bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Minimizing Interfacial Recombination in 1.8 eV Triple‐Halide Perovskites for 27.5% Efficient All‐Perovskite Tandems
Authors: Yang Fengjiu , Tockhorn Philipp , Musiienko Artem , Lang Felix , Menzel Dorothee , Macqueen Rowan , Köhnen Eike , Xu Ke , Mariotti Silvia , Mantione Daniele , Merten Lena , Hinderhofer Alexander , Li Bor , Wargulski Dan R. , Harvey Steven P. , Zhang Jiahuan , Scheler Florian , Berwig Sebastian , Roß Marcel , Thiesbrummel Jarla , Al‐Ashouri Amran , Brinkmann Kai O. , Riedl Thomas , Schreiber Frank , Abou‐Ras Daniel , Snaith Henry , Neher Dieter , Korte Lars , Stolterfoht Martin , Albrecht Steve
Published: November 2023

All‐perovskite tandem solar cells show great potential to enable the highest performance at reasonable costs for a viable market entry in the near future. In particular, wide‐bandgap (WBG) perovskites with higher open‐circuit voltage (VOC) are essential to further improve the tandem solar cells’ performance. Here, a new 1.8 eV bandgap triple‐halide perovskite composition in conjunction with a piperazinium iodide (PI) surface treatment is developed. With structural analysis, it is found that the PI modifies the surface through a reduction of excess lead iodide in the perovskite and additionally penetrates the bulk. Constant light‐induced magneto‐transport measurements are applied to separately resolve charge carrier properties of electrons and holes. These measurements reveal a reduced deep trap state density, and improved steady‐state carrier lifetime (factor 2.6) and diffusion lengths (factor 1.6). As a result, WBG PSCs achieve 1.36 V VOC, reaching 90% of the radiative limit. Combined with a 1.26 eV narrow bandgap (NBG) perovskite with a rubidium iodide additive, this enables a tandem cell with a certified scan efficiency of 27.5%.
Regioselective Growth of Colloidal Crystals Induced by Depletion Attraction
Authors: Park Sanghyuk , Kim Shin‐Hyun
Published: November 2023

Colloidal crystals display photonic stopbands that generate reflective structural colors. While micropatterning offers significant value for various applications, the resolution is somewhat limited for conventional top‐down approaches. In this work, a simple, single‐step bottom‐up approach is introduced to produce photonic micropatterns through depletion‐mediated regioselective growth of colloidal crystals. Lithographically‐featured micropatterns with planar surfaces and nano‐needle arrays as substrates are employed. Heterogeneous nucleation is drastically suppressed on nano‐needle arrays due to minimal particle‐to‐needles overlap of excluded volumes, while it is promoted on planar surfaces with large particle‐to‐plane volume overlap, enabling regioselective growth of colloidal crystals. This strategy allows high‐resolution micropatterning of colloidal photonic crystals, with a minimum feature size as small as 10 µm. Stopband positions, or structural colors, are controllable through concentration and depletant and salt, as well as particle size. Notably, secondary colors can be created through structural color mixing by simultaneously crystallizing two different particle sizes into their own crystal grains, resulting in two distinct reflectance peaks at controlled wavelengths. The simple and highly reproducible method for regioselective colloidal crystallization provides a general route for designing elaborate photonic micropatterns suitable for various applications.
Recent Advances in Transition‐Metal‐Catalyzed Ring‐Retentive Addition Reactions of Oxa(aza)benzonorbornadienes
Authors: Lin Qifu , Yang Dingqiao
Published: November 2023

Oxa(aza)benzonorbornadienes are utilized as important synthetic intermediates and useful building blocks in organic synthesis due to their structural features and reactivity. In addition to ring‐opening reactions, the transition‐metal‐catalyzed ring‐retentive addition reactions of oxa(aza)bicyclic alkenes have increasingly drawn the attention of various researchers. Numerous efficient protocols in this field have been investigated that enable facile and efficient transformations of oxa(aza)benzonorbornadienes to related valuable adducts, which are summarized and discussed in detail in this review.
Anchoring of Metal Complexes on Au25 Nanocluster for Enhanced Photocoupled Electrocatalytic CO2 Reduction
Authors: Zhao Jiangtao , Ziarati Abolfazl , Rosspeintner Arnulf , Bürgi Thomas
Published: November 2023

Atomically precise Au nanoclusters (NCs) with discrete energy levels can be used as photosensitizers for CO2 reduction. However, tight ligand capping of Au NCs hinders CO2 adsorption on its active sites. Here, a new hybrid material is obtained by anchoring of thiol functionalized terpyridine metal complexes (metal=Ru, Ni, Fe, Co) on Au NCs by ligand exchange reactions (LERs). The anchoring of Ru and Ni complexes on Au25 NC (Au25−Ru and Au25−Ni) leads to adequate CO2 to CO conversion for photocoupled electrocatalytic CO2 reduction (PECR) in terms of high selectivity, with Faradaic efficiency of CO (FECO) exceeding 90 % in a wide potential range, remarkable activity (CO production rate up to two times higher than that for pristine Au25PET18) and extremely large turnover frequencies (TOFs, 63012 h−1 at −0.97 V for Au25−Ru and 69989 h−1 at −1.07 V vs. RHE for Au25−Ni). Moreover, PECR stability test indicates the excellent long‐term stability of the modified NCs in contrast with pristine Au NCs. The present approach offers a novel strategy to enhance PECR activity and selectivity, as well as to improve the stability of Au NCs under light illumination, which paves the way for highly active and stable Au NCs catalysts.
Synergistic effects of punicic acid and alpha lipoic acid ameliorate inflammatory and metabolic genes expression in C2C12 myoblast cells under oxidative stress condition
Authors: Khozoei Shiva , Mahdavi Amir Hossein , Rabiee Farzaneh , Ghaedi Kamran
Published: November 2023

Inflammation is a reaction of the immune system to infection and injury; in fact, it positioned at the center of metabolic disorders, particularly obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Thus play a major role not only in their development, but also exerts as a crucial linking factor among those diseases. In this regard, one of the strategies for tackling this problem is application of antioxidants to treat such diseases. The present study was performed to evaluate the synergistic effects of punicic acid (PUA) and alpha‐lipoic acid (ALA) as antioxidants and radical scavenging reagents on the expression of some inflammatory and metabolism‐related genes under oxidative stress in the muscle cells. The experimental treatments consisted of a range of 20, 40, 80, 160, and 320 µM of PUA, and 5, 25, 50, 100, and 200 µM of ALA with a 200 µM concentration of H2O2 as an oxidative stress inducer. Accordingly, fatty acid treatments were applied for 24 h, and H2O2 was treated for 1 h. Our results indicated that the simultaneous treatment of PUA and ALA at optimal concentrations (80 and 50 µM, respectively) decreased the expression of inflammation genes and increased the expression of regulatory genes (Pparγ, Pgc‐1α) related to metabolism (p < .05). Unexpectedly, H2O2 treatment increased the Fndc5 expression (p < .05). Maximal upregulation of Pparγ, Pgc‐1α were obtained when fatty acids combination (PUA and ALA) were used in the culture of H2O2 treated cells (p < .05). Therefore, our findings suggest that the simultaneous use of PUA and ALA fatty acids could reduce oxidative stress, and the expression of inflammatory genes, thereby improving the cell metabolism.
Antibody glycosylation correlates with disease progression in SIV‐Mycobacterium tuberculosis coinfected cynomolgus macaques
Authors: Haycroft Ebene R , Damelang Timon , Lopez Ester , Rodgers Mark A , Wines Bruce D , Hogarth Mark , Ameel Cassaundra L , Kent Stephen J , Scanga Charles A , O'Connor Shelby L , Chung Amy W
Published: November 2023

Objectives

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a substantial cause of morbidity and mortality among people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) worldwide. However, the immunological mechanisms associated with the enhanced susceptibility among HIV‐positive individuals remain largely unknown.

Methods

Here, we used a simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV)/TB‐coinfection Mauritian cynomolgus macaque (MCM) model to examine humoral responses from the plasma of SIV‐negative (n = 8) and SIV‐positive (n = 7) MCM 8‐week postinfection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb).

Results

Antibody responses to Mtb were impaired during SIV coinfection. Elevated inflammatory bulk IgG antibody glycosylation patterns were observed in coinfected macaques early at 8‐week post‐Mtb infection, including increased agalactosylation (G0) and reduced di‐galactosylation (G2), which correlated with endpoint Mtb bacterial burden and gross pathology scores, as well as the time‐to‐necropsy.

Conclusion

These studies suggest that humoral immunity may contribute to control of TB disease and support growing literature that highlights antibody Fc glycosylation as a biomarker of TB disease progression.
Multi‐objective cluster head‐based energy aware routing using optimized auto‐metric graph neural network for secured data aggregation in Wireless Sensor Network
Authors: Janarthanan Ashwinth , Srinivasan Vidhusha
Published: November 2023

The data are combined and transmitted through wireless sensor network (WSN) in internet of things applications. Multi‐Objective Cluster Head Based Energy Aware Routing using Auto‐Metric Graph Neural Network with Hybrid Balancing Composite Motion and Border Collie Optimization is proposed in this article for secured data aggregation (SDA) in WSN. The proposed method activates routing procedure via cluster head (CH). Hence, data aggregation basis Auto‐Metric Graph Neural Network selects CH depending upon multi‐objective fitness function. This fitness function deems factors, such as energy, delay, throughput, distance amid the nodes, capacity, collision, traffic rate, and cluster density. After CH selection, malicious node is present in the cluster. The optimum path is depending on three parameters: trust, connectivity, and quality of service (QoS). These three parameters have optimized under Hybrid Balancing Composite Motion and Border Collie Optimization method for ideal path selection. The ideal path is employed to transmit the gathered data to base station. The proposed technique is executed in network simulator, and its efficiency is evaluated under performance metrics, like network lifetime, packet delivery ratio, and delay. The proposed technique achieves 19.67%, 22.38%, and 27.45% better network lifetime; 28.92%, 25.83%, and 19.46% better packet delivery ratio; and 12.32%, 34.54%, and 22.33% lower delay while compared to the existing models: Taylor‐spotted hyena optimization for dependable and energy‐efficient CH selection‐based safe data routing and fault tolerance in WSN (T‐SHO‐DAWSN), multi‐objective cluster head utilizing SAPGAN for secured data aggregation (SAPGAN‐DAWSN), and energy efficient data accumulation design for protected routing protocol in WSN (MDAS‐DAWSN) methods, respectively.
β‐Chitin and chitosan from waste shells of edible mollusks as a functional ingredient
Authors: Karthick Rajan Durairaj , Mohan Kannan , Rajarajeswaran Jayakumar , Divya Dharmaraj , Kumar Ragavendhar , Kandasamy Sabariswaran , Zhang Shubing , Ramu Ganesan Abirami
Published: November 2023

The marine food‐processing industries were producing large quantities of shell wastes as a discard. Currently, this waste material was underutilized and leads to the landfill as a significant environmental issue. The outer shells or exoskeletons of mollusks serve as the best source of chitin. Three different allomorphs of chitin (γ, β, and γ) were extracted from different species of crustaceans, mollusks, and fungi. β‐Allomorphs predominantly exist in the shells of mollusks. β‐Chitin and its deacetylated product chitosan has been utilized for its special characteristic features, including biocompatibility, environmental friendly, and nontoxic properties. The extraction of β‐chitin and chitosan from the mollusk shell waste were evaluated in this work. Hence, this review aims to explore edible mollusk shell waste sources and its suitable extraction techniques, characterizations, and functional properties of mollusk‐based β‐chitin and chitosan. Further, the genetic pathway of synthesizing mollusk chitin was discussed. The entire life cycle assessment with techno‐economic aspects were extrapolated to study the bottlenecks and tangible solution for the industrial upscaling of obtaining β‐chitin and chitosan from the edible mollusk shell waste have been reviewed herein.
History of traditional Mongolian medical education based onManba Datsan: A literature review
Authors: Batmunkh Buyandelger , Enkhbat Munguntuul , Gankhuyag Taivanjargal , Chantuu Oyunaa , Badamdorj Oyungoo
Published: November 2023

Background and Aims

Traditional Mongolian Medical Education (TMME) was developed based onManba Datsan (MD)in harmony with the Buddhist philosophy‐medical system in Mongolia. It was developed intensively during the 17th–20th centuries and was interrupted for a while, but it is still a part of medical care in Mongolia, training traditional medicine doctors and nurses. Its historical roots are inextricably linked with medical and philosophical development not only among Mongolians, but also in some Oriental and Western countries. This review aims to raise awareness and promote TMM, following the WHO guidelines on traditional medicines.

Methods

Relevant literatures from Google Scholar, PubMed, Mongolian national and university libraries in the past 30 years were collected in this article, and books, of which the history, philosophy, and culture of TMM were analyzed. We used inductive analysis within the constructivist paradigm and conducted the research as follows: (I) analyze relevant literature reviews; (II) formulate the historical periodization of Mongolian medical education (MME); (III) explore an overview of the philosophies that have been influenced by TMME; and (IV) study the contents and phases ofMDtraining in Mongolia.

Results

An integrated version of the historical periodization of the MME was developed with fully compatible historical periodization based on important socio‐political turning points in Mongolia. TMME has been clarified by the direct and mutual influence of Oriental, and Western medical concepts. Between the 17th and 20th centuries, TMME was developed based onMD. Since 1990, the training process has been conducted in accordance with the international standards of modern vocational and higher education.

Conclusion

Traditional Mongolian Medical Education was formed by underpinnings of the achievements of Mongolian national practical and folk medicine. This process was greatly influenced by the traditions of the Mongolian education system and achievements of oriental medical education.
A New Transoral Vestibulum Single Incision Endoscopic‐Assisted Thyroidectomy with Gasless
Authors: Li Nian , Shen Hong , Zhang Junbo , Dong Bingwan , Wang Yong , Li Tiancheng
Published: November 2023

Objective

We developed a novel method for thyroidectomy using a single‐incision oral vestibular approach. To assess its advantages and disadvantages, we compared the perioperative parameters of this approach with those of transoral three‐incision thyroidectomy and trans‐areolar thyroidectomy.

Methods

In a study of 136 papillary thyroid carcinoma patients (2016–2018), precise thyroidectomy and neck dissection were conducted. Among them, 52 chose single‐incision oral vestibular approach, 33 chose three‐incision variant, and 51 underwent trans‐areolar thyroidectomy. Perioperative aspects of the transoral single‐incision group were compared with those of transoral three‐incision group, and transthoracic group.

Results

In the cohort, meticulous tumor level VI lymph node dissection was performed, achieving intended resection extent with one case requiring a switch from transoral to transthoracic approach. No nerve palsy occurred in the transoral group. Thyroidectomy duration varied significantly across groups. Transoral single‐incision had a shorter duration than transoral three‐incision and longer than transthoracic. Minor differences were observed in blood loss and drainage. Perioperative factors like hematoma, infection, hypocalcemia, et al., remained consistent. Notably, no tumor recurrence was observed in this study.

Conclusions

This new transoral video‐assisted neck surgery (TOVANS) method for thyroidectomy without gas insufflation approach did not increase the surgical complexity compared with the transoral vestibular three‐incision thyroidectomy and the trans‐areolar thyroidectomy.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 134:2976–2984, 2024
Study finds some children not affected by MI despite adversity
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: November 2023

Some children are unaffected by mental illness despite exposure to childhood adversity and are considered “resilient,” suggest the authors of a new study published in The American Journal of Psychiatry. Researchers aimed to follow up such resilient children in adulthood to characterize mental health status, substance use and functional outcomes.
Multi‐agent search for a moving and camouflaging target
Authors: Lejeune Miguel , Royset Johannes O. , Ma Wenbo
Published: November 2023

In multi‐agent search planning for a randomly moving and camouflaging target, we examine heterogeneous searchers that differ in terms of their endurance level, travel speed, and detection ability. This leads to a convex mixed‐integer nonlinear program, which we reformulate using three linearization techniques. We develop preprocessing steps, outer approximations via lazy constraints, and bundle‐based cutting plane methods to address large‐scale instances. Further specializations emerge when the target moves according to a Markov chain. We carry out an extensive numerical study to show the computational efficiency of our methods and to derive insights regarding which approach should be favored for which type of problem instance.
Head and Neck Ultrasound Utilization Rates: 2012 to 2019
Authors: Shires Courtney B. , Boughter John D. , Smith Aaron , Sebelik Merry E
Published: November 2023

Objective

We measured utilization of clinician‐performed head and neck ultrasound among otolaryngologists, endocrinologists, and general surgeons, using Medicare Provider Utilization and Payment Data.

Study Design

Retrospective analysis of Medicare billing database.

Setting

University.

Methods

For each year, the files were filtered to include 4 provider types: Diagnostic Radiology (DR), Endocrinology (ENDO), General Surgery (GS), and Otolaryngology (OTO). Billable procedures are listed by Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System code and a filter was applied to include 76536 Ultrasound, soft tissues of the head and neck.

Results

In 2019, OTOs submitted charges for 2.1% of all head and neck diagnostic ultrasounds (76536) performed on Medicare beneficiaries. For each year 2012 to 2019, DRs submitted the most charges, followed by ENDOs, and then OTO and GS. Charges for all groups increased in a proportional manner across the 8‐year period. 14.5% of OTOs submitted more than 100 charges apiece during 2019, that is, “super users.” The percentage of super users within each specialty increased from 2012 to 2019. Overall, the data support an ever‐increasing use of head and neck ultrasound (HNUS) among all provider types.

Conclusion

Even with increased use among OTOs, this specialty only accounted for a small percentage of head & neck diagnostic ultrasounds performed on Medicare beneficiaries in 2019. Changes in volume of nonradiology point‐of‐care HNUS was not associated with changes in DR volume. A greater proportion of OTOs than DRs are “super users” among the ultrasound users within their specialty, performing more than 100 exams/year.

Level of Evidence

V.
A framework for considering prior information in network‐based approaches to omics data analysis
Authors: Somers Julia , Fenner Madeleine , Kong Garth , Thirumalaisamy Dharani , Yashar William M. , Thapa Kisan , Kinali Meric , Nikolova Olga , Babur Özgün , Demir Emek
Published: November 2023

For decades, molecular biologists have been uncovering the mechanics of biological systems. Efforts to bring their findings together have led to the development of multiple databases and information systems that capture and present pathway information in a computable network format. Concurrently, the advent of modern omics technologies has empowered researchers to systematically profile cellular processes across different modalities. Numerous algorithms, methodologies, and tools have been developed to use prior knowledge networks (PKNs) in the analysis of omics datasets. Interestingly, it has been repeatedly demonstrated that the source of prior knowledge can greatly impact the results of a given analysis. For these methods to be successful it is paramount that their selection of PKNs is amenable to the data type and the computational task they aim to accomplish. Here we present a five‐level framework that broadly describes network models in terms of their scope, level of detail, and ability to inform causal predictions. To contextualize this framework, we review a handful of network‐based omics analysis methods at each level, while also describing the computational tasks they aim to accomplish.
Inhaled nitric oxide in acute bronchiolitis: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Kuitunen Ilari , Renko Marjo
Published: November 2023

Objective

Until date there is lack of effective therapies in acute bronchiolitis in infants. The aim was to analyze inhaled nitric oxide efficacy in acute bronchiolitis.

Design

Systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Setting

Pediatric specialized healthcare.

Patients

All infants (age less than 2 years) having acute bronchiolitis, which requires emergency room visit or hospitalization.

Intervention

Inhaled nitric oxide.

Main Outcome Measures

Need for intensive care unit admission. Secondary outcomes were length of hospital stay and adverse events. Risk ratios (RR) and mean differences with 95% confidence intervals (CI) calculated by random‐effects DerSimonian and Laird inverse variance method. Peto Odds ratios were used for rare outcomes. Evidence certainty assessed according to GRADE.

Results

186 studies were screened and three included for analysis. Two had low risk of bias and one had some concerns. Three studies (166 infants) analyzed length of hospital stay and the duration was −11.3 h (CI: −26.8 to +4.2 h) shorter in the nitric oxide group. Evidence certainty was ranked as low. Overall adverse event rates were similar (3 studies, 166 infants, RR: 0.94, CI: 0.70–1.26), but treatment related harms were more common in nitric oxide group (2 studies, 98 infants, OR: 3.86, CI: 1.04–14.40). Evidence certainty in both was rated as low.

Conclusions

Low certainty evidence suggests that inhaled nitric oxide does not reduce length of hospital stay but may have higher rate of treatment associated harms. Future studies with larger sample sizes are needed to better estimate both the efficacy and adverse events.
Baddies and bacteria: a licence to kill
Authors: Head Steve
Published: November 2023

Although the man who invented Bond and the man who discovered penicillin may at first seem very different, they do in fact have some things in common.
Moisture sources for precipitation over the Pamirs Plateau in winter and spring
Authors: Mao Xingli , Xing Li , Shang Wei , Li Shuangshuang , Duan Keqin
Published: November 2023

The abundant precipitation over Pamirs Plateau (PP) in spring and winter plays a vital role in the water resources over the arid areas of Central Asia. Understanding the moisture sources and water vapour transportation associated with precipitation are very important, but there were few studies investigating the moisture sources of PP. We used a Lagrangian model driven with the Weather Research and Forecasting output to analyse the moisture sources at Northern Pamirs Plateau (NPP) and Southern Pamirs Plateau (SPP) in spring 2016, 2009 and 2001, and in winter 2016, 2010 and 2017, as the seasonal precipitation in PP was the largest, median and lowest during 2001 to 2018, and the precipitation in spring and winter was much higher than that in summer and autumn. The moisture sources from four regions were quantified: Atlantic‐Europe‐Africa, Arctic‐Northern Asia, Indian Ocean, and moisture recycling from the PP. Atlantic‐Europe‐Africa and Indian Ocean are the dominant moisture source regions in spring and winter, which contribute more than 70% to the total moisture affecting the precipitation at PP. The contributions of Indian Ocean are higher at SPP than those at NPP in spring and winter. The contributions from Arctic‐Northern Asia and PP are generally low, except that the moisture from PP region contributed 19% to the spring precipitation at NPP, indicating the importance of a local moisture source in enhancing the spring precipitation at NPP. The moisture contributions originating from the different source regions show great differences between winter and spring. The moisture transportation is affected by westerlies, and the zonal winds in spring affect the moisture transportation, while the meridional winds over the Arabian Peninsula mainly affect the moisture transportation in winter.
AgNWs/Fe3O4@NC Conductive Network Hierarchical Assembly to Prepare Flexible EMI Shielding Textile
Authors: Sun Minghui , Wang Zhuoping , Xiao Junwu , Tian Xin , Ma Xin , Wang Shuai
Published: November 2023

With the rapid development of high‐power electronic instruments and communication technology, efficient electromagnetic shielding materials with strong absorption of electromagnetic waves and low reflection characteristics have become the focus of the world's attention. This study designs and synthesizes N‐doped carbon‐coated hollow Fe3O4 nanospheres (Fe3O4@NC) by spraying Ag nanowires (AgNWs) on textiles as conductive networks. Because of the high permeability and hollow structure Fe3O4@NC, electromagnetic wave goes through a unique process of “absorption, reflection, and reabsorption” when it passes through the surface of the composite textile. In X‐band (≈8.2–12.4 GHz), the average electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness (EMI SE) reaches 50.1 dB, while the reflectance shielding efficiency (SER) is only 2.6 dB, and the average reflectance power coefficient (R) is as low as 0.45. The composite fabric has excellent properties and provides an effective strategy for electromagnetic interference shielding based on absorption.
Investigation of Atomic‐Scale Mechanical Behavior by Bias‐Induced Degradation in Janus and Alloy Polymorphic Monolayer TMDs via In Situ TEM
Authors: Sung Hsin-Ya , Chen Chieh-Ting , Tseng Yi-Tang , Chueh Yu-Lun , Wu Wen-Wei
Published: November 2023

The 2D Janus transition‐metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) and alloyed TMDs are a widely studied emerging class of 2D materials that have been extensively used in electronic devices because of their excellent electronic, optical, and mechanical properties. The properties and behaviors of 2D‐materials‐based devices, such as the electrical breakdown caused by structural failure, are significant issues that have drawn considerable attention. In this study, the electrical behavior of polymorphic molybdenum sulfide selenide (MoSSe) devices is studied via in situ biasing experiments and recorded using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) at the atomic scale. The selenization temperature is a key factor in the phase transition of the material, which further affects the electrical and mechanical properties of MoSSe. The effects of electron‐beam irradiation and bias voltage are also discussed through a combination of experiments and theory. Quantifying the defect coverage and defect size also helps us to understand the behavior of material degradation. Furthermore, Cs‐corrected scanning TEM is utilized to identify the evolution of the morphology. The fracture morphology of the synthesized structure also varies with the application of high voltage. The cracks and defects caused by Joule heating are studied in terms of fracture type and size.
Architektonische Gebäudehüllen aus Metall – optimierte Formgebung doppelt gekrümmter Bauteile
Authors: Mehrtens Peter , Kuhnhenne Markus
Published: November 2023

Das Lehr‐ und Forschungsgebiet „Nachhaltigkeit im Metallleichtbau“ an der RWTH Aachen University forscht an Gebäudehüllen aus Metall und entwickelt Verfahren zur Planung und Herstellung von Systembauteilen für gestalterisch und funktional anspruchsvolle Bauwerke. Hierbei stellen insbesondere doppelt gekrümmte Fassaden und Dächer eine besondere Herausforderung an Architektur, Bauingenieurwesen, Fertigung und Bauausführung dar. In diesem Aufsatz wird die verbesserte Formgebung von doppelt gekrümmten Bauteilen aus Metall für Hochbauanwendungen vorgestellt. Diese wurde im Rahmen eines kooperativ durchgeführten Forschungsprojekts entwickelt. Dabei werden das Zusammenspiel der Umformverfahren sowie die Simulation der Formbildung und Herangehensweise zur Optimierung des Verfahrens behandelt. Einführend werden verschiedene Formungsverfahren für räumlich gekrümmte Baukomponenten betrachtet.
Anethole mitigates H2O2‐induced inflammation in HIG‐82 synoviocytes by suppressing the aquaporin 1 expression and activating the protein kinase A pathway
Authors: Huang Tai‐Lung , Chang Yu‐Chun , Tsai Bruce Chi‐Kang , Chen Tung‐Sheng , Kao Shih‐Wen , Tsai Yung‐Yun , Lin Shinn‐Zong , Yao Chun‐Hsu , Lin Kuan‐Ho , Kuo Wei‐Wen , Huang Chih‐Yang
Published: November 2023

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune inflammatory disease affecting approximately 1% of the global population, with a higher prevalence in women than in men. Chronic inflammation and oxidative stress play pivotal roles in the pathogenesis of RA. Anethole, a prominent compound derived from fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), possesses a spectrum of therapeutic properties, including anti‐arthritic, anti‐inflammatory, antioxidant, and tumor‐suppressive effects. However, its specific impact on RA remains underexplored. This study sought to uncover the potential therapeutic value of anethole in treating RA by employing an H2O2‐induced inflammation model with HIG‐82 synovial cells. Our results demonstrated that exposure to H2O2 induced the inflammation and apoptosis in these cells. Remarkably, anethole treatment effectively countered these inflammatory and apoptotic processes triggered by H2O2. Moreover, we identified the aquaporin 1 (AQP1) and protein kinase A (PKA) pathway as critical regulators of inflammation and apoptosis. H2O2 stimulation led to an increase in the AQP1 expression and a decrease in p‐PKA‐C, contributing to cartilage degradation. Conversely, anethole not only downregulated the AQP1 expression but also activated the PKA pathway, effectively suppressing cell inflammation and apoptosis. Furthermore, anethole also inhibited the enzymes responsible for cartilage degradation. In summary, our findings highlight the potential of anethole as a therapeutic agent for mitigating H2O2‐induced inflammation and apoptosis in synovial cells, offering promising prospects for future RA treatments.
Management Processes
Authors: Hirsch Dennis , Bartley Timothy , Chandrasekaran Aravind , Norris Davon , Parthasarathy Srinivasan , Turner Piers Norris
Published: November 2023

Management processes are essential to an organization’s ability to spot and address ethical issues. In this chapter we investigate the types of processes used by organizations to manage ethical risks related to their use of advanced analytics and AI. We find that it is typical for organizations to develop processes for spotting ethical issues, escalating them to the appropriate decision-maker, and for reaching decisions about these issues. There is no single “silver bullet” approach to these vital data ethics management tasks and we saw a variety of practices. Some organizations placed data ethics professionals at various parts of the organization to spot ethical issues and escalate them to the center. Others employed checklists for data scientists, or consultation with external advisors. For decision-making, some organizations deployed a cross-functional data ethics committee. The committees at some companies operated with more autonomy and authority than those at others. We conclude this chapter by discussing how organizations can go beyond their traditional boundaries and institute processes that govern, not only the company’s own use of advanced analytics and AI, but also that of their suppliers and customers.
Compound-Specific Isotope Analysis (CSIA) to Assess Remediation Performance at Petroleum Hydrocarbon-Contaminated Sites
Authors: Bouchard Daniel , Sueker Julie , Hӧhener Patrick
Published: November 2023

Compound-specific isotope analysis (CSIA) is an advanced characterization tool increasingly used by field practitioners to demonstrate degradation of compounds such as benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BTEX) in petroleum hydrocarbon-contaminated aquifer systems. Formerly used to demonstrate occurrence of in situ biodegradation of BTEX during natural attenuation in groundwater, CSIA underwent substantial research and development to confidently be applied in the frame of engineered remediation efforts. Due to the feasibility to demonstrate destruction of contaminants by tracking the change in isotopic composition caused by either biotic or abiotic processes, mass destruction process initiated by the remediation treatment can be distinguished from other co-occurring non-destructive mass removal process(es) such as sorption and dilution. For this reason, CSIA has become a valuable characterization tool to directly assess the performance of the remediation treatment on specifically selected contaminants. This chapter presents the principles of CSIA application to assess performance of in situ remediation treatments applied to BTEX-contaminated sites. The information introduced herein on CSIA is presented from the perspective of supporting field practitioners in their intention to implement the tool at field sites.
Bioremediation of Petroleum Hydrocarbons in the Subsurface
Authors: Miles Sarah M. , Gestler Ron , Dworatzek Sandra M.
Published: November 2023

Due to human activity and, to a lesser extent, natural processes, petroleum hydrocarbons continue to pollute the environment. These contaminants of concern can be found globally and their remediation is key to restoring affected sites to safe and functional status. Conventional treatment of sites contaminated with petroleum hydrocarbons relies heavily on remediation approaches that are often financially prohibitive or may be technically impractical and that sometimes produce undesirable by-products. Using microbes that occur in nature (if not always at the site), can be a viable treatment with distinct advantages. Understanding the environment, contaminants, and natural biological processes occurring are key aspects for effective application of remediation techniques that rely on biological processes. Whether by stimulating the native microbial community, or, secondarily, by augmenting the native community with known degrader populations to degrade the target compounds, bioremediation is a practical, effective, and sustainable natural solution to a wide array of contamination around the globe. This chapter explores approaches to bioremediation of both soil and groundwater contaminated by petroleum hydrocarbons, describing how the approaches work and the benefits and challenges associated with them. It focuses on the use of aerobic and anaerobic microbial bioremediation, phytoremediation, and mycoremediation to address petroleum hydrocarbons.
Estimating LNAPL Volumes in Unimodal and Multimodal Subsurface Pore Systems
Authors: Alfaro Soto Miguel A. , van Genuchten Martinus Th. , Lenhard Robert J. , Chang Hung K.
Published: November 2023

In this chapter, we compare modeling approaches for determining the specific volume of light nonaqueous phase liquids (LNAPLs) in the subsurface on top of the water-saturated zone following spills or leaks at or near the soil surface. We employ both unimodal and multimodal pore-size capillary pressure–saturation functions in our predictions. Hydrologic properties, both fluid properties and pore-size distribution, are important for accurate predictions. Before presenting our results, we discuss fluid interfacial tensions, fluid wettability, and pore structures. Data from the literature are used in our calculations to show that the use of multimodal unsaturated soil hydraulic properties can lead to significantly different subsurface LNAPL-specific volume predictions compared to when unimodal formulations are used. The differences can be significant even when the capillary pressure–saturation curves appear similar over the capillary pressure range relevant to the hypothetical LNAPL contamination scenarios. Consequently, the multimodal pore structure of porous media needs to be addressed to avoid potentially erroneous estimates of the resources and time needed to remediate LNAPLs from contaminated areas.
Petroleum Vapor Intrusion
Authors: Verginelli Iason
Published: November 2023

Petroleum vapor intrusion (PVI) is the process by which volatile petroleum hydrocarbons released from contaminated geological materials or groundwater migrate through the vadose zone into overlying buildings. PVI science showed that petroleum hydrocarbons are subjected to natural attenuation processes in the source zone and during the vapor transport through the vadose zone. Specifically, in the presence of oxygen, aerobic biodegradation typically reduces or eliminates the potential for PVI. This behavior justifies the different approach usually adopted for addressing PVI compared to less biodegradable compounds such as chlorinated solvents. In some countries, it was introduced the concept of vertical exclusion distance criteria, i.e., source to building distances above which PVI does not normally pose a concern. For buildings where the vertical separation distance does not meet screening criteria, additional assessment of the potential for PVI is necessary. These further investigations can be based on modeling of vapor intrusion, soil gas sampling, indoor measurements or preferably a combination of these to derive multiple lines of evidence. The data collected are then used for a risk assessment of the vapor intrusion pathway. This chapter provides an overview of state-of-the-science methodologies, models, benefits and drawbacks of current approaches, and recommendations for improvement.
Endophyte Inoculation Enhances Growth, Secondary Metabolites and Biological Activity of Endostemon obtusifolius Grown Under Drought Stress
Authors: Ogbe Abdulazeez A. , Gupta Shubhpriya , Stirk Wendy A. , Finnie Jeffrey F. , van Staden Johannes
Published: November 2023

There is a need to cultivate medicinal plants to meet the growing demand. Their cultivation is hampered by extreme environmental conditions such as drought that affect plant growth and its pharmacological potential. Application of stress-tolerant endophytic species may potentially attenuate these negative impacts. This study assessed the effects of individual and co-inoculation of two native endophytic species (bacterium Paenibacillus polymyxa and fungus Fusarium oxysporum) on growth, physiological responses, metabolite accumulation and therapeutic efficacy of Endostemon obtusifolius subjected to varying watering regimes (well watered, mild and severe stress) under greenhouse conditions. Drought stress negatively affected root and shoot biomass, carotenoid content, chlorophyll fluorescence and relative water content in E. obtusifolius. Electrolyte leakage and malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide accumulation increased with drought stress. Individual and co-inoculation endophyte treatments significantly improved growth and stress tolerance mechanisms via increased osmolyte production (soluble sugars, proline), up-regulation of the enzymatic antioxidant system (superoxide dismutase) and increased antioxidant metabolite content (total phenolics, flavonoids). Antioxidant (DPPH, FRAP) and in vitro α-glucosidase activity of ethyl acetate leaf extracts were negatively affected by water stress but significantly improved when plantlets were subjected to endophyte inoculation. The most active extracts were from plants subjected to mild water stress with co-inoculation. Thus severe drought stress negatively affected growth and therapeutic efficacy of E. obtusifolius. Inoculation with beneficial endophytes enhanced the biochemical responses, osmoregulatory network and improved the therapeutic efficacy of E. obtusifolius.
The role of intraoperative swab during appendectomy in patients with uncomplicated and complicated appendicitis
Authors: Bancke Laverde Bruno Leonardo , Maak Matthias , Langheinrich Melanie , Kersting Stephan , Denz Axel , Krautz Christian , Weber Georg F. , Grützmann Robert , Brunner Maximilian
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Bacteria play an important role not only in pathogenesis of appendicitis but also in the postoperative course of patients. However, the usefulness of an intraoperative swab during appendectomy is controversial. The primary aim of this study was to investigate the impact of intraoperative swab during appendectomy on the postoperative outcome in patients with uncomplicated and complicated appendicitis.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted on a consecutive series of 1570 adult patients who underwent appendectomy for acute appendicitis at the University Hospital Erlangen between 2010 and 2020. Data regarding the intraoperative swab were collected and analyzed for the entire cohort as well as for patients with uncomplicated and complicated appendicitis.

Results

An intraoperative swab was taken in 29% of the cohort. The bacterial isolation rate in the obtained intraoperative swabs was 51%, with a significantly higher rate observed in patients with complicated appendicitis compared to those with uncomplicated appendicitis (79% vs. 35%, p < 0.001). The presence of a positive swab was significantly associated with worse postoperative outcomes, including higher morbidity, increased need for re-surgery, and longer hospital stay, when compared to patients without a swab or with a negative swab. A positive swab was an independent risk factor for postoperative morbidity (OR 9.9 (95% CI 1.2–81.9), p = 0.034) and the need for adjustment of postoperative antibiotic therapy (OR 8.8 (95% CI 1.1–72.5), p = 0.043). However, a positive swab resulted in postoperative antibiotic therapy adjustment in only 8% of the patients with bacterial isolation in the swab.

Conclusion

The analysis of swab samples obtained during appendectomy for acute appendicitis can help identify patients at a higher risk of a worse postoperative outcome. However, the frequency of antibiotic regime changes based on the swab analysis is low.
Ultra-processed foods, adiposity and risk of head and neck cancer and oesophageal adenocarcinoma in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition study: a mediation analysis
Authors: Morales-Berstein Fernanda , Biessy Carine , Viallon Vivian , Goncalves-Soares Ana , Casagrande Corinne , Hémon Bertrand , Kliemann Nathalie , Cairat Manon , Blanco Lopez Jessica , Al Nahas Aline , Chang Kiara , Vamos Eszter , Rauber Fernanda , Bertazzi Levy Renata , Barbosa Cunha Diana , Jakszyn Paula , Ferrari Pietro , Vineis Paolo , Masala Giovanna , Catalano Alberto , Sonestedt Emily , Borné Yan , Katzke Verena , Bajracharya Rashmita , Agnoli Claudia , Guevara Marcela , Heath Alicia , Radoï Loredana , Mancini Francesca , Weiderpass Elisabete , Huerta José María , Sánchez María-José , Tjønneland Anne , Kyrø Cecilie , Schulze Matthias B. , Skeie Guri , Lukic Marko , Braaten Tonje , Gunter Marc , Millett Christopher , Agudo Antonio , Brennan Paul , Borges M. Carolina , Richmond Rebecca C. , Richardson Tom G. , Davey Smith George , Relton Caroline L. , Huybrechts Inge ,   on behalf of the EPIC Network
Published: November 2023

Purpose

To investigate the role of adiposity in the associations between ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption and head and neck cancer (HNC) and oesophageal adenocarcinoma (OAC) in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) cohort.

Methods

Our study included 450,111 EPIC participants. We used Cox regressions to investigate the associations between the consumption of UPFs and HNC and OAC risk. A mediation analysis was performed to assess the role of body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) in these associations. In sensitivity analyses, we investigated accidental death as a negative control outcome.

Results

During a mean follow-up of 14.13 ± 3.98 years, 910 and 215 participants developed HNC and OAC, respectively. A 10% g/d higher consumption of UPFs was associated with an increased risk of HNC (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.23, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.14–1.34) and OAC (HR = 1.24, 95% CI 1.05–1.47). WHR mediated 5% (95% CI 3–10%) of the association between the consumption of UPFs and HNC risk, while BMI and WHR, respectively, mediated 13% (95% CI 6–53%) and 15% (95% CI 8–72%) of the association between the consumption of UPFs and OAC risk. UPF consumption was positively associated with accidental death in the negative control analysis.

Conclusions

We reaffirmed that higher UPF consumption is associated with greater risk of HNC and OAC in EPIC. The proportion mediated via adiposity was small. Further research is required to investigate other mechanisms that may be at play (if there is indeed any causal effect of UPF consumption on these cancers).
Hearing impairment after asphyxia and neonatal encephalopathy: a Norwegian population-based study
Authors: Hemmingsen Dagny , Moster Dag , Engdahl Bo , Klingenberg Claus
Published: November 2023

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the association between perinatal asphyxia, neonatal encephalopathy, and childhood hearing impairment. This is a population-based study including all Norwegian infants born ≥ 36 weeks gestation between 1999 and 2014 and alive at 2 years (n = 866,232). Data was linked from five national health registries with follow-up through 2019. Perinatal asphyxia was defined as need for neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission and an Apgar 5-min score of 4–6 (moderate) or 0–3 (severe). We coined infants with seizures and an Apgar 5-min score < 7 as neonatal encephalopathy with seizures. Infants who received therapeutic hypothermia were considered to have moderate-severe hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). The reference group for comparisons were non-admitted infants with Apgar 5-min score ≥ 7. We used logistic regression models and present data as adjusted odds ratios (aORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). The aOR for hearing impairment was increased in all infants admitted to NICU: moderate asphyxia aOR 2.2 (95% CI 1.7–2.9), severe asphyxia aOR 5.2 (95% CI 3.6–7.5), neonatal encephalopathy with seizures aOR 7.0 (95% CI 2.6–19.0), and moderate-severe HIE aOR 10.7 (95% CI 5.3–22.0). However, non-admitted infants with Apgar 5-min scores < 7 did not have increased OR of hearing impairment. The aOR for hearing impairment for individual Apgar 5-min scores in NICU infants increased with decreasing Apgar scores and was 13.6 (95% CI 5.9–31.3) when the score was 0.

          Conclusions: An Apgar 5-min score < 7 in combination with NICU admission is an independent risk factor for hearing impairment. Children with moderate-severe HIE had the highest risk for hearing impairment.

What is Known:• Perinatal asphyxia and neonatal encephalopathy are associated with an increased risk of hearing impairment.• The strength of the association, and how other co-morbidities affect the risk of hearing impairment, is poorly defined.

What is New:• Among neonates admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), decreased Apgar 5-min scores, and increased severity of neonatal encephalopathy, were associated with a gradual rise in risk of hearing impairment.• Neonates with an Apgar 5-min score 7, but without NICU admission, did not have an increased risk of hearing impairment.