bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microwaves: An Alternative Bacterial Sterilization Technique?
Authors: Sood Pranay , Sood Neeru , Gokhale Trupti
Published: August 2023

Sterilization is defined as a process which eliminates all forms of life, such as bacteria, fungi, spores, viruses, etc. present on surfaces, contained in fluids or in any compound such as a culture media. Microwaves are non-ionizing radiations which heat food using the principle of dielectric heating. The same principle can be applied for the sterilization of microorganisms in culture media. A conventional microwave ovesn was used to study the effects of microwave radiations on survival of microorganisms. E. coli and Bacillus subtilis strains were selected for the study. It was observed that the use of microwave radiations were effective in reducing the time required for killing the cultures under study. However, a shielding effect was observed in presence of organic compounds, where a higher intensity or increased exposure time was required to kill the culture.
Application of Adsorption Chromatography in the Papain Processing
Authors: Yuhai He , Bin Tuan Chik Syed mohd saufi , Fui Chin Chong
Published: August 2023

A direct recovery of papain enzyme from unclarified Carica papaya juice was developed successfully using a reversed phase expanded bed adsorption chromatography (RP-EBAC). The dynamic binding capacity for the RP-EBAC at 10% breakthrough of 810.52 μg papain/g adsorbent was achieved at a linear flow velocity of 936 cm/h, bed expansion of two and feedstock viscosity of 2.68 mPa·s. Two-step elution was employed to enhance the purity of papain in RP-EBAC which gives high papain purity of 74.98% and high purification factor of 7.04. This work shows a great potential of using RP-EBAC with elution optimization step to purify papain from unclarified Carica papaya juice.
Preliminary Study of Sunscreen and Anti-Tyrosinase Effect on Microemulsion Extract from Melaleuca Cajuputi Essential Oil using Nonionic Surfactant
Authors: Sainorudin Muhammad Hanif , Rozaini Mohd Zul Helmi , Hamzah Habibah , Saupi Ainatul Azilah Mohamad , Norazemi Nurfaezatil Farhana , Ismail Zalikha , Ying Jenny Sin Poh , Ibrahim Nor Hayati , Zain Mohamad Hussin
Published: August 2023

Global warming nowadays has leaded the cosmetic industry resorts to development in the field of microtechnologies. Due to this concern, the most potential sunscreen effect on microemulsion extract from Melaleuca cajuputi essential oil stabilized using different nonionic surfactant TWEEN 20, TWEEN 80, SPAN 20 and SPAN 80 have been investigated. All microemulsions were formulated via triangle phase diagram, emulsification process, stability test, Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) test and Ultraviolet-Visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy test. For triangle phase diagram, the most stable formulation microemulsions were composed of nonionic surfactant TWEEN 20, TWEEN 80, SPAN 20 and SPAN 80, olive oil and water with region have been constructed using microscopic test. For emulsification process, the compatible formulation microemulsion was taken from all formulations involved the stability test. For SEM test, the size for each droplets of microemulsion for Formulation 1, Formulation 2, Formulation 3 and Formulation 4 were smaller than expected which is below than 5μm. However, only Formulation 2 was indicated in stable formulation and clearly seen compared to other formulations under SEM test. Result obtained for UV-Vis test was observed Formulation 1, Formulation 3, and Formulation 4 has absorbed only UV-C region with indicate value of increment. Meanwhile, Formulation 2 has absorbed UV-B region that prevent skin from cancer risk. Therefore, Formulation 2 shows good absorption and exhibit high potential to be further developed and use as sunscreen in cosmeceutical products.
Investigations on Nonlinear Polariton Dispersion in Ferroelectric Superlattice System
Authors: Wilson K.S. Joseph , Revathy V.
Published: August 2023

Superlattices have drawn considerable attention in the recent years. In this work, the behaviour of polaritons in a quantum well superlattice system is analysed both at the centre and at the edge of the brillouin zone using LiNbO3/ LiTaO3 as an example. The significance of the polariton modes are analysed. New modes due to nonlinearity on the polaritonic gap, where the propagation of electromagnetic wave is forbidden, are obtained in the system as suggested by some recent literature. The variation of frequency with the thickness is also studied.
Intuição como catalisador do empreendedorismo
Authors: Da Silva Neto Emílio , Rua Orlando Manuel Martins Marques de Lima , Höpner Vanessa Neves , Dos Santos Neri
Published: August 2023

Este artigo tem como objetivo evidenciar como o poder da intuição pode contribuir para a mobilização empreendedora, além de investigar a eficácia e a resolução dessa capacidade humana pouco conhecida teoricamente e subutilizada na prática. O artigo se baseia em extensa pesquisa bibliográfica, documentos históricos e entrevistas realizadas com empresários da cidade de Jaraguá do Sul, no Estado de Santa Catarina, Brasil. Os resultados indicam que os entrevistados fizeram um uso significativo da intuição, não apenas no surgimento da ideia inicial antes de empreender, mas também ao longo do desenvolvimento do negócio, na resolução de problemas e na busca por soluções disruptivas diante das várias inconsistências do ambiente socioeconômico do Brasil. As implicações teóricas destacam a importância da intuição na ação empreendedora, enquanto as implicações práticas sugerem a necessidade de prestar atenção a pensamentos que ainda carecem de fundamentação sólida, mas que podem impulsionar a concretização de um sonho, de uma meta, na forma de um negócio. Do ponto de vista social, ressalta-se a importância de considerar a intuição para a continuidade e o desenvolvimento de empresas familiares e, por consequência, para a economia local.
Skene’s Duct Cyst in an Elderly Female: A Case Report
Authors: Kallam Anji Reddy , Vahini Gudeli
Published: August 2023

Paraurethral glands and ducts are the rudimentary female homologues of the prostate, which empty into the vaginal vestibule near the urethral meatus. The two largest ducts are referred to as Skene’s ducts. Skene’s duct cysts are rare across all age groups and are only noticed when they cause complications such as dysuria. The causes of Skene’s duct cysts include duct obstruction due to infection, inflammation, or cystic degeneration of embryonic remnants of the paraurethral glands. In this case report, the authors present the findings of a 50-year-old female who had a painless swelling in the left labial region for a duration of three years. Upon local examination, a pedunculated swelling measuring 6x2.8 cm was observed in the left labia minora. The entire swelling, including the pedicle, was excised under regional anaesthesia through a vertical elliptical incision. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis, and the patient experienced complete satisfaction and relief from her symptoms.
Nondisjunction in Trisomy 21: Origin and Mechanisms
Authors: Razdan Alpana , Arora Rajat , Agarwal Gauri , Koul Shikha , Sharma Vandana , Kandpal Jagdish
Published: August 2023

Down’s Syndrome is a chromosomal abnormality with a gain of a third copy of chromosome 21, characterized by craniofacial abnormalities, intellectual developmental delay and growth retardation. In the present study, one-day-old neonate and a patient with an aborted fetus were presented to rule out genetic aberrations via CMA screening. DNA was extracted using from the case samples and evaluated by CMA Affymetrix platform. Chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus such as trisomy emerges due to several factors including maternal age, genetic mutational events, non-disjunction of chromosomes and epigenetic changes. Genetic Cause of trisomy 21 is chromosomal aneuploidy and gain of three copies of chromosome 21. The Trisomy 21 can occur due to Robertsonian translocation, Mosaicisms or duplication of critical region of chromosome 21. The trisomy 21 is the result of nondisjunction of homologous chromosomes 21 during gametogenesis at the time of embryo development. CMA is an effective molecular diagnostic tool for predicting and diagnosing chromosomal abnormalities which needs to be promoted in India for healthy pregnancy outcomes. We report two cases of confirmed post-natal Trisomy 21. The main aim of this study is to focus on genetic diagnosis and its awareness which is still lacking with 100% coverage, in developing countries to reduce the burden of genetic diseases and associated emotional and economic consequences.
A Study of DC Switching Electric ARC Characteristics for Low Voltages
Authors: Ariyarathne Y. S. S. , Jayatissa C. A. N. W. K. , Silva D. S. M. De
Published: August 2023

Aims: The purpose of this paper is to investigate the DC electric arc characteristics for low voltages. And explore the relationship among arc time, arc voltage and arc current.

Study Design:  The experimental setup mainly consisted of a switch contact pair, variable resistive load, and a variable power supply. An oscilloscope was used to collect the voltage variations of the switch and the load. The voltage variation data were used to do further analysis.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Physics and Electronics, University Of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka between September 2021 and May 2022.

Methodology: Voltage variations between the contact pair and the load voltage were measured using an oscilloscope for both switching on and off operations. The experiment was performed for four voltage levels; 60 VDC, 80 VDC, 100 VDC, and 120 VDC. For each voltage level, four load conditions were tested. Therein, a total of 16 different conditions were tested. Five tests were done for each condition. The average values were taken for analysis.

Conclusion: When the switch contacts start to separate, the arc voltage must reach the arc starting voltage to form an arc. Moreover, according to the supply voltage and current, there is always a maximum voltage value that arc can reach, which is less than the supply voltage (arc ending voltage). After the arc was formed in DC systems, the arc voltage variation with time can be modeled using the trigonometry tan function.
#MedEd: Medical Education and Knowledge Translation on Social Media
Authors: Ayers John W. , Goodman Aaron M. , Smith Davey M.
Published: August 2023

This Viewpoint discusses the potential educational benefits of social media in the health sciences.
Free Speech Challenges to the Inflation Reduction Act
Authors: Tu S. Sean , Tushnet Rebecca
Published: August 2023

This Viewpoint looks at the lawsuits brought by pharmaceutical companies to challenge the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, in particular claims under the First Amendment’s protection of free speech.
Prevalence of Cannabis Use Disorder and Reasons for Use Among Adults in a US State Where Recreational Cannabis Use Is Legal
Authors: Lapham Gwen T. , Matson Theresa E. , Bobb Jennifer F. , Luce Casey , Oliver Malia M. , Hamilton Leah K. , Bradley Katharine A.
Published: August 2023

Importance

Medical and nonmedical cannabis use and cannabis use disorders (CUD) have increased with increasing cannabis legalization. However, the prevalence of CUD among primary care patients who use cannabis for medical or nonmedical reasons is unknown for patients in states with legal recreational use.

Objective

To estimate the prevalence and severity of CUD among patients who report medical use only, nonmedical use only, and both reasons for cannabis use in a state with legal recreational use.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cross-sectional survey study took place at an integrated health system in Washington State. Among 108 950 adult patients who completed routine cannabis screening from March 2019 to September 2019, 5000 were selected for a confidential cannabis survey using stratified random sampling for frequency of past-year cannabis use and race and ethnicity. Among 1688 respondents, 1463 reporting past 30-day cannabis use were included in the study.

Exposure

Patient survey–reported reason for cannabis use in the past 30 days: medical use only, nonmedical use only, and both reasons.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Patient responses to the Composite International Diagnostic Interview-Substance Abuse Module for CUD, corresponding to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition CUD severity (0-11 symptoms) were categorized as any CUD (≥2 symptoms) and moderate to severe CUD (≥4 symptoms). Adjusted analyses were weighted for survey stratification and nonresponse for primary care population estimates and compared prevalence of CUD across reasons for cannabis use.

Results

Of 1463 included primary care patients (weighted mean [SD] age, 47.4 [16.8] years; 748 [weighted proportion, 61.9%] female) who used cannabis, 42.4% (95% CI, 31.2%-54.3%) reported medical use only, 25.1% (95% CI, 17.8%-34.2%) nonmedical use only, and 32.5% (95% CI, 25.3%-40.8%) both reasons for use. The prevalence of CUD was 21.3% (95% CI, 15.4%-28.6%) and did not vary across groups. The prevalence of moderate to severe CUD was 6.5% (95% CI, 5.0%-8.6%) and differed across groups: 1.3% (95% CI, 0.0%-2.8%) for medical use, 7.2% (95% CI, 3.9%-10.4%) for nonmedical use, and 7.5% (95% CI, 5.7%-9.4%) for both reasons for use (P = .01).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cross-sectional study of primary care patients in a state with legal recreational cannabis use, CUD was common among patients who used cannabis. Moderate to severe CUD was more prevalent among patients who reported any nonmedical use. These results underscore the importance of assessing patient cannabis use and CUD symptoms in medical settings.
Design and Synthesis of Fluorinated Quantum Dots for Efficient and Stable 0D/3D Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Zhao Bo , Guo Junjun , Zhao Chenyu , Zhang Xuliang , Huang Hehe , Tang Zhijie , Frolova Lyubov A. , Troshin Pavel A. , Ma Wanli , Yuan Jianyu
Published: August 2023

Dimensionality engineering involving the low‐dimensional and 3D perovskites has been demonstrated as an efficient promising strategy to modulate interfacial energy loss as well as instability in perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Herein, the use of fluorinated Cesium Lead Iodide (CsPbI3) perovskite quantum dot (PQD) is first reported as interface modification layer for PSCs. The binding between the CsPbI3 PQD surface and native oleic acid (OLA)/oleylamine (OAm) ligands is governed by a dynamic adsorption–desorption equilibrium. Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFA) with stronger binding affinity and more hydrophobic nature is explored to partially replace OLA to prepare the fluorinated ligand capped CsPbI3 PQDs (F‐CsPbI3). Through optimization of the addition of PFA during hot‐injection synthesis, the in situ treated F‐CsPbI3 PQDs display reduced surface defect states, higher photoluminescence quantum yields together with improved stability. Subsequently, both CsPbI3 and F‐CsPbI3 PQDs are utilized as interface engineering layer in PSCs, delivering the best efficiency values of 21.99% and 23.42%, respectively, which is significantly enhanced compared to the control device (20.37%). More importantly, benefiting from its more hydrophobic properties, the F‐CsPbI3 PQD treated device exhibits excellent ambient storage stability (25 °C, relative humidity: 35–45%), retaining over 80% of its initial efficiency after 1500 h aging.
Scavenging of “Dead Sulfur” and “Dead Lithium” Revealed by Integrated–Heterogeneous Catalysis for Advanced Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Liu Zifeng , Chen Miao , Zhou Dan , Xiao Zhubing
Published: August 2023

The simultaneous engineering of sulfur cathode and Li anode is critical for electrolyte‐starved high energy density Li–S batteries, in which slow electrochemical conversions and side chemical reactions of dead sulfur are found to be the determining factors in limiting the sulfur utilization, corresponding to the poor reversible capacity of Li–S batteries. Herein, this work challenges the conventional wisdom of heterogeneous and homogeneous catalyses in Li–S batteries and proposes the concept of integrated–heterogeneous catalysis to simultaneously scavenge the dead sulfur and dead lithium to compensate the active materials sulfur and lithium loss simply through adding a small amount of ZnI2 into conventional electrolyte of Li–S cells. Regulated by integrated–heterogeneous catalysis, over 1300 h of cycling is realized in Li||Li symmetric cells, revealing superb compatibility of the ZnI2‐incorporated electrolyte with lithium metal. Meanwhile, the ZnI2 shows good prospects in promoting the reutilization of dead sulfur in both theoretical calculation and experimental tests. Practically, a high initial capacity of 1170 mAh g−1 with decent cycling stability is achieved in electrolyte‐starved and high‐loading pouch cells (5.0 µL mg−1 and 5.2 mg cm−2).
Hierarchical Weaving Metafabric for Unidirectional Water Transportation and Evaporative Cooling
Authors: Zhang Ling , Guo Yuwei , Mo Ruolian , Liu Xiang , Wang Guang , Wu Ronghui , Liu Hongling
Published: August 2023

Smart apparel with unidirectional sweat transportation functionality is highly desirable for wearing comfort. However, simultaneously achieving fast unidirectional water transport, mechanical robustness, human body comfortability, and industrialized fabrication is challenging because of the difficulty in fiber‐yarn‐fabric multiscale textile structure manipulation. Here, for the first time, a unidirectional water‐transportation metafabric (UWTM) with hierarchical weft‐double‐weave structure is developed using industrial‐producible weaving technology. The UWTM not only shows a fast unidirectional sweat transportation property, but also a robust mechanical property, air permeability, tailorability, and human body comfortability. The unidirectional water transportation is realized by a well‐engineered wettability gradient along fabric thickness direction by two‐set weft yarns and one‐set warp yarn. The UWTM shows a strong one‐way transport capacity of 984%, with a short water droplet transportation time of 4 s. In addition, the unidirectional water transportation leads to an evaporative cooling effect to the human body, resulting in a 1.6 °C cooling compared with the most used cotton fabrics, exhibiting excellent wet‐heat transfer responsiveness, and ensuring a comfortable microclimate between human skin and the environment. The facile and scalable method presented here paves a way for the design of fluorine‐free, robust, comfortable, and wearable unidirectional water transport fabrics.
Interfacial Polymerization Produced Magnetic Particles with Nano‐Filopodia for Highly Accurate Liquid Biopsy in the PSA Gray Zone
Authors: Zhang Yue , Zhang Fan , Song Yongyang , Shen Xinyi , Bu Fanqin , Su Dandan , Luo Chen , Ge Liyuan , Deng Shaohui , Wu Zonglong , Zhang Zhanyi , Duan Peichen , Li Nan , Min Li , Zhang Shudong , Wang Shutao
Published: August 2023

Magnetic particles are leading separation materials for biological purification and detection. Existing magnetic particles, which almost rely on molecule‐level interactions, however, often encounter bottlenecks in highly efficient cell‐level separation due to the underestimate of surface structure effects. Here, immune cell‐inspired magnetic particles with nano‐filopodia (NFMPs) produced by interfacial polymerization for highly efficient capture of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and further accurate clinical diagnosis of prostate cancer are reported . The unprecedented construction of nano‐filopodia on polymer‐based magnetic particles is achieved by introducing electrostatic interactions in emulsion interfacial polymerization. Due to the unique nano‐filopodia, the NFMPs allow remarkably enhanced CTCs capture efficiency (86.5% ± 2.8%) compared with smooth magnetic particles (SMPs, 35.7% ± 5.7%). Under the assistance of machine learning by combining with prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) and free to total PSA (F/T‐PSA), the NFMPs strategy demonstrates high sensitivity (100%), high specificity (93.3%), and a high area under the curve (AUC) value (98.1%) for clinical diagnosis of prostate cancer in the PSA gray zone. The NFMPs are anticipated as an efficient platform for CTCs‐based liquid biopsy toward early cancer diagnosis and prognosis evaluation.
An Activatable Phototheranostic Probe for Anti‐hypoxic Type I Photodynamic‐ and Immuno‐Therapy of Cancer
Authors: Zhao Min , Zhang Yuyang , Miao Jia , Zhou Hui , Jiang Yue , Zhang Yuan , Miao Minqian , Chen Wan , Xing Wei , Li Qing , Miao Qingqing
Published: August 2023

Photodynamic therapy (PDT), which utilizes type I photoreactions, has great potential as an effective cancer treatment because of its hypoxia‐tolerant superiority over the commonly used type II pathway. A few type I photosensitizers are exploited; however, they majorly induce cytotoxicity and possess poor tumor specificity and low‐efficient theranostics. To resolve this issue, herein an aminopeptidase N (APN)‐activated type I phototheranostic probe (CyA) is reported for anti‐hypoxic PDT in conjunction with immunotherapy for effective cancer treatment. CyA can specifically activate near‐infrared fluorescence, photoacoustic signals, and phototoxicity following APN‐induced substrate cleavage and the subsequent generation of active phototheranostic molecules (such as CyBr). CyA endows specific imaging capabilities and effective phototoxicity toward tumor cells overexpressing APN under both normoxia and hypoxia. In addition, the locally activatable PDT induces systemic antitumor immune responses. More importantly, the integration of localized activated PDT and systemic immunotherapy evokes enhanced therapeutic effects with improved tumor inhibition efficiency in live mice compared with individual treatments. This study aims to present an activatable phototheranostic probe for effective hypoxia‐tolerant PDT and combination therapy.
Suppressed Concentration Quenching Brightens Short‐Wave Infrared Emitters
Authors: Xiao Wenge , Basore Endale T. , Zheng Guojun , Liu Xiaofeng , Xu Beibei , Qiu Jianrong
Published: August 2023

The brightness of doped luminescent materials is usually limited by the ubiquitous concentration quenching phenomenon resulting in an intractable tradeoff between internal quantum efficiency and excitation efficiency. Here, an intrinsic suppression of concentration quenching in sensitized luminescent systems, by exploiting the competitive relationship between light emitters and quenchers in trapping excitation energies from sensitizers, is reported. Although Cr3+ sensitizers and trivalent lanthanide (Ln3+, Ln = Yb, Nd, and Er) emitters themselves are highly susceptible to concentration quenching, the unprecedentedly high‐brightness luminescence of Cr3+–Ln3+ systems is demonstrated in the short‐wave infrared (SWIR) range employing high concentrations of Cr3+, whereby a record photoelectric efficiency of 23% is achieved for SWIR phosphor‐converted light‐emitting diodes, which is about twice as high as those previously reported. The results underscore the beneficial role of emitters in terminating excitation energies, opening up a new dimension for developing efficient sensitized luminescent materials.
Formation of Balloon with Porous Structures in NaCl Vapor Assisted by Amphiphilic Polymer for Stent Delivery System
Authors: Lee Han Chang , Park Se Kye , Kim Hyobin , Choi Dong Yun , Kim Gyu Man , Kim Woojin
Published: August 2023

Recently, bioabsorbable vascular stents (BVSs) are actively studied owing to their ability to dissolve within the human body. However, despite their advantages, BVSs often dislodge from the expandable balloon‐based delivery system when transported to the lesion site. In this study, a novel methodology aiming at increasing the retention force between the stent and the delivery system is presented. The breath‐figure method is adopted to form a porous structure and enhance adhesion. Additionally, numerical and experimental methods are used to evaluate the effect of surface tension between two immiscible fluids (polymeric solutions and droplets). To control the interfacial tension between the solution and droplets, an amphiphilic polymer and NaCl‐added vapor are used. By selecting the appropriate parameters, a sponge‐like structure is prepared on the stent delivery system. To verify its applicability, the two types of structures presented in this study are experimentally compared. These findings provide valuable guidelines for understanding the mechanism of breath‐figure patterns. Thus, the innovative methodology developed in this study demonstrates simplicity and scalability for large‐area production, making it potentially applicable to industrial technologies and offering new insights into biomedical engineering.
Highly Stretchable and Patternable Conductive Elastomer Composites Based on Direct Cut‐Patterning Technique for Stretchable Circuit Board Applications
Authors: Ha Sung‐Hun , Kim Jong‐Man
Published: August 2023

Stretchable interconnects, essential to the versatility of stretchable circuit boards (SCBs) in the emerging field of wearable electronic systems, are commonly made from conductive elastomer composites. However, the simultaneous realization of exceptional performance and a simple and reproducible fabrication has proven to be a challenge. In this study, high‐performance stretchable interconnects are introduced. These interconnects, constructed from highly patternable conductive composites, are produced using a straightforward, reproducible, and potentially scalable method termed as direct cut‐patterning (DCP). The DCP process enables the creation of distinctive conductive composite patterns and SCBs in a customizable manner, achieving a minimum feature size of 200 µm. The unique architecture of the proposed stretchable interconnects, featuring a fully embedded meander‐patterned composite conductor with periodic secondary cuts, enables the device to endure stretches exceeding 300%, while displaying a minimal gauge factor of ≈0.19 at 100% strain. Importantly, it fully reverts to its original form upon release. The proposed DCP‐based SCB approach is successfully applied in designing a highly stretchable and stable single‐layer light‐emitting diode array circuit, showcasing its potential for use in stretchable display panels.
Revolutionizing Plastics Chemical Recycling with Table Salt
Authors: Shaker Mohamed , Kumar Vikash , Saffron Christopher M. , Rabnawaz Muhammad
Published: August 2023

Chemical recycling enables plastics to be a part of the circular economy as it can cope with contaminated as well as mixed plastics waste. Herein, two important discoveries are reported. One innovation is the use of table salt (NaCl) to facilitate the low temperature pyrolysis of polyolefins comprised of high‐density polyethylene (HDPE), low‐density polyethylene (LDPE), linear low‐density polyethylene (LLDPE), and polypropylene (PP) at the ratio of (4:2:2:3), respectively, thus enabling the efficient recycling of these mixed plastics. For comparative analysis, two different Pt catalysts as well as a control are investigated. Compared to the control, the use of table salt at 10 wt.% increased both the oil and gas contents by 80% and enabled 100% conversion to gas and oil without producing any undesirable wax. The second innovation is that metallized plastics are successfully pyrolyzed with table salt with excellent conversion efficiencies. The obtained oil fraction is further characterized using gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS). In addition, the re‐use of salt, the effect of salt particle size and effect of the wt.% are explored. The thermal properties of the wax (solid) are characterized by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Economic estimation revealed a 3.5‐fold increase in revenue can be generated by the novel method as compared to pyrolysis without any salt. In contrast, pyrolysis with a conventional Pt/alumina system incurs huge losses. These findings suggest that table salt can offer a transformative approach toward an inexpensive (4 cents per kg) and efficient pyrolysis methodology for the conversion of mixed plastics waste to useful hydrocarbon products.
Reconsidering the economics of identity: Position, power, and property
Authors: Darity William A.
Published: August 2023

The origin of inequality between social identity groups is anchored in acts of violent dispossession of freedom and property by the group seeking the advantages of dominance. The beginning of contemporary disparities in income and especially wealth between Black and White Americans follow the same pattern. Of particular significance is the racialized character of U.S. land distribution policies in the aftermath of the Civil War.
Increased noise levels cause behavioural and distributional changes in Atlantic cod and saithe in a large public aquarium—A case study
Authors: Andersson Marica , Svensson Ola , Swartz Terese , Manera Jack L. , Bertram Michael G. , Blom Eva‐Lotta
Published: August 2023

Investigating the effects of underwater noise on aquatic animals is a research field that is receiving rapidly increasing attention. Despite this, surprisingly few studies have addressed the potential impacts of noise in a marine animal husbandry setting. In this regard, the behaviour of fish in public aquariums can be used as an indicator of well‐being, and noise is known to cause behavioural changes. This case study investigates the behaviour of cod (Gadus morhua) and saithe (Pollachius virens) in a large public aquarium when exposed to increased noise levels originating from an aquarium renovation carried out by construction divers. Swimming behaviour, group formation and vertical distribution, along with yawning and scratching frequencies of the fish, were analysed from video recordings made before, during and after the exposure to increased noise levels. The same parameters were also analysed to evaluate potential effects of the presence of divers when not making renovation noise, compared to fish behaviour prior to the renovation. There was a slight change in the depth distribution of both species and a decrease in the number of scratches in cod due to the presence of divers that were not making renovation noise. In the presence of construction noises in the tank, however, both cod and saithe showed a wider array of behavioural changes, including increased swimming speed, changes in depth distribution and increased yawning frequencies. The results from this case study demonstrate that an underwater renovation with increased noise levels impacts fish behaviour and suggests that underwater noise should be considered during the management of aquatic environments, including public aquaria.
Clinical significance of mechanistic target of rapamycin expression in vessels that encapsulate tumor cluster‐positive hepatocellular carcinoma patients who have undergone living donor liver transplantation
Authors: Toshida Katsuya , Itoh Shinji , Toshima Takeo , Yoshiya Shohei , Goto Ryoichi , Mita Atsuyoshi , Harada Noboru , Kohashi Kenichi , Oda Yoshinao , Yoshizumi Tomoharu
Published: August 2023

Background

There is limited published information regarding the expression of mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) in vessels that encapsulate tumor cluster (VETC)‐positive hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The mTOR inhibitor, everolimus, has been approved as an immunosuppressant for use in HCC patients after living donor liver transplantation (LDLT).

Methods

Using a database of 214 patients who underwent LDLT for HCC, we examined the mTOR protein and angiopoietin‐2 (Ang‐2) in VETC‐positive HCC by immunohistochemical staining. The presence of VETC and mTOR expression were evaluated in both primary and recurrent HCC lesions.

Results

Forty‐three of the 214 patients (20.1%) were VETC‐positive, and 29 of these 43 patients (67.4%) expressed mTOR. Relative Ang‐2 expression was significantly higher in the mTOR‐positive than in the mTOR‐negative group (p = 0.037). Thirty‐four of the 214 patients experienced HCC recurrence after LDLT; 20 of these were operable. The primary lesions of six of these 20 patients were VETC‐positive; five of these six patients also had VETC‐positive recurrent lesions (p < 0.001). The expression of mTOR was significantly higher in the VETC‐positive lesions (p = 0.0018).

Conclusions

We showed that mTOR expression was higher in the VETC‐positive primary and recurrent lesions than in the VETC‐negative ones.
One‐dimensional molecular co‐crystal alloys capable of full‐color emission for low‐loss optical waveguide and optical logic gate
Authors: Qi Zhenhong , Ma Yu‐Juan , Yan Dongpeng
Published: August 2023

The luminescence color of molecule‐based photoactive materials is the key to the applications in lighting and optical communication. Realizing continuous regulation of emission color in molecular systems is highly desirable but still remains a challenge due to the individual emission band of purely organic molecules. Herein, a novel alloy strategy based on molecular co‐crystals is reported. By adjusting the molar ratio of pyrene (Py) and fluorathene (Flu), three types of molecular co‐crystal alloys (MCAs) assemblies are prepared involving Py‐Flu‐OFN‐x%, Py‐Flu‐TFP‐x%, Py‐Flu‐TCNB‐x%. Multiple energy level structure and Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) process endow materials with tunable full‐spectra emission color in visible region. Impressively, these MCAs and co‐crystals can be successfully applied to low optical loss waveguide and optical logic gate by virtue of all‐color luminescence from blue across green to red, together with smooth surface of one‐dimensional microrods, which show promising applications as continuous light emitters for advance photonics applications.
Stroke‐Related Visceral Alterations: A Voxel‐Based Neuroanatomic Localization Study
Authors: Arsava Ethem Murat , Chang Ken , Tawakol Ahmed , Loggia Marco L. , Goldstein Joshua N. , Brown James , Park Kwang‐Yeol , Singhal Aneesh B. , Kalpathy‐Cramer Jayashree , Sorensen Alma Gregory , Rosen Bruce R. , Samuels Martin Allen , Ay Hakan
Published: August 2023

Objective

Functional and morphologic changes in extracranial organs can occur after acute brain injury. The neuroanatomic correlates of such changes are not fully known. Herein, we tested the hypothesis that brain infarcts are associated with cardiac and systemic abnormalities (CSAs) in a regionally specific manner.

Methods

We generated voxelwise p value maps of brain infarcts for poststroke plasma cardiac troponin T (cTnT) elevation, QTc prolongation, in‐hospital infection, and acute stress hyperglycemia (ASH) in 1,208 acute ischemic stroke patients prospectively recruited into the Heart–Brain Interactions Study. We examined the relationship between infarct location and CSAs using a permutation‐based approach and identified clusters of contiguous voxels associated with p < 0.05.

Results

cTnT elevation not attributable to a known cardiac reason was detected in 5.5%, QTc prolongation in the absence of a known provoker in 21.2%, ASH in 33.9%, and poststroke infection in 13.6%. We identified significant, spatially segregated voxel clusters for each CSA. The clusters for troponin elevation and QTc prolongation mapped to the right hemisphere. There were 3 clusters for ASH, the largest of which was in the left hemisphere. We found 2 clusters for poststroke infection, one associated with pneumonia in the left and one with urinary tract infection in the right hemisphere. The relationship between infarct location and CSAs persisted after adjusting for infarct volume.

Interpretation

Our results show that there are discrete regions of brain infarcts associated with CSAs. This information could be used to bootstrap toward new markers for better differentiation between neurogenic and non‐neurogenic mechanisms of poststroke CSAs. ANN NEUROL 2023;94:1155–1163
Reversely Trapping Isolated Atoms in High Oxidation State for Accelerating the Oxygen Evolution Reaction Kinetics
Authors: Li Yang , Bo Tingting , Zuo Shouwei , Zhang Guikai , Zhao Xiaojuan , Zhou Wei , Wu Xin , Zhao Guoxiang , Huang Huawei , Zheng Lirong , Zhang Jing , Zhang Huabin , Zhang Jian
Published: August 2023

Developing efficient electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is paramount to the energy conversion and storage devices. However, the structural complexity of heterogeneous electrocatalysts makes it a great challenge to elucidate the dynamic structural evolution and OER mechanisms. Here, we develop a controllable atom‐trapping strategy to extract isolated Mo atom from the amorphous MoOx‐decorated CoSe2 (a‐MoOx@CoSe2) pre‐catalyst into Co‐based oxyhydroxide (Mo‐CoOOH) through an ultra‐fast self‐reconstruction process during the OER process. This conceptual advance has been validated by operando characterizations, which reveals that the initially rapid Mo leaching can expedite the dynamic reconstruction of pre‐catalyst, and simultaneously trap Mo species in high oxidation state into the lattice of in situ generated CoOOH support. Impressively, the OER kinetics of CoOOH has been greatly accelerated after the reverse decoration of Mo species, in which the Mo‐CoOOH affords a markedly decreased overpotential of 297 mV at the current density of 100 mA cm−2. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations demonstrate that the Co species have been greatly activated via the effective electron coupling with Mo species in high oxidation state. These findings open new avenues toward directly synthesizing atomically dispersed electrocatalysts for high‐efficiency water splitting.
Multiblock Copolymers Based on Highly Crystalline Polyethylene and Soft Poly(ethylene‐co‐butadiene) Segments: Towards Polyolefin Thermoplastic Elastomers
Authors: Langlais Marvin , Baulu Nicolas , Dronet Séverin , Dire Charlotte , Jean‐Baptiste‐dit‐Dominique François , Albertini David , D'Agosto Franck , Montarnal Damien , Boisson Christophe
Published: August 2023

Block copolymers based on polyethylene (PE) and ethylene butadiene rubber (EBR) were obtained by successive controlled coordinative chain transfer polymerization (CCTP) of a mixture of ethylene and butadiene (80/20) and pure ethylene. EBR‐b‐PE diblock copolymers were synthesized using the {Me2Si(C13H8)2Nd(BH4)2Li(THF)}2 complex in combination with n‐butyl,n‐octyl magnesium (BOMAG) used as both the alkylating and chain transfer agent (CTA). Triblock and multiblock copolymers featuring highly semi‐crystalline PE hard segments and soft EBR segments were further obtained by the development of a bimetallic CTA, the pentanediyl‐1,5‐di(magnesium bromide) (PDMB). These new block copolymers undergo crystallization‐driven organization into lamellar structures and exhibit a variety of mechanical properties, including excellent extensibility and elastic recovery in the case of triblock and multiblock copolymers.
Modulating the Reaction Configuration by Breaking the Structural Symmetry of Active Sites for Efficient Photocatalytic Reduction of Low‐concentration CO2
Authors: Lyu Wenyuan , Liu Yang , Zhou Jingyi , Chen Datong , Zhao Xin , Fang Ruiqi , Wang Fengliang , Li Yingwei
Published: August 2023

Photocatalytic conversion of low‐concentration CO2 is considered as a promising way to simultaneously mitigate the environmental and energy issues. However, the weak CO2 adsorption and tough CO2 activation process seriously compromise the CO production, due to the chemical inertness of CO2 molecule and the formed fragile metal‐C/O bond. Herein, we designed and fabricated oxygen vacancy contained Co3O4 hollow nanoparticles on ordered macroporous N‐doped carbon framework (Vo−HCo3O4/OMNC) towards photoreduction of low‐concentration CO2. In situ spectra and ab initio molecular dynamics simulations reveal that the constructed oxygen vacancy is able to break the local structural symmetry of Co−O−Co sites. The formation of asymmetric active site switches the CO2 configuration from a single‐site linear model to a multiple‐sites bending one with a highly stable configuration, enhancing the binding and structural polarization of CO2 molecules. As a result, Vo−HCo3O4/OMNC shows unprecedent activity in the photocatalytic conversion of low‐concentration CO2 (10 % CO2/Ar) under laboratory light source or even natural sunlight, affording a syngas yield of 337.8 or 95.2 mmol g−1 h−1, respectively, with an apparent quantum yield up to 4.2 %.
Platinum(II)‐Based Optical Probes for Imaging Quadruplex DNA Structures via Phosphorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscopy
Authors: Berrones Reyes Jessica , Sherin Peter S. , Sarkar Amrita , Kuimova Marina K. , Vilar Ramon
Published: August 2023

G‐quadruplex DNA is a non‐canonical structure that forms in guanine‐rich regions of the genome. There is increasing evidence showing that G‐quadruplexes have important biological functions, and therefore molecular tools to visualise these structures are important. Herein we report on a series of new cyclometallated platinum(II) complexes which, upon binding to G‐quadruplex DNA, display an increase in their phosphorescence, acting as switch‐on probes. More importantly, upon binding to G‐quadruplexes they display a selective and distinct lengthening of their emission lifetime. We show that this effect can be used to selectively visualise these structures in cells using Phosphorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscopy (PLIM).
Polydopamine‐assisted in situ formation of dense aramid nanofibers layer on polyethylene separator for lithium‐ion battery
Authors: Cheng Feng , Qian Jingting , Li Hongbin , Di Jianwei , He Jinmei , Bai Yongping , Huang Yudong
Published: August 2023

Herein, we report a modified polyethylene (PE) separators via in situ polymerization of polydopamine (PDA) and coating of dense aramid nanofibers (ANFs) on the surface of PE separator. Due to the unique hydrophilic performance and cooperative effect of PDA and ANFs, the wettability and migration ability of lithium ion of the modified PE separator were obviously enhanced. Moreover, the modified PE separator have the lower thermal shrinkage, the higher melting temperature and decomposition temperature, and excellently electrolyte wettability than pristine PE separators. The capacity of the modified PE separator remains 140.29 mAh g−1 after 200 cycles at 1.0°C, and the coulombic efficiency also maintain more than 78.86%. In addition, the modified PE separator exhibits a higher lithium‐ion transfer number, outstanding ionic conductivity (2.390 × 10−4 S/cm) and small interfacial resistance (−83.85 Ω) due to its excellently electrochemical properties. Thus, the modified PE separator has great potential to fabricate the high quality separator materials for designing and developing lithium‐ion batteries.
Mechanism research on the application of liquid film microencapsulation technology based on natural lotion in strengthening recycled bio‐composite wallpaper material
Authors: Xiao Dingtian , Chen Yuanhua , Bhutta Muhammad Shoaib , Yi Jiliang , Zhang Cheng , Li Tingpeng , Wang Xiangan
Published: August 2023

Low‐carbon technology is currently one of the main research directions in sustainable research. The purpose of this research is to explore environmentally friendly low‐carbon technologies to apply NL and wastes to the development of bio‐composite. This research can not only inhibit the release of toxic atmosphere from composite wallpaper materials but also propose new perspective for recycling several bulk wastes such as agricultural waste, waste plastics, and waste cooking oil. This study not only conducted an exploratory research on the degree of filling load from a vertical perspective but also conducted comparative experiments to clarify the strengthening effect of NL in a horizontal perspective. Several valuable findings are obtained through the analysis of several measurements such as mechanical performance and scanning electron microscope (SEM) morphology. The heat transfer effect between components inside the bio‐composite is enhanced by the action of NL. A better heat transfer effect can prevent heat from accumulating in local areas of bio‐composite, resulting in an increase in the overall initial pyrolysis temperature of thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) curve. It is found through experiments that when the biomass filler is excessive, the mechanical performance of the sample sharply decreased. These negative phenomena are presented in the specific form of voids and aggregates in the internal structure of bio‐composite from a microscopic perspective. Comprehensive analysis manifested that NL can suppress the negative effect of filler agglomeration and strengthen the filler/matrix interface bonding. The research also found that the type of biomass filler can affect the actual effect of NL. These findings have certain academic significance and can promote the further development of sustainable research on diversified recycle of wastes.
Harnessing Nanomaterials for Enhanced Biohydrogen Generation from Wastewater
Authors: Ihsanullah I. , Bilal Muhammad , Tariq Khan Muhammad
Published: August 2023

Biohydrogen is considered a green fuel due to its eco‐friendly nature since it only produces water and energy on combustion. However, their lower yield and production rate is one of the foremost challenges that need an instant sustainable approach. The use of nanotechnology is a potential approach for the enhanced generation of biohydrogen, owing to the significant characteristics of the nanomaterials such as greater specificity, high surface‐area‐to‐volume ratio, better reactivity and dispersibility, enhanced catalytic activity, superb selectivity, greater electron transfer, and better anaerobic microbiota activity. This article explores the recent trends and innovations in the production of biohydrogen from wastewater through the applications of different nanomaterials. The potential of various nanomaterials employed for biohydrogen production from wastewater is evaluated and the impacts of important parameters such as the concentration and size of the nanomaterials, temperature, and pH on the production and yield of biohydrogen are explained in detail. Several pathways involved in the mechanistic approach of biohydrogen generation from wastewater are critically assessed. Lastly, numerous technological challenges are highlighted and recommendations regarding future research are also provided.
Reactivity of Cyclic (Alkyl)(amino)germylene towards Copper(I) and Gold(I) Complexes
Authors: Feng Zhongtao , Wang Liliang , Mohammed Sharifah Nadhirah Binte Shaik , Rao Bin , Kinjo Rei
Published: August 2023

The reactions of cyclic (alkyl)(amino)germylenes (CAAGe) with copper(I) and gold(I) complexes were investigated. CAAGe (1) reacts with CuBr(SMe2) leading to a tetrameric germylene complex [CAAGeCuBr]4 (2), whereas CAAGe (3) undergoes Au−Cl bond insertion with LAuCl (L=phosphine or N‐heterocyclic carbene) to afford germanium gold(I) complexes (5 and 6). Chlorine abstraction of 6 gives the cationic germylene gold(I) complex 7.
An initial evaluation of staff injuries in human service organizations
Authors: Ruby Sandra A. , Wine Byron , Blackman Abigail L. , DiGennaro Reed Florence
Published: August 2023

Recent data reveal an increase in the likelihood of staff injury for those working in the health care and social assistance industries (United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2021). Without information summarizing variables pertaining to staff injury in behavior‐analytic service settings, organizational leaders risk the safety of staff they employ. Despite the social relevance, few studies concerning the types of client‐related staff injuries have been published. The purpose of this survey was to gather data on the cause, type, bodily location of, and treatment required for staff injury by surveying organizations that serve individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Respondents ranked the leading cause of injury as client‐to‐staff interactions, type of injury as bite, location of injury as arm, and the most common treatment required as on‐site first aid. These initial data could assist in the identification of job tasks that may be associated with increased risk of injury, potential ramifications of client‐inflicted injuries on staff performance and organizational outcomes, and how to address injuries in settings within an injury‐prone industry. Implications and future research ideas are also discussed.