bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Growth Performance and Nutrient Utilizations of Heterobranchus bidorsalis (Geoffory Saint Hilaire, 1809) Fed on Fermented Sorghum Bran Meal Diets
Authors: Ishaku A. H. , Ahmed Y. , Ali M. E. , Kela E. , Sogbesan O. A.
Published: December 2023

The growth of aquaculture faces a high cost of feed which is about 60% to 75% of total production costs. An effort should be made to increase the profit by reducing the cost of feed as minimal as possible. This study investigated the growth performance and nutrient utilizations of Heterobranchus bidorsalis fed on fermented sorghum bran meal diets. sorghum bran was fermented at 10% moisture for seven days and samples for proximate analysis were collected on the first, fourth and seventh day. The highest crude protein was obtained in seventh day fermentation with 17.59±1.53% and the lowest was obtained in the zero day (control) with 10.53±1.53. Four isoproteic diets (40% crude protein) were formulated at 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% inclusion level to replace maize meal. The diets were fed to H.bidorsalis for twelve weeks. The experimental fish were fed 5% body weight throughout the experiment. The results obtained from the feeding trial showed that the fish fed on 100% inclusion level shows significance difference (p<0.05) in mean weight gain compared to fish fed on other diets. The highest mean weight gain (MWG) was obtained in the fish fed on 100% inclusion level diet (D5) with 43.39±1.86g and the lowest was obtained in control diet (D1) with 28.97±0.54g. The highest Average Daily Growth (ADG) and Specific Growth Rate (SGR) were obtained in the fish fed on (D5) with 0.52±0.56 and 1.07±0.64 while the lowest were obtained in the fish fed on control diet with 0.35±0.51 and 0.91±0.65 respectively. The nutrient utilizations showed significant difference (p<0.05) in fish fed on (D5) compared to others. The highest feed conversion ratio (FCR) was obtained in fish fed on (D5) with 0.48±0.16 and the lowest was obtained in control with 0.41±0.24. The highest protein intake (PI), protein rating (PR) and protein growth rate (PGR) were obtained in the fish fed on (D5) with 43.12±1.27, 0.52±0.72 and 1.04±0.71 while the lowest were obtained in the fish fed on control with 29.99±0.71, 0.35±0.45 and 1.00±0.53 respectively. The highest Protein Efficiency Ratio (PER) was obtained in the fish fed on (D5) with 1.01±0.07 and the lowest was obtained in the fish fed 50% inclusion level diet (D3) with 0.95±0.62. The highest Apparent Net Protein Utilization (ANPU) and Apparent Net Lipid Utilization (ANLU) were recorded in the fish fed on (D5) with 23.35±0.92 and 161.22±0.26 while the lowest were recorded in the fish fed on (D1) with 14.68±1.05 and 131.27±0.74 respectively. This study revealed the positive effects of incorporating fermented Sorghum bran meal into the diet of H. bidorsalis.
Physiological Assessment of Temperature Stress Tolerance in Selectively Fertilzed Coconut Hybrids
Authors: Afna Mol O. P.  , Stephen Roy , Viji M. M.  , Vanaja T.  , Manju R. V.  , Vishnu B. R.
Published: December 2023

In vitro pollen germination study is one of the important technologies for understanding the functions of pollens as well as in many areas of pollen biotechnology particularly in pollen selection. Ability to separate germinated and non-germinated pollen offers selective treatments and can be used for identifying stress tolerant and sensitive alleles carried by their pollen grains. The present study was carried out in Kerasree and Keraganga selectively fertilized (S.F) coconut hybrids produced through pollen selection. Pollens were subjected to germination in specific media maintained at different levels of water stress induced by PEG 6000 and the critical water potential for pollen germination was identified. The water stress tolerant pollen grains at critical level were selected and used for fertilization. Evaluation of temperature stress tolerance of these two selectively fertilized hybrids along with their normal hybrids and west coast tall (WCT) was carried out by assessing their critical temperature stress for pollen germination. Both Kerasree selectively fertilized and Keraganga selectively fertilized hybrids recorded highest critical temperature of 420C for pollen germination with germination percentage of 20.17 and 22.77 respectively compared to their normal hybrids (380C) and WCT (400C).
Aren’t Research Questions and Hypotheses Indispensable for Literature Research, too?
Authors: Sekar J. John
Published: December 2023

Many English literature researchers in India commonly operate under the assumption that they lack a specific research methodology exclusive to literature studies, apart from what is outlined in the regularly updated MLA Handbook. Consequently, their dissertations often resemble lengthy college essays divided into five chapters, with limited emphasis on the Introduction and Conclusion chapters. The concluding section is routinely labeled as ‘Summation.’ These researchers typically overlook identifying knowledge gaps, even during the literature review phase, and often neglect the framing of research questions and formulation of hypotheses. There seems to be a prevailing belief that literary research is inherently distinct, exempting them from adopting methodologies employed in other disciplines. This paper explores the reasons behind the development of an anti-methodological stance among literature researchers, utilizing a structured questionnaire administered to PhD holders in literature. The findings suggest that this attitude stems from a steadfast adherence to the MLA Handbook, which prioritizes documentation procedures over methodological considerations. The paper recommends that literature scholars should embrace books and stylesheets designed for general research as the fundamental objectives of research in any discipline are the pursuit of truth and the appropriate means to achieve it.
Analysis of Machine Reading Comprehension Problem Using Machine Learning Techniques
Authors: Kakulapati V. , Reddy Gagganapalli Jithendhar , Reddy Koukuntla Kranthi Kumar , Reddy Putukapu Amarendhar , Reddy Devender
Published: December 2023

Machine reading Comprehension is a significant challenge in the field of natural language programming. In this problem, the objective is to read and grasp a given text passage before responding to questions that are dependent on the material. The most modern machine reading comprehension systems have accuracy levels that are superior to those of humans. On the other hand, when domains are switched, the majority of machine reading comprehension systems see a considerable drop in performance. However, certain machine reading comprehension systems have previously outperformed humans on a range of standard datasets, despite the evident and vast disparity among them. This is the case even though MRC models are not designed to read like humans. This demonstrates the need for enhancing the currently available datasets, assessment criteria, and models to progress the machine reading comprehension models toward "actual" comprehension. In this work, the analysis of the machine reading comprehension problem performed by using logistic regression, K- nearest neighbor, and random forest. This strategy will include perspectives that are topic-oriented, concept-oriented, and time-oriented, and it will provide support for the summary of multilingual texts with the assistance of several machine reading comprehension models that are currently in development.
Association between Risk Factors and Trichomoniasis among Women in Port Harcourt Rivers State, Nigeria
Authors: Nyenke C. U.  , Onosakponome E. O.  , Ikpeama R. A.  , Nathaniel C. D.  , Ezenwaka. C. O.
Published: December 2023

Historically, the presence of T. vaginalis has been viewed to be associated with certain risk factors. This study is focused on assessing the association between selected risk factors and trichomoniasis. The cross-sectional study was composed of 650 women, 450 of them were tested for trichomonas infection using urine samples while the remaining 200 were tested for trichomonas infection using a high vagina swab (HVS). These women were randomly selected among pregnant women, women with HIV, Out-patient, and healthy volunteers.  After consenting to participate in the study, data concerning their exposure to selected risk factors were gathered through a filled questionnaire. The results revealed that there was an association between “engaging in unprotected sex” and trichomoniasis (p<0.05). Similarly, there were associations between the prevalence of trichomoniasis and “wearing air-tight underwear” (p<0.05), “repeating underwear” (p<0.05), “knowledge of trichomoniasis” (p<0.05) and “source of information” (p<0.05). This study has shown that engaging in unprotected sex, wearing air-tight underwear, repeating underwear, knowledge of trichomoniasis and source of infection are significant risk factors of trichomoniasis among women in Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH).
Molecular Characterisation of Gut Bacteria in Wista Rat After Green Tea Consumption
Authors: Emmanuel Joyce Uweh , Nkemkanma Agi Vivian , Constancy Aleru Prisca
Published: December 2023

Green tea can influence the gut bacteria by either stimulating or hindering the growth of specific species. This experimental study was carried out in Rivers State, Nigeria to molecularly characterize gut bacteria in Wista rats after green tea consumption. Twenty-five (25) rats divided into five groups were used; each group had five (5) rats having an average weight range of 70g – 130g. After acclimatization of 2 weeks, groups (2, 3, 4 & 5) were feed with green tea extract based on standard method using oral gavage with rat feed pellet and water for seven (7) days and fourteen (14) days respectively based on their body weights and group 1 (control) was fed with rat feed pellet and water only for same duration and their weights recorded. Stool samples were collected aseptically by pulling from each group into sterile stool sample bottles and sent to the laboratory for immediate analysis. Conventional microbiological methods of culturing and molecular methods were utilized for identification of isolates, total heterotrophic plate count and antibiotic susceptibility were also done. The data from this study were analysed using SPSS version 23, to survey difference in gut bacterial count of wista rats after fed with green tea, rat weight across the study groups, and the values were expressed as mean ± SD at a 5% alpha level. The study reported a statistical difference in bacterial plate count at (P≤0.05) in Groups 2, 3, 4, and 5 after 14 Days of Acclimatization, after 7 days of Treatment and after further 14 Days of Treatment. Group 1 showed no statistical significance at P=0.212. Furthermore, there was significant difference in weight comparison at (P≤0.05) in rats contained in all groups after 7 days and after further 14 days of treatment, rats in group 1 showed weight gain. There was weight loss in all the treatment groups (2 ,3, 4, and 5). Antibiotic-resistant assay pattern of the isolates showed multiple drugs resistance to all the antibiotics used with Bacillus and Enterobacter being the most resistant isolates. The molecular characterization and identification of the isolates revealed close relatedness to Staphylococcus arlettae, Enterobacter cloacae, Enterobacter cancerogenus, Acinetobacter nosocomialis, Comamonas testosterone, Klebsiella veriicola, Bacillus thuringiensis, Bacillus pumilus and Bacillus cereus, it showed that the molecular technique proved to be more specific and accurate than the convectional technique in the identification and characterization of the isolates. Also, the gut bacterial count of the rats that were treated with the tea were significantly raised indicating that the tea has the potential to influence the abundance and diversity of gut bacteria. As seen in this study, molecular characterisation of gut bacteria identifies bacteria upto their specie level and they are influenced by diet.
Intranasal Naloxone for Opioid Overdose
Authors: Taylor Jessica L. , Lasser Karen E.
Published: December 2023

This JAMA Insights describes indications for naloxone use in preventing opioid overdoses and benefits vs barriers to its availability following FDA approval of its availability without a prescription.
Residential Structural Racism and Prevalence of Chronic Health Conditions
Authors: Mohottige Dinushika , Davenport Clemontina A. , Bhavsar Nrupen , Schappe Tyler , Lyn Michelle J. , Maxson Pamela , Johnson Fred , Planey Arrianna M. , McElroy Lisa M. , Wang Virginia , Cabacungan Ashley N. , Ephraim Patti , Lantos Paul , Peskoe Sarah , Lunyera Joseph , Bentley-Edwards Keisha , Diamantidis Clarissa J. , Reich Brian , Boulware L. Ebony
Published: December 2023

Importance

Studies elucidating determinants of residential neighborhood–level health inequities are needed.

Objective

To quantify associations of structural racism indicators with neighborhood prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD), diabetes, and hypertension.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cross-sectional study used public data (2012-2018) and deidentified electronic health records (2017-2018) to describe the burden of structural racism and the prevalence of CKD, diabetes, and hypertension in 150 residential neighborhoods in Durham County, North Carolina, from US census block groups and quantified their associations using bayesian models accounting for spatial correlations and residents’ age. Data were analyzed from January 2021 to May 2023.

Exposures

Global (neighborhood percentage of White residents, economic-racial segregation, and area deprivation) and discrete (neighborhood child care centers, bus stops, tree cover, reported violent crime, impervious areas, evictions, election participation, income, poverty, education, unemployment, health insurance coverage, and police shootings) indicators of structural racism.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Outcomes of interest were neighborhood prevalence of CKD, diabetes, and hypertension.

Results

A total of 150 neighborhoods with a median (IQR) of 1708 (1109-2489) residents; median (IQR) of 2% (0%-6%) Asian residents, 30% (16%-56%) Black residents, 10% (4%-20%) Hispanic or Latino residents, 0% (0%-1%) Indigenous residents, and 44% (18%-70%) White residents; and median (IQR) residential income of $54 531 ($37 729.25-$78 895.25) were included in analyses. In models evaluating global indicators, greater burden of structural racism was associated with greater prevalence of CKD, diabetes, and hypertension (eg, per 1-SD decrease in neighborhood White population percentage: CKD prevalence ratio [PR], 1.27; 95% highest density interval [HDI], 1.18-1.35; diabetes PR, 1.43; 95% HDI, 1.37-1.52; hypertension PR, 1.19; 95% HDI, 1.14-1.25). Similarly in models evaluating discrete indicators, greater burden of structural racism was associated with greater neighborhood prevalence of CKD, diabetes, and hypertension (eg, per 1-SD increase in reported violent crime: CKD PR, 1.15; 95% HDI, 1.07-1.23; diabetes PR, 1.20; 95% HDI, 1.13-1.28; hypertension PR, 1.08; 95% HDI, 1.02-1.14).

Conclusions and Relevance

This cross-sectional study found several global and discrete structural racism indicators associated with increased prevalence of health conditions in residential neighborhoods. Although inferences from this cross-sectional and ecological study warrant caution, they may help guide the development of future community health interventions.
Survival Outcomes and Patterns of Care for Stage II or III Resected Gastric Cancer by Race and Ethnicity
Authors: Wu S. Peter , Keshavjee Sara H. , Yoon Sam S. , Kwon Steve
Published: December 2023

Importance

Many multimodality treatment regimens exist for gastric adenocarcinoma, including neoadjuvant vs adjuvant chemotherapy, radiation, or both. Neoadjuvant therapy is recommended in the United States for patients with locally advanced gastric cancer; however, it is unknown whether the outcomes of neoadjuvant therapy are associated with race and ethnicity.

Objective

To evaluate the differences in outcomes by race and ethnicity of patients with noncardia gastric cancer undergoing surgical procedures with and without neoadjuvant therapy.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This retrospective cohort study examined the National Cancer Database from the American College of Surgeons for patients with clinical stage II or III gastric adenocarcinoma, excluding gastric cardia tumors, undergoing surgical resection procedures from January 2006 to December 2019. Statistical analysis was performed from December 2021 to May 2023.

Exposure

Patients were stratified by race and ethnicity, and their outcomes were analyzed for those who received and did not receive neoadjuvant therapy.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The Cox proportional hazard model was used to compare overall survival (OS) between racial and ethnic groups (Asian, Black, Hispanic, and White) overall and according to receipt of neoadjuvant therapy. Among those who received neoadjuvant therapy, proportional differences in pathological responses were calculated in each group.

Results

Among a total of 6938 patients in the cohort, 4266 (61.4%) were male; mean (SD) age was 65.9 (12.8) years; 1046 (15.8%) were Asian, 1606 (24.3%) were Black, 1175 (17.8%) were Hispanic, and 3540 (53.6%) were White. Compared with other races and ethnicities, the group of White patients had significantly more who were 65 years or older with more comorbidities. White patients underwent surgical resection procedures alone without neoadjuvant or adjuvant therapy more frequently than other races and ethnicities. Asian and Black patients had the highest proportion of being downstaged or achieving pathological complete response after neoadjuvant therapy. In multivariate models, perioperative chemotherapy was associated with improved OS (HR, 0.79 [95% CI, 0.69-0.90]), whereas number of positive lymph nodes and surgical margins were associated with the largest decreases in OS. Asian and Hispanic race and ethnicity were associated with significantly improved OS compared with Black and White races (eg, Asian patients: HR, 0.64 [95% CI, 0.58-0.72]; and Hispanic patients: HR, 0.77 [95% CI, 0.69-0.85]). Black race was associated with improved OS compared with White race when receiving neoadjuvant therapy (HR, 0.78 [95% CI, 0.67-0.90]).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this large nationwide cohort study of survival outcomes among patients with resected clinical stage II or III gastric cancer, there were significant differences in response to treatment and OS between different racial and ethnic groups.
Step Serial Sectioning in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Unknown Primary
Authors: Hardman John C. , Harrington Kevin , O’Leary Ben , Robinson Max , Paleri Vinidh
Published: December 2023

Importance

Patients with suspected head and neck squamous cell carcinoma of unknown primary (HNSCCUP) may undergo tonsillectomy and tongue base mucosectomy (TBM) to help identify clinicoradiologically occult primary disease. It is hypothesized that when these diagnostic specimens are analyzed, conventional histopathological (CH) techniques risk missing small primary tumors that may be hidden in the tissue blocks.

Objective

To establish the outcomes of a step serial sectioning (SSS) histopathological technique vs CH when analyzing diagnostic tissue specimens from TBM and tonsillectomy performed for HNSCCUP.

Design, Setting, and Participants

The MOSES prospective multicenter noninterventional cohort study was conducted over a 25-month period from November 2019 at secondary and tertiary care ear, nose, and throat departments in the United Kingdom and included adults with clinicoradiologically occult HNSCCUP who were undergoing TBM.

Intervention

Conventional histopathological techniques performed on TBM and tonsillectomy specimens at participating centers, followed by SSS performed at the central laboratory.

Main Outcome

Identification of cancer on central histopathological review of TBM and tonsillectomy specimens.

Results

Tissue from 58 eligible patients was analyzed (median [range] age, 58 [47-82] years; 10 women [17%]), with 20 480 sections cut in the laboratory and 4096 sections directly examined by a pathologist (median [range], 64 [28-135] per patient). The overall identification rate for TBM following SSS according to study protocol was 50.0% (95% CI, 37.5%-62.5%) and by subgroups was 42.9% (95% CI, 21.4%-67.4%) when performed following a negative bilateral tonsillectomy, 46.7% (95% CI, 24.8%-69.9%) at the same time as bilateral tonsillectomy, and 57.1% (95% CI, 36.5%-75.5%) following historic tonsillectomy. Conventional histopathological techniques at central review identified 2 undiagnosed primary tumors and revised the diagnosis of 2 other cases (1 nonmalignant and another down staged). Step serial sectioning identified a single additional tumor: an ipsilateral synchronous tongue base tumor for which a contralateral tumor had been identified on CH. Multifocal disease was seen in 5 (8.6%); all were human papillomavirus–related and in the tongue base.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this multicenter cohort study of patients undergoing TBM for HNSCCUP, SSS was associated with added considerable histopathological workload with minimal additional diagnostic benefit. A second opinion for conventional histological techniques may be more beneficial. Synchronous primary disease should be considered when planning diagnostic oropharyngeal surgery for these patients.
Event‐triggered distributed consensus control of nonlinear multi‐agent systems with unknown Bouc–Wen hysteresis input and DoS attacks
Authors: Guo Shiyu , Xu Ning , Niu Ben , Zhao Xudong , Ahmad Adil M.
Published: December 2023

In this paper, the event‐triggered distributed consensus tracking control problem for a class of multi‐agent systems (MASs) is studied, where denial‐of‐service (DoS) attacks and Bouc‐Wen hysteresis inputs are considered in the communication channel and the actuator, respectively. First, when communication networks are subject to malicious DoS attacks, the connection weights of the communication topology graphs are affected. To address this problem, this paper establishes topological models of the communication network using a switching topology method, and gives connection recovery strategies for the communication network. Second, in order to save communication resources, a distributed control protocol based on an event‐triggered mechanism and locally deployed estimator is designed for DoS signals occurring in the communication network of states and control inputs. In addition, the effect of unknown Bouc–Wen hysteresis input is eliminated using the Nussbaum‐type function. Then, based on Lyapunov stability theory, the boundedness of all signals in the closed‐loop system is verified, and the objective of consensus control is achieved. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme is demonstrated by numerical and practical simulation examples.
Cellular‐Scale Matrix Stiffness Gradient at Soft‐Hard Tissue Interfaces Regulates Immunophenotype of Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Zhang Hui , Ma Yufei , Shu Wenya , Wang Yijie , Cao Chunyu , Wan Wanting , Shi Nianyuan , Wei Zhao , Pei Dandan , Li Ang , Xu Feng
Published: December 2023

Soft‐hard tissue interfaces are widespread in the human body, where matrix stiffness gradient at the cellular scale is a typical biophysical cue that cells experience. However, most studies have focused on the large‐scale matrix stiffness gradient that affected cell fate. It is still necessary to elucidate the impact of cellular‐scale matrix stiffness gradient on cell behavior and function, such as mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) immunoregulation. In this study, it is observed that stiffness gradient strength (SGS) at a typical soft‐hard tissue interface (e.g., periodontal ligament (PDL)‐alveolar bone (AB) enthesis) in periodontitis is lower than that in health, due to low mineral content gradient there. Meanwhile, MSCs residing at PDL‐AB enthesis in periodontitis show an anti‐inflammatory phenotype (i.e., MSC2). To investigate how the stiffness gradient affects the MSC immunoregulation, both high and low SGS in vitro is recapitulated. Combined with mathematical modeling, low SGS minimizes the ability of cell polarization in guiding the MSC2, which is probably driven by the reduced polarization of integrin β1 clusters and myosin IIB, leading to H4K16ac localization‐dependent chromatin opening that facilitates TLR3 gene expression. This study establishes the molecular mechanisms by which MSCs respond to cellular‐scale stiffness gradient at PDL‐AB enthesis for regulating the immunophenotype development.
Double Bonuses Achieved in Single‐Atom Catalysts for Efficient Oxygen Evolution: Enhanced Reaction Kinetics and Reinforced Electrochemical Reconstruction
Authors: Liu Xue , Jing Shaojie , Wang Kaiwen , Ban Chaogang , Ding Junjie , Feng Yajie , Duan Youyu , Ma Jiangping , Yu Danmei , Han Xiaodong , Wang Cong , Gan Liyong , Zhou Xiaoyuan
Published: December 2023

Single metal atoms decorated on earth‐abundant transition‐metal‐based supports have attracted intensive attention toward oxygen evolution reaction (OER) due to their decent activity and low cost. However, further optimizing the catalytic performance is severely plagued by the limited active sites. Conventional optimization relies primarily on increasing the metal loading but is extremely difficult. Thus, it is imperative to go beyond the current design paradigms. Herein, it is reported that the anchored highly active single metal atoms can reinforce the electrochemical reconstruction of the supports and thus yield more substrate active sites. Consequently, increased amount of active sites and enhanced intrinsic activity can be readily realized simultaneously. Taking Ni2P4O12 decorated with single Ir atoms as a typical example, an extraordinary activity of η10 = 186 mV and η100 = 238 mV and robust stability up to 108 h are achieved. Mechanistic study uncovers that the reinforced reconstruction of Ni2P4O12 originates from the promoted PO43− leaching by single Ir atoms, which is an intrinsic feature of the supports to achieve such reinforcement. The proposed concept, decorating single metal atoms on supports featured by facile anion leaching, opens a new avenue to the design of practical electrocatalysts for efficient OER.
Transitioning Towards Asymmetric Gel Polymer Electrolytes for Lithium Batteries: Progress and Prospects
Authors: Agnihotri Tripti , Ahmed Shadab Ali , Tamilarasan Elango Balaji , Hasan Rehbar , Su Wei‐Nien , Hwang Bing Joe
Published: December 2023

The utilization of liquid electrolytes (LEs) concerns inevitable dendrite growth and safety issues. In contrast, solid polymer electrolytes suffer from unsettled low ionic conductivity and interfacial impedance issues. The intermediary gel polymer electrolytes (GPEs) improve safety by incorporating a sturdy polymer matrix and ionic conductivity as an advantage of percolating LEs responsible for gelation. The overall stability and compatibility of GPEs with different electrode materials depend on the polymers, plasticizers, and precursors utilized. No single polymer has a wide energy gap to exhibit stability against Li metal anodes and oxidative stability against high‐voltage cathodes. Thereafter, symmetric GPEs (SGPEs) possess limitations while simultaneously satisfying the two electrode requirements, which hinders their practical applications. Asymmetric GPEs (ASGPEs) generally comprise a bilayer or gradient structure, wherein the side contacting the cathode is modified to promote oxidative stability for a stable cathode electrolyte interface (CEI). The corresponding side in contact with the anode is modified to be mechanically and chemically compatible with dendritic lithium. Overall, asymmetric structural engineering enables electrode compatibility while maintaining the physical competency of GPEs. Herein, the focus is to summarize the current transition from SGPEs to asymmetric ones, which promotes multifunctionality while overcoming specific constraints associated with the electrodes.
Atmospheric Humidity Underlies Irreproducibility of Formamidinium Lead Iodide Perovskites
Authors: Park Keonwoo , Tan Shaun , Kodalle Tim , Lee Do‐Kyoung , Abdelsamie Maged , Park Ji‐Sang , Lee Joo‐Hong , Jung Sung‐Kwang , Ko Jeong Hoon , Park Nam‐Gyu , Sutter‐Fella Carolin M. , Yang Yang , Lee Jin‐Wook
Published: December 2023

Metal halide perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are infamous for their batch‐to‐batch and lab‐to‐lab irreproducibility in terms of stability and performance. Reproducible fabrication of PSCs is a critical requirement for market viability and practical commercialization. PSC irreproducibility plagues all levels of the community; from institutional research laboratories, start‐up companies, to large established corporations. In this work, the critical function of atmospheric humidity to regulate the crystallization and stabilization of formamidinium lead triiodide (FAPbI3) perovskites is unraveled. It is demonstrated that the humidity content during processing induces profound variations in perovskite stoichiometry, thermodynamic stability, and optoelectronic quality. Almost counterintuitively, it is shown that the presence of humidity is perhaps indispensable to reproduce phase‐stable and efficient FAPbI3‐based PSCs.
Saltwater‐Induced Rapid Gelation of Photoredox‐Responsive Mucomimetic Hydrogels
Authors: Zhang Yipei , Li Ruihan , Trick Tarryn C. , Nosiglia Mark A. , Palmquist Mark S. , Wong Mason L. , Dorsainvil Jovelt M. , Tran Sheila L. , Danielson Mary K. , Barnes Jonathan C.
Published: December 2023

Shear‐thinning hydrogels represent an important class of injectable soft materials that are often used in a wide range of biomedical applications. Creation of new shear‐thinning materials often requires that factors such as viscosity, injection rate/force, and needle gauge be evaluated to achieve efficient delivery, while simultaneously protecting potentially sensitive cargo. Here, a new approach to establishing shear‐thinning hydrogels is reported where a host–guest cross‐linked network initially remains soluble in deionized water but is kinetically trapped as a viscous hydrogel once exposed to saltwater. The shear‐thinning properties of the hydrogel is then “switched on” in response to heating or exposure to visible light. These hydrogels consist of polynorbornene‐based bottlebrush copolymers with porphyrin‐ and oligoviologen‐containing side chains that are cross‐linked through the reversible formation of β‐cyclodextrin–adamantane inclusion complexes. The resultant viscous hydrogels display broad adhesive properties across polar and nonpolar substrates, mimicking that of natural mucous and thus making it easier to distribute onto a wide range of surfaces. Additional control over the hydrogel's mechanical properties (storage/loss moduli) and performance (adhesion) is achieved post‐injection using a low‐energy (blue light) photoinduced electron‐transfer process. This work envisions these injectable copolymers and multimodal hydrogels can serve as versatile next‐generation biomaterials capable of light‐based mechanical manipulation post‐injection.
Multifunctional Spoof Plasmonic Transmission Line with Dynamically Switchable Modes
Authors: Zhang Dawei , Chen Junfan , Ratni Badreddine , Sun Yaxiu , Zhang Kuang , Wu Qun , Li Yingsong , Jiang Tao , Burokur Shah Nawaz
Published: December 2023

A multifunctional transmission line (TL) based on spoof surface plasmon polaritons (SSPPs) is proposed for dynamical switching features among bandpass, band‐stop, and dual‐band phase shifting functionalities. Different operating modes can be controlled in real‐time by changing the states of the Positive Intrinsic Negative (PIN) diodes synchronously. The dispersion properties of the spoof plasmonic unit cell and transmission characteristics of the tunable PIN‐diodes‐loaded spoof plasmonic TL are investigated to highlight the basic theory and method. A prototype of the proposed TL composed of five cascaded unit cells is fabricated and tested for proof‐of‐concept validation. In the ON state of the PIN diodes, the measured −3 dB transmission frequency bandwidth ranges from 3 to 8.1 GHz for the bandpass characteristic. In the OFF state, the measured −10 dB rejection band spans from 3.7 to 5.6 GHz for the bandstop characteristic. When the diodes are switched between ON and OFF states, the measured dual‐band phase shifts vary from 192° to 203° and 248° to 292° in the 3.1–3.4 GHz and 6.1–9.4 GHz frequency bands, respectively. The validated switchable features of the TL pave the way for applications of tunable SSPPs in large‐scale integrated circuits and smart wireless communication systems.
Microchannel‐Confined Chinese Ink‐Based Highly Stretchable Liquid‐State Strain Sensor for Early Warning of Road Collapse
Authors: Chi Haozhen , Yao Yipei , Zhu Ziying , Gao Chenyang , Shi Hongyang , Wan Haochuan , Hou Dibo , Cao Yunqi
Published: December 2023

Stretchable strain sensors are widely used in the fields of wearable devices, soft robotics, healthcare monitoring, and more. Despite tremendous efforts, strain sensors capable of detecting large‐scale soil deformation for urban geological hazard prevention have not yet been demonstrated. In this paper, a soft strain sensor of a highly stretchable Ecoflex‐0030 elastomeric matrix with microchannel‐confined environmentally benign conductive Chinese ink as the liquid‐state strain‐sensitive material that can reliably detect a wide range of working strain up to 300% is demonstrated. The sensor exhibits a negligible hysteresis error of 2.1%, with a considerably good gauge factor of 1.95. The sensor performance is evaluated under both creep and cyclic loading tests, indicating superior stability (0.65% fluctuation), and repeatability (0.28% variation in 1000 cycles), even under a lower underground environment temperature of 18°C. As a proof‐of‐concept demonstration, a liquid‐state strain sensor array with a strain amplification mechanism capable of accurately monitoring the formation of various underground cavities and providing timely demanded information for early warning of catastrophic road collapse is demonstrated and verified by the computer vision‐based particle image velocimetry (PIV) method.
Accurate and Efficient Sitting Posture Recognition and Human‐Machine Interaction Device Based on Fabric Pressure Sensor Array and Neural Network
Authors: Zhong Weibing , Xu Hui , Ke Yiming , Ming Xiaojuan , Jiang Haiqing , Li Mufang , Wang Dong
Published: December 2023

This article presents a novel approach to interact with users through posture recognition, leveraging its advantages of convenience and real‐time feedback to enhance user engagement and personalized experiences. In contrast to traditional methods that rely on camera‐based posture detection, this study proposes a deep learning‐based framework for posture recognition by classifying the distribution of body pressure under different sitting positions. The system integrates a large‐area, highly flexible fabric pressure sensor array into the chair, which collects data on posture‐specific pressure patterns for training and identification purposes. A deep learning algorithm, specifically the LeNet architecture, is employed to classify 49 different sitting positions based on angular variations, including body tilt to the left or right, standard posture, and forward or backward leaning. The proposed approach achieves an impressive accuracy rate of 99.86%. Furthermore, the application of this posture recognition system in VR devices enables intelligent chair control for VR games. This research provides strong support for future advancements in chair design and human‐computer interaction technologies, enhancing ergonomic designs in various domains such as automotive seats, office chairs, and medical seating, while simultaneously improving user comfort and well‐being.
Multifunctional Folded Transmitarray Antenna (MFTA) with Independent Control of Beam and Polarization Using Reconfigurable Metasurface
Authors: Bian Chenge , Zhou Dongfang , Zhang Dewei , Lv Dalong , Deng Hailin , Zhang Yi
Published: December 2023

With the rapid development of information and communication technology, intelligent wireless systems have a huge demand for devices with multi‐function integration and multi‐degree of freedom electromagnetic control. In this paper, a multifunctional folded transmitarray antenna (MFTA) using a reconfigurable metasurface is proposed to achieve simultaneous and independent modulation of beam and polarization. The beam scanning, arbitrary wave generator, and polarization conversion functions can be achieved only by adjusting the PIN diode bias on the reconfigurable metasurface. In order to prove the feasibility of the proposed method, a prototype is fabricated and verified by experiments. Both simulated and measured results verify the excellent performance of the MFTA. This work opens a door to multi‐functional integration and multi‐degree of freedom electromagnetic manipulate devices, which have great prospects in areas such as radar detection and wireless communication.
Accessing Borazine Substitution Patterns through Late‐Stage Iodination
Authors: Marchionni Dario , Nazari Khodadadi Alireza , Cela Ejdi , Huang Fan , Vaccaro Luigi
Published: December 2023

We have defined a procedure for the late‐stage functionalization of aryl borazines to facilitate the synthesis of a diverse array of borazine derivatives with varying substitution patterns, paving the way for further exploration of the field. More in detail, we have studied and disclosed a simple iodination procedure that could be applied to several differently substituted substrates (1 a–i) with mostly good to excellent yields (47–96%). The representative iodinated compounds 2 b and 2 e, were utilized to test their use in further representative functionalization steps such as cyanation, Heck, and Sonogashira reactions. All products 3 a–e were obtained in satisfactory good to very good yields considering the multiple (three or six times) concomitant reactions.
Facile General Injectable Gelatin/Metal/Tea Polyphenol Double Nanonetworks Remodel Wound Microenvironment and Accelerate Healing
Authors: Zan Xingjie , Yang Dong , Xiao Yi , Zhu Yaxin , Chen Hua , Ni Shulan , Zheng Shengwu , Zhu Limeng , Shen Jianliang , Zhang Xingcai
Published: December 2023

Treating the most widespread complication of diabetes: diabetic wounds poses a significant clinical obstacle due to the intricate nature of wound healing in individuals with diabetes. Here a novel approach is proposed using easily applicable injectable gelatin/metal/tea polyphenol double nanonetworks, which effectively remodel the wound microenvironment and accelerates the healing process. The gelatin(Gel) crosslink with metal ions (Zr4+) through the amino acids, imparting advantageous mechanical properties like self‐healing, injectability, and adhesion. The nanonetwork's biological functions are further enhanced by incorporating the tea polyphenol metal nanonetwork through in situ doping of the epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) with great antibacterial, self‐healing, antioxidant, and anticancer capabilities. The in vitro and in vivo tests show that this double nanonetworks hydrogel exhibits faster cell migration and favorable anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant properties and can greatly reshape the microenvironment of diabetic wounds and accelerate the wound healing rate. In addition, this hydrogel is completely degraded after subcutaneous injection for 7 days, with nondetectable cytotoxicity in H&E staining of major mice organs and the serum level of liver function indicators. Considering the above‐mentioned merits of this hydrogel, it is believed that the injectable gelatin/metal/tea polyphenol double nanonetworks have broad biomedical potential, especially in diabetic wound repair and tissue engineering.
Synergistic D‐Amino Acids Based Antimicrobial Cocktails Formulated via High‐Throughput Screening and Machine Learning
Authors: Yang Jingzhi , Ran Yami , Liu Shaopeng , Ren Chenhao , Lou Yuntian , Ju Pengfei , Li Guoliang , Li Xiaogang , Zhang Dawei
Published: December 2023

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) from pathogenic bacterial biofilms has become a global health issue while developing novel antimicrobials is inefficient and costly. Combining existing multiple drugs with enhanced efficacy and/or reduced toxicity may be a promising approach to treat AMR. D‐amino acids mixtures coupled with antibiotics can provide new therapies for drug‐resistance infection with reduced toxicity by lower drug dosage requirements. However, iterative trial‐and‐error experiments are not tenable to prioritize credible drug formulations, owing to the extremely large number of possible combinations. Herein, a new avenue is provide to accelerate the exploration of desirable antimicrobial formulations via high‐throughput screening and machine learning optimization. Such an intelligent method can navigate the large search space and rapidly identify the D‐amino acid mixtures with the highest anti‐biofilm efficiency and also the synergisms between D‐amino acid mixtures and antibiotics. The optimized drug cocktails exhibit high antimicrobial efficacy while remaining non‐toxic, which is demonstrated not only from in vitro assessments but also the first in vivo study using a lung infection mouse model.
Occupational stressors and mental illness in healthcare work: An intersection between gender, race, and class
Authors: de Sousa Camila C. , Araújo Tânia M. , Maturino Manuela M.
Published: December 2023

Background

Previous studies have supported the relevance of using broad and complex approaches, including multiple explanatory categories, to analyze mental disorders in the working population. This study aimed to assess the direct and indirect effects of gender, race, social class, and occupational stressors on mental health.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study used a random sample of 3343 health workers. The effort–reward imbalance (ERI) scale measured occupational stressors. The World Health Organization Self‐Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ‐20) evaluated common mental disorders (CMDs) as outcomes. The role of gender, race/color, and class determinants (level of schooling and income) in the relationship between occupational stressors and CMD was assessed. Structural equation modeling was used to determine associations and effects.

Results

Occupational stressors were directly associated with CMD and mediated the relationship between income and CMD. Gender was directly associated with occupational stressors, income, and domestic overload. Race was associated with education and with CMD through indirect paths mediated by class indicators. Class indicators contributed to increasing exposure to occupational stressors and the occurrence of CMD.

Conclusion

The results highlight the relevance of gender, race/color, and class in understanding the unequal distribution of work stressors and mental illness in health workers.
Towards a Light‐mediated Gene Therapy for the Eye using Caged Ethinylestradiol and the Inducible Cre/lox System
Authors: Kiy Zoe , Chaud Juliane , Xu Liang , Brandhorst Eric , Kamali Tschackad , Vargas Carolyn , Keller Sandro , Hong Huixiao , Specht Alexandre , Cambridge Sidney
Published: December 2023

Increasingly, retinal pathologies are being treated with virus‐mediated gene therapies. To be able to target viral transgene expression specifically to the pathological regions of the retina with light, we established an in vivo photoactivated gene expression paradigm for retinal tissue. Based on the inducible Cre/lox system, we discovered that ethinylestradiol is a suitable alternative to Tamoxifen as ethinylestradiol is more amenable to modification with photosensitive protecting compounds, i.e., “caging.” Identification of ethinylestradiol as a ligand for the mutated human estradiol receptor was supported by in silico binding studies showing the reduced binding of caged ethinylestradiol. Caged ethinylestradiol was injected into the eyes of double transgenic GFAP‐CreERT2 mice with a Cre‐dependent tdTomato reporter transgene followed by irradiation with light of 450 nm. Photoactivation significantly increased retinal tdTomato expression compared to controls. We thus demonstrated a first step towards the development of a targeted, light‐mediated gene therapy for the eyes.
In Situ Chiral Template Approach to Synthesize Homochiral Lead Iodides for Second‐Harmonic Generation
Authors: Cheng Juan , Yi Gangji , Zhang Zhizhuan , Long Ying , Zeng Hongmei , Huang Ling , Zou Guohong , Lin Zhien
Published: December 2023

Homochiral halide perovskites have gained increasing attention because of their fascinating optoelectronic properties and prospective applications in laser technologies. However, the limited choice of chiral organic templates severely restricts their structural diversity and second‐harmonic generation (SHG) effects. Here, we present an in situ chiral template approach for the synthesis of one‐dimensional (1D) homochiral lead iodides. A chiral imine (L‐ipp) template was generated in situ by reacting L‐proline (L‐pro) and acetone under ambient conditions. Notably, L‐ipp can cooperate with L‐pro to direct the formation of a homochiral lead iodide with dual chiral templates, which is unprecedented in crystalline metal halides. The homochiral lead iodide containing both L‐ipp and L‐pro shows a strong SHG response of 8.0 times that of KH2PO4 (8.0×KDP). The SHG efficiency is one of the largest values reported to date for any homochiral lead halides under 1064 nm laser irradiation. A comparative study shows that homochiral 1D lead iodides containing either L‐ipp or L‐pro exhibit relatively weak SHG responses (≤1.0×KDP). This work demonstrates the advantage of using two different chiral templates over a single chiral template in enhancing the SHG responses of halide materials.
Decarboxylative Radical Sulfilimination via Photoredox, Copper, and Brønsted Base Catalysis
Authors: Zhang Mingjun , Liu Lixia , Tan Yuhao , Jing Yue , Liu Yuxiu , Wang Ziwen , Wang Qingmin
Published: December 2023

Sulfilimines, the aza‐variants of sulfoxides, are key structural motifs in natural products, pharmaceuticals, and agrochemicals; and sulfilimine synthesis is therefore important in organic chemistry. However, methods for radical sulfilimination remain elusive, and as a result, the structural diversity of currently available sulfilimines is limited. Herein, we report the first protocol for decarboxylative radical sulfilimination reactions between sulfenamides and N‐hydroxyphthalimide esters of primary, secondary, and tertiary alkyl carboxylic acids, which were achieved via a combination of photoredox, copper, and Brønsted base catalysis. This novel protocol provided a wide variety of sulfilimines, in addition to serving as an efficient route for the synthesis of S‐alkyl/S‐aryl homocysteine sulfilimines and S‐(4‐methylphenyl) homocysteine sulfoximine. Moreover, it could be used for late‐stage introduction of a sulfilimine group into structurally complex molecules, thereby avoiding the need to preserve labile organosulfur moieties through multistep synthetic sequences. A mechanism involving photocatalytic substrate transformation and copper‐mediated C(sp3)−S bond formation is proposed.