bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pair formation in a Markovian arrival process with two event labels
Authors: Neuts Marcel F. , Alfa Attahiru Sule
Published: November 2004

The stochastic process resulting when pairs of events are formed from two point processes is a rich source of questions. When the two point processes have different rates, the resulting stochastic process has a mean drift towards either -∞ or +∞. However, when the two processes have equal rates, we end up with a null-recurrent Markov chain and this has interesting behavior. We study this process for both discrete and continuous times and consider special cases with applications in communications networks. One interesting result for applications is the waiting time of a packet waiting for a token, a special case of this pair-formation process. Pair formation by two independent Poisson processes of equal rates results in a point process that is asymptotically a Poisson process of the same rate.
From uniform distributions to Benford's law
Authors: Janvresse Élise , de la Rue Thierry
Published: November 2004

We provide a new probabilistic explanation for the appearance of Benford's law in everyday-life numbers, by showing that it arises naturally when we consider mixtures of uniform distributions. Then we connect our result to a result of Flehinger, for which we provide a shorter proof and the speed of convergence.
The influence of socio-economic and locational disadvantage on survival after a diagnosis of lung or breast cancer in Western Australia
Authors: Hall Sonĵa , Holman C D'Arcy , Sheiner Harry , Hendrie Delia
Published: November 2004

Objectives

The effects of demographic, locational and socio-economic disadvantage, and the influence of private health care on five-year mortality rates in patients with lung cancer or after breast cancer surgery in Western Australia were examined.

Methods

The Western Australian Record Linkage Project was used to extract all hospital morbidity, cancer and death records of all people with lung or breast cancer in Western Australia from 1982 to 1996. Mortality rate ratios after a diagnosis of lung cancer or breast cancer surgery were estimated using Cox regression. Two sets of analyses were carried out: demographically adjusted from 1982 to 1996; and demographically and disadvantage adjusted from 1992 to 1996.

Results

Overall, 87.7% of lung cancer and 17.8% of breast cancer patients were deceased by five years. Lung and breast cancer patients treated in rural hospitals had higher mortality rates (1992-1996: relative risk (RR) 1.24, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.07-1.44, and RR 1.20, 95% CI 0.92-1.56, respectively; 1982-1996: RR 1.20, 95% CI 1.11- 1.30, and RR 1.19, 95% CI 1.06-1.33, respectively), whereas location of residence had little effect. Lung and breast cancer patients treated in private hospitals had lower mortality (1992-1996: RR 0.85, 95% CI 0.76-0.95, and RR 0.90, 95% CI 0.77-1.05, respectively; 1982-1996: RR 0.91, 95% CI 0.84-0.97, and RR 0.92, 95% CI 0.85-0.99, respectively), although insurance status was not a factor. Women with breast cancer had significantly worse survival in the more socio-economically disadvantaged groups (1992-1996: RR 1.41 to 1.26; 1982-1996: RR 1.45 to 1.29).

Conclusions

Survival was poorer in patients treated in the public hospital system, but the possession of private health insurance was not predictive of better outcomes. People treated in rural hospitals had worse survival, whereas location of residence was not an independent factor. Women in more socio-economically advantaged groups who underwent breast cancer surgery had improved survival.
Variation in specialist fees: evidence from New Zealand insurance claims
Authors: Law Michael , Brown Paul , Windsor John
Published: November 2004

Objectives

To examine the parity between specialties in reimbursements for surgical procedures in a private, fee-for-service setting and to ascertain whether differences exist after accounting for factors suggested by a Resource-Based Relative Value Scale (RBRVS).

Methods

A routinely updated database covering several private insurers (n = 8294 procedures from 1997 to 2002) was used to examine differences in overall and hourly reimbursement. Multiple regression analysis was used to control for factors that might be responsible for differences in payment (location, year, sex of patient and the associated anaesthetist fee). The resulting regression residuals were compared between specialties.

Results

Large differences between specialties in reimbursements were found in the overall amount paid. For most specialties, these differences were explained by factors such as time for procedure, location, complexity of procedure and sex of patients. However, hourly reimbursements for ophthalmologists were substantially higher (more than 50% above general surgery overall and 72% higher on an hourly basis). Some other smaller differences in overall and hourly reimbursement were also found.

Conclusions

These results indicate that specialist fees vary significantly but many of the differences are explainable by factors incorporated into the RBRVS. However, significant variation remains for some specialties, most notably ophthalmology. Explanations for the results are discussed, including the possibility that political factors may influence the setting of specialist fees. This raises questions concerning the fairness of reimbursements and resulting solidarity within the medical profession.
Indigenous participation in the “new” New Zealand health structure
Authors: Boulton Amohia , Simonsen Kiri , Walker Tai , Cumming Jacqueline , Cunningham Chris
Published: November 2004

Objectives

This paper presents preliminary evaluative findings from research on key areas of concern to Māori and forms part of a wider project on the 2001 health system reforms in New Zealand. The paper reports on the development and implementation of the Māori Health Strategy, representation in decision making at governance level in District Health Boards, the inclusion of the Treaty of Waitangi in legislation and workforce issues.

Methods

Key informant interviews with 35 MMāori and non-Māaori respondents, in addition to data from five case study districts, were thematically analysed to gain an understanding of views on the health system reforms to date.

Results

The development of a Māori Health Strategy and the mandatory inclusion of Māori in governance and consultation processes have had a positive effect on Māori participation in the public health sector. Whereas previously Māori participation was concentrated in health service provision, the inclusion of specific provisions in the New Zealand Public Health and Disability Act 2000 has resulted in greater Māori inclusion in governance, planning and decision-making roles. However, there are concerns over strategy implementation, sustainability and workforce development.

Conclusions

Overall, the findings at this stage indicate that there is support for the post-2000 model. Māori and non-Māori alike have identified positive features of the model that could go some way towards contributing to improved Māori health. However challenges still remain.
The Social Capital: Health Relationship in two Disadvantaged Neighbourhoods
Authors: Chavez Roberta , Kemp Lynn , Harris Elizabeth
Published: November 2004

Objectives

Research into the social determinants of health inequalities is increasingly focusing on macro-level forces affecting individuals and communities. The concept of social capital has been at the centre of this research as a potential explanatory framework for understanding these inequalities. The aim of this study was to identify the components that define social capital and its relationship to self-reported health in two neighbourhoods known to be disadvantaged in south-western Sydney.

Methods

This study uses data from cross-sectional household (door-knock) surveys originally developed as evaluation tools for neighbourhood based interventions. Secondary analyses including factor analysis and multiple regression analysis were used to provide empirical evidence of the components defining social capital and how these, as a concept, were associated with self-reported health.

Results

The study revealed six common social capital components in each sample and an additional component in one neighbourhood. These included neighbourhood attachment, support networks, feelings of trust and reciprocity, local engagement, personal attachment to the area, feelings about safety and proactivity in the social context. The social capital model incorporating demographic and socio-economic characteristics explained 23.4% of health variance in one neighbourhood, and 19.3% in the other. Examining the social capital: health relationship revealed that with the exception of feelings of trust and reciprocity, no other social capital component made significant contributions to explaining health variance and that macro-level factors such as housing conditions and employment opportunities emerged as key explanatory factors.

Conclusion

If interventions are to use social capital as a way of addressing health inequalities, these need to look closely at the role of trust for improving health outcomes of deprived populations as well as ensuring access to resources and infrastructure.
Rapid combined genotyping of factor V, prothrombin and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase single nucleotide polymorphisms using minor groove binding DNA oligonucleotides (MGB probes) and real-time polymerase chain reaction
Authors: Louis Magali , Dekairelle Anne France , Gala Jean-Luc
Published: November 2004

Risk factors for cardiovascular diseases and venous thromboembolism involve both acquired and hereditary conditions. Among the latter, mutations in genes coding for coagulation factors (
Declines in serum free and bound choline concentrations in humans after three different types of major surgery
Authors: Ilcol Yesim Ozarda , Uncu Gurkan , Goren Suna , Sayan Erkan , Ulus Ismail H.
Published: November 2004

We examined the changes in circulating choline status in humans in response to major surgery by measuring serum free and phospholipid-bound choline concentrations before, during and 1–72h after total abdominal hysterectomy, off-pump coronary artery graft surgery or brain tumor surgery. Preoperatively, the mean serum free and phospholipid-bound choline concentrations in patients scheduled for abdominal hysterectomy (n=26), off-pump coronary artery grafting surgery (n=34) or brain tumor surgery (n=24) were 12.3±0.5, 12.1±0.4 and 11.4±0.4μmol/l, and 2495±75, 2590±115 and 2625±80μmol/l, respectively. Serum free choline and phospholipid-bound choline concentrations decreased from these baseline values to 8.8±0.7 (p<0.001), 8.8±0.5 (p<0.001) and 8.2±0.4μmol/l (p<0.001), and 2050±108 (p<0.001), 2166±59 (p<0.001) and 1884±104μmol/l (p<0.001) at 1h after hysterectomy, off-pump bypass graft surgery or brain tumor surgery, respectively. They remained at these low levels for 24h and then gradually increased towards the preoperative values at 48–72h postoperatively. Serum cortisol increased postoperatively in all surgical patients for 24h and its levels were inversely correlated with serum free and bound choline concentrations. These results show that circulating free and bound choline concentrations decrease for 72h after total abdominal hysterectomy, off-pump coronary artery graft surgery or brain tumor surgery in humans.
Multicenter evaluation of the commutability of a potential reference material for harmonization of enzyme activities
Authors: Scharnhorst Volkher , Apperloo Joke , Baadenhuijsen Henk , Vader Huib L.
Published: November 2004

Standardization of laboratory results allows for the use of common reference intervals and can be achieved via calibration of field methods with secondary reference materials. These harmonization materials should be commutable, i.e., they produce identical numerical results independent of assay principle or platform. This study assessed the commutability of a cryolyoprotectant-containing harmonization material, obtained from the Dutch Foundation for Quality Assessment in Clinical Laboratories, that is intended to harmonize measurements of enzyme activities within the Dutch project “Calibration 2000”. The catalytic concentrations of alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, γ-glutamyltransferase and creatine kinase were analyzed in pooled patient sera and in the reference material in 14 laboratories. On liquid chemistry analyzers the harmonization material behaves like patient material. The enzyme activities measured in it fall on the regression lines calculated from activities measured in serum samples. For dry chemistry analyzers the activities of all enzymes measured in the harmonizator differ from the serum-based regression line. We show that this is due to the sucrose-containing cryolyoprotectant in the harmonization material. For each enzyme, correction factors were calculated that compensated for the bias and proved to be constant between reagent lots. Depending on the enzyme activity measured, application of these factors leads to 2- to 10-fold reduction of between-laboratory percentage coefficient of variation. Thus, additives to (potential) reference materials may alter their matrix in a way that interferes with analysis on certain test systems. The bias caused may be quantifiable and correctable. Establishment of correction factors leads to analytical uncertainties and costs. Therefore, matrix-based materials without additives should be selected as reference materials.
Hyperhomocysteinaemia is associated with uveitis but not with deep venous thrombosis in Behçet's disease
Authors: Feki Moncef , Houman Habib , Ghannouchi Mehdi , Smiti-Khanfir Monia , Hamzaoui Kamel , Matri Leila El , Mebazaa Abderraouf , Kaabachi Neziha
Published: November 2004

Plasma homocysteine was assessed in Behçet's disease (BD) patients in order to determine the prevalence of hyperhomocysteinaemia in BD and to test its association with clinical manifestations of the disease. The study included 59 patients with BD and 118 age- and sex-matched healthy subjects. Plasma homocysteine, vitamin B
External Quality Assessment for biochemical markers of myocardial damage: an Italian experience
Authors: Zaninotto Martina , Sciacovelli Laura , Pagani Franca , Panteghini Mauro , Plebani Mario
Published: November 2004

In 1999 the Centre of Biomedical Research (CRB) in co-operation with the Italian interdisciplinary and intersociety Working Group on Markers of Myocardial Damage proposed a national external quality assurance scheme that was granted in accordance with the UK Clinical Pathology Accreditation Standards in 2001. The scheme, which stresses the importance of educational aspects in quality assurance, was scientifically designed to ensure that it would provide an objective assessment of participants' performance and promote quality improvements to meet the needs of participants. The present paper reports on the data collected in EQA cycles conducted to evaluate improvements in the performance of participants and in related methods. The findings obtained demonstrate that during the 4-year experience the scheme provided opportunities to improve the performance of laboratories and promoted an efficient, more satisfactory approach to analytical aspects. The number of unacceptable performances decreased from 11.6% to 5.6% for troponin I, from 19.5% to 9.0% for myoglobin and from 13.2% to 4.3% for creatine kinase myocardial isoenzyme (CK-MB). During cycles in 2001 and 2002, inter-variability (coefficient of variation, CV%) data for all markers appeared satisfactory and showed a significant improvement (lower than 10%), in particular for procedures automated on Dade Behring Dimension and Beckman Access systems. However, reference values/decisional limits declared by laboratories and those suggested by the manufacturers are not comparable, even within the same diagnostic system. The findings demonstrate that participation in EQA schemes provided an opportunity for participating laboratories to continuously improve the quality of their services.
The Contexts of Female Hunting in Central Africa
Authors: Noss Andrew J. , Hewlett Barry S.
Published: November 2004

This article examines female hunting among a group of Aka forest foragers (“pygmies”) of the Central African Republic1where women net‐hunt more frequently than men. The study aims to understand the contexts of female hunting and allay the paucity of descriptive and systematic studies of women hunters and gender task allocation among foragers. Contexts predicted from human behavioral ecology and cultural anthropology are considered and evaluated. Most of the contexts for female hunting predicted by the evolutionary and cultural theoretical orientations occurred among this group of Aka: game were relatively abundant, and women received relatively high caloric returns from hunting; game animals were acquired synchronously; hunting took place with other adults; Aka women had access to the means/technology of efficient hunting; Aka male ideological/political control of women was minimal; and cultural precedents existed that enabled women to obtain knowledge of and experience in hunting. Modifications to both evolutionary and cultural theories that deal with female hunting and gender task allocation among foragers are suggested, and an integrated approach is described. [foragers, central Africa, sexual division of labor, women hunters]
A Study of East African Kinship and Marriage Using a Phylogenetically Based Comparative Method
Authors: Mulder Monique Borgerhoff , George‐Cramer Margaret , Eshleman Jason , Ortolani Alessia
Published: November 2004

This article has two related aims: to evaluate some of the principal (and often untested) hypotheses for sociocultural variation in family organization among East African societies and to offer insights into both the strengths and weaknesses of the phylogenetic method for comparative anthropological studies at regional levels. We start with the expectation that the relatively fine scale variation in traits observed at the regional level is a result of adaptations to local and institutional features. As such, historical continuities will disappear as descendant populations adapt to their new environments, thereby generating a new level of independence between daughter populations. In presenting both conventional and phylogenetically informed tests of a range of hypotheses for family variation among East African societies, this article provides an empirically based assessment of the validity of this view. [kinship, marriage, phylogenetic method, comparative method, East Africa]
Demographic Dimensions of an Intervillage Land Dispute in Nubri, Nepal
Authors: Childs Geoff
Published: November 2004

The demographic basis for a land dispute between two Tibetan villages in Nubri, Nepal, is examined in relation to family systems. Despite close proximity and sociocultural ties, the villages experience divergent population growth rates resulting from different frequencies of marriage. In one, old‐age security concerns induce parents to retain female labor within the household by designating daughters to be nuns, a practice that has the unintended consequence of limiting aggregate population growth by barring many women from marriage and reproduction. In the other village the slightly different family system results in fewer nuns, faster population growth, and a need for more land. Comparisons with family systems and demographic outcomes in Europe and Asia reveal this to be a case in which preventive checks can exist in a context of early marriage and high marital fertility and demonstrate how concerns for old‐age security can act as a restraint on aggregate fertility. [Tibetans, family systems, demography, religious celibacy]
Cultural Transmission and the Diffusion of Innovations: Adoption Dynamics Indicate That Biased Cultural Transmission Is the Predominate Force in Behavioral Change
Authors: Henrich Joseph
Published: November 2004

In challenging the pervasive model of individual actors as cost‐benefit analysts who adapt their behavior by learning from the environment, this article analyzes the temporal dynamics of both environmental (individual) learning and biased cultural transmission processes by comparing these dynamics with the robust “5‐shaped” curves that emerge from the diffusion of innovations literature. The analysis shows three things: (1) that environmental learning alone never produces the 5‐shaped adoption dynamics typically observed in the spread of novel practices, ideas, and technologies; (2) that biased cultural transmission always produces the S‐shaped temporal dynamics; and (3) that a combination of environmental learning and biased cultural transmission can generate 5‐dynamics but only when biased cultural transmission is the predominate force in the spread of new behaviors. These findings suggest that biased cultural transmission processes are much more important to understanding the diffusion of innovations and sociocultural evolution than is often assumed by most theorists. [diffusion of innovations, cultural transmission, learning, cultural evolution]
Time, Intentionality, and a Neurophenomenology of the Dot
Authors: Laughlin Charles D.
Published: November 2004

The purposes of this paper are twofold: first, I wish to correct a systematic bias in Husserlian transcendental phenomenology. This bias is in favor of intuition of essences of meaning and against the intuition of essences of sensation. This bias is explained as a product of Husserl's mind‐body dualism. Second, I suggest the possibility of a neurophenomenology from a biogenetic structural point of view. This neurophenomenology merges the knowledge of essences derived from mature contemplation with knowledge of the structures of experience derived from neuroanthropology. After addressing these two issues I proceed to describe the sensorium from a neurophenomenological perspective, and the constituent element of perception, the dot. I hypothesize fat experience arises in the dialogue between prefrontal cortical processes and sensorial processes, that experience is constituted within a field of sensorial dots that arise and dissolve in temporal frames. I conclude that Husserl's view of the phenomenology of time is essentially correct and is both in keeping with findings from current neurophysiology, and amenable to a modem scientific view of consciousness and to many of the religious traditions encountered by ethnographers. The implications of a neurophenomenology for the anthropological study of consciousness are suggested.
Contemporary Issues Concerning the Scientific Study of Consciousness
Authors: Baruss Imants
Published: November 2004

Confusion concerning the scientific study of consciousness is metanalysed by considering definitions of consciousness and the diversity of beliefs about consciousness and reality particularly as they are affected by information from anomalous experiences. This archival and theoretical examination reveals that the purported subjective nature of consciousness continues to create problems for its scientific study resulting in diversity in the academic community concerning the nature of consciousness. After a brief discussion in the first section of the confusion found in the literature concerning consciousness, some of the referents of the term consciousness are defined in the second section. The third section consists of a summary of die results of a study by Baruss and Moore in which the disparity of versions of consciousness is related to differences in personal beliefs and purported experiences. In particular, purported anomalous experiences such as mystical experiences or out‐of‐body experiences are correlated with rejection of a physicalist interpretation of reality and a scientific mode of inquiry. Such experiences are discussed in the fourth section. It is indicated in the fifth section that the requirement for mterchangeability of observers in science has not been respected in some previous discussions of consciousness and that continued introspection of subjective experience and personal self‐exploration may be informative for a given investigator if not for everyone in the scientific community.
Yearbook of Cross‐Cultural Medicine and Psychotherapy, 1990
Authors: Wautischer Helmut
Published: November 2004

Yearbook of Cross‐Cultural Medicine and Psychotherapy, Volume 1, 1990. Walter Andritzky. ed. Verlag, Postfach 11 03 68, Markgrafenstrabe 67, Berlin. 1991. 201pp. ISBN 3‐927408‐60‐3. $40 (paperback).
Teaching "Consciousness" at the Lower Division Level
Authors: Baker John R.
Published: November 2004

The often esoteric nature of dialogues about "consciousness" which take place in academic circles stands far removed from treatments of the same topic in lower division college classrooms. There, any detailed discussion of the various definitions which have been advanced for this term is likely to lead to frustration on the part of students who have not yet attained the requisite knowledge for appreciating this divergence of opinions. When teaching classes to introductory students, instructors can provide opportunities for students to appreciate the diversity of their own experiences in addition to using more traditional pedagogic methods. In this paper, the author will describe several of the techniques which he has found useful in opening students up to the various panoramas within their minds.
Shop Floor Bargaining and the State: Historical and Comparative Perspectives
Authors: McCarthy John P.
Published: November 2004

Shop Floor Bargaining and the State: Historical and Comparative Perspectives. Edited by Steven Tolliday and Jonathan Zeitlin. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1985. vii. 261 pp.
Urban History, Culture and Urban Ethnography
Authors: Sanjek Roger
Published: November 2004

Three instances of Louise Tilly's influence on and engagements with anthropology are discussed: first, her work on families, households, and women's work; second, her critique of anthropology for descriptions lodged in "the ethnographic present" rather than in real past and present events; third, a call for documenting political process and collective action. Anthropology over the past two decades has largely overcome her temporal critique, and deployed a more nuanced, and historical, conception of culture {if not in undergraduate textbooks and case studies). Within urban ethnography, a tradition of attention to power relations, beginning with Engels and Du Bois and consolidated in anthropology during the 1920s‐l940s, has flourished. These developments have made urban ethnography more historical, for the better. Still, a distinctive anthropological "upstream1 view of the past from the present persists, one based in fieldwork "ground truth.11 [culture, Tilly, Louise, urban ethnography, urban history]
Remembering White Detroit:Whiteness in the Mix of History and Memory
Authors: Hartigan John
Published: November 2004

Detroit provides a unique perspective on issues of whiteness because it grounds many situations where whites are racially objectified—in settings where the nor‐motive status of their racial position cannot be assumed, and where whiteness is not often an unmarked identity. The distinct class texture of their objectifications are evident in comments by white Detroiters grappling with the city's history, either through their personal memories or their current experiences. The heterogeneity of their versions of Detroit's history suggests that whites contend with die continuing cultural significance of race and of whiteness from a range of uneven social positions. [Whiteness, urban underclass, social memory, race, Detroit]
Selecting the Past: The Politics of Memory in Moscow's History Museums
Authors: Khazanov Anatoly M.
Published: November 2004

Moscow's historical museums reflect a complex interrelationship of power, knowledge, and memory in contemporary Russia. Social and political changes in the country have produced enormous rifts between new and old values and memories, and the museums as mediums for the interpretations of die past are prone to manipulation by different political forces. History is contested. However die Moscow historical museums, especially those that belong to die state, still do not demonstrate a fundamental break from Soviet interpretation of the past. At best they are only beginning to develop a multi‐focused approach to the Russian and Soviet past. (Moscow, museums, politics, contested history, collective memory]
The SUNTA Leeds Award, Anthony Leeds, and Me
Authors: Sanjek Roger
Published: November 2004

The 1999 SUNTA Anthony Leeds Prize in Urban Anthropology awarded to Roger Sanjek for The Future of Us All: Race and Neighborhood Politics in New York City (1998). Leeds' theoretic cal writings were especially important to this book and to this author, who edited a collection of Leeds' essays, Cities, Classes and the Social Order (1994). Foremost for Sanjek among Leeds' urban anthropological concepts were his grounding of social analysis in observable events, his conception of interlocking social orders (from local to global),his operational approach to the components of power (resources, organization, numbers), and his insistence on fusing ethnography, comparative theory, and historical and political‐economic contextualization. [Leeds, Anthony, power, social order, theory]
Two‐dimensional Bimetal‐Embedded Expanded Phthalocyanine Monolayers: A Class of Multifunctional Materials with Fascinating Properties
Authors: Long De‐Bing , Tkachenko Nikolay V. , Feng Qingqing , Li Xingxing , Boldyrev Alexander I. , Yang Jinlong , Yang Li‐Ming
Published: February 2024

The expanded phthalocyanine (EPc) single‐layer sheets with embedded double transition metals (labeled as TM2EPc) are predicted to be a novel class of highly stable 2D materials with a series of fascinating properties by means of systematic first‐principles calculations, molecular dynamics, and Monte Carlo simulations. Excitingly, the ferromagnetic Cr2EPc and antiferromagnetic Mn2– and Fe2–EPc have high magnetic transition temperatures of 223 (TC), 217 (TN), and 325 K (TN), respectively. This makes them promising candidates for low‐dimensional spintronic applications. Unexpectedly, V2EPc is an antiferromagnetic metal with Dirac cone, while ferromagnetic Cr2EPc exhibits Dirac half‐metallicity. The ultra‐high Fermi velocities near Dirac cones render them promising candidates for applications in high‐speed nanoelectronics and spintronics. Several architectured type‐II heterojunctions show promising power conversion efficiency with maximum 25.19% for Ni2EPc/2H‐WSe2, which has great potential in excitonic solar cell applications. Diverse promising properties endow this class of materials multifunction, which paves the way towards the future applications in nanoelectronics, spintronics, optoelectronics, and photovoltaics.
Constructing [2.2]Paracyclophane‐Based Ultrasensitive Optical Fluorescent‐Phosphorescent Thermometer with Cucurbit[8]uril Supramolecular Assembly
Authors: Qiu Xujun , Zheng Teng , Runowski Marcin , Woźny Przemysław , Martín Inocencio R. , Soler‐Carracedo Kevin , Piñero Claudia Espinosa , Lebedkin Sergei , Fuhr Olaf , Bräse Stefan
Published: February 2024

The pursuit of developing novel approaches to fully organic and efficient phosphorescent materials is in high demand. The optical activity of such functional, organic phosphorescent/fluorescent materials may exhibit great temperature dependence, allowing their application as advanced, highly sensitive molecular thermometers. In this study, a rational strategy involving host–guest complexation and polymerization of [2.2]paracyclophane (PCP) based molecules with cucurbit[8]uril (CB8) to suppress the molecular motion and promote temperature‐dependent phosphorescence is presented. The rigid cavity of CB8 provides an ideal microenvironment to host PCP molecules 1 and 2, significantly enhancing the photophysical performance after complexation. Co‐polymerizing phosphors 1 and 2 with acrylamide is an efficient method for improving phosphorescence. Incorporating CB8 into the resulting P‐1 and P‐2 polymers enhances phosphorescence performance. Importantly, the obtained materials exhibit a big structure‐dependent spectral shift and change of phosphorescence lifetimes with temperature, allowing novel, phosphorescence‐based, and purely organic optical thermometers to be developed. The practical applications of PCP‐based luminescent materials in temperature sensing via a multi‐parameter approach are showcased, i.e., using fluorescence spectral shift and changes in bandwidth, as well as phosphorescence lifetimes, exhibiting thermal sensitivity of ≈17.7 cm−1 °C−1, 47.8 cm−1 °C, and 5.2% °C−1, respectively.
Magnetocaloric‐Responsive Hydrogel Nanoarchitectonics for Pyroptosis‐Relay‐Immunotherapy to Suppress Post‐Operation Tumor Recurrence and Metastasis
Authors: Wang Siyu , Jing Huaqing , Yang Rui , Heger Zbynek , Krizkova Sona , Zhou Yue , Liang Xiaoyang , Adam Vojtech , Li Nan
Published: February 2024

Although a widely used option in contemporary anticancer treatment, surgery still causes serious issues, including post‐operation recurrence and the development of metastases. Immunotherapy, often following surgical resection of a tumor, has demonstrated benefits in improving the therapeutical outcomes of surgery. However, antigen generation and presentation play an essential role in reversing limited T‐cell responses or immunological resistance. Thus, a gelatin‐tannic acid gel (GelTA) crosslinked bimetallic (Zn0.35Fe0.65) magnetocaloric‐responsive hydrogels (GelTAMNPs) are developed to mediate pyroptosis‐relay‐immunotherapy for suppressing post‐operation tumor recurrence and metastasis. After surgical resection of tumor, GelTAMNPs generate hyperthermia inducible by alternating magnetic field and release ions (Fe3+, Fe2+, and Zn2+), reinforcing pyroptosis. Subsequently, the cell contents and cytokines released due to pyroptosis act as a “relay baton” passed from the tumor to the lymph nodes, leading to an enhanced systemic immune response. Combined with the PD‐1 immune checkpoint blockade, the recurrence and metastasis are significantly suppressed. An in vivo preclinical study on B16F10 tumor‐bearing mice demonstrates a long‐lasting immunological activation due to post‐surgical administration of GelTAMNPs. Altogether, the presented hydrogel exhibits a potential high magnetic sensitive pyroptosis‐relay‐immunotherapeutic platform for postoperative adjuvant treatment.
2D Molecular Ferroelectric with Large Out‐of‐plane Polarization for In‐Memory Computing
Authors: Yao Jie , Feng Zi‐Jie , Hu Zhenliang , Xiong Yu‐An , Pan Qiang , Du Guo‐Wei , Ji Hao‐Ran , Sha Tai‐Ting , Lu Junpeng , You Yu‐Meng
Published: February 2024

2D ferroelectric materials with out‐of‐plane polarization are crucial for future nanoscale logic devices due to the increasing demand for energy‐efficient architectures in artificial intelligence. However, only a few 2D out‐of‐plane ferroelectrics are confirmed experimentally. As an important branch of ferroelectrics, organic–inorganic hybrid perovskite ferroelectrics show flexible structures, making them eligible for constructing multifunctional materials. Here, a 2D organic–inorganic hybrid perovskite ferroelectric (6‐BHA)2CdBr4(6‐BHA is 6‐bromohexylamine) is designed, which crystallizes in polar point groupCc. It experiences the reversal phase transition at 317.8 K and possesses multiaxial ferroelectric properties. More interestingly, it exhibits a large spontaneous polarization value of 3.26 µC cm−2in out‐of‐plane direction of the film compared with typical 2D ferroelectrics. Moreover, an inverter based on (6‐BHA)2CdBr4is fabricated, which serves as a proof of concept for the feasibility for logic‐in‐memory devices. This work not only enriches the family of molecular ferroelectrics but also shows the potential to create the next generation of in‐memory computing devices, nanoelectronics devices, and ultra‐high‐density memories.
Collagen Scaffolds Functionalized by Cu2+‐Chelated EGCG Nanoparticles with Anti‐Inflammatory, Anti‐Oxidation, Vascularization, and Anti‐Bacterial Activities for Accelerating Wound Healing
Authors: Ma Lei , Tan Yunfei , Tong Qiulan , Cao Xiaoyu , Liu Danni , Ma Xiaomin , Jiang Xian , Li Xudong
Published: February 2024

Skin injury is a common health problem worldwide, and the highly complex healing process poses critical challenges for its management. Therefore, wound dressings with salutary effects are urgently needed for wound care. However, traditional wound dressing with a single function often fails to meet the needs of wound repair, and the integration of multiple functions has been required for wound repair. Herein, Cu2+‐chelated epigallocatechin gallate nanoparticles (EAC NPs), with radical scavenging, inflammation relieving, bacteria restraining, and vascularization accelerating capacities, are adopted to functionalize collagen scaffold, aiming to promote wound healing. Radical scavenging experiments verify that EAC NPs could efficiently scavenge radicals. Additionally, EAC NPs could effectively remove Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. H2O2 stimuli‐responsive EAC NPs show slow and sustained release properties of Cu2+. Furthermore, EAC NPs exhibit protective effects against H2O2‐induced oxidative‐stress damage and anti‐inflammatory activity in vivo. Physicochemical characterizations show that the introduction of EAC NPs does not disrupt the gelation behavior of collagen, and the composite scaffolds (CS) remain porous structure similar to collagen scaffold. Animal experiments demonstrate that CS could promote wound healing through improving the thickness of renascent epidermis and number of new vessels. CS with multiple salutary functions is a promising dressing for wound care.
Recent Advances in Implantable Neural Interfaces for Multimodal Electrical Neuromodulation
Authors: Wang Liu , Liu Shengnan , Zhao Wentai , Li Jiakun , Zeng Haoxuan , Kang Shaoyang , Sheng Xing , Wang Lizhen , Fan Yubo , Yin Lan
Published: February 2024

Electrical neuromodulation plays a pivotal role in enhancing patient outcomes among individuals suffering from neurological disorders. Implantable neural interfaces are vital components of the electrical neuromodulation system to ensure desirable performance; However, conventional devices are limited to a single function and are constructed with bulky and rigid materials, which often leads to mechanical incompatibility with soft tissue and an inability to adapt to the dynamic and complex 3D structures of biological systems. In addition, current implantable neural interfaces utilized in clinical settings primarily rely on wire‐based techniques, which are associated with complications such as increased risk of infection, limited positioning options, and movement restrictions. Here, the state‐of‐art applications of electrical neuromodulation are presented. Material schemes and device structures that can be employed to develop robust and multifunctional neural interfaces, including flexibility, stretchability, biodegradability, self‐healing, self‐rolling, or morphing are discussed. Furthermore, multimodal wireless neuromodulation techniques, including optoelectronics, mechano‐electrics, magnetoelectrics, inductive coupling, and electrochemically based self‐powered devices are reviewed. In the end, future perspectives are given.
In Situ Mitochondrial Biomineralization for Drug‐Free Cancer Therapy
Authors: Ma Zhaoyu , Zeng Pei , Zhai Tianyou , Zhao Yanli , Liang Huageng
Published: February 2024

The common clinical chemotherapy often brings serious side effects to patients, mainly due to the off‐target and leakage of toxic drugs. However, this is fatal for some specific clinical tumors, such as brain tumors and neuroma. This study performs a drug‐free approach by encapsulating black phosphorus (BP) and calcium peroxide (CaO2) in liposomes with surface‐modified triphenylphosphonium (BCLT) to develop mitochondria targeting calcification for cancer therapy without damaging normal cells. BCLT preferentially accumulates inside tumor mitochondria and then is activated by near‐infrared (NIR) laser irradiation to produce abundant PO43− and Ca2+ to accelerate in situ mitochondrial mineralization, leading to mitochondrial dysfunction and cancer cell death. More importantly, both PO43− and Ca2+ are essential components of metabolism in the body, and random gradient diffusion or premature leakage does not cause damage to adjacent normal cells. This achievement promises to be an alternative to conventional chemotherapy in clinical practice for many specific tumor types.
Pre‐Endcapping of Hyperbranched Polymers toward Intrinsically Stretchable Semiconductors with Good Ductility and Carrier Mobility
Authors: Zhou Zhaoqiong , Luo Nan , Cui Tianqiang , Luo Liang , Pu Mingrui , Wang Ying , He Feng , Jia Chunyang , Shao Xiangfeng , Zhang Hao‐Li , Liu Zitong
Published: February 2024

The advancement of semiconducting polymers stands as a pivotal milestone in the quest to realize wearable electronics. Nonetheless, endowing semiconductor polymers with stretchability without compromising their carrier mobility remains a formidable challenge. This study proposes a “pre‐endcapping” strategy for synthesizing hyperbranched semiconducting polymers (HBSPs), aiming to achieve the balance between carrier mobility and stretchability for organic electronics. The findings unveil that the aggregates formed by the endcapped hyperbranched network structure not only ensure efficient charge transport but also demonstrate superior tensile resistance. In comparison to linear conjugated polymers, HBSPs exhibit substantially larger crack onset strains and notably diminished tensile moduli. It is evident that the HBSPs surpass their linear counterparts in terms of both their semiconducting and mechanical properties. Among HBSPs, HBSP‐72h‐2.5 stands out as the preeminent candidate within the field of inherently stretchable semiconducting polymers, maintaining 93% of its initial mobility even when subjected to 100% strain (1.41 ± 0.206 cm2 V−1 s−1). Furthermore, thin film devices of HBSP‐72h‐2.5 remain stable after undergoing repeated stretching and releasing cycles. Notably, the mobilities are independent of the stretching directions, showing isotropic charge transport behavior. The preliminary study makes this “pre‐endcapping” strategy a potential candidate for the future design of organic materials for flexible electronic devices.
Synergy of Dendrites‐Impeded Atomic Clusters Dissociation and Side Reactions Suppressed Inert Interface Protection for Ultrastable Zn Anode
Authors: Tian Xiaomeng , Zhao Qin , Zhou Mengmeng , Huang Xinjun , Sun Ying , Duan Xiaoguang , Zhang Lei , Li Hui , Su Dawei , Jia Baohua , Ma Tianyi
Published: February 2024

The sluggish ions‐transfer and inhomogeneous ions‐nucleation induce the formation of randomly oriented dendrites on Zn anode, while the chemical instability at anode–electrolyte interface triggers detrimental side reactions. Herein, this report in situ designs a multifunctional hybrid interphase of Bi/Bi2O3, for the first time resulting in a novel synergistic regulation mechanism involving: (i) chemically inert interface protection mechanism suppresses side reactions; and more fantastically, (ii) innovative thermodynamically favorable Zn atomic clusters dissociation mechanism impedes dendrites formation. Assisted by collaborative modulation behavior, the Zn@Bi/Bi2O3 symmetry cell delivers an ultrahigh cumulative plating capacity of 1.88 Ah cm−2 at 5 mA cm−2 and ultralong lifetimes of 300 h even at high current density and depth of discharge (10 mA cm−2, DODZn: 60%). Furthermore, under a low electrolyte‐to‐capacity ratio (E/C: 45 µL mAh−1) and negative‐to‐positive capacity ratio (N/P: 6.3), Zn@Bi/Bi2O3||MnO2 full‐cell exhibits a superior capacity retention of 86.7% after 500 cycles at 1 A g−1, which outperforms most existing interphases. The scaled‐up Zn@Bi/Bi2O3||MnO2 battery module (6 V, 1 Ah), combined with the photovoltaic panel, presents excellent renewable‐energy storage ability and long output lifetime (12 h). This work provides a fantastic synergistic mechanism to achieve the ultrastable Zn anode and can be greatly promised to apply it into other metal‐based batteries.
Polarization‐Modulated Patterned Laser Sculpturing of Optical Functional Hierarchical Micro/Nanostructures
Authors: Qiu Pei , Yuan Dandan , Huang Jiaxu , Li Jun , Hu Jin , Xu Shaolin
Published: February 2024

Hierarchical micro/nanostructures have garnered considerable attention for their capabilities in light modulation, but the flexible fabrication of designed optical functional structures at both micro and nano scales remains challenging. Here, a polarization‐modulated patterned laser ablation method complemented by flowing liquid is proposed to fabricate hierarchical microgrooves featuring tunable cross‐sections and engraved surface nanostructures with controllable periods and orientations. The liquid‐assisted ablation counters the shielding effect of ablation debris through laser‐induced microjets, ensuring accurate control of the microgroove's shape by modulating the laser pattern in the focal plane. Simultaneously, the absence of debris also permits the consistent formation of laser‐induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS) across the microgrooves. The LIPSS's period and orientation can be finely adjusted by manipulating the pulse energy and polarization within the patterned laser spot, facilitating the adaptable creation of hierarchical micro/nanostructures for optical application needs. As a demonstration, blazed gratings featuring orientation‐customized LIPSS are fabricated, which exhibit polarization‐dependent diffraction efficiency. The laser fabrication technique offers a highly versatile solution for sculpturing shape‐controllable hierarchical gratings on hard‐to‐machine materials, paving the way for the swift production of customized optical elements.
Universal Strategy with Structural and Chemical Crosslinking Interface for Efficient and Stable Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Huang Keqing , Chang Lichun , Hou Yihui , Ji Wenzhong , Trần‐Phú Thành , Bui Anh Dinh , Mayon Azul Osorio , Wang Wei , Lem Olivier Lee Cheong , Nguyen Dang‐Thuan , Tabi Grace Dansoa , Duan Leiping , Liu Yun , Shen Heping , Yang Junliang , White Thomas P. , Catchpole Kylie R. , Weber Klaus J. , Duong The
Published: February 2024

Due to the limited interface contact and weak interfacial interaction, planar heterojunction perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have space for further improvement. Herein, a structural and chemical crosslinking interface is proposed and constructed by introducing an extra layer, which blends tin dioxide (SnO2) nanoparticles with chloride salts. Since the incorporated materials can be dissolved during the fabrication of perovskite, the quality of perovskite films is improved, leading to larger grain size and reduced trap‐state density. Also, more chloride ions at the SnO2/perovskite interface are observed and the interaction between Cl− and Sn4+ is confirmed. It results in more pronounced n‐type SnO2 with better conductivity and deeper conduction bands, leading to preferable energy level alignment between SnO2 and perovskite. Consequently, the open‐circuit voltage and fill factor of the devices increase, and target cells present better stability, retaining 98% of initial efficiencies after >10 000 h storage in dry air (≈5% relative humidity) and maintaining 85.50% of the initial efficiency after 1000 h of operation under light. This strategy enables the achievement of 25.28% efficiency with a low bandgap (1.53 eV) perovskite composition, and it is confirmed to be universal when other related materials are utilized.