bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis in Genetics Research
Authors: Starr Rachel A , Smith Jonathan A 
Published: June 2021

Abstract

Interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) is a qualitative approach to psychological research with epistemological roots in phenomenology, hermeneutics and idiography. IPA involves an in‐depth focus on phenomena from the perspective of the lived experience of participants who are considered in their social and personal contexts. IPA has a strong history of use in health psychology and subsequently has become popular across a wide range of research areas. IPA has been used to explore the often complex psychological issues associated with genetic and genomic science and medicine. A range of experiential questions such as how individuals perceive risk, the quandaries associated with getting a genetic test, what is felt to be helpful in genetic counselling, how people understand genetic transmission such as in the case of gamete donation, and the experiences of those living with, or affected by, genetic conditions in a plethora of ways, have all been beneficially investigated.

Key Concepts

Interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) is a qualitative approach to psychological research which allows researchers to conduct detailed explorations of how individuals make sense of their personal and social worlds.

IPA is based on a commitment to explore, interpret and attempt to understand participants' situated experiences, rather than categorise, measure or quantify aspects of mental life.

The psychological issues associated with genetics and genomics may be complex, emotive, dilemmatic and dynamic and present different demands upon psychological research from those generated by nongenetic areas of science and medicine.

IPA was developed to be methodologically adaptive and versatile and is thus well suited to respond to the growing range of questions about health, reproduction and indeed human life generated by expanding genetic and genomic knowledge.

IPA has been used to explore psychological aspects of genetics and genomics such as the perception of risk, experiences of genetic counselling, the complexities of living with a genetic condition both for affected individuals and also their families, carers and clinicians, questions associated with genetic testing and understandings of genetic transmission such as gamete donation or being a carrier of a genetic condition.

Expanding genetic and genomic knowledge has led to increasing opportunities for researchers, clinicians and individuals to ask a growing range of questions about health, reproduction and indeed human life. As genetic and genomic science continues to develop, the sensitivity and flexibility conferred by IPA continue to offer a particular suitability towards this expanding area and the new or unfamiliar issues which may yet emerge.
Ethical Issues Affecting the Healthcare of Minor Adolescents and Their Participation in Research
Authors: Michaud Pierre‐André 
Published: June 2021

AbstractHealth professionals providing care to adolescents aged 10–19, or those conducting research face numerous ethical issues linked with the unique characteristics of minor individuals, neither children nor adults usually considered as fully competent. This contribution reviews the general principles of clinical ethics as applied to minor adolescents; it proposes a structured approach to assessing the autonomous decision‐making capacity of the young patient; it then provides a step‐by‐step procedure as how to address situation raising ethical dilemmas or conflicts, both in clinical situation and in instances leading to the involvement of the adolescent in a clinical trial. It stresses the pivotal role of the health care professional in respecting the adolescednts' rights and in establishing a respectful, empathetic and trustful relationship with his young patient, as well as the usefulness to involve in any situation parents or caregivers in the discussion, with the adolescent's consent.Key ConceptsMinor adolescents, neither children nor fully competent adults, have specific health care needs such as the respect of privacy and their involvement in decision‐making.Even as minor individuals, adolescents have a right to participate in decision affecting their health, and in some instances to benefit from confidentiality.In adopting an empathetic and respectful communication style, the health care professional improved the adolescent's capacity for autonomous decision‐making.The health care professional can address situations raising ethical dilemmas in a step‐by‐step structured process which – whenever possible – also include the participation of the parents or caregivers.The principles and strategies proposed in the article apply to clinical care as well as the inclusion of adolescents in clinical trials implying the use of new drugs or devices.
Ion Channels
Authors: Lipscombe Diane , Toro Cecilia P 
Published: June 2021

Abstract

Ion channels are membrane proteins that create specialised routes for ions to cross cell membrane lipid bilayers with high selectivity and at relatively high speeds. All cells of all organisms use ion channels to control a range of functions. The majority of electrical membrane signals originate from the flow of select ions through ion channels. Cellular control of ion channel activity is critical for unicellular and multicellular organisms to respond to their environments. Avoiding external threats, seeking nutrients, adapting to normal developmental processes, creating memories and modifying outputs according to previous events all involve ion channel activity. Ion channel dysfunction underlies multiple human disorders and diseases: developmental disorders, pain syndromes that include extreme pain as well as congenital indifference to pain, certain types of migraines, epilepsies, ataxias, paralyses, cardiac arrhythmias, developmental disorders, psychiatric illness, male infertility, immunodeficiency and renal failure can all be due to malfunctioning ion channels. Thus, ion channels are critically important drug targets for the treatment of a great many illnesses and disorders in multiple organs and body systems.

Key Concepts

Ion channels are found in all living cells.

Ion channels create specialised routes for ions to cross biological cell membranes.

Ion concentration gradients create ion driving forces that regulate membrane potential.

Ion channels are gated (opened and closed) by a wide range of biological signals.

Ion channels are selectively permeable to specific ions.

A range of extracellular, intracellular and membrane signals alter the activity of ion channels.

Abnormal ion channel function underlies many disorders and diseases.
Porifera (Sponges): Recent Knowledge and New Perspectives
Authors: Borchiellini Carole , de Pao Mendonca Kassandra , Vernale Amélie , Rocher Caroline , Ereskovsky Alexander , Vacelet Jean , Renard Emmanuelle 
Published: June 2021

Abstract

Porifera, commonly named sponges, are devoid of head, digestive tract, nervous system, muscles or any other organs. Despite this anatomical and morphological simplicity, they are true animals or metazoans. Sponges are a successful group of mostly marine filter feeders that represent a major life form of several aquatic ecosystems. Efficient water filtration is performed by a network of pores (at the origin of their name), chambers and canals. Sponges are currently considered as one of the best candidates as sister group to all other animals; these organisms have therefore a key phylogenetic position. Recent studies have shown that they possess an unexpected molecular complexity raising exciting questions about early animal evolution. These results yielded an increased interest in the biology of these strange animals, and some sponge species can be considered as biological experimental models.

Key Concepts

As adults, sponges are sedentary filter feeder animals.

The water flow is canalised in an aquiferous system composed of inhalant and exhalant pores (ostia and oscula), canals and choanocyte chambers.

At present, the number of formally described sponge species is more than 9000.

Sponges are divided into four clades (rank Class): Hexactinellida, Demospongiae, Calcarea and Homoscleromorpha.

As sponges are devoid of organs, their individual cells or cell layers ensure vital functions. One cell type may have several functions.

Sponges have high regeneration capabilities as well as a high capacity of cell transdifferentiation.

Sponges often use both asexual and sexual reproduction.

Most of the key transcription families and main signalling pathways required for other metazoans development and body patterning are present in sponges.

The increasing interest for sponge biology improves our understanding of animal evolution and marine ecosystems.
Macular Degeneration, Age Related
Authors: Haim Liron Naftali Ben , Duncan Jacque L , Zayit‐Soudry Shiri 
Published: June 2021

Abstract

Macular degeneration comprises a group of diseases characterised by progressive deterioration of the retinal photoreceptors, retinal pigment epithelial cells and underlying choriocapillaris, causing progressive central vision loss. The most common form of macular degeneration is age‐related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of irreversible blindness among elderly patients in developed countries. Other types of hereditary early‐onset macular dystrophies share clinical characteristics with AMD, but a monogenetic basis for many of these conditions has been found. Recent advances in clinical and genetic research have led to a better understanding of the genetics and pathophysiology of AMD, which is currently viewed as a complex disorder in which multiple susceptibility genes combined with environmental factors play a role. The management of neovascular AMD has changed dramatically with the introduction of anti‐VEGF drugs, but treatment options for other types of macular degeneration remain limited because the aetiology and pathogenesis are incompletely defined.

Key Concepts

Macular degeneration refers to a group of diseases characterised by photoreceptor cell degeneration and death, leading to central vision loss.

Recent advances in optical coherence tomography (OCT) technology have led to its major role in diagnosis and management of macular degeneration.

Monthly follow‐up of patients with neovascular AMD is recommended for best visual outcome.

Regular anti‐VEGF therapy with intravitreal injections of ranibizumab, aflibercept or bevacizumab is currently considered to be the standard treatment for neovascular AMD.

Ongoing clinical trials are investigating the efficacy and safety of combination treatments for neovascular AMD and treatments for other forms of macular degeneration.

Research efforts are directed at prevention of AMD and stem cell and gene therapy treatments for Stargardt disease.
Design of PI controller parameters of a CSI‐fed SCIM drive ensuring high damping ratio and maximum system stability
Authors: Tripathi Saurabh Mani , Vaish Rachna , Pandey Ashok Kumar 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe control scheme for an electric motor drive is generally implemented by involving proportional‐integral (PI) controllers in current and speed feedback control loops. A good design of PI controller parameters has always been a challenging task for control system design engineers. This paper describes the D‐decomposition method for the design of the parameters of involved DC‐link current and speed PI controllers in closed‐loop scheme of a pulse width‐modulated, current source inverter (CSI)‐fed squirrel‐cage induction motor drive. The PI controllers ensure the stable operation of CSI‐fed induction motor in natural unstable operating region of its torque‐slip characteristic. In order to achieve smoother speed tracking performance with minimum overshoot/undershoot, the damping ratio has been pre‐specified while designing the PI controller parameters using the D‐decomposition method. Simulation results have been presented to confirm the design and have been compared with the results already published.
Re‐Looking into the Active Moieties of Metal X‐ides (X‐ = Phosph‐, Sulf‐, Nitr‐, and Carb‐) Toward Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Luo Ruipeng , Qian Zhengyi , Xing Lixin , Du Chunyu , Yin Geping , Zhao Shenlong , Du Lei 
Published: June 2021

AbstractNon‐precious metal‐based catalysts for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) have been extensively studied, among which the transition metal X‐ides (including phosph‐ides, sulf‐ides, nitr‐ides, and carb‐ides) materials are emerging as promising candidates to replace the benchmark Ir/Ru‐based materials in alkaline media. However, it is controversial whether the metal Xides host the real active sites since these metal Xides are thermodynamically unstable under a harsh OER environment—it has been reported that the initial metal Xides can be electrochemically oxidized and transformed into corresponding oxides and (oxy)hydroxides. Therefore, the metal Xides are argued as “pre‐catalysts”; the electrochemically formed oxides and (oxy)hydroxides are believed as the real active moieties for OER. Herein, the recent advances in understanding the transformation behavior of metal Xides during OER are re‐looked; importantly, hypotheses are provided to understand why the electrochemically formed oxides and (oxy)hydroxides catalysts derived from metal Xides are superior for OER to the as‐prepared metal oxides and (oxy)hydroxides catalysts.
Energy Storage Mechanism, Challenge and Design Strategies of Metal Sulfides for Rechargeable Sodium/Potassium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Pan Qingguang , Tong Zhaopeng , Su Yuanqiang , Qin Sheng , Tang Yongbing 
Published: June 2021

AbstractRechargeable sodium/potassium‐ion batteries (SIBs/PIBs) with abundant reserves of Na/K and low cost have been a promising substitution to commercial lithium‐ion batteries. As for pivotal anode materials, metal sulfides (MSx) exhibit an inspiring potential due to the multitudinous redox storage mechanisms for SIBs/PIBs applications. Nevertheless, they still confront several bottlenecks, such as the low electrical conductivity, poor ionic diffusivity, sluggish interfacial/surface reaction kinetics, and severe volume expansion, which distinctly restrain the battery performance. Meanwhile, the systematic insights into the design strategies of MSx for SIBs/PIBs have been seldom elaborated. In this review, the energy storage mechanism, challenge, and design strategies of MSx for SIBs/PIBs are expounded to address the above predicaments. In particular, design strategies of MSx are highlighted from the aspects of morphology modifications involving 1D/2D/3D configurations, atomic‐level engineering containing heteroatom doping, vacancy creation, and interlayer spacing expansion, and MSx composites with other MSx, metal oxides, carbonaceous, and graphite materials to boost the comprehensive electrochemical performance of SIBs/PIBs. Furthermore, prospects are presented for the further advance of MSx to surmount imminent challenges, hoping to forecast feasible future orientations in this field.
Achieving 256 × 256‐Pixel Color Images by Perovskite‐Based Photodetectors Coupled with Algorithms
Authors: Ji Zhong , Liu Yujin , Yao Manhong , Zhang Zibang , Zhong Jingang , Mai Wenjie 
Published: June 2021

AbstractPerovskites have been found with their exceptional optoelectronic properties that may bring new options to high‐performance cameras. However, the best images obtained by perovskite‐based photodetectors (PDs) have only 32 × 32 pixels, far below megapixels of camera images. In this study, a perovskite single‐PD color imaging prototype coupled with computation algorithms is fabricated, by which images with 256 × 256 pixels, whose quality has prevailed over those obtained by any perovskite‐based device so far are obtained. The technology shows its unique advantages by obtaining satisfying photographs, even when the PD is covered with frosted glass/moving smoke or facing a wall instead of the target, in addition to possessing some ability to resist ambient light interference. Moreover, a new Q factor is proposed to evaluate new‐material‐based PD for the imaging technology and prove its usability by comparing an atomic‐layer‐deposition (ALD)‐Al2O3 optimized CsBi3I10 PD and an unoptimized CsBi3I10 PD. Finally, the material choices are successfully extended to other types of perovskites, including photovoltaic MAPbI3 PD (structure: Spiro‐OMeTAD/MAPbI3/SnO2/FTO), ALD‐Al2O3 MAPbI3 PD, and ALD‐Al2O3 CsPbBr3 PD. The technology may bring an innovative approach to improve the performance of cameras and extend the application range of advanced functional materials.
Designed Giant Room‐Temperature Electrocaloric Effects in Metal‐Free Organic Perovskite [MDABCO](NH4)I3 by Phase–Field Simulations
Authors: Gao Rongzhen , Shi Xiaoming , Wang Jing , Zhang Guangzu , Huang Houbing 
Published: June 2021

AbstractAchieving a colossal room‐temperature electrocaloric effect is essential for practical solid‐state refrigeration applications with low‐cost and high‐efficiency. Here, through the design of applying external stimuli (hydrostatic pressure and misfit strain), giant room‐temperature electrocaloric effects in the bulk and thin film of metal‐free organic perovskite [MDABCO](NH4)I3 are obtained by using a combination of thermodynamic calculations and phase–field simulations. Under the hydrostatic pressure of 1 GPa, there emerges excellent room‐temperature (300 K) electrocaloric performance with the temperature change (ΔT) of 8.41 K at 30 MV m−1 and electrocaloric strength (ΔT/ΔE) of 0.63 K m MV−1 at 10 MV m−1, respectively. The prominent electrocaloric effects of MDABCO(NH4)I3 may be related to its rapid change rates of free energy barrier height. Additionally, it can be found that some stripe domains and non‐180° domain walls form in the [MDABCO](NH4)I3 bulk, which is consistent with the experimental results. This work not only provides new insights into organic perovskite [MDABCO](NH4)I3, but also guides for further developing to realize remarkable room‐temperature electrocaloric cooling.
High‐Performance ITO‐Free Perovskite Solar Cells Enabled by Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotube Films
Authors: Zhang Jing , Hu Xiangang , Li Hui , Ji Kangyu , Li Bowei , Liu Xueping , Xiang Yuren , Hou Pengxiang , Liu Chang , Wu Zhiheng , Shen Yonglong , Stranks Samuel D. , Silva S. Ravi P. , Cheng Hui‐Ming , Zhang Wei 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe unprecedented advancement in power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) has rendered them a promising game‐changer in photovoltaics. However, unsatisfactory environmental stability and high manufacturing cost of window electrodes are bottlenecks impeding their commercialization. Here, a strategy is introduced to address these bottlenecks by replacing the costly indium tin oxide (ITO) window electrodes via a simple transfer technique with single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) films, which are made of earth‐abundant elements with superior chemical and environmental stability. The resultant devices exhibit PCEs of ≈19% on rigid substrates, which is the highest value reported to date for ITO‐free PSCs. The facile approach for SWCNTs also enables application in flexible PSCs (f‐PSCs), delivering a PCE of ≈18% with superior mechanical robustness over their ITO‐based counterparts due to the excellent mechanical properties of SWCNTs. The SWCNT‐based PSCs also deliver satisfactory performances on large‐area (1 cm2 active area in this work). Furthermore, these SWCNT‐based PSCs can retain over 80% of original PCEs after exposure to air over 700 h while ITO‐based devices only sustain ≈60% of initial PCEs. This work paves a promising way to accelerate the commercialization of ITO‐free PSCs with reduced material cost and prolonged lifetimes.
Measurement of Onset of Structural Relaxation in Melt‐Quenched Phase Change Materials
Authors: Kersting Benedikt , Sarwat Syed Ghazi , Le Gallo Manuel , Brew Kevin , Walfort Sebastian , Saulnier Nicole , Salinga Martin , Sebastian Abu 
Published: June 2021

AbstractChalcogenide phase change materials enable non‐volatile, low‐latency storage‐class memory. They are also being explored for new forms of computing such as neuromorphic and in‐memory computing. A key challenge, however, is the temporal drift in the electrical resistance of the amorphous states that encode data. Drift, caused by the spontaneous structural relaxation of the newly recreated melt‐quenched amorphous phase, has consistently been observed to have a logarithmic dependence in time. Here, it is shown that this observation is valid only in a certain observable timescale. Using threshold‐switching voltage as the measured variable, based on temperature‐dependent and short timescale electrical characterization, the onset of drift is experimentally measured. This additional feature of the structural relaxation dynamics serves as a new benchmark to appraise the different classical models to explain drift.
Bioinspired Self‐Assembling Materials for Modulating Enzyme Functions
Authors: Du Peidong , Xu Shichao , Xu Zhi‐Kang , Wang Zhen‐Gang 
Published: June 2021

AbstractEnzymes tend to malfunction when they work out of their natural cellular environments. Engineering a favorable microenvironment around enzymes has emerged as an effective strategy to finely tune the enzymatic functions and reshape the biocatalytic activities. Supramolecular self‐assembly provides a bottom‐up approach for spatial arrangement of functional groups and fabrication of materials with tailorable local properties. In this review, the progress in designing, creating, and tailoring the enzyme microenvironments is discussed, with the bioinspired self‐assembling materials as the scaffolds built from molecular building blocks. The relationship between the physicochemical properties and the local environments (pH, substrates, or hydration) of the scaffolds, and the catalytic properties of the scaffolded enzymes are focused upon. The power of the self‐assembly to regulate the catalytic systems dynamically is also highlighted. In the end, an outlook on the obstacles, possible solutions, and future directions on the microenvironment engineering of enzymes is provided.
Improved Small Extracellular Vesicle Secretion of Rat Adipose‐Derived Stem Cells by Microgrooved Substrates through Upregulation of the ESCRT‐III‐Associated Protein Alix
Authors: Ji Yurong , Han Weiju , Fu Xiaoling , Li Jing , Wu Qi , Wang Yingjun 
Published: June 2021

AbstractMesenchymal stem cell‐derived small extracellular vesicles (MSC‐sEVs) hold great potential for regenerative therapies and have received considerable research attention in recent years. However, the use of MSC‐sEVs is limited by very low yield in routine culture conditions and suboptimal potency for certain diseases. Thus, strategies that enable the production of sufficient quantities of sEVs with desired therapeutic cargo in a facile and inexpensive way are in high demand. This study finds that the microgrooved substrates stimulate rat adipose‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (rASCs) to produce a larger quantity of sEVs than the flat substrates. Further investigation suggests that the ESCRT‐III‐associated protein Alix may be involved in mediating the elevated sEV production of rASCs on the microgrooved substrates. Besides, the cargo of sEVs is altered. SEVs secreted by rASCs on the microgrooved substrates carry higher levels of proangiogenic miRNAs and growth factors than those secreted by rASCs on the flat substrates. Functional assessments demonstrate that sEVs from rASCs on microgrooved substrates enhance the angiogenic properties of Human umbilical vein endothelial cells. The findings demonstrate that substrate topography is an effective regulator of the sEVs secretion by rASCs and highlight the potential of using microgrooved substrates as a platform to produce rASC‐sEVs rich in pro‐angiogenic factors.