bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical Outcomes in Patients with Hemorrhoids Treated by Finger Guided Hemorrhoidal Artery Ligation with Laser Hemorrhoidoplasty: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Gupta Kamal , Agarwal Niranjan , Mital Kushal 
Published: September 2021

Background: Hemorrhoids are the most common anorectal disease. In Finger guided Hemorrhoidal Artery Ligation (FGHAL), the branches of Superior Hemorrhoidal Artery (SHA) are ligated after palpating the arteries with finger 2-3 cm above dentate line instead of using a doppler as in Doppler-guided Hemorrhoidal Artery Ligation (DGHAL). The procedure is followed by Laser Hemorrhoidoplasty (LHP), a minimally invasive technique.
Methods: We conducted the study to retrospectively analyze the clinical outcomes of FGHAL with LHP for surgical management in a patient cohort with hemorrhoids in routine clinical practice. We retrospectively collected and analyzed the data from hospital records of patients treated with FGHAL with LHP for their hemorrhoid disease (HD) from March 2017– March 2020 to understand the impact on pain, bleeding, and resolution of symptoms.
Results: The study included a total of 346 patients within 27 to 75 years of age. The presenting features were bleeding (93%), pain (89%), and prolapsed hemorrhoids (69%). Most patients had grade II hemorrhoids (60.7%). Patients reported no spontaneous bleeding after surgery; 225 patients (65%) experienced post-defecatory bleeding the day one after surgery and 98 patients (28.3%) on postoperative day 3. Patients did not report any bleeding after the 7th postoperative day. 90.2% had completely resolved symptoms 6-months after surgery. The average VAS score at 6h,12h,24h,48h and 72h after surgery were 3,2.2,1.3,0.4 and 0.1 respectively.
Conclusion: FGHAL is a cost-effective alternative to DGHAL. FGHAL, followed by the LHP technique, provides a very low pain and discomfort with minimal need for analgesics and wound care, electing it among the procedures suitable for HD. The method is a cost-effective alternative to DGHAL.
The Role of Electronic Junctions in Artificial Interface Engineering: The Case for Indium Tin Oxide on LiMn2O4 Electrodes
Authors: De Taeye Louis L. , Teirlynck Ian , Vereecken Philippe M. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractElectrode coatings have become an indispensable tool for the commercialization of high voltage cathodes. So far, electronically insulating and ionically conducting surface coatings are typically used to improve the electrochemical stability of battery cells. In this paper, it is shown that not only insulating materials but also highly electronically conductive coatings such as indium tin oxide (ITO) can effectively inhibit electrolyte decomposition through the formation of electronic junctions while preserving ionic and electronic conduction. The exact electrolyte decomposition kinetics are determined through direct measurements utilizing a LiMn2O4 (LMO) thin‐film model system and explained by a theoretical exposition on the electronic band structures of the active material, coating material, and redox species in the electrolyte. Junction formation is worked out specifically for ITO coated LMO thin‐film electrodes but can be generalized to any material and morphology. Aside from the beneficial effect of well‐engineered electronic junctions on electrochemical stability, highly conductive coatings can be exploited to improve the contact between the active material and the current collector through the creation of a shunt conductor, as demonstrated in the final section of the article.
Flexible, Mechanically Stable, Porous Self‐Standing Microfiber Network Membranes of Covalent Organic Frameworks: Preparation Method and Characterization
Authors: Ding Chenhui , Breunig Marion , Timm Jana , Marschall Roland , Senker Jürgen , Agarwal Seema 
Published: September 2021

AbstractCovalent organic frameworks (COFs) show advantageous characteristics, such as an ordered pore structure and a large surface area for gas storage and separation, energy storage, catalysis, and molecular separation. However, COFs usually exist as difficult‐to‐process powders, and preparing continuous, robust, flexible, foldable, and rollable COF membranes is still a challenge. Herein, such COF membranes with fiber morphology for the first time prepared via a newly introduced template‐assisted framework process are reported. This method uses electrospun porous polymer membranes as a sacrificial large dimension template for making self‐standing COF membranes. The porous COF fiber membranes, besides having high crystallinity, also show a large surface area (1153 m2 g−1), good mechanical stability, excellent thermal stability, and flexibility. This study opens up the possibility of preparation of large dimension COF membranes and their derivatives in a simple way and hence shows promise in technical applications in separation, catalysis, and energy in the future.
Anchoring Sites Engineering in Single‐Atom Catalysts for Highly Efficient Electrochemical Energy Conversion Reactions
Authors: Zhao Yufei , Jiang Wen‐Jie , Zhang Jinqiang , Lovell Emma C. , Amal Rose , Han Zhaojun , Lu Xunyu 
Published: September 2021

AbstractSingle‐atom catalysts (SACs) have been at the frontier of research field in catalysis owing to the maximized atomic utilization, unique structures and properties. The atomically dispersed and catalytically active metal atoms are necessarily anchored by surrounding atoms. As such, the structure and composition of anchoring sites significantly influence the catalytic performance of SACs even with the same metal element. Significant progress has been made to understand structure–activity relationships at an atomic level, but in‐depth understanding in precisely designing highly efficient SACs for the targeted reactions is still required. In this review, various anchoring sites in SACs are summarized and classified into five different types (doped heteroatoms, defect sites, surface atoms, metal sites, and cavity sites). Then, their impacts on catalytic performance are elucidated for electrochemical reactions based on their distance from the metal center (first coordination shell and beyond). Further, SACs anchored on two typical types of hosts, carbon‐ and metal‐based materials, are highlighted, and the effects of anchoring points on achieving the desirable atomic structure, catalytic performance, and reaction pathways are elaborated. At last, insights and outlook to the SAC field based on current achievements and challenges are presented.
Charge Density Wave Orders and Enhanced Superconductivity under Pressure in the Kagome Metal CsV3Sb5
Authors: Wang Qi , Kong Pengfei , Shi Wujun , Pei Cuiying , Wen Chenhaoping , Gao Lingling , Zhao Yi , Yin Qiangwei , Wu Yueshen , Li Gang , Lei Hechang , Li Jun , Chen Yulin , Yan Shichao , Qi Yanpeng 
Published: September 2021

AbstractSuperconductivity in topological kagome metals has recently received great research interests. Here, charge density wave (CDW) orders and the evolution of superconductivity under various pressures in CsV3Sb5 single crystal with V kagome lattice are investigated. By using high‐resolution scanning tunneling microscopy/spectroscopy (STM/STS), two CDW orders in CsV3Sb5 are observed which correspond to 4a × 1a and 2a × 2a superlattices. By applying pressure, the superconducting transition temperature Tc is significantly enhanced and reaches a maximum value of 8.2 K at around 1 GPa. Accordingly, CDW state is gradually declined as increasing the pressure, which indicates the competing interplay between CDW and superconducting state in this material. The broad superconducting transitions around 0.4–0.8 GPa can be related to the strong competition relation among two CDW states and superconductivity. These results demonstrate that CsV3Sb5 is a new platform for exploring the interplay between superconductivity and CDW in topological kagome metals.
The Role of Additives in Suppressing the Degradation of Liquid‐Exfoliated WS2 Monolayers
Authors: Karger Leonhard , Synnatschke Kevin , Settele Simon , Hofstetter Yvonne J. , Nowack Tim , Zaumseil Jana , Vaynzof Yana , Backes Claudia 
Published: September 2021

AbstractGroup VI transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) are considered to be chemically widely inert, but recent reports point toward an oxidation of monolayered sheets in ambient conditions, due to defects. To date, the degradation of monolayered TMDs is only studied on individual, substrate‐supported nanosheets with varying defect type and concentration, strain, and in an inhomogeneous environment. Here, degradation kinetics of WS2 nanosheet ensembles in the liquid phase are investigated through photoluminescence measurements, which selectively probe the monolayers. Monolayer‐enriched WS2 dispersions are produced with varying lateral sizes in the two common surfactant stabilizers sodium cholate (SC) and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). Well‐defined degradation kinetics are observed, which enable the determination of activation energies of the degradation and decouple photoinduced and thermal degradation. The thermal degradation is slower than the photoinduced degradation and requires higher activation energy. Using SC as surfactant, it is sufficiently suppressed. The photoinduced degradation can be widely prevented through chemical passivation achieved through the addition of cysteine which, on the one hand, coordinates to defects on the nanosheets and, on the other hand, stabilizes oxides on the surface, which shield the nanosheets from further degradation.
Quantifying Contact‐Electrification Induced Charge Transfer on a Liquid Droplet after Contacting with a Liquid or Solid
Authors: Tang Zhen , Lin Shiquan , Wang Zhong Lin 
Published: September 2021

AbstractContact electrification (CE) is a common physical phenomenon, and its mechanisms for solid–solid and liquid–solid cases have been widely discussed. However, the studies about liquid–liquid CE are hindered by the lack of proper techniques. Here, a contactless method is proposed for quantifying the charges on a liquid droplet based on the combination of electric field and acoustic field. The liquid droplet is suspended in an acoustic field, and an electric field force is created on the droplet to balance the acoustic trap force. The amount of charges on the droplet is thus calculated based on the equilibrium of forces. Further, the liquid–solid and liquid–liquid CE are both studied by using the method, and the latter is focused. The behavior of negatively precharged liquid droplet in the liquid–liquid CE is found to be different from that of the positively precharged one. The results show that the silicone oil droplet prefers to receive negative charges from a negatively charged aqueous droplet rather than positive charges from a positively charged aqueous droplet, which provides a strong evidence about the dominant role played by electron transfer in the liquid–liquid CE.
Ultrahigh Energy Storage Performance of Layered Polymer Nanocomposites over a Broad Temperature Range
Authors: Wang Peng , Yao Lingmin , Pan Zhongbin , Shi Songhan , Yu Jinhong , Zhou Yao , Liu Yang , Liu Jinjun , Chi Qingguo , Zhai Jiwei , Wang Qing 
Published: September 2021

AbstractTo reach the full potential of polymer dielectrics in advanced electronics and electrified transportation, it calls for efficient operation of high‐energy‐density dielectric polymers under high voltages over a wide temperature range. Here, the polymer composites consisting of the boron nitride nanosheet/polyetherimide and TiO2 nanorod arrays/polyetherimide layers are reported. The layered composite exhibits a much higher dielectric constant than the current high‐temperature dielectric polymers and composites, while simultaneously retaining low dielectric loss at elevated temperatures and high applied fields. Consequently, the layered polymer composite presents much improved capacitive performance than the current dielectric polymers and composites over a temperature range of 25–150 °C. Moreover, the excellent capacitive performance of the layered composite is achieved at an applied field that is about 40% lower than the typical field strength of the current polymer composites with the discharged energy densities of >3 J cm−3 at 150 °C. Remarkable cyclability and dielectric stability are established in the layered polymer nanocomposites. This work addresses the current challenge in the enhancement of the energy densities of high‐temperature dielectric polymers and demonstrates an efficient route to dielectric polymeric materials with high energy densities and low loss over a broad temperature range.
Substantial P‐Type Conductivity of AlN Achieved via Beryllium Doping
Authors: Ahmad Habib , Lindemuth Jeff , Engel Zachary , Matthews Christopher M. , McCrone Timothy M. , Doolittle William Alan 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBeryllium has long been predicted by first principle theory as the best p‐type dopant for GaN and AlN. But experimental validation of these theories has not, until now, borne out the original predictions. A key challenge is the dopant‐induced strain leading to Be rejection from substitutional sites in favor of interstitial sites, leading to self‐compensation. More flexible growth methods like metal modulated epitaxy (MME) that can operate at substantially lower temperatures than traditional approaches, can more effectively place Be into the proper substitutional lattice sites. MME grown Be‐doped AlN shows substantial p‐type conductivity with hole concentrations in the range of 2.3 × 1015–3.1 × 1018 cm−3 at room temperature. While others have achieved sizable carrier concentrations near surfaces via carbon doping or Si implantation, this is the only known demonstration of substantial bulk p‐type doping in AlN and is a nearly 1000 times higher carrier concentration than the best previously demonstrated bulk electron concentrations in AlN. The acceptor activation energy is found to be ≈37 meV, ≈8 times lower than predicted in literature but on par with similar results for MME p‐type GaN. Preliminary results suggest that the films are highly compensated. A p‐AlN:Be/i‐GaN:Be/n‐GaN:Ge pin diode is demonstrated with substantial rectification.
Unconstrained 3D Shape Programming with Light‐Induced Stress Gradient
Authors: Liu Cheng , Tan Yizheng , He Chaowei , Ji Shaobo , Xu Huaping 
Published: September 2021

AbstractProgramming 2D sheets to form 3D shapes is significant for flexible electronics, soft robots, and biomedical devices. Stress regulation is one of the most used methods, during which external force is usually needed to keep the stress, leading to complex processing setups. Here, by introducing dynamic diselenide bonds into shape‐memory materials, unconstrained shape programming with light is achieved. The material could hold and release internal stress by themselves through the shape‐memory effect, simplifying programming setups. The fixed stress could be relaxed by light to form stress gradients, leading to out‐of‐plane deformations through asymmetric contractions. Benefiting from the variability of light irradiation, complex 3D configurations can be obtained conveniently from 2D polymer sheets. Besides, remotely controlled “4D assembly” and actuation, including object transportation and self‐lifting, can be achieved by sequential deformation. Taking advantage of the high spatial resolution of light, this material can also produce 3D microscopic patterns. The light‐induced stress gradients significantly simplify 3D shape programming procedures with improved resolution and complexity and have great potential in soft robots, smart actuators, and anti‐counterfeiting techniques.
Efficient and Anisotropic Second Harmonic Generation in Few‐Layer SnS Film
Authors: Zhu Menglong , Zhong Mianzeng , Guo Xiao , Wang Yongsong , Chen Zhihui , Huang Han , He Jun , Su Chenliang , Loh Kian Ping 
Published: September 2021

AbstractGroup‐IV monochalcogenide ferroelectric materials possess fascinating nonlinear optical properties and electro‐optical effects which play a vital role in 2D ferroelectrics, multiferroics and nonlinear optoelectronics. However, the studies of nonlinear optical properties of group‐IV monochalcogenides are still in their infancy stage. Herein, the preparation of few‐layer SnS by the molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) method is reported and the efficient second harmonic generation (SHG) of SnS monochalcogenide is systematically scrutinized by using ultrafast nonlinear optical spectroscopy. The obtained thickness‐dependent SHG is highly related with the coherence length. Second‐order nonlinear susceptibility of few‐layer SnS is also obtained. Polarization‐dependent SHG studies reveal its intrinsic anisotropy pattern and can be utilized to identify the crystalline orientation of few‐layer SnS film.
Exploring the Regulatory Function of the N‐terminal Domain of SARS‐CoV‐2 Spike Protein through Molecular Dynamics Simulation
Authors: Li Yao , Wang Tong , Zhang Juanrong , Shao Bin , Gong Haipeng , Wang Yusong , He Xinheng , Liu Siyuan , Liu Tie‐Yan 
Published: September 2021

AbstractSARS‐CoV‐2 is what has caused the COVID‐19 pandemic. Early viral infection is mediated by the SARS‐CoV‐2 homo‐trimeric Spike (S) protein with its receptor binding domains (RBDs) in the receptor‐accessible state. Molecular dynamics simulation on the S protein with a focus on the function of its N‐terminal domains (NTDs) is performed. The study reveals that the NTD acts as a “wedge” and plays a crucial regulatory role in the conformational changes of the S protein. The complete RBD structural transition is allowed only when the neighboring NTD that typically prohibits the RBD's movements as a wedge detaches and swings away. Based on this NTD “wedge” model, it is proposed that the NTD–RBD interface should be a potential drug target.
Performance Limits and Potential of Multilayer Graphene–Tungsten Diselenide Heterostructures
Authors: Yang Shih‐Hsien , Yang Feng‐Shou , Tang Hao‐Ling , Chiu Ming‐Hui , Lee Ko‐Chun , Li Mengjiao , Lin Che‐Yi , Li Lain‐Jong , Tung Vincent , Xu Yong , Shi Yumeng , Lien Chen‐Hsin , Lin Yen‐Fu 
Published: September 2021

AbstractAtomically thin tungsten diselenide (WSe2) transistors with multilayer graphene (w/ G) as contact electrodes are successfully fabricated by a precise area‐controllable chemical vapor deposition method. The performance and electrical properties of the devices are explored. Compared to those of WSe2 transistors without graphene contacts (w/o G), the maximum current densities of the w/ G–WSe2 transistors increase by one to two orders of magnitude. In addition, the device performance is markedly improved for the w/ G–WSe2 transistors, including an on/off current ratio of ≈107, subthreshold swing of ≈150 mV/decade, and threshold voltage of ≈1.75 V. The improved performance of the w/ G–WSe2 transistors is ascribed to the alleviation of electrical contributions from metal–semiconductor contact resistance, which is consistent with the analysis of low‐frequency noise measurements. In addition, self‐trapping behavior in the WSe2 channel is found, which possibly paves a way to further optimize the performance of layered devices. Finally, an inverter using the w/ G–WSe2 transistors is demonstrated. These transistors represent a step forward in the development of layered graphene‐based electronics suitable for energy‐efficient and high‐performance industrial‐scale products.
Longitudinal association of apolipoprotein E and sleep with incident dementia
Authors: Palpatzis Eleni , Bass Nick , Jones Rebecca , Mukadam Naaheed 
Published: September 2021

AbstractIntroductionFew longitudinal studies have explored the association between apolipoprotein E gene (APOE) status, sleep disturbances, and incident dementia among middle‐aged participants.MethodsCox regression analyses explored the association of sleep duration, insomnia, and daytime napping with incident all‐cause dementia and their interaction with APOE genetic risk among 397,777 middle‐aged adults.ResultsDuring a median of 10.8 years follow‐up, sleeping more or fewer than 7 hours was associated with a higher dementia risk (hazard ratio [HR] for 5 vs 7 hours: 1.35, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.11–1.64; HR for 9 vs 7 hours: 1.59; 95% CI 1.37–1.85) as was daytime napping (HR for often/all of the time vs never/rarely: 1.67; 95% CI 1.37–2.03). Stratified analyses revealed that the effects of sleep disturbances were similar across all APOE genetic risk groups.DiscussionShort and long sleep duration and daytime napping in middle‐aged individuals are associated with the development of dementia in later life. Sleep duration and quality are important for everyone regardless of their genetic risk by APOE genotype.
Neuronal TNFα, Not α‐Syn, Underlies PDD‐Like Disease Progression in IFNβ‐KO Mice
Authors: Villanueva Erika B. , Tresse Emilie , Liu Yawei , Duarte João N. , Jimenez‐Duran Gisela , Ejlerskov Patrick , Kretz Oliver , Loreth Desiree , Goldmann Tobias , Prinz Marco , Issazadeh‐Navikas Shohreh 
Published: September 2021

ObjectiveParkinson's disease (PD) manifests in motor dysfunction, non‐motor symptoms, and eventual dementia (PDD). Neuropathological hallmarks include nigrostriatal neurodegeneration, Lewy body (LB) pathology, and neuroinflammation. Alpha‐synuclein (α‐syn), a primary component of LBs, is implicated in PD pathogenesis, accumulating, and aggregating in both familial and sporadic PD. However, as α‐syn pathology is often comorbid with amyloid‐beta (Aβ) plaques and phosphorylated tau (pTau) tangles in PDD, it is still unclear whether α‐syn is the primary cause of neurodegeneration in sporadic PDD. We aimed to determine how the absence of α‐syn would affect PDD manifestation.MethodsIFN‐β knockout (Ifnb−/−) mice spontaneously develop progressive behavior abnormalities and neuropathology resembling PDD, notably with α‐syn+ LBs. We generated Ifnb/Snca double knockout (DKO) mice and evaluated their behavior and neuropathology compared with wild‐type (Wt), Ifnb−/−, and Snca−/− mice using immunohistochemistry, electron microscopy, immunoblots, qPCR, and modification of neuronal signaling.ResultsIfnb/Snca DKO mice developed all clinical PDD‐like behavioral manifestations induced by IFN‐β loss. Independently of α‐syn expression, lack of IFN‐β alone induced Aβ plaques, pTau tangles, and LB‐like Aβ+/pTau+ inclusion bodies and neuroinflammation. IFN‐β loss caused significant elevated glial and neuronal TNF‐α and neuronal TNFR1, associated with neurodegeneration. Restoring neuronal IFN‐β signaling or blocking TNFR1 rescued caspase 3/t‐BID‐mediated neuronal‐death through upregulation of c‐FLIPS and lowered intraneuronal Aβ and pTau accumulation.InterpretationThese findings increase our understanding of PD pathology and suggest that targeting α‐syn alone is not sufficient to mitigate disease. Targeting specific aspects of neuroinflammation, such as aberrant neuronal TNF‐α/TNFR1 or IFN‐β/IFNAR signaling, may attenuate disease. ANN NEUROL 2021;90:789–807
Interfaces and Interfacial Layers in Inorganic Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Xiang Wanchun , Liu Shengzhong (Frank) , Tress Wolfgang 
Published: September 2021

AbstractOwing to their superior thermal stability, metal halide inorganic perovskite materials continue to attract interest for photovoltaics applications. The highest reported power conversion efficiency (PCE) for solar cells based on inorganic perovskites is over 20 %. As this PCE corresponds to 73 % of the theoretical limit, there remains more room for further improving the device PCEs than for improving organic–inorganic hybrid perovskite solar cells (PSCs). The main loss is in the photovoltage, which is limited by interfaces in terms of non‐radiative recombination caused by traps and energy‐level mismatch. Furthermore, inefficient charge extraction at interfacial contacts reduces the photocurrent and fill factor. This Minireview summarizes the recent developments in the fundamental understanding of how the interfaces and interfacial layers influence the performance of solar cells based on inorganic perovskite absorbers. An outlook for the development of highly efficient and stable inorganic PSCs from the interface point of view is also given.