bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Enhancement of Photochromism and Luminescence Modulation Properties of Ferroelectric Ceramics via Chemical and Physical Strategies
Authors: Gong Jie , Du Peng , Li Weiping , Yuan Guoliang , Mao Xiaojian , Luo Laihui
Published: July 2022

Photochromic (PC) materials can be widely applied in light‐driven devices such as optical antifake labels, optical switches, information storage. Herein, Er3+ and Pr3+ co‐doped Na0.5+xBi2.5+xNb2O9 (x = −0.02, 0, 0.02) ferroelectric ceramics with excellent PC and luminescence modulation properties have been successfully prepared. Both chemical and physical strategies, namely excess Na+ and Bi3+ content during weighing of raw materials and an electric field poling, have been developed to enhance the PC and luminescence modulation. The largest reflectance difference ΔRef between fresh and irradiated ceramics reaches a high value of 36% at x = 0.02, which is much higher than the usually obtained value in inorganic oxide ferroelectrics. Additionally, this value increases to 39% after an electric field poling. Accordingly, the up‐conversion luminescence modulation ΔRt reaches a high value of 91.6%. The mechanisms of enhanced PC reaction and luminescence modulation via an electrical poling are discussed. Furthermore, a fast response time of around 1 s for PC reaction is achieved in this material. Utilizing this advantage, a hand‐rewritable display using the prepared ceramics has been achieved besides the applications in anti‐counterfeiting.
Creating Longitudinally Varying Vector Vortex Beams with an All‐Dielectric Metasurface
Authors: Zheng Chenglong , Li Jie , Liu Jingyu , Li Jitao , Yue Zhen , Li Hui , Yang Fan , Zhang Yating , Zhang Yan , Yao Jianquan
Published: July 2022

Vector vortex beams have attracted considerable research attention owing to their unique optical properties, and have been explored in vortex filtering, photon entanglement, and the photonic spin hall effect. In this work, a universal all‐dielectric metasurface platform is proposed that can generate longitudinally varying vector vortex beams in the terahertz band. As a proof‐of‐concept demonstration, a series of metasurface examples generating evolution of topological charges and vector polarization states of generated vector vortex beams are characterized. The experimental results agree well with the simulations, fully verifying the feasibility of the proposed scheme. The proposed metasurface strategy may find applications ranging from optical traps to polarization optics.
New Gelatin‐Based Hydrogel Foams for Improved Substrate Conversion of Immobilized Horseradish Peroxidase
Authors: Dehli Friederike , Stubenrauch Cosima , Southan Alexander
Published: July 2022

Hydrogel foams provide an aqueous environment that is very attractive for the immobilization of enzymes. To this end, functional polymers are needed that can be converted into hydrogel foams and that enable bioconjugation while maintaining high enzyme activity. The present study demonstrates the potential of biotinylated gelatin methacryloyl (GM10EB) for this purpose. GM10EB is synthesized in a two‐step procedure with gelatin methacryloyl (GM10) being the starting point. Successful biotinylation is confirmed by 2,4,6‐trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid and 4'‐hydroxyazobenzene‐2‐carboxylic acid/avidin assays. Most importantly, a high methacryloyl group content (DM) is maintained in GM10EB, so that solutions of GM10EB show both a sufficiently low viscosity for microfluidic foaming and a pronounced curing behavior. Thus, foamed and nonfoamed GM10EB hydrogels can be prepared via radical crosslinking of the polymer chains. Within both sample types, biotin groups are available for bioconjugation, as is demonstrated by coupling streptavidin‐conjugated horseradish peroxidase to the hydrogels. When assessing the substrate conversion rate rA in foamed hydrogels by enzymatic conversion of 2,2′‐azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid), a value for rA 12 times higher than the value for nonfoamed hydrogels of the same mass is observed. In other words, rA can be successfully tailored by the hydrogel morphology.
Graphene‐Based Composite Foams with Tunable Porosity for Ultra‐Sensitive Low‐Pressure Applications
Authors: Govindaraj Premika , Fuss Franz Konstantin , Tan Adin Ming , Weizman Yehuda , Salim Nisa , Sokolova Anna , Fox Bronwyn , Hameed Nishar
Published: July 2022

Composite foam sensors presenting promising applications in pressure sensors require seamless integration of conductive additives, simplicity of manufacturing with minimum footprint, and consistent performance with optimum mechanical properties. Here, a resistive‐type foam sensor based on polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) containing high loading of water‐based graphene slurry (30 vol%) developed by in situ condensation is presented. The composite foam sensor exhibits an open‐cell structure with high electrical conductivity (13.3 × 10–2 S m−1), high sensitivity (S = 8.2 ± 0.7 for pressure <1 kPa), and minimum response time (8 ms). The effect of processing on porosity and the corresponding disparity in the electromechanical performance of the foam sensors is witnessed. A systematic method to evaluate the mechanical properties of foam sensors as per foam standards is described. In addition to assessing the electromechanical properties, the graphene‐based foam sensor is calibrated for the first time. The calibration curve and accuracy of the foam sensor are correlated to their morphology. Synthesis and facile integration of graphene in composites, their mechanical, electromechanical characteristics, and calibration of sensors are demonstrated. Furthermore, it is shown that the sensors can empower human‐machine interface systems using a custom‐developed user interface.
Low Dielectric Constant and Anisotropic Mechanical Properties of Dispenser‐Printed Polyetherimide Films Using Two‐Step Thermal Treatment
Authors: Kim Junyoung , Hwang Uiseok , Chung June‐young , Kim Na‐Yeon , Nam Jeonghyeon , Jung Jinho , Sun Hanna , Seol Mina , Park In‐Kyung , Suhr Jonghwan , Nam Jae‐Do
Published: July 2022

Although polyetherimide (PEI) has attracted attention owing to its good dielectric properties, superior mechanical properties, and thermal/chemical stabilities, there is still a lack of methodology to fabricate PEI films in desired shapes directly on devices. In this study, a dispenser printing method to fabricate sophisticated 2D PEI structures is introduced. As dispenser printing is a solution‐based process, PEI ink is prepared by dissolving PEI in N‐methyl pyrrolidone (NMP). The printing conditions are controlled by optimizing the pneumatic pressure and viscosity of the inks with various ratios of PEI and NMP, followed by a two‐step heat treatment to develop fine PEI films. The dielectric constant of the PEI film increases from 2.28 to 2.61 with the corresponding secondary heating time of 1–5 h, which is much lower than the theoretical value owing to the free volume and loosely entangled polymer chains generated from the shear forces in printing and solvent evaporation. Furthermore, the film exhibits anisotropic mechanical properties in different printing directions, stemming from the alignment effect of the polymer molecules. It is believed that the developed PEI films and the facile methodology can be diversely tuned to provide new insights into material utilization, further extending the application fields.
A three‐dimensional ID‐WLP‐FDTD method demonstrating comprehensively improved performance and unconditional stability
Authors: Xiao Li‐kang , Tian De‐Yang , Lan Jiang‐He , Chen Wei‐Jun , Ma Ping
Published: July 2022

In this study, a three‐dimensional (3D) finite‐difference time‐domain (FDTD) approach utilizing time‐domain weighted Laguerre polynomials (WLPs) and space‐domain isotropic–dispersion (ID) finite‐difference scheme is presented (i.e., 3D ID‐WLP‐FDTD). The method exhibits unconditional stability and comprehensively improved performance such as lower anisotropic numerical dispersion error. To demonstrate its advantage, it is applied in an example of the propagation of a plane wave in a 3D cavity. The results calculated by the proposed ID‐WLP‐FDTD method and the conventional 3D WLP‐FDTD are compared, which shows that the proposed method can achieve reduced anisotropic numerical dispersion error while consuming less calculation time and hardware resources.
A dual‐band impedance transformer with a single series line for frequency‐dependent loads
Authors: Wan Zipeng , Liu Qiang , Liu Wang , Cheng Dong , Du Guangxing , Li Guolin
Published: July 2022

This paper proposes a novel dual‐band impedance transformer for matching frequency‐dependent complex loads. The transformer consists of four shunt stubs and a single series transmission line. The equations for the transformer are derived concisely. The design values of the four stubs are determined by the analytical formulas and the parameters of the single series line are obtained by solving a nonlinear equation. The characteristic impedances of the four stubs can be adjusted. The design freedom is greatly enhanced and the possibility of using lines with extremely high or low impedance is reduced significantly. Two numerical examples are presented for illustrating the design process, and a prototype is fabricated and measured for verification. Compared with the existing works, the design not only shows high design freedom but also has the smallest electrical length of the series line. Therefore, the transformer has a good application prospect for the dual‐band active circuits.
Colocated MIMO antenna pair based on modal orthogonality for 5G terminal applications
Authors: Zahid Zeeshan , Qu Longyue
Published: July 2022

In this letter, a novel colocated 2 × 2 multiple‐input multiple‐output (MIMO) antenna pair has been proposed. The pair consists of a monopole antenna (J‐source) and a slot antenna (M‐source) integrated at the same location on the terminal ground plane. The inherent orthogonality between the electric source (J) and magnetic source (M) has been exploited to isolate the antenna elements from each other without deploying any additional decoupling component. The proposed 2 × 2 MIMO antenna pair is extended to an 8 × 8 MIMO antenna design for terminal applications. The measured peak isolation between the antenna elements is 25 dB and the impedance bandwidth of the antennas is above 200 MHz with a 3 dBi peak gain, and the envelope correlation coefficient is less than 0.1. The design is proposed for 5G applications operating at the 3.5 GHz band and is a strong candidate for modern smartphone applications.
Graphene‐based tunable terahertz electromagnetically induced transparency using metamaterial structure
Authors: Xu Kai‐Da , Xia Shengpei , Cai Yijun , Li Jianxing , Cui Jianlei , Chen Chengying , Zhou Jianmei
Published: July 2022

A graphene‐based tunable electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT)‐like metamaterial structure operating at the terahertz regime is proposed and numerically analyzed. The unit cell of the metamaterial structure consists of a split‐ring resonator and twofolded‐line pair resonators, performing as the quasi‐dark mode and bright mode, respectively. When the incident waves vertically illuminate upon the metamaterial structure, a transmission peak can be observed. Moreover, the frequency of the transparency window can be flexibly adjusted by changing the Fermi energy level of graphene. A classical coupled two‐oscillator model is employed to theoretically analyze the physical mechanism of EIT‐like phenomenon, which is due to the near‐field coupling effect between the bright and the quasi‐dark modes. The proposed work will be a good candidate for the design of different graphene‐based tunable EIT devices at different frequency spectra with potential applications in optical sensors.
Sensory nerve regeneration and reinnervation in muscle following peripheral nerve injury
Authors: Adidharma Widya , Khouri Alexander N. , Lee Jennifer C. , Vanderboll Kathryn , Kung Theodore A. , Cederna Paul S. , Kemp Stephen W. P.
Published: July 2022

Sensory afferent fibers are an important component of motor nerves and compose the majority of axons in many nerves traditionally thought of as “pure” motor nerves. These sensory afferent fibers innervate special sensory end organs in muscle, including muscle spindles that respond to changes in muscle length and Golgi tendons that detect muscle tension. Both play a major role in proprioception, sensorimotor extremity control feedback, and force regulation. After peripheral nerve injury, there is histological and electrophysiological evidence that sensory afferents can reinnervate muscle, including muscle that was not the nerve's original target. Reinnervation can occur after different nerve injury and muscle models, including muscle graft, crush, and transection injuries, and occurs in a nonspecific manner, allowing for cross‐innervation to occur. Evidence of cross‐innervation includes the following: muscle spindle and Golgi tendon afferent‐receptor mismatch, vagal sensory fiber reinnervation of muscle, and cutaneous afferent reinnervation of muscle spindle or Golgi tendons. There are several notable clinical applications of sensory reinnervation and cross‐reinnervation of muscle, including restoration of optimal motor control after peripheral nerve repair, flap sensation, sensory protection of denervated muscle, neuroma treatment and prevention, and facilitation of prosthetic sensorimotor control. This review focuses on sensory nerve regeneration and reinnervation in muscle, and the clinical applications of this phenomena. Understanding the physiology and limitations of sensory nerve regeneration and reinnervation in muscle may ultimately facilitate improvement of its clinical applications.
Microvascular response to exercise varies along the length of the tibialis anterior muscle
Authors: Veeger Thom T. J. , Hirschler Lydiane , Baligand Celine , Franklin Suzanne L. , Webb Andrew G. , de Groot Jurriaan H. , van Osch Matthias J. P. , Kan Hermien E.
Published: July 2022

Microvascular function is an important component in the physiology of muscle. One of the major parameters, blood perfusion, can be measured noninvasively and quantitatively by arterial spin labeling (ASL) MRI. Most studies using ASL in muscle have only reported data from a single slice, thereby assuming that muscle perfusion is homogeneous within muscle, whereas recent literature has reported proximodistal differences in oxidative capacity and perfusion. Here, we acquired pulsed ASL data in 12 healthy volunteers after dorsiflexion exercise in two slices separated distally by 7 cm. We combined this with a Look‐Locker scheme to acquire images at multiple postlabeling delays (PLDs) and with a multiecho readout to measure T2*. This enabled the simultaneous evaluation of quantitative muscle blood flow (MBF), arterial transit time (ATT), and T2* relaxation time in the tibialis anterior muscle during recovery. Using repeated measures analyses of variance we tested the effect of time, slice location, and their interaction on MBF, ATT, and T2*. Our results showed a significant difference as a function of time postexercise for all three parameters (MBF: F = 34.0, p < .0001; T2*: F = 73.7, p < .0001; ATT: F = 13.6, p < .001) and no average differences between slices over the total time postexercise were observed. The interaction effect between time postexercise and slice location was significant for MBF and T2* (F = 5.5, p = 0.02, F = 6.1, p = 0.02, respectively), but not for ATT (F = 2.2, p = .16). The proximal slice showed a higher MBF and a lower ATT than the distal slice during the first 2 min of recovery, and T2* showed a delayed response in the distal slice. These results imply a higher perfusion and faster microvascular response to exercise in the proximal slice, in line with previous literature. Moreover, the differences in ATT indicate that it is difficult to correctly determine perfusion based on a single PLD as is commonly performed in the muscle literature.
Were some individuals more vulnerable than others in the Late Neolithic society? Osteobiography of an elderly female with multiple fractures
Authors: Hukeľová Zuzana
Published: July 2022

A skeleton of a Late Neolithic elderly female (aged 50+) from the Lengyel site of Svodín‐Busahegy (4,900–4,700 cal BC) showed multiple injuries in various stages of healing. Even though the precise cause of the injuries cannot be determined, apparently, she had been facing repeating situations resulting in injuries, or possibly also mistreatment. The elderly female may thus represent a vulnerable member of society, possibly related to her appearance linked to a likely plagiocephaly.
Loading of g‐C3N4 on Core‐Shell Magnetic Mesoporous Silica Nanospheres as a Solid Base Catalyst for the Green Synthesis of some Chromene Derivatives under Different Conditions
Authors: Neamani Shekofeh , Moradi Leila
Published: July 2022

Using heterogeneous basic catalysts has a great importance in chemical reactions because of their advantages (such as easy separation and thermal stability at harsh conditions) over homogeneous catalysts. In this study, magnetic mesoporous silica nanoparticles (mSiO2) containing graphitic carbon nitride layers (mSiO2/g‐C3N4(x)) were fabricated through a facile process (x signifies the amount of melamine applied during synthesis). Graphitic carbon nitride layers were decorated on mSiO2 by calcination of immobilized melamine (as graphitic carbon nitride precursor) on mSiO2 in the last step of catalyst synthesis. The structure of the prepared catalysts was confirmed using XRD, BET, FESEM, EDX, elemental mapping and TEM methods. The catalytic efficiency of the so‐obtained solid base composite was investigated for the synthesis of some dihydropyranochromenes and spiro‐dihydropyranochromenes under thermal and microwave conditions. Using mSiO2/g‐C3N4(x) led to high yields under green conditions and in short reaction times and without a decrease in catalytic activity after four consecutive cycles.
High transmittance and excellent hardness TiO2‐SiO2‐Al2O3 nanocomposite thin film for anti‐scratch surface applications
Authors: Huong Ha Thu , Nhu Tran Thi Quynh , Nang Ho Xuan , Tuan Pham Anh , Huy Pham Thanh
Published: July 2022

In this work, TiO2‐SiO2‐x%Al2O3 (x = 0–50) nanocomposite thin films (NCTFs) with high purity, relatively homogeneity, high transmittance, excellent hardness, and crack‐free were synthesized successfully by a spin‐coating technique. It was demonstrated that the transmittance and the hardness of TiO2‐SiO2‐x%Al2O3 NCTFs are strongly affected by the Al2O3 content. The highest transmittance of 90.9% in the visible region (400 to 800 nm) and the excellent hardness and scratch resistance with a maximum hardness value of 7 Mohs and 11.8 GPa of nanoindentation and a critical scratch load of 47.6 mN for the TiO2‐SiO2‐30%Al2O3 NCTF annealed at 500°C in the air for 3 h was achieved. A hardness enhancement mechanism was proposed and discussed in detail. The obtained results show that the fabricated TiO2‐SiO2‐Al2O3 NCTFs have a great potential for anti‐scratch resistance surface applications.
Post‐harvest quality and shelf life assessment of Agaricus bisporus influenced by nanocellulose/nanohemicellulose loaded starch based packaging
Authors: Louis Antony Catherine Flora , Venkatachalam Sivakumar
Published: July 2022

The post‐harvest shelf life and quality of Agaricus bisporus can be prolonged by effective packaging and storage. This work is an attempt to extend the shelf life and preserve the quality of Agaricus b. through nanocellulose and nanohemicellulose reinforced starch based packaging material. Spherical shaped nanocellulose and nanohemicellulose were isolated from corn cob. Starch nanocomposites were prepared using 0.25%, 0.5%, 0.75%, and 1 wt% of nanocellulose and nanohemicellulose and were characterized. Tailor improved mechanical and reduced water vapor permeability were achieved along with biodegradability. Tensile strength increased to 8.17 ± 0.75 Mpa for nanocellulose and 5.45 ± 0.17 MPa for nanohemicellulose reinforced films. Young's modulus increased significantly to 445.39 ± 8.39 and 106.45 ± 4.55 MPa and a significant decrease in elongtion of the film to 21.30 ± 4.89% and 38.25 ± 1.87% in 0.75% cellulose nanoparticles (CNP) and 0.75% hemicellulose nanoparticles (HNP) reinforced films respectively. Fabricated films were thermally stable with onset degradation at 260 and 280°C for nanocellulose and nanohemicellulose reinforced films. Developed films were used for packing button mushrooms. The results showed that mushrooms packed in fabricated nanoparticle loaded biobased films retained the quality of mushrooms and exhibited better retention in pH, color, firmness than the pure starch film and can be used to preserve the quality of mushroom in refrigerated condition for upto 6 days.
An innovative extraction strategy for herbal medicine by adopting p‐sulphonatocalix[6]/[8]arenes
Authors: Yu Xuan , Liang Teng‐hui , Wang Meng , Ren Xiao‐liang , Zhou Zhen‐yu , Jiang Miao‐miao , Zhang De‐qin
Published: July 2022

Introduction

Alkaloids exist in various herbal medicine widely and exhibit diverse biological and pharmacological activities. p‐Sulphonatocalix[6]arenes (SC6A) and p‐sulphonatocalix[8]arenes (SC8A) are water‐soluble supramolecular macrocycles and are applied to the extraction of alkaloids from herbal products.

Objective

In this study, an innovative method of SC6A/SC8A assisted extraction of the alkaloids from herbs was established.

Methods

SC6A and SC8A were designed to extract 27 alkaloids from seven herbal medicines. Based on the significant solubilisation and extraction effect, Stephaniae Tetrandrae Radix (Fangji, FJ) was selected to obtain the optimal extraction process by adopting single factor test and orthogonal experiment. Then, the alkaloids and SC6A/SC8A were separated by one‐step alkalisation and SCnA were reused. The host–guest complexes between alkaloids and SCnA were determined by competitive fluorescence titration, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H‐NMR) analysis.

Results

The optimum condition for SC6A assisted extraction was 5:1:80 (g/g/mL) for herbs/SC6A/solution ratio, 355–250 μm particle size and ultrasonicate 0.5 h, whilst 10:1:40 (g/g/mL) for herbs/SC8A/solution ratio, 355–250 μm particle size and ultrasonicate 0.5 h for SC8A assisted extraction. The total yield of alkaloids (fangchinoline and tetrandrine) from FJ was increased by 4.87 times and 5.97 times with SC6A and SC8A. Moreover, a good reusability of SC6A/SC8A was achieved by alkalisation dissociation. Host–guest complexes were determined by competitive fluorescence titration at a molar ratio of 1:1 between most alkaloids (25/27, except evodiamine and rutaecarpine) and SC6A/SC8A. The complex structure was proved by DSC, FTIR and 1H‐NMR analysis.

Conclusion

The study provided an effective eco‐friendly and energy‐saving extraction method of alkaloids from herbal medicine.
Modelingfast‐and‐frugalheuristics
Authors: Wang Yuhui , Luan Shenghua , Gigerenzer Gerd
Published: July 2022

Heuristics are simple rules that experts and laypeople rely on to make decisions under uncertainty as opposed to situations with calculable risk. The research program on fast‐and‐frugal heuristics studies formal models of heuristics and is motivated by Herbert Simon's seminal work on bounded rationality and satisficing. In this article, we first introduce the major theoretical principles (e.g., ecological rationality) and research approaches (e.g., competitive testing) that have been adopted in this research program, and then illustrate these principles and approaches with two heuristics: take‐the‐best and fast‐and‐frugal trees. We describe conditions under which simple heuristics predict as accurately as or better than more complex models, despite requiring less effort. We close by pointing out several issues that need to be further studied and better understood in the research on fast‐and‐frugal heuristics.
A thermodynamic evaluation of metal halides for the recrystallization of Cu(In,Ga)Se2
Authors: Palmiotti Elizabeth , Marsillac Sylvain , Rockett Angus
Published: July 2022

CdTe films are deposited at low temperatures and recrystallized to photovoltaic device quality using CdCl2 treatments, leading to competitive manufacturing costs. Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS) typically requires high‐temperature, low‐rate depositions to produce high‐efficiency devices, resulting in higher costs. A similar metal halide treatment of CIGS has been demonstrated by us previously for some metal halide sources. To understand and optimize the process, a thermodynamic evaluation of candidate metal halides for such treatments is presented as a guide for their selection. By comparing bond dissociation energies, mono‐ and di‐halide compounds are proposed to be ideal compounds to act as transport agents. Known recrystallization and temperature reduction benefits by Ag alloying suggest that Ag halides should be used to aid transport of all species. The high vapor pressure and mobility of Ga compounds still pose a problem for metal halide treatment, resulting in Ga etching and removal of intentional Ga gradients. Less severe but similar issues with In compounds may occur. Cu compounds have low vapor pressures that may limit transport; however, Cu is highly mobile in CIGS, and recrystallization still occurs.
Sperm‐borne proteins improve rabbit cloning efficiency via regulating embryonic cleavage and epigenetics
Authors: Qu Pengxiang , Cao Wenbin , Zhang Yanru , Qi Jia , Meng Bin , Liu Shuangqing , Zhuang Yanxin , Duan Chenjin , Liu Enqi
Published: July 2022

Somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) shows great application value in the generation of transgenic animals, protection of endangered species, and therapeutic cloning. However, the cloning efficiency is still very low, which greatly restricts its application. Compared to fertilized embryos, cloned embryos lack the sperm proteins, which are considered to play an important role in embryonic development. Here, we compared the sperm proteome, with that of donor fibroblasts and oocytes, and identified 342 proteins unique to sperm, with 42 being highly expressed. The 384 proteins were mainly enriched in the categories of post‐translational modification and cytoskeletal arrangement. Extracts of soluble sperm or fibroblast proteins were injected into cloned embryos, and the result showed that injection of sperm protein significantly inhibited abnormal embryonic cleavage, significantly decreased the level of trimethylated histone H3 Lys9 (H3K9me3) and the apoptotic index, and increased the inner cell mass (ICM)‐to‐trophectoderm (TE) ratio. More importantly, the sperm proteins also significantly enhanced the birthrate. The results of in vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrate that sperm‐derived proteins improve embryo cloning efficiency. Our findings not only provide new insights into ways to overcome low cloning efficiency, but also add to the understanding of sperm protein function.
Self‐assembled supramolecular organogels of perylene diimide derivatives
Authors: Moharana Prajna , Santosh G.
Published: July 2022

Supramolecular gels of low molecular weight molecules have created enthusiasm among researchers for their tremendous applications as sensors and in the field of biomedical applications and electro‐optics for decades. Among them, gels derived from perylene diimide derivatives in organic non‐polar solvents are rarely reported. This review has gathered all information about these organogels and summarized them based on the substituents and the self‐assembly mechanism in various organic solvents. It has been found that perylene diimide derivatized molecules undergo hydrogen or non‐hydrogen bonding directed π–π stacking to build up three‐dimensional fibrous network structures, which later proved as gels by various characterization techniques.
Unusual spontaneous oxidation of 2,2′‐(quinolin‐2‐ylmethylene)bis(1H‐indene‐1,3(2H)‐dione): An experimental and theoretical study of the mechanism
Authors: Sigalov Mark V. , Shainyan Bagrat A.
Published: July 2022

2‐Quinolinecarbaldehyde reacts with 1,3‐indandione to give 2‐[(3‐hydroxy‐1‐oxo‐1H‐inden‐2‐yl)(quinolin‐2‐yl)methylene]‐1H‐indene‐1,3(2H)‐dione, which is the first example of self‐oxidation of the Michael adducts of cycloalkanones with aldehydes. The structure of the product of oxidation is also proved by NMR and elemental analysis of its bromination product 2‐[(2‐bromo‐1,3‐dioxo‐2,3‐dihydro‐1H‐inden‐2‐yl)(1,3‐dioxo‐1,3‐dihydro‐2H‐inden‐2‐ylidene)‐methyl]quinolinium tribromide salt. The mechanism of this unusual reaction is studied experimentally and theoretically in comparison with that of a similar reaction with 2‐pyridinecarbaldehyde, which does not lead to self‐oxidation. The three‐step mechanism includes the formation of a pre‐reaction complex, which suffers proton transfer to the pyridinic nitrogen atom, and the hydride ion transfer to the protonated aldehyde. The transition states for the two reactions differ by the position on the reaction coordinate and the heights of the free energy barriers (~25 and ~4 kcal/mol), which allows to explain the observed different reactivity of the two similar hetaryl aldehydes.
The Plant Science Blogging Project: A curriculum to develop student science communication skills
Authors: Iriart Veronica , Forrester Nicole J. , Ashman Tia‐Lynn , Kuebbing Sara E.
Published: July 2022

Societal Impact Statement

The practice of writing science blogs benefits both the scientist and society alike by providing professional development opportunities and delivering information in a format that is accessible to large and diverse audiences. By designing a project that introduced upper‐level undergraduate students to science blog writing with a focus on plant biology, we piqued students' interest in science writing and the content of a popular plant science blog website. If adopted more widely, this work could broaden the scope of science education and promote the development of effective science communication skills for the next generation of scientists.

Successful scientists must communicate their research to broad audiences, including distilling key scientific concepts for the general public. Students pursuing careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields benefit from developing public communication skills early in their careers, but opportunities are limited in traditional biology curricula.

We created the “Plant Science Blogging Project” for a Plant Biology undergraduate course at the University of Pittsburgh in Fall 2018 and 2019. Students wrote blog posts merging personal connections with plants with plant biology concepts for the popular science blogs Plant Love Stories and EvoBites. By weaving biology into their narratives, students learned how to share botanical knowledge with the general public.

The project had positive impacts on student learning and public engagement. In post‐assignment surveys, the majority of students reported that they enjoyed the assignment, felt it improved their understanding of plant biology, and piqued their interest in reading and writing science blogs in the future. Approximately one‐third of the student‐authored blogs were published, including two that rose to the top 10 most‐read posts on Plant Love Stories. Some dominant themes in student blogs, including medicine and culture, differed from common story themes published on the web, indicating the potential for students to diversify science blog content.

Overall, the Plant Science Blogging Project allows undergraduate students to engage with plant biology topics in a new way, sharpen their scientific communication skills in accordance with today's world of mass information sharing, and contribute to the spread of scientific knowledge for public benefit.
Pediatric pulmonary year in review 2021: Sleep medicine
Authors: Okorie Caroline U. A. , Afolabi‐Brown Olufunke , Tapia Ignacio E.
Published: July 2022

Pediatric pulmonology publishes original research, review articles, and case reports on a wide variety of pediatric respiratory disorders. In this article, we summarized the past year's publications in sleep medicine and reviewed selected literature from other journals in this field. We focused on original research articles exploring aspects of sleep‐disordered breathing in patients with underlying conditions such as cystic fibrosis, asthma, and sickle cell disease. We also explored sleep‐disordered breathing risk factors, monitoring, diagnosis, and treatment; and included recent recommendations for drug‐induced sleep endoscopy and ways to monitor and improve PAP adherence remotely.
Preclinical studies of the antitumor effect of curcumin‐loaded polymeric nanocapsules: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: de Oliveira Thayse V. , Stein Renan , de Andrade Diego F. , Beck Ruy C. R.
Published: July 2022

Curcumin, a plant‐derived compound, has various well‐known biological effects (anti‐inflammatory, antioxidant, antitumor, among others) as well as some important limitations for formulators, such as poor water solubility and low oral bioavailability. Its nanoencapsulation is reported to overcome these drawbacks and to improve its in vivo efficacy. Here, data from preclinical in vivo studies evaluating the antitumor efficacy of curcumin‐loaded polymeric nanocapsules are collected, analyzed, and discussed as a systematic review. Meta‐analyses are performed to assess the contribution of this nanoencapsulation compared with nonencapsulated curcumin. Eighteen studies (116 animals) meet the inclusion criteria. The evidence that curcumin‐loaded polymeric nanocapsules inhibits tumor growth (SMD: −3.03; 95% CI: −3.84, −2.21; p < 0.00001) and decreases tumor weight (SMD: −3.96; 95% CI: −6.22, −1.70; p = 0.0006) in rodents is established, regardless of the solid tumor model. To assess the quality of the studies included in the review a bias risk analysis was performed using the SYRCLE's RoB tool. Therefore, encapsulation in polymeric nanocapsules represents an important tool to improve the antitumor effects of curcumin, and this systematic review paves the way for future clinical studies and the translation of curcumin formulations into novel nanomedicines for human cancer treatment.
The effect of saffron supplementation on glycemic parameters: An overview of systematic reviews
Authors: Sadigi Behnam , Yarani Reza , Mirghafourvand Mojgan , Travica Nikolaj , Yousefi Zahra , Shakouri Seyed Kazem , Ostadrahimi Alireza , Mobasseri Majid , Pociot Flemming , Sanaie Sarvin , Araj‐Khodaei Mostafa
Published: July 2022

Due to the widespread use of herbal medicine and evidence pointing to the health benefits of saffron supplementation, this review was performed to evaluate the effects of saffron supplementation on glycemic parameters and lipid profiles based on previous reviews. Relevant articles were retrieved from various databases, which included PubMed, Scopus, ProQuest, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane until 2020, with no date restrictions. The quality of the included reviews was assessed using the Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR) checklist. Finally, of 877 obtained articles, eight reviews meeting the inclusion criteria were included for analysis. Among the eight included reviews, seven articles were meta‐analyses. In addition, one review had an average quality while seven had a good quality. A narrative description of the included reviews was performed, while a network meta‐analysis was not conducted. A brief review of the results was reported according to the weighted mean difference and mean difference. Seven included reviews assessed the effects of saffron or crocin supplementation on glycemic parameters, and six examined these effects on lipid profile parameters. Almost half of the articles reported significant effects of these supplements on glycemic parameters and lipid profiles. Taken together, results suggest that saffron supplementation may improve glycemic and lipid profile parameters; however, further high‐quality studies are needed to confirm the clinical efficacy of saffron on glycemic parameters and lipid profiles
Molecular dynamics simulation and in vitro evaluation of herb–drug interactions involving dietary polyphenols and CDK inhibitors in breast cancer chemotherapy
Authors: Patil Prajakta H. , Birangal Sumit , Shenoy G. Gautham , Rao Mahadev , Kadari Sandeep , Wankhede Amit , Rastogi Himanshu , Sharma Tarun , Pinjari Jakir , Puralae Channabasavaiah Jagadish
Published: July 2022

Dietary polyphenols such as quercetin and curcumin have been extensively administered to patients with cancer in the form of herbal supplements. They may have a synergistic anticancer effect; however, a risk of pharmacokinetic interactions with selective CDK‐4/6 inhibitors that are metabolized by the CYP3A4 enzyme exists. Considering these pharmacokinetic aspects, the current study examined the effects of curcumin and quercetin on human CYP3A4 to ascertain CYP3A4‐mediated herb–drug interactions with CDK inhibitors. In this study, using in silico methods and CYP3A4 inhibition kinetics in human liver microsomes and recombinant CYP3A4 enzymes, the effects of concentration‐dependent inhibition of CYP3A4 by quercetin and curcumin on CDK inhibitors metabolism were examined. Based on our in‐silico docking findings, curcumin and quercetin were considerably bound to CYP3A4 protein and displace CDK inhibitors from the CYP3A4 substrate binding domain. The IC50 values of curcumin and quercetin were 16.10 and 0.05 μM, respectively, for CYP3A4‐mediated 1′‐hydroxylation of midazolam. The dietary polyphenols prolonged the in vitro half‐life of palbociclib and ribociclib by 6.4‐fold and decreased their intrinsic microsomal clearance by approximately 4.6 times. Our findings indicate that curcumin and quercetin effectively cause herb–drug interactions and should be cautiously used to avoid therapeutic failure.
Mangiferin prevents hepatocyte epithelial‐mesenchymal transition in liver fibrosis via targeting HSP27‐mediated JAK2/STAT3 and TGF‐β1/Smad pathway
Authors: Zhang Xiao‐ling , Zhang Xiao‐yan , Ge Xiao‐qun , Liu Ming‐xuan
Published: July 2022

Hepatocytes has been confirmed to undergo EMT and can be converted into myofibroblasts during hepatic fibrogenesis. However, the mechanism of hepatocyte EMT regulation in hepatic fibrosis, particularly through HSP27 (human homologue of rodent HSP25), remains unclear. Mangiferin (MAN), a compound extracted from Mangifera indica L, has been reported to attenuate liver injury. This study aimed to investigate the mechanisms underlying HSP27 inhibition and the anti‐fibrotic effect of MAN in liver fibrosis. Our results revealed that the expression of HSP27 was remarkably increased in the liver tissues of patients with liver cirrhosis and CCl4‐induced fibrotic rats. However, HSP27 shRNA treatment significantly alleviated fibrosis. Furthermore, MAN was found to inhibit CCl4‐ and TGF‐β1‐induced liver fibrosis and reduced hepatocyte EMT. More importantly, MAN decreased HSP27 expression to suppress the JAK2/STAT3 pathway, and subsequently blocked TGF‐β1/Smad signaling, which were consistent with its protection against CCl4‐induced EMT and liver fibrosis. Together, these results suggest that HSP27 may play a crucial role in hepatocyte EMT and liver fibrosis by activating JAK2/STAT3 signaling and TGF‐β1/Smad pathway. The suppression of HSP27 expression by MAN may be a novel strategy for attenuating the hepatocyte EMT in liver fibrosis.
Sex difference in anti‐sperm antibodies
Authors: Shibahara Hiroaki , Chen Yuekun , Honda Haruka , Wakimoto Yu , Fukui Atsushi , Hasegawa Akiko
Published: July 2022

Background

Some diseases have sex differences. There have been no reports on the relationship between anti‐sperm antibodies (ASA) and sex differences.

Methods

ASA are detected by sperm‐immobilization test using patients' sera in women. In men, the ASA testing is generally performed by direct‐immunobead test.

Main findings

Sperm‐immobilizing antibodies in women inhibit sperm migration in their genital tract and exert inhibitory effects on fertilization. ASA bound to sperm surface in men also show inhibitory effect on sperm passage through cervical mucus. The fertilization rate of IVF significantly decreased when sperm were coated with higher numbers of ASA. For women with the antibodies, it is important to assess individual patients' SI50 titers. In patients with continuously high SI50 titers, pregnancy can be obtained only by IVF. For men with abnormal fertilizing ability by ASA, it is necessary to select intracytoplasmic sperm injection. Production of sperm‐immobilizing antibodies is likely to occur in women with particular HLA after exposure to sperm. The risk factors for ASA production in men are still controversial.

Conclusion

Attention to sex differences in specimens, test methods and the diagnosis of ASA should be paid. For patients with ASA, treatment strategies have been established by considering sex difference for each.
A proficiency model for pre‐service physics teachers' pedagogical content knowledge (PCK)—What constitutes high‐level PCK?
Authors: Schiering Dustin , Sorge Stefan , Keller Melanie M. , Neumann Knut
Published: July 2022

This study identifies proficiency levels in pre‐service physics teachers' pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) and reveals how teacher education can promote transitions into higher proficiency. Teacher education plays a fundamental role in supporting pre‐service teachers' PCK development. Proficiency levels are a powerful source when evaluating this PCK development because they characterize what learners are likely to be able to know on a specific level. Previous research has presented a model of proficiency levels in pre‐service physics teachers' PCK; however, evidence for the model's validity is still lacking. According to the Refined Consensus Model of PCK, factors such as teachers' content knowledge (CK), their teaching experience, and their beliefs about teaching and learning science promote PCK development. Thus, understanding how and when pre‐service physics teachers' CK, teaching experience, and beliefs contribute to their proficiency can bring insights into how teacher education can promote PCK development. To address this issue, N = 427 observations of pre‐service physics teachers were analyzed. Utilizing the scale anchoring procedure, four different proficiency levels in pre‐service physics teachers' PCK were identified. Analyzing these proficiency levels showed that lower levels can be characterized as remembering content‐unspecific knowledge, whereas higher levels encompass content‐specific strategies to structure and elaborate lessons. Additionally, logistic regression models revealed that pre‐service physics teachers' CK is crucial for an increase in PCK proficiency. However, transitions into higher levels of PCK additionally require teaching experience and adequate beliefs about teaching and learning. Thus, our proficiency levels can be used to bring insights into how proficiency in PCK can be supported during teacher education. For example, teacher education should provide courses focusing on the science curriculum and the assessment of student learning to promote pre‐service physics teachers' progression in PCK.
Let everyone know they matter
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: July 2022

Connie Shipman Newsome, M.P.A., Ed.D., strives to let everyone she crosses paths with in her work know they matter. That includes the faculty; administrators at all levels; students, regardless of their year or class rank; team members; and support staff. Being able to support those people in the campus community is one of the reasons Newsome really enjoys her work as Registrar at the Campbell University School of Law in North Carolina.
Welfare indicators for stunning versus non‐stunning slaughter in sheep and cattle: A scoping review
Authors: Tetlow Sky A. J. , Brennan Marnie L. , Garcia‐Ara Amelia
Published: July 2022

Background

While most cattle and sheep in the United Kingdom are stunned before slaughter, non‐stun methods are permitted to supply meat to specific consumers. This study aimed to identify the existing literature that compared animal welfare indicators during stun and non‐stun slaughter, using a scoping review framework.

Method

Following a structured search strategy, including the establishment of a PICO (population, intervention, comparator and outcomes) question, a comprehensive literature search of the CAB Abstracts, MEDLINE and PubMed databases, was conducted. A total of 962 papers were identified, of which 16 were selected for data extraction.

Results

Fourteen papers concluded that welfare at slaughter was negatively impacted at non‐stun slaughter in comparison to stun slaughter; two papers were inconclusive. Welfare indicators identified included biochemical parameters, brain activity and visual signs of consciousness. Limitations regarding inconsistent restraint method, neck cut position and non‐standardised measures of welfare at slaughter are highlighted.

Conclusions

This study provides further evidence that stunning is an effective method to improve the welfare of sheep and cattle at slaughter. Animal welfare advisors, politicians, religious communities and others interested in animal welfare could use the findings to further discuss and establish new dialogues for producing updated guidance on animal welfare at slaughter.
Einleitung
Authors: Binder-Tietz Sandra
Published: July 2022

Wenige Tage vor der außerordentlichen Hauptversammlung der Lufthansa Group im Juli 2020, bei der über das staatliche Rettungspaket der Fluggesellschaft abgestimmt wurde, gab der Aufsichtsratsvorsitzende Karl-Ludwig Kley ein mehrseitiges Interview im Handelsblatt. Es ist bemerkenswert, dass sich der Aufsichtsratsvorsitzende – und nicht der Vorstandsvorsitzende – dabei ausführlich über die Verhandlungen zum Rettungspaket, den geplanten Verkauf von Konzernteilen und die notwendige Neubesetzung des Aufsichtsratsgremiums äußerte. Die mediale Aufmerksamkeit, insbesondere in Sondersituationen, fokussiert sich nicht mehr allein auf den Vorstand, sondern hat sich auf den Aufsichtsrat erweitert, vor allem in der Frage der sachgerechten Kontrolle.
Empirische Erkenntnisse zu den Strukturen, Maßnahmen und Management der Kommunikation von Aufsichtsratsvorsitzenden
Authors: Binder-Tietz Sandra
Published: July 2022

In diesem Kapitel werden aus interner Perspektive die Erkenntnisse aus den qualitativen Experteninterviews mit Aufsichtsratsvorsitzenden, Investor-Relations- und Public-Relations-Verantwortlichen präsentiert. Dabei werden die Erkenntnisse zu den Strukturen der Kommunikation konzeptualisiert und Bandbreite an Maßnahmen der Kommunikation von Aufsichtsratsvorsitzenden vorgestellt. Auf dieser Basis wird gezeigt, inwiefern die Kommunikation von Aufsichtsratsvorsitzenden im Kommunikationsmanagement verortet werden kann.
Introduction
Authors: Daniels Reza Che
Published: July 2022

This book is concerned with the measurement and quality of employee income from household survey (micro) data. The empirical applications are based on South African household surveys compiled by the national statistics agency (Statistics South Africa). Despite this specificity, the insights are generalisable to any household survey concerned with measuring income.