bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Utilizing an organizational development framework as a road map for creating a technology‐driven agile curriculum in predoctoral dental education
Authors: Tadinada Aditya , Gul Gulsun , Godwin Lauren , Al Sakka Yacoub , Crain Geralyn , Stanford Clark M. , Johnson Jeffrey
Published: November 2022

The landscape of dental education is undergoing a paradigm shift from both the learner's and teacher's perspectives. Evolving technologies, including artificial intelligence, virtual reality, augmented reality, and mixed reality, are providing synergistic opportunities to create new and exciting educational platforms. The evolution of these platforms will likely play a significant role in dental education. This is especially true in the wake of calamities like the COVID‐19 pandemic during which educational activities had to be shutdown or moved online. This experience demonstrated that it is prudent to develop curricula that are both agile and efficient via creating hybrid courses that provide effective learning experiences regardless of the mode of delivery. Although there is growing interest in incorporating technology into dental education, there are few examples of how to actually manage the implementation of technology into the curriculum. In this paper, we provide a road map for incorporating technology into the dental curriculum to create agility and discuss challenges and possible solutions.
Studies on the sensory sensilla on the tarsi and external genitalia of the Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus (Skuse)
Authors: Yamany Abeer S. , Abdel‐Gaber Rewaida
Published: November 2022

Dengue fever is a worldwide health problem transmitted mainly by Aedes albopictus. The ability of female mosquitoes to transmit disease depends on their behavioral responses to locate their host. The presence of different types of sensory sensilla with different morphological characteristics is the most distinctive feature of Ae. albopictus, in addition to the main sensory organs. The sensory sensilla are chemosensory contacts that Ae. albopictus uses to locate long‐distance hosts and oviposition sites by receiving well‐defined cues such as changes in temperature and humidity, mechanical impact, and odors. As a result, it is crucial to study the sensory sensilla of Ae. albopictus. Although the sensory sensilla of Ae. aegypti have been extensively studied, but there is still a lack of knowledge about the sensory sensilla of the Asian tiger mosquito, Ae. albopictus. This study aimed to investigate the different types of sensory sensilla on the tarsi and external genitalia of both sexes of Ae. albopictus and their morphological features using a scanning electron microscope. The results demonstrated that the tarsi have five types of sensory sensilla: sensilla chaetica, grooved pegs, sensilla campaniform, sensilla basiconica, and sensilla coeloconica. There are two thick, grooved sensilla on the tarsal joints. Sensilla coeloconica on the tarsus are hidden under scales in a raised pit and have a diameter of 13.69 ± 0.071 μm, which is significantly larger than those on the external genitalia of males, which have a diameter of 7.65 ± 0.065 μm. Sensilla coeloconica is absent from the external genitalia of females. Two types of senillae chaetica are found on the tarsomeres, near the claws, and on the joints, which differ significantly in morphology and morphometric parameters. The ovulation‐supporting cerci are provided with three pairs of long sensilla chaetica at the apex, measuring 111.36 ± 0.020 μm in length. Two groups of four apical sensilla and short spiny subapical sensilla are randomly distributed on the ovipositor. The female external genitalia have two types of sensilla chaetica, which are arranged in rows and are significantly smaller than those of the male external genitalia.

Research Highlights

Aedes albopictus showed various sensory structures distributed on the tarsi and genitalia of both sexes.

Adequate information is available in this study to understand chemoreception and odor detection by different kinds of sensilla that help to evaluate the ability of female mosquitoes to transmit diseases.
Validation of Tokyo guidelines 2018 for safety and mortality benefit from urgent ERCP in acute cholangitis across different age groups
Authors: Farooq Umer , Gondal Amlish B. , Franco Diana , Tarar Zahid Ijaz , Mahmood Sultan
Published: November 2022

Background

The 2018 Tokyo Guidelines (TG18) recommend urgent endoscopic biliary drainage based on acute cholangitis (AC) severity. Therefore, we evaluated the safety and mortality benefits of urgent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in different age groups.

Methods

Using International Classification of Diseases‐10 (ICD‐10) codes, we sampled adult AC patients from National Inpatient Sample. TG18 definition of cholangitis severity was used to identify patients with severe and nonsevere (mild or moderate) AC. Age categories were 18–64, 65–79, and 80 and above. Multivariate linear or logistic regression was used as appropriate. We used Stata, version 14.2, to perform analyses considering two‐sided p < .05 as statistically significant.

Results

Among 137 100 patients, there were 93 365 (68.09%) patients with nonsevere cholangitis and 43 735 (31.91%) patients with severe cholangitis. Urgent ERCP (within 24 h) resulted in decreased mortality in all age groups for both severe and nonsevere AC. Post‐sphincterotomy bleeding was more common in patients ≥80 years of age, whereas post‐ERCP acute cholecystitis was more common in patients 65–79 years. The rates of post‐ERCP pancreatitis, bile duct perforation, and duodenal perforation did not differ among the age groups. In addition, there were no differences in the rate of sedation‐related complications between different age groups who underwent urgent ERCP.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates the mortality benefit from urgent ERCP for AC in different age groups and describes the safety of performing urgent ERCP in patients of various ages. Therefore, we recommend that urgent ERCP be performed according to the TG18 guidelines regardless of age.
Method validation and clinical application for the quantification of lopinavir, efavirenz, and ritonavir in breast milk using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Fraissinet Francois , Oumar Aboubacar A. , Seraissol Patrick , Cere Marie Christine , Lavit Michel , Chatelut Etienne , Gandia Peggy
Published: November 2022

A liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) method has been validated for quantification of three antiretroviral drugs (efavirenz [EFV], lopinavir [LPV], and ritonavir [RTV]) from human breast milk. The samples were extracted employing protein precipitation method using methanol as precipitating agent. The supernatant was evaporated and reconstituted before injecting into the chromatograph and separated on a biphenyl column. Calibration curves for the three tested antiretroviral drugs were linear (r ≥ 0.999) over the range examined. The inter‐ and intra‐day coefficients of variation (CV) were ≤15% for efavirenz, lopinavir, and ritonavir. Mean recovery ranged from 96% to 105% and no major matrix effects were observed. This validated LC–MS/MS method was efficiently applied to determine EFV, LPV, and RTV concentrations in breast milk from Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)‐positive breastfeeding mothers. This assay requires a simple sample processing method with a short run time, making it well suited for high‐throughput routine clinical or research purposes.
Review of antiretroviral therapy coverage in 10 highest burden HIV countries in Africa: 2015–2020
Authors: Babatunde Abdulhammed O. , Akin‐Ajani Oluwawapelumi D. , Abdullateef Ridwanullah O. , Togunwa Taofeeq O. , Isah Haroun O.
Published: November 2022

Africa is responsible for two‐thirds of the global total of new HIV infections. South Africa, Nigeria, Mozambique, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Malawi, and Ethiopia were responsible for 80% of HIV cases in Africa in 2014 according to the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS). This study assesses antiretroviral coverage strategies implemented by these countries after the initiation of the “Fast‐Track strategy to end the AIDS epidemic by 2030.” Data reported in this review were obtained from different e‐bibliographic including PubMed, Google Scholar, and Research Gate. Key terms were “Antiretroviral therapy,” “Antiretroviral treatment,” “HIV treatment,” “HIV medication,” “HIV/AIDS therapy,” “HIV/AIDS treatment” + each of the countries listed earlier. We also extracted data on antiretroviral therapy (ART) coverage from the UNAIDS database. About 50 papers published from 2015 to 2021 met the inclusion criteria. All 10 countries have experienced an increase in ART coverage from 2015 to 2020 with an average of 47.6% increment. Nigeria recorded the highest increase in the rate of ART coverage (72% increase) while Ethiopia had the least (30%). New strategies adopted to increase ART coverage and retention in most countries were community‐based models and the use of mobile health technology rather than clinic‐based. These strategies focus on promoting task shifting, door‐to‐door access to HIV services, and a long‐term supply of antiretroviral medications. Most of these strategies are still in the piloting stage. However, some new strategies and frameworks have been adopted nationwide in countries like Mozambique, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Kenya, and Malawi. Identified challenges include lack of funding, inadequate testing and surveillance services, poor digital penetration, and cultural/religious beliefs. The adoption of community‐based and digital health strategies could have contributed to increased ART coverage and retention. African countries should facilitate nationwide scaling of ART coverage strategies to attain the 95–95–95 goal by 2030.
Outcomes in preterm infants who received a lipid emulsion with fish oil: An observational study
Authors: Kim Esther S. , Lee Lauren J. , Romero Tahmineh , Calkins Kara L.
Published: November 2022

Background

100% soybean oil emulsions (SO100) are associated with poor docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (ARA) status in extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants. A multi‐oil emulsion with 15% fish oil (FO15) contains more DHA and ARA than SO100. This study compares clinical outcomes, namely growth and fatty acids, in ELBW infants who received S0100 or FO15.

Methods

This observational study included ELBW infants born between 2014 and 2019 who received SO100 or FO15 for >7 days. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry was used to measure erythrocyte fatty acids.

Results

The mean ± SD gestational age was 27 ± 3 and 26 ± 2 weeks for SO100 (n = 43) and FO15 (n = 43), respectively (P = 0.2). DHA (−0.3 ± 0.10% per week,P = 0.026, for FO15 vs −0.2 ± 0.05% per week,P < 0.001, for SO100) and ARA (−0.8 ± 0.21% per week for FO15 vs −0.9 ± 0.17% per week for SO100;P < 0.001 for both) declined in both groups with no difference between groups (Pinteraction > 0.7 for both). After controlling for days to reach full feeds, the mean difference in weightzscore trajectories was similar (Est = −0.08; 95% CI, −0.82 to 0.04;P = 0.2), and SO100 was associated with a nonsignificant increased odds for cholestasis (odds ratio, 3.1; 95% CI, 0.96–10.2;P = 0.059). There was no difference in other clinical comorbidities.

Conclusions

In comparison with ELBW infants who received SO100, infants who received FO15 still demonstrated a decline in DHA and ARA. Growth and other clinical outcomes were unchanged.
Microwave‐ultrasonic technique development coupled with natural deep eutectic solvents in anthocyanin extraction from perilla leaves (Perilla frutescens var. Acuta)
Authors: Han Xiaoxiang , Huang Jianghui , Cai Jinwang , Yu Chen , Jiang Shengchou , Ye Qing , Yang Shuifen , Pan Weichun , Zhang Qiaozhi , Wang Yanbo
Published: November 2022

Background

As potent antioxidants, anthocyanins can protect the body from free radicals. However, the traditional solvent extraction method has the disadvantages of requiring a high extraction temperature and long extraction time, so it is necessary to develop an efficient extraction method for anthocyanins.

Results

In this study, the technique of natural deep eutectic solvents (DESs) was applied to extract anthocyanins from purple perilla leaves with the aid of microwave‐ultrasonic assisted extraction (MUAE). The response surface methodology (RSM), based on the Box–Behnken design (BBD), predicted the maximum extraction yield of anthocyanins to be 619.62 mg (100 g)−1 under the following conditions: x1 (ultrasonic extraction power) = 357.25 W, x2 (time) = 25.62 min, and x3 (temperature) = 57.80 °C. The biological activity of the extract obtained was evaluated by examining its radical‐scavenging effect on 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl, hydroxyl radical, and superoxide anion radicals. Its bacteriostatic impact was investigated on four typical bacteria: Shewanella putrefaciens (S. putrefaciens), Pseudomonas fluorescens (P. fluorescens), Escherichia coli (E. coli), and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus).

Conclusion

The integrated extraction method of DESs with MUAE was efficient, energy‐saving, green, and sustainable. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
ZNF521/EBF1 axis regulates AKR1B1 to promote the proliferation, migration, and invasion of gastric cancer cells
Authors: Cheng Yu , Ni Yi‐Jiang , Tang Li‐Ming
Published: November 2022

Although the incidence and death rates of gastric cancer (GC) are decreasing, approximately one million new cases and 800,000 GC‐related deaths were reported worldwide in 2018. Currently, the oncogenesis of GC remains unclear, and the demand for novel treatment options are unmet. Here, we explored the role of aldo‐keto reductase family 1 member B (AKR1B1) in the progression of GC. The proliferation, migration, and invasion of GC cells were evaluated by CCK‐8 assay, wound healing assay, and transwell assay, respectively. The interaction between EBF transcription factor 1 (EBF1) and the promoter region of AKR1B1 was determined by luciferase reporter assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP). Gene expression levels were measured by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) and Western blotting assay. The expression of AKR1B1 was elevated in GC cells, resulting in increased cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Meanwhile, EBF1 was a negative regulator of AKR1B1; its overexpression suppressed AKR1B1 expression and GC progression. Furthermore, knockdown of ZNF521 induced EBF1 expression, thus suppressing AKR1B1 expression and resulting in attenuated GC growth and invasiveness. Notably, knockdown of ZNF521 attenuated GC progression and was rescued by overexpression of AKR1B1. Our current study revealed a novel ZNF521/EBF1/AKR1B1 axis in GC and elaborated its important role in promoting GC progression, providing potential therapeutic targets for anti‐GC treatments.
Herder households' livelihood strategies as a response to payments for grassland ecosystem services in China
Authors: Li Zhidong , Liu Moucheng
Published: November 2022

Herder households' response is critical in determining the effectiveness of payments for grassland ecosystem services (PGES). This study aimed to comprehensively analyze the influencing factors and processes of herder households' response to PGES using the sustainable livelihood approach. Here, we were the first to classify the ways herder households respond to PGES from the perspective of livelihood strategies, and proposed a sustainable livelihood indicator framework applicable to herder household research. According to the framework, we combined path analysis and statistical analysis to carry out empirical analysis in a typical area. The results show that the response strategies could be divided into three types, which rated by popularity from low to high, were reduction in herd counts (19.1%), livelihood diversification (27.7%) and industrial upgrading (53.1% max). Their formation was influenced by various factors, such as the PGES, vulnerability context, livelihood assets, and livelihood outcomes. In general, strict supervision (influence coefficient 0.46) helped reduce livestock headcounts, especially in small and medium households, which used to be the main bodies of overloading. Households with rising living standards tended to explore off‐farm livelihoods, but there were also some households that did so because of disagreement with PGES. Households with higher vulnerability and higher livelihood assets tended to cope with the shortage of grassland through industrial upgrading, thereby achieving a balanced utilization of grassland resources. This study not only makes an important supplement to PGES and sustainable livelihood theory but also provides an important reference for grassland ecological protection practices around the world.
Molecular Quantum Interface for Storing and Manipulating Ultrashort Optical Vortex
Authors: Trawi Firas , Billard Franck , Faucher Olivier , Béjot Pierre , Hertz Edouard
Published: November 2022

Light beams carrying orbital angular momentum (OAM) have become over the past few years a subject of widespread interest with unprecedented applications in various fields such as optical communication, super‐resolution imaging, optical tweezers, or quantum processing. In the present work it is demonstrated that gas‐phase molecules can be used as a quantum interface to store an OAM carried by an ultrashort laser pulse. The interplay between spin angular momentum and OAM is exploited to encode the spatial phase information of light beams into rotational coherences of molecules. The embedded spatial structure is restored on‐demand with a reading beam by taking advantage of field‐free molecular alignment. The strategy is successfully demonstrated in CO2 molecules at room temperature. Apart from applications to broadband coherent buffer memory, this method opens new functionalities in terms of optical processing and versatile control of OAM fields as well as for a deeper understanding of their role on various molecular processes.
Tribology of dust‐stop seals of mixing machines
Authors: Fatourehchi Ehsan , Shahmohamadi Hamed , Rahmani Ramin , Rahnejat Homer , Johnson Mark , Wilson Ian
Published: November 2022

Dust stop seals are widely used in powder and rubber mixing industries. Design of the sealing system requires a continuous supply of pressurised lubricant, which is not recycled because of the risk of contamination. There is also the potential of large volume leakage of oil due to poor sealing, increasing operational costs and necessitating remedial measures to avoid environmental protection. Furthermore, the seal faces are prone to failure in relatively short periods of time due to reduced gap and lubricant leakage. The paper presents an analytical method and numerical predictions based on Reynolds equation under combined hydrodynamic and hydrostatic conditions with the entrant lubricant through hydraulically loaded feedholes. The validity of these methods is ascertained through comparison with a more complex but time‐consuming solution of Navier–Stokes equations. The numerical predictions allow for determining the prevailing tribological contact conditions and assessing its suitability for evaluating the sealing performance of mixing machinery.
Dual‐Function Fibrous Co‐Polypeptide Scaffolds for Neural Tissue Engineering
Authors: Ma Tienli , Yang Shangchih , Luo Shyhchyang , Chen Weili , Liao Shulang , Su Weifang
Published: November 2022

This paper reports dual‐function (high cell attachment and cell viability) fibrous scaffolds featuring aligned fibers, displaying good biocompatibility and no cytotoxicity. These scaffolds are fabricated through the electrospinning of a co‐polypeptide comprising molar equivalents of N6‐carbobenzyloxy‐l‐lysine and γ‐benzyl‐l‐glutamate, with the lysine moieties enhancing cell adhesion and the neural‐stimulating glutamate moieties improving cell viability. These new scaffolds allow neural cells to attach and grow effectively without any special surface treatment or coating. Pheochromocytoma (PC‐12) cells grown on these scaffolds exhibit better neuronal activity and longer neurite length, relative to those grown on scaffolds prepared from their respective homo‐polypeptides. When the scaffolds are partially hydrolyzed such that they present net positive charge and increased hydrophilicity, the cell viability and neurite growth both increase further. Accordingly, these novel co‐polypeptide fibrous scaffolds have potential applications in neural tissue engineering.
A Facile Strategy for Compatibilization of PLA/PBS Blends by Incorporating Camellia Seed Powder
Authors: Cai Hongjie , Cao Changlin , Zheng Yinglian , Liu Dingyong , Xia Xinshu , Sun Xiaoli , Liu Xinping , Xiao Liren , Qian Qingrong , Chen Qinghua
Published: November 2022

Using biodegradable blending materials is one of the most effective ways to address plastic pollution but it is hindered by its poor interfacial interaction along with high costs. Herein, an envirionmentally friendly filler, camellia seed powder (CSP)−a byproduct of camellia seed after defatting, is reported, which is first served as a compatibilizer in polylactic acid (PLA)/polybutylene succinate (PBS) blends without any other aids or complicated pretreatment, effectively toughening the PLA/PBS blends due to a better interfacial interaction. The results show that the toughness of composites increases with CSP content. With the addition of 30 phr CSP, its impact strength and elongation at break increase by 44.31% and 148.42%, respectively, as compared with the blend without CSP. The combined effects of improved interfacial bonding, reduced particle size of PBS and efficient stress transfer are responsible for the toughness enhancement. The compatibilization mechanism is proposed that ─COOH groups in PLA and PBS react with ─NH2in CSP. The above finding of CSP as a compatibilizer provides a facile and inexpensive strategy in the fabrication of high‐performance biodegradable materials.
Optimizing the ecological connectivity of landscapes
Authors: Hamonic François , Albert Cécile , Couëtoux Basile , Vaxès Yann
Published: November 2022

In this article, we consider the problem of optimizing the connectivity of a landscape under a budget constraint, by improving habitat areas and ecological corridors between them. We model this problem as a discrete optimization problem over graphs, in which vertices represent the habitat areas and arcs represent the connections between them. We propose a new flow‐based integer linear programming formulation that improves upon the existing models for this problem. By following an approach similar to Catanzaro et al. for the robust shortest path problem, we design an improved preprocessing algorithm that reduces the size of the graphs on which we compute generalized flows. Computational experiments show the benefits of both contributions, by enabling to solve instances of the problem larger than previous models. These experiments also show that several versions of greedy algorithms perform relatively well in practice, while returning arbitrarily bad solutions in the worst case.
Identifying personal beliefs of nursing staff about encouraging psychogeriatric nursing home residents in daily activities: A qualitative study
Authors: van Sambeek Joyce , Metzelthin Silke , Zwakhalen Sandra , Vluggen Stan
Published: November 2022

Aim

To identify personal beliefs of Dutch nursing staff about encouraging psychogeriatric nursing home residents in daily activities.

Design

Qualitative study following COREQ guidelines.

Methods

Fifteen semi‐structured interviews with Dutch nursing staff of wards hosting psychogeriatric residents were conducted in Spring 2021. Data were systematically analysed through deductive coding analysis in NVivo.

Results

Most nurses indicated to encourage residents frequently to perform activities independently, although many also indicated to take over tasks habitually. Nurses seemed to show sufficient awareness, reflected by adequate knowledge of what encouraging residents entailed and insight in the risks of not encouraging residents. Nurses' motivation to encourage residents seemed high, reflected by expressing multiple advantageous and few disadvantageous beliefs and a high willingness to encourage residents. Managerial support was perceived ambiguous. Self‐efficacy was perceived high, although little time, staffing shortages and resistance of residents reduced self‐efficacy. Nurses were often unable to anticipate such situations and expressed the need of skills, e.g. patience.
Fabrication of poly(ϵ‐caprolactone)/paclitaxel (core)/chitosan/zein/multi‐walled carbon nanotubes/doxorubicin (shell) nanofibers against MCF‐7 breast cancer
Authors: Bahmani Ehsan , Dizaji Babak Faraji , Talaei Sam , Koushkbaghi Shahnaz , Yazdani Hamid , Abadi Parvaneh Ghaderi‐shekhi , Akrami Mohammad , Shahrousvand Mohsen , Jazi Fariborz Sharifian , Irani Mohammad
Published: November 2022

In the present study, paclitaxel (PTX), multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), and doxorubicin (DOX) have been simultaneously doped into the poly(ϵ‐caprolactone) (PCL)/chitosan/zein core‐shell nanofibers to increase its cytotoxicity for MCF‐7 breast cancers killing. The physico‐chemical properties of synthesized nanofibers were determined by scanning electron microscope, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, tensile strength, and degradation rate determinations. The in vitro release studies demonstrated the sustained release of drugs from core‐shell nanofibrous scaffold. The cytotoxicity and compatibility of core‐shell nanofibers were investigated by their treating with MCF‐7 breast cancer cells and L929 normal cells, respectively. PCL/PTX/chitosan/zein/MWCNTs/DOX core‐shell nanofibers containing 1 wt% MWCNTs, 100 μg ml−1 DOX and 100 μg ml−1 PTX had a high biocompatibility with a 84% MCF‐7 cancer cells killing. The in vivo studies revealed the synergic effects of MWCNTs and anticancer drugs on the tumor inhibition. This method could be considered as a new way for developing of MWCNTs loaded‐nanofibers for cancer treatment in future.
The impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on school psychology internship outcomes
Authors: Morrison Julie Q. , Albritton Kizzy , Bernstein Elana , Davies Susan C. , Joseph Laurice , Mezher Katherine R. , Reynolds Jennifer , VanVoorhis Richard W.
Published: November 2022

The Ohio Internship Program in School Psychology was forced to adapt abruptly to the changing circumstances brought on by the novel coronavirus (COVID‐19) pandemic beginning in March 2020. The purpose of this study was to determine the extent to which the school psychology internship outcomes were negatively affected by the COVID‐19 pandemic in terms of supervisors' ratings of intern competencies, the number of students served by interns, and the outcomes of academic and behavior interventions supported by interns. Findings of the annual evaluation of the Ohio Internship Program in School Psychology for the school year directly affected by the pandemic (2020–2021) were compared to the findings for the year the pandemic began (2019–2020) and the 3 years before the start of the pandemic. The results provide evidence of gains in professional competencies and positive outcomes for students served by interns. The results also highlight racial disparities in the counts of students provided school psychological services during the pandemic. Implications for school psychology graduate preparation and practice are discussed.
The Electrical Resistivity of Multiphase Systems Based on the Ti3AlC2 Hexagonal Phase at Low Temperatures
Authors: Grib Alexander , Khadzhai George , Petrushenko Sergey , Dukarov Sergey , Kislitsa Maksim , Prikhna Tatiana , Serbenyuk Tetyana , Samsonik Alexander , Sukhov Volodymyr , Vovk Ruslan
Published: November 2022

The electrical resistivity of three samples is measured in the range 4.2–295 K. One sample contains the pure Ti3AlC2 MAX‐phase, and the other two samples contain this phase together with inclusions of TiC, TiO, and Al2O3 phases. To estimate the value of the residual resistivity of the TiC phase, data of energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy concentration distributions of elements are used. Estimations show that the Ti3AlC2 phase has the smallest residual resistivity of all phases and can electrically shunt other phases. The approximation of temperature dependences of the resistivity reveals that the Bloch–Grüneisen term of scattering of electrons on phonons (i.e., the term proportional to T5) increases strongly with the increase of volume fractions of inclusions. According to the proposed explanation of this effect, interstitial impurities of the carbon in the Ti3AlC2 phase migrate to neighbor crystals of the titanium carbide during the formation of the MAX phase, so the purification of this phase from carbon appears. As all other phases are electrically shunted by the Ti3AlC2 phase, the Bloch–Grüneisen term of the resistivity of this purified Ti3AlC2 phase increases.
Isobaric molar heat capacity model for the improved Tietz potential
Authors: Eyube Edwin S. , Notani Paul P. , Dlama Yabwa , Omugbe Ekwevugbe , Onate Clement A. , Okon Ituen B. , Nyam George G. , Jabil Yakubu Y. , Izam Musa M.
Published: November 2022

In this study, the improved Tietz potential was used to describe the internal vibration of diatomic molecules. By employing the expression for upper bound vibrational quantum number and canonical partition function of the system, equation for the prediction of constant pressure (isobaric) molar heat capacity of diatomic molecules was derived. The analytical model was used to predict the isobaric molar heat capacity of the ground state CO, BBr, HBr, HI, P2, KBr, Br2, PBr, SiO, and Cl2 molecules. The upper bound vibrational quantum number obtained for the molecules are 85, 100, 21, 21, 115, 301, 89, 157, 110, and 67. The calculated average absolute deviations are 2.3462%, 1.1342%, 2.3350%, 1.9078%, 0.7268%, 2.4041%, 1.7849%, 1.8989%, 2.5209%, and 2.1523% from experimental data. The results obtained are in good agreement with available literature data on gaseous molecules.
Pulmonary sarcoidosis with a cavitary lesion in the lung caused by a TNF‐α inhibitor: A case report
Authors: Hamada Eriko , Yamamoto Yoshifumi , Okuda Yosuke , Sakaguchi Kazuhiro , Suzuki Kentaro , Kai Yoshiro , Takeda Maiko , Hontsu Shigeto , Yamauchi Motoo , Yoshikawa Masanori , Sawabata Noriyoshi , Ohbayashi Chiho , Muro Shigeo
Published: November 2022

A 28‐year‐old man with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) who was treated with a tumour necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) inhibitor, adalimumab, presented with newly detected multiple bilateral pulmonary nodules on chest computed tomography (CT). We suspected bacterial infection, including those caused by acid‐fast bacilli, or adalimumab‐related condition, such as sarcoidosis. After adalimumab cessation, no resolution of the pulmonary shadows was observed. Moreover, pulmonary cavitation appeared on chest CT at 7 weeks, prompting surgical lung biopsy. Acid‐fast bacteria culture of the lung tissue showed negative results. Pathological examination suggested that confluent granulomas associated with sarcoidosis might have obstructed the blood vessels, causing necrosis and lung cavitation. Consequently, prednisolone was initiated, and these shadows were reduced. After administering anti‐interleukin (IL)‐17A antibody for treatment of AS and prednisolone withdrawal, these shadows were not exacerbated. TNF‐α inhibitor‐induced sarcoidosis could cause cavitary lesions due to vascular invasion of granulomas.
Sustainability as fairness: A Rawlsian framework linking intergenerational equity and the sustainable development goals (SDGs) with business practices
Authors: Abramovich Nicolai , Vasiliu Alexandru
Published: November 2022

The article explores sustainability from a normative perspective to determine the legitimate uses of the concept in general and in business practices in particular. It is evident that when sustainability is used as an instrumental bluff to maximize profits, it is being diverted from its main objective: intergenerational and environmental justice. To avoid that trap, most of the justifications in favor of sustainable business adopt a structure based on the idea that sustainability conceived as a particular policy can bring benefits to society and to businesses. Strategic management based on stakeholder theory appears often as a pertinent solution to this problem: considering future generations as valid stakeholders would allow to integrate sustainability into the calculation. But stakeholder capitalism defends a pragmatist view that erases the borders between strategy and ethics. It considers sustainable goals as normative goods as well as strategic means for cost‐effective results. We think that it is insufficient to treat and understand sustainability as a matter of justice and fairness that ought to be addressed by businesses. We defend that in the case of sustainability only moral justifications are logically valid and consistent. Hence, we suggest an argument based on the Rawlsian conception of justice as fairness. Thinking behind the veil of ignorance in the original position allows to defend sustainability as an economic and social model needed not only to secure a fair distribution of basic goods or capabilities between generations, but also to preserve the consistency of any true commitment with the concept of fairness.
Ferrocene‐Based Polymeric Nanoparticles Carrying Doxorubicin for Oncotherapeutic Combination of Chemotherapy and Ferroptosis
Authors: Lin Jundong , Yang Huikang , Zhang Yixun , Zou Fen , He Huichan , Xie Wenjie , Zou Zhihao , Liu Ren , Xu Qianfeng , Zhang Jie , Zhong Guowei , Li Yuejiao , Tang ZhenFeng , Deng Yulin , Cai Shanghua , Wang Linyao , Huang Yugang , Zhuo Yangjia , Jiang Xinqing , Zhong Weide
Published: November 2022

Mono‐chemotherapy has significant side effects and unsatisfactory efficacy, limiting its clinical application. Therefore, a combination of multiple treatments is becoming more common in oncotherapy. Chemotherapy combined with the induction of ferroptosis is a potential new oncotherapy. Furthermore, polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) can improve the antitumor efficacy and decrease the toxicity of drugs. Herein, a polymeric NP, mPEG‐b‐PPLGFc@Dox, is synthesized to decrease the toxicity of doxorubicin (Dox) and enhance the efficacy of chemotherapy by combining it with the induction of ferroptosis. First, mPEG‐b‐PPLGFc@Dox is oxidized by endogenous H2O2 and releases Dox, which leads to an increase of H2O2 by breaking the redox balance. The Fe(II) group of ferrocene converts H2O2 into ·OH, inducing subsequent ferroptosis. Furthermore, glutathione peroxidase 4, a biomarker of ferroptosis, is suppressed and the lipid peroxidation level is elevated in cells incubated with mPEG‐b‐PPLGFc@Dox compared to those treated with Dox alone, indicating ferroptosis induction by mPEG‐b‐PPLGFc@Dox. In vivo, the antitumor efficacy of mPEG‐b‐PPLGFc@Dox is higher than that of free Dox. Moreover, the loss of body weight in mice treated mPEG‐b‐PPLGFc@Dox is lower than in those treated with free Dox, indicating that mPEG‐b‐PPLGFc@Dox is less toxic than free Dox. In conclusion, mPEG‐b‐PPLGFc@Dox not only has higher antitumor efficacy but it reduces the damage to normal tissue.
Tuning the Coordination Microenvironment of Central Fe Active Site to Boost Water Electrolysis and Oxygen Reduction Activity
Authors: Wang Shuhua , Huang Baibiao , Dai Ying , Wei Wei
Published: November 2022

In heterogeneous catalysis, single‐atom catalysts are the frontier and important prototypes for many reactions, and revealing the intrinsic structure–activity relationship is presently a critical task, but remains challenging. In this work, water electrolysis and oxygen reduction performances of FeXYiN3‐i (X, Y = B, C, O, P and S; i = 0, 1) moiety in Fe–porphyrin are studied by the first‐principles calculations, aiming at unraveling how and why tuning the coordination microenvironment of the active metal atom can improve the activity. It can be concluded that breaking the coordination shell symmetry breaks the well‐accepted standard scaling relationship, adjusts *O adsorption behavior and thus optimizes the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) activity, for example, to an extremely low overpotential of 0.17 V. In combination with the Fe atom spin configuration and ligand field theory, the dramatically improved OER activity can be well explained. In the present work, the significance of the coordination microenvironment of central metal atom in studies of electrocatalysis is highlighted.
Lithiophilic Nanowire Guided Li Deposition in Li Metal Batteries
Authors: Abdul Ahad Syed , Bhattacharya Shayon , Kilian Seamus , Ottaviani Michela , Ryan Kevin M. , Kennedy Tadhg , Thompson Damien , Geaney Hugh
Published: November 2022

Lithium (Li) metal batteries (LMBs) provide superior energy densities far beyond current Li‐ion batteries (LIBs) but practical applications are hindered by uncontrolled dendrite formation and the build‐up of dead Li in “hostless” Li metal anodes. To circumvent these issues, we created a 3D framework of a carbon paper (CP) substrate decorated with lithiophilic nanowires (silicon (Si), germanium (Ge), and SiGe alloy NWs) that provides a robust host for efficient stripping/plating of Li metal. The lithiophilic Li22Si5, Li22(Si0.5Ge0.5)5, and Li22Ge5 formed during rapid Li melt infiltration prevented the formation of dead Li and dendrites. Li22Ge5/Li covered CP hosts delivered the best performance, with the lowest overpotentials of 40 mV (three times lower than pristine Li) when cycled at 1 mA cm−2/1 mAh cm−2 for 1000 h and at 3 mA cm−2/3 mAh cm−2 for 500 h. Ex situ analysis confirmed the ability of the lithiophilic Li22Ge5 decorated samples to facilitate uniform Li deposition. When paired with sulfur, LiFePO4, and NMC811 cathodes, the CP‐LiGe/Li anodes delivered 200 cycles with 82%, 93%, and 90% capacity retention, respectively. The discovery of the highly stable, lithiophilic NW decorated CP hosts is a promising route toward stable cycling LMBs and provides a new design motif for hosted Li metal anodes.
An Enzymatic Antibiotic Adjuvant Modulates the Infectious Microenvironment to Overcome Antimicrobial Resistance of Pathogens
Authors: Wei Min , Wu Jiahe , Sun Heng , Zhang Bo , Hu Xi , Wang Qiyue , Li Bowen , Xu Lilan , Ma Teng , Gao Jianqing , Li Fangyuan , Ling Daishun
Published: November 2022

The emergence and evolution of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) pose a significant challenge to the current arsenal to fight infection. Antibiotic adjuvants represent an appealing tactic for tackling the AMR of pathogens, however, their practical applications are greatly constrained by the harsh infectious microenvironment. Herein, it is found that silver nanoclusters (Ag NCs) can possess tunable enzymatic activities to modulate infectious microenvironments. Based on this finding, an enzymatic nanoadjuvant (EnzNA) self‐assembled from Ag NCs, which is inert under neutral physiological conditions but can readily disassemble into isolated Ag NCs exhibiting biofilm destructive oxidase‐mimetic activity in the acidic biofilm microenvironment, is developed. Once internalized into the neutral cytoplasm of bacteria, Ag NCs switch to reveal the thiol oxidase‐mimetic activity to suppress ribosomal biogenesis for AMR reversal and evolution inhibition of pathogens. Consequently, EnzNAs revitalize various existing antibiotics against methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus, and potentiate the antibiotic efficacy against biofilm‐mediated skin infection and lethal lung infection in mice. These findings highlight the capability of enzyme‐mimetic nanomaterials to modulate the infectious microenvironment and potentiate antibiotics, providing a paradigm shift for anti‐infection therapy.
End‐Group Engineering of Chlorine‐Trialkylsiylthienyl Chain‐Substituted Small‐Molecule Donors for High‐Efficiency Ternary Solar Cells
Authors: Li Jing , Zhang Chenyang , Zhong Xiuzun , Deng Wanyuan , Hu Hanlin , Wang Kai
Published: November 2022

Ternary architecture has been widely demonstrated as a facile and efficient strategy to boost the performance of organic solar cells (OSCs). However, the rational design of the third component with suitable core and end‐group modification is still a challenge. Herein, two new small‐molecule (SM) donors BT‐CN and BT‐ER, featuring the identical conjugated backbone with distinct end group, have been designed, synthesized, and introduced into the PM6:Y6 binary system as the second donor. Both molecules exhibit complementary absorption and good miscibility with PM6, contributing to the nanofibrous phases and strong face‐on molecular packing. Importantly, the incorporation of BT‐CN/BT‐ER has significantly facilitated charge collection and transportation with remarkable suppression of carrier recombination. As a result, ternary OSCs with 20 wt% BT‐CN/BT‐ER achieved a PCE of 16.8%/17.22% with synchronously increased open‐circuit voltage (VOC), short‐circuit current density (JSC) and fill factor (FF). Moreover, replacing Y6 with L8‐BO further improves the PCE to 18.05%/18.11%, indicating the universality of both molecules as the third component. This work demonstrates not only two efficient SM donors with 4,8‐bis(4‐chloro‐5‐(tripropylsilyl)thiophen‐2‐yl) benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b′]dithiophene (BDTT‐SiCl) as the core but also end group modification strategy to fine‐tune the absorption spectrum, molecular packing, and energy levels of SM donors to construct high‐performance ternary OSCs.
Coordination Environment in Single‐Atom Catalysts for High‐Performance Electrocatalytic CO2 Reduction
Authors: Lee Soo Min , Cheon Woo Seok , Lee Mi Gyoung , Jang Ho Won
Published: November 2022

The electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide (EC CO2RR) is a promising technology to achieve a carbon‐neutral society. EC CO2RR can directly convert the greenhouse gas emitted from stacks into valuable fuels and chemical feedstocks for various industrial applications. Numerous metal‐based electrocatalysts have been researched to reduce overpotential and enhance the product selectivity of CO2RR. Recently, single‐atom catalysts (SACs) are attracting intensive attention due to their low‐cost, extremely high activities per loading amounts, and extensive stability of catalytic active sites due to the strong chemical interaction with coordination atoms. The coordination environments of SACs affect the electronic structure of active sites and change the energetics of the CO2RR pathways. Herein, the principles of EC CO2RR, including reaction mechanisms, figures of merits, and electrolysis systems, are first discussed. Then, the recent progress in the synthesis and characterization of SACs on various supports is accessed. Most importantly, the coordination environments of single‐metal atoms and their influence on CO2RR catalytic ability, product selectivity, and active site stabilization are focused. This review provides a milestone along the design of SACs from the perspective of optimizing atomic configuration surrounding the active sites for EC CO2RR.
Metal Sulfides Yolk–Shell Nanoreactors with Dual Component for Enhanced Acidic Electrochemical Hydrogen Production
Authors: Liu Yuheng , Gong Lihua , Zhang Yonghui , Wang Peiyuan , Wang Guoqing , Bai Fenghua , Zhao Zhenting , Gong Feilong , Liu Jian
Published: November 2022

The activity of electrocatalysts can be optimized via constructing heterostructures, while it remains a challenge for the universal synthesis of heterocatalysts with covalent interface. Herein, a universal bifunctional‐S strategy for the preparation of covalently connected metal sulfides yolk–shell nanoreactors with dual components toward enhanced electrochemical hydrogen production in acid, is reported. Specifically, the yolk–shell MoS2‐(CTAB)2Sz host with abundant covalent S22− is first developed by a micelle‐confined microemulsion technology. The preencapsulated S22− in the precursor is utilized to in situ react with the additional M ions (M = Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Mn, Cd, Sn), thus creating the covalent microenvironment at the heterointerface, which demonstrates a universal strategy to prepare dual‐component metal sulfides nanoreactors (MoS2/MxSy–BS). The resultant MoS2/CdS–BS nanoreactor exhibits excellent hydrogen evolution activity (27 mV at 10 mA cm−2) among the MoS2‐based heterocatalysts reported in the literature, while representing an improvement of four times than that of as‐prepared traditional MoS2/CdS heterocatalyst. Operando X‐ray diffractometer patterns are performed to study durability. The enhanced mechanism related to the transformation of catalytic center and the establishment of “electronic bridge” at the interface of MoS2/CdS–BS are revealed by theoretical calculations. This study inspires to develop covalently connected electrocatalysts via nanoreactors’ engineering.
Maximum Torque Micro‐Step Drive of a Five‐Phase Hybrid Stepping Motor
Authors: Matsuo Kenshi , Shimada Tatsuya , Miura Takeshi , Tajima Katsubumi
Published: November 2022

This article provides a novel maximum torque micro‐step drive method for a five‐phase hybrid stepping motor, which can completely use up all the torque theoretically generated by the motor. Driving experiments in a low‐speed range demonstrate that the proposed drive can generate higher torque than conventional micro‐step drives without much increase in rotor vibration. © 2022 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
An evaluation of detection methods for the plains spotted skunk
Authors: Perkins J. Clint , Gibson Alexandra A. , Wolaver Brad D. , Labay Benjamin J. , Pierre Jon Paul , Dowler Robert C.
Published: November 2022

Research on rare or understudied species often benefits from employing multiple survey techniques to ensure highest efficacy in detecting individuals. The plains spotted skunk (Spilogale putorius interrupta) is an uncommon mephitid historically distributed throughout much of Texas, USA. To inform the current distribution of plains spotted skunks in Texas, we integrated occurrence data from natural history collections and field surveys with data from academic, wildlife, and citizen scientist groups, resulting in 286 verified occurrence records from 1892 through 2018. We modeled historic species distribution using 64 records from natural history collections to direct surveying efforts in 13 counties using live traps, camera traps, and track plates. Field surveys and citizen science camera trap surveys resulted in 16 records while crowdsourcing resulted in 23 verified reports detailing 78 unique plains spotted skunk records. Our efforts resulted in a 49% increase in occurrence records from 1892 to 2018 (186–286) and a 1,000% increase in records since 2000 (10–110). Using our methods, researchers and managers can optimize collection of plains spotted skunk occurrence data to better understand the species, produce more robust datasets for future management, and help ensure the best science is used when drafting conservation plans for plains spotted skunks.
Thermal stresses in growing thermoviscoelastic cylinder and their evolution in the course of selective laser melting processing
Authors: Fekry Montaser
Published: November 2022

The evolution in time of stresses and strains in a solid during its manufacturing through selective laser melting (SLM) process is studied. The technological technique, which allows to reduce the intensity of internal and residual stresses is proposed and theoretically grounded. The basic concept of the technique is that the additional in‐homogeneous inductive heating in the vicinity of the growing boundary is applied in the processing. The term “growing boundary” refers to the part of the boundary, on which the additional melted material is added. The evolutionary problem for a growing thermoelastic body is considered in approach of thermal stresses (for slow additive processes) and in the approach of full coupled thermoelasticity (for fast processing). The time depend distribution of internal stresses and their residual counterparts has been evaluated in analytical form in the case of model cylindrical problem. The analysis of the influence of frequency and amplitude of electromagnetic induction as well as viscoelastic properties of heated material being added has been carried out. The results are analyzed numerically for Titanium and Copper materials.