bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Measures to Improve the Effect of Installation of Firefighting Systems in Home
Authors: Lee Sang-Hoon , Kwak Dae-Hoon , Ko Wangyoul
Published: August 2022

Since the Firefighting Facilities Act mandated the installation of residential firefighting systems, the incidence of deaths in house fires has been lowered. Although there is a regulation requiring the installation of firefighting facilities in homes according to the Firefighting Facilities Act, there is no penalty provision. Therefore, new regulations should be established and building owners should report on the installation of firefighting facilities. If a fire occurs in the living room of a house and the independent alarm-type detector operates, the sound volumes transmitted into a room through the wall and door are 72.2 and 86.1%, respectively; therefore if an alarm is set off when the occupant is asleep, evacuation may be delayed. The standard should be revised to install an independent alarm-type detector that triggers an alarm that is sufficiently effective to reduce human casualties.
Experimental Study on Fire Spread Through a Staircase During an Initial Fire Incident
Authors: Kweon Ohsang , Kang Hyung
Published: August 2022

This study analyzed the spread of heat and smoke through a staircase during an initial fire incident, which is the start of an evacuation. Real-scale fire experiments were conducted in mock-up, consisting of a corridor with dimensions of 2.4(W) × 2.4(H) × 10(L) m, a three-story staircase with a height of 6 m at intervals of 2.1 m, and a fire room with dimensions of 2.4(W) × 2.4(H) × 3.6(Depth) m. The fire experiments involved chairs (#1) and heptane pools (#2) as combustion sources. The maximum temperature reached in the staircase was 47.9 ℃ within 3 min 10 s, while the smoke reached a maximum of 20.1% within 3 min 28 s after the combustion of chairs (#1). The highest temperature reached by combusting heptane pools (#2) was 35.2 ℃ in 3 min 55 s, whereas the smoke reached a maximum of 4.2% in 2 min 45 s.
Position Estimation of Forest Fires using an Infrared Camera Based on Pan Tilt Servo
Authors: Ryu Jinkyu , Kwak Dongkurl , Choi Seungmin
Published: August 2022

Forest fires are often enlarged over extended periods of time, but if they are detected through image-based real-time monitoring, this would shorten the response time of fire fighters, thereby preventing great damage. When a forest fire occurs, it is often difficult to access the area and to accurately identify the location of its occurrence through monitoring images only. To overcome these problems, this paper proposes a method of detecting forest fires using infrared cameras and estimating the location of the forest fire by applying the space forward intersection method. Additionally, practicality verification was conducted through an outdoor ignition experiment, and the measurement accuracy of distance was compared.
Factors Associated With Mortality Among Homeless Older Adults in California
Authors: Brown Rebecca T. , Evans Jennifer L. , Valle Karen , Guzman David , Chen Yea-Hung , Kushel Margot B.
Published: August 2022

Importance

The population of homeless older adults is growing and experiences premature mortality. Little is known about factors associated with mortality among homeless older adults.

Objective

To identify the prevalence and factors associated with mortality in a cohort of homeless adults 50 years and older.

Design, Setting, and Participants

In this prospective cohort study (Health Outcomes in People Experiencing Homelessness in Older Middle Age [HOPE HOME]), 450 adults 50 years and older who were homeless at baseline were recruited via venue-based sampling in Oakland, California. Enrollment occurred in 2 phases, from July 2013 to June 2014 and from August 2017 to July 2018, and participants were interviewed at 6-month intervals.

Exposures

Baseline and time-varying characteristics, including sociodemographic factors, social support, housing status, incarceration history, chronic medical conditions, substance use, and mental health problems.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Mortality through December 31, 2021, based on state and local vital records information from contacts and death certificates. All-cause mortality rates were compared with those in the general population from 2014 to 2019 using age-specific standardized mortality ratios with 95% CIs.

Results

Of the 450 included participants, median (IQR) age at baseline was 58.1 (54.5-61.6) years, 107 (24%) were women, and 360 (80%) were Black. Over a median (IQR) follow-up of 55 (38-93) months, 117 (26%) participants died. Median (IQR) age at death was 64.6 (60.3-67.5) years. In multivariable analyses, characteristics associated with mortality included a first episode of homelessness at 50 years and older (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 1.62; 95% CI, 1.13-2.32), homelessness (aHR, 1.82; 95% CI, 1.23-2.68) or institutionalization (aHR, 6.36; 95% CI, 3.42-11.82) at any follow-up compared with being housed, fair or poor self-rated health (aHR, 1.64; 95% CI, 1.13-2.40), and diabetes (aHR, 1.55; 95% CI, 1.06-2.26). Demographic characteristics, substance use problems, and mental health problems were not independently associated. All-cause standardized mortality was 3.5 times higher (95% CI, 2.5-4.4) compared with adults in Oakland. The most common causes of death were heart disease (n = 17 [14.5%]), cancer (n = 17 [14.5%]), and drug overdose (n = 14 [12.0%]).

Conclusions and Relevance

The cohort study found that premature mortality was common among homeless older adults and associated factors included late-life homelessness and ongoing homelessness. There is an urgent need for policy approaches to prevent and end homelessness among older adults in the US.
The return of intelligent textbooks
Authors: Brusilovsky Peter , Sosnovsky Sergey , Thaker Khushboo
Published: August 2022

The advancement of computational Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the recent decade has been transformative for many domains, including AI in Education. One direction, where it has caused a noticeable increase in research activity, is application of AI technologies to enhance digital textbooks by making them more interactive, engaging, adaptive, and intelligent. For many researchers coming into this field, it would have seemed as if an intelligent textbook is a completely new idea. We would like to provide a historic outlook on this field and outline the important phases that it went through over the last three decades. We hope that such an account can inform interested readers and help them better understand the problems and the approaches of intelligent textbooks.
Inoculation against conspiracy theories: A consumer side approach to India's fake news problem
Authors: Iyengar Ananya , Gupta Poorvi , Priya Nidhi
Published: August 2022

We attempt to replicate Roozenbeek and van der Linden's Western‐based study in India by employing the Bad News Game, an online game, in which players take on the role of a misinformation tycoon. They are exposed to weakened doses of the strategies employed in conspiracy and fake news production with the aim to cognitively inoculate them against misinformation. The proliferation of inexpensive mobile connections coupled with a lack of digital literacy has resulted in a conspiratorial pandemic in developing countries like India. We test the game's impact on an Indian sample (n = 1002) using a within‐subject design. We provide evidence of significant improvement in the ability of participants to identify the misinformation produced using Conspiracy, Impersonation, and to a lesser extent, the Discrediting technique, while observing greater truth discernment in correctly identifying true news. We also conduct sub‐sample analyses. These findings have positive implications for methods that protect users from malignant online content.
Aptamer‐Modified Nanohydrogel Microarrays for Bioselective Cancer Cell Immobilization
Authors: Lamberger Zan , Bargel Hendrik , Humenik Martin
Published: August 2022

Photolithography combined with surface nucleated protein self‐assembly of azido‐modified spider silk proteins is used to create an arbitrarily shaped, inherently cell repellent micropattern based on nanofibrillar networks. Using “click” chemistry with dibenzocyclooctin modified oligonucleotides, the microstructures are functionalized with DNA‐aptamers, which selectively bind cancer cell markers protein tyrosine kinase 7 or nucleolin. The epitope‐specific cell interaction on the aptamer‐modified surfaces is tested using human non‐adherend leukemia T cells (Jurkat), as well as adherent cervix carcinoma (HeLa) and neuroblastoma (Kelly) cells. The cells can be immobilized with high precision and cell densities on the pattern, also revealing spatially defined proliferation and spreading into distinct morphologies upon cultivation. The formation of integrin‐based focal adhesions occurs in the case of the aptamer immobilized cancer cells, similarly to those anchored on RGD‐modified pattern. The firm aptamer‐marker anchorage allows for the formation of integrin‐dependent cell adhesions. Due to the amenability of the recombinant spider silk protein towards chemical and genetical modifications, the presented micropatterned fibrous networks have great potential for further development of adjustable and biocompatible cell‐specific arrays, enabling applications in circulating cancer cell isolation and cultivation, studies on the cell's pathogenesis, progression and metastasis capabilities as well as enabling development of platforms for personalized medicine.
Tailoring Photothermally Triggered Phase Transition of Multimodal Cascade Theranostics Platform by Spherical Nucleic Acids
Authors: Du Tianyu , Shi Zewen , Qin Zhaojian , Hu Yiwei , Zhu Yabin , Jiang Hui , Wang Xuemei
Published: August 2022

Accurate targeting and low side effects are crucial for tumor theranostics. Herein, an in situ targeted therapy strategy which relies on a photothermally triggered theranostics nanoplatform is proposed. Taking advantage of spherical nucleic acids, black phosphorus nanosheets and zinc porphyrin metal‐organic framework (PPF‐1) nanosheets are programmed by DNA hybridization to result in a “sandwich” like structure. Its phase‐transition temperature is finely tuned by altering the strand length and the proportion of (A + T) and (C + G) of the oligonucleotides. The superstructure can disassemble during photothermal therapy (PTT) process once the temperature reaches the melting point (Tm) of oligonucleotides duplex. Since the relief of fluorescence resonance energy transfer, the photothermally triggered photodynamic therapy can be realized under the irradiation of near‐infrared laser. In turn, the enhanced singlet oxygen generation downregulates the heat shock proteins and thus improves the effect of PTT. Furthermore, the behaviors of superstructures in living cells and animals are elaborated by fluorescence and magnetic resonance imaging, and the in vivo therapy efficiency is also evaluated. This superstructure may establish a multiple synergistic platform for advanced cancer theranostics.
Discovery of Efficient Visible‐light Driven Oxygen Evolution Photocatalysts: Automated High‐Throughput Computational Screening of MA2Z4
Authors: Lin Chao , Feng Xiang , Legut Dominik , Liu Xiaopeng , Seh Zhi Wei , Zhang Ruifeng , Zhang Qianfan
Published: August 2022

Photocatalytic oxygen evolution reaction (OER) by 2D semiconductors is a promising strategy for efficient energy conversion. The newly discovered 2D semiconductors MA2Z4 (M = transition metal, e.g., Mo, W; A = C, Si, and Ge; Z = N, P, and As) have shown characteristics of promising photocatalytic OER catalysts. Herein, an automated high‐throughput workflow is proposed to efficiently screen MA2Z4 photocatalytic OER catalysts, and further reveal the theoretical mechanism. The four criteria of semi‐conductivity, bandgap width/band edge position, structural stability, and free energy change, are proposed to screen MA2Z4 catalysts thermodynamically. The exciton properties and carrier mobility of these MA2Z4 are further studied to explore the high‐efficiency photocatalytic OER MA2Z4 with low exciton binding energy and high effective mass ratio. It is found that the bandgap width of MA2Z4 mainly depends on the strength of MZ bonding and the redistribution of electrons, while the catalytic effect is closely related to the adsorption capacity of O atom. In particular, β‐ZrSi2N4 and β‐HfSi2N4 are screened as efficient photocatalytic OER catalysts. This study develops a fully automated method and contributes to a complete framework for screening high‐efficiency photocatalytic OER catalysts.
Thermal Transport Properties of Phonons in Halide Perovskites
Authors: Jung Yoonseong , Lee Wonsik , Han Seungbin , Kim Beom‐Soo , Yoo Seung‐Jun , Jang Hyejin
Published: August 2022

Halide perovskites have emerged as promising candidates for various applications, such as photovoltaic, optoelectronic and thermoelectric applications. The knowledge of the thermal transport of halide perovskites is essential for enhancing the device performance for these applications and improving the understanding of heat transport in complicated material systems with atomic disorders. In this work, the current understanding of the experimentally and theoretically obtained thermal transport properties of halide perovskites is reviewed. This study comprehensively examines the reported thermal conductivity of methylammonium lead iodide, which is a prototype material, and provides theoretical frameworks for its lattice vibrational properties. The frameworks and discussions are extended to other halide perovskites and derivative structures. The implications for device applications, such as solar cells and thermoelectrics, are discussed.
Powder Metallurgy Route to Ultrafine‐Grained Refractory Metals
Authors: Zhang Lin , Li Xingyu , Qu Xuanhui , Qin Mingli , Que Zhongyou , Wei Zichen , Guo Chenguang , Lu Xin , Dong Yanhao
Published: August 2022

Ultrafine‐grained (UFG) refractory metals are promising materials for applications in aerospace, microelectronics, nuclear energy, and many others under extreme environments. Powder metallurgy (PM) allows to produce such materials with well‐controlled chemistry and microstructure at multiple length scales and near‐net shape manufacturing. However, sintering refractory metals to full density while maintaining a fine microstructure is still challenging due to the high sintering temperature and the difficulty to separate the kinetics of densification versus grain growth. Here an overview of the sintering issues, microstructural design rules, and PM practices towards UFG and nanocrystalline refractory metals are sought to be provided. The previous efforts shall be reviewed to address the processing challenges, including the use of fine/nanopowders, second‐phase grain growth inhibitors, and field‐assisted sintering techniques. Recently, pressureless two‐step sintering has been successfully demonstrated in producing dense UFG refractory metals down to ≈300 nm average grain size with a uniform microstructure and this technological breakthrough shall be reviewed. PM progresses in specific materials systems shall be next reviewed, including elementary metals (W and Mo), refractory alloys (W‐Re), refractory high‐entropy alloys, and their composites. Last, future developments and the endeavor towards UFG and nanocrystalline refractory metals with exceptionally uniform microstructure and improved properties are outlined.
Perovskite Wide‐Angle Field‐Of‐View Camera
Authors: Ji Zhong , Liu Yujin , Zhao Chuanxi , Wang Zhong Lin , Mai Wenjie
Published: August 2022

Researchers have attempted to create wide‐angle field‐of‐view (FOV) cameras inspired by the structure of the eyes of animals, including fisheye and compound eye cameras. However, realizing wide‐angle FOV cameras simultaneously exhibiting low distortion and high spatial resolution remains a significant challenge. In this study, a novel wide‐angle FOV camera is developed by combining a single large‐area flexible perovskite photodetector (FP‐PD) using computational technology. With this camera, the proposed single‐photodetector imaging technique can obtain high‐spatial‐resolution images using only a single detector, and the large‐area FP‐PD can be bent further to collect light from a wide‐angle FOV. The proposed camera demonstrates remarkable features of an extraordinarily tunable wide FOV (greater than 150°), high spatial resolution of 256 × 256 pixels, and low distortion. It is believed that the proposed compatible and extensible camera prototype will promote the development of high‐performance versatile FOV cameras.
Enhanced Performance of Triboelectric Nanogenerator with Micro‐Rhombic Patterned PDMS for Self‐Powered Wearable Sensing
Authors: Zhang Ping , Deng Lu , Zhang Honghao , He Jinfan , Fan Xinyue , Ma Yuting
Published: August 2022

In recent years, triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) have been used in energy harvesting and microsensing widely, and the performance of TENGs has been gradually improved through dielectric material surface modification strategies. Microscopic arrays mostly require expensive and tedious experimental steps to fabricate, such as micropillars, microneedles, cubes, and pyramids. Herein, a new type of triboelectric nanogenerator consisting of micro‐rhombic patterned PDMS (MR‐TENG) is proposed to enhance the performance. The micro‐rhombic patterns are simple to produce, using only a wire bar coater. The open‐circuit voltage and short‐circuit current of MR‐TENG can achieve 81 V and 2.04 µA, respectively, which are 2.7 and 2 times those of triboelectric nanogenerator with smooth PDMS (S‐TENG). In addition, MR‐TENG can not only serve as a self‐powered motion sensor to recognize human motion status, but also be combined with electronic devices to form a self‐powered system to power small wearable devices including LCD screens, watches, and temperature and humidity sensors. MR‐TENG has the advantages of high cost‐effective, simple process, environment‐friendly, and miniaturization, which have good practical value in self‐powered wearable sensors.
Neural Optimizer for Inverse Design of Complex‐Modulated Hologram Implemented by Plasmonic Metasurfaces
Authors: Mao Huade , Yu Yue , Ren Yu-Xuan , Chan Ka Yan , Kang Jiqiang , Sun Xiankai , Lam Edmund Y. , Wong Kenneth K. Y.
Published: August 2022

Inverse design of a metasurface involves searching parameters in a high‐dimensional space, which needs huge computational power. To ease the computational burden, neural network, a well‐researched computer science stream, has demonstrated its potential usage in the inverse design of a photonic device. Many studies primarily focused on the nanostructure's configuration. However, the near field of a metasurface requires further optimization to achieve a desired holographic image at relieved computational power. Here, a convolutional neural network is developed to optimize the complex field of a computer‐generated hologram, which can be fabricated into a metasurface to generate the desired holographic image upon lensless image projection. The neural optimizer can accelerate the design speed 400 times faster than theoretical computation and reduce the time complexity from O(n
4) to O(n
2). The neural optimizer has been compared against three other methods, e.g., gradient‐based optimization, global genetic algorithm, and coupled‐mode theory, to demonstrate a lowered error rate from more than 10% to 1.38% for the benchmark testing and a reduced running time from hours to near 1 s. The neural optimizer is envisioned to play a key role in lensless image projection and real‐time metasurface pattern design.
Sonochemical Synthesis of Large Two‐Dimensional Bi2O2CO3 Nanosheets for Hydrogen Evolution in Photocatalytic Water Splitting
Authors: Gupta Tushar , Rosza Nicole , Sauer Markus , Goetz Alexander , Winzely Maximilian , Rath Jakob , Naghdi Shaghayegh , Lechner Andreas , Apaydin Dogukan H. , Cherevan Alexey , Friedbacher Gernot , Foelske Annette , Skoff Sarah M. , Bayer Bernhard C. , Eder Dominik
Published: August 2022

Laterally large (≈3 µm), atomically thin 2D Bi2O2CO3 nanosheets (2D bismuth oxycarbonate, 2D bismutite) are fabricated via sonochemically assisted, template‐free synthesis. Keys to the synthesis of the freestanding, laterally large 2D Bi2O2CO3 nanosheets from bulk Bi powder are choice of suspension medium, controlled reaction temperatures, and several hours processing time. Lateral sizes of 2D Bi2O2CO3 can be controlled between µm‐sized nanosheets and tens of nm sized nanoflakes solely based on the choice of suspension medium. The here introduced 2D Bi2O2CO3 nano‐sheets/‐flakes are then hybridized by a simple mix‐and‐match approach with TiO2 nanoparticles for testing in suspension‐type photocatalytic hydrogen production via water splitting. This introduces the 2D Bi2O2CO3 as a prospective noble‐metal‐free catalyst component with TiO2 for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution, beyond Bi2O2CO3's current use as photocatalyst for organic pollutant degradation. These results enrich the fabrication toolbox of emerging 2D pnictogen oxycarbonates toward large 2D nanosheets and demonstrate the potential of 2D Bi2O2CO3 as a catalyst component for hydrogen evolution in photocatalytic water splitting.
Amphiphilic Aminated Derivatives of [60]Fullerene as Potent Inhibitors of Tumor Growth and Metastasis
Authors: Huo Jiawei , Li Jie , Liu Yang , Yang Libin , Cao Xinran , Zhao Chong , Lu Yicheng , Zhou Wei , Li Shumu , Liu Jianan , Li Jiao , Li Xing , Wan Jing , Wen Rui , Zhen Mingming , Wang Chunru , Bai Chunli
Published: August 2022

Malignant proliferation and metastasis are the hallmarks of cancer cells. Aminated [70]fullerene exhibits notable antineoplastic effects, promoting it a candidate for multi‐targeted cancer drugs. It is an urgent need to reveal the structure–activity relationship for antineoplastic aminated fullerenes. Herein, three amphiphilic derivatives of [60]fullerene with clarified molecular structures are synthesized: TAPC‐4, TAPC‐3, and TCPC‐4. TAPC‐4 inhibits the proliferation of diverse tumor cells via G0/G1 cell cycle arrest, reverses the epithelial–mesenchymal transition, and abrogates the high mobility of tumor cells. TAPC‐4 can be excreted from the organism and achieves an in vivo inhibition index of 75.5% in tumor proliferation and 87.5% in metastatic melanoma with a wide safety margin. Molecular dynamics simulations reveal that the amphiphilic molecular structure and the ending amino groups promote the targeting of TAPC‐4 to heat shock protein Hsp90‐beta, vimentin, and myosin heavy chain 9 (MYH9), probably resulting in the alteration of cyclin D1 translation, vimentin expression, and MYH9 location, respectively. This work initially emphasizes the dominant role of the amphiphilic structure and the terminal amino moieties in the antineoplastic effects of aminated fullerenes, providing fundamental support for their anti‐tumor drug development.
Differential Oral Microbial Input Determines Two Microbiota Pneumo‐Types Associated with Health Status
Authors: Zhang Jingxiang , Wu Yiping , Liu Jing , Yang Yongqiang , Li Hui , Wu Xiaorong , Zheng Xiaobin , Liang Yingjian , Tu Changli , Chen Meizhu , Tan Cuiyan , Chang Bozhen , Huang Yiying , Wang Zhengguo , Tian Guo‐Bao , Ding Tao
Published: August 2022

The oral and upper respiratory tracts are closely linked anatomically and physiologically with the lower respiratory tract and lungs, and the influence of oral and upper respiratory microbes on the lung microbiota is increasingly being recognized. However, the ecological process and individual heterogeneity of the oral and upper respiratory tract microbes shaping the lung microbiota remain unclear owing to the lack of controlled analyses with sufficient sample sizes. Here, the microbiomes of saliva, nasal cavity, oropharyngeal area, and bronchoalveolar lavage samples are profiled and the shaping process of multisource microbes on the lung microbiota is measured. It is found that oral and nasal microbial inputs jointly shape the lung microbiota by occupying different ecological niches. It is also observed that the spread of oral microbes to the lungs is heterogeneous, with more oral microbes entering the lungs being associated with decreased lung function and increased lung proinflammatory cytokines. These results depict the external shaping process of lung microbiota and indicate the great value of oral samples, such as saliva, in monitoring and assessing lung microbiota status in clinical settings.
Placental MRI Predicts Fetal Oxygenation and Growth Rates in Sheep and Human Pregnancy
Authors: Flouri Dimitra , Darby Jack R. T. , Holman Stacey L. , Cho Steven K. S. , Dimasi Catherine G. , Perumal Sunthara R. , Ourselin Sebastien , Aughwane Rosalind , Mufti Nada , Macgowan Christopher K. , Seed Mike , David Anna L. , Melbourne Andrew , Morrison Janna L.
Published: August 2022

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) assessment of fetal blood oxygen saturation (SO2) can transform the clinical management of high‐risk pregnancies affected by fetal growth restriction (FGR). Here, a novel MRI method assesses the feasibility of identifying normally grown and FGR fetuses in sheep and is then applied to humans. MRI scans are performed in pregnant ewes at 110 and 140 days (term = 150d) gestation and in pregnant women at 28+3 ± 2+5 weeks to measure feto‐placental SO2. Birth weight is collected and, in sheep, fetal blood SO2 is measured with a blood gas analyzer (BGA). Fetal arterial SO2 measured by BGA predicts fetal birth weight in sheep and distinguishes between fetuses that are normally grown, small for gestational age, and FGR. MRI feto‐placental SO2 in late gestation is related to fetal blood SO2 measured by BGA and body weight. In sheep, MRI feto‐placental SO2 in mid‐gestation is related to fetal SO2 later in gestation. MRI feto‐placental SO2 distinguishes between normally grown and FGR fetuses, as well as distinguishing FGR fetuses with and without normal Doppler in humans. Thus, a multi‐compartment placental MRI model detects low placental SO2 and distinguishes between small hypoxemic fetuses and normally grown fetuses.
Proton‐Mediated and Ir‐Catalyzed Iron/Iron‐Oxide Redox Kinetics for Enhanced Rechargeability and Durability of Solid Oxide Iron–Air Battery
Authors: Tang Qiming , Morey Chaitali , Zhang Yongliang , Xu Nansheng , Sun Shichen , Huang Kevin
Published: August 2022

Long duration energy storage (LDES) is an economically attractive approach to accelerating clean renewable energy deployment. The newly emerged solid oxide iron–air battery (SOIAB) is intrinsically suited for LDES applications due to its excellent low‐rate performance (high‐capacity with high efficiency) and use of low‐cost and sustainable materials. However, rechargeability and durability of SOIAB are critically limited by the slow kinetics in iron/iron‐oxide redox couples. Here the use of combined proton‐conducting BaZr0.4Ce0.4Y0.1Yb0.1O3 (BZC4YYb) and reduction‐promoting catalyst Ir to address the kinetic issues, is reported. It is shown that, benefiting from the facilitated H+ diffusion and boosted FeOx‐reduction kinetics, the battery operated under 550 °C, 50% Fe‐utilization and 0.2 C, exhibits a discharge specific energy density of 601.9 Wh kg–1‐Fe with a round‐trip efficiency (RTE) of 82.9% for 250 h of a cycle duration of 2.5 h. Under 500 °C, 50% Fe‐utilization and 0.2 C, the same battery exhibits 520 Wh kg–1‐Fe discharge energy density with an RTE of 61.8% for 500 h. This level of energy storage performance promises that SOIAB is a strong candidate for LDES applications.
Ambipolar Organic Field‐Effect Transistors and Complementary Circuits Based on Single Crystals with Alcohol Treatment
Authors: Lin Chengce , Peng Boyu , Wu Jiake , Huang Zhuoting , Chen Min , Hu Dapeng , Ke Shifeng , Tee Benjamin Chee Keong , Li Hanying
Published: August 2022

Ambipolar organic field‐effect transistors (OFETs) are promising candidates for compact organic complementary circuits. High and balanced ambipolar mobilities that facilitate high operation speed and simplifying layout designs, as well as symmetric electrodes that minimize fabrication complexity are critical integrities for state‐of‐art ambipolar OFETs. Organic single crystals with intrinsic ambipolar characteristics are ideal active layer materials because of the high molecular ordering and low density of defects, whereas the generally low electron mobility hindered their further implantation. In this work, the highly crystallized 6,13‐bis(triisopropylsilylethynyl) pentacene single crystals are employed and successfully unveiled the intrinsic high electron mobility by a facile alcohol treatment approach. The resulting ambipolar OFETs showed averaged hole and electron mobilities both higher than 1 cm2 V−1 s−1 by a single type of metal electrode. The presented ambipolar OFETs not only improved the static and dynamic performance of ambipolar OFET‐based complementary inverters and ring oscillators by showing a high voltage gain of 186 and a short stage delay time of 0.7 ms, but they also allowed one logic gate to show two logic functions and potentially benefit the design and functionalities of future OFET‐based complementary circuits as well.
Developing soil health scoring indices based on a comprehensive database under different land management practices in Florida
Authors: Amgain Naba R. , Xu Nan , Rabbany Abul , Fan Yuchuan , Bhadha Jehangir H.
Published: August 2022

A standardized soil health scoring system would be a beneficial tool for accessing and interpreting the status of soil health in Florida. However, because of the climate variability and diverse soil types, a soil health soring function designed in one location may not be useful for other places. In this study, we focused on developing scoring functions for Florida soil using a soil health indicator database under different land management practices across Florida. A soil health scoring index for 11 soil health indicators was calculated for 398 soil samples using comprehensive assessment of soil health (CASH), linear or nonlinear scoring function, and additive and weighted‐additive methods. Based on communality and weights of total data sets (TDS), Mehlich‐3 phosphorus (M3P) contributed the most, whereas pH contributed the least to the indices. The nonlinear scoring function had higher scores than other scoring functions. Only mixed cropping systems had significant changes in soil health indicators before and after treatment. The principal component analysis (PCA) showed that OM and M3P had the highest loading values compared with other indicators. Therefore, OM and M3P need to be considered if minimum number of indicators is to be measured while examining soil health indices pertinent to Florida soil types and land management practices. Overall, the findings of this study provide a foundation for creating and enhancing soil health indices in Florida.
A family of oligo(p‐phenylenevinylene) derivative aggregation‐induced emission probes: Ultrasensitive, rapid, and anti‐interfering fluorescent sensing of perchlorate via precise alkyl chain length modulation
Authors: Xiao Fangfang , Li Yushu , Li Jiguang , Lei Da , Wang Guangfa , Zhang Tianshi , Hu Xiaoyun , Dou Xincun
Published: August 2022

The precise regulation of interactions provided by aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) probes is of considerable significance for improving the sensing performance in the field of on‐site detection. Here, a highly sensitive perchlorate detection probe was designed by precisely modulating the van der Waals interactions by adjusting the length of the alkyl chain. The optimized AIE probe demonstrated superior perchlorate detection performance owing to its strong van der Waals interactions with perchlorate, including a low detection limit (53.81 nM), rapid response (<5 s), and excellent specificity even in the presence of 16 interfering anions. In addition, a hydrogel‐based device loaded with the probe was constructed to achieve ultrasensitive recognition of perchlorate particles with a detection limit as low as 15 fg under a fluorescence microscope. Moreover, the practicality of the probe was further verified by employing a sensing chip in a portable detector, and thus the probe has been proven to be highly promising for trace perchlorate monitoring in real scenarios. We expect the present study to be of great value for the efficient design of high‐performance fluorescent probes.
Patterns of leaf trait variation underlie ecological differences among sympatric tree species ofDamburneyain a tropical rainforest
Authors: Giraldo‐Kalil Laura J. , Campo Julio , Paz Horacio , Núñez‐Farfán Juan
Published: August 2022

Premise

Although ecological differentiation driven by altitude and soil is hypothesized to promote coexistence of sympatric tree species ofDamburneya(Lauraceae), the mechanistic role of leaf functional variation on ecological differentiation among co‐occurring species remains unexplored. We aimed to determine whether the patterns of leaf trait variation reflect ecological differences among sympatricDamburneyaspecies. We tested whether trait correlations underlying functional strategies and average species traits vary in response to local soil heterogeneity along an altitudinal gradient, potentially affecting species distributions.

Methods

At two contrasting altitudes (100, 1100 m a.s.l.) in a Mexican tropical rainforest, we characterized soil chemical and physical properties and sampled fourDamburneyaspecies to quantify five leaf functional traits. We used linear models to analyze paired and multivariate trait correlations, spatial and interspecific effects on trait variation, and trait response to local soil heterogeneity. Relative contributions of intra‐ and interspecific variation to local trait variability were quantified with an ANOVA.

Results

Soil nutrient availability was higher at low altitude, but all species had a high leaf N:P ratio across altitudes suggesting a limited P supply for plants. Species distribution differed altitudinally, with some species constrained to low or high altitude, potentially reflecting soil nutrient availability. Leaf traits responded to altitude and local soil properties, suggesting interspecific differences in functional strategies according to the leaf economics spectrum (conservative vs. acquisitive).

Conclusions

The interspecific divergence in functional strategies in response to local environmental conditions suggests that trait variation could underlie ecological differentiation amongDamburneyasympatric species.
Water and nutrient availability exert selection on reproductive phenology
Authors: MacTavish Rachel , Anderson Jill T.
Published: August 2022

Premise

Global change has changed resource availability to plants, which could shift the adaptive landscape. We hypothesize that novel water and nutrient availability combinations alter patterns of natural selection on reproductive phenology in Boechera stricta (Brassicaceae) and influence the evolution of local adaptation.

Methods

We conducted a multifactorial greenhouse study using 35 accessions of B. stricta sourced from a broad elevational gradient in the Rocky Mountains. We exposed full siblings to three soil water and two nutrient availability treatment levels, reflecting current and projected future conditions. In addition, we quantified fitness (seed count) and four phenological traits: the timing of first flowering, the duration of flowering, and height and leaf number at flowering.

Results

Selection favored early flowering and longer duration of flowering, and the genetic correlation between these traits accorded with the direction of selection. In most treatments, we found selection for increased height, but selection on leaf number depended on water availability, with selection favoring more leaves in well‐watered conditions and fewer leaves under severe drought. Low‐elevation genotypes had the greatest fitness under drought stress, consistent with local adaptation.

Conclusions

We found evidence of strong selection on these heritable traits. Furthermore, the direction and strength of selection on size at flowering depended on the variable measured (height vs. leaf number). Finally, selection often favored both early flowering and a longer duration of flowering. Selection on these two components of phenology can be difficult to disentangle due to tight genetic correlations.
Schottky heterojunction‐assisted photocatalytic hydrogen evolution by ZnIn2S4/Co3S4 hollow leaves derived from Co‐ZIF‐L
Authors: Song Huihui , Sun Zhongqiao , Chai Ning , Han Yide , Xu Yan , Meng Hao , Sun Ting , Zhang Bingsen , Zhang Xia
Published: August 2022

The hetero‐photocatalysts in hollow structure may provide more dispersive reactive sites, the easily accessible open channel for substrates and the intensive visible light harvest ability, which have shown evidently promoting photocatalytic efficiency. Herein, a novel photocatalyst ZIS/Co3S4HLs in hierarchical hollow heterostructure has been constructed by epitaxially growing 2D ZnIn2S4 (ZIS) nanosheets on Co‐ZIF‐L‐derived Co3S4 hollow leaves (Co3S4HLs). The formation of the Schottky junction has promoted the photogenerated charges transfer, which is well proven by the electrochemical analyses and the DFT calculation. It is suggested that both constructed hierarchical hollow heterostructure and the Schottky junction with well‐matched band potentials are responsible for the remarkable H2 evolution rates under the visible light irradiation, which are much higher than most of the reported results by other ZIS‐based composite photocatalysts. The good cyclic photocatalytic activity and structural stability of these hierarchical hollow leaves provide new insight into designing a high‐efficient heterostructure being used in solar energy conversion.
Study of the effect of different functionalized magnesium hydroxide prepared by mechanochemical method on the flame retardancy and mechanical properties of styrene‐ethylene‐butadiene‐styrene/polypropylene composites
Authors: Wang Jingming , Wang Xiaoyang , Chu Zhen , Liu Jia , Long Shijie , Xu Shuying , Wang Dun , Wang Jieqiong , Liu Zhongxin
Published: August 2022

Solvent‐free synthetic methods have received more attention because of their reducing chemical waste and simplifying the process. A series of functionalized magnesium hydroxides (FMHs) were successfully modified with siloxanes containing different functional groups (Octyl: OTES, Octadecyl: OTMS, Phenyl: PTMS, Vinyl: VTEO, and 3‐Aminopropyl: APS) via a solvent‐free mechanochemical method. Ball milling conditions (such as reaction time, siloxane/MH ratio), the morphology, surface properties and particle size of the FMHs were investigated in detail and the results showed that both of the adjustment of particle size and the modification of surface of MH were successfully achieved at one time within 20 min. All FMHs were successfully converted from hydrophilic to hydrophobic except for the sample modified by the silane containing APS group. The influence of the different functional groups and particle size of FMHs on the mechanical properties and flame retardancy of styrene‐ethylene‐butadiene‐styrene (SEBS)/polypropylene (PP) composites were discussed. Compared with original MH/SEBS/PP, the FMHs/SEBS/PP composites have better tensile strength and elongation at break. When 68 wt% of FMHs were added to the SEBS/PP matrix, the composites can pass V‐0 rating of UL‐94 testing, and their limiting oxygen index values are above 32.3%. Meanwhile, the composites also exhibited strong smoke suppression.
Battery Materials Discovery and Smart Grid Management using Machine Learning
Authors: Wong Andrew Jun Yao , Zhou Xin , Lum Yanwei , Yao Zhenpeng , Chua Yang Choo , Wen Yonggang , Seh Zhi Wei
Published: August 2022

The transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy represents a grand challenge for humankind. For this vision to come to pass, significant advances in energy storage technologies such as batteries, which solve the intermittency of renewable energy, need to be achieved. Developing new battery materials with higher capacities and longer lifetimes is thus of paramount importance. Moreover, the intermittency of renewable energy presents a significant challenge to smart grid management. To this end, researchers have begun turning to machine learning (ML) techniques: algorithms that learn from datasets and automatically improve through experience. These can be used to make predictions and informed decisions, which can accelerate the process of materials discovery and systems management. Here we discuss key ML concepts that have guided important developments in battery materials discovery and smart grid management. In the process, we also examine critical challenges, future opportunities, and how ML can make a significant impact.
The relation between sensory processing sensitivity and telomere length in adolescents
Authors: Jentsch Armin , Hoferichter Frances , Raufelder Diana , Hageman Geja , Maas Lou
Published: August 2022

Background

In the present study, we investigated the association between sensory processing sensitivity (SPS) and telomere length (TL), which is considered a biomarker of cellular aging. SPS is an individual characteristic describing increased perception and procession of inner or outer stimuli, and is positively related to self‐perceived stress.

Methods

We recruited 82 healthy adolescents aged 13–16 from secondary schools in Germany. SPS was measured with the Highly Sensitive Person Scale, and TL was determined by a multiplex quantitative PCR method.

Results

Our results show that students with higher values of SPS are likely to have shorter telomeres (β = 0.337, p = .001), when adjusting for sex, socioeconomic status, age, and body mass index. These findings are also independent of the negative impact of stress students might have perceived shortly before data collection.

Conclusions

Our analysis suggests that students who struggle with low sensory threshold are likely to have shorter telomeres.
Prognostic risk assessment model for alternative splicing events and splicing factors in malignant pleural mesothelioma
Authors: Jiang Yue , Zhang Chengda , Chen Yang , Zhao Shiyu , He Yipeng , He Jun
Published: August 2022

Background

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare and highly malignant thoracic tumor. Although alternative splicing (AS) is associated with tumor prognosis, the prognostic significance of AS in MPM is unknown.

Methods

Transcriptomic data, clinical information, and splicing percentage values for MPM were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and TCGA SpliceSeq databases. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression and multivariate Cox analyses were performed to establish a model affecting the prognosis of MPM. Survival and ROC analyses were used to test the effects of the prognostic model. LASSO/multivariate Cox analysis was used to construct the MPM prognostic splicing factor (SF) model. The SF–AS interaction network was analyzed using Spearman correlation and visualized using Cytoscape. The association between the MPM prognostic SF model and drug sensitivity to chemotherapeutic agents such as cisplatin was analyzed using pRRophetic.R.

Results

The LASSO/multivariate Cox analysis identified 41 AS events and 2 SFs that were mostly associated with survival. Nine prognostic prediction models (i.e., seven types of AS model, total AS model, and SF model) were developed. An MPM prognostic SF–AS regulatory network was subsequently constructed with decreased drug sensitivity in the SF model high‐risk group (p = 0.025).

Conclusion

This study provides the first comprehensive analysis of the prognostic value of AS events and SFs in MPM. The SF–AS regulatory network established in this study and our drug sensitivity analysis using the SF model may provide novel targets for pharmacological studies of MPM.
Cardioprotective Effect of Polymyxin‐B and Dantrolene Combination on Isoproterenol‐Induced Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy in Rats, via Attenuation of Calmodulin‐Dependent Protein Kinase II
Authors: Shaikh Faiza , Bhatt Lokesh Kumar
Published: August 2022

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a major cause of mortality worldwide. In this study, we hypothesized that the combination of Dantrolene and Polymyxin‐B will provide cardioprotective action against isoproterenol‐induced hypertrophic cardiomyopathy via attenuation of Calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII). Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy was induced in rats by subcutaneous administration of isoproterenol (5 mg/kg) for 14 days. Simultaneously, animals were treated with Polymyxin‐B per se, Dantrolene per se, and Dantrolene and Polymyxin‐B combination for 14 days. Hemodynamic parameters, biochemical parameters, and histological analysis were performed. Administration of isoproterenol for 14 days resulted in severe myocardial damage, characterized by cardiac hypertrophy and increase serum CK‐MB, CK‐Nac, LDH, AST, and ALT levels. It also caused alteration in electrocardiogram and blood pressure. A significant increase in CaMKII was observed in heart homogenate. Treatment with the Polymyxin‐B and Dantrolene combination significantly ameliorated cardiac hypertrophy, biochemical parameters, ECG parameters, and heart histopathology. Further, significant attenuation in CaMKII levels was observed. The effect of the combination was more than per se treatment. Results of the current study showed that the combination of Polymyxin‐B and Dantrolene prevented the development of isoproterenol‐induced hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in rats via attenuation of the CaMKII.
Essential Oils from Some Lamiaceae Plants: Antioxidant and Anticancer Potentials besides Thermal Properties
Authors: Kilinç Büşra Özlem , Gödelek Duygu , Süfer Özge , Saygideğer Demir Burcu , Sezan Aycan , Saygideğer Yasemin , Bozok Fuat
Published: August 2022

The purpose of this study was to determine the chemical compositions, antioxidant and anticancer activities and thermal behavior of essential oils (EOs) obtained by a microwave assisted Clevenger apparatus fromMentha longifoliasubsp.typhoidesvar.typhoides(ML),Thymus kotschyanusvar.glabrescens(TK),Calamintha nepetasubsp.nepeta(CN) andSatureja cuneifolia(SC) in Osmaniye, Turkey. Nepetalactone (34.23 %), thymol (37.40 %), piperitone oxide (27.25 %), and carvacrol (28.34 %) were major compounds in the EOs of ML, TK, CN, and SC. Total phenolic content and antioxidant activity (by FRAP assay) were in the range of 0.27–3.01 mg gallic acid equivalents and 0.62–171.14 μmol trolox equivalent per g EO, respectively. IC50values of DPPH were mostly greater than ABTS. IC50levels of the EOs of ML, TK, CN for the cytotoxic activities were 195.7, 265.7, 442.9 μg/ml, and 218.4, 204.2, 133.9 μg/ml for 24 and 48 h, respectively. IC50of SC‐EO could not be calculated in the applied concentration range. The highest fusion enthalpies were in between 58.72 and 81.65 kJ/kg. Both the TK and SC plant EOs had comparable and significant bioactivities. CN‐EO reduced cell motility and triggered apoptosis more effectively than the others.
Sustainable Selective Propanol Production via Continuous Flow Conversion of Glycerol over Synergistic Bifunctional Catalysts: An Exploration into Factors Affecting Activity
Authors: Folkard Aaron L. , Farahani Majid D. , Mahomed Abdul S. , Friedrich Holger B.
Published: August 2022

Selective hydrogenolysis of glycerol to propanol is a sustainable reaction, which can play a critical role in the future of the propylene market, as one step dehydration of this sustainable propanol provides access to sustainable propylene. In this work, Copper (Cu) – Tungstosilicic acid (HSiW) catalysts were studied for the hydrogenolysis of glycerol. For the first time over a Cu catalyst, this study reports a yield of ∼76 % for direct conversion of glycerol to propanols in continuous flow mode. Several advanced characterization techniques were employed to study the fresh and used catalysts. The presence of intact Keggin units of HSiW solid acid (with medium acidity) in the vicinity of small clusters of copper sites improved the performance and lifetime of these bifunctional catalysts. This study offers insights into the nature of the active sites required for the hydrogenolysis reaction, which was achieved without using expensive PGMs.