bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Carboxylated carbon nanotubes with high electrocatalytic activity for oxygen evolution in acidic conditions
Authors: Zhang Xin , Zhang Wenqing , Dai Jianying , Sun Mingzi , Zhao Jun , Ji Lifei , Chen Lin , Zeng Fanlong , Yang Fengchun , Huang Bolong , Dai Liming
Published: December 2021

Since most electrocatalysts for oxygen evolution reaction (OER), except for precious metal oxides RuO2 and IrO2, are unstable in harsh acidic solutions, it is highly desirable to develop high‐performance OER electrocatalysts for acidic media, though it is still a big challenge. Herein, we report a simple strategy to produce carboxyl‐enriched multiwalled carbon nanotubes (COOH‐MWNTs) that exhibit stable and high electrocatalytic activities for OER in acidic solutions, showing an overpotential at a current density of 10 mA cm–2 and a Tafel slope as low as of 265 mV and 82 mV dec–1, respectively. As far as we are aware, these results represent the best OER performance for metal‐free electrocatalysts, even comparable to those of RuO2 and IrO2. We have further revealed the catalytic mechanism, which involves one electron lose from the COOH‐MWNTs catalyst at the beginning of the OER process to trigger H2O molecule oxidation by forming peralcohol, followed by the recapture of one electron from water molecule to oxidize water and to recover the initial state for the COOH‐MWNTs catalyst. The unravel of this new OER mechanism is important as it provides new insights into the crucial role of organic functional groups in electrocatalytic processes. Also, the mechanistic understanding can be used to guide the design and development of novel metal‐free catalysts for acidic OER electrocatalysis and beyond.

image
A phase 1, open‐label study to evaluate the drug interaction between islatravir (MK‐8591) and the oral contraceptive levonorgestrel/ethinyl estradiol in healthy adult females
Authors: Ankrom Wendy , Jackson Rudd Deanne , Zhang Saijuan , Fillgrove Kerry L. , Gravesande Kezia N. , Matthews Randolph P. , Brimhall Darin , Stoch S. Aubrey , Iwamoto Marian N.
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Hormonal contraceptives are among the most effective forms of reversible contraception, but many other compounds, including some antiretrovirals, have clinically meaningful drug–drug interactions (DDIs) with hormonal contraceptives. Islatravir is a novel human immunodeficiency virus nucleoside reverse transcriptase translocation inhibitor currently in clinical development for treatment and prevention of HIV infection. A phase 1 clinical trial was conducted to evaluate the DDI of islatravir and the combination of oral contraceptive levonorgestrel (LNG)/ethinyl estradiol (EE).

Methods

This was an open‐label, two‐period, fixed‐sequence, DDI clinical trial in healthy, postmenopausal or bilaterally oophorectomized females aged 18 through 65 years in the United States between October 2016 and January 2017. A single dose of LNG 0.15 mg/EE 0.03 mg was given followed by a 7‐day washout. Islatravir, 20 mg, was then dosed once weekly for 3 weeks; a single dose of LNG 0.15 mg/EE 0.03 mg was given concomitantly with the third dose of islatravir. Pharmacokinetic samples for plasma LNG and EE concentrations were collected pre‐dose and up to 120 hours post‐dose in each period. Safety and tolerability were assessed throughout the trial by clinical assessments, laboratory evaluations and examination of adverse events.

Results and Discussion

Fourteen participants were enrolled. The pharmacokinetics of LNG and EE were not meaningfully altered by co‐administration with islatravir. For the comparison of (islatravir + LNG/EE)/(LNG/EE alone), the geometric mean ratios (GMRs) (90% confidence intervals [CIs]) for LNG AUC0–inf and Cmax were 1.13 (1.06, 1.20) and 0.965 (0.881, 1.06), respectively. For EE, the GMRs (90% CI) for AUC0–inf and Cmax were 1.05 (0.981, 1.11) and 1.02 (0.971, 1.08), respectively. Co‐administration of all three drugs was generally well tolerated.

Conclusions

The results of this trial support the use of LNG/EE contraceptives in combination with islatravir without dose adjustment.
Test–Retest Data for the Assessment of Breast MRI Radiomic Feature Repeatability
Authors: Granzier R.W.Y. , Ibrahim A. , Primakov S. , Keek S.A. , Halilaj I. , Zwanenburg A. , Engelen S.M.E. , Lobbes M.B.I. , Lambin P. , Woodruff H.C. , Smidt M.L.
Published: December 2021

Background

Radiomic features extracted from breast MRI have potential for diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive purposes. However, before they can be used as biomarkers in clinical decision support systems, features need to be repeatable and reproducible.

Objective

Identify repeatable radiomics features within breast tissue on prospectively collected MRI exams through multiple test–retest measurements.

Study Type

Prospective.

Population

11 healthy female volunteers.

Field Strength/Sequence

1.5 T; MRI exams, comprising T2‐weighted turbo spin‐echo (T2W) sequence, native T1‐weighted turbo gradient‐echo (T1W) sequence, diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) sequence using b‐values 0/150/800, and corresponding derived ADC maps.

Assessment

18 MRI exams (three test–retest settings, repeated on 2 days) per healthy volunteer were examined on an identical scanner using a fixed clinical breast protocol. For each scan, 91 features were extracted from the 3D manually segmented right breast using Pyradiomics, before and after image preprocessing. Image preprocessing consisted of 1) bias field correction (BFC); 2) z‐score normalization with and without BFC; 3) grayscale discretization using 32 and 64 bins with and without BFC; and 4) z‐score normalization + grayscale discretization using 32 and 64 bins with and without BFC.

Statistical Tests

Features' repeatability was assessed using concordance correlation coefficient(CCC) for each pair, i.e. each MRI was compared to each of the remaining 17 MRI with a cut‐off value of CCC > 0.90.

Results

Images without preprocessing produced the highest number of repeatable features for both T1W sequence and ADC maps with 15 of 91 (16.5%) and 8 of 91 (8.8%) repeatable features, respectively. Preprocessed images produced between 4 of 91 (4.4%) and 14 of 91 (15.4%), and 6 of 91 (6.6%) and 7 of 91 (7.7%) repeatable features, respectively for T1W and ADC maps. Z‐score normalization produced highest number of repeatable features, 26 of 91 (28.6%) in T2W sequences, in these images, no preprocessing produced 11 of 91 (12.1%) repeatable features.

Data Conclusion

Radiomic features extracted from T1W, T2W sequences and ADC maps from breast MRI exams showed a varying number of repeatable features, depending on the sequence. Effects of different preprocessing procedures on repeatability of features were different for each sequence.

Level of Evidence

2

Technical Efficacy Stage

1
The global disease burden of varicella‐zoster virus infection from 1990 to 2019
Authors: Huang Jiaofeng , Wu Yinlian , Wang Mingfang , Jiang Jiaji , Zhu Yueyong , Kumar Rahul , Lin Su
Published: December 2021

Data on the global epidemiology of varicella‐zoster virus infection (VZVI) is limited. This study aimed to investigate the burden of VZVI based on the global burden of disease study 2019 data. The age‐standardized rates, including the incidence, death, disability‐adjusted life years (DALYs), and the estimated annual percentage changes (EAPC) of VZVI were calculated to evaluate the disease burden of VZVI. The global numbers of incident and death cases due to VZVI were 83 963 744 and 14 553, respectively. The age‐standardized incidence rate of VZVI increased slightly all over the world, while the age‐standardized death and DALYs rate decreased from 1990 to 2019 (EAPC = −2.31 and −1.61, respectively). The younger age (<5 years old) and older groups had the highest VZVI burden. The high sociodemographic index (SDI) region had the highest age‐standardized incidence rates in 2019 (1236.28/100 000, 95% uncertainty interval [UI]: 1156.66–1335.50) and the low SDI region had the lowest incidence (1111.24/100 000, 95% UI: 1040.46–1209.55). The age‐standardized death and DALYs rate of VZVI decreased with the increase of SDI. Amongst the 21 geographical regions, the high‐income Asia‐Pacific (1269.08/100 000) region had the highest age‐standardized incidence rate in 2019, while Sub‐Saharan Africa had the highest age‐standardized death and DALYs rate. The global incidence of VZVI has continued to increase in the past 3 decades, while the age‐standardized death and DALYs rates have decreased. More attention should be paid to the younger and older population, as well as low SDI regions.
Roles of the polybasic furin cleavage site of spike protein in SARS‐CoV‐2 replication, pathogenesis, and host immune responses and vaccination
Authors: Hossain Md. Golzar , Tang Yan‐dong , Akter Sharmin , Zheng Chunfu
Published: December 2021

The polybasic furin cleavage site insertion with four amino acid motifs (PRRA) in spike protein's S1/S2 junction site is important in determining viral infectivity, transmission, and host range. However, there is no review so far explaining the effect of the furin cleavage site of the spike protein on SARS‐CoV‐2 replication and pathogenesis in the host and immune responses and vaccination. Therefore, here we specifically focused on genomic evolution and properties of the cleavage site of spike protein in the context of SARS‐CoV‐2 followed by its effect on viral entry, replication, and pathogenesis. We also explored whether the spike protein furin cleavage site affected the host immune responses and SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccination. This review will help to provide novel insights into the effects of polybasic furin cleavage site on the current COVID‐19 pandemic.
Bamlanivimab plus etesevimab treatment have a better outcome against COVID‐19: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Xiang Huai‐rong , He Bei , Li Yun , Cheng Xuan , Zhang Qi‐zhi , Peng Wen‐xing
Published: December 2021

Bamlanivimab is routinely used in the treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) worldwide. We performed a meta‐analysis to investigate the efficacy and safety of bamlanivimab treatment in patients with COVID‐19. We searched articles from Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and medRxiv between January 30, 2020 and August 5, 2021. We selected randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and observational studies with a control group to assess the efficiency of bamlanivimab in treating patients with COVID‐19. Our meta‐analysis retrieved three RCTs and seven cohort studies including 14 461 patients. Bmlanivimab may help outpatients to prevent hospitalization or emergency department visits (RR 0.41, 95%CI 0.29−0.58), reduce ICU admission (RR 0.47, 95%CI 0.23−0.92), and mortality (RR 0.32, 95%CI 0.13−0.77) from the disease. The combination of bamlanivimab and etesevimab may have a greater potential for positive treatment outcomes. Bamlanivimab has demonstrated clinical efficacy on mild or moderate ill patients with COVID‐19 to prevent hospitalization, reduce severity, and mortality from the disease. Combinations of bamlanivimab and etesevimab have a significant relative risk reduction for COVID‐related hospitalization or death for patients than the monotherapy 700 mg group. Well‐designed clinical trials to identify the clinical and biochemical characteristics in the COVID‐19 patients' population that could benefit from bamlanivimab or plus etesevimab are warranted in the future.
In vitro visualization and quantitative characterization of Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm growth dynamics on polyether ether ketone
Authors: Spake Carole S. L. , Berns Ellis M. , Sahakian Lori , Turcu Adrian , Clayton Ahsia , Glasser Jillian , Barrett Caitlin , Barber Douglas , Antoci Valentin , Born Christopher T. , Garcia Dioscaris R.
Published: December 2021

Prevention and treatment of orthopedic device‐related infection (ODRI) is complicated by the formation of bacterial biofilms. Biofilm formation involves dynamic production of macromolecules that contribute to the structure of the biofilm over time. Limitations to clinically relevant and translational biofilm visualization and measurement hamper advances in this area of research. In this paper, we present a multimodal methodology for improved characterization of Pseudomonas aeruginosa grown on polyether ether ketone (PEEK) as a model for ODRI. PEEK discs were inoculated with P. aeruginosa, incubated for 4−48 h time intervals, and fixed with 10% neutral‐buffered formalin. Samples were stained with fluorescent dyes to measure biofilm components, imaged with confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and quantified. We were able to visualize and quantify P. aeruginosa biofilm growth on PEEK implants over 48 h. Based on imaging data, we propose a generalized growth cycle that can inform orthopedic diagnostic and treatment for this pathogen on PEEK. These results demonstrate the potential of using a combined CLSM and SEM approach for determining biofilm structure, composition, post‐adherence development on orthopedic materials. This model may be used for quantitative biofilm analysis for other pathogens and other materials of orthopedic relevance for translational study of ODRI.
Triphasic calcium‐based implant material resorbs and is replaced with bone in ovariectomized rats with or without bisphosphonate treatment
Authors: Shaul Jonathan , Hill Ronald , Bruder Scott , Tilton Annemarie , Howe James
Published: December 2021

This study evaluated the effects of AGN1, a triphasic calcium‐based material, and alendronate (A) on distal femoral defect bone repair in ovariectomized (OVX) rats. Of 106 rats, 92 were OVX'ed at 12 weeks old and underwent a 12‐week induction period. Animals were randomized into five groups: OVX Control, OVX Alendronate Control, Normal Control, OVX Implantation, OVX Alendronate + Implantation. OVX Alendronate Control and OVX Alendronate + Implantation groups received alendronate injection twice weekly (0.015 mg/kg) from 6 weeks until sacrifice. Twelve weeks after OVX, 2.5 mm diameter by 4.0 mm long cylindrical, bilateral distal femoral defects were created in experimental animals. One defect was left empty, and one filled with AGN1. Dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry, microcomputed tomography, and histomorphometry were performed 0‐, 6‐, 12‐, and 18‐week postdefect/implantation surgery (N = 6–8/group). Results showed OVX induced significant and progressive bone loss which alendronate prevented. Histomorphometry demonstrated rapid AGN1 resorption: AGN1 resorbed from 95.1 ± 0.7% filling of the implant site (week 0) to 1.3 ± 1.0% (18 weeks) with no significant alendronate effect (1.6 ± 1.1%, 18 weeks). Bone formation in empty defects consisted primarily of cortical wall healing, whereas AGN1 implants demonstrated cortical wall healing with new trabecular bone filling the subcortical space. Alendronate dramatically increased bone formation in empty and AGN1 defects. We conclude AGN1 is resorbed and replaced by new cortical and trabecular bone in this OVX model, and alendronate did not compromise these effects.
Protective effects on ovalbumin‐induced mouse asthma models and qualitative and quantitative analysis of multiple compounds in Gerberae Piloselloidis Herba
Authors: Liu Chunhua , You Jingrui , Lu Yuan , Sun Jia , Pan Jie , Li Yongjun , Liu Ting , Li Yueting , Wang Aimin , Zhang Xu , Wang Yonglin , Pan Weidong
Published: December 2021

Gerberae Piloselloidis Herba is widely used to treat cough and asthma in China. However, its effects on allergic asthma as related to its chemical compositions have not been fully elucidated, and there is a scarcity of methods to determine multi‐component contents for quality control. In this study, protective effects of Gerberae Piloselloidis Herba on ovalbumin‐induced asthma models were investigated, while qualitative and quantitative analyses of multiple constituents in Gerberae Piloselloidis Herba were conducted by using an ultrahigh‐performance liquid chromatography–Q Exactive hybrid quadrupole‐orbitrap high‐resolution accurate mass spectrometry and an ultrahigh‐performance liquid chromatography–photodiode array detection. The results showed that Gerberae Piloselloidis Herba could significantly mitigate asthma symptoms, reduce eosinophils counts in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, as well as decrease IgE, IL‐5, and IL‐13 concentration, and inflammatory cellular infiltration in lung tissues. A total of 51 compounds were tentatively identified, in which the content of 10 representative compounds was determined in 24 batches of Gerberae Piloselloidis Herba by using an ultrahigh‐performance liquid chromatography method with good linearity, precision, repeatability, accuracy, and stability. This research presents a comprehensive strategy combining biological activity evaluation with chemical profiling, providing a useful and comprehensive reference for further application and quality control of Gerberae Piloselloidis Herba.
Gustatory Function and Salivary Flow Rate in Healthy Adults
Authors: Huang Xiaobing , Guo Yichen , Wei Yongxiang
Published: December 2021

Objectives/Hypothesis

In this study, we assessed gustatory function and whole‐mouth saliva in healthy adults and investigated the association between gustatory function, salivary flow rate (SFR), and dry mouth.

Study Design

Descriptive clinical study.

Methods

We recruited 413 participants who reported a normal sense of smell–taste, comprising 206 females and 207 males with an age range of 19 to 80 years. Taste scores were obtained using whole‐mouth tests to evaluate the gustatory function, SFR was assessed using the spitting method, and dry mouth was measured with the visual analog scale.

Results

The total taste score (TTS) and SFR were significantly negatively correlated with age (rtaste = −0.522, P < .001; rSFR = −0.200, P < .001): TTS was significantly lower after the age of 50 and SFR decreased significantly after age 65. Women exhibited a significantly higher TTS than men (P < .001). However, there was no effect of sex on SFR. Dry mouth was negatively correlated with TTS (r = −0.223, P < .01) and SFR (r = −0.218, P < .01). Multiple regression analysis showed the independent variables of age, sex, and dry mouth predicted 34% of the variation in taste, while the independent variables of age and dry mouth predicted 6.1% of the variation in whole‐mouth saliva. TTS was not significantly correlated with the SFR in healthy adults (r = 0.094, P = .056).

Conclusions

Age and dry mouth are important factors affecting gustatory function and whole‐mouth saliva, with women exhibiting better taste sensitivity than men. Furthermore, there is no direct correlation between SFR and gustatory function in healthy adults.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 132:844–848, 2022
Integrated, Ultra‐Compact High‐Q Silicon Nitride Microresonators for Low‐Repetition‐Rate Soliton Microcombs
Authors: Ye Zhichao , Lei Fuchuan , Twayana Krishna , Girardi Marcello , Andrekson Peter A. , Torres‐Company Victor
Published: December 2021

Multiple applications of relevance in photonics, such as spectrally efficient coherent communications, microwave synthesis or the calibration of astronomical spectrographs, would benefit from soliton microcombs operating at repetition rates <50GHz. However, attaining soliton microcombs with low repetition rates using photonic integration technologies represents a formidable challenge. Expanding the cavity volume results in a drop of intracavity intensity that can only be offset by an encompassing rise in quality factor. In addition, reducing the footprint of the microresonator on an integrated circuit requires race‐track designs that typically result into modal coupling losses and disruptions into the dispersion, preventing the generation of the dissipative single soliton state. Here, we report the generation of sub‐50GHz soliton microcombs in dispersion‐engineered silicon nitride microresonators. In contrast to other approaches, the authors' devices feature an optimized racetrack design that minimizes the coupling to higher‐order modes and reduces the footprint size by an order of magnitude to ≈1mm2. The statistical intrinsic Q reaches 19 million, and soliton microcombs at 20.5 and 14.0 GHz repetition rates are successfully generated. Importantly, the fabrication process is entirely subtractive, meaning that the devices can be directly patterned on the silicon nitride film.
Single‐Ion Gel Polymer Electrolyte Based on Poly(ether sulfone) for High‐Performance Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: You Yingxue , Liang Xiaoxiao , Wang Pinhui , Wang Yanmiao , Liu Wanli , Liu Bairun , Liu Baijun , Sun Zhaoyan , Hu Wei , Zhang NiaoNa
Published: December 2021

In this study, a poly(ether sulfone) is grafted with lithium 3‐chloroproanesulfonyl(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiCPSI) through Williamson reaction to obtain a poly(ether sulfone) single‐ion polymer (PES‐LiCPSI). PES‐LiCPSI and poly(vinylidene fluoride‐co‐hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF‐HFP) are mixed and then soaked with plasticizer (EC/PC = 1:1, v/v) to obtain a novel single‐ion gel polymer electrolyte (PES‐GPE). Its ionic conductivity of the prepared electrolyte is 7.1 × 10−5 S cm−1 at 20 °C, and the tensile strength is increased to 50.5 MPa. The lithium‐ion transfer number is up to 0.92, which should be helpful to inhibit the formation of lithium dendrites effectively. LiFePO4/PES‐GPE/Li half cells assembled with PES‐GPE possesses outstanding cycle performance and rate performance. It releases a specific capacity of 128 mAh g−1 at 0.2 C, and the capacity retention rate is as high as 97% after 370 cycles. The excellent properties of PES‐GPE demonstrate its massive capacity in high‐power and long‐cycle lithium‐ion batteries.
Approximation and Gâteaux differentiability of convex function in Banach spaces
Authors: Shang Shaoqiang , Cui Yunan
Published: December 2021

This paper shows that if f is a convex continuous function on a Gâteaux differentiability space X, then for any separable closed subspace E of X, there exists a sequence of continuous convex functions such that (1) on X; (2) is Gâteaux differentiable at all points of a dense open subset of X; (3) on E. Moreover, if X is separable, then there exists a continuous convex function sequence such that (1) and (2) are true and on X.
Oxime–Urethane Structure‐Based Dynamically Crosslinked Polyurethane with Robust Reprocessing Properties
Authors: Lei Yuan , Fu Xiaowei , Jiang Liang , Liu Zhimeng , Lei Jingxin
Published: December 2021

Crosslinked polyurethane with excellent mechanical property, solvent resistance, and transparency has become one of the most widely used materials. However, the presence of chemical crosslinks makes it difficult to be reprocessed once molded, which largely restricts its recycling and reusing, resulting in the serious waste problems. Therefore, it is of great significance to prepare a new type of crosslinked polyurethane with reprocessing function. In this work, a novel reprocessable polyurethane (DOPU) based on reversible dibutanone oxime‐carbamate bonds is facilely prepared. The gel fraction of DOPUs is all higher than 95%, endowing it with excellent solvent resistance. Meanwhile, the visible light transmittance of DOPUs can reach up to 97.48%. After four thermal recycles, the tensile strength and elongation at break of recycled DOPUs can still remain at 3.21 MPa and 219.09%, respectively. Importantly, the synthesized DOPUs exhibit excellent elastic shape memory and permanent shape reconstruction properties under thermal stimulation. The dibutanone oxime‐carbamate bonds can also be degraded under UV irradiation, making this material easily degradable. Hence, this material has potential applications in coatings, elastomers, and some other fields.
On a phase‐field model of damage for hybrid laminates with cohesive interface
Authors: Bonetti Elena , Cavaterra Cecilia , Freddi Francesco , Riva Filippo
Published: December 2021

In this paper, we investigate a rate‐independent model for hybrid laminates described by a damage phase‐field approach on two layers coupled with a cohesive law governing the behaviour of their interface in a one‐dimensional set‐up. For the analysis, we adopt the notion of energetic evolution, based on global minimisation of the involved energy. Due to the presence of the cohesive zone, as already emerged in literature, compactness issues lead to the introduction of a fictitious variable replacing the physical one which represents the maximal opening of the interface displacement discontinuity reached during the evolution. A new strategy which allows to recover the equivalence between the fictitious and the real variable under general loading–unloading regimes is illustrated. The argument is based on time regularity of energetic evolutions. This regularity is achieved by means of a careful balance between the convexity of the elastic energy of the layers and the natural concavity of the cohesive energy of the interface.
An inverse problem for Kelvin–Voigt equations perturbed by isotropic diffusion and damping
Authors: Khompysh Khonatbek , Kenzhebai Khanat
Published: December 2021

In this paper, we consider an inverse problem of finding a coefficient of right hand side of the following system of Kelvin–Voigt equations perturbed by an isotropic diffusion and damping terms

The damping term γ|v|m − 2v in the momentum equation realizes an absorbtion (sink) if γ ≤ 0, and a source if γ > 0. We show how the exponents p,  m, the coefficients ν,  ϰ,  γ, the dimension of the space d, and data of the problem should interact each other for the existence of weak solutions to the problem. We also establish the conditions for uniqueness of the solutions to this problem.
Key approaches to diagnosing malnutrition in adults
Authors: Malone Ainsley , Mogensen Kris M.
Published: December 2021

Nutrition assessment is used to describe nutrition status–related nutrition problems and their causes, one of which includes malnutrition. Four malnutrition diagnostic tools are currently in use today in adults: Subjective Global Assessment, the Mini Nutritional Assessment, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics/American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition malnutrition consensus characteristics, and the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition criteria. The aim of this article is to provide sufficient background of these methodologies to assist clinicians in choosing their approach in diagnosing malnutrition. There is substantial overlap between the criteria included in these malnutrition diagnostic approaches. A desired goal is to identify a core data set in order to evaluate malnutrition prevalence globally and to assess the impact of nutrition interventions on nutrition and clinical outcomes.
Governance matters. Fieldwork on participatory budgeting, voting, and development from Campania, Italy
Authors: Gatto Andrea , Sadik‐Zada Elkhan Richard
Published: December 2021

On the wave of the success of the participatory budgeting (PB) implemented in Porto Alegre, Brazil, a number of administrations around the world jumpstarted new forms of nonfinancial balance reporting. This trend was supported by an increasing consensus from the international community. PB aims to enhance mutual trust between the different social stakeholders and foster public administrations transparency. For this reason, PB is recognized as an effective tool for facilitating good governance, sustainability, and development. Previous field research does not highlight local voting and corruption figures. To shed light on these variables throughout a case study, this article makes use of original mixed methods techniques to analyze the PB experience of a municipality in Southern Italy. The combination of data regarding census, voting shares, and projects' features is a methodological innovation, used here for the first time. Fieldwork has been conducted to collect both quantitative and qualitative data. These data were employed along with official demographics statistics to inspect existing public management and development dynamics. Four distinct data sources, intersecting population and voting data through the PB tool were examined. After mainstreaming PB, referring to the world's benchmark of Porto Alegre, this article investigates the good practice of Casamarciano, Campania. Evidence shows compelling features from the local experience and encouraging involvement of the community, rating the poll participation even greater than Porto Alegre engagement. The qualitative data pinpoints the local administration's management choices—noteworthy, the town's PB model—and the innovation behind the public management strategies. These outcomes may help to better understand PB dynamics, yielding improved local development and sustainability indications for public affairs governance.
Multi‐material topology optimization of a rotating electrical machine with a density‐based method
Authors: Cherrière Théodore , Laurent Luc , Hlioui Sami , Louf François , Ben Ahmed Hamid , Gabsi Mohamed
Published: December 2021

Topology optimization (TO) has been extensively studied in the past decades especially in mechanical engineering. Among different techniques, density‐based methods have become very popular. In electrical engineering, TO has been applied essentially to linear actuators [1] or machines rotors [2] [3], but few works such as [4] deal with the coil repartition within the stator of rotating machines.

In this study, we investigate a density‐based topology optimization method, which aims to maximize the average torque of a rotating electrical machine from random or uniform initial material repartition. Material properties such as magnetic permeability or current density are interpolated on densities between each material to obtain a differentiable optimization problem, using SIMP or RAMP [5] for example. A custom magnetostatic finite element solver was implemented on MATLAB®. It takes into account the non‐linearity of magnetic materials with Newton‐Raphson method. The optimization algorithm relies on sensitivities obtained by the adjoint variable method (AVM) [6]. The methodology was performed for two test cases :

• optimization of iron/air repartition within the rotor of a synchronous reluctant machine (SRM)

• optimization of coils/iron/air repartition within the stator of a one phase permanent magnet synchronous machine (PMSM).

In the air/iron case, a filtering technique inspired by ESO [7] is applied: iron which carries few magnetic flux is removed. No filtering was applied in the multi‐material case, but a normalization of the gradient was investigated.

As a result, we obtain flux barriers [8] for the optimized SRM rotor, which correspond to industrial designs. However, some convergence issues happened, especially for multi‐material optimization. The gradient normalization helps preventing this phenomenom but leads to surprising asymmetric designs, which need further investigations. It is also necessary to improve the robustness of the method especially for high current density, in order to optimize both the rotor and the stator. Multiphysics considerations will be taken into account in future work.
An experimental test of the impact of avian diversity on attentional benefits and enjoyment of people experiencing urban green‐space
Authors: Douglas Joseph W. A. , Evans Karl L.
Published: December 2021

Biodiversity may play a key role in generating the well‐being benefits of visiting green‐spaces.

The ability of people to accurately perceive variation in biodiversity is, however, unclear and evidence supporting links between biodiversity exposure and well‐being outcomes remains equivocal. In part, this is due to the paucity of controlled experimental studies that deal adequately with confounding factors that covary with biodiversity.

Attention restoration theory (ART) proposes that natural environments contain many softly fascinating stimuli that provide visitors with a sense of separation from their normal settings and routines, switching off direct attention and allowing recovery from attention fatigue. Increased biodiversity could increase these stimuli, and ART therefore potentially provides a mediating effect linking biodiversity to well‐being.

Here, we conduct a controlled experiment in which participants virtually experience urban green‐space containing high and low levels of avian biodiversity (altered by manipulating bird song).

Respondents accurately identified the contrast in biodiversity and reported greater enjoyment of the high biodiversity treatment than the low diversity control. Higher biodiversity did not, however, elicit greater self‐reported stimulation or restoration, and did not increase perceived restorativeness scores or attentional capacity (quantified using the Digit Span Backwards attention test).

Respondents that were more connected to nature, however, had greater attentional capacity following exposure to green‐space.

Our study provides rare experimental evidence that people can accurately detect variation in biodiversity, that high avian diversity boosts visitor perceptions of urban green‐space quality, and that people with increased nature connectedness show enhanced attentional capacity following an exposure to green‐space.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Fabrication of superhydrophobic natural rubber film via grafting of methyltrichlorosilane
Authors: Ngamdee Patchararujee , Yimmut Kotchamon , Hinchiranan Napida
Published: December 2021

Nowadays, natural rubber (NR) is extensively applied in medical‐healthcare devices. A clogging or bacterial attachment onto product's surface can be avoided by creating the non‐fouling surface for extending the NR utilization. Herein, a superhydrophobic NR film was prepared using two‐step surface modification involving sulfuric acid (H2SO4)‐catalyzed hydration to form hydroxyl (OH) functional groups on the rubber surface followed by grafting with methyltrichlorosilane (MTCS). From X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis, the immersion of a vulcanized NR film (VNR) in 75 wt% H2SO4 solution for 1 h showed the highest area portion of OH groups on the VNR surface (50.9%), which were expected to act as the active sites for grafting with MTCS via hydrolysis and polycondenzation to obtain a VNR‐OH‐MTCS film. As a measure of the hydrophobicity, the water contact angle (WCA) of the VNR‐OH‐MTCS film prepared by using 2 wt% MTCS concentration was greatest at 155° with a high roughness of 1790 nm. The glass transition temperature and antimicrobial activity of the VNR film were not affected by these surface modifications. This indicated that the superhydrophobic VNR‐OH‐MTCS film maintained the flexibility with ability to inhibit the formation of a bacterial biofilm. Not only superhydrophobicity, the VNR‐OH‐MTCS film also had oleophilicity (oil absorption capacity [k] of 1.13) suggesting that it could be applied for oil/water separation with high separation efficiency of 98.6%. Moreover, the VNR‐OH‐MTCS film still had high hydrophobicity with WCA of 138°–142° after 20 abrasion cycles using a sandpaper under the weighting load not over than 50 g.
Phenomic selection is competitive with genomic selection for breeding of complex traits
Authors: Zhu Xintian , Leiser Willmar L. , Hahn Volker , Würschum Tobias
Published: December 2021

The efficiency of breeding programs depends on the ability to screen large numbers of individuals. For complex traits like yield, this can be assisted by genomic selection, which is based on estimating breeding values with genome‐wide marker data. Here, we evaluate phenomic prediction, which, similar to its genomic counterpart, aims to predict the performance of untested individuals but using near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) data. In a large panel of 944 soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] recombinant inbred lines phenotyped for seed yield, thousand‐seed weight, and plant height at three locations, we demonstrate that the phenomic predictive abilities are high and comparable with those obtained by genomic prediction. We found that ridge regression best linear unbiased prediction performs well for phenomic prediction and that the number of wavelengths can be reduced without a decrease in predictive ability. For prediction at different locations, NIRS data from a single location can be used. However, NIRS data from different environments, like years, should be connected by common genotypes in training and prediction sets. Phenomic prediction appears to be less susceptible to relatedness between individuals in training and prediction sets than genomic prediction, as generally half‐sib but also unrelated families achieved high predictive abilities. Moreover, for the same training set sizes phenomic prediction resulted in higher predictive abilities compared to genomic prediction. Phenomic prediction can be applied at different stages in a breeding program, and collectively our results highlight the potential of this approach to increase genetic gain in plant breeding.
Preparation and Performance Characterization of High‐Quality HNIW
Authors: Xu Wenzheng , Yan Tianlun , Xu Yang , Deng Jie , Li Hao , Li Yuexin , Guo Fengwei , Wang Jingyu , Gao Feng
Published: December 2021

In this study, high‐quality HNIW was prepared by solvent‐antisolvent recrystallization method and mechanical ball‐milling method. The particle morphology, particle size, crystal form, and thermal stability of HNIW samples were characterized by SEM, DSC, and XRD. The purity of HNIW samples was characterized by the HPLC. The HGZ‐1 impact sensitivity meter and WM‐1 friction sensitivity meter were used to evaluate the impact sensitivity and friction sensitivity respectively. The detonation voltage of the samples was tested by the EFI system. Compared with the micron‐level HNIW obtained by four times of recrystallizations, the particle size grading mechanical ball milling method of grinding balls minimizes the particle size of the HNIW. The prepared nano‐level HNIW has an average particle size of about 200 nm and has the advantages of narrow distribution, low mechanical sensitivity, and good detonation performance. Therefore, the solvent‐antisolvent recrystallization method and mechanical ball‐milling method can be used to obtain nano‐HNIW with a narrow particle size distribution, high purity, and good performance.
Design of Smart Size‐, Surface‐, and Shape‐Switching Nanoparticles to Improve Therapeutic Efficacy
Authors: Li Xiaoyun , Montague E. Coulter , Pollinzi Angela , Lofts Andrew , Hoare Todd
Published: December 2021

Multiple biological barriers must be considered in the design of nanomedicines, including prolonged blood circulation, efficient accumulation at the target site, effective penetration into the target tissue, selective uptake of the nanoparticles into target cells, and successful endosomal escape. However, different particle sizes, surface chemistries, and sometimes shapes are required to achieve the desired transport properties at each step of the delivery process. In response, this review highlights recent developments in the design of switchable nanoparticles whose size, surface chemistry, shape, or a combination thereof can be altered as a function of time, a disease‐specific microenvironment, and/or via an externally applied stimulus to enable improved optimization of nanoparticle properties in each step of the delivery process. The practical use of such nanoparticles in chemotherapy, bioimaging, photothermal therapy, and other applications is also discussed.
Tuning Phase Structure of Nickel–Ruthenium Alloys via MOFs In Situ Hydrolysis toward Enhanced Hydrogen Evolution Performance in Alkaline
Authors: Meng Tian , Chen Yuting , Xing Zhicai , Yang Xiurong
Published: December 2021

Metal organic frameworks (MOFs) and corresponding derivatives have attracted wide attention. As electrocatalysts, these derivatives (metal, metal compound, and associated composites) have a wide range of application in water‐splitting devices, fuel cells, and other hydrogen‐related technologies. However, with the exception of pyrolysis, limited studies have documented generated metal nanoparticles from MOFs hydrolysis reactions. Herein, NiRu dual‐phase alloy nanoparticles are synthesized via in situ MOFs hydrolysis mediating solvothermal reduction reaction. The hcp‐phase NiRu alloys can be rationally tuned by modulating experimental parameters of feeding metal ratio and reaction time. The volcanic link between hydrogen evolution reaction activity and the descriptor of d band center is investigated using experimentally determined valence bands. Furthermore, compared with fcc‐phase NiRu alloys, it is theoretically revealed that hcp‐phase NiRu alloys optimize d band structure and have a lower energy barrier. This finding broadens the range of application for MOFs hydrolysis reactions and highlights advantages of metal alloys manufactured from MOFs hydrolysis reactions.
Influence of the Bulk Resistivity on Silicon Heterojunction Solar Cells and Module Reliability
Authors: Augusto André , Srinivasa Apoorva , Bowden Stuart G.
Published: December 2021

Recent developments in industry on surface passivation open the possibility of using less doped substrates in silicon solar cells. We investigate how the bulk resistivity affects the performance of silicon cells and the reliability of modules. Herein, n‐ and p‐type silicon heterojunction cells with bulk resistivities between 3 and 15 000 Ωcm are studied. We measure the current–voltage characteristics of n‐type cells across the resistivity range, and we find comparable responses to illumination intensities between 0.1 and 1 suns. The cells with bulk resistivities over 1000 Ωcm show breakdown voltages larger than −1000 V, almost two orders of magnitude higher than in typical commercial cells. Although modules have bypass‐diodes to prevent cells from going into breakdown, higher breakdown voltages can improve the reliability of modules in case of bypass‐diode failure and reduce the module cost by easing the number of bypass‐diodes required. Finally, the cells have been submitted to light soaking. The float‐zone p‐type cells with bulk resistivities over 10 000 Ωcm are less sensitive to light‐induced degradation than cells with bulk resistivities below 10 Ωcm. The former show to recover few hours after light soaking, while the latter recover only after dark annealing.
Effect of non‐solvent on the synthesis of polyvinylidene fluoride membranes for vacuum membrane distillation desalination
Authors: Sachett Felipe Henrique , Duarte Jocelei , Zeni Mara , Costamilan Leonardo , Poletto Matheus , Baldasso Camila
Published: December 2021

The need for freshwater boosted the research for alternative technologies with a cleaner and more efficient approach. Membrane distillation (MD) stands out due to its efficiency in purifying aqueous solutions and easy operation. Thus, this work aims at developing and characterizing polyvinylidene fluoride membranes using the non‐solvent phase inversion (NIPS) methodology for the MD process. Distilled water and ethanol (at different proportions) were tested as non‐solvent and N'N'‐dimethylformamide as solvent. The morphology, crystallinity, and porosity of each sample were determined. The utilization of ethanol as non‐solvent produced more hydrophobic membranes with higher liquid entry pressure. Scanning electron microscope analysis showed that different proportions of water and ethanol changes the morphology of the resulting membrane, with clear influence on the formation of macrovoids. The samples crystallinity was over 54% and the porosity, over 55%. The sample with best results in the vacuum MD process prpesented an average of over 98% of salt retention during a period of 6 h. This work shows the beneficial influence ethanol as non‐solvents for the preparation of PVDF membranes for the process of hydrophobic vacuum MD.
The fate and removal of pharmaceuticals and personal care products within wastewater treatment facilities discharging to the Great Bay Estuary
Authors: Hidrovo Alexandria , Luek Jenna L. , Antonellis Carmela , Malley James P. , Mouser Paula J.
Published: December 2021

Pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) are contaminants of emerging concern that derive primarily in the water environment from combined sewer overflows and discharges from industrial and municipal wastewater treatment facilities (WWTFs). Due to incomplete removal during wastewater treatment, PPCP impacts to aquatic ecosystems are a major concern. The Great Bay Estuary (New Hampshire, USA) is an important ecological, commercial, and recreational resource where upstream WWTFs have recently been under pressure to reduce nitrogen loading to the estuary and consequently upgrade treatment systems. Therefore, we investigated the distribution and abundance of 18 PPCPs and three flame retardants within the Great Bay Estuary and WWTFs discharging to the estuary to examine how WWTF type influenced PPCP removal. All 21 analytes were frequently detected at μg/L to ng/L concentrations in influent and effluent and ng/kg in sludge. WWTFs with enhanced nutrient removal and longer solids retention times correlated to higher PPCP removal, indicating facility upgrades may have benefits related to PPCP removal. Understanding PPCP fate during treatment and in downstream waters informs our ability to assess the environmental and ecological impacts of PPCPs on estuarine resources and develop mitigation strategies to better protect marine ecosystems from emerging contaminant exposure.

Practitioner Points

PPCP removal positively correlated with solids retention time and varied by treatment facility and compound.

Upgrade of WWTFs for biological nitrogen removal may also increase PPCP removal.

Surface water fluoxetine concentrations may present an ecological risk to the Great Bay Estuary.
NHC‐Stabilized Parent Phosphinidene Adducts of Metal(II) Hexamethyldisilazanides of Manganese – Cobalt and Their Lability in Solution
Authors: Weller Ruth , Gonzalez Andres , Gottschling Hannah , von Hänisch Carsten , Werncke C. Gunnar
Published: December 2021

The behavior of the N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) stabilized ‘parent’ phosphinidene [(sIDipp)PH] (Dipp=2,6‐di‐isopropylphenyl) towards 3d‐metal(II) hexamethyldisilazanides is described. This leads to formation of the three‐coordinated phosphinidene adducts [M{PH(sIDipp)}{N(SiMe3)2}2] (M=Mn−Co), as evidenced by X‐Ray diffraction analysis. In solution, all compounds exhibit strong paramagnetism that limited NMR spectroscopic examinations to cobalt. Here it shows that the system is coordinatively highly fluxional, which is mitigtated upon cooling. At low temperatures, small amounts of free phosphinidene becomes further evident by 31P NMR spectroscopy that implicates in part ligand coordination competes with [M{N(SiMe3)2}2] dimerisation and an overall weak binding of the phosphinidene ligand. The rapid chemical exchange is evidenced in the presence of an excess of phosphinidene or a phosphine (PCy3), whereas diethyl ether proved as a stronger donor ligand.
Holomorphic modular bootstrap revisited
Authors: Kaidi Justin , Lin Ying-Hsuan , Parra-Martinez Julio
Published: December 2021

Abstract

In this work we revisit the “holomorphic modular bootstrap”, i.e. the classification of rational conformal field theories via an analysis of the modular differential equations satisfied by their characters. By making use of the representation theory of PSL(2, ℤn), we describe a method to classify allowed central charges and weights (c, hi) for theories with any number of characters d. This allows us to avoid various bottlenecks encountered previously in the literature, and leads to a classification of consistent characters up to d = 5 whose modular differential equations are uniquely fixed in terms of (c, hi). In the process, we identify the full set of constraints on the allowed values of the Wronskian index for fixed d ≤ 5.