bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental Study on Thermal Radiation Attenuation Using Water Mist of Twin-fluid Atomizer
Authors: Jo Jae Geun , Lee Chi Young
Published: September 2021

In this study, the thermal radiation attenuation performance of water mist was investigated using twin-fluid atomizers. The water and air flow rates of Small atomizer were 36~105 g/min and 10~30 L/min, whereas those of Large atomizer were 37~300 g/min and 20~60 L/min, respectively. In the present experimental range, the thermal radiation attenuation of Small atomizer and Large atomizer were 6.1~11.9% and 5.2~14.6%, respectively. With the increase in water and air flow rates, the thermal radiation attenuation increased, and under similar water and air flow rate conditions, Small atomizer showed higher thermal radiation attenuation than Large atomizer. Based on the present experimental data, it was found that the air (gas) discharge area is a potentially important factor in determining the thermal radiation attenuation performance. Additionally, through the analysis of thermal radiation attenuation per unit water flow rate, it was confirmed that the twin-fluid atomizer can result in higher thermal radiation attenuation than the single-fluid atomizer under the same water flow rate condition.
L2 lexical attrition and vocabulary re-learning in three L1 English L2 Japanese children
Authors: Larson-Hall Jenifer
Published: September 2021

In this paper I review the evidence for the role of age in affecting second language attrition, and find it strongly supports a large difference in attrition around a breakpoint of age 8. I propose a Dynamic Attrition Model which posits that attrition sets in immediately upon the loss of contact with a language but the speed of loss differs depending on age. Three children who began their incubation periods at age 6, 8 and 10 are examined when they are re-exposed to Japanese 6 years later. All children showed strong savings rates but large losses to their L2 Japanese.
Measuring the vocabulary burden of popular English songs
Authors: Romanko Rick
Published: September 2021

This study measured the vocabulary burden of popular English songs to determine what vocabulary is needed to understand 95% and 98% of the words in songs. The researcher analyzed the vocabulary in 2,175 songs, which consisted of 678,309 tokens. The results showed that knowledge of the most frequent 2,000 word families and proper nouns and marginal words provided 96.05% coverage, and knowledge of the most frequent 5,000 word families and proper nouns and marginal words provided 98% coverage of the English used in songs in the corpus.
Similarity Measure Algorithm for Text Document Clustering, Using Singular Value Decomposition
Authors: Adu Valentina , Adane Michael Donkor , Asante Kwadwo
Published: September 2021

We examined a similarity measure between text documents clustering. Data mining is a challenging field with more research and application areas. Text document clustering, which is a subset of data mining helps groups and organizes a large quantity of unstructured text documents into a small number of meaningful clusters. An algorithm which works better by calculating the degree of closeness of documents using their document matrix was used to query the terms/words in each document. We also determined whether a given set of text documents are similar/different to the other when these terms are queried. We found that, the ability to rank and approximate documents using matrix allows the use of Singular Value Decomposition (SVD) as an enhanced text data mining algorithm. Also, applying SVD to a matrix of a high dimension results in matrix of a lower dimension, to expose the relationships in the original matrix by ordering it from the most variant to the lowest.
Optimization of Ash Yield from Bicomposite Biomass (Terminalia catappa and Chrysophyllum albidium) Seed Barks with Additive upon Combustion
Authors: Dada Ebenezer Olujimi, , Awe-Obe Uriel Olamilekan, , Oladosu Kamoru Olufemi, , Alade Abass Olanrewaju, , Afolabi Tinuade Jolaade,
Published: September 2021

The ash yield from the combustion of a mixture of Africa star apple and tropical almond seeds shells (biocomposite biomass) with ammonium dihydrogen phosphate as an additive in a furnace was optimized using I-Optimal Design under the Combined Methodology of the Design Expert Software. The data obtained were analysed statistically using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), Artificial Neural Network (ANN) for the prediction of ash yield and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to determine the coefficient of determination (R²) between variables. Proximate analysis was used to evaluate Moisture Content (MC), Fixed Carbon Content (FCC), and Volatile Matter (VM) values while the Higher Heating Value (HHV) of the mixtures that gave the highest and lowest ash yields was evaluated numerically. The optimum conditions of process variables for the compositions of tropical almond, African star apple, and ammonium dihydrogen phosphate, as well as the temperature, were 30%, 60%, 10% and 704 oC, respectively leading to a minimum ash yield of 24.8%. The mathematical models for the ash using the I-optimal design indicate a good fit to the Quadratic model with a R² of 0.9999. The ANN model agreed significantly with the experimental results with an R² of 0.9939.  The VM, FCC, MC, AC and HHV of the highest ash yield were 11.00%, 2.34%, 3.20%, 33.80% and 4487.747 , respectively. The study established the suitability of optimisation tool to develop solid fuel mixtures for possible use in grate furnaces and its efficiencies.
Maternal Vitamin D Status in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Women
Authors: Nassar Zainedeen , Alzaharna Mazen
Published: September 2021

Aims: To assess vitamin D status among Gestational Diabetes Mellitus pregnant women in Gaza Strip.

Study Design: Case control study.

Place and Duration of Study: Samples were collected from pregnant women attending primary health care centers, Gaza, Gaza Strip.

Methodology: The study comprised 90 participants, 45 GDM pregnant women and 45 apparently healthy pregnant women. Serum vitamin D and insulin levels were measured by ELISA, fasting blood glucose (FBG), 2 h oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), triglycerides (TG), cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), phosphorus and calcium were determined chemically. Blood pressure was measured. Body mass index (BMI) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) were calculated. Ethical approval was acquired from Helsinki committee. All data was analyzed using the SPSS program.

Results: The average vitamin D in GDM cases was lower than that in controls (P=0.031). There was an increase in the average of FBG, OGTT, HbA1c and insulin levels in GDM cases versus controls (P<0.001). The average levels of serum cholesterol, TG and LDL were significantly higher in cases as compared to controls. The average systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels were higher in GDM cases in relation to controls. Pearson correlation test showed a significant negative correlation between vitamin D and the parameters: BMI, glucose, OGTT, HbA1c and Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR).

Conclusion: Vitamin D was lower in GDM women compared to controls. Low vitamin D status may be associated with insulin resistance and act as a risk factor for GDM.
Comparison of Environmental and Occupational Health in Gas Flare Host Communities and those Farther from Gas Flare Sites
Authors: Obi Nkemdilim I. , Bwititi Phillip T. , Nwose Ezekiel U.
Published: September 2021

Background: Gas flaring occurs during crude oil extraction and can have adverse implications for the community’ health and the environment. Reports show that residents complain about ill-health e.g. insomnia due to heat generated during gas flaring. This article therefore compares the impact on health in gas flaring host and non-gas flaring host communities.

Methodology: This research followed a mixed method approach of quantitative and qualitative analysis. Six questions were asked on occupation, residence, distance from the gas flare, social status in community, health status and family health history. Two questions assessed health status as well as family health history of participants and were semi-qualitative. All questions were adopted from a previously published report. Comparison of environmental and occupational data between host and neighbouring communities was done.

Outcome: Nearness of residence to gas flare sites show increased frequency in the number of ill health issues in respondents and their families. The impact of gas flaring i.e. ill health is high in those near to the site and diabetes is more prevalent amongst other ill-health conditions surveyed. Multiple comparisons show that the group farthest from gas flare site have significantly least proportion of members who are stressed or suffering respiratory problems.

Conclusion: Impact on health or wellbeing among members of gas flaring host communities are more severe when compared to those far. Government policies need to mitigate the adverse effects of gas flaring and the community needs to be educated on the impacts of gas flaring and how this can be minimised.
Potential Factors to Enhance the Level of Disclosure within Financial Statements of Indonesian Provincial Governments
Authors: Arifin Johan
Published: September 2021

Using Agency theory, this research aims to examine the factors that potentially influence the level of disclosure within financial statements in Indonesian provincial governments including Human Development Index  (HDI),  Liabilities,  General  Allocated  Fund  (GAF),  and  Provincial  Original  Revenue  (POR).  This research is very important because Indonesia has recently undergone major governmental financial reform and is seeking to greatly enforce its financial accounting transparency. The objects of this research are 99 financial statements from 33 Indonesian provinces in the period of 2014 to 2016. The level of disclosure is measured using a 34 item index derived from Indonesian Government Accounting Standards. Regression analysis shows that Human Development Index (HDI) and General Allocated Fund (GAF) are positive and significant predictors of the level of disclosure within financial statements of Indonesian provincial govern- ments. These results can be used by Indonesian government as a potential information in making government policy related to financial transparency at provincial level.
Healthy Environmental Parameters as the Identification of Mining Entities
Authors: Sari Siti Setyawati Kartika , Soeprajitno Raden Roro Widya Ningtyas
Published: September 2021

Nowadays the biggest global problem in the industry sector is located on environmental issues. This issue committed by the national entities that produced a lot of waste and emission. To answer this problem, the government decided to make a commitment for building policies of zero emission in the year 2050 accompanied with the appeal for disclosing and reporting the Sustainability Report for the entities in the industry sector. This research will elucidate the effort of entities involved for dealing with the global waste issue of industry sector. The involvement will be evaluated in the disclosure that made using the applicable Global Reporting Index scale. This research utilized mining sector entities listed in IDX from 2014 - 2018. Furthermore, this research used content analysis with processing multiple linear regression and applied the software of Stata 14. The outcome of this research is to attain the effort enhancement of improving the mining entities and the disclosure was greatly influenced by certain parameters, so it showed the significant difference from each mining entity. This research is expected could contribute to the government so they are more concerned by paying more attention and making policies to synergize the goal of “zero waste and zero emission” by a healthy-environment-performance basis for the entities, and augment the theory application along with knowledge development of disclosure in form of Sustainability Report.

Keywords: Environment; Waste; Emission; Sustainability Report; Mining Entities.
NPC1 promotes the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma by mediating the accumulation of neutrophils into the tumor microenvironment
Authors: Yang Songhai , Chen Jiangming , Xie Kun , Liu Fubao
Published: December 2024

Hepatocellular carcinoma remains a significant threat to human health. Recent studies have found that the intake of cellular cholesterol contributes to the development and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma, although the exact mechanisms remain unclear. Our analysis of transcriptomic and proteomic databases has identified increased mRNA and protein expression levels of NPC1, a cholesterol intracellular transporter protein, in hepatocellular carcinoma tissues. This increase is significantly associated with a worse prognosis for patients. To corroborate these findings, we performed immunohistochemical staining of NPC1 on liver tissue samples from patients, revealing significantly higher expression levels of NPC1 in hepatocellular carcinoma tissues compared to normal tissues. Subsequent investigations have revealed that NPC1 expression does not significantly influence the proliferation of hepatocellular carcinoma cells in vitro. However, it has a substantial inhibitory effect on the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma tumors when observed in vivo. Utilizing flow cytometry to monitor cellular changes within the tumor microenvironment has led us to discover that NPC1 plays a crucial role in the regulation of neutrophil recruitment within the tumor. Using further neutrophil depletion experiments, we determined that the role of NPC1 in advancing hepatocellular carcinoma progression truly relies on neutrophils. These observations are further reinforced by a comprehensive analysis of clinical databases alongside immunohistochemistry findings. In conclusion, our research suggests that NPC1's overexpression could contribute to hepatocellular carcinoma progression by promoting neutrophil recruitment, positioning NPC1 as a promising new biomarker and therapeutic target for hepatocellular carcinoma.
The epidemiology and clinical presentation of seropositive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder in a US population
Authors: Carlson Aaron M. , Sollero Carlos E.V. , Wolf Andrew B. , Sillau Stefan , Schmitt Barrie L. , Money Kelli M. , Nair Kavita V. , Piquet Amanda L. , Bennett Jeffrey L.
Published: December 2024

Objective

To define the epidemiology and clinical presentation of seropositive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) in a large US health system.

Methods

We completed a retrospective observational study of adult patients in the University of Colorado Health System from 1 January 2011 to 31 December 2020, using Health Data Compass (HDC), a data warehouse that combines electronic health information with claims and public health data in Colorado. We screened HDC for patients with either (1) an abnormal aquaporin‐4 IgG test or (2) any G36 ICD‐10 code. We extracted key clinical elements by chart review and confirmed diagnosis by the 2015 International Panel for NMO Diagnosis criteria. Annual incidence and prevalence rates were calculated.

Results

Our population consisted of 2,475,591 individuals contributing 11,103,522.72 person‐years of observation. In total, 115 seropositive NMOSD patients were identified. The average yearly incidence was 0.22 per 100,000 person‐years. Age and sex‐adjusted prevalence (per 100,000) was 4.33, and highest among those identifying as Asian or Pacific Islander (17.72), and Black (14.74), as separately by Hispanic ethnicity (8.02). Prevalence was higher in women (6.20:1 female:male ratio). Transverse myelitis (45%) and optic neuritis (43%) were the most common presenting clinical syndromes. In total, 6% of initial presentations were characterized by short‐segment transverse myelitis without other features.

Interpretation

Seropositive NMOSD incidence is higher in our cohort than many contemporary studies. Women and those identifying as Asian or Pacific Islander, Black, and Hispanic shoulder the highest burden of disease. Clinical onset with short‐segment myelitis underscores the need for serum aquaporin‐4 IgG testing in acute myelitis presentations.
Advanced Mycelium Skins for Sustainable Electronics
Authors: Pruckner Roland , Holzinger Laura , Preninger David , Breitwieser Magdalena , Lehner Lukas , Putz Christoph , Demchyshyn Stepan , Berrer Simon , Hirz Astrid , Koeppe Robert , Hild Sabine , Kaltenbrunner Martin
Published: December 2024

Developing sustainable substrates for electronics is key to reduce the global reliance on fossil‐based synthetic polymers. Mycelium‐based materials are emerging as promising alternatives as they up‐cycle agricultural wastes and offer biodegradability. However, their often inhomogeneous growth and relatively rough surface limit their applicability, especially for thin‐film electronics. Here, post‐growth treatments such as deacetylation of chitin that modify the structure and composition of the mycelium and improve its mechanical and electrical characteristics are introduced. The resulting mycelium foil demonstrates extended durability, reduced electrical conductivity, and a reduced surface roughness Rrms of 2.7 ± 0.7 µm while maintaining its thermal stability and biodegradability. Metallic thin films deposited onto these foils exhibit conductivities as high as 18.08 ± 2.38 × 104 Scm−1 and withstand more than 10000 bending repetitions. Coating the mycelium foil with biodegradable shellac further smoothens its surface and provides moisture resistance. In addition, it serves as an adhesive for the lamination of copper (Cu) layers which, structured by laser ablation, enable flexible electronic devices such as a Near‐Field‐Communication‐Tag. The recovery of non‐biodegradable components is moreover enabled through triggered dissolution in ethanol. These developments in mycelium‐based electronics offer viable solutions to promote eco‐friendly manufacturing processes and ultimately reduce electronic waste.
Interface‐Modulated Antiferroelectric‐to‐Ferroelectric‐Like Transition in Ultrathin Hf0.5Zr0.5O2 Films
Authors: Lu Haoyu , Li Yu , Han Jiyuan , Huangfu Geng , Feng Guan , Yin Shuaishuai , Wei Yingfen , Jiang Hao , Zheng Changlin , Liu Qi , Liu Ming
Published: December 2024

The development of ultrathin (≤5 nm) hafnia‐based ferroelectric (FE) films is essential for achieving low operating voltages, facilitating their integration into advanced process nodes for low‐power and non‐volatile memory applications. However, challenges in ultrathin FE films arise from the depolarization field and interface‐related issues, leading to an antiferroelectric‐like (AFE‐like) polarization switching behavior and more significant wake‐up effects, causing operational inconvenience and reliability concerns. Here, interface‐modulated ferroelectricity is reported in 4 nm Hf0.5Zr0.5O2 (HZO) thin films, demonstrating excellent properties with low operating voltage, enhanced switching speed, and high reliability. Electrical and structural characterizations reveal that adjusting interface asymmetry may introduce a substantial built‐in field (Ebi) and an AFE‐like switching behavior can exhibit a robust FE‐like characteristic. This AFE‐to‐FE‐like transition is driven by switching kinetics rather than commonly proposed phase transitions. Furthermore, a comprehensive model is developed to elucidate the intricate physics of the modulation mechanism by asymmetric interfaces, emphasizing the critical roles of depolarizing effects and Ebi on ferroelectricity. This work underscores the importance of interfaces in engineering ferroelectricity for advanced electronic applications.
Vacancy Remediation in Prussian Blue Analogs for High‐Performance Sodium and Potassium Ion Batteries
Authors: Wu Ruixue , Ren Bo , Wang Xianda , Lin Jie , Li Xiaoxia , Zheng Jinlong , Yang Hui Ying , Shang Yang
Published: December 2024

Sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) and potassium‐ion batteries (PIBs) have enormous potential for large‐scale energy storage due to their cost‐effectiveness, safety, and environmental compatibility. Developing high‐capacity and highly reliable cathode materials is key to advancing the commercialization of SIBs and PIBs. Low‐cost Prussian blue analogs (PBAs), with their open 3D framework and ease of synthesis, are preferred cathode materials for energy storage applications. However, the unique growth mechanism of PBAs introduces numerous Fe(CN)6 vacancies, which compromise structural integrity and result in capacity decay due to structural collapse during long‐term electrochemical cycling. Additionally, cracking can cause the dissolution of transition metal (TM) ions, undesirable interfacial reactions, and gas generation, which shorten the battery's lifespan and raise safety concerns. In this review, the mechanisms of growth and vacancy formation in PBAs is first clarified, providing a comprehensive overview of current strategies for vacancy remediation based on both bottom‐up and top‐down approaches. It is then elucidate how optimized vacancy remediation mechanisms can enhance lattice and interfacial stability, suppress TM dissolution and mitigate gas generation. Finally, it is discussed future research directions and provide perspectives on the further development of high‐performance cathode materials for SIBs and PIBs.
Mediation of Oxidation and Spin States of Fe/P‐CoO2 Core–Shell Structures Catalysts for Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Lv Hong , Gao Yuanfeng , Li Dong‐Sheng , Yu Aimin , Sun Chenghua , Zhang Cunman
Published: December 2024

Low‐cost, high‐performance oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalysts are crucial for water electrolysis. Herein, the synthesis of low‐cost Fe/P‐CoO2 amorphous catalyst is reported, achieving an ultralow overpotential of 260 mV at 10 mA cm−2 in 1 m KOH. Assembled Pt/C||Co0.75Fe0.25P/MWCNTs system affords a current density of 10 mA cm−2 at a cell voltage of only 1.53 V, which is much better than that of the benchmark Pt/C||RuO2 system (1.62 V). Such performance lies ointhe electronic mediation of active sites with asymmetric Co‐ and Fe‐coordination structures with different d‐band occupancy. The combination of Fe‐cationic and P‐anionic coordination effectively optimizes the adsorption of OER intermediates (OH*, O*), promoting direct O*─O* coupling and avoiding the formation of unstable OOH* intermediate. Benefiting from these advantages, Co0.75Fe0.25P/MWCNTs demonstrate excellent OER activity and stability, surpassing the benchmark RuO2. The proposed strategy presents a novel approach for the synthesis of cost‐effective, highly efficient, and durable electrocatalysts for alkaline OER.
A New Self‐Healing Green Polymer Gel with Dynamic Networks for Flow Control in Harsh Reservoirs
Authors: Kang Chuanhong , Guo Jixiang , Kiyingi Wyclif , Li Jiao , Xue Pengcheng
Published: December 2024

Hydrogels are widely used in flow control of underground reservoirs, a self‐healing in situ cross‐linked polymer gel system with a dynamic covalent adaptive network and dynamic disulfide bond is designed and constructed with cystine hydrochloride containing disulfide bond as a green cross‐linking agent. The polyacrylamide/cystine system can form a gel at temperatures above 110 °C, the dynamic disulfide bonds in the gel network make the hydrogels have excellent toughness and self‐healing properties and the maximum toughness value of the self‐healing gel is 57.5 MJ m−3, and the self‐healing efficiency can reach 88%. At the same time, the storage modulus of the gel can reach more than 2000 Pa with the addition of nano SiO2. The cross‐linked gel formulated using formation water is stable at 170 °C for more than 270 days. The modulated flooding experiment results show that the new gel system can effectively reduce the water content and increase the recovery rate by 32.2%. At the same time, the formation damage test shows that the average plugging rate of the gel is 95%, and the permeability damage is less than 15%. This new self‐healing green gel system can replace existing toxic gel systems and prioritize fluid flow control in harsh reservoir conditions.
PEDOT:PSS‐Facilitated Directionally 3‐D Assembled MXene‐Based Aerogel for High‐Performance Chemoresistive Sensing & Breath Analysis
Authors: Mohseni Taromsari Sara , Salari Meysam , Shi HaoTian Harvey , Habibpour Saeed , Saadatnia Zia , Tafreshi Omid Aghababaei , Yu Aiping , Park Chul B. , Naguib Hani E.
Published: December 2024

MXene has garnered growing interest in the field of electrochemistry, thanks to its unique electrical and surface characteristics. Nonetheless, significant challenges persist in realizing its full potential in chemoresistive sensing applications. In this study, a novel unidirectional freeze‐casting approach for fabricating a Poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS)‐facilitated vertically aligned MXene‐based aerogel with enhanced chemoresistive sensing properties was introduced. Firstly, the persistent challenge of poor gelation in MXene was addressed by formulating a nanohybrid of MXene and PEDOT:PSS, which acted as flexible conductive nanobinder. Employing a unique freeze‐casting method, MXene flakes interconnected by PEDOT:PSS, were stabilized into a flexible, vertically aligned structure, leading to maximum surface exposure and enhanced robustness. The resulting 3‐dimentional (3‐D) aerogel exhibited a fast, heightened chemoresistive response of 7 to 50 parts per million (ppm) acetone and expanded the working range to between 10 parts per billion (ppb)‐8000 ppm. Interfacial heterostructures formed between MXene and PEDOT:PSS, provided active sites, reduced activation energy, and enhanced selectivity. Modulated MXene bandgap, and its electron mobility further facilitated electron transfer, and enhanced signal strength. The sensor showed excellent biocompatibility and was also successfully employed as a breathalyzing tool, for on‐demand alcohol consumption monitoring.
On‐demand Reprogrammable Mechanical Metamaterial Driven by Structure Performance Relations
Authors: Wei Yuling , Pan Fei , Lin Xin , Zhang Lei , Xiang Jinwu , Chen Yuli
Published: December 2024

The physical reprogrammability of metamaterials provides unprecedented opportunities for tailoring changeable mechanical behaviors. It is envisioned that metamaterials can actively, precisely, and rapidly reprogram their performances through digital interfaces toward varying demands. However, on‐demand reprogramming by integration of physical and digital merits still remains less explored. Here, a real‐time reprogrammable mechanical metamaterial is reported that is guided by its own structure‐performance relations. The metamaterial consists of periodically tessellated bistable building blocks with built‐in soft actuators for state switching, exhibiting rich spatial heterogeneity. Guided by the pre‐established relations between state sequences and stress–strain curves, the metamaterial can accurately match a target curve by digitally tuning its state within 4 s. The metamaterial can be elastically tensioned and compressed under a strain of 4%, and its modulus tuning ratio reaches >30. Moreover, it also shows highly tunable shearing and bending performances. This work provides a new thought for the physical performance reprogrammability of artificial intelligent systems.
Inorganic/Inorganic Composites Through Emulsion Templating
Authors: Jiang Tianhui , Zhou Shitong , Hong Yinglun , Poloni Erik , Saiz Eduardo , Bouville Florian
Published: December 2024

Inorganic/inorganic composites are found in multiple applications crucial for the energy transition, from nuclear reactors to energy storage devices. Their microstructures dictate their properties from mass transport to fracture resistance. Consequently, there has been a multitude of processes developed to control them, from powder mixing and the use of short or long fibers, to tape casting for laminates up to recent 3D printing. Here, emulsions and slip casting are combined into a simpler, broadly available, inexpensive processing platform that allows for in situ control of composite microstructure while also enabling complex 3D shaping. This study shows that slip casting of emulsions triggers a two‐step solvent removal, opening the possibility for the conformal coating of pores. This process is showcased by producing strong and lightweight alumina scaffolds reinforced by a conformal zirconia coating. In addition, by manipulating magnetically responsive droplets, their distribution can be controlled, allowing for the formation of inorganic fibers inside an inorganic matrix in situ during slip casting. Using this approach, alumina has been reinforced with aligned metallic iron fibers to prepare composites with a work of fracture an order of magnitude higher than the pure ceramics.
A Novel Deer Antler‐Inspired Bone Graft Triggers Rapid Bone Regeneration
Authors: Li Shengyou , Yang Yujie , Yu Beibei , Gao Xueli , Gao Xue , Nie Shihao , Qin Tao , Hao Yiming , Guo Lingli , Wu Haining , Ma Teng , Zheng Yi , Geng Dan , Gao Jianbo , Xue Borui , Zhang Yongfeng , Yang Shijie , Wei Yitao , Xia Bing , Luo Zhuojing , Qiu Qiang , Huang Jinghui
Published: December 2024

Adult mammals are unable to regenerate bulky bone tissues, making large bone defects clinically challenging. Deer antler represents an exception to this rule, exhibiting the fastest bony growth in mammals, offering a unique opportunity to explore novel strategies for rapid bone regeneration. Here, a bone graft exploiting the biochemical, biophysical, and structural characteristics of antlers is constructed. It is decellularized antler cancellous bone (antler‐DCB) to obtain a bone scaffold. Then, an antler‐based bone graft is constructed by integrating antler‐DCB with antler‐derived biological signals, delivered by extracellular vesicles (EVs) from antler blastema progenitor cells (ABPCs), a novel stem cells responsible for antlerogenesis is discovered. The antler‐based bone graft transformed bone marrow stromal cells into cells with an ABPC‐like phenotype and transcriptomic signature. In vivo, the antler‐based graft triggered rapid bone formation in a rat model, with doubled volume of newly formed bones than commercial DCBs. In addition, the antler‐based graft orchestrated a coordinated process of vascularization, neurogenesis, and immunomodulation during osteogenesis, partially imitating early antlerogenesis. These findings provide practical insights to develop a therapeutic intervention for treating severe bone defects.
Field‐Induced Polarization Rotation in Order–Disorder (K,Na)NbO3‐Based Ferroelectrics
Authors: Zhang Mao‐Hua , Thong Hao‐Cheng , Jiang Bo , Zhang Nan , Zhao Changhao , Wu Zhenghao , Zhou Tianhang , Wu Chaofeng , Yao Fangzhou , Bi Ke , Gong Wen , Xu Ben , Wang Ke
Published: December 2024

Phase boundary is highly recognized for its capability in engineering various physical properties of ferroelectrics. Here, field‐induced polarization rotation is reported in a high‐performance (K, Na)NbO3‐based ferroelectric system at the rhombohedral‐tetragonal phase boundary. First, the lattice structure is examined from both macroscopic and local scales, implementing Rietveld refinement and pair distribution function analysis, respectively. The macroscopic phase coexistence at the phase boundary can be interchangeably rationalized with an average projection of collective local disordered units, exhibiting the order–disorder nature. The structural evidence of field‐induced polarization rotation is provided by the in situ synchrotron study. Theoretical studies including density functional theory calculation and molecular dynamics simulation also predict the polarization rotation mechanism. The simulation result reveals the variation of the degree of ordering during the polarization rotation as a key feature of the boosted electrical properties in the order–disorder ferroelectric system. The discovery provides meaningful insight into the design of ferroelectrics with enhanced physical properties.
1.4% External Quantum Efficiency 988 nm Light Emitting Diode Based on Tin‐Lead Halide Perovskite
Authors: Chen Jiale , Li Jiaxiong , Pau Riccardo , Chen Lijun , Kot Mordchai , Wang Han , Mario Lorenzo Di , Portale Giuseppe , Loi Maria Antonietta
Published: December 2024

In recent years, metal halide perovskite‐based light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) have garnered significant attention as they display high quantum efficiency, good spectral tunability, and are expected to have low processing costs. When the peak emission wavelength is beyond 900 nm the interest is even higher because of the critical importance of this wavelength for biomedical imaging, night vision, and sensing. However, many challenges persist in fabricating these high‐performance NIR LEDs, particularly for wavelengths above 950 nm, which appear to be limited by low radiance and poor stability. In this study, 3‐(aminomethyl) piperidinium (3‐AMP) is employed as a bulk additive for a tin‐lead halide perovskite. The 3‐AMP passivated films exhibit a significantly longer carrier lifetime of over 1 µs compared to neat films (0.43 µs) or to those passivated with a perfluorinated aromatic mono‐ammonium molecule (0.41 µs). Our optimized tin‐lead halide perovskite‐based LEDs show a single emission peak at 988 nm and an external quantum efficiency (EQE) of ≈1.4%.
Multidirectional Sliding Ferroelectricity of Rhombohedral‐Stacked InSe for Reconfigurable Photovoltaics and Imaging Applications
Authors: Liang Qingrong , Zheng Guozhong , Fan Shuaiwei , Yang Liu , Zheng Shoujun
Published: December 2024

Through the stacking technique of 2D materials, the interfacial polarization can be switched by an interlayer sliding, known as sliding ferroelectricity, which is advantageous in ultra‐thin thickness, high switching speed, and high fatigue resistance. However, uncovering the relationship between the sliding path and the polarization state in rhombohedral‐stacked materials remains a challenge, which is the key to 2D sliding ferroelectricity. Here, layer‐dependent multidirectional sliding ferroelectricity in rhombohedral‐stacked InSe (γ‐InSe) is reported via dual‐frequency resonance tracking piezoresponse force microscopy and conductive atomic force microscopy. The graphene/γ‐InSe/graphene tunneling device exhibits a tunable bulk photovoltaic effect with a photovoltaic current density of ≈15 mA cm−2 due to multiple polarization states. The generation of dome‐like domain walls is observed experimentally, which is attributed to the multidirectional sliding‐induced domains based on the theoretical calculations. Furthermore, the ferroelectric polarization in γ‐InSe ensures that the tunneling device has a high photo responsivity of ≈255 A W−1 and a fast response time for real‐time imaging. The work not only provides insights into the multidirectional sliding ferroelectricity of rhombohedral‐stacked 2D materials but also highlights their potential for tunable photovoltaics and imaging applications.
Bio‐Based and Degradable Food Packaging Materials: Where Are They?
Authors: Bauer Maria G. , Henkel Fabio , Gürer Ufuk , Lieleg Oliver
Published: December 2024

In the 1960s, the Swedish company Celloplast patented the first one‐piece plastic bag for packaging, and such plastic bags are heavily used all around the world until they are banned by some countries for environmental and sustainability reasons. Similarly, the EU banned certain single‐use plastic items in 2021—but food packaging is not part of this new regulation. And indeed, the majority of food packaging encountered today in the supermarket is still made from traditional, petrol‐based plastics. This review summarizes recent efforts in developing more sustainable alternatives to such petrol‐based food packaging. Different natural sources and production processes used to develop biodegradable, biopolymer‐based materials (bbMs) are discussed, which are categorized into natural bbMs, modified/plasticized bbMs, and plastic bbMs. An overview of the material properties of commercially available bbMs and bbMs developed in academic research projects is provided, and are compared with the properties of conventional, petrol‐based materials used for packaging. Furthermore, the role of academic and industrial contributors along the value chain of bbMs is highlighted and challenges that are responsible for the still limited occurrence of bbMs in daily lives are discussed.
Surficial Engineering of Cathodic Protection Strategy via P‐Doped NiCuV Monolithic Electrode for Enhanced Hydrogen Evolution Reaction in Alkaline Media
Authors: Han Huizhen , Tao Shiyi , Sun Yu , Luo Yuxin , Zhao Yulian , Mukherjee Somnath , Ma Yi , Bo Xin , Wang Zenglin
Published: December 2024

The concentrated alkaline passivates the monolithic electrode for electrochemical hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in the alkaline water electrolysis (AWE) industry. Herein, a surface engineering of cathodic protection via one‐step co‐electrodeposition of P into NiCuV is presented and the achieved monolithic electrode exhibits an enhanced electrochemical catalytic behavior and constant durability with a feedback potential of −0.75 V versus the reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) under an extremely high current density of 1A cm−2 for more than 270 h in alkaline media. The strategy of cathodic protection optimises the charge density redistribution by forming a phosphate surface layer. This preserves the particular metal (alloy) phase from oxidation while also modulating the heterarchical porous structure through P incorporation. Furthermore, an anion‐exchange membrane water electrolysis (AEMWE) with the NiCuVP serving as the HER catalyst and the NiFeCr LDH as the OER catalyst is constructed, which exhibits a current density of 912 mA cm−2 at 2 V at 80 °C with 30 wt.% KOH electrolytes. The resultant factors for activity and durability such as the electrochemical specific area, redox behaviors and surface hydrophilicity are also systematically discussed. This research presents a practical protocol for the anticorrosion and active enhancement of AWE and AEMWE cathodes.
An Acellular Platform to Drive Urinary Bladder Tissue Regeneration
Authors: Kini Mitali , Bury Matthew I. , Sharma Arun K.
Published: December 2024

Impaired bladder compliance secondary to congenital or acquired bladder dysfunction can lead to irreversible kidney damage. This is managed with surgical augmentation utilizing intestinal tissue, which can cause stone formation, infections, and malignant transformation. Co‐seeded bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)/CD34+ hematopoietic stem cell (HSPC) scaffolds (PRS) have been successful in regenerating bladder tissue. However, the acquisition of viable cells is challenging in the clinical setting. Here, the regenerative capacity of human MSC/CD34+ co‐cultured total condition media (TCM) is compared to media alone in immune‐competent rats augmented with PRS following partial cystectomy. Augmented bladders are instilled with media (control, n = 4) or TCM (n = 5) twice a week for 4 weeks. Regenerated tissue is analyzed for smooth muscle, urothelium, vascular, and peripheral nerve regrowth. Urodynamic (UDS) measures are performed pre‐ and 4 weeks post‐augmentation. The results demonstrate that TCM‐instilled grafts have greater muscle content, larger average urothelial widths, higher percent vascularization, and more robust neural infiltration post‐augmentation. UDS demonstrates greater percent bladder recovery in the TCM group, indicating functional improvement in bladder storage capacity. This study is the first to propose the use of cell‐free TCM as an alternative to traditional cell‐seeded scaffolds to promote bladder tissue regeneration.
Citrate‐Coated Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Facilitate Endothelialization of Left Ventricular Assist Device Impeller for Improved Antithrombogenicity
Authors: Haritz Jasper L. , Pflaum Michael , Güntner Hans J. , Katsirntaki Katherina , Hegermann Jan , Hehnen Felix , Lommel Michael , Kertzscher Ulrich , Arens Jutta , Haverich Axel , Ruhparwar Arjang , Wiegmann Bettina
Published: December 2024

Although left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) are an alternative to heart transplantation, their artificial surfaces often lead to serious thrombotic complications requiring high‐risk device replacement. Coating blood‐contacting surfaces with antithrombogenic endothelial cells is considered an effective strategy for preventing thrombus formation. However, this concept has not yet been successfully implemented in LVADs, as severe cell loss is to be expected, especially on the impeller surface with high prothrombogenic supraphysiological shear stress. This study presents a strategy that exploits the magnetic attraction of the impeller on ECs loaded with iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) to minimize shear stress‐induced cell detachment from the rotating magnetic impeller while ensuring antithrombogenic EC adhesion, especially as a bridge until they formed their adhesion‐promoting matrix. In contrast to polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)‐coated IONPs, more efficient and safer cell loading is achieved with sodium citrate (Cit)‐stabilized IONPs, where incubation with 6.6 µg iron mL‐1 Cit‐IONPs for 24 h resulting in an average internalization of 23 pg iron per cell. Internalization of Cit‐IONP significantly improved cell attraction to the highly magnetic impeller surface without affecting cell viability or antithrombogenic function. This protocol is key for the development of a biohybrid LVAD impeller that can prevent life‐threatening thrombosis and hemorrhage in a future clinical application.
Hole Trap Formation in Quantum Dot Light‐Emitting Diodes Under Electrical Stress
Authors: Huang Jiangxia , Lin Wenxin , Li Shuxin , Li Jiahao , Feng Haonan , Lin Xiongfeng , Guo Yulin , Liang Wenlin , Wu Longjia , Blom Paul W. M. , Niu Quan , Ma Yuguang
Published: December 2024

Quantum dot light‐emitting diodes (QLEDs) have emerged as promising candidates for next‐generation display technology, but the limited lifetime of QLEDs hampers their further commercialization. Despite extensive research that has been conducted for the last decades, the mechanism leading to the rapid degradation of QLEDs remains unclear. Here, the formation of hole traps is demonstrated as the critical reason for the degradation of QLEDs. Applying impedance measurements, an enhancement of the negative capacitance is observed and provides straightforward evidence for the formation of hole traps. The generated hole traps introduce additional trap‐assisted recombination of trapped holes with free electrons, as reflected by the evolution and voltage dependence of the electroluminescence spectra, leading to efficiency loss in degraded devices. By performing numerical simulations to model the degradation of QLEDs, the formation of hole traps is quantified as a function of aging time. The calculated hole trap density is consistent with that as measured from impedance spectroscopy, validating that the hole trap formation is the mechanism for the voltage drift and efficiency decrease of QLEDs under constant current stress.
Single‐Atom Platinum Immobilized on Polyimide for Highly Efficient and Durable Hydrogen Evolution Electrocatalysis
Authors: Zhang Shouhan , Wu Zhenzhong , Liu Yunxia , Bai Jing , Ding Yidan , Ma Ziwei , Lin Haiping , Zhang Longsheng , Liu Tianxi
Published: December 2024

Electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is widely regarded as a promising approach to convert renewable electricity into hydrogen. Platinum (Pt) based catalysts demonstrate superior activity toward acidic HER, but the scarcity of Pt metal presents obstacles for large‐scale application. Therefore, constructing Pt single‐atom catalysts (SACs) with maximum metal‐atom‐utilization efficiency renders a feasible strategy, which however is critically hindered by an unsatisfactory catalyst lifetime. Here, a general strategy is reported to develop novel HER catalysts with Pt single atoms immobilized on polyimide support, which can display an exceptional activity toward acidic HER while achieving an outstandingly high durability with negligible activity decay for 760 h of continuous operation at 100 mA cm−2. The detailed experimental and theoretical results unravel that, the polyimide support lowers the d‐band level of Pt site with a reduced energy barrier for acidic HER and simultaneously promotes the proton concentration near Pt site, leading to appreciably improved HER kinetics. Additionally, the polyimide support is versatile toward immobilizing ruthenium, palladium, and other single metal atoms, providing an alternative approach to develop SACs with superior catalytic activity and durability.
Tailoring Molecular Space to Navigate Phase Complexity in Cs‐Based Quasi‐2D Perovskites via Gated‐Gaussian‐Driven High‐Throughput Discovery
Authors: Um Minsub , Sanchez Sheryl L. , Song Hochan , Lawrie Benjamin J. , Ahn Hyungju , Kalinin Sergei V. , Liu Yongtao , Choi Hyosung , Yang Jonghee , Ahmadi Mahshid
Published: December 2024

Cesium‐based quasi‐2D halide perovskites (HPs) offer promising functionalities and low‐temperature manufacturability, suited to stable tandem photovoltaics. However, the chemical interplays between the molecular spacers and the inorganic building blocks during crystallization cause substantial phase complexities in the resulting matrices. To successfully optimize and implement the quasi‐2D HP functionalities, a systematic understanding of spacer chemistry, along with the seamless navigation of the inherently discrete molecular space, is necessary. Herein, by utilizing high‐throughput automated experimentation, the phase complexities in the molecular space of quasi‐2D HPs are explored, thus identifying the chemical roles of the spacer cations on the synthesis and functionalities of the complex materials. Furthermore, a novel active machine learning algorithm leveraging a two‐stage decision‐making process, called gated Gaussian process Bayesian optimization is introduced, to navigate the discrete ternary chemical space defined with two distinctive spacer molecules. Through simultaneous optimization of photoluminescence intensity and stability that “tailors” the chemistry in the molecular space, a ternary‐compositional quasi‐2D HP film realizing excellent optoelectronic functionalities is demonstrated. This work not only provides a pathway for the rational and bespoke design of complex HP materials but also sets the stage for accelerated materials discovery in other multifunctional systems.
Acute Kidney Injury Among Florida Construction Workers: A Pilot Study
Authors: Chicas Roxana C. , Zhuang Cathy , Castellano Andrea , Trejo Leslie , Ruiz Ernesto , Hertzberg Vicki
Published: December 2024

Background

While construction workers have the second highest rate of heat‐related mortality, less is known about the prevelance of heat‐related illness (HRI) symptoms, dehydration and kidney dysfunction. The aim of this study was to conduct a biomedical field‐based study with construction workers to characterize HRI symptoms, dehydration, and kidney dysfunction, and analyze relationships between post‐work urine specific gravity (USG) percentiles and predictors such as work hours, water consumption, and sugary beverage consumption.

Methods

In collaboration with the Farmworker Association of Florida, 58 construction workers in Central Florida were monitored pre‐ and post‐work shift on one workday. Research staff used a recreational vehicle to meet workers at their worksites, collect blood and urine pre‐ and post‐work shift, and administer a survey on HRI symptoms. Acute kidney injury (AKI) was measured using serum creatinine and dehydration with USG. Predictors were examined in single covariate linear quantile mixed models against USG percentiles.

Results

The mean heat index was 88.4°F. Forty‐two percent reported at least one symptom of HRI. Dehydration rates were 75% pre‐work shift and 78% post‐work shift. Severe dehydration increased from 16% to 33%. AKI was observed in 38% of the participants.

Conclusion

This is, to our knowledge, the first US field‐based biomedical study to document AKI, dehydration, and HRI symptoms in construction workers. This study adds to the literature that supports occupational heat exposure as a risk factor for AKI and dehydration.