bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The montane trees of the Cameroon Highlands, West-Central Africa, with Deinbollia onanae sp. nov. (Sapindaceae), a new primate-dispersed, Endangered species
Authors: Cheek Martin , Onana Jean Michel , Chapman Hazel M.
Published: March 2021

We test the hypothesis that the tree species previously known as Deinbollia sp. 2. is a new species for science. We formally characterise and name this species as Deinbollia onanae (Sapindaceae-Litchi clade) and we discuss it in the context of the assemblage of montane tree species in the Cameroon Highlands of West-Central Africa. The new species is a shade-bearing, non-pioneer understorey forest tree species reaching 15 m high and a trunk diameter that can attain over 40 cm at 1.3 m above the ground. Seed dispersal has been recorded by chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes ellioti) and by putty-nose monkeys (Cercopithecus nictitans) and the species is used by chimpanzees for nesting. Cameroon has the highest species-diversity and species endemism known in this African-Western Indian Ocean genus of 42, mainly lowland species. Deinbollia onanae is an infrequent tree species known from six locations in surviving islands of montane (sometimes also upper submontane) forest along the line of the Cameroon Highlands, including one at Ngel Nyaki in Mambilla, Nigeria. Deinbollia onanae is here assessed as Endangered according to the IUCN 2012 standard, threatened by severe fragmentation of its mountain forest habitat due to extensive and ongoing clearance for agriculture. The majority of the 28 tree species of montane forest (above 2000 m alt.) in the Cameroon Highlands are also widespread in East African mountains (i.e. are Afromontane wide). Deinbollia onanae is one of only seven species known to be endemic (globally restricted to) these highlands. It is postulated that this new species is morphologically closest to Deinbollia oreophila, a frequent species at a lower (submontane) altitudinal band of the same range. Detailed ecological data on Deinbollia onanae from the Nigerian location, Ngel Nyaki, where it has been known under the name Deinbollia “pinnata”, is reviewed.
A Study on Major Issues in Litigation on Fire Door Performance
Authors: Yoon Myong-O
Published: March 2021

In this study, we attempted to analyze the predominant issues that have emerged from the fire door litigation process that has been conducted until recently, and to suggest alternatives. The results of analyzing the contents and outcomes of fire door litigation were confirmed by the issue of the durability period of the fire doors’ fire protection performance. Further, they were supported by the confirmation of the fire protection performance of fire doors that have already been installed, and the extent of the defect repair when the fire door performance is not confirmed. To solve these issues, performance verification must be executed at the manufacturing, delivery, and construction stages of fire doors. In the use stage, after completion, the user (Resident) should be the subject of performance maintenance. To this end, it is necessary to introduce the duty of maintenance and management of fire doors at the stage of use and the introduction of a professional inspection system that carries out inspections. Additionally, since the soundness of the fire door frame was confirmed through simulation and test results, the fire protection performance of the fire door in use can be confirmed by only separating the door. This can be achieved by excluding the door frame and conducting a test. It is considered that performance can be sufficiently secured despite the performance of the fire door being confirmed to be inferior, even if performance is improved by limiting the repair range to fire door pairs.
Comparison of Adult Manikin Chest Compression between Music and Metronome Practice after Video Self-Instruction
Authors: Hwang Hee-Jeong , Uhm Tai-Hwan
Published: March 2021

The study was conducted to improve chest compression training by analyzing manikin-assessed scores on chest compression and self-assessed scores on cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) based on music and metronome training after video self-instruction (VSI). The 64 participants had undertaken 50 min of VSI and practiced 25 min of compression-only (C-O) CPR. Thirty-two participants of the music (the Bee Gees’ Stayin’ Alive) training group practiced C-O CPR 103 times a min, while 32 participants of the metronome training group practiced C-O CPR at 100 times a min. Immediately after the training, participants performed 150 chest compressions on Resusci Anne SkillReporter; researchers collected 64 printouts, and 128 self-assessed scores on willingness, knowledge, performance, and attitude through pre and post-training questionnaires. There was no difference in the manikin-assessed scores between the music and metronome training groups. The two training methods were consistent with or similar to the compression guidelines. Therefore, C–O CPR training can be imparted by utilizing music as well as the existing metronome training method; however, supplementary research on how to maintain compression depth is needed, and ventilation training should be provided using other feedback devices.
A Study on the Response Characteristics of Fire Detector and Indoor Air Quality Measurement Factor According to UL 268 Cooking Nuisance Test
Authors: Choi Yoo-Jeong , Choi Su-Gil , Nam Yeong-Jae , Yu Jae-Hyeon , Hwang Euy-Hong , Lee Sung-Eun , Kim Si-Kuk
Published: March 2021

The response characteristics of fire detectors and indoor air quality measurement factors were studied according to the UL 268 cooking nuisance test. The response characteristics of the fire detector were confirmed through the U.S. UL 268 cooking nuisance test, newly introduced in 2020; the smoke concentration in the test was found to be a maximum of 7.8 %/m. The response characteristics of the indoor air quality measurement factors matched to the smoke detector's concentration in the nonoperation test (5 %/m), type 1 smoke detector's concentration in the operation test (7.5 %/m), and maximum smoke concentration (7.8 %/m) measured in the test were analyzed to derive factors applicable to avoiding unwanted fire alarms. In this test, the variation was confirmed at PM 1.0, PM 2.5, and PM 10 of the fine dust sensor, for NO and SO2 for the combustion gas analyzer, and for CO, CO2, and HCHO for the gas analyzer. In particular, the most-adaptable factors measured in this experiment were PM 2.5 and PM 10, which can be utilized as unwanted-alarm factors.
Costume de casa vai à praia?
Authors: Oliveira Laís Vieira Castro , Silva Clayton Robson Moreira da , Romero Cláudia Buhamra Abreu
Published: March 2021

Esta pesquisa objetiva investigar a atitude e o comportamento do turista de sol e praia em relação à sustentabilidade, verificando a influência da atitude e do comportamento habitual no comportamento em viagem. Para tanto, realizou-se esta pesquisa em Jericoacoara, situada no Estado do Ceará, nordeste brasileiro. A pesquisa é caracterizada como quantitativa, realizada por meio de survey e foi aplicada com 188 turistas de sol e praia. Os resultados evidenciam que as atitudes sustentáveis influenciam o comportamento sustentável em viagem, de modo que a atitude de crença antropocêntrica teve efeito negativo, enquanto as atitudes de crença ecocêntrica relacionadas aos recursos naturais e ao consumo tiveram efeito positivo. No tocante aos comportamentos sustentáveis habituais, verificou-se influência positiva dos comportamentos relacionados à reciclagem, economia de água e energia e limpeza urbana no comportamento sustentável em viagem.  Dessa forma, pode-se compreender que o indivíduo que apresenta atitudes e comportamentos sustentáveis em seu cotidiano tende a estendê-los a diversos ambientes, confirmando o ditado popular de que “costume de casa vai à praça”, no caso, à praia.
As leis da hospitalidade
Authors: Camargo Luiz Octávio de Lima
Published: March 2021

Na sociedade de mobilidade crescente, que vem substituindo a sociedade à dominante sedentária, o contato com estranhos/estrangeiros/desconhecidos aumenta velozmente, alterando instituições basilares da sociedade como casa, vizinhança, família, trabalho.  A garantia de ser bem recebido em todos os lugares para onde vamos torna-se uma necessidade. A urbanidade, o tratamento polido, mas impessoal não é mais suficiente. Crescem as reivindicações por uma hospitalidade mais carregada de calor humano. Mesmo no comércio, termos como customização, fidelização são marcas da aspiração de pessoalidade no encontro.  A discussão desses temas é o contexto para o propósito deste artigo de, com base nas reflexões de Jacques Derrida, Marcel Mauss, Julian Pitt-Rivers e Anne Gotman, desvelar as quatro leis básicas da hospitalidade: a incondicionalidade, a reciprocidade, a assimetria e a compensação. Adicionalmente, pretende levantar outras questões que surgem à margem da atual discussão, em especial o caso do turismo.
Variability in Insight Before and After Treatment in Patients with Schizophrenia
Authors: Behere Prakash , Rathod Mangesh , Chowdhury Debolina , Nagdive Amit , Behere Aniruddh Prakash , Yadav Richa , Fernandes Rouchelle
Published: March 2021

Introduction: An important component in the management of schizophrenia is insight. Schizophrenia patients that lack insight have poor clinical outcomes. Chronic patients of chronic schizophrenia lacking insight more often require hospitalisation than those recognising their illness. Poor insight is a good indicator of poor compliance and can predict the prognosis of any psychiatric patient including schizophrenia. Aim: This study was aimed at contrasting the gain in insight after treatment among various sub-groups of patients with schizophrenia. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Acharya Vinobha Bhave Rural Hospital, Wradha, Maharashtra. The sample size was collected for a period of 1 year, during which all the patients admitted to the psychiatry ward were screened, of which 100 eligible patients with schizophrenia were identified using prespecified inclusion and exclusion criteria. Patients of both sexes aged above 18 years and attendants that provided consent were included in the study. The Schedule for Assessment of Insight Scale (SAI) was used to determine the patient’s level of insight. The proportion of patients with distinct socio-demographic characteristics, clinical profile, psychiatric diagnosis and SAI scores were calculated. A paired t-test was used for elaborating the results. The p-value <0.05 was considered significant. Results: The changes in insight scores from the time of admission (4.15) to the time of discharge (9.28) were statistically significant and similar in both males and females and also results are statistically significant according to marital status. Significant improvement was seen in patients irrespective of their employment status or their educational status. Conclusion: This study showed that the insight changes as the patient improves during the hospital stay. This study highlights that poor insight is commonly seen in psychotic patients and the treatment considerably improves their insight.
Efficacy of Tramadol and Fentanyl when used Intrathecally for Prevention of Shivering in Endoscopic Urosurgical Cases- A Randomised Control Trial
Authors: Kulkarni Supriya S , Paulose Leena Shibu , Gurav Shilpa Y , Gore Sandeep K , Reddy Ks
Published: March 2021

Introduction: Shivering is an undesired complication seen perioperatively with incidence of 40 to 70% under spinal anaesthesia. This further increases in patients undergoing endoscopic urosurgical procedures where huge amount of cold irrigating solution is used. Aim: To compare the anti-shivering effect of intrathecal tramadol with intrathecal fentanyl given as an additive in spinal anaesthesia in endoscopic urosurgical cases. Materials and Methods: It was a randomised control study. Total 105 patients of American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) grade I and II posted for various endoscopic urosurgeries were included in the study and divided into three groups by computerised randomisation. Group T received injection bupivacaine 0.5% heavy 15 to 20 mg (3 to 4 mL) plus 20 mg (0.4 mL) tramadol in spinal anaesthesia, Group F received injection bupivacaine 0.5% heavy 15 to 20 mg (3 to 4 mL) plus 25 microgram (0.5 mL) fentanyl in spinal anaesthesia and Group C received injection bupivacaine 0.5% heavy 15 to 20 mg (3 to 4 mL) plus 0.5 mL normal saline. Incidence and grade of shivering was recorded in each group. The data was analysed using statistical package SPSS version 21.0. Mean and SD were calculated for the quantitative variables. Analysis of variance test was used to compare the means of three groups with respect to each of the parameters. Results: Significant difference was observed among three groups in respect of incidence of shivering intraoperatively and postoperatively both. Least incidence of shivering was observed in tramadol intraoperatively with a p-value <0.05. Also, tramadol group had least shivering postoperatively with a p-value <0.05. Also, the grade of shivering in control group was significantly higher (p-value <0.05) than that of both group F and group T. There was no statistically significant difference among the three groups in respect of sedative score, itching, nausea, vomiting and respiratory depression (p-value >0.05). Conclusion: Intrathecal tramadol is more effective than intrathecal fentanyl in prevention of shivering in patients undergoing endoscopic urological surgeries and also has low side effect profile.
Tubercular Iliopsoas Abscess: A Rare Case Report
Authors: Patanaik Sunil Kumar , Pattanayak Chaitali , Srivastava Vartika , Sarkar Sougata
Published: March 2021

A psoas (or iliopsoas) abscess is an accumulation of pus in the region of iliopsoas muscle compartment. In regions where Mycobacterium tuberculosis is endemic, this is a frequent cause of psoas abscess. When an inguinal mass in a patient with a psoas abscess is painless, tuberculosis is a more likely cause than a bacterial infection. Here, the author report a rare case of psoas abscess of tubercular origin in a 31-year-old patient who presented with back pain and limping, with features of inflammation. Diagnosis was done based on history, physical examination, ultrasonography, microbiological investigation and Contrast-Enhanced Computed Tomography (CECT) scan of abdomen which revealed a large psoas abscess caused by M. tuberculosis. Patient was diagnosed with a psoas abscess due to Mycobacterium tuberculosis with secondary infection and treated empirically with Directly Observed Treatment Short-Course (DOTS) category I and antibiotics. He presented again with a chest abscess due to Multidrug-Resistant (MDR) tuberculosis.
Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Urology Practice: Review of Literature
Authors: Faridi Mohammad Shazib , Khan Jasim , Goel Hemant , Sood Rajeev
Published: March 2021

Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic is a challenge to the healthcare system including urology which is big and formidable. The present scenario has changed the health preferences to emergency and essential services only. Reallocation of healthcare providers, wards and equipments resulted in suspension of all outpatient and elective activities to select only non-deferrable and critical procedures. Consequently, all health care workers including urologists must abide by the recommendations when dealing with the COVID-19 patients. This pandemic has also disrupted the training and education programs of urology residents also. Subsequently, in this review article, authors have discussed the influence of COVID-19 on urological practice. Authors have also reviewed the recommendations on triaging of urology procedures (emergent and non-emergent), office based urological procedures, oncologic surgeries, paediatric urology, urology-pathology interaction and economic burden on healthcare system during COVID-19 pandemic.
Complex Arteriovenous Malformation in a Kidney with Multiple Renal Arteries: A Case Report
Authors: Prakash J Sanjay , Mathisekaran T , Jain Nitesh , Chatterjee Pritam , Bafna Sandeep
Published: March 2021

The abnormal communications between arteries and veins outside the capillary level are called Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM). A 25-year-old known hypertensive on irregular medications, presented with acute stroke (Computed Tomography (CT) brain revealed left putamen haemorrhage). On evaluation, all routine investigations were normal except for microscopic haematuria. Ultrasound (USG) KUB showed right AVM and on further evaluation with 320 slice Contrast Enhanced Computed Tomography (CECT) abdomen with angiogram and 3D reconstruction revealed right kidney supplied by three renal arteries. The second renal artery was dilated (1.1 cm diameter) and communicates directly with aneurysmally dilated right renal vein (2.9 cm diameter). Digital Subtraction Angiography (DSA) with angioembolisation was done four days’ postadmission. Large second renal artery with a direct Arteriovenous Fistula (AVF) draining into the renal vein with aneurysmal venous sacs was occluded with 16 mm, 12 mm and 10 mm coils. Complete obliteration of fistula was confirmed. Then the inferior most third renal artery was accessed and angiogram revealed RAVM with multiple feeders shunting into the venous sacs and it was occluded with 40% glue. Postoperative day one USG showed thrombosed venous aneurysmal sacs and occlusion of the arterial fistulae. He was discharged at four weeks with antihypertensive and antiseizure medications. During the follow-up there was no loss in the function of the kidney and micro or macroscopic haematuria was not detected.
Widespread overexpression from the four DNA hypermethylated HOX clusters in aggressive (IDHwt) glioma is associated with H3K27me3 depletion and alternative promoter usage
Authors: Le Boiteux Elisa , Court Franck , Guichet Pierre‐Olivier , Vaurs‐Barrière Catherine , Vaillant Isabelle , Chautard Emmanuel , Verrelle Pierre , Costa Bruno M. , Karayan‐Tapon Lucie , Fogli Anne , Arnaud Philippe
Published: March 2021

In human, the 39 coding HOX genes and 18 referenced noncoding antisense transcripts are arranged in four genomic clusters named HOXA, B, C, and D. This highly conserved family belongs to the homeobox class of genes that encode transcription factors required for normal development. Therefore, HOX gene deregulation might contribute to the development of many cancer types. Here, we study HOX gene deregulation in adult glioma, a common type of primary brain tumor. We performed extensive molecular analysis of tumor samples, classified according to their isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH1) gene mutation status, and of glioma stem cells. We found widespread expression of sense and antisense HOX transcripts only in aggressive (IDHwt) glioma samples, although the four HOX clusters displayed DNA hypermethylation. Integrative analysis of expression, DNA methylation, and histone modification signatures along the clusters revealed that HOX gene upregulation relies on canonical and alternative bivalent CpG island promoters that escape hypermethylation. H3K27me3 loss at these promoters emerges as the main cause of widespread HOX gene upregulation in IDHwt glioma cell lines and tumors. Our study provides the first comprehensive description of the epigenetic changes at HOX clusters and their contribution to the transcriptional changes observed in adult glioma. It also identified putative ‘master’ HOX proteins that might contribute to the tumorigenic potential of glioma stem cells.
Harnessing the Extracellular Electron Transfer Capability of Geobacter sulfurreducens for Ambient Synthesis of Stable Bifunctional Single‐Atom Electrocatalyst for Water Splitting
Authors: Pedireddy Srikanth , Jimenez‐Sandoval Rodrigo , Ravva Mahesh Kumar , Nayak Chandrani , Anjum Dalaver H. , Jha Shambhu Nath , Katuri Krishna P. , Saikaly Pascal E.
Published: March 2021

Single‐atom metal (SA‐M) catalysts with high dispersion of active metal sites allow maximum atomic utilization. Conventional synthesis of SA‐M catalysts involves high‐temperature treatments, leading to low yield with a random distribution of atoms. Herein, a nature‐based facile method to synthesize SA‐M catalysts (M = Fe, Ir, Pt, Ru, Cu, or Pd) in a single step at ambient temperature, using the extracellular electron transfer capability of Geobacter sulfurreducens (GS), is presented. Interestingly, the SA‐M is coordinated to three nitrogen atoms adopting an MN3 on the surface of GS. Dry samples of SA‐Ir@GS without further heat treatment show exceptionally high activity for oxygen evolution reaction when compared to benchmark IrO2 catalyst and comparable hydrogen evolution reaction activity to commercial 10 wt% Pt/C. The SA‐Ir@GS exhibits the best water‐splitting performance compared to other SA‐M@GS, showing a low applied potential of 1.65 V to achieve 10 mA cm−2 in 1.0 M KOH with cycling over 5 h. The density functional calculations reveal that the large adsorption energy of H2O and moderate adsorption energies of reactants and reaction intermediates for SA‐Ir@GS favorably improve its activity. This synthesis method at room temperature provides a versatile platform for the preparation of SA‐M catalysts for various applications by merely altering the metal precursors.
Graphene Blocks Oxidative Segregation of Iron Dissolved in Platinum: A Model Study
Authors: Miłosz Zygmunt , Wilgocka‐Ślęzak Dorota , Madej Ewa , Spiridis Nika , Jurga Stefan , Stobiecki Feliks , Lewandowski Mikołaj
Published: March 2021

Iron–platinum (Fe–Pt) compounds are well known for their interesting magnetic and electrocatalytic properties. However, iron segregation and iron oxides formation under oxidative conditions may influence the characteristics of Fe–Pt systems. Several approaches are used to protect the Fe–Pt compounds from oxidation, the most promising of which involves covering the material with a protective graphitic layer. By performing model‐type ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) studies, it is shown that a layer of epitaxial graphene (Gr) grown on a [111]‐oriented single‐crystal platinum substrate with thermally dissolved iron (Fe–Pt(111) surface alloy) effectively blocks iron segregation and iron oxides formation under oxidative conditions, while still allowing for the adsorption of oxygen atoms underneath the carbon layer. The oxidation is monitored in real time and at the micrometer scale using low energy electron microscopy (LEEM) and local diffraction (μLEED). Notably, a similar result is obtained for a poorly ordered Gr‐like carbon layer grown directly on a Fe–Pt(111) substrate. The findings are rationalized in terms of a locally lowered partial oxygen pressure and inhibited iron oxide growth in a confined space between the carbon layer and the metal support.
Highly Conductive Silicone Elastomers via Environment‐Friendly Swelling and In Situ Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles
Authors: Yang Yuanhang , Duan Shun , Zhao Hong
Published: March 2021

Flexible and stretchable conductors are crucial components for next‐generation flexible devices. Wrinkled structures often have been created on such conductors by depositing conductive materials on the pre‐stretched or organic solvent swollen samples. Herein, water swelling is first proposed to generate the wrinkled structures on silicone elastomers. By immersing silicone/sugar hybrid in water, a significant amount of swelling occurs as a result of osmosis and capillary interactions with the sugar and silicone matrix. Considering the drastic swelling effect and controllable swelling ratio, water swelling is used to replace the conventional pre‐stretching and organic solvent swelling to fabricate stretchable conductors. In situ growing of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) is carried out on the swollen silicone elastomers. Wrinkled conductive silicone elastomers are successfully constructed after removing the residual water. The conductive elastomer has a sheet resistance of less than 1 Ω sq‐1 at zero strain and also shows high sensitivity when subjected to external deformation up to 100% strain. The silicone/sugar composite also possesses good 3D printability with the desired shear‐thinning property. Human motion detection is demonstrated using the 3D printed sensors. This work provides a facile and environment‐friendly strategy to fabricate superior flexible and stretchable sensing devices.
Polarized Photoluminescence from Lead Halide Perovskites
Authors: Wang Min , Yang Zhengwei , Zhang Chuang
Published: March 2021

Solution‐processable lead halide perovskites possess excellent optical and electronic properties as one of the best candidates for optoelectronics. Especially, some of the perovskites show high quantum efficiency in photoluminescence, which enables their promising application in next‐generation light‐emitting materials and devices. More interestingly, the highly crystalline nature of perovskites as well as the intrinsic spin selectivity of exciton transitions introduces fascinating polarization properties into the light emission from lead halide perovskites. Herein are summarized the recent advances in the studies of polarized photoluminescence from lead halide perovskites in terms of both in‐depth understanding and potential application. The bright excitons in perovskite materials provide spin sublevels that give rise to radiative transitions carrying angular momentum, which is essential for the observation of polarized light emission. The polarization in photoluminescence can be amplified or modulated by introducing functional units such as chiral ligands in the chemical components of perovskites. Incorporating highly ordered microstructures into the perovskite materials is proved to be an effective way to further enhance the polarization properties at the macroscopic scale. The chemical and structural versatility of lead halide perovskites allows utililization of their characteristics of optical polarization in the construction of light sources, photodetectors, display devices, and so on.
Low‐Threshold Amplified Spontaneous Emission in Blue Quantum Dots Enabled by Effectively Suppressing Auger Recombination
Authors: Wang Sheng , Yu Jiahao , Ye Haiqiao , Chi Mingbo , Yang Heng , Wang Haihui , Cao Fan , Li Wenqiang , Kong Lingmei , Wang Lin , Chen Rui , Yang Xuyong
Published: March 2021

The amplified spontaneous emissions in blue quantum dots (QDs) are still constrained by their high thresholds due to the challenge in engineering alloyed core–shell interface in the QDs with a wide bandgap to suppress Auger recombination. Compared with their red and green counterparts, the larger reactivity difference between the alloyed shell precursors makes it hard to regulate the composition and structure of the shell, and the smaller potential barrier between the core and the alloyed shell in blue QDs renders charge carriers tunneling into surface defects easier. Here, we employ a Lewis soft base ligand, 1‐decanethiol, to balance the mismatched reactivity between Zn and Cd precursors for crafting a thick gradient alloyed shell with gradually increased potential barrier, which can not only restrict the charge carriers tunneling but also smooth the confinement potential. As a result, the resulting blue QDs show a long Auger lifetime of 1.3 ns, and a low threshold of 6.9 µJ cm−2 excited by a femtosecond laser, which is the record value among all reported blue‐emitting nanocrystals and comparable to those of state‐of‐the‐art red and green QDs.
Physiological and Pathological Factors Affecting Drug Delivery to the Brain by Nanoparticles
Authors: Islam Yamir , Leach Andrew G. , Smith Jayden , Pluchino Stefano , Coxon Christopher R. , Sivakumaran Muttuswamy , Downing James , Fatokun Amos A. , Teixidò Meritxell , Ehtezazi Touraj
Published: March 2021

The prevalence of neurological/neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease is known to be increasing due to an aging population and is anticipated to further grow in the decades ahead. The treatment of brain diseases is challenging partly due to the inaccessibility of therapeutic agents to the brain. An increasingly important observation is that the physiology of the brain alters during many brain diseases, and aging adds even more to the complexity of the disease. There is a notion that the permeability of the blood–brain barrier (BBB) increases with aging or disease, however, the body has a defense mechanism that still retains the separation of the brain from harmful chemicals in the blood. This makes drug delivery to the diseased brain, even more challenging and complex task. Here, the physiological changes to the diseased brain and aged brain are covered in the context of drug delivery to the brain using nanoparticles. Also, recent and novel approaches are discussed for the delivery of therapeutic agents to the diseased brain using nanoparticle based or magnetic resonance imaging guided systems. Furthermore, the complement activation, toxicity, and immunogenicity of brain targeting nanoparticles as well as novel in vitro BBB models are discussed.
Parallel and Intertwining Threads of Domestication in Allopolyploid Cotton
Authors: Yuan Daojun , Grover Corrinne E. , Hu Guanjing , Pan Mengqiao , Miller Emma R. , Conover Justin L. , Hunt Spencer P. , Udall Joshua A. , Wendel Jonathan F.
Published: March 2021

The two cultivated allopolyploid cottons, Gossypium hirsutum and Gossypium barbadense, represent a remarkable example of parallel independent domestication, both involving dramatic morphological transformations under selection from wild perennial plants to annualized row crops. Deep resequencing of 643 newly sampled accessions spanning the wild‐to‐domesticated continuum of both species, and their allopolyploid relatives, are combined with existing data to resolve species relationships and elucidate multiple aspects of their parallel domestication. It is confirmed that wild G. hirsutum and G. barbadense were initially domesticated in the Yucatan Peninsula and NW South America, respectively, and subsequently spread under domestication over 4000–8000 years to encompass most of the American tropics. A robust phylogenomic analysis of infraspecific relationships in each species is presented, quantify genetic diversity in both, and describe genetic bottlenecks associated with domestication and subsequent diffusion. As these species became sympatric over the last several millennia, pervasive genome‐wide bidirectional introgression occurred, often with striking asymmetries involving the two co‐resident genomes of these allopolyploids. Diversity scans revealed genomic regions and genes unknowingly targeted during domestication and additional subgenomic asymmetries. These analyses provide a comprehensive depiction of the origin, divergence, and adaptation of cotton, and serve as a rich resource for cotton improvement.
Pre‐Lithiation Strategies for Next‐Generation Practical Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Jin Liming , Shen Chao , Wu Qiang , Shellikeri Annadanesh , Zheng Junsheng , Zhang Cunman , Zheng Jim P.
Published: March 2021

Next‐generation Li‐ion batteries (LIBs) with higher energy density adopt some novel anode materials, which generally have the potential to exhibit higher capacity, superior rate performance as well as better cycling durability than conventional graphite anode, while on the other hand always suffer from larger active lithium loss (ALL) in the first several cycles. During the last two decades, various pre‐lithiation strategies are developed to mitigate the initial ALL by presetting the extra Li sources to effectively improve the first Coulombic efficiency and thus achieve higher energy density as well as better cyclability. In this progress report, the origin of the huge initial ALL of the anode and its effect on the performance of full cells are first illustrated in theory. Then, various pre‐lithiation strategies to resolve these issues are summarized, classified, and compared in detail. Moreover, the research progress of pre‐lithiation strategies for the representative electrochemical systems are carefully reviewed. Finally, the current challenges and future perspectives are particularly analyzed and outlooked. This progress report aims to bring up new insights to reassess the significance of pre‐lithiation strategies and offer a guideline for the research directions tailored for different applications based on the proposed pre‐lithiation strategies summaries and comparisons.
Improved Contact Resistance by a Single Atomic Layer Tunneling Effect in WS2/MoTe2 Heterostructures
Authors: Kim Jihoon , Venkatesan A. , Kim Hanul , Kim Yewon , Whang Dongmok , Kim Gil‐Ho
Published: March 2021

Manipulation of Ohmic contacts in 2D transition metal dichalcogenides for enhancing the transport properties and enabling its application as a practical device has been a long‐sought goal. In this study, n‐type tungsten disulfide (WS2) single atomic layer to improve the Ohmic contacts of the p‐type molybdenum ditelluride (MoTe2) material is covered. The Ohmic properties, based on the lowering of Schottky barrier height (SBH) owing to the tunneling barrier effect of the WS2 monolayer, are found to be unexpectedly excellent at room temperature and even at 100 K. The improved SBH and contact resistances are 3 meV and 1 MΩ µm, respectively. The reduction in SBH and contact resistance is confirmed with temperature‐dependent transport measurements. This study further demonstrates the selective carrier transport across the MoTe2 and WS2 layers by modulating the applied gate voltage. This WS2/MoTe2 heterostructure exhibits excellent gate control over the currents of both channels (n‐type and p‐type). The on/off ratios for both the electron and hole channels are calculated as 107 and 106, respectively, indicating good carrier type modulation by the electric field of the gate electrode. The Ohmic contact resistance using the tunneling of the atomic layer can be applied to heterojunction combinations of various materials.
Significant Reduction in Thermal Conductivity and Improved Thermopower of Electron‐Doped Ba1–xLaxTiO3 with Nanostructured Rectangular Pores
Authors: Ahmed Al Jumlat , Cortie David L. , Yun Frank Fei , Rahman Yasir , Nazrul Islam Sheik Md Kazi , Bake Abdulhakim , Konstantinov Konstantin , Hossain Md. Shahriar A. , Alowasheeir Azhar , Yamauchi Yusuke , Wang Xiaolin
Published: March 2021

Electron‐doped BaTiO3 is a less studied n‐type metal oxide thermoelectric material. In this work, the electrical conductivity of BaTiO3 samples has been improved by introducing La to yield an n‐type Ba1–xLaxTiO3 semiconducting material. Density functional theory calculations show that the optimal electron‐doping occurs at x = 0.2, and this is also confirmed experimentally. To improve the thermoelectric properties further, nanostructured cuboidal pores are introduced into the bulk Ba1–xLaxTiO3 using F127 surfactant micelles for a chemical templating process, followed by spark plasma sintering. Interestingly, transmission electron microscopy images and X‐ray powder diffraction analysis confirms that our fabricated samples are cubic BaTiO3 perovskite phase with the nanostructured rectangular‐prism pores of >4 nm. Scanning electron microscopy images show that all the samples have similar grain boundaries and uniform La doping, which suggests that the large reduction in the lattice thermal conductivity in the F127‐treated samples arises primarily from the pore distribution, which introduces anisotropic phonon scattering within the unique nanoarchitecture. The sample with 20 at% La doping and nanopores also shows a thermopower that is doubled compared to the related sample without porosity. Together with the lattice thermal conductivity, enables a significant improvement in figure of merit, zT compared to the other samples.
Multi‐State Magnetic Tunnel Junction Programmable by Nanosecond Spin‐Orbit Torque Pulse Sequence
Authors: Lourembam James , Huang Lisen , Chen Bingjin , Qiu Jinjun , Chung Hong Jing , Yap Sherry Lee Koon , Yap Qi Jia , Wong Seng Kai , Lim Sze Ter
Published: March 2021

Multi‐state spin‐orbit torque (SOT) switching, particularly in magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) geometry, is promising hardware for artificial intelligence due to its potential to form artificial neurons and to increase storage density per bit. Here, multi‐state switching is demonstrated in Pt/Co40Fe40B20/MgO‐based elliptical MTJ, fabricated on a 200 mm wafer platform, using nanosecond spin‐orbit torque pulses. Multi‐state switching is achieved using MTJs composed of a single ferromagnetic storage layer and without resorting to any domain‐wall pinning step. The genesis of the multi‐states, rather than the expected bistable states in MTJs, come from the formation and stabilization of metastable domains by the voltage pulse. The persistence and the probability of the mid‐states are investigated by two different spin‐orbit torque pulse sequences. Additionally, it is reported that size (>domain‐wall width), exchange constant (<20 × 10−12 J m‐1), current density amplitude (≈threshold values), and pulse sequence are important considerations for realizing multi‐state SOT MTJs. These industry‐grade MTJs can be leveraged to accelerate the development of spintronics‐based neuromorphic devices.
High Sensitivity Polyurethane‐Based Fiber Strain Sensor with Porous Structure via Incorporation of Bacterial Cellulose Nanofibers
Authors: Sheng Nan , Ji Peng , Zhang Minghao , Wu Zhuotong , Liang Qianqian , Chen Shiyan , Wang Huaping
Published: March 2021

With the rise of wearable devices, flexible sensors have received extensive attention and research due to their great potential in human health detection and joint motion. Here, a flexible fiber strain sensor is directly obtained by a common wet‐spinning method, which used thermoplastic polyurethane as the elastomer, carbon nanotubes, and graphene as conductive fillers by incorporating 2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidine‐1‐oxyl oxidized bacterial cellulose nanofibers (BCN) as the dispersant and binding agent. The introduction of BCN can effectively improve the interaction between the polymer matrix and the conductive fillers, and bear a part of the tensile stress and the supporting force during the fiber formation, to form the porous structure, which can efficiently carry and transfer the tensile force. Under the synergistic effect of various components, the fiber strain sensor with wide response range (230%), high gauge factor values of 17.8 (0−70%), 326.6 (70−150%), and 1501.0 (150−230%), fast response time, and recovery time (≈100 ms), and long‐term cyclic stability (>10 000 cycles) are prepared. In the fiber sensor, the ideal combination of excellent strain sensing performance and flexible wearable characteristics has been realized which will be of great significance in the field of weaving, lightweight, and foldable electronic devices.
Formation of High‐Performance Multi‐Cation Halide Perovskites Photovoltaics by δ‐CsPbI3/δ‐RbPbI3 Seed‐Assisted Heterogeneous Nucleation
Authors: Alharbi Essa A. , Baumeler Thomas P. , Krishna Anurag , Alyamani Ahmed Y. , Eickemeyer Felix T. , Ouellette Olivier , Pan Linfeng , Alghamdi Fahad S. , Wang Zaiwei , Alotaibi Mohammad Hayal , Yang Bowen , Almalki Masaud , Mensi Mounir D. , Albrithen Hamad , Albadri Abdulrahman , Hagfeldt Anders , Zakeeruddin Shaik M. , Grätzel Michael
Published: March 2021

The performance of perovskite solar cells is highly dependent on the fabrication method; thus, controlling the growth mechanism of perovskite crystals is a promising way towards increasing their efficiency and stability. Herein, a multi‐cation halide composition of perovskite solar cells is engineered via the two‐step sequential deposition method. Strikingly, it is found that adding mixtures of 1D polymorphs of orthorhombic δ‐RbPbI3 and δ‐CsPbI3 to the PbI2 precursor solution induces the formation of porous mesostructured hexagonal films. This porosity greatly facilitates the heterogeneous nucleation and the penetration of FA (formamidinium)/MA (methylammonium) cations within the PbI2 film. Thus, the subsequent conversion of PbI2 into the desired multication cubic α‐structure by exposing it to a solution of formamidinium methylammonium halides is greatly enhanced. During the conversion step, the δ‐CsPbI3 also is fully integrated into the 3D mixed cation perovskite lattice, which exhibits high crystallinity and superior optoelectronic properties. The champion device shows a power conversion efficiency (PCE) over 22%. Furthermore, these devices exhibit enhanced operational stability, with the best device retaining more than 90% of its initial value of PCE under 1 Sun illumination with maximum power point tracking for 400 h.
Plasmon‐Enhanced Charge Separation and Surface Reactions Based on Ag‐Loaded Transition‐Metal Hydroxide for Photoelectrochemical Water Oxidation
Authors: Ning Xingming , Yin Dan , Fan Yiping , Zhang Qi , Du Peiyao , Zhang Dongxu , Chen Jing , Lu Xiaoquan
Published: March 2021

Coating photoanodes with transition‐metal hydroxides (TMH) is a promising approach for improving photoelectrochemical (PEC) water oxidation. However, the present system still suffers from high charge recombination and sluggish surface reactions. Herein, effective charge separation is achieved at the same time as boosting the surface catalytic reaction for PEC water splitting through decoration of plasmon metal (Ag) in a semiconductor/TMH coupling system. The kinetic behavior at the semiconductor/TMH and TMH/electrolyte interfaces is systematically evaluated by employing intensity modulated photocurrent spectroscopy, scanning photoelectrochemical microscopy, and oxygen evolution reaction model. It is found that both charge transfer and surface catalysis dynamics are enhanced through local surface plasmon resonance of Ag nanoparticles. The as‐prepared BiVO4/Co(OH)x‐Ag exhibits remarkable activity (≈4.64 times) in PEC water splitting in comparison with pure BiVO4. Notably, this smart approach can be also applied to other TMH (Ni(OH)2), reflecting its universality. This work provides a guiding design method for solar energy conversion with the semiconductor‐TMH system.
A nationwide survey of emergency medicine resident workflow efficiency: Are training programs teaching residents to be efficient?
Authors: Carmelli Guy , Watson Erin E. , Villarroel Nadia A. , Dixon William W. , Clarke Samuel O.
Published: March 2021

Background

Workflow efficiency (WFE) is essential to the practice of emergency medicine (EM), but a standardized approach to measuring and teaching it during residency is lacking. In this study we sought to describe how EM residency programs in the United States currently measure and teach WFE and to assess the relative importance of WFE teaching to EM residency program leaders.

Methods

We conducted a cross‐sectional survey of all accredited EM residency training programs in the United States in Fall 2019. We invited all allopathic EM residency programs to participate in the study by directly emailing program directors and assistant/associate program directors. We conducted the study and performed descriptive statistics using SurveyMonkey software.

Results

We received a total of 133 responses out of 190 total programs (70%) with proportionate representation from 3‐ and 4‐year programs and all regions of the United States. When asked to what extent teaching efficiency should be a priority compared to other educational goals, 65% of program leaders responded with “significant” or “moderate” priority. Most EM programs collect WFE data on their residents, either by tracking patients per hour (78%) or by written evaluations (59%). Common methods for providing WFE data to residents were: “individual data provided along with deidentified rank” (35%), “data provided only during private feedback meetings” (26%), and “no data or rank provided to residents” (16%). Regarding targeted WFE teaching to residents, 88% reported utilizing general on‐shift teaching, 48% reported teaching WFE during formal didactics, and 45% during dedicated private feedback sessions.

Conclusion

This national study of allopathic U.S. EM programs suggests that most EM program leaders do value WFE teaching. However, we found no consistent approach among programs for tracking or distributing resident WFE data, and many programs lack a formalized way to teach efficiency to their residents.
A novel microduplication in INPP5A segregates with schizophrenia spectrum disorder in the family of a patient with both childhood onset schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Fernandez Arnaud , Drozd Małgorzata , Thümmler Susanne , Bardoni Barbara , Askenazy Florence , Capovilla Maria
Published: March 2021

Childhood‐Onset Schizophrenia (COS) is a very rare and severe psychiatric disorder defined by adult schizophrenia symptoms occurring before the age of 13. We report a microduplication in the 10q26.3 region including part of the Inositol Polyphosphate‐5‐Phosphatase A (INPP5A) gene that segregates with Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders (SSDs) in the family of a female patient affected by both COS and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Phenotyping and genotyping (including CGH‐array) were performed for mother, healthy sister, and affected child according to the GenAuDiss protocol (NCT02565524). The duplication size is 324 kb and is present in a patient with COS and in her mother with SSD, but not in the patient's healthy sister. INPP5A encodes a membrane‐associated 43 kDa type I inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate (InsP3) 5‐phosphatase. This protein is found both in mouse and human brains and we found that its Drosophila homologue 5PtaseI is specifically expressed in the central nervous system. Hydrolyzed products from InsP3 5‐phosphatases mobilize intracellular calcium, which is relevant for dendritic spine morphogenesis in neurons and altered in both schizophrenia and ASD. These may constitute arguments in favor of this gene alteration in the pathophysiology of COS.
Genetic and metabolic investigations for individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders: A survey of Canadian geneticists' practices
Authors: Carter Melissa T. , Cloutier Mireille , Tsampalieros Anne , Webster Richard
Published: March 2021

Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) are genetically heterogeneous. There are many possible etiological investigations for NDDs, and a lack of clear and current guidelines for such testing. Here we characterize the practices of genetic and metabolic physicians in Canada as it pertains to etiological investigation of patients with NDDs, by means of an online questionnaire. The survey response rate was 30% (n = 46). The most commonly ordered first‐line tests for patients with non‐syndromic NDDs are chromosomal microarray (98%) and Fragile X testing (85%). The most commonly ordered second‐line test for non‐syndromic NDDs is a multi‐gene panel (78%) or exome sequencing (29%). Biochemical screening is ordered as a first line test by 33% of respondents, second line by 31%, and rarely or never by 36% of respondents. Those respondents with metabolics fellowship training were more likely to order biochemical screening than those without. The number of years of clinical experience generally did not affect the types of tests ordered. For patients with NDDs, test‐ordering practice among Canadian clinical geneticists is highly variable, in particular with respect to biochemical screening and use of next‐generation sequencing technologies. Evidence‐based guidelines should be developed to facilitate best practices in Canada.