bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The End of All Things: Geomateriality and Deep Time
Authors: Toadvine Ted
Published: February 2021

The world, as a unifying nexus of significance, is inherently precarious and constitutively destined toward its own unraveling. Our fascination with a future end of the world masks our realization that the world as common and unified totality is already disintegrating. What remains after the end of the world is also what pre-cedes it, the geomaterial elements, which condition the world without being reducible to things within it. Through our participation in elemental materiality, we encounter the abyssal vertigo of deep time as an anachronistic rupture of lived and historical time. The geological memory of stone situates it at the threshold of world and non-world, while our liability to an immemorial prehistory situates us at the intersection of incommensurable durations, those of the ancestral past as well as the apocalyptic future.El mundo, como un nexo de significado unificador, es intrínsecamente precario y está constitutivamente destinado a su propio desenredo. Nuestra fascinación por un futuro final del mundo enmascara nuestra comprensión de que el mundo como totalidad común y unificada ya se está desintegrando. Lo que queda después del fin del mundo es también lo que lo precede, los elementos geomateriales, que condicionan el mundo sin ser reducibles a las cosas dentro de él. A través de nuestra participación en la materialidad elemental, nos encontramos con el vértigo abismal del tiempo profundo como una ruptura anacrónica del tiempo vivido e histórico. La memoria geológica de la piedra lo sitúa en el umbral del mundo y del no mundo, mientras que nuestra responsabilidad ante una prehistoria inmemorial nos sitúa en la intersección de duraciones inconmensurables, tanto del pasado ancestral como del futuro apocalíptico.
Consciência intencional e autoconsciência. As teses de Brentano perante as teorias de ordem superior
Authors: Alves Pedro M.S.
Published: February 2021

En este artículo, examino algunas características importantes de las teorías de conciencia y autoconciencia de Brentano y Rosenthal. En particular, analizo la distinción entre estados mentales y estados conscientes, y la cuestión relacionada con de determinar si todos los estados mentales pueden convertirse en estados conscientes. Interpreto la teoría de Brentano como una teoría de la mente de un nivel que está de acuerdo con la fusión cartesiana entre los estados mentales y la conciencia. Argumento que los problemas que surgen de la posición de Brentano son, hasta cierto punto, superados por una teoría de orden superior, de modo que la posición de Rosenthal es más precisa. Sin embargo, estoy en desacuerdo con ambos en la interpretación de la consciencia de un estado mental como autoconciencia. Desarrollo los fundamentos de una teoría basada en la primacía del organismo y su mundo vital, y de la experiencia consciente como la forma superior de la vida mental, que tiene, sin embargo, sus raíces en la compleja red de estados mentales que son no estados conscientes.In this paper, I examine some important features of Brentano’s and Rosenthal’s theories of consciousness and self-consciousness. In particular, I discuss the distinction between mental states and conscious states, and the related question of determining whether all mental states can become conscious states. I interpret Brentano’s theory as a one-level theory of mind which is in keeping with the Cartesian conflation between mental states and conscious-ness. I argue that the problems arising from Brentano’s position are to a certain extent surpassed by a higher-order theory, so that Rosenthal’s position is more accurate. Nevertheless, I disagree with both in the construal of the consciousness of a mental state as self-consciousness. I develop then the fundamentals for a theory based on the primacy of the organism and its vital world, and of conscious experience as the higher form of mental life, which has, however, its roots in the complex net of mental states which are not conscious states.
Text Mining of Online News, Social Media, and Consumer Review on Artificial Intelligence Service
Authors: Xu Li , Lim Hyewon , Yeo Harim , Hwang Hyesun
Published: February 2021

This study looked through the text mining analysis to check the status of the virtual assistant service, and explore the needs of consumers, and present consumer-oriented directions. Trendup 4.0 was used to analyze the keywords of AI services in Online News and social media from 2016 to 2020. The R program was used to collect consumer comment data and implement Topic Modeling analysis. According to the analysis, the number of mentions of AI services in mass media and social media has steadily increased. The Sentimental Analysis showed consumers were feeling positive about AI services in terms of useful and convenient functional and emotional aspects such as pleasure and interest. However, consumers were also experiencing complexity and difficulty with AI services and had concerns and fears about the use of AI services in the early stages of their introduction. The results of the consumer review analysis showed that there were topics(Technical Requirements) related to technology and the access process for the AI services to be provided, and topics (Consumer Request) expressed negative feelings about AI services, and topics(Consumer Life Support Area) about specific functions in the use of AI services. Text mining analysis enable this study to confirm consumer expectations or concerns about AI service, and to examine areas of service support that consumers experienced. The review data on each platform also revealed that the potential needs of consumers could be met by expanding the scope of support services and applying platform-specific strengths to provide differentiated services.
'Homo Facebookis': ventanas conceptuales, posverdad y burbuja algorítmica
Authors: Lara Pablo
Published: February 2021

Es cada vez más frecuente encontrarnos en las redes sociales con mensajes que consideramos, a nivel individual y personal, como tóxicos. Antes de reaccionar delante de estos contenidos con alguna señal, ya sea mostrando agrado o, en caso contrario, desagrado, es necesario disponer de aquellos famosos cien segundos de respiración profunda.
Visca Catalunya, libre y digital
Authors: López-Borrull Alexandre
Published: February 2021

Puede un investigador en Ciencias Sociales escribir un artículo donde, intentando ser académicamente correcto, trate un tema sobre el que está políticamente posicionado? Acepto el reto. Sobre Cataluña y la ciberguerra del Estado.
Quality road surfacing: two stages of control over design concept
Authors: Kamenchukov Aleksey Viktorovich
Published: February 2021

This article examines the questions of improving the quality of design concepts on construction and reconstruction of roads. The primary subject of this research is the road surface, the quality of which directly affects the convenience and safety of traffic. The author also assesses the effectiveness of the system “subgrade – road surface” in the conditions of cyclical dynamic load from vehicles and temporal variability of the characteristics of soil ground-geological environment. An overview is conducted on the relevant requirements to engineering of road surface and efficiency assessment of design concepts. The author considers the national and foreign experience of road construction, including modern software  solutions. The two key aspects of selection and efficiency assessment of design solutions are formulated. The article describes the concept, algorithm and results of implementation of comprehensive methodology for assessing efficiency of engineering and construction of road surfaces. Detailed analysis is conducted on the stages of mathematical modeling and effectiveness of the system “subgrade – road surface”. An undisputable scientific novelty of this research consists in application of the modern mathematical apparatus, methods and techniques of linear programming, together with the leading company on the development of software for design and construction of roads. The necessity and practical importance of the elaborated concept on efficiency assessment of design concepts is confirmed by implementation into the practice of road construction. The conclusion is made that the application of integrated index of the effectiveness of construction of road surfaces, coupled with software packages for assessing the stress-deformed condition of soil ground-geological systems, allow eliminated the design errors and ensure maximal reliability and safety of roads under construction of reconstruction.
International system of certification of hotel services in Russia: problematic of implementation and development prospects
Authors: Artem'eva Yuliya Sergeevna , Borneman Elena Petrovna
Published: February 2021

The object of this research is the “Hotel Industry and Hospitality”, while the subject is the international system of certification of hotel services. The article reviews the evolution of hotel industry in Russia and the application of such tools as standardization, certification, and compliance evaluation from the perspective of quality improvement.  Current trends and approaches towards the problems of certification of hotel services with consideration of the international and regional aspects are described. The authors explore the types of certification of hotel services in the Russian Federation and their peculiarities, key characteristics and tools that allow analyzing, systematizing, controlling, improving and adapting the quality standards of rendered services. The author elucidates the primary causes of low interest of the hotels in certification; outlines the prospects for the development of international system of certification of hotel services in Russia. The conclusion is made that despite the worldwide fame and popularity of hotel services certification system, including ISO standards, the prospects for implementation and advancement of the current system in the Russian hotel industry are not too encouraging due to multiple reasons discusses in the article. However, it would not be fair to deny the clear benefits of such certification. Therefore, taking into consideration the desire of hotel business and state standardization and certification authorities to establish a harmonious system of rendering hotel services of such level and quality of service that would not only meet the demands of visitors, but also promote the domestic tourism market on the international platforms of tourism industry, presses the need for popularization of certification system, as well as full state support of the business that would maintain high standards of rendered services in the international certification systems.
Should videoconference be elected over personal presence in criminal legal proceedings?
Authors: Iurkevich Mariia Aleksandrovna
Published: February 2021

This article analyzes the conditions and legal ramifications of application of videoconference in various forms of criminal legal proceedings, highlighting practical issues emerging in arrangement of participation of parties in criminal proceedings via videoconference calls. As a product of digital technologies, videoconference is examined not only as a formal means of communication used by parties to a legal proceeding, but also as one of the means of exercising the right to a fair trial. The object of this research consists of communication and procedural relations arising between the parties to a legal proceeding with application videoconference. The subject of this research covers the entire complex of fairly recent norms for the Russian criminal procedural regulation governing application of videoconference on various stages of criminal proceedings on a case. The article contains practical recommendations by indicators that should be considered in determining optimal forms of participation in a criminal proceeding, as well as actions of parties that must be undertaken if during application of videoconference, the rights of the defendant are violated or the standards of fair trial are not being met. The article complies answers to the most topical questions on videoconference calls, taking into the consideration practical experience of the author, as well as relevant case law of the Russian courts and the European Court of Human Rights. The conclusion is made that application of videoconference is allowable in legal proceedings of the courts of first instance and courts of appeal in criminal cases heard in special order, cassation instance, supervisory instance, in execution of sentence, as well as within the framework of judicial control at pretrial stage in a criminal case, but only if procedural guarantees could be provided to all parties of the proceedings. In a trial by jury such technology is unacceptable.
Modeling of the development of financial autonomy of the local communities based on experimental data in the B2B segment
Authors: Adiyak Ekaterina Valentinovna , Berg Dmitry Borisovich , Panachev Anton Anatol'evich
Published: February 2021

This work is dedicated to examination of an important trend of recent decades – the financial autonomy of local communities. The object of this research is the enclosed on the territory production and consumption chains, which ensure certain economic autonomy to this area. The presence of enclosed balanced financial flows in these chains creates the conditions for autonomization of finances of the local community. The goal of this article consists in modelling of scenarios for the development of local community with enclosed production and consumption circuits. The research employs data analysis of bank transactions of the country’s largest bank conducted within one month between the legal entities of in city district with 75,000 population. The results of analysis reveal the cluster consisting of 59 companies (agents), the transactions between which comprise a circuit network. Within the cluster was outlined the core consisting of 12 companies that closely interact with each other. The author explores various development scenarios for the aforementioned 12 core companies to the size of cluster that consists of 59 companies. The target economic parameter is the volume of balanced payments within the network and its share within the total network turnover. The structural parameters of forming networks are calculated by SNA methodology (Social Network Analysis). The article discusses the potential of one or another development strategy for the local community in the context of autonomization of their finances.
Identification of host proteins differentially associated with HIV-1 RNA splice variants
Authors: Knoener Rachel , Evans Edward , Becker Jordan T , Scalf Mark , Benner Bayleigh , Sherer Nathan M , Smith Lloyd M
Published: February 2021

HIV-1 generates unspliced (US), partially spliced (PS), and completely spliced (CS) classes of RNAs, each playing distinct roles in viral replication. Elucidating their host protein ‘interactomes’ is crucial to understanding virus-host interplay. Here, we present HyPR-MSSVfor isolation of US, PS, and CS transcripts from a single population of infected CD4+ T-cells and mass spectrometric identification of their in vivo protein interactomes. Analysis revealed 212 proteins differentially associated with the unique RNA classes, including preferential association of regulators of RNA stability with US and PS transcripts and, unexpectedly, mitochondria-linked proteins with US transcripts. Remarkably, >80 of these factors screened by siRNA knockdown impacted HIV-1 gene expression. Fluorescence microscopy confirmed several to co-localize with HIV-1 US RNA and exhibit changes in abundance and/or localization over the course of infection. This study validates HyPR-MSSVfor discovery of viral splice variant protein interactomes and provides an unprecedented resource of factors and pathways likely important to HIV-1 replication.
DDK regulates replication initiation by controlling the multiplicity of Cdc45-GINS binding to Mcm2-7
Authors: De Jesús-Kim Lorraine , Friedman Larry J , Lõoke Marko , Ramsoomair Christian K , Gelles Jeff , Bell Stephen P
Published: February 2021

The committed step of eukaryotic DNA replication occurs when the pairs of Mcm2-7 replicative helicases that license each replication origin are activated. Helicase activation requires the recruitment of Cdc45 and GINS to Mcm2-7, forming Cdc45-Mcm2-7-GINS complexes (CMGs). Using single-molecule biochemical assays to monitor CMG formation, we found that Cdc45 and GINS are recruited to loaded Mcm2-7 in two stages. Initially, Cdc45, GINS, and likely additional proteins are recruited to unstructured Mcm2-7 N-terminal tails in a Dbf4-dependent kinase (DDK)-dependent manner, forming Cdc45-tail-GINS intermediates (CtGs). DDK phosphorylation of multiple phosphorylation sites on the Mcm2-7 tails modulates the number of CtGs formed per Mcm2-7. In a second, inefficient event, a subset of CtGs transfer their Cdc45 and GINS components to form CMGs. Importantly, higher CtG multiplicity increases the frequency of CMG formation. Our findings reveal the molecular mechanisms sensitizing helicase activation to DDK levels with implications for control of replication origin efficiency and timing.
Weed Management Strategies in Organic Rice Production System- A Review
Authors: Singh Abhinandan , Pazhanisamy S. , Devi Rodda Chandana , Singh Amit Kumar , Mehta Chandra Mohan
Published: February 2021

Farmers view weeds as the number one barrier to organic rice production. Also, organic rice-growing farmers feel weed management is their number one priority, so they need more research about weed management under organic conditions from the researchers. Weeds can be considered a significant problem because they have a tendency to decrease crop yields by increasing competition for moisture, sunlight and nutrients also serving as host plants for pests and diseases. Since the development of herbicides, farmers have been used these chemicals to eradicate weeds from their fields. Using herbicides not only increased crop yields as well as reduced the labour required to remove weeds. Today, some farmers have a renewed interest in organic methods of managing weeds since the widespread use of agrochemicals has affected the environment and health. It has also been found that in some cases herbicides use can cause some weed species to dominate fields because the weeds develop resistance to herbicides. Moreover, some herbicides are destroying weeds that are harmless to crops, resulting in a potential decrease biodiversity. It is important to understand that under an organic system of seed control, weeds will never be eliminated but only managed. Consistent methods of weed management can reduce the costs and contribute to economical crop production without endangers the environment.
Die Placement Advancement for Prevention of Silhouetted Die Occurrence on LGA Package
Authors: Rodriguez Rennier , Gomez Frederick Ray , Graycochea Jr. Edwin
Published: February 2021

In semiconductor packaging industry, silhouetted die defect is occasionally encountered in singulation process esp. on substrate land grid array (LGA) package with tight clearances. This paper is focused on the prevention of the silhouetted die occurrence as it would affect the assembly yield performance of the device. The silhouetted die is caused by the tight clearance of die edge to package edge, given the machine and process tolerances. Process enhancement and optimization were done through adjusting the die placement accordingly as per the defined measurement. Eventually, the occurrence of silhouetted die was successfully mitigated by formulating the appropriate die placement references.
Unbalanced Data Sets
Authors: M.‐Moreira João , de Carvalho André C.P.L.F.
Published: February 2021

In a data set with several subsets (groups or labels), the subsets may have unequal sizes. In machine learning, larger subsets have a stronger influence on the model used for predicting the label of a future observation. This is known as the unbalanced data set problem. The problem is more acute when the groups have higher overlap. This article describes the main aspects of unbalanced data and discusses approaches that address this problem. The methods are illustrated on real‐world problems.
Bayesian Registration of Functions
Authors: Matuk James , Herbei Radu , Kurtek Sebastian
Published: February 2021

We present an overview of Bayesian registration of functions. We begin with a general introduction to functional data analysis and the problem of function registration. We then proceed to describe the registration problem in detail mathematically and introduce basic ingredients of a Bayesian model for function registration. These ingredients are then elaborated on for three popular methods in the literature, and their performance is assessed empirically on two simulated and two real datasets.
Uncertainty Visualization
Authors: Padilla Lace , Kay Matthew , Hullman Jessica
Published: February 2021

While uncertainty is present in most data analysis pipelines, reasoning with uncertainty is challenging for novices and experts alike. Fortunately, researchers are making significant advancements in the communication of uncertainty. In this article, we detail new visualization methods and emerging cognitive theories that describe how we reason with visual representations of uncertainty. We describe the best practices in uncertainty visualization and the psychology behind how each approach supports viewers' judgments. This article begins with a brief overview of conventional and state‐of‐the‐art uncertainty visualization techniques. Then, we take an in‐depth look at the pros and cons of each technique using cognitive theories that describewhyandhowthe mind processes different types of uncertainty information.
Financial Systemic Risk
Authors: Flood Mark D.
Published: February 2021

Financial systemic risk (or systemic risk) is any existential threat to the general stability of the financial system. Because the financial system is pervasive, diverse, and constantly evolving, systemic risk is both multifaceted and an active research frontier. This article provides an overview of the growing literature on systemic risk, organized around four broad categories of system vulnerabilities, and the related economic models.
The impact of different setup methods on the dose distribution in proton therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Takemasa Kimihiro , Kato Takahiro , Narita Yuki , Kato Masato , Yamazaki Yuhei , Ouchi Hisao , Oyama Sho , Yamaguchi Hisashi , Wada Hitoshi , Murakami Masao
Published: February 2021

Purpose

To investigate the impact of different setup methods, vertebral body matching (VM), diaphragm matching (DM), and marker matching (MM), on the dose distribution in proton therapy (PT) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Materials and Methods

Thirty‐eight HCC lesions were studied retrospectively to assess changes in the dose distribution on two computed tomography (CT) scans. One was for treatment planning (1st‐CT), and the other was for dose confirmation acquired during the course of PT (2nd‐CT). The dose coverage of the clinical target volume (CTV‐D98) and normal liver volume that received 30 Gy relative biological effectiveness (RBE) (liver‐V30) were evaluated under each condition. Initial treatment planning on the 1st‐CT was defined as reference, and three dose distributions recalculated using VM, DM, and MM on the 2nd‐CT, were compared to it, respectively. In addition, the relationship between the CTV‐D98 of each method and the distance between the center of mass (COM) of the CTV and the right diaphragm top was evaluated.

Results

For CTV‐D98, significant differences were observed between the reference and VM and DM, respectively (P = 0.013, P = 0.015). There were also significant differences between MM and VM and DM, respectively (P = 0.018, P = 0.036). Regarding liver‐V30, there was no significant difference in any of the methods, and there were no discernable difference due to the different setup methods. In DM, only two out of 34 cases with a distance from right diaphragm top to COM of CTV of 90 mm or less that CTV‐D98 difference was 5% or more and CTV‐D98 was worse than VM were confirmed.

Conclusion

Although MM is obviously the most effective method, it is suggested that DM may be particularly effective in cases where the distance from right diaphragm top to COM of CTV of 90 mm or less.
Feasibility of using megavoltage computed tomography to reduce proton range uncertainty: A simulation study
Authors: Hu Yanle , Ding Xiaoning , Shen Jiajian , Bues Martin , Liu Wei , Kang Yixiu , Leng Shuai , Yu Lifeng
Published: February 2021

Purpose

To demonstrate that variation in chemical composition has a negligible effect on the mapping curve from relative electron density (RED) to proton stopping power ratio (SPR), and to establish the theoretical framework of using Megavoltage (MV) computed tomography (CT), instead of kilovoltage (kV) dual energy CT, to accurately estimate proton SPR.

Methods

A simulation study was performed to evaluate the effect of chemical composition variation on kVCT number and proton SPR. The simulation study involved both reference and simulated human tissues. The reference human tissues, together with their physical densities and chemical compositions, came from the ICRP publication 23. The simulated human tissues were created from the reference human tissues assuming that elemental percentage weight followed a Gaussian distribution. For all tissues, kVCT number and proton SPR were obtained through (a) theoretical calculation from tissue’s physical density and chemical composition which served as the ground truth, and (b) estimation from RED using the calibration curves established from the stoichiometric method. Deviations of the estimated values from the calculated values were quantified as errors in using RED to estimate kVCT number and proton SPR.

Results

Given a chemical composition variation of 5% (1σ) of the nominal percentage weights, the total estimation error of using RED to estimate kVCT number was 0.34%, 0.62%, and 0.77% and the total estimation error of using RED to estimate proton SPR was 0.30%, 0.22%, and 0.16% for fat tissues, non‐fat soft tissues and bone tissues, respectively.

Conclusion

Chemical composition had a negligible effect on the method of using RED to determine proton SPR. RED itself is sufficient to accurately determine proton SPR. MVCT number maintains a superb linear relationship with RED because it is highly dominated by Compton scattering. Therefore, MVCT has great potential in reducing the proton range uncertainty.
Microcantilever Fracture Tests on Eutectic NiAl–Cr(Mo) In Situ Composites
Authors: Gabel Stefan , Giese Sven , Merle Benoit , Sprenger Ioannis , Heilmaier Martin , Neumeier Steffen , Bitzek Erik , Göken Mathias
Published: February 2021

Lamellar eutectic NiAl–Cr(Mo) alloys show an increased fracture toughness due to different toughening mechanisms. These mechanisms result from the fibrous or lamellar microstructure of the two constituting phases α‐Cr(Mo) and β‐NiAl. However, the fracture toughness of the individual phases and the evolution from early crack growth to the toughening mechanisms have not yet been systematically studied. Herein, bending tests on focused ion beam (FIB)‐notched microcantilever beams are used to characterize the small‐scale fracture properties. The micromechanical investigations reveal that the fracture toughness of the α‐Cr(Mo) phase () is much higher than the fracture toughness of β‐NiAl (). Larger cantilevers in the crack arresting orientation show an enhanced fracture toughness with up to , which is still lower than the one of macroscopic experiments. This is attributed to the small interaction volume of the crack, which hinders the full exploitation of potential extrinsic toughening mechanisms.
Engineered Vascularized Flaps, Composed of Polymeric Soft Tissue and Live Bone, Repair Complex Tibial Defects
Authors: Redenski Idan , Guo Shaowei , Machour Majd , Szklanny Ariel , Landau Shira , Kaplan Ben , Lock Roberta I. , Gabet Yankel , Egozi Dana , Vunjak‐Novakovic Gordana , Levenberg Shulamit
Published: February 2021

Functional regeneration of complex large‐scaled defects requires both soft‐ and hard‐tissue grafts. Moreover, bone constructs within these grafts require an extensive vascular supply for survival and metabolism during the engraftment. Soft‐tissue pedicles are often used to vascularize bony constructs. However, extensive autologous tissue‐harvest required for the fabrication of these grafts remains a major procedural drawback. In the current work, a composite flap is fabricated using synthetic soft‐tissue matrices and decellularized bone, combined in vivo to form de novo composite tissue with its own vascular supply. Pre‐vascularization of the soft‐tissue matrix using dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) and human adipose microvascular endothelial cells (HAMECs) enhances vascular development within decellularized bones. In addition, osteogenic induction of bone constructs engineered using adipose derived mesenchymal stromal cells positively affects micro‐capillary organization within the mineralized component of the neo‐tissue. Eventually, these neo‐tissues used as axial reconstructive flaps support long‐term bone defect repair, as well as muscle defect bridging. The composite flaps described here may help eliminate invasive autologous tissue‐harvest for patients in need of viable grafts for transplantation.
Design Strategies of 3D Carbon‐Based Electrodes for Charge/Ion Transport in Lithium Ion Battery and Sodium Ion Battery
Authors: Zhang Tianyun , Ran Fen
Published: February 2021

Advanced 3D carbon‐based electrodes have the potential to significantly enhance the energy‐power density of lithium ion batteries and sodium ion batteries, due to their continuous conductive networks, proper porosity distribution, and integrated stable structure. However, it still remains a fundamental scientific challenge to accurately understand the charge/ion transport in 3D carbon‐based electrodes. In this review, the operating mechanism of charge/ion transport in 3D carbon‐based electrodes are comprehended by introducing a useful architectural analogy to provide a physical insight. In order to better understand the relationship between 3D carbon‐based electrode structure and electrode process characteristics, the main design strategies of 3D carbonbased electrodes according to the specific characteristic of pore tortuosity is proposed. Through analysis of 3D carbon electrode architectural models, several key scientific issues and related characterization technologies that are beneficial to improving the charge/ion transport efficiency are also raised. The kinetics difference of ionic transport between Li+ and Na+ ions is also taken into account. Furthermore, the critical parameters of porous structure including porosity and tortuosity to investigate the parameter‐structure‐performance relationships of 3D carbon‐based architecture electrodes are highlighted, which in turn would guide more rational battery design in tradeoff between the high capacity and fast transport.
High Power and Energy Density Aqueous Proton Battery Operated at −90 °C
Authors: Sun Tianjiang , Du Haihui , Zheng Shibing , Shi Jinqiang , Tao Zhanliang
Published: February 2021

Freezing electrolyte and sluggish ionic migration kinetics limited the low‐temperature performance of rechargeable batteries. Here, an aqueous proton battery is developed, which achieves both high power density and energy density at the ultralow temperature conditions. Electrolyte including 2 m HBF4 + 2 m Mn(BF4)2 is used for the ultralow freezing point of below −160 °C and high ionic conductivity of 0.21 mS cm−1 at −70 °C. Spectroscopic and nuclear magnetic resonance analysis demonstrate the introduction of BF4− anions efficiently break the hydrogen‐bond networks of original water molecules, resulting in ultralow freezing point. Based on H+ uptake/removal reaction in alloxazine (ALO) anode and MnO2/Mn2+ conversion in carbon felt cathode, the aqueous proton battery can operate regularly even at −90 °C and obtain a high specific discharge capacity of 85 mA h g−1. Benefiting from the rapid diffusion of proton and the pseudocapacitive character of ALO electrolyte, this battery shows a high specific energy density of 110 Wh kg−1 at a specific power density of 1650 W kg−1 at −60 °C. This work presents a new way of developing low‐temperature batteries.
Stretchable ITO‐Free Organic Solar Cells with Intrinsic Anti‐Reflection Substrate for High‐Efficiency Outdoor and Indoor Energy Harvesting
Authors: Huang Jiaming , Ren Zhiwei , Zhang Yaokang , Liu Kuan , Zhang Hengkai , Tang Hua , Yan Cenqi , Zheng Zijian , Li Gang
Published: February 2021

Flexible photovoltaic devices are promising candidates for triggering the Internet of Things (IoT). However, the power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of flexible organic photovoltaic (OPV) devices with high conductivity poly(3,4‐ethylene dioxythiophene):polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) electrodes on plastic are lagging behind the rigid devices due to the low transmittance of polyethylene terephthalate (PET)/PEDOT:PSS. Moreover, the poor stretchability of the commonly used plastic substrates largely hinders the practical application of wearable devices. Herein, a novel stretchable indium tin oxide (ITO)‐free OPV device with a surface‐texturing polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) substrate for outdoor strong‐ and indoor dim‐light energy harvesting is reported. The high diffuse transmittance and haze effect of the substrate enable stretchable ITO‐free devices, yielding a high PCE of 15.3% under 1 sun illumination. More excitingly, the stretchable device based on textured PDMS/PEDOT:PSS maintains a comparable PCE of 20.5% (20.8% for the rigid device) under indoor light illumination. Notably, the stretchable device is much more insensitive to the light direction, maintaining 38.5% of the initial PCE at an extremely small incident angle of 10° (16.3% for glass/ITO‐based counterpart). The texturing stretchable substrate provides a new direction for achieving high performance and enhanced light utilization for the stretchable light‐harvesting device, suitable for indoor and outdoor applications.
Peripheral Nerve Regeneration with 3D Printed Bionic Scaffolds Loading Neural Crest Stem Cell Derived Schwann Cell Progenitors
Authors: Li Ying , Lv Shang , Yuan Huipu , Ye Gang , Mu Wenbo , Fu Yong , Zhang Xuan , Feng Zhiying , He Yong , Chen Wei
Published: February 2021

Peripheral nerve injuries are one of the most common types of traumatic damage to the nervous system. Treatment of peripheral nerve injuries aims to promote axon regrowth by imitating and improving the microenvironment for sciatic nerve regeneration. In this study, regeneration efficiency and behavior of peripheral nerves are compared under three treatment strategies: 1) transplantation of Schwann cell progenitors induced from purified neural crest stem cells; 2) implantation of a multiscale scaffold based on high‐resolution 3D printing; and 3) implantation of this bionic scaffold loading Schwann cell progenitors. The results of structural, electrophysiological, and behavioral tests demonstrate that the three treatment strategies result in different degrees of regeneration. The purified neural crest stem cells differentiate into functional Schwann cells and promote axon regeneration. The multifunctional 3D printed scaffold promotes oriented growth and myelination, and the myelinated nerve regrows with increased density and without visible scaffolds after six months. For the regeneration, scaffold treatment produces better performance than cell graft alone. Finally, it is shown that implantation of multiscale scaffolds preloaded with neural crest stem cell derived Schwann cell progenitors is the best strategy to promote peripheral nerve regeneration with improved anatomy and function among the three different strategies.
Two‐Dimensional Metal–Organic Frameworks‐Based Grain Termination Strategy Enables High‐Efficiency Perovskite Photovoltaics with Enhanced Moisture and Thermal Stability
Authors: Qiu Lele , Xing Kai , Zhang Jian , Yang Yulin , Cao Wei , Zhou Xuesong , Zhu Ke , Xia Debin , Fan Ruiqing
Published: February 2021

Perovskite degradation induced by surface defects and imperfect grain boundaries of films seriously damages the performance of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Meanwhile, conventional organic molecules cannot maintain the long‐time passivation effects under the stimulation of external environmental factors. Here, efficient and stable grain passivation in perovskite films is realized by preparing formic acid‐functionalized 2D metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) as the terminated agent. Through robust interactions between exposed active sites and PbI2, the 2D MOFs tightly caps the surface of PbI2‐terminated perovskite grains to stabilize the perovskite phases and aids the adhesion of adjacent grains. The MOFs mainly distributed at the grain boundaries of the perovskite film is directly observed at the microscopic scale. The modified perovskite films have regular morphology, lower defect density, and superior optoelectronic properties. Benefiting from the suppressed charge recombination and faster charge extraction, a power conversion efficiency of 21.28% is achieved for the best‐performing PSC device. The unencapsulated PSCs with the MOFs modification maintain 88% and 81% of their initial efficiency after 750 h heating at 85 °C under N2 atmosphere and more than 1000 h storage in ambient environment (25 °C, RH ≈ 40%), respectively.
Fast and Ample Light Controlled Actuation of Monodisperse All‐DNA Microgels
Authors: Merindol Rémi , Martin Nicolas , Beneyton Thomas , Baret Jean‐Christophe , Ravaine Serge
Published: February 2021

The assembly of adaptive hierarchical soft materials that resemble living tissues requires responsive building blocks of controlled dimensions. While DNA self‐assembly provides an exceptional tool for nanoscale architectural control, responsive DNA microstructures remain scarce. Here, two challenges controlling the size of DNA microstructures and embedding them with fast and ample structural response are addressed. For size‐control, arrested phase separation and microfluidic confinement are combined to produce monodisperse all‐DNA particles. For responsiveness, a light controlled coil‐globule transition of the microgel DNA network powered by an azobenzene cationic surfactant is implemented. The photoinduced trans‐cis isomerization of the azobenzene moiety reduces its affinity for DNA which results in fast, large amplitudes microgel swelling. Finally, the assembly of light responsive microgel superstructures is demonstrated as proof‐of‐concept hierarchical all‐DNA materials.
Self‐Powered Light‐Temperature Dual‐Parameter Sensor Using Nb‐Doped SrTiO3 Materials Via Thermo‐Phototronic Effect
Authors: Wu Liyun , Ji Yun , Ouyang Bangsen , Li Zhengke , Yang Ya
Published: February 2021

Multifunctional sensors that can simultaneously detect light and thermal stimuli play an essential role in the research of portable devices and complex arrays of electronics. Lots of effort has been made to realize the simultaneous detection of light and temperature in a standalone device. However, since there is a strong interference of electric signals, accurate simultaneous sensing remains a challenge. Here, a self‐powered dual‐parameter sensor based on thermo‐phototronic effect in Nb‐doped SrTiO3 (NSTO) single crystal to achieve decoupled light and temperature sensing is developed. High light‐ and temperature‐sensing sensitivities of 0.201 µA mW cm−2 and 16.77 µA K−1 are realized, respectively. The excellent simultaneous sensing capability may be attributed to effective light‐to‐electrical and thermal‐to‐electrical energy conversion in the NSTO crystal. The excellent simultaneous sensing performance of the dual‐parameter sensors, together with their ease of fabrication, pushes forward the development of highly sensitive multifunctional sensors.
Scalable Superior Chemical Sensing Performance of Stretchable Ionotronic Skin via a π‐Hole Receptor Effect
Authors: Jin Ming Liang , Park Sangsik , Kweon Hyukmin , Koh Hyeong‐Jun , Gao Min , Tang Chao , Cho Soo‐Yeon , Kim Yunpyo , Zhang Shuye , Li Xinlin , Shin Kwanwoo , Fu Aiping , Jung Hee‐Tae , Ahn Chi Won , Kim Do Hwan
Published: February 2021

Skin‐attachable gas sensors provide a next‐generation wearable platform for real‐time protection of human health by monitoring environmental and physiological chemicals. However, the creation of skin‐like wearable gas sensors, possessing high sensitivity, selectivity, stability, and scalability (4S) simultaneously, has been a big challenge. Here, an ionotronic gas‐sensing sticker (IGS) is demonstrated, implemented with free‐standing polymer electrolyte (ionic thermoplastic polyurethane, i‐TPU) as a sensing channel and inkjet‐printed stretchable carbon nanotube electrodes, which enables the IGS to exhibit high sensitivity, selectivity, stability (against mechanical stress, humidity, and temperature), and scalable fabrication, simultaneously. The IGS demonstrates reliable sensing capability against nitrogen dioxide molecules under not only harsh mechanical stress (cyclic bending with the radius of curvature of 1 mm and cyclic straining at 50%), but also environmental conditions (thermal aging from −45 to 125 °C for 1000 cycles and humidity aging for 24 h at 85% relative humidity). Further, through systematic experiments and theoretical calculations, a π‐hole receptor mechanism is proposed, which can effectively elucidate the origin of the high sensitivity (up to parts per billion level) and selectivity of the ionotronic sensing system. Consequently, this work provides a guideline for the design of ionotronic materials for the achievement of high‐performance and skin‐attachable gas‐sensor platforms.
Dip‐Pen Nanolithography Enabled Functional Nanomaterials and Their Applications
Authors: Li Ze‐Qi , Guo Ping , Zhou Yi‐Ge
Published: February 2021

Dip‐pen nanolithography (DPN) is a scanning probe lithography technique that can write “inks” directly on a surface with high resolution. The “pen” was initially started from an atomic force microscopy (AFM) tip and later developed to a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) tip array to allow for high‐throughput nanofabrication. Over the past two decades, DPN has enabled a wide range of applications from printing arrays of small molecules to fabricating complicated hybrid structures and even integrated systems. In this review, the uses of DPN are focused upon for the synthesis of nanomaterials (NMs) divided by different postprocessing steps after the patterning. The applications of the obtained NMs are also summarized.
Conversion of Lignocellulosic Biomass to Reducing Sugars in High Pressure and Supercritical Fluids: Greener Alternative for Biorefining of Renewables
Authors: Kumar Pawan , Kermanshahi‐pour Azadeh , Brar Satinder Kaur , Brooks Marianne Su‐Ling
Published: February 2021

Supercritical fluids offer great potential to be employed in lignocellulosic biomass (LCB) fractionation in biorefinery. Supercritical carbon dioxide and water are greener alternatives compared with conventional reagents and have been investigated for the pretreatment and hydrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass. This review is focused on examining the fundamentals that govern the function of supercritical fluids in the pretreatment stage, as well as in the main hydrolysis reaction. Sub/supercritical carbon dioxide is used in pretreatment and sub/supercritical water has been the solvent of choice in hydrolysis of LCB. Significant research has gone into understanding the effect of process parameters such as temperature, pressure, cosolvent, and use of external catalyst on the sugar yield in biorefining of the LCB in supercritical fluids. It is shown that processes with reduced environmental impact and energy consumption can significantly enhance biorefining of LCB at commercial scale. Enzymatic hydrolysis of LCB in supercritical carbon dioxide is a promising approach that can accommodate mild reaction conditions. Developing an understanding of the performance of enzymes in high pressure systems and designing carriers for enzyme immobilization and further recycling is expected to enable one pot pretreatment and hydrolysis and is an important milestone in processing renewable resources for deriving biofuel and value‐added chemicals.
Seedling elongation responses to gibberellin seed treatments in wheat
Authors: Horgan Andrew M. , Garland Campbell Kimberly A. , Carter Arron H. , Steber Camille M.
Published: February 2021

The wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Reduced height (Rht) alleles are widely used to prevent lodging through semi‐dwarfism. Seedling elongation and coleoptile length can be significantly decreased by some of these alleles, leading to reduced soil emergence after deep sowing in certain semi‐arid environments. Application of the elongation‐promoting hormone gibberellin A3 (GA3) as a seed treatment has been used as an alternative to improve seedling emergence. Seedling responses to GA3 seed treatment were investigated under controlled conditions in a collection of varieties differing for Rht dwarfing alleles and the ability to emerge from deep planting. Data between treated and untreated seed were collected on overall coleoptile length and emergence from deep planting in simulated pot studies. Gibberellin‐sensitive varieties, carrying either no dwarfing gene or the Rht8 dwarfing gene, responded to the GA3 seed treatment with increased coleoptile and subcrown internode elongation. Comparison of near‐isogenic lines carrying no dwarfing allele or the GA‐insensitive Rht‐B1b and/or Rht‐D1b semi‐dwarfing alleles showed that GA insensitivity was associated with reduced seedling response to GA3 seed treatment. However, there was variation in seedling elongation and GA3 response in a collection of GA‐insensitive varieties. Thus, it cannot be assumed that all Rht‐B1b and Rht‐D1b varieties will fail to respond to GA3 seed treatment. Interestingly, some better emerging GA‐insensitive varieties had longer coleoptiles after treatment, suggesting that selection for better emergence in semi‐arid regions of the U.S. Pacific Northwest may have led to responses in GA3 application independent of the dwarfing gene used.
Changes in maternal anthropometric measurements in the first postpartum month and associated factors
Authors: Aydin Beril , Yalçin S. Songül
Published: February 2021

Objective

Maternal anthropometry offers a rapid, inexpensive, and non‐invasive method for assessing nutritional status during pregnancy. We aimed to assess the changes in maternal anthropometric measurements in the first month after delivery and to investigate the factors associated with longitudinal changes in maternal postpartum nutritional status.

Design

This prospective longitudinal study included 147 mothers who were on the 5th postpartum day applied to outpatient clinics, from January 2018 through January 2020. Each mother completed a structured questionnaire and baseline anthropometric measurements were performed at the postpartum 5th day and re‐evaluated at the end of the first month after delivery.

Participants

Mother‐infant pairs (n = 147).

Results

At the end of the first postpartum month, maternal body weight (relative change −5.1%, 95% CI: −5.6%;−4.6%), muscle mass ratio (−1.6%, 95% CI: −2.4%;−0.9%) and body fluid ratio (−2.4%, 95% CI: −3.1%;−1.7%) decreased, whereas fat mass ratio increased (10.3%, 95% CI: 9.0%;11.6%).There was a significant association between infants' feeding type and maternal BMI, weight, muscle mass ratio, body fluid ratio, triceps, and biceps skinfold thickness in mothers (p < .05). We also found a significant relationship between maternal smoke exposure and BMI, maternal weight, fat‐mass ratio (p < .05).

Conclusions

There are some important alterations in maternal anthropometric parameters during the postpartum period. This study will help further our understanding of the factors influencing changes in maternal body composition after delivery.