bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Porous Core‐membrane Microstructured Nanomaterial Composed of Deep Eutectic Solvents and MOF‐808 for CO2 Capture
Authors: Zhang Chen , Su Tingyu , Zhang Xinqi , Zhang Duoyong , Xuan Tao , Wang Liwei
Published: August 2023

A series of porous core‐membrane microstructured nanomaterials, constructed of a deep eutectic solvent (DES) membrane and porous MOF‐808 core via liquid surface tensions and electrostatic interactions, are introduced for carbon dioxide capture with the sorption mechanism coupling diffusion, physisorption, and chemisorption. MOF‐808 as the porous core considerably improves the diffusion interactions for DES membranes, hence significantly enhancing the sorption performance of DESs. Although the DES consisted by monoethanolamine and tetrapropylammonium chloride (MEA‐TPAC‐7) has the highest sorption capacity among all DESs, it is only 4.39 mmol g−1 at 2.4 bar and further attenuates by fastidious diffusion interactions when increasing viscosity or dose. The sorption capacities of DES@MOF‐120 are 5.18 mmol g−1 at 3.0 bar and 4.78 mmol g−1 at 2.4 bar without apparent sorption hysteresis in pressure swing sorption, which are substantially improved contrasted to MEA‐TPAC‐7. The sorption isotherms are reconstructed via Sips models considering surface heterogeneity with regression correlation coefficients over 0.9454 to forecast maximum sorption capacity over 6.33 mmol g−1.
Capacitor‐voltage‐balancing control for isolated medium‐voltage AC‐DC modular matrix converter
Authors: Budo Kohei , Takeshita Takaharu
Published: August 2023

This paper presents a capacitor‐voltage‐balancing control scheme for an isolated medium‐voltage AC‐DC converter using level‐shifted pulse width modulation (PWM) control of a modular matrix converter (MMxC). The proposed isolated AC‐DC converter is composed of the primary MMxC with level‐shifted PWMcontrol, high‐frequency transformer, and secondary H‐bridge circuits. The high‐frequency transformer of the proposed circuit can be downsized because the level‐shifted PWM control scheme makes the rated frequency of the high‐frequency transformer equal to the switching‐frequency. The proposed capacitor‐voltage‐balancing control can compensate for the capacitor voltage imbalance of the MMxC using the positive‐sequence and negative‐sequence circulating‐currents with a power supply frequency and high‐frequency voltage. In the proposed control system, the three feedback control systems with DC control variables can be developed to compensate for the capacitor voltage imbalance. The effectiveness of the proposed capacitor‐voltage‐balancing control scheme and the control systems is verified by experiments using a 200 V, 5‐kW laboratory prototype.
Energy‐efficient machine type communication in HetNets under statistical QoS guarantees
Authors: Waqas Haider Shah Syed , Qaraqe Marwa
Published: August 2023

There has been an unprecedented rise in the Internet‐of‐Things (IoT) in the past decade. One of the underlying reasons for this exponential growth is that IoT allows for massive machine‐type communication (mMTC), which facilities machine‐to‐machine (M2M) communication with minimal human intervention. However, mMTC devices are characterized by resource and energy limitations, and thus require powerful and efficient power allocation methods that do not jeopardize quality‐of‐service (QoS) performance. In this work, a statistical QoS analysis of M2M communication in heterogeneous wireless networks is performed. We propose a communication mode selection (CMS) scheme that selects an uplink transmission link from the available candidate links based on pathloss criteria. The closed‐form expressions for the Effective Capacity and effective energy efficiency (Effective‐EE) of the M2M communication in the heterogeneous wireless network are derived and verified via simulations. The optimal fixed transmission rate that maximizes the Effective Capacity and Effective‐EE is also analytically analyzed. Furthermore, four scenarios are adopted to study the overall Effective Capacity and Effective‐EE of a two‐hop M2M communication link where the transmitter and access point operate under independent and identical QoS constraints. This article also investigates the impact of circuit power and the efficiency of the power amplifier on the achievable Effective‐EE of the communication link.
Covid‐19: Medical Decisions, Mandates, and High‐Risk Minors
Authors: Will Jonathan F.
Published: August 2023

Kensey Dishman was unvaccinated when she contracted Covid‐19 at thirteen years old. She also had asthma and is now dead. Her divorced parents disagreed about whether Kensey should be vaccinated, and her father suggested that it was Kensey's own choice to refuse vaccination. This situation is as complicated as it is tragic, and it raises a number of legal and ethical issues regarding medical decision‐making for minors, parental rights, vaccination mandates, and individual freedom versus government interests in protecting minors as well as public health. This commentary explores these issues and highlights potential sources of liability for those involved in Kensey's treatment decisions given her high‐risk for complications from Covid‐19.
What Happened to Consent? Rationalizing Its Breaches
Authors: Wilson Yolonda , Vinarcsik Lou
Published: August 2023

Harriet Washington's latest book, Carte Blanche: The Erosion of Medical Consent, examines several cases of exploitation within different U.S. populations involved in medical experimentation. She argues that “consent has been whittled away not by successful ethical argument or by persuasion but because the U.S. medical research system maintains subjects in a voiceless and uninformed state.” Protections promised by the early medico‐legal ideal of consent were never universal, and exceptions favoring the aims of researchers over the well‐being of vulnerable groups have become the norm. Carte Blanche explores how ever‐growing categories of people are vulnerable to becoming unwitting subjects of medical research as consent is overridden in the name of emergencies, military utility, and scientific progress.
The effect of scaling and root planning on the periodontal condition in hemodialysis patients: A clinical trial study
Authors: Raeesi Vajehallah , Mohammadi Moghaddam Marzieh , Naghavi Ali , Mozafari Ghazale
Published: August 2023

Background and Aims

Periodontitis is very common in kidney patients undergoing hemodialysis. The two diseases interact with each other so that kidney failure exacerbates periodontal disease and periodontal disease increases the severity of the renal failure. This study aimed to compare the effect of scaling and root planning on the periodontal status of hemodialysis patients and the healthy control group.

Methods

A clinical trial study of 60 subjects, 30 subjects in the dialysis group with chronic periodontitis, and 30 with chronic periodontitis who were systemically healthy was conducted. After a health education session, gingival pocket depth (PD) measurement, and clinical attachment level (CAL), scaling was performed for both groups. Then, the mentioned indices were measured consequently, at 4 and 8 weeks of treatment. Improvement in both groups was analyzed by Mann–Whitney and paired sample t‐test at the significance level of 0.05 by SPSS software.

Results

In both groups, the decrease in PD and CAL was steadily observed from the first to the third time and the changes from the first to the second and the first to the third time were significant however it was not significant between the second and third time. Mean PD and CAL in the dialysis group were higher than in the nondialysis group, which was significant (p < 0.001) for the mean PD. The mean improvement of PD and CAL in dialysis patients was 14.31 ± 10.48 and 17.60 ± 7.83%, respectively, and the mean improvement of PD in the nondialysis group was significantly higher than in the dialysis group (p = 0.008).

Conclusion

Periodontal treatment (scaling) causes more improvement in periodontal clinical parameters in healthy people with periodontitis than in dialysis patients.
Resonance Raman spectra and excited state properties of methyl viologen and its radical cation from time‐dependent density functional theory
Authors: Ozuguzel Umut , Aquino Adelia J. A. , Nieman Reed , Minteer Shelley D. , Korzeniewski Carol
Published: August 2023

Time‐dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) was applied to gain insights into the electronic and vibrational spectroscopic properties of an important electron transport mediator, methyl viologen (MV2+). An organic dication, MV2+ has numerous applications in electrochemistry that include energy conversion and storage, environmental remediation, and chemical sensing and electrosynthesis. MV2+ is easily reduced by a single electron transfer to form a radical cation species (MV•+), which has an intense UV–visible absorption near 600 nm. The redox properties of the MV2+/MV•+ couple and light‐sensitivity of MV•+ have made the system appealing for photo‐electrochemical energy conversion (e.g., solar hydrogen generation from water) and the study of photo‐induced charge transfer processes through electronic absorption and resonance Raman spectroscopic measurements. The reported work applies leading TDDFT approaches to investigate the electronic and vibrational spectroscopic properties of MV2+ and MV•+. Using a conventional hybrid exchange functional (B3‐LYP) and a long‐range corrected hybrid exchange functional (ωB97X‐D3), including with a conductor‐like polarizable continuum model to account for solvation, the electronic absorption and resonance Raman spectra predicted are in good agreement with experiment. Also analyzed are the charge transfer character and natural transition orbitals derived from the TDDFT vertical excitations calculated. The findings and models developed further the understanding of the electronic properties of viologens and related organic redox mediators important in renewable energy applications and serve as a reference for guiding the interpretation of electronic absorption and Raman spectra of the ions.
Cardiac resynchronization therapy with a defibrillator in non‐ischemic and ischemic patients for primary and secondary prevention of sudden cardiac death: Analysis of the Japan cardiac device treatment registry database
Authors: Yokoshiki Hisashi , Shimizu Akihiko , Mitsuhashi Takeshi , Ishibashi Kohei , Kabutoya Tomoyuki , Yoshiga Yasuhiro , Kondo Yusuke , Abe Haruhiko , Shimizu Wataru ,   Members of the Implantable Cardioverter‐Defibrillator (ICD) Committee of the Japanese Heart Rhythm Society
Published: August 2023

Background

Panoramic studies in patients with cardiac resynchronization therapy with a defibrillator (CRT‐D) focusing on the etiology and indication are scarce. Besides, a controversy exists regarding requirement of a defibrillator in non‐ischemic patients for primary prevention with CRT.

Methods

Annual trends of de novo CRT‐D implantations from 2011 to 2020 and outcomes of those between January 2011 and August 2015 were analyzed from the Japan cardiac device treatment registry (JCDTR) and New JCDTR database.

Results

From 2011 to 2020, 8062 CRT‐D recipients were registered, whose dominant indication was primary prevention of sudden cardiac death with a steady rate of about 70%. There was no significant temporal change of the proportion of non‐ischemic patients being about 70% and 65% for primary and secondary prevention, respectively. Non‐ischemic patients for primary prevention were associated with increased odds of appropriate ICD therapy [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR): 1.66; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.01–2.75; p = .047] and reduced odds of any death (aHR: 0.66; 95% CI: 0.44–0.99; p = .046) as compared to ischemic patients.

Conclusions

Proportion of non‐ischemic etiology was much higher than that of ischemic one in the CRT‐D cohort. Based on the higher odds of appropriate ICD therapy, non‐ischemic patients for primary prevention appear to be prudently selected in Japan.
Interdecadal variability of meridional tropical cyclone genesis over the western North Pacific and associated modulating processes
Authors: Tu Jien‐Yi , Chen Jau‐Ming , Tan Pei‐Hua , Tsai Mei‐Yuan , Lai Tzu‐Ling , Chen Ching‐Huang
Published: August 2023

During the period 1970–2020, evident interdecadal variability of meridional tropical cyclone (TC) genesis occurs in the western North Pacific (WNP) from September through October (SO). From the periods 1970–1996 (IP1) to 1998–2020 (IP2), TC genesis during SO is enhanced (suppressed) in the region north (south) of 20°N. The large‐scale modulating processes feature a general warming of sea surface temperature (SST) over the WNP and systematic northward displacement in atmospheric circulations. The northward‐shifted Pacific subtropical high and monsoon trough result in an anomalous anticyclone across the subtropical region and an anomalous cyclone across the South China Sea and the northern WNP east of Taiwan. This anomalous cyclone facilitates TC genesis to increase in the northern WNP. Meanwhile, the southeastward‐extending monsoon trough retreats northwestward, leading to an anomalous anticyclone over the tropical eastern WNP and a decrease in TC genesis over the southern region. Correlation analyses indicate that the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) is more effective than global warming in modulating interdecadal increases of TC genesis in the northern region due to inclusions of both trend and oscillation features. Interdecadal decreases of TC genesis in the southern region exhibit a major oscillation feature and are thus mainly affected by interdecadal oscillation components of PDO. More TCs forming in the oceans east of Taiwan are steered by the overlying anomalous cyclone to recurve northward toward oceans to the northeast and north of Taiwan. TC‐induced rainfall over Taiwan thus increases by 25% from IP1 to IP2, which accounts for about 82% of increased total rainfall in Taiwan, showing the notable impact of interdecadal TC genesis on local climate in the WNP.
Comparison of mechanical dermabrasion and CO2 laser in cultured epithelial sheets transplantation in the treatment of refractory stable vitiligo: A multicenter, prospective and self‐controlled comparative study
Authors: Tang Luyan , Luo Zhuyu , Li Jian , Zhang Qi , Chen Shujun , Lin Jinran , Shi Weimin , Mei Xingyu , Tang Yichen , Chen Yuchong , Wu Jinfeng , Wu Wenyu , Xu Jinhua
Published: August 2023

Background

Vitiligo is an acquired depigmented disorder that causes great damage to patient's appearance and mental health. Surgical treatment plays a vital role in patients with refractory vitiligo. Recipient‐site preparation (such as liquid nitrogen, mechanical dermabrasion, chemical peeling and laser) is a key step in surgical treatment. Among them, mechanical dermabrasion and CO2 laser can achieve accurate ablation in different parts and depths.

Objectives

To compare the advantages and disadvantages of mechanical dermabrasion and CO2 laser and their preference for different parts in cultured epithelial sheets transplantation for the treatment of vitiligo.

Methods

We used a self‐controlled study to compare the efficacy of mechanical dermabrasion and CO2 laser in 120 stable vitiligo patients of different parts at different time points after cultured epithelial sheets transplantation.

Results

No overall difference between the mechanical dermabrasion group and the CO2 laser group. While the recovery rate of different parts of the mechanical dermabrasion group was significantly different (p < 0.05). Two methods have distinct efficacy for different parts, and CO2 laser is better at treating uneven parts.

Conclusions

Both mechanical dermabrasion and CO2 laser have good results in cultured epithelial sheets transplantation for the treatment of vitiligo.
Ultrasound Screening After Cardiac Surgery Shows Vocal Fold Impairment and Predicts Aspiration
Authors: Siu Jennifer M. , Colyer Jessica , Horner Cassie , Bhat Aarti , Bohuta Lyubomyr , Chan Titus , Dahl John P. , Fridgen Jennifer , Johnson Kaalan , Yip Caitlin , Parikh Sanjay R.
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Vocal fold motion impairment (VFMI) is a known consequence after high‐risk cardiac surgery. We implemented a universal laryngeal ultrasound (LUS) screening protocol for VFMI after the Norwood and aortic arch surgery. We hypothesized that LUS would accurately identify VFMI and predict postoperative aspiration.

Methods

We implemented a screening algorithm with LUS for patients undergoing high‐risk cardiac surgery at a tertiary care pediatric hospital. Positively screened patients underwent flexible nasolaryngoscopy (FNL). Patients with an abnormal FNL underwent a video‐fluoroscopic swallow study (VFSS). Patient demographics, length of stay, and swallowing outcomes were assessed. Two‐tailed chi square and Wilcoxon rank sum tests were used to assess for differences.

Results

Sixty‐seven patients underwent either Norwood or arch reconstruction over a 16‐month period and underwent universal LUS. The average birth weight was 3.24 kg (SD 0.57). Of the 67 patients, VFMI was identified by LUS and 100% confirmed on FNL in 58.21% (n = 39/67) of patients. Aspiration and penetration on VFSS were higher in the group with VFMI as compared with those without VFMI (53.8% vs. 21.4%, p = 0.008). There was no difference in length of stay between patients who did not have a diagnosis of VFMI and those found to have VFMI (41.0 days vs 45.3 days p = 0.73).

Conclusions

Universal LUS screening for patients following high‐risk cardiac surgery may lead to earlier identification of postoperative VFMI and aspiration. Recognition of VFMI through this universal screening program could lead to earlier interventions and possibly improved swallowing outcomes.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 134:1939–1944, 2024
Graphitizability of Polymer Thin Films: An In Situ TEM Study of Thickness Effects on Nanocrystalline Graphene/Glassy Carbon Formation
Authors: Shyam Kumar C. N. , Possel Clemens , Dehm Simone , Chakravadhanula Venkata Sai Kiran , Wang Di , Wenzel Wolfgang , Krupke Ralph , Kübel Christian
Published: August 2023

Polymer pyrolysis has emerged as a versatile method to synthesize graphenoid (graphene like) materials with varying thickness and properties. The morphology of the thin film, especially the thickness, greatly affects the graphitizability and the properties of the graphenoid material. Using in situ current annealing inside a transmission electron microscope (TEM), the thickness‐dependent structural evolution of the polymer film with a special focus on thickness effects is followed. At high temperatures, thin samples form large graphene layers oriented parallel to the substrate, whereas in thick samples multi‐walled cage‐like structures are formed. Moleclar Dynamics (MD) simulations reveal a film thickness of 40 Å below which, the carbonized layers align parallel to the surface. For thicker samples, the orientation of the layers becomes increasingly misoriented starting from the surface to the center. This structural change can be attributed to the formation of bonded multi‐layers from the initially unsaturated activated edges. The resulting cage‐like structures are stable even during simulated annealing at temperatures as high as 3500 K. An atomistic understanding of the formation of these structures is presented. The results clearly indicate the critical effect of thickness on the graphitizability of polymers and provide a new understanding of the structural evolution during pyrolysis.
We act therefore we are: A theory of action‐driven strategy
Authors: Câmara Ana , Aime Federico , Petrenko Oleg
Published: August 2023

Competitive dynamics and organizational learning are used to predict that competitive actions drive organizational strategy. Competitive actions expose the firm to the competitive environment, creating salient experience and knowledge and affording learning opportunities, which build market familiarity and narrow the managerial selection of strategic options. Findings reveal that characteristics of competitive behavior such as the scope of competitive actions and the use of a diverse mix of actions in competitive repertoires by firms are associated with the adoption of diversification strategies. These findings highlight the possible underlying mechanisms that link competitive behavior and strategy and indicate that firms might access knowledge and experience obtained in the marketplace when they decide to diversify.
A BEM broadband topology optimization strategy based on Taylor expansion and SOAR method—Application to 2D acoustic scattering problems
Authors: Chen Leilei , Zhao Juan , Lian Haojie , Yu Bo , Atroshchenko Elena , Li Pei
Published: August 2023

In this article, an innovative method is proposed for broadband topology optimization of sound‐absorbing materials adhering to the surface of a sound barrier structure. Helmholtz equation for the acoustic problems is solved using the boundary element method, while sensitivities of the objective function with respect to a large number of design variables are calculated via a sensitivity analysis method originated from the adjoint variable method (AVM), and the optimal solution is obtained by the method of moving asymptotes (MMA). Since the traditional single‐frequency topology optimization is frequency dependent, that is, the optimal solution at a certain frequency may not be optimal at other frequencies, broadband topology optimization of sound‐absorbing materials is conducted in this work. To address the problem of tremendous computational cost due to repetitive calculations at each discrete frequency point during broadband optimization, Taylor expansion of the Hankel function is performed to decouple the frequency dependent and independent terms in the BEM equations. For large‐scale problems, a reduced‐order model that retains the essential structures and key properties of the original model is built using the second‐order Arnoldi (SOAR) method. The accuracy and feasibility of the proposed algorithms are finally validated via some two‐dimensional numerical examples.
Experience of patients with restraints in acute care hospitals and the view of their relatives: A qualitative study
Authors: Siegrist‐Dreier Sandra , Thomann Silvia , Barbezat Isabelle , Richter Dirk , Schmitt Kai‐Uwe , Hahn Sabine
Published: August 2023

Aim

To describe the experiences of patients and relatives with any form of restraints in somatic acute care hospitals.

Design

Qualitative explorative design.

Methods

Qualitative research methods were used. Participants were recruited through clinical nursing specialists in participating departments of a university hospital between June and August 2020. Individual interviews were conducted and analysed using content analysis.

Results

Four interviews with patients and five interviews with relatives were conducted with a mean duration of 25 min. The following three topics emerged in the analysis as important: What was perceived as restraints, Assessing the experiences of restraint use on a continuum, and Lack of information about restrictive measures. Patients and relatives defined restraint very broadly and assessed the experiences of restraint on a continuum from positive to negative, with a more critical view from patients. Relatives clearly seemed to approve of the use of restraints in acute care hospitals because it provided them with a sense of security. In general, there seemed to be a lack of information about the use of restraint and its effects on patients and relatives alike.

Conclusion

The involvement of patients and relatives in the decision‐making process about restraint use seems to be low. Healthcare professionals need to be better educated to be able to pass on adequate information and to involve patients and their relatives adequately in all processes of restraint use. However, when relatives are involved in decision‐making as proxies for patients, it is important to consider that patients' and relatives' opinions on restraints may differ.

Patient or Public Contribution

Patients and relatives agreed to participate in the study and shared their experiences with us.
Comparative analysis of the structural, optical, mechanical, and electrical properties of PMMA/PU blend‐based nanocomposites with FeVO4 nanofiller for energy storage devices
Authors: Alghamdi Haifa Mohammed , Rajeh Abdelwahab
Published: August 2023

The best materials for enhanced energy storage capacitors in electrical systems are polymer nanocomposites films. Therefore, using the solution casting approach, we created a unique series of FeVO4 nanofiller‐embedded polyurethane (PU) and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA)‐based composites. Various techniques were used to describe the prepared films. XRD spectra were used to assess the crystallinity and crystallite size of nanocomposites. The XRD spectra were used to assess the crystallinity and crystallite size of nanocomposites. With rising nanoparticles (NPs) content up to samples with 1.5 weight percent of FeVO4, XRD demonstrated an increase in the amorphous phase of the polymer mixture, which was further supported by UV–Vis measurements. FTIR was used for determining the complexation of the FeVO4 with the polymer mixture. Calculations were used to determine optical properties such as the Urbach energy and energy bandgap. With a rise in FeVO4 NP concentration, the energy bandgap decreases while the Urbach energy increases. All samples' AC conductivity spectra exhibit Jonscher's power law (JPL) behavior. Studies on dielectric permittivity and electric modulus have also been conducted in order to comprehend the charge storage characteristics and conductivity relaxation. Whereas the frequency‐dependent increase in AC electrical conductivity, the ε′ and ε″ of PU/PMMA–FeVO4 nanocomposites drop with the rising of the electric field frequency. The high level of FeVO4 was shown to improve the AC conductivity, ε′ and ε″ values of the nanocomposites. Tensile strength was improved by 38% with the addition of FeVO4 NPs into the PU/PMMA blend. Experimental outcomes show that these polymer nanocomposites materials are multifunctional and can be used as low‐permittivity nanodielectric insulators and substrates to design the next generation of flexible electronic devices and also there can be used to create a variety of advanced optoelectronic and organic electronic devices.
International consensus recommendations for the use of prolonged‐infusion beta‐lactam antibiotics: Endorsed by the American College of Clinical Pharmacy, British Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Infectious Diseases Society of America, Society of Critical Care Medicine, and Society of Infectious Diseases Pharmacists
Authors: Hong Lisa T. , Downes Kevin J. , FakhriRavari Alireza , Abdul‐Mutakabbir Jacinda C. , Kuti Joseph L. , Jorgensen Sarah , Young David C. , Alshaer Mohammad H. , Bassetti Matteo , Bonomo Robert A. , Gilchrist Mark , Jang Soo Min , Lodise Thomas , Roberts Jason A. , Tängdén Thomas , Zuppa Athena , Scheetz Marc H.
Published: August 2023

Intravenous β‐lactam antibiotics remain a cornerstone in the management of bacterial infections due to their broad spectrum of activity and excellent tolerability. β‐lactams are well established to display time‐dependent bactericidal activity, where reductions in bacterial burden are directly associated with the time that free drug concentrations remain above the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the pathogen during the dosing interval. In an effort to take advantage of these bactericidal characteristics, prolonged (extended and continuous) infusions (PIs) can be applied during the administration of intravenous β‐lactams to increase time above the MIC. PI dosing regimens have been implemented worldwide, but implementation is inconsistent. We report consensus therapeutic recommendations for the use of PI β‐lactams developed by an expert international panel with representation from clinical pharmacy and medicine. This consensus guideline provides recommendations regarding pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic targets, therapeutic drug‐monitoring considerations, and the use of PI β‐lactam therapy in the following patient populations: severely ill and nonseverely ill adult patients, pediatric patients, and obese patients. These recommendations provide the first consensus guidance for the use of β‐lactam therapy administered as PIs and have been reviewed and endorsed by the American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP), the British Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy (BSAC), the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF), the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID), the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA), the Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM), and the Society of Infectious Diseases Pharmacists (SIDP).
Plasticity of root hair and rhizosheath traits and their relationship to phosphorus uptake in sorghum
Authors: Adu Michael O. , Zigah Nathaniel , Yawson David O. , Amoah Kwadwo K. , Afutu Emmanuel , Atiah Kofi , Darkwa Alfred A. , Asare Paul A.
Published: August 2023

Sorghum is an essential crop for resilient and adaptive responses to climate change. The root systems of crop plants significantly contribute to the tolerance of abiotic stresses. There is little information on sorghum genotypes' root systems and plasticity to external P supply. In this paper, we investigated the variations in root systems, as well as the responses, trait relationships, and plasticity of two sorghum genotypes (Naga Red and Naga White), popularly grown in Ghana, to five external P concentrations ([P]ext): 0, 100, 200, 300, and 400 mg P kg−1 soil. Sorghum plants were grown in greenhouse pots and harvested for root trait measurements at the five‐leaf and growing point differentiation (GPD) developmental stages. The plants were responsive to [P]ext and formed rhizosheaths. The two genotypes showed similar characteristics for most of the traits measured but differed significantly in total and lateral root lengths in favor of the red genotype. For example, at the five‐leaf growth stage, the lateral root length of the red and white genotypes was 22.8 and 16.2 cm, respectively, but 124 and 88.9 cm, at the GPD stage. The responses and plasticity of the root system traits, including rhizosheath, to [P]ext were more prominent, positive, and linear at the five‐leaf stage than at the GPD growth stage. At the five‐leaf growth stage, total root length increased by about 2.5‐fold with increasing [P]ext compared to the unamended soil. At the GPD stage, however, total root length decreased by about 1.83‐fold as [P]ext increased compared to the unamended soil. Specific rhizosheath weight correlated with RHD, albeit weakly, and together explained up to 59% of the variation in tissue P. Root hair density was more responsive to P supply than root hair length and showed a similar total and lateral root length pattern. Most desirable responses to P occurred at a rate of 200–300 mg P kg−1 soil. It is concluded that sorghum would form rhizosheath, and [P]ext could be critical for the early vigorous growth of sorghum's responsive root and shoot traits. Beyond the early days of development, additional P application might be necessary to sustain the responses and plasticity observed during the early growth period, but this requires further investigation, potentially under field conditions.
The weaponization of platform governance: Mass reporting and algorithmic punishments in the creator economy
Authors: Meisner Colten
Published: August 2023

Amid wider discussions of online harassment on social media platforms, recent research has turned to the experiences of social media creators whose compulsory visibility renders them vulnerable to frequent attacks, ranging from persistent trolling to much more insidious, offline acts of violence. This study examines a contemporary form of harassment against social media creators known as “mass reporting,” or the targeted, automated flagging of creators' online content to trigger content takedowns and account bans. Mass reporting is particularly challenging for social media creators because of its weaponization of platform infrastructures for community governance, leaving creators with few avenues of support after orchestrated attacks and restricting their access to platform support. Drawing on in‐depth interviews with social media creators who have been subjected to mass reporting on their content, this study builds an understanding of the ways in which tools for platform governance, such as content reporting, can be weaponized to harass and introduce vulnerabilities for creators.
Explosion mitigation of methane–air mixture in combined application of HFC‐227ea/CO2 and ultrafine water mist in the pipeline
Authors: Yang Ke , Jia Yue , Ji Hong , Xing Zhixiang , Jiang Juncheng
Published: August 2023

In order to reduce the power of methane explosion in natural gas pipelines and effectively improve the explosion suppression efficiency of a single explosion suppressant, we carry out the explosion suppression of HFC‐227ea/carbon dioxide mixed gas as well as mixed gas/ultrafine water mist through a self‐built methane explosion suppression experimental platform. Based on the changes in parameters such as explosion overpressure, flame propagation velocity, and flame propagation structure, the coupling mechanism of methane explosion suppression between mixed gases and between mixed gases and ultrafine water mist is revealed, which provides scientific support for promoting the development of methane explosion suppression technology. The experimental results show that when the mixed gas HFC‐227ea/carbon dioxide and ultrafine water mist synergistically suppresses methane explosion, the addition of the mixed gas can effectively improve the suppression effect of ultrafine water mist on methane explosion.
Curl condition: Existence of sub‐Hilbert space for molecular species or chemical processes
Authors: Sah Mantu Kumar , Mukherjee Soumya , Naskar Koushik , Hazra Saikat , Adhikari Satrajit
Published: August 2023

The “accuracy” of diabatic Hamiltonian matrix elements solely depends on the level of ab initio calculation and on the included set of coupled electronic manifold forming a “true” sub‐Hilbert space (SHS). If ab initio calculations are performed with enough accuracy, existence of SHS can be validated only when the Curl Condition attains zero within numerical precision. For the first time, we depict a theoretical and algorithmic formulation on the calculation of Curl Condition to demonstrate the existence of SHS on molecular processes or chemical reactions.
Transcytosis‐Inducing Multifunctional Albumin Nanomedicines with Deep Penetration Ability for Image‐Guided Solid Tumor Treatment
Authors: Lee Hyori , Park Byullee , Lee Jihye , Kang Yeoul , Han Moongyu , Lee Junseok , Kim Chulhong , Kim Won Jong
Published: August 2023

Transcytosis is an active transcellular transportation pathway that has garnered interest for overcoming the limited deep penetration of nanomedicines in solid tumors. In this study, a charge‐convertible nanomedicine that facilitates deep penetration into solid tumors via transcytosis is designed. It is an albumin‐based calcium phosphate nanomedicine loaded with IR820 (mAlb‐820@CaP) for high‐resolution photoacoustic imaging and enhanced photothermal therapy. Biomineralization on the surface stabilizes the albumin‐IR820 complex during circulation and provides calcium ions (Ca2+) for tissue penetration on degradation in an acidic environment. pH‐triggered transcytosis of the nanomedicine enabled by caveolae‐mediated endocytosis and calcium ion‐induced exocytosis in 2D cellular, 3D spheroid, and in vivo tumor models is demonstrated. Notably, the extravasation and penetration ability of the nanomedicine is observed in vivo using a high‐resolution photoacoustic system, and nanomedicine shows the most potent photothermal antitumor effect in vivo. Overall, the strategy provides a versatile theragnosis platform for both noninvasive photoacoustic imaging and high therapeutic efficiency resulting from deep penetration of nanomedicine.
Polarization‐Dependent Large Photorefractive Effect In A Wide Bandgap 2D Metal Halide Ferroelectric
Authors: Ma Yu , Li Wenjing , Liu Yi , Guo Wuqian , Xu Haojie , Han Shiguo , Tang Liwei , Fan Qingshun , Luo Junhua , Sun Zhihua
Published: August 2023

Photorefractive effect of ferroelectrics refers to the light‐induced change of refractive index, which is an optical controlling avenue in holographic storage and image processing. For most ferroelectrics, however, the small photorefractive effect (10−5–10−4) hinders their practical application and it is urgent to exploit new photorefractive system. Here, for the first time, strong photorefractive effects are achieved in a 2D metal‐halide ferroelectric, [CH3(CH2)3NH3]2(CH3NH3)Pb2Cl7 (1), showing large spontaneous polarization (≈4.1 µC cm−2) and wide optical bandgap (≈3.20 eV). Notably, under light irradiation, 1 enables a large variation of refractive indices up to ≈ 1× 10−3, being one order higher than the existing materials and comparable to the state‐of‐the‐art inorganic ferroelectrics. This intriguing photorefractive behavior involves with the sharp variation of polarization caused by photo‐pyroelectricity. As the first report of 2D metal‐halide photorefractive ferroelectric, this work sheds light on optical controlling of physical properties in electric‐ordered materials.
Improving the Stability of Organic Solar Cells: From Materials to Devices
Authors: Li Yanxun , Liu Kai-Kai , Lin Francis R. , Jen Alex K.-Y.
Published: August 2023

Organic solar cells (OSCs) are a promising emerging photovoltaic technology for solar energy conversion. Recently, the power conversion efficiencies of the OSCs have been improved to get closer to their Schottky–Queisser limit. However, the operational stability of OSCs remains as a major challenge ahead of their deployment for practical applications. The main causes of OSC instability stem from the poor intrinsic stability of materials, metastable morphology of the multicomponent active layer, unstable interfaces, and sensitivity to moisture and oxygen. To address these issues, it is necessary to have a comprehensive and in‐depth understanding of the OSC fundamentals and develop an integrated solution to overcome them. Herein, the state‐of‐art strategies used to improve the stability of OSCs from the aspects of material design, device processing, and encapsulation techniques, in hope of delivering comprehensive and rational solutions, are summarized. In the end, the prospects toward the future development of efficient and stable OSCs are provided.
Surface‐Chemistry‐Mediated Near‐Infrared Light‐Direct‐Driven Photocatalysis toward Solar Energy Conversion: Classification and Application in Energy, Environmental, and Biological Fields
Authors: Bao Jianfeng , Li Jun , Yang Yiling
Published: August 2023

Understanding the mechanism underlying effect of surface chemistry on near‐infrared (NIR) photon harvesting provides valuable guidance in developing novel high‐efficient photocatalysts for water cleaning and fuel generation. Efficient capture of NIR light, which occupies more than 50% in solar light, is a tall order in photocatalysis because of its relative low‐energy photons. Recently, NIR‐responsive photocatalysts draw attention as its NIR light induced photocatalytic property for the conversion of solar light to chemical energy. Investigating the relationship between the surface chemistry and NIR‐light‐driven photocatalysis becomes the hotpot of research. In this review, the recent progress in the application of NIR‐driven photocatalysis is highlighted. By summarizing the studies on the classification of photocatalysts and photocatalytic application, the relationship between surface chemistry and photocatalytic performance is highlighted. It can be expected that the review will disclose the forefront accomplishments on the relationship between surface structure with NIR photon capture and simultaneously explore the challenges and opportunities on the development of novel and highly efficient NIR‐responsive photocatalysts for solar energy conversion.
A mixture of glyphosate and 2,4‐D herbicides enhances the deleterious reproductive outcomes induced by Western diet in obese male mice
Authors: Valente Leticia Cardoso , de Matos Manoel Beatriz , Reis Ana Carolina Casali , Stein Julia , Jorge Bárbara Campos , Barbisan Luís Fernando , Romualdo Guilherme Ribeiro , Arena Arielle Cristina
Published: August 2023

The consumption of Western diet (WD) – enriched in fats and sugars – is associated with overweight, obesity and male reproductive disorders. In addition to WD intake, crops and dairy products display residues of herbicides, including glyphosate and 2,4‐D that are widely applied worldwide. The concomitant exposure to WD and herbicides – mimicking contemporary scenarios – is not fully investigated. Thus, we evaluated the effects of glyphosate and 2,4‐D, alone or in mixture, on WD‐induced alterations in the male genital system. Male C57BL6J mice were submitted to WD (chow containing 20% lard, 0.2% cholesterol, 20% sucrose, and high sugar solution with 23.1 and 18.9 g/L of D‐fructose and D‐glucose) for 6 months. Concomitantly to WD, the animals received glyphosate (0.05, 5, or 50 mg/kg/day), 2,4‐D (0.02, 2 or 20 mg/kg/day) or their mixture (0, 05 + 0.02, 5 + 2, or 50 + 20 mg/kg/day) by intragastrical administration (5×/week). Doses were based on Acceptable Daily Intake (ADIs) or No Observed Adverse Effect Level (NOAEL) values. Herbicide exposure did not alter the WD‐induced obesity, hypercholesterolemia and hyperglycemia. WD induced sperm cell abnormalities, reduced the number, volume and area of Leydig cells, enhanced the frequency of epididymal abnormalities, decreased the proliferation in both germinal and epididymal epithelia, and reduced the number of androgen receptor (AR) positive epididymal cells. Remarkably, the herbicide mixtures promoted such WD‐induced effects: increased the frequency of sperm cell and epididymal abnormalities (absence of sperm, cytoplasmic vacuoles, and clear cell hypertrophy) (5 + 2 and 50 + 20 doses); decreased Leydig cell nuclei volume and area (5 + 2 and 50 + 20 doses), reduced epididymal cell proliferation (all mixtures), and AR expression (50 + 20 dose). In addition, herbicide mixtures reduced serum testosterone levels (5 + 2 and 50 + 20 doses). Our findings indicate that the mixture of glyphosate and 2,4‐D herbicides, mimicking environmentally relevant scenarios, promotes WD‐induced changes in the male genital system.
Population Dynamics and Their Components
Authors: Doignon Yoann , Blöss-Widmer Isabelle , Ambrosetti Elena , Oliveau Sébastien
Published: August 2023

The Mediterranean has an average annual population growth rate of around 1%, which is about the same as the world population growth rate. With a few rare exceptions, this growth is not principally fuelled by migration flows. However, it is closely linked to the demographic transition still underway in many Southern and Eastern Mediterranean Countries, i.e. by the excess of births over deaths (natural balance). In these countries, average annual natural change of about 1.6% (higher than the world average and a fortiori that of the Mediterranean as a whole) have been observed. This chapter gives an account of the evolution of the differentiated growth rates of the populations of the Mediterranean region since the 1950s, distinguishing between the development of natural, migration and overall growth rates. This will make it possible to characterise the countries whose growth has been stimulated more by natural than migration growth depending on the period, thus heralding the sustainability of future growth rates. To achieve this, the chapter will propose a ranking of growth rates for different countries over time, as well as the expected developments in terms of projections while discussing the assumptions.
Why a Re-theorisation of More-than-Parental Involvement in ECEC Is Needed
Authors: Sadownik Alicja R. , Višnjić Jevtić Adrijana
Published: August 2023

This introductory chapter begins with the critical presentation of the concept of parental involvement (PI) as one implying a “democratic deficit” that builds on educational experts’ protectorate approach towards families. This aspect of PI is traced back to its history, and regardless of its colonial roots, we argue that we should not give up on this sense of PI. Based on a strong political will that can be traced in policy documents in all regions of the world, together with existing research reporting on the importance of acknowledging the democratic and culturally responsive practices of PI, we redefine PI as part of a search for theoretisations of hope, by which we mean the conceptual toolkits that acknowledge parental participation and provide room for more-than-parental involvement and agonism/disagreements. This introduction concludes with an overview of the remaining chapters in the book, as well as some information about the ethical details related to the empirical examples used later in the book.
The pion-kaon scattering amplitude and the $$ {K}_0^{\ast }(700) $$ and K∗(892) resonances at finite temperature
Authors: Nicola A. Gómez , de Elvira J. Ruiz , Vioque-Rodríguez A.
Published: August 2023

Abstract

We perform a complete calculation of the pion-kaon scattering amplitude in Chiral Perturbation Theory at finite temperature, paying particular attention to the analytic structure of the amplitude and the main differences with respect to the zero temperature case. We also extend the Inverse Amplitude Method at finite temperature for unequal-mass scattering processes, which allows us to unitarize the amplitude and obtain the thermal evolution of the $$ {K}_0^{\ast }(700) $$

K
0
∗

700

and K∗(892) pole parameters. As a direct application of our analysis, we show that the thermal evolution of the $$ {K}_0^{\ast }(700) $$

K
0
∗

700

resonance is crucial to explain the behavior of the scalar susceptibility for isospin I = 1/2, which in turn, is directly connected with chiral and U(1)A restoration properties of the QCD phase diagram.
Ising field theory in a magnetic field: φ3 coupling at T > Tc
Authors: Xu Hao-Lan , Zamolodchikov Alexander
Published: August 2023

Abstract

We study the “three particle coupling”$$ {\Gamma}_{11}^1\left(\xi \right) $$Γ111ξ, in 2dIsing Field Theory in a magnetic field, as the function of the scaling parameterξ:=h/(−m)15/8, wherem∼Tc−Tandh∼Hare scaled deviation from the critical temperature and scaled external field, respectively. The “φ3coupling”$$ {\Gamma}_{11}^1 $$Γ111is defined in terms of the residue of the 2 → 2 elastic scattering amplitude at its pole associated with the lightest particle itself. We limit attention to the High-Temperature domain, so thatmis negative. We suggest “standard analyticity”:$$ {\left({\Gamma}_{11}^1\right)}^2 $$Γ1112, as the function ofu:=ξ2, is analytic in the whole complexu-plane except for the branch cut from – ∞ to –u0≈ – 0.03585, the latter branching point –u0being associated with the Yang-Lee edge singularity. Under this assumption, the values of$$ {\Gamma}_{11}^1 $$Γ111at any complexuare expressed through the discontinuity across the branch cut. We suggest approximation for this discontinuity which accounts for singular expansion of$$ {\Gamma}_{11}^1 $$Γ111near the Yang-Lee branching point, as well as its known asymptotic atu →+∞. The resulting dispersion relation agrees well with known exact data, and with numerics obtained via Truncated Free Fermion Space Approach. This work is part of extended project of studying the S-matrix of the Ising Field Theory in a magnetic field.