bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
α-Synuclein plasma membrane localization correlates with cellular phosphatidylinositol polyphosphate levels
Authors: Jacob Reeba Susan , Eichmann Cédric , Dema Alessandro , Mercadante Davide , Selenko Philipp
Published: February 2021

The Parkinson’s disease protein α-synuclein (αSyn) promotes membrane fusion and fission by interacting with various negatively charged phospholipids. Despite postulated roles in endocytosis and exocytosis, plasma membrane (PM) interactions of αSyn are poorly understood. Here, we show that phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) and phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate (PIP3), two highly acidic components of inner PM leaflets, mediate PM localization of endogenous pools of αSyn in A2780, HeLa, SK-MEL-2, and differentiated and undifferentiated neuronal SH-SY5Y cells. We demonstrate that αSyn binds to reconstituted PIP2 membranes in a helical conformation in vitro and that PIP2 synthesizing kinases and hydrolyzing phosphatases reversibly redistribute αSyn in cells. We further delineate that αSyn-PM targeting follows phosphoinositide-3 kinase (PI3K)-dependent changes of cellular PIP2 and PIP3 levels, which collectively suggests that phosphatidylinositol polyphosphates contribute to αSyn’s function(s) at the plasma membrane.
Temporo-parietal cortex involved in modeling one’s own and others’ attention
Authors: Guterstam Arvid , Bio Branden J , Wilterson Andrew I , Graziano Michael
Published: February 2021

In a traditional view, in social cognition, attention is equated with gaze and people track other people’s attention by tracking their gaze. Here, we used fMRI to test whether the brain represents attention in a richer manner. People read stories describing an agent (either oneself or someone else) directing attention to an object in one of two ways: either internally directed (endogenous) or externally induced (exogenous). We used multivoxel pattern analysis to examine how brain areas within the theory-of-mind network encoded attention type and agent type. Brain activity patterns in the left temporo-parietal junction (TPJ) showed significant decoding of information about endogenous versus exogenous attention. The left TPJ, left superior temporal sulcus (STS), precuneus, and medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC) significantly decoded agent type (self versus other). These findings show that the brain constructs a rich model of one’s own and others’ attentional state, possibly aiding theory of mind.
A β-catenin-driven switch in TCF/LEF transcription factor binding to DNA target sites promotes commitment of mammalian nephron progenitor cells
Authors: Guo Qiuyu , Kim Albert , Li Bin , Ransick Andrew , Bugacov Helena , Chen Xi , Lindström Nils , Brown Aaron , Oxburgh Leif , Ren Bing , McMahon Andrew P
Published: February 2021

The canonical Wnt pathway transcriptional co-activator β-catenin regulates self-renewal and differentiation of mammalian nephron progenitor cells (NPCs). We modulated β-catenin levels in NPC cultures using the GSK3 inhibitor CHIR99021 (CHIR) to examine opposing developmental actions of β-catenin. Low CHIR-mediated maintenance and expansion of NPCs are independent of direct engagement of TCF/LEF/β-catenin transcriptional complexes at low CHIR-dependent cell-cycle targets. In contrast, in high CHIR, TCF7/LEF1/β-catenin complexes replaced TCF7L1/TCF7L2 binding on enhancers of differentiation-promoting target genes. Chromosome confirmation studies showed pre-established promoter–enhancer connections to these target genes in NPCs. High CHIR-associated de novo looping was observed in positive transcriptional feedback regulation to the canonical Wnt pathway. Thus, β-catenin’s direct transcriptional role is restricted to the induction of NPCs, where rising β-catenin levels switch inhibitory TCF7L1/TCF7L2 complexes to activating LEF1/TCF7 complexes at primed gene targets poised for rapid initiation of a nephrogenic program.
Endoscopic Features of Submucosal Invasion in Undifferentiated-type Early Gastric Cancer Less than 20 mm in Size without Ulceration
Authors: Kim Su Jin , Park Byung Soo , Choi Cheol Woong , Kim Hyung Wook , Kang Dae Hwan , Park Su Bum
Published: February 2021

Background/Aims: The prediction of invasion depth is important to decide the treatment modality for undifferentiated-type early gastric cancer (EGC) less than 20 mm in size without ulceration. We aimed to identify the endoscopic features associated with submucosal invasion in undifferentiated-type EGC that meet the criteria of size and ulcer status.Methods: A total of 120 patients with undifferentiated-type EGC who underwent endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) or gastrectomy between August 2008 and December 2017 were enrolled and reviewed retrospectively. All lesions met the ESD indications except for the invasion depth. We analyzed the endoscopic features of the tumors before resection and invasion depth after resection.Results: There were 97 mucosal and 23 submucosal cancer lesions. Multivariable analysis revealed that the polypoid (OR, 90.8; 95% CI, 3.5~2,346.2) or elevated (OR, 5.0; 95% CI, 1.2~21.3) types, deep depression (OR, 76.0; 95% CI, 4.5~1,284.6), and upper (OR, 22.7; 95% CI, 3.0~170.8) or middle location (OR, 10.3; 95% CI, 1.9~55.4) were significant risk factors of submucosal invasion.Conclusions: The treatment modality for undifferentiated-type EGC of the polypoid/elevated type or with deep depression located in the upper two-thirds of the stomach should be carefully considered, even if the tumor size and ulcer status meet the ESD indications.
Evaluation of full-length nanopore 16S sequencing for detection of pathogens in microbial keratitis
Authors: Low Liying , Fuentes-Utrilla Pablo , Hodson James , O’Neil John D. , Rossiter Amanda E. , Begum Ghazala , Suleiman Kusy , Murray Philip I. , Wallace Graham R. , Loman Nicholas J. , Rauz Saaeha ,   West Midlands Collaborative Ophthalmology Network for Clinical Effectiveness & Research by Trainees (WM CONCERT)
Published: February 2021

Background

Microbial keratitis is a leading cause of preventable blindness worldwide. Conventional sampling and culture techniques are time-consuming, with over 40% of cases being culture-negative. Nanopore sequencing technology is portable and capable of generating long sequencing reads in real-time. The aim of this study is to evaluate the potential of nanopore sequencing directly from clinical samples for the diagnosis of bacterial microbial keratitis.

Methods

Using full-length 16S rRNA amplicon sequences from a defined mock microbial community, we evaluated and benchmarked our bioinformatics analysis pipeline for taxonomic assignment on three different 16S rRNA databases (NCBI 16S RefSeq, RDP and SILVA) with clustering at 97%, 99% and 100% similarities. Next, we optimised the sample collection using an ex vivo porcine model of microbial keratitis to compare DNA recovery rates of 12 different collection methods: 21-gauge needle, PTFE membrane (4 mm and 6 mm), Isohelix™ SK-2S, Sugi® Eyespear, Cotton, Rayon, Dryswab™, Hydraflock®, Albumin-coated, Purflock®, Purfoam and Polyester swabs. As a proof-of-concept study, we then used the sampling technique that provided the highest DNA recovery, along with the optimised bioinformatics pipeline, to prospectively collected samples from patients with suspected microbial keratitis. The resulting nanopore sequencing results were then compared to standard microbiology culture methods.

Results

We found that applying alignment filtering to nanopore sequencing reads and aligning to the NCBI 16S RefSeq database at 100% similarity provided the most accurate bacterial taxa assignment. DNA concentration recovery rates differed significantly between the collection methods (p < 0.001), with the Sugi® Eyespear swab providing the highest mean rank of DNA concentration. Then, applying the optimised collection method and bioinformatics pipeline directly to samples from two patients with suspected microbial keratitis, sequencing results from Patient A were in agreement with culture results, whilst Patient B, with negative culture results and previous antibiotic use, showed agreement between nanopore and Illumina Miseq sequencing results.

Conclusion

We have optimised collection methods and demonstrated a novel workflow for identification of bacterial microbial keratitis using full-length 16S nanopore sequencing.
Prevalence of Xanthomonas euvesicatoria (formally X. perforans) associated with bacterial spot severity in Capsicum annuum crops in South Central Chihuahua, Mexico
Authors: Hernández-Huerta Jared , Tamez-Guerra Patricia , Gomez-Flores Ricardo , Delgado-Gardea Ma. Carmen E. , García-Madrid Margarita S. , Robles-Hernández Loreto , Infante-Ramirez Rocio
Published: February 2021

Background

Xanthomonas spp. causes bacterial spot disease, which reduces quality and yield of pepper crops in Mexico. Identification of phytopathogen species is necessary to implement more effective control strategies.

Objective

The aim of this study was to isolate and identify infecting Xanthomonas species in South Central Chihuahua pepper-producing areas.

Methods

Diseased plants were collected from 30 cultivation lots and bacteria were isolated from damaged tissues. Potential causative agents were isolated, identified, and characterized by biochemical and molecular analysis. Pathogenicity tests from each isolate were then performed on 30-d-old pepper seedlings, exposing five leaves to 10 µL of 1 × 108 CFU/mL bacterial suspensions of each isolate, using sterile distilled water as a control. Disease severity was determined after 10 d by calculating leaf damage percentage. Furthermore, we evaluated the susceptibility of the highest bacterial spot severity-causing isolates (13 isolates) to copper sulphate (CuS), copper gluconate (CuG), copper oxychloride + oxytetracycline hydrochloride (Cu + Ox), gentamicin + oxytetracycline hydrochloride (Gen + Ox), and gentamicin sulphate (GenS). Copper-resistance genes (copLAB) were detected by PCR analysis among isolates.

Results

Thirty-seven foliage isolates were identified as Xanthomonas euvesicatoria (14%), which were associated with bacterial spot disease in jalapeño pepper. Tested Xanthomonas isolates were resistant to Cu-based compounds, but susceptible to Cu + Ox. All isolates were susceptible to Gen + Ox and GenS. CopLAB genes were detected in all but one strain.

Conclusions

X. euvesicatoria (formally X. perforans) may be considered as an emerging pathogen of bacterial spot pepper in Mexico. Among disease management strategies, alternatives to copper should be taken into consideration.
Prosthetic Rehabilitation of a Patient with Severe Early Childhood Caries: A Case Report
Authors: Braga Vanessa Simas , Kramer Paulo Floriani , Ceccato Carla Jotz , Ferreira Simone Helena
Published: February 2021

Early Childhood Caries (ECC) continues to be one of the most common chronic diseases in children throughout the world, exerting a negative impact on quality of life. This condition can cause pain, infection, and tooth loss as well as problems with speaking, chewing, and nutrition. The aetiology of ECC is complex and involves socioeconomic, biological, and behavioural factors. Rehabilitation in very young patients is challenging due to difficulties inherent to the age of the child, which limits cooperation, the extent of tooth decay, and the motivation of family members, especially in patients with the early loss of primary teeth. Therefore, paediatric dentists need to plan and implement individualised approaches on a case-by-case basis. This paper reports a case of a three-year-old boy diagnosed with ECC involving extensive carious lesions, root remnants, and multiple abscesses. The treatment plan involved prosthetic rehabilitation with complete dentures. Regular check ups were important to the functional adaptations and proper hygiene counselling. The child adapted extremely well to the dentures. Improvements in appearance, speech, and chewing function enhanced the child’s self-confidence and assisted in establishing proper dietary patterns.
Quantitative Determination of Biochemical Constituents of the Wild Food Plant Talinum triangulare (Jacqu) Wild (Big Purslane)
Authors: Mukeba Florent Biduaya , Ilunga Archil Ndub , Ilonga Prince Bofati , Bongo Gédéon Ngiala , Mukadi Myriam Ngondo , Ngbolua Koto-te-Nyiwa , Mukoko Johnny Bopopi , Ngombe Nadège K. , Mutwale Paulin Kapepula , Banzola Franck Kinungi
Published: February 2021

The Democratic Republic of the Congo is one of the major biodiversity hotspot in the world. Wild edible plants (WEPs) are widely consumed as part of daily diet by the local people and are part of their traditional culture and food habit. The T. triangulare species is a non-conventional vegetable crop of the Talinaceae family. It is well adapted to the hot and humid climate and the poor quality soil, which makes its cultivation an important economic activity for small growers. However, mere enumeration of such plants is not enough. A thorough assessment of their nutritive values is of paramount importance to find out how to make best use of them. The present work deals with the biochemichal analysis of the nutritive values of non-conventional food plant T. triangulare with pink and white flowers. Freshly collected seeds, barks, roots leaves samples were first washed with tap water and then distilled water and dried in air, away from the sun till constant weight was recorded. From this moisture percentage was computed and chemical analysis was on dry weight basis. It appears from this study that the leaves of T. triangulare have a moisture content of 93%, which is slightly higher than the values given successively (90.8%) for T. triangulare (Jacq.). The mineral matter or ash content of leaves is 18.7%. The total protein found by us in the leaves presents a rate (2.4%). The protein rate on dry matter in the leaves is higher (2.27%) than that found in the roots 1.13%, stems 1.75% and seeds 1.44%. This rate varies considerably depending on the season. The fat content found in the leaves is 0.326%, it is lower than that found in the roots 0.366% and that found in the stems 0.38%, the fat content found in the seeds is lower compared to the others. The carbohydrate content analysed in the leaves is 0.07%, lower than that found in roots (2.614%), stems (3.58%) and seeds (3.16%). The present study revealed that T. triangulare is excellent sources of protein and minerals with moderate level of crude fibre and excellent sources of crude fibre with good amount of minerals. There is a general misconception that non-conventional leafy vegetables as well as other edible plants are nutritionally poor and hence unimportant.
Occupational and Industrial Hygiene as a Profession: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow
Authors: Dawson Barbara J. , Dotson Kyle B. , Grimsley Faye , Grumbles Thomas , Mansdorf Zack , Roskelley David , Sahmel Jennifer , Tresider Noel , Tsai Candace
Published: February 2021

The professional field of industrial hygiene/occupational hygiene has its roots in the profession of public health, which means the preservation of health and prevention of disease among people engaged in an occupation. The modern definition of industrial hygiene also includes protection of the health of persons living in the community or around a place of work from hazards that may arise from that place of work and affect overall health. This chapter focuses on various factors that are involved in relating exposure to health hazards to human health and well‐being and the rationale upon which the practice of industrial hygiene/occupational hygiene is based. Significant progress has been made during the past century in characterizing and controlling exposure to occupational health hazards. Comprehensive industrial hygiene programs are being used to effectively control exposures to work hazards in most developed countries, but this is less so in emerging economies. Today, the rationale for industrial hygiene practice continues to evolve to help address such important topics as how the occupational environment affects and relates to the physiological, psychological, and behavioral aspects of health and well‐being.
Computed Tomography in Industrial Hygiene
Authors: Todd Lori A.
Published: February 2021

An innovative measurement technology for industrial hygiene and environmental air sampling has emerged to allow visualization of the spatial distribution of chemical concentrations in space over time. By combining optical remote sensing technologies with computed tomography, spatially and temporally resolved two‐dimensional concentration maps can be generated for a room or area. These maps could be used to evaluate pollutant dispersion in a workplace, characterize human exposures, support fundamental modeling research, and locate fugitive emissions.
Analytical Methods
Authors: Lieckfield Robert G.
Published: February 2021

The accurate determination of workplace exposures begins with the selection of an appropriate sampling device and continues through the analysis of the collected samples in the industrial hygiene laboratory. This chapter focuses on the various laboratory methodologies generally used for the analysis of industrial hygiene samples. The complexity of this field is compounded by the need to identify and quantify trace quantities of organic and inorganic substances in the presence of numerous potential interferences. As the technology of analytical instrumentation evolves with advances in hardware, software, and new measurement systems the industrial hygiene laboratory community must continue adoption of more sophisticated instrumentation to be able to achieve lower detection limits required of new health standards and chemical exposures.
Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems
Authors: Redinger Charles F. , Leibowitz Alan , Toy Victor M.
Published: February 2021

The advent of organizational management system ideas, approaches, frameworks, standards, etc. and their application to improving worker health is significant. Occupational health and safety management system (OHSMS) approaches provide industrial hygienists and occupational health and safety (OH&S) professionals with a robust set of tools: to reduce and eliminate workplace injuries, illness, and fatalities; and integrate OH&S with business and operational processes. As well, they assist in strengthening technical competencies and systems thinking skills.

In 2018, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) published ISO 45001: 2018, which was its first OHSMS. Prior to this, it had published ISO 9001 (quality) and ISO 14001 (environment) management systems (MS) which impacted the development of OHSMSs in numerous countries and at the International Labour Organization.

Historical background is provided on the evolution of the OHSMS arena. The distinction is made between a management system and its certification by a third party. It is often incorrectly assumed that having an OHSMS in place, or other system, means it has to be certified.

Important concepts associated with organizational MS are presented. These include the following: systems thinking, conformity assessment, risk‐based thinking, organizational context, and process focus. The most recent generation of management system approaches includes not only stronger risk management focus, but also a focus on performance improvement opportunities. This shift in thinking, while seemingly small, has potentially large implications for industrial hygienists and OH&S professionals. Opportunity‐thinking and business process integration–thinking provides a portal to make a larger contribution, for instance, in enterprise risk management efforts and in designing “the workplace of the future.”
Agriculture Hygiene
Authors: Donham Kelley J. , Nonnenmann Matthew
Published: February 2021

This chapter aims to address the information needs and to encourage the interests of industrial hygienists to apply their skills and knowledge to the population of workers employed in the industrial sectors of agriculture, forestry, and fishing (AFF). Worker health and safety efforts in these three sectors are often lumped together under the category of agricultural health and safety or AFF workers as defined by NIOSH. Other agricultural health and safety reviews have been aimed at health professionals or a more general industrial health and safety professional audience. Herein, we bring the essentials of this subject to an Industrial Hygiene audience, as compared to a general health and safety audience. In order to assist the reader, we organized the sections by the hygienist's paradigm – anticipation, recognition, evaluation, and control. We also discuss how the information provided might be applied to potential policies to stimulate industrial hygiene and safety activity in AFF sectors.
The Mode of Absorption, Distribution, and Elimination of Toxic Materials
Authors: Mirer Franklin E.
Published: February 2021

Toxicology supports health risk assessments that generate exposure limits for chemicals. A toxic effect is presumed proportional to the concentration of the proximal toxicant at the target site of action. Uptake, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of a toxicant explain the action of the agent and the variation in potency between exposure circumstances, species, and agents with similar mode of action. The proximal toxicant may be the parent compound or a product of metabolism of the toxic agent. Portals for entry into the body in the occupational environment are primarily inhalation and skin absorption. The most prominent determinants of absorption are physical state, particle size, and lipid solubility. The liver is the most prominent organ for metabolism of toxicants, oxidation by Cytochrome P450 enzymes the most prominent metabolic pathway for activation and detoxification. Excretion pathways include exhalation of volatile compounds, transport of polar compounds to urine by the kidney, and transport of lipid‐soluble compounds to feces via bile. Examples of agents and detailed discussion of the structure of organ systems are given.
Real‐Time Assessment of Air Contaminants Using Video Exposure Monitoring (
VEM
) Methods and Techniques
Authors: McGlothlin James D. , Xu Fan , Cole Sandra S. , Huizen Dave
Published: February 2021

One of the fastest evolving areas of occupational exposure assessment is the development and use of real‐time sensors synchronized with video monitoring to evaluate and control occupational hazards. Occupational exposure assessment is one branch of exposure assessment and addresses the exposure problems that occur in the workplace. Through exposure assessment, we generally describe and identify the nature and size of the various populations exposed to hazards, the magnitude and duration of the exposures, and the causal factors of exposure. This chapter presents a general overview of this evolving science from its beginning, to where it is now (brief case study reports), to future development and applications. The goal is to demonstrate the efficacy of using VEM to establish an association between exposure levels and workplace events, to identify causal factors, and implement cost‐effective controls. The case studies represent the progression and evolution of technology in the development of real‐time monitoring of exposure to different types of hazardous materials. Current applications of real‐time exposure assessment systems point to integrated VEM systems that are more portable, powerful, practical, and profitable. Future applications for VEM using “Cloud‐based” data storage and management, 5G internet, big data analytics, and artificial intelligence to improve occupational exposure assessment are presented.
Engineering Control of Airborne Contaminants: History, Philosophy, and the Development of Primary Approaches
Authors: Burton D. Jeff , Burgess William A.
Published: February 2021

There are many approaches available for the control of air contaminant emissions and employee and occupant exposures. Engineering controls are one of the most important of these approaches.

Many engineering emission control principles described here are also applicable to biological and physical hazards.
Control Banding: Background, Evolution, and Application
Authors: Zalk David M. , West Elaine , Nelson Deborah I.
Published: February 2021

Control banding (CB) strategies offer a solution for controlling worker exposures to constituents that are found in the workplace in the absence of firm toxicological and exposure data. The CB approach is now recognized in developed countries and economically developing countries and is considered as the most practical approach for the prevention of work‐related risks. As CB strategies are more prevalent in practice, the need for newer professionals to understand their strengths and weaknesses becomes an essential component of their ongoing education.
Nonionizing Radiation: Broadband Optical
Authors: Phillips Margaret L. , Butler Allene H.
Published: February 2021

Optical radiation consists of the ultraviolet (UV), visible, and infrared (IR) regions of the nonionizing electromagnetic spectrum. The main target organs for optical radiation are the eye and skin. This chapter reviews the basic science of optical radiation, describes characteristics of common broadband optical radiation sources, discusses exposure criteria and methods for the quantitative assessment of optical radiation hazards, describes basic principles for control of these hazards, and provides practical discussion of hazard recognition and control for specific processes or sources, including solar UV, welding, germicidal radiation, and photocuring lamps.
Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields
Authors: Foster Kenneth R. , Tell Richard A.
Published: February 2021

The radiofrequency (RF) part of the electromagnetic spectrum is conventionally defined as extending from 3 kilohertz (kHz) to 300 gigahertz (GHz) and includes a great many applications ranging in power level from very low (e.g. wireless key fobs, Wi‐Fi) to very high (e.g. some broadcast and radar facilities, industrial heaters). While RF energy is nonionizing, in the sense that its photons have insufficient energy to disrupt chemical bonds and form free radicals), exposure to RF energy at high levels can be quite hazardous. The presence of high‐powered RF sources in some occupational settings creates challenges for the industrial hygienist (IH), regarding both exposure assessment and control. This chapter reviews elementary aspects of RF safety, including RF sources in occupational settings with the potential of producing exposures above recommended limits, relevant exposure limits, elements of exposure assessment, and RF protection programs.
Nonionizing Radiation: Extremely Low Frequency
Authors: Shum Mona , Cooper Jesse
Published: February 2021

The extremely low‐frequency (ELF) range generally consists of frequencies from greater than zero to 2 kHz. Electric fields are produced by charges, whereas magnetic fields are produced by charges in motion. Several organizations publish occupational and public exposure guidelines for electric and magnetic fields that are protective against acute effects and typical daily exposures are usually well below these levels. Medical device wearers can experience interference from electric and magnetic fields and wearers must be aware of the limitations near particular equipment or devices. There is limited evidence for any effects associated with chronic exposure to electric and magnetic fields. For measurement of electric and magnetic fields in the ELF range, these two fields must be measured independently. A number of different meters are available to measure electric and magnetic fields, the choice of which depends on what field (electric vs. magnetic) and frequency range is being measured, the anticipated field level, and the sensitivity desired. Controls for reducing electric and magnetic fields include engineering and design controls, increasing distance from the source, and for electric fields, certain personal protective equipment meant to insulate from contact with charged metallic surfaces.
Occupational Ergonomics: Past, Present, and Future
Authors: Kotowski Susan , Davis Kermit , Bhattacharya Amit
Published: February 2021

Ergonomics is the science of properly balancing job demands with worker capabilities to prevent a mismatch in demands and capabilities. Mismatch between the capabilities and job demands can lead to cumulative trauma of the body. Using the traditional industrial hygiene methodology of anticipation, recognition, evaluation, and control, discussions will cover each area as it applies to the field of occupational ergonomics. Reflections of occupational ergonomics in the past, the current state of the field, and considerations for the future of the field will also be presented.
Product Stewardship: A Viable Practice for the Industrial Hygienist
Authors: Grumbles Thomas G.
Published: February 2021

This chapter summarizes the principles and practice of Product Stewardship (PS) to give the reader a working understanding of this growing professional opportunity. PS is a significant regulatory, health, and environmental protection activity increasingly required for all commercial entities, that create, market, transport, import, or dispose of commercial products of all types. Many of the major chemical manufacturing, processing, and distribution companies are committed to performance programs through their various trade associations. All of these programs define elements and expectations for PS. The number and complexity of PS‐related regulations continues to grow globally with the implementation of registration, evaluation, and authorization of chemical, GHS, expanded EPA Chemical Data Reporting requirements, and a growing list of participating countries implementing chemical control regulations impacting global commerce. The typical qualifications and capabilities of a professional industrial hygienist compare well with the competency requirements for the practice of PS. Also, the involvement of government agencies, private advocacy groups, and other institutions in PS activities have been addressed.
Health and Safety Issues of New Energy Technologies
Authors: Heramb Brian
Published: February 2021

The demand for electricity is growing, and the generation of electricity is being transformed as renewable sources are increasingly replacing burning of fossil fuels to reduce emission of greenhouse gases and air pollutants. Solar electric and wind‐generated power are two of the fastest‐growing renewable sources, while other technologies such as hydrogen fuel cells are also being adopted. Microgrids are feasible to better distribute renewable generation for smaller communities. But electricity storage at night must be used to take advantage of daytime generation. Storage with lead‐acid batteries has been matched and surpassed by batteries with higher energy densities and other desirable characteristics, such as lithium‐ion and vanadium redox flow batteries. These new energy technologies provide benefits but also pose chemical and other hazards during steps of their life cycles. Industrial hygienists and others are being challenged to understand and manage risks of new energy technologies that can affect workers and members of the communities. This chapter provides a basic introduction to these technologies to assist professionals in anticipating, recognizing, evaluating, and controlling the potential health and safety risks. For this quickly evolving field, it is important to review in depth available references and stay abreast of risk assessment, engineering, policy, and management developments affecting new energy technologies.
Sustainability and the Role of the Safety and Health Professional
Authors: Mansdorf S. Zack
Published: February 2021

Sustainability with public reporting of metrics in the areas of social, economic, and environmental performance has become a common business practice for most major organizations including not‐for‐profits (e.g. hospitals) and governmental agencies. This is important for safety and health professionals since in many organizations, the mission and goals of safety and health are being driven by organizational strategies to address demands by a growing number of sustainability stakeholders including employees, investors, regulators, and a wide variety of private interest groups. Therefore, it is critical that safety and health professionals understand the concepts and direction of sustainability.

Safety and health professionals can have a significant role to play in sustainability. The establishment of safety and health goals and the data collection systems for safety and health metrics in the organization and in the supply chain are obvious areas for collaboration with others in the sustainability function. However, there are a large number of other areas where the science and engineering backgrounds of safety and health professionals make for a significant opportunity to contribute to the overall sustainability effort. Beyond the environmental issues including product life cycle assessments and product stewardship, there are many other areas including community involvement where the safety and health professional can contribute.
A Modeling Framework for Jamming Structures
Authors: Aktaş Buse , Narang Yashraj S. , Vasios Nikolaos , Bertoldi Katia , Howe Robert D.
Published: February 2021

Jamming is a structural phenomenon that provides tunable mechanical behavior. A jamming structure typically consists of a collection of elements with low effective stiffness and damping. When a pressure gradient, such as vacuum, is applied, kinematic and frictional coupling increase, resulting in dramatically altered mechanical properties. Engineers have used jamming to build devices from tunable‐stiffness grippers to tunable‐damping landing gear. This study presents a rigorous framework that systematically guides the design of jamming structures for target applications. The force‐deflection behavior of major types of jamming structures (i.e., grain, fiber, and layer) in fundamental loading conditions (e.g., tension, shear, and bending) is compared. High‐performing pairs (e.g., grains in compression, layers in shear, and bending) are identified. Parameters that go into designing, fabricating, and actuating a jamming structure (e.g., scale, material, geometry, and actuator) are described, along with their effects on functional metrics. Two key methods to expand on the design space of jamming structures are introduced: using structural design to achieve effective tunable‐impedance behavior in specific loading directions, and creating hybrid jamming structures to utilize the advantages of different types of jamming. Collectively, this study elaborates and extends the jamming design space, providing a conceptual modeling framework for jamming‐based structures.
Stamping Flexible Li Alloy Anodes
Authors: Gao Jinlong , Chen Chaoji , Dong Qi , Dai Jiaqi , Yao Yonggang , Li Tangyuan , Rundlett Alexandra , Wang Ruiliu , Wang Chengwei , Hu Liangbing
Published: February 2021

Li metal holds great promise to be the ultimate anode choice owing to its high specific capacity and low redox potential. However, processing Li metal into thin‐film anode with high electrochemical performance and good safety to match commercial cathodes remains challenging. Herein, a new method is reported to prepare ultrathin, flexible, and high‐performance Li–Sn alloy anodes with various shapes on a number of substrates by directly stamping a molten metal solution. The printed anode is as thin as 15 µm, corresponding to an areal capacity of ≈3 mAh cm–2 that matches most commercial cathode materials. The incorporation of Sn provides the nucleation center for Li, thereby mitigating Li dendrites as well as decreasing the overpotential during Li stripping/plating (e.g., <10 mV at 0.25 mA cm–2). As a proof‐of‐concept, a flexible Li‐ion battery using the ultrathin Li–Sn alloy anode and a commercial NMC cathode demonstrates good electrochemical performance and reliable cell operation even after repetitive deformation. The approach can be extended to other metal/alloy anodes such as Na, K, and Mg. This study opens a new door toward the future development of high‐performance ultrathin alloy‐based anodes for next‐generation batteries.
Sequential Coevaporation and Deposition of Antimony Selenosulfide Thin Film for Efficient Solar Cells
Authors: Yin Yiwei , Jiang Chenhui , Ma Yuyuan , Tang Rongfeng , Wang Xiaomin , Zhang Lijian , Li Zhiqiang , Zhu Changfei , Chen Tao
Published: February 2021

Antimony selenosulfide (Sb2(S,Se)3) is an emerging low‐cost, nontoxic solar material with suitable bandgap and high absorption coefficient. Developing effective methods for fabricating high‐quality films would benefit the device efficiency improvement and deepen the fundamental understanding on the optoelectronic properties. Herein, equipment is developed that allows online introduction of precursor vapor during the reaction process, enabling sequential coevaporation of Sb2Se3 and S powders for the deposition of Sb2(S,Se)3 thin films. With this unique ability, it is revealed that the deposition sequence manipulates both the interfacial properties and optoelectronic properties of the absorber film. A power conversion efficiency of 8.0% is achieved, which is the largest value in vapor‐deposition‐derived Sb2(S,Se)3 solar cells. The research demonstrates that multi‐source sequential coevaporation is an efficient technique to fabricate high‐efficiency Sb2(S,Se)3 solar cells.
Free‐Fixed Rotational Triboelectric Nanogenerator for Self‐Powered Real‐Time Wheel Monitoring
Authors: Jin Long , Zhang Steven L. , Xu Sixing , Guo Hengyu , Yang Weiqing , Wang Zhong Lin
Published: February 2021

Developing an applicable triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) for train wheel energy harvesting is a key step to meet the urgent need of wheel safety monitoring. Herein, an innovative design of free‐fixed TENG (FF‐TENG) is reported, without a serious negative impact on the wheel. The key of this design is the magnets fixed on the device and bogie, providing attractive force to immobilize the stator. With a rotational structure, FF‐TENG can provide a high short‐circuit current of 55 µA, an open‐circuit voltage of 500 V, and a charge of 235 nC at a rotation speed of 400 rpm. At an external load resistance of 10 MΩ, FF‐TENG delivers the maximum power of 15.68 mW. Furthermore, the superior robustness of FF‐TENG in vibration environment is proved. In addition, a power management circuit designed by LTC 3588 is tested for more efficient capacitor charging, leading to better performance to power electronics. Finally, a self‐powered real‐time wheel temperature and wheel speed monitoring system is developed with FF‐TENG as a safety alert demo for feasibility demonstration. Given the rational structure design and high performance, this work paves a practical way for TENGs in the field of intelligent transportation.
Elastic Halochromic Fiber as a Reversible pH Sensor
Authors: Hong Taekuk , Choi Yong Kyu , Lim Taekyung , Seo Keumyoung , Jeong Sang‐Mi , Ju Sanghyun
Published: February 2021

Wearable textile colorimetric sensors are extremely effective for expressing danger or warning, as they are non‐invasive and exhibit easily recognizable color changes. However, unlike conventional sensors, these devices are actually worn by individuals and should, therefore, not only detect hazardous chemicals in real time but also maintain the reversibility, durability, and stability of color change upon exposure to sweat, repetitive movement, and environments involving continuous exposure to chemical substances. Herein, a halochromic fiber maintaining excellent pH sensing properties upon continuous exposure to chemical and physical stimuli is fabricated. The fiber surface is rendered hydrophobic by phosphonic acid treatment, and a composite pH indicator dye capable of simultaneously detecting acids and bases is embedded into the fiber pores. The halochromic fiber could accurately detect pH while maintaining a clear color transition even after repeated changes in the acidic–basic environment, returning to the neutral state within several seconds after termination of exposure to the test solution. Thus, the presented technique allows one to significantly improve the reversibility, durability, and stability of color change—a problem faced by conventional wearable sensors—and, thus, greatly contributes to the development of halochromic textile sensors applicable to real‐life work environments.
Exploring the Optical Bound State in the Continuum in a Dielectric Grating Coupled Plasmonic Hybrid System
Authors: Joseph Shereena , Sarkar Swagato , Khan Sunny , Joseph Joby
Published: February 2021

The bound state in the continuum (BIC) explores the extraordinary optical properties of a system possessing wave characteristics that gained recent importance for practical applications, including lasing, sensing, optical tweezing, nonlinear interactions, and many more. Unlike a pure optical or plasmonic system, a hybrid architecture with coupled photonic–plasmonic characteristics can offer the intermittent resonant modes for suitable applications. Therefore, BIC modes are investigated here in such a photonic–plasmonic hybrid structure made up of a dielectric sinusoidal grating deposited on a flat metal layer via low‐cost fabrication methods. Such a design has not been subjected to the investigation of BIC formation so far. The structure‐supported resonant modes are numerically studied by analyzing the reflection characteristics in the parametric space. The Friedrich–Wintgen bound state (FW‐BIC) is produced by the interference of distinct resonance channels, further resulting in a quasi‐BIC hybrid mode revealed in the parametric sweep. An additional angular scan demonstrates the intrinsic symmetry‐protected BIC (SP‐BIC), and its hybridization with a plasmonic mode results in a distinct FW‐BIC mode and a quasi‐BIC hybrid mode. The experimentally obtained spectral characteristics in the angular resolved scan between 5 to 20 degrees verify the quasi‐BIC hybrid modes with good quality factors and enhanced field confinement.
Crosstalk between Bone and Nerves within Bone
Authors: Wan Qian‐Qian , Qin Wen‐Pin , Ma Yu‐Xuan , Shen Min‐Juan , Li Jing , Zhang Zi‐Bin , Chen Ji‐Hua , Tay Franklin R. , Niu Li‐Na , Jiao Kai
Published: February 2021

For the past two decades, the function of intrabony nerves on bone has been a subject of intense research, while the function of bone on intrabony nerves is still hidden in the corner. In the present review, the possible crosstalk between bone and intrabony peripheral nerves will be comprehensively analyzed. Peripheral nerves participate in bone development and repair via a host of signals generated through the secretion of neurotransmitters, neuropeptides, axon guidance factors and neurotrophins, with additional contribution from nerve‐resident cells. In return, bone contributes to this microenvironmental rendezvous by housing the nerves within its internal milieu to provide mechanical support and a protective shelf. A large ensemble of chemical, mechanical, and electrical cues works in harmony with bone marrow stromal cells in the regulation of intrabony nerves. The crosstalk between bone and nerves is not limited to the physiological state, but also involved in various bone diseases including osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, heterotopic ossification, psychological stress‐related bone abnormalities, and bone related tumors. This crosstalk may be harnessed in the design of tissue engineering scaffolds for repair of bone defects or be targeted for treatment of diseases related to bone and peripheral nerves.
Smart Design of Resistive Switching Memory by an In Situ Current‐Induced Oxidization Process on a Single Crystalline Metallic Nanowire
Authors: Shih Yu‐Chuan , Lee Ling , Liang Kai‐De , Manikandan Arumugam , Liu Wen‐Wu , Chen Yu‐Ze , Chang Mu‐Tung , Wang Zhiming M. , Chueh Yu‐Lun
Published: February 2021

Resistive switching random access memory (ReRAM) has recently generated significant interest due to its potentials used in nanoscale logic, memory devices, and neuromorphic applications. From the device physics, a uniform dielectric layer is necessary to access as the main switching layer to perform stable resistive switching. This, however, makes the fabrication process more challenging. In this regard, a design of resistive switching memory by an in situ current‐induced oxidization process on a single crystal metallic nanowire (NW) is demonstrated where a single crystal Cu NW is found as the best material with stable switching behaviors after the in situ current‐induced oxidization process. With the in situ current‐induced oxidization process by high current density on the Cu NW, a reversible resistive switching up to 100 cycles with a large ON/OFF ratio of >103 and a low switching voltage of <0.5 V can be obtained. The initial current‐induced oxidation provides a core–shell (Cu2O/Cu) nanowire structure that contributed to the switching properties. The possible switching mechanisms and potential guidelines are systematically proposed. The current work opens up the opportunities to design the ReRAM device with full‐ metallic materials.
Flexible Nanowire Cathode Membrane with Gradient Interfaces and Rapid Electron/Ion Transport Channels for Solid‐State Lithium Batteries
Authors: Cheng Yu , Shu Jun , Xu Lin , Xia Yangyang , Du Lulu , Zhang Gang , Mai Liqiang
Published: February 2021

Solid‐state lithium batteries (SSLBs) have attracted more attention due to their improved safety and high energy density. Although numerous solid‐state electrolytes (SSEs) with high ionic conductivity have been frequently reported, poor solid–solid interfacial contact and interfacial chemical reactions around the cathode in SSLBs can hinder their practical application. Here, a gradient nanowire (NW) cathode is demonstrated for advanced interface engineering in SSLBs by a facile solvent evaporation process. In this unique gradient cathode membrane, one side surface with more ionic conductive polymer provides a smooth contact with SSE, while the other side surface with more electronic conductive NW/reduced graphene oxide composite provides rapid electron transport acting as a current collector. Furthermore, the inside NW cathode materials are uniformly coated by a solid polymer electrolyte and such a structure changes the point‐to‐point contact to a large‐area contact in the cathode, providing continuous channels for rapid electron/ion transport and improved mechanical strength. The effective interface engineering gives SSLBs enhanced structural stability and excellent electrochemical performance. The as‐obtained SSLBs can deliver 200 mAh g–1 capacity after 100 cycles at room temperature without obvious structural degradation. This novel design of NW‐based gradient cathodes demonstrates a promising strategy for solid–solid interface engineering in solid‐state lithium batteries.
Intravenous ferric derisomaltose for the treatment of iron deficiency anemia
Authors: Auerbach Michael , Henry David , DeLoughery Thomas G.
Published: February 2021

Intravenous (IV) iron is the therapy of choice when oral iron is ineffective or poorly tolerated, yet use has been limited by fears of hypersensitivity reactions (HSRs). Newer formulations that bind iron more tightly and release it more slowly have made the risk of serious or severe HSRs very low. One such formulation, ferric derisomaltose, has been approved in the United States for delivery of 1000 mg iron in a single IV infusion. Ferric derisomaltose rapidly repletes iron parameters with low rates of serious or severe HSRs. Single‐infusion iron repletion offers convenience, eliminates adherence concerns, and reduces healthcare resource utilization.