bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Person-centred Communications: How do People as Patients Want to be Spoken to?
Authors: Groves Joanna
Published: July 2021

Background:The World Health Organization's (WHO) World Health Report of 2008 titled, “Primary Health Care – Now More Than Ever” put renewed emphasis on the values of achieving health for all and putting people at the centre of healthcare (1).  In order to do this it is necessary to understand what people expect and want from healthcare and pertinent communications so that health systems can be designed that can respond to patients' needs, wishes and preferences. Objectives:To consider the initiatives which are being taken forward by numerous national and global initiatives to further person-centred healthcare and consideration of the evidence for this approach with particular regard to the role of communication in enabling healthcare to meet people's needs, wishes and preferences.  Methods: Review of person-centred healthcare initiatives and evidence for its impact and consideration of principles of person-centred care as they relate to healthcare communications. Results:There is evidence for a person-centred approach to healthcare.  There are fundamental principles relating to how communications can impact on patients being empowered to make informed decisions about their healthcare.  Patient experiences and outcomes are improved when they have the opportunity for their wishes and preferences to inform shared decision-making in mutually trusting and equal partnerships with health professionals about their health and well being. Conclusions:Person-centred healthcare requires communication which enables respect for people's needs, preferences, dignity, values, autonomy and independence. Empowering patients and health professionals so that they can work in partnership to reach an informed decision on what the patient wants and expects from treatment should be the priority for policy-makers, health professionals and patients.  There are some fundamental principles and many tools and initiatives that can support good communication and enable shared decision-making.
Training Medical Specialists in Communication about Medically Unexplained Physical Symptoms: Patient Outcomes from a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Weiland Anne , Blankenstein Annette H , Van Saase Jan L , Van der Molen Henk T , Kosak David , Vernhout René M , Arends Lidia R
Published: July 2021

Objectives: Medically unexplained physical symptoms (MUPS) burden patients in their well-being and functioning and have a prevalence of approximately 25-50% in primary and specialist care. Medical specialists often find patients with unexplained symptoms difficult to deal with, whereas patients are not always understood. We report effects on patient outcomes of an evidence-based MUPS-focused communication training for medical specialists.Methods: In a multi-center randomized controlled trial medical specialists and residents allocated to the intervention received a 14-hour MUPS-focused communication training. They practiced a patient-centered approach, including multi-factorial symptom exploration and explanation of MUPS with perpetuating factors. To study intervention effects, each doctor had to include three MUPS patients before and three after the intervention and to ask them to complete questionnaires at baseline and at 3 and 6 months follow-up. The questionnaires included illness worries (Whitely Index), symptom severity (Visual Analogue Scale), distress, depression, anxiety and somatization (4DSQ) and daily functioning (SF-36).Results: A sufficient number of 123 medical specialists and residents participated in the study. They included 478 MUPS patients. Out  of them, 297 patients filled out questionnaires at baseline, 165 patients at 3-months follow-up and 71 patients at 6-months follow-up. Recruitment of patients was lower than expected and patients’ non-response to baseline and follow-up questionnaires was higher than estimated. No significant effects were found on patient outcomes.Conclusions: It remains unclear whether medical specialist training results in better patient outcomes in MUPS as the trial was underpowered. New research with special attention to patient recruitment and retention is needed to answer this question.
ETHICS OF TERMINATION OF PREGNANCY (TOP) IN MYASTHENIA GRAVIS: A CASE REPORT
Authors: Nalliah Sivalingam , Ling Sim Miao , Thuraisingham Chandramani
Published: July 2021

Introduction: Myasthenia gravis (MG), an autoimmune disorder characterised by muscle weakness caused by impairment of the acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction as a result of autoantibodies acting against the ACh receptors, is twice as common in women, occurring in the second and third decades.  Successful pregnancy outcomes are possible with patient compliance to medication and care by a multidisciplinary team.Objective: The article demonstrates the ethical dilemma doctors face when dealing with termination of pregnancy in myasthenia gravis in pregnancy.Discussion: During pregnancy, MG exacerbates in one third of patients during the first trimester, and tends to improve during the second and third trimesters, with most women achieving normal delivery. The authors put up a case where decision for termination of pregnancy (TOP) could have been avoided through application of an ethical decision making framework.  The patient could have decided otherwise if a clear alternative line of management had been offered. Fully informed consent is essential preserving was not given and patient autonomy in such complex decisions. The emotive effects on the patient that biomedical imaging like showing a normal and active foetus through ultrasonography also needs to be considered.Analysis: A possible ethical framework using some of the principles of ethical decision-making, under the headings of i). Clear justification according to the norms and values of the individual, law and society for the intervention ii). Patient autonomy iii). Incongruence between parents in the abortion decision iv). The foetus as a person v). Directive counselling vi). Principle-based ethics, and, vii). Case-based ethics and case-based reasoning could be applied when confronted with the issue of termination of pregnancy in MG. While principle-based ethics is a useful starting point, care-based ethics also has a place in decisions on TOP.
Phenotypic and Genotypic Evaluation of Antibiotic Resistance of Acinetobacter baumannii Bacteria Isolated from Surgical Intensive Care Unit Patients in Pakistan
Authors: Zahra Nureen , Zeshan Basit , Qadri Mian Mubeen Ali , Ishaq Musarat , Afzal Muhammad , Ahmed Naveed
Published: July 2021

Background: Carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) is a significant nosocomial pathogen, causing serious threats concerning community-wide outbreaks globally, as well as in Pakistan. Antimicrobial resistance in A. baumannii is increasing day by day. Objectives: The study aimed to find out the antibiotic resistance (AMR) patterns and evaluate the AMR genes in clinical isolates from patients admitted to the surgical Intensive Care units (ICUs) at different hospitals in Lahore, Pakistan. Methods: A total of 593 clinical specimens were collected from patients admitted to the surgical ICUs of three different local hospitals in Lahore, Pakistan. From these samples, a total of 90 A. baumannii isolates were identified and further investigated to observe phenotypic resistance patterns and detect carbapenemases resistance genes. Results: The results showed that phenotypic resistance against amikacin was 27.2%, ceftriaxone 100%, ceftazidime 27.2%, cefepime 63.3%, ciprofloxacin and co-trimoxazole 100%, gentamicin 40%, imipenem 22.2%, meropenem 21.1%, piperacillin-tazobactam 27.2%, tigecycline 27.2%, and tetracycline 63.3%. All A. baumannii isolates were found to be sensitive to colistin (CT), polymixin-B (PB), and tobramycin (TOB). The PCR amplification of carbapenemases genes revealed the prevalence of blaOXA-23, blaOXA-51, and blaOXA-40 in 73, 90, and 64.4% of the isolates, respectively, along with blaNDM1 (92.2%), blaVIM (40%), blaIMP (90%), ISAba1 (85.5%), sul1 (16.6%), sul2 (20%), armA (32.2%), and PER-1 (12%) while the blaOXA-24 and blaOXA-58 genes were not detected in the isolates. The sequence analysis of the blaOXA-23 and blaOXA-51 genes showed 98% and 95% similarity with previously reported sequences in the GenBank database. Conclusions: The present study indicated that the emergence of high carbapenem resistance in CRAB isolates has increased, which may pose serious limitations in the choice of drugs for nosocomial infections.
Relações de trabalho no Mercosul: convenções coletivas transnacionais como instrumento de fortalecimento da dimensão social do Mercosul a partir da pandemia do sars-cov-2
Authors: Bertollo Adriana Bitencourt , Almeida Danilo dos Santos
Published: July 2021

No presente artigo a problematização condiz com a ausência de efetividade das normas internacionais e regionais que garantem patamar mínimo de direitos aos trabalhadores no âmbito do Mercosul. A hipótese versa sobre as convenções coletivas transnacionais como instrumento de representatividade dos obreiros, especialmente em razão das relações de trabalho no mundo globalizado. Esse debate se justifica a partir do atual período de pandemia e suas consequências, especialmente no que tange às relações de trabalho, desemprego e fome, haja vista experiências que demonstram o desemprego em massa. Foi realizado um estudo de caso, partindo das lições de Ulrich Beck acerca da sociedade de risco, com uma revisão bibliográfica sobre o modelo das relações de trabalho na sociedade globalizada e uma abordagem histórica sobre a evolução sindical no Mercosul, no intuito de aprimorar esse instituto de representação dos trabalhadores, a partir do atual período, que reclama solidariedade.
O avanço brasileiro sobre o Atlântico Sul por meio da política externa no século XXI
Authors: Georg Uebel Roberto Rodolfo , Portela João Pedro Censi Morlin Seelig
Published: July 2021

Neste breve século XXI, a partir da Política Nacional de Defesa de 2005, o Atlântico Sul passou a ser um dos entornos estratégicos brasileiros junto com América do Sul. Anterior a PND 2005, o Brasil pede ampliação da sua plataforma continental junta a Comissão de Limites da Plataforma Continental da ONU. Ao mesmo tempo, a Política Externa brasileira se tornou mais atuante na outra margem do Atlântico e buscou garantir a estabilidade regional na América do Sul. Desta forma, o presente artigo tem como objetivo investigar a relação entre a projeção brasileira sobre o Atlântico Sul e o papel da política externa neste século XXI, período de maior avanço sobre a porção insular do Atlântico. Este artigo lançará mão sobre uma base bibliográfica e documental, com fontes secundárias e primárias, especialmente, arquivos nacionais.
(Ne)zavisnost od igranja video-igara iz perspektive učenika nižih razreda osnovne škole
Authors: Mitrović-Đorđević Ivana
Published: July 2021

Predmet istraživanja čije rezultate donosimo u ovome radu jesu stavovi učenika o igranju video-igara. Istraživanje je sprovedeno sa primarnim ciljem da se utvrdi odnos učenika četvrtog razreda osnovne škole prema igranju videoigara i konstatuje njihov stav o sopstvenoj (ne)zavisnost od igranja video-igara, kao podvrste zavisnosti od interneta. U istraživanju su učestvovali učenici više odeljenja dve beogradske osnovne škole (ukupno: 121 ispitanik), koji su popunili jedan od standardizovanih upitnika, preuzet iz relevantne literature. Analizom dobijenih rezultata potvrđena je polazna hipoteza istraživanja: Učenici četvrtog razreda osnovne škole ne smatraju da su zavisni od igranja video-igara. Prema mišljenjima koja dominiraju, učenici uključeni u istraživanje nemaju izražene potrebe da provode više vremena u igranju video-igara, nisu primetili kod sebe promenljivo ili problematično ponašanje uzrokovano ovom vrstom aktivnosti, kao ni fizičke smetnje prilikom smanjivanja ili prekidanja samog igranja. Takođe, ne smatraju da su narušili socijalne odnose (sa porodicom i prijateljima) ili zanemarili školske i kućne obaveze i interesovanja. Samo ispitivanje i dobijeni rezultati otvorili su pitanja i za buduća promišljanja istraživane oblasti.
Urban renaissance: The role of urban regeneration in Europe's urban development future
Authors: Pereira Teixeira
Published: July 2021

Integrated Urban Regeneration can make an enormous contribution to the resolution of main problems such as the current economic situation, global warming, energy consumption, social exclusion and urban decline. The principles of urban regeneration are well established. The experience of urban regeneration in European Cities and Towns is well proven. This will only be achieved if concerted action is taken across all European countries. Experience has shown the benefit of European programs applied to Cities and Towns. There is therefore an opportunity for the creation of a European program to provide dynamics Urban Regeneration all over Europe to deliver the required Urban Renaissance.
Substantial Personal Traits That Distinguish Entrepreneurs
Authors: Hadiwattage Shyamalie , Koggalage Ravindra
Published: July 2021

Personality traits are believed to be born with each individual, but there is a greater possibility of developing such required skills with dedicated effort and trainings. Skills which are at high demand for an entrepreneur is very much subjective due to various factors such as the personal views, context of the industry, country, culture, and many other factors. This paper investigates about such substantial personal traits that distinguish entrepreneurs from others, using recent publications. It also analyzes some articles publicly available on personal traits of entrepreneurs and share the most popular traits an entrepreneur would need to stay on top of his role. The findings from literature review about entrepreneur characteristics argues out that, some traits are important regardless of the factors or the background of an entrepreneur is operating.
The Behavioural Pattern of Pregnant Mothers towards Antenatal Clinics and Its Implications on their Nutritional Knowledge in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area, Rivers State
Authors: Happiness Wachukwu-Chikodi, I. , Amukeru Amadi, Gift , Janet Deedam, Nua
Published: July 2021

The study examined the behavioural pattern of pregnant mothers towards antenatal clinics and its implications on their nutritional knowledge. The study adopted descriptive cross sectional study with a target population of pregnant women in the some selected villages in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area. The sample size of the study comprised 200 pregnant women attending their normal antenatal cares clinics in the sixty-six (66) primary health care centres in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area. The instrument for data collection was questionnaire. To ensure the validity of the instrument, the questionnaire was being giving to the women during their antenatal visit in the hospitals and lectures in the department of Food Sciences and Technology for scrutiny and suggestions, correction and amendment. The data obtained from the sampled respondents through the use of structured questionnaire were analyzed using frequency, percentage, cumulative percentage, mean and standard deviation. The result of the findings indicated that majority of the respondents strongly agreed that the most observable negative implications of pregnant mothers’ behavioural pattern towards antenatal cares clinic on their nutritional knowledge is that it increases the potential health risks during and after pregnancy while lesser number of the respondents strongly believed that the negative implications could be a reduction in the intake of nutrient capable of preventing anemia in the mother and lacks knowledge on the relevance of balanced diets during pregnancy. Therefore, it was recommended that the relationship existing between pregnant mothers and personnel of antenatal clinics should be made more cordial through increased awareness especially to pregnant mothers on the roles of antenatal cares clinics in ensuring the development of fetus and ensuring good maternal health. This will reduce the nonchalant attitude existed by pregnant mothers in seeking available antenatal care.
Soul
Authors: Goetz Stewart
Published: July 2021

The view that a human being is a soul–body unit is commonsensical in nature and, therefore, at least initially believed by people universally in time and space. Given the commonsensical and universal nature of belief in the soul, it is espoused by adherents of most religions. The concept of the soul has also been the subject of much philosophical thought, but is seen by some as an obstacle to the progress of science. This entry provides an overview of the soul in terms of these issues.
Using Parallel Streams of Evidence to Inform Guideline Development: The Case of the 2021 American College of Rheumatology Management of Rheumatoid Arthritis Guideline
Authors: Yaacoub Sally , Khamis Assem M. , Al‐Gibbawi Mounir , Kahale Lara A , Bathon Joan , England Bryant R , Fraenkel Liana , St. Clair E. William , Turner Amy S. , Akl Elie A.
Published: July 2021

Objective

We aim to describe an evidence synthesis approach using parallel streams of evidence that informed the development of the 2021 American College of Rheumatology (ACR) guideline for the management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

We developed the evidence synthesis approach using parallel streams of evidence in multiple rounds of discussion, piloting, feedback, and revisions. A number of working groups involving ACR staff, content experts, and methodologists coordinated to develop and implement the approach.

Results

We used a major stream of evidence that identified evidence specific to the clinical questions being addressed in the guideline (ie, we were able to match relevant articles to specific questions). We also used additional streams that identified data that applied across multiple questions. We describe in this article the different steps of the major stream, ie, screening and tagging, matching articles to question clusters, matching articles to individual questions, data abstraction and analysis, and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADEing). We then describe how we packaged the parallel streams of evidence into standardized structured tables to facilitate formulating the recommendations. These tables included information for the following factors: desirable effects, undesirable effects, certainty of evidence, valuation of outcomes, cost of interventions, and cost‐effectiveness of interventions. The approach allowed us to match eligible articles for 47 of 81 clinical questions. We identified no eligible articles that addressed the remaining 34 questions.

Conclusion

We were successful in using parallel streams of evidence to inform the development of the 2021 ACR guideline for the management of RA.
Perioperative Glucocorticoids in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis Having Total Joint Replacements: Help or Harm?
Authors: Chukir Tariq , Goodman Susan M. , Tornberg Haley , Do Huong , Thomas Charlene , Sigmund Alana , Sculco Peter , Figgie Mark , Mehta Bella , Russell Linda , Stein Emily
Published: July 2021

Objective

The optimal strategy for perioperative glucocorticoid (GC) management in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) on chronic GCs is unknown. Although there is a concern for hypotension if inadequate doses are used, higher GC exposure may increase perioperative complications. We aimed to investigate the relationships between perioperative GCs with hemodynamic instability and short‐term postoperative complications following total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in patients with RA.

Methods

This retrospective study included patients with RA who underwent THA and TKA. GC exposure was assessed by the total cumulative dose (in prednisone equivalents) during hospitalization. Perioperative complications and hypotension were assessed.

Results

Of 432 patients, 387 (90%) received supraphysiologic perioperative GC. Thirty percent of patients were using chronic GCs (mean daily dose, 7 ± 4 mg). Half (54%) underwent TKA. The median age was 65 years, and 79% were women. The median cumulative GC dose during hospitalization was 37 mg (interquartile range, 27‐53.3). A lower cumulative dose of GC did not increase odds of hypotension during hospitalization (unadjusted odds ratio, 1.00 [95% confidence interval, 0.99‐1.01]; P = 0.66)]. However, postoperative complications were higher among patients who received higher cumulative doses after adjustment for age, body mass index, home GC use, smoking, and Charlson Comorbidity Index. Risk of short‐term complications increased by 8.4% (P = 0.017) for every 10‐mg increase in GC dose.

Conclusion

A lower GC dose was not associated with increased hypotension. However, patients with higher GC exposure were more likely to have hyperglycemia and other complications. These findings suggest that harms may be associated with high perioperative GC doses. Further research is needed to determine the optimal perioperative regimen for patients with RA.
Combinations of Anticyclic Citrullinated Protein Antibody, Rheumatoid Factor, and Serum Calprotectin Positivity Are Associated With the Diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis Within 3 Years
Authors: Bettner Leah F. , Peterson Ryan A. , Bergstedt Dylan T. , Kelmenson Lindsay B. , Demoruelle M. Kristen , Mikuls Ted R. , Edison Jess D. , Parish Mark C. , Feser Marie L. , Frazer‐Abel Ashley A. , Moss Laura K. , Mahler Michael , Holers V. Michael , Deane Kevin D.
Published: July 2021

Objective

To evaluate the prevalence of elevations of anti‐cyclic citrullinated peptide‐3 (anti‐CCP3) antibody, rheumatoid factor IgM (RF‐IgM) and serum calprotectin (sCP) in pre–rheumatoid arthritis (RA) as well as the diagnostic accuracies of these biomarkers for the timing of diagnosis of future RA.

Methods

A total of 215 RA cases, each with approximately three pre‐RA diagnoses and one post–RA diagnosis serum sample, and controls were identified from the Department of Defense Serum Repository. All case samples and a single sample from each control subject were tested for anti‐CCP3 (IgG), RF‐IgM, and sCP. The diagnostic accuracies of biomarkers for future RA were evaluated.

Results

Anti‐CCP3, RF‐IgM, and sCP were elevated in pre‐RA, with anti‐CCP3 and sCP significantly elevated compared with RF‐IgM at the earliest time points. Within the cases, the combination of anti‐CCP3 and RF‐IgM positivity had a positive predictive value (PPV) of 35.6% for a diagnosis of RA in 3 years or less, which is significantly higher than the PPV of 18.7% for anti‐CCP3 positivity alone (P < 0.001). A combination of anti‐CCP3, RF‐IgM, and sCP had the highest PPV (53.0%) for a diagnosis of RA in 3 years or less; however, this was not significantly higher than the PPV for anti‐CCP3 and RF‐IgM positivity (P = 0.248).

Conclusion

Anti‐CCP3, RF‐IgM, and sCP are elevated in pre‐RA; furthermore, combinations of elevations of these biomarkers are more commonly seen in the period of less than or equal to 3 years to diagnosis. This may be considered in creating inclusion criteria in prevention trials in RA. In addition, the biologic relationships of these biomarkers in pre‐RA need exploration.
Electrochemical Control of Charge Current Flow in Nanoporous Graphene
Authors: Alcón Isaac , Calogero Gaetano , Papior Nick , Brandbyge Mads
Published: July 2021

During the last decade, on‐surface fabricated graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) have gathered enormous attention due to their semiconducting π‐conjugated nature and atomically precise structure. A significant breakthrough is the recent fabrication of nanoporous graphene (NPG) as a 2D array of laterally bonded GNRs. This covalent integration of GNRs could enable complex electronic functionality at the nanoscale; however, for that, it is crucial to externally control the electronic coupling between GNRs within NPGs, which, to date, has not been possible. Using quantum chemical calculations and large‐scale transport simulations, this study demonstrates that such control is enabled in a newly designed quinone‐NPG (q‐NPG) thanks to its GNRs inter‐connections based on electroactive para‐benzoquinone units. As a result, the spatial distribution of injected currents in q‐NPG may be tuned, with sub‐nanometer precision, via the application of external electrostatic gates and electrochemical means. These results thus provide a fundamental strategy to design organic nanodevices with built‐in externally tunable electronics and spintronics, which is key for future applications such as bio‐chemical nanosensing and carbon nanoelectronics.
Thiol‐Functionalized Covalent Organic Frameworks as Thermal History Indictor for Temperature and Time History Monitoring
Authors: Chen Yujie , Song Yiping , Zhang Zhen , Chen Yali , Deng Qiliang , Wang Shuo
Published: July 2021

Various products, including foods and pharmaceuticals, are sensitive to temperature fluctuations. Thus, temperature monitoring during production, transportation, and storage is critical. Facile indicators are required to monitor temperature conditions via color changes in real time. This study aimed to prepare and apply thiol‐functionalized covalent organic frameworks (COFs) as a novel indicator for monitoring thermal history and temperature abuse. The COFs underwent obvious color changes from bright yellow to purple after exposure to different temperatures for varying durations. The reaction kinetics are analyzed under isothermal conditions, which reveal that the order of reaction rates is k−20°C < k4°C < k20°C < k35°C < k55°C. The activation energy (Ea) of the COFs is calculated using the Arrhenius equation as 50.71 kJ moL−1. The COFs are capable of sensitive color changes and offer a broad temperature tracking range, thereby demonstrating their application potential for the monitoring of temperature and time exposure history during production, transportation, and storage. This excellent performance thermal history indicator also shows promise for expanding the application field of COFs.
Bamboo‐Like Nanozyme Based on Nitrogen‐Doped Carbon Nanotubes Encapsulating Cobalt Nanoparticles for Wound Antibacterial Applications
Authors: He Shaoying , Huang Junqin , Zhang Qiang , Zhao Wan , Xu Zhiai , Zhang Wen
Published: July 2021

In this paper, an artificial nanozyme with efficient oxidase‐mimicking activity is developed to investigate antibacterial performance. The bamboo‐like nitrogen‐doped carbon nanotubes encapsulating cobalt nanoparticles (N‐CNTs@Co) are synthesized by pyrolysis of cobalt cyanide cobalt at high temperature. It is found that the oxidase‐mimicking activity of N‐CNTs@Co is higher than that of iron‐centered nanomaterials synthesized by pyrolysis of prussian blue under the same conditions, confirming that the oxidase‐mimicking activity is not only related to the active center, but also closely related to its morphology. In addition, the oxidase‐mimicking activity of N‐CNTs@Co is 12.1 times higher than that of the most reported CeO2. N‐CNTs@Co can catalyze oxygen to produce a large number of reactive oxygen species (ROS) under acidic conditions, resulting in a favorable antibacterial effect against two representative bacteria, Gram‐positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram‐negative (Escherichia coli). Because the bacterial membrane is damaged by the attack of ROS, the DNA is degraded, eventually causing the bacteria to die. Antibacterial experiments last for 20 days, nevertheless, S. aureus and E. coli do not develop resistance to N‐CNTs@Co. The experiments of wound healing in vivo further confirm the high antibacterial efficiency of N‐CNTs@Co.
Design, Fabrication, and Applications of Liquid Crystal Microlenses
Authors: Chen Kexu , Hou Yang , Chen Shuqing , Yuan Dong , Ye Huapeng , Zhou Guofu
Published: July 2021

Microlenses and microlens arrays are one of the indispensable components in modern optical systems ranging from imaging and beam shaping to polarization control and switchable 2D/3D displays. Among them, the liquid crystal microlenses (LCMs) with size below 1 mm have attracted more and more attention due to their stimuli‐responsiveness and tunability in focal length and polarization. Compared with microlenses based on inorganic binary optics, diffractive optical elements, or metasurface, LCMs are more cost‐effective and can be easily tuned. In this paper, an in‐depth review of the design principles, fabrication techniques, emerging applications, and recent advances of LCMs and arrays is presented, aiming to clarify the characteristics, limitations, and challenges in LCMs design and fabrication. This review may provide directions for solving those challenges, and expand the applications of LCMs.
Tailoring Defects in Photocatalysts by Engineering Solvent Interactions for Highly Active and Responsive Color Switching
Authors: Smith Andrew T. , Liu Xiaolong , Ding Hao , Zeng Songshan , Williams Brandon L. , Lachance Anna Marie , Park Chanhyun , Gitman Philip A. , Kokkula Akhil , Huang Xueni , Suib Steven L. , Zeng Huidan , Tan Ting , Sun Luyi
Published: July 2021

Designing photochromic systems that exhibit tunable print/erase responses is seldom studied but critical to the implementation of rewritable paper. Previous systems printed information with photocatalysts limited to specific wavelengths and light sources and rarely considered how polymers used in film formation affect erasing of information. Herein, different visible/UV light responses are achieved by engineering the formation of oxygen vacancy defects in titanium dioxide/reduced graphene oxide composite photocatalysts. Defects are manipulated during synthesis by controlling the water concentration in a mixed solvent system, which leads to tunable photochromic response of redox dyes. Furthermore, because the accessibility of ambient oxygen directly impacts the kinetics of recoloration, tailoring the oxygen barrier properties of polyvinyl alcohol via modulating inherent polymer structure as well as the external environment, the recoloration can be further tuned to meet various application purposes. The resulting insight will assist fellow researchers in tailoring defects in photocatalyst systems for superior functional design.
A Submillimeter Continuous Variable Stiffness Catheter for Compliance Control
Authors: Lussi Jonas , Mattmann Michael , Sevim Semih , Grigis Fabian , De Marco Carmela , Chautems Christophe , Pané Salvador , Puigmartí‐Luis Josep , Boehler Quentin , Nelson Bradley J.
Published: July 2021

Minimally invasive robotic surgery often requires functional tools that can change their compliance to adapt to the environment and surgical needs. This paper proposes a submillimeter continuous variable stiffness catheter equipped with a phase‐change alloy that has a high stiffness variation in its different states, allowing for rapid compliance control. Variable stiffness is achieved through a variable phase boundary in the alloy due to a controlled radial temperature gradient. This catheter can be safely navigated in its soft state and rigidified to the required stiffness during operation to apply a desired force at the tip. The maximal contact force that the catheter applies to tissue can be continuously modified by a factor of 400 (≈20 mN–8 N). The catheter is equipped with a magnet and a micro‐gripper to perform a fully robotic ophthalmic minimally invasive surgery on an eye phantom by means of an electromagnetic navigation system.
Flow regimes in a gas–liquid–solid three‐phase moving bed
Authors: Wang Chao , Yang Yao , Huang Zhengliang , Sun Jingyuan , Liao Zuwei , Wang Jingdai , Yang Yongrong , Du Bing
Published: July 2021

The gas–liquid–solid three‐phase moving beds could supply a potential solution for multiphase reactions with catalyst easily deactivated, and the flow regimes in it were studied by optical method and pressure drop measurement. Results showed that taking the trickle flow as the initial flow regime, the flow channels were more obvious as the particle velocity increased. When the initial flow regimes were pulse flow and bubble flow respectively, the pulse‐to‐trickle and bubble‐to‐pulse flow transitions mainly occurred at moderate‐to‐high particle velocities (0.01–0.04 m s−1under conditions used in this work). Moreover, the flow regime map in the three‐phase moving bed was constructed and shown that the region of trickle flow increased and the region of bubble flow decreased. Finally, the application of three‐phase moving beds was discussed, and it could be suitable for those reactions, which had to operate in the pulse flow, bubble flow, and transition zone.
Soft Actuator Materials for Electrically Driven Haptic Interfaces
Authors: Ankit  , Ho Terence Yan King , Nirmal Amoolya , Kulkarni Mohit Rameshchandra , Accoto Dino , Mathews Nripan
Published: July 2021

Haptics involves human touch sensing and tactile feedback and plays a crucial role in physical interactions of humans with their environment. There is an ever‐increasing interest in development of haptic technologies, due to their role in various applications such as robotics, virtual and augmented reality, healthcare, and smart electronics. Electrically driven actuation mechanisms for soft materials like dielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs), electrohydraulic soft actuators (ESAs), ionic polymer−metal composites (IPMCs), and liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) hold the potential for the development of the next generation of haptic feedback devices due to a variety of advantages such as light weight and compact design, untethered activation and control, large actuation strains, and distributed and localized actuation. Herein, a detailed look is taken at the advancement in material designs for these electrically driven soft actuators. A detailed analysis of the different strategies for improving the electromechanical performance of existing material systems is presented. Approaches adopted to synthesize novel material systems are explained. Advancements in compliant electrode materials for the electrically driven soft actuators are also described. The conclusion reflects on the main challenges in the field and provides perspectives on recent advancements expected to have a significant impact.
Associations between fecal cortisol and biparental care in a pair‐living primate
Authors: Corley Margaret , Perea‐Rodriguez Juan Pablo , Valeggia Claudia , Fernandez‐Duque Eduardo
Published: July 2021

Objectives

We quantified variation in fecal cortisol across reproductive periods in Azara's owl monkeys (Aotus azarae) to examine physiological mechanisms that may facilitate biparental care. Specifically, we evaluated evidence for the explanation that owl monkeys have hormonal mechanisms to mobilize energy during periods when each sex is investing heavily in reproduction, that is, the gestation period for females and the infant care period for males.

Materials and methods

Between 2011 and 2015, we monitored 10 groups of Azara's owl monkeys from a wild population in Formosa, Argentina and collected fecal samples from 26 adults (13 males, 13 females). Using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays, we quantified fecal cortisol as a proxy for evaluating stress responses, including energetic demands, on both sexes during periods of reproduction and parental care.

Results

Male cortisol was lowest during periods when they were caring for young infants (<3 months) compared with periods with older infants or no infant. Female cortisol was elevated during gestation compared with other periods. Mean fecal cortisol in both males and females was lower when an infant was present compared with when females were gestating.

Discussion

Our results do not support the hypothesis that owl monkey males have elevated fecal cortisol during periods when they need to mobilize energy to provide intensive infant care. Our findings are also inconsistent with the Maternal Relief hypothesis. However, results from studies measuring fecal cortisol must be interpreted with care and alternative explanations, such as seasonal fluctuations in diet and thermoenergic demands, should be considered when drawing conclusions.
Boosting CO2Electroreduction over a Cadmium Single‐Atom Catalyst by Tuning of the Axial Coordination Structure
Authors: Wu Yahui , Chen Chunjun , Yan Xupeng , Sun Xiaofu , Zhu Qinggong , Li Pengsong , Li Yiming , Liu Shoujie , Ma Jingyuan , Huang Yuying , Han Buxing
Published: July 2021

Guided by first‐principles calculations, it was found that Cd single‐atom catalysts (SACs) have excellent performance in activating CO2, and the introduction of axial coordination structure to Cd SACs cannot only further decrease the free energy barrier of CO2reduction, but also suppress the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Based on the above discovery, we designed and synthesized a novel Cd SAC that comprises an optimized CdN4S1moiety incorporated in a carbon matrix. It was shown that the catalyst exhibited outstanding performance in CO2electroreduction to CO. The faradaic efficiency (FE) of CO could reach up to 99.7 % with a current density of 182.2 mA cm−2in a H‐type electrolysis cell, and the turnover frequency (TOF) value could achieve 73000 h−1, which was much higher than that reported to date. This work shows a successful example of how to design highly efficient catalysts guided by theoretical calculations.
Light‐Driven Self‐Oscillating Actuators with Phototactic Locomotion Based on Black Phosphorus Heterostructure
Authors: Hu Ying , Ji Qixiao , Huang Majing , Chang Longfei , Zhang Chengchu , Wu Guan , Zi Bin , Bao Ningzhong , Chen Wei , Wu Yucheng
Published: July 2021

Developing self‐oscillating soft actuators that enable autonomous, continuous, and directional locomotion is significant in biomimetic soft robotics fields, but remains great challenging. Here, an untethered soft photoactuators based on covalently‐bridged black phosphorus‐carbon nanotubes heterostructure with self‐oscillation and phototactic locomotion under constant light irradiation is designed. Owing to the good photothermal effect of black phosphorus heterostructure and thermal deformation of the actuator components, the new actuator assembled by heterostructured black phosphorus, polymer and paper produces light‐driven reversible deformation with fast and large response. By using this actuator as mechanical power and designing a robot configuration with self‐feedback loop to generate self‐oscillation, an inchworm‐like actuator that can crawl autonomously towards the light source is constructed. Moreover, due to the anisotropy and tailorability of the actuator, an artificial crab robot that can simulate the sideways locomotion of crabs and simultaneously change color under light irradiation is also realized.
Fabrication of PVDF‐HF membrane for bubble‐free gas transfer via wet phase inversion
Authors: Aksoy Yunus , Hasar Halil
Published: July 2021

In this study, the characterization of gas permeable hollow fiber membranes fabricated from PVDF polymer by using wet phase inversion method was investigated. During preparation of dope solution for fabrication process, after PVDF polymer was resolved in N‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone of 70%–80%, two additives of 5 wt% poly(vinylpyrolidone) K10 and propionic acid (PA) were tried by adding into dope solutions to determine the effect of additives on membrane characterization. SEM images showed that when the PVP K10 additive was used at high PVDF ratio of 25 wt%, a dense structure formed in the inner section and the large finger‐like macro‐voids reduced through the cross‐section of each fiber. FTIR results indicated that both additives were not maintained in the fabricated membranes due to the passage into the water during phase inversion. However, it was realized that using of PVP K10 and PA in the membrane fabrication adversely affected contact angle and gas transfer performance.
Gross and histological morphology of the cervical gill slit gland of the pygmy sperm whale (Kogia breviceps)
Authors: Keenan Tiffany F , McLellan William A , Rommel Sentiel A , Costidis Alexander M , Harms Craig A , Thewissen ‘Hans’ JGM , Rotstein David S , Gay Mark D , Potter Charles W , Taylor Alison R , Wang Ying , Pabst D Ann
Published: July 2021

Odontocete cetaceans have undergone profound modifications to their integument and sensory systems and are generally thought to lack specialized exocrine glands that in terrestrial mammals function to produce chemical signals (Thewissen & Nummela, 2008). Keenan‐Bateman et al. (2016, 2018), though, introduced an enigmatic exocrine gland, associated with the false gill slit pigmentation pattern inKogia breviceps. These authors provided a preliminary description of this cervical gill slit gland in their helminthological studies of the parasitic nematode,Crassicauda magna. This study offers the first detailed gross and histological description of this gland and reports upon key differences between immature and mature individuals. Investigation reveals it is a complex, compound tubuloalveolar gland with a well‐defined duct that leads to a large, and expandable central chamber, which in turn leads to two caudally projecting diverticula. All regions of the gland contain branched tubular and alveolar secretory regions, although most are found in the caudal diverticula, where the secretory process is holocrine. The gland lies between slips of cutaneous muscle, and is innervated by lamellar corpuscles, resembling Pacinian's corpuscles, suggesting that its secretory product may be actively expressed into the environment. MatureK. brevicepsdisplay larger gland size, and increased functional activity in glandular tissues, as compared to immature individuals. These results demonstrate that the cervical gill slit gland ofK. brevicepsshares morphological features of the specialized, chemical signaling, exocrine glands of terrestrial members of the Cetartiodactyla.
The hemolymph melanization response is related to defence against the AcMNPV infection in Bombyx mori
Authors: Li Tao , Wang Xueyang , Qin Sheng , Sun Xia , Wang Shengpeng , Li Muwang
Published: July 2021

Melanization is mediated by the prophenoloxidase (proPO) activation cascade and plays an important role in the arthropods immune system. Previously, we found that the hemolymph of the p50 strain does not perform melanization after infection with Autographa californica multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus (AcMNPV). However, this mechanism is still unclear. In this study, the underlying mechanism of the inhibition of hemolymph melanization was investigated by analysing the AcMNPV‐susceptible or ‐resistant silkworm strains after inoculation with AcMNPV. The results showed that the level of hemolymph melanization was higher in resistant strain C108 than in susceptible strain p50 at the late stage (72 to 120 h postinoculation). The PO activity decreased significantly at the late stage of infection (72 to 120 hpi), and the expression of BmPPO1 and BmPPO2 was downregulated in p50. However, the PO activity increased in the resistant strain C108, while the expression level of BmPPO1 and BmPPO2 displayed no significant changes. The expression of the BmPPAE gene was upregulated in two strains during viral infection. In addition, the hemolymph melanization can weaken the viral activity in vitro. Our results suggested that the silkworm hemolymph melanization response is related to defence against the AcMNPV infection.
Relationship between shortwave radiation bias over the Southern Ocean and the double‐intertropical convergence zone problem in MRI‐ESM2
Authors: Kawai Hideaki , Koshiro Tsuyoshi , Yukimoto Seiji
Published: July 2021

The relationship between improvements in the radiation bias over the Southern Ocean and the alleviation of the double‐intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) problem in the actual updates of our climate models is investigated. The radiation bias in MRI‐CGCM3 that was used for CMIP5 simulations, particularly over the Southern Ocean, is significantly reduced in MRI‐ESM2 that is used for CMIP6 simulations. Each modification that contributed to the reduction of the radiation bias was progressively reverted to the corresponding older treatment in order to examine their individual impacts on the ITCZ representation. Results show the double‐ITCZ problem worsens almost monotonically when the excessive shortwave insolation over the Southern Ocean increases. The contribution of the atmosphere is about one third of the impact on the total northward energy transport and the corresponding response of the Hadley cell is related to the change in the double‐ITCZ. However, our results also imply that the ITCZ bias cannot be completely resolved by the improvements of radiative flux alone and that there are other causes of the problem.
Synthesis and Characterization of Optically Pure Gamma‐PNA Backbones by SIBX‐Mediated Reductive Amination
Authors: Periyalagan Alagarsamy , Kim Yong‐Tae , Hong In Seok
Published: July 2021

Chiral peptide nucleic acid (PNA) is a derivative of regular PNA by introducing a chiral center to its backbone, and is known to bind more strongly to DNA or RNA than regular PNA. In particular, in the case of a γ‐backbone, the L isomer stabilizes the PNA/DNA duplex, and the D‐isomer has the opposite effect. Therefore, the synthesis of an optically pure γ‐backbone is very important. Here, we report a novel synthetic strategy for the suppression of epimerization during the synthesis of the γ‐PNA backbone. A stabilized form of 2‐iodoxybenzoic acid (SIBX) was used as an oxidative reagent in the key intermediate of the N‐Boc‐amino acetaldehyde synthesis. This paper reports (1) the synthesis and comparison of three different γ‐PNA backbones (lysine, alanine, and glutamate) by three different synthetic routes (SIBX, lithium aluminum hydride, and Red‐Al) and (2) the determination of chiral purity from their derivative compounds. The enantiomeric excess purity of SIBX‐mediated γ‐PNA backbones was determined to be more than 99.4%, as ascertained by the high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) chromatogram on a standard RP‐C18 column. It is comparatively higher than that of the other methods examined in this work.
Increased Mars2 expression upon microRNA‐4661‐5p‐mediated KDM5D downregulation is correlated with malignant degree of gastric cancer cells
Authors: Gu Jie , Chu Kaifeng
Published: July 2021

Gastric cancer (GC) is the fifth most common malignancy and the third leading cause of cancer‐related mortality worldwide. Methionyl‐tRNA synthetase 2 (Mars2) has been suggested as a biomarker indicating poor prognosis of cancers. This study focuses on the function of Mars2 in GC and the responsible molecules. Mars2 was highly expressed in GC patients according to a transcriptome analysis and the data from the public database, and its high expression was confirmed in the acquired GC cell lines. Downregulation of Mars2 significantly weakened the proliferation, resistance to death, migration and invasion of GC cells. The H3K4me3 modification level was increased in the promoter region of Mars2, which was attributed to reduced abundance of lysine demethylase 5D (KDM5D) in the Mars2 promoter. MicroRNA (miR)‐4661‐5p was identified as an upstream regulator of KDM5D. Downregulation of miR‐4661‐5p led to an increase in the expression of KDM5D while a decline in the expression of Mars2, which reduced the malignant behaviors of GC cells; however, the malignant behaviors of GC cells was restored after further inhibition of KDM5D. To conclude, this study suggested that increased Mars2 expression upon miR‐4661‐5p‐mediated KDM5D downregulation is correlated with malignant degree of GC cells.