bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Glasgow coma scale score and albumin level are associated with patient survival after emergent colonoscopy in the intensive care unit
Authors: Wu Tung‐Lung , Yen Hsu‐Heng , Huang Siou‐Ping , Chen Yang‐Yuan
Published: May 2022

Due to poor patient condition and the high risk associated with the procedure, colonoscopy is rarely performed in the intensive care unit (ICU). It is indicated for ICU patients with suspected ischemic colitis, decompression of colonic distension, or lower gastrointestinal hemorrhage. ICU patients usually have more co‐morbidities and higher mortality rates than other inpatient patients. Data in the literature regarding the outcomes of ICU patients after colonoscopy are limited. The aim of this study was to identify factors that are predictive of outcomes following colonoscopy in ICU patients. We retrospectively analyzed the medical records and imaging findings of patients who underwent colonoscopy in an ICU setting between January 2018 and June 2020. A total of 79 patients were identified and enrolled for analysis. The median age of the patients was 78 years. The colonoscopy findings included angiodysplasia (n = 3, 3.8%), colitis (n = 17, 21.5%), colonic ulcer (n = 2, 2.5%), diverticulosis (n = 3, 3.8%), hemorrhoid (n = 10, 12.7%), rectal ulcer (n = 16, 20.3%), tumor (n = 10, 12.7%), volvulus (n = 1, 1.3%), bleeding of unknown origin (n = 4, 5.1%), and no diagnosis (n = 13, 16.5%). A total of 46 patients (58%) survived to discharge. Patients who survived had statistically significantly higher Glasgow coma scale (GCS) scores (P = .009) and albumin levels (P = .002) than patients who did not survive. Patient survival is associated with GCS score and albumin level, but not with colonoscopy findings.
Tunable CHA/AEI Zeolite Intergrowths with A Priori Biselective Organic Structure‐Directing Agents: Controlling Enrichment and Implications for Selective Catalytic Reduction of NOx
Authors: Bello‐Jurado Estefanía , Schwalbe‐Koda Daniel , Nero Mathias , Paris Cecilia , Uusimäki Toni , Román‐Leshkov Yuriy , Corma Avelino , Willhammar Tom , Gómez‐Bombarelli Rafael , Moliner Manuel
Published: May 2022

A novel ab initio methodology based on high‐throughput simulations has permitted designing unique biselective organic structure‐directing agents (OSDAs) that allow the efficient synthesis of CHA/AEI zeolite intergrowth materials with controlled phase compositions. Distinctive local crystallographic ordering of the CHA/AEI intergrowths was revealed at the nanoscale level using integrated differential phase contrast scanning transmission electron microscopy (iDPC STEM). These novel CHA/AEI materials have been tested for the selective catalytic reduction (SCR) of NOx, presenting an outstanding catalytic performance and hydrothermal stability, even surpassing the performance of the well‐established commercial CHA‐type catalyst. This methodology opens the possibility for synthetizing new zeolite intergrowths with more complex structures and unique catalytic properties.
Poly(ionic liquid)‐Armored MXene Membrane: Interlayer Engineering for Facilitated Water Transport
Authors: Yi Ming , Wang Mi , Wang Yan , Wang Yanlei , Chang Jian , Kheirabad Atefeh Khorsand , He Hongyan , Yuan Jiayin , Zhang Miao
Published: May 2022

Two‐dimensional (2D) MXene‐based lamellar membranes bearing interlayers of tunable hydrophilicity are promising for high‐performance water purification. The current challenge lies in how to engineer the pore wall's surface properties in the subnano‐confinement environment while ensuring its high selectivity. Herein, poly(ionic liquid)s, equipped with readily exchangeable counter anions, succeeded as a hydrophilicity modifier in addressing this issue. Lamellar membranes bearing nanochannels of tailorable hydrophilicity are constructed via assembly of poly(ionic liquid)‐armored MXene nanosheets. By shifting the interlayer galleries from being hydrophilic to more hydrophobic via simple anion exchange, the MXene membrane performs drastically better for both the permeance (by two‐fold improvement) and rejection (≈99 %). This facile method opens up a new avenue for building 2D material‐based membranes of enhancing molecular transport and sieving effect.
Commonly Used Alkylating Agents Limit Persulfide Detection by Converting Protein Persulfides into Thioethers
Authors: Schilling Danny , Barayeu Uladzimir , Steimbach Raphael R. , Talwar Deepti , Miller Aubry K. , Dick Tobias P.
Published: May 2022

Protein persulfides (R‐S‐SH) have emerged as a common post‐translational modification. Detection and quantitation of protein persulfides requires trapping with alkylating agents. Here we show that alkylating agents differ dramatically in their ability to conserve the persulfide's sulfur–sulfur bond for subsequent detection by mass spectrometry. The two alkylating agents most commonly used in cell biology and biochemistry, N‐ethylmaleimide and iodoacetamide, are found to be unsuitable for the purpose of conserving persulfides under biologically relevant conditions. The resulting persulfide adducts (R‐S‐S‐Alk) rapidly convert into the corresponding thioethers (R‐S‐Alk) by donating sulfur to ambient nucleophilic acceptors. In contrast, certain other alkylating agents, in particular monobromobimane and N‐t‐butyl‐iodoacetamide, generate stable alkylated persulfides. We propose that the nature of the alkylating agent determines the ability of the disulfide bond (R‐S‐S‐Alk) to tautomerize into the thiosulfoxide (R‐(S=S)‐Alk), and/or the ability of nucleophiles to remove the sulfane sulfur atom from the thiosulfoxide.
Accelerated Post‐Polymerization Amidation of Polymers with Side‐Chain Ester Groups by Intramolecular Activation
Authors: Van Guyse Joachim F. R. , Leiske Meike N. , Verjans Jente , Bernhard Yann , Hoogenboom Richard
Published: May 2022

The catalytic conversion of esters to amides represents new opportunities in the synthetic diversification and upcycling of polymers, as esters are commonly featured in various polymer structures. Yet, direct amidation is typically hampered by poor reaction kinetics and the effects of polymer structure on the reactivity remain poorly understood. We report the accelerated amidation for amines with additional hydrogen bond donating or accepting groups. These amines facilitate the expeditious (co)amidation of polymers with pendant ester groups, displaying at least a 400‐fold higher reactivity relative to polyesters with esters in the main chain. Furthermore, a positive correlation between the reactivity and degree of polymerization for poly(methyl acrylate) suggests a hydrogen‐bond mediated intramolecular activation of the esters, which was confirmed by FT‐IR spectroscopy and basic molecular mechanics modeling. The reported method paves the way to synthesize diverse (co)polymers with amide side chains from readily available polymeric precursors.
Nickel‐Catalyzed Enantioselective Synthesis of 2,3,4‐Trisubstituted 3‐Pyrrolines
Authors: Tambe Shrikant D. , Ka Cheol Hyeon , Hwang Ho Seong , Bae Jaehan , Iqbal Naeem , Cho Eun Jin
Published: May 2022

The development of synthetic methods to produce highly functionalized chiral 3‐pyrrolines is of indisputable importance because of their prevalence in natural and synthetic bioactive molecules. Unfortunately, previous general cycloaddition approaches using allenoates, could not synthesize 3,4‐disubstituted 3‐pyrrolines. Herein, an original approach to yield 2,3,4‐trisubstituted 3‐pyrrolines with chirality at the 2‐position is presented. A NiII/Fc‐i‐PrPHOX catalytic system facilitated a redox‐neutral highly stereoselective process that exhibited an enantioselectivity of up to 99 %. Enantioenriched 3‐pyrrolines can be converted to other valuable classes of N‐heterocycles.
Enhanced Structural Stability and Pressure‐Induced Photoconductivity in Two‐Dimensional Hybrid Perovskite (C6H5CH2NH3)2CuBr4
Authors: Zhan Xinhui , Jiang Xiaomei , Lv Pin , Xu Jie , Li Fengjiao , Chen Zhaolai , Liu Xiaobing
Published: May 2022

The eco‐friendly properties enable two‐dimensional (2D) Cu‐based perovskites as ideal candidates for next‐generation optoelectronics, but practical application is limited by low photoelectric conversion efficiency because of poor carrier transport abilities. Here, we report enhanced structural stability of 2D CuBr4 perovskites under compression up to 30 GPa, without obvious volume collapse or structural amorphization, by inserting organic C6H5CH2NH3 (PMA) groups between layers. The band gap value of (PMA)2CuBr4 can be effectively tuned from 1.8 to 1.47 eV by employing external pressures, leading to a broadened absorption range of 400–800 nm. Notably, we successfully detected photoconductivity of the photoresponse at pressures from 10 to 40 GPa; the maximum value of 5×10−3 S cm−1 is observed at 28 GPa, indicating potential applications for high performance photovoltaic candidates under extreme conditions.
Captive‐bred ancestry affects spatial patterns of genetic diversity and differentiation in brown trout (Salmo trutta) populations
Authors: Prunier Jérôme G. , Saint‐Pé Keoni , Tissot Laurence , Poulet Nicolas , Marselli Geoffrey , Veyssière Charlotte , Blanchet Simon
Published: May 2022

Intraspecific genetic diversity is heterogeneously distributed in natural landscapes and often forms repeatable spatial patterns. For instance, in rivers, genetic diversity increases towards downstream areas, whereas genetic differentiation increases in isolated upstream areas. Nonetheless, these patterns can be modified by human‐induced perturbations, and documenting the extent to which human activities alter these natural patterns is important for conservation. Among the human pressures that affect freshwater biodiversity, stocking natural populations with captive‐bred strains is a common practice worldwide that can strongly alter the genetic integrity of wild populations.

The main objectives of this study were to document the spatial distribution of captive‐bred ancestry in brown trout (Salmo trutta) populations from four French basins having been stocked according to different practices, and to quantify for each basin the effect of captive‐bred ancestry on the spatial distribution of genetic diversity and differentiation. The four basins were sampled along their upstream–downstream gradient, and a total of 1,686 individuals were genotyped at 192 single nucleotide polymorphism loci.

For all basins, individuals with a strong assignment to the captive strain were mostly found in upper reaches, although the average proportion of captive‐bred ancestry varied strikingly among rivers (from 1.9 to 58.7%). Although spatial patterns of genetic differentiation were not affected by introgression and showed an expected increase with increasing distances from the river mouth in all basins, there was evidence that the classical pattern of downstream increase in genetic diversity was reversed when considering highly introgressed populations.

These findings demonstrate that the stocking of captive‐bred strains can strongly modify natural spatial patterns of diversity, even when stocking occurred many generations ago and has now ended. The study illustrates the major impacts of humans on intraspecific biodiversity patterns, and emphasizes the importance of conservation plans that take into account this artificial distribution of genetic diversity.
Lumped uncertainty alleviation in output channels of MIMO nonlinear systems based on robust disturbance observer‐based control strategy
Authors: Zarei Amin , Tavakoli Saeed
Published: May 2022

Disturbances and uncertainties can produce unsatisfactory responses in many industrial and engineering systems. Besides, the practical systems and processes are multiple‐input multiple‐output (MIMO). Hence, achieving a good control performance with adequate output responses is not simple. Many different methods were provided for control of industrial processes in some references. However, in this paper, the primary goal is to design an appropriate tracking controller for alleviating the destructive effects of uncertainties in output channels of MIMO nonlinear systems. For this purpose, a robust mechanism has been introduced according to the optimal design of centralized extended proportional‐derivative (CEPD) and disturbance observer (DOB). By designing the derivative part
based on famous Vandermonde matrix and DOB gain
, the robust criterion
is obtained to tackle the undesirable factors such as nonlinear functions and uncertainties in error dynamics. The closed‐loop stability is guaranteed by tuning the proportional part
under linear matrix inequality. The proposed scheme in this paper can be used for a wide range of MIMO nonlinear systems in practical situations.
Highly Stable and Scalable Lithium Metal Anodes Enabled by a Lithiophilic SnO2@Graphite Fiber Framework Design
Authors: Qian Xiaojuan , Miao Di , Lin Xiaoping , Chen Maohua , Xie Yuansen , Qu Jie , Tu Xingchao , Lai Chao
Published: May 2022

The uncontrollable growth of dendrites, infinite volume changes, low Coulombic efficiencies, and poor charging/discharging rates in lithium metal anodes have seriously hampered the further development of lithium metal batteries. Trapping lithium (Li) into rationally designed three‐dimensional (3D) structured Li metal anodes in order to construct a 3D‐Li framework is an effective approach to suppress the growth of Li dendrites. However, material inconsistencies and high costs still seriously limit practical applications. In this study, we describe the use of commercial low‐cost graphite fiber (GF) as a suitable conformal scaffold for preparing a lithiophilic SnO2@GF material using facile infiltration method. The lithiophilic 3D porous conductive framework allows homogeneous Li deposition on the surface of a structured electrode and accommodates the volume change during Li plating/stripping, leading to a significant boost in both the charging/discharging rates and cycling stability. This study highlights the significance of interface‐related science and engineering in designing high‐performance Li metal anodes, but also highlights the need for greater dedication to the construction of highly stable lithium anodes and high‐energy density Li metal batteries in a low‐cost manner.
Decreased plasma acetaminophen glucuronide/acetaminophen concentration ratio warns the onset of acetaminophen‐induced liver injury
Authors: Noda Takumi , Kato Ryuji , Ozato Yasuyuki , Kawai Yuka , Yamamoto Masato , Kagawa Yuya , Azuma Misa , Yamamoto Kojiro , Kusanagi Mika , Uryu Kiyoaki , Harada Hiromasa , Ijiri Yoshio , Hayashi Tetsuya , Tanaka Kazuhiko
Published: May 2022

Acetaminophen (APAP)‐induced liver injury (AILI) is the most common cause of acute liver failure. Although the mechanisms that trigger AILI are well known, it is less understood how to halt AILI progression and facilitate liver recovery. Therefore, it is necessary to understand the pathophysiology of APAP hepatotoxicity in patients and to examine predictive/preventive markers. In a clinical study, we had a case in which aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels increased in a patient with a low ratio of APAP glucuronide concentration (AP‐G)/APAP plasma concentration. Then a reverse translational study was conducted for clarifying this clinical question. The relationship between plasma AP‐G/APAP concentration ratio and the levels of AST and ALT was examined by in vivo and in vitro experiments. In in vivo experiments, 10‐week‐old rats showed lower UGT activity, lower AP‐G/APAP concentration ratios, and higher AST and ALT levels than 5‐week‐old rats. This suggests an inverse correlation between the AP‐G/APAP concentration ratio and the AST, ALT levels in APAP‐treated rats. Furthermore, as a result of the in vitro experiment, it was confirmed that the cell viability decreased when the AP‐G/APAP concentration ratio in the culture medium decreased. Since the decrease in the plasma AP‐G/APAP concentration ratio appears earlier than the increase of AST and ALT levels, the ratio might be a presymptomatic marker of AILI. When APAP is used for a long time, it is recommended to perform therapeutic drug monitoring of the AP‐G/APAP concentration ratio, which is a predictive/preventive marker of AILI.
Frustrated Lewis pair‐catalyzed hydrogenation of unactivated alkenes with sterically hindered 9‐phosphatriptycenes
Authors: Mahaut Damien , Champagne Benoît , Berionni Guillaume
Published: May 2022

The frustrated Lewis pair‐catalyzed hydrogenation of unactivated alkenes with H2 is reported. The weak Lewis basicity and high steric hindrance of ortho‐substituted 9‐phosphatriptycene derivatives is taken as an advantage to catalyze this reaction in combination with tris(pentafluorophenyl)borane. A scope of unsaturated substrates is described. The thermodynamics and kinetics of hydrogenation investigated by density functional theory show that the protonation of the olefin by the strongly acidic phosphonium cation is the critical step of the reaction.
Programming Rapid Functional Group Diversification into a Solid‐State Reaction: Aryl Nitriles for Self‐Assembly, Click Reactivity, and Discovery of Coexisting Supramolecular Synthons
Authors: Li Changan , Swenson Dale C. , MacGillivray Leonard R.
Published: May 2022

A method to rapidly diversify the molecules formed in organic crystals is introduced, with aryl nitriles playing a novel dual role as both hydrogen‐bond acceptors and modifiable organic groups. The discovery of coexisting supramolecular synthons in the same crystal is also described. The general concept is demonstrated by using a bis(aryl nitrile) alkene that undergoes a hydrogen‐bond‐directed intermolecular [2+2] photodimerization to form a tetra(aryl nitrile)cyclobutane. The product is readily converted by click reactivity to a tetra(aryl tetrazole) and by hydrolysis to a tetra(aryl carboxylic acid). The integration of aryl nitriles into solid‐state reactions opens broad avenues to post‐modify products formed in crystalline solids for rapid diversification.
Privacy protected internet of unmanned aerial vehicles for disastrous site identification
Authors: Khullar Vikas , Singh Harjit Pal
Published: May 2022

Disastrous site identification through the internet of UAVs is a current research area that aims to improve data sharing by connecting servers to the internet. Internet‐connected unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for aerial image classification necessitated the sharing of large datasets between the number of connected flying machines. The artificial intelligence model training to predict images need to compromise data privacy, consume a lot of energy, and high requirement of data communication. This article aims to propose and implement federated deep learning trained aerial image classification for disastrous sites through the internet of UAVs. The proposed model provides privacy‐preserving and resource efficient deep learning by sharing only models rather than large datasets of images. Multisystem client–server federated learning UAV architecture was implemented and comparatively analyzed on basis of parameters namely, training–testing accuracy, train‐testing loss, RAM‐CPU utilization.
Externalities as the status quo: Federal application of environmental charges in the United States
Authors: Zupko Robert
Published: May 2022

Conceptualized as early as 1920 by English economist Arthur Cecil Pigou, but not formalized until later work in the 1970s and 1990s, “environmental charges” suggest the revenue burden of governance could be shifted from economic “goods” to environmental “bads.” While their association with Pigouvian taxes would suggest that environmental charges are applied as a policy instrument to encourage the reduction or elimination of environmental externalities, their application at the federal level in the United States suggests this is not the case. As part of a review of environmental charges in the United States, this paper postulates that federally applied environmental charges accept environmental externalities as the status quo and are instead intended to recover the government's cost in addressing the environmental externality in conformance with the polluter pays principle.
Maralixibat for the treatment of PFIC: Long‐term, IBAT inhibition in an open‐label, Phase 2 study
Authors: Loomes Kathleen M. , Squires Robert H. , Kelly Deirdre , Rajwal Sanjay , Soufi Nisreen , Lachaux Alain , Jankowska Irena , Mack Cara , Setchell Kenneth D. R. , Karthikeyan Palaniswamy , Kennedy Ciara , Dorenbaum Alejandro , Desai Nirav K. , Garner Will , Jaecklin Thomas , Vig Pamela , Miethke Alexander , Thompson Richard J.
Published: May 2022

Children with progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis, including bile salt export pump (BSEP) and familial intrahepatic cholestasis–associated protein 1 (FIC1) deficiencies, suffer debilitating cholestatic pruritus that adversely affects growth and quality of life (QoL). Reliance on surgical interventions, including liver transplantation, highlights the unmet therapeutic need. INDIGO was an open‐label, Phase 2, international, long‐term study to assess the efficacy and safety of maralixibat in children with FIC1 or BSEP deficiencies. Thirty‐three patients, ranging from 12 months to 18 years of age, were enrolled. Eight had FIC1 deficiency and 25 had BSEP deficiency. Of the latter, 6 had biallelic, protein truncating mutations (t)‐BSEP, and 19 had ≥ 1 nontruncating mutation (nt)‐BSEP. Patients received maralixibat 266 μg/kg orally, once daily, from baseline to Week 72, with twice‐daily dosing permitted from Week 72. Long‐term efficacy was determined at Week 240. Serum bile acid (sBA) response (reduction in sBAs of > 75% from baseline or concentrations <102.0 μmol/L) was achieved in 7 patients with nt‐BSEP, 6 during once‐daily dosing, and 1 after switching to twice‐daily dosing. sBA responders also demonstrated marked reductions in sBAs and pruritus, and increases in height, weight, and QoL. All sBA responders remained liver transplant–free after > 5 years. No patients with FIC1 deficiency or t‐BSEP deficiency met the sBA responder criteria during the study. Maralixibat was generally well‐tolerated throughout the study. Conclusion: Response to maralixibat was dependent on progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis subtype, and 6 of 19 patients with nt‐BSEP experienced rapid and sustained reductions in sBA levels. The 7 responders survived with native liver and experienced clinically significant reductions in pruritus and meaningful improvements in growth and QoL. Maralixibat may represent a well‐tolerated alternative to surgical intervention.
Underlying motivators for anti‐vaccination attitudes amongst regional Sunshine Coast parents in Australia
Authors: Wright Daniel , Rune Karina Tirsvad
Published: May 2022

Background

The Immunisation Register of Australia reports that childhood vaccination rates in some regional areas are below herd immunity levels. This is a concern for the health and well‐being of society, as regions with low vaccination rates have an increased risk of disease outbreaks.

Objective

This study explored psychological motivators as predictors of anti‐vaccination attitudes amongst parents living on the Sunshine Coast (Queensland), Australia.

Methods

A cross‐sectional survey design explored anti‐vaccination attitudes, conspiratorial thinking, psychological reactance, trust in government and magical beliefs about health in 1050 parents (968 mothers).

Results

The predictor variables significantly accounted for 42% of the variance in parental anti‐vaccination attitudes. The strongest predictor of anti‐vaccination attitudes was lower levels of trust in government.

Conclusion

The findings contribute to understanding of psychological factors motivating anti‐vaccine attitudes in Australian parents. The findings may help inform health communication campaign effectiveness in their alignment with individual underlying motivations.
“I'm making a positive change in my life”: A mixed method evaluation of a well‐being tertiary education unit
Authors: Piggott Ben , Chivers Paola , Bulsara Caroline , Conlon Jenny , Grigg Kaine , Harris Sarah Ann , Lambert Michelle , Millar Lynne , Pollard Christina M.
Published: May 2022

Issue Addressed

Mental health disorders (MHDs) are prevalent amongst university students with detrimental impacts on individual students, universities and the wider community. There is an urgent need for proactive and preventative strategies to address the mental health crisis in the university population. This study evaluated the efficacy of a 13‐week unit developed to directly educate university students about ways to improve and maintain well‐being.

Methods

Fifty‐eight university students from five disciplines participated in a 13‐week elective undergraduate unit “Well‐Being Fundamentals for Success” as part of their degree. The Act Belong Commit mental health promotion campaign framework formed the basis of teaching materials. Outcome well‐being measures were self‐assessed at weeks 1, 6 and 12 using four scales: (1) Warwick‐Edinburgh Mental Well‐being Scale (WEMWBS); (2) Perceived Stress Scale (PSS); (3) Brief Resilience Scale (BRS) and (4) Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS). Post‐unit group interviews (n = 11) were analysed for key themes.

Results

Linear mixed models demonstrated a significant improvement in BRS over the semester; well‐being (WEMBS) and mindful attention (MAAS) did increase but not significantly. There was a significant increase in stress (PSS) over the semester. Key themes that emerged from the group interviews were that (1) University life contributes to well‐being; (2) University life contributes to stress; (3) The well‐being unit helped students see and do things differently; (4) An overall endorsement of the unit.

Conclusion

University students’ resilience increased over the semester following participation in a curriculum focused on well‐being which featured a combination of theoretical content and experiential workshops.

So what? Incorporating mental well‐being curriculum into tertiary education is proactive preventive health strategy which may assist with the increasing prevalence of MHD in Australia.
Infancy researchers need to change the way they develop their measures: A comment on Byers‐Heinlein et al. (2021)
Authors: Reinelt Tilman , Wermelinger Stephanie , Beck Sabrina , Brehm Julia , Helbling Natascha , Manfredi Mirella , Moersdorf Lea , Wagner Lisa , Daum Moritz M.
Published: May 2022

In their article, Byers‐Heinlein et al. (2021) propose six solutions to create more reliable measures for infancy research. Whereas some of their solutions focus on changing the culture in the field (reporting on reliabilities, choosing measures based on psychometrics instead of conventions or face validity, conducting research on psychometrical qualities of measures), other solutions directly relate to the implementation of tasks or data analysis (collecting additional data, exclusion of unreliable trials, more sophisticated analyses). In this commentary, we highlight challenges in the assessment of measurement reliability and why the characteristics of current measures in infancy research make it difficult to add additional trials as suggested by Byers‐Heinlein and colleagues. We then propose how the field of infancy research could move forward by changing (1) the way measures are developed and (2) what kind of measures are developed.

Highlights

Different types of measures require the calculation of different types of reliability: retest reliability, parallel test reliability or internal consistency.

Increasing internal consistencies by the addition of trials is often not feasible.

The collaborative development of standardized measures improves measurement reliability, increases the replicability of results and fosters comparability across studies.

Instead of measures with few trials of long duration, infancy researchers should make use of technological advances and develop measures that operate on shorter time scales.
Ultrasensitive, flexible perovskite nanowire photodetectors with long‐term stability exceeding 5000 h
Authors: Wu Dingjun , Xu Yongchang , Zhou Hai , Feng Xin , Zhang Jianqiang , Pan Xiyan , Gao Zheng , Wang Rui , Ma Guokun , Tao Li , Wang Hanbin , Duan Jinxia , Wan Houzhao , Zhang Jun , Shen Liangping , Wang Hao , Zhai Tianyou
Published: May 2022

Photodetectors (PDs) based on perovskite nanowires are among the most promising next‐generation photodetection technologies; however, their poor long‐term stability is the biggest challenge limiting their commercial application. Herein, an ionic liquid, 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate (BMIMBF4), is incorporated as an additive into methylammonium lead triiodide (MAPbI3) nanowires; this not only effectively passivates defects to inhibit perovskite degradation but also leads to the formation of nanochannels, enabling fast charge transfer. As a result, the long‐term stability and performance of MAPbI3 nanowires are considerably improved. The detectivity, linear detection range, and noise equivalent power of the MAPbI3 nanowire PD reach 2.06 × 1013 Jones, 160 dB, and 1.38 × 10−15 W Hz−1/2, respectively, comparable to the highest performance of perovskite nanowire PDs reported to date. Moreover, the unencapsulated PD can maintain 100% of its initial performance after being exposed to an open‐air environment for more than 5000 h, establishing it as the most stable perovskite nanowire PD reported to date. Notably, the PD exhibits improved diffuse reflection imaging ability when compared with commercial silicon photodiode S2386. This study provides a new strategy for constructing sensitive, stable, and flexible perovskite PDs and will accelerate their commercial application in the future.

image
The second derivative of the electronic energy with respect to the compression scaling factor in the XP‐PCM model: Theory and applications to compression response functions of atoms
Authors: Cammi Roberto , Chen Bo
Published: May 2022

We present the analytical theory for the second derivative of the electronic energy with respect to the scaling factor of the compression cavity within the eXtreme pressure polarizable continuum model (XP‐PCM) for the study of compressed atomic and molecular systems. The theory has been exploited to study compression response functions describing how the atomic/molecular properties are effected by an external pressure. The response functions considered include the atomic compressibility and the pressure coefficients of the ionization energy (IE) and electron affinity (EA). The theory has been validated by numerical application to compressed neon, argon, and krypton atoms.
Factors influencing rate of decline in a Merriam's wild turkey population
Authors: Lehman Chadwick P. , Yarnall Michael J. , Litt Andrea R. , Rota Christopher T. , Rotella Jay J.
Published: May 2022

We investigated population growth rate (λ) for a Merriam's wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo merriami) population in the northern Black Hills, South Dakota, USA. We constructed and evaluated a females‐only matrix population model. Our estimate of asymptoticλ, derived from estimates of vital rates obtained from 2016–2018 was 0.74 (95% CI = 0.60, 0.88), which indicates that the vital rates were inadequate to sustain the population. Elasticity values were highest for changes in adult survival probability followed by, in order, changes in juvenile survival, yearling survival, and adult reproduction. We could only achieve stable or growing populations (i.e.,λ ≥ 1) by increasing the probability of adult and yearling survival (holding all other vital rates constant). Estimated adult survival rate in the work reported here was lower than values reported for other populations in the Black Hills; therefore, managing for increased female survival (≥0.68) may be the most practical strategy for promoting wild turkey population growth in this system. We recommend no female harvest during any open turkey season.
Recreationally created footpaths as a means of preserving specific biotopes of bare sand accumulations: Evidence provided by dendrogeomorphic reconstruction
Authors: Šilhán Karel , Ružek Ivan
Published: May 2022

The combination of accumulation and erosion processes is the dominant geomorphic agent forming the surface of bare sand accumulations. These unique biotopes are gradually vanishing; thus, knowledge of their past dynamics is of crucial interest. This study focused on a selected locality with bare sand in the Borská Lowland (Slovakia). In total, nine buried individuals of Pinus sylvestris (L.) were used for the reconstruction of the accumulation rate of sand, and 13 exposed roots of the same tree species served as the data source for the erosion rate calculation. Detailed analysis of growth responses in trees and roots provided evidence about macroscopic and microscopic growth responses that are usable even in other studies and suggested P. sylvestris as a sensitive species for the reconstruction of accumulation and erosion processes. Reconstructed values of mean accumulation rate were higher than the mean erosion values. Finally, the obtained results were put into an anthropogenic context because the studied locality is surrounded by zones with seasonally inhabited holiday cottages. The effect of anthropogenic activities (particularly by stepping) can be associated with the wide spectrum of collected evidence: Bare sand areas were not located around other water reservoirs with the absence of recreational activities in the region. The erosion zone in the studied locality follows the zone with an increased number of forest pathways. It is possible that the increased nutrition content in transported sand due to gardening affected the occurrence of growth releases in the studied trees.
Antibiotikaresistenzen: Eine existenzielle globale Gefahr und eine große Herausforderung für die Menschheit! Welchen Anteil haben Tiere und was tut die Tiermedizin im Kampf gegen antimikrobielle Resistenzen?
Authors: Heberer T. , Sander S. , Hofmann K. , Strecker K.
Published: May 2022

Abstract

Laut WHO (2015) stellen Antibiotikaresistenzen eine der größten Bedrohungen für die menschliche Gesundheit dar. Im Jahr 2019 starben einer Schätzung zufolge [1] weltweit mehr als 1,2 Millionen Menschen unmittelbar an einer Infektion mit einem antibiotikaresistenten Erreger, bei fast fünf Millionen Todesfällen waren solche Infektionen mindestens mitverantwortlich. In diesem Zusammenhang wird auch immer wieder auf den intensiven Einsatz von Antibiotika in der Tiermedizin verwiesen. In der Tiermedizin dienen Antibiotika zur Sicherstellung der Tiergesundheit und des Tierschutzes, zur Vermeidung wirtschaftlicher Schäden bei landwirtschaftlichen Nutztieren, aber auch zum Schutz von Menschen vor Zoonosen. Umgekehrt hat der Einsatz von Antibiotika auch negative Folgen. So wird der Therapieerfolg zunehmend negativ beeinflusst, sowohl in der Human‐ und der Veterinärmedizin und auch der Transfer von antibiotikaresistenten Bakterien und/oder Resistenzgenen ist wechselseitig möglich. Der Einsatz von Antibiotika darf deshalb stets nur verantwortungsvoll und soweit therapeutisch erforderlich erfolgen. Sowohl die Human‐ als auch die Tiermedizin sind deshalb in der Pflicht, den Einsatz auf das therapeutisch nötige Maß zu reduzieren und die Ausbreitung von Resistenzen zu minimieren.
Investigation of 3‐(phenylsulfinyl)indoles self‐assembled monolayer for the inhibition of iron corrosion in acidic media
Authors: Liu Ying , Wang Zhuo , Zhang Zhengyan , Wang Yuanyuan , Cheng Jiawei , Li Hui‐Jing , Wu Yan‐Chao
Published: May 2022

3‐(phenylsulfinyl)indoles have been synthesized by the direct sulfoxide reaction of 1H‐indoles with benzenesulfenamide in water as a green reaction medium. The corrosion inhibition effects and the hydrophobicity of the self‐assembled films were explored by electrochemical methods and surface analysis methods. The results show that the self‐assembled film mainly inhibits the cathodic process of the iron electrode. After the iron electrode was assembled in 5 mM 3‐(p‐tolylsulfinyl)‐1H‐indole/3‐((4‐fluorophenyl)sulfinyl)‐1H‐indole ethanol solutions for 9 h, the corrosion inhibition efficiencies in 1.0 M HCl solution reached 91.50% and 94.24%, respectively. The surface morphology of the self‐assembled film on iron exposed to the test solution was examined using scanning electron microscopy and the chemical composition of the corrosion inhibition surface was analyzed by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. In the quantum chemical calculation part of this study, the active adsorption sites on the metal surface are located in the indole‐sulfoxide framework, forming feedback bonds and coordination bonds with an iron atom.
Geometrically conforming and directionally enriched finite element method for three dimensional slender members
Authors: Jha Aalok Kumar , Upadhyay Chandra Shekhar
Published: May 2022

Analysis of spatially curved and twisted slender members with arbitrary cross‐sections, under general loads, is challenging as it requires accurate representation of the geometry and design of effective models for solution of the boundary‐value problem of thermo‐elasticity. Classical models miss the three‐dimensional nature of the solution in the vicinity of boundaries, loading zones, re‐entrant corners, cut‐outs, and defects. The current work provides a novel framework, to efficiently and accurately solve the problem of spatially curved, twisted beam‐like structures. The novelty of the method is two‐fold. First, it uses the finite element framework to capture the geometry of curved, extruded slender members with any desired accuracy adaptively. Secondly, it incorporates directionally enriched higher order basis functions along with appropriate mesh refinement separately in the longitudinal direction and cross‐section, to efficiently capture the cross‐sectional and longitudinal characteristics of the displacement field. The efficacy of the method is established through numerical examples.
A Sound Investment: ACE22 Small Systems Program
Authors: Elliott Stephanie , Macler Bruce
Published: May 2022

AWWA's Small Systems Division has made sure that small water system staff will find a full slate of useful sessions at AWWA's 2022 Annual Conference & Exposition (ACE22), which will be held June 12–15 in San Antonio, Texas.
Effects of Dense Inert Particle Loading in Shocked Energetic Materials
Authors: Lee Sangyup , Panchal Achyut , Menon Suresh
Published: May 2022

Metal particles are often added to solid‐fuel rocket motors and weapon systems to boost detonation propagation or to increase impact energy. Aside from the chemical effects of reactive particles, even inert particle effects can be significant on detonation properties due to the momentum and the energy exchanges between the phases. Therefore, a study of inert particles, that can exhibit direct effects on shock‐to‐detonation‐transition (SDT) depending on particle loading and its material properties, is needed. This work numerically investigates the effects of dense inert particle loading on SDT in energetic material (EM). The focus here is on local non‐equilibrium (NE) effects in particle‐added EM mixture and its correspondence to observed parametric trends on detonation. An Eulerian‐Eulerian (EE) framework capable of modeling dense‐dilute particles is used within a well‐established multi‐phase solver to capture dispersed motion in a reactive condensed phase. The numerical approach is first validated against available experimental data, and this is followed by an investigation of particle effects over a range of parameters where a condition‐dependent trend is observed. Focusing on the two‐phase NE effects, the dynamic and the thermal disparities between particles and EM are quantified to demonstrate the effect of relaxation parameters on the observed detonation quantities. The reduction in peak pressure and detonation velocity is observed to follow NE strengths and corresponding relaxation rates. An assessment of the effects of various particle loading parameters, i. e., concentration, size, density, and specific heat, on SDT is performed along with quantifying the relaxation process. All particle loading parameters show a range‐dependent effect on detonation properties, and the observed results demonstrate the relevance of two‐phase NE and corresponding relaxation processes.
Dosing options for clozapine
Authors: Lam Y. W. Francis
Published: May 2022

Clozapine's elimination from the body is extensively dependent on liver metabolism, with a relatively short elimination half‐life. As a result, the prescribing of clozapine in a divided‐dosing regimen has been recommended in some countries. However, there is little evidence to show that divided dosing is more efficacious than a once‐daily dosing regimen. Several studies indicate that the majority of clozapine‐treated patients in North America took the atypical antipsychotic once daily at bedtime.
Evidence of precipitate formation and byproduct transfer to nonaqueous phase liquids as a result of persulfate exposure
Authors: Shafieiyoun Saeid , Pham Anh Le‐Tuan , Thomson Neil R.
Published: May 2022

For optimal treatment of a source zone using in situ chemical oxidation (ISCO), the oxidant needs to be delivered as close to the nonaqueous phase liquid (NAPL) as possible to enhance the rate of dissolution. However, the interaction between the oxidant and NAPL may result in physical and chemical changes that affect both treatment effectiveness and post‐treatment dissolution behavior from remnant NAPL. Due to a host of favorable attributes, persulfate is frequently selected as the preferred oxidant but little is known about changes that can occur when persulfate interacts with a NAPL. In this study, two series of static batch experiments were conducted. In the first series, NAPL collected from a former manufactured gas plant (FMGP) site was exposed to a persulfate solution for ~60 days, while in the second series, individual and a mixture of pure organic liquids were exposed to a persulfate solution for ~50 days. It was observed that dark‐brown precipitates were formed in almost all the experimental systems. Notably, a layer of precipitates accumulated along the NAPL/water interface in the FMGP NAPL system and inhibited dissolution. In some of the pure organic liquid systems, the aqueous phase appeared yellow and precipitates were formed. Precipitate formation was attributed to the polymerization of aromatic compounds initiated by sulfate and hydroxyl radicals. Although precipitate formation is detrimental to mass transfer, surfactant‐like byproducts which may also be produced could lead to an emulsified aqueous phase, thereby enhancing dissolution and altering NAPL/water surface tension. Several of the organic byproducts that were detected in the aqueous phase were also detected in the NAPL, suggesting that these byproducts which were generated in aqueous phase migrated into the NAPL. Depending on the concentration of these byproducts in the NAPL, they could impact important physical properties (e.g., viscosity and density) and affect NAPL composition, which can affect intra‐NAPL diffusion and post‐treatment dissolution behavior. Although additional investigation is required, the results from this study indicate that the impacts of byproducts generated when using persulfate in ISCO applications need to be considered.
High‐Resistance Metal Oxide Window Layers for Optimal Front Contact Interfaces in Sb2Se3 Solar Cells
Authors: Mendes Joao O. , Della Gaspera Enrico , van Embden Joel
Published: May 2022

Herein, an in‐depth experimental investigation into the effect of employing different high resistance metal oxide (HRMO) layers on the quality of the front contact in solar cells with an fluorine‐doped tin oxide (FTO)/(HRMO)/CdS/Sb2Se3/Au device architecture is presented. The application of ZnO or TiO2 HRMO layers between FTO substrates and CdS improves the overall device performance. Short‐circuit current gains of ≈20%, orders of magnitude higher shunt resistances (≈104 Ω cm2), and greatly improved device stabilities—maintaining over 95% of their initial efficiency over 137 days are observed. A suppression of the unfavorable (120) orientation of the photoactive Sb2Se3 layer is observed in devices with HRMO interlayers. The application of HRMO layers is crucial to prevent both ohmic and non‐ohmic current leaks and maintain device stability over time. Cross‐over in the current‐voltage (JV) curves observed in the case of TiO2 indicates the presence of a high barrier for the diode current in these devices. Wavelength‐dependent JV curves coupled with capacitance measurements and simulations show that this barrier can be attributed to a high density of interfacial acceptor states. In contrast, ZnO deposition is found to reduce interface defects and enhance the quality of the front contact, while boosting performance and increasing device longevity.
High‐Performance Compressible Zinc Ion Battery Based on Melamine Foam‐Derived Electrodes
Authors: Li Danting , Lv Tian , Chen Zilin , Yang Yunlong , Liu Yanan , Wan Jun , Qi Yunlong , Cao Shaokui , Chen Tao
Published: May 2022

Zinc ion batteries (ZIBs) with high capacity and superior safeness represent a promising candidate as the power source for portable electronics. However, it remains a big challenge to construct high‐performance ZIBs with highly compressible capability, due to the limited compressible properties of electrodes and electrolyte. Herein, a highly compressible ZIB using a cathode of polyaniline/carbon foam (PANI/CF), an anode of Zn/CF, and a gel electrolyte containing polyvinyl alcohol and Zn(CF3SO3)2 is demonstrated. The 3D interconnection structure of the self‐supporting CF material not only can provide compressible platform to load active materials, but also can facilitate transport of ions. As desired, the newly developed ZIB exhibits high specific capacity of 215 mAh g−1 at a current density of 1 A g−1 and excellent cyclic stability (88% after 2500 charge/discharge cycles). Benefiting from the excellent mechanical compressibility and stability of CFs, the ZIBs well maintain their original electrochemical performance under a compressive strain as high as 75% and even pressing/releasing for 1000 cycles under a strain of 60%, indicating outstanding compressible capability. The compressible ZIB represents a promising candidate to be used as power supplies for portable electronics in the near future.
Transcriptome‐wide association study identifies PSMB9 as a susceptibility gene for coal workers' pneumoconiosis
Authors: Yuan Jiali , Wang Ting , Wang Lijuan , Li Ping , Shen Hongbing , Mo Yiqun , Zhang Qunwei , Ni Chunhui
Published: May 2022

Coal workers' pneumoconiosis (CWP) is a type of typical occupational lung disease caused by prolonged inhalation of coal mine dust. The individuals' different genetic background may underlie their different susceptibility to develop pneumoconiosis, even under the same exposure level. This study aimed to identify susceptibility genes associated with CWP. Based on our previous genome‐wide association study (GWAS, 202 CWP cases vs. 198 controls) and gene expression data obtained by analyzing human lungs and whole blood from the Genotype‐Tissue Expression (GTEx) Portal, a transcriptome‐wide association study (TWAS) was applied to identify CWP risk‐related genes. Luciferase report gene assay, qRT‐PCR, Western blot, immunofluorescence assay, and TUNEL assay were conducted to explore the potential role of the candidate gene in CWP. Proteasome 20S subunit beta 9 (PSMB9) was identified as a strong risk‐related gene of CWP in both lungs and whole blood (Lungs: PTWAS = 4.22 × 10−4; Whole blood: PTWAS = 2.11 × 10−4). Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) rs2071480 and rs1351383, which locate in the promoter region and the first intron of the PSMB9 gene, were in high linkage disequilibrium (LD, r2 = 0.98) with the best GWAS SNP rs4713600 (G>T, OR = 0.55, 95% CI: 0.42–0.74, P = 6.86 × 10−5). Both rs2071480 and rs1351383 significantly enhanced the transcriptional activity of PSMB9. Functional experiments revealed that silica exposure remarkably reduced the PSMB9 expression and caused cell apoptosis, while overexpression of PSMB9 markedly abolished silica‐induced cell apoptosis. We here identified PSMB9 as a novel susceptibility gene for CWP and provided important insights into the further exploration of the CWP pathogenesis.