bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Records of Wenchengia (Lamiaceae) from Vietnam
Authors: Paton Alan , Phillipson Peter , Suddee Somran
Published: August 2016

The monotypic genus Wenchengia (Lamiaceae) has been thought to be endemic to Hainan, China. This paper reports on historic records of Wenchengia alternifolia collected from Vietnam. The recent recuration and modernisation of the Paris herbarium greatly facilitated this discovery.

During preparatory work supporting the account for the Lamiaceae of the Flora of Thailand, three specimens of Wenchengia from central Vietnam were found in the Herbarium of the Musuem National d'Histoire Naturelle in Paris (P), and subsequently two duplicates were found in the Herbarium at Kew (K, abbreviations following Thiers 2016). The specimens were collected in and before 1927 and it is not known if the species is still extant in Vietnam. Searches for extant populations should focus in the Ba Na Hills or Bach Ma National Park, central Vietnam.
Rounds Today: A Qualitative Study of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics Resident Perceptions
Authors: Rabinowitz Raphael , Farnan Jeanne , Hulland Oliver , Kearns Lisa , Long Michele , Monash Bradley , Bhansali Priti , Fromme H. Barrett
Published: August 2016

Background 

Attending rounds is a key component of patient care and education at teaching hospitals, yet there is an absence of studies addressing trainees' perceptions of rounds.

Objective 

To determine perceptions of pediatrics and internal medicine residents about the current and ideal purposes of inpatient rounds on hospitalist services.

Methods 

In this multi-institutional qualitative study, the authors conducted focus groups with a purposive sample of internal medicine and pediatrics residents at 4 teaching hospitals. The constant comparative method was used to identify themes and codes.

Results 

The study identified 4 themes: patient care, clinical education, patient/family involvement, and evaluation. Patient care included references to activities on rounds that forwarded care of the patient. Clinical education pertained to teaching/learning on rounds. Patient/family involvement encompassed comments about incorporating patients and families on rounds. Evaluation described residents demonstrating skill for attendings.

Conclusions 

Resident perceptions of the purposes of rounds aligned with rounding activities described by prior observational studies of rounds. The influence of time pressures and the divergent needs of participants on today's rounds placed these identified purposes in tension, and led to resident dissatisfaction in the achievement of all of them. Suboptimal congruency exists between perceived resident clinical education and specialty-specific milestones. These findings suggest a need for education of multiple stakeholders by (1) enhancing faculty teaching strategies to maximize clinical education while minimizing inefficiencies; (2) informing residents about the value of patient interactions and family-centered rounds; and (3) educating program directors in proper alignment of inpatient rotational objectives to the milestones.
The Role of Generic Competencies in the Entrustment of Professional Activities: A Nationwide Competency-Based Curriculum Assessed
Authors: van Loon Karsten A. , Teunissen Pim W. , Driessen Erik W. , Scheele Fedde
Published: August 2016

Background 

Entrustable professional activities (EPAs) seek to translate essential physician competencies into clinical practice. Until now, it is not known whether EPA-based curricula offer enhanced assessment and feedback to trainees.

Objective 

This study examined program directors' and senior residents' justifications for entrustment decisions and what role generic, cross-specialty competencies (such as communication skills, collaboration, and understanding health care systems) play in these decisions.

Methods 

Entrustment decisions for all Dutch obstetrics and gynecology residents between January 2010 and April 2014 were retrieved from their electronic portfolios. Justifications for entrustment were divided into 4 categories: the resident's experience, his or her technical performance, the presence of a generic competency, and training. Template analysis was used to analyze in depth the types of justifications, which play a role in entrustment decisions.

Results 

A total of 5139 entrustment decisions for 375 unique residents were extracted and analyzed. In 59% of all entrustment decisions, entrusting a professional task to a resident was justified by the experience of the resident. Generic competencies were mentioned in 0.5% of all entrustment decisions. Template analysis revealed that the amount of exposure and technical skills are leading factors, while the quality of the performance was not reported to be of any influence.

Conclusions 

Entrustment decisions only rarely are based on generic competencies, despite the introduction of competency frameworks and EPAs. For program directors, a leading factor in entrustment decisions is a resident's exposure to an activity, and the quality of a resident's performance appears to play only a minor role.
Clinical and Educational Outcomes of an Integrated Inpatient Quality Improvement Curriculum for Internal Medicine Residents
Authors: Ogrinc Greg , Cohen Emily S. , van Aalst Robertus , Harwood Beth , Ercolano Ellyn , Baum Karyn D. , Pattison Adam J. , Jones Anne C. , Davies Louise , West Al
Published: August 2016

Background 

Integrating teaching and hands-on experience in quality improvement (QI) may increase the learning and the impact of resident QI work.

Objective 

We sought to determine the clinical and educational impact of an integrated QI curriculum.

Methods 

This clustered, randomized trial with early and late intervention groups used mixed methods evaluation. For almost 2 years, internal medicine residents from Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center on the inpatient teams at the White River Junction VA participated in the QI curriculum. QI project effectiveness was assessed using statistical process control. Learning outcomes were assessed with the Quality Improvement Knowledge Application Tool–Revised (QIKAT-R) and through self-efficacy, interprofessional care attitudes, and satisfaction of learners. Free text responses by residents and a focus group of nurses who worked with the residents provided information about the acceptability of the intervention.

Results 

The QI projects improved many clinical processes and outcomes, but not all led to improvements. Educational outcome response rates were 65% (68 of 105) at baseline, 50% (18 of 36) for the early intervention group at midpoint, 67% (24 of 36) for the control group at midpoint, and 53% (42 of 80) for the late intervention group. Composite QIKAT-R scores (range, 0–27) increased from 13.3 at baseline to 15.3 at end point (P < .01), as did the self-efficacy composite score (P < .05). Satisfaction with the curriculum was rated highly by all participants.

Conclusions 

Learning and participating in hands-on QI can be integrated into the usual inpatient work of resident physicians.
Physician Retention in the Same State as Residency Training: Data From 1 Michigan GME Institution
Authors: Koehler Tracy J. , Goodfellow Jaclyn , Davis Alan T. , vanSchagen John E. , Schuh Lori
Published: August 2016

Background 

In a time of threats to the funding for graduate medical education (GME) and projected physician shortages, drawing attention to the value of physician training programs may be useful. One approach is to study the number and percentage of physicians who enter practice in the state in which they trained.

Objective 

We sought to examine the percentage of graduates from a single Michigan-based GME institution over a 15-year period, who practiced medicine in Michigan during their career.

Methods 

We performed a retrospective review of historical data for all graduates currently in practice, derived from 18 GME training programs from 2000 through 2014. Practice location data were collected and confirmed using multiple sources for accuracy.

Results 

Data were available for 1168 graduates. The average age at the time of graduation was 32.6 ± 4.4 years (mean and standard deviation [SD]), and 60.2% were men (703 of 1168). There were 546 graduates (46.7%) who practiced in Michigan after graduation. Almost 80% of the graduates (279 of 358) who completed medical school and GME in Michigan also practiced in Michigan. Of those, 87.8% (245 of 279) also completed a bachelor's degree in Michigan.

Conclusions 

The findings show that graduates from our GME programs were highly likely to practice in Michigan if they completed their pre-GME education in Michigan.
How Residents Say They Learn: A National, Multi-Specialty Survey of First- and Second-Year Residents
Authors: Baldwin DeWitt C. , Daugherty Steven R.
Published: August 2016

Relatively little is known about how, from whom, and under what conditions residents say they most effectively learn. We examined the relationships between residents' self-reported ratings of 11 different sources of learning and a number of empirical variables, using a national, random sample of postgraduate year (PGY) 1 and PGY-2 residents in the 1998–1999 training year. Residents were surveyed by mail. Completed surveys were received from 64.2% of 5616 residents contacted. The most often reported sources of learning were other residents and attending physicians. Ratings varied by specialty, level of training, and US medical graduates (USMGs) versus international medical graduates (IMGs). Factor analysis identified 3 primary modes of learning: faculty-organized, peer-oriented, and self-directed. Residents in different specialties varied in their use of these 3 sources of learning. IMG residents reported significantly less learning from peers and more self-directed learning. Increased resident duty hours were associated with a decrease in faculty-organized and self-directed learning, and an increase in peer-oriented learning.
Deal or no deal: English Devolution, a top-down approach
Authors: Wall Rachel , Vilela Noemia Bessa
Published: August 2016

A new legislative framework for devolution has been introduced into England marking a potentially significant step towards addressing the unfinished business of Labour’s devolution settlement. What promised to be a bespoke and bottom-up commitment to devolution for English local government has manifested into a top-down, prescriptive and inconsistent process of agreeing the decentralisation of functions and finances to groups of principal local authorities. The paper reports on the progress of the new wave of devolution in England to date, through a review of agreed devolution deals and assesses the extent to which the current ‘devolution revolution’ represents the beginning of a shift away from a centralised system built from the bottom up, or looks set to result in another typically top-down reform to local government. The paper presents the initial findings of early research, which will be used to develop key research questions for a further long-term research project.
Estimating N2O5 uptake coefficients using ambient measurements of NO3, N2O5, ClNO2 and particle-phase nitrate
Authors: Phillips G. J. , Thieser J. , Tang M. J. , Sobanski N. , Schuster G. , Fachinger J. , Drewnick F. , Borrmann S. , Bingemer H. , Lelieveld J. , Crowley J. N.
Published: August 2016

Abstract. We present an estimation of the uptake coefficient (γ) and yield of nitryl chloride (ClNO2) (f) for the heterogeneous processing of dinitrogen pentoxide (N2O5) using simultaneous measurements of particle and trace gas composition at a semi-rural, non-coastal, mountain site in the summer of 2011. The yield of ClNO2 varied between (0.035 ± 0.027) and (1.38 ± 0.60) with a campaign average of (0.49 ± 0.35). The large variability in f reflects the highly variable chloride content of particles at the site. Uptake coefficients were also highly variable with minimum, maximum and average γ values of 0.004, 0.11 and 0.028 ± 0.029, respectively, with no significant correlation with particle composition, but a weak dependence on relative humidity. The uptake coefficients obtained are compared to existing parameterisations based on laboratory datasets and with other values obtained by analysis of field data.
The ALTIUS mission
Authors: Fussen Didier , Dekemper Emmanuel , Errera Quentin , Franssens Ghislain , Mateshvili Nina , Pieroux Didier , Vanhellemont Filip
Published: August 2016

Abstract. This article outlines the objectives, concept and expected performance of the ALTIUS (Atmospheric Limb Tracker for the Investigation of the Upcoming Stratosphere) mission in view of the continuation of earth limb measurements for atmospheric science. This type of measurement became rare with the failure of the European ENVISAT mission in 2012 and the number will further decrease when several Canadian, Swedish and US limb missions will terminate within the next few years. The project is presented in the frame of a small mission initiative based on a micro-satellite platform of the PROBA (Project for On-Board Autonomy) class, with a high agility allowing for atmospheric limb observations in different remote sensing geometries from a low earth orbit. The instrument consists of three independent spectral imagers covering the UV-Vis-NIR ranges. Recently, the ALTIUS mission has been declared as an element compliant to the ESA Earth Watch programme. The paper identifies the general scientific context of the project and derives the mission, instrument and scientific products requirements. The general design of the payload and platform systems is discussed. The preliminary data processing chain is presented, from telemetry data to retrieved geophysical profiles, with a complementary data assimilation level. A preliminary assessment of the mission performance is discussed with focus on ozone profile retrievals, which are the main objective of the mission.
The role of basal hydrology in the surging of the Laurentide Ice Sheet
Authors: Roberts William H. G. , Payne Antony J. , Valdes Paul J.
Published: August 2016

Abstract. We use the Glimmer ice sheet model to simulate periodic surges over the Laurentide Ice Sheet during the Last Glacial Maximum. In contrast to previous studies we use the depth of water at the base of the ice sheet as the switch for these surges. We find that the surges are supported within the model and are quite robust across a very wide range of parameter choices, in contrast to many previous studies where surges only occur for rather specific cases. The robustness of the surges is likely due to the use of water as the switch mechanism for sliding. The statistics of the binge–purge cycles resemble observed Heinrich events. The events have a period of between 10 and 15 thousand years and can produce fluxes of ice from the mouth of Hudson Strait of 0.05 Sv – a maximum flux of 0.06 Sv is possible. The events produce an ice volume of 2.50  ×  106 km3, with a range of 4.30  ×  106–1.90  ×  106 km3 possible. We undertake a suite of sensitivity tests varying the sliding parameter, the water drainage scheme, the sliding versus water depth parameterisation and the resolution, all of which support the ice sheet surges. This suggests that internally triggered ice sheet surges were a robust feature of the Laurentide Ice Sheet and are a possible explanation for the observed Heinrich events.
Vulnerability curves vs. vulnerability indicators: application of an indicator-based methodology for debris-flow hazards
Authors: Papathoma-Köhle Maria
Published: August 2016

Abstract. The assessment of the physical vulnerability of elements at risk as part of the risk analysis is an essential aspect for the development of strategies and structural measures for risk reduction. Understanding, analysing and, if possible, quantifying physical vulnerability is a prerequisite for designing strategies and adopting tools for its reduction. The most common methods for assessing physical vulnerability are vulnerability matrices, vulnerability curves and vulnerability indicators; however, in most of the cases, these methods are used in a conflicting way rather than in combination. The article focuses on two of these methods: vulnerability curves and vulnerability indicators. Vulnerability curves express physical vulnerability as a function of the intensity of the process and the degree of loss, considering, in individual cases only, some structural characteristics of the affected buildings. However, a considerable amount of studies argue that vulnerability assessment should focus on the identification of these variables that influence the vulnerability of an element at risk (vulnerability indicators). In this study, an indicator-based methodology (IBM) for mountain hazards including debris flow (Kappes et al., 2012) is applied to a case study for debris flows in South Tyrol, where in the past a vulnerability curve has been developed. The relatively "new" indicator-based method is being scrutinised and recommendations for its improvement are outlined. The comparison of the two methodological approaches and their results is challenging since both methodological approaches deal with vulnerability in a different way. However, it is still possible to highlight their weaknesses and strengths, show clearly that both methodologies are necessary for the assessment of physical vulnerability and provide a preliminary "holistic methodological framework" for physical vulnerability assessment showing how the two approaches may be used in combination in the future.
Determining Factors Affecting Audit Opinion: Evidence from Turkey
Authors: Özcan Ahmet
Published: August 2016

Abstract: The main objective of this study is to construct a model based on financial and non-financial variables to identify factors affecting audit opinions. To examine the usefulness of financial and non-financial variables in distinguishing between firms with an unqualified audit opinion and firms with an adverse audit opinion, the relationship that exists between independent variables and the type of audit opinion is investigated through logit model. The findings of empirical analysis shed light on the relationship between firm specific factors and the type of audit opinion. The results of logit analysis suggest that an unqualified audit opinion is issued for firms that have a higher liquidity, profitability, operational efficiency, growth rate, percentage of outside board members and low debt to total asset ratio. The results of empirical analysis demonstrate that financial and non-financial variables can be significantly useful in distinguishing between firms with an unqualified audit opinion and firms with an adverse audit opinion. Additionally, the inclusion of non-financial variables, age and the percentage of outside board members, significantly improves the performance of empirical model.   Keywords: Audit opinion, Financial and non-financial variables, Going- concern assumptionJEL: M40, M41
Un acercamiento a la comprensión del método de investigación en ciencias sociales y jurídicas: el recorrido desde la naturaleza humana, los paradigmas y su método, en un contexto disciplinar dominado por la racionalidad teleológica
Authors: Díaz Herrera Claudio
Published: August 2016

El presente artículo se enmarca en una construcción teórico-epistemológica, la cual se sustenta en la sistematización de un recorrido histórico, para comprender el proceso de cómo a partir de la naturaleza humana gnoseológica, que transcurre desde la filosofía clásica griega, se llega a hablar de método científico y ciencia. Tiene por objeto, entonces, aportar en las distintas disciplinas de las ciencias sociales, jurídicas y humanistas, una introducción epistemológica que otorgue fundamentos necesarios para instalar la discusión respecto a los métodos de investigación como un marco lógico en la generación de conocimientos contextualizados en una realidad social.
Heads or Tails gambling — what can be learned about probability?
Authors: Máder Attila
Published: August 2016

During the teaching of probability theory, a problem may appear whose solution requires the use of methods that are unfamiliar to secondary school students. In this paper, examples of methods that can resolve this difficulties are demonstrated, which could in future allow school students to tackle and solve a wide variety of problems involving probability.
Answers offered by computer algebra systems to equations from school textbooks
Authors: Tonisson Eno , Velikanova Nadezhda
Published: August 2016

This paper is an attempt to develop a strategy and methods for investigating and comparing the answers offered by computer algebra systems and the school answers. After primary (pilot) investigation of how well 8 computer algebra systems handle equations from school textbooks, it is possible to conclude that the systems are mostly reliable and give reasonable answers. Some remarks regarding a somewhat unexpected answer obtained can be easily explained by built-in standards and notions, which can differ from school assumptions. In other cases the differences from school could be corrected by certain commands.
Evaluating admission procedures for teacher education in Finland
Authors: Kaasila Raimo , Hannula Markku S. , Laine Anu , Pehkonen Erkki
Published: August 2016

In Finland the number of applicants for elementary teacher education is many times greater than the number of accepted persons. In this article we focus on the significance of the entrance examination procedures at three Finnish universities. Our findings imply that the differing admission procedures at the institutions yielded different student profiles. The test component "mathematics-science" used on the entrance examination in Turku was found to be a significant separating factor, but also the applicants' mathematics achievement in upper secondary school seems to be an applicable criterion for developing admission procedures.
Zbigniew Michalewicz - Matthew Michalewicz
Authors: Ambrus András
Published: August 2016

Based on their experiences with engineering, mathematics, computer science, business students concerning the puzzle based learning in different countries the authors summarize their main problem solving teaching ideas. With help of interesting, motivating, nice problems they analyze the main mathematical principles and problem types. The review gives an overview about the main ideas, results of an interesting book.
Report of meeting Researches in Didactics of Mathematics and Computer Sciences
Authors: Lajkó K. , Maksa Gy. , Páles Zs.
Published: August 2016

The meeting Researches in Didactics of Mathematics and Computer Sciences was held in Debrecen, Hungary from January 30 to February 1, 2009. The 49 Hungarian participants – including 15 PhD students – came from 18 cities and represented 29 institutions of higher education. The abstracts of the talks and the posters and also the list of participants are presented in this report.
Concise Review: Hematopoietic Stem Cell Origins: Lessons from Embryogenesis for Improving Regenerative Medicine
Authors: De La Garza Adriana , Sinha Arpan , Bowman Teresa V.
Published: August 2016

Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) have extensive regenerative capacity to replace all blood cell types, an ability that is harnessed in the clinic for bone marrow transplantation. Finding appropriate donors remains a major limitation to more extensive usage of HSC-based therapies. Derivation of patient-specific HSCs from pluripotent stem cells offers great promise to remedy this problem if scientists could crack the code on how to make robust, transplantable HSCs in a dish. Studies delving into the native origins of HSC production during embryonic development should supply the necessary playbook. This review presents recent discoveries from animal models, with a focus on zebrafish, and discusses the implications of these new advances in the context of prior knowledge. The focus is on the latest research exploring the role of epigenetic regulation, signaling pathways, and niche components needed for proper HSC formation. These studies provide new directions that should be explored for de novo generation and expansion of HSCs for regenerative therapies.
The pes ofAustralovenator wintonensis(Theropoda: Megaraptoridae): analysis of the pedal range of motion and biological restoration
Authors: White Matt A. , Cook Alex G. , Klinkhamer Ada J. , Elliott David A.
Published: August 2016

The pedal range of motion inAustralovenator wintonensisis investigated to determine what influence soft tissue had on range of motion in the foot. Fortunately, the theropod pes shares a close morphology with extant large cursorial birds. Therefore, to better understand the pedal range of motion ofAustralovenator, the pedal range of motion ofDromaius novaehollandiae(commonly known as the emu) was analysed with and without soft tissue. We used a variety of innovative digital techniques to analyse the range of motion and biologically restore theAustralovenatorpes. Computed tomography scans ofDromaiuspes in fully flexed and fully extended positions provided the soft tissue range of motion limits. The bone on bone range of motion of the same specimen was replicated following the removal of soft tissue. It was identified that there was an increase in range of motion potential with the removal of soft tissue. This variation provided a guide to develop the potential range of motion of a fully fleshedAustralovenatorpes. Additionally, the dissection of theDromaiuspes provided a guide enabling the replication of the corresponding soft tissue and keratin sheaths of theAustralovenatorpes.
Initial Japanese Experience of Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Using a New Robot-Assisted System
Authors: Okamoto Hirotaka , Maruyama Suguru , Fujii Hideki
Published: August 2016

The object of this paper is to clarify the feasibility and safety of robot-assisted laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Acute or chronic cholecystitis is the most common disease in patients, caused by cholecystolithiasis. Minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery is often performed for treatment of cholelithiasis. We performed robot-assisted laparoscopic cholecystectomy for the treatment of 5 patients with cholecystolithiasis. The patient underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy using the ViKY Endo-Control System (ViKY, EndoControl, Grenoble, France). The robot-controlled laparoscopic holder was placed at the right axilla. The laparoscopic operation was performed via conventional 4-port access using the ViKY system with voice activation. All patients were treated successfully by this robot-assisted laparoscopic procedure, without any complications. Mean docking time using the ViKY was 16 minutes, mean resection time of the gallbladder was 62.2 minutes, operative time was 94.6 minutes, and the mean amount of the blood loss was minimal. Our initial experience demonstrated that robot-assisted laparoscopy was feasible and safe in patients with cholecystolithiasis, providing patient advantages. We also discuss the advantages and disadvantages of robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery.
Phase Engineering in a Twin‐Phase β/γ‐MoCx Lightweight Nanoflower with Matched Fermi Level for Enhancing Electron Transport Across the Polarized Interfaces in Electromagnetic Wave Attenuation
Authors: Liu Tong , Wang Chong , Zhang Xingxing , Huo Haoyang , Li Hao , Zhang Wentong , Ren Mingfei , Yan Chenzhengzhe , Huang Hai , Huang Wenhuan
Published: September 2024

The phase engineering of the polarization interface is of great significance in modifying dielectric loss in electromagnetic wave (EMW) attenuation process, but hard to conduct in a complex hybrid system. Herein, a twin‐phase of β/γ‐MoCx@CN with matched Fermi level and closed work function properties in lightweight MoCx nanoflower is constructed, facilitating electron transport withdraw enhanced conductivity and polarization. Moreover, the EMW multiple dissipations among the β/γ‐MoCx@CN polarization interface is promoted, displaying better matched impedance. It delivered a remarkable minimum reflection loss (RLmin) of −74.2 dB at the thickness of 1.5 mm, which far beyond the single phased β‐MoCx@CN, γ‐MoCx@CN and reported MoCx‐based EMW absorbers. The radar cross‐section (RCS) map of β/γ‐MoCx@CN is simulated, showing a brilliant maximum reduction value of 13.6 dB m2 at the theta angle of 30°. This work presented an excellent sample of atomic‐level manipulation of interfacial polarization in dielectric MoCx EMW absorption materials.
Flexible Crossbar Molecular Devices with Patterned EGaIn Top Electrodes for Integrated All‐Molecule‐Circuit Implementation
Authors: Cao Zhou , Xie Yu , Lin Jin‐Liang , Zhong Shuai , Yan Chenshuai , Yang Zhenyu , Li Mingyao , Zhou Ziming , Peng Wuxian , Qiu Shengzhe , Liu Junyang , Li Yuan
Published: September 2024

Here, a unique crossbar architecture is designed and fabricated, incorporating vertically integrated self‐assembled monolayers in electronic devices. This architecture is used to showcase 100 individual vertical molecular junctions on a single chip with a high yield of working junctions and high device uniformity. The study introduces a transfer approach for patterned liquid‐metal eutectic alloy of gallium and indium top electrodes, enabling the creation of fully flexible molecular devices with electrical functionalities. The devices exhibit excellent charge transport performance, sustain a high rectification ratio (>103), and stable endurance and retention properties, even when the devices are significantly bent. Furthermore, Boolean logic gates, including OR and AND gates, as well as half‐wave and full‐wave rectifying circuits, are successfully implemented. The unique design of the flexible molecular device represents a significant step in harnessing the potential of molecular devices for high‐density integration and possible molecule‐based computing.
The Liquid Metal Age: A Transition From Hg to Ga
Authors: Handschuh‐Wang Stephan , Wang Tao , Gancarz Tomasz , Liu Xiaorui , Wang Ben , He Bin , Dickey Michael D. , Wimmer Georg W. , Stadler Florian J.
Published: September 2024

This review offers an illuminating journey through the historical evolution and modern‐day applications of liquid metals, presenting a comprehensive view of their significance in diverse fields. Tracing the trajectory from mercury applications to contemporary innovations, the paper explores their pivotal role in industry and research. The analysis spans electrical switches, mechanical applications, electrodes, chemical synthesis, energy storage, thermal transport, electronics, and biomedicine. Each section examines the intricacies of liquid metal integration, elucidating their contributions to technological advancements and societal progress. Moreover, the review critically appraises the challenges and prospects inherent in liquid metal applications, addressing issues of recycling, corrosion management, device stability, economic feasibility, translational hurdles, and market dynamics. By delving into these complexities, the paper advances scholarly understanding and offers actionable insights for researchers, engineers, and policymakers. It aims to catalyze innovation, foster interdisciplinary collaboration, and promote liquid metal‐enabled solutions for societal needs. Through its comprehensive analysis and forward‐looking perspective, this review serves as a guide for navigating the landscape of liquid metal applications, bridging historical legacies with contemporary challenges, and highlighting the transformative potential of liquid metals in shaping future technologies.
Engineered Enucleated Mesenchymal Stem Cells Regulating Immune Microenvironment and Promoting Wound Healing
Authors: Chen Zhengtai , Zou Yang , Sun Hanxiao , He Yan , Ye Kai , Li Yi , Qiu Lihong , Mai Yuexue , Chen Xinghong , Mao Zhengwei , Yi Chenggang , Wang Wei
Published: September 2024

Persistent excessive inflammation caused by neutrophil and macrophage dysfunction in the wound bed leads to refractory response during wound healing. However, previous studies using cytokines or drugs often suffer from short half‐lives and limited targeting, resulting in unsatisfactory therapeutic effects. Herein, the enucleated mesenchymal stem cell is engineered by aptamer bioorthogonal chemistry to modify the cell membrane and mRNA loading in the cell cytoplasm as a novel delivery vector (Cargocyte) with accurate targeting and sustained cytokine secretion. Cargocytes can successfully reduce NETosis by targeting the nuclear chromatin protein DEK protein with aptamers and sustaining interleukin (IL)‐4 expression to overcome the challenges associated with the high cost and short half‐life of IL‐4 protein and significantly prevent the transition of macrophages into the M1 phenotype. Therapeutic effects have been demonstrated in murine and porcine wound models and have powerful potential to improve wound immune microenvironments effectively. Overall, the use of engineered enucleated mesenchymal stem cells as a delivery system may be a promising approach for wound healing.
Golden Guardians: Advanced pH Sensors with Built‐in Antimicrobial Defense
Authors: Justo‐Tirado Miguel , Pérez‐Herráez Irene , Dea‐Ayuela María Auxiliadora , Galiana Carolina , González‐García Jorge , Zaballos‐García Elena , Pérez‐Prieto Julia
Published: September 2024

Gold nanoclusters (Au NCs) capped with a small biomolecule, namely (+)‐norephedrine, (Au@Nore) display exceptional performance as fluorescent pH sensors. They display high emission quantum yield (ΦPL of ≈33% in strongly basic media); absence of nanocluster (NC) aggregation and/or induced rigidification of the organic shell; a linear dependency of their emission on the pH in the 8.2–9.5 range; and reversible pH sensing. In addition, excitation at 310 nm, where both the NC and the ligand absorb, enables ratiometric sensing. Studies on the fungus Candida albicans and bacterium Bacillus subtilis demonstrate that while Au@Nore do not cause any impact on the growth of the fungus, it inhibited the growth of the Bacillus, showing the lowest cell viability of 18% at the highest pH values via a mechanism of action involving the disruption of the bacterial wall.
Effects of Sterilization on Cellobiose Dehydrogenase and Glucose Oxidase Based Glucose Biosensors
Authors: Bennett Richard , Rathore Arvind , Gounel Sébastien , Lielpetere Anna , Reichhart Thomas M.B. , Jayakumar Kavita , Ludwig Roland , Felice Alfons K.G. , Leech Dónal , Schuhmann Wolfgang , Mount Andrew , Mano Nicolas , Boiziau Claudine
Published: September 2024

Research on implantable glucose biosensors is driven by the need for innovative medical devices for continuous glucose monitoring in patients with diabetes mellitus. However, biosensor sterilization is a step that is widely omitted during the process of innovation. To compare the effects of gamma irradiation and chemical treatment with ethylene oxide (carbon microarray electrodes are fabricated, functionalized with glucose oxidizing enzymes (cellobiose dehydrogenase CDH or glucose oxidase GOx), and coated with a specifically designed zwitterionic polymer prior to the sterilization step. Cyclic voltammetry in the presence of 100 mm glucose of the biosensors before and after sterilization shows that gamma irradiation with a low radiation rate (25 kGy, 260 Gy h−1) does not induce a sensor performance loss, unlike the EtO treatment. In addition, no cytotoxic by‐products are released after gamma sterilization. Based on these results obtained with both glucose oxidizing enzymes (CDH and GOx), gamma irradiation of the glucose biosensors with a low dose rate is preferable to exposure to EtO for biosensor terminal sterilization.
“Straw in the Clay Soil” Strategy: Anticarbon Corrosive Fluorine‐Decorated Graphene Nanoribbons@CNT Composite for Long‐Term PEMFC
Authors: Jin Song , Kwon JunHwa , Lee Jong Min , Kim Ye‐Rim , Albers Justin Georg , Choi Young‐Woo , Choi Sung Mook , Eom KwangSup , Seo Min Ho
Published: September 2024

Carbon corrosion poses a significant challenge in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), leading to reduced cell performance due to catalyst layer degradation and catalyst detachment from electrodes. A promising approach to address this issue involves incorporating an anticorrosive carbon material into the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) electrode, even in small quantities (≈3 wt% in electrode). Herein, the successful synthesis of fluorine‐doped graphene nanoribbons (F‐GNR) incorporated with graphitic carbon nanotubes (F‐GNR@CNT), demonstrating robust resistance to carbon corrosion is reported. By controlling the synthesis conditions using an exfoliation method, the properties of the composite are tailored. Electronic structural studies, employing density functional theory (DFT) calculations, to elucidate the roles of fluorine dopants and graphitic carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in mitigating carbon corrosion are conducted. Physicochemical and electrochemical characterization of F‐GNR@CNT reveal its effectiveness as a cathode additive at the single‐cell scale. The addition of F‐GNR@CNT to the Pt/C cathode improves durability by enhancing carbon corrosion resistance and water management, thus mitigating the flooding effect through tailored surface properties. Furthermore, advanced impedance analysis using a transmission line model is performed to gain insights into the internal resistance and capacitive properties of electrode structure.
Direct Precursor Route for the Fabrication of LLZO Composite Cathodes for Solid‐State Batteries
Authors: Kiyek Vivien , Schwab Christian , Scheld Walter Sebastian , Roitzheim Christoph , Lindner Adrian , Menesklou Wolfgang , Finsterbusch Martin , Fattakhova‐Rohlfing Dina , Guillon Olivier
Published: September 2024

Solid–state batteries based on Li7La3Zr2O12 (LLZO) garnet electrolyte are a robust and safe alternative to conventional lithium‐ion batteries. However, the large‐scale implementation of ceramic composite cathodes is still challenging due to a complex multistep manufacturing process. A new one‐step route for the direct synthesis of LLZO during the manufacturing of LLZO/LiCoO2 (LCO) composite cathodes based on cheap precursors and utilizing the industrially established tape casting process is presented. It is shown that Al, Ta:LLZO can be formed directly in the presence of LCO from metal oxide precursors (LiOH, La2O3, ZrO2, Al2O3, and Ta2O5) by heating to 1050 °C, eliminating the time‐ and energy‐consuming synthesis of preformed LLZO powders. In addition, performance‐optimized gradient microstructures can be produced by sequential casting of slurries with different compositions, resulting in dense and flat phase‐pure cathodes without unwanted ion interdiffusion or secondary phase formation. Freestanding cathodes with a thickness of 85 µm, a relative density of 95%, and an industrial relevant LCO loading of 15 mg show an initial capacity of 82 mAh g−1 (63% of the theoretical capacity of LCO) in a solid‐state cell with Li metal anodes, which is comparable to conventional LCO/LLZO cathodes and can be further improved in the future.
Data‐Driven Materials Research and Development for Functional Coatings
Authors: Xu Kai , Xiao Xuelian , Wang Linjing , Lou Ming , Wang Fangming , Li Changheng , Ren Hui , Wang Xue , Chang Keke
Published: September 2024

Functional coatings, including organic and inorganic coatings, play a vital role in various industries by providing a protective layer and introducing unique functionalities. However, its design often involves time‐consuming experimentation with multiple materials and processing parameters. To overcome these limitations, data‐driven approaches are gaining traction in materials science. In this paper, recent advances in data‐driven materials research and development (R&D) for functional coatings, highlighting the importance, data sources, working processes, and applications of this paradigm are summarized. It is begun by discussing the challenges of traditional methods, then introduce typical data‐driven processes. It is demonstrated how data‐driven approaches enable the identification of correlations between input parameters and coating performance, thus allowing for efficient prediction and design. Furthermore, carefully selected case studies are presented across diverse industries that exemplify the effectiveness of data‐driven methods in accelerating the discovery of new functional coatings with tailored properties. Finally, the emerging research directions, involving integrating advanced techniques and data from different sources, are addressed. Overall, this review provides an overview of data‐driven materials R&D for functional coatings, shedding light on its potential and future developments.
Periodic Domain Inversion in Single Crystal Barium Titanate‐on‐Insulator Thin Film
Authors: Aashna Pragati , Lin Hong‐Lin , Cao Yu , Yin Yuhui , Gao Yuan , Mohanraj Sakthi Sanjeev , Zhu Di , Danner Aaron
Published: September 2024

Experimentally achieving the first‐ever electric field periodic poling of single crystal barium titanate oxide (BTO, or BaTiO3) thin film on‐insulator is reported. Owing to the outstanding optical nonlinearities of BTO, this result is a key step toward achieving quasi‐phase‐matching (QPM). First, the BTO thin film is grown on a dysprosium scandate substrate using pulsed laser deposition with a thin layer of strontium ruthenate later serving as the bottom electrode for poling. The characterization of the BTO thin film using x‐ray diffraction (XRD) and piezo‐response force microscopy to demonstrate single crystal, single domain growth of the film that enables the desired periodic poling, are presented. To investigate the poling quality, both non‐destructive piezo force response microscopy and destructive etching‐assisted scanning electron microscopy (SEM) are applied, and it is shown that high quality, uniform, and intransient poling with 50% duty cycle and periods ranging from 2 µm to 10 µm is achieved. The successful realization of periodic poling in BTO thin film unlocks the potential for highly efficient nonlinear processes under QPM that seemed far‐fetched with prior polycrystalline BTO thin films which predominantly relied on efficiency‐limited random or non‐phase matching conditions and is a key step toward integration of BTO photonic devices.
Interface Energy‐Level Reorganization for Efficient Perovskite γ‐Ray Detectors
Authors: Feng Yanxing , Chen Quanlin , Yan Xinlong , Fu Xinliang , Wang Di , Ding Zijin , Li Saisai , Geng Cong , Gao Linyue , Zhang Jia , Yang Fan , Qaid Saif M. H. , Gao Shuyan , Jiang Yuanzhi , Yuan Mingjian
Published: September 2024

Metal halide perovskites are promising candidates for gamma‐ray (γ‐ray) spectrum detectors. However, achieving high‐resolution energy spectra in single‐photon pulse‐height analysis mode remains challenging, due to the inevitable leakage currents degrade the recognizable fingerprint energies which is critical for resolving γ‐ray spectroscopy. We demonstrate under high bias voltage, a deficient contact barrier can lead to excessive surface charge injection, thereby increasing leakage current from electrodes to perovskites. Hence, we conceive to employ surface ligand engineering on perovskite single crystals to manipulate energy levels to suppress leakage current. In particular, anchoring a strong dipole ligand onto the perovskite induced surface charge‐density displacement, leading to a downward band bending and heightened the corresponding contact barrier. Consequently, the strategy minimized the detectors’ leakage current by an order of magnitude, to as low as 44 nA cm−2 at −100 V. The resulting detectors show a significant improvement in energy resolution, 3.9 % for 22Na 511 keV γ‐rays has been achieved at room temperature. The resulting detector further resolves each fingerprint energy for 152Eu γ‐spectrum, representing one of the best γ‐rays perovskite detectors reported to date. Moreover, the detectors exhibited stabilized energy resolution without any degradation under a continuous electric field (1,000 V cm−1) for over 300 minutes, representing the longest longevity reported to date.
Synthesis and characterization of epoxy resin‐polydicyclopentadiene interpenetrating polymer networks by UV‐initiated simultaneously frontal polymerization
Authors: Yuan Zhenjie , Huang Siqi , Chen Wenduo , Jiang Dazhi
Published: September 2024

By combination of UV curing and frontal polymerization, interpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs) based on diglycidyl ether of bisphenol‐A (DGEBA) epoxy resin and polydicyclopentadiene (PDCPD) were prepared by UV‐induced simultaneously frontal polymerization in this paper. Compared with the net DGEBA cured polymer, the tensile strength, elongation at break and impact strength of the IPNs were simultaneously improved. The maximum tensile strength and elongation at break of the IPNs reached 100 MPa and 4.64%, respectively, and the maximum impact strength reached 7.34KJ/m2 with an improvement of 115.2% over that of the net DGEBA cured polymer. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) results revealed that the IPNs could enhance the thermal stability. Data of the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and TGA testing shows that the IPN shows a single glass transition temperature (Tg) which is between the Tg of DGEBA and DCPD, indicating homogeneous phase and highly cross‐linked IPN formed. Morphologies and molecular structure of the IPNs polymer were observed by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), respectively, whose results also proved the formation of ideal IPNs structures.
Increasing the Magnetic Transition Dipole Moment of Chiral Perovskite Through Eu3+ Doping
Authors: Zeng Zhichao , Lu Haolin , Yang Zhengwei , Wu Haolin , Zhang Chuang , Long Guankui , Du Yaping
Published: September 2024

Chiral hybrid organic‐inorganic perovskites (HOIPs) are widely investigated due to their superior chiroptical and chiral spintronic properties. Research on the enhancement of chiroptical performance is highly important for the real application of chiral HOIPs. This work employed a rare earth doping strategy to increase the magnetic transition dipole moment of chiral 2D HOIPs R‐/S‐NPB (NPB = 1‐(1‐naphthyl) ethylammonium lead bromide). Doping with Eu3+ does not change the original layered NPB microstructure, and R‐/S‐NPB‐Eu exhibited the magnetic dipole‐allowed transition luminescence of Eu3+ at 594 nm (5D0→7F1). Circular polarized luminescence (CPL) spectra combined with theoretical calculations and transient photoluminescence measurements indicated that the introduction of Eu3+ can enhance the magnetic transition dipole moment of R‐/S‐NPB, thus resulting in an unprecedented glum of 0.05. To the best of our knowledge, this is the highest value for chiral perovskite films. This work combines the unique and superior optoelectronic properties of rare‐earth ions with chiral perovskite and develops an efficient strategy to increase its anisotropy factor, which can accelerate the development of chiral optoelectronics and spintronics towards real application.