bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cation‐Diffusion‐Based Simultaneous Bulk and Surface Passivations for High Bandgap Inverted Perovskite Solar Cell Producing Record Fill Factor and Efficiency
Authors: Mahmud Md Arafat , Zheng Jianghui , Tang Shi , Wang Guoliang , Bing Jueming , Bui Anh Dinh , Qu Jiangtao , Yang Limei , Liao Chwenhaw , Chen Hongjun , Bremner Stephen P. , Nguyen Hieu T. , Cairney Julie , Ho‐Baillie Anita W. Y.
Published: August 2022

High bandgap perovskite solar cells are integral to perovskite‐based multi‐junction tandem solar cells with efficiency potentials over 40%. However, at present, high bandgap perovskite devices underperform compared to their mid bandgap counterparts in terms of voltage outputs and fill factors resulting in lower than ideal efficiencies. Here, the low fill factor aspect of high bandgap perovskite is addressed by developing a cation‐diffusion‐based double‐sided interface passivation scheme that simultaneously provides bulk passivation for a 1.75 eV perovskite cell that is also compatible with a p‐i‐n cell architecture. The champion cell achieves a record fill factor of 86.5% and a power conversion efficiency of 20.2%. Results of ionic distribution profiling, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and X‐ray diffraction crystallography reveal evidence of cation diffusion from the surface perovskite passivation layer into bulk. The diffused cations reduce Shockley–Read–Hall recombination in the perovskite bulk and at the surfaces with the latter being more dominant as confirmed by light‐intensity dependent and temperature‐dependent open‐circuit voltage measurements as well as thermal admittance spectroscopy. This concurrent bulk and surface passivation scheme renders record fill factor and efficiency in the double‐side passivated cells. This provides new insights for future passivation strategies based on ionic diffusion of functionalized materials.
Phylogenetic and functional signal in prezygapophyseal articular facet shape of the first post‐transitional vertebra in anthropoids
Authors: Jung Hyunwoo , Simons Evan A. , Holowka Nicholas B. , von Cramon‐Taubadel Noreen
Published: August 2022

Objectives

Previous studies of the prezygapophyseal articular facet (PAF) of the thoracolumbar vertebrae in primates have suggested that the morphology of this feature reflects relative mobility of the lower back, and therefore corresponds to locomotor behavior. Specifically, these studies suggest that the PAF morphology found in cercopithecoids reflects greater mobility of the lower back compared to a stiffer lower back adapted for forelimb‐dominated suspensory behaviors in hominoids. In this study, we sought to re‐examine this question in terms of both locomotor behavior and phylogenetic signal in a broad sample of anthropoid taxa.

Materials and Methods

The study sample consisted of 291 first post‐transitional vertebrae of wild‐caught individuals representing 27 extant anthropoid species (16 genera). Vertebrae were 3D scanned, and 19 landmarks were digitized. PAF shape was tested for the presence of a phylogenetic signal using the multivariate version of the K‐statistic (Kmult), and a chronometric consensus phylogenetic tree was mapped onto the major axes of shape space using species means to produce a phylomorphospace.

Results

Results showed that phylogenetic signal is statistically significant in PAF shape (Kmult = 0.3; p < 0.0001), and phylogenetic separation is apparent in the phylomorphospace, with some exceptions. However, certain aspects of PAF shape also appear to be associated with locomotor behavior within major taxonomic groups, such as hominoids and platyrrhines.

Discussion

Our results suggest that both phylogenetic relatedness and function may contribute to PAF shape variation in anthropoids.
Survival, safety and belonging: An ethnographic study of experiences and perceptions of people who inject drugs accessing a supervised injecting Centre
Authors: Rickard Greg , Hart Bethne
Published: August 2022

Introduction

The inclusion of people who use drugs in the design and evaluation of their health services remains a relatively new phenomenon. The aim of the research was to explore the experiences and perceptions of people accessing the Medical Supervised Injecting Centre (MSIC), and Clinic 180, Sydney Australia, and the factors facilitating and inhibiting their participation. The research was undertaken within a framework of critical ethnography.

Methods

Twenty‐three participants who inject drugs at the MSIC and five from Clinic 180 who chose not to use the MSIC were interviewed using semi‐structured interviews to hear and raise their experiences and perceptions of these services within their everyday lives.

Results

People who accessed the MSIC narrated a sense of personhood, survivor‐hood, community and belonging. The overarching emerging theme was “I’m Human.” People who accessed The Clinic services spoke of the MSIC as reinforcing the stigmatisation of the “users” and increasing the temptation to continue to inject drugs.

Discussion

This research gathered the experiences and perceptions of people accessing MSIC and Clinic 180. This can inform and reinforce public health and harm reduction approaches that embrace trauma informed care and social justice actions. This research also demonstrates the alignment between critical ethnography and the emerging models of co‐design, co‐production and health partnerships, sharing the shifting of power relations.

Conclusion

The experiences and perceptions of people who inject drugs, and an understanding of their everyday lives, are essential to the design and evaluation of the services they access.
A 10‐year retrospective cohort study of non‐tubal ectopic pregnancy management outcomes in an Australian tertiary centre
Authors: Loh Wei‐Guo Nicholas , Adno Alan Maurice , Reid Shannon
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Non‐tubal ectopic pregnancy (NTEP) is a rare but significant early pregnancy complication which can result in maternal morbidity and mortality. There is however a lack of evidence‐based guidelines for the management of NTEP.

Purpose

To evaluate the success rates of expectant, medical and surgical management in the treatment of NTEP at our tertiary centre.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study from 2010 to 2020. All NTEP were classified by ectopic sites. Primary management was classified by expectant, medical [systemic methotrexate (Sys‐MTX) and/or local ultrasound‐guided injection of MTX and/or KCl intra‐sac (L‐MTX, L‐MTX/KCl)] or surgical. Primary management was considered successful if no change in intervention was required. Treatment complications were compared.

Results

Twenty‐four NTEP were identified, which included 14 interstitial pregnancies (IP), 9 caesarean scar pregnancies (CSP) and 1 ovarian pregnancy (OP), which gave NTEP an incidence of 7.12% among all EP (4.15% for IP, 2.67% for CSP and 0.30% for OP). The success of primary surgical management was 100% (7/7), primary medical management was 76.9% (10/13) and primary expectant management was 33.3% (1/3). Primary medical management had a non‐statistically significant greater mean time to serum ß‐human Chorionic Gonadotrophin <5 IU/L, mean length of hospitalisation, mean number of follow‐up visits and hospital re‐presentation/readmissions compared to primary surgical management. There was no other difference in complication rates between the treatment management groups.

Conclusion

Surgery remains the most effective way to manage NTEP. However, medical management can be a safe and effective alternative option in carefully selected cases.
A review: Systematic research approach on toxicity model of liver and kidney in laboratory animals
Authors: Abbasnezhad Abbasali , Salami Fatemeh , Mohebbati Reza
Published: August 2022

Therapeutic experiments are commonly performed on laboratory animals to investigate the possible mechanism(s) of action of toxic agents as well as drugs or substances under consideration. The use of toxins in laboratory animal models, including rats, is intended to cause toxicity. This study aimed to investigate different models of hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity in laboratory animals to help researchers advance their research goals. The current narrative review used databases such as Medline, Web of Science, Scopus, and Embase and appropriate keywords until June 2021. Nephrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity models derived from some toxic agents such as cisplatin, acetaminophen, doxorubicin, some anticancer drugs, and other materials through various signaling pathways are investigated. To understand the models of renal or hepatotoxicity in laboratory animals, we have provided a list of toxic agents and their toxicity procedures in this review.
Network Effects of Brain Lesions Causing Central Poststroke Pain
Authors: Kim Na Young , Taylor Joseph J. , Kim Yong Wook , Borsook David , Joutsa Juho , Li Jing , Quesada Charles , Peyron Roland , Fox Michael D.
Published: August 2022

Objective

This study was undertaken to test whether lesions causing central poststroke pain (CPSP) are associated with a specific connectivity profile, whether these connections are associated with metabolic changes, and whether this network aligns with neuromodulation targets for pain.

Methods

Two independent lesion datasets were utilized: (1) subcortical lesions from published case reports and (2) thalamic lesions with metabolic imaging using 18F‐ fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography–computed tomography. Functional connectivity between each lesion location and the rest of the brain was assessed using a normative connectome (n = 1,000), and connections specific to CPSP were identified. Metabolic changes specific to CPSP were also identified and related to differences in lesion connectivity. Therapeutic relevance of the network was explored by testing for alignment with existing brain stimulation data and by prospectively targeting the network with repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in 7 patients with CPSP.

Results

Lesion locations causing CPSP showed a specific pattern of brain connectivity that was consistent across two independent lesion datasets (spatial r = 0.82, p < 0.0001). Connectivity differences were correlated with postlesion metabolism (r = −0.48, p < 0.001). The topography of this lesion‐based pain network aligned with variability in pain improvement across 12 prior neuromodulation targets and across 32 patients who received rTMS to primary motor cortex (p < 0.05). Prospectively targeting this network with rTMS improved CPSP in 6 of 7 patients.

Interpretation

Lesions causing pain are connected to a specific brain network that shows metabolic abnormalities and promise as a neuromodulation target. ANN NEUROL 2022;92:834–845
Homogeneous Hydrogenation of CO2 and CO to Methanol: The Renaissance of Low‐Temperature Catalysis in the Context of the Methanol Economy
Authors: Sen Raktim , Goeppert Alain , Surya Prakash G. K.
Published: August 2022

The traditional economy based on carbon‐intensive fuels and materials has led to an exponential rise in anthropogenic CO2 emissions. Outpacing the natural carbon cycle, atmospheric CO2 levels increased by 50 % since the pre‐industrial age and can be directly linked to global warming. Being at the core of the proposed methanol economy pioneered by the late George A. Olah, the chemical recycling of CO2 to produce methanol, a green fuel and feedstock, is a prime channel to achieve carbon neutrality. In this direction, homogeneous catalytic systems have lately been a major focus for methanol synthesis from CO2, CO and their derivatives as potential low‐temperature alternatives to the commercial processes. This Review provides an account of this rapidly growing field over the past decade, since its resurgence in 2011. Based on the critical assessment of the progress thus far, the present key challenges in this field have been highlighted and potential directions have been suggested for practically viable applications.
Enhanced Aromaticity and Open‐Shell Diradical Character in the Dianions of 9‐Fluorenylidene‐Substituted Expanded Radialenes
Authors: Xin Shan , Han Yi , Fan Wei , Wang Xuhui , Ni Yong , Wu Jishan
Published: August 2022

Radialenes and expanded radialenes are cross‐conjugated macrocycles displaying poor aromatic character. In this work, three 9‐fluorenylidene substituted expanded [n]radialenes (ER‐n,n=3–5) with a diacetylene spacer were synthesized and their structures were confirmed by X‐ray crystallographic analysis and NMR spectroscopy. They all can be easily reduced into relatively stable dianions. Detailed experimental measurements and theoretical calculations suggest that their dianions (ER‐n2−,n=3–5) are stabilized by both the aromatic fluorenyl anion substituents and the central aromatic rings with formally [4n+2] delocalized π electrons. In addition, the dianions of the extended radialenes (ER‐42−andER‐52−) show unique open‐shell diradical character with a small singlet‐triplet energy gap. For comparison, their linear counterparts (L‐3andL‐4) were also synthesized; their dianions exhibit very different redox and optical properties from their respective macrocycles.
Polydimethylsiloxane/carboxylated hydroxylated multiwalled carbon nanotubes/polyimide composite membrane wearable flexible piezoresistive tactile sensor device with microsphere array
Authors: Sun Ruqian , Xie Jiaqing , Meng Xiaoyu , Pang Haoran , Gong Chuchu , Zhou Fuyang
Published: August 2022

This research proposed a flexible piezoresistive tactile sensor (FPTS) device with imprinted microsphere array to realize the accurate and stable acquisition of human motion data. The thickness of conductive membrane on the sensitivity of the sensor were investigated by FEM simulation, the copper microsphere array mold was prepared by multipoint imprinting process and the electromechanical response curves of piezoresistive tactile sensor consisting of Hydroxylated Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes/Polyimide (carboxylated MWCNT/PI) composite membrane and Polydimethylsiloxane/Hydroxylated Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes/Polyimide (PDMS/carboxylated MWCNT/PI) composite membrane with double‐sided microsphere were tested. The result shows that reduce the chord height can improve the sensitivity of the sensor. The composite structure with PDMS/carboxylated MWCNT/PI composite membrane reduces the overall stiffness of the microsphere structure, which is conducive to improve the sensitivity and minimum the detection limit of the FPTS. Multipoint imprinting technology is an efficient processing method to obtain high consistency microsphere array. The electromechanical response curves of piezoresistive tactile sensor consisting of PDMS/carboxylated MWCNT/PI composite membrane with double‐sided microsphere shows that the detection limits can reach 0.0289 kPa, and the sensitivity is 1.139 kPa−1. The sensor has high stability, especially when the wearing radius of curvature is more than 30 mm.
Metamaterial approach to mitigate ground‐borne vibrations induced by moving trains
Authors: Liu Wenlong , Yan Sen , Wu Lingling , Zhou Ji
Published: August 2022

The ground‐borne vibration generated by moving trains has become an important environmental problem. Research on mitigation measures has been uninterrupted for decades and has continued to grow rapidly in recent years with the emergence of metamaterial approaches. In this paper, to make relevant newcomers and researchers better understand the development status of mitigation measures in reducing train‐induced ground‐borne vibrations, a brief review is given of the background of train‐induced ground vibration problems, and the design mechanisms of train‐induced ground vibration mitigation measures based on metamaterials. Meanwhile, the results from state‐of‐the‐art research and practice are presented and discussed for each metamaterial mitigation measure for train‐induced ground vibration mitigation. Finally, the existing problems in previous research and future research prospects are summarized.
Bifurcation and control of disease spreading networks model with two delays
Authors: Cheng Zunshui , Song Qianqian , Xiao Min
Published: August 2022

In this paper, the dynamical behaviors are investigated for a complex network with two independent delays. Instead of taking time delays as bifurcation parameters, we choose probability
and parameter
as the control parameters to study their effects on local stability and Hopf bifurcation, respectively. Moreover, the conditions for generating Hopf bifurcation are given. Furthermore, we further discuss the effects of two time delays on the critical values of parameters
and
. Finally, numerical simulations are used to illustrate the validity of the obtained results.
Effects of physical and mental health factors and family function on the self‐perception of aging in the elderly of Chinese community
Authors: Gao Fengying , Zhou Lijuan , Gao Ya , Zhang Yinglong , Zuo Aifang , Zhang Xinkun
Published: August 2022

Background

To examine the effects of physical and mental health factors and family functioning on the self‐perception of ageing in elderly people.

Methods

A random cluster sampling method was used to select elderly people aged over 60 from three communities in Handan City. Subjects were evaluated via face‐to‐face interviews using the Chinese version of the Ageing Perception Questionnaire, the Family Function Scale, the SF‐36 Short‐Form Health Survey, and a self‐compiled general questionnaire. A single factor and stepwise multiple regression analysis were evaluated using SPSS 17.0 software.

Results

Among the 1815 elderly people surveyed, the total negative dimension score was 91.67 ± 16.58 with an index of 73.34%, which is higher than the positive dimension score (6.01 ± 0.52, 60.10%). Elderly people with varying degrees of family dysfunction accounted for 11.63%, and the score for self‐perceived ageing in elderly participants with good family function was 95.74 ± 12.63. The proportions with poor physical and mental health factors were 45.40% and 28.10%, respectively, and the scores for ageing self‐perception in elderly participants with good or moderate mental health were 89.11 ± 12.65 and 86.22 ± 12.58, respectively. A stepwise multiple regression analysis showed that age, presence of a spouse, and family function were positive protective factors for ageing self‐perception, while physical health factors were risk factors for the positive dimension of self‐perceived ageing. Age and family function were risk factors for the negative dimension of ageing self‐perception, while physical and mental health factors were protective factors for the negative dimension of self‐perceived ageing.

Conclusions

Younger elderly and elderly people with good family function have positive self‐perceptions of ageing, while elderly participants with poor physical and mental health have a negative perception of ageing.
Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease therapies in the clinic
Authors: Chopade Puja , Chopade Neha , Zhao Zongmin , Mitragotri Samir , Liao Rick , Chandran Suja Vineeth
Published: August 2022

Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD) are the most prevalent neurodegenerative diseases, affecting millions and costing billions each year in the United States alone. Despite tremendous progress in developing therapeutics that manage the symptoms of these two diseases, the scientific community has yet to develop a treatment that effectively slows down, inhibits, or cures neurodegeneration. To gain a better understanding of the current therapeutic frontier for the treatment of AD and PD, we provide a review on past and present therapeutic strategies for these two major neurodegenerative disorders in the clinical trial process. We briefly recap currently US Food and Drug Administration‐approved therapies, and then explore trends in clinical trials across the variables of therapy mechanism of disease intervention, administration route, use of delivery vehicle, and outcome measures, across the clinical phases over time for “Drug” and “Biologic” therapeutics. We then present the success rate of past clinical trials and analyze the intersections in therapeutic approaches for AD and PD, revealing the shift in clinical trials away from therapies targeting neurotransmitter systems that provide symptomatic relief, and towards anti‐aggregation, anti‐inflammatory, anti‐oxidant, and regeneration strategies that aim to inhibit the root causes of disease progression. We also highlight the evolving distribution of the types of “Biologic” therapies investigated, and the slowly increasing yet still severe under‐utilization of delivery vehicles for AD and PD therapeutics. We then briefly discuss novel preclinical strategies for treating AD and PD. Overall, this review aims to provide a succinct overview of the clinical landscape of AD and PD therapies to better understand the field's therapeutic strategy in the past and the field's evolution in approach to the present, to better inform how to effectively treat AD and PD in the future.
Phage engineering and phage‐assisted CRISPR‐Cas delivery to combat multidrug‐resistant pathogens
Authors: Khambhati Khushal , Bhattacharjee Gargi , Gohil Nisarg , Dhanoa Gurneet K. , Sagona Antonia P. , Mani Indra , Bui Nhat Le , Chu Dinh‐Toi , Karapurkar Janardhan Keshav , Jang Su Hwa , Chung Hee Yong , Maurya Rupesh , Alzahrani Khalid J. , Ramakrishna Suresh , Singh Vijai
Published: August 2022

Antibiotic resistance ranks among the top threats to humanity. Due to the frequent use of antibiotics, society is facing a high prevalence of multidrug resistant pathogens, which have managed to evolve mechanisms that help them evade the last line of therapeutics. An alternative to antibiotics could involve the use of bacteriophages (phages), which are the natural predators of bacterial cells. In earlier times, phages were implemented as therapeutic agents for a century but were mainly replaced with antibiotics, and considering the menace of antimicrobial resistance, it might again become of interest due to the increasing threat of antibiotic resistance among pathogens. The current understanding of phage biology and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) assisted phage genome engineering techniques have facilitated to generate phage variants with unique therapeutic values. In this review, we briefly explain strategies to engineer bacteriophages. Next, we highlight the literature supporting CRISPR‐Cas9‐assisted phage engineering for effective and more specific targeting of bacterial pathogens. Lastly, we discuss techniques that either help to increase the fitness, specificity, or lytic ability of bacteriophages to control an infection.
Eleven‐Residue Peptaibols Isolated from Trichoderma longibrachiatum Rifai DMG‐3‐1‐1and Their Structure‐Activity Relationship
Authors: Zhang Shu‐Hua , Zhao Xue , Xu Rui , Yang Yu , Tang Jing , Yue Xian‐Lin , Wang Yu‐Ting , Tan Hong‐Yu , Zhang Guo‐Gang , Li Chang‐Wei
Published: August 2022

Total 23 eleven‐residue peptaibols, including five reported ones (1–5) in our previous work, were isolated from the fungus Trichoderma longibrachiatum Rifai DMG‐3‐1‐1, which was obtained from the mushroom Clitocybe nebularis (Batsch) P. Kumm. The structures of the 13 new peptaibols (6–10 and 12–19) were determined by their NMR and MALDI‐MS/MS data, their absolute structures were further determined by Marfey's analyses and their ECD data. Careful comparison of the structures of 1–23 showed that only seven residues varied including the 2nd (Gln2/Asn2), 3rd (Ile3/Val3), 4th (Ile4/Val4), 6th (Pro6/Hyp6), 8th (Leu8/Val8), 10th (Pro10/Hyp10) and 11th (Leuol11/Ileol11/Valol11) residues. Comparison of the IC50s against the three tested cell lines of 1–23 indicated that 2nd, 3rd and 4th amino acid residues affected their cytotoxicities powerfully. Compounds 2, 5, 9, 11, 21 and 22 showed moderate antibacterial activities against Staphylococcus aureus MRSA T144, which also showed stronger cytotoxicities against BV2 and MCF‐7 cells.
Robotic coronary angiography: Advantages of stepping back
Authors: Vetrovec George W.
Published: August 2022

Keypoints

In a limited trial, robotic coronary angiography has been shown to be feasible, safe, and effective.

In addition to reducing operator occupational injury, robotic coronary angiography can potentially improve patient access to invasive coronary procedures in rural/remote geographic regions.

Further investigation in larger, more anatomically diverse populations is required to document effectiveness.
Impact of IFN‐β1a in treatment of a COVID‐19 patient with beta thalassemia and diabetes mellitus: A case report
Authors: Gholinataj Jelodar Mohsen , Mirzaei Samaneh , Dehghan Chenari Hanieh
Published: August 2022

Patients with chronic diseases are severely affected by acute coronavirus syndrome. In this regard, patients with beta thalassemia intermedia and diabetes mellitus (DM) are also at high risk for coronavirus‐induced respiratory failure. The present study aimed to report a case with COVID‐19 with a history of chronic diseases, beta thalassemia intermedia, and DM. A 25‐year‐old man visited with complaints of severe shortness of breath, fever, cough without sputum, and tachypnea and admitted to the Intensive Care Unit. The patient had a history of DM, beta thalassemia intermedia, and pervious history of the splenectomy. In peripheral complete blood count (CBC diff), the number of white blood cell count was 41,100 of which 38.6% were lymphocytes. We measured the normal platelet count, hemoglobin level (9.4), and red blood cell count (3.56). ESR was 97, CRP = pos+++ and PCR was positive. The high‐resolution lung CT indicated ground glass opacities in peripheral areas. The patient underwent 13 days of oxygen therapy with reservoir bag‐mask, non‐invasive ventilation, nasal oxygen, and pharmacological treatment with IFN‐β1a and meropenem, and finally discharged with an improvement of the clinical condition. Timely initiation of treatment is very important and significant for patients with beta thalassemia intermedia with COVID‐19, especially despite the underlying disease of DM. According to the present report, the use of IFN‐β1a was effective as a treatment option for COVID‐19.
Herpes simplex virus infection: Management of primary oral lesions in children
Authors: Khalifa Chaima , Slim Afef , Maroua Garma , Sioud Sameh , Hentati Hajer , Selmi Jamil
Published: August 2022

Primary herpetic gingivostomatitis (PHGS) represents the most observed clinical feature of primary herpes infection with the simplex virus (HSV). It is often caused by HSV‐1 and affects children most of the time. Unlike, the majority of primary HSV infections that is asymptomatic. It may be preceded by some prodromal symptoms like fever, anorexia, irritability, malaise, and headache. After the resolution of the primary infection, the virus remains latent in a nervous ganglion. The aim of the present paper was to report a case of severe PHGS with herpetic whitlow in a 10‐year‐old child.
Prenatal diagnosis and management of a giant intrahepatic arteriovenous malformation—Sonographic findings, clinical implications, and treatment
Authors: Walter Adeline , Calite Elina , Müller Andreas , Kalff Jörg C. , Meyer Carsten , Geipel Annegret , Gembruch Ulrich , Schreiner Christine
Published: August 2022

Prenatal detection of complex giant hepatic arteriovenous malformation requires an examination of the affected fetal hemodynamic situation with emphasis on the affected arterial supply pattern. Early pediatric surgeon presentation is needed, as timely surgical intervention appears to be essential.
Allergic contact dermatitis to isothiazolinones in a rubber factory: A case report
Authors: Hrairi Anouare , Kotti Nada , Baklouti Massara , Bahloul Emna , Sellami Imen , Dhouib Feriel , Hammami Kaouthar Jmal , Masmoudi Mohamed Larbi , Turki Hamida , Hajjaji Mounira
Published: August 2022

Isothiazolinones, used as preservative, are known to be skin sensitizers. Although cosmetics represent their main source, occupational exposure may be a significant origin of eczema. While allergic eczema related to these derivates have been reported in a number of professional sectors, their presence in the same workplace was not common.
Role of Graphene Oxide Aerogel Support on the CuZnO Catalytic Activity: Enhancing Methanol Selectivity in the Hydrogenation Reaction of CO2
Authors: Kubovics Márta , Trigo Albert , Sánchez Antoni , Marbán Gregorio , Borrás Alejandro , Moral‐Vico Javier , López‐Periago Ana M. , Domingo Concepción
Published: August 2022

A novel CuZnO multicomponent catalyst, involving reduced graphene oxide (rGO) as a support, was synthesized to be applied in the catalytic hydrogenation of CO2 to methanol. The CuZnO@rGO composite was prepared as a 3D aerogel by a two‐step process involving supercritical CO2 for macrostructuration and H2 treatment for reduction. Electron microscopy was applied to visualize the meso/macroporous morphology formed by the supercritical drying. The elemental mapping depicted a homogenous distribution of CuZnO nanoparticles deposited on the rGO flakes. It was demonstrated that methanol production increases for the CuZnO@rGO composite in comparison to unsupported similar CuZnO nanoparticles. This behavior was ascribed to a different interaction established between the Cu0 and ZnO nanoparticles used as synthetized or deposited on rGO. It is shown that the highly reduced rGO component stimulates H2O desorption produced during the hydrogenation reaction, thus it serves as a support hindering the sintering of Cu0 nanoparticles. The formation of a diluted surface alloy of Zn into Cu0 was determined for the unsupported CuZnO NPs, while for the CuZnO@rGO aerogel composite, the absence of any additional phase, e. g., a surface alloy or reduced ZnO, was confirmed. The composite aerogels show excellent MeOH selectivity at high temperature (up to 260 °C) and low pressure (10 bar).
Changes in cardiac structure and function from 3 to 12 months after hospitalization for COVID‐19
Authors: Øvrebotten Tarjei , Myhre Peder L. , Grimsmo Jostein , Mecinaj Albulena , Trebinjac Divna , Nossen Magnus B. , Andrup Simon , Josefsen Tony , Einvik Gunnar , Stavem Knut , Omland Torbjørn , Ingul Charlotte B.
Published: August 2022

Background

Cardiac function may be impaired during and early after hospitalization for COVID‐19, but little is known about the progression of cardiac dysfunction and the association with postacute COVID syndrome (PACS).

Methods

In a multicenter prospective cohort study, patients who had been hospitalized with COVID‐19 were enrolled and comprehensive echocardiography was performed 3 and 12 months after discharge. Twenty‐four‐hour electrocardiogram (ECG) was performed at 3 and 12 months in patients with arrhythmias at 3 months.

Results

In total, 182 participants attended the 3 and 12 months visits (age 58 ± 14 years, 59% male, body mass index 28.2 ± 4.2 kg/m2). Of these, 35 (20%) had severe COVID‐19 (treatment in the intensive care unit) and 74 (52%) had self‐reported dyspnea at 3 months. From 3 to 12 months there were no significant overall changes in any measures of left or right ventricle (LV; RV) structure and function (p > .05 for all), including RV strain (from 26.2 ± 3.9% to 26.5 ± 3.1%, p = .29) and LV global longitudinal strain (from 19.2 ± 2.3% to 19.3 ± 2.3%, p = .64). Changes in echocardiographic parameters from 3 to 12 months did not differ by COVID‐19 severity or by the presence of persistent dyspnea (p > .05 for all). Among patients with arrhythmia at 3 months, there was no significant change in arrhythmia burden to 12 months.

Conclusion

Following COVID‐19, cardiac structure and function remained unchanged from 3 to 12 months after the index hospitalization, irrespective of COVID‐19 severity and presence of persistent dyspnea. These results suggest that progression of cardiac dysfunction after COVID‐19 is rare and unlikely to play an important role in PACS.
Following Cu Microstructure Evolution in CuZnO/Al2O3(−Cs) Catalysts During Activation in H2 using in situ XRD and XRD‐CT
Authors: Farmer Daniela M. , Jacques Simon D. M. , Waller David , Boullosa Eiras Sara , Roy Kanak , Held Georg , Sankar Gopinathan , Beale Andrew M.
Published: August 2022

Understanding how the microstructure of the active Cu0 component in the commercially applicable Cu/ZnO/Al2O3(−Cs2O) low‐temperature water‐gas shift catalyst evolves under various H2 partial pressures in the presence/absence of a Cs promoter during thermal activation has been investigated. Time‐resolved XRD and spatially‐resolved XRD‐CT data were measured as a function of H2 concentration along a packed bed reactor to elucidate the importance of the zincite support and the effect of the promoter on Cu sintering mechanisms, dislocation character and stacking fault probability. The rate of Cu reduction showed a dependency on [Cs], [H2] and bed height; lower [Cs] and higher [H2] led to a greater rate of metallic copper nanoparticle formation. A deeper analysis of the XRD line profiles allowed for determining a greater edge character to the dislocations and subsequent stacking fault probability was also observed to depend on higher [H2], smaller Cu0 (and ZnO) crystallite sizes, increased [ZnO] (30 wt.%, sCZA) and lower temperature. The intrinsic activity of Cu/ZnO/Al2O3 methanol synthesis catalysts has been intimately linked to the anisotropic behaviour of copper, and thus the presence of lattice defects; to the best knowledge of the authors, this study is the first instance in which this type of analysis has been applied to LT‐WGS catalysts.
In Situ Studies of the Formation of Tungsten and Niobium Oxide Nanoparticles: Towards Automated Analysis of Reaction Pathways from PDF Analysis using the Pearson Correlation Coefficient
Authors: Kjær Emil T. S. , Aalling‐Frederiksen Olivia , Yang Long , Thomas Nancy K. , Juelsholt Mikkel , Billinge Simon J. L. , Jensen Kirsten M. Ø.
Published: August 2022

Using Pair Distribution Function (PDF) analysis of in situ total scattering data, we investigate the formation of tungsten and niobium oxides in a simple solvothermal synthesis. We use Pearson Correlation Coefficient (PCC) analysis of the time resolved PDFs to both map the structural changes taking place throughout the synthesis and identify structural models for precursor and product through PCC‐based structure mining. Our analysis first shows that ultra‐small tungsten and niobium oxide nanoparticles form instantaneously upon heating, with sizes between 1.5 and 2 nm. We show that the main structural motifs in the nanoparticles can be described with structures containing pentagonal columns, which is characteristic for many bulk tungsten and niobium oxides. We furthermore elucidate the structure of the precursor complex as clusters of octahedra with O‐ and Cl‐ligands. The PCC based methodology automates the structure characterization and proves useful for analysis of large datasets of for example, time resolved X‐ray scattering studies. The PCC is implemented in ‘PDF in the cloud’, a web platform for PDF analysis.
BiVO4 Photoanodes for TEMPO‐Mediated Benzyl Alcohol Oxidation in Organic Media
Authors: Klinova McMillan Nelli , Lopez Diego A. , Leem Gyu , Sherman Benjamin D.
Published: August 2022

The photoelectrochemical production of fuels, exemplified by light‐driven water splitting to hydrogen and oxygen, offers a sustainable option to offset dependence on fossil fuels. A low‐cost, efficient, and stable photoelectrochemical approach to solar fuels remains elusive but using similar materials and photoelectrodes for chemical production or biomass conversion offers an appealing alternative. This work reports a facile method for fabricating pristine (undoped) BiVO4 photoanodes to carry out TEMPO‐mediated benzyl alcohol oxidation to benzaldehyde in organic media (TEMPO=2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidinyl‐N‐oxyl). The best performing BiVO4 photoanode studied here gave a faradaic efficiency (FE) of 85±5% for benzaldehyde formation in the presence of TEMPO and pyridine during a 2.5‐hour reaction. Compared with direct electrocatalytic conversion under the same conditions, light capture and conversion by the BiVO4 surface decreased the required applied bias by 46 %. To our knowledge, this is the first report of visible light assisted, TEMPO‐mediated benzyl alcohol oxidation using pristine BiVO4 photoanodes in organic media.
Environmental Outcomes from On‐Farm Agricultural Production in the United States
Authors: Thomson Allison , Young Kelly Murray
Published: August 2022

This article is brought to you by the SPARC Initiative created in partnership between the American Society for Agronomy, the Agricultural Retailers Association, Environmental Defense Fund, and Field to Market: The Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture to empower trusted advisers to deliver services that drive continuous improvement in the productivity, profitability, and environmental outcomes of farmers’ operations. Learn more about the SPARC Initiative and access additional resources, including the six‐module series on sustainability at www.fieldtomarket.org/SPARC. This article is an excerpt from Field to Market’s Fourth National Indicators Report, released in December 2021. Access the entire report at www.fieldtomarket.org/report. Sections covering biodiversity, land use, soil erosion, irrigation water use, energy use, and greenhouse gas emissions were covered in previous issues of Crops & Soils magazine. The final installment in this series covering water quality will be included in the November–December issue. All articles from the SPARC series can be found online at https://bit.ly/3yVScpI. Earn 1 CEU in Sustainability by reading this article and taking the quiz at https://web.sciencesocieties.org/Learning‐Center/Courses.
Response of drought susceptible and resistant Kentucky bluegrass and tall fescue cultivars and mixtures to limited irrigation
Authors: Powlen Jada S. , Patton Aaron J. , Jiang Yiwei , Fraser Melodee L. , Bigelow Cale A.
Published: August 2022

Water consumption and supply for the urban landscape continues to be a concern for many communities throughout the United States. A 2‐yr field study was conducted in the cool‐humid region to determine the irrigation requirements of drought sensitive (DS) and drought resistant (DR) Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.; KBG) and tall fescue [Festuca arundinacea Schreb.; syn. Schedonorus arundinaceus (Schreb.) Dumort., nom. cons.; TF] cultivars maintained at two mowing heights (5.1 or 8.9 cm). Additionally, TF:KBG mixtures 90:10 (w/w) containing DS or DR cultivars were also evaluated. Irrigation was determined using a 70% green coverage threshold (GCT70) approach, where turf was imaged twice weekly, and 12.7 mm of irrigation was applied if an individual plot fell below the GCT70. Time to initially fall below the GCT70 ranged from 15.4 to 50.0 d and varied by species and cultivar, with TF and the TF:KBG mixtures taking the longest time to fall below the threshold. Total irrigation ranged from 61.9 to 173.9 mm over the 74‐d drought events. The DR TF and TF:KBG mixtures containing DR TF required the least irrigation. Mowing height generally had no effect on irrigation requirements of the cultivars or mixtures evaluated in this study. These data reinforce the fact that substantial irrigation can be saved by planting DR species and cultivars and employing a limited irrigation strategy based on a minimum green coverage threshold.
Chopping for over 50 MHz gain‐bandwidth product current sense amplifiers achieving input noise level of 8.5 nV/√Hz
Authors: Matthus Christian D. , Ellinger Frank
Published: August 2022

An accurate, high‐speed, fully differential difference amplifier for current sensing utilizing the chopper approach was implemented in a 0.18 μm complementary metal‐oxide‐semiconductor (CMOS) technology. Unlike state‐of‐the‐art solutions, we use a higher chopping frequency in the MHz range due to the bandwidth requirements of the introduced circuits for the latter application, namely, low‐side phase‐current measurement in motor control circuits. Except the low‐pass filter (LPF) effect of the output stage, no additional LPF was integrated in hardware at the output of the circuits. We show that on the other hand a digital LPF, which can be integrated in the field‐programmable gate‐array (FPGA) logic or microcontroller used for the motor control, offers a higher flexibility in terms of filter design. Weak input signals of only few mV can be reconstructed with a high accuracy. This is demonstrated for a 500 kHz rectangular signal and a chopping frequency of 20 MHz. Note that an input‐signal frequency of several hundreds of kHz with harmonics in the MHz region is very challenging for chopper amplifiers. Still, a significant decrease of the input‐referred noise is demonstrated, especially cancelling out the 1/f‐noise achieving a remaining noise floor of approximately 8.5 nV/√Hz. Overall, the input‐referred noise level can be pushed far below 50 μV (root mean square). Moreover, using a quite relaxed second‐order Butterworth filter with a 3 dB corner frequency of 1 MHz, input‐referred noise levels of 10 μV (root mean square) can be easily achieved at the costs of reduced bandwidth. The lowest achieved input offset is 50 μV. The gain is adjusted by resistive feedback and is approximately 40 dB. Hence, the amplifier is suitable for current sensing in motor control circuits, and a significant reduction of the shunt resistance typically used for this purpose will be possible.
Anti‐C1q autoantibodies from systemic lupus erythematosus patients enhance CD40–CD154‐mediated inflammation in peripheral blood mononuclear cells in vitro
Authors: Rabatscher Pascal Alexander , Trendelenburg Marten
Published: August 2022

Objectives

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a clinically heterogeneous autoimmune disease with complex pathogenic mechanisms. Complement C1q has been shown to play a major role in SLE, and autoantibodies against C1q (anti‐C1q) are strongly associated with SLE disease activity and severe lupus nephritis suggesting a pathogenic role for anti‐C1q. Whereas C1q alone has anti‐inflammatory effects on human monocytes and macrophages, C1q/anti‐C1q complexes favor a pro‐inflammatory phenotype. This study aimed to elucidate the inflammatory effects of anti‐C1q on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs).

Methods

Isolated monocytes, isolated T cells and bulk PBMCs of healthy donors with or without concomitant T cell activation were exposed to C1q or complexes of C1q and SLE patient‐derived anti‐C1q (C1q/anti‐C1q). Functional consequences of C1q/anti‐C1q on cells were assessed by determining cytokine secretion, monocyte surface marker expression, T cell activation and proliferation.

Results

Exposure of isolated T cells to C1q or C1q/anti‐C1q did not affect their activation and proliferation. However, unspecific T cell activation in PBMCs in the presence of C1q/anti‐C1q resulted in increased TNF, IFN‐γ and IL‐10 secretion compared with C1q alone. Co‐culture and inhibition experiments showed that the inflammatory effect of C1q/anti‐C1q on PBMCs was due to a direct CD40–CD154 interaction between activated T cells and C1q/anti‐C1q‐primed monocytes. The CD40‐mediated inflammatory reaction of monocytes involves TRAF6 and JAK3‐STAT5 signalling.

Conclusion

In conclusion, C1q/anti‐C1q have a pro‐inflammatory effect on monocytes that depends on T cell activation and CD40–CD154 signalling. This signalling pathway could serve as a therapeutic target for anti‐C1q‐mediated inflammation.
Transplantation procedures in vitiligo: What's new
Authors: Thakur Vishal , Narayan R Vignesh , Parsad Davinder
Published: August 2022

Background

Transplantation plays a pivotal role in vitiligo surgery and has advanced at a galloping pace.

Objectives

To enlist the latest developments in vitiligo transplantation surgery.

Findings

Advancements in clinico‐epidemiological and molecular profiling (CD8, CD45RO, CXCL‐9) have enabled us to predict response to treatment better than ever before. The pace of transplantation has been augmented and the hassle of properly orienting the graft has been bypassed. The pallet has been expanded with a better donor to recipient ratio and ease of technique with regard to hair follicle transplants and suspensions. Suspending media have had a makeover, becoming less runner with a greater rate of pigmentation. Science has made the procedure more pocket and equipment friendly, be it in the realm of incubation or inhibition of trypsin. Electrofulguration, cryogens, salicylic and lactic acid, dental burrs, and lasers have made recipient site preparation easier. Adversity has been metamorphosed into an advantage by harvesting and transplanting the cobblestone that appears post‐mini‐punch grafting. Surgical techniques have been crafted to conform to special sites like the fingers, palmoplantar sites, ears, genitals, and nipple‐areola.

Conclusion

There have been many significant advancements in the field of vitiligo transplantation surgery in recent years especially in terms of ease of technique, minimal invasiveness, the pain associated with the procedure, and success rates.
Nucleation sites and forest recovery under high shrub competition
Authors: Ursell Tara , Safford Hugh D.
Published: August 2022

Forests currently face numerous stressors, raising questions about processes of forest recovery as well as the role of humans in stimulating recovery by planting trees that might not otherwise regenerate. Theoretically, planted trees can also provide a seed source for further recruitment once the planted trees become reproductive, acting as “nucleation” sites; however, it is unclear whether changing site conditions over time (e.g., through the growth of competitors like woody shrubs) influences establishment in the long term, even if seed availability increases. We tested the nucleation concept in a system where shrub competition is known to influence tree establishment and growth, performing an observational study of sites within and close to newly reproductive planted stands in yellow‐pine (YP) and mixed‐conifer ecosystems in the Sierra Nevada, California. We surveyed and then modeled both seedling occurrence and density as a function of distance to seed sources, competing woody vegetation, and other environmental characteristics. We found that proximity to a planted stand was associated with an increase in the probability of YP seedlings (species more likely to originate from the planted stand) from 0.33 at 35 m from the planted stand to 0.56 directly adjacent to the stand and 0.65 within the stand. However, we found no significant effect of proximity on YP seedling density. This proximity effect suggests that seed availability continues to be a driver of recruitment several decades postwildfire, though other processes may influence the expected density of recruits. Proxies for competitive pressure (shrub volume and shrub cover) were not significant, suggesting that competing vegetation did not have a major influence on recruitment. Though seedling presence and density appeared to be independent of shrub impacts, we did find that shrubs were significantly taller than seedlings. Therefore, we suggest that shrubs may not limit seedling establishment, but they may negatively affect seedlings' ability to grow and serve as a seed source for further recruitment and forest expansion. Altogether, we find that planting may provide a statistically significant but small role in driving recruitment outside of the planted site.