bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Real‐Time, In Situ Imaging of Macrophages via Phase‐Change Peptide Nanoemulsions
Authors: Kim Inhye , Elliott Jacob C. , Lawanprasert Atip , Wood Grace M. , Simon Julianna C. , Medina Scott H. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractMacrophages are specialized phagocytes that play central roles in immunity and tissue repair. Their diverse functionalities have led to an evolution of new allogenic and autologous macrophage products. However, realizing the full therapeutic potential of these cell‐based therapies requires development of imaging technologies that can track immune cell migration within tissues in real‐time. Such innovations will not only inform treatment regimens and empower interpretation of therapeutic outcomes but also enable prediction and early intervention during adverse events. Here, phase‐changing nanoemulsion contrast agents are reported that permit real‐time, continuous, and high‐fidelity ultrasound imaging of macrophages in situ. Using a de novo designed peptide emulsifier, liquid perfluorocarbon nanoemulsions are prepared and show that rational control over interfacial peptide assembly affords formulations with tunable acoustic sensitivity, macrophage internalization, and in cellulo stability. Imaging experiments demonstrate that emulsion‐loaded macrophages can be readily visualized using standard diagnostic B‐mode and Doppler ultrasound modalities. This allows on‐demand and long‐term tracking of macrophages within porcine coronary arteries, as an exemplary model. The results demonstrate that this platform is poised to open new opportunities for non‐invasive, contrast‐enhanced imaging of cell‐based immunotherapies in tissues, while leveraging the low‐cost, portable, and safe nature of diagnostic ultrasound.
Glutathione‐Responsive Methotrexate Polymersomes for Potential Management of Ectopic Pregnancy
Authors: Mamnoon Babak , Moses Abraham S. , Sundaram Subisha , Raitmayr Constanze J. , Morgan Terry , Baldwin Maureen K. , Myatt Leslie , Taratula Oleh , Taratula Olena R. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThe first‐line treatment for ectopic pregnancy (EP), the chemotherapeutic methotrexate (MTX), has a failure rate of more than 10%, which can lead to severe complications or death. Inadequate accumulation of administered MTX at the ectopic implantation site significantly contributes to therapeutic failure. This study reports the first glutathione‐responsive polymersomes for efficient delivery of MTX to the implantation site and its triggered release in placental cells. Fluorescence and photoacoustic imaging have confirmed that the developed polymersomes preferentially accumulate after systemic administration in the implantation site of pregnant mice at early gestational stages. The high concentrations of intracellular glutathione (GSH) reduce an incorporated disulfide bond within polymersomes upon internalization into placental cells, resulting in their disintegration and efficient drug release. Consequently, MTX delivered by polymersomes induces pregnancy demise in mice, as opposed to free MTX at the same dose regimen. To achieve the same therapeutic efficacy with free MTX, a sixfold increase in dosage is required. In addition, mice successfully conceive and birth healthy pups following a prior complete pregnancy demise induced by methotrexate polymersomes. Therefore, the developed MTX nanomedicine can potentially improve EP management and reduce associated mortality rates and related cost.
Extrinsic Interstitial Ions in Metal Halide Perovskites: A Review
Authors: Wang Xin , Zhang Meng , Hou Tian , Sun Xiaoran , Hao Xiaojing 
Published: July 2023

AbstractPerovskite solar cells have rapidly developed as a promising technology for the next generation of low‐cost photovoltaics, receiving enormous attention from researchers and industries. Compared to traditional semiconducting materials, metal halide perovskite exhibits outstanding tolerance to extrinsic ions. At a certain range of doping concentration, the interstitial occupancy of extrinsic ions provides appealing benefits to the perovskite films, contributing to higher performance and stability of the devices. This review summarizes the research progress of interstitial ions for metal halide perovskite, providing insights into the mechanism and identification of interstitial doping of extrinsic ions, covering the benefits of interstitial ions in regulating crystal growth, inhibiting ion migration, and reducing defect density. Finally, based on the latest progress and findings, further topics and directions of research on interstitial ions in metal halide perovskite are proposed to advance the understanding of interstitial ions in perovskite and promote the development of perovskite photovoltaic technology.
An Outer Membrane‐Inspired Polymer Coating Protects and Endows Escherichia coli with Novel Functionalities
Authors: Belluati Andrea , Harley Iain , Lieberwirth Ingo , Bruns Nico 
Published: July 2023

AbstractA bio‐inspired membrane made of Pluronic L‐121 is produced around Escherichia coli thanks to the simple co‐extrusion of bacteria and polymer vesicles. The block copolymer‐coated bacteria can withstand various harsh shocks, for example, temperature, pressure, osmolarity, and chemical agents. The polymer membrane also makes the bacteria resistant to enzymatic digestion and enables them to degrade toxic compounds, improving their performance as whole‐cell biocatalysts. Moreover, the polymer membrane acts as an anchor layer for the surface modification of the bacteria. Being decorated with α‐amylase or lysozyme, the cells are endowed with the ability to digest starch or self‐predatory bacteria are created. Thus, without any genetic engineering, the phenotype of encapsulated bacteria is changed as they become sturdier and gain novel metabolic functionalities.
Radiopaque and X‐ray‐Responsive Nanomedicine for Preventive Therapy of Radiation‐Induced Heart Disease
Authors: Yu Mingchuan , Xie Weichang , Tang Zhibo , Luo Jun , Liu Yu 
Published: July 2023

AbstractRadiation‐induced heart disease (RIHD) is a common radiotherapy complication. Reducing radiation exposure and post‐irradiation antioxidant therapy are promising approaches. Here, a liquid metal‐based core–shell nanomedicine (LMN) composed of a gallium core and a multifunctional polymeric shell with radiopaque, X‐ray shielding, and X‐ray‐responsive antioxidation properties for preventive therapy of RIHD is developed. The liquid metal provides radiopaque properties to enhance X‐ray and computed tomography imaging and attenuate radiation to prevent primary myocardial damage. Under X‐ray radiation, cleavage of the diselenide bond on the polymeric shell results in the release of LMN and controlled antioxidation. In vitro and in vivo experiments have demonstrated that LMN significantly reduces myocardial injury and impaired cardiac function, stabilizes mitochondrial function, and inhibits myocardial fibrosis. This nanomedicine with radiographic contrast, radiation shielding, and responsive features provides a new strategy for the prevention of radiation‐related diseases.
Liposome‐Templated Green Synthesis of Mesoporous Metal Nanostructures with Universal Composition for Biomedical Application
Authors: Wang Jinping , Sun Jingyu , Khade Rahul L. , Chou Tsengming , An Hailong , Zhang Yong , Wang Hongjun 
Published: July 2023

AbstractPorous noble metal nanoparticles have received particular attention recently for their unique optical, thermal, and catalytic functions in biomedicine. However, limited progress has been made to synthesize such porous metallic nanostructures with large mesopores (≥25 nm). Here, a green yet facile synthesis strategy using biocompatible liposomes as templates to mediate the formation of mesoporous metallic nanostructures in a controllable fashion is reported. Various monodispersed nanostructures with well‐defined mesoporous shape and large mesopores (≈ 40 nm) are successfully synthesized from mono‐ (Au, Pd, and Pt), bi‐ (AuPd, AuPt, AuRh, PtRh, and PdPt), and tri‐noble metals (AuPdRh, AuPtRh, and AuPdPt). Along with a successful demonstration of its effectiveness in synthesis of various mesoporous nanostructures, the possible mechanism of liposome‐guided formation of such nanostructures via time sectioning of the synthesis process (monitoring time‐resolved growth of mesoporous structures) and computational quantum molecular modeling (analyzing chemical interaction energy between metallic cations and liposomes at the enthalpy level) is also revealed. These mesoporous metallic nanostructures exhibit a strong photothermal effect in the near‐infrared region, effective catalytic activities in hydrogen peroxide decomposition reaction, and high drug loading capacity. Thus, the liposome‐templated method provides an inspiring and robust avenue to synthesize mesoporous noble metal‐based nanostructures for versatile biomedical applications.
Crystallization Engineering of CuNi2S4 Ultra‐Fine Nanocrystals with Optimized Band Structures for Efficient Photocatalytic Pollutant Degradation and Hydrogen Production
Authors: Zhao Bin , Shakouri Mohsen , Feng Renfei , Regier Tom , Zeng Yuxiang , Zhang Yu , Zhang Jiujun , Wang Lei , Luo Jing‐Li , Fu Xian‐Zhu 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThe mono‐dispersed cubic siegenite CuNi2S4 ultra‐fine (≈5 nm) nanocrystals are fabricated through crystallization engineering under hot injection. The strong hydroxylation on mostly exposed CuNi2S4 (220) surface leads to the formation of multi‐valence (Cu+, Cu2+, Ni2+, Ni3+) species with unsaturated hybridization and coordination micro‐environments, which can induce rich redox reactions to optimize interfacial kinetics for the adsorbed reaction intermediates. The as‐synthesized CuNi2S4 nanocrystals with ultra‐small particle size and the characteristics of being highly dispersed can increase specific surface area and hydroxylated active sites, which considerably contribute to the improvement of photocatalytic activities. Experimental and theoretical studies indicate that the CuNi2S4 with unique surface condition can properly modulate the charge density distribution and the electronic band structure, thus achieving an optimal band gap for enhancing visible light absorption. Additionally, the strong hydroxylation on CuNi2S4 (220) surface can not only make the photocatalytic process stable in alkaline environment but also bring about an impurity level between conduction and valence band, which facilitates the separation of photo‐induced charge carriers by suppressing the rapid re‐combination of exited electrons and holes. The optimization of band structure should be the intrinsic reason for the efficient photocatalytic pollutant degradation and hydrogen production under visible light illumination.
5D Analysis of Capacity Degradation in Battery Electrodes Enabled by Operando CT‐XANES
Authors: Kimura Yuta , Huang Su , Nakamura Takashi , Ishiguro Nozomu , Sekizawa Oki , Nitta Kiyofumi , Uruga Tomoya , Takeuchi Tomonari , Okumura Toyoki , Tada Mizuki , Uchimoto Yoshiharu , Amezawa Koji 
Published: July 2023

AbstractFor devices encountering long‐term stability challenges, a precise evaluation of degradation is of paramount importance. However, methods for comprehensively elucidating the degradation mechanisms in devices, particularly those undergoing dynamic chemical and mechanical changes during operation, such as batteries, are limited. Here, a method is presented using operando computed tomography combined with X‐ray absorption near‐edge structure spectroscopy (CT‐XANES) that can directly track the evolution of the 3D distribution of the local capacity loss in battery electrodes during (dis)charge cycles, thereby enabling a five‐dimensional (the 3D spatial coordinates, time, and chemical state) analysis of the degradation. This paper demonstrates that the method can quantify the spatiotemporal dynamics of the local capacity degradation within an electrode during cycling, which has been truncated by existing bulk techniques, and correlate it with the overall electrode performance degradation. Furthermore, the method demonstrates its capability to uncover the correlation among observed local capacity degradation within electrodes, reaction history during past (dis)charge cycles, and electrode microstructure. The method thus provides critical insights into the identification of degradation factors that are not available through existing methods, and therefore, will contribute to the development of batteries with long‐term stability.
Revealing Performance Enhancement Mechanism for Lithium–Sulfur Battery Using In Situ Electrochemical‐Fluorescence Technology
Authors: Sun Qi , Li Yang , Ren Xiaoyan , Tao Jingwei , Lu Lehui 
Published: July 2023

AbstractLithium–sulfur batteries (LSBs) as a next‐generation promising energy storage device have a great potential commercial application due to their high specific capacity and energy density. However, it is still a challenge to real‐time monitor the evolution process of polysulfides during the LSBs discharge process. Herein, an in situ electrochemical‐fluorescence technology is developed to measure the fluorescence intensity change of cadmium sulfide quantum dots (CdS QDs) during the LSBs discharge process in real‐time, which could monitor the evolution process of polysulfides. First, the real‐time fluorescent spectrum and confocal fluorescence imaging of discharge processes for LSBs with CdS QDs are integrally illustrated. Furthermore, the fluorescence spectra and imaging results show that CdS QDs could immobilize polysulfides through bonding with polysulfides to improve the LSB device performance. This in situ electrochemical‐fluorescence technology provides a new in situ and real‐time‐monitor method for better understanding the working mechanism of LSBs.
Water quality in Northern Province of Sri Lanka: A bibliometric analysis of publications 1960–2021
Authors: Rubini Senthalan , Chandrasekar Kalpana , Janen Thivya , Sriskandarajah Nadarajah 
Published: July 2023

AbstractGroundwater contamination derived from human activities including farming is a serious problem threatening water security in the Northern Province (NP) of Sri Lanka. Gathering all existing research knowledge on the province's water resource base to create a digital repository is a key action in the 3‐year action research project on water security. Papers gathered in the repository showed that water quality, particularly salinity in groundwater and its contamination, was a prominent theme in research over the past two decades. Thus, the scope of this bibliometric study is restricted to published work on water quality pertaining to the North during 1969–2021. Publications listed in four electronic databases, namely, Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar yielded 118 scholarly publications. This paper provides an overview of the publication types and distribution, titles of journals and conferences, authorship, institutions, countries, themes, and keywords used. Final 20 years of study period saw a substantial growth in publication rate of water quality papers in the NP with journal articles and conference papers being the dominant types at 63% and 35%, respectively. Authors from 52 different institutions contributed to production of these publications, 93% of whom represented public sector institutions in Sri Lanka. University of Jaffna was in the lead position in numeric terms (n = 82), followed by the University of Peradeniya (n = 28). A significant 81% of the papers accounted for studies on water contamination, some indication of the degree of concern for this aspect among the research community. Around 65% of papers have been published in a wide range of international journals, some of which are less well established. This tendency has implications for the scientific output in terms of its quality, peer review process, and in turn also for usefulness of the work in the local context and in policy making.
The Climate Impact of the Usage of Headphones and Headsets
Authors: Herrmann Tayla , Zimmerer Anna , Lang-Koetz Claus , Woidasky Jörg 
Published: July 2023

AbstractBased on disassembly studies, a life cycle assessment of the climate impact of the wireless over-ear headphone model Jabra Evolve2 85 (without charging station) is conducted regarding the life cycle phases of manufacturing, packaging, distribution, use and disposal. The total weight of all components is 280.7 g. The materials can be categorized into polymers (61.7%), metals (20.9%), circuit boards (4.8%), Li-ion battery (4.6%), foam (3.5%), cables (3.0%) and unidentifiable polymers (1.7%). The functional unit is defined as the wireless audio transmission through a stereo headphone over its lifetime. The lifecycle assessment results in a global warming potential of 12.17 kg CO2-Eq with a contribution of the manufacturing phase of 81.2%, based on an assumed lifetime of 2,600 using hours. In the context of a sensitivity analysis, a repair scenario of a battery replacement of the over-ear headset is modelled. Assuming a doubled lifetime, the global warming potential per hour is reduced from 4.7 g CO2-Eq/h to 2.4 g CO2-Eq/h.
Implementing Ecodesign During Product Development: An Ex-Ante Life Cycle Assessment of Wood-Plastic Composites
Authors: Brunnhuber Nadine , Windsperger Andreas , Perdomo Echenique Enrique Alejandro , Hesser Franziska 
Published: July 2023

AbstractAbout 80% of environmental performance is determined during product development. This study assesses environmental impacts of wood-plastic composite (WPC) boards still in development, to identify impact hot spots and improvement potentials. A seven-step approach to ecodesign implementation was used. It identifies environmental impacts and derives improvement strategies. A life cycle assessment (LCA) according to ISO 14040 was conducted to quantify potential environmental impacts. The WPC boards are made of PVC and wood flour. Impacts mostly result from PVC and electricity consumption for production. Thus, this study proposes replacing PVC with polylactic acid (PLA). Further improvement strategies are increasing material efficiency, energy efficiency, renewable electricity use and secondary plastic input. Increased end of life recycling reduces environmental impacts, compared to incineration only. These changes reduce the initial climate change results of 145 kg CO2 eq by 55%. Thus, early consideration of environmental aspects supports sustainable product development.
Understanding Soil Organic Carbon Dynamics of Short Rotation Plantations After Land Use Change—From Establishment to Recultivation
Authors: Perdomo Echenique Enrique Alejandro , Hesser Franziska 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThe increase in soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks has the potential to contribute to climate mitigation strategies by reducing atmospheric CO2. Short rotation plantations (SRP) provide bio-based resources and can possibly accumulate SOC. Estimating the potential SOC stocks of short rotation plantations can help decision-makers to implement strategies that reduce SOC loss and thus contribute to climate change mitigation. The dynamic changes in SOC were estimated for a case study using the RothC carbon turnover model. The results indicate that SOC stocks increased from 37.8 to 48.52 t C/ha within 20 years of the plantation’s lifetime. Thus, an annual average increase of 0.535 t C/ha year is expected. Given the importance of implementing strategies that support the potential climate mitigation benefits of SRP, a sensitivity analysis was employed to identify the relevant factors that affected SOC prediction. For instance, the influence of soil condition heterogeneity, such as clay content, can vary the estimations of SOC accumulated. This highlights the relevance of obtaining primary data at different locations within the plantation’s areas: to obtain a variety of SOC stock estimations that give a better representation of SOC accumulation. Such analysis help to propose suggestions that mitigate the climate effect of short rotation plantations.
Proposing a Multi-level Assessment Framework for Social LCA and Its Contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals
Authors: Groiß-Fürtner Daniela , Mair-Bauernfeind Claudia , Hesser Franziska 
Published: July 2023

AbstractIn the context of sustainable product development, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methods are used to gain knowledge about environmental hotspots and derive options for improvement. In light of international efforts to promote sustainable development, Social LCA (SLCA) is an emerging method to assess potential socio-economic impacts of products and services. Even when available data is limited in the early stages of materials, process, and product development, the implementation of SLCA benefits target-oriented research and development to support sustainable development. This article introduces a multi-level SCLA framework for accompanying innovation processes. The multi-level framework starts by prioritizing social aspects and proceeds as more and more data becomes available with generic and primary assessments and sets the results in context to the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The application of the multi-level SLCA is showcased via a bio-based value chain. The study aims to identify options for social risk reduction and consequently provide recommendations for decision-makers. The results show that options to increase social sustainability can be realized by reducing chemical and fertilizer use or fostering sustainability reporting. By mapping the SLCA results to the SDGs, it could be found that the bio-based value chain at hand mostly contributes to the SDG no. 8.
Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment for Sustainable Bioeconomy, Societal-Ecological Transformation and Beyond
Authors: Zeug Walther , Bezama Alberto , Thrän Daniela 
Published: July 2023

AbstractDecoupling the fulfillment of societal needs from an ever-increasing production of goods together with decoupling this sufficient production from negative environmental, social and economic impacts, is and will be the major challenge of our economic systems to avoid an even deeper socio-ecological crisis. The ascending bioeconomy practices have to be assessed with regard to their potential to provide a good life for all within planetary boundaries Addressing this, life cycle sustainability assessment (LCSA) is necessary to integrate social, environmental and economic sustainability assessments. However, LCSAs are still in their infancy and a series of practical problems can be traced back to a lack of sound sustainability concepts and applied political economy/ecology. We reflect on social, ecological and economic sustainability, our societal relations to nature and a necessary societal-ecological transformation in order to structure a systemic framework for holistic and integrated LCSA (HILCSA). This framework allows an implementation in openLCA, conducting the inventory and impact assessment with harmonized databases and more coherent results compared to previous approaches. For further development we identify questions of political economy/ecology as significant. The idea of a bioeconomy as well as systemic assessments is a question of the perception of ends and means of a societal transformation.