored online intervention compared with a standard, non–SOC-tailored online intervention in increasing SIV uptake among Hong Kong residents 65 years or older.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This nonblinded parallel-group randomized clinical trial was conducted between December 1, 2021, and July 31, 2022, in Hong Kong, China. Eligible participants were 65 years or older, had Cantonese- and/or Mandarin-speaking skills, were community-dwelling, had Hong Kong residency, were smartphone users, and had not received SIV for the 2021 to 2022 influenza season. Participants were recruited through random telephone calls, and those who completed the baseline telephone survey were randomized to either the intervention or control group. Both complete case and intention-to-treat (ITT) analyses were performed.

Intervention

In the intervention group, a simplified rule-based chatbot first assessed participants’ SOC related to SIV uptake and then automatically selected and sent participants SOC-tailored online health promotion messages (videos) through a messaging application (WhatsApp; Meta) once every 2 weeks for 4 sessions. In the control group, the chatbot sent a link to access through the messaging application a standard online health promotion message (video) covering general SIV information every 2 weeks for 4 sessions.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was self-reported SIV uptake at month 6, which was validated by the research team. The secondary outcome was SOC measured at both baseline and month 6 by validated questions.

Results

A total of 396 participants (mean [SD] age of 70.2 [4.3] years; 249 females [62.9%]) were randomized to the intervention (n = 198) or control (n = 198) group. The ITT analysis showed that the validated SIV uptake rate was higher in the intervention group than the control group at month 6 (50.5% vs 35.3%; P = .002). The mean (SD) SOC score was higher in the intervention group than the control group (2.8 [1.4] vs 2.4 [1.4]; P = .02). More participants in the intervention group completed at least 1 episode of intervention than in the control group (77.3% vs 62.6%; P < .001).

Conclusions

Results of this trial indicate that the SOC-tailored online intervention was more effective than the non–SOC-tailored intervention and may be a sustainable new method in increasing SIV uptake among adults 65 years or older.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05155241
A study on how regional management organizations operate and utilize social educational facilities as their base facilities, community development by residents through small‐scale multifunctional self‐government
Authors: Deguchi Toshihisa , Kohriya Hisahide , Fukuda Nana , Taniguchi Naohiro
Published: September 2023

The establishment of kominkan, a public institution for social education in Japan, was proposed by the Ministry of Education, Science, Sports and Culture (currently called the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology) in 1946. Since then, the establishment of kominkan has progressed rapidly throughout Japan. In the meantime, regional autonomy should be broadened to regional management autonomy. Since 2014, the government has promoted the establishment of regional management organizations (RMOs) that implement projects with business perspectives and approaches. According to a survey conducted by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC), kominkan play a significant role in the establishment of RMOs. In this research, we investigated and quantitatively analyzed (1) the status of RMOs across Japan for which kominkan, etc., are involved in their establishment and operation and (2) some pioneering examples. In our quantitative analysis, a questionnaire survey was conducted among the RMOs in 255 municipalities to understand the status of the base facilities in the establishment of RMOs and to clarify the relationship of the RMOs with kominkan. In our qualitative analysis, on‐site or online hearing surveys were conducted among the RMOs in eight municipalities where many activities were carried out, according to the results of our quantitative analysis. The results of those surveys showed that local governments took the lead in establishing RMOs in many cases and that the largest number of activities was carried out at the initiative of local governments at the community centers that are former kominkan. The survey results also revealed that kominkan and the community centers that are former kominkan contribute significantly to the establishment of RMOs. Considering that the main players in community development are residents, the support from local governments to RMOs should be examined and designed to encourage the independence of residents. Social education administration may play a proactive role in achieving this goal. It is said that community development is human development. RMOs should therefore focus on human resources development as their key mission. This is why we believe that the establishment of RMOs based on kominkan activities will lead to resident‐led community development.
Propensity matched comparison of omaveloxolone treatment to Friedreich ataxia natural history data
Authors: Lynch David R. , Goldsberry Angie , Rummey Christian , Farmer Jennifer , Boesch Sylvia , Delatycki Martin B. , Giunti Paola , Hoyle J. Chad , Mariotti Caterina , Mathews Katherine D. , Nachbauer Wolfgang , Perlman Susan , Subramony S.H. , Wilmot George , Zesiewicz Theresa , Weissfeld Lisa , Meyer Colin
Published: September 2023

Objective

The natural history of Friedreich ataxia is being investigated in a multi‐center longitudinal study designated the Friedreich ataxia Clinical Outcome Measures Study (FACOMS). To understand the utility of this study in analysis of clinical trials, we performed a propensity‐matched comparison of data from the open‐label MOXIe extension (omaveloxolone) to that from FACOMS.

Methods

MOXIe extension patients were matched to FACOMS patients using logistic regression to estimate propensity scores based on multiple covariates: sex, baseline age, age of onset, baseline modified Friedreich Ataxia Rating scale (mFARS) score, and baseline gait score. The change from baseline in mFARS at Year 3 for the MOXIe extension patients compared to the matched FACOMS patients was analyzed as the primary efficacy endpoint using mixed model repeated measures analysis.

Results

Data from the MOXIe extension show that omaveloxolone provided persistent benefit over 3 years when compared to an untreated, matched cohort from FACOMS. At each year, in all analysis populations, patients in the MOXIe extension experienced a smaller change from baseline in mFARS score than matched FACOMS patients. In the primary pooled population (136 patients in each group) by Year 3, patients in the FACOMS matched set progressed 6.6 points whereas patients treated with omaveloxolone in MOXIe extension progressed 3 points (difference = −3.6; nominal p value = 0.0001).

Interpretation

These results suggest a meaningful slowing of Friedreich ataxia progression with omaveloxolone, and consequently detail how propensity‐matched analysis may contribute to understanding of effects of therapeutic agents. This demonstrates the direct value of natural history studies in clinical trial evaluations.
Antimalarial Adherence and Risk of Cardiovascular Events in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Population‐Based Study
Authors: Hoque Md Rashedul , Aviña‐Zubieta J Antonio , Lacaille Diane , De Vera Mary A. , Qian Yi , McCandless Lawrence , Esdaile John M. , Xie Hui
Published: September 2023

Objective

We aimed to assess the association between antimalarial adherence and cardiovascular events between incident rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) population‐based cohorts.

Methods

All patients with incident RA/SLE and incident antimalarial use in British Columbia, Canada, between January 1997 and March 2015 were identified using provincial administrative databases. The outcomes were incident cardiovascular events, including myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, or venous thromboembolism (VTE). The exposure was antimalarial adherence with levels: discontinuation (proportion of days covered [PDC = 0]), nonadherence (0 < PDC < 0.90), and adherence (PDC ≥ 0.90). We used marginal structural models to estimate the effect of antimalarial adherence on the rate of cardiovascular events, accounting for potential confounders.

Results

We identified 16,538 individuals with incident RA/SLE and incident antimalarial use without any cardiovascular event before the index date. Over nine years mean follow‐up, 2,174 incident cardiovascular events (13.2%) were observed. The adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) for incident cardiovascular events for antimalarial adherence relative to discontinuation was 0.72 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.64–0.81) and 1.01 (95% CI 0.90–1.14) for nonadherence. Additionally, the aHRs for all cardiovascular events, MI, stroke, and VTE for adherence relative to nonadherence was 0.71 (95% CI 0.61–0.82), 0.62 (95% CI 0.51–0.75), 0.45 (95% CI 0.36–0.58), and 0.65 (95% CI 0.46–0.93), respectively. We found older age modified the association between antimalarial adherence and cardiovascular events (P = 0.02).

Conclusion

When people newly diagnosed with RA or SLE take their antimalarial regularly as prescribed (PDC ≥ 0.90), they have a 29% lower risk of sustaining a cardiovascular event than patients with a lower degree of adherence (PDC < 0.90) and a 28% lower risk than if they discontinue antimalarials.

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Aromatic Donor–Acceptor Charge‐Transfer Interactions Reinforced Supramolecular Polymer Electrolyte for Solid‐State Lithium Batteries
Authors: Yan Shuaishuai , Wang Zhan , Liu Fengxiang , Zhou Hangyu , Liu Kai
Published: September 2023

Polymer electrolytes have great potential to realize solid‐state lithium metal batteries with high energy density and intrinsic safety. However, the poor mechanical strength and uncontrolled electrolyte/electrode interface cannot guarantee the stable operation during long‐term cycling. Herein, a supramolecular polyurethane material reinforced by aromatic charge‐transfer interactions is synthesized as electrolyte matrix with high stiffness, excellent toughness, and unique mechanical energy dissipation capacity. The optimized electrolyte network can dynamically adapt to the volume fluctuating Li metal and, importantly, eliminate stress‐concentrating behavior under deformed state. As a result, the Li/Li symmetric cells can stably work for more than 3500 h without short circuit. And the LiFePO4/Li batteries show superior electrochemical performance over 1200 cycles with a capacity retention of 95.4% at 0.33 C. The supramolecular approach to tune the mechanical properties of the polymers is believed to provide a new strategy for designing solid electrolytes with desirable comprehensive mechanical properties for solid‐state batteries.
Weak Interaction Between Cations and Anions in Electrolyte Enabling Fast Dual‐Ion Storage for Potassium‐Ion Hybrid Capacitors
Authors: Zhang Chenglin , Yan Chengzhan , Jin Rui , Hao Jinhui , Xing Zihao , Zhang Peng , Wu Yuhan , Li Longhua , Zhao Huaping , Wang Shun , Shi Weidong , Lei Yong
Published: September 2023

Identifying an effective electrolyte is a primary challenge for hybrid ion capacitors, due to the intricacy of dual‐ion storage. Here, this study demonstrates that the electrochemical behavior of graphite oxide in ether‐solvent electrolyte outperforms those in ester‐solvent electrolytes for the cathode of potassium‐ion hybrid capacitor. The experimental and theoretical assessments verify that the anion and cation are isolated effectively in dimethyl ether, endowing a weaker interaction between cations and anions compared to that of ester‐solvent electrolytes, which facilitates the dual‐ion diffusion and thus enhances the electrochemical performance. This result provides a rational strategy to realize high‐rate cations and anions storage on the carbon cathode. Furthermore, a new low‐cost and high‐performance capacitor prototype, modified graphite oxide (MGO) cathode versus pristine graphite (PG) in ether‐solvent electrolyte (MGOǁDMEǁPG), is proposed. It exhibits a high energy density of 150 Wh kg−1cathode at a high power density of 21443 W kg−1cathode (calculation based on total mass: 60 Wh kg−1 at 8577 W kg−1).
Multilevel Encoding Physically Unclonable Functions Based on The Multispecies Structure in Diamonds
Authors: Guo Hao , Qin Yue , Wang Zhibin , Ma Yuxing , Wen Huanfei , Li Zhonghao , Ma Zongmin , Li Xin , Tang Jun , Liu Jun
Published: September 2023

The multilevel encoding (MLE) scheme is an effective method for improving the anticounterfeiting encryption capabilities of physically unclonable functions (PUFs). However, owing to the correlation between encoding layers, the encoding capacity (EC) is difficult to improve by orders of magnitude. Herein, four noncorrelated structures in the diamond crystal structure (carbon–carbon single bond, defect luminescence structures, spin structures, and electron energy distribution structures) are considered for MLE. First, the microdiamonds containing nitrogen‐vacancy (NV) color centers are embedded into polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) to fabricate PUFs. Using an optical imaging system, four codable images of four noncorrelated structures are read. The noncorrelation of the four‐level encoding structure is verified by calculating the Hamming distance (0.496 ± 0.02). The results show that EC exponentially improves to 24×10 000/(100 pixels)2. Furthermore, the encoding method based on the energy level does not depend on physical structure parameters, such as the size and position of the spin structure. Thus, it is protected from structural modeling attacks, resulting in high security. Moreover, PUF labels based on PDMS flexible substrates can be employed for various flexible applications. In the proposed scheme, the information is encrypted by a four‐level two‐dimensional (2D) barcode and decoded by self‐developed PUF authentication software. The proposed scheme presents a way for developing next‐generation PUFs with super‐high EC.
3D Adsorption‐Mediator Network Polymer Binders Improve Redox Kinetics and Flame Retardant Performance for High Loading Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Li Borui , Zhang Tianpeng , Song Zihui , Jiang Wanyuan , Yang Jiangpu , Pei Mengfan , Mao Runyue , Jian Xigao , Hu Fangyuan
Published: September 2023

The commercial application of lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries is severely impeded by abominable shuttle effects, sluggish redox kinetics, and poor safety performance under high loading conditions. Herein, a novel adsorption‐mediator synergistic polymer binder (PAT) is reported to regulate the conversion of lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) through close intermolecular synergy. The abundant polar groups provide strong anchor ability for LiPSs to effectively inhibit the shuttle effect, and the anchored LiPSs are accelerated by adjacent mediator catalytic sites to facilitate their redox kinetics. Moreover, PAT itself features excellent flame retardant properties, which effectively enhance the safety performance of Li–S cells. Benefiting from these attributes, PAT‐based Li–S cells exhibit outstanding rate performance with an average capacity of 617.34 mAh g−1 at 5 C and excellent cycling stability maintaining a capacity of 629.1 mAh g−1 after 800 cycles at 2 C. Even under the harsh conditions of high loading (9.84 mg cm−2) and lean electrolyte (E/S = 3.56 µL mg−1), PAT‐based cell delivers a high average areal capacity of 9.58 mAh cm−2 and an ultralow overpotential of 3 mV, confirming the application potential of adsorption‐mediator synergistic polymer binder in high performance Li–S batteries.
3D Plasmonic Gold Nanopocket Structure for SERS Machine Learning‐Based Microplastic Detection
Authors: Kim Jun Young , Koh Eun Hye , Yang Jun‐Yeong , Mun Chaewon , Lee Seunghun , Lee Hyoyoung , Kim Jaewoo , Park Sung‐Gyu , Kang Mijeong , Kim Dong‐Ho , Jung Ho Sang
Published: September 2023

Microplastics (MPs) are present not only in the environment but also in drinking water, food, and consumer products. These MPs being toxic, carcinogenic, endocrine disrupting, and genetic risk creators cause several diseases. Despite various approaches, the development of onsite applicable, facile, and quick MP detection methods is still challenging. Here, 3D‐plasmonic gold nanopocket (3D‐PGNP) nanoarchitecture is formed on a paper substrate for simultaneous MP filtration and detection. The paper‐based 3D‐PGNP is integrated with a syringe filter device, and then, MP‐containing solutions are injected through the syringe. Subsequent detection of the MPs using the surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) successfully identifies the MPs without pretreatment. The interface and volumetric hotspot generation of 3D‐PGNP around the captured MPs significantly improves the sensitivity, which is confirmed by finite‐difference time‐domain simulation. Then, the SERS mapping images obtained from a portable Raman spectrometer are transformed into digital signals via machine learning (ML) technique to identify and quantify the MP distribution. The developed SERS‐ML‐based MP detection method is applied for mixture MPs and for real matrix samples, demonstrating that the method provides improved accuracy. This system is expected to be used for various MPs detection and for environmentally hazardous substances, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
Self‐Emulsifying Drug Delivery Systems (SEDDS) Containing Reverse Micelles: Advanced Oral Formulations for Therapeutic Peptides
Authors: Jörgensen Arne Matteo , Steinbring Christian , Stengel Daniel , To Dennis , Schmid Pascal , Bernkop‐Schnürch Andreas
Published: September 2023

Alternative methods to hydrophobic ion pairing for the formation of lipophilic complexes of peptide drugs to incorporate them in lipid‐based nanocarriers such as self‐emulsifying drug delivery systems (SEDDS) for oral administration are highly on demand. Such an alternative might be reverse micelles. Within this study, SEDDS containing dry reverse micelles (dRMsPMB) formed with an anionic (sodium docusate; AOT), cationic (dimethyl‐dioctadecyl‐ammonium bromide; DODAB), amphoteric (soy lecithin; SL), or non‐ionic (polysorbate 85; P85) surfactant loaded with the model peptide drug polymyxin B (PMB) are developed. They are characterized regarding size, payload, release kinetics, cellular uptake, and peptide activity.

SEDDS exhibit sizes from 22.2 ± 1.7 (AOT‐SEDDS‐dRMsPMB) to 61.7 ± 3.2 nm (P85‐SEDDS‐dRMsPMB) with payloads up to 2% that are approximately sevenfold higher than those obtained via hydrophobic ion pairing. Within 6 h P85‐SEDDS‐dRMsPMB and AOT‐SEDDS‐dRMsPMB show no release of PMB in aqueous medium, whereas DODAB‐SEDDS‐dRMsPMB and SL‐SEDDS‐dRMsPMB show a sustained release. DODAB‐SEDDS‐dRMsPMB improves uptake by Caco‐2 cells most efficiently reaching even ≈100% within 4 h followed by AOT‐SEDDS‐dRMsPMB with ≈20% and P85‐/SL‐SEDDS‐dRMsPMB with ≈5%. The peptide drug maintains its antimicrobial activity in all SEDDS‐dRMsPMB.

According to these results, SEDDS containing dRMs might be a game changing strategy for oral peptide drug delivery.
Bioactivable STING Nanoagonists to Synergize NIR‐II Mild Photothermal Therapy Primed Robust and Long‐Term Anticancer Immunity
Authors: Ma Wen , Sun Rui , Tang Longguang , Li Zibo , Lin Ling , Mai Ziyi , Chen Gui , Yu Zhiqiang
Published: September 2023

Pharmacological activation of the stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathway has become a promising strategy for cancer immunotherapy. However, the insufficient tumorous accumulation, rapid clearance, and short duration of drug efficacy in the tumor microenvironment of small structural STING agonists greatly compromise the therapeutic efficacy. Herein, a tumorous extracellular matrix (ECM) is presented anchoring STING agonist‐based photoimmunothernostic nanomedicine (SAPTN) that can be activated by mild‐temperature photothermal therapy (mild PTT) induced neutrophilic inflammation. The SAPTN owns second window near‐infrared (NIR‐II) photonics properties fitting for NIR‐II fluorescence and photoacoustic imaging‐guided cancer therapy. The aggregates SAPTN targeting to the ECM provide slow and continuous release of potent STING agonists diABZIs. The mild PTT and long‐lasting STING agonists released in the ECM synergistically prime systematic, robust, and long‐term anticancer immunity. In a tumor model, this approach leads to complete tumor eradication in about 100% of mice with orthotopic breast tumors, and the mice regained tumor‐free survival of at least 2 months. In addition, the immune‐mediated abscopal effect shows inhibition of the distant solid tumor growth by intratumoral administration of SAPTN with laser irradiation. Overall, this approach represents a generalized photoactivable nanomedicine to prime anticancer immunity for improved cancer theranostics.
A Programmable Oxygenation Device Facilitates Oxygen Generation and Replenishment to Promote Wound Healing
Authors: Yang Jumin , Jin Xin , Liu Wenguang , Wang Wei
Published: September 2023

Inadequate oxygenation is one of the chief culprits for delayed wound healing. However, current oxygen therapies, such as hyperbaric oxygen therapy and topical oxygen therapy, face hurdles in providing sustained and long‐term oxygenation to reverse wound hypoxia. Furthermore, their efficacy in rejuvenating wound injury is restricted by limited penetration of oxygen in the wound bed. Herein, this study proposes a programmable and portable oxygenation device (named GUFO oxydevice) by ingeniously integrating i) a controllable oxygen generation and unidirectional transmission system (COGT‐UTS), and ii) a supramolecular assembled perfluorinated hyperbranched polymer/gelatin (GUF) hydrogel in which the perfluorinated hyperbranched polymer (FHBP) acts as an oxygen reservoir to ensure sustained and convenient oxygen replenishment and thus directly regulate the hypoxic wound microenvironment. Accelerating the wound healing process by GUFO oxydevice is achieved in both a diabetic rat and an acute porcine wound model without any secondary tissue damages. The present study demonstrates that the GUFO oxydevice holds promise as a practically feasible candidate for wound treatment.
Synthesis of Clean Hydrogen Gas from Waste Plastic at Zero Net Cost
Authors: Wyss Kevin M. , Silva Karla J. , Bets Ksenia V. , Algozeeb Wala A. , Kittrell Carter , Teng Carolyn H. , Choi Chi Hun , Chen Weiyin , Beckham Jacob L. , Yakobson Boris I. , Tour James M.
Published: September 2023

Hydrogen gas (H2) is the primary storable fuel for pollution‐free energy production, with over 90 million tonnes used globally per year. More than 95% of H2 is synthesized through metal‐catalyzed steam methane reforming that produces 11 tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) per tonne H2. “Green H2” from water electrolysis using renewable energy evolves no CO2, but costs 2–3× more, making it presently economically unviable. Here catalyst‐free conversion of waste plastic into clean H2 along with high purity graphene is reported. The scalable procedure evolves no CO2 when deconstructing polyolefins and produces H2 in purities up to 94% at high mass yields. The sale of graphene byproduct at just 5% of its current value yields H2 production at a negative cost. Life‐cycle assessment demonstrates a 39–84% reduction in emissions compared to other H2 production methods, suggesting the flash H2 process to be an economically viable, clean H2 production route.
Introducing Relatively Isolated In/Out‐Gap Bands in Cs2XCl6 (X = Sn, Hf, Zr, Ti) via B‐Site Substitution: A Route to Brighter Luminescence and Tunable Emission Wavelengths
Authors: Gao Zhenren , Shen Xing , Lyu Pengbo , Xu Changfu , Fan Dong , Sun Lizhong
Published: September 2023

Both theoretical and experimental approaches are utilized to investigate the fluorescence mechanism of B‐site substituted Cs2XCl6 (A2BX6‐type perovskite, X = Sn, Hf, Zr, Ti), aiming to enhance the luminescence and tune the emission wavelengths. Using Te‐monosubstituted Cs2SnCl6 as a model system, thecomputational discovery that the introduction of out‐gap and in‐gap bands by Te can significantly enhance its transition dipole moment is reported. This is further experimentally confirmed, showing a single emission peak resulting from the radiative transition between the out‐gap and in‐gap bands. The broadening of the emission peak is attributed to self‐trapped exciton (STE), while additional absorption/excitation peaks arise from composition segregation. Additionally, the high‐throughput first‐principles calculations indicate that substituting B‐sites of Cs2XCl6 with Se, Te, Po, As, Sb, and Bi may also significantly enhance their light emission with the introduced bands. Thus, fine‐tuning the emission wavelengths by controlling the position of out‐gap and in‐gap bands through cation selection is proposed. Furthermore, tunable white‐light emission is achieved with excellent color stability by adjusting the Te and Bi composition in co‐substituted Cs2SnCl6 material. The findings highlight the potential of utilizing out‐gap and in‐gap bands to tune luminescence in this perovskite family for advanced device applications, including white‐light‐emitting diodes (WLEDs).
Recent Progress in Silicon‐Based Photonic Integrated Circuits and Emerging Applications
Authors: Xiao Zian , Liu Weixin , Xu Siyu , Zhou Jingkai , Ren Zhihao , Lee Chengkuo
Published: September 2023

In recent years, with the further ministration of the semiconductor device in integrated circuits, power consumption and data transmission bandwidth have become insurmountable obstacles. As an integrated technology, photonic integrated circuits (PICs) have a promising potential in the post‐Moore era with more advantages in data processing, communication, and diversified sensing applications for their ultra‐high process speed and low power consumption. Silicon photonics is believed to be an encouraging solution to realize PICs because of the mature CMOS process. The past decades have witnessed a huge growth in silicon PICs. However, there is still a demand for the development of silicon PICs to enable powerful chip‐scale systems and new functionalities. In this paper, a review of the photonic components, functional blocks, and emerging applications for PICs is offered. The common photonic components are classified into several sections, including on‐chip light sources, fiber‐to‐chip couplers, photonic resonators, waveguide‐based sensors, on‐chip photodetectors, and modulators. The functional blocks of the PICs mentioned in this review are photonic memories and photonic neural networks. Finally, the paper concludes with emerging applications for further study.
An Ultrasensitive ReSe2/WSe2 Heterojunction Photodetector Enabled by Gate Modulation and its Development in Polarization State Identification
Authors: Wu Wanglong , Liu Zhiyuan , Qiu Zhicong , Wu Ziqiao , Li Zhongming , Yang Xiong , Han Lixiang , Li Chengyuan , Huo Nengjie , Wang Xiaozhou , Yao Jiandong , Zheng Zhaoqiang , Li Jingbo
Published: September 2023

Ultrasensitive photodetectors with polarization angle recognition have broad applications in both civilian and military domains. The emerging 2D materials with in‐plane anisotropy offer promising platforms for realizing these applications, owing to their intriguing properties. However, the lack of an effective photoconductivity gain mechanism and the low photocurrent anisotropic ratio have made it challenging to achieve digital output of polarization information. Herein, a gate voltage‐dependent phototransistor based on ReSe2/WSe2 out‐of‐plane heterostructure is proposed. Attributed to sophisticated band alignment engineering, the device exhibits remarkable photoresponse characteristics and polarization sensitivity, including an outstanding responsivity of 2.29 × 104 A W−1, an extraordinary detectivity of 5.65 × 1013 Jones, a prompt rise/decay time of 197/182 µs, as well as a high photocurrent anisotropic ratio of 10.9. Based on these features, the device is integrated into a polarization recognition system, which accurately identifies the polarization angle of the incident light and displays it. These results demonstrate the strong potential of the ReSe2/WSe2 device for future applications in polarization optical communication and logic circuits.
Mixed Anionic Tetrahedra Guided Design of New Infrared Nonlinear Optical Material Cs3Ga8S13Cl with High Laser‐Induced Damage Threshold
Authors: Wang Linan , Tu Chenchen , Zhou Jiazheng , Chu Yu , Yang Zhihua , Pan Shilie , Li Junjie
Published: September 2023

The development of anti‐laser damage infrared (IR) nonlinear optical (NLO) materials is an urgent need but challenging due to the contradiction between wide bandgap and large NLO coefficient. Herein, by introducing a halogen into the NLO‐active tetrahedral unit, two halogenated metal chalcogenides Cs3Ga8S13Cl and Cs9Ga8Se12Cl9 with unprecedented [GaQ3Cl] (Q = S/Se) tetrahedral units are rationally designed and fabricated in experiments by the flux method, enriching the chemical and structural diversity of chalcogenides. Cs3Ga8S13Cl shows a wide bandgap of ≈3.76 eV, resulting in a high laser‐induced damage threshold of ≈8 × AgGaS2 (AGS) and a moderate NLO response (≈0.6 × AGS) with phase‐matching behavior. The results imply that Cs3Ga8S13Cl is a promising IR NLO material for the high powder laser application and demonstrate the feasibility of the halogenated tetrahedron strategy in regulating the optical properties of chalcogenides.
An Initial Value Problem for State of Charge Estimation of Lithium‐Ion Batteries with an Adaptive Fractional‐Order Unscented Particle Filter
Authors: Jiao Zhiyuan , Gao Zhe , Chai Haoyu , Xiao Shasha , Jia Kai
Published: September 2023

This paper proposes an adaptive fractional‐order unscented particle filter (AFOUPF) with the initial value compensation (IVC) to enhance the estimation accuracy of the state of charge (SOC) for lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). First, to correctly reflect the dynamic properties of LIBs, a fractional‐order system (FOS) with a constant phase component is constructed. Second, to discretize the FOS equation of LIBs, the Grünwald–Letnikov difference, Caputo derivative and Rieman–Liouville difference are employed to establish the corresponding difference equation. Third, a map function is applied to keep the order and SOC of the FOS within an appropriate interval. Further, an approach of IVC is provided for the AFOUPF to increase the accuracy of SOC estimation, taking into account that the accuracy of SOC estimation is impacted if the order of the FOS is relatively small in (0, 1). By utilizing the augmented vector approach, the simultaneous estimations of order, parameters, initial value, and SOC are resolved. Besides, an iterative approach that accommodates the noise covariance matrices is proposed to improve the estimation accuracy. The AFOUPF conducts an unscented transform and resampling on each particle, resulting in a high SOC estimation accuracy in complicated situations. Finally, the availability of AFOUPF is tested by several experiments.
Piezo‐Semiconductor Coupled Model for the Simulation of Zinc Oxide 1–3 Piezo‐Composite
Authors: Dumons Emmanuel , Tran‐Huu‐Hue Louis Pascal , Poulin‐Vittrant Guylaine
Published: September 2023

Semiconducting effects in zinc oxide nanowires‐based nanogenerators greatly impact their performances. A coupled model integrating piezoelectric and semiconducting properties is developed with a finite element method to better understand the phenomena involved in this kind of device made with a process including chemical bath deposition of the nanostructures and their polymer encapsulation. Free carriers and surface traps are taken into account to give some keys to explain differences between previous theoretical and experimental works. This model is first validated on a single nanowire with a 1016 cm−3 n‐doping level by comparison with analytical calculations. For this comparison, surface traps are not taken into account as no analytical solution is available considering them. Second, n‐doping levels (between 1012 and 1018 cm−3) and surface traps densities (between 108 and 1012 cm−2) lead to variations of the generated piezopotential of two orders of magnitude. The control of these two semiconducting properties is a real challenge for this kind of application. Furthermore, simulation results show that the benefic effect of 1–3 piezo‐composite is still present even for a high n‐doping level of 1018 cm−3.