bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tailor‐made iron‐organic molecular cage embedded polydimethylsiloxane membranes via emulsion casting technique for efficient VOCs removal
Authors: Qu Zheng , Huang Jiamin , Wu Guoliang , Dong Liangliang , Zhang Chunfang , Bai Yunxiang
Published: August 2022

Urgent needs for the removal of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from gas streams has stimulated a vigorous research for high‐performance separation membranes. Herein, porous iron‐organic molecular cage (Fe‐cage) embedded polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) mixed miatrix membranes (MMMs) were fabricated through emulsion casting method for efficient VOCs removal. The membrane separation performance was systematically investigated by separating VOC/N2 gas mixtures under various operating conditions (e.g., feed concentration, operating temperature) using n‐hexane, n‐heptane, and cyclohexane as model organic vapors. It was found that the resultant membranes demonstrated homogeneous Fe‐cage dispersion and intimate interfacial adhesion. With the increase of the Fe‐cage loading, the MMMs demonstrated obviously improved permselectivity for the separation of n‐hexane/N2 and n‐heptane/N2. The MMM containing 4 wt% Fe‐cage showed a n‐heptane permeability of 1657 × 10−8 mol μm m−2 s−1 Pa−1 and a n‐heptane/N2 selectivity of 145 at 25°C when the feed concentration is 4.3 mol%. These values were 231% and 158% of those for the pristine PDMS membrane, respectively. Furthermore, the VOC permeability and VOC/N2 selectivity of the membranes increased with decreasing operating temperature or increasing feed concentration. Because of its excellent mixed‐gas VOC/N2 permselectivity, the Fe‐cage embedded PDMS membrane could find use in petrochemical applications such as gasoline vapor recovery.
Associations Between Low Serum Urate, Body Composition, and Mortality
Authors: Baker Joshua F. , Weber David R. , Neogi Tuhina , George Michael D. , Long Jin , Helget Lindsay N. , England Bryant R. , Mikuls Ted R.
Published: August 2022

Objective

Controversy remains as to whether low serum urate or uric acid (UA) levels contribute to adverse outcomes. We evaluated the relation between low serum UA levels and sarcopenia and assessed whether sarcopenia confounds associations between these low levels and mortality.

Methods

We utilized data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1999–2006). Participants with available whole‐body dual x‐ray absorptiometry body composition measurements and serum UA concentrations were included. Body composition assessments included body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, maximum lifetime BMI, and age‐, sex‐, and race‐specific appendicular lean mass index (ALMI) and fat mass index (FMI) Z scores. We also calculated Z scores for ALMI relative to FMI (ALMIFMI). We evaluated associations between serum UA levels and body composition using logistic regression and assessed associations between serum UA levels and mortality before and after adjusting for differences in body composition using Cox proportional hazards regression.

Results

Among the 13,979 participants, low serum UA concentrations (<2.5 mg/dl in women, <3.5 mg/dl in men) were associated with low lean mass (ALMI and ALMIFMI Z scores), underweight BMI (<18.5 kg/m2), and higher rates of weight loss. The proportion of patients with low ALMI Z scores was 29% in the low serum UA group and 16% in the normal serum UA group (P = 0.001). Low serum UA levels were associated with increased mortality before we adjusted for body composition (hazard ratio 1.61 [95% confidence interval 1.14–2.28]; P = 0.008) but was attenuated and not significant after adjustment for body composition and weight loss (hazard ratio 1.30 [95% confidence interval 0.92–1.85], P = 0.13).

Conclusion

Sarcopenia and weight loss are more common among patients with low serum UA concentrations. Differences in body composition may help to explain associations between low levels of serum UA and higher mortality.
Evaluating the knowledge acquisition of lower limb anatomy among medical students during the post‐acute COVID‐19 era
Authors: Cuschieri Sarah , Narnaware Yuwaraj
Published: August 2022

Anatomy is the foundation of many medical and surgical specialties yet knowledge acquisition and retention among medical students is questionable. Over the years the anatomy teaching environment and teaching modalities have changed, even more so with the onset of the COVID‐19 pandemic and the shift to a virtual environment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the knowledge acquisition of applied musculoskeletal lower limb clinical anatomy among first year medical students in Malta following the transition back to face‐to‐face lectures. The Kahoot online game‐based quiz platform was used through a best out of four multiple‐choice setting across four sessions. Scores generated by the platform along with frequencies of correctly answered questions were utilized to measure knowledge acquisition. The average scores for each question across sessions were statistically analyzed using ANOVA and student's t‐test accordingly. Across the four sessions, the positive percentage response for clinical based questions remained higher than for pure anatomy questions. Anatomy knowledge acquisition appears to be subjective to clinical based knowledge rather than pure anatomy. There may be a plethora of reasons as to this outcome including the misconception that anatomy is not essential for clinical practice as well as the potential aftermath of the COVID‐induced virtual learning environment. Further research is merit to ensure that students are provided with the best tools to enhance their knowledge acquisition, both as students and as future doctors.
Selective sulfur conversion with surface engineering of electrocatalysts in a lithium–sulfur battery
Authors: Zhu Yuejin , Zuo Yinze , Jiao Xuechao , Manjunatha Revanasiddappa , Ezeigwe Ejikeme Raphael , Yan Wei , Zhang Jiujun
Published: August 2022

The sluggish kinetics of multiphase sulfur conversion with homogeneous and heterogeneous electrochemical processes, causing the “shuttle effect” of soluble polysulfide species (PSs), is the challenges in terms of lithium–sulfur batteries (LSBs). In this paper, a Mn3O4−x catalyst, which has much higher activity for heterogeneous reactions than for homogeneous reactions (namely, preferential‐activity catalysts), is designed by surface engineering with rational oxygen vacancies. Due to the rational design of the electronic structure, the Mn3O4−x catalyst prefers to accelerate the conversion of Li2S4 into Li2S2/Li2S and optimize Li2S deposition, reducing the accumulation of PSs and thus suppressing the “shuttle effect.” Both density functional theory calculations and in situ X‐ray diffraction measurements are used to probe the catalytic mechanism and identify the reaction intermediates of MnS and LiyMnzO4−x for fundamental understanding. The cell with Mn3O4−x delivers an ultralow attenuation rate of 0.028% per cycle over 2000 cycles at 2.5 C. Even with sulfur loadings of 4.93 and 7.10 mg cm−2 in a lean electrolyte (8.4 µL mg s−1), the cell still shows an initial areal capacity of 7.3 mAh cm−2. This study may provide a new way to develop preferential‐activity heterogeneous‐reaction catalysts to suppress the “shuttle effect” of the soluble PSs generated during the redox process of LSBs.
Conversion electrochemistry of copper selenides for robust and energetic aqueous batteries
Authors: Wang Yichun , Wang Boya , Zhang Jinshu , Chao Dongliang , Ni Jiangfeng , Li Liang
Published: August 2022

The development of highly safe and low‐cost aqueous batteries is of great significance in the background of carbon neutrality. However, the practical deployment of aqueous batteries has been plagued due to their relatively low capacity and poor cycling stability. Herein, we propose unique conversion electrochemistry of copper selenides for robust and energetic aqueous charge storage. In situ X‐ray diffraction and operando Raman techniques reveal a reversible transformation from CuSe to Cu2Se through the intermediates of Cu3Se2 and Cu1.8Se. Such a conversion process activates the redox carrier of Cu2+ ion and delivers a remarkable rate capability of 285 mAh g−1 at 20 A g−1 and electrochemical durability up to 30,000 cycles. Furthermore, Cu2+ and H+ coinsertion chemistry is proposed to facilitate the conversion process. As a proof‐of‐concept, a hybrid aqueous pouch cell coupling CuSe//Zn is capable of affording maximum energy and power densities of 190 Wh kg–1 and 1366 W kg−1, respectively.
Open removal models with temporary emigration and population dynamics to inform invasive animal management
Authors: Udell Bradley , Martin Julien , Waddle Hardin , Johnson Fred , Falk Bryan , Yackel Adams Amy , Funck Sarah , Ketterlin Jennifer , Suarez Eric , Mazzotti Frank , Romagosa Christina
Published: August 2022

Removal sampling data are the primary source of monitoring information for many populations (e.g., invasive species, fisheries). Population dynamics, temporary emigration, and imperfect detection are common sources of variation in monitoring data and are key parameters for informing management. We developed two open robust‐design removal models for simultaneously modeling population dynamics, temporary emigration, and imperfect detection: a random walk linear trend model (estimable without ancillary information), and a 2‐age class informed population model (InfoPM, closely related to integrated population models) that incorporated prior information for age‐structured vital rates and relative juvenile availability. We applied both models to multiyear, removal trapping time‐series of a large invasive lizard (Argentine black and white tegu,Salvator merianae) in three management areas of South Florida to evaluate the effectiveness of management programs. Although estimates of the two models were similar, the InfoPMs generally returned more precise estimates, partitioned dynamics into births, deaths, net migration, and provided a decision support tool to predict population dynamics under different effort scenarios while accounting for uncertainty. Trends in tegu superpopulation abundance estimates were increasing in two management areas despite generally high removal rates. However, tegu abundance appeared to decline in the Core management area, where trapping density was the highest and immigration the lowest. Finally, comparing abundance predictions of no‐removal scenarios to those estimated in each management area suggested significant population reductions due to management. These results suggest that local tegu population control via systematic trapping may be feasible with high enough trap density and limited immigration; and highlights the value of these trapping programs. We provided the first estimates of tegu abundance, capture probabilities, and population dynamics, which is critical for effective management. Furthermore, our models are applicable to a wide range of monitoring programs (e.g., carcass recovery or removal point‐counts).
Effect of ozone treatment on lignification and postharvest quality of water bamboo shoots
Authors: Liu Ruiling , Wang Huizhi , Yang Hailong , Zhang Hanqing , Chen Jisuan , Gao Haiyan , Chen Hangjun
Published: August 2022

Ozone treatment is a useful approach to maintain postharvest quality for various fruits and vegetables. In this study, the effects of ozone fumigation on lignification and postharvest quality changes in water bamboo shoots were investigated. Water bamboo shoots were respectively treated with ozone at the concentrations of 0 (control), 3, 6, 9, and 12 µl L−1, packaged in polyethylene packing bag and stored at 2 ± 1°C for 60 days. The results showed that ozone treatment maintained the lightness, whiteness index values and retarded the lignification during storage. Water bamboo shoots treated with 9 µl L−1 ozone showed the best fruit quality and the least lignification. Ozone treatment also slowed the decrease of soluble pectin content and cellulose accumulation by inhibiting the activities of cellulase (Cx) and polygalacturonase. In addition, ozone treatment also protected cell ultrastructure. Ozone treatment could be a potential alternative for inhibiting lignification and delaying quality deterioration of water bamboo shoots during storage.
Guidelines for HTRF technology in EGFR kinase assay
Authors: Liang Yuan , Zhang Tiehua
Published: August 2022

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is among the first discovered transmembrane receptor tyrosine kinases. Ligand binding to the extracellular domain of EGFR results in the formation of homo‐dimeric or hetero‐dimeric complexes, activation, and auto‐phosphorylation in the intracellular tyrosine kinase domain, then regulates the cell's proliferation, differentiation, migration, and invasion. It has been reported that EGFR is overexpressed, amplified, or mutated in several epithelial tumors. EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR‐TKIs) specifically bind to the tyrosine kinase domain of EGFR. Homogeneous time‐resolved fluorescence (HTRF) assay is successfully used in kinase assays and is a crucial tool in the drug discovery of various kinases. Moreover, the HTRF assay has been determined to exhibit many advantages, such as being easy to miniaturize, simple to read, and excellent to repeat. In these guidelines, the theory, materials, and reagent preparation of HTRF kinase assay are described and emphasized. Furthermore, the protocol and optimization of the assay are determined to establish an HTRF screening platform, then an optimized HTRF kinase assay is performed to test the compounds for screening potential EGFR‐TKIs. In addition, these guidelines can contribute to verifying the high‐throughput screening results of HTRF and help to reveal the underlying mechanism of the EGFR kinase and tested compounds.
Extraction processes reduce polyphosphate ion migration, dispersion and diffusion as detected with gel electrophoresis and 31P DOSY NMR
Authors: Manoukian Lori , Correa José A. , Stein Robin S. , Frigon Dominic , Omelon Sidney
Published: August 2022

Inorganic polyphosphates (polyPs) have been identified in eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells alike. Various extraction methods have been optimized as a necessary step before identification and measurement of these polymers. Three commercially available sodium polyP glasses were either dissolved or dissolved and extracted by two commonly used polyP extraction techniques – perchloric acid or buffered phenol–chloroform. The products were separated by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE), stained with toluidine blue O, and the migration results quantitatively compared. Both extraction processes reduced the relative migration distances of the peak and leading edges, and the stained band lengths, suggesting reduced polyP migration and dispersion. 31P diffusion‐ordered spectroscopy nuclear magnetic resonance confirmed that polyP extraction by perchloric acid or phenol–chloroform processes reduced polyP diffusion coefficients and suggested hydrolytic degradation with stronger end‐chain signals. Reduced polyP diffusivity after extraction makes possible an overestimation of synthetic polyP chain length assignment when compared to unextracted polyP ladders with PAGE. The mechanism(s) for reduced synthetic polyP diffusion after extraction and intracellular chemical environment effects on migration are not known.
Microfluidic systems in clinical diagnosis
Authors: Lapizco‐Encinas Blanca H. , Zhang Yan Victoria
Published: August 2022

The use of microfluidic devices is highly attractive in the field of biomedical and clinical assessments, as their portability and fast response time have become crucial in providing opportune therapeutic treatments to patients. The applications of microfluidics in clinical diagnosis and point‐of‐care devices are continuously growing. The present review article discusses three main fields where miniaturized devices are successfully employed in clinical applications. The quantification of ions, sugars, and small metabolites is examined considering the analysis of bodily fluids samples and the quantification of this type of analytes employing real‐time wearable devices. The discussion covers the level of maturity that the devices have reached as well as cost‐effectiveness. The analysis of proteins with clinical relevance is presented and organized by the function of the proteins. The last section covers devices that can perform single‐cell metabolomic and proteomic assessments. Each section discusses several strategically selected recent reports on microfluidic devices successfully employed for clinical assessments, to provide the reader with a wide overview of the plethora of novel systems and microdevices developed in the last 5 years. In each section, the novel aspects and main contributions of each reviewed report are highlighted. Finally, the conclusions and future outlook section present a summary and speculate on the future direction of the field of miniaturized devices for clinical applications.
A Review of Empirical Evidence that Examines the Effectiveness of Harvest Regulation Evaluations in Freshwater Systems: A Systematic, Standardized Collaborative Approach
Authors: Chestnut-Faull Kristen , Mather Martha , Phelps Quinton , Shoup Dan
Published: August 2022

Harvest regulations are important tools that fisheries professionals use to impact fish abundance, alter population size structure, and improve fishing opportunities. Fisheries professionals often assume that specialized harvest regulations will have specific effects on target fish populations, but these predictions are not always realized because theory and practice do not always match (literature indicates that predictions are not met in about half of the cases). To identify trends that can improve the future success of harvest regulations, we reviewed a representative sample of harvest regulation evaluations for inland sport fish (i.e., 62 evaluations from 41 studies). Our review revealed gaps related to quantitative predictions, evaluation duration, statistical design, researcher–manager collaboration, and data standardization. Fisheries professionals can benefit from shared and thoughtful data collection designs and protocol standardizations. These designs can transform assessment sampling into empirical regulation evaluations that provide generality across locations and time periods with similar effort and cost.
Genotype and environment interaction and stability of grain yield and oil content of rapeseed cultivars
Authors: Qasemi Seyed Hamed , Mostafavi Khodadad , Khosroshahli Mahmoud , Bihamta Mohammad Reza , Ramshini Hossein
Published: August 2022

Investigating the interaction of genotype and environment in multi‐environment experiments (MET) is one of the reliable techniques to demonstrate the most stable and compatible cultivars. The main contribution of this study is to evaluate the stability and compatibility of rapeseed cultivars using additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) and genotype plus genotype environment interaction (GGE) bi‐plot methods for grain yield and oil content. For this purpose, an experiment in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications was conducted for 10 rapeseed cultivars across 10 environments (five regions in 2 years). Hence, the proposed technique can be used to identify the superior cultivars corresponding to the multivariant properties including yield and oil content. To do so, a case‐study analysis was conducted over rapeseed, while more than 96% of the data variance for grain yield and more than 94% of the data variance for oil content were explained based on the AMMI model. According to the AMMI model, it was observed that the “Zarfam” and “Licord” genotypes were introduced as favorable genotypes for grain yield and oil content, respectively. “Karaj1” and “Sanandaj1” were selected as the superior environments for yield trait, “Kashmar2” for oil content, and “Licord” and “Kashmar2” were identified as the superior genotypes and environment for oil content, respectively. Graphical GGE bi‐plot illustrated that “Hyola401,” “Okapi,” and “Sarigol” for grain yield and “Option500” and “Sunday” for oil content were identified as stable and high‐yield genotypes. “Sanandaj1” for grain yield and “Karaj2” for oil content were identified as environments with high differentiation and screening power.
Aging successfully, but still vulnerable: Late life experiences of older adults who have recovered from alcohol use disorder
Authors: Kermel‐Schiffman Ile , Gavriel‐Fried Belle
Published: August 2022

Objective

The population of older adults suffering from alcohol use disorder (AUD) is increasing worldwide. Recovery from AUD among older adults is a challenging process which can lead to amelioration in these individuals' physical, mental, familial and social domains. However, little is known about the life experiences of older adults who have recovered from AUD.

Method

A qualitative‐naturalistic approach was implemented. Semi‐structured in‐depth interviews were conducted with 20 older adults, age 60 +, who had recovered from AUD for periods ranging from 1 to 9 years.

Results

Three main categories emerged from the content analysis: a) Regrets, self‐forgiveness and a desire to remedy past wrongs; b) successful aging and eagerness to live; c) enduring challenges. These categories reflect the complex and multidimensional experiences of older adults who have recovered from AUD.

Conclusion

Older adults who recover from AUD report experiencing successful aging. They are willing to engage in new ventures in late life, live actively and age healthfully. However, despite their positive outlook, older adults recovering from AUD are a vulnerable population, especially when they experience marginalization as post‐AUD older adults. This underscores the need to reach out to this population and the host of challenges they face to provide supportive treatments and interventions from interdisciplinary professionals who can guide their recovery from AUD and help them flourish in late life.
How (not) to promote sub‐national ownership of national initiatives in decentralised health systems: The free maternal and child health programme in Nigeria, 2008–2015
Authors: Ezenwaka Uchenna , Abimbola Seye , Onwujekwe Obinna
Published: August 2022

Background

Promoting the sub‐national ownership of national health initiatives is essential for efforts to achieve national health goals in federal systems where sub‐national governments are semi‐autonomous. Between 2008 and 2015, Nigerian government implemented a pilot free maternal and child health (MCH) programme in selected states to improve MCH by reducing physical and financial barriers of access to services. This study was conducted to better understand why the programme was neither adopted nor scaled‐up by sub‐national governments after pilot phase.

Methods

We conducted a qualitative evaluation of the programme in Imo and Niger States, with data from programme documents, in‐depth interviews (45) and focus group discussions (16) at State and community levels. Data was analysed using manual thematic coding approach.

Result

Our analysis indicates that the programme design had two mutually dependent goals, which were also in tension with one another: 1. To ensure programme performance, the designers sought to shield its implementation from sub‐national government politics and bureaucracy; and 2. To gain the buy‐in of the same sub‐national government politicians and bureaucrats, the designers sought to demonstrate programme performance. The potential for community advocacy for sub‐national adoption and scale‐up was not considered in the design. Therefore, limited involvement of sub‐national governments in the programme design limited sub‐national ownership during implementation. And limited oversight of implementation by sub‐national government policymakers limited programme performance.

Conclusion

Efforts to promote sub‐national ownership of national initiatives in decentralised health systems should prioritise inclusiveness in design, implementation, and oversight, and well‐resourced community advocacy to sub‐national governments for adoption and scale‐up.
Assessment of resilience levels among Sri Lankan nurses: Is there room for improvement?
Authors: Walpita Yasaswi N. , Arambepola Carukshi
Published: August 2022

Background

Developing resilience at work is an effective primary preventive measure for occupational stress. The study aimed to adopt a tool and measure current resilience levels and determine the association of work‐related characteristics on resilience among Sri Lankan nurses.

Methods

Translated, culturally adapted and validated Resilience at Work Scale‐ Sinhala version (RAW‐S) was used to measure resilience levels in a sample of 855 government nurses from a health district. The mean RAW‐S scores were calculated and appropriate cut off points were used to determine the prevalence of ‘high’, ‘moderate’ and ‘low’ resilience. Chi square test was used to determine the associations.

Results

The overall mean RAW‐S score was 69.6 (95% CI = 68.9–70.3) and the scores ranged from 28.5 to 90.3. Only 28.4% (95% CI = 25.4–31.6) of nurses showed ‘high’ level of resilience at work, while 55.6% (95% CI = 52.1–58.9) & 16.0% (95% CI = 13.7–18.7) had shown ‘moderate’ and ‘low’ levels of resilience respectively. The resilience levels differed significantly (p < 0.05) by type of ward that they work and by work experience.

Conclusions

This was the first study that examined the resilience levels in any health care worker category in Sri Lanka. The need of targeted, well‐designed resilience building programme for ever burdened government sector nurses is clearly shown from the results, as more than two thirds of nurses had ‘moderate’ or ‘low’ level of resilience, which may not be good enough to combat the constant work stress they face on daily basis.
Impaired immunity and high attack rates caused by SARS‐CoV‐2 variants among vaccinated long‐term care facility residents
Authors: Obach Dorothée , Solastie Anna , Liedes Oona , Vara Saimi , Krzyżewska‐Dudek Eva , Brinkmann Luise , Haveri Anu , Hammer Charlotte C. , Dub Timothée , Meri Seppo , Freitag Tobias L. , Lyytikäinen Outi , Melin Merit
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Long‐term care facilities (LTCF) residents are at high risk for severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), and therefore, COVID‐19 vaccinations were prioritized for residents and personnel in Finland at the beginning of 2021.

Methods

We investigated COVID‐19 outbreaks in two LTCFs, where residents were once or twice vaccinated. After the outbreaks we measured immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 spike glycoprotein, neutralizing antibody (NAb) titers, and cell‐mediated immunity markers from residents and healthcare workers (HCWs).

Results

In LTFC‐1, the outbreak was caused by an Alpha variant (B.1.1.7) and the attack rate (AR) among once vaccinated residents was 23%. In LTCF‐2 the outbreak was caused by a Beta variant (B.1.351). Its AR was 47% although all residents had received their second dose 1 month before the outbreak. We observed that vaccination had induced lower IgG concentrations, NAb titers and cell‐mediated immune responses in residents compared to HCWs. Only 1/8 residents had NAb to the Beta variant after two vaccine doses.

Conclusions

The vaccinated elderly remain susceptible to breakthrough infections caused by Alpha and Beta variants. The weaker vaccine response in the elderly needs to be addressed in vaccination protocols, while new variants capable of evading vaccine‐induced immunity continue to emerge.
The effect of COVID‐19 on telehealth: Next steps in a post‐pandemic life
Authors: Liang Su‐Ying , Richardson Michael T. , Wong Deanna , Chen Tony , Colocci Natalia , Kapp Daniel S. , de Bruin Monique , Kurian Allison , Chan John K.
Published: August 2022

Synopsis

Older patients and those who require interpreters are least likely to use telehealth for gynecologic oncology care, showing disparities which continued after statewide vaccinations.
Recent advances and trends in the applications of MXene nanomaterials for tissue engineering and regeneration
Authors: Zhong Yongjin , Huang Si , Feng Zeru , Fu Yu , Mo Anchun
Published: August 2022

MXene, as a new two‐dimensional nanomaterial, is endowed with lots of particular properties, such as large surface area, excellent conductivity, biocompatibility, biodegradability, hydrophilicity, antibacterial activity, and so on. In the past few years, MXene nanomaterials have become a rising star in biomedical fields including biological imaging, tumor diagnosis, biosensor, and tissue engineering. In this review, we sum up the recent applications of MXene nanomaterials in the field of tissue engineering and regeneration. First, we briefly introduced the synthesis and surface modification engineering of MXene. Then we focused on the application and development of MXene and MXene‐based composites in skin, bone, nerve and heart tissue engineering. Uniquely, we also paid attention to some research on MXene with few achievements at present but might become a new trend in tissue engineering and regeneration in the future. Finally, this paper will also discuss several challenges faced by MXene nanomaterials in the clinical application of tissue engineering.
Detailed insight into chromium species released from failed CoCrMo implants: Ex vivo periprosthetic tissues study
Authors: Pechancová Radka , Gallo Jiří , Baron Daniel , Milde David , Antal Peter , Slobodová Zuzana , Lemr Karel , Pluháček Tomáš
Published: August 2022

This unique study provides information on Cr species and their distribution in periprosthetic tissues of patients with metal‐on‐polyethylene joint implants. Co–Cr–Mo alloy has been widely used in joint replacement and represents a source of metal derived species. In the case of chromium, previous studies on periprosthetic tissues revealed mainly Cr(III) distribution, whereas the potential release of carcinogenic Cr(VI) species has been still a subject of debate. Here, an analytical approach utilizing speciation and fractionation was developed to analyze periprosthetic tissue samples collected from wide range of patients with failed total hip or knee replacements. The results reveal that Cr(III) is mainly released in the form of insoluble CrPO4 and Cr2O3 particles. The highest Cr contents were found in periprosthetic tissues of patients suffering from aseptic loosening and having more Cr‐based implants in the body. Cr species penetrated tissue layers, but their levels decreased with the distance from an implant. The detailed speciation/fractionation study carried out using the set of consecutive periprosthetic tissues of a patient with extensive metallosis showed the presence of trace amounts of free Cr(III), nanoparticles, and metal‐protein complexes, but the majority of Cr still occurred in CrPO4 form. Carcinogenic Cr(VI) species were not detected. Up to date, there is no published human tissue study focused on the detailed speciation of both soluble and insoluble Cr‐based species in the context of failing total hip and knee replacements.
Development of a simple and rapid fluorescent aptasensor based on DNA tweezer
Authors: Zhao Luyang , He Xing , Liu Yong , Wei Min , Jin Huali
Published: August 2022

Utilizing the flexible spatial structure and dynamic conformational change of DNA tweezer (DT), a simple and fast fluorescent aptasensor based on fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) was designed. The hinge region and the overhang region were optimized to obtain the satisfied flexibility and controllably conformational change. Using ochratoxin A (OTA) as a simulation target, the established aptasensor showed a simple and time‐saving procedure, higher sensitivity, good selectivity, and good stability with a detection limit of 0.024 ng/ml. Besides, the aptasensor exhibited favorable accuracy with recoveries of 95–103% for spiked cereal samples. The proposed fluorescent aptasensor has a promising potential for the rapid and reliable detection of targets.
Bidirectional associations between sleep problems and behavioural difficulties and health‐related quality of life in adolescents: Evidence from the SCAMP longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Shen Chen , Mireku Michael O. , Di Simplicio Martina , Dumontheil Iroise , Thomas Michael S. C. , Röösli Martin , Elliott Paul , Toledano Mireille B.
Published: August 2022

Background

Sleep problems show associations with negative outcomes in both physical and mental health in adolescents, but the associations may be reciprocal. We aimed to assess bidirectional associations between sleep problems and mental health symptoms including behavioural difficulties (internalising and externalising difficulties) and low health‐related quality of life (HRQoL).

Methods

A total of 6616 adolescents (52.4% females) across Greater London completed baseline assessments when they were aged 11–12 years, and 3803 of them (57.2% females) completed follow‐up assessments at aged 13–15 years. Weekday and weekend sleep duration were derived from self‐reported bedtime, sleep onset latency and wake time. Sleep disturbance was assessed using a standardized sleep disturbance scale. Internalising and externalising difficulties were assessed using subscales of the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire. HRQoL was assessed using the KIDSCREEN‐10 questionnaire. Cross‐lagged structural equation modelling was used with multiple imputation to examine bidirectional associations between sleep problems and mental health symptoms.

Results

Females had greater internalising difficulties, worse HRQoL and more sleep disturbance than males. Persistent insufficient weekday and weekend sleep, and sleep disturbance (i.e., at both baseline and follow‐up) were associated with internalising and externalising difficulties and low HRQoL at follow‐up (ORs ranged from 1.53 to 3.63). Persistent externalising difficulties and low HRQoL were also associated with insufficient weekend sleep and sleep disturbance at follow‐up (ORs ranged from 1.68 to 4.25). Using continuous variables, we found bidirectional associations between weekday sleep duration and HRQoL, weekend sleep duration and externalising score, sleep quality and internalising score, and sleep quality and HRQoL. The association magnitudes were mostly similar in the two directions.

Conclusions

Our study showed bidirectional associations between sleep problems and mental health symptoms during adolescence, indicating that early intervention and treatment on the first‐occurring symptom may prevent the development of subsequent problems.
Simple cleaning and regeneration of tip‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy probe with UV sources
Authors: Zhang Kaifeng , Taniguchi Shin‐ichi , Saeki Tomonori , Bao Yifan , Cao Maofeng , Watanabe Masahiro , Wang Xiang , Kobayashi Kei , Ren Bin , Yamada Hirofumi
Published: August 2022

Tip‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (TERS) is a powerful nano‐optical approach that allows the extraction of nanometer resolved chemical information. The key to a successful TERS measurement is the quality of the TERS tip. However, tip contamination, which usually occurs during measurements on samples that include organic molecules or after long‐term storage, remains a critical problem for TERS experiments. It not only affects the reliability of TERS results but also hinders the long‐term development of the TERS technique. Herein, we propose a method that enables the regeneration of contaminated TERS tips. For this purpose, we prepared a TERS tip contaminated by stable organic molecules, which was subjected to a simple and rapid ultraviolet (UV) cleaning procedure to remove the contaminants and to regenerate the tip. This method is demonstrated to be effective in removing the contaminants from the TERS tip by directly breaking the bonds in the contaminated molecules and oxidizing organic compounds with the generated reactive oxygen atom. This simple method could propel the development of the TERS technique.
Developing a Social Media Ontology Across Otolaryngology and its Subspecialties
Authors: Flagg Candace A. , Marinelli John P. , Carlson Matthew L. , Kezirian Eric J. , Dion Gregory R. , Van Abel Kathryn M. , Choby Garret , Hamilton Grant S. , Bowe Sarah N.
Published: August 2022

Objective

To determine how social media is used in the dissemination of new information within otolaryngology, and to emphasize the importance of standardizing Twitter hashtag use.

Methods

Based on the 2019 SCImago journal rankings, the Twitter posts from the accounts of the top three journals covering each otolaryngology subspecialty were reviewed from August 1, 2020 to May 1, 2021. Twitter posts from the primary otolaryngology‐related academic societies were also reviewed during this timeframe. A list of hashtags was generated based on a combination of the most common otolaryngologic procedures and most commonly used hashtags in the social media space. This list was then crowd‐sourced with 10 fellowship‐trained otolaryngologists for each subspecialty.

Results

Hashtag use among key stakeholders in the otolaryngology social media space varies considerably. For instance, #HNSCC, #HeadAndNeckSquamousCellCarcinoma, #HeadAndNeckCancer, #HeadAndNeckCancers, #OropharyngealCancer, #OropharynxCancer, #OralCancer, and #OPSCC were all commonly used hashtags to identify posts discussing oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. #HeadAndNeckCancer and #HNSCC were most popular and used in a total of 85 and 65 tweets, respectively. #HeadAndNeckCancer was found alone in 32 out of 85 tweets (38%), whereas #HNSCC was found alone in 27 out of 65 tweets (42%). A standardized hashtag ontology covering all subspecialties within otolaryngology is proposed herein.

Conclusions

Adoption of a standardized social media ontology within otolaryngology will improve information dissemination across all key stakeholders. Laryngoscope, 133:1595–1599, 2023
Demographic and pathologic factor regression to a growth rate model of p16‐negative oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Wihlidal Jacob G. J. , Tay Keng Yeow , MacNeil S. Danielle , Nichols Anthony C. , Fung Kevin , Yoo John H. J. , Mendez Adrian I.
Published: August 2022

Objectives

The current study aims to quantify the growth rate of p16‐negative oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma, characterize causative relationships between demographic risk factors and tumor growth, and examine pathologic findings associated with the tumor growth rate at a tertiary care institution. It is hypothesized that causative relationships will be drawn between the individual sociodemographic and pathologic factors and oral cavity p16‐negative squamous cell carcinoma growth rate.

Methods

Prospectively recruited participants, receiving surgical intervention only, were followed from initial staging CT scan to surgical resection. Interval growth was calculated in cm3/week. Demographic information including age, sex, smoking history, alcohol consumption history, previous all‐type malignancy, previous chemotherapy treatment, previous head or neck radiation exposure, and time interval elapsed between diagnosis and surgery was collected from each participant, and regression analysis was applied to determine causality.

Results

Summary statistics revealed a mean growth rate for the study sample of 1.385cm3/week. Statistically significant regression correlations were detected between tumor growth and alcohol consumption, origination at the retromolar trigone, and clinical nodal stage.

Conclusions

Through a small prospective cohort sample, the current study suggests clinical associations between alcohol consumption, origination at the retromolar trigone, and clinical nodal stage with rate of tumor growth. Future work will validate these relationships in a larger patient cohort, and against stronger modeling techniques.

Level of Evidence

Prospective non‐random cohort design.
Nature‐Inspired Bionic Leaves Showing Low Surface Temperatures upon Sunlight Irradiation
Authors: Zhou Lu , Liu Heng , Zhang Lei , Shan Panpan , Fang Zhenggang , Fang Liang , Lu Chunhua , Xu Zhongzi
Published: August 2022

To overcome severe issues of photothermal effect from sunlight irradiation onto bionic leaves, natural‐inspired bionic leaves with three layers, that is, high near‐infrared reflection layer, absorption composite layer, and cilia layers are created. The front layer presents a high near‐infrared light reflection and reduces photothermal effect from the sunlight. The mediate layer contributes to water transpiration and absorption, facilitating heat dissipation. The bottom layer has artificial cilia arrays that enhance air convection to reduce heat accumulation . More specifically, modified chromium trioxide (Cr2O3) is added into polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and the optimal concentration is achieved based on investigations on photothermal effects. Carbon‐fiber (CF) mat with calcium chloride (CaCl2) is used as absorption composite layers. The water absorption and loss rates under different temperature and humidity are studied and fitted using different equations. Cilia arrays are created using a magnetic field induction method, and their heat convection effects are studied based on simulation. Finally, the three layers are assembled and their temperature reduction effects are studied. The results show that the average surface temperatures of tri‐layered leaves are close to natural leaves andthe difference is 0.6 °C in a week.
Debt financing, first‐mover advantage, and vertical product differentiation
Authors: Zhao Sai , Fang Lei
Published: August 2022

This paper examines the impact of the strategic use of debt financing as a commitment device, in a vertically differentiated duopoly with demand uncertainty. We consider various possible game sequences for two firms with asymmetric financial structures to enter the market. The results show that (i) having access to external debt does not necessarily promote the firm to provide a higher quality product; (ii) strategic debt improves the degree of product differentiation and benefits both firms; and (iii) a firm's optimal debt level is positively related to the first‐mover advantage of introducing its product to the market.
Pharmacophore Modeling of Targets Infested with Activity CliffsviaMolecular Dynamics Simulation Coupled with QSAR and Comparison with other Pharmacophore Generation Methods: KDR as Case Study
Authors: Abudayah Alaa , Daoud Safa , Al‐Sha'er Mahmoud A. , Omar Taha Mutasem
Published: August 2022

Activity cliffs (ACs) are defined as pairs of structurally similar compounds with large difference in their potencies against certain biotarget. We recently proposed that potent AC members induce significant entropically‐driven conformational modifications of the target that unveil additional binding interactions, while their weakly‐potent counterparts are enthalpically‐driven binders with little influence on the protein target. We herein propose to extract pharmacophores for ACs‐infested target(s) from molecular dynamics (MD) frames of purely “enthalpic” potent binder(s) complexed within the particular target. Genetic function algorithm/machine learning (GFA/ML) can then be employed to search for the best possible combination of MD pharmacophore(s) capable of explaining bioactivity variations within a list of inhibitors. We compared the performance of this approach with established ligand‐based and structure‐based methods. Kinase inserts domain receptor (KDR) was used as a case study. KDR plays a crucial role in angiogenic signalling and its inhibitors have been approved in cancer treatment. Interestingly, GFA/ML selected, MD‐based, pharmacophores were of comparable performances to ligand‐based and structure‐based pharmacophores. The resulting pharmacophores and QSAR models were used to capture hits from the national cancer institute list of compounds. The most active hit showed anti‐KDR IC50of 2.76 μM.
A study about the solution of convection–diffusion–reaction equation with Danckwerts boundary conditions by analytical, method of lines and Crank–Nicholson techniques
Authors: Agud Albesa Lucía , Boix García Macarena , Pla Ferrando M. Leonor , Cardona Navarrete Salvador Cayetano
Published: August 2022

We compare different solutions of the convection–diffusion–reaction problem with Danckwerts boundary conditions. Analytical solution is found, and method of lines and Crank–Nicholson method are described, applied, and compared for different values of Péclet and Damköhler numbers. The eigenvalues and eigenfunctions have been obtained for all the possible values of the dimensionless parameters. And the analytical expression of the concentration has been calculated with the optimum number of terms in the Fourier expansion.
The rise of the machines in chemistry
Authors: Gill Michelle L.
Published: August 2022

The use of artificial intelligence and, more specifically, deep learning methods in chemistry is becoming increasingly common. Applications in informatics fields, such as cheminformatics and proteomics, structural biology, and spectroscopy, including NMR, are on the rise. Recent developments in model architectures, such as graph convolutional neural networks and transformers, have been enabled by advancements in computational hardware and software. However, model architectures with more predictive power often require larger amounts of training data, which can be challenging to acquire, but this requirement can be mitigated through techniques like pretraining and fine‐tuning. In spite of these successes, challenges remain, such as normalization and scaling of data, availability of experimentally acquired data, and model explainability.
An investigation of the role of transition metal ions impurities in CdO: Local structure and electronic properties
Authors: Chu Xiao‐Hong , Ding Chang‐Chun
Published: August 2022

According to the high‐order perturbation formulae of 3d5(Mn2+) and 3d9(Cu2+) ions in octahedron, the local structures and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) parameters (g factors and hyperfine structure constants A) for Cu2+ and Mn2+ in CdO are theoretically studied in a consistent way. Due to the Jahn–Teller effect, both the substituted sites of Cu2+ and Mn2+ show the tetragonally elongated distortion with different elongation τ. Meanwhile, the crystal field and covalency around doped Cu2+ and Mn2+ are obtained, which can account for the electronic properties in doped CdO. In order to make further investigation of the potential optical and electrical properties, the band structure and density of states (DOS) of pure and transition metal ions (TMs) doped CdO are comparably calculated through density functional theory (DFT). The results show that the band gap of Mn2+‐ and Cu2+‐doped CdO can be effectively reduced, due to the improved covalency between the central ions and ligand ions.