bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Immigration, logement, action catholique et syndicale au temps de Mgr Charbonneau (1940-1950) : son implication sociale relue à travers les réseaux sociaux
Authors: Robillard Denise
Published: April 2013

Dès son arrivée à Montréal, la situation de l’immigration créée à la faveur de la guerre donne à Mgr Charbonneau l’occasion de traduire ses convictions sociales et son ouverture d’esprit dans les domaines du logement, de l’action catholique et syndicale. Son attitude pragmatique est différente de celle, plus idéologique, des nationalistes traditionnels. Il est d’abord question de l’évolution du regard porté sur l’immigration depuis la crise de 1929. Cette évolution est prise en cause par Mgr Charbonneau de concert avec les mouvements d’action catholique, qui retiennent les aspects humains et concrets du logement. Quant à l’action catholique, une véritable lutte de pouvoir se livre entre les mouvements spécialisés favorisés par l’archevêque dans sa lettre de 1941, et les associations comme l’Association catholique de la jeunesse canadienne (ACJC), à saveur nationaliste, dirigées par les jésuites depuis le début du XXe siècle.
Et si le salut venait aussi du Sud « missionné » ? Itinéraire de L’Entraide missionnaire (1950-1983)
Authors: Foisy Catherine
Published: April 2013

Ce texte analyse le parcours de L’Entraide missionnaire du point de vue de ses réseaux en portant une attention particulière à la manière dont ceux-ci s’internationalisent au cours des années 1960. Ce faisant, l’organisation établit et consolide des collaborations avec les théologiens et praticiens du Tiers-monde et du Québec, principalement issus des missions catholiques québécoises et de la coopération internationale. Dès 1968, L’Entraide opère un changement assez radical de vision du monde. Prenant dorénavant parti pour les plus pauvres, ce sont les idées-forces de la conscientisation, du dialogue, de l’inculturation et de la libération que l’organisation diffuse désormais auprès de centaines de Québécois engagés dans des luttes sociales et des groupes communautaires. Ainsi, L’Entraide donnera l’occasion à des Québécois de se familiariser avec des courants de pensée et de pratiques, mais aussi d’intégrer ces manières différentes de penser collectivement le monde contemporain.
Comparison of the Effects of Reflection and Contemplation Activities on Service-Learners’ Cognitive & Affective Mindfulness
Authors: Stewart Trae , Alrutz Megan
Published: April 2013

This study investigates the extent to which service-learners’ mindfulness is affected by engagement in reflection (e.g., dialogue) and contemplation activities (e.g., labyrinth tracing). The results are compared within and between treatment groups, while covarying for participants’ initial levels of mindfulness. While both dialogue and contemplative labyrinth treatment groups reported increases in mindfulness as measured by CAMS-R, neither within or between group overtime-changes were significant. Contemplative labyrinth tracing as a reflection activity does not appear to be better than dialogue at increasing mindfulness in service-learners. However, contemplative reflection performed as well as traditional dialogue reflection.
Action Research Built on Uncertain Foundations: The internship and action-research in a graduate teaching degree
Authors: Loughland Tony , Bowen Margo
Published: April 2013

This paper analyses action research’s uncertain foundations in graduate teaching degrees. This analysis focuses on one Master of Teaching program in Australia, and is conducted by the program coordinator in partnership with a recent graduate of the program. Uncertainty is traced to the structural incoherence of the program that is created by the influence of disparate philosophies of teacher education. The philosophy and practice of the program is informed by both the scholar teacher and reflective practitioner models of teacher education. It is argued that these models are incommensurable and lead to a poor use of action research during the internship of the program. The action research would be more authentic if a phronetic model of teacher education underpinned the entire program rather than just the final internship. This phronetic model will remain an ideal because of the prevailing hegemony of neo-liberalism that supports a means-rationality associated with performing to the graduate standards rather than a values-rationality associated with developing a lifelong habit of phronetic practice.
Negotiating Worlds, Words and Identities: Scaffolded literacies for pre-service teachers and children
Authors: Cumming-Potvin Wendy Marie
Published: April 2013

Aiming to extend sociocultural theory about the teaching and learning of literacies, this article reports on data from a qualitative study underpinned by a sociocultural framework (Rogoff, 1990; Vygotsky, 1986). Conducted in an Australian university community, the project tracked a group of pre-service teachers engaging in scaffolded literacy events, such as face-to-face and on-line discussions and shared reading experiences with children. Highlighting the importance of examining the teaching and learning of literacies across formal and informal settings, results offer information about how these pre-service teachers constructed understandings and situated identities (Gee, 1990, 2000-2001) through scaffolding. Pedagogical implications for pre-service teacher education are discussed.
An Empirical Study of the Career Paths of Senior Educational Administrators in Manitoba, Canada: Implications for career development
Authors: Wallin Dawn C.
Published: April 2013

This paper conceptualizes queue theory (Tallerico & Blount, 2004) to discuss a mixed-methods study that determined the career patterns of senior educational administrators in public school divisions in Manitoba, Canada, compared by position, context and sex. Findings indicate that queue theory has merit for describing the career paths of senior administrators in Manitoba, but it must be qualified. Context creates labour queue stratifications based on educational level (access), the extent to which senior administrators are channeled into traditional career paths, and number of positions served overall. Context, sex and position interact to form queues based on leaves from service, and create discrepancies on the experiences of career supports and work challenges.
Perspectives de la santé publique pour la prévention du suicide
Authors: Lesage Alain , St-Laurent Danielle , Gagné Mathieu , Légaré Gilles
Published: April 2013

Le suicide et sa prévention sont considérés comme des enjeux de santé publique. Cette perspective jouxte une compréhension multifactorielle des phénomènes de santé dans nos sociétés, et la mobilisation autour des déterminants pour lesquels des actions peuvent être posées. La santé publique a connu des succès face aux maladies infectieuses puis face à des maladies chroniques comme l’hypertension. Le phénomène est ensuite appréhendé en chiffres, à l’aide de données québécoises, canadiennes et internationales. Les politiques populationnelles de prévention du suicide sont généralement multimodales, elles impliquent souvent des stratégies pour l’amélioration des services de santé mentale. Le succès de ces stratégies repose sur leur application constante et la surveillance de cette application.
Au nom de l’humain : penser le suicide dans ses sources profondes
Authors: Bibeau Gilles
Published: April 2013

Dans ce texte qui se présente comme un essai anthropologique sur la condition de l’Homme, l’auteur propose quelques réflexions susceptibles de soutenir notre réflexion, qu’elle soit de nature biologique, sociologique ou psychologique, sur la question du suicide. Le cadre ici présenté invite à s’interroger sur ce qui fait la profondeur de l’homme, sur l’ambiguïté qui le marque, sur les contradictions qui le constituent, jeté qu’il est entre vie et mort, entre positivité et négativité, et sur l’idéologie du « tout positif » qui tend à générer une dangereuse intériorisation du « négatif ». Le suicide qui peut prendre les formes les plus diversifiées, de la dépendance aux drogues de toutes sortes à la dépression chronique et à l’auto-destruction, est ainsi pensé sur l’horizon d’une pensée de l’humain qui fait une place à l’ambiguïté profonde qui marque la condition humaine. Les spécialistes cherchant à comprendre les conduites suicidaires sont invités à prendre conscience de notre commune humanité, toujours tragique, qui nous fait tous humains.
Convergência ideológica? Uma análise comparada dos programas eleitorais do PS e do PSD (1991-2009)
Authors: Guedes Nuno
Published: April 2013

PS e PSD são analisados com frequência como partidos iguais ou demasiado semelhantes. O artigo apresentado estuda de forma quantitativa e qualitativa os programas eleitorais dos dois partidos de 1991 a 2009. São apresentados os temas mais presentes nos respetivos manifestos. As conclusões referem que PS e PSD não são partidos ideologicamente neutros ou iguais. Apresentam com mais frequência, no entanto, propostas não ideológicas e estão mais próximos do que outros partidos europeus que também têm dominado os respetivos sistemas partidários.
O problema da ordem
Authors: Pena Pires Rui
Published: April 2013

Como se explica a emergência de padrões ordenados de atos e relacionamentos protagonizados por indivíduos autónomos, criativos e livres? Que consequências têm sobre esses mesmos indivíduos aqueles padrões de atos e relacionamentos? Estas questões integram o que podemos designar como o “problema da ordem”. Neste artigo, contesta-se a associação entre aquele problema e as ideias de reprodução, consenso e determinismo, argumenta-se que a previsibilidade da vida social é maior do que muitas vezes reconhecido e sustenta-se que a reflexividade dos agentes humanos não se opõe lógica ou empiricamente à emergência de regularidades sociais. Por fim, define-se ordem social em termos factuais como a padronização que emerge dos processos relacionais de interação, de agrupamento e de interdependência sistémica.
Violence at school: work me out or I will devour you
Authors: Gomes Cândido Alberto , Lira Adriana , Caldas Delcimara Batista , Lima Diogo Acioli , Lopes Rosilene Beatriz
Published: April 2013

This article summarises the main results of a decade or so of research projects on forms of violence at schools in Brazil. The main observations it makes are: 1) the rules and standards governing the conduct of both teachers and pupils lack clarity and coherence, which suggests that situations arise in which those rules and standards are disrespected; 2) forms of school management that include strong charismatic and participatory elements got better results than a bureaucratic management style; 3) in schools that practise the “banking” concept of education, some of the oppressed students themselves come to oppress their schoolmates, thereby reproducing certain scholastic and social conditions; 4) teacher training is a longway from reality, which is more complex, and this leads the profession to lose credibility and become less attractive and causes kindergarten and primary teachers to suffer mentally and emotionally. The authors propose that the path forward is to bring schools into harmony with the changes in today’s world, apart from anything else because it is getting more and more difficult to maintain formulae thatwere typical of the 19th century.
From words to actions: potentials of the ethnographic method for the study of integration policies
Authors: Gallardo Francisco José Cuberos
Published: April 2013

Many institutions all over Europe have been working to create forums with the objective of fostering the active participation of immigrants and strengthening their associative networks. The political opportunity structure (POS) concept can help us understand the impact these measures have on the process of integrating immigrants. However, doing so means using an investigative methodology that also picks up on the undesired effects of these policies and analyses their transcendence. This project's main objective is to measure the potentials which the ethnographic method offers in this regard. To this end the authors present an analysis of the city of Seville's (Spain) Municipal Council for Immigrant Participation (CMPI) and its effects on the associative networks of Latin Americans who live in the city.
Acceptability of Hospital-at-Home Care and Capacity for Caregiver Burden
Authors: Frasco Melissa A. , Duffy Erin L. , Trish Erin
Published: July 2024

This study surveys a representative US population about aspects of hospital-at-home care, including acceptability and willingness to perform caregiving tasks.
The Tobacco Industry Has No Business Funding Continuing Medical Education
Authors: Jackler Robert K. , Ling Pamela M.
Published: July 2024

This Viewpoint explores tobacco industry–funded continuing medical education and concerns regarding the precedents this funding sets in relation to commercial bias and influence and conflicts of interest.
Alternative Payment Models and Performance in Federally Qualified Health Centers
Authors: Markowski Justin , Wallace Jacob , Schlesinger Mark , Ndumele Chima D.
Published: July 2024

Importance

Several state Medicaid agencies have transitioned from traditional fee-for-service to a value-centric alternative payment model (APM) to reimburse federally qualified health centers (FQHCs). Little is known about the effects of this shift on FQHC performance.

Objective

To assess the association between APMs and the clinical performance, payer mix, risk profile, and financial sustainability of FQHCs.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This retrospective cohort study was performed in 684 FQHCs (representing 37 states plus the District of Columbia) that continuously operated between January 2009 and December 2021. Data on payer mix (eg, type of insurance) and risk profile (eg, proportion of patients with chronic conditions) of FQHC patients were obtained from the Uniform Data System, and clinic-level financial data (eg, revenue) were obtained from Internal Revenue Service form 990 tax documents. Data were analyzed between November 2022 and October 2023.

Exposure

Initial rollout of a value-based payment model (ie, an APM) for FQHCs, as offered by state Medicaid program, between January 2013 and December 2021.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The main outcomes were 4 audited process measures of health care quality (cervical and colorectal cancer screening and body mass index [BMI] assessment for adults and children) and 2 intermediate health outcome measures (hypertension control and diabetes control). A difference-in-differences design was used with staggered implementation comparing FQHCs before and after the initial APM rollout vs contemporaneous changes in FQHCs in states without APMs.

Results

A total of 684 FQHCs (8892 FQHC-years) that served 17 823 959 patients in 2021 (57.3% female) were included in the study. Among FQHCs in states implementing APMs, significant differential increases in 3 of the 4 process quality measures were observed compared with FQHCs in states that did not implement an APM: colorectal cancer screening (3.24 percentage points [pp]; 95% CI, 1.40-5.08 pp), adult BMI (3.19 pp; 95% CI, 0.70-5.68 pp), and child BMI (4.50 pp; 95% CI, 1.83-7.17 pp). There were also modest differential improvements in blood pressure control for individuals with hypertension (1.02 pp; 95% CI, 0.04-2.00 pp) and blood glucose control for individuals with type 2 diabetes (1.02 pp; 95% CI, 0.02-2.02 pp) compared with FQHCs in states without an APM. There was no evidence that the APM rollout was associated with clinics selecting healthier patients (–0.01 pp; 95% CI, –0.21 to 0.19 pp) or stinting on care (–0.02 visits; 95% CI, –0.08 to 0.04 visits).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cohort study, introduction of Medicaid APM options for FQHCs was associated with modest, statistically significant increases in quality concentrated among FQHCs with APM models that explicitly incentivized quality. This finding suggests that APMs can be both a financially viable and a health-promoting model for reimbursement in the health care safety net.
Prognoses Associated With Palliative Performance Scale Scores in Modern Palliative Care Practice
Authors: Bischoff Kara E. , Patel Kanan , Boscardin W. John , O’Riordan David L. , Pantilat Steven Z. , Smith Alexander K.
Published: July 2024

Importance

The Palliative Performance Scale (PPS) is one of the most widely used prognostic tools for patients with serious illness. However, current prognostic estimates associated with PPS scores are based on data that are over a decade old.

Objective

To generate updated prognostic estimates by PPS score, care setting, and illness category, and examine how well PPS predicts short- and longer-term survival.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This prognostic study was conducted at a large academic medical center with robust inpatient and outpatient palliative care practices using electronic health record data linked with data from California Vital Records. Eligible participants included patients who received a palliative care consultation between January 1, 2018, and December 31, 2020. Data analysis was conducted from November 2022 to February 2024.

Exposure

Palliative care consultation with a PPS score documented.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcomes were predicted 1-, 6-, and 12-month mortality and median survival of patients by PPS score in the inpatient and outpatient settings, and performance of the PPS across a range of survival times. In subgroup analyses, mortality risk by PPS score was estimated in patients with cancer vs noncancer illnesses and those seen in-person vs by video telemedicine in the outpatient setting.

Results

Overall, 4779 patients (mean [SD] age, 63.5 [14.8] years; 2437 female [51.0%] and 2342 male [49.0%]) had a palliative care consultation with a PPS score documented. Of these patients, 2276 were seen in the inpatient setting and 3080 were seen in the outpatient setting. In both the inpatient and outpatient settings, 1-, 6-, and 12-month mortality were higher and median survival was shorter for patients with lower PPS scores. Prognostic estimates associated with PPS scores were substantially longer (2.3- to 11.7-fold) than previous estimates commonly used by clinicians. The PPS had good ability to discriminate between patients who lived and those who died in the inpatient setting (integrated time-dependent area under the curve [iAUC], 0.74) but its discriminative ability was lower in the outpatient setting (iAUC, 0.67). The PPS better predicted 1-month survival than longer-term survival. Mortality rates were higher for patients with cancer than other serious illnesses at most PPS levels.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this prognostic study, prognostic estimates associated with PPS scores were substantially longer than previous estimates commonly used by clinicians. Based on these findings, an online calculator was updated to assist clinicians in reaching prognostic estimates that are more consistent with modern palliative care practice and specific to the patient’s setting and diagnosis group.
The Need for Age Restrictions on Sales of Nonalcoholic Beverages
Authors: Bowdring Molly A. , Prochaska Judith J.
Published: July 2024

This Viewpoint discusses the current restrictions of nonalcoholic beverage sales to minors across several states and the need for expansion of those restrictions.
Disparities in Psychiatric Emergency Department Boarding of Children and Adolescents
Authors: Overhage Lindsay N. , Lê Cook Benjamin , Rosenthal Meredith B. , McDowell Alex , Benson Nicole M.
Published: July 2024

Importance

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, emergency department boarding of youth with mental health concerns has increased.

Objective

To summarize characteristics (including gender, age, race, ethnicity, insurance, diagnosis, and barriers to placement) of youth who boarded in emergency departments while awaiting inpatient psychiatric care and to test for racial, ethnic, and gender disparities in boarding lengths and inpatient admission rates after boarding. Secondarily, to assess whether statewide demand for inpatient psychiatric care correlated with individual outcomes.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cross-sectional analysis included administrative data collected from May 2020 to June 2022 and represented a statewide study of Massachusetts. All youth aged 5 to 17 years who boarded in Massachusetts emergency departments for 3 or more midnights while awaiting inpatient psychiatric care were included.

Exposure

Boarding for 3 or more midnights while awaiting inpatient psychiatric care.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Emergency department boarding length (number of midnights) and whether inpatient care was received after boarding. Statistical analyses performed included logistic and gamma regressions; assessed gender, racial, and ethnic disparities; and correlations between statewide demand for psychiatric care and boarding outcomes.

Results

A total of 4942 boarding episodes were identified: 2648 (54%) for cisgender females, 1958 (40%) for cisgender males, and 336 (7%) for transgender or nonbinary youth. A total of 1337 youth (27%) were younger than 13 years. Depression was the most common diagnosis (2138 [43%]). A total of 2748 episodes (56%) resulted in inpatient admission, and 171 transgender and nonbinary youth (51%) received inpatient care compared with 1558 cisgender females (59%; adjusted difference: −9.1 percentage points; 95% CI, −14.7 to −3.6 percentage points). Transgender or nonbinary youth boarded for a mean (SD) of 10.4 (8.3) midnights compared with 8.6 (6.9) midnights for cisgender females (adjusted difference: 2.2 midnights; 95% CI, 1.2-3.2 midnights). Fewer Black youth were admitted than White youth (382 [51%] and 1231 [56%], respectively; adjusted difference: −4.3 percentage points; 95% CI, −8.4 to −0.2 percentage points). For every additional 100 youth boarding statewide on the day of assessment, the percentage of youth admitted was 19.4 percentage points lower (95% CI, −23.6% to −15.2%) and boarding times were 3.0 midnights longer (95% CI, 2.4-3.7 midnights).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cross-sectional study, almost one-half of 3 or more midnight boarding episodes did not result in admission, highlighting a need to understand the effects of boarding without admission. Gender and racial disparities were identified, suggesting the need for targeted resources to reduce boarding and promote equitable access to care.
Evidence for Morphology Control by Polyelectrolyte Templating in PEDT:PSSH
Authors: Koh Qi‐Mian , Seah Qiu‐Jing , Yang Jin‐Cheng , Mazlan Nur Syafiqah , Hoh Quan‐En , Seah Zong‐Long , Png Rui‐Qi , Ho Peter K.H. , Chua Lay‐Lay
Published: July 2024

Despite decades of research, the fundamental question of structure and morphology of the poly(3,‐4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate) complex (PEDT: PSS) electrically conducting polymer remains open. Here, through a systematic study of the polymerization of 3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene (EDT) on two series of sulfonated polystyrenes, i.e., PS‐co‐SSH and PS‐co‐SSNa, with per cent sulfonation 24 ≲ x ≲ 100, this study shows that the substrate polyelectrolyte not only affords charge compensation and processability, but also templates the morphology of the growing PEDT chain—whether extended, coiled or collapsed. This determines the electrical, electronic and optical properties of the resultant PEDT: PSS interpolyelectrolyte complexes, including their work function. This study calls this the Polyelectrolyte Template model. The PEDT: PSS complex retains memory of its polymerization morphology even after subsequent ion‐exchange, for example, to the same acid form. Electrical conductivity decreases sharply with decreasing x, and depends on whether the polymerization is templated with the H+ or Na+ form of the polyelectrolyte. The work function is less sensitive to x, but exhibits a transition from low to high work function (5.2–5.3 eV) when x exceeds a threshold, which indicates formation of a polar surface driven by molecular‐scale segregation of the PSS counteranion. This surface segregation also affects the ability of these complexes to inject holes into very large‐ionization‐energy semiconductors.
Control of Microporous Structure in Conjugated Microporous Polymer Membranes for Post‐Combustion Carbon Capture
Authors: Jia Yuewen , Lu Yanqiu , Yang Haozhou , Chen Yu , Hillman Febrian , Wang Kaiyu , Liang Can Zeng , Zhang Sui
Published: July 2024

Membranes offer a potentially energy‐efficient and space‐saving solution to reduce CO2 emissions and combat global warming. However, engineering membranes with advanced materials for high permeance and reasonable selectivity is a pressing need. In this context, a series of carbazole‐based conjugated microporous polymer (CMP) membranes are fabricated with thicknesses of a few hundred nanometers through in situ electropolymerization for post‐combustion carbon capture. The findings reveal that various experimental conditions, including the monomer concentration, electric potential, and cyclic voltammetry (CV) cycling number, largely impact the polymerization degree of the carbazole‐based CMP, thus influencing the mode of polymer chain packing. An optimal polymerization degree leads to a larger micropore size and a higher fractional free volume (FFV), thus allowing fast CO2 transport. The study first demonstrates the feasibility of using CMPs to fabricate thin film composite (TFC) membranes for post‐combustion carbon capture and confirms the high controllability of their micropores. These insights provide instructive guidance for the future advancement of CMP applications in membrane fabrication for gas separation and other fields that require precise micropore generation and design.
All‐Cellulose‐Based Flexible Photonic Films
Authors: Wang Ting , Wang Yifeng , Ji Chunyu , Li Yunfei , Yang Han
Published: July 2024

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) are environmentally friendly building blocks used in the preparation of chiral nematic iridescent films through evaporation‐induced self‐assembly. However, the brittleness of CNC films limits their versatility, especially in applications that require mechanical flexibility. In this study, it is innovatively engineered flexible colored CNC films entirely composed of cellulose by introducing cross‐linked chemically modified cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) as a supporting network. By reducing the surface charge content of CNFs and anchoring them in a network, the disruption to the self‐assembly process of CNCs caused by CNFs is minimized. This effectively preserves the structural colors of CNCs films. Furthermore, the CNFs network enhances the tensile strength and elongation of these all‐cellulose composite films, enabling them to be folded with excellent flexibility while still maintaining a high Young's modulus. Vibrant red, green, and blue‐colored all‐cellulose photonic films can also be achieved by simply adjusting the sonication energy input on the suspension of CNCs. The all‐cellulose‐based flexible films have the potential to be applied as an eco‐friendly and sustainable photonic material when flexibility is essential, for instance, in applications like flexible sensors, anti‐counterfeit labels, or foldable display components.
Regulation of d‐Band Center of Ruthenium Sites via Electronic Complementary Effect of C60 Fullerene Molecules and Manganese Atoms for Efficient Alkaline Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Huang Qi , Yang Wenhao , Yan Yingying , Xie Shuqian , Yu Ao , Xu Tingting , Zhao Yihang , Peng Ping , Li Fang‐Fang
Published: July 2024

Developing advanced electrocatalysts is crucial for alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). A balance in adsorption energy for each reaction intermediate on the catalyst determines the overall catalytic rate. This balance is closely linked to the d‐band center, which is, in turn, controlled by the electronic structure of the active sites. Herein, C60 molecules with electron‐withdrawing properties and manganese (Mn) atoms with electron‐donating properties to drive charge redistribution on Ru active sites are strategically utilized. The synergistic and complementary effects of C60 and Mn regulate the d‐band centers of Ru sites to an optimal position, optimizing both the water adsorption and hydrogen desorption of the synthesized Ru catalysts. The constructed MnRu/C60‐3 catalyst exhibits a low overpotential of 8 mV at 10 mA cm−2, a large TOF value of 15.5 s−1, and a high mass activity of 2.39 A mg−1Ru at an overpotential of 100 mV in 1.0 m KOH. The anion exchange membrane water electrolyzer, assembled with MnRu/C60‐3 as the cathode, demonstrates excellent water electrolysis performance and high stability under industrial operational conditions. This work offers a fresh perspective on catalyst design principles by manipulating the d‐band centers of active sites using two complementary components.
Amphiphilic Single‐Chain Polymer Nanoparticles as Imaging and Far‐Red Photokilling Agents for Photodynamic Therapy in Zebrafish Embryo Xenografts
Authors: Arena Davide , Nguyen Christophe , Ali Lamiaa M. A. , Verde‐Sesto Ester , Iturrospe Amaia , Arbe Arantxa , İşci Umit , Şahin Zeynel , Dumoulin Fabienne , Gary‐Bobo Magali , Pomposo José A.
Published: July 2024

This work introduces rationally designed, improved amphiphilic single‐chain polymer nanoparticles (SCNPs) for imaging and photodynamic therapy (PDT) in zebrafish embryo xenografts. SCNPs are ultrasmall polymeric nanoparticles with sizes similar to proteins, making them ideal for biomedical applications. Amphiphilic SCNPs result from the self‐assembly in water of isolated synthetic polymeric chains through intrachain hydrophobic interactions, mimicking natural biomacromolecules and, specially, proteins (in size and when loaded with drugs, metal ions or fluorophores also in function). These ultrasmall, soft nanoparticles have various applications, including catalysis, sensing, and nanomedicine. Initial in vitro experiments with nonfunctionalized, amphiphilic SCNPs loaded with a photosensitizing Zn phthalocyanine with four nonperipheral isobutylthio substituents, ZnPc, showed promise for PDT. Herein, the preparation of improved, amphiphilic SCNPs containing ZnPc as highly efficient photosensitizer encapsulated within the nanoparticle and surrounded by anthracene units is disclosed. The amount of anthracene groups and ZnPc molecules within each single‐chain nanoparticle controls the imaging and PDT properties of these nanocarriers. Critically, this work opens the way to improved PDT applications based on amphiphilic SCNPs as a first step toward ideal, long‐term artificial photo‐oxidases (APO).
“Abraxane‐Like” Radiosensitizer for In Situ Oral Cancer Therapy
Authors: Gong Zijian , Fu Yixuan , Gao Yuan , Jiao Fei , Su Qinzhi , Sang Xiao , Chen Binglin , Deng Xuliang , Liu Xinyu
Published: July 2024

Radiotherapy plays a vital role in cancer therapy. However, the hypoxic microenvironment of tumors greatly limits the effectiveness, thus it is crucial to develop a simple, efficient, and safe radiosensitizer to reverse hypoxia and ameliorate the efficacy of radiotherapy. Inspired by the structure of canonical nanodrug Abraxane, herein, a native HSA‐modified CaO2 nanoparticle system (CaO2‐HSA) prepared by biomineralization‐induced self‐assembly is developed. CaO2‐HSA will accumulate in tumor tissue and decompose to produce oxygen, altering the hypoxic condition inside the tumor. Simultaneously, ROS and calcium ions will lead to calcium overload and further trigger immunogenic cell death. Notably, its sensitizing enhancement ratio (SER = 3.47) is much higher than that of sodium glycididazole used in the clinic. Furthermore, in animal models of in situ oral cancer, CaO2‐HSA can effectively inhibit tumor growth. With its high efficacy, facile preparation, and heavy‐metal free biosafety, the CaO2‐HSA‐based radiosensitizer holds enormous potential for oral cancer therapy.
Ultrafast Interfacial Charge Transfer Initiates Mechanical Stress and Heat Transport at the Au‐TiO2Interface
Authors: Heo Jun , Segalina Alekos , Kim Doyeong , Ahn Doo‐Sik , Oang Key Young , Park Sungjun , Kim Hyungjun , Ihee Hyotcherl
Published: July 2024

Metal‐semiconductor interfaces are crucial components of optoelectronic and electrical devices, the performance of which hinges on intricate dynamics involving charge transport and mechanical interaction at the interface. Nevertheless, structural changes upon photoexcitation and subsequent carrier transportation at the interface, which crucially impact hot carrier stability and lifetime, remain elusive. To address this long‐standing problem, they investigated the electron dynamics and resulting structural changes at the Au/TiO2interface using ultrafast electron diffraction (UED). The analysis of the UED data reveals that interlayer electron transfer from metal to semiconductor generates a strong coupling between the two layers, offering a new way for ultrafast heat transfer through the interface and leading to a coherent structural vibration that plays a critical role in propagating mechanical stress. These findings provide insights into the relationship between electron transfer and interfacial mechanical and thermal properties.
Multi‐Omics Analysis by Machine Learning Identified Lysophosphatidic Acid as a Biomarker and Therapeutic Target for Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome
Authors: Zhang Hao , Hu Fangyu , Peng Ouyang , Huang Yihui , Hu Guangli , Ashraf Usama , Cen Meifeng , Wang Xiaojuan , Xu Qiuping , Zou Chuangchao , Wu Yu , Zhu Bibo , Li Wentao , Li Qunhui , Li Chujun , Xue Chunyi , Cao Yongchang
Published: July 2024

As a significant infectious disease in livestock, porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) imposes substantial economic losses on the swine industry. Identification of diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets has been a focal challenge in PPRS prevention and control. By integrating metabolomic and lipidomic serum analyses of clinical pig cohorts through a machine learning approach with in vivo and in vitro infection models, lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is discovered as a serum metabolic biomarker for PRRS virus (PRRSV) clinical diagnosis. PRRSV promoted LPA synthesis by upregulating the autotaxin expression, which causes innate immunosuppression by dampening the retinoic acid‐inducible gene I (RIG‐I) and type I interferon responses, leading to enhanced virus replication. Targeting LPA demonstrated protection against virus infection and associated disease outcomes in infected pigs, indicating that LPA is a novel antiviral target against PRRSV. This study lays a foundation for clinical prevention and control of PRRSV infections.
Densification of Alloying Anodes for High Energy Lithium‐Ion Batteries: Critical Perspective on Inter‐ Versus Intra‐Particle Porosity
Authors: Luo Yiteng , Chen Yungui , Koratkar Nikhil , Liu Wei
Published: July 2024

High Li‐storage‐capacity particles such as alloying‐based anodes (Si, Sn, Ge, etc.) are core components for next‐generation Li‐ion batteries (LIBs) but are crippled by their intrinsic volume expansion issues. While pore pre‐plantation represents a mainstream solution, seldom do this strategy fully satisfy the requirements in practical LIBs. One prominent issue is that porous particles reduce electrode density and negate volumetric performance (Wh L−1) despite aggressive electrode densification strategies. Moreover, the additional liquid electrolyte dosage resulting from porosity increase is rarely noticed, which has a significant negative impact on cell gravimetric energy density (Wh kg−1). Here, the concept of judicious porosity control is introduced to recalibrate existing particle design principles in order to concurrently boost gravimetric and volumetric performance, while also maintaining the battery's cycle life. The critical is emphasized but often neglected role that intraparticle pores play in dictating battery performance, and also highlight the superiority of closed pores over the open pores that are more commonly referred to in the literature. While the analysis and case studies focus on silicon‐carbon composites, the overall conclusions apply to the broad class of alloying anode chemistries.
Synthesis of Hybrid Tin‐Based Perovskite Microcrystals for LED Applications
Authors: Sanchez‐Diaz Jesus , Rodriguez‐Pereira Jhonatan , Das Adhikari Samrat , Mora‐Seró Iván
Published: July 2024

Considerable focus on tin‐based perovskites lies on substitution to leadhalide perovskites for the fabrication of eco‐friendly optoelectronic devices. The major concern related to tin‐based perovskite devices are mainly the stability and the efficiency. However, thinking on the final commercialization scope, other considerations such as precursor stability and cost are major factors to carry about. In this regard, this work presents a robust and facile synthesis of 2D A2SnX4 (A = 4‐fluorophenethylammonium(4‐FPEA); X = I, Br, I/Br) and 3D FASnI3 perovskite microcrystals following a developed synthesis strategy with low‐cost starting materials. In this developed methodology, acetic acid is used as a solvent, which helps to protect from water by making a hydrophobic network over the perovskite surface, and hence provides sufficient ambient and long‐term inert atmosphere stability of the microcrystals. Further, the microcrystals are recrystallized in thin films for LED application, allowing the fabrication of orange, near‐infrared and purered emitting LEDs. The two‐step recrystallized devices show better performance and stability in comparison to the reference devices made by using commercial precursors. Importantly, the developed synthesis methodology is defined as a generic method for the preparation of varieties of hybrid tin‐based perovskites microcrystals and application in optoelectronic devices.
Bistable Insect‐Scale Jumpers with Tunable Energy Barriers for Multimodal Locomotion
Authors: Guo Qingkai , Sun Yu , Zhang Tianxiang , Xie Shiyu , Chen Xuefeng , Zhang Zhuang , Jiang Hanqing , Yang Laihao
Published: July 2024

Drawing inspiration from the jumping mechanisms of insects (e.g., click beetles), bistable structures can convert slow deformations of soft actuating material into fast jumping motions (i.e., power amplification). However, bistable jumpers often encounter large energy barriers for energy release/re‐storage, posing a challenge in achieving multimodal (i.e., height/distance) and continuous jumps at the insect scale (body length under 20 mm). Here, a new offset‐buckling bistable design is introduced that features antisymmetric equilibrium states and tunable energy barriers. Leveraging this design, a Boundary Actuation Tunable Energy‐barrier (BATE) jumper (body length down to 15 mm) is developed, and transform BATE jumper from height‐jump mode (up to 12.7 body lengths) to distance‐jump mode (up to 20 body lengths). BATE jumpers can perform agile continuous jumping (within 300 ms for energy release/re‐storage times) and real‐time status detection is further demonstrated. This insect‐level performance of the proposed BATE jumper showcases its potential toward future applications in exploration, search, and rescue.
Wafer‐Scale Growth and Transfer of High‐Quality MoS2 Array by Interface Design for High‐Stability Flexible Photosensitive Device
Authors: Lü Bingchen , Chen Yang , Ma Xiaobao , Shi Zhiming , Zhang Shanli , Jia Yuping , Li Yahui , Cheng Yuang , Jiang Ke , Li Wenwen , Zhang Wei , Yue Yuanyuan , Li Shaojuan , Sun Xiaojuan , Li Dabing
Published: July 2024

Transition metal disulfide compounds (TMDCs) emerges as the promising candidate for new‐generation flexible (opto‐)electronic device fabrication. However, the harsh growth condition of TMDCs results in the necessity of using hard dielectric substrates, and thus the additional transfer process is essential but still challenging. Here, an efficient strategy for preparation and easy separation‐transfer of high‐uniform and quality‐enhanced MoS2 via the precursor pre‐annealing on the designed graphene inserting layer is demonstrated. Based on the novel strategy, it achieves the intact separation and transfer of a 2‐inch MoS2 array onto the flexible resin. It reveals that the graphene inserting layer not only enhances MoS2 quality but also decreases interfacial adhesion for easy separation‐transfer, which achieves a high yield of ≈99.83%. The theoretical calculations show that the chemical bonding formation at the growth interface has been eliminated by graphene. The separable graphene serves as a photocarrier transportation channel, making a largely enhanced responsivity up to 6.86 mA W−1, and the photodetector array also qualifies for imaging featured with high contrast. The flexible device exhibits high bending stability, which preserves almost 100% of initial performance after 5000 cycles. The proposed novel TMDCs growth and separation‐transfer strategy lightens their significance for advances in curved and wearable (opto‐)electronic applications.
Dithiocarbamate‐Based Solution Processing for Cation Disorder Engineering in AgBiS2 Solar Absorber Thin Films
Authors: Ha Neul , Lee GwangHee , Park Jaemin , Lee Joo‐Hong , Jung Jisu , Barma Sunil V. , Kim Jugyoung , Kim Ji Hoon , Kim Jung Kyu , Kwon Seok Joon , Lee Sang Uck , Jeong Sohee , Jo Sae Byeok , Lee Jin‐Wook , Yang Wooseok
Published: July 2024

Cation disorders refer to the phenomenon where cations are randomly distributed in multi‐cation systems. These disorders have emerged as an effective strategy for tailoring material properties across diverse applications. Notably, engineering cation disorder in AgBiS2 has garnered attention, owing to its remarkable enhancement of light absorption coefficients, which are crucial for efficient solar energy conversion in ultrathin light absorber layers. In this study, a novel dithiocarbamate (DTC)‐based solution processing method designed to control cation disorder is presented in AgBiS2 thin films. Unlike conventional approaches that rely on heat treatment, the strategy is based on molecular coordination dynamics between DTC and metal cations. By adjusting the ratio of DTC to the metal cations, the formation of cation‐disordered AgBiS2 thin films is demonstrated. Notably, the order‐to‐disorder transition is solely dependent on the DTC‐metal coordination and independent of the annealing temperature. These disordered films exhibit a high light absorption coefficient (>5 × 105 cm−1), mirroring the characteristics of thermally‐treated cation‐disordered AgBiS2 nanocrystals reported previously. The disordered AgBiS2 thin‐film photodetector exhibited a higher photocurrent density and responsivity compared to its ordered counterpart. The approach establishes a novel platform for cation disorder engineering, paving the way for advancements in cation‐disordered materials with diverse applications.
Impact of allelochemicals from shade trees bark on the performance of cocoa seedlings
Authors: Danso Jacob , Boadu Isaac Kankam , Sarkodie‐Addo Joseph , Opoku‐Agyeman Michael O. , Padi Francis , Ulzen Jacob , Arthur Alfred
Published: July 2024

Shade trees are important in cocoa agroforestry systems; however, they release allelochemicals from various parts that affect understory plants. Unfortunately, information on allelochemicals produced by shade tree bark in cocoa plantation remain scarce. This study investigates the effect of allelochemicals from bark of shade trees on cocoa seedlings growth. The experiment was a 4 × 11 factorial study, and the treatments were four different concentrations from each of the 11 tree species. The treatments were laid out in a completely randomized design with four replicates. Data were collected at 30, 60, 90, 120, and 150 days after treatment applications. The tree species alone and bark extract concentrations alone significantly impacted plant height from 90 to 150 days after application. Albizia ferruginea (Guill. & Perr.) Benth, Celtis mildbraedii Engl., and Triplochiton scleroxylon K. Schum produced the highest cocoa seedling heights. All concentrations also influenced stem diameter of cocoa seedlings. Albizia ferruginea enhanced stem diameter significantly among tree species and the control. Tree species and bark extract concentrations interacted to increase fresh root weights and dry plant biomass. Albizia ferruginea consistently increased dry plant biomass, while C. mildbraedii produced the highest enhancement for fresh roots. All concentrations enhanced plant biomass, with the 75 mg mL−1 concentration consistently producing the highest plant fresh and dry weights. Albizia ferruginea and C. mildbraedii can be potential tree species in the cocoa agroforestry when 2‐month‐old cocoa seedlings are to be transplanted on the field. Bark extract of 75 mg mL−1 concentration can be used as a growth stimulant on cocoa seedlings.
3D Printed Swordfish‐Like Wireless Millirobot
Authors: Ou Xingcheng , Sheng Yu , Huang Jiaqi , Huang Dantong , Li Xiaohong , Bi Ran , Chen Guoliang , Hu Weijie , Guo Shuang‐Zhuang
Published: July 2024

Inspired by the efficient swimming capabilities of swordfish, a novel wireless soft swordfish‐like robot with programmable magnetization has been developed, integrating direct‐ink‐writing (DIW) 3D printing and assembly technology. This 20 mm long robot features a streamlined form and magnetically programmable movements, enabling biomimetic locomotion patterns such as straight‐line swimming and turning swimming. The robot includes a silicone‐based torso (body, abdomen, and pectoral fin) and a crescent‐shaped tail fin made from a magnetically programmable polymer embedded with neodymium‐iron‐boron (NdFeB) particles. The tail fin, fabricated by multi‐material alternating printing to achieve a gradient magnetism distribution, is controlled by an external magnetic field to mimic the rapid oscillation of a swordfish's tail, achieving a swimming speed of 0.51 BL/ s. The tail fin's asymmetric oscillation amplitudes, adjusted by magnetic field control, allow the robot to transition seamlessly from high‐speed straight swimming to agile turning. The robot can perform tracking swimming along specific planned paths, such as “C” and “Z” shaped trajectories. Potential applications include environmental monitoring and targeted drug release. The multi‐material 3D printing technology enhances the robot's efficiency and sensitivity in simulating natural biological movements, extending to the design and development of various flexible devices and soft robots.
Are SCN2A‐related BFNISs also responsible for seizures in adulthood? A case report opens new scenarios
Authors: Brunetti Sara , Muda Alice , Conti Chiara , Gazzina Stefano , Accorsi Patrizia , Giordano Lucio
Published: July 2024

Large cohort studies and variant‐specific electrophysiology have enabled the delineation of different SCN2A‐epilepsy phenotypes, phenotype–genotype correlations, prediction of pharmacosensitivity to sodium channel blockers, and long‐term prognostication for clinicians and families. One of the most common clinical presentations of SCN2A pathological variants is benign familial neonatal‐infantile seizures (BFNIS), which are characterized by seizure onset between the first day of life and 23 months of age and typically resolve, either spontaneously or with the aid of sodium channel blockers, within the first 2 years of life. In 2004, Berkovic et al. reported the case of a young boy affected by SCN2A‐related BFNIS whose mother, who carried the same pathological variant, had also presented with BFNIS in infancy. Our case report focuses on the aforementioned woman who, more than 40 years later, presented two additional seizures, therefore opening the possibility of a role for SCN2A‐related seizures in adulthood.