bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation of Zirconium Disulphide Quantum Dots for Supercapacitor Applications
Authors: Gokulsaswath V. , Suganya G. , Monika S. , Kalpana G.
Published: September 2023

The Transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) attract more interest because of their layered structure and high surface‐volume ratio. Most works are based on 3D and 2D, there is scarce research on its reduced dimensionality. In this study, Zirconium disulfide (ZrS2) (where M = Zr, X = S) Quantum Dots (QDs) are synthesized by Top‐down Chemical Bath Deposition (CBD) method, and the physical properties of the sample are characterized by the X‐ray powder diffraction method (XRD) for phase identification, Scanning electron microscope (SEM) with Energy Dispersive X‐ray Spectroscopy (EDS) for morphology and composition. Synthesized ZrS2 QDs are found to belong to the Trigonal lattice system with a crystalline size 0.58 nm. The Electrochemical performance of the synthesized ZrS2 QDs is studied with the fabricated electrode from Cyclic Voltammetry (CV), Galvanostatic charge and discharge (GCD)/Chronopotentiometry (CP), and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) studies. The specific capacitance (Csp), energy density (Ed), and power density (Pd) are calculated with the help of a three‐electrode system. From the CV and GCD/CP, the fabricated electrode material is found to exhibit Faradaic behavior. The synthesized ZrS2 QDs are found to emerge as suitable candidates for electrochemical energy storage applications.
FPGA‐SoC implementation of an ICA‐based background subtraction method
Authors: Carrizosa‐Corral Fernando , Vázquez‐Cervantes Alberto , Montes Josué‐Rafael , Hernández‐Díaz Teresa , Solano Vargas Julio César , Barriga‐Rodríguez Leonardo , Soto‐Cajiga J.A. , Jiménez‐Hernández Hugo
Published: September 2023

This paper presents the development and implementation of an independent component analysis (ICA)–based background subtraction method on a field programmable gate array (FPGA) system on a chip (SoC) with embedded processor. The use of the classic form of ICA for this purpose results in a complex implementation with high hardware resource usage for an embedded system. Therefore, an alternative version of FastICA was developed that adapts directly to the parallelism offered by the FPGA. In addition, the incorporation of this version of ICA into the motion‐detection method exploits the architecture of the FPGA‐SoC with embedded processor. This recent technology complements the parallelism of the FPGA with the general‐purpose computing capacity of the processors while maintaining low energy consumption and a compact size. The above features are appropriate for autonomous devices that handle mainly background subtraction, while a central device receives this information and performs the remaining tasks required for the application. The use of processors allows a faster implementation and integration of the device into other systems in a simple manner, while the parallelism of the FPGA increases the processing speed by accelerating intensive numeric calculations. The results obtained from the implementation that uses both FPGA and the embedded processor of the SoC show an increase of 3300% in the number of frames per second compared with an implementation that uses only the embedded processor.
Diverging role of epicardial adipose tissue across the entire heart failure spectrum
Authors: Rossi Valentina A. , Nebunu Delia , Haider Thomas , Laptseva Natallia , Naegele Matthias P. , Ruschitzka Frank , Sudano Isabella , Flammer Andreas J.
Published: September 2023

Aims

Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) is a metabolically highly active tissue modulating numerous pathophysiological processes. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between EAT thickness and endothelial function in patients with heart failure (HF) across the entire ejection fraction spectrum.

Methods and results

A total of 258 patients with HF with an ejection fraction across the entire spectrum [HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), n = 168, age 60.6 ± 11.2 years; HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), n = 50, mean age 65.1 ± 11.9 years; HF with mildly reduced ejection fraction (HFmrEF), n = 32, mean age 65 ± 12] were included. EAT was measured with transthoracic echocardiography. Vascular function was assessed with flicker‐light‐induced vasodilation of retinal arterioles (FIDart%) and flow‐mediated dilatation (FMD%) in conduit arteries. Patients with HFrEF have less EAT compared with patients with HFpEF (4.2 ± 2 vs. 5.3 ± 2 mm, respectively, P < 0.001). Interestingly, EAT was significantly associated with impaired microvascular function (FIDart%; r = −0.213, P = 0.012) and FMD% (r = −0.186, P = 0.022), even after multivariate correction for confounding factors (age, body mass index, hypertension, and diabetes; standardized regression coefficient (SRC) = −0.184, P = 0.049 for FIDart% and SRC = −0.178, P = 0.043 for FMD%) in HFrEF but not in HFpEF.

Conclusions

Although less EAT is present in HFrEF than in HFpEF, only in HFrEF EAT is associated with vascular dysfunction. The diverging role of EAT in HF and its switch to a functionally deleterious tissue promoting HF progression provide the rationale to specifically target EAT, in particular in patients with reduced ejection fraction.
Comparative studies on the lipid profiles of female and male gonads of abalone (Haliotis discus hannai)
Authors: Wang Qian , Liu Yan‐Fei , Liu Fu‐Jun , Niu Wei‐Yuan , Wang Si‐Ya , Wang Xin‐Miao , Yu Jing‐Han , Cai Dong , Zhou Da‐Yong , Yin Fa‐Wen
Published: September 2023

Lipid profiles of the lipids from female gonads (LFG) and male gonads (LMG) of abalones (Haliotis discus hannai) were evaluated based on the analysis of phospholipid (PL) molecular species, PL class composition, fatty acid (FA) composition, and lipid class composition. These results suggested that lipids from abalone gonads were abundant in omega‐3 polyunsaturated FA (n − 3 PUFA, 14.42%–18.27% of total FAs) and PLs including phosphatidylcholine (PC, 21.26–47.85 mg g−1) and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE, 9.29–24.10 mg g−1). Furthermore, more than 60 molecular species of PC and PE were determined. Particularly, the molecular species containing n − 3 PUFA including eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) constituted majority of PC and PE in LFG and LMG. By contrast, LFG contained more PC and PE species containing EPA. Considering the lipid profiles, abalone gonads are a potential source of PL‐form n − 3 PUFA.
Non‐invasive detection of Crohn's Disease with label‐free detection of calprotectin by impedimetric aptasensor
Authors: Aslan Çiğdem Gözde , Ertugrul Uygun Hilmiye Deniz , Uygun Zihni Onur , Ünal Nalan Gülşen , Akcay Yasemin
Published: September 2023

Crohn's disease, a chronic inflammatory disorder affecting the gastrointestinal tract, is on the rise, posing significant health challenges due to its potential long‐term impact on intestinal health. Early and accurate detection of this disease is crucial for effective treatment. This study introduces an innovative approach to diagnosing Crohn's disease by utilizing a rapid and precise biosensor system as an alternative to conventional detection techniques. Utilization of an S100 A8 targeting aptamer for the specific identification of calprotectin, a well‐established biomarker associated with Crohn's disease was used as a biorecognition receptor. The aptamer is immobilized on gold nanoparticles via cysteamine and avidin to construct a biosensor. The biosensor was compared with traditional quantitative lateral‐flow tests (QLFA). The developed biosensor demonstrates that detection in 900 seconds. Performance parameters, including a limit of detection (LOD) as 5.57 μg/g and a limit of quantification (LOQ) as 16.89 μg/g, are determined through electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Accordingly, the calibration curve equation was calculated as y=3.9736x + 1570.4 and the regression coefficient was found as R2=0.9917. These results showed that biosensor‘s capability to reliably measure calprotectin levels in real samples.
Evaluation of Potential Effects of Increased Outdoor Temperatures Due to Global Warming on Cerebral Blood Flow Rate and Respiratory Function in Chronic Obstructive Disease and Anemia
Authors: Bozkurt Surhan , Bozkurt Selim
Published: September 2023

Global warming due to increased outdoor carbon dioxide (CO2) levels may cause several health problems such as headaches, cognitive impairment, or kidney dysfunction. It is predicted that further increases in CO2 levels will increase the morbidity and mortality of patients affected by a variety of diseases. For instance, patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) may suffer cognitive impairments or intracranial bleeding due to an increased cerebral blood flow rate. Predicting the harmful effects of global warming on human health will help to take measures for potential problems. Therefore, the quantification of physiological parameters is an essential step to investigate the effects of global warming on human health. In this study, the effects of increased outdoor temperatures due to climate change on cerebral blood flow rate and respiratory function in healthy subjects and COPD patients with anemia and respiratory acidosis are evaluated utilizing numerical simulations. The numerical model simulates cardiac function and blood circulation in systemic, pulmonary and cerebral circulations, cerebral autoregulatory functions, respiratory function, alveolar gas exchange, oxygen (O2) and CO2 contents, and hemoglobin levels in the blood. The simulation results show that although the cardiovascular function is not significantly altered, the respiratory function and cerebral blood flow rates are altered remarkably.
Boosting attachment security promotes prosociality: The mediating effect of moral disengagement
Authors: Wang Beiyi , Peng Xinyuan , Jiang Mengjie , Zhang Jianxin , Wu Lili
Published: September 2023

While attachment security is known to promote prosocial behaviour, a closer examination is needed to clarify the active mechanism in this relationship. We addressed this issue by examining the mediation effect of moral disengagement in two studies. Participants were assigned to the control priming group or the attachment security priming group. After the priming procedure, they completed the measurements of a sense of security, moral disengagement and prosocial behaviour. The results from both studies showed that compared with control priming, attachment security priming enhanced prosociality. Furthermore, mediation analysis showed that moral disengagement mediated the relationship between attachment security and prosociality. The present findings extend the understanding of the underlying mechanisms of attachment security and prosociality, and provide insights into the effectiveness of boosting attachment security in intervening in moral disengagement.
Clinical utility of six serum tumor markers for the diagnosis of lung cancer
Authors: Yang Yongchang , Chang Shuai , Wang Na , Song Pengfei , Wei Haijing , Liu Jie
Published: September 2023

Background

With the increasing prevalence of lung cancer, it has become imperative to identify reliable biomarkers that can aid in early detection and prognosis assessment. Therefore, we sought to investigate the potential utility of six serum tumor markers as diagnostic and prognostic tools for lung cancer patients. By analyzing a large cohort of patients with different stages and subtypes of lung cancer, we hoped to shed light on the predictive value and accuracy of each marker individually, as well as their combined performance. This study should not only provide valuable insights into the biology and pathogenesis of lung cancer but also pave the way for personalized treatment strategies based on individual patient profiles.

Methods

The serum levels of the tumor markers progastrin‐releasing peptide (ProGRP), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), neuron‐specific enolase (NSE), cytokeratin 19 fragment (CYFRA21‐1), carbohydrate antigen 19‐9 (CA19‐9) and squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCCA) were meticulously assessed in a cohort comprising 324 individuals diagnosed with lung cancer and an additional 51 patients with benign lung disease. The measurements were conducted using cutting‐edge techniques such as ELISA, electrochemical luminescence, and chemiluminescence methods. Differences between groups and the impact of these markers on lung cancer diagnosis were analyzed.

Results

The serum levels of ProGRP, NSE, and CEA were significantly higher in lung cancer patients than in patients with benign lung disease (p < 0.01). NSE had the highest sensitivity for squamous cell carcinomas (SC), while CEA had the highest sensitivity for adenocarcinomas (AC). ProGRP and NSE had higher sensitivities than other markers for small cell carcinomas (SCC). Combining the six tumor markers resulted in higher sensitivities for SC (70.6%), AC (77.4%), and SCC (80%) compared with any single test. Receiver operator characteristic analysis showed that ProGRP and NSE had a greater area under the curve (AUC) in SCC (0.886 and 0.775) than SC and AC, while CEA had a higher AUC in AC (0.716), and NSE had a higher AUC than other markers in SC (0.719).

Conclusions

ProGRP and NSE are effective serum tumor markers for SCC, whereas CEA and NSE may aid in the diagnosis of AC and SC. Combining the detection of ProGRP, NSE, CYFRA21‐1, CEA, and SCCA significantly improves sensitivity when diagnosing lung cancer.
Tetraspanin 15 depletion impairs extracellular vesicle docking at target neurons
Authors: Stajano Daniele , Lombino Franco L. , Schweizer Michaela , Glatzel Markus , Saftig Paul , Gromova Kira V. , Kneussel Matthias
Published: September 2023

Neurons in the central nervous system release extracellular vesicles (EVs) and exosomes in response to synaptic activity to regulate physiological processes at target neurons. The intercellular transfer of proteins, mRNAs, lipids or metabolites through EVs potentially modulates the structure and function of neurons and circuits. Whereas the biogenesis of EVs, their release from donor cells, and their molecular composition have been studied extensively, the critical factors and mechanisms regulating EV interactions with target cells are incompletely understood.

Here, we identified tetraspanin 15 (Tspan15) as a component of tumor susceptibility gene 101 protein (TSG101)‐ and CD81‐positive EV fractions. Tspan15 fluorescent fusion proteins were released from donor cells and interacted with target cells together with the exosomal marker CD63. EVs collected from wildtype cortical neurons (WT‐EVs) underwent similar association with target neurons derived from either wildtype (+/+) or Tspan15 knockout (−/−) mice. In contrast, target cell interactions of EVs collected from Tspan15 (−/−) cortical donor neurons (KO‐EVs) were significantly impaired, as compared to WT‐EVs. Our data suggest that Tspan15 is dispensable at target neuron plasma membranes, but is required at the EV surface to promote EV docking at target neurons.
Cytotoxic T‐lymphocytes in acute myeloid leukemia: Monitoring prognosis and guiding treatment choice
Authors: Lu Mengjiao , Yu Xialei , Hu Jingyan , Wang Jiajing , Wang Taozuo
Published: September 2023

Background

Cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte (CTL)‐mediated therapy has become the central theme of cancer immunotherapy. The present study emphasized the role of CTLs in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and aimed to understand the role of CTLs cytogenetic markers in monitoring AML prognostic outcomes and clinical treatment responses.

Methods

Seurat was employed to analyze single‐cell RNA sequencing data in GSE116256. CellChat was used to detect cell–cell interactions to determine the central role of CTLs. The marker genes of CTLs were extracted and randomForestSRC was employed to construct a random forest model. The prognosis, immune checkpoint expression, immune cell infiltration, immunotherapy response and drug sensitivity of AML patients were evaluated according to the model.

Results

Seven types of cellular components of AML were identified in GSE116256, and CTLs radiated the most interactions with other cell types. Random forest analysis screened out six marker genes for construction of the model. The risk score calculated according to the model was positively correlated with immune score, immune cell infiltration, expression of multiple immune checkpoints and immune effect pathway. The response rate of immunotherapy was significantly higher and more sensitive to 14 drugs in high‐risk samples than in low‐risk samples, whereas low‐risk patients showed a higher sensitivity to six drugs.

Conclusions

The present study emphasized the central role of CTLs in cell communication and established a random forest regression model based on its cytogenetic markers, which helps to stratify the prognosis of AML, promotes the understanding of the phenotype of AML and may also guide the treatment choice of AML patients, which contributed to stratification of AML prognosis, promoted understanding of the phenotype of AML and may guide treatment selection in patients with AML.
A new climatology of South American extratropical cyclogenesis with an intercomparison among ERA5, JRA55 and the Brazilian Navy
Authors: Dalanhese Luthiene , Stuivenvolt‐Allen Jacob , LaPlante Matthew , Wang Shih‐Yu , Costa Thales Lessa , da Silva Heloisa Dias Ferreira , Belem Andre Luiz
Published: September 2023

In South America, the most destructive extratropical cyclones occur over the southeastern quadrant of the continent, a region that includes some of the world's largest population centres. However, there are few studies of cyclogenesis in this region, and little is known about how the varying origins of these storms impact subsequent behaviour. By supplementing an observational record with current reanalysis data, this study reveals the general characteristics of cyclones that develop in the lee regions of the Andes and those that develop nearer the Atlantic coast. The comparative climatologies demonstrate that cyclone development in these separate contexts is driven by topography, local atmospheric circulations and basin‐scale climate oscillations. The analysis further reveals a low‐frequency seesaw of lee and coastal cyclogenesis, with cross‐basin ocean temperature differences playing a teleconnectional role.
Deficiency of salt‐inducible kinase 2 (SIK2) promotes immune injury by inhibiting the maturation of lymphocytes
Authors: Zhu Jiaojiao , Li Chao , Wang Ping , Liu Yuhao , Li Zhongqiu , Chen Zhongmin , Zhang Ying , Wang Bin , Li Xueping , Yan Ziyan , Liang Xinxin , Zhou Shenghui , Ao Xingkun , Zhu Maoxiang , Zhou Pingkun , Gu Yongqing
Published: September 2023

Salt‐inducible kinase 2 (SIK2) belongs to the serine/threonine protein kinases of the AMPK/SNF1 family, which has important roles in cell cycle, tumor, melanogenesis, neuronal damage repair and apoptosis. Recent studies showed that SIK2 regulates the macrophage polarization to make a balance between inflammation and macrophage. Macrophage is critical to initiate immune regulation, however, whether SIK2 can be involved in immune regulation is not still well understood. Here, we revealed that the protein of SIK2 was highly expressed in thymus, spleen, lung, and brain. And SIK2 protein content increased in RAW264.7 and AHH1 cells with a time and dose‐dependent after‐ionizing radiation (IR). Inhibition of SIK2 could promote AHH1 cells apoptosis Moreover, we used the Cre‐LoxP system to construct the SIK2+/− mice, and the research on function suggested that the deficiency of SIK2 could promote the sensitivity of IR. The deficiency of SIK2 promoted the immune injury via inhibiting the maturation of T cells and B cells. Furthermore, the TCRβ rearrangement was inhibited by the deficiency of SIK2. Collectively, this study demonstrated that SIK2 provides an essential function of regulating immune injury, which will provide new ideas for the treatment of immune injury‐related diseases.
Numerical study of ballistic impact of hard bulletproof vests: Effect of the multilayered armors design
Authors: Hassouna Amira , Mezlini Salah , Ben Ameur Tarek
Published: September 2023

Hard body Armors are often deployed in ballistic applications to enhance resistance to Armor Piercing projectiles (AP). The main challenge for body armor designers is to find a best compromise between strength and weight to ensure a given level of protection. This paper investigates the effect of layer arrangement order, ceramic layer thickness, composite backing layer thickness and impact velocity on body armor performance using a numerical experimental design. In addition, the influence of bullet diameter on target damage and bullet erosion is examined. A finite element model (FEM) is evolved through Abaqus explicit software to simulate the ballistic impact of an ogival‐nosed projectile against body armor composed of a ceramic forward layer and a composite rear layer. The results revealed that the layout of the ceramic layer on the front side, that is, directly in contact with the projectile, and the composite layer on the rear side provides better ballistic performance than the opposite case. Furthermore, it is found that the thickness of ceramic and composite plates has a considerable impact on the ballistic performance of body armor. The ceramic thickness has a greater influence on the residual velocity than the composite one. Moreover, the full penetration and nonpenetration zones of the projectile have been highlighted according to the thicknesses of the ceramic and composite layers and using two impact velocities.

Highlights

Development of a numerical model simulating ballistic impact.

Study the ceramic and composite thicknesses effect on ballistic performance.

Analysis of target and projectile damage as a function of projectile diameter.

Identification of full penetration and nonpenetration zones of the projectile.
Tensile stress relaxation behavior of a novel wide‐angle fabric/EPDM composite at room temperature
Authors: Zhang Zhuhui , Zhang Diantang , Lu Jian , Qian Kun , Zhang Jinqiu
Published: September 2023

The main purpose of this study is to analyze the fundamental deformation and relaxation mechanisms responsible for the stress relaxation behavior of a novel wide‐angle fabric/ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) composite (W‐60 composite) at room temperature with different initial strain. The designed and constructed stress relaxation test device can test five samples simultaneously. The stress relaxation curves of the W‐60 composite are in general agreement with those of the pure rubber. It is proved again that the wide‐angle fabric has good formability. Through the slope calculation, the stress relaxation curves of the W‐60 composite can be divided into two stages: rapid relaxation stage (RRS) and slow relaxation stage (SRS). The cross‐sections are observed using photographic tracking techniques and CT scans. The stress relaxation mechanism of the W‐60 composite is dominated by the internal physical relaxation. It shows many more correlations under the experiment results for the three‐component Maxwell's model with parallel‐connect nonlinear spring (NS‐TCM model). However, in the mechanical models with more parameters, the computational problem also increases due to the accumulation of local minima, which makes it harder to find global minima.

Highlights

This study builds stress relaxation testing equipment for flexible composite.

This study uses a 7‐day stress relaxation pre‐experiment.

The stress retrogradation and elastic recovery have occurred.

The deformation and strengthening mechanisms of stress relaxation are revealed.

The NS‐TCM model shows a positive correlation with the experimental results.
Rapid generation of functional nanovesicles from human trophectodermal cells for embryo attachment and outgrowth
Authors: Poh Qi Hui , Rai Alin , Pangestu Mulyoto , Salamonsen Lois A. , Greening David W.
Published: September 2023

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are important mediators of embryo attachment and outgrowth critical for successful implantation. While EVs have garnered immense interest in their therapeutic potential in assisted reproductive technology by improving implantation success, their large‐scale generation remains a major challenge. Here, we report a rapid and scalable production of nanovesicles (NVs) directly from human trophectoderm cells (hTSCs) via serial mechanical extrusion of cells; these NVs can be generated in approximately 6 h with a 20‐fold higher yield than EVs isolated from culture medium of the same number of cells. NVs display similar biophysical traits (morphologically intact, spherical, 90–130 nm) to EVs, and are laden with hallmark players of implantation that include cell‐matrix adhesion and extracellular matrix organisation proteins (ITGA2/V, ITGB1, MFGE8) and antioxidative regulators (PRDX1, SOD2). Functionally, NVs are readily taken up by low‐receptive endometrial HEC1A cells and reprogram their proteome towards a receptive phenotype that support hTSC spheroid attachment. Moreover, a single dose treatment with NVs significantly enhanced adhesion and spreading of mouse embryo trophoblast on fibronectin matrix. Thus, we demonstrate the functional potential of NVs in enhancing embryo implantation and highlight their rapid and scalable generation, amenable to clinical utility.
Substitution effect on the adiabatic ionization potential, vertical ionization potential, electrophilicity, and nucleophilicity of some hydantoin drug derivatives: Computational study
Authors: Safi Zaki , Wazzan Nuha
Published: September 2023

In the current paper, the adiabatic ionization potentials (AIP) for 29 hydantoin derivatives and hydantoin‐based drugs such as allantoin, phenytoin, mephenytoin, nilutamide, iprodione, nitrofurantoin, and ethotoin were calculated using the double hybrid ωB97XD density functional theory (DFT) in coupling with 6‐311+G(2df,2p) basis set at the B3LYP/6‐31+G(d,p) optimized geometry. The neutral and cationic radicals of the examined species were firstly optimized using the B3LYP/6‐31+G(d,p) level. Final energies were improved by single point calculation using 16 different DFT methods such as B3LYP, ωB97, B97D, TPSSTPSS, M06‐2X, …, and so forth, with 6‐311+G(2df,2p) basis. Statistical tools such as root mean square error (RMSE) was used to examine the accuracy of the DFT method with respect to the standard reference AIP values. These standard references were calculated, for 12 hydantoin derivatives with less than nine non‐hydrogen atoms, by taking the average values of the AIP computed using the G4, G3B3, and CBS‐QBS methods. The vertical ionization potentials (VIPs), the vertical electron affinity (VEA), and global quantum parameters such as electrophilicity and nucleophilicity of the 29 molecules were also calculated. Substitution effect on the AIP, VIP, VEA, fundamental gap, electrophilicity, and nucleophilicity of the species under probe was studied and discussed. The results reveal that substitution of electron withdrawing group (EWG) raises the AIP and VIP, electrophilicity, and the fundamental gap, while substitution of electron donating group (EDG) raises the VEA and the nucleophilicity. Furthermore, the condensed Fukui functions were used to identify the active centers for nucleophilic, electrophilic, and free radical attacks.
A mixed‐methods study to inform development of a caregiver‐specific problem list for cancer distress screening
Authors: Buchanan Ashley , Sarfo Astrid , Rangel Maria Lizette , Nangia Julie , Badr Hoda
Published: September 2023

Objective

Oncology guidelines for distress management recommend use of the single‐item distress thermometer (DT) and accompanying Problem List (PL) to identify patients with high distress levels and their potential sources of distress. However, oncology practices have yet to establish standardized protocols to screen and triage caregivers with high distress levels. With an eye toward integrating caregiver‐centered support services into cancer care, this mixed‐methods study sought to assess caregiver distress and challenges that may contribute to their distress.

Methods

Nineteen caregivers of metastatic breast cancer patients (60% female, 47% ethnic/racial minority) completed an interview and a survey comprised of the DT, the original 39‐item PL, and five additional caregiver‐specific PL items.

Results

Caregivers reported moderate distress levels and more than half exceeded the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) cut‐off, denoting significant distress. There was no association between caregiver distress and the number of items endorsed on the original PL. Qualitative analysis identified nine problem domains as areas of caregiver unmet need needs (i.e., practical challenges, caregiving responsibilities, social/relationship issues, caregiver and patient emotional well‐being, caregiver and patient physical well‐being, spiritual well‐being, and communication). Two of the problem domains (caregiving responsibilities and communication) were not captured in any way by the original PL.

Conclusion

With further research and development, the identified domains could serve as the basis for a caregiver‐specific PL to facilitate triage and referral when incorporated as part of routine distress screening.
Efficient Synthesis of Submicrometer‐Sized Active Pharmaceuticals by Laser Fragmentation in a Liquid‐Jet Passage Reactor with Minimum Degradation
Authors: Friedenauer Tina , Buck Kim , Eberwein Maike , Bünte Anna‐Lena , Rehbock Christoph , Barcikowski Stephan
Published: September 2023

One challenge in the development of new drug formulations is overcoming their low solubility in relevant aqueous media. Reducing the particle size of drug powders to a few hundred nanometers is a well‐known method that leads to an increase in solubility due to an elevated total surface area. However, state‐of‐the‐art comminution techniques like cryo‐milling suffer from degradation and contamination of the drugs, particularly when sub‐micrometer diameters are aspired that require long processing times. In this work, picosecond‐pulsed laser fragmentation in liquids (LFL) of dispersed drug particles in a liquid‐jet passage reactor is used as a wear‐free comminution technique using the hydrophobic oral model drugs naproxen, prednisolone, ketoconazole, and megestrol acetate. Particle size and morphology of the drug particles are characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and changes in particle size distributions upon irradiation are quantified using an analytical centrifuge. The findings highlight the superior fragmentation efficiency of the liquid‐jet passage reactor setup, with a 100 times higher fraction of submicrometer particles (SMP) of the drugs compared to the batch control, which enhances solubility and goes along with minimal chemical degradation (<1%), determined by attenuated total reflection‐Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR‐FTIR), high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). Moreover, the underlying predominantly photo‐mechanically induced laser fragmentation mechanisms of organic microparticles (MP) are discussed.
Co‐sputtering of A Thin Film Broadband Absorber Based on Self‐Organized Plasmonic Cu Nanoparticles
Authors: Drewes Jonas , Perdana Nanda , Rogall Kevin , Hartig Torge , Elis Marie , Schürmann Ulrich , Pohl Felix , Abdelaziz Moheb , Strunskus Thomas , Kienle Lorenz , Elbahri Mady , Faupel Franz , Rockstuhl Carsten , Vahl Alexander
Published: September 2023

The efficient conversion of solar energy to heat is a prime challenge for solar thermal absorbers, and various material classes and device concepts are discussed. One exciting class of solar thermal absorbers are plasmonic broadband absorbers that rely on light absorption thanks to plasmonic resonances sustained in metallic nanoparticles. This work focuses on Cu/Al2O3 plasmonic absorbers, which consist of a thin film stack of a metallic Cu‐mirror, a dielectric Al2O3 spacer, and an Al2O3/Cu‐nanoparticle nanocomposite. This work explores two preparation routes for the Al2O3/Cu‐nanoparticle nanocomposite, which rely on the self‐organization of Cu nanoparticles from sputtered atoms, either in the gas phase (i.e., via gas aggregation source) or on the thin film surface (i.e., via simultaneous co‐sputtering). While in either case, Cu‐Al2O3‐Al2O3/Cu absorbers with a low reflectivity over a broad wavelength regime are obtained, the simultaneous co‐sputtering approach enabled better control over the film roughness and showed excellent agreement with dedicated simulations of the optical properties of the plasmonic absorber using a multi‐scale modeling approach. Upon variation of the thickness and filling factor of the Al2O3/Cu nanocomposite layer, the optical properties of the plasmonic absorbers are tailored, reaching an integrated reflectance down to 0.17 (from 250 to 1600 nm).
Baicalin attenuated metabolic dysfunction‐associated fatty liver disease by suppressing oxidative stress and inflammation via the p62–Keap1–Nrf2 signalling pathway in db/db mice
Authors: Liu Wen‐Jing , Chen Wei‐Wen , Chen Jia‐Ying , Sun Yi‐Bin , Chang Dennis , Wang Chen‐Xiang , Xie Jin‐Dong , Lin Wei , Li Shao‐Hua , Xu Wen , Lin Yan‐Xiang , Zheng Yan‐Fang , Zhou Xian , Huang Ming‐Qing
Published: September 2023

Metabolic dysfunction‐associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is the main cause of chronic liver disease. Baicalin (Bai), a bioactive molecule found in Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, possesses antioxidant and antiinflammatory properties. These activities suggest Bai could be a promising therapeutic agent against NAFLD; however, its specific effects and underlying mechanism are still not clear. This study aims to explore the effect of Bai to attenuate MAFLD and associated molecular mechanisms. Bai (50, 100 or 200 mg/kg) was orally administered to db/db mice with MAFLD for 4 weeks or db/m mice as the normal control. Bai markedly attenuated lipid accumulation, cirrhosis and hepatocytes apoptosis in the liver tissues of MAFLD mice, suggesting strong ability to attenuate MAFLD. Bai significantly reduced proinflammatory biomarkers and enhanced antioxidant enzymes, which appeared to be modulated by the upregulated p62‐Keap1‐Nrf2 signalling cascade; furthermore, cotreatment of Bai and all‐trans‐retinoic acid (Nrf2 inhibitor) demonstrated markedly weakened liver protective effects by Bai and its induced antioxidant and antiinflammatory responses. The present study supported the use of Bai in attenuating MAFLD as a promising therapeutic agent, and its strong mechanism of action in association with the upregulating the p62‐keap1‐Nrf2 pathway.
Leadership in collaborative emergency management for compound hurricane‐pandemic threats: Insights from practitioners' experiences
Authors: Alshayhan Norah , Hill Saige , Saitgalina Marina , Yusuf Juita‐Elena (Wie)
Published: September 2023

Emergency management is a key government function for mitigating risks and reducing the impacts of disasters. Emergency management leaders play a critical role in preparing for and responding to disasters whose impacts are exacerbated by a pandemic. Using the example of the compound threat of hurricanes and the COVID‐19 pandemic, this qualitative research uses insights from emergency management professionals to describe collaborative approaches and leadership skills that help balance the needs for stability and flexibility. Data collected using focus groups and one‐on‐one interviews with emergency management professionals highlight that collaboration involved existing and new partners in a changing and uncertain environment that challenged traditional leadership of emergency management. The study develops understanding of how emergency management leaders navigate the tension between stability and flexibility in this different collaborative emergency management context involving a compound hurricane‐pandemic threat. Findings show that emergency management leaders leverage the stability of established partnerships, plans, and processes to bring in new partners with needed expertise, adjust based on new information, and meet specific COVID‐19 information needs. They utilize several skills to balance stability and flexibility including developing shared vision, stakeholder engagement, strategic thinking, adaptability, communication, and coordination.
Constructing causal loop diagrams from large interview data sets
Authors: Newberry Pablo , Carhart Neil
Published: September 2023

“Tackling the Root Causes Upstream of Unhealth Urban Development” is a trans‐disciplinary research project seeking to map and understand urban development decision‐making, visualise stakeholder mental models and codevelop improvement interventions. The project's primary data was gathered through 123 semistructured interviews. This article applies, compares, and discusses four variations on a method for constructing causal loop diagrams to illuminate mental models and collective decision‐making, based on manual and semiautomated processes applied to individual interview transcripts and datasets collected by thematic analysis. It concludes that while semiautomated approaches offer some time saving over manual approaches when applied to large data sets, care is required in interpreting and including peripheral contextual variables at the boundaries of the thematic analysis. Decisions regarding automation depend on the purpose of the modelling. Finally, the article recommends future applications record quantitative descriptors characterising the process of constructing CLDs from large qualitative data sets. © 2023 The Authors. System Dynamics Review published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of System Dynamics Society.
A modified partial envelope tensor response regression
Authors: Guo Wenxing , Balakrishnan Narayanaswamy , Qin Shanshan
Published: September 2023

The envelope model is a useful statistical technique that can be applied to multivariate linear regression problems. It aims to remove immaterial information via sufficient dimension reduction techniques while still gaining efficiency and providing accurate parameter estimates. Recently, envelope tensor versions have been developed to extend this technique to tensor data. In this work, a partial tensor envelope model is proposed that allows for a parsimonious version of tensor response regression when only certain predictors are of interest. The consistency and asymptotic normality of the regression coefficients estimator are also established theoretically, which provides a rigorous foundation for the proposed method. In numerical studies using both simulated and real‐world data, the partial tensor envelope model is shown to outperform several existing methods in terms of the efficiency of the regression coefficients associated with the selected predictors.
Phylogeny and morphological evolution of the Neotropical genus Cuspidaria (Bignonieae, Bignoniaceae): Combining high‐throughput sequencing and targeted loci data
Authors: Francisco Jéssica N.C. , Fonseca Luiz Henrique M. , Lohmann Lúcia G.
Published: September 2023

The combined use of high‐throughput sequencing (HTS) with targeted loci data offers an excellent opportunity to reconstruct robust and comprehensive phylogenies at fine taxonomic scales using a hybrid approach. In this study, we infer the phylogeny of Cuspidaria (Bignonieae, Bignoniaceae), a diverse clade of lianas and shrubs centered in South America's wet and dry forests. We used HTS to obtain complete or nearly complete plastome sequences of seven individuals of Cuspidaria selected to represent the main clades in the genus. This sampling strategy aimed to reconstruct relationships at deeper nodes (i.e., backbone). We also used targeted loci data obtained through Sanger sequencing to obtain sequences of two chloroplast markers (ndhF, rpl32‐trnL) and one nuclear marker (PepC) for multiple individuals of 18 out of the 21 species of Cuspidaria recognized in the most recent treatment of the genus; only C. emmonsii, C. lachnaea, and C. simplicifolia were not sampled. This broad sampling strategy aimed to test the monophyly of individual species and reconstruct fine‐scale interspecific relationships within the genus. Both datasets were analyzed separately and combined using Bayesian inference and maximum likelihood approaches. The combined dataset includes 65 individuals representing 18 previously recognized species of Cuspidaria plus outgroup taxa. The analysis of the combined dataset recovered a monophyletic Cuspidaria, excluding C. bracteata, which was nested within the outgroup and is best treated elsewhere. Ancestral character state reconstructions provided novel insights into the evolution of morphology and identified multiple putative morphological synapomorphies for key lineages of Cuspidaria. Namely, anthers curved forward was reconstructed as a potential synapomorphy for the Cuspidaria clade, whereas interpetiolar gland fields in stems and inflorescence, subulate or inconspicuous prophylls of the axillary buds, biternate leaves, actinodromous venation, calyx cupulate or spathaceous, calyx apices dentate or irregularly lobed, fruits with winged valves, and fruit midrib limited by two longitudinal ridges were reconstructed as potential synapomorphies of different clades within the genus. Other traits such as habit, tertiary venation, inflorescence type, corolla color, number of ovule series, and pollen unit were highly labile. As circumscribed here, Cuspidaria is composed of eight main clades supported by molecular data and morphological synapomorphies: Sideropogon, Tetrastichella, Cinerea, Paracarpaea, Cremastus, Blepharitheca, Saldanhaea, and Cuspidaria s.str. clades. All species are monophyletic, except for C. pulchra and C. sceptrum, which form a species complex and are best treated as a single taxon. The necessary taxonomic changes are proposed, leading to the recognition of 19 species in Cuspidaria.
Neutral and Anionic Diboron Compounds Bearing Electron‐Precise B−B Bond
Authors: Li Haokun , Xu Gan , Li Shuchang , Wu Yuhao , Lu Zhenpin
Published: September 2023

Electron‐precise B−B bonded compounds are valuable reagents in organic syntheses, which can be used as key starting material for the synthesis of functionalized organoboranes. Bis(pinacolato)diborane(4) B2pin2 and its derivatives are among the most studied diboron species. However, their B−B bonds usually need to be activated by transition metal catalysts or bases for further transformations. Recently, many well‐designed/reactive electron‐precise B−B bonded compounds have been developed, which could facilitate direct reactions with small molecules, unsaturated substrates, and electrophiles. This review highlights the synthesis, structure, and reactivity of neutral and anionic B−B bonded compounds.
Supporting mentees through inclusive mentorship
Authors: Addy Tracie Marcella , Addy Nii A. , Hendrickson Brett , Mitchell Khadijah A.
Published: September 2023

Inclusion in formal classroom environments continues to be a major focus in higher education, but there has been less emphasis on inclusive instructor‐student mentorship, which has a significant impact and can have a number of positive outcomes for learners. In this article, we describe major principles of inclusive mentorship, as well as models and structures that support inclusion. We explore specific topics such as the positionalities and mindsets of inclusive mentors, values, and intentions, the power of formal and informal mentorship structures, and the critical role of constellation mentorship. We highlight recommended practices for mentoring diverse learners through three case examples that collectively span the undergraduate, graduate, and pre‐professional levels. These case examples draw upon the rich experiences of co‐authors who have mentored a number of students and trainees, won mentorship awards, successfully founded and led mentorship programs, and studied effective mentorship practices. This topic fills an important gap in the literature, by addressing and providing evidence‐based practices that support inclusive mentorship.
Trends in digital mentoring for language teachers: Promising practices, caveats, and future directions
Authors: Semingson Peggy , Smith Pete
Published: September 2023

This chapter focuses on the future of mentoring by focusing on digital mentoring of language and TESOL teachers in higher education with a lens on nurturing the faculty‐student dynamic in primarily online/digital/blended teaching contexts. We also focus on a review of recent extant literature from the last ten years (2012‐2022) on the topic in three key categories. The paper draws upon a framework of connectivism and networked knowledge as well as a constructivist approach to learning. A constructivist model for digital mentoring builds on students’ needs, knowledge, and experience, seeing the instructor and student mentoring dynamic in multi‐faceted ways. Mentoring in a digital era draws on frameworks that suggest that mentors and mentees are part of connected communities, especially digitally connected communities. Digital mentoring has been used across both synchronous and asynchronous learning contexts (e.g., email, videoconference, etc.) and increasingly over social media (e.g., Twitter).
More than meets the eye: Community cultural wealth as a theory for mentoring international students
Authors: Kelley Jacob , Watson Ashley N. , Bindamnan Abdulrahman
Published: September 2023

International students bring rich and complex experiences to postsecondary education in the United States. Unfortunately, they too often encounter many challenges along their academic journeys. This article suggests that the practice of mentoring might be enhanced by deploying Yosso's theory of community cultural wealth as a way for faculty members to acknowledge, affirm, and appreciate the capital that international students bring to mentor‐mentee relationships. Three forms of capital, in particular, are examined in relation to mentoring international students: aspirational, familial, and linguistic.
Mentoring by design: Examples of effective faculty development programs
Authors: Johnson Benjamin A. , Arocho Rachel , Tolman Anton O.
Published: September 2023

This article focuses on professional development by exploring two faculty education programs that create opportunities for faculty to learn best practices for mentoring students in scholarly work. These programs promote the inclusion of diverse and underrepresented student populations in research experiences; help faculty develop as effective, ethical mentors; and improve support for long‐term student achievement.
Ecological problems associated with personal care products and the role of microbes in aquatic environment
Authors: Paul Sonali , Paul Sharanya , Bhattacharjee Shreya , Nath Somava , Sharma Upasana , Mahakud Jitesh , Mukherjee Susmita
Published: September 2023

In the present world, everyone is health, hygiene, and beauty conscious. Most households use different personal care products (PCPs) to keep themselves clean and hygienic. But when it comes to disposal, not much care is taken. PCPs are being liberated into the environment on a regular basis causing harm to the ecosystem. The prevalence of these PCPs as soaps, nail paints, hair dyes, fragrances, emulsifiers, antioxidants, ultraviolet absorbers, preservatives, disinfectants, etc. is posing severe health concerns. It has been studied that together these PCPs being biologically active and highly persistent, in turn impacts the lives of living beings. This review work aimed to elucidate and analyze the problems associated with personal care products when discharged into the aquatic system from different sources that cause detrimental effects on the organisms at different trophic levels and on human beings which has been included in this discussion, the variety of sources and how they impact the aquatic life as well as the movement of the emerging toxicants to the higher trophic levels through the food chain. This work also has analyzed the bioremediation of a few toxicants like, paraben, phthalate, sulphate by some potential microorganisms and the limitations in the microbial remediation process.