bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of bone loss surrounding dental implants as detected in cone beam computed tomography: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Algahtani Fahda N. , Hebbal Mamata , Alqarni Moath M. , Alaamer Rahaf , Alqahtani Anwar , Almohareb Rahaf A. , Barakat Reem , Abdlhafeez Manal M.
Published: August 2023

Objectives

The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of crestal, and apical bone loss (CBL & ABL) associated with dental implants in CBCT scans. The second objective was to assess the radiographic stage of implant disease and the visible predisposing factors.

Materials and Methods

The CBCT scans that were taken from January 2015 to January 2022 in King Saud Medical City were screened to examine the marginal and periapical condition of dental implants. Information related to demographic variables, stage of bone loss, and radiographically evident predisposing factors were collected. The results were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square test, and logistic regression analysis.

Results

In total, 772 implant scans were analyzed. The prevalence of crestal bone loss and apical bone loss around the implants were 6.9% and 0.4% respectively. The amount of bone loss was moderate in 52.8% of cases of CBL and 100% mild in cases of ABL. The risk factors for CBL were patient age (p < 0.001), implant location (p < 0.001), bone loss in proximal teeth (p < 0.001), and adjacent edentulous sites (p < 0.001). The risk factors for ABL were adjacent periapical infection (p < 0.001) and endodontic therapy (p = 0.024).

Conclusion

The prevalence of CBL and ABL was low. The CBCT can be used as a diagnostic tool for studying the prevalence of bone loss associated with peri-implant disease and relevant risk factors. The implantation of CBCT to evaluate the success and the prognosis of dental implants or the treatment of peri-implant diseases can be further considered in future research.
Development of a Forest Fire Detection System Using a Drone-based Convolutional Neural Network Model
Authors: Lee Jihee , Jeong Keesin , Jung Haiyoung
Published: August 2023

Considering forest fires cause environmental destruction, ecosystem collapse, and severe damage to human lives and nature, developing a real-time, accurate, and stable forest fire detection system has become a critical issue in modern society. In this study, a drone-based forest fire detection system was developed using a convolutional neural network (CNN) model. Real-time forest fire detection models were developed using the CNN-based MobileNet algorithm, and their fire detection performance was evaluated. The main research results indicated that errors decreased and accuracy tended to increase during the model training and validation process as training progressed. Moreover, the V1 model exhibited the highest validation accuracy of 0.9466 among the MobileNet V1, V2, and V3 models and showed the highest accuracy of 0.9667 in evaluating the new test dataset during the model evaluation process.
Analysis of Water Quality of Selected Irrigation Water Sources in Gandevi Taluka of Navsari District of South Gujarat, India
Authors: Singh Narendra , Tripathi Sonal , Patel Bhavesh B. , Patel V. A. , Zala J. N.
Published: August 2023

Groundwater quality was evaluated for irrigation purpose by collecting the groundwater samples from 20 different locations during pre-monsoon and post-monsoon seasons. These groundwater samples were analyzed for physico-chemical parameters like pH, EC, TDS, major cations, and anions. Furthermore, irrigation quality indices like salinity hazard, chloride hazard, magnesium hazard, carbonate and bicarbonate hazard and sodium hazard were calculated using the analytical results. The average SAR, Na+ ion, PI, MH and IWQI varied from 6.34 to 2.53, 14.13 to 5.44 me/l, 68.31 to 56.76 me/l, 73.16 to 76.72 %, and 44.24 to 31.25 me/l, during pre-monsoon and post-monsoon seasons respectively. Based on the EC, more than 50% of the samples are falling under high salinity category in both seasons. Overall in Gandevi taluka, based on IWQI, 40 % and 45 % surveyed water samples were found falling in severe restriction category of irrigation during before and after monsoon respectively. The study revealed that most of the water samples are exceeding the critical levels of irrigation water quality and it may require careful management to grow suitable crops in the study area. In addition, the study also points out that usage of such a high TDS groundwater for irrigation may cause soil salinity.
The Influence of Knowledge Sharing and Digitalization Improvement towards Employees’ Productivity: A Qualitative Approach
Authors: Thamrin Rusnawati , Asdar Muhammad , Muhlis Mahlia
Published: August 2023

Literature indicates that there have been great numbers of publications and papers which highlight specifically the mining industry's development globally through the risk analysis and management perspective. However, theoretical and practical research findings have shown that when analyzing the risk management in the mining industry, it is important to consider not just the human component but also the business process and productivity strategy of related organization. Through the application of qualitative research, this study then intends to gather any useful information through both primary and secondary data sources, such as the interviews and/or acquire the information, which is related to the experience of the participants as the unit of analysis and their viewpoints as well as behavior. Instead of addressing how many or how much, a qualitative research method addresses on the how and why of the research question. As such, this study aims to explain the analysis of the existing business processes of PT Antam Tbk and then re-evaluate if there is any factor that is inefficient and ineffective so that the input from employee affects eventually the employee productivity. As such, this study recommends to apply the strength, weakness, opportunity, threat (SWOT) analysis in order to explain in detail the business process of PT Antam Tbk. Through such analysis abovementioned, this study is assisted to offer both theoretical and managerial contribution. For theoretical contribution, this study mainly aims to deliver a strategy to optimize the business processes better that eventually may increase significantly the value of PT Antam Tbk, especially the employee productivity. Additionally, this study also offers in the particular sections the managerial implications of this study findings.
Community Language Learning in Tertiary-level Teachers
Authors: Magsalin Camille Nadine
Published: August 2023

Community Language Learning, or CLL, is a student-centered method that strongly emphasizes building supportive learning communities and interpersonal communication. The study looks into the strategies instructors use to support CLL, the difficulties experienced in putting this strategy into practice, and the outcomes seen in student involvement, participation, and language competency. Interviews with tertiary-level instructors who know CLL were used in the research method to gather qualitative data. The research identified several CLL framework components, such as subject contextualization and sharing in groups, the teacher approaches to collaborative learning, and group discussions and sharing as beneficial practices. These techniques promoted individualized interaction, attentive listening, and direction, which boosted student involvement and engagement. The study did note specific issues with involvement and communication, as well as the language barrier experienced by non-native English speakers while applying CLL. A supportive classroom learning environment and scaffolding strategies to enhance language development were proposed as solutions to these problems. The findings demonstrated CLL's achievements, such as improved student engagement, enhanced communication abilities, learner empowerment, and the emergence of authentic use of language. In addition, the results underscored the significance of student involvement and engagement as success markers. The study also covered the effects of CLL on developing a learner-centered approach and a conducive atmosphere for language acquisition.
The Relationship between Knowledge, Attitude, and Behavior of Fiber Food Consumption with Defection Pattern
Authors: Djojosaputro Mulyadi , Prihantini Nur Nunu
Published: August 2023

Nowadays, most people like to choose their food from good taste varieties without considering the nutrition. Generally, The average fiber consumption in Indonesia is 10,5 grams/day. This value is not quite enough for the requirement of fiber. An inadequacy of fiber can cause some diseases, and one of them is defecation disorders. This study examines the correlation between knowledge, attitude, and behavior of consuming fibrous food with defecation. This study utilizes Cross Sectional Method. Take an experiment by Consecutive sampling in a total population of 273 respondents and a sample is as many as 162 respondents. The study subjects are students of the Universitas Kristen Indonesia 2018 Medical Faculty. Data preparation will use IBM SPSS Statistic 22, and the result of the research will be presented analytically. The knowledge of students is not enough for fibrous food. Most have a bad attitude toward fibrous food and still rarely consume it. A Chi-Square test shows no correlation between knowledge of fibrous food and defecation pattern, significant frequency of defecation (p =0,071), and stool consistency (p= 0,746). The correlations between the attitude of fibrous food with defecation patterns are frequency of defecation (p=0.012) and stool consistency (p=0.038). The correlations between behaviors of fibrous food with defecation patterns are frequency of defecation (p=0,012) and stool consistency (p = 0,038).
Non-Traumatic Coma in Children- A Review
Authors: Anusha Manda , Sony Avirendla , Begum Syeda Mohammadi , Neelima Velupula , Maseera Amatul Haseeb
Published: August 2023

Coma is defined as the unintentional failure of the patient to open their eyes spontaneously or in response to noise and inability to open for commands or localised painful stimuli with or without the ability to express comprehensible words or language response, whereas the Non traumatic coma is without any injury to the brain, and the Glasgow coma scale below 12.
The Non traumatic coma causes due to the infections(tubercular meningitis, bacterial meningitis, encephalitis) and other metabolic conditions ,status epilepticus intracranial bleed, miscellaneous, hypoxic ischemic insults, Electrical shock, shunt dysfunction, Inborn error of metabolism.
The monitoring parameters are Heart rate, Respiratory rate and pattern, Blood pressure, Temperature, coma severity using GCS, pupillary size, extra ocular movements, corneal reflex, posture, and motor pattern. The main symptoms are ataxia or weakness, isolated cranial nerve palsy, mild alteration of tone, poor pulse volume, apnea, abnormal pupillary size and reaction, dizziness, Headache, abnormal extra ocular movements absent corneal reflex.
Management of non-traumatic coma patients at hospital includes Monitoring of Intracranial pressure, Maintenance of an adequate cerebral perfusion pressure, Management of persistent intracranial hypertension and Monitoring of Electroencephalographic Seizure activity.
Infections are the most common cause for the non-traumatic coma in several cases. The pattern of infectious caused are CNS infections > metabolic toxic exposure > encephalitis > Intoxication > hypoxic ischemic insults > Intracranial haemorrhages>miscellaneous>unknown cases. 40% of children are prone to Non traumatic coma per 10000 general population per year.
Effects of Type and Size of Growing Media on Seed Germination and Seedling Growth of Pinus gerardiana
Authors: Noori Abdul Matin , Zazai Khanzad Gul , Salari Hedayatullah
Published: August 2023

Chilgoza pine (Pinus gerardiana Wall.) is an important but endangered tree species in Afghanistan. Due to poor natural regeneration, seed-related dormancy and anthropogenic factors, the IUCN put this species on the red list. Therefore, this study was undertaken to investigate the effect of growing medium and polybag sizes on seed germination and seedling growth. In this study, four growing media of soil (So), compost (Co), forest soil (Fs) and sand (Sa), viz., M1 (So + Co + Fs); M2 (Fs + Co + Sa); M3 (So + Fs + Sa); and M4 (Sa + Co + Fs) and three polybag sizes including P1 (16 cm×16 cm), P2 (18 cm×18 cm), and P3 (21 cm×26 cm) were used and arranged in the frame of 4×3 factorial design to assess their effects on germination and seedling growth. The results revealed that among different growing media treatments, higher germination and seedling growth parameters were observed on treatment M4 (Sand + Compost + Forest Soil). Seedling growth parameters were significantly affected by polybag size, and the highest seedling growth parameters were obtained for Large Polybag size (P3).
Nitrogen Management through Nano Urea and Conventional Urea and its Effect on Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Growth and Yield
Authors: Singh Divya , Yadav Atish , Tiwari Himanshu , Singh Anil Kumar , Singh Shivendra , Yadav Rishi Kumar , Gangwar Parthik , Sachan Dhruvendra Singh
Published: August 2023

The field experiment was carried out at Agronomy Research Farm of Acharya Narendra Dev University of Agriculture and Technology, Kumarganj, Ayodhya (U.P.) during Rabi Season 2021-22 to study the “Study on performance of nitrogen management through nano urea and conventional urea in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)” The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with four replications and six treatments i.e. T1: Control, T2 : 100% recommended dose of nitrogen (RDN) through conventional Urea (40% at Basal+ 30% at 30days after sowing (DAS)+30% at 50DAS), T3 : 75% RDN through conventional Urea as Basal + 25% RDN through Nano Urea as Topdressing (at 30 and 50 DAS), T4 : 50% RDN through conventional Urea as Basal + 50% RDN through Nano Urea as Topdressing (at 30 and 50 DAS), T5 : 25% RDN through conventional Urea as Basal + 75% RDN through Nano Urea as Topdressing (at 30 and 50 DAS), T6 : 100% RDN through Nano Urea as Topdressing (50% at 30DAS+50% at 50DAS). The observation on different growth and yield parameters were recorded and analyzed statistically. The experimental results revealed that among the treatments, treatment T4 recorded highest plant height, number of tillers  m-2, leaf area index, dry matter accumulation, number of spikes m-2, length of spike, grains spike-1, yield and nutrient uptake. The highest net returns (₹ 51286 ha-1) and B:C ratio (1.42) were noticed by the application of T4 (50% RDN through conventional Urea as Basal + 50% RDN through Nano Urea as Topdressing (at 30 and 50 DAS). From this study, it can be concluded that T4 (50% RDN through conventional Urea as Basal + 50% RDN through Nano Urea as Topdressing (at 30 and 50 DAS) found most economical over other treatments, it gave more net returns.
Association of Pregnancy-Specific Alcohol Policies With Infant Morbidities and Maltreatment
Authors: Roberts Sarah C. M. , Schulte Alex , Zaugg Claudia , Leslie Douglas L. , Corr Tammy E. , Liu Guodong
Published: August 2023

Importance

Research has found associations of pregnancy-specific alcohol policies with increased low birth weight and preterm birth, but associations with other infant outcomes are unknown.

Objective

To examine the associations of pregnancy-specific alcohol policies with infant morbidities and maltreatment.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This retrospective cohort study used outcome data from Merative MarketScan, a national database of private insurance claims. The study cohort included individuals aged 25 to 50 years who gave birth to a singleton between 2006 and 2019 in the US, had been enrolled 1 year before and 1 year after delivery, and could be matched with an infant. Data were analyzed from August 2021 to April 2023.

Exposures

Nine state-level pregnancy-specific alcohol policies obtained from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism’s Alcohol Policy Information System.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcomes were 1 or more infant injuries associated with maltreatment and infant morbidities associated with maternal alcohol consumption within the first year. Logistic regression, adjusting for individual-level and state-level controls, and fixed effects for state, year, state-specific time trends, and SEs clustered by state were used.

Results

A total of 1 432 979 birthing person–infant pairs were included (mean [SD] age of birthing people, 32.2 [4.2] years); 30 157 infants (2.1%) had injuries associated with maltreatment, and 44 461 (3.1%) infants had morbidities associated with alcohol use during pregnancy. The policies of Reporting Requirements for Assessment/Treatment (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.28; 95% CI, 1.08-1.52) and Mandatory Warning Signs (aOR, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.10-1.27) were associated with increased odds of infant injuries but not morbidities. Priority Treatment for Pregnant Women Only was associated with decreased odds of infant injuries (aOR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.76-0.90) but not infant morbidities. Civil Commitment was associated with increased odds of infant injuries (aOR, 1.26; 95% CI, 1.08-1.48) but decreased odds of infant morbidities (aOR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.53-0.62). Priority Treatment for Pregnant Women and Women With Children was associated with increased odds of both infant injuries (aOR, 1.12; 95% CI, 1.00-1.25) and infant morbidities (aOR, 1.08; 95% CI, 1.03-1.13). Reporting Requirements for Child Protective Services, Reporting Requirements for Data, Child Abuse/Neglect, and Limits on Criminal Prosecution were not associated with infant injuries or morbidities.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cohort study, most pregnancy-specific alcohol policies were not associated with decreased odds of infant injuries or morbidities. Policy makers should not assume that pregnancy-specific alcohol policies improve infant health.
The Most Difficult Lesson From Cancer Just Might Be Its Most Valuable
Authors: Dougherty Timothy P.
Published: August 2023

In this essay, the author reflects on his experience treating patients with cancer.
Critical Appraisal of Guideline Recommendations on Systemic Therapies for Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Cappuyns Sarah , Corbett Virginia , Yarchoan Mark , Finn Richard S. , Llovet Josep M.
Published: August 2023

Importance

The combination of immune checkpoint inhibitors with antiangiogenic agents has revolutionized the treatment landscape of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, due to rapid publication of new studies that attained their predefined primary end points, a lack of robust cross-trial comparison of first-line therapies, and diverging clinical guidelines, no clear-cut treatment flowchart and sequence of therapies are available. This critical analysis of the recommendations for the management of advanced HCC from the main scientific societies in the US and Europe adopted an integrated approach to provide information on the clinical benefit (overall survival and progression-free survival) and safety profile of these therapies using the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO)–Magnitude of Clinical Benefit Scale (MCBS) score and an ad hoc network meta-analysis.

Observations

There is a major consensus among guidelines that atezolizumab plus bevacizumab has a primacy as the recommended first-line treatment of choice in advanced HCC. On progression after immunotherapy-containing regimens and for patients with contraindications for immunotherapies, most guidelines maintain the established treatment hierarchy, recommending lenvatinib or sorafenib as the preferred options, followed by either regorafenib, cabozantinib, or ramucirumab. Thus far, the first-line immune-based regimen of tremelimumab plus durvalumab has been integrated only in the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases guidance document and the latest National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines and has particular utility for patients with a high risk of gastrointestinal bleeding. Overall, in the first-line setting, both atezolizumab plus bevacizumab and sintilimab plus IBI305 (a bevacizumab biosimilar) and durvalumab plus tremelimumab received the highest ESMO-MCBS score of 5, indicating a substantial magnitude of clinical benefit. In a network meta-analysis, no significant differences in overall survival were found among the various combination regimens. However, the newly reported combination of camrelizumab plus rivoceranib was associated with a significantly higher risk of treatment-related adverse events compared with atezolizumab plus bevacizumab (relative risk, 1.59; 95% CI, 1.25-2.03; P < .001).

Conclusions and Relevance

This narrative review found that atezolizumab plus bevacizumab is regarded as the primary standard of care for advanced HCC in the first-line setting. These findings from integrating the recommendations from scientific societies’ guidelines for managing advanced HCC along with new data from cross-trial comparisons may aid clinicians in decision-making and guide them through a rapidly evolving and complex treatment landscape.
Accuracy of Vitreoretinal Disease Information From an Artificial Intelligence Chatbot
Authors: Caranfa Jonathan T. , Bommakanti Nikhil K. , Young Benjamin K. , Zhao Peter Y.
Published: August 2023

This cross-sectional study compares 2 sets of responses by 1 chatbot to frequently asked questions about vitreoretinal conditions and procedures.
Carbon Nanotube‐Directed 7 GPa Heterocyclic Aramid Fiber and Its Application in Artificial Muscles
Authors: Yan Dan , Luo Jiajun , Wang Shijun , Han Xiaocang , Lei Xudong , Jiao Kun , Wu Xianqian , Qian Liu , Zhang Xinshi , Zhao Xiaoxu , Di Jiangtao , Zhang Zhong , Gao Zhenfei , Zhang Jin
Published: August 2023

Poly(p‐phenylene‐benzimidazole‐terephthalamide) (PBIA) fibers with excellent mechanical properties are widely used in fields that require impact‐resistant materials such as ballistic protection and aerospace. The introduction of heterocycles in polymer chains increases their flexibility and makes it easier to optimize the fiber structure. However, the inadequate orientation of polymer chains is one of the main reasons for the large difference between the measured and theoretical mechanical properties of PBIA fibers. Herein, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are selected as an orientation seed. Their structural features allow CNTs to orient during the spinning process, which can induce an orderly arrangement of polymers and improve the orientation of the fiber microstructure. To ensure the complete 1D topology of long CNTs (≈10 µm), PBIA is used as an efficient dispersant to overcome dispersion challenges. The p‐CNT/PBIA fibers (10 µm single‐walled carbon nanotube 0.025 wt%) exhibit an increase of 22% in tensile strength and 23% in elongation, with a maximum tensile strength of 7.01 ± 0.31 GPa and a reinforcement efficiency of 893.6. The artificial muscle fabricated using CNT/PBIA fibers exhibits a 34.8% contraction and a 25% lifting of a 2 kg dumbbell, providing a promising paradigm for high‐performance organic fibers as high‐load smart actuators.
Triggering Thermal Healing of Large Area MOCVD Grown TMDs at the Trion Dissociation
Authors: Park Cheolmin , Hong Woonggi , Choi Sung‐Yool
Published: August 2023

Overcoming the thermal sensitivity of the van‐der Waals layered material, an inevitable high defect concentration in a large area (2 × 2 cm2) vapor phase grown few‐layer MoS2 (2.3 nm thick) is uniformly repaired over the entire area through thermal process. The defect concentration of the healed sample decreased by 3.8 times, and both the PL intensity and field‐effect mobility over the entire area increased by more than two times. Through observing in situ photoluminescence (PL) spectra with raising temperature, it is confirmed that the oxygen‐substitutional healing proceeds radically from the starting point at which trion dissociation energy is zero, inducing e–h plasma. At this time, for achieving successful healing of the entire area, immediate cooling is required to prevent accelerated oxidation when reaching the critical temperature. Considering the laboratory‐dependent crystalline quality of vapor‐phase grown transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), the methodology to find the optimal thermal healing temperature through in situ PL monitoring will be quite useful.
Antibacterial CATH‐2 Peptide Coating to Prevent Bone Implant‐Related Infection
Authors: Keikhosravani Pardis , Jahanmard Fatemeh , Bollen Tim , Nazmi Kamran , Veldhuizen Edwin J. A. , Gonugunta Prasad , Anusuyadevi Prasaanth Ravi , van der Wal Bart C.H. , Vogely Charles , Bikker Floris J. , Taheri Peyman , Weinans Harrie , Amin Yavari Saber
Published: August 2023

The development of antibacterial coatings is a promising approach to preventing biofilm formation and reducing the overuse of systemic antibiotics. However, widespread antibiotic use has resulted in antibiotic‐resistant bacteria, limiting the efficacy of antibiotic‐based coatings. Herein, an antibacterial coating is developed by layer‐by‐layer (LbL) assembly of two polymers namely PDLG (poly (D,L‐lactide‐co‐glycolide)) and gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) while chicken cathelicidin‐2 (CATH‐2), a cationic and amphipathic peptide, is loaded between these polymer layers. The electrospray method is used to apply the coatings to achieve efficient peptide loading and durability. The CATH‐2 bactericidal concentration ranges are first identified, followed by a study of their cytotoxicity to human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) and macrophage cell lines. Later, different LbL electrospray coating assemblies loaded with the optimal peptide concentration are sought. Various coating strategies are investigated to identify an LbL coating that exhibits prolonged and biocompatible CATH‐2 release. The resulting CATH‐2‐coated titanium surfaces exhibit strong antibacterial activity against both Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli bacteria for 4 days and are biocompatible with hMSCs and macrophage cells. This coating can be considered as a versatile delivery system platform for the delivery of CATH‐2 peptides while avoiding cytotoxicity, particularly for the prevention of infections associated with implants.
Advances in Silver Nanowires‐Based Composite Electrodes: Materials Processing, Fabrication, and Applications
Authors: Meena Jagan Singh , Choi Su Bin , Jung Seung‐Boo , Kim Jong‐Woong
Published: August 2023

This article reviews the increasing need for innovative transparent and conductive electrodes (TCEs) for modern optoelectronics, flexible electronics, sensors, and biomedical devices as alternatives to brittle and scarce conventional indium tin oxide (ITO). Among the various TCE materials explored, silver nanowires (AgNWs) have emerged as a promising candidate to replace ITO, thanks to their remarkable properties. However, AgNW‐based TCEs can present limitations such as thermal instability, high contact resistance, increased surface roughness, and inadequate adhesion to substrates. Incorporating secondary conductive materials with AgNWs has proven effective in mitigating these challenges, leading to high‐performance composite electrodes. This review offers a comprehensive overview of the latest advancements in AgNW‐based composite TCEs for applications in optoelectronics, flexible electronics, sensors, and biomedical devices. It covers the materials and methodologies employed to construct high‐performance composite electrodes and present a comparative analysis of various composite TCEs in terms of their optical, electrical, and mechanical properties and performance in different electronic devices. The article also discusses recent breakthroughs in enhancing TCE stability, adhesion, and contact resistance reduction by employing additional materials such as graphene, conductive polymers, and metal oxide nanoparticles. The review addresses the challenges in the field of composite TCEs, proposes potential solutions, and highlights opportunities.
Braided Liquid Crystal Elastomer Fiber Actuator with Programmable Deformation for Artificial Muscles
Authors: Wang Xuan , Shao Huiqi , Tang Jia , Chen Junfeng , Huang Yaoli , Pan Junjie , Zhang Ye , Wang Wendi , Jiang Jinhua , Chen Nanliang
Published: August 2023

Liquid crystal elastomer fibers (LCEFs) are promising materials for constructing artificial muscles. However, the practical applications in smart wearable textiles and soft robots are still hindered due to their weak tensile performance and complex actuation integration. In this work, an LCEFs braided actuator is fabricated in which several LCEFs are integrated with silver‐plated nylon strands using the textile braiding method. The silver‐plated nylon strands can generate joule heat for triggering LCEFs and meanwhile strengthen the braided actuators. Owing to the braided structure, this LCEFs braided actuator exhibits large reversible contraction (34%) and actuation force (18.7 cN) with electrical stimulation at 0.6 V cm−1. An artificial arm and a soft pump based on the LCEFs braided actuators is successfully developed. The LCEFs braided actuator can lift 205 times its weight as an artificial biceps. And the soft pump can achieve cyclic contraction and relaxation motions similar to the cardiac muscle under electrical stimulation and reach an output flow rate of 111 µL s−1. This braided integration concept would broaden the potential applications of LCEFs.
Efficient PbSe Quantum Dot Infrared Photovoltaic Applying MXene Modified ZnO Electron Transport Layer
Authors: Liu Sisi , Wang Meng , Yu Xiong , Li Hao , Lu Haifei , Wen Xiaoyan , Li Ming‐Yu , Zhang Jianbing
Published: August 2023

Infrared (IR) solar cells are potential optoelectronic devices for boosting the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of conventional photovoltaics (such as pervoskite and silicon solar cells) by broadening the utilization range of the sunlight spectrum to short‐wavelength infrared region. PbSe colloidal quantum dots (QDs) are one of the optimal candidates for IR solar cells because of their tunable bandgap in the IR region and flexible solution processibility. At present, the best PbSe QD IR photovoltaics generally adopt ZnO as an electron transport layer (ETL). However, the intrinsic drawbacks and surface defects of ZnO can potentially deteriorate the PCE of devices. Herein, Ti3C2Tx, a representative 2D transition carbide, is combined with sol‐gel ZnO to develop a new hybrid ETL for fabricating high‐performance IR solar cells. This combination effectively suppresses the defects within ZnO by forming new bondings and simultaneously enhances the crystalline of ZnO film. Meanwhile, the introduction of Ti3C2Tx into ZnO film accelerates the transport and collection of photo‐generated carriers by constructing a new electron transport pathway. Consequently, compared to the bare devices, the infrared PCE of PbSe QD solar cells increases by 19.5% to 1.04%. These results demonstrate that this hybrid ETL can offer a bright approach for developing high‐performance optoelectronic devices.
A 22q13.1 duplication in mosaicism including SOX10
Authors: Bertani‐Torres William , Serey‐Gaut Margaux , de Oliveira Judite , Bole Christine , Parisot Mélanie , Nistschké Patrick , Maurin Marie‐Laure , Lapierre Jean‐Michel , Loundon Natalie , Belhous Kahina , Bondurand Nadège , Marlin Sandrine , Pingault Véronique
Published: August 2023

Waardenburg syndrome (WS) is characterized by the association of sensorineural hearing loss and pigmentation abnormalities. Among the four types, WS Type 2 (WS2) is the only one without a remarkable distinguishing feature. Here, we report a patient initially diagnosed with WS2 who exhibits a 446 kb mosaic duplication in chromosome 22q13.1, encompassing SOX10, and detected using whole genome sequencing in a trio. The patient, a 46,XY boy, presents with profound bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, right heterochromia iridium, left bright blue iris, and skin‐depigmented areas in the abdomen and limbs. Vestibular and imaging tests are normal, without inner ear or olfactory bulb malformations. Bilateral cochlear implantation did not prevent language and speech delays. Moderate congenital chronic constipation and neurodevelopmental difficulties were also present. Given the few genes included in this duplicated region (only one OMIM gene with dominant inheritance), this report provides further delineation of the phenotype related to duplications encompassing the entire SOX10 gene.
A combined pig model to determine the net absorption of volatile fatty acids in the large intestine under different levels of crude fiber
Authors: Zhao Shengjun , Lv Liangkang , Wu Taotao , Feng Zhi , Li Qiang , Lei Long , Liu Zhengya , Zhang Hui , Ren Ying
Published: August 2023

Background

This study aimed to develop a combined model to quantify the net absorption of volatile fatty acids (VFA) in the large intestine (LI) of pigs.

Methods

Fifteen female growing pigs (Duroc × Large White × Landrace) were ranked by body weight (30 ± 2.1 kg) on day 0 and assigned to one of three treatments, namely the basal diet containing different crude fiber (CF) levels (LCF: 3.0% CF, MCF: 4.5% CF, and HCF: 6.0% CF). The pigs were implanted with the terminal ileum fistula and the cannulation of the ileal mesenteric vein (IMV), portal vein (PV), and left femoral artery (LFA) from days 6 to 7. [13C]‐Labeled VFA and P‐aminohippuric acid were constantly perfused into the terminal ileum fistula and the cannulation of the IMV (day 15), respectively. Blood samples were collected from the PV and the LFA during perfusion (5 h), and LI samples were collected.

Results

The net flux of [12C]‐acetic acid in the PV was greater for LCF versus MCF (p = 0.045), but no difference was observed in the net flux of [12C]‐propionic acid (p = 0.505) and [12C]‐butyric acid (p = 0.35) in the PV among treatments. The deposition of [12C]‐acetic acid in the LI was greater for LCF versus MCF (p = 0.014), whereas the deposition of [12C]‐propionic acid (p = 0.007) and [12C]‐butyric acid (p = 0.037) in the LI was greater for LCF versus HCF.

Conclusions

In conclusion, this pig model was found conducive to study the net absorption of VFAs in the LI, and LCF had more net absorption of VFAs in the LI than MCF and HCF.
Clonal Hematopoiesis and Acute Ischemic Stroke Outcomes
Authors: Lee Eung‐Joon , An Hong Yul , Lim Jiwoo , Park Kyung‐Il , Choi Su‐Yeon , Jeong Han‐Yeong , Kang Dong‐Wan , Yang Wookjin , Kim Jeong‐Min , Ko Sang‐Bae , Lee Seung‐Hoon , Yoon Byung‐Woo , Koh Youngil , Jung Keun‐Hwa
Published: August 2023

Objective

The effect of clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP) on the manifestation and clinical outcomes of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) has not been fully elucidated.

Methods

Patients with AIS were included from a prospective registry coupled with a DNA repository. Targeted next‐generation sequencing on 25 genes that are frequently mutated in hematologic neoplasms was performed. The prevalence of CHIP was compared between patients with AIS and age‐matched healthy individuals. A multivariate linear or logistic regression model was used to assess the association among CHIP and stroke severity, hemorrhagic transformation, and functional outcome at 90 days.

Results

In total, 380 patients with AIS (mean age = 67.2 ± 12.7 years; 41.3% women) and 446 age‐matched controls (mean age = 67.2 ± 8.7 years; 31.4% women) were analyzed. The prevalence of CHIP was significantly higher in patients with AIS than in the healthy controls (29.0 vs 22.0%, with variant allele frequencies of 1.5%, p = 0.024). PPM1D was found to be most significantly associated with incident AIS (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 7.85, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.83–33.63, p = 0.006). The presence of CHIP was significantly associated with the initial National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score (β = 1.67, p = 0.022). Furthermore, CHIP was independently associated with the occurrence of hemorrhagic transformation (65/110 clonal hematopoiesis positive [CH+] vs 56/270 CH negative [CH‐], aOR = 5.63, 95% CI = 3.24–9.77, p < 0.001) and 90‐day functional disability (72/110 [CH+] vs 99/270 [CH‐], aOR = 2.15, 95% CI = 1.20–3.88, p = 0.011).

Interpretation

CH was significantly associated with incident AIS. Moreover, particularly, sequence variations in PPM1D, TET2, and DNMT3A represent a new prognostic factor for AIS. ANN NEUROL 2023;94:836–847
The different impacts of g‐C3N4 nanosheets on PVDF and PSF ultrafiltration membranes for Remazol black 5 dye rejection
Authors: Senol‐Arslan Dilek , Gul Ayse , Dizge Nadir , Ocakoglu Kasim , Uzal Nigmet
Published: August 2023

Membranes combined with nanoparticles are an excellent combination capable of successfully removing various contaminants, such as dyes from wastewater while using very little energy and decreasing pollution. The present study reports an efficient approach for Remazol Black 5 (RB5) dye removal using composite graphitic carbon nitride nanosheets (g‐C3N4), polysulfone (PSF), and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membranes. The membranes were prepared using the phase inversion method, with varying quantities of g‐C3N4 nanosheets ranging from 0.1%, 0.2% to 0.3%. The prepared g‐C3N4 nanosheets were characterized by FTIR, SEM analyses, and zeta potential measurements. FTIR and SEM studies, contact angle, water permeability, COD, and dye rejection measurements were used to characterize the g‐C3N4 nanosheets embedded in PSF and PVDF membranes. After the addition of 0.3 wt% g‐C3N4, the water flux of the 0.3 wt% g‐C3N4 embedded PSF membrane was the highest, whereas the water flux of the 0.3 wt% g‐C3N4 embedded PVDF membrane was the lowest. The ultrafiltration (UF) membrane's performance with g‐C3N4 embedded showed an RB5 rejection rate of more than 80% and a COD removal efficiency of more than 45%. The results of the experimental filtration showed that RB5 rejection reached maximum values of 91.3% for 0.1 wt% g‐C3N4/PSF, and 85.6% for 0.3 wt% g‐C3N4/PVDF.
Assessment and treatment of problem behavior occasioned by variable‐sequence transitions for children with autism
Authors: Leon Yanerys , Brewer Adam , Fandal Mallory , Jimenez‐Gomez Corina , Dracobly Joseph
Published: August 2023

Transitions from one daily activity to the next can occasion problem behavior (e.g., aggression). Inspired by clinical descriptions of children with autism, we compared the effects of fixed‐sequence and variable‐sequence transitions on problem behavior using a multiple baseline across participant design. In the fixed‐sequence condition, participants were exposed to the same sequence of activities. In the variable‐sequence condition, the sequence of activities was varied semi‐randomly. Results showed that transition‐related problem behavior was more likely to occur in the variable‐sequence condition. Advance notice of the upcoming transition, in the form of auditory and visual cues, was effective at reducing transition‐related problem behavior in the variable‐sequence condition for two participants. Results are discussed in light of the effect of uncertainty of outcomes, and suggestions for future cross‐disciplinary research are provided.
Sustainability‐related supply chain risks and supply chain performances: The moderating effects of dynamic supply chain management practices
Authors: Ngo Vu Minh , Quang Huy Truong , Hoang Thinh Gia , Binh An Duong Thi
Published: August 2023

In recent years, the supply chain has undergone significant transformations due to various factors such as globalization, the COVID‐19 pandemic, advancements in information technology, outsourcing, and offshore production. These changes have made the supply network more complex, particularly with regards to sustainability issues, and have increased the vulnerability of the supply chain to sustainability‐related risks. However, despite the growing importance of sustainability‐related supply chain risks (SSCRs), there is a lack of understanding and inadequate research on critical aspects in the existing literature on this topic, such as how firms in volatile and demand‐driven sectors cope with SSCRs and how these risks affect the firms' operational performance. To address this gap, this study investigates the impact of sustainability‐related supply chain risks on suppliers, customers, and the economic performance of businesses in the garment industry in Vietnam. Using a sample of 254 garment companies, this study aims to develop a comprehensive measuring scale for supply chain sustainability risk and evaluates the effectiveness of dynamic supply chain management techniques in mitigating the impact of sustainability‐related risks on firm performance characteristics. The findings of this research reveal that there is a risk–return trade‐off for economic hazards, while no such trade‐off is observed for social and environmental hazards. Furthermore, we find that supplier management and supply chain integration methods can assist in the management of environmental hazards, leading to a positive outcome for both businesses and the environment. The research results provide both theoretical and managerial implications for mitigating the risks associated with sustainability in the supply chain. The results suggest that effective management of sustainability‐related risks can result in a win‐win scenario for both businesses and the environment.
Two interventions for mitigating the harms of greenwashing on consumer perceptions
Authors: Dutta‐Powell Ravi , Rhee Joshua J. , Wodak Saul
Published: August 2023

Growing demand for environmentally friendly products has led to an increase in companies exaggerating their environmental credentials, a practice commonly referred to as “greenwashing.” To identify the impact of greenwashing and to test potential interventions, we designed an online experiment featuring a series of three advertisements featuring hypothetical companies. A representative sample of 2352 participants were randomised into a control group or one of two intervention groups. Intervention groups saw either a literacy or prebunking intervention, both designed to enable participants to identify common greenwashing strategies. We find that greenwashing is effective—participants were significantly more likely to agree that fictional companies in greenwashed ads had higher green credentials compared with companies depicted in nongreenwashed ads. This effect was most pronounced for those with higher levels of self‐reported environmental concern. We also find that our interventions reduce the impact of greenwashing—participants in both intervention groups rated the green credentials of companies with greenwashed ads significantly lower than participants in the control group. This effect appears to be driven partly by increasing general scepticism of the green credentials of firms and partly by increasing scepticism specifically towards greenwashed claims.
Synthesis of Schiff Bases and Secondary Amines with Indane Skeleton; Evaluation of Their Antioxidant, Antibiotic, and Antifungal Activities
Authors: Erdoğan Helin , Yılmaz Özgür , Çevik Pınar Küce , Doğan Merve , Özen Recep
Published: August 2023

In this study, Schiff bases were synthesized by utilizing the reaction of 4‐ and 5‐aminoindane with substituted benzaldehydes. After the reduction of isolated Schiff bases with NaBH4, the corresponding secondary amine derivatives were obtained. The structures of all synthesized molecules were confirmed by 1H‐NMR, 13C‐NMR, FT‐IR, and ESI‐MS. Antioxidant activities of all synthesized molecules were investigated by DPPH method, and IC50 values were calculated. In addition, antibacterial activities of targets were investigated by the well diffusion method, and then MIC99 values were calculated. While only four of the sixteen synthesized molecules showed a high level of antioxidant activity, all of the molecules exhibited biological activity against Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria to varying degrees. In addition, all the synthesized molecules showed high antifungal activity. In antioxidant capacity studies, the IC50 values of 2‐(((2,3‐dihydro‐1H‐inden‐5‐yl)amino)methyl)‐6‐methoxyphenol (4 d) and 2‐(((2,3‐dihydro‐1H‐inden‐4‐yl)amino)methyl)‐6‐methoxyphenol (7 d) were determined to be 18.1 μg and 35.1 μg, respectively, and these values are much stronger than BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) and BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole) used as positive controls. The fact that targets have the same core structure with different substituents has revealed a good structure‐activity relationship.
An unusual response to 5‐azacitidine by a patient with chronic myelomonocytic leukemia
Authors: Islam Anwarul
Published: August 2023

Key Clinical Message

Hypomethylating agents may be useful in some but not all cases of myelodysplastic syndromes. In some versions of these conditions, this treatment may yield deleterious results.

Chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) is considered to be a heterogeneous group of hematopoietic neoplasms. Usually it shares the features of myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and is known as MDS/MPN. It occurs mostly in the elderly and has an inherent tendency to transform to acute myeloid leukemia. FDA has approved hypomethylating agents (HMAs) such as 5‐azacitidine (AZA) and decitabine (DEC) for the treatment of this disorder. The extent of response rate to AZA varies considerably among patients. Our report describes a patient with CMML who not only did not respond to a conventional dose of intravenous (IV) therapy with AZA, but showed marked progression of the disease with the leucocyte count rising exponentially while undergoing the aforesaid treatment. We believe this is the first such case reported in the currently extant literature.
Boron Polycation Supported by Cyclic Bis(carbodiphosphorane)
Authors: Saito Kakeru , Kusumoto Shuhei , Nozaki Kyoko
Published: August 2023

A novel cyclic bis(carbodiphosphorane) ligand was prepared and investigated in coordination with group 13 elements, B, Al, and Ga. Al and Ga afforded dinuclear adduct where two metal centers were bridged by the bis(carbodiphosphorane) ligand. In contrast, the reaction with boron trichloride afforded a monomeric dicationic three‐coordinate boron species composed of one boron moieties and one ligand. The structures of these products were determined by X‐ray crystallography. In the dicationic boron compound, the sterically constrained cyclic structure enforced the boron center to acquire strained trigonal geometry with wide C−B−C angle of 140°. Furthermore, theoretical investigation with DFT and NBO suggested a significant contribution of tricationic two‐coordinate boron resonance structure supported by two CDP ligands.
Conformal Coverage of ZnO Nanowire Arrays by ZnMnO3: Room‐temperature Photodeposition from Aqueous Solution
Authors: Rettenmaier Karin , Zickler Gregor A. , Berger Thomas
Published: August 2023

Compositionally and structurally complex semiconductor oxide nanostructures gain importance in many energy‐related applications. Simple and robust synthesis routes ideally complying with the principles of modern green chemistry are therefore urgently needed. Here we report on the one‐step, room‐temperature synthesis of a crystalline–amorphous biphasic ternary metal oxide at the ZnO surface using aqueous precursor solutions. More specifically, conformal and porous ZnMnO3 shells are photodeposited from KMnO4 solution onto immobilized ZnO nanowires acting not only as the substrate but also as the Zn precursor. This water‐based, low temperature process yields ZnMnO3/ZnO composite electrodes featuring in 1 M Na2SO4 aqueous solution capacitance values of 80–160 F g−1 (as referred to the total mass of the porous film i. e. the electroactive ZnMnO3 phase and the ZnO nanowire array). Our results highlight the suitability of photodeposition as a simple and green route towards complex functional materials.