bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Radial Alignment of Carbon Nanotubes via Dead‐End Filtration
Authors: Rust Christian , Schill Elias , Garrity Oisín , Spari Manuel , Li Han , Bacher Andreas , Guttmann Markus , Reich Stephanie , Flavel Benjamin S. 
Published: February 2023

AbstractDead‐end filtration is a facile method to globally align single wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) in large area films with a 2D order parameter, S2D, approaching unity. Uniaxial alignment has been achieved using pristine and hot‐embossed membranes but more sophisticated geometries have yet to be investigated. In this work, three different patterns with radial symmetry and an area of 3.8 cm2 are created. Two of these patterns are replicated by the filtered SWCNTs and S2D values of ≈0.85 are obtained. Each of the radially aligned SWCNT films is characterized by scanning cross‐polarized microscopy in reflectance and laser imaging in transmittance with linear, radial, and azimuthal polarized light fields. The former is used to define a novel indicator akin to the 2D order parameter using Malu's law, yielding 0.82 for the respective film. The films are then transferred to a flexible printed circuit board and terminal two‐probe electrical measurements are conducted to explore the potential of those new alignment geometries.
Recent Progress in Interface Engineering of Nanostructures for Photoelectrochemical Energy Harvesting Applications
Authors: Zi You , Hu Yi , Pu Junmei , Wang Mengke , Huang Weichun 
Published: February 2023

AbstractWith rapid and continuous consumption of nonrenewable energy, solar energy can be utilized to meet the energy requirement and mitigate environmental issues in the future. To attain a sustainable society with an energy mix predominately dependent on solar energy, photoelectrochemical (PEC) device, in which semiconductor nanostructure‐based photocatalysts play important roles, is considered to be one of the most promising candidates to realize the sufficient utilization of solar energy in a low‐cost, green, and environmentally friendly manner. Interface engineering of semiconductor nanostructures has been qualified in the efficient improvement of PEC performances including three basic steps, i.e., light absorption, charge transfer/separation, and surface catalytic reaction. In this review, recently developed interface engineering of semiconductor nanostructures for direct and high‐efficiency conversion of sunlight into available forms (e.g., chemical fuels and electric power) are summarized in terms of their atomic constitution and morphology, electronic structure and promising potential for PEC applications. Extensive efforts toward the development of high‐performance PEC applications (e.g., PEC water splitting, PEC photodetection, PEC catalysis, PEC degradation and PEC biosensors) are also presented and appraised. Last but not least, a brief summary and personal insights on the challenges and future directions in the community of next‐generation PEC devices are also provided.
Rational Design of a Rare‐Earth Oxychalcogenide Nd3[Ga3O3S3][Ge2O7] with Superior Infrared Nonlinear Optical Performance
Authors: Ran Mao‐Yin , Zhou Sheng‐Hua , Wei Wen‐Bo , Li Bing‐Xuan , Wu Xin‐Tao , Lin Hua , Zhu Qi‐Long 
Published: February 2023

AbstractInorganic chalcogenides have been studied as the most promising infrared (IR) nonlinear optical (NLO) candidates for the past decades. However, it is proven difficult to discover high‐performance materials that combine the often‐incompatible properties of large energy gap (Eg) and strong second harmonic generation (SHG) response (deff), especially for rare‐earth chalcogenides. Herein, centrosymmetric Cs3[Sb3O6][Ge2O7] is selected as a maternal structure and a new noncentrosymmetric rare‐earth oxychalcogenide, namely, Nd3[Ga3O3S3][Ge2O7], is successfully designed and obtained by the module substitution strategy for the first time. Especially, Nd3[Ga3O3S3][Ge2O7] is the first case of breaking the trade‐off relationship between wideEg(>3.5 eV) and largedeff(>0.5 × AgGaS2) in rare‐earth chalcogenide system, and thus displays an outstanding IR‐NLO comprehensive performance. Detailed structure analyses and theoretical studies reveal that the NLO effect originates mainly from the cooperation of heteroanionic [GaO2S2] and [NdO2S6] asymmetric building blocks. This work not only presents an excellent rare‐earth IR‐NLO candidate, but also plays a crucial role in the rational structure design of other NLO materials in which both largeEgand strongdeffare pursued.
Functional microneedles for wearable electronics
Authors: Zhang Xiaoxuan , Lu Minhui , Cao Xinyue , Zhao Yuanjin 
Published: February 2023

AbstractWith an ideal comfort level, sensitivity, reliability, and user‐friendliness, wearable sensors are making great contributions to daily health care, nursing care, early disease discovery, and body monitoring. Some wearable sensors are imparted with hierarchical and uneven microstructures, such as microneedle structures, which not only facilitate the access to multiple bio‐analysts in the human body but also improve the abilities to detect feeble body signals. In this paper, we present the promising applications and latest progress of functional microneedles in wearable sensors. We begin by discussing the roles of microneedles as sensing units, including how the signals are captured, converted, and transmitted. We also introduce the microneedle‐like structures as power units, which depend on triboelectric or piezoelectric effects, etc. Finally, we summarize the cutting‐edge applications of microneedle‐based wearable sensors in biophysical signal monitoring and biochemical analyte detection, and provide critical thinking on their future perspectives.
Quantitative Characterization of Local Thermal Properties in Thermoelectric Ceramics Using “Jumping‐Mode” Scanning Thermal Microscopy
Authors: Alikin Denis , Zakharchuk Kiryl , Xie Wenjie , Romanyuk Konstantin , Pereira Maria J. , Arias‐Serrano Blanca I. , Weidenkaff Anke , Kholkin Andrei , Kovalevsky Andrei V. , Tselev Alexander 
Published: February 2023

AbstractThermoelectric conversion may take a significant share in future energy technologies. Oxide‐based thermoelectric composite ceramics attract attention for promising routes for control of electrical and thermal conductivity for enhanced thermoelectric performance. However, the variability of the composite properties responsible for the thermoelectric performance, despite nominally identical preparation routes, is significant, and this cannot be explained without detailed studies of thermal transport at the local scale. Scanning thermal microscopy (SThM) is a scanning probe microscopy method providing access to local thermal properties of materials down to length scales below 100 nm. To date, realistic quantitative SThM is shown mostly for topographically very smooth materials. Here, methods for SThM imaging of bulk ceramic samples with relatively rough surfaces are demonstrated. “Jumping mode” SThM (JM‐SThM), which serves to preserve the probe integrity while imaging rough surfaces, is developed and applied. Experiments with real thermoelectric ceramics show that the JM‐SThM can be used for meaningful quantitative imaging. Quantitative imaging is performed with the help of calibrated finite‐elements model of the SThM probe. The modeling reveals non‐negligible effects associated with the distributed nature of the resistive SThM probes used; corrections need to be made depending on probe‐sample contact thermal resistance and probe current frequency.
Recent Advances on the Abrasion Resistance Enhancements and Applications of Superhydrophobic Materials
Authors: Li Xinyi , Yang Kangli , Yuan Zhiqing , Liu Shujuan , Du Juan , Li Cancheng , Meng Shoutong 
Published: February 2023

AbstractResearches on superhydrophobicity have been overwhelming and have shown great advantages in various fields. However, the abrasion resistance of superhydrophobic structures was usually poor, and they were easily damaged by external force or harsh environment, which greatly limited the applications of superhydrophobic surfaces. Much attention has been paid to improving the abrasion resistance of superhydrophobic materials by researchers. In this review, aimed at the advances on improving the abrasion resistance of superhydrophobic surfaces, it was summarized and compared three enhancement strategies including the reasonably design of micro‐nano structures, the adoption of adhesives, and the preparation of self‐healing surface. Finally, the applications of typical superhydrophobic materials with abrasion resistance were reviewed in various fields. In order to broaden the application fields of superhydrophobic materials, the abarasion resistance should be further improved. Therefore, we proposed the ideas for the future development of superhydrophobic materials with higher abrasion resistance. We hope that this review will provide a new approach to the preparation and development of stable superhydrophobic surfaces with higher abrasion resistance.
Classroom silence and learner‐initiated repair: Using conversation analysis–informed material design to develop interactional repertoires
Authors: Harumi Seiko 
Published: February 2023

AbstractThis article explores the use of conversation analysis (CA)–informed speaking task design to develop second language (L2) learners' interactional repertoires in L2 classrooms. The study draws on the voices of teachers and Japanese learners of English as a foreign language (EFL) who encountered difficulties or dilemmas in L2 interaction due to cross‐culturally different interactional rules. It focuses on developing L2 learners' repair strategies to enhance their interactional repertoires in relation to the reasons behind classroom silence. The study regards silence and learner‐initiated repair as intertwined interactional resources frequently occurring within the same sequence but with distinct functions. Silence functions as an interactional cue, preluding forthcoming repair, whereas repair practices can play a crucial role in the progress of interaction. CA‐informed pedagogical approaches help learners to self‐mediate classroom silence and thereby promote interaction, by encouraging them to use repair strategies. This study presents a framework for developing CA‐informed material through a needs analysis, reflective observation of L2 interaction, and learner‐initiated repair. It aims to raise awareness of essential interactional repertoires rarely explored in English language teaching (ELT) material design. It suggests that ELT material adopting CA perspectives can be an indispensable bridge mediating classroom interaction.
Prevalence of deep and ovarian endometriosis in women attending a general gynecology clinic: prospective cohort study
Authors: Chaggar P. , Tellum T. , Thanatsis N. , De Braud L. V. , Setty T. , Jurkovic D. 
Published: February 2023

ABSTRACTObjectivesTo assess using transvaginal ultrasound the prevalence of deep and ovarian endometriosis in premenopausal women attending a general gynecology clinic. We also investigated whether the presence of endometriosis was associated with various demographic factors and other pelvic abnormalities.MethodsThis was a prospective observational cohort study carried out between February 2019 and October 2020. Consecutive premenopausal women who attended our general gynecology clinic underwent pelvic ultrasound examination, performed by a single experienced operator. Pregnant women and those with a history of hysterectomy or oophorectomy were excluded. The primary outcome was the prevalence of deep and/or ovarian endometriosis. Secondary outcomes were the anatomical distribution of endometriotic lesions and the association of endometriosis with demographic characteristics and various pelvic abnormalities, which were analyzed using logistic regression and multivariable analysis.ResultsA total of 1026 women were included in the final study sample, of whom 194 (18.9% (95% CI, 16.6–21.4%)) had sonographic evidence of deep and/or ovarian endometriosis. Of the 194 women diagnosed with endometriosis, 106 (54.6% (95% CI, 47.4–61.8%)) were diagnosed with endometriotic nodules only, 26 (13.4% (95% CI, 9.0–19.0%)) with ovarian endometriomas only, and 62 (32.0% (95% CI, 25.5–39.0%)) women had evidence of both. There was a total of 348 endometriotic nodules in 168 women, located most frequently in the retrocervical area (166/348; 47.7% (95% CI, 42.4–53.1%)), uterosacral ligaments (96/348; 27.6% (95% CI, 23.0–32.6%)) and bowel (40/348; 11.5% (95% CI, 8.3–15.3%)). Multivariable analysis found significant positive associations between endometriosis and both adenomyosis (odds ratio (OR), 1.72 (95% CI, 1.10–2.69); P = 0.02) and pelvic adhesions (OR, 25.7 (95% CI, 16.7–39.3); P < 0.001), whilst higher parity (OR, 0.44 (95% CI, 0.24–0.81); P = 0.03) and history of Cesarean section (OR, 0.18 (95% CI, 0.06–0.52); P = 0.002) were associated with a lower occurrence of endometriosis. A total of 75/1026 women (7.3% (95% CI, 5.8–9.1%)) underwent laparoscopy within 6 months of pelvic ultrasound examination. There was very good agreement between ultrasound and surgical findings, with a kappa value of 0.84 (95% CI, 0.69–0.99).ConclusionsDeep and/or ovarian endometriosis was present in nearly one in five women attending a general gynecology clinic. There were significant positive associations with adenomyosis and pelvic adhesions and negative associations with higher parity and previous Cesarean section. © 2023 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Clinical utility of expanded non‐invasive prenatal screening compared with chromosomal microarray analysis in over 8000 pregnancies without major structural anomaly
Authors: Maya I. , Salzer Sheelo L. , Brabbing‐Goldstein D. , Matar R. , Kahana S. , Agmon‐Fishman I. , Klein C. , Gurevitch M. , Basel‐Salmon L. , Sagi‐Dain L. 
Published: February 2023

ABSTRACTObjectivesTo evaluate the theoretical added value of two types of non‐invasive prenatal screening (NIPS) expansions in pregnancies without major structural anomalies over the commonly used NIPS for chromosomes 13, 18, 21, X and Y (5‐NIPS) and to compare them with the added value of chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA).MethodsThis was a retrospective cohort study based on CMA results of all pregnancies with normal ultrasound (including pregnancies with soft markers and with abnormal maternal serum screening) that had undergone amniocentesis between January 2013 to February 2022 and were registered in the database of the Rabin Medical Center genetic laboratory. We calculated the theoretical yield of 5‐NIPS and compared the added value of expanded 5‐NIPS for common microdeletions (1p36.3–1p36.2, 4p16.3–4p16.2, 5p15.3–5p15.1, 15q11.2–15q13.1 and 22q11.2) and genome‐wide NIPS (including variants > 5 Mb) with the added value of CMA in the overall cohort and in subgroups according to indication for invasive testing.ResultsAmong the 8605 examined pregnancies, 122 (1.4%) clinically significant CMA results were demonstrated. Of these, 44 (36.1%) were theoretically detectable on 5‐NIPS, with the rates of 1.56% in 642 pregnancies with abnormal maternal serum screening, 0.63% in 318 pregnancies with soft markers, 0.62% in 4378 women with advanced maternal age (≥ 35 years) and 0.15% in 3267 women younger than 35 years. In addition to aneuploidies detectable on 5‐NIPS, three (0.03%) cases detectable on 5‐NIPS expanded for common microdeletions and nine (0.10%) cases detectable on genome‐wide NIPS (excluding common microdeletions) were identified in the overall cohort. The added value of expanded NIPS tools over 5‐NIPS was significantly lower compared with that of CMA, for the overall cohort and subgroups.Conclusions5‐NIPS and even genome‐wide NIPS would miss 63.9% and 54.1% of clinically significant CMA findings, respectively. The added value of 5‐NIPS expanded to detect common microdeletions over 5‐NIPS is about 0.035%, and the overall added value of genome‐wide NIPS aimed at large CNVs is about 0.14%, both much lower compared with the added value of CMA (0.91%). These findings should assist healthcare practitioners in guiding couples towards informed decision‐making regarding the choice between prenatal invasive testing and NIPS. © 2023 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Don't use it? Don't lose it! Why active use is not required for stimuli, resources or “enrichments” to have welfare value
Authors: Decker Samuel , Lavery J. Michelle , Mason Georgia J. 
Published: February 2023

AbstractCurrent frameworks for designing and evaluating good enclosures and “enrichments” typically focus on animals' active interactions with these features. This has undoubtedly improved the welfare of zoo‐housed animals over the last 30 years or more. However, literature reviews from this same period identify persistent gaps in how such frameworks are applied: experiences and behaviors that do not rely on active interaction with stimuli or resources are largely ignored, when evaluating the welfare value of enclosures and enrichments within them. Here, we review research evidence demonstrating that active interaction is not always a reliable measure of welfare value, showing that items that elicit little or no interaction can nevertheless still reduce stress and improve well‐being. This evidence largely comes from research on humans, lab animals and farm animals, but also from some zoo studies too. We then investigate why. We review psychology and ethology literatures to show that such welfare benefits can arise from five, non‐mutually exclusive, processes or mechanisms that are well‐understood in humans and domestic animals: (1) some motivations are sated quickly by interaction with resources, yet still have large welfare benefits; (2) active interaction may just be a way to achieve a goal or solve a problem, without being beneficial for welfare in itself; (3) having opportunities for choice and control may be inherently beneficial, even when not acted on; (4) some enclosure features meet social needs for structure, landmarks, and blocked sightlines; and (5) some stimuli may be preferred because they signaled good environments to an animal's ancestors. We use this information to identify improved ways of enhancing and assessing zoo animal welfare. Incorporating these concepts should expand the scope of behaviors and subjective experiences that are targeted, to now include those that involve little active interaction and yet still are important for good welfare.
Conclusions. Causality Between Plurality and Unity
Authors: Damonte Alessia , Negri Fedra 
Published: February 2023

AbstractThe previous chapters convey the image of causal analysis in public policy and beyond as a fragmented field where research communities seldom learn from each other’s findings. This chapter resumes the ontological, epistemological, and methodological evidence that causal analysis is characterized by a plurality of objects and “incommensurable” interpretations. It also argues that the same evidence pinpoints how this plurality is complementary at every level, and causal structures raise as the elements that link ontology and methodology and can organize heterogeneous findings to improve learning across accounts.
Getting the Most Out of Surveys: Multilevel Regression and Poststratification
Authors: Ornstein Joseph T. 
Published: February 2023

AbstractGood causal inference requires good measurement; even the most thoughtfully designed research can be derailed by noisy data. Because policy scholars are often interested in public opinion as a key dependent or independent variable, paying careful attention to the sources of measurement error from surveys is an essential step toward detecting causation. This chapter introduces multilevel regression and poststratification (MRP), a method for adjusting public opinion estimates to account for observed imbalances between the survey sample and population of interest. It covers the history of MRP, recent advances, an example analysis with code, and concludes with a discussion of best practices and limitations of the approach.
Pathway Analysis, Causal Mediation, and the Identification of Causal Mechanisms
Authors: Röth Leonce 
Published: February 2023

AbstractThis chapter presents the systematic analysis of causal mechanisms from the perspective of pathway analysis as an essential complement to conventional approaches to causation. It builds on the evidence that credible causal identification defies design-based strategies such as randomization or linear mediation analysis unless their research designs are supported by reliable mechanistic knowledge. The chapter reasons that the reliable causal identification of a mechanism requires the concept of ‘natural indirect effect’ and a double-nested counterfactual strategy. It discusses the empirical quantification of causal mechanisms and its underlying assumptions, offers empirical examples that clarify them, and reviews the conditions and limits of the strategy.
Testing Joint Sufficiency Twice: Explanatory Qualitative Comparative Analysis
Authors: Damonte Alessia 
Published: February 2023

AbstractStandard Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA) applies an eliminative cross-case algorithm to identify which combinations of factors are logically associated with an outcome in a population. As such, it suits the purpose of pinpointing the conditions under which an outcome occurs or fails. However, the explanatory import of its findings only follows if the algorithm identifies theoretically interpretable, logically valid, and empirically plausible causal compounds.The chapter provides an essential guide to designing an explanatory QCA that meets the three credibility requirements at once. Section 7.2 addresses how to develop starting hypotheses consistent with the assumptions of complex causation to preserve theoretical interpretability. Section 7.3 introduces the Boolean algebra required to model a hypothesis and find which part supports the explanatory claim in the cases at hand. Section 7.4 addresses the issue of gauging conditions to ensure the empirical plausibility of the analysis. Last, Sect. 7.5 summarizes the protocol, illustrated by the replicable example in the online R file.
Exploring Interventions on Social Outcomes with In Silico, Agent-Based Experiments
Authors: Squazzoni Flaminio , Bianchi Federico 
Published: February 2023

AbstractAgent-Based Modeling (ABM) is a computational method used to examine social outcomes emerging from interaction between heterogeneous agents by computer simulation. It can be used to understand the effect of initial conditions on complex outcomes by exploring fine-grained (multiple-scale, spatial/temporal) observations on the aggregate consequences of agent interaction. By performing in silico experimental tests on policy interventions where ex ante predictions of outcomes are difficult, it can also reduce costs, explore assumptions and boundary conditions, as well as overcome ethical constraints associated with the use of randomized controlled trials in behavioral policy. Here, we introduce the essential elements of ABM and present two simple examples where we assess the hypothetical impact of certain policy interventions while considering different possible reactions of individuals involved in the context. Although highly abstract, these examples suggest that ABM can be either a complement or an alternative to behavioral policy methods, especially when understanding social processes and exploring direct and indirect effects of interventions are important. Prospects and critical problems of these in silico policy experiments are then discussed.