bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hepatic vessels segmentation using deep learning and preprocessing enhancement
Authors: Alirr Omar Ibrahim , Rahni Ashrani Aizzuddin Abd
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Liver hepatic vessels segmentation is a crucial step for the diagnosis process in patients with hepatic diseases. Segmentation of liver vessels helps to study the liver internal segmental anatomy that helps in the preoperative planning of surgical treatment.

Methods

Recently, the convolutional neural networks (CNN) have been proved to be efficient for the task of medical image segmentation. The paper proposes an automatic deep learning‐based system for liver hepatic vessels segmentation of Computed Tomography (CT) datasets from different sources. The proposed work focuses on the combination of different steps; it starts by a preprocessing step to improve the vessels appearance within the liver region of interest in the CT scans. Coherence enhancing diffusion filtering (CED) and vesselness filtering methods are used to improve vessels contrast and intensity homogeneity. The proposed U‐net based network architecture is implemented with modified residual block to include concatenation skip connection. The effect of enhancement using filtering step was studied. Also, the effect of data mismatch used in training and validation is studied.

Results

The proposed method is evaluated using many CT datasets. Dice similarity coefficient (DSC) is used to evaluate the method. The average DSC score achieved a score 79%.

Conclusions

The proposed approach succeeded to segment liver vasculature from the liver envelope accurately, which makes it as potential tool for clinical preoperative planning.
CIDP/autoimmune nodopathies with nephropathy: a case series study
Authors: Tang Yuwei , Liu Jing , Gao Feng , Hao Hongjun , Jia Zhirong , Zhang Wei , Shi Xin , Liang Wei , Yu Meng , Lv He , Tan Ying , Li Zhiying , Wang Yu , Yuan Yun , Meng Lingchao , Wang Zhaoxia
Published: March 2023

Objective

The co‐morbidity of chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP)/autoimmune nodopathies with nephropathy has been gradually known in recent years. This study was intended to explore the clinical, serological and neuropathological features of seven patients with CIDP/autoimmune nodopathies and nephropathy.

Methods

Among 83 CIDP patients, seven were identified with nephropathy. Their clinical, electrophysiological and laboratory examination data were collected. The nodal/paranodal antibodies were tested. The sural biopsies were performed in all the patients, and renal biopsies were operated in 6 patients.

Results

Six patients had chronic onsets and one had an acute onset. Four patients exhibited peripheral neuropathy preceding nephropathy while two showed concurrent onset of neuropathy and nephropathy, and one started with nephropathy. All the patients showed demyelination in electrophysiological examination. Nerve biopsies showed mild to moderate mixed neuropathies including demyelinating and axonal changes in all patients. Renal biopsies showed membranous nephropathy in all 6 patients. Immunotherapy was effective in all patients, with two patients showing good response to corticosteroid treatment alone. Four of the patients were positive to anti‐CNTN1 antibody. Compared with anti‐CNTN1 antibody‐negative patients, antibody‐positive patients had a higher proportion of ataxia (3/4 vs. 1/3), autonomic dysfunction (3/4 vs. 1/3), less frequent antecedent infections (1/4 vs. 2/3), higher cerebrospinal fluid proteins (3.2 g/L vs. 1.69 g/L), more frequent conduction block on electrophysiological examination (3/4 vs. 1/3), higher myelinated nerve fiber density, and positive CNTN1 expression in the glomeruli of kidney tissues.

Conclusion

Anti‐CNTN1 antibody was the most frequent antibody in this group of patients with CIDP/autoimmune nodopathies and nephropathy. Our study suggested that there might be some clinical and pathological differences between the antibody positive and negative patients.
Toward Inclusivity in Preclinical Drug Development: A Proposition to Start with Intestinal Organoids
Authors: Co Julia Y. , Klein Jessica A. , Kang Serah , Homan Kimberly A.
Published: March 2023

Representation of humans from diverse backgrounds in the drug development process is key to advancing health equity, and while clinical trial design has recently made strides toward greater inclusivity, preclinical drug development has struggled to make those same gains. One barrier to inclusion is the current lack of robust and established in vitro model systems that simultaneously capture the complexity of human tissues while representing patient diversity. Here, the use of primary human intestinal organoids as a mechanism to advance inclusive preclinical research is proposed. This in vitro model system not only recapitulates tissue functions and disease states, but also retains the genetic identity and epigenetic signatures of the donors from which they are derived. Thus, intestinal organoids are an ideal in vitro prototype for capturing human diversity. In this perspective, the authors call for an industry‐wide effort to leverage intestinal organoids as a starting point to actively and intentionally incorporate diversity into preclinical drug programs.
Matrix Anisotropy Promotes a Transition of Collective to Disseminated Cell Migration via a Collective Vortex Motion
Authors: Su Chia‐Yi , Matsubara Tatsuya , Wu Alex , Ahn Eun Hyun , Kim Deok‐Ho
Published: March 2023

Cells detached and disseminated away from collectively migrating cells are frequently found during tumor invasion at the invasion front, where extracellular matrix (ECM) fibers are parallel to the cell migration direction. However, it remains unclear how anisotropic topography promotes the transition of collective to disseminated cell migration. This study applies a collective cell migration model with and without 800 nm wide aligned nanogrooves parallel, perpendicular, or diagonal to the cell migration direction. After 120 hour migration, MCF7‐GFP‐H2B‐mCherry breast cancer cells display more disseminated cells at the migration front on parallel topography than on other topographies. Notably, a fluid‐like collective motion with high vorticity is enhanced at the migration front on parallel topography. Furthermore, high vorticity but not velocity is correlated with disseminated cell numbers on parallel topography. Enhanced collective vortex motion colocalizes with cell monolayer defects where cells extend protrusions into the free space, suggesting that topography‐driven cell crawling for defect closure promotes the collective vortex motion. In addition, elongated cell morphology and frequent protrusions induced by topography may further contribute to the collective vortex motion. Overall, a high‐vorticity collective motion at the migration front promoted by parallel topography suggests a cause of the transition of collective to disseminated cell migration.
Microstructure Evolution of TiC/Inconel 718 Composites Prepared by Direct Energy Deposition
Authors: Liu Wenbo , Zou Bin , Lei Ting , Jia Tianhao , Liu Jikai , Li Lei , Wang Xinfeng
Published: March 2023

TiC/Inconel 718 alloys with different TiC contents are prepared by direct energy deposition technology. The influence of laser power on the microstructure evolution and mechanical properties of the specimens is investigated. According to the microstructure evolution and mechanical properties, it can be observed that the different TiC contents of specimens have the appropriate laser power. The excessive laser power could lead to the generation and coarsening of the Laves phase, and the increasing of dendrite spacing, which causes the formation of cracks. The appropriate laser powers are respectively 1800 and 2000 W when the TiC contents are 5 and 10 wt%. When the TiC content is 15 wt% and laser power is 2000 W, the good metallurgical bond and refined microstructure of the specimens without penetrating cracks are obtained. The penetrating cracks of the specimens have form when TiC content is 20 wt%, which indicates that the TiC maximum content of TiC/Inconel 718 composites should be less than 20 wt% when the laser power does not exceed 2000 W. With the increasing of laser power, the difference of theoretical density between actual density is reduced and the average hardness is not changed.
The Effect of Hybridizing Natural Fibers and Adding Montmorillonite Nanoparticles on the Impact and Bending Properties of Eco‐Friendly Metal/Composite Laminates
Authors: Mirzamohammadi Sadegh , Eslami-Farsani Reza , Ebrahimnezhad-Khaljiri Hossein
Published: March 2023

This study aims to fabricate eco‐friendly fiber metal laminates (FMLs) with acceptable flexural and impact properties. For this reason, the jute and basalt fibers are hybridized into the epoxy matrix and then sandwiched between 2024 aluminum layers. After that, various contents of montmorillonite nanoparticles are dispersed in these structures to enhance these mechanical properties. To characterize the effect of hybridizing fibers and incorporating nanoparticles, macrostructural and microstructural investigations are performed. In hybrid structures, the highest flexural and impact properties are achieved, when the basalt layers are placed as exterior layers of the composite core. However, in the FMLs containing nanoclay particles, the FMLs with the 1.5 or 3 wt% nanoclay have an acceptable improvement in the mechanical properties, which relates to the exfoliated or intercalated structure of nanoclay. Creating nanocomposite interlocks on the surface of aluminum layers, enhancing the adhesion bonding at the interface of metal/composite, and improving the adhesion between jute or basalt fibers with the epoxy matrix are the distinct improving mechanisms, which are characterized by macro‐ and microstructural methods.
A Perspective on Emerging and Future Sintering Technologies of Ceramic Materials
Authors: Guillon Olivier , Rheinheimer Wolfgang , Bram Martin
Published: March 2023

Novel sintering methods have emerged in the recent past years, which have raised great interest in the scientific community. Relying on electric field effects, high heating rates, the use of mechanical pressure, or hydrothermal conditions, they offer fundamental advantages compared to conventional sintering routes like minimizing the energy consumption and enhancing the process efficiency. This perspective aims at explaining these effects in a general way and presenting the status quo of using them for the processing of high‐performing ceramic materials. In detail, this work focuses on flash sintering, ultrafast high‐temperature sintering, spark plasma sintering, cold sintering, and photonic sintering methods based on different light sources. The specificities, potentials, and limitations of each method are compared, especially in the light of a possible industrialization.
Ce Effects on Deformation‐Induced Microstructure Evolution in Cu–Ti–Ni–Mg Alloys
Authors: Zhang Zhiyang , Zhou Meng , Zhang Yi , Tang Shunlong , Xu Deye , Tian Baohong , Li Xu , Jia Yanlin , Liu Yong , Volinsky Alex A.
Published: March 2023

Cu–Ti–Ni–Mg and Cu–Ti–Ni–Mg–Ce alloys are prepared by vacuum induction melting. The hot deformation tests of the two alloys are carried out on the Gleeble‐1500 simulator under the deformation temperatures of 550–950 °C and strain rates of 0.001–10 s−1. The true stress–strain curves of the two alloys are obtained and the constitutive equations are established. The activation energy of the Cu–Ti–Ni–Mg alloy is 344.02 kJ mol−1, and the activation energy of the Cu–Ti–Ni–Mg–Ce alloy is 389.87 kJ mol−1. Based on the processing maps, the optimal processing parameters of the two alloys are obtained. The microstructure of the two alloys is analyzed by electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The addition of Ce reduces the dislocation density and texture strength. The CuNi2Ti precipitates are found in both alloys, and there are more precipitates in the Cu–Ti–Ni–Mg–Ce alloys. The addition of Ce increases the flow stress and activation energy, promotes precipitation, and improves the deformation resistance of the alloys.
Lattice Metamaterials with Mesoscale Motifs: Exploration of Property Charts by Bayesian Optimization
Authors: Kulagin Roman , Reiser Patrick , Truskovskyi Kyryl , Koeppe Arnd , Beygelzimer Yan , Estrin Yuri , Friederich Pascal , Gumbsch Peter
Published: March 2023

Through the current work, the usefulness of the concept of architectured rod lattices based on unit cell motifs designed at mesoscale is demonstrated. Specifically, 2D triangular lattices with unit cells containing different numbers of rods are considered. Combinations of rods of two different types provide the lattices explored with a greater complexity and versatility. For mesocells with a large number of variable parameters, it is virtually impossible to calculate the entire set of the points mapping the material onto its property space, as the volume of calculations would be gigantic. The number of possible motifs increases exponentially with the number of rods. Herein, the lattice metamaterials with mesoscale motifs are investigated with the focus on their elastic properties by combining machine learning techniques (specifically, Bayesian optimization) with finite element computations. The proposed approach made it possible to construct property charts illustrating the evolution of the boundary of the elastic compliance tensor of lattice metamaterials with an increase in the number of rods of the mesocell when a full‐factor experiment would not be possible.
Strong and Sustainable Supramolecular Nanofiber Assembling in Acoustic Flow Field
Authors: Zhuo Hao , Tong Xing , Zheng Hongzhi , Chen Zehong , Gou Bin , Yuan Weiyan , Wu Lin‐Ping , Zhong Linxin , Peng Xinwen , Lu Jun
Published: March 2023

Hierarchical assembly of polysaccharides into nanofiber is at the core of generating advanced biomimetic nanomaterials. However, the artificial synthesis of supramolecular nanofiber from polysaccharides remains an open challenge due to their complicated structure, irregular, and strong interaction. Herein, by mimicking the assembly of natural macromolecules in an out‐of‐equilibrium state, supramolecular nanofiber is successfully fabricated from natural polysaccharides through regular and strong interaction, and a high‐energy and oriented flow field. The high energy of ultrasound can surmount the energy landscape of dynamically stable electrostatic interaction among polysaccharides, while the acoustic‐oriented streaming overcomes the disordered arrangement of macromolecules, thus inducing the orderly arrangement of polysaccharide chains to form kinetically stable nanofibers. The kinetically trapped assembly and the resulting structural evolution can be monitored by scattering and imaging experiments, while the microscopic mechanism can be confirmed by theoretical simulation. Mechanically strong, water‐resistant, and humidity stimulus‐responsive bioplastic film can be fabricated from the supramolecular nanofibers. The discoveries provide critical insights into the assembly of polysaccharides into supramolecular nanofibers and open up many possibilities to prepare advanced nanomaterials from natural polysaccharides.
Long Persistent Luminescence from Metal–Organic Compounds: State of the Art
Authors: Zhou Bo , Yan Dongpeng
Published: March 2023

The excited‐state tuning of luminescent metal–organic compounds has made great progress in the fields of optical imaging, photocatalysis, photodynamic therapy, light‐emitting devices, sensors, and so on. Although metal–organic compounds with high luminescence efficiency can be realized via enhanced molecular rigidity and heavy‐atom effect, their corresponding luminescence lifetimes are still limited on the order of a nanosecond to a millisecond, owing to the inherent competition between luminous efficiency and lifetime. Therefore, the advanced applications (i.e., persistent afterglow imaging, information security, anti‐counterfeiting, and smart materials, among others) related with long persistent luminescence (LPL, typically with the excited‐state lifetime larger than millisecond) are seriously hindered. This review gives a timely and systematic summary of metal–organic compounds for realizing room‐temperature phosphorescence (RTP)‐type and thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF)‐type LPL during last few years. Particularly, based on the perspectives of time, space, and energy dimensions, fundamental materials design and coordination assembly are systematically described for the first time. Moreover, the internal and external factors of influencing the LPL properties in terms of luminescence efficiency, lifetime, and color are illustrated. Last but not least, perspectives and challenges are also discussed for developing LPL from metal–organic compounds.
Electrochemical Healing of Fractured Metals
Authors: Hsain Zakaria , Akbari Mostafa , Prasanna Adhokshid , Jiang Zhimin , Akbarzadeh Masoud , Pikul James H.
Published: March 2023

Repairing fractured metals to extend their useful lifetimes advances sustainability and mitigates carbon emissions from metal mining and processing. While high‐temperature techniques are being used to repair metals, the increasing ubiquity of digital manufacturing and “unweldable” alloys, as well as the integration of metals with polymers and electronics, call for radically different repair approaches. Herein, a framework for effective room‐temperature repair of fractured metals using an area‐selective nickel electrodeposition process refered to as electrochemical healing is presented. Based on a model that links geometric, mechanical, and electrochemical parameters to the recovery of tensile strength, this framework enables 100% recovery of tensile strength in nickel, low‐carbon steel, two “unweldable” aluminum alloys, and a 3D‐printed difficult‐to‐weld shellular structure using a single common electrolyte. Through a distinct energy‐dissipation mechanism, this framework also enables up to 136% recovery of toughness in an aluminum alloy. To facilitate practical adoption, this work reveals scaling laws for the energetic, financial, and time costs of healing, and demonstrates the restoration of a functional level of strength in a fractured standard steel wrench. Empowered with this framework, room‐temperature electrochemical healing can open exciting possibilities for the effective, scalable repair of metals in diverse applications.
Tough Hydrogel Electrolytes for Anti‐Freezing Zinc‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Yan Yichen , Duan Sidi , Liu Bo , Wu Shuwang , Alsaid Yousif , Yao Bowen , Nandi Sunny , Du Yingjie , Wang Ta‐Wei , Li Yuzhang , He Ximin
Published: March 2023

As the soaring demand for energy storage continues to grow, batteries that can cope with extreme conditions are highly desired. Yet, existing battery materials are limited by weak mechanical properties and freeze‐vulnerability, prohibiting safe energy storage in devices that are exposed to low temperature and unusual mechanical impacts. Herein, a fabrication method harnessing the synergistic effect of co‐nonsolvency and “salting‐out” that can produce poly(vinyl alcohol) hydrogel electrolytes with unique open‐cell porous structures, composed of strongly aggregated polymer chains, and containing disrupted hydrogen bonds among free water molecules, is introduced. The hydrogel electrolyte simultaneously combines high strength (tensile strength 15.6 MPa), freeze‐tolerance (< −77 °C), high mass transport (10× lower overpotential), and dendrite and parasitic reactions suppression for stable performance (30 000 cycles). The high generality of this method is further demonstrated with poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) and poly(N‐tertbutylacrylamide‐co‐acrylamide) hydrogels. This work takes a further step toward flexible battery development for harsh environments.
Full Site‐Specific Addressability in DNA Origami‐Templated Silica Nanostructures
Authors: Wassermann Lea M. , Scheckenbach Michael , Baptist Anna V. , Glembockyte Viktorija , Heuer‐Jungemann Amelie
Published: March 2023

DNA nanotechnology allows for the fabrication of nanometer‐sized objects with high precision and selective addressability as a result of the programmable hybridization of complementary DNA strands. Such structures can template the formation of other materials, including metals and complex silica nanostructures, where the silica shell simultaneously acts to protect the DNA from external detrimental factors. However, the formation of silica nanostructures with site‐specific addressability has thus far not been explored. Here, it is shown that silica nanostructures templated by DNA origami remain addressable for post silicification modification with guest molecules even if the silica shell measures several nm in thickness. The conjugation of fluorescently labeled oligonucleotides is used to different silicified DNA origami structures carrying a complementary ssDNA handle as well as DNA‐PAINT super‐resolution imaging to show that ssDNA handles remain unsilicified and thus ensure retained addressability. It is also demonstrated that not only handles, but also ssDNA scaffold segments within a DNA origami nanostructure remain accessible, allowing for the formation of dynamic silica nanostructures. Finally, the power of this approach is demonstrated by forming 3D DNA origami crystals from silicified monomers. These results thus present a fully site‐specifically addressable silica nanostructure with complete control over size and shape.
High Energy Harvesting Performances Silicone Elastomer via Filling Soft Dielectric with Stretching Deformability
Authors: Jiang Yingjie , Liu Xueying , Wang Yuhao , Tian Chenchen , Wu Daming , Ning Nanying , Tian Ming
Published: March 2023

Dielectric elastomer generators (DEGs) with high generated energy density and high conversion efficiency are of great interest. Among several dielectric elastomers (DEs), silicone elastomer filled with ceramic fillers have been extensively studied for their high elasticity, insulation, and permittivity. However, the stretched breakdown strength (Ebs) of such composites decreases significantly under large strain, thus sharply reduces its energy harvesting performances. In this study, a polar rubber‐based dielectric (GNBR) is synthetized and creatively used as “soft filler” for silicone elastomer. Benefiting from the deformability under stretching and its inherent strong interface bonding with silicone elastomer, this soft filler effectively avoids the formation of weak interface under large strain and reduces the local field strength of interface area. As expected, the composite filled with soft filler (GNBR/PMVS) shows enhanced Ebs of 2.8 times that of composite with traditional hard filler (TiO2/PMVS) under equibiaxial strain of 200%. As a result, GNBR/PMVS composite exhibits maximum energy density of 130.5 mJ g−1 with up‐to‐date highest power conversion efficiency of reported DEG (44.5%). The findings will provide new insights in the rational design of DE composites characterized by high stretched breakdown strength for advanced energy harvesting system.
Intramolecular‐Catalyzed Vitrimers with White‐Light Emission for Light‐Emitting Diode Encapsulation
Authors: Gao Hong , Wang Miaomiao , Mao Yifan , Zhao Qingsong , Zhang Cheng , Jin Ling , Xia Youyi , Li Weijin , Zhang Kui , Zeng Haibo
Published: March 2023

Currently available encapsulating materials for white light‐emitting diodes (WLEDs) have certain limitations, such as the toxicity of phosphors and the non‐recyclable nature of the encapsulating materials. In this study, relatively promising encapsulating materials with two significant advantages are developed. First, the chips can be directly encapsulated without phosphors using luminescent encapsulating materials. Second, the encapsulating materials can be reprocessed for recycling via intramolecular catalysis. To this end, blue‐light‐emitting vitrimers (BEVs) are prepared by the reaction of epoxy resin with amines and are found to exhibit strong blue emission and fast stress relaxation via internal catalysis. To obtain white‐light emission, a well‐designed yellow component, perylenetetracarboxylic dianhydride, is grafted into the BEVs to generate white‐light‐emitting vitrimers (WEVs). A rare synergy of blue‐ and yellow‐light emission affords white‐light emission. When the WEV is used as an encapsulating adhesive for 365 nm LED chips without inorganic phosphors, stable white light with CIE coordinates (0.30, 0.32) is successfully achieved, indicating a promising future for WLED encapsulation.
Development of Highly Stable and Sensitive SAW UV Sensor Based on Ta2O5 Coated 1D ZnO/SnO2 Core–Shell Nanostructures
Authors: Kim Sihyeok , Singh Gurpreet , Jeong YooJae , Lee Seongjun , Lee Keekeun
Published: March 2023

Despite extensive research on ultraviolet (UV) sensors based on core–shell heterostructures, most of them exhibit low sensitivities, slow response/recovery times, and unsatisfactory long‐term stabilities, thereby limiting their use in real‐time applications. To solve these problems, a highly sensitive and stable surface acoustic wave (SAW) UV sensor based on novel tantalum pentoxide (Ta2O5) coated 1D zinc oxide (ZnO)/tin dioxide (SnO2) core–shell nanostructures is introduced. The fabricated SAW‐based UV sensor system, including sensor interface electronics, exhibits a high UV response, fast response/recovery time, and long‐term stability. Prior to device fabrication, coupling of mode (COM) modeling is performed to calculate the optimal parameters for the SAW device. Photoluminescence and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements reveal that the Ta2O5 layer coating effectively suppresses the recombination of photogenerated carriers, leading to an increase in the carrier density and improvement in the UV sensing properties. The evaluated sensitivity and linearity of the proposed sensor are 120.36 ppm (mW cm−2)−1 and 0.988, respectively, in the range of 1–60 µW cm−2. The sensing mechanism of the proposed UV sensor is discussed in detail. Using COMSOL simulations and photo‐corrosion experiments, it is found that the Ta2O5 coated ZnO/SnO2 core–shell heterostructure minimizes the effects of humidity and improves stability.
Highly Efficient and Stable Green Phosphorescent Light‐Emitting Diodes Based on Solution‐Processable Ir(III) Complexes with Electron‐Transporting Ancillary Ligands
Authors: Park Ho‐Yeol , Ameen Shahid , Kumaresan Raja , Lee Jieun , Park Jeonghyeon , Song Donghyun , Lee Jaemin , Heo Yuchan , Kim BongSoo , Jin Sung‐Ho
Published: March 2023

Two green heteroleptic Ir(III) complexes are reported, namely, bis[5‐(2‐ethylhexyl)‐8‐trifluoromethyl‐5H‐benzo[c][1,5]‐naphthyridin‐6‐one](2‐(5‐phenyl‐1,3,4‐oxadiazol‐2‐yl)phenolate)iridium (III) (Ir(CF3BNO)2‐pop) and bis[5‐(2‐ethylhexyl)‐5H‐benzo[c][1,5]naphthyridin‐6‐one](2‐(5‐phenyl‐1,3,4‐oxadiazol‐2‐yl)phenolate)iridium (III) (Ir(BNO)2‐pop) for solution‐processed phosphorescent organic light‐emitting diodes (PHOLEDs). Both the Ir(III) complexes exhibit high external quantum efficiency (EQE) and intense green emission upon using poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrene sulfonic acid (PEDOT:PSS) as a hole injection layer (HIL); Ir(CF3BNO)2‐pop based PHOLEDs perform better with an EQE of 23% and a current efficiency of 82 cd A−1 than Ir(BNO)2‐pop based PHOLEDs. In addition, to improve device operational lifetime, a crosslinkable HIL material, 9,9'‐(cyclohexane‐1,1‐diylbis(4,1‐phenylene))bis(N‐phenyl‐N‐(4‐(((4‐vinylbenzyl)oxy)methyl)phenyl)‐9H‐carbazol‐3‐amine) (CPCzDPAX‐1) is designed and synthesized. Device operational lifetimes of Ir(CF3BNO)2‐pop and Ir(BNO)2‐pop PHOLEDs incorporating the CPCzDPAX‐1 HIL show 14‐fold and 6‐fold improvement, compared to the corresponding devices incorporating the PEDOT:PSS HIL. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the best device lifetime performance by using the combination of new Ir(III) complexes and HIL materials for solution‐processed green PHOLEDs.
Ir‐CoO Active Centers Supported on Porous Al2O3 Nanosheets as Efficient and Durable Photo‐Thermal Catalysts for CO2 Conversion
Authors: Tang Yunxiang , Zhao Tingting , Han Hecheng , Yang Zhengyi , Liu Jiurong , Wen Xiaodong , Wang Fenglong
Published: March 2023

Photo‐thermal catalytic CO2 hydrogenation is currently extensively studied as one of the most promising approaches for the conversion of CO2 into value‐added chemicals under mild conditions; however, achieving desirable conversion efficiency and target product selectivity remains challenging. Herein, the fabrication of Ir‐CoO/Al2O3 catalysts derived from Ir/CoAl LDH composites is reported for photo‐thermal CO2 methanation, which consist of Ir‐CoO ensembles as active centers that are evenly anchored on amorphous Al2O3 nanosheets. A CH4 production rate of 128.9 mmol gcat⁻1 h⁻1  is achieved at 250 °C under ambient pressure and visible light irradiation, outperforming most reported metal‐based catalysts. Mechanism studies based on density functional theory (DFT) calculations and numerical simulations reveal that the CoO nanoparticles function as photocatalysts to donate electrons for Ir nanoparticles and meanwhile act as “nanoheaters” to effectively elevate the local temperature around Ir active sites, thus promoting the adsorption, activation, and conversion of reactant molecules. In situ diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (in situ DRIFTS) demonstrates that illumination also efficiently boosts the conversion of formate intermediates. The mechanism of dual functions of photothermal semiconductors as photocatalysts for electron donation and as nano‐heaters for local temperature enhancement provides new insight in the exploration for efficient photo‐thermal catalysts.
Magnetosensory Power Devices Based on AlGaN/GaN Heterojunctions for Interactive Electronics
Authors: Zhou Xingyu , Hua Qilin , Sha Wei , Zhu Jiyuan , Liu Ting , Jiang Chunyan , Guo Qi , Jing Liang , Du Chunhua , Zhai Junyi , Hu Weiguo , Wang Zhong Lin
Published: March 2023

The advances in biological magnetoreception and microelectronics have promoted the vigorous development of interactive electronic devices capable of noncontact interaction and control via magnetic fields. Here, a magnetosensory power device (MPD) that integrates a magnetic film ((Fe90Co10)78Si12B10) unit into a cantilever‐structured AlGaN/GaN‐based high‐electron‐mobility‐transistor is presented. The MPD is capable to not only sense external magnetic field, but also control device output power with the emulation of magnetoreception. Specifically, the device can achieve significant control of output power density (18.04 to 18.94 W mm−2) quasi‐linearly with magnetic field stimuli (0–400 mT) at a gate bias of −5 V. In addition, the maximum output power density of the MPD can reach 85.8 W mm−2 when a gate bias of 1 V is applied. The simulation and experimental results show that MPD has excellent orientation and magnetic field sensing functions under 0–400 mT magnetic fields. With the intelligent capabilities of magnetic sense and output power control, such interactive electronic devices will have broad application prospects in the fields of artificial intelligence, advanced robotics, and human‐machine interfaces.
Organic Solvent Free Synthesis and Processing of Semiconducting Polymers for Field Effect Transistors in Waterborne Dispersions
Authors: Ceriani Chiara , Scagliotti Mattia , Losi Tommaso , Luzio Alessandro , Mattiello Sara , Sassi Mauro , Pianta Nicolò , Rapisarda Matteo , Mariucci Luigi , Caironi Mario , Beverina Luca
Published: March 2023

Conjugated semiconducting polymers are key active materials for printable electronics, sensors and biosensors, organic photovoltaics, organic light emitting devices, and more. The research in the field developed very efficient materials and sound structure property relationships, thus making a case for a transition from laboratory to industrial environment. At this critical juncture, sustainability, and ease of scaling up are at least as important as performances, to the point that efficient materials on a lab scale could become unpractical for the industry. The development of more efficient synthetic protocols and the complete removal of all organic solvents from both the synthesis and the processing of semiconducting polymers can help tremendously to improve sustainability and reduce costs. It is shown that the use of an aqueous dispersion of the food grade surfactant lecithin as the medium, enables the synthesis and processing of the representative semiconducting alternating copolymer poly (9,9‐dioctylfluorene‐alt‐bithiophene) (PF8T2) in high yield and high quality and with transistor performances comparable with those obtained with reference materials synthetized and processed from volatile organic solvents.
Revealing the Competitive Intercalation between Na+ and H+ into Na0.44MnO2 in Aqueous Sodium Ion Batteries
Authors: Zhang Xueqian , Chen Jiawu , Ye Jiajia , Zhang Tianwen , Hou Zhiguo
Published: March 2023

Aqueous rechargeable sodium‐ion batteries have attracted increasing attention for large‐scale energy storage applications due to their intrinsic safety and sufficient sodium reserves. The tunnel‐type Na0.44MnO2 has been widely investigated as a promising cathode because of its low cost and high theoretical capacity (120 mAh g−1). However, a capacity higher than 45 mAh g−1 for Na0.44MnO2 in aqueous electrolyte is difficult to obtain. Here, it is found that there is a competitive insertion reaction between H+ and Na+, and the diffusion energy barriers of Na+ are increased along with high Na content in Na0.44MnO2, but the opposite is true for protons. By decreasing the diffusion energy barrier of Na+ and increasing the diffusion energy barrier of protons, a high reversible capacity of 101 mAh g−1 for Na0.44MnO2 in aqueous electrolytes is achieved for the first time. Coupled with a quinone anode, the full cell delivers a high energy density of 60 Wh kg−1 and retains 85% of its capacity for 1200 cycles at a 1 C rate.
Amorphized Defective Fullerene with a Single‐Atom Platinum for Room‐Temperature Hydrogen Storage
Authors: Lee Heebin , Park Dong Gyu , Park Joonho , Kim Yong‐Hoon , Kang Jeung Ku
Published: March 2023

The search for hydrogen storage materials allowing the storage of hydrogen in its molecular or atomic form at room temperature to meet the multistage targets such as the US Department of Energy (DOE) ultimate gravimetric and volumetric capacities of 6.5 wt% and 50 kg m‐3 is of global importance. Here, it is reported that an amorphized defective fullerene (C60‐x) offers a promising solution to this challenge. C60‐x immobilized with single‐atom platinum has ≈14‐fold higher surface area accessible for CH bonds compared to a crystalline C60, and its micro/meso pores give a ≈20‐fold larger volume for fast hydrogen transport. Indeed, hydrogen storage via spillover on C60‐x through pressure swing at room temperature is experimentally demonstrated to enable high reversible gravimetric (6.8 wt%) and volumetric (64.9 kg m‐3) capacities, hitherto the highest reversible capacities close to DOE targets at room temperature. Also, the density functional theory calculations show that a key to efficient hydrogen storage is the preservation of a curved sp2‐type local carbon geometry for spillover, which holds H radicals loosely for fast hydrogen migration. Moreover, H‐atom diffusion on the intact region of C60‐x is faster than that on the defect region. Furthermore, excellent capacity retention is achieved over repeated hydrogen adsorption/desorption cycles.
Charge Separation Enhancement Enables Record Photocurrent Density in Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 Photocathodes for Efficient Solar Hydrogen Production
Authors: Liang Guangxing , Li Zhidong , Ishaq Muhammad , Zheng Zhuanghao , Su Zhenghua , Ma Hongli , Zhang Xianghua , Fan Ping , Chen Shuo
Published: March 2023

Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 (CZTSSe) is a promising light absorbing semiconductor for solar energy conversion in photovoltaic cells and photo‐electrochemical (PEC) water‐splitting devices, owing to its earth‐abundant constituents, adjustable band‐gap, and superior absorption coefficient. However, the severe charge carrier recombination and the sluggish charge separation efficiency are the main issues obstructing the enhancement of device performance. In this work, a planar‐type Mo/CZTSSe/CdS/TiO2/Pt photocathode is fabricated. High‐quality CZTSSe film with compact and uniform crystal grains can be obtained via a two‐step process involving solution processed spin coating and thermally processed selenization. When an appropriate film thickness is used, both bulk defects and surface/interface defects are passivated, significantly suppressing the defects‐assisted recombination. Moreover, the benign energy band alignment of CZTSSe/CdS heterojunction is favorable to enhance photo‐generated charge separation and transfer efficiency. A remarkable photocurrent density of 40.40 mA cm−2 (at 0 VRHE) can be achieved, approaching to its theoretical value of 42.85 mA cm−2, and representing the highest value reported to date for kesterites‐based photocathodes. A champion CZTSSe photocathode with half‐cell solar‐to‐hydrogen conversion efficiency of 6.47% suggests a bright future for efficient solar hydrogen production applications.
Cover crop forage potential and subsequent sorghum silage yield and nutritive value
Authors: Acharya Pramod , Ghimire Rajan , Lehnhoff Erik A. , Marsalis Mark A.
Published: March 2023

Achieving high forage production—quantity and quality—could be challenging, specifically in water‐limited areas. Intensifying cropping systems with cover crops can provide agronomic and ecosystem service benefits. However, the impacts of cover crops on forage production have not been well studied. This study evaluated the effects of cover crops (grasses + brassicas + legumes [GBL], grasses + brassicas [GB], grasses + legumes [GL], and no cover crop [NCC] control) on sorghum silage [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] yield and nutritive value over 3 years in a semiarid irrigated condition. Cover crops produced 2.1–6.0 Mg ha−1 of annual average harvestable biomass with similar forage nutritive value among treatments. In 2018–2019, sorghum silage yield was 38%–43% greater with all cover crops than with NCC. However, in 2019–2020, only GB had a 23% greater sorghum silage yield than NCC. The neutral detergent fiber content in sorghum silage was 4.8%–5.1% greater with all cover crops, and crude protein was 3%–8% lower with GL and GBL compared to NCC. Therefore, total digestible nutrients, relative forage quality, and milk production potential of sorghum silage were 5%–8%, 11%–19%, and 8%–16% greater, respectively, with NCC than with cover crops. This study demonstrates that replacing fallow with winter cover crops in irrigated silage production systems could provide good quality forage from cover crops without a decrease in subsequent sorghum silage yield. Sorghum silage quality slightly decreased with cover cropping. Nevertheless, cover crop integrated systems could be an alternative for farmers facing declining water availability for irrigated crop production.
Both early and late maternal age at childbirth is associated with increasing odds of central obesity in offspring
Authors: Chen Hongyun , Feng Yinhua , Chen Changying , Yu Songcheng
Published: March 2023

Objective

Despite studies on offspring obesity and delayed parenthood, little attention has been paid to the central obesity of offspring. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that maternal age at childbirth (MAC) was associated with central obesity in offspring among the adult population, and fasting insulin may play a role in this association as a mediating factor.

Methods

A total of 423 adults (mean age 37.9 years, 37.1% female) were included. Information about maternal variables and other confounders was collected by face‐to‐face interview. Waist circumference and insulin were determined through physical measurements and biochemical examinations. Logistic regression model and restricted cubic spline model were used to analyze the relationship between MAC and central obesity of offspring. The mediating effect of fasting insulin levels on association between MAC and offspring waist circumference was also analyzed.

Results

There was a nonlinear relationship between MAC and central obesity in offspring. Compared with subjects with MAC 27–32 years, those with MAC 21–26 years (OR = 1.814, 95% CI: 1.129–2.915) and MAC ≥33 years (OR = 3.337, 95% CI: 1.638–6.798) had higher odds to develop central obesity. Offspring fasting insulin was also higher in MAC 21–26 years and MAC ≥33 years compared with those with MAC 27–32 years. Taking the group MAC 27–32 years as reference, the mediating effect of fasting insulin levels on the waist circumference was 20.6% and 12.4% for MAC 21–26 years and ≥ 33 years, respectively.

Conclusion

MAC 27–32 years has the lowest odds of central obesity in offspring. Fasting insulin levels may have a partial mediating effect on the association between MAC and central obesity.
Association of household fuel use with hypertension and blood pressure among adult women in rural Bangladesh: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Islam Rabiul , Sheba Nusrat Hossain , Siddique Ruhul Furkan , Hannan J. M. A. , Hossain Shakhaoat
Published: March 2023

Objectives

This study aimed to determine the association of household fuel use with hypertension, systolic blood pressure (SBP), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) among adult women.

Methods

A cross‐sectional survey through face‐to‐face interviews and blood pressure (BP) measurement were conducted among 2182 randomly selected women (1236 solid fuel users and 946 clean fuel users) in rural areas of Bangladesh.

Results

Overall, 21% of women were hypertensive. Mean SBP and DBP for the study population were 121.27 mmHg (SD ± 15.43) and 76.18 mmHg (SD ± 12.00), respectively. Hypertension was found significantly (p = .006) higher among solid fuel users (23%) compared to clean fuel users (18%). Women using solid fuels have a 35% higher chance (AOR: 1.35, CI: 1.10–1.80) of having hypertension and have more than twice the risk of developing elevated SBP (AOR: 2.01, CI: 1.55–2.95) relative to women using clean fuels for their daily cooking. The probability of hypertension (AOR: 1.39, CI: 1.17–1.60) and elevated SBP (AOR: 1.35, CI: 1.10–1.61) increased significantly for every hour of fuel use.

Conclusions

Using clean fuel, reducing the duration of daily cooking time, and improved cooking facilities may help minimizing hypertension and ultimately cardiovascular disease risk among women.
Clinical insights from an unusual Turner syndrome manifestation: Congenital cutis verticis gyrata
Authors: Corona‐Rivera Jorge Román , Bustos Rodríguez Felipe de Jesús , Vega‐Silva Laura Leticia , Hernández‐Camarena Fernando , Peña‐Padilla Christian , Castillo‐Reyes Katia Alejandra , Cruz‐Cruz Jessica Paola , Bobadilla‐Morales Lucina , Corona‐Rivera Alfredo
Published: March 2023

Cutis verticis gyrata (CVG) is classified as primary or secondary according to the absence or presence of underlying soft tissue abnormalities. We report an infant with Turner syndrome (TS) who in addition presented with CVG on the scalp. The skin biopsy revealed a hamartoma‐like lesion. We reviewed the clinical and histopathological findings of the 13 reported cases of congenital CVG in patients with TS, including ours. In 11 of them, CVG was localized on the skin of the scalp, mainly on the parietal region, and in two, on the forehead. Clinically, CVG had a flesh‐colored aspect, with absent or sparse hair, and was not progressive. CVG was classified as primary in four patients who had skin biopsy and it was attributed to the intrauterine lymphedema of TS. However, histopathology in two of these patients identified dermal hamartoma as a secondary cause of CVG, and in three others, including ours, there were hamartomatous changes. Although further studies are required, previous findings support the proposal that some CVG may instead be dermal hamartomas. This report alerts clinicians to recognize CVG as a low‐frequency manifestation of TS, but also to consider the possible co‐occurrence of TS in all female infants with CVG.
Synthesis of CF3, CF2H‐Substituted, Epoxide‐Fused Heterocycles with Prop‐2‐ynylsulfonium salts
Authors: Wu Shitong , Cheng Xi , Yao Changguang , Yang Weiran , Zheng Jing
Published: March 2023

The synthesis CF3, CF2H‐Substituted, epoxide‐fused heterocycles was performed efficiently using [4+2]/[2+1]‐annulation of ortho‐amino trifluoracetophenone or difluoroacetophenone derivatives and prop‐2‐ynylsulfonium salts. This resulted in a wide range of target compounds with various substituents and functionalities in moderate to good yields. The transformation makes it an alternative method to previous protocols. Moreover, the successful synthesis finds application in pharmaceutical and biomedical of the investigated compounds, which are expected to develop further.
Potential for prevention of dementia in Denmark
Authors: Jørgensen Kasper , Nielsen T. Rune , Nielsen Ann , Waldemar Gunhild
Published: March 2023

Introduction

According to previous estimates, 40% of dementia cases globally may be attributed to 12 potentially modifiable risk factors.

Methods

We calculated national population attributable fractions (PAFs) for each risk factor and modeled the effects of proportional reductions in risk factor prevalence on dementia prevalence by calculating potential impact fractions (PIFs) for each factor.

Results

The overall adjusted PAF for all risk factors was 35.2%. Physical inactivity, hearing loss, hypertension, and obesity accounted for 64% of the total prevention potential. The overall adjusted PIF was 4.1% at 10% risk factor prevalence reduction and 8.1% at 20% risk factor reduction.

Discussion

Estimates of the potential for the prevention of dementia should be based on country‐specific data on risk factor prevalence, as estimates based on global risk factor prevalence have limited relevance from a national perspective. Physical inactivity, hearing loss, hypertension, and obesity could be primary targets for prevention of dementia in Denmark.

Highlights

Overall adjusted PAF for potentially modifiable dementia risk factors was 35%.

Physical inactivity, hearing loss, hypertension, and obesity had the largest prevention potential.

Estimates of prevention potential should be based on national risk factor prevalence.
Metastable Hexagonal Phase SnO2 Nanoribbons with Active Edge Sites for Efficient Hydrogen Peroxide Electrosynthesis in Neutral Media
Authors: Zhang Yi , Wang Mengwen , Zhu Wenxiang , Fang Miaomiao , Ma Mengjie , Liao Fan , Yang Hao , Cheng Tao , Pao Chih‐Wen , Chang Yu‐Chung , Hu Zhiwei , Shao Qi , Shao Mingwang , Kang Zhenhui
Published: March 2023

Electrochemical two‐electron oxygen reduction reaction (2 e− ORR) to produce hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a promising alternative to the energetically intensive anthraquinone process. However, there remain challenges in designing 2 e− ORR catalysts that meet the application criteria. Here, we successfully adopt a microwave‐assisted mechanochemical‐thermal approach to synthesize hexagonal phase SnO2 (h‐SnO2) nanoribbons with largely exposed edge structures. In 0.1 M Na2SO4 electrolyte, the h‐SnO2 catalysts achieve the excellent H2O2 selectivity of 99.99 %. Moreover, when employed as the catalyst in flow cell devices, they exhibit a high yield of 3885.26 mmol g−1 h−1. The enhanced catalytic performance is attributed to the special crystal structure and morphology, resulting in abundantly exposed edge active sites to convert O2 to H2O2, which is confirmed by density functional theory calculations.