bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acoustic pathways of hearing in the bottlenose dolphin, Tursiops truncatus
Authors: Au Whitlow W. L. , Mohl Bertel , Nachtigall Paul E. , Pawloski Jeffrey L. , Aroyan James L.
Published: July 2002

The acoustic pathways for the reception of sound in the Atlantic bottlenose dolphin were studied by measuring auditory brain-stem-evoked potential responses as a specially designed suction cup hydrophone was placed at different areas of the animal’s head. The dolphin was trained to come out of the water and beach on a rubber mat. Evoked responses were recorded differentially with suction cup surface electrodes placed between the parietal (noninverting) just posterior to the blowhole and mastoid (inverting). A transient signal was used as the stimulus and the amplitude of the stimulus was lowered in fixed dB steps until the evoked response reached a specific level close to the threshold level. The results indicate that the most sensitive portion of the lower jaw is slightly forward of the pan-bone and about 3/4 of the way toward the front of the lower jaw and along certain spots on the bottom midline of the lower jaw. The relative sensitivity of different areas of the lower jaw was also determined. The measurement results will be compared with results from calculations based on numerically solving the three-dimensional wave equation for wave propagation into the lower jaw of the dolphin. [Work supported in part by ONR, Grant No. N0001496WX30364.]
A time-reversal mirror with variable range focusing
Authors: Song Hee Chun , Kuperman W. A. , Hodgkiss W. S.
Published: July 2002

Recently a time-reversal mirror (or phase-conjugate array) was demonstrated experimentally in the ocean that spatially and temporally refocused an incident acoustic field back to the original position of the probe source [Kuperman et al., J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 103, 25–40 (1998)]. Here this waveguide time-reversal mirror technique is extended to refocus at ranges other than that of the probe source. This procedure is based on the acoustic-field invariant property in the coordinates of frequency and range in an oceanic waveguide [Brekhovskikh and Lysanov, Fundamentals of Ocean Acoustics, 2nd ed. (Springer-Verlag, Berlin, 1991), pp. 139–145]. Simulations are combined with experimental data to verify this technique.
Temporal resolution in birds and the perception of complex sounds
Authors: Dooling Robert J. , Leek Marjorie R. , Dent Micheal L.
Published: July 2002

On many measures of temporal processing, including maximum and minimum temporal integration and duration discrimination, birds show sensitivities similar to those of humans and other mammals. More recent studies on difference limens for short duration tones, discrimination of gaps in sinusoidal markers, and detection of a mistuned harmonic, however, indicate that birds are much more sensitive than humans to certain temporal aspects of complex sounds. Further explorations of auditory temporal analysis by budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus) are described here, using sets of harmonic complexes with identical long-term spectra but with temporal waveforms differing either in envelope shape or fine structure. Behavioral discrimination and masking data using these temporal complexes show a high degree of temporal resolving power by the avian auditory system. These findings will be discussed in the context of previous studies on temporal modulation transfer functions and temporal windows in the budgerigar. In aggregate, these results strongly support the long-held belief that birds are more sensitive than humans and other mammals to temporal aspects of complex acoustic signals. [Work supported by NIH DC00198.]
A mixed wave finite-element approach for solving Biot’s poroelasticity equations in acoustics
Authors: Sgard Franck C. , Atalla Noureddine , Panneton Raymond
Published: July 2002

The use of finite-element models for solving Biot’s poroelasticity equations often leads to large frequency-dependent systems. Recently, the authors have investigated the use of a selective modal analysis to decrease the size of large finite-element models involving poroelastic structures. The method used a dual real modal basis associated with the skeleton in vacuo and the fluid phase occupying the volume of the porous material to approximate the {U,p} variables. However, this method converges poorly due to the importance of the damping brought in by the porous material. In this paper, an alternate reduction technique, based on a plane waves expansion method combined with a finite-element approach, is investigated in the case of a single porous layer. The theory behind the technique, together with numerical examples illustrating the performance of the approach, will be presented. [Work supported by Centre Jacques Cartier.]
Physics of 3-D scattering from rippled seabeds and buried targets in shallow water
Authors: Schmidt Henrik , Lee Jaiyong
Published: July 2002

A new wave theory model providing consistent modeling of seabed insonification, three-dimensional target scattering, and rough seabed reverberation has been used to investigate the spatial and temporal characteristics of the multistatic scattering and reverberation from rippled, shallow water seabeds. It is shown that the highly polarized—close to monochromatic—spectral characteristics of ripple fields are associated with a reverberation environment which is highly sensitive to both the frequency and insonification aspect relative to the ripples. The study suggests that significant gains in detection performance for buried objects can be achieved by band-limiting the processing to frequencies below an environmentally dependent “cut-off” frequency. The study also confirms theoretically the intuitive advantage of insonifying the seabed along the ripple direction to reduce monostatic reverberation.
Development of adaptive phonetic gestures in children: Evidence from vowel devoicing in two different dialects of Japanese
Authors: Imaizumi Satoshi , Fuwa Kiyoko , Hosoi Hiroshi
Published: July 2002

High vowels between voiceless consonants are often devoiced in many languages, as well as in many dialects of Japanese. This phenomenon can be hypothesized to be a consequence of the adaptive organization of the laryngeal gestures to various conditions, including dialectal requirements. If this theory is correct, it may be possible to predict developmental changes in vowel devoicing based on the developmental improvement in the dialect-specific organization of the laryngeal gestures. To test this expectation, the developmental properties of vowel devoicing were investigated for 72 children of 4 and 5 years of age, and 37 adults in two dialects of Japanese. One was the Osaka dialect, with a low devoicing rate, and the other the Tokyo dialect, with a high devoicing rate. In the Tokyo dialect, the devoicing rate of children significantly increased and reached an adultlike level by the age of 5 years, whereas it remained low irrespective of age in Osaka. The vowel devoicing of 5-year-old children exhibited the same characteristics as that of the adults of their respective dialect. These results suggest that children growing up with the Tokyo dialect acquire the articulatory gestures which do not inhibit vowel devoicing by the age of 5 years, whereas children growing up with the Osaka dialect acquire those which inhibit the devoicing of vowels by the same age. The results fit in well with the predictions of the gestural account of vowel devoicing. It is also suggested that learning dialect-specific adaptive strategies to coordinate voicing and devoicing gestures as required to attain an adultlike vowel devoicing pattern is a long process: By the age of 5 years children have completed enough of this process to become members of their dialectal community.
Mothers’ speech and song for infants
Authors: Trehub Sandra E. , Bergeson Tonya R.
Published: July 2002

The speech and singing interactions of mothers with their 4- to 7-month-old infants were recorded on two occasions separated by approximately one week. Repetitions of the same songs across sessions had similar tempo (mean difference of 3.73 beats per min) and pitch level (mean difference of 1.07 semitones). By contrast, repetitions of stereotyped verbal phrases had considerably greater differences in tempo (22.82 beats per min) and pitch level (4.96 semitones). Nevertheless, utterance repetitions were perceived as similar to the original because they retained its rhythmic structure. The characteristic focus of researchers on the pitch patterning of maternal speech may be obscuring important consistencies in the spoken rhythms of caregivers. Moreover, the demonstrable sensitivity of young infants to the rhythmic structure of auditory sequences makes it essential to document temporal regularities in the spoken and sung messages that are typically directed to infants. Rhythmic aspects of maternal speech may well emerge as critical components of the infant-directed speech register. [Work supported by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.]
Experimental investigation of the acoustical characteristics of university classrooms
Authors: Hodgson Murray
Published: July 2002

Acoustical measurements were performed in 30 randomly chosen, unoccupied classrooms at the University of British Columbia (UBC). Tests had previously been done in 46 unoccupied UBC classrooms, as well as in 10 of these when occupied by students. The results for the 10 classrooms were used to correct the “unoccupied” results to the half-occupied and fully occupied conditions. The objective of the work was to characterize the 30 classrooms, which were used in subsequent studies, to determine the acoustical quality of the UBC classroom stock and how this depends on the classroom design and the presence of students, and to elucidate characteristics of classroom acoustics relevant to optimal design. The results showed that the UBC classroom stock is of far from optimum acoustical quality when unoccupied, but is much better in the occupied condition. Generally, many classrooms have excessive reverberation and result in low speech levels, especially at the back of the rooms; in addition, they have excessively noisy ventilation systems.
Identification and localization of sound sources in the median sagittal plane
Authors: Rakerd Brad , Hartmann William M. , McCaskey Timothy L.
Published: July 2002

The ability of human listeners to identify broadband noises differing in spectral structure was studied for multiple sound-source locations in the median sagittal plane. The purpose of the study was to understand how sound identification is affected by spectral variations caused by directionally dependent head-related transfer functions. It was found that listeners could accurately identify noises with different spectral peaks and valleys when the source location was fixed. Listeners could also identify noises when the source location was roved in the median sagittal plane when the relevant spectral features were at low frequency. Listeners failed to identify noises with roved location when the spectral structure was at high frequency, presumably because the spectral structure was confused with the spectral variations caused by different locations. Parallel experiments on sound localization showed that listeners can localize noises that they cannot identify. The combination of identification and localization experiments leads to the conclusion that listeners cannot compensate for directionally dependent filtering by their own heads when they try to identify sounds.
A study of the influence of mean flow on the acoustic performance of Herschel–Quincke tubes
Authors: Torregrosa A. J. , Broatch A. , Payri R.
Published: July 2002

In this paper, a simple flow model is used in order to assess the influence of mean flow and dissipation on the acoustic performance of the classical two-duct Herschel–Quincke tube. First, a transfer matrix is obtained for the system, which depends on the values of the Mach number in the two branches. These Mach numbers are then estimated separately by means of an incompressible flow calculation. Finally, both calculations are used to study the way in which mean flow affects the position and value of the characteristic attenuation and resonances of the system. The results indicate the nontrivial character of the influence observed.
Tobacco smoking down in people with major depression and SUD
Authors: de Miranda John
Published: April 2022

There were significant reductions in cigarette use among U.S. adults with major depression, substance use disorder (SUD), or both from 2006 to 2019, according to a new analysis by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) published last week. The study was conducted by NIDA researchers and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
Quadrangular Prism Porous Shells Constructed by Parallelly Interconnected and Lattice‐Strained NiCoP Nanoflakes for Maximized Energy Storage
Authors: Zhou Xiaoya , Long Weiyu , Wang Qian , Dong Xiaochen , Tang Shaochun
Published: April 2022

One of the challenges with pseudocapacitive energy storage is maximizing the utilization of active materials while assuring their cycling stability due to diffusion confinement and low electron transferability. Herein, a new insight into the design of architectures with combined advantages of ultrathin 2D materials’ oriented distribution and structural modulation at the atomic scale is proposed. Porous quadrangular prism shells (PQPSs) constructed by parallelly and interconnected lattice‐strained NiCoP nanoflakes are achieved via quadrangular prism‐assisted surface anisotropic growth, template removal, and ion exchange. An aqueous asymmetric supercapacitor with the NiCoP PQPSs and activated carbon (AC) delivers outstanding cycle stability with 103.1% capacity retention even after 30 000 cycles at 20 A g−1, much superior electrochemical performance over that reported for single‐metal phosphides. The NiCoP//AC exhibits a prominent high energy density of 47.7 Wh kg−1 at 800 W kg−1, superior over most state‐of‐the‐art devices. This is mainly attributed to the fact that the nanoflake‐built shells effectively avoid “dead volume,” thus providing abundant ion‐accessible active sites and straight ion transport channels as well as the lattice tensile strain demonstrated by geometrical phase analysis facilitates charge transportation. This work provides an innovative route to the controlled synthesis of space‐oriented phosphides’ arrays for improved energy storage.
DMF‐Based Large‐Grain Spanning Cu2ZnSn(Sx,Se1‐x)4 Device with a PCE of 11.76%
Authors: Cui Yubo , Wang Mengyang , Dong Peizhe , Zhang Shuangshuang , Fu Junjie , Fan Libo , Zhao Chaoliang , Wu Sixin , Zheng Zhi
Published: April 2022

A main concern of the promising DMF‐based Cu2ZnSn(Sx,Se1‐x)4 (CZTSSe) solar cells lies in the absence of a large‐grain spanning structure, which is a key factor for high open‐circuit voltage (Voc) and power conversion efficiency (PCE). A new strategy to achieve CZTSSe large‐grain spanning monolayer is proposed, by taking advantage of the synergistic optimization with a Cu2+ plus Sn2+ redox system and pre‐annealing temperatures. A series of structural, morphological, electrical, and photoelectric characterizations are employed to study the effects of the pre‐annealing temperatures on absorber qualities, and an optimized temperature of 430 ℃ is determined. The growth mechanism of the large‐grain spanning monolayer and the effect of redox reaction rate are carefully investigated. Three types of absorber growth mechanisms and a concept of critical temperature are proposed. The devices based on this large‐grain spanning monolayer suppress the recombination of carriers at crystal boundaries and interfaces. The champion device exhibits a high Voc (>500 mV) and PCE of 11.76%, which are both the maximum values among DMF‐based solar cells at the current stage.
Novel Bistable Electrochromic Devices Inspired by “Hydroxyl‐Acids”
Authors: Li Jiashuang , Wang Chengcheng , Sheng Mingfei , Chen Yuhua , Li Bingzhen , Wu Qingqing , Fu Shaohai , Zhang Liping
Published: April 2022

The development of bistable electrochromic materials is a promising way to reduce the energy consumption of displays. However, bistable devices with ideal implementation schemes and electrochromic performance still remain challenging due to the inherent limitations of existing electrochromic materials. Herein, a theory of “hydroxyl‐acids” assisted improvement of electrochromic rate and bistability of fluorane dyes is proposed and applied to solid‐state electrochromic devices. 80% hydroxypropyl acrylate‐20% methyl methacrylate copolymer‐based electrochromic film prepared by the theory of “hydroxyl‐acids” has a higher electrochromic rate (4.1 times) and bistability (5.4 times) than traditional PMMA‐based electrochromic films in the device. In addition, the optimum device is obtained by optimizing each layer component content of the device. The novel electrochromic device has good overall performance, including coloring time (7.5 s), transmittance change (>70%), coloration efficiency (872 cm2 C‐1), bistability (50 h), and reversibility (1,000 cycles). The theory of “hydroxyl‐acids” is suitable for a variety of fluorane dyes, and polychromatic bistable electrochromic windows are developed.
Yolk‐Shell AuAgPt Alloy Nanostructures with Tunable Morphologies: Plasmon‐Enhanced Photothermal and Catalytic Properties
Authors: Zheng Yiqun , Tan Juan , Zhang Gongguo , Ma Yanyun , Liu Feng , Liu Maochang , Wang Yi , Zou Hongyan , Huang Hongwen
Published: April 2022

Herein, the preparation of AuAgPt alloy yolk‐shell nanostructures with tunable elemental compositions and morphologies by conducting the mild, successive galvanic replacement reaction (GRR) between Au@Ag core‐shell nanocubes and H2PtCl6 is reported. In particular, the resulting products can be featured with well‐defined cubic frames and the distribution of all the three metals over the whole particle, which is enabled by the unique “etching and regrowth” mechanism. Due to the strong absorbance in visible region, the current products exhibit superb performances in two localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR)‐based applications, photothermal heat conversion, and plasmon‐enhanced catalytic reduction of 4‐nitrophenol (4‐NP). In particular, the optimized photothermal heat conversion efficiency and the apparent rate constant of photocatalytic 4‐NP reduction reach 12.9% and 0.155 min−1, respectively, for the sample AuAgPt‐6 and AuAgPt‐12, respectively. Herein the present study, a feasible strategy for fabrication of plasmonic‐active multimetallic alloy nanocrystals with yolk‐shell structure and cubic frame‐like edges is offered and their promising use in photothermal heat conversion and photocatalysis is validated, which could be extended to other alloys or material combinations for rational design of nanoscale materials with plasmon‐enhanced properties.
p‐Type Redox‐Active Organic Electrode Materials for Next‐Generation Rechargeable Batteries
Authors: Kye Hyojin , Kang Yeongkwon , Jang Deogjin , Kwon Ji Eon , Kim Bong-Gi
Published: April 2022

p‐Type redox‐active organic materials (ROMs) draw increasing attention as a promising alternative to conventional inorganic electrode materials in secondary batteries due to high redox voltage, fast rate capability, environment friendliness, and abundance. First, fundamental properties of the p‐type ROMs regarding the energy levels and the anion‐related chemistry are briefly introduced. Then, the development progress of the p‐type ROMs is outlined in this review by classifying them according to their redox centers. The molecular design strategies employed for improving their electrochemical performance are discussed to guide further research. Finally, a summary of the electrochemical performance achieved, regarding voltage, specific energy with power, and cycle stability, is provided with perspectives.
Water quality adjacent to swine slurry holding ponds associated with a concentrated animal feeding operation
Authors: Sharpley Andrew , Burke James , Brye Kristofor , Berry Larry , Hays Phillip , Daniels Mike , VanDevender Karl , Glover Tim , Haggard Brian
Published: April 2022

Environmental concerns exist over extended storage of liquid animal waste in outdoor holding ponds before land application, particularly in regions with underlying karst geology. To determine the effects of holding ponds on water quality, belowground interceptor trenches, groundwater (well), and a downslope ephemeral stream were monitored for water quality parameters. Nitrate‐nitrogen concentrations increased (p < .0001) in well and ephemeral stream samples but decreased in trench samples (Trench 1 with a p < .0001) near the swine production facility and holding ponds over a 5‐yr monitoring period (April 2014–June 2019). In contrast, chloride, which is a conservative element that can move freely through the soil without chemical, physical, or biological modification, and electrical conductivity decreased (p < .0001 to .0203) over the monitoring period in well and Trench 1 samples. Flow in the interceptor trenches was highly responsive to rainfall, suggesting the trenches were mainly capturing shallow subsurface flows initiated by rainfall. A lack of any increasing trend in chloride and electrical conductivity for ephemeral stream, well, or trench samples suggests that elevated nitrate‐nitrogen concentrations in well and ephemeral stream samples may have been influenced by sources other than the liquid manure holding ponds (i.e., sources that have low chloride and electrical conductivity values). In regions with underlying karst geology, surface and subsurface water resources may require more expansive monitoring to demonstrate liquid manure holding ponds effects on nearby water quality.
Emerging Optical In‐Memory Computing Sensor Synapses Based on Low‐Dimensional Nanomaterials for Neuromorphic Networks
Authors: Shen Zongjie , Zhao Chun , Kang Lixing , Sun Yi , Liu Yina , Mitrovic Ivona Z. , Yang Li , Lim Eng Gee , Zeng Zhongming , Zhao Cezhou
Published: April 2022

Emerging optical synapses with in‐memory computing sensor (IMCS) performance are considered to be one of the most effective candidates to circumvent the bottleneck of the current Von Neumann structure while developing neuromorphic systems with higher effectiveness and lower energy consumption. Biomimetic properties of optical IMCS synapses in function and form indicate the higher requirements for utilized functional materials, such as stronger optical sensitivity and lower energy dissipation. Because of properties with high optical‐sensitivity efficiency and excellent electrical conductivity, low‐dimensional nanomaterials have received tremendous interest in modulating optical‐induced synaptic plasticity and emulating optical‐triggered neuromorphic activity of optical IMCS synapses. Herein, a comprehensive summary of optical IMCS synapses based on low‐dimensional nanomaterials is introduced systematically for the first time, including 0D, 1D, and 2D materials. In addition, the content of biomimetic synaptic characteristics, materials classification, operation mechanism, and neuromorphic applications of optical IMCS synapses based on low‐dimensional nanomaterials are also summarized in this work. At last, the challenges and outlook related to artificial optical IMCS synapses with low‐dimensional nanomaterials are provided.
Dark‐Mode Human–Machine Communication Realized by Persistent Luminescence and Deep Learning
Authors: Timilsina Suman , Shin Ho Geun , Sohn Kee-Sun , Kim Ji Sik
Published: April 2022

Increasing ubiquitous collaborative intelligence between humans and machines requires human–machine communication (HMC) that is more human and less machine‐like to accomplish given tasks. Although speech signals are considered the best modes of communication in HMC, background noise often interferes with these signals. Therefore, research focused on integrating lip‐reading technology into HMC has gained significant attention. However, lip‐reading functions effectively only in well‐lit environments. In contrast, HMC may occur daily in dark environments owing to potential energy shortages, increased exploration in darkness, nighttime emergencies, etc. Herein, a possible method for HMC in the dark mode is presented, which is realized based on deep learning motion patterns of persistent luminescence (PL) of the skin surrounding the lips. An ultrasoft PL–polymer composite patch is used to record the motion pattern of the skin during speech in the dark. It is found that visual geometric group network (VGGNET‐5) and residual neural network (ResNet‐34) could predict spoken words in darkness with test accuracies of 98.5% and 98.75%, respectively. Furthermore, these models could effectively distinguish similar‐sounding words such as “around” and “ground.” Dark‐mode communication can allow a wide range of people, including disabled people with limited dexterity and voice tremors, to communicate with artificial intelligence machines.
Magnetically Actuated Reactive Oxygen Species Scavenging Nano‐Robots for Targeted Treatment
Authors: Zhao Yongzheng , Xiong Hao , Li Yanhong , Gao Wei , Hua Chen , Wu Jianrong , Fan Cunyi , Cai Xiaojun , Zheng Yuanyi
Published: April 2022

Magnetic micro/nanorobots (MagRobots) with unparalleled advantages, including remote mobility, high reconfigurability and programmability, lack of fuel requirement, and versatility, can be manipulated under a magnetic field, which has attracted considerable research attention in the biomedicine. Magnetic materials, as the key components of MagRobots, generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) in vivo to induce tissue/organ damage through Fenton/Fenton‐like reactions, which may hinder the clinical application of MagRobots. Here, the biologically active Prussian blue is generated on the surfaces of MagRobots via an in situ reaction to obtain magnetically actuated ROS‐scavenging nano‐robots (ROSrobots). The generated Prussian blue blocks ROS production and endows the MagRobots with additional functionalities, markedly expanding their potential medical applications. Under the action of a magnetic field, the reconfigurable ROSrobots realize multimode transformation, locomotion, and manipulation in complex environments. Importantly, a simple control method is proposed to achieve movement in 3D geometries to allow the completion of tasks in a complex environment. Furthermore, the osteoarthritis (OA) rat model was employed for proof of concept. Notably, under the guidance of ultrasound imaging, ROSrobots can be accurately injected into the articular cavity to actively target the treatment of OA. This research may further promote the clinical application of MagRobots.
Nonnoble metal oxides for high‐performance Zn‐air batteries: Design strategies and future challenges
Authors: Zheng Qilong , Zhang Yidan , Su Chao , Zhao Ling , Guo Youmin
Published: April 2022

Nowadays, the increasing demand for safe, clean, and renewable energies has inspired scientists to do massive research on rechargeable Zn‐air batteries (ZABs). Thanks to its inherent high theoretical energy density, ZABs have become one of the excellent candidates for the new generation of electric transportations and electrical energy storage systems. Nevertheless, the most significant technical obstacle to the commercialization of ZABs is the tardy oxygen reduction reaction and oxygen evolution reaction (ORR and OER) kinetics of the air electrode. Hence, the development of bifunctional electrocatalysts with advanced ORR/OER catalytic activity and long‐term stability is of great significance. Owing to the outstanding advantages of perovskite oxides, scientists have focused their attention on the perovskite‐based catalysts. And various strategies have been applied to strengthen their ORR/OER performance, including cation doping, surface structure optimization, nanostructure construction, and composite fabrication. This article concisely outlines the research progress of perovskite‐based oxides on ZABs applications. The basic principles of ZABs and the approach to increasing the OER/ORR activity of perovskite oxides as the air electrode of ZABs are illustrated. Finally, this review points out opportunities, possibilities, and future development direction of perovskite‐based air electrodes.
Janus micro‐thread to micro‐nanodroplets using dynamic contact line lithography
Authors: Murmu Kaniska , Pandey Ankur , Roy Pritam , Deb Aniruddha , Gooh Pattader Partho Sarathi
Published: April 2022

Dynamic contact line lithography (DCLL) is generally used for the template‐less but well‐ordered deposition of polymer micro/nanostructures from the solution of homopolymer. DCLL from the blend of several polymers in a common suitable solvent can generate rich morphologies including nanostructured Janus micro threads on a surface which might be challenging to fabricate using any other method. A blend of polystyrene (PS) and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) in toluene with different compositions and concentrations are used for DCLL at a constant contact line speed of 10 μm/s. Variations of compositions and the overall concentration of polymer, engender Janus micro threads to undulated threads and multi‐layered micro/nanodroplets of PS/PMMA. Interestingly, the more soluble PS phase separates first compared to less soluble PMMA near the contact line due to the enhanced local concentration of PS during the convective flow of the solvent toward the contact line. This is also verified by DCLL using PS/PMMA blend in ethyl acetate as well. In that case, more soluble PMMA deposits first near the contact line compared to marginally less soluble PS in the solvent.
Self‐Generated Template Assisted Construction of Nitrogen Self‐Doped Porous Carbon Nanoframework with Rich Planar Holes for High Energy Density Supercapacitor
Authors: Qi Shengliang , Wang Xin , Kang Jia , Hu Yangfei , Xu Nan , Zhang Mengna , Peng Hui , Ma Guofu
Published: April 2022

Nitrogen‐doped porous carbon materials with planar holes not only inherit the structure advantages of porous carbon materials, but also have a unique planar porosity and heteroatomic doping feature, showing enormous interest in the field of energy storage and conversion. Nevertheless, rational and controllable design of honeycomb‐like porous carbon materials with rich planar holes remains a tremendous challenge. Herein, we develop a “bottom‐up” self‐assembly of carbon‐ and nitrogen‐rich conjugated polymer and subsequent potassium ferrate (K2FeO4) facilitated activation, catalysis and self‐generated template assisted carbonization strategy to construct nitrogen self‐doped honeycomb‐like porous carbon nanoframework (NHPC) with rich planar holes. By exploiting the advantages of the integral and interconnected honeycomb‐like carbon skeleton and rich planar holes (rapid ion/electron diffusion) and the efficient nitrogen doping (improved wettability), the NHPC possesses high specific capacitance of 288 F g−1 at 0.5 A g−1 and outstanding rate performance. In addition, an aqueous symmetric supercapacitor fabricated from NHPC electrodes possesses widened potential window of 2.0 V, high energy density of 23.6 Wh kg−1 at 500 W kg−1, as well as excellent electrochemical stability (91.2 % capacitance retention after 20,000 cycles).
Green supply chain management, supplier environmental commitment, and the roles of supplier perceived relationship attractiveness and justice. A moderated moderation analysis
Authors: Qiao Jianqi , Li Suicheng , Capaldo Antonio
Published: April 2022

A key strategic challenge for buying firms is to extend environmental management across the supply chain. This requires a strong environmental commitment on the suppliers' side. Adopting the supplier perspective, this study employs regression analysis with bootstrapping procedures to examine a contingent causal process model of the influence that two major green supply chain management practices widely adopted by buying firms in their relationships with suppliers, t, environmental assessment and environmental collaboration, exert on supplier environmental commitment, and the moderating effects of supplier perceived relationship attractiveness and supplier perceived justice. Results from a survey of 237 Chinese suppliers across multiple industries reveal that, while environmental collaboration positively influences supplier environmental commitment, the impact of environmental assessment is not significant. However, our moderation analysis shows that supplier perceived relationship attractiveness has a positive moderating effect on the influence exerted on supplier environmental commitment by both environmental assessment and collaboration, and our moderated moderation analysis reveals that both the above moderating effects are in turn positively moderated by supplier perceived justice. Focusing on the role of suppliers' perceptions, the study sheds light on the psychological context of the suppliers' choice to commit to the environmental management initiatives of their buying counterparts.
Design and validation of a tunable inertial microfluidic system for the efficient enrichment of circulating tumor cells in blood
Authors: Rodríguez‐Pena Alejandro , Armendariz Estibaliz , Oyarbide Alvaro , Morales Xabier , Ortiz‐Espinosa Sergio , Ruiz‐Fernández de Córdoba Borja , Cochonneau Denis , Cornago Iñaki , Heymann Dominique , Argemi Josepmaría , D'Avola Delia , Sangro Bruno , Lecanda Fernando , Pio Ruben , Cortés‐Domínguez Iván , Ortiz‐de‐Solórzano Carlos
Published: April 2022

The analysis of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in blood is a powerful noninvasive alternative to conventional tumor biopsy. Inertial‐based separation is a promising high‐throughput, marker‐free sorting strategy for the enrichment and isolation of CTCs. Here, we present and validate a double spiral microfluidic device that efficiently isolates CTCs with a fine‐tunable cut‐off value of 9 μm and a separation range of 2 μm. We designed the device based on computer simulations that introduce a novel, customized inertial force term, and provide practical fabrication guidelines. We validated the device using calibration beads, which allowed us to refine the simulations and redesign the device. Then we validated the redesigned device using blood samples and a murine model of metastatic breast cancer. Finally, as a proof of principle, we tested the device using peripheral blood from a patient with hepatocellular carcinoma, isolating more than 17 CTCs/ml, with purity/removal values of 96.03% and 99.99% of white blood cell and red blood cells, respectively. These results confirm highly efficient CTC isolation with a stringent cut‐off value and better separation results than the state of the art.
Regulatory strategies for early device development and approval
Authors: Holmes David R. , Geoffrion Rick , Hunt Jon , Hance Robert ”Chip” , Leon Martin B. , Mack Michael J. , Kaplan Aaron V.
Published: April 2022

The development of new technology to treat unmet clinical needs is an important component of modern cardiovascular disease. The need for this has been emphasized in the past several years beginning with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidance document on Early Feasibility Studies in 2012 and then the 21st Century Cures legislation. A number of steps need to be considered in this process by the stakeholders involved including physician innovators and scientists, professional societies such as Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions, regulatory agencies, and medical device companies. This article focuses on the early iterative steps required to optimize the process and achieve the goal of timely efficient innovation and device development in cardiovascular disease.
Valve‐in‐valve transcatheter aortic valve replacement or re‐surgical aortic valve replacement in degenerated bioprostheses: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of short and midterm results
Authors: Bruno Francesco , Elia Edoardo , D'Ascenzo Fabrizio , Marengo Giorgio , Deharo Pierre , Kaneko Tsuyoshi , Cuisset Thomas , Fauchier Laurent , De Filippo Ovidio , Gallone Guglielmo , Andreis Alessandro , Fortuni Federico , Salizzoni Stefano , La Torre Michele , Rinaldi Mauro , De Ferrari Gaetano M. , Conrotto Federico
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Despite limited to short and midterm outcomes, valve‐in‐valve (ViV) transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has emerged as a valid alternative to re‐surgical aortic valve replacement (re‐SAVR) for high‐ and intermediate‐risk patients with degenerated surgical bioprosthesis.

Methods

All studies comparing multivariate adjustment between ViV TAVI and re‐SAVR were screened. The primary end‐points were all‐cause and cardiovascular (CV) mortality at 30 days and at Midterm follow‐up. Short‐term complications were the secondary endpoints.

Results

We obtained data from 11 studies, encompassing 8570 patients, 4224 undergoing ViV TAVI, and 4346 re‐SAVR. Four studies included intermediate‐risk patients and seven high‐risk patients. 30‐day all‐cause and CV mortality were significantly lower in ViV (odds ratio [OR] 0.43, 95% confidence intervals [CIs] 0.29–0.64 and OR 0.44, 0.26–0.73 respectively), while after a mean follow‐up of 717 (180–1825) days, there was no difference between the two groups (OR 1.04, 0.87–1.25 and OR 1.05, 0.78–1.43, respectively). The risk of stroke (OR 1.03, 0.59–1.82), MI (OR 0.70, 0.34–1.44), major vascular complications (OR 0.92, 0.50–1.67), and permanent pacemaker implantation (OR 0.67, 0.36–1.25) at 30 days did not differ, while major bleedings and new‐onset atrial fibrillation were significantly lower in ViV patients (OR 0.41, 0.25–0.67 and OR 0.23, 0.12–0.42, respectively, all 95% CIs).

Conclusions

In high‐ and intermediate‐risk patients with degenerated surgical bioprostheses, ViV TAVI is associated with reduced short‐term mortality, compared with re‐SAVR. Nevertheless, no differences were found in all‐cause and CV mortality at midterm follow‐up. PROSPERO CRD42021226488.
SupraFit – An Open Source Qt Based Fitting Application to Determine Stability Constants from Titration Experiments**
Authors: Hübler Conrad
Published: April 2022

A novel application to determine stability constants from supramolecular titration experiments is presented. The focus lies on NMR titration and ITC experiments for pure 1 : 1 systems, as well as mixed 2 : 1/1 : 1, 1 : 1/1 : 2 and 2 : 1/1 : 1/1 : 2 systems.SupraFitprovides global and local fitting and a global search tool. Statistical methods are implemented and can be applied to analyse the results of nonlinear regression. Monte Carlo simulations, combined with the percentile methods and F‐Test approaches to calculate confidence intervals are supported. The implemented statistical approaches are illustrated and discussed on model functions. All methods are accessible through an intuitive user interface, providing charts for all (kind of) data produced.SupraFitis written in C++, using the Qt Toolkit for the Graphical User Interface (GUI) and the Eigen library for nonlinear regression and is released under the GNU Public License (GPL).
Numerical modeling and development of a dual lung simulator using partitioned fluid–structure interaction approach for ventilator testing
Authors: Kumar Rahul , Tokas Sulekh , Hadda Vijay , Rakshit Dibakar , Sarkar Jayati
Published: April 2022

New designs of mechanical ventilators require extensive testing before utilizing the ventilator on a patient. Test lungs are commonly used to understand the behavior of new designs of ventilators and the lung mechanics. The current study aims to develop a numerical model of dual test lungs utilizing the partitioned fluid–structure interaction (FSI) approach and test it against the available experimental data of volume‐controlled ventilation. Two breathing rates of 12 and 18 bpm were studied at two different tidal volumes of 500 and 600 ml for spontaneous breathing. It is found that with an increase in the compliance (tidal volume/pressure rise) of the lung, the peak pressure rise inside the test lung decreases irrespective of the breathing rate. The maximum average pressure of 44.73, 27.45, and 14 cm H2O is observed for static lung compliances of 10, 21 , and 39 ml/cm H2O, respectively at a tidal volume of 600 ml. Similarly, the maximum von‐misses stress was higher (498 kPa) for the lung with lower compliance (10 ml/cm H2O) as compared to the lung with higher compliance (39 ml/cm H2O) at the end of inspiration. This study forms a basis for using computational methods to model simple lung simulators that can effectively investigate the lung mechanics for both spontaneous and ventilated breathing. Thus, it can be utilized as a reference to test novel designs of mechanical ventilators.
Presence of Five Chemotherapeutic Drugs in Breast Milk as a Guide for the Safe Use of Chemotherapy During Breastfeeding: Results From a Case Series
Authors: Damoiseaux David , Calpe Silvia , Rosing Hilde , Beijnen Jos H. , Huitema Alwin D. R. , Lok Christianne , Dorlo Thomas P. C. , Amant Frédéric
Published: April 2022

Little is known about infant’s safety of chemotherapy during breastfeeding where evidence is limited to a few case reports. This lack of knowledge has led to a general tendency to advise against breastfeeding during cytotoxic therapy despite the overwhelming benefits that breastfeeding offers to both the mothers and their children. In this case series, the presence of five chemotherapies in breast milk was determined. The aim was to obtain insight into the presence of these drugs in breast milk to inform and help clinicians in making informed decisions for women who want to breastfeed. Three patients collected 24‐hour samples of breast milk every day for 1, 2, or 3 weeks after chemotherapy, 210 in total. After determination of drug concentrations, the infant daily dose, relative daily infant dose (RID%) and cumulative RID were calculated. Cumulative RIDs in patients varied from 10% to values lower than 1%. Rich data allowed us to design a table which gives predictions on the amount of days that breast milk has to be discarded to reach cumulative RIDs below 5, 1, and 0.1% for each compound. For cyclophosphamide, paclitaxel, and carboplatin, cumulative RIDs below 1 or 0.1% are reached if breast milk is discarded for 1–3 days after administration. This might suggest that breastfeeding in between cycles is an option. However, other pharmacological parameters should also be taken into consideration. For doxorubicin, also the levels of the active metabolite doxorubicinol need quantification. Similarly, breastfeeding during treatment with cisplatin might give substantial exposure and we advise caution.
Influence of pulse duration and water/air cooling ratio on the efficiency of Er:YAG 2940 nm laser in debonding of porcelain laminate veneers: An in vitro study
Authors: AlBalkhi Mohand , Hamadah Omar
Published: April 2022

Objective

To determine the effectiveness of different pulse durations (PD) and the water/air (W/A) cooling ratio of the Er:YAG 2940 nm laser that are required for debonding porcelain laminate veneers (PLV), by investigation of the needed time for PLV debonding (DT) and the changes in dental pulp temperature.

Materials and Methods

Thirty‐six extracted noncarious human maxillary premolars were prepared for receiving PLV. Samples were randomly assigned to six different groups, based on PD and the W/A ratio: Groups A (50 µs, 1:1), B (50 µs, 3:3), C (100 µs, 1:1), D (100 µs, 3:3), E (300 µs, 1:1), and F (300 µs, 3:3). Veneers were debonded using laser irradiation by the same parameters (270 mJ, 15 Hz) with noncontact application mode.

Results

All 36 veneers were debonded. Samples of the 50 and 100 µs PDs showed significantly shorter DT (7.4−17 s) than that of the 300 µs which showed significantly the longest DT (104 s) among all other groups (p < .001). However, the highest elevation of pulp temperature was observed in Group E (300 µs, 1:1) which reached (3.4°C).

Conclusion

Using the 50 or 100 µs PD of the Er:YAG laser was more efficient than 300 µs in reducing DT of PLVs with minimal change in pulp temperature. W/A cooling ratio had minimal influence on the DT of PLV.
Biomechanical properties of masticatory balance in cases with RPDs—The influence of preferred and nonpreferred chewing side: A pilot study
Authors: Eberhard Lydia , Rues Stefan , Bach Lea , Lenz Jürgen , Schindler Hans J.
Published: April 2022

Objectives

Removable partial dentures (RPDs) are inserted with the aim to restore masticatory function. There is however inconsistent evidence supporting the alleged improvements, posterior occlusal contacts being one of the decisive factors. We hypothesized that the distribution of abutment teeth in RPDs influences masticatory performance and functional parameters. To evaluate the masticatory performance and functional parameters in patients with a RPD using a single mathematical parameter (tilting index [TI]) for both jaws that predicts biomechanical behavior on the basis of the distribution of abutment teeth.

Materials and Methods

Masticatory performance was measured in patients wearing long‐time adapted RPDs using the standardized test food optocal, yielding the mean particle size (X50). Mastication on the preferred and nonpreferred chewing sides was analyzed. Total muscle work (TMW) was calculated using bipolar electromyographic recordings of the masseter and anterior temporalis muscle. Functional parameters were subjected to multiple linear regression analysis including X50 as a dependent variable and functional units (FU), the number of teeth, bite forces, and sagittal and frontal components of TI (TI α and TI β) as independent variables.

Results

When the preferred chewing side was tested, none of the investigated parameters correlated significantly with X50. In contrast, chewing on the nonpreferred side was correlated significantly with performance for most variables (p < .05). This means that increased dental support improved chewing performance with RPDs under these conditions.

Conclusions

In well‐adapted RPDs, the distribution of abutment teeth as expressed by the tilting index seems to be of subordinate importance for masticatory performance.
Climate change, migration and farmer–herder conflict in Ghana
Authors: Issifu Abdul Karim , Darko Francis Diawuo , Paalo Sebastian Angzoorokuu
Published: April 2022

Climate change, migration, and conflict have been featured prominently in academic and policy literature. While Africa remains the major reference point, studies on key conflict hotspots fail to adequately examine empirical demonstrations of how climate change forces migration, and consequently major conflicts. Drawing on semi‐structured interviews, focus group discussions, and employing the scarcity theory in a study of Agogo (Ghana), we illustrate how regional and local climate/environmental variability and scarcity trigger and sustain migration and farmer–herder conflicts. The findings offer insights into how other non‐climatic and ecological conditions reinforce the so‐called climate‐induced conflicts, exposing the limitations of the scarcity‐theory. Importantly, this study has provided an illustrative argument centered around the contextual dynamics of the nexus between climate change and farmer–herder conflict in Agogo to contribute to national, regional, and continental discussion on this critical topic.