bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chiral Graphene Hybrid Materials: Structures, Properties, and Chiral Applications
Authors: Zhao Biao , Yang Shenghua , Deng Jianping , Pan Kai
Published: February 2021

Chirality has become an important research subject. The research areas associated with chirality are under substantial development. Meanwhile, graphene is a rapidly growing star material and has hard‐wired into diverse disciplines. Rational combination of graphene and chirality undoubtedly creates unprecedented functional materials and may also lead to great findings. This hypothesis has been clearly justified by the sizable number of studies. Unfortunately, there has not been any previous review paper summarizing the scattered studies and advancements on this topic so far. This overview paper attempts to review the progress made in chiral materials developed from graphene and their derivatives, with the hope of providing a systemic knowledge about the construction of chiral graphenes and chiral applications thereof. Recently emerging directions, existing challenges, and future perspectives are also presented. It is hoped this paper will arouse more interest and promote further faster progress in these significant research areas.
Recent Progress in the Semiconducting Oxide Overlayer for Halide Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Woo Mun Young , Choi Kwang , Lee Jun Hyeok , Park So Yeon , Noh Jun Hong
Published: February 2021

Halide perovskite solar cells (HPSCs) contain charge transport layers (CTLs) both above and below the photoactive perovskite layer. These semiconducting CTLs are just as important as the perovskite layer to fully realizing the potential of perovskite materials. In particular, semiconducting oxide overlayer materials (SOOMs) are expected to lower costs and provide better long‐term stability compared to the organic semiconducting materials commonly used for the upper layer. However, SOOM‐based HPSCs are currently less efficient than conventional devices owing to SOOM's deposition constraints imposed by the underlying perovskite layer. This progress report focuses on the recent evolution of SOOM‐based HPSCs by describing the key issues and recent advances in SOOM deposition methods. Finally, remaining challenges and future research directions for SOOMs are discussed to provide guidance toward the commercialization of HPSCs.
Our research progress in heteroaggregation and homoaggregation of organic π‐conjugated systems
Authors: Deng Xin , Yu Xiaohui , Xiao Jinchong , Zhang Qichun
Published: February 2021

Construction of crystalline homo/heteroaggregation at micro/nanometer level from organic π‐conjugated systems is of great importance because the controllable morphologies (i.e., size, shape, and dimension) could provide diverse optoelectronic properties for different applications in the electrooptical devices. In this review, we summarize our recent progress in the self‐assembly of micro/nanostructures of organic π‐conjugated molecules via the heteroaggregation and homoaggregation strategies. We also discuss various factors (i.e., temperature, solvents, and surfactants) that affect the aggregation process through a surfactant‐assisted reprecipitation method. Moreover, their physical properties and possible applications in electronics and biofields are illustrated.
Genetic study ofyoung‐onsetdementia using targeted gene panel sequencing in Taiwan
Authors: Hsu Jung‐Lung , Lin Chin‐Hsien , Chen Pei‐Lung , Lin Kun‐Ju , Chen Ta‐Fu
Published: February 2021

Recent genetic progress allows the molecular diagnosis of young‐onset dementia, including Alzheimer's disease (AD) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). We aimed to identify the mutational and clinical spectra of causal genes in a Taiwanese cohort of young‐onset dementia. Ninety‐one patients with young‐onset dementia and 22 age/gender‐matched controls were recruited. Genetic causes were identified by a targeted panel containing 90 causative genes for AD, FTD, and related neurodegenerative disorders. Plasma biomarkers, including total tau, Aβ42, and Aβ40, were assayed. Molecular amyloid and tau PET scans were performed in some patients carrying mutations. Nine of 52 patients (17.3%) with young‐onset AD had mutations: 2 (22.2%), 4 (44.5%), 2 (22.2%), and 1 (11.1%) inAPP,PSEN1,PSEN2, andTREM2, respectively. Two of 33 patients (6.1%) with young‐onset FTD had mutations inMAPTandLRRK2. Three of the 6 patients (50.0%) with possible FTD combined with other neurodegenerative disorders had individual mutations inAPP,PSEN2, orMAPT. Patients withPSEN1mutations had earlier onset of disease than those without mutations (p= .02). Plasma level of total tau was increased and Aβ42 and Aβ40 levels decreased in all groups of dementia patients compared to controls. Our findings provide a genetic spectrum of young‐onset dementia in our population.
Quantifying cortical bone in fragmentary archeological second metacarpals
Authors: Gilmour Rebecca J. , Brickley Megan B. , Hoogland Menno , Jurriaans Erik , Mays Simon , Prowse Tracy L.
Published: February 2021

Objectives

Skeletal variation in cortical bone thickness is an indicator of bone quality and health in archeological populations. Second metacarpal radiogrammetry, which measures cortical thickness at the shaft midpoint, is traditionally used to evaluate bone loss in bioarcheological and some clinical contexts. However fragmentary elements are regularly omitted because the midpoint cannot be determined. This methodological limitation reduces sample sizes and biases them against individuals prone to fracture, such as older individuals with low bone mass. This study introduces a new technique for measuring cortical bone in second metacarpals, the “Region of Interest” (ROI) method, which quantifies bone in archeological remains with less‐than‐ideal preservation while accounting for cortical heterogeneity.

Materials and methods

The ROI method was adapted from digital X‐ray radiogrammetry (DXR), a clinical method used to estimate bone mineral density, and tested using second metacarpals from Middenbeemster, Netherlands, a 19th century known age and sex skeletal collection. The ROI method quantifies cortical bone area within a 1.9 cm‐long, mid‐diaphyseal region, standardized for body size differences using total area (CAIROI). CAIROI values were compared to traditional radiogrammetric cortical indices (CI) to assess the method's ability to identify age‐related bone loss.

Results

CAIROI values have high intra‐ and interobserver replicability and are strongly and significantly correlated with CI values for both males (r[n = 39] = 0.906, p = 0.000) and females (r[n = 58] = 0.925, p = 0.000).

Conclusion

The ROI method complements traditional radiogrammetry analyses and provides a reliable way to quantify cortical bone in incomplete second metacarpals, thereby maximizing sample sizes, allowing patterns in bone acquisition and loss to be more comprehensively depicted in archeological assemblages.
The search for a convenient procedure to detect one of the earliest signs of Alzheimer's disease: A systematic review of the prediction of brain amyloid status
Authors: Ashford Miriam T. , Veitch Dallas P. , Neuhaus John , Nosheny Rachel L. , Tosun Duygu , Weiner Michael W.
Published: February 2021

Introduction

Convenient, cost‐effective tests for amyloid beta (Aβ) are needed to identify those at higher risk for developing Alzheimer's disease (AD). This systematic review evaluates recent models that predict dichotomous Aβ. (PROSPERO: CRD42020144734).

Methods

We searched Embase and identified 73 studies from 29,581 for review. We assessed study quality using established tools, extracted information, and reported results narratively.

Results

We identified few high‐quality studies due to concerns about Aβ determination and analytical issues. The most promising convenient, inexpensive classifiers consist of age, apolipoprotein E genotype, cognitive measures, and/or plasma Aβ. Plasma Aβ may be sufficient if pre‐analytical variables are standardized and scalable assays developed. Some models lowered costs associated with clinical trial recruitment or clinical screening.

Discussion

Conclusions about models are difficult due to study heterogeneity and quality. Promising prediction models used demographic, cognitive/neuropsychological, imaging, and plasma Aβ measures. Further studies using standardized Aβ determination, and improved model validation are required.
Partially Coherent Dual and Quad Airy‐Like Beams
Authors: Pan Keming , Xu Jia , Zhang Yao , Zhao Daomu
Published: February 2021

Partially coherent multi‐Airy‐like beams are investigated by introducing coordinate transformation parameters and combining them with the theory of multi‐beam superposition under symmetrical conditions, for the case of dual and quad as examples. The accurate propagation position of the mutual‐focusing point is obtained by analyzing the normalized spectral density (SD) curves at different planes. The outcomes show that both the optical frame and the interference pattern can be changed by means of adjusting the coordinate transformation parameters. For a special circumstance, the transverse SD overlapping profile is presented in a rotational four‐square grid. In addition, the coordinate transformation parameters periodically affect the distance between the two main lobes, which provides us a new idea with adjusting the width of the optical frame edges. Moreover, both the peak intensity of the SD and the divergence speed can be controlled by tuning the value of the equivalent beam width. These results may provide new inspiration for applications of partially coherent Airy‐like beams in optical propagation, capture, and communication.
Reactivity and Selectivity in Ruthenium Sulfur‐Chelated Diiodo Catalysts
Authors: Nechmad Noy B. , Kobernik Victoria , Tarannam Naziha , Phatake Ravindra , Eivgi Or , Kozuch Sebastian , Lemcoff N. Gabriel
Published: February 2021

A trifluoromethyl sulfur‐chelated ruthenium benzylidene, Ru‐S‐CF3‐I, was synthesized and characterized. This latent precatalyst provides a distinct activity and selectivity profiles for olefin metathesis reactions depending on the substrate. For example, 1,3‐divinyl‐hexahydropentalene derivatives were efficiently obtained by ring‐opening metathesis (ROM) of dicyclopentadiene (DCPD). Ru‐S‐CF3‐I also presented a much more effective photoisomerization process from the inactive cis‐diiodo to the active trans‐diiodo configuration after exposure to 510 nm (green light), allowing for a wide scope of photoinduced olefin metathesis reactions. DFT calculations suggest a faster formation and enhanced stability of the active trans‐diiodo species of Ru‐S‐CF3‐I compared with Ru‐S‐Ph‐I, explaining its higher reactivity. In addition, the photochemical release of chloride anions by irradiation of Cl‐BODIPY in the presence of DCPD derivatives with diiodo Ru benzylidenes, led to in situ generation of chloride complexes, which quickly produced the corresponding cross‐linked polymers. Thus, novel selective pathways that use visible light to guide olefin metathesis based synthetic sequences is presented.
From Parkesine to Celluloid: The Birth of Organic Plastics
Authors: Rasmussen Seth C.
Published: February 2021

The birth of modern organic plastics can be traced back to the mid‐1800s with various semi‐synthetic plastics derived from cellulose nitrate. Examples of such materials include Parkesine introduced by Alexander Parkes in 1860 and celluloid introduced by John Wesley Hyatt in 1870. The history and development of these early materials is presented, while also attempting to clarify the differences between the related materials collodion, Parkesine, and celluloid.
Functionalized Phosphonium Cations Enable Zinc Metal Reversibility in Aqueous Electrolytes
Authors: Ma Lin , Pollard Travis P. , Zhang Yong , Schroeder Marshall A. , Ding Michael S. , Cresce Arthur V. , Sun Ruimin , Baker David R. , Helms Brett A. , Maginn Edward J. , Wang Chunsheng , Borodin Oleg , Xu Kang
Published: February 2021

Aqueous rechargeable zinc metal batteries promise attractive advantages including safety, high volumetric energy density, and low cost; however, such benefits cannot be unlocked unless Zn reversibility meets stringent commercial viability. Herein, we report remarkable improvements on Zn reversibility in aqueous electrolytes when phosphonium‐based cations are used to reshape interfacial structures and interphasial chemistries, particularly when their ligands contain an ether linkage. This novel aqueous electrolyte supports unprecedented Zn reversibility by showing dendrite‐free Zn plating/stripping for over 6400 h at 0.5 mA cm−2, or over 280 h at 2.5 mA cm−2, with coulombic efficiency above 99 % even with 20 % Zn utilization per cycle. Excellent full cell performance is demonstrated with Na2V6O16⋅1.63 H2O cathode, which cycles for 2000 times at 300 mA g−1. The microscopic characterization and modeling identify the mechanism of unique interphase chemistry from phosphonium and its functionalities as the key factors responsible for dictating reversible Zn chemistry
Pebax‐based mixed matrix membranes loaded with graphene oxide/core shell ZIF‐8@ZIF‐67 nanocomposites improved CO2 permeability and selectivity
Authors: Liu Niu , Cheng Jun , Hou Wen , Yang Xiao , Zhou Junhu
Published: February 2021

In order to facilitate CO2 transport in Pebax‐based membranes, graphene oxide (GO)/core shell ZIF‐8@ZIF‐67 nanocomposites were loaded in Pebax copolymer to improve CO2 permeability and selectivity. The 0.5 wt% GO doped core shell ZIF‐8@ZIF‐67, which gave highest CO2 adsorption capacity of 1.12 mmol/g, was used as nanocomposite. The incorporated GO/core shell ZIF enhanced CO2 adsorption via unsaturated metal sites (Zn‐O or Co‐O), because O atoms in GO substituted for N atoms coordinated with Zn and Co single atoms in core shell ZIF‐8@ZIF‐67. Positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy indicated that GO‐templated core shell ZIF nanocomposites generated extra free volume and provided low‐resistance channels to facilitate CO2 transport. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis revealed that hydrogen bonds were generated between Pebax polymer chains and GO‐templated core shell ZIF which improved swelling resistance and reduced interface defects. Therefore, Pebax‐based MMMs loaded with 5 wt% GO/core shell ZIF‐8@ZIF‐67 exhibited optimum CO2 permeability (173.2 barrers) and ideal selectivity of CO2/N2 (61.9) and CO2/H2 (11.6), which were 99.7%, 66.4%, and 20.8% higher than Pebax membranes and surpass Robeson 2008 upper bound. The tensile strength increased by 17.6% to 28.8 MPa and elongation at break increased by 7.61%–554.6% when pure Pebax membranes were incorporated with 2.5 wt% GO/core shell ZIF‐8@ZIF‐67.
Fabrication and characterization of electrospun psyllium husk‐based nanofibers for tissue regeneration
Authors: Poddar Suruchi , Agarwal Piyush Sunil , Sahi Ajay Kumar , Varshney Neelima , Vajanthri Kiran Yellappa , Mahto Sanjeev Kumar
Published: February 2021

The present study reports for first time the blending of psyllium husk (PH) powder/gelatin (G) in the polymer‐rich composition of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) to make an electrospinnable solution. The composite was prepared in 3 different ratios viz., 100% (wt/wt) (PVA + PH), 75% + 25% (PVA + 75PH + 25G) (wt/wt) and 50% + 50% (PVA + 50PH + 50G) (wt/wt) in 6% PVA solution. Optimum electrospinning parameters were evaluated for all the prepared blends. The fabricated nanofibers were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), attenuated total reflectance‐Fourier transform infrared, differential scanning calorimetry, porosity percentage, and fiber orientation using ImageJ software. A qualitative in vitro degradation study at room temperature is supported by SEM images. The cellular interactions were characterized by MTT assay of NIH‐3T3 fibroblast cells for 2 and 4 days with an optimum cell growth of >50% by fourth day of culture and long‐term cultivation of L929‐RFP cells was observed for 10 days. The nanofibers were formed in the range of 49–600 nm. PVA + 75PH + 25G when cultured with L929‐RFP cells exhibited highest fluorescence intensity and thus supported cellular proliferation significantly. Based on the results obtained from various analyses, we anticipate that fabricated psyllium‐based nanofiber can be used as a promising candidate for wound healing and other biomedical applications.
Epoxidized soybean oil modified using fatty acids as tougheners for thermosetting epoxy resins: Part 1
Authors: Hu Fengshuo , Yadav Santosh Kumar , La Scala John J. , Throckmorton James , Palmese Giuseppe R.
Published: February 2021

A series of bio‐rubber (BR) reactive tougheners for thermosetting epoxy resins was prepared by grafting renewable saturated fatty acids of different chain lengths (C6‐C14) onto epoxidized soybean oil (ESO) at varying molar ratios. The tunable nature of the BR systems derives from the architecture and functionality of naturally occurring molecules. Control of BR reactivity and molecular weight by varying the degree of grafting and the chain length of the fatty acid was demonstrated. The BR‐toughened samples were prepared by blending BRs with diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA), Epon 828, and stoichiometrically curing the mixture using an aromatic amine hardener, diethyl toluene diamine (Epikure W). Fracture surface morphology studies showed that tuning of phase separated particle sizes was possible depending on the BR type and weight fraction. The resulting toughening effect was evaluated by measuring the fracture toughness of control and toughened polymer samples. The use of BRs significantly improved the critical strain energy release rate and critical stress intensity factor values of thermosetting polymer samples without significantly reducing Tg and modulus. In addition to toughening and adding renewable content to petroleum‐based thermosetting epoxy systems these new tougheners have low viscosity compared to common alternatives and aid ease of processing.
Polyion complex micelles formed by azobenzene‐based polymer with multi‐responsive properties
Authors: Zhang Dandan , Li Jilu , Xie Hongmei , Zhu Aoqi , Xu Yiting , Zeng Birong , Luo Weiang , Dai Lizong
Published: February 2021

Compared with the single polymer micelle system, the polyion complex micellar system is consisted of two or more polymers with different composition, which has more flexible structural adjustment and better performance, making them widely used in drug control release. In this work, two azobenzene‐based amphiphilic copolymers P (MMA‐co‐PEGMA‐co‐NIPAM‐co‐HAZOMA) with ionized carboxyl and P (MMA‐co‐PEGMA‐co‐NIPAM‐co‐NNAZOMA) with protonated tertiary amine group were synthesized by reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. We studied self‐assembled behavior of polymers and multi‐component polymers, including their multiple responsiveness and the encapsulation, controlled release properties of polyion complex micelle. Light, pH, temperature, and reduction responsiveness of three micelles were investigated by UV–vis spectroscopy, transmission electron microscope (TEM), and dynamic light scattering. Compared to RCP 1, and RCP 2, RCP 1/RCP 2 micelle can release Nile red in both acidic and alkaline environment. When temperature reached critical solution temperature, RCP 1/RCP 2 micelle would release Nile red faster. Polyion complex micelle had better release performance compared to single micelles at the same environment, and could release in a wider range pH, making it had more potential applications in biological science field.
Rheological behavior and morphology of poly(lactic acid)/low‐density polyethylene blends based on virgin and recycled polymers: Compatibilization with natural surfactants
Authors: Casamento Francesco , D'Anna Alessandra , Arrigo Rossella , Frache Alberto
Published: February 2021

Blends based on poly(lactic acid) and low‐density polyethylene were compatibilized exploiting an innovative strategy involving the introduction of different mixtures of two sustainable liquid surfactants characterized by dissimilar hydrophilic–lipophilic ratios. The compatibilization method was first applied on blends made of virgin polymers, aiming at assessing the surfactant mixture inducing a more significant morphology refinement. Besides, to verify the effectiveness of the selected compatibilizers on recycled materials, the same process was carried out on blends based on reprocessed polymers. Interestingly, the compatibilization caused a significant microstructure modification, with a decrease of 54% of the mean size of the dispersed particles, in the case of virgin polymers‐based blends, with a consequent increase of 19% of the dynamic elastic modulus. On the other hand, in the case of reprocessed polymers‐based blends, a different compatibilizer efficiency was observed, as the noncompatibilized blend showed amore regular microstructure compared to the compatibilized counterpart.
Novel command to line of sight guidance with practical limitations
Authors: Ahi Behzad , Haeri Mohammad
Published: February 2021

In this paper, a novel scheme of command to line‐of‐sight guidance law regarding the outstanding practical limitations is proposed. With the aid of formulating problem in pursuer's line of sight frame, the exact feed‐forward acceleration commands are derived for a general target motion in three‐dimensional engagement geometry. Then, a nonlinear control scheme constructed from feed‐forward terms along with a nested saturated feedback strategy is suggested. Two momentous practical limitations are considered. The first is related to existence of pursuer's acceleration saturation which is ignored in all existing solutions. The required conditions to insure the global stability are derived regarding this inevitable constraint. The second is related to existence of guidance filter which is assumed to be ideal in existing literature. The importance of guidance filter is highlighted in the present work employing a cubature Kalman filter. The effectiveness of proposed scheme in comparison with the well‐known augmented proportional navigation law, with the absence and presence of guidance filter, autopilot dynamics and target maneuvers is illustrated through benchmark scenarios.
Prediction in Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review of Empirical Evidence
Authors: Cannon Jonathan , O'Brien Amanda M. , Bungert Lindsay , Sinha Pawan
Published: February 2021

According to a recent influential proposal, several phenotypic features of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may be accounted for by differences in predictive skills between individuals with ASD and neurotypical individuals. In this systematic review, we describe results from 47 studies that have empirically tested this hypothesis. We assess the results based on two observable aspects of prediction: learning a pairing between an antecedent and a consequence and responding to an antecedent in a predictive manner. Taken together, these studies suggest distinct differences in both predictive learning and predictive response. Studies documenting differences in learning predictive pairings indicate challenges in detecting such relationships especially when predictive features of an antecedent have low salience or consistency, and studies showing differences in habituation and perceptual adaptation suggest low‐level predictive processing differences in ASD. These challenges may account for the observed differences in the influence of predictive priors, in spontaneous predictive movement or gaze, and in social prediction. An important goal for future research will be to better define and constrain the broad domain‐general hypothesis by testing multiple types of prediction within the same individuals. Additional promising avenues include studying prediction within naturalistic contexts and assessing the effect of prediction‐based intervention on supporting functional outcomes for individuals with ASD.

Lay Summary

Researchers have suggested that many features of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may be explained by differences in the prediction skills of people with ASD. We review results from 47 studies. These studies suggest that ASD may be associated with differences in the learning of predictive pairings (e.g., learning cause and effect) and in low‐level predictive processing in the brain (e.g., processing repeated sounds). These findings lay the groundwork for research that can improve our understanding of ASD and inform interventions. Autism Res 2021, 14: 604–630. © 2021 International Society for Autism Research and Wiley Periodicals LLC
Early‐lifeexposure to alcohol and the risk ofalcohol‐inducedliver disease in adulthood
Authors: Asiedu Bernice , Nyakudya Trevor Tapiwa , Lembede Busisani Wiseman , Chivandi Eliton
Published: February 2021

Alcohol consumption remains prevalent among pregnant and nursing mothers despite the well‐documented adverse effects this may have on the offspring. Moderate‐to‐high levels of alcohol consumption in pregnancy result in fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) disorders, with brain defects being chief among the abnormalities. Recent findings indicate that while light‐to‐moderate levels may not cause FAS, it may contribute to epigenetic changes that make the offspring prone to adverse health outcomes including metabolic disorders and an increased propensity in the adolescent‐onset of drinking alcohol. On the one hand, prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) causes epigenetic changes that affect lipid and glucose transcript regulating genes resulting in metabolic abnormalities. On the other hand, it can program offspring for increased alcohol intake, enhance its palatability, and increase acceptance of alcohol's flavor through associative learning, making alcohol a plausible second hit for the development of alcohol‐induced liver disease. Adolescent drinking results in alcohol dependence and abuse in adulthood. Adolescent drinking results in alcohol dependence and abuse in adulthood. Alterations on the opioid system, particularly, the mu‐opioid system, has been implicated in the mechanism that induces increased alcohol consumption and acceptance. This review proposes a mechanism that links PAE to the development of alcoholism and eventually to alcoholic liver disease (ALD), which results from prolonged alcohol consumption. While PAE may not lead to ALD development in childhood, there are chances that it may lead to ALD in adulthood.
Relation between glycosidic linkage, structure and dynamics of α‐ and β‐glucans in water
Authors: Peesapati Sruthi , Sajeevan Karuna Anna , Patel Siddhant Kumar , Roy Durba
Published: February 2021

In a molecular dynamics simulation study of several oligosaccharides comprising of the very basic building block of carbohydrate, the α‐ or β‐d glucopyranose units, linked by any one of the 1‐3/1‐4 or 1‐6 glycosidic linkages, we compare and contrast their structural and dynamical properties. Results indicate that the litheness of the oligosaccharide chain is noticeably controlled by the composition, anomeric nature and glycosidic linkage type of the units. In mixed β 1‐4/1‐3 d‐glucopyranosides, as those found in oats and barley, the ratio of the β 1‐4 and β 1‐3 linked residues is crucial in determining the structural and dynamical attributes. Principal component analysis (PCA) using the internal coordinates of torsion angles subtended by glycosidic oxygen atoms and subsequent K‐means clustering of the dynamical space spanned by PC1 to PC2 point to the dynamical and structural disparity in the various types of oligosaccharides studied. The properties simulated in this work are meant to provide a systematic yet comparative understanding of the importance of linkage and anomericity on the oligosaccharide chain properties and are in line with some experimental structural attributes.
Cross‐national differences in stakeholder management: Applying institutional theory and comparative capitalism framework
Authors: Kumar Kamalesh , Boesso Giacomo , Batra Rishtee , Yao Jun
Published: February 2021

Drawing upon the research in institutional theory and comparative capitalism, the present study investigates how cross‐national differences in the political, business, and economic institutional contexts of the United States, Italy, and Japan are associated with the ways in which companies in each of these countries prioritize and engage in their stakeholder engagement activities (SEAs). Using Porter and Kramer's framework, which classifies corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities as falling into four categories (good citizenship, mitigating harm from value chain, transforming value chain activities, and strategic philanthropy), we investigate how companies in the United States, Japan, and Italy prioritize and engage in these four SEAs. An analysis of data collected from 340 companies across these countries reveals that while companies in each of these three countries undertake the four types of SEAs, the prioritization and prevalence of the four types of SEAs vary from one country to the other, in ways that align with the prevailing institutional contexts of each country. The results contribute to a more nuanced understanding of why and how companies' approaches to CSR differ across countries. From a practitioner's perspective, the findings highlight the cultural specificity of CSR, implying that despite the global nature of CSR, the implementation of CSR needs to be tailored to a country's context.
Cell therapies in the clinic
Authors: Wang Lily Li‐Wen , Janes Morgan E. , Kumbhojkar Ninad , Kapate Neha , Clegg John R. , Prakash Supriya , Heavey Mairead K. , Zhao Zongmin , Anselmo Aaron C. , Mitragotri Samir
Published: February 2021

Cell therapies have emerged as a promising therapeutic modality with the potential to treat and even cure a diverse array of diseases. Cell therapies offer unique clinical and therapeutic advantages over conventional small molecules and the growing number of biologics. Particularly, living cells can simultaneously and dynamically perform complex biological functions in ways that conventional drugs cannot; cell therapies have expanded the spectrum of available therapeutic options to include key cellular functions and processes. As such, cell therapies are currently one of the most investigated therapeutic modalities in both preclinical and clinical settings, with many products having been approved and many more under active clinical investigation. Here, we highlight the diversity and key advantages of cell therapies and discuss their current clinical advances. In particular, we review 28 globally approved cell therapy products and their clinical use. We also analyze >1700 current active clinical trials of cell therapies, with an emphasis on discussing their therapeutic applications. Finally, we critically discuss the major biological, manufacturing, and regulatory challenges associated with the clinical translation of cell therapies.
Head‐mounted display‐based virtual reality systems in engineering education: A review of recent research
Authors: Huang Wen , Roscoe Rod D.
Published: February 2021

Engineering education refers to developing an understanding of the principles, methods, and ways of thinking that underlie engineering, and preparing students and engineers for productive engineering careers. The purpose of this review is to explore how head‐mounted display‐based virtual reality (HMD VR) can contribute to these goals. Historically, engineering has not been a focus for VR in education. However, recent technical advances and decreasing prices are driving a growing public interest in applying HMD VR in this field. This article reviews 47 publications on this topic, primarily appearing from 2015 to May of 2020. The literature reveals that engineering researchers and instructors have broadly explored the potential of HMD VR in organized engineering instruction and training. However, rigorous evaluation appears to be somewhat lacking in the reviewed research, and most studies are conducted in a small‐scale laboratory setting. Nonetheless, HMD VR seems to be able to motivate students to learn and it is perceived to be useful in engineering education. Researchers are recommended to explore the methods of using HMD VR to facilitate lifelong learning, especially for the retraining and re‐employment of engineers who seek to change careers or collaborate with researchers in different disciplines. Engineering instructors may benefit from professional development that focuses on student‐centered pedagogies and skills attuned to the latest HMD VR systems.
A remote emulation environment for the teaching of low‐power wireless communications
Authors: Chaves Pedro R. , Assumpção Raphael M. , Ferreira Luiz C. , Cardieri Paulo , Branquinho Omar C. , Fruett Fabiano
Published: February 2021

The Covid‐19 pandemic has brought about new challenges to educational institutions around the world, as there has been a sudden interest in distance‐learning solutions in the offering of disciplines, including the science and technology ones. Distance‐learning will have a direct impact on the training of professionals that will develop the bespoke Internet of Things (IoT) solutions that homes, offices, companies, and cities are increasingly dependent on. Regardless, the training for IoT needs to consider the particularities of wireless communications, as it is essential to guarantee communication in any IoT solution. However, this training is hindered by the difficulty of conducting remote experiments that reproduce the wireless channel behavior. Besides, learning the main theoretical concepts of wireless connectivity would be facilitated by the adoption of practical methods centered on the student, the so‐called inductive training methods. This paper presents a remote, low cost, open‐source network emulation environment capable of reproducing the behavior of nonguided, low‐power links under different configurations. The emulation environment incorporates inductive approaches in the experimentation with wireless connectivity while following a consolidated project methodology. This environment was offered at a postgraduate course in the first semester of 2020. An end of course survey with the students indicated that the environment contributed to the comprehension of the principles governing the over‐the‐air connectivity. The evidence suggests that this remote environment is a useful tool for academic investigations of the particularities of low‐power wireless channels.
Recent Advances in MXene‐based Separation Membranes
Authors: Ahmed Zubair , Rehman Faisal , Ali Umeed , Ali Akbar , Iqbal Muzaffar , Thebo Khalid Hussain
Published: February 2021

Two‐dimensional (2D) materials with unique atomic thickness are promising candidate for high performance separation membrane. Several 2D materials such as graphene, graphene oxide (GO), metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs), covalent frameworks (COFs), transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs), etc have been studied as a separation membrane due to their outstanding properties such as high mechanical strength, large surface area, good chemical and thermal stability, ease of functionalization, and hydrophilic surface. Recently, transition metal carbide also known as MXene, a new member of layered membrane family has attended significant interest in water purification, desalination, gas separation, and pervaporation. Herein, the most recent advances in 2D MXene‐based membranes from both experimental and computational aspects are reviewed. Emphasis is placed on materials' structures, properties, fabrication methods, and potential applications in membrane technology. Finally, this review closes with several recommendation and new directions in this research area.
Massive sacrococcygeal teratoma in a preterm infant
Authors: Maneira‐Sousa Pedro , Rocha Gustavo , Soares Paulo , Arnet Vanessa , Guimarães Susana , Fragoso Ana Catarina , Ramalho Carla , Costa Estevão , Guimarães Hercília
Published: February 2021

In extreme preterm infants, massive congenital sacrococcygeal teratomas with great hemodynamic commitment may be a situation for limitation of care.
Medulloblastoma in the cerebellopontine angle mimicking a schwannoma
Authors: Thanh Dung Le , Minh Duc Nguyen
Published: February 2021

The typical distinction between cerebellopontine angle (CPA) medulloblastoma and other primary CPA tumors was not fully known. While CPA medulloblastoma is very uncommon, it should be included in the differential diagnosis of patients with CPA tumors.
Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation associated with a moderate form of COVID‐19 in a middle‐aged man with low cardiovascular risk factor: More still needs to be done in this topic
Authors: Temgoua Mazou Ngou , Chanseaume Sylvain , Hilic Enver , Karamoko Kane , Tochie Joel Noutakdie , Beyina Gislain , Camus Lise , Chanseaume Alexandra , Alexandru Mischie , Benfreha Khaled , Diallo Nouhoun , Eschalier Romain
Published: February 2021

Strict monitoring of the heart rhythm in patients with COVID‐19 even nonsevere case and patient with low cardiovascular risk factors is very important to prevent fatal outcomes.
Retrograde balloon aortic valvuloplasty with the newly invented Inoue balloon for aortic stenosis accompanied by severe heart failure: A case report
Authors: Ishizu Kenichi , Kawaguchi Tomohiro , Shirai Shinichi , Ando Kenji
Published: February 2021

Retrograde balloon aortic valvuloplasty using the newly invented Inoue balloon was one of the feasible and safe therapeutic options in a hemodynamically unstable patient having aortic stenosis with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction complicated with bacterial infection.
Composition/Performance Evaluation of Lean NOx Trap Catalysts for Coupling with SCR Technology
Authors: Schönebaum Simon , Dornseiffer Jürgen , Mauermann Peter , Wolkenar Bernd , Sterlepper Stefan , Wessel Egbert , Iskandar Riza , Mayer Joachim , Weirich Thomas E. , Pischinger Stefan , Guillon Olivier , Simon Ulrich
Published: February 2021

The washcoat composition and the catalytic properties of two commercially available lean NOx traps (LNTs) were investigated. Both catalysts contained nominally the same NOx storage and catalytic materials but differed strongly in their amount and activity as well as in the composition of their layered washcoat architecture. In lean‐rich cycle experiments under realistic engine‐out gas compositions using a laboratory gas test bench, the LNTs showed comparable NOx storage behavior. At temperatures below 250 °C, the lean phase durations last up to 300 s until 50 % of the NOx storage capacity is reached. The simultaneously calculated NOx storage efficiencies drop rapidly below 35 %, resulting in a high NOx slip. Strong variations were observed in N2O and NH3 selectivity and in CO slip during regeneration of both LNTs caused by the different oxygen storage capacity (OSC), water gas shift (WGS) activity and rhodium distribution in the catalytic layers. Based on the obtained results, proposals were made to optimize the storage and regeneration performance, leading to highly efficient LNT catalysts for coupling with a downstream SCR catalyst.
Wasserstofftransport in Erdgaspipelines
Authors: Machhammer Otto , Henschel Carsten , Füssl Andreas
Published: February 2021

Wasserstoff wird häufig als Energieträger der Zukunft gesehen. Er lässt sich aber nur schwer speichern und transportieren. Die Herstellung direkt am Ort des Bedarfs erscheint deshalb sinnvoll. Für Kleinabnehmer werden dafür sowohl Wasser‐Elektrolyseure als auch Mini‐Steam‐Methan‐Reformer‐Anlagen angeboten. Diese Technologien müssen sich aber in Konkurrenz zur Flaschenanlieferung von Wasserstoff per LKW behaupten, der in einer zentralen Großanlage kostengünstig hergestellt wird. Die elektrochemische Wasserstoff‐Abtrennungstechnologie bietet eine weitere Möglichkeit der dezentralen Wasserstoffversorgung, und zwar dann, wenn in Erdgaspipelines regenerativ erzeugter Wasserstoff eingespeist wird. In diesem Beitrag werden am Beispiel einer Wasserstofftankstelle mit einem Tagesbedarf von 1 t H2 verschiedene Varianten zum Wasserstofftransport diskutiert und bezüglich der Produktkosten und des Carbon Footprint miteinander verglichen.
Monomer transport in emulsion polymerization
Authors: Schork F. Joseph
Published: February 2021

A simple mathematical model of the transport of monomer from the monomer droplets to the polymerizing polymer particles during emulsion polymerization is developed. A Damkohler number for monomer transport in emulsion polymerization is proposed as the ratio of the maximum rate of polymerization (propagation) divided by the maximum rate of monomer transport out of the monomer droplets. This Damkohler number is calculated from literature values for a number of common monomers. Following standard practise for the use of such a Damkohler number in other reaction‐with‐transport systems, monomers with a Damkohler number above 0.1 are considered to be transport limited. Results of these calculations indicate that, while most monomers are not monomer transport limited, the higher molecular weight acrylates and methacrylates are.
Categorizing color shifts due to tinted glazing via dominant colors of the scene
Authors: Raza Aiman , Jost Sophie , Dubail Marie , Dumortier Dominique
Published: February 2021

Tinted films and glazing application on windows reduce glare but can sometime induce color shifts, which needs to be characterized by fast and reliable means. We propose a color graphic that uses the dominant colors of the image seen through the tinted film and compares it to the dominant colors of the original unfiltered image. An image segmentation algorithm applied on a Gaussian blurred image segments the whole scene into six clusters. The median RGB values of the six clusters provide the six dominant colors, which were validated through the means of a psycho‐visual experiment. This difference in the dominant colors of the original and the tinted scene is visualized through a color vector connecting the two colors on the CIELAB'sa*b* color plane. This color graphic was directly applied to a glazing application and the predictions of the color graphic visually matched the actual rendition of the glazing. This color graphic provides a clear and concise information about the color shifts that can be directly applied in building and lighting industry to study final renditions of lighting and interior glazing applications. The graphic is especially useful for highly chromatic glazing, which cannot always be characterized by traditional color rendering, because they are too distant from the Planckian/black body curve.
Safety of a Novel Weight Loss Combination Product Containing Orlistat and Acarbose
Authors: Grudén Stefan , Forslund Anders , Alderborn Göran , Söderhäll Arvid , Hellström Per M. , Holmbäck Ulf
Published: February 2021

The safety of a novel modified‐release oral capsule with orlistat and acarbose (MR‐OA) was investigated in 67 obese middle‐aged White men with a body mass index of 32 to 40 kg/m2 or 30 to 32 kg/m2 plus waist circumference >102 cm. The purpose of this investigation was to compare MR‐OA with the existing conventional orlistat regarding systemic safety defined as plasma orlistat concentration at the end of the treatment period of 14 days. Participants took the MR‐OA fixed‐dose combination formulation 3 times a day together with a major meal. Three different doses of MR‐OA were evaluated—60/20, 90/30, and 120/40 (mg orlistat/mg acarbose)—as well as 1 reference group who received the conventional orlistat, Xenical, with 120 mg of orlistat. Blood plasma was sampled on days 1 and 14. The orlistat plasma concentrations of the MR‐OA dose showed a delayed absorption and were lower compared with conventional orlistat at the end of the study. All doses were safe and well tolerated without any unexpected adverse events and no serious adverse events. The delay in the rise of orlistat plasma concentration indicates that the modified‐release properties of the MR‐OA formulation are effective. The systemic exposure of orlistat resulting from MR‐OA was similar, albeit a bit lower than the conventional orlistat with 120 mg of orlistat. We can therefore assume that the safety profile regarding the orlistat moiety of MR‐OA is comparable to the conventional orlistat and a promising approach for weight control in obese patients. Further clinical evaluation is underway.
Combating Multidrug‐Resistant Bacteria by Integrating a Novel Target Site Penetration and Receptor Binding Assay Platform Into Translational Modeling
Authors: Lang Yinzhi , Shah Nirav R. , Tao Xun , Reeve Stephanie M. , Zhou Jieqiang , Moya Bartolome , Sayed Alaa R. M. , Dharuman Suresh , Oyer Jeremiah L. , Copik Alicja J. , Fleischer Brett A. , Shin Eunjeong , Werkman Carolin , Basso Kari B. , Deveson Lucas Deanna , Sutaria Dhruvitkumar S. , Mégroz Marianne , Kim Tae Hwan , Loudon‐Hossler Victoria , Wright Amy , Jimenez‐Nieves Rossie H. , Wallace Miranda J. , Cadet Keisha C. , Jiao Yuanyuan , Boyce John D. , LoVullo Eric D. , Schweizer Herbert P. , Bonomo Robert A. , Bharatham Nagakumar , Tsuji Brian T. , Landersdorfer Cornelia B. , Norris Michael H. , Soo Shin Beom , Louie Arnold , Balasubramanian Venkataraman , Lee Richard E. , Drusano George L. , Bulitta Jürgen B.
Published: February 2021

Multidrug‐resistant bacteria are causing a serious global health crisis. A dramatic decline in antibiotic discovery and development investment by pharmaceutical industry over the last decades has slowed the adoption of new technologies. It is imperative that we create new mechanistic insights based on latest technologies, and use translational strategies to optimize patient therapy. Although drug development has relied on minimal inhibitory concentration testing and established in vitro and mouse infection models, the limited understanding of outer membrane permeability in Gram‐negative bacteria presents major challenges. Our team has developed a platform using the latest technologies to characterize target site penetration and receptor binding in intact bacteria that inform translational modeling and guide new discovery. Enhanced assays can quantify the outer membrane permeability of β‐lactam antibiotics and β‐lactamase inhibitors using multiplex liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. While β‐lactam antibiotics are known to bind to multiple different penicillin‐binding proteins (PBPs), their binding profiles are almost always studied in lysed bacteria. Novel assays for PBP binding in the periplasm of intact bacteria were developed and proteins identified via proteomics. To characterize bacterial morphology changes in response to PBP binding, high‐throughput flow cytometry and time‐lapse confocal microscopy with fluorescent probes provide unprecedented mechanistic insights. Moreover, novel assays to quantify cytosolic receptor binding and intracellular drug concentrations inform target site occupancy. These mechanistic data are integrated by quantitative and systems pharmacology modeling to maximize bacterial killing and minimize resistance in in vitro and mouse infection models. This translational approach holds promise to identify antibiotic combination dosing strategies for patients with serious infections.
Precursors to BPD in high‐risk youth: Depression, CD, and drug use
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: February 2021

Mood disorders frequently begin as depressive episodes and non‐mood disorders, but these precursors differ by mood subtype. Offspring who are at high risk due to parental mood disorders and who have these precursors should be closely monitored to prevent further development of major depressive disorder (MDD) or conversion to bipolar disorder (BPD), researchers write in tk.
Report details early intervention services in every state
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: February 2021

Adolescence is a time of heightened susceptibility to experimenting with alcohol or other drugs. Not every teen who does so will develop a substance use disorder (SUD), but this is a time period when the brain is developing and could be harmed.