bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chiral Benzene Triimide (BTI) Radical Anions for Probing the Interplay of Unpaired Electron Spin and Chirality
Authors: Tuo De‐Hui , Ao Yu‐Fei , Wang Qi‐Qiang , Wang De‐Xian
Published: October 2023

Herein a series of chiral BTI radical anions bearing different chiral substituents were efficiently prepared by chemical reduction. X‐ray crystallography revealed finely‐tuned packing and helix assemblies of the radicals by the size of chiral substituents in crystalline state. In accordance with the crystalline‐state packing, the powder ESR spectra indicate that 4 a−⋅CoCp2+ and 4 c−⋅CoCp2+ π‐dimers exhibit thermally excited triplet states arising from strong spin‐spin interactions, while discrete 4 b−⋅CoCp2+ shows a broad doublet‐state signal reflecting weak spin‐spin interactions. The interplay between the unpaired electron spin and chiral substituents was studied by UV‐Vis‐NIR spectra, electronic circular dichroism (ECD) and TD DFT calculations. Different NIR absorptions of the radicals attributing to isolated SOMO→LUMO+1 (~889 nm) transitions were recorded. The emergence of Cotton effects (CEs) at the NIR region for 4 c−⋅CoCp2+ radical enantiomers suggest the interplay between chirality and unpaired electron spin. The origin of the different circularly polarized light absorptions regarding SOMO derived transitions (around 880 nm) was attributed to chiral substitutes regulated electric and magnetic transition dipole moments of the unpaired electron participated transition.
Well‐posedness of stochastic heat equation with distributional drift and skew stochastic heat equation
Authors: Athreya Siva , Butkovsky Oleg , Lê Khoa , Mytnik Leonid
Published: October 2023

We study stochastic reaction–diffusion equation
where is a generalized function in the Besov space , and is a space‐time white noise on . We introduce a notion of a solution to this equation and obtain existence and uniqueness of a strong solution whenever , and . This class includes equations with being measures, in particular, which corresponds to the skewed stochastic heat equation. For , we obtain existence of a weak solution. Our results extend the work of Bass and Chen (2001) to the framework of stochastic partial differential equations and generalize the results of Gyöngy and Pardoux (1993) to distributional drifts. To establish these results, we exploit the regularization effect of the white noise through a new strategy based on the stochastic sewing lemma introduced in Lê (2020).
AC Conduction Mechanism and Impedance Analysis of Conventional and Plasma‐Sintered Yttria‐Stabilized ZrO2@Mullite Composite
Authors: Biswal Bijaylaxmi , Mishra Dilip Kumar
Published: October 2023

The addition of 8 mol% of Y2O3 to the ZrO2@mullite composites stabilizes the metastable tetragonal phase of ZrO2 in conventional and plasma‐sintered Y2O3‐stabilized ZrO2@mullite composites. A fused, highly dense, and interconnected microstructure is formed in the case of plasma‐sintered Y2O3 stabilized ZrO2@mullite composite. At 1 MHz frequency, the room temperature and tanδ of (10.37 and 2.06) is obtained for the conventional Y2O3 stabilized ZrO2@mullite composite and that of (38.8 and 4.02) is observed for the plasma sintered Y2O3 stabilized ZrO2@mullite composite. The substitution of Y3+ in place of Zr4+ creates sufficiently large oxygen vacancies at the grain boundary regions of these composites endowed mostly with the ZrO2 phase. In conventional Y2O3‐ ZrO2@mullite composites, both dielectric relaxation as well as conductivity relaxation are observed due to the dynamic motion of dipoles and relaxation due to the presence of defect states and porous structures. This leads to higher grain boundary conductivity than the grain conductivity of these composites. Thermally activated conduction mechanisms exhibited in these composite materials are projected from the complex impedance and modulus analysis. The conventional and plasma sintered Y2O3‐ ZrO2@mullite composite has an optical bandgap of 3.26 and 3.58 eV, respectively.
Effect of baby swimming lessons on infants’ avoidance of bodies of water
Authors: Burnay Carolina , Anderson David I. , Button Chris , Cordovil Rita
Published: October 2023

Despite the popularity of infant swimming programs, no evidence exists to determine whether they influence infants’ judgments and behavior when confronted with bodies of water. We conducted two separate studies examining if the total number of swimming sessions an infant participated in predicted whether they avoided a body of water they could enter via an edge (Study 1—Water Cliff: n = 101 infants) or a slope (Study 2—Water Slope: n = 77 infants). The results revealed a significant interaction between number of sessions and type of entry into the water. Infants who participated in 10 or more sessions were more likely to avoid falling on the edge leading into the water but entered the water significantly more if they could access it via a slope. These findings suggest that while experience in baby swimming programs can promoted more adaptive behaviors on drop‐offs leading into bodies of water, sloped entries may heighten drowning risks for young children with greater familiarity with water. Because we tested the two groups of infants in different countries, further research is warranted to determine if cultural differences in child rearing practices or variations in the content and/or teaching of the swimming programs might explain these intriguing findings.
In vitro cannabinoid activity profiling of generic ban‐evading brominated synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists and their analogs
Authors: Deventer Marie H. , Persson Mattias , Norman Caitlyn , Liu Huiling , Connolly Matthew J. , Daéid Niamh Nic , McKenzie Craig , Gréen Henrik , Stove Christophe P.
Published: October 2023

Following the enactment of a generic ban in China in 2021, the synthetic cannabinoid market has been evolving, now encompassing even wider structural diversity. Compounds carrying a brominated core such as ADB‐5′Br‐BUTINACA (ADMB‐B‐5Br‐INACA) and tail‐less analogs, such as ADB‐5′Br‐INACA (ADMB‐5Br‐INACA), MDMB‐5′Br‐INACA, and ADB‐INACA (ADMB‐INACA), have been detected since late 2021. This study investigated the cannabinoid receptor (CB) activation potential of synthesized (S)‐enantiomers of these substances, as well as of two predicted analogs MDMB‐5′Br‐BUTINACA (MDMB‐B‐5Br‐INACA) and ADB‐5′F‐BUTINACA (ADMB‐B‐5F‐INACA), using CB1 and CB2 β‐arrestin 2 recruitment assays and a CB1 intracellular calcium release assay. Surprisingly, the tail‐less (S)‐ADB‐5′Br‐INACA and (S)‐MDMB‐5′Br‐INACA retained CB activity, albeit with a decreased potency compared to their tailed counterparts (S)‐ADB‐5′Br‐BUTINACA and (S)‐MDMB‐5′Br‐BUTINACA, respectively, which were potent and efficacious CB1 agonists. Also, at CB2, tail‐less analogs showed a lower potency but increased efficacy. Removing the bromine substitution ((S)‐ADB‐INACA) resulted in a reduced activity at CB1; however, this effect was less prominent at CB2. Looking at tailed analogs, replacing the bromine with a fluorine substitution ((S)‐ADB‐5′F‐BUTINACA) resulted in an increased potency and efficacy at both receptors. Furthermore, as ADB‐5′Br‐INACA and MDMB‐5′Br‐INACA have been frequently detected together in Scottish prisons, this study also evaluated the CB1 receptor activation potential of different mixtures of their respective reference standards, showing no unexpected cannabimimetic effect of combining both substances. Lastly, two powders seized by Belgian Customs and confirmed to contain ADB‐5′Br‐INACA and MDMB‐5′Br‐INACA, respectively, were assessed for CB activity. Based on the comparison with their reference standards, varying degrees of purity were suspected.
Design of Bi4O5Br2/g‐C3N4 heterojunction for efficient photocatalytic removal of persistent organic pollutants from water
Authors: Song Pin , Du Jun , Ma Xinliang , Shi Yunmei , Fang Xiaoyu , Liu Daobin , Wei Shiqiang , Liu Zhanfeng , Cao Yuyang , Lin Bo , Di Jun , Wang Yan , Cui Jiewu , Kong Tingting , Gao Chao , Xiong Yujie
Published: October 2023

Dyes and antibiotics as typical persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are widely present in the environment, but can hardly be removed completely by traditional water treatment methods. Here, we designed Bi4O5Br2/g‐C3N4 composite nanosheets for efficient photocatalytic removal of POPs in water. The Bi4O5Br2/g‐C3N4 composite with a heterojunction structure exhibited high adsorption and photocatalytic activity for removal of tetracycline (TC) and ciprofloxacin (CIP) with excellent cyclic stability, owing to its large specific surface area as well as enhanced charge separation and visible light utilization. Our characterization revealed that h+ and ·OH are responsible for the photocatalytic degradation of TC and CIP. This work provides insights into the design of photocatalytic materials with synergy of adsorption and photocatalytic degradation, and offers a heterojunction construction strategy for addressing the increasingly severe environmental issues.
Deposition areas: An effective solution for the reduction of the sediment volume transported by stony debris flows on the high‐sloping reach of channels incising fans and debris cones
Authors: Bernard Martino , Barbini Matteo , Boreggio Mauro , Biasuzzi Katya , Gregoretti Carlo
Published: October 2023

The main approach to managing the volume of sediment transported by stony debris flows routing along channels is through retention basins and open check dams, usually built in the lower reach just upstream of inhabited areas where slopes are gentler. In some cases, these measures are not sufficient to retain all the volume of sediment transported by debris flows. Works for trapping the sediments should also be placed in the upper reach of debris‐flow channels. In this area, where the channel bed is characterized by very high slopes and vertical variability over time, constructing and maintaining transversal embankments for sediment retention is difficult. In addition, they could also be susceptible to failure, potentially increasing the magnitude of the phenomenon instead of mitigating it. On the other hand, other types of works, such as solid‐body check dams or net barriers, have a decreasing efficiency over time in reducing the volume of sediment transported by debris flows. An alternative solution could be a retention basin open on the downstream side, that is, without the ending transversal embankment or berm. Therefore, it can be designated as a deposition area because the retention effect of the downstream embankment is missing, and sediment deposition only occurs due to the flatness of the basin. For sizing purposes, here, we derive two relationships between the deposition area and the volume of the deposit. These two relationships are derived from a physically based geometrical approach and empirical approach, respectively. After analyzing the morphology of the depositional processes that occurred in an existing deposition area during debris‐flow events, we test the validity of the two relationships. Overall, these can be used independently or in combination for designing a deposition area. At last, we introduce the necessary geomorphological conditions for the construction of the deposition area and guidance for its placement.
Contamination of Bisphenol A, Nonylphenol, Octylphenol, and Estrone in Major Rivers of Mega Manila, Philippines
Authors: Sta. Ana Katrina Marie , Galera Kate Coleen , Espino Maria Pythias
Published: October 2023

Endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs) such as natural and synthetic hormones as well as phenolic industrial chemicals are considered contaminants of emerging concern in environmental waters. While EDCs carried through rivers may impact ecosystem health and productivity, these compounds are still not widely studied nor regulated. In the present study, we report the occurrence of EDCs in urban rivers in Mega Manila, namely, the Marikina, Pasig, Angat, and Pampanga Rivers that drain into Manila Bay. Endocrine-disrupting compounds may have reached these rivers through domestic wastewater and industrial effluents. Water samples from the rivers were extracted by solid-phase extraction before instrumental analysis using a liquid chromatograph coupled to a mass spectrometer. The analytical method exhibited good linear response (>99% in the concentration range of 1–50 µg/L) and low instrument detection limits (0.14–1.46 µg/L) for the hormones estrone (E1), estradiol, ethinylestradiol, progesterone, and testosterone, and the industrial chemicals bisphenol A, nonylphenol, and octylphenol. Of the hormones, E1 was detected up to 11 ng/L. Bisphenol A, nonylphenol, and octylphenol were measured up to 54, 1878, and 62 ng/L, respectively. Endocrine-disrupting compounds are not yet monitored in water bodies in the Philippines and there are no local guidelines yet on occurrence, pollution prevention, and mitigation. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:259–266. © 2023 SETAC
Assessing public health sector performance in Bangladesh: Implications for health systems strengthening and universal health coverage – A secondary data analysis
Authors: Sarkar Shila , Wangmo Sangay , Flora Meerjady Sabrina , Uddin Shah Md Jashim , Sultan Murad , Grundy John
Published: October 2023

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has established a health systems strengthening initiative for measuring the performance of public sector health facilities in Bangladesh. The objective of the performance management initiative is to establish routine systems for measuring and scoring health facility performance and promote best practices in public health service management. The performance initiative includes a set of assessments conducted across the four tiers of the public health sector. The findings of assessments demonstrate improvements in the quality of health services and a sharp increase in the utilisation of services across all tiers during the period 2017–2019. The performance management initiative has also identified areas for improvement in the supply‐side health system readiness, including ensuring an adequate supply of human resources, essential medicines, and functioning medical equipment and technologies. This initiative outlines the need to systematically address the issue of high health workforce vacancy rates through effective human resource planning and management strategies. The reporting of these ongoing health systems successes and challenges through the performance management initiative in Bangladesh provides an opportunity to develop evidence‐based policy reforms for strengthening supply‐side health systems. The initiative results, particularly in the context of growing public demand for services, also justifies a monitoring and evaluation mechanism focusing on the quality and coverage of frontline health facilities and the development of more integrated health systems. The performance management initiative will facilitate the maintenance of essential health services while addressing emergency health needs and tracking progress towards achieving the Universal Health Coverage goal.
Dual‐mode smart flipping materials and devices for thermal management
Authors: Kong Gaoyang , Xu Jianing , Xie Wei , Sun Ya , Fan Yile , Wang Haoyu , Kondo Hiroki , Zhou Han
Published: October 2023

Thermal management is of great significance for human activities. Attaining thermal comfort not only requires thermal control of building's macroenvironment, but also additionally personal thermal regulation. Radiative cooling technologies are anticipated to effectively lower building energy utilization and provide optimal thermal comfort for individuals in hot weather. Nevertheless, these static and single‐purpose characteristics lack the ability to adjust to rapidly changing weather conditions, often leading to excessive cooling. To overcome this challenge, the emergence of dual‐mode smart flipping technologies has provided a pathway for dynamically adjusting the heating or cooling of objects in response to fluctuations in ambient temperature. First, the underlying principles of dual‐mode smart flipping are shown. Then the evolving materials and approaches of smart flipping are given an introduction to adapt to different environments under external stimuli, such as mechanical flipping, temperature, humidity, and so forth. Afterward, we present the recent applications of dual‐mode smart flipping materials and devices in personal thermal management, thermoelectric generation, energy‐saving buildings, and smart windows. Finally, the challenges and outlook of dual‐mode smart flipping are presented and future directions are identified.
Improving predoctoral education related to caries risk assessment in adults
Authors: Kaur Roopwant , Cook Joshua , Camargo Gerard , Moss Mark E.
Published: October 2023

Objectives

This project examined patterns of adult patient management using a caries risk assessment (CRA) protocol at East Carolina University, School of Dental Medicine. Usage of the CRA protocol from 2014 to 2019 was assessed. Non‐operative anti‐caries treatments were measured against caries risk status (high, moderate, low, or none). Steps to improve the appropriate management of patients based on caries risk are presented to align with accreditation standards for predoctoral education programs.

Methods

The CRA protocol is based on the Caries Management by Risk Assessment approach. Risk‐based patterns for two non‐operative interventions were examined: (1) prescriptions for 0.12% chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX) mouth rinse and (2) prescriptions for 5000 ppm fluoride toothpaste (PreviDent 5000 [PreviDent]). Statistical analyses included chi‐square tests and logistic regression.

Results

Over the study period only 16.4% of adult patients had completed the CRA form. Among 29,411 patients from nine community sites, treatment rates for PreviDent were 18.7% among high‐risk patients, 11.6% for moderate‐risk adults, and 6.4% for low‐risk adults (p < 0.01). Treatment rates for CHX were 23.0%, 22.6%, and 17.1%, respectively (p < 0.05). Patients without a CRA status were least likely to receive any anti‐caries treatments, indicating that CRA status affects clinical, non‐operative care.

Conclusions

Patterns for prescription of PreviDent and CHX are consistent with CRA status. Future efforts to improve usage of the CRA protocol using faculty calibration, tracking with quality improvement tools, and reassessment. Training in the community‐based educational setting is enhanced through data‐based tracking to assure evidence‐based decision making.
Mass spectrometry‐based gas phase intramolecular benzyl migration in sparsentan, a novel endothelin and angiotensin II receptor antagonist
Authors: Mane Sudam S. , Ghaste Manoj , Dearden David V.
Published: October 2023

We report a collision‐induced dissociation (CID) based gas phase rearrangement study using quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry coupled with liquid chromatography on a novel endothelin and angiotensin II receptor antagonist, sparsentan. We performed tandem mass spectrometry to identify precursor and fragment ion relationships and assigned structures for major fragment ions. We propose a benzyl migration mechanism based on bond length measurements in density functional theory (B3LYP/6‐31+G*) optimized geometries of protonated sparsentan and its m/z 547 fragment. Protonated sparsentan undergoes loss of ethanol, which yields a resonance‐stabilized benzylic cation with m/z 547, which further fragments into m/z 353 via benzyl migration, where the benzylic cation migrates to one of the nucleophilic nitrogen atoms followed by proton transfer from the sulfonamide nitrogen to a carbonyl oxygen, resulting in a neutral loss of mass 194. Further fragmentation of m/z 353 results in m/z 258, which undergoes radical and neutral loss to yield m/z 193 and 194, respectively. The proposed mechanism of generation of m/z 353 was confirmed by CID of deuterated sparsentan. Considering the importance of gas phase rearrangements of organic molecules in structural identifications as well as the novelty of the molecule, these findings will be helpful for future studies to predict gas phase benzyl migration in sparsentan analogs and for degradation product and metabolite identification of sparsentan and its analogs using LC–MS.
Fractional‐calculus analysis of the dynamics of typhoid fever with the effect of vaccination and carriers
Authors: Jan Rashid , Boulaaras Salah , Alnegga Mohammad , Abdullah Farah Aini
Published: October 2023

Typhoid fever poses a severe hazard to public health and affects at least 27 million people annually around the globe. It is significant to conceptualize the key factors of the transmission phenomena of this bacterial infection. We formulate a novel epidemic model for typhoid fever with vaccination and carriers via Caputo‐Fabrizio operator. The fundamental results of the model are inspected analytically and the basic reproduction value are then assessed. The Jacobian matrix approach has been used to demonstrate the local stability of the infection‐free steady‐state for . We interrogated the uniqueness and existence of the solution of the recommended fractional dynamics of typhoid fever. We illustrated the solution pathways of the recommended system of typhoid fever numerically and demonstrated the dynamics of the infection with variation of different parameters. Our results demonstrated how the dynamical behavior of the typhoid fever infection is influenced by input parameters. The findings highlight the significance and persuasive behavior of fractional order and show that the model's fractional memory effects appear to be a good fit for these kinds of findings. We have shown the most attractive factors of the system for the control and prevention through our study.
Charged Surface of Polyacrylonitrile Colloid and Its Application to N2/CO2Separation
Authors: Kwon Tae‐Gyun , Lee Juyeong , Jo Oong Hyeon , Kang Beom‐Goo , Kang Sang Wook
Published: October 2023

Nano‐sized polyacrylonitrile (PAN) colloidal dispersions of 44.6 ± 8.3 nm prepared by the modified emulsion polymerization method are utilized for gas separation. The emulsion (o/w) polymerization using organic solvent instead of precipitation polymerization is utilized, and both the size of the colloidal particle and the zeta potential could be controlled by the content of the material constituting emulsion. Thus, the solubility of CO2is dependent on the zeta potential on the surface of colloids, resulting in that the degree of absorption of CO2is controllable. Then, N2/CO2separation experiment is carried out by applying the synthesized PAN colloidal dispersions into a polymer composite. The composite membranes are prepared by adding PAN colloidal dispersions based on poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP). It is observed that the neat PVP membrane has no separation performance, while the PVP/PAN colloidal composite film shows the improved N2/CO2selectivity of 17. This improved separation performance is due to the fact that the solubility of CO2decreased by absorption to specific functional groups, resulting in the enhancement of N2separation.
Antiferroelectric AgNbO3@KH550 Doped PVDF/PMMA Composites with High Energy Storage Performance
Authors: Wang Zhuo , Kang Jinteng , Wu Dan , Xue Ying , Yi Zhihui
Published: October 2023

The residual polarization of antiferroelectric ceramics is very small, yet they possess high energy storage density and efficiency. Incorporating antiferroelectric ceramic particles into a polymer matrix is beneficial for improving the energy storage performance of composites. However, excessive amounts of ceramic particles can lead to aggregation within the polymer, resulting in defects and a significant reduction in composite film performance. In this study, the antiferroelectric AgNbO3 is selected as the filler and modified with silane coupling agent KH550. poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) are blended as the matrix, and the energy storage performance of the composite is improved by adjusting the additional amount of PVDF. The structure, dielectric properties, and energy storage properties of the composites are systematically studied. The results show that hydrogen bonds are formed between PVDF and PMMA, and PVDF and PMMA are tightly bonded under the action of hydrogen bonds. The compatibility of PVDF with PMMA is optimal when the mass fraction of PVDF is 30 wt%. Moreover, with the synergistic effect of the antiferroelectric filler AgNbO3, the breakdown strength of AgNbO3/PVDF/PMMA composites reaches 430 kV mm−1, and the energy storage density reaches 14.35 J cm−3.
Performance evaluation of resolution and sensitivity of C‐SPECT's variable slat‐stack collimator
Authors: Sankar Poopalasingam , Stentz Dale J. , Johnson Lindsay C. , Metzler Scott D.
Published: October 2023

Background

Myocardial perfusion imaging is commonly performed using SPECT, where both general‐purpose and dedicated scanners are available. A limitation with general‐purpose systems has been the inability to image dynamically since different projections are obtained far apart in time due to scanner rotation. Dedicated systems can have this capability since they acquire completely sampled projections (i.e., those with enough angular views for reconstruction) with short time frames. C‐SPECT, does not need any scanner or patient motion to obtain complete projections, allowing fast dynamics. When imaging fast dynamics, the optimal collimator settings are not necessarily the same as for static imaging, where longer acquisitions can be utilized. Thus, C‐SPECT offers adaptive collimation in the transverse and axial directions.

Purpose

The performance of adaptation in the axial direction was characterized herein.

Methods

The ratio of the resolution metric in high‐sensitivity mode to that in the high‐resolution mode, termed resolution boost factor, was determined. Analogously, the sensitivity boost factor was also determined. Comparisons were made with theory and simulations.

Results

The boost factors for resolution and sensitivity, averaged over the 14 modules of the system, were determined to be 1.72 and 1.75, respectively.

Conclusions

The boost factors, which ideally would be two, were between 10% and 15% below optimal values and tracked each other, suggesting mechanical challenges in the apparatus, such as incomplete closure of adjacent slats, but show reasonably successful adaptation between modes.
Vor 50 Jahren: Nobelpreis für die Sandwichkomplexe
Authors: Werner Helmut
Published: October 2023

Der Chemie‐Nobelpreis 1973 ging an zwei Metallorganiker, deren Konkurrenz die Synthese und Untersuchung einer faszinierenden Stoffklasse voranbrachte. Die von Ernst Otto Fischer und Geoffrey Wilkinson erforschten Sandwichkomplexe sind heute Basiswissen der metallorganischen Chemie.
Die Asac feiert ihr 75‐jähriges Bestehen
Authors: Krska Rudolf
Published: October 2023

In der Österreichischen Gesellschaft für Analytische Chemie (Asac) ist die ganze Bandbreite des Fachs vertreten. Dank des Einsatzes der Mitglieder ist sie gut an den heimischen Universitäten und der Industrie verankert.
Time‐optimal trajectory planning of a redundantly actuated planar parallel robot driven with series elastic actuators
Authors: Kordik Thomas , Zauner Christian , Marauli Tobias , Gattringer Hubert , Müller Andreas
Published: October 2023

This paper addresses the time‐optimal trajectory planning of a redundantly actuated parallel robot driven by series elastic actuators. Here, the actuation redundancy allows prestressing the elastic components of the drives and enables more degrees of freedom in the trajectory planning. To this end, a time‐optimal control problem is formulated that takes also the physical constraints into account, that is actuation torques, task and joint space limits and self‐collisions. A flatness‐based parametrization of the dynamics is used in the nonlinear optimization problem and solved with the multiple shooting technique within the CasADi framework using IPOPT as a solver. Results are shown and compared to time‐optimal trajectories, both redundantly and non‐redundantly actuated with rigid drives.
Synthesis, characterization, and properties of a novel propargyl ether naphthalene phenolic resin
Authors: Chen Yuzhi , Guo Kangkang , Wang Fan , Zhu Yaping , Qi Huimin
Published: October 2023

In this study, 1,5‐dihydroxynaphthalene moiety was introduced into a novolac resin structure, and propargyl ether naphthalene phenolic resin (PNPF) was synthesized by the Williamson etherification reaction, which improved the heat resistance of the resin and its processability. The structure of the PNPF resin was characterized using 1H NMR and FTIR analysis, and its processability, heat resistance, thermal expansion, and dielectric properties were evaluated. The results revealed that the addition of 1,5‐dihydroxylhine, increased the reaction activity of the PNPF resin, and decreased its initial curing temperature, with the resin exhibiting excellent processability. The cured resin also showed excellent heat resistance and thermomechanical properties. The 5% weight loss temperature (Td5) and glass transition temperature (Tg) of the resin increased to 437.61 and 362.04°C, respectively, while the coefficient of thermal expansion decreased from 60.17 to 44.52 ppm, with a reduction of 26.01%. Moreover, the dielectric constant and dielectric loss of the cured resin were 3.02 and 0.00239, respectively.
The impact of romantic relationships on deception detection: Exploring the gender differences and the mediating role of mentalizing
Authors: Wang Shujian , Hou Wenxin , Wang Yueyang , Tang Qihui , Tao Yanqiang , Liu Xiangping
Published: October 2023

In evolution, romantic relationships serve as the foundation for breeding and producing offspring. The ability to detect deception in these relationships can safeguard the investment and cultivation of descendants, leading to greater chances of survival and reproduction. However, barely any research has been carried out within this domain. The current study investigated the preliminary relationship between romantic relationships, mentalizing ability, and deception detection ability through an empirical experiment. Participants were primed by their romantic experiences and neutral experiences, and then went through a Reading the Mind in the Eyes (RTM) task and the deception detecting task for real person crime‐type videos. Results showed that romantic relationships can improve participants' emotion recognition ability toward negative emotions, and females performed better in the deception detection task than males did. Most importantly, romantic relationships can improve participants' deception detection ability through the mediator of mentalizing ability. Though gender difference was not statistically significant in the RTM task, the results lay a solid foundation for further investigation into females' mentalizing ability and disclose the evolutionary meaning of romantic relationships.
State‐dependent alterations of implicit emotional dominance during binocular rivalry in subthreshold depression
Authors: Qiu Shiming , Luo Xu , Luo Yuhong , Wei Dandan , Mei Gaoxing
Published: October 2023

Binocular rivalry, a visual perception phenomenon where two or more percepts alternate every few seconds when distinct stimuli are presented to the two eyes, has been reported as a biomarker in several psychiatric disorders. It is unclear whether abnormalities of binocular rivalry in depression could occur when emotional rivaling stimuli are used, and if so, whether an emotional binocular rivalry test could provide a trait‐dependent or state‐dependent biomarker. In the current study, 34 individuals with subthreshold depression and 31 non‐depressed individuals performed a binocular rivalry task associated with implicit emotional processing. Participants were required to report their perceived orientations of the rival gratings in the foreground and to neglect emotional face stimuli in the background. The participants were retested after an approximately 4‐month time interval. Compared to the non‐depressed group, the subthreshold depression group showed significantly longer perceptual dominance durations of the grating with emotional faces as the background (i.e., implicit emotional dominance) at the initial assessment. However, the abnormality was not found at the follow‐up assessment. More importantly, we found smaller changes in depressive severity at the follow‐up assessment for individuals displaying longer emotional dominance at the initial assessment than for individuals with weaker emotional dominance. The current emotional binocular rivalry test may provide an objective, state‐dependent biomarker for distinguishing individuals with subthreshold depression from non‐depressed individuals.
Cerebellar syndrome: cause cured, but symptoms persist
Authors: Samaha Shehab , Larner Andrew J
Published: October 2023

Subacute cerebellar syndromes have a broad differential diagnosis, which includes paraneoplasia. Paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration needs to be considered in this clinical situation even if initial brain imaging is normal, and the neurological prognosis is guarded even if the underlying tumour can be successfully treated.
Scalar Perturbations of Gravitational Collapse under Homotopy Perturbation Method: A Critical Study on the Rectangular and Price Potential
Authors: Aziz Abdul , Das Amit , Ray Saibal
Published: October 2023

In order to unveil different features of gravitational waves due to massive objects like black hole etc., researchers primarily attempt to find the corresponding quasi normal modes from the relevant wave equations. In the present article, homotopy perturbation method (HPM) is employed to obtain the wave functions by solving wave equations for one‐dimensional potential barriers. Under this scheme (i) for constant potential barrier a generalized solution which reduces to the known solution as done by Chandrasekhar and Detweiler [Proc. R. Soc. Lond. A344(1975) 441] is produced, (ii) the wave equation for the Price potential [Phys. Rev. D5(1972) 2419; Phys. Rev. D5(1972) 2439] by HPM is solved. The wave functions (graphically) as well as quasi‐normal modes to those of the Press solution (1973) are compared. The present investigation is important in connection to further study related to the Zerilli potential and Regge‐Wheeler potential in case of black hole.
Variability of soil thermal diffusivity in three Iowa fields
Authors: Nassar Ibrahim N. , Abdallah Ahmed M. , Horton Robert
Published: October 2023

Soil thermal properties influence the rates of chemical and biological reactions in the soil, seed germination, crop establishment, and productivity. Soil temperature varies with time and depth, and thermal diffusivity (α) is the main property associated with soil temperature variations. Variations in α within row‐cropped fields under long‐term tillage practices are not well documented in Iowa fields. The objective of this study is to determine α variations within three central Iowa fields under long‐term tillage practices and to estimate the required number of measurement sites within each field to determine α at a specified precision. Each field receives different tillage operations; one field is fall moldboard plowed followed by spring disking (MP), another field is fall chisel plowed followed by spring disking (CP), and the third field is ridge no‐tilled (RN) slot planted. Thermocouples are used to measure soil temperature at two depths, that is, 1 and 10 cm, at 49 locations (49 grid locations; 1.5 m × 3 m) in each of three adjacent fields. After allowing the thermocouples to equilibrate with the soil environment for 2 weeks in each field, hourly 1‐ and 10‐cm depth soil temperature observations were recorded for a separate 24‐h period in each field following rainfall events. Soil temperature measurements with the amplitude and phase equations were analyzed, and 49 α values were determined in each field. The larger the bulk density, the larger the thermal diffusivity. MP had the largest α values, while CP had the lowest values. The mean and standard deviation values for α in the MP, CP, and RN fields were 23 ± 4.8, 13 ± 2.2, and 21 ± 4.0 cm2 h−1, respectively. The coefficients of variation were similar for the three fields, ranging from 17% to 21%. The minimum number of samples needed to obtain a confidence interval of 7 cm2 h−1 for α was two, five, and seven, respectively, for the CP, RN, and MP fields. The MP field had the largest mean α value and required the largest number of samples to determine α at a specified precision.
Loss Analysis of Fully‐Textured Perovskite Silicon Tandem Solar Cells: Characterization Methods and Simulation toward the Practical Efficiency Potential
Authors: Er-raji Oussama , Messmer Christoph , Bett Alexander J. , Fischer Oliver , Reichmuth Sebastian Kasimir , Schindler Florian , Bivour Martin , Schultz-Wittmann Oliver , Borchert Juliane , Hermle Martin , Schön Jonas , Heinz Friedemann D. , Schubert Martin C. , Schulze Patricia S. C. , Glunz Stefan W.
Published: October 2023

Optimally enhancing the performance of perovskite silicon tandem solar cells comes with accurate identification of loss origins in the device in combination with optoelectrical device simulations assessing the respective efficiency gains to prioritize optimization pathways. Herein, various characterization methods, namely, spectrally resolved photoluminescence (PL), transient‐PL, PL‐based implied open‐circuit voltage (iVOC) imaging, spectrometric characterization, and Suns‐VOC measurements are combined to quantify current density–voltage (jV) photovoltaic metric losses of a fully‐textured perovskite silicon tandem solar cell (26.7% efficiency). The extracted device characteristic parameters are then used as a reference for the comprehensive optoelectrical Sentaurus simulation model which precisely reproduces the experimentally obtained optical and electrical solar cell characteristics, considering mobile ion dynamics. Subsequently, starting from the current device design, the authors alleviate one step at a time the loss constraints and show the impact of each loss channel on the efficiency, identifying the three major ones to be at the: 1) perovskite/C60 interface (−4.6%abs) , 2) the series resistance (−2.9%abs), and 3) light management (−2.1%abs), which limit the VOC, fill factor, and jSC of the device, respectively. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that a practical efficiency potential of 39.5% can be regarded as a practical limit for the presented tandem device architecture.
Sigma‐Phase Distribution in 2507 Super Duplex Stainless Steel Continuous Casting Slabs
Authors: Chen Xingrun , Qiao Tong , Cheng Guoguang , Bao Daohua , Pan Jixiang
Published: October 2023

The sigma‐phase distribution in a 2507 super duplex stainless steel continuous casting slab is analyzed using microstructural analyses and thermodynamic calculations. The sigma phase contains high Cr and Mo contents, and precipitates along the phase boundary between austenite and ferrite and grows toward the interior of the ferrite phase in the continuously cast slab. The sigma‐phase fraction at the center of the width direction is higher than that in the one fourth width. Furthermore, the sigma‐phase fraction at the center of the thickness direction is higher than those at the upper and lower surfaces, which is due to the lower cooling rate at the center. The Brinell hardness (HB) at the center increases to 313 HB with an increasing sigma‐phase fraction. The sigma‐phase fraction at the one fourth thickness near the lower surface is higher than that at the one fourth thickness near the upper surface at the same cooling rate. Additionally, Mo and Ni are severely segregated in this zone. A higher Mo content influences the precipitation and stabilization of the sigma phase. Furthermore, Scheil–Gulliver calculations indicate that compositional segregation results in an increase in the sigma‐phase precipitation temperature range.
Eccentric compression behavior of circular concrete‐filled steel tubes reinforced with internal latticed steel angles
Authors: Chen Ju , Hu Liang , Wang Jun , Song Sha‐Sha
Published: October 2023

The eccentric compression behavior of the CFSTs reinforced with inner latticed steel angles was experimentally investigated, and test results, such as the load–displacement curves, load‐strain curves, distributions of lateral deflection, and ultimate load, were obtained and analyzed. Test results showed the influence of the latticed steel angles on the ultimate load was not obvious when the steel consumption was relatively small, and the lateral deformation was not obvious when the compression load was smaller than 80% of the ultimate load. The corresponding finite element (FE) model was established and validated by the test results, and parametric analysis was also conducted subsequent to validation. The analysis results showed the contribution of latticed steel angles to the ultimate load would be diminished as the eccentric distance increases. Moreover, the design equations for the ultimate load were proposed based on the FE results, and the calculation results indicated the proposed design equations can predict the ultimate load conservatively and safely.
The inhibitory effects of zinc oxide nanoparticles on clinical isolates of Microsporum canis in dogs and cats
Authors: Khanipour Machiani Masoomeh , Jamshidi Shahram , Nikaein Donya , Khosravi Alireza , Balal Asad
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Microsporum canis is the most common dermatophyte infecting pets and their owners, and its long duration of treatment and increasing rate of drug resistance have caused the attention of researchers to be directed towards the use of nanoparticles and new alternatives for treatment. This study investigated the antifungal effects of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles on clinical isolates of M. canis in dogs and cats and subtilisin 1 (SUB1) gene expression.

Materials and methods

Zinc oxide nanoparticles were prepared using the wet chemical method at a concentration of 4000 ppm. Its antifungal potential was evaluated at concentrations of 62.5–4000 ppm by disk diffusion and microdilution methods against 10 isolates of M. canis. The effect of this product on SUB1 gene expression was investigated by quantitative real‐time PCR method.

Results

The results of the disk diffusion test showed that the highest inhibitory diameter was at the highest concentration of ZnO nanoparticles (34 mm), and the inhibitory zone was observed in dilutions up to 250 ppm. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of ZnO nanoparticles was between 250 and 500 ppm, and the minimum fungicidal concentration was between 500 and 1000 ppm. There was a significant reduction in SUB1 gene expression in sub‐MIC concentration (125–250 ppm) (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

This study showed that ZnO nanoparticles have a concentration‐dependent inhibitory effect on M. canis. Moreover, ZnO nanoparticles could decrease the expression of SUB1, an enzyme involved in fungi adhesion to the epidermis. Nevertheless, more studies must be done in the future to determine the possible side effects and safety of ZnO nanoparticles along with their efficacy in vivo.
The reference range of lamotrigine in the treatment of epilepsy in children: a systematic review
Authors: Chen Jingjing , Huang Liang , Zeng Linan , Jiang Zhimei , Xiong Meiping , Jia Zhi-Jun , Cheng Guo , Miao Liyan , Zhao Limei , Zhang Lingli
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This study intends to assess the reference range of lamotrigine concentration for treating childhood epilepsy.

Methods

PubMed, Ovid-Embase, The Cochrane Library, CNKI, WanFang data and VIP databases were searched from database inception to January 2022. RCT, cohort study, case–control study, cross-sectional study that estimated the reference range of lamotrigine for children epilepsy treatment were included. The data extracted included basic information, statistical methods, data type, and results of reference range. Descriptive analysis was performed for them.

Results

8 studies were included and estimated the reference range, and all of them were calculated based on efficacy data and/or concentration data. Statistical methods including ROC curve, concentration-effect curve, mean ± standard deviation, 95% confidence interval and percentile interval were utilized. For lamotrigine monotherapy, the lower limits ranged from 2.06 mg/L to 3.99 mg/L, and the upper limits ranged from 8.43 mg/L to 9.08 mg/L, showing basic consistency. However, for lamotrigine concomitant with valproate, the lower limits ranged from 2.00 mg/L to 8.00 mg/L, and the upper limit was 11.50 mg/L, for lamotrigine concomitant with other antiepileptics, the lower limits ranged from 1.00 mg/L to 3.09 mg/L, and the upper limits varied from 5.90 mg/L to 16.24 mg/L, indicating inconsistency.

Conclusion

Several studies have estimated the reference range of lamotrigine for childhood epilepsy, while controversy exist and no studies have determined the upper limit of the range based on safety data. To establish the optimal reference range, further high-quality studies are necessary that consider both efficacy and safety data.
Effectiveness of an e-Health Quasi-Randomized Controlled Universal Prevention Program for Eating Disorders in Spanish Adolescents
Authors: Pérez-Vázquez Jorge , González-Roz Alba , Amigo-Vázquez Isaac
Published: October 2023

Eating disorders (EDs) and sub-threshold conditions are prevalent in the adolescent population. Unfortunately, most preventive interventions have been targeted at emerging adults and the effectiveness of online prevention programs has yet to be determined in adolescents. This study sought to examine the short-term effectiveness of a universal e-Health psychoeducational prevention program for EDs compared to a control (non-intervention) group in Spanish adolescents. Using a quasi-randomized trial design, a total of 161 [% girls: 45.96; Mage(SD) = 12.43 (0.43)] adolescents from 5 participating schools were allocated to two intervention arms: (1) psychoeducational intervention (n = 79) and (2) wait-list control (n = 82). The intervention was delivered over 3 months through 3 modules that were accessible 24/7 and 3 school sessions guided by the students´ tutors focusing on nutrition, promoting a healthy lifestyle, mitigating body concerns, and social pressures. Participants completed an online assessment battery including the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26) and measures of self-esteem, family disruption, compliance with the Mediterranean diet, and lifestyle. Correlational analysis showed small to moderate relationships between self-esteem and family function (rho = 0.413, p = 0.001), BMI (body mass index) and the EAT-26 dieting subscale (rho = 0.417, p = 0.001), physical activity and the bulimia subscale (rho =  − 0.237, p = 0.003), and self-esteem and the dieting subscale (rho =  − 0.223, p = 0.004). At the post-intervention assessment, the intervention group showed a statistically significant reduction in ED risk (EAT-26) (d =  − 0.323, p = 0.040) and the oral control subscale (d = 0.327, p = 0.038). The e-health intervention including tutor-led digital components was effective for reducing ED risk in children. Results must be interpreted with caution due to the low statistical power and the limited sample size. Large scale randomized controlled trials with longer follow-ups will be needed to bolster the evidence.