bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Advances in the Sensing and Treatment of Wound Biofilms
Authors: Darvishi Sorour , Tavakoli Shima , Kharaziha Mahshid , Girault Hubert H. , Kaminski Clemens F. , Mela Ioanna
Published: November 2021

Wound biofilms represent a particularly challenging problem in modern medicine. They are increasingly antibiotic resistant and can prevent the healing of chronic wounds. However, current treatment and diagnostic options are hampered by the complexity of the biofilm environment. In this review, we present new chemical avenues in biofilm sensors and new materials to treat wound biofilms, offering promise for better detection, chemical specificity, and biocompatibility. We briefly discuss existing methods for biofilm detection and focus on novel, sensor‐based approaches that show promise for early, accurate detection of biofilm formation on wound sites and that can be translated to point‐of‐care settings. We then discuss technologies inspired by new materials for efficient biofilm eradication. We focus on ultrasound‐induced microbubbles and nanomaterials that can both penetrate the biofilm and simultaneously carry active antimicrobials and discuss the benefits of those approaches in comparison to conventional methods.
In Situ Raman Probing of Hot‐Electron Transfer at Gold–Graphene Interfaces with Atomic Layer Accuracy
Authors: Yang Jing‐Liang , Wang Hong‐Jia , Zhu Zhenwei , Yue Mu‐Fei , Yang Wei‐Min , Zhang Xia‐Guang , Ruan Xiangyu , Guan Zhiqiang , Yang Zhi‐Lin , Cai Weiwei , Wu Yuan‐Fei , Fan Feng‐Ru , Dong Jin‐Chao , Zhang Hua , Xu Hongxing , Tian Zhong‐Qun , Li Jian‐Feng
Published: November 2021

Plasmonic metals under photoexcitation can generate energetic hot electrons to directly induce chemical reactions. However, the capability and fundamental insights of the transportation of these hot electrons at plasmonic metal‐2D material interfaces remain unclear. Herein, hot‐electron transfer at Au‐graphene interfaces has been in situ studied using surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) with atomic layer accuracy. Combining in situ SERS studies with density functional theory calculations, it is proved that hot electrons can be injected from plasmonic Au nanoparticles to graphene and directly penetrate graphene to trigger photocatalytic reactions. With increasing graphene layers, the transportation of hot electrons decays rapidly and would be completely blocked after five layers of graphene. Moreover, the transfer of hot electrons can be modulated by applying an external electric field, and the hot‐electron transfer efficiency under electrochemical conditions is improved by over three times in the presence of a monolayer of graphene.
Atomically Dispersed Selenium Sites on Nitrogen‐Doped Carbon for Efficient Electrocatalytic Oxygen Reduction
Authors: Hu Hui , Wang Jiajun , Cui Bingfeng , Zheng Xuerong , Lin Jianguo , Deng Yida , Han Xiaopeng
Published: November 2021

Owing to their unique electronic structure and maximum atom utilization efficiency, single‐atom catalysts have received widespread attention and exhibited efficient activity. Herein, we report the preparation of non‐metal Se single atoms embedded in nitrogen‐doped carbon (NC) via a high‐temperature reduction strategy for electrocatalytic oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Selenium dioxide is reduced to selenium by NC at high temperature and partially anchored to form C−Se−C bond. Impressively, the obtained single‐atom catalyst exhibits outstanding ORR activity and stability that even surpasses state‐of‐the‐art noble metal catalysts and many previously reported nanocatalysts. Experimental and theoretical calculations reveal that the Se single atoms can serve as the ORR active sites and contribute to lowering the reaction barrier. Our discoveries demonstrate the promising prospects for utilizing metal‐free single‐atom‐based materials for efficient electrocatalysis.
Enhancing critical features of poly(amino acid) based meshes
Authors: Voniatis Constantinos , Gottscháll Ramóna , Barczikai Dóra , Szabó György , Jedlovszky‐Hajdu Angela
Published: November 2021

The following manuscript presents a comprehensive investigation regarding the influence of electrospinning parameters on fiber quality and mechanical properties of nanofibrous poly(amino acid) meshes. At first, we examine parameters including: solvent options, polymer concentrations, collector speed and distance, voltage, needle sizes and flow rates to prepare fibrous scaffolds based on polysuccinimide. The main objective was to attempt and decrease the fiber diameter as much as possible while not reducing the fiber quality. After that mechanical properties of the meshes were investigated, we demonstrate two possible methods to reinforce them: mechanically induced alignment of the fibers and multilayer compression. Characterization methods include a solubility study, viscosity and conductivity measurements, ATR‐FTIR spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and mechanical uniaxial test. Fiber size was successfully reduced from 615 to 280 nm without any quality aberrations. Mechanical performance not only improved almost three‐fold, but was also enhanced in two directions due to the multilayer composition. With these optimizations, the PSI mesh now possess favorable features for biomedical application according to the relevant literature.
Double‐layer modified silica with potential reinforcement for solution polymerized styrene‐butadiene rubber/butadiene rubber composite
Authors: Tian Qingfeng , Tang Yuan , Lv Xiaohui , Niu Liyong , Wang Yanpeng , Ding Tao , Li Xiaohong , Zhang Zhijun
Published: November 2021

Silica was dual layer surface‐capped by hexamethyldisilamide (HMDS) and epoxy‐terminated ethylene‐vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) via an in situ synthesis route to acquire greatly improved compatibility and interfacial interactions with solution polymerized styrene‐butadiene rubber/butadiene rubber (SSBR/BR). The as‐prepared HMDS/EVA‐SiO2 was used to reinforce SSBR/BR matrix so as to improve the wet skid resistance and wear resistance, and reduce the rolling resistance of the rubber–matrix composite. Besides, the as‐fabricated HMDS/EVA‐SiO2 was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectrometry and transmission electron microscopy; and the tensile strength and tear resistance of the HMDS/EVA–SiO2/SSBR/BR composites were measured with a universal testing machine. Moreover, an Akron abrasion test was performed to determine the abrasion volume of SiO2–SSBR/BR composites; and a rotary rheometer was run to evaluate the dynamic mechanical properties of the vulcanized rubber‐matrix composites. Findings indicate that the EVA resin latex synthesized by emulsion polymerization can effectively improve the compatibility and forms a permeability layer between the rubber and nano‐silica of the composites. The as‐fabricated HMDS/EVA‐SiO2‐SSBR/BR composite exhibits greatly improved wear resistance and wet skid resistance as well as significantly reduced rolling resistance, showing potential as green tire tread material with increased security and service life as well as reduced energy consumption.
Social perception of brands: Warmth and competence define images of both brands and social groups
Authors: Kervyn Nicolas , Fiske Susan T. , Malone Chris
Published: November 2021

People form impressions about brands as they do about social groups. The Brands as Intentional Agents Framework (BIAF) a decade ago derived from the Stereotype Content Model (SCM) two dimensions of consumers' brand perception: warmth (worthy intentions) and competence (ability). The BIAF dimensions and their predictive validity have replicated the general primacy of warmth (intentions) and developed the congruence principle of fit to context. BIAF domains include various brands, product design, and countries as origins of products and as travel destinations. Brand anthropomorphism plays a role in perceiving brands' morality, personality, and humanity. Consumer–brand relations follow from anthropomorphism: perceived brand‐self congruence, brand trust, and brand love. Corporate social (ir)responsibility and human relations, especially warm, worthy intent, interplay with BIAF dimensions, as do service marketing, service recovery, and digital marketing. Case studies describe customer loyalty, especially to warm brands, corresponds to profits, charitable donations, and healthcare usage. As the SCM and BIAF evolve, research potential regards the dimensions and beyond. BIAF has stood the tests of time, targets (brands, products, and services), and alternative theory (brand personality, brand relationships), all being compatible. Understanding how people view corporations as analogous to social groups advances theory and practice in consumer psychology.
Criteria‐Based Content Analysis in Child Sexual Abuse Cases: A Cross‐Cultural Perspective
Authors: Cacuci Simina‐Alexandra , Bull Ray , Huang Ching‐Yu , Visu‐Petra Laura
Published: November 2021

Statement validity assessment (SVA) was created to evaluate children's accounts in alleged sexual abuse cases and it is the most popular instrument currently used to assess the veracity of their verbal declarations. The core of this method lies in the application of criteria‐based content analysis (CBCA) to the content of the provided account in an attempt to determine its veracity. Despite the popularity and importance of this instrument in legal settings in a variety of countries, there is little evidence that the cultural and ethnic background of the alleged child victims is taken into account. The current paper proposes a theoretical overview of the culturally sensitive aspects of cognition, memory, motivation and self‐identity as reflected in each of the two general categories of the CBCA criteria (i.e. cognitive and motivational). Our investigation revealed that several criteria are likely to be sensitive to cultural differences, therefore further direct empirical proof is needed to improve validation of SVA use in culturally diverse child sexual abuse cases. In the interim, we would encourage the use of culturally sensitive practices and policies among practitioners using CBCA.

‘There is little evidence that the cultural and ethnic background of the alleged child victims is taken into account’

Key Practitioner Messages

The cultural or ethnic background of children influences their accounts; thus, it should be expected that certain CBCA criteria can be affected by these factors.

Professionals using this method are recommended to take a more ‘culturally sensitive’ approach, which involves learning more about cultural differences and monitoring their own expectations and biases.

More empirical research is needed in order to validate which CBCA criteria are suitable for use in a variety of cultures and cross culturally.
Using the Dirichlet model to predict how fashion brands compete and grow on eBay
Authors: Chowdhury Shamim , Barker Alicia , Trinh Giang , Lockshin Larry
Published: November 2021

E‐fashion brand competition has historically been studied from an attitudinal lens, through surveys and theory‐based approaches. These studies generally examine consumer attitudes, satisfaction and loyalty; highlighting that trust, satisfaction and reputation are key e‐commerce success elements. However, the empirical consumer behaviour literature rebuts the use of attitudes to explain brand performance, criticising their subjectivity and the overall ineffectiveness of loyalty as a brand growth tool. The article presents Gerald Goodhardt and colleagues' Dirichlet model as an alternative approach to understanding e‐fashion buyer behaviour. The Dirichlet model is a robust, stochastic model that has reliably predicted well‐established law‐like patterns of buyer behaviour and brand competition. We apply Dirichlet modelling to a new, non‐fast moving consumer goods category to extend consumer behaviour research in the online environment. The study uses consumer panel data from the United Kingdom, across two consecutive years. We conclude that the Dirichlet model has an excellent fit within the eBay fashion brand market. The study also identifies that the well‐known double jeopardy pattern exists within this market, demonstrating that e‐fashion brands grow through acquisition rather than retention of customers. This provides a different viewpoint than most e‐fashion brand growth literature. In addition to this, we examine the predictive capability of the Dirichlet model. We use a holdout sample to show that the model can predict future brand performance metrics, which is an exciting new development in consumer behaviour research.
Examining the luxury apparel behavioural intentions of middle‐class consumers: The case of the South African market
Authors: Cunningham Nicole , Petzer Daniël Johannes
Published: November 2021

The study aims to offer an understanding of luxury apparel behavioural intention amongst middle‐class consumers in emerging markets. There is a lack of understanding of luxury apparel behavioural intention amongst the middle class in emerging markets, leading to luxury apparel marketers developing irrelevant marketing strategies. Consequently, this study uses the theory of planned behaviour by incorporating additional luxury‐context antecedents and including collectivistic constructs and income levels as moderators to understand luxury apparel behavioural intention amongst the middle class in South Africa. As South Africa is the preferred market for luxury apparel retailers when targeting Africa, the South African middle class was deemed an important group to understand. Through the online questionnaire, 629 responses were obtained. Covariance‐based structural equation modelling and moderation analysis were used to assess the proposed relationships. The results show that the impact of luxury‐context antecedents ‐ fashion involvement, materialism‐success, brand consciousness, status consumption ‐ provide a deeper understanding to how consumers in emerging markets differ in their consumption of luxury apparel. The moderating role of collectivism reveals that middle‐class consumers in emerging markets are concerned with conforming and face‐saving when purchasing luxury apparel. In addition, the moderating role of income levels reveals that middle‐class consumers with lower income are more influenced by their social groups compared to those with higher income, which suggests that lower‐income groups are more aspirational and seek acceptance. Further insights are provided regarding the moderating role of collectivism and income levels on behavioural intention.
A comparative evaluation of nutritional characteristics, physical properties, and volatile profiles of sweet corn subjected to different drying methods
Authors: Yao Lianmou , Zhang Yi , Qiao Yongjin , Wang Chunfang , Wang Xiao , Chen Bingjie , Kang Ji , Cheng Zhaohui , Jiang Yongming
Published: November 2021

Background and objectives

Fresh sweet corn is vulnerable to microbial damage and difficult to preservation at ambient temperature due to the high water and sugar contents. Therefore, in the present study, fresh sweet corn kernels were subjected to hot air drying (HAD), vacuum freeze drying (VFD), microwave drying (MD), and short‐ and medium‐wave infrared drying (SMIRD).

Findings

Different drying ways of dehydrated sweet corns were compared in terms of physical properties, nutritional components, volatile compounds, and antioxidant capacity. After thermal treatment, sweet corn will form more volatile components and increase the flavor of sweet corn, while sweet corn treated by VFD will lose a lot of volatile components and weaken the flavor.

Conclusions

The results demonstrated that VFD products exhibited higher rehydration capacity, more nutrient retention, and better antioxidant capacity with fewer volatile compounds. A total of 63 different volatile compounds were detected in dried sweet corns. The variety of volatile substances was the maximum in the SMIRD (55), followed by HAD (35), MD (28), fresh (22), and VFD (9).

Significanceand novelty

Overall, this study would be fundamental for selecting more applicable drying methods to obtain desirable quality of dried sweet corn.
Colesional cutaneous talaromycosis (penicilliosis) and Kaposi sarcoma in an HIV‐infected patient
Authors: Lai Shau‐Kong , Tan Lii‐Jye , Hussin Huzlinda , Salleh Amizatul Aini , Bakrin Ikmal Hisyam
Published: November 2021

HIV‐infected patients are at high risk of multiple pathologies. Accurate identification of multiple colesional pathologies is critical for the patient management. We report a distinctive case of colesional cutaneous talaromycosis and Kaposi sarcoma. Prudent histopathological examination and judicious use of adjunct diagnostic test are essential for the diagnosis.
Barraquer‐Simons syndrome in systemic lupus erythematosus: A case report
Authors: Acharya Suman , Kandel Suraj , Shrestha Suraj , Tiwari Sansar Babu , Sapkota Subash , Bhattarai Anjan , Jha Saket
Published: November 2021

Barraquer‐Simons syndrome is a rare entity characterized by progressive loss of subcutaneous tissue in the face and/or upper half of the body and can be associated with autoimmune conditions such as systemic lupus erythematosus. Close long‐term follow‐up is required to identify metabolic disturbances, potentially life‐threatening renal problems, and other associated diseases.
Lamotrigine‐induced neutropenia after high‐dose concomitant initiation with phenytoin
Authors: Salem Muhammad , El‐Bardissy Ahmed
Published: November 2021

Lamotrigine has been repeatedly reported to cause hematologic toxicities, which may be associated with high initial doses or excessive escalation. A 29‐year‐old lady experienced profound neutropenia after two weeks of lamotrigine high initial dose, started within two days of phenytoin. The too‐early dose intensification may have produced lamotrigine‐induced blood dyscrasia.
Time Resolved Measurements of pH in Aqueous Magnesium‐Air Batteries during Discharge and Its Impact for Future Applications
Authors: Braun Tobias , Dinda Sirshendu , Pammer Frank , Fichtner Maximilian
Published: November 2021

In aqueous magnesium air batteries, the influence of the electrochemical behavior on pH of the electrolyte has not been investigated yet, which has a critical effect on the cell performance. We have monitored the evolution of the pH at various discharge current densities in situ in the Mg‐air primary cells, which produce sparingly soluble magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)2). These experiments show the temporal evolution of the pH of the electrolyte in the cell discharge, depending on the current density. The pH first increases rapidly to a maximum of pH 11 and then drops down slowly to the equilibrium at pH 10.7. At the peak pH oversaturation of Mg(OH)2 is paramount, leading to the precipitation which balances the Mg(OH)2 concentration in the electrolyte. This precipitation process coats both cathode and anode which leads to a decrease in cell efficiency and voltage. The results show that the cell design of Mg‐air batteries is important for their lifetime and cell performance. The performance of the aqueous magnesium cell is increased several folds when the design is changed to a simple electrolyte flow cell.
The Discovery of Potential MDM2 Inhibitors: A Combination of Pharmacophore Modeling, Virtual Screening, Molecular Docking Studies, and in vitro/in vivo Biological Evaluation
Authors: Zhang Xuelin , Zhou Chunqiao , Yang Yang , Liu Hailin , Wang Song , Ding Xiaoli , Wang Hu
Published: November 2021

Small‐molecule inhibitors of MDM2 that block the MDM2‐p53 protein‐protein interaction have been considered as potential therapeutic agents for the treatment of cancer. Here, we identify five highly potent inhibitors of MDM2 (termed as WY 1–5) that display significant inhibitory effects on MDM2‐p53 interaction by using a combined strategy of pharmacophore modeling, virtual screening, and molecular docking studies. Among them, WY‐5 is the most active MDM2 inhibitor with an IC50 value of 14.1±2.8 nM. Moreover, WY‐5 significantly up‐regulate the protein level of p53 in SK‐Hep‐1 cells harboring wild‐type p53. In vitro anticancer study reveals that WY‐5 markedly inhibits the survival of SK‐Hep‐1 cells. In vivo anticancer study suggests that WY‐5 significantly inhibits the growth of SK‐Hep‐1 cells‐derived xenograft in nude mice, with no observable toxicity. Our results demonstrate that WY‐5 may be a promising candidate for the treatment of cancer harboring wild‐type p53.
Enhancement of CD8+ T‐Cell‐Mediated Tumor Immunotherapy via Magnetic Hyperthermia
Authors: Zhang Yihan , Gao Xiao , Yan Bin , Wen Nana , Lee Wee Siang Vincent , Liang Xing‐Jie , Liu Xiaoli
Published: November 2021

Magnetic hyperthermia (MHT) uses magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (MIONs) to irradiate heat when subjected to an alternating magnetic field (AMF), which then trigger a series of biological effects to realize rapid tumor‐killing effects. With the deepening in research, MHT has also shown significant potential in achieving antitumor immunity. On the other hand, immunotherapy in cancer treatment has gained increasing attention over recent years and excellent results have generally been reported. Using MHT to activate antitumor immunity and clarifying its synergistic mechanism, i. e., immunogenic cell death (ICD) and immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) reversal, can achieve a synergistically enhanced therapeutic effect on primary tumors and metastatic lesions, and this can prevent cancer recurrence and metastasis, which thus prolong survival. In this review, we discussed the role of MHT when utilized alone and combining MHT with other treatments (such as radiotherapy, photodynamic therapy, and immune checkpoint blockers) in the process of tumor immunotherapy, including antigen release, dendritic cells (DCs) maturation, and activation of CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes. Finally, the challenges and future development of current MHT and immunotherapy are discussed.
Fluorescent‐tagged Antiscalants: A New Look at the Scale Inhibition Mechanism and Antiscalant Selection
Authors: Tkachenko Sergey , Ryabova Anastasia , Oshchepkov Maxim , Popov Konstantin
Published: November 2021

Solid deposits onto equipment surfaces represent a serious problem all over the world. Mitigation of this process is provided by chemical inhibitors. However, irrespective of successful antiscalant application, the mechanisms of scale inhibition are still not very clear. Thus, the present review summarizes recent advances in novel fluorescent‐tagged antiscalants (polyacarboxylates, phosphonates) application for scale inhibition mechanisms study. Some paradoxical effects, detected during gypsum and barite scale formation visualization are described and interpreted within the “nanodust” concept. It is demonstrated, that the solid nanoimpurities, naturally occurring in both industrial and deionized water samples, are definitely playing a key role in any crystal nucleation process. Such nanoimpurities are responsible for the bulk heterogeneous nucleation in a supersaturated salt solution. Scale inhibitor molecules block and isolate exactly these “nanodust” nucleation centers and therefore retards crystallization process on the whole. The advantages of fluorescent antiscalants to provide a new look at scale inhibition phenomenon and inhibition mechanisms are discussed. Among these, there is a possibility to distinguish particular scale inhibitors in their blends, and an opportunity to track an antiscalant location along the process of scale formation and deposition. Besides, a need of antiscalants testament procedure unification is considered, and a possible role of fluorescent reagents in such a procedure elaboration is indicated.
Three‐dimensional stratification pattern in an old‐growth lowland forest: How does height in canopy and season influence temperate bat activity?
Authors: Erasmy Maude , Leuschner Christoph , Balkenhol Niko , Dietz Markus
Published: November 2021

The study of animal–habitat interactions is of primary importance for the formulation of conservation recommendations. Flying, gliding, and climbing animals have the ability to exploit their habitat in a three‐dimensional way, and the vertical canopy structure in forests plays an essential role for habitat suitability. Forest bats as flying mammals may seasonally shift their microhabitat use due to differing energy demands or changing prey availability, but the patterns are not well understood. We investigated three‐dimensional and seasonal habitat use by insectivorous bats in a temperate lowland old‐growth forest, theBelovezhskaya Pushchain Belarus. We acoustically sampled broadleaved and mixed coniferous plots in the forest interior and in gaps in three heights during two reproductive periods (pregnancy/lactation vs. postlactation). In canopy gaps, vertical stratification in bat activity was less pronounced than in the forest interior. Vertical activity patterns differed among species. The upper canopy levels were important foraging habitats for the open‐space forager guild and for some edge‐space foragers like the Barbastelle batBarbastella barbastellusand the soprano pipistrellePipistrellus pygmaeus.Myotisspecies had highest activity levels near the ground in forest gaps. Moreover, we found species‐dependent seasonal microhabitat shifts. Generally, all species and species groups considered exceptMyotisspecies showed higher activity levels during postlactation.Myotisspecies tended toward higher activity in the forest interior during postlactation.P. pygmaeusswitched from high activity levels in the upper canopy during pregnancy and lactation to high activity levels near the ground during postlactation. We conclude that a full comprehension of forest bat habitat use is only possible when height in canopy and seasonal patterns are considered.
Clinical outcomes in high‐hypoglycaemia‐risk patients with type 2 diabetes switching to insulin glargine 300 U/mL versus a first‐generation basal insulin analogue in the United States : Results from the DELIVER High Risk real‐world study
Authors: Sullivan Sean D. , Freemantle Nick , Gupta Rishab A. , Wu Jasmanda , Nicholls Charlie J. , Westerbacka Jukka , Bailey Timothy S.
Published: November 2021

Aims

To compare 12‐month clinical effectiveness of insulin glargine 300 units/mL (Gla‐300) versus first‐generation basal insulin analogues (BIAs) (insulin glargine 100 units/mL [Gla‐100] or insulin detemir [IDet]) in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) who were at high risk of hypoglycaemia and switched from one BIA to a different one (Gla‐300 or Gla‐100/IDet) in a real‐world setting.

Methods

DELIVER High Risk was a retrospective observational cohort study of 2550 patients with T2D who switched BIA to Gla‐300 (Gla‐300 switchers) and were propensity score‐matched (1:1) to patients who switched to Gla‐100 or IDet (Gla‐100/IDet switchers). Outcomes were change in glycated haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), attainment of HbA1c goals (<7% and <8%), and incidence and event rates of hypoglycaemia (all‐hypoglycaemia and hypoglycaemia associated with an inpatient/emergency department [ED] contact).

Results

HbA1c reductions were similar following switching to Gla‐300 or Gla‐100/IDet (−0.51% vs. −0.53%; p = .67), and patients showed similar attainment of HbA1c goals. Patients in both cohorts had comparable all‐hypoglycaemia incidence and event rates. However, the Gla‐300 switcher cohort had a significantly lower risk of inpatient/ED‐associated hypoglycaemia (adjusted odds ratio: 0.73, 95% confidence interval: 0.60–0.89; p = .002) and experienced significantly fewer inpatient/ED‐associated hypoglycaemic events (0.21 vs. 0.33 events per patient per year; p < .001).

Conclusion

In patients with T2D at high risk of hypoglycaemia, switching to Gla‐300 or Gla‐100/IDet achieved similar HbA1c reductions and glycaemic goal attainment, but Gla‐300 switchers had a significantly lower risk of hypoglycaemia associated with an inpatient/ED contact during 12 months after switching.
Recycling Spent LiCoO2 Battery as a High‐efficient Lithium‐doped Graphitic Carbon Nitride/Co3O4 Composite Photocatalyst and Its Synergistic Photocatalytic Mechanism
Authors: Niu Bo , Xiao Jiefeng , Xu Zhenming
Published: November 2021

The ever‐increasing quantity of spent lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) is both a potential environmental pollutant and a valuable resource. The spent LIBs recycling mainly aimed at the separation of valuable elements. Some issues still exist in these processes such as high energy consumption and complex separation procedures. This study avoided element separation and proposed a facile approach to transform spent LiCoO2 electrode into a lithium (Li)‐doped graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C3N4)/Co3O4 composite photocatalyst through one‐pot in situ thermal reduction. During the thermal process, melamine served as the reductant for LiCoO2 decomposition and the raw material for g‐C3N4 production. Li was in situ doped in g‐C3N4 and the generated Co3O4 was in situ integrated, forming a Li‐doped g‐C3N4/Co3O4 composite photocatalyst. This special composite exhibited an enhanced photocatalytic performance, and its photocatalytic H2 production and RhB degradation rates were 8.7 and 6.8 times higher than those of g‐C3N4. The experiments combined with DFT calculation revealed that such enhanced photocatalytic efficiency was ascribed to the synergy effect of Li doping and Co3O4 integrating, which extended the visible light absorption (450–900 nm) and facilitated the charge transfer and separation. This study transforms waste into a high‐efficient catalyst, realizing high‐valued utilization of waste and environmental protection.
What type of gully is that? The need for a classification of gullies
Authors: Thwaites Robin N. , Brooks Andrew P. , Pietsch Timothy J. , Spencer John R.
Published: November 2021

Despite over a century of investigations into gullies and gully erosion, the characterization and categorization of gullies and the varied definitions, nomenclatures and terminology used has caused some confusion in understanding and communicating the relationships of gully forms and processes around the world. We firstly review the gully literature and highlight how a lack of consistency in gully definition and characterization prevents unifying theory from being developed within this important field of research, since it is often unclear whether different landscape features being discussed are comparable. We propose that conventionally employed qualitative planform and cross‐sectional characteristics of gullies alone are inadequate to define gully types, yet both these features remain central to most modern gully descriptions. We discuss the need to revise and augment these basic characteristics with clearly defined morphogenetic attributes such as landscape context, soil material characteristics, erosion processes, hydrological integrity, modes of development, and head/side‐wall morphology for an effective, practicable, generic gully classification scheme. Central to a gully classification scheme is the need for a clear definition of what a gully is – and is not – for which geomorphological criteria are proposed to differentiate a ‘gully’ from other ‘incisional land surface forms’. This gully definition hinges largely on the identification of a retreating head scarp and the internal erosion by mass‐movement and other sidewall slope erosion processes, coupled with the transport of the soil materials from the gully void. By defining a gully and synthesizing descriptions of gully ‘types’ from the literature and our own experience, we propose key morphogenetic attributes of gullies necessary to form a framework for a systematic gully classification scheme. An initial, eclectic classification framework is presented as both a summation and a synthesis of the literature review, and as a progenitor to a dynamic generic classification scheme that is proposed in a follow‐up article.
Larval Exposure to Polychlorinated Biphenyl-126 Led to a Long-Lasting Decrease in Immune Function in Postmetamorphic Juvenile Northern Leopard Frogs, Lithobates pipiens
Authors: Cary Tawnya L. , Karasov William H.
Published: November 2021

Amphibian populations are decreasing worldwide, and pollution is a contributing factor. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are a class of persistent organic pollutants known to exert immunotoxicity. To assess impacts of PCBs on frogs, we exposed Lithobates pipiens tadpoles to a diet of PCB-126 (0–5 ng PCB-126/g wet food) through metamorphic climax. Postmetamorphic frogs were immunized with keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH); then production of KLH-specific IgY, as well as total IgY and IgM, was measured (Trial I). A second larval study (0 and 7.3 ng PCB-126/g wet food) was performed to investigate whether PCB altered antigenic responses in prometamorphic tadpoles (Gosner Stage 36–39), and to measure the innate immune response of postmetamorphic frogs (Trial II). After larval PCB-126 exposure, both KLH-specific IgY levels and complement activity were reduced. Because postmetamorphic frogs carried a body burden of PCB-126 (2.4 ng/g or less), we wanted to determine whether the effect on immune response was due to larval exposure or to the resulting body burden as frogs. To test this, we reared tadpoles under control conditions (no PCB), and limited PCB exposure to postmetamorphosis only by injecting 2-week-old frogs with 10 ng PCB-126/g (Trial III). The resulting body burden (3.4 ng/g) was similar to that of frogs in Trial I, but we no longer detected suppression of KLH-specific IgY or hemolytic activity. These results suggest life-stage–specific immune responses; however, because we administered PCB-126 differently between trials, it is premature to conclude that these differences are intrinsically life stage dependent, and further study is warranted. Regardless, our study demonstrated a long-lasting effect of larval PCB-126 exposure that persisted through metamorphosis and suppressed frog immunity. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:81–94. © 2021 SETAC

Abstract

Larval, dietary polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB)-126 exposure resulted in long-lasting immunotoxicity in northern leopard frogs, as measured by hemolysis and immunoglobulin production in 16-week-old juveniles (PCB-126 body burden: 2.4 ng/g). However, when frogs were only exposed to PCB-126 post metamorphosis via intraperitoneal injection, no depression of immune function was detected in 16-week-old juveniles carrying a similar body burden (PCB-126 body burden: 3.4 ng/g).
THE FUTURE OF COLLABORATIVE LEADERSHIP—HOW BUSINESS DRIVES GROWTH BY SOLVING TODAY’S CRITICAL CHALLENGES
Authors: Mainwaring Simon
Published: November 2021

The author examines a world in environmental crisis, and how businesses can work with other sectors of society to make meaningful changes that will benefit humanity, now and in the future. As he writes, “People’s fates and the planet’s fate are inextricably bound.” He continues that the “world’s most sustainable brands, such as the US’s Patagonia, the UK’s Unilever; Denmark’s Ørsted, France’s BNP Parabas, and Brazil’s Natura & Co Holding SA, among many others, understand better than anyone that you can grow your business even as you wholly commit to humanity and the planet—even during this unprecedented confluence of crises.” We have to go beyond sustainability to what he terms “Lead With We” collaboration. He writes that “at the core of the Lead With We business paradigm is the prescription of a “Virtuous” Spiral of Collectivized Purpose in Action.” He describes in detail how this works for six different, yet related entities: Business, Investors, Government, Civil Society, Philanthropy, and Competitors. Within the latter, he writes, “Great corporate precedents for pre‐competitive collaboration (PCC) including New Zealand newbie, Allbirds, which open‐sourced its carbon‐free sneaker tech to its whole industry. Honest Tea and Safeway partnered; UPS and DHL; Google and Yahoo!; Ford and GM//General Motors; Apple and Samsung.”
Comparative Analysis of the Effects of Fish Oil and Fenofibrate on Plasma Metabolomic Profiles in Overweight and Obese Individuals
Authors: Michielsen Charlotte C.J.R. , Hangelbroek Roland W.J. , Bragt Marjolijn C.E. , Verheij Elwin R. , Wopereis Suzan , Mensink Ronald P. , Afman Lydia A.
Published: November 2021

Scope

The drug fenofibrate and dietary fish oils can effectively lower circulating triglyceride (TG) concentrations. However, a detailed comparative analysis of the effects on the plasma metabolome is missing.

Methods and Results

Twenty overweight and obese subjects participate in a double‐blind, cross‐over intervention trial and receive in a random order 3.7 g day‐1 n‐3 fatty acids, 200 mg fenofibrate, or placebo treatment for 6 weeks. Four hundred twenty plasma metabolites are measured via gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC‐MS). Among the treatments, 237 metabolites are significantly different, of which 22 metabolites change in the same direction by fish oil and fenofibrate, including a decrease in several saturated TG‐species. Fenofibrate additionally changes 33 metabolites, including a decrease in total cholesterol, and total lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC), whereas 54 metabolites are changed by fish oil, including an increase in unsaturated TG‐, LPC‐, phosphatidylcholine‐, and cholesterol ester‐species. All q < 0.05.

Conclusion

Fenofibrate and fish oil reduce several saturated TG‐species markedly. These reductions have been associated with a decreased risk for developing cardiovascular disease (CVD). Interestingly, fish oil consumption increases several unsaturated lipid species, which have also been associated with a reduced CVD risk. Altogether, this points towards the power of fish oil to change the plasma lipid metabolome in a potentially beneficial way.
Scheduling of waterways with tide and passing box
Authors: Nehrke Lara , Schulz Arne
Published: November 2021

Due to the increasing amount of goods transported by vessels and the resulting increased size of the vessels, waterway scheduling becomes a challenging task. Waterways can often only be expanded with enormous costs and environmental damage. Therefore, this paper investigates a scheduling problem on a restricted waterway. Wide vessels are only allowed to pass in a passing box and vessels with deep draught can only pass the waterway in a time window around high tide. We present a mixed‐integer program (MIP) for the problem setting and develop techniques which allow us to fix variables and reduce the number of variables and constraints of the model. The resulting model formulations are evaluated in a comprehensive computational study on a real‐world setting at the river Elbe next to Hamburg (Germany).
Development and acceptability of a decision aid for chronic insomnia considering discontinuation of benzodiazepine hypnotics
Authors: Aoki Yumi , Takaesu Yoshikazu , Suzuki Masahiro , Okajima Isa , Takeshima Masahiro , Shimura Akiyoshi , Utsumi Tomohiro , Kotorii Nozomu , Yamashita Hidehisa , Kuriyama Kenichi , Watanabe Norio , Mishima Kazuo
Published: November 2021

Aim

To describe the development and acceptability of a decision aid (DA) for chronic insomnia considering discontinuation of benzodiazepine (BZD) and benzodiazepine receptor agonist (BZRA) hypnotics, and if discontinuing, tapering with or without cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT‐I).

Methods

We reviewed relevant literature describing chronic insomnia to identify options. We used the results of the systematic review and meta‐analysis conducted previously to determine the related outcomes of two options: discontinuation of BZD/BZRA hypnotics by gradual tapering alone and discontinuation of BZD/BZRA hypnotics by gradual tapering with CBT‐I. We then developed a prototype of DA following the International Patient Decision Aid Standards. A mixed methods survey was conducted to assess the acceptability among patients and healthcare providers.

Results

The prototype consisted of a description of insomnia, options of continuing or discontinuing BZD/BRZA hypnotics (if discontinuing, the options of tapering hypnotics with or without CBT‐I), pros and cons of each option, and a value clarification exercise. Patients (n = 24) reported that the DA had acceptable language (79%), adequate information (71%), and well‐balanced presentation (91%). Healthcare providers (n = 20) also provided favorable feedback.

Conclusion

We developed a DA for chronic insomnia considering discontinuation of BZD/BRZA hypnotics, which was acceptable for stakeholders. The developed DA was designed to support patients and healthcare providers to make a decision about whether to discontinue BZD/BRZA hypnotics.
Computational Pharmacokinetics Report, ADMET Study and Conceptual DFT‐Based Estimation of the Chemical Reactivity Properties of Marine Cyclopeptides
Authors: Flores‐Holguín Norma , Frau Juan , Glossman‐Mitnik Daniel
Published: November 2021

Homophymines A–E and A1–E1 are bioactive natural cyclodepsipeptides with a complex molecular architecture. These molecules could have a potential use as antimicrobial, antiviral, and anticancer substances. We have carried out a computational study of the properties of this family of marine peptides using a CDFT‐based Computational Peptidology (CDFT‐CP) methodology that results from the combination of the chemical reactivity descriptors that arise from conceptual Density Functional Theory (CDFT) together with cheminformatics tools. The latter can be used to estimate the associated physicochemical parameters and to improve the process of virtual screening through a similarity search. Using this approach, the ability of the peptides to behave as a potentially useful drugs can be investigated. An analysis of their bioactivity and pharmacokinetics indices related to the ADMET (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion and Toxicity) features has also been carried out.
Using fractional polynomials and restricted cubic splines to model non‐proportional hazards or time‐varying covariate effects in the Cox regression model
Authors: Austin Peter C. , Fang Jiming , Lee Douglas S.
Published: November 2021

The Cox proportional hazards model is used extensively in clinical and epidemiological research. A key assumption of this model is that of proportional hazards. A variable satisfies the proportional hazards assumption if the effect of that variable on the hazard function is constant over time. When the proportional hazards assumption is violated for a given variable, a common approach is to modify the model so that the regression coefficient associated with the given variable is assumed to be a linear function of time (or of log‐time), rather than being constant or fixed. However, this is an unnecessarily restrictive assumption. We describe two different methods to allow a regression coefficient, and thus the hazard ratio, in a Cox model to vary as a flexible function of time. These methods use either fractional polynomials or restricted cubic splines to model the log‐hazard ratio as a function of time. We illustrate the utility of these methods using data on 12 705 patients who presented to a hospital emergency department with a primary diagnosis of heart failure. We used a Cox model to assess the association between elevated cardiac troponin at presentation and the hazard of death after adjustment for an extensive set of covariates. SAS code for implementing the restricted cubic spline approach is provided, while an existing Stata function allows for the use of fractional polynomials.
Doppler evaluation of normal and abnormal placenta
Authors: Hernandez‐Andrade E. , Huntley E. S. , Bartal M. F. , Soto‐Torres E. E. , Tirosh D. , Jaiman S. , Johnson A.
Published: November 2021

Doppler techniques are needed for the evaluation of the intraplacental circulation and can be of great value in the diagnosis of placental anomalies. Highly sensitive Doppler techniques can differentiate between the maternal (spiral arteries) and fetal (intraplacental branches of the umbilical artery) components of the placental circulation and assist in the evaluation of the placental functional units. A reduced number of placental functional units can be associated with obstetric complications, such as fetal growth restriction. Doppler techniques can also provide information on decidual vessels and blood movement. Abnormal decidual circulation increases the risk of placenta accreta.

Doppler evaluation of the placenta greatly contributes to the diagnosis and clinical management of placenta accreta, vasa previa, placental infarcts, placental infarction hematoma, maternal floor infarction, massive perivillous fibrin deposition and placental tumors. However, it has a limited role in the diagnosis and clinical management of placental abruption, placental hematomas, placental mesenchymal dysplasia and mapping of placental anastomoses in monochorionic twin pregnancies. © 2021 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
The Strong Property (B) for $$L_p$$ Spaces
Authors: Martínez-Abejón Antonio
Published: November 2021

Given a purely non-atomic, finite measure space $$(\Omega ,\Sigma ,\nu )$$

(
Ω
,
Σ
,
ν
)

, it is proved that for every closed, infinite-dimensional subspace V of $$L_p(\nu )$$

L
p

(
ν
)

($$1\le p<\infty $$

1
≤
p
<
∞

) there exists a decomposition $$L_p(\nu )=X_1\oplus X_2$$

L
p

(
ν
)

=

X
1

⊕

X
2

, such that both subspaces $$X_1$$

X
1

and $$X_2$$

X
2

are isomorphic to $$L_p(\nu )$$

L
p

(
ν
)

and both $$V\cap X_1$$

V
∩

X
1

and $$V\cap X_2$$

V
∩

X
2

are infinite-dimensional. Some consequences concerning dense, non-closed range operators on $$L_1$$

L
1

are derived.
Entwicklung einer Riesenbulla unter Spontanatmung durch „patient self-inflicted lung injury“ bei COVID-19-Pneumonie
Authors: Moellhoff Nicholas , Groene Philipp , Ney Ludwig , Hauer Daniela
Published: November 2021

SARS-CoV‑2 und die damit assoziierte COVID-19-Erkrankung stellen Gesundheitssysteme weltweit vor große Herausforderungen. Fast täglich werden neue Erkenntnisse zu Diagnostik, Klinik und Therapie der Erkrankung publiziert. Dieser Fallbericht beschreibt den letalen Krankheitsverlauf eines 81-jährigen Patienten ohne pulmonale Vorerkrankungen, der als Komplikation der COVID-19-Pneumonie unter nichtinvasiver High-Flow-Sauerstofftherapie eine Riesenbulla entwickelte. Pathophysiologisch kommen/kommt eine virusbedingte diffuse Zerstörung des Alveolargewebes und/oder die „patient self-inflicted lung injury“ in Betracht.
Non-tautological Hurwitz cycles
Authors: Lian Carl
Published: November 2021

We show that various loci of stable curves of sufficiently large genus admitting degree d covers of positive genus curves define non-tautological algebraic cycles on $${\overline{{\mathcal {M}}}}_{g,N}$$

M
¯

g
,
N

, assuming the non-vanishing of the d-th Fourier coefficient of a certain modular form. Our results build on those of Graber-Pandharipande and van Zelm for degree 2 covers of elliptic curves; the main new ingredient is a method to intersect the cycles in question with boundary strata, as developed recently by Schmitt-van Zelm and the author.
Effects of static load and residual stress on fused silica direct bonding interface properties
Authors: Birckigt Pascal , Grabowski Kevin , Leibeling Gilbert , Flügel-Paul Thomas , Heusinger Martin , Ouslimani Hana , Risse Stefan
Published: November 2021

Defect free direct bonding of rigid and large area glass samples, such as prisms, becomes increasingly important for the manufacturing of modern optical and optomechanical components. Typically, in order to apply a static load during the annealing step, specialized heat-resistant pressure mountings are required. This makes manufacturing effortful and cost-intensive. In this paper, we present plasma activated bonding experiments conducted on fused silica plates where residual stress has been introduced prior to the contacting step and where annealing is performed with and without a static load. We find that in case of a sufficiently smooth surface, bonding strength is insensitive towards residual stress or static load, or more precisely, towards the interface stress. Furthermore, the residual Fresnel reflection losses of the realized bonding interface were optically measured and they amount to only $$10^{-6}$$

10

-
6

. We propose that a consideration of the change in Gibbs free energy, dG, allows qualitatively predicting the resulting bonding strength and its spatial distribution, where dG is determined by surface energy and interface stress. At the end of this article, conceivable applications are discussed.