bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of motivational interviewing on treatment adherence and self‐efficacy of adolescents with asthma: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Taheri Fatemeh , Nasiri Ahmad , Namdari Somayeh , Salmani Fatemeh
Published: March 2023

Aims

This study examined the short‐term effect of motivational interviewing on treatment adherence and self‐efficacy of adolescents with asthma.

Design

The randomized controlled trial.

Method

In this study, 72 adolescents with asthma were recruited and assigned to experimental and control groups randomly. In the experimental group, the motivational interviewing was performed for five weekly sessions lasting 80–90 min. The treatment adherence and self‐efficacy questionnaires were completed before the intervention, 2 weeks and 3 months after the intervention in both groups. Data were analysed by Chi‐Square test, independent samples T‐test, repeated measures of Wilcoxon and generalized estimating equation.

Results

The treatment adherence was found to be significantly higher 2 weeks (p = 0.006) and 3 months after the intervention (p = 0.04) in the experimental group than the control group. In addition, the degree of self‐efficacy was significantly more in the experimental group 2 weeks (p < 0.001) and 3 months later (p < 0.001) than the control group. The result of generalized estimating equation showed that the intervention group had an average of 14.44 more self‐efficacy points than the control group (p < 0.001). Also, treatment adherence in the intervention group was significantly higher than the control group (β = 6.14, p = 0.05(.

Conclusion

This study adds to the evidence for the effectiveness of motivational interviewing in treatment of adolescents with asthma.
Effect of meso‐structure characteristics on surface emissivity of 2.5D Woven ablative composite for thermal protection
Authors: Liang Haoran , Li Weijie , Wang Liyan , Yang Guang
Published: March 2023

Surface emissivity is an essential parameter for thermal radiation, which greatly influences thermal protection materials (TPMs) under high temperature. In the present study, dual‐scale models of 2.5D woven carbon fiber fabric reinforced resin‐based composites are built with different weaving parameters of fabric, to investigate the meso‐structure influence on the surface emissivity, and the surface emissivity for different composites is calculated based on discrete ordinate method (DOM). Two morphological indexes are proposed to further analyze the effect of meso‐structure characteristics on emissivity. The results show that the surface emissivity is mainly determined by the ablated woven composite within a certain depth. More compact in‐plain weaving architecture improves surface emissivity, while more compact through‐the‐thickness weaving architecture reduces the surface emissivity of 2.5D woven ablative composites. The meso‐structure with a lower roughness factor and a higher specific surface area leads to intense surface radiation. This study can provide scientific guidance for the design of 2.5D woven ablative composite for thermal protection.
Exploring the perspectives of Turkish adolescents on bullying: A qualitative study
Authors: Celik Hatice Cecen , Hopkins Lisa , O'Reilly Michelle
Published: March 2023

Bullying is a global problem affecting many adolescents. Evidence on bullying is growing, mostly generated in Minority World countries. Our objective is to develop our understanding of bullying in Majority World contexts, like Turkey. We highlight the voices of 20 Turkish adolescents from reflective interviews. Using Reflexive Organic Thematic Analysis, we identified three themes: definitions of bullying, conceptualizations of the character of bullies and victims, and proposed educational solutions, highlighting cultural issues of honor and respect, and roles of the family. As bullying research in Turkey is relatively new, we conclude that the ideology of adolescent‐centered education, children′s rights, and the value of qualitative research are important in this cultural context.
Raspberry plant stress detection using hyperspectral imaging
Authors: Williams Dominic , Karley Alison , Britten Avril , McCallum Susan , Graham Julie
Published: March 2023

Monitoring plant responses to stress is an ongoing challenge for crop breeders, growers, and agronomists. The measurement of below‐ground stress is particularly challenging as plants do not always show visible signs of stress in the above‐ground organs, particularly at early stages. Hyperspectral imaging is a technique that could be used to overcome this challenge if associations between plant spectral data and specific stresses can be determined. In this study, three genotypes of red raspberry plants grown under controlled conditions in a glasshouse were subjected to below‐ground biotic stresses (root pathogen Phytophthora rubi and root herbivore Otiorhynchus sulcatus) or abiotic stress (soil water availability) and regularly imaged using hyperspectral cameras over this period. Significant differences were observed in plant biophysical traits (canopy height and leaf dry mass) and canopy reflectance spectrum between the three genotypes and the imposed stress treatments. The ratio of reflectance at 469 and 523 nm showed a significant genotype‐by‐treatment interaction driven by differential genotypic responses to the P. rubi treatment. This indicates that spectral imaging can be used to identify variable plant stress responses in raspberry plants.
Trends in gender, race, and ethnic diversity among prospective physical medicine and rehabilitation physicians
Authors: Dixon Grant , McGeary Donald , Silver Julie K. , Washington Mariam , Houle Tim T. , Stampas Argyrios , Schappell Justin , Smith Sarah , Verduzco‐Gutierrez Monica
Published: March 2023

Background

As the proportion of women and individuals who are underrepresented in medicine slowly rises, disparities persist in numerous arenas and specialties. In physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R), there is a continued need to focus on diversity among trainees. This study aims to evaluate diversity among PM&R applicants and residents over the past 6 years.

Objective

To describe the demographic trends in PM&R over the last 6 years and compare those findings with trends in other specialties.

Design

Surveillance.

Setting

Analyses of national databases from self‐reported questionnaires.

Participants

The study consists of 126,833 medical school matriculants, 374,185 resident applicants, and 326,134 resident trainees over the last 6 years.

Main outcome measures

Self‐reported demographic data from the Association of American Medical Colleges and the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education were analyzed for medical school matriculants, PM&R applicants, and current residents for the cycles of 2014–2015 to 2019–2020. The data were then comparatively reviewed between PM&R and other medical specialties.

Results

In the 6 cycles evaluated, women accounted for 36%–39% of PM&R residents, but 47%–48% in non‐PM&R specialties. Women applicants to the PM&R specialty averaged 34.4% over the 6 years analyzed, which was the fourth lowest of the 11 specialties examined. Black or African American and Hispanic, Latino, or of Spanish Origin populations each accounted for only 6% of PM&R residents. PM&R demonstrated a noticeably higher proportion of White (62.1% vs. 60.3%) and an observably lower proportion of Black or African American (6.0% vs. 7.1%) and Hispanic, Latino, or of Spanish Origin (6.3% vs. 7.9%) residents compared with non‐PM&R specialties.

Conclusion

There is underrepresentation of women and multiple racial and ethnic minority groups in the field of PM&R from applicants to trainees demonstrating a need to improve recruitment efforts.
Electrophilicity and nucleophilicity scales at different DFT computational levels
Authors: Ríos‐Gutiérrez Mar , Saz Sousa Alejandro , Domingo Luis R.
Published: March 2023

The reference electrophilicity and nucleophilicity scales established at the B3LYP/6‐31G(d) level are herein extended by least squares regressions to the most common DFT computational methods used in theoretical organic chemistry studies, including B3LYP, MPWB1K, M062‐X, and ωB97x‐D, in combination with basis sets of the type 6‐31G and 6‐311G with different degrees of polarization and diffuse functions. Excellent linear correlations with coefficient of determination R2 values between 0.97 and 1.00 are obtained. In this work, the new lower and upper threshold values of the scales are established at 48 DFT computational levels, which enables the direct classification and quantification of the electrophilic and nucleophilic character of molecules without necessarily relying upon the B3LYP/6‐31G(d) scales. The present study shows that although the strong, moderate, or marginal thresholds of the electrophilicity and nucleophilicity scales can be modified up to a 24% (ωB97x‐D/6‐31G(d)) with the computational level, the relative position of the reagents on these scales does not change, allowing them to be used in the study of relative chemical reactivity.
Dynamic covalent networks with tunable dynamicity by mixing acylsemicarbazides and thioacylsemicarbazides
Authors: Sarkar Ramkrishna , Majumdar Soumabrata , Kuil Sierd , Mallens Jorg , van der Tol Joost J. B. , Sijbesma Rint P. , Heuts Johan P. A. , Palmans Anja R. A.
Published: March 2023

Dynamic covalent networks (DCNs) use chemical bonds that break and reform at appropriate processing conditions to allow reconfiguration of the networks. Recently, the acylsemicarbazide (ASC) motif has been added to the repertoire of such dynamic covalent bonds, which is capable of hydrogen bonding as well as dynamic bond exchange. In this study, we show that its sulfur congener, thioacylsemicarbazide (TASC), also acts as a dynamic covalent bond, but exchanges at a slower rate than the ASC moiety. In addition, siloxane‐based DCNs comprising either ASC or TASC motifs or a varying composition of both show tunable relaxation dynamics, which slow down with an increasing amount of TASC motifs. The reduction in stress relaxation goes hand in hand with a reduction of creep in the network and can be tuned by the ASC/TASC ratio. All networks are readily processed using compression molding and dissolve when treated with excess hydrazide in solution. The ability to control network properties and creep in dynamic covalent polymeric networks by small changes in the molecular structure of the dynamic bond allows a generalized synthetic approach while accommodating a wide temperature window for application.
Dexamethasone versus methylprednisolone for critical asthma: A single center, open‐label, parallel‐group clinical trial
Authors: Roddy Meghan R. , Sellers Austin R. , Darville Kristina K. , Teppa‐Sanchez Beatriz , McKinley Scott D. , Martin Meghan , Goldenberg Neil A. , Nakagawa Thomas A. , Sochet Anthony A.
Published: March 2023

Background

Evidence for the use of dexamethasone for pediatric critical asthma is limited. We sought to compare the clinical efficacy and safety of dexamethasone versus methylprednisolone among children hospitalized in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) for critical asthma.

Methods

A prospective, single center, open‐label, two‐arm, parallel‐group, nonrandomized trial among children ages 5−17 years hospitalized within the PICU from April 2019 to December 2021 for critical asthma consented to receive methylprednisolone (standard care) or dexamethasone (intervention) at a 2:1 allocation ratio, respectively. The intervention arm received intravenous dexamethasone 0.25 mg/kg/dose (max: 15 mg/dose) every 6 h for 48 h and the standard care arm intravenous methylprednisolone 1 mg/kg/dose every 6 h (max dose: 60 mg/dose) for 5 days. Study endpoints were clinical efficacy (i.e., length of stay [LOS], continuous albuterol duration, and a composite of adjunctive asthma interventions) and safety (i.e., corticosteroid‐related adverse events).

Results

Ninety‐two participants were analyzed of whom 31 were allocated to the intervention arm and 61 the standard care arm. No differences in demographics, clinical characteristics, or acute/chronic asthma severity indices were observed. Regarding efficacy and safety endpoints, no differences in hospital LOS, continuous albuterol duration, adjunctive asthma intervention rates, or corticosteroid‐related adverse events were noted. Compared to the intervention arm, participants in the standard care arm more frequently were prescribed corticosteroids at discharge (72% vs. 13%, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Among children hospitalized for critical asthma, dexamethasone appears safe and warrants further investigation to fully assess clinical efficacy and potential advantages over commonly applied agents such as methylprednisolone.
Conformational ensembles explain NMR spectra of frozen intrinsically disordered proteins
Authors: Kragelj Jaka , Dumarieh Rania , Xiao Yiling , Frederick Kendra K.
Published: March 2023

Protein regions which are intrinsically disordered, exist as an ensemble of rapidly interconverting structures. Cooling proteins to cryogenic temperatures for dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) magic angle spinning (MAS) NMR studies suspends most of the motions, resulting in peaks that are broad but not featureless. To demonstrate that detailed conformational restraints can be retrieved from the peak shapes of frozen proteins alone, we developed and used a simulation framework to assign peak features to conformers in the ensemble. We validated our simulations by comparing them to spectra of α‐synuclein acquired under different experimental conditions. Our assignments of peaks to discrete dihedral angle populations suggest that structural constraints are attainable under cryogenic conditions. The ability to infer ensemble populations from peak shapes has important implications for DNP MAS NMR studies of proteins with regions of disorder in living cells because chemical shifts are the most accessible measured parameter.
Balancing of Flow at Microfluidic Apertures
Authors: Cao Yuan , Yilmaz Erkan , Schnakenberg Uwe
Published: March 2023

Computational fluid dynamics simulations are used to obtain a radially symmetrical flow profile at an aperture of a microfluidic channel by manually arranging flow‐directing obstacles around the aperture. For the first time, the flow profile is improved by calculating the coefficient of variation (CoV), which is applied to the flow velocity magnitude along coaxially arranged circles below the aperture in the microfluidic channel. A minimum CoV of 0.03 is obtained at the circle with the same diameter as the aperture. Channels with the optimized design are fabricated by lamination of two layers of dry film resist and patterned with UV‐lithography. The aperture is formed by using an inductively coupled plasma reactive ion etching process. Video recording of the flow behavior confirmed the simulation results experimentally. The proposed channel design and the optimization method can favorably be used for a balanced hydrodynamic trapping of particles or cells at apertures.
Diffusion Analysis of Charge Carriers in InGaN/GaN Heterostructures by Microphotoluminescence
Authors: Becht Conny , Schwarz Ulrich T. , Binder Michael , Galler Bastian
Published: March 2023

Lateral ambipolar diffusion in an InGaN/GaN single quantum well (SQW) structure grown on bulk GaN is studied by microphotoluminescence (μPL) investigations. The analysis is done via pinhole scans, that is, by decoupling the excitation area from the detection area and scanning the latter one. Knowing the size of the excited region, conclusions about the carrier transport in the in‐plane layer of the QW can be drawn. In this study, a diffusion length up to 12 μm is observed at room temperature. Furthermore, the energy of the spectral peak is analyzed as a function of distance, showing a pronounced blueshift at the excitation center. An increase in distance to the injection region is accompanied by a redshift. The indication of peak energy is used to relate the drop of PL intensity with increasing radius to actual diffusion of charge carriers. In addition, temperature‐dependent studies of the diffusion behavior are done, covering the range between 10 K and room temperature. No significant change of diffusion length can be seen with temperature, indicating that temperature dependencies of carrier lifetime and of mobility compensate each other.
Antiferromagnetic Ordering in Bowtie and AA‐Stacking Bilayer Trapezoidal Graphene Nanoflakes: A Comparison Study
Authors: Khodadadi Abolfazl , Sharifian Mahmoodreza
Published: March 2023

Herein, a comparative computational study inquiring about ground state magnetic properties of a nanometer‐size bowtie graphene quantum dot with an AA‐stacking bilayer trapezoid counterpart based on the single‐orbital Hubbard model and density functional theory (DFT) is presented. The structures have an antiferromagnetic ground state with a 1‐to‐1 correspondence between the local spin polarizations of the two systems. The tight‐binding energy spectra look different. However, a similar fashion in the energy spectra emerges after considering the Hubbard interaction term. A comparison between the spatial distributions of edge states shows that the wave functions in both structures are sublattice polarized by proposing a specific unit cell in the bilayer case. In addition, the on‐site coulombic repulsion consequence on the rising of magnetization and the size of the local magnetic moment has been considered.
Achieving COVID‐19 herd immunity in Rwanda, Africa
Authors: Uwizeyimana Theogene , Manirambona Emery , Saidu Musa Shuaibu , Uwiringiyimana Emmanuel , Bazimya Darius , Mathewos Kedest
Published: March 2023

The COVID‐19 pandemic has caused significant disruption to global healthcare systems, including Rwanda's. Rwanda has taken measured actions in response to the pandemic using a multisectoral and one‐government approach. The introduction of the COVID‐19 vaccine boosted the hope of many people but has left debates on the measure of the population required to attain herd immunity. Herd immunity threshold (HIT) was introduced to track progress toward containing COVID‐19. HIT represents the number of people with long‐term immunity from COVID‐19. World Health Organization (WHO) established population vaccination targets for all countries worldwide, which included 40% coverage of the entire population by the end of 2021 and 70% by June 2022. In this paper, we discussed the efforts and progress that have been made so far toward achieving herd immunity in Rwanda.
Projection operator‐based robust adaptive control of an aerial robot with a manipulator
Authors: Sumathy Vidya , Abdul Sajid Ahamed Mohammed , Ghose Debasish
Published: March 2023

This paper describes a quadcopter manipulator system, an aerial robot with an extended workspace, its controller design, and experimental validation. The aerial robot is based on a quadcopter with a three degree of freedom robotic arm connected to the base of the vehicle. The work aims to create a stable airborne robot with a robotic arm that can work above and below the airframe, regardless of where the arm is attached. Integrating a robotic arm into an underactuated, unstable system like a quadcopter can enhance the vehicle's functionality while increasing instability. To execute a mission with accuracy and reliability during a real‐time task, the system must overcome the inter‐coupling effects and external disturbances. This work presents a novel design for a robust adaptive feedback linearization controller with a model reference adaptive controller and hardware implementation of the quadcopter manipulator system with plant uncertainties. The closed‐loop stability of the aerial robot and the tracking error convergence with the robust controller is analyzed using Lyapunov stability analysis. The quadcopter manipulator system is custom developed in the lab with an off‐the‐shelf quadcopter and a 3D‐printed robotic arm. The robotic system architecture is implemented using a Jetson Nano companion computer for autonomous onboard flight. Experiments were conducted on quadcopter manipulator system to evaluate the autonomous aerial robot's stability and trajectory tracking with the proposed controller.
Design of a bilateral‐symmetric multi‐slot fishway and its comparison with vertical slot fishway in terms of hydraulic properties
Authors: Zhang Di , Bian Xiaohui , Shi Xiaotao , Deng Jun , Liu Yakun
Published: March 2023

Aiming at improving the hydraulic properties and enhancing the fish passage efficiency, this study proposes a novel bilateral‐symmetric multi‐slot fishway (BMSF) by combining the structural features of a double‐sided vertical‐slot fishway, multi‐slot fishway and T‐shape fishway. Eight BMSF cases are further designed by adjusting the slot width and the distance between the short baffle and the front end of the central wall, in order to achieve the relatively best hydrodynamic characteristics. The flow fields of two vertical‐slot fishways and eight BMSF fishways are obtained by numerically solving the Reynolds‐averaged Navier–Stokes equation, the volume‐of‐fluid equation and the k‐ω‐SST turbulence model. Numerical results manifest that the recommended BMSF‐8 provides the smallest values in terms of the maximum time‐averaged velocity magnitude (1.42 m s−1), the maximum time‐averaged turbulent kinetic energy (0.132 m2 s−2), the maximum time‐averaged Reynolds shear stress component (44 Pa), the spatial‐mean time‐averaged velocity magnitude (0.58 m s−1), and the spatial‐mean time‐averaged turbulent kinetic energy (0.042 m2 s−2) in the middle pool at Q = 1000 L/s. Even for the depth‐mean time‐averaged velocity magnitude at the slot and the volume percentages of some critical physical quantities, BMSF‐8 is also superior to the other cases. To sum up, BMSF‐8 leads to the relatively lowest flow velocity and turbulence, being more suitable for the passage of the whole fish community (especially for small‐sized fishes with weaker swimming ability). In addition, the generalizability of the aforementioned superiority of BMSF‐8 is displayed by providing the numerical results of four operating conditions (i.e., Q = 600, 800, 1000 and 1200 L/s).
Nanoscale Control of the Surface Functionality of Polymeric 2D Materials
Authors: Suraeva Oksana , Kaltbeitzel Anke , Landfester Katharina , Wurm Frederik R. , Lieberwirth Ingo
Published: March 2023

Typically, 2D nanosheets have a homogeneous surface, making them a major challenge to structure. This study proposes a novel concept of 2D organic nanosheets with a heterogeneously functionalized surface. This work achieves this by consecutively crystallizing two precisely synthesized polymers with different functional groups in the polymer backbone in a two‐step process. First, the core platelet is formed and then the second polymer is crystallized around it. As a result, the central area of the platelets has a different surface functionality than the periphery. This concept offers two advantages: the resulting polymeric 2D platelets are stable in dispersion, which simplifies further processing and makes both crystal surfaces accessible for subsequent functionalization. Additionally, a wide variety of polymers can be used, making the process and the choice of surface functionalization very flexible.
Switchable Polar Nanotexture in Nanolaminates HfO2‐ZrO2 for Ultrafast Logic‐in‐Memory Operations
Authors: Kumar Mohit , Han Seung‐Ik , Ahn Yeonghwan , Jeon Yerin , Park Jiyeong , Seo Hyungtak
Published: March 2023

Nontrivial topological polar textures in ferroelectric materials, including vortices, skyrmions, and others, have the potential to develop ultrafast, high‐density, reliable multilevel memory storage and conceptually innovative processing units, even beyond the limit of binary storage of 180° aligned polar materials. However, the realization of switchable polar textures at room temperature in ferroelectric materials integrated directly into silicon using a straightforward large area fabrication technique and effectively utilizing it to design multilevel programable memory and processing units has not yet been demonstrated. Here, utilizing vector piezoresponse force and conductive atomic force microscopy, microscopic evidence of the electric field switchable polar nanotexture is provided at room temperature in HfO2‐ZrO2 nanolaminates grown directly onto silicon using an atomic layer deposition technique. Additionally, a two‐terminal Au/nanolaminates/Si ferroelectric tunnel junction is designed, which shows ultrafast (≈83 ns) nonvolatile multilevel current switching with high on/off ratio (>106), long‐term durability (>4000 s), and giant tunnel electroresistance (108%). Furthermore, 14 Boolean logic operations are tested utilizing a single device as a proof‐of‐concept for reconfigurable logic‐in‐memory processing. The results offer a potential approach to “processing with polar textures” and addressing the challenges of developing high‐performance multilevel in‐memory processing technology by virtue of its fundamentally distinct mechanism of operation.
High Performance Inverted RbCsFAPbI3 Perovskite Solar Cells Based on Interface Engineering and Defects Passivation
Authors: Imran Tahir , Raza Hasan , Aziz Liaquat , Chen Rui , Liu Sanwan , Jiang Zhaoyi , Gao You , Wang Jianan , Younis Muhammad , Rauf Sajid , Liu Zonghao , Chen Wei
Published: March 2023

Lead halide‐based perovskites solar cells (PSCs) are intriguing candidates for photovoltaic technology due to their high efficiency, low cost, and simple fabrication processes. Currently, PSCs with efficiencies of >25% are mainly based on methylammonium (MA)‐free and bromide (Br) free, formamide lead iodide (FAPbI3)‐based perovskites, because MA is thermally unstable due to its volatile nature and Br incorporation will induce blue shift in the absorption spectrum. Therefore, MA‐free, Br‐free formamidine‐based perovskites are drawing huge research attention in recent years. The hole transporting layer (HTL) is crucial in fabricating highly efficient and stable inverted p‐i‐n structured PSCs by enhancing charge extraction, lowering interfacial recombination, and altering band alignment, etc. Here, this work employs a NiOx/PTAA bi‐layer HTL combined with GuHCl (guanidinium hydrochloride) additive engineering and PEAI (phenylethylammonium iodide) passivation strategy to optimize the charge carrier dynamics and tune defects chemistry in the MA‐free, Br‐free RbCsFAPbI3‐based perovskite absorber, which boosts the device efficiency up to 22.78%. Additionally, the device retains 95% of its initial performance under continuous 1 sun equivalent LED light illumination at 45 °C for up to 500 h.
Carbon Foam‐Supported VS2 Cathode for High‐Performance Flexible Self‐Healing Quasi‐Solid‐State Zinc‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Mao Yunjie , Zhao Bangchuan , Bai Jin , Ma Hongyang , Wang Peiyao , Li Wanyun , Xiao Ke , Wang Siya , Zhu Xuebin , Sun Yuping
Published: March 2023

As the new generation of energy storage systems, the flexible battery can effectively broaden the application area and scope of energy storage devices. Flexibility and energy density are the two core evaluation parameters for the flexible battery. In this work, a flexible VS2 material (VS2@CF) is fabricated by growing the VS2 nanosheet arrays on carbon foam (CF) using a simple hydrothermal method. Benefiting from the high electric conductivity and 3D foam structure, VS2@CF shows an excellent rate capability (172.8 mAh g−1 at 5 A g−1) and cycling performance (130.2 mAh g−1 at 1 A g−1 after 1000 cycles) when it served as cathode material for aqueous zinc‐ion batteries. More importantly, the quasi‐solid‐state battery VS2@CF//Zn@CF assembled by the VS2@CF cathode, CF‐supported Zn anode, and a self‐healing gel electrolyte also exhibits excellent rate capability (261.5 and 149.8 mAh g−1 at 0.2 and 5 A g−1, respectively) and cycle performance with a capacity of 126.6 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles at 1 A g−1. Moreover, the VS2@CF//Zn@CF full cell also shows good flexible and self‐healing properties, which can be charged and discharged normally under different bending angles and after being destroyed and then self‐healing.
Enzyme‐Triggered Transforming of Assembly Peptide‐Modified Magnetic Resonance‐Tuned Probe for Highly Sensitive Imaging of Bacterial Infection In Vivo
Authors: Li Linyao , Liu Maojuan , Deng Siyu , Zhu Xiaokang , Song Yang , Song Erqun
Published: March 2023

Confirming bacterial infection at an early stage and distinguishing between sterile inflammation and bacterial infection is still highly needed for efficient treatment. Here, in situ highly sensitive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) bacterial infection in vivo based on a peptide‐modified magnetic resonance tuning (MRET) probe (MPD‐1) that responds to matrix metallopeptidase 2 (MMP‐2) highly expressed in bacteria‐infected microenvironments is achieved. MPD‐1 is an assembly of magnetic nanoparticle (MNP) bearing with gadolinium ion (Gd3+) modified MMP‐2‐cleavable self‐assembled peptide (P1) and bacteria‐targeting peptide (P), and it shows T2‐weighted signal due to the assemble of MNP and MRET ON phenomenon between MNP assembly and Gd3+. Once MPD‐1 accumulates at the bacterially infected site, P1 included in MPD‐1 is cleaved explicitly by MMP‐2, which triggers the T2 contrast agent of MPD‐1 to disassemble into the monomer of MNP, leading the recovery of T1‐weighted signal. Simultaneously, Gd3+ detaches from MNP, further enhancing the T1‐weighted signal due to MRET OFF. The sensitive MRI of Staphylococcus aureus (low to 104 CFU) at the myositis site and accurate differentiation between sterile inflammation and bacterial infection based on the proposed MPD‐1 probe suggests that this novel probe would be a promising candidate for efficiently detecting bacterial infection in vivo.
Electrochemical Self‐Healing Nanocrystal Electrodes for Ultrastable Potassium‐Ion Storage
Authors: Lin Wei‐Cheng , Yang Yi‐Chun , Tuan Hsing‐Yu
Published: March 2023

The unique properties of self‐healing materials hold great potential in battery systems, which can exhibit excellent deformability and return to its original shape after cycling. Herein, a Cu3BiS3 anode material with self‐healing mechanisms is proposed for use in ultrastable potassium‐ion battery (PIB) and potassium‐ion hybrid capacitor (PIHC). Different from the binder design, Cu3BiS3 anode can exhibit the dual advantages of phase and morphological reversibility, further remaining original property after potassiation/depotassiation and exhibiting ultrastable cycling performance. The reversible electrochemical reconstruction during the continuous charge/discharge processes is beneficial to maintain the structure and function of the material. Furthermore, the conversion reactions during the charge and discharge process produce two advantages: i) suppressing the shuttle effect due to the formation of the heterostructure interface between Cu (111) and Bi (012); ii) Cu can avoid the agglomeration of Bi nanoparticles (NPs), further improving the electrochemical performance and long‐cycle stability of the Cu3BiS3 electrode. As a result, the Cu3BiS3 electrode not only exhibits a long cycle life in half cells, but also 2000 cycles and 12000 cycles in PIB and PIHC full cells, respectively.
Sintering Metal–Organic Framework Gels for Application as Structural Adhesives
Authors: Miyazaki Izuru , Masuoka Yumi , Ohshima Ayako , Takahashi Naoko , Suzumura Akitoshi , Moribe Shinya , Takao Hisaaki , Umehara Mitsutaro
Published: March 2023

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs)/coordination polymers are promising materials for gas separation, fuel storage, catalysis, and biopharmaceuticals. However, most applied research on MOFs is limited to these functional materials thus far. This study focuses on the potential of MOFs as structural adhesives. A sintering technique is applied to a zeolitic imidazolate framework‐67 (ZIF‐67) gel that enables the joining of Cu substrates, resulting in a shear strength of over 30 MPa, which is comparable to that of conventional structural adhesives. Additionally, systematic experiments are performed to evaluate the effects of temperature and pressure on adhesion, indicating that the removal of excess 2‐methylimidazole and the by‐product (acetic acid) from the sintered material by vaporization results in a microstructure composed of large spherical ZIF‐67 crystals that are densely aggregated, which is essential for achieving a high shear strength.
Exploring Self‐Healing and Switchable Adhesives based on Multi‐Level Dynamic Stable Structure
Authors: Xu Hualiang , Zhao Shiwei , Yuan Anqian , Zhao Youlong , Wu Xudong , Wei Zhengkai , Lei Jingxin , Jiang Liang
Published: March 2023

It is a challenge to develop adhesives simultaneously capable of strong adhesion and efficient switchable ability. Herein, the authors report multifunctional switchable adhesives named Cu2+‐curcumin‐imidazole‐polyurethane (CIPUs:Cu2+) by introducing 1‐(3‐aminopropyl) imidazole and curcumin into polyurethane system crossed by Cu2+ forming dynamic metal‐ligand bonds. This CIPUs:Cu2+ has strong adhesion (up to 2.46 MPa) on various material surfaces due to their specially designed functional groups alike the secretions from mussels. It can achieve fast switching speed (30 s) and high switch efficiency through multiple contactless remote stimulations. Importantly, density functional theory (DFT) calculation reveals that such metal‐ligand bonds consisting of two components: stronger Cu2+‐curcumin complexes and weaker Cu2+‐imidazole complexes can aggregate to form multi‐level dynamic stable structure . The special structure can not only be acted as sacrificial sites for easily broken and reformed, allowing efficient switchable adhesion and enormous energy dissipation but also acted as firm sites to maintain the cohesion of the adhesive and the reversible reconstruction network. Intriguingly, the CIPUs:Cu2+ can achieve self‐healing at room temperature without needing external stimuli. Overall, this strategy can further broaden the design of switchable adhesives in the fields of intelligent gadgets, wearable bio‐monitoring devices, etc.
Co‐Immobilization of GOD & HRP on Y‐Shaped DNA Scaffold and the Regulation of Inter‐Enzyme Distance
Authors: Chu Guan‐Bo , Li Wen‐Yu , Han Xiao‐Xia , Sun Hui‐Huang , Han Yu , Zhi Gao‐Ying , Zhang Dong‐Hao
Published: March 2023

In multienzymes cascade reaction, the inter‐enzyme spacing is supposed to be a factor affecting the cascade activity. Here, a simple and efficient Y‐shaped DNA scaffold is assembled using two partially complementary DNA single strands on magnetic microspheres, which is used to coimmobilize glucose oxidase (GOD) and horseradish peroxidase (HRP). As a result, on poly(vinyl acetate) magnetic microspheres (PVAC), GOD/HRP‐DNA@PVAC multienzyme system is obtained, which can locate GOD and HRP accurately and control the inter‐enzyme distance precisely. The distance between GOD and HRP is regulated by changing the length of DNA strand. It showed that the cascade activity is significantly distance‐dependent. Moreover, the inter‐enzyme spacing is not the closer the better, and too short distance would generate steric hindrance between enzymes. The cascade activity reached the maximum value of 967 U mg−1 at 13.6 nm, which is 3.5 times higher than that of free enzymes. This is ascribed to the formation of substrate channeling.
Explainable artificial intelligence envisioned security mechanism for cyber threat hunting
Authors: Kumar Pankaj , Wazid Mohammad , Singh D. P. , Singh Jaskaran , Das Ashok Kumar , Park Youngho , Rodrigues Joel J. P. C.
Published: March 2023

Cyber threat hunting proactively searches for cyber threats, which are undetected by the traditional defense mechanisms. It scans deep to identify malicious programs (ie, malware) that escape from detection. It is important because sophisticated cyber threats can bypass the cyber security mechanisms. The performance of the cyber threat hunting can be improved through artificial intelligence (AI), especially, explainable AI (XAI), which adds trust component to the cyber threat hunting process. Due to the inclusion of XAI, the security experts get the full explanations of the detected threats as the working of the detection model in XAI is known. Information, like, which one is a threat, how it has been detected, and why it has been detected, can be obtained very easily due to the inclusion of XAI in the cyber threat hunting. Therefore, an XAI‐envisioned mechanism for cyber threat hunting has been proposed (in short, XAISM‐CTH). The network and threat models of XAISM‐CTH are designed and discussed. The conducted security analysis proves the security of XAISM‐CTH against various potential attacks. XAISM‐CTH also performs better than the other existing schemes. At the end, a practical implementation of XAISM‐CTH has been provided to observe its impact on the performance of the system.
Effect of Sintering Temperature on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Fe–4Ni–0.8Mo–0.6C Steel Small‐Module Gears Fabricated by Micrometal Injection Molding
Authors: Liao Yanxia , Li Zhuan , Li Xiaobao , Su Shaohua , Zhao Yibo , Li Ye , Wu Jiaqi , Luo Yong , Wu Cuiwei
Published: March 2023

Small‐module gear is the key basic component of equipment in the fields of aerospace, weapon equipment, communication, and so on, which is an important embodiment of the high‐end intelligent equipment manufacturing level. Herein, the small‐module gears are fabricated by micro‐metal injection molding (micro‐MIM) and the microstructure and mechanical properties of the gears are characterized. The small‐module gears are successfully molded, debounded, and sintered based on the feedstock with 58% powder loading. The structure and mechanical properties of the samples are investigated in relation to the sintering temperature for the determination of optimum sintering conditions. The results show that the relative density and average grain size increase with the increment of sintering temperature, and the maximum relative density of 97.6% is obtained at the sintering temperature of 1320 °C. The tensile strength and hardness of the sintered sample are 2034 MPa and 709 HV at 1320 °C, respectively, presenting the most desirable mechanical properties, which are attributed to the formation of martensite with high strength and hardness at the expense of pearlite and ferrite and the alloy carbide precipitations in the microstructure. Herein, important guidance to develop low‐cost and high‐performance small‐module gear is provided by using micro‐MIM.
Upgrading CO2 into acetate on Bi2O3@carbon felt integrated electrode via coupling electrocatalysis with microbial synthesis
Authors: Liu Xiaojing , Zhang Kang , Sun Yidan , Zhang Shukang , Qiu Zhenyu , Song Tianshun , Xie Jingjing , Wu Yuping , Chen Yuhui
Published: March 2023

Upgrading of atmospheric CO2 into high‐value‐added acetate using renewable electricity via electrocatalysis solely remains a great challenge. Here, inspired by microbial synthesis via biocatalysts, we present a coupled system to produce acetate from CO2 by bridging inorganic electrocatalysis with microbial synthesis through formate intermediates. A 3D Bi2O3@CF integrated electrode with an ice‐sugar gourd shape was fabricated via a straightforward hydrothermal synthesis strategy, wherein Bi2O3 microspheres were decorated on carbon fibers. This ice‐sugar gourd‐shaped architecture endows electrodes with multiple structural advantages, including synergistic contribution, high mass transport capability, high structural stability, and large surface area. Consequently, the resultant Bi2O3@CF exhibited a maximum Faradic efficiency of 92.4% at −1.23 V versus Ag/AgCl for formate generation in 0.5 M KHCO3, exceeding that of Bi2O3/CF prepared using a conventional electrode preparation strategy. Benefiting from the high formate selectivity, unique architecture, and good biocompatibility, the Bi2O3@CF electrode attached with enriched CO2‐fixing electroautotrophs served as a biocathode. As a result, a considerable acetate yield rate of 0.269 ± 0.009 g L−1 day−1 (a total acetate yield of 3.77 ± 0.12 g L−1 during 14‐day operation) was achieved in the electrochemical–microbial system equipped with Bi2O3@CF.
Struggling to Become a Mother: Literary Representations of Involuntary Childlessness
Authors: Björklund Jenny
Published: March 2023

This chapter focuses on literary representations of childlessness, more particularly, Swedish novels from the twenty-first century, with female protagonists and where the struggle to have children takes center stage: Pernilla Glaser’s 40 minus (2010; 40 Below), Martina Haag’s Glada hälsningar från Missångerträsk: En vintersaga (2011; Happy Greetings from Missångerträsk: A Winter’s Tale), and Tove Folkesson’s Hennes ord: Värk I–III (2019; Her Words: Ache I–III). I analyze the literary representations of involuntary childlessness and the women at the center of the narratives, focusing in particular on how non-motherhood is positioned in relation to femininity and (hetero)normativity. I also situate these representations in their national context and analyze how they relate to Swedish-branded values like gender equality and progressive family politics. On the one hand, the representations of non-motherhood illustrate the centrality of motherhood to normative femininity, and all three novels reinforce heteronormative temporalities. On the other hand, the novels to some extent also resist these norms. Moreover, none of these novels ends with children or even a pregnancy, and thus the narratives break with the conventional infertility plot line and frame the struggle to become a mother as a story that can be told in its own right.
What Does It Take to Be a Professional Translator? Identity as a Resource
Authors: Sela-Sheffy Rakefet
Published: March 2023

This study’s author proposes integrating the lens of identity research into critical discussions of professions, questioning the role of professionalization as a status mechanism. Addressing under-professionalized occupational domains, drawing largely from Bourdieu, she conceives “professionalism” as symbolic capital negotiated by workers, to account for the ambiguity of professional knowledge and skills. She views professional competencies as socially learned and controlled, embodied in workers’ dispositions and self-perception (and not in institutional regulation). Translators provide a quintessential (though under-researched) case of extremely under-professionalized occupation, despite being in great demand. Using in-depth-interviews and miscellaneous popular documents, the author analyzes Israeli translators’ discursive construction of professional identities as where their professional capital is produced. She shows that translation sectors engage incounter-professionalization—the deliberate rejection of formalization and standardization—as a prevailing status strategy. Locating professionalism in personal natural abilities, she reveals how this strategy helps rebutting the image of unqualified workers, providing the axis for this occupation’s status structure.
Preserving the Epistemic Authority of Science in World Politics
Authors: Haas Peter M.
Published: March 2023

Governments rely extensively on expertise, and arguably many of the major accomplishments over the last 50 years reflect the ideas and involvement of experts. Yet expertise in world politics is increasingly contested. This chapter looks at the role of science and expertise in the world politics, and the multiple criteria of legitimacy that frame its reception. It concludes with a discussion of how scientific legitimacy can be defended.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Prostate in the PI-RADS Era
Authors: Vargas Alberto , Asbach Patrick , Hamm Bernd
Published: March 2023

Ongoing technical innovation in combination with a broad research activity has resulted in increased adoption and widespread utilization of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the prostate. The Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS), first introduced in 2012 and subsequently updated in 2015 and 2019, standardized image acquisition and reporting and facilitated the communication of imaging findings to referring physician teams and is now considered an obligatory key element in prostate MRI. This has had a tremendous impact on the diagnostic workup of patients with suspected prostate cancer. Indications for MRI have been incorporated in multiple prostate cancer guidelines (e.g., NICE, AUA, EAU, German S3-Guideline), and in turn imaging-based targeted prostate biopsy has markedly increased. Referring physicians not only heavily rely on accurate interpretation of MRI of the prostate but actively seek high-quality MRI scans for their daily practice because prostate MRI has direct impact on their cancer detection rate. Furthermore, a paradigm shift is taking place in the prostate cancer community regarding the care of low-risk prostate cancer patients, where active surveillance (AS) is increasingly favored over definitive therapy. Prostate MRI plays an important role in AS not only during the initial assessment to determine eligibility but also over the course of follow-up of the disease.
Small Bowel Disease: An Approach to Optimise Imaging Technique and Interpretation
Authors: Tolan Damian J. M.
Published: March 2023

Small bowel imaging presents a challenge from the variety of clinical presentations and types of disease affecting a long organ. Emergency presentation most often involves suspicion of bowel obstruction, unexplained acute abdominal pain with or without signs of sepsis and overt obscure GI bleeding. Conversely non-emergency referrals relate to non-specific constitutional symptoms including weight loss, abdominal patient, and altered bowel habit suggesting malignancy or inflammatory bowel disease, while iron deficiency anaemia after negative colonoscopy and endoscopy indicates occult obscure GI bleeding. CT is the commonest and best-established method of evaluation, except in the setting of known inflammatory bowel disease where MRI or ultrasound are advantageous because they avoid radiation.

The CT protocol must be tailored to the clinical situation. Oral preparation is avoided for acute imaging, with the main focus around prompt contrast enhanced scanning: acute obscure bleeding should include non-contrast, arterial and portal venous phases, while obstruction and acute abdominal pain needs portal venous phase assessment. Pre-contrast imaging allows assessment of intramural haemorrhage where there is prior clinical concern for intestinal ischaemia. Conversely non-urgent assessment allows oral luminal preparation with a neutral contrast such as polyethylene glycol or mannitol and enteric or portal venous phase contrast assessment depending on the indication.
Imaging Infectious Disease of the Abdomen (Including COVID-19)
Authors: Rai Rubal , Singh Ramandeep , Hahn Peter F. , Kambadakone Avinash , Gore Richard M.
Published: March 2023

Abdominal infections can prolong hospital stays and lead to high morbidity and mortality. In patients with pre-existing critical illness or other conditions such as cancer and immunosuppression, early diagnosis of abdominal infections can be challenging and are important considerations to prevent life-threatening sepsis and complications. The constellation of predisposing host factors, infectious agents, and site of involvement can lead to a variety of clinical and imaging manifestations. Based on organ system involvement, diverse imaging techniques can be utilized ranging from plain films to cross-sectional and advanced imaging modalities. The purpose of this chapter is to discuss uncommon and common etiologies and imaging manifestations of infections in the abdomen and pelvis with emphasis on the radiological features considering the relevant clinical background and risk factors.
Congenital and Acquired Pathologies of the Pediatric Urogenital Tract
Authors: Sorantin Erich , Grattan-Smith Damien
Published: March 2023

The aim of imaging in children with congenital and acquired abnormalities of the genitourinary system is to increase the quality of care by establishing an accurate diagnosis and guiding the child’s management. Pediatric urological conditions are diverse with many different approaches to imaging and management. We will present a concise overview of the most important and common congenital and acquired disorders of the pediatric urogenital tract.