bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Review on the Pharmaceutical Care Services during COVID-19 Pandemic in the Philippines
Authors: I. Mariano Fatimae , M. Faller Erwin
Published: February 2022

Aims: As a developing country, the Philippines was among the hard-hit countries in the on-going COVID-19 pandemic. Pharmacists have stressed the significant role they play on the frontlines in the fight to lessen the pandemic's detrimental impacts.

Methodology: Using available published materials obtained from various journal databases, this article review identifies and discusses the pharmaceutical care activities of pharmacists during the pandemic caused by COVID-19 in the Philippines.

Results: Pharmaceutical care services like teleconsultation and provision of drug information were provided to the public and even to other healthcare professionals through telepharmacy, managing minor illnesses in the community, maintaining patient’s access to prescription and maintenance medications, teaching and campaigning for vaccination, and even receiving training to administer COVID-19 vaccines to assist in the country’s vaccination programs were documented in this review.

Conclusion: Indeed, the pandemic has offered a chance to emphasize the critical role pharmacists play in healthcare delivery especially in a country where people perceive pharmacists as merely sellers of medicines.
Feasibility and Efficacy of Online Strategies to Recruit Parents of Children With Rheumatic Diseases for Research
Authors: Hausmann Jonathan S. , Vizcaino‐Riveros Jorge , Marin Alexandra C. , Minegishi Machiko , Cox Rachele , Chang Min‐Lee , Schanberg Laura E. , Natter Marc , Weitzman Elissa R. ,   for the CARRA Legacy Registry Investigators
Published: February 2022

Objective

We aimed to determine the feasibility and efficacy of online strategies to recruit parents of children with pediatric rheumatic diseases (PRDs) for research and to evaluate the degree to which known features of various rheumatic disease groups were present in the online cohort.

Methods

We studied two cohorts; the first was composed of respondents from a cross‐sectional parental survey of children with PRDs contacted through patient support groups and social media platforms, and the second cohort was composed of participants from the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance (CARRA) legacy clinical registry.

Results

In the social media cohort, 712 complete surveys were analyzed. Most (65.9%) were referred from Facebook. The most common rheumatic disease was juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) (27.1%), followed by juvenile dermatomyositis (22.1%). In the CARRA registry cohort, 7985 records were included. JIA was the largest disease group (70.3%), followed by systemic lupus erythematosus (12.0%). The age at disease onset for most PRDs was similar between those in the social media and CARRA registry cohorts (mean difference = 1.3 years).

Conclusion

Recruitment through Facebook was the most fruitful. The clinical characteristics of the social media cohort were similar to those of patients recruited through a clinical registry, suggesting the utility of online recruitment for engaging disease‐relevant cohorts. Parents of children with rare PRDs were overrepresented in the social media cohort, perhaps reflecting the increased need of those parents to find online information and receive emotional support. Social media recruitment for research studies may help expand the number and diversity of participants in clinical research, especially by including those with rare diseases.
How to prevent NAS from being used against moms and babies
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: February 2022

The federal Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) last week came out with a definition of neonatal abstinence syndrome/neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NAS/NOWS) (see ‘HHS releases standard definition for opioid withdrawal in infants,’ ADAW Feb. 7; https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/adaw.33338). One key comment by the authors of the report on the definition, to be used in diagnostic coding, is that this diagnosis should not be used to make child welfare decisions — i.e., to remove the baby from the custody of the mother. This has application to all cases of maternal opioid use but, in particular, relates to therapeutic use of methadone or buprenorphine, which is recommended during pregnancy for mothers with opioid use disorder (OUD) in order to protect their health and the health of their babies. Opioid withdrawal can be lethal to a fetus.
CDC proposes new guideline for opioid pain prescribing
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: February 2022

The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) last week released a proposal for a new guideline for opioid prescribing for pain. This proposal vastly updates the 2016 guideline, eliminating time and morphine milligram equivalent (MME) limits for both acute and chronic pain. The CDC recognizes that the 2016 guideline was misused. The public has 60 days to comment.
Microstructure and Magnetic Anisotropy of SmCo‐Based Films Prepared via External Magnetic Field Assisted Magnetron Sputtering
Authors: Li Hao , Wei Lu , Hong Yuan , Zhang Yuanwei , Qiu Zhaoguo , Wang Gang , Zhao Lizhong , Liu Xiaolian , Zhang Xuefeng , Chen Deyang , Zheng Z. G. , Xia Weixing , Zeng Dechang , Liu J. Ping
Published: February 2022

SmCo‐based thin films have excellent permanent magnetic properties for application in magnetic functional devices. The conventional methods to control the magnetic anisotropy are inserting the suitable buffer layer or applying magnetic field heat treatment. However, the selection of the buffer layer and the thickness of the SmCo layer are limited. Additionally, the magnetic field heat treatment is detrimental to suppressing the grain growth. Herein, the SmCo‐based thin films by magnetic field assisted magnetron sputtering followed by a rapid thermal annealing (RTA) is prepared. The characteristic diffraction peak of SmCo5 (200) with in‐plane orientation disappears, indicating that the in‐plane magnetic anisotropy could be further decreased. Meanwhile, the out‐of‐plane coercivity highly increases when applying an external magnetic field, which is contributed partly by the refined SmCo grains under the external magnetic field due to the reduction of critical free energy of Sm–Co cluster nucleation. Furthermore, micromagnetic simulations indicates that the out‐of‐plane magnetic moments of Sm2Co17 phase are more difficult to reverse because the ratio of in‐plane and out‐of‐plane oriented moments changed from 1:1 to 1:1.4, and proves that the proportion of magnetic moment direction is significant to control magnetic anisotropy and coercivity which is consistent with the experiment results.
Thermal Insulation and Moisture Resistance of High‐Performance Silicon Aerogel Composite Foam Ceramic and Foam Glass
Authors: Song Zihao , Zhao Yifan , Yuan Man , Huang Longjin , Yuan Meiyu , Cui Sheng
Published: February 2022

With the globalization of green energy‐saving buildings, improving the thermal insulation performance of building exterior walls has become an important breakthrough in reducing building energy consumption. And the building envelope to improve insulation properties as a starting point for energy saving. Herein, a new type of material with excellent heat insulation and moisture resistance is developed. Hence, the sol–gel process, high‐pressure impregnation as well as supercritical drying are used to synthesize foam ceramic composite SiO2 aerogel (FC@SA) and foam glass composite SiO2 aerogel (FG@SA) materials. While maintaining the porous nanostructure of the aerogel, the aerogel is filled and embedded in the pores of the foamed material by a high‐pressure impregnation method. The thermal conductivity of FC@SA and FG@SA are, respectively, 0.04159 and 0.04424 W (m K)−1 at 25 °C, which are 36.02% and 23.72% lower than foam ceramic and foam glass. FC@SA reached water saturation (49%) in 48 h, while it took 72 h for FG@SA to reach water saturation (38%). Therefore, the composite building material prepared by embedding nano‐aerogel into ceramic foam and foam glass has great potential in the insulation material of building fence structures.
Epitaxial Dirac Semimetal Vertical Heterostructures for Advanced Device Architectures
Authors: Rice Anthony D. , Lee Choong Hee , Fluegel Brian , Norman Andrew G. , Nelson Jocienne N. , Jiang Chun Sheng , Steger Mark , McGott Deborah L. , Walker Patrick , Alberi Kirstin
Published: February 2022

Exploiting the extraordinary transport and optical properties of 3D topological semimetals for device applications requires epitaxial integration with semiconductors to carefully control carrier transport, yet no studies have established heteroepitaxy on top of any topological semimetals to date. Here, a novel approach toward fabricating heterostructures is demonstrated by epitaxially incorporating the Dirac semimetal Cd3As2 between ZnxCd1‐xTe and CdTe layers via molecular beam epitaxy on GaAs (001) substrates. The approach utilizes the higher energy (001) surface of Cd3As2 to stabilize 2D epitaxy of zinc blende semiconductors. To demonstrate the impact heterostructure formation offers to device performance, an all‐epitaxial, barrier‐type vertical photodetector is fabricated that accesses a different carrier separation mechanism than previously reported non‐epitaxial junctions and consequently exhibits significantly reduced dark currents. The results highlight the important role that epitaxial integration can play in accessing advanced architectures for topological semimetal‐based devices.
Targeted Synthesis of Anti‐Hydrolysis 2D‐ZIF Laminates with Super‐Hydrophobic Transport Channels via In Situ Phase Transition Strategy
Authors: Xu Shuang , Li Wen‐Cui , Wang Chengtong , Wang Sijia , Ma He , Hao Guang‐Ping , Lu An‐Hui
Published: February 2022

The design flexibility in the crystalline structure and surface wettability make the zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) an excellent platform for task‐specific applications. However, the key challenge lies in the precise modulation of transport channels, which still suffers from slow diffusion kinetics in nanopores and the loss of hydrophobicity during long‐term operation. Here, a facile structural directing method to render conventional 3D polyhedrons to well‐controlled ZIF nanoplates, and further to super‐hydrophobic laminated material by an in situ phase transition strategy is reported. As exemplified in water transport devices, the integrated ZIFs laminate shows an exceptional anti‐hydrolysis property and super‐hydrophobic transport channels, which warrant remarkable structural stability at fully wet conditions for a time period of at least 3 months, even under acidic conditions and boiling water for 24 h. The simple transformation strategy paves the way for fabrication and regulation of coordinated structures where hydrophobic transport channels are required, and opens a new opportunity for the smart design of advanced structures for water treatment under harsh environments.
Boron‐Tethering and Regulative Electronic States Around Iridium Species for Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Xue Dongping , Cheng Junqi , Yuan Pengfei , Lu Bang‐An , Xia Huicong , Yang Cheng‐Chieh , Dong Chung‐Li , Zhang Huizhen , Shi Fengyuan , Mu Shi‐Chun , Hu Jin‐Song , Sun Shi‐Gang , Zhang Jia‐Nan
Published: February 2022

The performance of single‐atom electrocatalysts usually suffers from attenuation due to high energy states, especially in harsh environments. Therefore, as high‐efficiency electrocatalysts for hydrogen reduction reaction (HER), supported metal nanoclusters (NCs) with maximum metal atom efficiency are promising, yet the genuine mechanism involving rational orbital modulation is still arguable. Herein, the conjugating effect between electron‐donor boron (B)‐tethering engineering and iridium (Ir) that facilitates the electron capture of Ir atoms is explored, achieving highly dispersive Ir‐NCs confined in N, B co‐doped defective carbon (Ir@NBD‐C). The Ir@NBD‐C catalyst achieves displays remarkable high activity for HER in a pH‐universal range, in particular, with an ultralow overpotential of 7 mV (10 mA cm−2), high mass activity of 652.2 A , and turnover frequency (TOF) of 1.90 H2 S−1 (100 mV) in 1.0 m KOH, outperforming almost all state‐of‐the‐art HER electrocatalysts. Operando characterizations and theoretical calculations unveil that the outstanding catalytic activity can attribute to the optimal binding to hydrogen intermediate species (H*) derived from the tunable and favorable electronic structure of the Ir site through the tethering of B heteroatoms. Undoubtedly, this work brings new insight into the design of catalysts with high intrinsic activity and thermodynamic stability.
Polarization‐Driven‐Orientation Selective Growth of Single‐Crystalline III‐Nitride Semiconductors on Arbitrary Substrates
Authors: Liu Danshuo , Hu Lin , Yang Xuelin , Zhang Zhihong , Yu Haodong , Zheng Fawei , Feng Yuxia , Wei Jiaqi , Cai Zidong , Chen Zhenghao , Ma Cheng , Xu Fujun , Wang Xinqiang , Ge Weikun , Liu Kaihui , Huang Bing , Shen Bo
Published: February 2022

III‐nitride semiconductor films are usually achieved by epitaxial growth on single‐crystalline substrates (sapphire, silicon (Si), and silicon carbide). It is important to grow these films on non‐epitaxial substrates of interest such as polycrystalline substrates for exploring novel applications in electronics and optoelectronics. However, single‐crystalline III‐nitride films with uniform orientation on non‐epitaxial substrates have not yet been realized, due to the lack of crystallographic orientation of the substrates. Here, this work proposes a strategy of polarization‐driven‐orientation selective growth (OSG) and demonstrate that single‐crystalline gallium nitride (GaN) can in principle be achieved on any substrates. Taking polycrystalline diamond and amorphous‐silicon dioxide/Si substrates as typical examples, the OSG is demonstrated by utilizing a composed buffer layer consisting of graphene and polycrystalline physical vapor deposited (PVD) aluminium nitride (AlN). The polarization of the PVD AlN can effectively tune the strength of interfacial orbital coupling between AlN nuclei and graphene at different rotation angles, as confirmed by atom‐scale first‐principles calculations, and align the AlN nuclei to form a uniform orientation. This consequently leads to continuous single‐crystalline GaN films. The ability to grow single‐crystalline III‐nitrides onto any desired substrates would create unprecedented opportunities for developing novel electronic and optoelectronic devices.
Catalytic Kinetics Regulation for Enhanced Electrochemical Nitrogen Oxidation by Ru‐Nanoclusters‐Coupled Mn3O4 Catalysts Decorated with Atomically Dispersed Ru Atoms
Authors: Nie Zhongfen , Zhang Linlin , Ding Xin , Cong Meiyu , Xu Fanfan , Ma Lehui , Guo Mingxia , Li Mingzhu , Zhang Lixue
Published: February 2022

Electrochemical N2 oxidation reaction (NOR), using water and N2 in the atmosphere, represents a sustainable approach for nitric production to replace the conventional industrial synthesis with high energy consumption and greenhouse gas emission. Meanwhile, owing to chemical inertness of N2 and sluggish kinetics for 10‐electron transfer, emerging electrocatalysts remain largely underexplored. Herein, Ru‐nanoclusters‐coupled Mn3O4 catalysts decorated with atomically dispersed Ru atoms (Ru–Mn3O4) are designed and explored as an advanced electrocatalyst for ambient N2 oxidation, with an excellent Faraday efficiency (28.87%) and a remarkable NO3‐ yield (35.34 µg h‐1 mg‐1cat.), respectively. Experiments and density functional theory calculations reveal that the outstanding activity is ascribed to the coexistence of Ru clusters and single‐atom Ru. The synergistic effect between the Ru clusters and Mn3O4 can effectively activate the chemically inert N2, lowering the kinetic barrier for the vital breakage of N≡N. The intensive *OH supply and enhanced conductivity are used to regulate the catalytic kinetics for optimized performance. This work provides brand‐new ideas for the rational design of electrocatalysts in complicated electrocatalytic reactions with multiple dynamics‐different steps.
Energy‐Saving Hydrogen Production by Seawater Electrolysis Coupling Sulfion Degradation
Authors: Zhang Liuyang , Wang Zhiyu , Qiu Jieshan
Published: February 2022

Electrolysis of costless and infinite seawater is a promising way toward grid‐scale hydrogen production without causing freshwater stress. Practical potential of this technology, however, is hindered by low energy efficiency and anode corrosion by the detrimental chlorine chemistry in seawater in addition to unaffordable electricity expense. Herein, energy‐saving hydrogen production is reported by chlorine‐free seawater splitting coupling sulfion oxidation. It yields hydrogen at a low cell voltage of 0.97 V, cutting the electricity consumption to 2.32 kWh per m3 H2 at 300 mA cm−2. Compared to alkaline water electrolysis, the energy expense is primarily saved by 60% with 50% lower energy equivalent input. Benefiting from the ultralow cell voltage, the hazardous chlorine chemistry is fully avoided without anode corrosion regardless of Cl− crossover. Meanwhile, it also allows fast degradation of S2− pollutant from the water body to value‐added sulfur with 80% efficiency, for further reducing hydrogen cost and protection of the ecosystem. Connecting such a hybrid seawater electrolyzer to a commercial solar cell can harvest the hydrogen from seawater with better sustainability. This work may offer new opportunities for low‐cost hydrogen production from the unlimited ocean resources with environmental protection.
Architecting Silk Protein and Melanin for Photoresponsive and Self‐Healable Optoelectronic Skins
Authors: Wahab Abdul , Gogurla Narendar , Park Ji‐Yong , Kim Sunghwan
Published: February 2022

The central processes driving biological phenomena are based on the conduction of ions and electrons in biomaterials, implying the possibility of achieving a fully biomaterial‐based electronic skin. However, finding the appropriate biomaterials for electronic skins is still challenging. Here, a photoresponsive, self‐healable, and biomaterial‐based optoelectronic skin (OE‐skin) fabricated with melanin nanoparticles and silk protein is proposed and the electronic properties and their mechanisms in the artificially generated OE‐skin are reported. Not only does silk protein hydrogel provide a transparent and skin‐compatible platform for use as OE‐skin but it also provides the appropriate environment for melanin to demonstrate high electrical conductivity. The OE‐skin can be considered a p‐type semiconducting material showing high conductivity of up to 6 mS cm−1 in addition to a 40% enhancement in the conductivity by green laser and ultraviolet light emitting diode illuminations. Additionally, the OE‐skin autonomously heals itself from multiple cuts, allowing the restoration of its electrical properties. These material properties enable applications for strain‐sensors, humidity sensors, and ultraviolet light sensors, as well as image pixels to convert light‐lettering into electrical signals. The proposed fully biomaterial‐based OE material platform offers a new way for next‐generation electronic skins to achieve a seamless interface with the human body.
Tough, Antifreezing, and Conductive Hydrogel Based on Gelatin and Oxidized Dextran
Authors: Cao Lilong , Zhao Zhijie , Wang Xueying , Huang Xueli , Li Junjie , Wei Yuping
Published: February 2022

Forming natural polymers‐based hydrogels with enhanced mechanical strength, outstanding antifreezing property and superior conductivity is still a challenge. Here, gelatin/oxidized dextran hydrogel is fabricated and it shows enhanced mechanical performance, antifreeze tolerance, and conductivity due to the synergistic interaction of ammonium sulfate and betaine. The resulting gelatin/oxidized dextran/(NH4)2SO4/betaine hydrogel exhibits high stretchability (570%), tough tensile (2.49 MPa) and compressive (46.41 MPa) fracture strength, favorable tensile (6.05 MJ m−3) and compressive (3.08 MJ m−3) toughness, antifreezing property (−30 °C) and high conductivity (2.86 S m−1). Based on the above characteristics, the hydrogel is applied for strain sensor to monitor the joints motion of human body such as finger, wrist, elbow, knee, neck, and throat. The hydrogel can maintain good mechanical performance and stable sensing signal from 25 to −30 °C. Therefore, the designed hydrogel based on natural polymers shows a huge potential for tissue engineering and biosensing under the mild or extreme environment.
Ultrahigh Resolution Photodetector Arrays of Organic Single Microcrystals Self‐Aligned on Prepatterned Electrodes
Authors: Fang Zhenyu , Wang Hong , Liang Junfeng , Wang Zhifang , Wang Wenchong , Huang Feng
Published: February 2022

High resolution and high performance single crystal organic photodetectors are of significance for applications in image sensing such as finger‐print scanner and intelligent gesture recognition. The ever‐increasing accuracy requirements put challenges of high‐definition and single crystal fabrication for organic opto‐electronics. Here a photolithography compatible method, to self‐assemble microsized organic single crystal directly on predetermined electrodes, forming ultrahigh resolution single crystal arrays with pixel per inch of 1.7 K, is reported. An addressable device array with read‐out electrodes is further demonstrated, which contains 3 × 6 photodetectors with the size of single device of 6 × 10 µm2. At last, a light signal of letter “S” is read by this array.
Shining Mn4+ in 0D Organometallic Fluoride Hosts towards Highly Efficient Photoluminescence
Authors: Ming Hong , Zhao Yifei , Zhou Yayun , Molokeev Maxim S. , Wang Yuanjing , Zhang Shuai , Song Enhai , Ye Shi , Xia Zhiguo , Zhang Qinyuan
Published: February 2022

The design and discovery of Mn4+‐activated fluoride phosphors that can secure both high luminescence efficiency and short fluorescence lifetime simultaneously are crucial and urgent for constructing high‐quality wide‐color gamut (WCG) backlight display applications. Herein, a series of brand‐new Mn4+‐activated narrow‐band red‐emitting phosphors with both high external quantum efficiency (EQE, >50%) and short fluorescence lifetime (τ ≤ 3.8 ms) are designed by introducing Mn4+ into newfound tetramethylammonium (Me4N)‐based organometallic fluoride (Me4N)2BF6 (B = Ge, Ti, Zr) hosts. These intriguing properties of Mn4+ arise from the larger steric hindrance of (Me4N)+ cations and low local structure symmetry in the 0D (Me4N)2BF6, as verified by the structural and spectral analyses. (Me4N)2GeF6:Mn4+, as a representative, shows a high EQE of ≈64.6% and a short lifetime of ≈3.78 ms. A prototype projector with superb performance is assembled by employing a remote (Me4N)2GeF6:Mn4+‐based white light‐emitting diode with high luminous efficiency (≈143.09 lm W−1) and WCG (≈112.02% National Television System Committee (NTSC)) to demonstrate their great potentials for backlight applications. The research brings up a promising alternative as the host materials for Mn4+‐doped fluoride phosphors and provides a deeper understanding on the correlation between structure and luminescence.
Achieving Photomultiplication in Dye‐Sensitized Narrowband Photodetectors by Electron Injection through a Thin Hole‐Transporting Layer
Authors: Zhang Qinglei , Feng Yi , Hu Jingtao , Su Xiaojun , Wang Hailong , Zheng Jiaxin , Xiong Shicheng , Xu Yucheng , Jiang Nianqiang , Liu Linlin , Xie Zengqi
Published: February 2022

Narrowband photodetectors (NBPDs) that response to light with specific wavelength are attractive in imaging fields. Organic materials meet the demand of NBPDs well as active layer due to their tunable and the narrowband‐absorption properties. However, the responsivity is generally low caused by the hard exciton diffusion as well as severe recombination. Herein, a narrowband‐absorption BODIPY dye is synthetized and applied in vertical‐structural NBPDs as sensitizer bonding with the mesoporous titanium dioxide (mp‐TiO2). The close bonding between BODIPY dyes and mp‐TiO2 effectively enhances the dissociation of excitons. Importantly, the NBPDs present high photomultiplication, the first observation in such dye‐sensitized devices, which is due to the electron injection induced by a thin layer of Spiro‐OMeTAD covered on the hump parts of mp‐TiO2. The NBPDs exhibit high external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 534% at 510 nm with a full‐width at half‐maximum (FWHM) of 45 nm, a low dark current of 7.0 × 10‐5 mA cm‐2, and a high detectivity (D*) of 1.5 × 1013 cm Hz1/2 W‐1 (Jones) at −3 V. Besides, the devices own response speed within several milliseconds and excellent stability. The work proposes a strategy to fabricate photomultiplication‐type NBPDs by using intrinsic narrowband‐absorption dyes as active layer.
Spectroscopy and Structural Investigation of Iron Phosphorus Trisulfide—FePS3
Authors: Budniak Adam K. , Zelewski Szymon J. , Birowska Magdalena , Woźniak Tomasz , Bendikov Tatyana , Kauffmann Yaron , Amouyal Yaron , Kudrawiec Robert , Lifshitz Efrat
Published: February 2022

Lamellar structures of transition metal phosphorus trisulfides possess strong intralayer bonding, albeit adjacent layers are held by weak van der Waals interactions. Those compounds received enormous interest due to their unique combination of optical and long‐range magnetic properties. Among them, iron phosphorus trisulfide (FePS3) gathered special attention for being a semiconductor with an absorption edge in the near‐infrared, as well as showing an Ising‐like anti‐ferromagnetism. A successful growth of centimeter size bulk FePS3 crystals with a chemical yield above 70% is reported, whose crystallographic structure and composition are carefully identified by advanced electron microscopy methodologies, including atomic resolution elemental mapping, along with photoelectron spectroscopy. The knowledge on the optical activity of FePS3 is extended utilizing temperature‐dependent absorption and photoacoustic spectroscopies, while measurements are corroborated with density‐functional theory calculations. Temperature‐dependent experiments show a small and monotonic band‐edge energy shift down to 115 K and expose the interconnected importance of electron‐phonon coupling. Most of all, the correlation between the optical behavior and the magnetic phase transition is revealed, which shows the practical utilization of temperature‐dependent optical absorption to investigate magnetic interactions.
Thermo‐ and Mechano‐Triggered Luminescence ON/OFF Switching by Supercooled Liquid/Crystal Transition of Platinum(II) Complex Thin Films
Authors: Yoshida Masaki , Sääsk Verner , Saito Daisuke , Yoshimura Nobutaka , Takayama Junichi , Hiura Satoshi , Murayama Akihiro , Põhako‐Esko Kaija , Kobayashi Atsushi , Kato Masako
Published: February 2022

Trihexyltetradecylphosphonium (P6,6,6,14) salts of luminescent anionic Pt(II) complexes, (P6,6,6,14)[PtX2(ppy)] (X = Cl‐, Br‐; ppy = 2‐phenylpyridinate), are synthesized and photofunctional thin films with crystal/liquid bi‐stability are fabricated. In particular, the chloride complex provides a thin film exhibiting thermo‐ and mechano‐triggered luminescence ON/OFF switching at ambient temperature, which is based on the control of the supercooled liquid phase and bright luminescent crystalline phase. The photophysical properties of the complexes are investigated and compared with those of the bromide complex and tetra(n‐butyl)ammonium salts of the complexes. Furthermore, detailed photophysical analysis reveals a large contribution of the charge‐transfer character to the ligand‐centered 3π π* excited state, which results in intense phosphorescence in the crystal and high‐contrast luminescence ON/OFF by the phase transition of the chloride complex.
New Opportunity: Machine Learning for Polymer Materials Design and Discovery
Authors: Xu Pengcheng , Chen Huimin , Li Minjie , Lu Wencong
Published: February 2022

Under the guidance of the material genome initiative (MGI), the use of data‐driven methods to discover new materials has become an innovation of materials science. The polymer materials have been one of the most important parts in materials science for the excellent physical and chemical properties as well as corresponding complex structures. Machine learning, as the core of data‐driven methods, has taken an important place in polymer materials design and discovery. In this review, the authors have introduced the applications of machine learning in the design and discovery of polymer materials. The development tendency of published papers about machine learning in polymer materials, the commonly used algorithms, the polymer descriptors, the workflow of machine learning in polymer materials, and recent progresses of machine learning in materials are summarized. Then, the detail of how to use machine learning to assist design and discovery of polymer materials is fully discussed combined with two cases. Finally, the opportunities and challenges on the future development prospects of machine learning in the field of polymer materials are proposed.
Ocular Nanomedicine
Authors: Tang Zhimin , Fan Xianqun , Chen Yu , Gu Ping
Published: February 2022

Intrinsic shortcomings associated with conventional therapeutic strategies often compromise treatment efficacy in clinical ophthalmology, prompting the rapid development of versatile alternatives for satisfactory diagnostics and therapeutics. Given advances in material science, nanochemistry, and nanobiotechnology, a broad spectrum of functional nanosystems has been explored to satisfy the extensive requirements of ophthalmologic applications. In the present review, the recent progress in nanosystems, both conventional and emerging nanomaterials in ophthalmology from state‐of‐the‐art studies, are comprehensively examined and the role of their fundamental physicochemical properties in bioavailability, tissue penetration, biodistribution, and elimination after interacting with the ophthalmologic microenvironment emphasized. Furthermore, along with the development of surface engineering of nanomaterials, emerging theranostic methodologies are promoted as potential alternatives for multipurpose ocular applications, such as emerging biomimetic ophthalmology (e.g., smart electrochemical eye), thus provoking a holistic review of “ocular nanomedicine.” By affording insight into challenges encountered by ocular nanomedicine and further highlighting the direction of future studies, this review provides an incentive for enriching ocular nanomedicine‐based fundamental research and future clinical translation.
Sub‐Zero Temperature Sensor Based on Laser‐Written Carbon
Authors: Baek Seungho , Kim Junil , Pujar Pavan , Kwon Hyuk‐Jun , Kim Sunkook , Gandla Srinivas
Published: February 2022

Sub‐zero temperature sensors (SZTSs) have potential applications in safely storing COVID‐19 vaccines. Herein, an SZTS based on laser‐induced carbonization (LIC) achieved by a nanosecond infrared laser with a wavelength of 1064 nm is reported. Direct laser writing is adopted for laser‐induced carbon in Kapton polyimide sheets with a thickness of 125 µm. The sensor exhibits a good linear change in resistance to sub‐zero temperatures ranging from 0 to −150 °C, where the coefficient of determination adjusted R‐square (R2) value is 0.99238, which indicates a good linear fit. The sensor exhibits a stable static response at all temperatures over time. The dynamic responses by controlling the liquid nitrogen gas and placing an ice cube on the sensor are also measured to validate the sensor. Notably, the electrical performance of the sensor remains stable even after 15 h. The sensor response of the LIC sample validates the 3D variable range‐hopping charge transport mechanism, governed by the Mott equation with a good linear fit, which is mainly owing to disorder in its structure. LIC‐based SZTSs can enable sensors that are ultra‐fast to fabricate, roll‐to‐roll processable, economical, and more significantly, can be interfaced with flexible printed circuit boards without any additional interfacing.
Clinical impact of atrophic changes in remnant pancreas on the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease after pancreaticoduodenectomy
Authors: Yamamura Kensuke , Yamashita Yo‐ichi , Yamao Takanobu , Kitano Yuki , Arima Kota , Miyata Tatsunori , Higashi Takaaki , Hayashi Hiromitsu , Beppu Toru , Baba Hideo
Published: February 2022

Aim

The aim of this study was to evaluate risk factors for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD), with a special focus on remnant pancreatic volume (RPV) as assessed using computed tomography (CT).

Methods

From February 2004 to June 2017, 101 patients who underwent PD in our institution were enrolled. We defined a CT attenuation value of less than 40 HU as hepatic steatosis and measured RPV at 7 days, 3 months, and 1 year after PD using the SYNAPSE VINCENT system. The incidence of NAFLD and RPV were compared between the two groups according to reconstruction with pancreaticogastrostomy (PG) or pancreaticojejunostomy (PJ).

Results

The incidence of NAFLD at 3 months after PD was 39.6% (40/101). The RPV ratio (RPV at 3 months or 1 year divided by RPV at 7 days after PD) at both 3 months and 1 year was significantly smaller in the PG group than in the PJ group (59% vs 73%, P < .001 and 53% vs 67% P < .01, respectively). A positive correlation between the RPV ratio and liver CT value at 3 months was found. The multivariate analysis identified three independent risk factors for NAFLD: female sex (odds ratio [OR] 8.16, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 2.27‐35.9, P < .001), PG reconstruction (OR 3.87, 95% CI 1.04‐15.6, P = .04), and RPV ratio ≤60% (OR 3.44, 95% CI 1.06‐11.8, P = .001).

Conclusion

Atrophic change in the remnant pancreas is significantly associated with the development of NAFLD, and PJ reconstruction may be superior to PG from the viewpoint of NAFLD development.
Significance of osteopenia in elderly patients undergoing emergency gastrointestinal surgery
Authors: Takano Yasuhiro , Tsukihara Shu , Kai Wataru , Ito Daisuke , Kanno Hironori , Son Kyonsu , Hanyu Nobuyoshi , Eto Ken
Published: February 2022

Aim

Frailty assessment in elderly patients is crucial to predict the postoperative course, considering that frailty is highly associated with postoperative complications and mortality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the value of osteopenia as a risk factor for severe postoperative complications in elderly patients who underwent emergency gastrointestinal surgery.

Methods

This study comprised 103 elderly patients who underwent emergency gastrointestinal surgery. Osteopenia was diagnosed by measuring bone mineral density, which was calculated as the average pixel density in the midvertebral core at the 11th thoracic vertebra on the preoperative plain computed tomography image. We retrospectively investigated the relationship between preoperative osteopenia and severe postoperative complications (Clavien–Dindo classification ≥III). Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to evaluate the risk factors for severe postoperative complications.

Results

Twenty‐three patients (22.3%) developed severe postoperative complications. The optimal cutoff value of bone mineral density for severe postoperative complications was 119.5 Hounsfield unit (HU) and 39 patients (37.9%) were diagnosed with osteopenia. The univariate analysis revealed that the American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status of ≥3 (P = .0084), hemoglobin levels (P = .0026), albumin levels (P < .001), sarcopenia (P = .015), and osteopenia (P < .001) were significantly associated with severe postoperative complications. The multivariate analysis showed that osteopenia (P = .014) was an independent risk factor for severe postoperative complications.

Conclusion

Osteopenia may be a risk factor for severe postoperative complications in elderly patients after emergency gastrointestinal surgery.
Association of Retromer Deficiency and Tau Pathology in Down Syndrome
Authors: Curtis Mary Elizabeth , Smith Tiffany , Yu Daohai , Praticò Domenico
Published: February 2022

Retromer deficiency is reported in Down syndrome and correlates with amyloidosis, however, its association with tau neuropathology remains unclear. Down syndrome and control brain tissues were evaluated for phosphorylated tau, tau modulators, and cathepsin‐D activity. Several kinases and phosphatase PP2A were unchanged, but tau phosphorylation was elevated, and cathepsin‐D activity decreased in aged patients with Down syndrome. Retromer proteins positively associated with soluble tau, whereas pathogenic tau negatively correlated with retromer proteins and cathepsin‐D activity. Retromer deficiency and consequent reduction of cathepsin‐D activity may contribute to pathogenic tau accumulation, thus, retromer represents a viable therapeutic target against tau pathology in Down syndrome. ANN NEUROL 2022;91:561–567
Implementation of a Teleneurology Clinic in Zambia during the COVID‐19 Pandemic
Authors: Asukile Melody , Chishimba Lorraine , Chomba Mashina , Mataa Moses , Mutete Frighton , Mwendaweli Naluca , Yumbe Kunda , Zimba Stanley , Habanyama Gloria , Shampile Sydney , Makupe Alex , Saylor Deanna
Published: February 2022

Objective

The objective of this study was to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and benefits of a teleneurology clinic serving adults usually attending a neurology outpatient clinic in Lusaka, Zambia during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic.

Methods

Televisits were offered to patients scheduled for neurology appointments between March and July 2020 using the telephone, WhatsApp video, or Zoom calls based on patient accessibility. Visit outcomes were documented, and patient and neurologist satisfaction surveys were completed.

Results

Of 323 patients, 195 (60%) were reachable by telephone, 179 of these were alive, and 74% (133/179) of those alive agreed to a televisit. Stroke (30%), seizures (20%), and headache (16%) were the most common diagnoses seen via televisit. Most televisits (80%) were by telephone call, 14% by WhatsApp video call, and 6% by Zoom. Nearly one‐third (30%) of the patients were stable and discharged from the clinic, 32% only required medication refills, and 19% required an in‐person visit. Sixty patients (out of 85 reachable and 71% response rate) and 7 of 9 neurologists (78% response rate) completed satisfaction surveys. Neurologists reported greater assessment confidence with Zoom, but confidence was high for all modalities. Patients preferring televisits (75%, 45/60) noted reduced expense and time requirements, whereas those preferring in‐person visits (22%, 13/60) cited the desire for physical examinations. Overall, 98% of patients and 100% of neurologists were satisfied with televisits.

Interpretation

Teleneurology visits were acceptable and feasible for adults attending an outpatient neurology clinic in Zambia and their neurologists. They offer a promising supplement to in‐person visits in resource‐limited settings, even when video‐conference capabilities and electronic medical records are absent. ANN NEUROL 2022;91:445–454
Probabilistic Mapping Reveals Optimal Stimulation Site in Essential Tremor
Authors: Nowacki Andreas , Barlatey Sabry , Al‐Fatly Bassam , Dembek Till , Bot Maarten , Green Alexander L. , Kübler Dorothee , Lachenmayer M. Lenard , Debove Ines , Segura‐Amil Alba , Horn Andreas , Visser‐Vandewalle Veerle , Schuurman Rick , Barbe Michael , Aziz Tipu Z. , Kühn Andrea A. , Nguyen T. A. Khoa , Pollo Claudio
Published: February 2022

Objective

The objective of this study was to obtain individual clinical and neuroimaging data of patients undergoing deep brain stimulation (DBS) for essential tremor (ET) from 5 different European centers to identify predictors of outcome and to identify an optimal stimulation site.

Methods

We analyzed retrospectively baseline covariates, pre‐ and postoperative clinical tremor scores (for 12 months) as well as individual imaging data from 119 patients to obtain individual electrode positions and stimulation volumes. Individual imaging and clinical data were used to calculate a probabilistic stimulation map in normalized space using voxel‐wise statistical analysis. Finally, we used this map to train a classifier to predict tremor improvement.

Results

Probabilistic mapping of stimulation effects yielded a statistically significant cluster that was associated with a tremor improvement >50%. This cluster of optimal stimulation extended from the posterior subthalamic area to the ventralis intermedius nucleus and coincided with a normative structural connectivity‐based cerebellothalamic tract (CTT). The combined features “distance between the stimulation volume and the significant cluster” and “CTT activation” were used as a predictor of tremor improvement. This correctly classified a >50% tremor improvement with a sensitivity of 89% and a specificity of 57%.

Interpretation

Our multicenter ET probabilistic stimulation map identified an area of optimal stimulation along the course of the CTT. The results of this study are mainly descriptive until confirmed in independent datasets, ideally through prospective testing. This target will be made openly available and may be used to guide surgical planning and for computer‐assisted programming of DBS in the future. ANN NEUROL 2022;91:602–612
Optical Excitation of Ultra‐Relativistic Partially Stripped Ions
Authors: Bieroń Jacek , Krasny Mieczyslaw Witold , Płaczek Wiesław , Pustelny Szymon
Published: February 2022

The Gamma Factory (GF) initiative aims at the construction of a unique experimental tool exploiting resonant interaction of light with ultra‐relativistic partially stripped ions (PSI) stored in circular accelerators at CERN. Resonant excitation of high‐energy electronic transitions in the ions is achieved through Doppler‐boosting (by twice the Lorentz factor; from hundred to several thousand times) of light energy. In order to efficiently excite the ions, and hence generate intense beams of scattered/fluorescent photons, a detailed knowledge of the ions' electronic energy structure and the dynamics of optical excitation is required. Spectroscopic properties of PSI selected for the GF operation, as well as their optical excitation schemes, are investigated. Two regimes of the ion–light interaction are identified, leading to different dynamics of the excitation. The efficiency of the ion–light interaction, as well as the number of photons emitted from a single ion bunch, are estimated, both analytically and numerically, for three ions considered for the GF, that is, Li‐like Pb79 + , Li‐like Ca17 + , and H‐like Pb81 + .
Rapid and Controlled Polymerization of Bio‐sourced δ‐Caprolactone toward Fully Recyclable Polyesters and Thermoplastic Elastomers
Authors: Li Changjian , Wang Liying , Yan Qin , Liu Fusheng , Shen Yong , Li Zhibo
Published: February 2022

The development of chemically recyclable polymers presents the most appealing solution to address the plastics’ end‐of‐use problem. Despite the recent advancements, it is highly desirable to develop chemically recyclable polymers from commercially available monomers to avoid the costly and time‐consuming commercialization. In this contribution, we achieve the controlled ring‐opening polymerization (ROP) of bio‐sourced δ‐caprolactone (δCL) using strong base/urea binary catalysts. The obtained PδCL is capable of chemical recycling to δCL in an almost quantitative yield by thermolysis. Sequential ROP of δCL and l‐lactide (l‐LA) affords well‐defined PLLA‐b‐PδCL‐b‐PLLA triblock copolymers, which behave as thermoplastic elastomers with excellent elastic recovery, tensile strength and ultimate elongation. The upcycling of PLLA‐b‐PδCL‐b‐PLLA to recover ethyl lactate and δCL with high yields is achieved by refluxing with ethanol and then distillation under reduced pressure.
Rigidity of plasticizers and their miscibility in silica‐filled polybutadiene rubber by broadband dielectric spectroscopy
Authors: Lindemann Niclas , Finger Sebastian , Karimi‐Varzaneh Hossein Ali , Lacayo‐Pineda Jorge
Published: February 2022

An efficient use of plasticizers in rubber compounds requires an understanding of their miscibility behavior. Besides the chemical properties of both rubber and plasticizer, the rigidity of the plasticizer plays an important role for their miscibility. The miscibility is investigated here using the glass transition measured by differential scanning calorimetry and broadband dielectric spectroscopy (BDS). Additionally, the interfacial relaxation and phase separation measured by BDS are confirmed by transmission electron microscopy. While the flexible plasticizer, poly‐(α‐methylstyrene), stays miscible in a silica‐filled polybutadiene rubber compound, the more rigid plasticizer, indene‐coumarone (IC), shows a phase separation at high concentrations. The phase‐separated IC tends to accumulate at the silica surface.
Stereolithography of (meth)acrylate‐based photocurable resin: Thermal and mechanical properties
Authors: Zirak Nader , Shirinbayan Mohammadali , Benfriha Khaled , Deligant Michael , Tcharkhtchi Abbas
Published: February 2022

Additive manufacturing (AM) has attracted a lot of attention in the industry and studies due to the ability to fabricate parts in different sizes and shapes along with economic costs. Among the different three‐dimensional (3D) printing methods, stereolithography (SLA) is becoming an important method. The objective of this work is to investigate the effect of different sub‐build orientations of an acrylate‐based 3D printing SLA rapid‐prototyping photosensitive resin concerning UV and thermal post‐curing on the thermal and mechanical properties. Key role of polymerization as a determining factor in the final mechanical and thermal properties was shown. The results indicate turning the mechanical properties of cured resin by different sub‐build orientations. Furthermore, post‐curing process was performed in order to complete the curing of unreacted monomers. The results show the important effect of thermal post‐curing on the mechanical properties. In addition, a polymerization up to 98% for thermal curing at 80°C was achieved. In addition, the maximum tensile strength for the maximum amount of polymerization was for sub‐building orientation of 45°, 0°, and 90°.
Aminoglycoside treatment alters hearing‐related genes and depicts behavioral defects in Drosophila
Authors: Dhar Gyanaseni , Paikra Sanjeev K. , Mishra Monalisa
Published: February 2022

The hearing organ of Drosophila is present within the second segment of antennae. The hearing organ of Drosophila (Johnston's organ [JO]) shares much structural, developmental, and functional similarity with the vertebrate hearing organ (Organ of Corti). JO is evolving as a potential model system to examine the hearing‐associated defects in vertebrates. In the vertebrates, aminoglycosides like gentamicin, kanamycin, and neomycin have been known to cause defects in the hearing organ. However, a complete mechanism of toxicity is not known. Taking the evolutionary conservation into account the current study aims to test various concentrations of aminoglycoside on the model organism, Drosophila melanogaster. The current study uses the oral route to check the toxicity of various aminoglycosides at different concentrations (50, 100, 150, 200, and 250 μg ml−1). In Drosophila, many foreign particles enter the body through the gut via food. The aminoglycoside treated third instar larvae show defective crawling and sound avoidance behavior. The adult flies release lower amounts of acetylcholine esterase and higher amounts of reactive oxygen species than control untreated animals, accompanied by defective climbing and aggressive behavior. All these behavioral defects are further confirmed by the altered expression level of hearing genes such as nompC, inactive, nanchung, pyrexia. All the behavioral and genetic defects are reported as a readout of aminoglycoside toxicity.