bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hematology and Biochemistry Panel Reference Intervals for Captive Saddleback Clownfish Amphiprion polymnus and Tomato Clownfish A. frenatus
Authors: Wright Sarah E. , Stacy Nicole I. , Yanong Roy P. , Juhl Reilee N. , Lewbart Gregory A.
Published: September 2020

Reference intervals of blood analytes are important diagnostic tools that clinicians use as a basis for making clinical decisions and that have been documented for many fish species. Although the effects of dietary supplementation on hematology and blood biochemistry variables in clownfish have been shown, there are no published reference intervals to date for routine hematology and blood biochemistry panels for these popular cultured marine fish (including Amphiprion spp.). The objective of this study was to establish de novo reference intervals for selected hemogram data and, using whole blood analysis, commonly utilized chemistry analytes in two species of aquacultured clownfish: the Tomato Clownfish Amphiprion frenatus and Saddleback Clownfish A. polymnus. This study is based on blood samples from 25 clinically normal Tomato Clownfish and 38 clinically normal Saddleback Clownfish from two clownfish production facilities in Florida. Guidelines by the American Society for Veterinary Clinical Pathology were followed to generate robust reference intervals from the data collected. We report descriptive statistics and reference intervals for several hematology (n = 12) and biochemistry (n = 8) analytes using a small sample size and a small amount of blood per sample. The blood analyte data from this study are comparable with hematology and biochemistry data that have been reported in other teleost species. These results provide baseline health data for clownfish species that can be used in various clinical settings while also serving as a springboard for further research studies.
Imaging‐based pregenetic screening for NOTCH3 p.R544C mutation in ischemic stroke in Taiwan
Authors: Cheng Yu‐Wen , Chen Chih‐Hao , Hu Chaur‐Jong , Chiou Hung‐Yi , Tang Sung‐Chun , Jeng Jiann‐Shing
Published: September 2020

Objective

To develop an easily applicable screening score to guide NOTCH3 p.R544C genetic testing for patients who presented with acute ischemic cerebrovascular events in Taiwan.

Methods

1734 patients who presented with ischemic cerebrovascular events were enrolled from the Formosa Stroke Genetic Consortium stroke registry and were screened for the NOTCH3 p.R544C mutation. Clinical and MRI characteristics of NOTCH3 p.R544C mutation carriers (n = 36) and a subset of noncarriers (n = 673) were tested in a logistic regression model to identify key features associated with the NOTCH3 p.R544C carrier status. Variables and their odds ratios in the regression model were used to develop the R544C screening score to predict positive NOTCH3 p.R544C test results.

Results

We constructed the R544C screening score using five clinical and imaging characteristics, including stroke onset before 50 years of age, the small vessel occlusion subtype, a family history of stroke/TIA in siblings, external capsule involvement, and advanced deep white matter hyperintensity. The area under the ROC curve of the screening score was 0.867 (95% CI = 0.810‐0.924). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy were 0.75, 0.88, 0.13, 0.99, and 0.88, respectively, for a cutoff score of 5 points. In addition, the R544C screening score was validated in another cohort composed of 235 stroke patients with comparable performance (area under the ROC curve = 0.957, 95% CI = 0.916‐0.997).

Interpretations

For Taiwanese patients presenting with acute ischemic cerebrovascular events, the R544C screening score is easily applicable and can efficiently select high‐risk patients for NOTCH3 p.R544C mutation test.
AHRQ: Most MAT studies don't use treatment retention as an outcome
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: September 2020

While it's known that longer‐term treatment with medications to treat opioid use disorder (OUD) is associated with improved outcomes, most studies do not focus on treatment retention, according to a report from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) released this month.
Race: Start with conversation, proceed with commitment to address inequities
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: September 2020

Creating a safe space for open conversations about race and social justice should be the first important step addiction treatment organizations take in pursuing meaningful action during this time of national dialogue, according to two prominent trainers interviewed this month by ADAW. But more must be done beyond that to make the addiction treatment setting more attractive to persons of color — both for those seeking services and those wanting to climb the ranks in the professional field, they say.
The nation's drug problem is commercial recreational pharmacology
Authors: DuPont Robert L. , Levy Sharon
Published: September 2020

Overdose deaths, overprescribing of opioids, illicit production of fentanyl, a resurgence of methamphetamine and cocaine, and an epidemic of vaping‐related illnesses and substance use disorders cover the nation's headlines today, as they have for years. These problems are manifestations of commercial recreational pharmacology, the personally controlled use of psychoactive drugs that super‐stimulate brain reward for pleasure. While substance use and addiction have been known throughout history, the recent increasingly greater acceptance of commercial recreational pharmacology in the United States is exacting a toll on the public health of the nation. The most dramatic example is a decline in U.S. life expectancy, which fell three years in a row from 2016–2018 as a result of overdose deaths.
Optogenetically Controlled TrkA Activity Improves the Regenerative Capacity of Hair‐Follicle‐Derived Stem Cells to Differentiate into Neurons and Glia
Authors: Huang Taida , Zhang Yan , Wang Zitian , Zeng Yunxin , Wang Nan , Fan Huaxun , Huang Zhangsen , Su Yixun , Huang Xiaomin , Chen Hui , Zhang Kai , Yi Chenju
Published: September 2020

Hair‐follicle‐derived stem cells (HSCs) originating from the bulge region of the mouse vibrissa hair follicle are able to differentiate into neuronal and glial lineage cells. The tropomyosin receptor kinase A (TrkA) receptor that is expressed on these cells plays key roles in mediating the survival and differentiation of neural progenitors as well as in the regulation of the growth and regeneration of different neural systems. In this study, the OptoTrkA system is introduced, which is able to stimulate TrkA activity via blue‐light illumination in HSCs. This allows to determine whether TrkA signaling is capable of influencing the proliferation, migration, and neural differentiation of these somatic stem cells. It is found that OptoTrkA is able to activate downstream molecules such as ERK and AKT with blue‐light illumination, and subsequently able to terminate this kinase activity in the dark. HSCs with OptoTrkA activity show an increased ability for proliferation and migration and also exhibited accelerated neuronal and glial cell differentiation. These findings suggest that the precise control of TrkA activity using optogenetic tools is a viable strategy for the regeneration of neurons from HSCs, and also provides a novel insight into the clinical application of optogenetic tools in cell‐transplantation therapy.
Fabrication of Cu Wiring Touch Sensor via Laser Sintering of Cu Nano/Microparticle Paste on 3D‐Printed Substrate
Authors: Ahn Hyeon-Sik , Oh Ae-Sun , Kim Dong-Hwan , Choi Yoonseuk , Kim Kyung-Hyun , Bae Hyun-Cheol
Published: September 2020

This study investigates the applications of 3D printing technology in the wiring process used in the field of electronic packaging. A Cu wiring process is developed to replace the expensive Ag‐based alternative primarily used in commercial 3D electronic circuit printing as per industry standards. The substrates needed for our experiments are developed using a 3D printer assembled prior to the research, through which poly‐ether‐ether‐ketone (PEEK) proves to be a high‐strength, high heat‐resistance material capable of undergoing the packaging process. The Cu wiring process is performed via laser sintering in ambient condition using a Cu micro/nanoparticle paste. Adopting this method minimizes the cost and duration of the process without relying on inert atmosphere generation. The optimum laser sintering condition for the Cu paste is found to be two consecutive scans at 20 W. Energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS) measurements show that the oxidation of the surface is about 1.35%, and further oxidation is prevented through epoxy molding. The touch sensor by Cu wiring module operate optimally even a month after its manufacture. 3D printing technology proves to be capable of replacing the wiring process used for electronic packaging.
Chiral Cellulose Nanocrystals with Intercalated Amorphous Polysaccharides for Controlled Iridescence and Enhanced Mechanics
Authors: Adstedt Katarina , Popenov Elizabeth A. , Pierce Kellina J. , Xiong Rui , Geryak Ren , Cherpak Vladyslav , Nepal Dhriti , Bunning Timothy J. , Tsukruk Vladimir V.
Published: September 2020

A unique case of combined enhanced mechanical performance and tunable structural color for chiral composites from cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) arises by adding nanofibrillar wood‐derived polymers with similar chemical compositions. When amorphous polysaccharides (pullulan, dextran, and xylan) are added, they intercalate seamlessly into the original helicoidal organization via interstitial volumes within nanocrystals and between nematic monolayers. The polysaccharides fill the available free volume in between packed nanocrystals until 40 wt% content is reached, with no phase separation occurring. Due to the inter‐nanocrystal intercalation, these natural polysaccharide–cellulose composites show a nearly twofold increase in toughness and modulus. Beyond improved mechanics, the preserved iridescence shows a dramatic red shift from blue to near‐infrared region, expanding the initial pitch length without disturbing the long‐range chiral ordering. In the mechanistic model suggested here, the individual backbones first form intercalated morphologies in the interstitial volumes between tightly packed nanocrystals. After this, the polysaccharides form a monolayer, and eventually double layer, between nanocrystal monolayers, thus incrementally “unwinding” initial chiral organization. The resulting CNC–polysaccharide films maintain their vivid iridescence with broad color appearance and are among the first entirely biobased composites to maintain iridescence with improved mechanics.
Probing Antiferroelectric‐Ferroelectric Phase Transitions in PbZrO3 Capacitors by Piezoresponse Force Microscopy
Authors: Lu Haidong , Glinsek Sebastjan , Buragohain Pratyush , Defay Emmanuel , Iñiguez Jorge , Gruverman Alexei
Published: September 2020

Functional characterization of antiferroelectric (AFE) materials typically involves macroscopic testing of their nonlocal integrated information on their dielectric properties, such as polarization hysteresis loops, field‐dependent strain, and capacitance while the local AFE properties have been rarely addressed. Here, a new protocol is demonstrated for local probing of the antiferroelectric/ferroelectric (AFE/FE) phase transition in PbZrO3 capacitors by piezoresponse force microscopy (PFM). PFM spectroscopy of the local AFE/FE phase transition parameters is performed and their spatial variability via two‐dimensional mapping is investigated. It is shown that AFE hysteresis loops recorded by PFM in the bias‐on regime exhibit four characteristic amplitude peaks. Within the framework of Landau theory, these features are attributed to a considerable increase in the electromechanical strain response due to the dielectric constant divergence during AFE/FE phase transitions. The proposed approach can be used to differentiate between the antiferroelectric and nonpolar dielectric phases in functional devices using the electrically induced polarization.
Multilevel Nonvolatile Memcapacitance in Graphene‐Silk Fibroin Biocomposite Paper
Authors: Guo Xin , Huang Lei , Zhou Xinge , Chang Quanhong , Cao Changying , Xiao Guina , Shi Wangzhou
Published: September 2020

The demand for flexible memory devices is growing due to the development of flexible neuromorphic electronics for wearable devices, soft robotics, and biologically‐inspired circuits. Described herein is a flexible memcapacitor based on a biocomposite paper composed of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and silk fibroin (SF) via a gel‐film transformation process. The presented rGO‐SF/H3PO4‐polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/rGO memory stack exhibits analog, reversible, and nonvolatile memcapacitance characteristics. Impressively, the stack has a broad range of high capacitance states so as to be tuned to at least four capacitive states by the operating voltages. This memcapacitive behavior is ascribed to an interfacial charge build‐up (capacitive double layer) modulated by the H+ migration, which is trapped/detrapped by the rGO‐SF paper depending on bias conditions. Further, the flexibility tests are conducted to confirm the applicability of the rGO‐SF/H3PO4‐PVA/rGO stack to flexible devices. Thus, the rGO‐SF papers can be used as electronic materials for capacitive memory in neuromorphic systems where operation at biocompatibility, low‐energy, and mechanical flexibility are important issues.
Bioelectronics‐Related 2D Materials Beyond Graphene: Fundamentals, Properties, and Applications
Authors: Wang Bolun , Sun Yufei , Ding Hanyuan , Zhao Xuan , Zhang Lei , Bai Jingwei , Liu Kai
Published: September 2020

The rapid development of bioelectronics has lead to the emergence of versatile biorelated architectures for information processing systems, sensors, actuators, and wearable devices. In recent years, 2D materials beyond graphene have been demonstrated to be essential bioelectronic device components owing to their merits of atomic thickness, high transparency, large specific area, unique electrical/optical properties, and good biocompatibility. Herein, the recent advances in the bioelectronic applications of 2D materials beyond graphene are reviewed and their physicochemical properties, biocompatibility, synthesis, and processing methods are described. Moreover, the design strategies, working mechanisms, and performances of various bioelectronic devices based on these materials are summarized and the perspectives and challenges of this research field are highlighted. Thus, this review is expected to inspire new insights and technical advances for future research.
Phonon‐Enhanced Near‐Field Spectroscopy to Extract the Local Electronic Properties of Buried 2D Electron Systems in Oxide Heterostructures
Authors: Barnett Julian , Rose Marc‐André , Ulrich Georg , Lewin Martin , Kästner Bernd , Hoehl Arne , Dittmann Regina , Gunkel Felix , Taubner Thomas
Published: September 2020

In the family of functional oxide materials, the interface between LaAlO3 and SrTiO3 (LAO/STO) is an interesting example, as both materials are large‐bandgap insulators in their bulk state but give rise to a confined 2D electron gas (2DEG) when combined through thin‐film deposition. While this 2DEG exhibits remarkable properties, its experimental investigation is mostly limited to destructive or non‐local (i.e. averaging over larger areas) methods until recently. Scanning near‐field optical microscopy is shown to overcome this limitation, detecting buried 2DEGs by using highly confined optical near‐fields. Here, a full spectroscopic approach with phonon‐enhancement and simulations based on the finite dipole model is combined to extract quantitative electronic properties of the interfacial LAO/STO 2DEG. This threefold improvement compared to previous work will enable the quantitative nanoscale, non‐destructive, sub‐surface analysis of complex oxide thin films and interfaces, as well as similar heterostructures.
Resolving Donor–Acceptor Interfaces and Charge Carrier Energy Levels of Organic Semiconductors with Polar Side Chains
Authors: Alessandri Riccardo , Sami Selim , Barnoud Jonathan , de Vries Alex H. , Marrink Siewert J. , Havenith Remco W. A.
Published: September 2020

Organic semiconductors consisting of molecules bearing polar side chains have been proposed as potential candidates to overcome the limitations of organic photovoltaics owing to their enhanced dielectric constant. However, introducing such polar molecules in photovoltaic devices has not yet resulted in higher efficiencies. A microscopic understanding of the impact of polar side chains on electronic and structural properties of organic semiconductors is paramount to rationalize their effect. Here, the impact of such side chains on bulk heterojunction overall morphology, molecular configurations at donor–acceptor (DA) interfaces, and charge carrier energy levels is investigated. The multiscale modeling approach used allows to resolve DA interfaces with atomistic resolution while taking into account the large‐scale self‐organization process which takes place during the processing of an organic thin film. The polar fullerene‐based blends are compared to the well‐studied reference system, poly(3‐hexyl‐thiophene) (P3HT):phenyl‐C61‐butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM). Introduction of polar side chains on a similar molecular scaffold does not affect molecular orientations at the DA interfaces; such orientations are, however, found to be affected by processing conditions and polymer molecular weight. Polar side chains, instead, are found to impact considerably the charge carrier energy levels of the organic blend, causing electrostatic‐induced broadening of these levels.
Molecular Functionalization of Chemically Active Defects in WSe2 for Enhanced Opto‐Electronics
Authors: Zhao Yuda , Gali Sai Manoj , Wang Can , Pershin Anton , Slassi Amine , Beljonne David , Samorì Paolo
Published: September 2020

Structural defects are known to worsen electrical and optical properties of 2D materials. Transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) are prone to chalcogen vacancies and molecular functionalization of these vacancies offers a powerful strategy to engineer the crystal structure by healing such defects. This molecular approach can effectively improve physical properties of 2D materials and optimize the performance of 2D electronic devices. While this strategy has been successfully exploited to heal vacancies in sulfides, its viability on selenides based TMDs has not yet been proven. Here, by using thiophenol molecules to functionalize monolayer WSe2 surface containing Se vacancies, it is demonstrated that the defect healing via molecular approach not only improves the performance of WSe2 transistors (> tenfold increase in the current density, the electron mobility, and the Ion/Ioff ratio), but also enhances the photoluminescence properties of monolayer WSe2 flakes (threefold increase of photoluminescence intensity at room temperature). Theoretical calculations elucidate the mechanism of molecular passivation, which originates from the strong interaction between thiol functional group at Se vacancy sites and neighboring tungsten atoms. These results demonstrate that the molecular approach represents a powerful strategy to engineer WSe2 transistors and optimize their optical properties, paving the way toward high‐performance 2D (opto)electronic devices.
Self‐Regulating Organic Polymer Coupled with Enlarged Inorganic SnS2 Interlamellar Composite for Potassium Ion Batteries
Authors: Qin Guohui , Liu Yuting , Han Pinyu , Wang Liying , Liu Fusheng , Ma Jianmin
Published: September 2020

Tin (Sn)‐based alloy SnS2 has attracted significant attention as a promising candidate for potassium ion storage due to the high theoretical capacity, however, it seriously suffers from the huge volume variation and the growth of potassium dendrites during the repeated cycling process. Herein, hierarchical polyaspartic acid (PASP) modified SnS2 nanosheets embedded into hollow N doped carbon fibers (CN) derived from setaria glauca (PASP@SnS2@CN) are fabricated for potassium storage. PASP cross‐linkers provide the enlarged interlamellar spacing of 6.8 Å (against 5.9 Å for the pristine SnS2), the higher ion transportation channels as well as the self‐regulating dendrite‐free K plating. Consequently, a high reversible capacity (564 mAh g−1 at 50 mA g−1) and a prominent rate performance of 273 mAh g−1 at 2 A g−1 are delivered. Both the experimental data and computational models confirm that a thin and robust solid electrolyte interface (SEI) layer is formed over the dendrite free PASP@SnS2@CN due to the strong interactions (K–N and H+/K+ proton exchange) between the PASP and the electrolyte (KFSI). The deformable and self‐ regulating organic–inorganic configuration is promising for the basis construction of transition metals, has practical applications for K storage.
Interweaved Cellular Structured Ceramic Nanofibrous Aerogels with Superior Bendability and Compressibility
Authors: Dou Lvye , Zhang Xinxin , Shan Haoru , Cheng Xiaota , Si Yang , Yu Jianyong , Ding Bin
Published: September 2020

Ceramic aerogels are attractive candidates for thermal insulation systems in spaceships, missiles, and aircrafts. However, the general lack of mechanical stability in conventional ceramic aerogels presents a major challenge for their practical applications. To date, the creation of mechanically robust ceramic aerogels has not made significant progress. Herein, a universal strategy is presented to fabricate ceramic nanofibrous aerogels with both superior bendability and compressibility, by assembling flexible silica nanofibers with a high length‐to‐diameter ratio into a highly continuous interwoven cellular structure. The resulting aerogels, with improved structural continuity, exhibit enhanced mechanical properties including large compression and buckling strain recovery (85%), temperature‐invariant superelasticity (from −196 °C to 1100 °C), and robust fatigue tolerance up to 100 000 cycles. In parallel, the low thermal conductivity (0.0223 W m−1 K−1), as well as exceptional high‐temperature thermal insulation performance enable them to be ideal candidates for thermal insulation in extreme environments. The successful synthesis of this material may shed light on the development of other mechanically robust ceramic aerogels.
Redox‐Responsive Self‐Assembled Nanoparticles for Cancer Therapy
Authors: Li Dandan , Zhang Ruhe , Liu Guiting , Kang Yang , Wu Jun
Published: September 2020

Chemotherapy, combined with other treatments, is widely applied in the clinical treatment of cancer. However, deficiencies inherited from the traditional route of administration limit its successful application. With the development of nanotechnology, a series of smart nanodelivery systems have been developed to utilize the unique tumor environment (pH changes, different enzymes, and redox potential gradients) and exogenous stimuli (thermal changes, magnetic fields, and light) to improve the curative effect of anticancer drugs. In this review, endogenous and exogenous stimuli are briefly introduced. Among these stimuli, various redox‐sensitive linkages are primarily described in detail, and their application with self‐assembled nanoparticles is recounted. Finally, the application of redox‐responsive self‐assembled nanoparticles in cancer therapy is summarized.
Past, Present, and Future of Soft‐Tissue Prosthetics: Advanced Polymers and Advanced Manufacturing
Authors: Powell Sean K. , Cruz Rena L. J. , Ross Maureen T. , Woodruff Maria A.
Published: September 2020

Millions of people worldwide experience disfigurement due to cancers, congenital defects, or trauma, leading to significant psychological, social, and economic disadvantage. Prosthetics aim to reduce their suffering by restoring aesthetics and function using synthetic materials that mimic the characteristics of native tissue. In the 1900s, natural materials used for thousands of years in prosthetics were replaced by synthetic polymers bringing about significant improvements in fabrication and greater realism and utility. These traditional methods have now been disrupted by the advanced manufacturing revolution, radically changing the materials, methods, and nature of prosthetics. In this report, traditional synthetic polymers and advanced prosthetic materials and manufacturing techniques are discussed, including a focus on prosthetic material degradation. New manufacturing approaches and future technological developments are also discussed in the context of specific tissues requiring aesthetic restoration, such as ear, nose, face, eye, breast, and hand. As advanced manufacturing moves from research into clinical practice, prosthetics can begin new age to significantly improve the quality of life for those suffering tissue loss or disfigurement.
Pillar[n]arene‐Based Supramolecular Switches in Solution and on Surfaces
Authors: Lou Xin‐Yue , Yang Ying‐Wei
Published: September 2020

The design and synthesis of new synthetic macrocycles has driven the rapid development of supramolecular chemistry and materials. Pillar[n]arenes, as a new type of macrocyclic compounds, are used as a promising type of building blocks for switchable supramolecular systems due to their versatile functionalization and the ability of binding toward various guest molecules. A number of guests can form inclusion complexes with pillar[n]arenes and their derivatives in solution, which are sensitive to different external triggers. Interestingly, the pursuit of complex stimuli‐responsive functional materials and devices has largely motivated the shift of pillar[n]arene‐based switches from solution media to surfaces for controllable macroscopic motions on solid platforms. Facilitated by the facile modification of pillar[n]arenes on various solid supports and the dynamic binding of host–guest complexes, numerous functional hybrid materials with adjustable physical or chemical properties and integrated functionalities have been reported in the last decade. Here, the advance of supramolecular switches in solution and on surfaces based on pillar[n]arenes and derivatives with an emphasis on the efforts and the latest contributions from the field is discussed.
The Application of Dual‐Layer, Mussel‐Inspired, Antifouling Polyglycerol‐Based Coatings in Ventricular Assist Devices
Authors: Kulka Michaël W. , Smatty Sarah , Hehnen Felix , Bierewirtz Tim , Silberreis Kim , Nie Chuanxiong , Kerkhoff Yannic , Grötzinger Carsten , Friedrich Sebastian , Dahms Lars Ingemar , Dernedde Jens , Grunwald Ingo , Schirner Michael , Kertzscher Ulrich , Affeld Klaus , Haag Rainer
Published: September 2020

Continuous‐flow ventricular assist devices (VADs) have established themselves as a lifesaving therapy option in patients with severe cardiovascular disease. Unfortunately, complications with VADs resulting from the shear‐induced formation of surface blood clots are common. In the current work, an antifouling coating based on the combination of mussel‐inspired dendritic polyglycerol (MI‐dPG) and linear polyglycerol (lPG) is tested for its cell‐repelling properties, biocompatibility, and complement activating properties. Furthermore, the adhesion and activation of blood platelets are tested under static and flow conditions. The adhesion and proliferation of two cell types are studied by means of LIVE/DEAD cell staining, and it is clearly observed that the lPG‐functionalized MI‐dPG coating prevents cell adhesion. Additionally, no cell mortality is observed on all substrates, indicating the biocompatibility of the tested coatings. All coatings show lower (or equal) complement‐activating properties than bare titanium, which is considered a highly biocompatible material. Most importantly, the lPG‐functionalized system prevents the adhesion and activation of blood platelets under static and flow conditions. Finally, a prototype VAD is successfully coated with MI‐dPG under flow conditions. In the current study, the efficient lPG‐functionalization of the MI‐dPG coating is proved to obtain cell‐ and platelet‐repelling surfaces.
Highly Robust, Pressure‐Resistant Superhydrophobic Coatings from Monolayer Assemblies of Chained Nanoparticles
Authors: Wu Gaoxiang , Zhao Yiping , Ge Dengteng , Zhao Yubo , Yang Lili , Yang Shu
Published: September 2020

Despite significant progresses in development of superhydrohpobic coatings, their ability to resist small water droplets, which can exert large Laplace pressure on surface, remain limited. Here, a new strategy by self‐assembly of a monolayer of chained silica nanoparticles, forming an ultrathin film (<100 nm) with two‐tiered nanoasperity is presented. The resulting coating shows ultrahigh water repellency and high visible transparency. It can also repel low surface energy liquids, such as alcohol/water mixtures (surface tension ≥42 mN m−1). Importantly, the superhydrophobic coating demonstrates high resistance to impact pressure (at least 250 Pa) from water droplets dropped from 3.3 m height and internal Laplace pressure of 15 kPa from evaporated water droplets. Furthermore, the CNP coating remains to be superhydrophobic with condensed water droplets radius as small as 0.3 mm even after condensation for 6 h. In comparison, all of these properties are not possible from the assembly of spherical nanoparticles.
Aggregation‐Induced Emission Luminogens for Direct Exfoliation of 2D Layered Materials in Ethanol
Authors: Zhao Yu , Gao Wei , Yang Yibin , Zhang Haoke , Redshaw Carl , Feng Xing , Li Jingbo , Lam Jacky W. Y. , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: September 2020

Aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) luminogens are an important type of advanced functional materials with fantastic optical properties and have found potential applications in organic electronics, biochemistry, and molecular imaging. Herein, this article presents a novel application of AIE luminogens (AIEgens) for efficient exfoliation of layered transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs, such as MoS2 and WSe2). From the 1H NMR spectroscopic analysis, the designed AIEgens can insert into the space between layers of MoS2 in ethanol solution and the dynamic molecular rotation against the weak interactions affords large‐scale few‐layer MoS2 nanosheets (7–8 layers) with enhanced smoothness. The 3D AIEgens play a significant role in preserving the crystal lattice of MoS2 even at high pressure (>15 GPa). More importantly, the new approach can also be used for exfoliation of WSe2 to achieve large‐scale few‐layer nanosheets. The present work thus provides a facile and high yielding synthetic method for accessing on a large scale 2D layered materials with enhanced properties for high‐technology applications.
Polydispersity‐Driven Printing of Conformal Solid Metal Traces on Non‐Adhering Biological Surfaces
Authors: Martin Andrew , Du Chuanshen , Pauls Alana M. , Ward Thomas , Thuo Martin
Published: September 2020

Metals and organics possess two very dissimilar surface energies, hence, do not naturally adhere to each other. This incompatibility is exacerbated by surface roughness yet advances in wearables and bioelectronics call for their integration. Mesoscale mechanical bonds, however, transcend the necessities of surface energy matching while taking advantage of surface texture. Herein, transient carrier fluids, particle size polydispersity, and capillary‐driven autonomous size‐sorting are exploited to conformally jam undercooled liquid metal particles on textured soft substrate. The well packed undercooled metal particles are then chemically activated to induce phase change, leading to a solid electrically conductive metal trace. Static and dynamic deposition of the particles is amenable to this surface‐templated printing of conductive traces. This process allows for printing across surfaces with varying surface features like on the brain, on paper (asymmetric porosity), or across smooth and rough brain sections. By tuning particle size and slurry concentration, good particle packing is demonstrated on a multi‐scale rough surface like a rose flower. This printing method is therefore compatible with delicate (low modulus), heat sensitive, and textured substrates hence compatible with biological tissues and organic substrates.
Dual‐Polarized Tri‐Channel Encrypted Holography Based on Geometric Phase Metasurface
Authors: Wang Yue , Guan Chunsheng , Li Haoyu , Ding Xumin , Zhang Kuang , Wang Jinxiang , Burokur Shah Nawaz , Liu Jian , Wu Qun
Published: September 2020

Metasurface‐based encrypted holography has drawn much attention recently due to its excellent ability in storing/displaying information with good security. To enhance the encryption security of metasurface holograms, multiplexing techniques, for which a large number of parameters need to be scanned to achieve the desired meta‐atoms, are highly demanded. Herein, a metasurface design scheme, which utilizes solely geometric phase elements to manipulate both co‐ and cross‐polarized reflected fields independently, is proposed. Using an improved weighted Gerchberg–Saxton (GSW), a holographic algorithm is proposed for 1‐bit phase, dual‐polarized tri‐channel encrypted metamirrors. Proof‐of‐concept prototypes are fabricated and experimental demonstrations are performed at microwave frequencies. Simulations and measurements are carried out to validate the proposed design, and the results agree well with the theoretical design scheme. Such dual‐polarized and tri‐channel encrypted metamirrors are appealing for applications in polarimetric imaging, information encryption/storage and beam splitting, shaping and steering.
Phase Manipulation‐Based Polarization Profile Realization and Hybrid Holograms Using Geometric Metasurface
Authors: Intaravanne Yuttana , Han Jin , Wang Ruoxing , Ma Aning , Li Songtao , Chen Shumei , Chen Xianzhong
Published: September 2020

The outstanding ability of optical metasurfaces to tailor light's amplitude, phase, and polarization with a subwavelength resolution has attracted big interest. A multifunctional metasurface device is reported and experimentally demonstrated that integrates an arbitrary polarization profile for image concealment and a computer‐generated hybrid hologram. Herein, a high‐resolution image is hidden in the polarization profile of the light beam, while the holographic images are encoded in its phase profile for the reconstruction of two different types of holographic images. The designed polarization profile is realized based on the superposition of two different phase profiles for circular polarization states with opposite handedness. This method can further extend the design degree of freedom in optical metasurfaces, which may open an alternative avenue for anticounterfeiting, optical image encoding, and optical information security.
Relation Between Resistance Drift and Optical Gap in Phase Change Materials
Authors: Martinez Jose C. , Simpson Robert E.
Published: September 2020

The optical contrast in a phase change material is concomitant with its structural transition. These two are connected by first recognizing that Friedel oscillations couple electrons propagating in opposite directions and supply an additional Coulomb energy. As the crystal switches phase, this energy acquires time dependence and the Landau‐Zener mechanism operates, steering population transfer from the valence to the conduction band and vice versa. Spectroscopy suggests that the oscillator energy E0 dominates the optical properties and a calculation involving the crystalline field and spin–orbit interaction yields good estimates for E0 of both structural phases. Further analysis relates the optical gap with the crystalline‐field energy as well as activation energy for electrical conduction. This last property characterizes the amorphous phase, thereby furnishing a link between the crystalline field and the activation energy and ultimately with the resistance drift exponent. Providing optical means to quantify resistance drift in phase‐change materials (PCMs) could circumvent the need for fabricating expensive devices and performing time consuming measurements.
Review of Signal Processing Techniques and Machine Learning Algorithms for Power Quality Analysis
Authors: Rahul
Published: September 2020

The issue of power quality (PQ) has become more prominent over the last few decades as the demand of clean and high quality power is increasing around the globe. The effect of power quality disturbances on the equipment most of the time is very destructive, usually generates disruptions, which consecutively affects the other load connected to the power systems. The main purpose of this article is to present a comprehensive review of various power quality analysis techniques such as heuristic optimization, signal processing, machine learning, neural networks, artificial intelligence, and hardware implementation, so that a brief overview will be presented to the researcher and power engineers working in the field of power quality. Additionally, a comparative analysis is also reported on various methods based on several criteria including timing and accuracy, use of industrial and non‐industrial data set, noisy and noiseless conditions, and finally single and multiple power quality events for analysis. More than 200 research publications are included for analysis and listed in reference so that it will be easy for the researcher in the domain of power quality to explore the possibility of further improvement in this field.
Trends in Low‐Temperature Combustion Derived Thin Films for Solution‐Processed Electronics
Authors: Pujar Pavan , Gandla Srinivas , Gupta Dipti , Kim Sunkook , Kim Myung‐Gil
Published: September 2020

Appreciable advancement of low‐temperature combustion processing brings a step closer to the fulfillment of large‐area, flexible electronics. The maximum temperature of deposition is successfully reduced below the softening temperature of the polymeric substrates. The method embodies the incorporation of fuel‐ and oxidizer‐ligands in the precursor, which leads to an exothermic reaction resulting in low‐temperature conversion and/or densification of the metal oxide thin films. A series of electrically conducting, semiconducting, and high permittivity dielectric metal oxides are deposited on varied substrates, including flexible plastic substrates, such as polyimide and aromatic polyester. The combustion processing is efficient in depositing metal, metal oxide, metal–metal oxide composite thin films at considerably low temperatures. In addition, the combustible precursors are considered compatible with diverse solution deposition methods such as spin coating, spray coating, inkjet printing, and blade coating. The combustion processed metal oxide thin films have the potential to exhibit acceptable device performance of thin film transistors, solar cells, gas sensors, organic light emitting diodes, and so on. The present review not only covers the on‐going research in solution combustion‐based deposition, but also discusses potential of the various devices with combustion‐derived thin films of functional oxides as active/passive components.
Optical Monitoring of the Resistive States of a Polyaniline‐Based Memristive Device
Authors: Lapkin Dmitry A. , Korovin Alexey N. , Malakhov Sergey N. , Emelyanov Andrey V. , Demin Vyacheslav A. , Erokhin Victor V.
Published: September 2020

Organic memristive devices are of great interest nowadays due to their low costs, flexibility, and prospects of use in artificial neuromorphic systems. Polyaniline (PANI) is a conductive and electrochemically active polymer and a promising material for redox‐gated memristive devices. In this work, the electrochromic properties of PANI are utilized for spatially resolved mapping of electrochemical reactions in the active zone of a model PANI‐based device. The observed nonuniform propagation of the reaction front defines the difference in the kinetics of the device while switching from the low‐ to high‐resistance state and vice versa. This study both reveals the mechanism of resistive switching in redox‐gated memristive elements and offers a novel nondestructive method for monitoring the resistive state of PANI‐based memristive devices.
Point‐of‐care Ultrasound–guided Central Venous Catheter Confirmation in Ultrasound Nonexperts
Authors: Ablordeppey Enyo A. , Drewry Anne M. , Anderson Adam L. , Casali Diego , Wallace Laura A. , Kane Deborah S. , Tian LinLin , House Stacey L. , Fuller Brian M. , Griffey Richard T. , Theodoro Daniel L.
Published: September 2020

Objective

Emerging evidence suggests that chest radiography (CXR) following central venous catheter (CVC) placement is unnecessary when point‐of‐care ultrasound (POCUS) is used to confirm catheter position and exclude pneumothorax. However, few providers have adopted this practice, and it is unknown what contributing factors may play a role in this lack of adoption, such as ultrasound experience. The objective of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of POCUS to confirm CVC position and exclude a pneumothorax after brief education and training of nonexperts.

Methods

We performed a prospective cohort study in a single academic medical center to determine the diagnostic characteristics of a POCUS‐guided CVC confirmation protocol after brief training performed by POCUS nonexperts. POCUS nonexperts (emergency medicine senior residents and critical care fellows) independently performed a POCUS‐guided CVC confirmation protocol after a 30‐minute didactic training. The primary outcome was the diagnostic accuracy of the POCUS‐guided CVC confirmation protocol for malposition and pneumothorax detection. Secondary outcomes were efficiency and feasibility of adequate image acquisition, adjudicated by POCUS experts.

Results

Twenty‐six POCUS nonexperts collected data on 190 patients in the final analysis. There were five (2.5%) CVC malpositions and six (3%) pneumothoraxes on CXR. The positive likelihood ratios of POCUS for malposition detection and pneumothorax were 12.33 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 3.26 to 46.69) and 3.41 (95% CI = 0.51 to 22.76), respectively. The accuracy of POCUS for pneumothorax detection compared to CXR was 0.93 (95% CI = 0.88 to 0.96) and the sensitivity was 0.17 (95% CI = 0.00 to 0.64). The median (interquartile range) time for CVC confirmation was lower for POCUS (9 minutes [8.5–9.5 minutes]) compared to CXR (29 minutes [1–269 minutes]; Mann‐Whitney U, p < 0.01). Adequate protocol image acquisition was achieved in 76% of the patients.

Conclusion

Thirty‐minute training of POCUS in nonexperts demonstrates adequate diagnostic accuracy, efficiency, and feasibility of POCUS‐guided CVC position confirmation, but not exclusion of pneumothorax.
Biomass and nutrient accumulation and partitioning of fall‐winter safflower in a double‐cropping system of southeastern Brazil
Authors: Guidorizzi Fernando V. C. , Soratto Rogério P. , Silva Mariana M. , Pinto Lohan O. G. , Fernandes Adalton M. , Souza Emerson F. C.
Published: September 2020

The quantification of nutrient uptake and partitioning during crop cultivation, as well as nutrients removed at harvest, are essential information to optimize nutrient management. A 2‐yr field experiment was conducted in Botucatu, São Paulo State, southeastern Brazil, to examine the biomass accumulation and nutritional requirements and removal of two safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) genotypes cultivated in the fall‐winter season of a double‐cropping system. Seven plant samplings were performed during the growing season, and the material was divided into stems, leaves, and reproductive structures. Seed yield and nutrient removal were determined at harvest. Safflower genotypes had similar 2‐yr average biomass accumulations and seed yields. There were greater plant growth and nutrient uptake from stem elongation to seed filling, compared to the other growth stages. The maximum rates of nutrient uptake were observed near the flowering stage. On average, a maximum uptake of 169 kg N, 16 kg P, 178 kg K, 121 kg Ca, 16 kg Mg, 15 kg S, 130 g Cu, 3298 g Fe, 420 g Mn, and 351 g Zn per hectare were required to produce about 10,500 and 1,400 kg ha−1 of aboveground biomass and seeds, respectively. Relative to the maximum aboveground nutrient accumulation, seeds contained 28% of P, 24% of N, 22% of Zn, 16% of Cu, 11% of Mg, 10% of S, 6% of K, 5% of Mn, 4% of Ca, and 4% of Fe. These quantifications of biomass and nutrient accumulation and partitioning in each growth stage of fall‐winter safflower can be used as guidelines for fertilizer recommendations for this crop in double‐cropping systems.
Vertical rotary sub‐soiling affects soil moisture characteristics and potato water utilization
Authors: Zhang Xu‐Cheng , Ma Yi‐Fan , Yu Xian‐Feng , Hou Hui‐Zhi , Wang Hong‐Li , Fang Yan‐Jie
Published: September 2020

Vertical rotary sub‐soiling (VRT) has potential to increase potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) yields in semiarid rainfed area. However, despite the importance of this food crop, little research had been done on this topic. We describe results from a field experiment carried out during 2016–2017 in a semiarid area (104°36′E, 35°35′N), where potato crop was grown in a field with three tillage treatments: (a) vertical rotary sub‐soiling to a depth of 40 cm (VRT), (b) sub‐soiling to a depth of 40 cm (SS), and (c) traditional rotary tillage to a depth of 15 cm (TT as control). The results showed that the VRT decreased soil bulk density by 0.8–22.2 and 13.3–25.3% compared with SS and TT, respectively, leading to increased porosity (by 12.5–14.8 and 12.3–23.7%) and saturation water content (by 23.7–33.2 and 25.6–59.0%), together with reduced water content at wilting point (by 12.5–23.4 and 11.4–23.4%). This was equivalent to 23.7–33.2 and 25.2–59.0% increase in soil maximum available water (SMAW) of the soil profile down to 40‐cm depth compared with SS and TT, respectively. The increased SMAW resulted in increased tuber yield by 156.8 and 47.8%, corresponding increases in water use efficiency by 92.3 and 19.2% in 2016 compared with SS and TT, respectively. The similar results were observed in 2017. Our results demonstrate that VRT was an effective technology to further increase water use efficiency and crop yield on top of plastic film mulching in semiarid rainfed area.
Response of nitrogen redistribution to irrigation at jointing in winter wheat
Authors: Wu Baojian , Shang Yunqiu , Wang Sen , Hu Xinhui , Zhang Rui , Zhang Baojun , Wang Dong
Published: September 2020

To explore the effect of irrigation at the jointing stage on nitrogen (N) redistribution after flowering and productivity effects of water and N in winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), a 2‐yr field experiment was conducted between 2015 and 2017. Three irrigation regimes were designed as follows: rain‐fed (W0), irrigation at jointing and 7 d after flowering (W1), and irrigation at 7 d after flowering (W2). Compared with W2, W1 increased spike number, kernels per spike, and N and dry matter (DM) accumulation at flowering; delayed the senescence of flag leaves after flowering; increased the flag leaf photosynthetic rate, redistribution of N and DM from vegetative organs to grains in the middle and late grain filling stages, and grain yield; and decreased N and DM redistribution and grain weight during early grain development. This may be the reason why the N uptake efficiency and N productive efficiency were higher, whereas the productivities of water and N had no significant difference, and even water productivity was lower under W1 than W2. Therefore, on the basis of suitable water supply from jointing to flowering, achieving a high N and DM accumulation at flowering and high kernels per spike, if the grain development can be accelerated earlier and the redistribution of N and DM can be promoted, it is expected to further improve the productivities of water and N.