bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Construction of ZnS/Sb2S3 Heterojunction as an Ion‐Transport Booster toward High‐Performance Sodium Storage
Authors: Dong Caifu , Shao Hengjia , Zhou Yanli , Du Wei , Li Lin , Sun Jianchao , Yan Zhenhua , Hu Zhe , Chou Shulei , Jiang Fuyi
Published: December 2022

Metal sulfides have shown great promise for sodium‐ion batteries due to their excellent redox reversibility and relatively high capacity. However, metal sulfides generally suffer from sluggish charge transport and serious volume change during the charge–discharge process. Herein, potato chip‐like nitrogen‐doped carbon‐coated ZnS/Sb2S3 heterojunction (ZnS/Sb2S3@NC) is precisely synthesized through a sulfurization reaction, and a subsequent metal cation exchange process between Zn2+ and Sb3+. The theoretical calculations and experimental studies reveal the boosted charge transfer in ZnS/Sb2S3@NC composites. Therefore, the ZnS/Sb2S3@NC electrode exhibits excellent cycling stability (a high reversible capacity of 511.4 mAh g‐1 after 450 cycles) and superior rate performance (400.4 mAh g‐1 at 10 A g‐1). In addition, ZnS/Sb2S3@NC is based on a conversion‐alloy reaction mechanism to store Na+, which is disclosed by the X‐ray diffraction and high resolution transmission electron microscopy analysis. This effective synthesis method can provide a reference for the design of other high‐performance electrode materials for sodium‐ion batteries.
Stem Cell Membrane‐Coated Microribbon Scaffolds Induce Regenerative Innate and Adaptive Immune Responses in a Critical‐Size Cranial Bone Defect Model
Authors: Su Ni , Villicana Cassandra , Barati Danial , Freeman Peyton , Luo Ying , Yang Fan
Published: December 2022

Naturally‐derived cell membranes have shown great promise in functionalizing nanoparticles to enhance biointerfacing functions for drug delivery applications. However, its potential for functionalizing macroporous scaffolds to enhance tissue regeneration in vivo remains unexplored. Engineering scaffolds with immunomodulatory functions represents an exciting strategy for tissue regeneration but is largely limited to soft tissues. Critical‐sized bone defects cannot heal on their own, and the role of adaptive immune cells in scaffold‐mediated healing of cranial bone defects remains largely unknown. Here, mensenchymal stem cell membrane (MSCM)‐coated microribbon (µRB) scaffolds for treating critical size cranial bone defects via targeting immunomodulation are reported. Confocal imaging and proteomic analyses are used to confirm successful coating and characterize the compositions of cell membrane coating. It is demonstrated that MSCM coating promotes macrophage (Mφ) polarization toward regenerative phenotype, induces CD8+ T cell apoptosis, and enhances regulatory T cell differentiation in vitro and in vivo. When combined with a low dosage of BMP‐2, MSCM coating further accelerates bone regeneration and suppresses inflammation. These results establish cell membrane‐coated microribbon scaffolds as a promising strategy for treating critical size bone defects via immunomodulation. The platform may be broadly used with different cell membranes and scaffolds to enhance regeneration of multiple tissue types.
An Ultrasound‐Driven Bioadhesive Triboelectric Nanogenerator for Instant Wound Sealing and Electrically Accelerated Healing in Emergencies
Authors: Meng Xiangchun , Xiao Xiao , Jeon Sera , Kim Dabin , Park Byung‐Joon , Kim Young‐Jun , Rubab Najaf , Kim SeongMin , Kim Sang‐Woo
Published: December 2022

A bioadhesive triboelectric nanogenerator (BA‐TENG), as a first‐aid rescue for instant and robust wound sealing and ultrasound‐driven accelerated wound healing, is designed. This BA‐TENG is fabricated with biocompatible materials, and integrates a flexible TENG as the top layer and bioadhesive as the bottom layer, resulting in effective electricity supply and strong sutureless sealing capability on wet tissues. When driven by ultrasound, the BA‐TENG can produce a stable voltage of 1.50 V and current of 24.20 µA underwater. The ex vivo porcine colon organ models show that the BA‐TENG seals defects instantly (≈5 s) with high interfacial toughness (≈150 J m−2), while the rat bleeding liver incision model confirms that the BA‐TENG performs rapid wound closure and hemostasis, reducing the blood loss by about 82%. When applied in living rats, the BA‐TENG not only seals skin injuries immediately but also produces a strong electric field (E‐field) of about 0.86 kV m−1 stimulated by ultrasound to accelerate skin wound healing significantly. The in vitro studies confirm that these effects are attributed to the E‐field‐accelerated cell migration and proliferation. In addition, these TENG adhesives can be applied to not only wound treatment, nerve stimulation and regeneration, and charging batteries in implanted devices.
Transformation from Magnetic Soliton to Skyrmion in a Monoaxial Chiral Magnet
Authors: Li Long , Song Dongsheng , Wang Weiwei , Zheng Fengshan , Kovács András , Tian Mingliang , Dunin‐Borkowski Rafal E. , Du Haifeng
Published: December 2022

Topological spin textures are of great interest for both fundamental physics and applications in spintronics. The Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya interaction underpins the formation of single‐twisted magnetic solitons or multi‐twisted magnetic skyrmions in magnetic materials with different crystallographic symmetries. However, topological transitions between these two kinds of topological objects have not been verified experimentally. Here, the direct observation of transformations from a chiral soliton lattice (CSL) to magnetic skyrmions in a nanostripe of the monoaxial chiral magnet CrNb3S6 using Lorentz transmission electron microscopy is reported. In the presence of an external magnetic field, helical spin structures first transform into CSLs and then evolve into isolated elongated magnetic skyrmions. The detailed spin textures of the elongated magnetic skyrmions are resolved using off‐axis electron holography and are shown to comprise two merons, which enclose their ends and have unit total topological charge. Magnetic dipolar interactions are shown to play a key role in the magnetic soliton–skyrmion transformation, which depends sensitively on nanostripe width. The findings here, which are consistent with micromagnetic simulations, enrich the family of topological magnetic states and their transitions and promise to further stimulate the exploration of their emergent electromagnetic properties.
In Situ Characterization Techniques Applied in Photocatalysis: A Review
Authors: Mu Chunxia , Lv Chongyang , Meng Xiangchao , Sun Jianhua , Tong Zhangfa , Huang Kelei
Published: December 2022

Photocatalysis, as one of the hopeful technologies to overcome the issues of energy shortage and environmental pollution, has increasingly attracted attention. In situ characterization technology, which can observe the dynamic changes of catalysts in photocatalytic reaction in real time, plays a crucial part in the development of designing highly efficient photocatalysts and investigating their mechanism. This review introduces and summarizes primary applications of in situ characterization techniques in photocatalysis, including in situ investigation of the morphology and chemical structure of photocatalysts, photogenerated charges transfer, spatial distribution, and surface reaction pathways. Suggestions for future development of in situ characterization techniques in photocatalysis have prospected at the end.
An On‐Demand Microrobot with Building Block Design for Flow Manipulation
Authors: Loganathan Dineshkumar , Hsieh Chia‐Ling , Shi Bo‐Er , Lu Yueh‐Hsun , Chen Chia‐Yuan
Published: December 2022

The ability to precisely maneuver miniature objects in flow through a well‐controlled manner is envisaged to have an extensive impact in micro manipulation for profound medical and biological applications. In this work, the magnetic microrobots are fabricated by employing a distinct block‐to‐block approach in which the microrobotic structures are developed using several magnetic and nonmagnetic blocks. To demonstrate the on‐board control strategies of the microrobots, two distinct modes of motion are introduced and actuated with the aid of the developed in‐house electromagnetic system. To delve into the physics of microrobot locomotion, theoretical and numerical investigations are performed that further provide practical relevance for extensive applications with profound reliability. A mixing task is conducted to elucidate the enriched controllability of the microrobot in furnishing an on‐demand flow agitation function with high efficiency. Furthermore, the directions of such mixing are engineered using the proposed modes of motion which can unlock the possibilities to precisely control the directional inhomogeneities of the fluids encountered in diversely microfluidic systems. Aside from it, the multidimensional controllability of the microrobot motions exhibiting distinct flow behaviors is further demonstrated to precisely disperse the particles suspended in the fluid medium. Subsequently, such behaviors combined with the adaptive modes of microrobot motion can be potentially employed as one of the strategies to prevent the fouling problems encountered in several microfluidic applications. The presented work provides the feasible functions of the microrobots where they can play a pivotal role in dampening their functional limitations inherent in dynamic environment, and pave to emerge as fully autonomous microrobots for future engineering applications.
Fabrication of Step‐Scheme Heterojunction between Layered MoO3/TiO2 for Photocatalytic H2 Evolution and Study on the Mechanism
Authors: Yang Lei , Zhang Tao , Han Xiaochi , Liu Chong , Zhou Xuemei
Published: December 2022

The intimate contact of components in a heterojunction photocatalyst is essential in determining the photocatalytic performance. To build a face‐to‐face interface in a 2D–2D heterojunction is an effective strategy to improve the charge carrier separation and utilization efficiency. In this work, the fabrication of a Step‐scheme heterojunction on thin titania (TiO2) nanosheets with few‐layered MoO3 structures is reported. With a decoration of a low dose of MoO3 layer by ball milling method, TiO2 (B) shows a three‐fold increase in the hydrogen evolution rate. The reaction mechanism and driving force of charge transfer in the S‐scheme heterojunction photocatalyst are investigated and discussed. Such 2D‐2D heterojunction improves photocatalytic reaction rate because photogenerated electrons and holes at the interface can be quickly transferred to the surface. In situ XPS and PL demonstrates that the presence of MoO3 promotes the electron‐hole pair separation via the Step‐scheme heterojunction. Temperature programmed desorption of hydrogen shows that the heterojunction structure facilitates the desorption of hydrogen molecules. The approach used in this work to fabricate 2D–2D assembled structure thus improve the photocatalytic activity can be applied to other 2D metal oxides and sulfides, among others.
Deep Learning for Brain MRI Confirms Patterned Pathological Progression in Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Pan Dan , Zeng An , Yang Baoyao , Lai Gangyong , Hu Bing , Song Xiaowei , Jiang Tianzi ,   Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI)
Published: December 2022

Deep learning (DL) on brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data has shown excellent performance in differentiating individuals with Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the value of DL in detecting progressive structural MRI (sMRI) abnormalities linked to AD pathology has yet to be established. In this study, an interpretable DL algorithm named the Ensemble of 3‐dimensional convolutional neural network (Ensemble 3DCNN) with enhanced parsing techniques is proposed to investigate the longitudinal trajectories of whole‐brain sMRI changes denoting AD onset and progression. A set of 2369 T1‐weighted images from the multi‐centre Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative and Open Access Series of Imaging Studies cohorts are applied to model derivation, validation, testing, and pattern analysis. An Ensemble‐3DCNN‐based P‐score is generated, based on which multiple brain regions, including amygdala, insular, parahippocampal, and temporal gyrus, exhibit early and connected progressive neurodegeneration. Complex individual variability in the sMRI is also observed. This study combining non‐invasive sMRI and interpretable DL in detecting patterned sMRI changes confirmed AD pathological progression, shedding new light on predicting AD progression using whole‐brain sMRI.
Slidable and Highly Ionic Conductive Polymer Binder for High‐Performance Si Anodes in Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Cai Yifeng , Liu Caixia , Yu Zhiao , Ma Wencan , Jin Qi , Du Ruichun , Qian Bingyun , Jin Xinxin , Wu Haomin , Zhang Qiuhong , Jia Xudong
Published: December 2022

Silicon is expected to become the ideal anode material for the next generation of high energy density lithium battery because of its high theoretical capacity (4200 mAh g−1). However, for silicon electrodes, the initial coulombic efficiency (ICE) is low and the volume of the electrode changes by over 300% after lithiation. The capacity of the silicon electrode decreases rapidly during cycling, hindering the practical application. In this work, a slidable and highly ionic conductive flexible polymer binder with a specific single‐ion structure (abbreviated as SSIP) is presented in which polyrotaxane acts as a dynamic crosslinker. The ionic conducting network is expected to reduce the overall resistance, improve ICE and stabilize the electrode interface. Furthermore, the introduction of slidable polyrotaxane increases the reversible dynamics of the binder and improves the long‐term cycling stability and rate performance. The silicon anode based on SSIP provides a discharge capacity of ≈1650 mAh g−1 after 400 cycles at 0.5C with a high ICE of upto 92.0%. Additionally, the electrode still exhibits a high ICE of 87.5% with an ultra‐high Si loading of 3.84 mg cm−2 and maintains a satisfying areal capacity of 5.9 mAh cm−2 after 50 cycles, exhibiting the potential application of SSIP in silicon‐based anodes.
Dandelion‐Inspired, Wind‐Dispersed Polymer‐Assembly Controlled by Light
Authors: Yang Jianfeng , Zhang Hang , Berdin Alex , Hu Wenqi , Zeng Hao
Published: December 2022

The rise of stimuli‐responsive polymers has brought about a wealth of materials for small‐scale, wirelessly controlled soft‐bodied robots. Thinking beyond conventional robotic mobilities already demonstrated in synthetic systems, such as walking, swimming and jumping, flying in air by dispersal, gliding, or even hovering is a frontier yet to be explored by responsive materials. The demanding requirements for actuator's performance, lightweight, and effective aerodynamic design underlie the grand challenges. Here, a soft matter‐based porous structure capable of wind‐assisted dispersal and lift‐off/landing action under the control of a light beam is reported. The design is inspired by the seed of dandelion, resembling several biomimetic features, i.e., high porosity, lightweight, and separated vortex ring generation under a steady wind flow. Superior to its natural counterparts, this artificial seed is equipped with a soft actuator made of light‐responsive liquid crystalline elastomer, which induces reversible opening/closing actions of the bristles upon visible light excitation. This shape‐morphing enables manual tuning of terminal velocity, drag coefficient, and wind threshold for dispersal. Optically controlled wind‐assisted lift‐off and landing actions, and a light‐induced local accumulation in descending structures are demonstrated. The results offer novel approaches for wirelessly controlled, miniatured devices that can passively navigate over a large aerial space.
Occupational exposure and serum levels of per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS): A review
Authors: Lucas Katherine , Gaines Linda G.T. , Paris‐Davila Tamara , Nylander‐French Leena A.
Published: December 2022

Background

Per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, are a class of chemicals used in nearly all sectors of industry and many consumer products. Their resistance to degradation, however, means that PFAS are ubiquitous in the environment and bioaccumulate. PFAS exposure has also been linked to a variety of adverse health effects. Occupational PFAS exposure is of particular concern as research on PFAS exposure in worker populations has historically been limited and generally restricted to fluorochemical plant workers involved in PFAS production.

Methods

A comprehensive review of peer‐reviewed scientific literature was conducted to investigate which worker populations may experience occupational exposure to PFAS. Serum PFAS levels reported in various occupations were analyzed and compared to serum PFAS levels published on the general public exposed to PFAS‐contaminated drinking water and the study population of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).

Results

Our analysis indicates that professional ski waxers and firefighters may be exposed to several different PFAS at levels often similar to or higher than levels among fluorochemical plant workers and individuals in communities with PFAS‐contaminated drinking water, and higher than levels in the general public. PFAS serum level data on other occupations were largely absent.

Conclusions

Results highlight a need for additional research on occupational PFAS exposures and concomitant environmental exposures in these populations. Research on exposure levels in occupations and industries known or suspected to utilize PFAS is critically needed to foster informed recommendations for exposure mitigation measures to protect workers from adverse health effects of PFAS exposure.
Blood coagulation factors and platelet response to drug‐induced hepatitis and hepatosis in rats
Authors: Korolova Daria , Gryshchenko Viktoriya , Chernyshenko Tamara , Platonov Oleh , Hornytska Olha , Chernyshenko Volodymyr , Klymenko Pavlo , Reshetnik Yevdokiia , Platonova Tetyana
Published: December 2022

Background

Knowing the variability of blood coagulation responses to liver damage of different origins can provide a key to curing liver tissues or to mitigating treatment side effects. The aim of the present work was to compare the changes in the main components of hemostasis under experimental drug‐induced hepatosis and hepatitis in rats.

Methods

We modeled diclofenac‐induced hepatitis and tetracycline‐induced hepatosis. Hemostasis response was gauged by measuring fibrinogen, factor X, protein C (PC), and prothrombin in plasma. The decarboxylated form of prothrombin was detected by measuring prothrombin index and ecamulin index. Platelet reactivity was studied using aggregometry.

Results

Both hepatitis and hepatosis decreased the synthesis of fibrinogen, factor X, and prothrombin. However, protein carboxylation was not disrupted in hepatosis but was much impaired in hepatitis. PC decreased in both models as a consequence of its consumption possibly during inflammatory response. Platelet aggregation rate was lower in hepatosis but higher in hepatitis.

Conclusions

Our findings imply the need for a thorough monitoring of the hemostasis system in liver diseases to avoid possible thrombotic complications. Its state indicates the disorder's rate and character.
Reactivity and Recyclability of Ligand‐Protected Metal Cluster Catalysts for CO2 Transformation
Authors: Li Guangjun , Hou Jun , Lei Xiaomei , Li Dan , Yu Enqi , Hu Weigang , Cai Xiao , Liu Xu , Chen Mingyang , Zhu Yan
Published: December 2022

It remains a significant challenge to construct an integrated catalyst that combines advantages of homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis with clarified mechanism and high performance. Here we show atomically precise CuAg cluster catalysts for CO2 capture and utilization, where two functional units are combined into the clusters: metal and ligand. Due to atomic resolution on total and local structures of such catalysts to be achieved, which disentangles heterogeneous imprecise systems and permits tracing the reaction processes via experiments coupled with theory, site‐specific catalysis induced by metal‐ligand synergy can be accurately elucidated. The CuAg cluster catalysts exhibit excellent reactivity and recyclability to forge the C−N bonding from CO2 formylation with secondary amines that can make the cluster catalysts more unique compared with typically homogeneous complexes.
Computing Arithmetic Functions Using Immobilised Enzymatic Reaction Networks
Authors: Ivanov Nikita M. , Baltussen Mathieu G. , Regueiro Cristina Lía Fernández , Derks Max T. G. M. , Huck Wilhelm T. S.
Published: December 2022

Living systems use enzymatic reaction networks to process biochemical information and make decisions in response to external or internal stimuli. Herein, we present a modular and reusable platform for molecular information processing using enzymes immobilised in hydrogel beads and compartmentalised in a continuous stirred tank reactor. We demonstrate how this setup allows us to perform simple arithmetic operations, such as addition, subtraction and multiplication, using various concentrations of substrates or inhibitors as inputs and the production of a fluorescent molecule as the readout.
Constructing 2D Sandwich‐like MOF/MXene Heterostructures for Durable and Fast Aqueous Zinc‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Wang Yalei , Song Jun , Wong Wai‐Yeung
Published: December 2022

Two‐dimensional metal–organic frameworks (2D MOFs) can be used as the cathodes for high‐performance zinc‐ion battery due to their large one‐dimensional channels. However, the conventionally poor electrical conductivity and low structural stability hinder their advances. Herein, we report an alternately stacked MOF/MX heterostructure, exhibiting the 2D sandwich‐like structure with abundant active sites, improved electrical conductivity and exceptional structural stability. Ex situ characterizations and theoretical calculations reveal a reversible intercalation mechanism of zinc ions and high electrical conductivity in the 2D heterostructure. Electrochemical tests confirm excellent Zn2+migration kinetics and ideal pseudocapacitive behaviors. As a consequence, Cu‐HHTP/MX shows a superior rate performance (260.1 mAh g−1at 0.1 A g−1and 173.1 mAh g−1at 4 A g−1) and long‐term cycling stability of 92.5 % capacity retention over 1000 cycles at 4 A g−1.
Superparamagnetic wood‐polypropylene nanocomposite made using magnetic wood flour with a nanoparticle‐free surface
Authors: Ahangarkolaei Hassan Fallah , Mashkour Mahdi , Rasouli Davood
Published: December 2022

This study investigates the effect of removing magnetic nanoparticles from the outer surface of magnetic wood flour (MWF) particles as a filler phase on the microstructural, physical, and mechanical properties of the prepared MWF‐polypropylene nanocomposites. For producing MWF with a surface free of magnetic nanoparticles (called LFMWF), in contrast to the commonly produced MWF (called FFMWF), magnetic wood chips were first prepared and then milled. No significant changes were observed in the tensile and flexural strength of the composite specimens prepared with the LFMWF filler instead of the FFMWF. The samples containing the LFMWF filler showed lower water uptake and higher thickness swelling after 400 h of immersion. The coupling agent's effect on improving the mechanical properties of the specimens was more pronounced than its effect on the water uptake and thickness swelling of the specimens. The saturation magnetization of LFMWF was about 4.3 emu/g, while that of FFMWF was 0.94 emu/g. After melt compounding the MWFs with the polymer matrix, the saturation magnetization decreased; this decrease was about 9.9% higher for the FFMWF‐containing magnetic nanocomposites than for the LFMWF‐containing ones.
Preparation and properties of soap‐free emulsion of polyacrylate grafted by polyester with highHEMAcontent
Authors: Zhang Xinxin , Gong Shuling
Published: December 2022

A waterborne polyacrylate with high methacrylicacid‐β‐hydroxyethyl ester (HEMA) content is synthesized by copolymerization of acrylate monomers and unsaturated polyester in soap free seed semi‐continuous emulsion. The unsaturated polyester is prepared by transesterification between the polyester with high hydroxyl content and methyl methacrylate (MMA). The influences of the HEMA content, acrylic acid (AA)/ methacrylic acid (MAA), and butyl acrylate (BA)/ styrene (St) ratio on properties of the emulsion and crosslinked films are discussed. The emulsion modified by copolymerization yields a high hydroxyl value (167 mgKOH g−1) and a low acid value (30.5 mgKOH g−1). The high hydroxyl content not only provides crosslinked sites for improving properties but also facilitates further curing if it does not degrade the stability of the emulsion. The modification by compolymerization is superior to modification by blending. The emulsion is further cured with amino resin HMMM and the optimum curing ratio is 6:1 of emulsion: HMMM. The crosslinked films have a high hydrophobicity and the water absorption is only 2.46%. Meanwhile, the film has good mechanical properties with the tensile strength reaches 7.5 MPa and the Young's modulus is 97.64 MPa.
Scratch behavior of fully sustainable polylactide/modified natural Eucommia ulmoides gum thermoplastic vulcanizates
Authors: Wang Yan , Zhang Zhancheng , Zhang Yaoming , Pei Xianqiang , Wang Tingmei , Wang Qihua
Published: December 2022

To make full use of the renewability of polylactide (PLA) and natural Eucommia ulmoides gum (EUG), novel fully sustainable thermal plastic vulcanizates (TPVs) with high toughness were developed via dynamic vulcanization technique based on modified EUG (referred to as EUG‐GMA). The latter greatly improved the toughness of PLA and the mechanism was discussed with respect to micro structure analysis. Aiming at providing theoretical guidance for PLA/EUG‐GMA TPVs in scratch related applications, the scratch behavior of TPVs with different EUG‐GMA content was studied in single‐pass and multiple‐pass scratching mode, after which the tribological mechanisms were discussed based on worn surface morphology and contact area analysis. It is revealed that the promoted interfacial adhesion due to in‐situ compatibilization and the co‐continuous phase structure of PLA/EUG‐GMA TPVs played crucial roles in enhancing the TPVs' toughness. In addition to tribo‐conditions, the above mentioned interfacial performance was also responsible for the variation of scratch behavior of different TPVs. It is expected that the present study would open up a new route of manufacturing sustainable composites combined with scratch resistance and toughness.
Synergistic enhancement in mechanical, thermal, and dielectric properties of PANI@BT/PVDF composites by adding 2D nanoplatelets
Authors: Li Guoan , Deng Wei , Li Wanyu , Yang Meng , Cui Weiwei
Published: December 2022

Polymer‐based dielectric composites with simultaneously improved dielectric constant and breakdown strength have great potential applications in energy storage. In this paper, polyaniline@BaTiO3 (PANI@BT) nanoparticles with core‐shell structure are first fabricated by in‐situ chemical oxidative polymerization, and deposited on the surface of two‐dimensional nanoplatelets (graphene oxide [GO] and hexagonal boron nitride nanosheets [BNNS]), which are then utilized to prepare poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF)‐based composites. The presence of 2D nanoplatelets is found to significantly ameliorate the dispersion of PANI@BT particles in the PVDF matrix, and thus endowing the resultant PVDF composites with improved comprehensive performance. The dielectric constant of PANI@BT‐GO/PVDF and PANI@BT‐BNNS/PVDF composites with 50 wt% fillers increase to 124.9 and 169.5 at 100 Hz, accompanied with relatively low dielectric loss. When the filler content is 10 wt%, the breakdown strength of PANI@BT‐BNNS/PVDF achieves 133.5 kV/mm, which is 9.7% and 71.8% higher than that of the pristine PVDF and PANI@BT/PVDF composites. Meanwhile, the tensile stress also reaches the highest value of 43.38 MPa. In addition, the PANI@BT‐GO/PVDF and PANI@BT‐BNNS/PVDF composites present higher thermal decomposition temperature in comparison with PANI@BT/PVDF composites.
Small marine reserves provide conservation benefits for coastal sharks in southern New Zealand
Authors: Heldsinger Michael , Hepburn Christopher , Jowett Timothy , Rayment William
Published: December 2022

With the increasingly imperilled status of shark populations, there is a pressing need to evaluate management solutions. Given the threats posed by fishing, marine reserves (MRs) present a promising option.

Ata Whenua (Fiordland) in the South Island of Aotearoa/New Zealand is an ideal location to investigate this phenomenon owing to the presence of several shark species in coastal MRs.

One‐hundred and sixty‐seven baited remote underwater video deployments were made in five MRs. A multi‐model inference approach using generalized linear modelling was used to assess the combined effect of the MRs on two trophic groups of coastal sharks.

Generalized linear modelling was used to assess the effect of protection on, firstly, the presence of broadnose sevengill sharks (Notorynchus cepedianus), while accounting for variations in environmental variables, and secondly, the combined relative abundance of mesopredatory sharks detected (spiny dogfish, Squalus acanthias; school shark, Galeorhinus galeus; and carpet shark, Cephaloscyllium isabellum).

Mesopredators had a higher relative abundance in MRs by a factor of 2.5 and there was a strong significant effect of protection, suggesting that MRs have led to an increase in their abundance or a change in distribution. In contrast, there was no effect of protection detected for sevengill sharks.

It is concluded that the relatively small (<40 km2) MRs sampled do not provide conservation benefits for a large, mobile shark, but that they are potentially large enough to offer protection for mesopredatory sharks with smaller home ranges.

To be effective for shark conservation, we therefore recommend that MRs need to be appropriately sized for the ranging behaviour of the target species for protection.
Artemisinin‐isatin hybrids tethered via ethylene linker and their anti‐lung cancer activity
Authors: Wang Ruo , Zhang Qianru , Chen Min
Published: December 2022

The synthesized 11 artemisinin‐isatin hybrids 5a–c and 6a–h tethered via ethylene linker were assessed for their in vitro antiproliferative activity against A549 and H1299 nonsmall‐cell lung cancer cell lines as well as their cytotoxicity towards BEAS‐2B human normal lung epithelial cells. The preliminary results showed that hybrids 5a–c and 6a–h did not show any cytotoxicity (IC50: >100 µM) on BEAS‐2B cells, and also possessed potential activity (IC50: 6.99–76.49 µM) against A549 and H1299 lung cancer cell lines. The representative hybrid 6c (IC50: 6.99 and 7.57 µM) was far more potent than artemisinin (IC50: >100 µM) and dihydroartemisinin (IC50: >100 µM), and was slightly less active than doxorubicin (IC50: 4.14 and 2.77 µM). Moreover, hybrid 6c also exhibited an excellent safety profile and good selectivity with SI values of >13.21. Therefore, hybrid 6c could serve as a promising candidate for further in vivo evaluations.
The quality and the accuracy of codes for terminations of pregnancy for fetal anomalies recorded in hospital databases in three countries in northern Europe
Authors: Garne Ester , Urhoj Stine Kjaer , Bakker Marian , Gissler Mika , Given Joanne , Heino Anna , Limb Elisabeth , Loane Maria , de Walle Hermien , Morris Joan
Published: December 2022

Background

The number of terminations of pregnancy for fetal anomalies in Europe (TOPFA) has increased over recent decades. Therefore, it is important that TOPFAs, in addition to all other birth outcomes, are included in the surveillance of congenital anomalies and in studies on possible teratogenic risks of pregnancy exposures. The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality and the accuracy of codes identifying TOPFA cases in hospital databases.

Methods

TOPFA cases recorded in three EUROCAT congenital anomaly registries (Finland, 2010–2014; Funen in Denmark, 2005–2014; and northern Netherlands, 2013–2014) were linked to hospital databases using maternal IDs.

Results

A total of 2,114 TOPFA cases over the study period were identified in the registries and 2,096 (99%) of these pregnancies were identified in the hospital databases. An end of pregnancy code was present for 91% of the cases and a code for a congenital anomaly was present for 82% (with some differences across registries). The proportion of TOPFA cases with a code for a specific congenital anomaly was <50% for cases with a structural anomaly (range 0%–50%) and 70% for cases with a chromosomal anomaly.

Conclusion

Hospital databases have limited information or codes to identify TOPFAs for specific anomalies and the data are not detailed enough for surveillance of congenital anomalies or for studies analyzing pregnancy exposures and risk of congenital anomalies. However, hospital data may be used to identify the occurrence of a TOPFA to enable more detailed information to be obtained from the medical records.
Sustainable strategic management: A bibliometric analysis
Authors: Rao P. Kritee , Shukla Akanksha
Published: December 2022

Strategy for a firm is a long‐term plan that persists. The enduring viability of these strategies depends on the ecological and environmental aspects of the firm, termed as sustainability. To address this concept, sustainable strategic management (SSM) has been introduced in the management domain. Over the last 30 years of the introduction of SSM, very few studies have systematically reviewed the researches in this purview. Therefore, this study examines the extant structure and future scope of the research on SSM through an inclusive bibliometric analysis of 221 articles. The database of Scopus and Web of Science is used in this study to sample these documents. The crucial contributors of the comprehensive literature are identified through the analysis of bibliographic coupling, citation analysis, co‐authorship analysis, co‐word analysis, co‐citation analysis and country publications, affiliations and collaboration map. The co‐citation analysis classifies the key thematic research interests into cluster of four, based on the co‐cited documents. However, the co‐word analysis identifies the co‐occurrence of keywords in the sampled documents. The country publications, affiliations and collaboration map indexes UK and USA as the top most country on number of articles and collaboration pattern and Europe and Asia as the prime continent on dominating the studies on SSM. The study provides insights on the current studies on SSM, which can be useful for researchers.
Are learning styles useful? A new software to analyze correlations with grades and a case study in engineering
Authors: Molina‐Cabello Miguel A. , Thurnhofer‐Hemsi Karl , Molina‐Cabello David , Palomo Esteban J.
Published: December 2022

Knowing student learning styles represents an effective way to design the most suitable methodology for our students so that performance can improve with less effort for both students and teachers. However, a methodology is usually set in teaching guides according to the previous academic year's information without any knowledge of our current audience. In this work, a new software for learning styles and grade analysis based on the Honey‐Alonso Learning Styles Questionnaire has been proposed. This tool proposes the average learning style profiles of a given course by clustering student learning styles and analyzes the possible relation between grades and learning style profiles. By using that program, three different courses from Computer Sciences Engineering degrees during an academic year have been analyzed. The obtained results in our specific context exhibit that possible relation. This information could be useful to understand how students approach learning materials.
Quality Evaluation of Traditional Chinese Medicine Mylabris Based on Heavy Metal Risk Assessment and Analysis of Pharmacological Component Contents
Authors: Wu Faming , Peng Jie , Ran Junfeng , Tian Yubo , Li Xiang , Ren Yan , Gai Rongyin , Zhang Yunying
Published: December 2022

As a highly representative traditional Chinese anti‐tumor medicinal material, the biomass of Mylabris is collected from the wild. However, the living environments of Mylabris is differ, so Mylabris may be contaminated by heavy metal pollution depending on the environment. These environments may also affect the amount of biosynthesis of its medicinal ingredient, cantharidin, there by affecting the quality of Mylabris. In this study, we determined the heavy metal content in Mylabris from different origins by using ICP‐MS, evaluated the risk posed by these heavy metals, and recommended theoretical maximum limits of heavy metals in medicinal Mylabris. The results show that the Cu content in Mylabris is substantially higher than that in Cr, As, Pb, Cd, and Hg. A quantitative risk assessment showed that Mylabris poses no noncarcinogenic risks. The results of the total carcinogenic risk value showed that origins S12 and S13 pose carcinogenic risk by Cr and As, and the rest of the origins were in the human‐tolerable carcinogenic risk range. We found large differences in the cantharidin content in Mylabris from different origins. In general, the Mylabris from origins S2, S3 and S4 had a higher in vivo cantharidin content, which proved that the quality of the medicinal materials was higher here than in other production areas. Finally, we providing a reference for the quality evaluation of medicinal Mylabris materials.
Significance of Oct‐4 transcription factor as a pivotal therapeutic target for CD44+/24− mammary tumor initiating cells: Aiming at the root of the recurrence
Authors: Sen Utsav , Shanavas Shanooja , Nagendra Apoorva H. , Nihad Muhammad , Chaudhury Debajit , Rachamalla Hari K. , Banerjee Rajkumar , Shenoy P Sudheer , Bose Bipasha
Published: December 2022

Breast cancer (BC) remains one of the deadliest and frequently diagnosed metastatic cancers worldwide. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are the cell population within the tumor niche, having an epithelial to mesenchymal (EMT) transition phenotype, high self‐renewal, vigorous metastatic capacity, drug resistance, and tumor relapse. Identification of targets for induction of apoptosis is essential to provide novel therapeutic approaches in BC. Our earlier studies showed that Vitamin C induces apoptotic cell death by losing redox balance in TNBC CSCs. In this study, we have attempted to identify previously unrecognized CSC survival factors that can be used as druggable targets for bCSCs apoptosis regulators isolated from the TNBC line, MDA MB 468. After a thorough literature review, Oct‐4 was identified as the most promising marker for its unique abundance in cancer and absence in normal cells and the contribution of Oct‐4 to the sustenance of cancer cells. We then validated a very high expression of Oct‐4 in the MDA MB 468 bCSCs population using flow‐cytometry. The loss of Oct‐4 was carried out using small interfering RNA (siRNA)‐mediated knockdown in the bCSCs, followed by assessing for cellular apoptosis. Our results indicated that Oct‐4 knockdown induced cell death, changes in cellular morphology, inhibited mammosphere formation, and positive for Annexin‐V expression, thereby indicating the role of Oct‐4 in bCSC survival. Moreover, our findings also suggest the direct interaction between Oct‐4 and Vitamin C using in silico docking. This data, hence, contributes towards novel information about Oct‐4 highlighting this molecule as a novel survival factor in bCSCs.
Digital hoarding: A new subtype of traditional hoarding disorder?
Authors: Renschler Kathrin , Freeman Jennifer
Published: December 2022

Approximately one in 40 adults display hoarding behaviors that are considered pathological (Nordsletten et al., 2013). The central diagnostic criterion is a persistent difficulty getting rid of belongings, independent of their value (5th ed.; DSM–5; American Psychiatric Association [APA], 2013). Individuals with hoarding disorder accumulate objects ranging from magazines and paperwork to clothing and sentimental items to containers and packaging such as gum wrappers. Recent research suggests, however, that hoarding behaviors may expand beyond the realm of physical belongings into the digital world. Although a digital subtype of hoarding has long been discussed in the media and various online spaces, academia has only recently started to pay attention to it. The first scientific article published on digital hoarding is a 2015 case study by van Bennekom and colleagues. The authors describe the case of a male patient who hoarded thousands and thousands of digital pictures, mostly of landscapes very similar to each other, on multiple hard drives. Following this seminal case study, several articles have been published in an attempt to better understand and conceptualize the phenomenon of digital hoarding. Using the DSM‐5 diagnostic criteria for (traditional) hoarding disorder as a framework, this article reviews the phenomenology of digital hoarding and how it compares to traditional hoarding.
A Tunisian patient with CLCN2‐related leukoencephalopathy
Authors: Ben Mohamed Dina , Saied Zacharia , Ben Sassi Samia , Ben Said Mariem , Nabli Fatma , Achouri Afef , Jeridi Cyrine , Masmoudi Saber , Amouri Rim
Published: December 2022

CLCN2‐related leukoencephalopathy (CC2L OMIM#: 615651) is a recently identified rare disorder. It is caused by autosomal recessive mutations in the CLCN2 gene and leads to the dysfunction of its encoded CLC‐2 chloride channel protein with characteristic brain MRI features of leukoencephalopathy. We report the first Tunisian patient with clinical features of ClCN‐2‐related leukoencephalopathy. A 54‐year‐old female with a family history of leukemia, male infertility, motor disability, and headaches who initially presented with a tension‐type headache and normal physical examination. At the follow‐up, she developed mild gait ataxia and psycho‐cognitive disturbances. A previously reported homozygous NM_004366.6(CLCN2):c.1709G > A (p.Trp570Ter) stop gained mutation was identified. This report expands the knowledge related to CC2L and highlights the clinical features in affected individuals of African descent.
Ondansetron‐induced pseudoallergy with non‐ischemic myocardial injury: A rare case report of Kounis syndrome
Authors: Firew Eden , Huang Helen , Anand Ayush , Asfaw Yonathan Aliye , Parikh Charmy , Khan Hamza Rafique
Published: December 2022

Ondansetron is an FDA‐approved selective serotonin 5‐HT3 receptor commonly indicated as an anti‐emetic agent for nausea and vomiting. It is rare to observe fatal reactions from ondansetron despite having no allergies or previous exposure. We report a case of anaphylactoid reaction with spontaneous coronary vasospasms in response to intravenous ondansetron.
Dyspnea after endomedullary nailing: Fat embolism
Authors: Martens Sebastiaan , De Wit Marcia , De Grim Laurens
Published: December 2022

Fat embolism is a well‐known and life‐threatening condition that can develop after long bone fractures and lower limb orthopedic surgery. It presents in a wide range of respiratory, hematological, neurological, and cutaneous symptoms and signs of varying severity, resulting from embolic showering. It is important for clinicians to have a high index of suspicion for fat embolism in patients with respiratory compromise postoperatively. Rapid recognition and supportive treatment are key in improving the outcome of these patients. The prognosis is usually good, except in fulminant fat embolism syndrome.
Preeclampsia in a pregnant woman with severe aplastic anemia: A case report
Authors: Kawabata Ikuno , Yokote Ryoko , Kasano Sayuri , Ogawa Jun , Kato Masahiko , Ichikawa Tomoko , Yonezawa Mirei , Kuwabara Yoshimitsu , Yamaguchi Hiroki , Suzuki Shunji
Published: December 2022

A pregnant woman with severe aplastic anemia was managed using biweekly red blood cell transfusion and oral eltrombopag olamine administration during pregnancy. She was diagnosed with preeclampsia at 35 weeks of gestation. The severity of aplastic anemia is very important for predicting the course of pregnancy.
Cu‐Catalyzed Polychloromethylamination of Styrenes through C(sp3)−H Bond Cleavage
Authors: Zhu Fengxiang , Xue Jianxin , Yin Pengpeng
Published: December 2022

A copper‐catalyzed three‐component coupling reaction has been developed allowing the rapid building of valuable complex highly functionalized β‐polychloromethyl amines from simple styrenes, arylamines, and dichloromethane/chloroform. Using aryldiazonium salts as a radical initiator, a series of corresponding products are obtained with moderate to good yields under a carbon dioxide or nitrogen atmosphere (50 psi). In addition, good functional group tolerance can be observed.
The Effect of Mesogenic Coronas on the Type and Anisotropy of Gold Nanoparticle Superlattices: When Can the Tail Wag the Dog?
Authors: Zhao Yang‐yang , Li Yaxin , Cao Yu , Mehl Georg H. , Liu Feng , Ungar Goran
Published: December 2022

The correlation between the size of nanoparticles, the structure and shape of mesogenic ligands and the ensuing assembly behaviour is not really understood. Closer inspection shows very surprising features. Here, 2‐ and 4‐nm gold nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized, and grafted with a forked ligand containing two rod‐like mesogens in its branches: one cholesterol, the other with azobenzene. The 4‐nm NPs also contained n‐hexylthiol as co‐ligand. They were found to form a FCC cubic superlattice, whereas the 2‐nm NPs form hexagonal HCP with weak birefringence, hence with partially oriented ligands. The structures were compared with those of related systems containing a range of different azobenzene‐to‐cholesterol ratios, all giving body‐centred tetragonal superlattices with various degrees of anisotropy. Geometric analysis is presented in terms of the asphericity of the NPs’ surroundings, requirement for space‐filling and structural anisotropy. Some general rules are derived to help design the soft corona around the NPs in order to obtain superlattices with the desired structure and anisotropy.
Enhancing the Magnetization Blocking Energy of Biradical‐Metal System by Merging Discrete Complexes into One‐Dimensional Chains
Authors: Xie Junfang , Han Jing , Huang Xiaohui , Jin Chaoyi , Li Licun , Sutter Jean‐Pascal
Published: December 2022

The reaction of nitronyl nitroxide biradical NITPhMeImbis [5‐(2‐methylimidazole)‐1,3‐bis(1‐oxyl‐3’‐oxido‐4’,4’,5’,5’‐tetramethyl‐4,5‐hydro‐1H‐imidazol‐2‐yl)‐benzene] with Ln(hfac)3 ⋅ 2H2O and Cu(hfac)2 (hfac=hexafluoroacetylacetonate), led to two series of 2p–3d‐4f complexes, namely, nona‐spin clusters, [Ln2Cu3(hfac)12(NITPhMeImbis)2] (Ln=Gd 1, Dy 2), or one‐dimensional chains [LnCu2(hfac)7(NITPhMeImbis)] (Ln=Y 3, Dy 4, Tb 5) depending on the temperature of the reaction. All five complexes contain a biradical‐Ln unit in which the biradical chelates the LnIII ion by the means of one aminoxyl (i. e. NO) group of each NIT unit. For the discrete complexes, a Cu(hfac)2 links two biradical‐Ln units via one of the remaining NO groups, while for the chain compounds, the two remaining NO groups of the biradical‐Ln moiety are each coordinated to a Cu(hfac)2 unit to form a 1D coordination polymer. Moreover, a terminal Cu(hfac)2 unit is coordinated to the imidazole‐N atom of the NITPhMeImbis ligand. Spin dynamics investigations evidenced the onset of slow relaxation of the magnetization for 2, whereas 4 and 5 exhibit a typical single‐chain magnet behavior. This highlights the vital role of the 1D spin correlation in the blocking of the magnetization. These results illustrate that from the same basic building blocks, magnetic relaxation can be carefully modulated by structural adjustments.