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We have developed a phenomenological turbulent model with one-dimensional (1D) simulation based on Reynolds decomposition. Using this method, we have systematically studied models with different effects of compression, mixing length parameters, and diffusion coefficient of internal energy, turbulence energy, and electron fraction. With employed turbulent effects, supernova explosion can be achieved in 1D geometry, which can mimic the evolution of shock in the 3D simulations. We found that enhancement of turbulent energy by compression affects the early shock evolution. The diffusion coefficients of internal energy and turbulent energy also affect the explodability. The smaller diffusion makes the shock revival faster. Our comparison between the two reveals that the diffusion coefficients of internal energy has a greater impact. These simulations would help understand the role of turbulence in core-collapse supernovae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Topochemistry enables step-by-step conversions of solid-state materials often leading to metastable structures that retain initial structural motifs. Recent advances in this field revealed many examples where relatively bulky anionic constituents were actively involved in redox reactions during (de)intercalation processes. Such reactions are often accompanied by anion-anion bond formation, which heralds possibilities to design novel structure types disparate from known precursors, in a controlled manner. Here we present the multistep conversion of layered oxychalcogenides Sr2MnO2Cu1.5Ch2 (Ch = S, Se) into Cu-deintercalated phases where antifluorite type [Cu1.5Ch2]2.5- slabs collapsed into two-dimensional arrays of chalcogen dimers. The collapse of the chalcogenide layers on deintercalation led to various stacking types of Sr2MnO2Ch2 slabs, which formed polychalcogenide structures unattainable by conventional high-temperature syntheses. Anion-redox topochemistry is demonstrated to be of interest not only for electrochemical applications but also as a means to design complex layered architectures. Low temperature chemical transformations of solids using high-energy intermediates have enabled the synthesis of a new series of layered oxide chalcogenide containing oxidised chalcogenide dimers promising a new range of solids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synthesis and phase-transition behavior of a novel homologous series of 4′-alkylseleno-4-cyanobiphenyls [nSeCB, where n represents the number of carbon atoms in the alkyl chains (n = 1–8)] is reported. Polarized optical microscopy and differential scanning calorimetry revealed that the nSeCB homologs with n = 1–6 exhibited monotropic nematic (N) phases at low temperatures, which appeared below 10 °C for nSeCB with n = 3–6. However, no liquid crystal (LC) phase was observed in the nSeCB with n = 7 and 8. In addition, we compared the phase-transition behaviors of the nSeCB homologs with those of the alkyl-, alkoxy-, and alkylthio-based homologous series (nCB, nOCB, and nSCB, respectively). The LC phases of certain nCB and nOCB were enantiotropic, whereas those of all nSCB and nSeCB were monotropic. The longer-chain nCB, nOCB, and nSCB homologs formed layered smectic A (SmA) phases, whereas only N phases were observed for the nSeCB homologs within the tested range of the chain lengths. The nSeCB series showed the lowest isotropic-to-N phase-transition (TIN) temperatures for all chain lengths except 1SeCB. The low mesogenic ability and LC phase-transition temperatures of nSeCB were attributed to the higher flexibility, steric bulk, and lower molecular anisotropy due to the C–Se–C bond, which has lower rotational barriers, longer bond lengths, and smaller bond angles than the other bonds compared herein. The varying alkyl-chain lengths had a greater influence on the phase-transition temperatures of the nSeCB homologs than those of the other homologs. Furthermore, the single-crystal structural analysis of 1SeCB was conducted to obtain insights into the phase-transition behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To design ultrabright fluorescent solid dyes, a crystal engineering strategy that enables monomeric emission by blocking intermolecular electronic interactions is required. We introduced propylene moieties to distyrylbenzene (DSB) as bridges between the phenyl rings either side of its C=C bonds. The bridged DSB derivatives formed compact crystals that emit colors similar to those of the same molecules in dilute solution, with high quantum yields. The introduction of flexible seven‐membered rings to the DSB core produced moderate distortion and steric hindrance in the DSB π‐plane. However, owing to this strategy, it was possible to control the molecular arrangement with almost no decrease in the crystal density, and intermolecular electronic interactions were suppressed. The bridged DSB crystal structure differs from other DSB derivative structures; thus, bridging affords access to novel crystalline systems. This design strategy has important implications in many fields and is more effective than the conventional photofunctional molecular crystal design strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study is aimed to evaluate the impact of catheter contact angle on lesion formation and durability of pulmonary vein isolation (PVI).Methods: Both in vitro experiment and retrospective observational study were conducted. For in vitro experiment, radiofrequency lesions were created on explanted swine hearts in three different catheter contact angles (0°, 45°, and 90°). In the retrospective observational study, we assessed patients who had undergone repeat catheter ablation due to atrial fibrillation recurrence after initial PVI. When pulmonary vein (PV) reconnection was observed, we analyzed the previous ablation points within and without the gap area. The gap areas were where ablation had changed the PV activation sequence or eliminated the PV potential in the repeat session.Results: In the in vitro experiment, lesion width was the smallest (5.3 ± 0.4 mm) in perpendicular contact compared to 0° (vs 5.8 ± 0.5 mm, p = 0.040) and 45° (vs 6.4 ± 0.4 mm, p < 0.001). In the retrospective observational study, we assessed 666 tags of 16 patients with PV reconnections, and 60 tags were in the gap area. Tags in the gap area had longer interlesion distance (odds ratio [OR] 1.49, p < 0.001), greater contact force variability (OR 1.03, p = 0.008), and higher rate of perpendicular contact (OR 3.26, p < 0.001) on multivariate analysis.Conclusions: Perpendicular contact was associated with a smaller lesion and higher rate of PV reconnection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To describe the effects of the alkylthio groups on the phase transition behavior of organic liquid crystal (LC) molecules and their causes, we herein scrutinize the melting points (Tm) and nematic (N)–isotropic phase transition temperatures (TNI or TIN) of alkylthio-, alkoxy-, and alkyl-based LC homologues. To begin with, phase transitions are compared for three homologous series of 4-cyanophenyl benzoates bearing 4-alkyl-, 4-alkoxy-, and 4-alkylthio groups (denoted by nCPB, nOCPB, and nSCPB, respectively) with different alkyl chains (CnH2n+1; n = 1–8). In contrast to nCPB and nOCPB, some of which exhibit enantiotropic N phases, all alkylthio-based nSCPB are found to display monotropic N phases. The nSCPB homologues exhibit higher Tm than not only their corresponding nCPB for all n but also nOCPB counterparts in the case of long chains (n ≥ 6); a similar trend is confirmed also for the Tm values of the structurally similar biphenyl- and cyanobiphenyl-based homologues. Meanwhile, the TNI or TIN values of nSCPB and nCPB are lower than those of nOCPB for all n, and higher for nSCPB than for nCPB with the short chains (n = 1 and 2) but comparable with one another for the longer chains (n ≥ 3). In addition, our discussion addresses more anisotropic 1,4-phenylene bis(benzoate) LCs with alkylthio and alkoxy groups. Furthermore, single-crystal structures of three LC molecules with methylthio groups are examined. Several interatomic contacts around the sulfur atoms such as S⋯HC contacts are indicated, which differ for respective molecules. The present study draws the following conclusions. The alkylthio groups mostly play the role of decreasing the phase transition temperatures (especially TNI or TIN) and hindering LC formation for organic rod-like molecules, primarily due to conformational flexibility, steric bulkiness, and lower molecular anisotropy imposed by C–S–C. The sulfur atom contributes to intermolecular attractive interactions, which are reflected in phase transitions as spatially averaged phenomena (i.e., dispersion force and more polarizable π-systems). The influence of those interactions become more pronounced with lengthening alkyl chains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The microstructure dependence of the low-temperature toughness of a 2205 duplex stainless steel produced by a thermo-mechanical control process was investigated in the temperature range from − 147 °C to − 60 °C. In order to compare the influence of the thermo-mechanical control process on toughness, specimens with two different microstructures were prepared by using different thermal processing histories. The heat treatment process was carried out by high temperature heating to induce grain growth. The conventional process and the thermo-mechanical control process were applied with different cooling rates of 0.1 and 30.0 °C/s from the heating temperature of 1300 °C to the hot working temperature of 1000 °C. Coarse microstructures were observed with the heat treatment and the conventional process, while the microstructure achieved by the thermo-mechanical control process consisted of fine austenite grains with a single μm size. The thermo-mechanical control process resulted in a higher low-temperature toughness and a decrease of 26 °C to 33 °C in the ductile–brittle transition temperature. Based on an investigation of the relationship between the fractography and instrumentation Charpy test results, it was concluded that the fine austenite grains produced by the thermo-mechanical control process have the function of preventing crack initiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intercalation of Cu into layered polychalcogenide La2O2S2 was demonstrated to be viable both under solvothermal conditions at 200 °C and mechanical ball milling at ambient temperature. This result evidences the soft-chemical nature of metal intercalation into layered polychalcogenides driven by the redox reactivity of anion–anion bonds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, all-solid-state batteries (ASSBs) have been attracting attention as the next generation batteries for electric vehicles, energy storage systems, etc. Despite the growing interest, there are still many challenges faced in the commercial use of ASSBs. One of the biggest issues is the internal resistance, especially generated at the interface between solid electrolyte and electrode. The internal resistance at the interface limits the charge-discharge cycling performances. In order to solve this issue, it is necessary to examine the chemical and physical interactions at the interface. In this study, we have performed a detailed characterization of a LiPON/LiCoO2 interface using time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy, and low-energy inverse photoelectron spectroscopy to obtain information on chemical species, chemical compositions, chemical states, and energy band diagrams. These powerful techniques have revealed that an interlayer between LiPON and LiCoO2 was formed due to the temperature rise during the manufacturing process. The temperature rise caused a change of the LiPON network structure and stimulated Co reduction in the LiCoO2 layer near the interface. Energy band diagram analysis suggests that the electron diffusion from LiPON to LiCoO2 may have triggered the reduction of Co. We concluded that the chemical changes that occur at the interface caused an increase in interfacial impedance. Preventing the chemical reduction of Co would be a key to minimize the internal resistance. In this article, the detailed chemical interactions between the LiPON and LiCoO2 layers will be discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Designing and synthesising new metastable compounds is a major challenge of today's material science. While exploration of metastable oxides has seen decades-long advancement thanks to the topochemical deintercalation of oxygen as recently spotlighted with the discovery of nickelate superconductor, such unique synthetic pathway has not yet been found for chalcogenide compounds. Here we combine an original soft chemistry approach, structure prediction calculations and advanced electron microscopy techniques to demonstrate the topochemical deintercalation/reintercalation of sulfur in a layered oxychalcogenide leading to the design of novel metastable phases. We demonstrate that La2O2S2 may react with monovalent metals to produce sulfur-deintercalated metastable phases La2O2S1.5 and oA-La2O2S whose lamellar structures were predicted thanks to an evolutionary structure-prediction algorithm. This study paves the way to unexplored topochemistry of mobile chalcogen anions. Great progress has been made in topochemistry of mobile oxygen anions, but metastable compounds have not yet been achieved by deintercalation of sulfur anions. Here, the authors prepare metastable oxychalcogenide phases by taking advantage of redox-reactive sulfur dimers embedded in a layered oxysulfide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) display a rich variety of instabilities such as spin and charge orders, Ising superconductivity, and topological properties. Their physical properties can be controlled by doping in electric double‐layer field‐effect transistors (FET). However, for the case of single layer NbSe2, FET doping is limited to ≈1 × 1014 cm−2, while a somewhat larger charge injection can be obtained via deposition of K atoms. Here, by performing angle‐resolved photoemission spectroscopy, scanning tunneling microscopy, quasiparticle interference measurements, and first‐principles calculations it is shown that a misfit compound formed by sandwiching NbSe2 and LaSe layers behaves as a NbSe2 single layer with a rigid doping of 0.55–0.6 electrons per Nb atom or ≈6 × 1014 cm−2. Due to this huge doping, the 3 × 3 charge density wave is replaced by a 2 × 2 order with very short coherence length. As a tremendous number of different misfit compounds can be obtained by sandwiching TMDs layers with rock salt or other layers, this work paves the way to the exploration of heavily doped 2D TMDs over an unprecedented wide range of doping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Early worsening heart failure (WHF), defined as worsening of symptoms and signs of heart failure requiring intensification of medical or mechanical therapy during an admission for acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF), has recently been recognized as a risk of morbidity or mortality after the discharge. Although echocardiographic parameters of left ventricular (LV) output has been shown to be associated with long-term outcome in heart failure patients, its predictive value for early WHF has not been elucidated. Methods: Prospect trial to Elucidate the utility of EchocarDiography-based Cardiac output in acute heart failure (PREDICT) is a multicenter, nonrandomized, prospective observational study to test the predictive value of echocardiographic LV output parameters for early WHF in ADHF patients. We will enroll patients admitted to 16 participating hospitals due to ADHF who did not receive positive inotropic agents as an initial therapy. Primary outcome will be set at early WHF defined as need for initiation of positive inotropic agents within 7 days after the admission. Predictive accuracy will be compared between Doppler echocardiographic LV output (stroke distance, stroke volume index, and cardiac index) and low perfusion findings assessed by physical examination. Results: N/A. Conclusions: The PREDICT is expected to provide large data set to test the predictive value of echocardiographic LV output for early WHF in ADHF patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We herein report phase transitions, mesomorphism, birefringence behavior and photoluminescence properties of symmetric liquid crystal (LC) dimers based on diphenylacetylene or tolane. A homologous series of 4-methoxy tolanes linked with oligomethylene spacers consisting of carbon numbers (m) of 5–12 via ether linkages (1OTOmOTO1) were developed. The 1OTOmOTO1 series exhibited only a nematic phase, in contrast with the previously reported homologues with long terminal alkoxy chains, which exhibit layered smectic phases. We revealed that even the longest even-numbered 1OTO12OTO1 exhibits higher birefringence (Δn) than the shortest odd-numbered 1OTO5OTO1 at similar shifted temperatures. This fact suggests that the parity effect in the spacer that enhances Δn in an even-m surpasses the dilution effect that decreases Δn in large m for LC dimers. In addition, the photophysical measurements found aggregation-induced emission of the dimer concomitant with the emergence of an abnormally structured fluorescence band, which perhaps arises from a unique excited state enabled by aggregation. Single-crystal structural analysis revealed that diphenylacetylene moieties in neighboring molecules have face-to-edge orthogonal packing with one another, supporting the strong face-to-edge preferences of diphenylacetylene moiety and its enhanced fluorescence in aggregated states. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Researchers and donors consider informal recyclers as an important part of improving waste management in developing countries. This study investigates data relating to the recycling rate of waste pickers in Bantar Gebang, Republic of Indonesia. The study estimates the net weight of soft plastic and hard plastic recycling achieved by these waste pickers. Data were obtained from qualitative and quantitative field surveys conducted over a total of 808 days, from February 2010 to January 2018. Based on 78 households with a total of 156 individuals, the average monthly weight of collected recyclables was 126.7 kg per household. The average monthly weight of collected recyclables on an individual basis varied between 81.0 and 63.3 kg, depending on the number of informal recyclers in the household. The estimated total weight of collected recyclables was 3617.6 tons per month. Bosses sold these collected recyclables to different recycling factories depending on the expected profit. It was estimated that the activities of the waste pickers produced at least 725.4 tons of recycled pellets of soft plastic and 280.8 tons of recycled pellets and flakes of hard plastic. The informal recycling rate for all waste and non-organic waste on the site was 1.6% and 9.3%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To broaden the application of aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) luminogens (AIEgens), the design of novel small‐molecular dyes that exhibit high fluorescence quantum yield (Φfl) in the solid state is required. Considering that the mechanism of AIE can be rationalized based on steric avoidance of non‐radiative decay pathways, a series of bridged stilbenes was designed, and their non‐radiative decay pathways were investigated theoretically. Bridged stilbenes with short alkyl chains exhibited a strong fluorescence emission in solution and in the solid state, while bridged stilbenes with long alkyl chains exhibited AIE. Based on this theoretical prediction, we developed the bridged stilbenes BPST[7] and DPB[7], which demonstrate excellent AIE behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To broaden the application of aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) luminogens (AIEgens), the design of novel small‐molecular dyes that exhibit high fluorescence quantum yield (Φfl) in the solid state is required. Considering that the mechanism of AIE can be rationalized based on steric avoidance of non‐radiative decay pathways, a series of bridged stilbenes was designed, and their non‐radiative decay pathways were investigated theoretically. Bridged stilbenes with short alkyl chains exhibited a strong fluorescence emission in solution and in the solid state, while bridged stilbenes with long alkyl chains exhibited AIE. Based on this theoretical prediction, we developed the bridged stilbenes BPST[7] and DPB[7], which demonstrate excellent AIE behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Twenty years ago, the concept of aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) was proposed, and this unique luminescent property has attracted scientific interest ever since. However, AIE denominates only the phenomenon, while the details of its underlying guiding principles remain to be elucidated. This minireview discusses the basic principles of AIE based on our previous mechanistic study of the photophysical behavior of 9,10‐bis(N,N‐dialkylamino)anthracene (BDAA) and the corresponding mechanistic analysis by quantum chemical calculations. BDAA comprises an anthracene core and small electron donors, which allows the quantum chemical aspects of AIE to be discussed. The key factor for AIE is the control over the non‐radiative decay (deactivation) pathway, which can be visualized by considering the conical intersection (CI) on a potential energy surface. Controlling the conical intersection (CI) on the potential energy surface enables the separate formation of fluorescent (CI:high) and non‐fluorescent (CI:low) molecules [control of conical intersection accessibility (CCIA)]. The novelty and originality of AIE in the field of photochemistry lies in the creation of functionality by design and in the active control over deactivation pathways. Moreover, we provide a new design strategy for AIE luminogens (AIEgens) and discuss selected examples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Twenty years ago, the concept of aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) was proposed, and this unique luminescent property has attracted scientific interest ever since. However, AIE denominates only the phenomenon, while the details of its underlying guiding principles remain to be elucidated. This minireview discusses the basic principles of AIE based on our previous mechanistic study of the photophysical behavior of 9,10‐bis(N,N‐dialkylamino)anthracene (BDAA) and the corresponding mechanistic analysis by quantum chemical calculations. BDAA comprises an anthracene core and small electron donors, which allows the quantum chemical aspects of AIE to be discussed. The key factor for AIE is the control over the non‐radiative decay (deactivation) pathway, which can be visualized by considering the conical intersection (CI) on a potential energy surface. Controlling the conical intersection (CI) on the potential energy surface enables the separate formation of fluorescent (CI:high) and non‐fluorescent (CI:low) molecules [control of conical intersection accessibility (CCIA)]. The novelty and originality of AIE in the field of photochemistry lies in the creation of functionality by design and in the active control over deactivation pathways. Moreover, we provide a new design strategy for AIE luminogens (AIEgens) and discuss selected examples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We demonstrate here the low temperature topochemical insertion of transition elements (Fe, Ni, and Cu) in precursors containing pre-formed (Sn)2− (n = 2 and 3) oligomers. Indeed, this soft chemistry route opens the door to the easy, orientated synthesis of low dimensional transition metal compounds provided that the elemental metal can retrocede electron(s) to empty antibonding sulfur σ* levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key Clinical Message: Despite the requirement for histopathological evidence to make a definite diagnosis of cardiac sarcoidosis, the sensitivity of endomyocardial biopsy is still low. Recently, Japanese Circulation Society suggests a new strategy that patients diagnosed clinically do not require the endomyocardial biopsy evidence. Physicians should familiarize themselves with such paradigm shifts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key Clinical Message: Although conventional microbiology cultures may be negative, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) can effectively identify both typical and atypical microorganisms. With careful interpretation, PCR could become the gold‐standard diagnostic test for culture‐negative bacterial pericarditis. Although conventional microbiology cultures may be negative, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) can effectively identify both typical and atypical microorganisms. With careful interpretation, PCR could become the gold‐standard diagnostic test for culture‐negative bacterial pericarditis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapid increase of waste generation coinciding with economic growth is one of the most important social issues in developing countries. Informal recyclers have been seen as important actors to improve the waste management in developing countries by donors and researchers. The objective of this work is to describe the on-site informal recycling system in the slum of Bantar Gebang in Indonesia. Fieldwork for both qualitative and quantitative research was conducted 24 times for totally 808 days during February 2010-January 2018. Eight social relationships and six modes of labor were identified in the site. Waste pickers collected and transacted recyclables using at least 13 tools. Two types of recyclable markets were developed: major market of massively collectable recyclables with low unit price, and niche market of rarely collectable ones with high unit price. On-site informal recycling system has at least 5 important components in Bantar Gebang: (1) social relations, (2) modes of labor, (3) suppliers of tools, (4) both major and niche markets, and (5) the interface between the informal and formal recycling systems. When implementing the integrated waste management, it would be most effective if the existing informal recycling system could be utilized to the largest extent possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Layered transition metal compounds represent a major playground to explore unconventional electric or magnetic properties. In that framework, topochemical approaches that mostly preserve the topology of layered reactants have been intensively investigated to tune properties and/or design new materials. Topochemical reactions often involve the insertion or deinsertion of a chemical element accompanied by a change of oxidation state of the cations only. Conversely, cases where anions play the role of redox centers are very scarce. Here we show that the insertion of copper into two dimensional precursors containing chalcogen dimers (Q2)2− (Q=S, Se) can produce layered materials with extended (CuQ) sheets. The reality of this topochemical reaction is demonstrated here for different pristine materials, namely La2O2S2, Ba2F2S2, and LaSe2. Therefore, this work opens up a new synthetic strategy to design layered transition metal compounds from precursors containing polyanionic redox centers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Layered transition metal compounds represent a major playground to explore unconventional electric or magnetic properties. In that framework, topochemical approaches that mostly preserve the topology of layered reactants have been intensively investigated to tune properties and/or design new materials. Topochemical reactions often involve the insertion or deinsertion of a chemical element accompanied by a change of oxidation state of the cations only. Conversely, cases where anions play the role of redox centers are very scarce. Here we show that the insertion of copper into two dimensional precursors containing chalcogen dimers (Q2)2− (Q=S, Se) can produce layered materials with extended (CuQ) sheets. The reality of this topochemical reaction is demonstrated here for different pristine materials, namely La2O2S2, Ba2F2S2, and LaSe2. Therefore, this work opens up a new synthetic strategy to design layered transition metal compounds from precursors containing polyanionic redox centers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With growing attention to sustainability and recognition of the impact of global warming problems, energy supply and consumption have become critically important. This paper presents the construction of a modeling platform accommodating cooperative energy management systems (EMSs), which virtually produces the model of a smart city with a distribution network (DN) by using a wide range of data obtained from the real world. The platform involves models of various EMSs, governing the operation of a power system or controlling consumer-installed devices, and simulating the power flow, electrical losses, and voltage in the DN. In addition, indices measuring the sustainability of the model city, such as CO2 emission, are estimated from scenarios, for example, photovoltaic system installation, electric vehicle penetration, etc. The results can be visually displayed and the platform is highly versatile and applicable to various types of issues associated with smart cities. Two case studies are presented in detail. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background: Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) is not recommended as the first-line diagnostic modality for Stanford type B aortic dissection (type-B AD). Purposes: The aims of this study were to evaluate the usefulness and factors influencing for the diagnosis of type-B AD using the transthoracic echocardiographic paravertebral approach (PVA). Methods: We compared the image acquisition rate of descending thoracic aorta (DTA) and the diagnostic rate of type-B AD using TTE versus PVA. Both tests were compared with type-B AD, which was diagnosed by enhanced computed tomography (CT), as the reference standard. We also analyzed the factors influencing adequate image acquisition and the diagnosis of type-B AD using the PVA. The length between the dorsal thoracic surface and the DTA (TDAL) and thickness of lung on the TDAL line (LTh) were measured on the CT images. Results: No significant difference was found between the image acquisition rate of the DTA between the PVA and the TTE (70.1 vs. 64.2%, p = 0.56), while the diagnostic rate of type-B AD using the PVA was significantly greater than when using the TTE (56.7 vs. 26.9%, p < 0.001). Furthermore, when adequate images of DTA were obtained using the PVA, 80.9% of the patients were diagnosed with type-B AD. A multivariate analysis demonstrated that a lower LTh ( p = 0.001) and the existence of a pleural effusion ( p = 0.03) significantly influenced the diagnosis of type-B AD using the PVA. Conclusions: The PVA might be a useful method for diagnosis of type-B AD, when adequate images of the DTA are obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Twisted intramolecular charge transfer (TICT) is an electron transfer process that occurs upon photoexcitation in molecules that usually consist of a donor and acceptor part linked by a single bond. Following intramolecular twisting, the TICT state returns to the ground state either through red-shifted emission or by nonradiative relaxation. The emission properties are potentially environment-dependent, which makes TICT-based fluorophores ideal sensors for solvents, (micro)viscosity, and chemical species. Recently, several TICT-based materials have been discovered to become fluorescent upon aggregation. Furthermore, various recent studies in organic optoelectronics, non-linear optics and solar energy conversions utilised the concept of TICT to modulate the electronic-state mixing and coupling on charge transfer states. This review presents a compact overview of the latest developments in TICT research, from a materials chemistry point of view. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Keywords: aggregation-induced emission; crystal engineering; distyrylbenzene; organic light-emitting devices (OLEDs); solid state fluorescence EN aggregation-induced emission crystal engineering distyrylbenzene organic light-emitting devices (OLEDs) solid state fluorescence 1 1 1 09/20/22 20220916 NES 220916 B Using a new crystal engineering tool b , we prepared organic solid-state light-emitting materials that exhibit very bright monomeric emissions. Crystal engineering, organic light-emitting devices (OLEDs), aggregation-induced emission, distyrylbenzene, solid state fluorescence. [Extracted from the article]

A series of regioisomers of piperidylanthracenes (PA) and bis(piperidyl)anthracenes (BPA) were synthesized and their photophysical properties examined in solution, suspension, and the solid state. Aggregation-induced emission (AIE) was observed only for 1,4-BPA and 9,10-BPA, in which two piperidyl groups are substituted at the anthracene moiety in the para-position with respect to each other. Compared to previously reported AIE luminogens, these easily obtainable para-substituted BPAs, exhibited several unique and beneficial features, such as simple structures, bright solid-state fluorescence (Φfl = 0.49 and 0.86 for 1,4-BPA and 9,10-BPA, respectively), tunable fluorescence emission, and large Stokes shifts. Results from diffuse-reflectance and fluorescence lifetime measurements demonstrated that PAs and BPAs intrinsically possess an efficient non-radiative transition pathway in the solid state, and that 1,4-BPA and 9,10-BPA may overcome this pathway. The X-ray crystallographic analysis of 1,4-BPA revealed that undesirable interchromophoric interactions can be minimised, while TD-DFT calculations suggested that the enhanced Stokes shift of 1,4-BPA arises from severe electronic repulsion between neighbouring piperidyl moieties, which presumably results in the absence of self-absorption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper discusses the novel voltage control method in the distribution system using the electronic devices. In order to stabilize the power flow of the system, voltage in the system is traditionally controlled by devices such as load ratio control transformers (LRTs) installed in the distribution substation and step voltage regulators (SVRs) installed in the distribution line according to their fixed control parameters. In this paper, the authors verify the optimal interval of updating the control parameters of advanced SVRs using the determining method of control parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We designed, synthesized, and evaluated environmentally responsive solvatochromic fluorescent dyes by incorporating weak push-pull moieties. The quantum yields of the push (alkyl)-pull (formyl) pyrene dyes were dramatically enhanced by the introduction of alkyl groups into formylpyrene (1-formylpyrene: ΦF=0.10; 3,6,8-tri- n-butyl-1-formylpyrene: ΦF=0.90; in MeOH). The new dyes exhibited unique sensitivity to solvent polarity and hydrogen-bond donor ability, and specific fluorescence turn-on/off properties (e.g., 3,6,8-tri- n-butyl-1-formylpyrene: ΦF=0.004, 0.80, 0.37, and 0.90 in hexane, chloroform, DMSO, and MeOH, respectively). Here, the alkyl groups act as weak donors to suppress intersystem crossing by destabilizing the HOMOs of 1-formylpyrene while maintaining weak intramolecular charge-transfer properties. By using alkyl groups as weak donors, environmentally responsive, and in particular, pH-responsive fluorescent materials may be developed in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents informal recycling contributions made by scavengers in the surrounding area of Bantar Gebang final disposal site for municipal solid waste generated in Jakarta. Preliminary fieldwork was conducted through daily conversations with scavengers to identify recycling actors at the site, and then quantitative field surveys were conducted twice. The first survey (n = 504 households) covered 33% of all households in the area, and the second survey (n = 69 households) was conducted to quantify transactions of recyclables among scavengers. Mathematical equations were formulated with assumptions made to estimate the possible range of recycling rates achieved by dump waste pickers. Slightly over 60% of all respondents were involved in informal recycling and over 80% of heads of households were waste pickers, normally referred to as live-in waste pickers and live-out waste pickers at the site. The largest percentage of their spouses were family workers, followed by waste pickers and housewives. Over 95% of all households of respondents had at least one waste picker or one small boss who has a coequal status of a waste picker. Average weight of recyclables collected by waste pickers at the site was estimated to be approximately 100 kg day-1 per household on the net weight basis. The recycling rate of solid wastes collected by all scavengers at the site was estimated to be in the range of 2.8–7.5% of all solid wastes transported to the site. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we carried out an immunohistochemical investigation of time-dependent alterations in the distribution of proteoglycans, and the proliferation profiles of hepatocytes and fat-storing cells (FSCs) in the livers of rats intoxicated with d-galactosamine (GalN). The proliferative cells were analyzed by proliferative cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) staining. In untreated rats, heparan sulfate, dermatan sulfate, and chondroitin/chondroitin sulfate were detected within the portal spaces and the central veins, and, with the exception of chondroitin, also within the reticular fibers. After administration of GalN, the number of PCNA-positive cells (FSCs and hepatocytes) and FSCs increased, reaching maximal on the 2nd and 3rd days, respectively. Heparan sulfate showed complicated changes. Dermatan sulfate decreased in portal spaces from the 2nd to the 3rd day, and in reticular fibers from 12 h to the 6th day. Chondroitin/chondroitin sulfate staining was observed from 2 h to the 6th day in the sinusoidal endothelia, which suggests that the sinusoidal endothelia may produce chondroitin/chondroitin sulfate transiently during liver damage as part of the mechanism of regeneration. Heparan sulfate and chondroitin/chondroitin sulfate were detected in necrotic regions, but dermatan sulfate was not. These observations suggest that heparan sulfate and chondroitin/chondroitin sulfate are involved in cell proliferation or morphogenesis and that the dermatan sulfate plays a role in the differentiation or functional maintenance of cells in liver regeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pure aortic regurgitation (AR) is caused by primary disease of the aortic leaflet and/or the aortic root. However, there are many patients with AR with unclear etiology and mechanism. The assessment of mechanism is critical to the decision of surgical modality for AR. Echocardiography, particularly a detailed analysis of the aortic leaflets and root by transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), could be an important diagnostic step to assess its mechanism. In this report, we present a case of AR in which the TEE images led to diagnosis of cusp bending of aortic leaflet without specific findings indicating this pathology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]