bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Registration of Arkot 0008, Arkot 0009, and Arkot 0012 Germplasm Lines of Cotton
Authors: Bourland Fred M. , Jones Don C.
Published: August 2011

Arkot 0008 (Reg. No. GP‐932, PI 660502), Arkot 0009 (Reg. No. GP‐933, PI 660503), and Arkot 0012 (Reg. No. GP‐ 934, PI 660504) are noncommercial breeding lines of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) that were released by the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station in September 2010. Arkot 0008 was derived from the cross of Ark 9409‐22 and ‘PSC 355’. Arkot 0009 was derived from a cross of Ark 9409‐22 and ‘Sure‐Grow 747’. Arkot 0012 was derived from a cross of Arkot 9108 and PSC 355. The three lines were evaluated in replicated tests at four Arkansas sites from 2006 through 2009. Compared with ‘DP 393’, Arkot 0008 produced higher lint yields but had less desirable yield components and fiber quality; Arkot 0009 produced similar yields with similar yield components but had enhanced fiber quality; and Arkot 0012 produced higher yields with similar yield components and similar fiber quality. Arkot 0008 is earlier maturing than DP 393 and the other two lines. Over 10 locations of the 2008 Regional High Quality test, Arkot 0009 produced 2nd highest yield of noncultivar entries. Arkot 0008 and Arkot 0012 produced the 2nd and 10th highest yield (out of 34 entries) over 9 locations of the 2008 Regional Breeders Testing Network test. Trichome density associated with leaves, stems, and bracts for Arkot 0009, Arkot 0008, and Arkot 0012 were lower, equal, and higher than DP 393, respectively. All three lines expressed resistance to bacterial blight [caused by Xanthomonas campestris pv. malvacearum (Smith) Dye]. Arkot 0008 and Arkot 0009 expressed resistance to tarnished plant bug [Lygus lineolaris (Palisot de Beauvois)] equal to that of ‘SG 105’, whereas Arkot 0012 expressed higher resistance than SG 105. The relative yield and line‐specific host‐plant‐resistance traits make these lines valuable to cotton breeding programs.
Registration of ‘Vision 30’ Wheat
Authors: Hall M. D. , Griffey C. A. , Green A. , Liu S. , Gundrum P. , Berger G. , Brooks W. S. , Thomason W. E. , Hokanson E. G. , Behl H. D. , Pitman R. M. , Dunaway D. W. , Vaughn M. E. , Lewis T. , Custis J. T. , Seabourn B. , Chen R. , Fountain M. , Marshall D. , Beahm B. R. , Whitt D. L. , Lin C. J. , Mennel D. L.
Published: August 2011

‘Vision 30’ (Reg. No. CV‐1062, PI 661153) hard red winter (HRW) wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) was developed and tested as VA06HRW‐49 and released by the Virginia Agricultural Experiment Station in March 2010. Vision 30 was derived from the cross 92PAN1#33/VA97W‐414. Vision 30 is high yielding, awned, and semidwarf (Rht2) and has midseason spike emergence and resistance to powdery mildew [caused by Blumeria graminis (DC) E.O. Speer]. In Virginia, the average grain yield (2007–2009) of Vision 30 (5301 kg ha−1) was similar to that of the soft red winter wheat check cultivar Renwood 3260 (5536 kg ha−1). Vision 30 was evaluated in the 2008 and 2009 USDA‐ARS Uniform Bread Wheat Nursery and produced mean yields (4992 and 4690 kg ha−1) that were similar (P ≤ 0.05) to those of the highest‐yielding HRW wheat entry. In comparison with the hard wheat cultivar ‘Lakin’, Vision 30 has acceptable end‐use quality on the basis of flour yield (69.9 versus 70.3 g 100 g−1), flour protein (10.7 versus 9.5 g 100 g−1), flour water absorption (59.8 versus 59.1 g 100 g−1), dough mixing tolerance (3.3 versus 2.3), pup‐loaf volume (812 versus 803 cm3), and crumb grain scores (3.3 versus 3.7).
Context‐dependent recruitment of Guettarda viburnoides in a Neotropical forest–savanna mosaic
Authors: Loayza Andrea P. , Loiselle Bette A. , Rios Rodrigo S.
Published: August 2011

•Premise of the Study: Seed dispersal is a key process for plant regeneration in tropical areas. Differences in disperser behavior result in a nonrandom distribution of seeds among habitats. Patterns of seed dispersal may cascade through the entire recruitment phase or uncoupling between developmental stages may occur such that patterns of seed dispersal are discordant with patterns of recruitment. Here, we analyzed how habitat and interannual variability affect the recruitment dynamics of a bird‐dispersed tree, Guettarda viburnoides (RUB.).

•Methods: Over 3 years, we determined the habitats where seeds of G. viburnoides are dispersed, and we experimentally quantified postdispersal seed predation, seedling emergence, and survival in four habitats of a forest–savanna mosaic in Bolivia.

•Key Results: Habitat affected seed dispersal, seed predation, and seedling emergence. The strength of postdispersal processes, however, varied between years and no consistent within‐habitat pattern emerged. Uncoupling among different life‐stages was observed across habitats, and spatial concordance was found between seed rain and sapling recruitment patterns.

•Conclusions: Habitat can affect seed dispersal, postdispersal processes and the recruitment dynamics of a Neotropical tree in a heterogeneous landscape. Additionally, our results show interannual variability in the strength of postdispersal processes, which leads to shifts in habitat suitability between years. Therefore, to better understand the role of site suitability for recruitment, we need to explicitly consider not only variation in habitat‐specificity for dispersal and postdispersal processes, but also how this variation can shift under different environmental conditions—that is, the context dependence of suitability.
Paleocene Malvaceae from northern South America and their biogeographical implications
Authors: Carvalho Mónica R. , Herrera Fabiany A. , Jaramillo Carlos A. , Wing Scott L. , Callejas Ricardo
Published: August 2011

• Premise of the study: The clade Bombacoideae + Malvoideae (‘Malvatheca group’ sensu Baum et al.) in Malvaceae comprises a mostly tropical lineage with derived taxa that now thrive in higher latitudes. The sparse fossil record, especially for Malvoideae, obscures interpretations of past distributions. We describe fossil leaves of Malvoideae from the middle‐late Paleocene Cerrejón Formation in Colombia, which contains evidence for the earliest known neotropical rainforest.

• Methods: Fifty‐six leaf compressions belonging to Malvaceae were collected from the Cerrejón Formation in northern Colombia. Leaf architectural characters were scored and optimized for 81 genera of Malvaceae. Synapomorphic characters and unique character combinations support natural affinities for the fossil leaves. Fossil pollen from the same formation was also assessed.

• Key results: Despite convergence of overall leaf architecture among many Malvaceae, Malvaciphyllum macondicus sp. nov. can be assigned to the clade Eumalvoideae because of distal and proximal bifurcations of the costal secondary and agrophic veins, a synapomorphy for this clade.

• Conclusions: The leaf compressions, the oldest fossils for Eumalvoideae, indicate a minimum divergence time of 58–60 Ma, older than existing estimates from molecular analyses of living species. The abundance of eumalvoid leaves and of bombacoid pollen in the midlate Paleocene of Colombia suggests that the Malvatheca group (Malvoideae + Bombacoideae) was already a common element in neotropical forests and does not support an Australasian origin for Eumalvoideae.
The In Vitro Elution Characteristics of Antifungal-loaded PMMA Bone Cement and Calcium Sulfate Bone Substitute
Authors: Grimsrud Christopher , Raven Raymond , Fothergill A.W. , Kim Hubert T.
Published: August 2011

The use of antimicrobial-loaded delivery vehicles, most often as antibiotic beads, is common practice for the treatment of deep musculoskeletal infections. The elution of antibacterial drugs from various bone cements has been extensively studied. However, much less is known about the elution of other antimicrobials from these materials. In particular, the use of this approach for fungal infections has not been well studied despite growing concern about these difficult-to-treat organisms. Voriconazole is a broad-spectrum and highly effective antifungal that has been used in the treatment of resistant fungal pathogens. We examined the in vitro elution characteristics of voriconazole from nonabsorbable polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) beads and from absorbable calcium sulfate beads. Voricanazole-containing beads were immersed in a 5-mL bath of phosphate-buffered saline at room temperature and placed on an orbital shaker. Eluent samples were collected over the course of 2 weeks. Concentrations of the antifungal drug in solution were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography. To verify biologic activity of the eluted antifungal, collected samples were also tested against control yeasts. We found that samples collected out to 2 weeks contained relatively high voriconazole concentrations and enough active antifungal activity to inhibit growth of the control yeasts. These data demonstrate that voriconazole retains its antifungal activity when mixed into either PMMA or calcium sulfate beads, and elutes out of beads at biologically effective concentrations over a time period of at least 2 weeks. Therefore, incorporation of voriconazole into either absorbable or nonabsorbable beads appears to be a reasonable strategy for the local delivery of a potent, broad-spectrum antifungal agent to an infected wound bed.
Medial Malleolar Fractures: A Biomechanical Study of Fixation Techniques
Authors: Fowler T. Ty , Pugh Kevin J. , Litsky Alan S. , Taylor Benjamin C. , French Bruce G.
Published: August 2011

Fracture fixation of the medial malleolus in rotationally unstable ankle fractures typically results in healing with current fixation methods. However, when failure occurs, pullout of the screws from tension, compression, and rotational forces is predictable. We sought to biomechanically test a relatively new technique of bicortical screw fixation for medial malleoli fractures. Also, the AO group recommends tension-band fixation of small avulsion type fractures of the medial malleolus that are unacceptable for screw fixation. A well-documented complication of this technique is prominent symptomatic implants and secondary surgery for implant removal. Replacing stainless steel 18-gauge wire with FiberWire suture could theoretically decrease symptomatic implants. Therefore, a second goal was to biomechanically compare these 2 tension-band constructs.

Using a tibial Sawbones model, 2 bicortical screws were compared with 2 unicortical cancellous screws on a servohydraulic test frame in offset axial, transverse, and tension loading. Second, tension-band fixation using stainless steel wire was compared with FiberWire under tensile loads. Bicortical screw fixation was statistically the stiffest construct under tension loading conditions compared to unicortical screw fixation and tension-band techniques with FiberWire or stainless steel wire. In fact, unicortical screw fixation had only 10% of the stiffness as demonstrated in the bicortical technique. In a direct comparison, tension-band fixation using stainless steel wire was statistically stiffer than the FiberWire construct.
Are Terminally Threaded Guide Pins From Cannulated Screw Systems Dangerous?
Authors: Flannery Walker , Balts Joshua , McCarthy James J. , Swick Jeffrey , Noonan Kenneth J. , Olson Jeremy
Published: August 2011

Threaded and smooth pins are often used in orthopedic surgery. Although uncommon, injury to the soft tissues can and do occur, including nerve or vessel injury from aberrant pin placement. The purpose of this study was to compare the risk of nerve injury from threaded pins versus smooth guide pins due to: (1) past-point-drilling of the pin, or (2) entanglement of the pin with soft tissue. Past-point drilling was tested by a blindfolded participant drilling a 1.6-mm guide pin (terminally threaded or smooth) through a porcine femur until they felt they had drilled through the second cortex. The distance over-drilled was measured in millimeters. Twenty trials were randomly completed, 10 with each pin type. Entanglement of soft tissue was tested by placing the terminal portion of the guide pin on the nerve. Two drilling positions were tested: (1) drilling at 90° and (2) parallel to the nerve. The drill was run for 1 second and assessed for entanglement and magnitude of entanglement (measured in millimeters of nerve wrapped by the pin). Sixty trials were completed, 15 with each pin type, and in each of the 2 positions. The average past-point drilling depths were 4.6 and 16.9 mm for the smooth and threaded pins, respectively (
P
<.05). The mean nerve overwrapping was 0.45 and 4.7 mm, for the smooth and threaded pins, respectively (
P
<.05), drilled at 90° and 0.15 and 0.92 mm, respectively (
P
<.05) in the parallel position. In 13 of 60 trials with the smooth pin and 50 of 60 trials with the threaded pin, wrapping was observed (
P
<.05). This study demonstrates that it is difficult to determine by feel when the threaded pin has drilled through the second cortex of the bone, in contrast to the smooth pin. Furthermore, soft tissue entanglement is more likely and to a greater magnitude with threaded pins than with smooth.
Pigmented Villonodular Synovitis After TKA Associated With Tibial Component Loosening
Authors: Chung Byung June , Park Yong Bum
Published: August 2011

There is no known causal link between total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS). There also is no known relationship between PVNS and implant loosening after TKA in the literature. This article presents a case of PVNS in a patient undergoing revision TKA for tibial component loosening. A 74-year-old woman who had undergone cemented bilateral TKA 5 years earlier presented with painful swelling in her right knee. At the time of the primary TKA, no abnormal signs were found in the synovial membrane. Routine follow-up radiographs did not indicate implant loosening. At the patient’s final follow-up examination before revision surgery, a radiolucent lesion was found below the tibial component. During revision surgery, there was focal proliferation of the synovial tissue with heavy pigmentation around the anteromedial part of the tibial component. The abnormal tissue was removed, and the tibial component was exchanged. The articular surface of the polyethylene was not damaged, and backside wear was not found. For the revision surgery, 5-mm thick medial metal block and extension stem were used. Histological analysis of the resected tissue revealed the typical appearance of PVNS.

We present a typical case of PVNS found during revision TKA 5 years after primary TKA. It is hoped this report will encourage surgeons to consider PVNS in the differential diagnosis of patients who present with painful swelling of the knee and to consider PVNS as one of the causes of implant loosening after TKA. Further research about causal factors between PVNS and implant loosening are needed.
Fundamental Group of Simple C*-algebras with Unique Trace III
Authors: Nawata Norio
Published: August 2011

We introduce the fundamental group ℱ(A) of a simple σ-inital C*-algebra A with unique (up to scalar multiple) densely defined lower semicontinuous trace. This is a generalization of Fundamental Group of Simple C*-algebras with Unique Trace I and II by Nawata andWatatani. Our definition in this paper makes sense for stably projectionless C*-algebras. We show that there exist separable stably projectionless C*-algebras such that their fundamental groups are equal to ℝ×+ by using the classification theorem of Razak and Tsang. This is a contrast to the unital case in Nawata and Watatani. This study is motivated by the work of Kishimoto and Kumjian.
Warming Oceans, Phytoplankton, and River Discharge: Implications for Cholera Outbreaks
Authors: Jutla Antarpreet S. , Akanda Ali S. , Griffiths Jeffrey K. , Colwell Rita , Islam Shafiqul
Published: August 2011

Phytoplankton abundance is inversely related to sea surface temperature (SST). However, a positive relationship is observed between SST and phytoplankton abundance in coastal waters of Bay of Bengal. This has led to an assertion that in a warming climate, rise in SST may increase phytoplankton blooms and, therefore, cholera outbreaks. Here, we explain why a positive SST-phytoplankton relationship exists in the Bay of Bengal and the implications of such a relationship on cholera dynamics. We found clear evidence of two independent physical drivers for phytoplankton abundance. The first one is the widely accepted phytoplankton blooming produced by the upwelling of cold, nutrient-rich deep ocean waters. The second, which explains the Bay of Bengal findings, is coastal phytoplankton blooming during high river discharges with terrestrial nutrients. Causal mechanisms should be understood when associating SST with phytoplankton and subsequent cholera outbreaks in regions where freshwater discharge are a predominant mechanism for phytoplankton production.
Scale orientated analysis of river width changes due to extreme flood hazards
Authors: Krapesch G. , Hauer C. , Habersack H.
Published: August 2011

Abstract. This paper analyses the morphological effects of extreme floods (recurrence interval >100 years) and examines which parameters best describe the width changes due to erosion based on 5 affected alpine gravel bed rivers in Austria. The research was based on vertical aerial photos of the rivers before and after extreme floods, hydrodynamic numerical models and cross sectional measurements supported by LiDAR data of the rivers. Average width ratios (width after/before the flood) were calculated and correlated with different hydraulic parameters (specific stream power, shear stress, flow area, specific discharge). Depending on the geomorphological boundary conditions of the different rivers, a mean width ratio between 1.12 (Lech River) and 3.45 (Trisanna River) was determined on the reach scale. The specific stream power (SSP) best predicted the mean width ratios of the rivers especially on the reach scale and sub reach scale. On the local scale more parameters have to be considered to define the "minimum morphological spatial demand of rivers", which is a crucial parameter for addressing and managing flood hazards and should be used in hazard zone plans and spatial planning.
Smoking-Attributable Health Care Expenditures for US Adults With Chronic Lower Respiratory Disease
Authors: Gu Dian , Sung Hai-Yen , Calfee Carolyn S. , Wang Yingning , Yao Tingting , Max Wendy
Published: May 2024

Importance

Cigarette smoking is a primary risk factor for chronic lower respiratory disease (CLRD) and is associated with worse symptoms among people with CLRD. It is important to evaluate the economic outcomes of smoking in this population.

Objective

To estimate smoking prevalence and cigarette smoking-attributable health care expenditures (SAHEs) for adults with CLRD in the US.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cross-sectional study used data from the 2014-2018 and 2020 National Health Interview Surveys (NHIS) and the 2020 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey. The final study population, stratified by age 35 to 64 years and 65 years or older, was extracted from the 2014-2018 NHIS data. The data analysis was performed between February 1 and March 31, 2024.

Exposures

Cigarette smoking, as classified into 4 categories: current smokers, former smokers who quit less than 15 years ago, former smokers who quit 15 or more years ago, and never smokers.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Smoking-attributable health care expenditures were assessed using a prevalence-based annual cost approach. Econometric models for the association between cigarette smoking and health care utilization were estimated for 4 types of health care services: inpatient care, emergency department visits, physician visits, and home health visits.

Results

In the 2014-2018 NHIS study sample of 13 017 adults, 7400 (weighted 62.4%) were aged 35 to 64 years, 5617 (weighted 37.6%) were 65 years or older, and 8239 (weighted 61.9%) were female. In 2020, among 11 211 222 adults aged 35 to 64 with CLRD, 3 508 504 (31.3%) were current smokers and 3 496 790 (31.2%) were former smokers. Total SAHEs in 2020 for this age group were $13.6 billion, averaging $2752 per current smoker and $1083 per former smoker. In 2020, 7 561 909 adults aged 65 years or older had CLRD, with 1 451 033 (19.2%) being current smokers and 4 104 904 (54.3%) being former smokers. Total SAHEs in 2020 for the older age group were $5.3 billion, averaging $1704 per current smoker and $682 per former smoker. In sum, SAHEs for adults with CLRD aged 35 years or older amounted to $18.9 billion in 2020.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cross-sectional study of adults with CLRD, cigarette smoking was associated with a substantial health care burden. The higher per-person SAHEs for current smokers compared with former smokers suggest potential cost savings of developing targeted smoking cessation interventions for this population.
Immunotherapy for a Choroidal Pigmented Lesion
Authors: Orge Selin , Sezenoz Almila Sarigul , Demirci Hakan
Published: May 2024

A 51-year-old male with a a history of BRAF V600 E mutation-positive, superficial spreading-type cutaneous melanoma on the chest with metastasis to a sentinel lymph node had a 4-week history of redness and swelling of the right temporal bulbar conjunctiva and was referred for evaluation of a choroidal lesion in the right eye. What would you do next?
A Child With Recurrent Jaw Swelling
Authors: Rai Pranjal , Patil Vasundhara , Baheti Akshay D.
Published: May 2024

A 9-year-old male presented with a 2-year history of recurrent left-sided jaw swelling. Physical examination revealed a hard mass at the left ramus of the mandible. What is your diagnosis?
Clinical evaluation of deep learning‐enhanced lymphoma pet imaging with accelerated acquisition
Authors: Li Xu , Pan Boyang , Chen Congxia , Yan Dongyue , Pan Zhenglin , Feng Tao , Liu Hui , Gong Nan‐Jie , Liu Fugeng
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study aims to evaluate the clinical performance of a deep learning (DL)‐enhanced two‐fold accelerated PET imaging method in patients with lymphoma.

Methods

A total of 123 cases devoid of lymphoma underwent whole‐body 18F‐FDG‐PET/CT scans to facilitate the development of an advanced SAU2Net model, which combines the advantages of U2Net and attention mechanism. This model integrated inputs from simulated 1/2‐dose (0.07 mCi/kg) PET acquisition across multiple slices to generate an estimated standard dose (0.14 mCi/kg) PET scan. Additional 39 cases with confirmed lymphoma pathology were utilized to evaluate the model's clinical performance. Assessment criteria encompassed peak‐signal‐to‐noise ratio (PSNR), structural similarity index (SSIM), a 5‐point Likert scale rated by two experienced physicians, SUV features, image noise in the liver, and contrast‐to‐noise ratio (CNR). Diagnostic outcomes, including lesion numbers and Deauville score, were also compared.

Results

Images enhanced by the proposed DL method exhibited superior image quality (P < 0.001) in comparison to low‐dose acquisition. Moreover, they illustrated equivalent image quality in terms of subjective image analysis and lesion maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) as compared to the standard acquisition method. A linear regression model with y = 1.017x + 0.110 () can be established between the enhanced scans and the standard acquisition for lesion SUVmax. With enhancement, increased signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR), CNR, and reduced image noise were observed, surpassing those of the standard acquisition. DL‐enhanced PET images got diagnostic results essentially equavalent to standard PET images according to two experienced readers.

Conclusion

The proposed DL method could facilitate a 50% reduction in PET imaging duration for lymphoma patients, while concurrently preserving image quality and diagnostic accuracy.
Ultrasonic Punching with Inkjet‐Printed Dot Array for Fabrication of Perforated Metal Pattern as Transparent Heater
Authors: Shin Dong Yeol , Kim Chaewon , Moon Yoon Jae , An Kunsik , Ju Byeong‐Kwon , Kang Kyung‐Tae
Published: May 2024

This study introduces an aluminum transparent heater manufactured with a perforated pattern by using inkjet printing process. The polymeric sacrificial layer was deposited in a periodic dot arrangement by inkjet printing and a aluminum thin film was deposited using a vacuum deposition process. By the ultrasonic punching to remove inkjet‐printed sacrificial layer, the transparent electrode with perforated metal pattern was formed. From the multiphysics simulation, it is investigated that the narrow region of the perforated pattern is efficient to generate Joule heating. The relationship between electrical and thermal properties is investigated by adjusting the spacing of holes in the aluminum grid. Finally, the performance of the fabricated transparent heater is demonstrated that ice cube placed on top of the manufactured transparent heater is removed within 120 s. This ultrasonic punching with inkjet‐printed sacrificial layer is expected to be applicable to various applications.
A 3D Bioprinted Cortical Organoid Platform for Modeling Human Brain Development
Authors: Cadena Melissa A. , Sing Anson , Taylor Kylie , Jin Linqi , Ning Liqun , Salar Amoli Mehdi , Singh Yamini , Lanjewar Samantha N. , Tomov Martin L. , Serpooshan Vahid , Sloan Steven A.
Published: May 2024

The ability to promote three‐dimensional (3D) self‐organization of induced pluripotent stem cells into complex tissue structures called organoids presents new opportunities for the field of developmental biology. Brain organoids have been used to investigate principles of neurodevelopment and neuropsychiatric disorders and serve as a drug screening and discovery platform. However, brain organoid cultures are currently limited by a lacking ability to precisely control their extracellular environment. Here, this work employs 3D bioprinting to generate a high‐throughput, tunable, and reproducible scaffold for controlling organoid development and patterning. Additionally, this approach supports the coculture of organoids and vascular cells in a custom architecture containing interconnected endothelialized channels. Printing fidelity and mechanical assessments confirm that fabricated scaffolds closely match intended design features and exhibit stiffness values reflective of the developing human brain. Using organoid growth, viability, cytoarchitecture, proliferation, and transcriptomic benchmarks, this work finds that organoids cultured within the bioprinted scaffold long‐term are healthy and have expected neuroectodermal differentiation. Lastly, this work confirms that the endothelial cells (ECs) in printed channel structures can migrate toward and infiltrate into the embedded organoids. This work demonstrates a tunable 3D culturing platform that can be used to create more complex and accurate models of human brain development and underlying diseases.
Advances in Stretchable Organic Photovoltaics: Flexible Transparent Electrodes and Deformable Active Layer Design
Authors: Song Wei , Ye Qinrui , Chen Zhenyu , Ge Jinfeng , Xie Lin , Ge Ziyi
Published: May 2024

Stretchable organic photovoltaics (OPVs) have attracted significant attention as promising power sources for wearable electronic systems owing to their superior robustness under repetitive tensile strains and their good compatibility. However, reconciling a high power‐conversion efficiency and a reasonable flexibility is a tremendous challenge. In addition, the development of stretchable OPVs must be accelerated to satisfy the increasing requirements of niche markets for mechanical robustness. Stretchable OPV devices can be classified as either structurally or intrinsically stretchable. This work reviews recent advances in stretchable OPVs, including the design of mechanically robust transparent electrodes, photovoltaic materials, and devices. Initially, an overview of the characteristics and recent research progress in the areas of structurally and intrinsically stretchable OPVs is provided. Subsequently, research into flexible and stretchable transparent electrodes that directly affect the performances of stretchable OPVs is summarized and analyzed. Overall, this review aims to provide an in‐depth understanding of the intrinsic properties of highly efficient and deformable active materials, while also emphasizing advanced strategies for simultaneously improving the photovoltaic performance and mechanical flexibility of the active layer, including material design, multi‐component settings, and structural optimization.
Fluid Unidirectional Transport Induced by Structure and Ambient Elements across Porous Materials: From Principles to Applications
Authors: Huang Kaisong , Si Yifan , Hu Jinlian
Published: May 2024

Spontaneous or nonspontaneous unidirectional fluid transport across multidimension can occur under specific structural designs and ambient elements for porous materials. While existing reviews have extensively summarized unidirectional fluid transport on surfaces, there is an absence of literature summarizing fluid's unidirectional transport across porous materials. This review introduces wetting phenomena observed on natural biological surfaces or porous structures. Subsequently, it offers an overview of diverse principles and potential applications in this field, emphasizing various physical and chemical structural designs (surface energy, capillary size, topographic curvature) and ambient elements (underwater, under oil, pressure, and solar energy). Applications encompass moisture‐wicking fabric, sensors, skincare, fog collection, oil–water separation, electrochemistry, liquid‐based gating, and solar evaporators. Additionally, significant principles and formulas from various studies are compelled to offer readers valuable references. Simultaneously, potential advantages and challenges are critically assessed in these applications and the perspectives are presented.
Precisely Constructing Orbital‐Coupled Fe─Co Dual‐atom Sites for High‐Energy‐Efficiency Zn–Air/Iodide Hybrid Batteries
Authors: Qiao Jingyuan , You Yurong , Kong Lingqiao , Feng Weihang , Zhang Heshuang , Huang Haibin , Li Caifang , He Wei , Sun ZhengMing
Published: May 2024

Rechargeable Zn–air batteries (ZABs) are promising for energy storage and conversion. However, the high charging voltage and low energy efficiency hinder their commercialization. Herein, these challenges are addressed by employing precisely constructed multifunctional Fe–Co diatomic site catalysts (FeCo‐DACs) and integrating iodide/iodate redox into ZABs to create Zinc–air/iodide hybrid batteries (ZAIHBs) with highly efficient multifunctional catalyst. The strong coupling between the 3d orbitals of Fe and Co weakens the excessively strong binding strength between active sites and intermediates, enhancing the catalytic activities for oxygen reduction/evolution reaction and iodide/iodate redox. Consequently, FeCo‐DACs exhibit outstanding bifunctional oxygen catalytic activity with a small potential gap (ΔE = 0.66 V) and outstanding stability. Moreover, an outstanding catalytic performance toward iodide/iodate redox is obtained. Therefore, FeCo‐DAC‐based ZAIHBs exhibit high energy efficiency of up to 75% at 10 mA cm−2 and excellent cycling stability (72% after 500 h). This research offers critical insights into the rational design of DACs and paves the way for high‐energy efficiency energy storage devices.
Thiosalicylic‐Acid‐Mediated Coordination Structure of Nickel Center via Thermodynamic Modulation for Aqueous Ni–Zn Batteries
Authors: Su Yichun , Yuan Guoqiang , Hu Jinliang , Zhang Guangxun , Tang Yijian , Chen Yihao , Tian Yiluo , Wang Shuli , Shakouri Mohsen , Pang Huan
Published: May 2024

Uniquely functional nanocomplexes with rich coordination environments are critical in energy storage. However, the construction of structurally versatile nanocomplexes remains challenging. In this study, a nickel‐based complex with structural variations is designed via thermodynamic modulation using a dual‐ligand synthesis strategy. A nickel‐based nanomaterial (NiSA‐SSA‐160) with a large specific surface area is synthesized around the competing coordination of the host and guest molecules that differ in terms of the chemical properties of the O and S elements. Concurrently, the coordination environment of NiSA‐SSA‐160 is investigated via X‐ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy. The thiol functional groups synergistically induced an electron‐rich Ni structure, thus increasing the electron density of the central atom. The electrochemical performance of an assembled NiSA‐SSA‐160//Zn@CC battery is shown to improve significantly, with a maximum energy density of 0.54 mWh cm−2 and a peak power density of 49.49 mW cm−2. This study provides a new perspective regarding coordination transformations and offers an idea for the design of functionally rich nanomaterials.
Formation of a Boron‐Oxide Termination for the (100) Diamond Surface
Authors: Schenk Alex K. , Griffin Rebecca , Tadich Anton , Roberts Daniel , Stacey Alastair
Published: May 2024

A boron‐oxide termination of the diamond (100) surface has been formed by depositing molecular boron oxide B2O3 onto the hydrogen‐terminated (100) diamond surface under ultrahigh vacuum conditions and annealing to 950 °C. The resulting termination is highly oriented and chemically homogeneous, although further optimization is required to increase the surface coverage beyond the 0.4 monolayer coverage achieved here. This work demonstrates the possibility of using molecular deposition under ultrahigh vacuum conditions for complex surface engineering of the diamond surface, and may be a first step in an alternative approach to fabricating boron doped delta layers in diamond.
Enhancing the Performance of Soft Actuators with Magnetic Patterns
Authors: Hermann Svenja , Butaud Pauline , Manceau Jean‐François , Chevallier Gaël , Espanet Christophe
Published: May 2024

This study presents a concept for a straightforward method to enhance the actuation performances of magneto‐active elastomer membranes. The concept is based on a characteristic magnetization pattern and offers a solution to two major difficulties in the actuation of thin and mechanically soft magnetic actuators: the localization of actuation forces and the self‐demagnetization. After the magnetization process, the membrane presents two regions with an oppositely oriented out‐of‐plane magnetization. The magnetized regions are separated by a transition zone which is called magnetic pole transition. Experimental investigations reveal a high magnetic flux density near the pole transition—even in the center of bidirectionally magnetized membranes—whereas the magnetic flux density of a uniformly magnetized membrane decreases toward the center. In additional experiments, membranes with both magnetization patterns are actuated by stiff permanent magnets. The resulting out‐of‐plane displacement of the bidirectionally magnetized membrane exceeds the displacement of the unidirectionally magnetized membrane by far. The investigations demonstrate that this enhancement stems from the presence of the magnetic pole transition. All experiments are reproduced using magnetic and magneto‐mechanical numerical models; a good accordance between the results is achieved.
Patterned Liquid Micro Rails for the Transport of Micrometer Sized Chips
Authors: Moreira Pedro H. O. , Soydan Alper K. , Reiprich Johannes , Isaac Nishchay A. , Aliabadian Bardia , Vernizzi Guilherme J. , Jacobs Heiko O.
Published: May 2024

Transport and alignment of microscopic chips are important steps in microelectronics component integration with common approaches being pick‐and‐place, microfluidics, parallel transfer and self‐assembly. An alternate transport approach of microscopic chips is proposed using patterned liquid micro rails as chaperones. The surface free energy and interfacial free energy minimization of all constituents enable the creation of stable pathways. This allows for chip‐attachment to rails, while the liquid layer lubricates chip‐sliding. Monorails, digital monorails, and digital birails are investigated for chip movement behavior. Chip position and speed can be controlled using liquid flow in closed chambers. Speeds from 10 to 400 mm s−1are achieved with translation distances as long as 50 mm. It is discovered that chips can selectively cross rail discontinuities of up to 500 µm, allowing for chip position control through a stop‐and‐go motion. A programmable liquid rails‐based chip conveyor system is demonstrated by transporting diodes to receptor sites where they undergo self‐assembly.
Ab Initio Study of Novel Phase‐Change Heterostructures
Authors: Piombo Riccardo , Ritarossi Simone , Mazzarello Riccardo
Published: May 2024

Neuromorphic devices constitute a novel approach to computing that takes inspiration from the brain to unify the processing and storage units. Memories based on phase‐change materials (PCMs) are potential candidates for such devices due to their non‐volatility and excellent scalability, however their use is hindered by their conductance variability and temporal drift in resistance. Recently, it has been shown that the utilization of phase‐change heterostructures consisting of nanolayers of the Sb2Te3PCM interleaved with a transition‐metal dichalcogenide, acting as a confinement material, strongly mitigates these problems. In this work, superlattice heterostructures made of TiTe2and two prototypical PCMs, respectively GeTe and Ge2Sb2Te5are considered. By performing ab initio molecular dynamics simulations, it is shown that it is possible to switch the PCMs without destroying the superlattice structure and without diffusion of the atoms of the PCM across the TiTe2nanolayers. In particular, the model containing Ge2Sb2Te5shows weak coupling between the two materials during the switching process, which, combined with the high stability of the amorphous state of Ge2Sb2Te5, makes it a very promising candidate for neuromorphic computing applications.
Bowen family systems theory and practice: Illustration and critique revisited
Authors: Brown Jenny , Errington Lauren
Published: May 2024

This paper overviews Bowen family systems theory and its approach to family therapy. It aims to introduce this influential approach and a sample of developments in theory and practice since Bowen's first publications of his research and theory. This paper is the second edition of a 1999 article with the same title (Brown,Australian and New Zealand Journal of Family Therapy, 20, 94 and 1999) and, 25 years later, offers new insights from the original author's ongoing research into the theory. This new edition is in collaboration with a second author and Bowen theory scholar, bringing fresh perspectives on the theory's applicability to family therapy practice. The core concepts are presented briefly, and a case example with a parent and symptomatic adolescent demonstrates how theory informs the role of the therapist and the therapeutic work. Examples of criticisms of Bowen theory are also discussed, including the misinterpretation around the idea of emotion in Bowen theory that is communicated in Gottman's training. Differentiation of self is clarified as the integration of emotion and intellect rather than privileging one over another, which affords the opportunity for individuals to avoid being governed by the invisible strings of sensitivities in relationships and instead be themselves in good emotional contact with the other person.
On optimal allocation of redundancies in random weighted k$$ k $$‐out‐of‐n$$ n $$ systems
Authors: Sahoo Tanmay , Hazra Nil Kamal
Published: May 2024

Random weighted ‐out‐of‐ systems are very useful in modeling the lifetimes of systems, wherein the success or failure of a system depends not only on its current operational status, but also on the contributions made by its components. In this paper, we consider random weighted ‐out‐of‐ systems with redundant components drawn randomly from a mixed population consisting of different subpopulations/substocks. We study different optimal allocation policies of active redundancies and minimal repair components in a random weighted ‐out‐of‐ system. Moreover, we investigate how the heterogeneity of subpopulations of items impacts the lifetime of a random weighted ‐out‐of‐ system. We also present some simulational results and a real data analysis for illustrative purpose.
Enhancing teaching effectiveness in biochemistry labs: Author reflections and improvement strategies
Authors: Costabile Maurizio , Simpson Bradley , Turkanovic Jasmina , Hughes Bernard P.
Published: May 2024

This article details the outcome of a joint reflective approach undertaken by the authors to identify common difficulties experienced by 2nd‐year undergraduate Biochemistry students in laboratory classes. Difficulties experienced in laboratories can affect the development of hand skills, an understanding of how to correctly operate laboratory equipment and the linkage between didactic content and their experimental demonstration. These difficulties covered were identified based on their common appearance across multiple cohorts and are grouped into five broad areas. The context of the laboratory exercises is detailed and the common difficulties experienced by students are outlined. The potential causes of these difficulties are then discussed along with the approaches and strategies that were implemented to help resolve future occurrences. The approach and resources developed to address these difficulties may help other Biochemistry educators who are facing similar experiences with their undergraduate students.
Effects of emotions on the helpfulness of online reviews of healthy and unhealthy food in Japan and the United States
Authors: Ye Yitian , Motoki Kosuke
Published: May 2024

Online grocery shopping has become increasingly important in daily life. Consumers use the helpfulness of electronic word‐of‐mouth (eWOM) to reduce uncertainty and risk in online grocery shopping. Emotions such as positive arousal (e.g., energised) and calmness (e.g., relaxed) are often found in the eWOM of food products. However, little is known about the influence of emotions on eWOM helpfulness and how the effects of emotions on the helpfulness of online reviews differ in cultures. This study conducted an experiment to examine the impact of positive arousal and calmness on the helpfulness of eWOM regarding healthy and unhealthy foods in Japan and the USA. We found that cultural factors influenced the effect of arousal on eWOM helpfulness. For Japanese participants, positive eWOM with low arousal was more helpful than that with high arousal. In contrast, for US participants, positive eWOM with high arousal was more helpful than that with low arousal. In both countries, credibility mediated the relationship between arousal and review helpfulness. This study extends the literature on eWOM helpfulness and affect valuation theory. Our findings provide insights for companies on using eWOM in advertising campaigns and for consumers on writing helpful eWOM.
Biochemical Properties of Bioactive Compounds in the Oil from Polish Varieties of Camelina sativa Cultivated in 2019–2022
Authors: Przybylska‐Balcerek Anna , Kurasiak‐Popowska Danuta , Graczyk Małgorzata , Szczepańska‐Alvarez Anna , Rzyska Katarzyna , Stuper‐Szablewska Kinga
Published: May 2024

Cold‐pressed Camelina oil is a traditional oil registered as a traditional food in Poland. Camelina oil has health‐promoting properties and high oxidative stability. This may be due to the presence of various bioactive antioxidant compounds such as carotenoids, sterols and polyphenols. Bioactive compounds content in Camelina oil depends mainly on the varieties and on the conditions under which the crop was grown therefore the aim of the research was to analyse antioxidant bioactive compounds in oil from different cultivars of Camelina sativa seeds and to determine their relationship with oil parameters.
Erfolgsfaktor Energieeffizienz
Authors: Meißler Sebastian
Published: May 2024

Prozessluft ist für viele Industrien essenziell, doch ihre Erzeugung ist energieintensiv. Angesichts steigender Energiepreise und des Klimawandels gewinnt Energieeffizienz an Bedeutung. Der Kompressorenhersteller Aerzen erzielt mit einem ganzheitlichen Ansatz erhebliche Energieeinsparungen. Das zahlt sich vor allem in Branchen mit einem sehr hohen Prozessluftbedarf schnell aus.
Nachhaltige Messtechnik für Wasserstoffanwendungen
Authors: Gandert Etwina
Published: May 2024

Im Gespräch mit CITplus erläutern die Produktmanager von VEGA Stefan Kaspar und Robin Müller die Anforderungen an Druck‐ und Füllstandmessgeräte für Anwendungen in der Wasserstoffproduktion. Neben der Anwendungstechnik für Druck‐ und Füllstandmessungen in Elektrolyseuren beschreiben sie auch die Kommunikationsmöglichkeiten der Sensoren und beleuchten die Nachfragesituation für eine digitale Vernetzung der Messtechnik. Außerdem sprechen wir darüber, welche Rolle das Thema Nachhaltigkeit derzeit bei der Gerätetechnik spielt.
Advanced channel coding schemes for B5G/6G networks: State‐of‐the‐art analysis, research challenges and future directions
Authors: Gautam Abhilasha , Thakur Prabhat , Singh Ghanshyam
Published: May 2024

As a consequence of continuing demand for additional capacity and higher quality data transmission, channel coding as a key component of a digital communication network has progressed from a classical single pair, point‐to‐point information theoretic application to a class of coding techniques with diverse parameters. The heterogeneous requirements of B5G/6G networks technology have made flexibility of code parameters the main desired feature while designing channel codes. Owing to this, channel coding techniques have evolved to support enabling applications that depend on different factors such as latency, reliability, energy efficiency and throughput. We review and discuss the application of new techniques, modifications in the design and construction of modern channel coding schemes, including block, convolutional, rateless and space‐time codes. Further, the error correction performance of mainstream channel decoders for LDPC, polar and turbo codes is compared and analysed for their attainable error rate. The aim of this study is to highlight the adaptability of the discussed coding schemes for the forthcoming cellular network landscape. This article also addresses the implementational challenges of high throughput, low latency and machine type communication scenarios. Moreover, some recent studies exploring the role of machine learning for optimisation of B5G/6G networks are classified and discussed. Concluding, research areas pertaining to the scalability of error control coding for next generation networking are addressed.
Early research on anther‐smut disease: A fuller view of science?
Authors: Antonovics Janis , Alexander Helen M.
Published: May 2024

The anther‐smut host–pathogen system has provided extensive insights into the evolutionary ecology of disease resistance, transmission modes, host shifts, pathogen specialization, and disease evolution in metapopulations. It also has led to unexpected insights into sex ratio distorters, sex chromosome evolution, and transposable elements in fungi. In addition, anther‐smut disease played a major role in Linnaeus' germ theory and the correspondence on parasitic castration between Darwin and Becker, one of the first female botanists. Here, we explicitly highlight some of the realities in the process of science, using an unusual autobiographical approach to describe how we came to collaborate on this system in the 1980s. Using perspectives from our different career stages, we present a surprising narrative that could not be deduced from merely reading the published papers. While our work was grounded in previous ecological and evolutionary theory, it was the product as much of empirical failures and intellectual roadblocks, as the result of a progressive scientific method. Our experiences illustrate not only the “human dimension of science” but more importantly show that linear sequences of hypothesis testing do not necessarily lead to new study systems and new ideas. We suggest there is a need to re‐evaluate the scientific method in ecology and evolution, especially where the challenge is to engage in a productive dialog between natural history and theory.