bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Do nerve conduction studies or ultrasound imaging correlate more closely with subjective symptom severity in carpal tunnel syndrome?
Authors: Fargaly Sarah N. , Bland Jeremy D. P.
Published: July 2023

Introduction/Aims

Previous studies have reported weak correlations between neurophysiological measurements and subjective severity of symptoms in carpal tunnel syndrome, with Pearson r ≤ 0.26. We hypothesize that this resulted in part from patient‐to‐patient variability in the assessment of subjective severity using tools such as the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire. To compensate for this, we aimed to assess within‐patient differences in symptom and test result severity.

Methods

In our study we used retrospective data from 13 005 patients with bilateral electrophysiological results and 790 patients with bilateral ultrasound imaging drawn from the Canterbury CTS database. Measures of neurophysiological (nerve conduction studies [NCS] grade) and anatomical (cross‐sectional area on ultrasound) severity within individual patients were compared between the right and left hands, eliminating individual variation in the way in which patients interpret the questionnaire.

Results

There was a correlation found between right‐hand NCS grade and symptom severity score (Pearson r = −0.302, P < .001, n = 13,005), but not between right‐hand cross‐sectional area and symptom severity (Pearson r = 0.058, P = .10, n = 790). In the within‐subject analyses, there were significant correlations between symptoms and NCS grade (Pearson r = 0.6, P < .001, n = 6521) and between symptoms and cross‐sectional area (Pearson r = 0.3. P < .001, n = 433).

Discussion

The simple correlation between symptomatic and electrophysiological severity was comparable with previous studies, but within‐patient analysis revealed that the relationship was stronger than previously reported and strong enough to be clinically useful. The relationship between symptoms and cross‐sectional area measurement on ultrasound imaging was weaker.
Reliability analysis of bolt‐supported tunnels regarded as homogenized structures
Authors: da Silva Caio Cesar Cardoso , Bernaud Denise , Real Mauro de Vasconcellos , Maghous Samir
Published: July 2023

This paper presents a reliability analysis of deep tunnels reinforced by fully grouted bolts using a homogenization approach. From the constitutive viewpoint, the anisotropic elastoplastic behavior of bolted rock mass is formulated in the context of the homogenization method. Reliability design analysis is undertaken considering the configurations of both radial and face bolts used separately or in association. The combination of rock bolting associated with classical shotcrete lining is also addressed. Restricting to deep tunnels and axisymmetry conditions, a simplified analytical approach followed by finite element numerical modeling are developed in the framework of the homogenization method. Reliability analyzes are performed using the Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) and the first‐order reliability method (FORM). The response surface method (RSM) provides analytical approximations to enable reliability analyses without time‐consuming computational models. The results show excellent correlation between the obtained reliability parameters, which emphasizes the relevancy of the adopted reliability methods. Structural failure probabilities below or close to 1.0% were obtained in all cases studied for the best structural tunnel conditions.
Isotopomer analyses with the tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates and exchanging metabolites from the rat kidney
Authors: Jin Eunsook S. , Wen Xiaodong , Malloy Craig R.
Published: July 2023

Renal metabolism is essential for kidney functions and energy homeostasis in the body. The TCA cycle is the hub of metabolism, but the metabolic activities of the cycle in the kidney have rarely been investigated. This study is to assess metabolic processes at the level of the TCA cycle in the kidney based on isotopomer distributions in multiple metabolites. Isolated rat kidneys were perfused with media containing common substrates including lactate and alanine for an hour. One group of kidneys received [U‐13C3]lactate instead of natural abundance lactate while the other group received [U‐13C3]alanine instead of natural abundance alanine. Perfused kidneys and effluent were prepared for analysis using NMR spectroscopy. 13C‐labeling patterns in glutamate, fumarate, aspartate and succinate from the kidney extracts showed that pyruvate carboxylase and oxidative metabolism through the TCA cycle were comparably very active, but pyruvate cycling and pyruvate dehydrogenase were relatively less active. Isotopomer analyses with fumarate and malate from effluent, however, indicated that pyruvate carboxylase was much more active than the TCA cycle and other metabolic processes. The reverse equilibrium of oxaloacetate with four‐carbon intermediates of the cycle was nearly complete (92%), based on the ratio of [2,3,4‐13C3]/[1,2,3‐13C3] in aspartate or malate. 13C enrichment in glucose with 13C‐lactate supply was higher than that with 13C‐alanine. Isotopomer analyses with multiple metabolites (i.e., glutamate, fumarate, aspartate, succinate and malate) allowed us to assess relative metabolic processes in the TCA cycle in the kidney supplied with [U‐13C3]lactate. Data from the analytes were generally consistent, indicating highly active pyruvate carboxylase and oxidative metabolism through the TCA cycle. Different 13C‐labeling patterns in analytes from the kidney extracts versus effluent suggested metabolic compartmentalization.
An efficient methodology for complementary finite element approximations in three‐dimensional elasticity
Authors: Moitinho de Almeida J. P. , Reis Jonatha
Published: July 2023

We present a methodology for the definition of the matrices involved in stress based finite element approximations in three‐dimensional problems. In order to handle the increased complexity of the 3D case, a rotation of the global reference frame is used, which greatly simplifies the expressions involved. This rotation is also applicable to the 2D case. The main focus of this work concerns the matrices used in the implementation of the hybrid equilibrium approach. However, a similar complementary methodology (displacement based) is also presented, allowing for an efficient definition of the matrices required for dual analysis, wherein bounds of the solution error are obtained from pairs of complementary solutions, one compatible and the other equilibrated.
Lean management of nursing human resources during COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Tan Jianghong , Tian Yanzhen , Wang Lang , He Yi , Cui Songli , Feng Chunyan , Cai Anlie
Published: July 2023

Aim

To find a rapid, scientific, rational and accurate method of allocating nursing human resources during the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Design

A longitudinal prospective study.

Methods

Lean management tool is used to implement four‐level scheduling of nursing human resources, which is departmental level, district level, hospital level and city level, according to the daily reporting data of the whole hospital, such as Lianfan scheduling data, Dingding sensitive data and Hospital Information System daily report data.

Results

Fifty batches of nursing manpower, 294 nurses and 3813 working days were deployed during the pandemic, and the nursing human resources allocation mathematical models of the hospital and all departments were constructed. Since COVID‐19 occurred, the infection rate of nurses with novel coronavirus and the mortality rate of critical patients have been keeping 0%, and the cure rate of common patients has been 100%.

Conclusion

The use of lean management tool to allocate nursing human resources plays a positive role in ensuring zero infection of nurses, improving the cure rate of common patients and reducing the mortality rate of critically ill patients with COVID‐19.
Reverse time migration imaging method for tunnel seismic forward‐prospecting in viscoacoustic media
Authors: Ren Yuxiao , Ding Xiangnan , Guo Meiyan , Wang Jiansen , Xu Xinji
Published: July 2023

The imaging of geological structure in front of a tunnel face is conducive to the safe construction of tunnels. The reverse time migration (RTM) method is popular for its high imaging accuracy. However, most of the current tunnel seismic RTM methods assume complete elasticity, ignoring the nature of wave propagation attenuation, resulting in a poor imaging outcome, especially when tunnelling in the shallow subsurface. Thus, it is necessary to study tunnel RTM suitable for attenuating strata. First, considering the frequency of tunnel seismic forward‐prospecting is usually higher than that of ground surface seismic exploration, we established a corresponding tunnel viscous media model to enable viscoacoustic forward modelling of seismic wavefield. Then, a simultaneous compensation approach for its amplitude and phase velocity is proposed based on the combination of the real and imaginary parts of the complex modulus. After the compensation of seismic wavefields, the tunnel Q‐RTM imaging method in viscoacoustic media is formed, and its effectiveness is verified by numerical examples. Compared with RTM without attenuation compensation, tunnel Q‐RTM effectively enhances the imaging energy and has higher positioning accuracy, improving the imaging effect of complex structures (especially at larger distances from the tunnel face). In the end, a detailed case study is presented to demonstrat the potential of the proposed method for field application.
The societal costs and health impacts on obesity of BMI report cards in US schools
Authors: Poole Mary Kathryn , Gortmaker Steven L. , Barrett Jessica L. , McCulloch Stephanie M. , Rimm Eric B. , Emmons Karen M. , Ward Zachary J. , Kenney Erica L.
Published: July 2023

Objective

This study aimed to estimate the 10‐year cost‐effectiveness of school‐based BMI report cards, a commonly implemented program for childhood obesity prevention in the US where student BMI is reported to parents/guardians by letter with nutrition and physical activity resources, for students in grades 3 to 7.

Methods

A microsimulation model, using data inputs from evidence reviews on health impacts and costs, estimated: how many students would be reached if the 15 states currently measuring student BMI (but not reporting to parents/guardians) implemented BMI report cards from 2023 to 2032; how many cases of childhood obesity would be prevented; expected changes in childhood obesity prevalence; and costs to society.

Results

BMI report cards were projected to reach 8.3 million children with overweight or obesity (95% uncertainty interval [UI]: 7.7–8.9 million) but were not projected to prevent any cases of childhood obesity or significantly decrease childhood obesity prevalence. Ten‐year costs totaled $210 million (95% UI: $30.5–$408 million) or $3.33 per child per year with overweight or obesity (95% UI: $3.11–$3.68).

Conclusions

School‐based BMI report cards are not cost‐effective childhood obesity interventions. Deimplementation should be considered to free up resources for implementing effective programs.
Optimal allocation of distributed generation for power flow enhancement in distribution network
Authors: Jayaraman Panneerselvam Srividhya , Krishnamoorthi Yogitha , Ramamoorthy Suresh , Selvaraj Jaisiva
Published: July 2023

This article articulates the enhancement of voltage profiles in transmission systems by reducing the voltage deviation and system power losses. Electric power flows uniformly throughout Regional Distribution Networks in the power grid station, resulting in low voltage consistency, significant voltage dips and power losses in the distribution network, highlighting high R/X ratios even with a heavy load or power failure issues, despite installing distributed generation in the radial distribution system for enhancing voltage profile in the grid network. The meta‐heuristic optimization algorithm plays a vital role in determining optimal location of DG for attaining the objective of research. In the practical network, a single objective optimization strategy cannot be employed to solve of power system optimization problems of all kinds. Hence multi‐objective function needs to be addressed. The prime task of this research is to investigate and allocate an optimal location to connect the Distributed Generation, with evaluation of the best DG configuration, with minimized power losses and improved voltage profile of the distribution network using the Hummingbird Optimization Algorithm. A standard IEEE 37‐bus Radial Distribution system is employed as the test bus system to test the performance and effectiveness of the optimization technique. To show the stiffness of the proposed algorithm the results are compared with various optimization approaches that employ similar objective functions.
Leveraging seasonality and timing to optimize pediatric weight management interventions: Novel directions for future research
Authors: Evans E. Whitney , Darling Katherine E. , Egbert Amy , Hayes Jacqueline F. , Jelalian Elissa , Warnick Jennifer , Topor Lisa Swartz , Goldschmidt Andrea B.
Published: July 2023

National estimates suggest that more than 35% of American children, ages 2–19 years, are overweight or obese, which increases their risk for weight‐related comorbidities including diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disease risk factors, depression, and anxiety. While obesity prevention is most cost‐effective, for youth with existing obesity, the United States Preventive Services Task Force recommends ≥26 h of comprehensive lifestyle intervention over 6–12 months. This include standard behavioral therapy, dietary counseling, and an emphasis on physical activity. Although such programs are effective in reducing weight status, there are many barriers to completing these programs. A novel consideration for both the prevention and treatment of childhood obesity is the recognition that the timing of intervention, both duration and time of the year, can impact family engagement and intervention effectiveness. This paper discusses the potential of targeting high‐risk periods for weight gain and offering brief behavioral intervention, in hopes of inspiring research on novel approaches to the prevention and treatment of childhood obesity.
Connecting the dots: Carrier screening and the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act in the United States
Authors: Rice Stephanie M. , McLaren Rodney A. , Mustafa Hiba J. , Dugoff Lorraine , Al‐Kouatly Huda B.
Published: July 2023

Objective

To highlight the possibility of genetic discrimination in the United States with respect to carrier screening under limitations of the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) and to encourage providers to educate patients about this possibility during pretest counseling.

Methods

Review of current professional guidelines and practice resources regarding the necessary components of pretest counseling for carrier screening in the context of GINA's limitations and the potential impact of carrier screening results on life, long‐term care and disability insurance.

Results

Current practice resources advise that patients in the United States should be informed that their employer or health insurance company generally cannot use their genetic information during the underwriting process. However, these resources do not elaborate on GINA's limitations or explain why there may be adverse consequences to patients regarding these limitations. Studies have demonstrated significant gaps in provider knowledge of GINA, especially for those without formal genetic training.

Conclusion

Enhanced education and provision of GINA educational resources for providers and patients will help ensure that patients have the opportunity to prioritize their insurance needs prior to undergoing carrier screening.
Development of poly(vinylidene fluoride)/thermoplastic polyurethane/carbon black‐polypyrrole composites with enhanced piezoelectric properties
Authors: Bertolini Mayara C. , Zamperlin Nico , Barra Guilherme M. O. , Pegoretti Alessandro
Published: July 2023

Poly(vinylidene fluoride)/thermoplastic polyurethane (PVDF/TPU) composites filled with carbon‐black polypyrrole were prepared via melt compounding followed by compression molding and fused filament fabrication. CB‐PPy was added to the blends from 0 up to 15% to possible act as nucleating filler for PVDF β phase in order to increase its piezoelectric response. The influence of blending PVDF and TPU and of the addition of CB‐PPy on the overall crystallinity, content of β phase, and piezoelectric response of composites were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier‐transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and determination of the piezoelectric coefficient (d33). It was found that the addition of TPU to PVDF induced an increase of the crystallinity degree and content of β phase in PVDF. Moreover, although the degree of crystallinity of the composites decreased with the addition of CB‐PPy, the percentage of β phase in PVDF was increased. This effect is more significant in samples with filler concentration higher than 6 wt%. As expected, thed33of the composites increased as the content of the β phase increased. Furthermore, 3D printed samples displayed lower content of β phase and reduced piezoelectric responses when compared to compression molded samples with same composition.
Companion plants and straw mulch reduce cabbage stem flea beetle (Psylliodes chrysocephala) damage on oilseed rape
Authors: Seimandi‐Corda Gaëtan , Winkler Julian , Jenkins Todd , Kirchner Sascha M , Cook Samantha M
Published: July 2023

Background

Plant diversification, especially sowing crops with the addition of companion plants has been demonstrated as a suitable practice to increase insect pest control in multiple cropping systems. Since the ban on use of neonicotinoid seed treatments in oilseed rape (OSR), the harvested area has reduced significantly in Europe, mainly because of the damage caused by cabbage stem flea beetle (Psylliodes chrysocephala). Several companion plants such as legumes and other species of Brassicaceae have been reported as potential companions for OSR but robust evaluation of their efficiency to reduce cabbage stem flea beetle damage in replicated trials is lacking.

Results

Four field trials were conducted in the UK and Germany to test the effect of different companion plants, or the addition of straw mulch, on cabbage stem flea beetle adult feeding and larval infestation in OSR. We found significant differences in the level of feeding damage between treatments in all experiments. Combinations of OSR with cereal companion plants or with straw mulch showed the strongest reduction in adult feeding damage. A protective effect of legumes was also observed in one trial. Differences in larval infestation were also observed between treatments but were not consistent and might be more related to the OSR plant biomass than to treatments.

Conclusion

This study shows that companion planting can protect OSR crops from cabbage stem flea beetle adult feeding damage. We show for the first time that not only legumes, but also cereals and the application of straw mulch can have a strong protective effect on the crop. © 2023 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Laser Ablation of the Flexible Graphite: A New Way to Create a Graphene‐Based Flexible Substrate
Authors: Jalili Mansoureh , Ghanbari Hajar , Malekfar Rasoul , Goodarzi Reyhaneh
Published: July 2023

The morphological and structural changes of an ablated flexible graphite in air and acetone ablation environments are studied here. From field emission scanning electron microscopy images, vertically aligned graphene nanosheets are found on the surface of ablated target in acetone. Measured ablation depth values for the ablated target in water are generally higher than those for the ablated target in air. X‐ray diffraction analysis reveals that the (002) peak position and full‐width at half‐maximum of this peak in the ablated flexible graphite in the air increase. The gap between the highest occupied molecular orbitals and the lowest unoccupied molecular orbitals, i.e., the bandgap of the ablated target, indicating that the energy bandgap of the ablated target in two ablation media increased compared to the nonirradiated target. Raman analysis from different points of the surface of the ablated target in both ablation media demonstrates the presence of bulk defects on the ablated target in the air, instead the edge defects are found for the ablated target in acetone. From Raman spectra, there are no single‐layer graphene nanosheets pinned on the surface of the target in acetone.
First‐Principles Studies of Electronic Structures and Optical Properties of Cobalt‐Doped VO2
Authors: Wan Jinyu , Li Xuejiao
Published: July 2023

First‐principles calculations based on density functional theory (DFT) are used to investigate the phase transition characteristics, electronic structures, and optical properties of pure and Co‐doped VO2 (M1 and R phase). Studies show that the metal‐to‐insulator phase transition temperature of VO2 is significantly reduced after Co doping, which is correlated to the decrease of bandgap value. Besides, the decrease of the energy required for electron transition of M1‐phase Co‐doped VO2 corresponds to the imaginary part of the dielectric peak moving to the low‐energy region. For both the M1‐ and R‐phase VO2, the visible light transmissivity of the Co‐doped VO2 is increased than that of pure VO2, which is beneficial to the application of VO2 film as visible windows. In addition, the absorptivity and reflectivity of Co‐doped R‐phase VO2 in the infrared light range are larger than those of M1‐phase VO2, indicating that the Co‐doped VO2 can block more infrared light at higher temperature to fulfill the purpose of lowering temperature. Overall, these results give new insights for the application of Co‐doped VO2 as a photoenergy material to regulate the room temperature.
Optimal security control for networked switched systems with a state‐prediction‐based anti‐DoS mechanism
Authors: Qi Yiwen , Geng Honglin , Xing Ning , Huang Jie , Huang Yanwei
Published: July 2023

The openness of networks renders them vulnerable to various forms of attacks. When networked switched systems (NSS) suffer from denial of service (DoS) attacks and delays, the real‐time property of the dataset decreases, greatly affecting the control performance. To address this issue, this article proposes a switched adaptive dynamic programming (ADP) predictive control method. An event‐triggered mechanism is designed to reduce unnecessary waste of network transmission resources. A predictive mechanism is designed to accurately reconstruct the missing system state and switching signal under DoS network attacks. Then, the reconstructed data are applied to train the actor and critic neural networks, which are used to approximate the optimal control policy and performance index function (PIF) of the NSS, respectively. Furthermore, the iterative convergence of the switched ADP algorithm is proved. Finally, a numerical example is provided to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Understanding resilience in sustainable development: Rallying call or siren song?
Authors: Park Albert Sanghoon
Published: July 2023

This article asks how the concept of resilience has been used in development studies. Set amidst the rise of resilience in sustainable development, it offers insights for scholars and policymakers, alike. Sampling 419 journal articles from 2017 to 2022, it uses Kuhnian paradigms to analyse development knowledge production on resilience. This produces three key findings. First is the absence of a coherent resilience paradigm (with shared definitions, problems and methods) in development studies. Second is its use, instead, by incumbent development paradigms in piecemeal fashion to extend and/or repackage pre‐existing arguments. Third are ensuing possibilities for resilience as both a rallying call and siren song in sustainable development. Ultimately, resilience‐based research and policy discourses open vital space for collective action across interdisciplinary and international divides. However, a lack of critical awareness of its non‐uniform use can produce more harm than help. If the language of resilience is to advance collective prospects for development cooperation and climate action, then it will help to know precisely what we each are talking about.
Non‐state shareholder governance and corporate sustainability: Evidence from environmental, social and governance ratings
Authors: Luo Kun , Huang Yuanrui , Lv Yi
Published: July 2023

We study how non‐state shareholder governance affects the performance of corporate environmental, social and governance (hereinafter ESG). We select all A‐shares state‐owned listed companies on the Shanghai and Shenzhen stock exchanges from 2011 to 2020 as the research sample. We find that non‐state shareholder governance can improve the ESG ratings by improving green innovation and information transparency. Further analysis shows that non‐state shareholder governance has a significant impact on the ESG ratings of polluting industries, high degree of marketization area, and high competitive industries; the enthusiasm of non‐state shareholders to participate in shareholders' meeting has a great impact on the ESG ratings. This research enriches the influence of non‐state shareholder governance and provides channels for state‐owned enterprises to improve ESG ratings. In addition, this article has important practical significance for state‐owned enterprises to deepen reform and strengthen environmental governance.
Nano‐Nickel Doped Carbon Xerogel: Synthesis, Characterization and Catalytic Performance towards Ethanol Fuel Electro‐oxidation
Authors: El‐Jemni Mahmoud A. , Hassan Hamdy H. , Abd El Rehim Sayed S. , Abdel‐Samad Hesham S.
Published: July 2023

In this work, the synergism between the nano nickel particles and its carbon xerogel support, CX, together with their graphite substrate, G, leads to an efficient Nickel/CX/G electrode for electrocatalysis of ethanol oxidation reaction, EOR. The preparation conditions are optimized. The optimum electrode is made of 6 % weight of Ni doped in CX matrix and drop‐casted on a graphite surface, Ni‐6/CX/G. The catalyst structure and morphology are investigated using XRD, SEM, TEM and FTIR techniques. The electrochemical activity towards EOR is tested in 1 M NaOH+1 M Ethanol solutions by cyclic voltammetry combined with a rotating ring disk electrode. The optimum electrode shows an oxidation peak current density value of 5925 
and considerable stability. This electrode may serve as a good candidate for the anode in the Direct Alkaline Ethanol Fuel Cell, DAEFC.
Facile One‐Pot Synthesis of Uniquely Designed Au−Cu2O Nanocomposites for Effective Catalytic Degradation of Azo Dyes
Authors: Legaspi Enrico Daniel R. , Regulacio Michelle D. , Pineda Leila Andrea E. , Sayson Luce Vida A. , Jiang Wenbin , Heng Jerry Zhi Xiong , Wu Wenya , Ye Enyi
Published: July 2023

In the study of metal–semiconductor nanocomposites, the Au−Cu2O system is of significant interest because it can give rise to a variety of hybrid designs with pronounced activity for catalytic applications. In this work, a facile one‐pot synthetic strategy was developed to prepare Au−Cu2O nanocomposites with a unique core–shell nanoflower configuration, where a cluster of tiny Au nanoparticles constitutes the core, while larger cube‐like Cu2O nanoparticles surround this core in a petal‐like arrangement. Unlike previously published procedures that rely on two‐pot synthesis routes to generate the Au−Cu2O hybrid, the one‐pot synthesis protocol presented in this work is a more straightforward and less laborious approach that does not require a separate pre‐synthesis step. Furthermore, the synthesis can be conveniently performed at ambient conditions using nontoxic reagents. When tested as catalysts, the uniquely designed Au@Cu2O nanoflowers were found to effectively catalyze the borohydride‐mediated degradation of synthetic azo dyes (methyl orange and congo red). The hybrid exhibited superior catalytic activity relative to pristine Cu2O, underscoring the significance of creating a nanocomposite.
Flower‐Like Ag6Si2O7/Bi12O17Cl2 p‐n Heterojunctions: Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity and Mechanistic Insight**
Authors: Zhang Yunxian , Wang Fangxiao
Published: July 2023

Photocatalytic degradation is one of the effective ways to remove dyes. Accelerating the separation of photogenerated charge is an effective method for high efficiency visible‐driven catalysis. Here, a potential flower‐like Ag6Si2O7/Bi12O17Cl2 p‐n heterojunctions were successfully prepared. Ag6Si2O7/Bi12O17Cl2 can achieve light capture in a wider range of visible light and provide directional channel for carrier to achieve more efficient space charge separation. The constructed Ag6Si2O7/Bi12O17Cl2 showed excellent photocatalytic removal of 25 mg/L (100 mL) Rhodamine B (RhB) within 20 min. The rate constant for RhB degradation was 0.202 min−1 by Ag6Si2O7/Bi12O17Cl2‐2 which was more than 3.6 times greater than Bi12O17Cl2 (0.055 min−1) and 3.2 times greater than Ag6Si2O7 (0.063 min−1). In addition, the results of free radical capture experiment indicate the ⋅OH plays a leading role in the photocatalytic degradation of RhB and a possible Z‐scheme charge transfer paths and the formation of active species over Ag6Si2O7/Bi12O17Cl2 was proposed to elucidate the reaction mechanism.
Nickel Promoted Temperature Control and Time Dependent C−S and C−N Bond Formation: Construction of 2‐Arylsulfonyl Arylcyanamides and 2‐Aminophenyl Benzothiazole
Authors: Vasu Juthiga V. V. K. , Balha Megha , Tamminana Ramana
Published: July 2023

An efficient temperature control C−S and C−N bond formation under mild nickel‐catalysed domino cross‐coupling conditions is described. The advantages of this approach are good functional group compatibility, cheaper nickel catalyst, and use of mild base. In addition, to the best of our knowledge this methodology is the first successful example of nickel‐catalysed synthesis of 2‐Arylsulfonyl Aryl cyanamides and 2‐Aminophenyl Benzothiazole.
Copper(II)bromide/2,4,6‐tri‐(2‐pyridyl)‐1,3,5‐triazine Complex for the Photo Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization of Acrylate and Methacrylate Monomers
Authors: Sharma Bhawna , Verma Akash , Saini Swati , Oluokun Tolulope , Kumar Umesh
Published: July 2023

2,4,6‐tri‐(2‐pyridyl)‐1,3,5‐triazine (TPT) has been successfully utilized as an effective ligand for the photo atom transfer radical polymerization (photoATRP) of acrylate and methacrylate monomers in the absence of photoinitiators or photosensitizers. The UV light (λmax=365 nm, I=10 mW/cm2) assisted photoATRP of methyl methacrylate (MMA) yields poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) with high monomer conversion (88.5 %), low PDI (1.21), and high end‐group fidelity using 100 ppm concentration of copper(II) bromide. The efficacy of the TPT ligand was further scrutinized by polymerizing different acrylate and methacrylate monomers, including methyl acrylate (MA), MMA, n‐butyl acrylate (n‐BA), n‐butyl methacrylate (n‐BMA), n‐benzyl methacrylate (n‐bMA), and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate. The kinetic study revealed the first‐order polymerization behavior of PMMA with an induction period of 2 h, suggesting the livingness of polymerization. The temporal control experiments were also performed, indicating the efficient activation and deactivation mechanism of the polymerization.
Theoretical Insights into Excited‐State Stepwise Double Proton Transfer Associated with Solvent Polarity for 2‐bis(benzothia‐zolyl)naphthalene‐Diol Compound
Authors: Zhao Jinfeng , Yang Yunfan , Li Liu , Zhang Haohua
Published: July 2023

Inspired by the excellent photochemical properties of 2‐(2′‐hydroxyphenyl)benzazole and its derivatives, in this work, the novel 2‐bis(benzothia‐zolyl)naphthalene‐diol (2‐BBTND) fluorophore is explored about its photo‐induced behaviors. The intramolecular double hydrogen bonding interaction and the excited state intramolecular double proton transfer (ESDPT) behavior of 2‐BBTND fluorophore are investigated in combination with different polar solvent environments. From the structural changes and charge recombination induced by photoexcitation, we can affirm that strong polar solvent environment promotes the excited state dynamical reaction for 2‐BBTND compound. By constructing potential energy surfaces (PESs) in S0 and S1 states, we clarify that 2‐BBTND fluorophore should undergo the stepwise ESDPT reaction after photoexcitation. Combined with the size of potential energy barriers along with reaction paths in different solvents, we finally propose a new solvent‐polarity‐dependent stepwise ESDPT for 2‐BBTND fluorophore.
Steroid‐Hymecromone Conjugates with Improved Antiproliferative and Antimicrobial Potential: Synthesis, Biological Evaluation, and in silico ADME Prediction
Authors: Erdagi Sevinc Ilkar
Published: July 2023

In this study, hymecromone with known therapeutic aspects was conjugated with steroids a class of natural products that widely exhibited broad biological functions. Cholic acid, diosgenin, cholesterol, DHEA, and testosterone were selected as steroid moiety, each of which has a different biological mechanism of action. This study focused on developing novel conjugates that can be used as multi‐targeted drugs for treating various diseases. All conjugates were evaluated in vitro for their antiproliferative and antimicrobial activities and discussed for the structure‐activity relationship. The conjugates 5 and 6 exhibited comparable cytotoxic effects to reference drugs against cancer cell lines (K562, MCF‐7, and HeLa) while showing no toxicity against healthy cells (L929). Conjugates 7 and 5 demonstrated antibacterial activity against Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria, with lower minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values than the standard ciprofloxacin drug. Conjugate 6, On the other hand, had the lowest MIC value against the fungus, comparable to that of the standard drug ketoconazole. The physicochemical and pharmacokinetic properties of conjugates were in silico computed and evaluated. Overall, the outputs of this study suggest that these conjugates have promising potential as therapeutic agents, offering a multi‐targeted approach for the treatment of various diseases.
Assessing the physiological basis for resilience in military personnel
Authors: McClung James P. , Beckner Meaghan E. , Farina Emily K.
Published: July 2023

Military personnel experience training and operational demands that are different from civilian populations, including frequent deployment, exposure to austere environments, and dislocation from family. These unique occupational demands may result in negative impacts on health, performance, and career success. As such, resilience, defined as a system's capacity to resist, recover, recover better, or adapt, to perturbation from a challenge or stressor, is a critical factor in assuring the health and safety of military personnel. In recent years, the Department of Defense (DoD) has funded research programs assessing the physiological basis of resilience. This review will overview research programs, review salient findings from recent studies, and highlight potential future areas of research. Physiological factors influencing or predicting resilience in US military populations, including physical performance, anthropometrics and body composition, nutrition and dietary supplements, and other biomarkers will be highlighted. Finally, this manuscript will detail potential future studies, including interventions, aimed at optimising physiological resilience in military personnel.
Multiple Bio‐Actives Loaded Gellan Gum Microfibers from Microfluidics for Wound Healing
Authors: Guo Jiahui , Yu Yunru , Shen Yingbo , Sun Xiaoyan , Bi Yan , Zhao Yuanjin
Published: July 2023

Wound healing, known as a fundamental healthcare issue worldwide, has been attracting great attention from researchers. Here, novel bioactive gellan gum microfibers loaded with antibacterial peptides (ABPs) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) are proposed for wound healing by using microfluidic spinning. Benefitting from the high controllability of microfluidics, bioactive microfibers with uniform morphologies are obtained. The loaded ABPs are demonstrated to effectively act on bacteria at the wound site, reducing the risk of bacterial infection. Besides, sustained release of VEGF from microfibers helps to accelerate angiogenesis and further promote wound healing. The practical value of woven bioactive microfibers is demonstrated via animal experiments, where the wound healing process is greatly facilitated because of the excellent circulation of air and nutritious substances. Featured with the above properties, it is believed that the novel bioactive gellan gum microfibers would have a remarkable effect in the field of biomedical application, especially in promoting wound healing.
Pushing the Limits of Capillary Assembly for the Arbitrary Positioning of Sub‐50nm Nanocubes in Printable Plasmonic Surfaces
Authors: Capitaine Anna , Fajri Muhammad L. , Sciacca Beniamino
Published: July 2023

The fabrication of high quality nanophotonic surfaces for integration in optoelectronic devices remains a challenge because of the complexity and cost of top–down nanofabrication strategies. Combining colloidal synthesis with templated self‐assembly emerged as an appealing low‐cost solution. However, it still faces several obstacles before integration in devices can become a reality. This is mostly due to the difficulty in assembling small nanoparticles (<50 nm) in complex nanopatterns with a high yield. In this study, a reliable methodology is proposed to fabricate printable nanopatterns with an aspect ratio varying from 1 to 10 and a lateral resolution of 30 nm via nanocube assembly and epitaxy. Investigating templated assembly via capillary forces, a new regime was identified that was used to assemble 30–40 nm nanocubes in a patterned polydimethylsiloxane template with a high yield for both Au and Ag with multiple particles per trap. This new method relies on the generation and control of an accumulation zone at the contact line that is thin as opposed to dense, displaying higher versatility. This is in contrast with conventional wisdom, identifying a dense accumulation zone as a requirement for high‐yield assembly. In addition, different formulations are proposed that can be used for the colloidal dispersion, showing that the standard water‐surfactant solutions can be replaced by surfactant‐free ethanol solutions, with good assembly yield. This allows to minimize the presence of surfactants that can affect electronic properties. Finally, it is shown that the obtained nanocube arrays can be transformed into continuous monocrystalline nanopatterns via nanocube epitaxy at near ambient temperature, and transferred to different substrates via contact printing. This approach opens new doors to the templated assembly of small colloids and could find potential applications in various optoelectronic devices ranging from solar cells to light‐emitting diodes and displays.
Wheel‐structured Triboelectric Nanogenerators with Hyperelastic Networking for High‐Performance Wave Energy Harvesting
Authors: Hu Yuchen , Qiu Huijing , Sun Qijun , Wang Zhong Lin , Xu Liang
Published: July 2023

Developing clean and renewable energy sources is an important strategy to reduce carbon emission and achieve carbon neutrality. As one of the most promising clean energy sources, large‐scale, and efficient utilization of ocean blue energy remains a challenging problem to be solved. In this work, a hyperelastic network of wheel‐structured triboelectric nanogenerators (WS‐TENGs) is demonstrated to efficiently harvest low‐frequency and small‐amplitude wave energy. Different from traditional designs of smooth shell, the external blades on the TENG allow tighter interaction between the wave and the device, which can roll on the water surface like a wheel, continuously agitating internal TENGs. Moreover, the hyperelastic networking structure can stretch and shrink like a spring with stored wave energy, further intensifying the roll of the device, and connecting the WS‐TENGs to form a large‐scale network. Multiple driving modes with synergistic effects can be realized under wave and wind excitations. Self‐powered systems are fabricated based on the WS‐TENG network, showing the capability of the device in real wave environment. The work provides a new driving paradigm that can further enhance the energy harvesting capability toward large‐scale blue energy utilization based on TENGs.
Co–N2 Bond Precisely Connects the Conduction Band and Valence Band of g‐C3N4/CoCo‐LDH to Enhance Photocatalytic CO2 Activity by High‐Efficiency S‐Scheme
Authors: Li Yi-lei , Zhao Qing , Liu Xu-jia , Liu Ying , Hao Ying-juan , Wang Xiao-jing , Liu Xin-ying , Hildebrandt Diane , Li Feng-yu , Li Fa-tang
Published: July 2023

Precise regulation of photogenic electron transfer path plays an important role in improving photocatalytic carbon dioxide reduction efficiency and product selectivity. Herein, under the guidance of density functional theory calculation, the interface chemical bond (CoN2 bond) at the atomic level is designed, and g‐C3N4/CoCo‐layered double hydroxide (LDH) heterostructure is manufactured. CoCo‐LDH with water oxidation ability and g‐C3N4 were combined to construct S‐scheme heterojunction with redox ability. The valence band and conduction band of g‐C3N4 and CoCo‐LDH are precisely connected by the interfacial CoN2 bond, which realizes the high‐speed transfer of electron transport. Despite the absence of cocatalyst, the heterojunction exhibits high water oxidation and carbon reduction capacity due to the precise regulation of CoN2 bonds. Theoretical calculations and experimental results show that the addition of CoCo‐LDH: reduces the oxidation overpotential of water to provide more H protons; regulates the delocalization charge of g‐C3N4; and reduces the energy barrier of the CO2 intermediate (*COOH) in the reduction half‐reaction. The results show that the selectivity of carbon‐based substances in the products was 100%, and the optimal CO yield was 71.39 μmol g−1 h−1, which is among the highest values of g‐C3N4‐based photocatalysts.
Mechanical properties and life cycle assessment of sugarcane bagasse and corn cob ashes‐based geopolymer concrete to promote circular economy
Authors: Umer Muhammad , Ahmad Junaid , Abdullah Muhammad Saleem , Khan Hamas Ahmad , Ali Shehroze , Younas Muhammad Umair
Published: July 2023

Geopolymer concrete (GC) has emerged as an environmentally friendly alternative to ordinary concrete, resulting from the alkalination of an Alumino‐Silicate (Al‐Si) source material. Large‐scale applications of GC are predicated on a suitable supply of Al‐Si sources, however rapid depletion of traditional sources like fly ash imposes a challenge therein and alternative source materials need to be identified. Agricultural waste ashes (AGWA) also exhibit high Al‐Si content; therefore, in this study, two AGWA, that is, Corn Cob Ash (CCA) and Sugarcane Bagasse Ash (SCBA) were used in lieu of fly ash for GC synthesis. The results for workability and mechanical testing showed that properties of GC remained intact for up to 20% and 10% CCA and SCBA, respectively. Life cycle assessment showed that AGWA‐based GC reduced the greenhouse gas emissions of ordinary concrete by 49% and can be used as an environmentally friendly alternative thereof, thus contributing to the circular economy.
The effect of temperature and acute hypoxia/hyperoxia exposure on swimming performance and kinematics of Freshwater Drum
Authors: Laubach Colin , DeVries Dennis R. , Wright Russell A. , Smith David L.
Published: July 2023

Objective

Altered temperature and dissolved oxygen (DO) regimes in the tailwaters below dams can cause stress to fish. Despite their widespread distribution in rivers across North America, Freshwater Drum Aplodinotus grunniens have received little attention relative to the effects of these potential stressors. Quantifying fish swimming performance and kinematics in simulated tailwater conditions can help to determine how riverine species are affected by dam water releases, with the ultimate goal of identifying improved management strategies for these systems.

Methods

We quantified Freshwater Drum swimming performance and kinematics by measuring critical swimming speed (in both relative [RUcrit; body lengths/s] and absolute [AUcrit; cm/s] units), tailbeat frequency, tailbeat amplitude, and Strouhal's number under all combinations of low-DO (4 mg/L), normoxic (9 mg/L), and high-DO (14 mg/L) conditions at low (10°C), intermediate (20°C), and warm (30°C) water temperatures using both 90- and 850-L swim flumes.

Result

Dissolved oxygen at these concentrations did not affect swimming performance. The effect of temperature on swimming performance depended on fish size; RUcrit, AUcrit, and tailbeat frequency decreased with fish length but increased with temperature. In contrast, tailbeat amplitude increased with fish length but did not differ across temperatures.

Conclusion

These results suggest that acute low- and high-DO exposure within the tested range may not affect swimming performance or kinematics. However, the influence of temperature on Freshwater Drum swimming performance suggests that the ability of fish to hold position in a tailrace or to successfully pass upstream of a dam may vary seasonally and may depend on the depth from which water is released from a reservoir, as release depth determines the water temperature.
Layered GaGe2Te: structure and chemical bonding
Authors: Juhlke Tobias , Steinberg Simon , Staab Lennart , Lawrence Bright Eleanor , Oeckler Oliver
Published: July 2023

The structure of the new compound GaGe2Te has been determined using nanofocused synchrotron radiation. The trigonal structure (space group P
m1, a=4.0443(3) Å, c=14.923(2) Å, V=211.38(4) Å3; Z=2) consists of Ge bilayers sandwiched by Ga−Te layers. Ge and Ga are tetrahedrally coordinated. The layer packages are separated by a van der Waals gap with a Te−Te distance of 4.1502(7) Å. The structure resembles that of GaGeTe but features an additional Ge atom layer. Despite small scattering contrast of Ga and Ge, precise high‐resolution data enable unequivocal atom assignment as confirmed by R values of different models. DFT calculations suggest only a small extent of charge transfer, which is confirmed by both Bader and Mulliken charges. Thus, bonding within the layer packages is predominantly covalent, especially between Ga and Ge. Formal oxidation states according to GaIIIGe(0)Ge−ITe−II, i. e. assuming rather ionic Ge−Ga bonds, convey a much less realistic situation than GaIIGe2(0)Te−II, which is in line with GaGeTe.