bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wafer‐Scale Fabrication of 2D β‐In2Se3 Photodetectors
Authors: Claro Marcel S. , Grzonka Justyna , Nicoara Nicoleta , Ferreira Paulo J. , Sadewasser Sascha
Published: November 2020

2D materials are considered the future of electronics and photonics, stimulated by their remarkable performance. Among the 2D materials family, β‐In2Se3 shows good mobility, excellent photoresponsivity, and exotic ferroelectricity, making it suitable for a wide variety of applications. To date, most reported devices from 2D materials in general, and β‐In2Se3 in specific, rely on cumbersome fabrication methods using mechanical exfoliation and transfer of layers onto other substrates. However, for a successful adoption of 2D materials in industry, reliable and reproducible large‐area growth of 2D materials is required. Here, the wafer‐scale epitaxial growth of 2D β‐In2Se3 on c‐sapphire using molecular beam epitaxy is demonstrated. Excellent materials quality of thick (90 nm) and very thin films, down to two quintuple layers (2 nm) is confirmed. Furthermore, the fabrication of hundreds of photodetector devices on a 2 in. wafer, using five quintuple layers of β‐In2Se3, is demonstrated. They are sensitive to near‐infrared light up to 898 nm wavelength and show a response time of ≈7 ms, which is faster than any result previously reported for β‐In2Se3 photodetectors. The devices are produced using photolithography and other standard semiconductor processing methods, which allows easy integration into the current Si technology.
Aluminum for Near Infrared Plasmonics: Amplified Up‐Conversion Photoluminescence from Core–Shell Nanoparticles on Periodic Lattices
Authors: Gao Yuan , Murai Shunsuke , Shinozaki Kenji , Ishii Satoshi , Tanaka Katsuhisa
Published: November 2020

Aluminum (Al) is known as a plasmonic material effective in a wide frequency range up to the ultraviolet, while its plasmonic properties in the near infrared region have been less explored. In this study, up‐conversion (UC) photoluminescence is amplified by using an Al nanostructure to demonstrate that Al is a useful plasmonic material in the near infrared region as well. A periodic lattice of Al nanocylinders is selected as a plasmonic nanostructure, where the size of nanocylinder and the period of the lattice are tuned to match both the localized surface plasmon resonance and in‐plane diffraction to the absorption wavelength (λ = 980 nm) for the UC process. Core–shell‐type UC nanoparticles (NPs) are designed to suppress the energy transfer from NPs to Al cylinders which reduces the UC photoluminescence intensity. The resulting optimized core–shell UCNPs combined with the Al plasmonic lattice leads to over 100‐fold enhancement of UC intensity. The use of Al instead of conventional Au as a plasmonic material is beneficial from the point of view of low cost and abundance of element.
Reconfigurable Flat Optics with Programmable Reflection Amplitude Using Lithography‐Free Phase‐Change Material Ultra‐Thin Films
Authors: Cueff Sébastien , Taute Arnaud , Bourgade Antoine , Lumeau Julien , Monfray Stephane , Song Qinghua , Genevet Patrice , Devif Brice , Letartre Xavier , Berguiga Lotfi
Published: November 2020

A very large dynamic optical reflection modulation from a simple unpatterned layered stack of phase‐change material ultra‐thin films is experimentally demonstrated. Specifically, this work demonstrates that properly designed systems comprising deeply subwavelength GeSbTe (GST) films, a dielectric spacer, and a metallic mirror produce a dynamic modulation of light in the near‐infrared from very strong reflection (up to ) to perfect absorption () by simply controlling the crystalline state of the phase‐change material. While the amplitude of modulation experimentally reaches an optical contrast higher than 104, intermediate levels of reflection in between extreme values can also be actively encoded, corresponding to partial crystallization of the GST layer. Several layered system designs are further explored and guidelines are provided to tailor the efficient wavelength range, the angle of operation, and the degree of crystallization leading to perfect absorption.
Propelling DNA Computing with Materials’ Power: Recent Advancements in Innovative DNA Logic Computing Systems and Smart Bio‐Applications
Authors: Fan Daoqing , Wang Juan , Wang Erkang , Dong Shaojun
Published: November 2020

DNA computing is recognized as one of the most outstanding candidates of next‐generation molecular computers that perform Boolean logic using DNAs as basic elements. Benefiting from DNAs’ inherent merits of low‐cost, easy‐synthesis, excellent biocompatibility, and high programmability, DNA computing has evoked substantial interests and gained burgeoning advancements in recent decades, and also exhibited amazing magic in smart bio‐applications. In this review, recent achievements of DNA logic computing systems using multifarious materials as building blocks are summarized. Initially, the operating principles and functions of different logic devices (common logic gates, advanced arithmetic and non‐arithmetic logic devices, versatile logic library, etc.) are elaborated. Afterward, state‐of‐the‐art DNA computing systems based on diverse “toolbox” materials, including typical functional DNA motifs (aptamer, metal‐ion dependent DNAzyme, G‐quadruplex, i‐motif, triplex, etc.), DNA tool‐enzymes, non‐DNA biomaterials (natural enzyme, protein, antibody), nanomaterials (AuNPs, magnetic beads, graphene oxide, polydopamine nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes, DNA‐templated nanoclusters, upconversion nanoparticles, quantum dots, etc.) or polymers, 2D/3D DNA nanostructures (circular/interlocked DNA, DNA tetrahedron/polyhedron, DNA origami, etc.) are reviewed. The smart bio‐applications of DNA computing to the fields of intelligent analysis/diagnosis, cell imaging/therapy, amongst others, are further outlined. More importantly, current “Achilles’ heels” and challenges are discussed, and future promising directions of this field are also recommended.
Interface Modification in Three‐Terminal Organic Memory and Synaptic Device
Authors: Zheng Chaoyue , Liao Yuan , Han Su‐Ting , Zhou Ye
Published: November 2020

Interface is a valuable research area for the three‐terminal organic memory device, which is an important member of memory family, as the transport and trapping operation of charge carriers are related to the interfaces between semiconductor/dielectric layers and source‐drain electrodes/semiconductor layer. This progress report highlights the developments of the interface effect for three‐terminal organic memory devices. First, the goals of the interface modification, mainly to adjust the morphology, enhance the adhesion between two layers, change the surface diploes, and regulate the surface energy, are described since the memory characteristic depends on the interfacial property. Second, two common methods are proposed to improve the performance of devices through interface engineering, including fabricating self‐assembled monolayers (SAMs) and thin films with polymers as the interfacial layer. Third, three‐terminal organic memory devices would also be introduced in interfacial engineering since they can be used to simulate various functions of synapses. In the end of this report, the challenges of the interface modification in three‐terminal organic memory devices are discussed.
Enhancing the Electrochemical Doping Efficiency in Diketopyrrolopyrrole‐Based Polymer for Organic Electrochemical Transistors
Authors: Wu Xihu , Liu Qian , Surendran Abhijith , Bottle Steven E. , Sonar Prashant , Leong Wei Lin
Published: November 2020

The increasing interest in organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs) for next‐generation bioelectronic applications motivates the design of novel conjugated polymers with good electronic and ionic transport. Many conjugated polymers developed for organic field‐effect transistors (OFETs) exhibit high charge carrier mobilities but they are not suitable for OECTs due to poor ion‐uptake arising from the non polar alkyl chain substituted on the conjugated backbone. They are also sensitive to moisture, resulting in poor performance in aqueous electrolytes. Herein, the widely used conjugated building block diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP) is used and functionalized it with polar triethylene glycol side chains (PTDPP‐DT) to promote ion penetration. The electrical performance of PTDPP‐DT based OECT in two types of aqueous electrolytes is studied and the electrochemical doping response is investivated. It is found that the tetrafluoroborate (BF4−) anion with large crystallographic radius allows high‐efficiency electrochemical doping of the PTDPP‐DT polymer, and thus gives rise to the high transconductance of 21.4 ± 4.8 mS with good device stability, where it maintained over 91 % of its doped‐state drain current after over 500 cycles of pulse measurement.
Charge‐Transfer‐Induced Multivalent States with Resultant Emergent Magnetism in Transition‐Metal Oxide Heterostructures
Authors: Niu Wei , Fang Yue‐Wen , Zhang Xiaoqian , Weng Yakui , Chen Yongda , Zhang Hui , Gan Yulin , Yuan Xiao , Zhang Shengjie , Sun Jiabao , Wang Yile , Wei Lujun , Xu Yongbing , Wang Xuefeng , Liu Wenqing , Pu Yong
Published: November 2020

Transition‐metal oxide (TMO) heterostructures provide fertile grounds for creating and manipulating intriguing properties and functionalities. At the interface of TMO heterostructures, electronic reconstructions generally occur via charge transfer and lead to an extraordinary spectrum of emergent phenomena but unattainable in their bulk constituents. However, the basic mechanism of charge transfer at the interface is not fully determined or even understood in heterostructures, which may hide the underlying mechanisms and intriguing physics. Herein, an intrinsic charge transfer and resultant exotic ferromagnetism are unambiguously observed in the heterostructures between the nonmagnetic LaCoO3 (LCO) and SrTiO3 (STO). Combining element‐specific X‐ray absorption spectroscopy and atomic multiplet fitting, direct evidence of charge transfer‐induced multivalence of cobalt ions, interactions of which would contribute to the novel magnetism beyond the intuition, in concert with first‐principles density‐functional‐theory calculations, is demonstrated. Beyond LCO/STO system, a more broadly applicable principle for the heterostructures between 3d TMO and STO where charge transfer and resultant multivalence or conducting interfaces are coexistent is establish. This study represents an advance that the electronic reconstruction and the multiple electron configurations of 3d transition metal ions will constitute a powerful tool for the designs of functional materials and creations of unconventional physical properties.
Molecular Engineering of Porphyrin‐Tapes/Phthalocyanine Heterojunctions for a Highly Sensitive Ammonia Sensor
Authors: Bengasi Giuseppe , Meunier‐Prest Rita , Baba Kamal , Kumar Abhishek , Pellegrino Anna Lucia , Boscher Nicolas D. , Bouvet Marcel
Published: November 2020

Modulating the interfacial charge alignments by molecular engineering in an organic heterojunction device is a smart strategy to improve its conductivity, which can be exploited in high‐performance gas‐sensor development. Herein, the fabrication of new organic heterojunction devices based on porphyrin tapes and phthalocyanines and their potentiality in ammonia sensing at different relative humidity (rh) are investigated. The devices are built using dry approach relying on oxidative chemical vapor deposition for simultaneous synthesis, doping, and deposition of the porphyrin tape layer and physical vapor deposition of phthalocyanine layer. The association of the porphyrin tapes with copper phthalocyanine (CuPc) or its perfluorinated analogue (Cu(F16Pc)) in a bilayer device configuration reveals a nonlinear current–voltage characteristic, assigned to the formation of organic heterojunction at the bilayer interface. Cu(F16Pc)‐based devices reveal higher response, faster sorption kinetics, stable baseline, and less interference from rh fluctuations toward ammonia than CuPc‐based devices, which are attributed to more conducting interface in the former. Moreover, depending on the porphyrin tape associated, Cu(F16Pc)‐based devices exhibit sensitivity values 6.7 or 0.4% ppm−1 and detection limit of 1 ppm or 228 ppb allowing to obtain among the best NH3 sensors reported.
Thermal Self‐Protection of Zinc‐Ion Batteries Enabled by Smart Hygroscopic Hydrogel Electrolytes
Authors: Yang Peihua , Feng Chunzao , Liu Yipu , Cheng Ting , Yang Xuelong , Liu Huidong , Liu Kang , Fan Hong Jin
Published: November 2020

Efficient thermal protection is essential to battery safety. Here, a self‐adaptive strategy is demonstrated to circumvent the thermal runaway of aqueous zinc‐ion batteries, by using a zinc chloride‐enriched hygroscopic hydrogel electrolyte. At high temperatures, water inside the hydrogel can quickly evaporate to dissipate the heat generated. Concurrently, excessive water evaporation causes a sudden drop in the ion diffusion of the hydrogel electrolyte, thereby effectively restricting the migration of ions and shutting down the battery. When the temperature lowers, the hydrogel absorbs water from the air and the battery recovers its function. The evaporation and regeneration of water in the hydrogel electrolytes are highly reversible, thus realizing intelligent and efficient thermal self‐protection of zinc‐ion batteries. By properly designing and engineering the hygroscopic hydrogel electrolytes, it is believed that other thermal self‐protective aqueous batteries with faster response can be abricated, which shows promise for a safe power supply in both consumable electronics and electric vehicles.
Season of birth and biomarkers of early‐life environment
Authors: Miłkowska Karolina , Nenko Ilona , Klimek Magdalena , Galbarczyk Andrzej , Jasienska Grazyna
Published: November 2020

Objective

Early‐life conditions play an important role in human development, affecting health status and survival. Conditions in utero partly depend on the external environment and thus vary in relation to the season of birth. The aim of this study was to investigate if people born in different seasons of the year differ in values of biomarkers that reflect conditions during fetal development.

Methods

The study was conducted among Polish rural women recruited at the Mogielica Human Ecology Study Site. The participants were 234 women aged 45 to 92 (mean = 60.2; SD = 10.44). The indicators of early‐life environment analyzed in the study were: Absolute Finger Ridge Count (AFRC), the difference between mean number of ridge counts in both thumbs and both little fingers (Md15), overall facial fluctuating asymmetry (OFA), central facial asymmetry (CFA), right and left hand 2D:4D.

Results

Values of biomarkers of fetal development did not vary among groups of women born in different seasons of the year.

Conclusions

Lack of differences in values of biomarkers according to birth season may indicate that: (a) season of birth is not a good indicator of early‐life conditions; (b) tested biomarkers do not reliably reflect the prenatal environment; (c) season of birth does not fully overlap with the sensitive periods of biomarker development and thus fails to capture differences in developmental conditions.
Dearomatization‐Rearomatization Strategy for ortho‐Selective Alkylation of Phenols with Primary Alcohols
Authors: Yu Jianjin , Li Chao‐Jun , Zeng Huiying
Published: November 2020

Phenols are common precursors and core structures of a variety of industrial chemicals ranging from pharmaceuticals to polymers. However, the synthesis of site‐specifically substituted phenols is challenging, and thus the development of new methods for this purpose would be highly desirable. Reported here is a protocol for palladium‐catalyzed ortho‐selective alkylation reactions of phenols with primary alcohols by a dearomatization‐rearomatization strategy, with water as the sole by‐product. Various substituted phenols and primary alcohols were compatible with the standard reaction conditions. The detailed mechanism of this transformation was also investigated.
An Inorganic‐Rich Solid Electrolyte Interphase for Advanced Lithium‐Metal Batteries in Carbonate Electrolytes
Authors: Liu Sufu , Ji Xiao , Piao Nan , Chen Ji , Eidson Nico , Xu Jijian , Wang Pengfei , Chen Long , Zhang Jiaxun , Deng Tao , Hou Singyuk , Jin Ting , Wan Hongli , Li Jingru , Tu Jiangping , Wang Chunsheng
Published: November 2020

In carbonate electrolytes, the organic–inorganic solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) formed on the Li‐metal anode surface is strongly bonded to Li and experiences the same volume change as Li, thus it undergoes continuous cracking/reformation during plating/stripping cycles. Here, an inorganic‐rich SEI is designed on a Li‐metal surface to reduce its bonding energy with Li metal by dissolving 4m concentrated LiNO3 in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as an additive for a fluoroethylene‐carbonate (FEC)‐based electrolyte. Due to the aggregate structure of NO3− ions and their participation in the primary Li+ solvation sheath, abundant Li2O, Li3N, and LiNxOy grains are formed in the resulting SEI, in addition to the uniform LiF distribution from the reduction of PF6− ions. The weak bonding of the SEI (high interface energy) to Li can effectively promote Li diffusion along the SEI/Li interface and prevent Li dendrite penetration into the SEI. As a result, our designed carbonate electrolyte enables a Li anode to achieve a high Li plating/stripping Coulombic efficiency of 99.55 % (1 mA cm−2, 1.0 mAh cm−2) and the electrolyte also enables a Li||LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 (NMC811) full cell (2.5 mAh cm−2) to retain 75 % of its initial capacity after 200 cycles with an outstanding CE of 99.83 %.
Formic Acid Electro‐Synthesis by Concurrent Cathodic CO2 Reduction and Anodic CH3OH Oxidation
Authors: Wei Xinfa , Li Yan , Chen Lisong , Shi Jianlin
Published: November 2020

The electrochemical conversion of carbon dioxide into energy‐carrying compounds or value‐added chemicals is of great significance for diminishing the greenhouse effect and the efficient utilization of carbon‐dioxide emissions, but it suffers from the kinetically sluggish anodic oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and its less value‐added production of O2. We report a general strategy for efficient formic‐acid synthesis by a concurrent cathodic CO2 reduction and anodic partial methanol‐oxidation reaction (MOR) using mesoporous SnO2 grown on carbon cloth (mSnO2/CC) and CuO nanosheets grown on copper foam (CuONS/CF) as cathodic and anodic catalysts, respectively. Anodic CuONS/CF enables an extremely lowered potential of 1.47 V vs. RHE (100 mA cm−2), featuring a significantly enhanced electro‐activity in comparison to the OER. The cathodic mSnO2/CC shows a rather high Faraday efficiency of 81 % at 0.7 V vs. RHE for formic‐acid production from CO2. The established electrolyzer equipped with CuONS/CF at the anode and mSnO2/CC at the cathode requires a considerably low cell voltage of 0.93 V at 10 mA cm−2 for formic‐acid production at both sides.
Effects of Foliar Applications of Zinc in the Forms of Free Mineral or Amino Acid Complexed on Qualitative Characteristics of Olive Oil
Authors: Bastam Nasim , Baninasab Bahram , Mobli Mostafa , Goli Sayed Amir Hossein
Published: November 2020

An orchard experiment was conducted during two successive years to evaluate the effectiveness of the foliar application of zinc (Zn) in mineral form (ZnSO4) or chelated with various amino acids (AAC) on the oil content, qualitative indices, and fatty acid profile of olive oil. All Zn sources were applied at a rate of 0.2% during two growth stages; at full bloom (FB) and 15 days after FB. The results showed that Zn, regardless of applied sources, accumulated more Zn in leaves and fruits compared to the control. The effectiveness of Zn‐AAC in increasing leaf and fruit Zn concentration was higher than ZnSO4. In both years, an increase in oil content and concentration of phenolic compounds and chlorophyll in the oil was observed when trees were treated with Zn, although these effects were dependent on the Zn sources. In general, the Zn‐AAC treatments, especially Zn‐methionine (Met), was more effective than ZnSO4. Zn‐AAC treatments increased the L* value and b* intensity, while decreasing the a* value of olive oil compared to the control. However, ZnSO4 had a slight or no significant effect on oil color. The oil fatty acid profile was also affected by Zn. The Zn‐Met and Zn‐Glycine (Gly) were more effective than the other Zn sources in increasing monounsaturated fatty acid, specifically oleic acid of oil in both years, respectively. These results could suggest that the application of Zn‐AAC, especially Zn‐Met and Zn‐Gly, can be considered as a new strategy to improve olive oil quality and quantity in Zn‐deficient soils.
Do seasonal microbiome changes affect infection susceptibility, contributing to seasonal disease outbreaks?
Authors: Stencel Adrian
Published: November 2020

The aim of the present paper is to explore whether seasonal outbreaks of infectious diseases may be linked to changes in host microbiomes. This is a very important issue, because one way to have more control over seasonal outbreaks is to understand the factors that underlie them. In this paper, I will evaluate the relevance of the microbiome as one of such factors. The paper is based on two pillars of reasoning. Firstly, on the idea that microbiomes play an important role in their hosts’ defence against infectious diseases. Secondly, on the idea that microbiomes are not stable, but change seasonally. These two ideas are combined in order to argue that seasonal changes in a given microbiome may influence the functionality of the host's immune system and consequently make it easier for infectious agents to infect the host at certain times of year. I will argue that, while this is only a theoretical possibility, certain studies may back up such claims. Furthermore, I will show that this does not necessarily contradict other hypotheses aimed at explaining seasonal outbreaks; in fact, it may even enhance them.
Epigenetic regulation of replication origin assembly: A role for histone H1 and chromatin remodeling factors
Authors: Falbo Lucia , Costanzo Vincenzo
Published: November 2020

During early embryonic development in several metazoans, accurate DNA replication is ensured by high number of replication origins. This guarantees rapid genome duplication coordinated with fast cell divisions. In Xenopus laevis embryos this program switches to one with a lower number of origins at a developmental stage known as mid‐blastula transition (MBT) when cell cycle length increases and gene transcription starts. Consistent with this regulation, somatic nuclei replicate poorly when transferred to eggs, suggesting the existence of an epigenetic memory suppressing replication assembly origins at all available sites. Recently, it was shown that histone H1 imposes a non‐permissive chromatin configuration preventing replication origin assembly on somatic nuclei. This somatic state can be erased by SSRP1, a subunit of the FACT complex. Here, we further develop the hypothesis that this novel form of epigenetic memory might impact on different areas of vertebrate biology going from nuclear reprogramming to cancer development.
Does mTORC1 inhibit autophagy at dual stages?
Authors: Ramaian Santhaseela Anand , Jayavelu Tamilselvan
Published: November 2020

Extensive studies have attributed the lysosomal localization of the mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) during its activation. However, the exact biological significance of this lysosomal localization of mTORC1 remains ill‐defined. Interestingly, findings have shown that localization of the lysosome itself is altered under conditions influencing mTORC1 activity. In this perspective, we hypothesize that the localization of mTORC1 and lysosome could be interconnected in a way that manifests regulation of autophagy that is already under progression at the time of mTORC1 activation. This provides a new possibility for autophagy regulation whose complete mechanistic insights remain to be determined.
A Methionine Chemical Shift Based Order Parameter Characterizing Global Protein Dynamics
Authors: Chashmniam Saeed , Teixeira João M. C. , Paniagua Juan Carlos , Pons Miquel
Published: November 2020

Coupling of side chain dynamics over long distances is an important component of allostery. Methionine side chains show the largest intrinsic flexibility among methyl‐containing residues but the actual degree of conformational averaging depends on the proximity and mobility of neighboring residues. The 13C NMR chemical shifts of the methyl groups of methionine residues located at long distances in the same protein show a similar scaling with respect to the values predicted from the static X‐ray structure by quantum methods. This results in a good linear correlation between calculated and observed chemical shifts. The slope is protein dependent and ranges from zero for the highly flexible calmodulin to 0.7 for the much more rigid calcineurin catalytic domain. The linear correlation is indicative of a similar level of side‐chain conformational averaging over long distances, and the slope of the correlation line can be interpreted as an order parameter of the global side‐chain flexibility.
Transcatheter aortic valve replacement in aortic regurgitation: The U.S. experience
Authors: Arora Shilpkumar , Lahewala Sopan , Zuzek Zachary , Thakkar Samarthkumar , Jani Chinmay , Jaswaney Rahul , Singh Aanandita , Bhyan Poonam , Arora Nirav , Main Anthony , Osman Mohammed Najeeb , Hoit Brian D. , Attizzani Guilherme F. , Panaich Sidakpal S.
Published: November 2020

Background

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) can be an effective option for high‐risk Aortic Regurgitation (AR) patients. Although international experiences of TAVR for AR are published, U.S. data are limited. This study sought to report the short‐term outcomes of TAVR in AR in the U.S. population.

Methods

Study cohorts were derived from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) and Nationwide Readmissions Database (NRD) 2016–17. TAVR and AR were identified using ICD‐10‐CM‐codes. The key outcomes were all‐cause mortality, disabling stroke, valvular complications, complete heart block (CHB)/permanent pacemaker placement (PPM), open‐heart surgery, acute kidney injury (AKI) requiring dialysis, and vascular complications. Multivariate logistic regression was used to adjust for confounders.

Results

915 patients from the NIS (male‐71%, age ≥65–84.2%) and 822 patients from the NRD (male‐69.3%, age ≥65–80.5%) underwent TAVR for AR. The median length of stay (LOS) was 4 days for both cohorts. In‐hospital mortality was 2.7%, and 30‐day mortality was 3.3%. Disabling strokes were noted in 0.6% peri‐procedurally and 1.8% at 30‐days. Valve‐related complications were 18–19% with paravalvular leak (4–7%) being the most common. Approximately 11% of patients developed CHB and/or needed PPM in both cohorts. In NRD, 2.2% of patients required dialysis for AKI, 1.5% developed vascular complications, and 0.6% required open‐heart surgery within 30‐days post‐procedure. Anemia was predictive of increased overall complications and valvular complications, whereas peripheral vascular disease was a predictor of increased valvular complications and CHB/PPM.

Conclusion

TAVR is a promising option in AR. Further studies are necessary for the expansion of TAVR as the standard treatment in AR.
Structural Motifs of Alkali Metal Superbases in Non‐coordinating Solvents
Authors: Klett Jan
Published: November 2020

Lochmann–Schlosser superbases (LSB) are a standard reagent in synthetic chemistry to achieve an exchange of a proton on an organic framework with an alkali metal cation, which in turn can be replaced by a wide range of electrophilic groups. In standard examples, the deprotonating reagent consists of an equimolar mixture of n‐butyllithium and potassium t‐butoxide. However, the nature of the reactive species could not be pinned down either for this composition or for similar mixtures with comparable high reactivity. Despite the poor solubility and the fierce reactivity, some insights into this mixture were achieved by some indirect results, comparison with chemically related systems, or skillful deductions. Recent results, mainly based on new soluble compounds, delivered structural evidence. These new insights lead to advanced and more detailed conclusions about the interplay of the involved components.
Umgarnen oder betäuben – die Waffen der Wespenspinne
Authors: Feil Sylvia
Published: November 2020

Die Gifte heimischer Spinnen gelten als weniger stark als die der großen und gefährlichen Arten der Tropen: Sie betäuben mit den Giften ihre Beute, doch ist unklar, wie sie aufgebaut sind und wirken. Forscher aus Gießen untersuchten nun, wie sich der Giftcocktail der Wespenspinne zusammensetzt. Neben neuen Komponenten war vor allem eine deutlich abweichende Komposition überraschend.
Impact of health literacy on shared decision making for prostate‐specific antigen screening in the United States
Authors: Nguyen David‐Dan , Trinh Quoc‐Dien , Cole Alexander P. , Kilbridge Kerry L. , Mahal Brandon A. , Hayn Matt , Hansen Moritz , Han Paul K. J. , Sammon Jesse D.
Published: November 2020

Background

Current guidelines endorse shared decision making (SDM) for prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) screening. The relationship between a patient's health literacy (HL) and SDM remains unclear. In the current study, the authors sought to identify the impact of HL on the rates of PSA screening and on the relationship between HL and SDM following the 2012 US Preventive Services Task Force recommendations against PSA screening.

Methods

Using data from the 2016 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, the authors examined PSA screening in the 13 states that administered the optional “Health Literacy” module. Men aged ≥50 years were examined. Complex samples multivariable logistic regression models were computed to assess the odds of undergoing PSA screening. The interactions between HL and SDM were also examined.

Results

A weighted sample of 12.249 million men with a rate of PSA screening of 33.4% were identified. Approximately one‐third self‐identified as having optimal HL. Rates of PSA screening were found to be highest amongst the highest HL group (42.2%). Being in this group was a significant predictor of undergoing PSA screening (odds ratio, 1.214; 95% confidence interval, 1.051‐1.403). There was a significant interaction observed between HL and SDM (P for interaction, <.001) such that higher HL was associated with a lower likelihood of undergoing PSA screening when SDM was present.

Conclusions

In the uncertain environment of multiple contradictory screening guidelines, men who reported higher levels of HL were found to have higher levels of screening. The authors demonstrated that increased HL may reduce the screening‐promoting effect of SDM. These findings highlight the dynamic interplay between HL and SDM that should inform the creation and promulgation of SDM guidelines, specifically when considering patients with low HL.
Physical activity and cold pain tolerance in the general population
Authors: Årnes Anders P. , Nielsen Christopher S. , Stubhaug Audun , Fjeld Mats K. , Hopstock Laila A. , Horsch Alexander , Johansen Aslak , Morseth Bente , Wilsgaard Tom , Steingrímsdóttir Ólöf A.
Published: November 2020

Background

The relationship between habitual physical activity (PA) and experimental pain tolerance has been investigated in small samples of young, healthy and/or single‐sex volunteers. We used a large, population‐based sample to assess this relationship in men and women with and without chronic pain.

Methods

We used data from the sixth and seventh Tromsø Study surveys (2007–2008; 2015–2016), with assessed pain tolerance of participants with the cold pressor test (CPT: dominant hand in circulating cold water at 3°C, maximum test time 106 s), and self‐reported total amount of habitual PA in leisure time (n = 19,087), exercise frequency (n = 19,388), exercise intensity (n = 18,393) and exercise duration (n = 18,343). A sub‐sample had PA measured by accelerometers (n = 4,922). We used Cox regression to compare CPT tolerance times between self‐reported PA levels. For accelerometer‐measured PA, we estimated hazard ratios for average daily activity counts, and for average daily minutes of moderate‐to‐vigorous PA done in bouts lasting 10 min or more. Models were tested for PA‐sex, and PA‐chronic pain and PA‐moderate‐to‐severe chronic pain interactions.

Results

Leisure‐time PA, exercise intensity and exercise duration were positively associated with CPT tolerance (p < .001; p = .011; p < .001). More PA was associated with higher CPT tolerance. At high levels of leisure‐time PA and exercise intensity, men had a significantly higher CPT tolerance than women. Accelerometer‐measured PA was not associated with CPT tolerance.

Conclusions

This study is one of the first to show that higher self‐reported habitual PA was connected to higher experimental pain tolerance in a population‐based sample, especially for men. This was not found for accelerometer‐measured PA.

Significance

This study finds that higher level of self‐reported leisure‐time physical activity is associated with increased cold pressor pain tolerance in a large population‐based sample. Though present in both sexes, the association is strongest among men. Despite the robust dose–response relationship between pain tolerance and self‐reported activity level, no such relationship was found for accelerometer‐measured activity, reflecting a possible discrepancy in the aspect of physical activity measured. Though the study design does not permit causal conclusions, the findings suggest that increasing physical activity may increase pain tolerance in the general population.
Effects of nonlinear thermal radiation over magnetized stagnation point flow of Williamson fluid in porous media driven by stretching sheet
Authors: Rajput Govind R. , Jadhav Bipin P. , Patil Vishwambhar S. , Salunkhe S. N.
Published: November 2020

In this study, the stagnation point flow of a magnetized Williamson fluid past a stretching sheet in the presence of nonlinear thermal radiation and buoyancy effect is studied. The present situation is remodeled using similarity transformation that transforms the flow model of partial differential equations into the set of nonlinear ordinary differential equations. The fourth‐order Runge‐Kutta scheme and shooting method are employed to solve these reduced equations. The effects of various associated parameters over the velocity and temperature profiles are plotted and the outcome of each associated parameter is discussed through graphs. The key findings are noted as follows: the velocity profile declines with an increase in the magnetic force number, and an increment in buoyancy parameter leads to the increase in the boundary layer thickness and decrease in the thickness of the thermal boundary layer.
Cytochrome c oxidase‐modulatory near‐infrared light penetration into the human brain: Implications for the noninvasive treatment of ischemia/reperfusion injury
Authors: Morse Paul T. , Goebel Dennis J. , Wan Junmei , Tuck Samuel , Hakim Lara , Hüttemann Charlotte L. , Malek Moh H. , Lee Icksoo , Sanderson Thomas H. , Hüttemann Maik
Published: November 2020

Near‐infrared light (IRL) has been evaluated as a therapeutic for a variety of pathological conditions, including ischemia/reperfusion injury of the brain, which can be caused by an ischemic stroke or cardiac arrest. Strategies have focused on modulating the activity of mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) enzyme cytochrome c oxidase (COX), which has copper centers that broadly absorb IRL between 700 and 1,000 nm. We have recently identified specific COX‐inhibitory IRL wavelengths that are profoundly neuroprotective in rodent models of brain ischemia/reperfusion through the following mechanism: COX inhibition by IRL limits mitochondrial membrane potential hyperpolarization during reperfusion, which otherwise causes reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and cell death. Prior to clinical application of IRL on humans, IRL penetration must be tested, which may be wavelength dependent. In the present study, four fresh (unfixed) cadavers and isolated cadaver tissues were used to examine the transmission of infrared light through human biological tissues. We conclude that the transmission of 750 and 940 nm IRL through 4 cm of cadaver head supports the viability of IRL to treat human brain ischemia/reperfusion injury and is similar for skin with different skin pigmentation. We discuss experimental difficulties of working with fresh cadavers and strategies to overcome them as a guide for future studies.
Addition of glycerol enhances the flexibility of gelatin hydrogel sheets; application for in utero tissue engineering
Authors: Watanabe Miho , Li Haiying , Yamamoto Masaya , Horinaka Jun‐ichi , Tabata Yasuhiko , Flake Alan W
Published: November 2020

Gelatin hydrogels are naturally derived scaffolds useful for tissue engineering because of their cytocompatibility and controllable degradability. However, they are brittle and inflexible when dry, which limits their use for in utero tissue engineering in large animal models. Therefore, in this study, we attempted to generate flexible gelatin sheets by adding various plasticizers with different molecular weights (MW). We systematically evaluated the flexibility, sustainability, and potential clinical utility of the resulting flexible gelatin sheets. Gelatin sheets with low‐MW plasticizers, such as monosaccharides or sugar alcohols, showed a reduced tensile modulus in dynamic viscoelasticity, which reflected their actual flexibility. Wet gelatin sheets containing plasticizers showed higher tensile strength than the nonplasticizer control, although wet gelatin sheets under all conditions had a much lower tensile strength than dry gelatin sheets. In a functional study, gelatin sheets containing glycerol, which has the lowest MW among sugar alcohols, showed encouraging results, such as good fit to the curvature of the experimental animal, biocompatibility, and suitability for endoscopic approaches. The findings of this study should enable the expansion of future applications for flexible gelatin sheets.
Retracted: HDAC2‐mediated proliferation of trophoblast cells requires the miR‐183/FOXA1/IL‐8 signaling pathway
Authors: Zhu Hanhong , Wang Changxiu
Published: November 2020

Pre‐eclampsia (PE) is a major cause of maternal and perinatal death. Previous research has indicated the role of histone deacetylase 2 (HDAC2) in the pathogenesis of PE but the relevant molecular mechanisms are unknown. However, there is hitherto little information concerning the molecular mechanism behind HDAC2 in PE. Herein, we hypothesized that HDAC2 promotes trophoblast cell proliferation and this requires the involvement of microRNA‐183 (miR‐183), forkhead box protein A1 (FOXA1), and interleukin 8 (IL‐8). We collected placental specimens from 30 PE affected and 30 normal pregnant women. HDAC2 and FOXA1 were poorly expressed while miR‐183 and IL‐8 were highly expressed in placental tissues in PE. In vitro, HDAC2 overexpression enhanced the proliferation, migration, and invasion of human trophoblast cells HTR‐8/SVNEO. HDAC2 inhibited the expression of miR‐183 by diminishing H4 acetylation in the miR‐183 promoter region. miR‐183 inhibition by its specific inhibitor increased the expression of FOXA1 and thus enhanced HTR‐8/SVNEO cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. FOXA1, a transcriptional factor, enhanced HTR‐8/SVNEO cell proliferation, migration, and invasion by inhibiting the transcription of IL‐8. We also observed HDAC2 knockdown was lost upon FOXA1 overexpression, suggesting that HDAC2 could promote HTR‐8/SVNEO proliferation, migration, and invasion through the miR‐183/FOXA1/IL‐8 pathway. In summary, the results highlighted the role of the HDAC2/miR‐183/FOXA1/IL‐8 pathway in PE pathogenesis and thus suggest a novel molecular target for PE.
Multicenter, Double‐Blind, Randomized Trial of Emricasan in Hepatitis C–Treated Liver Transplant Recipients With Residual Fibrosis or Cirrhosis
Authors: Weinberg Ethan M. , Curry Michael P. , Frenette Catherine T. , Regenstein Fredric G. , Schiff Eugene R. , Goodman Zachary D. , Robinson James M. , Chan Jean L. , Imperial Joanne C. , Reddy K. Rajender
Published: November 2020

Despite achieving sustained virologic response (SVR) to hepatitis C virus (HCV) therapy, there remains a post liver transplantation population with advanced fibrosis/cirrhosis. Emricasan is an orally active, pan‐caspase inhibitor that suppresses apoptosis and inflammation, potentially decreasing hepatic inflammation and fibrosis. We aimed to determine the safety and efficacy of emricasan (IDN‐6556‐07) in a double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled, multicenter study in reducing or preventing the progression of hepatic fibrosis in HCV liver transplant recipients with residual fibrosis or cirrhosis after achieving SVR. A total of 64 participants were randomly assigned to receive 25 mg twice daily of emricasan or placebo in a 2:1 ratio for 24 months. 41 participants were randomly assigned to emricasan and 23 to placebo; 32 participants in the emricasan group (78.0%) and 19 who took a placebo (82.6%) completed the study. There was no difference in the primary endpoint (Ishak fibrosis stages F2‐F5, improvement in fibrosis or stability; Ishak fibrosis stage F6, improvement) between the emricasan (77.1%) and placebo groups (74.1%); P = NS. There was no difference between the emricasan (54.5%) and placebo (60.7%) arms in the rate of fibrosis improvement alone. However, those in the prespecified F3 to F5 subgroup had higher rates of stability or improvement in fibrosis in the emricasan group (95.2%) compared with placebo (54.6%) (P = 0.01). The tolerability and safety profiles were similar in both groups. In conclusion, overall stability in the Ishak fibrosis stage was similar between emricasan and placebo groups at 24 months. However, there was improvement and/or stability in fibrosis stage in the prespecified F3 to F5 subgroup with emricasan versus placebo, suggesting that patients with moderate fibrosis may benefit with emricasan.
Qualitative analysis of Amazon customer reviews of penile clamps for male urinary incontinence
Authors: Lee Austin , Mmonu Nnenaya A. , Thomas Hannah , Rios Natalie , Enriquez Anthony , Breyer Benjamin N.
Published: November 2020

Aims

Penile clamps offer an alternative to manage male urinary incontinence in patients who are unfit for surgery. Patient experience with penile clamps is poorly understood. Our study elucidates patient opinions on commercially available penile clamps and the factors that associate with favorable and unfavorable opinions.

Methods

We collected Amazon reviews of all penile clamps marketed for male urinary incontinence from November 2011 to January 2020 and qualitatively assessed the overall sentiment towards penile clamps, key praises and key complaints. Covariates such as designated Amazon star rating were further explored for association with coding patterns.

Results

Amazon reviews of penile clamps were found to be more positive (n = 425) in overall sentiment than negative (n = 294). The most frequent praise was effective incontinence control (n = 334) and the most frequent complaint was bad design or material (n = 166). The majority of reviews were for lower priced penile clamps, had higher Amazon star ratings, were written for Wiesner‐produced clamps, and were written more recently (i.e., 2015–2020). Penile clamps with higher Amazon star ratings were more often coded positive and with a praise compared to lower rated penile clamps.

Conclusions

Penile clamps are seen favorably by users as an effective treatment modality for male urinary incontinence. User reviews suggest opportunities for improvement in penile clamp design. The most frequently reviewed clamp seen positively is the Wiesner Incontinence Clamp Penile Clamp whereas the most frequently reviewed clamp seen negatively is the Pacey Cuff Male Incontinence Device.
Computational analysis of the third order dispersive fractional PDE under exponential‐decay and Mittag‐Leffler type kernels
Authors: Ahmad Shabir , Ullah Aman , Shah Kamal , Akgül Ali
Published: November 2020

This article aims to investigate the fractional dispersive partial differential equations (FPDEs) under non‐singular and non‐local kernels. First, we study the fractional dispersive equations under the Caputo‐Fabrizio fractional derivative in one and higher dimension. Second, we investigate the same equations under the Atangana‐Baleanu derivative. The Laplace transform has an excellent convergence rate for the exact solution as compared to the other analytical methods. Therefore, we use Laplace transform to obtain the series solution of the proposed equations. We provide two examples of each equation to confirm the validity of the proposed scheme. The results and simulations of examples show higher convergence of the fractional‐order solution to the integer‐order solution. In the end, we provide the conclusion and physical interpretation of the figures.
Is it safe to consume traditional medicinal plants during pregnancy?
Authors: Bernstein Nirit , Akram Muhammad , Yaniv‐Bachrach Zohara , Daniyal Muhammad
Published: November 2020

The popularity of natural medicine is growing worldwide. Unlike conventional licensed medicines, herbal medicine practices are usually not supported by effectiveness, efficacy, or safety studies, which raise concerns about potential risks involved in their usage, particularly in high‐risk patients such as pregnant women where teratogenicity is a concern. Despite a lack of science‐based evidence, the use of herbal products for the management of pregnancy‐associated challenges is common, due to the common notion that they are free of toxic effects and adverse reactions because they are “natural.” The lack of concern about utilizing herbal remedies during pregnancy is strengthened by the lack of regulation in most countries for their marketing. However, plant‐based remedies are not free of adverse reactions. Medicinal plants and herbal remedies contain substances that can be toxic to the human body and the fetus. Potential effects of indiscriminate use of medicinal plants are embryotoxicity, teratogenic, and abortifacient effects. Some plant constituents can cross the placenta and reach the fetus. Phytochemicals and their metabolites are known to induce stimulation of uterine contraction and hormone imbalance that could result in abortion. The alterations to the hormonal profile can affect conception, induce teratogenic activity, and halt the pregnancy or produce a congenital malformation. Due to the wide range of modes of action of phytochemicals, some medicinal plants may be safe to use during certain trimesters of pregnancy and harmful at other stages. This manuscript reviews available scientific information concerning potential health hazards associated with the consumption of herbal medicines during pregnancy, highlighting those herbs that should be avoided due to their potential abortifacient and/or teratogenic activity. We focused on plants that were tested by preclinical studies, and studies of these plants are summarized. Common therapeutic use of these herbs, estimated effects, toxicological effects, and animal studies of these plants is summarized. The literature reviewed suggests that consumption of the following medicinal plants should be avoided during pregnancy: Abrus precatorius, Achyranthes aspera, Ailanthus excelsa, Aloe vera, Aristolochia indica, Areca catechu, Bambusa vulgaris, Cassia occidentalis, Cicer arietinum, Cimicifuga racemose, Dolichandrone falcate, Ginkgo biloba, Hydrastis canadensis, Indigofera trifoliate, Lavandula latifolia, Maytenus ilicifolia, Momordica cymbalaria, Moringa oleifera, Musa rosacea, Oxalis corniculate, Phytolacca dodecandra, Plumeria rubra, Ricinus communis, Ruta graveolens, Stachys lavandulifolia, Senna alata, Trigonella foenum‐graecum, Vitus agnus‐castus, and Valeriana officinalis.