bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sequence and Phylogenetic Analysis of the Haemagglutinin Genes of H9N2 Avian Influenza Viruses Isolated from Commercial Chickens in Markazi Province, Iran
Authors: Saeidi Hamid Reza , Homayounimehr Alireza , Hosseini Seyed Davood , Hosseini Hossein , Hamidreza Vaziri
Published: June 2018

Avian influenza viruses of the H9N2 subtype have seriously affected the industry of the Middle East and Asian countries since the 1990s and are considered to be one of the potential candidates for the next human pandemic. In the present study, to determine the genetic relationship of Iranian viruses, the haemagglutinin (HA) genes from two isolates of H9N2 viruses from commercial chickens in Markazi province (central Iran) during 2013– 2014 were amplified and sequenced. Samples were collected and viruses were passed in embryonated hen eggs and virion RNA was extracted from allantoic fluid and reverse transcribed to synthesise cDNA. cDNA was amplified by PCR and the PCR product was purified with a purification kit. Purified fragments were sequenced from both directions. Finally, sequence analysis and phylogenetic studies were conducted by comparing each isolate with those of the available H9N2 strains at Gen Bank. All of the isolates possessed the same amino acid motif P-A-R-S-S-R/G-L at the HA cleavage site. Amino acid sequence comparisons of HA genes of two isolates showed 93.6% identity. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that all isolates belonged to the G1-like sublineage and one isolate showed some degree of homology with Pakistani isolates. Two isolates had leucine (L) at position 226 instead of glutamine (Q) which indicated the potential of binding to human-type receptors. The results of this study suggest that Iranian H9N2 viruses could infect mammalian species, including humans and have the potential to emerge as highly pathogenic influenza viruses in Iran.
Effect of Temperature on Reproductive Hormones and Egg Quality in the Native Thai Chicken
Authors: Sartsoongnoen Natagarn , Kamkrathok Boonyarit , Chaiseha Yupaporn
Published: June 2018

Environmental influence on the avian reproductive system is well recognised. This study investigates the effects of ambient temperature on egg quality in the native Thai Chicken (Gallus domesticus). Effects on prolactin (PRL) and ovarian steroids in chickens housed under different temperatures were also elucidated. Sixty female chickens were divided into four groups. Groups 1, 2, and 3 were reared under controlled temperatures of 35±2 °C, 31±2 °C, and 27±2 °C, respectively. Group 4 was reared under an uncontrolled natural temperature (approximately 27 °C). Blood samples were collected from each chicken once a week for 11 weeks, and plasma PRL, oestradiol (E), progesterone (P), and testosterone (T) levels were determined utilising enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. The results revealed that E levels were significantly higher in chickens reared under low ambient temperature (27 °C) when compared with those exposed to 31 °C and 35 °C. No significant differences in PRL, P, and T levels were observed. Egg quality was affected by high ambient temperature. Eggshell thickness of chickens housed at 35 °C was thinner than those of other groups. These results indicate that changes in ambient temperature affect circulating levels of E but not PRL, P, and T. Thermally-stressed environments with high temperatures therefore impact egg quality in the native Thai chicken by reducing eggshell thickness.
Approche psychopathologique de l’enfant en nutrition parentérale prolongée ou transplanté de l’intestin
Authors: Rebecchi Simona , Soulié Marion , Golse Bernard , Goulet Olivier , Lacaille Florence
Published: June 2018

Ce travail de recherche, rendu possible par une étroite collaboration entre le service de Pédopsychiatrie et le Service de Gastro-entérologie de l’Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades, propose d’étudier l’impact de la nutrition parentérale prolongée (NPP) et de la greffe intestinale sur le psychisme de l’enfant qui en bénéficie. L’objectif est d’étudier chez ces enfants le vécu psychologique, l’image du corps, la représentation psychique de l’organe malade et du greffon ; et chez les parents, le vécu psychologique. Les outils utilisés sont les dessins du bonhomme et du contenu intestinal avec l’observation clinique (enfants) ; des entretiens semi-structurés (vécu des parents). L’analyse qualitative des entretiens a permis de dégager des thèmes principaux (représentation de la NPP, répercussion sur la relation parents/enfants, représentation de la greffe) et des sous-thèmes. L’analyse des dessins et l’observation clinique ont permis de retrouver une image du corps perturbée. L’hypothèse que l’investissement psychique du greffon intestinal (archaïque/ génitalisé) peut être mis en évidence par les caractéristiques du dessin du contenu intestinal est confirmée.
De l’engouement à l’enjouement : les fluctuations de l’investissement chez l’enfant en difficultés d’apprentissage dans un dispositif groupal de médiation
Authors: Guinard Frédérik
Published: June 2018

Cet article se propose d’interroger les fluctuations des modalités d’investissement des enfants en difficultés d’apprentissage. Au travers du cas d’un enfant de 10 ans et du récit clinique de sa participation à un groupe à médiation théâtrale, les singularités de la pratique auprès d’enfants troublés dans leurs apprentissages sont mises en évidence, notamment les peurs d’apprendre et les inhibitions que recouvrent ces fonctionnements psychiques caractérisés par la mise en place d’aménagements défensifs importants contre le surgissement d’angoisses ou d’éprouvés de tristesse. Dans le cadre de dispositif à médiation, est observée et analysée la manière dont des affects de plaisir/déplaisir sont retrouvés et partagés dans ces espaces symbolisants. De l’engouement à l’enjouement, sont repérées les différentes déclinaisons des expériences ludiques qui se vivent et se partagent dans la dynamique groupale. Cet article met au travail l’hypothèse selon laquelle les plaisirs de jouer et de faire semblant sont liés au déploiement de la créativité chez l’enfant et à la relance de ses capacités méta-représentatives et associatives.
L’Accueil familial thérapeutique, un support pour se lire : étude (en cours) du devenir des anciens enfants placés
Authors: Novo Alexandre , Richard Pascal , Fourès Cathy , Pavelka Martin , Rosenblum Ouriel , Zigante Franck , Golse Bernard
Published: June 2018

Cette recherche mixte a pour objectif d’évaluer le devenir d’anciens enfants ayant été admis en accueil familial thérapeutique. L’évaluation porte sur le devenir de 58 de ces anciens enfants accueillis entre 1971 et 1996. Elle est faite par le biais d’un alliage innovant d’outils qui se compose d’un entretien ouvert puis semi-directif, ainsi que de la Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview, le Retentissement Fonctionnel et Socio-affectif subjectif et le CaMir ; outil issu du concept d’attache­ment. L’entretien est analysé selon deux méthodes, la narrativité (Edicode) et la Grounded Theory. Nos résultats préliminaires montrent des représentations d’attachement comparables à ceux de la population générale. Ils se diffèrent des résultats retrouvés auprès des enfants placés dans d’autres dispositifs d’accueil. De plus, les premières analyses du discours marquent l’importance d’un point étape utile voire nécessaire quelques années après la fin d’un placement pour les jeunes adultes.
L’hyperactivité, entre biologie et culture
Authors: Lazaratou Hélène , Golse Bernard
Published: June 2018

Après avoir évoqué les limites de la nosographie dans le champ de la pathologie mentale et les fondements épistémologiques des différents modèles étiologiques de l’hyperactivité, les auteurs abordent brièvement l’histoire du concept même d’hyperactivité au regard des dernières éditions du DSM (DSM-III, DSM-IV et DSM5) en soulignant l’ambiguïté des critères diagnostiques. Après quoi, ils effectuent une revue de la littérature en montrant les différences qui existent selon les lieux et les époques quant à la prévalence de cette pathologie particulière, avant de recenser un certain nombre de travaux centrés soit sur le diagnostic, soit sur le traitement, et qui montrent de grandes divergences en fonction du contexte culturel. Le concept d’hyperactivité serait-il, alors, un choix de société ?
In Situ Observation of Hydrogen-Induced Cracking Propagation Behavior
Authors: Fujishiro Taishi , Hara Takuya
Published: June 2018

Hydrogen-induced cracking (HIC) is one of the major issues of line pipe exposed to sour environments. There are some guidelines on materials requirements for carbon and low alloy steels for H2S-containing environments in oil and gas production. Generally, HIC susceptibility is evaluated after the test duration, typically 96 h, in accordance with NACE Standard TM0284-2016. However, HIC propagation behavior during HIC test has not been fully understood. In this study, a new in situ HIC measurement method has been developed in order to make the connection between HIC propagation behavior and microstructure. This technique is based on the combination of an automatic ultrasonic wave inspection system and a scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observation. HIC propagation rate and HIC propagation behavior of carbon steels with different textures were investigated, using this in situ technique. Texture components of tested steels were changed by controlled rolling process in the alpha-gamma dual phase region. The {100} intensity parallel to the rolling plane was developed with increasing controlled rolling reduction in the alpha-gamma dual phase region. HIC propagation rate increased and crack length of HIC grew in a staircase pattern with time when the {100} texture was highly developed. In addition, HIC propagation behavior could be overlapped with fracture surface, just like a projection mapping. The overlapping could make the connection between HIC propagation behavior and HIC fracture surface. Microstructure and texture just under the HIC fracture surface was also characterized by SEM and an electron backscatter diffraction pattern method. The results obtained in this study showed that HIC propagation behavior was affected by a texture. In addition, the new in situ HIC observation technique, which can make the direct connection between HIC propagation behavior and microstructure, revealed a detailed HIC propagation behavior and an effect of microstructure.
Identification of Barriers to Financial Inclusion Among Youth
Authors: Babajic Amra , Okicic Jasmina , Jukan Meldina Kokorovic
Published: June 2018

In recent years there is an increasing research attention on youth and their transition to adulthood. In that transition they have increasing demand for financial products and services. If they are not financial included it may leave long-lasting consequences for their future independence and stability.The main goal of this research is to investigate and explain barriers to poor financial inclusion of youth in Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FBiH), and make some recommendations for increasing their financial inclusion, and indirectly for strengthening their social inclusion. Implications of this study suggest that the main reason for being unbanked is because someone else in the family already has an account, or because they do not have enough money to use services of financial institutions. The results have revealed statistically significant relation between need for financial services at a formal institution and having a bank account, category of students’ financial knowledge and having a bank account, having a debit card and having a credit card. Research results can serve the economic and social policy makers in the FBiH in policy and strategy design.
WORDMORPH!
Authors: Stoner Ian ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: June 2018

Some logic students falter at the transition from the mechanical method of truth tables to the less-mechanical method of natural deduction. This short paper introduces a word game intended to ease that transition.
Integrated Model towards Computer Assisted Language Learning Acceptance: Empirical Case Study of Saudi Universities
Authors: Fattah Soomro Abdul
Published: June 2018

Maximum utilization of technology in all fields of life including language education by a country has become inevitable to survive in the competitive world. Saudi government has already invested a lot of efforts and public finance to adopt modern teaching practices using Information Communication Technology (ICT) to supplement English Language Teaching (ELT) in Saudi Arabia. The present study applies Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) as a theoretical model to explore the effects of different factors on the attitudes of teachers towards using Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL) in the language learning contexts of Saudi Arabia. The current study investigates the effect of perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use on the attitude and intended usage behavior of Saudi English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teachers towards using CALL. In addition to these two factors borrowed from TAM, three other variables: social influence, facilitating conditions and management support are added into the model. To test the hypothesized model, this study applied a quantitative questionnaire survey approach with participants chosen randomly from 10 different universities in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. A total of 421 valid responses received through online questionnaire from the teachers were used for the analysis to achieve research objectives and hypotheses testing. Structural Equation Modeling Analysis was employed to analyze the data. The findings of this study are found very encouraging and provide sufficient support to the proposed model of the study, which was consisting of TAM as the foundation theory. According to TAM, postulation perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use both are two significant elements that determine attitude and intended usage behavior. These hypotheses were found significant, thus provided external validity to the TAM postulations. In addition, the findings suggested that social influence, management support, and facilitating conditions are important factors that influence individuals’ intended behavior towards CALL usage.
Madelung Disease
Authors: Hu Hong-Hao , Liu Cheng-Cheng , Li Jiu-Hong
Published: November 2024

This case report describes nontender, soft, and mobile tissue proliferations involving the anterior, lateral, and posterior neck spaces and diffuse, nonencapsulated soft tissue masses that were widely distributed across superficial and deep fascial spaces.
Regional Disparities, Economic Development, and Neonatal Mortality and Hospital Delivery in China
Authors: Fang Hai , Zhang Haijun , Vargas Bustamante Arturo , Luo Shusheng , Chen Xi , Gao Yanqiu , Liu Jianmeng
Published: November 2024

Importance

A negative association between neonatal mortality and hospital delivery has been found in some low- and lower-middle-income countries but not in rural settings characterized by poor quality of maternal and child health care.

Objective

To examine the association between neonatal mortality and hospital delivery in China across urban and rural regions, regional disparities, and varying levels of economic development.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This retrospective cohort study used county-level data from 2008 to 2020 from the National Maternal & Child Health Statistics across mainland China. Statistical analysis was conducted from March to December 2023.

Exposures

Since 2008, China has strategically leveraged hospital deliveries with national subsidies to diminish neonatal mortality, particularly in rural areas.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Neonatal mortality and hospital delivery rates were calculated, and their association was estimated using multivariable fixed-effects linear models of county-level cohort data to adjust for time-invariant differences across counties and controls for gross domestic product (GDP) per capita, women’s years of education, hospital beds, and health workers.

Results

The analysis included data from 2930 counties, with 198.7 million live births across 36 255 county-year records between 2008 and 2020. The mean (SD) neonatal mortality rate per 1000 live births decreased in rural areas from 12.3 (7.5) in 2008 to 3.9 (2.7) in 2020 and decreased in urban areas from 5.0 (3.1) in 2008 to 2.0 (1.3) in 2020. Hospital delivery rates increased in rural areas from a mean (SD) of 93.4% (11.8%) in 2008 to 99.9% (0.6%) in 2020 and increased in urban areas from 97.7% (6.1%) in 2008 to 100.0% (0.1%) in 2020. In rural areas, an increase of 10 percentage points in hospital deliveries was associated with a neonatal mortality rate of −1.4 (95% CI, −1.9 to −1.0; P < .001) per 1000 live births, whereas this negative association was not observed in urban areas. When the analysis was stratified by regions and incomes, the negative association became considerably stronger in the western and central regions of China, as well as in counties with lower GDP per capita.

Conclusions and Relevance

This cohort study of more than 2900 counties in China suggests that an increase in hospital deliveries was associated with reduced neonatal mortality in rural and economically underdeveloped areas in China. To further reduce neonatal mortality and improve newborn health, it is imperative to increase the accessibility of hospital delivery services.
Quadrivalent Conjugate Vaccine and Invasive Meningococcal Disease in US Adolescents and Young Adults
Authors: Shin Thomas , Wells Chad R. , Shoukat Affan , Potter-Schwartz Lilia , Langevin Edith , Langley Joanne M. , Galvani Alison P. , Moghadas Seyed M.
Published: November 2024

Importance

Beginning in 2005, the US implemented routine immunization of adolescents with a quadrivalent conjugate vaccine (MenACWY) for the prevention of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD).

Objectives

To assess whether MenACWY immunization was associated with a reduced IMD burden among the US adolescent population and how the downward trajectory of IMD that began in the mid-1990s might have evolved in the absence of vaccination efforts.

Design, Setting, and Participants

In this decision analytical study, a bayesian hierarchical Poisson regression model was developed to investigate the potential trajectory of IMD among US adolescents and young adults without vaccination and evaluate the direct association of vaccination with IMD burden. The model included the entire age-stratified US population and was fitted to national incidence data for serogroups C, W, and Y from January 1, 2001, to December 31, 2021, with stratification by vaccination status for IMD cases.

Intervention

Simulated counterfactual scenario of absent vaccination from 2005 to 2021, while retaining the incidence rate of IMD for unvaccinated individuals estimated during model fitting.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The main outcomes were the estimated numbers of IMD cases and deaths averted by MenACWY vaccination among US adolescents and young adults aged 11 to 23 years.

Results

Among the entire US population from 2005 to 2021, MenACWY vaccination prevented an estimated 172 (95% credible interval [CrI], 85-345) cases of IMD among US adolescents 11 to 15 years of age and 328 (95% CrI, 164-646) cases of IMD among those aged 16 to 23 years. Absent vaccination, the cumulative incidence of IMD in these age groups would have been at least 59% higher than reported over the same period with vaccination. Using case fatality rates of unvaccinated individuals derived from national data, vaccination averted an estimated 16 (95% CrI, 8-31) deaths among adolescents aged 11 to 15 years and 38 (95% CrI, 19-75) deaths among those aged 16 to 23 years.

Conclusions and Relevance

This decision analytical model suggests that the MenACWY vaccination program in the US was associated with a reduced burden of meningococcal disease. Without vaccination, the incidence rates per 100 000 adolescents and young adults would have been substantially higher than those observed during the vaccine era.
Pain Assessment in Older Adults After Traumatic Injury
Authors: Gonzalez Natasha , Schwartz Hope , Menza Rebecca , Shui Amy M. , Mackersie Robert , Bongiovanni Tasce
Published: November 2024

This cross-sectional study analyzes how pain assessment frequency and pain score magnitude and variability differ by age among trauma patients admitted in hospitals.
Gambling: Sports Betting in the USA
Authors: Petrotta Brian
Published: November 2024

Legalized sports betting has never been more widespread in the USA, thanks to a landmark Supreme Court decision. In 2018 the Court ruled in
Murphy v. National Collegiate Athletic Association
to strike down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), which had forbidden individual states from legalizing sports gambling. Within five years after the fall of PASPA, sports bettors placed nearly $200 billion in legal wagers as more than two thirds of US states legalized some form of sports betting. The rush to embrace sports gambling marked a significant shift, even as gambling, broadly defined, became normalized in American society. Even as state lotteries and casino‐style gambling became more common in the USA, sports betting remained largely illegal for numerous reasons, including influential lobbying efforts by professional and amateur sports organizations, well‐publicized cases of corruption, and fears that widespread state‐sponsored sports betting would result in negative societal consequences.
Disasters
Authors: Silver Hilary
Published: November 2024

Disasters are sudden, unexpected, localized, rare, and acute events that disrupt both the environment and social structure, inflicting substantial harm on individuals, groups, and property. They differ from accidents and emergencies in the greater magnitude of their impacts. The number of disasters has increased, especially since 1990, as posited by risk society and shock doctrine theory. Social constructions of risk, organizational cultures, and concentration of power, population, and strategic resources contribute to disasters, and globalization contributes to their scope. Low‐ and middle‐income countries and socially vulnerable groups and neighborhoods are more likely to be victims of disasters, while the economic costs are greater in higher‐income countries. The social mechanisms responsible for the damages of natural, technological, and political disasters may differ. Disasters go through socially structured iterative stages of preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation, and generate both social solidarity and social conflict. Socially cohesive communities respond faster and recover better. Yet disasters disrupt social bonds and institutions. Uncertainty may lead to rumors spreading about who is responsible, impeding solidarity and preventive measures. Recovery may be uneven, reinforcing inequalities. Recent research has considered the factors that increase individual and community resilience.
Care for Older Adults with Chronic Health Problems
Authors: Keating Norah , Donalds Shanika
Published: November 2024

Providing care for older adults involves tasks carried out by and relationships with family, friends, and/or paid carers. In light of population aging, and the retrenchment or absence of social welfare to support unpaid carers, the vast majority of care for older adults is provided by carers who are members of the family or friends. Understanding the cultural context of families, the changes they face, and caregiving expectations and experiences will help in the understanding of social care networks; which frail older adults are likely to be without care; and how macrosystems such as pensions and chronic healthcare systems may better support older adults and their caregivers.
Elias, Norbert (1897–1990)
Authors: Ximing Fan , Hughes Jason , McIntosh Matt , Hughes Kathryn
Published: November 2024

Norbert Elias is often considered one of the last classical sociologists, yet his work prefigured many of the preoccupations and concerns of contemporary sociology. This overview explores Elias both as a classical and as a contemporary sociologist by sketching out his biography and looking at its interplay with his distinctive intellectual development. It outlines the key principles of Elias's approach, which are radically relational, processual, and synthetic in a manner that retains some of the integrating ambitions of classical sociology. Elias's sociological practice is outlined as seeking to avoid dualism, to integrate the empirical and rational components of social inquiry, and above all to engage with social life dynamically through involving an interplay between different levels of integration. Through everyday examples, the entry provides an exposition of key Eliasian concepts, notably sociogenesis and psychogenesis,
Homo clausus
and
Homines aperti
, figuration, power, and interdependence. Finally, it concludes by exploring extensions of Elias's work, enduring challenges to his approach, and key applications of his work by subsequent “figurational” scholars.
Population and Development
Authors: McDonald Peter
Published: November 2024

While development can include a wide range of meanings, in this entry development is taken to mean economic development defined to refer narrowly to economic growth, and more broadly to the economic transformations leading to the emergence of modern economic institutions and practices and the disappearance of traditional forms. The processes of development are associated, as both cause and consequence, with population processes.
Teaching and Gender
Authors: Prior Sarah , Versen Cassidy
Published: November 2024

Described at the institutional, classroom/learning space, and individual levels, gender in education presents itself in relation to teachers and learners, and impacts how the institution of education is understood. This entry discusses gender distribution, pay gaps, pedagogy, curriculum and climates, and gender as influenced by the COVID‐19 pandemic. Education, particularly K–12 education remains a feminized field with little headway in the number of men as K–12 educators. Pay gaps continue in education, particularly at the postsecondary level. There are still more men in the highest decision‐making roles (superintendents, university and college presidents, deans, and heads of departments).
Adaptive Robust Control of Nonlinear Constrained Stirred‐Tank Reactors via Self‐Organizing Fuzzy Neural Network
Authors: Cui Xiao‐Song , Li Dong‐Juan , Li Dapeng
Published: November 2024

This paper presents an adaptive robust constraint controller for a continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR) system based on a self‐organizing fuzzy neural network (SOFNN). Due to the high complexity of the chemical reactions, the CSTR system contains many strong nonlinearities and uncertainties. This is the first time to introduce the SOFNN into the adaptive controller design of the CSTR system, which improves the adaptability to dynamic system changes through the adjustment of the fuzzy network structure. Meanwhile, the time‐varying integral barrier Lyapunov functions (TVIBLFs) are employed to ensure the dimensionless reactant concentration and mixture temperature within a reasonable scope, which can improve the stability and safety of the CSTR system. Based on Lyapunov stability analysis, all the signals in a closed‐loop system are ultimately bounded. Simulation results substantiate the efficacy of the proposed control scheme.
A Novel Enhanced Fire Hawks Optimization Approach for Improving the Efficiency of Converter‐Based Controllers in Switched Reluctance Motors
Authors: Kiran Guntuku Ravi , Raju Subba Rao Kotam , Kumar Malligunta Kiran
Published: November 2024

Switched reluctance motors (SRMs) have gained popularity in various industrial applications due to their advantages, including structural simplicity, high reliability, low cost, and operational stability over a wide speed range without relying on rare‐earth permanent magnet materials. However, these motors exhibit drawbacks such as weak torque density, low efficiency, and significant torque ripple, particularly in high‐speed operation. An efficient converter‐based control approach is proposed to manage speed and torque variations in SRM motors, addressing these issues. A multilevel converter (MC) is introduced as a fundamental component. The novel multilevel converter (NMC) accommodates SRMs with varying numbers of phases and exhibits quick demagnetization and excitation behaviors, enabling independent operation of each phase even during conduction overlaps. Subsequently, an effective controller is developed for the SRM motor, combining proportional integral derivative (PID) control with enhanced fire hawks optimization (EFHO). The EFHO optimizes the PID gain values to enhance controller performance. The converter operation minimizes torque ripple and facilitates speed management. The EFHO technique is a fusion of fire hawks optimization (FHO) and the sine cosine algorithm (SCA). This amalgamation improves the updating process of FHO by incorporating SCA. The proposed methodology is implemented in MATLAB and evaluated through various metrics, including SRM motor current, voltage, speed, and torque, under electric vehicle (EV) load conditions. Performance comparisons are conducted with traditional optimization algorithms such as the whale optimization algorithm (WOA) and ant colony optimization (ACO). The results validate the effectiveness of the proposed methodology in achieving improved SRM motor control and performance.
Cascade Reactions for Enhanced CO2 Capture: Concurrent Optimization of Porosity and N‐Doping
Authors: Li Hao , Niu Jia Bin , Tao Long Gang , Tan Mei Chee , Low Hong Yee
Published: November 2024

Carbon capture emerges as a pivotal decarbonization technology for addressing global warming challenges. Porous carbons, despite their cost‐effectiveness and ease of regeneration for CO2 capture, typically exhibit limited capacity owing to insufficient adsorption sites. Here, nitrogen‐doped porous carbons (NPCs) are introduced that overcome the prevalent trade‐offs between specific surface area and N‐doped content in NPCs fabrication through cascade reactions. The optimized NPC, which features hierarchical porosity ranging from ultra‐micropores to macropores, shows a superior CO2 capture capacity of 4.46 mmol g−1, ranking in the top 10% of the reported NPCs. This capacity exceeds that of the NPC fabricated with the conventional method by 58% and surpasses the control porous carbon by 106%. Langmuir adsorption modeling and mathematic correlation analysis revealed that this enhanced capacity is attributed to significantly improved ultra‐micropores volume and nitrogen‐species content. Moreover, this optimized NPC demonstrates exceptional stability, preserving its adsorption performance over 110 adsorption–desorption cycles under simulated flue gas conditions. This research not only highlights the integration of templating and N‐doping within NPCs fabrication but also offers an effective strategy to optimize porosity and nitrogen functionality in carbon materials, advancing beyond conventional methodologies.
Crystal Transduction 3D Printing of Bio‐Hydrogels with High Fidelity and Order Micro Pores
Authors: Tian Han , Hu Yanyu , Wu Jiajie , Wang Rixuan , Wang Jing , Cai Xixi , Chen Xu , He Yong , Wang Shaoyun
Published: November 2024

3D printing of bio‐hydrogel scaffolds are widely used in tissue regeneration. However, due to the ultra‐soft properties of bio‐hydrogels, it is hard to print them precisely. Here, crystal transduction 3D printing with high fidelity is proposed to address this challenge. A phase‐transition bio‐inks system with beeswax is developed for crystal transduction, which can accelerate energy consumption and induce soft bio‐inks to quickly harden during printing. Interestingly, an interconnected porous hydrogel scaffold can be obtained after washing the crystal beeswax. The porous hydrogel scaffold demonstrated excellent biocompatibility and cell proliferation effect in vitro and is free from defense responses and immunogenicity in vivo. Muscle analog porous scaffolds constructed by high‐fidelity 3D printing significantly improve the tissue function recovery of rats with muscle defects, compared with the conventional printed hydrogel with a non‐matched shape. These structure‐performance design rules create exciting opportunities to customize 3D‐printed porous hydrogel scaffolds with high fidelity.
Novel Less Toxic, Lymphoid Tissue‐Targeted Lipid Nanoparticles Containing a Vitamin B5‐Derived Ionizable Lipid for mRNA Vaccine Delivery
Authors: Yoo Soyeon , Faisal Muhammad , Bae Seo‐Hyeon , Youn Kounghwa , Park Hyo‐Jung , Kwon Sung Pil , Hwang Il Kwon , Lee Jisun , Kim Hyeong Jun , Nam Jae‐Hwan , Keum Gyochang , Bang Eun‐Kyoung
Published: November 2024

Following their approval by the Food and Drug Administration, lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) have emerged as promising tools for delivering mRNA vaccines and therapeutics. Ionizable lipids are among the essential components of LNPs, as they play crucial roles in encapsulating mRNA and facilitating its release into the cytosol. In this study, 17 innovative ionizable lipids using vitamin B5 are designed as the core structure, aiming to reduce toxicity, to maintain vaccine efficiency, and to ensure synthetic feasibility. The top‐performing LNP in terms of mRNA vaccine delivery in the mouse model is LNP 5097, which is generated by incorporating ionizable lipid I97. mRNA⊂LNP 5097 demonstrates favorable structural and physicochemical properties, high mRNA transfection efficiency, and long‐term stability. Moreover, mRNA⊂LNP 5097 specifically delivers the mRNA to the spleen and lymph nodes in model mice, induces balanced Th1/Th2 immune responses, and elicits the production of high levels of neutralizing antibodies with low toxicity. The findings here suggest the high utility of LNP 5097, which includes novel vitamin B5‐derived ionizable lipids with reduced toxicity, in mRNA vaccine research for both infectious diseases and cancer.
Engineering Strain‐Defects to Enhance Enzymatic Therapy and Induce Ferroptosis
Authors: Cao Sida , Dong Shuming , Feng Lili , Wei Nizhaoyue , Xie Ying , Dong Yushan , Zhu Yanlin , Zhao Ruoxi , He Fei , Yang Piaoping
Published: November 2024

The effect of mimetic enzyme catalysis is often limited by insufficient activity and a single therapy is not sufficient to meet the application requirements. In this study, a multifunctional nanozyme, MMSR‐pS‐PEG, is designed and fabricated by modifying poly (ethylene glycol) grafted phosphorylated serine (pS‐PEG) on mesoporous hollow MnMoOx spheres, followed by loading sorafenib (SRF) into the pores. Strain engineering‐induced oxygen defects endow the nanozyme with enhanced dual‐enzymatic activity to mimic catalase and oxidase‐like activities, which catalyze the conversion of endogenous H2O2 into oxygen and subsequently into superoxide ions in the acidic tumor microenvironment. Moreover, as an n‐type semiconductor, MnMoOx generates reactive oxygen species by separating electrons and holes upon ultrasonic irradiation and simultaneously deplete glutathione by holes, thereby further augmenting its catalytic effect. As a ferroptosis inducer, SRF restrains the system xc− and indirectly inhibits glutathione synthesis, synergistically interacting with the nanozyme to stimulate ferroptosis by promoting lipid peroxidation and accumulation and the downregulation of glutathione peroxidase 4. These results provide valuable insights into the design of enzymatic therapy with high performance and highlight a promising approach for the synergism of ferroptosis and enzymatic tumor therapy.
Spintronics in GaN‐Based Semiconductors: Research Progress, Challenges and Perspectives
Authors: Li Hangtian , Zhu Miaodong , Guo Zhonghong , Li Guoxin , Shang Jianbo , Yang Ying , Feng Yikang , Lu Yunshu , Zhang Qian , Wang Sheng , Li Zexi , Jiang Qinglong , Lin Xiaowei , Gao Fangliang , Li Shuti
Published: November 2024

Spintronics, exploiting the spin degree of electrons as the information vector, is an attractive field for implementing the beyond‐complementary metal‐oxide‐semiconductor (CMOS) devices. GaN‐based semiconductors, characterized by weak spin‐orbit coupling, long spin relaxation time, and Curie temperature higher than room temperature, are considered ideal materials for advancing spintronics. In addition, GaN‐based semiconductors possess a variety of heterostructures, and different properties can be combined through energy band engineering, this enables addressing the limitation of GaN‐based semiconductors. Nevertheless, there are still challenges in practical applications; for instance, the mechanism of spin relaxation in GaN‐based semiconductors is still unclear, and efficient spin gating has not yet been realized. This review examines the progress of spintronics in GaN‐based semiconductors, and systematically summarizes the advancements in spin injection, transport, manipulation, and device application. The current challenges and future perspectives on the studies of spintronic devices based on GaN‐based semiconductors are also highlighted.
Anode Material Determined Divergent 5‐exo‐dig Cyclization of N‐Cyano‐2‐Halobenzamides Toward 3‐Iminoisoindolin‐1‐ones and 3‐Aminoisoindolin‐1‐ones
Authors: Xie Xiao‐Qing , Li Zi‐Qiong , Zhou Wei , Cheng Chaozhihui , Bai Jiang , Ding Haixin , Song Xian‐Rong , Luo Mu‐Jia , Xiao Qiang
Published: November 2024

Herein, an electroreductive aryl radical enabled 5‐exo‐dig cyclization of N‐cyano‐2‐halobenzamides is presented, providing a convenient route for the synthesis of a variety of 3‐iminoisoindolin‐1‐ones in 30–75% yields. Simply by employing zinc plate instead of graphite rod anode, the products of the electrosynthesis are switched to diverse 3‐aminoisoindolin‐1‐ones through aryl‐radical‐mediated 5‐exo‐dig cyclization and subsequent reductive hydrogenation. Furthermore, this anode material determined divergent 5‐exo‐dig cyclization features mild electrochemical conditions, excellent substrate scopes, and good functional group tolerance.
Digging into Complexity: The Wicked Problem of Peatland Protection
Authors: Meyer‐Jürshof Marie , Theilen Greta Sophie , Lakner Sebastian
Published: November 2024

The significance of rewetting peatlands, as a key instrument for peatland protection and response to climate change, is increasingly recognized by both experts and the public. Its widespread implementation however still faces numerous challenges. Characteristics of the issue itself as well as the corresponding policies transform the issue into a wicked problem. Showcasing the lack of clarity in funding structures at the German national and federal‐state levels highlights the linked obstruction of necessary actions, implementation options, and financial resources for peatland protection. This poses challenges to climate protection, adaptation efforts, and the achievement of related Sustainable Development Goals. In Germany, an update of peatland protection policies highlights the structural challenges in coordinating peatland protection efforts and helps identify gaps and opportunities. A mixed methods approach is used to analyze both strategic documents and the results of a survey on associated funding. The results indicate a multi‐level policy structure with several German federal states recognizing the potential and relevance of peatland protection but still facing obstacles regarding the distribution of responsibilities, data availability, and overall structures. Recognizing peatland protection as a wicked problem can highlight research gaps and help in developing individual solutions that can be transferred to an international level.
Identifying Multiomic Signatures of X‐Linked Retinoschisis‐Derived Retinal Organoids and Mice Harboring Patient‐Specific Mutation Using Spatiotemporal Single‐Cell Transcriptomics
Authors: Chien Yueh , Wu You‐Ren , Chen Chih‐Ying , Yang Yi‐Ping , Ching Lo‐Jei , Wang Bo‐Xuan , Chang Wei‐Chao , Chiang I‐Hsun , Su Pong , Chen Shih‐Yu , Lin Wen‐Chang , Wang I‐Chieh , Lin Tai‐Chi , Chen Shih‐Jen , Chiou Shih‐Hwa
Published: November 2024

X‐linked retinoschisis (XLRS) is an inherited retinal disorder with severe retinoschisis and visual impairments. Multiomics approaches integrate single‐cell RNA‐sequencing (scRNA‐seq) and spatiotemporal transcriptomics (ST) offering potential for dissecting transcriptional networks and revealing cell‐cell interactions involved in biomolecular pathomechanisms. Herein, a multimodal approach is demonstrated combining high‐throughput scRNA‐seq and ST to elucidate XLRS‐specific transcriptomic signatures in two XLRS‐like models with retinal splitting phenotypes, including genetically engineered (Rs1emR209C) mice and patient‐derived retinal organoids harboring the same patient‐specific p.R209C mutation. Through multiomics transcriptomic analysis, the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress/eukryotic initiation factor 2 (eIF2) signaling, mTOR pathway, and the regulation of eIF4 and p70S6K pathways are identified as chronically enriched and highly conserved disease pathways between two XLRS‐like models. Western blots and proteomics analysis validate the occurrence of unfolded protein responses, chronic eIF2α signaling activation, and chronic ER stress‐induced apoptosis. Furthermore, therapeutic targeting of the chronic ER stress/eIF2α pathway activation synergistically enhances the efficacy of AAV‐mediated RS1 gene delivery, ultimately improving bipolar cell integrity, postsynaptic transmission, disorganized retinal architecture, and electrophysiological responses. Collectively, the complex transcriptomic signatures obtained from Rs1emR209C mice and patient‐derived retinal organoids using the multiomics approach provide opportunities to unravel potential therapeutic targets for incurable retinal diseases, such as XLRS.
Pyroptosis‐Inducing Biomaterials Pave the Way for Transformative Antitumor Immunotherapy
Authors: Yin Hao , Chen Tanzhou , Hu Xiaoqu , Zhu Wenting , Li Yida , Sun Wenjie , Li Lei , Zhang Hongmei , Wang Qinyang
Published: November 2024

Pyroptosis can effectively overcome immunosuppression and reactivate antitumor immunity. However, pyroptosis initiation is challenging. First, the underlying biological mechanisms of pyroptosis are complex, and a variety of gasdermin family proteins can be targeted to induce pyroptosis. Second, other intracellular death pathways may also interfere with pyroptosis. The rationally designed gasdermin protein‐targeting biomaterials are capable of inducing pyroptosis and have the capacity to stimulate antitumor immune function in a safe and effective manner. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the design, function, and antitumor efficacy of pyroptosis‐inducing materials and the associated challenges, with a particular focus on the design options for pyroptosis‐inducing biomaterials based on the activation of different gasdermin proteins. This review offers a valuable foundation for the further development of pyroptosis‐inducing biomaterials for clinical applications.
Pore Structure Modulation in Kirigamic Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework
Authors: Nam Joohan , Jin Eunji , Abylgazina Leila , Getzschmann Jürgen , Xue Wen‐Long , Kyu Lee Hong , Oh Hyunchul , Ri Moon Hoi , Henke Sebastian , Schneemann Andreas , Choe Wonyoung
Published: November 2024

Paper crafts, such as origami and kirigami, have become an interdisciplinary research theme transportable from art to science, and further to engineering. Kirigami‐inspired architectural design strategies allow the establishment of three‐dimensional (3D) mechanical linkages with unprecedented mechanical properties. Herein, we report a crystalline zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF), displaying folding mechanics based on a kirigami tessellation, originated from the double‐corrugation surface (DCS) pattern. Pressure‐ and guest‐induced responses demonstrate the kirigami mechanism of the ZIF, wherein imidazolate linkers act as hinges, controlling pore dimensionality, resembling the check valve‐adapted mechanical manifold. This discovery of the kirigami tessellation inside a flexible ZIF reveals foldable mechanics at the molecular level.
Data, not documents: Moving beyond theories of information‐seeking behavior to advance data discovery
Authors: Million Anthony J. , York Jeremy , Lafia Sara , Hemphill Libby
Published: November 2024

Many theories of human information behavior (HIB) assume that information objects are in text document format. This paper argues four important HIB theories are insufficient for describing users' search strategies for data because of assumptions about the attributes of objects that users seek. We first review and compare four HIB theories: Bates' berrypicking, Marchionni's electronic information search, Dervin's sense‐making, and Meho and Tibbo's social scientist information‐seeking. All four theories assume that information‐seekers search for text documents. Next, we compare these theories to search behavior by analyzing Google Analytics data from the Inter‐university Consortium for Political and Social Research (ICPSR). Users took direct, scenic, and orienting paths when searching for data. We also interviewed ICPSR users (n = 20), and they said they needed dataset documentation and contextual information to find data. However, Dervin's sense‐making alone cannot explain the information‐seeking behaviors that we observed. Instead, what mattered most were object attributes determined by the type of information that users sought (i.e., data, not documents). We conclude by suggesting an alternative frame for building user‐centered data discovery tools.
Design and Synthesis of Dual Galectin‐3 and EGFR Inhibitors Against Liver Fibrosis
Authors: Liu Shuanglin , He Fei , Jin Can , Li Qing , Zhao Guilong , Ding Kan
Published: November 2024

Liver fibrosis, mainly arising from chronic viral or metabolic liver diseases, is a significant global health concern. There is currently only one FDA‐approved drug (Resmetirom) in the market to combat liver fibrosis. Both galectin‐3 and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) play important roles in liver fibrosis, while galectin‐3 may interact with EGFR. Galectin‐3 inhibitors, typically lactose or galactose derivatives may inhibit liver fibrosis. We hypothesized that targeting both galectin‐3 and EGFR may have better effect against liver fibrosis. Here, EGFR inhibitor erlotinib was used in a series of designed galectin‐3 inhibitors after hybridization with the pharmacophore structure in reported galectin‐3 inhibitors to impede hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) activation by a typical method of click chemistry. Bioactivity test results showed that compound 29 suppressed TGF‐β‐induced upregulation of fibrotic markers (α‐SMA, fibronectin‐1, and collagen I). The preferred compound 29 displayed better binding to galectin‐3 (KD=52.29 μM) and EGFR protein (KD=3.31 μM) by SPR assay. Further docking studies were performed to clarify the possible binding mode of compound 29 with galectin‐3 and EGFR. Taken together, these results suggested that compound 29 could be a potential dual galectin‐3 and EGFR inhibitor as leading compound for anti‐liver fibrosis new drug development.
π‐Conjugation as a Direct Estimate of Lewis Acidity
Authors: González‐Pinardo Daniel , Fernández Israel
Published: November 2024

A computational approach to directly estimate the relative acidity of a given Lewis acid is presented. This approach is based on the strength of the π‐conjugation in trans‐crotonaldehyde‐Lewis acid complexes, the species used in the well‐known Childs’ Lewis acidity scale. It is found that the π‐conjugative strength values given by the Energy Decomposition Analysis – Natural Orbital for Chemical Valence method strongly correlate not only with the variation of the bond lengths in the system, which are greatly affected by the nature of the Lewis acid, but also with the downfield shifts experienced by the different nuclei of the conjugated system upon binding to the Lewis acid. These strong correlations indicate that the (easy‐to‐compute) π‐conjugation energies can be used as an alternative Lewis acidity scale.