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From the historical roots of metalworking to the forefront of modern nanotechnology, functional materials have played a pivotal role in transforming societies, and their influence is poised to persist into the future. Encompassing a wide array of solid‐state materials, spanning semiconductors to polymers, molecular crystals to nanoparticles, functional materials find application in critical sectors such as electronics, computers, information, communication, biotechnology, aerospace, defense, environment, energy, medicine and consumer products. This feature article delves into diverse instances of functional materials, exploring their structures, their properties and the underlying mechanisms that contribute to their outstanding performance across fields like batteries, photovoltaics, magnetics and heterogeneous catalysts. The field of structural sciences serves as the cornerstone for unraveling the intricate relationship between structure, dynamics and function. Acting as a bridge, it connects the fundamental understanding of materials to their practical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the key objectives of the connector industry for the past years has been to reduce the insertion friction forces of detachable electrical connections, where the majority of approaches combine a particular connector design with the usage of lubricants. The necessity for a solution that uses less contact force to maintain a lasting electrically conductive connection without sacrificing the mechanical robustness of the connection during use is a significant challenge in this situation. The approach in this work is to create surfaces supporting asymmetric friction, meaning lower insertion than removal forces. By Direct Laser Interference Patterning (DLIP), asymmetric saw-tooth structures with different structural inclinations and periodicities were generated on Sn-coated Cu plates. It is determined that topographical interlocking is the primary operating mechanism providing the required anisotropy. Multiple insertion/removal cycles were simulated on the tailored surfaces to tribologically characterize them and to determine the evolution of the electrical contact resistance at the end of each insertion motion. The vast majority of the generated structures showed an improvement compared to the reference state, with lower insertion and higher removal forces while the electrical behavior is not significantly impacted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the association between social capital (SC) and the physical and psychological impact of multiple sclerosis (MS). Materials & Methods: A cross‐sectional study was conducted among people with MS (pwMS) at The Royal London Hospital, London, UK. Participants completed a survey including the Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale‐29 (MSIS‐29), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), the self‐reported EDSS and a SC questionnaire (SCQ). The SCQ assessed personal relationships, social support networks, civic engagement, and trust and cooperative norms. Kendall's tau correlation test was performed to measure the correlation between SC and MSIS‐29 scores, and multiple linear regressions were conducted to find the best outcome prediction model. Results: 236 pwMS participated in the study. Median age was 43.5 years (IQR 35‐52). Of the total, 168 (71.2%) were female and 180 (76.3%) had relapsing‐remitting MS. Median MSIS‐29 scores were 23.7 (IQR 8.8‐57.5) for the physical scale and 38.9 (IQR 16.7‐55.6) for the psychological scales. Total SC scores were significantly correlated with the MSIS‐29 physical (τb = −0.09, P =.02) and psychological scores (τb = −0.23, P <.001). After adjusting for possible confounders, the "personal relationships" domain had a significant effect on the MSIS‐29 physical scores (β = −2.70, SE = 1.34; P =.045). Total SC (β = −1.08, SE = 0.33; P =.001) and the "personal relationships" (β = −2.60, SE = 1.20; P =.031) and "trust and cooperative norms" (β = −1.40, SE = 0.61; P =.024) domains had a significant effect on the MSIS‐29 psychological scores. Conclusions: Higher levels of SC were associated with lower physical and psychological impact of MS. Emerging evidence on SC and its effects on MS should be translated into interventions designed to promote the health and well‐being of pwMS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presented here are the synthesis, characterization and study (using single crystal X‐ray diffraction, Raman scattering, quantum mechanics calculations) of the structures of a series of biphenyls substituted in positions 3, 3′, 4 and 4′ with a variety of R (R = methyl, acetyl, hexyl) groups connected to the biphenyl core through oxygen atoms. The molecular conformation, particularly the torsion angle between aromatic rings has been extensively studied both in the solid as well as in the liquid state. The results show that the compounds appearing as rigorously planar in the solid present instead a twisted conformation in the melt. The solid versus melt issue strongly suggests that the reasons for planarity are to be found in the packing restraints. A 'rule of thumb' is suggested for the design of biphenyls with different molecular conformations, based on the selection of the OR substituent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hutchinson–Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS) is a uniformly fatal condition that is especially prevalent in skin, cardiovascular, and musculoskeletal systems. A wide gap exists between our knowledge of the disease and a promising treatment or cure. The aim of this study was to first characterize the musculoskeletal phenotype of the homozygous G608G BAC-transgenic progeria mouse model, and to determine the phenotype changes of HGPS mice after a five-arm preclinical trial of different treatment combinations with lonafarnib, pravastat in, and zoledronic acid. Microcomputed to-mography and CT-based rigidity analyses were performed to assess cortical and trabecular bone structure, density, and rigidity. Bones were loaded to failure with three-point bending to assess strength. Contrast-enhancedμCT imaging of mouse femurs was performed to measure glycosaminoglycan content, thickness, and volume of the femoral head articular cartilage. Advanced glycation end products were assessed with a fluorometric assay. The changes demonstrated in the cortical bone structure, rigidity, stiffness, and modulus of the HGPS G608G mouse model may increase the risk for bending and deformation, which could result in the skeletal dysplasia characteristic of HGPS. Cartilage abnormalities seen in this HGPS model resemble changes observed in the age-matched WT controls, including early loss of glycosaminoglycans, and decreased cartilage thickness and volume. Such changes mightmimic prevalent degenerative joint diseases in the elderly. Lonafarnib monotherapy did not improve bone or cartilage parameters,but treatment combinations with pravastatin and zoledronic acid significantly improved bone structure and mechanical properties and cartilage structural parameters, which ameliorate the muscu-loskeletal phenotype of the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The piezoresistive effect of materials can be adopted for a plethora of sensing applications, including force sensors, structural health monitoring, motion detection in fabrics and wearable, etc. Although metals are the most widely adopted material for sensors due to their reliability and affordability, they are significantly affected by temperature. This work examines the piezoresistive performance of carbon nanoparticle (CNP) bulk powders and discusses their potential applications based on strain-induced changes in their resistance and displacement. The experimental results are correlated with the characteristics of the nanoparticles, namely, dimensionality and structure. This report comprehensively characterizes the piezoresistive behavior of carbon black (CB), onion-like carbon (OLC), carbon nanohorns (CNH), carbon nanotubes (CNT), dispersed carbon nanotubes (CNT-D), graphite flakes (GF), and graphene nanoplatelets (GNP). The characterization includes assessment of the ohmic range, load-dependent electrical resistance and displacement tracking, a modified gauge factor for bulk powders, and morphological evaluation of the CNP. Two-dimensional nanostructures exhibit promising results for low loads due to their constant compression-to-displacement relationship. Additionally, GF could also be used for high load applications. OLC’s compression-to-displacement relationship fluctuates, however, for high load it tends to stabilize. CNH could be applicable for both low and high loading conditions since its compression-to-displacement relationship fluctuates in the mid-load range. CB and CNT show the most promising results, as demonstrated by their linear load-resistance curves (logarithmic scale) and constant compression-to-displacement relationship. The dispersion process for CNT is unnecessary, as smaller agglomerates cause fluctuations in their compression-to-displacement relationship with negligible influence on its electrical performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Emergency care is a neglected area of focus in many low- and middle-income countries. There is a paucity of research on types and frequencies of acute illnesses and injuries in low-resource settings.Objective: The primary objective of this study was to describe the demographic characteristics and emergency conditions of patients that presented to a new emergency care center (ECC) at Sagam Community Hospital in Luanda, Kenya.Methods: Patient demographic characteristics, modes of arrival, chief symptoms, triage priorities, self-reported human immunodeficiency virus status, tests performed, interventions, discharge diagnoses, and dispositions were collected for all patients that presented to the Sagam Community Hospital ECC.Results: Between October 1, 2016 and September 30, 2017, 14,518 patients presented to the ECC. The most common mode of arrival to Sagam Community Hospital was by foot (n = 12,605 [86.8%]). There were 8931 (61.5%) female patients and 5571 (38.4%) male patients. Of the total visits, 12,668 (87.3%) were triaged Priority III (lowest priority), 1239 (8.5%) were Priority II, and 293 (2.0%) were Priority I (highest priority). The most common chief symptoms were headache (n = 3923 [15.2%]), hotness of body or chills (n = 2877 [8.8%]), and cough (n = 1827 [5.5%]). The three most common discharge diagnoses were malaria (n = 3692 [18.9%]), acute upper respiratory infection (n = 1242 [6.3%]), and gastritis/duodenitis (n = 1210 [6.2%]).Conclusions: Although opening an ECC in rural Kenya attracted patients in need of care, access was limited primarily to those that could arrive on foot. ECCs in rural sub-Saharan Africa have the potential to provide quality care and support attainment of Sustainable Development Goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, nickel matrix composites reinforced with a fine distribution of nanodiamonds (6.5 vol%) as reinforcement phase are annealed in vacuum at different temperatures ranging from 750 °C to 1300 °C. This is carried out to evaluate the in-situ transformation of nanodiamonds to carbon onions within a previously densified composite. The resulting materials are thoroughly analyzed by complementary analytical methods, including Raman spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The proposed in-situ transformation method presents two main benefits. On one hand, since the particle distribution of a nanodiamond-reinforced composite is significantly more homogenous than in case of the carbon onions, it is expected that the transformed particles will preserve the initial distribution features of nanodiamonds. On the other hand, the proposed process allows for the tuning of the sp 3 /sp 2 carbon ratio by applying a single straightforward post-processing step. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heuristics are simple, yet effective, strategies that people use to make decisions. Because heuristics do not require all available information, they are thought to be easy to implement and to not tax limited cognitive resources, which has led heuristics to be characterized as fast-and-frugal. We question this monolithic conception of heuristics by contrasting the cognitive demands of two popular heuristics, Tallying and Take-the-Best. We contend that heuristics that are frugal in terms of information usage may not always be fast because of the attentional control required to implement this focus in certain contexts. In support of this hypothesis, we find that Take-the-Best, while being more frugal in terms of information usage, is slower to implement and fares worse under time pressure manipulations than Tallying. This effect is then reversed when search costs for Take-the-Best are reduced by changing the format of the stimuli. These findings suggest that heuristics are heterogeneous and should be unpacked according to their cognitive demands to determine the circumstances a heuristic best applies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Lack of access to emergency and essential surgery is widespread in low- and middle-income countries. Scarce anesthesia services contribute to this unmet need. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and feasibility of the Every Second Matters for Emergency and Essential Surgery-Ketamine (ESM-Ketamine) package for emergency and essential procedures when no anesthetist was available. Methods: From November 2013 to September 2017, the ESM-Ketamine package was used for patients requiring emergency or life-improving surgeries in fifteen selected facilities across Kenya when no anesthetist was available. A mixed-methods approach was used to assess safety and feasibility of the ESM-Ketamine package, including demand, acceptability, and practicality. The primary outcome was ketamine-related adverse events. Key-informant interviews captured perceptions of providers, hospital administrators, and surgeons/proceduralists. Results: Non-anesthetist mid-level providers used ESM-Ketamine for 1216 surgical procedures across the fifteen study facilities. The median ketamine dose was 2.1 mg/kg. Brief (<30 s) oxygen desaturations occurred in 39 patients (3%), and prolonged (>30 s) oxygen desaturations occurred in seven patients (0.6%). There were 157 (13%) reported cases of hallucinations and agitation which were treated with diazepam. All patients recovered uneventfully, and no ketamine-related deaths were reported. Twenty-seven key-informant interviews showed strong support for the program with four main themes: financial considerations, provision of services, staff impact, and scaling considerations. Conclusions: The ESM-Ketamine package appears safe and feasible and is capable of expanding access to emergency and essential surgeries in rural Kenya when no anesthetist is available. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Azanone (nitroxyl, HNO) is a highly reactive compound whose biological role is still a matter of debate. One possible route for its formation is NO reduction by biological reductants. These reactions have been historically discarded due to the negative redox potential for the NO,H+/HNO couple. However, the NO to HNO conversion mediated by vitamins C, E, and aromatic alcohols has been recently shown to be feasible from a chemical standpoint. Based on these precedents, we decided to study the reaction of NO with thiols as potential sources of HNO. Using two complementary approaches, trapping by a Mn porphyrin and an HNO electrochemical sensor, we found that under anaerobic conditions aliphatic and aromatic thiols (as well as selenols) are able to convert NO to HNO, albeit at different rates. Further mechanistic analysis using ab initio methods shows that the reaction between NO and the thiol produces a free radical adduct RSNOH•, which reacts with a second NO molecule to produce HNO and a nitrosothiol. The nitrosothiol intermediate reacts further with RSH to produce a second molecule of HNO and RSSR, as previously reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

How much we like something, whether it be a bottle of wine or a new film, is affected by the opinions of others. However, the social information that we receive can be contradictory and vary in its reliability. Here, we tested whether the brain incorporates these statistics when judging value and confidence. Participants provided value judgments about consumer goods in the presence of online reviews. We found that participants updated their initial value and confidence judgments in a Bayesian fashion, taking into account both the uncertainty of their initial beliefs and the reliability of the social information. Activity in dorsomedial prefrontal cortex tracked the degree of belief update. Analogous to how lower-level perceptual information is integrated, we found that the human brain integrates social information according to its reliability when judging value and confidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate mortality and survival rates of patients aged 65 years or older who sustained a hip fracture and were treated at a hospital in Bogotá, Colombia, after the establishment of an Orthogeriatric Program. Method: In total, 298 patients were treated according to the program’s protocol. The primary outcome was 1-year mortality. Mortality predictors were estimated using Cox proportional hazards model, and survival was measured with Kaplan–Meier analysis. Results: The annual survival rate increased from 80% to 89% (p = .039) 4 years after its implementation. There was a significant decrease in mortality risk (Hazard Ratio = 0.54, p = .049). Arrhythmia, valvular heart disease, history of myocardial infarction, and age greater than 85 years were predictors of mortality. Discussion: This is the first study in Latin America to show decreased mortality rates 1 year after the implementation of an Orthogeriatric Program. Our rates were lower than developed countries, suggesting the existence of additional factors that influence long-term outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reduction of NO• to HNO/NO– under biologically compatible conditions has always been thought as unlikely, mostly because of the negative reduction potential: E°(NO•,H+/HNO) = −0.55 V vs NHE at physiological pH. Nonetheless, during the past decade, several works hinted at the possible NO-to-HNO conversion mediated by moderate biological reductants. Very recently, we have shown that the reaction of NO• with ascorbate and aromatic alcohols occurs through a proton-coupled nucleophilic attack (PCNA) of the alcohol to NO•, yielding an intermediate RO–N(H)O• species, which further decomposes to release HNO. For the present work, we decided to inspect whether other common biological aromatic alcohols obtained from foods, such as Vitamin E, or used as over-the-counter drugs, like aspirin, are able to undergo the reaction. The positive results suggest that the conversion of NO to HNO could occur far more commonly than previously expected. Taking these as the starting point, we set to review our and other groups’ previous reports on the possible NO-to-HNO conversion mediated by biological compounds including phenolic drugs and vitamins, as well as several thiol-bearing compounds. Analysis of revised data prompted us to ask ourselves the following key questions: What are the most likely physio/pathological conditions for NO•-to-HNO conversion to take place? Which effects usually attributed to NO• are indeed mediated by HNO? These inquiries are discussed in the context of 2 decades of NO and HNO research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At the beginning of his youthful sixth decade, this work is dedicated to Prof. Dr. Fabio Doctorovich. He is distinctive in organometallic chemistry. During his successful career, he has been studying the reactivity and application of metalloporphyrins. Metalloporphyrins are organometallic complexes that exhibit, through synthetic modifications, the ability to tune their optical and electrochemical properties and their selectivity towards a particular molecule or ion. For this reason, they are systems extremely useful as electrochemical sensors to detect and quantify a wide variety of analytes with high selectivity, even in real samples such as food, water, biological fluids, or pharmaceutical compounds. This review presents an up‐to‐date list of reports in which metalloporphyrins are used as electrochemical sensors. In addition to compiling a comprehensive and up‐to‐date list of reported sensors that utilize metalloporphyrins, this work aims to provide an overview of currently available tools and techniques for the detection of various chemical species through similar approaches, which are constantly being developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon nanotubes (CNT) are of great interest to the research community due to their outstanding mechanical, transport, and optical properties. These nanoparticles have also shown exceptional lubricating capabilities, which coupled with their electrical conductivity show promising results as solid lubricants in electrical contacts. In this study, three different CNT coatings were deposited over copper platelets via electrophoretic deposition and subsequently tribo-electrically characterized including electrical contact resistance evolution during fretting wear, wear protection, chemical analysis of fretting marks, as well as influence of CNT coating thickness, duration and normal load applied during fretting, and atmospheric humidity. Thicker CNT coatings show improved wear protection while retaining similar electrical behavior as uncoated copper, or even improving its electrical contact resistance. Moreover, the compaction of the porous CNT coating is crucial for optimal electrical performance at low humidity. For longer fretting tests (150,000 and 500,000 cycles), the coatings are displaced thus affecting the wear protection offered. However, the coatings stabilize and reduce ECR compared to uncoated samples. Furthermore, thicker CNT coatings can bear higher loads during fretting due to the increased lubricant reservoir, with carbonaceous tribofilm remaining at the contacting interface after 5,000 fretting cycles regardless of normal load. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The microstructural thermal stability and mechanical properties of carbon nanotube (CNT)-reinforced Ni matrix composites processed by high pressure torsion (HPT) are investigated. A structural assessment of the CNTs at the different processing steps was performed by means of Raman spectroscopy, not detecting any significant modification of the CNT structure throughout the whole procedure. After deformation, the composites showed a maximum fivefold increase in hardness, related to their microstructure and resembling a Hall–Petch behavior. In order to study the thermal stability, an annealing was made at a homologous temperature of 0.33, which exceeds the grain growth onset temperature for this type of composites. The presence of CNTs helped stabilize the microstructure by pinning the grain boundaries during HPT. This stabilization translated into a significant increase in hardness and remained, to a certain degree, after the thermal treatment. Our results highlight the feasibility of obtaining CNT-reinforced composites by this means, improving the properties without compromising the structural features of the reinforcement and increasing their distribution within the matrix. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Induction benefits from useful priors. Penalized regression approaches, like ridge regression, shrink weights toward zero but zero association is usually not a sensible prior. Inspired by simple and robust decision heuristics humans use, we constructed non-zero priors for penalized regression models that provide robust and interpretable solutions across several tasks. Our approach enables estimates from a constrained model to serve as a prior for a more general model, yielding a principled way to interpolate between models of differing complexity. We successfully applied this approach to a number of decision and classification problems, as well as analyzing simulated brain imaging data. Models with robust priors had excellent worst-case performance. Solutions followed from the form of the heuristic that was used to derive the prior. These new algorithms can serve applications in data analysis and machine learning, as well as help in understanding how people transition from novice to expert performance. • Zero as a prior in penalized regression can be improved upon. • Priors for regularized regression can be sourced from human decision heuristics. • Heuristics selectively discard information like covariance between cues. • These priors are simple, robust, interpretable and work well across domains. • Our approach extends to the analysis of brain imaging data as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The grain growth stagnation produced by the addition of multiwalled carbon nanotubes to bulk nickel composites manufactured by hot uniaxial pressing is investigated. A hardness improvement up to 27% compared to pure nickel was achieved, mainly based on the microstructural refinement. However, this enhancement is only observable up to concentrations of 3wt%. Beyond this point, no significant improvement is observed, thus setting an empirical reinforcing limit. The main strengthening mechanism identified was the Hall–Petch effect, which hinders the dislocation movement and is strongly dependent on the final grain size of the composites. Finally, a model for the prediction of the final grain size is proposed based upon the Zener pinning equation for the particular system studied in this work. This model is intended to provide a basic tool for a further tailoring of the mechanical properties, adjusted for a certain application. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Lumbar hernias are a protrusion of intra-abdominal contents through a weakness or rupture in the posterior abdominal wall. They are considered to be a rare entity with approximately 300 cases reported in the literature since it was first described by Barbette in 1672. Petit described the inferior lumbar triangle in 1783 and Grynfeltt described the superior lumbar triangle in 1866; both are anatomical boundaries where 95 % of lumbar hernias occur, whereas the other 5 % are considered to be diffuse. Twenty percent of lumbar hernias are congenital and the other 80 % are acquired; the acquired lumbar hernias can be further classified into either primary (spontaneous) or secondary. The typical presentation of lumbar hernias is a patient with a protruding semispherical bulge in the back with a slow growth. However, they may present with an incarcerated or strangulated bowel, so it is recommended that all lumbar hernias must be repaired as soon as they are diagnosed. The 'gold standard' for diagnosing a lumbar hernia is a CT scan, because it is able to delineate muscular and fascial layers, detect a defect in one or more of these layers, evaluate the presence of herniated contents, differentiate muscle atrophy from a real hernia, and serve as a useful tool in the differential diagnosis, such as tumors. Recent studies have demonstrated the advantages of a laparoscopic repair instead of the classic open approach as the ideal treatment option for lumbar hernias. We report a case of a spontaneous lumbar hernia initially diagnosed as a lipoma and corrected with the open approach, but after relapsing 2 years later it was corrected using a laparoscopic approach. It is followed by an extensive review of lumbar hernias literature regarding history, anatomy, and surgical techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lubricity of coatings made from different types of carbon nanoparticles such as carbon onions, carbon nanohorns and carbon nanotubes is investigated on line-patterned AISI 304 stainless-steel substrates using ball-on-disc tribometry over 200,000 sliding cycles. Picosecond direct laser interference patterning is used to create line-patterns on the substrate surfaces which are subsequently coated by electrophoretic deposition. Friction testing is conducted on as-processed surfaces in linear reciprocal mode at a normal load of 100 mN with alumina and 100Cr6 as counter body materials. The resulting wear tracks on the substrates as well as wear scars on the counter bodies are characterized by scanning electron microscopy as well as energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Tribometry shows that CNTs have the ability to maintain lubricity against both counter body materials. CO and CNH coatings sustain their lubricity against 100Cr6 over the full test duration but fail against alumina. In contrast to alumina, substantial carbon transfer from the substrate surface to 100Cr6 counter body is observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study of a molecular compound in relation to low-melting salts of nido- and closo-cage anions having alkylpyridinium and dialkylimidazolium cations. It discusses the characteristics of the compound which are found similar to a pyridinium salt in a perchlorinated carborane anion. Also mentioned is the involvement of one N-butylpyridinium cation that one perchlorinated carborane cage anion counterbalanced per asymmetric unit in the compound's molecular structure.

Recent work has considered the relationship between value and confidence in both behavioural and neural representation. Here we evaluated whether the brain organises value and confidence signals in a systematic fashion that reflects the overall desirability of options. If so, regions that respond to either increases or decreases in both value and confidence should be widespread. We strongly confirmed these predictions through a model-based fMRI analysis of a mixed gambles task that assessed subjective value (SV) and inverse decision entropy (iDE), which is related to confidence. Purported value areas more strongly signalled iDE than SV, underscoring how intertwined value and confidence are. A gradient tied to the desirability of actions transitioned from positive SV and iDE in ventromedial prefrontal cortex to negative SV and iDE in dorsal medial prefrontal cortex. This alignment of SV and iDE signals could support retrospective evaluation to guide learning and subsequent decisions. Sebastian Bobadilla-Suarez et al. evaluate the brain-wide organization of subjective value and confidence, as determined by inverse decision entropy, using a mode-based fMRI analysis of subjects performing a mixed gambling task. They showed that these signals are strongly intertwined and are organized into a systematic gradient across the human brain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mechanical behavior of a metastable stainless steel is studied by spherical nanoindentation, as a function of crystallographic orientation of its austenitic grains. The residual imprints are analyzed by electron backscattered diffraction (inverse pole figure, phase and geometrically necessary dislocation maps) and atomic force microscopy. Results showed that austenite grains with the most common crystallographic orientations display similar elasto‐to‐plastic transition, being the dislocation activity by the Frank‐Read source the main deformation mechanism. However, the amount of dislocations generated during indentation testing strongly depends on the crystallographic orientation. No evidence of stress‐induced phase transformation is observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The corrected order of the authors is as reflected in this erratum. Sebastian Suarez and Ayla Senay are co-second authors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Keywords: Electrochemistry; Macromolecules; Metal-organic frameworks; Metalloporphyrins; Sensors; Transition metals EN Electrochemistry Macromolecules Metal-organic frameworks Metalloporphyrins Sensors Transition metals 1 1 1 06/15/23 20230613 NES 230613 B The Front Cover b shows an engaging platform for electrochemical sensor development: Metalloporphyrins. Front Cover: Versatile Metalloporphyrin-Based Electrochemical Sensing Applications: From Small Gasotransmitters to Macromolecules (Eur. J. Inorg. Electrochemistry, Macromolecules, Metal-organic frameworks, Metalloporphyrins, Sensors, Transition metals. [Extracted from the article]

Purpose: To determine potential unique factors influencing cigarette and e-cigarette use in US Latino youth. Approach: We conducted a qualitative study assessing cigarette and e-cigarette perceptions and experiences, including experiences with/perceptions of the products, cultural influences and influences of friends and family. Setting: Four online discussion boards, conducted in October 2020. Participants: 92 Latino youth aged 15-21 years living in the US. Method: Data from the discussion groups were coded and analyzed by three trained coders using a thematic analysis approach. Results: Stress relief emerged as the dominant theme connected with both cigarettes and e-cigarettes. Apart from stress, perceptions of and experiences with the products differed. E-cigarettes were commonly viewed as trendy and cool and participants often reported using them due to curiosity and popularity. Participants commonly compared e-cigarettes to cigarettes, noting benefits of e-cigarettes. Participants also noted more negative short and long-term health effects of cigarette use, and discussed generational differences between the two products. Conclusion: Findings from this study help address a dearth of research examining tobacco use among diverse groups of Latino youth. Findings indicate that despite differences in country of heritage, Latino youth are united by similar opinions about cigarettes and e-cigarettes. Additionally, they share cultural values and experiences which could be leveraged for tobacco control communications that cut across populations of Latino youth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the updated literature on fluorescent probes based on transition metal complexes used to detect and quantify biologically relevant analytes is reviewed. Special emphasis is made on the so-called gasotransmitters CO, H 2 S & NO and HNO, exploring the different techniques and strategies currently available. • Gasotransmitters are endogenous signalling molecules which include CO, H 2 S and NO. • They transmit chemical signals which induce physiological or biochemical changes. • Fluorescent probes based on transition metal complexes make powerful detection tools. • A variety of sensing mechanisms based on different reactivities are discussed. The signalling agents involved in cellular communication display wide chemical diversity. During the last decades, the rise of a new group of transmitters instigated the revision of traditional concepts of intercellular signalling. Gasotransmitters are a family of soluble molecules, either endogenously synthesized or from exogenous origin, which transmits chemical signals that can induce certain physiological or biochemical changes. These small reactive (and usually transient) species are constantly being produced, trafficked, consumed or transformed in biological environments. Fluorescent probes based on transition metal complexes offer powerful tools to study chemical reactions in the laboratory, through in vitro experiences, and well as the in vivo biochemistry of gasotransmitters in their native environments, as long as minimal disturbance to living systems is ensured. Fundamental organic, organometallic and inorganic reactivity principles, combined with an eye towards biological imaging applications, have given rise to a variety of new chemical tools for probing the complex roles of small molecules in physiology and pathology. In this work, we present different compounds and tactics to use such probes for the detection and quantification of these biologically relevant chemical analytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surface structures in the micro- and nanometre length scale exert a major influence on performance and functionality for many specialized applications in surface engineering. However, they are often limited to certain pattern scales and materials, depending on which processing technique is used. Likewise, the morphology of the topography is in complex relation to the utilized processing methodology. In this study, the generation of hierarchical surface structures in the micro- as well as the sub-micrometre scale was achieved on ceramic, polymer and metallic materials by utilizing Ultrashort Pulsed Direct Laser Interference Patterning (USP-DLIP). The morphologies of the generated patterns where examined in relation to the unique physical interaction of each material with ultrashort pulsed laser irradiation. In this context, the pattern formation on copper, CuZn37 brass and AISI 304 stainless steel was investigated in detail by means of a combination of experiment and simulation to understand the individual thermal interactions involved in USP-DLIP processing. Thereby, the pattern's hierarchical topography could be tailored besides achieving higher process control in the production of patterns in the sub-µm range by USP-DLIP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MXenes, a new class of 2-dimensional materials, and in particular Ti 3 C 2 T x -nanoparticles, have attracted considerable attention in energy storage and catalysis lately. Despite having a weakly-bounded multi-layered structure with self-lubricating ability, the usage of MXenes for tribological purposes is surprisingly underexplored. Here, we address for the first time the influence of surface terminations and intercalated water in Ti 3 C 2 T x -nanoparticles on friction and wear when used as a solid lubricant. Ball-on-disk experiments at 4% relative humidity reveal excellent tribological properties of these Ti 3 C 2 T x -nanoparticles with a remarkable friction reduction of about 300% coupled with the potential to greatly reduce adhesive, abrasive and tribo-chemical wear. Advanced, complementary materials' characterisation underlines the significant influence of surface terminations and intercalated water, defining them as key parameters to tailor the resulting frictional performance. Consequently, our results highlight Ti 3 C 2 T x -nanoparticles as outstanding, next-generation solid lubricants in nano- and micro-scale systems. Unlabelled Image • Ti 3 C 2 T x -nanoparticles (Mxenes) were used as solid lubricant under dry friction. • Ti 3 C 2 T x -nanoparticles demonstrated a remarkable friction reduction of about 300%. • Ti 3 C 2 T x -nanoparticles greatly reduced adhesive, abrasive and tribo-chemical wear. • Surface terminations were studied by advanced materials characterisation. • Effect of surface terminations and intercalated water on friction was assessed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arthrofibrosis is a prevalent condition affecting greater than 5% of the general population and leads to a painful decrease in joint range of motion (ROM) and loss of independence due to pathologic accumulation of periarticular scar tissue. Current treatment options are limited in effectiveness and do not address the underlying cause of the condition: accumulation of fibrotic collagenous tissue. Herein, the naturally occurring peptide hormone relaxin-2 is administered for the treatment of adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder) and to restore glenohumeral ROM in shoulder arthrofibrosis. Recombinant human relaxin-2 down-regulates type I collagen and a smooth muscle actin production and increases intracellular cAMP concentration in human fibroblast-like synoviocytes, consistent with a mechanism of extracellular matrix degradation and remodeling. Pharmacokinetic profiling of a bolus administration into the glenohumeral joint space reveals the brief systemic and intraarticular (IA) half-lives of relaxin-2: 0.96 h and 0.62 h, respectively. Furthermore, using an established, immobilization murine model of shoulder arthrofibrosis, multiple IA injections of human relaxin-2 significantly improve ROM, returning it to baseline measurements collected before limb immobilization. This is in contrast to single IA (sIA) or multiple i.v. (mIV) injections of relaxin-2 with which the ROM remains constrained. The histological hallmarks of contracture (e.g., fibrotic adhesions and reduced joint space) are absent in the animals treated with multiple IA injections of relaxin-2 compared with the untreated control and the sIA- and mIV-treated animals. As these findings show, local delivery of relaxin- 2 is an innovative treatment of shoulder arthrofibrosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon nanotubes (CNT) have been recently proposed as stabilizers against grain growth that can happen even at low temperature inputs in nano-crystalline and ultrafine-grained materials obtained by severe plastic deformation. In this study, we analyzed the evolution of the structural defects on the nanotubes in CNT-reinforced nickel matrix composites with different reinforcement weight fractions. The composites were processed by high pressure torsion, and we used Raman spectroscopy as the main characterization technique. The results indicate that for CNT subjected to highly energetic processing, it is not sufficient to analyze only the I D /I G ratio (as proposed in the available literature), but it is also necessary to evaluate the shifting of the G band, which traces the amorphization trajectory undergone by the CNT. Furthermore, we observed that the deformation suffered by the CNT is related to the accumulated strain and varies with the partial CNT fractions of these composites. This is related to their capacity to withstand the plastic strain that occurs during deformation. In addition, the defective state reaches a saturation before achieving the saturation in the microstructural refinement. These results will help to efficiently optimize the processing of this type of engineering composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prolonged immobilization in hospitalized children can lead to fragility fractures and muscle contractures and atrophy. The purpose of this study was to develop a lower-extremity disuse rabbit model with musculoskeletal changes similar to those observed in children subjected to prolonged immobilization. Six-week-old rabbits were randomly assigned to control (CTRL, n =4) or bilateral sciatic and femoral neurectomy (bSFN, n =4) groups. Trans-axial helical CT scans of each rabbit׳s hind limbs were acquired after eight weeks. The rabbits were then euthanized and the tibiae and calcanea were harvested from each rabbit. μCT imaging was performed on the tibiae and calcanea mid-diaphysis. Four-point bending, gas pycnometry, and ashing were then performed on each tibia. All comparisons reflect the differences between the bSFN and CTRL rabbits. Significant decreases in tibiae bone mineral density (≥9.41%, p ≤0.006), axial rigidity (≥50.47%, p ≤0.02), and soft tissue mass (55.25%, p =0.006) were observed from the trans-axial helical CT scans. The μCT results indicated significant detriments in tibia and calcaneus cortical thickness and bone volume fraction ( p ≤0.011). Significant changes in stiffness, yield load, ultimate load, and ultimate displacement (≥30.05%, p ≤0.025) were observed from mechanical testing. These data indicate that limb disuse at a time of rapid musculoskeletal growth severely impairs muscle and bone development, reflecting the musculoskeletal complications observed in children with chronic medical conditions causing immobilization. Interventions to reduce these musculoskeletal complications in children are urgently needed. This disuse rabbit model will be useful in pre-clinical studies evaluating novel interventions for improving pediatric musculoskeletal health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new Cu(II) complexes, [Cu(L)(phen)] ( 1 ), [Cu(L)(bipy)] ( 2 ), where L 2- = (3-methoxy-2oxidobenzylidene)benzohydrazidato, phen = 1,10 phenanthroline, and bipy = 2,2′ bipyridine, were prepared and fully characterized using elemental analyses, FT-IR, molar conductivity, and electronic spectra. The structures of both complexes were also determined by X-ray diffraction. It was found that, both complexes possessed square pyramidal coordination environment in which, Cu(II) ions were coordinated by donor atoms of HL and two nitrogens of heterocyclic bases. Computational studies were performed using DFT calculations at B3LYP/6-311+G(d,p) level of theory. DNA binding activities of these complexes were also investigated using electronic absorption, competitive fluorescence titration and cyclic voltammetry studies. The obtained results indicated that binding of the complexes to DNA was of intercalative mode. Furthermore, antimicrobial activities of these compounds were screened against microorganisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography is a procedure commonly used for the diagnosis and treatment of various pancreatic and biliary diseases. Air embolism is a rare complication, which may be associated with this procedure. This condition can be manifested as cardiopulmonary instability and/or neurological symptoms. Known risk factors include: sphincterotomy; application of air with high intramural pressure; anatomic abnormalities; and chronic hepatobiliary inflammation. It is important for the health-care staff, including anesthesiologists, interventional gastroenterologists, and critical care specialists, amongst others, to promptly recognize air embolism and to initiate therapy in a timely fashion, thus preventing potentially fatal outcomes. We submit a brief review of the literature and a case report of air embolism which occurred in the immediate postoperative stage of an endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, performed in a woman with a history of liver transplantation due to Budd Chiari syndrome and biliary stricture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Molecular volume representing a good observable to easily estimate pK eq for a given alkyl R-group as the lactam spirorhodamine substituent. • Spirorhodamine amides with an N-aliphatic substituent display emission quantum yields of the open form between 0.8–1.0. • pH-dependent lactam ring opening reaction displays a strong correlation with the volume of the N-aliphatic substituent. • N-aliphatic substituent has no effect on the electronic properties, such as absorption and emission spectral distribution. • Correlation with the substituent volume can be extended to a kinetic property (k (coloration)). We report synthesis and photophysical studies of spirorhodamines (SRA) with amide N-aliphatic substituents, including measurements of single-crystal X-ray structures, fluorescence emission, and quantum mechanical calculations. Variations in the equilibrium position between closed and open states, a transition that is catalysed under acidic conditions, of several SRAs sharing the same central chromophore (Rhodamine 6G) were measured. For the different substituents in the lactam position, the pH-dependent lactam ring opening reaction displays a strong correlation with the volume of the functional group. The open form shows similar absorption and emission spectrum, fluorescence efficiency and emission lifetime, regardless of the nature of the substituents. The molecular volume of the substituent is a simple and straightforward molecular design feature to control the equilibrium between the "dark" and "bright" states of the probe, without any further changes in the emission properties of the fluorescent form. These results allow rational design of pH-sensitive aliphatic SRAs fluorescent probes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]