bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A taxonomy for measuring the success of open source software projects
Authors: Ghapanchi Amir Hossein , Aurum Aybuke , Low Graham
Published: May 2013

Open Source Software (OSS) has been widely adopted by organizations as well as individual users and has changed the way software is developed, deployed and perceived. Research into OSS success is critical since it provides project leaders with insights into how to manage an OSS project in order to succeed. However, there is no universally agreed definition of “success” and researchers employ different dimensions (e.g., project activity and project performance) to refer to OSS success. By conducting a rigorous literature survey, this paper seeks to take a holistic view to explore various areas of OSS success that have been studied in prior research. Finally it provides a measurement taxonomy including six success areas for OSS projects. Implications for theory and practice are presented.
Promoting health in a virtual world: Impressions of health communication messages delivered in Second Life
Authors: Cowdery Joan , Kindred Jeannette , Michalakis Anna , Suggs L. Suzanne
Published: May 2013

The purpose of this exploratory study was to examine the use of the online virtual world Second Life (SL) for the delivery of health communication messages designed to encourage individuals to make healthy lifestyle choices regarding physical activity and nutrition. Research questions addressed participants’ impressions of the usefulness and relevance of health information received via an online virtual world and participants’ overall impressions of an online health education intervention program. Forty individuals participated in a health education intervention and completed a post-test survey. Four focus groups were also held, one in real life and three in Second Life and included a total of 28 participants. Overall, participants rated the health intervention positively, found the information useful in helping them think about changing their health behaviors, and reported finding the information easy to understand and personally relevant. Participants were also consistent in reporting they found the use of Second Life to be a unique and novel approach for the delivery of health information.
The Marian Aesthetics of Edgar Allan Poe
Authors: Meyer Joseph Matthew
Published: May 2013

This study explores Poe's aesthetic vision of the Virgin Mary in “Morella” and the “Catholic Hymn”—or the “Hymn,” as the poem is referred to today. The argument put forth is that Poe's depictions of Mary in the texts previously mentioned are influenced by his early Anglican upbringing. More specifically, the author traces Poe's early exposure to both the Protestant Episcopal Church in Virginia and the Anglican Church of England, concluding that the latter appears to have had a more pronounced influence on Poe's Marian aesthetics. The anti–Roman Catholic themes we find in “Morella” indicate that Poe was well aware of the common charges of the time that were levied against Roman Catholics, especially the argument concerning Mary as a type of divine intercessor. However, the beautifully poetic language attributed to Mary that we find in the “Catholic Hymn” conveys Poe as a man who revered and adored the Virgin. Poe's Anglican upbringing—especially his exposure to the Church of England—would have taught him that the proper amount of veneration for Mary lies somewhere in between the Roman Catholic Church and the more evangelical Protestant sects of Christianity, and it is in this middle space, the author of the study claims, that we are able to see Poe's Marian aesthetics.
Morbid Conditions Poe and the Sublimity of Disease
Authors: McGhee J. Alexandra
Published: May 2013

At first glance, Edgar Allan Poe's worldview as presented in his writings seems to deal more with experiences of uncanny horror than sublimity. However, Poe's perversity cannot simply be understood as calling attention to the horror of existence. Through an analysis of “The Fall of the House of Usher” (1839) and “Berenice” (1835), this essay claims that accessing the sublime experience in Poe depends on a combination of perverseness, disease, and the uncanny. Because Roderick Usher and Egaeus are able, through their monomania, to dissolve meaning in the objects around them, their contemplation of these newly unheimlich objects gives them access to the inexpressibility and ineffability of the sublime state.

I employ Poe's essay “The Imp of the Perverse,” which focuses on “perverseness as a radical, primitive, irreducible faculty or sentiment of the soul, the propensity to do wrong for the wrong's sake,” in my treatment of these stories. Although an obsession with the abyss is what drives these characters over its edge, my analysis reveals that only perverseness makes the sublime experience possible. The result is not the upward transcendence of eighteenth-century philosophers like Edmund Burke and Immanuel Kant, but rather a journey downward to a total loss of control and a destruction of the self rather than an affirmation of the individual intellect over natural forces. However, this collapse accords with the cosmology Poe sets forth in Eureka, which posits that all things diffuse and radiate throughout the universe from a common source, eventually dissolving back into oneness.
Preliminary Assessment of Newspaper Coverage of Agricultural News in Delta State: A Case Study of the Pointer Newspaper in Delta State, Asaba, Nigeria
Authors: O. Ovwigho B. , P. Orogun
Published: May 2013

The obvious advantage of the newspaper over other methods of disseminating agricultural technologies and information necessitated this exploratory study. The broad objective of the study was to investigate the extent of agricultural news coverage by the pointer newspaper in 2009. The specific objectives were to: ascertain the column inches (space) given to major categories of news by the pointer newspaper in 2009; examine the percentage column inches (space) given to each category of agricultural news by the pointer newspapers in 2009; and. determine the relationship between column inches (space) given to agricultural and other categories of news covered by the pointer newspaper in 2009. Secondary data were obtained from the pointer newspaper main office at Asaba in 2010 for the study. Eight (8) broad categories of news and seven (7) categories of agricultural news were assessed. The column inches for each category of news were measured for each month by use of a measuring tape. It was found that sports were allocated the highest number of column inches with percentage and mean values of 25.61% and 2010.35 respectively. This was followed by politics (21.43%; M= 1682.18), religion (11.49%, M= 901.77), foreign news (10.08%, M= 791.63), business (9.63%, M= 760.35), entertainment (9.26%, M= 727.07), education (8.86%, M= 695.47) and agriculture (3.59%, M= 282.03). Agriculture was the least category of news covered by the pointer news paper. Poultry news (26.43%) was the most frequently reported among the categories of agricultural news in 2009. This was followed by forestry and wild life (11.52%), commentaries (10.96%), fisheries (9.90%), and agronomy (7.17%). It was found that agriculture news were the least covered by the pointer newspaper in 2009 in spite of the importance of agriculture under the present civilian government. The Pointer newspaper should devote more spaces to agricultural news in order to enhance dissemination of agricultural information to farmers in the state.
What are key determinants of hospital admissions, readmission rate and day case rate within the South African medical schemes population?
Authors: Khumalo Nondumiso  Gugu , Willie Michael , Thsehla Evelyn
Published: May 2013

BACKGROUND: In South Africa, private hospitals absorb a high proportion of the total health expenditure on private health care. Between 2008-2010 private hospital expenditure which includes ward fees, theatre fees, consumables, medicines and per diem arrangements consumed between 40.5% and 40.9% of the total benefits paid by medical schemes from the risk pool, whilst in-hospital managed care fees ranged between 1.8% and 2.8% for the equivalent years.OBJECTIVE: The aim of this paper is to highlight key factors contributing to utilisation of hospital services within the medical schemes population and to recommend “appropriate” and cost effective strategies on hospital utilisation management.METHODS: A cross sectional survey informed by retrospective analysis of quantitative data was used. Researchers also triangulated quantitative data with systematic review of literature.RESULTS: The results show that demographic indicators such as age profile, dependency ratio, pensioner ratio and prevalence of chronic conditions are not the only key factors influencing hospital admissions, but rather the effectiveness of each medical scheme in containing hospital admissions is also influenced by available technical capacity on utilisation review and audit as well as the managed care methodology including the philosophy underpinning benefit option design.CONCLUSION: This study highlights the importance of “value based” managed care programs linked to benefit option design in health care utilisation management. The choice of one managed care program over the other often leads to tradeoffs whereby unintended consequences emanate. Medical schemes are therefore encouraged to continuously review their managed care programs to ensure value for money as well as better access and health outcomes.
Bioética, nova cultura somática e sensibilidade: o cuidado do profissional da Saúde
Authors: Junior Nilo Ribeiro , De Almeida Débora Vieira
Published: May 2013

A Bioética, como ciência da vida, apresenta, em sua essência, a preocupação pela humanização da humanidade que acontece especialmente no corpo e na carne humanas. Graças aos avanços da Biologia, da Técnica e da Informática, que propõem novas formas de corpos, emerge uma nova cultura somática. Como esta tem a tendência de privilegiar a saúde como bem-estar do corpo biológico, delineia-se uma bioética preocupada em restituir o sentido da carnalidade humana, partindo da sensibilidade como categoria ético-filosófica central. Portanto, o objetivo deste ensaio é mostrar o impacto da categoria da Sensibilidade no repensamento da Ética do cuidado do profissional da Saúde no contexto da nova cultura somática contemporânea. O cuidado da pessoa enferma revelase como o cerne das atividades dos profissionais da saúde em razão da humanização do corpo do outro enquanto corpo de carne, enfatizando a centralidade da sensibilidade e carnalidade humanas. Isso conduz a um reposicionamento da compreensão do agir do profissional de saúde pautado em uma ética do cuidado em que o rosto evoca o corpo enquanto carnalidade. Dessa forma, o rosto enfermo não se reduz à enfermidade, mas suplica que seja cuidado de acordo com a sua singularidade e vulnerabilidade, convidando o profissional da Saúde a se preocupar com o outro em sua absoluta unicidade, o que transcende a visão reducionista do corpo e da saúde praticados pela nova cultura somática.
Teologia moral, bioética e cultura da morte: desafios para a Pastoral
Authors: Trasferetti José Antonio
Published: May 2013

Este artigo objetiva explicitar a Teologia Moral em suas relações práticas com o cotidiano da sociedade civil em contexto de crise social. Num universo multicêntrico, sem um princípio moral estruturante, os desafios são imensos, sobretudo diante do vasto campo da bioética e da “cultura da morte” presente na sociedade latino-americana. Neste artigo, vamos considerar a Teologia Moral e sua produção num contexto de crise social. Na verdade, trata-se de apresentar caminhos, orientações práticas para a realização de escolhas morais que permitam aprimorar o sentido da vida em ambientes de pluralismos abertos sem um horizonte de estrutura definido. A teologia moral enquanto ciência prática deve produzir uma reflexão que contribua para a formulação de uma consciência que permita o pleno discernimento tendo em vista escolhas morais consistentes e precisas.#]  Este artigo objetiva explicitar a Teologia Moral em suas relações práticas com o cotidiano da sociedade civil em contexto de crise social. Num universo multicêntrico, sem um princípio moral estruturante, os desafios são imensos, sobretudo diante do vasto campo da bioética e da “cultura da morte” presente na sociedade latino-americana. Neste artigo, vamos considerar a Teologia Moral e sua produção num contexto de crise social. Na verdade, 1 Coordenador do Programa de Pós-Graduação Strictu sensu em Filosofia da PUC-Campinas (2004-2007). Diretor da Faculdade de Filosofia da mesma universidade (2006-2010). Editor da revista Prhónesis (2004-2007). Presidente da Sociedade Brasileira de Teologia moral (2003-2009).trata-se de apresentar caminhos, orientações práticas para a realização de escolhas morais que permitam aprimorar o sentido da vida em ambientes de pluralismos abertos sem um horizonte de estrutura definido. A teologia moral enquanto ciência prática deve produzir uma reflexão que contribua para a formulação de uma consciência que permita o pleno discernimento tendo em vista escolhas morais consistentes e precisas.#]
Postoperative Management of Prostate Cancer—Optimizing Prostate Cancer Care
Authors: Sayan Mutlay , Tilki Derya , D’Amico Anthony V.
Published: July 2024

This Viewpoint discusses the end point analyses and results of the RACICALS-RT study.
Measurable Residual Disease and Clinical Outcomes in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Authors: Rios-Olais Fausto Alfredo , McGary Alyssa K. , Tsang Mazie , Almader-Douglas Diana , Leis Jose F. , Buras Matthew R. , Hilal Talal
Published: July 2024

Importance

Measurable residual disease (MRD) refers to the presence of disease at low levels not detected by conventional pathologic analysis. The association of MRD status as a surrogate end point of clinical outcome in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) has not been established in the era of targeted agents. Assessing the association of MRD with progression-free survival (PFS) may improve its role as a surrogate marker and allow its use to accelerate drug development.

Objective

To assess the association between MRD and PFS in CLL using data from prospective clinical trials that studied targeted agents or obinutuzumab-based treatment.

Data Sources

Clinical studies on CLL were identified via searches of PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science from inception through July 31, 2023.

Study Selection

Prospective, single-arm, and randomized clinical trials that assessed targeted agents or obinutuzumab-based treatment and reported PFS by MRD status were included. Studies with insufficient description of MRD information were excluded.

Data Extraction and Synthesis

Study sample size, median patient age, median follow-up time, line of treatment, MRD detection method and time points, and survival outcomes were extracted.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Analyses of survival probabilities and hazard ratios (HRs) were conducted for PFS according to MRD status. Meta-analyses were performed using a random-effects model.

Results

A total of 11 prospective clinical trials (9 randomized and 2 nonrandomized) including 2765 patients were analyzed. Achieving undetectable MRD (uMRD) at 0.01% was associated with an HR of 0.28 (95% CI, 0.20-0.39; P < .001) for PFS. Median PFS was not reached in both groups (uMRD vs MRD), but the estimated 24-month PFS was better in the uMRD group (91.9% [95% CI, 88.8%-95.2%] vs 75.3% [95% CI, 64.7%-87.6%]; P < .001). The association of uMRD with PFS was observed in subgroup analyses in the first-line treatment setting (HR, 0.24; 95% CI, 0.18-0.33), relapsed or refractory disease setting (HR, 0.34; 95% CI, 0.16-0.71), and trials using time-limited therapy (HR, 0.28; 95% CI, 0.19-0.40).

Conclusions and Relevance

The findings of this systematic review and meta-analysis suggest that assessing MRD status as an end point in clinical trials and as a surrogate of PFS may improve trial efficiency and potentially allow for accelerated drug registration.
Long-Term Outcomes of Self-Fit vs Audiologist-Fit Hearing Aids
Authors: De Sousa Karina C. , Manchaiah Vinaya , Moore David R. , Graham Marien A. , Swanepoel De Wet
Published: July 2024

Importance

With rising interest in over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids as an alternative to traditional audiologist-fit devices, understanding their long-term efficacy is crucial. However, given the novelty of the US Food and Drug Administration category of OTC hearing aids, minimal evidence currently supports their long-term efficacy.

Objective

To compare the long-term self-reported outcomes at 8 months of self-fit OTC hearing aids to the same hearing aids fit by audiologists.

Design, Setting, and Participants

Building on a previous randomized clinical trial, this follow-up comparative effectiveness research study reassessed a number of the original participants that were not lost to follow-up. Participants were initially divided into those with self-fit OTC hearing aids and those with audiologist-fit devices. Approximately 8 months after fitting, participants completed self-reported questionnaires. Missing data were addressed through multiple imputation. The original noninferiority trial was conducted at the University of Pretoria in South Africa from April 2022 to August 2022. The current analysis took place between July 7, 2023, to November 20, 2023.

Interventions

In the original trial, participants in the self-fit device group received a pair of OTC hearing aids and independently fit them with remote support as needed. The audiologist-fit device group received the same hearing aids fit by a certified audiologist using best practices.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The main outcomes were self-reported hearing aid benefit, measured using the Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit (APHAB) and the International Outcome Inventory for Hearing Aids (IOI-HA).

Results

Of 64 participants in the trial, 44 participants were included in the extension study (21 [47.7%] in the audiologist-fit group; 23 [52.3%] in the self-fit group). The mean (SD) age of these participants was 63.0 (13.2) years, and 21 (47.7%) were male. At the long-term follow-up, self-fit and audiologist-fit groups showed no significant differences in the APHAB global score (mean difference, 0.02 [95% CI, −7.1 to 7.1]; Cohen d, 0.01 [95% CI, −0.5 to 0.5]) or the IOI-HA total score (mean difference, 1.5 [95% CI, −1.4 to 4.4]; Cohen d, 0.3 [95% CI, −0.2 to 0.8]). From 6 weeks to 8 months, no clinically meaningful group-time interaction was found between groups for the APHAB global score (Cohen d, 0.1 [95% CI, −0.2 to 0.3]), but a significant interaction for the IOI-HA total score was found (Cohen d, −0.6 [95% CI, −0.8 to −0.3]), with the self-fit group generally performing better.

Conclusion

This comparative effectiveness research study demonstrated that self-fit OTC hearing aids can offer comparable long-term benefits to audiologist-fit hearing aids for individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss.
Olfactory Impairment and Frailty
Authors: Yeo Brian Sheng Yep , Chan Jun He , Tan Benjamin Kye Jyn , Liu Xuandao , Tay Laura , Teo Neville Wei Yang , Charn Tze Choong
Published: July 2024

Importance

Olfactory impairment (OI) and frailty are prevalent conditions associated with aging, but studies investigating their association with each other have been discordant.

Objective

To summarize current evidence surrounding the association between OI and frailty.

Data Sources

PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, SCOPUS, and CINAHL from inception to November 28, 2023.

Study Selection

This study included observational studies investigating the association between objectively or subjectively assessed OI and objectively evaluated frailty among adults.

Data Extraction and Synthesis

Two independent authors extracted data into a structured template. Maximally adjusted estimates were pooled using a random-effects model, and statistical heterogeneity was evaluated using I2 values. Additional prespecified subgroup and sensitivity analyses were performed. This study used the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for bias assessment and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation framework for overall evidence quality evaluation.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was the cross-sectional association between OI and frailty, for which the odds of frailty were compared between participants with and without OI. The secondary outcome was the cross-sectional association between frailty and OI, for which the odds of OI were compared between participants with and without frailty.

Results

This study included 10 studies with 10 624 patients (52.9% female; mean [SD] age, 62.9 [9.6] years). The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale score of studies ranged from low to moderate. Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation scores ranged from low to moderate. OI was associated with a 2.32-fold (odds ratio [OR], 2.32; 95% CI, 1.63-3.31; I2 = 0%) greater odds of frailty compared with individuals with healthy olfactory function. The odds of OI was progressively greater with categorical frailty status, with a 1.55-fold (OR, 1.55; 95% CI, 1.32-1.82; I2 = 0%), 2.28-fold (OR, 2.28; 95% CI, 1.96-2.65; I2 = 0%), and 4.67-fold (OR, 4.67; 95% CI, 2.77-7.86; I2 = 0%) increase in odds for individuals with prefrailty, frailty, and the most frailty, respectively, compared with robust individuals. The results demonstrated stability in subgroup analyses (geographical continent of study, objective vs subjective olfactory assessment) and sensitivity tests.

Conclusions and Relevance

The results of this systematic review and meta-analysis suggest that there is an association between OI and frailty, with an increase in the odds of OI with worsening categorical frailty status among individuals with prefrailty, frailty, and the most frailty. OI may be a potential biomarker for frailty. Future studies could delve into whether OI may be a modifiable risk factor for frailty.
A method for empirically validating FMEA RPN scores in a radiation oncology clinic using physics QC data
Authors: Kim Leonard H. , Juneja Badal R. , Viscariello Natalie N.
Published: July 2024

In failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA), the components of the risk priority number (RPN) for a failure mode (FM) are often chosen by consensus. We describe an empirical method for estimating the occurrence (O) and detectability (D) components of a RPN. The method requires for a given FM that its associated quality control measure be performed twice as is the case when a FM is checked for in an initial physics check and again during a weekly physics check. If instances of the FM caught by these checks are recorded, O and D can be computed. Incorporation of the remaining RPN component, Severity, is discussed. This method can be used as part of quality management design ahead of an anticipated FMEA or afterwards to validate consensus values.
Effect of Heat Treatment on the Interfacial Structure and Microstructure of Al/Al/Cu Composites Prepared by Different Accumulative Roll Bonding Passes
Authors: Lei Zhiqiang , Zhang Bing , Zhao Tianli , Zhang Zhijuan , Zhang Zengwen , Zhan Shancheng , Zhao Jie , Wang Kuaishe , Cai Jun
Published: July 2024

The effects of heat treatment ((300–500 °C) × 30 min) on the interfacial structure, microstructure, and tensile properties of Al4343/Al3003/Cu composites prepared by different accumulative roll bonding (ARB) passes are studied by scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersion spectrometry, electron backscattered diffraction, and tensile tests at room temperature. The results show that the total thickness of the diffusion layer at the Al3003/Cu interface in the same ARB pass Al/Al/Cu composite increases with the increase in temperature. At the same temperature, the total thickness of the diffusion layer at the Al3003/Cu interface increases from ARB0 to ARB3 passes and decreases at ARB5 passes. In the same ARB pass Al/Al/Cu composites, the grains of Al4343 grow with the increase of temperature; the grain of Al3003 increases slightly from 300 to 400 °C, and grows along the interface direction after 500 °C. After 400 and 500 °C, the final average grain size of Cu decreases from ARB0 to ARB3 passes and increases slightly at ARB5 passes. The tensile properties of the composites are affected by recovery and recrystallization at lower temperatures and ARB passes, and by the total thickness and volume fraction of the diffusion layer at higher temperatures and ARB passes.
Developing Tailored Materials for the Industrial Production of Anion Exchange Membrane Electrolyzers through a Statistical Approach
Authors: Barbi Silvia , Discepoli Gabriele , Montorsi Luca , Milani Massimo , Montorsi Monia
Published: July 2024

With the aim of better identifying possible solutions to the actual critical issues regarding the uncertain performance of anion exchange membrane (AEM) electrolyzers, analytical mathematical models related to their materials’ selection are developed through multivariate analysis. An objective evaluation and selection of such solutions are herein proposed through a statistical approach, based on multivariate data analysis (ANOVA), involving data from literature based on academic and commercial datasets. First, a classification of the materials of interest is made; thereafter, three electrolyzer properties are evaluated as responses (cost, current density, and time stability). In the results, it is demonstrated that each property considered is promoted by a different material's combination. For example, the highest current density (>1123 mA cm−2) is achieved by employing KOH as electrolyte, whereas the lowest assembly cost (≈2 $ Kg−1) is related to platinum‐based cathodes coupled with membranes at a higher loading thickness (130 μm). The selection of materials in this way will aim to gather the most suitable ones based on objective criteria, which will further drive the development of electrolyzers that are increasingly efficient and sustainable.
Supramolecular 3D Printing Enabling One‐Step Generation of Healable and Recyclable Structurally Colored Objects
Authors: Hu Zhen , Li Miaomiao , Lyu Quanqian , Chen Xiaodong , Zhang Xiujuan , Yu Ying , Zhang Lianbin , Zhu Jintao
Published: July 2024

Structurally colored objects with 3D geometries are intriguing in optical devices and visual sensors, but their preparation is bottlenecked by complicated procedures and limited material choices. Herein, a facile supramolecular 3D printing strategy is proposed via direct ink writing (DIW) supramolecular colloidal inks (SCIs) consisting of polymers and colloids based on supramolecular interactions to construct healable and recyclable structurally colored objects. Optimized supramolecular interactions balance the rheological requirements for DIW and the high particle volume fraction for the one‐step and immediate generation of structural color. The shear‐thinning and thixotropy features of the SCIs, characterized by a two‐order‐of‐magnitude decrease in viscosity during the printing process and 50% storage modulus recovery thereafter, ensure the reversible solid–liquid transition during the extrusion and deposition process. The short‐range ordered arrangements of colloids within the matrix give rise to angle‐independent structural color. Moreover, 3D structurally colored objects from the SCIs are healable and, more importantly, can be closed‐looped recycled thanks to the reversibility of supramolecular interactions. Leveraging optimized supramolecular interactions, various SCIs with a wide range of material choices meeting the DIW process are extended to construct 3D structurally colored objects directly. This study paves the way for constructing advanced 3D materials with a supramolecular strategy.
Elastogenesis in Focus: Navigating Elastic Fibers Synthesis for Advanced Dermal Biomaterial Formulation
Authors: Krymchenko Roman , Coşar Kutluoğlu Gizem , van Hout Noor , Manikowski Dominique , Doberenz Claudia , van Kuppevelt Toin H. , Daamen Willeke F.
Published: July 2024

Elastin, a fibrous extracellular matrix (ECM) protein, is the main component of elastic fibers that are involved in tissues’ elasticity and resilience, enabling them to undergo reversible extensibility and to endure repetitive mechanical stress. After wounding, it is challenging to regenerate elastic fibers and biomaterials developed thus far have struggled to induce its biosynthesis. This review provides a comprehensive summary of elastic fibers synthesis at the cellular level and its implications for biomaterial formulation, with a particular focus on dermal substitutes. The review delves into the intricate process of elastogenesis by cells and investigates potential triggers for elastogenesis encompassing elastin‐related compounds, ECM components, and other molecules for their potential role in inducing elastin formation. Understanding of the elastogenic processes is essential for developing biomaterials that trigger not only the synthesis of the elastin protein, but also the formation of a functional and branched elastic fiber network.
Super Stable Silk Nanofibrils Prepared by an Improved Exfoliation Method and Their Related Applications
Authors: Chen Ling , Liu Wen , Xiao Menglin , Sun Liangyan , Chen Xiaoxuan , Ni Lingyue , Yao Jinrong , Shao Zhengzhong , Zhao Bingjiao , Chen Xin
Published: July 2024

The high crystallinity and sophisticated hierarchical architecture of native animal silk endow it with comprehensive mechanical properties that are superior to those of most synthetic fibers. However, these features also make the direct exfoliation of silk nanofibrils (SNFs) highly challenging. On the other hand, silk‐based materials prepared by conventional method (i.e., through silk fibroin aqueous solution) are usually weak, so the preparation methods based on SNFs have attracted much attention in recent years. Herein, a facile and environmentally friendly route is developed to directly exfoliate SNFs from natural Bombyx mori silkworm silk via ammonium persulfate oxidation followed by ultrasonication. The obtained SNFs have a high yield (nearly 40%) and are well dispersed in water in a wide pH range, so they can act as a good starting material to prepare subsequent silk‐based materials. The main application of the SNFs demonstrated in this article is a curcumin (Cur)/SNFs hydrogel as wound dressing. In vivo experimental results show that the Cur/SNFs hydrogel significantly enhanced the healing rate of wounds on diabetic mice. Therefore, the preparation method developed in this study provides an efficient way to produce SNFs, which have great potential for a wide range of applications, including as wound dressings for diabetics.
A Green, Fire‐Retarding Ether Solvent for Sustainable High‐Voltage Li‐Ion Batteries at Standard Salt Concentration
Authors: Xia Dawei , Tao Lei , Hou Dong , Hu Anyang , Sainio Sami , Nordlund Dennis , Sun Chengjun , Xiao Xianghui , Li Luxi , Huang Haibo , Lin Feng
Published: July 2024

Lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) are increasingly encouraged to enhance their environmental friendliness and safety while maintaining optimal energy density and cost‐effectiveness. Although various electrolytes using greener and safer glyme solvents have been reported, the low charge voltage (usually lower than 4.0 V vs Li/Li+) restricts the energy density of LIBs. Herein, tetraglyme, a less‐toxic, non‐volatile, and non‐flammable ether solvent, is exploited to build safer and greener LIBs. It is demonstrated that ether electrolytes, at a standard salt concentration (1 m), can be reversibly cycled to 4.5 V vs Li/Li+. Anchored with Boron‐rich cathode‐electrolyte interphase (CEI) and mitigated current collector corrosion, the LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2 (NMC811) cathode delivers competitive cyclability versus commercial carbonate electrolytes when charged to 4.5 V. Synchrotron spectroscopic and imaging analyses show that the tetraglyme electrolyte can sufficiently suppress the overcharge behavior associated with the high‐voltage electrolyte decomposition, which is advantageous over previously reported glyme electrolytes. The new electrolyte also enables minimal transition metal dissolution and deposition. NMC811||hard carbon full cell delivers excellent cycling stability at C/3 with a high average Coulombic efficiency of 99.77%. This work reports an oxidation‐resilient tetraglyme electrolyte with record‐high 4.5 V stability and enlightens further applications of glyme solvents for sustainable LIBs by designing Boron‐rich interphases.
Ce‐Doping Rather Than CeO2 Modification and Their Synergistic Effect: Promotion from Ce Species in the Electrocatalytic Oxidation of 5‐Hydroxymethylfurfural Over NiFe–LDH
Authors: Zhang Yanyan , Hai Guangtong , Huang Zhuoshen , Liu Zhimeng , Huang Xiubing , Wang Ge
Published: July 2024

Electrocatalytic oxidation of 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (HMFOR) is an effective route to produce value‐added chemicals with low energy consumption. In this work, efficient electrocatalysts are prepared by varying the amount of Ce doping and CeO2 modification on NiFe layered double hydroxide (NiFe–LDH) nanosheets supported on carbon cloth (CC). Through Ce doping and heterogeneous interface construction, the electronic structure and coordination chemistry of NiFe–LDH are greatly changed. Compared to CeO2 modification and the synergistic effect of Ce‐doping and CeO2 modification, CC@NiFeCe(3%)‐LDH with only Ce‐doping show excellent charge transfer ability, higher HMF conversion (95.73%), 2,5‐furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) selectivity (93.31%), and Faraday efficiency (99.47%) at only 1.44 VRHE. Density‐functional theory calculations and X‐ray fine structure spectroscopy demonstrate that Ce doping, compared with CeO2 modification and their synergistic effects, significantly facilitates the electron transport and optimizes intermediate adsorption by effectively lowering the activation energy for the transformation of 5‐formyl‐2‐furancarboxylic acid (FFCA) and encourage the conversion of FFCA to FDCA. Overall, this work systemically investigates the HMFOR behaviors of CC@NiFe–LDH under Ce doping, CeO2 modification, and their synergetic effect, which provides some guidance on the development of high‐performance electrocatalysts for HMFOR performance.
Exceptional Nitrate Reduction to Ammonia Catalyst Enabled by BO2− Anion Induction Effects Combining Heterogeneous Branching Architecture‐Driven Mass Transport Enhancement
Authors: Ding Liping , Yan Han , Zhang Lin , Bai Ruijie , Du Qian , Xu Chun , Gu Haojie , Guo Suer , Cheng Guoxia , Fu Qiaomei , Liu Siqi , Yin Kang , Li Qi , Wang Yanqing
Published: July 2024

In this paper, an exceptional nitrate reduction to ammonia catalyst is reported, enabled by BO2− anion induction effects combining heterogeneous branching architecture‐driven mass transport enhancement strategies. The implantation of the BO2− anion can inductively enhance the electron cloud density and electron transmission paths of intrinsic catalysts, makes electron more active to improve the conductivity, regulates the adsorption and desorption rates of intermediates by space barrier effect, reduces the binding energy of the electron and 3d orbital of Ni in NiFe(BO2)O(OH), thereby lowing the transform free energy of the determining *NO3 to *HNO3 step. 3D hollow sea urchin lattice heterogeneous branching structure can self‐drive generate differentiated micro convection intervals, which will be beneficial for improving mass transfer dynamics especially localized disturbance mass transfer effect of catalyst for nitrate reduction reaction (NO3RR) catalysis process. Amazingly, the as‐prepared 3D NiFe metaborate oxyhydroxide hollow bionic sea urchins lattice catalyst has a high NH3 rate 6.27mmol·h−1·cm−2 with 98.7% Faradaic efficiency at low ‐0.25V(vs RHE) NO3RR potential. Moreover, the catalytic activity of this highly stable catalyst decreases only slightly over 100 h at ultra‐high 1500mA·cm−2 current. This work breaks through the bottleneck that plagues the performance improvement of non Cu‐based high‐current NO3RR catalysts.
Measuring leaf and root functional traits uncovers multidimensionality of plant responses to arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi
Authors: Stahlhut Katherine N. , Neupert Deannah G. , Laing Josie E. , Witt Lydia J. , Bauer Jonathan T.
Published: July 2024

Premise

While many studies have measured the aboveground responses of plants to mycorrhizal fungi at a single time point, little is known about how plants respond belowground or across time to mycorrhizal symbiosis. By measuring belowground responses and growth over time in many plant species, we create a more complete picture of how mycorrhizal fungi benefit their hosts.

Methods

We grew 26 prairie plant species with and without mycorrhizal fungi and measured 14 functional traits to assess above‐ and belowground tissue quality and quantity responses and changes in resource allocation. We used function‐valued trait (FVT) modeling to characterize changes in species growth rate when colonized.

Results

While aboveground biomass responses were positive, the response of traits belowground were much more variable. Changes in aboveground biomass accounted for 60.8% of the variation in mycorrhizal responses, supporting the use of aboveground biomass response as the primary response trait. Responses belowground were not associated with aboveground responses and accounted for 18.3% of the variation. Growth responses over time were highly variable across species. Interestingly, none of the measured responses were phylogenetically conserved.

Conclusions

Mycorrhizal fungi increase plant growth in most scenarios, but the effects of these fungi belowground and across time are more complicated. This study highlights how differences in plant allocation priorities might affect how they utilize the benefits from mycorrhizal fungi. Identifying and characterizing these differences is a key step to understanding the effects of mycorrhizal mutualisms on whole plant physiology.
Total adiponectin in indigenous Melanesians on Kitava
Authors: Carrera‐Bastos Pedro , Fontes‐Villalba Maelán , Ahrén Bo , Lindblad Ulf , Råstam Lennart , Frostegård Johan , Åkerfeldt Torbjörn , Granfeldt Yvonne , Sundquist Kristina , Jönsson Tommy
Published: July 2024

Objectives

Experimental and small human studies have indicated that high total adiponectin levels have beneficial cardiometabolic effects. In contrast, however, high total adiponectin levels are also associated with higher all‐cause and cardiovascular mortality in thoroughly adjusted epidemiological studies. To gain further insight into these seemingly contradictory results, we report results on total adiponectin from the indigenous Melanesian population of Kitava, Trobriand Islands, Papua New Guinea, where an apparent absence of cardiometabolic disease has been previously reported.

Methods

Fasting levels of serum total adiponectin were measured cross‐sectionally in ≥40‐year‐old Kitavans (n = 102) and Swedish controls matched for age and sex (n = 108). Multivariable linear regression was used for the analysis of associations with total adiponectin when controlled for group, sex, smoking, hypertension and/or type 2 diabetes, age, and body mass index.

Results

Total adiponectin was lower for Kitavans compared to Swedish controls (Median [Mdn] 4.6 μg/mL, range 1.0–206 μg/mL and Mdn 9.7 μg/mL, range 3.1–104 μg/mL, respectively, r = .64, p < .001). Lower total adiponectin was associated with Kitavan group, male sex (only in Swedish controls), smoking (only in Kitavans and Swedish controls combined), younger age (not in Swedish controls), higher BMI, lower total, low‐density lipoprotein, high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) (only in Kitavans and Swedish controls combined), and non‐HDL cholesterol, and higher anti‐PC IgG (only in Kitavans and Swedish controls combined).

Conclusion

Total adiponectin in Kitavans was significantly lower than in Swedish controls.
Chitosan‐based crosslinking for controlled topical drug release in rhinosinusitis
Authors: Cho Do‐Yeon , Lim Dong Jin , Kelly Olivia J. , Skinner Daniel , Zhang Shaoyan , Jones Martin P. , Grayson Jessica , Woodworth Bradford A.
Published: July 2024

Key points

Chitosan is a promising drug delivery vector for therapeutics owing to its biocompatibility.

Once crosslinked with chitosan, prolonged drug release was noted regardless of hydrophilicity.

Hydrophilic drugs may require different strategies to obtain a sustained release profile.
Applications and advancements in animal models for antiviral research on mosquito‐borne arboviruses
Authors: Tang Megan Caifeng , Wong Ka Heng , Azman Adzzie Shazleen , Lani Rafidah
Published: July 2024

Vector‐borne diseases caused by arthropod‐borne viruses (arboviruses) are a considerable challenge to public health globally. Mosquito‐borne arboviruses, such as Chikungunya, Dengue, and Zika viruses, cause a range of human illnesses and may be fatal. Currently, efforts to control these diseases still face challenges due to growing vector resistance towards insecticides, urbanization, and limited effective antiviral treatments and vaccines. Animal models are crucial in antiviral research on mosquito‐borne arboviruses, playing a role in understanding disease mechanisms, vaccine development, and toxicity testing, but the application of animal models still faces the challenges of ethical considerations and animal‐to‐human translational success. Genetically engineered mouse models, hamster models and non‐human primate (NHP) are currently used in arbovirus research, but new models such as tree shrews and novel humanized mice are emerging. In the context of Malaysian research, the use of long‐tailed macaques as potential NHP models for arbovirus research is possible; however, it faces the ethical dilemma of using an endangered species for scientific purposes. Overall, animal models play a crucial role in advancing infectious disease research, but a balance between medical research and species conservation must be upheld.
Strain‐Release‐Driven Modular Synthesis of Oxetane‐Based Amide Bioisosteres: Concise, Robust and Scalable Approach
Authors: Spránitz Péter , Sőregi Petra , Hegedüs Kristóf , Igriczi Barbara , Szakács Gergely , Jemnitz Katalin , Szabó Pál , Galushchak Yarema , Mykhailiuk Pavel K. , Soós Tibor
Published: July 2024

Amide bioisoterism is a widely used strategy in drug development to fine‐tune physicochemical, pharmacokinetic, and metabolic properties, eliminate toxicity and gain intellectual property rights in uncharted chemical space. Of these, oxetane‐amines offer particularly exciting possibilities as bioisosteres, although they are less frequently investigated than warranted due to the lack of simple and widely applicable synthetic methods. Herein, we report a two‐step, practical, modular, robust, and scalable method for the construction of oxetane‐containing amide bioisosteres that relies on the readily available oxetan‐3‐one. This operationally simple procedure exploits the enhanced reactivity of the keto group of the commercially available oxetan‐3‐one to form amine‐benzotriazole intermediates, which springloaded adducts are then reacted with various aliphatic and aromatic organometallic reagents under mild conditions to afford various amino‐oxetanes in good to high yields. The simplicity and broad applicability of the method greatly facilitates the synthesis of derivatives that were previously difficult or impossible to produce. The usefulness of this method in the field medicinal chemistry was also demonstrated by eliminating the well‐known metabolic problem of ketoconazole.
Non‐Classical Deactivation Mechanism in a Supported Intermetallic Catalyst for Propane Dehydrogenation
Authors: Tian Jinshu , Kong Ru , Deng Bin , Cheng Yi , Hu Kerou , Zhong Zhangnan , Sun Tulai , Tan Mingwu , Chen Luwei , Zhao Jia , Wang Yong , Li Xiaonian , Zhu Yihan
Published: July 2024

Platinum‐based supported intermetallic alloys (IMAs) demonstrate exceptional performance in catalytic propane dehydrogenation (PDH) primarily because of their remarkable resistance to coke formation. However, these IMAs still encounter a significant hurdle in the form of catalyst deactivation. Understanding the complex deactivation mechanism of supported IMAs, which goes beyond conventional coke deposition, requires meticulous microscopic structural elucidation. In this study, we unravel a nonclassical deactivation mechanism over a PtZn/γ‐Al2O3 PDH catalyst, dictated by the PtZn to Pt3Zn nanophase transformation accompanied with dezincification. The physical origin lies in the metal support interaction (MSI) that enables strong chemical bonding between hydroxyl groups on the support and Zn sites on the PtZn phase to selectively remove Zn species followed by the reconstruction towards Pt3Zn phase. Building on these insights, we have devised a solution to circumvent the deactivation by passivating the MSI through surface modification of γ‐Al2O3 support. By exchanging protons of hydroxyl groups with potassium ions (K) on the γ‐Al2O3 support, such a strategy significantly minimizes the dezincification of PtZn IMA via diminished metal‐support bonding, which dramatically reduces the deactivation rate from 0.2044 to 0.0587 h−1. These findings decode the nonclassical PDH deactivation mechanism over supported IMA catalysts and elaborate a new logic for the design of high‐performance IMA based PDH catalysts with long‐term stability.
Bismuth as a Z‐Type Ligand: an Unsupported Pt−Bi Donor‐Acceptor Interaction and its Umpolung by Reaction with H2
Authors: Schwarzmann Johannes , Eskelinen Toni , Reith Sascha , Ramler Jacqueline , Karttunen Antti J. , Poater Jordi , Lichtenberg Crispin
Published: July 2024

Establishing unprecedented types of bonding interactions is one of the fundamental challenges in synthetic chemistry, paving the way to new (electronic) structures, physicochemical properties, and reactivity. In this context, unsupported element‐element interactions are particularly noteworthy since they offer pristine scientific information about the newly identified structural motif. Here we report the synthesis, isolation, and full characterization of the heterobimetallic Bi/Pt compound [Pt(PCy3)2(BiMe2)(SbF6)] (1), bearing the first unsupported transition metal→bismuth donor/acceptor interaction as its key structural motif. 1 is surprisingly robust, its electronic spectra are interpreted in a fully relativistic approach, and it reveals an unprecedented reactivity towards H2.
Organometallic analogs of chloroquine: Challenges and perspectives as anti‐malarial agents
Authors: Rani Swati , Devi Jai , Kumar Balvinder , Manuja Anju
Published: July 2024

Malaria caused by Plasmodium protozoa, transmitted by the Anopheles mosquitoes' is one ofthe most important diseases. Current antimalarial drugs target vital parasite progressions ormetabolic pathways essential for parasitic development, thus aiding the host in overcomingthe infection by inhibiting protozoa growth. However, at the same time, it also produces adisruptive consequence on the host cells. These cause severe adverse effects on the host andlead to drug resistance. The urgent need for novel, non‐toxic anti‐protozoal compounds isevident due to the resistance developed against drugs like chloroquine andhydroxychloroquine. Metal complexes of various elements like iron, gold, ruthenium, and othershave shown their anti‐malarial potential. We have reviewed the research ongoing globally on the developments of new molecules of chloroquine coupled with different transition elements and describe the structure–activity relationship of chloroquine, which also provides insights into the chemistry of these compounds.