bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Psychometric Properties and Clinical Utility of the Distress Thermometer in Caregivers of Persons With Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Douglas Sara L. , Plow Matthew
Published: November 2022

BACKGROUND

Caregivers of persons with multiple sclerosis (MS) report high levels of distress. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network Distress Thermometer (DT) is used extensively with patients with cancer and their caregivers but has not been tested in nononcology caregivers. The purpose of this study was to examine the psychometric properties and clinical utility of the barometer portion of the DT in caregivers of persons with MS.

METHODS

A secondary analysis was performed of data from a randomized trial comparing the effectiveness of 2 interventions aimed at reducing psychological outcomes associated with caregiving. The DT and the 4-item Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Anxiety and Depression scales, which were administered at baseline, were used for all analyses. Construct validity (known groups) and convergent validity (interscale correlations) were evaluated. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to evaluate clinical diagnostic test evaluation.

RESULTS

The DT had good construct validity supported by strong correlations for known-groups analyses and good convergent validity (r = 0.70–0.72). The DT also demonstrated good discrimination for anxiety (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.83) and depression (AUC = 0.80). The optimal screening cut point on the DT was 4 for anxiety and 5 for depression.

CONCLUSIONS

The barometer portion of the DT demonstrates good psychometric properties and clinical utility in caregivers of persons with MS. This is the first examination of the DT in MS care partners.
Cryogenic Soils in the Chara River Valley (Transbaikalia)
Authors: Vasil'chuk Yurij Kirillovich , Ginzburg Alexander Pavlovich , Budantseva Nadine Arkad'evna , Vasil'chuk Jessica Yur'evna
Published: November 2022

The object of the study are the cryogenic soils located within the Chara valley. We attributed soils in a post-pyrogenic sparse larch forest on the terrace of the Chara River, to the type of gleyzems (Gleysols), subtypes - permafrost cryogenically ferruginized cryoturbated and permafrost cryogenically ferruginized post-pyrogenic. The field diagnostics of these two soils is ambiguous, since the soil profiles contain some morphological features that make it possible to identify them as podburs (Entic Podzols): a bright red color of the BF horizon, a sandy loam texture, containing less than 19% of clay particles (" 10 µm). Field diagnostics, together with laboratory studies, indicate that the soils in the section on the stone run at the top of the Udokan Ridge belongs to peat-lithozem (Histic Leptosols). Chemical analyses have shown that the described soils are acidic with pH ranges from 4.9 to 5.4 and relatively slightly saline, TDS ranges from 8.1 to 18.9 mg/L. The carbonate alkalinity is also relatively low: 2.4–4.8 mmol(-)/100 g of soil. The sections are strongly differentiated by the content of organic carbon. Permafrost peat-lithozem contains from 9.3 to 37.8%, permafrost cryogenically ferruginized post-pyrogenic gleyzem is much less enriched in it, the content here does not exceed 6.8%, usually being around 0.9%.
Korotakh Cap in the Light of New Epigraphic Data
Authors: Tesaev Zelimkhan Adamovich
Published: November 2022

The article discusses the headdress found during the study of the tower-shaped crypt of the village of Korotakh in the historical-geographical region of Malkhist (Itum-Kalinsky district of the Chechen Republic) and stored since 2016 among the exhibits of the National Museum of the Chechen Republic. The subject was introduced into scientific circulation in 1977 by R. A. Dautova and was repeatedly mentioned in scientific publications later. The fabric from which the cap is sewn was made in Italian weaving centers, and, according to radiocarbon dating, was made between 1430–1480. A certain discussion in the circles of researchers was caused by the origin of the dress and the circumstances under which it ended up at the disposal of the buried. The most plausible was the version of the capture of Italian fabric with Christian symbols as a trophy, followed by a deliberate partial trimming of the halo of Christ and the figures of the archangels. The author of the article for the first time provides a translation of the surviving part and a restored version of the text-embroidery on the headdress, which was identified by an associate professor of Ilia state university Temo Dzhodzhua as an old Georgian text composed in the Asomtavruli script. In the light of these data, the author examines the epigraphic monuments of the Argun Gorge and historical information reflecting close Chechen-Georgian cultural and religious contacts, which, in combination with the translation of the inscription on the headdress and the place of its discovery (on the border with Georgia), rejects, in the opinion of the author of the article, the version about the trophy origin of the headdress, and at the same time, perhaps, the opinion about the deliberate deformation of part of the Christian symbolism when sewing the cap. It is assumed that we can talk about technical reasons or not so reverent attitude of the local population to Christian symbols after the destructive campaigns of Timur.
A. Bogdanov's Novels: Utopia or Artistic Reflection of the Future Sociality and Dilemmas of the Author's Personality?
Authors: Rozin Vadim Markovich
Published: November 2022

The article offers the author's reconstruction of two novels and partly the life of Alexander Bogdanov. In terms of methodology, the author relies on the studies of art and his works published by him, which include three main plans - an analysis of the sphere of art, artistic communication and the artistic reality of the work. The study opens with the formulation of problems: the genre of novels is called into question as a utopia (the author believes that it is rather a social projection in the form of a work of art), the actions of the characters are incomprehensible, it is not clear why Bogdanov builds the plot so paradoxically. To resolve these problems, the author turns to the personality of Bogdanov, shows its duality: on the one hand, the desire for power and leaderism, on the other hand, the denial of these values and switching to scientific and teaching activities. This approach allows building a plausible, from the point of view of the author, reconstruction of the artistic reality of the novels and its events. At the same time, the author distinguishes two types of events in artistic reality. The first type is events that line up in response to a completely conscious problem or task. The second type does not imply an awareness of the problem facing the artist (it can only be felt as a vague dissatisfaction or desire), and there is no clear understanding of the way to solve this problem. The proposed reconstruction also makes it possible to explain some features of the evolution of Bogdanov himself: a break with Lenin and the Bolshevik leadership, the rejection of leaderism, switching to the construction of the science of "Tectology".
Turkish-Russian Relations within the BSEC
Authors: Tatlioglu Erman
Published: November 2022

The article provides a brief analysis of the history of development and the current state of the Russian-Turkish partnership within the framework of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation Organization, which can be considered a functional area of cooperation that uses the convergence of the countries of the region by creating cooperation on various issues, such as the production of energy from underground resources of strategic importance for the region, agricultural production and tourism. In addition to this, the Black Sea Economic Organization is of notable importance in terms of sustaining stability in the region due to addressing the growing security concerns in the Black Sea region. The concept of a global security threat changed shape with the end of the Cold War. This led to a change in the view of international organizations on defense and allowed a focus on increasing the level of stability through the global policy of cooperation organizations created for security and economic purposes. The article also describes the measures and results of the two countries to ensure the fuel and energy balance in the Black Sea region, steps to reduce political tension associated with Turkey's participation in a strategic partnership with the EU countries, key projects in the fuel and energy sector. It should be noted that the identity of the historical destinies of Russia and Turkey, their historical and cultural role of the "East" in the West and "West" in the East, the unique geopolitical position, geographical proximity contribute to the strengthening of economic, political, cultural ties between Russia and Turkey.
On the question of choosing the organizational form of the digital space for the safe development of Russian business
Authors: Moreva Evgeniya L'vovna , Obolenskaya Lyudmila Vladislavna , Bekulova Suzanna Robertinovna
Published: November 2022

In the context of the global trend of digital transformation of industry, the formation of digital spaces is one of the important tasks of business and national economies. The diversity of forms of digital spaces in modern industry has led to the need for their theoretical ordering, structuring and classification in order to create conditions for the most correct choice of the form of its implementation in practice. The purpose of this work is to solve the problem of choosing the optimal form of organizing the digital space to increase the security of business development and the national economy. The object of the study is the process of digital transformation of the modern economy and industry. The subject of the study is the forms of organization of digital spaces in modern industry. The analysis of the forms of organization of digital spaces indicates their diversity and complexity. It is shown how the organization of a digital space suitable for business increases the efficiency of its functioning. Special attention is paid to the analysis of the consequences of the transition to a digital business model. It is established that the choice of the form of organization of the digital space returns to the peculiarities of business functioning. One of the main criteria for choosing the form of organization of the digital space is how the business operates: independently or within the value chain. It is shown that one of the consequences of the trend of progressive growth of digital data flows between different subjects of different levels is the emergence and aggravation of imbalances in their digital spaces. In these conditions, the participation of the state is necessary to ensure the security of business development and the national economy.
Reformatting the National Environmental Agenda for Safe Business Development under Sanctions
Authors: Moreva Evgeniya L'vovna , Obolenskaya Lyudmila Vladislavna
Published: November 2022

The subject of the research in the article is the national environmental agenda of the Russian Federation and the issues of its reformatting. The need to implement the national environmental agenda is shown on the example of the Arctic region, where it is necessary to take into account: (1) the planned intensification of industrial development, which increases the risks of negative impact of man-made factors on environmental safety; (2) the specifics of the region, which aggravates the criticality of environmental safety problems. Against the background of today's sanctions pressure, the task of reformatting the national environmental agenda has entered the list of urgent technological and logistical problems for Russian business. Reformatting includes anti-sanctions measures to support business security, which the study focuses on. The novelty of the research consists in substantiating and developing a balanced approach to reformatting the national environmental agenda, carried out to ensure the safe development of business under sanctions pressure. The approach focuses on two key areas of reformatting: (1) measures to temporarily weaken environmental regulations; (2) measures to support priority environmental projects of business, as well as domestic developers and manufacturers of environmental equipment. From the analysis of business and environmental risks, in the zone of which the Arctic territories fall, it is concluded that there is a need for a rational combination of the identified areas. From the standpoint of environmental safety and business preparation for improving the economic situation, the need to strengthen the second direction of reformatting related to the implementation of priority environmental business projects is shown. The results obtained can be useful for choosing anti-sanctions measures to support safe business development within the framework of the state policy of ensuring national security.
Theoretical Foundations of the Interaction of the System of Legal Responsibility and the System of Combating Crime
Authors: Kuzmin Igor Aleksandrovich , Garmyshev Yaroslav Vladimirovich
Published: November 2022

In this article, in order to comprehensively counteract crime, a systematic method of studying state-legal and criminal reality through the prism of the system of legal responsibility is analyzed. It is indicated that in modern conditions, the system of measures of legal responsibility should be improved, aimed at establishing the causes and conditions that contribute to crime. Attention is drawn to the conflicts of the sectoral legislation of the Russian Federation that prevent the application of legal liability measures. The author's vision of the structural and substantive components of the systems under consideration is proposed. The sociological, political and cultural components of the problem are taken into account. The spheres of interaction between the system of legal responsibility and the system of combating crime are revealed. Using the appropriate methodological arsenal and regulatory framework, the instrumental characteristics of the system of legal responsibility and the system of combating crime are determined. In each of the systems, normative, procedural and organizational subsystems are identified and considered, the interaction between them is shown. The quality of the legal regulation of activities for the prevention of crimes and other offenses is assessed, the existing intra-system contradictions and their causes are identified, conceptual solutions for existing problems are proposed. The vagueness of legal norms and the lack of effective procedural mechanisms actually negates the law enforcement effect of fixing in the laws an extensive list of prohibitions aimed at countering crime. The current directions of criminal policy in the field of combating crime in the context of the development of legislation are determined. The comparison of the system of legal responsibility and the system of combating crime is made from the position of a methodological level approach, which allows them to be correlated at the substantive, structural and proper-system levels. Outside of the "points of contact" of the compared systems, the conditions for their convergence in various spheres of society were considered. The conclusion is made about the need to coordinate the system of legal responsibility with the realities of the reality surrounding the subjects of law. The connection between the effectiveness of the crime prevention system, the effectiveness of the system of legal responsibility, indicators of law-making, law enforcement and law interpretation activities is revealed.
Philosophical and Legal Heritage of V.S. Nersesyants
Authors: Gorban Vladimir Sergeevich , Gruzdev Vladimir Sergeevich
Published: November 2022

The article analyzes the legal views of one of the most interesting and original philosophers of law of the last quarter of the twentieth century - the beginning of the XXI century, Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences V.S. Nersesyants. The origins of his legal ideas are in ancient philosophy and German idealistic philosophy. Therefore, the comparison of his legal views with the ideas of the Hegelian philosophy of law, taking into account both dissertations of V.S. Nersesyants, is quite traditional for connoisseurs of the theory of law of our contemporary. However, as the experience of a more detailed and in-depth analysis shows, interesting points of similarity of his ideas are also connected with other representatives of the German intellectual and philosophical culture of thinking about law. It is the understanding of the nature of the successive and new aspects in the system of legal views of V.S. Nersesyants that can serve as the basis for the development of his legal views in modern topical and prospective studies. The scientific novelty of the conducted research of V.S. Nersesyants's philosophical and legal heritage consists in some significant clarifications of the nature of the ideas expressed by him, clarifying their connection with the ideas of not only Hegelian philosophy, but also the teachings of I. Kant, I. Fichte, G. Mehmel, as well as the later ideas of the neo-Kantian lawyer R. Stammler. At the same time, the comparison of the legal views of V.S. Nersesyants and the interpretation of law in G. Mehmel's "Pure Doctrine of Law" allows us to present the theory of law of V.S. Nersesyants as an original version of this doctrine. The article also points to the inexplicability of the concept of justice in the philosophy of law of V.S. Nersesyants, as well as promising studies of social theory as a prerequisite for the socio-practical doctrine of civilization.
The Spread of COVID-19 as a Force Majeure Circumstance in the Context of Exemption from Civil Liability
Authors: Vronskaya Mariya Vladimirovna
Published: November 2022

The subject of the study in this paper is the transformation of the practice of applying legislation regulating the exemption from civil liability during the pandemic. The authors analyze in detail the content of such related categories: "force majeure" and "force majeure clause". The article highlights the features of exemption from civil liability due to insurmountable circumstances, their doctrinal clarification, the ratio of definitions. Separately, the materials of law enforcement practice of disputes related to non-fulfillment of obligations due to the introduction of restrictive measures related to the spread of COVID-19 are analyzed in the context of identifying the nature of such restrictive measures and the possibility of their attribution to force majeure circumstances exempting from civil liability. The novelty of the study is determined by a small number of scientific papers, a wide range of legal problems that have arisen as a result of numerous judicial practice of fulfilling obligations in the context of the implementation of restrictive measures and self-isolation regime in the context of countering the spread of COVID-19. Special attention is paid to the analysis of normative legal acts defining the specifics of the implementation of contractual obligations between counter-parties due to the introduction of restrictive measures during the pandemic. The main conclusions of the author are: the COVID-19 pandemic itself does not relate to a force majeure circumstance, but is qualified by Russian courts as a kind of force majeure, in connection with which the authors consider it necessary to propose a new version of Article 401 of the Civil Code of the Russian Federation.
Ultrafast simulation of large-scale neocortical microcircuitry with biophysically realistic neurons
Authors: Oláh Viktor J , Pedersen Nigel P , Rowan Matthew JM
Published: November 2022

Understanding the activity of the mammalian brain requires an integrative knowledge of circuits at distinct scales, ranging from ion channel gating to circuit connectomics. Computational models are regularly employed to understand how multiple parameters contribute synergistically to circuit behavior. However, traditional models of anatomically and biophysically realistic neurons are computationally demanding, especially when scaled to model local circuits. To overcome this limitation, we trained several artificial neural network (ANN) architectures to model the activity of realistic multicompartmental cortical neurons. We identified an ANN architecture that accurately predicted subthreshold activity and action potential firing. The ANN could correctly generalize to previously unobserved synaptic input, including in models containing nonlinear dendritic properties. When scaled, processing times were orders of magnitude faster compared with traditional approaches, allowing for rapid parameter-space mapping in a circuit model of Rett syndrome. Thus, we present a novel ANN approach allowing for rapid, detailed network experiments using inexpensive and commonly available computational resources.
Peculiar Ultrasonography Feature of a Subcutaneous Abscess on Cheek - A Rare Case Report
Authors: Potruli Venkatalakshmi Aparna , Arnold Beshia , Natarajan Santana
Published: November 2022

The skin on the face is prone to a number of ailments due to the presence of hair follicles, glands, and pores. One such infection is a bacterial infection that affects the hair follicles. Folliculitis is a hair follicle infection caused by the inflammation of hair follicles as a result of physical injury, chemical irritation, or infection. It is possible that the hair within the follicle will become contaminated if it is trapped and unable to break through the epidermis, which can lead to an abscess in the subcutaneous layer. In skin and soft tissue infections, ultrasound imaging is more reliable, which increases our ability to discern between an abscess cavity and deeper infections. It excels due to its high resolution and ability to perform dynamic testing, such as compressing structures, which allows for reliable separation of potentially perplexing physical findings. Sonography enables the discovery of clinically occult collections and provides guidance for diagnostic aspiration, which is often required to distinguish an abscess from a necrotic or cystic tumor, haematoma, or seroma. A case of a 27-year-old male patient who presented with a discrete swelling on the right cheek region over a period of six months is discussed. Ultrasonography revealed a mysterious linear echogenic area surrounded by a hypoechoic area that was unusual of an abscess leading to perplexity in diagnosis. Later, the abscess was drained and the swelling had completely subsided after a week follow-up. Thus, a better understanding and knowledge of ultrasonography and its imaging features in soft tissue lesions will aid in precise diagnosis and may prevent unnecessary further imaging.
Evaluation of the Impact of Local Protocol of King Salman Specialized Hospital-KSA of Management of Renal Disease patients requiring Immunosuppressive Therapy Afflicted by Acute COVID 19 Infection – an Observational Study
Authors: Megahed Abir Farouk , Mohamed Dina Abouelkheir Abdalla , El-Said Ghada , Nafel Omar Ahmad Al , Sayed-Ahmed Nagy
Published: November 2022

Aims: We aimed to observe the effect of modification of the immunosuppressive regimen in response to the severity of COVID-19 infection on the outcome of renal disease patients and to study factors affecting their mortality.

Methods and Materials: The study was conducted on 18 patients (13 males and 5 females) admitted to the King Salman Specialized hospital (KSSH), a COVID-19 isolation center, in Hail city in KSA; of them, 16 had kidney transplantation maintained on immunosuppression protocols, while 2 had immune-mediated nephritis maintained on immunosuppression. Locally agreed immunosuppressive protocol, the antivirals used as well as the used anticoagulant were followed without interference. Demographic data, associated comorbidities, baseline x-ray, routine laboratory data, and patients’ outcomes were recorded.

Results: The ages of the studied patients ranged from 23 - 60 years. Nine patients were treated in the ward (group 1) and the other 9 patients needed admission to the ICU (group 2). Compared to group 1, group 2 patients had higher mortality, higher levels of TLC, CRP, and serum phosphorus as well as admission LDH and D-dimer. Furthermore, group 2 patients had lower serum albumin, and lower blood platelet and lymphocyte counts. All patients continued on corticosteroids and calcineurin inhibitors in case they had been maintained on them before the infection. Antiproliferative drugs (MMF or Azathioprine) were discontinued in all patients; 15 of them stopped it on the first admission day and 3 were reluctant to stop the drugs till a few days later when they were admitted to the ICU. Of the total observed patients 4 died; 3 of them were those who did not stop these drugs early in the course of the disease.

Conclusions: Appropriately early discontinuation of antiproliferative drugs in renal immunosuppressed patients and the use of higher doses of systemic steroids were associated with better prognosis of COVID-19 infection patients and did not cause deterioration of kidney function.
Robotics Intervention in Food Processing Industries: A Mini Review
Authors: Lalita . , Kumar Puneet
Published: November 2022

The food manufacturing industry, that is both diversified and fragmented, plays a crucial role in economies of all the nations. This review is an approach to provide comprehensive knowledge about the status of use of robots in food processing industries. With advancement in powerful, precise and quick robots, automation has been helping in performing industrial operations rapidly. There are number of modern robotics systems employed in food industries, and they are mostly geared toward the high-volume, long workability and handling single-product line but now emphasis is given on multifunctionality of robots by developing replaceable grippers. The shortage of labours due to young people leaving their nation for better job opportunities in developed or high-income countries, and also in pandemic like situation, this had opened the doors for exploring other options for laborious tasks in important sectors like food processing industry. If robots would be used at larger extent in food processing industry at full capacity, in addition to boosting                                    output, it has the potential to safeguard food supplies in unprecedented circumstances and beyond.
Performance of Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea [L.] Verdcourt) Genotypes Cropped on Plinthite Soil in the Semi Arid-Zone, Burkina Faso
Authors: Nandkangre Hervé , Zongo Koulibi Fidèle , Kambou Diane Judicaëlle , Nikiema Boukaré , Ouoba Adjima , Ouedraogo Hamed Mahamadi , Konaté Moussa N. Golo , Kima Aimé Séverin , Ouedraogo Mahama
Published: November 2022

Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea [L.] Verdcourt) is grown mainly as a food crop in Burkina Faso. Despite its high nutritional value, it has been among the most neglected crops in the country. This study was undertaken with the objective to investigating the effects of genotypes on the physiological traits, yield and yield related traits of the crop and thereby identify the genotypes having better performance for yield and yield related traits. The field experiment was conducted at the Tenkodogo University Centre site, during the 2021 rainy season. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with four replications and eight genotypes were obtained from INERA germplam bank. Data were collected on number of days to 50% field emergence, number of days from sowing to 50% flowering, number of leaves per plant, plant height, plant spread, number of pods per plant, number of one seed per pod, number of two seeds per pod, weight of seeds per plant seed length, seed width,100-seed weight and yield. The data were subjected to the analysis of variance, and means were separated through Duncan’s Multiple Range Test at 95% confidence. The Pearson’s correlation coefficients between pair of characters were computed using SPSS 2.0. Results showed that significant and highly significant variations were observed among genotypes for almost all studied characters, except plant spread and number of one seed per pod.  Majority of the characters had positive correlations. Most of the negative correlation was observed between physiologic and agronomic traits. The result showed that genotypes KVS97-2 (33.75 days; 1578.12 kg.ha-1); KVS360 (34.75 days; 1181 kg.ha-1) and KVS235 (34.5 days; 1167.19 kg.ha-1) performed better than others genotypes in yield parameters and had shorter flowering cycle.
Closing the Loophole on Hemp-Derived Cannabis Products
Authors: Harlow Alyssa F. , Leventhal Adam M. , Barrington-Trimis Jessica L.
Published: November 2022

This Viewpoint discusses a federal policy loophole that allows psychotropic cannabis products to be commercially marketed and sold across the US, even in states where recreational cannabis is not legal.
Enhancing the Value of Clinical Work—Choosing Wisely to Preserve the Clinician Workforce
Authors: Kerr Eve A. , Friese Christopher R. , Conroy Joanne M.
Published: November 2022

This Viewpoint discusses how to extend Choosing Wisely principles to identify clinical management practices that lead to unnecessary burdens, approaches to identify and prioritize those low-value practices, the partnerships needed to reduce burdens, and a research agenda for evaluating the consequences of change.
Regulation of signal transduction by gangliosides in lipid rafts: focus on GM3–IR and GM1–TrkA interactions
Authors: Lunghi Giulia , Fazzari Maria , Ciampa Maria Grazia , Mauri Laura , Di Biase Erika , Chiricozzi Elena , Sonnino Sandro
Published: November 2022

The interactions between gangliosides and proteins belonging to the same or different lipid domains and their influence on physiological and pathological states have been analysed in detail. A well‐known factor impacting on lipid–protein interactions and their biological outcomes is the dynamic composition of plasma membrane. This review focuses on GM1 and GM3 gangliosides because they are an integral part of protein–receptor complexes and dysregulation of their concentration shows a direct correlation with the onset of pathological conditions. We first discuss the interaction between GM3 and insulin receptor in relation to insulin responses, with an increase in GM3 correlating with the onset of metabolic dysfunction. Next, we describe the case of the GM1–TrkA interaction, relevant to nerve‐cell differentiation and homeostasis as deficiency in plasma‐membrane GM1 is known to promote neurodegeneration. These two examples highlight the fact that interactions between gangliosides and receptor proteins within the plasma membrane are crucial in controlling cell signalling and pathophysiological cellular states.
Atezolizumab and stereotactic body radiotherapy in patients with advanced non‐small cell lung cancer: safety, clinical activity and ctDNA responses—the ComIT‐1 trial
Authors: Horndalsveen Henrik , Alver Tine Norman , Dalsgaard Astrid Marie , Rogg Lotte Victoria , Helbekkmo Nina , Grønberg Bjørn Henning , Halvorsen Tarje Onsøien , Ramberg Christina , Haakensen Vilde Drageset , Öjlert Åsa Kristina , Bjaanæs Maria Moksnes , Helland Åslaug
Published: November 2022

The introduction of immune checkpoint inhibitors has transformed the treatment landscape of metastatic non‐small cell lung cancer. However, challenges remain to increase the fraction of patients achieving durable clinical responses to these drugs and to help monitor the treatment effect. In this phase II trial, we investigated the toxicity, systemic responses and circulating tumour DNA responses in patients (n = 21) with advanced non‐small‐cell lung cancer treated with atezolizumab and stereotactic body radiotherapy in the second or later line. We found the combined treatment to be safe with grade 3 toxicity reported in three patients. As the best overall response, four patients had a partial response, eight had stable disease and five had progressive disease. Median overall survival time was still not reached after a median follow‐up of 26.5 months and 10/15 patients with programmed death‐ligand 1 negative tumours were alive >18 months after the start of the study treatment. ctDNA was detectable at baseline in 11 patients. A rapid decline in ctDNA to <30% of baseline levels was seen in three patients, two of which were radiographic responders and one was considered clinically benefiting from therapy for almost 1 year.
Markedly Different Effects of Monovalent Cations on the Efficiency of Gene Expression
Authors: Nishio Takashi , Masaoka Tomoya , Yoshikawa Yuko , Sadakane Koichiro , Kenmotsu Takahiro , Schiessel Helmut , Yoshikawa Kenichi
Published: November 2022

The effect of monovalent cations on a cell‐free transcription–translation (TX–TL) system is examined using a luciferase assay. It is found that the potency for all ions analyzed here is in the order Rb+ > K+ > Cs+ > Na+ ≈ Li+ > (CH3)4N+, where Rb+ is most efficient at promoting TX–TL and the ions of Li+, Na+, and (CH3)4N+ exhibit an inhibitory effect. Similar promotion/inhibition effects are observed for cell‐free TL alone with an mRNA template.
Soft Composite Gels with High Toughness and Low Thermal Resistance through Lengthening Polymer Strands and Controlling Filler
Authors: Cai Linfeng , Fan Jianfeng , Ding Shengchang , He Dongyi , Zeng Xiangliang , Sun Rong , Ren Linlin , Xu Jianbin , Zeng Xiaoliang
Published: November 2022

Soft gels with high toughness have drawn tremendous attention recently due to their potential applications in flexible electronic fields. The miniaturization and high‐power density of electronic devices require soft gels with both high toughness and low thermal resistance; however, it is difficult to achieve these properties simultaneously. Herein, a simple design strategy is reported for constructing soft (high stretchability of 6.91 and low Young's modulus of 340 kPa), tough (4741.48 J m−2) and thermal conductive (low thermal resistance of 0.14 cm2 K W−1, under 10 psi pressure) polydimethylsiloxane/aluminum composite gel. This is realized by precisely lengthening polymer strands between the chemical cross‐linked points and controlling the aluminum content in the composite gels. The symbiosis of this combination involves: lengthening the polymer strands facilitates its unfolding to increase the softness and intrinsic toughness; the thermally conductive spherical aluminum enables low thermal resistance and increases the intrinsic toughness and stress dissipation. By utilizing this gel as a thermal interface material, effective heat dissipation is demonstrated in electronic devices operating under high‐power conditions over numerous cycles. These results demonstrate the application potential of composite gels in meeting the performance maintenance and heat dissipation, which are needed for modern electronic devices.
A Review of Scalable Hexagonal Boron Nitride (h‐BN) Synthesis for Present and Future Applications
Authors: Naclerio Andrew E. , Kidambi Piran R.
Published: November 2022

Hexagonal boron nitride (h‐BN) is a layered inorganic synthetic crystal exhibiting high temperature stability and high thermal conductivity. As a ceramic material it has been widely used for thermal management, heat shielding, lubrication, and as a filler material for structural composites. Recent scientific advances in isolating atomically thin monolayers from layered van der Waals crystals to study their unique properties has propelled research interest in mono/few layered h‐BN as a wide bandgap insulating support for nanoscale electronics, tunnel barriers, communications, neutron detectors, optics, sensing, novel separations, quantum emission from defects, among others. Realizing these futuristic applications hinges on scalable cost‐effective high‐quality h‐BN synthesis. Here, the authors review scalable approaches of high‐quality mono/multilayer h‐BN synthesis, discuss the challenges and opportunities for each method, and contextualize their relevance to emerging applications. Maintaining a stoichiometric balance B:N = 1 as the atoms incorporate into the growing layered crystal and maintaining stacking order between layers during multi‐layer synthesis emerge as some of the main challenges for h‐BN synthesis and the development of processes to address these aspects can inform and guide the synthesis of other layered materials with more than one constituent element. Finally, the authors contextualize h‐BN synthesis efforts along with quality requirements for emerging applications via a technological roadmap.
Transition Metal‐Based Electrocatalysts for Seawater Oxidation
Authors: Yang Lin , Zhou Ling , Wang Mei , Qi Yuheng , Guo Daying , Li Haocheng , Chen Xi'an , Wang Shun
Published: November 2022

Electrocatalytic water splitting is an effective strategy, which can convert intermittent energy such as wind energy and solar energy into renewable and sustainable hydrogen energy. Global freshwater resources are extremely scarce. Compared with freshwater, seawater is a rich and sustainable resource, and it has attracted more and more attention in electrocatalysis. However, the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is a four‐electron transfer process, which leads to slow reaction kinetics. Moreover, the presence of various elements in seawater and their interference to electrochemistry make the OER in seawater extremely challenging. Herein, the latest progress in the development of transition metal‐based OER electrocatalytic materials for seawater is reviewed by hydroxides, oxides, chalcogenides, phosphides, and nitrides. Focus is made on how to eliminate competitive reaction chlorine evolution reaction of OER in electrolytic seawater. The recent research advances of OER catalyst for selective electrolysis seawater are summarized from the aspects of structure design, mechanism understanding, and performance enhancement strategy. Finally, the challenges, prospects, and research directions of seawater electrocatalysis for OER are introduced.
Nonlinear Absorption in Plasmonic Titanium Nitride Nanocrystals
Authors: Sabzeghabae Ariana Nushin , Berrospe‐Rodriguez Carla , Wu Chaolumen , Mangolini Lorenzo , Aguilar Guillermo
Published: November 2022

Titanium nitride nanoparticles have become a research interest due to their distinguished optical and photothermal properties. Furthermore, the search for nanoparticle solutions with tunable nonlinear optical properties for laser‐based applications is critical. More specifically, third order optical nonlinearities such as reverse saturable absorption, optical liming, and self‐focusing are important in the biomedical and electronics fields. The optical nonlinearities of titanium nitride plasmonic nanoparticles are investigated as a function of material concentration in water solutions. Furthermore, the effect of nanoparticle clustering on optical nonlinearities is investigated by fabricating micrometer‐sized clusters of ≈50 nm titanium nitride particles. These studies demonstrate that the nonlinear absorption coefficient increases linearly with concentration. However, clusters require higher concentrations compared to the freestanding nanoparticles to exhibit similar nonlinear absorption coefficient and optical density. Similarly, the optical limiting threshold for titanium nitride nanoparticles appears to be lower compared to the cluster solutions, which is impacted by the collective scattering of nanoparticles and high reverse saturable absorption. In addition, self‐focusing is observed in the continuous resonant regime. This study provides an in‐depth analysis of the nonlinear optical properties of titanium nitride, with relevant consequences for applications such as sensor protection and photothermal therapy.
Impact of Small Scale Storage and Intelligent Scheduling Strategy on Cost Effective and Voltage Secure Operation of Wind+PV+Thermal Hybrid System
Authors: Dauda Alpesh Kumar , Panda Ambarish
Published: November 2022

The growing concern on climate change and environmental pollution has created enormous pressure on shifting the generation toward cleaner and environmental friendly sources. Among different clean energy producers, wind power and solar photovoltaic (PV) systems are the most attractive ones due to their abundant availability, substantial power production capability, and cost effective attributes. But, their intermittent availability makes the system operation extremely vulnerable. Therefore, optimum utilization of renewable energy in hybrid power system (HPS) may not be achievable without the integration of energy storage facilities. In this context, integration of battery energy storage (BES) systems with Wind+PV+Thermal (WPT) hybrid configuration is considered in this work to meet the sudden and short term disharmony between actual and available renewable power output. Moreover, to maintain a secure system voltage of the WPT+BES system, the impact of reactive power (Q) capability of doubly fed induction generator has also been analyzed. The scheduling problem of the proposed HPS is solved by formulating in an optimization framework. Intelligent technique is applied to evaluate the optimal operational paradigm at multiple percentage of renewable energy penetration scenarios at which the proposed HPS may operate in a voltage secure and cost effective manner. The validation of the proposed operating strategy on the comparative performance evaluation of WPT and WPT+BES systems is portrayed on IEEE30 bus benchmark power system configuration.
Behavioral framing and consumer acceptance of new food technologies: Factors influencing consumer demand for active packaging
Authors: Just David R. , Goddard Julie M.
Published: November 2022

We examine consumer willingness to pay (WTP) for foods packaged using active packaging which can be used to improve quality, shelf life, or safety of a range of products, potentially reducing the use of food additives (preservatives) and food waste. We administer an experimental survey of US food consumers (n = 2325) with five treatments. The surveys include contingent valuation exercises to assess consumer WTP for six products in active packaging relative to conventional packaging. We find that consumer acceptance of this technology is dependent on the product packaged and related directly to the specific relative benefit. In addition, consumer WTP is impacted by the framing of the technology in relation to other available technologies, information about the developer of the technology, and the degree of specificity of information regarding benefits. Notably, impacts of framing and use cases are primarily apparent among those who are resistant to the technology. A cluster analysis finds that those more likely to resist the technology include households that are lower income, less educated, and more likely to be white [EconLit citations: Q18, M31, D12, D83].
Plasmon‐Enhanced Electrochemiluminescence at the Single‐Nanoparticle Level
Authors: Wei Ying , Zhang Yuchen , Pan Jiahao , Chen Tian , Xing Xing , Zhang Weihua , Lu Zhenda
Published: November 2022

Plasmon‐enhanced electrochemiluminescence (ECL) at the single‐nanoparticle (NP) level was investigated by ECL microscopy. The Au NPs were assembled into an ordered array, providing a high‐throughput platform that can easily locate each NP in sequential characterizations. A strong dependence of ECL intensity on Au NP configurations was observed. We demonstrate for the first time that at the single‐particle level, the ECL of Ru(bpy)32+‐TPrA was majorly quenched by small Au NPs (<40 nm), while enhanced by large Au ones (>80 nm) due to the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR). Notably, the ECL intensity was further increased by the coupling effect of neighboring Au NPs. Finite Difference Time Domain (FDTD) simulations conformed well with the experimental results. This plasmon enhanced ECL microscopy for arrayed single NPs provides a reliable tool for screening electrocatalytic activity at a single particle.
A Crosslinked Ionic Organic Framework for Efficient Iodine and Iodide Remediation in Water
Authors: Zhang Mingshi , Samanta Jayanta , Atterberry Benjamin A. , Staples Richard , Rossini Aaron J. , Ke Chenfeng
Published: November 2022

Iodine is widely used as an antimicrobial reagent for water disinfection in the wilderness and outer space, but residual iodine and iodide need to be removed for health reasons. Currently, it is challenging to remove low concentrations of iodine and iodide in water (≈5 ppm). Furthermore, the remediation of iodine and iodide across a broad temperature range (up to 90 °C) has not previously been investigated. In this work, we report a nitrate dimer‐directed synthesis of a single‐crystalline ionic hydrogen‐bonded crosslinked organic framework (HCOF‐7). HCOF‐7 removes iodine and iodide species in water efficiently through halogen bonding and anion exchange, reducing the total iodine concentration to 0.22 ppm at room temperature. Packed HCOF‐7 columns were employed for iodine/iodide breakthrough experiments between 23 and 90 °C, and large breakthrough volumes were recorded (≥18.3 L g−1). The high iodine/iodide removal benchmarks recorded under practical conditions make HCOF‐7 a promising adsorbent for water treatment.
Organocatalyzed Controlled Radical Copolymerization toward Hybrid Functional Fluoropolymers Driven by Light
Authors: Zeng Yang , Quan Qinzhi , Wen Peng , Zhang Zexi , Chen Mao
Published: November 2022

Photo‐controlled polymerizations are attractive to tailor macromolecules of complex compositions with spatiotemporal regulation. In this work, with a convenient synthesis for trifluorovinyl boronic ester (TFVB), we report a light‐driven organocatalyzed copolymerization of vinyl monomers and TFVB for the first time, which enabled the controlled synthesis of a variety of hybrid fluorine/boron polymers with low dispersities and good chain‐end fidelity. The good behaviors of “ON/OFF” switch, chain‐extension polymerizations and post‐modifications further highlight the versatility and reliability of this copolymerization. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the combination of fluorine and boron could furnish copolymer electrolytes of high lithium‐ion transference number (up to 0.83), bringing new opportunities of engineering high‐performance materials for energy storage purposes.
Durable Lithium Metal Anodes Enabled by Interfacial Layers Based on Mechanically Interlocked Networks Capable of Energy Dissipation
Authors: Zhao Jun , Hong Min , Ju Zhijin , Yan Xuzhou , Gai Yanzhe , Liang Zheng
Published: November 2022

Solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) has received considerable attention due to its vital role in stabilizing Li anode. However, native and many artificial SEIs often suffer from cracking and fragmentation under dendrite impact or long‐term repeated volume variation, causing capacity decay. Herein, a mechanically interlocked network (MIN) was innovatively designed as interfacial layer to protect Li anode by incorporating the unique energy dissipation capability, which helps Li anode survive repeated volume variation during long‐term cycling. As a result, symmetric cell with MIN‐coated Li anode (MIN@Li) exhibited prolonged cycling life of 1500 hours at 1 mA cm−2. The full cell using LFP cathode (13.5 mg cm−2) cycled stably for 500 cycles with capacity retention over 88 % (1 C). Our results highlight a creative application of MIN in Li anode, and its unique energy dissipation capability promises future success in other battery fields suffering from repeated volume variations.