bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research on the Multisectoral Impact of Infectious Diseases on the Economy
Authors: Shortanov Rustam Anzorovich
Published: November 2020

The purpose of the work is to consider the features of the multidimensional impact of the consequences of the spread of infectious diseases on the economic development of countries. The author concludes that the process of public health exposure to regional or global new and endemic infectious diseases may have broader socio-economic consequences that are often not taken into account when assessing risk or impact. With the spread of international travel and trade, such events can cause economic shocks that go far beyond the traditional health sectors and the original geographical range of the pathogen.

Intensive economic specialization and a broader division of labor, accompanied by expanding markets and increasing economic globalization, increase the risk of people coming into contact with sources that contribute to highly contagious diseases such as influenza and COVID-19. The adverse economic consequences of new forms or types of these diseases can be serious, taking into account the high degree of interdependence of economic activities in the modern economy. For example, the absence of workers from work due to such infections or the risks of these infections can disrupt production at the workplace level. Also, supply chains can be disrupted or disrupted by these pandemics, and in addition, they usually have a negative impact on aggregate demand for goods. This is evidenced by the COVID-19 outbreak, which led to a serious global economic depression. The occurrence and consequences of epidemics and pandemics depend on the nature and stages of economic development. The economic and social structure of modern society contributes to the transmission of diseases that depend on human contact or presence, especially those that are caused by airborne microbes or persist on commonly used surfaces.

The study concluded that public and private stakeholders at the local, national and international levels should work together to address the economic consequences of infectious diseases, to provide informed systems and risk and impact analysis, and to promote cost-sharing strategies for prevention and preparedness where possible, and to evaluate optimal intervention strategies when necessary. Developments related to infectious diseases in today's globalized world require increased responsibility for preserving people's health and economic security.
Investigation of Suicidality and Psychological Adverse Events in Patients Treated With Finasteride
Authors: Nguyen David-Dan , Marchese Maya , Cone Eugene B. , Paciotti Marco , Basaria Shehzad , Bhojani Naeem , Trinh Quoc-Dien
Published: November 2020

Importance

There is ongoing controversy about the adverse events of finasteride, a drug used in the management of alopecia and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). In 2012, reports started emerging on men who had used finasteride and either attempted or completed suicide.

Objective

To investigate the association of suicidality (ideation, attempt, and completed suicide) and psychological adverse events (depression and anxiety) with finasteride use.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This pharmacovigilance case-noncase study used disproportionality analysis (case-noncase design) to detect signals of adverse reaction of interest reported with finasteride in VigiBase, the World Health Organization’s global database of individual case safety reports. To explore the strength of association, the reporting odds ratio (ROR), a surrogate measure of association used in disproportionality analysis, was used. Extensive sensitivity analyses included stratifying by indication (BPH and alopecia) and age (≤45 and >45 years); comparing finasteride signals with those of drugs with different mechanisms but used for similar indications (minoxidil for alopecia and tamsulosin hydrochloride for BPH); comparing finasteride with a drug with a similar mechanism of action and adverse event profile (dutasteride); and comparing reports of suicidality before and after 2012. Data were obtained in June 2019 and analyzed from January 25 to February 28, 2020.

Exposures

Reported finasteride use.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Suicidality and psychological adverse events.

Results

VigiBase contained 356 reports of suicidality and 2926 reports of psychological adverse events (total of 3282 adverse events of interest) in finasteride users (3206 male [98.9%]; 615 of 868 [70.9%] with data available aged 18-44 years). A significant disproportionality signal for suicidality (ROR, 1.63; 95% CI, 1.47-1.81) and psychological adverse events (ROR, 4.33; 95% CI, 4.17-4.49) in finasteride was identified. In sensitivity analyses, younger patients (ROR, 3.47; 95% CI, 2.90-4.15) and those with alopecia (ROR, 2.06; 95% CI, 1.81-2.34) had significant disproportionality signals for increased suicidality; such signals were not detected in older patients with BPH. Sensitivity analyses also showed that the reports of these adverse events significantly increased after 2012 (ROR, 2.13; 95% CI, 1.91-2.39).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this pharmacovigilance case-noncase study, significant RORs of suicidality and psychological adverse events were associated with finasteride use in patients younger than 45 years who used finasteride for alopecia. The sensitivity analyses suggest that these disproportional signals of adverse events may be due to stimulated reporting and/or younger patients being more vulnerable to finasteride’s adverse effects.
Visualizing Piezoelectricity on 2D Crystals Nanobubbles
Authors: Wang Wei , Zhou Lijun , Hu Sheng , Novoselov Konstantin S. , Cao Yang
Published: November 2020

2D crystals with noncentrosymmetric structures exhibit piezoelectric properties that show great potential for applications in energy conversion and electromechanical devices. Quantitative visualization of piezoelectric field spatial distribution is expected to offer a better understanding of macroscopic piezoelectricity, yet remains to be realized. Here, a technique of mapping piezoelectric potential on 2D materials bubbles based on the measurements of surface potential using kelvin probe force microscope is reported. By using odd number of layers hexagonal boron nitride and MoS2 nanobubbles, strain‐induced piezoelectric potential profiles are quantitatively visualized on the bubbles. The obtained piezoelectric coefficient is 3.4 ± 1.2 × 10−10 C m−1 and 3.3 ± 0.2 × 10−10 C m−1 for hBN and MoS2, in agreement with the values reported. On the contrary, homogeneous distribution of surface potential is measured on even number of layers crystals bubbles where the crystal's inversion symmetry is restored. Using such technique, in situ visualization of photogenerated charge carrier separation under piezoelectric potential is also achieved, which offers a platform of investigating the coupling between piezoelectricity and photoelectric effect, and an approach of tuning piezoelectric field. The present work should aid the understanding of local piezoelectric potential and its various affecting factors including substrate doping and external stimuli, and give insights for designing piezoelectric nanodevices based on 2D nanobubbles.
Macrophage‐Mediated Tumor Cell Phagocytosis: Opportunity for Nanomedicine Intervention
Authors: Zhou Xuefei , Liu Xiangrui , Huang Leaf
Published: November 2020

Macrophages are one of the most abundant non‐malignant cells in the tumor microenvironment, playing critical roles in mediating tumor immunity. As important innate immune cells, macrophages possess the potential to engulf tumor cells and present tumor‐specific antigens for adaptive antitumor immunity induction, leading to growing interest in targeting macrophage phagocytosis for cancer immunotherapy. Nevertheless, live tumor cells have evolved to evade phagocytosis by macrophages via the extensive expression of anti‐phagocytic molecules, such as CD47. In addition, macrophages also rapidly recognize and engulf apoptotic cells (efferocytosis) in the tumor microenvironment, which inhibits inflammatory responses and facilitates immune escape of tumor cells. Thus, intervention of macrophage phagocytosis by blocking anti‐phagocytic signals on live tumor cells or inhibiting tumor efferocytosis presents a promising strategy for the development of cancer immunotherapies. Here, the regulation of macrophage‐mediated tumor cell phagocytosis is first summarized, followed by an overview of strategies targeting macrophage phagocytosis for the development of antitumor therapies. Given the potential off‐target effects associated with the administration of traditional therapeutics (for example, monoclonal antibodies and small molecule inhibitors), the opportunity for nanomedicine in macrophage phagocytosis intervention is highlighted.
Efficient Solution‐Processed Hyperfluorescent OLEDs with Spectrally Narrow Emission at 840 nm
Authors: Shahalizad Afshin , Malinge Alexandre , Hu Lei , Laflamme Grégory , Haeberlé Louis , Myers David M. , Mao Jian , Skene William G. , Kéna‐Cohen Stéphane
Published: November 2020

To reduce cost and improve environmental sustainability, there continues to be an important need for the development of efficient organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) that do not rely on heavy metal‐containing compounds. In particular, the efficiency of fluorescent near‐infrared (NIR) OLEDs continues to lag well‐behind that of their platinum‐containing counterparts. Low efficiencies in this spectral range mainly arise from the low quantum yields of fluorescent NIR emitters due to the energy gap law and inefficient harvesting of triplet excitons. In this paper, a thermally activated delayed fluorescent (TADF) material is used as the assistant dopant to demonstrate pure NIR‐emitting fluorescent OLEDs with an external quantum efficiency of up to 3.8%, with an electroluminescence maximum at 840 nm and a spectral full‐width at half‐maximum of < 40 nm. The efficiency is more than three times higher than that of the best previously reported fluorescent OLEDs in this spectral range and approaches that achievable with the best platinum‐containing phosphorescent emitters.
Salt Mitigation Strategies of Solar‐Driven Interfacial Desalination
Authors: Xu Keyuan , Wang Chengbing , Li Zhengtong , Wu Sanmin , Wang Jiulong
Published: November 2020

Solar‐driven interfacial desalination (SDID), which is based on localized heating and interfacial evaporation, provides an opportunity for developing environmentally friendly and cost‐effective seawater thermal desalination. However, localized heating and rapidly generated interfacial steam may cause salt to accumulate on the evaporator's surface and block the channel of steam evaporation. Salt accumulation inevitably reduces the light absorption and service period of the solar absorber, resulting in a significant decrease in evaporation efficiency over time. Salt accumulation makes it difficult to produce SDID devices with high energy efficiency and long‐term stability for large‐scale use in remote poverty‐stricken areas. Therefore, the exploration of novel and effective strategies for addressing salt accumulation through both material design and structural engineering has attracted more attention in recent years. This review presents an overview of the state‐of‐the‐art advancements in salt‐resistant photothermal evaporation and discusses the critical issues for achieving salt mitigation SDID, focusing on the classification of salt mitigation strategies based on photothermal evaporation configurations, the basic mechanism of salt mitigation, and the architectural design of photothermal materials. Finally, the important challenges and prospects of SDID are discussed to providing a meaningful roadmap to efficient salt mitigation SDID.
Sub‐Femtojoule‐Energy‐Consumption Conformable Synaptic Transistors Based on Organic Single‐Crystalline Nanoribbons
Authors: Zhang Cong , Wang Shuya , Zhao Xiaoli , Yang Yahan , Tong Yanhong , Zhang Mingxin , Tang Qingxin , Liu Yichun
Published: November 2020

Inspired from powerful functionalities of human brain, artificial synapses are innovated continuously for the construction of brain‐like neuromorphic electronics. The quest to rival the ultralow energy consumption of biological synapses has become highly compelling, but remains extremely difficult due to the lack of appropriate materials and device construction. In this study, organic single‐crystalline nanoribbon active layer and elastic embedded photolithographic electrodes are first designed in synaptic transistors to reduce energy consumption of single device. The minimum energy consumption (0.29 fJ) of one synaptic event is far lower than that of biological synapse (10 fJ). Notably, sub‐femtojoule‐energy‐consumption synaptic transistors can simulate various biological plastic behaviors even under different tensile and compressive strains, offering a new guidance for the construction of ultralow‐energy‐consuming neuromorphic electronic devices and the development of flexible artificial intelligence electronics in the future.
Responsive Colloidal Polymer Particles with Ordered Mesostructures
Authors: Deng Renhua , Xu Jiangping , Yi Gi‐Ra , Kim Jin Woong , Zhu Jintao
Published: November 2020

Responsive colloidal polymer particles with well‐defined shapes and ordered internal mesostructures are attracting increasing attention because of their potential applications in sensors, catalysis, nano‐drug carriers, color pigments, and others. Recently, 3D confined assembly of block copolymers in emulsion droplets has emerged as a promising method for fabrication of colloidal polymer particles with controllable shapes and internal structures. In this paper, the recent advances in engineering anisotropically shaped and internally ordered colloidal polymer particles are summarized, followed by highlighting their stimuli‐responsiveness and emerging applications. In the last section, the current challenges and future opportunities in this fast growing research field are discussed.
Bioinspired Self‐Healing Human–Machine Interactive Touch Pad with Pressure‐Sensitive Adhesiveness on Targeted Substrates
Authors: Gao Guorong , Yang Fangjian , Zhou Fenghua , He Jiang , Lu Wei , Xiao Peng , Yan Huizhen , Pan Caofeng , Chen Tao , Wang Zhong Lin
Published: November 2020

There is an increasing interest to develop a next generation of touch pads that require stretchability and biocompatibility to allow their integration with a human body, and even to mimic the self‐healing behavior with fast functionality recovery upon damage. However, most touch pads are developed based on stiff and brittle electrodes with the lack of the important nature of self‐healing. Polyzwitterion–clay nanocomposite hydrogels as a soft, stretchable, and transparent ionic conductor with transmittance of 98.8% and fracture strain beyond 1500% are developed, which can be used as a self‐healing human–machine interactive touch pad with pressure‐sensitive adhesiveness on target substrates. A surface‐capacitive touch system is adopted to sense a touched position. Finger positions are perceived during both point‐by‐point touch and continuous moving. Hydrogel touch pads are adhered to curved or flat insulators, with the high‐resolution and self‐healable input functions demonstrated by drawing, writing, and playing electronic games.
Biomimicking Antibacterial Opto‐Electro Sensing Sutures Made of Regenerated Silk Proteins
Authors: Liu Mengwei , Zhang Yujia , Liu Keyin , Zhang Gai , Mao Ying , Chen Liang , Peng Yinbo , Tao Tiger H.
Published: November 2020

Surgical sutures play an important role across a wide range of medical treatments and a wide variety exist, differing in strength, size, composition, and performance. Recently, increasing interest has been paid to bioactive and electronic sutures made of synthetic polymers, owing to their ability to reduce inflammation as well as medically and/or electronically facilitate wound healing. However, integrating sensing capabilities into bioactive sutures without adversely affecting their mechanical strength, biocompatibility, and/or bioactivity remains challenging. In this work, a set of biomimicking, antibacterial, and sensing sutures based on the regenerated silk fibroin is designed and fabricated. These sensing sutures, inspired by the “core–shell” multilayered structure of natural spider‐silk fibers, are hierarchically structured and heterogeneously functionalized to allow for the integration of multiple, clinically favorable functions into one suture device. These functions included: reducing inflammation and bacterial infection in wound sites, measuring tension of both the tissue and suture, and aiding tissue healing via multi‐modal controlled drug and growth factor release. Critically, these functions are coupled with real‐time optical and electronic monitoring capabilities. This approach provides greater insight into multifunctional sutures with inherent sensing capabilities and offers enormous potential in both therapeutic and diagnostic applications.
Room‐Temperature Phosphorescence Resonance Energy Transfer for Construction of Near‐Infrared Afterglow Imaging Agents
Authors: Dang Qianxi , Jiang Yuyan , Wang Jinfeng , Wang Jiaqiang , Zhang Qunhua , Zhang Mingkang , Luo Simeng , Xie Yujun , Pu Kanyi , Li Qianqian , Li Zhen
Published: November 2020

Afterglow imaging that detects photons after cessation of optical excitation avoids tissue autofluorescence and thus possesses higher sensitivity than traditional fluorescence imaging. Purely organic molecules with room‐temperature phosphorescence (RTP) have emerged as a new library of benign afterglow agents. However, most RTP luminogens only emit visible light with shallow tissue penetration, constraining their in vivo applications. This study presents an organic RTP nanoprobe (mTPA‐N) with emission in the NIR range for in vivo afterglow imaging. Such a probe is composed of RTP molecule (mTPA) as the phosphorescent generator and an NIR‐fluorescent dye as the energy acceptor to enable room‐temperature phosphorescence resonance energy transfer (RT‐PRET), ultimately resulting in redshifted phosphorescent emission at 780 nm. Because of the elimination of background noise and redshifted afterglow luminescence in a biologically transparent window, mTPA‐N permits imaging of lymph nodes in living mice with a high signal‐to‐noise ratio. This study thus opens up a universal approach to develop organic RTP luminogens into NIR afterglow imaging agents via construction of RT‐PRET.
Perovskite Electronic Ratchets for Energy Harvesting
Authors: Hao Ji , Lu Haipeng , Nanayakkara Sanjini U. , Harvey Steven P. , Blackburn Jeffrey L. , Ferguson Andrew J.
Published: November 2020

Electronic ratchets are energy‐harvesting devices that can utilize spatially asymmetric potential distributions to convert nondirectional/random sources of energy into direct current. The potential asymmetry can be generated in a number of ways, but one purported mechanism is to redistribute ions directly within the active material. Utilizing the known propensity for ion migration in lead‐halide perovskites (LHP), the first LHP flashing electronic ratchet is demonstrated by using a voltage stress to intentionally redistribute halide ions within a prototypical 2D perovskite. The resulting asymmetric potential distribution across the 2D perovskite allows for conversion of both electronic noise and unbiased square‐wave potentials into current. Furthermore, simultaneous application of light illumination and voltage stress enhances the asymmetric potential distribution, enabling higher current than the nonilluminated device. This work presents an electronic ratchet system that exploits facile ion migration, which can be modified by both electrical and optical stimuli, providing a model system with the potential to test outstanding mechanistic questions for electronic ratchets.
Recent Advances in the Development of Single‐Atom Catalysts for Oxygen Electrocatalysis and Zinc–Air Batteries
Authors: Peng Lishan , Shang Lu , Zhang Tierui , Waterhouse Geoffrey I. N.
Published: November 2020

Rechargeable zinc–air batteries (ZABs) are presently attracting a lot of attention for electrical energy storage, owing to their low manufacturing cost and very high theoretical specific energy density. Currently, the large‐scale application of ZABs is hampered by the sluggish kinetics of the oxygen‐reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER), which underpin battery discharging and charging processes, respectively. In recent years, metal single‐atom catalysts (SACs) have emerged as promising candidates for driving oxygen electrocatalysis in ZABs, offering both high electrocatalytic activity and high metal atom utilization through unique metal coordination environments (typically porphyrin‐like MNx species on N‐doped carbon supports). Herein, recent breakthroughs in the design of SACs for ORR and OER electrocatalysis are summarized, with a general view towards improving ZAB performance. This Review begins by introducing the operating principles of ZABs and the reaction mechanisms of the ORR and the OER on the air electrode, after which the various types of SAC‐based materials developed to date for oxygen electrocatalysis and ZABs are discussed. Special emphasis is placed on the relationships between the structure of the SAC active site and electrocatalytic performance. Finally, challenges and opportunities for SACs in practical ZABs are explored.
Reproductive hormone measurement from minimally invasive sample types: Methodological considerations and anthropological importance
Authors: Gildner Theresa E.
Published: November 2020

Energetic investment in human reproduction has long been recognized as costly, influencing developmental, physiological, and behavioral patterns in males and females. These effects are largely coordinated through the actions of reproductive hormones (eg, testosterone, estradiol, and progesterone). Here, the utility and limitations of minimally invasive sampling techniques are explored, providing a novel perspective on how reproductive hormone measurements can enhance reproductive endocrinology research. Salivary steroid measures are most commonly used, although several dried blood spot and urine assays are also available, and researchers continue to explore the efficacy of other sample types. These relatively simple measures have facilitated the collection of multiple samples from a single participant, allowing researchers to more accurately track the diurnal and cyclical variation exhibited by many reproductive hormones. Ultimately, the ability to collect fine‐grained participant data allows biological anthropologists to better test questions central to human reproductive ecology, life history theory, and public health. For example, fieldwork using these techniques suggests that testosterone profile variation across populations is influenced by energetic constraints and reproductive status. Moreover, hormone concentrations shape the development of sex characteristics, with implications for evolutionary questions related to sexual selection. Hormone levels also can be used to identify a range of medical concerns (eg, suppressed hormone production levels linked with psychosocial stress). These findings highlight how minimally invasive collection techniques can be applied to test diverse evolutionary hypotheses and identify important health concerns. Still, more work is needed to standardize collection and laboratory analysis procedures, thereby enabling more direct data comparisons between researchers.
A successful case of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation treatment for intractable pneumothorax in a patient with COVID‐19
Authors: Nakatsutsumi Keita , Sekiya Kosuke , Urushibata Nao , Hosoi Marie , Arai Hirokuni , Nagaoka Eiki , Fujiwara Tatsuki , Morishita Koji , Aiboshi Junichi , Otomo Yasuhiro
Published: November 2020

Background

Some patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) develop pneumothorax. Tube thoracotomy and bulla resection could generate aerosols and cause virus transmission; the optimal treatment strategy remains unclear.

Case Presentation

A 57‐year‐old male was transferred as a severe COVID‐19 pneumonia case. On the 16th day after admission, the patient’s respiratory condition deteriorated, and the chest X‐ray revealed the presence of severe right‐sided pneumothorax. A chest drain was immediately inserted; however, a significant air leak continued, and severe ventilator settings were required. Thus, veno‐venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV‐ECMO) treatment was initiated to allow the lungs to rest. After 10 days of lung‐protective ventilation, the patient was weaned from ECMO and the chest drain was removed on the following day with no major comorbidities.

Conclusion

The combination of ECMO with lung rest strategy could be a treatment option for intractable pneumothorax with COVID‐19 to avoid unnecessary surgical procedures and aerosol generation.
Quantum Version of a Generalized Monty Hall Game and Its Possible Applications to Quantum Secure Communications
Authors: Quezada Luis Fernando , Dong Shi‐Hai
Published: November 2020

In this work, the authors propose a quantum version of a generalized Monty Hall game, that is, one in which the parameters of the game are left free and not fixed on its regular values. The developed quantum scheme is then used to study the expected payoff of the player, using both a separable and an entangled initial‐state. In the two cases, the classical mixed‐strategy payoff is recovered under certain conditions. Lastly, the authors extend the quantum scheme to include multiple independent players, and use this extension to sketch two possible application of the game mechanics to quantum networks, specifically, two validated, multi‐party, key‐distribution quantum protocols.
Ultra‐Low Loading Pt/CeO2 Catalysts: Ceria Facet Effect Affords Improved Pairwise Selectivity for Parahydrogen Enhanced NMR Spectroscopy
Authors: Song Bochuan , Choi Diana , Xin Yan , Bowers Clifford R. , Hagelin‐Weaver Helena
Published: November 2020

Oxide supports with well‐defined shapes enable investigations on the effects of surface structure on metal–support interactions and correlations to catalytic activity and selectivity. Here, a modified atomic layer deposition technique was developed to achieve ultra‐low loadings (8–16 ppm) of Pt on shaped ceria nanocrystals. Using octahedra and cubes, which expose exclusively (111) and (100) surfaces, respectively, the effect of CeO2 surface facet on Pt‐CeO2 interactions under reducing conditions was revealed. Strong electronic interactions result in electron‐deficient Pt species on CeO2 (111) after reduction, which increased the stability of the atomically dispersed Pt. This afforded significantly higher NMR signal enhancement in parahydrogen‐induced polarization experiments compared with the electron‐rich platinum on CeO2 (100), and a factor of two higher pairwise selectivity (6.1 %) in the hydrogenation of propene than any previously reported monometallic heterogeneous Pt catalyst.
Solid–liquid equilibria in the quaternary system LiBr−NaBr−KBr−H2O and its two ternary subsystems at 288.15 K
Authors: Qi Xiao‐Yun , He Chun‐Xia , Sang Shi‐Hua , Liu Jia , Gao Yun‐Yun
Published: November 2020

The solubilities of the LiBr−NaBr−KBr−H2O system and its subsystems LiBr−NaBr−H2O and LiBr−KBr−H2O were investigated at 288.15 K by the isothermal dissolution equilibrium method, and the corresponding phase diagrams were plotted, respectively. In the three systems, neither solid solution nor double salt was found. For the first subsystem LiBr−NaBr−H2O, there are two invariant points, three dissolution equilibrium curves, and three crystallization regions, which are LiBr·2H2O, NaBr·2H2O, and NaBr. An invariant point, two dissolution equilibrium curves, and two crystallization regions, which are LiBr·2H2O and KBr, constitute the stable phase diagram of the second subsystem LiBr−KBr−H2O. The phase diagram of the quaternary system LiBr−NaBr−KBr−H2O consists of two invariant points, five solubility curves, and four regions in which are LiBr·2H2O, NaBr, NaBr·2H2O, and KBr.
Properties of thermally conductive silicone rubbers filled with admicellar polymerized polypyrrole‐coatedAl2O3particles
Authors: Wu Shuqing , Xiong Qipeng , Li Xiaoqi , Chen Dapeng , Liu Binbin
Published: November 2020

Polypyrrole (PPy) nanolayers were introduced on the surface of alumina (Al2O3) particles via admicellar polymerization. The properties of silicone rubbers (SRs) filled with PPy‐coated Al2O3and pristine Al2O3as thermally conductive fillers were studied and compared. The results demonstrate that the addition of PPy‐coated Al2O3leads to a better interfacial compatibility but lower cross‐linking density of the composites than pristine Al2O3. The improvement in the compatibility and the decrease in the cross‐linking density are paradoxes in affecting mechanical properties. The improvement in the compatibility shows a slight predominance on the strength at low‐filler contents. Lower cross‐linking density of modified‐Al2O3/SR composites led to a better processing performance and a higher maximum filler loading amount than the pristine Al2O3/SR composites, which is beneficial to increasing the thermal conductivity and maintaining a relatively good strength. The PPy‐coated Al2O3/SR composite with 83 wt% filler content has a thermal conductivity of 1.98 W/(m K) and a tensile strength of 2.9 MPa, and the elongation at break was 63%. Functionalized fillers by admicellar polymerization used in the fabrication of filler/SR composites not only improve the interfacial compatibility but also optimize and expand the functions of the composites, which has great significance for the production and application of thermally conductive SR in some branches of industry (automotive, electrical engineering, etc.) in the future.
The cavitation development of poly(4‐methyl‐1‐pentene) casting films studied by in situ small angle X‐ray scattering
Authors: Xu Liyang , Jiang Yuanping , Wang Dezheng , Yin Bo
Published: November 2020

In this paper, the on‐line small angle X‐ray scattering/wide‐angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS/WAXS) characterization method was adopted to study the morphology evolution of poly(4‐methyl‐1‐pentene) casting films during stretching. In this process, the lamellae structure was destroyed. And “bridge structure” was generated in the amorphous region. The scattering pattern changed obviously before and after cavities orientation. Stretching temperature and stretching speed mattered for the size of micropores. Low temperature helped generate more and larger voids. The faster stretching speed can improve the generation of cavities, enlarged cavitation number and helped its reorientation. These results provide the basic knowledge of how to produce poly(4‐methyl‐1‐pentene) microporous membranes with high electrochemical performance.
Synthesis of restorative microcapsules having vinyl ester healing medicine for hybrid resin/modified carbon fiber self‐healing composites
Authors: K Venkata Chalapathi , Cheedarala Ravi Kumar , Song Jung‐il
Published: November 2020

In this study, we aimed to synthesize restorative microcapsules using aminopropyl triethoxy silane through a combination of both microemulsions with a sol–gel technique and vinyl ester resin used as a healing component. The characteristic features of the microcapsules were analyzed by FTIR, XRD, and SEM and confirmed by the formation of core‐shell microspheres with desired properties. The fabricated core‐shell microspheres were reinforced into a hybrid resin (vinyl ester (80): epoxy (20)/silane modified carbon fiber composites) using the hand lay‐up method. The effect of the microspheres on the mechanical and self‐healing properties of composites was investigated. The mechanical test results showed a significant improvement in the flexural and impact strength by approximately 23% and 30%, respectively. The healing property was observed using the flexural test and the results indicated that the recovered strength almost 74% of the composites after initial damage was due to the healing medicine released from the broken portion of the core‐shell microspheres that filled and cured the cracked area of the composites.
Low surface energy self‐polishing polymer grafted MWNTs for antibacterial coating and controlled‐release property of Cu2O
Authors: Wang Shuai , Liu Xiaojie , Yu Liangmin , Zhao Yong , Sun Mingliang
Published: November 2020

Marine biofouling had been a headache when engaging in marine activities. The most effective and convenient method for dealing with this problem was to apply antifouling coatings. But now a single anti‐fouling system was hard to satisfy the requirement of anti‐fouling simultaneously. Therefore, it was particularly important to develop novel multi‐system anti‐fouling technology. In the work, a novel polymer coatings with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) segments in the main chain and hydrolysable side chain was designed and synthesized which showed low surface energy and self‐polishing performance, and then we creatively covalently immobilized the polyurethane on the surface of multi‐carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) to form multisystem antifouling coating. The results showed that the polymer coating would produce hydrolysable regions in the hydrophobic PDMS segment to endure the polymer coating hydrophobic and hydrolysis properties when contacted with water. In addition, the self‐polishing rate and the surface energy could be regulated by varying its copolymerization, and the addition of MWNTs could kill the microorganisms and endowed the polymer coating itself enhanced antibacterial effect. Furthermore, considering the high specific surface area and physicochemical characteristics of MWNTs, it could be combined with antifoulant Cu2O through a polar or non‐polar combination as a carrier to control the release rate of Cu2O in coatings.
A generalized sample preparation method by incorporation of metal–organic compounds into polymers for electroless metallization
Authors: Atli Atilla , Trouillet Vanessa , Cadete Santos Aires Francisco J. , Ehret Eric , Lemaire Etienne , Simon Sandra
Published: November 2020

Polymer metallization is important for several applications but triggering of electroless deposition is problematic. A simple and inexpensive method to prepare the polymers for initiating the electroless copper deposition is successfully applied to Liquid Crystal Polymer and Polyethylene Terephthalate. The samples are prepared by incorporation of a small amount (<0.5 wt%) of metal–organic compounds (palladium, nickel, or copper acetates) in the molten polymers. During blending, the polymers are held at sufficiently high temperatures to thermally decompose the acetates, yielding the metallic particles (Pd, Ni, or Cu) which are used as the activators. After surface preparation, copper is deposited on polymers in an electroless bath including formaldehyde as reducer. The influence of bath parameters (temperature, composition) and the nature of activators is investigated. This method can be extended to other polymers by finding an appropriate polymer/metal–organic couple. It is also demonstrated that cheaper Ni or Cu can substitute expensive Pd.
Study on silica coated chrome oxide green pigment and its performance
Authors: Wang Zheng , Bao Chunyan , Yan Ke , Song Yufeng , Li Wangting
Published: November 2020

In this study, sodium silicate (Na2SiO3) was used as the precursor of SiO2 to prepare Cr2O3/SiO2 composite pigments. First, using cetyltrimethylammonium bromide to surface modification of the chromium oxide green pigment to make the surface of the particles positively charged. The negatively charged SiO2 sol coats the surface of the pigment particles through electrostatic attraction. Then use HCl solution acid to precipitate SiO2, and finally get Cr2O3/SiO2 composite pigment. The structure of the modified pigment was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), particle size distribution analysis, and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) characterization. The influence of silica coating on the tinting strength, dispersibility of pigment in water, and hiding power of the chromium oxide green pigment were further investigated. The results demonstrate that SEM, TEM, and particle size analysis shows that this experimental method can obtain a good silica coating. When the coating quantity is 30%, the full coating of chromium oxide green by silica is achieved. According to the XRD analysis before and after the chromium oxide green coating, as the reaction temperature increases, the intensity of the SiO2 diffraction peak becomes larger and the crystallization effect becomes better. In the test of pigment performance, it can be concluded that the coloring power, hiding power, and dispersibility of Cr2O3/SiO2 composite pigments are better than those of uncoated chromium oxide green pigments.
Communicating complex ocean issues: How strategically framed messages affect awareness and motivation when conveyed using narrative vs. expository language
Authors: Kolandai‐Matchett Komathi , Armoudian Maria , Li Eileen
Published: November 2020

Considering the nascent stage of marine conservation communication, little is understood about how best to communicate complex issues, such as ocean acidification (OA), that are remote and invisible. Despite accumulating evidence of OA’s adverse effects on marine ecosystems and biota and subsequent consequences for human societies, it remains obscure to a majority of the public.

This study compared two language styles (narrative and expository) to determine which was more effective for communicating OA to diverse audiences. The two language styles were scripted and presented in YouTube videos, with identical visuals, message contents and message frames identified as potentially effective for environmental and marine conservation communication.

In an online experiment, 183 respondents were randomly assigned to view one of three videos (narrative, expository, control). Although the literature suggested the value of narrative‐based conservation communication, findings suggest that expository language was comparably effective for increasing awareness and motivation. Nevertheless, there were some indications that story‐like narratives may better enhance motivation. This study also strengthens the argument for careful selection of frames to enhance the effectiveness of marine conservation communication.
Total controllability results for a class of time‐varying switched dynamical systems with impulses on time scales
Authors: Kumar Vipin , Djemai Mohamed , Defoort Michael , Malik Muslim
Published: November 2020

In this paper, we establish some necessary and sufficient conditions of the controllability results for a class of impulsive switched systems with non‐instantaneous jumps on time scales. Firstly, we define the solution of the considered problem by using the parameter variation method. We also define some Gramian matrices to establish the controllability results. Moreover, we give some conditions under which the time invariant impulsive switched system is totally controllable. At the end, we provide one numerical example for different time scales to validate the obtained analytical results.
The Mid‐Fusiform Sulcus in Autism Spectrum Disorder: Establishing a Novel Anatomical Landmark Related to Face Processing
Authors: Ammons Carla J. , Winslett Mary‐Elizabeth , Bice Jamie , Patel Priyanka , May Kaitlyn E. , Kana Rajesh K.
Published: November 2020

Despite decades of research, the brain basis of aberrant face processing in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) remains a topic of debate. The mid‐fusiform sulcus (MFS), a minor feature of the ventral occipitotemporal cortex, provides new directions for studying face processing. The MFS closely aligns with face‐selective cortical patches and other structural and functional divisions of the fusiform gyrus; however, it has received little attention in clinical populations. We collected structural MRI data from 54 individuals with ASD and 61 age‐and‐IQ‐matched controls ages 8 to 40 years. The MFS was identified on cortical surface reconstructions via 4 trained raters and classified into known surface patterns. Mean MFS gray matter volume (GMV), cortical surface area (SA), cortical thickness (CT), and standard deviation of CT (CT SD) were extracted. Effects of diagnosis, age, and hemisphere on MFS surface presentation and morphometry were assessed via multinomial logistic regression and mixed effects general linear modeling, respectively. The MFS was reliably identified in 97% of hemispheres examined. Macroanatomical patterns and age‐related decreases in MFS GMV and CT were similar between groups. CT SD was greater in the left hemisphere in ASD. Participants' ability to interpret emotions and mental states from facial features was significantly negatively correlated with MFS CT and CT SD. Overall, the MFS is a stable feature of the fusiform gyrus in ASD and CT related measures appear to be sensitive to diagnosis and behavior. These results can inform future investigations of face processing and structure–function relationships in populations with social deficits.

Lay Summary

A small structural feature of the brain related to seeing faces (the mid‐fusiform sulcus; MFS) appears similar in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and neurotypical development; however, the thickness of this structure on the left side of the brain is more variable in ASD. People who are better at judging mental states from another person's eyes tend to have thinner and less variable MFS. This feature may teach us more about face processing and how brain structure influences function in ASD.
Seeing a Page in a Flipbook: Shorter Visual Temporal Integration Windows in 2‐Year‐Old Toddlers with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Freschl Julie , Melcher David , Carter Alice , Kaldy Zsuzsa , Blaser Erik
Published: November 2020

Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience differences in visual temporal processing, the part of vision responsible for parsing continuous input into discrete objects and events. Here we investigated temporal processing in 2‐year‐old toddlers diagnosed with ASD and age‐matched typically developing (TD) toddlers. We used a visual search task where the visibility of the target was determined by the pace of a display sequence. On integration trials, each display viewed alone had no visible target, but if integrated over time, the target became visible. On segmentation trials, the target became visible only when displays were perceptually segmented. We measured the percent of trials when participants fixated the target as a function of the stimulus onset asynchrony (SOA) between displays. We computed the crossover point of the integration and segmentation performance functions for each group, an estimate of the temporal integration window (TIW), the period in which visual input is combined. We found that both groups of toddlers had significantly longer TIWs (125 ms) than adults (65 ms) from previous studies using the same paradigm, and that toddlers with ASD had significantly shorter TIWs (108 ms) than chronologically age‐matched TD controls (142 ms).

Lay Summary

We investigated how young children, with and without autism, organize dynamic visual information across time, using a visual search paradigm. We found that toddlers with autism had higher temporal resolution than typically developing (TD) toddlers of the same age – that is, they are more likely to be able to detect rapid change across time, relative to TD toddlers. These differences in visual temporal processing can impact how one sees, interprets, and interacts with the world. Autism Res 2021, 14: 946–958. © 2020 International Society for Autism Research and Wiley Periodicals LLC.
3D‐Druck mit Carbonbeton: Technologie und die ersten Untersuchungsergebnisse
Authors: Neef Tobias , Müller Steffen , Mechtcherine Viktor
Published: November 2020

Der 3D‐Druck mit zementgebundenen Materialien erfordert geeignete Lösungen für die Integration der Bewehrung während des Herstellungsprozesses. Im vorliegenden Aufsatz wird eine neue Technologie vorgestellt, die mineralisch imprägnierte Carbonfasergarne (engl: mineral‐impregnated carbon‐fibre, MCF) für diesen Zweck verwendet. Diese neue Art der nicht korrosiven Bewehrung weist hervorragende mechanische Eigenschaften, hohe Nachhaltigkeit und Dauerhaftigkeit auf. Entscheidend ist jedoch, dass MCF eine extrem hohe technologische Flexibilität bietet, da sie im frischen Zustand leicht geformt und vollautomatisch verarbeitet werden kann. Der Artikel beschreibt eine neue Düse, die für die Integration der MCF‐Bewehrung direkt in Betonfilamente bei den extrusionsbasierten 3D‐Druck‐Verfahren entwickelt wurde. In jede Betonschicht wurden gleichzeitig drei Carbongarne eingeführt. Die bestehenden Prüfverfahren wurden angepasst, um das Zug‐ und Biegeverhalten von gedrucktem Carbonbeton sowie die Qualität des Verbunds zwischen Bewehrung und Beton zu beurteilen. Die Versuche ergaben eine mechanische Leistung des gedruckten Betons, die mit der von Textilbeton aus Carbonfasern vergleichbar ist. Die präsentierte Forschung hat die Machbarkeit und das sehr hohe Potenzial der neuen Technologie in Bezug auf die Digitalisierung und Automatisierung des Betonbaus nachgewiesen.
Asymmetric information, business environment, and transactions costs among business owners in Nigeria: Implications for female entrepreneurial sustainability transitions
Authors: Obisesan Omobolaji Olubukunmi , Olayide Olawale E.
Published: November 2020

This article assesses the link between asymmetric information and transaction cost and how this can enhance or hinder female business owners from attaining entrepreneurial sustainability transitions in the Nigerian business space. The concept of information dissemination, business environment, and ease of doing business were scrutinized as a subdivision of asymmetric information and transaction cost theory among female entrepreneurs in Nigeria using the Enterprise Survey Data of the World Bank. Key indicators like regulations and taxes, gender, firm characteristics, finance, and infrastructure were highlighted as major business obstacles limiting female entrepreneurs. These were found to limit female entrepreneurs in accessing information, which can help them adequately flourish in the Nigerian business environment, as well as the attainment of entrepreneurial sustainability transitions.