bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantifying how post-transcriptional noise and gene copy number variation bias transcriptional parameter inference from mRNA distributions
Authors: Fu Xiaoming , Patel Heta P , Coppola Stefano , Xu Libin , Cao Zhixing , Lenstra Tineke L , Grima Ramon
Published: October 2022

Transcriptional rates are often estimated by fitting the distribution of mature mRNA numbers measured using smFISH (single molecule fluorescence in situ hybridization) with the distribution predicted by the telegraph model of gene expression, which defines two promoter states of activity and inactivity. However, fluctuations in mature mRNA numbers are strongly affected by processes downstream of transcription. In addition, the telegraph model assumes one gene copy but in experiments, cells may have two gene copies as cells replicate their genome during the cell cycle. While it is often presumed that post-transcriptional noise and gene copy number variation affect transcriptional parameter estimation, the size of the error introduced remains unclear. To address this issue, here we measure both mature and nascent mRNA distributions of GAL10 in yeast cells using smFISH and classify each cell according to its cell cycle phase. We infer transcriptional parameters from mature and nascent mRNA distributions, with and without accounting for cell cycle phase and compare the results to live-cell transcription measurements of the same gene. We find that: (i) correcting for cell cycle dynamics decreases the promoter switching rates and the initiation rate, and increases the fraction of time spent in the active state, as well as the burst size; (ii) additional correction for post-transcriptional noise leads to further increases in the burst size and to a large reduction in the errors in parameter estimation. Furthermore, we outline how to correctly adjust for measurement noise in smFISH due to uncertainty in transcription site localisation when introns cannot be labelled. Simulations with parameters estimated from nascent smFISH data, which is corrected for cell cycle phases and measurement noise, leads to autocorrelation functions that agree with those obtained from live-cell imaging.
Some Remarks on the Origin of Afro-Puerto Rican Spanish
Authors: Visconte Piero , Sessarego Sandro
Published: October 2022

A number of proposals have tried to account for the genesis and development of a set of Afro-Hispanic language varieties, the vernaculars ​​that formed in Latin America from the contact between African languages ​​and Spanish in colonial times (Sessarego 2021). This article presents a sociohistorical and linguistic analysis of Loza Spanish (LS), an Afro-Puerto Rican vernacular spoken in Loíza, Puerto Rico by the descendants of the Africans brought to this Caribbean island in colonial times to work as slaves on sugarcane plantations. This article assesses the evolution of this variety and its implications for creole studies. In so doing, it contributes to the long-lasting debate on the reasons behind the paucity of Spanish-based creoles in the Americas (Granda 1968 et seq.).
Effect of Herbicide Application on Weed Dynamics in Pigeon Pea Based Cropping System under Rainfed Situations of Madhya Pradesh
Authors: Namdeo Balkrishna , Kushwaha H. S. , Dubey Dig Vijay , Patel Shriman Kumar , Patel Neelash
Published: October 2022

A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the role of intercrops in respect of weed suppression and chemical methods for effective weed control in pigeon pea and green gram based intercropping systems.The aim of this stydy to assess the most suitable weed management practices for pigeonpea + green gram intercropping system.Results revealed that the relative density of dicot weeds was lower than the relative weed density of monocot weeds and did not show any significant effect on weed dynamics of pigeon pea and green gram based intercropping systems whereas, the application of Pendimethelin @ 1.0 kg ai + Imazethapyr @0.1 kg ai/ha significantly minimum weed density, weed dry weight and maximum weed control efficiency recoreded compared to weedy plot at 25, 50 and 75 days after sowing (DAS). This might be due to reduction in weed competition.
Sub 0.5 Volt Graphene‐hBN van der Waals Nanoelectromechanical (NEM) Switches
Authors: Muruganathan Manoharan , Van Ngoc Huynh , Schmidt Marek E. , Mizuta Hiroshi
Published: October 2022

The Nanoelectromechanical (NEM) switches are a promising candidate to overcome the physical limitations of the complementary metal‐oxide‐semiconductor (CMOS) switches due to their quasi‐zero leakage behavior, sub‐thermal switching, and suitability to operate in harsh environments. The main obstacles affecting NEM switches are their irreversible switch‐contact stiction, the large switching voltage, and its hysteretic loop. In this study, the irreversible static friction is overcome by employing the weak van der Waals (vdW) bonding of graphene‐hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) contact in the Graphene NEM (GNEM) switches. These vdW switches show sub‐0.5 V switching voltage with an ON/OFF ratio higher than 105and nearly zero hysteretic window characteristics with a high endurance of over 50 000 switching cycles. These remarkable performances are achieved by exploiting graphene's monolayer thickness, high Young's modulus, cubic mechanical restoring force, and low vdW binding energy characteristics. As chemical vapor deposition graphene and hBN are used in these GNEM switches, it exhibits the prospect for large‐scale graphene NEM system applications. These GNEM switches can be potentially used in ultralow‐power CMOS integrated circuits, hybrid NEM‐CMOS systems, logic devices, NEM resonator mass sensing, and single‐molecule sensors.
Selective Enhancement of Photo‐Piezocatalytic Performance in BaTiO3 Via heterovalent Ion Doping
Authors: Yu Chengye , He Jingjin , Tan Mengxi , Hou Yuxuan , Zeng Hua , Liu Chuanbao , Meng Huimin , Su Yanjing , Qiao Lijie , Lookman Turab , Bai Yang
Published: October 2022

This study proposes a strategy based on heterovalent ion doping that gives rise to a synergistic piezo‐phototronic effect with significantly improved catalytic activity and leads to selective catalytic enhancement for specific pollutants. Owing to the enhanced light absorption, hydrogen evolution rates are as high as 3704 and 3178 µmolg−1 h−1 in 0.01Li‐doped BaTiO3 and 0.02La‐doped BaTiO3 nanosheets, respectively, under simultaneous irradiation by ultrasound and light, a factor of 4.6 and 3.9 times higher than for pure BaTiO3. The performance also far exceeds that of single piezocatalysis, photocatalysis, or the sum of the two for Li/La‐doped BaTiO3 nanosheets due to the effects of the piezoelectric field in promoting photo‐induced separation of electron‐hole pairs. Further, by carefully selecting donor or acceptor doping, a significant enhancement in catalyst to specific pollutants is obtained by controlling the band structure. Compared to pure BaTiO3, 0.01Li‐doped BaTiO3 possesses higher catalytic activity for anionic dyes such as Methyl blue and Malachite Green, reaching 0.067 and 1.379 min−1, respectively, while 0.02La‐doped BaTiO3 exhibits better catalytic performance for cationic dyes such as Rhodamine B and Methyl Orange, with degradation rates up to 0.274 and 0.029 min−1, respectively. This study offers a path to the design of efficient piezocatalysts for specific applications.
Multifocal Plane Display Based on Dual Polarity Stereoscopic Metasurface
Authors: Zhang Xue , Li Xin , Zhou Hongqiang , Wei Qunshuo , Geng Guangzhou , Li Junjie , Li Xiaowei , Wang Yongtian , Huang Lingling
Published: October 2022

Stereoscopic 3D display devices have been developed toward integration and compactness. Metasurfaces have immeasurable advantages in the field of 3D display due to their tiny structures and flexible design capabilities. Here, a 3D multifocal display method based on stereoscopic metasurface (SMS) is proposed and demonstrated. Based on Dammann optimization method and Fourier expansion with zone plate to generate phase profile, such SMS can reorganize different planar images projected from Digital Mirror Device to form 3D images with correct depth clues. Thanks to the large Numerical Aperture of nano‐devices, total 20 multi‐focal planes can be independently used for display by considering dual polarization multiplexing. The experimental effects for stereoscopic arrangement of 3D number, letters, and several 3D images are demonstrated. Such compact‐scale SMSs have great potential to the applications of augmented/virtual reality devices, stereoscopic optical engraving, 3D optical manipulation, etc.
Interface Reconstruction from Ruddlesden–Popper Structures Impacts Stability in Lead Halide Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Perini Carlo Andrea Riccardo , Rojas‐Gatjens Esteban , Ravello Magdalena , Castro‐Mendez Andrés‐Felipe , Hidalgo Juanita , An Yu , Kim Sanggyun , Lai Barry , Li Ruipeng , Silva‐Acuña Carlos , Correa‐Baena Juan‐Pablo
Published: October 2022

The impact of the bulky‐cation‐modified interfaces on halide perovskite solar cell stability is underexplored. In this work, the thermal instability of the bulky‐cation interface layers used in the state‐of‐the‐art solar cells is demonstrated. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and synchrotron‐based grazing‐incidence X‐ray scattering measurements reveal significant changes in the chemical composition and structure at the surface of these films that occur under thermal stress. The changes impact charge‐carrier dynamics and device operation, as shown in transient photoluminescence, excitation correlation spectroscopy, and solar cells. The type of cation used for surface treatment affects the extent of these changes, where long carbon chains provide more stable interfaces. These results highlight that prolonged annealing of the treated interfaces is critical to enable reliable reporting of performances and to drive the selection of different bulky cations.
High‐Rate and Selective CO2 Electrolysis to Ethylene via Metal–Organic‐Framework‐Augmented CO2 Availability
Authors: Nam Dae‐Hyun , Shekhah Osama , Ozden Adnan , McCallum Christopher , Li Fengwang , Wang Xue , Lum Yanwei , Lee Taemin , Li Jun , Wicks Joshua , Johnston Andrew , Sinton David , Eddaoudi Mohamed , Sargent Edward H.
Published: October 2022

High‐rate conversion of carbon dioxide (CO2) to ethylene (C2H4) in the CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) requires fine control over the phase boundary of the gas diffusion electrode (GDE) to overcome the limit of CO2 solubility in aqueous electrolytes. Here, a metal–organic framework (MOF)‐functionalized GDE design is presented, based on a catalysts:MOFs:hydrophobic substrate materials layered architecture, that leads to high‐rate and selective C2H4 production in flow cells and membrane electrode assembly (MEA) electrolyzers. It is found that using electroanalysis and operando X‐ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), MOF‐induced organic layers in GDEs augment the local CO2 concentration near the active sites of the Cu catalysts. MOFs with different CO2 adsorption abilities are used, and the stacking ordering of MOFs in the GDE is varied. While sputtering Cu on poly(tetrafluoroethylene) (PTFE) (Cu/PTFE) exhibits 43% C2H4 Faradaic efficiency (FE) at a current density of 200 mA cm−2 in a flow cell, 49% C2H4 FE at 1 A cm−2 is achieved on MOF‐augmented GDEs in CO2RR. MOF‐augmented GDEs are further evaluated in an MEA electrolyzer, achieving a C2H4 partial current density of 220 mA cm−2 for CO2RR and 121 mA cm−2 for the carbon monoxide reduction reaction (CORR), representing 2.7‐fold and 15‐fold improvement in C2H4 production rate, compared to those obtained on bare Cu/PTFE.
GQDs Incorporated CoPc Nanorods for Electrochemical Detection of Dopamine and Uric Acid
Authors: Wu Bo , Li Minzhang , Ramachandran Rajendran , Niu Gaoqiang , Zhang Mingxiang , Zhao Changhui , Xu Zongxiang , Wang Fei
Published: October 2022

Dopamine (DA) and uric acid (UA) are biomolecules of great consideration that coexist in human body. It is essential and challenging to detect them simultaneously with high sensitivity. This paper reports a novel electrochemical biosensor based on the nanocomposites of cobalt phthalocyanine (CoPc) anchored with graphene quantum dots (GQDs) for DA and UA detection. The GQDs incorporation on CoPc nanorods with partial end stretching significantly enhances the electrocatalytic activity and promotes the electron transfer rate. Low detection limits of 21 nm for DA and 145 nm for UA have been successfully achieved for the fabricated CoPc/GQDs biosensor. The density‐functional theory proves the enhanced conductivity of CoPc/GQDs and the biomolecule's interaction with the electrode surface. Furthermore, the proposed sensor shows remarkable reproducibility, repeatability, and stability. The fabricated sensor is applied for the simultaneous detections of DA and UA in human urine samples. The excellent performance suggests that the CoPc/GQDs could be a promising and potential candidate for electrochemical sensors to detect DA and UA selectively.
Fluorescence Turn‐On Corrosion Inhibitor with a Tetraphenylethylene Framework: Corrosion Inhibition and Theoretical Calculations
Authors: Lei Xue , An Yiming , Qiao Fulin , Chen Yumeng , Gao Song , Zuo Lushen , Zhao Yue , Sun Fei , Wang Chunlu , Qin Bing , Zhuo Qingqian , Wang Jinhua , Fu Xiaoping , Wang Hui , Yu Zhengqi
Published: October 2022

Luminogens with aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) properties have received growing interest recently, due to their unique photophysical properties and wide applications. However, the adsorption and fluorescent behaviors of AIE compounds (AIEgens) have been rarely explored on metal surface. Herein, a zwitterionic compound 1 incorporating tetraphenylethylene (TPE) cation and SCN− anion was developed integrating AIE and corrosion inhibition. Weight loss experiment and electrochemical studies manifest 1 is an effective corrosion inhibitor for brass in 0.5 m H2SO4 with inhibition efficiency achieving over 99%. Meanwhile, intensive fluorescence was observed after adsorption of 1 on brass surface, facilitating fluorescent visualization and a new strategy for corrosion inhibition with precise dosing. In contrast, compound 2 with identical TPE cation and SO42− anion has negligible corrosion inhibition effect. The differences of adsorption and fluorescent behaviors between 1 and 2 were attributed to hard and soft acids and bases theory and electrostatic attraction. The corrosion inhibition mechanism was further investigated by comprehensive calculations. This work provides a new approach for visualization of corrosion protection, and enriches understanding of behaviors and functionalities of AIEgens on metal surface.
FITC/PEG Functionalized Nanographene Oxide/Gold Nanocomposites Enable Efficient Response to Dopamine
Authors: Qian Wenhao , Song Tao , Ye Mao , Huang Xiaoyu , Li Yongjun , Hao Bingjie
Published: October 2022

Dopamine (DA) plays a crucial role in the regulation of human bodily functions and metabolism. It is necessary to detect and then to regulate DA levels for health maintenance. Electrochemical sensors have intrinsic advantages in DA determination, especially for metal nanoparticles‐based sensors with excellent physicochemical properties and efficient activity. In this article, AuNPs located on functional nanographene oxide (NGO) are fabricated for DA detection. As the facial platform, NGO has large surface areas to maintain AuNPs well disperse and provided enough carboxyls and epoxy groups for conjugating with poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and thiol active site. Functional biological fluorescence dye (FITC) is also introduced to this NGO platform. With stepwise functionalization, NGO is reconstructed as an optimal foundation for AuNPs presenting the inherent physicochemical properties. Finally, AuNPs are in‐situ grown on the platform by reduction of HAuCl4 under mild conditions, i.e., AuNPs@SH‐NGO‐PEG‐FITC. In the detection of DA levels, AuNPs/NGO nanocomposites are coated on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE). Relying on corresponding cyclic voltammetric curves and typical ready‐state amperometric curves, it is informed that GCE/AuNPs@SH‐NGO‐PEG‐FITC can be employed in the electrochemical detection of DA levels. It is foreseen that efficient sensors and methods for DA determination with fluorescence tracers are provided.
HfO2/WO3 Heterojunction Structured Memristor for High‐Density Storage and Neuromorphic Computing
Authors: Liu Qi , Gao Song , Li Yang , Yue Wenjing , Zhang Chunwei , Kan Hao , Shen Guozhen
Published: October 2022

With the boom of artificial intelligence (AI) and big data, electronics demand faster computing speed and lower power consumption, however, von Neumann architecture of current devices feature severe drawbacks for the further improvement of computing capability due to its design with separated memory and central processing unit (CPU). Fortunately, emerging nonvolatile memory devices, especially memristors, exhibit tremendous advantages in breaking the “memory wall” between memory and CPU by virtue of their in‐computing and neuromorphic computing abilities. Here, a WO3/HfO2 heterojunction‐based memristor is proposed, and the device exhibits extraordinary resistive switching behaviors (e.g., high ON/OFF ratio, stable endurance, long retention time, and multilevel resistance states) and neuromorphic characteristics (long‐term/short‐term synaptic activities). Further, the mechanism underlying the electrical performances of this device is studied. Silver conductive filaments and Schottky barrier models are proposed and explained successfully. Additionally, a multilayer layer perceptron neural network is constructed in terms of the memristor model, and variables embracing learning rate, algorithm, and training epochs, are explored to enhance the recognition accuracy of the network. Undoubtedly, the proposed high‐quality WO3/HfO2 heterojunction‐based memristor contributes to promoting the development of high‐density storage and neuromorphic computing technology, showing fascinating prospects in the era of AI.
Regulation of Third‐Order NLO Properties by Central Metal Exchange of Heterogeneous MOFs@CeO2
Authors: Huang Jing , Lang Feifan , Cui Yang , Xie Lixia , Geng Kangshuai , Zhao Yujie , Hou Hongwei
Published: October 2022

Changing the chemical composition and generating heterogeneous structures have a synergistic effect on the third‐order nonlinear optical (NLO) properties of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) materials. In this work, it is demonstrated that the transformations from a parent‐MOF [Zn4(dcpp)2(DMF)3(H2O)2]n (1, dcpp = 3,4‐bis(4‐carboxyphenyl)phthalate) into two child‐MOFs, [Cu4(dcpp)2(DMF)3(H2O)2]n (2) or [Zn2.5Co1.5(dcpp)2(DMF)3(H2O)2]n (3), via central metal exchange can regulate the third‐order NLO properties of the parent‐MOF, especially its third‐order NLO absorption signal can change from the reverse saturable absorption (RSA) to the saturable absorption (SA) when Cu2+ are introduced. Heterogeneous 1@CeO2 materials are further engineered by depositing CeO2 nanospheres onto the whole surface of 1, and are surprisingly still able to be exchanged into 2@CeO2 or 3@CeO2. Analyses on these MOFs@CeO2 indicate that the interfacial interaction between metal oxide particles and MOFs surface can effectively tune the charge transfer efficiency of the material which leads to their third‐order NLO refraction signals. The interface inducement of CeO2‐shell to the MOF‐core also significantly changes their third‐order NLO properties compared to pure MOFs. This work provides new insights and efficient strategies for the development of new third‐order NLO materials with potential practical usage.
Dual Hybridized Local and Charge Transfer Characteristic Fluorophore as an Efficient Nondoped Emitter for Electroluminescent Device
Authors: Sudyoadsuk Taweesak , Petdee Sujinda , Waengdongbung Wijitra , Loythaworn Thidarat , Chasing Pongsakorn , Kongsabay Suwapat , Therdkatanyuphong Pattarawadee , Promarak Vinich
Published: October 2022

Hybridized local and charge transfer (HLCT) is an attractive strategy for achieving efficient electroluminescence (EL) in electrofluorescent devices by the conversion of triplet‐state (T) to singlet‐state (S) excitons via a reverse intersystem crossing, giving rise to a high exciton utilization efficiency exceeding the spin statistical limit. Excellent device performance is reached using thermally evaporated emissive layers. However, for potential large‐scale commercialization, it is crucial to attain comparable device performances using low‐cost solution‐processing techniques. Herein, a new concept of dual HLCT characteristic fluorophore (BCBF) with a high solid‐state fluorescence as a nondoped emitter for a simple structured solution‐processed EL device is presented. BCBF is effectively formulated by π‐conjugation linking two HLCT fragments with a highly soluble hole‐transporting aromatic moiety. Its dual HLCT and photoluminescence (PL) properties are experimentally and theoretically probed by the solvatochromic effect and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The molecule exhibits an intense yellow–green emission with a good solution‐processed film‐forming quality and a high solid‐state fluorescence quantum yield of 80%. BCBF is successfully utilized as a nondoped emissive layer in a solution‐processed double‐layered organic light‐emitting diode (OLED), which shows excellent EL performance (brightness of 47 580 cd m−2, current efﬁciency of 15.78 cd A−1, and external quantum efﬁciency of 7.20%).
Perspectives of Triboelectric Sensors for Internet of Healthcare
Authors: Jiang Jinxing , Sun Xuhui , Wen Zhen
Published: October 2022

Triboelectric sensors emerged as a new promising sensor several years ago for their high sensitivity, low cost, and zero power consumption. Its capability of realizing various sensing without consuming external power offers a new strategy for promoting the internet of healthcare. Several triboelectric sensors have been used for healthcare monitoring. Such as eye fatigue, pulse, blood pressure, human motion, etc. Various healthcare monitoring devices on the human body help build the internet of healthcare. In this perspective, first, the introduction of triboelectric sensors is proposed. Then, the current healthcare electronics enabled by the triboelectric sensor are discussed. Third, future requirements for the triboelectric sensor are proposed. Finally, future methods for the triboelectric sensor to build the internet of healthcare are discussed.
Electrically Tuning Interfacial Ion Redistribution for mica/WSe2 Memory Transistor
Authors: Yang Zhihao , Wang Dong , Wang Shaoyuan , Tan Chao , Yang Lei , Wang Zegao
Published: October 2022

Memory device is an important part of electronic equipment. 2D transition metal dichalcogenides that exhibit novel electrical characteristics hold promise in developing new types of memory device. Here, the memory effect in 2D mica/WSe2 heterostructure is investigated. Under applying constant bias voltage and gate voltage, the K+ ions in mica will migrate in the direction of the electric field and be trapped to enable the memory function. The gradient K+ ions work as long‐range scatters to electrostatically dope the WSe2 channel. The shift of the threshold voltage indicates an electrostatic doping concentration up to 2.11 × 1012 cm−2. The operating voltage is as low as 10 V and the on/off ratio is estimated to be 104. To determine the mechanism, the dynamic behavior of the device is discussed and a model is proposed which reveals the correlation between the programming/erasing process and the device performance. Moreover, through defining and studying the effective charge trapping rate, θ, it is found that the trapped charge is proportional to the charge flowing through the channel which means that the device performance can be finely tuned by the programming process.
Spatiotemporal Modulation of Plasticity in Multi‐Terminal Tactile Synaptic Transistor
Authors: Mo Wen‐Ai , Ding Guanglong , Nie Zihao , Feng Zihao , Zhou Kui , Chen Ruo‐Si , Xie Peng , Shang Gang , Han Su‐Ting , Zhou Ye
Published: October 2022

Neuromorphic system based on artificial synaptic devices is considered as a potential candidate to realize the in‐memory computing and parallel processing of data for overcoming the von Neumann bottleneck. However, to fully imitate the complicated functions of the biological neural networks at the hardware level is still a challenging task. In this work, a multi‐terminal MoS2 synaptic transistor is developed, which not only simulates various biological synaptic behaviors, including paired pulse facilitation (PPF), excitatory/inhibitory post‐synaptic current (EPSC/IPSC), spike‐rate‐dependent plasticity (SRDP), and spike‐timing‐dependent plasticity (STDP), but also can independently mimic the parallel signal processing and transmissions in biological multipolar neurons. By combining the multi‐terminal MoS2 synaptic transistor with the micro‐structured polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) pressure sensors, an intelligent tactile recognition system is built up, which can realize the spatiotemporal recognition of touch position. Furthermore, with sensor selection, the spatiotemporal modulation of synaptic plasticity and the human learning and forgetting behaviors to the knowledge with different difficulty degrees can be mimicked. This work provides a novel interconnection scheme for simulating signal transmission and processing among neurons, showing broad application prospects of the multi‐terminal MoS2 synaptic transistor in intelligent human–computer interaction and bionic neuromorphic perception systems.
All‐Printed Wearable Triboelectric Nanogenerator with Ultra‐Charged Electron Accumulation Polymers Based on MXene Nanoflakes
Authors: Kim Kyeong Nam , Kim So Young , Choi Seo Hyun , Lee Minbaek , Song Wooseok , Lim Jongsun , Lee Sun Sook , Myung Sung
Published: October 2022

The multilayer triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) are widely developed to enhance the output performance of device. However, these TENGs consisting of electron transfer, transport, trap layers toward a large volumetric charge density should be wearable and mass‐produced for commercialization. Thus, appropriate material selection in respective layers and fabrication method are crucial for the commercialization of multilayer TENG. This study presents all‐printed, sustainable wearable TENGs based on electron accumulation polymers (EAPs) with superior charge retention capability. The EAPs consisting of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), carboxyl functionalized single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs:COOH), and Ti3C2Tx (MXene) in a fluorinated polymer matrix, are used. Compared to the reference, the EAPs not only lead to approximately six times higher output performance (300 V and 40 µA) but also four times more sustainable charge retention capability (92%) for an hour. These are attributed to the three‐step electron‐trapping mechanism with electron transfer/transport from PTFE/SWCNT and electron trapping in MXene. In addition, TENGs with EAPs exhibit excellent mechanical stability and reliability with fascinating single‐electrode demonstrations. Finally, the TENG with EAPs can efficiently operate various portable electronics and pH monitoring systems with a pH sensor and a seven‐segment display in realistic scenarios.
Highly Durable Fluorinated High Oxygen Permeability Ionomers for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells
Authors: Macauley Natalia , Lousenberg Robert D. , Spinetta Magali , Zhong Sichen , Yang Fan , Judge Will , Nikitin Viktor , Perego Andrea , Qi Yongzhen , Pedram Sara , Jankovic Jasna , Zenyuk Iryna V. , Xu Hui
Published: October 2022

For proton exchange membrane fuel cells to be cost‐competitive in light‐ and heavy‐duty vehicle applications, their Pt content in the catalyst layers needs to be lowered. However, lowering the Pt content results in voltage losses due to high local oxygen transport resistances at the ionomer–Pt interface. It is therefore crucial to use ionomers that have higher oxygen permeability than Nafion. In this work, novel high oxygen permeability ionomers (HOPIs) are presented, with up to five times higher oxygen permeability than Nafion, synthesized by copolymerization of perfluoro‐2,2‐dimethyl‐1,3‐dioxole (PDD) with perfluoro(4‐methyl‐3,6‐dioxaoct‐7‐ene) sulfonyl fluoride (PFSVE). PDD is the source of higher permeability due to its open ring structure, while PFSVE provides ionic conductivity. Optimization of PDD content and equivalent weight enables increased fuel cell performance, mainly at high current densities, where HOPIs can achieve power densities >1.25 W cm−2 and exceed the 0.8 A cm−2 U.S. Department of Energy durability target by losing only 4.5 mV, which is over six times less than 30 mV. The interactions between HOPI and SO3− groups with a PtCo/C catalyst are also elucidated here at a fundamental level.
Effect of the Push–Pull Electronic Structure of Nonfullerene Acceptor Molecules on the Interfacial Charge Dynamics in Heterojunction Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Xu Lingxia , Ji Yiwen , Mu Xinyu , Wang Wenjing , Wang Luxia , Gao Kun
Published: October 2022

Nonfullerene acceptor (NFA) molecules have attracted significant attention in high‐efficient heterojunction organic solar cells (OSCs) due to their push–pull electronic structures. Herein, using a universal quantum model for an organic donor/acceptor interface composed of a polymer donor and an NFA molecule, effect of the NFA molecular electron push and pull ability on the interfacial charge dynamics in the case of donor excitation is focused on. It is confirmed that energy and charge transfer coexist and compete during the interfacial charge dynamics, by which an interfacial hybrid state is created, and the quantitative correlations of the generation rates for different component states (e.g., donor exciton, acceptor exciton, and charge transfer state) with the NFA molecular electron push and pull ability are separately clarified. It is found that, by strengthening the NFA molecular electron push ability, competition between charge and energy transfer presents a nonmonotonous behavior; by strengthening the electron pull ability, charge transfer is always promoted and energy transfer is inhibited. This study provides a microscopic understanding for the interfacial charge dynamics modulated by tuning the NFA molecular push–pull electronic structure and thus sheds light on further improving the performance of heterojunction OSCs by rational designs of NFA molecules.
Capturing Solar Energy for Cathodic Protection of Metals: The Life of Photoexcited Charge Carriers
Authors: Xing Zheng , Wang Zhi-Jun , Yang Shihe
Published: October 2022

Solar energy conversion technologies, such as photovoltaics, photocatalysis, and photoelectrolysis, have been intensively investigated for decades as they hold great promise for a sustainable human society. Photoelectrochemical cathodic protection (PECCP), which aims to offer cathodic protection to metals with the assistance of solar irradiation via solar–electric–chemical conversion processes, however, has been largely overlooked by the solar conversion research community. The relatively limited number of relevant works are heavily material‐oriented, in which semiconducting materials that are often employed in photocatalysis and photoelectrocatalysis have been simply introduced to PECCP systems. Moreover, almost all previous review articles on PECCP only focus on the modulation of the photoanode materials. Herein, a review that aims to shed light on the very basics of PECCP systems, for instance, by presenting the complete life of photogenerated charge carriers is presented. The fundamental reaction mechanism, performance evaluation indexes, and recent advances in photoanode design are systematically explained. Finally, some of the key future development directions of PECCP, including photoanode surface/interface engineering, dealing with the challenge of intermittent solar irradiation and integrating other technologies, as well as the need for standardization are discussed.
Versatile Like a Seahorse Tail: A Bio‐Inspired Programmable Continuum Robot For Conformal Grasping
Authors: Zhang Jie , Hu Yunge , Li You , Ma Ke , Wei Yujun , Yang Jinzhao , Wu Zhigang , Rajabi Hamed , Peng Haijun , Wu Jianing
Published: October 2022

Compliant grasping is an important function of continuum robots that interact with humans and/or unpredictable environments. However, the existing robots often have cross‐sections that remain constant along their length. This causes the robots to exhibit poor grasping ability, especially when dealing with objects with diverse curvatures. Here, inspired by the high adaptability of seahorse tails in grasping, a cable‐driven continuum robot with tapered tensegrity, capable of conformally grasping objects with various curvatures is proposed. To characterize the effects of tapering on robotic kinematics, a mechanical model is derived using a multi‐body dynamic framework for both predicting the configuration and developing a control strategy for cables. Theoretical predictions indicate that the curvature of each unit can be regulated by altering the length of the cables, allowing the robot to conform to objects with curvatures ranging from 1.48 to 28.21 m−1. Further, a continuum robot is employed, and the control strategy that can be used for grasping floating objects when the curvature of the objects is used as the input is tested. The robotic design, which presents an example of embedded physical intelligence, can inspire in situ characterization techniques for collecting floating contaminants.
Autosomal dominant tubulointerstitial kidney disease: A review
Authors: Živná Martina , Kidd Kendrah O. , Barešová Veronika , Hůlková Helena , Kmoch Stanislav , Bleyer Anthony J.
Published: October 2022

The clinical characteristics of autosomal dominant tubulointerstitial kidney disease (ADTKD) include bland urinary sediment, slowly progressive chronic kidney disease (CKD) with many patients reaching end stage renal disease (ESRD) between age 20 and 70 years, and autosomal dominant inheritance. Due to advances in genetic diagnosis, ADTKD is becoming increasingly recognized as a cause of CKD. Pathogenic variants in UMOD, MUC1, and REN are the most common causes of ADTKD. ADTKD‐UMOD is also associated with hyperuricemia and gout. ADTKD‐REN often presents in childhood with mild hypotension, CKD, hyperkalemia, acidosis, and anemia. ADTKD‐MUC1 patients present only with CKD. This review describes the pathophysiology, genetics, clinical manifestation, and diagnosis for ADTKD, with an emphasis on genetic testing and genetic counseling suggestions for patients.
Biocompatible graphene/chitosan hybrid aerogel reinforced polydimethylsiloxane nanocomposite with excellent dielectric properties
Authors: Cheng Shangru , Tang Yaokai , Gao Qiangmin , Wang Xincheng , Li Anqi , Yuan Yingxin , Guan Shanshan
Published: October 2022

A longstanding challenge in fabricating high‐dielectric polymer composite is how to rationalize structure design to improve dielectric constant while minimizing dielectric loss. In this work, we provide a critical material design concept for high‐performance flexible dielectric nanocomposite (PCGA) based on backfilling polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) matrix into the pre‐constructed chitosan‐reduced graphene oxide (rGO) aerogel with 3D conductive network. Herein, the 3D conductive network enables PCGA to achieve the percolation threshold with a small amount of rGO, which improving the dielectric constant. Simultaneously, the chitosan insulating barrier layer prevents the generation of leakage current between conductive fillers interfaces, which suppressing the losses of the PCGA, thus ensuring the balance between dielectric constant and loss. The results demonstrated that the PCGA (0.06 g rGO) exhibited a dielectric constant as high as 297.3 and a loss tangent as low as 1.91. Subsequently, the as‐obtained PCGA composites as a dielectric interlayer was employed for preparing capacitive sensor. The results demonstrated that the sensor possesses a desirable integration of high sensitivity (5.8% kPa−1 in the pressure range 0–7 kPa) and wide work range (0–140 kPa) due to the synergistic effect of the excellent mechanical performance along with high‐dielectric constant and suppressed loss.
Morphological and morphometric features of the abnormal and normal saccular otoliths in flatfishes
Authors: Yedier Serdar , Bostanci Derya , Türker Dilek
Published: October 2022

The fish's inner ear consists of three interconnected semicircular canals and otolith organs located in these canals, which are responsible for balance and hearing. Abnormalities in these organs can affect the vital activities of the fish. The main purpose of this study was to determine the morphological and morphometric characteristics of abnormal and normal sagittal otoliths in the four flatfish species (Lepidorhombus boscii, Platichthys flesus, Solea solea, and Pegusa lascaris) sampled from three seas (Aegean Sea, Mediterranean Sea, and Black Sea). Abnormalities in otoliths are investigated using light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. The otolith morphometric measurements and morphology are recorded for abnormal and normal otoliths for each species. It was determined that the four flatfish species examined in the present study showed differences in the morphological features of normal and abnormal otoliths in the blind and eyed sides. In addition, statistical differences were observed when the weight, length, width, perimeter, and area values of normal and abnormal otoliths of all species were compared (p < .05). The four types of saccular otoliths were defined, one normal (type 0) and three abnormal (type 1, type 2, and type 4) for four flatfish species. The current study presents for the first‐time abnormal otolith morphology information on blind and eyed side sagittal otoliths in these flatfish species. Abnormalities in the anatomical structures of bony parts such as otoliths in fish may be caused by pollution, nutritional problems, stress, and environmental factors as well as a combination of these.
Factors that influence preference for male or female urologist among underserved patients in New York City
Authors: Razdan Shirin , Ho Patrick , Bieber Christine , Sljivich Michaela , Anastos Harry , Busby Dallin , Simma‐Chiang Vannita
Published: October 2022

Objective

To examine the prevalence of patient preference for male or female urologic provider and explore which patient characteristics influence this preference.

Materials and Methods

After obtaining hospital Institutional Review Board approval, a 14‐question survey in English and Spanish was administered across four general urology clinic sites in a single hospital system in New York City. The survey asked demographic questions and preference for a male or a female urologist. The survey included questions pertaining to the nature of the clinic visit and subsequent provider preference as well. Statistics were performed using Stata 16 (StataCorp, College Station, TX).

Results

A total of 540 patients completed the 14‐question survey. The vast majority of survey respondents identified as male (90%). The largest proportion demographic groups were those aged 41–60 (47%), Hispanic or Latino (43%), Catholic (47%), unemployed (40%) and those with a high school level of education (34%). Most patients (60%) did not have a preference for a specific gender provider, whereas 37% preferred a male provider, and 3% preferred a female provider. On univariate analysis, patient age 25–40, less than high school education level and lack of employment were significant predictors of provider gender preference (p < 0.05), with most patients indicating a male provider preference. On multivariate analysis of gender, age, education level and employment status, gender and education level were not significant predictors of preference, whereas age 25–40 and being unemployed were significant predictors (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Patient gender, race and religion do not appear to influence their preference to be seen by a male or a female urologist in the clinic setting. However, patient age, unemployment and potentially educational attainment were significantly associated with a provider gender preference.
Dimethyl Cardamonin from Fruits of Campomanesia reitziana D. Legrand Promotes Gastroprotection and Gastric Healing Effects in Rodents
Authors: Cury Benhur Judah , Boeing Thaise , Somensi Lincon Bordignon , Campos Adriana , Cechinel‐Filho Valdir , de Souza Priscila , da Silva Luisa Mota
Published: October 2022

Campomanesia reitziana D. Legrand (Myrtaceae) displays antiulcer properties when given to rodents. The major active chemical components of C. reitziana are chalcones, including 4′,6′‐dihydroxy‐2′‐methoxy‐3′,5′‐dimethylchalcone or dimethyl cardamonin (DMC); therefore, we hypothesized that this compound could have antiulcer effects and the present study aimed to evaluate its gastroprotective and gastric healing properties. DMC was isolated from the fruits of C. reitziana, and its gastroprotective effect was evaluated by ethanol and indomethacin‐induced gastric ulcer models in mice (0.1 mg/kg, i.p. and 1 and 3 mg/kg, p.o.). Oxidative stress and inflammatory parameters were analyzed in the gastric tissue. Moreover, its gastric healing effect was evaluated in rats. In addition, the compound's mode of action was evaluated in vivo and in vitro by measuring H+‐K+‐ATPase activity. Finally, the cytotoxic potential of DMC was tested in fibroblasts and human gastric adenocarcinoma cells. The DMC reduced the ethanol‐induced gastric ulcer in mice by 77 %, increased the adhered mucus, and reduced lipoperoxides levels. The block of nonprotein sulfhydryls (NP‐SH) compounds by pretreatment with N‐ethylmaleimide (NEM), the inhibition of nitric oxide synthase with Nω‐nitro‐L‐arginine methyl ester hydrochloride (L‐NAME), or the antagonism of α2 receptor using yohimbine reversed the gastroprotective effects of DMC. Furthermore, DMC reduced the acidity of gastric content in pylorus‐ligated rats but did not change H+, K+‐ATPase (isolated from rabbit) activity in vitro. DMC reduced the lesion area in acetic acid‐induced ulcers and decreased myeloperoxidase activity. DMC did not change the viability of fibroblast cells (L929) but reduced the viability of human gastric adenocarcinoma cells (AGS). The results confirmed that DMC could significantly enhance the gastric healing process and prevent ulcers due to improving protective factors on the gastric mucosa and reducing gastric acid secretion.
Ultrathin Ti3C2Tx nanosheets modified separators for lithium–sulphur batteries
Authors: Chen Dong , Mao Yangyang , Cao Yongan , Wang Wenju
Published: October 2022

Currently, among the various emerging energy storage systems, the lithium–sulphur (Li‐S) battery is expected to be one of the next‐generation lithium secondary batteries with high efficiency. However, the practical application of Li‐S batteries still faces many obstacles. To solve the shuttle effect of lithium polysulphides, ultrathin Ti3C2Tx nanosheets were prepared through the in‐situ acid etching method and applied to separator modification to suppress the shuttle effect of lithium polysulphides. Ultrathin Ti3C2Tx nanosheets with enlarged interlayer spacing accelerated the migration of Li+. The abundant termination groups on the surface of Ti3C2Tx played the role of the lithium polysulphide capture centre. When the mass loading of separator modification materials was set as 0.025 mg cm−2, the as‐prepared battery exhibited a reversible specific capacity as high as 780 mAh g−1 after 200 cycles at 0.2 C, and the single‐cycle capacity decay rate was only 0.09%.
LRP‐based network pruning and policy distillation of robust and non‐robust DRL agents for embedded systems
Authors: Luan Siyu , Gu Zonghua , Xu Rui , Zhao Qingling , Chen Gang
Published: October 2022

Reinforcement learning (RL) is an effective approach to developing control policies by maximizing the agent's reward. Deep reinforcement learning uses deep neural networks (DNNs) for function approximation in RL, and has achieved tremendous success in recent years. Large DNNs often incur significant memory size and computational overheads, which may impede their deployment into resource‐constrained embedded systems. For deployment of a trained RL agent on embedded systems, it is necessary to compress the policy network of the RL agent to improve its memory and computation efficiency. In this article, we perform model compression of the policy network of an RL agent by leveraging the relevance scores computed by layer‐wise relevance propagation (LRP), a technique for Explainable AI (XAI), to rank and prune the convolutional filters in the policy network, combined with fine‐tuning with policy distillation. Performance evaluation based on several Atari games indicates that our proposed approach is effective in reducing model size and inference time of RL agents. We also consider robust RL agents trained with RADIAL‐RL versus standard RL agents, and show that a robust RL agent can achieve better performance (higher average reward) after pruning than a standard RL agent for different attack strengths and pruning rates.
Efficient Activation of 6‐Nitropiperonyloxymethylene (NPOM)‐Caged Nucleosides with Visible Light
Authors: Bardhan Anirban , Deiters Alexander
Published: October 2022

Caging groups are photoremovable protecting groups that render a molecule biologically inactive until light illumination, thereby allowing for temporal and spatial control of activity. While nitrobenzyl‐based caging groups have advantageous synthetic and photochemical properties, red shifting of the absorption spectrum through chemical modification has led to reduced decaging efficiency. 6‐Nitropiperonyloxymethylene (NPOM), a group with broad applicability in the caging of heterocyclic structures, in particular nucleic acids, traditionally requires ultraviolet (UV) irradiation for decaging. Herein, we investigated the decaging properties of NPOM under near visible light (400–450 nm) using N3‐caged 5’‐dimethoxytrityl (DMTr)‐thymidine as a substrate. To our surprise, we discovered highly efficient decaging at wavelengths outside the UV range, in particular when compared to other nitrobenzyl chromophores. These results have implications in the selection of light sources for photoactivation and for sequential photolysis to achieve selective control of biological processes.