bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Large‐Scale Laser Nanopatterning of Multiband Tunable Mid‐Infrared Metasurface Absorber
Authors: Yuan Dandan , Li Jun , Huang Jiaxu , Wang Min , Xu Shaolin , Wang Xinwei
Published: August 2022

Large‐scale nanopatterning at low cost and high throughput is crucial to the practical applications of metasurfaces. Phase‐change materials equipped in these metasurfaces as modulation layers or resonators are generally applied to achieve a tunable function and have attracted significant attention. Here, an efficient method is developed by combining ultrafast laser localized modification/ablation and subsequent etching to fabricate nanostructures on a phase‐change material, Ge2Sb2Te5 (GST), over a wafer‐sized area. The localized laser treatments under gradually increased laser fluences contribute to the variety of achievable nanostructures including disk and ring structures, whose feature sizes and periods can be tuned by adjusting laser parameters and subsequent etching conditions. A mid‐infrared metasurface absorber is designed and fabricated by using the GST ring units as resonators. Notably, varying the geometrical features of rings allows generating dual‐band and tri‐band absorption peaks in the mid‐infrared spectral range, whose peak absorptivity can reach ≈92%. By converting GST from amorphous to crystalline state, a broad absorption spectral redshift of 700 nm is achieved. The large‐area high‐throughput fabrication together with high‐absorption design demonstrates their potential in mass production of phase‐change metasurface‐based absorbers.
Synthesis of 3‐Amino‐1‐(difluoromethylidene)tetralins via Relay Photocatalytic Cascade Reactions of Arylalanines and 2‐Bromo‐3,3,3‐trifluoropropene
Authors: Zeng Weidi , Li Linyong , Wang Chihao , Wang Duozhi , Zhou Lei
Published: August 2022

A relay photocatalytic cascade reaction for the synthesis of 3‐amino‐1‐(difluoromethylidene)tetralins was described. The reaction used readily available N‐Boc protected arylalanines and bulk industrial chemical 2‐bromo‐3,3,3‐trifluoropropene (BTP) as the starting materials combining two photoredox catalytic cycles with a single photocatalyst. In the first catalytic cycle, the defluorinative coupling of N‐Boc arylalanines with BTP provided 2‐bromo‐1,1‐difluoroalkenes. In the second catalytic cycle, 2‐bromo‐1,1‐difluoroalkenes underwent intramolecular radical cyclization by photoredox activation of C(sp2)−Br bond, affording the desired 3‐amino‐tetralins bearing an exo‐difluoroethylene unit in good yields. Moreover, the reactions of 3‐aryl propanoic acids and BTP for the construction of 1‐(difluoromethylidene)tetralins were also demonstrated.

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Protein Binding Nanoparticles as an Integrated Platform for Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment
Authors: Wang Xuemei , Li Shengbo , Wang Siqi , Zheng Shuo , Chen Zhenbing , Song Heng
Published: August 2022

Smart nanomaterials constitute a new approach toward safer and more effective combined anti‐cancer immunotherapy. In this study, polydopamine‐multiprotein conjugates (DmPCs) that can be used for targeted delivery of multiple proteins to cells, realize imaging and combine the advantages of multiple treatment methods (photothermal therapy, chemodynamic therapy, and immunotherapy) can be synthesized and characterized. Proteins, as biological agents, are frequently used in this context, given their low toxicity in vivo. To overcome protein instability and short half‐life in vivo, the use of several proteins in combination with selected nanomaterials to treat patients with melanoma is proposed. In addition to the synthesis and characterization of protein‐bound nanoparticles, it is further demonstrated that several proteins can be efficiently delivered to tumor sites. DmPCs have a wide range of potential adaptability, which provides new opportunities for proteins in the field of treatment and imaging.
Influence of Elasticity of Hydrogel Nanoparticles on Their Tumor Delivery
Authors: Chen Xiangyu , Zhang Shuwei , Li Jinming , Huang Xiaobin , Ye Haochen , Qiao Xuezhi , Xue Zhenjie , Yang Wensheng , Wang Tie
Published: August 2022

Polymeric nanocarriers have a broad range of clinical applications in recent years, but an inefficient delivery of polymeric nanocarriers to target tissues has always been a challenge. These results show that tuning the elasticity of hydrogel nanoparticles (HNPs) improves their delivery efficiency to tumors. Herein, a microfluidic system is constructed to evaluate cellular uptake of HNPs of different elasticity under flow conditions. It is found that soft HNPs are more efficiently taken up by cells than hard HNPs under flow conditions, owing to the greater adhesion between soft HNPs and cells. Furthermore, in vivo imaging reveals that soft HNPs have a more efficient tumor delivery than hard HNPs, and the greater targeting potential of soft HNPs is associated with both prolonged blood circulation and a high extent of cellular adhesion.
Designing Inorganic Semiconductors with Cold‐Rolling Processability
Authors: Wang Xu‐Dong , Tan Jieling , Ouyang Jian , Zhang Hang‐Ming , Wang Jiang‐Jing , Wang Yuecun , Deringer Volker L. , Zhou Jian , Zhang Wei , Ma En
Published: August 2022

While metals can be readily processed and reshaped by cold rolling, most bulk inorganic semiconductors are brittle materials that tend to fracture when plastically deformed. Manufacturing thin sheets and foils of inorganic semiconductors is therefore a bottleneck problem, severely restricting their use in flexible electronic applications. It is recently reported that a few single‐crystalline 2D van der Waals (vdW) semiconductors, such as InSe, are deformable under compressive stress. Here it is demonstrated that intralayer fracture toughness can be tailored via compositional design to make inorganic semiconductors processable by cold rolling. Systematic ab initio calculations covering a range of van der Waals semiconductors homologous to InSe are reported, leading to material‐property maps that forecast trends in both the susceptibility to interlayer slip and the intralayer fracture toughness against cracking. GaSe is predicted, and experimentally confirmed, to be practically amenable to being rolled to large (three quarters) thickness reduction and length extension by a factor of three. The fracture toughness and cleavage energy are predicted to be 0.25 MPa m0.5 and 15 meV Å−2, respectively. The findings open a new realm of possibility for alloy selection and design toward processing‐friendly group‐III chalcogenides for practical applications.
Spatial Regulation of Acceptor Units in Olefin‐Linked COFs toward Highly Efficient Photocatalytic H2 Evolution
Authors: Zhao Zhengfeng , Chen Xuepeng , Li BaoYing , Zhao Shu , Niu Liwei , Zhang Zhenjie , Chen Yao
Published: August 2022

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs)‐based photocatalysts have received growing attention for photocatalytic hydrogen (H2) production. One of the big challenges in the field is to find ways to promote energy/electron transfer and exciton dissociation. Addressing this challenge, herein, a series of olefin‐linked 2D COFs is fabricated with high crystallinity, porosity, and robustness using a melt polymerization method without adding volatile organic solvents. It is found that regulation of the spatial distances between the acceptor units (triazine and 2, 2'‐bipyridine) of COFs to match the charge carrier diffusion length can dramatically promote the exciton dissociation, hence leading to outstanding photocatalytic H2 evolution performance. The COF with the appropriate acceptor distance achieves exceptional photocatalytic H2 evolution with an apparent quantum yield of 56.2% at 475 nm, the second highest value among all COF photocatalysts and 70 times higher than the well‐studied polymer carbon nitride. Various experimental and computation studies are then conducted to in‐depth unveil the mechanism behind the enhanced performance. This study will provide important guidance for the design of highly efficient organic semiconductor photocatalysts.
Constructing single‐atom Ni on N‐doped carbon via chelation‐anchored strategy for the hydrogenolysis of lignin
Authors: Li Tianjin , Chen Bo , Cao Meifang , Ouyang Xinping , Qiu Xueqing , Li Changzhi
Published: August 2022

The efficient utilization of lignin remains a great challenge due to its complex nonrepetitive structure and the lack of efficient catalyst. Herein, a single‐atom catalyst Ni@N‐C was designed via a facile chelation‐anchored strategy. Ni atoms were immobilized on the N‐doped carbon carrier by a two‐stage pyrolysis of a mixture of d‐glucosamine hydrochloride, nickel acetate, and melamine. d‐glucosamine hydrochloride as a chelating agent prevented the aggregation of Ni2+, and melamine provided enough N to anchor Ni by forming Ni–N4 structure. Ni@N‐C gave a 31.2% yield of aromatic compounds from lignin hydrogenolysis, which was twice higher than that achieved by Ni cluster catalyst. Based on the experimental and density functional theory (DFT) calculation results, the higher activity of Ni@N‐C was attributed to its lower H2 dissociation energy and the reduced energy barriers of the transition states. The strategy described opens an efficient green avenue for preparing single‐atom catalyst that possesses outstanding activity in lignin depolymerization.
Predictors of champion behaviors in an evidence‐based parenting program: A structural equation modeling approach
Authors: Ma Tianyi , Tellegen Cassandra L. , Sanders Matthew R.
Published: August 2022

The importance of champions in the implementation of evidence‐based public health programs has been well established. Champions perform a range of behaviors which can have significant influence on the adoption and sustainability of interventions. This study investigates champion behaviors in parenting practitioners with the aim to provide insight into the range and extent that practitioners engage in champion behaviors and to examine predictors of practitioners' champion behaviors using structural equation modeling. Data were collected during a large international implementation survey of 1606 practitioners trained to deliver an evidence‐based parenting program, the triple P—Positive Parenting Program. We developed a 13‐item Champion Behaviors Scale which was administered alongside other measures of predictors of implementation outcomes. Perceived usefulness of the program was the most important facilitator of both public and personal champion behaviors. Certain desirable features of the program tended to not only be positively associated with the perceived usefulness of the program, but also had a unique impact on practitioners' personal champion behaviors. Higher positions within organizations were linked with more public champion behaviors. Although organizational support was found to be unrelated to champion behaviors in the structural model, it facilitated other predictors of champion behaviors.
Dehydrogenation of Ammonia Borane by Platinum‐Nickel Dimers: Regulation of Heteroatom Interspace Boosts Bifunctional Synergetic Catalysis
Authors: Chen Si , Gong Bingbing , Gu Jian , Lin Yue , Yang Bing , Gu Qingqing , Jin Rui , Liu Qin , Ying Wenxiang , Shi Xianxian , Xu Wenlong , Cai Lihua , Li Yin , Sun Zhihu , Wei Shiqiang , Zhang Wenhua , Lu Junling
Published: August 2022

Regulation of the atom‐atom interspaces of dual‐atom catalysts is essential to optimize the dual‐atom synergy to achieve high activity but remains challenging. Herein, we report an effective strategy to regulate the Pt1‐Ni1 interspace to achieve Pt1Ni1 dimers and Pt1+Ni1 heteronuclear dual‐single‐atom catalysts (HDSACs) by tailoring steric hindrance between metal precursors during synthesis. Spectroscopic characterization reveals obvious electron transfers in Pt1Ni1 oxo dimers but not in Pt1+Ni1 HDSAC. In the hydrolysis of ammonia borane (AB), the H2 formation rates show an inverse proportion to the Pt1‐Ni1 interspace. The rate of Pt1Ni1 dimers is ≈13 and 2 times higher than those of Pt1 and Pt1+Ni1 HDSAC, manifesting the interspace‐dependent synergy. Theoretical calculations reveal that the bridging OH group in Pt1Ni1 dimers promotes water dissociation, while Pt1 facilitates the cleavage of B−H bonds in AB, which boosts a bifunctional synergy to accelerate H2 production cooperatively.
Novel adsorbent g‐C3N4/ZnV2O4 for efficient removal of crystal violet dye: Removal process optimization, adsorption isotherms, and kinetic modeling
Authors: Mirhosseini Hadiseh , Shamspur Tayebeh , Mostafavi Ali
Published: August 2022

Adsorption process is an effective and promising procedure for the removal of contaminations from wastewater. Nanocomposites have attracted extensive attention in the adsorption field owning to large surface/volumes ratio and large number of active sites. We aim at fabricating a novel binary g‐C3N4/ZnV2O4 nanocomposite, which can be used for removal of crystal violet dye from aqueous solution via the adsorption process. The as‐synthesized nanocomposite was well characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), field emission scanning microscope (FESEM), energy‐dispersive X‐ray (EDX), and mapping analyses. The effects of four key experimental parameters on the adsorption process, including adsorbent dosage, initial concentration of crystal violet dye, adsorption time, and solution pH, were investigated by using central composite design‐based response surface methodology. The high adsorption efficiency of 99.67% was obtained at the adsorbent dosage of 19.776 mg, initial crystal violet concentration of 20.048 ppm, contact time of 59.20 min, and pH of 8. The correlation coefficients values (R2 of 0.9969, predicted‐R2 of 0.9910, and adjusted‐R2 of 0.9948), model p value = 0.0001, and model F value = 489.78 confirm the adequacy and predictability of the proposed model. The results of adsorption kinetics demonstrate that the adsorption of crystal violet by g‐C3N4/ZnV2O4 was performed by chemical adsorption. Also, the Langmuir model was fitted effectively with the adsorption data. Furthermore, the mechanism of adsorption was explained via π–π stacking interaction, n–π stacking interaction, electrostatic attraction, coordination bonding, and hydrogen bonding.
Evaluation and mechanism of interaction effect between thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer modified asphalt and fillers
Authors: Jin Xin , Wang Fengchi , Yang Yanhai , Guo Naisheng , Zhang Huaizhi , Liu He
Published: August 2022

Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) elastomer modified asphalt mastic is regarded as a two‐phase composite composed of TPU modified asphalt and filler according to the micro‐mechanics theory of composites, and its rheological properties are affected by various types of asphalt, mineral filler, and dosage. In this study, different kinds of fillers (limestone, granite, fly‐ash, coal gangue) and TPU modified asphalt (grade of base asphalt labeled as 90# and polyether‐based TPU modified asphalt with Ch = 40, r = 1.05 through a self‐determined laboratory process) were prepared into asphalt mastic. The dynamic shear rheology and bending beam rheology (BBR) were used to test and evaluate the high and low temperature rheological properties of TPU modified asphalt mastic with different kinds of fillers. The scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, Brunauer, Emmett, and Teller method, X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and other tests were used to analyze the interaction mechanism between fillers and TPU modified asphalt. The results indicated that the enhancement coefficients and of different fillers are obtained based on the |G*| and S master curve, and the optimum ratio range in TPU modified asphalt with different kinds of fillers are from 1.04 to 1.41. The interaction parameters Luis Ibrarra‐A (A‐values) and Palierne‐C (C‐values) were obviously better than K. Ziegel‐B (B‐values) and Complex shear modulus coefficient (‐values). The surface of coal gangue was rough and emerged micro‐void, the BET specific surface area reached 2.681 m2/g, which was the largest than the other fillers, and the interaction with TPU modified asphalt was the strongest due to the C‐value is 1.562. The chemical composition of coal gangue played an important role in the interaction with asphalt. Physical adsorption is the main mechanism between TPU modified asphalt and fillers. The absorption peak of the original TPU modified asphalt disappeared at 3343 cm−1, and more CaO and Al2O3 in coal gangue are helpful to improve the interaction ability with TPU modified asphalt. There is a significant correlation between the number and area ratio of “bee‐like structure” in TPU modified asphalt mastic and interaction coefficient C‐values.
Synthesis, Biological Evaluation and Docking Study of Mono‐ and Di‐Sulfonamide Derivatives as Antioxidant Agents and Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors
Authors: Güngör Seyit Ali , Şahin İrfan , Güngör Özge , Tok Tugba Taskin , Köse Muhammet
Published: August 2022

Mono(M1–M5)‐ and di(DM1–DM5)‐sulfonamide derivatives were synthesized by the reaction of 4‐iodobenzenesulfonyl chloride compound and aniline derivatives in basic medium. The structures of sulfonamide derivatives were characterized by spectroscopic and X‐ray diffraction methods. All compounds were screened for acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory studies and 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazil (DPPH) radical scavenging activities. Among the compounds tested, compoundM1showed the best activity against both AChE (IC50=42.09 μg/mL for AChE) and DPPH (IC50=9.94 μg/mL for DPPH). By placing compounds at the active site of AChE, their binding energies and modes were determined. Docking studies were performed in order to investigate binding interaction between the synthesized compounds and AChE. The most activeM1compound showed its low CDOCKER energy (−65,834 kcal/mol).
Genomic Variants Disrupt miRNA‐mRNA Regulation
Authors: Xi Ellie , Bai Judy , Zhang Klaira , Yu Hui , Guo Yan
Published: August 2022

Micro RNA (miRNA) and its regulatory effect on messenger RNA (mRNA) gene expression are a major focus in cancer research. Disruption in the normal miRNA‐mRNA regulation network can result in serious cascading biological repercussions. In this study, we curated miRNA‐related variants from major genomic consortiums and thoroughly evaluated how these variants could exert their effects by cross‐validating with independent functional knowledge bases. Nearly all known variants (more than 664 million) categorized by type (germline, somatic, epigenetic) were mapped to the genomic regions involved in miRNA‐mRNA binding (miRNA seeds and miRNA‐mRNA 3’‐UTR binding sequence). Subsets of miRNA‐related variants supported by additional functional evidence, such as expression Quantitative Trait Loci (eQTL) and Genome‐Wide Association Study (GWAS), were identified and scrutinized. Our results show that variants in miRNA seeds can substantially alter the composition of a miRNA's target mRNA set. Various functional analyses converged to reveal a post‐transcriptional complex regulatory network where miRNA, eQTL, and RNA‐binding protein intertwined to disseminate the impact of genomic variants. These results may potentially explain how certain variants affect disease/trait risks in genome wide association studies.
Recalcitrant giant orf recurrence after amputation: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Saeidi Vahide , Aminizade Elahe , Kalantari Yasamin , Goodarzi Azadeh
Published: August 2022

Orf is caused by a parapoxvirus. We present a recurrent, giant digital orf case in a female patient with a history of hairy cell leukemia. In spite of shave excision, the lesion progressed and recurred after digital amputation. Treatment with topical imiquimod cream and systemic subcutaneous interferon alfa‐2a was successful.
A massive colorectal lithobezoar in a 32‐year‐old woman
Authors: Harbi Houssem , Bouzid Ahmed
Published: August 2022

A 32‐year‐old female patient with a history of iron deficiency and mental retardation, presented with chronic constipation and painful defecation related to a massive colorectal lithobezoar. She was successfully treated with laxatives and daily rectal enema.
Spinal Paget's disease with bilevel cord compression and ischemic non‐compressive myelopathy treated with zoledronic acid
Authors: Feki Afef , Sellami Imen , Gassara Zouhour , Ben Djemaa Samar , Ezzeddine Mariam , Kallel Mohamed Hedi , Fourati Hela , Akrout Rim , Baklouti Sofien
Published: August 2022

Cord compression and ischemic non‐compressive myelopathy are a complication of spinal Paget's disease (SPD). SPD usually touches a single spine level. We report an unusual case with bilevel spinal cord compression and dysfunction which was medically treated due to resolution of the vascular steal syndrome.
Intrapelvic malignant nerve sheath tumors presenting as acute urinary retention: A case report and literature review
Authors: Ariafar Ali , Ahmed Faisal , Hosseini Seyed Hossein , Khorshidi AbdolAzim , Torabi‐Nezhad Simin
Published: August 2022

Malignant nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs) are rare sarcomas tumors which rarely present as intrapelvic mass and are hard to diagnose clinically. We present a 29‐year‐old male patient presented with acute urinary retention and was diagnosed with large intrapelvic mass. After complete surgical resection, the histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of low MPNST.
Microhydration of Phenyl Formate: Gas‐Phase Laser Spectroscopy, Microwave Spectroscopy, and Quantum Chemistry Calculations
Authors: Panwaria Prakash , Juanes Marcos , Mishra Kamal K. , Saragi Rizalina , Borish Kshetrimayum , Usabiaga Imanol , Camiruaga Ander , Fernández José A. , Lesarri Alberto , Das Aloke
Published: August 2022

Herein, we have investigated the structure of phenyl formate⋅⋅⋅water (PhOF⋅⋅⋅H2O) dimer and various non‐covalent interactions present there using gas‐phase laser spectroscopy and microwave spectroscopy combined with quantum chemistry calculations. Two conformers of PhOF⋅⋅⋅H2O (C1 and T1), built on the two cis/trans conformers of the bare molecule, have been observed in the experiment. In cis‐PhOF, there is an nCO→
interaction between the lone‐pair orbital of the carbonyl oxygen atom and the π* orbital of the phenyl ring, which persists in the monohydrated C1 conformer of PhOF⋅⋅⋅H2O according to the NBO and NCI analyses. On the other hand, this interaction is absent in the trans‐PhOF conformer as the C=O group is away from the phenyl ring. The C1 conformer is primarily stabilized by an interplay between O−H⋅⋅⋅O=C hydrogen bond and O−H⋅⋅⋅π interactions, while the stability of the T1 conformer is primarily governed by the O−H⋅⋅⋅O=C hydrogen bond. The most important finding of the present work is that the conformational preference of the PhOF monomer is retained in its monohydrated complex.
Highly Photostable Mixed‐Halide Blue CsPbBr1.5Cl1.5 Perovskite Quantum Dots via Surface Treatment
Authors: Zheng Xixi , Huang Jinxin , Liu Yaoyu , Teng Bing , Ji Shaohua
Published: August 2022

Due to its excellent optical properties, perovskite materials have a wide range of application prospects in the field of optoelectronics. Nevertheless, traditional Pb‐based perovskite quantum dots (QDs), especially blue‐emission quantum dots, have attracted more attention because of their poor stability. Moreover, the poorly passivated quantum dots surfaces is highly susceptible by the external environment, so finding suitable surface ligands not only enhances the photoluminescence (PL) performance but also improves the optical stability. In this work, mixed‐halide blue CsPbBr1.5Cl1.5 perovskite quantum dots are synthesized rapidly by the hot‐injection method. The SCN− (thiocyanate) also modifies the surface of QDs to enhance PL intensity. Then, the short‐chain ligand thiol can be exchanged with the traditional long‐chain ligand for improving stability. After a series of surface treatments, the morphology of the quantum dots always maintains the cubic phase and the fluorescence intensity increases by 34.8%. The photostability of the experimental sample is improved.
In Situ High‐performance Gel Polymer Electrolyte with Dual‐reactive Cross‐linking for Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Wang Fuhe , Liu Honghao , Guo Yaqing , Han Qigao , Lou Ping , Li Long , Jiang Jianjie , Cheng Shijie , Cao Yuancheng
Published: August 2022

Lithium metal batteries have been considered as one of the most promising next‐generation power‐support devices due to their high specific energy and output voltage. However, the uncontrollable side‐reaction and lithium dendrite growth lead to the limited serving life and hinder the practical application of lithium metal batteries. Here, a tri‐monomer copolymerized gel polymer electrolyte (TGPE) with a cross‐linked reticulation structure was prepared by introducing a cross‐linker (polyurethane group) into the acrylate‐based in situ polymerization system. The soft segment of polyurethane in TGPE enables the far migration of lithium ions, and the ‐NH forms hydrogen bonds in the hard segment to build a stable cross‐linked framework. This system hinders anion migration and leads to a high Li+ migration number ( = 0.65), which achieves uniform lithium deposition and effectively inhibits lithium dendrite growth. As a result, the assembled symmetric cell shows robust reversibility over 5500 h at a current density of 1 mA cm−2. The LFP¦¦TGPE¦¦Li cell has a capacity retention of 89.8% after cycling 800 times at a rate of 1C. In summary, in situ polymerization of TGPE electrolytes is expected to be a candidate material for high‐energy‐density lithium metal batteries.
[3+3] Cycloadditions of Azomethine Ylides with Nitrile Imines for the Synthesis of 2,3,4,5‐Tetrahydro‐1,2,4‐Triazine‐5‐Carboxylates
Authors: Gao Limei M. , Wang Xiaomeng M. , Wei Qinglang L. , Su Kexin X. , Huang Renhong H. , Guo Ju , Zheng Yongsheng S. , Liu Jikai K.
Published: August 2022

An unprecedented and efficient [3+3] cycloaddition of azomethine ylides with nitrile imines has been achieved. A series of 2,3,4,5‐tetrahydro‐1,2,4‐triazine‐5‐carboxylates were obtained in moderate to excellent yields. Notable features of this reaction include readily accessible reagents, broad substrate scope (34 examples), mild reaction conditions and operational simplicity.
Diversification of lithic raw materials used by Mesolithic inhabitants of Los Canes cave (Sierra del Cuera, Eastern Asturias, Spain), and quartz crystallite size of chert as an essential indicator parameter of its provenance
Authors: Marcos Celia , de Uribe‐Zorita María , Fernández Patricia , Álvarez‐Lloret Pedro , Vallejo‐Llano Jorge , Arias Pablo
Published: August 2022

Two types of studies were carried out on the lithic materials found in stratigraphic unit 6 of Los Canes cave used by Mesolithic human groups: (1) quantification of the retouched and nonretouched lithic materials to determine the adaptive strategy in relation to changes in the availability and technology resources and (2) crystallographic/mineralogical characterization of the nonretouched lithic materials using the RGB (R being red, G green, and B blue) code for color, transmission polarization optical microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray fluorescence, infrared and Raman spectroscopies, and total organic carbon analyses. Cluster and factorial statistical analyses were performed to establish the relationship between samples. The main conclusions extracted are as follows: (1) The mobility of the inhabitants of Los Canes cave may have been very restricted, and they used local raw materials. (2) The inhabitants of Los Canes cave used chert preferentially in the elaboration of different typologies. (3) The mineralogical and elemental compositions of the chert samples from Level 6 of Los Canes cave and those from nearby outcrops are similar. (4) The crystallite size values of the tool cherts (>1000 Å) and the almost complete absence of moganite and chalcedony indicate a high degree of maturity and could belong to the Carboniferous, the period to which the cherts of the outcrops used for comparison also belong.
‘Pushing back’: People newly diagnosed with dementia and their experiences of the Covid‐19 pandemic restrictions in England
Authors: Dixon Josie , Hicks Ben , Gridley Kate , Perach Rotem , Baxter Kate , Birks Yvonne , Colclough Carmen , Storey Bryony , Russell Alice , Karim Anomita , Tipping Eva , Banerjee Sube ,   DETERMIND team
Published: August 2022

Background and Objectives

Research into people with dementia's experiences of the Covid‐19 pandemic has tended to focus on vulnerabilities and negative outcomes, with the risk of reproducing a discourse in which people with dementia are positioned as passive. Informed by concepts positioning people with dementia as ‘active social agents’, we aimed to identify the pandemic‐related challenges faced by people recently diagnosed with dementia and examine the ways in which they actively coped with, and adapted to, these challenges.

Research Design and Methods

In‐depth interviews with 21 people recently diagnosed with dementia, recruited through an existing national cohort. Data was analysed thematically using Framework.

Findings

Key challenges included reduced social contact, loneliness and loss of social routines; difficulties accessing and trusting health services; dementia‐unfriendly practices; and disparate experiences of being able to ‘get out’ into the physical neighbourhood. People with dementia responded to challenges by maintaining and extending their social networks and making the most of ‘nodding acquaintances’; learning new skills, for communication and hobbies; supporting others, engaging in reciprocal exchange and valuing connection with peers; seeking help and advocacy and challenging and resisting dementia‐unfriendly practices; maintaining and adapting habitual spatial practices and being determined to ‘get out’; and employing similar emotional coping strategies for the pandemic and dementia.

Conclusions

Support for people with dementia, especially during public health crises when carers and services are under pressure, should involve utilising existing capacities, appropriately supporting the acquisition of new knowledge and skills, ‘safety‐netting’ through the availability of a named professional, advocacy and support and use of ‘check‐in calls’ and creating supportive social and environmental circumstances for people with dementia to sustain their own well‐being.
Longitudinal changes in brain activation underlying reading fluency
Authors: Ozernov‐Palchik Ola , Sury Dana , Turesky Ted K. , Yu Xi , Gaab Nadine
Published: August 2022

Reading fluency—the speed and accuracy of reading connected text—is foundational to educational success. The current longitudinal study investigates the neural correlates of fluency development using a connected‐text paradigm with an individualized presentation rate. Twenty‐six children completed a functional MRI task in 1st/2nd grade (time 1) and again 1–2 years later (time 2). There was a longitudinal increase in activation in the ventral occipito‐temporal (vOT) cortex fromtime 1totime 2. This increase was also associated with improvements in reading fluency skills and modulated by individual speed demands. These findings highlight the reciprocal relationship of the vOT region with reading proficiency and its importance for supporting the developmental transition to fluent reading. These results have implications for developing effective interventions to target increased automaticity in reading.
Risk management and communication plans from SARS to COVID‐19 and beyond
Authors: Recchia Virginia , Aloisi Alessandra , Zizza Antonella
Published: August 2022

Objective

Nowadays, due to globalisation, the likelihood that infectious diseases spread rapidly is extraordinarily high. SARS and COVID‐19 are two diseases of the Coronavirus family, which developed in China and then spread internationally, causing global public health emergencies. This study investigates the role that risk management and communication systems played in mitigating these emergencies, to establish how they should be improved in the future.

Methods

A narrative review was carried out to investigate different knowledge domains, such as risk management and communication, risk assessment and indicators, epidemiological and clinical data, diagnostic methods, vaccines, public health and social measures.

Results

On one side, risk management systems assess the main data, knowledge, and indicators on epidemiology, diagnostics, and vaccines (science‐based); on the other side, they apply public health and social measures (socially‐based). Decision‐makers, in fact, implement their actions by constantly balancing these two sides (policy‐based).

Conclusions

A correct crisis management approach should support the governance of pandemics, by harmonising the actual risks assessed by experts with those perceived by the general population. It should incorporate not only the biological, but even the environmental, social and economic aspects of virus emergencies, towards establishing a suitable framework to deal with possible future pandemics.
Analysis of medical resources for allocation equity using traditional Chinese medicine resource as a model
Authors: Li Junshan , Wu Yilin , Lu Yuanan
Published: August 2022

Objectives

This study is designed to analyse current allocation equity of medical resources in China for a better distribution of medical resources.

Methods

Descriptive statistical methods were used to analyse the overall allocation of Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) resources between 2012 and 2018. Lorentz curve and Gini coefficient were used to quantitatively analyse the fairness of the allocation from the population and geography two dimensions.

Results

This study revealed an increase of TCM resources for the 6‐year period, but the fair allocation of these resources was subjected to the methods used. The Gini coefficients were <0.3 based on population distribution but >0.5 basing on the geography allocation.

Conclusion

Population based analysis for the equity of the TCM resource allocation is superior, more attention for health resource planning is needed to focus on geographical fairness in the future, especially for the less populated rural regions.
Facilitated extinction of conditioned fear responses by delta 9‐tetrahyrdrocannabidol in humans: a pilot study
Authors: Diggs Herman A. , Rabinovich Norka E. , Gilbert David G.
Published: August 2022

Objective

We sought to determine whether acute delta 9‐tetrahyrdrocannabidol (THC) administration would facilitate fear extinction in young occasional cannabis users, given that animal models indicate THC facilitates extinction learning, and recent studies indicate THC administration may also enhance threat memory extinction in humans.

Methods

On each of the 2 days, 24+ hour THC‐deprived participants were conditioned to fear visual stimuli in a delay conditioning and extinction paradigm. Both CS+ and CS− were faces of negative emotional valence, with the CS+ paired with mild electric shock. Throughout both conditioning and extinction paradigms, EEG was measured to quantify event‐related potentials for these learning processes. Following conditioning, individuals, in a randomized and counter‐balanced order, smoked either an active THC cigarette (26.25 mg/2.7% THC) or a placebo marijuana cigarette (0.002% THC) on 1 day and the opposite cigarette on the second day. After smoking, CS+ and CS− were presented without shock, resulting in extinction of conditioned fear.

Results

Relative to placebo, THC facilitated extinction of the conditioned response to the CS+, as reflected by reductions in late positive potential amplitude during extinction learning.

Conclusions

The results indicate that acute THC administration may facilitate extinction of the conditioned fear response in humans.
Examining harmful impacts of the COVID‐19 pandemic and school closures on parents and carers in the United Kingdom: A rapid review
Authors: Christie Hope , Hiscox Lucy V. , Halligan Sarah L. , Creswell Cathy
Published: August 2022

Background

As a result of the COVID‐19 pandemic, school closures meant that for many households, home and school environments became intertwined. Parents and carers found themselves taking on the role as de‐facto educators, as well as balancing working from home and caring for additional members of the household. Understanding the full extent of the effects incurred by parents and carers during school closures is vital to identifying and supporting vulnerable families. This rapid review aimed to appraise the available evidence on the potential effects of the COVID‐19 pandemic on UK parents and carers.

Methods

Searches for academic literature were conducted using Proquest Central, Scopus, and Google Scholar between 21st and 28th April 2021 using search terms describing “parents and carers”, “COVID‐19” and the “UK”. Additional literature was identified on relevant parents and carers' organisations websites including charity reports.

Results

Thirty‐two articles were found relating to harms affecting parents and carers in the UK High levels of psychological distress, including anxiety and depression, were consistently identified in the general parent population, and especially in parents caring for a child with special educational needs and/or neurodevelopmental disorders (SEN/ND). Charity reports indicated that many parents, especially those from an ethnic minority background and kinship carers, were worse off financially and with food insecurities, whereas empirical evidence showed that mothers were more likely to initiate furlough for themselves compared with fathers or childless women. Domestic abuse support services also reported a sharp rise in demand during lockdown restrictions, and practitioners reported an increase in child and adolescent violence towards parents.

Conclusions

Given the known impacts of parental stress, mental health problems, domestic violence and financial hardship on children's development, it is critical that these findings are taken into account in case of future pandemics to minimise harms both to parents and their families.
“They are here to support me”: Community cultural wealth assets and precollege experiences of undergraduate Black men in engineering
Authors: Tolbert Smith DeLean
Published: August 2022

Background

Families and community networks serve as sources of cultural capital and provide resources that aid the development of Black male engineers. Community cultural wealth (CCW) has been leveraged by engineering education scholars to understand and highlight student and community assets available in communities of color. Little is known about the diverse ways that Black families support engineering education pathways.

Purpose

This study characterized the diverse forms of support that Black families and extended family members provided to undergraduate Black men along their precollege engineering pathways.

Method

Thirteen Black undergraduate men majoring in engineering participated in focus groups at two predominantly White institutions in different regions of the United States.

Findings

The findings suggest that Black parents are engaged in the engineering learning and development of Black males, which opposes the deficit framing of Black parental engagement. The data revealed how the forms of capital overlap. A compelling finding is that capital has a bidirectional nature—meaning that participants described instances of receiving and providing capital.

Conclusions

CCW framework provided a lens to explore how Black men were supported by their family networks and how they used capital to maneuver noninclusive engineering environments. The findings substantiate the role of Black parental engagement on engineering education pathways. This work promotes these parental engagement practices as worthy of inclusion in the canons of effective evidence‐based parental engagement strategies that encourage engineering learning and participation.
Plant‐mediated synthesis of silver‐doped zinc oxide nanoparticles and evaluation of their antimicrobial activity against bacteria cause tooth decay
Authors: Mortezagholi Bardia , Movahed Emad , Fathi Amirhossein , Soleimani Milad , Forutan Mirhosseini Armita , Zeini Negar , Khatami Mehrdad , Naderifar Mahin , Abedi Kiasari Bahman , Zareanshahraki Mehran
Published: August 2022

In this research, silver‐doped zinc oxide (SdZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized in an environmental‐friendly manner. The synthesized NPs were identified by UV–vis spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Finally, the antimicrobial activity of synthesized ZnO and SdZnO NPs was performed. It was observed that by doping silver, the size of ZnO NPs was changed. By adding silver to ZnO NPs, the antimicrobial effect of ZnO NPs was improved. Antibacterial test against gram‐positive bacterium Streptococcus mutants showed that SdZnO NPs with a low density of silver had higher antibacterial activity than ZnO NPs; Therefore, SdZnO NPs can be used as a new antibacterial agent in medical applications.

Research Highlights

Silver‐doped zinc oxide nanoparticles were prepared using an eco‐friendly synthesis method and their antimicrobial activity against bacteria causing tooth decay was studied.
Current sample preparation methods and analytical techniques for the determination of synthetic antioxidants in edible oils
Authors: Wang Honglei , Liu Xueting , Tu Menglin , Xu Xia , Yang Sen , Chen Di
Published: August 2022

Synthetic antioxidants play a critical role in the storage and process of edible oils due to that they can retard lipid oxidation, maintain the quality of oils, and prolong the shelf life. However, a series of studies have proved the potential risks of synthetic antioxidants for human health when consumed in excess, and many countries have established the permitted amounts of synthetic antioxidants in oils. Thus, the accurate quantification of synthetic antioxidants in edible oils is necessary, and there have developed various analytical methods involved in chromatographical, electrochemical, and spectroscopic methods. Owing to the complex matrix and the incompatibility between the oil sample and the detection instrument, sample preparation is usually adopted prior to the instrument detection to improve the detection effectiveness. The current review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the recently developed sample preparation methods and analytical techniques applied to determine synthetic antioxidants in edible oils from 2010 to present, with emphasis on the sample preparation methods combined with separation‐based analytical techniques such as capillary electrophoresis and liquid chromatography with various detectors. The advantages and limitations of some typical analytical methods are discussed and some insights in the future perspectives are also provided in this review.
Robustness test of multiple protection strategies for ecological networks from the perspective of complex networks: Evidence from Wuhan Metropolitan Area, China
Authors: Lu Yanchi , Liu Yaolin , Xing Lijun , Liu Yanfang
Published: August 2022

Robustness is the key for strategies to protect ecological network (ENs) against external threats. In this study, we proposed a research framework for robustness testing of EN protection strategies. First, we constructed the ENs of Wuhan Metropolitan Area (WHM) based on the advantages of circuit theory in landscape ecology. We then extended complex network theory to the migration application of ENs. Five protection strategies of ENs were antagonistically combined with multiple attack modes to implement multi‐scenario simulations of attacks on ENs. The robustness parameters of the complex network were applied to measure the effectiveness of EN protection strategies under different attack efficiencies. The results showed that identifying the key performance of ENs makes hierarchical protection of ENs possible. Therefore, when focusing on maintaining the transmission efficiency and global connectivity, or preventing fragmentation of ENs in WHM, we recommend protecting the main trunks of ENs. When focusing on maintaining the backbone connectivity of ENs in WHM, we recommend protecting the main‐secondary trunks of ENs. We argue that specific protection strategies and directions can be determined according to the objectives of ecological construction and the scheme we put forward.
Molecular mechanisms and therapeutic target of NETosis in diseases
Authors: Huang Jiayu , Hong Weiqi , Wan Meihua , Zheng Limin
Published: August 2022

Evidence shows that neutrophils can protect the host against pathogens in multiple ways, including the formation and release of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). NETs are web‐like structures composed of fibers, DNA, histones, and various neutrophil granule proteins. NETs can capture and kill pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa. The process of NET formation is called NETosis. According to whether they depend on nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH), NETosis can be divided into two categories: “suicidal” NETosis and “vital” NETosis. However, NET components, including neutrophil elastase, myeloperoxidase, and cell‐free DNA, cause a proinflammatory response and potentially severe diseases. Compelling evidence indicates a link between NETs and the pathogenesis of a number of diseases, including sepsis, systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, small‐vessel vasculitis, inflammatory bowel disease, cancer, COVID‐19, and others. Therefore, targeting the process and products of NETosis is critical for treating diseases linked with NETosis. Researchers have discovered that several NET inhibitors, such as toll‐like receptor inhibitors and reactive oxygen species scavengers, can prevent uncontrolled NET development. This review summarizes the mechanism of NETosis, the receptors associated with NETosis, the pathology of NETosis‐induced diseases, and NETosis‐targeted therapy.
Printed leaky‐wave antenna with stable gain and reduced cross polarization
Authors: Kumar Birendra , Ghosh Jayanta
Published: August 2022

A printed leaky‐wave antenna with stable gain and reduced cross‐polarization level is presented in this letter. The proposed antenna has the property of continuous backward‐to‐forward beam scanning with symmetrical scanning. The proposed antenna's unit cell consists of two unequal inclined stubs connected to a microstrip line. The angle between the stubs and their dimensions is designed optimally to obtain improved antenna performance. The antenna provides stable gain with peak gain 14.4 dBi and gain variation 2.55 dBi in the operating band 9.5–15 GHz. The maximum value of cross‐polarization level along the main beam is −30 dB. The design gives a scanning angle of 73° from −36° to +37° through broadside. Another important feature of the proposed antenna is that there is no gain reduction at the broadside radiation.
State of the art review on mechanical properties of sandwich composite structures
Authors: Patekar Vivek , Kale Kishor
Published: August 2022

Sandwich composite structures are widely used in various industries namely, aerospace, automotive, packaging, biomedical, civil and electronics due to their high specific strength and energy absorption capabilities. Mechanical properties of sandwich structure depend on material properties of face sheet and core, and strength of face sheet‐core interface. Most commonly used composite materials are carbon fiber reinforced plastics, glass fiber reinforced plastics, ceramic matrix composites, and metal matrix composites. Several researchers have used nano‐fillers namely, nano‐clay, carbon nanotube, and nano‐silica for improvement of mechanical properties of composite structures. In this paper, an extensive literature review has been discussed regarding influence of various material and geometrical parameters on mechanical properties of sandwich composite structure. Initially, influence of various fiber reinforcement and nano‐fillers on mechanical properties are discussed. Then, deformation behavior and mechanical properties of honeycomb core is elaborated. Further, influence of temperature variation on composite structure is discussed. Moreover, crucial insights on reviewed literature are presented and future advancements in the field of sandwich composite structure are discussed.