bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biocatalytic and Antioxidant Nanostructures for ROS Scavenging and Biotherapeutics
Authors: Wang Liyun , Zhu Bihui , Deng Yuting , Li Tiantian , Tian Qinyu , Yuan Zhiguo , Ma Lang , Cheng Chong , Guo Quanyi , Qiu Li
Published: May 2021

In human systems, reactive oxygen species (ROS) significantly affect different physiological activities and play critical roles in diverse living processes. It is widely known that excessive ROS generation in inflammatory tissues can further deteriorate the localized tissue injury and cause chronic diseases. Though promising for reducing ROS levels, many antioxidant molecules and natural enzymes suffer from abundant intrinsic limitations. Recently, a series of biocatalytic or antioxidant nanostructures have been designed with distinctive ROS scavenging capabilities, which show promising activities to overcome these kernel challenges. In this timely review, the most recent advances in engineering biocatalytic and antioxidant nanostructures for ROS scavenging are summarized. First, the ROS scavenging principles and corresponding methods for testing various enzymatic activities are carefully concluded. Subsequently, the rationally designed nanostructures with high ROS scavenging efficiencies are comprehensively discussed, especially on the catalytic activities, mechanisms, and structure‐function relationships. After that, the representative applications of these ROS scavenging nanostructures for diverse biotherapeutics are summarized in detail. At last, the primary challenges and future perspectives in this emerging research frontier have also been outlined. It is believed that this progress review will offer a cutting‐edge understanding and guidance to engineering future high‐performance ROS scavenging nanostructures for broad biotherapeutic applications.
Super Stretchable and Durable Electroluminescent Devices Based on Double‐Network Ionogels
Authors: Dinh Xuan Hiep , Timothy Bernard , Park Ho‐Yeol , Lam Tuyet Nhi , Kim Dowan , Go Yeonjeong , Kim Jongyoun , Lee Youngu , Ahn Sung Il , Jin Sung‐Ho , Yoon Jinhwan
Published: May 2021

Ionogels are good candidates for flexible electronics owing to their excellent mechanical and electrical properties, including stretchability, high conductivity, and stability. In this study, conducting ionogels comprising a double network (DN) of poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide‐co‐N,N′‐diethylacrylamide)/chitosan which are further reinforced by the ionic and covalent crosslinking of the chitosan network by tripolyphosphate and glutaraldehyde, respectively, are prepared. Based on their excellent mechanical properties and high conductivity, the developed DN ionogels are envisioned as stretchable ionic conductors for extremely stretchable alternating‐current electroluminescent (ACEL) devices. The ACEL device fabricated with the developed ionogel exhibits stable working operation under an ultrahigh elongation of over 1200% as well as severe mechanical deformations such as bending, rolling, and twisting. Furthermore, the developed ACEL devices also display stable luminescence over 1000 stretch/release cycles or at temperatures as harsh as 200 °C.
Directional Droplet Transport on Functional Surfaces with Superwettabilities
Authors: Lv Pin , Zhang Yong‐Lai , Han Dong‐Dong , Sun Hong‐Bo
Published: May 2021

Directional droplet transport on smart surfaces with superwettabilities arouse extensive attentions from both the scientific community and industry due to the exciting applications in healthcare, environmental protection, and energy harvesting. The past decades have witnessed the progress and achievements in mechanism disclosure, device preparation, and applied investigation. Herein, various droplet transport schemes are summarized, such as electrohydrodynamic strategy, self‐propelled droplet on anisotropic surfaces, gravity driven droplet on slippery lubricant impregnated porous surfaces (SLIPS), and other engineering strategies. Accordingly, the basic mechanism of droplet manipulation, devices configuration, and key features are presented. The recent cutting‐edge applications of directional droplet transport, including digital microfluidics, electric energy harvesting, fag/water collection, and oil‐water separation are also reviewed. At the end, current challenges and future perspectives in this field are discussed.
Marangoni Force Assisted Spreading and Printing of Nanometer‐Thick Polymer Films for Ubiquitous Optoelectronic Devices
Authors: Xie Cong , Wang Wen , Li Changkun , Nie Qichun , Sun Lulu , Zeng Wenwu , Qin Fei , Liu Tiefeng , Dong Xinyun , Han Hongwei , Fang Haisheng , Zhao Dewen , Zhou Yinhua
Published: May 2021

Printable organic electronics are attractive owing to its high throughput and easy fabrication. Traditional coating methods (such as inkjet printing) are liquid‐solid contact‐based that deposit liquid solutions onto solid surfaces. Film quality is limited by surface energy of target surfaces and surface tension of the solvents. Furthermore, these printing methods are challenging to directly fabricate films on non‐flat or curved surfaces owing to the fluidity of liquid solution drops. In this work, a water transfer printing method that is solid‐solid contact‐based and assisted by Van der Waals force is reported. Nanometer‐thick films can be deposited on various surfaces: both high‐ and low‐surface energy, both flat and non‐flat surfaces. Water plays two roles: 1) as the transfer medium substrate and providing weak adhesion force between water and the transferred film; 2) high surface tension of water providing room to create surface tension gradient and producing Marangoni force to unfold the crumpled nanometer‐thick films. Electronic and optoelectronics on wrinkled skin and curved surfaces are demonstrated with this water transfer printing method.
A New Type of Biological Glue Derived from Fish Swim Bladder: Outstanding Adhesion and Surgical Applications
Authors: Xiao Lingling , Sun Yao , Wang Zili , Wang Fan , Sun Jing , Zhang Hongjie , Liu Kai
Published: May 2021

Mechanical strong adhesives have been widely explored in many technical fields. Therefore, a great deal of efforts has been devoted to the widespread investigation of synthetic adhesives and bioadhesives. Nevertheless, it is a crucial challenge to produce economical and practical protein‐based adhesives with robust adhesion properties for biomedical applications. In this study, the fish swim bladder as raw materials to produce robust adhesives by simple heating‐cooling treatment is utilized. The resulting fish swim bladder glue (FSG) reveals excellent lap shear strength on various hard substrates, especially wood and glass, exceeding many commercial available adhesives and artificial protein‐based adhesives. In addition, FSG also has low cytotoxicity and minimal inflammatory response, which exhibits considerable adhesion on soft tissues. Notably, the biocompatibility and biodegradability together with robust adhesion performance endow FSG the capacity in accelerating the wound healing and skin regeneration. Overall, these studies provide insight into the protein‐based adhesives from natural resources.
Semitransparent Layers of Social Self‐Sorting Merocyanine Dyes for Ultranarrow Bandwidth Organic Photodiodes
Authors: Schembri Tim , Kim Jin Hong , Liess Andreas , Stepanenko Vladimir , Stolte Matthias , Würthner Frank
Published: May 2021

Two dipolar merocyanines consisting of the same π‐conjugated chromophore but different alkyl substituents adopt very different packing arrangements in their respective solid state with either H‐ or J‐type exciton coupling, leading to ultranarrow absorption bands at 477 and 750 nm, respectively, due to exchange narrowing. The social self‐sorting behavior of these push‐pull chromophores in their mixed thin films is evaluated and the impact on morphology as well as opto‐electronical properties is determined. The implementation of this well‐tuned two‐component material with tailored optical features allows to optimize planar heterojunction organic photodiodes with fullerene ​(C60) with either dual or single wavelength selectivity in the blue and NIR spectral range with ultranarrow bandwidths of only 11 nm (200 cm−1) and an external quantum efficiency of up to 18% at 754 nm under 0 V bias. The application of these photodiodes as low‐power consuming heart rate monitors is demonstrated by a reflectance‐mode photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor.
Adaptive change in simulation education: Comparison of effectiveness of a communication skill curriculum on death notification using in‐person methods versus a digital communication platform
Authors: Hughes Mary , Gerstner Brett , Bona Anna , Falvo Lauren , Schroedle Karen , Cooper Dylan , Sarmiento Elisa , Hobgood Cherri , Ahmed Rami
Published: May 2021

Background

Mandates to social distance and “shelter in place” during the COVID‐19 pandemic necessitated the exploration of new academic content delivery methods. Digital communication platforms (DCP; e.g., Zoom) were widely used to facilitate content delivery, yet little is known about DCP’s capacity or effectiveness, especially for simulation.

Objective

The objective was to compare the experience, outcomes, and resources required to implement a simulation‐based communication skill curriculum on death notification to a cohort of learners using in‐person versus DCP delivery of the same content.

Methods

We used the GRIEV_ING mnemonic to train students in death notification techniques either in person or utilizing a DCP. For all learners, three measures were collected: knowledge, confidence, and performance. Individual learners completed knowledge and confidence assessments pre‐ and postintervention. All performance assessments were completed by standardized patients (SPs) in real time. Wilcoxon rank‐sum test was used to identify differences in individual and between‐group performances.

Results

Thirty‐four learners participated (N = 34), 22 in person and 12 via DCP. There was a statistically significant improvement in both groups for all three measures: knowledge, confidence, and performance. Between‐group comparisons revealed a difference in pretest confidence but no differences between groups in knowledge or performance. More preparation and prior planning were required to set up the DCP environment than the in‐person event.

Conclusions

The in‐person and DCP delivery of death notification training were comparable in their ability to improve individual knowledge, confidence, and performance. Additional preparation time, training, and practice with DCPs may be required for SPs, faculty, and learners less familiar with this technology.
From the Luttrell Psalter to the Lobster Boy: Split hand and foot awaken many facets of human nature
Authors: McPherson Elspeth , McPherson Heather
Published: May 2021

A marginal illustration of a non‐ambulatory child in the 14th Century Luttrell Psalter is the earliest currently identifiable image of an individual with Split Hand Split Foot with Long Bone Deficiency (SHFLD). Changes in portrayal of SHFLD over the centuries reflect changes in social perception of disabilities from pious sympathy to scientific curiosity and unfortunately also morbid fascination. Hopefully understanding of the past attitudes toward split hand and foot as reflected in art can help in moving toward acceptance of individuals with this highly visible malformation.
Asymmetric faces: Symbolic, spiritual, and representative
Authors: Scheuerle Angela E. , Firth Roswitha Mohs
Published: May 2021

In humans, physically attractive faces are measurably, though subtly, asymmetric. As asymmetry increases, it has a negative impact. Medically, asymmetry can be congenital or acquired. Symbolically, it has varied connotations from playfulness and complexity to despair and corruption. In Chinese opera, stylized make‐up exaggerates the features, and aspects of the “mask” indicate qualities of the character. The asymmetric faces belong to characters who are corrupt, devious, or evil. In the Dan culture of western Africa, performance masks channel spirits in the community. A spirit with asymmetric facial mask exemplifies ugliness and moral failing. The Nasca culture of South America made generic figures of farmers, deities, and so on, but not of individuals. However, there is evidence of mutual influence between the Nasca and the Wari, with whom they traded. A clay figure apparently representing an individual, or at least a very specific recognized persona, is a ball player with facial asymmetry presumably due to injury. Here the message is one of fierceness and strength. The relative rarity of asymmetric facial depictions compared to symmetric ones is cross‐cultural. This implies that asymmetry is special somehow, in all connotations of that term.
Dutch teratological collections and their artistic portrayals
Authors: Boer Lucas L. , de Rooy Laurens , Oostra Roelof‐Jan
Published: May 2021

Several teratologic collections containing specimens with malformations and syndromes are maintained in a number of Dutch anatomical museums. Technically, these are not works of art or antiquities. However, many have been depicted in illustrations of such high quality that they merit discussion here. We review a selection of specimens and their artistic portrayals which find their origin in four Dutch teratological collections. These museum specimens are more than just intriguing objects for the inquisitive museum visitor. As we will substantiate, these specimens—and their artistic depictions—can be used to find and describe rarely occurring birth defects, provide etiopathogenetic information and are a source of novel diagnosis. Additionally, we briefly discuss the ethical aspects and motivations of exhibiting these specimens, as these collections have to be protected meticulously by the new generation of museum professionals, who eventually determine what kind of past our future will have. It is therefore imperative that these collections of antique specimens are treasured as their importance is easily overlooked.
A systematic study on the effects of synthesis conditions of polyamide selective layer on the CO2/N2 separation of thin film composite polyamide membranes
Authors: Kamali Mahsa , Gharibi Fatemeh , Sharif Alireza
Published: May 2021

Different top layer fabrication methods (amine‐first, acid‐first, spin coating), organic phase solvents (hexane, heptane, mixed hexane/heptane), acid acceptors (triethylamine, sodium carbonate, sodium hydroxide), and surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate concentrations (0, 0.05, and 0.1 wt%) were utilized to fabricate thin film composite polyamide membranes for CO2/N2 separation. The results, according to an L9 orthogonal array of Taguchi approach, showed that employing acid‐first method increases both CO2 permeance and CO2/N2 selectivity of the membranes at a feed gas pressure of 3 bars. On the other hand, sodium hydroxide, and triethylamine should be used, as acid acceptors, to maximize CO2 permeance and CO2/N2 selectivity, respectively. Moreover, the use of hexane solvent and 0 wt% surfactant led to maximum permeance, while, hexane solvent and 0.1 wt% surfactant were needed to reach the highest selectivity. The above level setting of synthesis parameters also resulted in the minimum sensitivity of the fabrication process to the noise factors effects. As shown by the analysis of variance, acid acceptor, and organic solvent types were the most influential parameters on CO2 permeance and CO2/N2 selectivity, respectively. The effects of fabrication method and surfactant concentration, as single factors, on permeation/selectivity responses were also investigated.
Enhancement of electromechanical properties of natural rubber by adding barium titanate filler: An electro‐mechanical study
Authors: Kumar Ajeet , Ahmad Dilshad , Patra Karali , Hossain Mokarram
Published: May 2021

Natural rubber is one of the most potential electro‐active polymers for sensors, actuators, and energy harvesting applications. Enhancing the characteristic properties of polymers by reinforcing with fillers that possess multifunctional attributes have attracted considerable attention. In the present study, barium titanate reinforced natural rubber composite is prepared by using two‐roll mill mixing. Afterwards, mechanical, electrical, and electromechanical properties of the composites are extensively analyzed by reinforcing different amounts of barium titanate into the matrix of natural rubber. The fabricated dielectric composite shows excellent properties such as high dielectric constant, low dielectric losses, high dielectric breakdown strength, and extreme stretchability. It is observed that as the filler loading reaches the value of 11 parts per hundred rubber (phr), maximum agglomeration of the particles occurs. Maximum stretchability and highest ratio of dielectric constant to elastic modulus are obtained at 8 phr of barium titanate fillers and at the loading, a maximum actuation strain of 11.24% is achieved. This study provides a simple, economical, and effective method for preparing enhanced mechanical, electrical, and electromechanical properties of natural rubber composites, facilitating the wide applications of dielectric materials as actuators and generators.
Interleukin‐34 Reprograms Glycolytic and Osteoclastic Rheumatoid Arthritis Macrophages via Syndecan 1 and Macrophage Colony‐Stimulating Factor Receptor
Authors: Van Raemdonck Katrien , Umar Sadiq , Palasiewicz Karol , Volin Michael V. , Elshabrawy Hatem A. , Romay Bianca , Tetali Chandana , Ahmed Azam , Amin M. Asif , Zomorrodi Ryan K. , Sweiss Nadera , Shahrara Shiva
Published: May 2021

Objective

In rheumatoid arthritis (RA), elevated serum interleukin‐34 (IL‐34) levels are linked with increased disease severity. IL‐34 binds to 2 receptors, macrophage colony‐stimulating factor receptor (M‐CSFR) and syndecan 1, which are coexpressed in RA macrophages. Expression of both IL‐34 and syndecan 1 is strikingly elevated in the RA synovium, yet their mechanisms of action remain undefined. This study was undertaken to investigate the mechanism of action of IL‐34 in RA.

Methods

To characterize the significance of IL‐34 in immunometabolism, its mechanism of action was elucidated in joint macrophages, fibroblasts, and T effector cells using RA and preclinical models.

Results

Intriguingly, syndecan 1 activated IL‐34–induced M‐CSFR phosphorylation and reprogrammed RA naive cells into distinctive CD14+CD86+GLUT1+ M34 macrophages that expressed elevated levels of IL‐1β, CXCL8, and CCL2. In murine M34 macrophages, the inflammatory phenotype was accompanied by potentiated glycolytic activity, exhibited by transcriptional up‐regulation of GLUT1, c‐Myc, and hypoxia‐inducible factor 1α (HIF‐1α) and amplified pyruvate and l‐lactate secretion. Local expression of IL‐34 provoked arthritis by expanding the glycolytic F4/80‐positive, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS)–positive macrophage population, which in turn attracted fibroblasts and polarized Th1/Th17 cells. The cross‐talk between murine M34 macrophages and Th1/Th17 cells broadened the inflammatory and metabolic phenotypes, resulting in the expansion of IL‐34 pathogenicity. Consequently, IL‐34–instigated joint inflammation was alleviated in RAG−/− mice compared to wild‐type mice. Syndecan 1 deficiency attenuated IL‐34–induced arthritis by interfering with joint glycolytic M34 macrophage and osteoclast remodeling. Similarly, inhibition of glycolysis by 2‐deoxy‐d‐glucose reversed the joint swelling and metabolic rewiring triggered by IL‐34 via HIF‐1α and c‐Myc induction.

Conclusion

IL‐34 is a novel endogenous factor that remodels hypermetabolic M34 macrophages and facilitates their cross‐regulation with T effector cells to advance inflammatory bone destruction in RA.
RNA Externalized by Neutrophil Extracellular Traps Promotes Inflammatory Pathways in Endothelial Cells
Authors: Blanco Luz P. , Wang Xinghao , Carlucci Philip M. , Torres‐Ruiz Jose Jiram , Romo‐Tena Jorge , Sun Hong‐Wei , Hafner Markus , Kaplan Mariana J.
Published: May 2021

Objective

Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are extracellular lattices composed of nucleic material bound to neutrophil granule proteins. NETs may play pathogenic roles in the development and severity of autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), at least in part, through induction of type I interferon (IFN) responses via externalization of oxidized immunostimulatory DNA. A distinct subset of SLE proinflammatory neutrophils (low‐density granulocytes [LDGs]) displays enhanced ability to form proinflammatory NETs that damage the vasculature. We undertook this study to assess whether NET‐bound RNA can contribute to inflammatory responses in endothelial cells (ECs) and the pathways that mediate this effect.

Methods

Expression of newly synthesized and total RNA was quantified in NETs from healthy controls and lupus patients. The ability of ECs to take up NET‐bound RNA and downstream induction of type I IFN responses were quantified. RNAs present in NETs were sequenced and specific small RNAs were tested for induction of endothelial type I IFN pathways.

Results

NETs extruded RNA that was internalized by ECs, and this was enhanced when NET‐bound nucleic acids were oxidized, particularly in lupus LDG–derived NETs. Internalization of NET‐bound RNA by ECs was dependent on endosomal Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) and the actin cytoskeleton and induced type I IFN–stimulated genes (ISGs). This ISG induction was dependent on NET‐associated microRNA let‐7b, a small RNA expressed at higher levels in LDG‐derived NETs, which acted as a TLR‐7 agonist.

Conclusion

These findings highlight underappreciated roles for small RNAs externalized in NETs in the induction of proinflammatory responses in vascular cells, with implications for lupus vasculopathy.
Marginal lands providing tree‐crop biomass as feedstock for solid biofuels
Authors: Kamperidou Vasiliki , Terzopoulou Paschalina , Barboutis Ioannis
Published: May 2021

In this study, materials from stem, branches and bark of three native forest species from the Mediterranean region – Turkish pine (Pinus brutia Ten.), black pine (Pinus nigra L.), and black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) – were harvested from marginal lands in north Greece, and were thoroughly characterized on the basis of their physical properties, combustion characteristics, chemical composition, and ash elemental analysis. The potential of these fast‐growing, drought‐tolerant species to function as sustainable feedstock for solid biofuel production has been proven to be high, with black pine showing the strongest potential. The materials, especially stems and branches, presented low moisture and ash content, and high calorific value attributed to high lignin content, in comparison with species grown on conventional lands. The ashes, being produced from processed materials, mainly consist of Ca, K, S, and P as major elements, while their toxic element contents are negligible, increasing the potential for the ash to be utilized in fertilization. © 2021 Society of Industrial Chemistry and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Natural source of carbon dots from part of a plant and its applications: a review
Authors: Humaera Nurul Amalia , Fahri Ahmad Nurul , Armynah Bidayatul , Tahir Dahlang
Published: May 2021

Carbon dots (CDs) are carbon nanoparticles with a size of less than 10 nm, and are synthesized from various sources; they have been of great interest to scientists worldwide due to their unique optical, electrical, and chemical properties. Sources of carbon are inexpensive and can be classified as a renewable natural resources. Many researchers use CDs because of their low toxicity, better water solubility, high biocompatibility, and stable photoluminescence. The simple methods for producing CDs are hydrothermal and use inexpensive equipment, have low energy consumption, simple manipulation, and one‐step preparation. Since the discovery of CDs, researchers have used them in various applications such as sensing, bioimaging, drug delivery, and catalysis. In this review, CDs synthesized from natural resources such as samples from herbs, roots, leaves, flowers, and fruit and some applications are described. This review provides a summary of carbon dots that is expected to provide further information for development of new CDs.
Promoting cultural awareness, professionalism, and communication skills in medicine through anatomy: The Deaf culture session
Authors: Greene Sarah J. , Scott Jessica A.
Published: May 2021

The anatomy curriculum is a place where professionalism can be learned and practiced, including training in cultural competence and communication skills for working with diverse populations. One population that has received little attention in terms of medical education are d/Deaf and hard of hearing (d/DHH) patients, although there is much evidence to support health care disparities in this population. Several major contributing factors include differing views of deafness between medical professionals and those who are culturally Deaf, a lack of understanding of Deaf culture and American Sign Language (ASL) by medical professionals, a lack of educational resources in ASL, and poor experiences in health care. To address this need, a Deaf Culture Applied Anatomy session was incorporated into the first‐year curriculum at Morehouse School of Medicine while medical students were studying anatomy of the ear and hearing. Panelists, who were culturally Deaf, hard of hearing, and hearing children of deaf adults, shared their experiences in healthcare, including challenges they faced with communication and care. Surveys were provided to students before and after the panel session. Surveys indicated a lack of knowledge prior to this session, while also demonstrating that this 90‐min session improved students' understanding of effective communication with future patients and issues related to deafness. Qualitative feedback also suggested that the students found the session to be personally and professionally beneficial. Implementing the Deaf Culture session was an effective means for introducing students to Deaf culture and working with d/DHH patients.
Contemporary use of guideline‐based higher potency P2Y12 receptor inhibitor therapy in patients with moderate‐to‐high risk non‐ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction: Results from the Canadian ACS reflective II cross‐sectional study
Authors: Patel Ashish , Goodman Shaun G. , Tan Mary , Suskin Neville , McKelvie Robert , Mathew Andrew L. , Lutchmedial Sohrab , Dehghani Payam , Lavoie Andrea J. , Huynh Thao , Lavi Shahar , Philipp Roger , Khan Razi , Yan Andrew T. , Radhakrishnan Sam , Sedlak Tara , Brunner Nathan , Kim Hahn Hoe , Cieza Tomas , Kassam Saleem , Fordyce Christopher B. , Heffernan Michael , Jedrzkiewicz Sean , Madan Mina , Ahmed Shaheeda , Barry Colin , Dery Jean‐Pierre , Bagai Akshay ,   for the Canadian ACS Reflective II Investigators
Published: May 2021

Background

After myocardial infarction, guidelines recommend higher‐potency P2Y12 receptor inhibitors, namely ticagrelor and prasugrel, over clopidogrel.

Hypothesis

We aimed to determine the contemporary use of higher‐potency antiplatelet therapy in Canadian patients with non‐ST‐elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI).

Methods

A total of 684 moderate‐to‐high risk NSTEMI patients were enrolled in the prospective Canadian ACS Reflective II registry at 12 Canadian hospitals and three clinics in five provinces between July 2016 and May 2018. Multivariable logistic regression modeling was performed to assess factors independently associated with higher‐potency P2Y12 receptor inhibitor use at discharge.

Results

At hospital discharge, 78.3% of patients were treated with a P2Y12 receptor inhibitor. Among patients discharged on a P2Y12 receptor inhibitor, use of higher‐potency P2Y12 receptor inhibitor was 61.4%. After adjustment, treatment in‐hospital with PCI (OR 4.48, 95%CI 3.34–6.03, p < .0001) was most strongly associated with higher use of higher‐potency P2Y12 receptor inhibitor, while oral anticoagulant use at discharge (OR 0.03, 95%CI 0.01–0.12, p < .0001), and atrial fibrillation (OR 0.40, 95%CI 0.17–0.98, p = .046) were most strongly associated with lower use of higher‐potency P2Y12 receptor inhibitor. Use of higher‐potency P2Y12 receptor inhibitor varied across provinces (range, 21.6%–78.9%).

Discussion

In contemporary Canadian practice, approximately 60% of moderate‐to‐high risk NSTEMI patients discharged on a P2Y12 receptor inhibitor are treated with a higher‐potency P2Y12 receptor inhibitor. In addition to factors that increase risk of bleeding, interprovincial differences in practice patterns were associated with use of higher‐potency P2Y12 receptor inhibitor at discharge. Opportunities remain for further optimization of evidence‐based, guideline‐recommended antiplatelet therapy use.
Self‐Asymmetric Yolk–Shell Photocatalytic ZnO Micromotors
Authors: Wang Linlin , Borrelli Mino , Simmchen Juliane
Published: May 2021

Large‐scale fabrication of self‐propelled micromotors is crucial to reach practical applications, but batch processes in manufacture make it challenging. Here, a novel ZnO yolk‐shell structure from large‐scale synthesis is introduced as photocatalytic micromotor. The self‐asymmetry of the yolk‐shell structure enables them to create asymmetric gradients, leading to autonomous motion. Benefiting from the inner void space, the ZnO micromotors possess higher incident light utilization and a larger surface area for photocatalytic reactions. Moreover, when exposed to hydrogen peroxide, ZnO partially transforms into ZnO2 forming a beneficial ZnO2/ZnO heterojunction for separation of photo‐generated carriers, enhancing the photochemical reactions and thereby the motion. This combination of yolk‐shell structure and ZnO2/ZnO heterojunction formation provides a prospective approach for large‐scale asymmetric micromotor fabrication and may open new horizons for designing versatile photocatalytic micromotors.
Achieving over 10 % Efficiency in Poly(3‐hexylthiophene)‐Based Organic Solar Cells via Solid Additives
Authors: Yang Chenyi , Yu Runnan , Liu Chenyu , Li Hao , Zhang Shaoqing , Hou Jianhui
Published: May 2021

The photovoltaic performance of organic solar cells (OSCs) based on poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT) has been steadily improved by developing novel non‐fullerene acceptors (NFAs) in recent years. Herein, to further improve the performance of P3HT‐based OSCs, a solid additive (SA4) and a typical solvent additive [1,8‐diiodooctane (DIO)] were employed to process P3HT:ZY‐4Cl‐based OSCs, respectively. In comparison with the DIO‐processed device, the SA4‐processed one exhibited a more ordered molecular packing and more favorable phase separation, leading to enhanced charge transport and reduced carrier recombination. As a result, the SA4‐processed device delivered a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 10.24 %, which was much higher than that of the DIO‐processed counterpart (6.26 %). This work reported a PCE over 10 % in P3HT‐based OSCs for the first time, indicating the promising development of P3HT‐based OSCs by morphological modulation.
Guanidinium Organic Salts as Phase‐Change Materials for Renewable Energy Storage
Authors: Matuszek Karolina , Vijayaraghavan R. , Kar Mega , Mahadevan Surianarayanan , MacFarlane Douglas R.
Published: May 2021

A dearth of inexpensive means of energy storage is constraining the expansion of intermittent renewable energy sources such as sun and wind. Thermal energy storage technology utilizing phase‐change materials (PCMs) is a promising solution, enabling storage of large quantities of thermal energy at a relatively low cost. Guanidinium mesylate, which melts at 208 °C with latent heat of fusion of ΔHf=190 J g−1 is a promising PCM candidate for these applications.[1] Here, studies on guanidinium organic salts were conducted, including heat capacity, thermal conductivity, advanced thermal stability, long‐term cycling, and economic analysis. The data place guanidinium mesylate among the best PCMs operating in the 100–220 °C temperature region in terms of thermal energy storage, with total volumetric energy storage measured as 622 MJ m−3 (173 kWh m−3). Additionally, it was shown to be stable during cycling, with over 400 cycles performed. Simple economic analysis indicated a cost of 6 USD per MJ of stored thermal energy. This study proves that guanidinium mesylate and potentially other similar salts can be feasible as PCMs for inexpensive energy storage for renewable energy storage applications.
A comprehensive comparative study of the performance of carbon‐ and copper‐based interconnects in ultra‐large‐scale integrated circuits
Authors: Sanaeepur Majid , Mahmoudi Ali
Published: May 2021

Continuous increase of transistor count in ultra‐large‐scale integrated (ULSI) circuits demands denser interconnection networks to guarantee normal operation. As the distances between adjacent interconnect lines shrinks, severe crosstalk effects appear. New interconnect materials and technologies are proposed to alleviate deteriorating crosstalk effects and maintain overall circuit performance at a desirable level. Carbon‐based materials including carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) are among promising candidate materials to replace copper in future ULSI interconnects. In this work, carbon‐based interconnects including multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and multilayer graphene nanoribbons (MLGNRs), both horizontal (HMLGNRs) and vertical (VMLGNRs), are compared with traditional copper interconnects in terms of crosstalk delay and noise. Due to lower surface roughness, boron nitride (BN) is considered as substrate material for carbon‐based interconnects. To obtain more accurate and reliable results, layer number dependence of dielectric constant of BN multilayers and surface roughness dependence of the resistivity of HMLGNR interconnects are considered. The role of interconnect length, line spacing, and interlayer distance (substrate thickness) in crosstalk delay and noise of coupled carbon‐ and Cu‐based interconnect lines is investigated. It is shown that VMLGNR interconnects with perfect GNR edges exhibit the least crosstalk delay while MWCNT interconnects show far less crosstalk noise than other materials.
Small‐scale genetic structure and mating patterns in an extensive sessile oak forest (Quercus petraea(Matt.) Liebl.)
Authors: Eusemann Pascal , Liesebach Heike
Published: May 2021

Oaks (Quercus) are major components of temperate forest ecosystems in the Northern Hemisphere where they form intermediate or climax communities. Sessile oak (Quercus petraea) forests represent the climax vegetation in eastern Germany and western Poland. Here, sessile oak forms pure stands or occurs intermixed with Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris). A large body of research is available on gene flow, reproduction dynamics, and genetic structure in fragmented landscapes and mixed populations. At the same time, our knowledge regarding large, contiguous, and monospecific populations is considerably less well developed. Our study is an attempt to further develop our understanding of the reproduction ecology of sessile oak as an ecologically and economically important forest tree by analyzing mating patterns and genetic structure within adult trees and seedlings originating from one or two reproduction events in an extensive, naturally regenerating sessile oak forest. We detected positive spatial genetic structure up to 30 meters between adult trees and up to 40 meters between seedlings. Seed dispersal distances averaged 8.4 meters. Pollen dispersal distances averaged 22.6 meters. In both cases, the largest proportion of the dispersal occurred over short distances. Dispersal over longer distances was more common for pollen but also appeared regularly for seeds. The reproductive success of individual trees was highly skewed. Only 41 percent of all adult trees produced any offspring while the majority did not participate in reproduction. Among those trees that contributed to the analyzed seedling sample, 80 percent contributed 1–3 gametes. Only 20 percent of all parent trees contributed four or more gametes. However, these relatively few most fertile trees contributed 51 percent of all gametes within the seedling sample. Vitality and growth differed significantly between reproducing and nonreproducing adult trees with reproducing trees being more vital and vigorous than nonreproducing individuals. Our study demonstrates that extensive, apparently homogenous oak forests are far from uniform on the genetic level. On the contrary, they form highly complex mosaics of remarkably small local neighborhoods. This counterbalances the levelling effect of long‐distance dispersal and may increase the species’ adaptive potential. Incorporating these dynamics in the management, conservation, and restoration of oak forests can support the conservation of forest genetic diversity and assist those forests in coping with environmental change.
ZnBr2Mediated C−N Bond Formation using Cinnamyl Alcohol and 2‐Amino Pyridines
Authors: Panigrahi Ahwan , Sharanappa Sherikar Mahadev , Ramaiah Prabhu Kandikere
Published: May 2021

A simple method for C−N bond formation is disclosed by using cinnamyl alcohols and 2‐amino pyridine derivatives in the presence of stoichiometric amount of zinc bromide. This reaction works with a wide range of substrates, and is compatible with primary, secondary, and homoallylic alcohols. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report for C−N bond formation using cinnamyl alcohol and 2‐amino pyridines using zinc bromide as a Lewis acid.
Dissecting pain processing in adolescents with Non‐Suicidal Self Injury: Could suicide risk lurk among the electrodes?
Authors: Leone Caterina , Galosi Serena , Mollica Cristina , Fortunato Mattia , Possidente Chiara , Milone Valeria , Misuraca Sofia , Berillo Luana , Truini Andrea , Cruccu Giorgio , Ferrara Mauro , Terrinoni Arianna
Published: May 2021

Background

Although non‐suicidal self‐injury (NSSI) disorder is highly prevalent in adolescents, its relationship with pain system function and suicidality is still controversial. The present study was designed to assess the function of the nociceptive afferent pathways and the endogenous pain modulation in adolescent patients with NSSI and to longitudinally register any suicide attempt, describe its frequency and find a possible association between suicide, neurophysiological measures and psychological measures.

Methods

We enrolled 30 adolescents suffering from NSSI and 20 age‐ and gender‐matched healthy controls. Patients underwent a comprehensive psychological evaluation. Each participant underwent thermal pain thresholds of the quantitative sensory testing, laser‐evoked potential recording to study the ascending nociceptive pathway and the conditioned pain modulation testing to test the endogenous pain modulation.

Results

We found that patients with NSSI had a reduced amplitude of the N2 component of laser‐evoked potentials and an abnormal conditioned pain modulation. The amplitude of the N2 was associated with suicidal risk.

Conclusions

The deficit of the endogenous pain modulation likely depends on a saturation due to continuous pain solicitation. The strong association of a reduced amplitude of the N2 component with suicide suggests that it may serve as a possible biomarker in self‐harming adolescents.

Significance

The present study identifies the N2 component of laser‐evoked potentials as a possible neurophysiological biomarker of suicidal risk in patients with non‐suicidal self‐injury, therefore, raising the possibility for a non‐invasive test to identify subjects at higher risk of suicide among self‐harming patients.
Improved Sensing Performance of Amperometric Urea Biosensor by Using Platinum Nanoparticles
Authors: Korkut Uru Seyda , Samet Kilic Muhammet , Yetiren Fatma
Published: May 2021

A novel Platinum nanoparticle (PtNPs) modified Poly(pyrrole‐co‐1‐(2‐Aminophenyl)pyrrole)/Urease film coated Au electrode was designed for amperometric detection of urea. PtNPs quantity, film density and pH were optimized and interference effect of some substances readily found in municipal wastewater and blood was investigated. The biosensor responded to urea with a measurement concentration range of 0.1 to 30 mM, a sensitivity of 31.8 μA mM−1 cm−2, a LOD of 7.58 μM, an accuracy of 104 % and a RSD% of only 0.82. It sensed the concentration of urea in the municipal sewage water with recovery of 97.6 % (n=3) and remained 78 % of its initial response at 28th day. Results confirmed that PtNPs with strong conductivity improved the electron transfer ability of the working electrode.
The adaptive capacity of public space under COVID‐19: Exploring urban design interventions through a sociotechnical systems approach
Authors: Stevens Nicholas J. , Tavares Silvia G. , Salmon Paul M.
Published: May 2021

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic has had a dramatic impact on the way in which the community interacts within public spaces. Consequently, the design of these urban environments requires new approaches. It is our view that Human Factors and Ergonomics approaches can be used to provide these insights. This article explores the opportunities for making public spaces safer and more accessible for community use under pandemic conditions. The study utilizes a sociotechnical systems model of an archetype public space, developed pre‐COVID‐19, to explore the infrastructure and activities that are impacted by the introduction of the virus to the public space system. The aim was to identify those elements of the system that are completely unavailable under pandemic conditions, those elements that become limited in use, and those which remained unaffected by the presence of the virus. The findings show that under pandemic conditions pre‐COVID‐19 public spaces were surprisingly resilient with proportionally few elements within the model completely unavailable. They also demonstrate that overall, the public spaces system, while still operating, is significantly constrained in achieving and optimizing community and individual health and well‐being. The insertion of five (5) urban design interventions within the system model presented unique insights into the possibilities for optimizing adaptive capacity. These interventions revealed design opportunities across several levels of the systems model. Such insights are argued to assist in not only re‐establishing community access under pandemic conditions but also more inclusive access to a broader range of the community under all conditions.
New perspectives on the calculation of bioaccumulation metrics for active substances in living organisms
Authors: Ratier Aude , Lopes Christelle , Multari Gauthier , Mazerolles Vanessa , Carpentier Patrice , Charles Sandrine
Published: May 2021

Today, only few ready-to-use and convenient decision-making tools are available in ecotoxicology concerning accumulation and effects of chemical substances on organisms, accounting for exposure situations that are known to be complex (routes of exposure, metabolism, mixtures, etc.). This paper presents new perspectives on the generic calculation of bioaccumulation metrics via the innovative web tool MOSAICbioacc (http://mosaic.univ-lyon1.fr/bioacc). MOSAICbioacc provides all kinds of bioaccumulation metrics associated with their uncertainty whatever the species-compound combination. MOSAICbioacc expects accumulation-depuration data as inputs, even with complex exposure and clearance patterns, to quickly perform their relevant analysis. MOSAICbioacc intends to facilitate the daily work of regulators, or any ecotoxicologist, who will freely benefit from a user-friendly online interface that automatically fits toxicokinetic models without need for users to invest in the technical aspects to get bioaccumulation metrics estimates. MOSAICbioacc also provides all results in a fully transparent way to ensure reproducibility. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2022;18:10–18. © 2021 SETAC

KEY POINTS

MOSAICbioacc is a new statistical online service, freely available from https://mosaic.univ-lyon1.fr/bioacc, user-friendly and ready-to-use in support of bioaccumulation metrics (BCF/BSAF/BMF) calculation based on toxicokinetic models under a Bayesian framework, facilitating the daily work of regulators. MOSAICbioacc automatically provides bioaccumulation metrics associated with their uncertainty quantified via a probability distribution and summarized with a median and 2.5 and 97.5 centiles corresponding to a 95% credible interval. MOSAICbioacc provides several outputs to help the user evaluate the relevance of the calculations, a fitting plot, and a collection of goodness-of-fit criteria: Posterior predictive check, prior-posterior comparison, parameter correlation matrix, and convergence criteria. MOSAICbioacc provides bioaccumulation metrics from accumulation-depuration data whatever the species and compound under consideration, accounting for several routes of exposure via different media and several elimination processes (potential metabolites and growth dilution).
Estimating metal loading into the sea from tidal rivers using total suspended solids and water quality models
Authors: Yao Hong , Jiang Qinyu , Lu Wei , Niu Guangyuan , Zhang Qingxiang , Liu Huan , Ni Tianhua
Published: May 2021

Metals are mainly transported with suspended sediments in tidal rivers, and it is difficult to describe the transformation process of metals. Freely dissolved metals and suspended metals (including acid-soluble, reducible, oxidizable, and residual metals) were separately analyzed according to a sequential extraction scheme. The regression of the observed suspended metals and total suspended solids (TSS) concentrations allowed us to couple the two pollutant types. TSS is a highly dynamic parameter, and a model can be developed to simulate TSS transport. Thus, a method including the following five steps was proposed to estimate the loadings of metals entering the sea using TSS concentrations and water quality models: (1) collecting and observing basic information on the hydrological conditions, pollution sources, and water quality of the studied river; (2) obtaining a regression model between the suspended metals and TSS and analyzing the potential of establishing a suspended metal flux model; (3) introducing a model describing the fluxes of water-soluble metals into the sea; (4) establishing a calculation model to determine the fluxes of suspended metals into the sea; and (5) characterizing the fluxes of metals into the sea. The method was programmed, and metal concentrations and fluxes could be characterized quickly when the basic river data were sufficient. In addition, if regional development scenarios could be set, metal loadings in all scenarios could be predicted through the procedure developed herein, and some effective suggestions on regional sustainable development might be proposed for decision makers. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2022;18:198–208. © 2021 SETAC

KEY POINTS

A procedure for the metals' flux estimation into the sea from the tidal river using the total suspended solids concentrations and water quality models was proposed. The regressions of the suspended metals and the total suspended solids concentrations observed allowed for coupling of the two pollutants. The freely dissolved metals and suspended ones (including acid-soluble, reducible, oxidizable, and residue) were separately simulated. The methodology was programmed, and the metals' concentrations and fluxes could be characterized quickly when the basic data on the river was sufficient.