bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative Study on Effectiveness of Commercial Antibiotic Discs in Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nigeria
Authors: Aboh Mercy I. , Ya’aba Yakubu , Mohammed Shehu B. , Oladosu Peters O.
Published: May 2021

Clinically, antimicrobial susceptibility testing results provide guidance in the choice of antimicrobial agents in patient care. The accuracy of results from antimicrobial susceptibility testing can be affected by multiple factors including the media, antimicrobial discs or preparations, inoculum’s size, plate reading and incubation conditions. Misleading results from antimicrobial susceptibility test leads to the indiscriminate and irrational use of antibiotics and have impacted grossly to the global challenge of antimicrobial resistance. The objectives of this study were to compare the efficacy of different brands of locally and foreign manufactured multi-antibiotic discs on bacteria and assess any significant variation. Two brands each of locally and foreign manufactured multi-antibiotic discs were purchased from retail stores within the FCT. The antibacterial susceptibility of Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Salmonella typhi ATCC 9150, Klebsiella pneumonia, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 and Streptococcus pyogenes were carried out using agar diffusion method. There were differences between the diameter zones of inhibition produced by the local brands and the foreign brands of antibiotic discs. Amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (30 µg) disc produced the highest variation within the four brands with zones of inhibition range 12.0 – 20.0 mm against the test organisms. There is need for regulatory bodies like NAFDAC and SON to routinely validate and assess the qualities of these products in the market.
Lipoxin A4 protects primary spinal cord neurons from Erastin‐induced ferroptosis by activating the Akt/Nrf2/HO‐1 signaling pathway
Authors: Wei Na , Lu Tan , Yang Libin , Dong Yonghan , Liu Xiaotan
Published: May 2021

Ferroptosis is an iron‐dependent programmed cell death, which participates in the pathogenesis of spinal cord injury (SCI). Our previous study has revealed that Lipoxin A4 (LXA4) exerts a protective role in SCI. Here, we investigated whether LXA4 can protect SCI through inhibiting neuronal ferroptosis. We treated primary spinal cord neurons with Erastin (ferroptosis activator) to induce ferroptosis. Erastin treatment reduced cell viability and enhanced cell death of primary spinal cord neurons, which was rescued by ferrostatin‐1 (ferroptosis inhibitor). Moreover, Erastin repressed glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) expression and the levels of glutathione and cysteine in primary spinal cord neurons. Erastin also enhanced the expression of ferroptosis biomarkers (PTGS2 and ACSL4) and the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in primary spinal cord neurons. The influence conferred by Erastin was effectively abolished by LXA4 treatment. Furthermore, LXA4 enhanced the protein expression of p‐AKT, nuclear factor (erythroid‐derived 2)‐like 2 (Nrf2) and haem‐oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) in primary spinal cord neurons. LXA4‐mediated inhibition of ferroptosis of primary spinal cord neurons was prohibited by LY294002 (AKT inhibitor), brusatol (Nrf2 inhibitor) or zinc protoporphyrin (HO‐1 inhibitor). In conclusion, this work demonstrated that LXA4 exerted a neuroprotective effect in Erastin‐induced ferroptosis of primary spinal cord neurons by activating the Akt/Nrf2/HO‐1 signaling pathway. Thus, this work provides novel insights into the mechanisms of action of LXA4 in ferroptosis of primary spinal cord neurons and indicates that LXA4 may be a potential therapeutic agent for SCI.
Conversation Analysis Methodology in Second Language Studies
Authors: Brouwer Catherine E.
Published: May 2021

Applying conversation analysis to any field of research involves methodological adaptations in relation to the research interests of that field. The application of CA to second language (L2) studies is no exception. This entry presents some of the challenges CA researchers in the field of L2 studies have encountered and the compromises they have made. It reports on choices that have been made in relation to research objectives, data collection, and analytical procedures. The entry categorizes
types
of L2 studies; it explains the methodological choices in the different types of studies and shows how they shift in scope over time by presenting examples.
Corpus Linguistics in Language Teaching
Authors: Keck Casey
Published: May 2021

Corpus linguistics has fundamentally changed our understanding of language use, and this, in turn, has led to changes in how we approach language education. A number of language teaching resources are now corpus informed, and recent empirical studies suggest that students benefit from engagement with corpus‐based methods of language analysis. This entry provides an introduction to key concepts in corpus linguistics that have particular relevance to classroom instruction, including word frequency lists, collocation and phraseology, register variation, and data‐driven learning.
Lexical Priming
Authors: Hoey Michael , Patterson Katie
Published: May 2021

Lexical priming is a linguistic theory which seeks to relate corpus‐linguistic concepts such as collocation and colligation to the experimental findings of psycholinguists interested in the retardation and acceleration of word association. In one such set of experiments informants are given a word or image (referred to as a prime) and then a target word; the speed with which the target word is recognized is measured. Some primes are found to retard recognition and others to accelerate recognition. In another set of experiments informants are exposed to a particular word combination and then, after exposure to other combinations, are reexposed to the original combination; the speed of recognition is again measured. The evidence suggests that the initial exposure accelerates recognition of the combination on reexposure and improves its quality. This is known as repetition priming. The lexical priming claim makes use of repetition priming and says that whenever listeners or readers encounter a word (or a syllable or a combination of words), they note subconsciously the linguistic context in which it occurs and, as a result of repeated encounters, come to identify the words that characteristically accompany it (its collocations), the grammatical patterns it is associated with (its colligations), the meanings it is associated with (its semantic associations), the pragmatics it is associated with (its pragmatic associations), and other recurrent features of the context.
Pragmatics of Lingua Franca Interaction
Authors: House Juliane
Published: May 2021

This entry discusses pragmatic aspects of global English as today's most important lingua franca. The first part examines the concept of “lingua franca,” and details the nature of English as a lingua franca (ELF) as well as the role of ELF in a globalized world. The second part is then dedicated to a description of several empirical studies on the pragmatics of ELF. The research on pragmatics reveals ELF users as bilingual or multilingual speakers who use the languages at their disposal to perform functions such as marking identity, attitudes, and alliances; signaling discourse functions; conveying politeness; and creating aesthetic and humorous effects or pragmatic ambiguity. These results have prompted a radical rethinking of the norm against which speakers' pragmatic discourse behavior is matched.
The brain–heart interaction in epilepsy: implications for diagnosis, therapy, and SUDEP prevention
Authors: Costagliola Giorgio , Orsini Alessandro , Coll Monica , Brugada Ramon , Parisi Pasquale , Striano Pasquale
Published: May 2021

The influence of the central nervous system and autonomic system on cardiac activity is being intensively studied, as it contributes to the high rate of cardiologic comorbidities observed in people with epilepsy. Indeed, neuroanatomic connections between the brain and the heart provide links that allow cardiac arrhythmias to occur in response to brain activation, have been shown to produce arrhythmia both experimentally and clinically. Moreover, seizures may induce a variety of transient cardiac effects, which include changes in heart rate, heart rate variability, arrhythmias, asystole, and other ECG abnormalities, and can trigger the development of Takotsubo syndrome. People with epilepsy are at a higher risk of death than the general population, and sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is the most important direct epilepsy‐related cause of death. Although the cause of SUDEP is still unknown, cardiac abnormalities during and between seizures could play a significant role in its pathogenesis, as highlighted by studies on animal models of SUDEP and registration of SUDEP events. Recently, genetic mutations in genes co‐expressed in the heart and brain, which may result in epilepsy and cardiac comorbidity/increased risk for SUDEP, have been described. Recognition and a better understanding of brain–heart interactions, together with new advances in sequencing techniques, may provide new insights into future novel therapies and help in the prevention of cardiac dysfunction and sudden death in epileptic individuals.
A Superhydrophobic Self‐Cleaning and Anti‐Icing Aluminum Sheet Fabricated by Alkaline Solution
Authors: Zhang Jialu , Xu Hao , Guo Jie , Zhang Yingying , Chen Tianchi
Published: May 2021

The aerospace industry has extremely strict requirements for metal materials, especially the stability of the material at a low temperature and in harsh environment. Herein, superhydrophobic anti‐icing aluminum sheets are fabricated with traditional hydrothermal reaction and modified by (heptadecafluoro‐1,1,2,2‐tetradecyl) triethoxysilane (AC‐FAS). Field‐Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) are used to analyze the surface morphology and chemical compositions. The satisfactory properties of superhydrophobicity and anti‐icing result from its dense microcosmic array structure and its low surface energy. The prepared superhydrophobic aluminum surface can realize wettability alteration, in which the contact angle increases from 118° on the original aluminum sheets to 155° with a rolling angle of 10°. In addition, the prepared superhydrophobic surface has anti‐icing and self‐cleaning ability. According to the aforementioned results, it is believed that the superhydrophobic aluminum sheets can be an excellent candidate in the aerospace field.
Enhanced Photoluminescence and Photoresponsiveness of Eu3+ Ions‐Doped CsPbCl3 Perovskite Quantum Dots under High Pressure
Authors: Jing Xiaoling , Zhou Donglei , Sun Rui , Zhang Yu , Li Yanchun , Li Xiaodong , Li Quanjun , Song Hongwei , Liu Bingbing
Published: May 2021

Metal halide perovskite quantum dots (QDs) have garnered tremendous attention in optoelectronic devices owing to their excellent optical and electrical properties. However, these perovskite QDs are plagued by pressure‐induced photoluminescence (PL) quenching, which greatly restricts their potential applications. Herein, the unique optical and electrical properties of Eu3+‐doped CsPbCl3 QDs under high pressure are reported. Intriguingly, the PL of Eu3+ ions displays an enhancement with pressure up to 10.1 GPa and still preserves a relatively high intensity at 22 GPa. The optical and structural analysis indicates that the sample experiences an isostructural phase transition at approximately 1.53 GPa, followed by an amorphous state evolution, which is simulated and confirmed through density functional theory calculations. The pressure‐induced PL enhancement of Eu3+ ions can be associated with the enhanced energy transfer rate from excitonic state to Eu3+ ions. The photoelectric performance is enhanced by compression and can be preserved upon the release of pressure, which is attributed to the decreased defect density and increased carrier mobility induced by the high pressure. This work enriches the understanding of the high‐pressure behavior of rare‐earth‐doped luminescent materials and proves that high pressure technique is a promising way to design and realize superior optoelectronic materials.
Selective Stiffening in Soft Actuators by Triggered Phase Transition of Hydrogel‐Filled Elastomers
Authors: Visentin Francesco , Murali Babu Saravana Prashanth , Meder Fabian , Mazzolai Barbara
Published: May 2021

Nature has inspired a new generation of robots that not only imitate the behavior of natural systems but also share their adaptability to the environment and level of compliance due to the materials used to manufacture them, which are typically made of soft matter. In order to be adaptable and compliant, these robots need to be able to locally change the mechanical properties of their soft material‐based bodies according to external feedback. In this work, a soft actuator that embodies a highly controllable thermo‐responsive hydrogel and changes its stiffness on direct stimulation is proposed. At a critical temperature, this stimulation triggers the reversible transition of the hydrogel, which locally stiffens the elastomeric containment at the targeted location. By dividing the actuator into multiple sections, it is possible to control its macroscopic behavior as a function of the stiffened sections. These properties are evaluated by arranging three actuators into a gripper configuration used to grasp objects. The results clearly show that the approach can be used to develop soft actuators that can modify their mechanical properties on‐demand in order to conform to objects or to exert the required force.
Sulfophobic and Vacancy Design Enables Self‐Cleaning Electrodes for Efficient Desulfurization and Concurrent Hydrogen Evolution with Low Energy Consumption
Authors: Zhang Shuo , Zhou Qingwen , Shen Zihan , Jin Xin , Zhang Yuchen , Shi Man , Zhou Jian , Liu Jianguo , Lu Zhenda , Zhou Yong‐Ning , Zhang Huigang
Published: May 2021

Sulfide oxidation reaction (SOR) is one central step of electrochemical desulfurization and sulfur‐based batteries. However, the electrochemical performance of desulfurization and sulfur batteries has been severely hindered by sulfur passivation. Here, a discovery of sulfophobic phenomenon of electrocatalysts having weak interaction to sulfur species is reported. A self‐cleaning NiS2 electrode is developed to avoid the long‐perplexing passivation issue of solid sulfur during the SOR. Furthermore, sulfur‐vacancies are engineered into NiS2 lattice to synthesize v‐NiS2 for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The resultant lattice expansion and electron redistribution can adjust the adsorbed hydrogen to reach a nearly thermos‐neutral state, enabling high catalytic activity for the HER. By coupling the HER and SOR, efficient desulfurization and simultaneous hydrogen production is demonstrated. Bifunctional NiS2 enables such a one‐stone‐kills‐two‐birds strategy to realize continuous electrochemical desulfurization with superior energy efficiency (1.05 gsulfur Wh−1). As a general design principle, sulfophobic electrocatalysts can improve the properties of lithium–sulfur batteries by minimizing the passivation of S8 during charge. In brief, interfacial interaction between electrocatalysts and sulfur species are systematically investigated and a sulfophobic strategy to significantly enhance the electrochemical performance of the SOR is offered.
A Review of Phototransistors Using Metal Oxide Semiconductors: Research Progress and Future Directions
Authors: Yoo Hyukjoon , Lee I. Sak , Jung Sujin , Rho Sung Min , Kang Byung Ha , Kim Hyun Jae
Published: May 2021

Metal oxide thin‐film transistors have been continuously researched and mass‐produced in the display industry. However, their phototransistors are still in their infancy. In particular, utilizing metal oxide semiconductors as phototransistors is difficult because of the limited light absorption wavelength range and persistent photocurrent (PPC) phenomenon. Numerous studies have attempted to improve the detectable light wavelength range and the PPC phenomenon. Here, recent studies on metal oxide phototransistors are reviewed, which have improved the range of light wavelengths and the PPC phenomenon by introducing an absorption layer of oxide or non‐oxide hybrid structure. The materials of the absorption layer applied to absorb long‐wavelength light are classified into oxides, chalcogenides, organic materials, perovskites, and nanodots. Finally, next‐generation convergence studies combined with other research fields are introduced and future research directions are detailed.
Interfacial Trap‐Assisted Triplet Generation in Lead Halide Perovskite Sensitized Solid‐State Upconversion
Authors: Wang Lili , Yoo Jason J. , Lin Ting‐An , Perkinson Collin F. , Lu Yongli , Baldo Marc A. , Bawendi Moungi G.
Published: May 2021

Photon upconversion via triplet–triplet annihilation (TTA) has promise for overcoming the Shockley–Queisser limit for single‐junction solar cells by allowing the utilization of sub‐bandgap photons. Recently, bulk perovskites have been employed as sensitizers in solid‐state upconversion devices to circumvent poor exciton diffusion in previous nanocrystal (NC)‐sensitized devices. However, an in‐depth understanding of the underlying photophysics of perovskite‐sensitized triplet generation is still lacking due to the difficulty of precisely controlling interfacial properties of fully solution‐processed devices. In this study, interfacial properties of upconversion devices are adjusted by a mild surface solvent treatment, specifically altering perovskite surface properties without perturbing the bulk perovskite. Thermal evaporation of the annihilator precludes further solvent contamination. Counterintuitively, devices with more interfacial traps show brighter upconversion. Approximately an order of magnitude difference in upconversion brightness is observed across different interfacial solvent treatments. Sequential charge transfer and interfacial trap‐assisted triplet sensitization are demonstrated by comparing upconversion performance, transient photoluminescence dynamics, and magnetic field dependence of the devices. Incomplete triplet conversion from transferred charges and consequent triplet‐charge annihilation (TCA) are also observed. The observations highlight the importance of interfacial control and provide guidance for further design and optimization of upconversion devices using perovskites or other semiconductors as sensitizers.
A Microneedles Balloon Catheter for Endovascular Drug Delivery
Authors: Moussi Khalil , Haneef Ali A. , Alsiary Rawiah A. , Diallo Elhadj M. , Boone Marijn Antoine , Abu‐Araki Huda , Al‐Radi Osman O. , Kosel Jurgen
Published: May 2021

Disorders of the inner parts of blood vessels have been significant triggers of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Different interventional methods have been employed, from complex surgeries to balloon angioplasty techniques to open the narrowed blood vessels. However, CVDs continue to be the lead cause of death in the world. Delivering a therapeutic agent directly to the inner wall of affected blood vessels can be a transformative step toward a better treatment option. To open the door for such an approach, a catheter delivery system is developed based on a conventional balloon catheter where a fluidic channel and microneedles (MNs) are integrated on top of it. This enables precise and localized delivery of therapeutics directly into vessel walls. Customizable MNs are fabricated using a high‐resolution 3D printing technique where MN's height ranges from 100 to 350 µm. The MNs penetration into a synthetic vascular model is investigated with a computerized tomography scan. Ex vivo tests on rabbit aorta confirm the MN‐upgraded balloon catheter's performance on real tissue. Delivery of fluorescent dye is accomplished by injecting it through the fluidic channel and MNs into the aortic tissue. The dye is observed at up to 180 µm of depth, confirming site‐specific endovascular delivery.
A Fully 3D‐Printed Wearable Piezoresistive Strain and Tactile Sensing Array for Robot Hand
Authors: Pei Zhen , Zhang Qiang , Yang Kun , Yuan Zhongyun , Zhang Wendong , Sang Shengbo
Published: May 2021

The wide application prospects of flexible strain sensors and pressure sensors in robotic perception have led to an urgent demand for the high‐precision customized manufacturing and flexible integration of such devices. Herein, a 3D‐printed wearable strain and tactile sensing array is developed for robotic perception by integrating a flexible strain sensor and a pressure sensor with porous structures. The flexible strain sensor has a wide linear measurement range of 67.5% with a sensitivity of 2.64. Meanwhile, the flexible pressure sensor has a continuous pressure‐monitoring ability in the range of 0–1 N, and it is particularly sensitive to small pressures within 0.2 N. Both the sensors provide a stable output for the seamless sensing of different stimuli, and devices from the same batch provide highly consistent responses. By fully exploiting the flexibility of digital light‐processing 3D printing, the sensing array is customized for a robotic hand to realize the grip and finger bending perceptions of the manipulator.
Recent Progress of Electrochemical Production of Hydrogen Peroxide by Two‐Electron Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Wang Nan , Ma Shaobo , Zuo Pengjian , Duan Jizhou , Hou Baorong
Published: May 2021

Shifting electrochemical oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) via two‐electron pathway becomes increasingly crucial as an alternative/green method for hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) generation. Here, the development of 2e− ORR catalysts in recent years is reviewed, in aspects of reaction mechanism exploration, types of high‐performance catalysts, factors to influence catalytic performance, and potential applications of 2e− ORR. Based on the previous theoretical and experimental studies, the underlying 2e− ORR catalytic mechanism is firstly unveiled, in aspect of reaction pathway, thermodynamic free energy diagram, limiting potential, and volcano plots. Then, various types of efficient catalysts for producing H2O2 via 2e− ORR pathway are summarized. Additionally, the catalytic active sites and factors to influence catalysts’ performance, such as electronic structure, carbon defect, functional groups (O, N, B, S, F etc.), synergistic effect, and others (pH, pore structure, steric hindrance effect, etc.) are discussed. The H2O2 electrogeneration via 2e− ORR also has various potential applications in wastewater treatment, disinfection, organics degradation, and energy storage. Finally, potential future directions and prospects in 2e− ORR catalysts for electrochemically producing H2O2 are examined. These insights may help develop highly active/selective 2e− ORR catalysts and shape the potential application of this electrochemical H2O2 producing method.
An Ultrahigh Performance Zinc‐Organic Battery using Poly(catechol) Cathode in Zn(TFSI)2‐Based Concentrated Aqueous Electrolytes
Authors: Patil Nagaraj , de la Cruz Carlos , Ciurduc Diana , Mavrandonakis Andreas , Palma Jesus , Marcilla Rebeca
Published: May 2021

Aqueous zinc‐metal batteries (AZMBs) are predicted to be an attractive solutions for viable, high‐performance, and large‐scale energy storage applications, but their advancement is greatly hindered by the lack of adequate aqueous electrolytes and sustainable cathodes. Herein, an ultra‐robust Zn‐polymer AZMB is demonstrated using poly(catechol) redox copolymer (P(4VC86‐stat‐SS14)) as the cathode and concentrated Zn(TFSI)2 aqueous solution as stable electrolyte. The Zn(TFSI)2 electrolyte shows enhanced ion‐transport properties and confers improved (electro)chemical compatibility with superior cell performance compared to traditional ZnSO4. The assembled Zn||P(4VC86‐stat‐SS14) (2.5 mg cm−2 polymer loading) cell simultaneously delivers remarkable capacities of 324 and 98 mAh g−1 at 1 and 450 C, respectively, and extremely high cyclability with only 0.00035% capacity fading rate/cycle over 48 000 cycles at 30 C. Interestingly, this battery can also operate at extremely low temperatures (−35 °C) still maintaining good capacity values (178 mAh g−1). Moreover, 352 Wh kgpolymer−1 specific energy is attractive, while the high value of 72 Wh kgpolymer−1 at unprecedented specific power of 150 kW kgpolymer−1 is particularly intriguing. This overall performance is far superior to the state‐of‐the‐art AZMBs, making it a competitive choice for sustainable batteries without compromising performance.
Tin‐Lead Perovskite Fabricated via Ethylenediamine Interlayer Guides to the Solar Cell Efficiency of 21.74%
Authors: Kapil Gaurav , Bessho Takeru , Maekawa Takatoshi , Baranwal Ajay Kumar , Zhang Yaohong , Kamarudin Muhammad Akmal , Hirotani Daisuke , Shen Qing , Segawa Hiroshi , Hayase Shuzi
Published: May 2021

Tin‐lead perovskite solar cells (PSCs) show inferior power conversion efficiency (PCE) than their Pb counterparts mainly because of the higher open‐circuit voltage (Voc) loss. Here, it is revealed that the p‐type surface of perovskite transforms to n‐type, based on post‐treatment by a Lewis base, ethylenediamine. This approach forms a graded band structure owing to the rise of the Fermi‐energy level at the surface of the perovskite layer, and increases the built‐in potential from 0.56 to 0.76 V, which increases the Voc by more than 100 mV. It is demonstrated that EDA can lower the defect density (Sn4+ amount) by screening perovskite against oxygen, and by bonding with undercoordinated Sn on the surface. This study further explores the role of Br anion inclusion in the perovskite lattice from the viewpoint of reducing the lattice strain and Urbach energy. Finally, a high Voc of 0.86 V is obtained, corresponding to a voltage deficit of 0.39 V, using a perovskite absorber with a bandgap of 1.25 eV and the highest PCE (21.74%) reported so far for Sn‐Pb PSCs is achieved.
Porous Bilayer Electrode‐Guided Gas Diffusion for Enhanced CO2Electrochemical Reduction
Authors: Wang Yucheng , Lei Hanhui , Xiang Hang , Fu Yongqing , Xu Chenxi , Jiang Yinzhu , Xu Ben Bin , Yu Eileen Hao , Gao Chao , Liu Terence Xiaoteng
Published: May 2021

Comparing with the massive efforts in developing innovative catalyst materials system and technologies, structural design of cells has attracted less attention on the road toward high‐performance electrochemical CO2reduction reaction (eCO2RR). Herein, a hybrid gas diffusion electrode‐based reaction cell is proposed using highly porous carbon paper (CP) and graphene aerogels (GAs), which is expected to offer directional diffusion of gas molecules onto the catalyst bed, to sustain a high performance in CO2conversion. The above‐mentioned hypothesis is supported by the experimental and simulation results, which show that the CP + GA combined configuration increases the Faraday efficiency (FE) from ≈60% to over 94% toward carbon monoxide (CO) and formate production compared with a CP only cell with Cu2O as the catalyst. It also suppresses the undesirable side reaction–hydrogen evolution over 65 times than the conventional H‐type cell (H‐cell). By combining with advanced catalysts with high selectivity, a 100% FE of the cell with a high current density can be realized. The described strategy sheds an extra light on future development of eCO2RR with a structural design of cell‐enabled high CO2conversion.
Integration in export marketing channels and farms' labor force composition: Female agricultural workers in the Moroccan vegetable sector
Authors: Bignebat Céline , El Hadad‐Gauthier Fatima
Published: May 2021

The Moroccan agricultural sector employs around 40% of the country's total working population. Since the early 1990s, there has been a striking increase in the proportion of female wage laborers. This article investigates the effect of the gendered composition of the agricultural wage labor force on horticultural farms. We draw on an original data set collected in 2010, comprising 240 agricultural holdings located in the region of Souss Massa. The results suggest that local labor shortages do not play a major role in explaining the ratio of female hired wage laborers. Instead, it seems that quality requirements are encouraging farm holdings to hire a female labor force. [EconLit citations: Q12, O13, J43]
Reaktionsverfolgung von Festphasensynthesen in selbstassemblierenden Monolagen mit oberflächenverstärkter Raman‐Spektroskopie
Authors: Scherrer Dominik , Vogel David , Drechsler Ute , Olziersky Antonis , Sparr Christof , Mayor Marcel , Lörtscher Emanuel
Published: May 2021

Nanostrukturierte Oberflächen verstärken einfallende elektromagnetische Strahlung und ermöglichen dabei den Nachweis und die Charakterisierung von selbstassemblierenden Monolagen (SAM) beispielsweise mit oberflächenverstärkter Raman‐Spektroskopie (SERS). Au‐Nanoloch‐Arrays wurden für SERS‐Analytik entwickelt. Diese Arrays wurden verwendet, um die Reaktion einer Alkin‐TMS‐Entschützung und die nachfolgende CuI‐katalysierte Azid‐Alkin‐Cycloadditions‐Klick‐Reaktion zu verfolgen, die direkt auf der entsprechenden SAM durchgeführt wurden. Das SERS‐Substrat wies eine hohe Signalreproduzierbarkeit und chemische Stabilität auf. Außerdem konnten die Intermediate und das Produkt der Festphasensynthese mit SERS identifiziert werden, wenn auch zwischen den Spektren der immobilisierten Stoffe und den entsprechenden mikrokristallinen Feststoffen kleine Unterschiede feststellbar waren. Dank des hohen Übereinstimmungsgrads der SERS‐Signale und der hohen chemischen Beständigkeit des Substrates bahnt diese Plattform den Weg für die Beobachtung molekularer Manipulationen in Anwendungen der Oberflächenfunktionalisierung.
Relationship of color change to permeation of target compound in polydiacetylene vesicle system
Authors: Shin Min Jae
Published: May 2021

Polydiacetylene (PDA) systems, which showed color changes due to the permeation of target molecules, were reported previously by our research group. To use the systems for controlled drug delivery systems, the relationship of the color change to the permeation time of the PDA vesicle must be characterized precisely. Therefore, this relationship was investigated and characterized in this study. Methotrexate (MTX) was used as the target compound and the detection of MTX is an important process in anticancer study. N‐(2‐aminoethyl)pentacosa‐10,12‐diynamide (AEPCDA) was used as the diacetylene surfactant. Dimethyldioctadecylammonium bromide (DOAB) was used as an assistant surfactant. The color change occurred when the mixed surfactant vesicles, with DOAB, were used. When a lower ratio of DOAB was added to the AEPCDA vesicle, the color change rate was slower than that when using the higher ratio of DOAB. The color change rate constants were estimated for several different ratios (AEPCDA:DOAB). Surfactants with different carbon numbers to DOAB were used as the assistant surfactants in this study. The results showed that the color change rate constant decreased with the increasing carbon number of the assistant surfactant. This means that the color change rate can be controlled by changing the assistant surfactant.
Influence of intra‐aortic balloon pump on mortality as a function of cardiogenic shock severity
Authors: Jentzer Jacob C. , van Diepen Sean , Henry Timothy D. , Baran David A. , Barsness Gregory W. , Holmes David R.
Published: May 2021

Background

Randomized studies of intra‐aortic balloon pump (IABP) in cardiogenic shock (CS) have only included on patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) without stratification according to shock severity. We examined the association between IABP and mortality in CS patients across the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Intervention (SCAI) shock stages.

Methods

We included cardiac intensive care unit patients admitted from 2007 to 2015 with CS from any etiology. In‐hospital mortality associated with IABP was examined in each SCAI shock stage. Multivariable logistic regression was performed using inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) to determine the association between IABP and in‐hospital mortality.

Results

We included 934 patients, with a mean age of 68 ± 14 years; 60% had ACS. The distribution of SCAI shock stages was: B, 41%; C, 13%; D, 38%; E, 8%. In‐hospital mortality was lower in the 39% of patients who received IABP (27% vs. 43%, adjusted OR with IABP after IPTW 0.53, 95% CI 0.40–0.72, p < .0001). IABP use was associated with lower crude in‐hospital mortality in each SCAI shock stage (all p < .05, except p = .08 in SCAI shock stage E). We did not observe any significant heterogeneity in the association between IABP use and in‐hospital mortality as a function of SCAI shock stage.

Conclusions

Patients with CS who were selected to receive an IABP had lower in‐hospital mortality, without differences in this effect across the SCAI shock stages. Future studies should account for the severity and etiology of shock when evaluating the efficacy of IABP for CS.
The Construction of DNA Logic Gates Restricted to Certain Live Cells Based on the Structure Programmability and Aptamer‐Cell Affinity of G‐Quadruplexes
Authors: Chen Die , Yang Shu , Han Huayi , Song Lingbo , Huang Dan , Lin Xiao , Xu Xiaoping , Yang Qianfan
Published: May 2021

DNA computation is considered a fascinating alternative to silicon‐based computers; it has evoked substantial attention and made rapid advances. Besides realizing versatile functions, implementing spatiotemporal control of logic operations, especially at the cellular level, is also of great significance to the development of DNA computation. However, developing simple and efficient methods to restrict DNA logic gates performing in live cells is still a challenge. In this work, a series of DNA logic gates was designed by taking full advantage of the diversity and programmability of the G‐quadruplex (G4) structure. More importantly, by further using the high affinity and specific endocytosis of cells to aptamer G4, an INHIBIT logic gate has been realized whose operational site is precisely restricted to specific live cells. The design strategy might have great potential in the field of molecular computation and smart bio‐applications.
Facile Approach toC‐Glucosides by Using a Protecting‐Group‐Free Hiyama Cross‐Coupling Reaction: High‐Yielding Dapagliflozin Synthesis
Authors: Vaňková Karolína , Rahm Michal , Choutka Jan , Pohl Radek , Parkan Kamil
Published: May 2021

Access to unprotected (hetero)aryl pseudo‐C‐glucosides via a mild Pd‐catalysed Hiyama cross‐coupling reaction of protecting‐group‐free 1‐diisopropylsilyl‐d‐glucal with various (hetero)aryl halides has been developed. In addition, selected unprotected pseudo‐C‐glucosides were stereoselectively converted into the corresponding α‐ and β‐C‐glucosides, as well as 2‐deoxy‐β‐C‐glucosides. This methodology was applied to the efficient and high‐yielding synthesis of dapagliflozin, a medicament used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus. Finally, the versatility of our methodology was proved by the synthesis of other analogues of dapagliflozin.
DNA‐Intercalative Platinum Anticancer Complexes Photoactivated by Visible Light
Authors: Shi Huayun , Kasparkova Jana , Soulié Clément , Clarkson Guy J. , Imberti Cinzia , Novakova Olga , Paterson Martin J. , Brabec Viktor , Sadler Peter J.
Published: May 2021

Photoactivatable agents offer the prospect of highly selective cancer therapy with low side effects and novel mechanisms of action that can combat current drug resistance. 1,8‐Naphthalimides with their extended π system can behave as light‐harvesting groups, fluorescent probes and DNA intercalators. We conjugated N‐(carboxymethyl)‐1,8‐naphthalimide (gly‐R‐Nap) with an R substituent on the naphthyl group to photoactive diazido PtIV complexes to form t,t,t‐[Pt(py)2(N3)2(OH)(gly‐R‐Nap)], R=H (1), 3‐NO2 (2) or 4‐NMe2 (3). They show enhanced photo‐oxidation, cellular accumulation and promising photo‐cytotoxicity in human A2780 ovarian, A549 lung and PC3 prostate cancer cells with visible light activation, and low dark cytotoxicity. Complexes 1 and 2 exhibit pre‐intercalation into DNA, resulting in enhanced photo‐induced DNA crosslinking. Complex 3 has a red‐shifted absorption band at 450 nm, allowing photoactivation and photo‐cytotoxicity with green light.
Enhancing the Mechanical Performance of Reduced Graphene Oxide Aerogel with Cellulose Nanofibers
Authors: Yao Chenfei , Yi Jiwang , Lai Haihong , Shi Ge , Hu Yijie , Chen Zehong , Zhai Junye , Wang Xiaohui , Zhong Linxin , Liu Chuanfu
Published: May 2021

Ultralight, highly compressible and superelastic carbon materials hold great promise in wearable and flexible electronic devices, but the fabrication remains to be a challenge because of the brittleness nature of carbon. Herein, a carbon aerogel with ultralow density yet high mechanical performance is successfully fabricated from graphene oxide (GO) liquid crystal stabilized bubbles with the enhancement of cellulose nanofiber (CNF). The incorporation of CNF into reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanosheets enhances the interaction among rGO nanosheets through welding effect, which restricts the slip of rGO nanosheets and the detachment among microspheres, leading to a significant improvement on mechanical properties. The as‐prepared carbon aerogel with tightly packaged cell‐wall architecture displays ultrahigh compressibility (up to 99% strain) and elasticity (90.1% stress retention and 99.0% height retention after 10000 cycles at 50% strain), which are superior to those of the present bubble‐templated carbon aerogels and many other carbon materials through various methods. The structural feature leads to rapid and stable current response and high sensitivity to external strain and pressure, allowing the carbon aerogel to detect very small pressure and various human motions from finger bending to pulse. These advantages make the carbon aerogel promising for flexible electronic devices.
Algorithm for reasoning with words based on linguistic fuzzy cognitive map
Authors: Han Nguyen , Cong Hao Nguyen
Published: May 2021

In this paper, we introduce a method for reasoning with words based on hedge algebra using linguistic cognitive map (). Our model consists of a set of vertices and edges whose values are linguistic variables that are constrained by a linguistic lattice. The algorithm for the system studied consists of fuzzification, reasoning, and defuzzification. Further, the total effect between any two vertices in the is computed.
Crystallization and Morphology of Pb0.92La0.08(Zr0.68Ti0.32)0.98O3 Powders Synthesized Using the Gel‐Hydrothermal Process
Authors: Zong Xingsheng , He Xiyun , Zeng Xia , Qiu Pingsun , Ling Liang , Shi Ying
Published: May 2021

Pure perovskite Pb0.92La0.08(Zr0.68Ti0.32)0.98O3 (PLZT (8/68/32)) crystal powders with good dispersibility are prepared by using gel‐hydrothermal method. The effects of mineralizer concentration, hydrothermal treatment time, and excess lead content on powder crystallization and morphology are examined and analyzed. The suitable mineralizer concentration and hydrothermal treatment time are found to be helpful to promote the PLZT crystal powders growth and improve the particle surface morphology. Noticeably, the introduction of excessive Pb can well compensate for the lack of A‐site ions in the solution, thereby promoting the formation of rhombohedral PLZT crystal powders. The following optimized hydrothermal conditions are established: the temperature ≈230 °C, the mineralizer concentration ≈2 m, the hydrothermal treatment time ≈24 h, and the amount of excess Pb ≈ 80%. The obtained PLZT crystal powders with clean and complete cube morphology, uniform particle size, and excellent dispersibility would be used as the crystal seeds applying in the seed‐induced growth of PLZT ceramics.
Retracted: Deep neural network‐based detection of pilgrims location in Holy Makkah
Authors: Taha Mohammed Abdulghani , Direkoglu Melike Sah , Direkoglu Cem
Published: May 2021

Taha MA, Direkoglu MS, Direkoglu C. Deep neural network‐based detection of pilgrims location in Holy Makkah, International Journal of Communication Systems 2021, (https://doi.org/10.1002/dac.4792). The above article published online on 27 May 2021 in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com), has been retracted by agreement between the Editor and John Wiley and Sons Ltd. Following publication, it has come to our attention that the people named as the Guest Editors of the Special Issue were being impersonated by a fraudulent entity and the articles were not reviewed in line with the journal's peer review standards. The Editor has determined that the articles do not meet the required scholarly standards of the journal, and therefore has taken the decision to retract the article. We did not find any evidence of misconduct by the authors. The authors have been informed of the decision to retract.
CircMYBL2 regulates the resistance of cervical cancer cells to paclitaxel via miR‐665‐dependent regulation of EGFR
Authors: Dong Mingqiang , Li Peng , Xie Yuquan , Wang Zhihua , Wang Rui
Published: May 2021

Circular RNAs are considered to be associated with cancer resistance. This study aims to investigate the function and mechanism of circMYBL2 in paclitaxel (PTX) resistance of cervical cancer (CC). The expression of circMYBL2, miR‐665 and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) was investigated using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction assay. Cell viability, cell colony number, cell proliferation, apoptosis and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were detected by 3‐(4, 5‐Dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2, 5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide, colony formation, 5‐ethynyl‐2′‐deoxyuridine incorporation, flow cytometry and LDH release assays, respectively. The interaction between miR‐665 and circMYBL2 or EGFR was confirmed by dual‐luciferase reporter assay. The protein expression levels were quantified by western blot or immunohistochemistry assay. Mice xenograft models were constructed to investigate the effect of circMYBL2 on CC tumor growth. CircMYBL2 was upregulated in CC tissues and cells, especially in PTX‐resistant CC tissues and cells, and it was a stable circRNA mainly distributed in the cytoplasm. CircMYBL2 could enhance the PTX resistance of CC cells in vitro and promote CC tumor growth in vivo. Mechanistically, circMYBL2 could inhibit the PTX sensitivity and promote cell malignant behaviors in PTX‐sensitive and PTX‐resistant CC cells via upregulating EGFR mediated by miR‐665. CircMYBL2 played a positive role in the PTX resistance and malignant activities of PTX‐sensitive and PTX‐resistant CC cells by regulating the miR‐665/EGFR network, providing a novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of CC patients resistant to PTX.
CG11426 gene product negatively regulates glial population size in the Drosophila eye imaginal disc
Authors: Rhee Jong‐Eun , Choi Jin‐Hyeon , Park Jae H. , Lee Gyunghee , Pak Banya , Kwon Seung‐Hae , Jeon Sang‐Hak
Published: May 2021

Glial cells play essential roles in the nervous system. Although glial populations are tightly regulated, the mechanisms regulating the population size remain poorly understood. Since Drosophila glial cells are similar to the human counterparts in their functions and shapes, rendering them an excellent model system to understand the human glia biology. Lipid phosphate phosphatases (LPPs) are important for regulating bioactive lipids. In Drosophila, there are three known LPP‐encoding genes: wunen, wunen‐2, and lazaro. The wunens are important for germ cell migration and survival and septate junction formation during tracheal development. Lazaro is involved in phototransduction. In the present study, we characterized a novel Drosophila LPP‐encoding gene, CG11426. Suppression of CG11426 increased glial cell number in the eye imaginal disc during larval development, while ectopic CG11426 expression decreased it. Both types of mutation also caused defects in axon projection to the optic lobe in larval eye–brain complexes. Moreover, CG11426 promoted apoptosis via inhibiting ERK signaling in the eye imaginal disc. Taken together, these findings demonstrated that CG11426 gene product negatively regulates ERK signaling to promote apoptosis for proper maintenance of the glial population in the developing eye disc.
Selective Nitration of Open‐Cage [60]Fullerene Derivatives by Ponzio Reaction
Authors: Zhang Hao , Gao Rui , Liu Zhen , Wang Xiaoge , Su Jie , Gan Liangbing
Published: May 2021

The carbonyl group on the rim of open‐cage C60 derivative was converted into an oxime group when treated with hydroxylamine. Nitrogen tetroxide could convert the oxime group into gem‐dinitro groups, similar to the Ponzio reaction of classical organic compounds. Single crystal X‐ray diffraction data shows that one of the nitro group is directly above the orifice acting as an effective stopper. Presence of the gem‐dinitro groups also showed significant effect on the reactivity of other functional groups on the rim of the orifice.
International connectivity and the location of multinational enterprises'knowledge‐intensiveactivities: Evidence fromUSmetropolitan areas
Authors: Castellani Davide , Lavoratori Katiuscia , Perri Alessandra , Scalera Vittoria G.
Published: May 2021

Research summary

International connectivity is a multidimensional construct that plays a pivotal role in attracting the activities of multinational enterprises (MNEs) by facilitating intra‐firm coordination and access to external resources. We conceptualize how the different dimensions of international connectivity determine the location of MNEs' knowledge‐intensive activities, with a focus on Research and Development (R&D) laboratories and Headquarter units (HQ). By analyzing 3,101 greenfield investments of MNEs in US Metropolitan Statistical Areas, we show that R&D activities are attracted toward areas connected to the rest of the world by international networks of inventors. Moreover, we find that infrastructures which ensure the mobility of people across borders, and greater connectivity through advanced producer services are key location factors for HQ activities.

Managerial summary

The choice of where multinational enterprises (MNEs) locate their knowledge‐intensive activities is a crucial decision for managers, with important implications for policymakers. It has become increasingly clear that MNEs value the extent to which individual locations are connected globally. We study this international connectivity and highlight that it is a multidimensional construct spanning knowledge, infrastructure, and producer service networks. This study shows that not every dimension of international connectivity is equally important for MNEs in locating different knowledge‐intensive activities. Research and Development laboratories are attracted toward areas connected worldwide by international networks of inventors. Moreover, headquarter units are more likely to be established in locations featuring greater connectivity through the mobility of people and advanced producer services.
The complementarity of drug monitoring programs and health IT for reducing opioid‐related mortality and morbidity
Authors: Wang Lucy Xiaolu
Published: May 2021

In response to the opioid crisis, each US state has implemented a prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP) to collect data on controlled substances prescribed and dispensed in the state. I study whether health information technology (HIT) complements patient prescription data in PDMPs to reduce opioid‐related mortality and morbidity. A novel dataset is constructed that records state policies that integrate PDMP with HIT and facilitate interstate data sharing. Using difference‐in‐differences models, I find that PDMP‐HIT integration policies reduce opioid‐related inpatient morbidity. The reductions are substantial in states that established integration without ever mandating the use of a PDMP. A mechanism test suggests that PDMP integration works mainly through the hospital system while a mandate affects legal opioids prescription. The impacts from integration are strongest for the vulnerable groups—middle‐aged, low‐to middle‐income patients, and those with public insurance. There is suggestive evidence that interstate data sharing further complements integration despite not having a significant impact independently. The results are robust to a set of tests using alternative specifications and measures. The total benefits from integration far exceed the associated costs.