bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhanced multimodal medical image fusion based on Pythagorean fuzzy set: an innovative approach
Authors: Haribabu Maruturi , Guruviah Velmathi
Published: October 2023

Medical image fusion is the process of combining a multi-modality image into a single output image for superior information and a better visual appearance without any vagueness or uncertainties. It is suitable for better diagnosis. Pythagorean fuzzy set (PFS)-based medical image fusion was proposed in this manuscript. In the first phase, a two-scale gaussian filter was used to decompose the source images into base and detail layers. In the second phase, a spatial frequency (SF)-based fusion rule was employed for detail layers to preserve the more edge-oriented details. However, the base layer images were converted into pythagorean fuzzy images (PFIs) using the optimum value obtained by pythagorean fuzzy entropy (PFE). The blackness and whiteness count fusion rule were performed for image blocks decomposed from two PFIs in the third phase. Finally, the enhanced fused image was obtained by reconstructions of fused PFI blocks, which performed the defuzzification process. The proposed method was evaluated on different datasets for disease diagnosis and achieved better mean (M), standard deviation (SD), average gradient (AG), SF, modified spatial frequency (MSF), mutual information (MI), and fusion symmetry (FS) values than compared to state-of-art methods. This advancement is important in the field of healthcare and medical imaging, including enhanced diagnostics and treatment planning.
A non-invasive feather-based methodology for the detection of blood parasites (Haemosporida)
Authors: González-Olvera Merit , Hernandez-Colina Arturo , Chantrey Julian , Allen Simon , Lopez Javier , Baylis Matthew
Published: October 2023

Blood parasite (haemosporidian) infections are conventionally detected using blood samples; this implies capturing and handling birds to obtain them, which induces stress and causes pain. Feathers have blood vessels, and some blood could be preserved in the feather’s shaft after moulting. We used feather DNA for detecting haemosporidians by PCR testing in diverse scenarios. First, haemosporidian DNA was detected in feathers from carcasses of infected birds, proving the feasibility of the approach. Storage temperature affected DNA recovery, with maximum retrieval and haemosporidian detection at the lowest temperature (− 20 °C). All feather types from infected birds kept at optimal conditions yielded haemosporidian DNA. Parasite detection by PCR was correlated with DNA yield, which was significantly higher in heavier birds, flight feathers, and more feathers per pool. Lastly, haemosporidians were detected employing feathers moulted from wild and captive birds to estimate infection prevalence. We show for the first time that using blood from feather shafts for haemosporidian detection can be an advantageous and less invasive alternative to blood sampling if feathers are optimally preserved. This method could contribute to uncovering haemosporidian infections in endangered and elusive birds, and it might facilitate routine screening in captive birds, thereby improving infection detection, prevention, and control.
Comparison of antithrombin activity assays in detection of patients with heparin binding site antithrombin deficiency: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Rojnik Tamara , Sedlar Nataša , Turk Nana , Kastrin Andrej , Debeljak Maruša , Božič Mijovski Mojca
Published: October 2023

Antithrombin (AT) deficiency increases the risk for venous thromboembolism, therefore, a highly sensitive assay to identify this condition is crucial. The aim of this paper was to perform a meta-analysis comparing AT activities measured by different AT activity assays in patients with heparin binding site AT deficiency. In addition, the diagnostic sensitivity of selected assays was compared depending on the available data. An extensive literature search was performed considering results with publication date up to July 10, 2021. Seven relevant English-language observational studies, comparing AT activity measured by different AT activity assays in Caucasian Europeans with either the AT Budapest III or AT Padua I mutation were included in meta-analyses. There was no significant difference in AT activity between Labexpert and Innovance in patients with AT Budapest III (P = 0.567) and AT Padua I (P = 0.265), while AT activity determined by HemosIL was significantly higher compared to Innovance for both mutations (AT Budapest III: P < 0.001; AT Padua I: P < 0.001). These results are in line with the results of comparison of diagnostic sensitivity. In patients with AT Budapest III, the AT activity was also higher when measured with Berichrom compared to Innovance (P = 0.002), however, the results of comparison of diagnostic sensitivity across studies were variable. No significant difference (P = 0.117) in AT activity as well as diagnostic sensitivity was observed between Sta-Stachrom and Innovance. The results of our study suggest that Innovance, Labexpert and Sta-Stachrom are the most sensitive activity assays for detection of AT Budapest III and AT Padua I, whereas HemosIL showed considerably lower sensitivity for these two variants. As revealed in our study, the diagnostic sensitivity of AT activity assays to type II heparin binding site AT deficiency is different, and in some assays mutation dependent.
A case–control study to evaluate hematological indices in blood of diabetic and non-diabetic individuals in Ibb City, Yemen
Authors: Abbas Abdul Baset , Hazeb Alia , Al-Badani Rawan , Al-Thmary Boshra , Mokaram Rasha , Al-Najjar Somayah , Mothna Shifa , Kssiam Aziza , Esmail Abeer , Al-Rashidi Ali
Published: October 2023

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic, metabolic illness characterized by an elevation of blood sugar levels. Patients with diabetes show changes in hematological indices. The study aimed to determine hematological indices, ESR, CRP, blood pressure (BP), and weight and their relationship with a fasting blood sugar (FBS) level and different variables in diabetic mellitus patients (DM) compared with healthy control (HC). A total of 202 participants (102 DM group and 100 HC group) were selected randomly. Data were collected using a questionnaire. Blood samples were collected from different places and investigated in Zain Medical Laboratories in Ibb City, Yemen (September 2022 to May 2023). GraphPad Prim was used to analyze the results. P-value ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The mean and standard deviation of age, weight, gender, residence, marital status, education levels, economic status, regular exercise, following a strict diet, and family history of diabetes revealed significant differences between DM and HC groups (P < 0.0001, P = 0001, P = 0.0027, P = 0.0002, P < 0.0001, P < 0.0001, P = 0.0002, P = 0.0011, P < 0.0001 and P = 0.0001, respectively). FBS results, systolic and diastolic BP, MCV, WBCs, monocytes, eosinophils, and platelets displayed significant differences between both groups (P < 0.0001, P < 0.0001 and P = 0.0404, P = 0.0191, P < 0.0001, P = 0.0253, P < 0.0001, and P = 0.0229, respectively). ESR exhibited statistical significance (P < 0.0001), while CRP displayed no significance. A Pearson's correlation showed that weight, Hb, RBCs, PCV, and WBCs were statistically negatively correlated with FBS whereas other hematological indices showed no correlation with FBS. In conclusion, DM patients had relatively higher levels of MCV, WBCs, eosinophils, platelets and ESR than the control group.
The leakage effect may undermine the circular economy efforts
Authors: Safarzynska Karolina , Di Domenico Lorenzo , Raberto Marco
Published: October 2023

In this paper, we examine the impact of the circular economy on global resource extraction. To this end, we make an input–output analysis dynamic by combining it with an agent-based model of the capital sector. This approach allows us to study the evolution of the circular economy due to the endogenous decisions of firms on whether to invest in the capital expansion of primary or secondary sectors. Previous studies have examined the macroeconomic effects of the circular economy using scenarios that exogenously impose higher recycling rates, improved resource efficiency, or lowered demand on the economy. Such studies typically assume static consumer budgets, no price adjustments, capital investments in recycling infrastructure, or technological innovation. We relax these assumptions in a novel agent-based input–output model (ABM-IO). We show that the circular economy can significantly reduce the extraction of iron, aluminum, and nonferrous metals if implemented globally. However, the leakage effect may also cause some metal-intensive industries to relocate outside the EU, offsetting the circular economy efforts. The risk of the leakage effect is especially high for copper.
Impact of changes in physical activity and incident fracture after acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Cheon Dae young , Han Kyung-Do , Lee Jeen Hwa , Yu Kyung-Ho , Choi Bo Young , Lee Minwoo
Published: October 2023

Stroke survivors are at an increased risk of falls and fractures. Physical activity is inversely associated with the fracture risk in the general population. However, the association between incident fracture risk and changes in habitual physical activity before and after an index stroke remains unclear. This study attempted to explore the association between incident fracture risk and changes in physical activity after stroke. Using the claims database of the National Health Insurance Program in Korea, participants with their first ischemic stroke between 2010 and 2016 were enrolled in the study. The participants were divided into four groups according to changes in physical activity habits evaluated using two consecutive self-reported questionnaires before and after stroke, if available: persistent non-exercisers, exercise dropouts, new exercisers, and persistent exercisers. The primary outcome was a composite of vertebral, hip, and other fractures. We performed multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression analysis and provided adjusted hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals for each outcome. Among 202,234 participants included from 1,005,879 datasets, 16,621 (8.22%) experienced any type of fracture as the primary outcome. After multivariable adjustment, exercise dropouts (n = 37,106), new exercisers (n = 36,821), and persistent exercisers (n = 74,647) had a significantly reduced risk of any type of fracture (aHR 0.932, 95% CI 0.893–0.973; aHR 0.938, 95% CI 0.900–0.978; aHR 0.815, 95% CI 0.780–0.852, respectively) compared to the persistent non-exercisers (n = 53,660). Furthermore, regardless of pre-stroke exercise status, those who exercised ≥ 1000 metabolic equivalents of tasks post-stroke had a significantly reduced risk of fractures. Initiating or continuing moderate-to-vigorous regular physical activity after acute ischemic stroke was associated with a significantly lower risk of incident fractures, including hip, vertebral, and other types.
Climate responses in China to domestic and foreign aerosol changes due to clean air actions during 2013–2019
Authors: Gao Jiyuan , Yang Yang , Wang Hailong , Wang Pinya , Li Baojie , Li Jiandong , Wei Jiangfeng , Gao Meng , Liao Hong
Published: October 2023

In recent years, to improve air quality, significant efforts have been made to reduce regional aerosols including China, Europe and North America, which have potential impacts on climate. In this study, fast and slow climate responses in China to changes in domestic and foreign anthropogenic emissions of aerosols and precursors from 2013 to 2019 are investigated using the Community Earth System Model version 1 (CESM1). Aerosol emissions changes, especially reductions in China, North America and Europe, during 2013–2019 resulted in surface air temperature increases across the Northern Hemisphere. Global aerosol changes induce a regional warming of 0.2 °C in China, equally contributed by domestic and foreign emissions changes. China’s domestic emission reductions lead to a regional average temperature rise of 0.1°C, primarily driven by rapid atmospheric adjustments over eastern China. Foreign aerosol changes, particularly reductions in North America and Europe, also contributed to a 0.1°C warming in China through slow oceanic processes. This warming in China induced by foreign aerosol changes is due to a teleconnection between the aerosol-induced anomalous regional warming in Eastern U.S.-North Atlantic Ocean-Europe and the downstream East Asian climate through anomalous wave trains propagation. The comparable influence of domestic and foreign aerosol changes on climate in China underscores the importance of international collaboration in climate mitigation endeavors.
Physiological ER stress caused by amylase production induces regulated Ire1-dependent mRNA decay in Aspergillus oryzae
Authors: Tanaka Mizuki , Zhang Silai , Sato Shun , Yokota Jun-ichi , Sugiyama Yuko , Kawarasaki Yasuaki , Yamagata Youhei , Gomi Katsuya , Shintani Takahiro
Published: October 2023

Regulated Ire1-dependent decay (RIDD) is a feedback mechanism in which the endoribonuclease Ire1 cleaves endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-localized mRNAs encoding secretory and membrane proteins in eukaryotic cells under ER stress. RIDD is artificially induced by chemicals that generate ER stress; however, its importance under physiological conditions remains unclear. Here, we demonstrate the occurrence of RIDD in filamentous fungus using Aspergillus oryzae as a model, which secretes copious amounts of amylases. α-Amylase mRNA was rapidly degraded by IreA, an Ire1 ortholog, depending on its ER-associated translation when mycelia were treated with dithiothreitol, an ER-stress inducer. The mRNA encoding maltose permease MalP, a prerequisite for the induction of amylolytic genes, was also identified as an RIDD target. Importantly, RIDD of malP mRNA is triggered by inducing amylase production without any artificial ER stress inducer. Our data provide the evidence that RIDD occurs in eukaryotic microorganisms under physiological ER stress.
Modular, automated synthesis of spirocyclic tetrahydronaphthyridines from primary alkylamines
Authors: Cao Qiao , Tibbetts Joshua D. , Wrigley Gail L. , Smalley Adam P. , Cresswell Alexander J.
Published: October 2023

Spirocyclic tetrahydronaphthyridines (THNs) are valuable scaffolds for drug discovery campaigns, but access to this 3D chemical space is hampered by a lack of modular and scalable synthetic methods. We hereby report an automated, continuous flow synthesis of α-alkylated and spirocyclic 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-1,8-naphthyridines (“1,8-THNs”), in addition to their regioisomeric 1,6-THN analogues, from abundant primary amine feedstocks. An annulative disconnection approach based on photoredox-catalysed hydroaminoalkylation (HAA) of halogenated vinylpyridines is sequenced in combination with intramolecular SNAr N-arylation. To access the remaining 1,7- and 1,5-THN isomers, a photoredox-catalysed HAA step is telescoped with a palladium-catalysed C–N bond formation. Altogether, this provides a highly modular access to four isomeric THN cores from a common set of unprotected primary amine starting materials, using the same bond disconnections. The simplifying power of the methodology is illustrated by a concise synthesis of the spirocyclic THN core of Pfizer’s MC4R antagonist PF-07258669.
United States amphibian imports pose a disease risk to salamanders despite Lacey Act regulations
Authors: Connelly Patrick J. , Ross Noam , Stringham Oliver C. , Eskew Evan A.
Published: October 2023

Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal), one of two fungal pathogens that cause the deadly amphibian disease chytridiomycosis, is a major impending threat to salamander biodiversity in North America, where it is not yet known to occur. In the United States, a 2016 wildlife trade policy restricted trade in 20 salamander genera in attempts to prevent Bsal introduction. However, little comprehensive data is available to evaluate the impact of this policy action. Here we collate a dataset of United States amphibian imports from 1999 to 2021 using Law Enforcement Management Information System (LEMIS) data and show that reported legal trade in the targeted taxa was effectively reduced by the ban. Unfortunately, amphibian trade into the United States continues to risk Bsal introduction given that other species and genera now known to carry Bsal are still traded in large quantities (millions of live individuals annually). Additional policy responses focused on Bsal carrier taxa, especially frogs in the genus Rana, could help mitigate the impact of Bsal on North American salamanders.
Food
Authors: Coultate Tom
Published: October 2023

Since 1984 this book, now in its 7th edition and thoroughly updated, has introduced the crucial interface between our diet and the essentially chemical nature of what we eat and drink. The contributions of the various classes of natural food components, as well as additives and contaminants, to the nutritional value of foods are considered. These include the nutrients required in large amounts like carbohydrates, proteins, fat, minerals and water as well as the less bulky nutrients such as vitamins, flavours, colours and preservatives. Undesirable food components, including allergens, pesticide residues and toxins are also dealt with. Not just the nature of food components are described, but also how they behave in storage, processing and cooking and accompanying changes in a food’s nutritional value.

The book features a ‘Special Topics’ section at the end of each chapter for specialist readers and advanced students, comprehensive listings of up-to-date review articles and recommended books for further reading, an exhaustive index and the structural formulae of over 500 food components. Frequent reference is also made to wider food and health issues, e.g. lactose intolerance, polyunsaturated fatty acids, wheat and gluten evolution, salt and hypertension, flavonoids in tea and fruit, and the increasing replacement of artificial with natural food colours.

Food: The Chemistry of its Components will be of particular interest to students and teachers of food science, nutrition and applied chemistry in universities, colleges and schools. Its accessible style ensures that it will be invaluable to anyone with an interest in food issues.

Extracts from reviews of previous editions:

“A superb book to have by your side when you read your daily newspaper.” New Scientist.

“… filled me with delight, curiosity and wonder. All the chemistry is very clear and I thoroughly recommend it.” The Chemical Educator.

“This is a lively and thorough treatment of the subject. I can recommend it to anyone interested in food, as an excellent reference or just to pick up and browse.” School Science Review.

“Especially noteworthy are the author’s simple observations on foods that are familiar to us all …” Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Safety.
Unique development of a new dual application probe for selective detection of antiparallel G-quadruplex sequences
Authors: Babagond Vardhaman , Katagi Kariyappa , Pandith Anup , Akki Mahesh , Jaggal Ashwini
Published: October 2023

The dual app probe QnMF detect selectively antiparallel G4s through fluorescence turn-on response. It contains 19F leading to distinct chemical shifts in response to microenvironmental changes when bound to G4 structures.
Quinary RuRhPdPtAu high-entropy alloy as an efficient electrocatalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Chen Cheng , Guo Jiayin , Liu Jianhong , Li Weiwei , Wei Yongsheng , Wang Honghui , Zhao Xinsheng , Wei Lu
Published: October 2023

Quinary RuRhPdPtAu high-entropy alloy nanoparticles (HEA-NPs) are synthesized from a choline chloride-urea-based deep eutectic solvent, and exhibit excellent electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction with low overpotential and Tafel slope.
Controllable fabrication of iron–nickel alloy embedded in nitrogen-doped carbon for oxygen evolution
Authors: Lin Rong , Mao Lujiao , Ding Yi , Qian Jinjie
Published: October 2023

Due to the low activity and poor stability of pure Ni-based OER electrocatalysts, an FeNi alloy is wrapped by an amino-modified MOF-5-derived N-doped carbon layer to address the disadvantages.
Improving oxygen reduction reaction and oxygen evolution reaction activities with Ru–NiCo nanoparticles decorated on porous nitrogen-doped carbon for rechargeable Zn–air batteries and OER electrocatalysts
Authors: Sui Lili , Miao Lihua , Kuang Ye , Shen Xiaoyan , Yang Dan , Huang He
Published: October 2023

A series of nitrogen-doped carbon (CN) with NiCo alloys have been synthesized by pyrolyzing a simple bimetal zeolitic-imidazolate framework (ZIF) and further evenly loaded with metallic Ru nanoparticles to obtain Ru–NiCo/NC samples.
Cation exchange in an anionic metal–organic framework enhancing propylene/propane separation
Authors: Zhang Xue , Tang Hui-Juan , Zeng Min , Yang Rong , Wang Yu , Chen Kai-Jie
Published: October 2023

Exchanging dimethylamine cations with smaller K+ ions in an anionic MOF can significantly increase the pore volume and provide preferable interactions for C3H6, resulting in improved adsorption capacity and selectivity of C3H6/C3H8.
Conformational characteristics of poly(3-hydroxyvalerate) (P3HV) and structure–property relationships of P3HV and poly(3-hydroxybutyrate)
Authors: Watabe Yota , Shimomura Shunsuke , Ono Koyo , Sasanuma Yuji
Published: October 2023

The small structural difference between these two biodegradable polymers, whether the side group is methyl or ethyl, leads to marked divergences in their physical properties, despite their similar crystal structures.
Substrate suppression of oxidation process in pnictogen monolayers
Authors: Freire Rafael L. H. , de Lima F. Crasto , Fazzio A.
Published: October 2023

2D materials present an interesting platform for device designs.
Chirality dependent electromechanical properties of single-layer MoS2 under out-of-plane deformation: a DFT study
Authors: Ling Faling , Ling Yi , Liu Xiaoqing , Li Li , Zhou Xianju , Tang Xiao , Jing Chuan , Wang Yongjie , Jiang Sha , Lu Yi
Published: October 2023

Theoretical calculations reveal that the electromechanical coupling responses in two-dimensional MoS2, induced by out-of-plane deformation, show a slight dependence on chirality.
ChemDataWriter: a transformer-based toolkit for auto-generating books that summarise research
Authors: Huang Shu , Cole Jacqueline M.
Published: October 2023

ChemDataWriter automatically generates literature reviews via artificial intelligence that suggests potential book content, by retrieving and re-ranking relevant papers that the user has provided as input, and summarising and paraphrasing the text within these papers.
Emerging investigator series: aqueous oxidation of isoprene-derived organic aerosol species as a source of atmospheric formic and acetic acids
Authors: Bates Kelvin H. , Jacob Daniel J. , Cope James D. , Chen Xin , Millet Dylan B. , Nguyen Tran B.
Published: October 2023

Aqueous photochemistry of isoprene derivatives helps reconcile model budgets of organic aerosol mass and gas-phase formic and acetic acids.
Progress on smart integrated systems of seawater purification and electrolysis
Authors: Li Lu , Chen Gao , Shao Zongping , Huang Haitao
Published: October 2023

This review presents the progress and outlook of smart integrated seawater purification and electrolysis systems, which have the potential to circumvent the difficulties associated with direct seawater electrolysis.
Correction: Iodine emission from the reactive uptake of ozone to simulated seawater
Authors: Schneider Stephanie R. , Lakey Pascale S. J. , Shiraiwa Manabu , Abbatt Jonathan P. D.
Published: October 2023

Correction for ‘Iodine emission from the reactive uptake of ozone to simulated seawater’ by Stephanie R. Schneider et al., Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 2023, 25, 254–263, https://doi.org/10.1039/D2EM00111J.
Effect of red wheat, aleurone, and testa layers on colon cancer biomarkers, nitrosative stress, and gut microbiome composition in rats
Authors: Fiecke Chelsey , Simsek Senay , Sharma Ashok Kumar , Gallaher Daniel D.
Published: October 2023

Red wheat, aleurone, and testa reduce aberrant crypt foci and 3-nitrotyrosine and modify gut microbiome composition.
Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy of PEM fuel cells at low hydrogen partial pressures: efficient cell tests for mass production
Authors: Haimerl Felix , Kumar Sunil , Heere Michael , Bandarenka Aliaksandr S.
Published: October 2023

Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy of PEM fuel cells under varying hydrogen concentrations reveals the origins of the correlation between hydrogen partial pressure and fuel cell performance.
In-droplet cell lysis of AC16 human cardiomyocyte cells via surface acoustic waves
Authors: Trujillo R. M. , Almanza G. , Sanchez-Saldaña D. , Rosand Ø. , Høydal M. , Fernandino M. , Dorao C. A.
Published: October 2023

Although several lysis methods are available, biomedical applications are pushing the demand for miniaturised systems and thus for new ways to lyse cells in small volumes.
Development of a microfluidic cell transfection device into gene-edited CAR T cell manufacturing workflow
Authors: Yu Tong , Jhita Navdeep , Shankles Peter , Fedanov Andrew , Kramer Noah , Raikar Sunil S. , Sulchek Todd
Published: October 2023

We developed a workflow to produce potent gene-edited CAR T cells that combines microfluidic transfection and lentiviral transduction using healthy donor- and patient-derived T cells. We developed an understanding on how biomechanics of cells impact mechanoporation.
Amplification-free detection of telomerase activity at the single-cell level via Cas12a-lighting-up single microbeads (Cas12a-LSMBs)
Authors: Wang Honghong , Wang Shuhui , Wang Hui , Tang Fu , Chen Desheng , Liang Yuanwen , Li Zhengping
Published: October 2023

Amplification-free and ultrasensitive detection of telomerase activity at the single-cell level via Cas12a-lighting-up single microbeads (Cas12a-LSMBs).
Research progress on topological material-based photodetectors
Authors: Wu Kewen , Liao Xiaoqi , Iqbal Muhammad Ahsan , Zeng Yu-Jia
Published: October 2023

This review provides a summary of current research in topological material-based photodetectors. Challenges and perspectives on these emerging photodetectors are also discussed, providing a foundation for further exploration of their great potential.
Visualizing temperature inhomogeneity using thermo-responsive smart materials
Authors: Wang Panqin , Du Jiaren , Wang Tengyue , Lyu Shaoxing , Van Deun Rik , Poelman Dirk , Lin Hengwei
Published: October 2023

Thermo-responsive smart material with abundant colors and amazing color-changing luminescence feature can achieve highly efficient and simple visualization of invisible thermal distribution in industry and beyond.
Smart stimuli-responsive strategies for titanium implant functionalization in bone regeneration and therapeutics
Authors: Zhang Jinkai , Zhuang Yu , Sheng Ruilong , Tomás Helena , Rodrigues João , Yuan Guangyin , Wang Xudong , Lin Kaili
Published: October 2023

Schematic summary of various smart stimuli-responsive strategies applied for titanium implant functionalization.
Tuning the morphology, stability and optical properties of CsSnBr3 nanocrystals through bismuth doping for visible-light-driven applications
Authors: Adib Md. Asif , Sharmin Fahmida , Basith M. A.
Published: October 2023

Substitution of Sn by Bi in CsSnBr3 led to a more stable cubic perovskite structure. It also causes a significant decrease in the size of the nanocrystals from 316 ± 93 to 87 ± 22 nm and improvement in photocatalytic performance.
Surfactant-driven optimization of iron-based nanoparticle synthesis: a study on magnetic hyperthermia and endothelial cell uptake
Authors: Riahi K. , Dirba I. , Ablets Y. , Filatova A. , Sultana S. N. , Adabifiroozjaei E. , Molina-Luna L. , Nuber U. A. , Gutfleisch O.
Published: October 2023

This work examines the effect of changing the ratio of different surfactants in single-core iron-based nanoparticles in the context of magnetic hyperthermia and cellular uptake by human umbilical vein endothelial cells.
siRNA-loaded DNA nanostructures restore endothelial leakiness
Authors: Chandrasekaran Arun Richard
Published: October 2023

This article highlights the recent work of Qian, Leong, Wang et al. (Nanoscale Horiz., 2023, https://doi.org/10.1039/D2NH00348A) on the use of programmable DNA self-assemblies to restore endothelial leakiness.
Electrifying H2O2 synthesis with g-C3N4-based single atom catalysts
Authors: Ryu Jungki
Published: October 2023

This article highlights the recent work of Zhang, Peng et al. (Nanoscale Horiz., 2023, https://doi.org/10.1039/D2NH00564F) on transition metal single atom embedded graphitic carbon nitride nanosheets for the neutral electrosynthesis of hydrogen peroxide.
Sensitive bisphenol determination of environmental water by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) using magnetic sulfo-functionalized metal–organic frameworks nanocomposites as the adsorbent
Authors: Zhu Feng , Xu Shi-Xian , Ye Qing , Chen Xi
Published: October 2023

Magnetic sulfo-functionalized MOF nanocomposites (Fe3O4@PDA@Zr–SO3H-MOF) were synthesized as an adsorbent, and showed several advantages, such as high adsorption capacity, super-hydrophilicity, good extraction and fast separation ability for BPs.
Oxygen-vacancy V2O5 ultrathin nanosheets adorned with PEDOT films as anodes for high-energy-density asymmetric supercapacitors
Authors: Liang Yanmei , Li Danqin , He Yao , Chao Shixing , Zhang Mingming , Zhao Xueqian , Zhou Weiqiang , Xu Jingkun , Lu Baoyang
Published: October 2023

Oxygen-vacancy PEDOT/V2O5 nanosheets are obtained by the oxidative polymerization of EDOT on V2O5 without other oxidants. The energy density of supercapacitors composed of PEDOT/V2O5 and activated carbon reaches 65 W h kg−1.
Interface engineering of a Ni9S8/MoS2/Ni3S2 heterostructure to boost biomass upgrading coupled with the hydrogen evolution reaction at large current densities
Authors: Wang Ao , Meng Yan , Xu Gang , Dong Shi-Jiao , Song Jun-Ling
Published: October 2023

We fabricated a highly efficient Ni9S8/MoS2/Ni3S2 anode to convert low-value HMF into FDCA at the anode and hydrogen production at the cathode utilizing water as a green source of hydrogenation and oxidization.
Chemistry and bioactivity of lindenane sesquiterpenoids and their oligomers
Authors: Luo Jun , Zhang Danyang , Tang Pengfei , Wang Nan , Zhao Shuai , Kong Lingyi
Published: October 2023

The progress in the chemistry and bioactivity of 354 natural lindenane sesquiterpenoids (LSs) and their oligomers since 1925 is systematically summarized, focusing on the classification of their structures, chemical synthesis, and bioactivities.
Rapid purification and enrichment of viral particles using self-propelled micromotors
Authors: Cui Haipeng , Pan Wenwei , Li Tiechuan , Shen Xiaotian , Chang Ye , Pang Wei , Duan Xuexin
Published: October 2023

Schematic of the anti-SP-CSFA micromotors for virus enrichment.
Recent advances in trifluoroethylation reaction
Authors: Zhou Ming-Xi , Han Shuai , Wang Yue , Zhang Wei , Wang Zhen , Zeng Yao-Fu
Published: October 2023

The recent advances in trifluoroethylation reactions were summarized based on the bond formation: C(sp)–CH2CF3, C(sp2)–CH2CF3, C(sp3)–CH2CF3, and X (X = N, O, S, Se)–CH2CF3.
EGFR and PI3K/m-TOR inhibitors: design, microwave assisted synthesis and anticancer activity of thiazole–coumarin hybrids
Authors: Batran Rasha Z. , Ahmed Eman Y. , Awad Hanem M. , Ali Korany A. , Abdel Latif Nehad A.
Published: October 2023

A series of thiazoline and thiazolidinone-based 4-hydroxycoumarin derivatives were synthesized as anticancer agents using both conventional synthesis procedures and microwave-assisted techniques.
Research status of soda residue in the field of environmental pollution control
Authors: Zong Yonglan , Gong Jiantao , Zhang Jilai , Su Youbo , Hu Chenglei , Li Tianguo , Wu Yonglin , Jiang Ming
Published: October 2023

Waste-to-waste technology: application of soda residue in environmental treatment such as wastewater treatment, flue gas desulfurization and soil remediation.
Implementing team-based learning in a large environmental chemistry course and its impact on student learning and perceptions
Authors: Lekhi Priyanka , Varao-Sousa Trish
Published: October 2023

Team-based learning (TBL) is an instructional strategy where students participate in a set of activities including, applying course concepts to real-life case studies in instructor-selected teams. Here, we describe how TBL has been incorporated into a 3rd year, large, environmental chemistry course and investigate the benefits of using this strategy. A combination of pre/post survey and coursework data were analyzed to understand: (1) What were student perceptions of TBL? (2) How did using TBL to deliver content influence student learning, measured by exam performance? (3) How did students’ team skills evolve? Post-survey results indicate that students perceived TBL as enhancing their interest in course content, creating real-world connections, and most helpful for achieving practical critical thinking skills. Student performance on TBL-related final exam items was significantly better (Mean = 73%, SD = 21%) than non TBL-related final exam items, (Mean = 65%, SD = 21%), despite the level of complexity being similar between the two categories. The pre/post survey results indicate that, as compared to the start of term, students reported being significantly more comfortable expressing opinions in group meetings (t(78) = 4.25,p< 0.001, Cohen'sd= 0.48), and leading group discussions (t(78) = 3.11,p= 0.003, Cohen'sd= 0.35), by the end of the term. The one-minute reflections (completed following the first and fifth TBL activities) indicated that there was a 14% increase (77%vs.91%) in the number of students reporting on collective team decision making. This study demonstrates the wide-ranging positive impacts of TBL to student learning in a large Environmental Chemistry course all while enhancing active learning and applying chemistry concepts to relevant and real-life case studies.
Local structure and lithium-ion diffusion pathway of cubic Li7La3Zr2O12 studied by total scattering and the Reverse Monte Carlo method
Authors: Tian Haolai , Cai Guanqun , Tan Lei , Lin He , Phillips Anthony E. , Abrahams Isaac , Keen David A. , Keeble Dean S. , Fiedler Andy , Zhang Junrong , Kong Xiang Yang , Dove Martin T.
Published: October 2023

The cubic phase of Li7La3Zr2O12 shows fast diffusion of the lithium ions. Combining total scattering measurements analysed by the RMC method with molecular dynamics simulations gives a detailed picture of the distribution of the Li+ ions.
Intensive and thermally conductive boron nitride/aramid nanofiber composite fibers fabricated via a wet spinning technique
Authors: Kong Derui , Zhang Jizhen , Hou Zihao , Zhao Xu , Ren Ting , Liu Chuang , Tao Jinlong , Kong Na , Gong Yumei
Published: October 2023

In response to the increasingly diverse demands for body temperature control, self-cooling composite fibers of boron nitride (BN) nanosheets and aramid nanofibers (ANFs) were produced using a scalable wet spinning technique.
The choreography of protein kinase PDK1 and its diverse substrate dance partners
Authors: Leroux Alejandro E. , Biondi Ricardo M.
Published: October 2023

The protein kinase PDK1 phosphorylates at least 24 distinct substrates, all of which belong to the AGC protein kinase group. Some substrates, such as conventional PKCs, undergo phosphorylation by PDK1 during their synthesis and subsequently get activated by DAG and Calcium. On the other hand, other substrates, including members of the Akt/PKB, S6K, SGK, and RSK families, undergo phosphorylation and activation downstream of PI3-kinase signaling. This review presents two accepted molecular mechanisms that determine the precise and timely phosphorylation of different substrates by PDK1. The first mechanism involves the colocalization of PDK1 with Akt/PKB in the presence of PIP3. The second mechanism involves the regulated docking interaction between the hydrophobic motif (HM) of substrates and the PIF-pocket of PDK1. This interaction, in trans, is equivalent to the molecular mechanism that governs the activity of AGC kinases through their HMs intramolecularly. PDK1 has been instrumental in illustrating the bi-directional allosteric communication between the PIF-pocket and the ATP-binding site and the potential of the system for drug discovery. PDK1's interaction with substrates is not solely regulated by the substrates themselves. Recent research indicates that full-length PDK1 can adopt various conformations based on the positioning of the PH domain relative to the catalytic domain. These distinct conformations of full-length PDK1 can influence the interaction and phosphorylation of substrates. Finally, we critically discuss recent findings proposing that PIP3 can directly regulate the activity of PDK1, which contradicts extensive in vitro and in vivo studies conducted over the years.
The Effect of Noise on Initiation and Maintenance of Clear Speech and Associated Mental Demand
Authors: Ishikawa Keiko , Li Hannah , Coster Elisabeth
Published: October 2023

Background/Objectives:

The objectives of this study were to explore (a) the influence of different types of background noise and their informational content on the ability of speakers to initiate and maintain clear speech (CS), a widely utilized technique for enhancing speech intelligibility, and (b) the impact of background noise and CS usage on speakers' mental demand.

Method:

Five adult females were asked to read sentences using both habitual and CS under four distinct noise conditions: quiet, multitalker (MT) noise, reversed multitalker (RevMT) noise, and speech-shaped (SS) noise. Following this, speakers rated their perceived level of mental demand for each speaking condition using the modified NASA Task Load Index scale. A two-part listening experiment with 48 listeners was conducted to evaluate the speakers' effectiveness in initiating and maintaining CS.

Results:

Speakers initiated CS more successfully in noise than in quiet, with better performance observed in the presence of RevMT noise as compared to SS noise. Regarding the maintenance of CS, none of the speakers were successful in a quiet environment. Furthermore, the ability to maintain CS was most adversely affected in MT noise, followed by RevMT noise and SS noise.

Conclusions:

Our findings suggest that the effect of background noise on speech production is complex and multifaceted. The noise type affected speakers' ability to initiate and maintain CS as well as the mental demand associated with the speech task. The results underscore the importance of considering the characteristics of background noise and cognitive aspects of speech production when training and evaluating speakers' performance.
Composite reliability assessment of systems with grid‐edge renewable resources via quasi‐sequential Monte Carlo and cross‐entropy techniques
Authors: Manso Bruno A. S. , Leite da Silva Armando M. , Milhorance André , Assis Fernando A.
Published: October 2023

The still growing share of intermittent renewable sources in the electric energy matrix is a factor that greatly increases the complexity of modelling electrical power systems. Although its exploitation is conditioned to the geographic location where the natural resource emerges itself, when this location coincides with the grid‐edge of the system, close to the consumer, the composite reliability assessment is exposed to the combination of two problems: (i) representation of the intermittent energy availability of generators; and (ii) failure event rarity. To address the first problem, a fast Monte Carlo tool capable of representing chronological aspects can be used. For the second problem, an efficient variance reduction technique that adapts well to the composite problem of generation and transmission must be established. Therefore, a quasi‐sequential Monte Carlo simulation tool aided by importance sampling via the cross‐entropy method is proposed as an efficient and robust procedure for evaluating the composite reliability of systems with renewable participation at grid‐edge. The method is evaluated through a modified version of the IEEE Reliability Test System ‐ 1996, which presents renewable generation in consumer load buses and rarity in the composite failure.
Wie wird die Schuleingangsuntersuchung in Deutschland gestaltet? Eine
bundesweite Befragung der Gesundheitsämter.
Authors: Baumgarten Melanie , Küster Tess , Rademacher Jeanne , Preuschhof Claudia
Published: October 2023

Ziel der Studie Die Studie verfolgt das Ziel, einen Überblick
über Inhalte, Ablauf und Diagnostika der Schuleingangsuntersuchung (SEU)
in Deutschland zu geben. Im Fokus standen die allgemeine Umsetzung der SEU und
die verwendeten Entwicklungsscreenings in den einzelnen Ländern
Deutschlands.

Methodik An einer Online-Befragung in Gesundheitsämtern haben
insgesamt 183 Mitarbeiter*innen aus 15 unterschiedlichen Ländern
teilgenommen.

Ergebnisse Es zeigt sich ein sehr heterogenes Bild bezüglich der
SEU, wobei die Angaben sowohl zwischen als auch innerhalb der meisten
Länder variieren. Betrachtet man dennoch die am häufigsten
genannten Antwortoptionen der Befragten, wird die SEU mehrheitlich von den
Ärzt*innen des Öffentlichen Gesundheitsdienstes
durchgeführt, nimmt pro Kind 46 bis 60 Minuten Zeit in Anspruch, wird
innerhalb einer Untersuchung (einstufig) und bis maximal 12 Monate vor der
Einschulung durchgeführt. Inhaltlich stehen die körperliche und
kognitive Entwicklung der Kinder im Fokus. Die meisten Mitarbeiter*innen
der Gesundheitsämter berichten, dass ihnen zur Durchführung der
SEU konkrete Vorgaben vom Land vorliegen. Als Entwicklungsscreening wird das
Sozialpädiatrische Screening für Schuleingangsuntersuchungen
(SOPESS) am häufigsten eingesetzt. Darüber hinaus wird
berichtet, dass die Screenings mehrheitlich zwischen 16 und 30 Minuten dauern
sowie vollständig und in derselben Reihenfolge durchgeführt
werden. In rund 50–60% der Fälle wurde angenommen, dass
bei den eingesetzten Screenings die wissenschaftlichen Gütekriterien
gegeben sind.

Schlussfolgerung Die vorliegende Untersuchung bietet die
Möglichkeit, die verschiedenen Vorgehensweisen bei der Umsetzung der SEU
zu vergleichen und Weiterentwicklungen anzuregen.
Impfstoffmanagement in der ambulanten Versorgung: ein systematischer
Review internationaler Empfehlungen und Implikationen für das deutsche
Gesundheitswesen.
Authors: Knepper Laura , Stieber Christiane , Weltermann Birgitta
Published: October 2023

Hintergrund Unterbrechungen der Impfstoffkühlkette mit
Temperaturen außerhalb des Zielbereichs von+2°C
bis+8°C können die Wirksamkeit von Impfstoffen
verringern und die Immunantwort beeinträchtigen. Die Einhaltung von
Standards zum Impfstoffmanagement ist daher essentiell, doch sind für
Deutschland bisher keine Leitlinien dazu formuliert. Dieser Review vergleicht
die Qualität und die Inhalte internationaler Leitlinien und Empfehlungen
zum Impfstoffmanagement mit Hilfe des AGREE II Instruments (Appraisal of
Guidelines for Research and Evaluation). Aus den Ergebnissen werden Empfehlungen
für das Impfstoffmanagement in der ambulanten Versorgung in Deutschland
abgeleitet.

Methodik Ausgehend von einer systematischen Recherche wurden
internationale Leitlinien und Empfehlungen zum Impfstoffmanagement durch drei
Reviewer anhand der AGREE II-Domänen bewertet. Die Domänen
waren: Geltungsbereich und Zweck, Beteiligung von Interessengruppen, Genauigkeit
der Leitlinienentwicklung, Klarheit der Gestaltung, Anwendbarkeit und
Redaktionelle Unabhängigkeit. Die inhaltlichen Empfehlungen der
Leitlinien wurden nach den fünf Kernthemen Kühlkette,
Ausrüstung, Personal und Personalqualifikation, Lagerung und Monitoring
analysiert. Das Studiendesign wurde in PROSPERO (CRD42021270524)
registriert.

Ergebnisse Insgesamt wurden neun Leitlinien und Empfehlungen bewertet. Die
Gesamtpunktzahl der einzelnen Publikationen variierte zwischen 17% und
89% der maximal möglichen Punktzahl. Alle Leitlinien enthielten
Empfehlungen zu den fünf Kernthemen, unterschieden sich jedoch in der
Detailtiefe. Die wichtigsten Empfehlungen lauteten: a) durchgehende
Kühlkette erforderlich; b)≥2 geschulte Verantwortliche pro
Einrichtung; c) Lagerung in der Originalverpackung; d) geeigneter
Kühlschrank, vorzugsweise Spezialkühlschrank, mit
Min-Max-Thermometer oder Datenlogger; e) routinemäßiges
Monitoring des Impfkühlschranks mit täglicher
Temperaturaufzeichnung. Ein öffentliches Überwachungssystem wird
in einigen Leitlinien empfohlen.

Schlussfolgerung Unsere systematische Übersichtsarbeit
identifizierte Schlüsselinformationen für die Lagerung und das
Management von Impfstoffen, um die zukünftige Entwicklung deutscher
Empfehlungen zur Impfstofflagerung anzuregen und zu unterstützen.
“Having impact, making a difference” –
Ansätze zur Steigerung der Attraktivität des ÖGD als
zukünftiger Arbeitgeber. Ergebnisse und Empfehlungen aus zwei
bundesweiten Onlinebefragungen
Authors: Arnold Laura , Kellermann Lisa , Hommes Franziska , Jung Laura , Gepp Sophie , Fischer Florian , Szagun Bertram , Starke Dagmar , Stratil Jan M.
Published: October 2023

Um Ansätze zu identifizieren, wie der ÖGD zu einem attraktiveren
Arbeitgeber werden kann, wurde im Rahmen des ÖGD-Studisurveys das
Interesse von Studierenden in Deutschland an einer Tätigkeit im
ÖGD erstmals empirisch exploriert. Unmittelbar vor und während
der COVID-19-Pandemie wurden zwei Onlinebefragungen unter Studierenden
ÖGD-relevanter Studienfächer durchgeführt. Beide
Befragungen enthielten Fragen zur Wahrnehmung des ÖGD, zum Wissen
über den ÖGD sowie zu Ansätzen, um die
Attraktivität des ÖGD zu steigern. Alle Analysen erfolgten
stratifiziert nach Studienfächern. Medizinstudierende wiesen ein
geringeres Interesse an einer Tätigkeit im ÖGD auf als Public
Health-Studierende und Studierende weiterer ÖGD-relevanter
Fachrichtungen. Unabhängig vom Studienfach war das Wissen über
den ÖGD gering. Ungeachtet der Wahrnehmung positiver Aspekte, wurden
häufig negative Aspekte struktureller Art wahrgenommen – dies
v. a. auch von Studierenden mit Interesse am ÖGD. Um gut
qualifizierte Personen für den ÖGD zu gewinnen und langfristig
zu halten, gilt es, die positiven Aspekte zu betonen und formulierte Kritik
ernst zu nehmen. Hierfür ergeben sich drei Ansätze: (1)
Strategien zur langfristigen Personalgewinnung sollten kompetenzorientiert
ausgerichtet werden und auf Personen mit ÖGD-Interesse fokussieren. (2)
Zur Sicherstellung erforderlicher Kompetenzen sollte der ÖGD in allen
relevanten Studienfächern verankert und bestehende Aus- und
Weiterbildungsstrukturen sollten erweitert werden. (3) Um die
Arbeitgeberattraktivität des ÖGD nachhaltig zu stärken,
muss die Verwaltungsmodernisierung vorangebracht und das Aufgabenspektrum
entsprechend des Leitbildes weiterentwickelt werden.
Digitalisierung und maschinelles Lernen in der
Psychotherapieforschung und Praxis – Potentiale und
Probleme
Authors: Hehlmann Miriam I. , Lutz Wolfgang
Published: October 2023

Im Zuge des weltweiten Anstieges der Bedeutung von psychischen Störungen
1, werden frühzeitige Interventionen
und wirksame psychotherapeutische Behandlungen für ein funktionierendes
Gesundheitssystem immer wichtiger. Der aktuelle Stand der Psychotherapieforschung
zeigt jedoch, dass nicht alle Patient:innen gleichermaßen von Psychotherapie
profitieren, sondern dass die meisten Patient:innen (70–80%) zwar
deutliche Verbesserung zeigen, während andere nur geringe oder keine
Fortschritte erzielen oder sogar Verschlechterungen erfahren 2. Dies impliziert eine stärkere
Berücksichtigung von individuellen Unterschieden von Patient:innen und deren
Therapieverlauf in der Psychotherapieforschung, sowie eine stärkere
Refokussierung auf ungünstige Therapieverläufe und Abkehr von der
Frage nach durchschnittlichen Unterschieden zwischen den verschiedenen
Therapieverfahren oder Therapieschulen.