bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optic Nerve Head in Central Retinal Vein Occlusion by Spectral-Domain OCT
Authors: Longo Antonio , Avitabile Teresio , Uva Maurizio G. , Bonfiglio Vincenza , Russo Andrea , Toro Mario D. , Gagliano Caterina , Fallico Matteo , Reibaldi Michele
Published: March 2017

Purpose

To evaluate the morphology of optic nerve head by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) in patients with unilateral central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO).

Methods

In 39 consecutive patients with unilateral CRVO and 39 healthy controls, morphologic parameters of optic nerve head were assessed in both eyes by Spectralis SD-OCT using a custom radial B-scan pattern. The length of Bruch membrane opening (BMO) was measured in OCT scans, and optic disc diameters (DD) were assessed in infrared fundus photographs. Axial length was determined by IOLMaster.

Results

The BMO length was measured in all eyes with CRVO, while DD was not assessed in 9 eyes (27.3%) that had undefined disc margins. Compared to healthy controls (mean BMO length 1,511 ± 79 μm, mean disc diameter 1,521 ± 77 μm), in eyes with CRVO with defined disc margins (n = 28 [71.8%]), no significant difference was found in BMO length and DD (1,473 ± 118 μm and 1,516 ± 104 μm, respectively). Eyes with CRVO with undefined disc margins had lower BMO length (1,289 ± 61 μm [-14.7%], p = 0.001); also, in fellow eyes, these patients had lower BMO length and DD. In all groups, no significant difference was seen between BMO and DD. A correlation was found between axial length and BMO length and disc diameter (both p<0.001)

Conclusions

Most of the eyes with CRVO had normal optic disc diameter, but about 25% of patients with CRVO have reduced optic disc dimensions.
Endometriosis and Infertility: The Impact on Quality of Life and Mental Health
Authors: Vitale Salvatore Giovanni , La Rosa Valentina Lucia , Rapisarda Agnese Maria Chiara , Laganà Antonio Simone
Published: March 2017

Endometriosis is one of the most common gynaecological diseases and has an incidence of about 6%-10% in women of reproductive age. It has been estimated that 50% of women with fertility problems have endometriosis. The management of infertility associated with endometriosis is difficult and controversial and it is important to provide a multidisciplinary approach in order to reduce the impact of these diseases on psychological and emotive well-being of affected women, as much as possible.
Endometriosis Psychological Aspects: A Literature Review
Authors: Chaman-Ara Kefayat , Bahrami Mohammad Amin , Bahrami Elham
Published: March 2017

Introduction

Current evidence suggests that endometriosis imposes a considerable psychological burden on the affected women. This study was aimed to review this evidence.

Methods

A comprehensive electronic search was performed in Science direct, Medline/ PubMed, PsychINFO, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane Clinical Trials, Scopus, Google scholar, Magiran and SID (Scientific Information Database) up to December, 15, 2016. Methodological quality of retrieved studies was assessed using a valid checklist. The main findings with regard to the objective of this review are extracted and summarized in tables.

Results

A total of 24 studies were included in the review from which, 23 used quantitative method and 1 used qualitative. Key findings of all studies showed that endometriosis reduces various aspects of psychological well-being.

Conclusions

Psychological interventions ranging from screening, providing consultation to psychiatric treatment prescriptions as same as the social supports such as work incentives should be integrated to endometriosis management protocols.
Measuring the Readiness of Administrative Leaders to Adopt the Servant Leadership Philosophy: Exploratory Study in Karbala University
Authors: Bareas Ahmed Kadhim , Abbas Ali Abdulhassan
Published: March 2017

The current study aims to discover the willingness of the leaderships in Karbala University to work by the servant leadership philosophy through the (226) employee points of view survey. Through a questionnaire (Dierendonck & Nuijten, 2011), it reached a group of conclusions; one of it was that there is a weakness in the readiness of Administrative Leaders to adopt servant leadership philosophy. The originality of this research is that the findings will help leaders in Karbala University to understand that they need to enhance their readiness to adopt servant leadership so that they can help their followers do their job effectively and efficiently.
Creative Marketing as a Strategic Introduction to Enhance the Competitive Advantages in Jordanian Service Organizations: A Case Study
Authors: Al-zoubi Ali Falah
Published: March 2017

The study aims at identifying the concept as well as the factors of creative marketing in service organizations and recognizing the development in the service sector at a global level. The sample of the study was comprised of (16) Jordanian service organizations that were intentionally chosen. The sampled organizations represent 16% of the population. The study is an attempt to find out the role of creative marketing in reaching the competitive advantage in Jordanian service organizations while depending upon the basic factors of creativity in the marketing mix (7Ps). The significance of the study lies in the examination of the efficiency of creative marketing at the organizational level. Creativity refers to the trends adopted by the entrepreneurial organizations, which seeks to provide creative products and services while positively making a change in the competitive base. The creative process in organizations is shaped through researching and developing creative ideas in order to increase profits and investment revenues of successful products and services as well as improving the strategic status. The study has come out with several findings and recommendations that include: the necessity of establishing a department for marketing in the organization, defining whose responsibility it is to develop and to create new products by building a creative personnel that is highly educated in marketing, creating a balance in terms of creativity among various marketing areas and not only focusing on the product in spite of its significance, and structuring an administrative branch that is specialized in creativity particularly in marketing creativity in each of the sampled organizations. It was discovered that these organizations administrative branches sought to find out effective marketing ideas, filter them, evaluate them, and turned the useful ideas into innovative products and developed tangible products mainly to serve the customers of the organization.
Geographical Variability of Drought in Northern South Africa
Authors: Kabanda Tibangayuka A
Published: March 2017

This study focuses on the geographical variation of drought in northern South Africa (hereafter NSA). It assesses seasonal rainfall characteristics to determine drought occurrence and persistence in NSA. Seasonal rainfall data for the period 1960-2009 is used and was obtained from the South Africa Weather Service (SAWS). Rainfall stations in NSA are well distributed, forming a dense network of point-source data samples. Standardised Precipitation Indices (SPIs) are employed to detect drought occurrence and intensity at different locations. Analysis of SPIs with respect to time suggests that the severity of drought results from the accumulation of consecutive dry spells within a rainfall season and sometimes even consecutive dry rainfall seasons. It also shows the intensity and frequency of drought has increased in recent years.  The trend towards worsening drought conditions has significant socioeconomic implications for the region and other areas with similar geographical settings.
The Relationship between Capital Structure and Financial Performance in the Companies Listed in Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange: Evidences from United Arab Emirates
Authors: Al-Qudah Anas Ali
Published: March 2017

This study aimed to examine the relationship between capital structure and financial performance in the firms listed in Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX), Profitability Ratios were used to express of the financial performance, and the Debt Ratio was used to express the Capital Structure. A random sample from the companies listed in ADX was taken to achieve the objective this study, it consisted of 48% of all companies in this financial market, and the study period extended from 2008 to 2015. The researcher used Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), to analyze the study hypotheses, using ANOVA, model summery and coefficients for the study variables. And the results of this study showed that is positive relationship between the capital structure (Debt Ratio) and the Financial Performance (Profitability: Return on Assets) in ADX. And there is a negative relationship when we used the Return on Equity to express for the Profitability with the capital structure. The overall study results showed that there is significant relationship between capital structure and financial Performance in the companies listed in Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange, and the model of this study able to explanation almost 31% from changes happened in the profitability due to the capital structure. This result was consistent with some previous studies.
Secuencias de enseñanza y aprendizaje basadas en resultados de investigación: propuesta de un marco teórico para el abordaje de la teoría especial de la relatividad
Authors: Arriassecq Irene , Greca Ileana María , Cayul Esther Elisabet
Published: March 2017

En este trabajo se analiza el diseño de una secuencia de enseñanza aprendizaje (SEA) desde una perspectiva contextualizada para la enseñanza de la física en el nivel secundario que enfatiza la necesidad de encontrar coherencia entre las diversas perspectivas teóricas utilizadas para elaborarla. Esta propuesta pretende avanzar, en relación con otras propuestas didácticas existentes, proponiendo la articulación de aspectos epistemológicos, psicológicos y didácticos. Se ejemplifica la potencialidad del marco teórico con un análisis crítico del diseño, la implementación y la evaluación de una SEA para la teoría especial de la relatividad (TER).
Análisis de las estructuras textuales de los textos escolares de química en relación a su función docente
Authors: Marzabal Blancafort Ainoa , Izquierdo Aymerich Mercè
Published: March 2017

En este trabajo de investigación analizamos una muestra de tres libros de texto considerando que contienen un discurso expositivo de Química con una intencionalidad didáctica que deseamos caracterizar. El objetivo es identificar el contenido conceptual y representar la red informativa que se va construyendo a lo largo del texto, explorando las posibilidades de comprensión que ofrece al lector la estructura expositiva de estos tres textos.Hemos aplicado un modelo de comprensión lectora para explorar la base textual del libro de Química, profundizando en el análisis de las relaciones teóricas que se establecen entre los conceptos presentes, lo que nos ha permitido evidenciar la construcción excesivamente teórica de la Química en los textos escolares, que queda desvinculada de los fenómenos del mundo real y pierde así su poder explicativo y predictivo, y los diversos estilos didácticos que pretenden facilitar al alumno lector la comprensión de la información que contienen.
Exploring the relationship between callous-unemotional traits, empathy processing and affective valence in a general population
Authors: Lethbridge Emma M. , Richardson Paul , Reidy Lisa , Taroyan Naira A.
Published: March 2017

Callous–Unemotional (CU) traits are personality attributes, which are associated with a deficit of affective valence and reduced empathetic responding in high CU trait clinical populations. The aim of the research was to explore whether a similar pattern of empathy and emotional responding correlated with CU trait manifestation in the general population. A total of 124 participants completed the Inventory of Callous-Unemotional Traits, the Interpersonal Reactivity Index, the Empathy Quotient, an expression recognition task, and a measure of affective response. Negative correlations with CU trait score were observed for both cognitive empathy and emotional empathy. Accuracy in the identification of fearful expressions presented a negative association with CU trait score. Self-rating of affective valence, when viewing both positive and negative images, indicated a universal reduction in emotional response associated with increased CU trait manifestation.
The perceived benefits of an arts project for health and wellbeing of older offenders
Authors: Wilkinson Dean J. , Caulfield Laura S.
Published: March 2017

The increasing ageing prison population is becoming a pressing issue throughout the criminal justice system. Alongside the rising population, are a host of health and wellbeing issues that contribute to older offenders needs whilst in prison. It has been recommended that meaningful activities can have positive effects on this population and therefore this paper uniquely reviews older offenders accounts of taking part in an arts based project, Good Vibrations, whilst imprisoned. The Good Vibrations project engages individuals in Gamelan music making with an end of project performance. This study used independent in-depth interviews to capture the voices of older offenders who took part in an art based prison project. The interview data was analysed using thematic analysis, which highlighted themes that were consistent with other populations who have taken part in a Good Vibrations project, along with specific age relating issues of mobility, motivation, identity and wellbeing.
Plagiarism and Academic Writing of Learners of English
Authors: LoCastro Virginia , Masuko Mayumi
Published: March 2017

Incidents and anecdotal evidence accrue of learners’ resorting to plagiarism in their essays and research papers. There seem to be three possible reasons that plagiarism is common among students writing in English as a second language. First is the desire to cut corners. Second, there are differences in cultural practices. Third, the learners have a lack of skills and/or language proficiency. We wanted to begin to document the actual situation in Japan. Therefore, we decided to conduct an ethnographic type of study in which we would seek evidence from a variety of sources. Although we focused our attention on written assignments of learners within the classroom context, specifically examining plagiarising the work of others, we also examine the broader social context.
Research student and supervisor evaluation of intertextuality practices
Authors: Crocker Jean , Shaw Philip
Published: March 2017

Intertextuality is essential in academic writing but it is governed by quite complex conventions. Different intertextuality practices can be judged evidence of academic com-petence or incompetence, or condemned as plagiarism. Learners can break the conventions with criminal intent, or from ignorance, or because their language proficiency prevents them from doing anything else. This paper reports the results of interviews with academic staff in a British university and their postgraduate students about intertextuality practices. The interviewees ahowed a wide range of – sometimes contradictory – attitudes to quotation, referencing, and copying. Several pointed out the developmental advantages of various types of copying.
Numerical and Experimental Study of the Mechanical Reshaping Process for Laser Shock Clinching
Authors: Xu Huanhuan , Hou Yaxuan , Ji Zhong , Lu Guoxin
Published: October 2024

This study investigates the viability of employing a mechanical reshaping method to reduce the protrusion height of laser shock‐clinched joints while improving their strength. The method involves utilizing a pair of flat reshaping dies to compress the protrusion on laser shock‐clinched joints made of copper foils and stainless steel sheets. Through numerical simulations and experiments, the study delves into the processes of laser shock clinching, mechanical reshaping, and failure modes of joints. Examination of the cross‐sectional profiles of both clinched and reshaped joints provides insights into the influence of process parameters during mechanical reshaping. Furthermore, tensile‐shear and cross‐tension tests are conducted to ascertain the mechanical properties of joints. The results show that the mechanical reshaping process not only effectively reduces the protrusion height of laser shock‐clinched joints but also significantly enhances their strength due to augmented interlock. Specifically, compressing the joint with an initial protrusion height of 0.20 mm down to 0.08 mm results in an increase in interlock from 27.65 to 62.00 μm, along with a 35.11% increase in tensile‐shear strength and a 122.17% increase in cross‐tension strength. The primary failure modes observed are neck fracture and pulling out.
A Spin‐Polarized Electron‐Induced MXene‐KBi0.9Co0.1Fe2O5 Photocatalyst for Enhanced Dye Degradation
Authors: Nag Riya , Manna Srichit , Das Debu , Jana Arijit , Bera Abhijit
Published: October 2024

In photocatalysts aimed to degrade environmental pollutants, photons are generally used as primary stimuli to generate electron–hole pairs to target the chemical bonds to disintegrate. Recently, electron spin has been reported as an essential degree of freedom to improve the performance of photocatalysts. In this work, spin‐polarized electrons and holes are introduced into a brownmillerite KBi0.9Co0.1Fe2O5 semiconductor and a two‐dimensional (2D) MXene composite system by application of an external magnetic field. The spin polarization properties are monitored by measuring the magnetoresistance effect of the MXene‐KBCFO device, which is related to the carrier transfer efficiency. Remarkably, the photocatalytic performance of MXene‐KBCFO is significantly enhanced by the simultaneous application of an external magnetic field and illumination due to the increased number of spin‐polarized photoexcited carriers caused by the synergy effect of the 2D MXene heterostructure together with the ferromagnetic spin ordering. This results in increased reaction hotspots, effective built‐in electric field, extended carrier lifetime, and reduced charge recombination owing to parallel alignment of electron spin orientation. The results show that the efficiency and stability of photocatalytic dye degradation can be effectively enhanced by manipulating the spin‐polarized electrons in the MXene‐based oxide‐perovskite heterostructure photocatalyst.
Effect of Mg on the Microstructure, Mechanical Properties, and Surface Roughness of Functionally Graded A413 Composite: Machine Learning Approach at Wire‐Cut Electric Discharge Machining Zone
Authors: Natarajan Mathimurugan , Ramanathan Subramanian , Chenrayan Venkatesh , Ananda Murthy Hanabe Chowdappa
Published: October 2024

The present study assists the industrial sectors by implementing low‐weight high‐strength aluminium composite. The pristine magnesium as a reinforcement in three different weight percentages (3.5, 7, and 10.5) is utilized to fabricate the A 413 composite using centrifugal casting. The density analysis concludes a higher level of Mg inclusion prompts the material to save 3.9% of weight. Microstructural study of centrifugal casting specimens reveal a rich existence of hard phase Mg2Si in the outer zone, with its richness decreasing toward the inner zone. The tensile test result affirms the functionally graded nature of the material with the increasing trend of tensile strength from the inner to the outer. Fractured surface analysis concludes the existence of cracks and their propagation for the inner region specimen. The influence of magnesium on the surface finish of functionally graded composite at the wire cut electric discharge machining (WEDM) zone is predicted using a machine learning‐based random forest regressor (RFR) algorithm. The supervised learning algorithm declares that 10.5 wt% of Mg facilitates the minimal surface roughness of 0.229 µm with the optimal combination of parameters 6 A of current, 115 µs of pulse‐on time, 60 µs of pulse‐off time, and 8 N of wire tension.
Electric‐Thermal Dual‐Responsive HASEL Actuator for Solid–Liquid Bi‐Stabilized Smart Switching
Authors: Wang Haoqi , Jiang Hao , Li Yijun , Zhang Chuhong
Published: October 2024

Hydraulically amplified self‐healing electrostatic (HASEL) actuators generally consisting of dielectric elastomer (DE) and transformer oil have garnered interest in the realm of soft actuators. However, existing DE can hardly reconcile contradictions between high dielectric constants and low modulus, while traditional transformer oil demands a continuous power supply to sustain strain. Herein, by incorporating liquid metal (LM) featuring high dielectric constant and low modulus, with poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) bearing low phase change temperature, a new concept of electric‐thermal dual‐responsive HASEL actuator is first proposed for solid–liquid bi‐stabilized smart switching. It is not only able to simultaneously deliver a tripled dielectric constant of DE from 3.1 to 9.7 (at 1 kHz) and a low modulus (0.12–0.15 MPa), thus achieving a strain of 9% and a specific power of 64.8 W kg−1; but also, PCL replaces the transformer oil, acting as a “temperature switch” for the HASEL actuator, i.e., when PCL solidifies, the HASEL actuator stabilizes the deformation, allowing it to continue working even without power supply. Exemplified by valve, the as‐prepared dual‐responsive HASEL actuator can independently control the flow rate of each valve unit. This electric‐thermal dual‐responsive HASEL actuator introduces an innovative strategy for developing the next generation of multifunctional smart switching.
Underwater Non‐Contact and Ultra‐Fast Adaptive Self‐Healing Elastomers Based on Programmable Dissociation of Dynamic Bonds
Authors: Lai Jialiang , Xie Miao , Zhao Qifan , Zhang Chun , Wang Zhanhua , Xia Hesheng
Published: October 2024

Most of the reported self‐healing materials focus on the structure and function recovery, the influence of the damage degree on the self‐healing process has been rarely studied. In this study, an elastomer with an adaptive self‐healing function is developed based on programmable dissociation of dynamic urea bonds. The stored entropy and reversible hydrogen bonding enable the elastomer with room‐temperature self‐healing performance as the scratch depth is less than 100 µm. Thermal treatment at 75 °C is capable of inducing the cleavage of secondary urea bonds, which accelerate the dissociation of the network, leading to the repair of the middle‐size damage. Continuous increasing the temperature to 120 °C enables the dissociation of primary urea bonds, which causes further dissociation of the network, resulting in the repair of large‐scale damage. This damage‐adaptive self‐healing performance can be well maintained in an aqueous environment, and obvious improvement in the healing rate is achieved due to the water‐accelerated dissociation of urea bonds. The underwater self‐healing rate is more than 360 times faster than that in the air. Incorporation of carbon nanotubes into the network enables remote self‐healing function due to the photo‐thermal transition after irradiated by NIR light, displaying great potential in underwater gas or liquid transportation.
Super‐Sensitive Multi‐Modal Optical Manometer Based on Huge Pressure‐Induced Spectral Red‐Shift and Broadening of Mn2+ Emission Band in Green‐Emitting Zn2GeO4 Phosphors
Authors: Xue Junpeng , Runowski Marcin , Soler‐Carracedo Kevin , Woźny Przemysław , Muñoz Alfonso , Luo Laihui , Chen Kun , Huang Yanping , Lavín Víctor , Du Peng
Published: October 2024

To overcome the small sensitivities of luminescent manometers, Mn2+‐activated Zn2GeO4 green‐emitting phosphors with admirable manometric characteristics are synthesized. The structural stability of the studied samples is theoretically and experimentally investigated. Moreover, as pressure elevates, a huge spectral red‐shift and a broadening of the emission band are observed in studied samples, contributing to color‐tunable luminescence, i.e., from green to yellow, and ultimately to orange–red. Specifically, when pressure increases to 6.76 GPa, the emission band centroid shifts from 535.9 to 634.9 nm, leading to a superior sensitivity of dλ/dp = 21.3 nm/GPa. Whereas, in the same operating pressure range, the full width at half maximum (FWHM) of the emission band rises from 32.3 to 102.9 nm, resulting in unprecedentedly high sensitivity of dFWHM/dp = 17.0 nm/GPa. Furthermore, through analyzing the pressure‐dependent color coordinates, a maximum sensitivity of 29.43% GPa−1 is achieved, when x‐coordinate is adopted. Additionally, the applicability of the developed manometer is confirmed by a simple uniaxial pressure experiments to showcase its practical use in industrial and daily‐life purposes. Notably, the designed sensor exhibits the highest pressure sensitivities reported to date in different modes, namely, emission band centroid, FWHM and color coordinate, making supersensitive multimodal optical manometry a reality.
Organocatalytic Asymmetric Cascade Bicyclization of 2‐Indolylmethanols with α‐(2‐Indolyl) Propargylic Alcohols to Access Chiral Fluorescent Hexacyclic Bisindoles
Authors: Rui Kanghua , Wu Yinong , Lin Xufeng
Published: October 2024

A cascade regioselective 1,8‐addition/biscyclization of 2‐indolylmethanols with α‐(2‐indolyl) propargylic alcohols has been developed via chiral phosphoric acid (CPA) catalysis. A series of chiral cyclopenta[4,5]pyrrolo biindoles bearing a quaternary stereogenic center were obtained in modest to good yields (72–95%) with high enantioselectivities (82–94%). Additionally, the photophysical properties of these hexacyclic bisindoles are examined, revealing bright fluorescence with high quantum yields.
Fluorescence Label‐Free Doxorubicin Sensor Using Polystyrene Sulfonate as a Synthetic Receptor in Whispering Gallery Mode Microresonators
Authors: Maurina Elena , Domac Algı , Olszyna Mateusz , Dähne Lars , Barillaro Giuseppe
Published: October 2024

The conventional quantification of Doxorubicin (DXR), a crucial anticancer drug, typically relies on complex and expensive techniques, limiting measurements beyond hospital settings and at different time intervals. Here, a label‐free fluorescence sensor is presented for DXR utilizing Whispering Gallery Mode (WGM) resonators. The resonators are based on fluorescent microparticles coated with a nanometer‐thick polystyrene sulfonate (PSS) layer serving as a synthetic receptor. The sensor demonstrates linear response for both position and width of the resonance peaks within the concentration range of 1–10 µg mL−1 of DXR of clinical interest. It also exhibits good selectivity against other chemotherapy drugs and can operate in complex biological fluids. The findings underscore the potential of WGM resonators as versatile multiparameter sensors for the sensitive and selective detection of small molecules, also in complex biological media.
A Dual‐Adjuvanted Parenteral‐Intranasal Subunit Nanovaccine generates Robust Systemic and Mucosal Immunity Against SARS‐CoV‐2 in Mice
Authors: Pandey Bhawana , Wang Zhengying , Jimenez Angela , Bhatia Eshant , Jain Ritika , Beach Alexander , Maniar Drishti , Hosten Justin , O'Farrell Laura , Vantucci Casey , Hur David , Noel Richard , Ringquist Rachel , Smith Clinton , Ochoa Miguel A. , Roy Krishnendu
Published: October 2024

Existing parenteral SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccines produce only limited mucosal responses, essential for reducing transmission and achieving sterilizing immunity. Appropriately designed mucosal boosters can overcome the shortcomings of parenteral vaccines and enhance pre‐existing systemic immunity. Here, a new protein subunit nanovaccine is developed by utilizing dual‐adjuvanted (RIG‐I: PUUC RNA and TLR‐9: CpG DNA) polysaccharide‐amino acid‐lipid nanoparticles (PAL‐NPs) along with SARS‐CoV‐2 S1 trimer protein, that can be delivered both intramuscularly (IM) and intranasally (IN) to generate balanced mucosal‐systemic SARS‐CoV‐2 immunity. Mice receiving IM‐Prime PUUC+CpG PAL subunit nanovaccine, followed by an IN‐Boost, developed high levels of IgA, IgG, and cellular immunity in the lungs and showed robust systemic humoral immunity. Interestingly, as a purely intranasal subunit vaccine (IN‐Prime/IN‐Boost), PUUC+CpG PAL‐NPs induced stronger lung‐specific T cell immunity than IM‐Prime/IN‐Boost, and a comparable IgA and neutralizing antibodies, although with a lower systemic antibody response, indicating that a fully mucosal delivery route for SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccination may also be feasible. The data suggest that PUUC+CpG PAL subunit nanovaccine is a promising candidate for generating SARS‐CoV‐2 specific mucosal immunity.
C‐CAR066, a novel fully human anti‐CD20 CAR‐T therapy for relapsed or refractory large B‐cell lymphoma after failure of anti‐CD19 CAR‐T therapy: A phase I clinical study
Authors: Li Ping , Liu Wei , Zhou Lili , Ye Shiguang , Zhu Dan , Huang Jiaqi , Li Jing , Zheng Chengxiao , Zhu Shigui , Yao Xin , Zhu Kevin , Yao Yihong , Qiu Lugui , Liang Aibin , Zou Dehui
Published: October 2024

Managing large B‐cell lymphoma (LBCL) that is refractory to or relapsed after chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)‐T therapy remains a significant challenge. Here we aimed to investigate the safety and efficacy of C‐CAR066, an autologous fully human anti‐CD20 specific CAR‐T, for relapsed/refractory LBCL after failure of anti‐CD19 CAR‐T therapy. This first‐in‐human, single‐arm, phase 1 study was conducted at two sites in China. Eligible patients had to be histologically confirmed with CD20‐positive LBCL and must have received prior anti‐CD19 CAR‐T therapy. Patients received a single intravenous infusion of C‐CAR066 at a target dose of 2.0 × 106 or 3.0 × 106 CAR‐T cells/kg. The primary endpoint was the incidence of adverse events (AEs). As of October 10, 2023, 14 patients had received C‐CAR066. The most common AEs of Grade 3 or higher were hematological toxicities. Cytokine release syndrome occurred in 12 (85.7%) patients, with only one was Grade 4 event. No patient experienced immune effector cell‐associated neurotoxicity syndrome events. The overall response rate was 92.9% with a complete response rate of 57.1%. With a median follow‐up of 27.7 months (range, 3.3–40.9), the median progression‐free survival and overall survival were 9.4 months (95% CI, 2.0 to NA) and 34.8 months (95% CI, 7.5 to NA), respectively. C‐CAR066 demonstrated a manageable safety profile and promising efficacy in patients in whom prior anti‐CD19 CAR‐T therapies had failed, providing a promising treatment option for those patients. This trial was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04316624 and NCT04036019.
Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Children and Adolescents From Southwest Colombia: Association Patterns Considering Adiposity
Authors: Agredo‐Zuñiga Ricardo Antonio , Parra Diana C. , Ortega‐Ávila José Guillermo , Suarez‐Ortegon Milton Fabian
Published: October 2024

Background

Little is known about the cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF)‐cardiometabolic risk relationship in Latin American pediatric populations across different age/sex groups, especially when considering the potential effects of adiposity on the association. We evaluated cross‐sectional associations between VO2max and cardiometabolic risk variables (CMRV), and verified whether the associations were independent of adiposity markers in school‐aged children and adolescents from Cali, Colombia.

Methods

The sample consisted of 1206 children aged 5–17 years. CMRV were fasting glucose, HDL and LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, systolic, and diastolic pressure. Logistic regressions were conducted for associations of age/sex‐specific tertiles of VO2max with age/sex‐specific highest tertiles of CMRV (except HDL‐C, lowest tertile) and a CMR cluster (> 2 CMRV in extreme tertiles), adjusting for socioeconomic stratum, and adiposity markers (BMI, body fat percentage, and waist circumference).

Results

Overweight/obesity ranged from 15% to 18% with no difference by sex. In children aged 5–11 years, high VO2max (highest tertile vs. lowest) was inversely associated with the CMR cluster [Odds ratio (95% confidence interval): 0.18 (0.06–0.47), p < 0.05] independently of adjustment for any adiposity marker in boys but not in girls. In the age group of 12–17 years, there were initially significant VO2max‐ CMR cluster and VO2max‐ CMRV associations but attenuated by adiposity adjustment. In girls, high VO2max was inversely associated with high systolic blood pressure regardless of adjustment for adiposity markers.

Conclusion

VO2max is inversely associated with cardiometabolic risk, but adiposity influences the association. The adiposity‐independent association among younger boys requires further research. Interventions to tackle cardiometabolic risk in childhood may primarily focus on reducing excess adiposity, and secondarily on improvement of CRF.
Engineering and Monitoring the Sustained Release of Extracellular Vesicles from Hydrogels for In Vivo Therapeutic Applications
Authors: Uman Selen , Weingarten Noah , Helmers Mark , Iyengar Amit , Xu Karen L. , Worthington Kendra , Meldrum Danika , Dominic Jessica , Guevara‐Plunkett Sara , Schiazza Alexis , Atluri Pavan , Burdick Jason A.
Published: October 2024

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are gaining interest in regenerative medicine and biomaterials have been shown to extend EV bioavailability following delivery. Herein, the labeling of both hydrogels and EVs is reported to better understand hydrogel design for sustained EV release into tissues. Shear‐thinning hydrogels are engineered using guest–host (i.e., adamantane–cyclodextrin) modifications to hyaluronic acid (GH), as well as GH hydrogels with the addition of gelatin crosslinked via transglutaminase (GH+Gel) to temporally control hydrogel properties. When labeled with a near‐IR dye and injected into rat myocardial tissue, the GH+Gel hydrogel is retained (>14 days) longer than the GH hydrogel alone (≈7 days), likely due to the added gelatin network. To overcome challenges associated with common EV labeling methods, a highly versatile metabolic labeling methodology is utilized via the incorporation of N‐azidoacetylmannosamine‐tetraacylated during EV synthesis to introduce azide groups that can then be reacted with DBCO dyes. When injected in saline, EVs are cleared within 24 h in hearts; however, hydrogels enhance EV retention, with levels based on hydrogel degradation behavior, namely, >14 days for GH+Gel hydrogel and ≈7 days for GH hydrogel alone. These findings support the use of hydrogels in EV therapies.
Dynamic Adaptation of Active Site Driven by Dual‐side Adsorption in Single‐Atomic Catalysts During CO2 Electroreduction
Authors: Tran Nam Van , Liu Jiyuan , Li Shuzhou
Published: October 2024

Single‐atom iron embedded in N‐doped carbon (Fe−N−C) is among the most representative single‐atomic catalysts (SACs) for electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR). Despite the simplicity of the active site, the CO2‐to‐CO mechanism on Fe−N−C remains controversial. Firstly, there is a long debate regarding the rate‐determining step (RDS) of the reactions. Secondly, recent computational and experimental studies are puzzled by the fact that the CO‐poisoned Fe centers still remain highly active at high potentials. Thirdly, there are ongoing challenges in elucidating the high selectivity of hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) over CO2RR at high potentials. In this work, we introduce a novel CO2RR mechanism on Fe−N−C, which was inspired by the dynamic of active sites in biological systems. By employing grand‐canonical density functional theory and kinetic Monte‐Carlo, we found that the RDS is not fixed but changes with the applied potential. We demonstrated that our proposed dual‐side mechanisms could clarify the reason behind the high catalytic activity of CO‐poisoned metal centers, as well as the high selectivity of HER over CO2RR at high potential. This study provides a fundamental explanation for long‐standing puzzles of an important catalyst and calls for the importance of considering the dynamic of active sites in reaction mechanisms.
Inside Cover, Volume 141, Issue 42
Authors: Maidl Maximilian , Englberger Heidi , Abbasnia Amirhossein , Van Opdenbosch Daniel , Zollfrank Cordt
Published: October 2024

The cover image is based on the Article Impact of oxidized sucrose as a bio‐based crosslinker on thermoformable films made from lupin protein isolate (Lupinus angustifolius L.) by Maximilian Maidl et al., https://doi.org/10.1002/app.56109.

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Technoeconomic analysis of alternatives to improve Cuban sugarcane wax‐refining technology using Superpro Designer
Authors: Ramos Eduardo Hernández , de los Rios Manuel Díaz , de Cárdenas Lourdes Zumalacárregui
Published: October 2024

Sugarcane wax is a co‐product with strong potential. It contains several bioactive components that can be used for pharmaceutical and cosmetic purposes. It is also considered a substitute for leading vegetable waxes in the international market. The extraction and refining technologies that have been reported in Cuba do not always manage to deliver a wax that meets the quality demanded by the market. This problem can be solved with the development of innovative technologies that allow increasing yields, higher quality, and the reduction of costs. The main objective of this work was to achieve a validated model of the Cuban sugarcane wax‐refining process using the SuperPro Designer simulator, and to evaluate the alternatives in order to reduce consumption rates and increase stability in the final product quality, as customers demand. The model successfully replicated 39 out of 44 variables used for process validation, with values falling within the historical range of the process. Deviations from historical values were less than 4 percentage points. Among the proposed modifications, the second of the two alternatives proposed resulted in lower consumption rates and more consistent quality of refined wax.
Driving environmental sustainability in emerging economies: The nexus of green finance, foreign direct investment, financial development, and green technology innovation
Authors: Kharb Ravita , Saini Neha , Kumar Dinesh
Published: October 2024

The relevance of environmental sustainability has grown significantly among academics, professionals, and the general public. A variety of factors influence an economy's ability to support its environmental sustainability. Foreign direct investment (FDI), financial development (FD), green technological innovation (GTI), and green finance (GF) are pillars that hold the key to accomplishing sustainability goals. Despite extensive studies on the factors influencing green finance, there remains a gap in grasping the impact of green finance and various investment factors on environmental sustainability. The study's objective is to analyze the relationship between ecological sustainability, green financing, FDI, innovative green technologies, and FD in developing countries. The study employed a fixed effect and random effect model with robustness analysis to gain an empirical understanding of the relationship. The findings highlighted that green finance plays a crucial role in green technologies and encourages economies to embrace sustainability. It also supports the pollution haven hypothesis (PHH) and the understanding that an increase in FDI has a positive relationship with carbon emission. The study makes a significant novel contribution by analyzing the combined influence of financial and green technological development on environmental sustainability. The numerous theoretical and practical implications for addressing the constraints posed by the PHH include tightening domestic legislation, developing international cooperation, and pushing the adoption of cleaner technology throughout industries. It helps governments enact effective environmental regulations to encourage green investment and technological innovation to have a beneficial knock‐on effect on cutting ecological sustainability.
Ultrasound‐guided core needle biopsy of deep fascia: A cadaveric study evaluating feasibility, accuracy and reliability
Authors: Pirri Carmelo , Zabotti Alen , Pirri Nina , Petrelli Lucia , Giovannini Ivan , Macchi Veronica , Porzionato Andrea , Quartuccio Luca , De Caro Raffaele , De Vita Salvatore , Stecco Carla
Published: October 2024

Over the past few decades, researchers and clinicians have dedicated significant attention to fascial tissues. Current interest focuses on their anatomical and pathophysiological features. Breakthroughs in ultrasound (US) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have enhanced our ability to study the dynamics and alterations of the tissue structures. However, a microscopic perspective is also essential for a comprehensive understanding of some pathologies of the fasciae. The aim of this study was to investigate, using a cadaveric study: (1) the ease of visualization of the landmarks used for the US‐guided fascial core needle biopsy (CNB); (2) the consistency and accuracy of needle placement inside fascial layers using US guidance and confirmed by histological examination; (3) inter‐rater reliability. We assessed the feasibility of US‐guided CNB in different topographical regions of human cadavers: the thoracolumbar fascia (TLF), fascia lata (FL), and crural fascia (CF). The results, confirmed by histological examination, revealed no significant difference in needle placements between the in‐plane approaches in the long and short axes for all locations and fasciae studied (long axis: 91.88%; short axis: 96.22%); p > 0.05. US‐guided core needle biopsy with the in‐plane approach is feasible, consistent and reliable. It could provide most or all of high‐quality fascial tissue samples required for pathological examination. It could also reveal changes in fascial pathologies, capturing the exact site of pathology thanks to US guidance, in particular in patchy diseases such as eosinophilic fasciitis.
Reactants‐Driven Surface‐Active Sites on a Cu/CeO2 Catalyst for Methanol Synthesis from Syngas
Authors: Ren Pengchao , Zhang Zhenzhou , Hu Tingting , Fan Zhihui , Dang Shanshan , Cheng Sifan , Tu Weifeng , Han Yi‐Fan
Published: October 2024

This study investigated the dynamic structure of a working Cu/CeO2 catalyst and its catalytic consequences for CH3OH synthesis via CO hydrogenation by kinetics, high‐precise chemical titration, and a series of in situ X‐ray spectroscopies. We have revealed that the apparent rate coefficients for CH3OH synthesis from CO hydrogenation are a single‐valued function of the CO2‐to‐CO ratio in the contacting gas phase. This ratio determines the extent of surface oxidation of Ce2O3 to CeO2, the relative abundance of surface Ce3+ and Ce4+ sites, and in turn, the density of Cu0‐Ce3+ sites pair on the working Cu/CeO2 catalyst, although the chemical state of Cu and elemental distribution of both Cu and Ce were insensitive to the ratio. The reactivity of CH3OH formation and the Cu0‐Ce3+ sites decrease monotonously with an increase in the CO2‐to‐CO ratio. The direct connection of the reactivity and the oxidant‐to‐reductant ratio appears to be general for heterogeneous catalysis, for which the oxidant oxidizes metal atoms. In contrast, the reductant scavenges surface oxygen atoms, thus dictating the density of surface sites and their thermodynamic activities.
3D Covalent Organic Framework Membranes for Molecular Separations
Authors: Liu Haohao , Tian Feng , Gao Bingbing , Wang Wentao , Bai Yunxiang , Zhang Chunfang , Dong Liangliang
Published: October 2024

Membrane separation has become an indispensable separation technology in social production, playing an important role in drug production, mineral exploitation, water purification, etc. The key core of membranes lies in achieving efficient and precise sieving between substances. As a result, a typical trade‐off arises: highly permeable membranes usually sacrifice selectivity and vice versa. To address this dilemma, long‐term research has focused on comprehensive understanding and modelling of synthetic membranes at various scales. A significant advancement in this arena is the advent of three‐dimensional covalent organic framework (3D COF) membranes, a novel category of long‐range ordered porous organic polymer materials. Characterized by an abundance of interconnected channels, diverse pore wall properties, tunable structures, and robust thermal and chemical resilience, 3D COF membranes offer a promising approach for efficient substance separation. This review undertakes a meticulous investigation of the synthesis and physicochemical properties of 3D COF membranes, accentuating the underlying design principles, fabrication methods, and application attempts. A comprehensive assessment of their research trajectory and current standing in the field of membrane processes is provided. The review culminates in a forward‐looking outlook, summarizing future research directions and highlighting the substantial potential of this innovative work to shape the future of efficient membrane separation processes.
Streamlining Thionyl Tetrafluoride (SOF4) and Pentafluoro‐Oxosulfate [OSF5]− Anions Syntheses
Authors: Sturm Johanna S. , Millanvois Alexandre , Bahri Carlota , Golz Paul , Limberg Niklas , Wiesner Anja , Riedel Sebastian
Published: October 2024

A one pot room temperature synthesis of thionyl tetrafluoride (SOF4) from elemental fluorine (F2) and thionyl fluoride (SOF2) is reported. The selective decagram scale process (100 mmol) allows a quantitative preparation of SOF4 with high purity. The solid‐state structure has also been elucidated and compared with the reported gas phase one. The use of this reagent for the formation of the emerging pentafluorooxosulfate [cat][OSF5] anions led to the preparation of multiple ion‐pairs (cat=Ag, NEt3Me, PPN, PPh4) in different organic solvents. The SuFEx reservoir ability of this anion was studied and by tuning the solvent system, the reactivity of pure thionyl tetrafluoride was observed using Ag[OSF5] in THF and acetone.
Artificial Compartments Encapsulating Enzymatic Reactions: Towards the Construction of Artificial Organelles
Authors: Lin Peng , Zhang Shiwei , Komatsubara Futa , Konishi Hiroaki , Nakata Eiji , Morii Takashi
Published: October 2024

Cells have used compartmentalization to implement complex biological processes involving thousands of enzyme cascade reactions. Enzymes are spatially organized into the cellular compartments to carry out specific and efficient reactions in a spatiotemporally controlled manner. These compartments are divided into membrane‐bound and membraneless organelles. Mimicking such cellular compartment systems has been a challenge for years. A variety of artificial scaffolds, including liposomes, polymersomes, proteins, nucleic acids, or hybrid materials have been used to construct artificial membrane‐bound or membraneless compartments. These artificial compartments may have great potential for applications in biosynthesis, drug delivery, diagnosis and therapeutics, among others. This review first summarizes the typical examples of cellular compartments. In particular, the recent studies on cellular membraneless organelles (biomolecular condensates) are reviewed. We then summarize the recent advances in the construction of artificial compartments using engineered platforms. Finally, we provide our insights into the construction of biomimetic systems and the applications of these systems. This review article provides a timely summary of the relevant perspectives for the future development of artificial compartments, the building blocks for the construction of artificial organelles or cells.