bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Specific Activity Concentration of 238U, 232Th and 40K in Soil and Rice Grains from Solid Mineral Mining Sites in Ikwo Area of Ebonyi State, Nigeria
Authors: Mgbeokwere C. , Gbarato O. L. , Ononugbo C. P. 
Published: October 2023

Evaluation of specific activity concentration of 238U, 232Th and 40K in soil and rice grains from solid mineral mining sites in Ikwo area of Ebonyi state was carried out using a Digilert-200 Radiation Meter. The radiological impact of the radionuclides was calculated. The average value concentrations of radionuclides obtained were 170.53, 9.26 and 8.81 (in Bq.Kg-1) for 40K, 238U and 232Th respectively in soil samples and 113.77, 5.86 and 7.08 (in Bq.Kg-1) for 40K, 238U and 232Th respectively in rice grain. These values are below the world permissive value of 400, 35 and 30(in Bq.Kg-1) respectively. All the health risk parameters calculated in soil and rice were below world permissive values. For the radionuclides in rice samples, the average annual committed effective doses(in mSvy-1) for ages (<1 year), (1 – 7 years), (7 – 12 years), (12 – 17 years) and (>17 years) are 0.37, 0.05, 0.04, 0.03, 0.02 respectively. These results are less than the world permissive value of 1.00 mSvy-1. Generally, the study shows that the rice consumption was relatively safe radiologically with little contamination which could be attributed to human activities but there is tendency for long term health hazards in future such as the cancer due to doses accumulation. It is recommended that the various human activities that raise the activity concentration in soil in Ikwo mining area that should be reduced. The activity concentration of radionuclides level in the area should be periodically assessed.
Impact of Isolation Methods on Extracellular Vesicle Functionality In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Balbi Carolina , Parisse Pietro , Vondracek Hendrik , Lazzarini Edoardo , Bolis Sara , Fertig Tudor E. , Gherghiceanu Mihaela , Barile Lucio , Vassalli Giuseppe 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThis study compares the impact of two isolation methods, ultracentrifugation (UC) and size exclusion chromatography (SEC), on small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) from primary human cardiac mesenchymal‐derived progenitor cells (CPCs). sEV_UC and sEV_SEC exhibit similar size, marker expression, and miRNA cargo, but sEV_UC contains notably higher total protein levels. In vitro assays show that sEV_UC, despite an equal particle count, induces more robust ERK phosphorylation, cytoprotection, and proliferation in iPS‐derived cardiomyocytes (iPS‐CMs) compared to sEV_SEC. sEV_UC also contains elevated periostin (POSTN) protein levels, resulting in enhanced focal adhesion kinase (FAK) phosphorylation in iPS‐CMs. Importantly, this effect persists with treatment with soluble free‐sEV protein fraction from SEC (Prote_SEC), indicating that free proteins like POSTN in sEV_UC enhance FAK phosphorylation. In vivo, sEV contamination with soluble proteins doesn't affect cardiac targeting or FAK phosphorylation, underscoring the intrinsic tissue targeting properties of sEV. These findings emphasize the need for standardized sEV isolation methods, as the choice of method can impact experimental outcomes, particularly in vitro.
3D Highly Stretchable Liquid Metal/Elastomer Composites with Strain‐Enhanced Conductivity
Authors: Fang Ruyue , Yao Bin , Chen Tianwu , Xu Xinwei , Xue Dingchuan , Hong Wei , Wang Hong , Wang Qing , Zhang Sulin 
Published: October 2023

AbstractCurrent stretchable conductors, often composed of elastomeric composites infused with rigid conductive fillers, suffer from limited stretchability and durability, and declined conductivity with stretching. These limitations hinder their potential applications as essential components such as interconnects, sensors, and actuators in stretchable electronics and soft machines. In this context, an innovative elastomeric composite that incorporates a 3D network of liquid metal (LM), offering exceptional stretchability, durability, and conductivity, is introduced. The mechanics model elucidates how the interconnected 3DLM architecture imparts softness and stretchability to the composites, allowing them to withstand tensile strains of up to 500% without rupture. The relatively low surface‐to‐volume ratio of the 3DLM network limits the reforming of the oxide layer during cyclic stretch, thereby contributing to low permanent strain and enhanced durability. Additionally, the 3D architecture facilitates crack blunting and stress delocalization, elevating fracture resistance, while simultaneously establishing continuous conductive pathways that result in high conductivity. Notably, the conductivity of the 3DLM composite increases with strain during substantial stretching, highlighting its strain‐enhanced conductivity. In comparison to other LM‐based composites featuring 0D LM droplets, the 3DLM composite stands out with superior properties.
Electrochemical Active Micro‐Protein Coating by Self‐Assembling 2D‐Microfluidics for Stabilizing Lithium Metal Anode
Authors: Ye Ang , Zhu Zhiwei , Ji Zhongfeng , He Xuewei , He Yan , Fu Xuewei , Yang Wei , Wang Yu 
Published: October 2023

AbstractMicrofluidics is of great interest for nano‐/micro‐fabrication but is conventionally limited inside microchannels. Breaking this restriction and developing 2D‐microfluidics is anticipated to expand the potential of microfluidics. Here, by harnessing the capillary effect of porous battery separator, a concept of self‐assembling capillary 2D‐microfluidics is proposed to achieve well‐controlled functional coating onto the separator thin‐film. The capillary‐assisted liquid tailoring behavior of this 2D‐microfluidics is investigated by both experimental and simulation studies, and the capillary number is found as the key parameter controlling the 2D‐micofluid thickness. For application studies, zein protein solution is employed for this 2D‐microfluidics to generate electrochemical active and self‐assembled protein microsphere coating onto the separator after drying. The resultant protein microsphere functionalized separator (PMFS) can physiochemically stabilize the surface of lithium metal anode. First, the PMFS works as spherical template to regulate uniform deposition of lithium ions. Second, similar to sustained drug release, the PMFS releases dissolved protein as functional additive into liquid electrolyte, assisting to form robust solid‐electrolyte‐interphase with highly conductive Li–C–N component. This work not only proposes a facile self‐assembling 2D‐microfluidic technology for surface nano‐/micro‐fabrication, but also brings forth a promising protein‐based physicochemical strategy for stabilizing lithium metal anode.
Oxygenated Scaffolds for Pancreatic Endocrine Differentiation from Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: Huang Hui , Karanth Soujanya S. , Guan Ya , Freeman Sebastian , Soron Ryan , Godovich David S. , Guan Jianjun , Ye Kaiming , Jin Sha 
Published: October 2023

AbstractA 3D microenvironment is known to endorse pancreatic islet development from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). However, oxygen supply becomes a limiting factor in a scaffold culture. In this study, oxygen‐releasing biomaterials are fabricated and an oxygenated scaffold culture platform is developed to offer a better oxygen supply during 3D iPSC pancreatic differentiation. It is found that the oxygenation does not alter the scaffold's mechanical properties. The in situ oxygenation improves oxygen tension within the scaffolds. The unique 3D differentiation system enables the generation of islet organoids with enhanced expression of islet signature genes and proteins. Additionally, it is discovered that the oxygenation at the early stage of differentiation has more profound impacts on islet development from iPSCs. More C‐peptide+/MAFA+ β and glucagon+/MAFB+ α cells formed in the iPSC‐derived islet organoids generated under oxygenated conditions, suggesting enhanced maturation of the organoids. Furthermore, the oxygenated 3D cultures improve islet organoids’ sensitivity to glucose for insulin secretion. It is herein demonstrated that the oxygenated scaffold culture empowers iPSC islet differentiation to generate clinically relevant tissues for diabetes research and treatment.
High‐Stable Lead‐Free Solar Cells Achieved by Surface Reconstruction of Quasi‐2D Tin‐Based Perovskites
Authors: Yang Feng , Zhu Rui , Zhang Zuhong , Su Zhenhuang , Zuo Weiwei , He Bingchen , Aldamasy Mahmoud Hussein , Jia Yu , Li Guixiang , Gao Xingyu , Li Zhe , Saliba Michael , Abate Antonio , Li Meng 
Published: October 2023

AbstractTin halide perovskites are an appealing alternative to lead perovskites. However, owing to the lower redox potential of Sn(II)/Sn(IV), particularly under the presence of oxygen and water, the accumulation of Sn(IV) at the surface layer will negatively impact the device's performance and stability. To this end, this work has introduced a novel multifunctional molecule, 1,4‐phenyldimethylammonium dibromide diamine (phDMADBr), to form a protective layer on the surface of Sn‐based perovskite films. Strong interactions between phDMADBr and the perovskite surface improve electron transfer, passivating uncoordinated Sn(II), and fortify against water and oxygen. In situ grazing incidence wide‐angle X‐ray scattering (GIWAXS) analysis confirms the enhanced thermal stability of the quasi‐2D phase, and hence the overall enhanced stability of the perovskite. Long‐term stability in devices is achieved, retaining over 90% of the original efficiency for more than 200 hours in a 10% RH moisture N2 environment. These findings propose a new approach to enhance the operational stability of Sn‐based perovskite devices, offering a strategy in advancing lead‐free optoelectronic applications.
All‐Dielectric SERS Metasurface with Strong Coupling Quasi‐BIC Energized by Transformer‐Based Deep Learning
Authors: Chen Wei , Li Yuyang , Liu Yineng , Gao Yuan , Yan Yiming , Dong Zhaogang , Zhu Jinfeng 
Published: October 2023

AbstractResearchers have paid great attention to pursuing metal‐free nanostructures as alternatives to metallic counterparts in the field of surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) for label‐free sensing. However, these metal‐free investigations are hindered by the tiny enhancement factor of the local near field. Here, the design of all‐dielectric SERS metasurfaces is proposed with quasi‐bound states in the continuum (Q‐BIC), inspired by transformer‐based deep learning. By manipulating the incident angle, the mechanism of strong coupling Q‐BIC is introduced with a large Rabi splitting of ≈105 meV, which opens a bandgap and forms an anti‐crossing behavior. Compared to conventional approaches, the strong coupling Q‐BIC scheme not only boosts an extraordinary SERS enhancement factor of ≈107 but also extends the field‐enhancing scale up to ten‐fold. The theoretical optimization implies overwhelming dominance versus the conventional metallic nanostructure design for SERS. The study denotes an approach to utilize the strong coupling effects of Q‐BIC in all‐dielectric SERS metasurfaces and will provide essential design guides for more powerful sensing applications based on SERS.
Crystallization Regulation and Defect Passivation of High‐Performance Flexible Perovskite Light‐Emitting Diodes Based on Novel Dielectric/Metal/Dielectric Transparent Electrodes
Authors: Sun Kai , Bao Zhiqiang , Guo Xiaoyang , Zou Deyue , Lv Ying , Liang Jingqiu , Liu Xingyuan 
Published: October 2023

AbstractPerovskite materials are considered as potential materials suitable for flexible wearable displays due to their excellent optoelectronic properties and flexibility. However, the brittleness of conventional ITO electrodes, as well as the poor crystallization of perovskite on flexible substrates, have hindered the development in flexible perovskite light‐emitting diodes (PeLEDs). Herein, a flexible PeLED based on a novel transparent electrode WO3/Au/WO3 (WAW), combined with the adjustment method of incorporation of polymer [polyethylene oxide‐polypropylene oxide‐polyethylene oxide triblock copolymer (P123)], is proposed to assist crystallization and defect passivation. The strong anchoring effect between P123 and perovskite accelerates the nucleation and crystallization process of perovskite films based on flexible substrates (shortened from 10 min to 1 min), induces the formation of uniform and small‐sized perovskite grains, and passivates non‐radiation defects caused by poor crystal quality. As a result, a high‐performance green PeLED with a maximum external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 14.45% is obtained. The corresponding flexible PeLED displays a maximum EQE of 11.9%, and it can keep a 96.5% original current efficiency after bending for 1000 cycles. This work will provide feasible guidance for the design and manufacture of high‐performance flexible all‐inorganic PeLEDs.
Asymmetric Ternary Spiro Phosphine Oxide Hosts for Yellow Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence Diodes with External Quantum Efficiency Beyond 30%
Authors: Wang Zicheng , Man Yi , Zhang Chunying , Pang Yudong , Wei Ying , Zhang Jing , Shuo Chen , Duan Chunbo , Han Chunmiao , Cao Chenhui , Shui Xinfeng , Xu Hui 
Published: October 2023

AbstractYellow thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) are indispensable for lighting, navigation, caution, and so on; however, their development is far behind those of three‐elementary‐color and white analogs, partially because of the lack of host specificity. In this contribution, spiro[bithoxanthene] (ST) and spiro[thioxanthene‐xanthene] (STX) are used as spiro skeletons to form asymmetric ternary structures through introducing two electron‐donating tert‐butyl carbazole (tBCz) and one electron‐withdrawing diphenyl phosphine oxide (DPPO) groups on different rings. The resulting hosts named STSPOtBCz2 and STXSPOtBCz2 not only inherit the steric hindrance of their spiro skeletons, but also achieve the ambipolar characteristics. Their suitable triplet energy levels (T1) of ≈2.5 eV support efficient energy transfer to a conventional yellow TADF emitter 4CzTPNBu with the T1 of ≈2.2 eV. It is shown that compared to STSPOtBCz2 with a symmetric core, the accumulated asymmetry of the spiro skeleton and the kind, number, and position of substitution groups in STXSPOtBCz2 further suppresses the emission quenching, resulting in the state‐of‐the‐art photoluminescent and electroluminescent quantum efficiencies of 93% and 30.6%, respectively. The maximum power efficiency beyond 90 lm W−1 further demonstrates the great potential of multi‐asymmetric host systems for energy‐saving practical application.
Nickel‐Catalyzed Reductive Coupling of Carboxylic Acids with Disulfides to Access Thioesters
Authors: Wu Kang , Wang Tian‐Zhang , Liang Yu‐Feng 
Published: October 2023

AbstractA nickel‐catalyzed reductive cross coupling reaction of carboxylic acids with disulfides is described. The readily available and inexpensive carboxylic acid is activated in situ by the formation of a mixed anhydride. The transformation occurs at room temperature with wide functional group tolerance to efficiently generate structurally diverse thioesters. Moreover, the reaction tolerated a broad substrate scope, including sterically hindered of disulfides. Ultimately, this powerful method could be applied to the late‐stage functionalization for the construction of diverse thioesters, affording a convenient and practical tactic to construct carbon‐sulfur bonds.
Scalable, Color‐Matched, Flexible Plasmonic Film for Visible–Infrared Compatible Camouflage
Authors: Xiong Yuqin , Zhou Yitong , Tian Junlong , Wang Wanlin , Zhang Wang , Zhang Di 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThe multispectral compatible infrared camouflage technology is implemented these days to counter the developing infrared detectors and detectors of other bands. However, the conflict between delicate optical structures and scalable procedures has significantly impeded the development and application of multispectral‐compatible camouflage technology. Therefore, a semi‐open Fabry‐Perot structure is introduced, and the color and infrared emissivity by structural parameters for color‐matched visible‐infrared compatible camouflage are modulated. The prepared compatible camouflage film exhibits visible camouflage by the minimum color difference of 1.6 L*a*b* (under desert background) and infrared camouflage by low emission (ε3–5 µm ≈ 0.17 and ε8–14 µm ≈ 0.143). Due to its flexibility and scalability, the compatible camouflage film can be applied in practical applications and exhibits desirable visible and infrared camouflage performance in different battlefield backgrounds.
The PERK Branch of the Unfolded Protein Response Safeguards Protein Homeostasis and Mesendoderm Specification of Human Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: Liu Fang , Liu Zhun , Cheng Weisheng , Zhao Qingquan , Zhang Xinyu , Zhang He , Yu Miao , Xu He , Gao Yichen , Jiang Qianrui , Shi Guojun , Wang Likun , Gu Shanshan , Wang Jia , Cao Nan , Chen Zhongyan 
Published: October 2023

AbstractCardiac development involves large‐scale rearrangements of the proteome. How the developing cardiac cells maintain the integrity of the proteome during the rapid lineage transition remains unclear. Here it is shown that proteotoxic stress visualized by the misfolded and/or aggregated proteins appears during early cardiac differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells and is resolved by activation of the PERK branch of unfolded protein response (UPR). PERK depletion increases misfolded and/or aggregated protein accumulation, leading to pluripotency exit defect and impaired mesendoderm specification of human pluripotent stem cells. Mechanistically, it is found that PERK safeguards mesendoderm specification through its conserved downstream effector ATF4, which subsequently activates a novel transcriptional target WARS1, to cope with the differentiation‐induced proteotoxic stress. The results indicate that protein quality control represents a previously unrecognized core component of the cardiogenic regulatory network. Broadly, these findings provide a framework for understanding how UPR is integrated into the developmental program by activating the PERK‐ATF4‐WARS1 axis.
C60 and Derivatives Boost Electrocatalysis and Photocatalysis: Electron Buffers to Heterojunctions
Authors: Xu Zichao , Wang Yuhua , Li Yue , Wang Yitong , Peng Bo , Davey Kenneth , Sun Liang , Li Guanjie , Zhang Shilin , Guo Zaiping 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBuckminsterfullerene (C60) and derivatives are significant in the synthesis of efficient electrocatalysts and photocatalysts. This is because of electron acceptor properties and distinctive heterostructure(s) and physicochemical characteristics. High‐performance electrocatalysts and photocatalysts are important therefore in conversions for clean energy. Here a critical assessment of advances in use of C60 and derivatives as heterostructures and “electron buffers” in catalysts are reported. Methodologies for preparing C60 composite catalysts are assessed and categorized and microscopic mechanisms for boosting catalytic performance through C60 and derivatives in important catalytic materials including, semiconductors, carbon‐based metal‐free materials, metal nanoclusters, single atoms, and metal–organic skeletons are established. Important characterizations used with C60 and derivative composites are contrasted and assessed and practical challenges to development are determined. A prospective on future directions and likely outcomes in development of high efficiency electrocatalysts and photocatalysts is provided. It is concluded that C60 and derivatives are advantageous for advanced electrocatalysts and photocatalysts with high structural integrity and boosted electron transport. The findings are expected to be of interest and benefit to researchers and manufacturers for formation of heterostructures and electron buffer areas for significantly boosted catalytic performance.
The Rational Design of Low‐Barrier Fluorinated Aluminum Substrates for Anode‑Free Sodium Metal Battery
Authors: Wu Shengan , Hwang Jinkwang , Matsumoto Kazuhiko , Hagiwara Rika 
Published: October 2023

AbstractAnode‐free Na metal batteries are acclaimed for their high energy densities achieved through current collectors in situ plated with Na metal in the absence of active negative materials. The advancement of these devices hinges on the development of affordable current collectors for effective Na deposition and the design of advanced electrolytes with suppressed Na metal loss as measured against the poor cycling performance and safety issues associated with traditional organic electrolytes and convectional current collectors. Herein, the authors report a novel strategy for fabricating an Al current collector through annealing and fluorination using hydrofluoric acid to optimize its crystal orientation and surface properties in a bid to establish highly reversible Na deposition/dissolution processes. Through a series of characterization, electrochemical, and computational analyses, it is ascertained that the F‐rich surface of the (100)‐oriented Al substrate provides high‐affinity nucleation sites that initiate and sustain a uniform Na metal deposition and form a propitious solid electrolyte interphase layer. The present anode‐free Na metal battery prototype comprised of the treated Al substrate, a high mass loading Na3V2(PO4)3 positive electrode, and an ionic liquid electrolyte achieves a high average Coulombic efficiency (≈98%) over 50 cycles: indeed, groundbreaking performance for uncoated current collectors that do not require activation cycles.
Designing Sulfate Crystals with Strong Optical Anisotropy through π‐Conjugated Tailoring
Authors: Bai Zhiyong , Ok Kang Min 
Published: October 2023

AbstractSulfate crystals typically exhibit minimal optical anisotropy due to the near‐zero polarizability anisotropy (δ) of [SO4]2− tetrahedra, arising from highly symmetrical electron clouds. Recent research sought to enhance δ via chemical modifications, such as fluorination. However, the resultant crystals often maintain subpar optical anisotropy, frequently with birefringence values below 0.1. In this study, we have uncovered that δ can be significantly strengthened by chemically tailoring the tetrahedral [SO4]2− with anisotropic π‐conjugated modules. This has been demonstrated by several newly proposed S−O‐Org (Org: π‐conjugated organic species) moieties, which show a sharp increase in δ based on theoretical computations. To further validate this experimentally, we synthesized and characterized six new 3‐pyridinesulfonate crystals with the formula A(3‐C5H4NSO3) ⋅ xH2O (A=Li, Ag, K, Rb, Cs, and NH4; x=0 and 1). Notably, these materials exhibit strong optical anisotropy, with birefringence values ranging from 0.240 to 0.312 at 546 nm. These values are approximately 23 to 145.5 times greater than those of corresponding sulfates, and they outperform a vast number of sulfate‐related optical materials, thus verifying the effectiveness of the proposed strategy. Furthermore, the title compounds exhibit diverse microstructure peculiarities influenced by the size and binding natures of the counter cations.
Total Synthesis of the Proposed Structure of Neaumycin B
Authors: Zhang Sen , Zhang Songming , Fan Yunlong , Zhang Xuhai , Chen Jing , Jin Chaofan , Chen Sisi , Wang Liang , Zhang Quan , Chen Yue 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThe total synthesis of the proposed structure of anti‐glioblastoma natural product neaumycin B was achieved in 22 steps (longest linear sequence). The synthesis features HCl‐mediated [6,6]‐spiroketalization, a combination of Krische iridium‐catalyzed crotylation, Marshall palladium‐catalyzed propargylation, Fürstner nickel‐catalyzed regio‐ and enantioselective vicinal monoprotected diol formation, Brown crotylation and asymmetric halide‐aldehyde cycloaddition, so as to establish the challenging contiguous stereocenters.