bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors of influence in prisoner’s dilemma task: a review of medical literature
Authors: Mantas Vasileios , Pehlivanidis Artemios , Kotoula Vasileia , Papanikolaou Katerina , Vassiliou Georgia , Papaiakovou Anthoula , Papageorgiou Charalambos
Published: January 2022

The Prisoner’s Dilemma (PD) is one of the most popular concepts amongst the scientific literature. The task is used in order to study different types of social interactions by giving participants the choice to defect or cooperate in a specific social setting/dilemma. This review focuses on the technical characteristics of the PD task as it is used in medical literature and describes how the different PD settings could influence the players’ behaviour. We identify all the studies that have used the PD task in medical research with human participants and distinguish, following a heuristic approach, seven parameters that can differentiate a PD task, namely (a) the opponent parties’ composition; (b) the type of the opponent as perceived by the players; (c) the interaction flow of the game; (d) the number of rounds; (e) the instructions narrative and options that are given to players; (f) the strategy and (g) the reward matrix and payoffs of the game. We describe how each parameter could influence the final outcome of the PD task and highlight the great variability concerning the settings of these parameters in medical research. Our aim is to point out the heterogeneity of such methods in the past literature and to assist future researchers with their methodology design.
A Study of Diaphyseal Nutrient Artery Foramina of Dry Fibula in Human, done in a Government Medical College of Upper Assam, India
Authors: Dutta Malamoni , Sarma Mukul , Doley Annie
Published: January 2022

Introduction: The nutrient foramina is the external opening in each bone which has a particular position and number in its diaphysis. A thorough knowledge of the position, number, direction and variation of the nutrient foramina of fibula is very much important, as this is one of the most common bone used in bone grafts, vascularised bone microsurgery and mandibular reconstruction. Aim: To determine the position of nutrient artery foramina in fibula and also their size and direction. Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study which was conducted in the Department of Anatomy, Assam Medical College, Dibrugarh, Assam, India, from March- June 2021. The study was conducted on 167 numbers of adult human cleaned and dried fibulae. The number, position, size and direction of nutrient foramina were recorded in a pretexted proforma. Foraminal Index (FI) was calculated and the range, mean and standard deviation of FI were determined. Results: In the present study, 167 bones were taken but only 159 showed nutrient foramina. Single dominant foramen was found in 92.5% (147/159) of bones. Secondary foramina were present in 7.5% (12/159) of bones. The FI was calculated. According to FI, maximum number of foramina was present on middle third of fibula (92.56%). In 7.44% of fibula the foramina were located in distal third of the bone. Conclusion: A thorough anatomical knowledge of the nutrient foramen is useful in planning the vascularised fibular graft. Hence the result of this study will provide detail data about the number, position and direction of nutrient artery foramina in fibula for successful outcome of various orthopaedic and plastic reconstructive surgeries.
Glycemic Responses by Coconut (Cocos nucifera) Jaggery and Cane Sugar (Saccharum officinarum): A Comparative Study
Authors: Hewa Pathirana H. P. D. T. , Wijesekara I. , Yalegama L. L. W. C. , Jayasinghe M. A. , Waidyarathne K. P.
Published: January 2022

Aim: Cane sugar (Saccharum officinarum) and (Cocos nucifera) jaggery are prominent sweeteners. The aim of the this study is to evaluate Glycemic Indices (GI) of cane sugar and coconut jaggery using healthy human subjects.

Place and Duration of Study: The research was conducted as a collaborative project with Coconut Research Institute Sri Lanka and National Hospital Colombo Sri Lanka, between 2019 to 2020.

Methodology: Starch fractions (Total starch - TS, Resistant starch – RS and Digestible starch – DS) and sugar profile of two test foods were analyzed. Thirty six (n=36) healthy volunteers were recruited and were subjected to health screening. Fifty grams of digestible carbohydrate containing test food portions were given for each subject who had been fasting for 8 - 12 hours. Intravenous blood samples were collected to analyze blood glucose concentration and GI of food.

Results: Cane sugar contained high percentages of TS (95.86 ± 1.58%), DS (95.73 ± 1.59%) and RS was just 0.13± 0.02%. Coconut jaggery contained a lower percentage of sucrose (76.12±1.62%) and glucose (5.22±0.11%). Healthy volunteers (25.95±3.62 years) whom were having healthy fasting blood glucose concentrations (73.54±8.89 mg/dl) and HbA1c (5.05±0.35 %) were tested with glucose, and the two test foods.

Conclusions: There was no significant difference (P>0.05) between blood glucose response curves and GI of coconut jaggery (65.19±36.53) and cane sugar (60.76±35.80), where both can be considered as moderate GI sweeteners.
Antioxidants Activities and Heavy Metal Profil in Vegetable Oils in Yaounde
Authors: Antoine Vayaraï Manaoda , Thierry Césaire Kenmogne Simo , Jean Baptiste Hzounda Fokou , Hysantine Arrey Arah , Jacques Yinyang , Dieudonne Adiogo
Published: January 2022

The main aim of this study was to determine the quality of vegetable oils consumed by the population in Yaoundé.

The study was carried out on 14 vegetable oils sampled following a survey. The antioxidant potentials of these oils were analyzed using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, FRAP total antioxidant capacity. The concentrations of some heavy metals (Pb, Cu, and Fe) were determined using flame atomic absorption spectrometry after acid digestion. The acid and peroxide values were assessed using methods described by the Cameroonian standard on vegetable oils.

The sample included 8 brands of which, 5 of refined palm oil, 4 of soybean oil, 1 brand of cottonseed oil, sunflower oil, and cold extracted olive oil, red palm oil bleached palm oil each. The antioxidant activity showed a good correlation, with red palm oil having the greatest antioxidant potential and bleached palm oil having the least antioxidant potential. The Pb, Cu, and Fe contents had the following conformities: 71.4%, 100% respectively. For the acid and peroxide values, we found 50% and 21.4%, respectively. Six of the fourteen (42.9%) analyzed oils contained less than 33 IU/g vitamin A.

These results highlight the poor quality of the oils consumed in Yaoundé.
An Analysis on Constraints Faced by Scheduled Tribes in Access to Social Institutions in Eastern Ghats of Tamil Nadu
Authors: A. Prasanth , P. Balasubramaniam
Published: January 2022

The study was conducted to find out the constraints faced by scheduled tribes of Tamil Nadu in accessing the social institutions and availing their services. Ex post facto research design was used for this study. The study was conducted in Pethanaickenpalayam, Jawadhu hills and Kalrayan hills blocks of Salem, Tiruvannamalai and Viluppuram districts respectively. A list of constraints related to the social institutions has been prepared and survey was conducted among 270 tribal respondents in the study area. It has been found from the study that changing size of family into nuclear family, difficulty in adopting the spiritual needs, indebtedness of family hampers the schooling of children, poor awareness level of various developmental programs, and an increase in indebtedness among tribes were the major constraints concerning the family, religion, education, panchayat and economy respectively. Also suitable suggestions and strategies such as increase the number of schools and colleges near to the tribal villages, increase financial literacy among the tribes and create awareness among the tribes about various development programmes available to them were discussed to overcome the identified constraints in this paper.
In vitro Compatibility and Efficacy Studies of Entomopathogenic Fungi Metarhizium anisopliae (Metsh.) with Commonly used Biorational and Chemical Pesticides against Spodoptera litura (Fabricius)
Authors: Udayababu P. , Zacharia Sunil
Published: January 2022

In vitro compatibility of selected entomopathogenic fungi with botanicals and chemical insecticides at field recommended concentrations Indoxacarb 14.5 SC, Spinosad 45 SC, neem oil and NSKE were non-toxic to the test strain M.anisopliae (Ma-L-1) as they did not show significant reduction in radial growth. The insecticide dichlorvos 76 EC (DDVP) recorded 100 per cent reduction in radial growth of test strains at field recommended concentration. The joint action of microbial agents (bacteria, viruses and fungi) revealed that the combination of pathogens did not prove superior to individual effect. All the combination of entomopathogenic fungi M. anisopliae (Ma-L-1) strain with microbial agents were within the critical limits of additive effect and combination with insecticides viz., Spinosad 45 SC @0.009%, neem oil 5% and NSKE 5%, which produced the synergism reaction.
Correlation between Late Second and Third Trimester Placental Thickness Detected by Ultrasound and Gestational Age in Normal and IUGR Pregnancies
Authors: Elmahdy Basma M. , A. El sokary Amal , AlGergawy Adel E. , El Kholy Dina G.
Published: January 2022

Background: Ultrasonography has played a significant part in obstetric care. This has progressed from basic 2-D imaging to Doppler imaging to monitor foetal and maternal circulation, as well as 3-D imaging of foetal anatomy .).Obstetrical ultrasound has proven crucial in a variety of ways, two in particular being more accurate pregnancy dating and detection of fetal anomalies. The aim of this study is determine to Correlation between late second and third trimester placental thickness detected by ultrasound and gestational age in normal and IUGR pregnancies.

Methods: This study was a prospective study that was conducted on100 pregnant women who attended the outpatient clinics or admitted at inpatients wards of Obstetrics and Gynecology department, Tanta University during the period from December 2019 to December 2020.

Results In the majority of gestational age groups, the mean placental thickness was lower in group I than that detected in group II (P<0.01) except that detected between 28 and 29 weeks and 29 and 30 weeks, where there was no significant difference between two studied groups regarding placental thickness (P>0.05). In addition, the present study indicated that 26 out of 50 (52%) of newborns in group I had a birth weight below the fifth percentile and 24% of them had a birth weight ranged between 5 th -10 th percentile for gestational age and sex at the time of birth whereas all newborns of group II had a birth weight >10th percentile for gestational age and sex. A comparison of neonates’ birth characteristics and outcomes between two groups showed a statistically significant difference in the birth weight among both studied groups

Conclusions: The mean placental thickness was steadily increased with increased gestational age both IUGR and normal fetal weight cases. in addition, In the majority of gestational age groups, the mean placental thickness was lower in IUGR than that their normal weight conterparts.
The structure of NLRP9 reveals a unique C‐terminal region with putative regulatory function
Authors: Kamitsukasa Yukie , Nakano Kenji , Murakami Karin , Hirata Kunio , Yamamoto Masaki , Shimizu Toshiyuki , Ohto Umeharu
Published: January 2022

Nucleotide‐binding and oligomerisation domain‐like receptors (NLRs) can form inflammasomes that activate caspase‐1 and pro‐interleukin‐1β and induce pyroptosis. NLR family pyrin domain‐containing 9 (NLRP9) forms an inflammasome and activates innate immune responses during virus infection, but little is known about this process. Here, we report the crystal and cryo‐electron microscopy structures of NLRP9 in an ADP‐bound state, revealing inactive and closed conformations of NLRP9 and its similarities to other structurally characterised NLRs. Moreover, we found a C‐terminal region interacting with the concave surface of the leucine‐rich repeat domain of NLRP9. This region is unique among NLRs and might be involved in the specific function of NLRP9. These data provide the structural basis for understanding the mechanism of NLRP9 regulation and activation.
Differences in the Association Between Oral Glucocorticoids and Risk of Preterm Birth by Data Source: Reconciling the Results
Authors: Palmsten Kristin , Bandoli Gretchen , Vazquez‐Benitez Gabriela , Chambers Christina D.
Published: January 2022

Objective

To investigate causes of discrepancies in the association between early pregnancy oral glucocorticoid (OGC) use and preterm birth risk among women with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in health care utilization data from California Medicaid (Medi‐Cal) and the prospective cohort MotherToBaby Pregnancy Studies.

Methods

Separately, we estimated risk ratios (RRs) between OGC exposure before gestational day 140 and preterm birth risk in data from Medi‐Cal (2007–2013; n = 844) and MotherToBaby (2003–2014; n = 528). We explored differences in socioeconomic status, OGC dose distribution, exposure misclassification, and confounding by RA severity across the data sources.

Results

Preterm birth risk in women without OGC was 17.3% in Medi‐Cal and was 9.7% in MotherToBaby. There was no association between OGC and preterm birth in Medi‐Cal (adjusted RR 1.00 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.71, 1.42]), and a 1.85‐fold (95% CI 1.20, 2.84) increased preterm birth risk in MotherToBaby. When restricting each sample to women with a high‐school diploma or less, preterm birth risk following no OGC exposure was 15.9% in Medi‐Cal and 16.7% in MotherToBaby; adjusted RRs were 1.16 (95% CI 0.74, 1.80) in Medi‐Cal and 0.81 (95% CI 0.25, 2.64) in MotherToBaby. Cumulative OGC dose was higher in MotherToBaby (median 684 mg) than in Medi‐Cal (median 300 mg). An OGC dose of ≤300 mg was not associated with increased preterm birth risk. Exposure misclassification and confounding by RA severity were unlikely explanations of differences.

Conclusion

Higher baseline preterm birth risk and lower OGC dose distribution in Medi‐Cal may explain the discrepancies. Studies are needed to understand the effects of autoimmune disease severity and undertreatment on preterm birth risk in low‐income populations.
Parity for MH/SUD still falling short
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: January 2022

Almost 15 years after the law passed requiring that substance use disorders and mental illness be covered by insurance on par with other disorders, it's still not happening. Last week, the federal Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Treasury issued their 2022 Report to Congress on the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) of 2008. The report says that insurance companies are still failing to meet the requirements of the law and the agencies' implementing regulations requiring that mental health and substance use disorder benefits be covered at parity with medical and surgical benefits.
Rapid Synthesis of Patterned Silicon Carbide Coatings Using Laser‐Induced Pyrolysis and Crystallization of Polycarbosilane
Authors: Anas Muhammad , Cao Huaixuan , Oh Ju Hyun , Sarmah Anubhav , Long Carolyn T. , Khan Mohammad U. F. , Raiman Stephen S. , Radovic Miladin , Green Micah J.
Published: January 2022

The conversion of preceramic polymers to ceramics normally requires multiple processing steps such as curing, pyrolysis, and crystallization, which can be time and energy‐consuming. Herein, one‐step rapid synthesis of cubic silicon carbide (β‐SiC) by laser‐assisted pyrolysis and crystallization of molten polycarbosilane (PCS) is shown. The resulting product is termed as “LISiC” (laser‐induced silicon carbide). It is demonstrated that repeated polymer infiltration and lasing can be used to make dense LISiC and SiC‐LISiC coatings, which are stable up to 1073 K in air. It was also demonstrated that LISiC can be patterned on various substrates such as copper, steel, aluminum, and silicon wafer with a rate of 3 cm2 min−1. Finally, it is found that the dense LISiC coatings rapidly heat up in response to radio frequency (RF) fields, which would enable out‐of‐oven manufacturing of SiC‐based composites, micro‐heaters, and efficient chemical synthesis in reactors employing SiC‐based catalyst supports.
High Space Efficiency Hybrid Nanogenerators for Effective Water Wave Energy Harvesting
Authors: Zhang Chuguo , Yuan Wei , Zhang Baofeng , Yang Ou , Liu Yuebo , He Lixia , Wang Jie , Wang Zhong Lin
Published: January 2022

Water wave energy is a vital renewable‐energy resource, but it is less developed due to the characteristics of water wave with low and varying frequency. Herein, a bifilar‐pendulum coupled hybrid nanogenerator (BCHNG) module, which includes an electromagnetic generator (EMG), two piezoelectric nanogenerators (PENGs), and two multilayer‐structured triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs), is incorporated into a vessel‐like platform for wave energy harvesting. The combination of the lightweight TENG and the heavy PENG and EMG can not only increase the ability of power take‐off to capture water wave energy, but also improve the space utilization rate of BCHNG module and facilitate the design of the floating wave energy collecting device. Furthermore, the BCHNG module can harvest the kinetic energy and gravitational potential energy of the water wave at the same time, which benefits from the two degrees of swing freedom of the bifilar‐pendulum. Importantly, thanks to the accurate geometric design and the reasonable utilization of space, the BCHNG module achieves a high peak power density of 358.5 W m−3. The findings not only provide a novel method for the large‐scale development of blue energy, but also offer an opportunity for the development of self‐powered marine resources.
Emerging Three‐Dimensional Integrated Systems for Biomimetic Neural In Vitro Cultures
Authors: Seiti Miriam , Ginestra Paola Serena , Ceretti Elisabetta , Ferraris Eleonora , Ranga Adrian
Published: January 2022

3D in vitro neural cultures have gained interest in recent years as promising biomimetic micro‐environments which can regulate cell response to neural guidance cues. Several bioengineered technologies have been developed in combination with biomaterials to produce 3D models, such as scaffold‐based neural constructs, neurospheres, cerebral organoids, and brain‐on‐chip devices. While the strategic selection of bioengineering approaches and associated biomaterials has opened a multitude of opportunities in building increasingly advanced neural tissues, technical limitations remain a challenge in modeling the complexity of in vivo cell–cell and cell–microenvironment interactions. In this context, potential synergies between different model systems can provide solutions for long‐standing in vitro challenges in neural tissue engineering. Here, the authors provide a critical and comprehensive overview of biomimetic in vitro brain modeling strategies, and explore how 3D integrated brain systems can be implemented in multidisciplinary neural tissue engineering, regenerative and personalized medicine, disease modeling, and drug discovery applications.
Optically Isotropic Liquid Crystal Mode Templated by Nanoporous Breath Figure Membrane
Authors: Shin Young‐Chul , Park Ji‐Sub , Joo Kyung‐Il , Kim Hyun Gyu , Manda Ramesh , Choi Jun‐Chan , Kim Hak‐Rin
Published: January 2022

In this study, a printing‐based scalable method is proposed for the higher density of a liquid crystal (LC) nanodroplet structure suitable for the optically isotropic LC mode where the LC nanodomains are accurately templated by a nanoporous breath figure (BF) membrane. The highly porous BF polymeric template structure is reliably obtained by utilizing self‐structured packing effects of the silica nanospheres achieved by doctor blade coating. A nanocomposite film with densely packed silica nanospheres encapsulated by the UV‐crosslinked polymer matrix is made by controlling the blade coating velocity and blade gap conditions. This provides a higher LC fill‐factor condition of the optically isotropic nanodroplet LC (OI‐NDLC) mode with filling the LCs into the nanopores obtained after selective silica etching. The OI‐NDLC structure templated by the nanoporous BF membrane made with the silica nanospheres of 300 nm can effectively resolve the scattering‐induced optical loss and depolarization issues observable in the OI‐NDLC mode prepared by conventional phase separation approaches due to the sufficiently reduced LC droplet size. The structure exhibits a much‐improved light leakage level in the field‐off optically isotropic state, a higher transmittance level as the field‐induced Kerr operation, and resultant improved contrast ratio properties.
Doubly Doped BaZnOS Microcrystals for Multicolor Luminescence Switching
Authors: Wang Yanze , Chen Bing , Zhang Xin , Suo Hao , Zheng Weilin , Shen Junda , Li Yang Yang , Wang Feng
Published: January 2022

Quaternary oxysulfide semiconductors with a formula of MZnOS (M = Ca, Sr, or Ba) have recently attracted a lot of attention as host materials for luminescent dopant ions. Among these oxysulfides, the BaZnOS remains largely unexplored for luminescence in comparison with the CaZnOS and SrZnOS counterparts. This study describes a highly efficient and repeatable synthesis of BaZnOS microcrystals comprising a variety of lanthanide and transition metal ions. Spectroscopic investigations reveal a host‐sensitized luminescence in the dopant ions that display distinct temperature dependence of emission intensity. Accordingly, a class of BaZnOS crystals doubly doped with Pr3+ and Mn2+ is further constructed, which shows a sensitive switching of luminescence color in response to temperature change. The advances in these luminescent nanomaterials offer exciting opportunities for temperature sensing (relative sensitivity of 8.58% K–1) and electrochromism applications.
Stretchable Sweat‐Activated Battery in Skin‐Integrated Electronics for Continuous Wireless Sweat Monitoring
Authors: Liu Yiming , Huang Xingcan , Zhou Jingkun , Yiu Chun Ki , Song Zhen , Huang Wei , Nejad Sina Khazaee , Li Hu , Wong Tsz Hung , Yao Kuanming , Zhao Ling , Yoo Woojung , Park Wooyoung , Li Jiyu , Huang Ya , Lam Hiuwai Raymond , Song Enming , Guo Xu , Wang Yanwei , Dai Zhenxue , Chang Lingqian , Li Wen Jung , Xie Zhaoqian , Yu Xinge
Published: January 2022

Wearable electronics have attracted extensive attentions over the past few years for their potential applications in health monitoring based on continuous data collection and real‐time wireless transmission, which highlights the importance of portable powering technologies. Batteries are the most used power source for wearable electronics, but unfortunately, they consist of hazardous materials and are bulky, which limit their incorporation into the state‐of‐art skin‐integrated electronics. Sweat‐activated biocompatible batteries offer a new powering strategy for skin‐like electronics. However, the capacity of the reported sweat‐activated batteries (SABs) cannot support real‐time data collection and wireless transmission. Focused on this issue, soft, biocompatible, SABs are developed that can be directly integrated on skin with a record high capacity of 42.5 mAh and power density of 7.46 mW cm−2 among the wearable sweat and body fluids activated batteries. The high performance SABs enable powering electronic devices for a long‐term duration, for instance, continuously lighting 120 lighting emitting diodes (LEDs) for over 5 h, and also offers the capability of powering Bluetooth wireless operation for real‐time recording of physiological signals for over 6 h. Demonstrations of the SABs for powering microfluidic system based sweat sensors are realized in this work, allowing real‐time monitoring of pH, glucose, and Na+ in sweat.
High Efficiency Water Splitting using Ultrasound Coupled to a BaTiO3 Nanofluid
Authors: Zhang Yan , Khanbareh Hamideh , Dunn Steve , Bowen Chris R , Gong Hanyu , Duy Nguyen Phuc Hoang , Phuong Pham Thi Thuy
Published: January 2022

To date, a number of studies have reported the use of vibrations coupled to ferroelectric materials for water splitting. However, producing a stable particle suspension for high efficiency and long‐term stability remains a challenge. Here, the first report of the production of a nanofluidic BaTiO3 suspension containing a mixture of cubic and tetragonal phases that splits water under ultrasound is provided. The BaTiO3 particle size reduces from approximately 400 nm to approximately 150 nm during the application of ultrasound and the fine‐scale nature of the particulates leads to the formation of a stable nanofluid consisting of BaTiO3 particles suspended as a nanofluid. Long‐term testing demonstrates repeatable H2 evolution over 4 days with a continuous 24 h period of stable catalysis. A maximum rate of H2 evolution is found to be 270 mmol h–1 g–1 for a loading of 5 mg l–1 of BaTiO3 in 10% MeOH/H2O. This work indicates the potential of harnessing vibrations for water splitting in functional materials and is the first demonstration of exploiting a ferroelectric nanofluid for stable water splitting, which leads to the highest efficiency of piezoelectrically driven water splitting reported to date.
Highly Efficient and Stable Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes with Inner Passivating Hole‐Transfer Interlayers of Poly(amic acid)‐Polyimide Copolymer
Authors: Park Jaewoo , Kim Wonsun , Aggawal Yushika , Shin Kichul , Choi Eun Ha , Park Byoungchoo
Published: January 2022

Ensuring the long‐term stability of high‐performance organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) has remained a great challenge due to their limited lifetime and durability. Herein, a novel functional interlayer consisting of a poly(amic acid)‐polyimide copolymer is introduced for use in OLEDs. It is shown that an OLED sample with a polyimide‐copolymer interlayer exhibits high peak brightness of nearly 96 000 cd m−2 and efficiency of ≈92 cd A−1, much higher than those (≈73 000 cd m−2 and ≈83 cd A−1) of a well‐organized reference OLED. Moreover, the growth of dark spots is strongly suppressed in the sample OLED and the device lifetime is extended considerably. Further, highly stable and uniform large‐area OLEDs are successfully produced when using the interlayer. These improvements are ascribed not only to the excellent film‐forming and hole‐transferring properties but also to the inner passivating capability of the polyimide‐copolymer interlayer. The results here suggest that the introduction of an inner passivating/encapsulating hole‐transferable polyimide‐copolymer interlayer together with conventional external encapsulation technology represents a promising breakthrough that enhances the longevity of high‐performance next‐generation OLEDs.
Autocatalytic Surface Reduction‐Assisted Synthesis of PtW Ultrathin Alloy Nanowires for Highly Efficient Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Gao Lei , Yang Zhilong , Sun Tulai , Tan Xin , Lai Wenchuan , Li Mengfan , Kim Jeonghyeon , Lu Yang‐Fan , Choi Sang‐Il , Zhang Wenhua , Ma Chao , Smith Sean C. , Zhou Yi‐Ge , Huang Hongwen
Published: January 2022

Alloying noble metal catalysts with early transition metals (ETMs) has shown great promise by simultaneously boosting catalytic activity and durability because of their strong electronic interactions. However, the very negative reduction potential of ETMs has posed great challenges for the synthesis of the desired alloy catalysts, not to mention the structure‐controlled synthesis. Here an autocatalytic surface reduction‐assisted strategy is reported to realize the controllable synthesis of ultrathin PtW alloy nanowires (NWs). The experimental evidence and density functional theory (DFT) calculations demonstrate that the preformed Pt NWs in the synthesis serve as the catalyst to facilitate the reduction of Wx+ species through the autocatalytic surface reduction mechanism. Using the alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) as a model reaction, the as‐synthesized PtW NWs/C catalyst shows an ultralow overpotential of 18 mV at 10 mA cm–2 and a high mass activity of 6.13 A mg–1Pt at an overpotential of 100 mV, ranking it among the most active catalysts. The dual roles of alloyed W atoms are further uncovered by theoretical simulations, involving the ensemble effect for accelerating H2O dissociation and a ligand effect for optimizing the hydrogen adsorption strength.
Solar Selective Absorber for Emerging Sustainable Applications
Authors: Zhang Jing , Wang Chengbing , Shi Jing , Wei Dan , Zhao Heng , Ma Chuang
Published: January 2022

Solar selective absorbers (SSAs) possess high sunlight absorption (300–2500 nm) and low infrared thermal radiative losses (2.5–25 μm), which are undoubtedly the best choice for photothermal conversion process, and SSAs have been widely used in concentrating solar power, solar water heating, and solar drying. Recently, to promote the realization of “double carbon” goal, SSAs have received widespread attentions, many emerging sustainable applications have been developed. In this review, the recent developments of SSAs and their latest sustainable applications in solar‐driven seawater desalination, multistage solar desalination, atmospheric water harvesting (AWH), wastewater treatment, solar thermophotovoltaics (STPVs), hybrid photovoltaic‐thermal (HPVT), solar‐thermoelectric generators (STEG), personal thermal management (PTM), photothermal catalysis, photothermal deicing, and photothermal sterilization, etc. are systematically summarized. Also, the challenges as well as future opportunities of SSAs are discussion. It is expected that this review will effectively complement the published comments on SSAs and provide more inspirations on sustainable applications of SSAs in the future.
The Need for and Feasibility of Alternative Ground Robots to Traverse Sandy and Rocky Extraterrestrial Terrain
Authors: Li Chen , Lewis Kevin
Published: January 2022

Robotic spacecrafts have helped expand the reach for many planetary exploration missions. Most ground mobile planetary exploration robots use wheeled or modified wheeled platforms. Although extraordinarily successful at completing intended mission goals, because of the limitations of wheeled locomotion, they have been largely limited to benign, solid terrain and avoided extreme terrain with loose soil/sand and large rocks. Unfortunately, such challenging terrain is often scientifically interesting for planetary geology. Although many animals traverse such terrain at ease, robots have not matched their performance and robustness. This is in major part due to a lack of fundamental understanding of how effective locomotion can be generated from controlled interaction with complex terrain on the same level of flight aerodynamics and underwater vehicle hydrodynamics. Early fundamental understanding of legged and limbless locomotor–ground interaction has already enabled stable and efficient bioinspired robot locomotion on relatively flat ground with small obstacles. Recent progress in the new field of terradynamics of locomotor–terrain interaction begins to reveal the principles of bioinspired locomotion on loose soil/sand and over large obstacles. Multilegged and limbless platforms using terradynamics insights hold the promise for serving as robust alternative platforms for traversing extreme extraterrestrial terrain and expanding the reach in planetary exploration.
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation otolaryngology care multidisciplinary consensus recommendations
Authors: Kimple Adam J. , Senior Brent A. , Naureckas Edward T. , Gudis David A. , Meyer Ted , Hempstead Sarah E. , Resnick Helaine E. , Albon Dana , Barfield Wayne , Benoit Margo McKenna , Beswick Daniel M. , Callard Eliza , Cofer Shelagh , Downer Veronica , Elson E. Claire , Garinis Angela , Halderman Ashleigh , Hamburger Lisa , Helmick Meagan , McCown Michael , McKinzie Cameron J. , Phan Hanna , Rodriguez Kenneth , Rubenstein Ronald C. , Severin Ashley , Shah Gopi , Shenoy Ambika , Sprouse Brittney , Virgin Frank , Woodworth Bradford A. , Lee Stella E.
Published: January 2022

Background

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a multisystem disease that often requires otolaryngology care. Individuals with CF commonly have chronic rhinosinusitis but also present with hearing loss and dysphonia. Given these manifestations of CF, otolaryngologists are frequently involved in the care of patients with CF; however, there is limited consensus on optimal management of sinonasal, otologic, and laryngologic symptoms.

Methods

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation convened a multidisciplinary team of otolaryngologists, pulmonologists, audiologists, pharmacists, a social worker, a nurse coordinator, a respiratory therapist, two adults with CF, and a caregiver of a child with CF to develop consensus recommendations. Workgroups developed draft recommendation statements based on a systematic literature review, and a ≥80% consensus was required for acceptance of each recommendation statement.

Results

The committee voted on 25 statements. Eleven statements were adopted recommending a treatment or intervention, while five statements were formulated recommending against a specific treatment or intervention. The committee recommended eight statements as an option for select patients in certain circumstances, and one statement did not reach consensus.

Conclusion

These multidisciplinary consensus recommendations will help providers navigate decisions related to otolaryngology consultation, medical and surgical management of CF‐CRS, hearing, and voice in individuals with CF. A collaborative and multidisciplinary approach is advocated to best care for our patients with CF. Future clinical research is needed utilizing standardized, validated outcomes with comprehensive reporting of patient outcome, effects of modulator therapies, and genetic characteristics to help continue to advance care, decrease morbidity, and improve the quality of life for individuals with CF.
Circular RNAs in pulmonary hypertension: Emerging biological concepts and potential mechanism
Authors: Wang Qian , Sun Yuanyuan , Zhao Qinhua , Wu Wenhui , Wang Lan , Miao Yuqing , Yuan Ping
Published: January 2022

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are endogenous RNAs with a covalently closed single‐stranded transcript. They are a novel class of genomic regulators that are linked to many important development and disease processes and are being pursued as clinical and therapeutic targets. Using the most powerful RNA sequencing and bioinformatics techniques, a large number of circRNAs have been identified and further functional studies have been performed. It is known that circRNAs act as potential biomarkers, sponges for microRNAs (miRNAs) and RNA‐binding proteins (RBPs), and regulators of mRNA transcription. They also participate in the translation of peptides or proteins. Many types of circRNAs are dysregulated in plasma or lung tissues, and they may be involved in regulating the proliferation and apoptosis of pulmonary artery endothelial cells (PAECs) and pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs), leading to pulmonary vascular remodeling in pulmonary hypertension (PH). One possible mechanism is that circRNAs can regulate the function of PAECs and PASMCs by acting as miRNA sponge. However, other potential mechanisms of action of circRNAs are still being actively explored in PH. This paper presents a systematic review of the biogenesis, biological characterization, relevant underlying functions, and future perspectives for studies of circRNAs in the pathogenesis of PH.
Identification of a Two‐Coordinate Iron(I)–Oxalate Complex
Authors: Mayer Martin , Vankova Nina , Stolz Ferdinand , Abel Bernd , Heine Thomas , Asmis Knut R.
Published: January 2022

Exotic oxidation states of the first‐row transition metals have recently attracted much interest. In order to investigate the oxidation states of a series of iron–oxalate complexes, an aqueous solution of iron(III) nitrate and oxalic acid was studied by infrared free liquid matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization as well as ionspray mass spectrometry. Here, we show that iron is not only detected in its common oxidation states +II and +III, but also in its unusual oxidation state +I, detectable in both positive‐ion and in negative‐ion modes, respectively. Vibrational spectra of the gas phase anionic iron oxalate complexes [FeIII(C2O4)2]−, [FeII(C2O4)CO2]−, and [FeI(C2O4)]− were measured by means of infrared photodissociation spectroscopy and their structures were assigned by comparison to anharmonic vibrational spectra based on second‐order perturbation theory.
Polyzwitterionic Hydrogels for Efficient Atmospheric Water Harvesting
Authors: Lei Chuxin , Guo Youhong , Guan Weixin , Lu Hengyi , Shi Wen , Yu Guihua
Published: January 2022

Atmospheric water harvesting (AWH) is regarded as one of the promising strategies for freshwater production desirable to provide sustainable water for landlocked and arid regions. Hygroscopic materials have attracted widespread attention because of their water harvesting performance. However, the introduction of many inorganic salts often leads to aggregation and leakage issues in practical use. Here, polyzwitterionic hydrogels are developed as an effective AWH material platform. Via anti‐polyelectrolyte effects, the hygroscopic salt coordinated with polymer chains could capture moisture and enhance the swelling property, leading to a strong moisture sorption capacity. The hydrogel shows superior AWH performance (0.62 g g−1, 120 minutes for equilibrium at 30 % relative humidity) and produces 5.87 L kg−1 freshwater per day. It is anticipated that the polyzwitterionic hydrogels with unique salt‐responsive properties could provide new insights into the design and synthesis of next‐generation AWH materials.
Construction of porous poly (aryl sulfide sulfone) film with low dielectric constant and excellent mechanical property
Authors: Zhu Chuanren , Wei Zhimei , Wang Xiaojun , Long Shengru , Zhang Gang , Yang Jie
Published: January 2022

The low dielectric constant and excellent mechanical property polymer film plays important roles in the high‐speed integrated circuits. In this work, porous poly (aryl sulfide sulfone) (PASS) films with different pore regularities and distributions were systematically fabricated via a combination process with solvent evaporation, wet induced phase separation, and hot pressing. It is found that the macroporous structure of PASS films changed from irregular shape with large pore size distribution to regular shape with small pore size distribution and the sponge‐like pore structure disappeared then formed a dense layer by controlling the time of solvent evaporation and hot pressing, to realize the effective control of the pore structure. The optimal PASS porous film D3 which was heated for 25 min and then hot pressed for 4 min has a low dielectric constant (2.44) and dielectric loss (0.010), high tensile strength (62.14 MPa) and breakdown strength (139.32 kV/mm), and low water absorption (0.54%). The comprehensive excellent properties are beneficial to the application of PASS films in microelectronic devices.
Preparation ofAl2O3/PDA/Pebax membrane modified by (C3NH2MIm)(PF6) for improvingCO2separation performance
Authors: Yan Hailong , Liu Hongjing , Li Zhuo , Yu Dan , Wei Cunhua , Gao Yingjia , Yao Hui
Published: January 2022

Mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) are currently the focus of research due to their possible high separation performance in separating CO2process. However, inorganic nanomaterials are easy to agglomerate so as to affect CO2separation performance. In order to overcome the agglomeration of nanomaterials in MMMs, a new filler, Al2O3/PDA‐TIL, was prepared, in which ionic liquid (TIL) was introduced on the surface of nano‐Al2O3by TIL grafting polydopamine coated on aluminum oxide. And a new type of Al2O3/PDA‐TIL/Pebax MMMs membrane was prepared by the blend of new fillers and Pebax. The properties of MMMs prepared were characterized by SEM, FTIR, XRD, XPS, etc. Results showed that TIL had reacted with PDA to form Schiff base structure, indicating that TIL had been successfully grafted onto PDA coated on Al2O3. As a result, TIL on the surface Al2O3successfully reduced the agglomeration of Al successfully reduced the agglomeration of Al2O3in the membrane and improved the separation of CO2. The gas permeability test results showed that the CO2permeability of MMMs increased from 60.69 Barrer to 101.12 Barrer, and the CO2/N2selectivity increased from 49.34 to 79 at 30°C and 0.1 MPa. Therefore, Al2O3/PDA‐TIL/Pebax membrane has a good application prospect in CO2separation process.
Decreased interoceptive accuracy in children with autism spectrum disorder and with comorbid attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Yang Han‐xue , Zhou Han‐yu , Li Ying , Cui Yong‐hua , Xiang Yang , Yuan Rong‐man , Lui Simon S. Y. , Chan Raymond C. K.
Published: January 2022

Interoception refers to the awareness of internal physiological state. Several previous studies reported that people with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and adults with attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have diverse patterns of interoception, but the extent of literature is limited and inconsistent. This study aimed to investigate the interoceptive accuracy (IA) in children with ASD, children with comorbid ASD and ADHD, and typically developing (TD) children with high and low levels of autistic traits. We administered the eye‐tracking interoceptive accuracy task (EIAT) to 30 children with ASD, 20 children with comorbid ASD and ADHD, and 63 TD controls with high and low levels of autistic traits. Parent‐report scales concerning ASD and ADHD symptoms were collected. ASD children with and without comorbid ADHD both exhibited lower IA than TD children. Reduced IA was also found in TD children with high‐autistic traits relative to those with low‐autistic traits. IA was negatively correlated with autistic and ADHD symptoms. Atypical cardiac interoception could be found in children with ASD. Difficulties in sensing and comprehending internal bodily signals in childhood may be related to both ASD and ADHD symptoms.

Lay Summary

The present study examined interoceptive accuracy (IA) in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), children with comorbid ASD and attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and typically developing (TD) children with high and low levels of autistic traits. ASD children with and without comorbid ADHD both exhibited lower IA than TD children. TD children with high‐autistic traits exhibited decreased IA compared to those with low‐autistic traits. These results have implications for understanding sensory atypicality found in ASD and ADHD.
Circular economy and resilience: A research agenda
Authors: Kennedy Steve , Linnenluecke Martina K.
Published: January 2022

The circular economy is argued to be a way of organising industrial systems that support resilience through decoupling economic growth from material consumption. Yet, extant research exploring the impacts of circular economy business practices on resilience is nascent, with few studies detailing if and how these practices enable firms, industries and social‐ecological systems to adapt and transform in the face of shocks and disturbances. In this article, we seek to advance research on the circular economy by proposing a research agenda that connects the circular economy to resilience at multiple levels. Based on insights from resilience theory and findings from the limited literature on the circular economy that has considered resilience to date, our research agenda focuses scholarly attention on key areas of congruence and contestation. We posit that pursuit of answers in these areas has the potential for advancing circular economy business practices capable of supporting resilience at multiple levels.
The Impact of COVID‐19 on the Initiation of Clinical Trials in Europe and the United States
Authors: Lasch Florian , Psarelli Eftychia‐Eirini , Herold Ralf , Mattsson Andrea , Guizzaro Lorenzo , Pétavy Frank , Schiel Anja
Published: January 2022

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic has a major impact not only on public health and daily living, but also on clinical trials worldwide. To investigate the potential impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on the initiation of clinical trials, we have descriptively analyzed the longitudinal change in phase II and III interventional clinical trials initiated in Europe and in the United States. Based on the public clinical trial register EU Clinical Trials Register and clinicaltrials.gov, we conducted (i) a yearly comparison of the number of initiated trials from 2010 to 2020 and (ii) a monthly comparison from January 2020 to February 2021 of the number of initiated trials. The analyses indicate that the COVID‐19 pandemic affected both the initiation of clinical trials overall and the initiation of non‐COVID‐19 trials. An increase in the overall numbers of clinical trials could be observed both in Europe and the United States in 2020 as compared with 2019. However, the number of non‐COVID‐19 trials initiated is reduced as compared with the previous decade, with a slightly larger relative decrease in the United States as compared to Europe. Additionally, the monthly trend for the initiation of non‐COVID‐19 trials differs between regions. In the United States, after a sharp decrease in April 2020, trial numbers reached the levels of 2019 from June 2020 onward. In Europe, the decrease was less pronounced, but trial numbers mainly remained below the 2019 average until February 2021.
Biotransformation Enables Innovations Toward Green Synthesis of Steroidal Pharmaceuticals
Authors: Feng Jinhui , Wu Qiaqing , Zhu Dunming , Ma Yanhe
Published: January 2022

Steroids have been widely used in birth‐control, prevention, and treatment of various diseases, representing the largest sector after antibiotics in the global pharmaceutical market. The steroidal active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) have been produced via partial synthetic processes first mainly from sapogenins, which was converted into 16‐dehydropregnenolone by the famous “Marker Degradation”. Traditional mutation and screening, and process engineering have resulted in the industrial production of 4‐androstene‐3,17‐dione (AD), androst‐1,4‐diene‐3,17‐dione (ADD), 9α‐hydroxy‐androsta‐4‐ene‐3,17‐dione (9α‐OH‐AD), and so on, which serve as the key intermediates for the synthesis of steroidal APIs. Recently, genetic and metabolic engineering have generated highly efficient microbial strains for the production of these precursors, leading to the replacement of sapogenins with phytosterols as the starting materials. Further advances in synthetic biology hold promise in the design and construction of microbial cell factories for the industrial production of steroidal intermediates and/or APIs from simple carbon sources such as glucose. Integration of biotransformation into the synthesis of steroidal APIs can greatly reduce the number of reaction steps, achieve lower waste discharge and higher production efficiency, thus enabling a greener steroidal pharmaceutical industry.