Harmless Nature Research Articles

War against Prohibition: Italians and Booze in New York City, 1920–1933

War against Prohibition: Italians and Booze in New York City, 1920–1933

Targeting Anxiety Sensitivity With Evidence-Based Psychoeducation: A Randomized Waitlist-Controlled Trial of a Brief Standalone Digital Intervention

Anxiety sensitivity, or the fear of anxiety, represents an important transdiagnostic target in the prevention and treatment of anxiety disorders, which typically emerge between childhood and early adulthood. Recent work demonstrated that single-session digital psychoeducation interventions delivered on computers in a lab setting can effectively reduce anxiety sensitivity. This evidence suggests that digital psychoeducation interventions have potential as a scalable and cost-effective approach to targeting anxiety sensitivity in emerging adults. Toward this aim, we developed the Anxiety Insight Modules (AIM), which promote insights about the function of anxiety, the activating role of thoughts, the harmless nature of sensations that often co-occur with anxiety, and the negative impact of trying to avoid anxiety. To facilitate a more accurate estimate of the potential for scalability, participants tested AIM on their personal devices at their preferred schedule and pace without the involvement of clinicians or staff. Undergraduate students with high levels of anxiety sensitivity (N = 159) were randomized to gain immediate access to AIM (n = 77) or to a waitlist control that gained access to AIM after the 2-week follow-up assessment (n = 82). All of the participants who gained immediate access to AIM, as well as 91.67% of participants in the waitlist who participated in the follow-up, completed the full set of modules, suggesting high levels of engagement. Immediate access to AIM had a medium-to-large effect on anxiety sensitivity in a 2-week follow-up comparison with waitlist control (d = 0.57–0.76). Participants that completed AIM showed acute reductions in anxiety sensitivity. Given this preliminary evidence of its effectiveness, further research is warranted to determine the factors that moderate and mediate AIM’s impact on anxiety sensitivity in order to optimize its delivery and facilitate scalability.

Novel Robust Photoplethysmogram-Based Authentication

As the tremendous advances in the biosensing technology, the biometric authentication approach has been adopted to replace the conventional password-based systems. Due to their harmless nature, photoplethysmogram (PPG) related applications have been quite intriguing in recent years. PPG can measure volumetric blood-flow changes in the peripheral circulation. Because PPG signals are very easy to acquire, compared to other biometrics (fingerprints, iris/retina, etc.), especially by low-cost wearable electronic devices, they are widely adopted to measure heart rates. In this paper, we devise a novel robust PPG based authentication system, which is capable of continuously authenticating the user instead of one-time authentication as carried out by the conventional techniques. This new system consists of preprocessing and filtering, motion artifact (MA) removal, template and feature extraction, and training. The associated multiwavelet-based feature extraction mechanism facilitates more reliable features than the conventional scalar-wavelet schemes so that it allows the learning model to better distinguish users. The associated autoencoder perfectly transforms the input PPG signal into the latent space. Finally, any distance measure can be adopted to classify or authenticate users. In order to build a sufficiently large dataset, we have combined three public datasets and our own dataset collected by ourselves locally together to create a new dataset consisting of 120 subjects totally. We have already built the hardware prototype successfully for real-time training data collection and real-time authentication. The equal-error-rate at the authentication stage reaches 5.5% and the identification accuracy reaches 98% at the identification stage.

Synthesis and characterization of Al and Zr-dual-doped lithium cobalt oxide cathode for Li-ion batteries using a facile hydrothermal approach

Here, we have studied synthesis and characterization (structural, morphological, and electrochemical) of pure and Al-Zr dual-doped Li-rich LiCoO2 (LCO) cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). A solution-based hydrothermal approach was utilized to synthesize the “Li[Li0.1Co0.9−x-yZrxAly]O2” and others. The desired phase of Li-rich LCO was obtained at a sintering temperature (800 °C) which is relatively lower compared to most of the previously reported solid-state methods, which reveals the significance of the conducted study. Various characterization tools e.g., X-ray diffraction (XRD), Field-emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and Energy Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) were employed to assess the metal-doping effect on structural and morphological features of as-prepared cathode materials. Additionally, the electrochemical performance of the cathode materials was examined by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Moving forward, XRD has confirmed the formation of hexagonal layered α-NaFeO2 iso-structure with the preferred orientation along (1 0 1) plane. Moreover, the sharp XRD pattern demonstrates the harmless nature of doping toward crystallinity and structural stability. Rietveld refinement analysis has demonstrated an initial decrease followed by an increase in cell volume, indicating the successful intrusion of Al & Zr on Co-sites. Upon doping, the particle size has been shifted from micro to nanoparticles, as indicated by FESEM images. The reduction in particle size will increase the effective reaction area and subsequently enhance overall electrochemical performance. The optimum electrochemical performance was observed in sample Li[Li0.1Co0.9–0.015–0.085Zr0.015Al0.085]O2 with a working potential of 4.18 V, anodic current (0.764 mA), cathodic current (0.706 mA), the specific capacity of 185 mAh g−1 with capacity retention of 91% after 100 cycles at a scan rate of 0.1 C. With further increasing Zr content over 1.5%, structural disruption occurs which affects the reaction's kinetics and eventually reduces cathode performance.

S1876 Metastatic Adenocarcinoma of the Colon Presenting as Persistent Hiccups

Introduction: Hiccups are involuntary diaphragmatic contractions that are typically benign. The most common gastrointestinal causes of hiccups are abdominal inflammation and distension. Another cause is malignancy, particularly gastric and esophageal. Metastatic adenocarcinoma of the colon is a rarely seen cause of persistent hiccups. Case description/methods: We present a case of a 67-year-old Haitian male who presented to the emergency department after a syncopal episode. Patient had been discharged from the ED earlier in the day after presenting for 5 days of hiccups. Patient now endorsed a 20-30 lb weight loss over past 6 months due to decreased appetite. Upon further workup, patient was found to have anemia with Hg of 9.2 g/dl and iron < 15 mcg/dl. Imaging showed colonic wall thickening and innumerable liver lesions (Image 1). Colonoscopy revealed near complete obstruction by a transverse colon mass. Patient underwent colectomy with colostomy and liver biopsy; pathology revealed invasive adenocarcinoma and metastatic adenocarcinoma with extensive necrosis. Symptoms resolved after colectomy and patient began outpatient treatment with oncology. Discussion: We choose to present this case because of the typically harmless nature of hiccups. We all experience this annoyance but are quick to dismiss it after resolution. It is important for physicians to obtain a more thorough history because such a benign sign may be the manifestation of something much more severe. In the case of colorectal cancer, we are taught to look for weight loss, melena, change in bowel habits, and fatigue. In this case our patient initially presented with hiccups, which to him was his chief complaint and the sole reason for going to the ED. Cases like this can be missed without a thorough history and review of systems. Once gastroenterological etiologies are considered a cause of hiccups, physicians are tasked to determine the location. Although the most likely gastrointestinal sources of persistent hiccups are related to the upper GI tract, physicians must consider lower GI causes as well. Colonoscopy and imaging can help physicians make a diagnosis in these cases and allow for rapid and targeted treatment.Figure 1.: Computerized tomography scan of abdomen showing adenocarcinoma of the colon with metastasis to the liver.

Dermatology Clinical Case

Herein are reported two cases of a previously healthy fourteen-year-old girl and a nine-year-old boy who presented to the Pediatric Emergency Department with a cutaneous reaction after applying a temporary black henna tattoo. Diagnosis of delayed hypersensitivity to black henna was established. Black henna tattoos are known for their temporary and harmless nature, but henna usually contains paraphenylendamine (PPD), originating black henna. PPD induces skin sensitization and causes allergic contact dermatitis.

Structural Transformation and Creativity Induced by Biological Agents during Fermentation of Edible Nuts from Terminalia catappa.

Terminalia catappa L. (tropical almond) is a nutritious fruit found mainly in the tropics. This study is aimed to establish the naturally biotransformed molecules and identify the probiotic agents facilitating the fermentation. The aqueous extracts from both the unfermented and fermented T. catappa nuts were subjected to gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis. Syringol (6.03%), glutamine (1.71%), methyl laurate (1.79%), methyl palmitate (1.53%), palmitic acid (5.20%), palmitoleic acid (2.80%), and methyl oleate (2.97%) were detected in the unfermented nuts of the T. catappa. Additionally, two of these natural compounds (palmitic acid (4.19%) and palmitoleic acid (1.48%)) survived the fermentation process to emerge in the fermented seeds. The other natural compounds were biotransformed into 2,3-butanediol (1.81%), butyric acid (16.20%), propane-1,3-diol (19.66%), neoheptanol (2.89%), 2-piperidinone (6.63%), palmitoleic acid (1.18%), formamide, n-(p-hydroxyphenethyl)- (2.80%), and cis-vaccenic acid (1.69%) that newly emerged in the fermented seeds. The phytochemical compounds are likely carbon sources for the organisms facilitating the biotransformed molecules and product production. Four (4) potential probiotic bacteria strains, namely, Probt B1a, Probt B2a, Probt B4a, and Probt B4b, were isolated from the fermented nut. Enterococcus faecum, and Enterococcus faecalis were the organisms identified as driving the fermentation of the seeds. All strains were gram-positive, catalase-negative, and non-hemolytic, which suggests their harmless nature. N-(p-hydroxyphenethyl)-) was associated with fermentation for the first time, and neoheptanol was discovered as the main alcoholic molecule formed during the fermentation of the seeds. This fermentation is a handy tool for bio-transforming compounds in raw food sources into compounds with nutritious and therapeutic potentials.

A narrative review of herb-induced liver injury

: Herb and herbal product have been used for both healthy and specific ailments. Its use as medicine or dietary supplements has increased worldwide for more than a decade due to easy access, purported harmless nature, and perceived therapeutic efficacy. Herb induced liver injury which has been recognized for many years is likely to increase. Close scrutiny on herb related safety and liver toxicities is strongly advocated. Toxic ingredients, reactive metabolites, organelle stress, bile salt export inhibition and immune response have been postulated in the pathogenesis of herb-induced liver injury (HILI). HILI is in analogy to drug induced liver injury (DILI) in following aspects (I) clinical manifestations: from asymptomatic abnormal liver tests to severe liver injury and liver failure requiring liver transplantation; (II) mechanism: idiosyncratic or intrinsic; and (III) phenotypes of injury: hepatocellular, cholestatic or mixed type. The diagnosis of HILI remains a challenge. Roussel Uclaf Causality Assessment Method (RUCAM), a structured, quantitative, effective and validated tool for HILI should be reinforced in clinical use. The pathogenetic hallmarks of genome-wide association study (GWAS), human leukocyte antigen (HLA) alleles and non-HLA genetic variants may determine the risk for HILI. Diagnostic biomarkers for HILI need to be re-investigated and reliably validated in future research for their clinical implications. Global prospective HILI registry with advances in the exploration of toxic ingredients, genetic testing and new biomarkers may better explain the pathogenesis and pathogenetic mechanism of HILI which can lead to improvement in diagnosis and treatment of DILI. Pharmacovigilance and standardized regulatory surveillance on safety and efficacy of herbs and herbal products are warranted to reduce the occurrence of HILI and its associated morbidity and mortality.

El compromiso articular temporomandibular como causa de cefaleas agudas y crónicas y otros síntomas otoneurológicos

ObjectivesThe aim of this work is to introduce a new condition within temporomandibular disorders, temporomandibular joint compromise (TMJC), a mandibular movement limiting disorder of extra-articular traumatic cause, and evaluate the response rate and safety of treatment. The limiting cause of mandibular movement is the lack of space between the mandibular ramus and maxilla. The main symptoms of TMJC include headache, dizziness, and tinnitus. In many cases, the headache is previously diagnosed as a migraine. MethodsData were collected from 54 patients aged between 6 and 59 years that had a confirmed diagnosis of migraine according to the 3rd Edition of the International Headache Classification of the International Headache Society of 2018, and were treated for TMJC in a dental clinic. They also presented with other otolaryngological symptoms. A retrospective quasi-experimental study without a control group was carried out due to ethical considerations related to the harmless nature of the treatment. ResultsAfter treatment of TMJC, migraine symptoms disappeared in 52 patients (96.3%, P<.001), and persisted, although with clinical improvement, in 2 (3.7%). There was also an improvement in the other associated symptoms: dizziness disappeared in 23 out of 27 affected patients (85.21%, P<.001), and tinnitus disappeared in the 31 affected patients (100%, P<.001). No significant treatment-related side effects were observed. ConclusionsThis study shows the high rate of response and safety of the treatment of TMJC.

English

BACKGROUND Combined oral contraceptive pills are the most effective temporary contraception methods and are used by approximately 60 - 80 million eligible women throughout the world. It is the oestrogen component of the combined oral contraceptive (COC) which is responsible for the undesirable and serious side effects such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). So, there has been a constant effort to reduce the amount of ethinyl estradiol (EE) while maintaining its contraceptive efficacy. This study was aimed at studying the safety and efficacy of ultralow dose combined oral contraceptive (containing 15 mcg EE + 60 mcg gestodene) in rural Indian women. METHODS The study was done at Rama Medical College, Mandhana, Kanpur, among 70 patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The patients were given ULDOCP and followed up for 6 months. The patients followed the regime of one tablet of ULDOCP daily from day 1 to day 24 of the menstrual cycle with 4 days pill free period before starting the next pack. RESULTS Seventy patients completed the study till 3 months and fifty patients completed the study till 6 months. Break through bleeding (BTB) was the only prominent side effect which was reduced in subsequent cycles and our patients tolerated this well. No pregnancy resulted. The ULDCOP was very well accepted by those women who were counselled about possible side effects and their harmless nature before starting the study. It was found that the users were satisfied with the use of ULDOCP. All side effects were significantly lower after 2 months of use and there were no serious side effects. CONCLUSIONS The 24 / 4 ULDOCP regimen seems to be a safe and effective contraceptive method for use in rural population after properly counselling them. The reduced pill free interval of 4 days offered additional advantages. KEYWORDS Ultra-Low Dose Oral Contraceptive Pills (ULDOCP), Ethinyl Estradiol (EE), Safe Contraception, Gestodene, BTB (Break Through Bleeding)

Investigation of the Mechanical Properties of Mn-Alloyed Tin-Silver-Copper Solder Solidified with Different Cooling Rates.

Manganese can be an optimal alloying addition in lead-free SAC (SnAgCu) solder alloys because of its low price and harmless nature. In this research, the mechanical properties of the novel SAC0307 (Sn/Ag0.3/Cu0.7) alloyed with 0.7 wt.% Mn (designated as SAC0307-Mn07) and those of the traditionally used SAC305 (Sn96.5/Ag3/Cu0.5) solder alloys were investigated by analyzing the shear force and Vickers hardness of reflowed solder balls. During the preparation of the reflowed solder balls, different cooling rates were used in the range from 2.7 K/s to 14.7 K/s. After measuring the shear force and the Vickers hardness, the structures of the fracture surfaces and the intermetallic layer were investigated by SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy). The mechanical property measurements showed lower shear force for the SAC0307-Mn07 alloy (20–25 N) compared with the SAC305 alloy (27–35 N), independent of the cooling rate. However, the SAC0307-Mn07 alloy was softer; its Vickers hardness was between 12 and 13 HV, whereas the Vickers hardness of the SAC305 alloy was between 19 and 20 HV. In addition, structural analyses revealed rougher intermetallic compound layers in the case of the SAC0307-Mn07 alloy, which can inhibit the propagation of cracks at the solder–substrate interface. These two properties of SAC0307-Mn07 alloy, the softer nature and the rougher intermetallic layer, might result in better thermomechanical behavior of the solder joints during the lifetime of electronic devices.

Effect of Fluoxetine Therapy on Breath-Holding Spells in Children: A Clinical Trial Study

Background: Breath-holding spells (BHS) is a sudden and reflexive phenomenon that is common in infancy and early childhood. Despite the harmless nature of BHS, being subjected to this phenomenon is very stressful for parents and sometimes requires treatment. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of fluoxetine therapy (as an anxiolytic medication) on ​​pediatric BHS. Materials and Methods: The present clinical trial study was carried out on 30 patients with BHS referring to Neurology Clinic of Ghaem Hospital, Mashhad, Iran, in 2018. The subjects were randomly divided into control (n = 15), and intervention (n= 15) groups. The control group was then treated with iron and the intervention group with iron and fluoxetine for 3 months. The frequency and duration of BHS before and after treatment were compared in both groups. The results were later analyzed using SPSS version 16.0. Results: The present study was carried out on 30 children. The mean of infants’ age in the control and intervention groups was 20.26 ± 5.8 and 22.46 ± 5.2 months, respectively (P>0.05). The mean frequency and the duration of BHS decreased from 8.2 ± 4.3 to 1.6 ± 2.4 times per week (p = 0.000), and from 50.66 ± 26.26 to 5.4 ± 6 seconds (p = 0.000) in the control group; and from 7.2 ± 3 to 2.06 ± 2.7 times per week (p = 0.001), and 50.66 ± 38 to 8.8 ± 7.9 seconds (p = 0.002) in the intervention group, which was indicative of a statistically significant difference. However, the difference in the mean frequency and duration of BHS in the intervention group, which represents the effect of fluoxetine, was not statistically significant (p = 0.411 and p = 0.792, respectively). Conclusion: The results of the present research confirm the effect of iron therapy on decreasing the mean frequency and duration of BHS, but also indicate the ineffectiveness of synergistic administration of fluoxetine and iron on decreasing mean frequency and duration of BHS.

Review on Treatment of Acid Mine Drainage with Waste Materials: A Novel Approach

&lt;p&gt;The present study systematically and comprehensively reviewed different aspects of treating Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) with active treatment and waste materials. The work also critically reviews the status and the factors associated with the treatment process. Although, conventional active methods are very efficient but they are mainly associated with costly material as well as high maintenance cost which enhances the cost of entire treatment system. Waste materials such as fly ash, metallurgical slag, zero valent iron (ZVI), cement kiln dust (CKD), organic waste such as peat humic agent (PHA) and rice husk can be efficiently used for the treatment of AMD. However, efficiency of different waste material varied from each other due to the variation in their physical and chemical characteristics. The results from the investigation showed that fly ash, metallurgical slag and CKD raise the pH of acidic solution more, in comparison to ZVI and organic waste, due to their richness in lime content. Furthermore, fly ash can be efficiently converted and utilized in its other derivative such as chemically modified fly ash and zeolite. Efficiency of ZVI is hindered by the presence of higher concentration of total dissolved solids. PHA can treat AMD that is mild acidic in nature. Besides, long retention time is required for the removal of heavy metals and sulfur with organic waste and sulfate reducing bacteria (SRB). The study also potentially reviewed that metal removal from AMD varied due to composition of AMD and the characteristics of waste materials. However, waste materials demand more attention for its practical applicability in field conditions due to its richness, higher possibility for recycling and reuse, low installation cost and harmless nature towards the environment.&lt;/p&gt;

40 Years Old Mass, Resting in Male Breast; A Rare Epidermal Inclusion Cyst

We present a case of 50-years-old male, with right breastepidermoid cyst,whose enlargement over the past few months caught the attention, due to its harmless nature its enlargement since 40 years was ignored by patient. Its occurrence in the breast tissue is rare as documented in literature. However, clinicians might find difficulty in differentiating it from other breast swellings like gynecomastia, fibroadenoma, or benign and malignant conditions of breast. The purpose of this case report is to increase the awareness among the general surgeons of this rare presentation; and to entertain the phenomenon of diagnosing with simple radiological modalities.Complete excision using elliptical incision is still the surgical treatment of choice.

Efficacy of treatment with belladonna in children with severe pallid breath-holding spells.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of belladonna in severe breath-holding spells. This is a multicentric, retrospective series involving 84 children with severe pallid breath-holding spells. Inclusion criteria were >1 pallid breath-holding spell with loss of consciousness, paediatric cardiology evaluation, and follow-up >6 months. In total, 45 patients received belladonna and 39 patients did not receive treatment, according to physician preference. Mean age was 11 months, ranging from 4 to 18 months, with 54% of males. Mean spell duration was 30 seconds (interquartile range 15, 60), and the frequency was four episodes per month (interquartile range 0.5, 6.5). Comparison of baseline characteristics between groups showed similar demographics, with the single difference in the severity of the spells, being more severe in the treated group. When comparing the treated and non-treated groups at 3 months, only two (5%) patients had a complete remission in the first group, whereas 20 (44%) had remission in the belladonna group (p<0.01). When considering the characteristics of the spells before and after the initiation of treatment with belladonna, 75% of the patients presented a positive response, with 44% of the patients presenting with complete resolution of the spells (p<0.01). No major adverse reaction was reported, with only 5% minor adverse events. Belladonna is highly effective to alleviate severe breath-holding spells in young children, without any major adverse effects.

Disgusting clusters: trypophobia as an overgeneralised disease avoidance response

ABSTRACTIndividuals with trypophobia have an aversion towards clusters of roughly circular shapes, such as those on a sponge or the bubbles on a cup of coffee. It is unclear why the condition exists, given the harmless nature of typical eliciting stimuli. We suggest that aversion to clusters is an evolutionarily prepared response towards a class of stimuli that resemble cues to the presence of parasites and infectious disease. Trypophobia may be an exaggerated and overgeneralised version of this normally adaptive response. Consistent with this explanation, individuals with trypophobia, as well as comparison individuals, reported aversion towards disease-relevant cluster stimuli, but only the trypophobic group reported aversion towards objectively harmless cluster stimuli that had no relevance to disease. For both groups the level of aversion reported was predicted uniquely by a measure of disgust sensitivity. Scaled emotion ratings and open-ended responses revealed that the aversive response was predominantly based on the disease avoidance emotion, disgust. Many open-ended responses also described skin sensations (e.g. skin itching or skin crawling). These findings support the proposal that individuals with trypophobia primarily perceive cluster stimuli as cues to ectoparasites and skin-transmitted pathogens.

Atomic and electronic structure of perfect dislocations in the solar absorber materials CuInSe2 and CuGaSe2 studied by first-principles calculations

Structural and electronic properties of screw and ${60}^{\ensuremath{\circ}}$-mixed glide and shuffle dislocations in the solar absorber materials ${\mathrm{CuInSe}}_{2}$ and ${\mathrm{CuGaSe}}_{2}$ are investigated by means of electronic structure calculations within density functional theory (DFT). Screw dislocations present distorted bonds but remain fully coordinated after structural relaxation. Relaxed ${60}^{\ensuremath{\circ}}$-mixed dislocations, in contrast, exhibit dangling and ``wrong,'' cation-cation or anion-anion bonds, which induce deep charge transition levels and are electrically active. Analysis of Bader charges and local density of states (LDOS) reveals that acceptor and donor levels are induced by $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ and $\ensuremath{\beta}$ cores, respectively. Moreover, there is local charge accumulation in the surrounding of those cores which contain dangling or ``wrong'' bonds. Thus the apparently harmless nature of dislocations is not because they are electrically inactive, but can only be a result of passivation by segregating defects.

Colloidal CuFeS2 Nanocrystals: Intermediate Fe d-Band Leads to High Photothermal Conversion Efficiency.

We describe the colloidal hot-injection synthesis of phase-pure nanocrystals (NCs) of a highly abundant mineral, chalcopyrite (CuFeS2). Absorption bands centered at around 480 and 950 nm, spanning almost the entire visible and near-infrared regions, encompass their optical extinction characteristics. These peaks are ascribable to electronic transitions from the valence band (VB) to the empty intermediate band (IB), located in the fundamental gap and mainly composed of Fe 3d orbitals. Laser-irradiation (at 808 nm) of an aqueous suspension of CuFeS2 NCs exhibited significant heating, with a photothermal conversion efficiency of 49%. Such efficient heating is ascribable to the carrier relaxation within the broad IB band (owing to the indirect VB–IB gap), as corroborated by transient absorption measurements. The intense absorption and high photothermal transduction efficiency (PTE) of these NCs in the so-called biological window (650–900 nm) make them suitable for photothermal therapy as demonstrated by tumor cell annihilation upon laser irradiation. The otherwise harmless nature of these NCs in dark conditions was confirmed by in vitro toxicity tests on two different cell lines. The presence of the deep Fe levels constituting the IB is the origin of such enhanced PTE, which can be used to design other high performing NC photothermal agents.

Towards understanding the characteristics of Ag–Al spiking on boron-doped silicon for solar cells

With this work, we introduce numeric three-dimensional simulation of metal spiking into highly boron-doped surfaces of n-type silicon solar cells, which is moreover performed with a simulation of the quasi-steady-state photoconductance technique. This setup serves as a virtual experiment to simulate the dark saturation current density j0,met of metallized boron-doped emitters with respect to metal spikes originating from the silver–aluminum (Ag–Al) contact. With the results obtained from this simulation model we approach quality and quantity of increased j0,met and give detailed insight to which degree a solar cell’s performance is possibly harmed by this effect. We show that metal spikes penetrating into boron-doped emitters are of harmless nature concerning j0,met until their tips reach depths where boron doping concentration is lower than approximately 1018cm−3. Deeper spikes then lead to an exponential increase in j0,met as more and more carriers from emitter and also the base are able to diffuse to its tip and recombine there. With the help of j0-results obtained experimentally in combination with the simulation results, we discuss the influence of spikes on emitter recombination, the benefits that can be achieved with deeper emitter doping profiles, and suggestions for the further development of pastes to contact boron-doped surfaces.

Inhibition of microglial activation and induction of neurotrophic factors by flavonoids: a potential therapeutic strategy against Parkinson's disease.

Parkinson’s disease(PD)is characterized by the progressive degeneration of dopaminergic(DA)neurons and a decrease in striatal dopamine,which is associated with clinical movement disorders including a tremor at rest,rigidity of the limbs,bradykinesia(slowness and paucity of voluntary movement)and postural instability(a tendency to fall even in the absence of