bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using Visual Art in Product Design and Consumer Responses: The Moderating Role of Product Type
Authors: Gursen Aylin Ecem , Ozkan Erdem , Bozbay Zehra
Published: April 2021

This paper aims to determine the effects of using visual art in designing non-luxury products on consumers’ luxury perceptions, quality perceptions, and product evaluations. An experimental design was conducted to test these effects. Differences according to the product types (convenience vs. shopping) were also evaluated. The research sample consisted of young consumers. The data was collected from 400 university students via a face-to-face survey and analyzed by using two-way MANCOVA. Results demonstrate that using visual art in the non-luxury product design affects perceived quality, luxury perception, and product evaluation both independently and interacting with the product type. Besides, using visual art in the convenience product without technical details increases consumers’ positive evaluations. In this context, product type has a moderating role in the effects of using visual art on product evaluation. Accordingly, art infusion increases positive product evaluation for convenience products but decreases it for shopping products.
A Reconfigurable Multifunctional Metasurface for Full‐Space Control of Electromagnetic Waves
Authors: Wang Hai Lin , Ma Hui Feng , Chen Mao , Sun Shi , Cui Tie Jun
Published: April 2021

Metasurfaces have attracted much attention in recent years due to their powerful abilities in manipulating electromagnetic (EM) waves. However, most of the previously reported metasurfaces are incapable of real‐time control of full‐space EM waves, including transmission, reflection, and absorption at the same time. In this paper, a reconfigurable multifunctional metasurface is proposed that demonstrates real‐time control of transmission, absorption, and reflection of EM waves, which can be continuously controlled from total transmission to total reflection, and to perfect absorption. In the case of total reflection, the reflected waves can be further manipulated in a programmable way by changing the digital coding sequences via bias voltages. Meanwhile, the metasurface can independently control vertical and horizontal polarized waves in broadband. The reconfigurable functionalities of the metasurface are validated by experiments, which agree very well with numerical simulations. In addition, a potential application of the reconfigurable multifunctional metasurface in a stealth radome is proposed and demonstrated.
Recent Advances in Transition Metal Nitride‐Based Materials for Photocatalytic Applications
Authors: Cheng Zhixing , Qi Weiliang , Pang Cheng Heng , Thomas Tiju , Wu Tao , Liu Siqi , Yang Minghui
Published: April 2021

Photocatalysis is a promising and convenient strategy to convert solar energy into chemical energy for various fields. However, photocatalysis still suffers from low solar energy conversion efficiency. Developing state of the art photocatalysts with high efficiency and low cost is a huge challenge. Transition metal nitrides (TMNs) as a class of metallic interstitial compounds have attracted significant attention in photocatalytic applications. In fact, TMNs exhibit multifunctional properties in various photocatalytic systems. This review is the first attempt that summarizes recent research on TMNs‐based materials in various photocatalytic applications. Different roles of TMNs materials in photocatalytic systems including semiconductor active components, co‐catalysts, inter‐band excitation, and surface plasmon resonance components are systematically discussed and summarized. The fundamentals, latest progress, and emerging opportunities for further improving the performances of TMNs‐based materials for photocatalysis are also discussed. Finally, some challenges facing TMNs, and perspectives on their future that are relevant for furthering research in the area of photocatalysis are also proposed.
Carbon Nitride‐Based Photoanode with Enhanced Photostability and Water Oxidation Kinetics
Authors: Karjule Neeta , Singh Chanderpratap , Barrio Jesús , Tzadikov Jonathan , Liberman Itamar , Volokh Michael , Palomares Emilio , Hod Idan , Shalom Menny
Published: April 2021

Carbon nitrides (CN) have emerged as promising photoanode materials for water‐splitting photoelectrochemical cells (PECs). However, their poor charge separation and transfer properties, together with slow water‐oxidation kinetics, have resulted in low PEC activity and instability, which strongly impede their further development. In this work, these limitations are addressed by optimizing the charge separation and transfer process. To this end, a nickel–iron based metal‐organic framework, Ni/Fe‐MIL‐53, is deposited, that acts as an oxygen evolution pre‐catalyst within the CN layer and incorporate reduced graphene oxide as an electron acceptor. Upon electrochemical activation, a uniform distribution of highly active oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalysts is obtained on the porous CN surface. Detailed mechanistic studies reveal excellent hole extraction properties with high OER catalytic activity (83% faradaic efficiency) and long‐term stability, up to 35 h. These results indicate that the decrease in performance is mainly due to the slow leaching of the catalyst from the CN layer. The CN photoanode exhibits a reproducible photocurrent density of 472 ± 20 µA cm−2 at 1.23 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) in 0.1 m KOH, an exceptionally low onset potential of ≈0.034 V versus RHE, and high external quantum yield.
Bifunctional Covalent Organic Framework‐Derived Electrocatalysts with Modulated p‐Band Centers for Rechargeable Zn–Air Batteries
Authors: Park Jung Hyun , Lee Chi Ho , Ju Jong‐Min , Lee Jun‐Hyeong , Seol Jaehun , Lee Sang Uck , Kim Jong‐Ho
Published: April 2021

Fine control over the physicochemical structures of carbon electrocatalysts is important for improving the sluggish oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in rechargeable Zn–air batteries. Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are considered good candidate carbon materials because their structures can be precisely controlled. However, it remains a challenge to impart bifunctional electrocatalytic activities for both the ORR and OER to COFs. Herein, a pyridine‐linked triazine covalent organic framework (PTCOF) with well‐defined active sites and pores is readily prepared under mild conditions, and its electronic structure is modulated by incorporating Co nanoparticles (CoNP‐PTCOF) to induce bifunctional electrocatalytic activities for the ORR and OER. The CoNP‐PTCOF exhibits lower overpotentials for both ORR and OER with outstanding stability. Computational simulations find that the p‐band center of CoNP‐PTCOF down‐shifted by charge transfer, compared to pristine PTCOF, facilitate the adsorption and desorption of oxygen intermediates on the pyridinic carbon active sites during the reactions. The Zn–air battery assembled with bifunctional CoNP‐PTCOF exhibits a small voltage gap of 0.83 V and superior durability for 720 cycles as compared with a battery containing commercial Pt/C and RuO2. This strategy for modulating COF electrocatalytic activities can be extended for designing diverse carbon electrocatalysts.
A Generalized Method for High‐Speed Fluorination of Metal Oxides by Spark Plasma Sintering Yields Ta3O7F and TaO2F with High Photocatalytic Activity for Oxygen Evolution from Water
Authors: Lange Martin Alexander , Khan Ibrahim , Opitz Phil , Hartmann Jens , Ashraf Muhammad , Qurashi Ahsanulhaq , Prädel Leon , Panthöfer Martin , Cossmer Antje , Pfeifer Jens , Simon Fabian , von der Au Marcus , Meermann Björn , Mondeshki Mihail , Tahir Muhammad Nawaz , Tremel Wolfgang
Published: April 2021

A general method to carry out the fluorination of metal oxides with poly(tetrafluoroethylene) (PTFE, Teflon) waste by spark plasma sintering (SPS) on a minute scale with Teflon is reported. The potential of this new approach is highlighted by the following results. i) The tantalum oxyfluorides Ta3O7F and TaO2F are obtained from plastic scrap without using toxic or caustic chemicals for fluorination. ii) Short reaction times (minutes rather than days) reduce the process time the energy costs by almost three orders of magnitude. iii) The oxyfluorides Ta3O7F and TaO2F are produced in gram amounts of nanoparticles. Their synthesis can be upscaled to the kg range with industrial sintering equipment. iv) SPS processing changes the catalytic properties: while conventionally prepared Ta3O7F and TaO2F show little catalytic activity, SPS‐prepared Ta3O7F and TaO2F exhibit high activity for photocatalytic oxygen evolution, reaching photoconversion efficiencies up to 24.7% and applied bias to photoconversion values of 0.86%. This study shows that the materials properties are dictated by the processing which poses new challenges to understand and predict the underlying factors.
Reducing Passive Drug Diffusion from Electrophoretic Drug Delivery Devices through Co‐Ion Engineering
Authors: Chen Shao‐Tuan , Renny Megan N. , C. Tomé Liliana , Olmedo‐Martínez Jorge L. , Udabe Esther , Jenkins Elise P. W. , Mecerreyes David , Malliaras George G. , McLeod Robert R. , Proctor Christopher M.
Published: April 2021

Implantable electrophoretic drug delivery devices have shown promise for applications ranging from treating pathologies such as epilepsy and cancer to regulating plant physiology. Upon applying a voltage, the devices electrophoretically transport charged drug molecules across an ion‐conducting membrane out to the local implanted area. This solvent‐flow‐free “dry” delivery enables controlled drug release with minimal pressure increase at the outlet. However, a major challenge these devices face is limiting drug leakage in their idle state. Here, a method of reducing passive drug leakage through the choice of the drug co‐ion is presented. By switching acetylcholine's associated co‐ion from chloride to carboxylate co‐ions as well as sulfopropyl acrylate‐based polyanions, steady‐state drug leakage rate is reduced up to sevenfold with minimal effect on the active drug delivery rate. Numerical simulations further illustrate the potential of this method and offer guidance for new material systems to suppress passive drug leakage in electrophoretic drug delivery devices.
Facile Fabrication of Flexible Carbon Nanofiber Electrodes with Both High Packing Density and Capacity for Li‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Aboalhassan Ahmed A. , Zhang Yuanyuan , Zhang Hui , Yan Jianhua , Yu Jianyong , Ding Bin
Published: April 2021

Freestanding carbon nanofiber (CNF) films are promising flexible battery electrodes because of their rich functionalities and the avoidance of the unnecessary usage of conductive additives and binders, which introduce additional interfacial resistance. However, most reported freestanding CNF electrodes have lower energy density than the metrics of practical usage. Herein, an in situ welding strategy is proposed to fabricate flexible CNF electrodes with both high packing density (0.343 g cm−3) and capacity (832.4 mA h g−1 @0.1 C) by electrospinning of a polyacrylonitrile (PAN) and poly(vinyl‐butyral) (PVB) sol followed by pyrolysis. The addition of 20 wt% of low‐thermal‐stability PVB into PAN carbon precursors endows the CNFs with mixed amorphous/graphitic carbon domains and welded structures. The former enhances the capacity and long‐cycling stability, and the latter improves the flexibility and packing density of the anodes. As a result, these flexible anodes display stable reversible capacities of 430 mA h g−1 @1 C over 1000 cycles and excellent rate performance from 0.1 to 5 C. The successful fabrication of high‐capacity CNF anodes at commercial‐level density opens a new avenue for their practical application.
Cost–benefit analysis of China's farming system
Authors: Suo Xinhao , Cao Shixiong
Published: April 2021

In addition to providing food, farming systems provide ecosystem services such as flood control, water quality control, carbon storage, and waste treatment, as well as cultural services such as scenic beauty, education, recreation, and tourism. However, the value of these services may conceal large costs that have been ignored by scholars. In this study, our goals were to perform a more complete cost–benefit analysis of farmland than has been done in previous research, thereby providing an improved estimate of the net benefits of that land use, and to explore the variation in the net benefits among regions. We used a novel method of quantifying costs and benefits that accounts for more of the associated costs than in previous research, and used China as an example. The annual net benefits of farmland totaled 11.8×1012 RMB (Renminbi: 1 RMB = US$0.15) in 2017, which amounts to 35.3% of the total national net benefit. However, due to the adverse effects of pesticide pollution and biodiversity reduction, agriculture has a potentially negative impact on sustainable development. The annual cost of farmland in China was 5.0×1012 RMB, which decreased the total benefit by 29.8%, and the annual cost of ecological protection was 1.1×1012 RMB. These results demonstrate the importance of a complete assessment of the costs and benefits of farmland to support more sustainable and economically efficient land‐use planning. This will both improve the benefits and support sustainable development of farmland, while also improving the enthusiasm of farmers for their occupation.
Consecutive Nucleation and Confinement Modulation towards Li Plating in Seeded Capsules for Durable Li‐Metal Batteries
Authors: Huang Minsong , Yao Zhenguo , Yang Qifan , Li Chilin
Published: April 2021

A dual modulation strategy of consecutive nucleation and confined growth of Li metal is proposed by using the metal–organic framework (MOF) derivative hollow capsule with inbuilt lithiophilic Au or Co‐O nanoparticle (NP) seeds as heterogeneous host. The seeding‐induced nucleation enables the negligible overpotential and promotes the inward injection of Li mass into the abundant cavities in host, followed by the conformal plating of Li on the outer surface of host during discharging. This modulation alleviates the dendrite growth and volume expansion of Li plating. The interconnected porous host network enables enhancement of cycling and rate performances of Li metal (a lifespan over 1200 h for Au‐seeding symmetric cells, and an endurance of 220 cycles under an ultrahigh current density of 10 mA cm−2 for corresponding asymmetric cells). The hollow capsules integrated with lithiophilic seeds solve the deformation problem of Li metal for durable and long‐life Li‐metal batteries.
Ultrasmall Copper (I) Sulfide Nanoparticles Prevent Hepatitis B Virus Infection
Authors: Guo Xiao , Sun Maozhong , Gao Rui , Qu Aihua , Chen Chen , Xu Chuanlai , Kuang Hua , Xu Liguang
Published: April 2021

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) poses a severe threat to public health and social development. Here, we synthesized 4±0.5 nm copper (I) sulfide (Cu2S) nanoparticles (NPs) with 46 mdeg chiroptical property at 530 nm to selectively cleavage HBV core antigen (HBcAg) and effectively blocked HBV assembly and prevented HBV infection both in vitro and in vivo under light at 808 nm. Experimental analysis showed that the chiral Cu2S NPs specific bound with the functional domain from phenylalanine23 (F23) to leucine30 (L30) from HBcAg primary sequence and the cutting site was between amino acid residues F24 and proline25 (P25). Under excitation at 808 nm, the intracellular HBcAg concentration was reduced by 95 %, and in HBV transgenic mice, the levels of HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) and HBV DNA were decreased by 93 % and 86 %, respectively. Together, these results reveal the potential nanomedicine for HBV control and provide fresh tools for viral infection.
Surface energy evaluation of casting and nanofiber polyurethane films by using different models
Authors: Gradinaru Luiza Madalina , Barbalata‐Mandru Mihaela , Vlad Stelian , Petrescu Mioara
Published: April 2021

The components of the surface free energy (SFE) were determined from static contact angle measurements of five liquids using different methods. The two manufacturing techniques (casting and electrospinning) applied to obtain polyurethane (PU) membranes give surfaces with different wetting properties. The SFE data varied and were strongly dependent on calculations methods and liquids that were used for contact angle measurements. As a whole, the SFE of electrospun PU membrane (PU‐N) (~24 mN/m) was slightly higher than that of casting PU membrane (PU‐F) (~18 mN/m) with similar chemical compositions. The overall increase in the value of SFE is mainly due to the microstructures with increased surface area and modulations of nanofibers. The results evidence the impact of the PU membrane preparation on the properties of the biomaterial surface. Such structure–properties–function relationship is necessary to lay the groundwork for establishing a set of design criteria to guide the fabrication of synthetic materials.
Enhancing Anatomical Instruction: Impact of a Virtual Canine Anatomy Program on Student Outcomes
Authors: Linton Andrea , Garrett Andrew C. , Ivie Kenneth R. , Jones Jay D. , Martin Jason F. , Delcambre Jeremy J. , Magee Christianne
Published: April 2021

Innovative reforms in medical education will require instructional tools to support these changes and to give students more flexibility in where and how they learn. At Colorado State University, the software program Virtual Canine Anatomy (VCA) was developed to assist student learning both inside and outside the anatomical laboratory. The program includes interactive anatomical photographs of dissected canine cadavers, dissection instructions with accompanying videos and diagrams, radiographs, and three‐dimensional models. There is a need to evaluate the effectiveness of instructional tools like VCA so that decisions on pedagogical delivery can be evidence‐based. To measure the impact of VCA on student outcomes in a dissection laboratory, this study compared student attitudes, quiz scores, dissection quality and accuracy, and instructor reliance between students with and without access to VCA. Students with VCA needed less time with teaching assistants (P < 0.01), asked teaching assistants fewer questions (P = 0.04), felt that the dissection was easier (P = 0.02), and were in stronger agreement that they had access to adequate resources (P = 0.02). No differences were found in the dissection quality or accuracy, quiz scores, or attitudes regarding overall enjoyment of the activity between the two groups. This study shows that VCA increases student independence and can be used to enhance anatomical instruction.
Bioreactor production of rVSV‐based vectors in Vero cell suspension cultures
Authors: Kiesslich Sascha , Kim Gyoung N. , Shen Chun F. , Kang C. Yong , Kamen Amine A.
Published: April 2021

The Vero cell line is the most used continuous cell line in viral vaccine manufacturing. This adherent cell culture platform requires the use of surfaces to support cell growth, typically roller bottles, or microcarriers. We have recently compared the production of rVSV‐ZEBOV on Vero cells between microcarrier and fixed‐bed bioreactors. However, suspension cultures are considered superior with regard to process scalability. Therefore, we further explore the Vero suspension system for recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus (rVSV)‐vectored vaccine production. Previously, this suspension cell line was only able to be cultivated in a proprietary medium. Here, we expand the adaptation and bioreactor cultivation to a serum‐free commercial medium. Following small‐scale optimization and screening studies, we demonstrate bioreactor productions of highly relevant vaccines and vaccine candidates against Ebola virus disease, HIV, and coronavirus disease 2019 in the Vero suspension system. rVSV‐ZEBOV, rVSV‐HIV, and rVSVInd‐msp‐SF‐Gtc can replicate to high titers in the bioreactor, reaching 3.87 × 107 TCID50/ml, 2.12 × 107 TCID50/ml, and 3.59 × 109 TCID50/ml, respectively. Furthermore, we compare cell‐specific productivities, and the quality of the produced viruses by determining the ratio of total viral particles to infectious viral particles.
Evidence‐based arterial access site practice in patients with acute coronary syndromes: Has SAFARI‐STEMI changed the landscape?
Authors: Nagaraja Vinayak , Rao Sunil V. , George Sudhakar , Mamas Mamas , Nolan James
Published: April 2021

Key Points

Access site practice in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) has been extensively investigated with the data favoring a radial approach.

SAFARI‐STEMI does not change the recommendation to use radial access in most patients due to methodological issues with the study.

Barriers to widespread adoption of radial access can be overcome by education, training, and mentorship.

It is important that operators are proficient in selective use of optimal alternative access techniques for some ACS patients.
Large Scale Synthesis of Three‐dimensional Hierarchical Porous Framework with High Conductivity and its Application in Lithium Sulfur Battery
Authors: Wang Xu‐Ri , Wang Xiao , Xu Xu‐Peng , Wu Ya‐Qin , Lei Wei‐Xin , Zou You‐Lan , Ma Zeng‐Sheng , Pan Yong
Published: April 2021

Quick capacity loss due to the polysulfide shuttle effects and poor rate performance caused by low conductivity of sulfur have always been obstacles to the commercial application of lithium sulfur batteries. Herein, an in‐situ doped hierarchical porous biochar materials with high electron‐ion conductivity and adjustable three‐dimensional (3D) macro‐meso‐micropore is prepared successfully. Due to its unique physical structure, the resulting material has a specific surface area of 2124.9 m2 g−1and a cumulative pore volume of 1.19 cm3 g−1. The presence of micropores can effectively physically adsorb polysulfides and mesopores ensure the accessibility of lithium ions and active sites and give the porous carbon material a high specific surface area. The large pores provide channels for the storage of electrolyte and the transmission of ions on the surface of the substrate. The combined effect of these three kinds of pores and the N doping formed in‐situ can effectively promote the cycle and rate performance of the battery. Therefore, prepared cathode can still reach a reversible discharge capacity of 616 mAh g−1at a rate of 5 C. After 400 charge–discharge cycles at 1 C, the reversible capacity is maintained at 510.0 mAh g−1. This new strategy has provided a new approach to the research and industrial‐scale production of adjustable hierarchical porous biochar materials.
Facile Access to Uranium and Thorium Phosphaethynolate Complexes Supported by Tren: Experimental and Theoretical Study
Authors: Yu Jipan , Liu Kang , Wu Qunyan , Li Bin , Kong Xianghe , Hu Kongqiu , Mei Lei , Yuan Liyong , Chai Zhifang , Shi Weiqun
Published: April 2021

Main observation and conclusion

The issue of covalence of actinide complexes remains controversial to date. The introduction of 2‐phosphaethynolate anion into actinide complexes is expected to investigate the reaction mode and the bonding property. Herein, we describe the functionalization of An(TrenTIPS)Cl (1: An = U; 2: An = Th) precursors with NaOCP(dioxane)2.5through salt‐elimination method leading to the formation of the corresponding uranium and thorium phosphaethynolate species: [U(TrenTIPS)(OCP)] (3) and [Th(TrenTIPS)(OCP)] (4). These two complexes were fully characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), FT‐IR spectrum, UV‐vis‐NIR spectroscopies as well as X‐ray crystal diffraction. Computational analyses of the two complexes reveal that the U—O bond has a more covalent bond property than the Th—O bond due to more 5f orbital contribution for U.
How narrative source impacts convergence of ratings from the Social Cognition and Object Relations Scale–Global Rating Method with psychotherapy process measures
Authors: Slavin‐Mulford Jenelle M. , Amerson Luke R. , Cain Lylli A. , Hilsenroth Mark J. , Wilcox Melanie M. , Stein Michelle B.
Published: April 2021

This study examines the construct validity of the Social Cognition and Object Relations Scale–Global Rating Method (SCORS‐G; Westen, 1995; see also Stein & Mulford, 2018) by exploring the degree of convergence across different narrative sources (i.e., early memories [EM] and psychotherapy narratives [PT]) in relation to patient‐ and therapist‐rated psychotherapy process measures. Using a university‐based outpatient sample (n = 81), we found limited convergence for SCORS‐G ratings across narrative type. First, paired t tests showed that the means for six of the eight SCORS‐G dimensions differed significantly between the EM and PT narratives with the majority having a large magnitude of effect. Moreover, despite 29 significant correlations between a SCORS‐G dimension and either an alliance or session quality variable, only two of the eight SCORS‐G dimensions significantly correlated with the same process variable across narrative type (e.g., patient‐rated session depth with SCORS‐G Self Esteem [SE] and Identity and Coherence of Self [ICS]). Importantly, the high degree of theoretical coherence in the associations that emerged between the SCORS‐G dimensions and the process variables suggest that the lack of convergence was not due to limited validity of the SCORS‐G. Instead, the results underscore the importance of multi‐method assessment techniques by highlighting that the manner in which a narrative is elicited will impact the object relational content patients provide. Future research and clinical implications related to the SCORS‐G, alliance and psychotherapy process are discussed.
The Treatment of Tuberculosis
Authors: Peloquin Charles A. , Davies Geraint R.
Published: April 2021

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a leading cause of infectious death worldwide, and poverty is a major driver. Clinically, TB presents as “latent” TB and active TB disease, and the treatment for each is different. TB drugs can display “early bactericidal activity (EBA)” and / or “sterilizing activity” (clearing persisters). Isoniazid is excellent at the former, and rifampin is excellent at the latter. Pyrazinamide and ethambutol complete the first‐line regimen for drug‐susceptible TB, each playing a specific role. Drug‐resistant TB is an increasing concern, being met, in part, with repurposed drugs (including moxifloxacin, levofloxacin, linezolid, clofazimine, and beta‐lactams) and new drugs (including bedaquiline, pretomanid, and delamanid). One challenge is to select drugs without overlapping adverse drug reaction profiles. QTc interval prolongation is one such concern, but to date, it has been manageable. Drug penetration into organism sanctuaries, such as the central nervous system, bone, and pulmonary TB cavities remain important challenges. The pharmacodynamics of most TB drugs can be described by the area under the curve (AUC) divided by the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC). The hollow fiber infection model (HFIM) and various animal models (especially mouse and macaque) allow for sophisticated pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic experiments. These experiments may hasten the selection of the most potent, shortest possible regimens to treat even extremely drug resistant TB. These findings can be translated to humans by optimizing drug exposure in each patient, using therapeutic drug monitoring and dose individualization.
Changes in the proteome of extracellular vesicles shed by rat liver after subtoxic exposure to acetaminophen
Authors: Kovač Peić Anamarija , Šrajer Gajdošik Martina , Brilliant Kate , Callanan Helen , Hixson Douglas C. , Begić Marija , Josić Djuro
Published: April 2021

To identify changes in extracellular vesicles (EVs) secreted by the liver following drug‐induced liver injury (DILI), rats were treated with a subtoxic dose (500 mg/kg) of the analgesic drug, acetaminophen (APAP). EVs were collected by liver perfusion of sham and APAP‐treated rats. Changes in EVs morphology were examined by transmission electron microscopic analysis of negatively stained vesicles. Results from morphometric analysis of EVs revealed striking differences in their size and distribution. Proteome composition of EVs collected by liver perfusion was determined by mass spectrometry using methods of sample preparation that enabled better detection of both highly hydrophobic proteins and proteins with complex post‐translational modifications. The collection of EVs after liver perfusion is an approach that enables the isolation of EVs shed not only by isolated hepatocytes, but also by the entire complement of hepatic cells. EVs derived after DILI had a lower content of alpha‐1‐macroglobulin, ferritin, and members of cytochrome 450 family. Fibronectin, aminopeptidase N, metalloreductase STEAP4, integrin beta, and members of the annexin family were detected only in APAP‐treated samples of EVs. These results show that the present approach can provide valuable insights into the response of the liver following drug‐induced liver injury.
Toward Real Setting Applications of Organic and Perovskite Solar Cells: A Comparative Review
Authors: Seri Mirko , Mercuri Francesco , Ruani Giampiero , Feng Yaomiao , Li Minzhang , Xu Zong-Xiang , Muccini Michele
Published: April 2021

The development of efficient, reliable, and clean energy sources is one of the global priorities for enabling a sustainable transition toward a green society and economy. The third‐generation solar cells, such as organic solar cells (OSCs) and perovskite solar cells (PSCs), are among the most promising platforms for the generation of electrical power from sunlight for a wide range of applications. However, the widespread diffusion of emerging photovoltaics technologies is hampered by issues occurring in the translation of laboratory‐scale R&D efforts to real settings. Herein, starting from a thorough survey of latest research on OSC and PSC technologies, critical factors related to fabrication and operation of solar cells, especially in terms of materials properties/requirements and beyond metrics built on efficiency only, are analyzed. On this basis, OSCs and PSCs are compared in terms of their potential in real application scenarios, also highlighting their peculiarities in view of their future large‐scale utilization.
Oral supplementation with fish cartilage hydrolysate accelerates joint function recovery in rat model of traumatic knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Henrotin Yves , Antoine Christophe , Zwerts Elodie , Neutelings Thibaut , Bouvret Elodie
Published: April 2021

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of oral fish cartilage hydrolysate (FCH) on symptoms and joint tissue structure in rat developing osteoarthritis induced surgically. Osteoarthritis was induced in the right knee of mature male Lewis rats (n = 12/group) by surgical transection of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACLT) combined with partial medial meniscectomy (pMMx). Two weeks after surgery, rats were treated orally with either control (sterile H2O) or FCH for four weeks. Pain and function were assessed by dynamic weight‐bearing test (incapacitance test), electronic Von Frey (EVF; hindpaw allodynia threshold), and pressure algometer (knee allodynia threshold). Time and groups differences at each time point were evaluated using a mixed model. The histological features were evaluated eight weeks after surgery using OARSI score. Mann–Whitney test nonparametric test was applied to compare OARSI score. ACTL/pMMx surgery significantly reduced weight‐bearing and increased allodynia and sensitivity thresholds of the operated paw/knee. Globally, FCH improved these parameters faster, but no significant difference between control and FCH groups was observed. Eight weeks after surgery, rats developed moderate OA lesions. Compared with control, FCH did not significantly modify OA lesion severity assessed using the OARSI score. In this mechanically induced OA model, 4 weeks of supplementation with FCH had no significant effect on cartilage lesion, but tends to accelerate pain relief and joint function recovery. This positive trend may have opened the way for further investigation of FCH as potential treatment of joint discomfort associated with OA.
Female fertility preservation: Impact of cancer on ovarian function and oocyte quality
Authors: Fabiani Cristina , Ferrante Maria Giulia , Meneghini Caterina , Licata Emanuele , Paciotti Gemma , Gallo Mariagrazia , Schiavi Michele , Spina Vincenzo , Guarino Antonella , Caserta Donatella , Rago Rocco
Published: April 2021

Objective

To evaluate the influence of cancer on ovarian response and oocyte quality in controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH).

Methods

This prospective study conducted at the Physiopathology of Reproduction and Andrology Unit of Sandro Pertini Hospital enrolled 82 cancer patients undergoing controlled ovarian stimulation (COH) cycles for fertility preservation, and age‐ and date‐matched controls undergoing COH for in vitro fertilization for male‐factor infertility from June 2016 to November 2019. The interventions performed were COH, oocyte retrieval, and quality evaluation. Main outcome measures were maximal estradiol levels on the day of human chorionic gonadotropin administration, duration of stimulation, total amount of gonadotropins administered, number of oocytes retrieved, and rates of metaphase 2 oocytes and abnormal oocytes. All data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA) 22.0.

Results

Intergroup comparisons (82 cancer patients and 180 patients in control group) showed a significant difference in ovarian response, especially for a significant higher number of abnormal oocytes in cancer patients (P < 0.0001). Regression analysis to assess the influence of the neoplastic process, regardless of the type, on ovarian response showed an effect on the main outcome measured due to cancer itself.

Conclusion

Cancer influences the ovarian response, particularly the oocyte quality, during COH performed for fertility preservation.
Optimized culture methods for isolating small extracellular vesicles derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells
Authors: Luo Ying , Gao Dunqin , Wang Peng , Lou Cheng , Li Tong , Niu Wenhui , Gao Yingtang
Published: April 2021

Extracellular vesicles that are derived from stem cells play an important role in the treatment of disease. To obtain high‐quality small extracellular vesicles (sEVs), we optimized the culture conditions of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs), the supernatant collection time, and sEVs extraction methods. Firstly, hiPSCs were cultured in extracellular vesicles‐production medium (EVs‐PM) containing different concentrations (0%, 0.25%, 0.5%, 2%, 5%, and 20%) of extracellular vesicle‐depleted knockout serum replacement (ED‐KSR), and the culture supernatants were collected continuously for 5 days. Then, the sEVs were isolated, followed by an evaluation of their characteristics. The survival rates of the hiPSCs lines that were cultured in EVs‐PM containing 0.5% to 20% ED‐KSR were not significantly different (P > 0.05). The survival rates of the hiPSCs in 0.5% ED‐KSR after the culture supernatants were continuously collected for day 1, day 3, and day 5 were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). After 5 days of continuous collection of the supernatant, the hiPSCs expressed some pluripotent markers, while SSEA4 and TRA‐1‐60 expression changed gradually. The sEVs that were extracted by the two methods were all 50–200 nm, double‐layered and oval or round cellular vesicles and expressed the marker proteins CD63, TSG101, and HSP70. The characteristics of sEVs extracted on day 1, day 3, and day 5 were almost identical on morphology, size and the relative quantity of annexin V‐positive subpopulations. The PKH67 staining showed that the sEVs could be endocytosed by HepG2 cells and aggregated in the cytoplasm. The proliferation experiments showed that the sEVs can promote cell proliferation. In Conclusion, the 0.5% ED‐KSR is the optimal concentration, and that the hiPSCs culture supernatant can be continuously collected for 5 days while maintaining high cell viability and some pluripotent characteristics. Both of the methods extraction can be used to obtain biologically active sEVs.
Viral reduction of human blood by ultraviolet A‐photosensitized vitamin K5
Authors: He Yong , Xu Fei , Ibrahim Zina , Feyissa Qinati , Reed Jennifer L. , Vostal Jaroslav G.
Published: April 2021

Blood product transfusion can transmit viral pathogens. Pathogen reduction methods for blood products have been developed but, so far, are not available for whole blood. We evaluated if vitamin K5 (VK5) and ultraviolet A (UVA) irradiation could be used for virus inactivation in plasma and whole blood. Undiluted human plasma and whole blood diluted to 20% were spiked with high levels of vaccinia or Zika viruses. Infectious titers were measured by standard TCID50 assay before and after VK5/UVA treatments. Up to 3.6 log of vaccinia and 3.2 log of Zika were reduced in plasma by the combination of 500 μM VK5 and 3 J/cm2 UVA, and 3.1 log of vaccinia and 2.9 log of Zika were reduced in diluted human blood (20%) by the combination of 500 μM VK5 and 70 J/cm2 UVA. At end of whole blood treatment, hemolysis increased from 0.18% to 0.41% but remained below 1% hemolysis, which is acceptable to the Food and Drug Administration for red cell transfusion products. No significant alteration of biochemical parameters of red blood cells occurred with treatment. Our results provide proof of the concept that a viral pathogen reduction method based on VK5/UVA may be developed for whole blood.
Stroke and HIV‐associated neurological complications: A retrospective nationwide study
Authors: Patel Urvish K. , Malik Preeti , Li Yingjie , Habib Anam , Shah Shamik , Lunagariya Abhishek , Jani Vishal , Dhamoon Mandip S.
Published: April 2021

There is an increased risk of stroke and other neurological complications in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected patients with no large population‐based studies in the literature. We aim to evaluate the prevalence of stroke, HIV‐associated neurological complications, and identify risk factors associated with poor outcomes of stroke among HIV admissions in the United States. In the nationwide inpatient sample with adult HIV hospitalizations, patients with primary cerebrovascular disease (CeVDs) and HIV‐associated neurological complications were identified by ICD‐9‐CM codes. We performed a retrospective study with weighted analysis to evaluate the prevalence of stroke and neurological complications and outcomes of stroke among HIV patients. We included 1,559,351 HIV admissions from 2003 to 2014, of which 22470 (1.4%) patients had CeVDs (transient ischemic attack [TIA]: 3240 [0.2%], acute ischemic stroke [AIS]: 14895 [0.93%], and hemorrhagic stroke [HS]: 4334 [0.27%]), 7781 (0.49%) had neurosyphilis, 29,925 (1.87%) meningitis, 39,190 (2.45%) cytomegalovirus encephalitis, 4699 (0.29%) toxoplasmosis, 9964 (0.62%) progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, and 142,910 (8.94%) epilepsy. There is increased overall prevalence trend for CeVDs (TIA: 0.17%–0.24%; AIS: 0.62%–1.29%; HS: 0.26%–0.31%; pTrend < .0001) from 2003 to 2014. Among HIV admissions, variables associated with AIS were neurosyphilis (odds ratio: 4.38; 95% confidence interval: 3.21–5.97), meningitis (4.87 [4.10–5.79]), and central nervous system tuberculosis (6.72 [3.85–11.71]). Toxoplasmosis [4.27 [2.34–7.76]), meningitis (2.91 [2.09–4.06)], and cytomegalovirus encephalitis (1.62 [1.11–2.37]) were associated with higher odds of HS compared to patients without HS. There was an increasing trend of CeVDs over time among HIV hospitalizations. HIV‐associated neurological complications were associated with the risk of stroke, together with increased mortality, morbidity, disability, and discharge to long‐term care facilities. Further research would clarify stroke risk factors in HIV patients to mitigate adverse outcomes.
Novel polarization‐dependent combiner for wide field‐of‐view glass‐like near‐eye displays
Authors: Yin Kun , He Ziqian , Li Kun , Wu Shin‐Tson
Published: April 2021

We propose a glass‐like wide field of view near‐eye display with a polarization‐dependent combiner (PDC). The novel PDC consists of two polarization volume lenses with strong polarization selectivity. By inserting a PDC to the proposed polarization‐time multiplexing system, we demonstrate an overall horizontal FOV of 50° while maintaining a compact form factor.
Development and validation of a simultaneous analytical method for non‐steroidal therapeutic compounds in cosmetics using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Woo In Suk , Kim Jun Hyung , Kim You Kyung , Kim Hyung Il , Shin Dong Woo , Kim Jin Ho , Baek Sun Young
Published: April 2021

Atopic dermatitis is a typical chronic inflammatory skin disease that affects all age groups and requires basic skin care for treatment. Anti‐inflammatory and antiallergy steroids are the most frequently used treatments but they are limited due to their side effects caused by a weakening of the immune system. Many consumers focus on performance as a criterion for selecting cosmetics. However, steroids have been illegally used to improve the performance of cosmetics, and consumers have been adversely affected by the corresponding side effects. In this paper, we propose a simple and rapid method using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry to simultaneously analyze ten non‐permitted atopic therapeutic compounds in cosmetic products: chlorpheniramine maleate, ketotifen fumarate, doxepin hydrochloride, azelastine hydrochloride, bufexamac, clotrimazole, tranilast, fusidic acid, tacrolimus, and pimecrolimus. Additionally, the major characteristic fragment ions for tacrolimus, pimecrolimus, and clotrimazole were identified by time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry. The specificity, linearity, limit of detection, limit of quantification, recovery, precision, accuracy, and stability of the proposed method were validated. The limit of detection and quantification were in the ranges of 5.05–203.30 pg/mL and 15.15–609.90 pg/mL, respectively. The proposed analysis method could help improve the safety management of cosmetics.
Feasibility and Effectiveness of Norepinephrine Outside the Intensive Care Setting for Treatment of Hepatorenal Syndrome
Authors: Kwong Allison , Kim W. Ray , Kwo Paul Y. , Wang Uerica , Cheng Xingxing
Published: April 2021

Vasoconstrictors are the treatment of choice for hepatorenal syndrome (HRS). We evaluate the real‐life effectiveness of a sequential vasoconstrictor regimen of midodrine–octreotide followed by norepinephrine in a nonintensive care unit (non‐ICU) setting in the United States, where terlipressin is not available. The diagnosis of HRS and definitions of response to therapy were based on 2015 guidelines from the International Club of Ascites. In adult patients with HRS without partial or full response to oral midodrine and subcutaneous octreotide, norepinephrine was administered at a starting dose of 5 mcg/minute, with a goal to achieve a mean arterial pressure (MAP) of 10 mm Hg above baseline. We assessed predictors of response and treatment outcomes. A total of 61 patients were administered midodrine and octreotide for the treatment of HRS, with a 28% response rate. The median MELD‐Na (Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease–sodium) score was 30 (interquartile range [IQR] 24‐35). Responders were more likely to have alcohol‐related liver disease and lower Acute‐on‐Chronic Liver Failure (ACLF) grade. Of the nonresponders, 20 were then administered norepinephrine, of whom 45% achieved full or partial response. Achieving an MAP increase of ≥10 mm Hg was associated with a greater probability of response. Patients who responded to norepinephrine experienced improved transplant‐free survival at 90 days (88% versus 27%; P = 0.02); 5 of 20 patients experienced norepinephrine treatment–related adverse events, namely arrhythmias. Norepinephrine can be effectively used in a non‐ICU setting as rescue therapy in patients who have not responded to midodrine and octreotide. Based on these data, we propose a practical stepwise algorithm for vasoconstrictor therapy to manage HRS in situations where terlipressin is not an option.
A note on eigenvalue bounds for non‐compact manifolds
Authors: Keller Matthias , Liu Shiping , Peyerimhoff Norbert
Published: April 2021

In this article we prove upper bounds for the Laplace eigenvalues below the essential spectrum for strictly negatively curved Cartan–Hadamard manifolds. Our bound is given in terms of k2 and specific geometric data of the manifold. This applies also to the particular case of non‐compact manifolds whose sectional curvature tends to , where no essential spectrum is present due to a theorem of Donnelly/Li. The result stands in clear contrast to Laplacians on graphs where such a bound fails to be true in general.
The effect of the reformed nurse staffing policy on employment of nurses in Korea
Authors: Kim Jinhyun , Kim Sungjae , Lee Eunhee , Kwon Hyunjeong , Lee Jayon , Bae Hyunji
Published: April 2021

Aim

This study aims to analyse the employment effect of reformed nurse staffing policy which is the “Integrated Nursing and Care Service” scheme that was introduced by the Korean government.

Design

Economic evaluation study focusing on employment effect.

Method

An input–output model was used to estimate the employment‐inducing effect of the new staffing policy. The analysed data of 26,381 beds, of 400 hospitals that are participated in the Integrated Nursing and Care Service scheme were retrieved from the Korean National Health Insurance claims database.

Results

The job‐creation effect of the new staffing policy was estimated to be 48.5 persons per USD 1 million expenditure, which means 28,154 persons were employed when USD 580.15 million expenditures was paid to the hospitals by the National Health Insurance Service. In addition, the policy had an employment‐inducing effect which is as high as 3.09~6.07 times higher than that of similar industries and all industries.
An ultra‐high affinity protein–protein interface displaying sequence‐robustness
Authors: Møller Marie Sofie , Olesen Sita Vaag , André Ingemar
Published: April 2021

Protein–protein interactions are crucial in biology and play roles in for example, the immune system, signaling pathways, and enzyme regulation. Ultra‐high affinity interactions (Kd <0.1 nM) occur in these systems, however, structures and energetics behind stability of ultra‐high affinity protein–protein complexes are not well understood. Regulation of the starch debranching barley limit dextrinase (LD) and its endogenous cereal type inhibitor (LDI) exemplifies an ultra‐high affinity complex (Kd of 42 pM). In this study the LD–LDI complex is investigated to unveil how robust the ultra‐high affinity is to LDI sequence variation at the protein–protein interface and whether alternative sequences can retain the ultra‐high binding affinity. The interface of LD–LDI was engineered using computational protein redesign aiming at identifying LDI variants predicted to retain ultra‐high binding affinity. These variants present a very diverse set of mutations going beyond conservative and alanine substitutions typically used to probe interfaces. Surface plasmon resonance analysis of the LDI variants revealed that high affinity of LD–LDI requires interactions of several residues at the rim of the protein interface, unlike the classical hotspot arrangement where key residues are found at the center of the interface. Notably, substitution of interface residues in LDI, including amino acids with functional groups different from the wild‐type, could occur without loss of affinity. This demonstrates that ultra‐high binding affinity can be conferred without hotspot residues, thus making complexes more robust to mutational drift in evolution. The present mutational analysis also demonstrates how energetic coupling can emerge between residues at large distances at the interface.