bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dual effect to improve the electrical properties of SZO films grown by nitrogen pneumatic spray pyrolysis
Authors: Chouikh Fathi , Saoudi Ahmed , Ţălu Ştefan , Bouznit Yazid , Ghribi Faouzi , Leroy Gerard 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe principal aim of this study is to reduce considerably, via Sn doping, the resistivity of ZnO thin films prepared by simple, flexible, and cost‐effective nitrogen pneumatic spray pyrolysis (NPSP) method on glass substrates at a temperature of 400°C. Different Sn content was tested (Sn/Zn = 0, 1, 3, 5 wt%) in an attempt to reduce the concentration of excessive oxygen atoms and create more free electrons. The microstructural, optical, morphological, and electrical properties of the films have been studied. The x‐ray diffraction analysis demonstrated that tin‐doped SZO films exhibited polycrystalline nature with a preferential orientation along (002) plane with the appearance of a new orientation (101) with the increase of Sn concentration leading then to bidirectional growth. The deposited SZO films showed an average optical transmittance of about 80% in the UV–visible region (200–800 nm) with optical band gap values at around 3.27 eV. Photoluminescence emissions of SZO samples presented three main peaks: near band edge emission, violet emission, and the blue–green emission. The surface morphology of the films obtained by scanning electron microscope (SEM) exhibited the change in morphology with increasing the Sn content. A minimum electrical resistivity value of about 17·10−3 Ω·cm was obtained for 3% SZO films. SZO films prepared by the NPSP method can be used as transparent window layer and electrodes in solar cells.Research Highlights
Highly oriented, conducting, and transparent Sn‐doped ZnO films are successfully synthesized.
The film growth orientation changed from mono‐directional (002) axis to bi‐directional (002) and (101) axis according to Sn doping.
Ultraviolet and green emissions are noted by photoluminescence investigation.
A minimum resistivity is observed for 3 wt% SZO film.
The dual positive effect of the carrier gas used (N2) and Sn doping is confirmed.
Nitrous oxide emissions are driven by environmental conditions rather than nitrogen application methods in a perennial hayfield
Authors: Brickman Sarah , Darby Heather , Ruhl Lindsey , Adair E. Carol 
Published: December 2023

AbstractAgricultural best management practices (BMPs) intended to solve one environmental challenge may have unintended climate impacts. For example, manure injection is often promoted for its potential to reduce runoff and nitrogen (N) loss as NH3, but the practice has been shown to increase N2O, a powerful greenhouse gas, compared to surface application. Urease inhibitor application with N fertilizer is another BMP that can enhance N retention by reducing NH3 emissions, but its impact on N2O emissions is mixed. Thus, we measured N2O, CO2, soil mineral N availability, soil moisture, soil temperature, and yield in a 2‐year perennial hayfield trial with four fertilization treatments (manure injection, manure broadcast, synthetic urea, and control) applied with or without a urease inhibitor in Alburgh, VT. We used linear models to examine treatment effects on daily and cumulative N2O emissions and a boosted regression tree (BRT) model to identify the most important drivers of daily N2O fluxes in our trial. While fertilization type had a significant impact on N2O fluxes (p < 0.05), our treatments explained an unexpectedly small amount of the variation in emissions (R2 = 0.042), and urease inhibitor had no effect. Instead, soil moisture was the most important predictor of daily N2O fluxes (39.7% relative influence in BRT model), followed by CO2 fluxes, soil inorganic N, and soil temperature. Soil moisture and temperature interacted to produce the largest daily N2O fluxes when both were relatively high, suggesting that injecting manure during dry periods or during wet but cool periods could reduce its climate impacts.
Lateral bone ridge expansion and internal tissue replacement for vertebral body growth in Pacific bluefin tuna Thunnus orientalis
Authors: Sakashita Misaki , Kondo Shigeru , Wada Naoyuki 
Published: December 2023

AbstractVertebral growth is an essential developmental process to support the expansion of the vertebrate body. In teleosts, the lateral side of the vertebral bodies develops to form different structures among species in the late stages of vertebral growth, although lateral structures are not apparent in the early stages. Lateral structures are one of the structural features that determine the diversity of teleost vertebrae. However, explanations for the formation of lateral structures are conflicting because few reports have investigated the growth of teleost vertebral bodies. To clarify the growth process, we analyzed the morphological changes in the vertebral body of Pacific bluefin tuna Thunnus orientalis at different developmental stages using micro‐computed tomography (CT) scans. The micro‐CT scans showed that the vertebral centrum formed a plate‐like ridge on the lateral side along the cranial–caudal direction and extended laterally with increasing thickness. Simultaneously, the proximal region of the lateral ridges became porous as the vertebrae grew to form bone marrow cavities. Furthermore, we used histological observations to describe the relationship between these morphological changes and osteoblast and osteoclast activities. Osteoblasts accumulated on the distal edges of the lateral ridges, whereas osteoclasts were distributed in the bone marrow cavities. These observations suggest that bone resorption occurs proximally to form bone marrow cavities in addition to bone synthesis at the edges of the lateral ridges. The bone marrow cavities were occupied by blood vessels, extracellular matrix, and adipocytes, and the internal tissue composition changed to increase the area of adipose tissue. Because the ratio of bone volume decreases in large vertebrae, bone formation and resorption are regulated to separate the external cortical and internal trabecular bones to support the vertebrae. This study is the first to report the formation of lateral structures and can be applied to similar lateral structures in the vertebrae of other teleost species.
The PTSD Criterion A debate: A brief history, current status, and recommendations for moving forward
Authors: Marx Brian P. , Hall‐Clark Brittany , Friedman Matthew J. , Holtzheimer Paul , Schnurr Paula P. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractPosttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) Criterion A, also known as the “stressor criterion,” has been a major source of debate ever since PTSD was added to the third edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders (DSM) in 1980. Since then, the traumatic stress field has held an ongoing debate about how to best define Criterion A and the events that it covers. Because of the COVID‐19 pandemic and recent race‐based incidents, the Criterion A debate has been reinvigorated. In this paper, we review briefly the history of Criterion A and changes in its language across different editions of the DSM. We then describe the four main positions held by scholars involved in the Criterion A debate and carefully examine the support for those positions. We conclude by offering recommendations for moving forward.
FMR1 Carriers Report Executive Function Changes Prior to Fragile X‐Associated Tremor/Ataxia Syndrome: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Hessl David , Mandujano Rojas Karina , Ferrer Emilio , Espinal Glenda , Famula Jessica , Schneider Andrea , Hagerman Randi , Tassone Flora , Rivera Susan M. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundMen with fragile X‐associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS) often develop executive dysfunction, characterized by disinhibition, frontal dyscontrol of movement, and working memory and attention changes. Although cross‐sectional studies have suggested that earlier executive function changes may precede FXTAS, the lack of longitudinal studies has made it difficult to address this hypothesis.ObjectiveTo determine whether executive function deterioration experienced by premutation carriers (PC) in daily life precedes and predicts FXTAS.MethodsThis study included 66 FMR1 PC ranging from 40 to 78 years (mean, 59.5) and 31 well‐matched healthy controls (HC) ages 40 to 75 (mean, 57.7) at baseline. Eighty‐four participants returned for 2 to 5 follow up visits over a duration of 1 to 9 years (mean, 4.6); 28 of the PC developed FXTAS. The Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function‐Adult Version (BRIEF‐A) was completed by participants and their spouses/partners at each visit.ResultsLongitudinal mixed model regression analyses showed a greater decline with age in PC compared to HC on the Metacognition Index (MI; self‐initiation, working memory, organization, task monitoring). Conversion to FXTAS was associated with worsening MI and Behavioral Regulation Index (BRI; inhibition, flexibility, emotion modulation). For spouse/partner report, FXTAS conversion was associated with worsening MI. Finally, increased self‐report executive function problems at baseline significantly predicted later development of FXTAS.ConclusionsExecutive function changes experienced by male PC represent a prodrome of the later movement disorder. © 2023 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Clinical utility of the modified frailty index in predicting adverse outcomes in patients undergoing lower extremity free flap reconstruction
Authors: Deldar Romina , Huffman Samuel S. , Bovill John D. , Gupta Nisha , Truong Brian N. , Haffner Zoë K. , Sayyed Adaah A. , Fan Kenneth L. , Evans Karen K. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundIdentifying at‐risk patients for complications remains challenging in patients with chronic lower extremity (LE) wounds receiving free tissue transfer (FTT) for limb salvage. The modified‐5 frailty index (mFI‐5) has been utilized to predict postoperative complications, yet it has not been studied in this population. The aim of this study was to determine the utility of the mFI‐5 in predicting adverse postoperative outcomes.MethodsPatients ≥60 years, who underwent LE FTT reconstruction at a single institution from 2011 to 2022, were retrospectively reviewed. Patient characteristics, mFI‐5, and postoperative outcomes were collected. Cohorts were divided by an mFI‐5 score of <2 or ≥2.ResultsA total of 115 patients were identified, of which 71.3% (n = 82) were male, 64.3% (n = 74) had a mFI‐5 score of ≥2, and 35.7% (n = 41) had a score <2. The average age and body mass index were 67.8 years and 28.7 kg/m2, respectively. The higher mFI‐5 cohort had lower baseline albumin levels (3.0 vs. 4.0 g/dL, p = .015) and higher hemoglobin A1c levels (7.4 vs. 5.8%, p < .001). The postoperative length of stay was longer in the higher mFI‐5 cohort (18 vs. 13.4 days, p = .003). The overall flap success was 96.5% (n = 111), with no difference between cohorts (p = .129). Postoperative complications were comparable between cohorts (p = .294). At a mean follow‐up of 19.8 months, eight patients (7.0%) underwent amputation, and 91.3% (n = 105) were ambulatory.ConclusionHigh microsurgical success rates can be achieved in comorbid patients with high frailty indexes who undergo FTT for limb salvage. A multidisciplinary team approach may effectively mitigate negative outcomes in elderly, frail patients.
Technical note: Application of an optical hydrophone to ionoacoustic range detection in a tissue‐mimicking agar phantom
Authors: Sueyasu Shota , Kasamatsu Koki , Takayanagi Taisuke , Chen Ye , Kuriyama Yasutoshi , Ishi Yoshihiro , Uesugi Tomonori , Rohringer Wolfgang , Unlu Mehmet Burcin , Kudo Nobuki , Yokokawa Kohei , Takao Seishin , Miyamoto Naoki , Matsuura Taeko 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundIonoacoustics is a promising approach to reduce the range uncertainty in proton therapy. A miniature‐sized optical hydrophone (OH) was used as a measuring device to detect weak ionoacoustic signals with a high signal‐to‐noise ratio in water. However, further development is necessary to prevent wave distortion because of nearby acoustic impedance discontinuities while detection is conducted on the patient's skin.PurposeA prototype of the probe head attached to an OH was fabricated and the required dimensions were experimentally investigated using a 100‐MeV proton beam from a fixed‐field alternating gradient accelerator and k‐Wave simulations. The beam range of the proton in a tissue‐mimicking phantom was estimated by measuring γ‐waves and spherical ionoacoustic waves with resonant frequency (SPIRE).MethodsFour sizes of probe heads were fabricated from agar blocks for the OH. Using the prototype, the γ‐wave was detected at distal and lateral positions to the Bragg peak on the phantom surface for proton beams delivered at seven positions. For SPIRE, independent measurements were performed at distal on‐ and off‐axis positions. The range positions were estimated by solving the linear equation using the sensitive matrix for the γ‐wave and linear fitting of the correlation curve for SPIRE; they were compared with those measured using a film.ResultsThe first peak of the γ‐wave was undistorted with the 3 × 3 × 3‐cm3 probe head used at the on‐axis and 3‐cm off‐axis positions. The range positions estimated by the γ‐wave agreed with the film‐based range in the depth direction (the maximum deviation was 0.7 mm), although a 0.6–2.1 mm deviation was observed in the lateral direction. For SPIRE, the deviation was <1 mm for the two measurement positions.ConclusionsThe attachment of a relatively small‐sized probe head allowed the OH to measure the beam range on the phantom surface.
Evaluating material point methods on problems involving free surfaces and strong gradients
Authors: Wolper Joshuah , Garyfallogiannis Konstantinos , Purohit Prashant K. , Bassani John L. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe material point method (MPM) enables large‐deformation simulations of complex material behaviors with natural multi‐material coupling. However, MPM struggles to accurately capture fields related to material discontinuities, for example, traction‐free surfaces, making MPM fracture simulation challenging. Many MPMs seek to alleviate this challenge, but comparing these approaches has been elusive. This work presents a benchmarking process for evaluating and comparing discontinuous MPM approaches. The benchmarks focus field quantities near a circular hole in a plate and a planar crack with comparisons to accurate finite element solutions.
Psychological Distress and Meniere's Disease: A Bidirectional Two‐Sample Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Wu Huadong , Xia Yunyan , Luo Qing , Li Qiang , Jiang Hongqun , Xiong Yuanping 
Published: December 2023

AbstractObjectiveThis study is aim to explore the causal relationship between anxiety, depression, neuroticism, and Meniere's disease (MD).Study DesignTwo‐sample bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses.SettingIEU, FinnGen, CTG, and UKB databases.MethodsThe genome‐wide association studies data for anxiety, depression, neuroticism, and MD involved over 357,957 participants. MR was performed to explore relationships between anxiety, depression, neuroticism, and MD. Sensitivity analyses were performed to assess the robustness of the MR results. Reverse MR was used to exclude the possibility of reverse causality. Finally, multivariate MR was performed to explore the collinear relationships between neuroticism subclusters.ResultsMR results showed that anxiety and depression are not causes of MD, nor does MD cause anxiety and depression. Elevated neuroticism sum score is a cause of anxiety, depression, and MD, but MD does not lead to an increase in the level of neuroticism sum score. Further analysis showed that the 5 subclusters of neuroticism often feel lonely, mood often goes up and down, often feel fed‐up, feelings easily hurt, and sensitivity to environmental stress and adversity are causes of MD. Multivariate MR analysis results suggested that the 5 neuroticism subclusters have a collinear relationship.ConclusionAnxiety and depression are not causative factors of MD, and vice versa. Elevated neuroticism levels serve as a shared causative factor for anxiety, depression, and MD. Identification and effective management of neuroticism is a potential target for preventing and treating MD.
Patient‐Reported Outcome Measures for Severe Recurrent Bilateral Nasal Polyps: Psychometric Evaluation and Content Validity
Authors: Gater Adam , Tolley Chloe , Williams‐Hall Rebecca , Trennery Claire , Bradley Helena , Sikirica Mirko V. , Nelsen Linda , Sousa Ana R. , Bratton Daniel J. , Chan Robert , von Maltzahn Robyn 
Published: December 2023

AbstractObjectiveTo date, no patient‐reported outcome measures have been specifically developed to assess pharmacological treatment effect in participants with severe chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) with recurrent bilateral nasal polyps (NP). These studies aimed to assess (1) the psychometric properties and (2) content validity of Visual Analogue Scales (VAS) assessing NP symptom severity.Study Design(1) Retrospective psychometric validation study using clinical trial data and (2) cross‐sectional qualitative patient interview study.Setting(1) Multicentre trial; (2) real‐world.Methods(1) Psychometric validation was performed using data from a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, Phase II study (NCT01362244) investigating the effect of mepolizumab in 105 participants with severe, recurrent bilateral NP currently needing polypectomy surgery. (2) Content validity was explored through cognitive debriefing interviews in 27 adults with severe CRS with recurrent bilateral NP who had received NP surgery in the past 10 years (NCT03221192).Results(1) Acceptable reliability, validity, and responsiveness were shown for individual VAS items, although the loss of smell VAS item performed poorly in several analyses, suggesting further evaluation of this item is needed. (2) All individual VAS items were well understood, considered relevant and were consistently interpreted by most participants, providing evidence for their content validity.ConclusionThese findings support the use of symptom VAS measures to evaluate disease experience and treatment effect in clinical trials of participants with severe CRS with recurrent bilateral NP.
Functional assessment of brain development in fetuses that subsequently deliver very preterm: An MRI pilot study
Authors: Story Lisa , Uus Alena , Hall Megan , Payette Kelly , Bakalis Spyros , Arichi Tomoki , Shennan Andrew , Rutherford Mary , Hutter Jana 
Published: December 2023

AbstractObjectivesTo evaluate changes occurring in the fetal brain prior to very preterm delivery using MRI T2* relaxometry, an indirect assessment of tissue perfusion.MethodFetuses that subsequently delivered spontaneously <32 weeks gestation and a control cohort were identified from pre‐existing datasets. Participants had undergone a 3T MRI assessment including T2* relaxometry of the fetal brain using a 2D multi‐slice gradient echo single shot echo planar imaging sequence. T2* maps were generated, supratentorial brain tissue was manually segmented and mean T2* values were generated. Groups were compared using quadratic regression.ResultsTwenty five fetuses that subsequently delivered <32 weeks and 67 that delivered at term were included. Mean gestation at MRI was 24.5 weeks (SD 3.3) and 25.4 weeks (SD 3.1) and gestation at delivery 25.5 weeks (SD 3.4) and 39.7 weeks (SD 1.2) in the preterm and term cohorts respectively. Brain mean T2* values were significantly lower in fetuses that subsequently delivered before 32 weeks gestation (p < 0.001).ConclusionAlterations in brain maturation appear to occur prior to preterm delivery. Further work is required to explore these associations, but these findings suggest a potential window for therapeutic neuroprotective agents in fetuses at high risk of preterm delivery in the future.
Preparation of lightweight polycarbonate composite foams with robust hollow glass microspheres via CO2 foaming
Authors: Zhang Lulu , Huang Pengke , Li Xianliang , Xu Linqiong , Zheng Wenge , Zhao Yongqing 
Published: December 2023

AbstractPolycarbonate (PC) composites are often used in the production of high value‐added products, but it is necessary to improve its environment stress cracking condition in the presence of pre‐strain and soluble solvents. In this work, the effect of weight reduction and strengthening is realized by introducing microstructures and hollow glass microspheres (HGMs) into the PC composites. It is found that the addition of HGMs can reduce the melt viscosity and Tg value of the composite materials, which will change the foaming behavior of PC/HGMs composites. Besides, the effect of different content of HGMS and foaming temperature on the foaming behavior of PC/HGMs composite foams are studied. The PC/HGMs composite foams exhibit a typical structure of both large and small cellular pores, because of the existence of hollow beads and cellular structures. Moreover, compared to the neat PC foam, the tensile strength as well as the flexural strength of the composite foams are significantly increased by 110.9% and 364.7%, respectively. Furthermore, the as‐prepared PC/HGMs composite foams have low thermal conductivity (lower than 0.07 W/mK), which can effectively insulate heat propagation.Highlights
Hollow glass microsphere can reduce melt viscosity and Tg of composites.
The mechanical properties of composite foams have been greatly improved.
Composite foams exhibit excellent thermal stability due to their microstructure.
Electron contact interlayers for low‐temperature‐processed crystalline silicon solar cells
Authors: Michel Jesus Ibarra , Le Anh Huy Tuan , Yan Di , Berghuis Willem‐Jan , Korte Lars , Liu Anyao , Phang Sieu Pheng , Chen Wenhao , Macdonald Daniel , Macco Bart , Hameiri Ziv , Bullock James 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThis study focuses on electron‐selective passivating contacts for crystalline silicon (c‐Si) solar cells where an interlayer is used to provide a low contact resistivity between the c‐Si substrate and the metal electrode. These electron contact interlayers are used in combination with other passivating interlayers (e.g., a‐Si:H, TiOx, and Nb2O5) to improve surface passivation whilst still permitting contact resistivities suitable for high‐efficiency solar cells. We show that a wide variety of thermally evaporated materials, most of which have ionic character, enable an Ohmic contact between n‐type c‐Si and Al. From this pool of compounds, we observed that CsBr has especially promising behavior because of its excellent performance and thermal stability when combined with thin passivating layers. With different test structures, we were able to demonstrate low contact resistance using TiOx/CsBr, Nb2O5/CsBr, and a‐Si:H/CsBr stacks on n‐type c‐Si. The quality of the provided surface passivation depended on the stack but we achieved the best overall passivation stability with TiOx/CsBr. Finally, we were able to demonstrate an efficiency >20% on a laboratory‐scale solar cell that implements the TiOx/CsBr/Al stack as full‐area rear‐side electron selective contact.