bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Incidence of Neonatal Hypothermia in the Newborn Nursery and Associated Factors
Authors: Dang Rebecca , Patel Anisha I. , Weng Yingjie , Schroeder Alan R. , Lee Henry C. , Aby Janelle , Frymoyer Adam
Published: August 2023

Importance

Thermoregulation is a key component of well-newborn care. There is limited epidemiologic data on hypothermia in late preterm and term infants admitted to the nursery. Expanding on these data is essential for advancing evidence-based care in a population that represents more than 3.5 million births per year in the US.

Objective

To examine the incidence and factors associated with hypothermia in otherwise healthy infants admitted to the newborn nursery following delivery.

Design, Setting, and Participants

A retrospective cohort study using electronic health record data from May 1, 2015, to August 31, 2021, was conducted at a newborn nursery at a university-affiliated children’s hospital. Participants included 23 549 infants admitted to the newborn nursery, from which 321 060 axillary and rectal temperature values were analyzed.

Exposures

Infant and maternal clinical and demographic factors.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Neonatal hypothermia was defined according to the World Health Organization threshold of temperature less than 36.5 °C. Hypothermia was further classified by severity (mild: single episode, temperature 36.0-36.4 °C; moderate/severe: persistent or recurrent hypothermia and/or temperature <36.0 °C) and timing (early: all hypothermic episodes occurred within the first 24 hours after birth; late: any episode extended beyond the first 24 hours).

Results

Of 23 549 included infants (male, 12 220 [51.9%]), 5.6% were late preterm (35-36 weeks’ gestation) and 4.3% were low birth weight (≤2500 g). The incidence of mild hypothermia was 17.1% and the incidence of moderate/severe hypothermia was 4.6%. Late hypothermia occurred in 1.8% of infants. Lower birth weight and gestational age and Black and Asian maternal race and ethnicity had the highest adjusted odds across all classifications of hypothermia. The adjusted odds ratios of moderate/severe hypothermia were 5.97 (95% CI 4.45-8.00) in infants with a birth weight less than or equal to 2500 vs 3001 to 3500 g, 3.17 (95% CI 2.24-4.49) in 35 week’ vs 39 weeks’ gestation, and 2.65 (95% CI 1.78-3.96) in infants born to Black mothers and 1.94 (95% CI 1.61-2.34) in infants born to Asian mothers vs non-Hispanic White mothers.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cohort study of infants in the inpatient nursery, hypothermia was common, and the incidence varied by hypothermia definition applied. Infants of lower gestational age and birth weight and those born to Black and Asian mothers carried the highest odds of hypothermia. These findings suggest that identifying biological, structural, and social determinants of hypothermia is essential for advancing evidence-based equitable thermoregulatory care.
Estimating Sepsis Incidence Using Administrative Data and Clinical Medical Record Review
Authors: Mellhammar Lisa , Wollter Erik , Dahlberg Jacob , Donovan Benjamin , Olséen Carl-Johan , Wiking Per Ola , Rose Norman , Schwarzkopf Daniel , Friedrich Marcus , Fleischmann-Struzek Carolin , Reinhart Konrad , Linder Adam
Published: August 2023

Importance

Despite the large health burden, reliable data on sepsis epidemiology are lacking; studies using International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD)–coded hospital discharge diagnosis for sepsis identification suffer from limited sensitivity. Also, ICD data do not allow investigation of underlying pathogens and antimicrobial resistance.

Objectives

To generate reliable epidemiological estimates by linking data from a population-based database to a reference standard of clinical medical record review.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This was a retrospective, observational cohort study using a population-based administrative database including all acute care hospitals of the Scania region in Sweden in 2019 and 2020 to identify hospital-treated sepsis cases by ICD codes. From this database, clinical medical records were also selected for review within 6 strata defined by ICD discharge diagnosis (both with and without sepsis diagnosis). Data were analyzed from April to October 2022.

Main outcomes and measures

Hospital and population incidences of sepsis, case fatality, antimicrobial resistance, and temporal dynamics due to COVID-19 were assessed, as well as validity of ICD-10 case identification methods compared with the reference standard of clinical medical record review.

Results

Out of 295 531 hospitalizations in 2019 in the Scania region of Sweden, 997 patient medical records were reviewed, among which 457 had sepsis according to clinical criteria. Of the patients with clinical sepsis, 232 (51%) were female, and 357 (78%) had at least 1 comorbidity. The median (IQR) age of the cohort was 76 (67-85) years. The incidence of sepsis in hospitalized patients according to the Third International Consensus Definitions for Sepsis and Septic Shock (Sepsis-3) criteria in 2019 was 4.1% (95% CI, 3.6-4.5) by medical record review. This corresponds to an annual incidence rate of 747 (95% CI, 663-832) patients with sepsis per 100 000 population. No significant increase in sepsis during the COVID-19 pandemic nor a decrease in sepsis incidence when excluding COVID-19 sepsis was observed. Few sepsis cases caused by pathogens with antimicrobial resistance were found. The validity of ICD-10–based case identification in administrative data was low.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cohort study of sepsis epidemiology, sepsis was a considerable burden to public health in Sweden. Supplying administrative data with information from clinical medical records can help to generate reliable data on sepsis epidemiology.
Peak load characteristics of aggregated demand in a residential building in Osaka, Japan
Authors: Toosty Nishat Tasnim , Ono Tetsushi , Shimoda Shota , Hagishima Aya
Published: August 2023

A statistical analysis of the 2‐year electricity consumption of 479 dwellings in a residential building was conducted to determine annual peak events and their contributing factors for four different aggregations of sizes 3, 10, 50, and 479. The diverse U‐shaped relationships between outdoor temperature and peak demand occurrence and the impact of the part of the week/year were identified for different aggregation sizes using generalized linear models and generalized linear mixed models. Furthermore, the contribution of each appliance on reducing the annual peak demand according to the aggregation size was clarified. The result indicates the significant demand response potential of living/dining room outlets and air conditioners, with a 15%–25% contribution to the peak demand in the interquartile range (IQR), regardless of the aggregation level. In addition, refrigerators contributed 10%–15% to the peak demand for the aggregation of sizes 10 and 479.
Autism and the Autism Spectrum: Diagnostic Concepts
Authors: Volkmar Fred R. , Reichow Brian , Westphal Alexander , Mandell David S.
Published: August 2023

The development of various diagnostic concepts and their continued refinement have enriched both clinical work and research. The proposal inDSM‐5for reconceptualization of a new “autism spectrum” disorder concept has some merit as well as some potential limitations. Clearly, major changes impact clinical work and research (particularly research involving longitudinal or epidemiological samples). It seems likely that we are entering a period in which a range of diagnostic approaches will be used; whether this will help or hinder research remains an important question.
Outcomes in Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Howlin Patricia
Published: August 2023

Even with improved diagnosis and treatment in recent years, studies show that less than 20\% of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are considered to have a Good/Very Good outcome in adulthood. Variables affecting long‐term prognosis include IQ, development of some useful language by age 5 or 6, severity of autistic symptoms, early intervention, and access to support networks in adulthood. Specific concerns for adults with ASD are mental health, mortality and life expectancy, deterioration with age, and what constitutes a good quality of life.
Issues and Interventions for Autism Spectrum Disorders During Adolescence and Beyond
Authors: Koegel Lynn Kern , Koegel Robert L. , Miller Amber R. , Detar Whitney J.
Published: August 2023

Individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) can benefit from interventions beyond early childhood. In middle school and high school, effective interventions include priming, motivational procedures to improve academic performance, self‐management, video modeling, and peer mediated interventions. In adulthood, individuals with ASD benefit from supported employment opportunities and access to higher education. Further research should be conducted on using video modeling to teach real‐life skills such as social conversation, friendship making, self‐presentation, and daily living.
Social Development in Autism
Authors: Davis Naomi Ornstein , Carter Alice S.
Published: August 2023

Social dysfunction is a hallmark, if not the hallmark, of autism. In typical development, infants develop immediate social relationships with caregivers, starting with basic skills such as eye gaze and social smiling. In autism, basic social behaviors (specifically eye gaze, imitation, and joint attention) are impaired. However, results from across studies indicate that many individuals with autism can learn these social skills in response to appropriate interventions. Further research is needed to explain the social behaviors for an individual and ways to facilitate growth.
Imitation in Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Vivanti Giacomo , Hamilton Antonia
Published: August 2023

Imitation plays a central role in social and cognitive development. A substantial number of studies have documented differences in the way individuals with autism imitate others. These differences include a reduced frequency of spontaneous imitation and a diminished accuracy of imitative performance. Abnormalities are more pronounced with imitation tasks involving actions that are unfamiliar and do not have a clear goal. Moreover, imitation performance appears to decrease as the social‐processing and motor demands in the task increase. The nature, causes, and treatment of imitation differences in ASD are discussed.
Neuropsychological Characteristics of Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Tsatsanis Katherine D. , Powell Kelly
Published: August 2023

One unequivocal characteristic of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is phenotypic heterogeneity. Clinical work and research concerning neuropsychological profiles in ASD reveal uneven profiles, with specific assets and deficits both across and within domains of function. Learning pathways or cognitive profiles of individuals with ASD will have unique characteristics. Treatment approaches may be enhanced when the core areas of strength and vulnerability are identified and evaluated across stages of development. An appreciation of the neuropsychological characteristics of ASD may be relevant not only to studies of pathogenesis, but also to enhancing understanding of how the individual acquires and processes information and in turn forms an internal representation of the world.
Autism and Emotion
Authors: Hobson R. Peter
Published: August 2023

In the first description of the syndrome of autism, Kanner (1943) considered that “disturbances of affective contact” are central to the disorder. This idea has received fresh interest with the recognition that cognitive theories of autism fail to deal with important aspects of the children's limitations in personal relatedness. The challenge is to specify and then measure what affect perception and expression as well as “affective contact” entail, to determine what is missing or unusual in these respects among children with autism, and to trace the developmental implications, not least for the growth of self‐awareness.
Sensory Features in Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Baranek Grace T. , Little Lauren M. , Diane Parham L. , Ausderau Karla K. , Sabatos‐DeVito Maura G.
Published: August 2023

Sensory features (i.e., unusual behavioral responses to sensory stimuli) are highly prevalent and heterogeneous across individuals with ASD. From a developmental perspective, sensory response patterns are associated with and have cascading effects on other core symptoms in ASD. Burgeoning research using novel technologies is beginning to uncover the nature and pathogenesis of these features. As sensory issues often demonstrate a functional impact on adaptive behavior, social participation, and well‐being, it is important that the evidence base for clinical interventions continues to grow.
Biochemical Biomarkers for Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Anderson George M.
Published: August 2023

Biochemical biomarker studies of ASD individuals have been undertaken in order to identify biochemical alterations that might advance the understanding of the atypical neurodevelopment seen in ASD. In addition, there is the promise that biochemical biomarkers might be useful in predicting risk and in subtyping. Most of the studies to date have examined neurochemical biomarkers related to neural transmission in the central and peripheral nervous systems. We first deal with neurochemical studies measuring levels of neurotransmitters, their metabolites, and associated enzymes in blood, urine, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Separate sections cover serotonin, dopamine, and stress response systems (including the central noradrenergic, sympathoadrenomedullary, and hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal axis systems). Following sections review research on melatonin, sex hormones, neuropeptides including oxytocin, amino acids and acetylcholine, purines and related compounds, immune‐related measures, oxidative stress/redox status, and “omics” research.
The Neuropathology of Autism
Authors: Casanova Manuel F.
Published: August 2023

The multitude of neuropathological results in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) should be critically assessed taking into consideration the use of medications, comorbidities, and the agonal/preagonal condition of the patients. The often‐quoted Purkinje cell loss, in many cases, may be a reactive phenomenon to seizures and/or usage of anticonvulsant medications. There is, however, a convergence of clinical and neuropathological evidence that indicates developmental abnormalities of the cerebral cortex in ASD. The presence of heterotopias, laminar effacement, and a minicolumnopathy suggest irregularities both of germinal cell divisions and in the subsequent migration of daughter cells. Clinical heterogeneity may be dictated by variability in the interplay between exogenous factors, genetic vulnerability, and the timing during brain development that frame the action of the multifactorial components.
Medical Care in Autism and Related Conditions
Authors: Volkmar Fred R. , Rowberry Justin , Vinck‐Baroody Oana De , R. Gupta Abha , Leung Jennifer , Meyers Judith , Vaswani Nita , Wiesner Lisa A.
Published: August 2023

By its very nature autism poses significant challenges for provision of health care. These arise from the individual with autism, from a complex and often fragmented health care system, and from a lack of information on the part of health care providers. For persons with autism, the long‐term goal is to help the individual participate as much as possible in the process of getting good health care and leading a healthy lifestyle. To this end there is an emphasis on preventive care, use of the medical home model, and attention to medical problems more frequently associated with autism.
Comprehensive Treatment Models for Children and Youth With Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Odom Samuel L.
Published: August 2023

Comprehensive treatment models (CTMs) have a long history as sources for intervention, therapeutic, and educational services for children and youth with ASD and their families. The original models have evolved and new CTMs have been developed based on a variety of theoretical and conceptual frameworks. While great emphasis is still placed on operationalization, a greater awareness of the need for accurate measurement of fidelity and implementation has emerged. Replications or utilizations of CTMs may well increase in the future through the more accurate measurement of implementation and the lessons currently being learned from the broader field of implementation science. Accompanying such increases is the continued need for examinations of efficacy of CTMs by the purveyor and the evaluation of scaled‐up implementation of CTMs by researchers other than the purveyor. Such evidence will strengthen the argument for adoption of CTMs by programs for use in everyday practice, although adoption will also be influenced by community and sociopolitical contexts.
Supporting Mainstream Educational Success
Authors: Simmons Elizabeth Schoen , Lanter Elizabeth , Lyons Megan C.
Published: August 2023

Given the prevalence of autism spectrum disorder and significant policy changes to special education legislation, upwards of half of students with ASD will be educated in a mainstream setting. The heterogeneity of this population requires educators and specialists to be knowledgeable on a variety of instructional supports and interventions to meet these learners' diverse needs. These strategies range from traditional behaviorally based interventions to more contemporary approaches involving technology. Utilizing these available supports provides access to the curriculum, typically developing peer models, and ultimately improved likelihood of academic success for students with autism spectrum disorder.
Relative thoracic changes from supine to upright patient position: A proton collaborative group study
Authors: Marano Joseph , Kissick Michael W. , Underwood Tracy S. A. , Laub Steven J. , Lis Michelle , Schreuder Andries N. , Kreydick Brad , Pankuch Mark
Published: August 2023

This study presents position changes of a few radiotherapy‐relevant thoracic organs between upright and typical supine patient orientations. Using tools in a commercial treatment planning system (TPS), key anatomical distances were measured for four‐dimensional CT data sets and analyzed for the two patient orientations. The uncertainty was calculated as the 95% confidence interval (CI) on the relative difference for each of the four analyzed changes for upright relative to supine, as follows: the distance of the bottom of the heart to the top of the sternum, it changed +2.6% or +4 mm (95% CI [+0.30%,+4.9%]); the distance of the center of the C3 vertebra to the backrest, it changed +29% (95% CI [+22%,+36%]); the contoured left and right lungs increased their volumes respectively: +17% (95% CI [+12%,+21%]) for the left, and +9.9% (95% CI [+4.1%,+16%]); and lastly, the distance from the top of the sternum to the top of the liver, but its uncertainty far exceeded the average change by a factor of two. This last result is therefore inconclusive, the others show that with 95% confidence that a change in internal positions is observed for lung volumes and heart position that could be important for upright treatments.
Therapeutic targeting ofALSpathways: Refocusing an incomplete picture
Authors: Maragakis Nicholas J. , de Carvalho Mamede , Weiss Michael D.
Published: August 2023

Numerous potential amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)‐relevant pathways have been hypothesized and studied preclinically, with subsequent translation to clinical trial. However, few successes have been observed with only modest effects. Along with an improved but incomplete understanding of ALS as a neurodegenerative disease is the evolution of more sophisticated and diverse in vitro and in vivo preclinical modeling platforms, as well as clinical trial designs. We highlight proposed pathological pathways that have been major therapeutic targets for investigational compounds. It is likely that the failures of so many of these therapeutic compounds may not have occurred because of lack of efficacy but rather because of a lack of preclinical modeling that would help define an appropriate disease pathway, as well as a failure to establish target engagement. These challenges are compounded by shortcomings in clinical trial design, including lack of biomarkers that could predict clinical success and studies that are underpowered. Although research investments have provided abundant insights into new ALS‐relevant pathways, most have not yet been developed more fully to result in clinical study. In this review, we detail some of the important, well‐established pathways, the therapeutics targeting them, and the subsequent clinical design. With an understanding of some of the shortcomings in translational efforts over the last three decades of ALS investigation, we propose that scientists and clinicians may choose to revisit some of these therapeutic pathways reviewed here with an eye toward improving preclinical modeling, biomarker development, and the investment in more sophisticated clinical trial designs.
PEDOT:PSS/Natural Rubber Latex Inks for Screen‐Printing Multifunctional Wearable Strain–Humidity Sensors
Authors: Ren Ting , Yang Hui , Zhang Jizhen , Lv Ke , Kong Derui , Jiang Fengqing , Chang Yuying , Yu Ping , Tao Jinlong , Wang Di , Kong Na , Shao Yanqiu
Published: August 2023

Wearable strain–humidity sensors are increasingly recognized for their role in healthcare and detecting human motion signals. However, many strain–humidity sensors require complex manufacturing processes and have limited applicability. In this study, based on the good miscibility between natural rubber latex (NRL) and poly (3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):poly (4‐styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS), PEDOT:PSS/NRL composite conductors are transferred onto fabric substrate through screen printing and prepared high‐performance strain–humidity sensor. The PEDOT:PSS/NRL blends strain–humidity sensor exhibited good stability and durability (500 cycles) at 10% strain, achieves a gauge factor (GF) of 123.8 with excellent linearity, making it operational in detecting various human motions, such as finger bending, elbow bending, wrist bending, and so on. In addition, the PEDOT:PSS and water molecules interaction results in a humidity response time as low as 0.72 s and recovery time as low as 0.85 s for the PEDOT:PSS/NRL composite strain–humidity sensor, and a wide relative humidity detection range (6–83%), allowing it to be utilized for precise detection of human breathing. Furthermore, it can monitor the use's joint movement, facial muscle movement, and respiratory rate, which show its potential application prospect in health monitoring.
Expanding the Perovskite Periodic Table to Include Chalcogenide Alloys with Tunable Band Gap Spanning 1.5–1.9 eV
Authors: Sadeghi Ida , Van Sambeek Jack , Simonian Tigran , Xu Michael , Ye Kevin , Cai Tao , Nicolosi Valeria , LeBeau James M. , Jaramillo Rafael
Published: August 2023

Optoelectronic technologies are based on families of semiconductor alloys. It is rare that a new semiconductor alloy family is developed to the point where epitaxial growth is possible; since the 1950s, this has happened approximately once per decade. Herein, this work demonstrates epitaxial thin film growth of semiconducting chalcogenide perovskite alloys in the Ba‐Zr‐S‐Se system by gas‐source molecular beam epitaxy (MBE).  This work stabilizes the full range y = 0 − 3 of compositions BaZrS(3‐y)Sey in the perovskite structure. The resulting films are environmentally stable and the direct band gap (Eg) varies strongly with Se content, as predicted by theory, with Eg = 1.9 − 1.5 eV for y =  0 − 3. This creates possibilities for visible and near‐infrared (VIS–NIR) optoelectronics, solid‐state lighting, and solar cells using chalcogenide perovskites.
Carbon‐Dot‐Mediated Highly Efficient Visible‐Driven Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution Coupled with Organic Oxidation
Authors: Chen Qitao , Liu Yanhong , Mao Baodong , Wu Zhenyu , Yan Weicheng , Zhang Dongxu , Li Qian , Huang Hui , Kang Zhenhui , Shi Weidong
Published: August 2023

Photocatalytic hydrogen evolution coupled with organic oxidation reaction is a promising alternative to water splitting, where the efficiency is limited due to the weak correlation between charge separation and surface redox reactions. Here, employing nickel phthalocyanine (NiPc) for hole extraction, NiPc‐modified carbon dots (CDs) are combined with Cu–In–Zn–S quantum dots (CIZS QDs) toward a profound understanding of electron/hole extraction and surface proton generation and reduction. The optimal hydrogen evolution rate reaches 4.10 mmol g−1 h−1 for CIZS/NiPc–CDs with l‐ascorbic acid for hole consumption, 8.10 times to that of CIZS QDs, which is further promoted to 11.12 mmol g−1 h−1 under electron/hole coextraction with Ni2+ introduction. For benzyl‐alcohol‐oxidation‐coupled H2 evolution, this strategy shows a more dramatic activity enhancement (19.54 times), which is also appliable to methanol‐ or furfuryl‐alcohol‐oxidation coupling systems with state‐of‐the‐art activities. Transient photovoltage spectroscopy and apparent kinetics analysis indicate, for the first time, a light‐induced electrocatalysis effect consistent with the Volmer–Heyrovsky process, which establishes a quasiquantitative basis for balancing charge extraction and surface reactions.
Cationic–Anionic Redox Chemistry in Multivalent Metal‐Ion Batteries: Recent Advances, Reaction Mechanism, Advanced Characterization Techniques, and Prospects
Authors: Xue Xiaolan , Huang Tianlong , Zhang Yang , Qi Jiqiu , Wei Fuxiang , Sui Yanwei , Jin Zhong
Published: August 2023

Rechargeable multivalent metal‐ion batteries (MMIBs) have garnered a surge of attention as competitive candidates for large‐scale energy storage applications owing to their high capacity, abundant resources, and good security. However, their practical implementation is still stuck at the prototype stage, mainly plagued with the lack of suitable cathode materials capable of reversible insertion/extraction of multivalent ions and the intrinsically complicated redox reaction mechanism. Recently, anionic redox chemistry has shown to be an effective strategy to increase energy density, providing a new research direction for the next generation of high‐energy rechargeable batteries. Unfortunately, anion redox chemistry has not received sufficient attention in MMIBs so far. Here, the fundamental principle and mechanism of anionic redox reactions in MMIBs are discussed and the recent advances regarding cathode materials based on cooperative cationic–anionic redox (CCAR) mechanism are summarized. Additionally, various advanced characterization techniques for studying the anionic redox process are highlighted, aiming to effectively illustrate the underlying reaction mechanism. Finally, challenges and perspectives for the future research on cationic–anionic redox chemistry in MMIBs are proposed. Insight into the significance of CCAR chemistry is provided here in MMIBs, presenting a new avenue for the development of high‐energy‐density cathode materials for MMIBs.
Multifunctional Hydrogel Sensor with Curved Macro Cracks: A Strategy for High Sensitivity and Wide Detection Range
Authors: Guo Yuhan , Guo Haoyu , Han Yuwei , Chen Xi , Liu Jinyuan , Yang Meng , Lu Tongqing , Luo Junrong , Tao Ran , Yang Qingsheng , Jia Kun
Published: August 2023

Multi‐sensing in simple devices, but with a high sensitivity and a large detection range, is desirable for soft machines. Stretchable sensors based on the resistance changes of bulk ionic hydrogels are inherently limited by the single function and low sensitivity at small deformations. Here, a design enabled by a highly cracked hydrogel (HCHG) that is hypersensitive to tensile strain, bending, and tactile force in a wide range is proposed. The mechanism relies on the continuous sharp changes of the cross‐sectional area flowing ionic current when pre‐cut curved cracks are closed/opened by external load. The high fracture toughness of the hydrogel inhibits the crack propagation, making the sensing robust. By designing the crack patterns, sensitivities of 80 for 0–20% tensile strain and 0.45 kPa−1 for tactile force are achieved. Compared to the sensor made from bulk hydrogel, the sensitivities are enhanced by two and three orders of magnitude, respectively, meanwhile the detectable strain range is maintained (up to 215%). A sandwich design is also developed to distinguish elongation, compression, and bending. Applications of HCHG sensors in manipulating a robotic arm and nondestructive grasping an even softer object by a soft gripper are demonstrated.
Novel Metal–Organic Framework Cocrystal Strategy for Significantly Enhancing Photocatalytic Performance
Authors: Liu Kexin , Wang Lingsong , Li Shuyu , Liu Huapeng , Zhang Dong , Jiang Mengjia , Chen Wei , Jiao Fei , Zhang Xiaotao , Hu Wenping
Published: August 2023

Owing to their high carrier recombination speed and low spectral utilization, it is difficult to further improve the performance of photocatalysts. In this study, a novel metal–organic framework (MOF) self‐assembled cocrystal material is developed. The guest molecule is inserted and self‐assembled with the existing MOF ligand to form an organic cocrystal. The highly ordered molecular arrangement and tight intermolecular distances between donor and acceptor molecules promote a strong π–π charge transfer interaction, facilitating the migration and separation of photogenerated charge carriers. In addition, efficient redshifts in the absorption wavelength enhance the response to visible light. Further, the unique porous structure of MOFs is beneficial for increasing the interfacial area of photocatalytic reactions, and metal ions can become the center of photogenerated carrier capture, effectively inhibiting carrier recombination. Consequently, the MOF cocrystal demonstrates remarkable efficiency in the degradation of pollutants in water, achieving a noteworthy removal efficiency of 95.31% within 15 min. Moreover, the photocatalyic reaction kinetics constant of the MOF cocrystal is 46.5 times higher, indicating the success of this new strategy in developing highly efficient photocatalytic systems.
Proton‐Conducting Hierarchical Composite Hydrogels Producing First Soft Memcapacitors with Switchable Memory
Authors: Biswas Arnab , Das Bikash , Pal Pulak , Ghosh Aswini , Chattopadhyay Nitin
Published: August 2023

Perpetual exigency for environment friendly clean energy and powerful soft electronics has elevated the research on hydrogels in past two decades. Hydrogels are the amplifiers of material properties using manipulation in structure–property relationship via simple, economic yet effective routes. Herein, a set of composite and hybrid hydrogels are developed by hierarchical assembling of clay nanosheets and surfactant micelles those divulge the first example of memcapacitor gels and offer exceptional proton conductivity (1.66–4.34 × 10–2 S cm−1) as a gel material. Further, Congo red, Eosin Y, and Orange G are used to hybridize one of the composites to achieve three hybrid hydrogels. Such hybridization is found to regulate the memristive function selectively from the coupled effect of memcapacitance from the composite. The composite hydrogel highlights its volatile memory with encouraging robustness under environmental conditions, established through various current–voltage (I–V) experiments. The electrochemical behaviors including the high proton conductivity are realized from impedance measurements. Material characterizations, experimental results, and in silico optimized structures rationalize composite/hybrid network formation, capacitive/memristive responses, and enhanced proton conduction in the fabricated composite superstructures. Proposed structural models demonstrate two orthogonally oriented structural encryptions to be accountable for the expressed bifunctionality in the hierarchically designed superstructures.
Laser‐Printed Plasmonic Metasurface Supporting Bound States in the Continuum Enhances and Shapes Infrared Spontaneous Emission of Coupled HgTe Quantum Dots
Authors: Sergeeva Kseniia A. , Pavlov Dmitrii V. , Seredin Albert A. , Mitsai Eugeny V. , Sergeev Aleksandr A. , Modin Evgeny B. , Sokolova Anastasiia V. , Lau Tsz Chun , Baryshnikova Kseniia V. , Petrov Mihail I. , Kershaw Stephen V. , Kuchmizhak Aleksandr A. , Wong Kam Sing , Rogach Andrey L.
Published: August 2023

In order to advance the development of quantum emitter‐based devices, it is essential to enhance light‐matter interactions through coupling between semiconductor quantum dots with high quality factor resonators. Here, efficient tuning of the emission properties of HgTe quantum dots in the infrared spectral region is demonstrated by coupling them to a plasmonic metasurface that supports bound states in the continuum. The plasmonic metasurface, composed of an array of gold nanobumps, is fabricated using single‐step direct laser printing, opening up new opportunities for creating exclusive 3D plasmonic nanostructures and advanced photonic devices in the infrared region. A 12‐fold enhancement of the photoluminescence in the 900–1700 nm range is observed under optimal coupling conditions. By tuning the geometry of the plasmonic arrays, controllable shaping of the emission spectra is achieved, selectively enhancing specific wavelength ranges across the emission spectrum. The observed enhancement and shaping of the emission are attributed to the Purcell effect, as corroborated by systematic measurements of radiative lifetimes and optical simulations based on the numerical solution of Maxwell's equations. Moreover, coupling of the HgTe photoluminescence to high quality factor modes of the metasurface improves emission directivity, concentrating output within an ≈20° angle.
High Comprehensive Circularly Polarized Electroluminescence Performance Improved by Chiral Coassembled Host Materials
Authors: Zhang Yu , Li Dong , Li Qihuan , Quan Yiwu , Cheng Yixiang
Published: August 2023

Circularly polarized organic light‐emitting diodes are of great significance in 3D displays. However, achieving circularly polarized electroluminescence (CP‐EL) simultaneously with a large dissymmetry factor (gEL) and high efficiency still remains a formidable challenge. Herein, a facile and efficient strategy is developed for improving the performance of CP‐EL devices using device emitting layers of chiral coassembled helix nanofiber host materials. Chiral coassembled helix nanofiber host materials ((S‐/R‐2Cz)0.2‐(PFpy)0.8) could be smartly constructed through intermolecular π–π stacking interactions between the achiral conjugated pyridine‐based polymer acceptor (PFpy) and the chiral binaphthyl‐based donor (S‐/R‐2Cz). Significantly, the resulting chiral coassembled hosts (S‐/R‐2Cz)0.2‐(PFpy)0.8 greatly promote a commercially available achiral phosphorescence emitter to achieve solution‐processed red CP‐EL device performances at 620 nm with a high external quantum efficiency of 4.1% and a large |gEL| value of 0.014.
Dynamic Stiffening Hydrogel with Instructive Stiffening Timing Modulates Stem Cell Fate In Vitro and Enhances Bone Remodeling In Vivo
Authors: Li Xiaomeng , Liu Shuaibing , Han Shanshan , Sun Qingqing , Yang Jianmin , Zhang Yuhang , Jiang Yongchao , Wang Xiaofeng , Li Qian , Wang Jianglin
Published: August 2023

Biomechanical stimuli derived from the extracellular matrix (ECM) extremely tune stem cell fate through 3D and spatiotemporal changes in vivo. The matrix stiffness is a crucial factor during bone tissue development. However, most in vitro models to study the osteogenesis of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are static or stiffening in a 2D environment. Here, a dynamic and controllable stiffening 3D biomimetic model is created to regulate the osteogenic differentiation of MSCs with a dual‐functional gelatin macromer that can generate a double‐network hydrogel by sequential enzymatic and light‐triggered crosslinking reactions. The findings show that these dynamic hydrogels allowed cells to spread and expand prior to the secondary crosslinking and to sense high stiffness after stiffening. The MSCs in the dynamic hydrogels, especially the hydrogel stiffened at the late period, present significantly elevated osteogenic ECM secretion, gene expression, and nuclear localization of Yes‐associated protein (YAP) and transcriptional coactivator with PDZ‐binding motif (TAZ). In vivo evaluation of animal experiments further indicates that the enhancement of dynamic stiffening on osteogenesis of MSCs substantially promotes bone remodeling. Consequently, this work reveals that the 3D dynamic stiffening microenvironment as a critical biophysical cue not only mediates the stem cell fate in vitro, but also augments bone restoration in vivo.
Bimodal Gating Mechanism in Hybrid Thin‐Film Transistors Based on Dynamically Reconfigurable Nanoscale Biopolymer Interfaces
Authors: Kim Beom Joon , Bonacchini Giorgio Ernesto , Ostrovsky‐Snider Nicholas A. , Omenetto Fiorenzo G.
Published: August 2023

In recent years, increased control over naturally derived structural protein formulations and their self‐assembly has enabled the application of high‐resolution manufacturing techniques to silk‐based materials, leading to bioactive interfaces with unprecedented miniaturized formats and functionalities. Here, a hybrid biopolymer–semiconductor device, obtained by integrating nanoscale silk layers in a well‐established class of inorganic field‐effect transistors (silk‐FETs), is presented. The devices offer two distinct modes of operation—either traditional field‐effect or electrolyte‐gated—enabled by the precisely controlled thickness, morphology, and biochemistry of the integrated silk layers. The different operational modes are selectively accessed by dynamically modulating the free‐water content within the nanoscale protein layer from the vapor phase. The utility of these hybrid devices is illustrated in a highly sensitive and ultrafast breath sensor, highlighting the opportunities offered by the integration of nanoscale biomaterial interfaces in conjunction with traditional semiconductor devices, enabling functional outcomes at the intersection between the worlds of microelectronics and biology.
Construction of Multi‐Stimuli Responsive Highly Porous Switchable Frameworks by In Situ Solid‐State Generation of Spiropyran Switches
Authors: Sheng Jinyu , Perego Jacopo , Bracco Silvia , Czepa Włodzimierz , Danowski Wojciech , Krause Simon , Sozzani Piero , Ciesielski Artur , Comotti Angiolina , Feringa Ben L.
Published: August 2023

Stimuli‐responsive molecular systems support within permanently porous materials offer the opportunity to host dynamic functions in multifunctional smart materials. However, the construction of highly porous frameworks featuring external‐stimuli responsiveness, for example by light excitation, is still in its infancy. Here a general strategy is presented to construct spiropyran‐functionalized highly porous switchable aromatic frameworks by modular and high‐precision anchoring of molecular hooks and an innovative in situ solid‐state grafting approach. Three spiropyran‐grafted frameworks bearing distinct functional groups exhibiting various stimuli‐responsiveness are generated by two‐step post‐solid‐state synthesis of a parent indole‐based material. The quantitative transformation and preservation of high porosity are demonstrated by spectroscopic and gas adsorption techniques. For the first time, a highly efficient strategy is provided to construct multi‐stimuli‐responsive, yet structurally robust, spiropyran materials with high pore capacity which is proved essential for the reversible and quantitative isomerization in the bulk as demonstrated by solid‐state NMR spectroscopy. The overall strategy allows to construct dynamic materials that undergoes reversible transformation of spiropyran to zwitterionic merocyanine, by chemical and physical stimulation, showing potential for pH active control, responsive gas uptake and release, contaminant removal, and water harvesting.
Liquids with High Compressibility
Authors: Lai Beibei , Liu Siyuan , Cahir John , Sun Yueting , Yin Haixia , Youngs Tristan , Tan Jin‐Chong , Fonrouge Sergio F. , Pópolo Mario G. Del , Borioni José L. , Crawford Deborah E. , Alexander Francesca M. , Li Chunchun , Bell Steven E. J. , Murrer Barry , James Stuart L.
Published: August 2023

Compressibility is a fundamental property of all materials. For fluids, that is, gases and liquids, compressibility forms the basis of technologies such as pneumatics and hydraulics and determines basic phenomena such as the propagation of sound and shock waves. In contrast to gases, liquids are almost incompressible. If the compressibility of liquids could be increased and controlled, new applications in hydraulics and shock absorption could result. Here, it is shown that dispersing hydrophobic porous particles into water gives aqueous suspensions with much greater compressibilities than any normal liquids such as water (specifically, up to 20 times greater over certain pressure ranges). The increased compressibility results from water molecules being forced into the hydrophobic pores of the particles under applied pressure. The degree of compression can be controlled by varying the amount of porous particles added. Also, the pressure range of compression can be reduced by adding methanol or increased by adding salt. In all cases, the liquids expand back to their original volume when the applied pressure is released. The approach shown here is simple and economical and could potentially be scaled up to give large amounts of highly compressible liquids.
Activating Selenium Cathode Chemistry for Aqueous Zinc‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Cui Fuhan , Pan Rui , Su Lin , Zhu Chongyang , Lin Hezhe , Lian Ruqian , Fu Ruining , Zhang Guoju , Jiang Zhenjing , Hu XueChen , Pan Yuchen , Hou Shisheng , Zhang Fuchun , Zhu Kai , Dong Yanhao , Xu Feng
Published: August 2023

Aqueous rechargeable zinc‐ion batteries (ARZIBs) are a promising next‐generation energy‐storage device by virtue of the superior safety and low cost of both the aqueous electrolyte and zinc‐metal anode. However, their development is hindered by the lack of suitable cathodes with high volumetric capacity that can provide both lightweight and compact size. Herein, a novel cathode chemistry based on amorphous Se doped with transition metal Ru that mitigates the resistive surface layer produced by the side reactions between the Se cathode and aqueous electrolyte is reported. This improvement can permit high volumetric capacity in this system. Distinct from the conventional conversion mechanisms between Se and ZnSe in Se||Zn cells, this strategy realizes synchronous proton and Zn2+ intercalation/deintercalation in the Ru‐doped amorphous Se||Zn half cells. Moreover, an unanticipated Zn2+ deposition/stripping process in this system further contributes to the superior electrochemical performance of this new cathode chemistry. Consequently, the Ru‐doped amorphous Se||Zn half cells are found to deliver a record‐high capacity of 721 mAh g−1/3472 mAh cm−3, and superior cycling stability of over 800 cycles with only 0.015% capacity decay per cycle. This reported work opens the door for new chemistries that can further improve the gravimetric and volumetric capacity of ARZIBs.
Step‐Nucleation In Situ Self‐Repair to Prepare Rollable Large‐Area Ultrathin MOF Membranes
Authors: Yu Caijiao , Cen Xixi , Zhang Zhengqing , Sun Yuxiu , Xue Wenjuan , Qiao Zhihua , Guiver Michael D. , Zhong Chongli
Published: August 2023

Ultrathin membranes with ultrahigh permeance and good gas selectivity have the potential to greatly decrease separation process costs, but it requires the practical preparation of large area membranes for implementation. Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are very attractive for membrane gas separation applications. However, to date, the largest MOF membrane area reported in the literature is only about 100 cm2. In the present study, a new step‐nucleation in situ self‐repair strategy is proposed that enables the preparation of large‐area (2400 cm2) ultrathin and rollable MOF membranes deposited on an inexpensive flexible polymer membrane support layer for the first time, combining a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)‒metal‐ion layer and a pure metal‐ion layer. The main role of the pure metal‐ion layer is to act as the main nucleation sites for MOF membrane growth, while the PVA‒metal‐ion layer acts as a slow‐release metal‐ion source, which supplements MOF crystal nucleation to repair any defects occurring. Membrane modules are necessary components for membrane applications, and spiral‐wound modules are among the most common module formats that are widely applied in gas separation. A 4800 cm2 spiral‐wound membrane module was successfully prepared, demonstrating the practical implementation of large‐area MOF membranes.
Microfluidic bubble‐generator enables digital light processing 3D printing of porous structures
Authors: Weber Philipp , Cai Ling , Rojas Francisco Javier Aguilar , Garciamendez‐Mijares Carlos Ezio , Tirelli Maria Celeste , Nalin Francesco , Jaroszewicz Jakub , Święszkowski Wojciech , Costantini Marco , Zhang Yu Shrike
Published: August 2023

Three‐dimensional (3D) printing is an emerging technique that has shown promising success in engineering human tissues in recent years. Further development of vat‐photopolymerization printing modalities has significantly enhanced the complexity level for 3D printing of various functional structures and components. Similarly, the development of microfluidic chip systems is an emerging research sector with promising medical applications. This work demonstrates the coupling of a digital light processing (DLP) printing procedure with a microfluidic chip system to produce size‐tunable, 3D‐printable porosities with narrow pore size distributions within a gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) hydrogel matrix. It is found that the generation of size‐tunable gas bubbles trapped within an aqueous GelMA hydrogel‐precursor can be controlled with high precision. Furthermore, the porosities are printed in two‐dimensional (2D) as well as in 3D using the DLP printer. In addition, the cytocompatibility of the printed porous scaffolds is investigated using fibroblasts, where high cell viabilities as well as cell proliferation, spreading, and migration are confirmed. It is anticipated that the strategy is widely applicable in a range of application areas such as tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, among others.
Racial/ethnic and gender inequities in the sufficiency of paid leave during the COVID‐19 pandemic: Evidence from the service sector
Authors: Goodman Julia M. , Schneider Daniel
Published: August 2023

Background

Access to paid family and medical leave (PFML), including leave to care for a seriously ill loved one or recover from one's own serious illness, conveys health and economic benefits for workers and their families. However, without a national PFML policy, access to paid leave remains limited and unequal. Previous work documenting inequitable access by socioeconomic status and race/ethnicity primarily focuses on parental leave, measures theoretical access to paid leave rather than actual leave uptake, and lacks an accounting for why workers of color and women may have less access to PFML. We extend this literature by looking at leave‐taking for medical needs or caregiving among a high‐risk population during the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Methods

We draw on data from 2595 service‐sector workers surveyed by the Shift Project in 2020 and 2021 to estimate inequities in leave uptake among workers who experienced qualifying events. We then estimate the relative importance of worker demographic characteristics, qualifying event types (medical vs. caregiving leave), proxies for access to state and employer PFML policies, job characteristics, and ultimately within‐firm differences to these gaps.

Results

Overall, one‐fifth of workers reported sufficient leave. Women are significantly more likely than men to report insufficient or no leave. Hispanic and Black workers are more likely to take insufficient or no leave, respectively, but these differences were attenuated when controlling for covariates.

Conclusions

The dearth of PFML laws leaves women and workers of color without access to leave that is paid and of sufficient duration when facing a qualifying event.