bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Three‐dimensional gradient and spin‐echo readout for time‐encoded pseudo‐continuous arterial spin labeling: Influence of segmentation factor and flow compensation
Authors: Paschoal Andre M. , Leoni Renata F. , Pastorello Bruno F. , van Osch Matthias J. P. 
Published: May 2021

PurposeTo monitor the complete passage of the labeled blood through the vascular tree into tissue and improve the quantification of ASL maps, we evaluated the effect of 3D gradient and spin‐echo (GRASE) readout segments on temporal SNR (tSNR) and image blurriness for time‐encoded pseudo‐continuous arterial spin labeling and the effect of flow‐compensation gradients on the presence of intravascular signal.MethodsFifteen volunteers were scanned using time‐encoded pCASL with 2D EPI and single‐segment, two‐segments, and three‐segments 3D‐GRASE readouts with first‐order flow compensation (FC) gradients. Two‐segments 3D‐GRASE scans were acquired with 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% of full first‐order FC. Temporal SNR was assessed, and cerebral blood flow and arterial blood volume were quantified for all readout strategies.ResultsFor single‐segment 3D GRASE, tSNR was comparable to 2D EPI for perfusion signal but worse for the arterial signal. Two‐segments and three‐segments 3D GRASE resulted in higher tSNR than 2D EPI for perfusion and arterial signal. The arterial signal was not well visualized for 3D‐GRASE data without FC. Visualization of the intravascular signal at postlabeling delays of 660 ms and 1060 ms was restored with FC. Adequate visualization of the intravascular signal was achieved from 75% of FC gradient strength at a postlabeling delay of 660 ms. For a postlabeling delay of 1060 ms, full‐FC gradients were the best option to depict intravascular signal.ConclusionSegmented GRASE provided higher effective tSNR compared with 2D‐EPI and single‐segment GRASE. Flow compensation with GRASE readout should be carefully controlled when applying for time‐encoded pCASL to visualize intravascular signal.
Sub‐bandgap activated charges transfer in a graphene‐MoS2‐graphene heterostructure
Authors: Kumar Sunil , Singh Arvind , Nivedan Anand , Kumar Sandeep , Yun Seok Joon , Lee Young Hee , Tondusson Marc , Degert Jérôme , Oberle Jean , Freysz Eric 
Published: May 2021

AbstractMonolayers of transition metal dichalcogenides are semiconducting materials which offer many prospects in optoelectronics. A monolayer of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) has a direct bandgap of 1.88 eV. Hence, when excited with optical photon energies below its bandgap, no photocarriers are generated and a monolayer of MoS2 is not of much use in either photovoltaics or photodetection. Here, we demonstrate that large size MoS2 monolayer sandwiched between two graphene layers makes this heterostructure optically active well below the band gap of MoS2. An ultrafast optical pump‐THz probe experiment reveals in real‐time, transfer of carriers between graphene and MoS2 monolayer upon photoexcitation with photon energies down to 0.5 eV. It also helps to unravel an unprecedented enhancement in the broadband transient THz response of this tri‐layer material system. We propose possible mechanism which can account for this phenomenon. Such specially designed heterostructures, which can be easily built around different transition metal dichalcogenide monolayers, will considerably broaden the scope for modern optoelectronic applications at THz bandwidth.
Enhanced photoemission from surface modulated GaAs:Ge
Authors: Sultan Muhammad Taha , Árnason Hákon Örn , Kateb Movaffaq , Manolescu Andrei , Svavarsson Halldór Gudfinnur , Valfells Ágúst 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe present work reports the evolution and growth of GeGaAs(O) polytype nanoislands over GaAs p‐type substrate with photoemission application in mind. Several morphological transformations from NIs to simultaneously present nanopits/holes are observed as a function of annealing parameters that is, temperature (350‐800°C) and time (5‐90 minutes). Structural and elemental analyses are executed using atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy. Photoemission current of the nanostructured surfaces, measured upon exposure from 265 nm light emitting diode, is found to depend on the nanoislands size, which in turn depends on the annealing parameters. A maximum photoelectric emission is obtained for structure annealed at 650°C for 60 minutes, upon which an increment of roughly two orders of magnitude is observed.
Pyridine‐functionalized fullerene derivative as an independent electron transport layer enabling efficient and hysteresis‐free regular perovskite solar cells
Authors: Wang Ye , Li Bairu , Jia Lingbo , Zhang Bo , Zhang He , Liang Panfei , Chen Muqing , Yang Hua , Wang Xinqing , Yang Shangfeng 
Published: May 2021

AbstractSuitable electron transport materials bearing good interfacial contact, improved electron transport ability, and matched energy levels are indispensable for developing efficient perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Herein, regular (n‐i‐p) planar Cs0.05FA0.83MA0.12PbI2.55Br0.45 (CsFAMA) PSC devices were fabricated using a pyridine‐functionalized fullerene derivative (C60‐3‐BPy) as an independent electron transport layer (ETL), delivering a decent power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 18.22%, which is dramatically higher than that of the control device based on [6,6]‐phenyl‐C61‐butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) ETL (15.70%). The energy level offset between C60‐3‐BPy and the perovskite is smaller than that based on PCBM ETL, which is beneficial for efficient ohmic contact in ETL/perovskite interface and improved open‐circuit voltage (Voc). Moreover, C60‐3‐BPy affords strong coordination interactions with perovskite, leading to an improved film quality of the perovskite layer with enlarged grain size and decreased trap state density, which contribute to facilitated electron extraction as reflected by the increases of both the fill factor (FF) and the short‐circuit current (Jsc). C60‐3‐BPy‐facilitated electron extraction further results in hysteresis‐free devices.
Towards antiviral polymer composites to combat COVID‐19 transmission
Authors: Mouritz Adrian P. , Galos Joel , Linklater Denver P. , Ladani Raj B. , Kandare Everson , Crawford Russell J. , Ivanova Elena P. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractPolymer matrix composite materials have the capacity to aid the indirect transmission of viral diseases. Published research shows that respiratory viruses, including severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2 or COVID‐19), can attach to polymer substrata as a result of being contacted by airborne droplets resulting from infected people sneezing or coughing in close proximity. Polymer matrix composites are used to produce a wide range of products that are “high‐touch” surfaces, such as sporting goods, laptop computers and household fittings, and these surfaces can be readily contaminated by pathogens. This article reviews published research on the retention of SARS‐CoV‐2 and other virus types on plastics. The factors controlling the viral retention time on plastic surfaces are examined and the implications for viral retention on polymer composite materials are discussed. Potential strategies that can be used to impart antiviral properties to polymer composite surfaces are evaluated. These strategies include modification of the surface composition with biocidal agents (e.g., antiviral polymers and nanoparticles) and surface nanotexturing. The potential application of these surface modification strategies in the creation of antiviral polymer composite surfaces is discussed, which opens up an exciting new field of research for composite materials.
Independence of placement for local Fourier analysis
Authors: He Yunhui 
Published: May 2021

AbstractLocal Fourier analysis (LFA) serves a prominent role in the prediction of the convergence factor of multigrid methods for discretizations of PDEs. However, few discussions about the implementation of LFA for complicated discretizations of PDEs exist, such as higher order finite elements, as staggered meshes could lead to complex LFA representations of the grid‐transfer operator. In this work, we prove that the LFA representation for d‐dimensional PDEs is independent of the placement of degrees of freedom (DoFs). Intuitively speaking, the seeding of the unknowns has no direct effect on the LFA presentation, instead, it serves as a unitary transformation between different representations. Thus, different LFA representations for a given PDE have the same spectrum and norm. Furthermore, we provide a uniform representation in terms of the location of the unknowns, named simple representation, where we allocate all of the DoFs at nodes, resulting in a simple and unified way to compute the symbols of the discrete operators, especially for the grid‐transfer operators. This simple representation can contribute to the generalization of the implementation of LFA for different types of discretizations and different problems, especially for higher order discretization methods.
Moral courage, moral sensitivity and safe nursing care in nurses caring of patients with COVID‐19
Authors: Khodaveisi Masoud , Oshvandi Khodayar , Bashirian Saeid , Khazaei Salman , Gillespie Mark , Masoumi Seyedeh Zahra , Mohammadi Fateme 
Published: May 2021

AbstractAimEvaluation the moral courage, moral sensitivity and safe nursing care in nurses caring of infected patients by the COVID‐19.DesignThis study employed cross‐sectional research.Methods520 nurses caring for COVID‐19 patients in 5 hospitals were selected via convenience sampling. They completed questionnaires online. Data were analysed by SPSS software version 22.ResultsFindings showed that moral courage has a strong and direct correlation with moral sensitivity (p < .001, r = 0–.70) and safe nursing care (p < .001, r = 0–.74). Variables of moral sensitivity, safe nursing care, work experience, age and employment status can predict 64.76% of the variance in moral courage in these nurses. Nursing care of patients with COVID‐19 have reported high moral courage in recent months, and in spite of the numerous tensions and stresses in terms of caring these patients during this relative long period, they are still diligent in providing safe and high sensitive care to these patients.
The association between obesity and peak antibody titer response in COVID‐19 infection
Authors: Soffer Shelly , Glicksberg Benjamin S. , Zimlichman Eyal , Efros Orly , Levin Matthew A. , Freeman Robert , Reich David L. , Klang Eyal 
Published: May 2021

AbstractObjectiveObesity is associated with severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) infection. Disease severity is associated with a higher COVID‐19 antibody titer. The COVID‐19 antibody titer response of patients with obesity versus patients without obesity was compared.MethodsThe data of individuals tested for COVID‐19 serology at the Mount Sinai Health System in New York City between March 1, 2020, and December 14, 2021, were retrospectively retrieved. The primary outcome was peak antibody titer, assessed as a binary variable (1:2,880, which was the highest detected titer, versus lower than 1:2,880). In patients with a positive serology test, peak titer rates were compared between BMI groups (<18.5, 18.5 to 25, 25 to 30, 30 to 40, and ≥40 kg/m2). A multivariable logistic regression model was used to analyze the independent association between different BMI groups and peak titer.ResultsOverall, 39,342 individuals underwent serology testing and had BMI measurements. A positive serology test was present in 12,314 patients. Peak titer rates were associated with obesity (BMI < 18.5 [34.5%], 18.5 to 25 [29.2%], 25 to 30 [37.7%], 30 to 40 [44.7%], ≥40 [52.0%]; p < 0.001). In a multivariable analysis, severe obesity had the highest adjusted odds ratio for peak titer (95% CI: 2.1‐3.0).ConclusionCOVID‐19 neutralizing antibody titer is associated with obesity. This has implications on the understanding of the role of obesity in COVID‐19 severity.
Light‐Driven Enzymatic Decarboxylation of Dicarboxylic Acids
Authors: Zeng Yong‐Yi , Liu Lan , Chen Bi‐Shuang , Zhang Wuyuan 
Published: May 2021

AbstractPhotodecarboxylase fromChlorella variabillis(CvFAP) is one of the three known light‐activated enzymes that catalyzes the decarboxylation of fatty acids into the corresponding C1‐shortened alkanes. Although the substrate scope ofCvFAP has been altered by protein engineering and decoy molecules, it is still limited to mono‐fatty acids. Our studies demonstrate for the first time that long chain dicarboxylic acids can be converted byCvFAP. Notably, the conversion of dicarboxylic acids to alkanes still represents a chemically very challenging reaction. Herein, the light‐driven enzymatic decarboxylation of dicarboxylic acids to the corresponding (C2‐shortened) alkanes usingCvFAP is described. A series of dicarboxylic acids is decarboxylated into alkanes in good yields by means of this approach, even for the preparative scales. Reaction pathway studies show that mono‐fatty acids are formed as the intermediate products before the final release of C2‐shortened alkanes. In addition, the thermostability, storage stability, and recyclability ofCvFAP for decarboxylation of dicarboxylic acids are well evaluated. These results represent an advancement over the current state‐of‐the‐art.
How creativity can help research on the multiple values of nature become more innovative and inclusive
Authors: Gould Rachelle K. 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

The global environmental situation presents humans with challenges of unprecedented complexity, and research into the multiple values of nature aims to inform decision‐making in the context of this complexity.

Research suggests that creativity can be a crucial tool in confronting complexity, crises and novel situations.

I argue that research into the multiple values of nature should intentionally seek and embrace creativity in approaches, methods and techniques. I draw on diverse fields to summarize the importance of creativity in navigating complex situations and crises.

I present specific strategies drawn from the literature on creativity and innovation and link them to research on the multiple values of nature. These strategies are: Define the problem carefully and intentionally; be inspired by others' work; nurture scepticism and be open‐minded; don't use only words; iterate and ‘fail early, fail often'; and embrace teamwork. I describe each strategy, then offer thoughts on how each relates to research on the multiple values of nature.

To conclude, I address caveats to the use of creativity in multiple‐values‐of‐nature research and suggest the transformative role that rich, collaborative and creative study of the multiple values of nature may play.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Complementary and alternative medicine in children with diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma—A SIOPE DIPG Network and Registry study
Authors: El‐Khouly Fatma E. , Adil Syed M. , Wiese Maria , Hulleman Esther , Hendrikse N. Harry , Kaspers Gertjan J.L. , Kramm Christof M. , Veldhuijzen van Zanten Sophie E.M. , van Vuurden Dannis G. ,   SIOPE DIPG Network
Published: May 2021

AbstractIntroductionDiffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) is a rare and aggressive childhood brainstem malignancy with a 2‐year survival rate of <10%. This international survey study aims to evaluate the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in this patient population.MethodsParents and physicians of patients with DIPG were asked to participate in a retrospective online survey regarding CAM use during time of illness.ResultsBetween January and May 2020, 120 parents and 75 physicians contributed to the online survey. Most physicians estimated that <50% of their patients used CAM, whereas 69% of the parents reported using CAM to treat their child during time of illness. Cannabis was the most frequently used form of CAM, followed by vitamins and minerals, melatonin, curcumin, and boswellic acid. CAM was mainly used with the intention of direct antitumor effect. Other motivations were to treat side effects of chemotherapy or to increase comfort of the child. Children diagnosed from 2016 onwards were more likely to use CAM (χ2 = 6.08, p = .014). No significant difference was found between CAM users and nonusers based on ethnicity (χ2 = 4.18, p = .382) or country of residence (χ2 = 9.37, p = .154). Almost 50% of the physicians do not frequently ask their patients about possible CAM use.ConclusionThis survey demonstrates that worldwide, a considerable number of patients with DIPG use CAM. Physicians should be more aware of potential CAM use and actively discuss the topic. In addition, more research is needed to gain knowledge about possible anticancer effects of CAM and (positive/negative) interactions with conventional therapies.
Proteomic analyses reveal that immune integrins are major targets for regulation by Membrane‐Associated Ring‐CH (MARCH) proteins MARCH2, 3, 4 and 9
Authors: Sandow Jarrod J. , Webb Andrew I. , Stockwell Dina , Kershaw Nadia J. , Tan Cyrus , Ishido Satoshi , Alexander Warren S. , Hilton Douglas J. , Babon Jeffrey J. , Nicola Nicos A. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractMARCH proteins are membrane‐associated Ring‐CH E3 ubiquitin ligases that dampen immune responses by downregulating cell surface expression of major histocompatibility complexes I and II as well as immune co‐stimulatory receptors. We recently showed that MARCH2,3,4 and 9 also downregulate cell surface expression of the inflammatory cytokine receptor for interleukin‐6 (IL6Rα). Here we use over‐expression of these MARCH proteins in the M1 myeloid leukaemia cell line and cell surface proteomic analyses to globally analyse other potential targets of these proteins. A large range of cell surface proteins regulated by more than one MARCH protein in addition to several MARCH protein‐specific cell surface targets were identified most of which were downregulated by MARCH expression. Prominent among these were several integrin complexes associated with immune cell homing, adhesion and migration. Integrin α4β1 (VLA4 or VCAM‐1 receptor) was downregulated only by MARCH2 and we showed that in MARCH2 knockout mice, Integrin α4 was upregulated specifically in mature B‐lymphocytes and this was accompanied by decreased numbers of B‐cells in the spleen.
The regulation of internet pornography: What a survey of under‐18s tells us about the necessity for and potential efficacy of emerging legislative approaches
Authors: Thurman Neil , Obster Fabian 
Published: May 2021

AbstractIn 2017, the UK Parliament passed an Act requiring legal pornographic websites to implement ‘robust’ age verification checks. Although the Act inspired lawmakers elsewhere to propose similar legislation, it was never enacted, in part because it did not cover social media platforms. Instead, the UK government has turned to its Online Harms White Paper—which does target social media platforms—to protect children from online pornography. There is, however, scant evidence on the media platforms and technologies children use to access pornography. To fill this knowledge gap, we conducted a survey of 16‐ and 17‐year‐olds in the United Kingdom. The results show that more (63%) had seen pornography on social media platforms than on pornographic websites (47%), suggesting the UK government was right to target such platforms in its latest proposals. However, pornography was much more frequently viewed on pornographic websites than on social media, showing how important the regulation of such sites remains. Furthermore, our finding that 46% of 16‐ and 17‐year‐olds had used a virtual private network or Tor browser adds weight to concerns that restrictions on legal internet pornography—such as age verification checks—imposed by a single country may be circumvented by those the restrictions are designed to protect.
A toddler diagnosed with severe postinfectious bronchiolitis obliterans and COVID‐19 infection
Authors: Koletsi Patra , Antoniadi Marita , Mermiri Despina , Koltsida Georgia , Koukou Dimitra , Noni Maria , Spoulou Vasiliki , Michos Athanasios 
Published: May 2021

AbstractDuring the COVID‐19 pandemic, management of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in children with underlying chronic lung disease has been challenging. There are limited studies in children with respiratory comorbidities, apart from asthma, presumably due to low morbidity of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in the general pediatric population along with the low incidence of certain pulmonary conditions. Compassionate use of remdesivir has been shown to reduce time to clinical improvement in adults and has been retrospectively studied in small pediatric cohorts with promising results. Whether children with underlying respiratory conditions may benefit from antiviral treatment in the context of different pathophysiologic backgrounds and unknown drug safety and efficacy needs to be further evaluated. We present a case of COVID‐19 infection in a 3‐year old toddler with severe postinfectious bronchiolitis obliterans, who received compassionate treatment with 5‐day‐course of remdesivir, and recovered with favourable outcome.
Spray drift deposition comparison of fluorimetry and analytical confirmation techniques
Authors: Szarka Arpad Z , Kruger Greg R , Golus Jeff , Rodgers Carol , Perkins Daniel , Brain Richard A 
Published: May 2021

AbstractTracer dyes are often used as surrogates to characterize pesticide spray drift and it is assumed that they accurately reflect analytical measurement of active ingredients; however, the validity of this assumption remains inconclusive. Consequently, the influence of measurement technique on the magnitude of deposition of spray drift was investigated using spray drift samples evaluated by traditional analytical techniques (HPLC–MS/MS) and fluorimetry (1,3,6,8‐pyrene‐tetra sulfonic acid tetrasodium salt dye tracer). The experiment was conducted in a low‐speed wind tunnel under controlled meteorological conditions. The herbicide mesotrione was sprayed through three spray air induction nozzles (anvil deflector flat fan TTI11004; flat fan AI11004; flat fan AIXR11003). Spray drift deposition samples were collected using stainless steel discs pairs placed side by side in the center of the wind tunnel at distances of 5, 10, 20, 30, and 40 ft (1.5, 3.1, 6.1, 9.1, and 12.2 m) from the spray nozzle. The analytical technique determined pesticide concentration on one disc per pair, and the other was evaluated by fluorimetry. The experimental results, analyzed using the linear split‐split plot model, revealed that median deposition concentrations were 15% higher using the tracer dye fluorescence method relative to the analytical method, potentially due in part to procedural recovery inefficiencies of the analytical method (the mean overall procedural recovery result and RSD was 87% ± 6.4% (n = 12). This relationship was consistent and held true for the three nozzle types at all distances within the wind tunnel. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.