bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CONCERNING CERTAIN NORTH AMERICAN COLEOPHORIDS WITH UNICOLOROUS BROWN WINGS (LEPIDOPTERA)
Authors: McDunnough J.
Published: January 2010

A number of our species of North American Coleophoridae are characterized by their unicolorous dark gray-brown forewings and lack of a prominent basal tuft on the antennae, making an identification of the individual species a rather difficult matter unless recourse be had to genitalic characters which in both sexes offer excellent means of separation.
APLOMYA CAESAR (ALDRICH), A TACHINID PARASITE OF THE EUROPEAN CORN BORER
Authors: Wishart Geo.
Published: January 2010

The European corn borer, Pyrausta nubilalis Hubn., has been remarkably free from attack by parasites native to North America. Only two, Labrorychus prismaticus Nort. and Aplomya caesar (Aldrich), have occurred regularly in Canada. Of these Aplomya caesar has been by far the more abundant on the borer. Its presence on corn borer was first noted by Vinal and Caffrey (12) in 1919, at which time it was identified as Exorista nigripalpis Townsend.
THE RABBIT TICK, HAEMAPHYSALIS LEPORIS-PALUSTRIS PACK., AS AN ECTOPARASITE OF MAN
Authors: Brown J. H.
Published: January 2010

It has always been presumed that the rabbit tick would not feed on man, and a careful search of the literature fails to show any record of it doing so. Therefore the following incident that occurred during February, 1945, is of interest.
COLEOPTERA NOTES I: SILPHIDAE
Authors: Arnett Ross H.
Published: January 2010

Under this general title, I plan publish from time to time taxonomic and biologic notes on several groups of Coleoptera in which I am particularly interested. This paper discusses the characters and habits of four species and adds some general observations on the family Silphidae.
AN ANNOTATED LIST OF THE ICHNEUMONOIDEA OF ALBERTA
Authors: Strickland E. H.
Published: January 2010

During the past twenty-five years, the writer has made spasmodic collections of Ichneumonoidea in various parts of Alberta, although, in the earlier years, prospects for getting them authoritatively determined were somewhat remote. In addition, smaller collections, chiefly one made by Dr. G. Salt and determined by Mr. R. A. Cushman in 1927, duplicate specimens taken by Dr. R. Salt in later surveys of insects associated with alfalfa, and specimens taken by a few university students, have been donated to the university collection.
LABORATORY REARING OF MACROCENTRUS GIFUENSIS ASHM., A PARASITE OF THE EUROPEAN CORN BORER
Authors: Wishart George
Published: January 2010

Macrocentrus gifuensis Ashm., a polyembyronic, braconid parasite of the European corn borer, Pyrausta nubilalis Hubn., has been reared in the laboratory at various times over a period of years by the author both for liberation and for experimental purposes. The technique used in rearing this parasite is similar to that used for some other corn borer parasites. No account of this technique has appeared in the literature to date, and it is felt that a description of the method used for rearing M. gifuensis might be useful to others at this time.
EFFECT OF TEMPERATURE ON TOXICITY OF DDT
Authors: Dustan G. G.
Published: January 2010

Experiments conducted in cabinets in the greenhouse during the winter of 1945 showed that temperature had a marked effect on the toxicity of DDT to larvae of the diamondback moth. Plutella maculipennis (Curt.), and the greenhouse leaf tier, Phlyctaenia rubigalis (Guen.), the mortality decreasing as the temperature increased within the range of the tests. The optimum temperature for maximum kill has not yet been determined because it was not possible to run tests at all desired temperatures with the equipment available.
A REVISION OF THE GENUS ARIGORYTES (HYMENOPTERA: SPHECIDAE: GORYTINI)
Authors: Pate V. S. L.
Published: January 2010

Rohwer established the genus Argorytes in 1912 for the reception of Fox's curious, stocky, little southern Californian species Gorytes Coquillettii. In the course of the ensuing thirty-five years, no subsequent investigator has recognized or admitted the validity of Rohwer's distinctive genus. In all probability, however, this is due largely to the relative rarity of the component species. In the past decade I have seen or assembled a number of specimens of this interesting genus and present below a revision of Arigorytes.
THE PROVENTRICULUS OF A GROUND BEETLE, CHLAENIUS SP. (COLEOPTERA, CARABIDAE)
Authors: Judd W. W.
Published: January 2010

The structure of the proventriculus of a ground beetle of the genus Chlaenius is described. It is similar to the proventriculi of ground bettles studied by other authors, in that its sclerotized intima is organized in the form of four longitudinal folds alternating with four longitudinal ridges.
NOTES ON THE INSECT PARASITES OF THE SPRUCE BUDWORMCHORISTONEURA FUMIFERANA (CLEM.) IN BRITISH COLUMBIA
Authors: Wilkes A. , Coppel H. C. , Mathers W. G.
Published: January 2010

The spruce budworm, Choristoneura (Archips) fumiferana (Clem.) (Tortricidae) has long been considered one of the most injurious forest insect pests in Canada. A general account of past outbreaks and an outline of its biology and bahits are given by Swaine and Craighead (1924). At the time these studies were made investigations were also undertaken by J.D. Tothill and A.B. Baird on the parasites and other natural control factors of the spruce budworm, but although a good deal of work was done, brief reference to which is made by Hewitt (1911, 1912, 1913), very little has been published.
THE AQUATIC COLEOPTERA OF NEWFOUNDLAND & NOVA SCOTIA
Authors: Balfour-Browne J.
Published: January 2010

There appear to be very few published records of the species of the Aquatic Coleoptera found in Newfoundland and Nova Scotia. According to Hatch (1928, J. New York Ent. Soc., 36:335-354) only two papers deal with the Coleoptera of Nova Scotia and in each of these papers only a single species of the families of the aquatic beetles is named. Hatch also gives four references to the water beetles of the Labrador Province of Newfoundland; from these I have been able to extract a total of five species listed from Newfoundland proper and a further two species from Nova Scotia. An exhaustive search of literature, including the Leng Catalogue and Supplements, has produced a total of 31 species as previously known from Newfoundland proper, of which two species (Hydroporus obscurus Sturm & Oreodytes alpinus Payk.) must be deleted as erroneous; also 6 species as previously known from Nova Scotia, of which one species (Dytiscus marginalis L.) must be deleted as recorded in error.
The Influence of Spray Programs on the Fauna of Apple Orchards in Nova Scotia. III. Mites and their Predators
Authors: Lord F. T.
Published: January 2010

The commercial production of apples has led growers to greater reliance on chemical control measures for pests than have most fields of agricultural production. Since the turn of the century orchardists have plunged deeper and deeper into artificial measures to produce fruit free from blemishes without greatly alleviating the over-all pest problem and, in some cases, actually producing conditions conducive to still greater problems.
Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Initiation of Direct Oral Anticoagulants Among Medicare Beneficiaries
Authors: Reynolds Kamika R. , Khosrow-Khavar Farzin , Dave Chintan V.
Published: May 2024

Importance

The influence of race and ethnicity on initiation of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) is relatively understudied in Medicare data.

Objective

To investigate disparities in the initiation of DOACs compared with warfarin by race, ethnicity, and social vulnerability.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This retrospective cohort study used a 50% sample of Medicare fee-for-service data from January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2019 (mean patient enrollment duration, 7.7 years). Analysis took place between January 2023 and February 2024. A cohort of older adults (aged ≥65 years) with atrial fibrillation who newly initiated warfarin or DOACs (dabigatran, rivaroxaban, apixaban, and edoxaban) was identified.

Exposure

Patients were classified as non-Hispanic White, non-Hispanic Black, and Hispanic.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The likelihood of starting use of DOACs compared with warfarin was modeled, adjusting for race, ethnicity, age, sex, county-level social vulnerability, and other clinical factors.

Results

Among 950 698 anticoagulation initiations, consisting of 680 974 DOAC users and 269 724 warfarin users (mean [SD] age, 78.5 [7.6] years; 52.6% female), 5.2% were Black, 4.3% were Hispanic, and 86.7% were White. During the 10-year study period, DOAC use increased for all demographic groups. After adjustment, compared with White patients, Black patients were 23% less likely (adjusted odds ratio [AOR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.75-0.79) and Hispanic patients were 13% less likely (AOR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.85-0.89) to initiate DOAC use. Disparities in DOAC initiation were greatest among Black patients in the earlier years but attenuated during the study period. For instance, in 2010, the OR of Black patients initiating DOACs was 0.54 (95% CI, 0.50-0.57), attenuating linearly over time to 0.69 by 2013 (95% CI, 0.65-0.74) and 0.83 (95% CI, 0.78-0.89) by 2017. By 2019, these differences became nonsignificant (OR, 1.08; 95% CI, 0.99-1.18).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cohort study of Medicare patients with atrial fibrillation, Black and Hispanic patients were less likely to initiate DOACs for atrial fibrillation, although these differences diminished over time. Identifying the factors behind these early disparities is crucial for ensuring equitable access to novel therapies as they emerge for Black and Hispanic populations.
Long-Term Cardiovascular Outcomes in Children and Adolescents With Hypertension
Authors: Robinson Cal H. , Hussain Junayd , Jeyakumar Nivethika , Smith Graham , Birken Catherine S. , Dart Allison , Dionne Janis , Garg Anika , Kandasamy Sujane , Karam Sabine , Marjerrison Stacey , South Andrew M. , Thabane Lehana , Wahi Gita , Zappitelli Michael , Chanchlani Rahul
Published: May 2024

Importance

Hypertension affects 6% of all children, and its prevalence is increasing. Childhood hypertension tracks into adulthood and is associated with subclinical cardiovascular disease; however, there is a lack of evidence linking childhood hypertension to cardiovascular outcomes, which may contribute to underdiagnosis and undertreatment.

Objective

To determine the long-term associated risk of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) among children diagnosed with hypertension.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This was a population-based, retrospective, matched cohort study conducted from 1996 to 2022. The study included all children (aged 3-18 years) alive in Ontario, Canada, from 1996 to 2021, who were identified using provincial administrative health databases. Children with prior kidney replacement therapy were excluded.

Exposure

Incident hypertension diagnosis, identified by validated case definitions using diagnostic and physician billing claims. Each case was matched with 5 controls without hypertension by age, sex, birth weight, maternal gestational hypertension, prior comorbidities (chronic kidney disease, diabetes, cardiovascular surgery), and a propensity score for hypertension.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was MACE (a composite of cardiovascular death, stroke, hospitalization for myocardial infarction or unstable angina, or coronary intervention). Time to MACE was evaluated using the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazards regression.

Results

A total of 25 605 children (median [IQR] age, 15 [11-17] years; 14 743 male [57.6%]) with hypertension were matched to 128 025 controls without hypertension. Baseline covariates were balanced after propensity score matching, and prior comorbidities were uncommon (hypertension vs control cohort: malignancy, 1451 [5.7%] vs 7908 [6.2%]; congenital heart disease, 1089 [4.3%] vs 5408 [4.2%]; diabetes, 482 [1.9%] vs 2410 [1.9%]). During a median (IQR) of 13.6 (7.8-19.5) years of follow-up, incidence of MACE was 4.6 per 1000 person-years in children with hypertension vs 2.2 per 1000 person-years in controls (hazard ratio, 2.1; 95% CI, 1.9-2.2). Children with hypertension were at higher associated risk of stroke, hospitalization for myocardial infarction or unstable angina, coronary intervention, and congestive heart failure, but not cardiovascular death, compared with nonhypertensive controls.

Conclusions and Relevance

Children diagnosed with hypertension had a higher associated long-term risk of MACE compared with controls without hypertension. Improved detection, follow-up, and control of pediatric hypertension may reduce the risk of adult cardiovascular disease.
Real‐World Treatment Patterns, Clinical Outcomes, and Symptom Burden in Patients With Psoriatic Arthritis Prescribed Ixekizumab in the United States
Authors: Rohekar Sherry , Vadhariya Aisha , Ross Sarah , Malatestinic William , Janos Boris , Massey Nicola , Hughes Megan , Weatherby Sarah , Birt Julie , Sebba Anthony
Published: May 2024

Objective

The objective of this study was to describe the real‐world characteristics and clinical status of patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) currently prescribed ixekizumab.

Methods

Data were drawn from the Adelphi PsA Plus Disease Specific Programme (DSP), a cross‐sectional survey conducted in the United States between September 2021 and March 2022. Rheumatologists provided data for their next five consulting patients currently receiving ixekizumab, including demographic and clinical characteristics, disease severity, treatment history, reasons for treatment choice, satisfaction with current treatment, and current and historic symptom burden. Patients voluntarily completed questionnaires, providing perceptional data on symptom burden and satisfaction with current treatment.

Results

Overall, 68 rheumatologists provided data on 275 patients with PsA, 90 of whom completed the voluntary questionnaire. Patients had been prescribed ixekizumab for a mean of 11.7 (SD 10.6) months. Clinical characteristics, disease severity, and symptom burden of patients with PsA improved significantly from ixekizumab initiation to the most recent consultation, including symptom burden, tender and swollen joint counts, and body surface area affected by psoriasis (all P < 0.001). Both rheumatologists and patients were satisfied with ixekizumab treatment and reported improvements in pain and fatigue. Improvements were noted after more than three months of ixekizumab treatment duration and regardless of whether the patients had prior exposure to an advanced therapy or were treatment naïve.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that ixekizumab was efficacious in the treatment of PsA in real‐world clinical practice, complementing efficacy data from randomized controlled clinical trials. The results of this study may assist rheumatologists and their patients in making informed treatment choices.
All‐Optical Organic–Inorganic Hybrid Waveguide Switches Based on Photothermal Effect of Au‐MOF Composites
Authors: Cui Anqi , Miao Xiaoya , Yue Jian , Sun Xiangyi , Yu Qidong , Zhang Daming , Zhang Tong , Fei Teng , Chen Changming
Published: May 2024

In this study, all‐optical organic–inorganic hybrid waveguide switches are proposed based on the photothermal effect of Au‐MOF composites. The embedded waveguide structure is directly defined using SiO2grooves on a silicon substrate. Self‐synthesized Au‐MOF/PMMA and SiO2‐TiO2network grafting PMMA are used as the core and cladding materials, respectively. The organic–inorganic hybrid shielding layer is formed using an oxygen ion etching process to avoid corrosion from the cladding solvent. A directional coupling switching structure is designed and fabricated. The switching time of the all‐optical device is 500 µs, the photothermal tuning sensitivity is 19.10 nm mW−1, the driving optical power consumption is 0.67 mW, and the extinction ratio is close to 9.83 dB. This technique is desirable for photothermal control of light in an all‐optical signal‐processing network.
Dual Doping of B and Fe Activated Lattice Oxygen Participation for Enhanced Oxygen Evolution Reaction Activity in Alkaline Freshwater and Seawater
Authors: Pan Yajuan , Wang Zhichong , Wang Kaixuan , Ye Qing , Shen Baoshou , Yang Fangshe , Cheng Yongliang
Published: May 2024

The exploitation of highly activity oxygen evolution reaction (OER) electrocatalysts is critical for the application of electrocatalytic water splitting. Triggering the lattice oxygen mechanism (LOM) is expected to provide a promising pathway to overcome the sluggish OER kinetics, however, effectively enhancing the involvement of lattice oxygen remains challenging. In this study, the fabrication of B, Fe co‐doped CoP (B, Fe─CoP) nanofibers is reported, which serve as highly efficient OER electrocatalyst through phosphorization and boronation treatment of Fe‐doped Co3O4 nanofibers. Experimental results combined with theoretical calculations reveal that simultaneous incorporation of both B and Fe can more effectively trigger the participation of lattice oxygen in CoFe oxyhydroxides reconstructed from B, Fe─CoP nanofibers compared to incorporating only B or Fe. Therefore, the optimized B, Fe─CoP nanofibers exhibit superb OER activity with low overpotentials of 361 and 376 mV at 1000 mA cm−2 in alkaline freshwater and alkaline natural seawater, respectively. The present work provides significant guidelines and innovative design concepts for the development of OER electrocatalysts following the LOM pathway.
Tin Halide Perovskite Epitaxial Films on Gold Surfaces: Atomic Structure and Stability
Authors: Abbasli Madad , Hieulle Jeremy , Schrage Jenny , Wilks Dina , Samad Abdus , Schwingenschlögl Udo , Redinger Alex , Busse Carsten , Ohmann Robin
Published: May 2024

Tin‐based halide perovskite solar cells can be efficient and environmentally friendly substitutions to lead‐based halide perovskite solar cells, but they have a drawback due to oxidation from Sn2+ to Sn4+. Using vacuum deposition, epitaxially aligned CsSnBr3 ultrathin films are prepared on Au(111) and Au(100) and characterized with scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), low‐energy electron diffraction (LEED), and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). By co‐evaporation of the precursor molecules CsBr and SnBr2, few monolayers of perovskite are obtained. On Au(111), CsSnBr3 grows in three differently oriented domains due to the hexagonal symmetry of the substrate. On Au(100), which has square symmetry, identical to CsSnBr3, but with about half the lattice constant of the perovskite, a (2×2) superstructure is observed. The perovskite is terminated with the (001) facet showing a square surface structure in agreement with density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Chemical analysis is performed in ultra‐high vacuum (UHV) conditions and no indication of a tin oxidation state higher than Sn2+ is found in the films. However, after exposure to air, rapid and severe changes in the films are observed, highlighting the importance of preparing tin perovskites in a controlled environment to maintain their stability and avoid oxidation‐related issues.
Chemical Interface Structures in CdS/RbInSe2/Cu(In,Ga)Se2 Thin‐Film Solar Cell Stacks
Authors: Bombsch Jakob , Kodalle Tim , Garcia‐Diez Raul , Hartmann Claudia , Félix Roberto , Ueda Shigenori , Wilks Regan G. , Kaufmann Christian A. , Bär Marcus
Published: May 2024

Performance‐enhancing heavy alkali‐based post‐deposition treatments (PDT) of Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGSe) thin‐film solar cells absorbers often induce the formation of a Rb‐ In‐Se phase on the CIGSe absorber. Co‐evaporation of an interfacial RbInSe2 (RISe) layer between buffer and absorber can also benefit cell performance. A detailed analysis of the chemical interface structures in CdS/RISe/CIGSe layer stacks is performed using hard X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (HAXPES). For comparison, stacks without RISe and based on RbF PDT CIGSe absorbers are also studied. When aiming for the direct co‐evaporation of a RISe layer on the CIGSe absorber, the formation of an additional In‐Se phase is found. For the RbF PDT CIGSe absorbers, the study only finds small amounts of Rb and no indication for a RISe layer formation. Examining layer stacks prepared via additional chemical bath deposition (CBD) of CdS reveals a clear impact of the presence of Rb (or of Rb‐containing species) on the CIGSe surface. In these cases, an increase of the induction/coalescence period is found at the beginning of the CBD buffer layer growth process and the formation of Cd─Se bonds; thereafter, a more compact CdS layer growth is observed.
High‐Performance Microfluidic Techniques toward Nanostructuration of BODIPY and BOPHY Based CPPs Hybrid Photocatalyst for Hydrogen Production
Authors: Palenzuela‐Rebella Sandra , Naranjo Teresa , Gomez‐Mendoza Miguel , Barawi Mariam , Liras Marta , de la Peña O´Shea Víctor A.
Published: May 2024

Here, the use of high‐performance microfluidic techniques (HPMT) is reportedto afford conjugated porous polymer (CPPs) with smaller particle size and narrower particle size dispersion than the obtained by miniemulsion methodology. Specifically, polymers based on BODIPY or BOPHY dyes are synthesized by HPMT conditions and conventional miniemulsion conditions. The polymer textural properties from HPMT are notably improved, giving rise to high‐quality thin films that are photoelectrochemically characterized. Furthermore, hybrid materials of CPPs synthesized by HPMT and TiO2 inorganic semiconductor revealed enhanced photocatalytic activity in the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The most active hybrid UN_IEP‐7@T‐10 photocatalyst, containing 10 wt% polymer loading, achieved a hydrogen evolution rate of 3.10 mmol g−1 h−1 (ƺ = 1.13%), which is threefold higher than that of its non‐nanostructured from bulk synthesis, two‐times greater than its nanostructured by conventional miniemulsion techniques and even surpassed by 39‐times the performance of bare TiO2. It is noteworthy that both photoluminescence lifetime (τPL) and transient lifetime (τT) are not affected by the nanoestructuration of CPPs, which agrees with the preservation of the chemical structure by both synthetic methodologies. The employment of HPMT as nanostructuration strategy clearly supports the obtaining of more processable polymers for a wide range of energy applications.
Interpenetrating Liquid Crystal Elastomer and Ionogel as Tunable Electroactive Actuators and Sensors
Authors: Deng Yakui , Liu Gaoyu , Brûlet Annie , Nguyen Giao T. M. , Dudzinski Daniel , Vidal Frédéric , Plesse Cédric , Vancaeyzeele Cédric , Li Min‐Hui
Published: May 2024

Electroactive liquid crystal elastomers (eLCEs) are used to make actuators and soft robotics. However, most eLCEs are monofunctional with one type of deformation (bending or contraction). Recently, a trilayer eLCE are reported by combining ion‐conducting LCE and ionic electroactive polymer device (i‐EAD). This i‐EAD‐LCE is bifunctional and performs either bending or contractile deformation by controlling low‐voltage stimulation. Nevertheless, it has a Young's modulus of only 1.63 MPa. To improve the mechanical performance, the i‐EAD‐IPN‐LCE is prepared here, whose central membrane is composed of interpenetrating LCE and ionogel (i‐IPN‐LCE) instead of a single ion‐conducting LCE. This i‐EAD‐IPN‐LCE with a typical thickness of 0.5 mm can function not only as linear and bending actuators, but also as a sensor. As a linear actuator, its Young's modulus, actuation stress, and strain are 51.6 MPa, 0.14 MPa and 9%, respectively, reaching skeletal muscles’ values. As a bending actuator, its bending strain difference Δε is 1.18% with 3 mN output force. It can also operate as a sensor producing 0.4 mV Open‐Circuit‐Voltage to respond to bending deformation (Δε = 9%). Therefore, this i‐EAD‐IPN‐LCE is a promising system for the fabrication of robust electroactive devices and sensors with multiple degrees of freedom.
Magnetically Assisted 3D Printing of Ultra‐Antiwear Flexible Sensor
Authors: Ma Zeyu , Wu Yuhao , Lu Shan , Li Jianing , Liu Jianbo , Huang Xiaodong , Zhang Xiaodong , Zhang Yin , Dong Guangneng , Qin Liguo , Yang Sen
Published: May 2024

3D printing has shown promise in the development of notable sensing and health detection devices. Nonetheless, challenges remain in the concurrent development of highly durable wearable sensors with low‐friction surfaces. This challenge serves as a limiting factor in the operational lifespans of these sensors. In this study, a magnetically assisted 3D printing technique is developed to fabricate composites reinforced with magnetic Fe3O4@SiO2 nanochains (NCs) with dimensions of 60.2 µm in length (L) and 0.2 µm in diameter (D), indicating an L:D ratio exceeding 300. By applying a vertical magnetic field and extrusion flow field to the sensor's surface layer, the NCs can be arranged differently (together with the printed textures), reducing the coefficient of friction by 27.7% and improving the wear resistance. This approach is inspired by nacre, known for its impressive durability and resilience. A motion monitoring sensor with an extended lifespan is successfully fabricated by using liquid metal ink integrated with an anti‐wear layer. These findings offer significant insights into the evolution of wearable sensors, demonstrating their adaptability to multi‐material printing and resulting in improved performance and service lives.
Multi‐Electrode Electroretinography with Transparent Microelectrodes Printed on a Soft and Wet Contact Lens
Authors: Hu Lunjie , Azhari Saman , Li Qianyu , Zhang Hanzhe , Ashimori Atsushige , Kimura Kazuhiro , Miyake Takeo
Published: May 2024

Visual electrophysiology measurements are crucial in ophthalmology as they are frequently used for diagnosing and treating numerous ocular diseases. Therefore, optically transparent and flexible electrodes with high sensitivity at localized regions are in high demand. Here, it is aimed to develop a soft, transparent, multi‐electrode system assembled on commercially available soft contact lenses and assess its application in measuring Electroretinography (ERG) responses in rabbits. A biocompatible multi‐electrode system on commercial disposable soft contact lenses is successfully constructed, showing 95% cell viability, 82% optical transparency over the visible range, and good flexibility at 10% strain. Direct current (DC) voltage is used to produce a highly resistive overoxidized poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) layer that covers all parts of the electrodes except the sensing region, which, owing to its high conductivity, can accurately measure electrical signals from local regions of the cornea. Spatially resolved ERG recordings of rabbits are obtained with superior signal quality using this multi‐electrode system. Thus, this device is expected to be used in ophthalmic diagnosis in the future.
Response Speed of Organic Photodiodes as a Function of Incident Optical Intensity
Authors: Saggar Siddhartha , Mahmood Asad , Nayak Nagaraj , Kumar Anil , Andersson Mats R. , Philippa Bronson , Lo Shih‐Chun , Namdas Ebinazar B.
Published: May 2024

Different approaches have been introduced to raise the response speed of bulk heterojunction‐based organic photodiodes (OPDs), with the best‐performing devices now having speeds in the MHz range. In most organic photodiodes, the response speed is commonly assumed to be due to transit time of charge carriers. Upon investigating fluence‐dependent photoresponse of different OPDs, it is found here that bimolecular recombination dictates the response speed at higher fluence levels. Herein, four different organic blend based photodiode systems and their response speed to a range of incident optical fluences are reported. A steep variation in response speed, depending upon the blend system is observed. Using experimental and theoretical studies, the intensity‐dependent response speeds are attributed to differences in the suppressed recombination factor. A high factor enables faster response times in the regime of higher light intensity. This new approach to high‐speed detections has implications for the design of high‐speed organic photodetectors, especially in applications where the speed of the photodetector is most important irrespective of the intensity of the incident signal.
Targeting Tumor Heterogeneity by Breaking a Stem Cell and Epithelial Niche Interaction Loop
Authors: Ma Rongze , Feng Deyi , Chen Jing , Zhou Jiecan , Xia Kun , Kong Xiangyin , Hu Guohong , Lu Pengfei
Published: May 2024

Tumor heterogeneity, the presence of multiple distinct subpopulations of cancer cells between patients or among the same tumors, poses a major challenge to current targeted therapies. The way these different subpopulations interact among themselves and the stromal niche environment, and how such interactions affect cancer stem cell behavior has remained largely unknown. Here, it is shown that an FGF‐BMP7‐INHBA signaling positive feedback loop integrates interactions among different cell populations, including mammary gland stem cells, luminal epithelial and stromal fibroblast niche components not only in organ regeneration but also, with certain modifications, in cancer progression. The reciprocal dependence of basal stem cells and luminal epithelium is based on basal‐derived BMP7 and luminal‐derived INHBA, which promote their respective expansion, and is regulated by stromal‐epithelial FGF signaling. Targeting this interaction loop, for example, by reducing the function of one or more of its components, inhibits organ regeneration and breast cancer progression. The results have profound implications for overcoming drug resistance because of tumor heterogeneity in future targeted therapies.
Regulation of Dipolar‐Dipolar and Ion‐Dipolar Interactions Simultaneously in Strong Solvating Electrolytes for All‐Temperature Zinc‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Yun Xiaoru , Chen Yufang , Gao Hongjing , Lu Di , Zuo Lanlan , Gao Peng , Zhou Guangmin , Zheng Chunman , Xiao Peitao
Published: May 2024

Aqueous zinc‐ion batteries (AZIBs) attract attention due to their safety and high specific capacity. However, their practical applications are constrained by Zn anode corrosion, dendritic growth, and poor temperature adaptability induced by a strong hydrogen‐bond network in aqueous electrolytes. Herein, a universal strategy to design strong solvating electrolytes is proposed, in which the hydrogen‐bond network and solvation structures are reconstructed by regulating the dipolar‐dipolar and ion‐dipolar interactions simultaneously. Consequently, the hydrogen‐bond network in free water is largely weakened, and the water content in the Zn2+ solvated sheath is reduced, while the hydrogen‐bond network between solvents is strengthened, which effectively broadens the operating temperature range and suppresses Zn dendrites and corrosion. As a result, Zn anodes exhibit excellent platting/stripping efficiency with an average Coulombic Efficiency up to 99.89% after 2000 cycles at 0.5 mA cm−2, impressive cycling stability (5000 h, 0.5 mA cm−2/0.5 mA h cm−2), and a wide operating temperature range of 140 °C (−50–90 °C). Moreover, the Zn//V2O3 full cells also display enhanced temperature‐resistance, implying that the designed strong solvation electrolyte has practical application potential in extreme environments. This study suggests a promising strategy to design ideal electrolytes for high‐performance AZIBs with safety, ultralong cycling life, and satisfying temperature‐resistance.
Hysteresis, Impedance, and Transients Effects in Halide Perovskite Solar Cells and Memory Devices Analysis by Neuron‐Style Models
Authors: Bisquert Juan
Published: May 2024

Halide perovskites are at the forefront of active research in many applications, such as high performance solar cells, photodetectors, and synapses and neurons for neuromorphic computation. As a result of ion transport and ionic‐electronic interactions, current and recombination are influenced by delay and memory effects that cause hysteresis of current–voltage curves and long switching times. A methodology to formulate device models is shown, in which the conduction and recombination electronic variables are influenced by internal state variables. The models are inspired in biological frameworks of the Hodgkin–Huxley class of models. Here, the theoretical precedents, the main physical components of the models, and their application to describe dynamical measurements in halide perovskite devices are summarized. The application of several measurement methods is analyzed, as the current–voltage curves at different scan rates, the impedance spectroscopy response, and the time transients. The transition from normal (capacitive) to inverted (inductive) hysteresis, and the convergence of current–voltage curves to a stable value, are described. It is proposed that neuron‐style models capture dynamical complexity with a favorable economy of parameters, toward the identification of the dominant global dynamic processes across a wide voltage span that determines the practical response of different types of devices.
Coal combustion residue for crop productivity in the semiarid US High Plains
Authors: Thapa Vesh R. , Maharjan Bijesh , Blanco‐Canqui Humberto , Lawrence Nevin , Das Saurav , Creech Cody , Hergert Gary W.
Published: May 2024

Carbon (C) amendments can enhance crop productivity, particularly in semiarid regions. Understanding the potential interference of C amendment with herbicide efficacies is essential to informing the practice. An experiment was conducted in western Nebraska in 2016–2018 to evaluate the effects of coal combustion residue (CCR) and herbicides on crop yields and weed density in the dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)–maizedb (maize [Zea mays L.] following dry bean)–sugarbeet (Beta vulgaris L.)–maizesb (maize following sugarbeet) rotation. All crop phases of the rotation were present each year and received CCR at varying rates (0, 3.3, 6.6, 13.1, and 19.7 Mg C ha−1) in spring 2016. Overall, CCR did not have consistent beneficial effects on crop yields. There were trends for yield benefits with CCR application compared to no‐CCR plots in dry bean (p = 0.066) and sugar beet (p = 0.155) in 2017 and maizedb in 2018 (p = 0.222). In 2016, among no‐herbicide treatments, the treatment with the highest CCR rate had a greater maizesb yield (16.2 ± 0.1 Mg ha−1) than the rest of the CCR treatments, including the control. The CCR application did not adversely affect herbicide efficacy in weed control. However, in 2016, among plots where herbicide (saflufenacil + dimethenamid‐p) was applied, the CCR treatment (6.6 Mg C ha−1) had lower maizesb yield than the control. Future research should consider factors such as application rates, methods, and timing to assess the potential adverse effects of C amendments on herbicide efficacies.
Integrating fall‐planted cereal rye cover crop with herbicides for reducing Palmer amaranth seed production in soybean under planting green conditions
Authors: Stephens Trey , Blanco‐Canqui Humberto , Knezevic Stevan Z. , Rees Jenny , Kohler‐Cole Katja , Jhala Amit J.
Published: May 2024

Cover crops are usually terminated prior to planting the cash crop; however, “planting green” is an alternative approach that allows growers to plant cash crop into an actively growing, green cover crop, which is then terminated after the establishment of the cash crop. The objectives of this study were (1) to determine whether planting soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.) into a standing cereal rye (Secale cereale L.) cover crop provides superior weed suppression compared to terminating cereal rye 2 weeks before soybean planting and (2) to evaluate an integrated effect of herbicide programs and cereal rye termination timing on Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri S. Watson) control, biomass, seed production, soybean grain yield, and benefit/cost ratio. Field experiments were conducted in southcentral Nebraska from 2020 to 2022. Preemergence (PRE) herbicide with 2 weeks after planting (WAP) termination of cereal rye provided >95% Palmer amaranth control in 2021 and varied from 88% to 98% in 2022 at 28 days after PRE. A PRE herbicide followed by (fb) late‐postemergence (LPOST) herbicide with 2 WAP termination of cereal rye controlled Palmer amaranth 85%–92% in 2021 compared with 97%–99% control 28 days after LPOST herbicide application in 2022. Palmer amaranth density was higher with 2 WBP cereal rye termination compared with 2 WAP termination regardless of the herbicide program. PRE fb LPOST herbicide programs integrated with 2 WAP termination of cereal rye reduced Palmer amaranth seed production to less than 9100 seeds plant−1 in 2021 and no seed production in 2022. In 2021, terminating cereal rye 2 WAP played an integral role in controlling and reducing the density of Palmer amaranth; however, it had noticeable impact on soybean yield compared to terminating 2 WBP. In 2022, hail and windstorm had a confounding effect on soybean stand and yield.
Tracing the fine‐scale demographic history and recent admixture in Hmong–Mien speakers
Authors: Xia Zi‐Yang , Chen Xingcai , Wang Chuan‐Chao , Deng Qiongying
Published: May 2024

The linguistic, historical, and subsistent uniqueness of Hmong–Mien (HM) speakers offers a wonderful opportunity to investigate how these factors impact the genetic structure. The genetic differentiation among HM speakers and their population history are not well characterized. Here, we generate genome‐wide data from 65 Yao ethnicity samples and analyze them with published data, particularly by leveraging haplotype‐based methods. We determined that the fine‐scale genetic substructure of HM speakers corresponds better with linguistic classification than with geography. Particularly, parallels between serial founder events and language differentiations can be observed in West Hmongic speakers. Multiple lines of evidence indicate that ~500‐year‐old GaoHuaHua individuals are most closely related to West Hmongic‐speaking Bunu. The strong genetic bottleneck of some HM‐speaking groups, especially Bunu, could potentially be associated with their long‐term practice of swidden agriculture to some degree. The inferred admixture dates for most of the HM speakers overlap with the reign of the Ming dynasty (1368–1644 CE). Besides a common genetic origin for HM speakers, their genetic ancestry is shared primarily with neighboring Han Chinese and Tai‐Kadai speakers in south China. In conclusion, our analyses reveal that recent isolation and admixture events have contributed to the genetic population history of present‐day HM speakers.
A Fluorinated Chaperone Gives X‐ray Crystal Structures of Acyclic Natural Product Derivatives up to 338 Molecular Weight
Authors: Berking Tim , Hartenfels Jan , Lenczyk Carsten , Santiso‐Quinones Gustavo , Frey Wolfgang , Richert Clemens
Published: May 2024

Crystallizing molecules with long flexible chains is a challenge, making it difficult to perform X‐ray crystallography. Chaperones can assist in the crystallization of compounds that do not crystallize by themselves by producing solvate crystals that contain the analyte in their three‐dimensional lattices. Among the most versatile chaperones for liquid analytes are tetraaryladamantanes (TAAs), but the size of the compounds that can be encapsulated is limited, and attempts to surpass this limit with known TAAs were unsuccessful. Here we report that 1,3,5,7‐tetrakis(2‐fluoro‐4‐methoxyphenyl)adamantane (TFM) is a crystallization chaperone for acyclic molecules up to the molecular weight of phytyl acetate (338 g/mol). Encapsulation of such a large acyclic compound was achieved when the analyte was esterified and when a two‐step temperature protocol was used for crystallization. Exploratory work indicates that a drop to −20 °C allows for encapsulation of squalene (Mr 411 g/mol), albeit with positional disorder of the analyte. Our X‐ray crystal structures of solvates with flexible analytes shed light on how crystalline order can be imposed on large acyclic analytes. The new, fluorinated TAA gives access to crystal structures that were inaccessible thus far.
Programming Tetrathiafulvalene‐Based Covalent Organic Frameworks for Promoted Photoinduced Molecular Oxygen Activation
Authors: Xu Hetao , Xia Shuling , Li Chunlei , Li Yang , Xing Wandong , Jiang Yi , Chen Xiong
Published: May 2024

Despite the pivotal role of molecular oxygen (O2) activation in artificial photosynthesis, the activation efficiency is often restricted by sluggish exciton dissociation and charge transfer kinetics within polymer photocatalysts. Herein, we propose two tetrathiafulvalene (TTF)‐based imine‐linked covalent organic frameworks (COFs) with tailored donor‐acceptor (D–A) structures, TTF‐PDI‐COF and TTF‐TFPP‐COF, to promote O2 activation. Because of enhanced electron push‐pull interactions that facilitated charge separation and transfer behavior, TTF‐PDI‐COF exhibited superior photocatalytic activity in electron‐induced O2 activation reactions over TTF‐TFPP‐COF under visible light irradiation, including the photosynthesis of (E)‐3‐amino‐2‐thiocyano‐α,β‐unsaturated compounds and H2O2. These findings highlight the significant potential of the rational design of COFs with D–A configurations as suitable candidates for advanced photocatalytic applications.
A Luminescent Hybrid Bimetallic Halide Family with Solvent‐Coordinated Rare Earth and Alkaline Earth Metals
Authors: Lin Jiawei , Wang Pan , Zhou Jiaqian , Mao Lingling
Published: May 2024

Hybrid metal halides are an extraordinary class of optoelectronic materials with extensive applications. To further diversify and study the in‐depth structure‐property relations, we report here a new family of 21 zero‐dimensional hybrid bimetallic chlorides with the general formula A(L)n[BClm] (A=rare earth (RE), alkaline earth metals and Mn; L=solvent ligand; and B=Sb, Bi and Te). The RE(DMSO)8[BCl6] (RE=La, Ce, Sm, Eu, Tb, and Dy; DMSO=dimethyl sulfoxide) series shows broadband emission attributed to triplet radiative recombination from Sb and Bi, incorporating the characteristic emission of RE metals, where Eu(DMSO)8[BiCl6] shows a staggering PL quantum yield of 94 %. The pseudo‐octahedral [SbCl5] with Cl vacancy in AII(DMSO)6[SbCl5] (AII=Mg, Ca and Mn) and the square pyramidal [SbCl5] in AII(TMSO)6[SbCl5] (TMSO=tetramethylene sulfoxide) enhance the stereoactive expression of the 5 s2 lone pairs of Sb3+, giving rise to the observation of dual‐band emission of singlet and triplet emission, respectively. A series of Te(IV) analogues have been characterized, showing blue‐light‐excitable single‐band emission. This work expands the materials space for hybrid bimetallic halides with an emphasis on harnessing the RE elements, and provides important insights into designing new emitters and regulating their properties.
Tailoring Electric Double Layer by Cation Specific Adsorption for High‐Voltage Quasi‐Solid‐State Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Zhou Qingjie , Zhao Huaian , Fu Chuankai , Jian Jiyuan , Huo Hua , Ma Yulin , Du Chunyu , Gao Yunzhi , Yin Geping , Zuo Pengjian
Published: May 2024

The interfacial instability of high‐nickel layered oxides severely plagues practical application of high‐energy quasi‐solid‐state lithium metal batteries (LMBs). Herein, a uniform and highly oxidation‐resistant polymer layer within inner Helmholtz plane is engineered by in situ polymerizing 1‐vinyl‐3‐ethylimidazolium (VEIM) cations preferentially adsorbed on LiNi0.83Co0.11Mn0.06O2 (NCM83) surface, inducing the formation of anion‐derived cathode electrolyte interphase with fast interfacial kinetics. Meanwhile, the copolymerization of [VEIM][BF4] and vinyl ethylene carbonate (VEC) endows P(VEC‐IL) copolymer with the positively‐charged imidazolium moieties, providing positive electric fields to facilitate Li+ transport and desolvation process. Consequently, the Li||NCM83 cells with a cut‐off voltage up to 4.5 V exhibit excellent reversible capacity of 130 mAh g−1 after 1000 cycles at 25 °C and considerable discharge capacity of 134 mAh g−1 without capacity decay after 100 cycles at −20 °C. This work provides deep understanding on tailoring electric double layer by cation specific adsorption for high‐voltage quasi‐solid‐state LMBs.
Screenshotting partial perspectives: The case of Danish mink in Google search results
Authors: Ridgway Renée
Published: May 2024

Google has become an “increasing invisible information infrastructure” that “organizes the world's information,” simultaneously shaping and organizing users through “ubiquitous googling” with keywords as a daily habit of new media. However, there is limited knowledge about how Google ranks information, intervenes, and the veracity of its search results. How can they be captured, analyzed, and understood in regard to search ecosystems? This article addresses these questions through a digital ethnography with a group of students as an “experiment in living” that investigates whether individuals receive so‐called “personalized” search results with the keyword “mink.” The method of screenshotting makes permanent the top results, which can then be compared, offering a “partial perspective” as “situated knowledge.” Building on previous empirical search studies using screenshotting, an analysis demonstrates that similar search results are obtained due to Google's recent tendency for “social relevance” and not individual “user relevance.” Students were sorted and grouped into categories of others “like them,” in this case dependent on a static university Internet Protocol address. This educational intervention contributes to screenshotting literature and feminist STS by introducing a method that empowers citizen agency, thereby contributing to developing strategies for generating more democratic, inclusive, and healthier information ecosystems.
Engineering Carbon Nanotube Yarns with Polyaniline Coating toward Enhanced Thermoelectric Performance
Authors: Zhang Han , Zhang Chun , Li Hui , Liu Siqi , Wang Wenbo , Li Pengcheng , He Chaobin
Published: May 2024

The growing demand for wearable electronics has driven the development of flexible thermoelectric (TE) generators which can harvest waste body heat as a renewable power source. Despite carbon nanotube (CNT) yarns have attracted significant attention as a promising candidate for TE materials, challenges still exist in improving their TE efficiency for commercial applications. Herein, we developed high performance CNT/polyaniline (PANI) yarns by engineering the coating of polyaniline emeraldine base (PANIeb), in which CNT yarns were firstly coated by PANIeb layer and further doped by HCl vapor treatment. With the incorporation of PANIeb, σ and S were simultaneously increased to 1796 S cm−1 and 74.8 μV K−1 for CNT/PANIeb 4–2d fibers, respectively. Further HCl vapor treatment induced greatly increased σ to 3194 S cm−1, but maintained be 83 % value before doping, giving rise to the highest power factor of 1224 μW m−1K−2, higher than pristine CNT yarns of 576 μW m−1K−2. Combining outstanding high TE performance and bending durability, a flexible TE generator was constructed to deliver high out power of 187 nW with temperature gradients of about 30 K. These results demonstrate the potential promise of high‐performance CNT/PANI‐HCl yarns to harvest waste body heat for sustainable power supply.