bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
POWDER CHARACTERISTICS BLENDING AND MICROSTRUCTURAL ANALYSIS OF A HOT-PACK ROLLED VACUUM ARC-MELTED gamma-TIAL-BASED SHEET
Authors: Mathabathe Ntsoaki , Ellard John , Siyasiya Charles , Bolokang Sylvester
Published: November 2022

In the quest for cost-effective fabrication processes capable of producing sound gamma-TiAl products, the microstructure and mechanical properties of a modified second-generation hot-rolled gamma-TiAl-based alloy with nominal composition Ti-48Al-2Nb-0.7Cr-0.3Si were investigated in this work. The alloy was fabricated using a processing route that involved uniaxial cold-pressing of powders and vacuum arc re-melting. Prior to the cold pressing, the elemental powder characteristics, such as particle sizes and morphologies, were blended to minimise porosity in the compact that might be inherited by the final ingot. A hot-pack rolling process was carried out directly from the melted button-ingot using a conventional two-high rolling mill to produce a 4 mm-thick sheet. The relative density results of both as-compacted and as-melted alloy parts showed a significant reduction of porosity in the alloy. In addition, both the optical and the scanning electron microscopy micrographs of the rolled sheet revealed a typical ‘duplex’ microstructure with a mean grain size of about 9 µm. Moreover, the results from a room-temperature indentation plastometry test of the hot-rolled sheet indicated good mechanical properties with recorded yield strength of about 600 MPa, an ultimate tensile strength of about 850 MPa, and a true plastic strain of about 3%.
A guide for writing anti-racist tenure and promotion letters
Authors:   The A4BL Anti-racist Tenure Letter Working Group
Published: November 2022

In a two-page tenure letter, senior faculty can make or break a career. This power has an outsized impact on Black academics and other scholars with marginalized identities, who are awarded tenure at lower rates than their white colleagues. We suggest that this difference in tenure rates is due to an implicit, overly narrow definition of academic excellence that does not recognize all the contributions that Black scholars make to their departments, institutions and academia in general. These unrecognized contributions include the (often invisible) burdens of mentoring and representation that these scholars bear disproportionately. Here we propose a set of practical steps for writing inclusive, anti-racist tenure letters, including what to do before writing the letter, what to include (and not include) in the letter itself, and what to do after writing the letter to further support the candidate seeking tenure. We are a group of mostly non-Black academics in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) based in the United States who are learning about and working toward Black liberation in academia; we hope these recommendations will help ongoing efforts to move toward an inclusive academia that appreciates and rewards diverse ways of doing, learning and knowing.
Patterns of interdivision time correlations reveal hidden cell cycle factors
Authors: Hughes Fern A , Barr Alexis R , Thomas Philipp
Published: November 2022

The time taken for cells to complete a round of cell division is a stochastic process controlled, in part, by intracellular factors. These factors can be inherited across cellular generations which gives rise to, often non-intuitive, correlation patterns in cell cycle timing between cells of different family relationships on lineage trees. Here, we formulate a framework of hidden inherited factors affecting the cell cycle that unifies known cell cycle control models and reveals three distinct interdivision time correlation patterns: aperiodic, alternator, and oscillator. We use Bayesian inference with single-cell datasets of cell division in bacteria, mammalian and cancer cells, to identify the inheritance motifs that underlie these datasets. From our inference, we find that interdivision time correlation patterns do not identify a single cell cycle model but generally admit a broad posterior distribution of possible mechanisms. Despite this unidentifiability, we observe that the inferred patterns reveal interpretable inheritance dynamics and hidden rhythmicity of cell cycle factors. This reveals that cell cycle factors are commonly driven by circadian rhythms, but their period may differ in cancer. Our quantitative analysis thus reveals that correlation patterns are an emergent phenomenon that impact cell proliferation and these patterns may be altered in disease.
Evolutionary gain and loss of a plant pattern-recognition receptor for HAMP recognition
Authors: Snoeck Simon , Abramson Bradley W , Garcia Anthony GK , Egan Ashley N , Michael Todd P , Steinbrenner Adam D
Published: November 2022

As a first step in innate immunity, pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) recognize the distinct pathogen and herbivore-associated molecular patterns and mediate activation of immune responses, but specific steps in the evolution of new PRR sensing functions are not well understood. We employed comparative genomic and functional analyses to define evolutionary events leading to the sensing of the herbivore-associated peptide inceptin (In11) by the PRR inceptin receptor (INR) in legume plant species. Existing and de novo genome assemblies revealed that the presence of a functional INR gene corresponded with ability to respond to In11 across ~53 million years (my) of evolution. In11 recognition is unique to the clade of Phaseoloid legumes, and only a single clade of INR homologs from Phaseoloids was functional in a heterologous model. The syntenic loci of several non-Phaseoloid outgroup species nonetheless contain non-functional INR-like homologs, suggesting that an ancestral gene insertion event and diversification preceded the evolution of a specific INR receptor function ~28 my ago. Chimeric and ancestrally reconstructed receptors indicated that 16 amino acid differences in the C1 leucine-rich repeat domain and C2 intervening motif mediate gain of In11 recognition. Thus, high PRR diversity was likely followed by a small number of mutations to expand innate immune recognition to a novel peptide elicitor. Analysis of INR evolution provides a model for functional diversification of other germline-encoded PRRs.
The proposal of a modeling methodology for an industrial internet information model
Authors: Yu Sicong , Huang Ying , Du Tao , Teng Yinglei
Published: November 2022

With the large distributed, autonomous, diverse, and dynamic information sources generated in the Industrial Internet area, the information model becomes the critical technology for heterogeneous data interoperability. By establishing unified architecture, mutually agreed communication protocols and standardizing syntax and semantics, the potential of complex data can be released. However, most of the existing information models are isolated in the professional fields, and the interoperability and scope of standards are very limited. In this article, we design a uniform information model for the Industrial Internet, and present a general modeling method which aims to build a standardized organizational framework of information. Specifically, the Industrial Internet information model is first defined, where the seven key elements and value evaluation are devised for information extraction. Then, an optimization approach combining entropy and semantic distance theories is proposed that determines the information organization granularity. Next, as the cross-layer interaction of complex information is very tricky in a tree structure and its modeling cost is extremely high in a mesh topology, the underground root structure is invented for model representation. Finally, the modeling methodology is applied to the ordinary and precision machine tools demonstrating 18.75% and 18.18% modeling cost reduction, respectively, and these two information models are further implemented in a digital machining workshop to verify the effectiveness of the proposed modeling method.
A review of raptor carcass persistence trials and the practical implications for fatality estimation at wind farms
Authors: Wilson David , Hulka Simon , Bennun Leon
Published: November 2022

Bird and bat turbine collision fatalities are a principal biodiversity impact at wind energy facilities. Raptors are a group at particular risk and often the focus of post-construction fatality monitoring programs. To estimate fatalities from detected carcasses requires correction for biases, including for carcasses that are removed or decompose before the following search. This is addressed through persistence trials, where carcasses are monitored until no longer detectable or the trial ends. Sourcing sufficient raptor carcasses for trials is challenging and surrogates that are typically used often have shorter persistence times than raptors. We collated information from raptor carcass persistence trials to evaluate consistencies between trials and assess the implications of using persistence values from other studies in wind facility fatality estimates. We compiled individual raptor carcass persistence times from published sources along with information on methods and location, estimated carcass persistence using GenEst and ran full fatality estimates using the carcass persistence estimates and mock datasets for other information. We compiled results from 22 trials from 17 sites across four terrestrial biomes, with trials lasting between 7 and 365 days and involving between 11 and 115 carcasses. Median carcass persistence was estimated at 420 days (90% confidence interval (CI) of 290 to 607 days) for the full dataset. Persistence time varied significantly between trials (trial-specific persistence estimates of 14 (5–42) days to 1,586 (816–3,084) days) but not between terrestrial biomes. We also found no significant relationship between either the number of carcasses in the trial or trial duration and estimated carcass persistence. Using a mock dataset with 12 observed fatalities, we estimated annual fatalities of 25 (16–33) or 26 (17–36) individuals using a 14- or 28-day search interval respectively using global dataset. When using trial-specific carcass persistence estimates and the same mock dataset, estimated annual fatalities ranged from 22 (14–30) to 37 (21–63) individuals for a 14-day search interval, and from 22 (15–31) to 47 (26–84) individuals for a 28-day search interval. The different raptor carcass persistence rates between trials translated to small effects on fatality estimates when using recommended search frequencies, since persistence rates were generally much longer than the search interval. When threatened raptor species, or raptors of particular concern to stakeholders are present, and no site-specific carcass persistence estimates are available, projects should use the lowest median carcass persistence estimate from this study to provide precautionary estimates of fatalities. At sites without threatened species, or where the risk of collision to raptors is low, the global median carcass persistence estimate from this review could be used to provide a plausible estimate for annual raptor fatalities.
Interaction estimation of pathogenicity determinant protein βC1 encoded by Cotton leaf curl Multan Betasatellite with Nicotiana benthamiana Nuclear Transport Factor 2
Authors: Nasim Ammara , Rashid Muhammad Abdul Rehman , Hussain Khadim , Al-Shahwan Ibrahim Mohammed , Al-Saleh Mohammed Ali
Published: November 2022

Background

Begomovirus is one of the most devastating pathogens that can cause more than 90% yield loss in various crop plants. The pathogenicity determinant βC1, located on the betasatellite associated with monopartite begomoviruses, alters the host signaling mechanism to enhance the viral disease phenotype by undermining the host immunity. The understanding of its interacting proteins in host plants to develop disease symptoms such as curly leaves, enations, vein swelling, and chlorosis is crucial to enhance the disease resistance in crop plants. The current study was designed to reveal the contribution of βC1 in disease pathogenicity and to unveil potential interacting partners of βC1 protein in the model plant Nicotiana benthamiana.

Methods

The βC1 gene was cloned in pGKBT7 and used as bait against the cDNA library of N. benthamiana and its pathogenesis was tested against the healthy plant and the plants infiltrated with empty vectors. The yeast two-hybrid-based screening was performed to find the interacting factors. Successful interacting proteins were screened and evaluated in various steps and confirmed by sequence analysis. The three-dimensional structure of the Nuclear Transport Factor 2 (NTF2) protein was predicted, and in-silico protein-protein interaction was evaluated. Furthermore, protein sequence alignment and molecular phylogenetic analysis were carried out to identify its homologues in other related families. In-silico analyses were performed to validate the binding affinity of βC1 protein with NTF2. The 3D model was predicted by using I-TASSER and then analyzed by SWISS MODEL-Workspace, RAMPAGE, and Verify 3D. The interacting amino acid residues of βC1 protein with NTF2 were identified by using PyMOL and Chimera.

Results

The agroinfiltrated leaf samples developed severe phenotypic symptoms of virus infection. The yeast-two-hybrid study identified the NTF2 as a strong interacting partner of the βC1. The NTF2 in Solanaceae and Nicotiana was found to be evolved from the Brassica and Gossypium species. The in-silico interaction studies showed a strong binding affinity with releasing energy value of −730.6 KJ/mol, and the involvement of 10 amino acids from the middle portion towards the C-terminus and five amino acid residues from the middle portion of βC1 to interact with six amino acids of NTF2. The study not only provided an insight into the molecular mechanism of pathogenicity but also put the foundation stone to develop the resistance genotypes for commercial purposes and food security.
Mining for genes related to pistil abortion in Prunus sibirica L.
Authors: Chen Jianhua , Zhang Jian , Liu Quangang , Wang Xinxin , Wen Jiaxing , Sun Yongqiang , Dong Shengjun
Published: November 2022

In Prunus sibirica, the phenomenon of pistil abortion is very common and seriously affects its fruit quality and yield; however, the molecular mechanisms of pistil abortion remains unclear. In this study, we identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and pathways associated with pistil abortion using transcriptome sequencing. After comparative analysis, a total of 1,950 DEGs were identified, of which 1,000 were upregulated, and 950 were downregulated. Gene Ontology (GO) functional enrichment analysis of DEGs showed that metabolic process, cellular process, single-organism process, membrane, membrane part, cell, binding, catalytic activity, and transporter activity contained the largest number of DEGs. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis showed that the plant-pathogen interaction, starch and sucrose metabolism, and plant hormone signal transduction pathways contained the largest number of DEGs. The NAC, bHLH, and B3 transcription factor families contained the largest number of DEGs. qRT-PCR detection confirmed that the gene expression levels were consistent with the transcriptome sequencing results. This study provides a theoretical basis and scientific basis for further research on the molecular mechanisms of P. sibirica pistil abortion.
Low cost macroalgal canopy biomass monitoring using light attenuation
Authors: Johnson Mark P.
Published: November 2022

Macroalgal canopies are productive and diverse habitats that export material to other marine ecosystems. Macroalgal canopy cover and composition are considered an Essential Ocean Variable by the research community. Although several techniques exist to both directly and remotely measure algal canopies, frequent measures of biomass are challenging. Presented here is a technique of using the relative attenuation of light inside and outside canopies to derive a proxy for algal biomass. If canopy attenuation coefficients are known, the proxy can be converted to an area of algal thallus per seabed area (thallus area index). An advantage of the approach is that light loggers are widely available and relatively inexpensive. Deployment for a year in the intertidal demonstrated that the method has the sensitivity to resolve summertime peaks in macroalgal biomass, despite the inherent variation in light measurements. Relative attenuation measurements can complement existing monitoring, providing point proxies for biomass and adding seasonal information to surveys that sample shores at less frequent intervals.
Application of Computer-Assisted Instruction in Hypermedia Learning
Authors: Hutahaean Harvei Desmon , Solihin Muhammad Dani , Lubis Ali Akbar , Isnaini Muhammad
Published: November 2022

Various types of applications of computer-aided technology have begun to be used in the learning process. The application when viewed from the way it is presented and the goals to be achieved include tutorials, namely the presentation of the material in stages, a drill that aims to help students master the material that has been learned before, as well as simulations and games, namely exercises in applying the knowledge and skills that have just been learned. One form of computer-based learning media that can be used is hypermedia. Hypermedia refers to computer software that uses elements of text, graphics, video, and audio that are connected, which can make it easier for users to switch to information. Communication between students and computers in Computer Assisted Instruction includes several stages, namely: (1) The computer presents the subject matter, (2) The learner studies the material, (3) the computer asks questions, (4) The learner gives a response, (5) The computer checks the response, if it is judged to be correct, the computer presents the next material, but if it is judged to be wrong, the computer gives the correct answer along with the explanation. The application of Computer Assisted Instruction in the development of learning hypermedia produces a product, namely learning hypermedia on digital image material. In testing the effectiveness of hypermedia products, students are carried out through post-testing. The results of the post-test obtained 75% of the results stated that the digital image learning hypermedia product was effective for use.
Knowledge and Attitude Towards Radiation Hazards and Protection among Dental Students in Latur, Maharashtra, India: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Lasune Priyanka Baswaraj , Ghorai Laboni , Vyavhare Sukanya Subhash
Published: November 2022

Introduction: In our day-to-day clinical practice, X-radiation plays a vital role in oral diagnosis and treatment planning in dentistry. However, radiations are harmful and cause biological damage to the human body. Hence to have the benefits outweigh the risks, it is essential to inculcate awareness regarding radiation protection measures among the dental students. Aim: To evaluate the knowledge and attitude towards radiation hazards and protection among the dental students. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 200 randomly selected undergraduate including final year and third year dental students and interns, who had completed their 30 days rotatory posting in the Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology in Maharashtra Institute of Dental Science and Research, Latur, Maharashtra, India from the month February to July 2021. A prevalidated close ended questionnaire consisting of 25 questions was distributed among the students and data were collected and analysed using the Chi-square test. The p-value was set significant at 0.05. Results: Out of 200 student participants, 91 (45.5%) were interns, 71 (35.5%) were final year students and 38 (19%) were third year students. The response of these participants was found to be non uniform and the knowledge and attitude towards radiation hazards and protection was highest in dental interns followed by final and third year students. Conclusion: It is the need of hour to create awareness among dental students about radiation protection and safety in day-today clinical practice and update their knowledge by conducting relevant workshops.
Impact of Social Media Selected TV Programmes on Current Social Issues and Factors Affected the Categories of Viewers
Authors: Nigam Alka , Kunwar Neelma
Published: November 2022

Satellite television is a service that delivers television programming to viewers by relaying it from a communications satellite orbiting the Earth directly to the viewer's location. The signals are received via an outdoor parabolic antenna commonly referred to as a satellite dish and a low-noise block down converter. A satellite receiver then decodes the desired television programme for viewing on a television set. Receivers can be external set-top boxes, or a built-in television tuner. Satellite television provides a wide range of channels and services. It is usually the only television available in many remote geographic areas without terrestrial television or cable television service. Early systems used analog signals, but modern ones use digital signals which allow transmission of the modern television standard high-definition television, due to the significantly improved spectral efficiency of digital broadcasting.
Sweet chilli in the soup
Authors: Hayward Joy
Published: November 2022

Psychotherapists know a great deal about child development, attachment theory, systems theory and ways of relating. They have a lot to contribute to the education system, which is currently in need of a great deal of help. Teachers in the grip of the current crisis for the education system are compromised in their ability to think about children's experiences and to create an environment where children feel safe, understood and cared about. This paper posits ideas as to why the system is failing children and teachers. It explores ways in which psychotherapeutic understanding could help to fire up the "grey soup" of the education system, and at the same time soothe the palate of teachers and the children in their care.
Problems, pitfalls and potentials of the unexpected in psychotherapy
Authors: Currie Jan
Published: November 2022

When the life-threatening illness of the therapist necessitates an unexpected and prolonged break in therapy, intense transference and countertransference responses are evoked. This discussion paper considers the complex repercussions for the therapeutic exchange following re-engagement with clients, when awareness of conflicts over separation, loss and the inevitability of death are likely to be heightened.
Health Care Use and Adverse Events After Sleeve Gastrectomy and Gastric Bypass Among Adolescents With Severe Obesity Insured by Medicaid
Authors: Howard Ryan , Yang Jie , Thumma Jyothi , Ehlers Anne , O’Neill Sean , Telem Dana , Dimick Justin B.
Published: November 2022

This study examines health care use and adverse events up to 5 years after bariatric surgery in adolescents with severe obesity insured by Medicaid.
Analysis of Neurodevelopment in Children Born Extremely Preterm Treated With Acid Suppressants Before Age 2 Years
Authors: Jensen Elizabeth T. , Yi Joe , Jackson Wesley , Singh Rachana , Joseph Robert M. , Kuban Karl C. K. , Msall Michael E. , Washburn Lisa , Fry Rebecca , South Andrew M. , O’Shea T. Michael
Published: November 2022

Importance

Children born preterm are at increased risk of adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes and may be particularly vulnerable to the effects of gastric acid suppression during infancy.

Objective

To assess whether early acid suppressant use in infants born extremely preterm is associated with poorer neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Design, Setting, and Participants

The Extremely Low Gestational Age Newborn study was a multicenter, longitudinal cohort study of infants born before 28 weeks’ gestational age between March 22, 2002, and August 31, 2004. The current analyses were performed from September 12, 2020, through September 22, 2022. Of the 1506 infants enrolled, 284 died before discharge and 22 died before 24 months of age. An additional 2 died before age 10 years, leaving 1198 (79.5%) eligible for a visit. Of these, 889 (74%) participated in the visit at age 10. At age 10 years, the association of early-life acid suppressant use with neurocognitive, neurodevelopmental, and psychiatric symptomatology was assessed.

Exposures

Acid suppressant use before 24 months of age was determined from medical records and from questionnaires administered to mothers.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Neurodevelopmental assessments at age 10 years included the School-Age Differential Ability Scales–II, the Developmental Neuropsychological Assessment-II, the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-2, the Social Responsiveness Scale-2, and the Child Symptom Inventory-4 for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), depression, and anxiety.

Results

Of the 889 participants assessed at age 10 years (mean [SD] age, 9.97 [0.67] years; mean [SD] gestational age at birth, 26.1 [1.3] weeks; 455 [51.2%] male), 368 (41.4%) had received acid suppressants by 24 months of age. Associations were observed between acid suppressant use and decreased full-scale IQ z score (adjusted β, −0.29; 95% CI, −0.45 to −0.12), verbal IQ z score (adjusted β, −0.34; 95% CI, −0.52 to −0.15), nonverbal IQ z score (adjusted β, −0.22; 95% CI to −0.39 to −0.05), working memory z score (adjusted β, −0.26; 95% CI to −0.45, −0.08), autism spectrum disorder (adjusted relative risk, 1.84; 95% CI, 1.15-2.95), and epilepsy (adjusted relative risk, 2.07; 95% CI, 1.31 to 3.35). Results were robust to multiple sensitivity analyses. Use of acid suppressants was not associated with inhibitory control, ADHD, anxiety, or depression.

Conclusions and Relevance

The results of this cohort study suggest that early-life use of acid suppressants in extremely preterm infants may be associated with poorer neurodevelopmental outcomes and add to evidence indicating caution in use of these agents.
Nicotine Pouch Sales Trends in the US by Volume and Nicotine Concentration Levels From 2019 to 2022
Authors: Majmundar Anuja , Okitondo Christian , Xue Ashley , Asare Samuel , Bandi Priti , Nargis Nigar
Published: November 2022

This cross-sectional study examines the sale of 4 nicotine pouch brands in the contiguous 48 states and Washington, DC.
Heterogeneous AgxCdyS‐AgCd Nanoparticles with Chiral Bias for Enhanced Photocatalytic Efficiency
Authors: Yue Xiaoyong , Li Si , Lin Hengwei , Xu Chuanlai , Xu Liguang
Published: November 2022

Stereoselective catalysis is common in living systems mediated by natural nanoenzymes. However, few artificial nanomaterials are developed for enantioselective and stereoselective catalysis. In this study, AgxCdyS‐AgCd nanoparticles (NPs) with specific heterojunctions, strong chiral optical activities, and excellent enantioselective catalytic ability are constructed. Similar to photosensitive enzymes, AgxCdyS‐AgCd NPs stabilized with l‐/d‐penicillamine (l‐/d‐AgxCdyS‐AgCd NPs) can serve as photocatalysts, which show the highest catalytic efficiency toward the photodegradation of methyl blue compared with that of Ag2S and CdS NPs and lead to 50% enhancement of photoconversion efficiency of Cr6+ to Cr3+ as well. Moreover, attributed to the higher chiral preference between l‐AgxCdyS‐AgCd NPs and l‐Tartaric acid (l‐TA), d‐AgxCdyS‐AgCd NPs and d‐Tartaric acid (d‐TA), the photoreduction efficiency of Cr6+ to Cr3+ mediated by l‐AgxCdyS‐AgCd NPs with l‐TA, and d‐AgxCdyS‐AgCd NPs with d‐TA samples is enhanced as high as 30% compared with the samples of l‐AgxCdyS‐AgCd NPs with d‐TA, and d‐AgxCdyS‐AgCd NPs with L‐TA. This study establishes a versatile way to construct enantioselective inorganic catalysts for biocatalysis, biomedicine, and other applications.
Deciphering the Mechanics of Cancer Spheroid Growth in 3D Environments through Microfluidics Driven Mechanical Actuation
Authors: Aung Aereas , Davey Shruti K. , Theprungsirikul Jomkuan , Kumar Vardhman , Varghese Shyni
Published: November 2022

Uncontrolled growth of tumor cells is a key contributor to cancer‐associated mortalities. Tumor growth is a biomechanical process whereby the cancer cells displace the surrounding matrix that provides mechanical resistance to the growing cells. The process of tumor growth and remodeling is regulated by material properties of both the cancer cells and their surrounding matrix, yet the mechanical interdependency between the two entities is not well understood. Herein, this work develops a microfluidic platform that precisely positions tumor spheroids within a hydrogel and mechanically probes the growing spheroids and surrounding matrix simultaneously. By using hydrostatic pressure to deform the spheroid‐laden hydrogel along with confocal imaging and finite element (FE) analysis, this work deduces the material properties of the spheroid and the matrix in situ. For spheroids embedded within soft hydrogels, decreases in the Young's modulus of the matrix are detected at discrete locations accompanied by localized tumor growth. Contrastingly, spheroids within stiff hydrogels do not significantly decrease the Young's modulus of the surrounding matrix, despite exhibiting growth. Spheroids in stiff matrices leverage their high bulk modulus to grow and display a uniform volumetric expansion. Collectively, a quantitative platform is established and new insights into tumor growth within a stiff 3D environment are provided.
Janus Micro/Nanorobots in Biomedical Applications
Authors: Su Haiyang , Li Shunxiang , Yang Guang‐Zhong , Qian Kun
Published: November 2022

Janus particles possess two or more distinct domains that are anisotropic in composition or surface features. They integrate different or even incompatible properties within a single particle, making them possible to perform diverse functions and multiple tasks simultaneously. Advances in micro/nanorobots demonstrate that they can effectively convert diverse energy sources into movement and reach target locations with precision. Integration of Janus structure with micro/nanobots is emerging as a promising tool for biomedical applications. In this review, the fabrication and energy sources of Janus micro/nanorobots are briefly introduced. After that, the recent progress of Janus micro/nanorobots for biomedicine, with a special focus on their applications for cargo delivery, bioimaging, biosensing, surgery, and therapy are presented and discussed. The application of Janus micro/nanorobots in biomedicine still faces serious challenges from fabrication, engines, biocompatibility, and biodegradation for their widespread in clinical situations. Nevertheless, a few emerging materials and approaches offer potential solutions to these problems.
Rational Design of Peptide Biorecognition Elements on Carbon Nanotubes for Sensing Volatile Organic Compounds
Authors: Sim Daniel , Kuang Zhifeng , Sant'Anna Gustavo , Krabacher Rachel M. , Brothers Michael C. , Chávez Jorge L. , Martin Jennifer A. , Islam Ahmad E. , Maruyama Benji , Naik Rajesh R. , Bedford Nicholas M. , Kim Steve S.
Published: November 2022

Carbon nanotube (CNT) chemiresistors have emerged as miniaturized platforms for wearable volatile organic compound (VOC) sensors. As a promising biorecognition element (BRE), a short peptide can functionalize CNT to be sensitive and selective to target VOCs. However, unveiling the VOC‐optimized peptide‐CNT pair for gas‐phase sensing remains unclear. Here, a novel multimodal molecular toolset for designing, building, and probing suitable BRE‐CNT sensors using machine learning, molecular dynamics, and near‐edge X‐ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy is presented. This computational and experimental suite predicts the peptide conformation on the CNT surface and probes how the peptide–CNT interfaces affect the VOC sensing. Then, peptide‐functionalized CNT chemiresistors are tested against various VOCs to confirm the efficacy of the toolkit. The results show that the vertically oriented peptide on the CNT surface hinders VOC access to the peptide–CNT interface, resulting in a significantly lower sensor signal than the CNT chemiresistor with the horizontally oriented peptide. The interactive computational and experimental results strongly indicate that a peptide conformation plays an important role in VOC sensing sensitivity.
Bismuth‐Activated Persistent Phosphors
Authors: Tang Yangmin , Deng Mingxue , Wang Machao , Liu Xiaofeng , Zhou Zhenzhen , Wang Jiacheng , Liu Qian
Published: November 2022

Bismuth cations (e.g., Bi3+, Bi2+) are very promising non‐rare‐earth activators in persistent luminescence (PersL) materials. Recently, much work has been devoted to modulating the host structures and defects to obtain high‐intensity luminescence and/or tunable excitation and emission bands of Bi‐activated persistent phosphors. A timely review on Bi‐based PersL phosphors would be highly attractive for future materials’ design and applications. The present review discusses the recent advances in Bi‐activated PersL phosphors with focus on the structure–defect–property relationships. Firstly, the basic ionic configurations of Bi cations as an activator are discussed in detail, followed by the classification as well as elaboration of Bi‐activated PersL phosphors according to emission wavelength. Then, the modulation strategies of PersL through adjusting the local structures are highlighted, which include defect engineering and theoretical prediction. These strategies allow for the effective regulation of PersL in Bi‐activated phosphors that have extensively been explored in information storage, X‐ray imaging, stress sensing, anti‐counterfeiting, etc. Finally, future challenges and perspectives toward Bi‐activated PersL phosphors are proposed. This review provides solid guidelines of designing diverse PersL materials with tunable properties for various optical applications in the future.
Rational Development of Hypervalent Glycan Shield‐Binding Nanoparticles with Broad‐Spectrum Inhibition against Fatal Viruses Including SARS‐CoV‐2 Variants
Authors: Li Ying , Xu Shuxin , Ye Qing , Chi Hang , Guo Zhanchen , Chen Jingran , Wu Mei , Fan Baochao , Li Bin , Qin Cheng‐Feng , Liu Zhen
Published: November 2022

Infectious virus diseases, particularly coronavirus disease 2019, have posed a severe threat to public health, whereas the developed therapeutic and prophylactic strategies are seriously challenged by viral evolution and mutation. Therefore, broad‐spectrum inhibitors of viruses are highly demanded. Herein, an unprecedented antiviral strategy is reported, targeting the viral glycan shields with hypervalent mannose‐binding nanoparticles. The nanoparticles exhibit a unique double‐punch mechanism, being capable of not only blocking the virus–receptor interaction but also inducing viral aggregation, thereby allowing for inhibiting the virus entry and facilitating the phagocytosis of viruses. The nanoparticles exhibit potent and broad‐spectrum antiviral efficacy to multiple pseudoviruses, including severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) and its major variants (D614G, N501Y, N439K, Δ69‐70, Delta, and Omicron; lentiviruses expressing only the spike proteins), as well as other vital viruses (human immunodeficiency virus 1 and Lassa virus), with apparent EC50 values around the 10−9 mlevel. Significantly, the broad‐spectrum inhibition of authentic viruses of both wild‐type SARS‐CoV‐2 and Delta variants is confirmed. Therefore, this hypervalent glycan‐shield targeting strategy opens new access to broad‐spectrum viral inhibition.
Facile Synthesis of Weakly Ferromagnetic Organogadolinium Macrochelates‐Based T1‐Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging Contrast Agents
Authors: Lu Yudie , Liang Zhiyu , Feng Jie , Huang Lin , Guo Shuai , Yi Peiwei , Xiong Wei , Chen Sijin , Yang Sugeun , Xu Yikai , Li Yan , Chen Xiaoyuan , Shen Zheyu
Published: November 2022

To surmount the major concerns of commercial small molecule Gd chelates and reported Gd‐based contrast agents (GBCAs) for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), a new concept of organogadolinium macrochelates (OGMCs) constructed from the coordination between Gd3+ and macromolecules is proposed. A library of macromolecules were screened for Gd3+ coordination, and two candidates [i.e., poly(acrylic acid) (PAA), and poly(aspartic acid) (PASP)] succeeded in OGMC formation. Under optimized synthesis conditions, both Gd‐PAA12 and Gd‐PASP11 OGMCs are outstanding T1‐weighted CAs owing to their super high r1 values (> 50 mm−1 s−1, 3.0 T) and ultralow r2/r1 ratios (< 1.6, 3.0 T). The ferromagnetism of OGMCs is completely different from the paramagnetism of commercial and reported GBCAs. The ferromagnetism is very weak (Ms < 1.0 emu g−1) leading to a low r2, which is preferred for T1 MRI. Gd3+ is not released from the OGMC Gd‐PAA12 and Gd‐PASP11, ensuring biosafety for in vivo applications. The safety and T1‐weighted MRI efficiencies of the OGMC Gd‐PAA12 and Gd‐PASP11 are tested in cells and mice. The synthesis method of the OGMCs is facile and easy to be scaled up. Consequently, the OGMC Gd‐PAA12 and Gd‐PASP11 are superior T1‐weighted CAs with promising translatability to replace the commercial Gd chelates.
Improving osteoporosis treatment rates in inpatients admitted with hip fracture: A healthcare improvement initiative in a tertiary referral hospital
Authors: Lin Andrew Gan , Shaheen Nargis , Ganda Kirtan , Cullen John , Waite Louise M. , Seibel Markus J.
Published: November 2022

Objective

This healthcare improvement initiative was designed to increase inpatient osteoporosis treatment after hip fracture.

Methods

A new protocol was developed by Geriatric Medicine and Endocrinology departments at a tertiary care hospital in Sydney. Its aim was to standardize assessment and treatment of osteoporosis in patients admitted with hip fracture. Eligible inpatients would receive intravenous zoledronic acid during their admission. A 6‐month sample of hip fracture patients admitted after the protocol's implementation was compared to a group admitted before. Data collected included demographics, biochemistry, treatment rates, adverse effects, and admission survival.

Results

There was a considerable increase in osteoporosis treatment after introducing the protocol. Before the protocol's introduction, none of 36 eligible patients received treatment. After the intervention 79% (23 out of 29) of eligible patients were treated.

All treated patients had renal function and serum calcium levels checked post‐infusion with no adverse outcomes. Eight patients developed flu‐like symptoms within 24 h of the infusion. There were no instances of arrhythmias, ocular inflammation, or death. The cost per patient treated was AUD $87.

Conclusion

Adopting a standardized protocol for osteoporosis treatment in patients admitted for hip fracture was effective in improving treatment rates whilst being relatively safe and inexpensive.
The society for community research and action on a path toward conocimiento: From silences and statements to solidarities in action in U.S. community psychology
Authors: Fernández Jesica Siham
Published: November 2022

A first‐person narrative essay is presented through a critically reflexive auto‐ethnography of a community psychologist's experiences as a member of the Society for Community Research and Action (SCRA) and (as of this writing) co‐chair of the Cultural, Ethnic and Racial Affairs council. Through this methodological orientation, an analysis of some of the discourses that circulated within the SCRA listserv in relation to the murder of Mr. George Floyd, and amidst an ensuing pandemic are analyzed and discussed in relation to Anzaldúa's seven stages of conocimiento. The intentions that guide and ground this first‐person account are to animate deeper reflection, accountability, and solidarity‐in‐action, as well as an organizational shift in the culture of the SCRA. Guided by a set of questions—What accounts for the organizational silences within the SCRA? How did the SCRA respond or engage with the murder of Mr. Floyd, anti‐Blackness, Black Lives Matter, and related racial justice efforts?—the purpose is to turn a critical social analysis gaze to the SCRA in order to align its purpose, values, and mission with liberation and a decolonial feminist praxis. Anzaldúa's seven‐stage framework of conocimiento is utilized to describe the possibilities for an organizational cultural shift in the SCRA that aligns with racial justice and liberatory decolonial feminist praxes.
Finding voice in a year of collective trauma: Case study of an online photovoice project with youth
Authors: Macias R. Lillianne , Nava Nancy , Delgadillo Desiree , Beschel Jordyn , Kuperminc Gabriel
Published: November 2022

In this article, we share findings from a qualitative case study of a virtual youth photovoice program implemented across three regions of the United States. The purpose of the program was to engage youth in research on a social issue relevant to them during an unprecedented year marked by two public health crises, COVID‐19 and anti‐Black racial violence. Results of an analysis of curriculum and archival program materials lend support for online strategies for youth engagement including individualized support and online audiovisual presentations with avatars. Racial justice and trauma‐informed adaptations were designed to be responsive to youth needs for flexible programming and safe spaces. Themes captured in the first online gallery of youth photos include (1) tools for mental health, (2) meaningful connection, and (3) community advocacy, bringing attention to structural issues as well as family and community strengths. Findings suggest photovoice can be thoughtfully adapted for youth researchers and support individual and group storytelling in response to collective trauma.
Complex systems and participatory approaches to address maternal health disparities: Findings from a system dynamics group model building project in North Texas
Authors: Lemke Michael K. , Brown Kyrah K. , Fallah‐Fini Saeideh , Hall Ariel , Obasanya Mercy
Published: November 2022

Focusing on non‐Hispanic Black women (NHBW) in North Texas, this study employed participatory system dynamics modeling to explore three hypotheses: (1) stakeholders will conceptualize structural racism is a pervasive macrostructural force that exerts downstream impacts to shape and perpetuate maternal health disparities among NHBW; (2) stakeholders will identify key causal forces and leverage points that exist across levels of influence; and (3) stakeholders will identify complex interactions, in the form of circular causality, that are present among the key causal forces and leverage points that shape NHBW maternal health disparities. Nine participants engaged in a virtual system dynamics group model‐building session that focused on eliciting key variables, behavior‐over‐time graphs (BOTGs), causal loop diagram (CLD), and targets for action. Participants identified 83 key variables. BOTGs included an average of 6.56 notations and time horizons that, on average, started in 1956. The CLD featured 11 reinforcing and seven balancing feedback loops. Eleven targets for action were identified. Structural racism was revealed as a pervasive macrostructural force that shaped maternal health outcomes among NHBW. Key causal forces and leverage points were identified across levels of influence. Finally, feedback loops within the CLD exhibited circular causality.
Pulse pressure trajectories predict brain microstructure in community‐dwelling older adults: Associations with executive function and modification by APOE
Authors: Parada Humberto , Bergstrom Jaclyn , Bangen Katherine J. , Reas Emilie T.
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Effects of chronic arterial stiffness on brain aging remain unclear. We, therefore, examined whether long‐term trajectories of pulse pressure (PP) predicted brain microstructure, microstructure mediated PP‐executive function associations, and APOE genotype modified PP‐microstructure associations.

Methods

We examined associations of PP trajectories with brain microstructure measured using restriction spectrum imaging in 146 community‐dwelling older adults, whether microstructure mediated PP trajectory‐executive function associations, and whether PP‐restriction spectrum imaging correlations were modified by APOE‐ε4 status.

Results

Participants with trajectories of high PP had lower restricted isotropic diffusion (RI) compared to those with low PP trajectories and PP‐executive function associations were mediated by subcortical and white matter RI. High PP more strongly correlated with lower RI and higher hindered diffusion among APOE‐ε4 carriers than non‐carriers.

Discussion

Prolonged elevated PP predicts microstructural abnormalities which may contribute to impaired executive function. APOE‐ε4 carriers may be most vulnerable to the adverse effects of PP on brain microstructure.
Beweis von Schwefel‐non‐Innocence in [CoII(Dithiacyclam)]2+‐vermittelten, katalytischen Sauerstoff‐Reduktions‐Reaktionen
Authors: Battistella Beatrice , Iffland‐Mühlhaus Linda , Schütze Maximillian , Cula Beatrice , Kuhlmann Uwe , Dau Holger , Hildebrandt Peter , Lohmiller Thomas , Mebs Stefan , Apfel Ulf‐Peter , Ray Kallol
Published: November 2022

In vielen Metallenzymen sind Schwefel‐enthaltende Liganden an Elektronen‐Transfer‐Reaktionen beteiligt. In dem hier diskutierten biomimetischen Ansatz wird der Einfluss einer Schwefelkoordination auf eine Kobalt‐katalysierte Sauerstoff‐Reduktionsreaktion (ORR) demonstriert. Ein Vergleich des ORR‐Vermögens eines vierfach Stickstoff‐koordinierten [Co(Cyclam]2+‐Komplexes (1; Cyclam=1,5,8,11‐Tetraaza‐cyclotetradecan) und dessen Schwefel‐Analogons [Co(S2N2‐Cyclam)]2+(2; S2N2‐Cyclam=1,8‐Dithia‐5,11‐diazacyclotetradecan) zeigt verbesserte katalytische Eigenschaften mit dem in die Ligandensphäre am Kobalt eingeführten Chalkogen. Isolierung und Charakterisierung der Intermediate, die sich im Zuge der Sauerstoffaktivierung an den Kobalt(II)‐Zentren von1und2bilden, identifizieren eine Beteiligung des Schwefels am O2‐Reduktionsprozess als entscheidenden Faktor für die verbesserten Eigenschaften von2bei der katalytischen ORR.
The influence of cinnamon and litsea cubeba essential oils on methylcellulose films
Authors: Acosta Patrícia Pinheiro dos Santos , Latorres Juliana Machado , Martins Vilásia Guimarães
Published: November 2022

The aim of this study was to prepare active, biodegradable methylcellulose films and evaluate their properties after incorporating cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia) and litsea cubeba (Litsea cubeba) essential oils. The properties of the methylcellulose films were modified with the addition of essential oils. The surfaces were smooth and homogeneous in all samples. The film with cinnamon oil showed higher antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli and the film with litsea cubeba showed higher antioxidant activity against ABTS radical. The biodegradation time of the films in black sand and beach soil was 20 days. The films produced that presented the highest potential to become active packaging were the film with litsea cubabe oil as antioxidant packaging and the film with cinnamon oil as antibacterial packaging.