bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Use of Wastewater Metrics to Track COVID-19 in the US
Authors: Varkila Meri R. J. , Montez-Rath Maria E. , Salomon Joshua A. , Yu Xue , Block Geoffrey A. , Owens Douglas K. , Chertow Glenn M. , Parsonnet Julie , Anand Shuchi 
Published: July 2023

ImportanceWidespread use of at-home COVID-19 tests hampers determination of community COVID-19 incidence.ObjectiveTo examine the association of county-level wastewater metrics with high case and hospitalization rates nationwide both before and after widespread use of at-home tests.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsThis observational cohort study with a time series analysis was conducted from January to September 2022 in 268 US counties in 22 states participating in the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Wastewater Surveillance System. Participants included the populations of those US counties.ExposuresCounty level of circulating SARS-CoV-2 as determined by metrics based on viral wastewater concentration relative to the county maximum (ie, wastewater percentile) and 15-day percentage change in SARS-CoV-2 (ie, percentage change).Main Outcomes and MeasuresHigh county incidence of COVID-19 as evidenced by dichotomized reported cases (current cases ≥200 per 100 000 population) and hospitalization (≥10 per 100 000 population lagged by 2 weeks) rates, stratified by calendar quarter.ResultsIn the first quarter of 2022, use of the wastewater percentile detected high reported case (area under the curve [AUC], 0.95; 95% CI, 0.94-0.96) and hospitalization (AUC, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.84-0.88) rates. The percentage change metric performed poorly, with AUCs ranging from 0.51 (95% CI, 0.50-0.53) to 0.57 (95% CI, 0.55-0.59) for reported new cases, and from 0.50 (95% CI, 0.48-0.52) to 0.55 (95% CI, 0.53-0.57) for hospitalizations across the first 3 quarters of 2022. The Youden index for detecting high case rates was wastewater percentile of 51% (sensitivity, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.80-0.84; specificity, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.92-0.95). A model inclusive of both metrics performed no better than using wastewater percentile alone. The performance of wastewater percentile declined over time for cases in the second quarter (AUC, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.82-0.86) and third quarter (AUC, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.70-0.75) of 2022.Conclusions and RelevanceIn this study, nationwide, county wastewater levels relative to the county maximum were associated with high COVID-19 case and hospitalization rates in the first quarter of 2022, but there was increasing dissociation between wastewater and clinical metrics in subsequent quarters, which may reflect increasing underreporting of cases, reduced testing, and possibly lower virulence of infection due to vaccines and treatments. This study offers a strategy to operationalize county wastewater percentile to improve the accurate assessment of community SARS-CoV-2 infection prevalence when reliability of conventional surveillance data is declining.
Radiation dose considerations in digital radiography with an anti‐scatter grid: A study using adult and pediatric phantoms
Authors: Kawashima Hiroki , Ichikawa Katsuhiro , Kitao Azusa , Matsubara Takashi , Sugiura Takumi , Kobayashi Tomohiro , Kobayashi Satoshi 
Published: July 2023

AbstractBackgroundWhen using an anti‐scatter grid, a decrease in receptor dose caused by its X‐ray absorption seems to lead to the misperception that radiation dose needs to be increased even in digital radiography (DR).ObjectiveTo demonstrate that there is no need to increase radiation dose in DR with a grid, based on a visual evaluation using an adult and a pediatric abdomen phantom (PAD and PPD, respectively).Materials and methodsPhantom images with and without a grid were obtained with exposure parameters determined based on a preliminarily measured signal‐to‐noise ratio improvement factor (SIF), an index for potential dose reduction when using a grid. In visual evaluation, four radiologists compared phantom images with a grid applied at different dose reduction rates (0% [no reduction], 18%, 36%, and 59% for PAD and 0% and 11% for PPD) against an image without a grid at the baseline dose (as the reference). They graded the overall image quality of the former relative to that of the latter (reference) on a 3‐point scale (3 = better, 2 = almost equal, 1 = worse).ResultsThe mean scores for dose reduction rates of 0%, 18%, 36%, and 59% were 3.00, 3.00, 2.75, and 1.00, respectively, for PAD; those for 0% and 11% were 2.13 and 1.63, respectively, for PPD. These results support the validity of our view that no dose increase is necessary when using an anti‐scatter grid. Actually, there is even a potential for improvement in image quality with dose reduction rates of ≤36% for PAD.ConclusionIt is worth reconsidering the necessity of increasing radiation dose in the DR imaging of the adult and pediatric abdomens with an anti‐scatter grid.
Infantile‐onset parkinsonism, dyskinesia, and developmental delay: do not forget polyglutamine defects!
Authors: Baide‐Mairena Heidy , Coget Arthur , Leboucq Nicolas , Procaccio Vincent , Blanluet Maud , Meyer Pierre , Malinge Marie‐Claire , François‐Heude Marie‐Céline , Moreno Mathis , Geneviève David , Marelli Cecilia , Roubertie Agathe 
Published: July 2023

AbstractWe present the phenotype of an infant with the largest ATN1 CAG expansion reported to date (98 repeats). He presented at 4 months with developmental delay, poor eye contact, acquired microcephaly, failure to thrive. He progressively developed dystonia‐parkinsonism with paroxysmal oromandibular and limbs dyskinesia and fatal outcome at 17 months. Cerebral MRI disclosed globus pallidus T2‐WI hyperintensities and brain atrophy. Molecular analysis was performed post‐mortem following the diagnosis of dentatorubral–pallidoluysian atrophy (DRPLA) in his symptomatic father. Polyglutamine expansion defects should be considered when neurodegenerative genetic disease is suspected even in infancy and parkinsonism can be a presentation of infantile‐onset DRPLA.
Temperature monitoring system of beer fermentation and brewing based on immune fuzzy PID controller
Authors: Song Fanfeng , Meng Xiangtian , Chen Zhiqiang 
Published: July 2023

AbstractBeer is one of the popular drinks, the temperature control in the process of beer fermentation plays a crucial role. The current temperature control method mainly uses the traditional PID control, but its control adjustment time is long, the overshoot is large, the control effect still needs to be improved. A beer fermentation and brewing temperature monitoring system based on immune fuzzy PID controller was designed in this experiment. Immune fuzzy PID controller is a nonlinear controller, which combines the advantages of traditional PID controller and fuzzy controller and refers to the regulatory mechanism of biological immune system, and obtains good suitable characteristics by controlling the parameter values of the system. PID converts the rule information into fuzzy information by fuzzy basic theory and stores it in computer database. By referring to the actual situation of PID, the computer uses fuzzy reasoning to adjust the PID parameters. The beer fermentation temperature monitoring system based on the traditional PID controller is compared with the proposed system. Under the control of the designed temperature monitoring system, the temperature has a certain effect on the fermentation speed of beer. The fermentation time of high temperature fermentation (16°C) is 3 days shorter than that of normal temperature fermentation (10°C). The robustness and applicability of the system are verified.
Neutral Stable Nitrogen‐Centered Radicals: Structure, Properties, and Recent Functional Application Progress
Authors: Gao Shengxiang , Li Feng 
Published: July 2023

AbstractPersistent and stable nitrogen‐centered organic radicals, including non‐heterocyclic/heterocyclic nitrogen‐centered radicals and nitrogen‐centered radical complexes, have attracted much attention due to their special multiple physical properties. Up to now, numerous nitrogen‐centered radical materials have been developed and applied as functional materials in magnetic, electronic, optical, and biologic fields. This review aims to discuss their structural features, physical properties, and recent progress in materials applications. Finally, an outlook providing inspiration for the future development is given.
Ultrahigh and Tunable Negative Photoresponse in Organic‐Gated Carbon Nanotube Film Field‐Effect Transistors
Authors: Li Wei , Zhou Shaoyuan , Xia Xiaolu , Wang Ying , Yang Kaixuan , Hao Tong , Zhang XinYue , Yang Qi , Ni Zhenyu , Jiang Jianhua , Si Jia , Zhang Fujun , Zhang Zhiyong 
Published: July 2023

AbstractNegative photoconductance (NPC) detectors have attracted continuous attention for constructing advanced and novel optoelectronic devices, including reconfigurable image sensors and optosynaptic systems, especially by combining NPC with positive photoconductance (PPC). However, NPC devices suffer from much lower photosensitivity, slower response speed, and poor stability, especially in the infrared range. In this work, controllable NPC detectors based on organic‐gated carbon nanotube field‐effect transistors (OG‐CNT FETs) are reported and the strong influence of light‐induced electrostatic doping on the nonconventional photoresponse is demonstrated. The PM6/Y6‐based heterojunction allows efficient near‐infrared light absorption and facilitates exciton diffusion. By introducing a floating gate structure with an ultrathin dielectric layer, the OG‐CNT FET shows an enhanced NPC effect owing to in situ signal amplification. Compared to other device configurations, the optimal OG‐CNT FETs exhibit high responsivity of 72.6 A W−1 at 880 nm, along with improved response/recovery times of 7 and 5 ms. Impressively, gate‐tunable switching between NPC and PPC is observed under the same light illumination. The reversible switching can be attributed to the competition between the light‐controlled electrostatic coupling and the PM6/Y6 photovoltaic effect, which offers a new approach to achieve bidirectional photoresponses and paves the way for the development of future multifunctional optoelectronic systems.
Locking Water Molecules Loss of PAA Hydrogel for Flexible Zinc‐Air Battery with NaCl Doping
Authors: Chen Zhuo , Wang Keliang , Fu Yixuan , Zuo Yayu , Wei Manhui , Xiong Jianyin , Wang Hengwei , Zhang Pengfei , Shang Nuo , Zhong Daiyuan , Pei Pucheng 
Published: July 2023

AbstractFlexible zinc‐air batteries have received widespread attention due to their high specific energy and eco‐friendly environment. However, the water in the hydrogel is easily lost to the external environment because of the semi‐open structure zinc‐air batteries, leading to performance degradation of the batteries. Here a saline gel of NaCl‐KOH‐PAA (sodium chloride‐potassium hydroxide‐polyacrylic acid) without soaking in the alkaline solution before use is designed, refining the grid structure of the hydrogel and reducing water loss through NaCl doping. Meanwhile, the gel exhibits no significant decrease in ion conductivity before and after NaCl doping and can maintain stability of around 170 and 150 mS cm−1 at room temperature and −20 °C, respectively. The results demonstrate that the lifetime of flexible zinc‐air batteries with NaCl‐doped hydrogel can be extended by nearly 50%. The NaCl doping gel also displays superior flexibility under extreme physical deformation conditions. Moreover, the phenomenon of hydrogel delamination with NaCl doping is observed and the mechanism of gel water retention is uncovered. These findings will pave the way for developing flexible zinc‐air battery.
Ternary Heterostructures Based on BaTiO3/MoO3/Ag for Highly Efficient and Reusable Photocatalytic Applications
Authors: Alex Kevin V. , Silva José P. B. , Kamakshi Koppole , Sekhar Koppole C. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThis work shows the fabrication of an efficient ternary heterostructure photocatalyst by integrating ferroelectric BaTiO3 (BTO) as the bottom layer, semiconductor MoO3 as the middle layer and plasmonic silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) as the top layer, respectively. The BaTiO3/MoO3/Ag (BMA) heterostructure exhibits a higher photodegradation and photocatalytic efficiency of 100% for rhodamine B (RhB) dye under a UV–Visible light illumination of 60 min when compared with its binary heterostructure counterparts BaTiO3/Ag (BA) and MoO3/Ag (MA). The increased photocatalytic activity in BMA heterostructure is attributed to its enhanced interfacial electric field due to the electric double layer formation at BTO‐MoO3 and MoO3‐Ag interfaces. The higher blueshift in the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) peak observed for the BMA heterostructure clearly indicates an increased electron transfer toward the top Ag NPs layer under optical illumination. The higher resistive switching (RS) ratio, the increased difference in voltage minima, and the improved photocurrent generation, as evident from the I–V characteristics, illustrate the enhanced charge carrier generation and separation in BMA heterostructure. A smaller arc radius observed for the Nyquist plot of BMA heterostructure clearly showcases its increased interfacial charge transfer (CT). The CT mechanism and reusability of the BMA heterostructure are also studied.
Automatic Screen‐out of Ir(III) Complex Emitters by Combined Machine Learning and Computational Analysis
Authors: Cheng Zheng , Liu Jiapeng , Jiang Tong , Chen Mohan , Dai Fuzhi , Gao Zhifeng , Ke Guolin , Zhao Zifeng , Ou Qi 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThe organic light‐emitting diode (OLED) has gained widespread commercial use, yet there is a continuous need to identify innovative emitters that offer higher efficiency and a broader color gamut. To effectively screen out promising OLED molecules that are yet to be synthesized, representation learning aided high throughput virtual screening (HTVS) over millions of Ir(III) complexes, which are prototypical types of phosphorescent OLED material constructed via a random combination of 278 reported ligands. This study successfully screens out a decent amount of promising candidates for both display and lighting purposes, which are worth further experimental investigation. The high efficiency and accuracy of this model are largely attributed to the pioneering attempt of using representation learning to organic luminescent molecules, which is initiated by a pre‐training procedure with over 1.6 million 3D molecular structures and frontier orbital energies predicted via semi‐empirical methods, followed by a fine‐tuning scheme via the quantum mechanical computed properties over around 1500 candidates. Such workflow enables an effective model construction process that is otherwise hindered by the scarcity of labeled data and can be straightforwardly extended to the discovery of other novel materials.
All‐Perovskite Tandem Solar Cells: Rapid Development of Thin Film Photovoltaic Technology
Authors: Zhang Jiawei , Yin Xingtian , Iqbal Shoaib , Que Wenxiu 
Published: July 2023

AbstractOrganic–inorganic halide perovskite materials have attracted wide attention and research because of their adjustable bandgap, high absorption coefficient, and simple preparation methods. The power conversion efficiency (PCE) of single‐junction perovskite cells has increased from 3.8% to 26% in recent years. Using bandgap complementary photovoltaic technology to pair wide‐bandgap with low bandgap perovskites to build all‐perovskite tandem solar cells (all‐PTSCs) is one of the best strategies to break the limitation of Shockley‐Queisser (SQ), which is expected to obtain a PCE higher than 30% at low cost. In this brief review, the structure and working principle of all‐PTSCs is first introduced. Then the latest progress of each component of tandem devices is reviewed according to the two different tandem modes of 2‐terminal (2‐T) and 4‐terminal (4‐T). Besides, the existing problems and optimization strategies of different components are discussed. Finally, the future development of all‐PTSCs is prospected.
Reversing A Decades‐Long Scaling Law of Dielectric Breakdown using Hydrogen‐Plasma‐Treated HfO2 ReRAM Devices
Authors: Wu Ernest Y. , Ando Takashi , Jamison Paul 
Published: July 2023

AbstractDielectric breakdown (BD) is known to cause component failure in electronic devices and high‐voltage power lines over many decades. In recent years, this failure mechanism has been exploited to intentionally form nanoscale filaments in resistive random‐access‐memory (ReRAM) devices for artificial intelligence (AI). The statistical nature of this failure mechanism, known as the inverse size scaling law based on the weakest‐link theory, dictates the ever‐higher forming voltages for ReRAM devices, in turn, requiring additional peripheral transistors. This law also causes diminishing lifetimes of electronic components for future generations of very‐large‐integrated circuits (VLSI) technology. Currently, the semiconductor industry faces these scaling barriers limiting the miniaturization of both VLSI and AI hardware technology. Here, experimental evidence of a reverse area dependence is presented by introducing an innovative fabrication process with a hydrogen‐plasma‐treated layer in a bilayer HfO2 structure. Using joint order statistics rather than traditional extreme‐value statistics, a physics‐based statistical model is developed in agreement with the experimental data, thus demonstrating that there is no fundamental reason preventing this law from being reversed or altered. These findings will have a significant impact on both technology scaling and fabrication innovation for electronic and/or bioinspired nanomaterials; moreover, stimulate much research in physics, statistics, and reliability.
Human energetic stress associated with upregulation of spatial cognition
Authors: Longman Daniel P. , Wells Jonathan C. K. , Stock Jay T. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractObjectivesEvolutionary life history theory has a unique potential to shed light on human adaptive capabilities. Ultra‐endurance challenges are a valuable experimental model allowing the direct testing of phenotypic plasticity via physiological trade‐offs in resource allocation. This enhances our understanding of how the body prioritizes different functions when energetically stressed. However, despite the central role played by the brain in both hominin evolution and metabolic budgeting, cognitive plasticity during energetic deficit remains unstudied.MaterialsWe considered human cognitive plasticity under conditions of energetic deficit by evaluating variability in performance in three key cognitive domains. To achieve this, cognitive performance in a sample of 48 athletes (m = 29, f = 19) was assessed before and after competing in multiday ultramarathons.ResultsWe demonstrate that under conditions of energetic deficit, performance in tasks of spatial working memory (which assessed ability to store location information, promoting landscape navigation and facilitating resource location and calorie acquisition) increased. In contrast, psychomotor speed (reaction time) remained unchanged and episodic memory performance (ability to recall information about specific events) decreased.DiscussionWe propose that prioritization of spatial working memory performance during conditions of negative energy balance represents an adaptive response due to its role in facilitating calorie acquisition. We discuss these results with reference to a human evolutionary trajectory centred around encephalisation. Encephalisation affords great plasticity, facilitating rapid responses tailored to specific environmental conditions, and allowing humans to increase their capabilities as a phenotypically plastic species.
CALHM2 V136G polymorphism reduces astrocytic ATP release and is associated with depressive symptoms and Alzheimer's disease risk
Authors: Liao Yang , Wang Yingyi , Tao Qing‐Qing , Yang Chaoguang , Wang Jinlei , Cheng Jinbo , Ma Jun , Wu Zhi‐Ying , Pan Rui‐Yuan , Yuan Zengqiang 
Published: July 2023

AbstractINTRODUCTIONDepression is considered a prodromal state of Alzheimer's disease (AD), yet the underlying mechanism(s) by which depression increases the risk of AD are not known.METHODSSingle‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis was used to determine the CALHM2 variants in AD patients. Cellular and molecular experiments were conducted to investigate the function of CALHM2 V136G mutation. We generated a new genetically engineered Calhm2 V136G mouse model and performed behavioral tests with these mice.RESULTSCALHM2 V136G mutation (rs232660) is significantly associated with AD. V136G mutation resulted in loss of the CALHM2 ATP‐release function in astrocytes and impaired synaptic plasticity. Mice homozygous for the Calhm2 V136G allele displayed depressive‐like behaviors that were rescued by administration of exogenous ATP. Moreover, Calhm2 V136G mutation predisposed mice to cognitive decline in old age.DISCUSSIONCALHM2 dysfunction is a biologically relevant mechanism that may contribute to the observed clinical correlation between depression and AD.
Guidelines in Practice: Hand Hygiene
Authors: Speth Jennifer 
Published: July 2023

ABSTRACTEffective hand hygiene is an important part of infection prevention, especially in perioperative areas. The revised AORN “Guideline for hand hygiene” provides perioperative personnel with evidence‐based practice recommendations for hand hygiene. This article presents an overview of the guideline and discusses specific recommendations for maintaining appropriate fingernail and hand condition; wearing or removing hand and wrist jewelry; performing general hand hygiene; performing surgical hand antisepsis with a traditional hand scrub or surgical hand rub; selecting sinks, faucets, and drains to avoid hand contamination; and implementing quality activities to enhance hand hygiene compliance. It also includes a scenario illustrating how nurses can use the guideline to mitigate hand dermatitis associated with surgical hand antisepsis. Perioperative nurses should review the revised guideline in its entirety and apply the recommendations as applicable for their practice.
Emergency Preparedness: Strategies for Maintaining Water Supply Quality and Access for Sterile Processing
Authors: Logan Chanté 
Published: July 2023

ABSTRACTSterile processing department (SPD) technicians are responsible for providing properly reprocessed surgical instruments for procedures. They use utility (ie, tap) water for precleaning, cleaning, and disinfection; and critical (ie, treated to remove impurities) water for the final rinse and steam sterilization. Water maintenance personnel should work with SPD personnel to ensure that the facility's water supply meets the quality parameters for hardness, pH, conductivity, chlorides, bacteria, and endotoxins. Inadequate water quality and quantity can affect SPD technicians’ ability to reprocess instruments correctly and may result in pathogen transmission. When water quality concerns arise, SPD personnel should notify perioperative personnel. Health care facilities should have a water management program to address both normal and abnormal water operations and an emergency water supply plan. Pandemics, geopolitical conflicts, and natural disasters may disrupt water supplies. Proactive planning for water shortages should help facility leaders respond quickly and effectively when shortages occur.
Clinical Issues — August 2023
Authors: Jones Emily , Wood Amber 
Published: July 2023

THIS MONTH
Respiratory protection against surgical smoke from liver tissue
Key words: surgical N95 respirator, surgical smoke, liver tissue, fine and ultrafine particles, particulate matter concentrations.
Local exhaust ventilation and surgical smoke safety
Key words: local exhaust ventilation (LEV), surgical smoke evacuation, medical‐surgical suction, hierarchy of controls, engineering control.
Location of endoscopy storage cabinets
Key words: endoscope; sterile storage; contamination; environmental conditions; heating, ventilation, and air‐conditioning (HVAC) design parameters.
Sterility of ultrasound transmission gel
Key words: sterile gel, nonsterile gel, multidose container, ultrasound, outbreaks.