bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ecological Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in Soil of an Open Dump along Old Ikare Road Owo, Ondo State, Nigeria
Authors: Olayinka-Olagunju J. O. , Olatunji-Ojo A. M. , Adejuyigbe A. , Ikuesan H. A. , Abubakar S. E.
Published: June 2019

Aims: To investigate the heavy metal concentrations in soil samples collected from an open dumpsite in a rural community (Aba Idi-Mangoro) in Owo, Ondo State and to compare the observed values with the regulatory limits. This study also aimed to determine the pollution levels using tools like contamination factor, pollution load index and geoaccumulation index.

Study Design: Field study design was use in this study.

Place and Duration of Study: Soil samples were collected from Aba Idi-Mangoro in Owo, Ondo State, Nigeria between July 2015 and February 2016 to represent the wet and dry seasons.

Methodology: A total of 96 soil samples were collected (6 samples on each visit and the site was visited twice a month). The samples were taken to the Prof. Julius Okojie Central Research Laboratory at the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria. In the laboratory, samples were air dried to remove the moisture. 2 g of the sampes were digested into HNO3, HCl, HF and HClO4, and AA Spectrophotometer was used to analyse the concentrations of the heavy metals.

Results: Out of the 8 heavy metals assessed, 6 were above the regulatory limits. The order of heavy metal concentrations for the wet season is: Fe>Mn>Zn>Cu>Pb>Ni>Cr>Co>Cd and the dry season is as follows: Fe>Zn>Mn>Pb>Cu>Ni>Co>Cr>Cd. When the mean concentrations of the samples for the wet season were compared to the dry season, Mn (0.009), Cd (0.035), Cr (0.044) and Co (0.014) differ significantly (p<0.05). No significant difference was found in Fe, Co, Ni and Zn. It was observed from the overall results that the concentrations of heavy metals were higher during the dry season than in the wet season. The contamination factor (CF), pollution load index and geo-accumulation index values of Fe was extremely high in the two seasons while it varies at different collection times for the other metals.

Conclusion: Due to the high presence of some of the heavy metals found in the soil, the study suggests that water and sediment samples from nearby river(s) within the community should also be examined.
The Role of Concept of Ideology in Construction of Marx's Historical Materialism: 1842—1852
Authors: Rui Xue
Published: June 2019

Marx's concept of ideology plays an important role in construction of historical materialism from 1842-1852. To some extent, it was through the intermediary of ideological criticism that Marx realized the transformation from idealism to materialism, and thus constructed and developed historical materialism. Specifically, through the systematic criticism of concrete ideology, Marx gradually discovered the decisive role of civil society in the superstructure, which helped him transform from idealism to materialism, and lay the foundation for the final discovery of historical materialism; through the discussion of the general ideology, Marx mainly expounded the basic principles of historical materialism, which helped him subvert the basis of the western philosophical metaphysics since Plato, and realize the logical transcendence of the previous philosophical theory; through the analysis of class ideology, Marx revealed the decisive role of economic interests on class consciousness, which helped him develop historical materialism and lay the theoretical foundation for criticism of political economy in his later writings.
Alteration of the Tumor Microenvironment With Intratumoral Dendritic Cells Before Chemotherapy in ERBB2 Breast Cancer
Authors: Han Hyo S. , Aldrich Amy L. , Garg Saurabh K. , Weinfurtner R. Jared , Nguyen Jonathan V. , Mo Qianxing , Whiting Junmin , Childress Jennifer , Soliman Hatem , Costa Ricardo , Armaghani Avan , Soyano Aixa , Kiluk John , Hoover Susan , Lee Marie C. , Khakpour Nazanin , Shenoi Nithin , Jameel Zena , Koski Gary K. , Czerniecki Brian J.
Published: December 2024

Importance

Current chemotherapy regimens for patients with ERBB2 (formerly HER2)–positive breast cancer are associated with considerable morbidity. These patients may benefit from more effective and less toxic therapies.

Objective

To evaluate the safety, immunogenicity, and preliminary efficacy of intratumoral (IT) delivery of conventional type 1 dendritic cells (cDC1) in combination with ERBB2-targeted therapies.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This phase 1 (lead-in phase of a single-center phase 2 trial) nonrandomized clinical trial was conducted at Moffitt Cancer Center (Tampa, Florida). Patients were enrolled from October 2021 to October 2022. Data were analyzed in 2023 Patients with early-stage ERBB2-positive breast cancer with tumors 1 cm or larger were eligible.

Interventions

Treatment included IT delivery of cDC1, 6 times weekly, followed by paclitaxel, 80 mg/m2, intravenously, 12 times weekly. Trastuzumab (8 mg/kg loading dose, then 6 mg/kg) and pertuzumab (840 mg loading dose, then 420 mg) were administered intravenously every 3 weeks for 6 cycles starting from day 1 of cDC1 injections. Two dose levels (DLs) of IT cDC1 (DL1 = 50 million and DL2 = 100 million cells) were evaluated, including 6 patients in each DL.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcomes were the safety and immune response, and the secondary outcomes were the antitumor efficacy as measured by breast magnetic resonance imaging and residual cancer burden at surgery following neoadjuvant therapy.

Results

Twelve ERBB2-positive patients were enrolled and received treatment (DL1 = 6 and DL2 = 6). Nine patients had hormone receptor–positive disease and 3 had hormone receptor–negative disease, with clinical stage I (n = 5), II (n = 4), and III (n = 3). The most frequently observed adverse events with cDC1 were grade 1 to 2 chills (50%), fatigue (41.7%), headache (33%), and injection site reactions (33%). DL2 was associated with a diminished anti-ERBB2 CD4 T-helper 1 blood response with a concomitant increase in innate and adaptive responses within the tumor. Preimmunotherapy and postimmunotherapy breast magnetic resonance imaging results showed 9 objective responses, 6 partial responses, 3 complete responses, and 3 stable diseases. Following surgery, 7 patients had a pathologic complete response.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this nonrandomized clinical trial, the addition of IT cDC1 and trastuzumab/pertuzumab before neoadjuvant chemotherapy was well tolerated with manageable adverse effects. Based on safety and immunogenicity, DL2 was selected for the phase 2 dose.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05325632
Empagliflozin and the Risk of Retinopathy in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Tesfaye Helen , Paik Julie M. , Roh Miin , Htoo Phyo T. , Zakoul Heidi , Schmedt Niklas , Koeneman Lisette , Wexler Deborah J. , Patorno Elisabetta
Published: December 2024

Importance

Empagliflozin might lower the risk of diabetic retinopathy (DR) by preventing retinal pericyte loss. However, the role of empagliflozin with respect to DR in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) remains unclear.

Objective

To compare the risk of incident nonproliferative DR (NPDR) and DR progression in patients with T2D initiating empagliflozin vs a dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitor (DPP4i).

Design, Setting, and Participants

A new-user active-comparator cohort study was conducted using US nationwide insurance claims data from 2 commercial insurers and Medicare from August 2014 to September 2019. Adults with T2D initiating study drugs without prior diagnosis or treatment for proliferative DR or other advanced retinal diseases were included. To assess incident NPDR, patients with a history of NPDR were additionally excluded, while for the DR progression outcome, patients were required to have a history of NPDR. Data were analyzed from August 2022 to May 2024.

Exposures

Initiation of empagliflozin or a DPP4i.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Incident NPDR was defined using diagnostic codes for mild, moderate, or severe NPDR. The DR progression outcome was defined as a composite of incident proliferative DR, vitreous hemorrhage, initiation of intravitreal anti–vascular endothelial growth factor injection, or panretinal photocoagulation. Incidence rates, hazard ratios (HRs), and rate differences (RDs) with 95% CIs were estimated.

Results

A total of 34 239 pairs of propensity-score matched adults were identified in the incident NPDR cohort and 7831 pairs in the DR progression cohort. In the incident NPDR cohort, 35 867 patients (52.4%) were male, and the mean (SD) age was 65.6 (10.3) years. In the DR progression cohort, 8229 patients (52.5%) were male, and the mean (SD) age was 67.0 (10.0) years. Over a mean (SD) follow-up period of 8 (7.5) months receiving treatment, the risk of incident NPDR was not different across groups (HR, 1.04; 95% CI, 0.94 to 1.15; RD, 1.30; 95% CI, −1.83 to 4.44), while the risk of DR progression was lower among individuals who initiated empagliflozin compared with those who began DPP4i therapy (HR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.63 to 0.96; RD, −9.44; 95% CI, −16.90 to −1.98). Results were consistent across multiple subgroups and sensitivity analyses.

Conclusions and Relevance

Compared with initiation of a DPP4i, empagliflozin initiation was not associated with incident NPDR, although it may be associated with a lower risk of DR progression. Although residual confounding cannot be entirely ruled out due to the observational nature of our study, these findings may be helpful when weighing the risks and benefits of various glucose-lowering agents in adults with T2D.
Role of Intermetallics in Creep Behavior of Squeezed Cast Ca‐ and Sr‐Modified AZ91 Magnesium Alloy
Authors: Patil Hitesh , Ghosh Abhijit , Borkar Hemant
Published: December 2024

Magnesium (Mg) alloys, particularly AZ91, have gained significant attention due to their castability and lightweight properties. The present study investigates the effects of individual strontium (Sr) and combined calcium (Ca)–strontium (Sr) addition on the microstructure evolution and creep performance of AZ91 alloy. Alloys are prepared via squeeze‐casting and subjected to tensile creep tests. Scanning electron microscopy and X‐ray diffraction studies reveal Al2Ca and Al4Sr phases at the expense of the β‐Mg17Al12 phase. Further, thermodynamic analysis shows these phases have higher dissolution compared to the β‐Mg17Al12 phase. The AZ91 alloy with the combined addition of Ca and Sr demonstrates a much lower steady‐state creep rate compared to individual Ca‐ or Sr‐modified AZ91 alloys. Further analysis of the creep data indicates that dislocation climb‐controlled power‐law creep governs in both Sr‐ and Ca–Sr‐modified AZ91 alloy. Microstructural investigation on the postrupture sample indicates that needle‐shaped Al4Sr acts as a crack/cavity initiator, while a skeleton shape‐interconnected network consisting of Al2Ca and/or Al4Sr precipitates is effective in retarding crack propagation. The higher thermal stability of Al2Ca and Al4Sr phases, along with the grain size refinement, is found to be the major factors contributing to improved creep performance in Sr–Ca‐modified AZ91 alloy.
Enhancing the Deformability of the Adjuvant: Achieving Lymph Node Targeted Delivery to Elicit a Long‐Lasting Immune Protection
Authors: Wu Nan , Liu Yuyang , Miao Chunyu , Yu Ziyi , Ma Guanghui , Wu Jie
Published: December 2024

A key challenge in vaccine development is to induce an effective and durable immune response. Live virus vaccines induce lifelong antibody responses; however, the immune responses induced by inactivated or subunit vaccines decrease gradually. Activation of the germinal center (GC) reaction, which generates long‐lived plasma cells (LLPCs), is a key mediator of long‐term antibody responses. To enhance the activation of GC, lymph node‐targeted delivery of the vaccine is promoted by enhancing the deformability of the delivery vector. In this study, a double emulsion is designed with strong deformability and containing chitosan nanoparticles (CSNP) in the internal aqueous phase (WNP) for efficient antigen loading, called WNP/O/W. The flexible oil layer and the internally loaded positively charged particles endow the emulsion with strong deformability, continuously enrich model antigen ovalbumin (OVA) in the lymph nodes, activate germinal center B (GC B) cells and T follicular helper (TFH) cells, induce LLPCs, and obtain high‐level antibody persistence for more than 5 months, which is significantly better than the traditional oil emulsion adjuvant. Concurrently, it also improves the immune‐protective effect in aged mice. Altogether, these results indicate that WNP/O/W achieves lymph node targeted delivery by strengthening deformability, generating high‐intensity antibody responses, and long‐lasting immune protection.
Lab‐on‐Fiber Operando Deciphering of a MOF Electrocatalyst
Authors: Huang Tiansheng , Sun Li‐Peng , Li Xiangping , Guan Bai‐Ou
Published: December 2024

Despite the great success in deploying metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) as efficient electrocatalysts, the low adoption of operando methods hinders the understanding of underlying mechanism. By leveraging the subtle refractive index evolution, including both the real and the imaginary parts, an entirely new concept of a lab‐on‐fiber operando method and its feasibility for “pristine‐immersion‐operando‐post analysis” of electrocatalyts are demonstrated. Concurrent collection of absorption spectra and surface plasmon resonance is achieved by engineering fiber‐optic waveguides to simultaneously induce guided light attenuation and plasmonic coupling. In situ‐formed Co hydroxide and oxide reactive intermediates in zeolitic imidazolate framework‐67 (ZIF‐67) electrocatalyst are optically identified, which shows its underlying self‐reconstruction conversions at different stages during electrocatalytic oxygen evolution reactions, and address the gap in knowledge concerning whether ZIF‐67 is a precatalyst for real catalyst production. This illuminating operando method offers intriguing opportunities to collect all the observables in a single fiber, provides an exciting potential of a new class of device with long‐sought integration and miniaturization capability, and is expected to enable the electrocatalysis community to conquer challenges with conducting multimodal operando experiments outside the laboratory.
Laser‐Induced Regeneration of Spent LiMn2O4 Cathode Into High‐Performance Ni‐Doped LiMn2O4 Cathode
Authors: Ye Xucun , Fei Xiangyu , Liu Mengjie , Gao Hui , Qiu Baolong , Yin Huayi , Zhang Zhonghua , Lee Lawrence Yoon Suk
Published: December 2024

The rapid increase in lithium‐ion battery (LIB) production, fueled by the rise of electric vehicles, highlights significant challenges in managing end‐of‐life LIBs, particularly regarding environmental impact and waste management. Traditional recycling methods, such as pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical processes, are energy‐intensive and consume substantial reagents. In this study, a laser‐assisted regeneration method is introduced for LiMn2O4 (LMO) cathodes, enabling in situ Ni doping into spent LMO cathodes (r‐LMO‐Ni) to enhance electrochemical performance. Surface Ni‐doping improves interfacial processes and reduces capacity loss at lower temperatures by creating a new interface with a lower charge transfer energy barrier. The r‐LMO‐Ni cathode surpasses pristine LMO cathodes, achieving a specific capacity of 112.95 mA h g−1 at 1 C and retaining 95.1% of its capacity after 200 cycles at 0 °C. A techno‐economic analysis supports the feasibility of this laser‐assisted regeneration approach, offering an innovative pathway for upcycling spent cathodes and developing next‐generation Mn‐based cathodes.
Sustainable Recovery of Rare Earth Metals from Smartphone Display using Nanoengineered Cellulose
Authors: Bose Sandeep , Ariya Parisa A.
Published: December 2024

Recycling rare earth elements (REEs) from electronic waste has gained significant attention over the last decade. A sustainable, fast, and selective extraction technique for rare earth metals hardly exists despite that. This work shows a selective rare earth metal recovery from a mobile phone display using a carboxylate functionalized cellulose (CFC). The nanoengineered CFC is water‐dispersible and prepared from affordable, readily available cellulose precursor. It is shown that the REEs present in the mobile phone display instantaneously form a precipitate with CFC, which is easily separated by centrifugation. As low as 150 ppm, the total concentration of REEs in the leachate is required to form a precipitate. The total removal capacity of the REEs in the leachate is 252 ± 4 mg per gram of CFC. In addition, the precipitate formation occurs within 10 s, which to our knowledge, is the best‐reported removal time so far. It is observed that when the total concentration of the REEs in the leachate is 150 ppm or above, the removal capacity of CFC is quite efficacious and unperturbed by the presence of other metal ions. Solar electrodeposition method is utilized to recover rare earth metal and their oxide from the precipitate.
Revolutionizing Underwater Sensor Performance: Tackling Rayleigh Scattering Challenges by Pseudo Random Noise
Authors: Hu Qihao , Shang Fan , Ma Lina , Wang Wujie , Yu Yi , Bian Yujie , Zhu Xiaoqian , Song Junqiang
Published: December 2024

Traditionally, Rayleigh scattering is thought to only impact fiber sensing system performance when the leading fiber is over 10 km long. However, this report illustrates theoretically and experimentally that Rayleigh scattering cannot be ignored in fiber optic interferometric sensor (FOIS) even with several hundred‐meter common leading fiber because of the interaction of Rayleigh backward scattering (RBS) and returning interference signal. Herein, a conceptual framework is developed to elucidate the interaction between RBS and FOIS interference, revealing that, beyond laser monochromacity, the self‐correction characteristic of laser pulses also influences coherent superposition. Building upon this novel insight, a phase modulation method based on pseudorandom noise (PRN) code is first proposed to address coherent RBS stacking on returning FOIS interferences while preserving high laser monochromacity. By modulating the interrogation pulses, a 21.3 dB suppression of background phase noise is achieved in FOIS with 3.3 km leading fiber. This study offers a holistic understanding of Rayleigh scattering in the leading fiber, encompassing experimental observations, theoretical modeling, physics analysis, and its resolution, thereby contributing to advancements in underwater sensing to broaden the understanding of the underwater environment.
3D‐Printed PDMS/Graphene Sensors with Tunable Sensitivity via Temperature‐Induced Crosslinking for Pressure Applications
Authors: Chen Chong‐You , Sayyar Sepidar , Chung Johnson , Chen Guan‐Yu , Wallace Gordon G.
Published: December 2024

The development of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) graphene composites with high graphene content, employed to formulate printing ink for the fabrication of tunable multilayer pressure sensors via 3D printing is presented. This study demonstrates an efficient preparation technique capable of incorporating a high loading of edge‐functionalized expanded graphene into PDMS while minimally affecting the inherent crosslinking properties of the matrix. Graphene addition enhances electrical conductivity and rheological investigations reveal improves the printability of PDMS. Three sensor configurations differing in layer order and conductivity through piezoresistive characterization, demonstrating their excellent sensitivity and tunability with a gauge factor of ≈20 are evaluated. This performance is comparable to, and in some cases exceeds, similar structures reported in the literature. The assessment of the real‐world application potential of the PDMS/graphene pressure sensor in monitoring human movements during typical everyday situations reveals promising results. These findings suggest that the sensors developed here hold significant promise for diverse pressure‐sensing applications across various fields, including wearables, medical diagnostics, and industrial automation
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Recent Advances in Enhancing the Sensitivity of Biosensors Based on Field Effect Transistors
Authors: Zhou Yuying , Feng Tongshi , Li Yao , Ao Xiang , Liang Shengfa , Yang Xiaonan , Wang Lingfei , Xu Xiaoxin , Zhang Wenchang
Published: December 2024

Biosensors based on field effect transistor (FET), also known as Bio‐FETs, offer numerous advantages, including high sensitivity, rapid response speed, low operating voltage, compact size, high reliability, and easily integrative. These features endow Bio‐FETs with tremendous performance in rapid analysis for samples with ultra‐low concentration at large‐scale, broadening their multiple potential applications. In recent years, the research based on Bio‐FETs has attracted more and more attention. A lot of effort is put into the challenge to improve their sensitivity, which can be influenced by various factors. This review focuses on the current approaches from multiple perspectives, including overcoming the influence of Debye shielding effects, promoting the binding efficiency of analytes and FETs surface, and improving the structures of FETs device. Correspondingly, novel strategies to increase the Debye length, facilitate high frequency electric field modulation, enhance the specific interaction efficiency, and enlarge the specific surface area (SBET) are also summarized. Additionally, there is a lack of a reliable standard method to characterize the sensitivity of FETs currently. Regarding this issue, the most commonly used definitions and representation parameters of sensitivity are also evaluated. Overall, this review outlines the potential future research directions to offer insights for enhancing the sensitivity of Bio‐FETs.
Efficient and Effective Synthesis of CaV6O16·2.7H2O as High‐Performance Cathode Material for Aqueous Zinc Metal Batteries
Authors: Li Mengyao , Liu Xu , Wu Juan , Dong Xu , Wang Yude , Passerini Stefano
Published: December 2024

Vanadium oxide‐based materials are considered to be among the most promising positive electrode candidates for aqueous zinc‐metal batteries (AZMBs). However, complex processes, high costs, and insufficient yields of their preparation methods limit further application. Herein, an efficient and effective oil bath method is presented for the preparation of CaV6O16·2.7H2O (CaVO), offering promising performance as cathode material for AZMBs. With commercial crystalline V2O5, Ca(CH3COO)2, and water as raw materials, phase‐pure CaVO with 42.8 g per batch and a yield of 98.8% can be obtained through the reaction at 90 °C for 6 h. It is further demonstrated that the pre‐intercalated Ca2+ and H2O not only expand the interlayer spacing from 4.38 Å for V2O5 to 8.21 Å for CaVO but also stabilize the interlayer structure of vanadium oxides, promoting the reversibility of CaVO toward the de‐/intercalation of Zn2+/H+. In addition, density‐functional theory calculations show that the introduction of Ca2+ and H2O effectively improves the diffusion kinetics of Zn2+ in CaVO. As a result, CaVO provides high specific capacity (379 mAh g−1 at 0.05 A g−1) and promising long‐term cyclability (94.4% capacity retention after 2200 cycles at 1 A g−1), demonstrating the efficient and effective synthesis of vanadium oxide‐based cathode materials for high‐performance AZMBs.
Screening of metal–organic frameworks for efficient electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction
Authors: Lin Jiawei , Li Yuhang , Yan Hongping , Qi Tingting , Liang Shijing , Jiang Lilong
Published: December 2024

In this work, 44 metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are screened for efficient electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction reaction (eNRR). The isosteric heats of N2 adsorption on the 44 metal active centers of MOFs are calculated by the grand canonical Monte Carlo method. It is found that p‐block‐elements exhibit the highest N2 affinity among all screened elements, implying their excellent catalytic potentials for eNRR. Furthermore, the Al element is preferentially chosen as the metal center of MOFs (MIL‐53 (Al)) owing to its relatively low toxicity and cost. Combined in situ Diffuse Reflectance Infrared Fourier Transform (DRIFT) analysis with theoretical calculation, we found that N2 is mainly attracted by the bridging oxygen of Al‐O‐Al structure in the MIL‐53 (Al). The optimized MIL‐53 (Al) shows a superior activity with the NH3 yield rate of 74.55 ± 1 μg h−1 mgcat−1 at −0.3 V vs. Reversible Hydrogen Electrode (RHE), to our best knowledge, which is currently the highest activity of MOF‐based catalyst for eNRR reported in the literature.
Excitation‐Dependent Anti‐Thermal Quenching in Zero‐Dimensional Manganese Bromides for Photoluminescence and X‐Ray Scintillation
Authors: Wu Ye , Zhu Yiyuan , Ahmed Ashour A. , Imran Muhammad , Qiu Shuangchen , Liu Yang , Hu Xudong , Hassan Yasser , Sun Zhiguo , Deng Renren , Li Xiaoming
Published: December 2024

One of the most significant challenges of luminescent materials is the thermal quenching (TQ) at high temperature. Understanding the correlation between crystal structure variation and photoluminescence (PL) quenching is significant to achieve anti‐thermal quenching (anti‐TQ) phosphors. Herein, we unveil a universal principle governing switchable TQ and anti‐TQ behaviors in zero‐dimensional (0D) organic–inorganic hybrid manganese bromides. We observed an abnormal anti‐TQ phenomenon when phosphor is excited in the valley of PL excitation (PLE) spectrum (indirect excitation) while TQ phenomenon is observed when excited in the peak and shoulder positions of PLE. Our findings demonstrate that PL intensity is influenced by two variable parameters: the effective Mn‐ligand distance and the shortest Mn−Mn distance. These excitation‐dependent TQ and anti‐TQ behaviors originate from the relative changes in these distances, which modulate the competition between radiative and nonradiative recombination rates, as evidenced at the molecular level by molecular dynamics simulation. X‐ray activated radioluminescence (RL) also exhibits anti‐TQ behavior, which is analogous to the indirect excitation of PL evolution when excited at PLE valley. These insights bridge the gap between PL and RL properties in 0D manganese halides and offer potential avenues for developing advanced anti‐TQ phosphors, efficient LEDs, and high‐performance scintillators.
Improving the Blue Color Purity of Tetradentate Pt(II) Complexes with the Assistance of F⋅⋅⋅H Interaction towards High‐Performance Blue Phosphorescent OLEDs with EQE over 33 %
Authors: Zhu Jianing , Huang Manli , Zhang Youming , Chen Zhanxiang , Deng Yijia , Zhang Hongyang , Wang Xinzhong , Yang Chuluo
Published: December 2024

Among the various challenges in the field of organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs), simultaneously achieving high efficiency, a long lifespan, and a narrow full‐width at half maximum (FWHM) in blue OLEDs remains a significant hurdle. Herein, we demonstrate a strategy to improve the color purity of tetradentate Pt(II) complexes with the assistance of ⋅⋅⋅H interaction by incorporating trifluoromethyl (−CF3) groups into the well‐known blue tetradentate Pt(II) phosphorescent complex. The results show that the different substitution positions of −CF3 have significantly varying effects on the FWHM values of the complexes; specifically, introducing −CF3 on the benzene ring of carbazole effectively reduces the FWHM, while introducing it on the benzene ring linked to the carbene unit has a minimal impact. When utilized in a mixed host system of SiCzCz/SiTrzCz2, the OLEDs with these new complexes as emitters demonstrated maximum external quantum efficiencies (EQEs) of 27.1 %, 33.8 %, and 27.6 % for PtON‐CF3‐1, PtON‐CF3‐2, and PtON‐2CF3, respectively, with excellent color purity (CIEy≈0.14 for the PtON‐CF3‐2 based device). Notably, the device based on PtON‐CF3‐2 matched the stability of the benchmark PtON‐TBBI complex.This work offers an important guideline for the design of high efficient Pt(II) phosphorescent complexes with good blue color purity.
A Possible but Elusive Mutuality: Psychoanalysis and Blackness
Authors: Adams C. Jama
Published: December 2024

Psychoanalysis writ large, has enriched Black lives, but not as a result of the activities of a mostly culturally indifferent institutional psychoanalysis. In its unceasing attempts to pursue a good‐enough life, within the obstacles of a racist structure, elements of the Black community have both adopted and offered psychoanalytic‐themed perspectives in such attempts. This offer the possibility of informing a re‐imagining of a staid, and increasingly irrelevant mainstream clinical psychoanalysis.
Anomalous Amplitude Mode Dynamics Below the Expected Charge‐Density‐Wave Transition in 1T‐VSe2
Authors: Sayers Charles J. , Marini Giovanni , Calandra Matteo , Hedayat Hamoon , Feng Xuanbo , van Heumen Erik , Gadermaier Christoph , Conte Stefano Dal , Cerullo Giulio
Published: December 2024

A charge‐density‐wave (CDW) is characterized by a dynamical order parameter consisting of a time‐dependent amplitude and phase, which manifest as optically‐active collective modes of the CDW phase. Studying the behavior of such collective modes in the time‐domain, and their coupling with electronic and lattice order, provides important insight into the underlying mechanisms behind CDW formation. This work reports on femtosecond broadband transient reflectivity experiments of bulk 1T‐VSe2 using near‐infrared excitation. At low temperature, coherent oscillations associated with the CDW amplitude mode and phonons of the distorted lattice are observed. Across the expected transition temperature at 110 K, signatures of a rearrangement of the electronic structure are evident in the quasiparticle dynamics. However, the amplitude mode instead softens to zero frequency at 80 K, possibly indicating an additional phase transition at this temperature. In addition, photoinduced CDW melting, associated with a collapse of the electronic and lattice order, is found to occur at moderate excitation densities, consistent with a dominant electron‐phonon CDW mechanism.
Organisational Anomie: A Qualitative Study on Homecare Workers' Experiences of Work and Organisational Normative Structure
Authors: Syre Renate , Berntzen Sara , Haukeland Jeannie , Teymoori Ali
Published: December 2024

The organisational environment and work design dramatically influence employees' performance, wellbeing and identity. However, little is known about how organisational normative structure – that is, the set of general values and shared norms that regulate individuals' behaviours in a community or an organisation – influences employees experiences and wellbeing. We apply the concept of anomie to explore how Norwegian homecare workers (HCWs) experience their working environment, the normative structure of their organisation and its influence on their performance, wellbeing and identity. We examine organisational anomie in terms of perceptions of a discrepancy between job demands, various expectations and job resources as well as a discrepancy between one's normative ideals of care and the organisational work design to fulfil the caring duties and obligations. We conducted a qualitative interview study, recruiting 10 HCWs in Norway. Using reflexive thematic analysis, we developed the following five major themes to describe HCWs' understanding of their working environment and its influence: (1) The only sure thing is that anything can happen, (2) Multiple affordances of home as a context for care, (3) Conflict between normative beliefs and the organisational working environment, (4) Time pressure affects presence and (5) Did I do a good enough job? We discuss these themes with regard to their practical implications for the homecare institution and the theoretical implications for extending anomie theories to the organisational context.
Verbascum gimgimense an Endemic Turkish Plant: Evaluation of In Vitro Anticancer, Antioxidant, Enzyme Inhibitory Activities, and Phytochemical Profile
Authors: Erdogan Mehmet Kadir , Sever Aydın , Gundogdu Ramazan , Toy Yusuf , Gecibesler Ibrahim Halil , Yapar Yakup , Behcet Lutfi , Zengin Gokhan
Published: December 2024

The Verbascum genus has gained significant attention in the pharmaceutical field, particularly in recent years, due to its valuable medicinal properties, which are well‐recognized in complementary and alternative medicine. Certain species within this genus contain essential compounds and exhibit a wide range of therapeutic activities. In this study, the ethanolic extract of Verbascum gimgimense (VG) was analyzed for its cytotoxic, apoptotic, antioxidant, and enzyme inhibitory properties, as well as its phenolic and lipophilic compounds. The phenolic compounds in the extract were identified using Exactive Plus Orbitrap HPLC‐HRMS, while the lipophilic components were characterized by GC‐MS analysis. The Neutral Red Uptake (NRU) cell viability assay and colony formation assay were performed to assess the antiproliferative and anti‐colony survival effects of VG on the A549 human lung adenocarcinoma cell line. Additionally, a wound healing assay measured cell migration, and the apoptotic process was evaluated using Caspase‐3 ELISA and acridine orange/ethidium bromide staining. Protein expression levels were determined by western blot analysis. DPPH, ABTS FRAP, and CUPRAC assays were used to determine free radical scavenging, reducing power, and metal chelating activities, respectively. VG was rich in dominant phenolic components, including benzoic acid (6.809 mg/g extract), phloretic acid (1.279 mg/g extract), luteolin 7‐rutinoside (2.799 mg/g extract), luteoloside (3.300 mg/g extract), kuromanine (3.456 mg/g extract), and rutin hydrate (2.015 mg/g extract). Major fatty acids identified in VG included palmitic acid (17.3%), stearic acid (2.99%), linoleic acid (9.44%), and α‐linolenic acid (26.48%). VG treatment significantly reduced colony formation ability, decreased wound closure, and increased both apoptotic cell count and caspase‐3 activity compared to the control group. Protein levels of c‐PARP, p53, and p21 were substantially elevated compared to controls. In addition to its strong free radical scavenging, reducing power and metal chelating activity, VG exhibited strong inhibitory effects on α‐amylase, α‐glucosidase, AChE, BChE, and tyrosinase. Our study demonstrates that VG possesses antiproliferative, apoptotic, antioxidant, and enzyme‐inhibitory properties. V. gimgimense emerges as a promising natural antioxidant source with potentially significant regulatory effects on key enzymes and proteins, which could contribute to managing various human diseases and inspire the development of novel therapeutic strategies.
Meralgia Paresthetica Secondary to Adnexa Cyst: A Case Report
Authors: Behroozinia Maryam , Sharifian Elham , Khosrawi Saeid
Published: December 2024

Meralgia paresthetica (MP) is an entrapment syndrome of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve characterized by tingling, numbness, itching and burning pain, and dysesthesia in anterolateral aspect of thigh. In this case report, we present a 37‐year‐old non‐obese female with 2‐month history of progressive pain and tingling on the anterolateral side of right thigh. Clinical features of patient were consistent with MP, which was confirmed via electrodiagnostic study. Subsequent abdominopelvic and transvaginal sonography revealed a mass‐like lesion measuring 92 × 61 mm in right adnexa adjacent to the right ovary. Following diagnosis, the patient underwent cystectomy, resulting in immediate resolution of symptoms. This case highlights the importance of comprehensive evaluation in patients presenting with MP symptoms, including consideration of abdominopelvic pathology as a potential contributing factor.
Anti‐Cancer Effect of Sulforaphane in Human Pancreatic Cancer Cells Mia PaCa‐2
Authors: Park Min Ju , Kim Yoon Hee
Published: December 2024

Background

Pancreatic cancer is difficult to treat early as it has no early symptoms. The presence of sulforaphane (SFN) in cruciferous vegetables has been found to possess anti‐cancer effects in gastric and colon cancers. Glycogen synthase kinase‐3 beta (GSK‐3β), a serine/threonine kinase, plays a significant role in pancreatic cancer progression, influencing tumor growth, metastasis, and treatment resistance. Targeting GSK‐3β has shown potential to enhance the efficacy of chemotherapy. However, the mechanism underlying the anticancer effects of SFN on pancreatic cancer through GSK‐3β is unclear.

Aims

In this study, we examined the anticancer effects of SFN in human pancreatic cancer cell line Mia PaCa‐2 and evaluated its molecular mechanisms with respect to the GSK‐3β‐related pathway.

Methods and Results

SFN increased the protein expression of the phosphorylated form of GSK3β (Ser9). In the Wingless Int‐1 homolog/β‐catenin pathway, GSK3β induced apoptosis by phosphorylating β‐catenin. However, in mutant Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog‐like‐dependent cells such as Mia PaCa‐2, GSK3β was suppressed and the β‐catenin level was increased, thus inducing apoptosis. Indeed, SFN increased the protein expression of β‐catenin in the cytoplasm and nucleus. Subsequently, we measured the level of cMyc, the target gene of β‐catenin. SFN decreased cMyc expression despite an increase in the β‐catenin. We measured the expression of nuclear factor (NF)‐κB, a downstream factor of GSK3β and an upstream factor of cMyc. SFN decreased the expression of NF‐κB and cMyc, indicating that SFN inhibits cell proliferation by suppressing the GSK3β/NF‐κB/cMyc pathway. As the suppression of NF‐κB results in a decrease in B‐cell lymphoma 2 (BCL‐2) which is the anti‐apoptotic gene, we tested the effect of SFN in the expression of BCL‐2. SFN inhibited the expression of BCL‐2 and increased the ratio of the apoptotic regulator gene BCL‐2 associated X (BAX), where SFN induced the cleaved cysteine aspartase‐3 and poly‐adenosine diphosphate ribose polymerase.

Conclusion

These results indicate that SFN may have therapeutic potential in the inhibition of pancreatic cancer.
Temperature Dependence of Thermal Conductivity of Proteins: Contributions of Thermal Expansion and Grüneisen Parameter
Authors: Leitner David M.
Published: December 2024

The thermal conductivity of many materials depends on temperature due to several factors, including variation of heat capacity with temperature, changes in vibrational dynamics with temperature, and change in volume with temperature. For proteins some, but not all, of these influences on the variation of thermal conductivity with temperature have been investigated in the past. In this study, we examine the influence of change in volume, and corresponding changes in vibrational dynamics, on the temperature dependence of the thermal conductivity. Using a measured value for the coefficient of thermal expansion and recently computed values for the Grüneisen parameter of proteins we find that the thermal conductivity increases with increasing temperature due to change in volume with temperature. We compare the impact of thermal expansion on the variation of the thermal conductivity with temperature found in this study with contributions of heat capacity and anharmonic coupling examined previously. Using values of thermal transport coefficients computed for proteins we also model heating of water in a protein solution following photoexcitation.
Investigating the antecedents of Sustainable Development Goals disclosure via social media: Evidence from water companies
Authors: Nicolo' Giuseppe , Cervilla‐Bellido José María
Published: December 2024

This study extends academic knowledge on the sustainable development goal (SDG) disclosure practices of water companies via social media. The ultimate paper's goal is to examine the possible determinants of such disclosure practices. A manual content analysis was conducted on a sample of 64 Spanish water companies' official Twitter accounts to determine the SDG disclosure level. Based on legitimacy theory, different regression models were estimated to identify possible financial and governance explanatory factors of the level of SDG disclosure provided by Spanish water companies via Twitter. Results reveal that Spanish water companies are still slow to realise the potential of social media to increase their engagement with stakeholders and legitimise their position in society concerning their commitment to achieving SDGs. More profitable companies with less government ownership and larger boards appear more prone to disclose SDG information.
Seasonal Variations in Habitat Use are Associated With Food Availability Changes in Assamese Macaques (Macaca assamensis) Inhabiting Limestone Forest
Authors: Mo Fengxiang , Liu Guanghua , Wang Ailong , Liu Shengyuan , Nong Shixin , Zhang Kechu , Huang Zhonghao
Published: December 2024

Data on habitat use of wild animals facilitate conservation management and further our understanding of their environmental adaptations. We collected data on the habitat utilization of 16 groups of Assamese macaques (Macaca assamensis) in the limestone forests in Guangxi, China, to explore the pattern and seasonality of habitat use of these macaques. Our results showed that cliffs were the most frequently used hill parts by the macaques, followed by flat zones, hillsides, and hilltops. The cliffs were the most frequently used during resting and moving, whereas the hillsides and flat zones were used as the main feeding sites. Patterns of habitat use seasonally varied. Specifically, the utilization frequency of the cliff was lower in the rainy season than in the dry season. Besides, feeding occurred more frequently on hillsides and flat zones. The dietary composition of the Assamese macaques affected the use of hill parts, indicating that the consumption of young leaves was positively correlated with the use of cliffs and was passively related to the use of hillsides. Moreover, ecological factors had impacts on habitat use. The use of hilltops and cliffs increased whereas the utilization of hillsides and flat zones decreased with the day length and temperature dropping. The availability of flower and fruit were also key ecological factors affecting habitat utilization. We conclude that the dietary composition, day length, flower availability, and fruit availability are determinants of habitat utilization for Assamese macaques, highlighting the importance of ecological factors in shaping their behavioral adaptation to the unique limestone forests.
Abundance‐mediated species interactions
Authors: Twining Joshua P. , Augustine Ben C. , Royle J. Andrew , Fuller Angela K.
Published: December 2024

Species interactions shape biodiversity patterns, community assemblage, and the dynamics of wildlife populations. Ecological theory posits that the strength of interspecific interactions is fundamentally underpinned by the population sizes of the involved species. Nonetheless, prevalent approaches for modeling species interactions predominantly center around occupancy states. Here, we use simulations to illuminate the inadequacies of modeling species interactions solely as a function of occupancy, as is common practice in ecology. We demonstrate erroneous inference into species interactions due to error in parameter estimates when considering species occupancy alone. To address this critical issue, we propose, develop, and demonstrate an abundance‐mediated interaction framework designed explicitly for modeling species interactions involving two or more species from detection/non‐detection data. We present Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) samplers tailored for diverse ecological scenarios, including intraguild predation, disease‐ or predator‐mediated competition, and trophic cascades. Illustrating the practical implications of our approach, we compare inference from modeling the interactions in a three‐species network involving coyotes (Canis latrans), fishers (Pekania pennanti), and American marten (Martes americana) in North America as a function of occupancy states and as a function of abundance. When modeling interactions as a function of abundance rather than occupancy, we uncover previously unidentified interactions. Our study emphasizes that accounting for abundance‐mediated interactions rather than simple co‐occurrence patterns can fundamentally alter our comprehension of system dynamics. Through an empirical case study and comprehensive simulations, we demonstrate the importance of accounting for abundance when modeling species interactions, and we present a statistical framework equipped with MCMC samplers to achieve this paradigm shift in ecological research.
Recent Advances of B−P Coupling Reactions: Conventional and Efficient Alternative Routes
Authors: Gayen Sourav , Ghosh Sundargopal
Published: December 2024

Amine‐boranes (AB) and phosphine‐boranes (PB), valence isoelectronic counterparts of carbon‐based substances, present fascinating opportunities because of their formal charge separation. This characteristic electronic feature renders them compelling for both fundamental investigations and practical uses in main group chemistry. Notably, phosphine‐boranes have experienced comparatively minimal advancements due to the inherent weakness of the B−P bonds and the polarized nature of the P−C bonds. While dehydrogenative coupling reactions offer atom‐economical methods, alternative and convenient approaches to B−P coupling have remained insufficiently explored over the years. This review consolidates the significant research on dehydrocoupling reactions and alternative B−P coupling strategies, emphasizing the progress and challenges in this evolving field. The work highlights the potential of transition metal‐catalyzed routes, offering insights into the mechanistic aspects that drive the synthesis of B−P coupled materials.
Study on combustion characteristics under methanol gasoline emission optimization based on orthogonal matrix analysis
Authors: Du Danfeng , Hao Zewei , Guo Xiurong , Jiang Wenjun , Yang Shaochi
Published: December 2024

This study utilizes the orthogonal matrix analysis method to identify the lower levels of both conventional and unconventional emissions in engines powered by methanol gasoline, with the aim of optimizing gas emissions. Through the utilization of ANOVA, we were able to determine the key elements that impact the emissions of methanol gasoline from engines. Additionally, we validated the correctness of the experiment by employing the signal‐to‐noise ratio. The analysis focused on the combustion parameters of an engine that burns methanol fuel while maintaining low overall emissions. The accuracy of the numerical simulation was confirmed through the utilization of GT‐power for numerical simulation and subsequent experimental validation. The findings suggest that when the engine operates at a load of 1200 rpm and 6 N m while consuming M85, there is a reduction in both conventional and unconventional emissions. M85 has a maximum cylinder pressure that is 18.7% more than pure gasoline. Conversely, pure gasoline demonstrates a power output that is 24.7% higher than M85. Additionally, M85 has a BSFCe that is 22.71% higher than gasoline. The addition of a methanol‐gasoline mixture can effectively reduce the engine's exhaust temperature.