bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Haematological and Hepatorenal Alterations Induced by Potash (Akanwu) on Male Wistar Rats
Authors: Chinko Bruno Chukwuemeka , Pughikumo Dibo Tabot
Published: January 2023

Introduction: Potash refers to the various naturally occurring water-soluble compounds of potassium used as a traditional food additive in Nigeria. Several health warnings have highlighted the deleterious effect of their consumption.

Aim: The present study is aimed at evaluating the effects of graded doses of potash consumption on haematological and hepatorenal indices using Wistar rat models.

Materials and Methods: Potash was locally sourced and the elemental composition was determined by X-Ray diffraction (XRD). Twenty (20) male Wistar rats (170 – 200g) were used for the study and were divided into four (4) groups of five (5) animals each. Group 1 served as the control while Groups 2 – 4 served as the experimental group and received an aqueous mixture of potash via oral gavage at 200, 400 and 800mg/kg respectively for thirty (30) days.

Results: XRD elemental analysis of potash revealed the presence of potassium (27.44%), phosphorus (14.27%), antimony (5.18%), barium (4.27%), fluorine (2.78%), cadmium (2.06%), yttrium (1.63%), tellurium (1.32%), caesium (1.12%), niobium (1.04%), sodium (0.42%) and germanium (0.06%). Results from haematological and hepatorenal parameters show a significant reduction in mean values of red blood cell count,  haemoglobin concentration and packed cell volume among the experimental groups compared to control (p<0.05) and significantly increased mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular haemoglobin, white blood cell count, lymphocytes, neutrophils, MID cell percentage, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, urea, creatine, sodium, potassium and chloride ions among the experimental group compared to the control (P<0.05).

Conclusion: The data presented has shown that the chronic consumption of potash at 800mg/kg can negatively alter the haematological and hepatorenal profiles of Wistar rats. Therefore, this study considers potash, a possible toxicant to the blood, liver and kidney.
Ultrasound-Guided Transmuscular and Thoracic Paravertebral Block Effective for Acute Postoperative Pain Management in Open Renal Surgeries
Authors: Elsayed Aboharga Fatma , Elsayed Elashry Hesham , Sobhy Salama Reda , Elsayed Elzeftawy Ashraf , Mohammed Amr Yasser
Published: January 2023

Background: Systemic analgesics should be used carefully when treating patients following renal surgery since these patients often have compromised renal function. Therefore, in such individuals, the localized nerve block may be a useful choice. This study's objective was to assess the effectiveness of transmuscular and anterior subcostal QLBs as a secure substitute for thoracic paravertebral blocks guided by ultrasonography for treating immediate postoperative pain in patients having open kidney operations.

Methods: This prospective randomized double blinded study was carried out on 54 adult patients who underwent elective open renal surgeries.

Patients were randomly classified into three equal groups, all were guided by ultrasonography: Group I: Transmuscular QLB, group II: Anterior Subcostal Quadratus Lumborum (ASQL) Block, and group III: Thoracic Paravertebral (TPV) Block.

Results: Regarding the beginning of sensory block, overall intraoperative fentanyl usage, period to first rescue analgesic demand, and overall morphine consumption, there was a substantially significant difference between the three groups (P-value <0.001). VAS revealed a substantial difference between the three groups (P<0.001) at T0 before discharging from PACU, 2, 4 and 6 hours. There was statistically significant increase in patients’ satisfaction in group II&III compared to group I where (P =0.03).

Conclusions: Ultrasound-guided anterior subcostal QLB produced safe and adequate analgesia during and after open renal surgeries that was comparable to thoracic paravertebral block, but the transmuscular QLB failed to provide adequate analgesia compared to anterior subcostal QLB and thoracic paravertebral block.
Higienização simples das mãos realizada por profissionais durante as sessões de hemodiálise / Simple hand hygiene performed by health professionals during hemodialysis sessions
Authors: Rodrigues Sarah Miranda , Maria da Costa Barbosa Sónia
Published: January 2023

Objetivos: analisar as práticas de prevenção e controle realizadas pelos profissionais de saúde nas sessões de hemodiálise e identificar os procedimentos que estão sendo realizados na técnica de higienização das mãos; verificar a adesão da equipe de enfermagem do serviço de diálise na desinfecção do dispositivo valvulado (TEGO). Método: pesquisa de revisão de literatura realizada por meio dos principais bancos de dados online de pesquisas indexadas. A pesquisa foi realizada para abordar a importância da higienização simples das mãos nas atividades do Programa Saúde na Escola. Resultados: a prevenção de eventos adversos na população de pacientes internados em diálise representa desafios significativos. A bacteremia associada a linhas ou enxertos são infecções comuns associadas à saúde que levam a resultados adversos para os pacientes. Conclusão: os profissionais reconhecem a importância das medidas de prevenção de infecção para melhoria da qualidade da assistência.
Análise de insumos utilizados pela equipe de enfermagem no Serviço de Urgência e Emergência / Analysis of inputs used by the nursing team in the urgency and emergency service
Authors: Rodrigues Sarah Miranda
Published: January 2023

Introdução: o clima brasileiro apresenta características que favorecem o desenvolvimento de doenças como a dengue, sendo um dos maiores problemas de saúde pública brasileira, em que o controle e prevenção estão diretamente ligados a conscientização da população referente ao descarte de insumos. Método: análise dos insumos mais utilizados pela equipe de enfermagem no processo de preparo e administração de fluidos por via venosa periférica no Serviço de Urgência e Emergência. Resultados: observou-se que a equipe de enfermagem adere mais ao cateter intravenoso semi-flexivel numero 22 (46%) seguido do cateter intravenoso numero 20 (36%). Dos cateteres intravenosos agulhados scalp mais utilizados foram numero 21 (38%) seguido do numero 23 (57%). Conclusão: avaliação possibilitou a visualização de pontos de melhoria no processo de preparo e administração de soluções por via venosa no Serviço de Urgência e Emergência, contribuindo para o fortalecimento da educação permanente em saúde.
Sulfide‐Bridged Covalent Quinoxaline Frameworks for Lithium–Organosulfide Batteries
Authors: Haldar Sattwick , Bhauriyal Preeti , Ramuglia Anthony R. , Khan Arafat H. , De Kock Sunel , Hazra Arpan , Bon Volodymyr , Pastoetter Dominik L. , Kirchhoff Sebastian , Shupletsov Leonid , De Ankita , Isaacs Mark A. , Feng Xinliang , Walter Michael , Brunner Eike , Weidinger Inez M. , Heine Thomas , Schneemann Andreas , Kaskel Stefan
Published: January 2023

The chelating ability of quinoxaline cores and the redox activity of organosulfide bridges in layered covalent organic frameworks (COFs) offer dual active sites for reversible lithium (Li)‐storage. The designed COFs combining these properties feature disulfide and polysulfide‐bridged networks showcasing an intriguing Li‐storage mechanism, which can be considered as a lithium–organosulfide (Li–OrS) battery. The experimental–computational elucidation of three quinoxaline COFs containing systematically enhanced sulfur atoms in sulfide bridging demonstrates fast kinetics during Li interactions with the quinoxaline core. Meanwhile, bilateral covalent bonding of sulfide bridges to the quinoxaline core enables a redox‐mediated reversible cleavage of the sulfursulfur bond and the formation of covalently anchored lithium–sulfide chains or clusters during Li‐interactions, accompanied by a marked reduction of Li–polysulfide (Li–PS) dissolution into the electrolyte, a frequent drawback of lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries. The electrochemical behavior of model compounds mimicking the sulfide linkages of the COFs and operando Raman studies on the framework structure unravels the reversibility of the profound Li‐ion–organosulfide interactions. Thus, integrating redox‐active organic‐framework materials with covalently anchored sulfides enables a stable Li–OrS battery mechanism which shows benefits over a typical Li–S battery.
Development of a Highly Sensitive and Stable Flexible Temperature Sensor Based on All‐Inorganic Mn–Co–Ni–O Thin Films
Authors: Song Yuxian , Wang Shuo , Gao Bo , Chang Aimin , Kong Wenwen
Published: January 2023

Despite the fact that flexible temperature sensors, which can be mechanically deformed, are used for the fabrication of next‐generation smart electronics over the past few years, the improvement in their sensitivity and stability remains a major challenge. Along these lines, in this work, an all‐inorganic flexible temperature sensor consisting of MnCoNiO (MCNO) spinel structural ceramics film and a flexible 40 µm‐thick mica substrate is fabricated. By precisely controlling the production process, the pure spinel phase MCNO/mica films with low defect density can be obtained. In addition, the activation energy of the proposed flexible ceramic temperature sensor film remains stable in the natural bending state and at radii of curvature of 10, 15, and 20 mm, respectively, accordingly, B25/50 is relatively stable around the range of 3450–3550 K. Meanwhile, its sensitivity temperature coefficient of resistance value reaches −3.9% °C−1. More specifically, ΔB25/50 is less than 1.83%, 1.57%, and 1.32% after thermal shock, application of the bending cycle, and vibration, respectively. The superior performance of this all‐inorganic ceramic film is due to the excellent bonding between the film and the substrate. This work provides an alternative approach to exploit the development of the next‐generation high‐sensitivity flexible electronic devices.
Highly Conductive Omnidirectionally Stretchable 2D Transparent Copper Mesh Electrodes and Applications in Optoelectronic Devices
Authors: Chen Xiaolian , Chen Jiayun , Huang Lipeng , Nie Shuhong , Xu Wenya , Yin Yafei , Zhang Shuo , Pei Fangfang , Yu Kaige , Su Wenming , Wang Yuheng , Yuan Wei , Li Yuhang , Cui Zheng
Published: January 2023

2D stretchable transparent electrodes (STE) are required to conform to non‐flat complex 3D surfaces for next‐generation stretchable optoelectronic devices. However, it is a great challenge to simultaneously maintain omnidirectional stretchability, high transmittance, and the least change in conductivity at large strain. In this work, omnidirectionally stretchable 2D transparent electrode is achieved by hybrid printed copper mesh embedded in an elastic material. The electrode displays exceedingly low sheet resistance down to 0.12 Ω sq−1 while still maintaining 80% of optical transparency. Two types of mesh geometries, the horseshoe‐like and sinusoid‐like shapes, are thoroughly investigated by simulations and experiments. By optimizing the key geometrical parameters of mesh structure, the copper mesh can endure stretching up to 130% with no fractures and no resistivity change. After 1000 stretch‐and‐release cycles at 10% strain, the copper mesh remains intact with negligible resistance variation. For 2D stretchability, the copper mesh is stretched in eight directions simultaneously and can maintain its initial conductivity up to 50% tensile deformation. As a demonstration of application, the copper mesh STE is employed in a stretchable electroluminescent device that maintained uniform lighting up to 120% stretching and 100 stretch‐release cycles at 30% strain, showing its potential in stretchable and wearable optoelectronic applications.
Engineering Pt Coordination Environment with Atomically Dispersed Transition Metal Sites Toward Superior Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Jin Haiyan , Ha Miran , Kim Min Gyu , Lee Jong Hoon , Kim Kwang S.
Published: January 2023

Metal single‐atom (SA) catalysts have attracted immense attention due to the high catalytic efficiency given by the desired coordination environment of each metal atom. Yet, engineering the local electronic structure of SAs and multi‐atoms (MAs) still remains a challenge. Herein, an atomically dispersed catalyst comprised of Pt SAs, Pt‐Pt/V dual‐atoms, and small clusters supported on a vanadium and nitrogen co‐doped carbon (VNC) (denoted as Pt@VNC) surface is synthesized. In the Pt@VNC, both V and Pt atoms are evenly distributed on the surface of N‐doped carbon, while a few Pt atoms are linked to other Pt atoms via V, forming Pt clusters. The coordination structures of Pt atoms are modulated upon introducing atomically dispersed V sites (which generate small‐sized Pt clusters) and V2O5 clusters, showing extraordinary activity for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Benefiting from the low charge transfer resistance, i.e., fast reaction kinetics, due to the synergistic effect of SAs and clusters, the Pt@VNC demonstrates superior catalytic efficiency and robust durability for the HER. It requires an overpotential of only 5 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm−2 and shows 15 times larger mass activity than the commercial 20 wt.% Pt/C catalyst. This novel catalyst‐design strategy paves a new way for maximizing catalytic efficiency by optimizing the coordination structure of metal atoms.
Neanderthal teeth from Lezetxiki (Arrasate, Iberian Peninsula): New insights and reassessment
Authors: López‐Onaindia Diego , Lozano Marina , Gómez‐Robles Aida , Arrizabalaga Alvaro , Subirà M. Eulàlia
Published: January 2023

Objectives

We reassess the taxonomic assignment and stratigraphic context of a permanent upper first molar and a permanent lower third premolar recovered from the archeological site of Lezetxiki in the North of the Iberian Peninsula.

Materials and Methods

We assessed the external and internal morphology of the teeth using qualitative descriptions, crown diameters, dental tissue proportions, and geometric morphometrics. The teeth from Lezetxiki were compared with Middle Pleistocene specimens, Neanderthals, Upper Paleolithic modern humans, and recent modern humans.

Results

Both teeth were consistent with a Neanderthal classification. The upper first molar shows taurodontism, and its cusp proportions and overall morphology match those of Neanderthals. Geometric morphometric analyses of occlusal anatomy classify this molar as a Neanderthal with a posterior probability of 76%. The lower third premolar, which was originally classified as a lower fourth premolar, also shows a Neanderthal morphology. This premolar is classified as a Neanderthal with a posterior probability of 60%.

Discussion

These teeth represent the only adult Neanderthal teeth from the Western Pyrenees region found to date. The teeth were found at a stratigraphic level (designated Level III) that marks the transition level from Mousterian to Aurignacian, and are among the most recent Neanderthal remains from the north of the Iberian Peninsula.
Characterizing the changes to the material properties of a bottle‐grade poly(ethylene terephthalate) subject to repeated melt extrusion
Authors: Hatt Jonathan , Englund Karl , Li Hui
Published: January 2023

According to 2018 data from the National Association of PET Container Resources, it is estimated that the recycling rate of the poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) bottle in the US is 29%. Trailing this figure is the amount of recycled PET bottles that are utilized for future applications, which is estimated at 20%. Over the previous decade, both values have remained relatively unchanged due to the dynamics of various factors. Ironically, one contributing factor is the mechanical recycling process itself, particularly if the material has been previously exposed. Repeated exposure to mechanical recycling can degrade the properties of the PET, limiting future utilization and in severe cases, destining the material for the landfill. Given the importance of the material properties to the proper functioning of the PET in a bottle application, it is imperative to understand how the properties of the material change when subject to repeated mechanical recycling. The aim for this research was to investigate how the properties of a virgin, bottle grade PET change when subject to a repeated step of the mechanical recycling process, melt extrusion. After each successive extrusion, changes in the thermal, rheological and mechanical properties were measured and compared to the virgin values.
An application of pulsar timing in dynamic reference frame transformation of solar system
Authors: Zhu Xing‐zhi , Tong Ming‐lei , Zhao Cheng‐shi , Yang Ting‐gao , Gao Yu‐ping
Published: January 2023

The establishment of pulsar space–time reference frame is of great significance for X‐ray pulsar deep space navigation. To demonstrate that the pulsar parameters are accurate enough to be used as a spatial reference, the transformation parameters, that is, α, β, and γ, of different reference frames determined based on pulsar timing are shown and compared with that of the heliocentric coordinates of Earth‐Moon barycenter. The JPL ephemerides such as DE421, DE200 and INPOP series, are mainly selected for conversion parameter calculation. For the best‐determined parameter γ, the discrepancy between the two different data is 0.38 mas/1.33σ. The timing positions of pulsars clearly show the frame‐tie of different ephemerides, indicating that MSPs have the potential to be a candidate for constructing time–space standard. It is also found that the rotation angles change linearly with time, and PSR J0437 − 4715 plays a critical role in the fitting of α. By employing a few high‐quality MSPs, the transformation precision of the right ascension is evaluated to be on the order of sub‐milliarcsecond, which is an order of magnitude higher than that of the declination.
Diagnostic and cost‐effectiveness of axial skeleton MRI in staging high‐risk prostate cancer
Authors: El‐Taji Omar , Evans Hannah , Arora Vandan , Amin Suzanne , Kumar Manal , Rajan Thiagarajan Nambi
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Current literature suggests that axial skeleton magnetic resonance imaging (AS‐MRI) is more sensitive than Tc 99m bone scintigraphy (BS) for detecting bone metastases (BM) in high‐risk prostate cancer (PCa). However, BS is still widely performed. Its diagnostic accuracy has been studied; however, its feasibility and cost implications are yet to be examined.

Methods

We reviewed all patients with high risk PCa undergoing AS‐MRI over a 5‐year period. AS‐MRI was performed on patients with histologically confirmed PCa and either PSA > 20 ng/ml, Gleason ≥8, or TNM Stage ≥T3 or N1 disease. All AS‐MRI studies were obtained using a 1.5‐T AchievaPhilips™MRI scanner. We compared the AS‐MRI positivity and equivocal rate with that of BS. Data were analysed according to Gleason score, T‐stage and PSA. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to quantify the strength of association between positive scans and clinical variables. Feasibility and burden of expenditure was also evaluated.

Results

Five hundred three patients with a median age of 72 and a mean PSA of 34.8 ng/ml were analysed. Eighty‐eight patients (17.5%) were positive for BM on AS‐MRI (mean PSA 99 [95% CI 69.1–129.9]). Comparatively 409 patients (81.3%) were negative for BM on AS‐MRI (mean PSA 24.7 (95% CI [21.7–27.7]) (p = 0.007); 1.2% (n = 6) of patients had equivocal results (mean PSA 33.4 [95% CI 10.5–56.3]). There was no significant difference in age (p = 0.122) between this group and patients with a positive scan, but there was a significant difference in PSA (p = 0.028), T stage (p = 0.006) and Gleason score (p = 0.023). In comparison with BS, AS‐MRI detection rate was equivalent or higher compared with the literature. Based on NHS tariff calculations, there would be a minimum cost saving of £8406.89. All patients underwent AS‐MRI within 14 days.

Conclusion

The use of AS‐MRI to stage BM in high‐risk PCa is both feasible and results in a reduced burden of expenditure.
Oxygen reduction performance measurements: Discrepancies against benchmarks
Authors: Zaman Shahid , Douka Abdoulkader I. , Noureen Laila , Tian Xinlong , Ajmal Zeeshan , Wang Haijiang
Published: January 2023

Oxygen electrocatalysis is crucial for renewable energy conversion and storage technologies. Specifically for proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is the primary reaction that determines performance and costs. The ORR activity and durability are commonly assessed using a rotating disk electrode (RDE). However,  there are numerous inconsistencies in the RDE measurements among researchers when comparing newly developed ORR catalysts to state‐of‐the‐art ones. These inconsistencies in activity and durability evaluation and deviations from standard protocols result in irreproducible screening and benchmarking of electrocatalysts. Despite the fact that the US Department of Energy has established and regularly revises the standard protocols, many reported studies do not adhere to these guidelines. This perspective aims to draw attention to the discrepancies in ORR activity and stability measurements at RDE as primary screening and emphasizes implementing the mandatory standard for a meaningful comparison of ORR activity and durability. We intend to emphasize the use of available ORR test standards ubiquitously for more accurate comparisons and accelerate the development of fuel cell catalysts.
Corporate environmental ethics and employee's green creativity? The perspective of environmental commitment
Authors: Song Wenhao , Ma Yingying , Fan Xiucheng , Peng Xuerong
Published: January 2023

Many companies have become aware of the importance of green creativity for sustainable development in the face of an increasingly critical global environmental situation. As employee's green creativity serves as an important foundation for corporate green creativity, we divide green creativity at the employee level into green incremental and radical creativity and construct a theoretical framework to assess the effects of corporate environmental ethics on these two types of green creativity. We distribute 195 valid leader–employee matching questionnaires to a variety of companies in China. We find that corporate environmental ethics has a positive effect on both incremental and radical green creativity. Furthermore, we discover that employee environmental commitment partially mediates the association between corporate environmental ethics and the two types of green creativity identified above. Sustainable human resources management (HRM) plays a moderating role between corporate environmental ethics and environmental commitment and moderates the indirect effects of corporate environmental ethics on the two types of green creativity through the promotion of environmental commitment. These findings suggest that companies should improve their corporate environmental ethics and sustainable HRM to encourage employees to enhance their own environmental commitment and, in turn, increase their green incremental and radical creativity levels. Our study has significant implications for enhancing business innovation and achieving sustainable development. Finally, we also address the theoretical and practical implications of our findings.
The Capture and Catalytic Conversion of CO2 by Dendritic Mesoporous Silica‐Based Nanoparticles
Authors: Wang Yabin , Huang Liangzhu , Li Songwei , Liu Chuntai , He Hua
Published: January 2023

Dendritic mesoporous silica nanoparticles own three‐dimensional center‐radial channels and hierarchical pores, which endows themselves with super‐high specific surface area, extremely large pore volumes, especially accessible internal spaces, and so forth. Dissimilar guest species (such as organic groups or metal nanoparticles) could be readily decorated onto the interfaces of the channels and pores, realizing the functionalization of dendritic mesoporous silica nanoparticles for targeted applications. As adsorbents and catalysts, dendritic mesoporous silica nanoparticles‐based materials have experienced nonignorable development in CO2 capture and catalytic conversion. This comprehensive review provides a critical survey on this pregnant subject, summarizing the designed construction of novel dendritic mesoporous silica nanoparticles‐based materials, the involved chemical reactions (such as CO2 methanation, dry reforming of CH4), the value‐added chemicals from CO2 (such as cyclic carbonates, 2‐oxazolidinones, quinazoline‐2,4(1H,3H)‐diones), and so on. The adsorptive and catalytic performances have been compared with traditional silica mesoporous materials (such as SBA‐15 or MCM‐41), and the corresponding reaction mechanisms have been thoroughly revealed. It is sincerely expected that the in‐depth discussion could give materials scientists certain inspiration to design brand‐new dendritic mesoporous silica nanoparticles‐based materials with superior capabilities towards CO2 capture, utilization, and storage.
Polymeric concentrated electrolyte enables simultaneous stabilization of electrode/electrolyte interphases for quasi‐solid‐state lithium metal batteries
Authors: Yang Guanming , Hou Wangshu , Zhai Yanfang , Chen Zongyuan , Liu Chengyong , Ouyang Chuying , Liang Xiao , Paoprasert Peerasak , Hu Ning , Song Shufeng
Published: January 2023

To achieve next‐generation lithium metal batteries (LMBs) with desirable specific energy and reliability, the electrolyte shown simultaneously high reductive stability toward lithium metal anode and oxidative stability toward high‐voltage cathode is of great importance. Here, we report for the first time that high‐concentration lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (LiFSI) initiates ring‐opening polymerization of 1,3‐dioxolane in presence of ethylene carbonate and ethylmethyl carbonate to produce in‐situ a novel polymeric concentrated quasi‐solid electrolyte (poly‐CQSE). The unique poly‐CQSE with 10 M LiFSI forms a mixed‐lithiophobic‐conductive LiF‐Li3N solid electrolyte interphase on lithium metal anode, and a F‐rich conformal cathode electrolyte interphase on LiNi0.5Co0.2Mn0.3O2 (NCM523) cathode simultaneously. As a result, the poly‐CQSE not only enables stable Li plating/stripping of metallic Li anode at a sound Coulombic efficiency of 95.3% without dendrite growth, but also enables a stable cycling of the Li||NCM523 quasi‐solid‐state LMB at a capacity retention of 94% over 100 cycles.

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Quantifying the Root-to-Shoot Transfer of 4,4ʹ-Methylenedianiline Using Pressure Chamber and Intact Plant Methods
Authors: Wight Jeffrey , Doucette William
Published: January 2023

The high-production-volume chemical 4,4ʹ-methylenedianiline (4,4ʹ-MDA) is an aromatic amine used to manufacture 4,4ʹ-methylenedianiline diisocyanate for polyurethane production. Based on 4,4ʹ-MDA's octanol/water partition coefficient (KOW) and correlations with the transpiration stream concentration factor (TSCF), significant plant uptake and root-to-shoot transfer are predicted. However, most correlations between KOW and TSCF were developed for neutral organics and may not be applicable for ionizable bases such as 4,4ʹ-MDA. To investigate, TSCF values for 4,4ʹ-MDA were measured using pressure chamber and intact plant approaches for tomato, soybean, and wheat (intact plants only). 14C-labeled 4,4'-MDA was used to increase analytical sensitivity and facilitate measurement of distribution within plant tissues. The TSCF of 14C-MDA determined using the pressure chamber method was 0.04 ± 0.00 for tomato and 0.17 ± 0.10 for soybean. These values were lower than predicted from log KOW and within the range of values for 14C-pyrene also measured in our study (0.14 ± 0.00 for tomato and 0.16 ± 0.09 for soybean). The TSCF values calculated from measurements made from intact plants grown to maturity were statistically equivalent to those obtained from the pressure chamber method for soybean and tomato. The distributions of 14C within the three plants species were similar, with the roots > leaves ≈ stems > fruit. The log root concentration factors for 4,4ʹ-MDA ranged from 3.68 to 4.33 for the three plant species. This finding indicates that the aromatic amine sorption to root materials is much greater than would be predicted based on its log KOW and may be the reason for the limited root-to-shoot transfer observed in the pressure chamber and intact plant studies. Environ Toxicol Chem 2023;42:655–662. © 2023 SETAC
Evaluating the Functional Equivalency of Test Organism Performance in Negative and Solvent Controls During Chronic Sediment Ecotoxicity Studies Based on US Environmental Protection Agency Guidance
Authors: Valenti Theodore , Kabler Kent , Dreier David , Henry Kevin , Jones Alan , McCoole Matt , Cafarella Mark , Collins Jennifer , Bradley Michael , Samel Alan , Basu Manoit
Published: January 2023

The US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) considers sediment toxicity tests as conditional registration requirements for pesticides with soil Kd ≥50 L/kg-solid, Koc ≥1000 L/kg-organic carbon, or log Kow ≥3. The hydrophobicity of these compounds often necessitates use of solvents to ensure accurate and homogeneous dosing of spiked-sediment studies. For sediment tests, a volatile solvent (e.g., acetone) is generally used as a transient carrier. Due to low water solubility, test material is dissolved in a volatile solvent to create stock solutions. A measured aliquot of stock solution is then mixed with sand substrate, after which the solvent is evaporated. This spiking process results in negligible solvent exposure to organisms. In 2016, USEPA released final ecotoxicity test guidelines for subchronic freshwater (850.1735) and marine (850.1740) sediment test. These methods provide an option for conducting experiments with only a solvent control and no negative control. To adopt this testing strategy, functional equivalency between the negative and solvent control must be demonstrated. These test guidelines describe specific factors that should be considered for evaluating functional equivalency, including (a) the concentration of solvent in the test sediment after evaporation, (b) the levels of solvent that are known to affect organism health, (c) the known impurities in the solvent and their potential impact on organism health, and (d) the historical organism performance of solvent versus negative controls. Our analysis considers these factors and overall supports the elimination of the negative control requirement because this change is unlikely to impact the robustness or interpretability of spiked-sediment toxicity tests. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:1740–1746. © 2023 CropLife America. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
The bumpy road of trauma‐focused treatment: Posttraumatic stress disorder symptom exacerbation in people with psychosis
Authors: Burger Simone R. , Hardy Amy , van der Linden Tineke , van Zelst Catherine , de Bont Paul A. J. , van der Vleugel Berber , Staring Anton B. P. , de Roos Carlijn , de Jongh Ad , Marcelis Machteld , van Minnen Agnes , van der Gaag Mark , van den Berg David P. G.
Published: January 2023

Concern for symptom exacerbation and treatment drop‐out is an important barrier to the implementation of trauma‐focused therapy (TFT), especially in people with a psychotic disorder. This study, which was part of a multicenter randomized controlled trial, investigated posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptom exacerbation during eye movement desensitization reprocessing (EMDR) therapy and prolonged exposure (PE) in a sample of 99 participants with PTSD and psychosis. Symptom exacerbations during the first four sessions (early exacerbation) and between‐session exacerbations over the course of therapy were monitored using the PTSD Symptom Scale–Self Report. Analyses of covariance and chi‐square tests were conducted to investigate exacerbation rates and their associations with treatment response and drop‐out. Both early exacerbation and between‐session exacerbation were relatively common (32.3% and 46.5%, respectively) but were unrelated to poor treatment response or an increased likelihood of treatment drop‐out. Both clinicians and patients need to be aware that symptom exacerbation during TFT is common and not related to poor outcomes. Symptom exacerbation can be part of the therapeutic process, should be acknowledged and guided, and should not be a barrier to the implementation of TFT in people with psychosis.
CRISPR‐Cas13d effectively targets SARS‐CoV‐2 variants, including Delta and Omicron, and inhibits viral infection
Authors: Liu Zongzhi , Gao Xiang , Kan Chuanwen , Li Lingyu , Zhang Yuan , Gao Yibo , Zhang Shengyuan , Zhou Liangji , Zhao Hui , Li Mingkun , Zhang Zheng , Sun Yingli
Published: January 2023

The recent pandemic of variants of concern (VOC) of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) highlights the need for innovative anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 approaches in addition to vaccines and antiviral therapeutics. Here, we demonstrate that a CRISPR‐Cas13‐based strategy against SARS‐CoV‐2 can effectively degrade viral RNA. First, we conducted a cytological infection experiment, screened CRISPR‐associated RNAs (crRNAs) targeting conserved regions of viruses, and used an in vitro system to validate functional crRNAs. Reprogrammed Cas13d effectors targeting NSP13, NSP14, and nucleocapsid transcripts achieved >99% silencing efficiency in human cells which are infected with coronavirus 2, including the emerging variants in the last 2 years, B.1, B.1.1.7 (Alpha), D614G B.1.351 (Beta), and B.1.617 (Delta). Furthermore, we conducted bioinformatics data analysis. We collected the sequence information of COVID‐19 and its variants from China, and phylogenetic analysis revealed that these crRNA oligos could target almost 100% of the SARS‐CoV family, including the emerging new variant, Omicron. The reprogrammed Cas13d exhibited high specificity, efficiency, and rapid deployment properties; therefore, it is promising for antiviral drug development. This system could possibly be used to protect against unexpected SARS‐CoV‐2 variants carrying multiple mutations.
Bank credit and corporate innovation investment: The role of government risk sharing
Authors: Lin Zhi , Lu Xiaoyong
Published: January 2023

This paper builds a difference‐in‐difference model (DID) to study the impact of government risk sharing policies on corporate innovation investment. High‐tech firms are used as the experimental group to test the effect of policy shocks. It is shown that government risk sharing may ease financing constrains, which will increase corporate innovation investment. The results suggest that the effect of government risk‐sharing policies on bank credit is short‐run, while the effect on corporate innovation investment is more sustainable. In addition, the government risk‐sharing ratio is inversely proportional to the loan rates and the success rate of innovation.
Visualising Africa at diaspora expense? How and why humanitarian organisations ignore diaspora audiences in their ‘ethical’ communications
Authors: Ademolu Edward
Published: January 2023

Critical commentaries on visual constructions of distant suffering within humanitarian communication research have critiqued and problematised how International non‐governmental organisations (INGOs) frame Black and Brown distant ‘Others.’ However, much focus has been on the implications of these mediated imageries for overseas communities, while African diaspora have received much less attention. African diaspora is critical in current debates around representation, especially given increased criticisms around the ethicality of INGO fundraising communications for UK‐situated Black racialised publics. This article thus complicates existing debates by repositioning the empirical preoccupation with distant Others ‘over there,’ towards UK‐situated African diaspora ‘over here.’ Using interview evidence with UK‐based INGO professionals involved in the production and dissemination of imageries of humanitarian issues, it explores how INGOs construe African diaspora populations in considerations around, and implications of, the ethicality of their communications. Revealing that African diaspora are largely absent or ‘afterthoughts’ in INGO consciousness and practices for three central reasons. (1) They are not considered distinct and differentiated donor audiences worthy of strategic prioritisation, (2) Implicit professional/organisational ‘whiteness’ limits reflexive foresight of potential implications (negative or positive) of communications for diaspora and, (3) INGOs temporise over the (im)practicalities of ‘diaspora inclusive’ agendas for ethical communication.
The Red List for the endemic trees of Colombia: Effective conservation targeted for plants required in biodiversity hotspots
Authors: Lopez‐Gallego Cristina , Morales‐Morales Paula A.
Published: January 2023

Societal Impact Statement

Conserving trees is fundamental to maintaining forests, which are home to about half of the global biodiversity and provide unmeasurable benefits to people. Colombia has 5868 known species of trees, 1148 of which are endemic to the country. Unfortunately, 45% of the endemic trees of Colombia are threatened with extinction, and therefore, the ecosystem services they provide might be in jeopardy. This study represents an important contribution to conservation planning for the endemic trees of a megadiverse country and highlights critical considerations for their conservation.

Colombia has a very rich tree flora and high levels of tree endemism. As a contribution to the “Global Tree Assessment”, we assessed 860 species to complete the Red List of the 1148 endemic trees of the country. The information is being used to support spatial conservation planning as Key Biodiversity Areas identification.

To categorize the species according to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List guidelines, we used geographic occurrences obtained from herbarium specimens. We carried out detailed analysis of habitat quantity and quality (using forest cover and human footprint maps) and documented anthropogenic threats and conservation actions.

Almost half (45%) of the endemic trees were categorized as threatened. Most species had small distributions (with an extent of occurrence of less than 40,000 km2). Endemic tree occurrences were more common in the Andes and Magdalena regions, which have very high human footprint and consequently a large proportion of threatened species. The major threat to endemic trees was habitat destruction, due mainly to deforestation for livestock and crops. Many endemic trees were present in protected areas (65%), but threatened and non‐threatened species had low coverage with habitat protection, and many of their populations persist in disturbed habitats.

Colombia has hundreds of threatened endemic trees, most of them in global biodiversity hotspots, with very few proactive conservation actions. It is urgent to increase the coverage of endemic tree populations in area‐based conservation strategies and to complement this with ex situ and other conservation actions.
Disease progression modeling of the North Star Ambulatory Assessment for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Authors: Hibma Jennifer E. , Jayachandran Priya , Neelakantan Srividya , Harnisch Lutz O.
Published: January 2023

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a rare genetic disorder caused by decreased or absent dystrophin gene leading to progressive muscle degeneration and weakness in young boys. Disease progression models for the North Star Ambulatory Assessment (NSAA), a functional measurement widely used to assess outcomes in clinical trials, were developed using a longitudinal population modeling approach. The relationship between NSAA total score over time, loss of ambulation, and potential covariates that may influence disease progression were evaluated. Data included individual participant observations from an internal placebo‐controlled phase II clinical trial and from the external natural history database for male patients with DMD obtained through the Cooperative International Neuromuscular Research Group (CINRG). A modified indirect response model for NSAA joined to a loss of ambulation (LOA) time‐to‐event model described the data well. Age was used as the independent variable because ambulatory function is known to vary with age. The NSAA and LOA models were linked using the dissipation rate constant parameter from the NSAA model by including the parameter as a covariate on the hazard equation for LOA. No covariates were identified. The model was then used as a simulation tool to explore various clinical trial design scenarios. This model contributes to the quantitative understanding of disease progression in DMD and may guide model‐informed drug development decisions for ongoing and future DMD clinical trials.
Fast Conversion of Three‐Particle Dicke States to Four‐Particle Dicke States with Rydberg Superatoms
Authors: Liu Ying‐Li , Ji Yan‐Qiang , Han Xue , Cui Wen‐Xue , Zhang Shou , Wang Hong‐Fu
Published: January 2023

Dicke states play an important role in quantum information processing and quantum computing. Here, by virtue of quantum Zeno dynamics and shortcuts to adiabaticity, a scheme for fast conversion of three‐particle symmetric Dicke states to four‐particle symmetric Dicke states () with Rydberg superatoms is proposed. This scheme can be completed within one step through adjusting the Rabi frequencies of classical fields. Moreover, the effect of decoherence induced by atomic spontaneous emission and leakage of the cavity on fidelities are considered. The numerical simulation demonstrates that this scheme has high fidelities and robustness against decoherence.
Superior Thermoelectric Performance of SiGe Nanowires Epitaxially Integrated into Thermal Micro‐Harvesters
Authors: Sojo‐Gordillo Jose Manuel , Sierra Carolina Duque , Gadea Diez Gerard , Segura‐Ruiz Jaime , Bonino Valentina , Nuñez Eroles Marc , Gonzalez‐Rosillo Juan Carlos , Estrada‐Wiese Denise , Salleras Marc , Fonseca Luis , Morata Alex , Tarancón Albert
Published: January 2023

Semiconductor nanowires have demonstrated fascinating properties with applications in a wide range of fields, including energy and information technologies. Particularly, increasing attention has focused on SiGe nanowires for applications in a thermoelectric generation. In this work, a bottom‐up vapour‐liquid‐solid chemical vapour Deposition methodology is employed to integrate heavily boron‐doped SiGe nanowires on thermoelectric generators. Thermoelectrical properties –, i.e., electrical and thermal conductivities and Seebeck coefficient – of grown nanowires are fully characterized at temperatures ranging from 300 to 600 K, allowing the complete determination of the Figure‐of‐merit, zT, with obtained values of 0.4 at 600 K for optimally doped nanowires. A correlation between doping level, thermoelectric performance, and elemental distribution is established employing advanced elemental mapping (synchrotron‐based nano‐X‐ray fluorescence). Moreover, the operation of p‐doped SiGe NWs integrated into silicon micromachined thermoelectrical generators is shown over standalone and series‐ and parallel‐connected arrays. Maximum open circuit voltage of 13.8 mV and power output as high as 15.6 µW cm−2 are reached in series and parallel configurations, respectively, operating upon thermal gradients generated with hot sources at 200 °C and air flows of 1.5 m s−1. These results pave the way for direct application of SiGe nanowire‐based micro‐thermoelectric generators in the field of the Internet of Things.
Ion‐Assisted Preparation of Bimetallic Porous Nanodendrites for Active and Stable Water Electrolysis
Authors: Xu Yanchao , Wei Shuting , Zhang Lei , Wu Qiong , Wang Feng , Fan Jinchang , Wang Dewen , Wu Tianzhun , Cui Xiaoqiang
Published: January 2023

Delicate electrochemical active surface area (ECSA) engineering over the exposed catalytic interface and surface topology of platinum‐based nanomaterial represents an effective pathway to boost its catalytic properties toward the clean energy conversion system. Here, for the first time, the facial and universal production of dendritic Pt‐based nanoalloys (Pt‐Ni, Co, Fe) with highly porous feature via a novel Zn2+‐mediated solution approach is demonstrated. In the presence of Zn2+ during synthesis, the competition of different galvanic replacement reactions and consequently generated “branch‐to‐branch” growth mode are believed to play key roles for the in situ fabrication of such unique nanostructure. Due to the fully exposed active sites and ligand effect‐induced electronic optimization, electrochemical hydrogen evolution in alkaline media on these catalysts exhibit dramatic activity enhancement, delivering a current density of 30.6 mA cm−2 at a 70 mV overpotential for the Pt3Ni nanodendrites and over 7.4 times higher than that of commercial Pt/C. This work highlights a general and powerful ion‐assisted strategy for exploiting dendritic Pt‐based nanostructures with efficient activities for water electrolysis.
Identification of Martensite Bands in Dual‐Phase Steels: A Deep Learning Object Detection Approach Using Faster Region‐Based‐Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Fehlemann Niklas , Suarez Aguilera Ana Lia , Sandfeld Stefan , Bexter Felix , Neite Maximilian , Lenz David , Könemann Markus , Münstermann Sebastian
Published: January 2023

Martensite banding in dual‐phase steels is an important research topic in the field of materials design, since it affects the local damage properties of the material largely. Therefore, it is necessary to quantify the amount and the geometrical details of the bands in a specific microstructure, for example, for simulative approaches. A convolutional neural network is trained on manually labeled scanning electron microscopy images of DP800 steel and a subsequent effort is made to transfer these results to statistical quantities for the generation of representative volume elements (RVE). As exact geometric definitions of martensite bands in 2D are difficult, the influence of different band definitions is investigated. The result of the training shows good prediction accuracy but is strongly dependent on the chosen band definition and the underlying human bias from the labeling process. A statistical analysis using cross‐validation shows that reliable results can already be achieved with only small datasets of around 50–100 training images due to the transfer learning approach. This is an important outcome as it eliminates the need to generate a large dataset which can only be obtained from time‐consuming microscopy work and manual labeling of the images.
A field evaluation of the SoilVUE10 soil moisture sensor
Authors: Wilson Timothy B. , Kochendorfer John , Diamond Howard J. , Meyers Tilden P. , Hall Mark , French Brent , Myles LaToya , Saylor Rick D.
Published: January 2023

The U.S. Climate Reference Network (USCRN) has been engaged in ground‐based soil water and soil temperature observations since 2009. As a nationwide climate network, the network stations are distributed across vast complex terrains. Due to the expansive distribution of the network and the related variability in soil properties, obtaining site‐specific calibrations for sensors is a significant and costly endeavor. Presented here are three commercial‐grade electromagnetic sensors, with built‐in thermistors to measure both soil water and soil temperature, including the SoilVUE10 Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR) probe (hereafter called SP) (Campbell Scientific, Inc.), 50 MHz coaxial impedance dielectric sensor (model HydraProbe, Stevens Water Monitoring Systems, Inc.) (hereafter called HP), and the TDR‐315L Probe (model TDR‐315L, Acclima, Inc.) (hereafter called AP), which were evaluated in a relatively nonconductive loam soil in Oak Ridge, TN, from 2021 to 2022. The HP manufacturer‐supplied calibration equation for loam soils was used in this study. While volumetric water content data from HP and AP were 82–99% of respective gravimetric observations at 10 cm, data from SP were only 65–81% of respective gravimetric observations in the top 20‐cm soil horizon, where soil water showed relatively large spatial variability. The poor performance of the SP is likely due to poor contact between SP sensor electrodes and soil and the presence of soil voids caused by the installation method used, which itself may have caused soil disturbance.