| 1. |
- Kennedy, K. M., et al.
(författare)
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Questioning the fetal microbiome illustrates pitfalls of low-biomass microbial studies
- 2023
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Ingår i: Nature. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0028-0836 .- 1476-4687. ; 613:7945, s. 639-649
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Whether the human fetus and the prenatal intrauterine environment (amniotic fluid and placenta) are stably colonized by microbial communities in a healthy pregnancy remains a subject of debate. Here we evaluate recent studies that characterized microbial populations in human fetuses from the perspectives of reproductive biology, microbial ecology, bioinformatics, immunology, clinical microbiology and gnotobiology, and assess possible mechanisms by which the fetus might interact with microorganisms. Our analysis indicates that the detected microbial signals are likely the result of contamination during the clinical procedures to obtain fetal samples or during DNA extraction and DNA sequencing. Furthermore, the existence of live and replicating microbial populations in healthy fetal tissues is not compatible with fundamental concepts of immunology, clinical microbiology and the derivation of germ-free mammals. These conclusions are important to our understanding of human immune development and illustrate common pitfalls in the microbial analyses of many other low-biomass environments. The pursuit of a fetal microbiome serves as a cautionary example of the challenges of sequence-based microbiome studies when biomass is low or absent, and emphasizes the need for a trans-disciplinary approach that goes beyond contamination controls by also incorporating biological, ecological and mechanistic concepts.
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| 2. |
- Mihalca, A.D., et al.
(författare)
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Severe Granulomatous Lesions in Several Organs from Eustrongylides Larvae in a Free-ranging Dice Snake, Natrix tessellata
- 2007
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Ingår i: Veterinary Pathology. - : SAGE Publications. - 0300-9858 .- 1544-2217. ; 44:1, s. 103-105
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- During an extensive study regarding the epidemiology of larval Eustrongylides infestation in a free-ranging endangered population of dice snakes (Natrix tessellata) from Histria, Romania, an adult female was euthanized to evaluate pathologic changes. Parasites appeared as nodules at various locations: in subcutaneous connective tissues, on the serosae of the intestines and liver. Histologic sections revealed nematode larvae surrounded by a capsule, forming a parasitic granuloma with 3 layers: macrophage layer, lymphocyte layer, and fibrous capsule. Differences between newly formed and mature granulomas consisted mainly in the eosinophilic infiltration. Other types of parasitic granulomas of reptiles are discussed in comparison with our findings.
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| 3. |
- Svanström, Sebastian, et al.
(författare)
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Toward an alternative approach for the preparation of low-temperature titanium dioxide blocking underlayers for perovskite solar cells
- 2019
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Ingår i: Journal of Materials Chemistry A. - : Royal Society of Chemistry. - 2050-7488 .- 2050-7496. ; 7:17, s. 10729-10738
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The anodic electrodeposition method is investigated as an alternative technique for the preparation of a titanium oxide (TiO 2 ) blocking underlayer (UL) for perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Extremely thin Ti IV -based films are grown from aqueous acidic titanium(iii) chloride in an electrochemical cell at room temperature. This precursor layer is converted to the UL (ED-UL), in a suitable state for PSC applications, by undertaking a sintering step at 450 °C for half an hour. PSCs with the composition of the light-absorbing material FA 0.85 MA 0.10 Cs 0.05 Pb(I 0.87 Br 0.13 ) 3 (FA and MA denote the formamidinium and methylammonium cations, respectively) based on the ED-UL are compared with PSCs with the UL of a standard type prepared by the spray-pyrolysis method at 450 °C from titanium diisopropoxide bis(acetylacetonate) (SP-UL). We obtain power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of over 20% for mesoscopic perovskite devices employing both ED-ULs and SP-ULs. Slightly higher fill factor values are observed for ED-UL-based devices. In addition, ED-ULs prepared by the same method have also been applied in planar PSCs, resulting in a PCE exceeding 17%, which is comparable to that for similar PSCs with an SP-UL. The preparation of ED-ULs with a lower sintering temperature, 150 °C, has also been examined. The efficiency of a planar PSC incorporating this underlayer was 14%. These results point out to the possibility of applying ED-ULs in flexible planar PSCs in the future.
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| 4. |
- Ballester, Facundo, et al.
(författare)
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A generic high-dose rate Ir-192 brachytherapy source for evaluation of model-based dose calculations beyond the TG-43 formalism
- 2015
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Ingår i: Medical physics (Lancaster). - : American Association of Physicists in Medicine: Medical Physics. - 0094-2405. ; 42:6, s. 3048-3062
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Purpose: In order to facilitate a smooth transition for brachytherapy dose calculations from the American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM) Task Group No. 43 (TG-43) formalism to model-based dose calculation algorithms (MBDCAs), treatment planning systems (TPSs) using a MBDCA require a set of well-defined test case plans characterized by Monte Carlo (MC) methods. This also permits direct dose comparison to TG-43 reference data. Such test case plans should be made available for use in the software commissioning process performed by clinical end users. To this end, a hypothetical, generic high-dose rate (HDR) Ir-192 source and a virtual water phantom were designed, which can be imported into a TPS. Methods: A hypothetical, generic HDR Ir-192 source was designed based on commercially available sources as well as a virtual, cubic water phantom that can be imported into any TPS in DICOM format. The dose distribution of the generic Ir-192 source when placed at the center of the cubic phantom, and away from the center under altered scatter conditions, was evaluated using two commercial MBDCAs [Oncentra (R) Brachy with advanced collapsed-cone engine (ACE) and BrachyVision AcuRos (TM)]. Dose comparisons were performed using state-of-the-art MC codes for radiation transport, including ALGEBRA, BrachyDose, GEANT4, MCNP5, MCNP6, and pENELopE2008. The methodologies adhered to recommendations in the AAPM TG-229 report on high-energy brachytherapy source dosimetry. TG-43 dosimetry parameters, an along-away dose-rate table, and primary and scatter separated (PSS) data were obtained. The virtual water phantom of (201)(3) voxels (1 mm sides) was used to evaluate the calculated dose distributions. Two test case plans involving a single position of the generic HDR Ir-192 source in this phantom were prepared: (i) source centered in the phantom and (ii) source displaced 7 cm laterally from the center. Datasets were independently produced by different investigators. MC results were then compared against dose calculated using TG-43 and MBDCA methods. Results: TG-43 and PSS datasets were generated for the generic source, the PSS data for use with the ACE algorithm. The dose-rate constant values obtained from seven MC simulations, performed independently using different codes, were in excellent agreement, yielding an average of 1.1109 +/- 0.0004 cGy/(h U) (k = 1, Type A uncertainty). MC calculated dose-rate distributions for the two plans were also found to be in excellent agreement, with differences within type A uncertainties. Differences between commercial MBDCA and MC results were test, position, and calculation parameter dependent. On average, however, these differences were within 1% for ACUROS and 2% for ACE at clinically relevant distances. Conclusions: A hypothetical, generic HDR Ir-192 source was designed and implemented in two commercially available TPSs employing different MBDCAs. Reference dose distributions for this source were benchmarked and used for the evaluation of MBDCA calculations employing a virtual, cubic water phantom in the form of a CT DICOM image series. The implementation of a generic source of identical design in all TPSs using MBDCAs is an important step toward supporting univocal commissioning procedures and direct comparisons between TPSs. (C) 2015 American Association of Physicists in Medicine.
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| 5. |
- Beaulieu, Luc, et al.
(författare)
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AAPM WGDCAB Report 372: A joint AAPM, ESTRO, ABG, and ABS report on commissioning of model-based dose calculation algorithms in brachytherapy
- 2023
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Ingår i: Medical physics (Lancaster). - : WILEY. - 0094-2405. ; 50:8, s. E946-E960
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The introduction of model-based dose calculation algorithms (MBDCAs) in brachytherapy provides an opportunity for a more accurate dose calculation and opens the possibility for novel, innovative treatment modalities. The joint AAPM, ESTRO, and ABG Task Group 186 (TG-186) report provided guidance to early adopters. However, the commissioning aspect of these algorithms was described only in general terms with no quantitative goals. This report, from the Working Group on Model-Based Dose Calculation Algorithms in Brachytherapy, introduced a field-tested approach to MBDCA commissioning. It is based on a set of well-characterized test cases for which reference Monte Carlo (MC) and vendor-specific MBDCA dose distributions are available in a Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine-Radiotherapy (DICOM-RT) format to the clinical users. The key elements of the TG-186 commissioning workflow are now described in detail, and quantitative goals are provided. This approach leverages the well-known Brachytherapy Source Registry jointly managed by the AAPM and the Imaging and Radiation Oncology Core (IROC) Houston Quality Assurance Center (with associated links at ESTRO) to provide open access to test cases as well as step-by-step user guides. While the current report is limited to the two most widely commercially available MBDCAs and only for Ir-192-based afterloading brachytherapy at this time, this report establishes a general framework that can easily be extended to other brachytherapy MBDCAs and brachytherapy sources. The AAPM, ESTRO, ABG, and ABS recommend that clinical medical physicists implement the workflow presented in this report to validate both the basic and the advanced dose calculation features of their commercial MBDCAs. Recommendations are also given to vendors to integrate advanced analysis tools into their brachytherapy treatment planning system to facilitate extensive dose comparisons. The use of the test cases for research and educational purposes is further encouraged.
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| 6. |
- Franchi, Daniele, et al.
(författare)
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Effect of the Ancillary Ligand on the Performance of Heteroleptic Cu(I) Diimine Complexes as Dyes in Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells
- 2022
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Ingår i: ACS Applied Energy Materials. - : American Chemical Society (ACS). - 2574-0962. ; 5:2, s. 1460-1470
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- A series of heteroleptic Cu(I) diimine complexes with different ancillary ligands and 6,6'-dimethyl-2,2'-bipyridine-4,4'-dibenzoic acid (dbda) as the anchoring ligand were selfassembled on TiO2 surfaces and used as dyes for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The binding to the TiO2 surface was studied by hard X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy for a brominecontaining complex, confirming the complex formation. The performance of all complexes was assessed and rationalized on the basis of their respective ancillary ligand. The DSSC photocurrent-voltage characteristics, incident photon-to-current conversion efficiency (IPCE) spectra, and calculated lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) distributions collectively show a push-pull structural dye design, in which the ancillary ligand exhibits an electron-donating effect that can lead to improved solar cell performance. By analyzing the optical properties of the dyes and their solar cell performance, we can conclude that the presence of ancillary ligands with bulky substituents protects the Cu(I) metal center from solvent coordination constituting a critical factor in the design of efficient Cu(I)-based dyes. Moreover, we have identified some components in the I-/I-3(-)-based electrolyte that causes dissociation of the ancillary ligand, i.e., TiO2 photoelectrode bleaching. Finally, the detailed studies on one of the dyes revealed an electrolyte-dye interaction, leading to a dramatic change of the dye properties when adsorbed on the TiO2 surface.
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| 7. |
- Garcia Fernandez, Alberto, et al.
(författare)
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Experimental and Theoretical Core Level and Valence Band Analysis of Clean Perovskite Single Crystal Surfaces
- 2022
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Ingår i: Small. - : Wiley. - 1613-6810 .- 1613-6829. ; 18:13
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- A detailed understanding of the surface and interface properties of lead halide perovskites is of interest for several applications, in which these materials may be used. To develop this understanding, the study of clean crystalline surfaces can be an important stepping stone. In this work, the surface properties and electronic structure of two different perovskite single crystal compositions (MAPbI(3) and Cs(x)FA(1-)(x)PbI(3)) are investigated using synchrotron-based soft X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (PES), molecular dynamics simulations, and density functional theory. The use of synchrotron-based soft X-ray PES enables high surface sensitivity and nondestructive depth-profiling. Core level and valence band spectra of the single crystals are presented. The authors find two carbon 1s contributions at the surface of MAPbI(3) and assign these to MA(+) ions in an MAI-terminated surface and to MA(+) ions below the surface. It is estimated that the surface is predominantly MAI-terminated but up to 30% of the surface can be PbI2-terminated. The results presented here can serve as reference spectra for photoelectron spectroscopy investigations of technologically relevant polycrystalline thin films, and the findings can be utilized to further optimize the design of device interfaces.
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| 8. |
- Ma, Yunzhi, et al.
(författare)
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A generic TG-186 shielded applicator for commissioning model-based dose calculation algorithms for high-dose-rate Ir-192 brachytherapy
- 2017
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Ingår i: Medical physics (Lancaster). - : WILEY. - 0094-2405 .- 2473-4209. ; 44:11, s. 5961-5976
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- PurposeA joint working group was created by the American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM), the European Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology (ESTRO), and the Australasian Brachytherapy Group (ABG) with the charge, among others, to develop a set of well-defined test case plans and perform calculations and comparisons with model-based dose calculation algorithms (MBDCAs). Its main goal is to facilitate a smooth transition from the AAPM Task Group No. 43 (TG-43) dose calculation formalism, widely being used in clinical practice for brachytherapy, to the one proposed by Task Group No. 186 (TG-186) for MBDCAs. To do so, in this work a hypothetical, generic high-dose rate (HDR) Ir-192 shielded applicator has been designed and benchmarked. MethodsA generic HDR Ir-192 shielded applicator was designed based on three commercially available gynecological applicators as well as a virtual cubic water phantom that can be imported into any DICOM-RT compatible treatment planning system (TPS). The absorbed dose distribution around the applicator with the TG-186 Ir-192 source located at one dwell position at its center was computed using two commercial TPSs incorporating MBDCAs (Oncentra((R)) Brachy with Advanced Collapsed-cone Engine, ACE, and BrachyVision ACUROS) and state-of-the-art Monte Carlo (MC) codes, including ALGEBRA, BrachyDose, egs_brachy, Geant4, MCNP6, and Penelope2008. TPS-based volumetric dose distributions for the previously reported source centered in water and source displaced test cases, and the new source centered in applicator test case, were analyzed here using the MCNP6 dose distribution as a reference. Volumetric dose comparisons of TPS results against results for the other MC codes were also performed. Distributions of local and global dose difference ratios are reported. ResultsThe local dose differences among MC codes are comparable to the statistical uncertainties of the reference datasets for the source centered in water and source displaced test cases and for the clinically relevant part of the unshielded volume in the source centered in applicator case. Larger local differences appear in the shielded volume or at large distances. Considering clinically relevant regions, global dose differences are smaller than the local ones. The most disadvantageous case for the MBDCAs is the one including the shielded applicator. In this case, ACUROS agrees with MC within [-4.2%, +4.2%] for the majority of voxels (95%) while presenting dose differences within [-0.12%, +0.12%] of the dose at a clinically relevant reference point. For ACE, 95% of the total volume presents differences with respect to MC in the range [-1.7%, +0.4%] of the dose at the reference point. ConclusionsThe combination of the generic source and generic shielded applicator, together with the previously developed test cases and reference datasets (available in the Brachytherapy Source Registry), lay a solid foundation in supporting uniform commissioning procedures and direct comparisons among treatment planning systems for HDR Ir-192 brachytherapy.
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| 9. |
- Svanström, Sebastian, et al.
(författare)
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The Complex Degradation Mechanism of Copper Electrodes on Lead Halide Perovskites
- 2022
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Ingår i: ACS Materials Science Au. - : American Chemical Society (ACS). - 2694-2461. ; 2:3, s. 301-312
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Lead halide perovskitesolar cells have reached power conversionefficiencies during the past few years that rival those of crystallinesilicon solar cells, and there is a concentrated effort to commercializethem. The use of gold electrodes, the current standard, is prohibitivelycostly for commercial application. Copper is a promising low-costelectrode material that has shown good stability in perovskite solarcells with selective contacts. Furthermore, it has the potential tobe self-passivating through the formation of CuI, a copper salt whichis also used as a hole selective material. Based on these opportunities,we investigated the interface reactions between lead halide perovskitesand copper in this work. Specifically, copper was deposited on theperovskite surface, and the reactions were followed in detail usingsynchrotron-based and in-house photoelectron spectroscopy. The resultsshow a rich interfacial chemistry with reactions starting upon depositionand, with the exposure to oxygen and moisture, progress over manyweeks, resulting in significant degradation of both the copper andthe perovskite. The degradation results not only in the formationof CuI, as expected, but also in the formation of two previously unreporteddegradation products. The hope is that a deeper understanding of theseprocesses will aid in the design of corrosion-resistant copper-basedelectrodes.
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| 10. |
- Zhang, Xiaoliang, et al.
(författare)
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Probing and Controlling Surface Passivation of PbS Quantum Dot Solid for Improved Performance of Infrared Absorbing Solar Cells
- 2019
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Ingår i: Chemistry of Materials. - : AMER CHEMICAL SOC. - 0897-4756 .- 1520-5002. ; 31:11, s. 4081-4091
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Surface properties of colloidal quantum dots (CQDs) are critical for the transportation and recombination of the photoinduced charge carrier in CQD solar cells, therefore dominating the photovoltaic performance. Herein, PbS CQD passivated using liquid-state ligand exchange (LSLX) and solid-state ligand exchange (SSLX) strategies are in detail investigated using photoelectron spectroscopy (PES), and solar cell devices are prepared to understand the link between the CQD surface properties and the solar cell function. PES using different energies in the soft and hard Xray regime is applied to study the surface and bulk properties of the CQDs, and the results show more effective surface passivation of the CQDs prepared with the LSLX strategy and less formation of lead-oxide. The CQD solar cells prepared with LSLX strategy show higher performance, and the photoelectric measurements suggest that the recombination of photoinduced charges is reduced for the solar cell prepared with the LSLX approach. Meanwhile, the fabricated solar cells exhibit good stability. This work provides important insights into how to fine-tune the CQD surface properties by improving the CQD passivation, and how this is linked to further improvements of the device photovoltaic performance.
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