bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spontaneous Production of Ultrastable Reactive Oxygen Species on Titanium Oxide Surfaces Modified with Organic Ligands
Authors: Ritacco Ida , Imparato Claudio , Falivene Laura , Cavallo Luigi , Magistrato Alessandra , Caporaso Lucia , Farnesi Camellone Matteo , Aronne Antonio
Published: August 2021

The spontaneous formation and long‐term surface stabilization of superoxide radicals are observed on specific TiO2 hybrid materials in which titanium is coordinated to an organic ligand. Here the rationale for this uncommon phenomenon is investigated by a synergistic theoretical and experimental approach involving density functional theory (DFT) calculations and spectroscopic techniques. Stoichiometric and reduced anatase (101) surfaces modified with acetylacetone, dibenzoylmethane, and catechol are comparatively examined. These results reveal that the interaction between organic ligands and adsorbed O2 molecules improves when O vacancies are present on the external layer of the surface, promoting O2 reduction. The electronic features of the ligand play a pivotal role for both an effective electronic interaction with the surface and the stabilization of the generated reactive oxygen species. These results agree with experimental data showing that sol–gel‐derived Ti‐diketonate hybrid oxides spontaneously produce very persistent superoxide radicals under ambient conditions, thus holding a high intrinsic oxidative activity.
MXene Reinforced Thermosetting Composite for Lightning Strike Protection of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer
Authors: Kumar Vipin , Yeole Pritesh , Majed Ahmad , Park Chanyeop , Li Kai , Naguib Michael , Ravindranath Pruthul Kokkada , Jafta Charl , Spencer Ryan , Compton Brett , Vaidya Uday , Kunc Vlastimil
Published: August 2021

Ti3C2 – a member of the MXenes (2D transition metal carbides and nitrides) family, is investigated as an effective filler to improve the electrical, mechanical, and thermal properties of divinylbenzene (DVB) thermosetting resin. Consequently, its performance as a lightning strike protection (LSP) coating for carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) is evaluated. Polyaniline (PANI) – dodecylbenzene sulfonic acid (DBSA) complex is used to cure the DVB resin. The synergic effect of MXenes (with surface that is negatively charged) with polyaniline (positive charge) shows electrostatic bonding and improved electrical conductivity in the composite. The addition of MXenes at 2 wt% into the PANI‐DVB composite shows ≈139%, 10%, and 9% improvement in electrical conductivity, flexural strength, and flexural modulus, respectively, compared to the neat PANI‐DVB composite. The composites are investigated using various material characterization techniques including Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, and scanning electron microscopy. Furthermore, MXenes‐DVB is utilized to create a conductive thermosetting coating on top of a CFRP substrate and tested against a lightning strike of 100 kA. CFRP with MXenes‐DVB coating reduced the surface damage from 40.61 cm2 (reference CFRP panel) to 13.29 cm2 (CFRP coated with MXenes‐DVB).
Design of Electrochemical Microfluidic Detectors: A Review
Authors: Li Tianyu , Díaz‐Real Jesús Adrián , Holm Thomas
Published: August 2021

Miniaturized electrochemical systems integrated into microfluidic flow devices have been an active research field the last couple of decades. This has resulted in many advanced microfluidic platforms for the conversion and detection of chemicals. The development is partly driven by the increased access to and decreased cost of fabrication. In the design of microfluidic electrochemical cells, several aspects need to be handled, such as the accurate control of potential, electrolyte flow, pH, pressure, and temperature. This can be further complicated by integrating photon traffic for spectro(electro)chemical detection. Here, a comprehensive review of recent advances and approaches to the design of microfluidic flow devices for detection is presented, first dealing with the design of electrodes and flow pathways, then highlighting some common challenges and how these have been dealt with in the literature. This work aims to be a guide for researchers in the design of microfluidic electrochemical systems for detection of chemical species.
Dexamethasone (DXM)‐Coated Poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA) Microneedles as an Improved Drug Delivery System for Intracochlear Biodegradable Devices
Authors: Pawley Devon C. , Goncalves Stefania , Bas Esperanza , Dikici Emre , Deo Sapna K. , Daunert Sylvia , Telischi Fred
Published: August 2021

Uniform drug delivery techniques are challenging to develop for the inner ear due to the complexity of the cochlear anatomy. A promising solution is the use of biodegradable polymers because the continuous release of therapeutics without introducing toxic compounds is desirable. Using a microneedle approach lends the polymeric microneedle the capability to be placed inside of the scala tympani, releasing drugs overtime. Poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA) microneedles is prepared by dissolving dimethyl sulfoxide with either a) Rhodamine B, to study the drug release profile in vitro, b) FM1‐43, to study the drug release profile in vivo, or c) dexamethasone (DXM), to protect hair cell (HC) loss in vivo. The Rhodamine B studies show that the dye begins release from the microneedles within 30 min. The ototoxicity assessment of the DXM‐coated microneedles in vitro shows a significant reduction of HC losses when compared to control microneedles in an ototoxic environment. In vivo data show reduced hearing threshold for animals treated with DXM‐infused microneedles, providing a proof of concept of the methodology developed. Drug‐infused polymeric microneedles provide a promising method to deliver DXM to the inner ear over controlled periods of time protecting hair cells, thus minimizing hearing loss (HL).
CHAF1A Blocks Neuronal Differentiation and Promotes Neuroblastoma Oncogenesis via Metabolic Reprogramming
Authors: Tao Ling , Moreno‐Smith Myrthala , Ibarra‐García‐Padilla Rodrigo , Milazzo Giorgio , Drolet Nathan A. , Hernandez Blanca E. , Oh Young S. , Patel Ivanshi , Kim Jean J. , Zorman Barry , Patel Tajhal , Kamal Abu Hena Mostafa , Zhao Yanling , Hicks John , Vasudevan Sanjeev A. , Putluri Nagireddy , Coarfa Cristian , Sumazin Pavel , Perini Giovanni , Parchem Ronald J. , Uribe Rosa A. , Barbieri Eveline
Published: August 2021

Neuroblastoma (NB) arises from oncogenic disruption of neural crest (NC) differentiation. Treatment with retinoic acid (RA) to induce differentiation has improved survival in some NB patients, but not all patients respond, and most NBs eventually develop resistance to RA. Loss of the chromatin modifier chromatin assembly factor 1 subunit p150 (CHAF1A) promotes NB cell differentiation; however, the mechanism by which CHAF1A drives NB oncogenesis has remained unexplored. This study shows that CHAF1A gain‐of‐function supports cell malignancy, blocks neuronal differentiation in three models (zebrafish NC, human NC, and human NB), and promotes NB oncogenesis. Mechanistically, CHAF1A upregulates polyamine metabolism, which blocks neuronal differentiation and promotes cell cycle progression. Targeting polyamine synthesis promotes NB differentiation and enhances the anti‐tumor activity of RA. The authors' results provide insight into the mechanisms that drive NB oncogenesis and suggest a rapidly translatable therapeutic approach (DFMO plus RA) to enhance the clinical efficacy of differentiation therapy in NB patients.
IRF8 Impacts Self‐Renewal of Hematopoietic Stem Cells by Regulating TLR9 Signaling Pathway of Innate Immune Cells
Authors: Li Donghe , Zhang Yuyin , Qiu Qingsong , Wang Jinzeng , Zhao Xuemei , Jiao Bo , Zhang Xiuli , Yu Shanhe , Xu Pengfei , Dan Yuqing , Xiao Xinhua , Wang Peihong , Liu Mingzhu , Xia Zhizhou , Huang Zhangsen , Zhang Ruihong , Li Jiaoyang , Xie Xi , Zhang Yan , Liu Chenxuan , Liu Ping , Ren Ruibao
Published: August 2021

IRF8 is a key regulator of innate immunity receptor signaling and plays diverse functions in the development of hematopoietic cells. The effects of IRF8 on hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are still unknown. Here, it is demonstrated that IRF8 deficiency results in a decreased number of long‐term HSCs (LT‐HSCs) in mice. However, the repopulation capacity of individual HSCs is significantly increased. Transcriptomic analysis shows that IFN‐γ and IFN‐α signaling is downregulated in IRF8‐deficient HSCs, while their response to proinflammatory cytokines is unchanged ex vivo. Further tests show that Irf8−/− HSCs can not respond to CpG, an agonist of Toll‐like receptor 9 (TLR9) in mice, while long‐term CpG stimulation increases wild‐type HSC abundance and decreases their bone marrow colony‐forming capacity. Mechanistically, as the primary producer of proinflammatory cytokines in response to CpG stimulation, dendritic cells has a blocked TLR9 signaling due to developmental defect in Irf8−/− mice. Macrophages remain functionally intact but severely reduce in Irf8−/− mice. In NK cells, IRF8 directly regulates the expression of Tlr9 and its deficiency leads to no increased IFNγ production upon CpG stimulation. These results indicate that IRF8 regulates HSCs, at least in part, through controlling TLR9 signaling in diverse innate immune cells.
Ultrasensitive Photodetection in MoS2 Avalanche Phototransistors
Authors: Seo Junseok , Lee Jin Hee , Pak Jinsu , Cho Kyungjune , Kim Jae‐Keun , Kim Jaeyoung , Jang Juntae , Ahn Heebeom , Lim Seong Chu , Chung Seungjun , Kang Keehoon , Lee Takhee
Published: August 2021

Recently, there have been numerous studies on utilizing surface treatments or photosensitizing layers to improve photodetectors based on 2D materials. Meanwhile, avalanche breakdown phenomenon has provided an ultimate high‐gain route toward photodetection in the form of single‐photon detectors. Here, the authors report ultrasensitive avalanche phototransistors based on monolayer MoS2 synthesized by chemical vapor deposition. A lower critical field for the electrical breakdown under illumination shows strong evidence for avalanche breakdown initiated by photogenerated carriers in MoS2 channel. By utilizing the photo‐initiated carrier multiplication, their avalanche photodetectors exhibit the maximum responsivity of ≈3.4 × 107 A W−1 and the detectivity of ≈4.3 × 1016 Jones under a low dark current, which are a few orders of magnitudes higher than the highest values reported previously, despite the absence of any additional chemical treatments or photosensitizing layers. The realization of both the ultrahigh photoresponsivity and detectivity is attributed to the interplay between the carrier multiplication by avalanche breakdown and carrier injection across a Schottky barrier between the channel and metal electrodes. This work presents a simple and powerful method to enhance the performance of photodetectors based on carrier multiplication phenomena in 2D materials and provides the underlying physics of atomically thin avalanche photodetectors.
Interfacial Control via Reversible Ionic Motion in Battery‐Like Magnetic Tunnel Junctions
Authors: Long Guofei , Xue Qian , Li Qiang , Shi Yu , Li Lin , Cheng Long , Li Peng , Zhang Junwei , Zhang Xixiang , Guo Haizhong , Fu Jing , Li Shandong , Moodera Jagadeesh S. , Miao Guo‐Xing
Published: August 2021

Electrical control on interfaces is one of the key approaches to harvest advanced functionalities in modern electronic devices. In this work, it is proposed and demonstrated that a “battery‐like” tunnel junction structure can be embedded with added control and functionalities via reversible lithium‐ion motion. In a model system of FeCo/FeCoOx/LiF/FeCo magnetic tunnel junctions, the ultrathin LiF barrier makes strong electric fields possible under moderate applied voltages, and can therefore electrically drive reversible lithium‐ion migration within the barrier. The ion motion subsequently leads to reversible interfacial modifications that generates over a thousand percent resistance change across the devices. Meanwhile, sizable tunneling magnetoresistance persists and even reverses the sign of spin polarization as a function of the interfacial control. The devices are therefore responsive to both electric and magnetic field manipulations, giving rise to diverse and nonvolatile functionalities.
Revealing the Real Role of Nickel Decorated Nitrogen‐Doped Carbon Catalysts for Electrochemical Reduction of CO2 to CO
Authors: Liang Shuyu , Jiang Qian , Wang Qiang , Liu Yuefeng
Published: August 2021

It is widely accepted that single Ni atoms coordinated with N can highly efficiently promote CO2 electroreduction to CO. Very recently, probably due to limited access to high‐angle annular dark‐field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF‐STEM) techniques, a misleading conclusion that nitrogen‐doped carbon‐encapsulated Ni nanoparticles (NPs) possess activity similar to that of single Ni atoms was reported and was quickly followed by several similar reports. The current contribution aims to end this misleading conclusion by performing well‐designed experiments and solid theoretical analyses. For this purpose, a series of Ni/nitrogen‐doped graphite (Ni‐NG) catalysts with different dominant Ni species (single Ni atom, nitrogen‐doped carbon‐encapsulated Ni NPs, or both) are fabricated and comparatively studied for CO2 electroreduction to CO. Two previous studies that reported nitrogen‐doped carbon‐encapsulated Ni NPs catalysts are reinvestigated, and the existence of single Ni atoms is confirmed by HAADF‐STEM. In addition, after leaching out most of the Ni NPs by a strong acid, the activity of those catalysts does not decrease but increases slightly. Density functional theory results suggest that nitrogen‐doped carbon‐encapsulated Ni NPs are highly selective for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) rather than for CO2‐to‐CO conversion. Overall, both systematic experimental and theoretical analyses clearly reveal that the nitrogen‐doped carbon‐encapsulated Ni NPs are not active for CO2 electroreduction.
Deciphering Interfacial Reactions via Optical Sensing to Tune the Interphase Chemistry for Optimized Na‐Ion Electrolyte Formulation
Authors: Desai Parth , Huang Jiaqiang , Hijazi Hussein , Zhang Leiting , Mariyappan Sathiya , Tarascon Jean‐Marie
Published: August 2021

Interphases, solid‐electrolyte interphase (SEI), and cathode‐electrolyte interphase (CEI) are the key influencers in determining battery life and performance. Especially, for technologies such as sodium‐ion batteries that are in the development stage, it is crucial to tune the interphase chemistry without which it suffers at present from poor performance metrics for reaching real‐life applications. In this study, optical sensors are utilized as a tool to follow operando, the thermal events of interfacial reactions, and establish the role of different electrolyte additives during the SEI/CEI formation. Using the acquired knowledge from sensing, together with complementary studies in Na‐ion full‐cells, a new electrolyte formulation is proposed that shows stable cycling performance at 0–55 °C with very low self‐discharge and improves safety due to mitigated gassing during cycling. Finally, the studies are nurtured by transferring the know‐how to prototype cylindrical 18 650 cells. It is hoped that such findings will accelerate the practical development of Na‐ion batteries.
Halogen‐Bonded Hole‐Transport Material Suppresses Charge Recombination and Enhances Stability of Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Canil Laura , Salunke Jagadish , Wang Qiong , Liu Maning , Köbler Hans , Flatken Marion , Gregori Luca , Meggiolaro Daniele , Ricciarelli Damiano , De Angelis Filippo , Stolterfoht Martin , Neher Dieter , Priimagi Arri , Vivo Paola , Abate Antonio
Published: August 2021

Interfaces play a crucial role in determining perovskite solar cells, (PSCs) performance and stability. It is therefore of great importance to constantly work toward improving their design. This study shows the advantages of using a hole‐transport material (HTM) that can anchor to the perovskite surface through halogen bonding (XB). A halo‐functional HTM (PFI) is compared to a reference HTM (PF), identical in optoelectronic properties and chemical structure but lacking the ability to form XB. The interaction between PFI and perovskite is supported by simulations and experiments. XB allows the HTM to create an ordered and homogenous layer on the perovskite surface, thus improving the perovskite/HTM interface and its energy level alignment. Thanks to the compact and ordered interface, PFI displays increased resistance to solvent exposure compared to its not‐interacting counterpart. Moreover, PFI devices show suppressed nonradiative recombination and reduced hysteresis, with a Voc enhancement of ≥20 mV and a remarkable stability, retaining more than 90% efficiency after 550 h of continuous maximum‐power‐point tracking. This work highlights the potential that XB can bring to the context of PSCs, paving the way for a new halo‐functional design strategy for charge‐transport layers, which tackles the challenges of charge transport and interface improvement simultaneously.
The need to incorporate human variation and evolutionary theory in forensic anthropology: A call for reform
Authors: Ross Ann H. , Pilloud Marin
Published: August 2021

In 1992, Norm Sauer called for a language shift in which practitioners would move away from the socially loaded term “race” and replace it with the less provocative term “ancestry.” While many heeded the call and moved towards ancestry in their research and reports, the actual approach to research and analysis did not change. In response to this change, there was a large growth in ancestry estimation method development in the early decade of the 2000s. However, the practice of ancestry estimation did not adequately incorporate evolutionary theory in interpretation or trait selection and continued with little critical reflection. In the past decade, there has been an increase in ancestry validation methods with little critique of the “race” concept or discussion of modern human variation or reference samples. To advance, forensic anthropologists need to reckon with the practice of ancestry estimation as it is currently practiced. We are calling for another reform in the axiom focusing on evolutionary theory, population history, trait selection, and population‐level reference samples. The practice needs to abandon the terms ancestry and race completely and recalibrate to an analysis of population affinity. Population affinity is a statistical approach based on the underlying population structure that would allow the understanding of how microevolutionary forces act in concert with historical events (e.g., colonization, the Transatlantic Slave Trade, etc.) to shape modern human variation. This is not to be confused with geographic ancestry that all too often can be perceived as interchangeable with social race and as an affirmation of the biological concept of race. It is time to critically evaluate the social and scientific implications of the current practice of ancestry estimation, and re‐frame our approach to studying and analyzing modern human variation through a population structure approach.
Process development exploiting competitive adsorption‐based displacement effects in monoclonal antibody aggregate removal—A new high‐throughput screening procedure for membrane chromatography
Authors: Stein Dominik , Thom Volkmar , Hubbuch Jürgen
Published: August 2021

High‐throughput screening (HTS) approaches are commonly used to accelerate downstream process development. Although most HTS approaches use batch isothermal data (KP screen) or bind and elute mode as screening procedure, different or new process designs are rarely investigated. In this paper, a mechanistic model case study for the separation of two different two‐component solutions was conducted and confirmed prior evidence. With these outcomes, a novel HTS screening procedure was developed including the determination of competitive adsorption‐based displacement effects and key parameter identification. The screening procedure employing an overload bind and elute (OBE) mode is presented in a case study dealing with IgG aggregate removal in a typical monoclonal antibody purification step, applying a Sartobind® S membrane adsorber (MA). Based on a MA scale down device, the OBE mode allows the determination of classical process parameters and dynamic effects, such as displacement effects. Competitive adsorption‐based displacement effects are visualized by introducing a displacement identifier leading to a displacement process map. Based on this map, the approach is transferred to and confirmed by the OBE recycle experiments with 4.6 and 8.2 ml benchtop scsale devices resulting in 45% reduced IgG monomer and 88% increased higher molecular weight species binding capacities.
Treating perinatal mental illness with transactional analysis psychotherapy—A narrative enquiry
Authors: Haynes Emma
Published: August 2021

Objectives

This research examines transactional analysis (TA) psychotherapy as a treatment option for perinatal mental illness, using a qualitative, narrative methodology to listen to the experiences of women who have received it within a private psychotherapeutic setting. Perinatal mental illness has wide‐reaching consequences and is a leading cause of maternal mortality. This research aimed to explore women's experiences of perinatal mental illness; and their experiences of TA psychotherapy treatment to explore its acceptability to female clients.

Method

A qualitative, narrative approach was used to facilitate an exploration of women's experiences. Data collection was by free association narrative interviewing (FANI) and a creative methodology, forming a deep, rich understanding of personal perspective, using the visual and the narrative as a co‐creative construction. Data analysis used the listening guide method (LGM) to highlight difference, hear multiple voices in one person's narrative and take notice of temporal movement within the narrative.

Findings

The participants found TA psychotherapy to be useful in different formats: couple's, one‐to‐one or group therapy. TA addressed the specificity of illness and was enduring (long‐lasting); the relational dyad was found to be a factor in positive treatment outcomes; TA terms shared with the clients held significance in therapy and within the interview, offering a ‘shared’ language that was easily understood and clarified the treatment process.

Conclusion

Female clients in this study (the participants) found TA psychotherapy useful as a treatment for perinatal mental illness.
A thematic analysis of approaches to practice with people who are transgender and gender nonconforming
Authors: Leitch Judith
Published: August 2021

People who are transgender and gender nonconforming (TGNC) have substantial disparities in mental health and thus rely on mental health practitioners like therapists to help address these disparities. However, little is known about therapist practices with TGNC people, and what research exists is often generalised from broader research on practice with people who are gay and lesbian. Because this research uses broad models to describe practitioner behaviour, it assumes all therapists approach practice with TGNC clients in the same way. The current study explores therapists' self‐reported practices with TGNC people through a structured, qualitative, web‐based survey of 95 practising social workers. From a thematic analysis of responses, five approaches to practice with TGNC people emerged: 1) A Low‐Impact Approach, 2) A Fairness First Approach, 3) A Responsive Approach, 4) A Therapist Responsibility Approach and 5) A Pathological Approach. These approaches vary on three key dimensions: whose responsibility it is to broach client gender identity in treatment (therapist or client), the importance of gender identity (from low to high), and whether a TGNC identity is a disorder (yes, no or not addressed). The breadth of practice behaviours and undergirding assumptions participants described indicates that a single model may not fit practice behaviour with TGNC people. A discussion of the relationship between each approach and existing practice models suggests that the Low‐Impact Approach, Responsive Approach and Therapist Responsibility Approach may be effective with TGNC people and that the Pathological Approach likely represents poor practice.
Extended dual antiplatelet therapy with ticagrelor 60 mg in patients with prior myocardial infarction: The design of ALETHEIA, a multi‐country observational study
Authors: Lesén Eva , Hewitt Christopher , Giannitsis Evangelos , Hedberg Jonatan , Jernberg Tomas , Lambrelli Dimitra , Maggioni Aldo P. , Simeone Jason C. , Ariza‐Solé Albert , Storey Robert F. , ten Berg Jurrien , Bonaca Marc ,   ALETHEIA study team
Published: August 2021

Introduction

Clinical guidelines recommend extended treatment with dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) with ticagrelor 60 mg (twice daily) beyond 12 months in high‐risk patients with a history of myocardial infarction (MI) who have previously tolerated DAPT and are not at heightened bleeding risk. However, evidence on patterns of use and associated clinical outcomes in routine clinical practice is limited.

Methods

ALETHEIA is an observational, multi‐country study, designed to describe characteristics, treatment persistence, and bleeding and cardiovascular (CV) outcomes in post‐MI patients who initiate ticagrelor 60 mg in routine clinical practice (NCT04568083). The study will include electronic health data in the United States (US; Medicare, commercial claims) and Europe (Sweden, Italy, United Kingdom, Germany). Characteristics will be described among patients with and without ticagrelor 60 mg ≥1 year post‐MI. Assuming an a priori threshold of 5000 person‐years on‐treatment is met, to ensure sufficient precision, clinical outcomes (bleeding and CV events) among patients treated with ticagrelor 60 mg will be assessed. Risk factors for clinical outcomes and treatment discontinuation will be assessed in patients with ticagrelor 60 mg and meta‐analysis used to combine estimates across databases. Cohort selection will initiate from the ticagrelor 60 mg US and European approval dates and end February 2020. An estimated total of 7250 patients prescribed ticagrelor 60 mg are expected to be included.

Discussion

An increased understanding of patterns of ticagrelor 60 mg use and associated clinical outcomes among high‐risk patients with a prior MI is needed. The a priori specified stepwise approach adapted in this observational study is expected to generate useful evidence for clinical decision‐making and treatment optimization.
An accident prediction architecture based on spatio‐clock stochastic and hybrid model for autonomous driving safety
Authors: Wang Jinyong , Huang Zhiqiu , Huang Xiaowei , Wang Tiexin , Shen Guohua , Xie Jian
Published: August 2021

Collaborative and autonomous driving vehicles combine hardware and software complex processes, also are heavily dependent on and influenced by the world of physical and cyber interactions. They have enabled many new features and advanced functionalities, such as stochastic and hybrid natures, mobile spatial topologies, and time‐critical dependability. However, the existing modeling and verification techniques have not established faith in proving correctness and safety. Spatial and time collision avoidance remains crucial obstacles on the path to becoming ubiquitous and dependable. In order to ensure safety, we first design an accident prediction architecture in system design‐time and run‐time stages. We apply it on collaborative and autonomous overtaking systems involving spatial‐ and time‐critical accident predictions. Then, we develop a novel and dedicated spatio‐clock stochastic specification language (SCSSL) to describe safety invariants and guards in domain‐specific autonomous driving systems. Next, we create the spatio‐clock stochastic and hybrid automata models based on SCSSL in order to model inherently stochastic and hybrid behaviors. To illustrate the effectiveness of spatio‐clock consistency stochastic specification and verification, we adopt statistical model checking natively to provide reliable predictions for the incoming collision instants and positions. Finally, we present an illustrative overtaking case study to verify spatio‐clock stochastic and hybrid related properties and ensure correct modeling, and demonstrate the significance of our proposed approach.
Pharmacogenomic Clinical Decision Support: A Review, How‐to Guide, and Future Vision
Authors: Wake Dyson T. , Smith D. Max , Kazi Sadaf , Dunnenberger Henry M.
Published: August 2021

Clinical decision support (CDS) is an essential part of any pharmacogenomics (PGx) implementation. Increasingly, institutions have implemented CDS tools in the clinical setting to bring PGx data into patient care, and several have published their experiences with these implementations. However, barriers remain that limit the ability of some programs to create CDS tools to fit their PGx needs. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to summarize the types, functions, and limitations of PGx CDS currently in practice. Then, we provide an approachable step‐by‐step how‐to guide with a case example to help implementers bring PGx to the front lines of care regardless of their setting. Particular focus is paid to the five “rights” of CDS as a core around designing PGx CDS tools. Finally, we conclude with a discussion of opportunities and areas of growth for PGx CDS.
Ecosystem engineering alters density‐dependent feedbacks in an aquatic insect population
Authors: Phillips Joseph S. , McCormick Amanda R. , Botsch Jamieson C. , Ives Anthony R.
Published: August 2021

Ecosystem engineers have large impacts on the communities in which they live, and these impacts may feed back to populations of engineers themselves. In this study, we assessed the effect of ecosystem engineering on density‐dependent feedbacks for midges in Lake Mývatn, Iceland. The midge larvae reside in the sediment and build silk tubes that provide a substrate for algal growth, thereby elevating benthic primary production. Benthic algae are in turn the primary food source for the midge larvae, setting the stage for the effects of engineering to feed back to the midges themselves. Using a field mesocosm experiment manipulating larval midge densities, we found a generally positive but nonlinear relationship between density and benthic production. Furthermore, adult emergence increased with the primary production per midge larva. By combining these two relationships in a simple model, we found that the positive effect of midges on benthic production weakened negative density dependence at low to intermediate larval densities. However, this benefit disappeared at high densities when midge consumption of primary producers exceeded their positive effects on primary production through ecosystem engineering. Our results illustrate how ecosystem engineering can alter density‐dependent feedbacks for engineer populations.
Exploration of the Exceptional Capacitive Deionization Performance of CoMn2O4 Microspheres Electrode
Authors: Liu Zhenzhen , Li Haibo
Published: August 2021

The “battery type” inorganic electrode has been demonstrated the highly efficient sodium ion intercalation capacity for capacitive deionization. In this work, the CoMn2O4 (CMO) microspheres with porous core‐shell structure are prepared via co‐precipitation and followed by annealing. The effects of annealing temperatures on the morphology, pore structure, valence state, and electrochemical behavior of CMO are explored. As electrode for capacitive deionization, the salt removal capacity and current efficiency of optimized AC || CMO device reaches up to 60.7 mg g−1 and 97.6%, respectively, and the capacity retention rate is 74.1% after 50 cycles. Remarkably, both the in‐situ X‐ray diffraction and ex‐situ X‐ray diffraction analysis features that the intercalation/de‐intercalation of sodium ions are governed by (103) and (221) crystal planes of CMO. Accordingly, the density functional theory calculations realize that the adsorption energies of Na+ onto (103) and (221) crystal planes are higher than that of any other crystal planes, manifesting the priorities in adsorption of sodium atoms. Furthermore, the X‐ray photoelectron spectra of pristine and post‐CMO electrode highlights that the reversible conversion of Mn3+/Mn4+ couple is resulted from the intercalation/de‐intercalation of Na+, while this is irreversible for Co3+/Co2+ couple. Beyond that, the CMO electrode has been proven the selectivity removal of Na+ over K+ and Mg2+ in a multi‐cation stream.
Perovskite Oxides in Catalytic Combustion of Volatile Organic Compounds: Recent Advances and Future Prospects
Authors: Yang Li , Li Yanzhi , Sun Yundong , Wang Wei , Shao Zongping
Published: August 2021

Volatile organic compounds are a kind of important indoor and outdoor air pollutants. In recent years, more and more attention has been paid to the ways of volatile organic compound elimination because of its potential long‐term effects on human health. Among the various available methods for volatile organic compound elimination, the catalytic combustion is the most attractive method due to its high efficiency, low cost, simple operation, and easy scale‐up. Perovskite oxides, as a large family of metal oxides with their A‐site mainly of lanthanide element and/or alkaline earth metal element and B‐site of transition metal element, have been extensively investigated as active and stable catalysts for volatile organic compound removal reactions due to their abundant compositional elements, high thermal/chemical stability, and compositional/structural flexibility. The catalytic performance of perovskite oxides is strongly depended on its material composition, morphology, and surface/bulk properties, while the doping, tailored synthesis route, and composite construction may have a significant effect on the bulk (oxygen vacancy concentration, lattice structure), surface (oxygen species, defect) properties, and particulate morphology, consequently the catalytic activity and stability for volatile organic compound removal. Herein, a comprehensive review about the recent advances in perovskite oxides for volatile organic compound elimination reactions based on catalytic combustion is presented from different aspects with a special emphasis on the material design strategies, such as compositional tuning, morphology control, nanostructure building, hybrid construction, and surface modification. At last, some perspectives are presented on the development and design of perovskite oxide‐based catalysts for volatile organic compound removal applications by highlighgting the critical issues and challenges.
Mothers’ HIV status and their children’s nutritional status: Insights from secondary analysis of the Zimbabwe Demographic and Health Survey data (2015–2016)
Authors: Musuka Godfrey N. , Dzinamarira Tafadzwa , Cuadros Diego F , Murewanhema Grant , Chingombe Innocent , Takavarasha Felicia , Herrera Helena , Mapingure Munyaradzi
Published: August 2021

Infants and young children are completely dependent on others, primarily their mothers, for nutrition. This means maternal health status is one of the most important maternal characteristics that are predictors of the nutritional status of children. This study aimed to describe the association between mothers’ HIV status and their children's nutritional status using data from the Zimbabwe Demographic and Health Survey (2015–16). We used statistical analysis to determine the association between mothers’ HIV status and their children's nutritional status. The findings revealed that 30%, 4%, and 11% of children whose mothers were HIV positive presented with moderate‐to‐severe stunting, wasting, and underweight, respectively. The risk of stunting was higher for children whose mothers were HIV positive compared with children whose mothers were HIV negative (odds ratio [OR] 1.23; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.00–1.52)). Maternal HIV‐positive status is associated with an increased risk of the child being underweight (OR 1.69; 95% CI 1.24–2.30). The prevalence of being underweight, stunting, and wasting is still high among children of HIV‐positive mothers several years into HIV Care and Treatment programs. This study's findings call for implementation of a robust national wide improved infant and young child feeding scheme to enhance the overall nutritional status of children in the country.
Comparison of the microbial, physicochemical, and sensorial properties of raw and pasteurized Lighvan cheeses during ripening time
Authors: Rashtchi Parisa , Bazmi Ali , Noshirvani Nooshin , Moosavy Mir Hassan
Published: August 2021

Traditional cheeses which are normally produced from raw milk are very popular due to their intense and unique taste and aroma. However, high microbial contamination of raw milk due to manual milking and secondary contamination may lead to many diseases in humans in Iran. Lighvan is a traditional starter‐free locally made Iranian cheese that is made from raw ewe's milk. Since the use of raw milk in the preparation of cheese produces serious health problems, due to the limited ripening period of this type of cheese, this study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of preparing Lighvan cheese from pasteurized milk. For this purpose, different characteristics of cheese prepared with pasteurized milk were compared with raw milk cheese. The results showed a reduction in the microbial population over the ripening time in both types of cheeses. However, coliforms andEscherichia coliwere seen in raw milk cheeses until the last day of ripening. Regarding chemical analyses, the water‐soluble nitrogen fraction and lipolysis products increased during ripening. Moreover, the raw milk cheeses indicated a higher lipolysis index than the pasteurized ones. According to the obtained results from the sensory evaluation, the raw milk cheese indicated higher acceptability compared with the pasteurized milk cheese. However, since the presence ofE. colimakes the cheese inedible, it seems that the pasteurization of milk is mandatory for the production of this type of cheese.
Generalized autoregressive score model with high‐frequency data for optimal futures hedging
Authors: Lai Yu‐Sheng
Published: August 2021

This study compares the performance of hedged equity index portfolios constructed using either a generalized autoregressive score (GAS) or a realized GAS (GRAS) model. GAS models encompass popular models, and studies indicate that high‐frequency data improve a model's forecasting ability. The in‐sample estimation results demonstrate that the GRAS model has better explanatory power and more robust time‐varying variance and dependence parameters when fat‐tailed distributions are accounted for. The out‐of‐sample comparison confirms its superiority in reducing hedged portfolio variance and accruing economic benefits to highly risk‐averse hedgers.
Propylparaben concentrations in the urine of women and adverse effects on ovarian function in mice in vivo and ovarian cells in vitro
Authors: Jiao Luwei , Li Shang , Zhai Junyu , Wang Dongshuang , Li Hongwanyu , Chu Weiwei , Geng Xueying , Du Yanzhi
Published: August 2021

Female reproduction is precisely regulated by hormones, and the ovary is easily affected by environmental endocrine disruptors (EDCs), which are ubiquitous in industrialized societies. Parabens are EDCs that are used as antibacterial preservatives in cosmetics, personal care products (PCPs), medicines, and food. We used ultrahigh‐performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry to quantitatively detect methyl‐, ethyl‐, butyl‐, and propylparaben (PP) concentrations in urine samples from 74 women of childbearing age. Balb/c mice were subcutaneously injected with 100 mg/kg/day of PP for 21 consecutive days or 100 or 1,000 mg/kg/day of PP during superovulation. Various concentrations of PP (ranging from 1 to 1,000 nM) were added to a human ovarian granulosa tumor‐derived cell line (KGN) culture for 24 h. The urinary paraben concentrations of women who used cosmetics and other PCPs within 48 h prior to sample collection were significantly elevated, and the PP concentration was significantly positively correlated with the basal estradiol concentration. After PP injection, the mouse serum estradiol concentrations were significantly increased, estrus cycles were disordered, corpus luteum number was reduced, and number of oocytes retrieved was significantly reduced. In in vitro experiments, PP treatment increased estradiol synthesis and the expression levels of aromatase enzyme (CYP19A1) and steroidogenic acute regulatory protein. This study demonstrates the adverse effects of PP on ovarian estradiol secretion and ovulation, further evaluates the safety of PP as a preservative, and provides guidance for the use of PCPs and cosmetics by women of childbearing age.
Vitamin D receptor gene polymorphismTaqI(rs731236) and its association with the susceptibility to coronary artery disease among Pakistani population
Authors: Kulsoom Ume , Khan Amber , Saghir Tahir , Nawab Syeda Nuzhat , Tabassum Atiya , Fatima Sehrish , Saleem Saima , Zehra Sitwat
Published: August 2021

Background

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a leading cause of mortality in Pakistan and also worldwide. Vitamin D receptor (VDR) regulates the transcription of many genes and has a significant impact on inflammation and the morphology of cardiac cells. Genetic variation in theVDRgene such as theTaqIpolymorphism (rs731236) may have an impact that causes adverse effects. Accordingly, it is important to determine possible association of theTaqIpolymorphism (rs731236) with CAD.

Methods

The study included blood samples from 1016 subjects: 516 from CAD patients and 500 from age‐ and gender‐matched controls. Genomic DNA was extracted by standard salting out method. Targeted variation was amplified by an allele‐specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR). PCR products were examined and genotyped on agarose gel electrophoresis represented by an amplified product size of 148 bp followed by Sanger sequencing to validate variations.

Results

Serum vitamin levels, as observed using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, were found to be insufficient in both CAD patients (20.52 ± 0.06 ng/ml) and controls (21.6981 ± 0.05 ng/ml). TheTaqIpolymorphism (rs731236) T>C was found to be significantly associated with CAD (p < 0.0001). The odds ratio showed that the risk increases by 1.8‐fold with variant C allele. Dominant, co‐dominant and over dominant genetic model analyses suggested that the TC genotype might be a risk factor involved in the possible association with susceptibility to CAD.

Conclusions

TheTaqIpolymorphism (rs731236) in the coding region may affect the function of the receptor by altering the binding site, which might participate in an inflammatory response and increase the risk for developing susceptibility to CAD.
Center Variability in Acute Rejection and Biliary Complications After Pediatric Liver Transplantation
Authors: Kanneganti Mounika , Xu Yuwen , Huang Yuan‐Shung , Kitt Eimear , Fisher Brian T. , Abt Peter L. , Rand Elizabeth B. , Schaubel Douglas E. , Bittermann Therese
Published: August 2021

Transplant center performance and practice variation for pediatric post–liver transplantation (LT) outcomes other than survival are understudied. This was a retrospective cohort study of pediatric LT recipients who received transplants between January 1, 2006, and May 31, 2017, using United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) data that were merged with the Pediatric Health Information System database. Center effects for the acute rejection rate at 1 year after LT (AR1) using UNOS coding and the biliary complication rate at 1 year after LT (BC1) using inpatient billing claims data were estimated by center‐specific rescaled odds ratios that accounted for potential differences in recipient and donor characteristics. There were 2216 pediatric LT recipients at 24 freestanding children’s hospitals in the United States during the study period. The median unadjusted center rate of AR1 was 36.92% (interquartile range [IQR], 22.36%‐44.52%), whereas that of BC1 was 32.29% (IQR, 26.14%‐40.44%). Accounting for recipient case mix and donor factors, 5/24 centers performed better than expected with regard to AR1, whereas 3/24 centers performed worse than expected. There was less heterogeneity across the center effects for BC1 than for AR1. There was no relationship observed between the center effects for AR1 or BC1 and center volume. Beyond recipient and allograft factors, differences in transplant center management are an important driver of center AR1 performance, and less so of BC1 performance. Further research is needed to identify the sources of variability so as to implement the most effective solutions to broadly enhance outcomes for pediatric LT recipients.
Low‐Cost Paper‐Based Conducting Polymer‐Hydrogel Flexible Bio‐Radar Sensor for Detecting Biological Objects
Authors: Ye Fengming , Cao Yi , Yan Mengying , Wang Lulu , Sun Chongyang , Zhong Cheng , Lu Yi
Published: August 2021

Bio‐machine interface (BMI) is a crucial bridge for information exchange between living organisms and smart electronics. Flexible bio‐radar sensors, an important component of BMI devices, can measure spatial information of biological objects in real time and thus have attracted considerable attention owing to their wide applicability. However, in various practical scenarios, developing noncontact‐type flexible bio‐radar sensors for remote identification and detection of free‐behaving biological objects remains a challenge. To address this, paper‐based conducting polymer‐hydrogel (PCPH) bio‐radar sensors can be fabricated using a simple, low‐cost process. An intertwined core/shell microstructure of a conducting polymer‐hydrogel compound is formed on the fibers of the paper substrate. The resulting PCPH sensors exhibit a highly sensitive and spatial‐dependent response to a human finger based on an inductance mechanism. Attributed to the merits of the fabricated PCPH bio‐radars, complex behaviors of a human finger and hand using a customized multilevel security protection system and multichannel virtual piano system, respectively, are successfully detected. Furthermore, the detection limit of the PCPH sensors is verified by performing unattended monitoring and automatic analysis of the feeding and defensive behaviors of freely moving mice. These results prove the advantages of flexible PCPH bio‐radar sensors and demonstrate their application potential in BMIs.
Toward a Better Understanding of Activation Volume and Dynamic Decoupling of Glass‐Forming Liquids under Compression
Authors: Phan Anh D. , Ngan Nguyen K. , Le Nam B. , Thanh Le T. M.
Published: August 2021

Physical properties of the pressure‐induced activation volume and dynamic decoupling of ternidazole, glycerol, and probucol by the elastically collective nonlinear Langevin equation theory is theoretically investigated. Based on the predicted temperature dependence of activated relaxation under various compressions, the activation volume is determined to characterize effects of pressure on molecular dynamics of materials. It is found that the decoupling of the structural relaxation time of compressed systems from their bulk uncompressed value is governed by the power‐law rule. The decoupling exponent exponentially grows with pressure below 2 GPa. The decoupling exponent and activation volume are intercorrelated and have a connection with the differential activation free energy. Relationships among these quantities are analyzed numerically and mathematically to explain many results in previous experiments and simulations.