bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Standardization of Gowthamar chooranam – A Polyherbal Siddha Formulations in the Management of Swasakasam (Bronchial Asthma)
Authors: Anitha Kalaivani M.  , Shamshalniha S.  , Anbu N.
Published: September 2023

Background: Siddha medicine is a unique one as it is not only a curative but also preventive and to achieve the healthy body and mind. Siddha medicines revitalize and rejuvenate the body. Bronchial asthma, characterized by chronic airway obstruction and increased airway hyper responsiveness leads to symptoms of wheeze, cough, chest tightness and difficulty in breathing. It affecting any age, race and socio-economic class globally and its prevalence is changing upwards worldwide. The increase in prevalence may be due to changes in lifestyle, rapid industrialization, tobacco, smoke, viral infections, chemical irritants and increase in air pollution. Siddha, an ancient system of Indian Medicine has recommended a number of drugs for indigenous plant sources for the treatment of Bronchial Asthma. One among them is Siddha polyherbal formulation Gowthamar chooranam.

Aim: The aim of the present study was to identify the presence of bioactive phytocomponents in the Siddha polyherbal drug formulation Gowthamar chooranam by subjecting the drug to various studies like physicochemical analysis, phytochemical screening, and HPTLC.

Methods: The ingredients present in the Siddha polyherbal formulation Gowthamar chooranam was first authenticated by the botanist and was purified. The purified ingredients of the drug was grounded to make a powdered form. The prepared siddha polyherbal formulation Gowthamar chooranam was sent it to the lab for the physiochemical analysis, phytochemical screening and HPTLC. The mentioned physicochemical and phytochemical analysis was conducted at The Tamil Nadu Dr. MGR Medical University, located at No.69, Anna Salai, Guindy, Chennai – 600 032. The HPTLC was carried out at Noble Research Solutions in Kolathur, Chennai – 600 099.

Results: Physicochemical analysis of the study revealed 0.64% of loss on drying (LOD) at 1050C, 2.41% of total ash value, 0.8394% of acid insoluble ash, 1.65% of water soluble ash, 62.30% of water soluble extraction, 11.25% of Alcohol soluble extractive. Phytochemical screening showed the presence of bioactive compounds such as carbohydrates, saponin, phenols, tannin, flavonoids, diterpenes and Gum and mucilage. Seven distinct peaks are seen in the sample’s HPTLC finger printing examination, which indicates that it contains seven different phytocomponents. The highest Rf value of the peaks varies from 0.05 to 0.75.

Conclusion: The findings aid in determining the formulations of siddha polyherbal drug Gowthamar chooranam and it reveals the presence of physicochemical and phytochemical properties of the drug which ensures the safety and therapeutic potential in the management of Swasakaasam (Bronchial Asthma) The study drug can also be used as a reference norms for the medicine of standard pharmaceutical product and further quality control enquires. This study provides the evidence for future clinical studies.
The Demirci Phenomenon: A Novel Finding of Ivermectin Molecules on Eyelash and Demodex Folliculorum in the Lipid Environment
Authors: Demirci G.
Published: September 2023

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the acaricidal mechanism of ivermectin against Demodex folliculorum and observe its behavior in lipid media, focusing on its movement and selective interaction with the Demodex parasite.

Methods: Eyelash epilation was performed on an ocular rosacea patient, and 8 eyelashes were extracted, 4 from the lower eyelid and 4 from the upper eyelid. 4 eyelashes were exposed to 1% ivermectin solution under a coverslip, while the other 4 served as the control. A high-resolution digital microscope with a noncontact digital thermometer was utilized to monitor the entire process. The behavior of ivermectin molecules and their redistribution towards the Demodex parasite were recorded and analyzed.

Results: Upon exposure to 1% ivermectin solution, intriguing behavior of the drug molecules was observed. The ivermectin molecules moved towards the Demodex parasite, forming distinctive bubbles that effectively covered both the eyelash and the body of the Demodex. Saponification of the lipid within the Demodex and eyelashes occurred within 10 minutes. After one hour, the ivermectin bubbles and the empty, shrunken body of the Demodex remained. The acaricidal effect of ivermectin was rapid, predictable, and highly selective.

Conclusion: The study provides valuable insights into the acaricidal mechanism of ivermectin against Demodex folliculorum and demonstrates the unique behavior of ivermectin molecules in lipid media. The "Demirci Phenomenon" highlights the selective and targeted interaction of ivermectin with Demodex parasites. These findings may have implications for the development of anti-demodex medicine and suggest alternative therapeutic approaches for managing demodicosis.
Empirical Analysis of the Role of Population Mutations on Agricultural Productivity in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Tchekounteu Joseph Soh , Noula Armand Gilbert , Mbongo Louis de Berquin Eyike
Published: September 2023

This paper aims to analyze the role of population growth in the explanation of agricultural productivity in the context of Sub-Saharan African countries. Based on available data, we collected data on a sample of 24 Sub-Saharan African countries over the period 2000-2018. The empirical method consists of estimating an agricultural production function in turn by Generalized Least Squares (GMM) estimators on panel data and Generalized Moments (GLS) estimators in system. The results suggest that pesticide use is positively and significantly correlated (at the 1% threshold) with agricultural productivity in SSA. They also show that life expectancy at birth positively and significantly explain agricultural productivity in SSA. This means that the larger the population, the more important agricultural productivity is. The rural population is negatively correlated with agricultural productivity, reducing agricultural employment as rural populations migrate in search of better living conditions. We therefore suggest that African governments step up financial support programs for young people to limit the brain drain and encourage agricultural employment.
Fascismo e eugenia na Itália: a classe trabalhadora sob controle
Authors: Ducatti Ivan
Published: September 2023

A partir de análises de fontes da literatura historiográfica italiana sobre a questão eugênica, pode-se afirmar que a eugenia emergiu na Itália em 1912, se conectando ao movimento eugênico internacional. Foi um modelo de engenharia social fundado sob a dinâmica dos processos reprodutivos, que encontrou respaldo depois da Primeira Guerra Mundial. Com Mussolini, buscava-se uma transformação antropológica realizada em termos morais para regenerar em termos biológicos o que os fascistas consideravam as estirpes da classe trabalhadora. O fascismo italiano baniu o controle das características biológicas dos seres humanos, porém desenvolveu um controle assistido e contínuo – estatal – da maternidade e da infância, seguindo a lógica da subordinação do indivíduo aos interesses gerais, questão característica do fascismo. Busca-se, assim, a partir do método materialista histórico-dialético, compreender as determinações da formação eugênica na Itália.
Os Congressos Nacionais de Educação (CONEDs): perspectivas de unificação das lutas pela educação pública
Authors: Silva Juliana Argollo , Motta Vânia Cardoso
Published: September 2023

Este artigo analisa o novo ponto de partida do Fórum Nacional em Defesa da Escola Pública (FNDEP) no âmbito da construção dos Congressos Nacionais de Educação (CONEDs). Propõe compreender o protagonismo das entidades sindicais dos trabalhadores da educação frente a derrota da proposta de sistema nacional de educação unitário (SNE), devido a aprovação da Lei 9.394/1996. Para o presente estudo esta resolução do Fórum coloca o desafio de interpelar as entidades sindicais do campo educacional a partir da análise de dois elementos interligados. O primeiro diz respeito à iniciativa do FNDEP em construir consenso em torno do SNE. O segundo elemento está relacionado com o objetivo dos CONEDs em disputar hegemonia frente às políticas neoliberais.
Disputa de hegemonia na política para o ensino médio em Pernambuco: as lutas e a resistência docente
Authors: Morais Edima , Silva Jamerson Antonio Almeida da
Published: September 2023

O artigo analisa os mecanismos de disputa de hegemonia nas políticas educacionais para o ensino médio em Pernambuco, evidenciando como professores e sindicatos se posicionam e desenvolvem estratégias de contestação e/ou resistências às determinações dessas políticas. Nosso objetivo é analisar se na disputa de hegemonia o sindicato consegue estabelecer a sua direção intelectual e moral ou está subordinado à direção dos gestores da política. Há indícios de processos de transformismo e enfraquecimento do sindicato, como intelectual coletivo, para organizar e dirigir a luta dos docentes no contexto das políticas gerencialistas.
Medicaid Value-Based Payments and Health Care Use for Patients With Mental Illness
Authors: Lewis Ashley , Howland Renata E. , Horwitz Leora I. , Desai Sunita M.
Published: September 2023

Importance

Medicaid patients with mental illness comprise one of the most high-need and complex patient populations. Value-based reforms aim to improve care, but their efficacy in the Medicaid program is unclear.

Objective

To investigate if New York state’s Medicaid value-based payment reform was associated with improved utilization patterns for patients with mental illness.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This retrospective cohort study used a difference-in-differences analysis to compare changes in utilization between Medicaid beneficiaries whose outpatient practices participated in value-based payment reform and beneficiaries whose practices did not participate from before (July 1, 2013-June 30, 2015) to after reform (July 1, 2015-June 30, 2019). Participants were Medicaid beneficiaries in New York state aged 18 to 64 years with major depression disorder, bipolar disorder, and/or schizophrenia. Data analysis was performed from April 2021 to July 2023.

Exposure

Beneficiaries were exposed to value-based payment reforms if their attributed outpatient practice participated in value-based payment reform at baseline (July 1, 2015).

Main Outcomes and Measures

Primary outcomes were the number of outpatient primary care visits and the number of behavioral health visits per year. Secondary outcomes were the number of mental health emergency department visits and hospitalizations per year.

Results

The analytic population comprised 306 290 individuals with depression (67.4% female; mean [SD] age, 38.6 [11.9] years), 85 105 patients with bipolar disorder (59.6% female; mean [SD] age, 38.0 [11.6] years), and 71 299 patients with schizophrenia (45.1% female; mean [SD] age, 40.3 [12.2] years). After adjustment, analyses estimated a statistically significant, positive association between value-based payments and behavioral health visits for patients with depression (0.91 visits; 95% CI, 0.51-1.30) and bipolar disorder (1.01 visits; 95% CI, 0.22-1.79). There was no statistically significant changes to primary care visits for patients with depression and bipolar disorder, but value-based payments were associated with reductions in primary care visits for patients with schizophrenia (−1.31 visits; 95% CI, −2.51 to −0.12). In every diagnostic population, value-based payment was associated with significant reductions in mental health emergency department visits (population with depression: −0.01 visits [95% CI, −0.02 to −0.002]; population with bipolar disorder: −0.02 visits [95% CI, −0.05 to −0.001]; population with schizophrenia: −0.04 visits [95% CI, −0.07 to −0.01]).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cohort study, Medicaid value-based payment reform was statistically significantly associated with an increase in behavioral health visits and a reduction in mental health emergency department visits for patients with mental illness. Medicaid value-based payment may be effective at altering health care utilization in patients with mental illness.
Economic Evaluation of Novel Models of Care for Patients With Acute Medical Problems
Authors: Goh Orlanda Q. M. , Xin Xiaohui , Lim Wan Tin , Tan Michelle W. J. , Kan Juliana Y. L. , Osman Hartini Bte , Kee Wanyi , Teo Tse Yean , Tan Wee Boon , Kang Mei Ling , Graves Nicholas
Published: September 2023

Importance

During COVID-19, Singapore simultaneously experienced a dengue outbreak, and acute hospitals were under pressure to lower bed occupancy rates. This led to new models of care to treat patients with acute, low-severity medical conditions either at home, in a hospital-at-home (HaH) model, or in a clinic-style setting sited at the emergency department in an ambulatory care team (ACT) model, but a reliable cost analysis for these models is lacking.

Objective

To compare personnel costs of HaH and ACT with inpatient care.

Design, Setting, and Participants

In this economic evaluation study, time-driven activity-based costing was used to compare the personnel cost of inpatient care with treating dengue via HaH and treating chest pain via ACT. Participants were patients with nonsevere dengue and chest pain unrelated to a coronary event admitted via the emergency department to the internal medicine service of a tertiary hospital in Singapore.

Exposures

HaH for dengue and ACT for chest pain.

Main Outcomes and Measures

A process map was created for the patient journey for a typical patient with each condition. The amount of time personnel spent on delivering care was estimated and the cost per minute determined based on their wages in 2022. The total cost of care was calculated by multiplying the time spent by the per-minute cost of the personnel resource and summing all costs.

Results

Compared with inpatient care, HaH used 50% less nursing time (418 minutes, 95% uncertainty interval [UI], 370 to 465 minutes) but 80% more medical time (303 minutes, 95% UI, 270 to 338 minutes) per case of dengue. If implemented nationally, HaH would save an estimated 56 828 SGD per year (95% UI, −169 497 to 281 412 SGD [US $41 856; 95% UI, −$124 839 to $207 268]). The probability that HaH is cost saving was 69.2%. Compared with inpatient care, ACT used 15% less nursing time (296 minutes, 95% UI, 257 to 335 minutes) and 50% less medical time (57 minutes, 95% UI, 46 to 69 minutes) per case of chest pain. If implemented nationally, ACT would save an estimated 1 561 185 SGD per year (95% UI, 1 040 666 to 2 086 518 SGD [US $1 149 862; 95% UI, $766 483 to $1 536 786]). The probability that ACT is cost saving was 100%.

Conclusions and Relevance

This economic evaluation found that the HaH and ACT models decreased the overall personnel cost of care. Reorganizing hospital resources may help hospitals reap the benefits of reduced hospital-acquired infections, improved patient recovery, and reduced hospital bed occupancy rates.
Zinc and Zinc Compounds
Authors: Engin Ayse Basak
Published: September 2023

Zinc is one of the most abundant elements in the earth's crust and is widely used in the metal, rubber, chemical, paint, and agricultural industry, in addition to the usage in cosmetics ingredients, or for medical purposes. In this context, nano‐sized zinc oxide is used in personal care products, sensors, antibacterial creams, and biomedical applications. In fact, for various organisms, zinc is an essential component in the basic cellular functions. Furthermore, extracellular zinc has the potential to interact with and modulate many different synaptic targets, induce oxidative and nitrosative stress, leading to alteration in the inflammatory responses. It is normally absorbed from the intestine, and competes with Cu
2+
, Fe
2+
, and Ca
2+
for absorption and potentially induces copper deficiency. Consequences of zinc deficiency have been recognized for many years, however high exposure to zinc fumes, zinc compounds, and zinc nanoparticles via inhalation, ingestion, or dermal route may result in severe hematological, developmental, gastrointestinal, and nervous system toxicity. This chapter aims to summarize the knowledge on the regulations of occupational zinc exposure limits and manifestations of bulk and nano‐sized zinc toxicity.
Phenol and Phenolics
Authors: Cavender Finis L. , O'Donoghue John L.
Published: September 2023

The phenolics used for industrial and commercial purposes are a large and diverse group of chemicals as the six‐member ring of phenolics can be methylated, halogenated or include other moieties that add properties or toxicological potential that is not observed with simple phenolics. For simple dihydroxy phenolics, the largest exposure potential can be through their presence naturally in foods. Low concentrations of chlorophenols are commonly found in drinking water due to water chlorination processes. Simple methyl phenols are commonly used as disinfectants. More complex phenolics such as creosote and pentachlorophenol are used as wood preservatives.

The acute toxicity of phenolics at relatively high doses is manifested as excitation of the nervous system causing muscle tremors, salivation, and in severe cases, convulsions. The excitatory phase of phenolic intoxication gives way to depression of the nervous system and can result in mortality. Acute and repetitive exposure to phenolics can result in liver and kidney toxicity.

A number of phenolics can be absorbed through skin and are readily absorbed after ingestion. Major metabolites of phenols are sulfates and glucuronide conjugates that are excreted through the kidneys. First pass metabolism present on ingestion is not a factor for phenols absorbed through the skin. Therefore, the toxicity of phenolics may differ depending on route of exposure.
Insecticides
Authors: Tosti Luca , Metruccio Francesca , Moretto Angelo
Published: September 2023

Insecticides include a variety of compounds that act against different target species targeting different receptors, enzymes or functions. Hence, there are many chemical groups that also present different species specificity and toxicity for humans. They are used in agriculture, in public health to fight against vectors of disease or nuisance insects, and in veterinary medicine. Some, for example, avermectins, are also used in human medicine. In general, they act on different molecular targets within the nervous system with variable species specificity. For instance, carbamates inhibit acetylcholinesterase (AChE) without significant differences in potency between insects and mammals, while there is a significantly higher sensitivity to neonicotinoids of insects' nicotinic receptors as compared to mammalian ones. Also, significant differences in metabolism are responsible of the low toxicity of pyrethroids to mammalians as compared to insects. Application of insecticides is usually upwards; hence, human exposure during their application may be higher than that following the application of herbicides. Factors that impact on the level of exposure include the amount of active ingredient per hectare, water volume (dilution), the protective equipment used. Dermal exposure is considered to be the most relevant, inhalation accounting for about 10% of total exposure. The Insecticide Resistance Action Committee (IRAC) lists mode of actions and related compounds (
www.irac‐online.org
). It will not be possible to deal with all compounds in this chapter. Therefore, groups with significant current uses will be dealt with. In addition, organophosphates are considered in a separate chapter.
Spatiotemporal patterns of lion (Panthera leo) space use in ahuman–wildlifesystem
Authors: Burak Mary K. , Broekhuis Femke , Dickman Amy , Ekwanga Steven , Elliot Nicholas , Frank Laurence , Oriol‐Cotterill Alayne , Williams Terrie M. , Wilmers Christopher C. , Schmitz Oswald
Published: September 2023

Conserving large carnivores requires protecting landscape spaces that encompass all spatiotemporal scales of their movement. Large carnivores normally roam widely, but habitat loss and fragmentation can constrain their movement in ways that restrict access to resources and increase encounters with humans and potential conflict. Facilitating carnivore population coexistence with humans across landscapes requires conservation plans informed by patterns of carnivore space use, particularly at the human–wildlife interface.

We sought to understand lion space use in Laikipia, Kenya. We conducted a path‐selection function analysis using GPS collar data from 16 lions to assess patterns of space use across a range of spatial scales (sedentary to home range expanses; 0, 12.5, 25 and 50 km) and temporal scales (day, dusk, night and dawn). Path‐selection results were then incorporated into space use maps.

We found that most landscape features influenced path‐selection at the broadest spatial scale (50 km), representative of home range‐wide movement, thereby demonstrating a landscape‐wide human impact on lion space use. We also detected sub‐diurnal variation in lion path‐selection which revealed limited space use during daylight hours and increased space use overnight.

Our results highlight that optimal support for human–lion coexistence should be temporally adaptive at sub‐diurnal scales. Furthermore, spatial approaches to lion conservation may be better generalized at broad spatial scales so that land management plans can account for home range patterns in lion space use.
Toward capabilities for adult working learners in Canada and the United States
Authors: Moodie Gavin , Wheelahan Leesa , Bragg Debra D.
Published: September 2023

This article focuses on adult working learners who attend postsecondary institutions in Canada and the United States. We identify how these institutions deliver curriculum and instruction in the form of career‐technical education (CTE) and vocational education offering occupational credentials. In British Columbia and the U.S., most vocational programming culminates in the associate degree whereas the rest of Canada commonly confers diplomas as well as associate degrees. Other postsecondary credentials, including certifications and licensure, are integrated within programs in both countries. This chapter analyzes policies, programs, and practices for adult working learners in the two countries and provides perspectives on how a focus on the capabilities of adult working learners is beneficial to the needs of the individual, communities, and society as a whole.
When it's the learning that counts: Competency‐based education and credit for prior learning for working learners
Authors: Klein‐Collins Rebecca , Shafenberg Kari
Published: September 2023

An increasing percentage of students entering postsecondary institutions are working at least part‐time and balancing multiple identities, responsibilities, and demands on their time and resources. As student demographics change, postsecondary institutions must rise to meet these students where they are. Two effective ways to do that include Competency‐based Education (CBE) and Credit for Prior Learning (CPL), methods by which students are able to leverage what they have already learned outside of a traditional classroom. This article explores the benefits of these tools, particularly CPL, to both students and institutions, using evidence from research. Among these benefits are reduced time and expense, higher degree completion rates, and increased student confidence and self‐efficacy. This research also acknowledges equity considerations of CPL and CBE, including efforts to expand the reach of these options to more working learners, as well as how these tools help establish stronger connections between learning and work.
Monte Carlo investigation of dose distribution of uniformly and non‐uniformly loaded standard and notched eye plaques
Authors: Semeniuk Oleksii , Malkov Victor , Chamberland Marc J. P. , Weersink Robert A.
Published: September 2023

To investigate the effect of using non‐uniform loading and notched plaques on dose distribution for eye plaques.

Using EGSnrc Monte Carlo (MC) simulations, we investigate eye plaque dose distributions in water and in an anatomically representative eye phantom. Simulations were performed in accordance with TG43 formalism and compared against full MC simulations which account for inter‐seed and inhomogeneity effects.

For standard plaque configurations, uniformly and non‐uniformly loaded plaque dose distributions in water showed virtually no difference between each other. For standard plaque, the MC calculated dose distribution in planes parallel to the plaque is narrower than the TG43 calculation due to attenuation at the periphery of the plaque by the modulay. MC calculated the dose behind the plaque is fully attenuated. Similar results were found for the notched plaque, with asymmetric attenuation along the plane of the notch. Cumulative dose volume histograms showed significant reductions in the calculated MC doses for both tumor and eye structures, compared to TG43 calculations. The effect was most pronounced for the notch plaque where the MC dose to the optic nerve was greatly attenuated by the modulay surrounding the optic nerve compared to the TG43. Thus, a reduction of optic nerve D95% from 14 to 0.2 Gy was observed, when comparing the TG43 calculation to the MC result. The tumor D95% reduced from 89.2 to 79.95 Gy for TG43 and MC calculations, respectively.

TG43 calculations overestimate the absolute dose and the lateral dose distribution of both standard and notched eye plaques, leading to the dose overestimation for the target and organs at risk. The dose matching along the central axis for the non‐uniformly loaded plaques to that of uniformly loaded ones was found to be sufficient for providing comparable coverage and can be clinically used in eye‐cancer‐busy centers.
Plaintiffs in Wit still could see reprocessing of denied claims
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: September 2023

Attorneys for plaintiffs in the much‐watched Wit v. United Behavioral Health (UBH) federal lawsuit are asking the judge who issued a groundbreaking 2019 ruling against the insurer to take action that could revive the reprocessing of some plaintiffs' previously denied claims.
Carbon‐Based Radar Absorbing Materials toward Stealth Technologies
Authors: Kim Seong‐Hwang , Lee Seul‐Yi , Zhang Yali , Park Soo‐Jin , Gu Junwei
Published: September 2023

Stealth technology is used to enhance the survival of military equipment in the field of military surveillance, as it utilizes a combination of techniques to render itself undetectable by enemy radar systems. Radar absorbing materials (RAMs) are specialized materials used to reduce the reflection (or absorption) of radar signals to provide stealth capability, which is a core component of passive countermeasures in military applications. The properties of RAMs can be optimized by adjusting their composition, microstructure, and surface geometry. Carbon‐based materials present a promising approach for the fabrication of ultrathin, versatile, and high‐performance RAMs due to their large specific surface area, lightweight, excellent dielectric properties, high electrical conductivity, and stability under harsh conditions. This review begins with a brief history of stealth technology and an introduction to electromagnetic waves, radar systems, and radar absorbing materials. This is followed by a discussion of recent research progress in carbon‐based RAMs, including carbon blacks, carbon fibers, carbon nanotubes, graphite, graphene, and MXene, along with an in‐depth examination of the principles and strategies on electromagnetic attenuation characteristics. Hope this review will offer fresh perspectives on the design and fabrication of carbon‐based RAMs, thereby fostering a deeper fundamental understanding and promoting practical applications.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Second Harmonic Generation of Multiferroic Iron‐Doped Lithium Niobate Powders
Authors: García‐Rodríguez Mónica J. , Sánchez‐Dena Oswaldo , Velasco‐Cortez Omar A. , Ordóñez‐Romero César L. , Vázquez‐Lepe Milton O. , Jonin Christian , Farías Rurik , Brevet Pierre‐François , Reyes‐Esqueda Jorge‐Alejandro
Published: September 2023

Random granular media can exhibit characteristics that are often related to ordered media. In the present work, this feature is observed in the polarized Second Harmonic Generation (SHG) response from reduced iron‐doped lithium niobate (LN:Fe) powders, which is an unexpected effect due to multiple scattering. In addition, the subsisting‐order properties of the powders can be further controlled by magnetic induction to tailor the SHG response. The samples are characterized by X‐ray Diffraction (XRD), X‐ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), and confocal Raman Spectroscopy. The SHG response in the absence and presence of an external static magnetic field is then studied as the fundamental beam focus is translated from air into the powder. The SHG intensity polarization state is studied as a function of the linear polarization of the fundamental beam at the focus depth position, where the maximum SHG recorded intensity is observed. These results demonstrate that the SHG response of LN:Fe powders can be modified by post‐thermal treatment in a reducing atmosphere for photonic applications.
Charge‐Density‐Wave Resistive Switching and Voltage Oscillations in Ternary Chalcogenide BaTiS3
Authors: Chen Huandong , Wang Nan , Liu Hefei , Wang Han , Ravichandran Jayakanth
Published: September 2023

Phase change materials, which show different electrical characteristics across the phase transitions, have attracted considerable research attention for their potential electronic device applications. Materials with metal‐to‐insulator or charge density wave (CDW) transitions such as VO2 and 1T‐TaS2 have demonstrated voltage oscillations due to their robust bi‐state resistive switching behavior with some basic neuronal characteristics. BaTiS3 is a small bandgap ternary chalcogenide that has recently reported the emergence of CDW order below 245 K. Here, the discovery of DC voltage / current‐induced reversible threshold switching in BaTiS3 devices between a CDW phase and a room temperature semiconducting phase is reported. The resistive switching behavior is consistent with a Joule heating scheme and sustained voltage oscillations with a frequency of up to 1 kHz are demonstrated by leveraging the CDW phase transition and the associated negative differential resistance. Strategies of reducing channel sizes and improving thermal management may further improve the device's performance. The findings establish BaTiS3 as a promising CDW material for future electronic device applications, especially for energy‐efficient neuromorphic computing.
The intersection of social determinants of health, the microbiome, and health outcomes in immigrants: A scoping review
Authors: Fanfan Dany , Mulligan Connie J. , Groer Maureen , Mai Volker , Weaver Michael , Huffman Fatma , Lyon Debra E.
Published: September 2023

In the present scoping review, we explore whether existing evidence supports the premise that social determinants of health (SDoH) affect immigrant health outcomes through their effects on the microbiome. We adapt the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities' research framework to propose a conceptual model that considers the intersection of SDoH, the microbiome, and health outcomes in immigrants. We use this conceptual model as a lens through which to explore recent research about SDoH, biological factors associated with changes to immigrants' microbiomes, and long‐term health outcomes. In the 17 articles reviewed, dietary acculturation, physical activity, ethnicity, birthplace, age at migration and length of time in the host country, socioeconomic status, and social/linguistic acculturation were important determinants of postmigration microbiome‐related transformations. These factors are associated with progressive shifts in microbiome profile with time in host country, increasing the risks for cardiometabolic, mental, immune, and inflammatory disorders and antibiotic resistance. The evidence thus supports the premise that SDoH influence immigrants' health postmigration, at least in part, through their effects on the microbiome. Omission of important postmigration social‐ecological variables (e.g., stress, racism, social/family relationships, and environment), limited research among minoritized subgroups of immigrants, complexity and inter‐ and intra‐individual differences in the microbiome, and limited interdisciplinary and biosocial collaboration restrict our understanding of this area of study. To identify potential microbiome‐based interventions and promote immigrants' well‐being, more research is necessary to understand the intersections of immigrant health with factors from the biological, behavioral/psychosocial, physical/built environment, and sociocultural environment domains at all social‐ecological levels.
Azopolyesters with Intrinsic Crystallinity and Photoswitchable Reversible Solid‐to‐Liquid Transitions
Authors: Li Jie , Zhang Qiu‐Yu , Lu Xiao‐Bing
Published: September 2023

Herein, we introduce a variety of azopolyesters (azobenzene‐based polyesters) with remarkable intrinsic crystallinity and photoinduced reversible solid‐to‐liquid transition abilities from copolymerization of azobenzene‐based epoxides with cyclic anhydrides. The length of the soft alkyl side‐chain inlaid with azobenzenes and stereoregularity of main‐chain of azopolymers have tremendous effects on crystallization properties of the resulting polyesters with melting temperature (Tm) in the range of 51–251 °C. Moreover, some of azopolyesters possess excellently photoinduced reversible solid‐to‐liquid transition performance thanks to trans‐cis photoisomerization of azobenzenes. Trans‐azopolyesters are yellow solids with Tms or glass transition temperatures (Tgs) above room temperature, whereas cis‐polymers are red liquids with Tgs below −20 °C. These azopolyesters could be applied as novel light‐switchable adhesives for quartz/quartz, wood/wood and quartz/wood adhesion, with the strength in the range of 0.73–0.89 MPa for trans‐polymers. Conversely, the adhesion strength of liquefied cis‐azopolyesters generated from the irradiation of trans‐polymers by UV light was about 0.1 MPa, which shows light enable to control the adhesion process with high spatiotemporal resolution.
Conception and Evaluation of a Library of Cleavable Mass Tags for Digital Polymers Sequencing
Authors: Schutz Thibault , Sergent Isaure , Obeid Georgette , Oswald Laurence , Al Ouahabi Abdelaziz , Baxter Paul N. W. , Clément Jean‐Louis , Gigmes Didier , Charles Laurence , Lutz Jean‐François
Published: September 2023

A library of phosphoramidite monomers containing a main‐chain cleavable alkoxyamine and a side‐chain substituent of variable molar mass (i.e. mass tag) was prepared in this work. These monomers can be used in automated solid‐phase phosphoramidite chemistry and therefore incorporated periodically as spacers inside digitally‐encoded poly(phosphodiester) chains. Consequently, the formed polymers contain tagged cleavable sites that guide their fragmentation in mass spectrometry sequencing and enhance their digital readability. The spacers were all prepared via a seven steps synthetic procedure. They were afterwards tested for the synthesis and sequencing of model digital polymers. Uniform digitally‐encoded polymers were obtained as major species in all cases, even though some minor defects were sometimes detected. Furthermore, the polymers were decoded in pseudo‐MS3 conditions, thus confirming the reliability and versatility of the spacers library.
Highly Efficient Depolymerization of Waste Polyesters Enabled by Transesterification/Hydrogenation Relay Under Mild Conditions
Authors: Hu Yue , Zhang Shiyun , Xu Juanfang , Liu Yuan , Yu Aiai , Qian Jun , Xie Yinjun
Published: September 2023

The efficient depolymerization of polyesters under mild conditions remains a significant challenge. Herein, we demonstrate a highly efficient strategy for the degradation of a diverse array of waste polyesters as low to 80 °C, 1 bar H2. The key to the success of this transformation relied on the initial transesterification of macromolecular polyester into more degradable oligomeric fragments in the presence of CH3OH and the subsequent hydrogenation by the use of the rationally designed quinaldine‐based Ru complex. Controlled experiments and preliminary mechanistic studies disclosed the quinaldine‐based catalysts could be hydrogenated to the eventually active species, which has been confirmed by X‐ray diffraction analysis and directly used as a catalyst in the hydrogenolysis of polyester. The strong viability and high activity of this new species in protic solvent were explained in detail. Besides, the crucial role of CH3OH in promoting reaction efficiency during the whole process was also elucidated. The synthetic utility of this method was further illustrated by preparing 1,4‐cyclohexanedimethanol (CHDM) from waste polyethylene terephthalate (PET).
Finding the Dynamics of an Integrable Quantum Many‐Body System via Machine Learning
Authors: Wei Victor , Orfi Alev , Fehse Felix , Coish William A.
Published: September 2023

The dynamics of the Gaudin magnet (“central‐spin model”) is studied using machine‐learning methods. This model is of practical importance, for example, for studying non‐Markovian decoherence dynamics of a central spin interacting with a large bath of environmental spins and for studies of nonequilibrium superconductivity. The Gaudin magnet is also integrable, admitting many conserved quantities. Machine‐learning methods may be well suited to exploiting the high degree of symmetry in integrable problems, even when an explicit analytic solution is not obvious. Motivated in part by this intuition, a neural‐network representation (restricted Boltzmann machine) is used for each variational eigenstate of the model Hamiltonian. Accurate representations of the ground state and of the low‐lying excited states of the Gaudin‐magnet Hamiltonian are then obtained through a variational Monte Carlo calculation. From the low‐lying eigenstates, the non‐perturbative dynamic transverse spin susceptibility is found, describing the linear response of a central spin to a time‐varying transverse magnetic field in the presence of a spin bath. Having an efficient description of this susceptibility opens the door to improved characterization and quantum control procedures for qubits interacting with an environment of quantum two‐level systems.
Nifuroxazide repurposing for protection from diabetes‐induced retinal injury in rats: Implication of oxidative stress and JAK/STAT3 axis
Authors: Elsherbiny Nehal M. , Altemani Reem , Althagfi Waad , Albalawi Maha , Mohammedsaleh Zuhair M. , El‐Sherbiny Mohamed , Abo El‐Magd Nada F.
Published: September 2023

The prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) is alarmingly increasing worldwide. Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a prevailing DM microvascular complication, representing the major cause of blindness in working‐age population. Inflammation is a crucial player in DR pathogenesis. JAK/STAT3 axis is a pleotropic cascade that modulates diverse inflammatory events. Nifuroxazide (Nifu) is a commonly used oral antibiotic with reported JAK/STAT3 inhibition activity. The present study investigated the potential protective effect of Nifu against diabetes‐induced retinal injury. Effect of Nifu on oxidative stress, JAK/STAT3 axis and downstream inflammatory mediators has been also studied. Diabetes was induced in Sprague Dawley rats by single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (50 mg/kg). Animals were assigned into four groups: normal, Nifu control, DM, and DM + Nifu. Nifu was orally administrated at 25 mg/kg/day for 8 weeks. The effects of Nifu on oxidative stress, JAK/STAT3 axis proteins, inflammatory factors, tight junction proteins, histological, and ultrastructural alterations were evaluated using spectrophotometry, gene and protein analyses, and histological studies. Nifu administration to diabetic rats attenuated histopathological and signs of retinal injury. Additionally, Nifu attenuated retinal oxidative stress, inhibited JAK and STAT3 phosphorylation, augmented the expression of STAT3 signaling inhibitor SOCS3, dampened the expression of transcription factor of inflammation NF‐κB, and inflammatory cytokine TNF‐α. Collectively, the current study indicated that Nifu alleviated DR progression in diabetic rats, suggesting beneficial retino‐protective effect. This can be attributed to blocking JAK/STAT3 axis in retinal tissues with subsequent amelioration of oxidative stress and inflammation.
Biotransamination of Furan‐Based Aldehydes with Isopropylamine: Enzyme Screening and pH Influence
Authors: Pintor Antía , Cascelli Nicoletta , Volkov Alexey , Gotor‐Fernández Vicente , Lavandera Iván
Published: September 2023

Furan‐based amines are highly valuable compounds which can be directly obtained via reductive amination from easily accessible furfural, 5‐(hydroxymethyl)furfural (HMF) and 2,5‐diformylfuran (DFF). Herein the biocatalytic amination of these carbonyl derivatives is disclosed using amine transaminases (ATAs) and isopropylamine (IPA) as amine donors. Among the different biocatalysts tested, the ones from Chromobacterium violaceum (Cv‐TA), Arthrobacter citreus (ArS‐TA), and variants from Arthrobacter sp. (ArRmut11‐TA) and Vibrio fluvialis (Vf‐mut‐TA), afforded high levels of product formation (>80 %) at 100–200 mM aldehyde concentration. The transformations were studied in terms of enzyme and IPA loading. The pH influence was found as a key factor and attributed to the imine/aldehyde equilibrium that can arise from the high reactivity of the carbonyl substrates with a nucleophilic amine such as IPA.
Development of Multivalent Conjugates with a Single Non‐Canonical Amino Acid
Authors: Burrow Naya K. , Gourdie Robert K. , King Elizabeth A. , Travis Christopher R. , Goff Cameron M. , Nimmo Zachary M. , Berg Justin M. , Boyt Emily L. , Young Douglas D.
Published: September 2023

Proteins represent powerful biomacromolecules due to their unique functionality and broad utility both in the cell and in non‐biological applications. The genetic encoding of non‐canonical amino acids (ncAAs) facilitates functional diversification of these already powerful proteins. Specifically, ncAAs have been demonstrated to provide unique functional handles to bioorthogonally introduce novel functionality via conjugation reactions. Herein we examine the ability of a single ncAA to serve as a handle to generate multivalent bioconjugates to introduce two or more additional components to a protein, yielding a multivalent conjugate. To accomplish this aim, p‐bromopropargyloxyphenyalanine (pBrPrF) was genetically encoded into both superfolder green fluorescent protein (sfGFP) and ubiquitin model proteins to serve as a conjugation handle. A sequential bioconjugation sequence involving a copper‐assisted cycloaddition reaction coupled with a subsequent Sonogashira cross‐coupling was then optimized. The linkage of two additional molecules to the model protein via these reactions yielded the desired multivalent bioconjugate. This domino approach using a single ncAA has a plethora of applications in both therapeutics and diagnostics as multiple unique moieties can be introduced into proteins in a highly controlled fashion.
Impact of Electrolyte Composition on Bulk Electrolysis of Furfural over Platinum Electrodes**
Authors: Hasse Joseph C. , Manyé Ibáñez Marc , Holewinski Adam
Published: September 2023

Partial oxidation of furanic biomass derivatives such as furfural is of interest for the sustainable production of chemicals including furoic acid, maleic acid, and 2,5‐furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA). The oxidative bulk electrolysis of furfural is here investigated on platinum electrodes in acidic media. The effects of potential, concentration, pH, and supporting anion are studied, and selectivity trends are coupled with attenuated total reflectance surface‐enhanced infrared absorption spectroscopy (ATR‐SEIRAS) to illuminate adsorbate structures that influence the catalysis. Increasing potential is found to shift selectivity from primarily C5 products to C4 products, coincident with oxidation of the Pt surface. Selectivity changes are also observed moving from pH 1 to pH 4, with an increase in C5 products at higher pH. Changing from the weakly adsorbing perchlorate anion to the specifically‐adsorbing phosphate anion results in a number of changes that manifest differently depending on potential and pH. Selectivity to furoic acid is found to be highest above the pKa of phosphoric acid due to the strongly adsorbed phosphate ions suppressing flat‐lying configurations of furfural that lead to C−C cleavage. These results point toward opportunities to use electrolyte engineering to tune selectivity and optimize surface conditions to disfavor binding of inhibitory products.
Photoluminescent and photocatalytic properties of Cu2+ and Mg2+‐doped ZnO nanoparticles obtained by a facile sonochemical method
Authors: Bezerra Neta I. A. , Andrade Neto N. F. , Silva J. M. P. , Teodoro M. D. , Bomio M. R. D. , Motta F. V.
Published: September 2023

Pure ZnO particles, doped and co‐doped with Cu2+ and Mg2+ ions, were obtained by the simple sonochemical method. The wurtzite hexagonal structure was confirmed by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) patterns. The images obtained by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM) showed irregular and more agglomerated particles with the increase of Cu2+ and Mg2+ ions concentration in the ZnO lattice, with the average diameter of particles in the range of 57.23–170.77 nm. The photocatalytic activity was investigated by decolorizing the methylene blue (MB) dye under ultraviolet C (UVC) light irradiation which indicates that 1% Mg‐doped ZnO particles have better the photocatalytic activity than the other samples, and presented the highest kinetic constant value. The co‐doped samples showed a reduced global surface area which did not favor the good photocatalytic performance. The sacrificial agents showed that OH• radicals are the main species involved in the photocatalytic activity of this system and defects generated in the ZnO lattice promoted photoluminescent emission in the red and green regions.