bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metal Organic Frameworks for Bioelectrochemical Applications
Authors: Auer Bernhard , Telfer Shane G. , Gross A. J.
Published: May 2022

Metal organic frameworks (MOFs) with their high pore volumes and chemically‐diverse pore environments have emerged as components of catalytic electrodes for biosensors, biofuel cells, and bioreactors. MOFs are widely exploited for gas capture, separations, and catalysis, but their integration at electrodes with biocatalysts for (bio)electrocatalysis is a niche topic that remains largely unexplored. This review focuses on recent advances in MOF and MOF‐derived carbon electrodes for bioelectrochemical applications. A range of MOF materials and their integration into devices with enzymes and microbes are reported. Key properties and performance characteristics are considered and opportunities facing MOFs for (bio)electrochemical applications are discussed.
A review on theoretical studies of structural and optoelectronic properties of FA‐based perovskite materials with a focus on FAPbI3
Authors: RaeisianAsl Maryam , Panahi S. Fateme K. S. , Jamaati Maryam , Tafreshi Saeedeh Sarabadani
Published: May 2022

Organic‐inorganic hybrid perovskite materials have captured many researchers' interest in solar cell application during the last decade. Due to their astonishing photoelectric properties and rapid increase in efficiency, these materials are promising candidates for affordable solar cell technologies and optoelectronic devices. Also, with respect to their high‐power conversion efficiency (PCE), cost‐effectiveness, gap tunability, longer charge diffusion length, much improved photochemical and thermal stability, formamidinium (FA)‐based perovskites are one of the most promising materials as well. However, the easy formation of non‐perovskite δ‐phase formamidinium at low temperatures and toxic Pb is disadvantageous. It is worth mentioning that various strategies have been developed to stabilize α‐phase FAPbI3 at room temperature and decrease the toxicity of lead element while retaining their good performances. The current review highlights the recent theoretical progress in stabilization, bandgap engineering, and optical performance of these promising materials.
Effect of extraction methods on the efficiency of sumac (Rhus coriaria L.) fruit extract in soybean oil quality during accelerated conditions
Authors: Rahmati Sepideh , Bazargani‐Gilani Behnaz , Aghajani Narjes
Published: May 2022

Herbal extracts containing natural bioactive substances with numerous beneficial effects have been recently noticed as appropriate alternatives for synthetic food preservatives. In this study, we aimed to optimize the effects of different sumac (Rhus coriaria) fruit extracts (SFE) on oxidative stability of soybean oil under accelerated conditions compared to a synthetic antioxidant. Hydro‐ethanolic extracts (70%) of sumac fruits were prepared by three methods of immersion (I‐SFE), ultrasound (U‐SFE), and microwave (M‐SFE). According to the response surface methodology (RSM), 13 runs were considered in the concentrations of 0, 500, and 1000 ppm of each extract that were added to the soybean oil and stored at 60°C for a 20‐day period. All of the treatments were significantly (p < .05) efficient in preventing the chemical and sensory changes of soybean oil compared to the control in the dose‐dependent manner during storage period. I‐SFE treatment showed the lowest peroxide value (PV) (0.000063 meq (milliequivalents) O2/kg oil), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) (115.06 MDA (malondialdehyde)/kg oil), and acid value (0.0169 mg KOH (potassium hydroxide)/kg oil) among the other extracts at the end of the storage period. Furthermore, I‐SFE treatment earned the highest sensory scores (flavor, color, odor, and overall acceptability) of soybean oil in the range of 4–5 in comparison to the other treatments and synthetic antioxidant during storage time. According to the analysis of RSM, I‐SFE in the concentration of 999.998 ppm could optimally enhance the shelf life of soybean oil for 11.3614 days under accelerated conditions. It was concluded that I‐SFE with the same efficiency as synthetic antioxidants can be considered as a suitable alternative in soybean oil with various health benefits.
A computational study on the MHD Casson fluid flow with thermal radiation and variable physical properties under the influence of Soret and Dufour effects
Authors: Govindaraj N. , Iyyappan G. , Singh A. K. , Shukla Pankaj , Roy S.
Published: May 2022

This research study discusses the flow of a magnetohydrodynamic Casson fluid under the influence of Soret, Dufour, and thermal radiation. Nonlinear partial differential equation (PDE) of governing equations is transformed into a dimensionless version of the modified PDEs presented in terms of dimensionless parameters. The solution of coupled PDEs is obtained by the finite difference method with a combination of the quasilinearization technique. The effects of various dimensionless parameters are shown graphically, such as buoyancy force (), concentration buoyancy force , Casson parameter (), magnetic parameter (), thermal radiation (), Darcy parameter (), Forchheimer (fr), Dufour (), Soret (Sor), Brownian motion (), thermopohersis (), and Lewis number (). Prevention of heat transfer in the industrial system is critical, the velocity behavior (), thermal variation (), and concentration profile () are more prominent in the roles of coal, gas, and solar thermal collectors.
Do headwater lakes moderate downstream temperature response to forest harvesting? Illustrating opportunities and obstacles associated with virtual experiments
Authors: Leach Jason A. , Moore R. Dan , Laudon Hjalmar , Buahin Caleb A. , Neilson Bethany T.
Published: May 2022

There are concerns that environmental changes, such as climate variability and forest harvesting, are altering stream thermal regimes and impacting aquatic ecosystems. Previous studies have suggested that the abundant headwater lakes found in northern landscapes may moderate downstream temperature response to forest harvesting. We investigated this hypothesis using a virtual experimental approach based on detailed field measurements made at boreal catchments in northern Sweden coupled with a process‐based stream temperature model. We simulated streamside harvesting for stream reaches with and without a headwater lake. Mean daily summer stream temperature response to harvesting was generally between 0.5 and 1.5°C higher for the stream without a lake than for the stream with a lake. However, during rain events the stream with the lake showed a greater stream temperature response than the stream without a lake. Headwater lakes typically store and delay runoff from rain events, augment baseflow, and have elevated outflow temperatures. These differences in upstream boundary conditions, in terms of flow and water temperature, were the key drivers for the contrasting harvest responses between streams with and without headwater lakes. These findings were generally consistent across different harvesting scenarios; however, uncertainty in the hyporheic term and post‐harvest microclimate conditions influenced the simulated magnitude of post‐harvest stream temperature response. Our study highlights the utility of virtual experiments for gaining insight on systems understanding but caution is needed when using models for predictions outside the conditions for which models are calibrated.
Cage‐size effects on the encapsulation of P2 by fullerenes
Authors: Sabater Enric , Solà Miquel , Salvador Pedro , Andrada Diego M.
Published: May 2022

The classic pnictogen dichotomy stands for the great contrast between triply bonding very stable N2 molecules and its heavier congeners, which appear as dimers or oligomers. A banner example involves phosphorus as it occurs in nature as P4 instead of P2, given its weak π‐bonds or strong σ‐bonds. The P2 synthetic value has brought Lewis bases and metal coordination stabilization strategies. Herein, we discuss the unrealized encapsulation alternative using the well‐known fullerenes' capability to form endohedral and stabilize otherwise unstable molecules. We chose the most stable fullerene structures from Cn (n = 50, 60, 70, 80) and experimentally relevant from Cn (n = 90 and 100) to computationally study the thermodynamics and the geometrical consequences of encapsulating P2 inside the fullerene cages. Given the size differences between P2 and P4, we show that the fullerenes C70–C100 are suitable cages to side exclude P4 and host only one molecule of P2 with an intact triple bond. The thermodynamic analysis indicates that the process is favorable, overcoming the dimerization energy. Additionally, we have evaluated the host‐guest interaction to explain the origins of their stability using energy decomposition analysis.
Electrophilicity index revisited
Authors: Pal Ranita , Chattaraj Pratim Kumar
Published: May 2022

This review aims to be a comprehensive, authoritative, critical, and accessible review of general interest to the chemistry community; because the electrophilicity index is a very useful global reactivity descriptor defined within a conceptual density functional theory framework. Our group has also introduced electrophilicity based new global and local reactivity descriptors and also new associated electronic structure principles, which are important indicators of structure, stability, bonding, reactivity, interactions, and dynamics in a wide variety of physico‐chemical systems and processes. This index along with its local counterpart augmented by the associated electronic structure principles could properly explain molecular vibrations, internal rotations and various types of chemical reactions. The concept of the electrophilicity index has been extended to dynamical processes, excited states, confined environment, spin‐dependent and temperature‐dependent situations, biological activity, site selectivity, aromaticity, charge removal and acceptance, presence of external perturbation through solvents, external electric and magnetic fields, and so forth. Although electrophilicity and its local variant can adequately interpret the behavior of a wide variety of systems and different physico‐chemical processes involving them, their predictive potential remains to be explored. An exhaustive review on all these aspects will set the tone of the future research in that direction.
The impact of COVID‐19 on Western Australian medical imaging clinical practice and workplace
Authors: Dann Chloe , Sun Zhonghua
Published: May 2022

Introduction

Medical imaging plays a key role in the management of patients with coronavirus disease‐2019 (COVID‐19). This field is at risk from the impacts of the pandemic on the practice and workplace of medical imaging professionals (MIPs). Recent research has explored this impact internationally and in various states of Australia; however, the impact of the pandemic on Western Australian (WA) MIPs is yet to be examined.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study aimed to address this issue by surveying clinically practicing WA MIPs on their experience of the impact of COVID‐19. The survey was conducted online between the 1st and the 31st of May 2021 and encompassed 101 clinical sites.

Results

Fifty‐one valid (17.1%) responses were recorded, and a majority (66.7%) of the participants were employed in public hospitals. The results showed that most participants (94.1%) perceived an impact on their clinical practice, with expressions of insufficient access to personal protective equipment (PPE). The use of all the appropriate PPE items were dependent on whether the participants were employed in a public hospital, private hospital, or a private practice (P = 0.001). Perceived imaging volume decrease across modalities did not differ significantly among the workplaces, except for interventional radiology (P = 0.006). The participants also expressed concerns about inadequate psychological support.

Conclusions

COVID‐19 has enhanced infection control procedures and modified the routine imaging patterns. Specifically, WA medical imaging centres have altered their PPE and cleaning procedures based on updated health advice. Efforts should be taken to strengthen the support provided to the staff members and to ensure adequate access to PPE supplies.
Soil phosphorus sorption capacity dictates the effect of elevated CO2 on soil and plant critical phosphorus levels for wheat growth
Authors: O'Sullivan James B. , Vongsouthi Kevaly , Jin Jian , Tang Caixian
Published: May 2022

Background

Rising atmospheric CO2 concentrations can increase crop yields; however, it is poorly understood if plants require higher phosphorus (P) inputs to support increased production. In addition, soils with contrasting P‐sorption capacities may alter plant response to elevated CO2.

Aims

We examined the effect of elevated CO2 on the critical concentrations of soil available P and shoot P for plant growth in soils with contrasting P‐sorption capacities.

Methods

Response curves to P applications were generated for wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grown in a low P‐sorption Sodosol and a high P‐sorption Ferrosol. Plants were grown for 5 weeks under ambient (400 ppm) and elevated (800 ppm) CO2 concentrations at nine P application rates. The concentrations of plant P and soil P extracted using Olsen, Bray and Resin methods were analysed.

Results

Elevated CO2 increased biomass production in both soils. Plants grown in the Ferrosol but not in the Sodosol required higher P inputs to achieve maximum biomass production in response to elevated CO2. Elevated CO2 increased the critical Olsen‐P but decreased the critical Bray‐P concentrations for shoot biomass production in the Ferrosol. Elevated CO2 decreased the critical P concentration in shoots of plants grown in the Sodosol but not in the Ferrosol.

Conclusions

The effect of P fertilisation on plant response to elevated CO2 depends on soil type. Elevated CO2 also potentially alters P acquisition mechanisms of plants, which requires adjustment of the critical P concentration in shoot and in soil depending on soil P‐sorption capacity and the analytical method used to assess P availability.
Facial Paralysis in Skull Base Osteomyelitis – Comparison of Surgical and Nonsurgical Management
Authors: Freeman Michael H. , Perkins Elizabeth L. , Tawfik Kareem O. , O'Malley Matthew R. , Labadie Robert F. , Haynes David S. , Bennett Marc L.
Published: May 2022

Title

Facial Paralysis in Skull Base Osteomyelitis – Comparison of Surgical and Nonsurgical Management.

Objective

To compare outcomes of surgical and nonsurgical management in cases of facial paresis secondary to skull base osteomyelitis.

Methods

A 14 patients presenting with skull base osteomyelitis complicated by facial nerve paresis at a single tertiary referral center from 2009 to 2019 were retrospectively reviewed.

Patients were treated with medical therapy with or without surgical intervention, consisting of mastoidectomy and debridement with or without facial nerve decompression. House‐Brackmann (HB) Grade was the main outcome measure.

Results

A 14 patients (average age 68 years, range 58–82 years, 71% male) were analyzed, with 5 undergoing facial nerve decompression (36%), 5 undergoing mastoidectomy without facial nerve decompression (36%), and 4 undergoing medical management alone (28%). Of the 4 patients who underwent medical therapy alone, none experienced significant improvement in facial function. Of the 5 patients who underwent facial nerve decompression, 3 patients experienced improved facial function. Of the 5 patients who underwent mastoidectomy without decompression, 4 experienced improved facial function. There was no clear link between the severity of infection and the severity of facial paresis. When comparing HB score changes before and after treatment across groups, there was no statistically significant difference seen (p = 0.47).

Conclusions

Mastoidectomy and debridement with or without facial nerve decompression may improve facial nerve outcomes when compared to isolated medical management, although differences were not of statistical significance. The best facial nerve recoveries occurred in patients undergoing surgery within 14 days of the onset of paralysis.

Level of Evidence

4 – Case Series Laryngoscope, 133:179–183, 2023
What is the Current State of Extended Reality Use in Otolaryngology Training? A Scoping Review
Authors: Zagury‐Orly Ivry , Solinski Mark A. , Nguyen Lily HP. , Young Meredith , Drozdowski Veronica , Bain Paul A. , Gantwerker Eric A.
Published: May 2022

Objective

To map current literature on the educational use of extended reality (XR) in Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck Surgery (OHNS) to inform teaching and research.

Study Design

Scoping Review.

Methods

A scoping review was conducted, identifying literature through MEDLINE, Ovid Embase, and Web of Science databases. Findings were reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses extension for scoping review checklist. Studies were included if they involved OHNS trainees or medical students who used XR for an educational purpose in OHNS. XR was defined as: fully‐immersive virtual reality (VR) using head‐mounted displays (HMDs), non‐immersive and semi‐immersive VR, augmented reality (AR), or mixed reality (MR). Data on device use were extracted, and educational outcomes were analyzed according to Kirkpatrick's evaluation framework.

Results

Of the 1,434 unique abstracts identified, 40 articles were included. All articles reported on VR; none discussed AR or MR. Twenty‐nine articles were categorized as semi‐immersive, none used occlusive HMDs therefore, none met modern definitions of immersive VR. Most studies (29 of 40) targeted temporal bone surgery. Using the Kirkpatrick four‐level evaluation model, all studies were limited to level‐1 (learner reaction) or level‐2 (knowledge or skill performance).

Conclusions

Current educational applications of XR in OHNS are limited to VR, do not fully immerse participants and do not assess higher‐level learning outcomes. The educational OHNS community would benefit from a shared definition for VR technology, assessment of skills transfer (level‐3 and higher), and deliberate testing of AR, MR, and procedures beyond temporal bone surgery. Laryngoscope, 133:227–234, 2023
The Optimized Protocol of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy For Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Authors: Kim Hwabin , Kong Soo‐Keun , Kim Jia , Lee Hyun‐Min , Choi Sung‐Won , Lee Il‐Woo , Oh Se‐Joon
Published: May 2022

Objective

This study aimed to determine the optimal protocol of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) according to various treatment settings for sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL).

Methods

A 112 patients with SSNHL were enrolled in this prospective study. All patients were treated with systemic steroid therapy, intratympanic steroid therapy, and HBOT. According to the pressure and duration of HBOT (10 sessions in total), the patients were divided into three groups: group 1, 2.5 atmospheres absolute (ATA) for 1 h; group 2, 2.5 ATA for 2 h; and group 3, 1.5 ATA for 1 h. The pure‐tone average (PTA), word discrimination score (WDS), and mean gain were compared.

Results

A total of 105 patients completed the 3‐month follow‐up, and 6 patients were excluded. Differences among groups were found in PTA, WDS, and mean gain. In the post‐hoc analysis, group 3 had significantly lower WDS and mean gain than groups 1 and 2; however, group 2 showed no significant differences from group 1. The proportion of patients with hearing recovery after treatment was significantly higher in group 1 (57.6%) and group 2 (58.8%) than in group 3 (31.3%).

Conclusions

When HBOT (10 sessions) was combined with corticosteroids as the initial therapy for SSNHL, a higher pressure (1.5 ATA vs. 2.5 ATA) provided better treatment results; however, increasing the duration (1 h vs. 2 h) under 2.5 ATA did not result in a significant difference. Therefore, HBOT for SSNHL may be performed at 2.5 ATA for 1 h in 10 sessions.Laryngoscope, 133:383–388, 2023
Molecular Geometry‐Directed Self‐Recognition in the Self‐Assembly of Giant Amphiphiles
Authors: Zhou Yifan , Luo Jiancheng , Liu Tong , Wen Tao , Williams‐Pavlantos Kayla , Wesdemiotis Chrys , Cheng Stephen Z. D. , Liu Tianbo
Published: May 2022

Three sets of polyoxometalate (POM)‐based amphiphilic hybrid macromolecules with different rigidity in their organic tails are used as models to understand the effect of molecular rigidity on their possible self‐recognition feature during self‐assembly processes. Self‐recognition is achieved in the mixed solution of two structurally similar, sphere‐rigid T‐shape‐linked oligofluorene(TOF4) rod amphiphiles, with the hydrophilic clusters being Anderson (Anderson‐TOF4) and Dawson (Dawson‐TOF4), respectively. Anderson‐TOF4 is observed to self‐assemble into onion‐like multilayer structures and Dawson‐TOF4 forms multilayer vesicles. The self‐assembly is controlled by the interdigitation of hydrophobic rods and the counterion‐mediated attraction among charged hydrophilic inorganic clusters. When the hydrophobic blocks are less rigid, e.g., partially rigid polystyrene and fully flexible alkyl chains, self‐recognition is not observed, attributing to the flexible conformation of hydrophobic molecules in the solvophobic domain. This study reveals that the self‐recognition among amphiphiles can be achieved by the geometrical limitation of the supramolecular structure due to the rigidity of solvophobic domains.
Curing, thermal, tensile and flammability characteristics of sepiolite/ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber composites with glut palmitate salt and silane coupling agents
Authors: Mohd Zaini Nurul Aizan , Samsudin Dalina , Rusli Arjulizan , Ismail Hanafi
Published: May 2022

The main objective of this work is to compare the effectiveness of a newly synthesized glut palmitate (GP) salt and a commercially available (3‐aminopropyl) trimethoxysilane (APTMS) as coupling agents in sepiolite (SEP) filled ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM/SEP) composites. The unmodified and modified composites with different amounts of SEP were prepared with an open two‐roll mill and the morphology, cure characteristics, tensile properties, flammability, and thermal stability were studied. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis indicated shifting of the related absorption peaks and confirmed the interaction between composite with the GP salt and APTMS and the successful modification of sepiolite particles in EPDM/SEP composites. The maximum torque (MH), scorch time (ts2) and cure time (t90) of the modified EPDM composites decreased with both coupling agents. Thermal stability reduced in the presence of coupling agents but the reduction is more pronounced in the composite with GP salt due to low‐temperature degradation of the fatty acid. Compared with unmodified EPDM/SEP, the tensile strength of the modified EPDM/SEP with GP and APTMS enhanced by 15% and 52%, respectively but both elongation at break and modulus were lowered. GP and APTMS were efficient coupling agents in linking the SEP and EPDM matrix, reducing the rubber‐filler interaction (Qf/Qg) from 1.00 for the EPDM/SEP composites to 0.76 and 0.64 for the EPDM/GP/SEP and EPDM/APTMS/SEP composites, respectively.
Synergistic cytotoxicity from cold atmospheric plasma and ultrasound in glioma cells
Authors: Aguiar de Carvalho Andressa M. , Scally Laurence , Tiwari Brijesh , Cullen Patrick J. , Curtin James F.
Published: May 2022

The aim of this study was to investigate whether sonoporation of cancer cells using ultrasound (US) technology could enhance the anticancer effects of cold atmospheric plasma. US‐induced transient sonoporation of cancer cells with little to no cytotoxicity observed on the cell lines tested. Synergistic effects of US were observed when combined with both direct and indirect cold atmospheric plasma. These cytotoxic effects were dependent on reactive species production. To the best of our knowledge that is the first time that the effects of those two nonthermal technologies were evaluated in cancer cells, demonstrating a promising combined strategy for cancer therapies, particularly for those with penetration limitations, such as glioblastoma.
Long‐term respiratory outcomes following solid organ transplantation in children: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Wright M. F. A. , Blydt‐Hansen T. , Chilvers M. A.
Published: May 2022

Background

Solid‐organ transplantation (SOT) has become commonly used in children and is associated with excellent survival rates into adulthood. Data regarding long‐term respiratory outcomes following pediatric transplantation are lacking. We aimed to describe the prevalence and nature of respiratory pathology following pediatric heart, kidney, and liver transplant, and identify potential risk factors for respiratory complications.

Methods

Retrospective review involving all children under active follow‐up at the provincial transplant service in British Columbia, Canada, following SOT.

Results

Of 118 children, 33% experienced respiratory complications, increasing to 54% in heart transplant recipients. Chronic or recurrent cough with persistent chest x‐ray changes was the most common clinical picture, and most infections were with nonopportunistic organisms typically found in otherwise healthy children. A history of respiratory illness before transplant was significantly associated with risk of posttransplant respiratory complications. Eight percentage8% were diagnosed with bronchiectasis, which was more common in recipients of heart and kidney transplant. Bronchiectasis was associated with recurrent hospital admissions with lower respiratory tract infections, treatment of acute rejection episodes, and treatment with sirolimus.

Interpretation

Respiratory morbidity is common after pediatric SOT, and bronchiectasis rates were disproportionately high in this patient group. We hypothesize that this relates to recurrent infections resulting from iatrogenic immunosuppression. Direct pulmonary toxicity from immunosuppression drugs may also be contributory. A high index of suspicion for respiratory complications is needed following childhood SOT, particularly in those with a history of respiratory disease before transplant, experiencing recurrent or severe respiratory tract infections, or exposed to intensified immunosuppression.
Tunable‐Conduction‐Band In–Zn–O‐Based Transparent Conductive Oxide Deposited at Room Temperature
Authors: Ishida Taichi , Nishimura Takahito , Chantana Jakapan , Mavlonov Abdurashid , Kawano Yu , Negami Takayuki , Minemoto Takashi
Published: May 2022

Aluminum (Al)‐doped indium zinc magnesium oxide (Al:IZMO)‐based transparent conductive oxide (TCO) films with a tunable conduction band structure are developed via deposition at room temperature under radio‐frequency (RF) magnetron co‐sputtering for the application of highly efficient photovoltaic devices. First, at the amorphous phase region with the [In]/([In] + [Zn]) compositional ratio of 0.5–0.8, Al‐doped indium zinc oxide (Al:IZO) films obtained by introducing a small amount of aluminum oxide (Al2O3) exhibit higher Hall mobility and lower carrier density than those of indium zinc oxide (IZO) without Al doping. Second, adding magnesium oxide (MgO) to Al:IZO allows the optical bandgap (Eg) control, with constant ionization energy of −7.31 eV, which can be expressed byEg = 0.83y + 3.33 (eV) as a function of [Mg]/([Zn] + [Mg]) compositional ratio (y) (in theyvalue region of 0–0.12). This result suggests that the conduction band minimum can be tuned by 0.067 eV under the 8% Mg substitution into the Zn site in the Al:IZMO films while remaining valence band maximum. Al:IZMO‐based TCO films with conduction band controllability are deposited at room temperature for preventing thermal damage. These findings contribute to the device design and development of emerging photovoltaic applications.
Multichannel AlGaN/GaN Schottky Barrier Diode with Low Turn‐On Voltage and On‐Resistance
Authors: Li Ang , Wang Chong , Zheng Xuefeng , Ma Xiaohua , He Yunlong , Liu Kai , Zhao Yaopeng , Hao Yue
Published: May 2022

Herein, multichannel AlGaN/GaN Schottky barrier diodes (SBDs) with recess structure and tungsten (W) anode are proposed. The multichannel heterostructure improves the current drive capability of the devices and achieves a lower forward voltage (VF). W anode reduces the turn‐on voltage (VON) due to its lower work function and direct contact with all 2D electron gas (2DEG) channels in the recessed area. Post anode annealing is utilized to improve the interface between the metal and GaN etching surface. The fabricated devices with a 6.5 μm anode–cathode distance (LAC) achieve an ultralowVONof 0.29 V,VFof 0.69 V, and a low on‐resistance (RON) of 2.39 Ω mm. The capacitance effect of multichannel heterostructures has been analyzed via the capacitance–voltage characteristics, showing the great potential of multichannel AlGaN/GaN SBDs for high‐frequency applications.
Modification of lysine deacetylation regulates curcumol‐induced necroptosis through autophagy in hepatic stellate cells
Authors: Sun Sumin , Li Zhanghao , Huan Sheng , Kai Jun , Xia Siwei , Su Ying , Ji Shufan , Chen Anping , Wang Shijun , Xu Xuefen , Shao Jiangjuan , Zhang Feng , Zhang Biyun , Zhang Zili , Zheng Shizhong
Published: May 2022

The excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) is the main characteristic of liver fibrosis, and hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are the main source of ECM. The removal of activated HSCs has a reversal effect on liver fibrosis. Western blot and MTT analysis indicated that curcumol could relieve hepatic fibrosis by promoting HSCs receptor‐interacting protein kinase 1/3 (RIP1/RIP3)‐dependent necroptosis. Importantly, autophagy flow was monitored by constructing the mRFP‐GFP‐LC3 plasmid, and it was found that curcumol cleared activated HSCs in a necroptosis manner that was dependent on autophagy. Our study suggested that the activation of necrosome formed by RIP1 and RIP3 depended on Atg5, and that autophagosomes were also necessary for curcumol‐induced necroptosis. Furthermore, microscale thermophoresis and co‐immunoprecipitation assay results proved that curcumol could target Sirt1 to regulate autophagy by reducing the acetylation level of Atg5. The HSCs‐specific silencing of Sirt1 exacerbated CCl4‐induced liver fibrosis in mice. The deacetylation of Atg5 not only accelerated the accumulation of autophagosomes but also enhanced the interaction between Atg5 and RIP1/RIP3 to induce necroptosis. Overall, our study indicated that curcumol could activate Sirt1 to promote Atg5 deacetylation and enhanced its protein–protein interaction function, thereby inducing autophagy and promoting the necroptosis of HSCs to reduce liver fibrosis.
Epoprostenol‐associated ascites in pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Schoenberg Noah C. , Ruopp Nicole F. , Parikh Raj D. , Farber Harrison W.
Published: May 2022

The development of ascites in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in the absence of pre‐existing hepatic dysfunction is usually associated with decompensated right heart failure or cardiac cirrhosis. Ascites in PAH has rarely been associated with intravenous epoprostenol, a synthetic form of the prostaglandin PGI2.
Microcavity Exciton‐Polariton Quantum Spin Fluids
Authors: Yang HeeBong , Kim Na Young
Published: May 2022

Microcavity exciton‐polaritons are attractive quantum quasi‐particles resulting from strong light–matter coupling in a quantum‐well‐cavity structure. They have become one of the most stimulating solid‐state material platforms to explore beautiful collective quantum phenomena originating from macroscopic coherence in condensation and superfluidity, Berezinskii–Kosterlitz–Thouless transition, and various topological excitations in the form of solitons, vortices, and skyrmions. They can also provide opportunities for the development of pioneering photonic devices by exploiting bistability and parametric scatterings due to strong nonlinearity that possess remarkable performance advantages of power‐efficient operation, ultrafast response time, and scalable planar geometries. This story becomes profound and fascinating when the spins of excitons are taken into account, that can be directly accessed through light polarization states. The purpose of this review is to give central principles of microcavity exciton‐polariton spins and their anisotropic interactions, which can couple with the effective magnetic fields from mode‐splitting of microcavity photons and spin‐dependent relaxation processes of quantum‐well excitons. Furthermore, notable theoretical and experimental research activities are summarized to reveal extraordinary quantum phenomena of spin‐resolved topological states and exotic spin textures and to devise novel spin‐based photonic devices based on microcavity exciton‐polaritons.
Magnetic Nanobubble Mechanical Stress Induces the Piezo1‐Ca2+‐BMP2/Smad Pathway to Modulate Neural Stem Cell Fate and MRI/Ultrasound Dual Imaging Surveillance for Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Li Jing , Zhang Yao , Lou Zhichao , Li Mingxi , Cui Lin , Yang Zhenrong , Zhang Lijuan , Zhang Yu , Gu Ning , Yang Fang
Published: May 2022

Neural stem cells (NSCs) are used to treat various nervous system diseases because of their self‐renewal ability and multidirectional differentiation potential. However, an insufficient ability to track their migration in vivo and poor control over their survival and differentiation efficiency are two major critical challenges for clinical application. Here, it is shown that when magnetic nanobubbles (MNBs), which are assembled from magnetic nanoparticles, are internalized by NSCs, intramembrane volumetric oscillation of the MNBs induces an increase in intracellular hydrostatic pressure and cytoskeleton force, resulting in the activation of the Piezo1‐Ca2+ mechanosensory channel. This subsequently triggers the BMP2/Smad biochemical signaling pathway, leading to differentiation of NSCs into the neuronal phenotype. Signaling through the Piezo1‐Ca2+‐BMP2/Smad pathway can be further accelerated by application of an external shear stress force using low‐intensity pulsed ultrasound. More importantly, magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasound imaging surveillance of NSCs based on MNB labeling can be leveraged to provide NSC therapeutic outcomes. Both the in vitro and in vivo findings demonstrate that a bubble nanostructure‐induced physical force can modulate and control the mechanical signaling pathway regulating stem cell development.
Effects of Alkaline Earth Metal Additives on Methylammonium‐Free Lead Halide Perovskite Thin Films and Solar Cells
Authors: Yuce Hurriyet , LaFollette Diana K. , Demir Mustafa M. , Perini Carlo A.R. , Correa-Baena Juan-Pablo
Published: May 2022

Organic–inorganic lead halide perovskite solar cells are regarded as one of the most promising technologies for the next generation of photovoltaics due to their high power conversion efficiency (PCE) and simple solution manufacturing. Among the different compositions, the formamidinium lead iodide (FAPbI3) photoactive phase has a bandgap of 1.4 eV, which enables the corresponding higher PCEs according to the Shockley–Queisser limit. However, the photoactive crystal phase of FAPbI3 is not stable at room temperature. The most high‐performing compositions to date have reduced this problem by incorporating the methylammonium (MA) cation into the FAPbI3 composition, although MA has poor stability at high temperatures and in humid environments, which can limit the lifetime of FAxMA1−xPbI3 films. CsxFA1−xPbI3 perovskites are also explored, but despite better stability they still lag in performance. Herein, the additive engineering of MA‐free organic−inorganic lead halide perovskites using divalent cations Sr2+ and Ca2+to enhance the performances of CsxFA1−xPbI3 perovskite compositions is explored. It is revealed that the addition of up to 0.5% of Sr2+ and Ca2+ leads to improvements in morphology and reduction in microstrain. The structural improvements observed correlate with improved solar cell performances at low additive concentrations.
Band Alignment Engineering of Semiconductor Nanocrystal Heterostructures Toward Emerging Applications
Authors: Liu Long , Bai Bing , Li Jun , Zhou Yi , Hsu Hsien-Yi , Jia Guohua
Published: May 2022

Due to the superb tunable properties of quantum dots (QDs), they have been largely studied in the past few decades for many promising applications. However, for a single nanocrystal QD, its properties are largely limited due to limited tunability of the composition, charge carrier dynamics, band alignment, and so on. Thus, to solve the problem, and enhance their physical, chemical, electrical, and optical properties, the heterostructure nanocrystals (NCs), which combine single NCs with other materials of either semiconductor or metal, are proposed. In these heterostructures, their properties can be modified through tailoring the band alignment, and therefore providing a great potential for widespread applications. Here, an overview of strategies for band alignment engineering, synthesis methods, and the corresponding applications, such as lighting devices, lasers, photocatalysis, biological applications are offered.
Avant‐Garde Solar–Thermal Nanostructures: Nascent Strategy into Effective Photothermal Desalination
Authors: Selvam Abhyavartin , Jain Geetika , Chaudhuri Rajib Ghosh , Mandal Mrinal Kanti , Chakrabarti Sandip
Published: May 2022

Photothermal interfacial evaporation (PTIE) draws the attention of researchers owing to its eco‐friendly approach of obtaining purified potable water from unusable seawater. The salience behind this technology ensures an indispensable commodity highly accessible via implementation of localized heating principles to vaporize seawater at water/air interface, instead of excessive energy consuming bulk‐water evaporating desalination systems. The significance of any technology depends on its component, and photothermal desalination technology lies on its material. In this review, focus on ultramodern nanomembranes, Janus nanoarchitectures, and reticular materials as promising solar–thermal nanostructures is highlighted. This report aims to inspire novel advancements in nanomaterials for photothermal desalination by providing cognizance into the mechanisms of photothermal conversion and principles of capillary action to construct innovative water pathway to continuously pump water with excellent salt‐rejecting feature, thereby enhancing PTIE performance. With desalination as the focus, insights into vapor condensation for the collection of desalinated water are discussed. Furthermore, reports on innovative solar‐driven water purification projects undertaken by different countries to be in action in the near future are incorporated. Eventually, this review sheds light on some practical outlook toward the optimization of judicious nanomaterials for a sustainable tomorrow.
Flexible Encapsulation and Module of Thin‐Film GaInP/GaAs/InGaAs Solar Cells
Authors: Xuan Jingjing , Long Junhua , Sun Qiangjian , Zhang Yi , Li Xuefei , Wang Xia , Chen Zhitao , Wu Xiaoxu , Lu Shulong
Published: May 2022

Lightweight and flexible III–V solar cells create new opportunities for application in satellites, drones, and wearable devices. In this article, a module manufacturing scheme based on resistance welding and lamination technology is proposed to meet the demands of practical application. A combined laminate structure of ethylene–tetrafluoroethylene plus ethylene octene copolymer and polyimide is used to encapsulate flexible III–V solar cells. In laboratory measurements with a spectrum close to AM1.5G, the photoelectric conversion efficiency of the flexible solar cell is 34.4% with an open‐circuit voltage of 3.04 V, and the efficiency of the flexible module is 32.7% with a weight density of 469 g m−2. The electroluminescence measurements show good performance of the flexible solar cell module, which is expected to achieve large‐size flexible III–V solar cells encapsulation.
Cellulose‐Based Biomaterials: Chemistry and Biomedical Applications
Authors: Hasanin Mohamed S.
Published: May 2022

This review represents a fresh survey about cellulose‐based biomaterial for biomedical application, in which certain features that are essential to design potential biomedical materials. It illustrates their functionalizations, benefits, properties, and applications in the biomedical. Cellulose is produced from plants and alternative sources such as bacteria, algae, and fungi as well as animals where tunicate is the only animal source of cellulose. Biomedical materials based on cellulose attracts attention due to its unique physicochemical features and high biocompatibility. Thus, cellulose‐based biomaterials have wide potential to be used in large scale biomedical applications as a pioneering material that may be used alone or with other additives. Additionally, they are used in several biomedical applications such as drug delivery, wound dressing, and tissue engineering. However, cellulose is not extensively used in the biomedical industrial field, this may be due to the limitations of the full studies and the limitation of availability of clinical trials. Moreover, the biomaterials based on cellulose are a potential substrate for the 3D bioprinting field where the tissues and organs can be designed as prototype production. For all these reasons, this work will highlight the recent developments in the preparation methods of cellulose‐based biomaterials and their derivatives.
Genetic diversity in reproductive traits of Braunvieh cattle determined with SNP markers
Authors: Trujano‐Chavez Mitzilin Zuleica , Ruíz‐Flores Agustín , López‐Ordaz Rufino , Pérez‐Rodríguez Paulino
Published: May 2022

Braunvieh is an important dual‐purpose breed in the Mexican tropics. The study of its genetic diversity is key to implementing genetic improvement programs. This study was conducted to determine genetic diversity of reproductive traits in a Mexican Braunvieh beef cattle population using single nucleotide polymorphisms in candidate genes. Information from 24 genes with 52 intra‐genic loci reported in literature to be associated with productive life, pregnancy rate and cow and heifer conception rate of 150 Braunvieh males and females was considered. Observed heterozygosity (Ho) revealed high genetic diversity for the studied traits, Ho = 0.42 ± 0.087, relative to that of other populations of the same breed. Cluster analyses were carried out using the Ward and K‐means algorithms. These analyses revealed high genetic diversity that was observed in the biplot of non‐metric multi‐dimensional scaling. It was found that clustering strategy allowed visualisation of distant groups by genotype but not by favourable alleles in all the loci. We found that the genes CSNK1E, DNAH11, DSC2, IBSP and OCLN affected most of the traits in our study and they were highly informative. Therefore, they represent a potential resource for selection and crossbreeding programs of the traits studied in Braunvieh. The analyses showed that the Mexican Braunvieh population has a high level of genetic diversity, arguably due to decades‐long adaptation to the Mexican tropics.
Investigation of the floating IEA wind 15‐MW RWT using vortex methods Part II: Wake impact on downstream turbines under turbulent inflow
Authors: Ramos‐García Néstor , González Horcas Sergio , Pegalajar‐Jurado Antonio , Kontos Stavros , Bredmose Henrik
Published: May 2022

The manuscript presents a novel numerical investigation on the impact of the wake of a floating IEA wind 15‐MW reference wind turbine (RWT) on downstream machines using a state‐of‐the‐art vortex solver coupled to a multi‐body code. The coupling enables to account for the flexibility of the different turbine components as well as to include the effect of the controller and the dynamics of the floating support structure. First, the turbine is mounted on the WindCrete spar‐buoy platform, and the wake impact on a second turbine positioned at different downstream positions is investigated and compared with the impact of the wake generated by a bottom‐fixed machine. It is found that the faster breakdown of the vortex structures triggered by the motion of the floater in the upstream turbine increases the power production of a downstream machine, as well as its mean thrust level relative to normal operation downstream a bottom‐fixed machine. It is demonstrated that this effect is drastically reduced with the increase of the turbulence intensity (TI). Further, simulations with a prescribed harmonic motion of the upstream turbine in surge and pitch under different turbulence levels are presented. It is found that the motion of the floater has a strong impact in the generated wake and consequently in the operation of downstream machines. In particular, downstream turbines experienced considerably higher blade loading that led to an increase of the aerodynamic power. Finally, aero‐hydro‐servo‐elastic simulations of five turbines in a row have shown that the interaction between multiple floating machines is more dynamic than between bottom‐fixed turbines. This has been mainly observed at high wind speeds, where the pitch and surge motions of the floater in turbines located deep inside the farm can be resonantly excited by the interaction with the wind farm flow. In practice, this means that the power and thrust variations increase with the turbine location depth inside the farm. Overall, the study highlights the importance of an accurate flow and wake modeling for the prediction of turbine‐to‐turbine interaction in a floating context.
Introduction: The Project Abandonment Problem
Authors: Ibrahim Jimoh , Loch Christoph , Sengupta Kishore
Published: May 2022

While large project performance problems have been observed in many countries, the failure in Nigeria is greater because since 1960, two-thirds of very large projects did not just “fail” but were abandoned, leaving ruins behind. Nigeria has no systematic data on what has been spent, but the sums are clearly huge—the 38 projects alone that this investigation considers in detail represent a total budget of over $25B, almost equalling Nigeria’s total foreign debt ($27B) in 2017.

Therefore, there needs to be an investigation: what are the causes of this situation, what are the specific reasons in the Nigerian context, and what might be done to remedy this? This introduction chapter outlines the approach of the investigation and summarizes what will be discussed in each chapter.
Insights and Recommendations
Authors: Ibrahim Jimoh , Loch Christoph , Sengupta Kishore
Published: May 2022

This chapter summarizes the 11 case study observations: it systematically illustrates that the completed projects were superior in their success factors across all 11 cases. This summary directly links the statistical success driver constructs from Chap. 10.1007/978-3-030-96474-0_5 with the qualitative characterizations from the case studies.

This chapter then gives examples from three other countries of how government project governance was changed over time. These examples can serve as an inspiration of the ambition to change governance for the better.

Finally, the chapter develops, from the previous analysis, recommendations of how the government might change the governance rules for very large projects in order to achieve more productivity for the country in the future.