bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factor analysis of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale from a large cancer population
Authors: Smith Adam B. , Selby Peter J. , Velikova Galina , Stark Dan , Wright E. Penny , Gould Ann , Cull Ann
Published: February 2003

The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) is widely used as a tool for assessing psychological distress in patients and non‐clinical groups. Previous studies havedemonstrated conflicting results regarding the factor structure of the questionnaire for different groups of patients, and the general population. This study investigated the factor structure of the HADS in a large heterogeneous cancer population of 1474 patients. It also sought to investigate emerging evidence that the HADS conforms to the tripartite model of anxiety and depression (Clark & Watson, 1993), and to test the proposal that detection rates for clinical cases of anxiety and depression could be enhanced by partialling out the effects of higher order factors from the HADS (Dunbar et al., 2000). The results demonstrated a two‐factor structure corresponding to the Anxiety and Depression subscales of the questionnaire. The factor structure remained stable for different subgroups of the sample, for males and females, as well as for different age groups, and a subgroup of metastatic cancer patients. The two factors were highly correlated (r = .52) and subsequent secondary factor analyses demonstrated a single higher order factor corresponding to psychological distress or negative affectivity. We concluded that the HADS comprises two factors corresponding to anhedonia and autonomic anxiety, which share a common variance with a primary factor namely psychological distress, and that the subscales of the HADS, rather than the residual scores (e.g. Dunbaret al., 2000) were more effective at detecting clinical cases of anxiety and depression.
The application of the Conners' Rating Scales to a Sudanese sample: An analysis of parents' and teachers' ratings of childhood behaviour problems
Authors: Al‐Awad Ahmed M. El‐Hassan , Sonuga‐Barke Edmund J. S.
Published: February 2003

The aim of the current study was to assess the equivalence of Sudanese and North American versions of the Conners' Rating Scales. The reliability, internal consistency, factor score intercorrelation, levels of sex differences and prevalence of symptoms found with Sudanese Arabic adaptations of the parent and teacher scales were compared with previously reported data from North American studies. The scales were translated into Sudanese Arabic, backtranslated and piloted among teachers and parents. These scales were administered to parents and teachers from a stratified normative sample of 300 families with children between 6 and 10 years of age. Both versions of the questionnaire displayed high levels of reliability and satisfactory internal consistency. The associations of ratings by Sudanese adults differed from those typically seen in North American samples in a number of ways. There was little evidence of the existence of broadband distinctions between internalizing and externalizing problems, practically no sex differences, only nonspecific associations between parent and teacher ratings and, most strikingly, very low levels of behaviour problems reported. The results provide evidence of the potential utility of the Sudanese versions of the Conners' Rating Scales while raising important questions about cultural differences in the structure and associations of behaviour problems and the appropriateness of applying North American norms to other cultural groups. Future research should look to supplement studies using adaptations of scales developed in Western settings with more open‐ended questions about problems of specific significance to Sudanese parents.
The allocation of scarce medical resources across medical conditions
Authors: Furnham Adrian , Thomson Kathryn , McClelland Alastair
Published: February 2003

This study aimed to determine if the criteria participants use to make decisions concerning scarce medical resources differ across medical conditions — from life‐saving to life‐enhancing surgery (heart transplant, in vitro fertilization treatment and cosmetic surgery). Participants completed three questionnaires requiring them to rank order 16 hypothetical patients in order of priority for each medical condition. Demographic information about the hypothetical patients varied on four dimensions: age, annual income, smoking behaviour and whether or not the patient had children. There were significant main effects of age, smoking behaviour and income across all three medical conditions, with young people, non‐smokers and those on a low income being given the highest priority for each treatment. Whether or not a patient had children influenced allocation decisions only on the IVF and heart transplant cases with very large effect sizes. This study supports previous research in the kidney dialysis and organtransplant areas of the allocation of resources. Most importantly, the results show that such effects are not restricted to life‐saving resources but also to life‐enhancingresources — IVF and cosmetic surgery.
Counselling for postnatal depression in the voluntary sector
Authors: Alder Elizabeth , Truman Julie
Published: February 2003

The study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of counselling and therapy offeredby the voluntary sector for women with postnatal depression or distress. Twenty‐sevenwomen accepted for individual counselling or therapy were assessed at baseline, and 3and 6 months after therapy. They were assessed using standardized measures of depression, parenting stress, marital relationship and maternal self‐efficacy. Data were collected by home interviews by an independent researcher. The study sample was representative of those referred for therapy. Scores on measures of depression, parenting self‐efficacy and parenting stress decreased significantly over time. Scores of marital satisfaction did not change. The scores of 16 out of 27 (60%) had fallen to below 14 on the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. There was no difference between those having individual or group therapy. It is not feasible, logistically or ethically, to carry out a randomized controlled trial of counselling which is negotiated between client and therapist. The results from this prospective study of support given by the voluntary sector suggest that it can be effective in alleviating symptoms of postnatal depression.
Discursive reflections on a research agenda for clinical supervision
Authors: Davy John
Published: February 2003

In my view there is curiously little evidence, but much emotional rhetoric, supporting the value or clarifying the purposes of supervision. Even Roth and Fonagy (1996) resort to purely rhetoricalsupport for supervision in their otherwise evidence‐obsessed study. Supervision, I submit, is highly problematic terrain. And any consideration of the problems of supervision implicitly reminds us of the problems simmering throughout the entire counselling and psychotherapy enterprise (Feltham, 2000, p. 21).
Physically unexplained chronic pain and its impact on children and their families: The mother's perception
Authors: Hunfeld Joke A.M. , Perquin Christel W. , Hazebroek‐Kampschreur Alice A. J. M. , Passchier Jan , Van Suijlekom‐Smit Lisette W. A. , Van der Wouden Johannes C.
Published: February 2003

Because children with physically unexplained chronic pain may become the adult chronic pain patients of the future and because little is known about this pain and its impact on children and their families, asample of 77 children (aged 5‐11 years) with this type of pain was investigated. The hypothesis was tested that a greater intensity and frequency of pain would diminish the child's functional status and increase the impact of pain on the family. All mothers completed questionnaires on their perception of the child's functional status and the impact of pain on the family, and kept a diary on the child's pain for three successive weeks, three times daily, by means of a visual analogue scale (VAS) and a behavioural list. The study was conducted in the general population in the Rotterdam area. Children with physically unexplained chronic pain were sampled from those participating in a prevalence study on chronic pain. The average pain was mild (30 mm on a 0‐100 mm VAS), moderately frequent (34% of the diary registration time), increased during the day, and did not result in large school absence or problems with functional status. Pain showed a relatively negative impact on family life, especially restrictions in social life and personal strain were reported, based on behavioural changes. In particular, abdominal pain, headache and limb pain are already present in considerable numbers at a young age. Longitudinal research should determine whether shifts occur in pain experience and locations from childhood and adulthood and in different dimensions of functional status and, more broadly, in quality of life resulting from pain.
The evaluation of mental health outcome at a community‐based psychodynamic psychotherapy service for young people: A 12‐month follow‐up based on self‐report data
Authors: Baruch Geoffrey , Fearon Pasco
Published: February 2003

The present study focuses on the evaluation of mental health outcome of 151 young people who received psychodynamic psychotherapy at the Brandon Centre, a community‐based psychodynamic psychotherapy centre for young people. This paper reports the results from a 1‐year follow‐up based on self‐report data. Participants aged 12–18 years completed either the Youth Self Report form or, if they were aged over 18, the Young Adult Self Report form at intake, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year. The domains evaluated included young people's externalizing problems, internalizing problems, and total problems. Outcome was measured in three different ways: the change in mean scores; the change in numbers from the clinical to the non‐clinical range; and categorizing cases according to the presence of statistically reliable change in the level of adaptation. These approaches showed improvement among participants in all three domains. Although there was a high general tendency to improve, the rate of improvement dropped significantly over time. Several tentative predictors of improvement were identified. The paper discusses how the results fromsystematic monitoring of effectiveness at the Brandon Centre have formed an empirical basis that has ledto changes in service delivery with the aim of optimizing provision for troubled young people.
The quality of the caregiving relationship in informal care for older adults with dementia and chronic psychiatric patients
Authors: Spruytte Nele , Van Audenhove Chantal , Lammertyn Frans , Storms Gerrit
Published: February 2003

The present study focuses on the dyadic relationship between a family carer and a patient. Besides clarifying the quality of the caregiving relationship in two populations of chronically ill patients, this investigation examines whether patient characteristics, carer characteristics and network characteristics are predictive of relationship quality in dementia caregiving. Partners, children or children‐in‐law caring for a relative suffering from dementia (N = 144) and partners or parents of persons suffering from chronic mental illness (N = 77) were interviewed with a semi‐structured questionnaire. The measurement of relationship quality is based on the literature of Expressed Emotion and covers two dimensions: the level of criticism and the level of warmth. In general, the relationship between a carer and his or her chronically ill relative was marked by a low level of conflict or criticism and a high degree of warmth. The main predictors of a poorer relationship quality were disturbances in the patient's behaviour and the carer's perception of these disturbances. Our results suggest that, rather than limiting investigations to the burden experienced by the family carer, future research and interventions on chronically ill patients should focus on the quality of the carer‐patient relationship and its determinants.
Subjective physical complaints and hypochondriacal features from an attachment theoretical perspective
Authors: Schmidt Silke , Strauss Bernhard , Braehler Elmar
Published: February 2003

The main goal of the present study was to examine the association between physical complaints, hypochondriacal features and attachment characteristics in a representative German general population sample. A total of 1997 German adults, 883 males and 1114 females, completed the Revised Adult Attachment Scale (RAAS), the short form of the Giessen Subjective Complaints List (GSCL) to investigate gender‐related bodilycomplaints and the Whiteley Index for assessing hypochondriacal concerns. Item response theoretical methods, i.e. mixed Rasch analysis, were used in order to identify the best model for the attachment items. Findings suggested that five latent classes yielded the best model fit. The findings provided evidence thatattachment styles displayed different profiles of subjective physical complaints. The highest amount of physical symptoms and hypochondriacal features was identified in anxiously attached individuals with two subsets displaying functionally different subjective symptoms. Secure attachment was, in contrast, not related to a higher amount of specific symptoms. Results are discussed in terms of a developmental approach to symptom experience and somatization.
Psychotherapy and the interpersonal octagon
Authors: Birtchnell John
Published: February 2003

The interpersonal octagon is a theoretical structure within which relating is defined along a close/distant, horizontal axis and an upper/lower, vertical axis. Its eight octants are created by inserting intermediate positions between the four poles of the axes. The theory distinguishes between positive (competent) and negative (incompetent) relating. The Person's Relating to Others Questionnaire (PROQ2) measures negative relating. It has eight scales which correspond to the eight octants. Three NHS psychotherapycentres have routinely administered the PROQ2 to patients at the start and at the end of therapy over a number of years. In a combined sample of 219 patients from the three centres, significant drops in mean PROQ2 scores were recorded on six of the eight scales. Women patients had higher start of therapy scores than men but recorded larger drops. One centre tested a limited sample of 51 patients at the time of assessmentfor therapy and another limited sample of 56 patients at the time of follow‐up. In the first, no significant changes in mean scores were recorded from time of assessment to start of therapy. In the second, thedrop in mean scores at follow‐up was slightly less impressive than at the end of therapy.
Epistemological differences within psychological science: A philosophical perspective on the validity of psychiatric diagnoses
Authors: Brown J.F.
Published: February 2003

The debate over the validity of psychiatric diagnoses remains a central, unresolved issue in psychological science. Although it is often taken to be an ontological matter, this paper argues that, in fact, thedispute stems from differences in epistemology. Two epistemological themes, the objective of science and the nature of causality, are discussed to provide examples of how commitments made at this level inevitably lead to differing ontological conclusions about whether diagnoses constitute valid clinical terms. Discussions that fail to address the deeper epistemological disagreements that underpin the opposing arguments will never fully capture the complexity of the dispute and hence are unlikely to lead to its resolution.
Measuring vulnerability to threats to self‐construction: The Self and Other Scale
Authors: Dagnan Dave , Trower Peter , Gilbert Paul
Published: February 2003

Following a constructivist approach, we propose two dimensions or styles of self‐construction that arerelated to different types of vulnerability to psychopathology. We have called these an ‘insecure self’ style associated with fear of exclusion, indifference, and rejection by significant others, and an ‘engulfed self’ style associated with fear of intrusion, control, and possession by significant others. In this paper, we report the psychometric properties of a new 14‐item questionnaire, the Self and Other Scale (SOS), which is designed to measure the two types of threat vulnerability. We have produced two forms of the scale, one measuring frequency of beliefs, which was completed by 198 undergraduate psychologists, and one measuring endorsement of beliefs, which was completed by 179 undergraduate psychologists. The SOS has a 2‐factor structure, as predicted from the theoretical model, and good internal reliability. We discuss the future development and use of the scale in research and clinical practice.
A dialogical approach to obsessions
Authors: Hallam R. S. , O'Connor K. P.
Published: February 2003

Cognitive conceptualizations of obsessions based on the information‐processing metaphor are contrasted with a dialogical approach to understanding obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). The dialogical approach views obsessions as one‐sided conversations. The unit of analysis is the narrative or ‘voice’, which engages the person in the neutralizing behaviour. The dialogical approach accommodates well the apparent paradox that obsessions are both self and other generated, and that people can be positioned differently regarding the senselessness of their obsessions at different times. Also, people themselves characterize their obsessions in dialogical terms as: voice, conversation, or argument. The focus of therapy is the language and power of the narrative rather than discrete cognitive biases or representations, and dialogical therapy emphasizes role‐play and narrative techniques. Cognitive therapy has already shown signs of adopting a narrative turn, and cognitive and dialogical conceptualizations of OCD are alternative perspectives rather than competing explanations.
Spatiotemporal characteristics of neurophysiological changes in patients with four‐repeat tauopathies
Authors: Samudra Niyatee , Lerner Hannah , Yack Leslie , Walsh Christine M. , Kirsch Heidi E. , Kudo Kiwamu , Yballa Claire , La Joie Renaud , Gorno‐Tempini Maria L. , Spina Salvatore , Seeley William W. , Neylan Thomas C. , Miller Bruce L. , Rabinovici Gil D. , Boxer Adam , Grinberg Lea T. , Rankin Katherine P. , Nagarajan Srikantan S. , Ranasinghe Kamalini G.
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) and corticobasal degeneration (CBD), are the most common four‐repeat tauopathies (4RT), and both frequently occur with varying degree of Alzheimer's disease (AD) copathology. Intriguingly, patients with 4RT and patients with AD are at opposite ends of the wakefulness spectrum—AD showing reduced wakefulness and excessive sleepiness whereas 4RT showing decreased homeostatic sleep. The neural mechanisms underlying these distinct phenotypes in the comorbid condition of 4RT and AD are unknown. The objective of the current study was to define the alpha oscillatory spectrum, which is prominent in the awake resting‐state in the human brain, in patients with primary 4RT, and how it is modified in comorbid AD‐pathology.

Method

In an autopsy‐confirmed case series of 4R‐tauopathy patients (n = 10), whose primary neuropathological diagnosis was either PSP (n = 7) or CBD (n = 3), using high spatiotemporal resolution magnetoencephalography (MEG), we quantified the spectral power density within alpha‐band (8–12 Hz) and examined how this pattern was modified in increasing AD‐copathology. For each patient, their regional alpha power was compared to an age‐matched normative control cohort (n = 35).

Result

Patients with 4RT showed increased alpha power but in the presence of AD‐copathology alpha power was reduced.

Conclusions

Alpha power increase in PSP‐tauopathy and reduction in the presence of AD‐tauopathy is consistent with the observation that neurons activating wakefulness‐promoting systems are preserved in PSP but degenerated in AD. These results highlight the selectively vulnerable impacts in 4RT versus AD‐tauopathy that may have translational significance on disease‐modifying therapies for specific proteinopathies.
Thiolated Chiral Naphthalene Diimide Derivatives as Effective Selectors of the β‐Blocker Atenolol Enantiomers
Authors: Kowalczyk Agata , Duszczyk Michał , Sęk Sławomir , Lipiński Piotr F. J. , Kaczorek Dorota , Kawęcki Robert , Grudzinski Ireneusz P. , Rode Joanna E. , Dobrowolski Jan Cz. , Nowicka Anna M.
Published: January 2024

Atenolol β‐blocker drug (ATN) to treat hypertension and cardiovascular disorders such as angina pectoris is manufactured commercially in a racemic form, while only its (S)‐enantiomer shows selective β1‐blocking activity. Here, a new axially chiral thiolated naphthalene diimide derivatives (HS‐BIN‐NDI) for the rapid, simple, and sensitive detection of ATN enantiomers is presented. The Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) experiments show that interactions between a chiral selector and a chiral analyte occur only when their configurations are opposite. The extensive computational simulations support this finding. The association coefficient determined by SPR is high (105‐106 M−1 s−1) and indicates that the interactions are electrostatic. The analytical utility of atropisomeric HS‐BIN‐NDIs is proven, and the voltammetric sensors designed to determine ATN enantiomers are constructed. The developed sensors are characterized by a wide analytical operating range from 5.0·10−3 to 1.0 µm, nanomolar detection limit, high selectivity, and a long lifetime. Several additives like urea, creatinine, glucose, human albumin, and hemoglobin do not affect ATN sensing.
An Ether‐Based Electrolyte Solvation Strategy for Long‐Term Stability and Ultra‐Low Temperature Li‐Metal Batteries
Authors: Gu Rong , Zhang Da , Zhu Sheng , Xu Jinting , Ding Kun , Gao Qingwei , Xu Qunjie , Shi Penghui , Li Hexing , Min Yulin
Published: January 2024

Unstable solid electrolyte interface (SEI) and dendrite growth hinder the development of rechargeable lithium‐metal batteries (LMBs) at low temperature (≤−20 °C). In this work, regulating the concentration of Li salt increases the proportion of anions in Li+ solvation structure, thereby forming a denser SEI on Li anode. The optimized solvation structure exhibits fast charge transfer kinetics and high‐voltage (dis)charge performance. As a result, Li||Cu cells with modified electrolyte work over 400 h and maintaining an average coulombic efficiency of 98.05%, the Li||LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 cells (N/P = 3) are capable of one hundred stable cycles with a capacity retention of 93.7% even at −40 °C. These findings confirm the effect of ion‐pairing and anion‐derived SEI on the long‐term cycling of LMBs, contributing a promising solution to the development of low‐temperature LMBs.
Surface Adsorption and Air Damping Behavior of β‐Ga2O3 Nanomechanical Resonators
Authors: Sui Wen , Enamul Hoque Yousuf S. M. , Liu Yuncong , Pearton Stephen J. , Feng Philip X.‐L.
Published: January 2024

Beta gallium oxide (β‐Ga2O3) has emerged as a highly promising semiconductor material with an ultrawide bandgap ranging from 4.5 to 4.9 eV for future applications in power electronics, optoelectronics, as well as gas and ultraviolet (UV) radiation sensors. Here, surface adsorption and air damping behavior of doubly clamped β‐Ga2O3 nanomechanical resonators are probed and systemically studied by measuring the resonance characteristics under different gas and pressure conditions. High responsivities of resonance to pressure are obtained by heating the devices up to 300 °C to induce an accelerated adsorption–desorption process. The initial surface conditions of the β‐Ga2O3 thin film play important roles in affecting the resonant behavior. UV ozone treatment proves effective in altering the initial surface conditions of β‐Ga2O3 nanosheets by eliminating physisorbed contaminants and filling oxygen vacancy defects residing on the surface, resulting in a consequential and discernible modification of the resonance behavior of β‐Ga2O3 nanomechanical resonators. The surface adsorption and desorption processes in β‐Ga2O3 demonstrate clear reversibility by exposing the UV treated β‐Ga2O3 to air. This study attains first‐hand information on how the surface conditions of β‐Ga2O3 affect its mechanical properties, and helps guide future development of transducers via β‐Ga2O3 nanoelectromechanical systems (NEMS) for pressure sensing applications, especially in harsh environments.
Unveiling the Electronic Band Structure and Temporal Dynamics of Excited Carriers in Formamidinium Lead Bromide Perovskite
Authors: Ammirati Giuseppe , Turchini Stefano , Toschi Francesco , O'Keeffe Patrick , Paladini Alessandra , Martelli Faustino , Matteocci Fabio , Barichello Jessica , Moras Paolo , Sheverdyaeva Polina M. , Milotti Valeria , Ory Daniel , Carlo Aldo Di , Catone Daniele
Published: January 2024

In this study, the electronic band structure and the dynamics of the excited carriers in the formamidinium lead bromide (FAPbBr3) perovskite are investigated by combining the information obtained from steady‐state absorption, photoluminescence, femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy, photoelectron spectroscopy, and density functional theory calculations. A detailed description of the electronic transitions in the UV–vis energy range has been provided, giving an estimation of the exciton binding energy (40 ± 5 meV), the transition energy from the first valence band (VB1) to the conduction band (CB1) (electronic bandgap at 2.37 ± 0.01 eV) and assigning the broad peak at ≈3.4 eV to the transition from the second innermost valence band (VB2) to CB1. The temporal dynamics of the excited carriers involved in these transitions are investigated using different excitation energies and carrier densities. Different trends are observed in the dynamics of the transient signals associated with the VB1→CB1 (PB1) and VB2→CB1 (PB2) transitions. As the carrier density increased, PB1 exhibited a slowing down of its rise time, while PB2 showed an acceleration attributed to the thermalization of the excited holes in VB2. These valuable findings have the potential to unlock new strategies aimed at maximizing the efficiencies and performance of perovskite‐based solar cell devices.
Probing the Excited Electronic Configuration and Associative Excitons in Pyrene‐Based X‐Ray Scintillating MOF Excimer: Bridging the Gap Between Theory and Experiments
Authors: Lu Jian , Jiang Xiao‐Ming , Gao Juan , Wang Shuai‐Hua , Qian Rui‐Xuan , Zheng Fa‐Kun , Guo Guo‐Cong
Published: January 2024

Scintillators are essential in converting ionizing X‐rays and γ‐rays into visible light, with applications in medical diagnosis, security inspection, and non‐invasive detection. However, current scintillating materials exhibit unclear structure–function relationships. The performance of scintillators is intricately linked to their electronic band structure, particularly the intrinsic properties of excited states. Therefore, investigating the structural factors affecting scintillation performance is crucial for developing new scintillators. Therefore, Ba‐SMOF 1 ([Ba2(PyTS)(CH3OH)2(H2O)4]n) is synthesized using a pyrene‐based organic motif and metal Ba(II) ions, where PyTS4− refers to pyrene‐1,3,6,8‐tetrasulfonate. For the first time, the excited state of a pyrene‐based X‐ray scintillating metal–organic framework (MOF) is determined through comprehensive all‐electron excitation studies, including in situ experimental electron density and wave‐function analysis. The electron density maps exhibit a continuous overlap, attributed to the associative exciton behaviors among the closely packed PyTS4− linkers. These linkers are identified as the sources of both static and dynamic excimer emissions. The electron density studies reveal the role of excimers in pyrene‐based luminophores, highlighting that interchromophoric interactions are key to enhancing the performance of scintillating MOFs. This discovery opens new avenues for the practical application of scintillating MOFs.
A Low‐Toxic Colloidal Quantum Dots Sensitized IGZO Phototransistor Array for Neuromorphic Vision Sensors
Authors: Chen Tong , Zhan Shijie , Li Benxuan , Hou Bo , Zhou Hang
Published: January 2024

The rapid development of optoelectronic devices with biomimetic synaptic behavior holds significant potential for neuromorphic visual applications. However, considerable challenges remain including convenient device fabrication and low toxicity materials innovation. Here, a heterojunction phototransistor is constructed using low‐toxic CuZnInSSe (CIZS) colloidal quantum dots and amorphous InGaZnO (IGZO), which demonstrates high specific detectivity of 3.4 × 1015 Jones in visible light spectrum. Moreover, it is found that the photoresponse speed can be controlled via a ligand exchange treatment, through that the response speed can be adjusted from 0.3 to 11 s. This enables the device to operate in two distinct modes: a typical fast sensing mode and a neuromorphic visual mode. In the neuromorphic visual mode, the device's synaptic behavior can be tuned by manipulating light pulse intensity, frequency, wavelength, and gate voltage. As a demonstration, a phototransistor array effectively implements image pre‐processing functions, including color recognition, visual memorizing, and forgetting.
Aggregation‐Induced Emission (AIE) of Au(I)‐GSH Complexes is Activated by Optical Manipulation and Exhibits Surprising 780 nm Emission
Authors: Xu Pengfei , Yu He , Liu Yang , Liu Liu , Li Jiangtao , Xu Dadi , Hou Yining , Tang Hongwu
Published: January 2024

An optical manipulation method to activate the aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) of Au(I)‐glutathione (Au(I)‐GSH) complexes is presented. First, the well‐known AIE‐type Au(I)‐GSH complexes with a solid emission wavelength of 570 nm are synthesized. At the beginning of the focusing a 1064 nm continuous‐wave (CW) laser at the interface of Au(I)‐GSH complexes solution, its luminescence is hardly detectable. However, with the extension of the laser irradiation time, aggregate appears and rapidly grows, and strong luminescence is shown, indicating the activation of AIE of Au(I)‐GSH complexes through optical manipulation. Surprisingly, the emission peak is at 780 nm and no blue‐shift is observed with the emission intensity increases. The activated AIE emission wavelength by optical manipulation is longer than reported previously, which means that optical manipulation activates AIE in a unique manner. The switching on/off of the activation of AIE is arbitrarily controlled by changing the laser power. In this paper, the luminescence phenomenon and mechanism of AIE are discussed from the perspective of the movement limitation of Au(I)‐GSH complexes under optical manipulation. It is of significant importance for further insights into the luminescence of Au(I)‐GSH complexes and their future development.
Thermal and Vapor Induced Triple‐Mode Luminescent Switch of Manganese (II) Halides Hybrid
Authors: Xue Shu‐Hua , Shi Cui‐Mi , Xu Liang‐Jin , Chen Zhong‐Ning
Published: January 2024

It is imminent to develop phosphors with multiple stimuli responses due to the increasing demand on anti‐counterfeiting and information encryption technologies. Here, a zero dimensional (0D) organic–inorganic hybrid (DPPE)2MnBr4·H2O (DPPE = 4,4‐Difluoropiperidine, 1), which emits green light and exhibits reversible thermo‐ and vapor‐luminescence responses to heat and organic solvents is reported. Specifically, when heated above 100 °C for 30 s, hybrid 1 transforms into yellow‐emitting hybrid 2. Upon exposure to dichloromethane (DCM), it transforms into a red‐emitting hybrid 3. Experimental analysis reveals that Mn2+‐Mn2+ magnetic coupling interactions and coordination configuration transformation are responsible for the obvious switching of photoluminescence. Owing to its extraordinary triple‐mode switching characteristics, enabling luminescence‐adjustable transformations such as green to yellow, green to red, and yellow to red emission, this metal‐halide hybrid is promising for the application in anti‐counterfeiting and information encryption.
An RNA Motif That Enables Optozyme Control and Light‐Dependent Gene Expression in Bacteria and Mammalian Cells
Authors: Pietruschka Georg , Ranzani Américo T. , Weber Anna , Patwari Tejal , Pilsl Sebastian , Renzl Christian , Otte David M. , Pyka Daniel , Möglich Andreas , Mayer Günter
Published: January 2024

The regulation of gene expression by light enables the versatile, spatiotemporal manipulation of biological function in bacterial and mammalian cells. Optoribogenetics extends this principle by molecular RNA devices acting on the RNA level whose functions are controlled by the photoinduced interaction of a light‐oxygen‐voltage photoreceptor with cognate RNA aptamers. Here light‐responsive ribozymes, denoted optozymes, which undergo light‐dependent self‐cleavage and thereby control gene expression are described. This approach transcends existing aptamer‐ribozyme chimera strategies that predominantly rely on aptamers binding to small molecules. The optozyme method thus stands to enable the graded, non‐invasive, and spatiotemporally resolved control of gene expression. Optozymes are found efficient in bacteria and mammalian cells and usher in hitherto inaccessible optoribogenetic modalities with broad applicability in synthetic and systems biology.
Interfacial Charge Transfer for Enhancing Nonlinear Saturable Absorption in WS2/graphene Heterostructure
Authors: Wang Yiduo , Wang Yingwei , Lan Changyong , Zhou Li , Kang Jianlong , Zheng Wanxin , Xue Tianyu , Li Yejun , Yuan Xiaoming , Xiao Si , Li Heping , He Jun
Published: January 2024

Interlayer charge‐transfer (CT) in 2D atomically thin vertical stacks heterostructures offers an unparalleled new approach to regulation of device performance in optoelectronic and photonics applications. Despite the fact that the saturable absorption (SA) in 2D heterostructures involves highly efficient optical modulation in the space and time domain, the lack of explicit SA regulation mechanism at the nanoscale prevents this feature from realizing nanophotonic modulation. Here, the enhancement of SA response via CT in WS2/graphene vertical heterostructure is proposed and the related mechanism is demonstrated through simulations and experiments. Leveraging this mechanism, CT‐induced SA enhancement can be expanded to a wide range of nonlinear optical modulation applications for 2D materials. The results suggest that CT between 2D heterostructures enables efficient nonlinear optical response regulation.
Nodulation Signaling Pathway 1 and 2 Modulate Vanadium Accumulation and Tolerance of Legumes
Authors: Liu Peng , Zhang Xinfei , Lin Lin , Cao Yanyan , Lin Xizhen , Ye Liaoliao , Yan Jun , Gao Huiling , Wen Jiangqi , Mysore Kirankumar S. , Liu Jinlong
Published: January 2024

Vanadium (V) pollution potentially threatens human health. Here, it is found that nsp1 and nsp2, Rhizobium symbiosis defective mutants of Medicago truncatula, are sensitive to V. Concentrations of phosphorus (P), iron (Fe), and sulfur (S) with V are negatively correlated in the shoots of wild‐type R108, but not in mutant nsp1 and nsp2 shoots. Mutations in the P transporter PHT1, PHO1, and VPT families, Fe transporter IRT1, and S transporter SULTR1/3/4 family confer varying degrees of V tolerance on plants. Among these gene families, MtPT1, MtZIP6, MtZIP9, and MtSULTR1; 1 in R108 roots are significantly inhibited by V stress, while MtPHO1; 2, MtVPT2, and MtVPT3 are significantly induced. Overexpression of Arabidopsis thaliana VPT1 or M. truncatula MtVPT3 increases plant V tolerance. However, the response of these genes to V is weakened in nsp1 or nsp2 and influenced by soil microorganisms. Mutations in NSPs reduce rhizobacterial diversity under V stress and simplify the V‐responsive operational taxonomic unit modules in co‐occurrence networks. Furthermore, R108 recruits more beneficial rhizobacteria related to V, P, Fe, and S than does nsp1 or nsp2. Thus, NSPs can modulate the accumulation and tolerance of legumes to V through P, Fe, and S transporters, ion homeostasis, and rhizobacterial community responses.
Anion‐Bridged Dual Hydrogen Bond Enabled Concerted Addition of Phenol to Glycal
Authors: Jiao Qinbo , Guo Zhenbo , Zheng Mingwen , Lin Wentao , Liao Yujie , Yan Weitao , Liu Tianfei , Xu Chunfa
Published: January 2024

A noncovalent organocatalytic concerted addition of phenol to glycal is developed for the stereoselective and regioselective construction of biologically important phenolic 2‐deoxyglycosides, featuring wide substrate tolerance. The method relies on an anion‐bridged dual hydrogen bond interaction which is experimentally proved by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), Ultraviolet and visible (UV–vis), and fluorescence analysis. Experimental evidence including kinetic analysis, Kinetic Isotope Effect (KIE) studies, linear free energy relationship, Hammett plot, and density functional theory (DFT) calculations is provided for a concerted mechanism where a high‐energy oxocarbenium ion is not formed. In addition, the potential utility of this method is further demonstrated by the synthesis of biologically active glycosylated flavones. The benchmarking studies demonstrate significant advances in this newly developed method compared to previous approaches.
Metalorganic Chemical Vapor Deposition of AlN on High Degree Roughness Vertical Surfaces for MEMS Fabrication
Authors: Bespalova Kristina , Ross Glenn , Suihkonen Sami , Paulasto‐Kröckel Mervi
Published: January 2024

Aluminum nitride (AlN) grown on vertical surfaces can be utilized for the fabrication of advanced piezoelectric microelectromechanical systems (MEMS). The in‐plane motion of the parts of a MEMS element is possible when AlN is deposited on the vertical surfaces of the moving structure. For the best device performance, AlN must have high crystal quality, uniform coverage of the vertical sidewalls, and c‐axis crystalline orientation perpendicular to the plane of a vertical surface. The impact of the surface roughness (Rq) of the vertical sidewalls formed in Si using wet and dry etching methods on the crystal quality, crystallographic orientation, and uniformity of the metalorganic chemical vapor deposited (MOCVD) AlN thin films is studied in this paper. In both cases, AlN films demonstrated full sidewall coverage and grew crystalline in the c‐axis direction. AlN films grown on vertical Si surfaces achieved using anisotropic wet etching are highly crystalline and oriented in [0001] direction, while the films grown on vertical surfaces achieved using dry etching displayed a lower level of alignment with the Si sidewalls.
Differences in emergency medicine resident procedural reporting by race and ethnicity
Authors: Arno Kimbia , Bradby Cassandra , Shappell Eric , Mannix Alexandra , Fix Megan , Jordan Jaime , Cooney Robert , Krzyzaniak Sara M. , Gottlieb Michael
Published: January 2024

Background

The recruitment, retention, and training of physicians from groups underrepresented in medicine (UiM) is critically important to the practice of emergency medicine (EM). Studies across specialties have demonstrated disparities in operative experiences among UiM resident learners who are UiM; however, there are limited data on procedural disparities in EM.

Objective

We sought to quantify the association between racial and ethnic identities that are UiM and the number of procedures reported among EM residents.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective review of procedural differences by UiM status (using self‐identified race and ethnicity) among graduating EM residents at nine training programs over a 10‐year period. Sites were selected to ensure diversity of program length, program type, and geography. Data from residents in combined training programs, those who did not complete their full training at that institution, and those with missing data or electing not to report race/ethnicity were excluded. We calculated median and interquartile ranges for each procedure by UiM status. We conducted multivariable regression analyses accounting for UiM status, gender, and site as well as a sensitivity analysis excluding values >3 standard deviations from the mean for each procedure.

Results

We collected data from 988 total residents, with 718 (73%) being non‐UiM, 204 (21%) being UiM, 48 (5%) electing not to specific race/ethnicity, and 18 (2%) missing race/ethnicity data. While unadjusted data demonstrated a difference between UiM and non‐UiM resident numbers across several procedures, there were no significant differences in procedures reported after accounting for gender and site in the primary or sensitivity analyses.

Conclusions

We did not identify a statistically significant difference in reported procedures between UiM and non‐UiM residents in EM. Future work should include qualitative investigations of UiM resident experience surrounding procedures as well as mixed‐methods studies to examine how these data interact.
Visible‐Light‐Mediated Synthesis of Aryl Ketones and Aldehydes from N‐(acyloxy)phthalimides Esters
Authors: Ding Di , Wan Ruiying , Qi Yuchen , Gong Lili , Zhang Zixuan , Guan Haixing , Li Wei , Zhu Qingjun
Published: January 2024

A visible‐light‐mediated decarboxylative oxidation of benzylic redox active esters is described. A diverse array of aromatic ketones or aldehydes could be achieved (15 examples) from secondary or primary aliphatic carboxylic acids. A mechanism involving resonance transformation in the presence of Cs2CO3 is proposed.
Coupling Ferricyanide/Ferrocyanide Redox Mediated Recycling Spent LiFePO4 with Hydrogen Production
Authors: Jia Xin , Kang Hongjun , Hou Guangyao , Wu Weiran , Lu Songtao , Li Yang , Wang Qing , Qin Wei , Wu Xiaohong
Published: January 2024

Replacing the oxygen evolution reaction with thermodynamically more favorable alternative oxidation reactions offers a promising alternative to reduce the energy consumption of hydrogen production. However, questions remain regarding the economic viability of alternative oxidation reactions for industrial‐scale hydrogen production. Here, we propose an innovative cost‐effective, environment‐friendly and energy‐efficient strategy for simultaneous recycling of spent LiFePO4 (LFP) batteries and hydrogen production by coupling the spent LFP‐assisted ferricyanide/ferrocyanide ([Fe(CN)6]4−/[Fe(CN)6]3−) redox reaction. The onset potential for the electrooxidation of [Fe(CN)6]4− to [Fe(CN)6]3− is low at 0.87 V. Operando Raman and UV/Visible spectroscopy confirm that the presence of LFP in the electrolyte allows for the rapid reduction of [Fe(CN)6]3− to [Fe(CN)6]4−, thereby completing the [Fe(CN)6]4−/[Fe(CN)6]3− redox cycle as well as facilitating the conversion of spent LiFePO4 into LiOH ⋅ H2O and FePO4. The electrolyzer consumes 3.6 kWh of electricity per cubic meter of H2 produced at 300 mA cm−2, which is 43 % less than conventional water electrolysis. Additionally, this recycling pathway for spent LFP batteries not only minimizes chemical consumption and prevents secondary pollution but also presents significant economic benefits.
Evolution of Microscopic Magnetic Domains in Quasi‐2D Cr0.92Te at Room Temperature
Authors: Ni Yan , Wang Tirui , Wang Jiangjing , Guo Yongxiang , Huang Ting , Qiao Xurong , Zhang Wei , Zhang Zhen , Chen Xuegang , Li Tao , Min Tai
Published: January 2024

2D materials with long‐range ferromagnetic order hold promises for the development of compact spintronic devices with unprecedented multifunctionality and tunability. Among various 2D magnets, self‐intercalated transition metal chalcogenides Cr1+δTe2 exhibit unique features, especially excellent ambient stability and intrinsic ferromagnetic ordering above room temperature, which are critical requirements for real‐life device applications. Despite the many investigations of the magnetic properties of the Cr1+δTe2 family on the averaging macroscopic level, the domain evolution on the microscale, which is vital to nanoscale spintronics, is yet to be fully understood. Here, the evolution of magnetic behaviors of Cr0.92Te crystals is presented on both macro‐ and micro‐scales under magnetic field and thermal excitation. The crystal exhibits a high Curie temperature (Tc ≈ 343 K) among the Cr1+δTe2 family with weak magnetic anisotropy and in‐plane magnetic easy axis. Utilizing magnetic force microscopy, a pristine multidomain state and typical domain‐switching behavior are observed. Moreover, the evolution of domain texture under thermal excitation shows statistical power‐law scaling as approaching Tc. The results provide microscopic insight into the ferromagnetic behavior of a room‐temperature quasi‐2D crystal, which can be useful for further engineering of domain texture in low‐dimensional magnetic materials.
Role of bio‐flavonols and their derivatives in improving mitochondrial dysfunctions associated with pancreatic tumorigenesis
Authors: Sharma Vinit , Arora Ankita , Bansal Sakshi , Semwal Ankita , Sharma Mayank , Aggarwal Anjali
Published: January 2024

Mitochondria, a cellular metabolic center, efficiently fulfill cellular energy needs and regulate crucial metabolic processes, including cellular proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and generation of reactive oxygen species. Alteration in the mitochondrial functions leads to metabolic imbalances and altered extracellular matrix dynamics in the host, utilized by solid tumors like pancreatic cancer (PC) to get energy benefits for fast‐growing cancer cells. PC is highly heterogeneous and remains unidentified for a longer time because of its complex pathophysiology, retroperitoneal position, and lack of efficient diagnostic approaches, which is the foremost reason for accounting for the seventh leading cause of cancer‐related deaths worldwide. PC cells often respond poorly to current therapeutics because of dense stromal barriers in the pancreatic tumor microenvironment, which limit the drug delivery and distribution of antitumor immune cell populations. As an alternative approach, various natural compounds like flavonoids are reported to possess potent antioxidant and anticancerous properties and are less toxic than current chemotherapeutic drugs. Therefore, we aim to summarize the current state of knowledge regarding the pharmacological properties of flavonols in PC in this review from the perspective of mitigating mitochondrial dysfunctions associated with cancer cells. Our literature survey indicates that flavonols efficiently regulate cellular metabolism by scavenging reactive oxygen species, mitigating inflammation, and arresting the cell cycle to promote apoptosis in tumor cells via intrinsic mitochondrial pathways. In particular, flavonols proficiently inhibit the cancer‐associated proliferation and inflammatory pathways such as EGFR/MAPK, PI3K/Akt, and nuclear factor κB in PC. Overall, this review provides in‐depth evidence about the therapeutic potential of flavonols for future anticancer strategies against PC; still, more multidisciplinary human interventional studies are required to dissect their pharmacological effect accurately.