Effects of individuality, education, and image on visual attention: Analyzing eye-tracking data using machine learning

Machine learning, particularly classification algorithms, constructs mathematical models from labeled data that can predict labels for new data. Using its capability to identify distinguishing patterns among multi-dimensional data, we investigated the impact of three factors on the observation of architectural scenes: Individuality, education, and image stimuli. An analysis of the eye-tracking data revealed that (1) a velocity histogram was unique to individuals, (2) students of architecture and other disciplines could be distinguished via endogenous parameters, but (3) they were more distinct in terms of seeking structural versus symbolic elements. Because of the reverse nature of the classification algorithms that automatically learn from data, we could identify relevant parameters and distinguishing eye-tracking patterns that have not been reported in previous studies

Toward sustainable wearable electronic textiles

Smart wearable electronic textiles (e-textiles) that can detect and differentiate multiple stimuli, while also collecting and storing the diverse array of data signals using highly innovative, multifunctional, and intelligent garments, are of great value for personalized healthcare applications. However, material performance and sustainability, complicated and difficult e-textile fabrication methods, and their limited end-of-life processability are major challenges to wide adoption of e-textiles. In this review, we explore the potential for sustainable materials, manufacturing techniques, and their end-of-the-life processes for developing eco-friendly e-textiles. In addition, we survey the current state-of-the-art for sustainable fibers and electronic materials (i.e., conductors, semiconductors, and dielectrics) to serve as different components in wearable e-textiles and then provide an overview of environmentally friendly digital manufacturing techniques for such textiles which involve less or no water utilization, combined with a reduction in both material waste and energy consumption. Furthermore, standardized parameters for evaluating the sustainability of e-textiles are established, such as life cycle analysis, biodegradability, and recyclability. Finally, we discuss the current development trends, as well as the future research directions for wearable e-textiles which include an integrated product design approach based on the use of eco-friendly materials, the development of sustainable manufacturing processes, and an effective end-of-the-life strategy to manufacture next generation smart and sustainable wearable e-textiles that can be either recycled to value-added products or decomposed in the landfill without any negative environmental impacts

A superconducting tensor detector for mid-frequency gravitational waves: its multi-channel nature and main astrophysical targets

Mid-frequency band gravitational-wave detectors will be complementary for the existing Earth-based detectors (sensitive above 10 Hz or so) and the future space-based detectors such as LISA, which will be sensitive below around 10 mHz. A ground-based superconducting omnidirectional gravitational radiation observatory (SOGRO) has recently been proposed along with several design variations for the frequency band of 0.1 to 10 Hz. For three conceptual designs of SOGRO (e.g., pSOGRO, SOGRO and aSOGRO), we examine their multi-channel natures, sensitivities and science cases. One of the key characteristics of the SOGRO concept is its six detection channels. The response functions of each channel are calculated for all possible gravitational wave polarizations including scalar and vector modes. Combining these response functions, we also confirm the omnidirectional nature of SOGRO. Hence, even a single SOGRO detector will be able to determine the position of a source and polarizations of gravitational waves, if detected. Taking into account SOGRO's sensitivity and technical requirements, two main targets are most plausible: gravitational waves from compact binaries and stochastic backgrounds. Based on assumptions we consider in this work, detection rates for intermediate-mass binary black holes (in the mass range of hundreds up to $10^{4}$ $M_\odot$) are expected to be $0.0014-2.5 \,\, {\rm yr}^{-1}$. In order to detect stochastic gravitational wave background, multiple detectors are required. Two aSOGRO detector networks may be able to put limits on the stochastic background beyond the indirect limit from cosmological observations.Comment: 35 pages, 8 figures, 4 table

Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index Predicted Short-Term Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Isolated Tricuspid Valve Surgery

Systemic immune-inflammation index (SII, platelet × neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio) has recently been identified as an inflammatory marker. We aimed to evaluate the prognostic implications of preoperative SII in patients undergoing isolated tricuspid valve (TV) surgery. In total, 213 patients who underwent isolated TV surgery between January 2000 and December 2018 were enrolled. They were divided into two groups, as follows: low SII (<455.6 × 109/L), and high SII (≥455.6 × 109/L). The correlation between SII and clinical outcomes was analyzed via the Cox regression and the Kaplan–Meier analyses. The primary outcomes considered were all-cause mortality and major postoperative complications within a 30-day period after isolated TV surgery, including major adverse cardiovascular or cerebrovascular events, pulmonary and renal complications, stroke, sepsis, multi-organ failure, wound, and gastrointestinal complications. In total, 82 (38.5%) patients experienced postoperative complications. Multivariable analyses revealed that high preoperative SII values were independently associated with the major 30-day postoperative complications (hazard ratio 3.58, 95% confidence interval 1.62–7.95, p = 0.001). Additionally, Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed that the probability of undergoing major 30-day postoperative complications was significantly elevated in patients with high versus low SII values (p < 0.001). These results indicate that SII, a readily available parameter, is significantly associated with poor outcomes in patients undergoing isolated TV surgery

A pH-Responsive Molecular Switch with Tricolor Luminescence

We developed a new ratiometric pH sensor based on poly(N-phenylmaleimide) (PPMI)-containing block copolymer that emits three different fluorescent colors depending on the pH. The strong solvatochromism and tautomerism of the PPMI derivatives enabled precise pH sensing for almost the entire range of the pH scale. Theoretical calculations have predicted largely dissimilar band gaps for the keto, enol, and enolate tautomers of PPMI owing to low-dimensional conjugation effects. The tunable emission wavelength and intensity of our sensors, as well as the reversible color switching with high-luminescent contrast, were achieved using rational molecular design of PPMI analogues as an innovative platform for accurate H+ detection. The self-assembly of block copolymers on the nanometer length scale was particularly highlighted as a novel prospective means of regulating fluorescence properties while avoiding the self-quenching phenomenon, and this system can be used as a fast responsive pH sensor in versatile device forms.X111413sciescopu

Syntheses, Plasmonic Properties, and Catalytic Applications of Ag–Rh Core-Frame Nanocubes and Rh Nanoboxes with Highly Porous Walls

We report a simple and general method for the production of Ag–Rh bimetallic nanostructures with a unique integration of the plasmonic and catalytic properties exemplified by these two metals, respectively. When a Rh­(III) precursor is titrated into a polyol suspension of Ag nanocubes held at 110 °C in the presence of ascorbic acid and poly­(vinylpyrrolidone), Rh atoms are generated and deposited on the nanocubes. When the amount of Rh­(III) precursor is relatively low, the Rh atoms tend to nucleate from the edges of the Ag nanocubes and then follow an island growth mode because of the relatively low temperature involved and the high cohesive energy of Rh. The Rh islands can be maintained with an ultrafine size of only several nanometers, presenting an extremely large specific surface area for catalytic applications. As the amount of Rh­(III) precursor is increased, the galvanic replacement reaction between the Rh­(III) and Ag nanocubes will kick in, leading to the formation of increasingly concaved side faces and an increase in surface coverage for the Rh islands. Meanwhile, the resultant Ag⁺ ions are reduced and deposited back onto the nanocubes, but among the Rh islands. By simply controlling the amount of Rh­(III) precursor, we observe the transformation of Ag nanocubes into Ag–Rh core-frame and then Ag–Rh hollow nanocubes with a highly porous surface. Upon selective removal of Ag by wet etching, the hollow nanocubes evolve into Ag–Rh and then Rh nanoboxes with highly porous walls. Although the Ag–Rh core-frame nanocubes show a unique integration of the plasmonic and catalytic properties characteristic of Ag and Rh, respectively, the Rh nanoboxes show remarkable activity toward the catalytic degradation of environmental pollutants such as organic dyes

A pH-Responsive Molecular Switch with Tricolor Luminescence

We developed a new ratiometric pH sensor based on poly­(<i>N-</i>phenylmaleimide) (PPMI)-containing block copolymer that emits three different fluorescent colors depending on the pH. The strong solvatochromism and tautomerism of the PPMI derivatives enabled precise pH sensing for almost the entire range of the pH scale. Theoretical calculations have predicted largely dissimilar band gaps for the keto, enol, and enolate tautomers of PPMI owing to low-dimensional conjugation effects. The tunable emission wavelength and intensity of our sensors, as well as the reversible color switching with high-luminescent contrast, were achieved using rational molecular design of PPMI analogues as an innovative platform for accurate H⁺ detection. The self-assembly of block copolymers on the nanometer length scale was particularly highlighted as a novel prospective means of regulating fluorescence properties while avoiding the self-quenching phenomenon, and this system can be used as a fast responsive pH sensor in versatile device forms

Observing the Overgrowth of a Second Metal on Silver Cubic Seeds in Solution by Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering

We report the development of an isocyanide-based molecular probe for <i>in situ</i> characterizing the overgrowth of a second metal on silver nanocrystal seeds in solution by surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). As the first demonstration, we elucidate that the vibrational frequency of 2,6-dimethylphenyl isocyanide (2,6-DMPI) can serve as a distinctive reporter for capturing the nucleation of Pt on the edges of Ag nanocubes in the aqueous solution containing a Pt precursor, ascorbic acid, and poly­(vinylpyrrolidone) under ambient conditions. Our success relies on the difference in stretching frequency for the NC bond when the isocyanide group binds to the Ag and Pt atoms. Specifically, σ donation from the antibonding σ* orbital of the −NC group to the d-band of Ag would strengthen the NC bond, blue shifting the stretching frequency. In contrast, π-back-donation from the d-band of Pt to the π* antibonding orbital of the −NC group would weaken the NC bond, leading to a red shift of stretching frequency. Therefore, it is feasible to <i>in situ</i> characterize the outermost surface that consists of both newly deposited Pt atoms and remaining Ag atoms by following the stretching frequencies and intensities of 2,6-DMPI in real time. Because the SERS hot spots on the edges of Ag nanocubes coincide with the {110} facets preferred for the nucleation of Pt atoms, this technique is capable of resolving 27 Pt atoms being deposited on each edge of a 39 nm Ag nanocube in the original growth solution. Collectively, <i>in situ</i> SERS, with its consummate sensitivity to molecular structure and bonding of isocyanide-based molecular probe, could elucidate the mechanistic details involved in the seeded overgrowth of a catalytically significant metal, such as Pt, Pd, Ir, Rh, and Ru, on the surface of a Ag or Au nanocrystal seed