bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Suppression of Charge Recombination by Vertical Arrangement of A Donor Moiety on Flat Planar Dyes for Efficient Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Guo Qi , Higashino Tomohiro , Adachi Rintaro , Wechwithayakhlung Chayanit , Packwood Daniel , Yamakata Akira , Imahori Hiroshi 
Published: January 2024

AbstractIn dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), flat planar dyes (e. g., highly light‐harvesting porphyrins and corroles) with multiple anchoring groups are known to adopt a horizontal orientation on TiO2 through the multiple binding to TiO2. Due to the strong electronic coupling between the dye and TiO2, fast charge recombination between the oxidized dye and an electron in TiO2 occurs, lowering the power conversion efficiency (η). To overcome this situation, an additional donor moiety can be placed on top of the planar dye on TiO2 to slow down the undesirable charge recombination. Here we report the synthesis and photovoltaic properties of a triarylamine (TAA)‐tethered gold(III) corrole (TAA‐AuCor). The DSSC with TAA‐AuCor using iodine redox shuttle exhibited the highest η‐value among corrole‐based DSSCs, which is much higher than that with the reference AuCor. The transient absorption spectroscopies clearly demonstrated that fast electron transfer from the TAA moiety to the corrole radical cation in TAA‐AuCor competes with the undesirable charge recombination to generate long‐lived charge separated state TAA⋅+‐Cor/TiO2⋅− efficiently. Consequently, the introduction of the TAA moiety enhanced the η‐value remarkably, demonstrating the usefulness of our new concept to manipulate charge‐separated states toward highly efficient DSSCs.
Global shutter CMOS vision sensors and event cameras for on‐chip dynamic information
Authors: Jaklin Marko , García‐Lesta Daniel , López Paula , Brea Victor M. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe on‐chip extraction of dynamic information from a scene can be addressed with either frame‐based CMOS vision, also called smart image sensors, or dynamic vision sensors, also known as event cameras. When implemented with a pinned photodiode (PPD) as a 4‐transistor active pixel sensor (4T‐APS), the former brings about the benefits of low temporal noise and dark current but without high dynamic range (HDR). The latter comes with the benefits of HDR and a fast event detection rate with low power consumption. The drawback is the background activity noise, which leads to additional hardware or algorithms to keep it low. This paperanalyses the mismatch and noise of a global shutter 4T‐APS implementation with local HDR through an overflow capacitor and correlated double sampling (CDS) to provide low noise events through frame differencing. The aim is to narrow the gap with dynamic vision sensors in terms of event rate and dynamic range. We show that our solution would be competitive with event cameras in scenarios with slow moving objects and a relatively wide dynamic range (85 dB).
Predictors of psychopathology response in atypical anorexia nervosa following inpatient treatment: A propensity score matching study of weight suppression and weight loss speed
Authors: Meneguzzo Paolo , Antoniades Athos , Garolla Alice , Tozzi Federica , Todisco Patrizia 
Published: January 2024

AbstractIntroductionThis study examines weight suppression (WS) and weight loss speed (WLS) in atypical anorexia nervosa (AN) and its implications for treatment outcomes, compared to people with AN and bulimia nervosa (BN).MethodA mixed cross‐sectional and prospective design was employed, assessing WS and WLS in people with atypical AN, AN, and BN. Participants were matched for age, gender, age of onset, and disorder duration. Clinical measurements and eating disorders questionnaire (EDE‐Q) scores were employed to evaluate the response to treatment.ResultsIndividuals with atypical individuals exhibited WS patterns similar to AN, distinct from BN. Rapid WLS predicted clinical responses in atypical AN and BN, underscoring its treatment relevance. Atypical AN showed higher eating psychopathology scores than AN or BN, emphasizing the need for a reframed diagnosis.DiscussionUnderstanding atypical AN's connection to restrictive behaviors and weight loss informs screening, assessment, and treatment practices. Recognition of atypical AN's severity and adoption of tailored approaches are essential for recovery. This study highlights the significance of WS and WLS in atypical AN treatment outcomes, offering insights into clinical practice and care. The proposal to reframe atypical AN as a restrictive eating disorder emphasizes its clinical relevance.Public Significance StatementThe phenomenon of weight suppression, involving the discrepancy between past highest weight and current weight, has garnered attention due to cultural pressures emphasizing fitness and appearance. This study focuses on its implications in atypical anorexia nervosa, aiming to uncover the relationship between WS, its speed, and treatment outcomes. The investigation contributes insights into tailored interventions for atypical anorexia nervosa and enriches the understanding of this complex disorder's dynamics.
Native herbivore browsing alters plant physical and chemical traits in a eucalypt forest understory
Authors: Cain S. L. , Cary G. J. , Blanchard W. , Foster C. N. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractMacropods exhibit selective herbivory on plant traits within and between species and hence can alter plant trait variation. In this study, we asked what are the effects of macropod herbivory on intraspecific variation in plant traits of forest understory species? We tested the effects of herbivory by macropods on eight plant traits, in nine understory species using a herbivore exclusion experiment. Generalized linear mixed models were used to test for differences between herbivory treatments in trait means as well as variation within species and at the community level. Macropod herbivory resulted in differences in either the mean trait value or trait variance within a species for seven of the eight tested plant traits. Macropod exclusion resulted in larger dimensions of size for most species, as well as changes in specific leaf area, moisture content, and carbon content of leaves. Further, community‐weighted means of specific leaf area, moisture content, and leaf nitrogen were lower in the presence of macropods. Plant trait variance was altered for three of the seven community‐weighted traits. This study demonstrates a mechanism through which macropods can drive changes in the traits of understory plant species. Plant traits have been linked to various larger scale ecological processes including ecosystem flammability, nutrient cycling, response to global change, and habitat suitability for other organisms. Therefore, herbivore‐induced changes in plant trait variation and community composition could have important flow‐on effects for other environmental processes and hence should be considered in management decisions regarding fire‐prone ecosystems.
Fortifying the grid in the Southeastern U.S. through microgrids: Navigating an uncertain regulatory environment
Authors: Cochran Courtney 
Published: January 2024

AbstractOne shortcoming of the current grid in North America is a lack of resiliency and reliability in inclement weather and the general need for investment to update its aging infrastructure. This is especially apparent in the Southeastern U.S., where tornadoes, hurricanes, flooding, and lightning strikes regularly disrupt power to customers. One way to increase grid resiliency in natural disasters is through the implementation of microgrids, which are a group of customers within defined electrical boundaries with the ability to connect to the grid or disconnect from the grid and operate independently in island mode. There are several factors impeding microgrid adoption, especially regulatory uncertainty. In many states, and particularly Southeastern states, there are not explicit tariffs regulating the interconnection and operation of microgrids, making investment in microgrids risky. Microgrids have been difficult for states to regulate because they often integrate multiple energy technologies and have complex ownership structures. There are three primary policy suggestions that could enhance microgrid adoption in the Southeastern U.S.: (1) States should adopt regulatory frameworks for microgrids that properly value the resiliency and grid benefits of microgrids, particularly through legislation that establishes legal definitions and rights of microgrids. (2) State legislatures should consider a shift to performance‐based ratemaking (PBR) rather than cost‐of‐service (COS) ratemaking to better prioritize certain performance goals, such as grid resiliency, and encourage more widespread adoption of microgrids. (3). To improve the economics of microgrids, state legislatures should consider authorizing community choice aggregation (CCA).
Performance analysis of solar immersion heater with phase change material
Authors: Vichare Varad , Nene Anita , Utage Ashish 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThermal energy storage (TES) systems have emerged as a vital solution for addressing the gap between energy supply and demand. While research on solar energy storage has primarily focused on flat‐plate collectors, limited work has been done to explore the potential of Scheffler solar concentrators. This study proposes an innovative approach to thermal energy storage using a Scheffler solar concentrator and phase change material (PCM) to address the energy needs of rural areas with limited access to electricity. Real‐time design and testing were conducted using paraffin wax as the PCM, and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis was performed using the ANSYS Fluent software to determine the optimal charging and discharging times. The results indicated that the required charging time was 17 min according to the CFD analysis, while the experimental results yielded a charging time of 18 min. The results demonstrated that the proposed approach is a feasible and effective solution for meeting the energy demands of rural communities. The charging time was optimized using the response surface method, yielding an optimal charging time of 20.5 min and an optimal discharging time of 26.2 min. Overall, these findings highlight the potential of utilizing Scheffler solar concentrators and PCMs for sustainable and reliable thermal energy storage.
Anti‐inflammatory effects of bay laurel (Laurus nobilis L.) towards the gut microbiome in dextran sodium sulfate induced colitis animal models
Authors: Khalil Nazeha A. , ALFaris Nora A. , ALTamimi Jozaa Z. , Mohamed Ahmed Isam A. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBay laurel (Laurus nobilis L.) contains active antioxidative phenolic components that are beneficial to human health. However, none was examined and reported utilizing health effects related to inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) mainly ulcerative colitis (UC) in correlation to gut microbiota (GM). Thus, the current study aimed to investigate the impacts of bay leaves on UC albino rats targeting on the GM composition and their metabolites production (i.e., short‐chain fatty acids; SCFAs) for improving the gut barrier functions. UC models were induced by supplementing 5% DSS into their drinking water. The models were then divided randomly for the diet with 1%, 2%, and 3% of bay leaves, as well as two control studies (positive and negative). Colon‐to‐body weight ratio was used as an indicator for the presence of edema tissue. From the collected fecal samples at 0, 24 h, and final day, the population changes of gut microbiota (Lactobacillus, Bifidobacteria, Clostridium, and sulfate‐reducing bacteria) and SCFAs production were evaluated using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and gas–liquid chromatography (GC). The colon‐to‐body weight ratio of the rat models consuming 2% and 3% bay leaves was found to be significantly lower with better recovery of colonic function. Models consuming 3% bay leaves showed the best treatment effects on GM compositions; promoting the growth of Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus in addition to producing high butyric acid levels. Meanwhile, the number of Clostridium and SRB was significantly reduced. Conclusively, consuming bay leaves brought significant colon health benefits other than stimulating appetite for a better taste.
Classification and focus comparison of health financing frameworks: A scoping review
Authors: Alipouri Sakha Minoo , Bazyar Mohammad , Rashidian Arash 
Published: January 2024

AbstractObjectiveThe purpose of this study is to review the current frameworks for understanding and assessing health financing and draw out the dimensions of conceptual frameworks.MethodsThis scoping review was conducted using the five stages of Arksey and O’Malley's framework. We reviewed all published peer‐reviewed literature indexed in PubMed, SCOPUS, and Embase from 2000 up to 2021 for inclusion.ResultsWe identified 21 frameworks developed to assess financing in the health system. We classified frameworks by grouping them into: frameworks focusing on health financing as a constituent of health system and frameworks focusing on health financing only. We classified health financing frameworks further into three main groups according to the general commonalities among them. These three groups are as follows: (1) frameworks providing general recommendations for improving health financing system regardless of sources of financing, (2) frameworks focusing on improving the performance of health insurance schemes, and (3) frameworks focusing on managing public health financing.ConclusionDespite being diverse, various health financing frameworks offer synergistic views to the health financing system and provide a comprehensive picture of the health financing system. These frameworks can help policy makers decide which framework is more appropriate to start with based on their local contextual features and the changes they are going to bring about in their health financing system.
Unmasking diphtheria in Nigeria: A multifaceted approach to tackle outbreaks and improve immunization rates among the Nigerian population—An updated correspondence
Authors: Oduoye Malik O. , Marsool Mohammed Dheyaa Marsool , Haider Muhammad Usman , Mukherjee Dattatreya , Khan Aimen Waqar , Faloye Temidayo O. , Jehan Minal , Adegoke Abdullahi A. , Karim Karim A. , Dave Tirth 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackground and aimsThe World Health Organization has recently declared the frequent outbreaks of diphtheria in Nigeria as a public health concern. Although vaccination efforts have been successful in Nigeria, unfortunately, the recent 2023 outbreak in Nigeria has been nothing short of distressing. Of course, cases of diphtheria incidence are under‐reported in Nigeria. This present article aims to proffer a possible multifaceted approach to tackle outbreaks of diphtheria in Nigeria and improve immunization rates against the disease among the Nigerian populationMethodsIn writing this study, literature search was done about diphtheria in Nigeria using the following keywords: “diphtheria, prevalence, vaccination, efforts, challenges, and Nigeria” on PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and ResearchGate within 10 years.ResultThis study found that an estimated seven million people remain unvaccinated and are at risk for infection in the country, especially people living in the Northern part of the country. Between the June 30 and August 31, 2023, Nigeria recorded an unusual increase in the number of confirmed cases of diphtheria, where a total of 5898 suspected cases were reported from 59 local government areas in 11 states across Nigeria. The majority (99.4%) of suspected cases of the disease were reported from six states: Kano (1816), Katsina (234), Yobe (158), Bauchi (79), Kaduna (45), and Borno (33).ConclusionIf Nigeria is to emerge beyond these frequent epidemics of diphtheria, the Nigerian government must work on tackling this issue on multiple fronts simultaneously, that is, at the national and international levels, as we believe that these levels would give a holistic way to unmask diphtheria in Nigeria.
One health approach to mitigate anthrax in Ghana
Authors: Oduoye Malik O. , Scott Godfred Y. , Dave Tirth , Bolanle Akanbi‐Hakeem H. , Mwinbong Alexandra D. , Modupeoluwa Olajide O. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractAnthrax outbreaks in Ghana have become a pressing public health concern, posing threats to human health, the agricultural sector, and social well‐being. This letter to the editor highlights the gravity of the anthrax situation in Ghana and advocates for comprehensive interventions using a One Health approach. The epidemiology of anthrax, including its historical roots and modes of transmission, is discussed. The consequences of anthrax outbreaks, such as severe illness, economic losses, and social distress, are outlined. To combat this complex issue, the letter emphasizes the importance of enhanced awareness, prevention, accurate diagnosis, and timely treatment. Recommendations include vaccination of animals and humans, education campaigns, proper disposal of infected carcasses, strengthening healthcare systems, surveillance, and early detection. Collaboration and coordination among professionals in the human, animal, and environmental sectors are crucial. By adopting a One Health approach and implementing these measures, Ghana can effectively mitigate the impact of anthrax outbreaks and safeguard the health and well‐being of its population and livestock.
Poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) based smart nanofibrous scaffolds for use as on‐demand delivery systems for oral and dental tissue regeneration
Authors: Farahat Dina S. , Dang Ming , El‐Fallal Abeer , Badr Nadia , Ma Peter X. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractStimuli‐responsive domains capable of releasing loaded molecules, “on‐demand,” have garnered increasing attention due to their enhanced delivery, precision targeting, and decreased adverse effects. The development of an on‐demand delivery system that can be easily triggered by dental clinicians might have major roles in dental and oral tissue engineering. A series of random graft poly(NIPAm‐co‐HEMA‐Lactate) copolymers were synthesized using 95:5, 85:5, 60:40, and 40:60 ratios of thermosensitive NIPAm and HEMA‐poly lactate respectively then electrospun to produce nanofibrous scaffolds loaded with bovine serum albumin (BSA). Cumulative BSA release was assessed at 25C and 37°C. To appraise the use of scaffolds as on‐demand delivery systems, they were subjected to thermal changes in the form cooling and warming cycles during which BSA release was monitored. To confirm the triggered releasing ability of the synthesized scaffolds, the copolymer made with 60% NIPAm was selected, based on the results of the release tests, and loaded with bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (BMP‐2). The loaded scaffolds were placed with mesenchymal‐like stem cells (iMSCs) derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), and subjected to temperature alterations. Then, the osteogenic differentiation of iMSCs, which might have resulted from the released protein, was evaluated after 10 days by analyzing runt‐related transcription factor 2 (RUNX‐2) osteogenic gene expression by the cells using real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR). BSA release profiles showed a burst release at the beginning followed by a more linear pattern at 25°C, and a much slower release at 37°C. The release also decreased when the PNIPAm content decreased in the scaffolds. Thermal triggering led to a step‐like release pattern in which the highest release was reported 30 min through the warming cycles. The iMSCs cultivated with scaffolds loaded with BMP‐2 and exposed to temperature alteration showed significantly higher RUNX‐2 gene expression than cells in the other experimental groups. The synthesized scaffolds are thermo‐responsive and could be triggered to deliver biological biomolecules to be used in oral and dental tissue engineering. Thermal stimuli could be simulated by dental clinicians using simple means of cold therapy, for example, cold packs in intraoral accessible sites for specified times.
Vaginal extracellular vesicles impair fertility in endometriosis by favoring Th17/Treg imbalance and inhibiting sperm activity
Authors: Zhang Zuo , Xiong Yangbai , Jiang Huifu , Wang Qian , Hu Xinyue , Wei Xin , Chen Qi , Chen Tingtao 
Published: January 2024

AbstractExtracellular vesicles (EVs) play a key role in various diseases. However, their effect on endometriosis (EMs)‐associated infertility is poorly understood. We co‐cultured EVs from the female vaginal secretions with human sperm and also generated a mouse model of EMs by allogenic transplant to explore the effect of EVs on fertility. EVs from individuals with EMs‐associated infertility (E‐EVs) significantly inhibited the total motility (26.46% vs. 47.1%), progressive motility (18.78% vs. 41.06%), linear velocity (21.98 vs. 41.91 µm/s) and the acrosome reaction (AR) rate (5% vs. 22.3%) of human sperm in contrast to the control group (PBS). Furthermore, E‐EVs dose‐dependently decreased the intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i), a pivotal regulator of sperm function. Conversely, healthy women (H‐EVs) increased human sperm motion parameters, the AR rate, and sperm [Ca2+]i. Importantly, the mouse model of EMs confirmed that E‐EVs further decreased the conception rate and the mean number of embryo implantations (7.6 ± 3.06 vs. 4.5 ± 3.21) compared with the control mice by inducing the production of inflammatory cytokines leading to a Th17/Treg imbalance. H‐EVs could restore impaired fertility by restoring the Th17/Treg balance. We determined the impact of EVs derived from the female genital tract on human sperm function and studied the possible mechanisms by which it affects fertility. Our findings provide a novel rationale to ameliorate EMs‐associated infertility.
Expression and function of the urea cycle in widely‐used hepatic cellular models
Authors: Makris Georgios , Veit Lara , Rüfenacht Véronique , Klassa Sven , Zürcher Nadia , Matsumoto Shirou , Poms Martin , Häberle Johannes 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe group of rare metabolic defects termed urea cycle disorders (UCDs) occur within the ammonia elimination pathway and lead to significant neurocognitive sequelae for patients surviving decompensation episodes. Besides orthotopic liver transplantation, curative options are lacking for UCDs, with dietary management being the gold clinical standard. Novel therapeutic approaches are essential for UCDs; however, such effort presupposes preclinical testing in cellular models that effectively capture disease manifestation. Several cellular and animal models exist and aim to recapitulate the broad phenotypic spectrum of UCDs; however, the majority of those lack extensive molecular and biochemical characterization. The development of cellular models is emerging since animal models are extremely time and cost consuming, and subject to ethical considerations, including the 3R principle that endorses animal welfare over unchecked preclinical testing. The aim of this study was to compare the extent of expression and functionality of the urea cycle in two commercial hepatoma‐derived cell lines, induced pluripotent stem cell hepatocytes (iPSC‐Heps), primary human hepatocytes (PHHs) and human liver cell preparations. Using immunoblotting, immunocytochemistry, and stable isotope tracing of the urea cycle metabolites, we identified that the hepatoma‐derived, 2‐week differentiated HepaRG cells are urea cycle proficient and behave as cellular alternatives to PHHs. Furthermore, HepaRG cells were superior to iPSC‐Heps, which are known to exhibit batch‐to‐batch variabilities in terms of hepatic maturity and enzyme expression. Finally, HepG2 cells lack the urea cycle enzymes ornithine transcarbamylase and arginase 1, the transporter ORNT1, which limits their suitability as model for the study of UCDs.