bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Increased Mortality for Individuals With Giant Cell Arteritis: A Population‐Based Study
Authors: Barra Lillian , Pope Janet E. , Pequeno Priscila , Gatley Jodi M. , Widdifield Jessica 
Published: February 2021

ObjectiveReports of mortality risks among individuals with giant cell arteritis (GCA) have been mixed. Our aim was to evaluate all‐cause mortality among individuals with GCA relative to the general population over time.MethodsWe performed a population‐based study in Ontario, Canada using health administrative data. We studied a cohort of 22,677 GCA patients ages ≥50 years that was identified using a validated case definition (with 81% positive predictive value, 100% specificity). General population comparators were residents ages ≥50 years without GCA. Deaths were ascertained from vital statistics. Annual crude, age‐ and sex‐standardized, and age‐ and sex‐specific all‐cause mortality rates were determined for individuals with and without GCA between 2000 and 2018. Standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) were estimated.ResultsAge‐ and sex‐standardized mortality rates were significantly higher for GCA patients than comparators, and trending to increase over time with 50.0 deaths per 1,000 GCA patients in 2000 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 34.0–71.1) and 57.6 deaths per 1,000 GCA patients in 2018 (95% CI 50.8–65.2), whereas mortality rates in the general population significantly declined over time. The annual SMRs for GCA patients generally increased over time, with the lowest SMR occurring in 2002 (1.22 [95% CI 1.03–1.40]) and the highest in 2018 (1.92 [95% CI 1.81–2.03]). GCA mortality rates were more elevated for male patients than female patients.ConclusionOver a 19‐year period, mortality rates were increased among GCA patients relative to the general population, and more premature deaths were occurring in younger age groups. The relative excess mortality for GCA patients did not improve over time.
Augmented Reality Interfaces Using Virtual Customization of Microstructured Electronic Skin Sensor Sensitivity Performances
Authors: Yao Haicheng , Sun Tao , Chiam John Solomon , Tan Melissa , Ho Khek Yu , Liu Zhuangjian , Tee Benjamin Chee Keong 
Published: February 2021

AbstractElectronic skins equip robots and biomedical devices with intuitive skin‐like sensitivity. Performance‐driven design of electronic skins is a critical need for electronic or biomedical applications. Prior research primarily focuses on investigating effects of microstructures on sensor performance at low pressure ranges. However, having predictive and tunable electro–mechanical responses across an extensive pressure range (>100 kPa) is paramount. Here, the authors propose a system that virtually customizes micropyramids for e‐skin sensors. The associations between geometry parameters, material properties, and single‐pyramid performance are systematically explored via numerical simulations, empirical characterizations, and analytical solutions. These experimentally validated models allow for the determination of the sensor parameters for the desired performance. An augmented reality interface system for surgery skills training by optimizing sensitivities that match varying tissue stiffnesses is further demonstrated. The platform enables greater effectiveness in rapidly iterating and designing micropyramidal e‐skin for applications in augmented reality interfaces, robotics, and telehealthcare.
Steering the Assembly and Disassembly of Active Pd Sites in Organometallic Networks for Electrocatalytic Performance and Organic Transformation
Authors: Zhou Xiao , Li Hong‐Bao , Yang Zhengkun , Xu An‐Wu 
Published: February 2021

AbstractHierarchical bottom‐up structuring in nature provides inspiration for the construction of self‐assembled complex with advanced properties out of simple building blocks. However, the development of self‐standing assemblies of ultrasmall metal nanoparticles using redox ligands is still challenging. Here, a molecule‐confined reduction strategy to prepare robust self‐organized superstructures through metal–ligand interfacial interactions and hydrogen bonding is reported. High‐density and well‐separated Pd nanoparticles and single atoms are embedded within organometallic matrixes (Pd@eFc) via in situ reduction of the Pd precursor by redox‐active ligands. Furthermore, these metal–organic networks can be disassembled into fragments with highly dispersed Pd nanoparticles and single atoms by solvent mediation. Strikingly, Pd@eFc disassembly delivers excellent oxygen reduction performance, while its assembly can act as a selective hydrogenation catalyst. This viable molecule‐confined reduction strategy can also be applied to other organometallic superstructures (e.g., Au@eFc, Ag@eFc). The findings thus encourage on‐going study to explore controlled hierarchically self‐assembled superstructures for a wide range of catalysis.
Thermoplastic Photoheating Polymer Enables 3D‐Printed Self‐Healing Light‐Propelled Smart Devices
Authors: Xuan Huixia , Guan Qingbao , Zhang Luzhi , You Zhengwei 
Published: February 2021

AbstractSwimming devices have shown great potential in various fields. Future swimming devices are expected to be capable of facile fabrication, smart on‐demand transportation, and self‐healing. Here, a swimming device is developed with the aforementioned features based on a newly designed photoheating thermoplastic poly(sebacoyl diglyceride‐co‐4,4′‐azodibenzoyl diglyceride) (PSeDA). PSeDA). PSeDA can be instantly heated by ultraviolet light to modulate its spatiotemporal viscoelasticity. Accordingly, a series of swimming devices are customized via single integrated 3D printing. The micrometer‐scale grid structure enables versatile multimode motion and generates a higher propulsive force than that of typical molded analogs based on the photoheat‐induced Marangoni effect. The device exhibits smart transportation capabilities, including capture, conveyance, and release, and is also the first of its kind to achieve self‐healing. This work provides a design principle for swimming devices in which the key is photoheating thermoplastics. This design principle of material is further demonstrated by synthesizing photoheating thermoplastics responsive to visible and near infrared light and will inspire an exciting field of thermoplastics.
Discrepancies on the Role of Oxygen Gradient and Culture Condition on Mesenchymal Stem Cell Fate
Authors: Samal Jay R. K. , Rangasami Vignesh K. , Samanta Sumanta , Varghese Oommen P. , Oommen Oommen P. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractOver the past few years, mesenchymal stem (or stromal) cells (MSCs) have garnered enormous interest due to their therapeutic value especially for their multilineage differentiation potential leading to regenerative medicine applications. MSCs undergo physiological changes upon in vitro expansion resulting in expression of different receptors, thereby inducing high variabilities in therapeutic efficacy. Therefore, understanding the biochemical cues that influence the native local signals on differentiation or proliferation of these cells is very important. There have been several reports that in vitro culture of MSCs in low oxygen gradient (or hypoxic conditions) upregulates the stemness markers and promotes cell proliferation in an undifferentiated state, as hypoxia mimics the conditions the progenitor cells experience within the tissue. However, different studies report different oxygen gradients and culture conditions causing ambiguity in their interpretation of the results. In this progress report, it is aimed to summarize recent studies in the field with specific focus on conflicting results reported during the application of hypoxic conditions for improving the proliferation or differentiation of MSCs. Further, it is tried to decipher the factors that can affect characteristics of MSC under hypoxia and suggest a few techniques that could be combined with hypoxic cell culture to better recapitulate the MSC tissue niche.
Printable and Stretchable Giant Magnetoresistive Sensors for Highly Compliant and Skin‐Conformal Electronics
Authors: Ha Minjeong , Cañón Bermúdez Gilbert Santiago , Kosub Tobias , Mönch Ingolf , Zabila Yevhen , Oliveros Mata Eduardo Sergio , Illing Rico , Wang Yakun , Fassbender Jürgen , Makarov Denys 
Published: February 2021

AbstractHighly compliant electronics, naturally conforming to human skin, represent a paradigm shift in the interplay with the surroundings. Solution‐processable printing technologies are yet to be developed to comply with requirements to mechanical conformability of on‐skin appliances. Here, it is demonstrated that high‐performance spintronic elements can be printed on ultrathin 3 µm thick polymeric foils enabling the mechanically imperceptible printed magnetoelectronics, which can adapt to the periodic buckling surface to be biaxially stretched over 100%. They constitute the first example of printed and stretchable giant magnetoresistive sensors, revealing 2 orders of magnitude improvements in mechanical stability and sensitivity at small magnetic fields, compared to the state‐of‐the‐art printed magnetoelectronics. The key enabler of this performance enhancement is the use of elastomeric triblock copolymers as a binder for the magnetosensitive paste. Even when bent to a radius of 16 µm, the sensors printed on ultrathin foils remain intact and possess unmatched sensitivity for printed magnetoelectronics of 3 T‐1 in a low magnetic field of 0.88 mT. The compliant printed sensors can be used as components of on‐skin interactive electronics as it is demonstrated with a touchless control of virtual objects including zooming in and out of interactive maps and scrolling through electronic documents.
Conformal Geometry and Multimaterial Additive Manufacturing through Freeform Transformation of Building Layers
Authors: Huang Jigang , Ware Henry Oliver T. , Hai Rihan , Shao Guangbin , Sun Cheng 
Published: February 2021

Abstract3D printing, formally known as additive manufacturing, creates complex geometries via layer‐by‐layer addition of materials. While 3D printing has been historically perceived as the static addition of build layers, 3D printing is now considered as a dynamic assembly process. In this context, here a new 3D printing process is reported that executes full degree‐of‐freedom (DOF) transformation (translating, rotating, and scaling) of each individual building layer while utilizing continuous fabrication techniques. Transforming individual building layers within the sequential layered manufacturing process enables dynamic transformation of the 3D printed parts on‐the‐fly, eliminating the time‐consuming redesign steps. Preserving the locality of the transformation to each layer further enables the discrete conformal transformation, allowing objects such as vascular scaffolds to be optimally fabricated to properly fit within specific patient anatomy obtained from the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measurements. Finally, exploiting the freedom to control the orientation of each individual building layer, multimaterials, multiaxis 3D printing capability are further established for integrating functional modules made of dissimilar materials in 3D printed devices. This final capability is demonstrated through 3D printing a soft pneumatic gripper via heterogenous integration of rigid base and soft actuating limbs.
Graphene: A Disruptive Opportunity for COVID‐19 and Future Pandemics?
Authors: Reina Giacomo , Iglesias Daniel , Samorì Paolo , Bianco Alberto 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe graphene revolution, which has taken place during the last 15 years, has represented a paradigm shift for science. The extraordinary properties possessed by this unique material have paved the road to a number of applications in materials science, optoelectronics, energy, and sensing. Graphene‐related materials (GRMs) are now produced in large scale and have found niche applications also in the biomedical technologies, defining new standards for drug delivery and biosensing. Such advances position GRMs as novel tools to fight against the current COVID‐19 and future pandemics. In this regard, GRMs can play a major role in sensing, as an active component in antiviral surfaces or in virucidal formulations. Herein, the most promising strategies reported in the literature on the use of GRM‐based materials against the COVID‐19 pandemic and other types of viruses are showcased, with a strong focus on the impact of functionalization, deposition techniques, and integration into devices and surface coatings.
3D Ordered Co@NC Skeleton for Bifunctional Oxygen Reduction and Oxygen Evolution Reaction Electrocatalysts
Authors: Cai Zihe , Lin Shengxuan , Xiao Jiajia , Muhmood Tahir , Hu Xiaobin 
Published: February 2021

AbstractTransition metal@nitrogen–carbon (M@NC) catalysts are greatly desired for zinc–air batteries due to the promising oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) properties. Herein, a uniformly distributed Co@NC catalyst derived from metal–organic frameworks is developed. The CoNx species and Co nanoparticles encapsulated in carbon networks promote ORR and OER kinetics synergistically. Moreover, a novel structure is designed for exposing active sites, which consists of 3D macroporous skeleton embedded in carbon fiber paper. It is revealed that the outstanding ORR and OER properties attribute to the sufficient active area obtained from porous structure and ultra‐thickness (280 µm). Besides, interconnected macropores provide abundant channels for mass transport. The liquid ZABs assembled using 3DOMCo@NC‐1‐090 displays outstanding performances.
Bipolar Conduction and Giant Positive Magnetoresistance in Doped Metallic Titanium Oxide Heterostructures
Authors: Huang Ke , Wang Tao , Jin Mengjia , Wu Liang , Wang Junyao Floria , Li Shengyao , Qi Dong‐Chen , Cheng Shuying , Li Yangyang , Chen Jingsheng , He Xiaozhong , Li Changjian , Pennycook Stephen J. , Renshaw Wang Xiao 
Published: February 2021

AbstractEmpowering conventional materials with unexpected magnetoelectric properties is appealing to the multi‐functionalization of existing devices and the exploration of future electronics. Recently, owing to its unique effect in modulating a matter's properties, ultra‐small dopants, for example, H, D, and Li, attract enormous attention in creating emergent functionalities, such as superconductivity, and metal–insulator transition. Here, an observation of bipolar conduction accompanied by a giant positive magnetoresistance in D‐doped metallic Ti oxide (TiOxDy) films is reported. To overcome the challenges in intercalating the D into a crystalline oxide, a series of TiOxDy is formed by sequentially doping Ti with D and surface/interface oxidation. Intriguingly, while the electron mobility of the TiOxDy increases by an order of magnitude larger after doping, the emergent holes also exhibit high mobility. Moreover, the bipolar conduction induces a giant magnetoresistance up to 900% at 6 T, which is ≈6 times higher than its conventional phase. This study paves a way to empower conventional materials in existing electronics and induce novel electronic phases.
Disentangling Bulk and Interface Phenomena in a Molecularly Doped Polymer Semiconductor
Authors: Lungwitz Dominique , Schultz Thorsten , Tait Claudia E. , Behrends Jan , Mohapatra Swagat K. , Barlow Stephen , Marder Seth R. , Opitz Andreas , Koch Norbert 
Published: February 2021

AbstractDoping the electron‐transport polymer poly{[N,N′‐bis(2‐octyldodecyl)naphthalene‐1,4,5,8‐bis(dicarboximide)‐2,6‐diyl]‐alt‐5,5′‐(2,2′‐bithiophene)} [P(NDI2OD‐T2)] with the bulky, strongly reducing metallocene 1,2,3,4,1′,2′,3′,4′‐octaphenylrhodocene (OPR) leads to an increased bulk conductivity and a decreased contact resistance. While the former arises from low‐level n‐doping of the intrinsic polymer and increased carrier mobility due to trap‐filling, the latter arises from a pronounced accumulation of dopant molecules at an indium tin oxide (ITO) substrate. Electron transfer from OPR to ITO leads to a work function reduction, which pins the Fermi level at the P(NDI2OD‐T2) conduction band and thus minimizes the electron injection barrier and the contact resistance. The results demonstrate that disentangling the effects of electrode modification by the dopant and bulk doping is essential to comprehensively understand doped organic semiconductors.
Rhodium‐Catalyzed Asymmetric Cycloisomerization of 1,3‐Diketones with Keto‐Vinylidenecyclopropanes: Synthesis of Enantiomerically Enriched Cyclic β‐Amino Alcohols
Authors: Xu Chen , Ning Chao , Yang Song , Wei Yin , Shi Min 
Published: February 2021

AbstractWe report here an effective and atom‐economical method to synthesize enantiomerically enriched cyclic β‐amino alcohols via a rhodium‐catalyzed asymmetric cycloisomerization of 1,3‐diketones with keto‐vinylidenecyclopropanes. The reactions proceed through a Rh‐catalyzed transformation of keto‐vinylidenecyclopropanes via cleavage of the distal C−C bond of the three‐membered ring as a three‐carbon synthon, allowing the generation of a range of enantiomerically enriched cyclic β‐amino alcohols tethered to an alkene and an 1,3‐dione moiety in good yields with high ee values under mild conditions. Derivatizations including allylation of the functionalized β‐amino alcohols and subsequent RCM reaction as well as the preparation of a pyrazole derivative were carried out as well.magnified image
Base‐Mediated Decarboxylative [3+2] Annulation of Ethynyl Benzoxazinanones and Benzimidamides: Synthesis of Imidazole Derivatives
Authors: Wang Lan , Jiang Feng , Gao Xing , Wang Wei , Wu Yongjun , Guo Hongchao , Zheng Bing 
Published: February 2021

AbstractA base‐mediated decarboxylative [3+2] annulation of trimethylsilylethynyl benzoxazinanones and benzimidamides hydrochloride was achieved under mild reaction conditions to give various imidazole derivatives in high yields. Notably, it demonstrated a new reaction mode of alkynyl benzoxazinanones.magnified image
Does conventional energy pricing induce innovation in renewable energy? New evidence from a nonlinear approach
Authors: Amin Modhurima Dey , Badruddoza Syed , McCluskey Jill J. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThis article theoretically and empirically studies the association between research and development investments in renewable energy (RE) and oil prices at the country level. We find a positive and robust association between patent counts for RE and price of crude oil using a panel of 46 countries for 1991–2013 in a fixed‐effects hurdle Negative Binomial control function framework. Results suggest that net conventional energy importing countries are more likely to invest in RE when oil prices increase. Countries with more electricity production, less emissions, and greater energy utilization generate more RE patents per year.JEL CLASSIFICATIONQ13; Q42; Q55
Cover crops can produce livestock forage in Chinese subtropical regions
Authors: Xu Liuxing , Tang Guojian , Liu Jiaxing , Tian Jing , Wang Xiaoya , Zhang Jianguo 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIt is common in South China that rice (Oryza sativa L.) fields are seeded with a cover crop following autumn harvest. The objective was to compare the effects of different no‐tillage methods on cover crop yield, nutritive composition, and silage fermentation quality of forage wheat (Triticum aestivum L. cv. Shimai‐1) and Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum L.). Cover crops were planted in winter fallow paddy fields 9 (NT9) and 5 (NT5) d prior to rice harvest and 1 d after rice harvest. Cover crops seeded prior to harvest were no‐tillage planted and cover crops seeded after rice harvest were either no‐tillage (NT1) or seeded using conventional techniques (CT1; plow followed by seeding). The cover crop biomass was determined before rice sowing in spring. Compared to NT9 and NT5, the dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP) yields of NT1 and CT1 were slightly higher. Compared to Italian ryegrass, forage wheat had high relative feed value and DM yield. The neutral detergent fiber concentration of NT9 and NT5 was higher than NT1 and CT1 (P < .05), whereas the water‐soluble carbohydrates (WSC) concentration was lower than NT1 and CT1 (P < .05). The CP, crude fiber, and WSC concentrations of forage wheat were lower than Italian ryegrass (P < .05). Interaction between years and cover crop type were observed in silage fermentation quality (P < .05). The best sowing method for forage wheat and Italian ryegrass on winter fallow paddy fields was no‐tillage sowing after rice harvest, based upon the present study.
Effects of reduced nitrogen application rate on drip‐irrigated cotton dry matter accumulation and yield under different phosphorus and potassium managements
Authors: Liu Yang , Wen Ming , Li Minghau , Zhao Wenqing , Li Penbing , Cui Jing , Ma Fuyu 
Published: February 2021

AbstractTo elucidate effects of reduced N application rate on dry matter accumulation and yield of drip‐irrigated cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) under different phosphorus and potassium managements (PK‐Ms), field studies with four reduced N application rates and four PK‐Ms were conducted in 2018 and 2019. Results show that after early peak boll‐forming (PB) stage, the leaf area (LA) in N3PK‐M3 was the highest among all treatments. The net assimilation rate (NAR), crop growth rate (CGR), boll dry weight (BDW), and boll growth rate (BGR) were highest in N2, followed by N3 with insignificant differences, and those parameters in PK‐M3 were the highest. The reproductive/vegetative biomass ratio (RVR) for N3PK‐M3 was the highest. The CGR, BDW, BGR, and NAR for N3PK‐M3 were insignificantly lower than those for N2PK‐M3, which increased yield in N2PK‐M3 and N3PK‐M3 treatments. Correlation analysis showed that BGR was positively related with CGR and NAR from peak flowering (PF) stage to boll opening (BO) stage, and CGR was significantly correlated with NAR and LA from PF to BO stage, and BO stage, respectively. Moreover, the yield was positively correlated with boll weight (BW) and boll number (BN), and BGR was significantly correlated with BN and BW from peak squaring stage to late PB stage. Therefore, high yield in N3PK‐M3 due to higher value in LA after boll‐forming stage, with higher NAR, CGR, RVR, and BGR, suggesting that early boll formation and successive partitioning of dry matter in boll growth were important factors for yield formation.
Enhancing photovoltaic performance via aggregation dynamics control in fused‐ring electron acceptor
Authors: Wang Jiayu , Zhu Runyu , Wang Shijie , Li Yawen , Jia Boyu , Zhou Jiadong , Xue Peiyao , Seibt Susanne , Lin Yuze , Xie Zengqi , Ma Wei , Zhan Xiaowei 
Published: February 2021

AbstractA new fused‐ring electron acceptor FNIC3 with dynamics controlled aggregation behavior was synthesized. FNIC3 shows strong absorption in 600–900 nm, HOMO/LUMO energy levels of −5.59/−4.04 eV, and electron mobility of 1.2 × 10−3 cm2 V−1 s−1. The aggregation of FNIC3 shows strong dependency on film formation time. Prolongation of film formation time promotes the crystallization of FNIC3, leading to improved crystallinity and enlarged aggregate sizes. Aggregation of FNIC3 significantly influences the photovoltaic device parameters. Appropriate aggregation red‐shifts the absorption and improves the mobilities of the blend, which contributes to high photocurrent and fill factor thus high power conversion efficiency (PCE). Overaggregation leads to increased nonradiative energy loss and insufficient charge generation, resulting in decreased open‐circuit voltage and short‐circuit current density. The blends based on PM6:FNIC3 fabricated under proper film formation time exhibit a PCE of 12.3%, higher than those fabricated under short and long film formation time (10.0–10.5%).