bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Temporal and spatial effects on C‐reactive protein's regulation of inducible nitric oxide synthase production in periodontal disease
Authors: Li Lingjie , Jia Lurong , Hou Siyu , Zhang Tingwei , Zhou Mengjiao , Chen Tao , Song Jinlin
Published: July 2023

Background

Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) is associated with inflammation and osteoclastic differentiation in periodontal disease. This study was conducted to compare the time‐dependent variation in iNOS production between the gingiva and other periodontal tissues and to explore the potential association with C‐reactive protein (CRP) in early periodontal disease.

Methods

Ligature‐induced periodontal disease models (0–14 days) were established in wild‐type and CRP knockout rats. Changes in CRP, iNOS, and autophagy levels were examined in the gingiva and other periodontal tissues. Macrophages were treated with lipopolysaccharide and chloroquine to explore the role of autophagy in iNOS production. iNOS, CRP, and autophagy‐related proteins were analyzed using Western blotting, immunostaining, and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays. mRNA expression was detected by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was used for histological analysis. Cathepsin K immunostaining and microcomputed tomography of the maxillae were performed to compare alveolar bone resorption.

Results

iNOS and CRP levels increased rapidly in periodontal tissues, as observed on Day 2 of ligature, then decreased more rapidly in the gingiva than in other periodontal tissues. CRP deficiency did not prevent iNOS generation, but effectively accelerated iNOS reduction and delayed alveolar bone loss. The CRP effect on iNOS was accompanied by a change in autophagy, which was reduced by CRP knockout.

Conclusions

The regulation of iNOS by CRP shows temporospatial variation in early periodontal disease and is potentially associated with autophagy. These findings may contribute to the early detection and targeted treatment of periodontal disease.
Alkane biosynthesis is promoted in methyl jasmonate‐treated sweet cherry (Prunus avium) fruit cuticles
Authors: Balbontín Cristián , Gutiérrez Camilo , Schreiber Lukas , Zeisler‐Diehl Viktoria V. , Marín Juan C. , Urrutia Victoria , Hirzel Juan , Figueroa Carlos R.
Published: July 2023

Background

The cuticle plays an important role in the survival of plants, and it is important to preserve the quality of fleshy fruits like sweet cherry. Plant hormones play a role in cuticle formation. In this sense, jasmonates have been shown to induce cuticle biosynthesis, but until today this has not been demonstrated in sweet cherry fruit. Therefore, the effect of exogenous methyl jasmonate (MeJA) application at the fruit set stage on the expression levels of cuticle synthesis‐related genes and the wax composition of the isolated cuticle was studied in developing and ripe fruits of sweet cherry (Prunus avium ‘Bing’), respectively.

Results

MeJA treatment resulted in up‐regulation of the cuticle biosynthesis‐related gene expression, such as PaWINA, PaWINB, PaKCS1, PaKCS6, PaLACS1, PaLACS2, PaWS, and PaWBC11. These genes play a vital role in the elongation and transport of fatty acids, and wax biosynthesis. Analysis of cuticular components in ripe fruit showed an increase in long‐chain linear aliphatic wax compounds, particularly C27, C28, C29, C30, and C31 alkanes.

Conclusion

Exogenous MeJA application at the fruit set stage of sweet cherry has a significant effect on the wax composition of the ripe fruit cuticle, particularly in terms of alkane biosynthesis. The results of this study may provide insights into the regulation of cuticle biosynthesis by jasmonates and be useful for improving fruit quality and storage life. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Determination of rhein and physcion in rhubarb by microchip capillary electrophoresis in mixed hydro‐organic solvent combined with laser‐induced fluorescence detection
Authors: Chen ShengHao , Liang YanLan , Li YuanYuan , Sun Yue , He Yang
Published: July 2023

Microchip capillary electrophoresis in mixed hydro‐organic solvent combined with laser‐induced fluorescence detection was developed for the separation and detection of physcion and rhein in rhubarb. In contrast to the conventional capillary electrophoresis method, ammonium acetate‐dimethyl sulfoxide was used as the basic buffer system in this method. The effects of background buffer, buffer apparent pH*, buffer concentration, water ratio, sample preparation method, and separation voltage on separation and detection were investigated. Optimized separation and detection conditions were obtained: the buffer consisted of 20 mmol/L of ammonium acetate in hydro‐organic solvent composed dimethyl sulfoxide, formamide, and water mixed at 60/20/20 (v/v/v) ratio. The separation voltage was 1.9 kV. Under these conditions, the physcion, rhein, and other components of rhubarb can be completely separated within 150 s. Under the methodological verification, good linearity (R ≥ 0.9995) for physcion and rhein, and low limits of detection (0.085 μg·mL−1 and 0.077 μg·mL−1, respectively), satisfactory peak area precisions, migration time precisions (1.74%–3.09%), and accuracy (recovery rate 97.8% and 101.4%) were achieved. It is shown that the proposed method is simple, efficient, fast, sensitive, simple instrument, consumes few samples, has low operating cost, and is linear.
A protocol for fabrication of polymer monolithic capillary columns and tuning the morphology targeting high‐resolution bioanalysis in gradient‐elution liquid chromatography
Authors: Zhou Zhuoheng , Hilder Emily F. , Eeltink Sebastiaan
Published: July 2023

Polymer monolithic stationary phases are designed as a continuous interconnected globular material perfused by macropores. Like packed column, where separation efficiency is related to particle diameter, the efficiency of monoliths can be enhanced by tuning the size of both the microglobules and macropores. This protocol described the synthesis of poly(styrene‐co‐divinylbenzene) monolithic stationary phases in capillary column formats. Moreover, guidelines are provided to tune the macropore structure targeting high‐throughput and high‐resolution monolith chromatography. The versatility of these columns is exemplified by their ability to separate tryptic digests, intact proteins, and oligonucleotides under a variety of chromatographic conditions. The repeatability of the presented column fabrication process is demonstrated by the successful creation of 12 columns in three different column batches, as evidenced by the consistency of retention times (coefficients of variance [c.v.] = 0.9%), peak widths (c.v. = 4.7%), and column pressures (c.v. = 3.1%) across the batches.
Radiofrequency Neurolysis of the Posterior Nasal Nerve: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Yu Alison J. , Tam Benjamin , Wrobel Bozena , Hur Kevin
Published: July 2023

Objective

Temperature‐controlled radiofrequency neurolysis of the posterior nasal nerve (PNN) has been approved for use since 2020. This review synthesized the published data to assess its efficacy for treatment of chronic rhinitis.

Data Sources

Pubmed/Medline, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science.

Review Methods

A systematic search was conducted with no restrictions on publication years in April 2023. RCTs and prospective investigations that reported the reflective Total Nasal Symptom Score (rTNSS) outcome of radiofrequency neurolysis as a single procedure in chronic rhinitis patients were included. Pooled estimates for change in rTNSS from baseline at 3 months and responder rates (≥30% reduction in baseline rTNSS) at 3 and 6 months were obtained. Other outcomes, such as postnasal drip and cough scores, quality of life (QoL) measures, and adverse events were included for qualitative review.

Results

Five studies were included in the systematic review, of which four were included in the meta‐analysis. A total of 284 participants underwent treatment. The pooled change in rTNSS score at 3 months was −4.28 (95% CI, −5.10 to −3.46). The pooled responder rate at 3 months was 77.11% (95% CI, 68.21%–86.01%) and at 6 months 80.80% (95% CI, 70.85%–90.76%). Postnasal drip and cough scores and QoL also improved significantly at follow up. A total of 36 adverse events were reported in 21 (7.4%) patients.

Conclusions

The findings from this review suggest that temperature‐controlled radiofrequency neurolysis of the PNN is effective at treating chronic rhinitis symptoms and that it has an overall favorable safety profile. Laryngoscope, 134:507–516, 2024
Phytoplankton community response to episodic wet and dry aerosol deposition in the subtropical North Atlantic
Authors: Yuan Zhongwei , Achterberg Eric P. , Engel Anja , Wen Zuozhu , Zhou Linbin , Zhu Xunchi , Dai Minhan , Browning Thomas J.
Published: July 2023

Atmospheric aerosol deposition into the low latitude oligotrophic ocean is an important source of new nutrients for primary production. However, the resultant phytoplankton responses to aerosol deposition events, both in magnitude and changes in community composition, are poorly constrained. Here, we investigated this with 19 d of field and satellite observations for a site in the subtropical North Atlantic. During the observation period, surface dissolved aluminum concentrations alongside satellite‐derived aerosol and precipitation data demonstrated the occurrence of both a dry deposition event associated with a dust storm and a wet deposition event associated with strong rainfall. The dry deposition event did not lead to any observable phytoplankton response, whereas the wet deposition event led to an approximate doubling of chlorophyll a, with Prochlorococcus becoming more dominant at the expense of Synechococcus. Bioassay experiments showed that phytoplankton were nitrogen limited, suggesting that the wet deposition event likely provided substantial aerosol‐derived nitrogen, thereby alleviating the prevalent nutrient limitation and leading to the rapid observed phytoplankton response. These findings highlight the important role of wet deposition in driving rapid responses in both ocean productivity and phytoplankton community composition.
MY LAST VISIT WITH FRANCES HESSELBEIN
Authors: Goldsmith Marshall
Published: July 2023

The author, a pioneer in the field of business education and leadership coaching, was one of the closest confidantes and colleagues of Frances Hesselbein. He recounts details of their relationship, including how Frances introduced him to Peter Drucker in 1981, when Frances was CEO of the Girl Scouts of the USA, and Drucker was consulting for the organization on a pro bono basis. He also recounts deathbed visits with both Drucker, in 2005, and Frances, in 2022. “My last visit with Frances,” he writes, “illustrated to me why she was such a great human being. Her entire life was based in service to others; she devoted herself to being a professional. She never complained. She never whined, and it was always about us and not about her.”
FRANCES HESSELBEIN: METICULOUS PREPARATION FOR A PUBLIC ROLE
Authors: Helgesen Sally
Published: July 2023

The author, who has been cited in Forbes as the world’s premier expert on women’s leadership, writes about her longstanding friendship and history with Frances Hesselbein, beginning in 1989, toward the end of Frances’ 13 years as CEO of the Girl Scouts of the USA. “She had upended the hierarchy that the Girl Scouts had adopted from the military upon its founding,” the author writes, “putting herself in the center rather than at the top, and drawing concentric circles around an inner core.” Nearly 30 years later, the author interviewed her for a profile in Strategy + Business magazine, in which Frances noted: “When you’re a leader, people watch your every move and listen to every word you say. They can over‐interpret because they feel dependent upon your opinion. So you need to honor that, and weigh your words.”
Characterization of SNCA Multiplication in Parkinson's Disease: 2 New Cases and Evaluation of the Literature
Authors: Duan Ruo‐Nan , Liu Gui‐Yu , Han Yin‐Lian , Li Pei‐Zheng , Zhang Bo‐Han , Liu Yi‐Ming
Published: July 2023

Background

Alpha‐synuclein (SNCA) copy number variations (CNV) have been certified as a causative mutation in patients with familial and sporadic Parkinson's disease (PD).

Case

We report three SNCA duplication cases diagnosed as PD. Through whole‐exome sequencing, we identified a de novo 4.56 Mb repeated region in one patient and a 2.50 Mb repeated region in familial PD with two patients.

Literature review

In review of previous cases, we suggest that aggressive behavior is more remarkable in CNV4 patients. Meanwhile, frequency of cognition decline and dementia were slightly increased in CNV4 patients. We also illustrate a younger onset age in offspring than parent in familial SNCA multiplication PD cases. No difference was observed in disease duration between parent and offspring generation.

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrated the clinical and genetic characteristics in PD with SNCA multiplication and provided strong evidence for genetic anticipation. These results may be instructive for future disease diagnosis and genetic counseling.
Mobile parcel lockers with individual customer service
Authors: Kötschau Rico , Soeffker Ninja , Ehmke Jan Fabian
Published: July 2023

The ongoing growth of e‐commerce deliveries has led to a significant increase in last‐mile delivery volumes. New technologies are being investigated to provide these deliveries efficiently and in a customer‐friendly manner. A common practice is to use fixed parcel lockers (FPLs) to make deliveries independent from the presence of the customer as is the case in attended home deliveries (AHDs). FPLs are usually installed at key locations in cities, and customers can collect their package at any time once it has been delivered to this particular location. Mobile parcel lockers (MPLs) represent a new idea: they can be parked for temporary collection of items at different locations, keeping the pickup distance to the customer short and avoiding high infrastructure costs. However, customers need to collect their parcels within a restricted time window. This service is supposed to become especially efficient through autonomously operating vehicles that can move MPLs at low costs. In this article, we introduce the heterogeneous locker location problem to study the effects of fleets combining two of the services—FPLs, MPLs, AHDs—within one framework. In our comparison, we consider that customers may have different expectations regarding their maximum pickup distance as well as their temporal flexibility in accepting deliveries. A fixed fleet is applied to maximize the number of customers served, respecting individual customer preferences in terms of pickup distances and time windows. We evaluate the different delivery services regarding managerial insights on service quality and efficiency. In the experiments, we analyze the impact of structural demand differences and different fleet sizes, as well as the operational fleet utilization and the individual customer experience. Results show the potential to increase the number of customers served by about 14%–19% through the use of MPLs while considering individual customer preferences.
The role of nurses in inpatient geriatric rehabilitation units: A scoping review
Authors: Guitar Nicole A. , Connelly Denise M. , Prentice Kristin , Nguyen Angela , McIntyre Amanda , Tanlaka Eric F. , Snobelen Nancy
Published: July 2023

Aims

(1) To review and synthesize research on the contributions of nurses to rehabilitation in inpatient geriatric rehabilitation units (GRUs), and (2) to compare these reported contributions to the domains of international rehabilitation nursing competency models. The roles and contributions of nurses (e.g. Registered Practical Nurses, Registered Nurses and Licensed Practical Nurses) in GRUs are non‐specific, undervalued, undocumented and unrecognized as part of the formal Canadian rehabilitation process.

Design

Arksey and O'Malley's methodological framework for scoping reviews and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines were used.

Methods

Six databases were searched for relevant literature: MEDLINE, PsychINFO, CINAHL, EMBASE, SCOPUS and Nursing and Allied Health. English articles were included if they examined nursing roles or contributions to inpatient geriatric rehabilitation. Integrated synthesis was used to combine the qualitative and quantitative data, and thematic analysis was used for coding. Three sets of international competency models were amalgamated to explore how different nurse roles in geriatric rehabilitation were portrayed in the included literature.

Results

Eight studies published between 1991 and 2020 were included in the review. Five main geriatric rehabilitation nursing roles were generated from synthesis of the domains of international rehabilitation nursing competency models: conserver, supporter, interpreter, coach and advocate.

Conclusions

Nurses working in inpatient geriatric rehabilitation are recognized more for their role in conserving the body than their roles in supporting, interpreting, coaching and advocacy. Interprofessional team members appear to be less sure of the nurses' role in the rehabilitation unit. Nurses themselves do not acknowledge the unique rehabilitation aspects of care for older adults. Enhancing formal education, or adding continuing education courses, to facilitate role clarity for nurses in geriatric rehabilitation could improve nurses' and interprofessional healthcare team members' understandings of the possible contributions of nurses working in rehabilitation settings.
Social cognitive elements of mental illness stigma among healthcare professionals currently working in general hospitals: A cross‐sectional study from Jordan
Authors: Dalky Heyam F. , Alnajar Malek , Dalky Ala'a F. , Mahmoud Naser , Al‐Ma'ani Mohammad , Mosleh Sultan , Hamdan‐Mansour Ayman M.
Published: July 2023

Aim

To assess the social cognitive elements of the stigma of mental illness (knowledge, attitudes and behaviours) among healthcare professionals (HCPs) in Jordan.

Design

A cross‐sectional descriptive design.

Methods

A total of 206 HCPs were conveniently recruited from general hospitals in Jordan. The mental attitude, knowledge and intended behaviours scales were used to measure stigma elements.

Results

Participants reported a moderate level of knowledge, a moderate negative attitude and a moderate or not greater interest to deal with people with mental health illnesses. The bivariate correlation revealed a negative significant correlation between HCPs' knowledge and attitude, indicating that HCPs with more knowledge significantly have more positive attitude (lower average score) towards those suffering from the illness. A more significant correlation was found between HCPs' knowledge and behaviour. The HCPs who had more knowledge were holding more interest and willingness towards dealing with persons with mental illness.

Patient or Public Contribution

Negative attitudes among HCPs demand awareness programmes pertaining to the stigma of mental illness to afford higher standards of practice for patients with mental problems.
Spray and deposition characteristics of unsaturated polyester resin applied for impregnating long fiber preform composites
Authors: Zegeye Amare Demelie , Delele Mulugeta Admsu , Tsegaw Assefa Asmare , Bogale Tesfaye Shiferaw
Published: July 2023

Spray up is a method intensively applied for short fiber reinforced plastic (FRP) products manufacturing. The current study investigated the application of spray up for impregnation and manufacturing of long fiber FRP products, which can bring major advantages of minimized impregnation time and fewer product defects. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling was applied to investigate the spray and deposition characteristics of the viscous general‐purpose unsaturated polyester resin on a glass fiber preform. Validation of CFD results was done using phase Doppler anemometer and camera imaging techniques, and errors were calculated. Droplet velocity distributions 30 cm from the nozzle tip showed an average absolute percentage error of 4.3% and root mean square error value of 0.68 m/s, which are minimal. CFD and experimental values of sprayed resin area coverage (main area) after 4 s of spray were 17 and 16.3 cm in diameter, respectively; this is a relatively small error. Resin pool thickness on the target surface was variable, values predicted numerically. Non‐uniformity of pool thickness can be compensated by using appropriate compaction mechanisms. It is also possible to impregnate large size and complex shape products using multiple nozzles of proper arrangement.
Preparation of functionalized boron nitride sheets/epoxy resin composites by using a green and efficient approach for elevated thermal conductivity
Authors: Jiang Junyi , BinteTouhid S. Salvia , Sun Haoran , Zheng Yanglei , Shathi Mahmuda Akter , Khoso Nazakat Ali , Fu Feiya , Liu Xiangdong
Published: July 2023

With the rapid evolution of integrated circuits and electronic devices, considerable research efforts are dedicated to thermally conductive but electrically insulative composites that may successfully allay “hot spot” concerns during device operation. In this study, a green, cheaply and effective method was proposed to improve thermal conductivity coefficient (λ) of boron nitride/epoxy composites by modifying boron nitride sheet (BN) surface with TACu nanoparticles that synthesized from tannic acid (TA) and copper sulphate. As a result, the TACu nanoparticles and BN work in concert to improve the thermal conductivity of the BN/epoxy composite. The ideal thermal conductivity coefficient, 1.61 W/mK, was present when the mass fraction of the created filler, BN@TACu, is 30 wt%. This value is 7.3 times higher than that of pure epoxy resin (0.22 W/mK) and significantly higher than the reported BN/epoxy composites containing 30 wt% fillers. Moreover, the interface compatibility between BN and epoxy resin is also significantly improved by the TACu nanoparticles on BN surfaces, giving the composites improved thermal and mechanical characteristics. This technology for BN surface modification has a lot of practical potential in the present electronic sector since it is relatively straightforward and easy to scale up.
Concurrently improving fire safety and processability of ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer by expandable graphite and polyphosphoric acid
Authors: Dong Xiaochen , Yang Xuefan , Wang Sen , Wang Kang , Zhang Yunqi , Liu Jichun , Chang Haibo
Published: July 2023

Ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) was modified by expandable graphite (EG) and polyphosphoric acid (PPA) in melt state and the obtained EVA/EG/PPA composite was studied regarding its fire behavior, thermal endurance, water resistivity, processability, and mechanical property. The outcomes evince that the combination of EG and PPA in proper mass ratio can improve fire retardancy, thermal stability, processability, and reduce smoke and toxic gas releases of EVA upon combustion significantly. The EG/PPA combination exhibits very high flame retardant efficiency to EVA in that only 10 wt% loading is enough to make EVA obtain V‐0 rating in UL‐94 test. Moreover, the flame‐retarded EVA/EG/PPA composite displays excellent water resistance and acceptable mechanical property. The EVA/EG/PPA (90/7.5/2.5) composite can produce coherent intumescent char on composite surface, which has good heat endurance and hinders heat transmission from fire to interior of composite. The flame retardation occurs in condensed phase and the intumescent char plays a pivotal role. The presence of PPA endows EVA composite with good melt flowability, which has presented a striking contrast to other flame retardants.

Highlights

The combination of EG and PPA has very high flame retardant efficiency to EVA.

The EVA/EG/PPA composite has better fire safety and processability than EVA.

The EVA/EG/PPA composite still maintains acceptable mechanical property.

The expanded char from EVA/EG/PPA composite hinders heat transfer effectively.
High strength injection molding welding and interface crystal phase changes in polyamide 6
Authors: Wu Haonan , Qiu Jianhui , Zhang Guohong , Sakai Eiichi , Zhao Wei , Tang Jianhua , Wu Hong , Guo Shaoyun
Published: July 2023

Injection molding is a widely used method for production of plastic components, offering both simplicity and high strength. In this study, secondary injection molding was utilized to weld polyamide 6 (PA6). The welded samples were evaluated for the welding strength via a shear tensile test. Three process parameters of mold temperature, injection temperature, and injection speed were varied to determine the optimal conditions for welding. A polarizing microscope analysis of the welding interface revealed formation of a shish kebab layer (SKL) structure, which significantly contributed to the welding strength. A differential scanning calorimetry analysis of the welded samples showed that changes in the crystallinity at the interface were closely related to the welding strength under different injection molding conditions. To analyze the crystal phase of the interface after welding, we propose the use of Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy area scanning to obtain the relationship between the phase transformation and welding strength. Additionally, microhardness testing is proposed as a means of evaluation of the welding effect. Overall, this study highlights the importance of optimization of process parameters in secondary injection molding to achieve strong welds in PA6, where the SKL structure and crystallinity changes at the interface have crucial roles.

Highlights

The high welding shear strength reaches 80% of the base material.

The interfacial crystalline structure has a significant impact on the strength.

The crystalline changes were analyzed using FTIR region scanning.

The relationship between microhardness and welding strength was obtained.

The wide‐ranging conditions have reference value for industrial production.
Role‐overload and self‐esteem affecting teachers career satisfaction: Serial mediation through work engagement and job satisfaction
Authors: Pathardikar Avinash D. , Maurya Kamlesh Kumar , Sahu Sangeeta , Singh Ajai Pratap
Published: July 2023

This study examines the effects of role‐overload (RO) and self‐esteem (SE) on career satisfaction (CS) through work engagement (WE) and job satisfaction (JS). It follows the social cognitive career theory (SCCT) and job demands‐resources (JD‐R) model. A quantitative survey was conducted on Indian school teachers (n = 630). A serial mediation model was developed to examine the proposed relationship. Hypotheses were tested by SEM and bootstrapping to verify the direct/indirect effects. The results reveal that SE, directly and indirectly, influence CS. The serial mediation was found between RO on CS through SE, WE, and JS. WE and JS also serially mediated between SE and CS. However, RO does not affect CS directly but through serial mediation. Study proposes a structural model with organizational and individual factors influencing CS. Unlike previous researchers, this study combines personal resources and organizational demands predicting CS. The study helps to understand the connecting link between SCCT and JD‐R theory. Organizations can make use of this model for developing CS by managing RO through interventions.
Don't go it alone: Locating the sexual health curricula available to families of students with intellectual disability
Authors: Snider Laurel A. , Contino Rosie , Simoni Marisa , Talley Jillian , Talapatra Devadrita
Published: July 2023

Students with intellectual disabilities (ID) have reduced access to sexuality education at school, tasking families with filling the gap. This limited access contributes to persistent health inequities, psychosocial risk, and reduced self‐determination for individuals with ID. To understand the resources that families may encounter when filling this service gap, a naturalistic scoping review and content analysis of ID‐specific sexual health curricula (SHC) was conducted. This analysis found a limited number of SHC available to family members who may seek them out online, and even fewer SHC designed for the specific needs of family‐led delivery. While curricula identified in this study generally include the minimum recommended content areas for comprehensive sexuality education, they less frequently provide actionable guidelines for caregivers tasked with adapting teaching practices and outcomes assessment to the diverse profiles of students with ID. By understanding the SHC available to families of students with ID, school psychologists can improve their partnerships with families, disseminate needed resources, implement collaborative intervention practices, and advocate for inclusive sexuality education practices.
Osteogenic activity of bone: Novel approach of polyvinylidene fluoride films, marrow blood supply, and ultrasound stimulation
Authors: Zuchuat Jésica , Halter Christian , Zalazar Martín
Published: July 2023

Electric fields used in bone stimulation are based on the application of direct current, but some drawbacks exist, such as the need for an external power source. Piezoelectric poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) has attracted interest for biomedical applications due to its flexibility, low toxicity, and the piezoelectric response to mechanical stimuli. This study aimed to investigate the effects of PVDF films on bone regeneration in rabbit tibias to assess the potential improvement in osteogenesis. An initial exploratory experiment was performed to determine optimal parameters for regulating the marrow blood supply. The second experiment focused on examining the effects of ultrasound stimulation on the implant's osteogenic capacity. The results showed that PVDF films have a notable impact on the extraskeletal bone formation and bone density in a secluded microenvironment with and without microperforations. At 60 days after surgery, tibias with marrow blood supply reached higher bone volumes and density and they were consistent with the cellular activity. Our results suggest that piezoelectric PVDF films have osteogenic characteristics and can be used to enhance new bone formation in a secluded space, thus reinforcing their biocompatibility nature. Additional studies are required to analyze the benefits of ultrasound stimulation.
Recent development of conductive polymer composite‐based strain sensors
Authors: Wang Ling , Wang Hao , Wan Qiancheng , Gao Jiefeng
Published: July 2023

In recent decades, flexible and wearable strain sensor has shown promising application prospects in human motion detection, medical rehabilitation, human‐computer interface, etc. Conductive polymer composites (CPCs) composed of conductive fillers and elastic polymers demonstrate the merits of excellent flexibility, high stretchability, and good tensile recovery. They are usually used as flexible strain sensors with large working range and high sensitivity. This review introduces in detail the preparation, morphologies and strain sensing performance of different CPC sensors including one‐dimensional fibers, two‐dimensional films, three‐dimensional foams and hydrogels. CPCs with different structures show their unique advantages in reducing the percolation threshold and/or improving the sensing performance. The multi‐functionalities of CPC strain sensors with extended applications are also reviewed. Finally, we summarize the current challenges and outlook the future development of the CPC strain sensors.
Design, preparation, and reliability testing of low‐cost 3D‐printed ABS scanner
Authors: Li Chen , Chen Shuai , Xu Shihao
Published: July 2023

Scanning mirrors can deflect, reflect, and pattern the laser beam. Traditional laser galvanometers rely on deflection motors and mirrors, which are bulky and costly. Micro‐electro‐mechanical systems (MEMS) micromirrors have small size and high integration, but they require long preparation cycles and sophisticated equipment and expensive materials. Polymer scanners prepared by 3D printing technology have the advantages of low cost and rapid preparation, but their reliability needs further study. In this study, a single‐axis electromagnetic scanner was proposed and tested for reliability. The mechanical structure of the scanning mirror is prepared by fused deposition modeling (FDM) using acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) as material, the radial magnetic field is provided by neodymium magnet set, and laser patterned copper foil serves as the drive coil. The prepared scanner achieved an optical scan angle of 45.2° at a resonant state of 276 Hz. The effect of temperature and humidity on the device reliability is investigated experimentally. Temperature has a significant influence on the resonance frequency and scanning angle of ABS‐based scanner. In addition, the change of relative humidity has less effect on the scanner. The five scanners tested were still working properly after 240 h (more than 2 × 108 cycles) of testing without failures and less than 1.5% frequency drift has been observed.
Single‐chain nanoparticle catalyzed polymerization toward composite nanoparticles
Authors: Xu Wei , Ye Yilan , Sun Dayin , Yang Zhenzhong
Published: July 2023

Single‐chain nanoparticles (SCNPs) as a confined space are promising to synthesize structured nanoparticles. We report a facile synthesis of SCNP colloidal initiators by loading reducing agents during the formation of the SCNPs and the application in redox free radical polymerization to achieve composite nanoparticles with tunable compositions and microstructures. The SCNP initiators could be large‐scale achieved by electrostatic‐mediated intramolecular crosslinking polymers by metallic complexation with protonated PVP at ambient temperature. The catalytic polymerization occurs inwardly under facile conditions to large scale fabricate composite nanoparticles with tunable microstructures from core‐shell to tadpole‐shapes. The facile approach could be extended to derive functional composite nanoparticles by loading desired materials such as paramagnetic Fe3O4, catalytic Pt, and enzymes.
A systematic pipeline of protein structure selection for computer‐aided drug discovery: A case study on T790M/L858R mutant EGFR structures
Authors: Das Agneesh Pratim , Nandekar Prajwal , Mathur Puniti , Agarwal Subhash M.
Published: July 2023

Virtual screening (VS) is a routine method to evaluate chemical libraries for lead identification. Therefore, the selection of appropriate protein structures for VS is an essential prerequisite to identify true actives during docking. But the presence of several crystal structures of the same protein makes it difficult to select one or few structures rationally for screening. Therefore, a computational prioritization protocol has been developed for shortlisting crystal structures that identify true active molecules with better efficiency. As identification of small‐molecule inhibitors is an important clinical requirement for the T790M/L858R (TMLR) EGFR mutant, it has been selected as a case study. The approach involves cross‐docking of 21 co‐crystal ligands with all the structures of the same protein to select structures that dock non‐native ligands with lower RMSD. The cross docking performance was then correlated with ligand similarity and binding‐site conformational similarity. Eventually, structures were shortlisted by integrating cross‐docking performance, and ligand and binding‐site similarity. Thereafter, binding pose metadynamics was employed to identify structures having stable co‐crystal ligands in their respective binding pockets. Finally, different enrichment metrics like BEDROC, RIE, AUAC, and EF1% were evaluated leading to the identification of five TMLR structures (5HCX, 5CAN, 5CAP, 5CAS, and 5CAO). These structures docked a number of non‐native ligands with low RMSD, contain structurally dissimilar ligands, have conformationally dissimilar binding sites, harbor stable co‐crystal ligands, and also identify true actives early. The present approach can be implemented for shortlisting protein targets of any other important therapeutic kinases.
Promoting the activity of a receptor tyrosine phosphatase with a novel pH‐responsive transmembrane agonist inhibits cancer‐associated phenotypes
Authors: Rizzo Sophie , Sikorski Eden , Park Soohyung , Im Wonpil , Vasquez‐Montes Victor , Ladokhin Alexey S. , Thévenin Damien
Published: July 2023

Cell signaling by receptor protein tyrosine kinases (RTKs) is tightly controlled by the counterbalancing actions of receptor protein tyrosine phosphatases (RPTPs). Due to their role in attenuating the signal‐initiating potency of RTKs, RPTPs have long been viewed as therapeutic targets. However, the development of activators of RPTPs has remained limited. We previously reported that the homodimerization of a representative member of the RPTP family (protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor J or PTPRJ) is regulated by specific transmembrane (TM) residues. Disrupting this interaction by single point mutations promotes PTPRJ access to its RTK substrates (e.g., EGFR and FLT3), reduces RTK's phosphorylation and downstream signaling, and ultimately antagonizes RTK‐driven cell phenotypes. Here, we designed and tested a series of first‐in‐class pH‐responsive TM peptide agonists of PTPRJ that are soluble in aqueous solution but insert as a helical TM domain in lipid membranes when the pH is lowered to match that of the acidic microenvironment of tumors. The most promising peptide reduced EGFR's phosphorylation and inhibited cancer cell EGFR‐driven migration and proliferation, similar to the PTPRJ's TM point mutations. Developing tumor‐selective and TM‐targeting peptide binders of critical RPTPs could afford a potentially transformative approach to studying RPTP's selectivity mechanism without requiring less specific inhibitors and represent a novel class of therapeutics against RTK‐driven cancers.
Raspberry ketone feeding makes Queensland fruit fly, Bactrocera tryoni (Froggatt), more vulnerable to desiccation but not starvation
Authors: Akter Humayra , Fanson Benjamin G , Inskeep Jess , Rempoulakis Polychronis
Published: July 2023

Background

Queensland fruit fly (Qfly) males exhibit accelerated sexual maturation when their diet is supplemented with raspberry ketone (RK) for 48 h following emergence, which is beneficial for sterile insect technique operation. The present study tests whether RK supplementation makes Qfly more vulnerable to starvation or desiccation.

Results

Flies were fed for 48 h with a yeast hydrolysate and sugar diet (1:3) that contained 0% RK (control), 1.25% RK (low dose) or 5% RK (high dose) to test subsequent vulnerability to starvation and desiccation. RK feeding decreased body weight and water content in males and increased lipid levels in both sexes before exposure to any stress treatment. Under nutritional stress, flies fed the low RK dose, but not the high RK dose, had higher survival than controls. Under desiccation stress, flies fed both the low and high RK doses had lower survival than the controls. Body weight, water content and lipid reserves at death were all affected by RK dose when under nutritional stress, but not when under desiccation stress. In the absence of stress, body weight at death was higher than controls in flies provided with the high RK dose and lipids were lower than controls in flies provided with the low RK dose.

Conclusion

Feeding with RK makes Qflies more vulnerable to desiccation but not starvation. In most conditions, it is expected that the disadvantage of increased desiccation vulnerability would be outweighed by the benefits of accelerated sexual maturation in RK‐fed young adult Qflies. © 2023 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Optimal scheme and estimation for a bivariate step‐stress accelerated life test with the inverse Weibull distribution under type‐I progressive censored samples
Authors: Alotaibi Refah , Almetwally Ehab M. , Wang Min , Rezk Hoda
Published: July 2023

In this paper, we provide an optimization design for a step‐stress accelerated life test (ALT) with two stress variables when the lifespan of test units is assumed to follow the inverse Weibull (IW) distribution. We first utilize progressive type‐I censoring and accelerated life testing to shorten the time and reduce cost of testing and then adopt a cumulative exposure (CE) model to look at the impact of varying stress levels. A log‐linear relationship between the scale parameter of the IW distribution and stress has been postulated. We obtain the maximum likelihood estimators and Bayes estimators of the unknown model parameters. Under normal operating conditions, we design an optimal test plan via minimizing the asymptotic variance (AV) of the percentile life. We carry out simulation studies to illustrate the performance and optimality of the proposed model. Finally, a real‐life data is analyzed for illustrative purposes.
Terrace‐Like 2D Hierarchically Porous Iron/Cobalt Metal–Organic Framework: Ambient Fast Synthesis and Efficient Oxygen Evolution Reaction Application
Authors: Gao Tian , Cai Yan , Wan Qian , Deng Peixuan , Cai Qun , Peng Na , Xu Huan , Liu Yi
Published: July 2023

It is urgent to design a low‐cost electrocatalyst with high activity to enhance the efficiency of oxygen evolution reaction (OER), which is limited by the slow four‐electron transfer kinetics process. Nevertheless, traditional synthetic methods, including calcination and solvothermal, of the electrocatalysts are high‐cost, low‐yield, and energy‐hogging, which limits their industrial application. Herein, an ambient fast synthetic method is developed to prepare terrace‐like Fe/Co bimetal‐organic framework (TFC‐MOF) electrocatalyst materials in gram scale in 1 h. The method in this paper is designable based on coordination chemistry. Fe and Co ions can coordinate with the carboxyl groups on benzene‐1,3,5‐tricarboxylic acid (H3BTC) to form a 2D‐MOF structure. Structural characterizations, including SEM, TEM, and XRD are conducted to verify that the TFC‐MOF is a terrace‐like layered structure with uniform‐sized mesoporous, which reduces the adsorption steric hindrance and facilitates the mass and electron transfer efficiency of OER. The TFC‐MOF shows low overpotential, 255 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm−2, and a low Tafel slope of 49.9 mV dec−1, in an alkaline solution. This work provides a planar coordination strategy to synthesize 2D‐MOF OER electrocatalyst on a large scale with low cost and low energy consumption, which will promote its practical OER applications.
Thin Solid Polymer Electrolyte with High‐Strength and Thermal‐Resistant via Incorporating Nanofibrous Polyimide Framework for Stable Lithium Batteries
Authors: Wang Zhenxing , Sun Jianqi , Liu Rui , Ba Zhaohu , Dong Jie , Zhang Qinghua , Zhao Xin
Published: July 2023

Polyethylene oxide (PEO) based polymer electrolytes show promise in expanding the practical applications of lithium (Li) batteries. However, their applications in Li batteries are usually restricted owing to the lack of mechanical strength, poor oxidative stability, and relatively large thickness. Herein, a nanofibrous polyimide (PI) framework enhanced plasticized‐PEO solid electrolyte is prepared to realize good mechanical and electrochemical performances. Following the configuration with the PI matrix, this “polymer in polymer” composite electrolyte with a thickness of 17.5 µm exhibits enhanced mechanical strength (13.9 MPa) and outstanding thermal stability. Additionally, it preserves the high ionic conductivity (2.25 × 10−4 S cm−1, 25 °C). The Li||Li symmetrical battery with the modified electrolyte could achieve a steady Li plating/stripping of more than 500 h, and the critical current density reaches up to 0.6 mA cm−2 at ambient temperature. The LiFePO4 batteries delivery favorable capacity of 132.2 mAh g−1 with capacity retentions of 96.4% and 85.9% after 500 and 1000 cycles at 1 C, respectively. Acceptable cycling performance also could be achieved in LiNi0.5Co0.2Mn0.3O2 solid batteries via an inorganic‐rich artificial cathode electrolyte interphase.
Plasmon‐Driven Photochemical Reduction Reaction on Silver Nanostructures for Green Fabrication of Superhydrophobic Surface
Authors: Chao Shengmao , Shao Hong , Wang Xiao , Zhang Yongzheng , Jiang Ruifeng , Fan Meikun , Chen Shuwei , Tang Changyu
Published: July 2023

Green fabrication of superhydrophobic surface by water‐based processing is still challenging, because introduction of the substances with hydrophilic moieties compromises its superhydrophobicity. Herein, a plasmon‐driven photochemical reduction reaction under ultraviolet light (UVA) irradiation is first discovered and is applied to deoxygenation of hydrophilic organic adsorbates on rough nano‐Ag coating for the formation of stable superhydrophobic surface. A nano‐Ag coating with strong localized surface plasmon resonance in the UVA region is prepared by a water‐based silver mirror reaction and results in a unique chemical reduction reaction on its surface. Consequently, the low residual hydrophilic functionalities and the formed cross‐linked structure of the adsorbate on Ag nanoparticles (NPs) enables the coating to exhibit stable superhydrophobicity against to both air and water. The superhydrophobic Ag NP‐coated sandpaper can also be used as a surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrate to concentrate aqueous analytes for trace detection.
Efficient Photocatalytic H2O2 Production Ability of a Novel Graphitic Carbon Nitride/Carbon Composites under Visible Light
Authors: Liang Huagen , Wang Anhu , Cheng Ruolin , Tian Xinlong , Jing Shengyu , Tsiakaras Panagiotis
Published: July 2023

In the present work, using one‐step calcination of a mixture made of potassium hydroxide (KOH), melamine, and microplastics, this work prepares a novel graphitic carbon nitride/carbon (g‐C3N4/C) composite, which can be employed to photo‐catalytically produce hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) at a high rate up to 6.146 mmol g−1 h−1 under visible light irradiation. By analyzing the energy band structure of the catalyst, the production of H2O2 in this system consists of two single‐electron reactions. The modification of KOH makes abundant N‐vacancies caused by cyano‐groups in g‐C3N4, enhancing the electron absorption ability. Moreover, the introduction of graphitic carbon increases its specific surface area and porosity and improves the adsorption ability of O2. Simultaneously, their synergism reduces the g‐C3N4 band gap, making both the conduction‐band and valence‐band positions more negative, showing enhanced reduction ability, lowering the energy barrier for oxygen reduction, and greatly improving the photogeneration performance of H2O2.