bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The high invasion success of fall armyworm is related to life‐history strategies across a range of stressful temperatures
Authors: Wu Pengxiang , Head Megan L. , Liu Chang , Haseeb Muhammad , Zhang Runzhi
Published: March 2022

BACKGROUND

Insects living in unfavorably high or low temperatures are predicted to display a fast or slow life‐history strategy. Here, we examined life histories of fall armyworm (FAW), a globally important invasive species with a broad ecological niche, at five constant temperatures of 13, 19, 25, 31 and 37°C, to study life‐history responses to different temperatures.

RESULTS

In our experiment, FAW had lower lifetime fecundity at unfavorable temperatures, a finding that is consistent with the idea that FAW can shift resources from reproduction to other functions under stressful conditions—such as heat or cold tolerance. Given the adverse effects of stressful temperatures, life‐history strategies arise from individuals having limited remaining resources to allocate towards vital functions like survival or reproduction. Here we show plasticity in life‐history strategies adopted at different temperatures. Rather than simply varying along a fast–slow continuum, FAW at unfavorably high temperatures exhibited lower daily fecundity and longer reproductive lifespans, and at unfavorably low temperatures showed a shorter peak in reproduction later in life, compared with FAW at 25°C. Such patterns, if adaptive, could suggest a strategy mitigating reproductive and mortality risk in unfavorable environments, however, this remains to be tested.

CONCLUSION

Our analysis suggests that the high invasion success of FAW may result from their ability to adjust life‐history strategies, across a range of stressful temperatures, in a way that reduces not only mortality, but also fecundity loss. The adoption of such strategies may be instrumental for the global invasion success of FAW. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Synthesis of the Bi2GeO5Ferroelectric Crystalline Phase from a Nonstoichiometric Batch
Authors: Stepanova Irina V. , Petrova Olga B. , Korolev Georgy M. , Guslistov Michail I. , Zykova Marina P. , Avetisov Roman I. , Avetissov Igor Ch.
Published: March 2022

In the present research, an individual Bi2GeO5crystalline phase is successfully synthesized on air from Bi2O3‐Bi‐GeO2batch in which some part of bismuth oxide is replaced by metallic bismuth to create an oxygen deficiency. The crystallization process is carried out by three methods: heterophase synthesis, melt cooling, and glass crystallization. The structure of the formed crystalline phases as well as the influence of the bismuth metal quantity and synthesis temperature on crystallization results have been investigated by X‐ray diffraction (XRD). It is found that both the melt temperature rising, and an increase of metallic bismuth amount led to the formation of an individual Bi2GeO5phase. The optimal initial batch compositions and crystallization conditions to produce an individual Bi2GeO5or Bi4Ge3O12phase have also been found.
A Self‐Assembly Method‐Derived MoxC@N‐Doped Carbon Nanosheet Enabling Efficient Water Electrolysis
Authors: Pan Qinqin , Zhang Kai , Wang Sumin , Shen Zhiruo , Wei Xinyue , Wang Qiguan
Published: March 2022

Electrolysis of water is a promising reaction to produce the sustainable energy of hydrogen that proceeds commonly by assistance of a highly efficient catalyst. Now, the development of highly efficient and low‐cost electrocatalysts has stimulated increasing interest. Herein, a new composited electrocatalyst of Mo
x
C embedded in N‐doped carbon nanosheets (Mo
x
C@NCS) is successfully prepared from a self‐assembly route. Due to the expanded interlayers of carbon NCS and enhanced active defective sites induced by two‐materials compositing, the as‐synthesized Mo
x
C@NCS affords splendid hydrogen evolution reaction (HER, overpotential of 160 mV), as well as remarkable oxygen evolution reaction (OER, overpotential of 360 mV) at 10 mA cm−2 in alkaline water splitting. In view of earlier excellent performances, the bifunctional Mo
x
C@NCS catalyst shows a low cell voltage of 1.56 V at 10 mA cm−2 in overall water splitting. In addition, the Mo
x
C@NCS exhibits an outstanding stability after long‐term electrochemical measurements. These findings extend the potential application of carbon‐supported non‐noble metallic catalysts, being of great significance in sustainable energy‐related fields.
Effect of A‐Site Cation Ordering on the Electrical and Magnetic Properties of Manganite Films
Authors: Wang Zhenzhen , An Qichang , Meng Meng , Xue Wenhua , Bi Jiachang , Cao Yanwei , Wang Yumei , Liu Xiaoran , Yang Fang , Guo Jiandong
Published: March 2022

(111)‐oriented [(SrMnO3)1/(LaMnO3)2]n superlattices with artificial A‐site cation ordering with respect to the compositionally equivalent La2/3Sr1/3MnO3 films with a random distribution of the A‐site dopants are fabricated. It is found that the ferromagnetism and electrical transport properties of La2/3Sr1/3MnO3 films are primarily independent of the degree of A‐site cation ordering, as evidenced by their identical critical temperatures of phase transition. These results may reveal the spontaneous nature of the electronic phase separation, which is key to the colossal magnetoresistance effect in manganites. In contrast, compared to the La2/3Sr1/3MnO3 films, the A‐site ordered (111) superlattices have a tendency to preserve oxygen vacancies inside, making them extremely difficult to be compensated by the post‐annealing process.
A Design Framework for Negative Poisson's Ratio Structure with Curved Beam‐Compliant Mechanism Unit Cells
Authors: Lin Sheng , Liu Congyang , Hu Qingyuan , Zhai Yun , Wang Xinning , Wang Qi
Published: March 2022

Negative Poisson's ratio (NPR) structures, also known as auxetics, are attracting growing interest due to their unique mechanical properties and a wide range of potential deployment. More attention has been paid to explore novel auxetic structures through bionics, lattice cells, or origami. However, the systemic design method of NPR structures has not yet matured. Herein, a design framework of NPR structures is proposed by integrating freedom, actuation, and constraint topologies (FACT) theory and isogeometric analysis. Based on the isogeometric method, the shape and mechanical properties of the curved beam can be changed by adjusting the control points of the curved beam. The configuration library is established by encapsulating curved beams to the straight beam. FACT theory is used to synthesize the cellular structure whose compliant elements are chosen from the curved beam configuration library. In this way, two NPR structures are designed. Simulation and experiments demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed design framework of NPR structure. The results of this study have a wide range of potential applications for designing future NPR structures. A new idea to design architected metamaterial systems exhibiting other properties is provided.
Short‐Range Order Investigation of CuxGe50−xTe50 Phase‐Change Materials
Authors: Paulus Benedict , Stellhorn Jens R. , Hosokawa Shinya , Klee Benjamin D. , Sutou Yuji , Pilgrim Wolf-Christian
Published: March 2022

The stability against crystallization of the amorphous phase‐change materials (CGT) exhibits an unusual behavior at low Cu concentrations with being the most stable composition. Three CGT compositions with , 15, and 25 are analyzed using extended X‐ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) at the Ge‐K, Cu‐K, and Te‐K edge at 10 K. EXAFS analysis shows that the average coordination number (CN) increases with the Cu concentration from 2.8 at to 4.0 at . Cu‐EXAFS spectra indicate the formation of Cu clusters for low Cu concentrations ( and ). The existence of these clusters is further analyzed by X‐ray absorption near‐edge structure calculations, supporting small polyhedral and/or disk‐like Cu clusters which are linked to the surrounding amorphous GeTe matrix via CuTe bonds. Hence, the GeTe network is Te enriched, leading to a maximum of GeTe bonds at . As a result, this establishes an amorphous network which is stabilized against crystallization.
High Pressure and Temperature Dependence of the Structural, Electronic, Thermal and Transport Properties of U3Si2: Computational Insights
Authors: Khalfa Mohamed , Hadji Said , Korichi Smain , Boucherit Hamid , Khachai Houari , Khenata Rabah , Rahal Bouzid , Sahli Amane , Bin Omran Saad
Published: March 2022

Due to its advantageous thermophysical qualities, U3Si2 piques the interest of the nuclear industry as an accident‐tolerant fuel to replace uranium dioxide (UO2). Herein, the structural, electrical, thermodynamic, and transport features of the U3Si2 compound are investigated using the full‐potential linearized augmented plane wave approach within the density functional theory, and within the generalized gradient approximation related to spin orbit and Hubbard. The ground statistic parameters that are estimated, such as the lattice constants and bulk moduli, are qualitatively consistent with previous experimental and theoretical evidence. The density of states analysis reveals that U3Si2 is a metal complex. In addition, the macroscopic thermal effects of U3Si2 are calculated using the quasi‐harmonic Debye model, which includes lattice vibrations. Experimental and theoretical findings are compared with the calculated variations in volume, heat capacity, entropy, and Debye temperature as a function of temperature in the range of 0–1500 K. Some thermal properties are projected to be pressure dependent in the range of 0–20 GPa. In the temperature range of 0–1500 K, the semiclassical Boltzmann transport equation is utilized to estimate electron transport parameters such as the Seebeck coefficient, thermal and electrical conductivity.
A DFT Study of AlnTin (n = 2–12) Alloy Clusters
Authors: Zhao Zhongqian , Zhou Lei , Chen Xiumin , Wang Wenjing , He Bingyang , Liu Li , Yang Bin , Xu Baoqiang
Published: March 2022

Herein, Al
n
Ti
n
(n = 2–12) clusters are studied by density‐functional theory method. The evolution of the geometric structure shows that Ti atoms tend to gather inside the clusters. The analysis of the relative stability and highest occupied molecular orbital–lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (HOMO–LUMO) gap show that Al
n
Ti
n
(n = 2–12) clusters tend to be stable and the bonding probability increases when n > 8. Nature bond orbitals (NBO) results show that the strong d‐orbital effect between Ti atoms results in the formation of TiTi bonds more easily than AlTi bonds, which leads to the enrichment of Ti atoms inside the Al
n
Ti
n
(n = 2–12) clusters. When n ≥ 8, Al atoms that surround the core formed by Ti atoms tend to form stable triangular configuration, which is stable adsorption site for Al atoms. Herein, the grain‐refining effect of TiAl3 grain refiners in Al alloys at the atomic level can be explained.
SO4 in Cadmium Chalcogenides: CdSe versus CdTe
Authors: Herklotz Frank , Lavrov Eduard V. , Melnikov Vladlen V.
Published: March 2022

A study combining infrared (IR) absorption spectroscopy and first‐principles theory is presented for a sulfur–oxygen complex in CdSe characterized by IR absorption lines located at 1094, 1107, and 1126 cm−1 (10 K). The properties of the center are compared to a similar species occurring in CdTe that gives rise to two absorption lines at 1097 and 1108 cm−1 (10 K). Temperature‐ and polarization‐sensitive measurements performed on 18O‐enriched samples reveal that for both materials the IR absorption lines are due to split stretch vibrations of a distorted sulfate () tetrahedron, whereby the local point group of the complex is reduced to and in hexagonal CdSe and cubic CdTe, respectively. Measurements on the vibrational spectrum of the sulfate species in the spectral range of symmetric stretch (), bend (), and combination modes () are presented. The cation vacancy is discussed as a likely site occupied by in CdSe.
Modeling of a Plasmonic Biosensor Based on a Graphene Nanoribbon Superlattice
Authors: Souto André , Cunha Diogo , Vasilevskiy Mikhail I.
Published: March 2022

A semi‐analytical theoretical model is presented, which describes the operation of a selective molecular sensor employing a double resonance between a dipole‐active molecular vibration mode, tunable surface plasmons in a periodic structure of graphene nanoribbons (NRs), and the incident light, in the THz‐to‐IR range, used for testing. The model is based on the solution of Maxwell's equations for the NR structure deposited on a dielectric substrate, using the electromagnetic Green's function, and is extended to the case of an additional (buffer) layer present between the NRs and the substrate. Both the graphene NRs and the layer of adsorbed molecules are considered as 2D, since their thicknesses are very small in comparison with the wavelength of the incident light. The model is applied to different molecular systems, the protein studied by Rodrigo et al. [Science 2015, 349, 165], for which an excellent agreement with experimental data is obtained, and an organometallic molecule Cd(CH3)2. Two different assumptions concerning the way of sticking of the analyte molecules to the sensor's surface are considered and the limitations of these sensing principles are discussed.
High‐Performance Humidity Sensor Based on CsPdBr3Nanocrystals for Noncontact Sensing of Hydromechanical Characteristics of Unsaturated Soil
Authors: Huang Sheng , Shan Husheng , Xuan Wufan , Xu Wenjie , Hu Dunan , Zhu Lei , Huang Cheng , Sui Wanghua , Xiao Chunjin , Zhao Yulong , Qiang Yinghuai , Gu Xiuquan , Song Jian , Zhou Chang
Published: March 2022

The humidity sensors based on metal halide perovskite have achieved outstanding improvement. However, there are few reports of perovskite nanocrystals for humidity sensors. Herein, CsPdBr3nanocrystals with high surface‐to‐volume ratio are synthesized by the in situ spin‐coating method. Subsequently, the humidity sensor based on CsPdBr3nanocrystals is prepared and the response mechanism is demonstrated to originate from the formation of the Pd––O bond on the surface by performing density functional theory calculation. The humidity sensor shows a fast response/recovery time of 0.68/2.43 s in a relative humidity range from 88.9%RH to 4.7%RH; the fast response/recovery properties are used to monitor human respiratory and noncontact switch. Moreover, the hydromechanical characteristics of unsaturated soil are obtained by noncontact testing with the humidity sensor for the first time in geological engineering, and the strong correlation between relative humidity and hydromechanical characteristics is revealed by mathematical derivation, which lays the theoretical foundation for the noncontact real‐time sensing of hydromechanical characteristics of unsaturated soil. These findings not only open the door to the development of perovskite nanocrystals materials for humidity measurement, but also offer a new method for nondestructive and real‐time test of the mechanical properties of soil in geological engineering.
Ferrimagnet GdFeCo Characterization for Spin‐Orbitronics: Large Field‐Like and Damping‐Like Torques
Authors: Damas Héloïse , Anadon Alberto , Céspedes-Berrocal David , Alegre-Saenz Junior , Bello Jean-Loïs , Arriola-Córdova Aldo , Migot Sylvie , Ghanbaja Jaafar , Copie Olivier , Hehn Michel , Cros Vincent , Petit-Watelot Sébastien , Rojas-Sánchez Juan-Carlos
Published: March 2022

Spintronics is showing promising results in the search for new materials and effects to reduce energy consumption in information technology. Among these materials, ferrimagnets are of special interest because they can produce large spin currents that trigger the magnetization dynamics of adjacent layers or even their own magnetization. Herein, a study of the generation of spin current by GdFeCo in a GdFeCo/Cu/NiFe trilayer where the FeCo sublattice magnetization is dominant at room temperature is presented. Magnetic properties such as the saturation magnetization are deduced from magnetometry measurements while damping constant is estimated from spin‐torque ferromagnetic resonance (ST‐FMR). It is shown that the overall damping‐like (DL) and field‐like (FL) effective fields as well as the associated spin Hall angles can be reliably obtained by performing the dependence of ST‐FMR by an added dc current. The sum of the spin Hall angles for both the spin Hall effect (SHE) and the spin anomalous Hall effect (SAHE) symmetries is: and . From the symmetry of ST‐FMR signals, it is found that is positive and dominated by the negative . The present study paves the way for tuning the different symmetries in spin conversion in highly efficient ferrimagnetic systems.
Analysis of an incomplete binary outcome dichotomized from an underlying continuous variable in clinical trials
Authors: Ma Chenchen , Shen Xin , Qu Yongming , Du Yu
Published: March 2022

In many clinical trials, outcomes of interest are binary‐valued. It is not uncommon that a binary‐valued outcome is dichotomized from a continuous outcome at a threshold of clinical interest. To analyze such data, common approaches include (a) fitting a generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) to the dichotomized longitudinal binary outcome; and (b) the multiple imputation (MI) based method: imputing missing values in the continuous outcome, dichotomizing it into a binary outcome, and then fitting a generalized linear model to the “complete” data. We conducted comprehensive simulation studies to compare the performance of the GLMM versus the MI‐based method for estimating the risk difference and the logarithm of odds ratio between two treatment arms at the end of study. In those simulation studies, we considered a range of multivariate distribution options for the continuous outcome (including a multivariate normal distribution, a multivariate t‐distribution, a multivariate log‐normal distribution, and the empirical distribution from a real clinical trial data) to evaluate the robustness of the estimators to various data‐generating models. Simulation results demonstrate that both methods work well under those considered distribution options, but the MI‐based method is more efficient with smaller mean squared errors compared to the GLMM. We further applied both the GLMM and the MI‐based method to 29 phase 3 diabetes clinical trials, and found that the MI‐based method generally led to smaller variance estimates compared to the GLMM.
Microbiota–muscle/immune interactions in rhesus macaque under simulated microgravity revealed by integrated multi‐omics analysis
Authors: Zhang Peng , Shao Libin , Zhang Jie , Wang Lu , Pang Xiangsheng , Tao Wuchen , Fan Guangyi , Peng Ling , Kan Guanghan , Li Wenjiong , Liang Xinming , Liu Xin , Chen Xiaoping
Published: March 2022

Background

Long‐term exposure to microgravity during spaceflight has adverse effects on human health including muscle atrophy, impaired immune function, and alterations in gut microbiome profile. Gut microorganisms influence a wide range of host biological processes, but their interactions with skeletal muscle and the immune system under microgravity have yet to be elucidated.

Methods

Rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) were subjected to −6° head‐down tilted bed rest (HDBR) for 6 weeks. Faecal samples, skeletal muscle tissue, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were collected for metagenomic, metabolomic, and transcriptomic analyses, respectively, and further integrated for a multi‐omics analysis.

Results

Head‐down tilted bed rest significantly altered taxon abundance (P < 0.05) in 1 class, 5 orders, 11 families, 55 genera, and 122 species of microbes. We also identified the significantly changed metabolites (P < 0.05, fold change >1.2, variable importance in projection >1) in atrophied muscles, including some crucial metabolites (such as l‐alanine and l‐carnitine) and hub metabolites (such as pyridoxamine and epinephrine) involved in energy metabolism. Transcriptomic analysis of PBMCs revealed genes related to leucocyte activation, differentiation, and interleukin‐2 production that were differentially expressed as a result of HDBR exposure (fold change >2 and P < 0.05). By integrating multi‐omics analysis, we identified three bacterial genera (Klebsiella, Kluyvera, and Bifidobacterium) that were closely associated with immune dysfunction and five (including Oligella, Sporosarcina, Citrobacter, Weissella, and Myroides) that were associated with abnormal metabolism of amino acids in atrophied muscles induced by HDBR. The reduced abundance of butyrate‐producing colon bacteria Eubacterium, Roseburia, and their cross‐feeding bacteria Bifidobacteria may contribute to the impaired immune function and muscle atrophy caused by HDBR.

Conclusions

This is the first report of the HDBR‐associated changes in gut microbiota composition, metabolomics of skeletal muscle, and transcripts of PBMCs in a non‐human primate. The underlying microbiota–muscle and microbiota–immune interactions during simulated microgravity imply that modulation of gut microbiota may represent a novel strategy for enhancing the health and safety of crew members during long‐term space expeditions.
Combined robotic inguinal and iliac‐obturator lymphadenectomy for stage III skin cancers: Surgical technique and preliminary results
Authors: Francone Elisa , Reina Simona , Spagnolo Francesco , Di Maira Lorenzo , Cafiero Ferdinando , Solari Nicola
Published: March 2022

Background

Ilio‐inguinal lymphadenectomy for stage III melanoma and skin cancers still represents the best therapeutic option for a subset of patients, although the incidence of post‐operative complications is dramatically high. Only a paucity of papers on robotic approach have been published, reporting experiences on isolated pelvic or inguinal lymphadenectomy, and no series on combined dissections have been described yet. We present the preliminary results achieved with combined robotic approach, with special emphasis on lymph nodal mapping, dissection technique and postoperative complications linked with the lymphatic system.

Methods

Between September 2019 and September 2021, 10 patients were submitted to robotic inguinal and iliac‐obturator lymphadenectomy.

Results

Post‐operative course was characterised by early mobilisation and minimal post‐operative pain. Only one lymphoedema occurred and lymph nodal harvesting was more than satisfactory.

Conclusions

Robotic surgery provides meticulous lymph nodal dissections, with promising functional and oncologic outcomes. Further series are advocated to confirm these preliminary results.
Climate change acknowledgment to promote sustainable development: A critical discourse analysis of local action plans in coastal Florida
Authors: Tenali Srimayi , McManus Phil
Published: March 2022

Globally, the consequences of climate change have rapidly necessitated local government action to mitigate and adapt to rising sea levels, increased storm frequency, and higher temperatures. Acknowledgement of underlying climate issues, however, varies widely across regions and towns. Using critical discourse analysis (CDA), this paper evaluates the climate change acknowledgment of five municipality sustainability action plans (SAP) in coastal Florida and the broader implications for sustainable development. Public pressure, environmental champions, and recent storm events causing infrastructure damage were identified as key factors underpinning coastal climate change acknowledgement. Notably, the plans that admitted the anthropogenic causes of climate change were more optimistic and action focused. By emphasizing local mitigation efforts and opportunities, they were more empowering than those that treated climate threats as inevitable external circumstances. Anthropogenic climate change acknowledgment is thus a powerful tool for local governments to catalyze action when developing their sustainability goals and plans.
Improved estimation in negative binomial regression
Authors: Kenne Pagui Euloge Clovis , Salvan Alessandra , Sartori Nicola
Published: March 2022

Negative binomial regression is commonly employed to analyze overdispersed count data. With small to moderate sample sizes, the maximum likelihood estimator of the dispersion parameter may be subject to a significant bias, that in turn affects inference on mean parameters. This article proposes inference for negative binomial regression based on adjustments of the score function aimed at mean or median bias reduction. The resulting estimating equations generalize those available for improved inference in generalized linear models and can be solved using a suitable extension of iterative weighted least squares. Simulation studies confirm the good properties of the new methods, which are also found to solve in many cases numerical problems of maximum likelihood estimation. The methods are illustrated and evaluated using two case studies: an Ames salmonella assay data set and data on epileptic seizures. Inference based on adjusted scores turns out to generally improve on maximum likelihood, and even on explicit bias correction, with median bias reduction being overall preferable.
Inflammation‐Stimulated MSC‐Derived Small Extracellular Vesicle miR‐27b‐3p Regulates Macrophages by Targeting CSF‐1 to Promote Temporomandibular Joint Condylar Regeneration
Authors: Liu Yufei , Zhang Zhiling , Wang Biao , Dong Yunsheng , Zhao Congrui , Zhao Yanhong , Zhang Lin , Liu Xiangsheng , Guo Jingyue , Chen Yuehua , Zhou Jie , Yang Tingting , Wang Yanying , Liu Hao , Wang Shufang
Published: March 2022

Small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) secreted by mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been extensively studied in recent years. sEV contents change with the secreting cell state. When MSCs are exposed to an inflammatory environment, they release more functional growth factors, exosomes, and chemokines. Herein, MSCs are stimulated to alter sEV cargos and functions to regulate the inflammatory microenvironment and promote tissue regeneration. Sequencing of sEV miRNAs shows that certain RNAs conducive to cell function are upregulated. In this study, in vitro cell function experiments show that both inflammation‐stimulated adipose‐derived MSC (ADSC)‐derived sEV (IAE) and normal ADSC‐derived sEV (AE) promote cell proliferation; IAE also significantly improves cell migration. Regarding macrophage polarization regulation, IAE significantly promotes M2 macrophage differentiation. RNA‐sequencing analysis indicates that high miR‐27b‐3p expression levels in IAE may regulate macrophages by targeting macrophage colony‐stimulating factor‐1 (CSF‐1). In vivo, a rabbit temporomandibular joint (TMJ) condylar osteochondral defect model shows that both AE and IAE promote TMJ regeneration, with IAE having the most significant therapeutic effect. Therefore, the authors confirm that exposing MSCs to an inflammatory environment can feasibly enhance sEV functions and that modified sEVs achieve better therapeutic effects.
Dual‐Loaded Liposomes Tagged with Hyaluronic Acid Have Synergistic Effects in Triple‐Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Dong Shiyan , Bi Ye , Sun Xiangshi , Zhao Yarong , Sun Rongze , Hao Fei , Sun Yating , Wang Yifan , Li Xuefeng , Deng Weiye , Liu Xuan , Ha JongHoon , Teng Lirong , Gong Ping , Xie Jing , Kim Betty Y. S. , Yang Zhaogang , Jiang Wen , Teng Lesheng
Published: March 2022

Triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most lethal subtypes of breast cancer. Although chemotherapy is considered the most effective strategy for TNBC, most chemotherapeutics in current use are cytotoxic, meaning they target antiproliferative activity but do not inhibit tumor cell metastasis. Here, a TNBC‐specific targeted liposomal formulation of epalrestat (EPS) and doxorubicin (DOX) with synergistic effects on both tumor cell proliferation and metastasis is described. These liposomes are biocompatible and effectively target tumor cells owing to hyaluronic acid (HA) modification on their surface. This active targeting, mediated by CD44‐HA interaction, allows DOX and EPS to be delivered simultaneously to tumor cells in vivo, where they suppress not only TNBC tumor growth and the epithelial‐mesenchymal transition, but also cancer stem cells, which collectively suppress tumor growth and metastasis of TNBC and may also act to prevent relapse of TNBC.
Enhanced Near‐Field Radiative Heat Transfer between Graphene/hBN Systems
Authors: Lu Lu , Zhang Bo , Ou Han , Li Bowen , Zhou Kun , Song Jinlin , Luo Zixue , Cheng Qiang
Published: March 2022

Near‐field radiative heat transfer (NFRHT) can exceed the blackbody radiation limit owing to the coupled evanescent waves, implying a significant potential for energy conversion and thermal management. Coupled surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) and hyperbolic phonon polaritons (HPPs) with small ohmic losses enable a long propagation wavelength that is essential in NFRHT. However, so far, there still lacks knowledge about the experimental investigation of the coupling of SPPs and HPPs in terms of NFRHT. In this study, the NFRHT between graphene/hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) systems that can be readily transferred onto various substrates, with a gap space of ≈400 nm is measured. NFRHT enhancements in the order of three and six times higher than the blackbody limit for graphene/hBN heterostructures and graphene/hBN/graphene multilayers, respectively are demonstrated. In addition, the largest ever radiative heat flux using graphene/hBN/graphene multilayers under similar gap space of 400 nm is obtained. Consequently, analyzing the photon tunneling modes reveal that these phenomena are consequences of coupled SPPs of graphene and HPPs of hBN.
Vertical Crystal Plane Matching between AgZn3 (002) and Zn (002) Achieving a Dendrite‐Free Zinc Anode
Authors: Lu Hongfei , Jin Qianzheng , Jiang Xin , Dang Zhi‐Min , Zhang Di , Jin Yang
Published: March 2022

Metallic zinc anodes in zinc‐ion batteries suffer from problematic Zn dendrite chemistry. Previous works have shown that preferred‐orientation crystal planes can help dendrite‐free metal anodes. This work reports a nanothickness (≈570 nm) AgZn3 coating to regulate the Zn growth. First, AgZn3@Zn anode avoids the problem, in Ag@Zn anode, that the rate of electrochemical Ag‐Zn alloying is slower than that of Zn dendrites growth. Batteries life increased from 112 h (pure Zn) and 932 h (Ag@Zn) to 1360 h (AgZn3@Zn) at 2 mA cm−2 and 1 mAh cm−2. Then, plasma sputtering can remove nonconductive ZnO and improve Zn‐ion affinity, which brings a longer life for AuZn3@Zn (423 h), CuZn3@Zn (385 h), and AgZn3@Zn (1150 h) than pure Zn (93 h) at 1 mAh cm−2. More importantly, AgZn3 (002) has a high matching with the Zn (002), which can guide ordered Zn epitaxial deposition, thereby achieving dense and dendrite‐free Zn growth. This work clearly captures the fascinating structure of the densely stacked Zn layers on the AgZn3 layer. This strategy not only improves the performance of zinc‐ion batteries greatly but will also help one understand the matching mechanism of the (002) vertical crystal plane.
Realizing Simultaneous Detrimental Reactions Suppression and Multiple Benefits Generation from Nickel Doping toward Improved Protonic Ceramic Fuel Cell Performance
Authors: Song Yufei , Chen Jiaming , Yang Meiting , Xu Meigui , Liu Dongliang , Liang Mingzhuang , Wang Yuhao , Ran Ran , Wang Wei , Ciucci Francesco , Shao Zongping
Published: March 2022

Anode‐supported protonic ceramic fuel cells (PCFCs) are highly promising and efficient energy conversion systems. However, several challenges need to be overcome before these systems are used more widely, including the poor sintering of recently developed proton‐conducting oxides and the decreased proton conductivity due to detrimental reactions between the nickel from anode and the electrolyte occurring during high‐temperature co‐sintering. Herein, a Ni doping strategy to increase the electrolyte sintering, suppress the detrimental phase reactions, and generate stable Ni nanoparticles for enhanced performance is proposed. A nickel‐doped perovskite oxide is developed with the nominal composition of Ba(Zr0.1Ce0.7Y0.1Yb0.1)0.95Ni0.05O3−δ. Acting as a sintering aid, such a small amount of nickel effectively improves the sintering of the electrolyte. Concomitantly, reactions between nickel and the Ni‐doped ceramic phase are suppressed, turning detrimental phase reactions into benefits. The nickel doping further promotes the formation of Ni nanoparticles, which enhance the electrocatalytic activity of the anode toward the hydrogen oxidation reaction and improve the charge transfer across the anode–electrolyte interface. As a result, highly efficient PCFCs are developed. The innovative anode developed in this work also shows favorable activity toward ammonia decomposition, making it highly promising for use in direct ammonia fuel cells.
Supramolecular Core–Shell Nanoassemblies with Tumor Microenvironment‐Triggered Size and Structure Switch for Improved Photothermal Therapy
Authors: Wang Ziyao , Wang Yanqiu , Sun Xiaohuan , Zhou Jinfeng , Chen Xiaolin , Xi Juqun , Fan Lei , Han Jie , Guo Rong
Published: March 2022

Photothermal therapy (PTT) is demonstrated to be an effective methodology for cancer treatment. However, the relatively low photothermal conversion efficiency, limited tumor accumulation, and penetration still remain to be challenging issues that hinder the clinical application of PTT. Herein, the core–shell hierarchical nanostructures induced by host–guest interaction between water‐soluble pillar[5]arene (WP5) and polyethylene glycol‐modified aniline tetramer (TAPEG) are constructed. The pH‐responsive performance endows the core–shell nanostructures with size switchable property, with an average diameter of 200 nm in the neutral pH and 60 nm in the acidic microenvironment, which facilitates not only tumor accumulation but also tumor penetration. Moreover, the structure switch of WP5⊃TAPEG under acidic microenvironment and the dual mechanism regulated extending of п conjugate, inclusion in the hydrophobic cavity of WP5 and the dense distribution in the core–shell structured assemblies, dramatically enhance the absorption in the near‐infrared‐II region and, further, the photothermal conversion efficiency (60.2%). The as‐designed intelligent nanoplatform is demonstrated for improved antitumor efficacy via PTT.
2D Ultrawide Bandgap Semiconductors: Odyssey and Challenges
Authors: Yang Wen , Xin Kaiyao , Yang Juehan , Xu Qun , Shan Chongxin , Wei Zhongming
Published: March 2022

2D ultrawide bandgap (UWBG) semiconductors have aroused increasing interest in the field of high‐power transparent electronic devices, deep‐ultraviolet photodetectors, flexible electronic skins, and energy‐efficient displays, owing to their intriguing physical properties. Compared with dominant narrow bandgap semiconductor material families, 2D UWBG semiconductors are less investigated but stand out because of their propensity for high optical transparency, tunable electrical conductivity, high mobility, and ultrahigh gate dielectrics. At the current stage of research, the most intensively investigated 2D UWBG semiconductors are metal oxides, metal chalcogenides, metal halides, and metal nitrides. This paper provides an up‐to‐date review of recent research progress on new 2D UWBG semiconductor materials and novel physical properties. The widespread applications, i.e., transistors, photodetector, touch screen, and inverter are summarized, which employ 2D UWBG semiconductors as either a passive or active layer. Finally, the existing challenges and opportunities of the enticing class of 2D UWBG semiconductors are highlighted.
Additive Manufacturing in Atomic Layer Processing Mode
Authors: Kundrata Ivan , Barr Maïssa K. S. , Tymek Sarah , Döhler Dirk , Hudec Boris , Brüner Philipp , Vanko Gabriel , Precner Marian , Yokosawa Tadahiro , Spiecker Erdmann , Plakhotnyuk Maksym , Fröhlich Karol , Bachmann Julien
Published: March 2022

Additive manufacturing (3D printing) has not been applicable to micro‐ and nanoscale engineering due to the limited resolution. Atomic layer deposition (ALD) is a technique for coating large areas with atomic thickness resolution based on tailored surface chemical reactions. Thus, combining the principles of additive manufacturing with ALD could open up a completely new field of manufacturing. Indeed, it is shown that a spatially localized delivery of ALD precursors can generate materials patterns. In this “atomic‐layer additive manufacturing” (ALAM), the vertical resolution of the solid structure deposited is about 0.1 nm, whereas the lateral resolution is defined by the microfluidic gas delivery. The ALAM principle is demonstrated by generating lines and patterns of pure, crystalline TiO2 and Pt on planar substrates and conformal coatings of 3D nanostructures. The functional quality of ALAM patterns is exemplified with temperature sensors, which achieve a performance similar to the industry standard. This general method of multimaterial direct patterning is much simpler than standard multistep lithographic microfabrication. It offers process flexibility, saves processing time, investment, materials, waste, and energy. It is envisioned that together with etching, doping, and cleaning performed in a similar local manner, ALAM will create the “atomic‐layer advanced manufacturing” family of techniques.
Nanofibers Comprising Interconnected Chain‐Like Hollow N‐Doped C Nanocages as 3D Free‐Standing Cathodes for Li–S Batteries with Super‐High Sulfur Content and Lean Electrolyte/Sulfur Ratio
Authors: Saroha Rakesh , Cho Jung Sang
Published: March 2022

The development of a suitable cathode host that withstands high sulfur content/loading and low electrolyte/sulfur (E/S) ratio is particularly important for practically sustainable Li–S batteries. Herein, a facile approach is utilized to prepare free‐standing 3D cathode substrates comprising nitrogen‐doped carbon (N‐C) scaffold and metal–organic framework derived interconnected chain‐like hollow N‐C nanocages, forming a highly porous N‐C nanofiber (HP‐N‐CNF) framework. The N‐C skeleton provides highly conductive pathways for fast lithium ion/electron diffusion. The hollow interconnected N‐C nanocages not only offer enough space to absorb a high volume of active material but also effectively channelize severe volume stress during the electrochemical performance. The Li–S cell utilizing HP‐N‐CNF as cathode host displays exceptional battery parameters with high effective sulfur content (83.2 wt%), ultrahigh sulfur loading (14.3 mg cm–2), and low E/S ratio (6.8 μL mg–1). The Li–S cell exhibits a maximum areal capacity of 12.2 mAh cm–2 which stabilizes at ≈5.5 mAh cm–2 after the 130th cycle at 0.05 C‐rate and is well above the theoretical threshold. Therefore, the proposed unique nanostructure synthesis approach would open new frontiers for developing more realistic and sustainable host materials with feasible battery parameters for various energy storage applications.
Two Birds with One Stone: Using Indium Oxide Surficial Modification to Tune Inner Helmholtz Plane and Regulate Nucleation for Dendrite‐free Lithium Anode
Authors: Chen Yaqi , Xu Xieyu , Gao Leiwen , Yu Guangyong , Kapitanova Olesya O. , Xiong Shizhao , Volkov Valentyn S. , Song Zhongxiao , Liu Yangyang
Published: March 2022

Lithium metal has been considered as the most promising anode material due to its distinguished specific capacity of 3860 mAh g–1 and the lowest reduction potential of ‐3.04 V versus the Standard Hydrogen Electrode. However, the practicalization of Li‐metal batteries (LMBs) is still challenged by the dendritic growth of Li during cycling, which is governed by the surface properties of the electrodepositing substrate. Herein, a surface modification with indium oxide on the copper current collector via magnetron sputtering, which can be spontaneously lithiated to form a composite of lithium indium oxide and Li‐In alloy, is proposed. Thus, the growth of Li dendrites is effectively suppressed via regulating the inner Helmholtz plane modified with LiInO2 to foster the desolvation of Li‐ion and induce the nucleation of Li‐metal in two‐dimensions through electro‐crystallization with Li‐In alloy. Using the In2O3 modification, the Li‐metal anode exhibits outstanding cyclic stability, and LMBs with lithium cobalt oxide cathode present excellent capacity retention (above 80% over 600 cycles). Enlightening, the scalable magnetron sputtering method reported here paves a novel way to accelerate the practical application of the Li anode in LMBs to pursue higher energy density.
Direct Observation of the Chemical Transformations in BiVO4 Photoanodes upon Prolonged Light‐Aging Treatments
Authors: Arcas Ramón , Cardenas-Morcoso Drialys , Spadaro Maria Chiara , García-Tecedor Miguel , Mesa Camilo A. , Arbiol Jordi , Fabregat-Santiago Francisco , Giménez Sixto , Mas-Marzá Elena
Published: March 2022

Exposing BiVO4 photoanodes to light‐aging treatments is known to produce a significant photocurrent enhancement. Until now, the interpretation given to this phenomenon is associated to the formation of oxygen vacancies and little is reported about chemical changes in the material. Herein, the chemical segregation of Bi species toward the surface upon light‐aging treatment is demonstrated, which takes place with the concomitant formation of intra‐bandgap states associated to the oxygen vacancies. It is further demonstrated that these intra‐bandgap states are photoactive and generate photocurrent under infrared excitation. These results highlight the importance of understanding light‐induced effects while employing multinary metal oxide photoelectrodes.
Montage von Stahlgroßbrücken nach 1975 (Teil 5) – Montage im Stahlbrückenbau
Authors: Pelke Eberhard , Kurrer Karl‐Eugen
Published: March 2022

Die Formierung der Montage zur Leitdisziplin im bundesdeutschen Stahlgroßbrückenbau der 1960er‐Jahre wurde in Teil 4 dieser Aufsatzserie exemplarisch aufgezeigt. Mit dem schrittweisen Einzug der Automation in die Stahlbaufertigung seit den späten 1970er‐Jahren, den neuen Möglichkeiten des Mobilkraneinsatzes bei der Montage von Stahlgroßbrücken seit den 1980er‐Jahren, der zielbewussten Nutzung wissenschaftlicher Erkenntnisse der Logistik für den Stahlbau und der durch das Internet vorangetriebenen digitalen Transformation des technischen Schaffens nach der Jahrtausendwende ändern sich Struktur und Einbettung der Montage in den komplexen Zusammenhang des systemintegrierten Stahlbaus grundlegend.
Monitoring der Theodor‐Heuss‐Brücke – Teil 2 – Modellbildung und ‐verbesserung für messwertgestützte Ermüdungsnachweise
Authors: Schartner Maria , Sanio David , Klinge Jan , Schmitz Andreas , Herzberg Theres , Störmer Manuela
Published: March 2022

Aufgrund rechnerischer Defizite in der Ermüdungstragfähigkeit der orthotropen Fahrbahnplatte wurde an der Theodor‐Heuss‐Brücke ein Monitoringsystem installiert, um Dehnungen an maßgebenden Stellen für ein Jahr zu messen. In Teil 1 dieses Beitrags wurden das Monitoringsystem und Erkenntnisse zum Tragverhalten anhand der Messdaten beschrieben. Dieser zweite Teil schließt mit messwertgestützten Ermüdungsnachweisen und der Lebensdauerprognose an. Grundlage der Auswertungen ist ein numerisches Berechnungsmodell, welches anhand von zwei Probebelastungen in Sommer und Winter kalibriert wird. Unter Berücksichtigung verschiedener Laststellungen werden Übertragungsfaktoren abgeleitet, die die Differenz zwischen Messstelle und maßgebender Nachweisstelle kompensieren. Damit werden die gemessenen Schwingbreitenhistogramme in maßgebende Belastungsspektren transformiert, mit denen schließlich die Lebensdauerprognose erfolgt. Die Auswertungen zeigen, dass für die meisten Bauteile weitere Tragreserven vorhanden sind und eine deutliche Verbesserung gegenüber der Nachrechnung erreicht wird. Einzig die Ecken der Querträgerausnehmungen (Querträgerstegzähne) weisen deutliche Defizite auf, die sich auch im vorhandenen Rissbild widerspiegeln. Über die Zukunft der Theodor‐Heuss‐Brücke, die von weiteren Faktoren abhängt, wird derzeit entschieden.
Weiter so – ausgeschlossen – Die Stahlbaufertigung muss klimaneutral werden
Authors: Hahner Bernhard
Published: March 2022

Auch mittelständische Stahlbauunternehmer und Arbeitgeber haben eine persönliche Verantwortung, ihre Unternehmen und ihre Branche im Interesse nachfolgender Generationen nachhaltig aufzustellen. In einem persönlichen Beitrag wird erläutert, wie der Unternehmer Bernhard Hahner innerhalb der für sein Unternehmen herausgearbeiteten sechs Handlungsbereiche agiert, um dem Ziel „Klimaneutraler Stahlbau“ kontinuierlich näher zu kommen. Der Beitrag beleuchtet die Einflussmöglichkeiten auf Lieferanten und Dienstleister, stellt die Entwicklung eigener nachhaltiger Stahlbauprodukte vor und erläutert im Bereich Stahlbaufertigung bereits umgesetzte ebenso wie geplante Veränderungen und Verbesserungen an Gebäuden und Anlagen. Thema ist auch die Kooperation mit Kunden, die sowohl nachhaltige Produktion einfordern als auch selbst durch intensive Zusammenarbeit in der Planungsphase Projekte vor Produktionsbeginn optimieren können. Dabei wird auch auf Trends wie Urban Mining oder Building Information Modeling eingegangen. Fazit der gegenwärtigen Situation: Tiefgreifende Veränderungen sind unumgänglich, sie sind aber auch realistisch machbar.
Atacamallium minutiflorum (Amaryllidaceae, Allioideae), new genus and species from the coastal desert of northern Chile
Authors: García Nicolás , Sassone Agostina B. , Pinto Raquel , Román María José
Published: March 2022

Atacamallium, a new genus in Amaryllidaceae‐Allioideae‐Leucocoryneae, is introduced with a description of its type Atacamallium minutiflorum, endemic to the coastal Atacama Desert of northern Chile. Phylogenetic analyses of DNA sequences, along with morphological characters and its distribution pattern, support the new genus and place it as a putative sister to Leucocoryne, which is readily distinguished from Atacamallium by its floral morphology. Atacamallium minutiflorum differs from other species of Leucocoryneae by its overall smaller flowers, tepals fused only at the base, six stamens in a single series, and trifid stigma. A morphological description, a distribution map, an illustration, and the assessment of the conservation status of the new species, besides an updated key to the genera of Leucocoryneae, are provided. Additional data from multiple single‐copy nuclear genes are needed to clarify the relationships within the tribe.
Hydrogen‐rich and hyperoxygenate saline inhibits lipopolysaccharide‐induced lung injury through mediating NF‐κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway in C57BL/6 mice
Authors: Fan Yingying , Wang Jian , Feng Zhihui , Cao Ke , Liu Jiankang , Xu Hao
Published: March 2022

Background

Background: Acute lung injury (ALI) is one kind of frequently occurred emergency in Intensive Care Unite with a high mortality. The underlying causes are uncontrolled inflammatory reactions and intractable hypoxemia, which are difficult to control and improve. In the past 10 years, gas medical studies have found that both hydrogen molecules and oxygen molecules have protective effects on acute lung injury by improving inflammatory reactions and hypoxia, respectively. Oxygen is an oxidant and hydrogen is an antioxidant. In this study, we investigated the combined effect of above two‐gas molecular on lipopolysaccharide (LPS) ‐induced acute lung injury.

Methods

To clarify whether the combination of hydrogen and oxygen could increase or cancel out the protective effect, an ALI mice model induced by intraperitoneal injection of LPS was established, and the degree of lung tissue and mitochondria damage was evaluated based on the pathological sections, inflammatory factors, wet–dry ratio, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Immunohistochemistry, electron microscopy, western blotting and other detection methods also used to evaluate the therapeutic effect on acute lung injury model.

Results

We observed that the combined protective effect of hydrogen and oxygen was superior to their respective protective effects, and the specific molecular mechanisms of the two therapies might be different.

Conclusion

Hydrogen plays a more important role in the inflammatory and anti‐apoptosis mechanisms, while oxygen improves hypoxia of the body, and thus, its molecular mechanism may be closely associated to the hypoxia pathways.