bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Realization of an Artificial Visual Nervous System using an Integrated Optoelectronic Device Array
Authors: Lee Tae‐Ju , Yun Kwang‐Ro , Kim Su‐Kyung , Kim Jong‐Ho , Jin Junyoung , Sim Kee‐Baek , Lee Da‐Hoon , Hwang Gyu Weon , Seong Tae‐Yeon 
Published: October 2021

AbstractHuman behavior (e.g., the response to any incoming information) has very complex forms and is based on the response to consecutive external stimuli entering varied sensory receptors. Sensory adaptation is an elementary form of the sensory nervous system known to filter out irrelevant information for efficient information transfer from consecutive stimuli. As bioinspired neuromorphic electronic system is developed, the functionality of organs shall be emulated at a higher level than the cell. Because it is important for electronic devices to possess sensory adaptation in spiking neural networks, the authors demonstrate a dynamic, real‐time, photoadaptation process to optical irradiation when repeated light stimuli are presented to the artificial photoreceptor. The filtered electrical signal generated by the light and the adapting signal produces a specific range of postsynaptic states through the neurotransistor, demonstrating changes in the response according to the environment, as normally perceived by the human brain. This successfully demonstrates plausible biological sensory adaptation. Further, the ability of this circuit design to accommodate changes in the intensity of bright or dark light by adjusting the sensitivity of the artificial photoreceptor is demonstrated. Thus, the proposed artificial photoreceptor circuits have the potential to advance neuromorphic device technology by providing sensory adaptation capabilities.
Tuning the p‐Orbital Electron Structure of s‐Block Metal Ca Enables a High‐Performance Electrocatalyst for Oxygen Reduction
Authors: Lin Zhiyu , Huang Hao , Cheng Ling , Hu Wei , Xu Pengping , Yang Yang , Li Jianmin , Gao Feiyue , Yang Kang , Liu Shuai , Jiang Peng , Yan Wensheng , Chen Shi , Wang Changlai , Tong Huigang , Huang Minxue , Zheng Wei , Wang Hui , Chen Qianwang 
Published: October 2021

AbstractMost previous efforts are devoted to developing transition metals as electrocatalysts guided by the d‐band center model. The metals of the s‐block of the periodic table have so far received little attention in the application of oxygen reduction reactions (ORR). Herein, a carbon catalyst with calcium (Ca) single atom coordinated with N and O is reported, which displays exceptional ORR activities in both acidic condition (E1/2 = 0.77 V, 0.1 m HClO4) and alkaline condition (E1/2 = 0.90 V, 0.1 m KOH). The CaN, O/C exhibits remarkable performance in zinc–air battery with a maximum power density of 218 mW cm–2, superior to a series of catalysts reported so far. X‐ray absorption near‐edge structure (XANES) characterization confirms the formation of N‐ and O‐atom‐coordinated Ca in the carbon matrix. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal that the high catalytic activity of main‐group Ca is ascribed to the fact that its p‐orbital electron structure is regulated by N and O coordination so that the highest peak (EP) of the projected density of states (PDOS) for the Ca atom is moved close to the Fermi level, thereby facilitating the adsorption of ORR intermediates and electron transfer.
Solution‐Processed Chemically Non‐Destructive Filter Transfer of Carbon‐Nanotube Thin Films onto Arbitrary Materials
Authors: Ishizaki Manabu , Satoh Daiki , Ando Rin , Funabe Mikuto , Matsui Jun , Kurihara Masato 
Published: October 2021

AbstractFilter‐transfer methods of single‐walled carbon‐nanotube (SWNT) thin films have been widely employed to fabricate state‐of‐the‐art electronics and photonics devices with highly transparent and conductive electrodes; however, a challenge remains for all solution‐processable technologies to overcome substrates’ destruction due to their solvent incompatibility. Here, an advanced method of transferring SWNT thin films onto arbitrary material substrates by adopting chemically stable and flexible polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) membranes is reported. Filtrated SWNT thin films on PTFE membranes (PTFE@SWNTs) press‐freely adhere to not only flat but curved substrates by their solvent‐wettability and flexibility natures, and are spontaneously transferred after low‐temperature evaporation of the wet solvents and peeling of the PTFE membrane. SWNT thin films transferred onto polyethylene terephthalate films show sheet resistance values of ≈400 Ω □−1 at ≈90% transmittance, which are drastically decreased to ≈50 Ω □−1 at ≈65% from ≈100 Ω □−1 at ≈80%. The wet solvents are suitably displaced based on solvent‐compatibility experiments with the substrates. Topically, it is demonstrated that the solvent‐wetted PTFE@SWNT can be non‐destructively placed onto a perovskite (CH3NH3PbI3) substrate via the as‐displaced various organic solvents. A pre‐doping process of PTFE@SWNTs is possible by using a HNO3 aqueous solution. The HNO3‐doped SWNT thin film is successfully transferred onto the perovskite substrate.
In Situ Assembly of DNA/Graphene Oxide Nanoplates to Reduce the Fire Threat of Flexible Foams
Authors: Maddalena Lorenza , Carosio Federico , Fina Alberto 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThe layer‐by‐layer surface modification of open cell foams is a recently developed route to reduce the fire threat of this class of materials. This approach generally requires a high number of deposition steps to achieve the desired properties. This paper reports the water‐based single‐step deposition of efficient flame retardant coatings encompassing graphene oxide (GO) and DNA. During the deposition, a temperature‐induced in situ assembly of the GO+DNA produces a continuous and thermally robust protective layer on the structure of the polyurethane (PU) foam where GO nanoplates are held together by DNA acting as a ligand. This GO+DNA coating can effectively prevent flame spread during flammability tests performed in horizontal or vertical configuration while considerably reducing the rate of combustion and production of smoke by cone calorimetry (−75% and 30% in peak of heat release rate and total smoke release, respectively). The DNA promotes the formation of a protective structure that efficiently limits heat and volatiles transfer from and to the flame thus resulting in flame retardant (FR) performances capable of outperforming many of the FR coatings developed so far for PU foams. The proposed approach potentially opens up to the development of high performing FR solutions based on graphene‐related materials and bio‐based components.
Semiconductive‐Ferroelectric‐Enhanced Photo‐Electrochemistry with Collective Improvements on Light Absorption, Charge Separation, and Carrier Transportation
Authors: Gong Yuedong , Li Yi , Chen Jianguo , Guo Hui , Sun Chenwei , Li Chun , Cao Ruiguo , Jiao Shuhong , Huang Lu , Yang Weiguang , Yu Yanhao 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThe efficiency of photo‐electrochemistry is jointly determined by multiple factors such as light absorption, charge separation, and carrier transportation. It is essential to maximize all of them but has proved challenging especially for photoelectrodes made from wide‐bandgap semiconductors. Here, a conceptually new strategy noted as semiconductive‐ferroelectric‐enhanced photo‐electrochemistry (SF‐PEC) is reported based on a doped TiO2‐BaxSr1−xTiO3 (BST) core–shell nanowire array. Through an in situ surface conversion and an electron/nitrogen codoping process, a self‐polarized, surface‐amorphized, and doped BST thin layer is created on the surface of TiO2, resulting in a semiconductive‐ferroelectric‐enhanced TiO2 (SF‐TiO2) photoelectrode. Compared with pristine TiO2 and ferroelectric‐enhanced TiO2 (F‐TiO2), the SF‐TiO2 has stronger light absorption, greater charge separation, and faster carrier transportation, which is identified to be a synergistic outcome of the reduced bandgap, moderate ferroelectric polarization, and high carrier density and mobility. The photocurrent density of SF‐TiO2 reaches 1.87 mA cm−2 at 1.23 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE), 1.39 and 2.46 times higher than that of F‐TiO2 and TiO2, respectively. The SF‐TiO2 maintains over 90% of its photocurrent density after being aged in air for 11 months. This work provides new insights to extend the efficiency limit of photo‐electrochemistry.
Constructing the Triple‐Phase Boundaries of Integrated Air Electrodes for High‐Performance Zn–Air Batteries
Authors: Shang Wenxu , Yu Wentao , Ma Yanyi , He Yi , Zhao Zhongxi , Ni Meng , Zhao Hong , Tan Peng 
Published: October 2021

AbstractRechargeable zinc (Zn)–air batteries receive research interest due to the high theoretical energy density, intrinsic safety, and excellent market competition. The design of the triple‐phase (solid/liquid/gas) boundaries of the air electrode is the key to excellent performance. Although integrated air electrodes ensure the large active sites, rapid electron and species transport, and good stability during the long‐term operation, the massive agglomeration of hydrophobic binder always leads to the reduction of triple‐phase boundaries using conventional fabrication strategies. To address this issue, a novel strategy for constructing the triple‐phase boundaries of an integrated Co3O4 electrode is proposed through hydrothermal treatment under a high temperature. The ultrasmall hydrophobic particles distribute extremely uniformly in Co3O4 nanowires, which do not cover the electrode surface and create good gas‐phase boundaries, leading to a high‐performance Zn–air battery with a high discharge voltage of 1.13 V and a low charge voltage of 2.06 V at even 10 mA cm−2, a high peak power density of 51.7 mW cm−2, and a small voltage gap increment of only 86 mV after 1000 cycles. This strategy greatly enhances the performance and durability of integrated air electrodes, raising the attention to boundary design for other electrochemical energy conversion and storage devices.
The effect of COVID‐19 on food sales
Authors: Zeballos Eliana , Dong Xiao 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBoth COVID‐19 pandemic‐related restrictions and recessionary employment loss severely impacted US food sales during 2020. This article estimates the historical relationship between food expenditures and employment at the county level. Using these estimates, we simulate the impact of the loss of employment on food sales and find that, on average, employment loss increased food‐at‐home (FAH) sales by 1.3% and decreased food‐away‐from‐home (FAFH) sales by 0.5% in 2020. We argue differences to the actual 4.8% increase in FAH sales and 19.5% decrease in FAFH sales in 2020 likely stem from the more drastic COVID‐19 pandemic‐related restrictions and behavioral changes.
Grip strength as a predictor of postoperative delirium in patients with colorectal cancers
Authors: Arita Asami , Takahashi Hidekazu , Ogino Takayuki , Miyoshi Norikatsu , Uemura Mamoru , Akasaka Hiroshi , Sugimoto Ken , Rakugi Hiromi , Doki Yuichiro , Eguchi Hidetoshi 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe population is aging rapidly, and the population of patients who undergo surgeries is aging, too. Elderly patients have much risk of postoperative delirium, which increases the number of adverse events. The aim of this study was to investigate the risk factors of postoperative delirium in elderly patients with colorectal cancer.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective cohort analysis of consecutive patients aged 70 years and older who underwent surgeries for colorectal cancer at our department in the period from May 2012 to October 2019. We investigated the correlation between the incidence of postoperative delirium and Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) scores, comorbidities, and perioperative factors. Postoperative delirium was retrospectively diagnosed by checking clinical records.ResultsPostoperative delirium was diagnosed in 36 of 271 patients (13.3%) with colorectal cancer. Among many comorbidities, only renal disease was significantly associated with postoperative delirium. Among the items in the CGA, age; Mini‐Mental State Exam (MMSE), Barthel Index, Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL), Vitality Index, and Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) scores; and grip strength were associated with postoperative delirium. Among perioperative factors, blood transfusion was associated with postoperative delirium. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified older age, MMSE, GDS, and grip strength as significant independent risk factors for postoperative delirium.ConclusionsThis single‐center retrospective observational study demonstrated that grip strength is an independent predictor of postoperative delirium, along with age, MMSE, and GDS.
Ultra‐deep catalytic adsorptive desulfurization of diesel fuel using Ti‐silica gel adsorbent at low Ti‐loading
Authors: Dong Lei , Dai Xiong , Peng Chong , Yang Cuiting , Li Guoqing , Chen Shibin , Miao Guang , Xiao Jing 
Published: October 2021

AbstractIn this work, the effective ultra‐deep catalytic adsorptive desulfurization (CADS) using titanium‐silica gel (Ti‐SG) adsorbent at low Ti loading (<1 wt.%) was investigated. The superior CADS capacity (37.3 mg‐S/g‐A) and high TOF value (432 h−1) for dibenzothiophene (DBT) of Ti‐SG adsorbent were achieved at Ti loading of 0.6% with high dispersion and low titanium coordination. The rate equation of catalytic DBT oxidation was described as , where the TiOOR was determined as the intermediate to enable the DBT oxidation to form the corresponding sulfone (DBTO2). The effectiveness of CADS using Ti‐SG adsorbents was verified in real diesels with varied sulfur concentrations and O/S ratios in the dynamic adsorption and multicycle regeneration. This work provides insights on using low‐cost bifunctional catalytic adsorbents at low Ti loadings for effective CADS to realize ultra‐deep desulfurization of transportation fuels.
Design of ionic liquids for dewatering stable solid/liquid complex slurries
Authors: Berton Paula , Chen Yi N. , Manouchehr Shokoufeh , Wong Kyle , Ahmadi Zohrab , Bryant Steven L. , Rogers Robin D. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractExploitation of mineable oil sands in Canada has thus far produced over 50 km2 of tailings in ponds where the fine solids remain suspended for years, even decades. These ponds represent a major liability and environmental burden for operating companies, with their dewatering critical to their remediation. In this work, we used the chemistry of the tailing pond constituents to design an ionic liquid (IL) for dewatering the mature fine tailings (MFT), taking advantage of the ability to introduce unique and different functionalities into each ion of the IL. We chose a class of protic ILs whose ions will interact with the solids while rejecting water. As an example, octylammonium oleate can be used to remove more than 70% of the water from MFT. The nature of the ILs makes their use amenable to a variety of large‐scale separation techniques allowing engineering versatility in the design of the final process.
Copper‐Catalyzed Difluoromethylation of Alkyl Iodides Enabled by Aryl Radical Activation of Carbon–Iodine Bonds
Authors: Cai Aijie , Yan Wenhao , Wang Chao , Liu Wei 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThe engagement of unactivated alkyl halides in copper‐catalyzed cross‐coupling reactions has been historically challenging, due to their low reduction potential and the slow oxidative addition of copper(I) catalysts. In this work, we report a novel strategy that leverages the halogen abstraction ability of aryl radicals, thereby engaging a diverse range of alkyl iodides in copper‐catalyzed Negishi‐type cross‐coupling reactions at room temperature. Specifically, aryl radicals generated via copper catalysis efficiently initiate the cleavage of the carbon–iodide bonds of alkyl iodides. The alkyl radicals thus generated enter the copper catalytic cycles to couple with a difluoromethyl zinc reagent, thus furnishing the alkyl difluoromethane products. This unprecedented Negishi‐type difluoromethylation approach has been applied to the late‐stage modification of densely functionalized pharmaceutical agents and natural products.
Techno‐economic analysis of the production of acetic acid via thermochemical processing of residual woody biomass in Ecuador
Authors: Guevara‐Fernandez Diego , Proano‐Aviles Juan 
Published: October 2021

AbstractEcuador imports most of its chemicals for industrial use. Ecuador underutilizes its 19 million t year–1 of waste biomass, so there is potential to produce chemicals from it using biochemical or thermochemical pathways. This study performs a techno‐economic analysis with ASPEN Hysys to quantify the feasibility of a dedicated acetic acid production facility from biomass in Pichincha, Ecuador. Using sensitivity analysis and considering financial metrics such as the internal rate of return, minimum selling price, and net present value, it determines that the project is not feasible if the size of the plant targets only 10% of the Ecuadorian market. On the other hand, the project becomes feasible when the capacity factor of the plant increases to 360 t year–1 of acetic acid with a project lifespan of 10 years or more, as is expected when economies of scale reduce production costs. Minimum selling prices for acetic acid of 1.98 and 0.22 USD kg–1 were obtained considering a project lifespan of 10 and 20 years, respectively. The price for a product with the same characteristics in the local market is 23.50 USD kg–1. These values allow a price for acetic acid to be defined between 1.98 and 23.50 USD kg–1 for a 10‐year lifespan, and between 0.22 and 23.50 USD kg–1 for a 20‐year lifespan. The key factors affecting the project's outcome, identified from the sensitivity analysis, are plant service factors, production yields, and co‐product prices. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Clinical application of vancomycin population pharmacokinetics model in patients with hematological diseases and neutropenia
Authors: Fu Xiangjun , Lin Liangmo , Huang Li , Guo Li 
Published: October 2021

AbstractTo explore the clinical application of a population pharmacokinetics (PPK) model of vancomycin in patients with hematological diseases and neutropenia. Patients with hematological diseases and neutropenia were included in the PPK model study. Nonlinear mixed effect modeling approach (NONMEM) was used for model establishment. Monte Carlo simulation was carried out. A total of 74 patients were divided into model group and non‐model group for clinical application research. The model group was given the initial dose of 1g q8h, and the non‐model group was given 1g q12h as an empiric initial dosage. The follow‐up dose adjustments were made according to the concentration results. This two‐compartment model showed good stability and accuracy. The first trough concentration (C0) and the compliance rate of the first C0 were much higher in the model group than that in the non‐model group (14.30 ± 4.73 μg/ml and 59.38% vs. 8.02 ± 2.61 μg/ml, 35.71%). Less patients needed dose adjustments and fewer adjustment times in the model group than those in the non‐model group (12.50% and 0.13 ± 0.34 times vs. 50.00% and 0.61 ± 0.66 times). This suggested that for those patients who had a Creatinine clearance rate (CLCR) ≥ 90 ml/min/1.73 m2, the initial dose of 1g q8h may help to reach the target C0 (10∼20 μg/ml) quickly. It also helped to reduce the times and number of patients who need dose adjustments. Our PPK model of vancomycin in patients with hematologic diseases and neutropenia can be used to shorten the time to reach the target concentration and reduce the number of dose adjustments.Clinical trial registration: Not applicable (Retrospective study).
Dose identification of triamcinolone acetonide for noninvasive pre‐corneal administration in the treatment of posterior uveitis using a rapid, sensitive HPLC method with photodiode‐array detector
Authors: Khan Mohammed Shareef , Ravi Punna Rao , Mullapudi Tanaje Venkata RadhaKrishna 
Published: October 2021

AbstractTriamcinolone acetonide (TAA) is the drug of choice in the management of ocular inflammations due to its anti‐inflammatory and immuno‐suppressant activity. Available marketed formulations (Triesence, Trivaris, Kenalog) are in the suspension form recommended to be administered via intravitreal injection, which has many major complications. In the present study, we have designed and evaluated Hydroxypropyl‐β‐cyclodextrin (HP‐β‐CD),) based conventional formulations of TAA (aqueous suspensions) with different dose strengths to identify the dose strength required for achieving the effective concentrations in vitreous humor following pre‐corneal administration of the formulations. Ocular pharmacokinetic studies of conventional formulations of triamcinolone acetonide (TAA) with different dose strengths (1 mg/30µL, 2 mg/30µL, 4 mg/30µL) were performed to identify the dose strength required to produce effective concentrations of TAA in the aqueous and vitreous humor. A rapid, sensitive, selective, accurate and precise bioanalytical method utilizing a small sampling volume (<45 µL) was developed and validated for quantification of TAA in the samples obtained from the ocular pharmacokinetic studies. Aqueous suspensions of TAA with 20% HP‐β‐CD produced time course profiles in the aqueous humor at all the dose strengths. However, measurable concentrations and time course of TAA in vitreous humor were achieved only with 4 mg/30µL dose strength.
The prognostic value of preoperative serum lactate dehydrogenase levels in patients underwent curative‐intent hepatectomy for colorectal liver metastases: A two‐center cohort study
Authors: Bai Long , Lin Ze‐Yu , Lu Yun‐Xin , Chen Qin , Zhou Han , Meng Qi , Lin Chun‐Ping , Huang Wan‐Lan , Wan Yun‐Le , Pan Zhi‐Zhong , Wang De‐Shen 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe prognostic value of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in colorectal cancer patients has remained inconsistent between nonmetastatic and metastatic settings. So far, very few studies have included LDH in the prognostic analysis of curative‐intent surgery for colorectal liver metastases (CRLM).Patients and MethodsFive hundred and eighty consecutive metastatic colorectal cancer patients who underwent curative‐intent CRLM resection from Sun Yat‐sen University Cancer Center (434 patients) and Sun Yat‐sen University Sixth Affiliated Hospital (146 patients) in 2000–2019 were retrospectively collected. Overall survival (OS) was the primary end point. Cox regression model was performed to identify the prognostic values of preoperative serum LDH levels and other clinicopathology variables. A modification of the established Fong CRS scoring system comprising LDH was developed within this Chinese population.ResultsAt the median follow‐up time of 60.5 months, median OS was 59.5 months in the pooled cohort. In the multivariate analysis, preoperative LDH >upper limit of normal (250 U/L) was the strongest independent prognostic factor for OS (HR 1.73, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.22–2.44; p < 0.001). Patients with elevated LDH levels showed impaired OS than patients with normal LDH levels (27.6 months vs. 68.8 months). Five‐year survival rates were 53.7% and 22.5% in the LDH‐normal group and LDH‐high group, respectively. Similar results were also confirmed in each cohort. In the subgroup analysis, LDH could distinguish the survival regardless of most established prognostic factors (number and size of CRLM, surgical margin, extrahepatic metastases, CEA, and CA19‐9 levels, etc.). Integrating LDH into the Fong score contributed to an improvement in the predictive value.ConclusionOur study implicates serum LDH as a reliable and independent laboratory biomarker to predict the clinical outcome of curative‐intent surgery for CRLM. Composite of LDH and Fong score is a potential stratification tool for CRLM resection. Prospective, international studies are needed to validate these results across diverse populations.