bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Instructional System of Research Education Program and Research Skills Productivity of Students in Science and Technology Oriented High Schools in Caraga Region
Authors: Jacob Benjie P.
Published: June 2022

The research subject is one of the effective tools to equip secondary students under Science and Technology Oriented High School (STOHS) curriculum with the appropriate research skills that will capacitate students to prepare research reports, investigatory projects and research proposal utilizing information obtained from the library and online resources. This mixed method study aimed to determine the significant difference in the ratings of the 278 respondents on the extent of optimal functioning of the instructional system of the research education program and in identifying the significant relationship between the instructional system and the research skills productivity of teachers and student-researchers in Caraga Region, Philippines. The study revealed that the instructional system was at a moderate level while the research skills productivity was at a nadir level. Also, it was divulged that there was a significant difference in the extent of the optimal functioning of the instructional system in teaching research education. Using FGD, the facilitating factors were good academic qualifications of the teacher-researchers, sufficient school facilities, the standard form of assessment, and the existence of the reward system while the hindering factors were the resource generation, absence of school's research journals and scholarships, and discouraging research environment. This paper suggested that schools should publish researches in journals, improve utilization of researches, look for potential sponsors and should tie up with external evaluators/organizations.
Utilization of Sagip Pangarap Intervention Program (SPIP) as a Flexible Learning Strategy for Students-at-Risk of Dropping-Out
Authors: Gecolea Peejay
Published: June 2022

Sagip Pangarap Intervention Program (SPIP) is intended for students at risk of dropping out. The validated handbook provides a clear view and guides for the users as to how this program will be implemented and monitored. It aimed to determine the effectiveness of the SPIP manual in the attendance and class participation of the students at risk of dropping out; a mixed-method research design was utilized. The participants were the 15 Grade 8 students of Calamba Bayside Integrated School enrolled during the SY 2018-2019; these students were considered SARDOs after thorough monitoring and evaluation of advisers and grade-level key teachers. The participants were chosen through purposive sampling. Results showed that there is a decrease (89. 88%) in the number of absences incurred by the SARDOs after the implementation of the intervention program. It also revealed that in terms of class participation, the results of the interview conducted to the selected teachers and parents implied that the program helped the students to regularly come to school and improve their class participation since it provides different options, strategies, approaches, and opportunities for the students regarding their schooling.  Since the use of this intervention program is proven effective, it is recommended that SPIP be used by teachers to help students in improving their performance in terms of attendance and class participation.
Basic Education Services for Schools and Community Learning Centers of the Division of Calamba City
Authors: Martir Ligaya
Published: June 2022

The Department of Education aims that all learners are given opportunities to be well-rounded by having access to programs responsive to their needs.  However, reports show that problems on access and quality of learning still prevail, as evidenced by the number of students retained. This study looked into the factors that contribute to the increasing number of retained learners and the common problems encountered by the school heads in dealing with them. The study employed a descriptive design of research.  A survey questionnaire, supplemented by informal interviews and a focus group discussion with 48 school heads and 314 teachers of selected schools and ALS mobile teachers of the Division of Calamba City, were utilized.  Results revealed that the learners’ habitual tardiness and absences, and the lack of parental care and guidance in doing homework and other school projects, are the primary factors that contribute to the increasing number of retained learners. Moreover, the parents’ poor attendance during meetings and forums, and their attitudes in motivating their children to attend classes are the problems most often encountered by school heads. After a thorough analysis of data, a basic education services plan for schools and community learning centers in the Division of Calamba City was crafted to address the increasing number of retained learners.
Teacher Factors and Academic Performance of Multigrade Pupils in Baybay City Division: Inputs to an Improved Implementation of Multigrade Teaching
Authors: Ruiz Josemilo
Published: June 2022

The study determines the relationship between the selected teacher factors and the academic performance of multigrade pupils in the Baybay City Division. The selected teacher factors were the socio-demographic profile variable (age, sex, civil status, educational qualification, teaching experience, teaching position, and training attended) and teacher empowerment dimensions (decision making, professional growth, status, self-efficacy, autonomy, and impact). The respondents of this study were the multigrade teachers, heads of the multigrade teachers, and the multigrade pupils in the division. The study used descriptive correlation employing a triangulation design. Descriptive statistics, chi-square test, Pearson r correlation, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and regression were used. The teaching profession consistently attracts women to its fold, making it a woman’s world. The same profession is staffed by a relatively young group of female teachers who were 40 years old and below and are expected to be in their productive and reproductive years as most of them are married. Multigrade teachers need uplifting in their educational qualifications, training, and similar initiatives to raise their rank, morale, motivation, and competence to remain in teaching. The extent of teacher empowerment dimensions with respect to decision making, professional growth, status, self-efficacy, autonomy, and impact are very highly empowered. The very poor academic showed in the five (5) learning areas is a brazen demonstration of a need to seriously evaluate multigrade instruction in the division. Among the selected teacher factors, only sex and professional growth turned out to be predictors of academic achievement in selected learning areas.
COVID-19 Infection and Prevention: A Brief Review
Authors: Kumar R. Santosh , Anushree .
Published: June 2022

Corona viruses, a broad group of viruses that have an ability to infect a wide range of animals, or people. It can lead to mild to severe respiratory illnesses. In humans it caused fatal respiratory illness in 2002 and 2012, making it a new concern for public health in the 21st century. Its origin was in Wuhan from where it is rapidly spreading to the rest of the world. In terms of both the number of sick people and the geographic span of epidemic locations, it has crossed the counts of SARS and MERS. The ongoing COVID-19 outbreak has caused a significant threat to worldwide public life.
Biochemical characterization of a novel oxidatively stable, halotolerant, and high‐alkaline subtilisin from Alkalihalobacillus okhensisKh10‐101T
Authors: Falkenberg Fabian , Rahba Jade , Fischer David , Bott Michael , Bongaerts Johannes , Siegert Petra
Published: June 2022

Halophilic and halotolerant microorganisms represent a promising source of salt‐tolerant enzymes suitable for various biotechnological applications where high salt concentrations would otherwise limit enzymatic activity. Considering the current growing enzyme market and the need for more efficient and new biocatalysts, the present study aimed at the characterization of a high‐alkaline subtilisin from Alkalihalobacillus okhensis Kh10‐101T. The protease gene was cloned and expressed in Bacillus subtilis DB104. The recombinant protease SPAO with 269 amino acids belongs to the subfamily of high‐alkaline subtilisins. The biochemical characteristics of purified SPAO were analyzed in comparison with subtilisin Carlsberg, Savinase, and BPN'. SPAO, a monomer with a molecular mass of 27.1 kDa, was active over a wide range of pH 6.0–12.0 and temperature 20–80 °C, optimally at pH 9.0–9.5 and 55 °C. The protease is highly oxidatively stable to hydrogen peroxide and retained 58% of residual activity when incubated at 10 °C with 5% (v/v) H2O2 for 1 h while stimulated at 1% (v/v) H2O2. Furthermore, SPAO was very stable and active at NaCl concentrations up to 5.0 m. This study demonstrates the potential of SPAO for biotechnological applications in the future.
Extracellular‐Vesicle‐Based Drug Delivery Systems for Enhanced Antitumor Therapies through Modulating the Cancer‐Immunity Cycle
Authors: Yong Tuying , Wei Zhaohan , Gan Lu , Yang Xiangliang
Published: June 2022

Although immunotherapy harnessing activity of the immune system against tumors has made great progress, the treatment efficacy remains limited in most cancers. Current anticancer immunotherapy is primarily based on T‐cell‐mediated cellular immunity, which highly relies on efficiency of triggering the cancer‐immunity cycle, namely, tumor antigen release, antigen presentation by antigen presenting cells, T cell activation, recruitment and infiltration of T cells into tumors, and recognition and killing of tumor cells by T cells. Unfortunately, these immunotherapies are restricted by inefficient drug delivery and acting on only a single step of the cancer‐immunity cycle. Due to high biocompatibility, low immunogenicity, intrinsic cell targeting, and easy chemical and genetic manipulation, extracellular vesicle (EV)‐based drug delivery systems are widely used to amplify anticancer immune responses by serving as an integrated platform for multiple drugs or therapeutic strategies to synergistically activate several steps of cancer‐immunity cycle. This review summarizes various mechanisms related to affecting cancer‐immunity cycle disorders. Meanwhile, preparation and application of EV‐based drug delivery systems in modulating cancer‐immunity cycle are introduced, especially in the improvement of T cell recruitment and infiltration into tumors. Finally, opportunities and challenges of EV‐based drug delivery systems in translational clinical applications are briefly discussed.
Conformation Dynamics of Single Polymer Strands in Solution
Authors: Bae Yuna , Ha Min Young , Bang Ki‐Taek , Yang Sanghee , Kang Sung Yun , Kim Joodeok , Sung Jongbaek , Kang Sungsu , Kang Dohun , Lee Won Bo , Choi Tae‐Lim , Park Jungwon
Published: June 2022

Conformational changes in macromolecules significantly affect their functions and assembly into high‐level structures. Despite advances in theoretical and experimental studies, investigations into the intrinsic conformational variations and dynamic motions of single macromolecules remain challenging. Here, liquid‐phase transmission electron microscopy enables the real‐time tracking of single‐chain polymers. Imaging linear polymers, synthetically dendronized with conjugated aromatic groups, in organic solvent confined within graphene liquid cells, directly exhibits chain‐resolved conformational dynamics of individual semiflexible polymers. These experimental and theoretical analyses reveal that the dynamic conformational transitions of the single‐chain polymer originate from the degree of intrachain interactions. In situ observations also show that such dynamics of the single‐chain polymer are significantly affected by environmental factors, including surfaces and interfaces.
Enhanced Photoconductivity at Dislocations in SrTiO3
Authors: Kissel Maximilian , Porz Lukas , Frömling Till , Nakamura Atsutomo , Rödel Jürgen , Alexe Marin
Published: June 2022

Dislocations are 1D crystallographic line defects and are usually seen as detrimental to the functional properties of classic semiconductors. It is shown here that this not necessarily accounts for oxide semiconductors in which dislocations are capable of boosting the photoconductivity. Strontium titanate single crystals are controllably deformed to generate a high density of ordered dislocations of two slip systems possessing different mesoscopic arrangements. For both slip systems, nanoscale conductive atomic force microscope investigations reveal a strong enhancement of the photoconductivity around the dislocation cores. Macroscopic in‐plane measurements indicate that the two dislocation systems result in different global photoconductivity behavior despite the similar local enhancement. Depending on the arrangement, the global photoresponse can be increased by orders of magnitude. Additionally, indications for a bulk photovoltaic effect enabled by dislocation‐surrounding strain fields are observed for the first time. This proves that dislocations in oxide semiconductors can be of large interest for tailoring photoelectric functionalities. Direct evidence that electronic transport is confined to the dislocation core points to a new emerging research field.
High‐Stretchability, Ultralow‐Hysteresis ConductingPolymer Hydrogel Strain Sensors for Soft Machines
Authors: Shen Zequn , Zhang Zhilin , Zhang Ningbin , Li Jinhao , Zhou Peiwei , Hu Faqi , Rong Yu , Lu Baoyang , Gu Guoying
Published: June 2022

Highly stretchable strain sensors based on conducting polymer hydrogel are rapidly emerging as a promising candidate toward diverse wearable skins and sensing devices for soft machines. However, due to the intrinsic limitations of low stretchability and large hysteresis, existing strain sensors cannot fully exploit their potential when used in wearable or robotic systems. Here, a conducting polymer hydrogel strain sensor exhibiting both ultimate strain (300%) and negligible hysteresis (<1.5%) is presented. This is achieved through a unique microphase semiseparated network design by compositing poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) nanofibers with poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and facile fabrication by combining 3D printing and successive freeze‐thawing. The overall superior performances of the strain sensor including stretchability, linearity, cyclic stability, and robustness against mechanical twisting and pressing are systematically characterized. The integration and application of such strain sensor with electronic skins are further demonstrated to measure various physiological signals, identify hand gestures, enable a soft gripper for objection recognition, and remote control of an industrial robot. This work may offer both promising conducting polymer hydrogels with enhanced sensing functionalities and technical platforms toward stretchable electronic skins and intelligent robotic systems.
Emerging Biomaterials Imaging Antitumor Immune Response
Authors: Ma Xianbin , Zhang Meng‐Jie , Wang Jingting , Zhang Tian , Xue Peng , Kang Yuejun , Sun Zhi‐Jun , Xu Zhigang
Published: June 2022

Immunotherapy is one of the most promising clinical modalities for the treatment of malignant tumors and has shown excellent therapeutic outcomes in clinical settings. However, it continues to face several challenges, including long treatment cycles, high costs, immune‐related adverse events, and low response rates. Thus, it is critical to predict the response rate to immunotherapy by using imaging technology in the preoperative and intraoperative. Here, the latest advances in nanosystem‐based biomaterials used for predicting responses to immunotherapy via the imaging of immune cells and signaling molecules in the immune microenvironment are comprehensively summarized. Several imaging methods, such as fluorescence imaging, magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission tomography imaging, ultrasound imaging, and photoacoustic imaging, used in immune predictive imaging, are discussed to show the potential of nanosystems for distinguishing immunotherapy responders from nonresponders. Nanosystem‐based biomaterials aided by various imaging technologies are expected to enable the effective prediction and diagnosis in cases of tumors, inflammation, and other public diseases.
Near‐Infrared Phototransistor Based on Graphene/C60/PbPc Heterojunction with Tunable Bidirectional Photoresponse
Authors: Dai Qinyong , Hu Gang , Lv Wenli , Xu Sunan , Sun Lei , Schneider Grégory F. , Jiang Lin , Peng Yingquan
Published: June 2022

Graphene–organic heterojunction phototransistors have great potential to achieve sensitive photoresponse owing to the excellent absorption of organic layers and fast charge transport in graphene. However, the photoresponse of most graphene‐based phototransistors is limited within visible light region with narrow bandwidth and poor sensitivity in the near‐infrared (NIR) region. Herein, a graphene–organic NIR phototransistor is fabricated by integrating an organic heterojunction layer composing of phthalocyanine molecules and fullerene C60 onto the graphene channel. The phototransistor exhibits a high photoresponsivity of 2.2 × 103 A W−1 under 850 nm irradiation with the power density of 35.4 mW cm−2 (Vds = 1 V). Meanwhile, a bidirectional photoresponse (both positive and negative) is obtained at different wavelength regions. Further studies indicate that the gate voltage enables to effectively tune the photoresponse in the wavelength range where PbPc has a significant optical absorption. Such a tunability of photoresponse is especially beneficial for the exploration of new functionalities in logic function devices. This work presents a feasible strategy to prepare graphene–organic heterojunction phototransistor with broadband photoresponse as well as sensitive and tunable bidirectional signals at NIR region.
Structural Shrinking and Rotation Decrease Quasi Surface Tension for Polar CeO2(100)
Authors: Zhou Hui , Wu Xin‐Ping , Gong Xue‐Qing
Published: June 2022

Surfaces determine many important physicochemical properties of the solid materials, and the polar surfaces are particularly appealing for their unusual characteristics as they are intrinsically unstable and always reconstruct to compensate for the surface polarity. In this work, by performing density functional theory calculations corrected by on‐site Coulomb interactions (DFT+U), it is determined that for polar CeO2(100), besides the classical O‐t, Ce‐t, and CeO4‐t types of reconstruction, a series of novel “pocket‐like” structures can give significantly better stabilities. It is proposed that the shrinking effect caused by the pocket formation can effectively reduce the surface tension, and specifically, promote the rotation of the CeO4 units at CeO4‐t‐p surface to further stabilize the edge Ce cations of the units. Such CeO4‐t‐p reconstructed CeO2(100) can also act as a promising support for the single metal atoms since the induced shrinking and rotation effects can further promote their adsorption and dispersion. This work provides new models to help understand surface reconstruction and adsorption.
Systematic Engineering of Metal Ion Injection in Memristors for Complex Neuromorphic Computing with High Energy Efficiency
Authors: Kim Seong Eun , Kim Min-Hwi , Jang Jisu , Kim Hyungjin , Kim Sungjun , Jang Jaewon , Bae Jin-Hyuk , Kang In Man , Lee Sin-Hyung
Published: June 2022

Neuromorphic electronics attract significant attention as a new computing architecture. Despite much effort for achieving practical neuromorphic systems, it is still challenging to construct a synapse array ideal for complex neural networks. Herein, a novel strategy for developing a highly integrated crossbar array of a one‐selector–one‐memory (1S–1R) synapse by systematically engineering ion injection is demonstrated. In the proposed synapse, an electrochemical metallization (ECM) memristor consisting of unstable filaments and a typical ECM device with stable filaments act as a selector with a low leakage current and a stable memory device, respectively. To overcome the voltage‐matching issues in constructing the 1S–1R synapse with high integration density, ion injection related with the electrical properties is optimized in the ECM devices via the distribution of active metal nanoparticles at the interface. The developed synapse possesses a high on/off ratio, superior selectivity, low operating current, and stable multilevel conductance, compared to the previously reported devices. High feasibility for complex neuromorphic systems is demonstrated, and the neural network based on the developed synapse array exhibits reliable parallel computation with high energy efficiency. This promising concept of realizing complex neuromorphic electronics is a fundamental building block for the practical artificial intelligence.
Associations between autoimmune dysfunction and pollutants in Akwesasne Mohawk women: Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane and polychlorinated biphenyl exposure
Authors: Lee Florence , Gallo Mia V. , Schell Lawrence M. ,   Akwesasne Task Force on the Environment
Published: June 2022

Background

Pollutant exposures, including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), have been found to disrupt normal immune function. Native American communities are disproportionately affected by autoimmune dysfunction and are more likely to be exposed to harmful pollutants than the general population.

Objective

To determine the association between autoimmune dysfunction and pollutant exposure levels, this study evaluates the statistical relationship between the presence of autoimmune dysfunction and pollutant exposure.

Methods

Information was collected from Akwesasne Mohawk women (n = 182), 21–39 years of age, between 2009 and 2013. Data collection included anthropometric measurements, medical diagnoses of autoimmune disease and symptoms of autoimmune dysfunction in the medical record, and blood draws for measurement of pollutants. Multivariate analyses determined the association between toxicant exposure and autoimmune dysfunction.

Results

Toxicant p,p′‐DDE was positively associated with an almost two‐fold risk of autoimmune dysfunction. p,p′‐DDE and PCB congeners 32, 136, and 138 were positively associated in a multivariate analysis with an autoimmune diagnosis.

Conclusions

Pollutant exposures, specifically to p,p′‐DDE and some PCB congeners, are common exposures that are associated with autoimmune dysfunction and autoimmune disease, although there are other factors and causes related to autoimmune dysfunction incidence.
A Facile Stereoselective Bis‐Trifluoromethylselenolation Reaction of Alkynes with AgSeCF3 and N‐Bromosuccinimide
Authors: Wang Zhenyu , Cao Chengyao Kimmy , Tretyakov Evgeny , Liu Wei , Chen Chao
Published: June 2022

A facile stereoselective bis‐trifluoromethylselenolation reaction of alkyne derivatives was realized for the first time. The reaction of alkyne derivatives and AgSeCF3 was found to proceed in the presence of N‐bromosuccinimide and water in tetrahydrofuran and afforded bis‐trifluoromethylselenolated products in moderate‐to‐excellent yields. The new methodology enables one‐pot synthesis with a broad substrate range.
Acute metaldehyde poisoning from ingestion: clinical features and implications for early treatment
Authors: Tan You‐Jiang , Khoo Shimona Qin‐Xin , Tan See‐Teng
Published: June 2022

Aims

To describe and compare the clinical features of patients with acute metaldehyde toxicity from suicidal and accidental ingestion of metaldehyde, and to elucidate factors influencing early treatment and disposition.

Methods

We undertook a systematic review and retrospective analysis of the clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with acute toxicity from ingesting metaldehyde.

Results

Twenty‐one cases identified between 1965 and 2021 were analyzed. The median age was 32 years (range, 3–68 years), and two‐thirds of patients experienced symptoms (14/21, 67%). In symptomatic patients, gastrointestinal symptoms were present in two‐thirds (9/14, 64%), and half experienced neurologic complications (8/14, 57%); of those with neurologic complications, half experienced seizures (8/14, 57%). There were near‐equal cases of accidental and suicidal poisoning. Those who attempted suicide were likelier to develop symptoms (90% versus 45%, P = 0.031), experience seizures (60% versus 18%, P = 0.049), require intensive care (50% versus 9%, P = 0.038), and suffer longer hospitalizations (13.3 days versus 2.9 days, P = 0.005), despite no statistically significant differences in the doses of metaldehyde consumed when compared against patients with accidental ingestion (9.04 g versus 2.03 g, P = 0.09).

Conclusion

The circumstances in which metaldehyde is consumed heavily influence clinical symptoms and outcomes. Early and close observation for seizures and adopting a lowered threshold for escalation to the intensive care unit are recommended in patients attempting suicide even when the dose ingested cannot be determined at that time, which is common during the early phases of treatment.
Immobilization of nickel on Kryptofix 222 modified Fe3O4@PEG core‐shell nanosphere for the clean synthesis of 2‐Aryl‐2,3‐dihydroquinazolin‐4(1H)‐ones
Authors: Taghizadeh Akram , Noroozi Pesyan Nader , Alamgholiloo Hassan , Sheykhaghaei Golaleh
Published: June 2022

The development of green‐based nanostructures is extremely compelling for their implementation in the catalytic arena. In this study, a new type of magnetically core‐shell nanocomposite was successfully designed to be used as a green catalyst for the synthesis of 2,3‐dihydroquinazolin‐4(1H)‐ones under ultrasonic irradiation. Initially, magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticle (NP) cores were fabricated via the co‐operation method and subsequently coated with polyethylene glycol (PEG). After that, the macro‐bicyclic Kryptofix 222 (KP222) functionalized on the surface of Fe3O4@PEG for graft and stabilization of nickel metal. The obtained Ni@KP222/Fe3O4@PEG nanocomposite was characterized by FT‐IR (Fourier Transform Infrared), wide‐angle XRD (X‐ray Powder Difraction), FESEM (Field Emiossion Scanning Electron Microscopy), TEM (Transmission Electron Microscopy), VSM (Vibrating‐Sample Magnetometer), TGA‐DTA (Thermogravimetrtic Analysis‐ Differential Thermal Analysis), DLS (Dynamic Light Scattering), and BET (Brunauer–Emmett–Teller) spectroscopy and technique. The findings indicated that high‐affinity KP222 ligand in the stabilization of Ni2+ and ultrasound irradiation catalyzed synergistically the formation of the 2,3‐dihydroquinazolin‐4(1H)‐ones. The benzaldehydes with electron‐withdrawing and electron donor groups could react well with the amino benzamide under ultrasound irradiation in 5 min, indicating that the reaction was not sensitive to the electronic effects. Furthermore, the reusability test for the Ni@KP222/Fe3O4@PEG catalyst revealed successful recyclability for six runs. The current study provided a rational design and synthesis of multifunctional catalysts for catalytic applications.
Formation of poly(ε‐caprolactone)‐embedded bioactive nanoparticles/collagen hierarchical scaffolds with the designed and customized porous structures
Authors: Yao Qin , Liu Shuifeng , Zheng Weihan , Chen Manting , Zhou Shuzhen , Liao Minjian , Huang Wenhua , Hu Yang , Zhou Wuyi
Published: June 2022

The biodegradable and bioactive bioscaffolds with suitable hierarchical structure, customized shape, and mechanical performance have great potential for biomedical applications especially in tissue engineering field. However, controllable and facile preparation of the related porous scaffolds remains obvious challenge. In this study, poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL)‐embedded hydroxyapatite (HAP) nanoparticles/collagen hierarchical scaffolds are facilely prepared basing on 3D printing of the pre‐crosslinked oil in water type Pickering high internal phase emulsion (HIPE) hydrogel. To be specific, in the HAP nanoparticle stabilized Pickering HIPEs, the aqueous phase contains collagen and genipin, and the oil phase is dichloromethane solution of PCL. After the pre‐crosslinking of aqueous phase, the prepared Pickering HIPE turns into emulsion hydrogel with high viscosity and shear thinning characteristics, which can be individually printed and then freeze dried to produce hierarchical scaffolds with the designed structures. The related multiscale pore structures are composed of mm‐scale macropores and μm‐scale micropores, and the related porosity is higher than 84%. Increasing PCL content obviously enhances the compression stress of scaffolds, particularly the compressive stress of porous scaffold prepared with PCL content of 14 w/v% is about 9 times as large as that of porous scaffold without PCL. The results of in vitro mineralization and cell culture assay show that the porous scaffolds have favorable apatite formation ability and biocompatibility. Thus, the prepared hierarchical scaffolds with the designed structures, customized shape and adjustable performance are promising potential applications in bone tissue engineering.
The Relationship of Pain Reduction With Prevention of Knee Replacement Under Dynamic Intervention Strategies
Authors: Jafarzadeh S. Reza , Neogi Tuhina , White Daniel K. , Felson David T.
Published: June 2022

Objective

Knee replacement (KR) rates are increasing exponentially in the US and straining insurance budgets. This study was undertaken to investigate how many KRs would be prevented at different levels of pain improvement, a major target of osteoarthritis (OA) trials.

Methods

We used data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI) to emulate a trial of knee pain interventions on KR risk changes. We modeled hypothetical 1‐, 2‐ or 3‐unit reductions of the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) pain subscale whenever a person reported a pain score of ≥5 (of 20) in an affected knee at any clinic visit. We used causal inference–based targeted learning to estimate treatment effects for hypothesized pain intervention strategies adjusted for time‐dependent confounding. Sensitivity analyses assessed interventions at WOMAC pain scores of ≥4 and ≥7.

Results

Of the 9,592 knees studied (n = 4,796 participants; 58.5% female; baseline age 61.2 years), 40.7% experienced WOMAC pain scores of ≥5. The estimated knee‐level (reference) risk of a KR, adjusted for loss to follow‐up and death, was 6.3% (95% confidence interval 5.0, 7.7%) in the OAI. Reductions of WOMAC pain scores by 1, 2, or 3 units decreased the KR risk from 6.3% to 5.8%, 5.3%, and 4.9%, respectively. Larger reductions in KR risk were achieved when interventions were applied at a WOMAC pain score of ≥4.

Conclusion

Modest pain reductions from OA interventions would substantially reduce the number of KRs, with greater reductions achieved when pain decreased more and when interventions were introduced at lower pain levels.
Toward an impact‐driven framework to operationalize social justice and implement ICT4D in the field of information
Authors: Mehra Bharat
Published: June 2022

Information researchers can further social justice and social equity to meet the needs of minority and underserved populations experiencing intersecting modes of cultural marginalization. Scholars of information and communication technologies for development (ICT4D) can find overlooked intersections with social justice in “community networking” research since the 1980s to overcome the digital divides between the haves and have‐nots. To frame social justice initiatives within a consolidated vision of ICT4D in the field of information, this article proposes an impact‐driven framework, expounded through five interrelated elements: why (motivations), with who (engaged constituencies), how (at external and internal levels to change traditional practices), and toward what (goal). It is explicated through select historical instances of “community networking” and digital divides, ICT4D, and social justice intersections. Significance of the elements is also demonstrated via this author's select information‐related social justice research conducted in the United States. The urgency for critical and reflective conversations is important owing to historically abstracted human information behavior theory development within information research outdated in multiple contextualized needs of contemporary times. Historically situating impact‐driven social justice research is important to further the relevance, existence, and growth of the information field as it strengthens its ties with ICT4D.
Total Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Mutolide and Analogues
Authors: Thiraporn Aticha , Saikachain Nongluk , Khumjiang Rungtiwa , Muanprasat Chatchai , Tadpetch Kwanruthai
Published: June 2022

The convergent total syntheses of three 14‐membered macrolide natural products, mutolide, nigrosporolide and (4S,7S,13S)‐4,7‐dihydroxy‐13‐tetradeca‐2,5,8‐trienolide have been achieved. The key synthetic features include Shiina macrolactonization to assemble the 14‐membered macrocyclic core, Wittig or Still‐Gennari olefination and selective reduction of propargylic alcohol to construct the E‐ or Z‐olefins. Cross metathesis was also highlighted as an efficient tool to forge the formation of E‐olefin. The three synthetic macrolides were evaluated for their cytotoxic activity against three human cancer cell lines as well as for inhibitory effect on CFTR‐mediated chloride secretion in human intestinal epithelial (T84) cells. Mutolide displayed significant cytotoxic activity against HCT116 colon cancer cells with an IC50 of ∼12 μM as well as a potent CTFR inhibitory effect with an IC50 value of ∼1 μM.
Preparation of Highly Stable and Electrochemically Active Three‐dimensional Interconnected Graphene Frameworks from Jute Sticks
Authors: Shah Syed Shaheen , Yang Hsiharng , Ashraf Muhammad , Qasem Mohammed Ameen Ahmed , Hakeem Abbas Saeed , Aziz Md. Abdul
Published: June 2022

Over the past few years, the environmentally friendly synthesis of nanomaterials, including graphene using green chemistry, has attracted tremendous attention due to its easy handling, low cost, and biocompatibility. Here we demonstrate a facile and efficient green synthesis route for producing highly stable and electrochemically active three‐dimensional interconnected graphene frameworks (3DIGF) from jute sticks. Initially, jute sticks derived three‐dimensional amorphous activated carbon nanosheets (3DAACNs) were prepared at low temperatures (i. e., 850 °C) in an inert environment. The resultant 3DAACNs were then heat treated at a high temperature (i. e., 2700 °C) under an inert environment, resulting in 3DIGF. The prepared carbonaceous materials were fully characterized, and various experimental techniques confirmed the preparation of 3DIGF. The prepared 3DIGF shows a highly stable nature in thermal and chemical environments and demonstrates a highly dynamic nature for the electrooxidation of sulfide. This study could be considered a vital contribution towards the economic and simple approach for preparing 3DIGF from biomass.
Comparison of radium analytical methods for municipal drinking water well operation
Authors: Mathews Madeleine , Scott Sean R. , Hunt Randall J. , Ginder‐Vogel Matthew
Published: June 2022

Radium (Ra) is a geogenic contaminant that occurs at high levels in the Midwestern Cambrian‐Ordovician aquifer system (MCOAS), a regionally important sandstone and carbonate drinking water aquifer. Water utilities using the MCOAS often must adopt treatment methods or use alternative water sources to maintain high‐quality drinking water. Here, we show that Ra in water obtained from a municipal well in Wisconsin remains consistent despite variation in pumping conditions. However, widely used analytical methods (e.g., scintillation counting) for measuring Ra are less precise for quantifying Ra variability given the site conditions. Although not currently used for EPA compliance, mass spectrometry improves the precision of Ra measurements by an order of magnitude over the currently used counting method (e.g., 95 ± 3 mBq/L vs. 110 ± 30 mBq/L) at the concentrations observed in this study. The use of more precise analytical methods will increase understanding of trends in Ra levels important for operating public water systems.
Exploring the potential of SMEs to build individual, organizational, and community resilience through sustainability‐oriented business practices
Authors: DiBella Jose , Forrest Nigel , Burch Sarah , Rao‐Williams Jennifer , Ninomiya Scott Morton , Hermelingmeier Verena , Chisholm Kyra
Published: June 2022

Small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) can have significant resources, capacities, and influence in their communities, suggesting they have the potential to be agents for transformative sustainability. However, SMEs will need to move beyond firm‐centered sustainable business practices towards strategic approaches that encompass and contribute to resilience‐building processes. Amid the unfolding COVID‐19 pandemic, we explored what types of sustainable business practices of SMEs can contribute to individual, organizational, and community resilience. We identified six clusters of practice that are important in this regard. The clusters are not solely technical or “environmental” but rather illustrative of deeper sustainable values shaped by organizational structure, culture, and behavior. This paper suggests that SMEs can pursue transformative approaches to sustainability that are more environmentally, socially, and economically sustainable and better able to withstand shocks like the COVID‐19 pandemic and can be significant contributors to community resilience. We conclude with a series of future research priorities critical to examine a largely unexplored nexus in the private sector, the linkages and dynamics between sustainability practice, resilience building, and broader community pathways.
Human fetal mesenchymal stem cells secretome promotes scarless diabetic wound healing through heat‐shock protein family
Authors: Wang Bin , Pang Mengru , Song Yancheng , Wang Haixing , Qi Pan , Bai Shanshan , Lei Xiaoxuan , Wei Shikun , Zong Zhixian , Lin Sien , Zhang Xiaoting , Cen Xiaotong , Wang Xia , Yang Yongkang , Li Yuan , Wang Yan , Xu Hongjie , Huang Lin , Tortorella Micky , Cheng Biao , Lee Yukwai , Qin Dajiang , Li Gang
Published: June 2022

The high mortality rate of patients with diabetic foot ulcers is urging the appearance of an effective biomedical drug. Senescence is one of the major reasons of aging‐induced decline in the diabetic wound. Our previous studies have demonstrated the anti‐senescence effect of secretomes derived from human fetal mesenchymal stem cells (hfMSC). The present study tends to explore the potential role of hfMSC secretome (HFS) in wound healing through anti‐aging. Meanwhile, we try to overcome several obstacles in the clinical application of stem cell secretome. A verticle bioreactor and microcarriers are employed to expand hfMSC and produce the HFS on a large scale. The HFS was then subjected to lyophilization (L‐HFS). The PLGA (poly lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) particles were used to encapsulate and protect L‐HFS from degradation in the streptozotocin (STZ)‐induced diabetic rat model. Results showed that HFS‐PLGA significantly enhanced wound healing by promoting vascularization and inhibiting inflammation in the skin wound bed. We further analyzed the contents of HFS. Isobaric tag for relative and absolute quantitation (ITRAQ) and label‐free methods were used to identify peptides in the secretome. Bioinformatics analysis indicated that exosome production‐related singling pathways and heat‐shock protein family could be used as bio‐functional markers and quality control for stem cell secretome production.
Understanding general concepts of requirements engineering through design thinking: An experimental study with students
Authors: Tiwari Saurabh , Rathore Santosh S.
Published: June 2022

Teaching requirements engineering (RE) is one of the challenging parts of any software engineering (SE) education curriculum because it deals with understanding the problem from multiple perspectives and acquiring a holistic view of the system. Academicians have adopted several innovative approaches to teaching RE concepts to students, and design thinking (DT) is one of them. DT integrates the needs of people, technology, and requirements and can help learn and apply human‐centered techniques to solve problems. An experimental study is conducted with 315 undergraduate students to realize how they can learn the RE process effectively by combining DT methods with the RE concepts for an effective RE education. This study intends to identify how this integration help students in using multiple elicitation methods, better visualization and understanding of the system requirements, and achieving various teaching objectives. An experimental study was planned and executed with students by integrating DT methods for RE activities from the beginning of problem definition to the final solution. The evaluation was done by collecting students' responses to pre‐survey and post‐survey questions capturing the students' perspectives on the RE and DT techniques. The students' responses suggested that the DT drive RE activities to improve their learning, thinking abilities, engagement with the team, and teamwork. Additionally, the students' artifacts during the DT process have also been evaluated. The use of DT methods helped in understanding the elicitation process and, consequently, helped reach the solution.
Diagnostic dilemma in diagnosing rare cause of protein losing enteropathy: Waldmann's disease
Authors: Prajapati Sarita , Bohara Sujan , Mainali Gaurab , Karki Samikshya , Thapa Sharan , Aryal Nirjala
Published: June 2022

Waldmann's disease, or primary intestinal lymphangiectasia, is an unusual cause of protein‐losing enteropathy primarily characterized by lymphopenia, hypoalbuminemia, and hypogammaglobulinemia. However, variable clinical presentations result dilemmas in diagnosis and effective management. We present a toddler diagnosed with Waldmann's disease managed with a high‐protein diet and medium‐chain triglyceride supplementation.
A validated chiral chromatographic method for the enantiomeric separation of acalabrutinib
Authors: Rayala V. V. S. Prasanna Kumari , Trivedi Kashyap Ajaybhai , Upadhyayula Suryanarayana Murthy , Gunnam Srinivasu , Borkar Roshan M. , P Radhakrishnanand
Published: June 2022

Acalabrutinib is aided in the treatment of various cancers, which acts by inhibiting Bruton tyrosine kinase. Acalabrutinib belongs to the imidazopyrazine class consisting of a chiral carbon, resulting in two enantiomers. Currently, no methods exist for the separation and quantification of these enantiomers. A novel and selective enantiomeric chromatographic technique has been established to estimate the enantiomeric purity of acalabrutinib. Chiral separation was carried out on an immobilized amylose‐based chiral stationary phase with methyl tert‐butyl ether/ethanol/ethylenediamine (60:40:0.1% v/v) mixture as a mobile phase. The total runtime is 20 min, and the resolution (Rs) between the enantiomers was more than 2.5. The detection and quantification thresholds for the R‐enantiomer were 0.06 and 0.2 μg mL−1, respectively, for a test concentration of acalabrutinib (1000 μg mL−1). The linearity of the technique for the R‐enantiomer was excellent (R2 > 0.999) over the range from the limit of quantification to 0.3%. Recovery of the R‐enantiomer was ranged from 95% to 102%, indicating the greater accuracy of the technique. For a 48‐h research period, the drug was shown to be stable.
Nachhaltigkeit in der Bioverfahrenstechnik
Authors: Strieth Dorina
Published: June 2022

In diesem Beitrag stellt sich die Nachwuchswissenschaftlerin Dr.‐Ing. Dorina Strieth vom Lehrgebiet Bioverfahrenstechnik der TU Kaiserslautern vor. Neben aktuellen Forschungsarbeiten und Lehraktivität berichtet sie über die Notwendigkeit des Wissenstransfers in die Zivilgesellschaft. Fachlich berichtet sie von aktuellen Ergebnissen der intelligenten Nutzung phototropher Biofilme sowie dem Potenzial zur biotechnologischen Herstellung nachhaltiger Baumaterialien.
Distributed estimation with empirical likelihood
Authors: Liu Qianqian , Li Zhouping
Published: June 2022

With the development of science and technology, massive datasets stored in multiple machines are increasingly prevalent. It is known that traditional statistical methods may be infeasible for analyzing large datasets owing to excessive computing time, memory limitations, communication costs, and privacy concerns. This article develops divide‐and‐conquer empirical likelihood (DEL) and divide‐and‐conquer exponentially tilted empirical likelihood (DETEL) methods for the distributed computing setting. We investigate the theoretical properties of the DEL and DETEL estimators. In particular, we derive upper bounds for the mean squared errors of the DEL and DETEL estimators, and, under some mild conditions, we prove the consistency and the asymptotic normality of the proposed estimators. Simulation studies and a real data analysis are carried out to demonstrate the finite‐sample performance of the proposed methods.
Performance of Ir(III)‐Based Anticancer Agents in the Treatment of Cisplatin‐Resistant Cancer Cells
Authors: Wang Meng‐Meng , Li Hao‐Ming , Deng Dong‐Ping , Su Yan , Su Zhi
Published: June 2022

The resistance of cancer cells to cisplatin has dramatically blocked the further application of this drug in practical treatment settings. The generation of cisplatin resistance is a complex physiological process, and several mechanisms have been reported for this. New metal‐based agents with distinct anticancer mechanisms are still highly desired. In this concept article, we describe Ir(III)‐based anticancer agents and their underlying anticancer mechanisms, which could inhibit the proliferation of cisplatin‐resistant tumors. This work could be beneficial in developing more effective Ir(III)‐based agents to combat cisplatin resistance.
When Virtual Screening Yields Inactive Drugs: Dealing with False Theoretical Friends
Authors: Cerón‐Carrasco José P.
Published: June 2022

The search of antivirals against SARS‐CoV‐2 in available libraries of compounds was initiated as soon as WHO announced that the coronavirus outbreak became a pandemic. That pivotal task has been conducted by both experimental groups in wet‐labs as well as by theoretical chemists in supercomputing centers. The combination of biochemical and clinical intuitions yields first to remdesivir, a broad‐spectrum antiviral that remains as the standard solution for the treatment of severe cases, while paxlovid, molnupiravir and fluvoxamine have been recently proposed as oral alternatives. Unfortunately, the intensive publication of standard virtual screening (VS) simulations might be not the best strategy to increase that short list of antivirals. This contribution joins theory and biological assays to rescore massive VS. Our goal is to critically assess pros and cons of using molecular models for drug repurposing.