| 1. |
- Thomas, HS, et al.
(author)
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- 2019
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swepub:Mat__t
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| 2. |
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| 3. |
- Ferrari, A. C., et al.
(author)
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Science and technology roadmap for graphene, related two-dimensional crystals, and hybrid systems
- 2015
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In: Nanoscale. - : Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC). - 2040-3372 .- 2040-3364. ; 7:11, s. 4598-4810
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We present the science and technology roadmap for graphene, related two-dimensional crystals, and hybrid systems, targeting an evolution in technology, that might lead to impacts and benefits reaching into most areas of society. This roadmap was developed within the framework of the European Graphene Flagship and outlines the main targets and research areas as best understood at the start of this ambitious project. We provide an overview of the key aspects of graphene and related materials (GRMs), ranging from fundamental research challenges to a variety of applications in a large number of sectors, highlighting the steps necessary to take GRMs from a state of raw potential to a point where they might revolutionize multiple industries. We also define an extensive list of acronyms in an effort to standardize the nomenclature in this emerging field.
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| 4. |
- Muscarella, Robert, et al.
(author)
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The global abundance of tree palms
- 2020
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In: Global Ecology and Biogeography. - : Wiley. - 1466-822X .- 1466-8238. ; 29:9, s. 1495-1514
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- AimPalms are an iconic, diverse and often abundant component of tropical ecosystems that provide many ecosystem services. Being monocots, tree palms are evolutionarily, morphologically and physiologically distinct from other trees, and these differences have important consequences for ecosystem services (e.g., carbon sequestration and storage) and in terms of responses to climate change. We quantified global patterns of tree palm relative abundance to help improve understanding of tropical forests and reduce uncertainty about these ecosystems under climate change.LocationTropical and subtropical moist forests.Time periodCurrent.Major taxa studiedPalms (Arecaceae).MethodsWe assembled a pantropical dataset of 2,548 forest plots (covering 1,191 ha) and quantified tree palm (i.e., ≥10 cm diameter at breast height) abundance relative to co‐occurring non‐palm trees. We compared the relative abundance of tree palms across biogeographical realms and tested for associations with palaeoclimate stability, current climate, edaphic conditions and metrics of forest structure.ResultsOn average, the relative abundance of tree palms was more than five times larger between Neotropical locations and other biogeographical realms. Tree palms were absent in most locations outside the Neotropics but present in >80% of Neotropical locations. The relative abundance of tree palms was more strongly associated with local conditions (e.g., higher mean annual precipitation, lower soil fertility, shallower water table and lower plot mean wood density) than metrics of long‐term climate stability. Life‐form diversity also influenced the patterns; palm assemblages outside the Neotropics comprise many non‐tree (e.g., climbing) palms. Finally, we show that tree palms can influence estimates of above‐ground biomass, but the magnitude and direction of the effect require additional work.ConclusionsTree palms are not only quintessentially tropical, but they are also overwhelmingly Neotropical. Future work to understand the contributions of tree palms to biomass estimates and carbon cycling will be particularly crucial in Neotropical forests.
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| 5. |
- Jung, Christian, et al.
(author)
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A comparison of very old patients admitted to intensive care unit after acute versus elective surgery or intervention
- 2019
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In: Journal of critical care. - : W B SAUNDERS CO-ELSEVIER INC. - 0883-9441 .- 1557-8615. ; 52, s. 141-148
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: We aimed to evaluate differences in outcome between patients admitted to intensive care unit (ICU) after elective versus acute surgery in a multinational cohort of very old patients (80 years; VIP). Predictors of mortality, with special emphasis on frailty, were assessed.Methods: In total, 5063 VIPs were induded in this analysis, 922 were admitted after elective surgery or intervention, 4141 acutely, with 402 after acute surgery. Differences were calculated using Mann-Whitney-U test and Wilcoxon test. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression were used to assess associations with mortality.Results: Compared patients admitted after acute surgery, patients admitted after elective surgery suffered less often from frailty as defined as CFS (28% vs 46%; p < 0.001), evidenced lower SOFA scores (4 +/- 5 vs 7 +/- 7; p < 0.001). Presence of frailty (CFS >4) was associated with significantly increased mortality both in elective surgery patients (7% vs 12%; p = 0.01), in acute surgery (7% vs 12%; p = 0.02).Conclusions: VIPs admitted to ICU after elective surgery evidenced favorable outcome over patients after acute surgery even after correction for relevant confounders. Frailty might be used to guide clinicians in risk stratification in both patients admitted after elective and acute surgery.
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| 6. |
- Wernly, B, et al.
(author)
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Sex-specific outcome disparities in very old patients admitted to intensive care medicine: a propensity matched analysis
- 2020
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In: Scientific reports. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 2045-2322. ; 10:1, s. 18671-
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Female and male very elderly intensive patients (VIPs) might differ in characteristics and outcomes. We aimed to compare female versus male VIPs in a large, multinational collective of VIPs with regards to outcome and predictors of mortality. In total, 7555 patients were included in this analysis, 3973 (53%) male and 3582 (47%) female patients. The primary endpoint was 30-day-mortality. Baseline characteristics, data on management and geriatric scores including frailty assessed by Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) were documented. Two propensity scores (for being male) were obtained for consecutive matching, score 1 for baseline characteristics and score 2 for baseline characteristics and ICU management. Male VIPs were younger (83 ± 5 vs. 84 ± 5; p < 0.001), less often frail (CFS > 4; 38% versus 49%; p < 0.001) but evidenced higher SOFA (7 ± 6 versus 6 ± 6 points; p < 0.001) scores. After propensity score matching, no differences in baseline characteristics could be observed. In the paired analysis, the mortality in male VIPs was higher (mean difference 3.34% 95%CI 0.92–5.76%; p = 0.007) compared to females. In both multivariable logistic regression models correcting for propensity score 1 (aOR 1.15 95%CI 1.03–1.27; p = 0.007) and propensity score 2 (aOR 1.15 95%CI 1.04–1.27; p = 0.007) male sex was independently associated with higher odds for 30-day-mortality. Of note, male gender was not associated with ICU mortality (OR 1.08 95%CI 0.98–1.19; p = 0.14). Outcomes of elderly intensive care patients evidenced independent sex differences. Male sex was associated with adverse 30-day-mortality but not ICU-mortality. Further research to identify potential sex-specific risk factors after ICU discharge is warranted.Trial registration: NCT03134807 and NCT03370692; Registered on May 1, 2017 https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03370692.
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| 7. |
- Kovtun, Alessandro, et al.
(author)
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Benchmarking of graphene-based materials: Real commercial products versus ideal graphene
- 2019
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In: 2D Materials. - : IOP Publishing. - 2053-1583. ; 6:2
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- There are tens of industrial producers claiming to sell graphene and related materials (GRM), mostly as solid powders. Recently the quality of commercial GRM has been questioned, and procedures for GRM quality control were suggested using Raman Spectroscopy or Atomic Force Microscopy. Such techniques require dissolving the sample in solvents, possibly introducing artefacts. A more pragmatic approach is needed, based on fast measurements and not requiring any assumption on GRM solubility. To this aim, we report here an overview of the properties of commercial GRM produced by selected companies in Europe, USA and Asia. We benchmark: (A) size, (B) exfoliation grade and (C) oxidation grade of each GRM versus the ones of 'ideal' graphene and, most importantly, versus what reported by the producer. In contrast to previous works, we report explicitly the names of the GRM producers and we do not re-dissolve the GRM in solvents, but only use techniques compatible with industrial powder metrology. A general common trend is observed: Products having low defectivity (%sp 2 bonds >95%) feature low surface area (<200 m 2 g -1 ), while highly exfoliated GRM show a lower sp 2 content, demonstrating that it is still challenging to exfoliate GRM at industrial level without adding defects.
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| 8. |
- Nieminen, M. S., et al.
(author)
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Repetitive use of levosimendan for treatment of chronic advanced heart failure : Clinical evidence, practical considerations, and perspectives: An expert panel consensus
- 2014
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In: International Journal of Cardiology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0167-5273 .- 1874-1754. ; 174:2, s. 360-367
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: The intravenous inodilator levosimendan was developed for the treatment of patients with acutely decompensated heart failure. In the last decade scientific and clinical interest has arisen for its repetitive or intermittent use in patients with advanced chronic, but not necessarily acutely decompensated, heart failure. Recent studies have suggested long-lasting favourable effects of levosimendan when administered repetitively, in terms of haemodynamic parameters, neurohormonal and inflammatory markers, and clinical outcomes. The existing data, however, requires further exploration to allow for definitive conclusions on the safety and clinical efficacy of repetitive use of levosimendan. Methods and results: A panel of 30 experts from 15 countries convened to review and discuss the existing data, and agreed on the patient groups that can be considered to potentially benefit from intermittent treatment with levosimendan. The panel gave recommendations regarding patient dosing and monitoring, derived from the available evidence and from clinical experience. Conclusions: The current data suggest that in selected patients and support out-of-hospital care, intermittent/repetitive levosimendan can be used in advanced heart failure to maintain patient stability. Further studies are needed to focus on morbidity and mortality outcomes, dosing intervals, and patient monitoring. Recommendations for the design of further clinical studies are made. (C) 2014 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd.
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| 9. |
- Ravaioli, F, et al.
(author)
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DNA Methylation Analysis of Ribosomal DNA in Adults With Down Syndrome
- 2022
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In: Frontiers in genetics. - : Frontiers Media SA. - 1664-8021. ; 13, s. 792165-
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Control of ribosome biogenesis is a critical aspect of the regulation of cell metabolism. As ribosomal genes (rDNA) are organized in repeated clusters on chromosomes 13, 14, 15, 21, and 22, trisomy of chromosome 21 confers an excess of rDNA copies to persons with Down syndrome (DS). Previous studies showed an alteration of ribosome biogenesis in children with DS, but the epigenetic regulation of rDNA genes has not been investigated in adults with DS so far. In this study, we used a targeted deep-sequencing approach to measure DNA methylation (DNAm) of rDNA units in whole blood from 69 adults with DS and 95 euploid controls. We further evaluated the expression of the precursor of ribosomal RNAs (RNA45S) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from the same subjects. We found that the rDNA promoter tends to be hypermethylated in DS concerning the control group. The analysis of epihaplotypes (the combination of methylated and unmethylated CpG sites along the same DNA molecule) showed a significantly lower intra-individual diversity in the DS group, which at the same time was characterized by a higher interindividual variability. Finally, we showed that RNA45S expression is lower in adults with DS. Collectively, our results suggest a rearrangement of the epigenetic profile of rDNA in DS, possibly to compensate for the extranumerary rDNA copies. Future studies should assess whether the regulation of ribosome biogenesis can contribute to the pathogenesis of DS and explain the clinical heterogeneity characteristic of the syndrome.
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| 10. |
- Backes, Claudia, et al.
(author)
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Production and processing of graphene and related materials
- 2020
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In: 2D Materials. - : IOP Publishing. - 2053-1583. ; 7:2
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We present an overview of the main techniques for production and processing of graphene and related materials (GRMs), as well as the key characterization procedures. We adopt a 'hands-on' approach, providing practical details and procedures as derived from literature as well as from the authors' experience, in order to enable the reader to reproduce the results. Section I is devoted to 'bottom up' approaches, whereby individual constituents are pieced together into more complex structures. We consider graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) produced either by solution processing or by on-surface synthesis in ultra high vacuum (UHV), as well carbon nanomembranes (CNM). Production of a variety of GNRs with tailored band gaps and edge shapes is now possible. CNMs can be tuned in terms of porosity, crystallinity and electronic behaviour. Section II covers 'top down' techniques. These rely on breaking down of a layered precursor, in the graphene case usually natural crystals like graphite or artificially synthesized materials, such as highly oriented pyrolythic graphite, monolayers or few layers (FL) flakes. The main focus of this section is on various exfoliation techniques in a liquid media, either intercalation or liquid phase exfoliation (LPE). The choice of precursor, exfoliation method, medium as well as the control of parameters such as time or temperature are crucial. A definite choice of parameters and conditions yields a particular material with specific properties that makes it more suitable for a targeted application. We cover protocols for the graphitic precursors to graphene oxide (GO). This is an important material for a range of applications in biomedicine, energy storage, nanocomposites, etc. Hummers' and modified Hummers' methods are used to make GO that subsequently can be reduced to obtain reduced graphene oxide (RGO) with a variety of strategies. GO flakes are also employed to prepare three-dimensional (3d) low density structures, such as sponges, foams, hydro- or aerogels. The assembly of flakes into 3d structures can provide improved mechanical properties. Aerogels with a highly open structure, with interconnected hierarchical pores, can enhance the accessibility to the whole surface area, as relevant for a number of applications, such as energy storage. The main recipes to yield graphite intercalation compounds (GICs) are also discussed. GICs are suitable precursors for covalent functionalization of graphene, but can also be used for the synthesis of uncharged graphene in solution. Degradation of the molecules intercalated in GICs can be triggered by high temperature treatment or microwave irradiation, creating a gas pressure surge in graphite and exfoliation. Electrochemical exfoliation by applying a voltage in an electrolyte to a graphite electrode can be tuned by varying precursors, electrolytes and potential. Graphite electrodes can be either negatively or positively intercalated to obtain GICs that are subsequently exfoliated. We also discuss the materials that can be amenable to exfoliation, by employing a theoretical data-mining approach. The exfoliation of LMs usually results in a heterogeneous dispersion of flakes with different lateral size and thickness. This is a critical bottleneck for applications, and hinders the full exploitation of GRMs produced by solution processing. The establishment of procedures to control the morphological properties of exfoliated GRMs, which also need to be industrially scalable, is one of the key needs. Section III deals with the processing of flakes. (Ultra)centrifugation techniques have thus far been the most investigated to sort GRMs following ultrasonication, shear mixing, ball milling, microfluidization, and wet-jet milling. It allows sorting by size and thickness. Inks formulated from GRM dispersions can be printed using a number of processes, from inkjet to screen printing. Each technique has specific rheological requirements, as well as geometrical constraints. The solvent choice is critical, not only for the GRM stability, but also in terms of optimizing printing on different substrates, such as glass, Si, plastic, paper, etc, all with different surface energies. Chemical modifications of such substrates is also a key step. Sections IV-VII are devoted to the growth of GRMs on various substrates and their processing after growth to place them on the surface of choice for specific applications. The substrate for graphene growth is a key determinant of the nature and quality of the resultant film. The lattice mismatch between graphene and substrate influences the resulting crystallinity. Growth on insulators, such as SiO2, typically results in films with small crystallites, whereas growth on the close-packed surfaces of metals yields highly crystalline films. Section IV outlines the growth of graphene on SiC substrates. This satisfies the requirements for electronic applications, with well-defined graphene-substrate interface, low trapped impurities and no need for transfer. It also allows graphene structures and devices to be measured directly on the growth substrate. The flatness of the substrate results in graphene with minimal strain and ripples on large areas, allowing spectroscopies and surface science to be performed. We also discuss the surface engineering by intercalation of the resulting graphene, its integration with Si-wafers and the production of nanostructures with the desired shape, with no need for patterning. Section V deals with chemical vapour deposition (CVD) onto various transition metals and on insulators. Growth on Ni results in graphitized polycrystalline films. While the thickness of these films can be optimized by controlling the deposition parameters, such as the type of hydrocarbon precursor and temperature, it is difficult to attain single layer graphene (SLG) across large areas, owing to the simultaneous nucleation/growth and solution/precipitation mechanisms. The differing characteristics of polycrystalline Ni films facilitate the growth of graphitic layers at different rates, resulting in regions with differing numbers of graphitic layers. High-quality films can be grown on Cu. Cu is available in a variety of shapes and forms, such as foils, bulks, foams, thin films on other materials and powders, making it attractive for industrial production of large area graphene films. The push to use CVD graphene in applications has also triggered a research line for the direct growth on insulators. The quality of the resulting films is lower than possible to date on metals, but enough, in terms of transmittance and resistivity, for many applications as described in section V. Transfer technologies are the focus of section VI. CVD synthesis of graphene on metals and bottom up molecular approaches require SLG to be transferred to the final target substrates. To have technological impact, the advances in production of high-quality large-area CVD graphene must be commensurate with those on transfer and placement on the final substrates. This is a prerequisite for most applications, such as touch panels, anticorrosion coatings, transparent electrodes and gas sensors etc. New strategies have improved the transferred graphene quality, making CVD graphene a feasible option for CMOS foundries. Methods based on complete etching of the metal substrate in suitable etchants, typically iron chloride, ammonium persulfate, or hydrogen chloride although reliable, are time- and resource-consuming, with damage to graphene and production of metal and etchant residues. Electrochemical delamination in a low-concentration aqueous solution is an alternative. In this case metallic substrates can be reused. Dry transfer is less detrimental for the SLG quality, enabling a deterministic transfer. There is a large range of layered materials (LMs) beyond graphite. Only few of them have been already exfoliated and fully characterized. Section VII deals with the growth of some of these materials. Amongst them, h-BN, transition metal tri- and di-chalcogenides are of paramount importance. The growth of h-BN is at present considered essential for the development of graphene in (opto) electronic applications, as h-BN is ideal as capping layer or substrate. The interesting optical and electronic properties of TMDs also require the development of scalable methods for their production. Large scale growth using chemical/physical vapour deposition or thermal assisted conversion has been thus far limited to a small set, such as h-BN or some TMDs. Heterostructures could also be directly grown. Section VIII discusses advances in GRM functionalization. A broad range of organic molecules can be anchored to the sp(2) basal plane by reductive functionalization. Negatively charged graphene can be prepared in liquid phase (e.g. via intercalation chemistry or electrochemically) and can react with electrophiles. This can be achieved both in dispersion or on substrate. The functional groups of GO can be further derivatized. Graphene can also be noncovalently functionalized, in particular with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons that assemble on the sp(2) carbon network by pi-pi stacking. In the liquid phase, this can enhance the colloidal stability of SLG/FLG. Approaches to achieve noncovalent on-substrate functionalization are also discussed, which can chemically dope graphene. Research efforts to derivatize CNMs are also summarized, as well as novel routes to selectively address defect sites. In dispersion, edges are the most dominant defects and can be covalently modified. This enhances colloidal stability without modifying the graphene basal plane. Basal plane point defects can also be modified, passivated and healed in ultra-high vacuum. The decoration of graphene with metal nanoparticles (NPs) has also received considerable attention, as it allows to exploit synergistic effects between NPs and graphene. Decoration can be either achieved chemically or in the gas phase. All LMs,
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| 11. |
- Durso, M., et al.
(author)
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Biomimetic graphene for enhanced interaction with the external membrane of astrocytes
- 2018
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In: Journal of Materials Chemistry B. - : Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC). - 2050-7518 .- 2050-750X. ; 6:33, s. 5335-5342
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Graphene and graphene substrates display huge potential as material interfaces for devices and biomedical tools targeting the modulation or recovery of brain functionality. However, to be considered reliable neural interfaces, graphene-derived substrates should properly interact with astrocytes, favoring their growth and avoiding adverse gliotic reactions. Indeed, astrocytes are the most abundant cells in the human brain and they have a crucial physiological role to maintain its homeostasis and modulate synaptic transmission. In this work, we describe a new strategy based on the chemical modification of graphene oxide (GO) with a synthetic phospholipid (PL) to improve interaction of GO with brain astroglial cells. The PL moieties were grafted on GO sheets through polymeric brushes obtained by atom-transfer radical-polymerization (ATRP) between acryloyl-modified PL and GO nanosheets modified with a bromide initiator. The adhesion of primary rat cortical astrocytes on GO-PL substrates increased by about three times with respect to that on glass substrates coated with standard adhesion agents (i.e. poly-d-lysine, PDL) as well as with respect to that on non-functionalized GO. Moreover, we show that astrocytes seeded on GO-PL did not display significant gliotic reactivity, indicating that the material interface did not cause a detrimental inflammatory reaction when interacting with astroglial cells. Our results indicate that the reported biomimetic approach could be applied to neural prosthesis to improve cell colonization and avoid glial scar formation in brain implants. Additionally, improved adhesion could be extremely relevant in devices targeting neural cell sensing/modulation of physiological activity.
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| 12. |
- Morandi, A, et al.
(author)
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Consensus and variations in opinions on delirium care : a survey of European delirium specialists
- 2013
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In: International psychogeriatrics. - : Cambridge University Press. - 1041-6102 .- 1741-203X. ; 25:12, s. 2067-2075
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: There are still substantial uncertainties over best practice in delirium care. The European Delirium Association (EDA) conducted a survey of its members and other interested parties on various aspects of delirium care.Methods: The invitation to participate in the online survey was distributed among the EDA membership. The survey covered assessment, treatment of hyperactive and hypoactive delirium, and organizational management.Results: A total of 200 responses were collected (United Kingdom 28.6%, Netherlands 25.3%, Italy 15%, Switzerland 9.7%, Germany 7.1%, Spain 3.8%, Portugal 2.5%, Ireland 2.5%, Sweden 0.6%, Denmark 0.6%, Austria 0.6%, and others 3.2%). Most of the responders were doctors (80%), working in geriatrics (45%) or internal medicine (14%). Ninety-two per cent of the responders assessed patients for delirium daily. The most commonly used assessment tools were the Confusion Assessment Method (52%) and the Delirium Observation Screening Scale (30%). The first-line choice in the management of hyperactive delirium was a combination of non-pharmacological and pharmacological approaches (61%). Conversely, non-pharmacological management was the first-line choice in hypoactive delirium (67%). Delirium awareness (34%), knowledge (33%), and lack of education (13%) were the most commonly reported barriers to improving the detection of delirium. Interestingly, 63% of the responders referred patients after an episode of delirium to a follow-up clinic.Conclusions: This is the first systematic survey involving an international group of specialists in delirium. Several areas of lack of consensus were found. These results emphasise the importance of further research to improve care of this major unmet medical need.
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| 13. |
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| 14. |
- Morandi, F, et al.
(author)
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Human Amnion Epithelial Cells Impair T Cell Proliferation: The Role of HLA-G and HLA-E Molecules
- 2020
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In: Cells. - : MDPI AG. - 2073-4409. ; 9:9
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The immunoprivilege status characteristic of human amnion epithelial cells (hAECs) has been recently highlighted in the context of xenogenic transplantation. However, the mechanism(s) involved in such regulatory functions have been so far only partially been clarified. Here, we have analyzed the expression of HLA-Ib molecules in isolated hAEC obtained from full term placentae. Moreover, we asked whether these molecules are involved in the immunoregulatory functions of hAEC. Human amnion-derived cells expressed surface HLA-G and HLA-F at high levels, whereas the commonly expressed HLA-E molecule has been measured at a very low level or null on freshly isolated cells. HLA-Ib molecules can be expressed as membrane-bound and soluble forms, and in all hAEC batches analyzed we measured high levels of sHLA-G and sHLA-E when hAEC were maintained in culture, and such a release was time-dependent. Moreover, HLA-G was present in extracellular vesicles (EVs) released by hAEC. hAEC suppressed T cell proliferation in vitro at different hAEC:T cell ratios, as previously reported. Moreover, inhibition of T cell proliferation was partially reverted by pretreating hAEC with anti-HLA-G, anti-HLA-E and anti-β2 microglobulin, thus suggesting that HLA-G and -E molecules are involved in hAEC-mediated suppression of T cell proliferation. Finally, either large-size EV (lsEV) or small-size EV (ssEV) derived from hAEC significantly modulated T-cell proliferation. In conclusion, we have here characterized one of the mechanism(s) underlying immunomodulatory functions of hAEC, related to the expression and release of HLA-Ib molecules.
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| 15. |
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| 16. |
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| 17. |
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| 18. |
- Tavares, Julia, et al.
(author)
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Basin-wide variation in tree hydraulic safety margins predicts the carbon balance of Amazon forests
- 2023
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In: Nature. - : Springer Nature. - 0028-0836 .- 1476-4687. ; 617:7959, s. 111-117
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Tropical forests face increasing climate risk(1,2), yet our ability to predict their response to climate change is limited by poor understanding of their resistance to water stress. Although xylem embolism resistance thresholds (for example, ?(50)) and hydraulic safety margins (for example, HSM50) are important predictors of drought-induced mortality risk(3-5), little is known about how these vary across Earth's largest tropical forest. Here, we present a pan-Amazon, fully standardized hydraulic traits dataset and use it to assess regional variation in drought sensitivity and hydraulic trait ability to predict species distributions and long-term forest biomass accumulation. Parameters ?(50) and HSM50 vary markedly across the Amazon and are related to average long-term rainfall characteristics. Both ?(50) and HSM50 influence the biogeographical distribution of Amazon tree species. However, HSM50 was the only significant predictor of observed decadal-scale changes in forest biomass. Old-growth forests with wide HSM50 are gaining more biomass than are low HSM(50 )forests. We propose that this may be associated with a growth-mortality trade-off whereby trees in forests consisting of fast-growing species take greater hydraulic risks and face greater mortality risk. Moreover, in regions of more pronounced climatic change, we find evidence that forests are losing biomass, suggesting that species in these regions may be operating beyond their hydraulic limits. Continued climate change is likely to further reduce HSM50 in the Amazon(6,7), with strong implications for the Amazon carbon sink.
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| 19. |
- van der Steeg, Hendrik J.J., et al.
(author)
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Bowel function and associated risk factors at preschool and early childhood age in children with anorectal malformation type rectovestibular fistula : An ARM-Net consortium study
- 2022
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In: Journal of Pediatric Surgery. - : Elsevier BV. - 0022-3468. ; 57:9, s. 89-96
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Outcome of patients operated for anorectal malformation (ARM) type rectovestibular fistula (RVF) is generally considered to be good. However, large multi-center studies are scarce, mostly describing pooled outcome of different ARM-types, in adult patients. Therefore, counseling parents concerning the bowel function at early age is challenging. Aim of this study was to evaluate bowel function of RVF-patients at preschool/early childhood age and determine risk factors for poor functional outcome. Methods: A multi-center cohort study was performed. Patient characteristics, associated anomalies, sacral ratio, surgical procedures, post-reconstructive complications, one-year constipation, and Bowel Function Score (BFS) at 4–7 years of follow-up were registered. Groups with below normal (BFS < 17; subgroups ‘poor’ ≤ 11, and ‘fair’ 11 < BFS < 17) and good outcome (BFS ≥ 17) were formed. Univariable analyses were performed to detect risk factors for outcome. Results: The study included 111 RVF-patients. Median BFS was 16 (range 6–20). The ‘below normal’ group consisted of 61 patients (55.0%). Overall, we reported soiling, fecal accidents, and constipation in 64.9%, 35.1% and 70.3%, respectively. Bowel management was performed in 23.4% of patients. Risk factors for poor outcome were tethered cord and low sacral ratio, while sacral anomalies, low sacral ratio, prior enterostomy, post-reconstructive complications, and one-year constipation were for being on bowel management. Conclusions: Although median BFS at 4–7 year follow-up is nearly normal, the majority of patients suffers from some degree of soiling and constipation, and almost 25% needs bowel management. Several factors were associated with poor bowel function outcome and bowel management. Level of Evidence: Level III.
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| 20. |
- Yazdani-Asrami, Mohammad, et al.
(author)
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Roadmap on artificial intelligence and big data techniques for superconductivity
- 2023
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In: Superconductors Science and Technology. - : IOP Publishing. - 0953-2048 .- 1361-6668. ; 36:4, s. 043501-043501
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This paper presents a roadmap to the application of AI techniques and big data (BD) for different modelling, design, monitoring, manufacturing and operation purposes of different superconducting applications. To help superconductivity researchers, engineers, and manufacturers understand the viability of using AI and BD techniques as future solutions for challenges in superconductivity, a series of short articles are presented to outline some of the potential applications and solutions. These potential futuristic routes and their materials/technologies are considered for a 10–20 yr time-frame.
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| 21. |
- Amerstorfer, Eva Elisa, et al.
(author)
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What do pediatric surgeons think about sexual issues in dealing with patients with anorectal malformations? The ARM-Net consortium members’ opinion
- 2019
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In: Pediatric Surgery International. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0179-0358 .- 1437-9813. ; 35:9, s. 935-943
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Purpose: Since pediatric surgeons aim to follow their patients with anorectal malformations (ARM) into adulthood the aim of this study was to investigate how pediatric surgeons deal with sexual issues related to ARM. Methods: In 2018, a questionnaire was developed by the working group “Follow-up and sexuality” of the ARM-Net consortium and sent to all consortium-linked pediatric surgeons from 31 European pediatric surgical centers. Obtained data were statistically analyzed. Results: Twenty-eight of 37 pediatric surgeons (18 males/10 females) answered the questionnaire. The majority of pediatric surgeons (82%) think they should talk about sexual issues with their patient. More than 50% of pediatric surgeons do not feel at all or only moderately confident discussing the topic of sexuality. Most pediatric surgeons require more support (96%) and wish to be trained in sexuality and sexual issues (78%) to feel confident towards their ARM-patients/parents. For optimal care, sexual issues with ARM-patients should be managed by a multidisciplinary team. Conclusions: Pediatric surgeons feel that sexuality is an important issue for their ARM-patients, which they are primarily responsible of but should be managed in concert with a multidisciplinary team. A training in sexuality is wished to feel more confident about this specific issue.
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| 22. |
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| 23. |
- Concina, Isabella, et al.
(author)
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One pot synthesis of bi-linker stabilised CdSe quantum dots
- 2010
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In: Journal of Physics, Conference Series. - : IOP Publishing. - 1742-6588 .- 1742-6596. ; 244
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- In this study we exploited the classic Murray's synthesis for generating a hydrophilic CdSe quantum dot system in a single step procedure, with the aim of directly obtaining a material responding to the characteristic of polarity required in many end applications. 6-phosphonohexanoic acid was used as both ligand for generating the active monomer during the synthesis of the quantum dots and final stabiliser. Diffraction measurements identified the cubic phase of cadmium selenide. Energy dispersive spectroscopy analysis revealed non-stoichiometric quantum dots, being the Cd/Se ratio 60/40. This feature suggests a configuration in which Cd2+ ions are present on the nanocrystal surface. Diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform analysis was applied in order to investigate the structure of the quantum dot system: the results indicate a configuration in which the carboxylic function of 6-phosphonohexanoic acid establishes only a partial interaction with the quantum dot surface, being set in a pseudo-ester configuration. © 2010 IOP Publishing Ltd.
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| 24. |
- Dell'Elce, Simone, et al.
(author)
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3D to 2D reorganization of silver-thiol nanostructures, triggered by solvent vapor annealing
- 2018
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In: Nanoscale. - : Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC). - 2040-3372 .- 2040-3364. ; 10:48, s. 23018-23026
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Metal-organic composites are of great interest for a wide range of applications. The control of their structure remains a challenge, one of the problems being a complex interplay of covalent and supramolecular interactions. This paper describes the self-assembly, thermal stability and phase transitions of ordered structures of silver atoms and thiol molecules spanning from the molecular to the mesoscopic scale. Building blocks of molecularly defined clusters formed from 44 silver atoms, each particle coated by a monolayer of 30 thiol ligands, are used as ideal building blocks. By changing solvent and temperature it is possible to tune the self-assembled 3D crystals of pristine nanoparticles or, conversely, 2D layered structures, with alternated stacks of Ag atoms and thiol monolayers. The study investigates morphological, chemical and structural stability of these materials between 25 and 300 °C in situ and ex situ at the nanoscale by combining optical and electronic spectroscopic and scattering techniques, scanning probe microscopies and density-functional theory (DFT) calculations. The proposed wet-chemistry approach is relatively cheap, easy to implement, and scalable, allowing the fabricated materials with tuned properties using the same building blocks.
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| 25. |
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| 26. |
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| 27. |
- Hageman, Isabel C., et al.
(author)
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A Quality Assessment of the ARM-Net Registry Design and Data Collection
- 2023
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In: Journal of Pediatric Surgery. - : Elsevier BV. - 0022-3468. ; 58:10, s. 1921-1928
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Registries are important in rare disease research. The Anorectal Malformation Network (ARM-Net) registry is a well-established European patient registry collecting demographic, clinical, and functional outcome data. We assessed the quality of this registry through review of the structure, data elements, collected data, and user experience. Material and methods: Design and data elements were assessed for completeness, consistency, usefulness, accuracy, validity, and comparability. An intra- and inter-user variability study was conducted through monitoring and re-registration of patients. User experience was assessed via a questionnaire on registration, design of registry, and satisfaction. Results: We evaluated 119 data elements, of which 107 were utilized and comprised 42 string and 65 numeric elements. A minority (37.0%) of the 2278 included records had complete data, though this improved to 83.5% when follow-up elements were excluded. Intra-observer variability demonstrated 11.7% incongruence, while inter-observer variability was 14.7%. Users were predominantly pediatric surgeons and typically registered patients within 11–30 min. Users did not experience any significant difficulties with data entry and were generally satisfied with the registry, but preferred more longitudinal data and patient-reported outcomes. Conclusions: The ARM-Net registry presents one of the largest ARM cohorts. Although its collected data are valuable, they are susceptible to error and user variability. Continuous evaluations are required to maintain relevant and high-quality data and to achieve long-term sustainability. With the recommendations resulting from this study, we call for rare disease patient registries to take example and aim to continuously improve their data quality to enhance the small, but impactful, field of rare disease research. Level of Evidence: V.
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| 28. |
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| 29. |
- Olofsson, Birgitta, et al.
(author)
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Development of dementia in patients with femoral neck fracture who experience postoperative delirium : A three-year follow-up study
- 2018
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In: International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 0885-6230 .- 1099-1166. ; 33:4, s. 623-632
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objectives It remains unclear to what extent postoperative delirium (POD) affects the incidence of dementia in hip fracture patients, and the methods used to detect delirium and dementia require validation. The aim of this study was to investigate the development of dementia within 3 years of femoral neck fracture repair surgery, with a focus on POD as a potential predictive factor.Methods Patients were assessed for cognition, delirium, depression, psychological well-being, and nutritional status during their hospitalization as well as 4, 12, and 36 months after the operation. Logistic regression models were used to analyse factors associated with POD and factors associated with the development of dementia.Results The study sample consisted of 135 patients without a history of dementia, of whom 20 (14.8%) were delirious preoperatively and 75 (55.5%) postoperatively. Three years after their operations, 43/135 patients (31.8%) were diagnosed with dementia. A greater portion of patients diagnosed with dementia (39/43, 90.6%) than patients with no dementia (36/92, 39.1%) were included among the 75 patients who had experienced POD (P<0.001). In a logistic regression model, after adjustment for covariates (age, sex, diabetes, delirium pre- and postoperatively, hyperactive delirium, days with delirium, urinary tract infection, and Mini Nutritional Assessment score), POD emerged an independent predictor for the development of new dementia (odds ratio, 15.6; 95% confidence interval, 2.6-91.6) within 3 years after the operation.Conclusion Geriatric hip fracture patients who exhibit POD should be monitored closely for the development of dementia.
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| 30. |
- Pablo-García, Sergio, et al.
(author)
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Fast evaluation of the adsorption energy of organic molecules on metals via graph neural networks
- 2023
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In: Nature Computational Science. - 2662-8457. ; 3:5, s. 433-442
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Modeling in heterogeneous catalysis requires the extensive evaluation of the energy of molecules adsorbed on surfaces. This is done via density functional theory but for large organic molecules it requires enormous computational time, compromising the viability of the approach. Here we present GAME-Net, a graph neural network to quickly evaluate the adsorption energy. GAME-Net is trained on a well-balanced chemically diverse dataset with C1–4 molecules with functional groups including N, O, S and C6–10 aromatic rings. The model yields a mean absolute error of 0.18 eV on the test set and is 6 orders of magnitude faster than density functional theory. Applied to biomass and plastics (up to 30 heteroatoms), adsorption energies are predicted with a mean absolute error of 0.016 eV per atom. The framework represents a tool for the fast screening of catalytic materials, particularly for systems that cannot be simulated by traditional methods.
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| 31. |
- Xia, Zhenyuan, 1983, et al.
(author)
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Dispersion Stability and Surface Morphology Study of Electrochemically Exfoliated Bilayer Graphene Oxide
- 2019
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In: Journal of Physical Chemistry C. - : American Chemical Society (ACS). - 1932-7447 .- 1932-7455. ; 123:24, s. 15122-15130
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- During the last decade, electrochemical exfoliation of graphite has aroused great interest from both academia and industry for mass production of graphene sheets. Electrochemically exfoliated graphene oxide (EGO) features a much better tunability than chemically EGO, or even than graphene obtained with ultrasonic exfoliation. Chemical and electrical properties of EGO can be modified extensively, thanks to its step-controllable oxidation process, varying the electrolytes and/or the applied potential. It is thus possible, using tunable electrochemical oxidation, to produce low-defect EGO sheets, featuring both good electric conductivity and good dispersibility in common solvents (e.g., acetonitrile or isopropanol). This greatly facilitates its application in several fields, for example, in flexible electronics. In this work, we correlate the dispersion behavior of EGO with its chemical properties using the relative Hansen solubility parameter, zeta potential values, X-ray photoemission spectroscopy, and Raman analysis. A surface morphology study by atomic force microscopy and transmission electron microscopy analyses also reveals that EGO sheets are multiple structures of (partially oxidized) graphene bilayers. Conductive EGO films could be easily prepared by vacuum filtration on different substrates, obtaining electrical conductivity values of up to ∼104 S/m with no need for further reduction procedures.
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