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Tactile sensory systems play a vital role in various emerging fields including robotics, prosthetics, and human–machine interfaces. However, traditional tactile sensors are typically designed to detect a single stimulus through a lock‐and‐key mechanism, which poses substantial challenges in the realization of multimodal tactile sensors. To address this issue, the convergence of tactile sensory systems with artificial neural network and machine learning (ML) platforms has been utilized to enhance the capabilities of multimodal sensors and enable signal decoupling/interpretation of mixed tactile stimuli. Herein, recent progress in multimodal sensors that can simultaneously identify various stimuli such as strain, pressure, and temperature is reviewed, providing in‐depth understanding of materials, structures, and methodologies. In addition, accurate interpretation of signals from mixed tactile stimuli under complex conditions remains challenging. This review presents a comprehensive exploration of ML algorithms that mimic human neural networks, discussing their significance in advancing smart sensory systems and improving signal interpretation in complex and dynamic environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To overcome the intrinsic inefficiency of the von Neumann architecture, neuromorphic devices that perform analog vector–matrix multiplication have been highlighted for achieving power‐ and time‐efficient data processing. In particular, artificial synapses, of which conductance should be programmed to represent the synaptic weights of the artificial neural network, have been intensively researched to realize neuromorphic devices. Here, inspired by excitatory and inhibitory synapses, we develop an artificial optoelectronic synapse that shows both potentiation and depression characteristics triggered only by optical inputs. The design of the artificial optoelectronic synapse, in which excitatory and inhibitory synaptic phototransistors are serially connected, enables these characteristics by spatiotemporally irradiating the phototransistor channels with optical pulses. Furthermore, a negative synaptic weight can be realized without the need for electronic components such as comparators. With such attributes, the artificial optoelectronic synapse is demonstrated to classify three digits with a high recognition rate (98.3%) and perform image preprocessing via analog vector–matrix multiplication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Purpose: Little is known about the features of T1 pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and its definition in the eighth edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging system needs validation. The aims were to analyze the clinicopathologic features of T1 PDAC and investigate the validity of its definition. Method: Data from 1506 patients with confirmed T1 PDAC between 2000 and 2019 were collected and analyzed. The results were validated using 3092 T1 PDAC patients from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. Results: The median survival duration of patients was 50 months, and the 5‐year survival rate was 45.1%. R0 resection was unachievable in 10.0% of patients, the nodal metastasis rate was 40.0%, and recurrence occurred in 55.2%. The current T1 subcategorization was not feasible for PDAC, tumors with extrapancreatic extension (72.8%) had worse outcomes than those without extrapancreatic extension (median survival 107 vs. 39 months, p <.001). Extrapancreatic extension was an independent prognostic factor whereas the current T1 subcategorization was not. The results of this study were reproducible with data from the SEER database. Conclusion: Despite its small size, T1 PDAC displayed aggressive behavior warranting active local and systemic treatment. The subcategorization by the eighth edition of the AJCC staging system was not adequate for PDAC, and better subcategorization methods need to be explored. In addition, the role of extrapancreatic extension in the staging system should be reconsidered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The search for hydrogen storage materials allowing the storage of hydrogen in its molecular or atomic form at room temperature to meet the multistage targets such as the US Department of Energy (DOE) ultimate gravimetric and volumetric capacities of 6.5 wt% and 50 kg m‐3 is of global importance. Here, it is reported that an amorphized defective fullerene (C60‐x) offers a promising solution to this challenge. C60‐x immobilized with single‐atom platinum has ≈14‐fold higher surface area accessible for CH bonds compared to a crystalline C60, and its micro/meso pores give a ≈20‐fold larger volume for fast hydrogen transport. Indeed, hydrogen storage via spillover on C60‐x through pressure swing at room temperature is experimentally demonstrated to enable high reversible gravimetric (6.8 wt%) and volumetric (64.9 kg m‐3) capacities, hitherto the highest reversible capacities close to DOE targets at room temperature. Also, the density functional theory calculations show that a key to efficient hydrogen storage is the preservation of a curved sp2‐type local carbon geometry for spillover, which holds H radicals loosely for fast hydrogen migration. Moreover, H‐atom diffusion on the intact region of C60‐x is faster than that on the defect region. Furthermore, excellent capacity retention is achieved over repeated hydrogen adsorption/desorption cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transparent oxide semiconductors are successfully implemented as thin‐film transistors (TFTs) for large‐area display applications with superior electrical performance in comparison with that of conventional amorphous silicon. However, further development of high‐performance oxide semiconductors is hindered by the trade‐off between mobility and stability. Mixed metal composition containing heavy metal cations shows high‐mobility/low‐stability and light metal cations exhibits low‐mobility/high‐stability. A novel material design strategy for realizing a high‐performance oxide semiconductor for TFTs through partial substitution of Se or S for O in In2O3 is reported. In contrast to the conventional small‐sized Ga substitution for suppressing oxygen vacancies, the replacement of O by Se or S results in lattice stabilization and oxygen‐vacancy suppression, consequently stabilizing Se‐ or S‐incorporated In2O3 TFTs. In2O3:Se TFTs exhibit an average field‐effect mobility of 6.1 cm2 V−1s−1, ON/OFF current ratio (Ion/Ioff) of 108, and excellent operational stability with threshold voltage shift values of <0.10 V at a positive and negative bias stress for 10 000 s. Furthermore, the seven‐stage ring oscillator circuit operating at a supply bias of 20 V exhibits an oscillation frequency of >805 kHz and a corresponding propagation delay of <90 ns per stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To provide a unique opportunity for on‐chip scaled bioelectronics, a symmetrically gated metal‐oxide electric double layer transistor (EDLT) with ion‐gel (IG) gate dielectric and simple in‐plane Corbino electrode architecture is proposed. Using amorphous indium‐gallium‐zinc oxide (a‐IGZO) semiconductor and IG dielectric layers, low‐voltage driven EDLTs with high ionotronic effects can be realized. More importantly, in contrast to the conventional asymmetric rectangular EDLTs which can cause non‐uniform potential variation in the active channel layer and eventually degrade the sensing performance, the new symmetrical in‐plane type EDLTs achieve high and spatially uniform ion responsive behaviors. The symmetrically gated a‐IGZO EDLTs exhibited a responsivity of 129.4% to 5 ppm mercury (Hg2+) ions which are approximately three times higher than that with conventional electrode structure (responsivity of 38.5%). To confirm the viability of the new device architectures and the findings, the detailed mechanism of the symmetric gating effects in the in‐plane EDLTs with a variety of electrical characterization and 3D fine element analysis simulations is also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multicomponent oxide systems are one of the essential building blocks in a broad range of electronic devices. However, due to the complex physical correlation between the cation components and their relations with the system, finding an optimal combination for desired physical and/or chemical properties requires an exhaustive experimental procedure. Here, a machine learning (ML)‐based synthetic approach is proposed to explore the optimal combination conditions in a ternary cationic compound indium‐zinc‐tin oxide (IZTO) semiconductor exhibiting high carrier mobility. In particular, by using support vector regression algorithm with radial basis function kernel, highly accurate mobility prediction can be achieved for multicomponent IZTO semiconductor with a sufficiently small number of train datasets (15–20 data points). With a synergetic combination of solution‐based synthetic route for IZTO fabrication enabling a facile control of the composition ratio and tailored ML process for multicomponent system, the prediction of high‐performance IZTO thin‐film transistors is possible with expected field‐effect mobility as high as 13.06 cm2 V−1 s−1 at the In:Zn:Sn ratio of 63:27:10. The ML prediction is successfully translated into the empirical analysis with high accuracy, validating the protocol is reliable and a promising approach to accelerate the optimization process for multicomponent oxide systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crystalline or amorphous metal oxides are widely used in various optoelectronic devices as key components, such as transparent conductive electrodes, dielectrics or semiconducting active layers for thin‐film transistor (TFT) backplanes in large‐area displays, photovoltaics, and light‐emitting diodes. Although crystalline inorganic materials demonstrate outstanding optoelectronic performance, owing to their wide bandgaps, large conductivities, and high carrier mobilities, their inherent brittleness makes them vulnerable to mechanical stress, thereby limiting the use of metal‐oxide films in emerging flexible electronic applications. In this study, stress‐diffusive organic–inorganic hybrid superlattice nanostructures are developed to overcome the mechanical limitation of crystalline oxides and to provide high mechanical stability to metal‐oxide semiconductors. In particular, hybrid transparent superlattice electrodes based on crystalline indium–tin oxide exhibit high electrical conductivities of up to 555 S cm–1 (resistance variation < 3%) and effectively reduce the mechanical stress on the inorganic layer (up to 10 000 bending cycles with a radius of 1 mm). Furthermore, to ensure the viability of the hybrid superlattice flexible electronics, all solution‐processed superlattice crystalline indium–gallium‐oxide TFTs are implemented on a thin (≈5 µm) polyimide substrate, providing highly robust and excellent electrical performance (average mobility of 7.6 cm2 V–1 s–1). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new structural phase is discovered for M2CO2 MXenes with M = Sc, Y, La, Lu, Tm, and Ho. The hexagonal carbon layer sandwiched between M atoms, typical for MXenes, is transformed into C3 trimers with anionic electrons localized in quasi zero‐dimensional lattice spaces in‐between the C3 units, so the systems can be described as [M6 C3 O6]+II : 2e− electrides. The systems are readily ionized into [M6 C3 O6]+II with very low ionization energy via an anti‐doping mechanism. It is shown that this new structure of Sc2CO2 can bind multiple lithium atoms, with low migration barriers. The findings indicate that these M2CO2 MXenes with unusual carbon trimers are a new family of 2D electride insulators with the potential for charge storage applications, thermal field emission, and as anode material in lithium batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neuromorphic electronics draw attention as innovative approaches that facilitate hardware implementation of next‐generation artificial intelligent system including neuromorphic in‐memory computing, artificial sensory perception, and humanoid robotics. Among the various neuromorphic devices, optoelectronic synapses are promising neuromorphic devices that use optical means to mimic synaptic plasticity and related functions. Compared with classical neuromorphic chip based on electronic synapses using electrical means, photonic neuromorphic chip using light as input spike signal can be attractive alternative approach for next‐generation artificial intelligent system capable of high density, low power consumption, and low crosstalk. Thus, various optoelectronic synaptic electronics have been developed to overcome the drawback of conventional artificial intelligent system based on electrical synapses. Herein, the recent progresses in transistor‐based optoelectronic synapses for artificial intelligent system and review their device architecture, neuromorphic operational mechanisms, manufacturing methodologies, and advanced applications for artificial intelligent computing and visual perception systems are focused. Finally, the future challenges and research direction in the optoelectronic synaptic research are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conventional von Neumann–based computing systems have inherent limitations such as high hardware complexity, relatively inferior energy efficiency, and low bandwidth. As an alternative, neuromorphic computation is emerging as a platform for next‐generation artificial intelligence computing systems due to their potential advantages such as highly energy‐efficient computing, robust learning, fault tolerance, and parallel processing. Moreover, to further enhance the energy efficiency and processing speed, photonic‐based neuromorphic systems have gathered significant interest in the past few years. Herein, the recent progress and development of optoelectronic and all‐optical neuromorphic devices is summarized, focusing on their structures, materials, and potential applications. Particularly, for optoelectronic neuromorphic devices, devices with planar and vertical structures are described along with their key strategies in materials and device structures. Next, all‐optical memory and neuromorphic devices for neuromorphic computing are reviewed. Finally, the applications of optoelectronic neuromorphic devices are discussed for their potential utilization in neuromorphic computing systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A dual‐logic‐in‐memory device is demonstrated through a single bidirectional polarization‐integrated 2D ferroelectric field‐effect transistor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While the Landauer viewpoint constitutes a modern basis to understand nanoscale electronic transport and to realize first‐principles implementations of the nonequilibrium Green's function (NEGF) formalism, seeking an alternative picture can be beneficial for the fundamental understanding and practical calculations of quantum transport processes. Herein, introducing a micro‐canonical picture that maps the finite‐bias quantum transport process to a drain‐to‐source or multi‐electrode optical excitation, the multi‐space constrained‐search density functional theory (MS‐DFT) formalism for first‐principles electronic structure and quantum transport calculations is developed. Performing MS‐DFT calculations for the benzenedithiolate single‐molecule junction, it is shown that MS‐DFT and standard DFT‐NEGF calculations produce practically equivalent electronic and transmission data. Importantly, the variational convergence of "nonequilibrium total energy" within MS‐DFT is demonstrated, which should have significant implications for in operando studies of nanoscale devices. Establishing a viable alternative to the Landauer viewpoint, the developed formalism should provide valuable atomistic information in the development of next‐generation nanodevices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated high‐performance amorphous metal‐oxide semiconductor based optoelectronics using low‐temperature and solution process technologies. In particular, metal‐oxide and quantum dots hybrid phototransistors exhibited ultra‐high photodetectivity up to 4×1017Jones in a broad range of detection wavelength from ultraviolet to infrared ranges. In addition, we employed artificial visual perception circuit based on metal‐oxide synaptic transistors with metal chalcogenide semiconductors for optoelectronic neuromorphic devices. We also demonstrated large‐scaled ultra‐flexible and stretchable device showing promising next‐generation wearable optoelectronics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the fabrication of next‐generation flexible metal oxide devices, solution‐based methods are considered as a promising approach because of their potential advantages, such as high‐throughput, large‐area scalability, low‐cost processing, and easy control over the chemical composition. However, to obtain certain levels of electrical performance, a high process temperature is essential, which can significantly limit its application in flexible electronics. Therefore, this article discusses recent research conducted on developing low‐temperature, solution‐processed, flexible, metal oxide semiconductor devices, from a single thin‐film transistor device to fully integrated circuits and systems. The main challenges of solution‐processed metal oxide semiconductors are introduced. Recent advances in materials, processes, and semiconductor structures are then presented, followed by recent advances in electronic circuits and systems based on these semiconductors, including emerging flexible energy‐harvesting devices for self‐powered systems that integrate displays, sensors, data‐storage units, and information processing functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hypertension and diabetes mellitus (DM) are major risk factors for the cardiovascular disease. In this retrospective cohort study, we compared the long‐term clinical outcomes between antecedent hypertension and DM in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients after stent implantation. Methods: A total of 32 938 eligible AMI patients were enrolled and divided into the four groups according to the presence or absence of hypertension and DM (hypertension −/DM −[group A, 13 773 patients], hypertension +/DM −[group B, 10 395 patients], hypertension −/DM + [group C, 3050 patients], and hypertension +/DM + [group D, 5720 patients]). The clinical endpoint was the cumulative incidence of major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) defined as all‐cause death, recurrent myocardial infarction (Re‐MI) and any repeat revascularization during the 2‐year follow‐up period. Results: After adjustment, the cumulative incidence of MACEs (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 1.232; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.982‐1.567; P =.071), all‐cause death, and e‐MI Re‐MI were similar between the group B and C. However, the cumulative incidences of any repeat revascularization (aHR, 1.438; 95% CI, 1.062‐1.997; P =.007), target lesion revascularization (TLR) (aHR, 2.467; 95% CI, 1.552‐3.922; P <.001), and target vessel revascularization (TVR) (aHR, 1.671; 95% CI, 1.256‐2.222; P <.001) were significantly higher in group C compared with group B. Conclusions: This large number of a nonrandomized and multicenter cohort study clearly demonstrated the detrimental impacts of the hypertension and diabetes on long‐term clinical outcomes. Moreover, higher incidence of repeat revascularization after PCI in diabetic AMI patients a major concern until recently. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel microwave calibration source for a fully polarimetric radiometer (FPoR) is proposed for internal calibration by the electrical operation instead of a mechanical structure at S‐band. The proposed correlated noise calibration source (CNCS) using microwave components can generate vertical and horizontal polarized signals; additionally, linearly and circularly polarized signals (third and fourth Stokes parameters) are also estimated by injecting correlated noise. In contrast to existing mechanical calibration sources, this calibration source can be designed by miniaturization. Based on measured quantities under realistic conditions, the uncertainty was evaluated according to the states of the SPDT switches and phase shifters of the CNCS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sepsis is a systemic inflammatory response syndrome due to microbial infection. Growth arrest and DNA‐damage‐inducible 45 beta (GADD45β) are induced by genotoxic stress and inflammatory cytokines. However, the role of GADD45β during bacterial infection remains unclear. This study was aimed at investigating the role of GADD45β in sepsis. We used GADD45β‐knockout (KO) mice and C57BL/6J wild‐type (WT) mice. Experimental sepsis was induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) administration or cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). Sepsis‐induced mortality was higher in GADD45β‐KO mice than in WT mice. Histopathological data demonstrated LPS treatment markedly increased lung injury in GADD45β‐KO mice as compared to that in WT mice; however, no significant difference was observed in the liver and kidney. Further, mRNA levels of inflammatory cytokines, such as Il‐1β, Il‐6, Il‐10, and Tnf‐α, were higher in the lungs of LPS‐treated GADD45β‐KO mice than in WT mice. Interestingly, plasma levels of these inflammatory cytokines were decreased in LPS‐administered GADD45β‐KO mice. A significant increase in lung cell apoptosis was observed at early time points in GADD45β‐KO mice after administration of LPS as compared to that in WT mice. In line with LPS‐induced apoptosis, JNK, and p38 activity was higher in the lung of GADD45β‐KO mice at 3 hr after LPS treatment than that in WT mice. In summary, this study is the first to demonstrate the protective role of GADD45β in sepsis and the results suggest that GADD45β could be used as a novel therapeutic target to cure sepsis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: For the development of cost‐effective, ultrasensitive, fast dynamic, and full‐color photodetection platforms, an all‐solution‐processed metal oxide/chalcogenide semiconductor hybrid‐structure‐based visible‐light phototransistor with (i) multistacked functional materials, (ii) a chemically stable solution‐based construction, and (iii) defect‐suppressed composition‐gradient heterointerfaces is proposed. Herein, the functional multistacked structure (a‐ZTO/cc‐CdS/a‐ZTO) consists of high‐mobility amorphous zinc tin oxide (ZTO) (a‐ZTO bottom), a high‐efficiency coarsened crystalline CdS (cc‐CdS) visible‐light absorber, and defective surface passivation a‐ZTO (top) to boost photosensitivity via efficient generation/transport and spontaneous separation/confinement of photocarriers. Chemically stable solution‐based multistacking is achieved via careful choice of chemically durable oxide and chalcogenide semiconductors (Sn‐eqi ZTO and CdS). The composition‐gradient heterointerfaces formed near ZTO/CdS and CdS/ZTO junctions via thermally activated healing processes provide instantaneous photoresponse and full‐color sensing performance. Finally, the all‐solution‐processed a‐ZTO/cc‐CdS/a‐ZTO hybrid phototransistor achieves repeatable/reproducible real‐time full‐color detection with high photosensitivity, fast phototransient speeds, and no persistent photocurrent behavior under dynamic stimulus using primary colors. It is believed that the all‐solution processed oxide/chalcogenide hybrid phototransistor with multistacked functional materials and composition‐gradient heterointerfaces will facilitate the development of cost‐efficient, ultrasensitive, fast dynamic, and full‐color visible‐light detection system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: While one of the most promising applications of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) is to enhance polymer orientation and crystallization to achieve advanced carbon fibers, the successful realization of this goal has been hindered by the insufficient atomistic understanding of polymer–CNT interfaces. Herein, polyacrylonitrile (PAN)‐CNT hybrid structures are theoretically studied as a representative example of polymer–CNT composites. Based on density functional theory calculations, it is first found that the relative orientation of polar PAN nitrile groups with respect to the CNT surface is the key factor that determines the PAN–CNT interface energetics and the lying‐down PAN configurations are much more preferable than their standing‐up counterparts. The CNT curvature is identified as another important factor, giving the largest binding energy in the zero‐curvature graphene limit. Charge transfer analysis explains the unique tendency of linear PAN alignments on the CNT surface and the possibility of ordered PAN–PAN assembly. Next, performing large‐scale molecular dynamics simulations, it is shown that the desirable linear PAN–CNT alignment can be achieved even for relatively large initial misorientations and further demonstrate that graphene nanoribbons are a promising carbon nano‐reinforcement candidate. The microscopic understanding accumulated in this study will provide design guidelines for the development of next‐generation carbon nanofibers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Solution processed transparent electrodes are developed combining indium tin oxide nanoparticles (ITO‐NPs) and silver nanowires (Ag NWs) at low process temperature of 100 °C, compatible with solution processed indium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO) thin‐film transistors as source and drain electrodes. Four structures with various stacking of ITO‐NPs and Ag NWs are investigated. Although sole ITO‐NPs cannot provide the conductivity electrical properties of devices, including the mobility, threshold voltage, and subthreshold swing, are improved using ITO‐NPs over/under the Ag NWs. The mobility is enhanced by employing a hybrid electrode structure from 0.004 cm2 V−1 s−1 (single layer) to 3.42 cm2 V−1 s−1 (triple layer). The ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy and UV–vis measurements reveal the electronic structure to confirm the increase of charge carrier concentration at the interface, when ITO‐NP/IGZO heterojunction is formed. The ITO‐NP layer acts as a buffer layer between the IGZO and Ag NWs layer to facilitate charge injection to reduce the contact resistance, while the Ag NWs supply conductivity. These are also confirmed by Hall measurement and contact resistance extraction. Hybrid electrodes developed here are promising approach for solution processed transparent electrodes toward transparent and flexible electronics with advantages of low‐cost process excluding vacuum system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT In this study, we explored Ag-nanowire electrodes embedded on the surface of an elastic acrylic polymer-silicate nanoparticle composite resin (iGloss) for mechanically robust flexible electronic devices. Nanoindentation analysis indicated that the iGloss film was suitable for flexible electronic applications, having modulus and hardness values similar to those of a conventional poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) substrate. In situ resistance monitoring for up to 3000 bending cycles revealed that the Ag-nanowire-iGloss electrode was highly flexible without showing an increase in the resistance. In addition, while a PET substrate carrying Ag nanowires exhibited significantly degraded optical properties with an increase in scratch damage, the Ag-nanowire-iGloss electrode exhibited superior wear resistance, even when it was subjected to a severe mechanical scratch test. Finally, as a possible application, we demonstrated a flexible, organic, light-emitting diode with an Ag-nanowire-iGloss electrode as both the anode and the substrate. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 45203. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ambient air pollution is well-known to be a serious risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, stroke, and death. However, the association between air pollutants ( AP) exposure and short-term clinical outcomes in acute myocardial infarction ( AMI) patients (pts) has not been elucidated well. In the present study, 37 880 AMI pts were enrolled from October 2005 to December 2013 in a nationwide large-scale, prospective, multicentre Korea AMI registry ( KAMIR registry; ). We obtained data on AP (e.g., NO2, SO2, CO, O3 and PM10) from the Korean National Institute of Environmental Research ( NIER; ). Clinical endpoints included death, recurrent myocardial infarction (Re- MI), any revascularization and composite of all-cause death and Re- MI. Exposure to AP is defined as the average exposure to AP within 24 hours before AMI admission. We observed that a 0.01 part per million (ppm) increase in NO2 concentration, 0.001 ppm increase in SO2 concentration, and 0.1 ppm increase in CO concentration each increased the risk of total death by 9.7% (95% CI, 6.2%-13.4%), 1.9% (95% CI, 0.3%-3.6%), and 2.1% (95% CI, 0.5%-3.9%), respectively. Exceptionally, O3 decreased the risk of total death by 0.6% (95% CI −0.2% to −1.0%) per 0.01 ppm increase. PM10 was not related to any cardiovascular events. AP were each stratified into five quintiles according to ranges of AP levels. After adjusting analysis for risk variables, only high quintiles (Q4, Q5) of NO2 were positively associated with total death, cardiac death and MI, while SO2, CO, O3 and PM10 were shown to be not related to any cardiovascular events at all levels. In AMI patients, each AP and its concentration has shown a different effect to short-term mortality and cardiovascular events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A hierarchical architecture fabricated by integrating ultrafine titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanocrystals with the binder-free macroporous graphene (PG) network foam for high-performance energy storage is demonstrated, where mesoporous open channels connected to the PG facilitate rapid ionic transfer during the Li-ion insertion/extraction process. Moreover, the binder-free conductive PG network in direct contact with a current collector provides ultrafast electronic transfer. This structure leads to unprecedented cycle stability, with the capacity preserved with nearly 100% Coulombic efficiency over 10 000 Li-ion insertion/extraction cycles. Moreover, it is proven to be very stable while cycling 10 to 100-fold longer compared to typical electrode structures for batteries. This facilitates ultrafast charge/discharge rate capability even at a high current rate giving a very short charge/discharge time of 40 s. Density functional theory calculations also clarify that Li ions migrate into the TiO2-PG interface then stabilizing its binder-free interface and that the Li ion diffusion occurs via a concerted mechanism, thus resulting in the ultrafast discharge/charge rate capability of the Li ions into ultrafine nanocrystals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A core ‐ shell metal oxide photocatalyst providing ENergy states for visible light absorption and efficiENt electron–hole separation has beEN reported and provEN to be very efficiENt for solar ‐ to ‐ fuel conversion of carbon dioxide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A vehicle equipped with a vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communications capability can continuously update its knowledge on traffic conditions using its own experience and anonymously obtained travel experience data from other such equipped vehicles without any central coordination. In such a V2V communications-based advanced traveler information system (ATIS), the dynamics of traffic flow and intervehicle communication lead to the time-dependent vehicle knowledge on the traffic network conditions. In this context, this study proposes a graph-based multilayer network framework to model the V2V-based ATIS as a complex system which is composed of three coupled network layers: a physical traffic flow network, and virtual intervehicle communication and information flow networks. To determine the occurrence of V2V communication, the intervehicle communication layer is first constructed using the time-dependent locations of vehicles in the traffic flow layer and intervehicle communication-related constraints. Then an information flow network is constructed based on events in the traffic and intervehicle communication networks. The graph structure of this information flow network enables the efficient tracking of the time-dependent vehicle knowledge of the traffic network conditions using a simple graph-based reverse search algorithm and the storage of the information flow network as a single graph database. Further, the proposed framework provides a retrospective modeling capability to articulate explicitly how information flow evolves and propagates. These capabilities are critical to develop strategies for the rapid flow of useful information and traffic routing to enhance network performance. It also serves as a basic building block for the design of V2V-based route guidance strategies to manage traffic conditions in congested networks. Synthetic experiments are used to compare the graph-based approach to a simulation-based approach, and illustrate both memory usage and computational time efficiencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which examined the use of the bathophenanthroline-based palladium (Pd) complex in colorimetric detection of kiwi fruit ripening process based on result of transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The variables used include the electron diffraction image Pd nanoparticles, ethylene gas exposure and the level of ethylene gas released the fruit. A discussion on the advantages of colorimetric and fluorescent chemosensors are mentioned.