bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Knowledge Base for Language Teacher Education Revisited: A Review
Authors: Ong'ondo Charles Ochieng'
Published: July 2017

The debate on the knowledge base for teacher education (TE) in general and language teacher education in particularhas been going on for while with no unanimity on what it should entail. In this paper, I review literature on the issueof the knowledge base, specifically on language teacher education (LTE). The key question guiding this review is:What is the conceptual foundation of the knowledge base for LTE? This suggests that the debate needs to considerpedagogical reasoning as a core pillar of the knowledge base for LTE. At the centre of the concept of pedagogicalreasoning is the need for language teachers to understand the relationships between principles and procedures oflanguage teaching. While this paper focuses on English language, I believe that the issues raised are relevant to anyother second language teaching contexts since the concept of pedagogical reasoning as a basis of the knowledge basefor LTE is not limited to English Language (EL) Contexts.
Robust Real-Time Gradient-based Eye Detection and Tracking Using Transform Domain and PSO-Based Feature Selection
Authors: Salehi Nasrin , Keyvanara Maryam , Monadjemi Amirhassan
Published: July 2017

Despite numerous research on eye detection and tracking, this field of study remains challenging due to the individuality of eyes, occlusion, and variability in scale, location, and light conditions. This paper combines a techniques of feature extraction and a feature selection method to achieve a significant increase in eye recognition. Subspace methods may improve detection efficiency and accuracy of eye centers detection using dimensionality reduction. In this study, HoG descriptor is used to lay the ground for BPSO based feature selection. Histogram of Oriented Gradient (HoG) features are used for efficient extraction of pose, translation and illumination invariant features. HoG descriptors uses the fact that local object appearance and shape within an image can be described by the distribution of intensity gradients or edge directions. The method upholds invariance to geometric and photometric transformations. The performance of presented method is evaluated using several benchmark datasets, namely, BioID and RS-DMV. Experimental results obtained by applying the proposed algorithm on BioID dataset show that the proposed system outperforms other eye recognition systems. A significant increase in the recognition rate is achieved when using the combination of HoG descriptor, BPSO, and SVM for feature extraction, feature selection and training phase respectively. The Recognition rate for BioID dataset was 99.6% and the detection time was 15.24 msec for every single frame.
Detection of retinal blood vessels from ophthalmoscope images using morphological approach
Authors: Dash Jyotiprava , Bhoi Nilamani
Published: July 2017

Accurate segmentation of retinal blood vessels is an essential task for diagnosis of various pathological disorders. In this paper, a novel method has been introduced for segmenting retinal blood vessels which involves pre-processing, segmentation and post-processing. The pre-processing stage enhanced the image using contrast limited adaptive histogram equalization and 2D Gabor wavelet. The enhanced image is segmented using geodesic operators and a final segmentation output is obtained by applying a post-processing stage that involves hole filling and removal of isolated pixels. The performance of the proposed method is evaluated on the publicly available Digital retinal images for vessel extraction (DRIVE) and High-resolution fundus (HRF) databases using five different measurements and experimental analysis shows that the proposed method reach an average accuracy of 0.9541 on DRIVE database and 0.9568, 0.9478 and 0.9613 on HRF database with healthy, diabetic retinopathy (DR) and glaucomatous images respectively.
Societat i patrimoni: polítiques públiques
Authors: Sánchez Romero Margarita , Rodríguez de Guzmán Sánchez Sandra I. , Hernández de la Obra Joaquín
Published: July 2017

Els nous reptes que es planteja la societat del segle XXI reclamen del patrimoni cultural que exerceixi els papers que li confereix ser tant un recurs per a la cultura com un capital econòmic. La primera de les funcions està relacionada amb la construcció de les identitats socials, amb valors simbòlics, amb el servei a l’educació i a la ciència, amb l’estímul de la consciència ciutadana o amb els valors sensitius i de gaudi. Com a capital econòmic, el patrimoni està relacionat amb la inserció en el sistema productiu, incloent-hi la generació de rendes o fins i tot de llocs de treball i, particularment, amb la inserció en el teixit local mitjançant la participació en el desenvolupament regional. Totes dues posicions indiquen que al patrimoni cultural li correspon un paper en la transformació de la societat. Assolir que aquestes demandes socials siguin canalitzades correctament i promoure la relació entre patrimoni i societat és un objectiu de tutela i, per tant, és un treball que ha d’ocupar un espai significatiu en les tasques de gestió de l’administració cultural. El III Pla General de Béns Culturals reflexiona sobre aquests reptes creant una estratègia de treball amb línies prioritàries d’actuació per assolir els objectius proposats.
Is Marketing Losing its Identity? A Bibliometric Review
Authors: Falcão Roberto Flores , Ikeda Ana Akemi , Campomar Marcos Cortez
Published: July 2017

Marketing researchers have the responsibility to promote their field of study, developing models and tools, and suggesting best practices that favour marketing practitioners as well. In this sense, both current practices and consumer behavior are investigated. However, consumer behavior should not be seen as a whole on itself. Based on this issue, we investigated the publication in marketing in Brazil. Through a desk research using bibliometric analysis techniques over 520 journal issues and 28 conference proceedings were analyzed. In order to evaluate the evolution of the publication in marketing, we selected the two oldest management journals (RAUSP of FEA/USP and RAE of EAESP/FGV) and the three main national events in the area (SEMEAD, EnANPAD and EMA). Papers published between 1947 and 1976 in RAUSP were analyzed in printed editions. The others were obtained through the website of the events and of the journals. In all, 2,715 marketing articles were identified. We noticed that there is a growing concentration of studies on consumer behavior. Other authors point to this situation, stressing that excessive focus on consumer behavior might reduce studies on strategy and decision making. Thus, the results suggest that marketing scholars rethink the scope of the field and their research activities, strengthening more applied studies to the reality of managers.
A Coprodução de Serviços Intensivos em Conhecimento e Criação de Valor: Uma Análise em Relações entre Empresas
Authors: Rabelo Joselia Oliveira , Brito Eliane Pereira Zamith
Published: July 2017

O objetivo desta pesquisa foi identificar e descrever como as expertises tcnica e de negcio do cliente e fornecedor influenciam na coproduo e, seus resultados na criao de valor econmico e relacional em servios intensivos em conhecimento. Para entender melhor o relacionamento dessas variveis, adotou-se pesquisa qualitativa, devido sua natureza exploratria e tambm por analisar o fenmeno por diferentes perspectivas - clientes, fornecedores e interao entre eles. Foram conduzidas entrevistas com gestores de diferentes tipos de servios intensivos em conhecimento. As entrevistas basearam-se na teoria de coproduo, seus antecedentes e impacto na criao de valor. Nove entrevistas foram realizadas com gestores de diferentes tipos de servios intensivos em conhecimento - Consultoria de RH, Software e Arquitetura e Engenharia. Os entrevistados foram estimulados a trazerem explicaes e exemplos sobre os temas para aprofundar o entendimento dos construtos pesquisados. Os resultados revelam que complexidade, customizao e relevncia estratgica da soluo motivam o cliente a participar da coproduo. Os resultados da coproduo so otimizados quando clientes e fornecedores interagem e compartilham expertise nas fases de diagnstico e execuo da soluo, o que influencia positivamente a percepo de valor do cliente. A interao e troca de expertise tcnica e de negcios entre fornecedor e cliente favorece a coproduo. A participao do cliente na coproduo e a troca de expertise com o fornecedor tm impacto positivo tanto para o valor econmico como de relacionamento. Por fim, observou-se que clientes percebem a soluo amplamente, considerando tanto os benefcios funcionais quanto o relacionamento com seus fornecedores.
Unmanned : la représentation de la mort à l’époque des drones
Authors: Paquet Amélie
Published: July 2017

Le jeu vidéo indépendant Unmanned (2012) de Jim Munroe raconte la crise de l’éthos guerrier causée par l’arrivée des drones comme stratégie privilégiée par l’armée américaine. Le personnage, contrôlé par le joueur, évolue dans un monde où il lui faut sans cesse agir de manière contradictoire. Pour cette raison, il doit tenter de réconcilier sa vie personnelle et sa vie professionnelle. Unmanned montre les troubles causés par cette nouvelle manière de tuer les ennemis. Le mort échappe désormais au domaine de la représentation. L’étude de cette oeuvre vidéoludique permet aussi de voir comment l’espace créatif du jeu indépendant permet de construire un commentaire critique sur l’industrie du jeu vidéo.
Cérémonies funéraires dans World of Warcraft. Révélateur des sociabilités en ligne ?1
Authors: Servais Olivier
Published: July 2017

Les rituels religieux ou de célébrations collectives se sont développés ces dernières années sur internet. Si ce type de pratiques a fait l’objet de plusieurs études, la motivation des protagonistes et la nature fondamentale de ces cérémonies a peu fait l’objet d’analyse. À partir de l’ethnographie d’une cérémonie d’hommage à un défunt dans le jeu vidéo World of Warcraft, le présent article se focalise sur l’intention des participants. Sur la base de différents témoignages, nous entendons démêler la nature foncièrement religieuse et/ou sociale de ces commémorations.
Los medicamentos genéricos en Colombia: industria, políticas de salud y farmaceutización durante la década de 1960
Authors: García Víctor Manuel
Published: July 2017

This article analyses the history of the emergence of generic medications in Colombia during de 1960’s. It exposes that this emergence was the result of a merging between an industrial local sector, an industrial group from the United States and a pharmaceutical policy of the State. From the analysis of documents retrieved from the Ministry of Health, from the national and foreign press and some interviews with stakeholders, it is clear that the Ministry of Health and some of its workers stablished a pioneering policy within the continent. This policy strengthened the quality control of generic medications and it supported its diffusion. The Colombian State acted upon as an actor capable to regulate the harmonization between the benefits for the industry and the society seeking access to health. A first step taken by the Government and the industry toward the pharmaceuticalization of the society was the strategy of generics’ consumption.
Indigenismo desarrollista: Estado y diferencia cultural en una frontera amazónica (1959-1980)
Authors: Rozo Esteban , Cairo Carlos Del
Published: July 2017

This article explores “developmental indigenism” as a particular articulation of the “indigenist” policies of the Colombian state, which started to take shape at the end of the 1950s. We describe and analyze the implementation and consolidation of “developmental indigenism” in a frontier region such as Guainía. Based on documents, letters and reports, we show how “developmental indigenism” entailed a double adequation between state agents and indigenous communities. Understanding this double adequation destabilizes simplifications regarding how state and indigeneity are constructed in frontier regions such as Amazonia.
Changes of mitochondrial ultrastructure and function during ageing in mice and Drosophila
Authors: Brandt Tobias , Mourier Arnaud , Tain Luke S , Partridge Linda , Larsson Nils-Göran , Kühlbrandt Werner
Published: July 2017

Ageing is a progressive decline of intrinsic physiological functions. We examined the impact of ageing on the ultrastructure and function of mitochondria in mouse and fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster) by electron cryo-tomography and respirometry. We discovered distinct age-related changes in both model organisms. Mitochondrial function and ultrastructure are maintained in mouse heart, whereas subpopulations of mitochondria from mouse liver show age-related changes in membrane morphology. Subpopulations of mitochondria from young and old mouse kidney resemble those described for apoptosis. In aged flies, respiratory activity is compromised and the production of peroxide radicals is increased. In about 50% of mitochondria from old flies, the inner membrane organization breaks down. This establishes a clear link between inner membrane architecture and functional decline. Mitochondria were affected by ageing to very different extents, depending on the organism and possibly on the degree to which tissues within the same organism are protected against mitochondrial damage.
Evidence that Mediator is essential for Pol II transcription, but is not a required component of the preinitiation complex in vivo
Authors: Petrenko Natalia , Jin Yi , Wong Koon Ho , Struhl Kevin
Published: July 2017

The Mediator complex has been described as a general transcription factor, but it is unclear if it is essential for Pol II transcription and/or is a required component of the preinitiation complex (PIC) in vivo. Here, we show that depletion of individual subunits, even those essential for cell growth, causes a general but only modest decrease in transcription. In contrast, simultaneous depletion of all Mediator modules causes a drastic decrease in transcription. Depletion of head or middle subunits, but not tail subunits, causes a downstream shift in the Pol II occupancy profile, suggesting that Mediator at the core promoter inhibits promoter escape. Interestingly, a functional PIC and Pol II transcription can occur when Mediator is not detected at core promoters. These results provide strong evidence that Mediator is essential for Pol II transcription and stimulates PIC formation, but it is not a required component of the PIC in vivo.
Short reads from honey bee (Apis sp.) sequencing projects reflect microbial associate diversity
Authors: Gerth Michael , Hurst Gregory D.D.
Published: July 2017

High throughput (or ‘next generation’) sequencing has transformed most areas of biological research and is now a standard method that underpins empirical study of organismal biology, and (through comparison of genomes), reveals patterns of evolution. For projects focused on animals, these sequencing methods do not discriminate between the primary target of sequencing (the animal genome) and ‘contaminating’ material, such as associated microbes. A common first step is to filter out these contaminants to allow better assembly of the animal genome or transcriptome. Here, we aimed to assess if these ‘contaminations’ provide information with regard to biologically important microorganisms associated with the individual. To achieve this, we examined whether the short read data from Apis retrieved elements of its well established microbiome. To this end, we screened almost 1,000 short read libraries of honey bee (Apis sp.) DNA sequencing project for the presence of microbial sequences, and find sequences from known honey bee microbial associates in at least 11% of them. Further to this, we screened ∼500 Apis RNA sequencing libraries for evidence of viral infections, which were found to be present in about half of them. We then used the data to reconstruct draft genomes of three Apis associated bacteria, as well as several viral strains de novo. We conclude that ‘contamination’ in short read sequencing libraries can provide useful genomic information on microbial taxa known to be associated with the target organisms, and may even lead to the discovery of novel associations. Finally, we demonstrate that RNAseq samples from experiments commonly carry uneven viral loads across libraries. We note variation in viral presence and load may be a confounding feature of differential gene expression analyses, and as such it should be incorporated as a random factor in analyses.
So Visibly a Mother
Authors: Pinto Taylor Emily
Published: October 2024

In this narrative medicine essay, an internal medicine physician reflects on her intentional and visible efforts to model for young physicians the balance between career and parenthood.
Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome
Authors: Angulo Maria Isabel
Published: October 2024

This JAMA Patient Page describes cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, a gastrointestinal condition associated with frequent and long-term use of cannabis.
External Validation of the American Heart Association PREVENT Cardiovascular Disease Risk Equations
Authors: Scheuermann Britton , Brown Alexandra , Colburn Trenton , Hakeem Hisham , Chow Chen Hoe , Ade Carl
Published: October 2024

Importance

The American Heart Association’s Predicting Risk of Cardiovascular Disease Events (PREVENT) equations were developed to extend and improve on previous cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk assessments for the purpose of treatment initiation and patient-clinician communication.

Objective

To assess prognostic capabilities, calibration, and discrimination of the PREVENT equations in a study sample representative of the noninstitutionalized, US general population.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This prognostic study used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999 to 2010 data cycles. Participants included adults for whom 10-year follow-up data were available. Data curation and analyses took place from December 2023 through May 2024.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Primary measures were risk estimated by the PREVENT equations, as well as risk estimates from the previous Pooled Cohort Equations (PCEs). The primary outcome was composite CVD-related mortality at 10 years of follow-up. Additional analyses compared the PREVENT equations against the PCEs. Model discrimination was assessed with receiver-operator characteristic curves and Harrell C statistic from proportional hazard regression; model calibration was determined as the slope of predicted versus observed risk.

Results

The study cohort, accounting for NHANES complex survey design, consisted of 172.9 million participants (mean age, 45.0 years [95% CI, 44.6-45.4 years]; 52.1% women [95% CI, 51.5%-52.6%]). In analyses adjusted for the NHANES survey design, a 1% increase in PREVENT risk estimates was statistically significantly associated with increased CVD mortality risk (hazard ratio, 1.090; 95% CI, 1.087-1.094). PREVENT risk scores demonstrated excellent discrimination (C statistic, 0.890; 95% CI, 0.881-0.898) but moderate underfitting of the model (calibration slope, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.06-1.21). PREVENT risk models performed statistically significantly better than the PCEs, as assessed by the net reclassification index (0.093; 95% CI, 0.073-0.115).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this prognostic study of the PREVENT equations, PREVENT risk estimates demonstrated excellent discrimination and only modest discrepancies in calibration. These findings provided evidence supporting utilization of the PREVENT equations for application in the intended population as suggested by the American Heart Association.
Long COVID Among Undocumented Latino Immigrant Populations in the Emergency Department
Authors: Reyes Karen P. , Rafique Zubaid , Chinnock Brian , Kumar Vijaya Arun , Gottlieb Michael , Rising Kristin L. , Rodriguez Robert M.
Published: October 2024

This cross-sectional study assesses the understanding of and access to care for long COVID symptoms among undocumented Latino immigrants in US emergency departments (EDs).
Neurologic Recovery at Discharge and Long-Term Survival After Cardiac Arrest
Authors: Dillenbeck Emelie , Svensson Leif , Rawshani Araz , Hollenberg Jacob , Ringh Mattias , Claesson Andreas , Awad Akil , Jonsson Martin , Nordberg Per
Published: October 2024

Importance

Brain injury is the leading cause of death following cardiac arrest and is associated with severe neurologic disabilities among survivors, with profound implications for patients and their families, as well as broader societal impacts. How these disabilities affect long-term survival is largely unknown.

Objective

To investigate whether complete neurologic recovery at hospital discharge after cardiac arrest is associated with better long-term survival compared with moderate or severe neurologic disabilities.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cohort study used data from 4 mandatory national registers with structured and predefined data collection and nationwide coverage during a 10-year period in Sweden. Participants included adults who survived in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) or out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) beyond 30 days and who underwent predefined neurologic assessment conducted by health care professionals at hospital discharge using the Cerebral Performance Category (CPC) scale between January 2010 and December 2019. Patients were divided into 3 categories: complete recovery (CPC 1), moderate disabilities (CPC 2), and severe disabilities (CPC 3-4). Statistical analyses were performed in December 2023.

Exposure

CPC score at hospital discharge.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was long-term survival among patients with CPC 1 compared with those with CPC 2 or CPC 3 or 4.

Results

A total of 9390 cardiac arrest survivors (median [IQR] age, 69 .0 [58.0-77.0] years; 6544 [69.7%] male) were included. The distribution of functional neurologic outcomes at discharge was 7374 patients (78.5%) with CPC 1, 1358 patients (14.5%) with CPC 2, and 658 patients (7.0%) with CPC 3 or 4. Survival proportions at 5 years were 73.8% (95% CI, 72.5%-75.0%) for patients with CPC 1, compared with 64.7% (95% CI, 62.4%-67.0%) for patients with CPC 2 and 54.2% (95% CI, 50.6%-57.8%) for patients with CPC 3 or 4. Compared with patients with CPC 1, there was significantly higher hazard of death for patients with CPC 2 (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 1.57 [95% CI, 1.40-1.75]) or CPC 3 or 4 (aHR, 2.46 [95% CI, 2.13-2.85]). Similar associations were seen in the OHCA and IHCA groups.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cohort study of patients with cardiac arrest who survived beyond 30 days, complete neurologic recovery, defined as CPC 1 at discharge, was associated with better long-term survival compared with neurologic disabilities at the same time point.
Recombinant Zoster Vaccination Among US Veterans Receiving Immunosuppressive Medications
Authors: Abada Sharon , Li Jing , Tarasovsky Gary , Wilson Cherish , Yazdany Jinoos , Whooley Mary A. , Schmajuk Gabriela
Published: October 2024

This cross-sectional study investigates rates of recombinant zoster vaccination among US veterans receiving immunosuppressive medications before and after expanded indications for younger adults who are immunocompromised.
Thyroid Cancer Incidence During 2020 to 2021 COVID-19 Variant Waves
Authors: Bell Rebecca , Weinberger Daniel M. , Venkatesh Manasa , Fernandes-Taylor Sara , Francis David O. , Davies Louise
Published: October 2024

Importance

How rates of thyroid cancer diagnosis were affected by the emergence of COVID-19 variants during the 2020 to 2021 era of the pandemic has not been described.

Objective

To estimate the total number of undiagnosed cases of thyroid cancer, by histologic type, during the first 2 years of the COVID-19 pandemic (2020 and 2021) by comparing observed to expected incidence and to test for changes in size of cancer at incidence during the same period compared to prior years.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This longitudinal study analyzed trends in thyroid cancer diagnoses from 2016 to 2021 among US adults using data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results 22 (SEER-22) program database. Data analyses were performed in April to May 2024.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Age-adjusted incidence rate per 100 000 US adults, changes in incidence, estimated number of undiagnosed cases, and mean cancer size.

Results

Absolute rates of overall thyroid cancer incidence in the first quarter of 2016 and of 2019 were 21.0 and 18.8 per 100 000, respectively. From 2020 through 2021, the quarterly rates were 17.3, 11.1, 17.2, 17.9, 17.4, 19.0, 17.1, and 17.3 per 100 000, respectively. The observed incidence of thyroid cancers decreased by 11% for papillary cancers 2 cm or smaller (risk ratio [RR], 0.89; 95% CI, 0.83-0.95), 14% for papillary cancers larger than 2 cm (RR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.79-0.93), 8% for follicular cancers (RR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.82-0.92), 10% for medullary cancers (RR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.78-1.04), and 15% for anaplastic cancers (RR, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.68-1.07) from March 2020 to December 2021. Oncocytic cancers declined in incidence early in the pandemic, but rates returned to baseline or above through 2021 (RR, 1.15; 95% CI, 0.97-1.37). Extrapolated to the general US population, the total estimated number of thyroid cancer cases not diagnosed (expected minus observed) from March 2020 to December 2021 was approximately 10 200: 5400 papillary cancers 2 cm or smaller (95% CI, 2380-8530), 3700 papillary cancers larger than 2 cm (95% CI, 1660-5810), 600 follicular cancers (95% CI, −260 to 1550), 300 medullary cancers (95% CI, −110 to 720), and 190 anaplastic cancers (95% CI, −75 to 530). Mean size at diagnosis did not change significantly between 2016 and 2021 for any histologic type.

Conclusions and Relevance

This longitudinal study found that by the end of 2021, many thyroid cancers remained undiagnosed. These were predominantly small papillary cancers but also affected all histologic types except oncocytic. These deficits in diagnosis could produce a temporary increase in the rate of patients presenting with larger or more advanced stage cancers in the future, and consequently, temporary increases in population morbidity and mortality.
Robust State‐Feedback Controller of Uncertain Systems Based on Non‐Monotonic Approach
Authors: El Fadili Yattou , Boukili Bensalem , N'Diaye Mouctar , Boumhidi Ismail
Published: October 2024

In this article, new linear matrix inequality (LMI) conditions are proposed to guarantee robust stability of the closed‐loop of the linear time‐invariant one‐dimensional uncertain system by dealing with both continuous‐time (CT) and discrete‐time (DT) cases. These improved conditions for robust state feedback control combine the non‐monotonic approach and Finsler's technique. The benefit of the non‐monotonic approach returns to the utility of an arbitrary number of quadratic functions by considering the higher order derivatives of the vector field in the CT case (or the higher order differences of the vector field in the DT case). Finsler's technique aims to solve the closed‐loop stability problem in a larger parametric space. The strong points of the suggested LMI conditions are easy to program, eliminate the product between the state matrix and Lyapunov matrices, reduce the constraints by avoiding the decrease monotonically along trajectories for each quadratic Lyapunov function, guarantee the robust stability of the closed‐loop by using a state‐feedback gain. The simulation results show and confirm the effectiveness of these proposed conditions.
DEA: Online pharmacies have ramped up sales of fentanyl pills
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: October 2024

A safety alert from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) about a rise in illegal online pharmacies that are marketing as legitimate pharmaceuticals pills actually made with fentanyl and methamphetamine reinforces the presence of a trend in fentanyl supply that has been developing for some time.
Enhanced Nonlinear Optical Responses in MoS2 via Femtosecond Laser‐Induced Defect‐Engineering
Authors: Akkanen Suvi‐Tuuli M. , Arias‐Muñoz Juan C. , Emelianov Aleksei V. , Mentel Kamila K. , Tammela Juhani V. , Partanen Mikko , Das Susobhan , Faisal Ahmed , Pettersson Mika , Sun Zhipei
Published: October 2024

2D materials are a promising platform for applications in many fields as they possess a plethora of useful properties that can be further optimized by careful engineering, for example, by defect introduction. While reliable high‐yield defect engineering methods are in demand, most current technologies are expensive, harsh, or non‐deterministic. Optical modification methods offer a cost‐effective and fast mechanism to engineer the properties of 2D materials at any step of the device fabrication process. In this paper, the nonlinear optical responses of mono‐, bi‐, and trilayer molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) flakes are enhanced by deterministic defect‐engineering with a femtosecond laser. A 50‐fold enhancement in the third harmonic generation (THG) and a 3.3‐fold increase in the second harmonic generation (SHG) in the optically modified areas is observed. The enhancement is attributed to resonant SHG and THG processes arising from optically introduced mid‐band gap defect states. These results demonstrate a highly controllable, sub‐micrometer resolution tool for enhancing the nonlinear optical responses in 2D materials, paving the way for prospective future applications in optoelectronics, quantum technologies, and energy solutions.
Switching From Negative to Positive Thermal Expansion of Porphyrin‐Based Metal‐Organic Frameworks Through Post‐Metallization
Authors: Liu Zhanning , Cheng Ruihuan , Ma Rui , Xing Chengyong , Tian Jian , Chen Yue , Xing Xianran
Published: October 2024

Achieving smart single‐phase materials with switchable thermal expansion is challenging, as most materials undergo volumetric thermal expansion upon heating. Here, it is reported that the porphyrin‐based metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) can show switchable thermal expansion, ranging from negative to positive, by controlling the central metal ions. The pristine compound, along with those functionalized with Ni2+ or FePz2+ (Pz stands for pyrazine) show pronounced negative thermal expansion (NTE), while the FeCl2+ functionalized analogue shows moderate positive thermal expansion (PTE). Detailed molecular dynamic simulations shed light on that the NTE originates from the collective low‐frequency phonon modes, concerning the in‐plane/out‐of‐plane rotations and trampoline‐like vibrations of porphyrin groups. The introduction of FeCl2+ can disrupt the planarity of the porphyrin groups, stiffening the NTE related phonons, thus leading to the PTE. In contrast, the introduction of Ni2+ or FePz2+ groups can maintain the planar structure, thereby preserving the NTE. This study not only provides a molecular‐level understanding of thermal expansion but also opens a pathway for tailoring thermal expansion through post‐synthesis modification of molecular structures.
A Micro Battery Supercapacitor Hybrid Device with Ultrahigh Cycle Lifespan and Power Density Enabled by Bi‐Functional Coating Design
Authors: Ye Fazhi , Yang Wei , Liao Xiaobin , Dong Chenhui , Xu Lin , Mai Liqiang
Published: October 2024

Micro energy storage devices (MESDs) have emerged as promising energy providers for micro applications due to their integrated performance. However, the limited cycle life and low power density of microbattery, and low energy density of microsupercapacitor have consistently impeded their broader practical implementation. Herein, to obtain a MESD with a long cycle life, excellent power density, and superior energy density, a novel micro battery‐supercapacitor hybrid (MBSH) device is fabricated. Two types of 3D microelectrodes are fabricated, namely, a nanowire network anode based on PEDOT‐TiON and a porous cathode based on Ni(OH)2. Benefiting from the unique hydrophobic characteristics of the PEDOT layer, high electrical conductivity of TiON, and high conductivity, and abundant ion diffusion channels of network microstructure, PEDOT‐TiON NW microelectrodes demonstrate exceptional cycling stability by retaining 70% of their capacity after 40 000 cycles. The achieved MBSH exhibits an extended voltage window ranging from 0 to 1.9 V, impressive power density of 77.5 mW cm−2, and a superior energy density of 55.6 µWh cm−2. Furthermore, it maintains a remarkable capacity retention rate of 71.6% even after undergoing 30 000 cycles. This innovative design paves the way for the developing of high‐performance microdevices with superior electrochemical properties.
Human Memory‐Inspired MoS2/BST Ferroelectric Phototransistor with Synchronous Sensory, Short‐Term and Long‐Term Memories
Authors: Tan Chao , Wu Haijuan , Lin Zhicheng , Liu Jinxiu , Yang Lei , Gao Libin , Wang Zegao
Published: October 2024

The collaborative working mode of different memory patterns–sensory, short‐term, and long‐term memories–in the human brain is significantly efficient and economical. This work reproduces the three memory patterns synchronously with the retention of 60 s, 30 min, and 18 h, respectively, on a Ba0.6Sr0.4TiO3 ferroelectric MoS2 phototransistor, showing the potential of vision perceptual‐like in‐memory sensing and computing ability. It also can be programmed to function as an optical multiply and accumulate (MAC) operator, in‐memory Boolean logic gates, and optical‐electrical cooperative synapses used for artificial neural network (ANN) pattern recognition. In addition, the current on/off ratio, subthreshold swing, and carrier mobility of the device is observed to reach 105, 72 mV dec−1 and 31 cm2 V−1 s−1, respectively. Also, its photodetection range can be extended from visible to near‐infrared by gate tuning. The responsivity and specific detectivity at 400 nm wavelength are 171452 A W−1 and 1.3 × 1014 Jones, respectively, while that at 1100 nm are 605 A W−1 and 3.2 × 1011 Jones, respectively. This work demonstrates that the ferroelectric phototransistor is capable of photodetection, parallel computing, and synaptic plasticity based on various memory patterns, so as to realize the real in‐memory sensing and computing functionality.
Amorphous Carbon‐Modulated Mg3(Bi,Sb)2 and Electron‐Poor CdSb for Ultralow‐Cost Te‐Free Refrigeration Modules
Authors: Xu Wenlong , Al‐Maythalony Bassem A. , Li Jiao , Li Xiang , Fu Liangwei , Xu Biao
Published: October 2024

The rapid advancement of Internet of Things (IoT) technology and AI microchips has increased the demand for efficient and cost‐effective cooling solutions. However, traditional Bi2Te3‐based thermoelectric modules face the challenge of low abundance tellurium (Te). Although Te‐free modules using MgAgSb have been explored, they still suffer from a low price‐to‐performance ratio. To address these issues, this study investigates the development of alternative thermoelectric materials that are both cost‐effective and Te free. In this work, the potential of cost‐effective Te‐free alternatives is explored for thermoelectric applications by developing a high‐performance module composed of amorphous carbon‐modulated Mg3(Bi,Sb)2 and electron‐poor CdSb. The modules of CdSb/Bi2Te3 and CdSb/Mg3(Bi,Sb)2 demonstrate superior refrigeration performance, achieving a maximum temperature difference (ΔTmax) of 49.2 and 46 K, respectively. Notably, the material cost of CdSb/Mg3(Bi,Sb)2 module is only 5.5% of Te‐free modules built on MgAgSb, highlighting a significant economic advantage. This work provides a viable, ultralow‐cost approach to meet general refrigeration needs, thereby enhancing the practical value and application potential of thermoelectric materials.
Fast Li+ De‐Solvation Kinetics with PDDA Intercalated‐Montmorillonite Hybrid Artificial Interface Layer on Cu Substrate for Lithium Metal Batteries in a Wide Climate Temperature
Authors: Shen Yuxi , Gu Jianan , Zhu Zengquan , Zhang Linman , Lv Xiao‐Jun , Li Yueming
Published: October 2024

The tolerance requirement of lithium metal batteries in harsh environments presents great challenges to electrode materials and electrolytes because temperature plays a significant effect in electrochemical processes. In this study, a new artificial layer on a copper current collector that boosts the de‐solvation kinetics and provides electrostatic shielding effects is presented to enhance the electrochemical performance of lithium metal batteries. This new artificial layer is constructed with poly(diallyl dimethyl ammonium chloride) (PDDA) and exfoliated montmorillonite (MMT) nanosheets, which combine the advantages of both inorganic clay and organic polymer. Within this protective hybrid layer, the PDDA cations increase the interlayer spacing of MMT, broadening the diffusion pathways of Li+ and accelerating their fast diffusion. Moreover, the PDDA‐MMT protective layer facilitates Li+ de‐solvation at the interface of the Li anode and electrolyte, enabling the rapid and reversible plating/stripping of lithium metal. As a result, the as‐prepared PDDA‐MMT@Cu anode exhibits excellent stability, and good rate performance is achieved in a commercial electrolyte in the temperature range of −20–60 °C. By combining enhanced diffusion kinetics and electrostatic shielding as an artificial protective layer, this clay‐polymer composite provides a synergistic interaction and offers new inspiration for the development of lithium metal batteries.
Lipase Enzymes for Sustainable Synthesis of Pharmaceuticals and Chiral Organic Building Blocks
Authors: Khanra Moumita , Ravichandiran V. , Swain Sharada Prasanna
Published: October 2024

Biocatalysis is a green and sustainable process for synthesizing chiral organic building blocks and active pharmaceutical ingredients (API). United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals 2030 advocates using green, sustainable, recyclable chemicals by industries to reduce environmental pollution. Pharmaceutical companies are adopting biocatalysis technologies for manufacturing chiral active pharmaceutical ingredients. The lipase‐catalyzed kinetic and dynamic‐kinetic resolution method is a pharmaceutically accepted process for manufacturing chiral API. This review describes the reported methods for synthesizing chiral API/KSM (Key Starting Material) molecules using lipase enzymes over the last ten years.
Gastric Cancer Actively Remodels Mechanical Microenvironment to Promote Chemotherapy Resistance via MSCs‐Mediated Mitochondrial Transfer
Authors: He Xin , Zhong Li , Wang Nan , Zhao Baiwei , Wang Yannan , Wu Xinxiang , Zheng Changyu , Ruan Yueheng , Hou Jianfeng , Luo Yusheng , Yin Yuehan , He Yulong , Xiang Andy Peng , Wang Jiancheng
Published: October 2024

Chemotherapy resistance is the main reason of treatment failure in gastric cancer (GC). However, the mechanism of oxaliplatin (OXA) resistance remains unclear. Here, we demonstrate that extracellular mechanical signaling plays crucial roles in OXA resistance within GC. We selected OXA‐resistant GC patients and analyzed tumor tissues by single‐cell sequencing, and found that the mitochondrial content of GC cells increased in a biosynthesis‐independent manner. Moreover, we found that the increased mitochondria of GC cells were mainly derived from mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), which could repair the mitochondrial function and reduce the levels of mitophagy in GC cells, thus leading to OXA resistance. Furthermore, we investigated the underlying mechanism and found that mitochondrial transfer was mediated by mechanical signals of the extracellular matrix (ECM). After OXA administration, GC cells actively secreted ECM in the tumor microenvironment (TEM), increasing matrix stiffness of the tumor tissues, which promoted mitochondria to transfer from MSCs to GC cells via microvesicles (MVs). Meanwhile, inhibiting the mechanical‐related RhoA/ROCK1 pathway could alleviate OXA resistance in GC cells. In summary, these results indicate that matrix stiffness could be used as an indicator to identify chemotherapy resistance, and targeting mechanical‐related pathway could effectively alleviate OXA resistance and improve therapeutic efficacy.
The evaluation of video‐assisted debriefing for improving performance in simulated medical student resuscitations
Authors: VandenBerg James , Moss Henry , Wechsler Courtney , Johnson Chelsea , McRae Matthew , Sloan Shawn , Dimitrijevski Trifun , Kouyoumjian Sarkis , Kline Jeffrey A. , Messman Anne
Published: October 2024

Objectives

Simulation‐based training is commonly used in medical education. However, there is a gap in knowledge regarding best practices in debriefing. We aimed to identify novel solutions to this by adapting video‐assisted debriefing (VAD) methodologies used in athletic training. We hypothesized that utilizing VAD would lead to improvements in performance during advanced cardiac life support (ACLS)‐based simulations compared to traditional verbal debriefing (VD).

Methods

The study was conducted at a single medical school. Participants were fourth‐year medical students engaging in ACLS simulation‐based training as part of their emergency medicine rotation. After completing an ACLS‐based simulation, participants received either VD or VAD and then completed a second simulation scenario. Our primary outcome was ACLS performance, graded by blinded reviewers utilizing a previously developed modified checklist. Secondary outcomes included time from cardiac arrest to initiation of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and first defibrillation. Measurements were made before and after the interventional debrief, referred to as pre‐ and postdebrief. A modified Likert‐scale survey was used to subjectively assess the student's overall experience.

Results

Forty‐six groups of 275 students were included in the study. Mean ACLS performance score for VD and VAD postdebrief were 85% and 82%, respectively (p = 0.27). Mean time from arrest to CPR initiation for VD and VAD postdebrief groups were 20 and 24 s, respectively (p = 0.46). Mean time from arrest to defibrillation for VD and VAD postdebrief groups were 50 and 59 s, respectively (p = 0.39). For the Likert surveys, 85% or more of participants in both groups indicated that the session was “very helpful” in all survey categories.

Conclusions

VD and VAD both led to improvements in ACLS performance, time to initiation of CPR, and defibrillation among fourth‐year medical students. Though postdebrief results were not statistically significantly different by comparison, overall VD led to greater improvement overall across all outcomes.
Characterization of phosphorus balances in corn silage fields from eight New York dairies
Authors: Olivo Agustin J. , Klaiber Laura B. , Workman Kirsten , Ketterings Quirine M.
Published: October 2024

Optimizing phosphorus (P) application in corn (Zea mays L.) silage production systems to align with crop P requirements while sustaining soil test P (STP) levels can help mitigate environmental risks and enhance farm profitability. The objectives of this study were to characterize P balances of corn silage fields in New York, their drivers, relationships between P balances and field STP and nitrogen (N) balances, as well as the impact of manure application practices on balances. Field‐level balances (supply–uptake) for P and N were derived for 994 field observations across eight dairy farms and 5 years. On average, P balances were low (11 kg P ha−1) with a wide range across farm averages (−11 to 30 kg P ha−1). Across farms, P was applied at higher rates to fields with adequate STP than to lower STP fields, indicating potential opportunities for reallocation of P within farms. Phosphorus balances were positively related to N balances. Manure nutrient utilization indicated that N‐based applications would lead to large positive P balances in all farms. Phosphorus‐based manure applications could cover on average 51% of corn N requirements under current farm manure application practices. This could be increased up to 85% when maximizing the utilization of manure inorganic N. Management alternatives to prevent excessive P balances include improving diet formulation to reduce P excretion, reducing animal density, exporting manure, implementing manure treatment technologies that conserve N and/or remove P, combining appropriate rates of manure and fertilizer, and maximizing manure inorganic N utilization in field applications.
Electrolyte Design Enables Stable and Energy‐Dense Potassium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Zhang Zhe , Wang Xiaofang , Zhu Jiacheng , Li Nan , Wang Linlin , Yang Yusi , Chen Yifan , Tan Lulu , Niu Xiaogang , Wang Xuefeng , Ji Xiao , Zhu Yujie
Published: October 2024

Free from strategically important elements such as lithium, nickel, cobalt, and copper, potassium‐ion batteries (PIBs) are heralded as promising low‐cost and sustainable electrochemical energy storage systems that complement the existing lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). However, the reported electrochemical performance of PIBs is still suboptimal, especially under practically relevant battery manufacturing conditions. The primary challenge stems from the lack of electrolytes capable of concurrently supporting both the low‐voltage anode and high‐voltage cathode with satisfactory Coulombic efficiency (CE) and cycling stability. Herein, we report a promising electrolyte that facilitates the commercially mature graphite anode (>3 mAh cm−2) to achieve an initial CE of 91.14 % (with an average cycling CE around 99.94 %), fast redox kinetics, and negligible capacity fading for hundreds of cycles. Meanwhile, the electrolyte also demonstrates good compatibility with the 4.4 V (vs. K+/K) high‐voltage K2Mn[Fe(CN)6] (KMF) cathode. Consequently, the KMF||graphite full‐cell without precycling treatment of both electrodes can provide an average discharge voltage of 3.61 V with a specific energy of 316.5 Wh kg−1−(KMF+graphite), comparable to the LiFePO4||graphite LIBs, and maintain 71.01 % capacity retention after 2000 cycles.
End‐Extended Conjugation Strategy to Reduce the Efficiency‐Stability‐Mechanical Robustness Gap in Binary All‐Polymer Solar Cells
Authors: Zhang Xu , Gao Huanhuan , Kan Yuanyuan , Wang Xunchang , Zhang Wenqing , Zhou Kangkang , Xu Huajun , Ye Long , Yang Renqiang , Yang Yingguo , Hao Xiaotao , Sun Yanna , Gao Ke
Published: October 2024

Concurrently achieving high efficiency, mechanical robustness and thermal stability is critical for the commercialization of all‐polymer solar cells (APSCs). However, APSCs usually demonstrate complicated morphology, primarily attributed to the polymer chain entanglement which has a detrimental effect on their fill factors (FF) and morphology stability. To address these concerns, an end‐group extended polymer acceptor, PY‐NFT, was synthesized and studied. The morphology analysis showed a tightly ordered molecular packing mode and a favorable phase separation was formed. The PM6 : PY‐NFT‐based device achieved an exceptional PCE of 19.12 % (certified as 18.45 %), outperforming the control PM6 : PY‐FT devices (17.14 %). This significant improvement highlights the record‐high PCE for binary APSCs. The thermal aging study revealed that the PM6 : PY‐NFT blend exhibited excellent morphological stability, thereby achieving superior device stability, retaining 90 % of initial efficiency after enduring thermal stress (65 °C) for 1500 hours. More importantly, the PM6 : PY‐NFT blend film exhibited outstanding mechanical ductility with a crack onset strain of 24.1 %. Overall, rational chemical structure innovation, especially the conjugation extension strategy to trigger appropriate phase separation and stable morphology, is the key to achieving high efficiency, improved thermal stability and robust mechanical stability of APSCs.