bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Injectable Biomedical Devices for Sensing and Stimulating Internal Body Organs
Authors: Jung Yei Hwan , Kim Jong Uk , Lee Ju Seung , Shin Joo Hwan , Jung Woojin , Ok Jehyung , Kim Tae‐il
Published: February 2020

The rapid pace of progress in implantable electronics driven by novel technology has created devices with unconventional designs and features to reduce invasiveness and establish new sensing and stimulating techniques. Among the designs, injectable forms of biomedical electronics are explored for accurate and safe targeting of deep‐seated body organs. Here, the classes of biomedical electronics and tools that have high aspect ratio structures designed to be injected or inserted into internal organs for minimally invasive monitoring and therapy are reviewed. Compared with devices in bulky or planar formats, the long shaft‐like forms of implantable devices are easily placed in the organs with minimized outward protrusions via injection or insertion processes. Adding flexibility to the devices also enables effortless insertions through complex biological cavities, such as the cochlea, and enhances chronic reliability by complying with natural body movements, such as the heartbeat. Diverse types of such injectable implants developed for different organs are reviewed and the electronic, optoelectronic, piezoelectric, and microfluidic devices that enable stimulations and measurements of site‐specific regions in the body are discussed. Noninvasive penetration strategies to deliver the miniscule devices are also considered. Finally, the challenges and future directions associated with deep body biomedical electronics are explained.
An Integrated Flexible All‐Nanowire Infrared Sensing System with Record Photosensitivity
Authors: Ran Wenhao , Wang Lili , Zhao Shufang , Wang Depeng , Yin Ruiyang , Lou Zheng , Shen Guozhen
Published: February 2020

Infrared (IR) photodetectors are a key optoelectronic device and have thus attracted considerable research attention in recent years. Photosensitivity is an increasingly important device performance parameter for nanoscale photodetectors and image sensors, as it determines the ultimate imaging quality and contrast. However, photosensitivities of state‐of‐the‐art low‐dimensional nanostructure‐based IR detectors are considerably low, limiting their practical applications. Herein, a biomimetic IR detection amplification (IRDA) system that boosts photosensitivity by several orders of magnitude by introducting nanowire field effect transistors (FETs), resulting in a peak photosensitivity of 7.6 × 104 under an illumination of 1342 nm, is presented. Consequently, high‐contrast imaging of IR light is obtained on the flexible IRDA arrays. The image information can be then trained and recognized by an artificial neural network for higher image‐recognition efficiency. This work provides a new perspective for developing high‐performance IR imaging systems, and is expected to undoubtedly enlighten future work on artificial intelligence and biorobotic systems.
Realizing Ultrahigh Mechanical Flexibility and >15% Efficiency of Flexible Organic Solar Cells via a “Welding” Flexible Transparent Electrode
Authors: Chen Xiaobin , Xu Guiying , Zeng Guang , Gu Hongwei , Chen Haiyang , Xu Haitao , Yao Huifeng , Li Yaowen , Hou Jianhui , Li Yongfang
Published: February 2020

The power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of flexible organic solar cells (OSCs) still lag behind those of rigid devices and their mechanical stability is unable to meet the needs of flexible electronics at present due to the lack of a high‐performance flexible transparent electrode (FTE). Here, a so‐called “welding” concept is proposed to design an FTE with tight binding of the upper electrode and the underlying substrate. The upper electrode consisting of solution‐processed Al‐doped ZnO (AZO) and silver nanowire (AgNW) network is well welded by utilizing the capillary force effect and secondary growth of AZO, leading to a reduction of the AgNWs junction site resistance. Meanwhile, the poly(ethylene terephthalate) is modified by embedding the AgNWs, which are then used to link with the AgNWs in the upper hybrid electrode, thus enhancing the adhesion of the electrode to the substrate. By this welding strategy, critical bottleneck issues relating to the FTEs in terms of optoelectronic and mechanical properties are comprehensively addressed. The single‐junction flexible OSCs based on this welded FTE show a high performance, achieving a record high PCE of 15.21%. In addition, the PCEs of the flexible OSCs are less influenced by the device area and display robust bending durability even under extreme test conditions.
A Wearable Toxic Gas‐Monitoring Device Based on Triboelectric Nanogenerator for Self‐Powered Aniline Early Warning
Authors: Chang Junyu , Meng Hu , Li Chunsheng , Gao Jianmei , Chen Shuqin , Hu Qi , Li Hui , Feng Liang
Published: February 2020

With the increasingly serious air pollution and rapid progress in nanotechnology, portable and wearable sensing devices are becoming indispensable to people's lives. The triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) captures wide attention due to its safe, highly efficient, and environmentally friendly way to drive portable electronics. In this work, by adjusting the doping ratio and optimizing the annealing temperature, a new kind of low‐resistant rGO–In2O3 semiconductor composite is synthesized and innovatively used as TENG electrode. The as‐fabricated rGO‐In2O3‐TENG is used as a monitoring unit and exhibits advantages of excellent linear sensibility (200–1200 ppm), good response (∆I/Ia = 0.26, 600 ppm), and outstanding selectivity toward aniline toxic gas. More importantly, compared with the common room‐temperature semiconductor gas sensor, the self‐powered rGO‐In2O3‐TENG monitoring unit is endowed with much shorter response/recovery time. By combining rGO‐In2O3‐TENG monitoring unit, conversion circuit, and visualization warning lights, a visual wearable aniline early‐warning device is fabricated. The present results provide a novel idea for developing a new type of aniline sensor with self‐powered property of low cost and portability, and may also be extended to the design of other toxic gases‐monitoring system.
Novel Plasmonic Nanocavities for Optical Trapping‐Assisted Biosensing Applications
Authors: Koya Alemayehu Nana , Cunha Joao , Guo Tian‐Long , Toma Andrea , Garoli Denis , Wang Tao , Juodkazis Saulius , Cojoc Dan , Proietti Zaccaria Remo
Published: February 2020

Plasmonic nanocavities have proved to confine electromagnetic fields into deep subwavelength volumes, implying their potentials for enhanced optical trapping and sensing of nanoparticles. In this review, the fundamentals and performances of various plasmonic nanocavity geometries are explored with specific emphasis on trapping and detection of small molecules and single nanoparticles. These applications capitalize on the local field intensity, which in turn depends on the size of plasmonic nanocavities. Indeed, properly designed structures provide significant local field intensity and deep trapping potential, leading to manipulation of nano‐objects with low laser power. The relationship between optical trapping‐induced resonance shift and potential energy of plasmonic nanocavity can be analytically expressed in terms of the intercavity field intensity. Within this framework, recent experimental works on trapping and sensing of single nanoparticles and small molecules with plasmonic nanotweezers are discussed. Furthermore, significant consideration is given to conjugation of optical tweezers with Raman spectroscopy, with the aim of developing innovative biosensors. These devices, which take the advantages of plasmonic nanocavities, will be capable of trapping and detecting nanoparticles at the single molecule level.
A Thermochromic Hydrogel for Camouflage and Soft Display
Authors: Wu Tonghao , Yin Tenghao , Hu Xiaocheng , Nian Guodong , Qu Shaoxing , Yang Wei
Published: February 2020

Recently, hydrogels with coloration have attracted researchers from various fields, such as camouflage, anti‐counterfeiting, and soft display. However, existing thermochromic hydrogels are limited by their weak color display performance and insufficient sensitivity. Here proposed is a new kind of thermochromic hydrogel which possesses bright colors, fast response time, and reliable results across a long lifespan. This hydrogel is prepared by embedding temperature‐responsive microcapsules containing three components: color developing agent, leuco agent, and solvent. The critical temperature for color changing of the microcapsule is determined by the phase transfer temperature of the solvent. The macroscopic coloration and discoloration of this hydrogel are fast. Soft display and camouflage are proposed for the practical applications in which the thermochromic hydrogel acts as the chameleon phase and the electrothermal filaments as the driving phase. The thermochromic hydrogel can be readily integrated into heat‐sensing devices and smart clothes.
In Vivo Assembly of Nanoparticles Achieved through Synergy of Structure‐Based Protein Engineering and Synthetic DNA Generates Enhanced Adaptive Immunity
Authors: Xu Ziyang , Wise Megan C. , Chokkalingam Neethu , Walker Susanne , Tello‐Ruiz Edgar , Elliott Sarah T. C. , Perales‐Puchalt Alfredo , Xiao Peng , Zhu Xizhou , Pumroy Ruth A. , Fisher Paul D. , Schultheis Katherine , Schade Eric , Menis Sergey , Guzman Stacy , Andersen Hanne , Broderick Kate E. , Humeau Laurent M. , Muthumani Kar , Moiseenkova‐Bell Vera , Schief William R. , Weiner David B. , Kulp Daniel W.
Published: February 2020

Nanotechnologies are considered to be of growing importance to the vaccine field. Through decoration of immunogens on multivalent nanoparticles, designed nanovaccines can elicit improved humoral immunity. However, significant practical and monetary challenges in large‐scale production of nanovaccines have impeded their widespread clinical translation. Here, an alternative approach is illustrated integrating computational protein modeling and adaptive electroporation‐mediated synthetic DNA delivery, thus enabling direct in vivo production of nanovaccines. DNA‐launched nanoparticles are demonstrated displaying an HIV immunogen spontaneously self‐assembled in vivo. DNA‐launched nanovaccines induce stronger humoral responses than their monomeric counterparts in both mice and guinea pigs, and uniquely elicit CD8+ effector T‐cell immunity as compared to recombinant protein nanovaccines. Improvements in vaccine responses recapitulate when DNA‐launched nanovaccines with alternative scaffolds and decorated antigen are designed and evaluated. Finally, evaluation of functional immune responses induced by DLnanovaccines demonstrates that, in comparison to control mice or mice immunized with DNA‐encoded hemagglutinin monomer, mice immunized with a DNA‐launched hemagglutinin nanoparticle vaccine fully survive a lethal influenza challenge, and have substantially lower viral load, weight loss, and influenza‐induced lung pathology. Additional study of these next‐generation in vivo‐produced nanovaccines may offer advantages for immunization against multiple disease targets.
Reduced Graphene Oxide–Based Spectrally Selective Absorber with an Extremely Low Thermal Emittance and High Solar Absorptance
Authors: Liao Qihua , Zhang Panpan , Yao Houze , Cheng Huhu , Li Chun , Qu Liangti
Published: February 2020

Carbon‐based black materials exhibit strong solar absorptance (αsolar>0.90), which play key roles in transforming solar energy into available power for solar‐thermal, thermophotovoltaic, thermoelectric, and many other systems. However, because of high thermal emittance (>95%), these carbon‐based materials always cause huge energy loss that hinders the solar‐thermal conversion efficiency tremendously. In this study, a reduced graphene oxide–based spectrally selective absorber (rGO‐SSA) is demonstrated, which possesses a recorded low thermal emittance (≈4%) and high solar absorptance (αsolar≈ 0.92) by easily regulating the reduction level of inner 2D graphene sheets. Compared to conventional carbon‐based black materials, thermal emittance of this rGO‐SSA is largely reduced by ≈95.8% and the cutoff wavelength of rGO‐SSA is broadband‐tunable that can range from 1.1 to 3.2 µm. More importantly, this simply sol‐gel coated rGO‐SSA has high temperature tolerance at 800 °C for 96 h that is hardly achieved by other cermet‐based or photonic‐based SSAs. Based on this rGO‐SSA, ultrafast solar steam escape (0.94 mg cm−2s−1) under concentrated solar irradiance is achieved directly. The insight from this study will provide a new strategy for constructing thermally stable carbon‐based SSAs and greatly facilitate the solar‐thermal practical significance.
Inhibitors of Calcium Oxalate Crystallization for the Treatment of Oxalate Nephropathies
Authors: Kletzmayr Anna , Mulay Shrikant R. , Motrapu Manga , Luo Zhi , Anders Hans‐Joachim , Ivarsson Mattias E. , Leroux Jean‐Christophe
Published: February 2020

Calcium oxalate (CaOx) crystal‐induced nephropathies comprise a range of kidney disorders, for which there are no efficient pharmacological treatments. Although CaOx crystallization inhibitors have been suggested as a therapeutic modality already decades ago, limited progress has been made in the discovery of potent molecules with efficacy in animal disease models. Herein, an image‐based machine learning approach to systematically screen chemically modified myo‐inositol hexakisphosphate (IP6) analogues is utilized, which enables the identification of a highly active divalent inositol phosphate molecule. To date, this is the first molecule shown to completely inhibit the crystallization process in the nanomolar range, reduce crystal–cell interactions, thereby preventing CaOx‐induced transcriptomic changes, and decrease renal CaOx deposition and kidney injury in a mouse model of hyperoxaluria. In conclusion, IP6 analogues based on such a scaffold may represent a new treatment option for CaOx nephropathies.
Advanced Near‐Infrared Light for Monitoring and Modulating the Spatiotemporal Dynamics of Cell Functions in Living Systems
Authors: Chen Guangcun , Cao Yuheng , Tang Yanxing , Yang Xue , Liu Yongyang , Huang Dehua , Zhang Yejun , Li Chunyan , Wang Qiangbin
Published: February 2020

Light‐based technique, including optical imaging and photoregulation, has become one of the most important tools for both fundamental research and clinical practice, such as cell signal sensing, cancer diagnosis, tissue engineering, drug delivery, visual regulation, neuromodulation, and disease treatment. In particular, low energy near‐infrared (NIR, 700–1700 nm) light possesses lower phototoxicity and higher tissue penetration depth in living systems as compared with ultraviolet/visible light, making it a promising tool for in vivo applications. Currently, the NIR light‐based imaging and photoregulation strategies have offered a possibility to real‐time sense and/or modulate specific cellular events in deep tissues with subcellular accuracy. Herein, the recent progress with respect to NIR light for monitoring and modulating the spatiotemporal dynamics of cell functions in living systems are summarized. In particular, the applications of NIR light‐based techniques in cancer theranostics, regenerative medicine, and neuroscience research are systematically introduced and discussed. In addition, the challenges and prospects for NIR light‐based cell sensing and regulating techniques are comprehensively discussed.
Incidence, risk factors, and outcomes of endoscopic sinus surgery after endoscopic skull‐base surgery
Authors: Shah Ravi R. , Maina Ivy W. , Patel Neil N. , Triantafillou Vasiliki , Workman Alan D. , Kuan Edward C. , Tong Charles C.L. , Kohanski Michael A. , O'Malley Bert W. , Adappa Nithin D. , Palmer James N.
Published: February 2020

Background

Patients undergoing endoscopic resection of neoplasms with both sinonasal and skull base involvement can develop chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) after treatment and may occasionally benefit from additional endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). We investigate risk factors and outcomes associated with revision ESS (rESS) after endoscopic skull‐base surgery (SBS) for neoplasms with combined sinonasal and skull base involvement.

Methods

A retrospective review of patients with neoplasms with both sinonasal and skull base involvement who underwent endoscopic resection at a single tertiary care academic institution from 2004 through 2017 was performed. Eighty‐three patients were included. Main outcome measures included incidence and timing of revision surgery, Lund‐Mackay (LM) scores, and 22‐item Sino‐Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT‐22) scores.

Results

rESS was performed in 21 (25%) cases, 15 (18%) of which were due to CRS. Time between initial resection and rESS was an average of 42 months (range, 6 to 142 months). Pre‐SBS and post‐SBS LM scores were not significantly different (5.0 vs 4.7, p = 0.640), although pre‐SBS and post‐SBS SNOT‐22 scores showed significant improvement (32.6 vs 24.5, p = 0.030). Malignant pathology correlated with need for rESS (odds ratio [OR] 5.07, p = 0.04), as well as treatment including chemotherapy (OR 5.10, p = 0.003) and radiation (OR 4.15, p = 0.013).

Conclusion

A significant proportion of patients develop clinically significant sinusitis after endoscopic SBS for neoplasms with combined sinonasal and skull base involvement and may benefit from rESS. Intervention occurred, on average, 3.5 years after initial tumor resection. Malignant pathology, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy correlate with need for rESS.
A novel device combining acoustic vibration with oscillating expiratory pressure for the treatment of nasal congestion
Authors: Soler Zachary M. , Nguyen Shaun A. , Salvador Craig , Lackland Thomas , Desiato Vincent M. , Storck Kristina , Schlosser Rodney J.
Published: February 2020

Background

Chronic nasal congestion affects 20% of the population with significant impact on quality of life. This study investigated the simultaneous administration of nasal acoustic vibration and oscillating expiratory pressure for the treatment of nasal congestion.

Methods

Patients with chronic nasal congestion but without fixed anatomic obstruction participated in a prospective clinical study applying simultaneous acoustic vibrations and positive expiratory pressure to the nasal cavity twice daily over 5 weeks. Safety was assessed by rhinoscopy and patient questionnaires. Efficacy was assessed using peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF), visual analogue scale (VAS) of nasal symptoms, Total Nasal Symptom Score (TNSS), Nasal Obstruction and Septoplasty Effectiveness (NOSE) score, and the 22‐item Sino‐Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT‐22).

Results

Forty patients (mean age 39 years, 65% female) completed the study with no adverse effects. At the 2 week follow‐up, PNIF improved by 25.0 L/min (31% increase from baseline, p < 0.001). At the 5 week follow‐up, nasal congestion VAS improved from mean ± SD of 5.8 ± 2.4 to 2.6 ± 2.3, TNSS improved from 7.2 ± 3.5 to 3.5 ± 3.1, NOSE improved from 50.4 ± 19.9 to 23.3 ± 17.2, and SNOT‐22 improved from 31.7 ± 20.3 to 14.2 ± 12.7, all p < 0.001. Eighty percent of patients would use the device again and 87.5% would recommend to others.

Conclusion

Simultaneous administration of acoustic vibration and oscillating expiratory pressure appears to be a safe treatment for chronic nasal congestion. Results from this initial study are promising with regard to efficacy but will require further study.
Ligand Crosslinking Boosts Thermal Transport in Colloidal Nanocrystal Solids
Authors: Wang Zhongyong , Singaravelu Arun Sundar S. , Dai Rui , Nian Qiong , Chawla Nikhilesh , Wang Robert Y.
Published: February 2020

The ongoing interest in colloidal nanocrystal solids for electronic and photonic devices necessitates that their thermal‐transport properties be well understood because heat dissipation frequently limits performance in these devices. Unfortunately, colloidal nanocrystal solids generally possess very low thermal conductivities. This very low thermal conductivity primarily results from the weak van der Waals interaction between the ligands of adjacent nanocrystals. We overcome this thermal‐transport bottleneck by crosslinking the ligands to exchange a weak van der Waals interaction with a strong covalent bond. We obtain thermal conductivities of up to 1.7 Wm−1 K−1 that exceed prior reported values by a factor of 4. This improvement is significant because the entire range of prior reported values themselves only span a factor of 4 (i.e., 0.1–0.4 Wm−1 K−1). We complement our thermal‐conductivity measurements with mechanical nanoindentation measurements that demonstrate ligand crosslinking increases Young's modulus and sound velocity. This increase in sound velocity is a key bridge between mechanical and thermal properties because sound velocity and thermal conductivity are linearly proportional according to kinetic theory. Control experiments with non‐crosslinkable ligands, as well as transport modeling, further confirm that ligand crosslinking boosts thermal transport.
Preferred orientation of chopped fibers in polymer‐based composites processed by selective laser sintering and fused deposition modeling: Effects on mechanical properties
Authors: Badini Claudio , Padovano Elisa , De Camillis Rosario , Lambertini Vito Guido , Pietroluongo Mario
Published: February 2020

The orientation of reinforcing fibers in polymer‐based composites greatly affects their mechanical features. It is known that different orientations of continuous fibers in the stacked layers of a laminate play a crucial role in providing an isotropic mechanical behavior, while the alignment of chopped fibers in injection molding of composites results in a degree of anisotropy. Recent additive manufacturing techniques have offered a way of controlling the fiber orientation. This article aims to investigate the effect of fiber orientation on the mechanical properties of polyamide/carbon fiber composites processed by fused deposition modeling and selective laser sintering. Tensile samples which had different fibers and layer interface with respect to the sample axis (and therefore to the tensile load) were produced. Tensile tests were performed at different strain rates; the tensile properties and the fracture surface morphology were correlated with the processing method and the sample microstructure. The best strength and stiffness were observed when the fibers and the layer interfaces were parallel to the sample axis.
Cauliflower‐like poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythipohene)/nanocrystalline cellulose/manganese oxide ternary nanocomposite for supercapacitor
Authors: Ravit Radha , Azman Nur Hawa Nabilah , Kulandaivalu Shalini , Abdullah Jaafar , Ahmad Ishak , Sulaiman Yusran
Published: February 2020

A cauliflower‐like ternary nanocomposite of poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythipohene)/nanocrystalline cellulose/manganese oxide (PEDOT/NCC/MnO2) was synthesized using one‐step electropolymerization technique. The effect of manganese (Mn) concentration on the supercapacitive performance was investigated. The structural and morphology studies were conducted using field emission scanning electron microscope, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and X‐ray diffraction. The morphology of ternary nanocomposite at an optimized concentration of Mn resembles the cauliflower‐like structure. The two‐electrode electrochemical analysis of a ternary nanocomposite PEDOT/NCC/MnO2 exhibited a higher specific capacitance of 144.69 F/g at 25 mV/s in 1.0 M potassium chloride compared to PEDOT/NCC(63.57 F/g). PEDOT/NCC/MnO2 ternary nanocomposite was able to deliver a specific power of 494.9 W/kg and 10.3 Wh/kg of specific energy at 1 A g−1 and retained 83% of initial capacitance after 2,000 cycles. These promising results from the incorporation of Mn displayed great prospective in developing PEDOT/NCC/MnO2 as an electrode material for supercapacitor.
Association of Structural Entheseal Lesions With an Increased Risk of Progression From Psoriasis to Psoriatic Arthritis
Authors: Simon David , Tascilar Koray , Kleyer Arnd , Bayat Sara , Kampylafka Eleni , Sokolova Maria V. , Zekovic Ana , Hueber Axel J. , Rech Jürgen , Schuster Louis , Engel Klaus , Sticherling Michael , Schett Georg
Published: February 2020

Objective

To test whether the presence of structural entheseal lesions in psoriasis patients influences the risk of progression to psoriatic arthritis (PsA).

Methods

We conducted a prospective cohort study of psoriasis patients without clinical evidence of musculoskeletal involvement who underwent baseline assessment of structural entheseal lesions and volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD) at entheseal and intraarticular sites by high‐resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography. Adjusted relative risks of developing PsA associated with baseline vBMD and the presence of structural entheseal lesions were calculated using multivariable Cox regression models.

Results

The cohort included 114 psoriasis patients (72 men and 42 women) with a mean ± SD follow‐up duration of 28.2 ± 17.7 months, during which 24 patients developed PsA (9.7 per 100 patient‐years [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 6.2–14.5]). Patients with structural entheseal lesions were at higher risk of developing PsA compared to patients without such lesions (21.4 per 100 patient‐years [95% CI 12.5–34.3]; hazard ratio [HR] 5.10 [95% CI 1.53–16.99],P = 0.008). With respect to vBMD, a 1‐SD increase in entheseal, but not intraarticular, vBMD was associated with an ~30% reduced risk of progression to PsA. Especially, higher cortical vBMD at entheseal segments was associated with a lower risk of developing PsA (HR 0.32 per 1 SD [95% CI 0.14–0.71]), and the association remained robust after multiple imputation of missing data (HR 0.64 [95% CI 0.42–0.98]).

Conclusion

The presence of structural entheseal lesions as well as low cortical vBMD at entheseal segments are associated with an increased risk of developing PsA in patients with psoriasis.
Physician Prescribing Patterns and Risk of Future Long‐Term Opioid Use Among Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Prospective Observational Cohort Study
Authors: Lee Yvonne C. , Lu Bing , Guan Hongshu , Greenberg Jeffrey D. , Kremer Joel , Solomon Daniel H.
Published: February 2020

Objective

To identify the extent to which opioid prescribing rates for patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) vary in the US and to determine the implications of baseline opioid prescribing rates on the probability of future long‐term opioid use.

Methods

We identified patients with RA from physicians who contributed ≥10 patients within the first 12 months of participation in the Corrona RA Registry. The baseline opioid prescribing rate was calculated by dividing the number of patients with RA reporting opioid use during the first 12 months by the number of patients with RA providing data that year. To estimate odds ratios (ORs) for long‐term opioid use, we used generalized linear mixed models.

Results

During the follow‐up period, long‐term opioid use was reported by 7.0% (163 of 2,322) of patients of physicians with a very low rate of opioid prescribing (referent) compared to 6.8% (153 of 2,254) of patients of physicians with a low prescribing rate, 12.5% (294 of 2,352) of patients of physicians with a moderate prescribing rate, and 12.7% (307 of 2,409) of patients of physicians with a high prescribing rate. The OR for long‐term opioid use after the baseline period was 1.16 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.79–1.70) for patients of low‐intensity prescribing physicians, 1.89 (95% CI 1.27–2.82) for patients of moderate‐intensity prescribing physicians, and 2.01 (95% CI 1.43–2.83) for patients of high‐intensity prescribing physicians, compared to very low‐intensity prescribing physicians.

Conclusion

Rates of opioid prescriptions vary widely. Our findings indicate that baseline opioid prescribing rates are a strong predictor of whether a patient will become a long‐term opioid user in the future, after controlling for patient characteristics.
Electrochemistry in Carbon‐based Quantum Dots
Authors: Ding Xiaoteng , Niu Yusheng , Zhang Gong , Xu Yuanhong , Li Jinghong
Published: February 2020

Electrochemistry belongs to an important branch of chemistry that deals with the chemical changes produced by electricity and the production of electricity by chemical changes. Therefore, it can not only act a powerful tool for materials synthesis, but also offer an effective platform for sensing and catalysis. As extraordinary zero‐dimensional materials, carbon‐based quantum dots (CQDs) have been attracting tremendous attention due to their excellent properties such as good chemical stability, environmental friendliness, nontoxicity and abundant resources. Compared with the traditional methods for the preparation of CQDs, electrochemical (EC) methods offer advantages of simple instrumentation, mild reaction conditions, low cost and mass production. In return, CQDs could provide cost‐effective, environmentally friendly, biocompatible, stable and easily‐functionalizable probes, modifiers and catalysts for EC sensing. However, no specific review has been presented to systematically summarize both aspects until now. In this review, the EC preparation methods of CQDs are critically discussed focusing on CQDs. We further emphasize the applications of CQDs in EC sensors, electrocatalysis, biofuel cells and EC flexible devices. This review will further the experimental and theoretical understanding of the challenges and future prospective in this field, open new directions on exploring new advanced CQDs in EC to meet the high demands in diverse applications.
Cloud model inversions of strong chromospheric absorption lines using principal component analysis
Authors: Dineva Ekaterina , Verma Meetu , González Manrique Sergio J. , Schwartz Pavol , Denker Carsten
Published: February 2020

High‐resolution spectroscopy of strong chromospheric absorption lines delivers nowadays several millions of spectra per observing day, when using fast scanning devices to cover large regions on the solar surface. Therefore, fast and robust inversion schemes are needed to explore the large data volume. Cloud model (CM) inversions of the chromospheric Hα line are commonly employed to investigate various solar features including filaments, prominences, surges, jets, mottles, and (macro‐) spicules. The choice of the CM was governed by its intuitive description of complex chromospheric structures as clouds suspended above the solar surface by magnetic fields. This study is based on observations of active region NOAA 11126 in Hα, which were obtained November 18–23, 2010 with the echelle spectrograph of the vacuum tower telescope at the Observatorio del Teide, Spain. Principal component analysis reduces the dimensionality of spectra and conditions noise‐stripped spectra for CM inversions. Modeled Hα intensity and contrast profiles as well as CM parameters are collected in a database, which facilitates efficient processing of the observed spectra. Physical maps are computed representing the line‐core and continuum intensity, absolute contrast, equivalent width, and Doppler velocities, among others. Noise‐free spectra expedite the analysis of bisectors. The data processing is evaluated in the context of “big data,” in particular with respect to automatic classification of spectra.
Methoden zur Generierung von As‐Built‐Modellen für Bestandsbrücken
Authors: Bednorz Jennifer , Hindersmann Iris , Jaeger Klaus , Marszalik Monika
Published: February 2020

Gemäß dem Stufenplan Digitales Planen und Bauen des Bundesministeriums für Verkehr und digitale Infrastruktur (BMVI) ist ab 2020 die ganzheitliche Anwendung von Building Information Modeling (BIM) für Projekte im Infrastrukturbereich vorgesehen. Ansätze und Strategien zum Einsatz von BIM in Betrieb und Erhaltung von Brückenbauwerken liegen nur begrenzt vor. Das Ziel des Projekts ist es, die Möglichkeiten zur Erstellung von BIM‐fähigen As‐Built‐Modellen für Bestandsbrücken an einem Bauwerk zu untersuchen, anzuwenden und Empfehlungen zur Nutzung dieser Modelle in der Betriebsphase zu geben. Es wurden zwei Bauwerksmodelle anhand der Punktwolke eines Laserscans und der konventionellen Modellierung auf Grundlage von Bestandsunterlagen erstellt. Der geometrische Abgleich beider Modelle zeigt die Unterschiede von Plan‐ und Ist‐Zustand der Bestandsbrücke auf. Die Anwendungsbereiche der verschiedenen Modelle und der Aufwand zur Erstellung der Modelle werden erläutert.
Design and Dosimetric Analysis of an Exposure Facility for Investigating Possible Effects of 2.45 GHz Wi‐Fi Signals on Human Sleep
Authors: Schmid Gernot , Hirtl Rene , Bueno‐Lopez Ana , Dorn Hans , Eggert Torsten , Danker‐Hopfe Heidi
Published: February 2020

A new head exposure system for double‐blind provocation studies investigating possible effects of 2.45 GHz Wi‐Fi exposure on human sleep was developed and dosimetrically analyzed. The exposure system includes six simultaneously radiating directional antennas arranged along a circle (radius 0.6 m) around the test subject's head, and enables a virtually uniform head exposure, i.e. without any preferred direction of incidence, during sleep. The system is fully computer‐controlled and applies a real wireless local area network (WLAN) signal representing different transmission patterns as expected in real WLAN scenarios, i.e. phases of “beacon only” as well as phases of different data transmission rates. Sham and verum are applied in a double‐blind crossover study design and all relevant exposure data, i.e. forward and reverse power at all six antenna inputs, are continuously recorded for quality control. For a total antenna input power (sum of all antennas) of 220 mW, typical specific absorption rate (SAR) in cortical brain regions is approximately 1–2 mW/kg (mass average SAR over respective brain region), which can be seen as a realistic worst‐case exposure level in real WLAN scenarios. Taking into account variations of head positions during the experiments, the resulting exposure of different brain regions may deviate from the given average SAR levels up to 10 dB. Peak spatial 10 g average SAR in all brain and all head tissues is between 1.5–3.5 and 10.4–25 mW/kg, respectively. Bioelectromagnetics. © 2020 Bioelectromagnetics Society.
RNA at DNA Double‐Strand Breaks: The Challenge of Dealing with DNA:RNA Hybrids
Authors: Domingo‐Prim Judit , Bonath Franziska , Visa Neus
Published: February 2020

RNA polymerase II is recruited to DNA double‐strand breaks (DSBs), transcribes the sequences that flank the break and produces a novel RNA type that has been termed damage‐induced long non‐coding RNA (dilncRNA). DilncRNAs can be processed into short, miRNA‐like molecules or degraded by different ribonucleases. They can also form double‐stranded RNAs or DNA:RNA hybrids. The DNA:RNA hybrids formed at DSBs contribute to the recruitment of repair factors during the early steps of homologous recombination (HR) and, in this way, contribute to the accuracy of the DNA repair. However, if not resolved, the DNA:RNA hybrids are highly mutagenic and prevent the recruitment of later HR factors. Here recent discoveries about the synthesis, processing, and degradation of dilncRNAs are revised. The focus is on RNA clearance, a necessary step for the successful repair of DSBs and the aim is to reconcile contradictory findings on the effects of dilncRNAs and DNA:RNA hybrids in HR.
Synthesis of Injectable Shear‐Thinning Biomaterials of Various Compositions of Gelatin and Synthetic Silicate Nanoplatelet
Authors: Xue Chengbin , Xie Huifang , Eichenbaum James , Chen Yi , Wang Yonggang , van den Dolder Floor W. , Lee Junmin , Lee KangJu , Zhang Shiming , Sun Wujin , Sheikhi Amir , Ahadian Samad , Ashammakhi Nureddin , Dokmeci Mehmet R. , Kim Han‐Jun , Khademhosseini Ali
Published: February 2020

Injectable shear‐thinning biomaterials (iSTBs) have great potential for in situ tissue regeneration through minimally invasive therapeutics. Previously, an iSTB was developed by combining gelatin with synthetic silicate nanoplatelets (SNPs) for potential application to hemostasis and endovascular embolization. Hence, iSTBs are synthesized by varying compositions of gelatin and SNPs to navigate their material, mechanical, rheological, and bioactive properties. All compositions (each component percentage; 1.5–4.5%/total solid ranges; 3–9%) tested are injectable through both 5 Fr general catheter and 2.4 Fr microcatheter by manual pressure. In the results, an increase in gelatin contents causes decrease in swellability, increase in freeze‐dried hydrogel scaffold porosity, increase in degradability and injection force during iSTB fabrication. Meanwhile, the amount of SNPs in composite hydrogels is mainly required to decrease degradability and increase shear thinning properties of iSTB. Finally, in vitro and in vivo biocompatibility tests show that the 1.5–4.5% range gelatin–SNP iSTBs are not toxic to the cells and animals. All results demonstrate that the iSTB can be modulated with specific properties for unmet clinical needs. Understanding of mechanical and biological consequences of the changing gelatin–SNP ratios through this study will shed light on the biomedical applications of iSTB on specific diseases.
PROTOCOL: Police programs that seek to increase community connectedness for reducing violent extremism behaviour, attitudes and beliefs
Authors: Mazerolle Lorraine , Cherney Adrian , Eggins Elizabeth , Higginson Angela , Hine Lorelei , Belton Emma
Published: February 2020

Community engagement and connectedness are identified as potential mitigating factors for those at risk of engaging in violent extremism. Police have a critical role in promoting social inclusion and social connectedness and thereby preventing violent extremism. Thus, it is essential to understand the effectiveness of policing programs aimed at promoting community connectedness and their impact on reducing violent extremism. To date, there has been no systematic synthesis of the evaluation evidence for these policing approaches and their impact on violent extremism. This is the protocol for a review that will include any policing intervention that aims to promote community connectedness. The present proposed review is necessary to ascertain whether policing interventions that seek to promote community connectedness are effective for reducing violent extremism behaviour, attitudes and beliefs.
PROTOCOL: Adult/child ratio and group size in early childhood education or care to promote the development of children aged 0–5 years: A systematic review
Authors: Dalgaard Nina T. , Bondebjerg Anja , Klokker Rasmus , Viinholt Bjørn C. A. , Dietrichson Jens
Published: February 2020

This is the protocol for a Campbell review. The objectives are as follows: To synthesize data from studies to assess the impact of adult/child ratio and group size in ECEC on measures of process characteristics of quality of care and on child outcome measures.
First versus last born: Flowers, pods, and yield formation in no‐tillage lentil
Authors: Bueckert Rosalind , Zakeri Hossein , Pritchard Janet , Lafond Guy
Published: February 2020

Lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) is a grain legume crop grown under no‐tillage (NT) management and rhizobia inoculation in the northern Great Plains. Our goal was to characterize pod growth characteristics to understand yield formation in North American short‐season cultivars. Objectives were to compare pods on nodes during early and late reproductive growth through flower and pod number, pod setting percentage, pod growth rate, effective pod‐filling period, and final pod size, and to test if N fertility could increase pod numbers and pod growth under NT management. Two field experiments, Study 1 and Study 2, were conducted at Saskatoon and Indian Head, SK, in western Canada. For Study 1, cultivar CDC Sedley was treated with 0–60 kg N ha−1 on long‐term NT fields for 3 yr (2006–2008). For Study 2, eight cultivars from three maturity classes were grown under control, inoculant, and N fertilizer regimes under NT at Saskatoon (2006 and 2007). Lentil set more yield in early‐flowering nodes via flower number, with 2.6 flowers node−1. Late nodes had fewer (2.1) flowers but the same pod setting percentage of 80% for CDC Sedley, and a lower percentage across eight cultivars. Late nodes produced pods with greater growth rates and shorter filling times, resulting in fewer but similar sized pods. The largest pods were found on nodes with fewer flowers and when moisture was adequate during filling. Drought stress in 2007 occurred and lowered pod setting to 60% and shortened the effective pod‐filling period during late reproductive drought. During the two wet years, higher N rates increased late‐season pod growth rate, but not flower numbers. An increase in late node and flower production may further improve yield, particularly in large‐seeded cultivars.
An Organic Redox Flow Cell‐Inspired Paper‐Based Primary Battery
Authors: Navarro‐Segarra Marina , Alday Perla Patricia , Garcia David , Ibrahim Omar A. , Kjeang Erik , Sabaté Neus , Esquivel Juan Pablo
Published: February 2020

A portable paper‐based organic redox flow primary battery using sustainable quinone chemistry is presented. The compact prototype relies on the capillary forces of the paper matrix to develop a quasi‐steady flow of the reactants through a pair of porous carbon electrodes without the need of external pumps. Co‐laminar capillary flow allows operation Under mixed‐media conditions, in which an alkaline anolyte and an acidic catholyte are employed. This feature enables higher electrochemical cell voltages during discharge operation and the utilization of a wider range of available species and electrolytes and provides the advantage to form a neutral or near‐neutral pH as the electrolytes neutralize at the absorbent pad, which allows a safe disposal after use. The effects of the device design parameters have been studied to enhance battery features such as power output, operational time, and fuel utilization. The device achieves a faradaic efficiency of up to 98 %, which is the highest reported in a capillary‐based electrochemical power source, as well as a cell capacity of up to 11.4 Ah L−1 cm−2, comparable to state‐of‐the‐art large‐scale redox flow cells.
A comparison of conventional and modified vector control strategies for controlling transient currents and voltage dips in grid‐connected wind and photovoltaic hybrid system
Authors: Khemiri Nihel , Khedher Adel
Published: February 2020

A comparison of conventional and modified vector control strategies for controlling transient currents and voltage dips in grid‐connected wind and photovoltaic (PV) hybrid system is the purpose of this paper. The wind system is composed of three‐bladed rotor with a corresponding mechanical gearbox, a doubly fed induction generator, two power converters (rotor side converter [RSC] and grid side converter), a DC‐link capacitor that put with PV generator, and a grid filter. The big difficulty encountered for a wind and PV hybrid system is to withstand the voltage dip to avoid severe unbalanced grid voltage and transient currents that can damage the RSC. Simulation results show that with the new control, the wind and PV hybrid is able to eliminate large unbalanced grid voltages dips. The non‐negligence of the stator flux is taken into account of the modified control. Oscillation of rotor currents and overvoltage in the DC bus are low by the modified control strategy. The modified vector control constitutes a good alternative solution to overcome the problem introduced by voltage dips.
Optimization of dye removal by diesel exhaust emission soot using response surface methodology
Authors: Singh Vishvendra P. , Singhal Rushil , Vaish Rahul
Published: February 2020

The waste soot particles emitted from a diesel engine were studied as a dye adsorbent for water treatment. The input parameters were optimized using response surface methodology to achieve the maximum removal of dye methylene blue (MB). Experiments were conducted according to three‐level Box–Behnken Design with three factors time, pH, and initial concentration of dye in the solution. Further, analysis of variance analysis was carried out to find the level of significance of each parameter toward dye removal. Finally, for 0.05 g of diesel soot in a 50 ml solution, the maximum dye removal predicted was more than 99%. The basic medium (pH 12) found was favorable for the adsorption of MB. Also, 96% of detergent was removed in 60 min. Langmuir isotherm model and Pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model were most suitable for equilibrium and kinetic studies, respectively, for the removal of MB on diesel exhaust emission soot.
Biotransformations, Antioxidant System Responses, and Histopathological Indexes in the Liver of Fish Exposed to Cyanobacterial Extract
Authors: Paulino Marcelo Gustavo , Tavares Driele , Terezan Ana Paula , Sakuragui Marise Margareth , Pesenti Emanuele , Giani Alessandra , Cestari Marta Margareth , Fernandes João Batista , Fernandes Marisa Narciso
Published: February 2020

Radiocystis fernandoi, a microcystin (MC) producer, has been common in cyanobacterial blooms in tropical regions. Microcystin is a hepatotoxin that causes tissue damage and even death in animals, including humans; its detoxification process may involve biotransformation and activation of the antioxidant defense system. We evaluated the detoxification pathway, examined the antioxidant defense system responses, and determined the alterations and the organ histopathological indexes in the liver of the tropical fish Hoplias malabaricus after acute and subchronic intraperitoneal exposure to microcystin. The crude microcystin extract of R. fernandoi had predominantly MC-RR and MC-YR. The detoxification process was activated by increasing ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase activity, whereas glutathione S-transferase was inhibited. The activity of the antioxidant defense enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase decreased after acute exposure; the SOD–catalase system and the glutathione level increased after subchronic exposure. The carbonyl protein level, lipid peroxidation (LPO), and DNA damage were unchanged after acute exposure, whereas protein carbonyl was unchanged, LPO decreased, and DNA damage increased after subchronic exposure. Histopathological alteration indexes differed between acute and subchronic exposure, but the histopathological organ indexes indicate liver dysfunction in both exposure periods. We conclude that MC-RR and MC-YR induce different liver responses depending on the time of exposure, and the antioxidant defense responses after subchronic exposure may help to partially restore the liver function. Environ Toxicol Chem 2020;39:1041–1051. © 2020 SETAC

Abstract

Crude extract of Radiocystis fernandoi content microcystins alters the biotransformation and the antioxidant system defense enzyme activity and induces liver histopathologies after acute and subchronic exposure. Abc = ATP-binding cassette; CAT = catalase; EROD = ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase; GPX = glutathione peroxidase; GR = glutathione reductase; GSH = glutathione; GSSG = glutathione disulfide; GST = glutathione S-transferase; LPO = lipid peroxidation; LOH = lipid alcohol; MC = microcystin; Oatp = organic anion transporter polypeptide; SOD = superoxide dismutase.