bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recent Progress in Macromolecular Design and Synthesis of Bile Acid‐Based Polymeric Architectures
Authors: Sahoo Subhasish , Ghosh Pooja , Khan Md Ezaz Hasan , De Priyadarsi
Published: December 2021

Macromolecular engineering presents a pleasant tactic for planning the construction of desired molecular architectures from nano to macro configurations. The mechanistic pathways and synthetic features of macromolecular designs mostly rely on the precursor composition, topology, functionality, and complexity in architectures. Specifically, macromolecular design with biomolecular conjugation has attracted remarkable attention due to its typical biochemical and physiological affirmative traits. In this review article, it is intended to highlight the major progress on the macromolecular designs and synthesis of polymers comprising bile acid (BA) as the biomolecular colleague. BAs are steroidal biocomposites, produced through cholesterol metabolism in the bile of mammals and vertebrates. They are low priced, biocompatible, abundant, trivially toxic, and structurally unique for facewise amphiphilicity, which make them suitable for designing BA‐based polymers (BAPs) to be utilized in biomedical fields. The major aim of this review article is to summarize the recent progress (2015–present) on the requisite necessity of BA in BAPs toward design and synthetic avenues. In particular, the design of various polymers with primary and secondary BAs at side chain, main chain, chain end, crosslinking zone, and core confined area are illustrated in this review article via numerous reported methods.
Single Treatment of Vitamin D3 Ameliorates LPS‐Induced Acute Lung Injury through Changing Lung Rodentibacter abundance
Authors: Jin Ai , Zhao Yan , Yuan Ye , Ma Shulan , Chen Jian , Yang Xiaojun , Lu Shemin , Sun Qingzhu
Published: December 2021

Acute lung injury (ALI) is characterized by severe inflammation. Vitamin D3 is discussed to reduce inflammation in ALI, but the mechanism is not well understood. This study assesses the effect of different calcitriol administration strategies on inflammation and the lung microbiota composition in ALI. In a mouse model, the alveolus and airway pathology are assessed by immunohistology. mRNA expression is determined by Real‐Time Quantitative PCR and protein expressions is detected by Western‐blotting. The composition of microbiota is performed by 16s DNA high‐throughput sequencing. Short‐term vitamin D3 supplementation prevents lipopolysaccharide‐induced ALI by preventing pro‐inflammatory cytokines including interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF‐α). In contrast, long‐term treatment over 3 days, 6 days, or 10 days had no such effect. Short‐term vitamin D3, but not long‐term pretreatment significantly reduces the phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 and suppressor of cytokine signaling 3, but upregulates the phosphorylation of inhibitor of nuclear factor‐κ‐gene binding. Furthermore, an increased relative abundance of Rodentibacter genus in LPS‐challenged mice bronchoalveolar lavage fluid is observed, which is sensitive to short‐term vitamin D3 treatment, effectively alleviating the Rodentibacter abundance. Correlation analysis shows that the load of Rodentibacter positively correlated with the IL‐1β, IL‐6, and TNF‐α gene expression. The data support that a single administration of vitamin D3 may work as an adjuvant therapy for acute lung inflammation.
Reconfigured compact Minkowski fractal microstrip filter
Authors: Kavitha Devi C. S. , Umadevi H. , Baligar Jambunath S.
Published: December 2021

A rapid growth in 4G and 5G in wireless communication applications demand compact and reconfigurable microstrip filters structures. However, meeting these requirements comes with many challenges, namely the increased design complexity, system size, fabrication process, and cost‐effectiveness. Accordingly, the paper aims to design a reconfigurable microstrip filter in terms of its geometrical structures of compactness and its operational performances. A reconfigured compact parallel‐coupled microstrip bandpass filter is a modified Minkowski fractal geometrical shape of inverted alphabet C structure and the first iteration of Minkowski is proposed. The proposed work shows the design technique, parametric analysis, and simulated results of a compact parallel‐coupled microstrip Minkowski fractal bandpass filter for dielectric constant 4.4 and thickness 0.8 mm, operating at 5.1 GHz and bandwidth of 1.5 GHz. A good agreement between simulated results and designed values is achieved, the filter is compact with good bandwidth, less loss, and is dedicated to wireless communication applications.
W‐band ridge gap waveguide slot array antenna with low sidelobe and high‐gain characteristics
Authors: Li Liang , Chen Jianhong , Kong Lingwen , Zhang Pengyu , Lv Qihao , Zhang Binchao , Tian Buning , Jin Cheng
Published: December 2021

In this letter, a W‐band slot array antenna based on ridge gap waveguide (RGW) with low sidelobe and high‐gain characteristics has been proposed. It adopts a series and parallel hybrid feeding network to realize low sidelobe levels in E‐ and H‐plane, respectively. The tunable pins and large power ratio dividers are introduced in the distribution network, which improves the phase consistency and brings flexibility to amplitude‐tapering. The proposed antenna overcomes the shortcomings of grating lobes caused by quasi‐Taylor distribution of conventional slot array with backed cavities. The prototype of a 16 × 18 slot array is fabricated and measured. The measured impedance bandwidth is from 81.2 to 86 GHz, and the peak gain is higher than 29.4 dBi with the sidelobe levels (SLLs) of −19.7 dB and −30 dB on E‐ and H‐plane, respectively.
Modern Reporting Methods for Angler Tag-Return Studies: Trends in Data Quality, Choice of Method, and Future Considerations
Authors: Taylor Andrew T. , Peeper Alexis M. , Chapagain Binod , Joshi Omkar , Long James M.
Published: December 2021

Angler tag-return studies are a cornerstone of fisheries research, providing insights into individual movements and estimates of exploitation, among many other applications. However, the data generated from these studies is dependent upon effective communication between anglers and scientists. As technological advances are adopted by anglers, little research has been directed at the potential benefits of incorporating modern tag reporting methods. We tagged stream-dwelling black bass Micropterus spp. and provided anglers a choice of reporting methods (telephone, email, iNaturalist app, or a “mixed-mode” combination thereof). Our objectives were to examine the fate of reported fish, quantify trends in data quality across reporting methods, and explore how geographic location and angler avidity may influence use of reporting methods. Ninety-four percent of tag reports involved the release of the fish with the tag still intact, creating opportunities for longer-term data collection. Telephone was the most commonly used reporting method; however, this method had significantly lower completeness scores (e.g., lack of photographs or specifying fate of fish) and less precise location information than other methods. In contrast, iNaturalist had the highest completeness and most precise location information but was seldom used and had increased lag times in reporting. We found no significant differences in the proportion of reporting methods used across stream locations in our study, and avid anglers appeared to be individualistic in their choice of method. Overall, our study suggests that the adoption of modern reporting methods, like email and smartphone apps, could benefit data collection efforts of angler tag-return studies. Fisheries scientists may wish to consider which reporting methods align with their specific study objectives and with the angling public of a given study area.
The influence of the disclosure of diabetes on the cognitive, physical ability and diabetes self‐management in diabetic employed adults in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alshutwi Sitah , Miligi Eman , Alhumidan Lujain , Almutairi Adel F.
Published: December 2021

Background

Diabetes is a serious medical condition that may cause blindness, renal failure and amputation of the lower limbs, stroke and myocardial infarction. The global incidence of diabetes increases continuously. The self‐management of diabetes can be problematic and burdensome, especially if employed individuals choose not to reveal their illness. The workplace has been highlighted as an important element that may impact how employed individuals, diagnosed with diabetes and managed their illness.

Aim

To describe the influence of diabetes disclosure on the cognitive, physical ability and diabetes self‐management of employed adults with diabetes in Saudi Arabia.

Design

A descriptive correlational study.

Methods

This study used a self‐administered questionnaire, including the Checklist Individual Strength and Perceived Diabetes Self‐Management Scale, for data collection. The sample size was 250 employed adults with diabetes. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Spearman's correlation coefficient and bivariate analysis.

Results

A significant correlation was found between diabetes self‐management and support from co‐workers (r = .55, p < .05), and the employees who received more support from their co‐workers were able to perform diabetes self‐management. The results also indicate that employees who received support at their workplace reported improved concentration, motivation and activity (r = .41, p < .05).

Conclusion

It is essential for top management and policymakers to implement supportive programmes in the workplace, and considering a constant, not rotating, work schedule.
Improved cognitive function in patients with major depressive disorder after treatment with vortioxetine: A EEG study
Authors: Kim Hong , Baik Seung Yeon , Kim Yong Wook , Lee Seung‐Hwan
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Vortioxetine has a positive effect on cognitive function in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). This study aimed to examine the changes in cognitive function and EEG (spectral power and mismatch negativity (MMN)) in patients with MDD pre‐ and postvortioxetine treatment.

Methods

Thirty patients with MDD were included in the study. They were given vortioxetine (10‐20mg po per day) for eight weeks. Depression and anxiety severities, social function (Korean version of the social adjustment scale (K‐SAS)), and cognitive function (digit‐symbol substitution Test (DSST), Korean version of the attentional control questionnaire (K‐ACQ), and Korean version of the perceived deficits questionnaire for depression (K‐PDQD)) were evaluated. Spectral power of EEG and MMN was also measured pre‐ and postvortioxetine treatment.

Results

Depression and anxiety severity, social function, and cognitive functioning significantly improved after vortioxetine treatment. Also, there was a significant decrease in the right central delta band and an increase in the right central beta 2 band following vortioxetine treatment. The changes in EEG spectral power were not related to changes in cognitive functions. Baseline MMN significantly predicted changes in DSST score after controlling for the baseline clinical variables.

Conclusion

Vortioxetine treatment improved cognitive function and induced changes in EEG (decreased theta power and increased beta power) in patients with MDD. Our results suggest that greater negative MMN amplitude is associated with greater potential for cognitive improvement following vortioxetine treatment.
Terminal 6q deletions cause brain malformations, a phenotype mimicking heterozygous DLL1 pathogenic variants: A multicenter retrospective case series
Authors: Lesieur‐Sebellin Marion , Till Marianne , Khau Van Kien Philippe , Herve Bérénice , Bourgon Nicolas , Dupont Céline , Tabet Anne‐Claude , Barrois Mathilde , Coussement Aurélie , Loeuillet Laurence , Mousty Eve , Ea Vuthy , El Assal Amal , Mary Laura , Jaillard Sylvie , Beneteau Claire , Le Vaillant Claudine , Coutton Charles , Devillard Françoise , Goumy Carole , Delabaere Amélie , Redon Sylvia , Laurent Yves , Lamouroux Audrey , Massardier Jérôme , Turleau Catherine , Sanlaville Damien , Cantagrel Vincent , Sonigo Pascale , Vialard François , Salomon Laurent J. , Malan Valérie
Published: December 2021

Objective

Terminal 6q deletion is a rare genetic condition associated with a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by intellectual disability and structural brain anomalies. Interestingly, a similar phenotype is observed in patients harboring pathogenic variants in the DLL1 gene. Our study aimed to further characterize the prenatal phenotype of this syndrome as well as to attempt to establish phenotype‐genotype correlations.

Method

We collected ultrasound findings from 22 fetuses diagnosed with a pure 6qter deletion. We reviewed the literature and compared our 22 cases with 14 fetuses previously reported as well as with patients with heterozygous DLL1 pathogenic variants.

Results

Brain structural alterations were observed in all fetuses. The most common findings (>70%) were cerebellar hypoplasia, ventriculomegaly, and corpus callosum abnormalities. Gyration abnormalities were observed in 46% of cases. Occasional findings included cerebral heterotopia, aqueductal stenosis, vertebral malformations, dysmorphic features, and kidney abnormalities.

Conclusion

This is the first series of fetuses diagnosed with pure terminal 6q deletion. Based on our findings, we emphasize the prenatal sonographic anomalies, which may suggest the syndrome. Furthermore, this study highlights the importance of chromosomal microarray analysis to search for submicroscopic deletions of the 6q27 region involving the DLL1 gene in fetuses with these malformations.
Use of negative control outcomes to assess the comparability of patients initiating lipid‐lowering therapies
Authors: Levintow Sara N. , Orroth Kate K. , Breskin Alexander , Park Andrew S. , Flores‐Arredondo Jose H. , Dluzniewski Paul , Navar Ann Marie , Sørensen Henrik T. , Brookhart M. Alan
Published: December 2021

Purpose

Clinical trials have demonstrated efficacy of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitors (PCSK9i) in reducing risk of cardiovascular disease events, but effectiveness in routine clinical care has not been well‐studied. We used negative control outcomes to assess potential confounding in an observational study of PCSK9i versus ezetimibe or high‐intensity statin.

Methods

Using commercial claims, we identified U.S. adults initiating PCSK9i, ezetimibe, or high‐intensity statin in 2015–2018, with other lipid‐lowering therapy (LLT) use in the year prior (LLT cohort) or atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) in the past 90 days (ASCVD cohort). We compared initiators of PCSK9i to ezetimibe and high‐intensity statin by estimating one‐year risks of negative control outcomes influenced by frailty or health‐seeking behaviors. Inverse probability of treatment and censoring weighted estimators of risk differences (RDs) were used to evaluate residual confounding after controlling for covariates.

Results

PCSK9i initiators had lower one‐year risks of negative control outcomes associated with frailty, such as decubitus ulcer in the ASCVD cohort (PCSK9i vs. high‐intensity statin RD = −3.5%, 95% confidence interval (CI): −4.6%, −2.5%; PCSK9i vs. ezetimibe RD = −1.3%, 95% CI: −2.1%, −0.6%), with similar but attenuated associations in the LLT cohort. Lower risks of accidents and fractures were also observed for PCSK9i, varying by cohort. Risks were similar for outcomes associated with health‐seeking behaviors, although trended higher for PCSK9i in the ASCVD cohort.

Conclusions

Observed associations suggest lower frailty and potentially greater health‐seeking behaviors among PCSK9i initiators, particularly those with a recent ASCVD diagnosis, with the potential to bias real‐world analyses of treatment effectiveness.
Resorbable elastomers for implantable medical devices: highlights and applications
Authors: Turner Brendan , Ramesh Srivatsan , Menegatti Stefano , Daniele Michael
Published: December 2021

Resorbable elastomers are an emerging class of materials required for transient implantable medical devices (IMDs), as their tissue‐matching mechanical properties decrease the risks associated with implant removal and promote functional tissue integration. Traditional materials employed in IMDs are typically much more rigid than native tissue, which leads to increased foreign body response and tissue irritation, and must be removed at the end of life of the implant, thus increasing the risk to patients. Resorbable elastomeric biomaterials support efficiently all the functions of substrate/encapsulant, dielectric, semiconductors and conductors that are needed in IMDs, while offering beneficial mechanical properties and a programed degradation that circumvents the need for surgical removal. This mini‐review presents the chemical characteristics, material properties and applications as IMD substrates of three resorbable elastomer families: polyurethane, poly(glycerol sebacate) and poly(diol citrate). Finally, some challenges and future directions on the pathway to biomedical adoption of resorbable elastomeric biomaterials are discussed including safety, processing conditions and critical development steps for conductive and dielectric elastomers. © 2021 Society of Industrial Chemistry.
Rate of continued conservative management versus progression to surgery at minimum 1‐year follow‐up in patients with pre‐arthritic hip pain
Authors: Cheng Abby L. , Collis Reid W. , McCullough Andrea B. , Bui Mary , Brady Brian K. , Schuelke Matthew J. , Clohisy John C. , Colditz Graham A. , Prather Heidi
Published: December 2021

Background

Extensive literature has described surgical outcomes for pre‐arthritic hip pain, but the proportion of patients who progress to surgery remains unknown.

Objective

To determine the proportion of patients who present to a tertiary referral center for pre‐arthritic hip pain and progress to surgery at minimum 1‐year follow‐up.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Single tertiary care academic medical center.

Patients

Patients ages 13 to 40 years who presented for initial evaluation to a conservative or surgical orthopedic specialist and were diagnosed with pre‐arthritic hip pain (n = 713 patients, 830 hips).

Intervention

Not applicable.

Main Outcome Measures

The primary outcome was the rate of progression to surgery at minimum 1‐year follow‐up for the entire cohort. Predictors of progression to surgery were determined for the entire cohort and for radiographically defined subgroups using multiple logistic regression. Candidate predictors included baseline demographic, radiographic, clinical diagnosis, and patient‐reported outcome measures.

Results

In a cohort with a mean age of 25.4 (SD 8.1) years, 72.7% female, and mean follow‐up of 2.6 (range 1.0‐4.8) years, 429 of 830 hips (51.7%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 48.2% to 55.1%) progressed to surgery. Predictors of surgical progression in the entire cohort included younger age (OR 0.95/year, 95% CI 0.93 to 0.98), pain duration longer than 6 months (ORs 1.87‐2.03, p ≤ .027), worse physical function (OR 0.96/Patient‐Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System [PROMIS] point, 0.92 to 0.99), and a clinical diagnosis of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) (OR 3.47, 2.05 to 5.89), acetabular dysplasia (OR 2.75, 1.73 to 4.35), and/or labral tear (OR 10.71, 6.98 to 16.47). Radiographic dysplasia (lateral center edge angle <20 degrees) increased the likelihood of surgery in all subgroups (ORs 2.05‐8.47, p ≤ .008). Increasing maximum α angle increased the likelihood of surgery in patients with severe cam FAI (α > 63 degrees) (OR 1.03/degree, 1.00 to 1.06).

Conclusion

Almost half of patients with pre‐arthritic hip pain did not progress to surgery at a minimum 1‐year follow‐up. A trial of conservative management is likely worthwhile in most patients.
Systematic Analysis on Gas‐Liquid‐Solid Three‐Phase Flow and Initiation Structure for Fuel‐Air Explosive Weapon Reliability
Authors: Ye Congliang , Zhang Qi
Published: December 2021

The missile safety and reliability play important roles in its evaluation and design. Failure or inaccuracy of initiation is an occasional but extremely troublesome hazard in weapon system safety. The uneven fuel distribution and uncontrollable motion of initiation structure are both the causations of this hazard in a double‐event fuel‐air explosive missile application. Thus, it is crucial to implement the coupling between the initiation structure and the fuel field to succeed in a reliable application. This paper employs CFD to simulate the explosive dispersal process of fuel and uses MATLAB to investigate the motion trajectory of the initiation structure. As for the solid‐liquid fuel composed of 50 % aluminum powder and 50 % propylene oxide, its optimal concentration for reliable initiation is 186∼275 g/m3. In the case of a 200 kg missile with a speed of 300 m/s, the results imply that, at 250∼300 ms which is a reliable initiation time, the initiation structure gets to the reliable range of 10.8∼14.1 m where the fuel concentration approaches to the optimal range for initiation. Ultimately, for any missile development, the coupled simulation‐based approach is summarized to prevent the initiation failure and enhance its inherent safety, so as to avoid accident casualties and property loss.
An Improved Memristor Model Based on the Electrochemical Metallization Effect as a Synapse for Biomimetic Applications
Authors: Dai Yuehua , Wang Xiaoqing , Yang Bin
Published: December 2021

Herein, an improved memristor model with a controllable forgetting rate due to ion diffusion is proposed. A synaptic learning circuit based on this model is simulated with PSpice to complete synaptic bionics. First, the pulse pair superposition method, which is consistent with biological phenomena, is used to verify spike timing‐dependent plasticity (STDP); this proves that the modified model simulates biological synaptic behavior. Second, a habituation circuit constructed from a memristor and an analog behavioral modeling (ABM) device is designed to realize nonassociative learning. Finally, a new circuit with the improved model is built for Pavlov's associative memory implementation, simplifying the complexity of the circuit. The improved model can better realize the basic learning and memory modes of organisms and thus provide more brain‐inspired computing options.
A dose‐finding design for dual‐agent trials with patient‐specific doses for one agent with application to an opiate detoxification trial
Authors: Mozgunov Pavel , Cro Suzie , Lingford‐Hughes Anne , Paterson Louise M. , Jaki Thomas
Published: December 2021

There is a growing interest in early phase dose‐finding clinical trials studying combinations of several treatments. While the majority of dose finding designs for such setting were proposed for oncology trials, the corresponding designs are also essential in other therapeutic areas. Furthermore, there is increased recognition of recommending the patient‐specific doses/combinations, rather than a single target one that would be recommended to all patients in later phases regardless of their characteristics. In this paper, we propose a dose‐finding design for a dual‐agent combination trial motivated by an opiate detoxification trial. The distinguishing feature of the trial is that the (continuous) dose of one compound is defined externally by the clinicians and is individual for every patient. The objective of the trial is to define the dosing function that for each patient would recommend the optimal dosage of the second compound. Via a simulation study, we have found that the proposed design results in high accuracy of individual dose recommendation and is robust to the model misspecification and assumptions on the distribution of externally defined doses.
Carbon Nanotube Based Metal–Organic Framework Hybrids From Fundamentals Toward Applications
Authors: Chronopoulos Demetrios D. , Saini Haneesh , Tantis Iosif , Zbořil Radek , Jayaramulu Kolleboyina , Otyepka Michal
Published: December 2021

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) materials constructed by the coordination chemistry of metal ions and organic ligands are important members of the crystalline materials family. Owing to their exceptional properties, for example, high porosity, tunable pore size, and large surface area, MOFs have been applied in several fields such as gas or liquid adsorbents, sensors, batteries, and supercapacitors. However, poor conductivity and low stability hamper their potential applications in several attractive fields such as energy and gas storage. The integration of MOFs with carbon nanotubes (CNTs), a well‐established carbon allotrope that exhibits high conductivity and stability, has been proposed as an efficient strategy to overcome such limitations. By combining the advantages of MOFs and CNTs, a wide variety of composites can be prepared with properties superior to their parent materials. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the preparation of CNT@MOF composites and focuses on their recent applications in several important fields, such as water purification, gas storage and separation, sensing, electrocatalysis, and energy storage (supercapacitors and batteries). Future challenges and prospects for CNT@MOF composites are also discussed.
Bottom–Up Evolution of Diamond–Graphite Hybrid Two‐Dimensional Nanostructure: Underlying Picture and Electrochemical Activity
Authors: Cho Jung‐Min , Ko Young‐Jin , Lee Hak‐Joo , Choi Heon‐Jin , Baik Young‐Joon , Park Jong‐Keuk , Kwak Joon Young , Kim Jaewook , Park Jongkil , Jeong YeonJoo , Kim Inho , Lee Kyeong‐Seok , Lee Wook‐Seong
Published: December 2021

The diamond–graphite hybrid thin film with low‐dimensional nanostructure (e.g., nitrogen‐included ultrananocrystalline diamond (N‐UNCD) or the alike), has been employed in many impactful breakthrough applications. However, the detailed picture behind the bottom–up evolution of such intriguing carbon nanostructure is far from clarified yet. Here, the authors clarify it, through the concerted efforts of microscopic, physical, and electrochemical analyses for a series of samples synthesized by hot‐filament chemical vapor deposition using methane–hydrogen precursor gas, based on the hydrogen‐dependent surface reconstruction of nanodiamond and on the substrate‐temperature‐dependent variation of the growth species (atomic hydrogen and methyl radical) concentration near substrate. The clarified picture provides insights for a drastic enhancement in the electrochemical activities of the hybrid thin film, concerning the detection of important biomolecule, that is, ascorbic acid, uric acid, and dopamine: their limits of detections are 490, 35, and 25 nm, respectively, which are among the best of the all‐carbon thin film electrodes in the literature. This work also enables a simple and effective way of strongly enhancing AA detection.
Dependence of the Heterogeneity of Grain Boundaries on Adjacent Grains in Perovskites and Its Impact on Photovoltage
Authors: Yao Wenlong , Fang Shuyan , Hu Ziyang , Huang Like , Liu Xiaohui , Zhang Houcheng , Zhang Jing , Zhu Yuejin
Published: December 2021

In polycrystalline perovskites, grain boundaries (GBs) that isolate grains determine the optoelectronic properties of a semiconductor, and hence affect the photovoltaic performance of a solar cell. Photocurrent and photovoltage are affected by the microscopic structure of perovskites but are difficult to quantify on the intragrain length scale and are often treated as homogeneous within the photoactive layer. Here, the nanoscale through‐film and lateral photoresponse of large‐grained perovskite are studied by photoconductive atomic force microscopy. Photocurrent collection along GBs relies on the formation of adjacent grains, exhibiting GB to GB heterogeneity. Regarding to the spatially correlated heterogeneity, the photovoltage of grains deduced from the photoresponse curves at specific positions is larger than that of GBs by up to 0.4 V, suggesting that the photovoltage loss mainly originates from the shunting of GBs through the whole perovskite layer. These spatial heterogeneities are alleviated by depositing a capping layer onto the perovskite layer, highlighting the role of the inserted layer between the perovskite and electrode in real solar cells. This research reveals the heterogeneity of GBs and its influence on photovoltage that actually occurs in virtual solar cells, which is crucial for optimizing perovskite‐based solar cells.
Injectable Black Phosphorus Nanosheets for Wireless Nongenetic Neural Stimulation
Authors: Tang Minghui , Zhang Xiaoge , Yang Anqi , Liu Yuxin , Xie Kai , Zhou Yajing , Wang Chong , Liu Jie , Shi Peng , Lin Xudong
Published: December 2021

Neurons can be modified to express light‐sensitive proteins for enabling stimulation with a high spatial and temporal resolution, but such techniques require gene transfection and systematical implantation. Here, a black phosphorus nanosheet‐based injectable strategy is described for wireless neural stimulation both in vitro and in vivo without cell modifications. These nanosheets, with minimal invasiveness, high biocompatibility, and biodegradability, are anchored on cell membranes as miniature near‐infrared (NIR) light transducers to create local heating for neural activity excitation. Based on cultured multielectrode‐array recording, in vivo electrophysiology analysis, and open field behavioral tests, it is demonstrated that remotely applied NIR illumination can reliably trigger spiking activity in cultured neurons and rat brains. Excitingly, reliable regulation of brain function to control animal behaviors is also described. Moreover, this approach has shown its potential for future clinical use by successful high‐frequency stimulation in cells and animals in this proof‐of‐concept study. It is believed that this new method will offer a powerful alternative to other neural stimulation solutions and potentially be of independent value to the healthcare system.
High‐Performance Zinc‐Air Batteries Based on Bifunctional Hierarchically Porous Nitrogen‐Doped Carbon
Authors: Gui Fukang , Jin Qiu , Xiao Dongdong , Xu Xiaobin , Tan Qinggang , Yang Daijun , Li Bing , Ming Pingwen , Zhang Cunman , Chen Zheng , Siahrostami Samira , Xiao Qiangfeng
Published: December 2021

Active and durable bifunctional electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) on the cathode are required for high‐performance rechargeable metal‐air batteries. Herein, the synthesis of hierarchically porous nitrogen‐doped carbon (HPNC) with bifunctional oxygen electrocatalysis for Zn‐air batteries is reported. The HPNC catalyst possesses a large surface area of 1459 m2 g−1 and exhibits superior electrocatalytic activity toward ORR and OER simultaneously with a low OER/ORR overpotential of 0.62 V, taking the difference between the potential at 10 mA cm−2 for OER and half‐wave potential for ORR in 0.1 m KOH. Adopting HPNC as the air cathode, primary and rechargeable Zn‐air batteries are fabricated. The primary batteries demonstrate a high open‐circuit potential of 1.616 V, a specific capacity of 782.7 mAh gZn−1 and a superb peak power density of 201 mW cm−2. The rechargeable batteries can be cycled stably for over 360 cycles or 120 h at the current density of 5 mA cm−2. As elucidated by density functional theory, N‐doping is preferred on defective sites with pentagon configuration and on the edge in the form of pyridinic‐N‐type. The high content of these two motifs in HPNC leads to the superior ORR and OER activities, respectively.
Room‐Temperature Spray Deposition of Large‐Area SnO2 Electron Transport Layer for High Performance, Stable FAPbI3‐Based Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Kumar Neetesh , Lee Hock Beng , Sahani Rishabh , Tyagi Barkha , Cho Sinyoung , Lee Jong‐Soo , Kang Jae‐Wook
Published: December 2021

The performance and scalability of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) is highly dependent on the morphology and charge selectivity of the electron transport layer (ETL). This work demonstrates a high‐speed (1800 mm min−1), room‐temperature (25 °C–30 °C) deposition of large‐area (62.5 cm2) tin oxide films using a multi‐pass spray deposition technique. The spray‐deposited SnO2 (spray‐SnO2) films exhibit a controllable thickness, a unique granulate morphology and high transmittance (≈85% at 550 nm). The performance of the PSC based on spray‐SnO2 ETL and formamidinium lead iodide (FAPbI3)‐based perovskite is highly consistent and reproducible, achieving a maximum efficiency of ≈20.1% at an active area (A) of 0.096 cm2. Characterization results reveal that the efficiency improvement originates from the granular morphology of spray‐SnO2 and high conversion rate of PbI2 in the perovskite. More importantly, spray‐SnO2 films are highly scalable and able to reduce the efficiency roll‐off that comes with the increase in contact‐area between SnO2 and perovskite film. Based on the spray‐SnO2 ETL, large‐area PSC (A = 1.0 cm2) achieves an efficiency of ≈18.9%. Furthermore, spray‐SnO2 ETL based PSCs also exhibit higher storage stability compared to the spin‐SnO2 based PSCs.
Are Perovskite Solar Cell Potential‐Induced Degradation Proof?
Authors: Brecl Kristijan , Jošt Marko , Bokalič Matevž , Ekar Jernej , Kovač Janez , Topič Marko
Published: December 2021

Potential‐induced degradation (PID) is a solar cell‐related degradation mechanism due to high potential difference in a photovoltaic (PV) module between the solar cells and its grounded frame. This type of degradation is well known for silicon PV; however, for perovskites it has not been thoroughly researched yet. Herein, the PID of perovskite solar cells is investigated for bias voltages of ±500 V, half of the currently used system voltage, and ±1000 V with regular I–V and electroluminescence measurements during the test. The devices show a high PID resistance under applied bias of ±500 V, far exceeding the recommended guidelines for silicon PV. However, for the bias voltage of –1000 V a rapid degradation is observed due to the ingress of sodium ions from the glass substrate as confirmed by the time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry measurements of spatial and depth distribution of elements in solar cells. Positively biased devices show no degradation due to high voltage exposure. These results show promising signs that perovskite solar cells are PID proof for current PV system designs.
In Situ Graded Passivation via Porphyrin Derivative with Enhanced Photovoltage and Fill Factor in Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Su Kuo , Chen Wentao , Huang Yuqiong , Yang Guang , Brooks Keith Gregory , Zhang Bao , Feng Yaqing , Nazeeruddin Mohammad Khaja , Zhang Yi
Published: December 2021

While perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have recently experienced a rapid rise in power conversion efficiency (PCE), the prevailing PSCs still contain nondesirable defects in the interior and interface of the perovskite layer, which limits further enhancement in PCE and device stability. Herein, a new D–π–A‐type zinc pyridine porphyrin derivative (ZnPP) is synthesized and used as a passivation molecular via the antisolvent process for modifying the typical perovskite bulk thin film, leading to a new type of PSC with a graded passivation of the perovskite layer. Impressively, it is found that ZnPP treatment significantly improves the quality of perovskite films and reduces charge transport losses through passivating the uncoordinated Pb2+ cations, yielding devices with a high efficiency of 21.08% with fill factor (FF) of 82.91% and demonstrating the promise of integration of perovskite bulk thin films with tailor molecular via graded modification.
Graph sampling by lagged random walk
Authors: Zhang Li‐Chun
Published: December 2021

We propose a family of lagged random walk sampling methods in simple undirected graphs, where transition to the next state (i.e., node) depends on both the current and previous states—hence, lagged. The existing random walk sampling methods can be incorporated as special cases. We develop a novel approach to estimation based on lagged random walks at equilibrium, where the target parameter can be any function of values associated with finite‐order subgraphs, such as edge, triangle, 4‐cycle and others.
Ways of being have no way of being useful
Authors: Cohen Wouter Adriaan ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: December 2021

I critically discuss two kinds of argument in favour of ontological pluralism and argue that they fail to show that ways of being are explanatorily fruitful.
One‐pot synthesis of ICG&Cur@ZIF‐8 nanocomposites with pH‐controlled drug delivery and good photothermal performance
Authors: Su Yifei , Ni Weishu , Zhang Haiyan , Jiang Ke , Wen Feng
Published: December 2021

Combination therapy has shown great potential for effective cancer treatment. In this work, anticancer drug curcumin (Cur) and photothermal agent indocyanine green (ICG) have been encapsulated into the pH‐responsive ZIF‐8 simultaneously to obtain ICG&Cur@ZIF‐8 through one‐pot synthesis method. The drug loading capacity was estimated as 9.6 and 12.3 wt% for Cur and ICG, respectively. As expected, ICG&Cur@ZIF‐8 exhibited the pH‐responsive ICG and Cur delivery, which was ascribed to the decomposition of ZIF‐8 in acidic environment. Moreover, ICG&Cur@ZIF‐8 also showed the high photothermal performance due to the efficient encapsulation of ICG. The co‐delivery of two therapeutic agents may bring more opportunities for biomedical application.
Introduction
Authors: García Portilla Jason
Published: December 2021

Why are Protestant societies more competitive and less corrupt than Roman Catholic ones? This book explains the hegemonic and emancipatory religious forces contributing to these disparities between 65 countries in Europe and the Americas. It argues that the uneven contributions of Roman Catholicism and Protestantism to prosperity are grounded in their different historical and institutional foundations and in the theologies that are pervasive in their countries of influence. This introduction establishes the historical context of the controversy and includes the aims, contributions, and shortcomings of this study.
Applied Research Paradigms
Authors: García Portilla Jason
Published: December 2021

This chapter discusses the research paradigms underpinning this study––i.e. dialectical pluralism (DP) (mixed methods research) and a complex thinking perspective. The chapter also explains the researcher’s scientific and personal paradigm biases and details some strategies utilised for objective data treatment.
Summary Overview of the Four Case Studies
Authors: García Portilla Jason
Published: December 2021

This chapter presents a brief comparative summary overview of the four cases.

In Switzerland, most conservative Catholics escaped modernisation and centralism by relocating to the mountains, while Liberals and Protestants mostly remained in flat areas that became industrialised (Obinger, 2009). The federal government has been mainly liberal (anti-clerical) and close to Protestantism. Likewise, the Protestant population was in the majority until the 1970s. Currently, the Protestant cantons are the most competitive, while the mountainous Roman Catholic cantons are the least competitive.

Uruguay exhibits the highest levels of social progress in Latin America (Sect. 4.2) as well as high safety. Along with Chile, it is the only country in Latin America with low perceptions of corruption. Further, Uruguay is by far Latin America’s most secular country with the lowest religiosity and lowest proportion of Roman Catholics on the continent. The Roman Catholic Church-State did not significantly establish itself in Uruguay, unlike in most Latin American countries. After gaining independence in 1828, Uruguay continued a secular direction with the recognition of civil unions in 1837. In 1917, the Uruguayan constitution completely separated church and state.

Cuba ranks in the middle of world distribution on the transparency index. Compared to the cases studied (Europe and the Americas), the countries clustering with Cuba exhibit moderate to high corruption due to their Socialist Legal Origin.

Colombia is one of the most inequitable and dangerous countries in the world. A “Catholic and conservative hegemony” has existed in Colombia until 1991, when the Constitution of Rights was promulgated and religious pluralism became legally recognised. However, as a result of centuries of hegemony, the Roman Catholic Church-State still enjoys ample privileges with the Colombian state.
Concluding Remarks
Authors: García Portilla Jason
Published: December 2021

This chapter provides some brief concluding remarks.

This study contributes to existing research in the sociology of religion and development studies fields by demonstrating the effect of the mutually reinforcing configuration of multiple prosperity triggers (religion–political–environment). Historical Protestantism largely influenced prosperity by promoting education, by secularising institutions, and by stabilising democracy. Protestantism has also proven highly influential in the successive historical law revolutions that gradually mitigated the power of pervasive feudal institutions and of papalist medieval canon law. In contrast, traditionally Roman Catholic countries have generally upheld a medieval model of extractivist institutions until anti-clerical (non-communist) movements were able to weaken this influence in some countries.
Corruption and Religion (A), (B), (1)
Authors: García Portilla Jason
Published: December 2021

Relevant empirical studies demonstrate robust associations between corruption and religion, mainly concluding that Protestantism curbs corruption, in contrast with Roman Catholicism, which tends to increase the perceived corruption. Hierarchical religions such as Islam, Roman Catholicism, and Orthodoxy have adverse effects on education and civic engagement, thus promoting corruption. In turn, Protestantism has led to better education and human capital, and profoundly influenced the rise and spread of stable democracy worldwide.
Thermal relic of self-interacting dark matter with retarded decay of mediator
Authors: Zhu Bin , Abdughani Murat
Published: December 2021

Abstract

The existence of a light mediator is beneficial to some phenomena in astroparticle physics, such as the core-cusp problem and diversity problem. It can decouple from Standard Model to avoid direct detection constraints, generally realized by retard decay of the mediator. Their out-of-equilibrium decay process changes the dark matter (DM) freeze-out via temperature discrepancy. This type of hidden sector (HS) typically requires a precision calculation of the freeze-out process considering HS temperature evolution and the thermal average of the cross-section. If the mediator is light sufficiently, we can not ignore the s-wave radiative bound state formation process from the perspective of CMB ionization and Sommerfeld enhancement. We put large mass splitting between DM and mediator, different temperature evolution on the same theoretical footing, discussing the implication for DM relic density in this HS. We study this model and illustrate its property by considering the general Higgs-portal dark matter scenario, which includes all the relevant constraints and signals. It shows that the combination of BBN and CMB constraint favors the not-too-hot HS, rinf< 102, for the positive cubic interaction of mediator scenario. On the other hand, the negative cubic interaction is ruled out except for our proposed blind spot scenario.
General freeze-in and freeze-out
Authors: Redi Michele , Tesi Andrea
Published: December 2021

Abstract

We use the framework of relativistic and non-relativistic conformal field theories (CFT) to derive general results relevant for the production of weakly coupled and strongly coupled dark sectors through thermal interactions. Our result reproduce trivially known formulas for 2 → n processes and extend to general m → n processes as well as interacting dark sectors. As concrete examples we consider freeze-in of a relativistic CFT coupled to the SM with contact interactions and derive Sommerfeld enhancement of non-relativistic cross-sections from the theory of fermions at unitarity.
On Cherednik and Nazarov-Sklyanin large N limit construction for integrable many-body systems with elliptic dependence on momenta
Authors: Grekov A. , Zotov A.
Published: December 2021

Abstract

The infinite number of particles limit in the dual to elliptic Ruijsenaars model (coordinate trigonometric degeneration of quantum double elliptic model) is proposed using the Nazarov-Sklyanin approach. For this purpose we describe double-elliptization of the Cherednik construction. Namely, we derive explicit expression in terms of the Cherednik operators, which reduces to the generating function of Dell commuting Hamiltonians on the space of symmetric functions. Although the double elliptic Cherednik operators do not commute, they can be used for construction of theN → ∞limit.
Two-loop superstring five-point amplitudes. Part III. Construction via the RNS formulation: even spin structures
Authors: D’Hoker Eric , Schlotterer Oliver
Published: December 2021

Abstract

The contribution from even spin structures to the genus-two amplitude for five massless external NS states in Type II and Heterotic superstrings is evaluated from first principles in the RNS formulation. Using chiral splitting with the help of loop momenta this problem reduces to the evaluation of the corresponding chiral amplitude, which is carried out using the same techniques that were used for the genus-two amplitude with four external NS states. The results agree with the parity-even NS components of a construction using chiral splitting and pure spinors given in earlier companion papers [29] and [33].
Superfield approach to interacting N = 2 massive and massless supermultiplets in 3d flat space
Authors: Metsaev R. R.
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Massive arbitrary spin supermultiplets and massless (scalar and spin one-half) supermultiplets of the N = 2 Poincaré superalgebra in three-dimensional flat space are considered. Both the integer spin and half-integer spin supermultiplets are studied. For such massive and massless supermultiplets, a formulation in terms of light-cone gauge unconstrained superfields defined in a momentum superspace is developed. For the supermultiplets under consideration a superspace first derivative representation for all cubic interaction vertices is obtained. A superspace representation for dynamical generators of the N = 2 Poincaré superalgebra is also found.