bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Associations Between Anthropogenic Factors, Meteorological Factors, and Cause‐Specific Emergency Department Admissions
Authors: Tewari Pranav , Xu Baihui , Pei Ma , Tan Kelvin Bryan , Abisheganaden John , Yim Steve Hung‐Lam , Lee Dickens Borame , Lim Jue Tao
Published: September 2024

Unpredictable emergency department (ED) admissions challenge healthcare systems, causing resource allocation inefficiencies. This study analyses associations between air pollutants, meteorological factors, and 2,655,861 cause‐specific ED admissions from 2014 to 2018 across 12 categories. Generalized additive models were used to assess non‐linear associations for each exposure, yielding Incidence Rate Ratios (IRR), while the population attributable fraction (PAF) calculated each exposure's contribution to cause‐specific ED admissions. IRRs revealed increased risks of ED admissions for respiratory infections (IRR: 1.06, 95% CI: 1.01–1.11) and infectious and parasitic diseases (IRR: 1.09, 95% CI: 1.03–1.15) during increased rainfall (13.21–16.97 mm). Wind speeds >12.73 km/hr corresponded to increased risks of ED admissions for respiratory infections (IRR: 1.12, 95% CI: 1.03–1.21) and oral diseases (IRR: 1.58, 95% CI: 1.31–1.91). Higher concentrations of air pollutants were associated with elevated risks of cardiovascular disease (IRR: 1.16, 95% CI: 1.05–1.27 for PM10) and respiratory infection‐related ED admissions (IRR: 2.78, 95% CI: 1.69–4.56 for CO). Wind speeds >12.5 km/hr were predicted to contribute toward 10% of respiratory infection ED admissions, while mean temperatures >28°C corresponded to increases in the PAF up to 5% for genitourinary disorders and digestive diseases. PM10 concentrations >60 μg/m3 were highly attributable toward cardiovascular disease (PAF: 10%), digestive disease (PAF: 15%) and musculoskeletal disease (PAF: 10%) ED admissions. CO concentrations >0.6 ppm were highly attributable to respiratory infections (PAF: 20%) and diabetes mellitus (PAF: 20%) ED admissions. This study underscores protective effects of meteorological variables and deleterious impacts of air pollutant exposures across the ED admission categories considered.
Automated Quality Control Scheme for GPM Satellite Precipitation Products
Authors: Tan Jackson , Huffman George J. , Song Yi
Published: September 2024

The constellation approach underpinning precipitation products such as the Integrated Multi‐satellitE Retrievals for GPM (IMERG) is key to achieving high resolution, but the use of data from multiple sources can unintentionally incorporate instrumental artifacts. Here, we introduce a machine learning–based anomaly detection scheme called SPEEDe, which processes a two‐dimensional precipitation field into a re‐estimated precipitation field that can be compared with the input. Large differences identify IMERG fields with bad orbit data, separating most of the bad cases from the good cases. When modified to process the passive microwave inputs, SPEEDe can pick out orbits with bad data, enabling quality control on these IMERG inputs. SPEEDe works by producing a locally realistic‐looking precipitation field when given unphysical data, which results in a larger‐than‐normal difference between the input and the output. SPEEDe is implemented as an automated quality control for GPM precipitation products.
Elevated Tropospheric Iodine Over the Central Continental United States: Is Iodine a Major Oxidant of Atmospheric Mercury?
Authors: Lee C. F. , Elgiar T. , David L. M. , Wilmot T. Y. , Reza M. , Hirshorn N. , McCubbin I. B. , Shah V. , Lin J. C. , Lyman S. N. , Hallar A. G. , Gratz L. E. , Volkamer R.
Published: September 2024

Previous efforts to measure atmospheric iodine have focused on marine and coastal regions. We report the first ground‐based tropospheric iodine monoxide (IO) radical observations over the central continental United States. Throughout April 2022, IO columns above Storm Peak Laboratory, Colorado (3,220 m.a.s.l.) ranged from 0.7 ± 0.5 to 3.6 ± 0.5 × 1012 (average: 1.9 × 1012 molec cm−2). IO was consistently elevated in air masses transported from over the Pacific Ocean. The observed IO columns were up to three times higher and the range was larger than predicted by a global model, which warrants further investigation into iodine sources, sinks, ozone loss, and particle formation. IO mixing ratios increased with altitude. At the observed levels, iodine may be competitive with bromine as an oxidant of elemental mercury at cold temperatures typical of the free troposphere. Iodine‐induced mercury oxidation is missing in atmospheric models, understudied, and helps explain model underestimation of oxidized mercury measurements.
Widespread and Rapid Activities of Retrogressive Thaw Slumps on the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau From 2016 to 2022
Authors: Xia Zhuoxuan , Liu Lin , Mu Cuicui , Peng Xiaoqing , Zhao Zhuoyi , Huang Lingcao , Luo Jing , Fan Chengyan
Published: September 2024

Retrogressive thaw slumps (RTSs), formed by abrupt degradation of ice‐rich permafrost, are widely distributed on the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau, causing infrastructure damage and enhancing soil carbon emissions. We compiled annual RTS inventories across the plateau from 2016 to 2022 using a deep‐learning‐aided method to quantify the spatial‐temporal variations. We found that RTS‐affected locations increased from 1,592 to 3,805 in 2016–2022, which increased affected areas by 2.8 times from 1,714 to 6,507 ha. The most active initiation and expansion periods were in 2016–2017 and 2018–2019. RTSs tend to be clustered, showing local heterogeneity among clusters characterized by various responses toward high temperatures and precipitation and tendencies to be on different topography and vegetation types. This research reveals the rapid development, wide distribution and regional heterogeneity of RTS activities, serving as a crucial step toward understanding how RTSs respond to climate change and regional environmental varieties.
Short‐Duration Extreme Rainfall Events in the Central and Eastern United States During the Summer: 2003–2023 Trends and Variability
Authors: Chiappa Jason , Parsons David B. , Furtado Jason C. , Shapiro Alan
Published: September 2024

Extreme rainfall events (EREs) caused by convection are a major prediction challenge and can lead to deadly flash flooding. This study investigates EREs from 2003 to 2023 over the central and eastern United States using high‐resolution (4‐km) Stage IV precipitation analyses. EREs were defined where 12‐hr accumulations exceeded the 10‐year average recurrence interval thresholds. Summertime (June–August) EREs exhibited pronounced interannual variability, but with statistically significant increasing trends in annual frequency, particularly among those caused by mesoscale convective systems. Significant relationships were also found between summertime convective EREs over the central United States and enhanced poleward moisture transport, consistent with a westward expansion of the climatological North Atlantic Subtropical High. This relationship may aid in medium‐ and long‐range forecasting. However, the spatial scale of EREs often included localized or narrow bands of extreme accumulations, revealing significant challenges in the accurate representation of EREs in weather and climate models.
Crustal 3‐D S‐Wave Velocity and Azimuthal Anisotropy in the Sanjiang Lateral Collision Zone in the SE Margin of the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Tian Jianhui , Gao Yuan , Li Ying
Published: September 2024

The eastward extrusion of the Tibetan Plateau materials has caused intricate tectonic deformations and frequent seismic activities in the Sanjiang lateral collision zone (SLCZ). To reveal crust structures and deformation mechanisms, we investigate high‐resolution structural features of crustal depth (≤40 km). A 3‐D S‐wave velocity and azimuthal anisotropy model is constructed by the direct tomography method with Rayleigh phase velocity at periods of 2–40 s from multiple temporary seismic arrays and regional permanent network. In the middle‐to‐lower crust, an obvious low‐velocity zone is confined by the large‐scale fault systems of Jinhe‐Qinghe fault and Chenhai fault (CHF) to the northeast and east, Lancangjiang fault (LCJF) and Red River fault (RRF) to the west, with strong N‐S‐oriented anisotropy, which evident differs from the ENE‐WSW‐oriented weak anisotropy in the high‐velocity zone on the northeastern side. We consider that the weak material may be obstructed by large faults and the high‐velocity zone, resulting in complex crustal deformation and tectonic boundary. The crustal low‐velocity materials beneath the Tengchong volcano (TCV) are probably separated with those from the Tibetan Plateau. The low‐velocity beneath the Chuxiong basin (CXB) may be combinations of partial melts and fluid derived from shear deformation and deep material upwelling. The segmented anisotropy at the NW end of the RRF suggests complex deformation by crustal flow, emphasizing the important influence of faults on anisotropic pattern. The complex anisotropy in the fault intersection of the Lijiang‐Xiaojinhe fault and RRF also highlights the important role of these faults in shaping crustal deformation.
A 3‐D Seismic Tomographic Study of Spreading Structures and Smooth Seafloor Generated by Detachment Faulting—The Ultra‐Slow Spreading Southwest Indian Ridge at 64°30′E
Authors: Robinson Adam H. , Watremez Louise , Leroy Sylvie , Minshull Timothy A. , Cannat Mathilde , Corbalán Ana
Published: September 2024

At ultra‐slow spreading ridges, with full spreading rates less than ∼20 mm/yr, spreading is accommodated both by highly spatially and temporally segmented magmatism, and tectonic extension along large‐scale detachment faults that exhume ultramafic material to the seafloor. In the most magma‐poor regions, detachment faulting alternates in polarity over time, producing a “flip‐flopping” effect of subsequent detachment dips. The resulting seafloor in these regions displays a morphology termed “smooth seafloor” comprising elongate, broad ridges with peridotite/serpentinite lithologies. We conducted tomographic travel‐time inversion of a 3‐D wide‐angle seismic data set acquired over a region of smooth seafloor around 64°30′E along the Southwest Indian Ridge (SISMOSMOOTH; Cruise MD199), to produce a seismic velocity volume through the crustal section and into the uppermost mantle. We observe patterns of velocity anomalies that correspond with variations in the bathymetry arising from the mode of spreading and are interpreted as changes in the degree of alteration with depth resulting from spatial and temporal variations in fluid‐rock interaction, controlled by faulting and tectonic damage processes. The detachment faults do not show simple planar structures at depth but instead mirror the shapes of the bathymetric ridges that they exhume. Magmatic input is overall highly limited, but there is one region on the lower part of an exhumed detachment footwall where a thickness of volcanic material is observed that suggests a component of syn‐tectonic volcanism, which could contribute to detachment abandonment.
Brightening triplet excitons enable high-performance white-light emission in organic small molecules via integrating n–π*/π–π* transitions
Authors: Yang Qing , Yang Xinyi , Wang Yixuan , Fei Yunfan , Li Fang , Zheng Haiyan , Li Kuo , Han Yibo , Hattori Takanori , Zhu Pinwen , Zhao Shuaiqiang , Fang Leiming , Hou Xuyuan , Liu Zhaodong , Yang Bing , Zou Bo
Published: September 2024

Luminescent materials that simultaneously embody bright singlet and triplet excitons hold great potential in optoelectronics, signage, and information encryption. However, achieving high-performance white-light emission is severely hampered by their inherent unbalanced contribution of fluorescence and phosphorescence. Herein, we address this challenge by pressure treatment engineering via the hydrogen bonding cooperativity effect to realize the mixture of n–π*/π–π* transitions, where the triplet state emission was boosted from 7% to 40% in isophthalic acid (IPA). A superior white-light emission based on hybrid fluorescence and phosphorescence was harvested in pressure-treated IPA, and the photoluminescence quantum yield was increased to 75% from the initial 19% (blue-light emission). In-situ high-pressure IR spectra, X-ray diffraction, and neutron diffraction reveal continuous strengthening of the hydrogen bonds with the increase of pressure. Furthermore, this enhanced hydrogen bond is retained down to the ambient conditions after pressure treatment, awarding the targeted IPA efficient intersystem crossing for balanced singlet/triplet excitons population and resulting in efficient white-light emission. This work not only proposes a route for brightening triplet states in organic small molecules, but also regulates the ratio of singlet and triplet excitons to construct high-performance white-light emission.
Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on ocular disease: KNHANES 2015–2021
Authors: Kim Hyeon Jung , Ryu Yun Kyoung , Shin Young Joo
Published: September 2024

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on ocular diseases and changes in risk factors before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. This study was conducted using data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) 2015–2021, a national cross-sectional health examination and survey. Associations between ocular diseases and risk factors were determined using the chi-squared test and logistic regression analysis. Bivariable adjusted logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) to evaluate of the impact of COVID-19 on ocular diseases. Individuals were divided into two age groups (< 60 and ≥ 60 years). A total of 50,158 people were diagnosed, of whom 7270 were diagnosed with cataract, 921 with glaucoma, and 439 with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Risk factors for cataract were COVID-19 pandemic (OR 1.161), hypertension (OR 1.608), diabetes (OR 1.573), dyslipidemia (OR 1.167), stroke (OR 1.272), and depression (OR 1.567). Risk factors for AMD were COVID-19 pandemic (OR 1.600), dyslipidemia (OR 1.610), and depression (OR 1.466). Risk factors for glaucoma were hypertension (OR 1.234), dyslipidemia (OR 1.529), diabetes (OR 1.323), and depression (OR 1.830). The COVID-19 pandemic was a risk factor for cataracts and AMD, but not for glaucoma. Cataracts and AMD may be more influenced by the acquired health conditions or the environment.
Detecting rare earth elements using EnMAP hyperspectral satellite data: a case study from Mountain Pass, California
Authors: Asadzadeh Saeid , Koellner Nicole , Chabrillat Sabine
Published: September 2024

Rare earth elements (REEs) exhibit diagnostic absorption features in the visible-near infrared region, enabling their detection and identification via spectroscopic methods. Satellite-based remote sensing mapping of REEs, however, has not been attainable so far due to the necessity for high-quality hyperspectral data to resolve their narrow absorption features. This research leverages EnMAP hyperspectral satellite data to map REEs in Mountain Pass, California—a mining area known to host bastnaesite-Ce ore in sövite and beforsite carbonatites. By employing a polynomial fitting technique to characterize the diagnostic absorption features of Neodymium (Nd) at ∼740 and ∼800 nm, the surface occurrence of Nd was successfully mapped at a 30m pixel resolution. The relative abundance of Nd was represented using the continuum-removed area of the 800 nm feature. The resulting map, highlighting hundreds of anomalous pixels, was validated through laboratory spectroscopy, surface geology, and high-resolution satellite imagery. This study marks a major advancement in REE exploration, demonstrating for the first time, the possibility of directly detecting Nd in geologic environments using the EnMAP hyperspectral satellite data. This capability can offer a fast and cost-effective method for screening Earth’s surfaces for REE signature, complementing the existing exploration portfolio and facilitating the discovery of new resources.
Machine learning-based predictions and analyses of the creep rupture life of the Ni-based single crystal superalloy
Authors: Zou Fan , Liu Pengjie , Chen Yanzhan , Zhao Yaohua
Published: September 2024

The evaluation of creep rupture life is complex due to its variable formation mechanism. In this paper, machine learning algorithms are applied to explore the creep rupture life span as a function of 27 physical properties to address this issue. By training several classical machine learning models and comparing their prediction performance, XGBoost is finally selected as the predictive model for creep rupture life. Moreover, we introduce an interpretable method, Shapley additive explanations (SHAP), to explain the creep rupture life predicted by the XGBoost model. The SHAP values are then calculated, and the feature importance of the creep rupture life yielded by the XGBoost model is discussed. Finally, the creep fracture life is optimized by using the chaotic sparrow optimization algorithm. We then show that our proposed method can accurately predict and optimize creep properties in a cheaper and faster way than other approaches in the experiments. The proposed method can also be used to optimize the material design across various engineering domains.
Quantifying DNA damage following light sheet and confocal imaging of the mammalian embryo
Authors: Chow Darren J. X. , Schartner Erik P. , Corsetti Stella , Upadhya Avinash , Morizet Josephine , Gunn-Moore Frank J. , Dunning Kylie R. , Dholakia Kishan
Published: September 2024

Embryo quality assessment by optical imaging is increasing in popularity. Among available optical techniques, light sheet microscopy has emerged as a superior alternative to confocal microscopy due to its geometry, enabling faster image acquisition with reduced photodamage to the sample. However, previous assessments of photodamage induced by imaging may have failed to measure more subtle impacts. In this study, we employed DNA damage as a sensitive indicator of photodamage. We use light sheet microscopy with excitation at a wavelength of 405 nm for imaging embryo autofluorescence and compare its performance to laser scanning confocal microscopy. At an equivalent signal-to-noise ratio for images acquired with both modalities, light sheet microscopy reduced image acquisition time by ten-fold, and did not induce DNA damage when compared to non-imaged embryos. In contrast, imaging with confocal microscopy led to significantly higher levels of DNA damage within embryos and had a higher photobleaching rate. Light sheet imaging is also capable of inducing DNA damage within the embryo but requires multiple cycles of volumetric imaging. Collectively, this study confirms that light sheet microscopy is faster and safer than confocal microscopy for imaging live embryos, indicating its potential as a label-free diagnostic for embryo quality.
Ocean warming and Marine Heatwaves unequally impact juvenile introduced and native oysters with implications for their coexistence and future distribution
Authors: Howarth Nate , Scanes Elliot , Byrne Maria , Ross Pauline M.
Published: September 2024

Climate change is causing ocean warming (OW) and increasing the frequency, intensity, and duration of extreme weather events, including Marine Heat Waves (MHWs). Both OW and MHWs pose a significant threat to marine ecosystems and marine organisms, including oysters, oyster reefs and farmed oysters. We investigated the survival and growth of juveniles of two commercial species of oyster, the Sydney rock oyster, Saccostrea glomerata, and the Pacific oyster, Crassostrea gigas, to elevated seawater temperatures reflecting a moderate and an extreme MHW in context with recent MHWs and beyond. The survival and size of Pacific oysters to moderate MHWs (22–32 °C; 14 days) was greater than that for Sydney rock oysters (24–32 °C; 15 days). While survival and growth of both species was significantly impacted by extreme MHWs (29–38 °C; 5–6 days), Sydney rock oysters were found to survive greater temperatures compared to the Pacific oyster. Overall, this study found that Pacific oyster juveniles were more tolerant of a moderate MHW, while Sydney rock oyster juveniles were more resilient to extreme MHWs. These differences in thermal tolerance may have consequences for aquaculture and coexistence of both species in their intertidal and latitudinal distributions along the south-eastern Australian coastline.
Integrative analysis of multi-omics data reveals importance of collagen and the PI3K AKT signalling pathway in CAKUT
Authors: Bayjanov Jumamurat R. , Doornbos Cenna , Ozisik Ozan , Shin Woosub , Queralt-Rosinach Núria , Wijnbergen Daphne , Saulnier-Blache Jean-Sébastien , Schanstra Joost P. , Buffin-Meyer Bénédicte , Klein Julie , Fernández José M. , Kaliyaperumal Rajaram , Baudot Anaïs , ’t Hoen Peter A. C. , Ehrhart Friederike
Published: September 2024

Congenital Anomalies of the Kidney and Urinary Tract (CAKUT) is the leading cause of childhood chronic kidney failure and a significant cause of chronic kidney disease in adults. Genetic and environmental factors are known to influence CAKUT development, but the currently known disease mechanism remains incomplete. Our goal is to identify affected pathways and networks in CAKUT, and thereby aid in getting a better understanding of its pathophysiology. With this goal, the miRNome, peptidome, and proteome of over 30 amniotic fluid samples of patients with non-severe CAKUT was compared to patients with severe CAKUT. These omics data sets were made findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable (FAIR) to facilitate their integration with external data resources. Furthermore, we analysed and integrated the omics data sets using three different bioinformatics strategies: integrative analysis with mixOmics, joint dimensionality reduction and pathway analysis. The three bioinformatics analyses provided complementary features, but all pointed towards an important role for collagen in CAKUT development and the PI3K-AKT signalling pathway. Additionally, several key genes (CSF1, IGF2, ITGB1, and RAC1) and microRNAs were identified. We published the three analysis strategies as containerized workflows. These workflows can be applied to other FAIR data sets and help gaining knowledge on other rare diseases.
Intelligent tool wear prediction based on deep learning PSD-CVT model
Authors: Si Sumei , Mu Deqiang , Si Zekai
Published: September 2024

To ensure the reliability of machining quality, it is crucial to predict tool wear accurately. In this paper, a novel deep learning-based model is proposed, which synthesizes the advantages of power spectral density (PSD), convolutional neural networks (CNN), and vision transformer model (ViT), namely PSD-CVT. PSD maps can provide a comprehensive understanding of the spectral characteristics of the signals. It makes the spectral characteristics more obvious and makes it easy to analyze and compare different signals. CNN focuses on local feature extraction, which can capture local information such as the texture, edge, and shape of the image, while the attention mechanism in ViT can effectively capture the global structure and long-range dependencies present in the image. Two fully connected layers with a ReLU function are used to obtain the predicted tool wear values. The experimental results on the PHM 2010 dataset demonstrate that the proposed model has higher prediction accuracy than the CNN model or ViT model alone, as well as outperforms several existing methods in accurately predicting tool wear. The proposed prediction method can also be applied to predict tool wear in other machining fields.
Exploring the impact of microfluidic chip structure on the efficacy of three-dimensional tumor microspheres cultivation
Authors: Jiang Yue , Hao Ming , Chen Shulei , Xie Yuanhua , Liu Kun
Published: September 2024

The flow field analysis and effectiveness evaluation of microfluidic chips for a scaffold-free three-dimensional tumor microsphere culture.
Crosslinked hybrid polymer/ceramic composite coatings for the controlled release of clindamycin
Authors: Słota Dagmara , Urbaniak Mateusz M. , Tomaszewska Agata , Niziołek Karina , Włodarczyk Marcin , Florkiewicz Wioletta , Szwed-Georgiou Aleksandra , Krupa Agnieszka , Sobczak-Kupiec Agnieszka
Published: September 2024

The main risk associated with surgical procedures, including those on bone tissue, is infection of the surgical site. These can be prevented by using multifunctional materials that demonstrate the nature of a drug carrier.
Automated processing of chromatograms: a comprehensive python package with a GUI for intelligent peak identification and deconvolution in chemical reaction analysis
Authors: Obořil Jan , Haas Christian P. , Lübbesmeyer Maximilian , Nicholls Rachel , Gressling Thorsten , Jensen Klavs F. , Volpin Giulio , Hillenbrand Julius
Published: September 2024

Reaction screening and high-throughput experimentation (HTE) coupled with liquid chromatography (HPLC and UHPLC) are becoming more important than ever in synthetic chemistry.
Excellent luminescent thermal stability of Dy3+/Sm3+ co-activated multifunctional titanate single-phase phosphors
Authors: Xie Feiyan , Gu Junqiang , Zou Jiao , Liu Zhu , Chen Baojun , Xu Juling
Published: September 2024

By co-activating the NaYTiO4 substrate with Dy3+/Sm3+ ions, phosphors with excellent luminescent thermal stability were obtained for white LED devices and optical thermometers.
Customizable ligand exchange on the surface of gold nanotriangles enables their application in LSPR-based sensing
Authors: Podlesnaia Ekaterina , Stanca Sarmiza Elena , Çinçin Buşra , Zieger Gabriel , Csáki Andrea , Fritzsche Wolfgang
Published: September 2024

Direct and indirect methods are reported to exchange a surfactant (CTAC) on the surface of gold nanotriangles, enabling applications in LSPR-based sensing.
A brief overview of quality by design approach for developing pharmaceutical liposomes as nano-sized parenteral drug delivery systems
Authors: Atre Prachi , Rizvi Syed A. A.
Published: September 2024

Bilayer liposome structure with encapsulated hydrophilic drug in the aqueous core.
Retraction: Recent application of visible-light induced radicals in C–S bond formation
Authors: Srivastava Vishal , Singh Pravin K. , Srivastava Arjita , Singh Praveen P.
Published: September 2024

Retraction of ‘Recent application of visible-light induced radicals in C–S bond formation’ by Vishal Srivastava et al., RSC Adv., 2020, 10, 20046–20056, https://doi.org/10.1039/D0RA03086D.
Nanoconfinement of polyoxometalates in cyclodextrin: computational inspections of the binding affinity and experimental demonstrations of reactivity modulation
Authors: Segado-Centellas Mireia , Falaise Clément , Leclerc Nathalie , Mpacko Priso Gabrielle , Haouas Mohamed , Cadot Emmanuel , Bo Carles
Published: September 2024

The water structure surrounding polyoxometalates dictates their capacity to form host–guest complexes with cyclodextrins.
2D organic nanosheets of self-assembled guanidinium derivative for efficient single sodium-ion conduction: rationalizing morphology editing and ion conduction
Authors: Dey Anik Kumar , Selvasundarasekar Sam Sankar , Kundu Subrata , Mandal Amal Kumar , Das Amitava , Pramanik Sumit Kumar
Published: September 2024

The resurgence of interest in sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) is largely driven by their natural abundance and favourable cost, apart from their comparable electrochemical performance with lithium-ion batteries (LIBs).
Alleviating the volume expansion of silicon anodes by constructing a high-strength ordered multidimensional encapsulation structure
Authors: Yu Yun , Gong Haiqiang , He Xinyou , Ming Lei , Wang Xiaowei , Ou Xing
Published: September 2024

A high-strength ordered encapsulation with SiQDs stabilizes the Si–C interface, isolating the electrolyte and suppressing volume expansion and side reactions.
Heavy-atom tunnelling in benzene isomers: how many tricyclic species are truly stable?
Authors: Rodríguez Sindy Julieth , Kozuch Sebastian
Published: September 2024

We studied the kinetic stability of all 73 hypothetical tricyclic benzene isomers focusing on their nuclear quantum effects. Which ones may pass the quantum tunnelling instability test, and which ones will be unsynthesizable and unisolable?
On the metal- and bio-catalyzed solvolysis of polyesters and polyurethanes wastes
Authors: Cirujano Francisco G. , Villa Rocio , Salas Rebeca , Maireles Miguel , Martín Nuria , Altava Belén , Lozano Pedro , García Verdugo Eduardo
Published: September 2024

Catalysis is a crucial tool to efficiently address the recycling and upgrading of polymeric waste within the context of a circular economy, providing affordable and selective methods for waste valorization.
Sustainable micro-cellulosic additives for high-density fiber cement: emphasis on rheo-mechanical properties and cost–performance analysis
Authors: Raghunath Sreenath , Hoque Mahfuzul , Zakani Behzad , Gondaliya Akash Madhav , Foster E. Johan
Published: September 2024

To combat climate change (i.e., global warming), reducing the CO2 footprint of cement-based building materials can be substantiated by incorporating micro-cellulosic biomaterials into the cement matrix.
Poly(vinyl alcohol)-assisted synthesis of 3D Bi2S3 submicrometric structures for feasible chip photodetector applications
Authors: Mistewicz Krystian , Godzierz Marcin , Gawron Anna , Otulakowski Łukasz , Hercog Anna , Kurtyka Klaudia , Hajra Sugato , Kim Hoe Joon
Published: September 2024

Bismuth sulfide (Bi2S3) is a chalcogenide semiconductor with a relatively narrow energy band gap that is promising for use in solar cells and photodetectors.
A polarized near-infrared organic phototransistor based on a narrow-band SnPc single crystal
Authors: Wang Ying , Du Qianqian , Zheng Xialian , Zhang Yanxun , Liu Qing , Wang Fengqiu , Qin Shuchao
Published: September 2024

We fabricated a fast and broadband organic photodetector with NIR response and polarization-sensitivity based on a narrowband SnPc single crystal. Its NIR response can reach up to 38.5 A W−1 at 850 nm, with a fast response speed of 440/590 μs.
Highly efficient and thermally stable broadband green-emitting BaY2Sc2Al2SiO12:Ce3+ phosphors enabling warm-white LEDs with high luminous efficacy and high color rendering index
Authors: Chen Xiaoyuan , Huang Xiaoyong
Published: September 2024

A broadband green-emitting BaY2Sc2Al2SiO12:Ce3+ garnet phosphor enables warm-white LEDs with high Ra of 93.3 and high LE of 105.3 lm W−1.
Deciphering colour mechanisms in co-crystals and salts containing violuric acid and chosen l-amino acids
Authors: Rydz Agnieszka , Gryl Marlena , Ostrowska Katarzyna , Stadnicka Katarzyna Marta
Published: September 2024

Salts and co-crystals of violuric acid with l-amino acids (l-His, l-Lys, l-Trp, l-Tyr, l-Ser) as novel chromic materials with potential as sustainable dyes.
Development of an automated SILAR method for the sustainable fabrication of BiOI/TiO2 photoanodes
Authors: Altieri Roberto , Schmitz Fabian , Schenker Manuel , Boll Felix , Rebecchi Luca , Schweitzer Pascal , Crisci Matteo , Kriegel Ilka , Smarsly Bernd , Schlettwein Derck , Lamberti Francesco , Gatti Teresa , Wang Mengjiao
Published: September 2024

This study introduces AutoDrop, an automated method for producing durable, efficient BiOI/TiO2 photoelectrodes, achieving a fine tuning of the band gap of BiOI, and doubling performance with an ultrathin TiO2 layer protection.
The SRG/eROSITA diffuse soft X-ray background
Authors: Yeung Michael C. H. , Ponti Gabriele , Freyberg Michael J. , Dennerl Konrad , Liu Teng , Locatelli Nicola , Mayer Martin G. F. , Sanders Jeremy S. , Sasaki Manami , Strong Andy , Zhang Yi , Zheng Xueying , Gatuzz Efrain
Published: September 2024

Context. The SRG/eROSITA All-Sky Surveys (eRASSs) combine the advantages of complete sky coverage and the energy resolution provided by the charge couple device and offer the most holistic and detailed view of the diffuse soft X-ray background (SXRB) to date. The first eRASS (eRASSl) was completed at solar minimum, when solar wind charge exchange emission was minimal, providing the clearest view of the SXRB.

Aims. We aim to extract spatial and spectral information from each constituent of the SXRB in the western Galactic hemisphere, focusing on the local hot bubble (LHB).

Methods. We extracted and analysed eRASSl spectra from almost all directions in the western Galactic hemisphere by dividing the sky into equal signal-to-noise bins. We fitted all bins with fixed spectral templates of known background constituents.

Results. We find the temperature of the LHB exhibits a north-south dichotomy at high latitudes (|b| > 30°), with the south being hotter, with a mean temperature at kT = 121.8 ± 0.6 eV and the north at kT = 100.8 ± 0.5 eV. At low latitudes, the LHB temperature increases towards the Galactic plane, especially towards the inner Galaxy. The LHB emission measure (EMLHB) enhances approximately towards the Galactic poles. The EMLHB map shows clear anti-correlation with the local dust column density. In particular, we found tunnels of dust cavities filled with hot plasma, potentially forming a wider network of hot interstellar medium. We also constructed a three-dimensional LHB model from EMLHB, assuming constant density. The average thermal pressure of the LHB is Pthermal/k = 10100−1500+1200 cm−3 K, a lower value than typical supernova remnants and wind-blown bubbles. This could be an indication of the LHB being open towards high Galactic latitudes.
M giants with IGRINS
Authors: Nandakumar G. , Ryde N. , Hartman H. , Mace G.
Published: September 2024

Context. Neutron-capture elements represent an important nucleosynthetic channel in the study of the Galactic chemical evolution of stellar populations. For stellar populations behind significant extinction, such as those in the Galactic centre and along the Galactic plane, abundance analyses based on near-infrared (NIR) spectra are necessary. Previously, spectral lines from the neutron-capture elements, such as copper (Cu), cerium (Ce), neodymium (Nd), and ytterbium (Yb), have been identified in the H band, while yttrium (Y) lines have been identified in the K band.

Aims. Due to the scarcity of spectral lines from neutron-capture elements in the NIR, the addition of useful spectral lines from other neutron-capture elements is highly desirable. The aim of this work is to identify and characterise a spectral line suitable for abundance determination from the most commonly used s-process element, namely barium.

Methods. We observed the NIR spectra of 37 M giants in the solar neighbourhood at high spectral resolution and with a high signal-to-noise ratio using the IGRINS spectrometer on the GEMINI South telescope. The full H- and K-bands were recorded simultaneously at R = 45 000. Using a manual spectral synthesis method, we determined the fundamental stellar parameters for these stars and derived the barium abundance from the Ba line (6s5d 3D2 → 6s6p 3P2o) at λair = 23 253.56 Å in the K band.

Results. We demonstrate that the Ba line in the K band at 2.33 μm (λ23 253.56) is useful for abundance analyses from the spectra of M giants. The line becomes progressively weaker at higher temperatures and is only useful in M giants and the coolest K giants at supersolar metallicities.

Conclusions. We can now add Ba to the trends of the heavy elements Cu, Zn, Y, Ce, Nd, and Yb, which can be retrieved from high-resolution H- and K-band spectra. This opens up the study of nucleosynthetic channels, including the s-process and the r-process, in dust-obscured populations. Thus, these elements can be studied for heavily dust-obscured regions of the Galaxy, such as the Galactic centre.
Convergent finite element methods for antiferromagnetic and ferrimagnetic materials
Authors: Normington Hywel , Ruggeri Michele
Published: September 2024

We consider the numerical approximation of a continuum model of antiferromagnetic and ferrimagnetic materials. The state of the material is described in terms of two unit-length vector fields, which can be interpreted as the magnetizations averaging the spins of two sublattices. For the static setting, which requires the solution of a constrained energy minimization problem, we introduce a discretization based on first-order finite elements and prove its Γ-convergence. Then, we propose and analyze two iterative algorithms for the computation of low-energy stationary points. The algorithms are obtained from (semi-)implicit time discretizations of gradient flows of the energy. Finally, we extend the algorithms to the dynamic setting, which consists of a nonlinear system of two Landau–Lifshitz–Gilbert equations solved by the two fields, and we prove unconditional stability and convergence of the finite element approximations toward a weak solution of the problem. Numerical experiments assess the performance of the algorithms and demonstrate their applicability for the simulation of physical processes involving antiferromagnetic and ferrimagnetic materials.
Comparing the Rate of Dissolution of Two Commercially Available Synthetic Bone Graft Substitutes
Authors: McConaghy Kara , Smietana Michael , Pasqualini Ignacio , Rullán Pedro J. , Fleming Jesse , Piuzzi Nicolas S.
Published: September 2024

This study characterized the dissolution properties of two commercially available bone substitutes: (1) A calcium sulfate (CaS)/brushite/β-tricalcium phosphate (TCP) graft containing 75% CaS and 25% calcium phosphate; and (2) a CaS/hydroxyapatite (HA) bone graft substitute composed of 60% CaS and 40% HA. Graft material was cast into pellets (4.8 mm outer diameter × 3.2 mm). Each pellet was placed into a fritted thimble and weighed before being placed into 200 mL of deionized water. The pellets were removed from the water on days 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 14, 18, or until no longer visible. The mass and volume of each pellet were calculated at each timepoint to determine the rate of dissolution. Analysis of variance was performed on all data. Statistical significance was defined as p < 0.05. The CaS/HA pellets were completely dissolved after day 8, while the CaS/brushite/β-TCP pellets remained until day 18. The CaS/brushite/β-TCP pellets had significantly more mass and volume at days 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 8 timepoints. The CaS/brushite/β-TCP pellets lost 46% less mass and 53% less volume over the first 4 days as compared to CaS/HA pellets. The CaS/brushite/β-TCP pellets had a rough, porous texture, while the CaS/HA pellets had a smooth outer surface. Overall the CaS/brushite/β-TCP pellets dissolved approximately twice as slowly as the CaS/HA pellets in vitro. As these in vitro findings might have in vivo implications, further clinical data are required to further confirm and establish the optimal synthetic bone substitute strategy or antibiotic delivery carrier.
Preparation of polymer composites with electrostatic spinning promotes wound regeneration: A review
Authors: Yang Wanying , Yang Cong , Jing Guanghui , Wang Sen , Li Jing , Zhang Xiaonan , Liu Peng , Yu Ning
Published: September 2024

Wound dressings play a critical role in promoting healing by protecting wounds from external contaminants and providing an optimal environment for tissue regeneration. Traditional dressings, such as gauze and cotton, offer basic physical barriers but lack the ability to maintain a moist wound environment, which is essential for healing. Modern dressings, particularly those incorporating electrospun nanofibers, have emerged as advanced solutions that can sustain moisture, absorb exudate, and support cell growth and migration. This Review covers recent advances in electrospinning technologies and the design of composite materials that integrate natural and synthetic polymers, bioactive agents, and nanomaterials to enhance wound healing. In addition, it highlights key studies demonstrating the efficacy of these composites in various wound models. The primary objective of this Review is to inspire and guide future research endeavors, address existing limitations, and shed light on the promising research prospects in the field of wound healing and tissue regeneration.
On the theory of multi-target coded sources for high-energy, high-resolution, and high-brightness x-ray radiography
Authors: Selwood M. P. , Rusby D. R. , Fittinghoff D. N. , Hill M. P. , Williams G. J.
Published: September 2024

X-ray radiography is a ubiquitous diagnostic technique in high energy density (HED) physics, with point projection backlighting commonly used for characterizing static and dynamic objects at high spatial and temporal resolutions. These are typically constrained in attainable resolution by their decrease in brightness, which is a limiting factor for high-Z HED experiments, such as double-shell implosions at the National Ignition Facility (NIF) requiring MeV-scale bremsstrahlung sources at high (<50μm) resolution. Coded source imaging is a technique using multiple point-projection sources to produce multiple overlapping radiographs, which are then decoded as a function of the source positions in a process akin to coded aperture imaging. Here, we discuss a new approach to coded source generation using multiple individual small-diameter wire targets within the footprint of a defocused large-scale a0 ≃ 1 laser to produce an MeV-scale high-resolution bright combined source for x-ray radiography. We outline optimal source designs with NIF-Advanced Radiography Capability as the case study, highlight the need for iterative reconstruction decoding, and discuss the research required to demonstrate a robust physical proof-of-concept.
Growth of bilayer transition metal dichalcogenides at controlled locations
Authors: Wen Chengyu , Naylor Carl H. , O’Brien Kevin P. , Oni Adedapo , Kavrik Mahmut S. , Suh Yeonjoon , Johnson A. T. Charlie
Published: September 2024

Layered transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD) materials have attracted great interest for applications in electronics. Here, we report a method to synthesize TMD materials at controlled locations with the desired layer number. Metal oxide precursors are patterned on the growth substrate by photolithography, and then a mixture of sodium chloride and sodium cholate growth promoters is applied to enable the growth of monolayer and bilayer TMDs with large flake sizes. The quality of the bilayer flakes is examined by atomic force microscopy, Auger electron spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, photoluminescence spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. Electrical performance is evaluated by fabricating three-terminal field-effect transistors that demonstrate high carrier mobilities and on/off ratios larger than 105. This approach provides insights into future device applications and integration strategies based on layered TMD materials.
Design, simulation, and experimental validation of a wideband flexible metamaterial absorber for gigahertz electromagnetic waves
Authors: Mebarki Ghada Fatima Zahra , Benmostefa Naima , Feham Mohammed , Alkhafaji Mohammed Ayad , Afenyiveh Serge Dzo Mawuefa , Menni Younes
Published: September 2024

This study addresses the challenge of mitigating electromagnetic interference (EMI) in telecommunications and radar systems by designing, simulating, and experimentally validating a wideband flexible metamaterial absorber (MMA) for gigahertz-frequency electromagnetic waves (EMWs). EMI is critical as it can severely impact the performance and reliability of electronic systems. Traditional absorbers often struggle to maintain high performance across a broad frequency range, especially under varying polarization and incidence angles. To address this issue, we developed a novel MMA with a simple, single-layer design optimized for wideband absorption over a 10 GHz frequency range. Constructed with a polyethylene terephthalate dielectric layer separating spiral coil resonators from a bottom copper layer, this configuration ensures polarization insensitivity for both transverse electric and transverse magnetic waves. Numerical simulations were used to optimize the design parameters, focusing on maximizing absorption efficiency across the targeted frequency range and varying incidence angles. Experimental validation was conducted to verify the absorber’s performance, with results showing excellent agreement with simulations. This research underscores the importance of experimental verification in validating the performance of MMAs and highlights their potential for real-world applications in absorbing EMWs.
Imaging advance enables 3D maps of the smallest microchips
Authors: Fattaruso Laura
Published: September 2024

With improved x-ray tomography algorithms, researchers can analyze nanometer-scale features inside microchips and improve resolution in other imaging applications.
Breaking the activity–selectivity trade-off of CO
2
hydrogenation to light olefins
Authors: Wang Xiaoyue , Zeng Ting , Guo Xiaohong , Yan Zhiqiang , Ban Hongyan , Yao Ruwei , Li Congming , Gu Xiang-Kui , Ding Mingyue
Published: September 2024

Catalytic hydrogenation of CO
2
to value-added fuels and chemicals is of great importance to carbon neutrality but suffers from an activity–selectivity trade-off, leading to limited catalytic performance. Herein, the ZnFeAlO
4
+ SAPO-34 composite catalyst was designed, which can simultaneously achieve a CO
2
conversion of 42%, a CO selectivity of 50%, and a C
2
–C
4
=
selectivity of 83%, resulting in a C
2
–C
4
=
yield of almost 18%. This superior catalytic performance was found to be from the presence of unconventional electron-deficient tetrahedral Fe sites and electron-enriched octahedral Zn sites in the ZnFeAlO
4
spinel, which were active for the CO
2
deoxygenation to CO via the reverse water gas shift reaction, and CO hydrogenation to CH
3
OH, respectively, leading to a route for CO
2
hydrogenation to C
2
–C
4
=
, where the kinetics of CO
2
activation can be improved, the mass transfer of CO hydrogenation can be minimized, and the C
2
–C
4
=
selectivity can be enhanced via modifying the acid density of SAPO-34. Moreover, the spinel structure of ZnFeAlO
4
possessed a strong ability to stabilize the active Fe and Zn sites even at elevated temperatures, resulting in long-term stability of over 450 h for this process, exhibiting great potential for large-scale applications.
Gold nanorod–assisted theranostic solution for nonvisible residual disease in bladder cancer
Authors: Armanetti Paolo , Locatelli Irene , Venegoni Chiara , Alchera Elisa , Campanella Beatrice , Pederzoli Filippo , Maturi Mirko , Locatelli Erica , Tortorella Silvia , Curnis Flavio , Corti Angelo , Lucianò Roberta , Onor Massimo , Salonia Andrea , Montorsi Francesco , Moschini Marco , Popov Viktor , Jose Jithin , Comes Franchini Mauro , Ooi Ean Hin , Menichetti Luca , Alfano Massimo
Published: September 2024

Residual nonvisible bladder cancer after proper treatment caused by technological and therapeutic limitations is responsible for tumor relapse and progression. This study aimed to demonstrate the feasibility of a solution for simultaneous detection and treatment of bladder cancer lesions smaller than one millimeter. The α5β1 integrin was identified as a specific marker in 81% of human high-grade nonmuscle invasive bladder cancers and used as a target for the delivery of targeted gold nanorods (GNRs). In a preclinical model of orthotopic bladder cancer expressing the α5β1 integrin, the photoacoustic imaging of targeted GNRs visualized lesions smaller than one millimeter, and their irradiation with continuous laser was used to induce GNR-assisted hyperthermia. Necrosis of the tumor mass, improved survival, and computational modeling were applied to demonstrate the efficacy and safety of this solution. Our study highlights the potential of the GNR-assisted theranostic strategy as a complementary solution in clinical practice to reduce the risk of nonvisible residual bladder cancer after current treatment. Further validation through clinical studies will support the findings of the present study.