bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
INVESTIGATION INTO HEAVY METALS IN STORM WASTEWATER FROM VILNIUS ŽIRMŪNAI DISTRICT AND POLLUTANTITS SPREAD MODEL IN NERIS RIVER
Authors: Vasarevičius Saulius , Mineikaitė Asta , Vaitiekūnas Petras
Published: October 2010

The paper discusses investigation into uncleaned storm wastewater pollution with heavy metals in Vilnius Žirmūnai district. The goal is to determine the dependency of storm wastewater pollution with heavy metals on transport intensity. After determining this dependency, sweeps from street points is experimentally studied with the most intensive transport flows. As the street sweeps together with storm wastewater are both outflow from streets and through outflow pipes directly to the Neris, heavy metals in the outflow pipe sludge are also studied for each pool. The following heavy metals have been experimentally studied: Pb, Mn, Cr, Zn, Cu, Ni. The flame atomic absorption spectrometry method was used. The process of analysis is explained in short and its results are provided. A mathematical model by Phoenics 3.5 version program showing the distribution of heavy metals in the Neris river stream is made on the basis of the results received. Santrauka Nagrinejama nevalomu lietaus nuoteku tarša sunkiaisiais metalais Vilniaus Žirmūnu rajone. Siekiant nustatyti ryši tarp lietaus nuoteku užterštumo sunkiaisiais metalais nuo transporto eksperimentiškai tiriamos sašlavos nuo gatviu, kuriuos su lietumi išplaunamos i upe. Taip pat tiriami sunkieji metalai iš lietaus ištekamuju vamzdžiu i Neri. Eksperimentiškai nagrinejami šie sunkieji metalai: Pb, Mn, Cr, Zn, Cu, Ni. Tam panaudotas liepsnos absorbcijos spektrometrinis metodas. Trumpai aptariamas analizes procesas ir pateikiami tyrimu rezultatai. Remiantis gautais rezultatais sudaromas matematinis teršalu sklaidos modelis Neries upes tekmeje taikant Phoenics 3.5 programa. Резюме Исследуется загрязнение неочищаемых дождевых стоков тяжелыми металлами в районе Жирмунай г. Вильнюса. Для определения степени загрязнения дождевых стоков тяжелыми металлами от транспорта экспериментально исследовался мусор с улиц, вымываемый с дождем в реку. Также исследовались тяжелые металлы в дождевых стоках, попадающих в реку Нерис. Экспериментально с применением абсорбционно-спектрометрического метода исследовались тяжелые металлы Pb, Mn, Cr, Zn, Cu, Ni. Рассмотрен процесс анализа и результаты исследований. На основе полученных результатов составлена математическая модель распределения загрязняющих веществ в течении реки.
Advances in Neuroscience and the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention
Authors: Dando Malcolm
Published: October 2010

This paper investigates the potential threat to the prohibition of the hostile misuse of the life sciences embodied in the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention from the rapid advances in the field of neuroscience. The paper describes how the implications of advances in science and technology are considered at the Five Year Review Conferences of the Convention and how State Parties have developed their appreciations since the First Review Conference in 1980. The ongoing advances in neurosciences are then assessed and their implications for the Convention examined. It is concluded that State Parties should consider a much more regular and systematic review system for such relevant advances in science and technology when they meet at the Seventh Review Conference in late 2011, and that neuroscientists should be much more informed and engaged in these processes of protecting their work from malign misuse.
Decontamination of laryngoscope blades
Authors: Telang R , Patil V , Ranganathan P , Kelkar R
Published: October 2010

Background:

The laryngoscope has been identified as a potential source of cross-infection, because of blood and bacterial contamination. In India, there are no guidelines for cleaning and disinfection of anesthesia-related equipment. Practices for decontamination of laryngoscopes vary widely and in most healthcare institutes, laryngoscope blades are re-used after cleaning with tap-water.

Materials and Methods:

We prospectively compared two techniques for decontamination of laryngoscope blades - a) washing with tap-water and b) washing with tap-water followed by disinfection by immersing in 5% v/v (volume/volume, 1:20 dilution) aldehyde-free biguanide agent for 10 min. We calculated the cost-effectiveness of using 5% v/v aldehyde-free biguanide agent for disinfection of laryngoscopes. We also conducted a survey to assess the decontamination practices in other Indian hospitals.

Results:

Overall bacterial growth was 58% (29 out of 50 blades) after tap-water cleaning (of which 60% were pathogenic organisms) versus 3.4% (one out of 29 blades) after tap-water cleaning followed by immersion in disinfectant (all of which were commensals). The cost of disinfection with biguanide was Indian Rupees 1.13 (20 US cents) per laryngoscope. Most hospitals in India do not have guidelines regarding laryngoscope decontamination between uses, and cleaning with tap water is a commonly used method.

Conclusion:

Cleaning of laryngoscope blades with tap-water is a commonly used but inadequate method for decontamination. Washing with tap-water followed by disinfection with 5% v/v aldehyde-free biguanide for at least 10 min is an effective and inexpensive alternative. National guidelines for the decontamination of anesthesia equipment are necessary.
p53, carcinoembryonic antigen and carbohydrate antigen 19.9 expression in gall bladder cancer, precursor epithelial lesions and xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis
Authors: Agrawal V , Goel A , Krishnani N , Pandey R , Agrawal S , Kapoor VK
Published: October 2010

Background:

Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is the commonest gastrointestinal cancer in women of north India. Precursor epithelial lesions in GBC are known; however, the role of xanthogranulomatous (XG) inflammation in the pathogenesis of GBC is unknown.

Aims:

To analyze the role of precursor lesions in the pathogenesis of GBC we studied the immunohistochemical (IHC) expression of p53, carcino-embryonic antigen (CEA) and carbohydrate antigen 19.9 (CA-19.9) in GBC, chronic cholecystitis (CC), XG cholecystitis (XGC) and precursor lesions.

Materials and Methods:

The study included 51 GBC, 68 CC, 42 XGC and 10 normal gallbladders. All cases were evaluated for presence of precursor lesions and IHC was performed.

Results:

p53 immunoreactivity was found in 55% GBC, 32% of dysplasia with malignancy and in 14% of dysplasia with CC. Sixteen percent GBC had associated XG inflammation. Normal and metaplastic epithelium in CC and in XGC did not express p53. CEA expression was apical in normal and inflammatory GBs (CC, XGC), while cytoplasmic focal to diffuse positivity was seen in 82% GBC. CA-19.9 expression was seen in all cases of normal and inflammatory GBs; however, foci of antral metaplasia were negative. Seventy-five percent of GBC expressed CA-19.9; all negative cases were high-grade on histology.

Conclusions:

Altered CEA expression is seen in GBC as compared to normal and inflammatory gallbladders. Loss of expression of CA19.9 in antral metaplasia and poorly differentiated GBC may indicate that it is a marker of biliary differentiation. p53 over-expression seen in GBC and in dysplasia associated with malignancy and with CC suggests that p53 mutation and dysplasia are early events in the evolution of GBC. Epithelial metaplasia and XG inflammation are often associated with GBC but do not appear to play a role in its pathogenesis through the p53 pathway.
Pituitary adenoma and vestibular schwannoma
Authors: Niu Y , Ma L , Mao Q , Wu L , Chen J
Published: October 2010

The concurrence of the intracranial multiple primary tumors (MPTs) consisting of acoustic neuroma (AN) and pituitary adenoma is very rare. Here, we report a 42-year-old female who presented with left AN associated with pituitary adenoma. A total of three such cases have been reported before and which also presented with left AN with pituitary adenoma. Recently, a new "field cancerization" model has been proposed, which could explain MPTs and is consistent with the pathogenesis of such cases. The model also indicates that when a pituitary tumor or AN is detected separately, we might consider the development of "expanding field" after oncological treatment especially after radiotherapy in order to prevent the second field tumor occurring.
Endoscopic occlusion of idiopathic benign esophago-bronchial fistula
Authors: Yellapu RK , Gorthi JR , Kiranmayi Y , Sireesh I
Published: October 2010

We report a 35-year-old male with recurrent respiratory infections and cough associated with ingestion of food for 15 years. He was diagnosed to have benign esophago-bronchial fistula and proximal jejunal stricture secondary to a tumor, which was surgically resected. In view of recent surgery, endoscopic closure of the fistula was attempted initially with an endoclip resulting in partial symptomatic relief. The fistula was later completely occluded endoscopically with cyanoacrylate glue. A barium swallow at eight-months follow-up revealed no evidence of esophago-bronchial communication. A high index of suspicion is required in the diagnosis of this rare entity in adults with recurrent respiratory infections of obscure etiology. Surgical resection is the standard treatment. Here we report a rare case of idiopathic benign esophago-bronchial fistula in an adult, treated with endoscopic approach.
A Humor Competence Curriculum
Authors: WULF DOUGLAS
Published: October 2010

The TESOL Quarterly invites commentary on current trends or practices in the TESOL profession. It also welcomes responses to rebuttals to any articles or remarks published here in The Forum or elsewhere in the Quarterly.
Using the DASH Method to Measure Reading Comprehension
Authors: SHIEH WENYUH , FREIERMUTH MARK R.
Published: October 2010

Vocabulary knowledge has been recognized by researchers as a critical component of reading comprehension, not only as a means to facilitate first language acquisition but also as an integral element in the learning of English as a second or foreign language. To reduce the effect of insufficient vocabulary knowledge during reading, a compensatory strategy for many English as a foreign language (EFL) readers is dictionary consultation. Several studies have investigated the effect of dictionary use on second language reading comprehension; however, findings have been inconclusive. It is our contention that the reasons behind the inconsistent research findings stem from different manipulations of the related variables influencing reading comprehension. To help moderate the effect of these variables, an innovative experimental approach, the duplicated answer sheets (DASH) method, was designed with the purpose of investigating the influence of dictionary use on text comprehension using a timed‐interval assessment. With this in mind, the DASH was given to five proficiency‐leveled groups of EFL students at a university in Taiwan. The groups were further divided into participants who used dictionaries and those who did not. The results indicate that dictionary use has little effect during the early stages of testing. However, during subsequent test intervals dictionary use seems to benefit learners' text comprehension, regardless of proficiency level. This research provides strong evidence that second language learners, given enough time, will benefit from using dictionaries as a tool to assist in text comprehension.
To Be or Not To Be “Part of Them”: Micropolitical Challenges in Mainland Chinese Students' Learning of English in a Multilingual University
Authors: GAO XUESONG (ANDY)
Published: October 2010

This article reports on a longitudinal inquiry into mainland Chinese students' language learning experiences with a focus on their efforts to improve their English competence in a leading English medium University in Hong Kong. The inquiry problematizes an uncritical assumption of a shared pursuit of linguistic competence among different students in an English medium university. Using individual participants' narratives, the article illustrates how contextual complexities mediate their efforts to learn and use English. The findings suggest that successful language learning emerges from an interactive process of the participants' critical understanding of the context and their efforts in extending social networks, such as investing in social exchanges. These findings also raise questions as to how language learners can make such investments and whether or not they are willing to do so.
Corrigendum to "Substorm activity in Venus's magnetotail" published in Ann. Geophys., 27, 2321–2330, doi:10.5194/angeo-27-2321-2009, 2009
Authors: Volwerk M. , Delva M. , Futaana Y. , Retinò A. , Vörös Z. , Zhang T. L. , Baumjohann W. , Barabash S.
Published: October 2010

Abstract. A re-evaluation of the reconnection event reported by Volwerk et al. (2009) shows that the original interpretation of the magnetic field data as quadrupolar Hall-current signatures around a reconnection site was mistaken. It could be interpreted as the signature of reconnection in the presence of a guide field. The path of VEX through the active region in Venus's magnetotail is re-evaluated and the strongly energized ions associated to this event are now in agreement with the magnetic field data.
Barriers to Buprenorphine Dispensing by Medicaid-Participating Community Retail Pharmacies
Authors: Freeman Patricia R. , Hammerslag Lindsey R. , Ahrens Katherine A. , Sharbaugh Michael , Gordon Adam J. , Austin Anna E. , Donohue Julie M. , Allen Lindsay D. , Barnes Andrew J. , Talbert Jeffery C.
Published: May 2024

Importance

Controlled substances have regulatory requirements under the US Federal Controlled Substance Act that must be met before pharmacies can stock and dispense them. However, emerging evidence suggests there are pharmacy-level barriers in access to buprenorphine for treatment for opioid use disorder even among pharmacies that dispense other opioids.

Objective

To estimate the proportion of Medicaid-participating community retail pharmacies that dispense buprenorphine, out of Medicaid-participating community retail pharmacies that dispense other opioids and assess if the proportion dispensing buprenorphine varies by Medicaid patient volume or rural-urban location.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This serial cross-sectional study included Medicaid pharmacy claims (2016-2019) data from 6 states (Kentucky, Maine, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia) participating in the Medicaid Outcomes Distributed Research Network (MODRN). Community retail pharmacies serving Medicaid-enrolled patients were included, mail-order pharmacies were excluded. Analyses were conducted from September 2022 to August 2023.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The proportion of pharmacies dispensing buprenorphine approved for opioid use disorder among pharmacies dispensing an opioid analgesic or buprenorphine prescription to at least 1 Medicaid enrollee in each state. Pharmacies were categorized by median Medicaid patient volume (by state and year) and rurality (urban vs rural location according to zip code).

Results

In 2016, 72.0% (95% CI, 70.9%-73.0%) of the 7038 pharmacies that dispensed opioids also dispensed buprenorphine to Medicaid enrollees, increasing to 80.4% (95% CI, 79.5%-81.3%) of 7437 pharmacies in 2019. States varied in the percent of pharmacies dispensing buprenorphine in Medicaid (range, 73.8%-96.4%), with significant differences between several states found in 2019 (χ2﻿ P < .05), when states were most similar in the percent of pharmacies dispensing buprenorphine. A lower percent of pharmacies with Medicaid patient volume below the median dispensed buprenorphine (69.1% vs 91.7% in 2019), compared with pharmacies with above-median patient volume (χ2﻿ P < .001).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this serial cross-sectional study of Medicaid-participating pharmacies, buprenorphine was not accessible in up to 20% of community retail pharmacies, presenting pharmacy-level barriers to patients with Medicaid seeking buprenorphine treatment. That some pharmacies dispensed opioid analgesics but not buprenorphine suggests that factors other than compliance with the Controlled Substance Act influence pharmacy dispensing decisions.
Alzheimer's Disease and Small Vessel Disease Differentially Affect White Matter Microstructure
Authors: Tranfa Mario , Lorenzini Luigi , Collij Lyduine E. , Vállez García David , Ingala Silvia , Pontillo Giuseppe , Pieperhoff Leonard , Maranzano Alessio , Wolz Robin , Haller Sven , Blennow Kaj , Frisoni Giovanni , Sudre Carole H. , Chételat Gael , Ewers Michael , Payoux Pierre , Waldman Adam , Martinez‐Lage Pablo , Schwarz Adam J. , Ritchie Craig W. , Wardlaw Joanna M. , Gispert Juan Domingo , Brunetti Arturo , Mutsaerts Henk J. M. M. , Wink Alle Meije , Barkhof Frederik
Published: May 2024

Objective

Alzheimer's disease (AD) and cerebral small vessel disease (cSVD), the two most common causes of dementia, are characterized by white matter (WM) alterations diverging from the physiological changes occurring in healthy aging. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) is a valuable tool to quantify WM integrity non‐invasively and identify the determinants of such alterations. Here, we investigated main effects and interactions of AD pathology, APOE‐ε4, cSVD, and cardiovascular risk on spatial patterns of WM alterations in non‐demented older adults.

Methods

Within the prospective European Prevention of Alzheimer's Dementia study, we selected 606 participants (64.9 ± 7.2 years, 376 females) with baseline cerebrospinal fluid samples of amyloid β1‐42 and p‐Tau181 and MRI scans, including DTI scans. Longitudinal scans (mean follow‐up time = 1.3 ± 0.5 years) were obtained in a subset (n = 223). WM integrity was assessed by extracting fractional anisotropy and mean diffusivity in relevant tracts. To identify the determinants of WM disruption, we performed a multimodel inference to identify the best linear mixed‐effects model for each tract.

Results

AD pathology, APOE‐ε4, cSVD burden, and cardiovascular risk were all associated with WM integrity within several tracts. While limbic tracts were mainly impacted by AD pathology and APOE‐ε4, commissural, associative, and projection tract integrity was more related to cSVD burden and cardiovascular risk. AD pathology and cSVD did not show any significant interaction effect.

Interpretation

Our results suggest that AD pathology and cSVD exert independent and spatially different effects on WM microstructure, supporting the role of DTI in disease monitoring and suggesting independent targets for preventive medicine approaches.
Opioid settlement funds — We need to get back on track!
Authors: Kent Rob
Published: May 2024

As this country continues down the tracks on what is a runaway train of opioid overdose deaths, I am fearful that we are going to squander the opportunity to target the billions that state and local governments will receive from opioid manufacturers and distributors for their misdeeds. We need to pull the train brakes before we go off the tracks!
Annual outcomes study out from NAATP
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: May 2024

FoRSE, the research foundation of the National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers (NAATP), will release its annual summary report at this week's annual meeting, which ADAW will cover in person. The report provides NAATP members, as well as the public, with descriptive and graphic reports of the impact of addiction treatment. This will give them insight into how effective their programs are, compared to others across the country. The 42 page report, a copy of which was obtained by ADAW, is stunning in terms of content and presentation. The report is free. The focus is on outcomes. For anyone who has ever been asked “Does treatment work?” or “Does your treatment program work?” this report is invaluable. It breaks down the answers and includes the how and why. We asked Annie Peters, Ph.D., NAATP's director of research and education, for the top takeaways from the report. Her response.
Efficient Ablation, further GHz Burst Polishing, and Surface Texturing by Ultrafast Laser
Authors: Žemaitis Andrius , Gečys Paulius , Gedvilas Mindaugas
Published: May 2024

A large variety of ultrafast laser‐matter interaction regimes and different processed surface finishing qualities of stainless steel can be achieved by varying the laser processing parameters. The optimization of the laser fluence to the most efficient ablation also leads to the lowest surface roughness of the ablated material. High laser fluence together with a high pulse repetition rate leads to heat accumulation, which results in the formation of microstructures with various morphology and scales. The use of GHz bursts allows a rough stainless‐steel surface to be smoothed and even polished. In this work, the fast and high‐quality milling of 2.5D cavities is demonstrated. Laser beam spot optimization is used to increase the throughput of the high‐power femtosecond laser (67.8 W), resulting in an ablation rate of 13 mm3 min−1. The complex cavities are produced by laser milling and cutting in layers. The formation of surface structures on stainless steel because of laser irradiation has been demonstrated. The possibilities of further GHz burst polishing are examined on previously laser‐milled stainless steel using with lowest possible surface roughness. The ability to polish the surface with microstructures below the original roughness is demonstrated by bursts of ultrashort pulses with a repetition rate in the GHz range. It has been demonstrated that mold milling in stainless steel designed for LED diffusers can be fabricated using a modern femtosecond laser source together with beam size optimization technique for efficient ablation with low surface roughness, layer‐by‐layer milling techniques, and GHz burst polishing techniques.
Mismatched Supramolecular Interactions Facilitate the Reprocessing of Super‐Strong and Ultratough Thermoset Elastomers
Authors: Wang Luping , Zhang Kaiqiang , Zhang Xingxue , Tan Yu , Guo Longfei , Xia Yuguo , Wang Xu
Published: May 2024

Thermoset elastomers have been extensively applied in many fields because of their excellent mechanical strengths and durable characteristics, such as an excellent chemical resistance. However, in the context of environmental issues, the nonrecyclability of thermosets has become a major barrier to the further development of these materials. Here, a well‐tailored strategy is reported to solve this problem by introducing mismatched supramolecular interactions (MMSIs) into a covalently cross‐linked poly(urethane‐urea) network with dynamic acylsemicarbazide moieties. The MMSIs significantly strengthen and toughen the thermoset elastomer by effectively dissipating energy and resisting external stress. In addition, the elastomer recycling efficiency is improved 2.7‐fold due to the superior reversibility of the MMSIs. The optimized thermoset elastomer features outstanding characteristics, including an ultrahigh tensile strength (110.8 MPa), an unprecedented tensile toughness (1245.2 MJ m−3), as well as remarkable resistance to chemical media, creep, and damage. Most importantly, it exhibits an extraordinary multirecyclability, and the 4th recycling efficiency remains close to 100%. This scalable method promotes the development of thermosets with both high performance and excellent recyclability, thereby providing valuable guidance for addressing the issue of nonrecyclability from a molecular design standpoint.
Ambipolar Charge Injection and Bright Light Emission in Hybrid Oxide/Polymer Transistors Doped with Poly(9‐Vinylcarbazole) Based Polyelectrolytes
Authors: Park Yu Jung , Hwang Hee Kyung , Park Yejoo , Lee Ju‐Hyeon , Lee Jin Hee , Walker Bright , Kim Han‐Ki , Seo Jung Hwa
Published: May 2024

Light‐emitting transistors (LETs) are a remarkable, emerging class of electronic devices that combine the switching function of field‐effect transistors (FETs) and the light‐emitting function of light‐emitting diodes (LEDs). In order to achieve efficient light emission, effective electron and hole injection from source and drain electrodes is necessary. Various strategies have been introduced to accomplish this, such as incorporating asymmetric electrodes or charge injection layers during device fabrication. These approaches have inevitably introduced complexity in the device fabrication process. Herein, light‐emitting electrochemical transistors (LECTs) are demonstrated that combine principles of electrochemistry and optoelectronics to achieve multi‐functionality in a simple device architecture. Hybrid polyelectrolytes, poly(9‐vinylcarbazolesulfonate)‐ lithium and copper (II) salts (PVK‐Li and PVK‐Cu) incorporating Li+ ion and Cu2+ ions are added at variable concentrations to the organic emitting layer of LECTs to effect electrochemical p‐type doping. This electrochemical doping approach yielded improvements in electrical and optical performances including mobilities, brightnesses, and external quantum efficiency of the LECTs. The dynamics of how charges including ions, electrons, and holes move and interact are discussed in the device to facilitate emissive charge carrier recombination and light emission. This investigation provides valuable insights into the realms of both electrochemistry and optoelectronics.
A PET‐Surrogate Signature for the Interrogation of the Metabolic Status of Breast Cancers
Authors: Confalonieri Stefano , Matoskova Bronislava , Pennisi Rosa , Martino Flavia , De Mario Agnese , Miloro Giorgia , Montani Francesca , Rotta Luca , Ferrari Mahila Esmeralda , Gilardi Laura , Ceci Francesco , Grana Chiara Maria , Rizzuto Rosario , Mammucari Cristina , Di Fiore Pier Paolo , Lanzetti Letizia
Published: May 2024

Metabolic alterations in cancers can be exploited for diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic purposes. This is exemplified by 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)‐positron emission tomography (FDG‐PET), an imaging tool that relies on enhanced glucose uptake by tumors for diagnosis and staging. By performing transcriptomic analysis of breast cancer (BC) samples from patients stratified by FDG‐PET, a 54‐gene signature (PETsign) is identified that recapitulates FDG uptake. PETsign is independently prognostic of clinical outcome in luminal BCs, the most common and heterogeneous BC molecular subtype, which requires improved stratification criteria to guide therapeutic decision‐making. The prognostic power of PETsign is stable across independent BC cohorts and disease stages including the earliest BC stage, arguing that PETsign is an ab initio metabolic signature. Transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis of BC cells reveals that PETsign predicts enhanced glycolytic dependence and reduced reliance on fatty acid oxidation. Moreover, coamplification of PETsign genes occurs frequently in BC arguing for their causal role in pathogenesis. CXCL8 and EGFR signaling pathways feature strongly in PETsign, and their activation in BC cells causes a shift toward a glycolytic phenotype. Thus, PETsign serves as a molecular surrogate for FDG‐PET that could inform clinical management strategies for BC patients.
Tin Oxide/Amphiphilic Polymer Double‐Layered Hole Transporter for High‐Efficiency Tin Perovskite Solar Modules
Authors: Chiang Chien‐Hung , Chen Hung‐Tse , Chen Wun‐Yu , Wang Wei‐Ting , Feng Shien‐Ping , Wu Chun‐Guey
Published: May 2024

An exquisite, engineering of two poor hole transporting materials (HTMs, SnO, and PDTON) to form an excellent double‐layered HTL (SnO/PDTON) for inverted tin‐perovskite solar modules (TPSMs) is developed. SnO/PDTON has better photovoltaic performance than the commonly used PEDOT:PSS HTM when large‐area TPSMs are fabricated. Thermally evaporated SnO (that is a simple, available oxide with high hole mobility, good transparency, and adjustable frontier orbitals energy levels) film is used as a main hole transporting layer (HTL). Amphiphilic polymer PDTON (having the amine and ether groups on the side chains) film is used as a Co‐HTL, cross‐linker, passivator, and interface modification agent, as unveiled various physicochemical studies. Double‐layered SnO/PDTON with a flat morphology and good affinity toward perovskite precursor solution creates also a proper surface for depositing large‐area, high‐quality TPsk film. Therefore, TPSM (25.2 cm2 active area on 10 cm × 10 cm ITO substrate) based on double‐layered SnO/PDTON HTL achieving an efficiency over 10% with a negligible current hysteresis is reported for the first time. This study emphasizes not only the exquisite design of combining the specific characteristics of two prosaic HTMs to become a good double‐layered HTL but also gives a direction toward fabricating TPSMs to be applied in all‐perovskite tandem solar module.
Technological frontier in Uruguay's beef cattle production: An analysis of technical efficiency and its main drivers
Authors: Aguirre Emilio , García Suárez Federico , Sicilia Gabriela
Published: May 2024

Globally, livestock grazing is a major land occupier and is often criticized for its environmental impact. To address these concerns, enhancing livestock productivity is crucial to mitigate these impacts, boost farm competitiveness, and increase food production. The understanding of production variability is key to this endeavor. This paper assesses the technical efficiency of cow‐calf beef production units in Uruguay, excluding dairy and feedlot operations. Using data from the 2016 National Livestock Survey and Wang's frontier model, we estimate a translog stochastic production frontier, incorporating bovine livestock units, land area, and equivalent working units as key inputs. This model also controls soil productivity, improved grazing areas, productive orientation (beef‐cattle systems or beef cattle‐ovine mixed systems), beef production system (cow‐calf, full cycle, and fattening operation), access to electric power, and agroecological regions. Furthermore, it explores factors affecting technical inefficiency, such as ownership (individual, corporate without contract, and corporate with contract) and land tenure types (owner, tenant, or other types), besides the presence of third‐party owned cattle, technical assistance (including veterinarian and agronomic), and specific beef cattle technologies (such as continuous bull presence, artificial insemination, ovarian activity diagnosis, pregnancy diagnosis, use of scales for classifying females, temporary and early weaning, and cows and heifers grazing together). Findings indicate an average technical efficiency of 71.3%. Notably, factors such as agronomic and veterinary assistance, artificial insemination, weaning practices, third‐party‐owned cattle presence, pregnancy diagnosis, land tenure, and ownership type significantly impact technical efficiency. Our findings suggest that within the specific segment of cow‐calf operations in Uruguay, there is a potential to enhance beef production by 40.2% through improvements in farm management. [EconLit Citations: Q12, D24].
A Hydroxylamine‐Mediated Amidination of Lysine Residues That Retains the Protein's Positive Charge
Authors: He Pei‐Yang , Zhou Yusai , Chen Pu‐Guang , Zhang Meng‐Qian , Hu Jin‐Jian , Lim Yeh‐Jun , Zhang Hongjie , Liu Kai , Li Yan‐Mei
Published: May 2024

Lysine‐specific peptide and protein modification strategies are widely used to study charge‐related functions and applications. However, these strategies often result in the loss of the positive charge on lysine, significantly impacting the charge‐related properties of proteins. Herein, we report a strategy to preserve the positive charge and selectively convert amines in lysine side chains to amidines using nitriles and hydroxylamine under aqueous conditions. Various unprotected peptides and proteins were successfully modified with a high conversion rate. Moreover, the reactive amidine moiety and derived modification site enable subsequent secondary modifications. Notably, positive charges were retained during the modification. Therefore, positive charge‐related protein properties, such as liquid‐liquid phase separation behaviour of α‐synuclein, were not affected. This strategy was subsequently applied to a lysine rich protein to develop an amidine‐containing coacervate DNA complex with outstanding mechanical properties. Overall, our innovative strategy provides a new avenue to explore the characteristics of positively charged proteins.
Unimolecular Chemiexcited Oxygenation of Pathogenic Amyloids
Authors: Umeda Hiroki , Suda Kayo , Yokogawa Daisuke , Azumaya Yuto , Kitada Nobuo , Maki Shojiro A. , Kawashima Shigehiro A. , Mitsunuma Harunobu , Yamanashi Yuki , Kanai Motomu
Published: May 2024

Pathogenic protein aggregates, called amyloids, are etiologically relevant to various diseases, including neurodegenerative Alzheimer disease. Catalytic photooxygenation of amyloids, such as amyloid‐β (Aβ), reduces their toxicity; however, the requirement for light irradiation may limit its utility in large animals, including humans, due to the low tissue permeability of light. Here, we report that Cypridina luciferin analogs, dmCLA‐Cl and dmCLA‐Br, promoted selective oxygenation of amyloids through chemiexcitation without external light irradiation. Further structural optimization of dmCLA‐Cl led to the identification of a derivative with a polar carboxylate functional group and low cellular toxicity: dmCLA‐Cl‐acid. dmCLA‐Cl‐acid promoted oxygenation of Aβ amyloid and reduced its cellular toxicity without photoirradiation. The chemiexcited oxygenation developed in this study may be an effective approach to neutralizing the toxicity of amyloids, which can accumulate deep inside the body, and treating amyloidosis.
Core‐Alkynylated Fluorescent Flippers: Altered Ultrafast Photophysics to Track Thick Membranes
Authors: Pamungkas Khurnia Krisna Puji , Fureraj Ina , Assies Lea , Sakai Naomi , Mercier Vincent , Chen Xiao‐Xiao , Vauthey Eric , Matile Stefan
Published: May 2024

Fluorescent flippers have been introduced as small‐molecule probes to image membrane tension in living systems. This study describes the design, synthesis, spectroscopic and imaging properties of flippers that are elongated by one and two alkynes inserted between the push and the pull dithienothiophene domains. The resulting mechanophores combine characteristics of flippers, reporting on physical compression in the ground state, and molecular rotors, reporting on torsional motion in the excited state, to take their photophysics to new level of sophistication. Intensity ratios in broadened excitation bands from differently twisted conformers of core‐alkynylated flippers thus report on mechanical compression. Lifetime boosts from ultrafast excited‐state planarization and lifetime drops from competitive intersystem crossing into triplet states report on viscosity. In standard lipid bilayer membranes, core‐alkynylated flippers are too long for one leaflet and tilt or extend into disordered interleaflet space, which preserves rotor‐like torsional disorder and thus weak, blue‐shifted fluorescence. Flipper‐like planarization occurs only in highly ordered membranes of matching leaflet thickness, where they light up and selectively report on these thick membranes with red‐shifted, sharpened excitation maxima, high intensity and long lifetime.
Cobaltaelectro‐Catalyzed C–H Activation for Central and Axial Double Enantio‐Induction
Authors: von Münchow Tristan , Liu Yi‐Ru , Parmar Rahul , Peters Sven Erik , Trienes Sven , Ackermann Lutz
Published: May 2024

In recent years, enantioselective electrocatalysis has surfaced as an increasingly‐effective platform for sustainable molecular synthesis. Despite indisputable progress, strategies that allow the control of two distinct stereogenic elements with high selectivity remain elusive. In contrast, we, herein, describe electrochemical cobalt‐catalyzed C−H activations that enable the installation of chiral stereogenic centers along with a chiral axis with high levels of enantio‐ and diastereoselectivities. The developed electrocatalysis strategy allowed for C−H/N−H activations/annulations with cyclic and non‐cyclic alkenes providing expedient access to various central as well as atropo‐chiral dihydroisoquinolinones paired to the valuable hydrogen evolution reaction. Studies on the atropo‐stability of the obtained compounds demonstrated that the exceedingly mild conditions ensured by the electrocatalytic process were key for the achieved high stereoselectivities.
Borderline personality disorder: a symptom of the family system
Authors: Palombi Martina
Published: May 2024

The present article explores the Bowen family systems theory (BFST) view that a mental disorder such as borderline personality disorder (BPD) is not a dysfunction occurring within an individual but a maladjustment of the family emotional system. A case study is presented illustrating how the emotional process moves between individuals within a family system so that when relationship processes become severely compromised, one member absorbs more of the stress, becoming vulnerable to acute symptoms. It is proposed that the use of a BFST approach with a client presenting with panic anxiety and low mood may have contributed to the lowering of symptom intensity for a sibling of the client. It appears that the client's work on her part in the relationship disturbances between her, her mother, father, and sister contributed to decreasing BPD symptoms in her sister and an improvement in overall family functioning. Therefore, the differentiating effort of one family member seemed to have a ripple effect on the whole family system. Shifting the theoretical lens from an individual‐medico‐diagnostic one to a BFST one sheds light on how all family members are expressions of a family organism and players in the symptoms emerging in one.
Preparation of MOR/P(S‐co‐VPh) nanofiber composite membrane and its adsorption properties for rubidium ions
Authors: Fei Pengfei , Shi Qiang , Wang Yi , Sun Xiufang , Shen Yi , Zhang Zhiguo
Published: May 2024

Rubidium (Rb), a rare and precious metal, is widely used in high‐tech fields. In this work the structural advantages of mordenite (MOR) and group affinity of phenolic hydroxyl polymers (poly (styrene‐4‐hydroxystyrene) (P(S‐co‐VPh)) are combined to prepare MOR/P(S‐co‐VPh) nanofiber composite membranes with high selectivity and adsorption specificity for Rb+ by electrospinning. The test results show that MOR is successfully anchored on the nanofiber substrate and maintained its complete crystal structure. Adsorption experiments show that the adsorption capacity of Rb+ increases with the increase of MOR content, and pH = 9.0, T = 25°C are the best adsorption conditions. K+ shows the most obvious interference with the adsorption capacity decreased from 60.03 to 39.33 mg/g. The adsorption process follows with the Langmuir isothermal model and pseudo‐second‐order kinetic equation. The chemical adsorption based on the coordination reaction is the control step, and the intraparticle diffusion also has an important effect on the adsorption rate. The recycling test indicates that the prepared nanofiber composite membrane not only has efficient adsorption of Rb+, but also exhibits excellent regeneration and stability, which helps to achieve its widespread application and long‐term operation in harsh environments.
Bioinspired chitin/gelatin composites with enhanced mechanical property
Authors: Wang Chong , Xie Xiuling , Chen Zheng , Fang Luxin , Lu Ang
Published: May 2024

The defensive tissues such as insect epidermis and crustacean exoskeleton in nature displayed characteristics of high strength and high toughness via multi‐level structure, which shed light on the designation of natural polymer‐based composites with enhanced mechanical property. Herein, a bioinspired strategy was used to prepare chitin/gelatin composite with improved mechanical property. Chitin hydrogels were first prepared by dissolution in NaOH/urea via freezing–thawing and then regeneration in sodium propionate, to form a heterogeneous nanofibrous structure. After coating gelatin on the chitin nanofibers, a hierarchical structure was obtained, leading to more compact and homogenous morphology. The coating process significantly strengthened the chitin nanofibrous structure and reduced the weak defect, which enhanced the tensile strength and toughness of the composite. The present work not only supplies a chitin/gelatin composite with high mechanical property but also offers a facile approach to prepare strengthening and toughening materials based on natural polymers.
Droplet microfluidics for single‐molecule and single‐cell analysis in research, diagnosis, and therapy
Authors: Sanchez Barea Joel , Kang Dong‐Ku
Published: May 2024

During the last decade, molecular diagnostics has become increasingly important, especially during the SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic. Advances in droplet‐based microfluidics, which divides samples into thousands of microdroplets, are responsible for high‐throughput data provision, increased analysis sensitivity, and improved performance to overcome challenges in controlling diseases and early diagnosis. Different targets, such as nucleic acids, proteins, or single cells, can be detected and analyzed in terms of their characteristics in a much more extensive and precise manner with the integration of droplet microfluidics into various molecular diagnostic techniques. In this review, we explore recent advances in the development of droplet microfluidics‐based molecular diagnostic techniques and future perspectives in the field.
Navigating the impact: A comprehensive analysis of ESG disclosure consequences through systematic review
Authors: Li Li , Saat Maisarah Mohamed , Khatib Saleh F. A. , Chu Ping , Sulimany Hamid Ghazi H
Published: May 2024

The purpose of this article is to provide a comprehensive and systematic assessment of the literature on the consequences of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) disclosure by means of content analyses. Using a systematic approach, a sample of 165 studies was collected from the Web of Science database and evaluated on the basis of econometric and content analyses, including publication trends, geographical distribution, theories and consequence associated with ESG disclosure (investment and innovation of firms, financing cost and method, operations and financial risk of firms, firm performance and value and others), provides some direction for future investigation. According to the analysis, the literature was more interested in the stakeholder theory when examining the effects of ESG disclosure on areas including company innovation and investment, financing costs and methods, financial risk and operations, business performance, and others. Even though most of the literature has focused on firm performance and value, there is still no clear understanding of the relationship. Also, limited work was found on the investment and innovation of firms, and financing cost and method, while the impact of operations and financial risk of firms has yet to be explored. Meanwhile, this study also identified the impact of ESG disclosure on analysts, audit fees, and earnings management as a new research direction. Finally, this study innovates new findings that institutional pressures may have an impact on the consequences of ESG disclosure, a topic not found in previous studies.
Revealing the Origin of Graphene Anchored Single Palladium Atom for Electrochemical CO2 Reduction to Syngas with Tunable CO/H2 Ratios
Authors: Li Fuhua , Tang Qing
Published: May 2024

Pd based catalysts are rare metal‐based catalyst to yield tunable CO/H2 ratios for Fischer‐Tropsch synthesis. How to achieve the co‐production of CO and H2 with as little Pd as possible is extremely meaningful for Cn industry. Recent experiment revealed single Pd atom anchored on graphene exhibits high activity for CO2 electroreduction to syngas, yet the origin of activity and controllable CO/H2 ratios, especially the exact Pd coordination structure, remains elusive. Here we employ grand‐canonical density functional theory to show that Pd−N1, rather than the commonly accepted Pd‐N4, serves as the active center, and the charge‐carrying capability is an effective descriptor. The site with more Pd−C coordination can better submerge in graphene‘s delocalized π electrons for higher charge‐carrying capacity to carry excess charges that occupy Pd 4dz2 orbital and promote electron injection. Importantly, the tunable CO/H2 ratio can be explained with difference in charge‐carrying capability of transition state for *COOH and *H2 formation. This work solves the puzzle of coordinating structure of Pd active site and demonstrates the important role of charge‐carrying capability in electrochemical process, which shall provide a reference for further exploration of efficient electrocatalysts.
Omniphobic/superhydrophobic surface effect on oil and gas flow: A critical review
Authors: Hasan Mehedi , Sun Baojiang , Bahaeddine Mihoubi , Liang Youran , Damulira Moses , Chen Litao
Published: May 2024

Flow assurance in the petroleum business of the oil and gas industry ensures the efficient and continuous flow of hydrocarbons from production facilities to consumers. Impurities in oil and gas can cause corrosion and erosion, hydrate formation, scaling, and fouling, resulting in flow limits and reduced operating efficiency. The significant flow assurance issues must be managed through systematic exploration of effective mitigation and management approaches. The objective of this paper is to highlight the latest research in the field of flow assurance, including the application of superhydrophobic or omniphobic coatings to prevent scale growth, asphaltene precipitation, wax deposition, and hydrate formation. This review will provide new perspectives into the basic mechanistic mechanisms of deposition and blockage in oil and gas production systems, assisting in the development of novel methods compared to the employment of commercial chemical or mechanical techniques. Overall, the flow assurance engineers will gain new perspectives from this study regarding how to deal with the risk of pipeline blockage caused by the problems mentioned earlier.
Multiplicative chaos measures from thick points of log‐correlated fields
Authors: Junnila Janne , Lambert Gaultier , Webb Christian
Published: May 2024

We prove that multiplicative chaos measures can be constructed from extreme level sets or thick points of the underlying logarithmically correlated field. We develop a method which covers the whole subcritical phase and only requires asymptotics of suitable exponential moments for the field. As an application, we establish that these estimates hold for the logarithm of the absolute value of the characteristic polynomial of a Haar distributed random unitary matrix (CUE), using known asymptotics for Toeplitz determinant with (merging) Fisher–Hartwig singularities. Hence, this proves a conjecture of Fyodorov and Keating concerning the fluctuations of the volume of thick points of the CUE characteristic polynomial.
A novel bipolar coil structure with high interoperability performance for electric vehicle wireless charging systems
Authors: Liu Chao , Zhou Mingzhu , Xie Ronghuan , Zhuang Yizhan , Zhang Yiming
Published: May 2024

The magnetic couplers play an important role in electric vehicle (EV) wireless power transfer (WPT) systems. Conversational coupling structures are mainly based on unipolar, bipolar, and quadrupole coils, and the interoperability among them cannot be achieved. To solve the interoperability problem in the coupling structure, a novel bipolar coil structure is proposed in this paper. Energy transfer with unipolar and bipolar coils is achieved by interconnecting unipolar and bipolar types crosswise in the same plane and combining them with the corresponding topologies. They are connected in series on the dc side. An experimental prototype is built to verify the interoperability performance of the proposed novel bipolar coil structure. The proposed novel bipolar coil structure can be compatible with unipolar, bipolar, and quadrupole coils and achieve a maximum dc‐dc efficiency of more than 85%.