bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mediating and Non-mediating Factors Influencing Couples and Non-couples’ Cooperative Membership: Modelling Behaviors of Actors in Selected States of Nigeria
Authors: H. Sallawu, , Y. O. Gbadamosi, , P. D. Adebayo, , U. J. Adama, , I. S. Ugochukwu, , S. O. Salami, , M. Shehu, , J. N. Nmadu,
Published: February 2025

Aims: Analyzing mediating and non-mediating factors influencing cooperative membership among couples and non-couples in addition to addressing gaps in understanding motivations and barriers so as to provide insights for tailored policies and effective cooperative models to enhance economic status and social well-being was the focus of this study.
Study Design:  Original research using primary data.
Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in six Nigerian states in 2023.
Methodology: Six Nigerian states were randomly selected to collect data from 820 farmers using structured questionnaires. Analytical techniques employed included descriptive statistics, factor analysis, structural equation and bivariate recursive models.
Results: The study revealed that adult-male-cooperative members outnumber non-members across all states which suggest wide gender disparities. Regional variations in gender disparities in cooperative membership also exist stressing the need for inclusive policies and targeted programs for youth and elderly. Significant driving factors identified at 1% levels of significance included commitment, transparency, economic status, and employee efficiency. On the other hand, significant constraints affecting participation included inadequate infrastructure, poor communication, and limited education. Distance to cooperative meetings (average=7.61km) is negative, indicating a lower likelihood of increasing membership but does not impact on off-farm participation in the short and long run. Recursive logit and probit models reveal long-term impacts, stressing the importance of careful intervention design and policy planning.
Conclusion: Varying prediction of cooperative membership benefits, especially for non-couples, emphasize the need for complementary geographical and longitudinal studies, but off-farm activities show potential long-term negative effects. Robust cooperative institutions effectively linked to off-farm participation require improved infrastructure, access to education, corporate governance and sound financial management.
Data Model Implementation of Weapon Live Test Support Asset based on DoDAF Meta Model
Authors: Kim Eungsu , Ryu Kiyeol
Published: February 2025

In order to safely and effectively conduct weapon live tests in an environment with limited human resources, it is essential to utilize a decision support system to enable quick and accurate decision-making at key stages. The role of the decision support system is to provide situational awareness information and key decision-making elements based on data acquired from test support assets, and an architecture design methodology for system implementation was proposed through prior research. In order to share heterogeneous data between multiple support assets and decision support system, research on the application of standardized data models was required. This paper proposes a method of applying the DM2(DoDAF 2.0 Meta Model) developed in the U.S. DoD considering easy connectivity between models and compatibility with future weapon system model. A case study is illustrated the feasibility of the proposed method through data modeling in ATLAS(Ammunition Transport and Loading Autonomy System), one of the support assets operated during ammunition firing test.
Improved Fine-Tuned Reinforcement Learning From Human Feedback Using Prompting Methods for News Summarization
Authors: Raj Pulari Sini , Umadevi Maramreddy , Vasudevan Shriram K.
Published: February 2025

ChatGPT uses a generative pretrained transformer neural network model, which is under the larger umbrella of generative models. One major boom after ChatGPT is the advent of prompt engineering, which is the most critical part of ChatGPT that utilizes Large Language Models (LLM) and helps ChatGPT provide the desired outputs based on the style and tone of interactions carried out with it. Reinforcement learning from human feedback (RLHF) was used as the major aspect for fine-tuning LLM-based models. This work proposes a human selection strategy that is incorporated in the RLHF process to prevent undesirable consequences of the rightful choice of human reviewers for feedback. H-Rouge is a new metric proposed for humanized AI systems. A detailed evaluation of State-of-the-art summarization algorithms and prompt-based methods have been provided as part of the article. The proposed methods have introduced a strategy for human selection of RLHF models which employs multi-objective optimization to balance various goals encountered during the process with H-Rouge. This article will help nuance readers conduct research in the field of text summarization to start with prompt engineering in the summarization field, and future work will help them proceed in the right direction of research.
Modulation Of Coagulase-Negative Staphylococcus Strains By Lippia Origanoides Essential Oil Associated With BetaLactam Antibiotics
Authors: Gonçalves Samuel Ferreira
Published: February 2025

Background: Coagulase-Negative Staphylococcus (CoNS) can cause infection at the primary colonization site or
spread to cause serious hospital infections such as bacteremia, septicemia and neonatal sepsis. In this context,
the increase in bacterial resistance to conventional antibiotics has become a public health problem. Therefore,
there is a need to intensify studies involving CoNS to implement more effective control measures. In this context,
essential oils, which have antimicrobial activity, have emerged as alternatives for modulating the activity of
antimicrobial-resistant bacterial strains. This study evaluated the modulatory effect of rosemary-pepper essential
oil associated with antibiotics against CoNS strains.
Materials and Methods: Homogeneous populations of pepper rosemary were collected around CPCA/UFMG.
Characterization was obtained by gas chromatography. The microorganisms were identified by MALDI - TOF
MS and antibiotic resistance was determined by microdilution on plates. The STITCH bioinformatics platform
was used to predict the potentiation of antibiotics through rosemary essential oil.
Results: Carvacrol (28.94%), o-Cymene (20.53%), γ-Terpinene (10.36%) and Thymol (2.91%) were obtained as
the majority components of the oil. The association of pepper rosemary oil with the antibiotics amoxicillin and
tetracycline reduced the concentration of antibiotic needed to inhibit 100% of the resistant strains of CoNS,
indicating the synergistic effect of the oil with the antibiotics. In the networks and sub-networks created by the in
silico analyses, it is possible to observe an interaction between the antibiotic amoxicillin and the bioactive
compound in pepper rosemary oil, Camphor, through the histamine molecule. The antibiotic tetracycline was
found to interact with the bioactive compounds in rosemary oil, linalool and limonene, via the nitric oxide synthase
3 (NOS3) molecule. All the major components of the oil also acted in the chemical-protein interaction network,
indicating possible synergisms between the antibiotics and the bioactive compounds in rosemary oil.
Conclusion: These results show that pepper rosemary oil has the potential to be used as an antimicrobial adjuvant in the treatment of infections caused by antibiotic-resistant CoNS bacteria
Use of Diabetes Technologies and Retinopathy in Adults With Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Liu T. Y. Alvin , Shpigel Julia , Khan Fatima , Smith Kerry , Prichett Laura , Channa Roomasa , Kanbour Sarah , Jones Marissa , Abusamaan Mohammed S. , Sidhaye Aniket , Mathioudakis Nestoras , Wolf Risa M.
Published: March 2024

Importance

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a complication of diabetes that can lead to vision loss. Outcomes of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) and insulin pump use in DR are not well understood.

Objective

To assess the use of CGM, insulin pump, or both, and DR and proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) in adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D).

Design, Setting, and Participants

A retrospective cohort study of adults with T1D in a tertiary diabetes center and ophthalmology center was conducted from 2013 to 2021, with data analysis performed from June 2022 to April 2023.

Exposure

Use of diabetes technologies, including insulin pump, CGM, and both CGM and insulin pump.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was development of DR or PDR. A secondary outcome was the progression of DR for patients in the longitudinal cohort. Multivariable logistic regression models assessed for development of DR and PDR and association with CGM and insulin pump use.

Results

A total of 550 adults with T1D were included (median age, 40 [IQR, 28-54] years; 54.4% female; 24.5% Black or African American; and 68.4% White), with a median duration of diabetes of 20 (IQR, 10-30) years, and median hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) of 7.8% (IQR, 7.0%-8.9%). Overall, 62.7% patients used CGM, 58.2% used an insulin pump, and 47.5% used both; 44% (244 of 550) of the participants had DR at any point during the study. On univariate analysis, CGM use was associated with lower odds of DR and PDR, and CGM with pump was associated with lower odds of PDR (all P < .05), compared with no CGM use. Multivariable logistic regression adjusting for age, sex, race and ethnicity, diabetes duration, microvascular and macrovascular complications, insurance type, and mean HbA1c, showed that CGM was associated with lower odds of DR (odds ratio [OR], 0.52; 95% CI, 0.32-0.84; P = .008) and PDR (OR, 0.42; 95% CI, 0.23-0.75; P = .004), compared with no CGM use. In the longitudinal analysis of participants without baseline PDR, 79 of 363 patients (21.8%) had progression of DR during the study.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cohort study of adults with T1D, CGM use was associated with lower odds of developing DR and PDR, even after adjusting for HbA1c. These findings suggest that CGM may be useful for diabetes management to mitigate risk for DR and PDR.
Payer Type and Emergency Department Visit Prices
Authors: Morey Jacob R. , Winters Richard C. , Mullan Aidan F. , Schupbach John , Jones Derick D.
Published: March 2024

This cross-sectional study assesses list prices, cash prices, and negotiated rates for emergency department services.
Older Adult and Primary Care Practitioner Perspectives on Using, Prescribing, and Deprescribing Opioids for Chronic Pain
Authors: Anderson Timothy S. , Wang Brianna X. , Lindenberg Julia H. , Herzig Shoshana J. , Berens Dylan M. , Schonberg Mara A.
Published: March 2024

Importance

Guidelines recommend deprescribing opioids in older adults due to risk of adverse effects, yet little is known about patient-clinician opioid deprescribing conversations.

Objective

To understand the experiences of older adults and primary care practitioners (PCPs) with using opioids for chronic pain and discussing opioid deprescribing.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This qualitative study conducted semistructured individual qualitative interviews with 18 PCPs and 29 adults 65 years or older prescribed opioids between September 15, 2022, and April 26, 2023, at a Boston-based academic medical center. The PCPs were asked about their experiences prescribing and deprescribing opioids to older adults. Patients were asked about their experiences using and discussing opioid medications with PCPs.

Main Outcome and Measures

Shared and conflicting themes between patients and PCPs regarding perceptions of opioid prescribing and barriers to deprescribing.

Results

In total, 18 PCPs (12 [67%] younger that 50 years; 10 [56%] female; and 14 [78%] based at an academic practice) and 29 patients (mean [SD] age, 72 [5] years; 19 [66%] female) participated. Participants conveyed that conversations between PCPs and patients on opioid use for chronic pain were typically challenging and that conversations regarding opioid risks and deprescribing were uncommon. Three common themes related to experiences with opioids for chronic pain emerged in both patient and PCP interviews: opioids were used as a last resort, opioids were used to improve function and quality of life, and trust was vital in a clinician-patient relationship. Patients and PCPs expressed conflicting views on risks of opioids, with patients focusing on addiction and PCPs focusing on adverse drug events. Both groups felt deprescribing conversations were often unsuccessful but had conflicting views on barriers to successful conversations. Patients felt deprescribing was often unnecessary unless an adverse event occurred, and many patients had prior negative experiences tapering. The PCPs described gaps in knowledge on how to taper, a lack of clinical access to monitor patients during tapering, and concerns about patient resistance.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this qualitative study, PCPs and older adults receiving long-term opioid therapy viewed the use of opioids as a beneficial last resort for treating chronic pain but expressed dissonant views on the risks associated with opioids, which made deprescribing conversations challenging. Interventions, such as conversation aids, are needed to support collaborative discussion about deprescribing opioids.
Automation in the Clinical Laboratory
Authors: Samara Vishnu A. , Chan Clarence W. , Kanegusuku Anastasia Gant , Yeo Kiang‐Teck J.
Published: March 2024

Automation in the clinical laboratory is an approach to replace repetitive manual tasks of laboratory testing using sophisticated automated devices.
Total laboratory automation
(
TLA
) involves an integrated system of automation that spans the whole spectrum of a specimen's journey from processing, testing, resulting, and storage with the use of advanced instrumentation combined with computer systems and informatics solutions. TLA will enhance the efficiency of a clinical laboratory by reducing the testing
turn‐around‐time
(
TAT
) and reduction of errors in specimen handling and labeling. The major factors for implementation of a TLA system include increasing the sample throughput capacity while facing a medical technology staff shortage. Despite the heavy financial investment involved, laboratories around the world are moving toward implementing TLA. This article focuses on the clinical laboratory processes, how these processes are controlled by automation systems, current state of automation, the role of middleware/informatics systems, and the advantages, challenges, and the outlook of TLA in a clinical laboratory.
Chiroptical Spectroscopy in Drug Analysis
Authors: Rodger Alison
Published: March 2024

Many pharmaceutical compounds contain one or more centers of dissymmetry, thus presenting a unique series of regulatory and compendial requirements. The regulatory authorities are well acquainted with the fact that one given enantiomer or diastereomer of a drug entity may possess more efficacy (or fewer side effects) than its mirror image. Consequently, unless a compelling argument exists for the marketing of a 50:50 racemic mixture, it is more appropriate to develop enantiomerically pure therapeutic agents. Although often characterized using chiral chromatography, these molecules can be effectively studied using the various techniques of chiroptical spectroscopy. Techniques that have been found to be very useful for such work include polarimetry (i.e. circular birefringence),
optical rotatory dispersion
(
ORD
), and
circular dichroism
(
CD
). At present, polarimetry remains the main technique used by regulatory authorities to establish enantiomeric identity and purity; however, more sophisticated chiroptical techniques are increasingly being used especially for biopharmaceuticals. In this article, the principles underlying each chiroptical effect are briefly outlined, and the application to problems of pharmaceutical interest is illustrated through the inclusion of appropriate examples.
Affinity Chromatography
Authors: Hage David S. , Kotlin Natalie R.
Published: March 2024

Affinity chromatography is a type of liquid chromatography that makes use of biological interactions for the separation and specific analysis of sample components. This article discusses the basic principles behind the theory and use of this method. Various factors that are important in the development of an affinity chromatographic system are considered, such as the choice of affinity ligand, support material, immobilization method, and elution conditions. A survey of the different types of affinity chromatography is also presented, including bioaffinity chromatography,
immunoaffinity chromatography
(
IAC
), dye–ligand affinity chromatography,
immobilized metal ion affinity chromatography
(
IMAC
), and analytical affinity chromatography. In addition, some areas of expected future growth are considered, such as the use of molecular imprints or aptamers as ligands in affinity columns and the coupling of affinity chromatography with other analytical techniques.
Three‐in‐One Peptide Prodrug with Targeting, Assembly and Release Properties for Overcoming Bacterium‐Induced Drug Resistance and Potentiating Anti‐Cancer Immune Response
Authors: Gao Ge , Jiang Yao‐Wen , Chen Jiaxuan , Xu Xiaodi , Sun Xianbao , Xu Haidong , Liang Gaolin , Liu Xiaoyang , Zhan Wenjun , Wang Meng , Xu Yixin , Zheng Junnian , Wang Gang
Published: March 2024

The presence of bacteria in tumor results in chemotherapeutic drug resistance and weakens the immune response in colorectal cancer. To overcome bacterium‐induced chemotherapeutic drug resistance and potentiate antitumor immunity, herein a novel molecule Biotin‐Lys(SA‐Cip‐OH)‐Lys(SA‐CPT)‐Phe‐Phe‐Nap (Biotin‐Cip‐CPT‐Nap) is rationally designed containing four functional motifs (i.e., a biotin motif for targeting, Phe‐Phe(‐Nap) motif for self‐assembly, ciprofloxacin derivative (Cip‐OH) motif for antibacterial effect, and camptothecin (CPT) motif for chemotherapy). Using the designed molecule, a novel strategy of intracellular enzymatic nanofiber formation and synergistic antibacterium‐enhanced chemotherapy and immunotherapy is achieved. Under endocytosis mediated by highly expressed biotin receptor in colorectal cancer cell membrane and the catalysis of highly expressed carboxylesterase in the cytoplasm, this novel molecule can be transformed into Biotin‐Nap, which self‐assembled into nanofibers. Meanwhile, antibiotic Cip‐OH and chemotherapeutic drug CPT are released, overcoming bacterium‐induced drug resistance and enhancing the therapeutic efficacy of immunotherapy towards colorectal cancer. This work offers a feasible strategy for the design of novel multifunctional prodrugs to improve the efficiency of colorectal cancer treatment.
Tuning Surface Potential Polarization to Enhance N2 Affinity for Ammonia Electrosynthesis
Authors: Wang Hongbo , Zhang Chenyang , Liu Boling , Li Wenqing , Jiang Changzhong , Ke Zunjian , He Dong , Xiao Xiangheng
Published: March 2024

Electrocatalytic N2 reduction reaction (NRR) to synthesize ammonia is a sustainable reaction that is expected to replace Haber Bosch process. Laminated Bi2WO6 has great potential as an NRR electrocatalyst, however, the effective activity requires that the inert substrate is fully activated. Here, for the first time, success is achieved in activating the Bi2WO6 basal planes with NRR activity through Ti doping. The introduction of Ti successfully tunes the surface potential distribution and enhances the N2 adsorption. The subsequently strong hybrid coupling of d(Ti)‐p(N) orbitals fills the electronic state of N2 antibonding molecular orbital, which greatly weakens the bonding strength of N≡N bonds. Further, in situ synchrotron radiation‐based Fourier transform infrared (SR‐FTIR) spectrum and theoretical calculations show that surface potential polarization enhances the adsorption of HNN* by Bi‐Ti dual‐metal sites, which is beneficial for the subsequent activation hydrogenation process. The Ti‐Bi2WO6 nanosheets achieve 11.44% Faradaic efficiency (−0.2 V vs. RHE), a NH3 yield rate of 23.14 µg mg−1 h−1 (15N calibration), and satisfactory stability in 0.1 M HCl environment. The mutual assistance of theory and experiment can help understand and develop of excellent two‐dimensional (2D) materials for the NRR.
Optically Transparent Conformal Reflectarray with Multi‐Angle Microwave Efficient Scattering Enhancement
Authors: Fan Chenxi , Zhao Wenbo , Chen Ke , Zhao Junming , Jiang Tian , Feng Yijun
Published: March 2024

Optically transparent electromagnetic devices play a key role in modern society. Traditional transparent electromagnetic devices face the problems of high return loss, low optical transparency, and dependence on the properties of transparent conductive materials. Due to the limitation of substrate, there are few studies on conformal transparent reflectarray. However, for conformal targets such as aircraft, it is particularly important to fabricate conformal transparent reflectarray. Here, an optically transparent conformal reflectarray with multi‐angle scattering enhancement performance is proposed. ITO square ring and patch are selected to realize wide phase coverage and low return loss of the array is achieved by traversing the initial phase. By partitioning the phase distribution of the reflectarray, the 0° normal incidence efficient backscattering enhancement and the ±45° multi‐angle backscattering enhancement functions of the conformal reflectarray are realized in X‐band. Both simulation and experimental results verify the effectiveness of the proposed prototype. The reflectarray has high reflection efficiency, excellent optical transparency, stable performance, and is easy to manufacture. Therefore, it is expected to be applied to backscattering enhancement of transparent conformal shapes such as aircraft and friendly targets, and then improve the efficiency of target echo detection from multiple angles in complex situations.
Nickel‐Catalyzed Intramolecular Dual Annulation Reaction of Alkyl Nitrile‐Containing 1,2,3‐Benzotriazin‐4(3H)‐ones: A Pathway to Access Diversely Polycyclic Quinazolinone Alkaloids
Authors: Thorat Vijaykumar H. , Huang Yong‐Ran , Chao Hao‐Yu , Hsieh Jen‐Chieh
Published: March 2024

Herein, we report a nickel‐catalyzed intramolecular dual annulation reaction of alkyl nitrile‐containing 1,2,3‐benzotriazin‐4(3H)‐ones to synthesize polycyclic quinazolinones. This catalytic reaction can construct the core structure of polycyclic quinazolinone alkaloids; therefore, we also apply this reaction as the critical step to access fifteen relevant alkaloids to demonstrate efficacy.
Cp*Ir‐Catalyzed C−H Arylation of 2‐Pyridones and 1‐Isoquinolinones with Arylsilanes
Authors: Su Tongxu , Xu Heng , Dong Yi
Published: March 2024

A Cp*Ir‐catalyzed C−H arylation of 1‐isoquinolinone and 2‐pyridones with N‐2‐pyridyl as a directing group to afford 6‐phenylpyridin‐2(1H)‐ones and 3‐phenylisoquinolin‐1(2H)‐ones by using arylsilanes is described in this paper. This method tolerates a series of functional groups, such as halide, trifluoromethyl, C=C double bond and offers a synthetic approach to the core structure of protoberberine alkaloids. Several experiments on mechanism studies were conducted to reveal the possible process of this Cp*Ir‐catalytic cycle.
Non‐viral Gene Therapy for Melanoma Using Lysenin from Eisenia Foetida
Authors: Ren Min , Yang Ling , He Liming , Wang Jie , Zhao Wei , Yang Chunli , Yang Shuai , Cheng Hao , Huang Meijuan , Gou Maling
Published: March 2024

Earthworms, long utilized in traditional medicine, serve as a source of inspiration for modern therapeutics. Lysenin, a defensive factor in the coelom fluid of the earthworm Eisenia fetida, has multiple bioactivities. However, the inherent toxicity of Lysenin as a pore‐forming protein (PFP) restricts its application in therapy. Here, a gene therapy strategy based on Lysenin for cancer treatment is presented. The formulation consists of polymeric nanoparticles complexed with the plasmid encoding Lysenin. After transfection in vitro, melanoma cells can express Lysenin, resulting in necrosis, autophagy, and immunogenic cell death. The secretory signal peptide alters the intracellular distribution of the expressed product of Lysenin, thereby potentiating its anticancer efficacy. The intratumor injection of Lysenin gene formulation can efficiently kill the transfected melanoma cells and activate the antitumor immune response. Notably, no obvious systemic toxicity is observed during the treatment. Non‐viral gene therapy based on Lysenin derived from Eisenia foetida exhibits potential in cancer therapy, which can inspire future cancer therapeutics.
Ligand Relay for Nickel‐Catalyzed Decarbonylative Alkylation of Aroyl Chlorides
Authors: Wang Tian‐Zhang , Guan Yu‐Qiu , Zhang Tian‐Yu , Liang Yu‐Feng
Published: March 2024

Transition metal‐catalyzed direct decarboxylative transformations of aromatic carboxylic acids usually require high temperatures, which limit the substrate's scope, especially for late‐stage applications. The development of the selective decarbonylative of carboxylic acid derivatives, especially the most fundamental aroyl chlorides, with stable and cheap electrophiles under mild conditions is highly desirable and meaningful, but remains challenging. Herein, a strategy of nickel‐catalyzed decarbonylative alkylation of aroyl chlorides via phosphine/nitrogen ligand relay is reported. The simple phosphine ligand is found essential for the decarbonylation step, while the nitrogen ligand promotes the cross‐electrophile coupling. Such a ligand relay system can effectively and orderly carry out the catalytic process at room temperature, utilizing easily available aroyl chlorides as an aryl electrophile for reductive alkylation. This discovery provides a new strategy for direct decarbonylative coupling, features operationally simple, mild conditions, and excellent functional group tolerance. The mild approach is applied to the late‐stage methylation of various pharmaceuticals. Extensive experiments are carried out to provide insights into the reaction pathway and support the ligand relay process.
Ligand Chirality Transfer from Solution State to the Crystalline Self‐Assemblies in Circularly Polarized Luminescence (CPL) Active Lanthanide Systems
Authors: Caffrey David F. , Gorai Tumpa , Rawson Bláithín , Martínez‐Calvo Miguel , Kitchen Jonathan A. , Murray Niamh S. , Kotova Oxana , Comby Steve , Peacock Robert D. , Stachelek Patrycja , Pal Robert , Gunnlaugsson Thorfinnur
Published: March 2024

The synthesis of a family of chiral and enantiomerically pure pyridyl‐diamide (pda) ligands that upon complexation with europium [Eu(CF3SO3)3] result in chiral complexes with metal centered luminescence is reported; the sets of enantiomers giving rise to both circular dichroism (CD) and circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) signatures. The solid‐state structures of these chiral metallosupramolecular systems are determined using X‐ray diffraction showing that the ligand chirality is transferred from solution to the solid state. This optically favorable helical packing arrangement is confirmed by recording the CPL spectra from the crystalline assembly by using steady state and enantioselective differential chiral contrast (EDCC) CPL Laser Scanning Confocal Microscopy (CPL‐LSCM) where the two enantiomers can be clearly distinguished.
Facile Tailoring of Metal‐Organic Frameworks for Förster Resonance Energy Transfer‐Driven Enhancement in Perovskite Photovoltaics
Authors: Liang Xiao , Xia Hai‐lun , Xiang Jin , Wang Fei , Ma Jing , Zhou Xianfang , Wang Hao , Liu Xiao‐Yuan , Zhu Quanyao , Lin Haoran , Pan Jun , Yuan Mingjian , Li Gang , Hu Hanlin
Published: March 2024

Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) has demonstrated its potential to enhance the light energy utilization ratio of perovskite solar cells by interacting with metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) and perovskite layers. However, comprehensive investigations into how MOF design and synthesis impact FRET in perovskite systems are scarce. In this work, nanoscale HIAM‐type Zr‐MOF (HIAM‐4023, HIAM‐4024, and HIAM‐4025) is meticulously tailored to evaluate FRET's existence and its influence on the perovskite photoactive layer. Through precise adjustments of amino groups and acceptor units in the organic linker, HIAM‐MOFs are synthesized with the same topology, but distinct photoluminescence (PL) emission properties. Significant FRET is observed between HIAM‐4023/HIAM‐4024 and the perovskite, confirmed by spectral overlap, fluorescence lifetime decay, and calculated distances between HIAM‐4023/HIAM‐4024 and the perovskite. Conversely, the spectral overlap between the PL emission of HIAM‐4025 and the perovskite's absorption spectrum is relatively minimal, impeding the energy transfer from HIAM‐4025 to the perovskite. Therefore, the HIAM‐4023/HIAM‐4024‐assisted perovskite devices exhibit enhanced EQE via FRET processes, whereas the HIAM‐4025 demonstrates comparable EQE to the pristine. Ultimately, the HIAM‐4023‐assisted perovskite device achieves an enhanced power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 24.22% compared with pristine devices (PCE of 22.06%) and remarkable long‐term stability under ambient conditions and continuous light illumination.
Multispectral Optoacoustic Tomography Enables In Vivo Anatomical and Functional Assessment of Human Tendons
Authors: Ivankovic Ivana , Lin Hsiao‐Chun Amy , Özbek Ali , Orive Ana , Deán‐Ben Xosé Luís , Razansky Daniel
Published: March 2024

Tendon injuries resulting from accidents and aging are increasing globally. However, key tendon functional parameters such as microvascularity and oxygen perfusion remain inaccessible via the currently available clinical diagnostic tools, resulting in disagreements on optimal treatment options. Here, a new noninvasive method for anatomical and functional characterization of human tendons based on multispectral optoacoustic tomography (MSOT) is reported. Healthy subjects are investigated using a hand‐held scanner delivering real‐time volumetric images. Tendons in the wrist, ankle, and lower leg are imaged in the near‐infrared optical spectrum to utilize endogenous contrast from Type I collagen. Morphology of the flexor carpi ulnaris, carpi radialis, palmaris longus, and Achilles tendons are reconstructed in full. The functional roles of the flexor digitorium longus, hallicus longus, and the tibialis posterior tendons have been visualized by dynamic tracking during toe extension‐flexion motion. Furthermore, major vessels and microvasculature near the Achilles tendon are localized, and the global increase in oxygen saturation in response to targeted exercise is confirmed by perfusion studies. MSOT is shown to be a versatile tool capable of anatomical and functional tendon assessments. Future studies including abnormal subjects can validate the method as a viable noninvasive clinical tool for tendinopathy management and healing monitoring.
Shear Horizontal Guided Wave Sensors Based on CTGS Piezoelectric Crystal for High‐Temperature Structural Health Monitoring
Authors: Wang Guoliang , Hou Shuai , Xie Linfang , Peng Xiangkang , Li Yanlu , Zhao Xian , Zhang Shujun , Jiang Xiaoning , Yu Fapeng
Published: March 2024

The development of ultrasonic‐guided wave sensors is of great significance for structural health monitoring (SHM). In this work, a shear horizontal (SH) ultrasonic guided wave sensor based on the Ca3TaGa3Si2O14 (CTGS) piezoelectric single crystal is demonstrated. The findings reveal that the CTGS‐based ultrasonic guided wave sensor is proficient in transmitting and receiving pure fundamental SH wave (SH0 wave) along two orthogonal main directions (0° and 90°) over a wide frequency range (100–350 kHz), exhibiting strong response to the SH0 wave. Under the driving voltage of 100 V, the peak‐to‐peak values of the sensor output are 110.8 and 8.0 mV at room temperature and high temperature of 600 °C, respectively. Additionally, the signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) of the CTGS‐based SH0 sensor is evaluated to be >18.9 dB even at the elevated temperature of 600 °C. Moreover, the CTGS‐based SH0 sensor showcases its reasonable defect localization ability at temperatures up to 600 °C, demonstrating its great potential for application in the high temperature in‐situ SHM.
Changing Liquid Crystal Helical Pitch with a Reversible Rotaxane Switch
Authors: Chen Sujun , Katsonis Nathalie , Leigh David A. , Patanapongpibul Manee , Ryabchun Alexander , Zhang Liang
Published: March 2024

The transmission of chiral information between the molecular, meso and microscopic scales is a facet of biology that remains challenging to understand mechanistically and to mimic with artificial systems. Here we demonstrate that the dynamic change in the expression of the chirality of a rotaxane can be transduced into a change in pitch of a soft matter system. Shuttling the position of the macrocycle from far‐away‐from to close‐to a point‐chiral center on the rotaxane axle changes the expression of the chiral information that is transmitted across length scales; from nanometer scale constitutional chirality that affects the conformation of the macrocycle, to the centimeter scale chirality of the liquid crystal phase, significantly changing the pitch length of the chiral nematic structure.
Enhanced structural, electrical, and electrochemical performance of polyethylene oxides (PEO)‐based polymer electrolytes for solid state K+ ion batteries
Authors: Chapi Sharanappa , Murugendrappa M. V. , Rayar Ashwini , Babaladimath Gangadhar , Raghavendra Narasimha , Yazdi Mohsen Khodadadi , Ryl Jacek , Saeb Mohammad Reza
Published: March 2024

Flexible polymer electrolytes with effective electrochemical characteristics must be developed to meet smart electronic technology demands. The current investigation explores the solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) prepared by solution‐casting technique, using polyethylene oxides (PEO) doped with KCl salt in different weight percentages. The effect of the dopant on the chemical interactions and structural, optical, thermal, electrical, and electrochemical properties were studied using various strategies. It was found that the incorporation of KCl salt to PEO results in a three order of magnitude enhancement in ionic conductivity of polymer matrix from 10−9 to 10−6 S cm−1. The PEO doped with 20 wt.% KCl salt exhibited the highest ionic conductivity (4.32 × 10−6 S cm−1) and low activation energy (0.25 eV). According to the thermal analysis, the thermal stability of the films improved as the dopant concentration increased. Further, the electrochemical strength improved with increasing dopant concentration, according to cyclic voltammogram experiments. From the results of all the characterizations, PEO loaded with 20 wt.% KCl SPE system is a suitable candidate for use as an electrolyte in energy storage devices such as solid‐state batteries.
Parametrische Modellierung und generatives tiefes Lernen für den Brückenentwurf
Authors: Kraus Michael A. , Kuhn Sophia V. , Hodel Anna , Bischof Rafael , Maissen Alessandro , Salamanca Mino Luis , Pérez‐Cruz Fernando
Published: March 2024

In Anbetracht der erheblichen Umweltauswirkungen des Bauwesens wird die Analyse und v. a. Optimierung der Nachhaltigkeit von Strukturen unter Beibehaltung des etablierten Zuverlässigkeitsniveaus immer wichtiger. Im Hochbausektor existieren erste Werkzeuge zur Lebenszyklusanalyse, diese sind jedoch nicht direkt übertragbar auf Brückentragwerke. Dieser Beitrag fasst die wesentlichen Ansätze und Ergebnisse von aktuellen Forschungsprojekten der Autoren an der ETH zusammen und erläutert insbesondere einen neuen Deep‐Learning‐basierten Ansatz zur Erkundung und Modellierung des Entwurfsraums parametrischer Brückenmodelle und deren Leistungsbewertungen und veranschaulicht die Anwendung für eine Mehrzieloptimierung von Stahlbetonrahmenbrücken. Zunächst werden Daten unter Verwendung eines parametrischen Brückenmodells sowie der Ankoppelung von Analysesoftware synthetisch generiert und anschließend bedingte variationelle Autoencoder (CVAE) als Metamodell trainiert. Der CVAE dient im Rahmen des konzeptionellen Brückenentwurfs als effizienter Co‐Pilot sowohl für die Vorwärts‐ als auch Rückwärtsanalyse. Die mit dem CVAE durchgeführte Sensitivitätsanalyse zeigt Beziehungen zwischen Entwurfsparametern und/oder Leistungskenngrößen sowie Optimierungspotenziale auf. Das hier vorgestellte integrierte Framework besitzt das Potenzial zur Realisierung einer effizienten Brückenplanung unter insbesondere den Kriterien der Nachhaltigkeit und Tragsicherheit und kann problemlos auf andere parametrische Fragestellungen erweitert werden.
Improving goals written for individuals with autism: Preliminary results on assessing meaningfulness and relevance to adulthood
Authors: Bahry Shanna , Gerhardt Peter F. , Weiss Mary Jane , Leaf Justin B. , Ayres Kevin M.
Published: March 2024

In general, individuals with autism spectrum disorder have poor outcomes in adulthood on almost any measure assessed. Poor outcomes, in part, may be related to inadequate planning leading up to adulthood, including inappropriate goal setting, ineffective communication, and inadequate involvement of all decision‐makers needed to inform planning. The skills in the repertoires of individuals on the spectrum have been shown in the research to directly impact the trajectory of outcomes. Yet, at present there is next to no peer‐reviewed literature that identifies evidence‐based procedures to teach practitioners how to write meaningful goals that will positively impact these outcomes. The present study therefore examined the effects of a treatment package aimed at improving the quality of goals written by clinicians and students of applied behavior analysis. Overall, this study showed that for at least some participants, the independent variable improved the quality of skill acquisition goals, as measured by expert and advanced practitioner ratings as well as self‐assessed ratings. Both experiments yielded statistically significant increases in both dependent variables for the experimental group, when compared to the control group. These promising initial findings have implications for practitioners who hope to adequately plan for the future of those they serve by targeting those skills that will positively affect outcomes.
Preparation of photoluminescent nano‐biocomposite nacre from graphene oxide and polylactic acid
Authors: El‐Newehy Mohamed H. , Aldalbahi Ali , Thamer Badr M. , Abdulhameed Meera Moydeen
Published: March 2024

Nano‐biocomposites of inorganic and organic components wereprepared to produce long‐persistent phosphorescent artificial nacre‐like materials. Biodegradable polylactic acid (PLA), graphene oxide (GO), and nanoparticles (13–20 nm) of lanthanide‐doped aluminate pigment (NLAP) were used in a simple production procedure of an organic/inorganic hybrid nano‐biocomposite. Both polylactic acid and GO nanosheets were chemically modified to form covalent and hydrogen bonding. The high toughness, good tensile strength, and great endurance of those bonds were achieved by their interactions at the interfaces. Long‐persistent and reversible photoluminescence was shown by the prepared nacre substrates. Upon excitation at 365 nm, the nacre substrates generated an emission peak at 517 nm. When ultraviolet light was shone on luminescent nacres, they displayed a bright green colour. The high superhydrophobicity of the generated nacres was obtained without altering their mechanical characteristics.
Sn‐based chi‐rGO/SnO2 Nanocomposite as an Efficient Electrocatalyst for CO2 Reduction to Formate
Authors: Rende Kumru , Kayan Didem Balun , Colakerol Arslan Leyla , Ergenekon Pınar
Published: March 2024

Designing efficient and cost‐effective electrocatalysts in simple ways is very important for energy efficiency. In this sense, nano‐sized materials have been extensively utilized for the development of efficient electrodes for electrochemical CO2 reduction. In the present study, we have developed a Sn/chitosan‐reduced graphene oxide (chi‐rGO)/SnO2 composite electrode via only electrochemical techniques and tested it for electrochemical reduction of CO2 to formate. A bare Sn plate was modified with a reduced graphene oxide layer in the presence of chitosan to get a stable Sn/chi‐rGO composite structure and to get more active sites, thus an efficient reduction process was performed. The surface of the Sn/chi‐rGO composite was further modified by SnO2 nanoparticles via the potentiostatic electrodeposition method at a fixed applied potential of −0.6 V for varying periods. The calculated double‐layer capacitance (Cdl) of the Sn/chi‐rGO/SnO2 electrode was about 80 times larger than the bare Sn plate implying that the coexistence of SnO2 nanoparticles on the (chi‐rGO) structure enhanced the electrochemically active sites. The maximum Faradaic efficiency was recorded as 88 % towards the production of formate at an average current density of −7.36 mAcm−2 at −1.8 V. Electrochemical measurements and the stability test revealed that the resultant Sn/chi‐rGO/SnO2 composite structure behaves as a potential electrode material for efficient CO2 conversion to formate.The study presents a simple and low‐cost electrode preparation procedure including only electrochemical techniques which can be conducted within a very short time and without using extra energy and chemicals/additives.
Enantiomeric separation of thiourea derivatives of naringenin on amylose and cellulose polymeric chromatographic chiral columns
Authors: Ali Imran , Nabti Rekia , Belboukhari Nasser , Sekkoum Khaled , Zaid Mohammed El Amin , Kraim Khairedine , ALOthman Zeid A. , Locatelli Marcello , Demir Ersin
Published: March 2024

Due to a great demand for amylose and cellulose polymeric chromatographic chiral columns, the enantiomeric separation of thiourea derivatives of naringenin was achieved on the different amylose (Chiralpak‐IB) and cellulose chiral (Chiralcel‐OJ and Chiralcel‐OD‐3R) columns with varied chromatographic conditions. The isocratic mobile phases used were ethanol and methanol, where ethanol/hexane and methanol/hexane were used as gradient mode and were prepared in volume/volume relation. The separation and resolution factors for all the enantiomers were in the range of 1.25 to 3.47 and 0.48 to 1.75, respectively. The enantiomeric resolution was obtained within 12 min making fast separation. The docking studies confirmed the chiral recognition mechanisms with binding affinities in the range of −4.7 to −5.7 kcal/mol. The reported compounds have good anticoagulant activities and may be used as anticoagulants in the future. Besides, chiral separation is fast and is useful for enantiomeric separation in any laboratory in the world.
Patent foramen ovale closure versus drug therapy in patients over 60 years and a follow‐up of 5 years
Authors: Eichelmann Angelika , Kubini Ralf , Nachoski Dejan , Kosinski Christoph , Becker Michael , Aljalloud Ali
Published: March 2024

Background

The advantages of patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure as protection from a recurrence of stroke remains controversial compared to drug therapy, especially in patients over 60 years.

Hypothesis

The aim of the study is to compare recurrence of stroke in patients over 60 years old with PFO closure versus drug therapy alone.

Methods

We included 342 patients over 60 years who suffered a crytopgenic stroke, and were also accepted for a PFO closure. 199 patients refused a PFO closure and were treated with medical therapy alone, whereas 143 patients underwent a PFO closure procedure.

Results

The mean follow up time was 5.5 ± 1.5 years. All patients in Group B showed persistent shunt in the follow‐up period (n = 199, 100%). In Group A, seven patients were diagnosed with residual shunt during echocardiography examination (5%). A new onset of atrial fibrillation occurred in seven patients in Group A (5%) and six patients in Group B (3%), p = .117. Recurrent stroke occurred in 3 patients in Group A (2%) and 11 patients in Group B (6%), p = .021. One patient died of unknown reason (1%) and two patients were lost due to neurological death (1%) in Group B, whereas no patients in Group A died during the follow‐up period.

Conclusion

Our results show that strict exclusion of patients over 60 years from PFO closure should be reconsidered. As life expectancies are increasing, patients should be considered for same treatment as younger patients, since the outcomes are improved compared to patients treated with medical therapy alone.
Returning Clinically Relevant Research Results to Participants: Guidelines for Investigators and the IRB
Authors: Waltz Amy , Johnson Bethany , Schwartz Peter H.
Published: March 2024

In 2019, the revised Common Rule required informed consent documents for research to include a statement about whether clinically relevant research results would be returned to research participants. While there are national discussions regarding the return of results, these do not provide specific guidance about how institutional review boards (IRBs) should address this issue. Through a year‐long process involving IRB staff and leadership, science and bioethics faculty members, community IRB members, and others, Indiana University's human research protection program created a framework that offers a clear categorization of types of results for researchers to consider returning, provides language for informed consent documents, and describes an active but intentionally limited role for the IRB. In this article, we describe this framework and its rationale as a model for other universities and, more generally, as a model for balancing the need to protect human subjects with efforts to limit the burdens on researchers and the IRB.
Eradicating an invasive mammal requires local elimination and reduced reinvasion from an urban source population
Authors: Patterson Charlotte R. , Lustig Audrey , Seddon Philip J. , Wilson Deborah J. , van Heezik Yolanda
Published: March 2024

Invasive mammal eradications are increasingly attempted across large, complex landscapes. Sequentially controlled management zones can be at risk of reinvasion from adjacent uncontrolled areas, and managers must weigh the relative benefits of ensuring complete elimination from a zone or minimizing reinvasion risk. This is complicated in urban areas, where habitat heterogeneity and a lack of baseline ecological knowledge increase uncertainty. We applied a spatial agent‐based model to predict the reinvasion of a well‐studied species, the brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula), across an urban area onto a peninsula that is the site of an elimination campaign in Aotearoa New Zealand. We represented fine‐scale urban habitat heterogeneity in a land cover layer and tested management scenarios that varied four factors: the density of possums remaining following an elimination attempt, the maintenance trap density on the peninsula, and effort expended toward preventing reinvasion by means of a high‐density trap buffer at the peninsula isthmus or control of the source population adjacent to the peninsula. We found that achieving complete elimination on the peninsula was crucial to avoid rapid repopulation. The urban isthmus was predicted to act as a landscape barrier and restrict immigration onto the peninsula, but reliance on this barrier alone would fail to prevent repopulation. In combination, complete elimination, buffer zone, and source population control could reduce the probability of possum repopulation to near zero. Our findings support urban landscape barriers as one tool for sequential invasive mammal elimination but reaffirm that novel methods to expose residual individuals to control will be necessary to secure elimination in management zones. Work to characterize the urban ecology of many invasive mammals is still needed.