bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tannic Acid Modified Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotube/Zinc Oxide Nanoparticle Thin Films for UV/Visible Semitransparent Photodiode‐Type Photodetectors
Authors: Lou Tian‐Jiao , Wang Jing‐Qi , Wang Wenyi , Wang Tao , Qian Peng‐Fei , Bao Ze‐Long , Jing Li‐Chao , Yuan Xiao‐Tong , Geng Hong‐Zhang
Published: January 2022

Flexible electronic devices have received significant attention in recent years as a result of their flexibility and portability. Carbon nanotube (CNT) films could serve as a promising material for photodetection because of their broad absorption spectral coverage. In this research, vertical ultraviolet (UV) to visible (UV/Vis) detectors based on tannic acid functionalized carbon nanotube/zinc oxide (TCNT/ZnO) heterojunctions were prepared by a simple spraying method. The TCNT electrode had excellent photoelectric properties with a sheet resistance of 40.6 Ω/sq and transmittance of 80.4 % at 550 nm, and the resulting TCNT/ZnO device could achieve photocurrent of 3.0 mA at 360 nm in the UV range, a recession time of 8.05 s, photoresponsivity of 7.12 A/W, and detectivity of 25.2×1011 Jones. As a comparison, for the pure CNT electrode with a sheet resistance of 45.5 Ω/sq and transmittance of 79.6 % at 550 nm, the CNT/ZnO photocurrent was only 0.6 mA at 360 nm, with a recession time of 17.25 s, photoresponsivity of 1.00 A/W, and detectivity of 3.4×1011 Jones. The prepared device was also able to operate stably after 1000 mechanical bending tests and maintained more than 95 % detectivity, providing a feasible path for the generation of carbon nanotube based photodetector devices.
Influencing responsible green innovation in Dominican agribusiness performance
Authors: Ureña Espaillat Hayrold José , Briones Peñalver Antonio Juan , Bernal Conesa Juan Andrés
Published: January 2022

The objective of this article is to explore the combined effects of corporate social responsibility (CSR), green transformational leadership and knowledge transfer on responsible green innovation and to analyse their impact on agribusiness business performance in the context of a developing country. There is no research that integrates joint effects on responsible innovation with a focus on process inputs and increased greening capabilities in agricultural units. Moreover, we have integrated transformational green leadership to better explain this impact as a differentiator. Results show both knowledge transfer and green transformational leadership have positive relationships with responsible green innovation, and the latter has a positive impact on environmental, economic and strategic performance dimensions. Overall, our results establish that CSR is an external driver that reinforces knowledge transfer with an emphasis on collaboration. CSR also reinforces green leadership functions through synergies in conjunction with green human resource management practices.
Corporate governance, board connections and remuneration
Authors: Arayakarnkul Pochara , Chatjuthamard Pattanaporn , Lhaopadchan Suntharee , Treepongkaruna Sirimon
Published: January 2022

Good corporate governance underpins good corporate social responsibility (CSR) through value‐creating stakeholder relationships. When properly composed and compensated, the board of directors, an important corporate governance mechanism, plays an efficient monitoring role, reducing agency cost. Exploring board connections and remuneration of the top 100 listed firms in the Stock Exchange of Thailand as a case study, we find evidence supporting agency cost of board connections such that politically connected board members are paid higher. However, politically connected board members play an effective monitoring role in setting top management pay, supporting stewardship and resource dependency theories. Our case study highlights the importance of balancing boards of directors' compositions and remunerations to achieve CSR outcomes and value creation among stakeholders.
Systemic nonbiologic treatments for hidradenitis suppurativa
Authors: Greif Charlotte , Gibson Ruby S. , Porter Martina L.
Published: January 2022

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a severe and painful chronic dermatologic condition affecting hair follicles with a significant negative impact on patient quality of life. Effective treatment of HS has proven challenging and often involves multiple modalities. These include topical treatments, systemic antibiotics, retinoids, hormonal therapies, biologic and nonbiologic immunosuppressants, small molecule inhibitors, surgery, and photodynamic/radiation therapy. This review outlines the nonbiologic systemic therapies for HS and describes the latest research on these therapies. Therapies covered in this review include systemic antibiotics, retinoids, hormonal therapies, nonbiologic immunosuppressants, and small molecule inhibitors.
Surgical management of hidradenitis suppurativa: A review of techniques, data, and future directions
Authors: Klufas Daniel M. , Saylor Drew K.
Published: January 2022

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a debilitating, chronic dermatologic condition that when left untreated can lead to irreversible structural changes in the skin, often manifesting as subcutaneous tunnels, defined as linear tracts that may open onto the skin surface. While medical management may delay architectural damage to the skin, for those patients whose disease has progressed past the point of medical intervention and irreversible tissue damage is present, surgical treatment is a critical component in disease management. Various surgical treatment modalities such as unroofing and excision exist to treat HS surgically, however, the data regarding efficacy and surgical outcomes for these techniques is heterogeneously reported and often of low quality. As such, it is difficult to assess this data and determine what the best surgical option is for an individual patient. This manuscript will focus on categorizing the various types of surgical procedures used in the surgical and procedural management of HS, summarize data on outcomes measures of various treatment modalities, identify current gaps in the literature regarding HS surgery, and outline the necessary steps to address these gaps to standardize and improve the surgical care of all HS patients.
N‐Heterocyclic and Mesoionic Carbenes of Manganese and Rhenium in Catalysis
Authors: Friães Sofia , Realista Sara , Mourão Henrique , Royo Beatriz
Published: January 2022

The use of N‐heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) in manganese and rhenium catalysis is underdeveloped in comparison to other transition metals. Herein, we cover the recent and stimulating progress in homogeneous catalysis using Mn‐NHC complexes, namely in hydrosilylation, hydrogenation, and borrowing hydrogen processes. Of particular interest is the application of Mn and Re NHC catalysts in the electrochemical and photochemical reduction of CO2.
Wild genes boost the survival of captive‐bred individuals in the wild
Authors: Sahashi Genki , Morita Kentaro
Published: January 2022

Captive‐breeding programs are actively engaged in conservation and resource enhancement for a variety of species around the world, yet captive‐bred individuals often experience reduced fitness in the wild due to inbreeding and adaptation to captivity. Increasing wild‐type genetic contributions has been proposed as one solution to this problem, but the demographic impacts of these contributions remain unclear. Using data from long‐term mass‐marking programs conducted by national hatcheries in Japan, we evaluated the effects of wild genes in the parental generation on the survival of captive‐bred populations. Our results indicated that increasing the percentage of wild genes improves survival of captive‐bred offspring in the wild in two salmonid species. These findings offer insights for future bioresource management efforts that use both wild and captive‐bred individuals.
Decontamination technologies for medicinal and aromatic plants: A review
Authors: Rahmati Edris , Khoshtaghaza Mohammad Hadi , Banakar Ahmad , Ebadi Mohammad‐Taghi
Published: January 2022

Microbial quality assurance has always been an important subject in the production, trade, and consumption of medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs). Most MAPs have therapeutic and nutritional properties due to the presence of active substances such as essential oils, flavonoids, alkaloids, etc. However, MAPs can become infected with microorganisms due to poor hygienic conditions during cultivation and postharvest processes. This problem reduces the shelf life and effective ingredients of the product. To overcome these problems, several technologies such as using ethylene oxide gas, gamma irradiation, and steam heating have been used. However, these technologies have disadvantages such as the formation of toxic by‐products, low consumer acceptance, or may have a negative effect on the quality of MAPs. This requires a need for novel decontamination technology which can effectively reduce the biological contamination and minimize the food quality losses. In recent years, new technologies such as ozonation, cold plasma, ultraviolet, infrared, microwave, radiofrequency and combination of these technologies have been developed. In this review, biological contamination of MAPs and technologies used for their decontamination were studied. Also, the mechanism of inactivation of microorganisms and the efficacy of decontamination techniques on the qualitative and microbial characteristics of MAPs were investigated.
Effect of electromagnetic field on the thermal performance of longitudinal trapezoidal porous fin using DTM–Pade approximant
Authors: Varun Kumar R. S. , Sarris I. E. , Sowmya G. , Madhukesh J. K. , Prasannakumara B. C.
Published: January 2022

The heat transfer and thermal distribution through porous fins have gotten a lot of attention in recent years due to their extensive applications in the manufacturing and engineering field. In porous fins, the impact of magnetic field aids in improved heat transfer enhancement. Also, the combination of an electric effect and a magnetic field considerably enhances heat transfer. In this direction, the thermal distribution through a convective–radiative longitudinal trapezoidal porous fin with the impact of an internal heat source and an electromagnetic field is discussed in the present analysis. The governing heat equation is nondimensionalized with nondimensional terms, and the transformed nonlinear ordinary differential equation is solved analytically using the DTM–Pade approximant algorithm. Furthermore, the graphical discussion is presented to explore the impact of various nondimensional parameters, such as convection‐conduction parameter, fin taper ratio, thermomagnetic field, radiation–conduction parameter, internal heat generation parameter, and thermoelectrical field on the temperature gradient of the fin. The investigation's key findings disclose that as the magnitude of the convection–conduction parameter, fin taper ratio, and radiation–conduction parameter increase, the thermal distribution through the fin reduces. The thermal distribution inside the fin increases for the heat‐generating parameter, thermoelectric, and thermomagnetic fields.
Neurogenic and pericytic plasticity of conditionally immortalized cells derived from renal erythropoietin‐producing cells
Authors: Bapst Andreas M. , Knöpfel Thomas , Nolan Karen A. , Imeri Faik , Schuh Claus D. , Hall Andrew M. , Guo Jia , Katschinski Dörthe M. , Wenger Roland H.
Published: January 2022

In adult mammals, the kidney is the main source of circulating erythropoietin (Epo), the master regulator of erythropoiesis. In vivo data in mice demonstrated multiple subtypes of interstitial renal Epo‐producing (REP) cells. To analyze the differentiation plasticity of fibroblastoid REP cells, we used a transgenic REP cell reporter mouse model to generate conditionally immortalized REP‐derived (REPD) cell lines. Under nonpermissive conditions, REPD cells ceased from proliferation and acquired a stem cell‐like state, with strongly enhanced hypoxia‐inducible factor 2 (HIF‐2α), stem cell antigen 1 (SCA‐1), and CD133 expression, but also enhanced alpha‐smooth muscle actin (αSMA) expression, indicating myofibroblastic signaling. These cells maintained the “on‐off” nature of Epo expression observed in REP cells in vivo, whereas other HIF target genes showed a more permanent regulation. Like REP cells in vivo, REPD cells cultured in vitro generated long tunneling nanotubes (TNTs) that aligned with endothelial vascular structures, were densely packed with mitochondria and became more numerous under hypoxic conditions. Although inhibition of mitochondrial oxygen consumption blunted HIF signaling, removal of the TNTs did not affect or even enhance the expression of HIF target genes. Apart from pericytes, REPD cells readily differentiated into neuroglia but not adipogenic, chondrogenic, or osteogenic lineages, consistent with a neuronal origin of at least a subpopulation of REP cells. In summary, these results suggest an unprecedented combination of differentiation features of this unique cell type.
Relational frame theory 20 years on: The Odysseus voyage and beyond
Authors: Barnes‐Holmes Dermot , Harte Colin
Published: January 2022

The seminal text on relational frame theory (RFT) was published 20 years ago and purported to offer a single overarching behavior‐analytic account of human language and cognition. In the years thereafter, an increasing number of empirical and conceptual articles, book chapters in edited volumes, and whole volumes devoted to the account emerged. In recent years, RFT has experienced a period of intense empirical and conceptual development, facilitated in part by a research grant awarded by the Flanders Science Foundation, under its Odysseus program. This research program aimed to advance and extend the RFT account beyond the rendition presented in the seminal Hayes et al. (2001) volume. The current article aims to provide an overview of this research program, the empirical work and concepts it gave rise to, and their implications for an RFT account of human symbolic language and cognition. Overall, therefore, the article provides an account of relatively recent developments in RFT that extend beyond the 2001 volume and thus will, we hope, inform future research and critiques of the theory going forward.
Elevated loading at the posterior acetabular edge of dysplastic hips during double‐legged squat
Authors: Song Ke , Pascual‐Garrido Cecilia , Clohisy John C. , Harris Michael D.
Published: January 2022

Hips with developmental dysplasia (DDH) are at a heightened risk of premature hip osteoarthritis, which is often expedited by mechanically induced articular tissue damage. A prevalent form of damage in DDH is labral tears caused by abnormal loading at the shallow acetabular edge. Although the majority of reported DDH‐related labral tears occur in the antero‐superior acetabulum, posterior labral tears are prevalent in individuals whose lifestyle involves frequent high hip flexion tasks such as squatting. To better understand region‐specific risks for chondrolabral damage during high hip flexion, we used image‐based musculoskeletal models to compare acetabular edge loading (AEL) during double‐legged squat between hips with symptomatic DDH (n = 10) and healthy controls (n = 10). Compared to controls, hips with DDH had higher instantaneous posterior AEL at the lowest point of squat (2.6 vs. 1.8 ×BW, p ≤ 0.04), and higher accumulative loading across the duration of the squatting motion (2.6 vs. 1.9 ×BW*s, p ≤ 0.04). Elevated posterior AEL coincided with increased net hip extension moments and posterior joint reaction forces, and was correlated with the severity of DDH acetabular deformity. Our findings suggest that posterior AEL is elevated in hips with symptomatic DDH during double‐legged squat, which may contribute to chondrolabral damage in individuals who often perform such high hip flexion tasks. Clinical evaluation of DDH should consider patient‐specific anatomy and lifestyle factors when establishing diagnoses and planning personalized treatment.
Chiral separation using cyclodextrins as mobile phase additives in open‐tubular liquid chromatography with a pseudophase coating
Authors: Yu Raymond B. , Quirino Joselito P.
Published: January 2022

The chiral separation of various analytes (dichlorprop, mecoprop, ibuprofen, and ketoprofen) was demonstrated with different cyclodextrins as mobile phase additives in open‐tubular liquid chromatography using a stationary pseudophase semipermanent coating. The stable coating was prepared by a successive multiple ionic layer approach using poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride), polystyrene sulfonate, and didodecyldimethyl ammonium bromide. Increasing concentrations (0–0.2 mM) of various native and derivatized cyclodextrins in 25 mM sodium tetraborate (pH 9.2) were investigated. Chiral separation was achieved for the four test analytes using 0.05–0.1 mM β‐cyclodextrin (resolution between 1.11 and 1.34), γ‐cyclodextrin (resolution between 0.78 and 1.27), carboxymethyl‐β‐cyclodextrin (resolution between 1.64 and 2.59), and 2‐hydroxypropyl‐β‐cyclodextrin (resolution between 0.71 and 1.76) with the highest resolutions obtained with 0.1 mM carboxymethyl‐β‐cyclodextrin. %RSD values were <10%. This is the first demonstration of chiral open‐tubular liquid chromatography using achiral chromatographic coatings and cyclodextrins as mobile phase additives.
Finding fishers: determining fisher occupancy in the Northern Rocky Mountains
Authors: Krohner Jessica M. , Lukacs Paul M. , Inman Robert , Sauder Joel D. , Gude Justin A. , Mosby Cory , Coltrane Jessica A. , Mowry Rebecca A. , Millspaugh Joshua J.
Published: January 2022

Monitoring rare and elusive carnivores is inherently challenging because they often occur at low densities and require more resources to effectively assess status and trend. The fisher (Pekania pennanti) is an elusive mesocarnivore endemic to North America; in its western populations it is classified as a species of greatest conservation need. During winter of 2018–2019, we deployed remotely triggered cameras in randomly selected, spatially balanced 7.5‐km × 7.5‐km grid cells across a broad study area in western Montana, Idaho, and eastern Washington, USA. As part of this large‐scale, multi‐state monitoring effort, we conducted an occupancy assessment of the Northern Rocky Mountain fisher population at a range‐wide scale. We used non‐spatial occupancy models to determine the current extent of fisher occurrence in the Northern Rocky Mountains and to provide baseline occupancy estimates across a broad study area and a refined sampling frame for future monitoring. We used a spatial occupancy model to determine patterns in fisher occurrence across their Northern Rocky Mountain range while explicitly correcting for spatially induced overdispersion. Additionally, we assessed factors that influenced fisher occurrence through covariate occupancy modeling that considered predicted fisher habitat, site‐level environmental characteristics, and the influence of available harvest records (incidental and regulated). We detected fishers in 32 out of 318 (10%) of our surveyed cells, and estimated that overall, 160 (14%; 95% CI = 115–218) of 1,143 grid cells were occupied by fishers. Fisher occupancy was positively associated with our stratum that contained cells with a greater proportion of predicted fisher habitat and with proximity to nearest 2000–2015 harvest location. Fisher occupancy was weakly and positively associated with increased canopy cover. Our spatial model identified 2 areas with higher predicted occupancy: a large area across the Idaho Nez Perce‐Clearwater National Forest, and a smaller area in the Cabinet Mountain Range crossing the northern border of Idaho and Montana. We used spatial occupancy results from our original sampling frame to create a biologically derived refined sampling frame for future monitoring. Within the bounds of our refined sampling frame, we estimated that 155 (22%; 95% CI = 110–209) of 700 grid cells were occupied by fishers. By incorporating our increasing understanding of fisher habitat with contemporary analytical techniques, we defined current range‐wide occupancy of the Northern Rocky Mountain fisher population, identified core areas of fisher occurrence for future conservation efforts, and used our model results to create a refined sampling frame for future fisher monitoring in the Northern Rocky Mountains.
A Protein Composite Neural Scaffold Modulates Astrocyte Migration and Transcriptome Profile
Authors: Yao Li , Brice Ryan , Shippy Teresa
Published: January 2022

Bioscaffold implantation is a promising approach to facilitate the repair and regeneration of wounded neural tissue after injury to the spinal cord or peripheral nerves. However, such bioscaffold grafts currently result in only limited functional recovery. The generation of a neural scaffold using a combination of collagen and glutenin is reported. The conduit material and mechanical properties, as well as its effect on astrocyte behavior is tested. After neural injuries, astrocytes move into the lesion and participate in the process of remodeling the micro‐architecture of the wounded neural tissue. In this study, human astrocytes grown on glutenin‐collagen scaffolds show higher motility and a lower proliferation rate compared with those grown on collagen scaffolds. RNA sequencing reveals that astrocytes grown on the two types of scaffolds show differentially expressed genes in Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways such as actin cytoskeleton and focal adhesion that regulate astrocyte migration on scaffolds. The gene expression of aggrecan and versican, chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans that inhibit axonal growth, is down‐regulated in astrocytes grown on glutenin‐collagen scaffolds. These outcomes indicate that the implantation of glutenin‐collagen scaffolds may promote astrocyte function in the neural regeneration process by enhanced cell migration and reduced glial scar formation.
Studying Activated Fibroblast Phenotypes and Fibrosis‐Linked Mechanosensing Using 3D Biomimetic Models
Authors: Paradiso Francesca , Quintela Marcos , Lenna Stefania , Serpelloni Stefano , James David , Caserta Sergio , Conlan Steve , Francis Lewis , Taraballi Francesca
Published: January 2022

Fibrosis and solid tumor progression are closely related, with both involving pathways associated with chronic wound dysregulation. Fibroblasts contribute to extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling in these processes, a crucial step in scarring, organ failure, and tumor growth, but little is known about the biophysical evolution of remodeling regulation during the development and progression of matrix‐related diseases including fibrosis and cancer. A 3D collagen‐based scaffold model is employed here to mimic mechanical changes in normal (2 kPa, soft) versus advanced pathological (12 kPa, stiff) tissues. Activated fibroblasts grown on stiff scaffolds show lower migration and increased cell circularity compared to those on soft scaffolds. This is reflected in gene expression profiles, with cells cultured on stiff scaffolds showing upregulated DNA replication, DNA repair, and chromosome organization gene clusters, and a concomitant loss of ability to remodel and deposit ECM. Soft scaffolds can reproduce biophysically meaningful microenvironments to investigate early stage processes in wound healing and tumor niche formation, while stiff scaffolds can mimic advanced fibrotic and cancer stages. These results establish the need for tunable, affordable 3D scaffolds as platforms for aberrant stroma research and reveal the contribution of physiological and pathological microenvironment biomechanics to gene expression changes in the stromal compartment.
Self‐Organization Formation of Multicellular Spheroids Mediated by Mechanically Tunable Hydrogel Platform: Toward Revealing the Synergy of Chemo‐ and Noninvasive Photothermal Therapy against Colon Microtumor
Authors: Zhang Yi , Guo Zhao‐bin , Nie Yu‐min , Feng Guan‐ping , Deng Man‐jiao , Hu Yi‐min , Zhang Hui‐jie , Zhao Yin‐yi , Feng Yi‐wei , Yu Ting‐ting , Hu Ke
Published: January 2022

Three‐dimensional (3D) tumor cell culture offers a more tissue‐recapitulating model in cancer treatment evaluation. However, conventional models based on cell‐substrate adhesion deprivation are still of insufficient real tumor mimic. In this work, a novel method is proposed for inducing multicellular spheroids (MCSs) formation based on hydrogel with tunable microenvironmental properties. Colon tumor cells DLD1 cultured on hydrogel substrate with proper physical stimulation form MCSs via self‐organization. Chemotherapy based on clinical drug and far‐infrared photothermal therapy is evaluated with DLD1 MCSs obtained by this method. The synergism of chemotherapy and noninvasive photothermal therapy based on graphene device is further verified in MCSs model and it is believed this method holds potential in in vitro anti‐tumor strategies evaluation for precision medicine.
Combined Use of Otolith Morphometry and Microchemistry to Study the Origin of Spring-Spawning Atlantic Herring in the St. Lawrence Estuary and the Gulf of St. Lawrence
Authors: Couillard Catherine M. , Maltais Domynick , Lazartigues Angélique , Sirois Pascal
Published: January 2022

An important goal for the conservation of marine fish metapopulations is to maintain the diversity of components spawning in areas subjected to different environmental pressures. The usefulness of otolith morphometry combined with microchemistry to generate new information on the diversity of spawning components was assessed in declining spring-spawning Atlantic Herring Clupea harengus in the St. Lawrence Estuary (SLE), Restigouche Estuary and adjacent areas (RE), and southern and northern Gulf of St. Lawrence (SGSL and NGSL). Mature Atlantic Herring (6–10 years old) were captured during the spring spawning season from 2013 to 2015 at nine sites with different salinity and temperature conditions along estuarine–marine and southern–northern gradients. Otoliths were measured by image analysis, and various shape indices were calculated. Elemental concentrations (Sr, Ba, and Mg) in the otolith cores were measured using laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Natal groups were inferred by hierarchical clustering analysis conducted on shape and microchemical variables separately or combined. Both types of analysis indicated the presence of two main natal groups: one predominant in the SLE and the other predominant in the RE. Proportions of fish having the characteristics of each natal source decreased with increasing distances from the head of the SLE and RE, respectively. Shape analysis provided higher discrimination in the SLE/NGSL, revealing temporal stability of a specific “pygmy” morphotype in the SLE that was previously described in the 1980s and 1990s. Microchemical analysis was more discriminating in the RE/SGSL, revealing a group of fish within the RE that had low Sr in the otolith core. Thus, otolith morphometry and microchemistry provided concordant and complementary information on natal groups, and both markers indicated the potential importance of estuaries as nursery grounds for the recovery of spring-spawning Atlantic Herring stocks in the SGSL and NGSL.
Investigations on tensile and flexural behaviors of sugarcane fiber/boron nitride/fly ash reinforced polymer matrix composite
Authors: Bhardwaj Pradhyumn , Panjabi Rohit Omprakash , Nade Omkar Ashok , Gopalan Venkatachalam , Pragasam Vignesh , Salunke Dinesh Ramesh
Published: January 2022

The scientific world always encourages researchers for new material development. This work makes an attempt to develop new epoxy polymer composite with reinforcements from reusable/recyclable/biodegradable materials. Fly ash, boron nitride (BN) and sugarcane fiber are reusable/recyclable/biodegradable materials used as reinforcements in this composite. This work attempts to investigate the influences of wt% of reinforcements such as fly ash, BN, and sugarcane fiber on tensile and flexural behaviors of composite. In order to prepare composite samples with different wt% of reinforcements, one of design of experiment approaches, response surface methodology (RSM) is used. In RSM, central composite design model is utilized to get the composition of different reinforcements in composite samples. Analysis of variance is employed to find the effect of wt% of different reinforcements on tensile and flexural behaviors of composite. To study filler interaction and morphology, scanning electron microscope, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy tests are carried out. Results disclose that level of influences of BN and fly ash are significant for tensile and flexural behaviors respectively.
Intensive care unit‐acquired weakness and the COVID‐19 pandemic: A clinical review
Authors: Qin Evelyn S. , Hough Catherine L. , Andrews James , Bunnell Aaron E.
Published: January 2022

Patients with severe cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) often become critically ill requiring intensive care unit (ICU) management. These individuals are at risk for developing ICU‐acquired weakness (ICUAW), a multifactorial condition in which polyneuropathy, myopathy, and/or disuse muscle atrophy result in motor weakness. This weakness is thought to contribute to the long‐term functional disability frequently observed in survivors of critical illness. This review discusses the current evidence regarding the epidemiology, pathophysiology, evaluation, risk factors, and rehabilitation‐specific management of ICUAW in patients with COVID‐19. Because of the novelty of COVID‐19, the exact prevalence of ICUAW is not well delineated among COVID‐19 patients. However, ICUAW has been reported in this population with retrospective studies showing weakness occurring in up to 45.5% of patients with severe COVID‐19. There are multiple risk factors for developing ICUAW among COVID‐19 patients, including premorbid health status, sepsis, multiple organ failure, mechanical ventilation, immobilization, neuromuscular blockade, corticosteroid use, and glycemic control. ICUAW is more likely to occur after prolonged mechanical ventilation and long hospital stays and can be diagnosed with manual muscle and electrodiagnostic testing. Although the long‐term sequela of COVID‐19 after ICU stays is not fully studied, increasing evidence indicates significant risk for this population developing long‐term functional impairments. Establishing postacute rehabilitation programs for COVID‐19 survivors will be important for recovery of endurance, mobility, and function.
Lactic acid photochemistry following excitation of S0 to S1 at 220 to 250 nm
Authors: Deal Alexandra M. , Frandsen Benjamin N. , Vaida Veronica
Published: January 2022

Lactic acid, a small α‐hydroxy acid, is a multifunctional molecule that is prevalent on modern Earth and found in abiotic environments. Recently, there has been interest in the photochemistry of carboxylic acids in general. Specifically, the photochemistry of lactic acid, due to its prevalence and functionality, has garnered attention by the biomass valorization and abiotic chemistry communities. However, aqueous lactic acid photochemistry studies are limited, and gas‐phase lactic acid photolysis had not been performed. This work combines theory and experiments to explore the gas‐phase and aqueous phase photochemistry of lactic acid following excitation of S0 to S1 at 220–250 nm. We find that lactic acid primarily photodecomposes via decarboxylation in both phases. In the gas phase, secondary chemistry leads to mainly CO2 and CO, while in the aqueous phase, subsequent radical chemistry leads to a variety of products with one to four carbons. Isotopic substitutions, including the use of 13C tagged lactic acid and using D2O as a solvent, are used to infer mechanistic pathways for the major photolysis products. Computation shows that individual conformers may contribute to the overall photochemistry to a different degree than their relative abundance would suggest. The identified products and proposed mechanisms shown here serve to illustrate the photochemistry of lactic acid in the presence of high‐energy ultraviolet radiation. This knowledge may aid process and catalyst design for biomass valorization/organic synthesis and may provide insight into abiotic chemistry in environments exposed to high energy ultraviolet radiation.
Optical, Structural, and Mechanical Properties of Gd3Ga5O12 Single Crystals Irradiated with 84Kr+ Ions
Authors: Karipbayev Zhakyp T. , Kumarbekov Kuat , Manika Ilze , Dauletbekova Alma , Kozlovskiy Artem L. , Sugak Dmitro , Ubizskii Sergei B. , Akilbekov Abdirash , Suchikova Yana , Popov Anatoli I.
Published: January 2022

Herein, the optical absorption, X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis data, and mechanical properties along the ion path are analyzed for gadolinium gallium garnet (Gd3Ga5O12 or GGG) single crystals irradiated with fast 84Kr ions to fluences of 1013–1014 ion cm−2. It is found that the optical absorption spectra of Czochralski‐grown unirradiated GGG crystal consist of relatively narrow lines in the UV spectral range associated with the 4f–4f transitions in Gd3+ ions. Transitions from the 6S7/2 ground state to the 6P, 6J, and 6D states in the Gd3+ cation are visible. An additional absorption band is also observed at 350 nm, which is associated with an uncontrolled Ca impurity. In irradiated GGG single crystals, a shift of the fundamental absorption edge by ≈30 nm to the long‐wavelength part of the spectrum is observed. The observed changes are caused by structural disturbances caused by depletion of the surface layer and an increase in the number of displaced atoms accompanied by an increase in the crystal lattice parameter. XRD analysis shows the presence of size effects and deformation of interplanar distances due to the displacement of atoms from the sites of the crystal lattice with subsequent migration. Hardness measurements show ion‐induced softening, which may be due to ion‐induced amorphization.
Ensemble Kalman filter based data assimilation for tropical waves in the MJO skeleton model
Authors: Gleiter Tabea , Janjić Tijana , Chen Nan
Published: January 2022

The Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) is the dominant component of tropical intraseasonal variability, with wide‐reaching impacts even on extratropical weather and climate patterns. However, predicting the MJO is challenging. One reason is the suboptimal state estimates obtained with standard data assimilation (DA) approaches. These are typically based on filtering methods with Gaussian approximations and do not take into account physical properties that are important specifically for the MJO. In this article, a constrained ensemble DA method is applied to study the impact of different physical constraints on the state estimation and prediction of the MJO. The quadratic programming ensemble (QPEns) algorithm utilized extends the standard stochastic ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF) with specifiable constraints on the updates of all ensemble members. This allows us to recover physically more consistent states and to respect possible associated non‐Gaussian statistics. The study is based on identical twin experiments with an adopted nonlinear model for tropical intraseasonal variability. This so‐called skeleton model succeeds in reproducing the main large‐scale features of the MJO and closely related tropical waves, while keeping adequate simplicity for fast experiments on intraseasonal time‐scales. Conservation laws and other crucial physical properties from the model are examined as constraints in the QPEns. Our results demonstrate an overall improvement in the filtering and forecast skill when the model's total energy is conserved in the initial conditions. The degree of benefit is found to be dependent on the observational setup and the strength of the model's nonlinear dynamics. It is also shown that, even in cases where the statistical error in some waves remains comparable with the stochastic EnKF during the DA stage, their prediction is improved remarkably when using the initial state resulting from the QPEns.
Understanding the Shell Passivation in Ln3+‐Doped Luminescent Nanocrystals
Authors: Shi Rui , Brites Carlos D. S. , Carlos Luís D.
Published: January 2022

Surface quenching is the main reason limiting the luminescence performance of Ln3+‐doped nanocrystals and their practical applications. Although the shell passivation strategy effectively improves the luminescence efficiency, the understanding of the relevant passivation mechanisms remains elusive and contradictory explanations are often proposed. Herein, the context of debates on this topic is reviewed emphasizing that the discordant viewpoints are probably due to the lack of consideration of chemical disorders such as shell inhomogeneity, core–shell element intermixing, and inhomogeneous dopant distribution in the crystals. A clear awareness of the extent of these chemical disorders and their deleterious impact on the luminescence properties of the nanocrystals (intensified by the energy migration process) is crucial to avoid misinterpretations of the experimental findings.
Simulation of deep eutectic solvents: Progress to promises
Authors: Velez Caroline , Acevedo Orlando
Published: January 2022

Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) are binary or ternary mixtures of compounds that possess significant melting point depressions relative to the pure isolated components. The discovery of DESs has been a major breakthrough with multiple fields benefitting from their low cost and tunable physiochemical properties. However, tailoring DESs for specific applications through their practically unlimited synthetic combinations can be as much a hindrance as a benefit given the expense and time‐required to perform large‐scale experimental measurements. This emphasizes the need for fast computational tools capable of making accurate predictions of DES physiochemical properties exclusively from molecular structure. Yet, these systems are not trivial to model or simulate at the atomic level given their exceedingly nonideal behaviors, asymmetry of components, and the complexity of their molecular electrostatic interactions. Despite the challenge, computational reports featuring quantum mechanical (QM) methods have provided significant understanding into the relationship between the melting point depression and the unique and complex hydrogen bond network present in DESs. Classical molecular dynamics (MD) methods have examined bulk‐phase solvent organization in conjunction with thermodynamic and transport properties. Machine learning (ML) algorithms have shown great potential as structure–property prediction tools. Overall, this review highlights computational accomplishments that have meaningfully advanced our understanding of DESs and strives to give the reader a sense of the overall strengths and drawbacks of the methodologies employed while hinting at promises of advances to come.

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Software > Simulation Methods
Latina Adolescent Suicide Attempts: A Review of Familial, Cultural, and Community Protective and Risk Factors
Authors: Hausmann-Stabile Carolina , Gulbas Lauren E.
Published: January 2022

In this chapter, we review and summarize what is known about the familial, cultural, and community protective and risk factors for suicide attempts among Latina adolescents. We begin by describing epidemiological findings about the suicidal behaviors of Latina adolescents living in the United States, then briefly discuss the dominant theoretical frameworks and summarize research findings in this area of scholarship. Research has focused primarily on family functioning, explaining it in terms of culture and acculturation. Family closeness, communication, and harmony reduce the risk of suicide attempts, while family conflicts increase it. Experiences of violence at home (e.g., physical abuse) or at school (e.g., bullying) increase the risk of attempted suicide. The significance of cultural values, such as familism, and the role of acculturation in suicidal behaviors is complex, nuanced, and poorly understood. Despite numerous theoretical suggestions of the cultural basis of this phenomenon, there are no definitive answers about the intragroup dynamics shaping protections and risks for suicide attempts. To move the field forward, interdisciplinary and mixed methods research could compare the suicide attempts of different groups of teens to those of Latinas to identify universal and context-specific intervention targets.
Selling Beautiful Births: The Use of Evidence by Brazil’s Humanised Birth Movement
Authors: Irvine Lucy C.
Published: January 2022

Maternal health care continues to be excessively medicalised in many national health systems. Global, national, and local level policy initiatives seek to normalise low-risk birth and optimise the use of clinical interventions, informed by strong evidence supporting care that is centred on women’s preferences and needs. Challenges remain in translating evidence into practice in settings where care is primarily clinician-led and hospital-based, such as in Brazil.

I conducted an ethnography of the movement for humanised care in childbirth in São Paulo between 2015 and 2018. I draw on interviews and focus groups with movement members (including mothers, doulas, midwives, obstetricians, politicians, programme leads, and researchers), and observations in health facilities implementing humanised protocols, state health council meetings, and key policy fora (including conferences, campaigning events, and social media). Key actors in this movement have been involved in the development and implementation of evidence-based policy programmes to “humanise” childbirth. Scientific evidence is used strategically alongside rights-based language, such as “obstetric violence”, to legitimise moral and ideological aims. When faced with resistance from pro-c-section doctors, movement members make use of other strategies to improve access to quality care, such as stimulating demand for humanised birth in the private health sector. In Brazil, this has led to a greater public awareness of the risks of the excessive medicalisation of birth but can reinforce existing inequalities in access to high-quality maternity care. Lessons might be drawn that have wider relevance in settings where policymakers are trying to reduce iatrogenic harm from unnecessary interventions in childbirth and for supporters of normal birth working to reduce barriers to access to midwifery-led, woman-centred care.
Conflicted Reproductive Governance: The Co-existence of Rights-Based Approaches and Coercion in India’s Family Planning Policies
Authors: Unnithan Maya
Published: January 2022

India’s current population policy is situated between two conflicting discourses of population management, one that is governed by a demographic rationale advocating strict State regulation of fertility, and the other that is delineated by a rights-based framework that promotes individual reproductive choice and bodily autonomy. In this chapter, I show how this conflicted policy discourse becomes supportive of processes that empower the State, rather than facilitate reproductive autonomy among claimants on the ground. The chapter draws on textual analysis of policy and programme documents and discussions with health providers, users and policy makers during long-term fieldwork in the state of Rajasthan. I show that, in their role in promoting regional state directives on reproductive health policies, health workers are at once agents and subjects of State policy processes and of their community’s ideologies, preferences and practices related to childbirth and reproductive care. It is in their work and embodied practice of family planning that we most clearly evidence the implications of ‘conflicted reproductive governance’. When health workers struggle for their own remuneration and recognition, the State’s rights-based health policy objectives will remain unreachable.
Exchange rate parities and Taylor rule deviations
Authors: Anderl Christina , Caporale Guglielmo Maria
Published: January 2022

This paper investigates the PPP and UIP conditions by taking into account possible nonlinearities as well as the role of Taylor rule deviations under alternative monetary policy frameworks. The analysis is conducted using monthly data from January 1993 to December 2020 for five inflation-targeting countries (the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Sweden) and three non-targeting ones (the USA, the Euro Area and Switzerland). Both a benchmark linear VECM and a nonlinear Threshold VECM are estimated; the latter includes Taylor rule deviations as the threshold variable. The results can be summarized as follows. First, the nonlinear specification provides much stronger evidence for the PPP and UIP conditions, the estimated adjustment speed towards equilibrium being twice as fast. Second, Taylor rule deviations play an important role: the adjustment speed is twice as fast when deviations are small and the credibility of the central bank is higher. Third, inflation targeting tends to generate a higher degree of credibility for the monetary authorities, thereby reducing deviations of the exchange rate from the PPP- and UIP-implied equilibrium.
In situ quantification of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) and biomass in Cupriavidus necator by a fluorescence spectroscopic assay
Authors: Kettner Alexander , Noll Matthias , Griehl Carola
Published: January 2022

Fluorescence spectroscopy offers a cheap, simple, and fast approach to monitor poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) formation, a biodegradable polymer belonging to the biodegradable polyester class polyhydroxyalkanoates. In the present study, a fluorescence and side scatter-based spectroscopic setup was developed to monitor in situ biomass, and PHB formation of biotechnological applied Cupriavidus necator strain. To establish PHB quantification of C. necator, the dyes 2,2-difluoro-4,6,8,10,12-pentamethyl-3-aza-1-azonia-2-boranuidatricyclo[7.3.0.03,7]dodeca-1(12),4,6,8,10-pentaene (BODIPY493/503), ethyl 5-methoxy-1,2-bis(3-methylbut-2-enyl)-3-oxoindole-2-carboxylate (LipidGreen2), and 9-(diethylamino)benzo[a]phenoxazin-5-one (Nile red) were compared with each other. Fluorescence staining efficacy was obtained through 3D-excitation-emission matrix and design of experiments. The coefficients of determination were ≥ 0.98 for all three dyes and linear to the high-pressure liquid chromatography obtained PHB content, and the side scatter to the biomass concentration. The fluorescence correlation models were further improved by the incorporation of the biomass-related side scatter. Afterward, the resulting regression fluorescence models were successfully applied to nitrogen-deficit, phosphor-deficit, and NaCl-stressed C. necator cultures. The highest transferability of the regression models was shown by using LipidGreen2. The novel approach opens a tailor-made way for a fast and simultaneous detection of the crucial biotechnological parameters biomass and PHB content during fermentation.

Key points

• Intracellular quantification of PHB and biomass using fluorescence spectroscopy.

• Optimizing fluorescence staining conditions and 3D-excitation-emission matrix.

• PHB was best obtained by LipidGreen2, followed by BODIPDY493/503 and Nile red.

Graphical abstract