bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Un estudio pragmático-dialógico sobre atenuación e intensificación en la ironía e incertidumbre-negación
Authors:   Facultad de Filosofía y Letras, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Flores Treviño María Eugenia , González Salinas Armando ,   Facultad de Filosofía y Letras, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León
Published: March 2023

En este trabajo estudiamos 12 transcripciones de entrevistas (6 hombres y 6 mujeres) del nivel alto de El Habla de Monterrey PRESEEA. En ellas revisamos el acto de ironizar (Ballart, 1994; Flores, 2008), así como la negación-incertidumbre, a partir de las premisas de la escuela francesa de análisis del discurso, los procedimientos estratégicos de atenuación lingüística (Albelda y Cestero, 2010) y la atenuación como función pragmática al servicio de la interacción comunicativa en la conversación (Meyer-Herman, 1988; Briz, 1995, 1998).
COVID, disponibilidade e alocação de recursos financeiros na esfera municipal
Authors: Scheren Gilvane , Oro Ieda Margarete
Published: March 2023

Introdução: O estudo vem ao encontro da necessidade de pesquisa no âmbito da agenda governamental no Brasil, percebida cada vez mais na literatura internacional, e mostra-se importante no momento que perpassa a sociedade mundial e local. Objetivo: O objetivo do estudo consiste em analisar as receitas e despesas municipais e sua relação com os registros de casos Covid-19 no exercício de 2020. Procedimentos Metodológicos: A investigação pesquisa reúne informações dos 295 municípios catarinenses em relação a receita, despesas com saúde e a evolução dos casos de COVID-19 do Estado de Santa Catarina. O período analisado concentra-se no ano de 2020. Como métodos de análise dos dados optou-se pela interpolação, que consiste em um método de construção de (construir) um conjunto de dados por meio da estimação de pontos a partir de um conjunto de dados pré-existente, muito utilizado em dados geoespaciais. Principais Resultados: Os resultados demonstraram que forte homogeneidade dos casos de Covid confirmados e óbitos em toda extensão catarinense, o que aponta que perfil dos municípios catarinenses em sua grande maioria concentra poucos casos e consequentemente poucos óbitos relacionados. Em contrapartida notou-se que os municípios cuja elevação populacional ocorre os casos de confirmados e óbito, sobem proporcionalmente, situação se mostrou evidente que os efeitos são percebidos essencialmente em centros urbanos, e que a grande maioria dos municípios com características interioranas possui características significam entre diferentes destas regiões. Considerações Finais: Conclui-se que a pesquisa contempla índices gerais de aplicação de recursos e outros fatores podem interferir diretamente na gestão da pandemia: como a quantidade e qualidade dos bens e serviços disponibilizados à sociedade, níveis de investimentos realizados anteriormente a pandemia, infraestrutura existente e disponibilidade na infraestrutura em saúde. Contribuições do Trabalho A pesquisa disponibiliza elementos para reflexão e formas de aprimorar a análise da pandemia sob a ótica Geoespacial.
Students’ Characteristics and Academic Performance in Mathematics
Authors: Iddrisu Abdulai Boare , Bornaa Christopher Saaha , Alagbela Alaric Awingura , Kwakye Dennis Offei , Gariba Ayishetu , Ahusah Eric Teye-Wayo , Badger Theophilus Nii Adjei
Published: March 2023

Many researchers have investigated the causes of students’ poor academic performance in general. However, the extent to which students’ individual characteristics affect their academic performance in mathematics has received little academic attention. This was the gap in literature the study sought to fill. The study adopted a convergent parallel mixed methods design involving three hundred and seventy-two (372) respondents in Sagnarigu Municipality of Northern Region, Ghana who were sampled through Simple Random Sampling and purposive sampling techniques. Questionnaire and interview guides were used to collect primary data. The analysis of the collected data revealed that: willingness to learn mathematics, perceptions that mathematics is a difficult subject, readiness for the use of mathematics teaching and learning materials available, relationship with mathematics teachers and attentiveness in mathematics lessons all affected students’ academic performance in mathematics. It is therefore recommended that the various school management bodies could work with the Guidance and Counselling units to provide some form of support for students who are fearful of mathematics.
Post hoc depression analysis from a pharmacist-led diabetes trial
Authors: Bateman M. Thomas , McCarthy Caitlin , Prioli Katherine M. , Wagner Mary L.
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Diabetes and depression may present concurrently, and clinical pharmacists are well equipped to manage these conditions. Clinical pharmacists were grant funded to implement a diabetes-focused randomized controlled trial in a Federally Qualified Health Center. The objective of this analysis is to evaluate if glycemic control and depressive symptoms improve for patients with diabetes and depression with additional management from clinical pharmacists compared with those receiving the standard of care.

Methods

This is a post hoc subgroup analysis of a diabetes-focused randomized controlled trial. Pharmacists enrolled patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and a glycated hemoglobin (A1C) greater than 8% and randomly assigned them to 1 of 2 cohorts, one managed by the primary care provider alone and one with additional care from the pharmacist. Pharmacists completed encounters with patients who have T2DM with or without depression to comprehensively optimize pharmacotherapy while tracking glycemic and depressive outcomes throughout the study.

Results

A1C improved from baseline to 6 months in patients with depressive symptoms who received additional care from pharmacists by −2.4 percentage points (SD, 2.41) compared with a −0.1 percentage point (SD, 1.78) reduction in the control arm (P  .0081), and there was no change in depressive symptoms.

Discussion

Patients with T2DM and depressive symptoms experienced better diabetes outcomes with additional pharmacist management compared with a similar cohort of patients with depressive symptoms, managed independently by primary care providers. These patients with diabetes and comorbid depression received a higher level of engagement and care from the pharmacists, which led to more therapeutic interventions.
Diagnostic Stewardship to Prevent Diagnostic Error
Authors: Morgan Daniel J. , Malani Preeti N. , Diekema Daniel J.
Published: March 2023

This Viewpoint discusses the growth of diagnostic stewardship beyond infectious disease to reduce diagnostic errors in other fields.
Consumer Views on Privacy Protections and Sharing of Personal Digital Health Information
Authors: Gupta Ravi , Iyengar Raghuram , Sharma Meghana , Cannuscio Carolyn C. , Merchant Raina M. , Asch David A. , Mitra Nandita , Grande David
Published: March 2023

Importance

Digital health information has many potential health applications, but privacy is a growing concern among consumers and policy makers. Consent alone is increasingly seen as inadequate to safeguard privacy.

Objective

To determine whether different privacy protections are associated with consumers’ willingness to share their digital health information for research, marketing, or clinical uses.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This 2020 national survey with an embedded conjoint experiment recruited US adults from a nationally representative sample with oversampling of Black and Hispanic individuals. Willingness to share digital information across 192 different scenarios reflecting the product of 4 possible privacy protections, 3 uses of information, 2 users of information, and 2 sources of digital information was evaluated. Each participant was randomly assigned 9 scenarios. The survey was administrated between July 10 and July 31, 2020, in Spanish and English. Analysis for this study was conducted between May 2021 and July 2022.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Participants rated each conjoint profile on a 5-point Likert scale measuring their willingness to share their personal digital information (with 5 indicating the most willingness to share). Results are reported as adjusted mean differences.

Results

Of the 6284 potential participants, 3539 (56%) responded to the conjoint scenarios. A total of 1858 participants (53%) were female, 758 (21%) identified as Black, 833 (24%) identified as Hispanic, 1149 (33%) had an annual income less than $50 000, and 1274 (36%) were 60 years or older. Participants were more willing to share health information with the presence of each individual privacy protection, including consent (difference, 0.32; 95% CI, 0.29-0.35; P < .001), followed by data deletion (difference, 0.16; 95% CI, 0.13-0.18; P < .001), oversight (difference, 0.13; 95% CI, 0.10-0.15; P < .001), and transparency of data collected (difference, 0.08; 95% CI, 0.05-0.10; P < .001). The relative importance (importance weight on a 0%-100% scale) was greatest for the purpose of use (29.9%) but when considered collectively, the 4 privacy protections together were the most important (51.5%) factor in the conjoint experiment. When the 4 privacy protections were considered separately, consent was the most important (23.9%).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this survey study of a nationally representative sample of US adults, consumers’ willingness to share personal digital health information for health purposes was associated with the presence of specific privacy protections beyond consent alone. Additional protections, including data transparency, oversight, and data deletion may strengthen consumer confidence in sharing their personal digital health information.
Assessment of Firearm Storage Practices in the US, 2022
Authors: Anestis Michael D. , Moceri-Brooks Jayna , Johnson Rachel L. , Bryan Craig J. , Stanley Ian H. , Buck-Atkinson Jessica T. , Baker Justin C. , Betz Marian E.
Published: March 2023

Importance

Secure firearm storage may help reduce firearm injury and death. Broad implementation requires more granular assessments of firearm storage practices and greater clarity on circumstances that may prevent or promote the use of locking devices.

Objective

To develop a more thorough understanding of firearm storage practices, obstacles to using locking devices, and circumstances in which firearm owners would consider locking unsecured firearms.

Design, Setting, and Participants

A cross-sectional, nationally representative survey of adults residing in 5 US states who owned firearms was administered online between July 28 and August 8, 2022. Participants were recruited via probability-based sampling.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Firearm storage practices were assessed via a matrix provided to participants in which firearm-locking devices were described both via text and images. Locking mechanisms (key/personal identification number [PIN]/dial vs biometric) were specified for each type of device. Obstacles to the use of locking devices and circumstances in which firearm owners would consider locking unsecured firearms were assessed via self-report items developed by the study team.

Results

The final weighted sample included 2152 adult (aged ≥18 years), English-speaking firearm owners residing in the US; the sample was predominantly male (66.7%). Among the 2152 firearm owners, 58.3% (95% CI, 55.9%-60.6%) reported storing at least 1 firearm unlocked and hidden, with 17.9% (95% CI, 16.2%-19.8%) reporting storing at least 1 firearm unlocked and unhidden. Gun safes were the most frequently used device both among participants who use keyed/PIN/dial locking mechanisms (32.4%; 95% CI, 30.2%-34.7%) and those who use biometric locking mechanisms (15.6%; 95% CI, 13.9%-17.5%). Those who do not store firearms locked most frequently noted a belief that locks are unnecessary (49.3%; 95% CI, 45.5%-53.1%) and a fear that locks would prevent quick access in an emergency (44.8%; 95% CI, 41.1%-48.7%) as obstacles to lock usage. Preventing access by children was the most often reported circumstance in which firearm owners would consider locking unsecured firearms (48.5%; 95% CI, 45.6%-51.4%).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this survey study of 2152 firearm owners, consistent with prior research, unsecure firearm storage was common. Firearm owners appeared to prefer gun safes relative to cable locks and trigger locks, indicating that locking device distribution programs may not match firearm owners’ preferences. Broad implementation of secure firearm storage may require addressing disproportionate fears of home intruders and increasing awareness of the risks associated with household firearm access. Furthermore, implementation efforts may hinge on broader awareness of the risks of ready firearm access beyond unauthorized access by children.
Hyperthermia Reduces Irradiation‐Induced Tumor Repopulation in an In Vivo Pancreatic Carcinoma Model
Authors: Sarogni Patrizia , Zamborlin Agata , Mapanao Ana Katrina , Logghe Tine , Brancato Luigi , van Zwol Eke , Menicagli Michele , Giannini Noemi , Gonnelli Alessandra , Linsalata Stefania , Colenbier Robin , Van den Bossche Johan , Paiar Fabiola , Bogers Johannes , Voliani Valerio
Published: March 2023

Pancreatic cancer has a poor prognosis due to its aggressive nature and ability to metastasize at an early stage. Currently, its management is still a challenge because this neoplasm is resistant to conventional treatment approaches, among which is chemo‐radiotherapy (CRT), due to the abundant stromal compartment involved in the mechanism of hypoxia. Hyperthermia, among other effects, counteracts hypoxia by promoting blood perfusion and thereby can enhance the therapeutic effect of radiotherapy (RT). Therefore, the establishment of integrated treatments would be a promising strategy for the management of pancreatic carcinoma. Here, the effects of joint radiotherapy/hyperthermia (RT/HT) on optimized chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) pancreatic tumor models are investigated. This model enables a thorough assessment of the tumor‐arresting effect of the combined approach as well as the quantitative evaluation of hypoxia and cell cycle‐associated mechanisms by both gene expression analysis and histology. The analysis of the lower CAM allows to investigate the variation of the metastatic behaviors of the cancer cells associated with the treatments. Overall, this study provides a potentially effective combined strategy for the non‐invasive management of pancreatic carcinoma.
Integrating Mixed Halide Perovskite Photocatalytic HI Splitting and Electrocatalysis into a Loop for Efficient and Robust Pure Water Splitting
Authors: Liu Xiaolei , Zhang Qianqian , Zhao Shengli , Wang Zeyan , Liu Yuanyuan , Zheng Zhaoke , Cheng Hefeng , Dai Ying , Huang Baibiao , Wang Peng
Published: March 2023

Developing a hydrogen economy to replace traditional fossil fuels is essential for sustainable human development. As two promising H2 production strategies, photocatalytic and electrocatalytic water splitting with large reaction energy barriers still face the great challenges of poor solar‐to‐hydrogen efficiency and large electrochemical overpotentials, respectively. Herein, a new strategy is proposed to disassemble the difficult pure water splitting into two parts that are easy to implement, namely mixed halide perovskite photocatalytic HI splitting for H2 production, and simultaneous electrocatalytic I3− reduction and O2 production. The efficient charge separation, abundant H2 production active sites, and a small HI splitting energy barrier contribute to the superior photocatalytic H2 production activity of MoSe2/MAPbBr3−xIx (CH3NH3+ = MA). Subsequent electrocatalytic I3− reduction and O2 production reactions only need a small voltage of 0.92 V to drive, which is far lower than that of the electrocatalytic pure water splitting (>1.23 V). The molar ratio of H2 (6.99 mmol g−1) to O2 (3.09 mmol g−1) produced during the first photocatalytic and electrocatalytic cycle is close to 2:1, and the continuous circulation of I3−/I− between the photocatalytic and electrocatalytic systems can achieve efficient and robust pure water splitting.
Ultra‐Small Nano‐Assemblies as Tumor‐Targeted and Renal Clearable Theranostic Agent for Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Zhang Dongsheng , Teng Kun‐Xu , Zhao Luyang , Niu Li‐Ya , Yang Qing‐Zheng
Published: March 2023

It is a challenge to design photosensitizers to balance between the tumor‐targeting enrichment for precise treatment and efficient clearance within a reasonable timescale for reducing side effects. Herein, an ultra‐small nano‐photosensitizer 1a with excellent tumor‐specific accumulation and renal clearance is reported. It is formed from the self‐assembly of compound 1 bearing three triethylene glycol (TEG) arms and two pyridinium groups in water. The positively charged surface with neutral TEG coating enables 1a to efficiently target the tumor, with the signal‐to‐background ratio reaching as high as 11.5 after tail intravenous injection. The ultra‐small size of 1a with an average diameter of 5.6 nm allows its fast clearance through kidney. Self‐assembly also endows 1a with an 18.2‐fold enhancement of reactive oxygygen species generation rate compared to compound 1 in organic solution. Nano‐PS 1a manifests an excellent photodynamic therapy efficacy on tumor‐bearing mouse models. This work provides a promising design strategy of photosensitizers with renal clearable and tumor‐targeting ability.
Non‐equilibrium‐Growing Aesthetic Ionic Skin for Fingertip‐Like Strain‐Undisturbed Tactile Sensation and Texture Recognition
Authors: Qiao Haiyan , Sun Shengtong , Wu Peiyi
Published: March 2023

Humans use periodically ridged fingertips to precisely perceive the characteristics of objects via ion‐based fast‐ and slow‐adaptive mechanotransduction. However, designing artificial ionic skins with fingertip‐like tactile capabilities remains challenging because of the contradiction between structural compliance and pressure sensing accuracy (e.g., anti‐interference from stretch and texture recognition). Inspired by the formation and modulus‐contrast hierarchical structure of fingertips, an aesthetic ionic skin grown from a non‐equilibrium Liesegang patterning process is introduced. This ionic skin with periodic stiff ridges embedded in a soft hydrogel matrix enables strain‐undisturbed triboelectric dynamic pressure sensing as well as vibrotactile texture recognition. By coupling with another piezoresistive ionogel, an artificial tactile sensory system is further fabricated as a soft robotic skin to mimic the simultaneous fast‐ and slow‐adaptive multimodal sensations of fingers in grasping actions. This approach may inspire the future design of high‐performance ionic tactile sensors for intelligent applications in soft robotics and prosthetics.
Bio‐Based Anti‐Biofoulant with Copper(II) as Intramolecular Catalyst for Radicals Formation
Authors: Chen Jinbo , Lu Guangming , Hao Yu , Lu Yichao , Huang Liang‐Feng , Zhang Yajie
Published: March 2023

Highly efficient and eco‐friendly antimicrobial agents are crucial to the development of future marine antifouling coatings. A high efficient and low bio‐toxicity bio‐based anti‐biofoulant, 2,5‐diformylfuran dioxime chelating with copper ions (E‐DFFD‐Cu), is evaluated. Its minimal bactericidal concentration and the concentration for 50% of maximal effect (EC50) are 4.95 and 7.03 µmol L−1, respectively. Excellent anti‐biofouling performance in marine environment in situ can be kept at least 90 days and with maximum release rate of copper ion of 0.01 µmol cm−2d−1. Alkyl radical (R·) and hydrogen radical (H·) derived fromE‐DFFD are enhanced via chelating copper(II) catalysis, which attracts and disrupts microbe cell membrane and pili between intimate cells, resulting in excellent anti‐biofouling effect. This provides a new perspective for developing anti‐biofoulant from anti‐biofouling mechanism in the future.
hBN Encapsulation Effects on the Phonon Modes of MoS2 with a Thickness of 1 to 10 Layers
Authors: Lee Duk Hyun , Kim Nam‐Hee , Jung Suyong , Park Jaesung , Kim Bum‐Kyu , Bae Myung‐Ho , Yun Yong Ju , Yi Sam Nyung , Ha Dong Han
Published: March 2023

Interfaces with surrounding materials, where charged impurities and surface roughness are present, have a significant impact on the electrical and optical properties of 2D materials. In the change of the phonon modes of MoS2 accompanied by thickness variation, the portion caused by intrinsic factors and the portion caused by the interface effect are separated by examining the result of encapsulation with hexagonal boron nitride (hBN). For instance, the frequency of the A1g peak of MoS2 supported by SiO2 decreases by ≈4 cm−1 in air for a thickness reduction from ten layers to monolayer. Of this decrease, roughly 2 cm−1 is attributable to the weakening of the van der Waals interlayer interaction, while the remaining 2 cm−1 is due to the interface effect. The interface state, that is, the types and concentrations of impurities at the interface, between MoS2 and SiO2 is estimated to be similar to that between MoS2 and air because the Raman properties when one surface of MoS2 is in contact with SiO2 and with air are identical within the measurement error. When entirely encapsulated with hBN, the width of the A1g peak of few‐layer MoS2 is significantly reduced, becoming comparable or equal to that of bulk MoS2.
Designing Donor‐Acceptor Cyclopropane for the ThermalSynthesis of Carbocyclic Eight‐Membered Rings
Authors: Masson Kévin , Dousset Maxime , Biletskyi Bohdan , Chentouf Sara , Naubron Jean‐Valère , Parrain Jean‐Luc , Commeiras Laurent , Nava Paola , Chouraqui Gaëlle
Published: March 2023

An access to functionalised eight‐membered carbocyclic ring compounds was developed by simply stirring an unusual vinylogous Donor‐Acceptor Cyclopropane (DAC) in boilingo‐xylene. Both experimental and computational studies were performed to explain the diastereoselectivity/regioselectivity transfer observed and to provide an overall picture of the mechanism.

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Bottom‐Up Growth of n‐Type Polymer Monolayers for High‐Performance Complementary Integrated Circuits
Authors: Guo Yifu , Yang Mingqun , Deng Junyang , Ding Chenming , Duan Chunhui , Li Mengmeng , Li Ling , Liu Ming
Published: March 2023

Downscaling the semiconductor into ultrathin film is of vital importance to high‐performance field–effect transistors (FETs), but the high‐mobility FETs based on conjugated polymer monolayers have been rarely realized. Especially, the lack of high‐performance n‐type polymer monolayer FETs hinders the development of complementary integrated circuits. Herein, by fine‐tuning the supramolecular assembly of two thiazole flanked naphthalene diimide‐based conjugated polymers, the ≈2.5 nm‐thick monolayers with well‐defined fibrillar morphology are grown in a controllable way, where the one‐dimensional solution‐state structures are inherited. The resultant monolayer FETs show the electron mobility up to 0.25 cm2 V−1 s−1, among the record for n‐type polymer monolayer FETs. More importantly, the first demonstration of polymer monolayer complementary integrated circuits is present, and a record‐high inverter gain of 113 is achieved, which is also identical to the best polymer thin‐film inverters.
Multiplying Light Harvest Driven by Hybrid‐Reflections 3D Electrodes Achieves High‐Availability Photo‐Charging Zinc‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Zhang Minggang , Pan Longkai , Jin Zhipeng , Wang Xiao , Mei Hui , Cheng Laifei , Zhang Litong
Published: March 2023

Independent photo‐charging technologies based on aqueous zinc‐ion batteries (ZIBs) are promising candidates for next‐generation renewable energy systems. The conflict between light utilization and electrochemical performance in the planar electrode severely limits the availability of photo‐charging ZIBs. Herein, 3D light‐trapping structures (LTSs) are proposed and applied in a rigid VO2/C@SiCuOC electrode. A hybrid‐reflection effect driven by LTSs is employed to improve light‐harvesting efficiency. The suitable energy levels of VO2 and C ensure charge transport, while the rigid SiCuOC support meets the stability requirements. Such a 3D VO2/C@SiCuOC electrode exhibits a multiplying photo‐response current density of 42.2 µA cm−2 (≈400% of the plate) and delivers a higher energy density (0.19 mWh cm−2 at 0.51 mW cm−2). More importantly, in a realistic environment (dark for 16 h and light for 8 h), the photo‐charging ZIBs integrated into a roof exhibit an exciting open circuit voltage of 3.176 V (three in series) and supply electricity continuously. The high strength (over 9 MPa) of the photo‐charging ZIBs inherited from the 3D rigid electrode further enables its practical application. The enhanced performance of the photo‐charging ZIBs obtained from structural optimization provides unique inspiration for next‐generation clean energy harvest/storage systems.
Self‐Powered and Light‐Adaptable Stretchable Electrochromic Display
Authors: Wu Wenting , Poh Wei Church , Lv Jian , Chen Shaohua , Gao Dace , Yu Fei , Wang Hui , Fang Huajing , Wang Hong , Lee Pooi See
Published: March 2023

A stretchable electrochromic display with a self‐powered feature is an attractive concept in addressing the demands of information visualization and interaction without an external power supply for next‐generation wearable and portable electronics. Herein, a self‐powered stretchable electrochromic display is proposed for the first time, with WO3 on the stretchable conductor as the electrochromic electrode integrated in parallel with the Zn/carbon electrodes and topped with a ZnCl2‐based organohydrogel. This geometrically designed electrochromic device can be self‐colored by the chemical potential gap between WO3/Zn electrodes. The self‐bleaching process caused by the oxidation of the reduced WO3 electrode is facilitated by the leakage current between the WO3/carbon electrodes. In this constructed self‐powered system, the electrochromic electrode shows reversible coloring/bleaching performance up to 50% strain and maintains favorable stability with power‐free reversible electrochemical switching for 400 cycles. Optical contrast retention at 81% is maintained for 200 stretching/recovery cycles. The prepared device combined with a phosphorescent substrate is demonstrated as a light‐adaptable stretchable display, where the “on/off” states of the display are shown in both bright and dark conditions without power consumption. This work provides broad application prospects for futuristic multifunctional stretchable and portable display electronics.
Impact of drought stress on spring wheat grain yield and quality
Authors: Yang Jingya , Yang Rui , Liang Xi , Marshall Juliet M. , Neibling William
Published: March 2023

Drought stress (DS) at different growth stages of spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) may affect its grain yield and end‐use quality differently. The impact of drought stress at different growth stages on yield has been widely studied, but the impact on grain quality has not been thoroughly investigated. A 2‐year field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of DS at different growth stages on end‐use quality and grain yield in different spring wheat classes (soft white ‘Alturas,’ hard red ‘Coho,’ and hard white ‘Dayn’). The treatments included DS (from tillering to stem elongation, booting to heading, and anthesis to soft dough) plus a fully irrigated (well‐watered) check. We found significant differences between the three wheat classes in most end‐use quality parameters. Relative to the well‐watered conditions, DS from tillering to stem elongation and from booting to heading did not affect grain yield and most end‐use quality parameters. Flour protein, lactic acid and sucrose solvent retention capacities, and mixograph peak time were more impacted by post‐anthesis DS. These changes in end‐use quality were correlated and, thus, directly or indirectly affected baking performance. Our results indicate that reduced irrigation at early growth stages can maintain grain yield and end‐use quality of spring wheat of different classes, for example, grain yield of 437 g m−2 and flour protein of 13.2–16.4 g kg−1 across different classes subject to DS at early growth stages compared to 379 g m−2 and 13.9–17.9 g kg−1 subject to post‐anthesis DS.
Evidence and potential drivers of neglected parasitic helminth and protist infections among a small preliminary sample of children from rural Mississippi
Authors: Cepon‐Robins Tara J. , Mallott Elizabeth K. , Recca Isabella C. , Gildner Theresa E.
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Intestinal infections with helminths (parasitic worms) and protists (single‐celled eukaryotes) may be neglected health issues in low‐resource communities across the United States. Because they predominantly infect school‐aged children and can lead to nutritional deficiencies and developmental delays, these infections can affect lifelong health. More research is needed to understand the prevalence and risk factors of these parasitic infections in the United States.

Methods

A total of 24 children (ages 0.5–14 years) from a low‐resource, rural Mississippi Delta community provided stool samples for 18s rRNA amplification and sequencing to determine infection presence. Parent/guardian interviews provided age, sex, and household size to test for associations with infection.

Results

Infections were found in 38% (n = 9) of the samples. 25% (n = 6) of participants were infected with helminths (platyhelminths [n = 5]; nematodes [n = 2]), while 21% (n = 5) were infected with protists (Blastocystis [n = 4]; Cryptosporidium [n = 1]). There were no associations between infection status and age, sex, or household size. Problematically, analytical methods did not allow for more specific classifications for helminth species.

Conclusions

These preliminary findings suggest parasitic infections may be overlooked health issues in the rural Mississippi Delta and emphasize the need for more research on potential health outcomes within the United States.
A Systematic Study on the Effects of Solvating Solvents and Additives in Localized High‐Concentration Electrolytes over Electrochemical Performance of Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Jia Hao , Kim Ju‐Myung , Gao Peiyuan , Xu Yaobin , Engelhard Mark H. , Matthews Bethany E. , Wang Chongmin , Xu Wu
Published: March 2023

Localized high‐concentration electrolytes (LHCEs) based on five different types of solvents were systematically studied and compared in lithium (Li)‐ion batteries (LIBs). The unique solvation structure of LHCEs promotes the participation of Li salt in forming solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) on graphite (Gr) anode, which enables solvents previously considered incompatible with Gr to achieve reversible lithiation/delithiation. However, the long cyclability of LIBs is still subject to the intrinsic properties of the solvent species in LHCEs. Such issue can be readily resolved by introducing a small amount of additive into LHCEs. The synergetic decompositions of Li salt, solvating solvent and additive yield effective SEIs and cathode electrolyte interphases (CEIs) in most of the studied LHCEs. This study reveals that both the structure and the composition of solvation sheaths in LHCEs have significant effect on SEI and CEI, and consequently, the cycle life of energetically dense LIBs.
Eine halbleitende 2D metallorganische Gerüstverbindung mit einer Bandlücke im nahen IR, rhombischem Gitter und hoher Ladungsträgermobilität
Authors: Sporrer Lukas , Zhou Guojun , Wang Mingchao , Balos Vasileios , Revuelta Sergio , Jastrzembski Kamil , Löffler Markus , Petkov Petko , Heine Thomas , Kuc Angieszka , Cánovas Enrique , Huang Zhehao , Feng Xinliang , Dong Renhao
Published: March 2023

Zweidimensionale konjugierte metallorganische Gerüstverbindungen (2D c‐MOFs) gehören zu einer einzigartigen Gruppe elektronischer Materialien. 2D c‐MOFs mit Bandlücken im sichtbaren oder nahen IR‐Bereich und hohen Ladungsträger‐mobilitäten sind jedoch rar. Die meisten literaturbekannten halbleitenden 2D c‐MOFs sind metallisch, was ihre Verwendung in logischen Bauelementen stark einschränkt. Im Folgenden konzipieren wir einen Phenanthrotriphenylen basierten, D2h‐symmetrischen, π‐konjugierten Liganden (OHPTP) und synthetisieren die ersten rhombischen 2D c‐MOF Einkristalle (Cu2(OHPTP)). Kontinuierliche Rotations‐Elektronendiffraktometrie (cRED) belegt die orthorhombische Kristallstruktur mit versschobene AA‐Schichtung auf atomarer Ebene. Cu2(OHPTP) ist ein p‐Typ Halbleiter mit einer indirekten Bandlücke von ≈0.50 eV, einer hohen elektrischen Leitfähigkeit von 0.10 S cm−1 und einer hohen Ladungsträgermobilität von ≈10.0 cm2 V−1 s−1. Theoretische Berechnungen unterstreichen die dominierende Rolle des Ladungstransports zwischen den Schichten in diesem Semichinon verknüpften 2D c‐MOF.
MALDI Imaging Assisted Discovery of a Di‐O‐glycosyltransferase from Platycodon grandiflorum Root
Authors: Tang Weiwei , Shi Jun‐Jie , Liu Wei , Lu Xu , Li Bin
Published: March 2023

A matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI MSI) assisted genome mining strategy was developed for the discovery of glycosyltransferase (GT) from the root of Platycodon grandiflorum. A di‐O‐glycosyltransferase PgGT1 was discovered and characterized that is capable of catalyzing platycoside E (PE) synthesis through the attachment of two β‐1,6‐linked glucosyl residues sequentially to the glucosyl residue at the C3 position of platycodin D (PD). Although UDP‐glucose is the preferred sugar donor for PgGT1, it could also utilize UDP‐xylose and UDP‐N‐acetylglucosamine as weak donors. Residues S273, E274, and H350 played important roles in stabilizing the glucose donor and positioning the glucose in the optimal orientation for the glycosylation reaction. This study clarified two key steps involved in the biosynthetic pathway of PE and could greatly contribute to improving its industrial biotransformation.
Near IR Bandgap Semiconducting 2D Conjugated Metal‐Organic Framework with Rhombic Lattice and High Mobility
Authors: Sporrer Lukas , Zhou Guojun , Wang Mingchao , Balos Vasileios , Revuelta Sergio , Jastrzembski Kamil , Löffler Markus , Petkov Petko , Heine Thomas , Kuc Angieszka , Cánovas Enrique , Huang Zhehao , Feng Xinliang , Dong Renhao
Published: March 2023

Two‐dimensional conjugated metal–organic frameworks (2D c‐MOFs) are emerging as a unique class of electronic materials. However, 2D c‐MOFs with band gaps in the Vis‐NIR and high charge carrier mobility are rare. Most of the reported conducting 2D c‐MOFs are metallic (i.e. gapless), which largely limits their use in logic devices. Herein, we design a phenanthrotriphenylene‐based, D2h‐symmetric π‐extended ligand (OHPTP), and synthesize the first rhombic 2D c‐MOF single crystals (Cu2(OHPTP)). The continuous rotation electron diffraction (cRED) analysis unveils the orthorhombic crystal structure at the atomic level with a unique slipped AA stacking. The Cu2(OHPTP) is a p‐type semiconductor with an indirect band gap of ≈0.50 eV and exhibits high electrical conductivity of 0.10 S cm−1 and high charge carrier mobility of ≈10.0 cm2 V−1 s−1. Theoretical calculations underline the predominant role of the out‐of‐plane charge transport in this semiquinone‐based 2D c‐MOF.
Coating of natural fiber composite envisaging through the patent landscape: An overview
Authors: Natarajan Karthi , Krishnasamy Kumaresan , Devarajan Balaji
Published: March 2023

Over many years, the Earth being dug out to take the metals and their associate supplements. Digging the ground leads to the weakening of the soil layers leads to landslides is the direct effect. Indirectly affects many soil‐associated creatures and processes and restricts the water flow. Instead, trying to use an alternative material is the better‐known solution. One such material is natural fibers, which have been improved by many to acquire some characteristics like metal. It is tough to achieve, but it can replace it, at least to a small extent. One such technique adopted is coating the natural fibers to make them a viable material to overcome the hydrophilic nature of the natural fiber material. This article discusses an overview of the coating of natural fibers and envisages the growth of coating over a natural fiber.
Interplay between the Edge Dislocation and Hydrogen in Tungsten at Electronically Excited States
Authors: Wang Jiong‐Rong , Ye Xiao‐Bin , Ding Wen‐Yi , Wu Xue‐Bang , Liu Chang‐Song , Pan Bi‐Cai
Published: March 2023

Under the continuous irradiation of high‐density and high‐energy photons from the plasma core of a fusion reactor, the plasma‐facing materials (PFMs) of tungsten (W) are in electronically excited states. How hydrogen (H) interacts with defective PFMs in an electronically excited state is an open question. The authors report the developed W‐H tight‐binding (TB) potential model and employ this model to systemically investigate the interaction between an edge dislocation in tungsten with H at different electronically excited states. With the enhancement of electronic excitation, the strong attraction of the dislocation core to H slightly fluctuates, while the attraction to H is significantly enhanced in the region outside the dislocation core. When the electronic excitation energy is ≈0.86 eV, the region of tensile stress can trap H without additional energy. Additionally, the electronic excitation simultaneously makes H migration easy. It is revealed that the transfer of partial energy of the excited electrons to the lattice leads to the nonthermal expansion of the system and affects the interaction between the edge dislocation and H. These results not only show the nonthermal effect of tuning the interaction between hydrogen and the edge dislocation in tungsten but also uncover the nature underlying these phenomena.
Description framework of makerspaces: Examining the relationship between spatial arrangement and diverse user populations
Authors: Melo Marijel , March Laura , Hirsh Kimberly , Arnsberg Emily
Published: March 2023

As makerspaces continue to proliferate in academic and public libraries, researchers and educators are increasingly concerned with ensuring these STEM‐rich learning environments are inclusive to historically marginalized student communities. This article offers a new framework, the Description Framework of Makerspaces, to outline the relationship between the spatial qualities of makerspaces and the user population it attracts. This study represents the first phase of a 5‐year research program dedicated to analyzing the everyday life information seeking practices that students (un)intentionally make when deciding to engage with a STEM­rich learning environment such as a makerspace. Using constructivist grounded framework to analyze interview data from 17 academic makerspace leaders, we theorize 2 propositions from the main findings: (a) the act of defining a makerspace is difficult and in tension with several imaginings of a makerspace: imagined, ideal, and experienced and (b) a makerspace is significantly composed of affective features that are often unarticulated and abstract. By conceptualizing makerspaces as environments that are configured by both physical and affective characteristics, we reveal insights regarding a baseline conceptualization of the features of a conventional academic makerspace and the design decisions that makerspace leaders make and are confronted with.
Downscaled subseasonal fire danger forecast skill across the contiguous United States
Authors: Abatzoglou John T. , McEvoy Daniel J. , Nauslar Nicholas J. , Hegewisch Katherine C. , Huntington Justin L.
Published: March 2023

The increasing complexity and impacts of fire seasons in the United States have prompted efforts to improve early warning systems for wildland fire management. Outlooks of potential fire activity at lead‐times of several weeks can help in wildland fire resource allocation as well as complement short‐term meteorological forecasts for ongoing fire events. Here, we describe an experimental system for developing downscaled ensemble‐based subseasonal forecasts for the contiguous US using NCEP's operational Climate Forecast System version 2 model. These forecasts are used to calculate forecasted fire danger indices from the United States (US) National Fire Danger Rating System in addition to forecasts of evaporative demand. We further illustrate the skill of subseasonal forecasts on weekly timescales using hindcasts from 2011 to 2021. Results show that while forecast skill degrades with time, statistically significant week 3 correlative skill was found for 76% and 30% of the contiguous US for Energy Release Component and evaporative demand, respectively. These results highlight the potential value of experimental subseasonal forecasts in complementing existing information streams in weekly‐to‐monthly fire business decision making for suppression‐based decisions and geographic reallocation of resources during the fire season, as well for proactive fire management actions outside of the core fire season.
Assessment of process integration approach for coir biosoftening and lignin‐modifying enzyme production from agro residues
Authors: Pavithra S , Jayaprakash Jayapriya , Gummadi Sathyanarayana N , Giri Dev Venkateshwarapuram Rengaswami
Published: March 2023

Lignin present in the inner core of natural lignocellulosic fibers is preferably removed for use in the textile industry as it hinders fiber spinnability. This study focuses on integrating the bioprocessing of agro residues and a natural fiber source (coir) for the effective production of lignin‐modifying enzymes while simultaneously softening the natural fibers. The lignin content in the raw fibers (42.17%) could be reduced by 14–31% by treating them with Phanerochaete chrysosporium for 30 days in the presence of agro waste, such as paddy straw, groundnut husk, corn husk, coir pith, sugarcane bagasse, saw dust and coconut leaf. Among the lignocellulosic wastes tested, P. chrysporium‐fermented groundnut husk with coir produced the maximum yield of lignin‐modifying enzymes (lignin peroxidase, 2.05 U mg−1; manganese peroxidase, 7.50 U mg−1; laccase, 0.43 U mL−1), while the tensile strength of the fiber was decreased by 9.9% compared with the raw fiber (110.14 MPa) on 30 days of incubation. Similarly, SB dust demonstrated good lignin‐modifying enzyme activity (lignin peroxidase, −1.57 U mg−1; manganese peroxidase, 8.14 U mg−1; and laccase, 0.35 U mg−1) as well as the tensile strength of the coir also being increased. A reduction in flexural rigidity owing to delignification was observed and hence a minimum 16% increase in softness was achieved in the integrated process. Our study presents an efficient strategy that exploits low‐cost agro residues for enzyme production and generates bio‐softened coir of acceptable quality in the export and domestic markets. © 2023 Society of Industrial Chemistry and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Brain activity associated with taste stimulation: A mechanism for neuroplastic change?
Authors: Dietsch Angela M. , Westemeyer Ross M. , Schultz Douglas H.
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Neuroplasticity may be enhanced by increasing brain activation and bloodflow in neural regions relevant to the target behavior. We administered precisely formulated and dosed taste stimuli to determine whether the associated brain activity patterns included areas that underlie swallowing control.

Methods

Five taste stimuli (unflavored, sour, sweet‐sour, lemon, and orange suspensions) were administered in timing‐regulated and temperature‐controlled 3 mL doses via a customized pump/tubing system to 21 healthy adults during functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Whole‐brain analyses of fMRI data assessed main effects of taste stimulation as well as differential effects of taste profile.

Results

Differences in brain activity associated with taste stimulation overall as well as specific stimulus type were observed in key taste and swallowing regions including the orbitofrontal cortex, insula, cingulate, and pre‐ and postcentral gyri. Overall, taste stimulation elicited increased activation in swallowing‐related brain regions compared to unflavored trials. Different patterns of blood oxygen level‐dependent (BOLD) signal were noted by taste profile. For most areas, sweet‐sour and sour trials elicited increases in BOLD compared to unflavored trials within that region, whereas lemon and orange trials yielded reductions in BOLD. This was despite identical concentrations of citric acid and sweetener in the lemon, orange, and sweet‐sour solutions.

Conclusions

These results suggest that neural activity in swallowing‐relevant regions can be amplified with taste stimuli and may be differentially affected by specific properties within very similar taste profiles. These findings provide critical foundational information for interpreting disparities in previous studies of taste effects on brain activity and swallowing function, defining optimal stimuli to increase brain activity in swallowing‐relevant regions, and harnessing taste to enhance neuroplasticity and recovery for persons with swallowing disorders.
Affiliative identity, well‐being and eating disorder symptoms during the transition to university
Authors: Foran Aoife‐Marie , O'Donnell Aisling T. , Muldoon Orla T.
Published: March 2023

The transition to university can often be challenging for individuals with eating disorders (EDs). As such, there is a need to understand protective factors that optimise people's health during this transition. Researchers using the social identity perspective suggest that group identification and psychological well‐being may impact ED symptoms. Yet, these effects have not been demonstrated over time, limiting causal understanding. We address this gap by examining the role of affiliative identity and psychological well‐being in lowering ED symptoms over the transition to university. First‐year university students diagnosed with an ED or symptoms of an ED participated in a three‐wave longitudinal study. An online survey was completed by participants at T1 (N = 281), 4 months later at T2 (N = 101) and 12 months later at T3 (N = 36). Self‐report measures were used to assess identification with one's most important group, psychological well‐being and ED symptoms. Linear mixed‐effect models showed that strength of affiliative identity was a positive predictor of well‐being across time. Well‐being was also shown to be a negative predictor of ED symptoms across time. Using a longitudinal mediation model, strength of affiliative identity had positive implications for people's psychological well‐being which subsequently predicted self‐reported ED symptoms. This study provides evidence that affiliative identity may be particularly important for enhancing psychological well‐being and in turn reducing ED symptoms during the transition to university.