bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Eye-Tracking–Based Measurement of Social Visual Engagement Compared With Expert Clinical Diagnosis of Autism
Authors: Jones Warren , Klaiman Cheryl , Richardson Shana , Aoki Christa , Smith Christopher , Minjarez Mendy , Bernier Raphael , Pedapati Ernest , Bishop Somer , Ence Whitney , Wainer Allison , Moriuchi Jennifer , Tay Sew-Wah , Klin Ami
Published: September 2023

Importance

In the US, children with signs of autism often experience more than 1 year of delay before diagnosis and often experience longer delays if they are from racially, ethnically, or economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Most diagnoses are also received without use of standardized diagnostic instruments. To aid in early autism diagnosis, eye-tracking measurement of social visual engagement has shown potential as a performance-based biomarker.

Objective

To evaluate the performance of eye-tracking measurement of social visual engagement (index test) relative to expert clinical diagnosis in young children referred to specialty autism clinics.

Design, Setting, and Participants

In this study of 16- to 30-month-old children enrolled at 6 US specialty centers from April 2018 through May 2019, staff blind to clinical diagnoses used automated devices to measure eye-tracking–based social visual engagement. Expert clinical diagnoses were made using best practice standardized protocols by specialists blind to index test results. This study was completed in a 1-day protocol for each participant.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Primary outcome measures were test sensitivity and specificity relative to expert clinical diagnosis. Secondary outcome measures were test correlations with expert clinical assessments of social disability, verbal ability, and nonverbal cognitive ability.

Results

Eye-tracking measurement of social visual engagement was successful in 475 (95.2%) of the 499 enrolled children (mean [SD] age, 24.1 [4.4] months; 38 [8.0%] were Asian; 37 [7.8%], Black; 352 [74.1%], White; 44 [9.3%], other; and 68 [14.3%], Hispanic). By expert clinical diagnosis, 221 children (46.5%) had autism and 254 (53.5%) did not. In all children, measurement of social visual engagement had sensitivity of 71.0% (95% CI, 64.7% to 76.6%) and specificity of 80.7% (95% CI, 75.4% to 85.1%). In the subgroup of 335 children whose autism diagnosis was certain, sensitivity was 78.0% (95% CI, 70.7% to 83.9%) and specificity was 85.4% (95% CI, 79.5% to 89.8%). Eye-tracking test results correlated with expert clinical assessments of individual levels of social disability (r = −0.75 [95% CI, −0.79 to −0.71]), verbal ability (r = 0.65 [95% CI, 0.59 to 0.70]), and nonverbal cognitive ability (r = 0.65 [95% CI, 0.59 to 0.70]).

Conclusions and Relevance

In 16- to 30-month-old children referred to specialty clinics, eye-tracking–based measurement of social visual engagement was predictive of autism diagnoses by clinical experts. Further evaluation of this test’s role in early diagnosis and assessment of autism in routine specialty clinic practice is warranted.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03469986
An Interesting Wide QRS Complex Tachycardia
Authors: Chang Qinghua , Wang Gaopin , Liu Renguang
Published: September 2023

This case report describes a patient in their 70s who presented to the emergency department with sudden-onset tachycardia that had been going on for more than 1 day after experiencing recurrent palpitations for the past 20 years.
Pharmacy e-Prescription Dispensing Before and After CancelRx Implementation
Authors: Pitts Samantha I. , Olson Sarah , Yanek Lisa R. , Wang Nae-Yuh , Woodroof Taylor , Chen Allen R.
Published: September 2023

Importance

An estimated 1.5% to nearly 5% of medications are dispensed after discontinuation in the electronic health record (EHR), with 34% meeting criteria for high risk of potential harm.

Objective

To evaluate the association of the implementation of e-prescription cancellation messaging (CancelRx) with medication dispensing after discontinuation of e-prescriptions in the EHR.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This case series with interrupted time series analysis included patients who had at least 1 medication e-prescribed in ambulatory care to a health system pharmacy and discontinued in the 2-year study period from 1 year prior to approximately 1 year after CancelRx implementation (January 15, 2018, to December 7, 2019). Prior to CancelRx implementation, changes to e-prescribed medications within the EHR were not electronically communicated to health system pharmacies, which used separate pharmacy management software. Statistical analysis was performed from November 2020 to June 2023 (primary analysis from March 2021 to May 2022).

Exposure

Implementation of CancelRx.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was the proportion of e-prescribed medications dispensed and sold to patients by pharmacies within 6 months after discontinuation in the EHR. A medication was defined as dispensed after discontinuation if the timestamp of dispensing was at least 1 minute and less than 6 months after the timestamp of discontinuation in the EHR. A secondary outcome was the proportion of discontinued medications that was reordered within 120 days.

Results

A total of 53 298 qualifying e-prescriptions that were discontinued were identified for 17 451 unique patients (mean [SD] age, 50.6 [18.2] years; 9332 women [53.5%]). After CancelRx implementation, 22 443 (85.9%) of the 26 127 discontinued e-prescriptions resulted in a CancelRx transaction. In interrupted time series analysis, the proportion of prescriptions dispensed after discontinuation decreased from a baseline of 8.0% (2162 of 27 171) to 1.4% (369 of 26 127; P < .001), without a significant week-to-week trend (β = 0.000158; P = .37).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this case series with interrupted time series analysis, findings suggest that CancelRx implementation was associated with an immediate and persistent reduction in the proportion of e-prescriptions sold after discontinuation in the EHR. Widespread implementation of CancelRx may significantly improve medication safety through the reduction of medication dispensing after discontinuation by prescribers.
Vegan Diet and Food Costs Among Adults With Overweight
Authors: Kahleova Hana , Sutton Macy , Maracine Cristina , Nichols Daniel , Monsivais Pablo , Holubkov Richard , Barnard Neal D.
Published: September 2023

This secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial investigates the effects of a vegan diet on total food costs per day.
Paying for Medical and Social Complexity in Massachusetts Medicaid
Authors: Alcusky Matthew J. , Mick Eric O. , Allison Jeroan J. , Kiefe Catarina I. , Sabatino Meagan J. , Eanet Frances E. , Ash Arlene S.
Published: September 2023

Importance

The first MassHealth Social Determinants of Health payment model boosted payments for groups with unstable housing and those living in socioeconomically stressed neighborhoods. Improvements were designed to address previously mispriced subgroups and promote equitable payments to MassHealth accountable care organizations (ACOs).

Objective

To develop a model that ensures payments largely follow observed costs for members with complex health and/or social risks.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cross sectional study used administrative data for members of the Massachusetts Medicaid program MassHealth in 2016 or 2017. Participants included members who were eligible for MassHealth’s managed care, aged 0 to 64 years, and enrolled for at least 183 days in 2017. A new total cost of care model was developed and its performance compared with 2 earlier models. All models were fit to 2017 data (most recent available) and validated on 2016 data. Analyses were begun in February 2019 and completed in January 2023.

Exposures

Model 1 used age-sex categories, a diagnosis-based morbidity relative risk score (RRS), disability, serious mental illness, substance use disorder, housing problems, and neighborhood stress. Model 2 added an interaction for unstable housing with RRS. Model 3 added rurality and updated diagnosis-based RRS, medication-based RRS, and interactions between sociodemographic characteristics and morbidity.

Main Outcome and Measures

Total 2017 annual cost was modeled and overall model performance (R2) and fair pricing of subgroups evaluated using observed-to-expected (O:E) ratios.

Results

Among 1 323 424 members, mean (SD) age was 26.4 (17.9) years, 53.4% were female (46.6% male), and mean (SD) 2017 cost was $5862 ($15 417). The R2 for models 1, 2, and 3 was 52.1%, 51.5%, and 60.3%, respectively. Earlier models overestimated costs for members without behavioral health conditions (O:E ratios 0.94 and 0.93 for models 1 and 2, respectively) and underestimated costs for those with behavioral health conditions (O:E ratio >1.10); model 3 O:E ratios were near 1.00. Model 3 was better calibrated for members with housing problems, those with children, and those with high morbidity scores. It reduced underpayments to ACOs whose members had high medical and social complexity. Absolute and relative model performance were similar in 2016 data.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cross-sectional study of data from Massachusetts Medicaid, careful modeling of social and medical risk improved model performance and mitigated underpayments to safety-net systems.
State Public Assistance Spending and Survival Among Adults With Cancer
Authors: Barnes Justin M. , Johnston Kenton J. , Johnson Kimberly J. , Chino Fumiko , Osazuwa-Peters Nosayaba
Published: September 2023

Importance

Social determinants of health contribute to disparities in cancer outcomes. State public assistance spending, including Medicaid and cash assistance programs for socioeconomically disadvantaged individuals, may improve access to care; address barriers, such as food and housing insecurity; and lead to improved cancer outcomes for marginalized populations.

Objective

To determine whether state-level public assistance spending is associated with overall survival (OS) among individuals with cancer, overall and by race and ethnicity.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cohort study included US adults aged at least 18 years with a new cancer diagnosis from 2007 to 2013, with follow-up through 2019. Data were obtained from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program. Data were analyzed from November 18, 2021, to July 6, 2023.

Exposure

Differential state-level public assistance spending.

Main Outcome and Measure

The main outcome was 6-year OS. Analyses were adjusted for age, race, ethnicity, sex, metropolitan residence, county-level income, state fixed effects, state-level percentages of residents living in poverty and aged 65 years or older, cancer type, and cancer stage.

Results

A total 2 035 977 individuals with cancer were identified and included in analysis, with 1 005 702 individuals (49.4%) aged 65 years or older and 1 026 309 (50.4%) male. By tertile of public assistance spending, 6-year OS was 55.9% for the lowest tertile, 55.9% for the middle tertile, and 56.6% for the highest tertile. In adjusted analyses, public assistance spending at the state-level was significantly associated with higher 6-year OS (0.09% [95% CI, 0.04%-0.13%] per $100 per capita; P < .001), particularly for non-Hispanic Black individuals (0.29% [95% CI, 0.07%-0.52%] per $100 per capita; P = .01) and non-Hispanic White individuals (0.12% [95% CI, 0.08%-0.16%] per $100 per capita; P < .001). In sensitivity analyses examining the roles of Medicaid spending and Medicaid expansion including additional years of data, non-Medicaid spending was associated with higher 3-year OS among non-Hispanic Black individuals (0.49% [95% CI, 0.26%-0.72%] per $100 per capita when accounting for Medicaid spending; 0.17% [95% CI, 0.02%-0.31%] per $100 per capita Medicaid expansion effects).

Conclusions and Relevance

This cohort study found that state public assistance expenditures, including cash assistance programs and Medicaid, were associated with improved survival for individuals with cancer. State investment in public assistance programs may represent an important avenue to improve cancer outcomes through addressing social determinants of health and should be a topic of further investigation.
Does the Impact of COVID‐19 on Patients With Systemic Sclerosis Change Over Time?
Authors: Deibel Elisabeth , Carreira Patricia E. , Vonk Madelon , del Papa Nicoletta , Bečvář Radim , Guillén‐Del‐Castillo Alfredo , Campochiaro Corrado , Poormoghim Hadi , Liem Sophie , Lazzaroni Maria‐Grazia , Giollo Alessandro , Mekinian Arsène , de Vries‐Bouwstra Jeska , De Santis Maria , Balbir‐Gurman Alexandra , Mihai Carina , De Luca Giacomo , Moiseev Sergey , Zanatta Elisabetta , Foti Rosario , Rednic Simona , Denton Christopher , Cutolo Maurizio , Belloli Laura , Airo Paolo , Garzanova Liudmila , Moroncini Gianluca , İnanç Murat , Panopoulos Stylianos , Tandaipan Jose‐Luis , Chatelus Emmanuel , Rosato Edoardo , Kuwana Masataka , Yavuz Sule , Alegre‐Sancho Juan J. , Smith Vanessa , Szűcs Gabriella , Henes Joerg , Rodríguez‐Pintó Ignasi , Atzeni Fabiola , Spierings Julia , Truchetet Marie‐Elise , Milchert Marcin , Brito de Araujo Daniel , Riemekasten Gabriela , Bernardino Vera , Martin Thierry , del Galdo Francesco , Vacca Alessandra , Mendoza Fabian , Midtvedt Øyvind , Murdaca Giuseppe , Santiago Tânia , Codullo Veronica , Cacciapaglia Fabio , Walker Ulrich , Brunborg Cathrine , Tirelli Francesca , Allanore Yannick , Furst Daniel E. , Matucci Marco , Gabrielli Armando , Distler Oliver , Hoffmann‐Vold Anna‐Maria
Published: September 2023

Objective

The outcome of patients with COVID‐19 improved over the pandemic, including patients with systemic rheumatic diseases. However, data on patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) are lacking. This study aimed to assess the outcome of patients with both SSc and COVID‐19 over several waves.

Methods

Patients with both SSc and COVID‐19 who were registered in the European Scleroderma Trials and Research group (EUSTAR) were collected between April 2020 and April 2021. Patients were assigned to waves 1, 2, or 3 depending on the date of their COVID‐19 diagnosis. Primary endpoints were death, intensive care unit stay, or ventilatory support (severe outcome). Subgroup analyses of patients who were hospitalized or died were conducted. General and SSc‐specific characteristics and treatment were compared over the waves. Descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression were applied.

Results

A total of 333 patients were included; 57 patients (17%) had a severe outcome, and 30 patients (9%) died. Compared to wave 1, significantly fewer patients with SSc suffered from severe COVID‐19 in waves 2 and 3 (28.2% vs 9.8% and 12.7%; P < 0.001), fewer patients required hospitalization (46.7% vs 19.6% and 25.5%; P < 0.001) or ventilatory support (24.0% vs 8.7% and 10.9%; P = 0.001), and fewer patients died (15.7% vs 5.0% and 7.5%; P = 0.011). Patients were significantly younger, more often men, had less frequent arterial hypertension, and less SSc cardiac involvement over waves 1 to 3. Patients received significantly less medium to high doses of corticosteroids as they did SSc treatment.

Conclusion

The outcome of patients with both SSc and COVID‐19 improved significantly over time because of intrinsic and extrinsic factors.
Advances of 2D‐Enabled Photothermal Materials in Hybrid Solar‐Driven Interfacial Evaporation Systems toward Water‐Fuel‐Energy Crisis
Authors: Irshad Muhammad Sultan , Arshad Naila , Asghar M. Sohail , Hao Yabin , Alomar Muneerah , Zhang Shaohui , Zhang Jian , Guo Jinming , Ahmed Iftikhar , Mushtaq Naveed , Shah M. A. K. Yousaf , Noureen Laila , Wageh S. , Al‐Hartomy Omar A. , Kalam Abul , Dao Van‐Duong , Wang Hao , Wang Xianbao , Zhang Han
Published: September 2023

The development of a multi‐functional solar‐driven interfacial evaporation (SDIE) system remains a significant challenge for its large‐scale applications. By taking advantage of high surface area, excellent young's moduli, anchoring/coupling capability, large absorption surface, strong absorption in the broadband solar spectrum, and efficient photothermal conversion efficiencies of 2D emerging materials (Xenes, Mxenes, etc.), hybrid SDIEs are developed to increase the use of solar energy beyond water production. This work aims to offer a systematic review of the recent advancement in 2D emerging materials except for graphene and their significant role in hybrid SDIEs to stimulate both fundamental and applied research on utilizing the underutilized auxiliary energy sources for future integrated water, energy, and environmental systems. For this purpose, first, the most recent progress in 2D photothermal materials is discussed, mainly including emerging Xenes, MXenes, and TMDs‐inspired hybrid SDIEs. Second, structural optimization strategies and modulation of the intrinsic photothermal performances of 2D emerging materials are highlighted. Third, the cutting‐edge conceptual designs developed in many hybrid applications such as thermoelectricity, salt recovery, and hydrogen production are broadly presented. Lastly, the current challenges and perspectives of 2D emerging materials and their hybrid evaporation structures are also mentioned.
Intrinsically Stretchable Subthreshold Organic Transistors for Highly Sensitive Low‐Power Skin‐Like Active‐Matrix Temperature Sensors
Authors: Kim Jun Su , Jeong Min Woo , Nam Tae Uk , Vo Ngoc Thanh Phuong , Jung Kyu Ho , Lee Tae Il , Oh Jin Young
Published: September 2023

Stretchable wearable sensors ultimately require low power consumption and high response to physiological signals with skin conformability. However, power‐response tradeoff and strain‐dependent sensing instability remain key challenges for electronic skin (e‐skin) sensors. Herein,an intrinsically stretchable organic subthreshold transistor operating at low voltage (−1 V) is presented, leading to ultralow power consumption (<1 nW) for highly sensitive skin‐like temperature sensory devices. The highly temperature‐dependent hopping transport of the fully stretchable subthreshold transistor exhibits high‐temperature sensitivity (9.4% °C−1) and excellent sensing stability up to 100% strain. A skin‐like subthreshold organic transistor active‐matrix array is successfully fabricated that sensed the surface temperature distribution under a 3D deformation.
Tissue Engineering of JAK Inhibitor‐Loaded Hierarchically Biomimetic Nanostructural Scaffold Targeting Cellular Senescence for Aged Bone Defect Repair and Bone Remolding
Authors: Liu Shi , Jia Xinlin , Hao Jina , Zhang Dapeng , Yang Shengchao , Dai Bin , Mao Yuanqing , Li Yongsheng
Published: September 2023

Cell senescence or apoptosis contributes to self‐failure and functional loss in specialized cells, leading to incapacity of the body to repair specific damages. Senescent bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) lose their proliferative abilities and secrete senescence‐associated secretory phenotype (SASP), hindering their participation in bone defect repair. Hence, the effective suppression of cell senescence is crucial to restore the self‐repair capacity of body to treat bone defects. Since the Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT) signaling pathway is associated with SASP secretion, herein, a new strategy is proposed to inhibit this pathway to suppress SASP secretion and enhance osteoblast activity based on a novel hierarchically biomimetic nanostructural electrospun scaffold with JAK inhibitors (JAKi, Ruxolitinib) loaded. As validated by in vitro and in vivo experiments, the JAKi loaded scaffold reduces SASP expression effectively and alleviates senescent cell burden, creating a pro‐regeneration microenvironment that enhances osteoblast function and mineralization activity as well as rejuvenating the bone repair capacity. These findings offer insights into the regulatory role of cellular senescence in bone aging and provide a new and effective strategy to treat age‐related bone defects by delivery of JAKi to locally aging bone defect sites.
Scalable All‐Inorganic Halide Perovskite Photoanodes with >100 h Operational Stability Containing Earth‐Abundant Materials
Authors: Daboczi Matyas , Cui Junyi , Temerov Filipp , Eslava Salvador
Published: September 2023

The application of halide perovskites in the photoelectrochemical generation of solar fuels and feedstocks is hindered by the instability of perovskites in aqueous electrolytes and the use of expensive electrode and catalyst materials, particularly in photoanodes driving kinetically slow water oxidation. Here, solely earth‐abundant materials are incorporated to fabricate a CsPbBr3‐based photoanode that reaches a low onset potential of +0.4 VRHE and 8 mA cm−2 photocurrent density at +1.23 VRHE for water oxidation, close to the radiative efficiency limit of CsPbBr3. This photoanode retains 100% of its stabilized photocurrent density for more than 100 h of operation by replacing once the inexpensive graphite sheet upon signs of deterioration. The improved performance is due to an efficiently electrodeposited NiFeOOH catalyst on a protective self‐adhesive graphite sheet, and enhanced charge transfer achieved by phase engineering of CsPbBr3. Devices with >1 cm2 area, and low‐temperature processing demonstrate the potential for low capital cost, stable, and scalable perovskite photoanodes.
Bioorthogonal Guided Activation of cGAS‐STING by AIE Photosensitizer Nanoparticles for Targeted Tumor Therapy and Imaging
Authors: Cui Minhui , Tang Dongsheng , Wang Bin , Zhang Hanchen , Liang Ganghao , Xiao Haihua
Published: September 2023

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) and photothermal therapy (PTT) leverage reactive oxygen species (ROS) and control local hyperthermia by photosensitizer to perturb intracellular redox equilibrium, inducing DNA damage in both mitochondria and nucleus, activating the cGAS‐STING pathway, ultimately eliciting antitumor immune responses. However, current photosensitizers are encumbered by limitations such as suboptimal tumor targeting, aggregation‐caused quenching (ACQ), and restricted excitation and emission wavelengths. Here, this work designs novel nanoparticles based on aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) photosensitizer (BODTPE) for targeted tumor therapy and near‐infrared II fluorescence imaging (NIR‐II FLI) with enhanced PDT/PTT effects. BODTPE is employed as a monomer, dibenzocyclooctyne (DBCO)‐PEG2k‐amine serving as an end‐capping polymer, to synthesize a BODTPE‐containing polymer (DBD). Further, through self‐assembly, DBD and mPEG‐DSPE2k combined to form nanoparticles (NP‐DBD). Notably, the DBCO on the surface of NP‐DBD can react with azide groups on cancer cells pretreated with Ac4ManNAz through a copper‐free click reaction. This innovative formulation led to targeted accumulation of NP‐DBD within tumor sites, a phenomenon convincingly demonstrated in murine tumor models subjected to N‐azidoacetylmannosamine‐tetraacylated (Ac4ManNAz) pretreatment. Significantly, NP‐DBD exhibits a multifaceted effect encompassing PDT/PTT/NIR‐II FLI upon 808 nm laser irradiation, thereby better activating the cGAS‐STING pathway, culminating in a compelling tumor inhibition effect augmented by robust immune modulation.
Biodegradation of Oxide Nanoparticles in Apoferritin Protein Media: A Systematic Electrochemical Approach
Authors: Rahimi Ehsan , Kim Donghoon , Offoiach Ruben , Sanchis‐Gual Roger , Chen Xiang‐Zhong , Taheri Peyman , Gonzalez‐Garcia Yaiza , Mol Johannes M. C. , Fedrizzi Lorenzo , Pané Salvador , Lekka Maria
Published: September 2023

Functional oxide nanoparticles are extensively utilized in the last decades for biomedical purposes due to their unique functional properties. Nevertheless, their biodegradation mechanism by biological species, particularly by proteins at oxide/protein interfaces, still remains limited. Here, a systematic approaches is provided to investigate electrochemical behavior, electronic properties, and biodegradation mechanism of cobalt ferrite (CFO) and cobalt ferrite‐bismuth ferrite (CFO‐BFO) core‐shell nanoparticles in apoferritin‐containing media. Scanning Kelvin probe force microscopy results indicate that the presence of a thin shell (≈5 nm) of BFO on CFO causes a significant increase in surface potential. The potentiodynamic polarization measurements in different solutions showed higher anodic current densities for both samples when decreasing pH and increasing apoferritin concentration. Notably, CFO‐BFO exhibits lower anodic current densities than CFO due to a slightly higher flat band potential and lower donor density distribution on CFO‐BFO than on CFO, which results in lower electrochemical activity. Long‐term monitoring reveals that biodegradation of both nanoparticles is accelerated by high apoferritin concentrations and acidic media, resulting in the decrease of electrochemical potentials and impedance values, and enhancement of metal ion release. Thus, this systematic biodegradation study can help to predict the lifespan and toxicity of these functional nanoparticles in biological environments.
Selective Catalysts for the Homogeneous Semi‐Hydrogenation
Authors: Jannsen Nora , Pribbenow Cornelia , Selle Carmen , Drexler Hans‐Joachim , Müller Marc‐André , Medlock Jonathan A. , Bonrath Werner , Heller Detlef
Published: September 2023

An efficient and highly selective semi‐hydrogenation of terminal alkynes to alkenes using neutral dimeric rhodium(I) complexes of the type [Rh(μ‐Cl)(PP)]2 is presented. Dehydroisophytol (DIP) was chosen as the alkyne for this study because of its high importance in the industrial production of synthetic vitamin E. Excellent selectivity of over 91% towards the alkene was achieved with known and new rhodium catalysts. No deactivation was observed for the [Rh(μ‐Cl)(PP)]2 complexes and the molar Rh:DIP ratio could be increased to 1:20 000, and importantly, no reduction in selectivity was observed. The results presented open the door to the industrial application of homogeneous rhodium complexes in the semi‐hydrogenation of terminal alkynes.
Probing the Effect of Acceptor Moiety Engineering in Carbazole‐Based Hole‐Transporting Materials for Efficient Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Zahid Waqar Ali , Ahmad Muhammad Fiaz , Akram Waqas , Shaaban Ibrahim A. , Assiri Mohammed A. , Elmushyakhi Abraham , Iqbal Javed
Published: September 2023

Computational studies on the relationship between the molecular structures and properties of hole‐transporting materials (HTMs) are an effective way to find promising HTMs for high‐performance perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Herein, a series of carbazole‐based five HTMs with diphenyl pyridine‐based side arms (namely CDPC, CDPP, CDPI, CDPT, and CDPM) are designed. The results indicated that designed HTMs have deeper HOMO & LUMO levels, high absorption coefficient, low recombination rate, superior solubility, and comparable stability compared to the reference molecule which is based on carbazole diphenyl pyridine (CDP) for high‐efficiency perovskite solar cells (PSCs). The design molecules exhibit smaller exciton binding energies, which demonstrates that the electron‐hole pairs are easily dissociated into the free charge that facilitates the hole transport for PSCs. The results of low hole reorganization energy and the high total amount of charge transfer indicated that designed HTMs have effective hole transport ability. In the future, it is expected that this studies will demonstrate the potential of designed HTMs in the manufacture of effective PSCs in the solar industry.
Optimizing Piezoelectric Coefficient in PVDF Fibers: Key Strategies for Energy Harvesting and Smart Textiles
Authors: Sukumaran Sunija , Szewczyk Piotr K. , Knapczyk‐Korczak Joanna , Stachewicz Urszula
Published: September 2023

With the advancement in smart electronic devices and self‐powered devices, the demand for piezoelectric polymers has found potential research interest. Among these, electrospun polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) fibers have gained attention for energy harvesting due to their flexibility and higher piezoelectric coefficient. In the current work, various methods are compared to enhance PVDF's piezoelectric properties, including different solvents (DMAc, DMF), conductive filler (rGO), and annealing as post‐treatment. The results indicate that PVDF/rGO fibers in DMAc solvent exhibit the highest β phase fraction and crystallinity. Moreover, for the first time, the piezoelectric properties of PVDF/rGO electrospun single fiber is presented using high voltage switching spectroscopy piezoelectric force microscopy (HVSS‐PFM). The highest piezoelectric coefficient (d33) is measured for PVDF/DMAc‐rGO composite fibers. Notably, PVDF/rGO in DMAc solvent significantly improves the piezoelectric coefficient, leading to a remarkable fourfold increase in power density compared to pure PVDF, making it a promising material for energy harvesting applications.
Identifying individuals with non‐Alzheimer's disease co‐pathologies: A precision medicine approach to clinical trials in sporadic Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Tosun Duygu , Yardibi Ozlem , Benzinger Tammie L. S. , Kukull Walter A. , Masters Colin L. , Perrin Richard J. , Weiner Michael W. , Simen Arthur , Schwarz Adam J. ,   for the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: September 2023

INTRODUCTION

Biomarkers remain mostly unavailable for non‐Alzheimer's disease neuropathological changes (non‐ADNC) such as transactive response DNA‐binding protein 43 (TDP‐43) proteinopathy, Lewy body disease (LBD), and cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA).

METHODS

A multilabel non‐ADNC classifier using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) signatures was developed for TDP‐43, LBD, and CAA in an autopsy‐confirmed cohort (N = 214).

RESULTS

A model using demographic, genetic, clinical, MRI, and ADNC variables (amyloid positive [Aβ+] and tau+) in autopsy‐confirmed participants showed accuracies of 84% for TDP‐43, 81% for LBD, and 81% to 93% for CAA, outperforming reference models without MRI and ADNC biomarkers. In an ADNI cohort (296 cognitively unimpaired, 401 mild cognitive impairment, 188 dementia), Aβ and tau explained 33% to 43% of variance in cognitive decline; imputed non‐ADNC explained an additional 16% to 26%. Accounting for non‐ADNC decreased the required sample size to detect a 30% effect on cognitive decline by up to 28%.

DISCUSSION

Our results lead to a better understanding of the factors that influence cognitive decline and may lead to improvements in AD clinical trial design.
Site Engineering of Covalent Organic Frameworks for Regulating Peroxymonosulfate Activation to Generate Singlet Oxygen with 100 % Selectivity
Authors: Weng Zonglin , Lin Yuanfang , Guo Siyuan , Zhang Xinfei , Guo Qin , Luo Yu , Ou Xinwen , Ma Jinxing , Zhou Yang , Jiang Jin , Han Bin
Published: September 2023

Singlet oxygen (1O2) is an excellent reactive oxygen species (ROSs) for the selective conversion of organic matter, especially in advanced oxidation processes (AOPs). However, due to the huge dilemma in synthesizing single‐site type catalysts, the control and regulation of 1O2 generation in AOPs is still challenging and the underlying mechanism remains largely obscure. Here, taking advantage of the well‐defined and flexibly tunable sites of covalent organic frameworks (COFs), we report the first achievement in precisely regulating ROSs generation in peroxymonosulfate (PMS)‐based AOPs by site engineering of COFs. Remarkably, COFs with bipyridine units (BPY‐COFs) facilitate PMS activation via a nonradical pathway with 100 % 1O2, whereas biphenyl‐based COFs (BPD‐COFs) with almost identical structures activate PMS to produce radicals (⋅OH and SO4⋅−). The BPY‐COFs/PMS system delivers boosted performance for selective degradation of target pollutants from water, which is ca. 9.4 times that of its BPD‐COFs counterpart, surpassing most reported PMS‐based AOPs systems. Mechanism analysis indicated that highly electronegative pyridine‐N atoms on BPY‐COFs provide extra sites to adsorb the terminal H atoms of PMS, resulting in simultaneous adsorption of O and H atoms of PMS on one pyridine ring, which facilitates the cleavage of its S−O bond to generate 1O2.
Site Engineering of Covalent Organic Frameworks for Regulating Peroxymonosulfate Activation to Generate Singlet Oxygen with 100 % Selectivity
Authors: Weng Zonglin , Lin Yuanfang , Guo Siyuan , Zhang Xinfei , Guo Qin , Luo Yu , Ou Xinwen , Ma Jinxing , Zhou Yang , Jiang Jin , Han Bin
Published: September 2023

Singlet oxygen (1O2) is an excellent reactive oxygen species (ROSs) for the selective conversion of organic matter, especially in advanced oxidation processes (AOPs). However, due to the huge dilemma in synthesizing single‐site type catalysts, the control and regulation of 1O2 generation in AOPs is still challenging and the underlying mechanism remains largely obscure. Here, taking advantage of the well‐defined and flexibly tunable sites of covalent organic frameworks (COFs), we report the first achievement in precisely regulating ROSs generation in peroxymonosulfate (PMS)‐based AOPs by site engineering of COFs. Remarkably, COFs with bipyridine units (BPY‐COFs) facilitate PMS activation via a nonradical pathway with 100 % 1O2, whereas biphenyl‐based COFs (BPD‐COFs) with almost identical structures activate PMS to produce radicals (⋅OH and SO4.−). The BPY‐COFs/PMS system delivers boosted performance for selective degradation of target pollutants from water, which is ca. 9.4 times that of its BPD‐COFs counterpart, surpassing most reported PMS‐based AOPs systems. Mechanism analysis indicated that highly electronegative pyridine‐N atoms on BPY‐COFs provide extra sites to adsorb the terminal H atoms of PMS, resulting in simultaneous adsorption of O and H atoms of PMS on one pyridine ring, which facilitates the cleavage of its S−O bond to generate 1O2.
Analysis of mechanical and flame‐retardant properties of flexible polyurethane foams
Authors: Kim Young Shin , Jeon Euy Sik
Published: September 2023

In this study, the mechanical and flame‐retardant properties of flexible polyurethane foams (FPUF) were analyzed as a function of the type of flame retardant. FPUF containing equal amounts of two halogenated flame retardants (tris 2‐cloropropyl phosphate [TCPP] and phosphinyl alkyl phosphate ester) and three halogen‐free flame retardants (melamine, melamine cyanurate, and expandable graphite) were considered. The foaming properties of these samples were analyzed by studying the rise time and settling rate using cup foaming. Square foaming was used to analyze the mechanical properties, including density, elongation, tensile strength, and tear strength. In addition, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy was performed, and flame retardancy was evaluated using a horizontal flame test and the limited oxygen index. A cone calorimeter test was also performed to evaluate the combustion characteristics. In FPUF containing the same ratio of flame retardant (15% of the total polyol), the properties of urethane foam blended with expandable graphite were improved; the tensile strength of this blend is 20% higher than that of samples containing melamine, and its peak heat release showed a 70% reduction compared to that of samples containing TCPP. These findings provide valuable reference information for developing flame retardants for fire safety FPUF in the near future.
Improvements in the Electrochemical Performance of Sodium Manganese Oxides by Ti Doping for Aqueous Mg‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Zhang Yongquan , Ding Tao , Wang Jingshun , Yao Anquan , Zhang Changhai , Zhang Tiandong , Zhang Yue , Feng Yu , Chi Qingguo
Published: September 2023

In recent times, the research on cathode materials for aqueous rechargeable magnesium ion battery has gained significant attention. The focus is on enhancing high‐rate performance and cycle stability, which has become the primary research goal. Manganese oxide and its derived Na−Mn−O system have been considered as one of the most promising electrode materials due to its low cost, non‐toxicity and stable spatial structure. This work uses hydrothermal method to prepare titanium gradient doped nano sodium manganese oxides, and uses freeze‐drying technology to prepare magnesium ion battery cathode materials with high tap density. At the initial current density of 50 mA g−1, the NMTO‐5 material exhibits a high reversible capacity of 231.0 mAh g−1, even at a current density of 1000 mA g−1, there is still 122.1 mAh g−1. It is worth noting that after 180 cycles of charging and discharging at a gradually increasing current density such as 50–1000 mA g−1, it can still return to the original level after returning to 50 mA g−1. Excellent electrochemical performance and capacity stability show that NMTO‐5 material is a promising electrode material.
Commentary: The challenges and promises of competitively employing autistic adults in the United States
Authors: Solomon Marjorie , Hernandez Jo Ann Yon , Ruder Steve , Bothra Surina , Gonzales Catherine , Kecskemeti Kali , Takarae Yukari
Published: September 2023

Current United States statistics suggest that autistic individuals will experience high unemployment and underemployment rates throughout their lives. Furthermore, despite the passage of federal legislation to employ young autistic adults in competitive integrated settings, where they work alongside non‐disabled workers and earn at least minimum wage, most individuals receiving state services still are placed in day programs or sheltered workshops. Since meaningful employment is the most important determinant of life satisfaction, this failure is a critical societal problem, exerting increasing pressure for systems change. But the news is not all bad. Private sector companies have increased their hiring of disabled workers, producing a growing base of expertise in the recruitment, on‐boarding, training, and management of autistic employees. This has led to a growing recognition that autistic individuals can be ideal workers. Autism researchers have advanced the field by investigating these private industry programs as well as conducting efficacy trials of interventions and services that help autistic individuals in the workplace. However, gaps in knowledge persist stemming from the heterogeneity of autistic workers, limited knowledge about those not receiving state services, and a system of federal services that is fragmented, poorly coordinated, difficult to navigate, and over‐taxed. Autism researchers can continue to improve outcomes of autistic workers through investigations of the fit between autistic workers, their preferences, and the characteristics of available jobs, and through effectiveness trails of promising employment interventions and services that promote systems change that help break down the barriers to better integration of existing state services and resources in the United States.
Gout/hyperuricemia reduces the risk of Alzheimer's disease: A meta‐analysis based on latest evidence
Authors: Wang Long , Tan Zheng , Wang Fu‐Yu , Wu Wen‐Pei , Wu Jun‐Cang
Published: September 2023

Objective

Previous studies have found the potential role of gout or hyperuricemia in subsequent development of Alzheimer's disease (AD) but reported inconsistent results. We conducted the current meta‐analysis to evaluate whether an association exists between gout/ hyperuricemia and AD.

Methods

We systematically searched PubMed and EMBASE for the published cohort studies that measured the risk of AD in subject with gout/ hyperuricemia up to May 20, 2023. Data extraction was employed by two authors independently. Rev Man 5.3 and Stata 15.0 software were used to calculate the relative ratio (RR) or hazard ratio (HR) for including studies. Subgroup analysis was performed to assess the sources of heterogeneity. A random‐effects model was adopted when heterogeneity was present. The funnel plot, Begg's test, and and Egger's test were used to assess publication bias.

Results

After rigorous screening, seven eligible studies were included in the final analyses. Pooled results indicated that gout or hyperuricemia decreases the risk of AD (RR: 0.69, 95% CI: 0.64∼0.72), with a high heterogeneity of 93%. Subgroup analyses showed that regional distribution was the source of heterogeneity. Egger's and Begg's tests as well as visual inspection of funnel plot suggested no publication bias in the studies.

Conclusion

The findings suggested that gout or hyperuricemia might have a protective effect against AD. This negative correlation should be verified by more cohort studies due to the existence of substantial heterogeneity.
The bidirectional relationship between Alzheimer's disease (AD) and epilepsy: A Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Xu Lianping , Wang Qun
Published: September 2023

Background: There is a complex, bidirectional relationship between Alzheimer's disease (AD) and epilepsy. However, the causality of this association is unclear, as confounders play a role in this association.

Methods: We conducted a Mendelian randomization (MR) study to clarify the causal relationship and direction of epilepsy on AD risk. We used publicly available summary statistics to obtain all genetic datasets for the MR analyses. AD and AD‐by‐proxy and late‐onset AD (LOAD) cohorts were included in our study. The epilepsy cohort comprised all epilepsy, generalized epilepsy, focal epilepsy, and its subtypes, as well as some epilepsy syndromes. Next, we conducted validation using another AD cohort.

Results: Two correlations between AD and epilepsy using the inverse variance‐weighted (IVW) method are as follows: LOAD and focal epilepsy (ORIVW = 1.079, pIVW = .013), focal epilepsy‐documented hippocampal sclerosis (HS) and AD (ORIVW = 1.152, pIVW = .017). The causal relationship between epilepsy‐documented HS and AD has been validated (ORIVW = 3.994, pIVW = .027).

Conclusions: Our MR study provides evidence for a causal relationship between focal epilepsy‐documented HS and AD.
Let me be me: Investigating transgender clients' experiences of their therapeutic relationship with their counsellor
Authors: Schofield Katie , Dunnett Alan , Gabriel Lynne
Published: September 2023

Background

Many transgender individuals experience stigmatisation, victimisation and discrimination and, as a result, have become reliant on counselling services. Previous research indicates that transgender clients have experienced a mixture of negative and positive experiences of counselling and their therapeutic relationships. However, there is limited research that specifically explores the components of therapeutic relationships and transgender clients' experiences of them.

Aim

This study aimed to investigate how transgender clients experience their therapeutic relationship with their counsellor.

Method

This study used semistructured interviews and interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). Three adult participants who identified as transgender and had at least three counselling sessions in the past were recruited.

Findings

Key findings indicated positive impacts of the counsellors' congruence, the importance of counsellors having basic knowledge and awareness of the challenges that transgender people may face and how the clients' development of self‐awareness aided their evaluations and re‐evaluations of their experiences of their therapeutic relationships.

Limitations

Due to the small sample size, the findings cannot be generalised to the wider transgender population.

Implications for Policy

Further research is needed to support the development of affirmative counselling for transgender clients.

Implications for Practice

Counsellors are encouraged to work to respond to the needs of their clients at whatever stage in their process, to acquire basic knowledge and awareness of the challenges that some transgender people may face and to engage with their personal development and reflexivity around gender and identity.

Conclusion

Transgender clients reported both positive and negative experiences of their therapeutic relationships with reference to their own and their counsellors' contributions. Positive experiences were largely associated with the counsellors' use of congruence and working affirmatively, and negative experiences were largely associated with counsellors working nonaffirmatively.
Monitoring Rheological Changes Using Acoustic Emissions for Complex Formulated Fluids Manufacturing
Authors: Hefft Daniel Ingo , Blake Natasha Rosanne , Farhoud Aziza , Farrar Ellie , O'Sullivan Jonathan James , Alberini Federico
Published: September 2023

The measurement capabilities of a newly developed in‐situ rheometric device based on a single passive acoustic emission sensor and machine learning algorithms were investigated. Two surfactant structured fluids demonstrating complex non‐Newtonian rheology (Power‐law and Herschel‐Bulkley models) were examined. Furthermore, a static evaluation on the laboratory scale in comparison to dynamic processing on the pilot scale was conducted. The results indicate that the machine learning algorithms of this technology can identify, in > 90 % of scenarios, the correct type of rheology or the manufacturing process step across both scales. This identification is based on solving a classification problem using quadratic support vector machine learning algorithms, which have proven to deliver the most robust predictions across a choice of 24 different algorithms tested. Additionally, a new format of in situ rheology display was introduced, referred to as RRF™ factor.
A pathway to negative CO2 emissions by 2050: The contribution of the lime industry to a carbon‐neutral Europe
Authors: Nicolle Rodolphe
Published: September 2023

Lime is used for a wide range of processes and in a variety of products that are essential to our quality of life and to a sustainable European economy. This roadmap presents a reference pathway for the European lime sector to achieve negative CO2 emissions by 2050. It is estimated that by 2030, direct CO2 emissions will be achieved through fuel switch to decarbonized/low carbon energy vectors, as well as the first steps in the deployment of carbon capture utilization and storage (CCUS). By 2050, it is estimated that the European lime sector will deliver negative emissions. This will be achieved through full deployment of decarbonization technologies and techniques (crucially CCUS, fuel switch to decarbonized/low carbon energy vectors, and energy‐efficient/electrified kiln technologies) as well as by carbon removal from the atmosphere through lime carbonation during its use phase. The roadmap further explores the key prerequisites that will allow the industry to deliver a reduction in emissions. Altogether, this research demonstrates and quantifies the potential of the European lime sector to deliver net negative emissions by 2050, thus contributing to the overall carbon neutrality of European society.
Energy and CO2 savings through recycling of aerated autoclaved concrete?
Authors: Mueller Anette
Published: September 2023

Recently, it has been observed that the recyclability of building materials is becoming an increasingly important parameter for their characterization. In order to be able to estimate recyclability, critical observations of the properties of the primary building material and the possible changes during use are sufficient in the first step. On this basis, concepts and technologies for recycling must be developed and tested. The use in the original product should be the first priority. If this is not possible or requires too much logistical and/or technological effort, other recycling routes must be examined. Among the properties of the primary building material with which an initial assessment of recyclability can be made, the chemical and mineralogical composition are of decisive interest. If the material is present as waste at the end of its service life, further parameters such as the crushability, the mechanical separability of connected materials and the phenotypic characteristics, on the basis of which the “wanted” material could be selected from construction waste mixtures, must be taken into account.