bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Proximal Tubulopathies Associated With Monoclonal Light Chains: The Spectrum of Clinicopathologic Manifestations and Molecular Pathogenesis
Authors: Herrera Guillermo A.
Published: September 2014

Context.—Lesions associated with monoclonal light and heavy chains display a variety of glomerular, tubular interstitial, and vascular manifestations. While some of the entities are well recognized, including light and heavy chain deposition diseases, AL (light chain) and AH (heavy chain) amyloidosis, and light chain (“myeloma”) cast nephropathy, other lesions centered on proximal tubules are much less accurately identified, properly diagnosed, and adequately understood in terms of pathogenesis and molecular mechanisms involved. These proximal tubule–centered lesions are typically associated with monoclonal light chains and have not been reported in patients with circulating monoclonal heavy chains.

Objective.—To determine the incidence of proximal tubulopathies in a series of patients with monoclonal light chain–related renal lesions and characterize them with an emphasis on clinical correlations and elucidation of molecular mechanisms involved in their pathogenesis.

Design.—A study of 5410 renal biopsies with careful evaluation of light microscopic, immunofluorescence, and electron microscopic findings was conducted to identify these monoclonal light/heavy chain–related lesions. In selected cases, ultrastructural immunolabeling was performed to better illustrate and understand molecular mechanisms involved or to resolve specific diagnostic difficulties.

Results.—In all, 2.5% of the biopsies were diagnosed as demonstrating renal pathology associated with monoclonal light or heavy chains. Of these, approximately 46% were classified as proximal tubule–centered lesions, also referred to as monoclonal light chain–associated proximal tubulopathies. These proximal tubulopathies were divided into 4 groups defined by characteristic immunomorphologic manifestations associated with specific clinical settings.

Conclusions.—These are important lesions whose recognition in the different clinical settings is extremely important for patients' clinical management, therapeutic purposes, and prognosis. These entities have been segregated into 4 distinct variants, conceptualized morphologically and clinically. Specific mechanisms involved in their pathogenesis are proposed.
Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma: Features Presenting Diagnostic Challenges
Authors: Pletneva Maria A. , Smith Lauren B.
Published: September 2014

Anaplastic large cell lymphoma has histopathologic features that necessitate a broad differential diagnosis. Diagnostic considerations include carcinoma, melanoma, and hematopoietic malignancies, including diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, classical Hodgkin lymphoma, myeloid sarcoma, and peripheral T-cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified. Unusual features can include subtle sinusoidal involvement, histiocytic morphology, cytokeratin expression, CD15 expression, and variant patterns of anaplastic lymphoma kinase expression. Cases with unusual morphologic or immunohistochemical findings will be presented to highlight the complexity encountered in practice.
Controversies and Considerations in the Diagnosis of Primary Cutaneous CD4+ Small/Medium T-Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Lan Thanh T. Ha , Brown Noah A. , Hristov Alexandra C.
Published: September 2014

Context.—Primary cutaneous CD4+ small/medium T-cell lymphoma is a provisional and controversial entity with a broad differential diagnosis. Despite being an uncommon lymphoma, it is a frequent diagnostic consideration in cutaneous biopsies with a dense lymphoid infiltrate because it shows overlapping features with reactive lymphoid hyperplasia (pseudolymphoma) and a variety of other primary cutaneous and systemic lymphomas. However, proper classification of this process is important for determining patient prognosis and treatment options.

Objective.—To review the clinical, morphologic, immunophenotypic, and genetic features of primary cutaneous CD4+ small/medium T-cell lymphoma and contrast those features with entities in the differential diagnosis.

Data Sources.—Applicable literature will be reviewed with emphasis on current controversies and distinguishing characteristics.

Conclusions.—Although many consider primary cutaneous CD4+ small/medium T-cell lymphoma to be indistinguishable from reactive lymphoid hyperplasia/pseudolymphoma, it can be differentiated from other primary cutaneous and systemic lymphomas. Patients with solitary lesions of primary cutaneous CD4+ small/medium T-cell lymphoma generally have an excellent prognosis. Nevertheless, a subset of patients who have been reported to meet criteria for this lymphoma have followed a more-aggressive course; however, those patients show some differing clinical, morphologic, and immunophenotypic features.
Clear Cell Melanoma: A Cutaneous Clear Cell Malignancy
Authors: Pletneva Maria A. , Andea Aleodor , Palanisamy Nallasivam , Betz Bryan L. , Carskadon Shannon , Wang Min , Patel Rajiv M. , Fullen Douglas R. , Harms Paul W.
Published: September 2014

Clear cell melanoma is a rare clear cell malignancy. Accurate diagnosis of clear cell melanoma requires integration of immunohistochemical and morphologic findings, with molecular studies to rule out clear cell sarcoma. The differential diagnosis includes melanoma, carcinoma, perivascular epithelioid cell tumor, and epidermotropic clear cell sarcoma. We use a case of a lesion on the helix of an 86-year-old man as an example. Histologic examination revealed an ulcerated clear cell malignant tumor. Tumor cell cytoplasm contained periodic acid-Schiff–positive, diastase-sensitive glycogen. Tumor cells showed positive labeling for S100, HMB-45, and Melan-A, and negative labeling for cytokeratins, p63, and smooth muscle actin. Molecular studies demonstrated BRAF V600E mutation, copy gains at the 6p25 (RREB1) and 11q13 (CCND1) loci, and absence of EWSR1-ATF1 fusion. These findings supported a diagnosis of clear cell melanoma. The rare pure clear cell morphology occurs due to accumulation of intracytoplasmic glycogen. We review the differential diagnosis of clear cell melanoma and describe the utility of immunohistochemical and molecular studies in confirming this diagnosis.
Social Cognition and Democracy: The Relationship Between System Justification, Just World Beliefs, Authoritarianism, Need for Closure, and Need for Cognition in Hungary
Authors: Kelemen László , Szabó Zsolt Péter , Mészáros Noémi Zsuzsanna , László János , Forgas Josef P.
Published: September 2014

This research was aimed at examining just-world beliefs, system justification, authoritarianism, and cognitive style in a nationally representative sample (N = 1000) in Hungary, and at relating these phenomena to various demographic and political variables to find out whether the findings in Hungary would differ from its Western counterparts. According to system justification theory, there is a psychological motive to defend and justify the status quo. This theory has been tested several times in North American and Western European samples. The core finding of our study was that Hungarian people, unlike people in Western democracies, did not justify the existing establishment. There was strong pessimism with regard to the idea that the system serves the interests of the people. Members of disadvantaged groups (people with low economic income and/or far right political preference) strongly rejected the system. System justification beliefs were moderately related to just world beliefs, and there was a significant relationship between some aspects of need for closure (need for order, discomfort with ambiguity, and closed-mindedness) and authoritarian beliefs. Need for cognition was only related to one aspect of need for closure: closed-mindedness. The voters of right-wing parties did not display higher levels of authoritarianism than the voters of the left social-democrat party. The role of demographic and political variables, limitations, and possible developments of this research are discussed.
A teia, a tela e o tempo: internet e história do tempo presente
Authors: Rodrigues Pedro Eurico
Published: September 2014

O enfoque deste artigo será uma apresentação da pesquisa em história e Internet, pensando esta como um documento dentro dos estudos da História da Cultura Escrita e da Leitura. Ao propiciar novas formas de ler e escrever na contemporaneidade, a Internet perpassa por várias modalidades tais como os comunicadores instantâneos (MIRC e MSN), as redes sociais (Orkut, Facebook), notícias, vídeos entre outros. Com destaque a novos mecanismos de sociabilidade que funcionam como mediadores para interação entre grupos que utilizam as redes sociais. Os documentos são abordados na perspectiva da História do Tempo Presente, que possibilita pensarmos um passado-presente, em que os recuos e aproximações com as fontes são possibilitados pelas escolhas do historiador que problematiza este PresentePalavras-chave: História; Escrita; Leitura; Redes de Relações Sociais.
Ler, pesquisar e escrever história em tempos de internet: desafios e possibilidades
Authors: Araújo George Zeidan
Published: September 2014

Apesar de toda a importância adquirida em nossa sociedade, a história da internet e os debates a respeito das relações entre história e internet têm sido praticamente ignorados pela maioria dos historiadores latino-americanos. Para preencher essa lacuna, o objetivo deste trabalho é apresentar o surgimento, o desenvolvimento e a configuração atual da internet, além de delinear as principais questões que envolvem sua influência e a das mídias digitais nas modalidades possíveis de pesquisa e escrita da história, o que implica tratar, em alguma medida, da chamada “história digital”.Palavras-chave: História; Historiografia; Internet - história.
Intolerance South of America: comparative study of fascist groups from Brazil and Argentina on the Internet (1996-2007)
Authors: Maynard Dilton Cândido Santos
Published: September 2014

This article investigates the uses of the Internet made by fascist groups from Brazil and Argentina. We use as main sources professedly fascist websites created shortly after the popularization of the Internet. From the perspective offered by the comparative methodology advocated by Marc Bloch, the text examines the relation between Brazilian homepages and the best known South American far-right website, Ciudad Libertad Opinión, created in 1999 with the primary purpose of spreading fascist ideas and providing support to other extremist groups. We point out the strategic role played by the web portal Libre Opinión as articulator between fascist groups in South America, this is a key contributor in the diffusion of Brazilian web pages marked to convey on a regular basis xenophobic, racist, anti-Semitic, and homophobic messages.Keywords: Fascism – Brazil; Fascism – Argentina; Internet; South America
Galileo Revisited
Authors: Schulgasser K.
Published: September 2014

Basic mechanics courses are geared toward analyzing given situations. However, an important aspect of mechanics, especially for loaded structures, is that of optimizing parameters of a structure within a given physical framework. Ideas of optimization are generally not introduced into engineering education until more advanced level courses. We use an apparent contradiction in Galileo's classic treatise Dialogues Concerning Two New Sciences as a pretext for introducing optimization at the most elementary level possible in the basic Strength of Materials course.
Modern Cheating Techniques, Their Adverse Effects on Engineering Education and Preventions
Authors: Srikanth M. , Asmatulu R.
Published: September 2014

Cheating is an immoral way of achieving higher grades in school by breaking rules and regulations and gaining an unfair advantage in a competitive environment. This dishonest behavior is becoming a more serious issue, particularly with all the technological developments, and it considerably threatens the educational systems in engineering, science, fine arts, law, nursing, medicine and pharmacy. Approximately 70% of school students in the U.S. admitted that they were involved in direct and/or indirect cheating actions during exams, homework, term projects, reports, papers and presentations using a variety of cheating techniques. These techniques include all kinds of cell phones, camera phones, earphones, MP3 players, graphing calculators, iPads, texting devices, monitoring devices, multifunctional watches, etc. Similar trends have been observed in many other developed or developing countries worldwide. These issues are more crucial for online courses, which have been gaining popularity for full-time employees who wish to further their education. In the present study, we have evaluated many of the high-tech cheating systems and devices that have been a major threat to engineering education, and we have reported the possible ways for improperly using these items in colleges. This study offers many opportunities for faculty members, teachers, lecturers and family members to become aware of the problem, take action, prevent such incidences and increase the quality of engineering education.
Importance of Introduction of the Tensor Approach into Standard Mechanics of Materials Course
Authors: Aleksandrova Nelli
Published: September 2014

In the universities, research activity of the students should be a part of an educational process. The achievement of this educational goal is directly related not only to the clear understanding of leading engineering disciplines but also to the development of professional skills of transforming real-world engineering problems into adequate mathematical statements with further analyses. Mechanics of Materials is a traditional core discipline for most engineering studies, and each year it gains additional significance due to its applications in biology, medicine and geophysics. To this end, the paper shows the importance of introduction of the tensor approach into standard Mechanics of Materials course. It is outlined that, for research-oriented engineering students, the tensor approach forms most adequate bases for further career.
Agency and Structure in Zygmunt Bauman's Modernity and the Holocaust
Authors: Best Shaun
Published: September 2014

The article explores how Zygmunt Bauman's work from Modernity and the Holocaust to his liquid turn writings assumes that people live in a deterministic world. Bauman fails to distinguish agency as an analytical category in its own right and as such fails to capture self-determination, agential control and moral responsibility. All of Bauman's work is based upon the assumption that the individual loses their autonomy and the ability to judge the moral content of their actions because of adiaphortic processes external to themselves as individuals giving rise to agentic state in which the individual is unable to exercise their agency. In contrast to the argument in Modernity and the Holocaust this article suggests that the Nazis developed a distinct communitarian ethical code rooted in self-control that encouraged individuals to overcome their personal feeling states, enabling them to engage in acts of cruelty to people defined as outside of the community. In his post-2000 work where the emphasis is on the process of liquefaction there is the same undervaluing of human agency in the face of external forces reflected in Bauman's concepts of ambivalence, fate and swarm.
FGF14 modulates resurgent sodium current in mouse cerebellar Purkinje neurons
Authors: Yan Haidun , Pablo Juan L , Wang Chaojian , Pitt Geoffrey S
Published: September 2014

Rapid firing of cerebellar Purkinje neurons is facilitated in part by a voltage-gated Na+ (NaV) ‘resurgent’ current, which allows renewed Na+ influx during membrane repolarization. Resurgent current results from unbinding of a blocking particle that competes with normal channel inactivation. The underlying molecular components contributing to resurgent current have not been fully identified. In this study, we show that the NaV channel auxiliary subunit FGF14 ‘b’ isoform, a locus for inherited spinocerebellar ataxias, controls resurgent current and repetitive firing in Purkinje neurons. FGF14 knockdown biased NaV channels towards the inactivated state by decreasing channel availability, diminishing the ‘late’ NaV current, and accelerating channel inactivation rate, thereby reducing resurgent current and repetitive spiking. Critical for these effects was both the alternatively spliced FGF14b N-terminus and direct interaction between FGF14b and the NaV C-terminus. Together, these data suggest that the FGF14b N-terminus is a potent regulator of resurgent NaV current in cerebellar Purkinje neurons.
Changes in Professionalism: The Case of Estonian Chefs
Authors: Roosipold Anne , Loogma Krista
Published: September 2014

The changes that have taken place in professional life have led to changes both in the occupations and social positions of practitioners. In this article, the authors analyse the implications of occupational changes on professionalisation and professional learning, using chefs in Estonia as an example. The article aims to interpret the theoretical framework of professionalism by exploring the beliefs and opinions of chefs and the assessments of their work. The methodological approach is qualitative, relying on semi-structured interviews with outstanding chefs and experts in the field of food science in Estonia. Based on this analysis, we conclude that the chefs are still experts in their field of cooking but new managerial and leadership roles have become more significant. We argue that professionalisation can lead to hybrid professionalism of chefs, which involves communication with the public, reliance on practical knowledge, nonformal learning and reflexive control over their work.
Variability in Constituents of E-Cigarette Products Containing Nicotine Analogues
Authors: Erythropel Hanno C. , Jabba Sairam V. , Silinski Peter , Anastas Paul T. , Krishnan-Sarin Suchitra , Zimmerman Julie B. , Jordt Sven E.
Published: August 2024

This study characterizes and quantifies constituents in 2 e-cigarette products to assess product consistency and inform future risk assessments.
Progressive Cardiogenic Shock After Catheter Ablation in a Man Aged 78 Years
Authors: Benali Karim , Seguy Benjamin , Sacher Frederic
Published: August 2024

This case report discusses progressive cardiogenic shock in a man aged 78 years after catheter ablation for ventricular tachycardia.
Unveiling the Structure in Mental Disorder Presentations
Authors: Spiller Tobias R. , Duek Or , Helmer Markus , Murray John D. , Fielstein Elliot , Pietrzak Robert H. , von Känel Roland , Harpaz-Rotem Ilan
Published: August 2024

Importance

DSM criteria are polythetic, allowing for heterogeneity of symptoms among individuals with the same disorder. In empirical research, most combinations were not found or only rarely found, prompting criticism of this heterogeneity.

Objective

To elaborate how symptom-based definitions and assessments contribute to a distinct probability pattern for the occurrence of symptom combinations.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cross-sectional study involved a theoretical argument, simulation, and secondary data analysis of 4 preexisting datasets, each consisting of symptoms from 1 of the following syndromes: posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, schizophrenia, and anxiety. Data were obtained from various sources, including the National Institute of Mental Health Data Archive and Department of Veteran Affairs. A total of 155 474 participants were included (individual studies were 3930 to 63 742 individuals in size). Data were analyzed between July 2021 and January 2024.

Exposure

For each participant, the presence or absence of each assessed symptom and their combination was determined. The number of all combinations and their individual frequencies were assessed.

Main Outcome and Measure

Probability or frequency of unique symptom combinations and their distribution.

Results

Among the 155 474 participants, the mean (SD) age was 47.5 (14.8) years; 33 933 (21.8%) self-identified as female and 121 541 (78.2%) as male. Because of the interrelation between symptoms, some symptom combinations were significantly more likely than others. The distribution of the combinations’ probability was heavily skewed with most combinations having a very low probability. Across all 4 empirical samples, the 1% most common combinations were prevalent in a total of 33.1% to 78.6% of the corresponding sample. At the same time, many combinations (ranging from 41.7% to 99.8%) were reported by less than 1% of the sample.

Conclusions and Relevance

This study found that within-disorder symptom heterogeneity followed a specific pattern consisting of few prevalent, prototypical combinations and numerous combinations with a very low probability of occurrence. Future discussions about the revision of diagnostic criteria should take this specific pattern into account by focusing not only on the absolute number of symptom combinations but also on their individual and cumulative probabilities. Findings from clinical populations using common diagnostic criteria may have limited generalizability to the large group of individuals with a low-probability symptom combination.
Training Psychiatrist-Scientists—Excellence on Both Sides of the Hyphen
Authors: Taylor Jacob L. , Potash James B.
Published: August 2024

This Viewpoint discusses why it is important for psychiatry residency programs to continue to prioritize the training of psychiatrist-scientists.
Balancing ecology and practicality to rank waterbodies for preventative invasive species management
Authors: Roberts Caleb P. , Grant William E. , Horton Matthew L. , LaBrie Lindsey A. P. , Peterson Miranda R. , Rogosch Jane S. , Wang Hsiao‐Hsuan
Published: August 2024

‘Early detection and rapid response’ (EDRR) is the most successful framework for preventative invasive species management, but prioritizing localized EDRR actions with limited resources is challenging. An approach that ranks individual locations, such as waterbodies, for EDRR by combining an invasive species' establishment risk with the practicality of managing it could help set reasonable priorities.

Here, we worked with regional practitioners in Arkansas, USA, and the broader Southeastern USA to co‐produce a workflow for preventative aquatic invasive species management that (1) estimates establishment risk under current and future climates with a species distribution model, (2) scores waterbodies according to difficulty of eradicating an aquatic invasive species if it were introduced and (3) combines establishment risk and eradication difficulty scores to rank waterbodies according to preventative management priority. As our focal species, we used giant salvinia (Salvinia molesta), a floating aquatic fern ranked among the worst weeds in the world due to its negative socio‐ecological impacts and difficulty to eradicate once established.

Current establishment risk is low for much of our study area, but under future climate scenarios (RCP 8.5), areas with >60% giant salvinia establishment risk increased from 546 km2 to 30,219 km2 between 2023 and 2040 in Arkansas.

We found giant salvinia establishment risk and eradication difficulty are independent of each other (r = 0.28), and it follows that, alone, early detection tools such as species distribution models are insufficient for managers to prioritize sites for EDRR.

Practical implication: We envision our approach fitting into a potential EDRR workflow that cascades from broad‐ to local‐scale. To illustrate, (1) horizon scanning and/or climate matching generates lists of high‐risk invasive species; (2) species lists are narrowed according to eradication feasibility scores; (3) for all remaining species, all waterbodies across a geography of interest receive prioritization rankings based on establishment risk and eradication difficulty scores. Given that climate change makes predicting invasive species' distributions a moving target, combining co‐produced eradication difficulty scoring with species distribution modelling will balance rigour with practicality when prioritizing locations for EDRR.
Flow Behavior and Microstructure of Hot‐Worked TiNbTaVW Refractory High‐Entropy Alloy
Authors: Bamisaye Olufemi Sylvester , Maledi Nthabiseng , Merwe Josias Van der , Klenam Desmond , Bodunrin Michael
Published: August 2024

The high‐temperature deformation behavior of an equiatomic TiNbTaVW refractory high entropy alloy (RHEA) was studied at temperatures of 950, 1000, and 1050 °C and a strain rate of 10−3 s−1. The flow stress, high‐temperature strength, and softening mechanisms were analyzed and compared with the IN718 nickel‐based superalloy. The results indicate that the flow stress of both TiNbTaVW and IN718 is sensitive to deformation temperature, with high temperatures resulting in reduced flow stress. Globular grains and elongated grains were observed at 950 and 1000 °C for TiNbTaVW, signifying both dynamic recovery and dynamic globularization as the softening mechanisms. Globular grains were only observed at 1050 °C for TiNbTaVW, signifying dynamic globularization as the softening mechanism. The TiNbTaVW RHEA has a higher temperature strength of 910, 870, and 658 MPa compared to the IN718 alloy with 72, 87, and 61 MPa at 950–1000 °C/10−3 s−1. By demonstrating comparable or superior performance in specific aspects, RHEAs can be considered in the near future for potential applications traditionally dominated by nickel‐based superalloys.
Enhanced Direct Air Carbon Capture on NaX Zeolite by Electric‐Field Enhanced Physical Adsorption and In Situ CO2 Synergistic Effects of Cold Plasma
Authors: Shen Minghai , Kong Fulin , Guo Wei , Zuo Zhongqi , Guo Chan , Tong Lige , Yin Shaowu , Wang Li , Kawi Sibudjing , Chu Paul K. , Ding Yulong
Published: August 2024

Direct air carbon capture (DAC) is vital to achieving negative CO2 emissions, with physical adsorption offering a cost‐effective and energy‐efficient solution. an advanced zeolite modification technique is presented using cold plasma, which enhances the CO2 adsorption efficiency of NaX zeolite by 11.5% after just 60 min. This method utilizes the electric field to reorganize cation distribution and pore structure and significantly improve the adsorption capacity, efficiency, and selectivity. Compared to traditional methods, this technique is simpler and more effective, as demonstrated through first‐principles calculations, thermodynamics, kinetics, and adsorption equilibrium studies.
Compatibilizer Effects of Strategically Designed Donor–Acceptor Block Copolymers to Enhance the Performance, Stability, and Mechanical Durability of Inverted Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Tseng Yu‐Cheng , Fan Qunping , Tsai Chu‐Yen , Chang Jia‐Fu , Yu Ming‐Hsuan , Tseng Hsu‐Zi , Yip Hin‐Lap , Lin Francis R. , Jen Alex K.‐Y. , Chueh Chu‐Chen
Published: August 2024

A strategically designed donor–acceptor (D‐A) block copolymer (PM6‐b‐PYIT) is introduced, as a compatibilizer to enhance the performance and stability of inverted organic solar cells (OSCs) consisting of a bulk heterojunction (BHJ) of PM6 and L8‐BO. The PM6‐b‐PYIT compatibilizer not only significantly boosts the power conversion efficiency from 16.32% to 18.02%, but also further modulates the molecular arrangement and improves the compatibility between donor and acceptor materials. This stems from the structural similarity between the copolymer and the host materials, which facilitates ordered molecular stacking and superior charge‐transporting properties, thereby improving the dielectric constant and built‐in voltage and mitigating excessive charge recombination. More importantly, the role of the compatibilizer in stabilizing the BHJ morphology under long‐term aging conditions is highlighted, ascribed to the improved miscibility between different components in the BHJ composite. This in turn renders the photoactive layer more mechanically durable, making it suitable for stretchable applications.
Mixed‐Ligand Chiral Quasi‐2D Perovskites for Standard and Deep Blue CP‐LEDs
Authors: Yan Xinyao , Cao Rui , Zhang Ruxi , Gao Haotian , Xiao Yin
Published: August 2024

This study presents the development of mixed‐ligand quasi‐2D perovskites ((2‐PEA)x(R/S‐2‐BA)2MA1Cs1Pb3Br10+x, x = 0.8, 1.6, 2.4) for circularly polarized light‐emitting diodes (CP‐LEDs). By utilizing the strong confinement effect of 2‐phenylethylammonium (2‐PEA) and the chirality of R/S‐2‐butylammonium (R/S‐2‐BA), room‐temperature circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) across the green to deep blue spectrum is achieved. The green CPL attributes to the transfer of spin‐polarized excitons while the blue CPL originates from direct excitation of luminescent phases with intrinsic chirality. Finally, green and blue CP‐LEDs under ambient are realized. Notably, standard and deep blue CP‐EL is achieved based on 0.8PEA/(R/S‐2‐BA)‐ and 1.2PEA/(R/S‐2‐BA)‐films with impressive electroluminescent asymmetry factors (0.122 and 0.175), highlighting the potential of chiral perovskites in CP‐LEDs and opening avenues for the development of room‐temperature full‐color CP‐EL display.
Infrared‐Scattering by Programmable Peptide‐Melanin Microparticles
Authors: Lee Di Sheng , Yuan Weize , Voigt Christopher A.
Published: August 2024

Natural melanin polymers, biosynthesized from free tyrosine, assemble into microstructures that interact with light, producing a wide range of photonic properties. These structures are formed by mechanisms that are difficult to control to create new optical materials. Here, simple pentapeptides YXXXY is presented, where the XXX controls self‐assembly into microstructures, after which the Y's are polymerized by tyrosinase into melanin. It sought to computationally predict peptides that will assemble into two‐layer films that exhibit structural color and infrared (IR) scattering. Three peptides (YPIIY, YLPIY, YVPAY) are synthesized and found to form a two‐layer film exhibiting structural color. YLPIY‐melanin also forms a stable coating with scattering peaks in the near‐ and mid‐IR. This coating reduces the signature of a hotplate (37 °C) as seen by a thermal camera. This synthetic peptidic material is the first to exhibit IR‐scattering, opening the possibility of incorporating this function into bio‐compatible fibers, textiles, and plastics.
High‐Performance Yet Sustainable Triboelectric Nanogenerator Based on Sulfur‐Rich Polymer Composite with MXene Segregated Structure
Authors: Cho Woongbi , Kim Sungsu , Lee Hyeonhoo , Han Nara , Kim Hyunki , Lee Minbaek , Han Tae Hee , Wie Jeong Jae
Published: August 2024

State‐of‐the‐art triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) typically employ fluoropolymers, highly negative chargeable materials in triboelectric series. However, many researchers nowadays are concerned about environmental pollution caused by poly‐and per‐fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) due to their critical immunotoxicity as fluoropolymers are likely to release PFAS into the ecosystem during their life cycle. Herein, a sulfur‐rich polymer (SRP)/MXene composite, offering high‐performance yet sustainable TENG is developed. Value‐addition of sulfur into SRP‐based TENG has huge advantages since sulfur is abundant waste from petroleum refining and possesses the highest electron affinity (−200 kJ mol−1) among polymerizable atoms. MXene segregated structure is introduced into SRP to achieve homogeneous distribution without electrical percolation by utilizing below 0.5 wt% of MXene, resulting in a significantly enhanced dielectric constant without a drastic increase of dielectric loss. Due to homogeneous MXene distribution, SRP/MXene composite‐based TENG demonstrates 2.9 times and 19.5 times enhances peak voltage and peak current compared to previous SRP‐based TENGs. Additionally, it exhibits reusability without critical reduction of modulus and TENG performance due to dynamically exchangeable disulfide bonds. Finally, after the corona discharging and scaling‐up process to a 4‐inch wafer size, SRP/MXene composite‐based TENG exhibits an 8.4 times improvement in peak power density, reaching 3.80 W m−2 compared to previous SRP‐based TENGs.
Regulating Surface Metal Abundance via Lattice‐Matched Coordination for Versatile and Environmentally‐Viable Sn‐Pb Alloying Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Liu Gengling , Yang Guo , Feng Wenhuai , Li Hui , Yang Meifang , Zhong Yang , Jiang Xianyuan , Wu Wu‐Qiang
Published: August 2024

Narrow‐bandgap Sn‐Pb alloying perovskites showcased great potential in constructing multiple‐junction perovskite solar cells (PSCs) with efficiencies approaching or exceeding the Shockley‐Queisser limit. However, the uncontrollable surface metal abundance (Sn2+ and Pb2+ ions) hinders their efficiency and versatility in different device structures. Additionally, the undesired Pb distribution mainly at the buried interface accelerates the Pb leakage when devices are damaged. In this work, a novel strategy is presented to modulate crystallization kinetics and surface metal abundance of Sn‐Pb perovskites using a cobweb‐like quadrangular macrocyclic porphyrin material, which features a molecular size compatible with the perovskite lattice and robustly coordinates with Pb2+ ions, thus immobilizing them and increasing surface Pb abundance by 61%. This modulation reduces toxic Pb leakage rates by 24‐fold, with only ∼23 ppb Pb in water after severely damaged PSCs are immersed in water for 150 h.This strategy can also enhance chemical homogeneity, reduce trap density, release tensile strain and optimize carrier dynamics of Sn‐Pb perovskites and relevant devices. Encouragingly, the power conversion efficiency (PCEs) of 23.28% for single‐junction, full‐stack devices and 21.34% for hole transport layer‐free Sn‐Pb PSCs are achieved.Notably, the related monolithic all‐perovskite tandem solar cell also achieves a PCE of 27.03% with outstanding photostability.
Effect of pyrolysis operating conditions on the catalytic co‐pyrolysis of low‐density polyethylene and polyethylene terephthalate with zeolite catalysts
Authors: Okonsky Sean Timothy , Hogan Neil Robert , Toraman Hilal Ezgi
Published: August 2024

In this study, the catalytic (co‐)pyrolysis of low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) with HZSM‐5 and HY zeolite catalysts was conducted in a micro‐pyrolysis reactor coupled to a two‐dimensional gas chromatography system. Pyrolysis operating conditions, such as the pyrolysis temperature, the catalyst to feedstock (CF) ratio, and the LDPE:PET ratio, were varied. It was found that for the co‐pyrolysis of LDPE and PET, HZSM‐5 led to higher yields of C2‐C4 olefins and monoaromatic products. Lower CF ratios increased the yield of C2‐C4 olefins for LDPE pyrolysis, but decreased benzene yield for PET pyrolysis, concomitant with an increased yield in benzoic acid. A lower temperature of 400°C which was sufficient for the pyrolysis of LDPE, led to incomplete conversion of PET. Surface response diagrams were used to visualize the impact of the various pyrolysis operating conditions on the yield of C2‐C4 olefins and BTEX, which serve as target products for the circular economy.
Phylogenetic systematics of Vigna sensu stricto in the context of Physostigma and allies
Authors: Horton Dasha M. , Feleke Yonas , Pasquet Remy S. , Javadi Firouzeh , Melville Kaycie A. , Delgado‐Salinas Alfonso , Thulin Mats , Mithen Richard F. , Gepts Paul , Egan Ashley N.
Published: August 2024

Premise

Vigna includes economically vital crops and wild species. Molecular systematic studies of Vigna species resulted in generic segregates of many New World (NW) species. However, limited Old World (OW) sampling left questions regarding inter‐ and intraspecific relationships in Vigna s.s.

Methods

African species, including the putative sister genus Physostigma, were comprehensively sampled within the context of NW relatives. Maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference analyses of the chloroplast matK‐trnK and nuclear ribosomal ITS/5.8 S (ITS) DNA regions were undertaken to resolve OW Vigna taxonomic questions. Divergence dates were estimated using BEAST to date key nodes in the phylogeny.

Results

Analyses of matK and ITS data supported five clades of Vigna s.s.: subg. Lasiospron, a reduced subg. Vigna, subg. Haydonia, subg. Ceratotropis, an enlarged subg. Plectrotropis, and a clade including V. kirkii and V. stenophylla. Genome size estimates of 601 Mb for V. kirkii are near the overall mean of the genus, whereas V. stenophylla had a larger genome (810 Mb), similar to some Vigna subg. Ceratotropis or Plectrotropis species.

Conclusions

Former subg. Vigna is reduced to yellow‐ and blue‐flowered species and subg. Plectrotropis is enlarged to mostly all white‐, pink‐, and purple‐flowered species. The age of the split between NW and OW Vigna lineages is ~6–7 Myr. Genome size estimates cannot rule out a polyploid or hybrid origin for V. stenophylla, potentially involving extinct lineage ancestors of Vigna subg. Ceratotropis or Plectrotropis, as indicated by network and phylogenetic analyses. Taxonomic revisions are suggested based on these results.
Rate of dupilumab use and symptom severity of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis after Draf 3 frontal sinusotomy
Authors: Ji Keven , Kellerman Hunter , Mace Jess C. , Smith Timothy L. , Detwiller Kara Y. , Joshi Shyam R. , Geltzeiler Mathew
Published: August 2024

Background

The indications for endoscopic modified Lothrop procedure (Draf 3) in patients with refractory chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP) remain unclear. This study evaluates the effectiveness of Draf 3 for refractory CRSwNP focusing on improvements in disease severity and need for subsequent dupilumab rescue therapy.

Methods

Retrospective review of patients with CRSwNP undergoing Draf 3 surgery at a tertiary center between 2012 and 2022. Clinicodemographic variables were compared across those who did versus did not require rescue with postoperative dupilumab. Time to postoperative dupilumab rescue was analyzed and longitudinal disease‐specific outcomes were measured using the sinonasal outcomes test (SNOT‐22).

Results

Within 87 patients with CRSwNP, 24.1% had aspirin‐exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD). Significant improvement in SNOT‐22 score was found in CRSwNP with AERD (p < 0.001) and without AERD (p = 0.01) up to 24 months postoperative. 14.9% eventually required rescue with a dupilumab. More specifically, of 21 patients with AERD, 24.1% eventually required rescue with dupilumab. Dupilumab rescue was associated with a greater number of prior sinus surgeries (p = 0.02), prior aspirin desensitization (p = 0.02), and worse preoperative Lund‐MacKay scores (p < 0.001). No association between biologic rescue and frontal recess antero‐posterior diameter was found (p = 0.20).

Conclusions

Draf 3 surgery in CRSwNP was associated with significant improvement in SNOT‐22 score at 24 months. Furthermore, only 14.9% of patients required dupilumab rescue. Patients with AERD were more likely to require rescue with dupilumab even though 75.1% avoided treatment with the biologic over the study period.
Nasal virus infection induces asthma exacerbation through B‐cell‐dependent recruitment of inflammatory monocytes
Authors: Waldstein Kody A. , Issimov Arman , Ganama Maria , Jinge Valerie , Tilley Stephen , Hua Xiaoyang
Published: August 2024

Background

Upper respiratory viral infections (URVIs) are responsible for 80% of asthma exacerbation episodes. However, the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood.

Methods

In this study, we used a mouse model of URVI and examined the impact of URVI on asthma phenotypes and the underlying mechanisms.

Results

Previously, we have reported that nasal‐restricted infection with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) only produces mild sino‐nasal inflammation and mucus production, without causing direct lung infection. However, such nasal‐restricted infection dramatically enhanced TH2 and TH17 inflammatory responses in the lungs and increased airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) in mice with house dust mite (HDM)‐induced asthma. Additionally, nasal‐restricted infection with RSV recruited Ly6C+ inflammatory monocytes (IMs) into the lungs of mice with and without HDM‐induced asthma. The expression of monocyte chemokines, including CCL2 and CCL7, also increased. Interestingly, nasal virus infection‐induced AHR was abolished in mice depleted of IMs and in CCR2−/− mice, indicating that the recruited IMs play a key role in nasal virus infection‐induced asthma exacerbations in mice. Lastly, we observed that recruitment of Ly6C+ IMs following URVI was abolished in mice lacking B cells and that nasal‐restricted infection with RSV increased numbers of CCL2+CCL7+ B cells in the lungs of mice as compared to controls.

Conclusions

Taken together, our data have shown that URVI enhances the allergic inflammatory response and AHR through a B cell‒monocyte regulatory axis.
A Perspective on Non‐Local Electronic Transport in Metals: Viscous, Ballistic, and Beyond
Authors: Baker Graham , Moravec Michal , Mackenzie Andrew P.
Published: August 2024

Ohm's law for electrical conduction in metals is one of the first concepts taught in any physics curriculum. It is perfectly adequate in almost all practical circumstances, but breaks down in some special, interesting cases. To observe such breakdowns, one requires extremely pure materials, which are rare and often difficult to produce. Excitingly, forefront materials research is leading to the discovery of more and more examples in which one can break the ‘purity barrier’ and explore non‐Ohmic transport. The rapid development of the field is seeing equally rapid developments in the understanding of exotic non‐Ohmic regimes, but this is not always a smooth progression. New layers of insight often involve reversing what have previously been regarded as established facts. Indeed, the interpretations given of experimental data in many papers published less than a decade ago would (or should!) be different today. The goal of this article is to give an entry‐level guide to some of the pertinent issues that have emerged from this intense decade of research, attempting to keep the style of the presentation as informal and non‐mathematical as is practical. Although source literature will be cited, no attempt will be made at comprehensive citation, so the paper should not be regarded as a review. Rather, an effort will be made to identify and explain some issues that the authors believe are important but not sufficiently emphasized in the literature to date. In that sense the paper should be regarded as a kind of opinion piece, with, hopefully, some didactic value to a reader with a solid grounding in traditional condensed matter physics.
Pioneering Sensing Technologies Using Borophene‐Based Composite/Hybrid Electrochemical Biosensors for Health Monitoring: A Perspective
Authors: Ahmed Shahzad , Ansari Arshiya , Kashif Ali Syed , Patil Bhagyashree R. , Riyaz Farhana , Khan Afzal , Ranjan Pranay
Published: August 2024

Biosensors are analytical tools that integrate a biological element with a physicochemical detector in order to quantify the existence or concentration of chemicals, biomolecules, or other biological elements for human health monitoring purposes. Electrochemical techniques for biological analyte detection include the use of electrochemical sensors to identify and quantify the existence and concentration of biological molecules. These techniques are often used because of their high sensitivity, specificity, quick reaction time, and the possibility of being made smaller in size, but still, the research problem in electrochemical‐based biosensing largely revolves around improving biosensors′ sensitivity, selectivity, stability, and response time. Borophene, an intriguing and novel substance within the domain of two‐dimensional (2D) materials, emerges as a highly promising protagonist in the continuous and dynamic history of nanoscience and nanotechnology. Borophene, characterized by its distinctive electronic, mechanical, and thermal properties, enthralls scientists due to its atomic structure consisting exclusively of boron atoms organized in a honeycomb lattice. In recent years, borophene hybrids and composites have emerged as potentially fruitful avenues for expanding their utility in numerous fields and improving their properties. In addition, borophene and its hybrid systems hold significant potential to overcome the limitations of current electrochemical‐based biosensors. By leveraging their unique properties—such as high surface area, chemical versatility, and mechanical strength—these materials can improve biosensors′ limitations. Moreover, the integration of borophene with other materials can further optimize performance, paving the way for advanced and practical biosensing solutions. This perspective presents a synopsis of recent developments in biosensing composites and hybrids based on borophene, including polymers and other nanomaterials. In addition, we emphasized the remarkable characteristics of borophene hybrids, which permit the detection of biological analytes such as proteins, nucleic acids, and small molecules in a sensitive and selective manner. Additionally, a summary of the computational investigations into analyte detection utilizing borophene‐based systems has been provided. In a nutshell, we discussed the challenges and future directions in the field, outlining opportunities for further innovation and optimization of borophene‐based biosensing platforms.
Evaporative cooling promotion using macroporous hydrogels with stable water transport and evaporation path
Authors: Tadano Satoshi , Cho Hiroaki , Yamazaki Kenichi , Asada Takatoshi
Published: August 2024

Evaporative cooling is being re‐evaluated in the context of eco‐systems and environmental friendliness to improve the efficiency of thermoelectric and photovoltaic power generation. One of the essential tasks to improve evaporative cooling performance is the development of materials that can maintain the evaporation path and supply the lost water. Here, we synthesized a macroporous hydrogel by freeze casting at a slow cooling rate. A series of open spaces was designed between the aligned columns of the hydrogel, and water is stably supplied by extensive capillary channels. In a cooling test, it was shown to be effective in reducing the target's equilibrium temperature. As the heat input increased, the cooling effect (that is, the temperature reduction by the hydrogels) tended to increase. In addition, under airflow, the effect was stable, and further enhanced. These results extend design strategies for hydrogel‐based evaporative cooling and offer opportunities to maximize cooling performance by searching for optimal surface shape and exploiting airflow conditions.
Porphyrin encapsulated in organic polymers: Electropolymerization and preliminary investigations on electrocatalytic activity
Authors: Saran Neha , Umesh Gawade Narayan , Thomas Tincy Lis , Bhavana Purushothaman
Published: August 2024

In the present work, the incorporation of hydrophobic porphyrins in organic polymers through electrochemically induced polymerization of monomers on conventional electrodes and the preliminary investigations on the electrocatalytic activity of these modified electrodes are explained. Electropolymerized porphyrins show better activity than organic polymers of N‐isopropylacrylamide, triethylene glycol methyl ether methacrylate, and glycerol 1,3‐diglycerolate diacrylate for nitrite oxidation due to the presence of cobalt metal ion. Among the porphyrins investigated, electropolymerized cobalt tetra‐2‐thienylporphyrin requires the least overpotential, due to ease of polymerization and better coating on glassy carbon electrode compared with that of cobalt tetraphenylporphyrin and cobalt tetra‐3‐thienylporphyrin. On encapsulating these porphyrins in organic polymers, improved current and lower overpotential are noticed.