bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recent Advances in Nonfullerene Acceptor‐Based Layer‐by‐Layer Organic Solar Cells Using a Solution Process
Authors: Jee Min Hun , Ryu Hwa Sook , Lee Dongmin , Lee Wonho , Woo Han Young
Published: July 2022

Recently, sequential layer‐by‐layer (LbL) organic solar cells (OSCs) have attracted significant attention owing to their favorable p–i–n vertical phase separation, efficient charge transport/extraction, and potential for lab‐to‐fab large‐scale production, achieving high power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of over 18%. This review first summarizes recent studies on various approaches to obtain ideal vertical D/A phase separation in nonfullerene acceptor (NFAs)‐based LbL OSCs by proper solvent selection, processing additives, protecting solvent treatment, ternary blends, etc. Additionally, the longer exciton diffusion length of NFAs compared with fullerene derivatives, which provides a new scope for further improvement in the performance of LbL OSCs, is been discussed. Large‐area device/module production by LbL techniques and device stability issues, including thermal and mechanical stability, are also reviewed. Finally, the current challenges and prospects for further progress toward their eventual commercialization are discussed.
Two‐Terminal Self‐Gating Random‐Access Memory Based on Partially Aligned 2D Heterostructures
Authors: Lee Chang Jun , Park Myung Uk , Kim Sung Hyun , Kim Myeongjin , Lee Kyo‐Seok , Yoo Kyung‐Hwa
Published: July 2022

2D materials exhibit unique electrical and mechanical properties, and therefore have been investigated extensively. One of their important applications is logic‐in‐memory, which can perform logic operations as well as store data. This makes it possible to overcome the intrinsic obstacles of the von Neuman computing architecture that uses separate processing and storage units. Herein, a two‐terminal self‐gating random‐access memory (SGRAM) based on partially aligned graphene/MoS2/h‐BN/graphene/h‐BN/Au heterostructures is proposed. One of the two electrodes acts as the drain as well as the gate electrodes; thus, the SGRAM exhibits both diode‐like behaviors and nonvolatile memory effects, allowing the construction of a simple crossbar array without a selector. The SGRAM crossbar array consisting of 2 × 2 cells is constructed and its random accessibility is verified by addressing each cell independently. In addition, reconfigurable AND/OR logic gates are implemented using the SGRAM array. Hence, it is demonstrated that SGRAMs are promising candidates for “Beyond von Neumann” computing architectures.
A Novel Electronegative Guest‐Filled Skutterudite‐Based Thermoelectric Generator with an Efficiency of 6.0%
Authors: Wang Boyu , Yi Wen , Wang Chengzhi , Jin Haibo , Li Jingbo
Published: July 2022

Electronegative guest‐filled skutterudites (EN‐SKDs) are considered one of the most promising thermoelectric materials for next‐generation thermoelectric generators (TEGs). However, the practical application of EN‐SKDs in TEGs is still a huge challenge because of their unsatisfactory zT value (less than 1.0). Herein, Ge, Te‐codoped electronegative sulfur‐filled skutterudites of S
x
Co4Sb11Ge0.2Te0.8 (x = 0, 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.25) are synthesized. The optimal zT value of as high as 1.45 at 823 K with a low room‐temperature lattice thermal conductivity of 1.98 W m−1 K−1 is achieved by S0.25Co4Sb11Ge0.2Te0.8. Such performance is competitive with those of traditional TE materials and among one of the best EN‐SKDs. The excellence is attributed to the synergistic effect of the disorder caused by Ge, Te co‐doping at Sb‐site and the “rattling” effect of electronegative element S. Furthermore, a novel EN‐SKD‐based TEG is prepared for the first time through an integrated welding process and exhibits a high efficiency of 6.0% at the temperature difference of 475 K. This work provides valuable guidance for designing advanced thermoelectric materials and paves a way toward high‐performance EN‐SKD‐based TEGs.
Evolutionarily genetic dissection of flowering behavior in Asian wild and cultivated rice
Authors: Itoh Youki , Onishi Kazumitsu , Nagano Hironori , Sato Yoshikazu
Published: July 2022

Flowering behaviors (FBs) are important life‐history and agronomical traits, and their genetic architecture and evolution are of great interest to crop breeders. Flowering behavior simply indicates days to the first‐flowering time from germination (DFF) when considering only modern cultivars with small genetic variation, but flowering continuity as the result of asynchronous flowering can be relevant for the FB when an evolutionary variation is present. Evolutionary and genetic nature of asynchronous flowering has been unknown until now. Through daily observation, we recorded the first‐ and third‐flowering date of a plant, and then calculated DFF and days to the third‐flowering time from germination (DTF). Flowering asynchrony in a plant (FA) was defined as the equation, FA = DTF – DFF. Quantitative‐trait locus (QTL) analyses were performed on DFF, DTF, and FA in each of two‐density conditions in a paddy field by using 35 recombinant‐inbred lines derived from an interspecific cross between domesticated rice (Oryza sativa L.) and an annual form of its wild relatives (O. rufipogon Griff.). The present results suggest the following points: (a) FA could have a genetic component that is independent of flowering genes; (b) genetic nature of FA might be polygenic and the majority of the QTLs associated with FA behaved in a complex density‐dependent manner; and (c) FA might have been developed by feeding pressure of animals in their wild habitat.
Managing bermudagrass competition to overseeded alfalfa
Authors: Harling John F. , Sollenberger Lynn E. , Rios Esteban F. , Dubeux Jose C. B. , Wallau Marcelo O.
Published: July 2022

Overseeding alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) into existing bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon L. (Pers.)] swards may reduce N fertilizer inputs and improve seasonal distribution of forage. However, achieving successful alfalfa stands in mixture with bermudagrass is difficult because of competition from the grass. This experiment's objective was to assess strategies for managing bermudagrass competition to alfalfa during establishment and subsequent stand life. During 2020 and 2021, a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial was replicated five times in a randomized complete block design. The treatment factors included the glyphosate rate [N‐(phosphonomethyl) glycine], the initial bermudagrass stubble height (SH), and N fertilizer rates. Before planting alfalfa in November 2019, bermudagrass swards were treated with glyphosate at 0 or 890 ml ha–1 and clipped to a SH of 5 or 15 cm. During harvest seasons, N fertilizer was applied at 0 or 40 kg N ha–1 harvest–1. Glyphosate and SH had minimal effect on alfalfa establishment, forage accumulation (FA), and persistence. Application of N in 2020 increased mixture (34%) and bermudagrass (30%) FA over zero N, but alfalfa FA and proportion in mixture FA were not affected by N. In 2021, mixture FA was not affected by N, but alfalfa FA (5,030 vs. 2,380 kg ha–1) and proportion (63 vs. 25%) were greater for 0 than for the 40 kg N ha–1 rate. We conclude that N application increases first‐year alfalfa–bermudagrass mixture FA by increasing bermudagrass production, but it reduces second‐year alfalfa contribution, resulting in lesser alfalfa FA and mixture nutritive value and a shorter harvest season.
Smart Magnetic Microrobots Learn to Swim with Deep Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Behrens Michael R. , Ruder Warren C.
Published: July 2022

Swimming microrobots are increasingly developed with complex materials and dynamic shapes and are expected to operate in complex environments in which the system dynamics are difficult to model and positional control of the microrobot is not straightforward to achieve. Deep reinforcement learning is a promising method of autonomously developing robust controllers for creating smart microrobots, which can adapt their behavior to operate in uncharacterized environments without the need to model the system dynamics. This article reports the development of a smart helical magnetic hydrogel microrobot that uses the soft actor critic reinforcement learning algorithm to autonomously derive a control policy which allows the microrobot to swim through an uncharacterized biomimetic fluidic environment under control of a time‐varying magnetic field generated from a three‐axis array of electromagnets. The reinforcement learning agent learns successful control policies from both state vector input and raw images, and the control policies learned by the agent recapitulate the behavior of rationally designed controllers based on physical models of helical swimming microrobots. Deep reinforcement learning applied to microrobot control is likely to significantly expand the capabilities of the next generation of microrobots.
Hybrid Multi‐Strategy Improved Wild Horse Optimizer
Authors: Li Yancang , Yuan Qiuyu , Han Muxuan , Cui Rong
Published: July 2022

Wild Horse Optimizer (WHO), a new metaheuristic algorithm proposed in recent years, has some weaknesses in solving practical problems, such as low searching accuracy and slow convergence speed. Herein, a Hybrid Multi‐Strategy improved Wild Horse Optimizer (HMSWHO) is proposed, which includes four strategies to improve the optimization capability. The Halton sequence is used to initialize the foal population to make the population more diverse. The adaptive parameter TDR is improved to balance the global exploration and local exploitation. The simplex method is used to improve the worst position of the population. Wild horse escaping behavior is added to improve search efficiency and optimization accuracy. The main innovation strategies are the improvement of TDR and the addition of escaping behavior. To verify the effectiveness of the improved strategies, 12 benchmark test functions, CEC2017, and CEC2021 test functions are selected for simulation experiments. Mechanical design examples are added for optimization, and the optimization results are 16.61%, 1.65%, and 0.21% less than that of WHO. The results show that the improved algorithm has obvious advantages in convergence speed, accuracy, and stability. HMSWHO can be applied to more practical engineering optimization problems and provide new ideas for structural optimization methods.
FOXO4 alleviates hippocampal neuronal damage in epileptic mice via the miR‐138‐5p/ROCK2 axis
Authors: Jin Xin , Liao Xingjuan , Wu Longfei , Huang Jianling , Li Zhimin , Li Yali , Guo Fan
Published: July 2022

Epilepsy (EP) is one of the most universal neurological disorders. This study investigated the mechanism of forkhead box protein O4 (FOXO4) on hippocampal neuronal damage in EP mice. Initially, the EP mouse model and the in vitro HT‐22 cell model were established. EP seizures and neuronal damage in mice were assessed. FOXO4, microRNA (miR)‐138‐5p, and rho‐associated coiled‐coil containing protein kinase 2 (ROCK2) levels in hippocampal tissues or HT‐22 cells were examined. The cell viability and apoptosis of HT‐22 cells were determined. The concentrations of oxidative stress markers and the levels of inflammatory cytokines in hippocampal tissues or HT‐22 cells were detected. We found that FOXO4 was poorly expressed in EP. FOXO4 overexpression alleviated hippocampal neuronal damage in EP mice and improved HT‐22 cell viability and inhibited apoptosis, and decreased oxidative stress and inflammation in hippocampal tissue and HT‐22 cells. The bindings of miR‐138‐5p to FOXO4 and ROCK2 were analyzed, which showed that FOXO4 promoted miR‐138‐5p via binding to the miR‐138‐5p promoter region, and miR‐138‐5p inhibited ROCK2 expression. Joint experiments showed that miR‐138‐5p suppression or ROCK2 overexpression reversed the alleviation of FOXO4 overexpression on hippocampal neuronal damage. FOXO4 inhibited ROCK2 expression via promoting miR‐138‐5p expression, thus alleviating hippocampal neuronal damage in EP mice.
UV‐excited blue‐ to green‐emitting Tb3+‐activated sodium calcium metasilicate colour tunable phosphor for luminescence devices
Authors: Deepali  , Jayasimhadri Mula
Published: July 2022

Tb3+‐doped Na4Ca4Si6O18 (NCMS:Tb3+) phosphors were synthesized using a solid‐state reaction route with increasing dopant concentration. The phase identification studies for NCMS:Tb3+ phosphors were carried out using an X‐ray diffraction (XRD) technique. The XRD patterns for the as‐synthesized phosphors showed satisfactory agreement with the standard pattern (JCPDS card no. 75‐1687) for the pure phase of the Na4Ca4Si6O18 compound. The morphology and size of particles were illustrated from scanning electron microscope (SEM) micrographs. The photoluminescence excitation (PLE) spectrum of Tb3+‐doped Na4Ca4Si6O18 phosphor depicts the strong excitation peak obtained in the UV spectral region. The trivalent terbium‐activated NCMS phosphors excited in the UV region (232 nm wavelength) exhibited intense emission in the blue (350–470) and green (470–650) spectral regions. When increasing the concentration of Tb3+ ions in the host matrix, the emission colour shifted from the blue to the green region due to cross‐relaxation energy transfer (CRET) mechanisms and showed the tunable behaviour of the Tb3+‐activated as‐synthesized NCMS phosphor. These results demonstrated that the Tb3+‐activated sodium calcium metasilicate phosphor has immense potential to contribute as a green‐ and blue–green‐emitting component in lighting and display device applications.
Comparative photoluminescence study of nitrogen‐doped carbon dots co‐doped with boron and sulphur
Authors: Joseph Julin , Anappara Aji A.
Published: July 2022

Although different studies in carbon dots (CDs) have been reported based on heteroatom doping, most of them have focussed on the enhancement of fluorescence properties. Here we report a comparative study of both fluorescence and room‐temperature phosphorescence (RTP) of nitrogen–sulphur‐doped CDs (N–S CDs) and nitrogen–boron‐doped CDs (N–B CDs) with N‐doped CDs (N CDs). The CDs used in the study were synthesized through microwave‐assisted pyrolysis. Among the doped CDs, sulphur‐doped CDs showed a high fluorescence quantum yield. Upon irradiation, the aqueous dispersion of the CDs demonstrated blue fluorescence. Furthermore, by incorporating the CDs in a potash alum matrix, blue fluorescence, as well as green phosphorescence was observed. The phosphorescence lifetime measurements indicated that the N–S CDs exhibited a longer emission lifetime and a red‐shifted emission in contrast with other samples, which might be attributed to the presence of a greater proportion of surface states on the N–S CDs.
Simultaneous quantification of caffeine and its main metabolites by gas chromatography mass spectrometry in horse urine
Authors: Göktaş Eylem Funda , Kabil Erol , Yatanaslan Levent , Güneş Ertuğrul , Dirikolu Levent
Published: July 2022

Caffeine is a naturally occurring alkaloid and it is metabolized to paraxanthine, theophylline and theobromine. Analysis of caffeine and its metabolites is challenging since the metabolites theophylline and paraxanthine generate similar product and precursor ions. In this study, a new method was developed for the simultaneous analysis of caffeine, paraxanthine, theobromine and theophylline in horse urine using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Urine samples were treated using solid‐phase extraction followed by the elution with dichloromethane–isopropanol (90:10) after the pH was adjusted to 6, and then derivatization with N‐methyl‐N‐trimethylsilyl‐trifluoroacetamide–1% trimethylchlorosilane before analysis with GC–MS. Sample preparation and derivatization steps were optimized and the method permitted elution all of these analytes within 13 min. The method was fully validated according to Commission Decision, 2002/657/EC guidelines. The calibration curves were linear with a correlation coefficient of >0.99. Precision and accuracy were well within the 15% acceptance range and the method was robust. The validation results demonstrated that the method is highly reproducible, easily applicable and selective. The method was applied to urine samples collected from racehorses to demonstrate its applicability.
Inositol monophosphatase 1 (IMPA1) promotes triple‐negative breast cancer progression through regulating mTOR pathway and EMT process
Authors: Yang Shao‐Ying , Xie Yi‐Fan , Zhang Tai‐Mei , Deng Ling , Liao Li , Hu Shu‐Yuan , Zhang Yin‐Ling , Zhang Fang‐Lin , Li Da‐Qiang
Published: July 2022

Triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive subtype of breast cancer, which is characterized by high heterogeneity and metabolic dysregulation. Inositol monophosphatase 1(IMPA1) is critical for the metabolism of inositol, which has profound effects on gene expression and other biological processes. Here, we report for the first time that IMPA1 was upregulated in TNBC cell lines and tissues, and enhanced cell colony formation and proliferation in vitro and tumorigenicity in vivo. Additionally, IMPA1 promoted cell motility in vitro and metastatic lung colonization in vivo. Mechanistic investigations by transcriptome sequencing revealed that 4782 genes were differentially expressed between cells with IMPA1 knockdown and control cells. Among the differentially expressed genes after IMPA1 knockdown, five significantly altered genes were verified via qRT‐PCR assays. Morerover, we found that the expression profile of those five targets as a gene set was significantly associated with IMPA1 status in TNBC cells. As this gene set was associated with mTOR pathway and epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) process, we further confirmed that IMPA1 induced mTOR activity and EMT process, which at least in part contributed to IMPA1‐induced TNBC progression. Collectively, our findings reveal a previously unrecognized role of IMPA1 in TNBC progression and identify IMPA1 as a potential target for TNBC therapy.
Identifying and overcoming barriers to participation of minority populations in clinical trials: Lessons learned from the VanDAAM study
Authors: Fink Angelina K. C. , DeRenzis Amanda C. , Awasthi Shivanshu , Jahan Nawreen , Johnstone Peter A. S. , Pow‐Sang Julio , Torres‐Roca Javier , Grass Daniel , Fernandez Daniel , Naghavi Arash , Tan Susan , Manley Brandon , Li Roger , Poch Michael , Yu Alice , Little Nikki , Bass Eppie , Ercole Cesar E. , Katsoulakis Evangelia , Burri Ryan , Smith Riley , Stanley Nathanael B. , Vadaparampil Susan T. , Yamoah Kosj
Published: July 2022

Participation in cancer research trials by minority populations is imperative in reducing disparities in clinical outcomes. Even with increased awareness of the importance of minority patient inclusion in clinical research to improve cancer care and survival, significant barriers persist in accruing and retaining minority patients into clinical trials. This study sought to identify and address barriers to minority accrual to a minimal risk clinical research study in real‐time.
The role of advocacy in improving access to care for children with mental illness
Authors: Sojka Philip
Published: July 2022

Across the country, most professionals caring for children have likely seen an increase in mental illness. Even prior to the COVID‐19 pandemic, there was already a trend of increasing rates of depression and suicidal ideation in American youth (Mojtabai et al., 2016). Since then, the problem has only worsened, as the collective mental health needs of children have been rising rapidly. A combination of factors, from isolation related to school closure and social distancing, to the traumatic effects of losing a parent, have contributed to this dramatic rise in distress (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2021). The CDC reported that the proportion of mental health‐related ED visits increased abruptly after the beginning of the pandemic, with increases of 24% among children aged 5–11 years and 31% among adolescents aged 12–17 years, compared with the same period in 2019 (Leeb et al., 2020). These changes have been widely publicized, and in response to this national crisis, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP), and the Children's Hospital Association (CHA) jointly declared a national state of emergency in October 2021 and created a 10‐point outline for meaningful change in the recognition, prevention, and treatment of childhood mental illness (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2021). In addition, the United States Surgeon General issued an advisory on protecting youth mental health in December 2021 (Department of Health and Human Services, 2021).
States of Emergency
Authors: Wolfe Michael
Published: July 2022

We are wrestling with so many heavy dilemmas in our country and world right now, and “lil' Rhody” as people fondly refer to our lovely Ocean State, is not exempt. The children's mental health crisis is one that impacts us all. Between 2009 and 2019, the rate of Rhode Island students reporting feeling “sad or hopeless” for a 2‐week period within the past year rose from 25% to almost 33%. And in 2019, 17% of middle schoolers and 13% of high schoolers “seriously considered suicide” within the past year (YRBS). In general, rates like these are disproportionally higher for those most at risk — people of color, LGBTQ, and those with disabilities. The inequality and injustice in our society is not only a barrier, but also a cause for those most at risk for physical and mental health issues, especially those of the BIPOC community. Much like lack of green spaces, housing, and adequate food options in marginalized communities, there are also fewer resources and many structural barriers to healthcare (including mental healthcare) for these children from communities of color.
Development of a semi‐analytical model to predict the pressure drop of clean pleated high‐efficiency particulate air filters
Authors: Alilou Youssef , Bardin‐Monnier Nathalie , Thomas Dominique , Bourrous Soleiman , Lemaître Pascal , Gélain Thomas
Published: July 2022

The present article outlines the development of a semi‐analytical model devoted to predict the pressure drop induced by clean pleated high‐efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters. Both experimental measurements and numerical simulations are used to characterize the velocity field in the pleat channel. On this basis, a semi‐analytical model is derived to determine the gas flow within the pleat channel. This analytical formulation is used to predict the air pressure evolution according to filtration velocity in the pleat. This model is then validated on the basis of comparisons with measurements found in the scientific literature for different kinds of HEPA filters with different pleat geometries. This model is easy to use, fast to run compared to standard computational fluid dynamics (CFD) approaches, and is in good agreement with the experimental results.
Successful eradication of chronic myeloid leukemia in a child despite allogeneic graft rejection
Authors: Vuorenoja Susanna , Vettenranta Kim , Lohi Olli
Published: July 2022

Background

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a rare disease in children and treated with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) and with allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) still in many cases.

Case

We describe an 8‐year‐old patient with CML treated with two different TKIs before proceeding to allogeneic HSCT. Despite successful engraftment, prompt rejection of the graft was followed by autologous reconstitution. TKI therapy was reintroduced post‐rejection in anticipation of relapse but shortly discontinued due to low white blood cell and neutrophil counts. The patient has remained disease‐free over 5 years after graft rejection and without further therapy.

Conclusion

This case suggests that even a short antileukemic effect by an allogeneic transplant may succeed in eradicating CML.
Covid‐19 detection from radiographs by feature‐reinforced ensemble learning
Authors: Elen Abdullah
Published: July 2022

The coronavirus (Covid‐19) epidemic continues to have a negative influence on the global population's well‐being and health. Scientists in many fields around the world are working non‐stop to find a solution to the prevention of this epidemic. In the field of computer science, this struggle is supported by studies on especially the analysis of X‐ray and CT images with artificial intelligence. In this study, two different ensemble learning models, including deep learning and a combination of machine learning methods, are presented for the detection of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection from X‐ray images. The main purpose of this study is to increase the classification ability of Residual Convolutional Neural Network (ResCNN), which is used as a deep learning method, with the assist of machine learning algorithms and extracted features from images. The proposed models were validated on a total of 5228 chest X‐ray images categorized as Normal, Pneumonia, and Covid‐19. The images in the dataset were sized in four different ways, 32 × 32, 64 × 64, 128 × 128, and 256 × 256, in order to analyze the validity of the proposed models in more detail. These four datasets were partitioned with the 10‐fold cross‐validation technique and converted into a total of 40 training and test data. Both proposed models use features derived from the ResCNN as the basis and test a certain number of machine learning algorithms with a majority voting technique by dividing them into subsets. In the architecture of the second model, it combines the features extracted from the Local Binary Patterns (LBP) and Histogram of Oriented Gradients (HOG) methods in addition to the features obtained from the ResCNN. It has been seen that the classification ability of both proposed models is better than the ResCNN in the experiments. In particular, the second model gives a similar classification score even though it is tested with images four‐times smaller (e.g., 32 × 32 vs. 128 × 128) than those used in the ResCNN. This shows that the model can give ideal results with lower computational cost.
Comparative Pharmacokinetics of Tixagevimab/Cilgavimab (AZD7442) Administered Intravenously Versus Intramuscularly in Symptomatic SARS‐CoV‐2 Infection
Authors: Bender Ignacio Rachel A. , Wohl David A. , Arends Rosalin , Pilla Reddy Venkatesh , Mu Ying , Javan Arzhang Cyrus , Hughes Michael D. , Eron Joseph J. , Currier Judith S. , Smith Davey , Chew Kara W. , Gibbs Michael , Fletcher Courtney V.
Published: July 2022

AZD7442 (Evusheld) is a combination of two human anti‐severe acute respiratory syndrome‐coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), tixagevimab (AZD8895) and cilgavimab (AZD1061). Route of administration is an important consideration to improve treatment access. We assessed pharmacokinetics (PKs) of AZD7442 absorption following 600 mg administered intramuscularly (i.m.) in the thigh compared with 300 mg intravenously (i.v.) in ambulatory adults with symptomatic COVID‐19. PK analysis included 84 of 110 participants randomized to receive i.m. AZD7442 and 16 of 61 randomized to receive i.v. AZD7442. Serum was collected prior to AZD7442 administration and at 24 hours and 3, 7, and 14 days later. PK parameters were calculated using noncompartmental methods. Following 600 mg i.m., the geometric mean maximum concentration (Cmax) was 38.19 μg/mL (range: 17.30–60.80) and 37.33 μg/mL (range: 14.90–58.90) for tixagevimab and cilgavimab, respectively. Median observed time to maximum concentration (Tmax) was 7.1 and 7.0 days for tixagevimab and cilgavimab, respectively. Serum concentrations after i.m. dosing were similar to the i.v. dose (27–29 μg/mL each component) at 3 days. The area under the concentration‐time curve (AUC)0–7d geometric mean ratio was 0.9 for i.m. vs. i.v. Participants with higher weight or body mass index were more likely to have lower concentrations with either route. Women appeared to have higher interparticipant variability in concentrations compared with men. The concentrations of tixagevimab and cilgavimab after administration i.m. to the thigh were similar to those achieved with i.v. after 3 days from dosing. Exposure in the i.m. group was 90% of i.v. over 7 days. Administration to the thigh can be considered to provide consistent mAb exposure and improve access.
Bone morphogenetic protein‐2 incorporated calcium phosphate graft promotes peri‐implant bone defect healing in dogs: A pilot study
Authors: Uijlenbroek Henri J. J. , Lin Xingnan , Liu Tie , Zheng Yuanna , Wismeijer Daniel , Liu Yuelian
Published: July 2022

Objectives

The evaluation of three different drug delivery modes of bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (BMP‐2) in healing peri‐implant bone defects in beagle dogs. BMP‐2 was incorporated in or onto calcium phosphate (CaP) granules in various ways: (i) directly on the outer layer of granules CaP: as an adsorbed depot; (ii) during the entire precipitation process of CaP: an internally incorporated depot; or (iii) during the biomimetic coating precipitation of BMP‐2 on the surface of CaP granules: as a coating incorporated depot.

Material and Methods

After extraction of the lower molars and wound healing in 6 male beagle dogs, 36 implants were placed (n = 6 animal per group). Peri‐implant bone defects were induced. The following treatment groups were evaluated: no treatment; air abrasive surface cleaning (SC) using hydroxyapatite; SC and the subsequent filling of the defect with CaP without BMP‐2; SC plus the subsequent filling of the defect with CaP adsorbed BMP‐2; SC plus the subsequent filling of the defect with CaP internally incorporated BMP‐2; SC plus the subsequent filling of the defect with CaP coating incorporated BMP‐2. Histological and histomorphometric analyses were carried out to quantify and compare the changes in bone tissue surrounding the treated implants.

Results

In Group 1 with no treatment, four implants were lost. Group 5 with the SC and the subsequent filling of the defect with internally incorporated BMP‐2 biomimetically prepared CaP (BioCaP), whereby the BMP‐2 is incorporated in the entire volume of all BioCaP particles, showed overall the best results to regenerate bone around the implants.

Conclusion

This study concluded that the group treated with SC plus the subsequent filling of the defect with CaP BMP‐2 internally incorporated BMP‐2, whereby BMP‐2 has been incorporated in the entire volume of all CaP particles, showed overall the best results when aiming to regenerate bone around the implants.
Acceptorless Dehydrogenation of Amines to Nitriles for Hydrogen Storage: Reality or Wishful Thinking?
Authors: Müller Karsten
Published: July 2022

Reversible hydrogenation of nitriles to amines has been proposed as a method of hydrogen storage. Several research groups have demonstrated that acceptorless dehydrogenation of amines can be performed. Furthermore, the reactions were performed with homogeneous catalysts at moderate temperatures of only about 110 °C. This is highly beneficial in terms of efficiency. However, all reported works have been performed in nitrogen atmospheres. The research question to be evaluated in this study is whether it is possible to carry out the reaction at moderate conditions without any inert gas. Reaction thermodynamics, including the calculation of the reaction equilibria with the superimposed phase equilibria, has been analyzed to answer this question. The main conclusion in this regard is that the thermodynamic driving force for dehydrogenation of amines at 110 °C is too low to reach reasonable conversions. The addition of nitrogen dilutes hydrogen, decreasing its partial pressure. This way, near‐vacuum conditions are simulated regarding hydrogen. This shifts equilibrium toward the products. However, a technical hydrogen storage process requires the release of pure hydrogen. A possibility to enable hydrogen release at moderate temperatures and provide pure hydrogen could be the application of electrochemical compression. This technic selectively withdraws hydrogen, making high conversions thermodynamically feasible.
Durable, flexible, and super‐hydrophobic wood membrane with nanopore by molecular cross‐linking for efficient separation of stabilized water/oil emulsions
Authors: Cai Yahui , Yu Yang , Wu Jianfei , Wang Kaili , Dong Youming , Qu Jiafu , Hu Jundie , Zhang Liwen , Fu Qiliang , Li Jianzhang , Zhang Qichun , Tian Dan
Published: July 2022

Large amount of oily wastewater discharged from domestic sources and industrial has caused lots of pollution to our surrounding. Thus, searching effective and eco‐friendly ways for separation of stabilized oil/water emulsions is urgent and highly desirable. Among various methods, membrane with special wettability is an ideal choice for the efficient treatment of oil/water emulsions owing to its low energy consumption and cost. However, it remains a great challenge to develop super‐wettable membranes using green and inexpensive materials to realize durability, easy fabrication and scale‐up. To address this issue, a highly flexible, durable, robust, and super‐hydrophobic polydivinylbenzene (PDVB)‐wood membrane with hydrophobic‐nanopores is developed by the surface coating of cross‐linked PDVB on the porous wood. The as‐produced PDVB‐wood membrane shows excellent flexibility, durability, chemical resistance and possesses above 99.98% separation efficiency for surfactant‐stabilized water‐in‐oil emulsions. Furthermore, the PDVB‐wood membrane also performs excellent recyclability with separation efficiency up to 99.98% after 20 separation cycles. The synergistic effect of the super‐hydrophobicity and nanopores contributes to the high separation performance. With its excellent durability, easy scale up, easy fabrication, inexpensive, and green regeneration, we envision that this functional biomass‐derived membrane could be used as a substitute for filter membrane in environmental restoration.

image
Low‐prestressing, self‐centering energy dissipative brace
Authors: Xiao Yi , Eberhard Marc O. , Zhou Ying , Stanton John F. , Shen Jiehao
Published: July 2022

Self‐centering energy dissipative (SCED) braces are designed to limit the maximum story drifts in buildings during earthquakes and to nearly eliminate residual drifts. SCED braces that have been developed in the past face three major challenges: they require high levels of prestressing force, they have limited elongation capacity, and their energy dissipative systems have inadequate reliability or excessive complexity. This paper proposes a new SCED brace that addresses these three challenges with the use of a mild‐steel dissipative element that never experiences compression, so it will not buckle. The feasibility of the new system was demonstrated with a set of experiments in a configuration that uses a series combination of post‐tensioned steel tendon and Belleville springs for re‐centering. The paper develops equations that govern the brace's performance, identifies key parameters and develops a numerical modeling method. The design of an example building shows that the new brace only requires approximately 6% of the prestressing force required for existing SCED braces to achieve similar hysteretic relationships. Numerical analysis confirms that a braced frame equipped with the new brace would control the maximum response to about the same extent as would for existing SCED braces and buckling‐restrained braces, while effectively eliminating residual drift under severe earthquakes. Meanwhile, the new system generates 18–26% smaller axial forces than existing SCED braces and appears to have a large elongation capacity. Based on these findings, it is concluded that the proposed brace successfully addresses the major challenges of previous SCED braces.
Energetic and exergetic efficiency comparison of recuperative transcritical organic Rankine cycles under different pure and mixture fluids
Authors: Hsieh Jui‐Ching , Cheng Chu‐Hong , Lai Chun‐Chieh
Published: July 2022

A thermodynamic model of basic and recuperative transcritical organic Rankine cycles (TRCs) associated with using five pure and six mixed fluids as working fluids has been developed. This model can be employed to investigate the effects of recuperators at inlet expander temperatures (Texp,in) of 150–200°C and inlet expander pressures (Pexp,in) of 3.7–6.9 MPa. The ratio of change (ROC) of the first‐ and second‐law efficiencies (ηI and ηII) was positively correlated with the heat transfer rate of the recuperator and exhibited an opposite trend for a specific volume ratio. ROC was substantially affected by operating parameters and working fluid. However, the recuperator heat transfer rate was negligibly affected by the mixture temperature glide (Tglide). A universal empirical equation of ηI,II was proposed for both TRC configurations. The equation, a function of the specific volume ratio, can predict the system efficiencies for pure and mixed fluids, even if a mixture has an arbitrary mole fraction. As Tglide of R600a‐base mixture and R245fa/R134a was lower than 16 K, they had low error rates and low standard deviations. Finally, the equation was highly accurate in ηII prediction, particularly at a Texp,in of 160°C and 170°C and a Pexp,in of 4.9–5.8 MPa.
Predictors of early mortality risk in patients with epithelial ovarian cancer
Authors: Okunade Kehinde S. , John‐Olabode Sarah , Ohazurike Ephraim O. , Soibi‐Harry Adaiah , Osunwusi Benedetto , Anorlu Rose I.
Published: July 2022

Background

To improve the overall survival of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) patients, a more precise risk identification after completion of standard treatment will enhance patients' follow‐up surveillance and the use of individualized targeted therapy.

Aim

This study explored the potential risk predictors of early mortality in EOC patients who had standard treatment with debulking surgery and chemotherapy.

Methods

The study included 93 EOC patients who had standard treatment and were followed up between January 2011 and December 2020. The sociodemographic, clinical, and laboratory data of patients with EOC including the update on their 3‐year follow‐up status were retrospectively collected and analyzed. Early mortality is defined as the death of a patient within 3 years of completion of standard treatment. Patients' data were computed using descriptive statistics and the associations between patients' factors and the risk of early mortality were tested using the binary logistic regression model.

Results

Early deaths occurred in 36 (38.7%) of patients with EOC. In the final multivariate analyses, early tumor relapse within 6‐months of treatment completion was the only independent risk factor that predicts early mortality in EOC patients (risk ratio = 8.6, 95% confidence interval: 3.3–24.5, p < 0.01).

Conclusion

Our study suggests that early tumor relapse may be a useful surrogate of early mortality in EOC. However, our findings should be interpreted with caution pending further corroboration through an adequately powered, prospective multicenter study.
A study of the comparative effect of cerium oxide and cerium peroxide on stimulation of angiogenesis: Design and synthesis of pro‐angiogenic chitosan/collagen hydrogels
Authors: Zubairi Waliya , Tehseen Saimoon , Nasir Muhammad , Anwar Chaudhry Aqif , Ur Rehman Ihtesham , Yar Muhammad
Published: July 2022

Poor angiogenesis at injury site is a major problem in chronic wounds, which could lead to limbs amputation in adverse cases. To overcome this issue, several efforts have made in literature and by our group as well to develop pro‐angiogenic agents. For this purpose, metal oxides due to their oxidative potential have been studied and found very attractive agents. Cerium oxides are proven to be non‐toxic and their biological studies have already proved their importance in preventing chronic inflammation, and neurological diseases among several others by modulating the intracellular reactive oxygen species. In current study, we report the synthesis and neovascularization activity of cerium oxide and cerium peroxide nanoparticles when loaded into chitosan and collagen hydrogel. The hydrogels were characterized by FTIR, SEM and XRD. The pro‐angiogenic behavior of these hydrogels was studied by in‐vivo CAM assay. It was found that cerium peroxide loaded material showed significantly increase in angiogenesis as compared to cerium oxide loaded materials. It was demonstrated that cerium peroxide hydrogels enhanced the angiogenic capability in CAM assay as compared to cerium oxide and hence holds good potential for chronic ulcer and burn wounds healing.
An integrative review of gift‐giving research in consumer behavior and marketing
Authors: Givi Julian , Birg Laura , Lowrey Tina M. , Galak Jeff
Published: July 2022

In recent decades, scholars across all areas of marketing have studied consumer gift‐giving behavior. Despite the growing popularity of this research topic, no extensive review of the gift‐giving literature exists. To that end, this paper offers an expansive review of research on consumer gift‐giving, focusing primarily on work coming from within the marketing discipline, but also drawing on foundational pieces from other fields. We review extant scholarship on five of gift‐giving's most important aspects—givers' motivations, givers' inputs, giver‐recipient mismatches, value creation/reduction, and the greater gift‐giving context. In doing so, we illuminate the literature's key agreements and disagreements, shed light on themes that traverse ostensibly disparate gift‐giving findings, and develop deeper conceptualizations of gifting constructs. Moreover, we identify opportunities for improvement in the gift‐giving literature and use them to create key agendas for future gift‐giving research. In sum, this paper offers a single point of reference for gift‐giving scholars, improves academia's current understanding of gift‐giving, offers several theoretical contributions, and generates multiple paths for future research.
Incivility in online learning environment: Perception of dental students and faculty
Authors: Farid Huma , Hasan Sana Jalil , Naveed Ayesha , Hyder Pakiza Raza , Shaikh Gul Muhammad , Pasha Lubna
Published: July 2022

Objectives

The objectives of this study were to assess the extent of incivility and perception of dental students and faculty regarding uncivil behaviors in the online learning environment.

Methods

Incivility in online environment (IOLE) survey was used to collect data from dental students (n = 232) and faculty (n = 35) at Margalla Institute of Health Sciences, Rawalpindi, Pakistan from September to December 2021. A 4‐ point Likert scale was used for respondents to indicate their perceptions regarding incivility in IOLE, and a list of students’ and faculty's uncivil behaviors. Descriptive analysis, chi‐square test, and Spearman's correlation coefficient were used for data analysis. The level of significance was kept at ≤0.05.

Results

The majority of the students reported online incivility as either “a moderate or serious problem” (n = 103, 72.0%), and the majority of faculty (n = 12, 56%) reported incivility as “no to a mild problem” (p = 0.018). Both students and faculty agreed that students are more likely to engage in uncivil behavior in OLE as compared to faculty. Various forms of rude/threatening comments and posting ambiguous or vague responses that do not add meaning to the online discussion were considered uncivil student behaviors by both students and faculty (p ≤ 0.05). Assigning grades without providing useful feedback and threatening to fail students for not complying with faculty's demands were perceived as uncivil faculty behaviors (p ≤ 0.05). Female students and students with less self‐reported expertise in online learning had greater mean scores for faculty uncivil behaviors (p ≤ 0.05).

Conclusion

Incivility exists in OLE in dentistry with the more likely engagement of students in uncivil behaviors. With the increasing use of online platforms for education in dentistry, there is a need for further research and training courses for both students and faculty to reduce the extent of incivility and create a healthy and conducive learning environment.
Cortical thickness abnormalities in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder revealed by structural magnetic resonance imaging: Newborns to young adults
Authors: Levman Jacob , Forgeron Cynthia , Shiohama Tadashi , MacDonald Patrick , Stewart Natalie , Lim Ashley , Berrigan Lindsay , Takahashi Emi
Published: July 2022

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition for which we have an incomplete understanding, and so brain imaging methods, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), may be able to assist in characterising and understanding the presentation of the brain in an ADHD population. Statistical and computational methods were used to compare participants with ADHD and neurotypical controls at a variety of developmental stages to assess detectable abnormal neurodevelopment potentially associated with ADHD and to assess our ability to diagnose and characterise the condition from real‐world clinical MRI examinations. T1‐weighted structural MRI examinations (n = 993; 0–31 years old [YO]) were obtained from neurotypical controls, and 637 examinations were obtained from patients with ADHD (0–26 YO). Measures of average (mean) regional cortical thickness were acquired, alongside the first reporting of regional cortical thickness variability (as assessed with the standard deviation [SD]) in ADHD. A comparison between the inattentive and combined (inattentive and hyperactive) subtypes of ADHD is also provided. A preliminary independent validation was also performed on the publicly available ADHD200 dataset. Relative to controls, subjects with ADHD had, on average, lowered SD of cortical thicknesses and increased mean thicknesses across several key regions potentially linked with known symptoms of ADHD, including the precuneus and supramarginal gyrus.
Changes in swine ammonia emissions associated with improved production management
Authors: Harper Lowry A. , Weaver Kim H. , Duffin Sarah M. , Coffey M. Terry
Published: July 2022

Swine manure management and storage have been implicated as major sources of increasing agricultural ammonia (NH3) emissions resulting in increased ammonium deposition in North Carolina. This study was conducted to establish how improvements in manure and animal management have affected lagoon nutrient loading and subsequent NH3 emissions determined from measured lagoon chemistry and climate data. Archived lagoon chemistry analyses from 182 farm lagoons (106,000 sample analyses) were used to evaluate trends in lagoon chemical properties. Process and empirical (statistical) NH3 volatilization models were used with the data to calculate changes in NH3 emissions from 2001 through 2018. Lagoon nutrient trends for finisher and sow farms showed that annual averages of nutrients had decreases ranging from 18 to 93%, except for a 41% increase in copper for finisher primary lagoons. Because of reduced nitrogen and pH in the lagoons, a process model of NH3 emissions suggested decreases from primary lagoons of 49 and 25% from finisher and sow farm lagoons, respectively. Empirical (statistical) models predicted even larger relative NH3 decreases (up to 54%).