bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Description of a new species of Sri Lankan litter skink (Squamata: Scincidae:Lankascincus)
Authors: Batuwita Sudesh , Pethiyagoda Rohan
Published: June 2009

Lankascincus greeri, a new species of litter skink, is described from Sri Lanka. The new species, which is widely distributed throughout the rainforests of the south-western lowlands, is distinguished from all other members of this genus by the presence of paired frontoparietals; possessing 2 secondary temporals in contact with each other; and by having 42-45 paravertebrals, 18-21 subdigital lamellae on fourth digit of pes and a maximum SVL of 58.5 mm. A paratype of Sphenomorphus dorsicatenatus is rediscovered (the type series having long been considered lost) and assigned to Lankascincus. Key words: Reptilia, Sphenomorphus, endemism, Ceylon, Lygosominae Doi: 10.4038/cjsbs.v36i2.482 Cey. J. Sci. (Bio. Sci.) 36 (2): 80-87, 2007
‘Tel-olu’ – is it really an ‘Olu’?
Authors: Yakandawala Deepthi , Paebotuwage Indika
Published: June 2009

The genus Nymphaea L. has two species in Sri Lanka, N. nouchali Burm. f. and N. pubescens Willd., which are commonly known by the vernacular names ‘Manel' and ‘Et-olu' or ‘Olu' respectively. Apart from these two commonly known Nymphaea species, another group exists by the vernacular name ‘Tel-olu' which has not been recorded in the literature. Field experience also indicated the occurrence of several morphological variants of ‘Olu' with very distinct character combinations that are not listed under the presently recognized species descriptions. Therefore, a phenetic analysis of morphological and anatomical data was undertaken to evaluate the existence of any other species of Nymphaea in Sri Lanka.  Individuals representing species of Nymphaea were studied in detail and coded for morphological and anatomical characters. Multivariate methods of analysis, Cluster Analysis and Principal Component Analysis were carried out. The resulting clusters were evaluated based on the characters identified. The study revealed that the Nymphaea that is commonly known by the vernacular name ‘Tel-olu' is not an ‘Olu' species but a ‘Manel'. Further, ‘Tel-olu' showed several distinct morphological features separating it from ‘Manel'.  Therefore, the study confirms the presence of an additional Nymphaea species in Sri Lanka. Further studies are needed to confirm its identity. Key words: Nymphaea nouchali, Nymphaea pubescens, ‘Manel', Phylogenetics Doi: 10.4038/cjsbs.v36i2.483 Cey. J. Sci. (Bio. Sci.) 36 (2): 88-99, 2007
Morphological heterogeneity in some estuarine populations of the catfish Arius jella (Ariidae) in Sri Lanka
Authors: Gunawickrama KB Suneetha
Published: June 2009

Intra-specific morphological variation in the indigenous catfish Arius jella (Ariidae) was studied in five estuarine localities in Sri Lanka (Koggala lagoon, Walawe estuary, Garanduwa lagoon, Nilwala estuary and Chilaw lagoon) using morphometric analysis. Five morphometric characteristics describing the shape of the fish were significantly different among some of the locations. Significantly shorter pre-orbital length (8.3% SL vs 9.2-10.7% SL in the other populations) in specimens from Walawe estuary is a population-specific character. Significant differences in other characteristics were found indicating heterogeneity in morphology. The first two canonical variates (CV) explained 82.7% of the total variation in the data, yet the plot of the CV failed to display significant separation of the sample populations. Derived classification functions could correctly classify an average of less than 50% individuals into their a priori groups. There was no agreement on the isolation by distance model. The results indicate a small degree of spatial separation in morphology in A. jella among the studied estuarine localities. Key Words: Estuarine Fish, Morphometrics, Partial Isolation, Spatial Separation, Population Structure Doi: 10.4038/cjsbs.v36i2.484 Cey. J. Sci. (Bio. Sci.) 36 (2): 100-107, 2007
Effect of rubber petiole cell walls and virulence of strains on secretion of pectic enzymes by Pytophthora meadii
Authors: Jayasuriya KE , Wijesundera RLC , Thennakoon BI
Published: June 2009

The characteristics of the pectic enzyme polygalacturonase (PG) of Phytophthora meadii isolates from petioles of rubber (Hevea brasiliensis) genotypes were compared in relation to (i) aggressiveness (virulence) in infecting detached petioles of a susceptible rubber genotype (PB86) or (ii) in relation to the availability of purified rubber petiole cell walls (obtained from a Phytophthora-resistant clone, RRIC100) in the growth medium, as the sole carbon source. The four most highly aggressive isolates produced PG forms varying within mw 48-60 kDa, while, the highly aggressive MAD86 isolate produced two PG forms of mw 48 and 70 kDa. Moderately or weakly aggressive isolates produced PG forms within the range of 62-66 kDa. With rubber petiole cell walls in the growth medium, the four most highly aggressive isolates produced PG forms of mw 42-62 kDa, while, MAD86 produced a much smaller PG form of 21 kDa. Weak or moderately aggressive isolates produced similar PG forms in both cell wall and pectin media. Quite smaller PG molecules produced in rubber cell wall medium could be due to elicitor molecular fragments bound to rubber cell walls, which may induce P. meadii to secret specific PG forms via signal transduction pathway. None of the isolates produced pectin lyase (PL) in any growth medium. Neither PG nor PL activity was detected in P. meadii-infected petioles. Key Words: Cell wall degrading enzymes, resistance, Hevea brasiliensis, leaf disease doi: 10.4038/cjsbs.v36i2.485 Cey. J. Sci. (Bio. Sci.) 36 (2): 108-114, 2007
Water quality of Maha Oya stream in Peradeniya
Authors: Abayasekara CL , Siriwardana CL , Razaak MGM
Published: June 2009

The water quality of the Maha Oya stream that runs across the University of Peradeniya, was determined using water samples collected from four different locations along the stream. Water samples were assessed for selected bacteriological parameters, temperature, pH and turbidity, during the wet and dry seasons, at weekly intervals over a period of 5 weeks in each season. A sociological survey was conducted concurrently to study the impact of two communities (line house and agricultural) living along the stream bank, on water quality. The bacteriological analysis revealed that stream water is not suitable for drinking or bathing at any of the locations, according to Sri Lankan standards and WHO guidelines. Temperature, pH and turbidity of stream water fluctuated among the locations investigated according to geographical and environmental factors and run off into the stream. The sociological survey revealed direct discharge of faecal matter into the stream at certain locations. Both, agricultural and line house communities were aware of pollution of water in the stream. The study revealed the unsanitary quality of water in the Maha Oya and the need to implement suitable methods of solid waste and waste water disposal. Key words: total coliform, faecal coliform, sociological survey doi: 10.4038/cjsbs.v36i2.488 Cey. J. Sci. (Bio. Sci.) 36 (2): 134-137, 2007
Brief biography and bibliography of late Felix P. Amerasinghe
Authors: Breckenridge WR
Published: June 2009

doi: 10.4038/cjsbs.v36i2.490 Cey. J. Sci. (Bio. Sci.) 36 (2): 142-145, 2007
Post-dispensing stability surveillance: Stavudine
Authors: Naidoo Kamsaladevi K. , Govender Thavendran , Deonunan Rellissa A. , Govender Terusha , Naidoo Calveni , Moodley Ramona , Govender Melissa , Miya Khahliso P.
Published: June 2009

Background: Stavudine, a thymidine nucleoside, is a reverse transcriptase inhibitor, which is extensively used in the treatment of HIV infected patients. According to the World Health Organization (2006), stavudine must be stored in well closed containers and be protected from light. In addition, the manufacturer recommends that stavudine be stored below 25°C in a tightly closed container. However, because of the stigma associated with the disease condition, patients may attempt to hide their medication by storing the drug in more anonymous packaging, which may not comply with these storage requirements. Furthermore, the high temperature and humidity conditions found in sub-tropical areas such as Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, place additional environmental stress on the drug. Research has shown that stavudine can degrade to thymine under hydrolytic, oxidative and photolytic conditions. Therefore, this study investigated the stability of stavudine in packaging other than that used by the manufacturer and under temperature and humidity conditions that were higher than those recommended by the manufacturer.Method: Stavudine capsules were placed in different types of packaging and then subjected to different temperature and humidity conditions. At two week intervals the capsules were analysed using HPLC (high pressure liquid chromatography).Results: Stavudine capsules stored in packaging other than that used by the manufacturer and under temperature and humidity conditions that are higher than those recommended by the manufacturer showed significant degradation.Conclusion: Patients taking stavudine stored under sub-optimal conditions may ingest less than the required dose of stavudine. This can lead to drug resistance and treatment failure.
A continuous feast of bramble: Rubus fruticosus agg. is a key cross‐seasonal dietary resource for a fallow deer population
Authors: Gresham Amy , Pillay Kirthana , Healey John R. , Eichhorn Markus P. , Ellison Amy , Lowe Abigail , Cordes Line S. , Creer Simon , Shannon Graeme
Published: February 2025

Context: Deer (Cervidae) populations are increasing in many global regions, leading to concerns about their impacts on temperate forests. Advancing evidence‐based management requires a detailed understanding of the dietary habits of deer and how these are shaped by resource availability.

Methodology: We studied the diet of fallow deer (Dama dama) in North Wales (United Kingdom), using faecal DNA metabarcoding. Samples were collected monthly from three woodlands during 2019–2021. Tree surveys and seasonal ground flora surveys were conducted in these woodlands and seven additional woodlands. Preference analyses were used to assess the consumption of plant taxa relative to their availability.

Results: The fallow deer consumed high proportions of bramble (Rubus fruticosus agg.) across the seasons, especially in the winter months. Diet diversity was significantly lower in winter compared to the other seasons, suggesting that the deer were bulk foraging on a widely available, predictable resource to conserve energy during winter. Grasses did not form a major component of the diet in any season. The preference analysis showed that spatially clustered woody taxa (e.g. Betula sp., Corylus sp. and Fraxinus sp.) occurred less often than expected in the diet, while widespread woody species occurred in the diet more often than expected (e.g. Rosa sp., Prunus sp. and Quercus sp.).

Practical implication: The expansion of deer populations in the United Kingdom has occurred alongside the recovery and maturation of degraded or planted forests since the middle of the 20th century. Despite reduced light availability in these closed‐canopy forests and increased herbivory pressure, bramble has remained a dominant understory plant compared to other less herbivory‐tolerant plant species. Perhaps as a consequence, bramble has become the winter survival resource for this fallow deer population, remaining a prominent dietary component throughout the year. With increasing disturbance from extreme weather and tree diseases leading to a more open canopy structure, bramble cover is set to increase in European forests, which could support further expansion of deer populations. As we work to expand tree cover and enhance forest resilience and biodiversity, we should seek to understand the dynamic interactions of increasing deer populations with rapidly changing treescapes.
Verbal and Numeric Eyewitness Confidence Differentially Affect Decision‐Making
Authors: Pennekamp Pia
Published: February 2025

Eyewitness confidence is typically communicated verbally (e.g., certain). Interpretations for verbal confidence statements are variable which could affect decision‐making. I explored the extent to which confidence format (i.e., verbal vs. numeric) influences juror decision‐making. Participants (N = 468) read a trial vignette in which an expert witness draws attention to the eyewitness's confidence in their suspect identification (uncertain, or certain, or 28%, or 88%). Participants rated the expert's recommendation, rendered a conviction decision, and provided confidence in their decision on a scale of 0 = Not at all confident to 10 = Completely confident. Mock‐jurors were more likely to convict when confidence was high. However, mock‐jurors were also more likely to convict when confidence was presented verbally. This effect may be attributable to the ambiguity verbal confidence affords, allowing for interpretation in congruence with the eyewitness's identification decision.
The Risks of Road Rage: An Investigation Into the Influences of Driving‐Related Anger on Driver Attention
Authors: Love Steven , Indrawan Yolinda , Clark Michele , Larue Grégoire S.
Published: February 2025

The primary purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between driving‐specific meta‐mental beliefs, anger rumination and anger experiences with driver inattention. A sample of 527 adult Australian drivers completed an online survey about their driving‐related anger and attention. Bivariate correlations revealed positive relationships between meta‐mental beliefs, anger rumination, anger experiences and the frequency of driver inattention (errors and lapses). In contrast, negative associations were typically found between the anger‐related variables and the self‐reported ability to regulate attention (i.e., attentional presence, flexibility, capacity) while driving. Notably, however, driving anger shared a positive relationship with attentional flexibility. Structural equation modelling demonstrated hierarchical relationships existed between the variables, whereby meta‐mental beliefs indirectly affected driving attention, via the effects they had toward driving‐related anger. The findings of this study offer valuable insights into how anger‐related experiences are developed on the road and how these experiences influence driver attention.
CADCA: Prevention day, SAMHSA agenda, youth leadership highlighted
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: February 2025

Officials from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) were there to talk through the agency's prevention portfolio at the annual CADCA leadership conference in National Harbor, Maryland last week. A record number of attendees – more than 4,300, 600 of them youth – gathered to share stories of success and coalition‐building.
Prevention provider helps immigrants deal with current crisis
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: February 2025

It wasn't what they were meant to do originally, but in the past few weeks, the East Boston Neighborhood Health Center has found new work in helping people who need it. Director Nancy Slamet, speaking at CADCA, noted that adolescents have been turning more to substances as a result of elevated stress. So the focus has been on building resilience, using the HOPE framework, which comes out of Tufts University.
Salt‐In‐Wood Piezoelectric Power Generators with Circular Materials Design for High‐Performance Sustainable Energy Harvesting
Authors: Garemark Jonas , Ritter Maximilian , Dreimol Christopher , Lopes Laranjeira Rafael , Kürsteiner Ronny , Vivas Glaser Dan , Parrilli Annapaola , Ram Farsa , Oberschelp Christopher , Efe Ipek , Pettersson Torbjörn , Trassin Morgan , Panzarasa Guido , Burgert Ingo
Published: February 2025

The nanowatt‐level power density of current biobased piezoelectric energy harvesters restricts their applicative potential for the efficient conversion of biomechanical energy. A high‐performing, fully renewable piezoelectric device incorporating green piezo‐active Rochelle salt in a laser‐drilled wood template is demonstrated to form ordered crystal pillar arrays by melt crystallization. Investigating the effect of different crystal pillar configurations on the piezoelectric response, a shearing design (45°‐oriented pillars) shows potential of up to 30 V and a current of 4 µA – corresponding to a 10‐fold power increase compared to single‐crystalline Rochelle salt. A concept of direct laser graphitization on the crystal surfaces are demonstrated using a fully renewable ink to create electrodes of low resistance (36 Ω sq−1). The entire device can be disassembled, fully recycled, and reused. This nanogenerator outperforms state‐of‐the‐art biobased ones and competes with conventional lead‐based devices in power generation while showing a significantly lower environmental footprint, as indicated by life‐cycle assessment.
Fabrication of a Robust Zinc Powder Anode via Facile Integration of Copper Nanopowder as a Functional Conductive Medium
Authors: Jin Yishan , Jin Kai , Ji Wenjing , Zhang Zhanfeng , Gan Linsong , Han Peng , Yuan Xinhai , Fu Lijun , Wu Yuping
Published: February 2025

Zinc powder is the key anode material for the commercialization of aqueous Zn ion batteries (AZIBs), taking advantage of its cost‐effectiveness and ease of processing. However, they face challenges such as severe dendrite growth, side reactions, and corrosion due to the rough surface with high specific area. This paper proposes a low‐cost, simple, and scalable method to modify Zn powder‐based anodes by incorporating nano‐Copper (NC) powder as a functional conductive agent, and the modified Zn powder electrode is denoted as ZP‐NC. This NC powder modification enhances the electronic conductivity, lowers the charge transfer activation energy, and provides an even electric field for uniform Zn deposition. It further alleviates the electrochemical corrosion during storage and cycling. Thus, the rate capability and cycle stability of the Zn powder electrode are significantly enhanced while keeping a high Zn utilization. With an optimized N/P ratio of 4.3, the ZP‐NC||NaV3O8·1.5H2O (NVO) full battery achieves a high energy density of 81 Wh kg−1. This work provides a facile method to enhance the performance of Zn powder‐based anodes for practical application, and it also plays a pivotal role in advancing the development of AZIBs with high energy density.
Controlling Nuclei Growth and Phase Transition of CsFA‐Based Perovskite During Slot‐Die Coating via Solvent Engineering for High‐Performance Solar Cells and Modules
Authors: Huang Shihao , Wu Yeyong , Xu Guiying , Shen Yunxiu , Liu Wen , Xu Jiacheng , Xu Tingting , Wu Xiaoxiao , Cao Zhiyun , Li Yaowen
Published: February 2025

Slot‐die coating has become essential for the large‐scale production of perovskite solar cells (pero‐SCs) and solar modules (pero‐SMs). However, the power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of pero‐SCs and pero‐SMs produced by slot‐die coating still significantly lag behind those of spin‐coated devices owing to the uncontrollable crystallization kinetics and complex phase evolution of perovskites during film formation. In this study, a perovskite precursor solution is engineered by adding volatile 2‐methoxyethanol (2‐ME) and combining it with DMF as the main solvent. Its high vapor pressure and Kamlet−Taft β value enabled rapid nucleation and hydrogen bonding with formamidinium iodide, promoting the formation of high‐density nuclei that template uniform growth and directly trigger α‐phase perovskite formation. Consequently, a high‐quality, large‐area (25 cm2) perovskite film, with uniform, pinhole‐free, and phase‐pure characteristics, is successfully deposited using the slot‐die coating method. Ultimately, the pero‐SCs (0.062 cm2) and pero‐SMs (15.64 cm2) fabricated by slot‐die coating achieved impressive PCEs of 24.20% and 21.84%, respectively. Notably, the unencapsulated pero‐SCs demonstrated superior operational stability, with T90 > 1150 h.
Spatial Grain Orientation Induced Structural Coloration Anisotropy of the Micro V‐Shaped Metal Arrays for Metallurgical Structure Characterizing
Authors: Wu Liqiang , Liu Hanzhong , Cui Zhipeng , Wu Bing , Zong Wenjun
Published: February 2025

Nature is the original creator of beauty. Sometimes, the beauty is plain to see, but in some cases, only a suitable stimulation can unveil it. Here, a micro‐grating assistant method is used to stimulate the brilliant random structural colors on the surface of polycrystalline metals. In cutting of micro V‐shaped gratings on the micro‐grains having different orientations, the anisotropic mechanical property of the micro‐grains can cause the anisotropic micro‐deformation of the geometric profile of the gratings, thereby stimulating the structural colors of the machined surface. As an example, the suitable structural coloration stimulation condition is investigated for the polycrystalline aluminum, considering the cutting depth, tool‐included angle, and grating period. Furthermore, the V‐shaped gratings are also machined on the polycrystalline tin and copper samples. The results indicate that the grating‐based structural coloration method is a potential new technology to characterize the size and shape of the micro‐crystals of various polycrystalline metals. Compared with the conventional metallographic analysis method, which uses grinding and polishing technologies to pre‐treat the sample, this novel method has unmatched advantages in the high‐efficiency, soft metal availability, and micro‐area availability.
Defect Rectification in High‐Density Patterns through Directed Self‐Assembly of Advanced Block Copolymer Architectures
Authors: Yun Sehyun , Ahn Jihun , Thapar Vikram , Lee Sangyeop , Li Sheng , Hur Su‐mi
Published: February 2025

The development of high‐density nanoscale patterns is essential for advancing semiconductor devices, data storage media, and various emerging technologies, yet achieving precise control over pattern quality at increasingly smaller dimensions remains a significant challenge. Combining directed self‐assembly (DSA) of block copolymers (BCPs) with high‐resolution photolithography offers a promising approach for precise pattern transfer and potential defect rectification in nanopatterning. Here, how different polymer architectures—linear AB, linear A1B1A2B2 tetra‐, and comb‐linear BCPs—interact with and rectify common lithographic defects in hexagonally packed cylinder arrays, using coarse‐grained molecular simulations on 2D guide substrates is systematically investigated. The findings reveal that molecular architecture plays a crucial role in achieving both high pattern density and defect tolerance: Linear AB BCPs offer robust defect rectification for most defect types but are sensitive to volume mismatch; linear A1B1A2B2 tetra‐BCPs enable higher packing densities with tolerance to edge roughness and placement errors; and comb‐linear BCPs support unprecedented density through honeycomb formation while maintaining stable pattern quality across a wide range of guide pattern fractions. This investigation provides insights into strategically engineering polymer architecture to overcome limitations in pattern density and defect tolerance, informing the design of next‐generation nanopatterning materials.
Efficient and Multifunctional Electroluminescent Ultra Deep‐Blue Material with Hybrid Localization and Charge Transfer
Authors: Xie Mingliang , Ma Chenglin , Zhou Yannan , Song Jingru , Zhang Li , Zhang Shi‐Tong , Sun Qikun , Yang Wenjun , Xue Shanfeng
Published: February 2025

Hybrid local and charge transfer (HLCT) emitters have received much attention because they can utilize triplet exciton via hot exciton channels. However, exploiting novel multifunctional deep‐blue HLCT materials capable of high color purity remains a great challenge. Herein, two deep‐blue emitters with HLCT properties, PdCz‐2CN and mPdCz‐2CN, aresynthesized. The non‐doped OLED based on PdCz‐2CN or mPdCz‐2CN emitter with EQEmax and Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage (CIE) coordinates Y values of 5.42%@0.062 and 2.05@0.064, respectively. More importantly, the doped‐OLEDs achieve ultra deep‐blue emission with EQEmax and CIEy values of 5.10%@0.037 and 1.96%@0.050, respectively, which is close to the BT.2020 standard. In addition, the PdCz‐2CN can not only obtain ultra‐deep blue OLED, but also realize the exciplex‐OLED as the electron acceptor for realizing multifunctional luminescence. As a result, the non‐doped exciplex OLED based on PdCz‐2CN: 15 wt.%TAPC as the luminescent layer achieves 15.44% EQEmax via forming green exciplex emission with hole transport layer TAPC. Moreover, PdCz‐2CN: 15 wt.%TAPC exciplex‐based as the host, red phosphor Ir(MDQ)2(acac) as the guest of OLED reaches red emission, and the EQEmax isup to 20.14%. This study is the first deep‐blue HLCT emitter using picolinonitrile as an electron acceptor, having significant potential for efficient exciplex OLED applications.
Precise Fixation of the Spatial Configuration of Adsorption Groups for Removal of Mercury Ions from the Acidic Wastewater
Authors: Cui Bo , Yan Zhuojun , Bu Naishun , Wang Suri , Yan Weihan , Cui Jingbo , Xu Yanmei , Shao Huimin , Yang Lini , Yang Yajie , Yuan Ye , Xia Lixin
Published: February 2025

Global release of up to 10 000 tons per year of mercury (Hg), the third most toxic ion, into the natural environment poses a significant threat to public health. However, conventional adsorbents with flexible adsorption sites have limited capability in mercury removal, especially in highly acidic and multiple competing ion environments. Herein, Hg(II) ion coordinated 3,3′,5,5′‐tetrabromo‐2,2′‐bithiophene is selected as the building monomer to construct the porous aromatic framework (PAF) through a Suzuki coupling reaction. The positions and angles of the two thiophene fragments are fixed by quadruple covalent bonds according to the coordination structure of the mercury ion. These covalently bounded bithiophene units exhibited ≈303% increased binding affinity and ≈140.0‐fold enhanced selectivity for Hg(II) ions, compared with flexible bithiophene moieties. In addition, the resulting solid (MILNU‐49) illustrates outstanding removal capability with a concentration varying from 5000.0 to 2.0 ppb, correspondingly, the removal efficiency is over 99.96% within 5 h from Hg(II) actual acidic wastewater. Remarkably, MILNU‐49 outperforms previously reported adsorbents for the adsorption of mercury ions under acidic conditions. The work enumerates a strategy for designing selective and high‐affinity binding sites, which are of great interest in the fields of environment, detection, and energy storage.
Enhancing UV Stability and Charge Extraction in Organic Solar Cells with Phenyl‐Linked Aromatic Self‐Assembled Monolayer
Authors: Zhang Nan , Jiang Wenlin , An Yidan , Liu Qi , Du Gengxin , Xia Tian , Chen Desui , Wong Chun‐To , Zeng Xiao Cheng , Lin Francis R. , Jen Alex K.‐Y. , Yip Hin‐Lap
Published: February 2025

Carbazole‐derived self‐assembled monolayers (SAMs) are extensively employed as effective hole‐extracting layer (HEL) in organic photovoltaics (OPVs) for enhancing interfacial modification and carrier extraction. Despite their utility, the performance of these SAMs is significantly influenced by the length of the alkyl linker commonly used, and the electron‐rich carbazole moiety is susceptible to photo‐oxidation, which compromises the stability of the devices. In this study, a novel SAM is introduced, utilizing a rigid phenyl linker in place of the conventional flexible alkyl linker. This molecular design fosters a more dense and orderly SAM packing and facilitates electron delocalization in the electron‐rich carbazole unit, thereby enhancing both charge extraction and the photo/electrochemical stability of the SAM. The improvements at the molecular level have been effectively translated to the device level, realizing a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 19.70% and notable operational stability (T80 over 1100 h) in resultant OPV devices. Crucially, this includes enhanced resistance to ultraviolet irradiation. These results underscore the significance of molecular design in developing SAM‐based HELs to optimize both the efficiency and stability of OPVs.
Role of Pressure and Expansion on the Degradation in Solid‐State Silicon Batteries: Implementing Electrochemistry in Particle Dynamics
Authors: So Magnus , Yano Takeru , Permatasari Agnesia , Nguyen Van Lap , Inoue Gen
Published: February 2025

To advance the understanding of the mechanical degradation in silicon (Si) anodes, an electrochemical particle simulation model employing the discrete element method is developed. This model integrates lithium‐ion (Li‐ion) transfer, electrochemical reactions, and charge expansion into a particle physics depiction of a Si anode half‐cell. The impact of fabrication pressures and stack pressure on the contact area, cell voltage, and degradation is examined. The charge performance primarily depends on stress overpotential and Li‐ion conduction. Conversely, the discharge performance is chiefly constrained by Li‐ion conduction, percolation of the electron conducting network, and bottleneck diffusion resistance in areas with minimal contact between the active material (AM) and solid electrolyte (SE). These resistances are markedly reduced by elevating fabrication pressure, which decrease porosity and mitigate delamination between AM and SE. Furthermore, the dynamics of isobaric expansion differ from the constrained case, with the porosity and Li‐ion conduction resistance notably increasing alongside the state of charge. The insights gained from this study establish a robust foundation for enhancing the performance and longevity of Si all‐solid‐state batteries anodes.
Penetrative and Homogenized Surface Passivation for Evaporation‐Solution‐Processed Perovskite Solar Cells via a Synergistic Bimolecular Strategy
Authors: Zhou Yuan , Zhang Xuhao , Feng Zhuo , Zheng Wenwen , Li Guang , Shen Weicheng , Ai Wei , Pu Dexin , Fu Shiqiang , Chen Weiqing , Wang Jiahao , Fang Guojia , Ke Weijun
Published: February 2025

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have garnered significant attention for their outstanding optoelectronic properties, yet surface defects remain a major obstacle to achieving optimal performance, especially in scalable hybrid evaporation‐solution fabrication methods. Conventional passivation techniques often struggle with shallow penetration of passivation agents, limiting their effectiveness. Here, an advanced post‐treatment strategy is introduced that synergistically combines 2‐thiopheneethylammonium chloride with a trace amount of ethylenediamine to achieve superior surface passivation. ethylenediamine acts as a “penetration facilitator,” mildly etching the perovskite surface and enabling deeper infiltration of 2‐thiopheneethylammonium chloride, which results in the formation of a uniformly distributed and pure‐phase 2D perovskite layer. This deeply penetrating passivation layer effectively suppresses nonradiative recombination at the perovskite/electron transport layer interface. As a result, inverted PSCs fabricated using the hybrid evaporation‐solution method achieved a power conversion efficiency of 24.20%, accompanied by an open‐circuit voltage of 1.189 V and an open‐circuit voltage deficit of 0.36 V. Additionally, this post‐treatment strategy demonstrates broad performance enhancements across PSCs with various bandgaps and fabrication methods, offering a versatile and promising pathway to boost both the efficiency and stability of PSCs.
Molecular Engineering of Active Fe Center in Metalloporphyrin Coupled with Polyoxometalates for Efficient Photochemical Nitrogen Fixation: Synergistic Effect of Multiactive Sites Strengthening Metal‐N‐N* Interactions
Authors: Li Ximing , Dong Qibing , Wang Junjun , Liang Xinxin , Robertson Peter K. J. , Li Fei , Guo Ming , Choi Wonyong , Wang Chuanyi
Published: February 2025

Precisely modulating the chemical microenvironment of catalytic centers at the molecular level to achieve efficient photocatalytic nitrogen fixation remains a grand challenge. Herein, a polyoxometalates (POMs) metalloporphyrin organic framework Fe‐PMOF {POM‐TCPP(Fe)} is constructed by integrating the oxygen‐rich unit POMs {ε‐PMo8VMo4VIO40Zn4} and the photosensitive metalloporphyrin (Fe‐TCPP) as a model to precisely regulate intermolecular electron transfer. Benefiting from electronic interactions, the optimized POM‐TCPP(Fe) exhibits a favorable activity toward NH3 production with a rate of 110.06 µmol g−1 h−1. The improved performance can be attributed to the effective regulation of the chemical microenvironment surrounding the active centers, enabling the synergistic interaction of multiple active sites (Fe and Mo) to facilitate the adsorption and activation of nitrogen. More specifically, oxygen‐rich unit POMs exhibit strong electronegativity, which can attract electrons from Fe atoms, thereby decreasing the 3d orbitals’ electron density of Fe sites and elevating its unoccupied d‐orbitals to facilitate N2 adsorption. Moreover, the porphyrin units with high photosensitivity efficiently generate electrons under photoexcitation, which can rapidly migrate and inject them to the active Fe‐N‐N* sites to facilitate N2 activation. Ultimately, the mimic nitrogenase active site intelligently integrates multiple active sites of transition metals Fe and Mo, thus improving the nitrogen fixation efficiency.
A Strong and Water‐Retaining Biomass Adhesive Inspired by Tofu
Authors: Shao Jiawei , Jing Qiumei , Li Xinyi , Shahzad Muhammad Wakil , Jiang Shuaicheng , Zhang Xuehua , Ge Shengbo , Xu Ben Bin , Li Jianzhang
Published: February 2025

The poor mechanical strength and low water retention of biomass adhesives present significant challenges when substituting petrochemical adhesives in practical applications. Inspired by the colloidal gel structure in Tofu, the development of a high‐performance protein‐based adhesive derived from soybean meal (SM) oxidized by glucose oxidase (GOx) and calcium sulfate oligomer (CSO) is reported. The catalytic oxidation of sugars in SM by GOx produces active carboxyl groups, increasing active sites for calcium bridge (sugar‐protein) formation in CSO. Concurrently, GOx disrupts the internal electrostatic equilibrium of SM, promoting the formation of an acid‐induced colloidal gel‐like network structure. This Tofu‐like structures can effectively minimize water evaporation and significantly enhance the interfacial adhesion. Plywood bonded with the modified adhesive demonstrates a 129% increase in wet strength compared to unmodified counterparts. Additionally, the water loss rate of modified adhesive is reduced by 30.66% at 30 minutes, while maintaining 70.37% of its initial wet strength. This enzymatically mediated organic–inorganic hybrid structure represents a promising strategy for future development of sustainable biomass adhesives.
3D Microtumors Representing Ovarian Cancer Minimal Residual Disease Respond to the Fatty Acid Oxidation Inhibitor Perhexiline
Authors: Yang Xingyun , Artibani Mara , Jin Yongcheng , Aggarwal Aneesh , Zhang Yujia , Muñoz‐Galvan Sandra , Mikhailova Ellina , Rai Lena , Mukherjee Nobina , Kumar Ravinash Krishna , Albukhari Ashwag , Ma Shaohua , Zhou Linna , Ahmed Ahmed Ashour , Bayley Hagan
Published: February 2025

The poor survival of ovarian cancer patients is linked to their high likelihood of relapse. In spite of full apparent macroscopic clearance, tumor recurrences arise from cells that are resistant to primary chemotherapy in the form of minimal residual disease (MRD). MRD exhibits distinct molecular drivers from bulk cancer and therefore necessitates alternative therapeutic strategies. However, there is a lack of 3D models that faithfully recapitulate MRD ex vivo for therapy development. This study constructs microfluidics‐based 3D microtumors to generate a clinically‐relevant model for ovarian cancer MRD. The microtumors recapitulate the non‐genetic heterogeneity of ovarian cancer, capturing the “Oxford Classic” five molecular signatures. Gene expression in the 3D microtumors aligns closely with MRD from ovarian cancer patients and features the upregulation of fatty acid metabolism genes. Finally, the MRD 3D microtumors respond to the approved fatty acid oxidation inhibitor, perhexiline, demonstrating their utility in drug discovery. This system might be used as a drug‐testing platform for the discovery of novel MRD‐specific therapies in ovarian cancer.
Nano Copper‐chelate Triggers Cuproptosis‐like Death in Fungi and Synergizes with Microneedles for Enhanced Biofilm Removal
Authors: Ge Xing , Deng Shuyue , Chen Lilin , Feng Feng , Fang Tianye , Ding Yu , Jiang Hui , Yang Jun , Liu Xinmei , Dai Jianjun , Yang Lei , Ju Yanmin
Published: February 2025

Fungal infections pose a significant global public health threat, particularly candidemia and biofilm formation. Current antifungal drugs have limitations due to their toxicity and drug resistance. Ion interference therapy, particularly cuproptosis, shows significant potential for disease treatment. Herein, nano copper‐chelate Cu(DDC)2@BSA (CDB) is synthesized for antifungal research and the mechanism of cuproptosis‐like death is investigated. Initially, CDB demonstrates a strong inhibitory effect on multiple fungi and exhibits strong antifungal activity against two fluconazole‐resistant clinical isolates. The decrease in ATPase activity and mitochondrial membrane potential indicates that the antifungal mechanism may involve mitochondrial dysfunction. Subsequently, transcriptome analysis reveals significant alterations in genes related to copper ions transport and regulation, oxidative phosphorylation, and mitochondrial function. Additionally, copper ions overload is observed, along with an increase in heat shock protein 70 levels and a decrease in lipoic acid synthetase protein expression. Given that biofilms hinder drug penetration, quaternary ammonium chitosan microneedles are employed in combination with CDB to penetrate the biofilm barrier and enhance the antifungal effect. Overall, this study provides new insight into the cuproptosis‐like death mechanism in fungi and presents a promising strategy for fungal infection treatment through the combination of nano copper–chelate and microneedle delivery system.
Multifunctional Hydrogel Electronics for Synergistic Therapy and Visual Monitoring in Wound Healing
Authors: Ji Yun‐Liang , Zhang Yizhou , Lu Jingqi , Gao Fan , Lv Xinyi , Qu Xinyu , Zhu Guoyin , Tian Tian , Pang Huan , Tian Yu , Dong Xiaochen
Published: February 2025

To overcome the limitations of precise monitoring and inefficient wound exudate management in wound healing, an advanced multifunctional hydrogel electronics (MHE) platform based on MXene@MOF/Fe3O4@C photonic crystal hydrogel is developed. This platform combines optical/electrical sensing, synergistic therapy, and real‐time visual monitoring into a single, efficient system, offering a comprehensive solution for wound healing. Under photothermal stimulation, the hydrogel releases metal ions that generate hydroxyl radicals, effectively eliminating antibiotic‐resistant bacteria. Beyond its antibacterial efficacy, this system offers unprecedented real‐time monitoring through temperature‐responsive visualization, while structural color changes upon wound exudate absorption provide a clear indication for dressing replacement. By integrating these functionalities, MHE platform allows for precise control of the therapeutic process, significantly improving wound healing and treatment monitoring. The platform's optical/electrical sensing capabilities further broaden its potential applications across other biomedical fields. This breakthrough technology provides clinicians with a powerful tool to optimize therapeutic outcomes, marking a major advancement in wound care and biomedical applications.
Fluorescence‐Switchable Iron‐Doped Nanodot Assembly as a Robust Redox Dyshomeostasis Amplifier for Noninvasive Treatment of Deep‐Seated Tumors
Authors: Xing Haiyan , Han Minyu , Zhang Tao , Zeng Guicheng , He Jie , Xu Zhigang , Kang Yuejun , Xue Peng
Published: February 2025

Carbon dots (CDs) have been recognized as promising candidates for cancer diagnosis and therapy, owing to their intrinsic fluorescence properties and facile functionalization pathways. However, such tiny‐sized CDs tend to be rapidly excreted by the kidney and/or hepatobiliary system before reaching the tumor site, which may significantly weaken their performance in tumor theranostics. Here, fluorescence switchable iron‐doped carbon dot assemblies (FCDDs) are developed with an average size of ≈120 nm for passive tumor targeting. After lesional enrichment, FCDDs can be dissembled into Fe‐doped CDs (FCDs) with fluorescence switched on, in response to the upregulated glutathione (GSH) in the tumor microenvironment. The ultrasmall FCDs are able to penetrate into the deep region of solid tumors and generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) through the Fenton reaction. Such ROS accumulation and GSH deprivation caused by FCDDs can effectively trigger the irreversible apoptosis and ferroptosis of tumor cells. Meanwhile, the resultant intracellular redox dyshomeostasis induces prominent immunogenic cell death to prevent metastasis. Tumor‐specific fluorescence imaging not only enables cancerous tissue probing but also assists in monitoring the treatment effectiveness. Taken together, this paradigm exemplifies a practical approach to improve the functionality of CDs toward clinical applications and may inspire more facile designs toward upcoming translational medicines.
Rapid Drying Principle for High‐speed, Pinhole‐Less, Uniform Wet Deposition Protocols of Water‐Dispersed 2D Materials
Authors: Jeong Kyeonghun , Kim Chansoo , Lee Ha Young , Zhao Junyi , Choi Soo‐Hyung , Bae Jeong‐A , Kim Hyun‐Sik , Kim Jeong‐Yeon , Kim Youjin , Choi Heechae , Gorospe Alloyssius E.G. , Yoo Seung Joon , Wang Chuan , Lee Dongwook
Published: February 2025

Inexpensive, high‐speed deposition techniques that ensure uniformity, scalability, wide applicability, and tunable thickness are crucial for the practical application of 2D materials. In this work, rapid drying is identified as a key mechanism for pioneering two high‐speed wet deposition methods: hot dipping and air knife sweeping (AKS). Both techniques allow thickness control proportional to flake concentration, achieving tiled monolayers and pinhole‐free coverage across the entire substrate, as long as evaporation outpaces flake diffusion. AKS prevents non‐uniformity along substrate edges by eliminating contact line pinning. The achieved deposition speed of 0.21 m2 min−1 with AKS significantly surpasses traditional methods, enabling the equipment for large substrates > 1 m2. Combined with the ultralow debonding force for mechanically susceptible flexible display production and short‐circuit‐proof nanometer‐thin capacitors with capacitance comparable to commercial multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs), these new protocols showcase simple and swift solutions for manufacturing 2D materials‐based nanodevices.
Current‐Driven Magnetization Switching for Superconducting Diode Memory
Authors: Cheng Yang , Shu Qingyuan , He Haoran , Dai Bingqian , Wang Kang L.
Published: February 2025

Stacking superconductors (SC) with ferromagnetic materials (FM) significantly impact superconductivity, enabling the emergence of spin‐triplet states and topological superconductivity. The tuning of superconductivity in SC‐FM heterostructure is also reflected in the recently discovered superconducting diode effect, characterized by nonreciprocal electric transport when time and inversion symmetries are broken. Notably, in SC‐FM systems, a time reversal operation reverses both current and magnetization, leading to the conceptualization of superconducting magnetization diode effect (SMDE). In this variant, while the current direction remains fixed, the critical currents shall be different when reversing the magnetization. Here, the existence of SMDE in SC‐FM heterostructures is demonstrated. SMDE uniquely maps magnetization states onto superconductivity by setting the read current between two critical currents for the positive and negative magnetization directions, respectively. Thus, the magnetization states can be read by measuring the superconductivity, while the writing process is accomplished by manipulating magnetization states through current‐driven spin–orbit torque to switch the superconductivity. The proposed superconducting diode magnetoresistance in SC‐FM heterostructures with an ideally infinite on/off ratio resolves the limitations of tunneling magnetoresistance in the magnetic tunneling junctions, thereby contributing to the advancement of superconducting spintronics.
Modular Design of Lipopeptide‐Based Organ‐Specific Targeting (POST) Lipid Nanoparticles for Highly Efficient RNA Delivery
Authors: Tang Chuanmei , Zhang Yexi , Li Bowen , Fan Xiangwei , Wang Zixuan , Su Rongxin , Qi Wei , Wang Yuefei
Published: February 2025

Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) with highly efficient and specific extrahepatic targeting abilities are promising in gene delivery, and the lipopeptides (LPs) with excellent designability and functionality are expected to empower the construction of functional LNPs. This study aims to develop highly efficient ionizable components that accurately match different targeting lipid systems through the modular design of LPs. Based on this, a lipopeptide‐based organ‐specific targeting (POST) LNP screening strategy is constructed, in which lysine‐histidine‐based lipopeptides (KH‐LPs) are designed as highly efficient ionizable components. The optimal KH‐LP LNP screened in vitro shows excellent siRNA/mRNA transfecting ability in various hard‐to‐transfect cell lines. Compared to the classic LNPs, the POST LNPs screened in vivo achieve even higher (or at least comparable) efficiency and specificity in delivering mRNA and siRNA to the lung, liver, and spleen, respectively. The structure‐activity relationship (SAR) proves that the modular regulation of LP structures can accurately provide the optimal ionizable components for different targeting lipid systems, demonstrating the potential of this strategy in developing efficient and selective targeting systems, which is expected to open up more possibilities for gene therapy.
High‐Resolution and Surface‐Sensitive Tip‐Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy Characterization of Strained‐Silicon Devices through Cleanroom‐Compatible Plasmonic Probes
Authors: Mancini Chiara , Proietti Anacleto , La Penna Giancarlo , Buccini Luca , Passeri Daniele , Gambacorti Narciso , Rossi Marco
Published: February 2025

Reliable characterization techniques that guarantee real‐time quality control with a non‐destructive and multiscale approach are currently an essential necessity for electronic industries. Tip‐Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (TERS) offers an excellent solution to this demand. In addition to providing chemical composition through the Raman spectrometer, TERS leverages the high lateral resolution of the coupled Atomic Force Microscope, enabling chemical and morphological characterization of samples down to the nanometer scale. This study advances the application of TERS by employing ad‐hoc prepared TiN‐coated probes, engineered to operate in cleanrooms while guaranteeing remarkable performances in terms of electromagnetic field enhancement. The subject of this analysis is a strained‐silicon‐based device, a technology meant to enhance the carrier's mobility in Complementary Metal‐Oxide‐Semiconductor (CMOS) architectures. The goal of the characterization is to detect the strain induced by a thin Si1‐xGex alloy grown on a Si(100) substrate in the silicon lattice. TERS enables not only the detection of strain in the crystal structure but also its magnitude at different levels of depth, despite the penetration depth of the laser employed. This study is a result of the activities carried out in the framework of the European Union founded project CHALLENGES included in the Horizon2020 program.