bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Physical Therapy in Systemic Sclerosis: The Patient Perspective
Authors: Liem Sophie I. E. , van Leeuwen Nina M. , Vliet Vlieland Thea P. M. , Boerrigter Gerrie M. W. , van den Ende Cornelia H. M. , de Pundert Lian A. J. , Schriemer Marisca R. , Spierings Julia , Vonk Madelon C. , de Vries‐Bouwstra Jeska K. 
Published: July 2021

ObjectiveTo assess the use, satisfaction, needs, and preferences regarding physical therapy (PT) in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc).MethodsA total of 405 SSc patients, treated in the Leiden University Medical Center multidisciplinary care program and fulfilling American College of Rheumatology (ACR)/European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) 2013 SSc criteria, received a questionnaire containing 37 questions on use and satisfaction regarding PT over a 2‐year period, and their needs and preferences for future PT.ResultsA total of 204 SSc patients (median age 63 years, 81% female) completed the questionnaire. One hundred twenty‐eight patients (63%) had used or were using PT in a primary care setting. For 39% of patients not using PT, lack of referral or lack of knowledge was the reason for not using it. The most frequently reported active treatments were muscle‐strengthening (n = 92 [72%]), range of motion (n = 77 [60%]), and aerobic exercises (n = 72 [56%]). Specific SSc hand‐ and mouth‐opening exercises were reported by 20 (15%) and 7 (6%) patients, respectively. Manual treatment (massage or passive mobilization) was reported by 83 patients (65%). The mean ± SD satisfaction score (range 0–10) was 8.2 ± 1.6. Regarding patients' needs, 96 patients (47%) of the total group wanted to receive more information concerning PT, and 128 (63%) wanted to continue, start, or restart PT in the near future, with 56 of the 128 patients (44%) favoring individual treatment on a continuous basis.ConclusionWe observed a significant variation in the use and content of PT for SSc patients in a primary care setting. Our results suggest potential underuse of PT care, in particular for hand and oral dysfunction, and underpin the need for initiatives to improve the quality and accessibility of PT care for SSc patients.
Rapid Review of Medication Taking (Adherence) Among Patients With Rheumatic Diseases During the COVID‐19 Pandemic
Authors: Rebić Nevena , Park Jamie Y. , Garg Ria , Ellis Ursula , Kelly Ayano , Davidson Eileen , De Vera Mary A. 
Published: July 2021

ObjectiveWe aimed to identify, appraise, synthesize, and contextualize rapidly emerging reports on medication taking (adherence) among patients with rheumatic diseases during the COVID‐19 pandemic.MethodsWe searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CINAHL for peer‐reviewed communications, letters, and articles published during the COVID‐19 pandemic evaluating medication taking among individuals with rheumatic diseases. We appraised assessment and reporting of medication adherence according to established definitions of 3 distinct problems of medication taking (i.e., noninitiation, poor implementation, and discontinuation) and pooled findings using random‐effects models.ResultsWe included 31 peer‐reviewed studies in our synthesis from various jurisdictions, of which 25 described medication taking among rheumatology patients and 6 described medication prescribing among rheumatology providers. The pooled prevalence of overall medication nonadherence was 14.8% (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 12.3–17.2) and that of medication discontinuation (i.e., stopping of prescriptions) and poor implementation (i.e., not taking medication at the dose/frequency prescribed) as 9.5% (95% CI 5.1–14.0) and 9.6% (95% CI 6.2–13.0), respectively. Noninitiation (i.e., not starting/not filling new prescriptions) was not addressed.ConclusionMedication taking among individuals with rheumatic diseases during the COVID‐19 pandemic varies globally. Unclear reporting and extensive variation in research methods between studies create barriers to research replication, comparison, and generalization to specific patient populations. Future research in this area should use consistent and transparent approaches to defining and measuring medication taking problems to ensure that findings appropriately describe the epidemiology of medication adherence and have the potential to identify modifiable targets for improving patient care.
Domain Controlling by Compound Additive toward Highly Efficient Quasi‐2D Perovskite Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Zhang Dezhong , Fu Yunxing , Liu Chunyu , Zhao Chenyang , Gao Xiang , Zhang Jidong , Guo Wenbin , Liu Jun , Qin Chuanjiang , Wang Lixiang 
Published: July 2021

AbstractQuasi‐2D perovskites with enlarged exciton binding energy and tunable bandgap are appealing for application in perovskite light‐emitting diodes (PeLEDs). However, wide n domains distribution is commonly formed in solution‐processed quasi‐2D perovskite films due to the uncontrollable crystallization behavior, which leads to low device performance. Here, the crystallization process is successfully regulated to narrow the n domains distribution by introducing compound additive of ZrO2 nanoparticles (NPs) and Cryptand complexant. ZrO2 NPs can avoid the segregation of organic large and small cations by strengthening the solvent extraction capacity of antisolvent, while Cryptand offsets the poor solubility of PbBr2 by forming an intermediate state to slow down the crystallization of high‐n domains. Consequently, both high photoluminescence quantum yields over 90% and a high external quantum efficiency of 21.2% are obtained in the optimized green quasi‐2D PeLEDs. Moreover, the lifetime extends about four times compared with control devices. The strategy of domain controlling by compound additive provides a powerful way to develop high‐performance quasi‐2D perovskite optoelectrical devices.
Multifunctional Conjugated Ligand Engineering for Stable and Efficient Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Ma Ke , Atapattu Harindi R. , Zhao Qiuchen , Gao Yao , Finkenauer Blake P. , Wang Kang , Chen Ke , Park So Min , Coffey Aidan H. , Zhu Chenhui , Huang Libai , Graham Kenneth R. , Mei Jianguo , Dou Letian 
Published: July 2021

AbstractSurface passivation is an effective way to boost the efficiency and stability of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). However, a key challenge faced by most of the passivation strategies is reducing the interface charge recombination without imposing energy barriers to charge extraction. Here, a novel multifunctional semiconducting organic ammonium cationic interface modifier inserted between the light‐harvesting perovskite film and the hole‐transporting layer is reported. It is shown that the conjugated cations can directly extract holes from perovskite efficiently, and simultaneously reduce interface non‐radiative recombination. Together with improved energy level alignment and the stabilized interface in the device, a triple‐cation mixed‐halide medium‐bandgap PSC with an excellent power conversion efficiency of 22.06% (improved from 19.94%) and suppressed ion migration and halide phase segregation, which lead to a long‐term operational stability, is demonstrated. This strategy provides a new practical method of interface engineering in PSCs toward improved efficiency and stability.
An Innovative Solvent‐Responsive Coiling–Expanding Stent
Authors: Shi Shuo , Cui Miao , Sun Fengxin , Zhu Kunkun , Iqbal Mohammad Irfan , Chen Xiaoyu , Fei Bin , Li Robert K. Y. , Xia Qingyou , Hu Jinlian 
Published: July 2021

AbstractCoronary artery disease is the “first killer” in the world, while the classical treatment for this disease is to implant stent. An ideal vascular stent should be nontoxic with self‐expanding characteristics, quick expanding speed, and appropriate mechanical supporting property. However, no existing vascular stent covers all properties. Herein, a two‐way shape‐memory cellulose vascular stent, which can realize shape adjustments by mild solutions such as water and alcohol, is constructed. The shape‐memory characteristics, mechanical properties, cell toxicity, and biocompatibility, are systemically investigated by ex vivo experiment as well as molecule simulation and theoretical modeling, revealing that the achieved bilayer two‐way shape‐memory films (BSMFs) can be used as an artificial vascular stent. In particular, this vascular stent made from BSMFs shows superb biocompatibility according to live/dead cell viability assays. Ex vivo experiments reveal that the novel vascular stent can support arteria coronaria sinistra, or the left main coronary artery, at the opening state while the cross‐section of the vessel becomes two times larger than that of the initial state after implantation. Thus, it is believed that effective and scalable BSMFs can make meritorious fundamental contributions to biomaterials science and practical applications such as vascular stents.
Geometric Modulation of Local CO Flux in Ag@Cu2O Nanoreactors for Steering the CO2RR Pathway toward High‐Efficacy Methane Production
Authors: Xiong Likun , Zhang Xiang , Chen Ling , Deng Zhao , Han Sheng , Chen Yufeng , Zhong Jun , Sun Hao , Lian Yuebin , Yang Baiyu , Yuan Xuzhou , Yu Hui , Liu Yu , Yang Xiaoqin , Guo Jun , Rümmeli Mark H. , Jiao Yan , Peng Yang 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe electroreduction of carbon dioxide (CO2RR) to CH4 stands as one of the promising paths for resourceful CO2 utilization in meeting the imminent “carbon‐neutral” goal of the near future. Yet, limited success has been witnessed in the development of high‐efficiency catalysts imparting satisfactory methane selectivity at a commercially viable current density. Herein, a unique category of CO2RR catalysts is fabricated with the yolk–shell nanocell structure, comprising an Ag core and a Cu2O shell that resembles the tandem nanoreactor. By fixing the Ag core and tuning the Cu2O envelope size, the CO flux arriving at the oxide‐derived Cu shell can be regulated, which further modulates the *CO coverage and *H adsorption at the Cu surface, consequently steering the CO2RR pathway. Density functional theory simulations show that lower CO coverage favors methane formation via stabilizing the intermediate *CHO. As a result, the best catalyst in the flow cell shows a high CH4 Faraday efficiency of 74 ± 2% and partial current density of 178 ± 5 mA cm−2 at −1.2 VRHE, ranking above the state‐of‐the‐art catalysts reported today for methane production. These findings mark the significance of precision synthesis in tailoring the catalyst geometry for achieving desired CO2RR performance.
Tetrafluoroborate‐Induced Reduction in Defect Density in Hybrid Perovskites through Halide Management
Authors: Nagane Satyawan , Macpherson Stuart , Hope Michael A. , Kubicki Dominik J. , Li Weiwei , Verma Sachin Dev , Ferrer Orri Jordi , Chiang Yu‐Hsien , MacManus‐Driscoll Judith L. , Grey Clare P. , Stranks Samuel D. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractHybrid‐perovskite‐based optoelectronic devices are demonstrating unprecedented growth in performance, and defect passivation approaches are highly promising routes to further improve properties. Here, the effect of the molecular ion BF4−, introduced via methylammonium tetrafluoroborate (MABF4) in a surface treatment for MAPbI3 perovskite, is reported. Optical spectroscopy characterization shows that the introduction of tetrafluoroborate leads to reduced non‐radiative charge‐carrier recombination with a reduction in first‐order recombination rate from 6.5 × 106 to 2.5 × 105 s−1 in BF4−‐treated samples, and a consequent increase in photoluminescence quantum yield by an order of magnitude (from 0.5 to 10.4%). 19F, 11B, and 14N solid‐state NMR is used to elucidate the atomic‐level mechanism of the BF4− additive‐induced improvements, revealing that the BF4− acts as a scavenger of excess MAI by forming MAI–MABF4 cocrystals. This shifts the equilibrium of iodide concentration in the perovskite phase, thereby reducing the concentration of interstitial iodide defects that act as deep traps and non‐radiative recombination centers. These collective results allow us to elucidate the microscopic mechanism of action of BF4−.
“Manipulation” of Crystal Structure by Methylthiolation Enabling Ultrahigh Mobility in a Pyrene‐Based Molecular Semiconductor
Authors: Takimiya Kazuo , Bulgarevich Kirill , Abbas Mamatimin , Horiuchi Shingo , Ogaki Takuya , Kawabata Kohsuke , Ablat Abduleziz 
Published: July 2021

AbstractControl and prediction of crystal structures of molecular semiconductors are considered challenging, yet they are crucial for rational design of superior molecular semiconductors. It is here reported that through methylthiolation, one can rationally control the crystal structure of pyrene derivatives as molecular semiconductors; 1,6‐bis(methylthio)pyrene keeps a similar sandwich herringbone structure to that of parent pyrene, whereas 1,3,6,8‐tetrakis(methylthio)pyrene (MT‐pyrene) takes a new type of brickwork structure. Such changes in these crystal structures are explained by the alteration of intermolecular interactions that are efficiently controlled by methylthiolation. Single crystals of MT‐pyrene are evaluated as the active semiconducting material in single‐crystal field‐effect transistors (SC‐FETs), which show extremely high mobility (32 cm2 V−1 s−1 on average) operating at the drain and gate voltages of −5 V. Moreover, the band‐like transport and very low trap density are experimentally confirmed for the MT‐pyrene SC‐FETs, testifying that the MT‐pyrene is among the best molecular semiconductors for the SC‐FET devices.
Dragging a manure hose over corn at early growth stages does not reduce yield
Authors: Wilson Melissa L. , Pfarr Christopher J. , Fernández Fabián G. , Coulter Jeffrey A. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractSidedressing corn (Zea mays L.) with liquid manure slurry via a manure hose application system was recently shown to be a viable practice to apply manure to a growing crop. However, little is known about what growth stage different corn hybrids can be dragged with a manure hose before plant population and grain yield is affected. A small‐plot field study was conducted in 2019 and 2020 at both Saint Paul and Waseca in Minnesota to evaluate the effect of dragging a manure hose over corn on plant population, grain yield, and grain moisture of two hybrids with different mid‐season brittle stalk ratings (Pioneer P0339R and P0306AM). Plots were dragged in both directions along the row with a manure hose from the first through sixth leaf collar growth stages (vegetative [V] growth stage V1 through V6) and compared to a non‐dragged control. Plant population, grain yield, and grain moisture were generally not significantly affected by dragging corn between the V1 and V3 (third leaf collar) growth stages. Dragging at V4 reduced plant population and yield by 41% in 1 of 4 site‐years, while dragging after V5 significantly reduced yield by 21–79% and in most cases, increased grain moisture. Yield did not differ between hybrids in any site‐year except in Waseca 2019 when a July windstorm disproportionately affected hybrid P0306AM more than P0339R. These results suggest that when using a manure drag hose application system to sidedress corn, sidedressing should be completed before V4 to avoid damaging the crop, regardless of hybrid.
Solution blow spinning of piezoelectric nanofiber mat for detecting mechanical and acoustic signals
Authors: Elnabawy Eman , Farag Mazen , Soliman Amira , Mahmoud Kamal , Shehata Nader , Nair Remya , Kandas Ishac , Atif Rasheed , Combrinck Madeleine , Khaliq Jibran , Shyha Islam , Kilic Ali , Hassanin Ahmed H. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractSolution blow spinning (SBS) technique can produce nanofibers (NFs) mat in large‐scale production. In this work, the SBS was used to fabricate piezoelectric polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) NF membranes that can be utilized for energy harvesting applications. The effect of operating air pressure from (2–5 bar) on the surface morphology of the NFs has been studied. The structural analysis for crystalline polymorph β‐phase for PVDF powder, casted film, electrospinning and SBS NFs has also been presented with the aid of Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). Piezoelectric characteristics of PVDF NFs mats were tested by applying impact impulse with different weights from different heights between 1 and 10 cm. The sensitivity of the voltage response increased from 1.71 mV/g to 8.98 mV/g, respectively. Besides, the SBS generated PVDF mat is found to be sensitive to pressure forces in a range of few Newtons with the generated voltage according to detected sensitivity of 80 mV/N based on the analysis of the impact of a few Hertz mechanical vibrations. In addition, the produced SBS NFs were applied as an acoustic signal detector within different acoustic frequencies. The results suggest that the β‐phase PVDF nanofibrous membrane produced via the SBS technique has a great potential to be used as a piezoelectric sensor.
A facile approach to prepare anhydrous MgCO3 and its effect on the mechanical and flame retardant properties of PVC composites
Authors: Bi Qiuyan , Lu Yunhua , Zhao Chunyan , Ma Xiaohong , Khanal Santosh , Xu Shiai 
Published: July 2021

AbstractAnhydrous MgCO3 is considered a promising inorganic filler because of its many outstanding properties. In this study, a facile approach was developed to prepare anhydrous MgCO3 using urea as CO2 source. MgCO3 with cube‐like morphology (MC‐cube) was prepared and then modified with β‐cyclodextrin (CD) (CD@MC‐cube) in order to improve its interfacial adhesion with PVC matrix. The results indicate that the incorporation of MgCO3 can not only reinforce and toughen PVC composites, but it can also enhance their thermal stability and flame retardancy. Specifically, the impact strength of CD@MC‐cube/PVC composite with 4 wt% of CD@MC‐cube is increased by 92.5%, and the total smoke production and the total heat release of CD@MC‐cube/PVC composite with 12 wt% of CD@MC‐cube are decreased by 38.8% and 51.3% compared with that of PVC matrix, respectively.
Simultaneously improving thermal conductivity and dielectric properties of poly(vinylidene fluoride)/expanded graphite via melt blending with polyamide 6
Authors: Tong Jun , Zhang Haichen , Li Wei , Chen Haichu , Wang Daoyong , Hu Manfeng , Wang Zhifeng 
Published: July 2021

AbstractPoly(vinylidene fluoride)/polyamide 6/expanded graphite (PVDF/PA6/EG) composite is prepared via one‐step melt extrusion. The EG is well dispersed with the addition of PA6 and mainly distributed in the PA6 phase due to the stronger affinity between them. As a result, the PVDF/PA6/EG sample presents higher dielectric permittivity than the PVDF/EG sample and maintain a low dielectric loss due to its sea‐island phase structure, which impedes the formation of conductive path in the composite. The mean interlayer spacing of the EG in the polymer matrix decreases obviously due to its improved dispersion state, which is in favor of the phonon transportation in the composite. As a result, the PVDF/PA6/EG sample exhibits a significantly improved thermal conductivity of about 0.48 W m−1 K−1, which is 140% higher than that of the PVDF sample and 37% higher than that of the PVDF/EG sample. Moreover, the PVDF/PA6/EG sample presents higher Young's modulus and tensile strength than the PVDF/EG sample. While the elongation at break of the PVDF/PA6/EG sample is only a little lower than that of the PVDF/EG sample. This means that the tensile properties of the composite are not destroyed obviously by melt blending with the immiscible PA6.
Drivers of biodiversity loss in freshwater environments: A bibliometric analysis of the recent literature
Authors: Williams‐Subiza Emilio A. , Epele Luis B. 
Published: July 2021

Abstract

Species are disappearing at a rate comparable with previous mass extinctions. Freshwater environments are being particularly affected, with biodiversity losses occurring much faster in freshwater than in terrestrial or marine ecosystems.
This study assessed the research on drivers of biodiversity loss in freshwater environments as described in nearly 37,000 articles published in the last decade. Articles on biodiversity published between 2010 and 2019 were retrieved from the Web of Science to determine the number of articles that addressed a particular driver of biodiversity loss, by analysing the titles, abstracts, and keywords. The biodiversity and development status of a country was also investigated to see how it affects its scientific output (i.e. number of published articles).
Twenty per cent of the articles on biodiversity addressed freshwater biodiversity. Researchers devoted considerable effort to six drivers – climate change, water pollution, flow modification, expanding hydropower, species invasions, and habitat degradation – but practically ignored other threats, such as plastic and light pollution. It was also found that megadiverse countries, which for the most part were also developing countries, published substantially fewer articles than developed but less biodiverse countries.
We recommend a series of actions that could contribute to mitigate the biases found in this study.
Vertebrate keratinization evolved into cornification mainly due to transglutaminase and sulfhydryl oxidase activities on epidermal proteins: An immunohistochemical survey
Authors: Alibardi Lorenzo 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe epidermis of vertebrates forms an extended organ to protect and exchange gas, water, and organic molecules with aquatic and terrestrial environments. Herein, the processes of keratinization and cornification in aquatic and terrestrial vertebrates were compared using immunohistochemistry. Keratins with low cysteine and glycine contents form the main bulk of proteins in the anamniote epidermis, which undergoes keratinization. In contrast, specialized keratins rich in cysteine‐glycine and keratin associated corneous proteins rich in cysteine, glycine, and tyrosine form the bulk of proteins of amniote soft cornification in the epidermis and hard cornification in scales, claws, beak, feathers, hairs, and horns. Transglutaminase (TGase) and sulfhydryl oxidase (SOXase) are the main enzymes involved in cornification. Their evolution was fundamental for the terrestrial adaptation of vertebrates. Immunohistochemistry results revealed that TGase and SOXase were low to absent in fish and amphibian epidermis, while they increased in the epidermis of amniotes with the evolution of the stratum corneum and skin appendages. TGase aids the formation of isopeptide bonds, while SOXase forms disulfide bonds that generate numerous cross‐links between keratins and associated corneous proteins, likely increasing the mechanical resistance and durability of the amniote epidermis and its appendages. TGase is low to absent in the beta‐corneous layers of sauropsids but is detected in the softer but pliable alpha‐layers of sauropsids, mammalian epidermis, medulla, and inner root sheath of hairs. SOXase is present in hard and soft corneous appendages of reptiles, birds, and mammals, and determines cross‐linking among corneous proteins of scales, claws, beaks, hairs, and feathers.