bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Items of armament of the XVII-XIX centuries from the territory of the upper posad of Tobolsk
Authors: Zagvazdin Evgeniy Petrovich
Published: December 2024

The purpose of the article is to consider and analyze the items of weapons of the XVII–XIX centuries, discovered during archaeological excavations in 2019 in Tobolsk on one site of the historical quarter of the city on the street. Oktyabrskaya, 9, on the site of the former Spassky estate. The analyzed artifacts are represented by cold throwing weapons – an instance of a well-preserved bone arrow; the collection of firearms also includes finds of rifle flints and cannon ammunition. The studied collection of weapons marks the layers of different times at the excavation site, which is consistent with the dating numismatic material. Despite the fact that this is not the first such archaeological collection in Tobolsk, it allows you to expand the range of finds of weapons in the city. These findings demonstrate the military potential of the city of Tobolsk, which was one of the strongholds in the development of Siberia.  The main research methods presented in the publication on the materials of the 2019 excavations in Tobolsk are analytical, comparative-historical, chronological, stratigraphic, typological, morphological. The analysis of weapons items of the XVII–XIX centuries from the excavations in 2019 at the site of one of the historical quarters of the upper posad of Tobolsk on the street Oktyabrsky showed that various types of it were used. These were both quite archaic (bow, arrows), which could be used for hunting, as well as for military defensive purposes, and advanced firearms used in combat (shotguns with a shock-flintlock, artillery). In general, these finds demonstrate the military potential of the city, which during the XVII–XVIII centuries occupied a leading position in the development of vast territories of Siberia and the Far East. Also, the presented samples of weapons expand the cartography of their detection, which was previously known mainly on the territory of the Tobolsk Kremlin – Red Square, and this, in turn, allows us to raise the question of localizing the places of residence of the city's military personnel north of the Kremlin.
Beyond the Standards: A Qualitative Analysis of Perfectionism Among Master’s-Level Counseling Students
Authors: Ellison Sara , Tyler Jessica , Tuttle Malti
Published: December 2024

This study investigates how perfectionism in counselor training impacts the relationships between students and clients/supervisors and contributes to imposter syndrome, burnout, and social disconnection. Using a transcendental phenomenological approach, we explored the experiences of perfectionism among 13 master’s counseling students during their graduate training. Four key themes emerged from the data analysis: (a) striving for enoughness, (b) masking inadequacy, (c) embracing vulnerability, and (d) connecting with authenticity. The implications of these findings for graduate training programs are discussed, emphasizing the specific needs of students grappling with perfectionism.
Application of the Principles of Anti-Oppression to Address Marginalized Students and Faculty’s Experiences in Counselor Education
Authors: Shaikh Afroze , Gummaluri Sravya , Dhar Jyotsna , Carter Hannah , Kwag Daun , Ponce Javier , Mason Erin , Peters Harvey
Published: December 2024

Despite efforts to decolonize and diversify the counseling profession, individuals with marginalized identities continue to encounter harmful experiences, requiring urgent and intentional action by counselor education programs to respond to these challenges. Recent legislative efforts have had a detrimental impact on marginalized communities, including those who identify on the spectrum of womanhood, immigrants, people of color, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and/or questioning, intersex, asexual, and/or two-spirit (LGBTQIA2S+), emphasizing pre-existing forces of power, privilege, and oppression embedded in academia. In search of a liberatory framework to address these forces, the authors apply Peters and Luke's (2022) Principles of Anti-Oppression to address eight common adverse experiences identified by Thacker and Barrio Minton (2021) that students and faculty with marginalized identities encounter in counselor education.
Influence of mechanical constraints on Li diffusion and stress in bilayer electrode of lithium-ion batteries
Authors: ZHANG Kai , XU Peng , GUAN Xuefeng , DU Yuqun , WANG Kejie , LU Yongjun ,   Department of Engineering Mechanics, North University of China, Taiyuan 030051, China,   Department of Applied Chemistry, North University of China, Taiyuan 030051, China,   Department of Engineering Mechanics, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an 710129, China
Published: December 2024

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are widely used in portable electronic devices, electric vehicles, and other fields. With the rapid development of its application fields, there is an urgent need to further improve its energy density and safety. In the charging/discharging process of the LIBs, the diffusion of Li will cause local volumetric change in the electrode material. The degradation and damage of the electrode material structure caused by diffusion-induced deformation is a major obstacle to the development of LIBs. Generally speaking, the electrode materials in LIBs are always subject to specific external constraints, including both inevitable passive structural constraints within the battery and external active constraints that may be imposed by emerging technology application scenarios, which can also affect the mechanical properties of the electrode materials. Therefore, a more in-depth understanding of the diffusion-induced stress and Li concentration changes in the electrode material is an engineering requirement for developing new material design paradigms to improve the overall performance of LIBs. In this work, a two-way diffusion-stress coupling model is used to discuss the effects of the four different levels of idealized deformation constraints on the Li concentration and stress in the bilayer plate electrode in the charging process through the numerical solution. From a mechanical perspective, the bilayer plate electrode structure has two degrees of freedom: lateral expansion and bending deformation. Weakened constraint conditions can partially or completely activate these stress release mechanisms, thereby reducing the overall stress level of the electrode structure and improving its mechanical stability. However, from an electrochemical perspective, the stress gradient generated by the forward bending deformation of the electrode structure can hinder the Li intercalation process. Enhanced constraints can partially or completely suppress the forward bending of the electrode, making the Li concentration in the active layer more uniform and thus improving the capacity utilization efficiency of the active layer. These results not only provide theoretical references for further understanding the chemical-mechanical response of the bilayer electrodes under more realistic or extreme service conditions, but also indicate from a design perspective that compromised external constraints are beneficial for balancing the structural durability and electrochemical performance of electrodes.
Effect of Fe doping on electronic structure and optical properties of two-dimensional CuI
Authors: ZHANG Zhuli , ZHANG Fan , WANG Kailei , LI Chao , WANG Jintao ,   Changzhi University, Changzhi 046011, China
Published: December 2024

The effects of different concentrations of Fe doping on the photoelectric properties of two-dimensional (2D) CuI semiconductor are studied based on the first-principles calculation method. The results show that both intrinsic 2D CuI and Fe-doped 2D CuI are direct band gap semiconductors. The total state density and partial wave state density of 2D CuI doped with different concentrations of Fe show that the increase in the number of energy bands at Fermi level is due to the influence of Fe-d and Fe-p orbital contributions after Fe doping, which can improve the conductivity of 2D CuI. With the increase of Fe doping concentration, the peak value of ε1 decreases gradually, and the peak value moves toward the high-energy end near the relatively high energy 3 eV and 6 eV, and the greater the concentration, the more obvious the shift is. These results indicate that Fe doping can enhance the high temperature resistance of 2D CuI. When a small amount of Fe is doped, the ε2 peak value increases, indicating that the ability of material to absorb electromagnetic waves is enhanced, which can stimulate more conductive electrons, and with the increase of Fe doping concentration, the absorption capability decreases, so the conductivity of 2D CuI is inhibited. The absorption coefficient of intrinsic 2D CuI and Fe-doped 2D CuI indicate that the semiconductor has strong ability to absorb photons in the ultraviolet region. The 2D CuI reflection coefficient of doped Fe atoms increases gradually with the increase of metallic properties of doped elements. This study provides theoretical reference for applying the 2D semiconductor materials and 2D CuI to optoelectronic devices. All the data presented in this paper are openly available at https://doi.org/10.57760/sciencedb.j00213.00060.
Paracrine rescue of MYR1-deficient Toxoplasma gondii mutants reveals limitations of pooled in vivo CRISPR screens
Authors: Torelli Francesca , da Fonseca Diogo M , Butterworth Simon W , Young Joanna C , Treeck Moritz
Published: December 2024

Toxoplasma gondii is an intracellular parasite that subverts host cell functions via secreted virulence factors. Up to 70% of parasite-controlled changes in the host transcriptome rely on the MYR1 protein, which is required for the translocation of secreted proteins into the host cell. Mice infected with MYR1 knock-out (KO) strains survive infection, supporting a paramount function of MYR1-dependent secreted proteins in Toxoplasma virulence and proliferation. However, we have previously shown that MYR1 mutants have no growth defect in pooled in vivo CRISPR-Cas9 screens in mice, suggesting that the presence of parasites that are wild-type at the myr1 locus in pooled screens can rescue the phenotype. Here, we demonstrate that MYR1 is not required for the survival in IFN-γ-activated murine macrophages, and that parasites lacking MYR1 are able to expand during the onset of infection. While ΔMYR1 parasites have restricted growth in single-strain murine infections, we show that the phenotype is rescued by co-infection with wild-type (WT) parasites in vivo, independent of host functional adaptive immunity or key pro-inflammatory cytokines. These data show that the major function of MYR1-dependent secreted proteins is not to protect the parasite from clearance within infected cells. Instead, MYR-dependent proteins generate a permissive niche in a paracrine manner, which rescues ΔMYR1 parasites within a pool of CRISPR mutants in mice. Our results highlight an important limitation of otherwise powerful in vivo CRISPR screens and point towards key functions for MYR1-dependent Toxoplasma-host interactions beyond the infected cell.
Ligand-coupled conformational changes in a cyclic nucleotide-gated ion channel revealed by time-resolved transition metal ion FRET
Authors: Eggan Pierce , Gordon Sharona E , Zagotta William N
Published: December 2024

Cyclic nucleotide-binding domain (CNBD) ion channels play crucial roles in cellular-signaling and excitability and are regulated by the direct binding of cyclic adenosine- or guanosine-monophosphate (cAMP, cGMP). However, the precise allosteric mechanism governing channel activation upon ligand binding, particularly the energetic changes within domains, remains poorly understood. The prokaryotic CNBD channel SthK offers a valuable model for investigating this allosteric mechanism. In this study, we investigated the conformational dynamics and energetics of the SthK C-terminal region using a combination of steady-state and time-resolved transition metal ion Förster resonance energy transfer (tmFRET) experiments. We engineered donor-acceptor pairs at specific sites within a SthK C-terminal fragment by incorporating a fluorescent noncanonical amino acid donor and metal ion acceptors. Measuring tmFRET with fluorescence lifetimes, we determined intramolecular distance distributions in the absence and presence of cAMP or cGMP. The probability distributions between conformational states without and with ligand were used to calculate the changes in free energy (ΔG) and differences in free energy change (ΔΔG) in the context of a simple four-state model. Our findings reveal that cAMP binding produces large structural changes, with a very favorable ΔΔG. In contrast to cAMP, cGMP behaved as a partial agonist and only weakly promoted the active state. Furthermore, we assessed the impact of protein oligomerization and ionic strength on the structure and energetics of the conformational states. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of time-resolved tmFRET in determining the conformational states and the ligand-dependent energetics of the SthK C-terminal region.
Clinicopathological Profile of Sacrococcygeal Teratomas: A Retrospective Observational Study from North India
Authors: Kadian Yogender Singh , Ali MD Mokarram , Kumar Chandrodaya , Ashish Ashish
Published: December 2024

Introduction: Sacrococcygeal Teratomas (SCTs) are the most common extragonadal germ cell tumours during the neonatal period. Although they are typically benign, these tumours carry a significant risk of malignant transformation if not treated promptly. Early diagnosis through clinical evaluation, laboratory tests, and radiological investigations, followed by surgical excision, is crucial in preventing malignancy and ensuring better outcomes.

Aim: To comprehensively analyse SCTs by examining the demographic distribution, clinical features, radiological characteristics, and histopathological profiles of affected patients.

Materials and Methods: This retrospective descriptive observational study was conducted in the Department of Paediatric Surgery of Pandit Bhagwat Dayal Sharma, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Rohtak, Haryana, India, from June 2018 to May 2022 involving 11 patients diagnosed with SCT. These patients underwent thorough clinical evaluations, laboratory investigations, and radiological assessments. All patients were treated using standard posterior surgical excision techniques. Postoperative follow-up included both short- and long-term monitoring, focusing on wound infections, recurrence, and metastasis. The data were analysed using Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 25.0. Continuous variables were presented as mean±Standard Deviation (SD) or median and range, depending on the distribution. Categorical variables were expressed as frequencies and percentages.

Results: Out of 11 patients, there were nine females and two males. The median age at presentation was 18 days, ranging from one day to three years. The majority of tumours belonged to Altman type 1a7 (63.6%), while types 2 and 3 each constituted two cases (18.2%). Clinical presentation predominantly involved a lower back mass Since birth in 10 (90.9%) cases. Histopathological Examination (HPE) revealed mature teratomas in 9 (81.8%) cases, with immature teratoma and yolk sac tumour each accounting for 9.1% (1 case each). Notably, early presentations correlated with mature teratomas, whereas delayed presentations were associated with yolk sac tumours. One patient with a Type 3 lesion experienced recurrence and metastasis during the follow-up period.

Conclusion: The SCTs are predominantly found in neonates, with a strong female predominance. Early detection generally results in a favourable outcome, while delayed diagnosis is associated with an increased risk of malignancy, recurrence, and poorer prognosis. Careful follow-up is essential, particularly for patients with higher-risk tumour types and later-stage presentations.
Role of Sepsis in Obstetric Score (SOS) to identify severe sepsis in pregnant women requiring ICU admission: A prospective observational study
Authors: Shah Sangeeta , Kumari L Rani , Fatima Firdous , Challakolusu Sri Manju , Tummala Nishitha , Mounika Bathula
Published: December 2024

Introduction: Sepsis is a life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to infection. Obstetric sepsis is a significant contributor to maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality, especially in low-income countries. Several scoring systems can help in identifying sepsis and its severity; however, their application in the obstetric population is not well-defined because of the altered physiology of pregnancy. The Sepsis in Obstetrics Score (SOS) is designed specifically for the obstetric population to identify the likelihood of the need for critical care admission for the obstetric population presenting with signs of sepsis.

Aim: To determine whether the SOS can be used to identify the severity of sepsis.

Materials and Methods: This was a prospective observational time-bound study conducted at Gandhi Hospital, Secunderabad, Hyderabad, Telangana, India over six months from February 2023 to July 2023 on 100 subjects that included pregnant women, postpartum women within six weeks, and postabortal women within two weeks of abortion with suspected obstetric sepsis presenting to Gandhi Hospital. SOS score was calculated for all study participants and grouped into scores of <6 and ≥6. Organ failure was assessed. SOS score was associated with culture positivity, organ involvement, need for critical care support, and the severity of sepsis. Data were analysed using Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS) software, and appropriate statistical tests were applied; the p-value for significance was set at 0.05.

Results: The mean age of the study population was 25.48±5.13 years. Out of 100 women with obstetric sepsis, 50% had severe sepsis, graded by the presence of organ failure. When the cutoff score was considered as 6, SOS score had a sensitivity of 64% and specificity of 84%, a Positive Predictive Value (PPV) of 80.0%, a Negative Predictive Value (NPV) of 70.0%, and a diagnostic accuracy of 74.0% to detecting severe sepsis.

Conclusion: The findings emphasised the utility of the SOS score as a valuable tool for assessing the severity of illness, predicting outcomes, and guiding clinical management.
Comparative Evaluation of Enamel Surface Abrasion Produced by Three Different Types of Toothbrush Bristle Designs: An In-vitro Study
Authors: Karale Akanksha Mohan , Waghmare Pramod , Dodwad Vidya , Pharne Pooja , Karale Akshay
Published: December 2024

Introduction: The toothbrush is one of the most commonly used mechanical aids for plaque control, capable of removing plaque efficiently. However, improper toothbrushing habits can lead to tissue trauma, such as abrasion or gingival recession. The design of toothbrush bristles is one of the most common etiological factors for abrasion.

Aim: To evaluate and compare the enamel surface abrasion produced by three different toothbrush bristle designs in conjunction with a standard dentifrice.

Materials and Methods: In this in-vitro study conducted in the Department of Periodontics, Bharati Vidyapeeth Dental College and Hospital, Pune, Maharashtra, India, from June 2023 to January 2024, a total of 21 extracted human premolars were collected. After thorough cleaning, the teeth were stored in normal saline. The crown portions of the teeth were mounted on an acrylic resin base and profilometric analysis was performed to record the average enamel surface roughness (Ra) value. The teeth were randomly divided into three groups based on the toothbrush bristle design used for toothbrushing: Group A: Tapered bristle, Group B: End-rounded bristle, Group C: Flattrim bristle. Toothbrushing was carried out using a customised toothbrushing device and a standard dentifrice twice daily for six weeks. After six weeks, profilometric analysis was conducted again. Descriptive statistics were expressed as means and standard deviations. The comparison of enamel surface abrasion among the three different toothbrush bristle designs was performed using the One-Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) test, followed by the post-hoc Bonferroni test for pairwise comparison. In this test, a p-value less than or equal to 0.05 was considered statistically significant. All analyses were conducted using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25.0.

Results: The results showed significantly greater Ra values for Group C (flat-trim bristle: 0.13±0.06) compared to Group A (tapered bristle: 0.09±0.03) and Group B (end-rounded bristle: 0.04±0.02). Group B exhibited the lowest Ra value, indicating the least enamel surface roughness (p-value: 0.038*).

Conclusion: Within the limitations of the study, stylus profilometer analysis demonstrated that the flat-trim toothbrush bristle design is more prone to causing enamel surface abrasion than the endrounded and tapered bristle designs. The end-rounded toothbrush bristle design causes minimal enamel surface abrasion and is safer to use as an effective mechanical plaque control aid.
Clinical Profile of Children with Pleural Empyema in Community Acquired Pneumonia: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Shaikh Nilofer , Kale Anjali Vasant , Goli Murali Krishna , Siddiqui Saeed , Sangle Avinash L , Magar Suvarna G
Published: December 2024

Introduction: Empyema as a complication of Community Acquired Pneumonia (CAP) has been reported in a sizeable number of cases. Epidemiological studies on the clinical profile and outcome of CAP with empyema can help in better diagnosis and management of paediatric patients.

Aim: To describe the clinical profile of empyema in paediatric patients with CAP attending the tertiary care hospital in Aurangabad, Maharashtra, India.

Materials and Methods: The present cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Paediatrics at MGM Medical College and Hospital, Aurangabad, Maharashtra, India, from March 2022 to March 2023. Total 82 CAP diagnosed cases of age between two months and 18 years were included. Group A (cases) consisted of 41 cases of CAP with empyema and group B (controls) consisted of 41 cases of CAP without empyema. Data obtained was compiled and compared using unpaired t-test and Chi-square test.

Results: The mean age in group A was 76.43±66.15 months and in group B was 45.29±59.19 months. Duration of fever was 8.9±2.84 days in group A and 4.7±0.97 days in group B. The nutritional status of study subjects was malnourished in 29 (70.73%) group A and 21 (51.22%) in group B. The study subjects among the group A were vaccinated for pneumococcal vaccine in 18 (43.9%), and in 29 (70.73%) of the group B. Neutrophil count and C-reactive Protein (CRP) levels were significantly higher, and lymphocyte count was significantly lower in CAP cases with empyema. All the study subjects recovered in the present study; however, the duration of hospitalisation was more in CAP cases with empyema.

Conclusion: The number of subjects with malnutrition was more whereas vaccinated with pneumococcal vaccine were less in CAP cases with empyema. High leucocyte, neutrophil counts and raised serum CRP were observed in CAP cases with empyema. Decortication, Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery and intercostal chest drain insertion were the treatment modalities used in CAP cases with empyema.
Modelling and Forecasting Currency Exchange Rates Using Hybrid ARIMA and ANN Models in High-Frequency Data
Authors: Odhiambo Stephen Omondi , Nyakundi Cornelious O.
Published: December 2024

Introduction: Exchange rates are central to the economic as well as the financial systems and structures because they determine trade, investment and policy. This study focuses on the statistical analysis and forecasting of exchange rates for the Kenyan Shilling (KES) against regional currencies: The currencies include; Burundian Franc (BIF), Rwandan Franc (RWF), Tanzanian Shilling (TSHS) and Ugandan Shilling (USHS).
Methods: Significance tests and models of time series were used in the analysis with regard to trend and volatility of exchange rates. Descriptive measures which include mean, median, standard deviation and range were calculated for each of the currency pairs. Furthermore, to determine cycles and rate predictions, a more complex ARIMA (1,1,0) with drift model was applied. Various statistics namely AIC, AIC c and BIC were used to assess model performance.
Results: It was seen that the mean rate of KES/USHS was the highest at 27.0 and KES/RWF was the least at 8.99. The standard deviations suggested moderate fluctuation in the pairs with the KES/USHS exchanging at 2.26. The results of the ARIMA analysis were highly significant for coefficients (AR1 = 0.5359, drift = 0.0412), and feasible for Fit statistics (AIC = -123.57, BIC = -116.07). It also pointed out that there were high positive correlations between all the currency pairs analyzed; the values being above 0.98.
Discussions: The results also confirm narrow fixed relationships between KES and the regional currencies with fluctuation in KES/USHS. The applied ARIMA model allows for capturing the dynamics of exchange rate and provides accurate forecast. The result of this study can be useful for policymakers and financial analyst in order to comprehend behaviors of regional currencies.
Evaluation of Red Wine Grape Varieties for Growth and Yield Parameters in Semi-arid Condition of India
Authors: P.K. Ausari , R.G. Somkuwar , P.K.S. Gurjar , I.S. Naruka , Gupta Gaurav
Published: December 2024

The study was carried out at the ICAR-National Research Centre for Grapes, Pune, during the 2022–2023 and 2023–2024 fruiting seasons. Among the red wine grape varieties, Cabernet Sauvignon demonstrated superior growth parameters, including pruned biomass (1.080 kg/vine). The variety Syrah exhibited the highest shoot length (120.44 cm), shoot diameter (9.75 mm), number of leaves per fruiting shoot (25.61), and number of bunches per vine (60.50). Grenache Noir showed the shortest time to bud sprout (8.93 days) and the highest number of berries per bunch (177.47), while Petit Syrah recorded the maximum internodal length (6.94 cm). The Caladoc variety displayed a higher number of leaves (24.42) and the largest leaf area per fruiting shoot (2931.25 cm²), whereas Nielluccio had the highest individual leaf area (141.25 cm²). Cabernet Franc clone had the highest chlorophyll content (13.52 mg/ml). Yield-related parameters highlighted Alicante Bouschet for its highest bunch weight (264.80 g) and yield (8.84 kg/vine and 10.70 MT/acre on a pooled mean basis), while Red Muscat had the highest 100-berry weight (221.94 g).
Isolation and Characterization of a Ranavirus Associated with Disease Outbreaks in Cultured Hybrid Grouper (♀ Tiger Grouper Epinephelus fuscoguttatus × ♂ Giant Grouper E. lanceolatus) in Guangxi, China
Authors: Xiao Hehe , Liu Mingzhu , Li Siqiao , Shi Deqiang , Zhu Donglin , Ke Ke , Xu Youhou , Dong Dexin , Zhu Libo , Yu Qing , Li Pengfei
Published: September 2019

An outbreak of suspected iridovirus disease in cultured hybrid grouper (♀Tiger Grouper Epinephelus fuscoguttatus × ♂ Giant Grouper Epinephelus lanceolatus) occurred in the Guangxi Province in July, 2018. In this study, grouper iridovirus Guangxi (SGIV-Gx) was isolated from diseased hybrid grouper that were collected from Guangxi. Cytopathic effects were observed and identified in grouper spleen cells that were incubated with diseased tissue homogenates after 24 h, and the effects increased at 48 h postinfection. The transmission electron microscopy results showed that viral particles that were about 200 nm in diameter with hexagonal profiles were present in the cell cytoplasm of suspected virus-infected cells. The presence of SGIV-Gx (accession number: MK107821) was identified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and amplicon sequencing, which showed that this strain was most closely related to Singapore grouper iridovirus (AY521625.1). The detection of SGIV-Gx infection was further supported by novel aptamer (Q2c)-based detection technology. The effects of temperature and pH on viral infectivity were analyzed by using reverse transcription quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and cell culture. The results indicated that SGIV-Gx was resistant to exposure to pH levels 5, 7, and 7.5 for 1 h, but its infectivity was remarkably lower at pH levels 3 and 10 after 1 h. The analyses showed that SGIV-Gx was stable for 1 h at 4°C and 25°C but was inactivated after 1 h at 40, 50, and 60°C.
Mechanochromic Reconfigurable Metasurfaces
Authors: Karvounis Artemios , Aspiotis Nikolaos , Zeimpekis Ioannis , Ou Jun‐Yu , Huang Chung‐Che , Hewak Daniel , Zheludev Nikolay I.
Published: September 2019

The change of optical properties that some usually natural compounds or polymeric materials show upon the application of external stress is named mechanochromism. Herein, an artificial nanomechanical metasurface formed by a subwavelength nanowire array made of molybdenum disulfide, molybdenum oxide, and silicon nitride changes color upon mechanical deformation. The aforementioned deformation induces reversible changes in the optical transmission (relative transmission change of 197% at 654 nm), thus demonstrating a giant mechanochromic effect. Moreover, these types of metasurfaces can exist in two nonvolatile states presenting a difference in optical transmission of 45% at 678 nm, when they are forced to bend rapidly. The wide optical tunability that photonic nanomechanical metasurfaces, such as the one presented here, possess by design, can provide a valuable platform for mechanochromic and bistable responses across the visible and near infrared regime and form a new family of smart materials with applications in reconfigurable, multifunctional photonic filters, switches, and stress sensors.
Accelerating CO2 capture of highly permeable polymer through incorporating highly selective hollow zeolite imidazolate framework
Authors: Wu Xingyu , Ren Yanxiong , Sui Guomin , Wang Guangzhe , Xu Guangshuai , Yang Leixin , Wu Yingzhen , He Guangwei , Nasir Nayab , Wu Hong , Jiang Zhongyi
Published: September 2019

The implementation of high‐performance membranes in large‐scale CO2 capture has the potential to significantly decrease the capture cost and reduce the environmental footprints. However, highly permeable polymers rarely have sufficient selectivity for energy‐efficient carbon capture. In this study, zeolite imidazolate framework hollow nanoparticles (ZIF‐HNPs) were synthesized and embedded into highly permeable polymers as versatile fillers to prepare mixed matrix membranes (MMMs). The interior hollow architecture minimizes transport resistance of gas diffusion through the fillers while its molecular‐sieving shell provides high selectivity. With 28 vol% loading of ZIF‐HNPs, the membrane exhibits CO2 permeability of 7,128 Barrer and CO2/CH4 selectivity of 16.4 (57.7% and 31.4% higher than these of pristine membrane), which surpass the upper bound of the state‐of‐the‐art reported polymeric membranes. Meanwhile, we proposed a modified Maxwell model based on the hierarchical structure of the MMM to analyze the effects of cavity size and loading on gas transport behaviors within membranes.
Stretchable and Reactive Membranes of Metal–Organic Framework Nanosurfactants on Liquid Droplets Enable Dynamic Control of Self‐Propulsion, Cargo Pick‐Up, and Drop‐Off
Authors: Wei Jingjing , Yang Zhijie , Sobolev Yaroslav I. , Grzybowski Bartosz A.
Published: September 2019

Sub‐micrometer metal–organic framework (MOF) particles form sturdy yet dynamic—that is, structurally reconfigurable and chemically active—coatings at the interface between an aqueous droplet and the surrounding organic phase. Upon an external stimulus, the MOF particles change their interfacial orientation/packing, allowing the membranes to stretch, open, and close. At the same time, these MOF particles catalytically decompose hydrogen peroxide fuel to provide the gas‐bubble recoil needed to propel the droplets; when the droplets are covered with only patches of the ZIF‐67 MOFs, the recoil and self‐propulsion are directional. A combination of all these effects underlies the construction of a chemical system in which the external objects are engulfed by the droplet opening up and closing its MOF membrane, are subject to chemical processing inside of the droplet, are transported to another location, and are ultimately expelled into the surrounding solvent, in effect realizing a primitive chemical mimic of phagocytosis.
Attachment‐Based Family Therapy in a Psychiatric Inpatient Unit for Young Adults
Authors: Devacht Ilse , Bosmans Guy , Dewulf Steven , Levy Suzanne , Diamond Guy S.
Published: September 2019

This paper describes the implementation of an evidence‐based family therapy program in an inpatient young adult psychiatric unit. This unit was initially organised on a cognitive behaviour therapy framework but this did not sufficiently meet the young adults’ developmental demands. The unit leadership team decided to implement attachment‐based family therapy (ABFT). This is an outpatient family therapeutic program that aims to restore ruptures in the relationships between youngsters and their primary caregiving environment. To implement ABFT, the unit staff (1) adjusted the family therapeutic model to fit the young adults’ developmental needs, and (2) adjusted the treatment milieu of the unit to support the family therapeutic sessions. In this contribution we present a descriptive evaluation of the first 3 years of experience in adjusting ABFT to meet hospitalised young adults’ needs in mental health care and in the transition of the unit into an attachment‐based family‐focused treatment milieu.
Seawater/alkaline liquid cascade‐scrubbing desulfurization performance for the exhaust gas of a 162‐kW marine diesel engine
Authors: Kuang Min , Hu Xuehui , Yang Guohua , Wang Jinxin , Yuan Guanghui , Tao Chujiong , Wu Sili , Ding Jieyi , Meng Xinyi
Published: September 2019

A cascade‐scrubbing technology was developed for marine diesel engines to improve the current once‐through desulfurization solutions. To confirm the seawater/alkaline liquid cascade‐scrubbing advantages of higher efficiencies and lower lye consumption compared with current solutions, desulfurization experiments with different scrubbing models were performed for a 162‐kW marine diesel engine. In the open‐loop model with SO2 of 1,000–2,860 mg/Nm3, desulfurization with the allowed liquid–gas ratios ≤8 L/Nm3 for the packing tower failed to fully meet the ECA's requirements, despite the efficiency increasing with liquid–gas ratio, seawater alkalinity, and packing height and decreasing with SO2 concentration. In the closed‐loop solution, to obligate the ECA's requirements with SO2 of 2,860 mg/Nm3, a high liquid–gas ratio of 4.8 L/Nm3 was necessitated at Na/S=2. In contrast, in the seawater/alkaline liquid cascade‐scrubbing model under high‐sulfur and low‐alkalinity conditions (2,860 mg/Nm3 and 0.84 mmol/L), the solution utilized 5–6 L/Nm3 seawater in the main scrubbing section to scrub 80–90% SO2 and an extremely low alkaline‐liquid dose below 1 L/Nm3 in the auxiliary scrubbing section to remove the residual SO2, finally allowing a high efficiency ahead of the open‐loop model and meanwhile cutting down an 80–90% lye consumption compared with the closed‐loop model.
Effect of Conjugation Mode on Intramolecular Charge Transfer in Fabricating Acid‐Responsive Fluorophores
Authors: Wang Rong , Ding Ju , Wang Yuxiu , Zhang Yanrong
Published: September 2019

Solid‐state acid‐responsive materials are promising for the tunability of their intrinsic properties. However, the relationship between molecular structure and emission shift as a response to acid stimuli has not been systematically studied. Herein, we report the effect of protonation and subsequent intramolecular hydrogen bonding on the photophysical properties of compounds (MPP‐s, MPP‐d, and MPP‐d‐CN) with different conjugation modes between the electron‐donating dimethoxyl phenyl and the electron‐withdrawing benzothiazole ring. The results established that the stronger the intramolecular charge transfer feature of the compound, the smaller is the emission shift after acid stimuli. Our studies also indicated that the conjugation mode significantly affected the solid‐state packing mode: MPP‐s and MPP‐d tended to form dimers, while MPP‐d‐CN exhibited the strongest aggregation‐induced emission enhancement (AIEE). The exploration of structure‐property relationship would provide experimental and theoretical guidance in designing acid‐responsive molecular switches and developing high‐performance AIEE‐active luminogens.
Portfolio selection for individual passive investing
Authors: Puelz David , Hahn P. Richard , Carvalho Carlos M.
Published: September 2019

This paper considers passive fund selection from an individual investor's perspective. The growth of the passive fund market over the past decade is staggering. Individual investors who wish to buy these funds for their retirement and brokerage accounts have many options and are faced with a difficult selection problem. Which funds do they invest in, and in what proportions? We develop a novel statistical methodology to address this problem by adapting recent advances in posterior summarization. A Bayesian decision‐theoretic approach is presented to construct optimal sparse portfolios for individual investors over time.
Best Performing SiGe/Si Core‐Shell Nanoparticles Synthesized in One Step for High Capacity Anodes
Authors: Desrues Antoine , Alper John P. , Boismain Florent , Zapata Dominguez Diana , Berhaut Christopher , Coulon Pierre‐Eugène , Soloy Adrien , Grisch Frédéric , Tardif Samuel , Pouget Stéphanie , Lyonnard Sandrine , Haon Cédric , Herlin‐Boime Nathalie
Published: September 2019

Silicon‐germanium nanostructures are promising anode materials for high stability, high capacity, and fast cycling Li‐ion batteries. In this work, we report on the outstanding performance of new SiGe/Si core@shell nanoparticle heterostructures synthetized in one step by laser pyrolysis of silane and germane. By tuning the silane to germane ratio, the composition of Si100‐xGex alloy was readily adjusted. Nanoparticles with x=0, 20, 47, 77, and 100 were investigated and the composition of each alloy (including internal mixed phases) was confirmed by X‐ray diffraction and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy. The electrochemical performances of the Si100‐xGex alloys were evaluated by cycling half cell batteries from C/5 to 5 C. The optimal trade‐off between stability and capacity was obtained in Si53Ge47 core shell nanoparticles alloy. This material exhibits the best performance reported so far for SiGe compounds, with a reversible specific capacity of 1695 mAh.g−1 after 60 cycles (90 % of its initial value). The (de)alloying properties of this optimal Si53Ge47 heterostructure were followed by operando synchrotron WAXS measurements, suggesting sequential lithiation of the various phases present in the material. The alloying process, combined with the realization of peculiar nanostructures composed of a Ge‐rich core and a Si‐rich shell, therefore allow to reach electrochemical properties suited for a practical application in energy storage device.
Racial disparities in alpha‐fetoprotein testing and alpha‐fetoprotein status associated with the diagnosis and outcome of hepatocellular carcinoma patients
Authors: Wu Guoyi , Wu Jing , Pan Xiaoben , Liu Bo , Yao Zhicheng , Guo Yuan , Shi Xiaolei , Ding Yitao
Published: September 2019

Background

The use of alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP) testing for the surveillance, diagnosis, and prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains controversial. Here, we compared AFP testing rates, elevated AFP rates, factors associated with elevated AFP levels, and prognostic factors associated with overall survival (OS) in HCC patients from different ethnic groups.

Methods

Patients with HCC were identified from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results registries. Race was categorized as white, black, and others. AFP testing rates and elevated AFP rates were analyzed. Multivariable logistic regression and Cox regression analyses were used to identify independent factors associated with elevated AFP levels and prognosis, respectively. All statistical tests were two sided.

Results

A proportion of 79.2% of total HCC patients had AFP testing reports; 77.3% of white, 79.7% of black, and 81.2% of other races underwent AFP testing. Compared with white and other races, black HCC patients had a higher rate of elevated AFP levels among all patients and the early‐stage HCC patient cohort. Elevated AFP level was a significant prognostic factor for all HCC patients in different race groups. Factors associated with elevated AFP level and prognostic factors associated with OS varied significantly by race.

Conclusions

AFP testing, elevated AFP rates, predictors of elevated AFP level, and prognostic factors associated with OS differed significantly according to race after adjusting for AFP levels among the three groups. AFP testing for the surveillance, diagnosis, and prognosis of HCC patients is strongly recommended, although racial disparities need to be considered.
Efficient and Selective Oxidation of Aromatic Amines to Azoxy Derivatives over Aluminium and Gallium Oxide Catalysts with Nanorod Morphology
Authors: Singh Bhawan , Mandelli Dalmo , Pescarmona Paolo P.
Published: September 2019

Aluminium oxide and gallium oxide nanorods were identified as highly efficient heterogeneous catalysts for the selective oxidation of aromatic amines to azoxy compounds using hydrogen peroxide as environmentally friendly oxidant. This is the first report of the selective oxidation of aromatic amines to their azoxy derivatives without using transition metal catalysts. Among the tested transition‐metal‐free oxides, gallium oxide nanorods with small dimensions (9–52 nm length and 3–5 nm width) and fully accessible, high surface area (225 m2 g−1) displayed the best catalytic performance in terms of substrate versatility, activity and azoxybenzene selectivity. Furthermore, the catalyst loading, hydrogen peroxide type (aqueous or anhydrous), and the amount of solvent were tuned to optimise the catalytic performance, which allowed reaching almost full selectivity (98 %) towards azoxybenzene at high aniline conversion (94 %). Reusability tests showed that the gallium oxide nanorod catalyst can be recycled in consecutive runs with complete retention of the original activity and selectivity.
Electrocatalytic Properties of Immobilized Heme Proteins: Basic Principles and Applications
Authors: Ranieri Antonio , Bortolotti Carlo Augusto , Di Rocco Giulia , Battistuzzi Gianantonio , Sola Marco , Borsari Marco
Published: September 2019

Heme proteins encompass redox enzymes, electron transferases, and species for dioxygen transport and storage. Upon immobilization on a conductive surface, heme proteins can accomplish bioelectrocatalysis. In this process, they carry out oxidation or reduction of substrates at a solid electrode acting as electron acceptor or donor, respectively, thanks to electron transfer processes occurring at the interphase. The efficiency of bioelectrocatalysis depends on the electrical communication of the protein with the electrode surface, retention of protein structure upon adsorption and accessibility of the substrate to the active site. This Minireview outlines the main factors affecting bioelectrocatalysis by adsorbed heme proteins, highlights open issues, and summarizes recent advances in the field.
Effect of Chloride Oxidation on Local Electric Fields in Microelectrochemical Systems
Authors: Davies Collin D. , Johnson Sarah E. , Crooks Richard M.
Published: September 2019

We recently reported that electrochemical oxidation of Cl− to neutral Cl2 decreases solution conductivity, thereby yielding a local electric field gradient. Here, we report detailed experimental results and simulations indicating that the situation is more complex than we originally thought. The key new findings are twofold. First, once generated, Cl2 rapidly reacts with water to form ionic species that increase, rather than decrease, solution conductivity near the anode. Second, the electrochemical potential gradient measured in the vicinity of the anode during Cl− oxidation is dominated by differences in the chemical potential, rather than the electrical potential, of the solution. These findings clarify the electrochemical and chemical processes previously reported to enable desalination via faradaic Cl− oxidation.
Value of combined use of fine‐needle aspiration and core needle biopsy in palpable breast tumors performed by pathologist: Institut Curie experience
Authors: Sustova Pavla , Klijanienko Jerzy
Published: September 2019

The aim of this study was to determine the accuracy of fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) and core needle biopsy (CNB) for palpable breast tumors (PBTs). FNA and CNB of 492 PBTs from 477 patients were analyzed. Tumors were malignant in 473 cases and benign in 19 cases. There was a strong correlation (P > .05) between FNA and CNB in terms of malignancy. Among 473 malignant tumors, FNA had better accuracy and less unsatisfactory results (95.6%; 2.7%) than CNB (94.9%; 4.9%). Among 19 benign tumors, CNB was accurate in 100% compared to 94.7% using FNA. There were only two (0.4%) cases where result was unsatisfactory by both FNA and CNB. NPV was 56.3% for FNA, 43.2% for CNB, and 95.0% for FNA and CNB combined. Sensitivity was 97.0% for FNA, 94.7% for CNB, and 99.8% for FNA and CNB combined. PPV and specificity was 100% for FNA and CNB both separately and combined. Combined use of FNA with CNB is an optimal diagnostic method for PBTs. In our opinion, this should be recommended as standard for diagnosis of PBTs.
A tumor suppressor Retinoblastoma1 is essential for embryonic development in the sea urchin
Authors: Fernandez‐Nicolas Ana , Xu Derek , Yajima Mamiko
Published: September 2019

Background

Embryonic cells and cancer cells share various cellular characteristics important for their functions. It has been thus proposed that similar mechanisms of regulation may be present in these otherwise disparate cell types.

Results

To explore how regulative embryonic cells are fundamentally different from cancerous cells, we report here that a fine balance of a tumor suppressor protein Retinoblastoma1 (Rb1) and a germline factor Vasa are important for proper cell proliferation and differentiation of the somatic cells during embryogenesis of the sea urchin. Rb1 knockdown blocked embryonic development and induced Vasa accumulation in the entire embryo, while its overexpression resulted in a smaller‐sized embryo with differentiated body structures. These results suggest that a titrated level of Rb1 protein may be essential for a proper balance of cell proliferation and differentiation during development. Vasa knockdown or overexpression, on the other hand, reduced or increased Rb1 protein expression, respectively.

Conclusions

Taken together, it appears that Vasa protein positively regulates Rb1 protein while Rb1 protein negatively regulates Vasa protein, balancing the act of these two antagonistic molecules in somatic cells. This mechanism may provide a fine control of cell proliferation and differentiation, which is essential for regulative embryonic development.