bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expanding Early Literacy Services: A Quick Bibliography of Resources
Authors: Acord Darcy
Published: December 2017

Public service to families with small children has long been a traditional and respected role of public libraries. Storytimes for preschool children and collections of books for that age level have been mainstays in public library youth services since the 1940s.However, in recent years, public libraries have moved beyond their role as resource providers, becoming, in addition, centers for early literacy education. Public libraries now provide intentionally focused storytime experiences, physical space and activities that support early literacy development, educational programming and interactions for adult caregivers, and outreach programming for high-needs families to ensure school readiness for young children.
A Dance of Organized Chaos: Using a Village to Run a Children’s Program
Authors: Pitts Laura
Published: December 2017

I found myself laughing at the baffled faces of my library volunteers the first morning of our newly formed preschool reading time, Destination Library Tails.I warned them that we would have a lot of people show up. These two volunteers had jumped at the chance to head an ongoing preschool reading time—one that could take place in the morning for parents with small children and for homeschool families. I was thrilled to have someone in the community who cared enough to dedicate two days a month to providing this service, especially because it would be an ongoing program. I just needed them to trust me when I said a lot of kids would show up.
Editor's Note
Authors: Verbeten Sharon
Published: December 2017

If you’re like me, bookstores are your third home (after your real home and the library, of course!) I’m lucky to live in an area with a “big box” store, a welcoming independent shop, a half-price joint and even a large Goodwill store with an abundant and excellent used books section. Most weekends, you’ll find me at one, or more of those places.
Everyday Advocacy: Are You Ready to Play Outside?
Authors: Nemec-Loise Jenna
Published: December 2017

Friends, this is my last Everyday Advocacy column for Children and Libraries. (I’m not crying. You’re crying!)It’s been awesome sharing my light-hearted (if not slightly irreverent) take on promoting the purpose and value of strong Youth Services, but it’s time for me to move on so Everyday Advocacy can, too. As I take my leave, I hope you’ll indulge me in a look back on the spark that kindled my advocacy flame—play.
Every Child Ready to Read: Building Bridges to Early Childhood Educators
Authors: Ghoting Saroj , Rogers Pamela , Stoltz Dorothy
Published: December 2017

The more we librarians can be a part of [our partners’] world, the more our partners help us shape library services to be responsive to the community,” says Mary Hastler, CEO of Harford County (MD) Public Library.More than twelve years after its inception, the Every Child Ready to Read @ your library initiative (ECRR) continues to expand in response to our needs. To help library staff strengthen and deepen our connections with our community partners, the Public Library Association and the Association for Library Service to Children have enhanced the content in a new downloadable toolkit (https://www.alastore.ala.org/detail.aspx?ID=11997) targeting early childhood educators.
Last Child in the Library? A Survey of Use of E-books versus Traditional Books
Authors: McVicker Claudia
Published: December 2017

Do kids even read books anymore? Don’t kids just read on tablets these days? Why do we still have libraries?Those flip remarks can be heard in many communities these days, from large cities to rural areas. But contemporary librarians should not fear. Recent reports of books being obsolete have been greatly exaggerated. One recent survey found that digital natives still prefer real books to electronic ones on their tablets.
Pitching Poetry
Authors: Salas Laura Purdie
Published: December 2017

Libraries are a place to walk on the wild side, to try something new. As a reader, when I walk into a library, I feel like an adventurer setting off on a grand expedition of discovery. As a writer, I love it when librarians guide young adventurers off the well-traveled highway and down the small, shady path toward poetry.Poetry gives so much to readers! It makes them feel something, and it connects readers to both the world and to each other. Its powerful, concentrated language builds better readers and writers, and, frankly, it’s just a whole lot of fun. That’s why poetry comes first, both in my heart and in my Genre Chant poem. Who can you lead down the poetry path today?
Mensuração da consciência ambiental dos consumidores: proposta e validação de escala
Authors: Silva Victor Henrique Medronha da , Silveira-Martins Elvis , Otto Iliane Müller
Published: December 2017

The identification of environmental awareness of consumers is a source of interest for researchers, due to the association of this theme with other theoretical constructs, often done in a predictive way; of organizational decision-makers, due to the potential of marketing environmentally sound products; and society at large, because of concern for future generations. In this sense, the need to propose and validate a scale that helps to identify consumer's environmental awareness emerges, which is the purpose of this article. In the development of the research, the survey technique was used to collect data with a sample of 128 respondents, using the exploratory factorial analysis for the data treatment. The analysis of the data identified four factors, which can be termed reuse, recycling, organic and biodegradable, allowing to conclude that constantly thinking about the reuse of waste, buy products and packaging made from recycled material or that can be recyclable, buy organic products and buy biodegradable cleaning products make up the dimensions of consumer's environmental awareness.
Investimentos no setor sucroenergético: análise do perfil das operações automáticas de financiamento contratadas com o sistema BNDES no período de 2000 a 2015
Authors: Oliveira Edenis Cesar
Published: December 2017

The idiosyncrasies of the sugar-energy sector have been debated and studied exhaustively both in academia and in technical meetings, indicating challenges and opportunities that translate into a perspective of difficult visualization. Therefore, the present study aims to analyze the profile of the automatic financing operations contracted by the National Economic and Social Development Bank (BNDES) system from 2000 to 2015. Characterized as an exploratory study with a quantitative approach, the data were received directly from the BNDES via the Information Access Law (LAI). A total of 60.408 automatic operations were analyzed, with investments totaling R $ 24.714.610.364. The year 2010 had the highest investment value, representing 13,93% of the total volume of investments in the period, with 6.086 operations. The year 2009 had the highest number of operations in the period – 8.249. In addition, although the median grace period was ten years, the grace period of twelve years recorded 25.996 operations, standing out from the others. The Bank's largest disbursements were to the “Sugar Production” activity sector, followed closely by investments in “CTV Sugarcane”. There are still new expectations for the Brazilian sugar and ethanol industry.
Pegada hídrica da produção de leite in natura: uma análise das principais regiões produtoras do Rio Grande do Sul
Authors: Barden Júlia Elisabete , Sindelar Fernanda Cristina Wiebusch , Buttenbender Bruno Nonnemacher , Silva Gustavo Rodrigo da
Published: December 2017

According to the economic and social importance of the production of in natura milk for the RS, it is also relevant to evaluate the point of view over the environmental sustainability, and one way to do it is through water footprint. The estimation of the water footprint for livestock production contributes to the knowledge about the water consumption, as well as helps to promote the management and conservation of this resource. Therefore, this study’s objective aims to estimate the water footprint of in natura milk production for the main regions in milk production of RS: Coredes Fronteira Noroeste, Produção and Vale do Taquari, in which are covered 77 municipalities. The methodology used is standard for studies of this nature, being the data collected in two distinct ways, concerning relative to milk production and the amount of dairy cattle were collected by municipalities from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE, 2014); and in consolidated literature, relative to pre-established parameters. The results show that the more productive is the herd, the bigger is its capacity of the feed conversion into product, in other words, the bigger is one’s the productivity, the smaller is its water footprint.
Estratégias de enfrentamento às mudanças climáticas: um estudo com as empresas listadas no Índice de Sustentabilidade Empresarial da B3
Authors: Cruz Thayse Santos , Gomes Sonia Maria Silva , Oliveira Nverson Cruz , Oliveira Neylane Santos
Published: December 2017

This research investigated strategies coping climate change evidenced by the companies listed in the Corporate Sustainability Index (ISE) of B3, in the period from 2011 to 2014. Therefore, there was content analysis of the answers provided in the dimension climate change questionnaire ISE. Based on the results, there is a growing trend of companies that have their corporate policy on climate change approved by senior management, which establishes GHG emission reduction targets and to assume public commitments on GHG reduction targets. In addition to using internationally accepted parameters, a significant portion of organizations submit their GHG inventories to check an independent third party. In terms of disclosure, most companies participated in the Carbon Disclosure Project. The findings indicate that companies are entering in their management models different strategies, which seek to create value for stakeholders. These results are in line with the theory of stakeholders. Through this research, there have been indications of the level of proactivity organizational in relation to the challenge of climate change. Through these results, contributes up to expand discussions on climate issues and their implications for corporate strategies for achieving sustainability.
[Tecfidera® (delayed-release dimethylfumarate) in the treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis]
Authors: Mantovani Lorenzo Giovanni , Furneri Gianluca , Cortesi Paolo Angelo , Amato Maria Pia , Caputi Achille Patrizio , Piacentini Patrizio , Solari Alessandra , Pozzilli Carlo , Comi Giancarlo
Published: December 2017

The present health technology assessment (HTA) evaluates the clinical and economic profile of delayed-release dimethylfumarate (DMF, also known as gastro-resistant DMF) in the treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) in Italy. Chapter 1 briefly introduces the condition (multiple sclerosis and, more specifically, the relapsing-remitting form) and provides an overall description of the main therapeutic options for physicians, in terms of clinical evidence, regulatory status in Europe and approval status and reimbursement (refunding) criteria in Italy. In the next sections (Chapters 2-5), key-topics regarding RRMS are analysed: epidemiology, clinical burden, quality of life/social impact and the economic implications for healthcare services, patients and society. In Chapter 6, the clinical evidence supporting the use of DMF in RRMS is summarized. Data from phase III randomized clinical trials (DEFINE, CONFIRM), plus the pooled post-hoc analysis of the two studies, were evaluated to assess the level of clinical benefit provided by DMF. Finally, in Chapter 7, a review of the health economic evidence assessing DMF is performed, with a specific focus on Italy. Overall, the methodological quality of registration studies, together with the robustness and consistency of the study results, support the conclusion that DMF is an effective and safe treatment for RRMS. The economic assessment of DMF in Italy, based on cost-effectiveness and budget impact analyses (adopting clinical input data from a mixed treatment comparison and economic input data relative to the Italian healthcare setting), confirm that DMF is a cost-effective and economically sustainable treatment for the Italian National Healthcare Service. These findings are in line with the results of most international publications and the assessments from well-recognized HTA agencies (e.g. NICE/SMC). In summary, both the clinical and economic evidence analyzed in this HTA substantiate DMF as an important therapeutic option for the treatment of RRMS.
Promoting Information Literacy of Pre-Medical Students through Project-Based Learning: A Pilot Study
Authors: Saliba Reya , Mussleman Paul , Fernandes Melanie , Bendriss Rachid
Published: December 2017

This study describes the implementation of information literacy (IL) skills through the use of the project-based learning (PjBL) method in an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) course. Participants were Arabic speaking students enrolled in the Foundation Program that prepares them for the premedical curriculum in a U.S. medical   college in the State of Qatar. A mixed methods approach consisting of a survey, three focus groups, and instructors' observations was used to gather the needed data. The results showed a significant increase in students' advanced research skills. This study emphasizes the benefit of using the PjBL method to develop students' IL skills. It also reinforces the vital role of faculty-librarian partnership in designing learning activities that engage students, foster their critical thinking, and develop their metacognitive skills.
The Sources of Foreign Language Speaking Anxiety of Iranian English Language Learners
Authors: Sadighi Firooz , Dastpak Mehdi
Published: December 2017

Foreign language learning anxiety is one of the affective factors which influence language learning negatively. It has several sources and different types. The present study aimed at investigating the sources of foreign language speaking anxiety of Iranian EFL learners. To do so, 154 EFL learners participated in the study. They were required to fill out a foreign language anxiety questionnaire which was developed based on the Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety Scale (FLCAS) by Horwitz, Horwitz, and Cope (1986). The results of the study indicated that “fear of making mistakes”, “fear of negative evaluation”, and “lack of vocabulary knowledge” were the main factors which caused anxiety among students. Some strategies are recommended for the students to use in order to cope with the anxiety-provoking factors.
Avoidance and Overuse of Indonesian Language among Balinese Children
Authors: Pageyasa Wayan
Published: December 2017

The use of Indonesian language by children who speak the Balinese language, especially for children who live in rural areas is quite difficult. This is because their Balinese language is much different from Indonesian language. If they speak Indonesian language, they have to fall back to the language first. That is, language transfer process will take place from Balinese language to Indonesian language. This research aims to describe two phenomena of the language transfer process, namely avoidance and overuse (excessive use). Qualitative data were obtained from one Balinese child, namely Gede. Gede’s daily conversations were recorded to be analyzed. The researcher also used field notes. The results show that there is indeed avoidance and overuse in the use of Indonesian language by Gede.  The teachers must be aware of the student's avoidance and overuse of Indonesian language, then the teacher can choose a contextual teaching method that best fits their students’ need in order to enable them to cope with the avoidance and overuse in learning the second language. In conclusion, the Balinese child’s avoidance and overuse, displayed in his use of Indonesian Language, is a concequence of his prior knowledge of his first language (L1) as well as his cultural awareness.  Teachers should facilitate their students’ second language (L2) learning by being aware of their L1 prior knowledge and culture.
The Actualization of Literary Learning Model Based on Verbal-Linguistic Intelligence
Authors: Halil Nur Ihsan
Published: December 2017

This article is inspired by Howard Gardner's concept of linguistic intelligence and also from some authors' previous writings. All of them became the authors' reference in developing ideas on constructing a literary learning model based on linguistic intelligence. The writing of this article is not done by collecting data empirically, but by developing and constructing an existing concept, namely the concept of linguistic intelligence, which is disseminated into a literature-based learning of verbal-linguistic intelligence. The purpose of this paper is to answer the question of how to apply the literary learning model based on the verbal-linguistic intelligence. Then, regarding Gardner's concept, the author formulated a literary learning model based on the verbal-linguistic intelligence through a story-telling learning model with five steps namely arguing, discussing, interpreting, speaking, and writing about literary works. In short, the writer draw a conclusion that learning-based models of verbal-linguistic intelligence can be designed with attention into five components namely (1) definition, (2) characteristics, (3) teaching strategy, (4) final learning outcomes, and (5) figures.
Spectacles and Refractive Errors: Children’s Perspective
Authors: Maitreya Amit , Dhasmana Renu
Published: December 2017

Purpose:-

To study common perceptions in children about the use of spectacles as well as refractive error and problems faced by these children while using spectacles.

Methods:-

This was a hospital-based observational study conducted over a period of 2 months in children between 5 to 15 years of age using spectacles. A self-designed, standardized, prevalidated questionnaire was provided and answers were evaluated. Data thus obtained was subjected to standard statistical analysis.

Results:-

Among 55 children in the study, twenty-nine (52.7%) were male and twenty-six (47.3%) were female, with a male-female ratio of 1.1:1. Their average age was 11± 2.8 years. 41.8% children felt that wearing spectacles is a sign of intelligence. 85.5% were of the opinion that if they do not use spectacles, their refractive power will increase. 10.9% children said that the continuous use of spectacles will lead to an increase in their power. 52.7% considered nutritional deficiency as a common cause of refractive error while 67.3% children thought that yoga or diet or traditional medicines or a combination of these can reduce the refractive error. 45.5% felt that they faced problems due to the use of spectacles. 47.3% were teased for using spectacles and 43.6% children considered spectacles as a cosmetic blemish. 36.4% children accepted that they feel ashamed or embarrassed in using spectacles.

Conclusion:-

Knowledge in children regarding use of spectacles and refractive errors is not very encouraging. Children do face problems in using spectacles. There is potential for incorporation of correct information in the curriculum and teachers' training program.
Prevalence Of Diabetic Retinopathy in Type 2 Diabetic Patients Attending Tertiary Care Hospital In Sikkim
Authors: Bhutia Karma Loday , Lomi Neiwete , Bhutia Sonam Choden
Published: December 2017

Purpose:-

To estimate the prevalence of Diabetic Retinopathy and to find its association with age, gender and disease severity among type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Methods:-

This was a hospital based cross-sectional study conducted in the department of Ophthalmology. A total of 1000 type 2 diabetes mellitus patients underwent detailed ocular examinations for diabetic retinopathy. The International Classification of diabetic retinopathy was followed to categorize the severity of retinopathy.

Results:-

The overall prevalence of diabetic retinopathy was 17.4%, out of which, 55.17% were males and 44.8% females. 91.9% had non proliferative diabetic retinopathy among which, 51.7% had mild, 35.6% moderate and 4.6% severe retinopathy, whereas 8% patients had proliferative diabetic retinopathy. 14% were observed to be suffering from macular edema which on further classification showed as 42.8% mild, 31.4% moderate and 25.71% severe edema. 1.5% diabetic patients developed retinopathy after five years and 30.6% developed after more than 20 years.

Conclusion:-

This was the first study of its kind which estimated the prevalence of DR in a north east Indian hospital-based type 2 diabetic population (17.4%). The study also observed that the presence of DR, despite vision being near normal, strengthens a case for regular ocular examinations in diabetic patients. Our study also created awareness among the patients about DR who were evaluated during the course of the study.
Herpes Zoster Involving Trigeminal and Facial Nerve In an Immunocompetent Patient
Authors: Nair Pragya , Patel Chaitali
Published: December 2017

Herpes Zoster ophthalmicus is associated with ocular complications in 50% to 89% of cases. The complications may involve the skin, anterior segment, optic nerve, retina, and central nervous system. Ocular involvement may manifest as a self-limited conjunctivitis, scleritis, stromal keratitis and uveitis. Among neurological complications, post-herpetic neuralgia is the most common, followed by cranial nerve palsies, partial or complete ophthalmoplegia, meningitis, myelitis, encephalitis and delayed contralateral hemiparesis, which more commonly occur in immunocompromised patients. A 52 year old immunocompetent male with herpes zoster involving the facial nerve, along with the mandibular and ophthalmic division of trigeminal nerve leading to lagophthalmus, is presented here.
Use of Prescription Antiemetics Among US Commercially Insured Pregnant Patients, 2005-2019
Authors: Thai Thuy N. , Brown Joshua , Schmidt Stephan , Maro Judith , Rasmussen Sonja A. , Winterstein Almut G.
Published: October 2024

This cohort study investigates prescription antiemetic treatment patterns considering monotherapy, switching, and combination therapy during the first trimester of pregnancy and evaluates factors associated with ondansetron use.
YAP1 modulation of primary cilia‐mediated ciliogenesis in 2D and 3D prostate cancer models
Authors: Guo Yingbo , Dupart Mathilde , Irondelle Marie , Peraldi Pascal , Bost Frederic , Mazure Nathalie M.
Published: October 2024

The primary cilium, a non‐motile organelle present in most human cells, plays a crucial role in detecting microenvironmental changes and regulating intracellular signaling. Its dysfunction is linked to various diseases, including cancer. We explored the role of ciliated cells in prostate cancer by using Gefitinib and Jasplakinolide compounds to induce ciliated cells in both normal and tumor‐like prostate cell lines. We assessed GLI1 and IFT20 expression and investigated YAP1 protein's role, which is implicated in primary cilium regulation. Finally, we examined these compounds in 3D cell models, aiming to simulate in vivo conditions. Our study highlights YAP1 as a potential target for novel genetic models to understand the primary cilium's role in mediating resistance to anticancer treatments.
Combined spatially resolved metabolomics and spatial transcriptomics reveal the mechanism of RACK1‐mediated fatty acid synthesis
Authors: Xu Lixiu , Li Jinqiu , Ma Junqi , Hasim Ayshamgul
Published: October 2024

Lipid metabolism is altered in rapidly proliferating cancer cells, where fatty acids (FAs) are utilized in the synthesis of sphingolipids and glycerophospholipids to produce cell membranes and signaling molecules. Receptor for activated C‐kinase 1 (RACK1; also known as small ribosomal subunit protein) is an intracellular scaffolding protein involved in signaling pathways. Whether such lipid metabolism is regulated by RACK1 is unknown. Here, integrated spatially resolved metabolomics and spatial transcriptomics revealed that accumulation of lipids in cervical cancer (CC) samples correlated with overexpression of RACK1, and RACK1 promoted lipid synthesis in CC cells. Chromatin immunoprecipitation verified binding of sterol regulatory element‐binding protein 1 (SREBP1) to acetyl‐CoA carboxylase (ACC) and fatty acid synthase (FASN) promoters. RACK1 enhanced de novo FA synthesis by upregulating expression of sterol regulatory element binding transcription factor 1 (SREBP1) and lipogenic genes FASN and ACC1. Co‐immunoprecipitation and western blotting revealed that RACK1 interacted with protein kinase B (AKT) to activate the AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)/SREBP1 signaling pathway to promote FA synthesis. Cell proliferation and apoptosis experiments suggested that RACK1‐regulated FA synthesis is key in the progression of CC. Thus, RACK1 enhanced lipid synthesis through the AKT/mTOR/SREBP1 signaling pathway to promote the growth of CC cells. RACK1 may become a therapeutic target for CC.
Matched oligoclonal bands: Diagnostic utility and clinical characteristics
Authors: Hoshina Yoji , Abbatemarco Justin R. , Rodenbeck Stefanie J. , Poon Jason T. , Liu Suzanne C. , Paz Soldan M. Mateo , Greenlee John E. , Rose John W. , Peterson Lisa K. , Johnson Lisa , Delic Alen , Smith Tammy L. , Clardy Stacey L.
Published: October 2024

Objective

To describe patient clinical characteristics associated with matched oligoclonal bands (OCB).

Methods

A retrospective review at the University of Utah examined patients with matched OCB from 2015 to 2020. Clinical data, diagnosis, and outcomes were collected. Patients were classified with either multiple sclerosis (MS), other inflammatory neurologic disorder (other‐IND), or noninflammatory neurologic disorder (NIND).

Results

Of 539 identified patients, 436 (53.4% female) were matched‐only, while 103 (43.7% female) were matched + unique. Patients with matched‐only bands were older (57.4 ± 16 vs. 52 ± 14.2, p < 0.001) and more likely to have a history of autoimmune disease (40.1% vs. 28.2%, p = 0.024) and/or cancer (28.7% vs. 16.5%, p = 0.012). Patients with matched + unique bands were more likely to have CSF pleocytosis (52.4% vs. 25.9%, p < 0.001), high IgG index (52.2% vs. 7.6%, p < 0.001), and an abnormal MRI (86.9% vs. 63.1%, p < 0.001). More than two‐thirds of matched‐only patients had NIND, while 33% and 41.7% of matched + unique patients had MS and other‐IND, respectively. Patients exhibiting matched‐only bands and a high IgG index demonstrated a significantly higher incidence of other‐IND compared to those with matched‐only bands and a normal IgG index (55.6% vs. 30.4%, p = 0.013). While Kaplan–Meier survival curves demonstrated higher mortality in the matched‐only cohort compared to the matched + unique cohort (p = 0.02), multivariable Cox regression analysis showed this difference was not statistically significant when adjusting for various factors. A history of cancer was the significant predictor of increased mortality risk (Hazard ratio = 3.147, 95% CI [2.196, 4.51]).

Interpretation

Patients with matched only versus matched + unique OCB have distinct clinical profiles.
PAK4 is Required for Meiotic Resumption, Spindle Assembly, and Cortical Migration in Mouse Oocytes During Meiotic Maturation
Authors: Song Ke , Chen Dandan , Li Jingyu , Zhang Jiaqi , Tian Ying , Xu Xiangning , Wang Bicheng , Huang Ziqi , Lou Shuo , Kang Jingyi , Zhang Ningning , Yang Xiaokui , Ma Wei
Published: October 2024

Oocyte meiotic errors can cause infertility, miscarriage, and birth defects. Here the role and the underlying mechanism of p21 activated kinase 4 (PAK4) in mouse oocyte meiosis is evaluated. It is found that PAK4 expression and its phosphorylation are detected in high level at germinal vesicle (GV) stage, and gradually decreased after meiotic resumption in oocytes. PAK4 has direct physical interaction with both mitogen‐activated protein kinases 1/2 (MEK1/2) and Paxillin, they are colocalized on the spindle structure during metaphases I and II. Phospho‐PAK4 is distributed beneath the cytoplasmic membrane and on the chromosomes, and colocalized with the microtubule organizing center (MTOC) proteins, Pericentrin and γ‐tubulin, as well as phosphor‐MEK1/2 and phosphor‐Paxillin on spindle poles. PAK4 inhibition by chemical inhibitor LCH‐7749944, specific Pak4 morpholino oligo or the dominant negative mutant Pak4K350, 351 M influence the meiotic resumption, spindle assembly and its cortical migration, and associated with the downregulation in the dephosphorylation of cyclin dependent kinase 1 (CDK1) and the levels of Cyclin B1, MEK1/2, Paxillin, g‐tubulin, acetylated a‐tubulin, Arp3, and Cofilin phosphorylation in oocytes. In sum, PAK4 functions to sustain the rational levels of Cyclin B1, MEK1/2, Paxillin, y‐tubulin, acetylated a‐tubulin, Arp3, and phosphor‐Cofilin in mouse oocytes, thereby promotes the meiotic resumption, spindle assembly, and migration during meiotic maturation.
Fabrication of Robust Forward Osmosis Membrane by Assembling FeOxCly Nanoparticles
Authors: Roy Sonali , Deka Priyamjeet , Gogoi Raktim , Dey Mrityunjoy , Mayawad Kiran , Das Bikash K. , Datta Kasibhatta K. R. , Raidongia Kalyan
Published: October 2024

Owing to its inherent advantages like low‐energy consumption, low‐fouling propensity, and high recovering ability over high‐pressure‐driven membrane processes, the future of membrane technology is shifting toward forward osmosis (FO). However, the utility of FO in challenging areas is hindered by the lack of suitable FO membranes. Here, the development of innovative FO membranes by depositing weakly magnetic and positively charged FeOxCly nanoparticles on a negatively charged nylon membrane (FeOx‐Nyl) is reported. Remarkably, the FeOx‐Nyl membrane possesses outstanding stability in an aqueous medium and survived in both acidic (pH = 3.3) and basic (pH = 12.2) solutions. Upon varying the loading amount of FeOxCly, the water flux of the FeOx‐Nyl membrane varies from 27.8 to 61.3 LMH (from 5 to 30 mg). Due to its hydrophilic nature, the FeOx‐Nyl membrane exhibits excellent flux recovery rates (FRR), up to ≈70%. The outstanding robustness and high flux of FeOx‐Nyl are exploited in challenging applications like recovering reactive chemical wastes and dehydration of acetic acid.
Spatial Size Manipulation of 1D/2D Channels in Covalent Organic Framework Membranes Through Dopamine Chemistry for Ion Separations
Authors: Wu Zhuo‐Hao , Wang Meidi , Liu Xing‐Yu , Wu Jia , Liu Meng‐Meng , Liu Yawei , Cao Yu , Wu Xue‐Qian , Wang Bo , Li Dong‐Sheng
Published: October 2024

Covalent organic framework (COF) membranes feature with well‐developed 1D in‐plane pores and parallelly arranged 2D interlayer gallery, presenting promising platform for precise separations. However, it remains a formidable challenge to construct and regulate membrane channels at angstrom scale. Herein, pH‐sensitive dopamine is taken advantage to elaborately engineer the spatial size of 1D/2D channels in COF membranes for the separations of alkali metal ions. Acid treatment allows monomolecular dopamine to segment 1D in‐plane pores of COF membrane, achieving ultramicroporous regulation from 1.25 nm to 0.71 nm, which enables high selectivity of 18.7 for K+/Li+ separation. Molecular dynamics simulations reveal the higher dehydration degree, weaker channel‐cation interaction and faster diffusion coefficient of K+ than Li+. For alkaline treatment, dopamine self‐polymerizes to form nanoparticles between COF layers, which enlarges the 2D interlayer channels from 0.33 nm to 0.45 nm in COF membrane, enabling high‐permeance ion/molecule separations. The water permeance increases 86.7% to 404 L m−2 h−1 bar−1, without the sacrifice of membrane sieving ability. Both cation separation and ion/molecule separation performances outperform the current state‐of‐the‐art membranes. This dopamine‐mediated channel engineering strategy may provide the new insights for the design of membrane channels in precise separations.
Stereodivergent Synthesis of Chiral Hydrobenzofuranpyrrolidines by Catalytic Asymmetric Dearomative Cyclization and Controlled Epimerization
Authors: Liu Wei , Huang Yeting , Dai Ziqiang , Yu Min , Liu Xuangan , Yao Weijun , Han Xiaoyu
Published: October 2024

A methodology to access stereoisomeric sets of products bearing multiple stereogenic centers is still a significant challenge in asymmetric catalysis. We present herein our experimental studies on the stereodivergent synthesis of chiral hydrobenzofuran‐fused pyrrolidines with three stereogenic centers via organocatalytic asymmetric dearomative cyclization and epimerization process. Chiral bifunctional thiourea catalyst could successfully promote the enantioselective dearomatization cyclization of 2‐nitrobenzofurans with o‐hydroxy aromatic aldimines, which enabled the synthesis of (3S,3aR,8bR)‐hydrobenzofuran[3.2]pyrrolidines in 79–92% yields with >20:1 stereoselectivities and 93–>99% enantio‐selectivities. While catalytic amount of DBU could induce the direct intramolecular epimerization of (3S,3aR,8bR)‐hydrobenzofuran[3.2] pyrrolidines to its diastereomers (3R,3aR,8bR)‐hydrobenzofuran[3.2] pyrrolidines in 72–87% yields without loss of stereoselectivities. The mechanistic pathways of the epimerization process were investigated by a series of control experiments study. This work provides an alternative and forward solution for the stereodivergent preparation of functionalized pyrrolidines with potential bioactivities.
Ferroelectric Nanomaterials for Energy Harvesting and Self‐Powered Sensing Applications
Authors: Yu Xiang , Ji Yun , Zhang Kewei , Shen Xinyi , Zhang Shijian , Xu Mofei , Le Xiaoyun
Published: October 2024

The rapid development of the Internet of Things has introduced new challenges for miniaturized, highly integrated energy harvesters and sensors, promoting the exploration of various novel nanomaterials. Ferroelectric nanomaterials, characterized by large remanent polarization, exceptional dielectric properties, outstanding chemical stability, and diverse electricity generation capabilities, are emerging as promising candidates in a variety of fields. Possessing various mechanisms for electricity generation, including piezoelectric, pyroelectric, photovoltaic, and triboelectric effects, ferroelectric nanomaterials demonstrate their capability for harvesting and sensing multiple energies simultaneously, including light, thermal, and mechanical energies. This capability contributes to the miniaturization and high integration of electronic devices. This article reviews recent achievements in ferroelectric nanomaterials and their applications in energy harvesting and self‐powered sensing. Different categories of ferroelectric nanomaterials, their ferroelectric properties, and fabrication methods are introduced. The working mechanisms and performance of ferroelectric energy harvesters and self‐powered sensors are described. Additionally, future prospects are discussed.
Phase‐Transition‐Promoted Interfacial Anchoring of Sulfide Solid Electrolyte Membranes for High‐Performance All‐Solid‐State Lithium Battery
Authors: Su Zhengkang , Zhou Qinzhe , Jin Junhong , Yang Shenglin , Li Guang , Zhang Jingjing
Published: October 2024

Solvent‐free manufacturing is crucial for fabricating high‐performance sulfide‐electrolyte‐based all‐solid‐state lithium batteries (ASSLBs), with advantages including side reaction inhibition, less contamination, and practical scalability. However, the fabricated sulfide electrolytes commonly suffer from brittleness, limited ion transport, and unsatisfactory interfacial stability due to the uncontrolled dispersion of the sulfide particles within the polymer binder matrix. Herein, a “solid‐to‐liquid” phase transition strategy is reported to fabricate flexible Li6PS5Cl (LPSCl) electrolytes. The polycaprolactone (PCL)‐based binder (PLI) with phase‐transition characteristics fills the gap of LPSCl particles and tightly grafts on the particle surface via ion‐dipole interaction, bringing a thin and compact electrolyte membrane (80 µm). The simultaneously high Li‐ion conducting and electron insulating nature of PLI binder facilitates Li‐ion transport and ensures good interfacial stability between electrolyte and anode. Consequently, the sulfide electrolyte membrane exhibits high ionic conductivity (8.5 × 10−4 S cm−1), enabling symmetric and full cells with 10 and 2.5 times longer cycling life compared with that of the cells with pristine LPSCl electrolyte, respectively. The demonstrated strategy is versatile and can be extended to ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) that also brings enhanced electrochemical performance. The thin sulfide electrolyte with high interfacial stability potentially facilitates dendrite‐free ASSLBs with high energy density.
A Comprehensive Guide to Fully Inkjet‐Printed IGZO Transistors
Authors: Magnarin Lorenzo , Breitung Ben , Aghassi‐Hagmann Jasmin
Published: October 2024

In this concise review, the recent advancements in fully inkjet‐printed (IJP) indium‐gallium‐zinc‐oxide (IGZO) thin‐film transistors (TFTs) over the past years are discussed. IGZO has replaced hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a‐Si:H) as the primary channel material for liquid‐crystal display TFTs and has gained further attention due to the solution processability of IGZO inks. Despite the longstanding practice of printing IGZO for approximately fifteen years, the realization of fully inkjet‐printed devices, including both dielectric and electrode components, represents a recent milestone in research, potentially heralding a cost‐effective era for IGZO transistors. In this review, following an introductory exposition of IGZO, the focus is on the different ink formulations, currently deployed for solution‐processed IGZO devices, the intricacies of the printing procedure involved are delineated, and ongoing research endeavors pertaining to the printing of dielectrics and electrodes for such devices are expounded upon.
Photo‐synaptic Memristor Devices from Solution‐processed Ga2O3 Thin Films
Authors: Wang Wei , Gao Xiangxiang , Lin Zhenhua , Bai Haoyu , Cui Dongsheng , Su Jie , Zhang Jincheng , Hao Yue , Chang Jingjing
Published: October 2024

Hardware integration with biological synaptic function is the key to realizing brain‐like computing. Resistive Random Access Memory (RRAM), with a similar structure to biological synapses, are important candidate for the simulation of biological synaptic function. In this work, Ga2O3 film as a functional layer of RRAM is prepared by the solution method, and an RRAM‐based photo‐synaptic device with an Ag/Ga2O3/Si structure is constructed subsequently. The device exhibits excellent bipolar resistive switching characteristics, with the merits of a large storage window and long retention time. Furthermore, the devices generated excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSC) and paired‐pulse facilitation (PPF) behaviors under light pulse stimulation, enabling the simulation of synaptic plasticity. The transformation of synaptic behavior from short‐term memory (STM) to long‐term memory (LTM) is achieved by observing the spike‐duration dependent plasticity (SDDP), spike‐intensity dependent plasticity (SIDP), spike‐number dependent plasticity (SNDP) and spike‐rate dependent plasticity (SRDP) characteristics of photonic synapses under different conditions. The device also simulates the process of successive “learning‐forgotten‐remembering”, revealing that RRAM‐based photonic synapses have great potential in the fields of artificial visual perception and memory storage.
In‐Vitro Alloyable Unidimensional Polymeric Interface to Mitigate Pulverization and Dendritic Growth for Long Lifespan Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Park Dongjoo , Kim Dong‐Wan
Published: October 2024

With its high energy density, lithium metal battery technology encounters empirical challenges such as pulverization and dendrite growth. These can hinder the achievement of long lifespans. To address these challenges, it is important to optimize the lithium charge behavior. Here, the determination of the appropriate structural conditions and processes to prevent the accumulation of lithium ions on the lithium surface is discussed. Employing a hierarchical structure of polymeric macro/mesopores at the lithium interface, the favorable behavior of lithium ions and the reaction process is monitored. And the way of alloying process is proposed, revealing lithium ion accepted alloyable metals make to lithium‐metal intermetallic compounds. The well‐distributed alloyable metals in the unidimensional polymeric interface have sufficient capacity to accommodate and transport lithium ions. This emphasizes the need for innovative strategies to address irregular lithium nucleation and enhance lithium metal battery technology.
Solvation Regulation via Hydrogen Bonding to Mitigate Al Current Collector Corrosion for High‐Voltage Li‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Zhang Xinran , Dong Xubing , Yue Xinyang , Gao Jingyu , Shi Zhangqin , Liu Jijiang , Dong Yongteng , Chen Yuanmao , Fang Mingming , Yu Honggang , Liang Zheng
Published: October 2024

The exceptional thermal stability and conductivity of lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (LiFSI) have made it a preferred salt for lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). However, the corrosion of aluminum (Al) current collectors by LiFSI at low potentials (3.8 V vs Li/Li+) poses a persistent challenge, hindering the application of LiFSI in 4 V‐class LIBs. Herein, 2,2,2‐trifluoroethyl methanesulfonate (TFMS) is proposed as a versatile co‐solvent to address the issue of Al current collector corrosion. It is demonstrated that incorporating TFMS into a conventional LiFSI‐based carbonate electrolyte can precisely tailor the Li+ solvation structure by hydrogen bonding interactions with dimethyl carbonate (DMC) solvent. This weakens the coordination between DMC and Li+ while increasing the participation of FSI− anions in the primary solvation shell, effectively suppressing the Al current collector caused by free FSI− anions attacking. Furthermore, TFMS and FSI− synergically induce the formation of an inorganic‐rich and compact cathode electrolyte interphase, significantly avoiding undesired side reactions. As a result, the TFMS‐electrolyte enables 1.2 Ah‐graphite||NCM811 (LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2) pouch‐cells to achieve 89.9% capacity retention with high average Coulombic efficiency of >99.9% for 200 cycles at a cut‐off voltage of 4.4 V, opening up opportunities for the development of advanced high‐voltage LIBs.
A longitudinal pre‐post study: An evaluation of the Department of the Air Force bundled occupational fall prevention efforts
Authors: Socias‐Morales Christina , Gwilliam Melody , Gomes Harold , Stallings Heidi , Burnham Bruce , Chaumont Menéndez Cammie K. , Collins James
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Fall injuries are the second leading cause of traumatic injury and death for all US workers and are a leading injury concern for the Department of the Air Force (DAF). Bundled interventions can improve the likelihood of injury reduction, especially in large, heterogeneous working populations. In 2013, the DAF implemented the “Air Force Fall Prevention Focus,” a bundled intervention of prevention efforts designed to reduce occupational fall injury events among DAF members. The purpose of this study is to describe the burden and risk factors associated with fall injuries and evaluate the effectiveness of the Fall Prevention Focus in reducing the burden of fall injuries.

Methods

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) partnered with the US Air Force Safety Center (AFSEC) to examine the impact of the Fall Prevention Focus as a bundled intervention. Injury events included a narrative description of the injury event, demographics, work environment, job tasks, and other structured details. Descriptive statistics and pre–post longitudinal modeling were used to evaluate changes in fall injury rates.

Results

The Fall Prevention Focus Implementation (2013–2018) resulted in an annual 10.4% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 8.5%, 12.2%) reduction, and a 6‐year cumulative 48.3% (95% CI: 41.4%, 54.3%) reduction in fall injury event rates by 2018.

Discussion

Safety in the DAF involves a comprehensive approach. Documenting the impact of the Fall Prevention Focus may help translate these findings to improve fall prevention efforts in other sectors of the military and high fall‐risk industries in the private sector, such as construction.
Was the abolition of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission an act of dispossession?
Authors: Crumpen Tui
Published: October 2024

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission (ATSIC) has been described as one of the most comprehensive regional and national governance structures for Indigenous people in Australia. This paper looks briefly at its operational life between 1990 and 2005 and focusses on its abolition, arguing that this was an act of dispossession. The ATSIC was, for its time, a remarkable achievement for both the nation state and Indigenous people. Acting as an institution to both represent and deliver services to Indigenous people, the ATSIC model was, and could have remained, a powerful organisation for enacting critical change. Constructed and then removed by the nation state, the ATSIC's abolition dispossessed Indigenous people of a political framework dedicated to organising an Indigenous collective voice. This dispossession, different from earlier waves of dispossession from land, resources and cultural freedoms, can be understood by the application of critical Indigenous institutional analysis. Through its own structure and electoral representation, the ATSIC had made visible the quest for self‐determination and gave Indigenous people decision‐making powers not since replicated. Redirecting ATSIC's limited decision making back to government exposed the illusion of control. The ATSIC's abolition left a void in the growing capability of Indigenous people to self‐determine and a gaping hole in Australia's national political imagination.
Removal of Residual Additive Enabling Perfect Crystallization of Photovoltaic Perovskites
Authors: Bian Ze‐Kai , Su Zhenhuang , Lou Yan‐Hui , Chen Jing , Jin Run‐Jun , Chen Chun‐Hao , Xia Yu , Huang Lei , Wang Kai‐Li , Gao Xingyu , Wang Zhao‐Kui
Published: October 2024

Achieving high‐efficiency perovskite solar cells (PSCs) hinges on the precise control of the perovskite film crystallization process, often improved by the inclusion of additives. While dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is traditionally used to manage this process, its removal from the films is problematic. In this work, methyl phenyl sulfoxide (MPSO) was employed instead of DMSO to slow the crystallization rate, as MPSO is more easily removed from the perovskite structure. The electron delocalization associated with the benzene ring in MPSO decreases the electron density around the oxygen atom in the sulfoxide group, thus reducing its interaction with PbI2. This strategy not only sustains the formation of a crystallization‐slowing intermediate phase but also simplifies the elimination of the additive. Consequently, the optimized PSCs achieved a leading power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 25.95 % along with exceptional stability. This strategy provides a novel method for fine‐tuning perovskite crystallization to enhance the overall performance of photovoltaic devices.