bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determination of saturation charge and collection efficiency for ionization chambers in continuous beams
Authors: Zankowski Corey , Podgorsak Ervin B.
Published: July 2002

The procedure recommended by radiation dosimetry protocols for determining the collection efficiency of an ionization chamber assumes the predominance of general recombination and ignores other charge loss mechanisms such as initial recombination and ionic diffusion. For continuous radiation beams, general recombination theory predicts that can be determined from a linear relationship between and in the near saturation region where is the measured charge and the applied chamber potential. Measurements with Farmer‐type cylindrical ionization chambers exposed to cobalt‐60 gamma rays reveal that the assumed linear relationship between and breaks down in the extreme near‐saturation region where increases with at a rate exceeding the predictions of general recombination theory. A comprehensive model is developed to describe the saturation characteristics of ionization chambers. The model accounts for dosimetric charge loss (initial recombination, ionic diffusion, and general recombination) and nondosimetric charge multiplication in an ionization chamber, and suggests that charge multiplication plays a significant role under typical chamber operating conditions (300 V) used in radiation dosimetry. Through exclusion of charge multiplication from the measured chamber signal the model predicts the breakdown of the vs relationship and shows that the final approach to saturation is governed by initial recombination and ionic diffusion which are characterized by a linear relationship between and Collection efficiencies calculated with this model differ by up to 0.4% from those determined through a rigorous application of general recombination theory alone.
Mode interaction in horses, tea, and other nonlinear oscillators: The universal role of symmetry
Authors: van der Weele Jacobus P. , Banning Erik J.
Published: July 2002

This paper is about mode interaction in systems of coupled nonlinear oscillators. The main ideas are demonstrated by means of a model consisting of two coupled, parametrically driven pendulums. On the basis of this we also discuss mode interaction in the Faraday experiment (as observed by Ciliberto and Gollub) and in running animals. In all these systems the interaction between two modes is seen to take place via a third mode: This interaction mode is a common daughter, born by means of a symmetry breaking bifurcation, of the two interacting modes. Thus, not just any two modes can interact with each other, but only those that are linked (in the system’s group-theoretical hierarchy) by a common daughter mode. This is the quintessence of mode interaction. In many cases of interest, the interaction mode is seen to undergo further bifurcations, and this can eventually lead to chaos. These stages correspond to lower and lower levels of symmetry, and the constraints imposed by group theory become less and less restrictive. Indeed, the precise sequence of events during these later stages is determined not so much by group-theoretical stipulations as by the accidental values of the nonlinear terms in the equations of motion.
Effect of noise and occupancy on optimal reverberation times for speech intelligibility in classrooms
Authors: Hodgson Murray , Nosal Eva-Marie
Published: July 2002

The question of what is the optimal reverberation time for speech intelligibility in an occupied classroom has been studied recently in two different ways, with contradictory results. Experiments have been performed under various conditions of speech-signal to background-noise level difference and reverberation time, finding an optimal reverberation time of zero. Theoretical predictions of appropriate speech-intelligibility metrics, based on diffuse-field theory, found nonzero optimal reverberation times. These two contradictory results are explained by the different ways in which the two methods account for background noise, both of which are unrealistic. To obtain more realistic and accurate predictions, noise sources inside the classroom are considered. A more realistic treatment of noise is incorporated into diffuse-field theory by considering both speech and noise sources and the effects of reverberation on their steady-state levels. The model shows that the optimal reverberation time is zero when the speech source is closer to the listener than the noise source, and nonzero when the noise source is closer than the speech source. Diffuse-field theory is used to determine optimal reverberation times in unoccupied classrooms given optimal values for the occupied classroom. Resulting times can be as high as several seconds in large classrooms; in some cases, optimal values are unachievable, because the occupants contribute too much absorption.
Lamb waves in highly attenuative plastic plates
Authors: Chan C. W. , Cawley P.
Published: July 2002

The influence of material attenuation on Lamb wave dispersion behavior has been studied analytically. As the attenuation is increased, keeping the ratio of the bulk longitudinal to bulk shear wave attenuation constant at the value measured in high-density polyethylene, the degree of coupling between the shear and longitudinal partial waves decreases and the phase velocity dispersion curves for different modes of the same symmetry can cross; this is not possible for an elastic plate. With increasing attenuation, some modes become asymptotic to the bulk longitudinal velocity at high frequency, rather than to the bulk shear velocity. At high values of attenuation, there is minimal coupling between the longitudinal and shear partial waves and the behavior of the longitudinal modes is analogous to that of a “fluid plate.” The predicted group velocities and attenuations of selected modes in a high-density polyethylene plate have been checked experimentally, and good agreement was obtained.
Using broadband humpback whale vocalizations to locate nonvocal whales in shallow water
Authors: Makris Nicholas C. , Lai Yi-San , Cato Douglas H.
Published: July 2002

In a previous paper [Makris and Cato, J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 96, 3270 (1994)], it was shown that a vocal member of a humpback whale herd can be used as a source of opportunity to locate nonvocal members with a passive towed array. That analysis employed full-field but narrow-band propagation and scattering models to emphasize the high spatial array gains available. In the present paper, full-field simulations are performed to determine the structure of actual broadband humpback whale vocalizations after scattering from whales in a shallow-water waveguide. The simulations show that the time signature of a whale vocalization is significantly altered during each of the three stages of (1) propagating from vocal to nonvocal whale, (2) scattering from the nonvocal whale, and (3) propagating from the nonvocal whale to a receiver. The large time-bandwidth gains available in humpback vocalizations then cannot be optimally exploited without first modeling broadband propagation and scattering of the whale vocalization for the given waveguide and bistatic geometry. This raises serious questions about whether the humpbacks themselves, who have limited spatial gains over the noise, can actively detect nonvocal herd members with their vocalizations, as was discussed in the above reference.
Acoustic correlates of talker sex and individual talker identity are present in a short vowel segment produced in running speech
Authors: Bachorowski Jo-Anne , Owren Michael J.
Published: July 2002

Although listeners routinely perceive both the sex and individual identity of talkers from their speech, explanations of these abilities are incomplete. Here, variation in vocal production-related anatomy was assumed to affect vowel acoustics thought to be critical for indexical cueing. Integrating this approach with source-filter theory, patterns of acoustic parameters that should represent sex and identity were identified. Due to sexual dimorphism, the combination of fundamental frequency (F0, reflecting larynx size) and vocal tract length cues (VTL, reflecting body size) was predicted to provide the strongest acoustic correlates of talker sex. Acoustic measures associated with presumed variations in supralaryngeal vocal tract-related anatomy occurring within sex were expected to be prominent in individual talker identity. These predictions were supported by results of analyses of 2500 tokens of the /ɛ/ phoneme, extracted from the naturally produced speech of 125 subjects. Classification by talker sex was virtually perfect when F0 and VTL were used together, whereas talker classification depended primarily on the various acoustic parameters associated with vocal-tract filtering.
Determination of optimal data placement for psychometric function estimation: A computer simulation
Authors: Lam Chan F. , Dubno Judy R. , Mills John H.
Published: July 2002

Psychometric functions are used to relate the responses of a subject to physical stimuli in a variety of psychophysical tasks. However, it is time consuming to obtain data to determine a psychometric function if many stimulus levels and many trials are required. A computer simulation was conducted to determine the minimum number of data points needed for such a determination. The computer simulation also determined the optimal placements of the stimuli and the number of trials per datum point for psychometric function determinations. Results indicate that a 2-point sampling method with 30–50 trials per point at optimal locations can produce a psychometric function with accurate spread and threshold estimates in a yes–no paradigm. However, the 4-point sampling method yields statistically smaller variances of the estimates. For the 2-alternative forced-choice paradigm, at least 120 trials per point are needed for the 2-point sampling method’s estimated parameters to differ from the known parameter values by less than 5%. The simulation results suggest that 3-alternative or 4-alternative forced-choice is preferable to 2-alternative. Furthermore, when a criterion-free paradigm is not required, the yes–no paradigm is a better procedure than m-alternative forced-choice for obtaining the corresponding psychometric function because of smaller standard deviation of the estimates and smaller number of trials/point required.
The Fracture Energy and Some Mechanical Properties of a Polyurethane Elastomer
Authors: Mueller H. K. , Knauss W. G.
Published: July 2002

The energy required to form a unit of new surface in the fracture of a polyurethane elastomer is determined. The rate sensitivity of the material has been reduced by swelling it in toluene. This paper primarily describes the experimetal work of measuring the lower limit of the fracture energy. With this value and the creep compliance as a basis, the rate dependence of fracture energy for the unswollen material has been determined. It is thus shown that the dependence of the fracture energy on the rate of crack propagation can be explained by energy dissipation around the tip of the crack. Good agreement between the theoretically and experimentally determined relationships for the rate-sensitive fracture energy is demonstrated.
Structure of Thixotropic Suspensions in Shear Flow. III. Time-Dependent Behavior
Authors: Mercer Howard A. , Weymann Helmut D.
Published: July 2002

The time-dependent viscosity of bentonite-water suspensions was studied experimentally in Couette flow for various transitions between constant shear rates. It was found that after a sudden change in the shear rate the time dependence of the viscosity can be described by η(t)=A exp[−(t/τ1)4.0]+B exp(−t/τ2)+C, with τ2>τ1. In general, the characteristic times: 1) become longer as the differences in shear rates become smaller; 2) decrease with increasing concentration; 3) show little temperature effect for a 20°C temperature change. A theory for the time-dependent behavior is given which can reproduce the essential features of the experimental results.
The Secondary Flow of Newtonian Fluids in Cone-and-Plate Viscometers
Authors: Fewell M. E. , Hellums J. D.
Published: July 2002

Secondary flow in cone-and-plate viscometers is studied by numerical integration of the equations of motion for steady incompressible flow of Newtonian fluids. Solutions over wide ranges of the two principal parameters, Reynolds number and gap angle, yield detailed information on the flow fields and elements of the rate of deformation tensor. Secondary flows are shown to cause large deviations in certain elements of the rate of deformation at Reynolds numbers more than an order of magnitude lower than those at which the torque is appreciably changed. Comparisons are given with prior analytical and experimental work.
Value-Based Pricing of US Prescription Drugs
Authors: Yeung Kai , Bloudek Lisa , Ding Yao , Sullivan Sean D.
Published: December 2022

This cross-sectional study estimates how annual US drug spending would change if prices for prescription drugs were set at the value-based price.
Facile Preparation of a Robust Superhydrophobic SiO2/Epoxy Composite Coating with Favorable Corrosion and Scale Inhibition Performance
Authors: Ai Caijiao , Zhang Dongsheng , Chen Huang , Cheng Meng , Jiang Hao , Sun Shuangqing , Li Chunling
Published: December 2022

Superhydrophobic surfaces with good water repellency are widely studied, but their complex preparation process and poor durability limit their practical application. Herein, a simple and environmentally friendly method to prepare a robust superhydrophobic coating is proposed and its application in the field of corrosion prevention and scale inhibition is explored. Environmentally friendly and low‐cost SiO2 nanoparticles modified by octadecyl trimethoxysilane (ODMS) are mixed with epoxy resin and sprayed onto the surface of metal substrates. The prepared ODMS–SiO2/epoxy resin composite coating has a water contact angle (WCA) of 161.5°, exhibiting excellent superhydrophobicity. In addition, the prepared coating maintains the original microstructure and good superhydrophobicity (WCA is 155°) after 30 cycles of wear test under 200 g load, showing excellent mechanical stability. The inherent superhydrophobic property also endows the coating with excellent corrosion and scale inhibition. The impedance of the composite coating is two orders of magnitude higher than that of the pure epoxy coating. The scaling amount of superhydrophobic composite coating in 24 h is 47% of that of epoxy resin coating. This work provides a new strategy for constructing multifunctional superhydrophobic coatings with excellent mechanical stability, corrosion resistance, and scale inhibition.
Fundamental Effects of Al and Ta on Microstructure and Phase Transformations in the Al–Cr–Mo–Ta–Ti Refractory Complex Concentrated Alloy System
Authors: Mann Austin E. , Newkirk Joseph W.
Published: December 2022

The effect of aluminum and tantalum concentrations on a refractory metal complex concentrated alloy is reported, particularly with respect to their effect on microstructure and phase composition of the alloy in cast and annealed form. Alloys with an equiatomic composition, (AlCrMoTaTi), an aluminum‐lean composition (Al0.75CrMoTaTi), and a tantalum‐lean composition (AlCrMoTa0.75Ti) are produced via arc melting. The alloys exhibit multiphase structures, confirmed by X‐ray diffraction, microstructural characterization, and thermal analysis. The minor off‐equiatomic adjustments of aluminum and tantalum in this alloy system did not drastically alter the prevalence of the Cr–Ta‐based Laves phase. Correlations between thermodynamic predictions and observed phase transformations via thermal analysis are improved upon refinement of calculations removing impractical intermediate phases. Experimental findings provide information for the refinement of thermodynamic modeling and deliver additional insight into the optimization of alloy compositions within this five‐component system.
Ultra‐Stretchable, Ionic Conducting, Pressure‐Sensitive Adhesive with Dual Role for Stable Li‐Metal Batteries
Authors: Gao Shilun , Pan Yiyang , Li Bingrui , Rahman Md Anisur , Tian Ming , Yang Huabin , Cao Peng‐Fei
Published: December 2022

The practical application of lithium (Li) metal battery is impeded by the Li dendrite growth and unstable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer. Herein, an ultra‐stretchable and ionic conducting chemically crosslinked pressure‐sensitive adhesive (cPSA) synthesized via the copolymerization of 2‐ethylhexyl acrylate and acrylic acid with poly(ethyleneglycol)dimethacrylate as crosslinker (short for 70cPSA), is developed as both artificial SEI layer and solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) for stable Li‐metal electrode, enabling all‐solid‐state Li metal batteries with excellent cycling performance. As an artificial SEI layer, the 70cPSA‐modified electrodes exhibit excellent electrochemical performance in Li|70cPSA@Cu half cells and 70cPSA@Li|70cPSA@Li symmetric cells. In full cells with LiFePO4 (LFP) as cathode, the 70cPSA@Li|LFP cell exhibits stable cycling performance over 250 cycles. Utilized as SPE, the all‐solid‐state Li|SPE|LFP cell delivers excellent cycling stability with a capacity retention of 86% over 500 cycles. With high‐voltage LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2 (NMC811) as cathode, the Li|SPE|NMC811 cell exhibits a discharge capacity of 124.3 mAh g−1 with a capacity retention of 71% after 200 cycles. The rational design of PSAs and investigation of their dual role for stable and safe Li‐metal batteries may shed a light on adhesive polymers for battery applications.
Aqueous Ammonium‐Ion Supercapacitors with Unprecedented Energy Density and Stability Enabled by Oxygen Vacancy‐Enriched MoO3@C
Authors: Dai Juguo , Qi Xueqiang , Xia Long , Xue Qian , Luo Lili , Wang Xiaohong , Yang Chunying , Li Dongxu , Xie Hongmei , Cabot Andreu , Dai Lizong , Xu Yiting
Published: December 2022

The use of non‐metal charge carriers such as ammonium (NH4+) in electrochemical energy storage devices offers advantages in terms of weight, element abundance, and compatibility with aqueous electrolytes. However, the development of suitable electrodes for such carriers lags behind other technologies. Herein, we present a high‐performance anode material for ammonium‐ion supercapacitors based on a MoO3/carbon (MoO3@C) composite. The NH4+storage performance of such composites and their practical application prospects are evaluated both in a three‐electrode configuration and as symmetric supercapacitors. The optimized material reaches an unprecedented specific capacitance of 473 F·g−1(158 mAh·g−1; 1592 mF·cm−2) at a current density of 1 A·g−1, and 92.7% capacitance retention after 5000 cycles in a three‐electrode set‐up. This outstanding performance is related to the presence of oxygen vacancies that enhance the composites’ ionic/electronic transportation and electrochemical reaction site, while at the same time facilitating the formation of hydrogen bonds between NH4+and the host material. Using the optimized composite, symmetric supercapacitors based on an (NH4)2SO4gel electrolyte are fabricated and demonstrated to provide unmatched energy densities above 78 Wh·kg−1at a power density of 929 W·kg−1. Besides, such devices are characterized by extraordinary capacitance retention of 97.6% after 10,000 cycles.
Organic Photovoltaics Utilizing Small‐Molecule Donors and Y‐Series Nonfullerene Acceptors
Authors: Ge Jinfeng , Xie Lin , Peng Ruixiang , Ge Ziyi
Published: December 2022

The emerging Y‐series nonfullerene acceptors (Y‐NFA) has prompted the rapid progress of power conversion efficiency (PCE) of all‐small‐molecule organic solar cells (ASM‐OSCs) from around 12% to 17%. The excellent PCE improvement benefits from not only the outstanding properties of Y‐series acceptors but also the successful development of small‐molecule donors. The short‐circuit current density, fill factor, and nonradiative recombination are all optimized to the unprecedented values, providing a scenery that is obviously different from the ITIC‐series based ASM‐OSCs. In this review, OSCs utilizing small‐molecule donors and Y‐NFA are summarized and classified in order to provide an up‐to‐date development overview and give an insight on structure–property correlation. Then, the characteristics of bulk‐heterojunction (BHJ) formation of ASM‐OSCs are discussed and compared with that of polymer‐based OSCs. Finally, the challenges and outlook on designing ground‐breaking small‐molecule donor and forming an ideal BHJ morphology are discussed.
Ferroelectric Transistors for Memory and Neuromorphic Device Applications
Authors: Kim Ik‐Jyae , Lee Jang‐Sik
Published: December 2022

Ferroelectric materials have been intensively investigated for high‐performance nonvolatile memory devices in the past decades, owing to their nonvolatile polarization characteristics. Ferroelectric memory devices are expected to exhibit lower power consumption and higher speed than conventional memory devices. However, non‐complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor (CMOS) compatibility and degradation due to fatigue of traditional perovskite‐based ferroelectric materials have hindered the development of high‐density and high‐performance ferroelectric memories in the past. The recently developed hafnia‐based ferroelectric materials have attracted immense attention in the development of advanced semiconductor devices. Because hafnia is typically used in CMOS processes, it can be directly incorporated into current semiconductor technologies. Additionally, hafnia‐based ferroelectrics show high scalability and large coercive fields that are advantageous for high‐density memory devices. This review summarizes the recent developments in ferroelectric devices, especially ferroelectric transistors, for next‐generation memory and neuromorphic applications. First, the types of ferroelectric memories and their operation mechanisms are reviewed. Then, issues limiting the realization of high‐performance ferroelectric transistors and possible solutions are discussed. The experimental demonstration of ferroelectric transistor arrays, including 3D ferroelectric NAND and its operation characteristics, are also reviewed. Finally, challenges and strategies toward the development of next‐generation memory and neuromorphic applications based on ferroelectric transistors are outlined.
Fast and Durable Alkaline Hydrogen Oxidation Reaction at the Electron‐Deficient Ruthenium–Ruthenium Oxide Interface
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyu (Baohua) , Xia Lixue , Zhao Guoqiang , Zhang Bingxing , Chen Yaping , Chen Jian , Gao Mingxia , Jiang Yinzhu , Liu Yongfeng , Pan Hongge , Sun Wenping
Published: December 2022

The slow hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR) kinetics under alkaline conditions remain a critical challenge for the practical application of alkaline exchange membrane fuel cells. Herein, Ru/RuO2 in‐plane heterostructures are designed with abundant active Ru–RuO2 interface domains as efficient electrocatalysts for the HOR in alkaline media. The experimental and theoretical results demonstrate that interfacial Ru and RuO2 domains at Ru–RuO2 interfaces are the optimal H and OH adsorption sites, respectively, endowing the well‐defined Ru(100)/RuO2(200) interface as the preferential region for fast alkaline hydrogen electrocatalysis. More importantly, the metallic Ru domains become electron deficient due to the strong interaction with RuO2 domains and show substantially improved inoxidizability, which is vital to maintain durable HOR electrocatalytic activity. The optimal Ru/RuO2 heterostructured electrocatalyst exhibits impressive alkaline HOR activity with an exchange current density of 8.86 mA cm−2 and decent durability. The exceptional electrocatalytic performance of Ru/RuO2 in‐plane heterostructure can be attributed to the robust and multifunctional Ru–RuO2 interfaces endowed by the unique metal–metal oxide domains.
Observation of Multi‐Directional Energy Transfer in a Hybrid Plasmonic–Excitonic Nanostructure
Authors: Pincelli Tommaso , Vasileiadis Thomas , Dong Shuo , Beaulieu Samuel , Dendzik Maciej , Zahn Daniela , Lee Sang‐Eun , Seiler Hélène , Qi Yingpeng , Xian R. Patrick , Maklar Julian , Coy Emerson , Mueller Niclas S. , Okamura Yu , Reich Stephanie , Wolf Martin , Rettig Laurenz , Ernstorfer Ralph
Published: December 2022

Hybrid plasmonic devices involve a nanostructured metal supporting localized surface plasmons to amplify light–matter interaction, and a non‐plasmonic material to functionalize charge excitations. Application‐relevant epitaxial heterostructures, however, give rise to ballistic ultrafast dynamics that challenge the conventional semiclassical understanding of unidirectional nanometal‐to‐substrate energy transfer. Epitaxial Au nanoislands are studied on WSe2 with time‐ and angle‐resolved photoemission spectroscopy and femtosecond electron diffraction: this combination of techniques resolves material, energy, and momentum of charge‐carriers and phonons excited in the heterostructure. A strong non‐linear plasmon–exciton interaction that transfers the energy of sub‐bandgap photons very efficiently to the semiconductor is observed, leaving the metal cold until non‐radiative exciton recombination heats the nanoparticles on hundreds of femtoseconds timescales. The results resolve a multi‐directional energy exchange on timescales shorter than the electronic thermalization of the nanometal. Electron–phonon coupling and diffusive charge‐transfer determine the subsequent energy flow. This complex dynamics opens perspectives for optoelectronic and photocatalytic applications, while providing a constraining experimental testbed for state‐of‐the‐art modelling.
Breaking the Electronic Conductivity Bottleneck of Manganese Oxide Family for High‐Power Fluorinated Graphite Composite Cathode by Ligand‐Field High‐Dimensional Constraining Strategy
Authors: Yu Jia , Wang Da , Wang Guoxin , Cui Yanhua , Shi Siqi
Published: December 2022

Primary lithium fluorinated graphite (Li/CFx) batteries with superior energy density are an indispensable energy supply for multiple fields but suffer from sluggish reaction kinetics of the CFx cathode. Designing composite cathodes emerges as a solution to this problem. Despite the optimal composite component for CFx, the manganese oxide family represented by MnO2 is still faced with an intrinsic electronic conductivity bottleneck, which severely limits the power density of the composite cathode. Here, a cation‐induced high‐dimensional constraining strategy from the perspective of ligand‐field stacking structure topological design, which breaks the molecular orbital hybridization of pristine semiconductive oxides to transform them into the high‐conductivity metallic state while competitively maintaining structural stability, is proposed. Through first‐principles phase diagram calculations, mixed‐valent Mn5O8 () is explored as an ideal high‐dimensional constraining material with satisfied conductivity and large‐scale production feasibility. Experiments demonstrate that the as‐proposed CFx @ Mn5O8 composite cathode achieves 2.36 times the power density (11399 W kg−1) of pristine CFx and a higher CFx conversion ratio (86%). Such a high‐dimensional field‐constraining strategy is rooted in the established four‐quadrant electronic structure tuning framework, which fundamentally changes the orbital symmetry under the ligand field to overcome the common conductivity challenge of wide transition metal oxide materials.
A Hybrid Acceptor‐Modulation Strategy: Fluorinated Triple‐Acceptor Architecture for Significant Enhancement of Electron Transport in High‐Performance Unipolar n‐Type Organic Transistors
Authors: Shen Tao , Li Wenhao , Zhao Yan , Wang Yang , Liu Yunqi
Published: December 2022

The development of unipolar n‐type semiconducting polymers with electron mobility (µe) over 5 cm2 V−1 s−1 remains a massive challenge in organic semiconductors. Diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP) has proven to be a successful unit for high‐performance p‐type and ambipolar polymers. However, DPP's moderate electron‐accepting capability leads to the shallow frontier molecular orbital (FMO) levels of the resultant polymers and hence limit the µe in unipolar n‐type organic transistors. Herein, this issue has been addressed by using a hybrid acceptor‐modulation strategy based on DPP‐containing “fluorinated triple‐acceptor architecture”, namely DPP‐difluorobenzothiadiazole‐DPP (DFB). Compared with DFB's non‐fluorinated counterpart, DFB features deeper FMO levels and a shape‐persistent framework. Therefore, a series of DFB‐based polymers demonstrate planar backbones and lowered FMO levels by ≈0.10 to 0.25 eV versus that of the control polymer. Intriguingly, all DFB‐polymers exhibit excellent unipolar n‐type transistor performances. Notably, a full‐locked backbone conformation and high crystallinity with crystalline coherence length of 524 Å are observed for pDFB‐TF, accounting for its high µe of 5.04 cm2 V−1 s−1, which is the highest µe value for DPP‐based unipolar n‐type polymers reported to date. This work demonstrates that the strategy of “fluorinated triple‐acceptor architecture” opens a new path towards high‐performance unipolar n‐type semiconducting polymers.
Unraveling the Broadband Emission in Mixed Tin‐Lead Layered Perovskites
Authors: Fang Hong‐Hua , Tekelenburg Eelco K. , Xue Haibo , Kahmann Simon , Chen Lijun , Adjokatse Sampson , Brocks Geert , Tao Shuxia , Loi Maria Antonietta
Published: December 2022

Low‐dimensional halide perovskites with broad emission are a hot topic for their promising application as white light sources. However, the physical origin of this broadband emission in the sub‐bandgap region is still controversial. This work investigates the broad Stokes‐shifted emission bands in mixed lead‐tin 2D perovskite films prepared by mixing precursor solutions of phenethylammonium lead iodide (PEA2PbI4, PEA = phenethylammonium) and phenethylammonium tin iodide (PEA2SnI4). The bandgap can be tuned by the lead‐tin ratio, whereas the photoluminescence is broad and significantly Stokes‐shifted and appears to be fairly insensitive to the relative amount of Pb and Sn. It is experimentally observed that these low‐dimensional systems show substantially less bandgap bowing than their 3D counterpart. Theoretically, this can be attributed to the smaller spin–orbit coupling effect on the 2D perovskites compared to that of 3D ones. The time‐resolved photoluminescence shows an ultrafast decay in the high‐energy range of the spectra that coincides with the emission range of PEA2SnI4, while the broadband emission decay is slower, up to the microsecond range. Sub‐gap photoexcitation experiments exclude exciton self‐trapping as the origin of the broadband emission, pointing to defects as the origin of the broadband emission in 2D Sn/Pb perovskite alloys.
MoS2 Nanosheets Uniformly Anchored on NiMoO4 Nanorods, a Highly Active Hierarchical Nanostructure Catalyst for Oxygen Evolution Reaction and Pseudo‐Capacitors
Authors: Solomon Getachew , Kohan Mojtaba Gilzad , Mazzaro Raffaello , Jugovac Matteo , Moras Paolo , Morandi Vittorio , Concina Isabella , Vomiero Alberto
Published: December 2022

Hierarchical nanostructures have attracted considerable research attention due to their applications in the catalysis field. Herein, we design a versatile hierarchical nanostructure composed of NiMoO4 nanorods surrounded by active MoS2 nanosheets on an interconnected nickel foam substrate. The as‐prepared nanostructure exhibits excellent oxygen evolution reaction performance, producing a current density of 10 mA cm−2 at an overpotential of 90 mV, in comparison with 220 mV necessary to reach a similar current density for NiMoO4. This behavior originates from the structural/morphological properties of the MoS2 nanosheets, which present numerous surface‐active sites and allow good contact with the electrolyte. Besides, the structures can effectively store charges, due to their unique branched network providing accessible active surface area, which facilitates intermediates adsorptions. Particularly, NiMoO4/MoS2 shows a charge capacity of 358 mAhg−1 at a current of 0.5 A g−1 (230 mAhg−1 for NiMoO4), thus suggesting promising applications for charge‐storing devices.
Critical Review on Internal and External Battery Thermal Management Systems for Fast Charging Applications
Authors: Thakur Amrit Kumar , Ahmed Mohammad Shamsuddin , Kang Hyokyeong , Prabakaran Rajendran , Said Zafar , Rahman Saidur , Sathyamurthy Ravishankar , Kim Jaekook , Hwang Jang‐Yeon
Published: December 2022

Carbon‐free and safe power solutions, such as fast charging batteries for mid‐to‐large applications, are viable alternatives to address ever‐increasing energy demand while reducing environmental pollution. However, the self‐generated heat produced during the charge/discharge process severely hampers the performance, stability, and safety of fast charging batteries. Thus, a suitable working temperature range must be maintained to maximize efficiency. Well‐designed battery thermal management systems (BTMSs) can provide an appropriate temperature environment for maximizing battery performance with superior stability and safety. The objective of this study is to present a clear and detailed discussion on this ability of BTMSs, battery materials, and the effects of temperature on battery performance during rapid charging. Furthermore, battery modeling methods are highlighted, and the existing BTMSs are comprehensively reviewed and categorized according to their components and preparation processes. Additionally, the methods of cooling such systems based on phase change materials (PCMs), heat pipes, and thermoelectric elements, are explored. In addition, BTMSs based on air, liquids, and PCMs that undergo solid–liquid, liquid–gas, and solid–gas transitions are also discussed.
A Core@Dual–Shell Nanostructured SnO2to Modulate the Buried Interfaces Toward Stable Perovskite Solar Cells With Minimized Energy Losses
Authors: Wei Kun , Deng Jidong , Yang Li , Zhang Cuiping , Huang Minyi , Cai Xuanyi , Zhang Xiaoli , Zhang Jinbao
Published: December 2022

Investigation and optimization of the buried interfaces are crucial for further improving the efficiency and stability of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). In this work, a general route to modify the interfaces of electron conductor is strategically developed via introducing a well‐designed core@dual–shell structure based on SnO2nanoparticles grafted by potassium thiocyanate (KSCN) and polyethylene oxide (PEO). This graded bimolecular strategy is desired as it efficiently decouples the processes of defect healing and crystallization engineering. Synergistic effects of KSCN and PEO lead to superior structural uniformity at the buried interfaces, enhanced charge collection, as well as the suppressed carrier recombination. Consequently, a significant increase of efficiency from 20.0% to 23.01% is achieved, accompanied by a remarkable open‐circuit voltage of 1.19 V and extremely low energy losses down to 0.4 eV. Moreover, this interfacial configuration enables the unencapsulated devices to have greatly improved performance longevity by retaining 87% of initial power after 5112 h storage in air, as well as strong mechanical endurance by maintaining over 80% of initial efficiency after 4700 bending cycles at a curvature radius of 5 mm for flexible devices. This work offers an effective and generally applicable approach for engineering the nanostructured interface to realize stable and efficient PSCs.
Carbon Nanomaterials‐Enabled High‐Performance Supercapacitors: A Review
Authors: Li Yuanyuan , Zhao Fu-Gang , Liu Li-Na , Xu Zi-Wen , Xie Guanghui , Li Jingjing , Gao Tianzeng , Li Wenguo , Li Wei-Shi
Published: December 2022

Supercapacitors (SCs), an important kind of electrochemical energy storage device, are featured with high power density, rapid charging and discharging, and ultralong cycling lifespan and have been widely applied in multiscenario energy storage and output systems, such as portable consumer electronics, electric vehicles, and reservoir setups for green and sustainable energy resources. Among their components, electrode materials are of primary importance in dictating their performances. Owing to good electric conductivity, achievably large specific surface area, low cost, chemical stability, and easy loading with other electrochemically active species, various carbon nanomaterials, including activated carbons, carbon nanotubes, graphene, and other porous carbons, are promising electrode materials in the fabrication of high‐performance SCs. In fact, the past decade has witnessed enormous efforts in the development of high‐performance carbon‐based SC electrode materials and great progresses achieved in the field. In this review, recent advances on these carbon‐based SCs are summarized through a number of selected representative works. In each one, the unique preparation method, structural features, and their correlations to electrochemical properties and final SC performance are presented and discussed. At the end of the review, the challenges and future developing prospects are briefly outlined.
Perspectives on the future of dysmorphology
Authors: Solomon Benjamin D. , Adam Margaret P. , Fong Chin‐To , Girisha Katta M. , Hall Judith G. , Hurst Anna C. E. , Krawitz Peter M. , Moosa Shahida , Phadke Shubha R. , Tekendo‐Ngongang Cedrik , Wenger Tara L.
Published: December 2022

The field of clinical genetics and genomics continues to evolve. In the past few decades, milestones like the initial sequencing of the human genome, dramatic changes in sequencing technologies, and the introduction of artificial intelligence, have upended the field and offered fascinating new insights. Though difficult to predict the precise paths the field will follow, rapid change may continue to be inevitable. Within genetics, the practice of dysmorphology, as defined by pioneering geneticist David W. Smith in the 1960s as “the study of, or general subject of abnormal development of tissue form” has also been affected by technological advances as well as more general trends in biomedicine. To address possibilities, potential, and perils regarding the future of dysmorphology, a group of clinical geneticists, representing different career stages, areas of focus, and geographic regions, have contributed to this piece by providing insights about how the practice of dysmorphology will develop over the next several decades.
Neuropsychological features in RASopathies: A pilot study on parent training program involving families of children with Noonan syndrome
Authors: Montanaro Federica Alice Maria , Alfieri Paolo , Caciolo Cristina , Cumbo Francesca , Piga Simone , Tartaglia Marco , Licchelli Serena , Digilio Maria Cristina , Vicari Stefano
Published: December 2022

Noonan syndrome (NS) is a clinical variable multisystem disorder caused by mutations in genes encoding proteins involved in the RAS/mitogen‐activated protein kinase signaling pathway. NS is characterized by a distinctive facies, short stature, and congenital heart defects. Psychomotor delay, learning difficulties, and social deficits are also common. Furthermore, behavioral and attention problems can be reckoned as a key symptom in NS, with functioning resembling the patterns observed in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The complex behavioral phenotype has great impact on the quality of life and raises demanding management issues also for patients' families. Parent management training (PMT) is recommended as first‐line treatment for ADHD; however, no study has been performed to test the efficacy of PMT in NS, thus far. The aim of this pilot study is the implementation and evaluation of a PMT dedicated to NS families. Parents of seven children with NS were recruited and underwent to a 10‐session PMT. Three different questionnaires were administered to both parents: Conners Parent Rating Scales, Parenting Stress Index Short Form (PSI‐SF), and Alabama Parenting Questionnaire (APQ). Our findings on this first small cohort of families indicate that positive perception and satisfaction about the child and the interaction with him increased in mothers after the intervention, as measured respectively by PSI‐SF difficult child (DC) and PSI‐SF parent–child dysfunctional interaction (PCDI), while mothers' level of stress decreased after the PMT, as indicated by PSI‐SF total scores. Furthermore, APQ positive parenting, which measures behaviors of positive relationship with the child, increased in mothers after the intervention. Statistical analysis on fathers' questionnaires did not show significant differences after the PMT sessions. This pilot study suggests that PMT is a promising intervention for parents of NS children with behavioral and ADHD symptoms. Changes in mothers' attitudes and distress indicate that behaviorally oriented programs may help parents to manage with NS phenotype.
Controlled Self‐assembly of Gold(I) Complexes by Multiple Kinetic Aggregation States with Nonlinear Optical and Waveguide Properties
Authors: Li Zongshang , Xiao Ke , Wan Qingyun , Tang Rui , Low Kam‐Hung , Cui Xiaodong , Che Chi‐Ming
Published: December 2022

Introduction of multiple kinetic aggregation states (Aggs) into the self‐assembly pathway could bring complexity and flexibility to the self‐assemblies, which is difficult to realize due to the delicate equilibria established among different Aggs bonded by weak noncovalent interactions. Here, we describe a series of chiral and achiral d10 AuI bis(N‐heterocyclic carbene, NHC) complexes, and the achiral complex could undergo self‐assembly with multiple kinetic Aggs. Generation of multiple kinetic Aggs was realized by applying chiral or achiral seeds exhibiting large differences in elongation temperatures for their respective cooperative self‐assembly processes. We further showed that the chiral AuI self‐assemblies having non‐centrosymmetric packing forms exhibit nonlinear optical response of second harmonic generation (SHG), while the SHG signal is absent in the achiral analogue. The crystalline achiral AuI self‐assemblies could function as optical waveguides with strong emission polarization.
From dithiocarbamates to branched dithiocarbazates: Compounds with potent antischistosomal activity
Authors: Gallinger Tom L. , Obermann Wiebke , Lange‐Grünweller Kerstin , Schmidt Nina , Haeberlein Simone , Grünweller Arnold , Grevelding Christoph G. , Schlitzer Martin
Published: December 2022

Schistosomiasis or bilharzia is caused by blood flukes of the genus Schistosoma and represents a considerable health and economic burden in tropical and subtropical regions. The treatment of this infectious disease relies on one single drug: praziquantel (PZQ). Therefore, new and potent antischistosomal compounds need to be developed. In our previous work, starting with the drug disulfiram, we developed dithiocarbamates with in vitro antischistosomal activities in the low micromolar range. Based on these results, we report in this study on the synthesis and biological testing of the structurally related dithiocarbazates against Schistosoma mansoni, one of the major species of schistosomes. In total, three series of dithiocarbazate derivatives were examined, and we found that the antischistosomal activity of N‐unbranched dithiocarbazates increased by further N‐substitution. Comparable tetra‐substituted dithiocarbazates were rarely described in the literature, thus a synthesis route was established. Due to the elaborate synthesis, the branched dithiocarbazates (containing an N‐aminopiperazine) were simplified, but the resulting branched dithiocarbamates (containing a 4‐aminopiperidine) were considerably less active. Taken together, dithiocarbazate‐containing compounds with an in vitro antischistosomal activity of 5 µM were obtained.
Modification of α‐Tocopherol Succinate with a Tumor‐targeting Peptide Conjugate Enhances the Antitumor Efficacy of a Paclitaxel‐loaded Lipid Aggregate
Authors: Mondal Sujan Kumar , Jinka Sudhakar , Shankar Gajji , Srinivas Ragampeta , Banerjee Rajkumar
Published: December 2022

Paclitaxel (PTX) is a widely used chemotherapeutic agent in the clinic. However, its clinical benefit is limited due to its low water solubility, off‐target toxicity, and for being a multidrug‐resistant (MDR) substrate. To overcome these limitations in this study, a tumor‐targeting peptide (CRGDK peptide, a ligand for NRP‐1 receptor) conjugate of α‐tocopheryl succinate (α‐TOS) was synthesized and modified on PTX‐loaded lipid aggregate (TL‐PTX) to leverage the benefits of α‐TOS, which include a) anti‐cancer activity, b) increased PTX loading, and c) inhibition of MDR activity. Use of peptide conjugate of α‐TOS (α‐TOS‐CRGDK) in lipid aggregate increased PTX entrapment efficiency by 20%, helped in NRP‐1 specific cellular uptake and significantly enhanced apoptotic and cell killing activity (p <0.01) of PTX compared to control formulation (CL‐PTX) by inhibiting MDR‐activity in melanoma resulting in ∼70% increment in overall survival of melanoma tumor‐bearing mice. In conclusion, CRGDK‐ α‐TOS conjugate in association with PTX‐loaded liposome provided a unique NRP‐1 targeted, drug‐resistant reversing anticancer regimen for treating aggressive melanoma.
Measurement effects in decision‐making
Authors: Burns Devin M. , Hohnemann Charlotte
Published: December 2022

When participants are shown a series of stimuli, their responses differ depending on whether they respond after each stimulus or only at the end of the series, in what we call a measurement effect. These effects have received paltry attention compared with more well‐known order effects and pose a unique challenge to theories of decision‐making. In a series of two preregistered experiments, we consistently find measurement effects such that responding to a stimulus reduces its impact on later stimuli. While previous research has found such effects in noncumulative tasks, where participants are instructed only to respond to the most recent stimulus, this may be the first demonstration of these effects when participants are asked to combine information across either two or four stimuli. We present modeling results showing that although several extant classical and quantum models fail to predict the direction of these effects, new versions can be created that can do so. Ways in which these effects can be described using either quantum or classical models are discussed, as well as potential connections with other well‐known phenomena like the dilution effect.