bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Comparison of Ukrainian Hospital Services and Functions Before and During the Russia-Ukraine War
Authors: Haque Ubydul , Bukhari Moeen Hamid , Fiedler Nancy , Wang Shanshan , Korzh Oleksii , Espinoza Juan , Ahmad Miraj , Holovanova Irina , Chumachenko Tetyana , Marchak Olga , Chumachenko Dmytro , Ulvi Osman , Sikder Ifthekar , Hubenko Hanna , Barrett Emily S.
Published: May 2024

Importance

Since the full-scale Russian invasion, hospitals in Ukraine have been compelled to close or operate at reduced capacity due to inadequate supplies, damage, or destruction caused by war.

Objective

To analyze hospital services in Ukraine during the period before and after the Russian invasion.

Design, Setting, and Participants

Of the 450 hospitals currently functioning in Ukraine, a cross-sectional survey was carried out with the participation of 74 hospitals from 12 oblasts. Hospital administrators responded to an online survey with questions on the use of hospital services. Data were abstracted from hospital databases for the prewar period (before February 23, 2022) and during the war (February 23, 2022, to May 30, 2023).

Main Outcomes and Measures

Hospital services (including emergency services, preventive services, screenings, laboratory tests, obstetrics, telehealth, pharmacy, and rehabilitation services) were compared during the prewar and war periods.

Results

Of 450 Ukrainian hospitals in operation, 74 hospitals (16.0%) across 12 oblasts provided data for the current analyses. During the war, daily emergency admissions increased to 2830, compared with 2773 before the war. At the same time, hospitals reported reduced laboratory testing (72 [97%] vs 63 [85%]), tobacco education (52 [70%] vs 36 [49%]), cancer screening (49 [66%] vs 37 [50%]), gynecological services (43 [58%] vs 32 [43%]), rehabilitation services (37 [50%] vs 27 [36%]), pharmacy services (36 [49%] vs 27 [36%]), and telehealth programs (33 [45%] vs 21 [28%]). Hospitals reported additional difficulties during the war, including disruptions in the supply chain for essential equipment and pharmaceuticals, shortages of laboratory test kits, delays in the delivery of crucial medications, and problems around appropriate medication storage due to power outages.

Conclusions and Relevance

The ongoing war has inflicted profound devastation on Ukraine’s hospitals. The findings of this cross-sectional survey offer valuable insights into the formidable challenges that hospitals confront in war-affected regions and underscore the pressing necessity for bolstering support to sustain and enhance hospital services during wartime.
Crystal structure of Staphylococcus aureus lipase complex with unsaturated petroselinic acid
Authors: Kitadokoro Julia , Kamitani Shigeki , Okuno Yukiko , Hikima Takaaki , Yamamoto Masaki , Hirokawa Takatsugu , Kitadokoro Kengo
Published: May 2024

Staphylococcus aureus produces large amounts of toxins and virulence factors. In patients with underlying diseases or compromised immune systems, this bacterium can lead to severe infections and potentially death. In this study, the crystal structure of the complex of S. aureus lipase (SAL), which is involved in the growth of this bacterium, with petroselinic acid (PSA), an inhibitor of unsaturated fatty acids, was determined by X‐ray crystallography. Recently, PSA was shown to inhibit S. aureus biofilm formation and the enzymatic activity of SAL. To further characterize the inhibitory mechanism, we determined the half‐inhibitory concentration of SAL by PSA and the crystal structure of the complex. The IC50 of the inhibitory effect of PSA on SAL was 3.4 μm. SAL and PSA inhibitors were co‐crystallized, and diffraction data sets were collected to 2.19 Å resolution at SPring‐8 to determine the crystal structure and elucidate the detailed structural interactions. The results show that the fatty acid moiety of PSA is tightly bound to a hydrophobic pocket extending in two directions around the catalytic residue Ser116. Ser116 was also covalently bonded to the carbon of the unsaturated fatty acid moiety, and an oxyanion hole in SAL stabilized the electrons of the double bond. The difference in inhibitory activity between PSA and ester compounds revealed a structure–activity relationship between SAL and PSA. Additional research is required to further characterize the clinical potential of PSA.
Serine 39 in the GTP‐binding domain of Drp1 is involved in shaping mitochondrial morphology
Authors: Ghani Marvi , Szabó Bernadett , Alkhatibe Mahmoud , Amsalu Hailemariam , Zohar Peleg , Janka Eszter Anna , Mótyán János András , Tar Krisztina
Published: May 2024

Continuous fusion and fission are critical for mitochondrial health. In this study, we further characterize the role played by dynamin‐related protein 1 (Drp1) in mitochondrial fission. We show that a single amino acid change in Drp1 at position 39 from serine to alanine (S39A) within the GTP‐binding (GTPase) domain results in a fused mitochondrial network in human SH‐SY5Y neuroblastoma cells. Interestingly, the phosphorylation of Ser‐616 and Ser‐637 of Drp1 remains unaffected by the S39A mutation, and mitochondrial bioenergetic profile and cell viability in the S39A mutant were comparable to those observed in the control. This leads us to propose that the serine 39 residue of Drp1 plays a crucial role in mitochondrial distribution through its involvement in the GTPase activity. Furthermore, this amino acid mutation leads to structural anomalies in the mitochondrial network. Taken together, our results contribute to a better understanding of the function of the Drp1 protein.
Variation in hazel dormouse (Muscardinus avellanarius) presence in hedge and scrub habitats
Authors: Scopes Eleanor R. , Bennie Jonathan J. , Broome Alice , Walsh Katherine , McDonald Robbie A.
Published: May 2024

Habitat restoration at a landscape scale is key to reversing the loss of biodiversity arising from habitat destruction. In landscapes that are intensively used by people, such as for agriculture, valuable restoration efforts might be applied not just to ‘prime’ habitats that are known to have strong associations with target species, but also to ‘sub‐prime’ habitats that might nevertheless provide sufficient resources to support populations.

Hazel dormouse (Muscardinus avellanarius) populations are in chronic decline in the UK. The species is typically associated with broadleaf woodland but restoration of this habitat at scale in agricultural landscapes is difficult. Other habitats used by dormice might, therefore, provide opportunities for restoration. We investigated the use by hazel dormice of hedgerow and scrub habitats in southwest England. From June–November 2022, using footprint‐recording tunnels, we surveyed 38 hedges and 21 scrub patches in the vicinity of 18 sites known to contain established dormouse populations.

We found that dormice were frequently present in scrub (9.3 detections per 100 tunnel checks, 95% confidence interval 6.6–12.0) and less frequently in hedges (4.5 detections, 95% CI 3.2–5.8).

In scrub patches, dormice were present more frequently as the abundance of dormice in the closest population increased, and less frequently where bracken (Pteridium aquilinum) was dominant.

In hedges, dormice were detected more frequently where there was abundant hazel (Corylus avellana) and honeysuckle (Lonicera periclymenum), as frequency of intersections with other hedges increased, and where an earthen bank was not present.

Understanding hazel dormouse association with a wide range of habitats, particularly scrub, offers more opportunities for habitat restoration as part of species conservation strategies.
Identifying Factors Influencing the Properties of Vibroacoustic Metamaterials Using Three Different Acoustic Methods
Authors: Kollmannsperger Lea S. , Kaal William , Becker Michael M. , Fischer Sarah C. L.
Published: May 2024

Vibroacoustic metamaterials offer an approach for the targeted damping of unwanted structural vibrations and noise by integrating periodically arranged resonators into a matrix of bulk material. Fabrication using the laser bed powder fusion process allows the targeted integration of bulk resonators and powder depots, leading to an extension of the designable damping properties. Herein, the adaptation of acoustic methods is focused on the characterization of the properties of metamaterial plates. The investigated vibroacoustic metamaterial plates are made of polyamide PA1.2, combining material and structural damping. The vibration behavior of the plates over a range of frequencies using acoustic impedance measurements in a custom‐built measurement tube is investigated and it is compared with structural dynamics experiments using an electrodynamic shaker. The measurements allow for the identification of stop bands (frequency range with high damping) and influencing factors such as metamaterial design, mass, powder amountand surface on the frequency‐dependent damping properties. The adapted technique investigated in this work provides an experimental platform to characterize the complex interplay of acoustic metamaterial design and holds promise for scaling up metamaterial technology for industrial applications due to its simplicity, small space requirement, and low cost.
Device Design and Advanced Computed Tomography of 3D Printed Radiopaque Composite Scaffolds and Meniscus
Authors: Delemeester Mitchell , Pawelec Kendell M. , Hix Jeremy M.L. , Siegenthaler James R. , Lissy Micah , Douek Philippe C. , Houmeau Angèle , Si‐Mohamed Salim A. , Shapiro Erik M.
Published: May 2024

3D‐printed biomaterial implants are revolutionizing personalized medicine for tissue repair, especially in orthopedics. In this study, a radiopaque bismuth oxide (Bi2O3) doped polycaprolactone (PCL) composite is developed and implemented to enable the use of diagnostic X‐ray technologies, especially spectral photon counting X‐ray computed tomography (SPCCT), for comprehensive tissue engineering scaffold (TES) monitoring. PCL filament with homogeneous Bi2O3 nanoparticle (NP) dispersion (0.8 to 11.7 wt%) is first fabricated. TES are then 3D printed with the composite filament, optimizing printing parameters for small features and severely overhung geometries. These composite TES are characterized via micro‐computed tomography (µCT), tensile testing, and a cytocompatibility study, with 2 wt% Bi2O3 NPs providing improved tensile properties, equivalent cytocompatibility to neat PCL, and excellent radiographic distinguishability. Radiographic performance is validated in situ by imaging 4 and 7 wt% Bi2O3 doped PCL TES in a mouse model with µCT, showing excellent agreement with in vitro measurements. Subsequently, CT image‐derived swine menisci are 3D printed with composite filament and re‐implanted in corresponding swine legs ex vivo. Re‐imaging the swine legs via clinical CT allows facile identification of device location and alignment. Finally, the emergent technology of SPCCT unambiguously distinguishes the implanted meniscus in situ via color K‐edge imaging.
Ultrafast Laser Processing of 2D Materials: Novel Routes to Advanced Devices
Authors: Emelianov Aleksei V. , Pettersson Mika , Bobrinetskiy Ivan I.
Published: May 2024

Ultrafast laser processing has emerged as a versatile technique for modifying materials and introducing novel functionalities. Over the past decade, this method has demonstrated remarkable advantages in the manipulation of 2D layered materials, including synthesis, structuring, functionalization, and local patterning. Unlike continuous‐wave and long‐pulsed optical methods, ultrafast lasers offer a solution for thermal heating issues. Nonlinear interactions between ultrafast laser pulses and the atomic lattice of 2D materials substantially influence their chemical and physical properties. This paper highlights the transformative role of ultrafast laser pulses in maskless green technology, enabling subtractive, and additive processes that unveil ways for advanced devices. Utilizing the synergetic effect between the energy states within the atomic layers and ultrafast laser irradiation, it is feasible to achieve unprecedented resolutions down to several nanometers. Recent advancements are discussed in functionalization, doping, atomic reconstruction, phase transformation, and 2D and 3D micro‐ and nanopatterning. A forward‐looking perspective on a wide array of applications of 2D materials, along with device fabrication featuring novel physical and chemical properties through direct ultrafast laser writing, is also provided.
Performance Optimization for Multicolor Electrochromic Devices: Morphology and Composition Regulation of Inorganic Electrochromic Materials and Selectivity of Ions
Authors: Tang Yinghui , Qiao Hui , Chen Xueqi , Huang Zongyu , Qi Xiang
Published: May 2024

In recent years, multicolor electrochromic devices (ECDs) have attracted much attention due to their application potential for rich color similar to RGB mode. Although organic electrochromic (EC) materials are widely used in multicolor electrochromism because of their multicolor properties, remarkable weatherability remains challenging. Inorganic EC materials especially transition metal oxide are particularly attractive for excellent weatherability in ECD fabrication. Moreover, by selection of electrolytes, better ionic transfer efficiency can be rendered in the EC process. Although the morphology regulation of the EC film and the selection of electrolytes in the ion transmission layer play important roles in optimizing EC performance and have been extensively studied, a systematic and comprehensive review is lacking. In this review, the morphology regulation of the EC film and selection rules of electrolytes in the multicolor ECDs is focused, and the advantages and disadvantages of existing ways are discussed. The current application of multicolor ECDs is also outlined and it is hoped that this review can contribute some inspiration to designing and improving multicolor ECDs.
From Simple Packaging Materials to Smart Sensors: Sunlight Exposure Sensing in Bubble Wraps Incorporating a Layered Metal Selenide Photocatalyst
Authors: Karagianni Vasiliki I. , Georgiadis Andronikos , Lykos Christos , Vlessidis Athanasios G. , Konstantinou Ioannis , Manos Manolis J. , Giokas Dimosthenis L.
Published: May 2024

This work demonstrates that the packaging material commonly called “bubble wraps” (Aeroplast) can be leveraged to serve as a probe to visible sunlight exposure. This probe relies on a newly developed layered metal selenide photocatalyst with the general formula (DMAH)2xMnxSn3–xSe6(DMSe‐1) (x= 1.3–1.7; DMAH+= dimethylammonium), featuring a narrow bandgap of 0.76 eV, in addition to an indicator dye and a reducing agent. The photochemically sensitive probe is introduced into the air‐filled compartments of bubble wraps and undergoes photocatalytic degradation, resulting in a chromatic response to sunlight exposure. The probe's sensitivity to variable irradiation doses can be adjusted by varying the amount of the photocatalyst. The color intensity correlates with the absorbed irradiation dose, allowing for qualitative assessment by the naked eye or quantitative measurement using the RGB color system. The results obtained from the new probe agree with those obtained from standard sunlight pyranometers (r= 0.98), with an average error of <15%. This suggests that beyond their use as protective coatings, bubble wraps can be successfully repurposed as visible light sensors. Furthermore, this study describes the initial use of metal chalcogenides as visible light probes, potentially paving the way for the development of innovative light‐sensitive materials.
Endogenous Group‐Directed Late‐Stage C−H Functionalization of Peptides
Authors: Barahdia Aman S. , Thakare Karuna L. , Kaur Lipat , Jain Rahul
Published: May 2024

Peptides are diverse in terms of their functional groups and side‐chain functionalities, and late‐stage C−H functionalization plays a crucial role in their design. Approaches for such synthesis require pre‐installation and post‐removal of the directing group (DG). In recent times, chemical methods have been developed, focusing on the external DG‐free C−H functionalization of peptides. These approaches utilize the inherent native functionality of peptides as DG to simplify synthetic routes, reducing synthetic steps, waste generation, enhancing sustainability, cost‐effectiveness, and operational flexibility. Such approaches facilitate late‐stage C−H functionalization of both natural and unnatural amino acid‐containing peptides.
Simulation‐Based Performance Analysis of Lead‐Free Bismuth Perovskite Solar Cells: A Comparative Study of Cs3Bi2I9 and (CH3NH3)3Bi2I9 ‐based Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Jayawardane Sanjeewani T. , Akmal Muditha D. , Jayaneththi Yshodhya H. , Fernando Tyron V. , Hu Dengwei , Abeygunawardhana Pradeep K. W. , Sewvandi Galhenage A.
Published: May 2024

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have emerged as promising candidates in PV research due to their exceptional photovoltaic properties. However, the toxicity and environmental concerns associated with lead‐based perovskites have led to the exploration of lead‐free alternatives. In this study, the performance of lead‐free bismuth PSCs, specifically PSCs based on Cesium Bismuth Iodide (Cs3Bi2I9) and Methyl Ammonium Bismuth Iodide (MA3Bi2I9), is investigated. Numerical simulations using the solar cell capacitance simulator (SCAPS) are conducted to comprehensively analyze the influence of key parameters, including the band‐to‐band radiative recombination rate, the absorber layer defect density, the absorber layer/electron transport layer (ETL) interface defect density, the absorber layer/hole transport layer interface (HTL) defect density, operating temperatures, and series and shunt resistances, and to optimize the proposed PSCs accordingly. The simulation results demonstrate a significant impact of these key parameters on the performance of Cs3Bi2I9 and MA3Bi2I9 PSCs. The optimized Cs3Bi2I9‐based PSC exhibited notable performance characteristics, including a PCE of 13.81%, a Voc of 1.16 V, a Jsc of 18.14 mA cm−2, and FF of 65.51%. In contrast, the MA3Bi2I9‐based PSC demonstrated relatively lower performance, with a PCE of 11.82%, Voc of 1.14 V, Jsc of 18.06 mA cm−2, and FF of 57.33%. The study on the defect density at the interfaces revealed the performance of PSCs is predominantly influenced by defects at the front interface (ETL/Absorber) rather than the rear interface (HTL/Absorber). These results provide valuable insights for the experimental design and optimization of lead‐free bismuth PSCs.
Hydrogen Therapy Reverses Cancer‐Associated Fibroblasts Phenotypes and Remodels Stromal Microenvironment to Stimulate Systematic Anti‐Tumor Immunity
Authors: Meng Xiaoyan , Liu Zhonglong , Deng Liang , Yang Yangzi , Zhu Yingchun , Sun Xiaoying , Hao Yongqiang , He Yue , Fu Jingke
Published: May 2024

Tumor microenvironment (TME) plays an important role in the tumor progression. Among TME components, cancer‐associated fibroblasts (CAFs) show multiple tumor‐promoting effects and can induce tumor immune evasion and drug‐resistance. Regulating CAFs can be a potential strategy to augment systemic anti‐tumor immunity. Here, the study observes that hydrogen treatment can alleviate intracellular reactive oxygen species of CAFs and reshape CAFs’ tumor‐promoting and immune‐suppressive phenotypes. Accordingly, a controllable and TME‐responsive hydrogen therapy based on a CaCO3 nanoparticles‐coated magnesium system (Mg‐CaCO3) is developed. The hydrogen therapy by Mg‐CaCO3 can not only directly kill tumor cells, but also inhibit pro‐tumor and immune suppressive factors in CAFs, and thus augment immune activities of CD4+ T cells. As implanted in situ, Mg‐CaCO3 can significantly suppress tumor growth, turn the “cold” primary tumor into “hot”, and stimulate systematic anti‐tumor immunity, which is confirmed by the bilateral tumor transplantation models of “cold tumor” (4T1 cells) and “hot tumor” (MC38 cells). This hydrogen therapy system reverses immune suppressive phenotypes of CAFs, thus providing a systematic anti‐tumor immune stimulating strategy by remodeling tumor stromal microenvironment.
Comparison of additive main effect–multiplicative interaction model and factor analytic model for genotypes ordination from multi‐environment trials
Authors: Bruno Cecilia I. , Balzarini Mónica
Published: May 2024

An additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) model is used to explore the genotype × environment interaction (GEI) in complete multi‐environmental trials. This model orders genotypes (G) according to their performance across environments (E) on a vectorial plane generated by the first two axes of a principal component analysis (AMMI‐biplot). Alternatively, interaction terms can be regarded as random effects, which can be predicted from linear mixed models using a factor analytic (FA) covariance structure for the GEI terms. Here, an FA‐biplot was obtained by plotting the G and E scores derived from the FA mixed model with complete and incomplete data. The aim of this work was to compare AMMI‐biplot with FA‐biplot for balanced data and then show the impact of the imbalance on the FA‐biplot. The G ordinations were assessed in four scenarios generated using datasets of 3 consecutive years obtained from comparative wheat trials conducted under a complete random block design in different environments across the Argentine network of cultivar assessment. For each scenario, G with the lowest performance in the third year were deleted, one by one, from all sites to generate a scenario with missing G. Although we used different statistical procedures to obtain AMMI‐biplot and FA‐biplot, they showed the same interaction pattern in the case of up to 50% of G dropped from all E in the last year of the multiyear trials. We conclude that the FA‐biplot yields a robust G ordination even when with incomplete datasets.
Dandy–Walker malformation in an individual with ABL1 variant
Authors: Garzon Jenny P. , Pardo Andrea C. , Raski Carolyn R. , Prada Carlos E.
Published: May 2024

Dandy–Walker malformation (DWM) is often sporadic, but there are a growing number of genetic disorders that have been associated with this condition. We present a female individual with a de novo variant in ABL1, c.734A>G (p.Y245), who was diagnosed prenatally with DWM. ABL1‐related neurodevelopmental disorder was recently identified but brain malformations have not been well characterized to date. We reviewed the published literature and identified one additional individual with DWM and ABL1‐related disorder, which suggests a possible association with this malformation.
Ordering Bimetallic Cu‐Pd Catalysts onto Orderly Mesoporous SrTiO3‐Crystal Nanotubular Networks for Efficient Carbon Dioxide Photoreduction
Authors: Fang Fan , Zhang Jie , Xiang Lijing , Chen Chong , Feng Nengjie , Lv Yanqi , Chang Kun , Huang Jun
Published: May 2024

Artificial photosynthesis of fuels has garnered significant attention, with SrTiO3 emerging as a potential candidate for photocatalysis due to its exceptional physicochemical properties. However, selectively converting CO2 into fuels with desired reaction products remains a grand challenge. Herein, we design an updated method via an aging strategy based on the electrospinning technique to synthesize a single‐crystalline Al‐doped SrTiO3 nanotubular networks with self‐assembled orderly mesopores, further modified by Cu−Pd alloy. It exhibits both high crystallinity and superior cross‐linked mesoporous structures, effectively facilitating charge carrier transfer, photon utilization, and mass transfer, with a remarkable enhancement from 0.025 mmol h−1 m−2 to 1.090 mmol h−1 m−2 in the CO production rate. Meanwhile, the ordered arrangement of Cu and Pd atoms on the (111) surface can promote the rate‐determining step (*CO2 to *COOH), which is also responsible for its good activity. The presence of CuO in the reaction confers a significant advantage for CO desorption, leading to a remarkable CO selectivity of 95.54 %. This work highlights new insights into developing advanced heterogeneous photocatalysts.
Breakthrough in CO2 Electroreduction to Multi‐Carbon Products at Ampere‐Level Enabled by Active Sites Engineering
Authors: Sun Ying , Luo Zhenghong , Qiu Jieshan
Published: May 2024

Efficient production of value‐added chemicals with high selectivity from CO2 electroreduction at industrial‐level current density is highly demanded, yet remains a big challenge. In a recent issue of Angewandte Chemie, Han and colleagues have elegantly increased the Faradaic efficiency (FE) of multi‐carbon (C2+) products to over 70 % at amperes level (1.4 A cm−2) by engineering the active sites for the key reactions involved in the CO2 electroreduction. In this study, the highly dispersed Pd atoms have two unique functions: active sites for water dissociation and to induce the electron rearrangement of the surrounding Cu atoms to form new active sites for CO conversion, while the Cu far from Pd are the active sites for efficient CO2 conversion to CO, the synergistic functions of these three active sites result in high FE and yields of C2+ products at industrial‐level current density. This research is a remarkable step forward in the methodology for developing efficient and durable catalysts for CO2 electroreduction and beyond.
Dearomative Intramolecular (4+3) Cycloadditions of Thiophenes
Authors: Zheng Yufen , Chen Yueyao , He Yuxuan , Rizzo Antonio , Zhou Yuchen , Low Kam‐Hung , Krenske Elizabeth H. , Chiu Pauline
Published: May 2024

Unexpectedly facile dearomative intramolecular (4+3) cycloadditions of thiophenes with epoxy enolsilanes, providing sulfur‐bridged cycloadducts, are reported. A total of fifteen thiophene substrates have been found to undergo (4+3) cycloaddition smoothly to produce endo and exo (4+3) adducts in yields of up to 83 % with moderate to good diastereoselectivity. Complete conservation of enantiomeric purity was observed when the optically enriched epoxide was used. The desulfurizing transformations of the sulfur‐bridged skeleton of the cycloadducts provide functionalized 6,7‐fused bicyclic frameworks consisting of 1,3‐cycloheptadiene subunits. Density functional theory calculations reveal the origins of the facile dearomatization of thiophenes in these (4+3) cycloadditions.
The Theatre Recovery and Anaesthetic nurse Capnography Education (TRACE) project*
Authors: Sweeney T. , Deasy A. , Linehan R. , O'Sullivan E. P. , Cafferkey A.
Published: May 2024

The Theatre Recovery and Anaesthetic Nurse Capnography Education (TRACE) project is a multidisciplinary quality improvement project. The overall aim is to educate anaesthetic and recovery nurses on the correct use of capnography and educate non‐consultant hospital doctors on the guidelines on Preventing Unrecognised Oesophageal Intubation from the Project for Universal Management of Airways group. This project addresses technical aspects of task performance such as correct waveform identification and interpretation, troubleshooting abnormal waveforms and establishing routine checks of capnography both pre‐induction and post‐intubation. The pre‐induction verification of the correct function of capnography is an essential component of this project. In addition, the project focuses on team aspects of task performance with an emphasis on team psychological safety, empowering nurses to speak up using graded assertiveness and flattening hierarchies. As a result of the project, our nurses' knowledge about capnography and waveform identification improved to over 80% correct answers six months after completion of the project. In addition, over 90% of participants reported feeling confident in speaking up to both consultants and non‐consultant hospital doctors when a waveform was not present before induction of anaesthesia or after attempted tracheal intubation.
Bimetallic Nanoparticles as Electrochemical Labels in Immunosensors for the Detection of Biomarkers of Clinical Interest
Authors: Valero‐Calvo David , García‐Alonso Francisco Javier , de la Escosura‐Muñiz Alfredo
Published: May 2024

Electrochemical immunosensors have emerged in the last years as outstanding analytical systems for the detection of analytes of clinical interest. As alternative to the traditional enzymatic labels, the use of nanoparticles and especially bimetallic ones has gained increased attention thanks to their advantages related to the higher simplicity, stability and sensitivity offered. Main routes for the detection of such nanoparticle labels are based on i) dissolution of the nanoparticle into the corresponding metal ions followed by voltammetric detection; ii) taking advantage of the electrocatalytic effect of the metals towards secondary reactions; and iii) taking advantage of their electrochemiluminescence properties.
Development and characterization of groundnut shell‐derived biocarbon‐reinforced polylactic acid composite filaments for FDM
Authors: Mandala Radhika , Prasad B. Anjaneya , Akella Suresh
Published: May 2024

Biochar, a carbon‐rich biomass material has emerged as promising reinforcement and offers versatile applications and potential benefits in various fields, especially in fused deposition modeling (FDM). This study focuses on the development and characterization of groundnut shell‐derived biocarbon (GNSC) reinforced polylactic acid (PLA) filaments for FDM. The GNSC was synthesized through pyrolysis using a tubular furnace at temperatures 700, 800, and 900°C. Synthesized carbon was characterized using Raman spectroscopy, XRD, and SEM analysis. The results showed that the synthesized carbon particles were graphitic, spherical, and nanosized with an average diameter of 40 nm. The preferred biocarbon material, GNSC800 was selected for its high carbon content (98.25%) observed through EDX analysis. Composite filaments were produced with different GNSC800 loadings of 0.25%, 0.5%, and 0.75% using solvent casting and extrusion techniques. Thermal stability was evaluated using TGA and DSC, which showed improved properties with the addition of biocarbon. The mechanical properties and electrical conductivity were enhanced with the inclusion of biocarbon. The data were also validated using ANOVA and Tukey's test. Filament with the 0.5 wt% loading showed the most favorable thermomechanical properties exhibiting a 39.8% increase in tensile strength and a 17.5% improvement in tensile modulus.
Linnean and Wallacean shortfalls of Leptophlebiidae (Ephemeroptera: Insecta) in the Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Lima Myllena , Salles Frederico F. , de Andrade André Felipe A. , Dias‐Silva Karina , Juen Leandro , Brasil Leandro Schlemmer
Published: May 2024

One of the primary challenges in biodiversity conservation is the limited knowledge of the taxonomy and geographical distribution of species, particularly in megadiverse regions such as the Amazon

In this context, the present study aimed to mitigate the Linnean and Wallacean shortfalls within the Family Leptophlebiidae (Ephemeroptera: Insecta) in the Brazilian Amazon, identify priority areas for conducting faunal inventories and enhance taxonomic knowledge of this group.

Utilizing both primary Leptophlebiidae data collected in the state of Pará, and secondary data compiled from the literature on species occurring in the Amazon, we employed Species Distribution Modelling to identify areas with higher potential species richness and priority areas for faunal inventories in the Brazilian Amazon of the family.

For the primary data, 2,120 specimens were identified, representing 16 genera and 28 species. Among the 28 species analysed, 7 constitute new records for the state of Pará. Additionally, two new genera, five new species and six morphospecies were identified, significantly expanding the taxonomic landscape of the family in the state. Maps depicting potential species richness and priority areas for faunal inventories in the Brazilian Amazon generated from the Modelling indicated that the states of Pará and the western region of Maranhão exhibit high potential species richness, with overlapping areas identified as priorities for Leptophlebiidae faunal inventories.

In this context, this study represents a substantial advancement in the taxonomic knowledge of Leptophlebiidae in the state of Pará and the Amazon, underscoring the urgency of research and biodiversity conservation efforts for the group in the region. Furthermore, the identification of new taxa emphasizes the need for ongoing collaborative efforts to mitigate Linnean and Wallacean shortfalls.
Greening the path to disruptive innovation: The roles of CEOs characteristics, green organizational identity, and green product competitiveness
Authors: Kiani Ataullah , Bullini Orlandi Ludovico , Chen Qian
Published: May 2024

This study explores the link between sustainability orientation and disruptive innovation in small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) by embracing both the natural resource‐based view (NRBV) and upper echelons theory. By drawing on these theories and extending them, it sheds light on the executives' characteristics and organizational contingencies leading to disruptive innovation. Starting from the CEOs' sustainability orientation, it investigates if and how it leads to disruptive innovation through the mediating role of green organizational identity and the moderating influence of both green product competitiveness and CEOs' gender‐related characteristics. Two wave time‐lagged survey data from 257 Chinese SMEs are analyzed to empirically test these relationships. Results suggest that SMEs with CEOs characterized by sustainability focus foster a green organizational identity, enabling them to generate disruptive innovations. Additionally, the presence of high green product competitiveness strengthens the connection between sustainability orientation and green organizational identity. Lastly, the relationship between this latter and disruptive innovation can be further enhanced by female CEOs by leveraging their specific skills and abilities. Implications for managers, organizations, and public policy are discussed.
Multi‐scale edge aggregation mesh‐graph‐network for character secondary motion
Authors: Wang Tianyi , Liu Shiguang
Published: May 2024

As an enhancement to skinning‐based animations, light‐weight secondary motion method for 3D characters are widely demanded in many application scenarios. To address the dependence of data‐driven methods on ground truth data, we propose a self‐supervised training strategy that is free of ground truth data for the first time in this domain. Specifically, we construct a self‐supervised training framework by modeling the implicit integration problem with steps as an optimization problem based on physical energy terms. Furthermore, we introduce a multi‐scale edge aggregation mesh‐graph block (MSEA‐MG Block), which significantly enhances the network performance. This enables our model to make vivid predictions of secondary motion for 3D characters with arbitrary structures. Empirical experiments indicate that our method, without requiring ground truth data for model training, achieves comparable or even superior performance quantitatively and qualitatively compared to state‐of‐the‐art data‐driven approaches in the field.
AG‐SDM: Aquascape generation based on stable diffusion model with low‐rank adaptation
Authors: Zhang Muyang , Yang Jinming , Xian Yuewei , Li Wei , Gu Jiaming , Meng Weiliang , Zhang Jiguang , Zhang Xiaopeng
Published: May 2024

As an amalgamation of landscape design and ichthyology, aquascape endeavors to create visually captivating aquatic environments imbued with artistic allure. Traditional methodologies in aquascape, governed by rigid principles such as composition and color coordination, may inadvertently curtail the aesthetic potential of the landscapes. In this paper, we propose Aquascape Generation based on Stable Diffusion Models (AG‐SDM), prioritizing aesthetic principles and color coordination to offer guiding principles for real artists in Aquascape creation. We meticulously curated and annotated three aquascape datasets with varying aspect ratios to accommodate diverse landscape design requirements regarding dimensions and proportions. Leveraging the Fréchet Inception Distance (FID) metric, we trained AGFID for quality assessment. Extensive experiments validate that our AG‐SDM excels in generating hyper‐realistic underwater landscape images, closely resembling real flora, and achieves state‐of‐the‐art performance in aquascape image generation.
Microfacet rendering with diffraction compensation
Authors: Yang Xudong , Lyu Aoran , Xian Chuhua , Cai Hongmin
Published: May 2024

The traditional microfacet rendering models usually only consider the straight propagation of light and do not take into account the diffraction effect when calculating the radiance of outgoing light. However, ignoring the energy generated by diffraction can lead to darker rendering results when the object's surface has many small details. To address this issue, we introduce a diffraction energy term in the microfacet model to compensate for the energy loss caused by diffraction. Starting from the Fresnel‐Kirchhoff diffraction theorem, we combine it with the Cook‐Torrance model. By incorporating the computed diffraction radiance into the outgoing radiance of the microfacet, we obtain a diffraction‐compensated BRDF (Bidirectional Reflectance Distribution Function) model. Experimental results demonstrate that our proposed method has a significant effect in compensating for outgoing light and produces more realistic rendering results.
A novel transformer‐based graph generation model for vectorized road design
Authors: Zhou Peichi , Li Chen , Zhang Jian , Wang Changbo , Qin Hong , Liu Long
Published: May 2024

Road network design, as an important part of landscape modeling, shows a great significance in automatic driving, video game development, and disaster simulation. To date, this task remains labor‐intensive, tedious and time‐consuming. Many improved techniques have been proposed during the last two decades. Nevertheless, most of the state‐of‐the‐art methods still encounter problems of intuitiveness, usefulness and/or interactivity. As a rapid deviation from the conventional road design, this paper advocates an improved road modeling framework for automatic and interactive road production driven by geographical maps (including elevation, water, vegetation maps). Our method integrates the capability of flexible image generation models with powerful transformer architecture to afford a vectorized road network. We firstly construct a dataset that includes road graphs, density map and their corresponding geographical maps. Secondly, we develop a density map generation network based on image translation model with an attention mechanism to predict a road density map. The usage of density map facilitates faster convergence and better performance, which also serves as the input for road graph generation. Thirdly, we employ the transformer architecture to evolve density maps to road graphs. Our comprehensive experimental results have verified the efficiency, robustness and applicability of our newly‐proposed framework for road design.
Exploring the Recent Pioneering Developments of Small Molecules in Antimalarial Drug Armamentarium: A Chemistry Prospective Appraisal
Authors: Bagratee Tameika , Prawlall Ritika , Ndlovu Thabani , Sibisi Sinqobile , Ndadane Sisa , Shaik Baji Baba , Palkar Mahesh B. , Gampa Raghavachary , Karpoormath Rajshekhar
Published: May 2024

Malaria is a very destructive and lethal parasitic disease that causes significant mortality worldwide, resulting in the loss of millions of lives annually. It is an infectious disease transmitted by mosquitoes, which is caused by different species of the parasite protozoan belonging to the genus Plasmodium. The uncontrolled intake of antimalarial drugs often employed in clinical settings has resulted in the emergence of numerous strains of plasmodium that are resistant to these drugs, including multidrug‐resistant strains. This resistance significantly diminishes the effectiveness of many primary drugs used in the treatment of malaria. Hence, there is an urgent need for developing unique classes of antimalarial drugs that function with distinct mechanisms of action. In this context, the design and development of hybrid compounds that combine pharmacophoric properties from different lead molecules into a single unit gives a unique perspective towards further development of malaria drugs in the next generation. In recent years, the field of medicinal chemistry has made significant efforts resulting in the discovery and synthesis of numerous small novel compounds that exhibit potent antimalarial properties, while also demonstrating reduced toxicity and desirable efficacy. In light of this, we have reviewed the progress of hybrid antimalarial agents from 2021 up to the present. This manuscript presents a comprehensive overview of the latest advancements in the medicinal chemistry pertaining to small molecules, with a specific focus on their potential as antimalarial agents. As possible antimalarial drugs that might target both the dual stage and multi‐stage stages of the parasite life cycle, these small hybrid molecules have been studied. This review explores a variety of physiologically active compounds that have been described in the literature in order to lay a strong foundation for the logical design and eventual identification of antimalarial drugs based on lead frameworks.
Synthesis of Styrylbenzazole Photoswitches and Evaluation of their Photochemical Properties
Authors: Stindt Charlotte N. , Crespi Stefano , Feringa Ben L.
Published: May 2024

Styrylbenzazoles form a promising yet under‐represented class of photoswitches that can perform a light‐driven E‐Z isomerization of the central alkene double bond without undergoing irreversible photocyclization, typical of the parent stilbene. In this work, we report the synthesis and photochemical study of 23 styrylbenzazole photoswitches. Their thermal stabilities, quantum yields, maximum absorption wavelengths and photostationary state (PSS) distributions can be tuned by changing the benzazole heterocycle and the substitution pattern on the aryl ring. In particular, we found that push‐pull systems show large redshifts of the maximum absorption wavelengths and the highest quantum yields, whereas ortho‐substituted styrylbenzazole photoswitches exhibit the most favorable PSS ratios. Taking advantage of both design principles, we produced 2,6‐dimethyl‐4‐(dimethylamino)‐styrylbenzothiazole, a thermally stable and efficient P‐type photoswitch which displays negative photochromism upon irradiation with visible light up to 470 nm to obtain a near‐quantitative isomerization with a very high quantum yield of 59 %. Furthermore, 4‐hydroxystyrylbenzoxazole was demonstrated to be a pH‐sensitive switch which exhibits a 100 nm redshift upon deprotonation. Ortho‐methylation of its benzothiazole analogue improved the obtained PSS ratio in its deprotonated state from E : Z=53 : 47 to E : Z=18 : 82. We anticipate that this relatively unexplored class of photoswitches will form a valuable expansion of the current family of photoswitches.
Cleaving Folded RNA by Multifunctional DNAzyme Nanomachines
Authors: Nedorezova Daria D. , Dubovichenko Mikhail V. , Eldeeb Ahmed A. , Nur Moustapha A. Y. , Bobkov Gleb A. , Ashmarova Anna I. , Kalnin Arsenij J. , Kolpashchikov Dmitry M.
Published: May 2024

Both tight and specific binding of folded biological mRNA is required for gene silencing by oligonucleotide gene therapy agents. However, this is fundamentally impossible using the conventional oligonucleotide probes according to the affinity/specificity dilemma. This study addresses this problem for cleaving folded RNA by using multicomponent agents (dubbed ‘DNA nanomachine’ or DNM). DNMs bind RNA by four short RNA binding arms, which ensure tight and highly selective RNA binding. Along with the improved affinity, DNM maintain the high sequence selectivity of the conventional DNAzymes. DNM enabled up to 3‐fold improvement in DNAzymes catalytic efficiency (kcat/Km) by facilitating both RNA substrate binding and product release steps of the catalytic cycle. This study demonstrates that multicomponent probes organized in sophisticated structures can help to achieve the balance between affinity and selectivity in recognizing folded RNA and thus creates a foundation for applying complex DNA nanostructures derived by DNA nanotechnology in gene therapy.
Synthesis of Multi‐Functional Graphene Monolayers via Bipolar Electrochemistry
Authors: Gao Ruchao , Beladi‐Mousavi Mohsen , Salinas Gerardo , Zhang Lin , Kuhn Alexander
Published: May 2024

Graphene has gained substantial research interest in many fields due to its remarkable properties among many other two‐dimensional materials. In this study, we propose a wireless electrochemical approach, bipolar electrochemistry, for the precise modification of single layers of graphene at predefined locations, such as distinct edges or corners, with a variety of metals or polymers, thus enabling the elaboration of multi‐functional monolayer graphene sheets. We illustrate the concept e. g. by depositing multiple metals, or platinum and a catalyst‐containing porous polymer on the same graphene sheet, but at separate corners. This configuration allows activating chemiluminescence on the polymer spot, and simultaneously generates the driving force for autonomous motion on the Pt side through the catalytic decomposition of hydrogen peroxide into oxygen bubbles. This integration of different chemical features on the same object, exemplified by these proof‐of‐principle experiments, enhances the functionality of two‐dimensional materials, paving the way for the use of these hybrid materials for a variety of applications, ranging from sensing and catalysis to targeted delivery.
A Brief Cognitive Analytic Therapy–Informed Approach for Young People That Have Self‐Injured (CATCH‐Y): A Case Series
Authors: Haw R. , Marsden M. , Hartley S. , Turpin C. , Taylor P. J.
Published: May 2024

Background

Non‐suicidal self‐injury (NSSI) presents an increasingly prevalent problem for young people; however, there remains a scarce evidence base for effective, scalable treatments for adolescents. This study aimed to assess the feasibility and acceptability of a brief, cognitive analytic therapy (CAT)–informed intervention for young people who engage in NSSI (CATCH‐Y).

Methods

A case series design recruited 13 young people who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria to participate in the five‐session intervention. Eligible participants were aged 13–17 years (M = 15.15, SD = 1.28) and had engaged in NSSI at least once in the previous 6 months. Feasibility and acceptability were measured via recruitment, retention, qualitative feedback and missing data. The secondary outcome measures of personal recovery and motivation were administered pre‐ and post‐assessment, with measures of depressive symptoms and urges to self‐injure.

Results

The intervention was found to be largely feasible and acceptable with high rates of recruitment, retention and pre‐/post‐assessment data completeness. Measures showed preliminary support for positive change in rates of NSSI, urges to self‐harm, low mood and personal recovery, although results were mixed. Completion rates for remote assessments were low.

Conclusions

The findings of this study support further evaluation of the CATCH‐Y intervention on a larger scale. In‐person assessments may be preferable to remote to ensure good completion rates.