bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Radiopharmaceutical Biodistribution and Dosimetry
Authors: Kumar Gupta Santosh , Rangarajan Venkatesh
Published: May 2022

Nuclear medicine is a medical specialty, where diagnostic and or therapeutic radioisotopes are used to study the physiology of organs and the metabolism of various types of tumors. Pharmaceuticals labeled with radionuclides (radiopharmaceuticals) are studied at pre-clinical level before being used in humans. Animals (Rodents) are generally used to study the biokinetics of tracer in a group of predefined organs. The extrapolation of the results of these studies from animals to humans provides an estimate of the behavior of the radiopharmaceuticals and the irradiation delivered clinically. Nuclear Medicine is fundamentally based on Radiopharmaceuticals whose biodistribution in disease and healthy organ result in either images that are diagnostically useful or local irradiation of tissue that is therapeutically beneficial for treatment of tumors. In result, in most procedures the biodistribution is primarily dependent on clearance of the radiopharmaceuticals from the blood into organs, tissues or lesions. Radiation is harmful for living beings and hence radiation toxicity is required to assess for new radiopharmaceutical which can be calculated by following the methodology of Internal dose calculation. Basic principle of Internal dosimetry and calculation methodology are explained in this chapter.
Stability Analysis of Circular Tunnels in Cohesive-Frictional Soil Using the Node-Based Smoothed Finite Element Method (NS-FEM)
Authors: Vo-Minh Thien
Published: May 2022

In this chapter, the stability of a circular tunnel and dual circular tunnels in cohesive-frictional soils subjected to surcharge loading is investigated by using the node-based smoothed finite element method (NS-FEM). In the NS-FEM, the smoothing strain is calculated over smoothing domains associated with the elements’ nodes. The soil is assumed as a uniform Mohr-Coulomb material, and it obeys an associated flow rule. By using the second-order cone programming (SOCP) for solving the optimization problems, the ultimate load and failure mechanisms of the circular tunnel are considered. This chapter discusses the influence of the soil weight γD/c, the tunnel diameter ratio to its depth H/D, the vertical and horizontal spacing ratio (L/D, S/D) of two tunnels and soil internal friction angle ϕ on the stability numbers σs/c are calculated. The stability numbers obtained from the present approach are compared with the available literature for tunnels.
Facilitators of and Barriers to Adherence to Dietary Interventions Perceived by Women With Multiple Sclerosis and Their Support Persons
Authors: Dean Cassidy , Parks Samantha , Titcomb Tyler J. , Arthofer Andrea , Meirick Paul , Grogan Nicole , Ehlinger Mary A. , Bisht Babita , Fox Sara Shuger , Daack-Hirsch Sandra , Snetselaar Linda G. , Wahls Terry L.
Published: May 2022

BACKGROUND

People with multiple sclerosis (MS) frequently report implementing dietary strategies as part of their personal wellness programs; however, little is known about the perceived themes of healthy behavior change in people with MS.

METHODS

Semistructured one-on-one interviews were conducted with 20 women with MS enrolled in 2 different restrictive dietary intervention studies and their 18 self-identified support persons consisting of partners and adult children. Interviews were transcribed, coded, categorized, and then grouped into summative themes. The frequency of issues being mentioned as facilitators of or barriers to diet adherence was evaluated to identify possible differences in perceived experiences between women with MS and their support persons during the studies.

RESULTS

Five qualitative themes were identified: (1) personal motivation, (2) diet components, (3) time, (4) support, and (5) resource access. Major facilitators of dietary adherence were positive support from support persons and study staff, access to resources, symptom improvement, and personal motivation. Major barriers included the novelty of the study diet, lack of cooking skills, no change in or worsening of symptoms, lack of diet knowledge, and food preferences and temptations. Symptom severity was more frequently reported as a barrier to study diet adherence among participants with secondary progressive MS.

CONCLUSIONS

Methods to enhance personal motivation and ensure positive support from support persons and study staff may improve study diet adherence. Due to the unique challenges faced by people with MS, future studies should tailor interventions to their unique MS cohort to increase diet adherence.
Analytical model for scattering effect of energetic charged-particle beam in radiography of steep density gradient region
Authors: Li Liang-Liang , Wang Xiao-Fang ,   School of Physical Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
Published: May 2022

Energetic charged-particle beams produced from ultrashort ultra-intense laser plasma interactions play a vital role in charged-particle radiography. When such an energetic beam penetrates through a foil target, its energy loss is negligible, and the main physics process is small-angle scattering. Owing to this scattering effect, charged-particle radiography of a target with a transversely distributed steep density gradient region will produce a modulation structure in the fluence distribution on the detection plane, which could be used to diagnose the steep density gradient region. In the past, the theoretical work on the scattering effect and the resulting modulation structure was done with Monte-Carlo simulations, which cost a lot of computing time and the studied parameter range was limited. In the present work, an analytical model is developed to deal with the scattering effect inside the target and the modulation structure on the detection plane in radiography, which can quickly present the results that coincide with Monte-Carlo simulations very well. By using this analytical model, the characteristics of modulation structures are analyzed. A dimensionless characteristic parameter related to radiography conditions is put forward, and its range determines different modulation structures and also the probability of diagnosing a steep density gradient region with a width \begin{document}$\lesssim $\end{document} 2 μm.
Hybridization alters the shape of the genotypic fitness landscape, increasing access to novel fitness peaks during adaptive radiation
Authors: Patton Austin H , Richards Emilie J , Gould Katelyn J , Buie Logan K , Martin Christopher H
Published: May 2022

Estimating the complex relationship between fitness and genotype or phenotype (i.e. the adaptive landscape) is one of the central goals of evolutionary biology. However, adaptive walks connecting genotypes to organismal fitness, speciation, and novel ecological niches are still poorly understood and processes for surmounting fitness valleys remain controversial. One outstanding system for addressing these connections is a recent adaptive radiation of ecologically and morphologically novel pupfishes (a generalist, molluscivore, and scale-eater) endemic to San Salvador Island, Bahamas. We leveraged whole-genome sequencing of 139 hybrids from two independent field fitness experiments to identify the genomic basis of fitness, estimate genotypic fitness networks, and measure the accessibility of adaptive walks on the fitness landscape. We identified 132 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that were significantly associated with fitness in field enclosures. Six out of the 13 regions most strongly associated with fitness contained differentially expressed genes and fixed SNPs between trophic specialists; one gene (mettl21e) was also misexpressed in lab-reared hybrids, suggesting a potential intrinsic genetic incompatibility. We then constructed genotypic fitness networks from adaptive alleles and show that scale-eating specialists are the most isolated of the three species on these networks. Intriguingly, introgressed and de novo variants reduced fitness landscape ruggedness as compared to standing variation, increasing the accessibility of genotypic fitness paths from generalist to specialists. Our results suggest that adaptive introgression and de novo mutations alter the shape of the fitness landscape, providing key connections in adaptive walks circumventing fitness valleys and triggering the evolution of novelty during adaptive radiation.
Toward the cellular-scale simulation of motor-driven cytoskeletal assemblies
Authors: Yan Wen , Ansari Saad , Lamson Adam , Glaser Matthew A , Blackwell Robert , Betterton Meredith D , Shelley Michael
Published: May 2022

The cytoskeleton – a collection of polymeric filaments, molecular motors, and crosslinkers – is a foundational example of active matter, and in the cell assembles into organelles that guide basic biological functions. Simulation of cytoskeletal assemblies is an important tool for modeling cellular processes and understanding their surprising material properties. Here, we present aLENS (a Living Ensemble Simulator), a novel computational framework designed to surmount the limits of conventional simulation methods. We model molecular motors with crosslinking kinetics that adhere to a thermodynamic energy landscape, and integrate the system dynamics while efficiently and stably enforcing hard-body repulsion between filaments. Molecular potentials are entirely avoided in imposing steric constraints. Utilizing parallel computing, we simulate tens to hundreds of thousands of cytoskeletal filaments and crosslinking motors, recapitulating emergent phenomena such as bundle formation and buckling. This simulation framework can help elucidate how motor type, thermal fluctuations, internal stresses, and confinement determine the evolution of cytoskeletal active matter.
Trajectory patterns and factors influencing perinatal fatigue among Chinese women from late pregnancy to 6 months after delivery
Authors: Zhu Xiaoxiao , Xia Haiou
Published: May 2022

Background

Perinatal fatigue among women is related to the clinical outcomes of mothers and infants. Perinatal fatigue changes over time, and the trajectory varies according to the predictors and outcomes of the mothers. This, however, has not been documented in any study.

Objectives

This study aimed to identify and characterize the trajectory patterns of perinatal fatigue among women from late pregnancy to 6 months after delivery.

Methods

We used growth mixture modeling to estimate the trajectory of perinatal fatigue at 28 gestational weeks (T0), 37 gestational weeks (T1), 3 days (T2), 1 week (T3), 6 weeks (T4), and 6 months (T5) after delivery with (n = 1,030). The Mann-Whitney U test and binary logistic regression were used to tie the selected trajectory classes to predictors and outcomes.

Results

There were two distinct patterns of perinatal fatigue in women: “persistently high” (11.1%, n = 114) and “persistently low” (88.9%, n = 916). Levels of perinatal fatigue among women in the “persistently high” group were higher than those in the “persistently low” group across the six measurements. Complications, fatigue at T0, and employment status in late pregnancy were all significant predictors of trajectories. Additionally, the “persistently high” group had a greater prevalence of difficult baby care and weight retention and a lower prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding.

Conclusions

Our study proved the heterogeneity and characteristics of perinatal fatigue among women. Future research should concentrate on developing intervention packages targeted at specific individuals in order to alleviate perinatal fatigue in women.
Impact of Social Media on Student’s Academic Preparation of the Government Business College in Bhutan: The Students’ Insight
Authors: Sharma Dhanapati , Lhamo Sonam , Wangmo Sangay , Choden Sangay , Mongar Sher Bdr , Selden Meto
Published: May 2022

Aim: This study was carried out to explore the impact of social media from the students’ perspective.

Methodology: 318 quantitative-based questionnaires were distributed to the first-year students, second-year students, and final-year students of Gedu College of Business Studies, the only government business college in Bhutan. The students were asked to rate on the Likert scale to determine how social media assisted them in academic preparations. The students also rated the challenges faced while using social media and for what other purposes social media was used besides academic preparation. Descriptive statistics was used to draw results.

Results: The study found out that there was a positive impact of social media on students. It was mainly used to hold discussions with peers for exam preparations, research purposes, interaction with teachers, and solving academic problems. Students also used social media as a platform for socialization and entertainment purposes. Despite the positive effects of social media, students also faced some restrictions to access social media. Thus, the use of social media assisted the students in their academic preparation.

Conclusion: The study revealed that the use of social media helps student in their academic preparation providing the facility to communicate and converse with their friends and teachers to prepare for exams and enhancing collaborative learning.
Hysteresis modulation‐based sliding mode load frequency controller for multi‐area power system
Authors: Mahendran Mahesh Veluchamy , Vijayan Velappan
Published: May 2022

Recently the raise in interconnection of the power system leads to vigorous change of power flow, as well as load in tie‐line. Hence, there is a need of robust control in both tie‐line power flows and systems frequency. This research work aims to design a dual‐mode switch controller‐based load frequency control in multi‐area interconnected power system (MAIPS). In this, the incremental control action's influence is taken along with the constraints of the system dynamic such as Governor with Dead Band, Capacitive Energy Storage, and Generation Rate Constraint. This work on the proposed controller of the multisource‐MAIPS (MS‐MAIPS) is operated on the basis of dual mode switching function. For this purpose, a threshold value is evolved. The control on MPC and optimized hysteresis modulation based sliding mode control (HMSMC) is varied according to this switching function. For attaining the fascinating performance, the optimal tuning of switch threshold and the gain of HMSMC controller is exploited by a new Self‐Adaptive Sea Lion algorithm. To the end, variation of control parameters like , , , as well as for reducing unwanted variances in power flows among control areas is used to verify the effectiveness of the implemented scheme.
Evaluation of Entropy‐Stabilized (Mg0.2Co0.2Ni0.2Cu0.2Zn0.2)O Oxides Produced via Solvothermal Method or Electrospinning as Anodes in Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Triolo Claudia , Xu Wenlei , Petrovičovà Beatrix , Pinna Nicola , Santangelo Saveria
Published: May 2022

Entropy‐stabilized oxides (ESOs), such as (Mg0.2Co0.2Ni0.2Cu0.2Zn0.2)O, have recently gained significant interest as novel anodes for lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) due to their stable crystal structure and robust lithium‐storage properties. In this work, (Mg0.2Co0.2Ni0.2Cu0.2Zn0.2)O oxides with different morphologies are prepared by electrospinning and solvothermal method and are applied as anode active materials for LIBs. It is found that different morphologies possess different characteristics, namely particle size, particle size range, and defect density, which have a significant effect on the electrochemical behavior. The most active (Mg, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn) ESO shows outstanding electrochemical properties in terms of high reversible capacity (480 mAh g–1 at 20 mA g–1), superior rate capability (206 mAh g–1 at 2 A g–1), and excellent cycling stability (390 mAh g–1 at 500 mA g–1 after 300 cycles). The strategy demonstrates the importance of engineering microstructures in tailoring the electrochemical performance.
Scalable Manufacturing of Liquid Metal Circuits
Authors: Ozutemiz Kadri Bugra , Majidi Carmel , Ozdoganlar O Burak
Published: May 2022

Liquid‐metal (LM)‐based soft and stretchable electronics (SSEs) provide unique advantages for wearable computing, soft robotics, and implantable devices applications involving physical interaction with biological tissues and delicate objects. However, the lack of scalable manufacturing techniques prevents their mainstream adoption and commercialization. This paper introduces a scalable and reproducible manufacturing technique for wafer‐level fabrication of LM‐based SSEs, including LM‐only devices and hybrid circuits with LM and solid‐state microelectronics. The approach combines selective metal‐alloy wetting (SMAW) and controlled dip‐coating of eutectic gallium‐indium (EGaIn). The alloying of EGaIn and metal enables depositing EGaIn selectively onto the circuit layout defined by lithographically patterned copper traces on elastomer‐coated wafers. An automated, wafer‐level dip‐coating (DC) approach is developed to enable controllable and reproducible deposition of EGaIn. Wafer‐level simultaneous fabrication of many LM capacitors is demonstrated, and their geometric and electrical reproducibility is evaluated. The results indicate that the SMAW‐DC process can fabricate LM circuits reproducibly and rapidly. Hybrid SSEs are demonstrated by fabricating multiple wearable patches of ultra‐high frequency circuits with an LM dipole antenna, an LM strain gauge, and a solid‐state temperature sensor. Importantly, the presented technique can be integrated into the standard microfabrication flow for microelectronics, ensuring a high level of scalability.
Donor–Acceptor–Donor “Hot Exciton” Triads for High Reverse Intersystem Crossing in OLEDs
Authors: Zhu Yanan , Vela Sergi , Meng Hong , Corminboeuf Clémence , Fumanal Maria
Published: May 2022

Hot exciton materials have the potential to improve the quantum efficiency of organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) by promoting high reversed intersystem crossing (hRISC) between a high‐lying triplet (Tn, n ≥ 2) and a radiative singlet (Sm). In recent years, donor–acceptor–donor (D–A–D) molecular systems have shown great promise in its ability to enhance the hRISC process under certain conditions. However, strategies to find appropriate D–A–D combinations beyond trial‐and‐error are still elusive. This work exposes the limited applicability of the current fragment‐based design rules and proposes high‐throughput screening as the optimal route to find candidates that fulfill the energy criteria for hRISC. The strategy consists of first establishing the thresholds for large triplet–triplet splitting and small singlet–triplet gap, then filtering combinations through rate comparison of competitive crossing pathways, and finally confirming hRISC with spin‐orbital coupling evaluation. Based on a dataset of 234 compounds, this protocol identifies 31 candidates with potential for hRISC, 4 of which are reported in the literature. Remarkably, while most of the promising systems show prominent hybridized local and charge transfer character, several candidates do not fulfill this condition, indicating that different routes are possible to design efficient OLED materials.
Ylide‐Functionalized Diisopropyl Phosphine (prYPhos): A Ligand for Selective Suzuki‐Miyaura Couplings of Aryl Chlorides
Authors: Wei Xiao‐Jing , Xue Bingxiang , Handelmann Jens , Hu Zhiyong , Darmandeh Heidar , Gessner Viktoria H. , Gooßen Lukas J.
Published: May 2022

The ylide‐functionalized diisopropyl phosphine (prYPhos) promotes Pd‐catalyzed Suzuki‐Miyaura couplings of aryl chlorides and bromides with arylboronic acids. Using Pd2(dba)3/prYPhos as the catalyst and K2CO3 as the base, various (hetero)biaryls were synthesized in 45–98% yields at mild reaction conditions, tolerating sensitive functional groups and steric hindrance. The electron rich, sterically demanding ligand induces a high selectivity for halides versus triflate. Chloroaryl triflates were selectively coupled at the chloride, leaving inherently more reactive triflate groups in place.

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Hepatocyte Deletion of IGF2 Prevents DNA Damage and Tumor Formation in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Kumar Deepak , Das Manasi , Oberg Alexis , Sahoo Debashis , Wu Panyisha , Sauceda Consuelo , Jih Lily , Ellies Lesley G. , Langiewicz Magda T. , Sen Supriya , Webster Nicholas J. G.
Published: May 2022

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common cancer worldwide. Serine‐arginine rich splicing factor 3 (SRSF3) plays a critical role in hepatocyte function and its loss in mice promotes chronic liver damage and leads to HCC. Hepatocyte‐specific SRSF3 knockout mice (SKO mice) also overexpress insulin‐like growth factor 2 (IGF2). In the present study, double deletion of Igf2 and Srsf3 (DKO mice) prevents hepatic fibrosis and inflammation, and completely prevents tumor formation, and is associated with decreased proliferation, apoptosis and DNA damage, and restored DNA repair enzyme expression. This is confirmed in vitro, where IGF2 treatment of HepG2 hepatoma cells decreases DNA repair enzyme expression and causes DNA damage. Tumors from the SKO mice also show mutational signatures consistent with homologous recombination and mismatch repair defects. Analysis of frozen human samples shows that SRSF3 protein is decreased sixfold in HCC compared to normal liver tissue but SRSF3 mRNA is increased. Looking at public TCGA data, HCC patients having high SRSF3 mRNA expression show poor survival, as do patients with alterations in known SRSF3‐dependent splicing events. The results indicate that IGF2 overexpression in conjunction with reduced SRSF3 splicing activity could be a major cause of DNA damage and driver of liver cancer.
Activation of the Lateral Habenula‐Ventral Tegmental Area Neural Circuit Contributes to Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction in Mice
Authors: Xin Juan , Shan Weiran , Li Jun , Yu Hai , Zuo Zhiyi
Published: May 2022

Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) is common and is associated with poor outcome. Neural circuit involvement in POCD is unknown. Lateral habenula (LHb) that regulates coping and depression‐like behaviors after aversive stimuli is activated by surgery in the previous study. Here, surgery activated LHb and ventral tegmental area (VTA) are presented. VTA is known to receive projections from LHb and project to the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. Direct chemogenetic inhibition of LHb or damaging LHb attenuates surgery‐induced learning and memory impairment, N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA) receptor activation, endoplasmic reticulum stress, inflammatory responses and cell injury in the VTA, and activation of rostromedial tegmental nucleus, an intermediate station to connect LHb with VTA. LHb inhibition preserves dendritic spine density in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. Retrograde inhibition of LHb via its projections to VTA attenuated surgery‐induced learning and memory dysfunction is observed. Retrograde activation of LHb induced learning and memory dysfunction is observed. Inhibition of NMDA receptors, dopamine synthesis, and endoplasmic reticulum stress in the VTA reduced surgery‐induced learning and memory impairment, inflammatory responses, and cell injury are observed. These results suggest that surgery activates the LHb‐VTA neural circuit, which contributes to POCD and neuropathological changes in the brain. These novel findings represent initial evidence for neural circuit involvement in surgery effects.
From Transistors to Phototransistors by Tailoring the Polymer Stacking
Authors: Cui Shuaiwei , Liang Dongxu , Liu Maning , Vivo Paola , Zheng Meng , Zhuang Tao , Sun Qikun , Yang Wenjun , Zhang Haichang
Published: May 2022

It is universally acknowledged that highly photosensitive transistors are strongly dependent on the high carrier mobility of polymer‐based semiconductors. However, the polymer π–π stacking and aggregation, required to increase the charge mobility, conversely inhibit the dissociation of photogenerated charge carriers, in turn accelerating the geminate recombination of electron‐hole pairs. To explore the effects of charge mobility and polymer stacking on the photoresponsivity of the phototransistors, here, two alternating copolymers are synthesized, namely P‐PPAB‐IDT and P‐PPAB‐BDT, by palladium‐catalyzed Stille coupling of PPAB with indaceodithiophene (IDT) or benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b′]dithiophene‐2,6‐diyl) (BDT) monomers. The polymer P‐PPAB‐IDT demonstrates a nearly 20 times enhancement in the hole mobility compared to P‐PPAB‐BDT. Yet, P‐PPAB‐IDT surprisingly shows no response to white light illumination, whereas P‐PPAB‐BDT exhibits a significant photoresponse to the same light source with a high light‐current/dark‐current (Ilight/Idark) ratio of 21.6 in the p‐type area and a low current ratio of just 5.2 in the n‐type area. It is believed that this work will provide an effective strategy to develop highly photosensitive polymer semiconductors by reducing polymer stacking and aggregation rather than improving the charge carrier mobility.
Spin‐ and Stress‐Depending Electrical Transport in Nanoparticle Supercrystals: Sensing Elastic Properties of Organic Tunnel Barriers via Tunneling Magnetoresistance
Authors: Dreyer Axel , Rempel Thomas , Gottschalk Martin , Zierold Robert , Weimer Agnes , Feld Artur , Schneider Gerold A. , Weller Horst , Hütten Andreas
Published: May 2022

The spin‐dependent electrical transport in rigid inorganic‐inorganic layered systems is extensively applied for the detection of magnetic fields in data storage. In this work, spin‐dependent electrical transport in flexible organic‐inorganic supercrystals based on superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles is investigated. These nanoparticles are stabilized by oleic acid ligands, which in turn are serving as tunneling barriers between individual magnetic nanoparticles. The resulting tunneling magnetoresistance (TMR) is tunable due to the elastic properties of these organic barriers. Applying external mechanical stress on this composite material will change the average distance between adjacent nanoparticles and will hence determine the resulting TMR‐effect amplitude. Thus, measured stress‐induced changes in the barrier thickness at sub‐nanometer scale allow for determining the mechanical properties of organic barrier molecules in the confined space between the particles. These results provide the foundation for a new type of mechanical sensor.
Formation of viscoelastic droplets in a step‐emulsification microdevice
Authors: Liu Xiyang , Jiang Shaokun , Zhu Chunying , Ma Youguang , Fu Taotao
Published: May 2022

In this article, polyethylene oxide glycerin aqueous solution is used as the dispersed phase, and cyclohexane is used as the continuous phase to study the formation mechanism of viscoelastic fluid droplets in a step‐emulsification microdevice. The formation process of viscoelastic droplets mainly includes three stages: two‐dimensional expansion stage, necking stage, and pinch‐off stage. The elasticity has basically no effect on the two‐dimensional expansion stage, but it can delay the process of the necking stage and cause the beading phenomenon of droplets in the pinch‐off stage. The results show that the effect of elasticity on the droplet size is weak, but it cannot be ignored. Moreover, the elasticity will be coupled with the viscous force to reduce the operating range of the dripping regime. Finally, the influence of the elasticity on the formation of satellite droplets is analyzed, and the method to prevent the influence of satellite droplets is proposed.
Convolutional‐Generative Adversarial Network: Data‐Driven Mechanical Inverse Method for Intelligent Tactile Perception
Authors: Li Yiwen , Zhang Jingyi , Yi Jixuan , Zhang Kai
Published: May 2022

Inverse problem method uses the results of observations to infer the model parameters of a given system, which can be used in the area of tactile perception. By integrating tactile perception in robotic systems, reconstructing structural parameters of target object can be achieved. However, with insufficient information, how to evaluate complex structural parameters accurately remains a challenge. A data‐driven method is proposed for the structural perception based on convolutional‐generative adversarial network (CGAN), which can precisely evaluate the structural parameters, notwithstanding missing a large quantity of sampled strains randomly in space domain. The CGAN model has been verified on a reconfigurable structure. Both the numerical calculations and experiments indicate that the structural accuracy rate can reach above 90% in spite of the strain loss ratio being 50%. Through inpainting the observations and discretizing the model parameters, a complete process is proposed to deal with the inverse problem of predicting continuous structure from the incomplete strain, which provides a new solution for applying machine learning method into intelligence tactile robot.
Mentoring in Times of Crisis and Beyond
Authors: Halabi Nabil M. , Milić Jovana V. , Kaafarani Bilal R.
Published: May 2022

During the global crisis triggered by the COVID‐19 pandemic, university programs, meetings, and conferences have moved to virtual settings, with consequent erosion of mentorship opportunities for students and early‐career professionals. This calls for mentorship platforms that are adapted to the new landscape in order to bring about a positive change. Our Viewpoint Article shares the perspective of the Transformative Education program and Mentorship Talks initiative at the American University of Beirut in Lebanon, with the aim of providing insights that could stimulate other mentorship platforms.
Synthesis of Si‐Stereogenic Silanols by Catalytic Asymmetric Hydrolytic Oxidation
Authors: Yuan Wei , Zhu Xujiang , Xu Yankun , He Chuan
Published: May 2022

Despite growing progress in the construction of chiral organosilicon compounds, the catalytic asymmetric synthesis of silicon‐stereogenic silanols is less explored and remains a considerable challenge. Herein, we report the first enantioselective construction of silicon‐stereogenic silanols by the catalytic asymmetric hydrolytic oxidation of dihydrosilanes. This practical procedure features ambient reaction conditions, high atom economy, good functional‐group compatibility, and H2as the only by‐product, and produces a wide range of valuable chiral silanols and bis‐silanols in decent yields with excellent chemo‐ and stereoselectivity.
A Modular Approach for Diversity‐Oriented Synthesis of 1,3‐trans‐Disubstituted Tetrahydroisoquinolines: Seven‐Step Asymmetric Synthesis of Michellamines B and C
Authors: Bai Miao , Jia Shihu , Zhang Jingyang , Cheng Hong‐Gang , Cong Hengjiang , Liu Shanshan , Huang Zhiqian , Huang Yaoguo , Chen Xiaoming , Zhou Qianghui
Published: May 2022

1,3‐trans‐Disubstituted tetrahydroisoquinoline (THIQ) is a common heterocyclic structural unit of naphthylisoquinoline alkaloids. The assembly of this structural unit is not trivial, which constitutes a substantial challenge in the total synthesis of naphthylisoquinoline alkaloids and related pharmaceuticals. Herein, we report a modular and convergent method for the rapid assembly of 1,3‐trans‐disubstituted THIQ frameworks through a three‐component Catellani reaction and a AuI‐catalyzed cyclization/reduction cascade. With widely available simple aryl iodides, aziridines and (triisopropylsilyl)acetylene as the building blocks, this method paves a practical way for the diversity‐oriented synthesis of 1,3‐trans‐disubstituted THIQs. Based on this new method, concise syntheses of an analogue of the new drug mevidalen and four naphthylisoquinoline alkaloids have been accomplished, demonstrating the broad synthetic utility of this approach.
Guest‐Modulated Circularly Polarized Luminescence by Ligand‐to‐Ligand Chirality Transfer in Heteroleptic PdII Coordination Cages
Authors: Wu Kai , Tessarolo Jacopo , Baksi Ananya , Clever Guido H.
Published: May 2022

Multicomponent metallo‐supramolecular assembly allows the rational combination of different building blocks. Discrete multifunctional hosts with an accessible cavity can be prepared in a non‐statistical fashion. We employ our shape‐complementary assembly (SCA) method to achieve for the first time integrative self‐sorting of heteroleptic PdII cages showing guest‐tunable circularly polarized luminescence (CPL). An enantiopure helicene‐based ligand (M or P configuration) is coupled with a non‐chiral emissive fluorenone‐based ligand (A or B) to form a series of Pd2L2L′2 assemblies. The modular strategy allows to impart the chiral information of the helicenes to the overall supramolecular system, resulting in CPL from the non‐chiral component. Guest binding results in a 4‐fold increase of CPL intensity. The principle offers potential to generate libraries of multifunctional materials with applications in molecular recognition, enantioselective photo‐redox catalysis and information processing.
Ancillary ligand effects and microwave‐assisted enhancement on the catalytic performance of cationic ruthenium(II)‐CNC pincer complexes for acceptorless alcohol dehydrogenation
Authors: Yadav Dibya , Singh Rahul Kumar , Misra Shilpi , Singh Amrendra K.
Published: May 2022

The application of cationic Ru(II)‐CNC pincer complexes [Ru(CNC)(CO)(PPh3)Cl]PF6 (1), [Ru(CNC)(PPh3)2Cl]PF6 (2), [Ru(CNC)(η2:η2‐COD)Cl]PF6 (4), and [Ru(CNC)(DMSO)2Cl]PF6 (5) in acceptorless dehydrogenation of alcohols is reported under conventional “oil‐bath” and microwave heating conditions. The effect of different ancillary ligands (CO, PPh3, COD, and DMSO) have been demonstrated during catalysis. Complexes with more π‐acid ligands CO and COD perform better compared with those with PPh3 and DMSO ligands. A plausible mechanism is proposed based on NMR and mass investigation during the catalysis. The catalytic performance matches with the order of trans effect among the four ancillary ligands studied in these complexes. Further, a significant reduction in reaction time, as well as reaction temperature, was observed for catalytic reactions under the microwave‐assisted reaction compared with the oil‐bath heating reaction.
Synthesis and Characterization of Spent Bleaching Clay‐based Geopolymer: An Effort towards Palm Oil Industry Waste Reutilization
Authors: Ying Mak Wei , Azmi Mastura , Ganesan Shangeetha
Published: May 2022

Spent bleaching clay (SBC) is a problematic waste from the palm oil industry with worldwide availability. In this study, geopolymer was synthesized from SBC, a kind of aluminosilicate material with an alkaline activator solution that is made up of sodium hydroxide and sodium silicate. Calcium silicate (CS), which is a by‐product of the silicates removal from wastewater, was also added to the formulation. The geopolymer mixture paste was cured in an oven at 80 °C for 24 h and at room temperature for 7 days. The characterizations were carried out using FTIR spectroscopy, SEM/EDX, TGA, BET, and XRD. The SEM images showed an aggregate of aluminosilicate material is formed with some unreacted particles on the surface of the geopolymer. The TGA results show that the geopolymers decomposed at a higher temperature than SBC, demonstrating its heat resistance properties. The BET results showed the addition of CS formed a denser geopolymer with a total pore volume of 0.0636 cm3/g.
POSS‐based fluorescence sensor for rapid analysis of β‐carotene in health products
Authors: Li Dan , Zhou Peipei , Hu Yufei , Li Gongke , Xia Ling
Published: May 2022

In recent years, fluorescent organic–inorganic hybrid nanomaterials have received much interest as potential fluorescent sensor materials. In this study, fluorescent organic–inorganic hybrid nanomaterials (POSS@ANT) were created using polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane as the precursor and 9,10‐bromoanthracene as the monomer. The morphology and composition of POSS@ANT, as well as its pore characteristics and fluorescence properties were studied. POSS@ANT displayed steady fluorescence emission at an excitation wavelength of 374 nm. Next, a β‐carotene fluorescence sensor was developed using the capacity of β‐carotene to quench the fluorescence of POSS@ANT. The quenching process is linked to acceptor electron transfer and energy transfer, and the sensor has a high selectivity for β‐carotene. This β‐carotene fluorescence analysis method that we established has a linear range of 0.2–4.3 mg/L and a detection limit of 0.081 mg/L. Finally, it was used to quantify β‐carotene in health products, the recovery rate was 91.1–109.9%, the relative standard deviation (RSD) was 2.2–4.3%, and the results were comparable with the results of high‐performance liquid chromatography. The approach is reliable and can be used to determine β‐carotene in health products.
Rearrangement of aniline(H2O)n (n = 0–12) clusters upon photoionization and their excited state properties: Density functional theory and time‐dependent density functional theory study
Authors: Alauddin Mohammad , Roy Madhusudan , Song Jae Kyu , Park Seung Min
Published: May 2022

We have studied H‐bonded structural rearrangement in the S0, S1, and D0 states of neutral and cationic aniline+(H2O)n (n = 0–12) clusters by adopting density functional (DFT) and time‐dependent DFT (TD‐DFT) theory. DFT‐calculated structural rearrangement energies (SRE) increased sharply for n = 1, 2, remained nearly the same until n = 9, and increased again from n = 10 to larger clusters. This indicates that the intramolecular vibrational modes play a central role in the rearrangement energy. On the other hand, DFT‐calculated thermochemical data confirmed that there is no significant change in enthalpy (H), Gibb's free energy (G), and entropy (S) for neutral and ionized clusters. The maximum UV absorption wavelength, λmax red‐shifted gradually with the increase of cluster size with respect to aniline as the hydration reduces the excitation energies. On the other hand, there was no significant change in the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO)‐lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) energy gap.
A resilience approach to corporate biodiversity impact measurement
Authors: Kennedy Steve , Fuchs Martin , van Ingen Wouter , Schoenmaker Dirk
Published: May 2022

Measuring biodiversity impact is attracting corporate attention as firms face increasing scrutiny over the ongoing sixth mass extinction of animals. Extant approaches to measurement are relatively nascent and do not directly address the dynamic complexity that can cause abrupt ecosystem change. Measurement approaches largely overlook when transformational change may occur and how changes to biodiversity may influence its likelihood. We posit that corporate biodiversity impact measurement can be advanced by incorporating resilience thinking from the natural sciences. Resilience thinking can refocus measurement on how biodiversity contributes to an ecosystem's capacity to adapt to disturbances and avoid sudden, transformative change. We propose a set of seven key mechanisms that can inform measurement development across three biodiversity attributes: abundance, composition and distribution. To conclude, we discuss opportunities for accounting researchers to advance corporate biodiversity measurement approaches connected to ecosystem resilience.
Institutional pressures for corporate biodiversity management practices in the plantation sector: Evidence from the tea industry in Sri Lanka
Authors: Atupola Upekha , Gunarathne Nuwan
Published: May 2022

Plantation companies face growing regulatory and stakeholder pressures to conserve biodiversity in their business operations. However, their responses to these institutional pressures remain largely unexplored, particularly in sectors such as tea. This study aims to identify the institutional factors influencing corporate biodiversity management in Sri Lankan tea plantation companies and how such influences are translated into organizational practices. The data gathered using multiple sources, including interviews, field visits and document analysis, were analysed using institutional theory. The study reveals that regulatory influence and certification standards have significantly shaped biodiversity management practices, leading to structural‐ and field‐level changes within tea plantation companies. The tea companies' conservation initiatives have been institutionalized with homogeneous characteristics at the managerial level. However, in the actual practice, institutional pressures have been translated into many heterogeneous practices at the field‐level due to the numerous ways in which ideas disembed, travel and reembed across different organizational levels and are implemented by operational staff in a variety of ways.
Race‐specific prostate cancer outcomes in a cohort of low and favorable‐intermediate risk patients who underwent external beam radiation therapy from 1990 to 2017
Authors: Stroup Sean P. , Robertson Audry H. , Onofaro Kayla C. , Santomauro Michael G. , Rocco Nicholas R. , Kuo Huai‐ching , Chaurasia Avinash R. , Streicher Samantha , Nousome Darryl , Brand Timothy C. , Musser John E. , Porter Christopher R. , Rosner Inger L. , Chesnut Gregory T. , D'Amico Anthony , Lu‐Yao Grace , Cullen Jennifer
Published: May 2022

Background

Previous research exploring the role of race on prostate cancer (PCa) outcomes has demonstrated greater rates of disease progression and poorer overall survival for African American (AA) compared to Caucasian American (CA) men. The current study examines self‐reported race as a predictor of long‐term PCa outcomes in patients with low and favorable‐intermediate risk disease treated with external beam radiation therapy (EBRT).

Methods

This retrospective cohort study examined patients who were consented to enrollment in the Center for Prostate Disease Research Multicenter National Database between January 01, 1990 and December 31, 2017. Men self‐reporting as AA or CA who underwent EBRT for newly diagnosed National Comprehensive Cancer Network‐defined low or favorable‐intermediate risk PCa were included. Dependent study outcomes included: biochemical recurrence‐free survival, (ii) distant metastasis‐free survival, and (iii) overall survival. Each outcome was modeled as a time‐to‐event endpoint using race‐stratified Kaplan–Meier estimation curves and multivariable Cox proportional hazards analysis.

Results

Of 840 men included in this study, 268 (32%) were AA and 572 (68%) were CA. The frequency of biochemical recurrence, distant metastasis, and deaths from any cause was 151 (18.7%), 29 (3.5%), and 333 (39.6%), respectively. AA men had a significantly younger median age at time of EBRT and slightly higher biopsy Gleason scores. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards analyses demonstrated no racial differences in any of the study endpoints.

Conclusions

These findings reveal no racial disparity in PCa outcomes for AA compared to CA men, in a long‐standing, longitudinal cohort of patients with comparable access to cancer care.
‘The Golden Question’. Addressing supervisee self‐care in clinical supervision
Authors: Seabrook Michelle
Published: May 2022

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to explore how supervisee self‐care is, or is not, addressed in the clinical supervision of counsellors and psychotherapists. The aims of the study were as follows: (1) to analyse the process and dialogue used to address supervisee self‐care in clinical supervision; (2) to explore supervisee and supervisor experiences and understanding of how self‐care is addressed in clinical supervision; and (3) to investigate how addressing supervisee self‐care can be enhanced or maintained and how this can be implemented into training and practice.

Method

Four established supervision dyads with experienced practitioners took part. Twelve supervision sessions were analysed using a discursive psychology approach to discourse analysis. Participants were then interviewed; the data were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis.

Results

The findings from the discourse analysis demonstrate how discourse can enhance or limit addressing self‐care. The findings from the analysis of the supervisor interviews resulted in the following superordinate themes: ‘I am here’, ‘Where are you?’ and ‘We're the instruments’. The findings from the supervisee interviews resulted in two superordinate themes: ‘Me, myself and I' and ‘You and I'.

Conclusions

There is an interplay between the experience of the supervisor and supervisee and the dialogue used to address self‐care in clinical supervision. The implications for practice and training are discussed via ‘The Golden Question’ that encapsulates the findings.
Safety and efficacy of transcatheter mitral valve repair in patients with COPD; results from real‐world cohort
Authors: Alachkar Mhd Nawar , Müller Tobias , Alnaimi Anas , Milzi Andrea , Kneizeh Kinan , Altiok Ertunc , Schröder Jörg , Reith Sebastian , Marx Nikolaus , Dreher Michael , Almalla Mohammad , Daher Ayham
Published: May 2022

Objective

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of transcatheter mitral valve repair (TMVR) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Background

Heart failure and COPD share many clinical features and commonly coexist. Data about the safety and efficacy of TMVR in patients with COPD is not conclusive.

Methods

Three hundred and forty consecutive patients undergoing TMVR were retrospectively included. COPD diagnosis was based on pulmonary function tests (PFTs). Intra‐hospital, 30‐day‐ and 1‐year outcomes were compared between both groups.

Results

Eighty‐two patients had COPD (24%). There was no difference in intra‐hospital mortality between patients with and without COPD (both 5%, p = 0.95). Among patients who had a successful procedure and survived to discharge there was a trend toward more rehospitalization due to decompensated heart failure at 30‐day follow‐up in patients with COPD (12.9% vs. 6.8%, p = 0.08) with no difference in mortality. At median follow‐up of 1 year, New York heart association (NYHA) category was comparable among both groups and there was no significant difference in rehospitalization (COPD: 29.9% vs. non‐COPD: 34%, p = 0.5). There was a trend toward increased 1‐year mortality in COPD patients (31.2% vs. 20.6%, p = 0.06). However, a composite endpoint of rehospitalization or death at 1 year did not differ between both groups (48% vs. 42.5%, p = 0.4). Regression analysis showed no correlation between COPD severity and worse TMVR outcomes.

Conclusions

COPD is highly prevalent among patients undergoing TMVR. However, TMVR seems to be safe and effective in COPD patients. COPD severity and PFT impairment alone should not be considered as a contraindication for TMVR.
Facile and Scalable Fabrication of Sub‐Micro MnS@Nitrogen‐Sulfur‐Codoped‐Carbon Composites for High‐Performance Lithium‐Ion Half and Full‐Cell Batteries
Authors: Miao Rongrong , Xie Songheng , Lin Xiang , Zhang Tao , Song Jingang , Huang Xiangxuan
Published: May 2022

Nanostructured manganese sulfide (MnS) has been verified to be effective to address the issues of MnS as next‐generation anode material in high energy lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). The scale‐up fabrication, however, is still challenged by the multistep and rigid processes of synthesizing MnS nanoparticles. Herein, by using micro‐sized MnS as low‐cost MnS source, we present a facile, cost‐effective and scalable strategy to prepare a sub‐micrometer sized MnS@NSC composite, in which MnS nanoparticles are encapsulated into N,S‐codoped carbon matrix (NSC) deriving from polyacrylonitrile (PAN). The NSC matrix combined with homogeneously distributed MnS nanoparticles crushed from micro‐MnS provide fast access of lithium ion/electron and robust structure, leading to remarkable cycling stability (551.6 mAh g−1 at 0.5 A g−1 even after 400 cycles) and desirable rate capability (624 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1 and around 300 mAh g−1 at 2 A g−1). Particularly, the assembled LIB full cell by coupling the anode with LiFePO4 (LFP) cathode presents an encouragingly cycling retention of 96 % after 100 cycles. This work provides a new possibility for design and industrial implementation of MnS as advanced anode materials for LIBs.