bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THE TOP QUARK
Authors: Wimpenny Stephen J. , Winer Brian L.
Published: July 2002

▪ Abstract  Since the discovery of the bottom quark in 1977, physicists have searched for the top quark, the weak isospin partner of the bottom quark. Indirect evidence and estimates of its mass have been made; however, direct observation eluded scientists until recently. In the spring of 1995, two experiments, CDF and DØ, at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory showed top-antitop quark pairs created from proton-antiproton collisions. In this report, we summarize the experimental status prior to 1995 and discuss the experiments and techniques that in March of 1995 resulted in discovery of the top quark. Studies of the top quark's properties, such as its mass and production cross section, are just beginning. We present an overview of the current status of these measurements and a perspective on the prospects for the future.
“Reality” Artificial Reproduction, and Sexuality
Authors: Casado Jose Carlos , Cano Harkaitz
Published: July 2002

Multimedia artist Jose Carlos Casado, with the assistance of writer Harkaitz Cano, discusses his work in progress, La Caja de Pandora (“Pandora's Box”), in which digital video, 3D animations, and interactivity merge in a series of installations about “reality” artificial reproduction, and sexuality. His study searches for the boundaries where belief starts and asks what makes us accept what we see. It also investigates the new relationship between the mind and the body, and its relation to technologies.
Intermedia In Electronic Images
Authors: Spielmann Yvonne
Published: July 2002

The essay focuses on the processes of intermedia in visual media. The author's analysis of the merging of still, moving and computed images reveals that, in intermedia, images tend to-ward a spatial, rather than temporal, organizing prin-ciple. This shift becomes evident in particular in the moving images in such elec-tronic films as Peter Greenaway's Prospero's Books. The limits of intermedia in the electronic medium are unfolded in the concept of the coherent im-age by Zbigniew Rybczynski. Another concept of com-pression and convergence is demonstrated by Clea T. Waite in her crossing two-and three-dimensionality in a video installation.
Reduplicative Identity in Chaha
Authors: Kenstowicz Michael , Banksira Degif Petros
Published: July 2002

The article discusses the process of continuant dissimilation that derives [k] from /x/ in Chaha (a Western Gurage language of Ethiopia) and its implications for reduplicative identity. It is argued that two correspondence relations are crucial to an adequate analysis of the process: base-reduplicant correspondence and output-output correspondence. Chaha provides a clear instance of “back copy” in which the output of reduplication triggers a change in the base.
Movement in Cluttered Virtual Environments
Authors: Ruddle Roy A. , Jones Dylan M.
Published: July 2002

Imagine walking around a cluttered room but then having little idea of where you have traveled. This frequently happens when people move around small virtual environments (VEs), searching for targets. In three experiments, participants searched small-scale VEs using different movement interfaces, collision response algorithms, and fields of view. Participants' searches were most efficient in terms of distance traveled, time taken, and path followed when the simplest form of movement (view direction) was used in conjunction with a response algorithm that guided (“slipped”) them around obstacles when collisions occurred. Unexpectedly, and in both immersive and desktop VEs, participants often had great difficulty finding the targets, despite the fact that participants could see the whole VE if they stood in one place and turned around. Thus, the trivial real-world task used in the present study highlights a basic problem with current VE systems.
The COVEN Project: Exploring Applicative, Technical, and Usage Dimensions of Collaborative Virtual Environments
Authors: Normand Véronique , Babski Christian , Benford Steve , Bullock Adrian , Carion Stéphane , Chrysanthou Yiorgos , Farcet Nicolas , Frécon Emmanuel , Harvey John , Kuijpers Nico , Magnenat-Thalmann Nadia , Raupp-Musse Soraia , Rodden Tom , Slater Mel , Smith Gareth , Steed Anthony , Thalmann Daniel , Tromp Jolanda , Usoh Martin , Van Liempd Gidi , Kladias Nicos
Published: July 2002

COVEN (Collaborative Virtual Environments) is a European project that seeks to develop a comprehensive approach to the issues in the development of collaborative virtual environment (CVE) technology. COVEN brings together twelve academic and industrial partners with a wide range of expertise in CSCW, networked VR, computer graphics, human factors, HCI, and telecommunications infrastructures. After two years of work, we are presenting the main features of our approach and results, our driving applications, the main components of our technical investigations, and our experimental activities. With different citizen and professional application scenarios as driving forces, COVEN is exploring the requirements and supporting techniques for collaborative interaction in scalable CVEs. Technical results are being integrated in an enriched networked VR platform based on the dVS and DIVE systems. Taking advantage of a dedicated Europe-wide ISDN and ATM network infrastructure, a large component of the project is a trial and experimentation activity that should allow a comprehensive understanding of the network requirements of these systems as well as their usability issues and human factors aspects.
VIRTUE, NATURAL LAW, AND SUPERNATURAL SOLICITATION: A THOMISTIC READING OF SHAKESPEARE'S MACBETH
Authors: Hibbs Thomas , Hibbs Stacey
Published: July 2002

This essay explores a remarkable congruence between Macbeth and the teachings of Thomas Aquinas on the nature of virtue, temptation and evil, natural law, and the relationship of the natural to the supernatural. Macbeth's virtue is problematic in that initially he seems courageous when on the attack in battle. But in reality he shows the excessive vice of boldness, and subsequently he fails to manifest courageous endurance and patience in clinging to the good, drifting rather into restlessness and impatience. Aquinas defines evil as a privation of the good. Macbeth persistently chooses apparent good over real good, as he is tempted by the witches and Lady Macbeth. He violates the natural law and suffers extrinsic and intrinsic punishment, a conception linking the play with Aquinas rather than Hooker and Locke. Furthermore, his decline into evil mirrors Aquinas conceptions of the order of punishments following on violation of the natural law, evident in the progressive loss of eternal happiness, virtue, reason and physical and material goods. Finally, the play is not naturalistic but portrays the witches and Macbeth's opponents as instruments of the supernatural.
FOR THE LOVE OF LIFE
Authors: Korten David
Published: July 2002

This article affirms Thomas Berry's description of our cultural predicament and the responses he offers in terms of the Universe Story and the 'great work'. After articulating aspects of this new story, the article proceeds to discuss the implications for a new politics and a new economy. The three elements of the 'great work' that of telling the story, the creation of a new politics and the creation of a new economy are essential to the transformation of society. Yet the political and economic transformation are dependent on real democracy, and all are in need of profound reform.
TRIAL-AND-ERROR SOLVING OF A CONFINEMENT PROBLEM BY A JUMPING SPIDER, PORTIA FIMBRIATA
Authors: Jackson Robert , Carter Chris , Tarsitano Michael
Published: July 2002

Portia is a genus of web-invading araneophagic jumping spiders known from earlier studies to derive aggressive-mimicry signals by using a generate-and-test algorithm (trial-and-error tactic). Here P. fimbriata's use of trial-and-error to solve a confinement problem (how to escape from an island surrounded by water) is investigated. Spiders choose between two potential escape tactics (leap or swim), one of which will fail (bring spider no closer to edge of tray) and the other of which will partially succeed (bring spider closer to edge of tray). The particular choice that will partially succeed is unknown to the spider. Using trial-anderror, P.fimbriata solves the confinement problem both when correct choices are rewarded (i.e. when the spider is moved closer to edge of tray) and when incorrect choices are punished (i.e. when the spider gets no closer to edge of tray).
A REVIEW OF THE FAMILY STENASELLIDAE (ISOPODA, ASELLOTA, ASELLOIDEA) OF UNDERGROUND WATERS
Authors: Magniez Guy
Published: July 2002

The historical discovery and the successive stages in our knowledge of the family Stenasellidae Dudich, 1924, are described. Their morphological features; the diagnosis of the family, and an updated list of its genera with the respective numbers of their taxa and their main characteristics are given. Also, the biogeography and the ecology of the group and relations between burrowing behaviour and general adaptation to life in all types of continental underground waters, are discussed. Next, the putative evolutionary history of the family is presented, taking into account the active dispersal of these isopods and also the role of Quaternary events: the development of aridity in the northern tropical zone and the occurrence of glaciations in the temperate zones of the Northern Hemisphere. Their general biological adaptation to the absence of circadian stimuli is examined vis-a-vis the fact that biological rhythms are synchronized with the annual flooding events in the subterranean environment. Decouverte historique et progres successifs de la connaissance de la famille des Stenasellidae Dudich, 1924. Caracteres morphologiques originaux; diagnose de la famille; liste mise a jour des genres, nombre de leurs taxons et principales caracteristiques. Biogeographie et ecologie du groupe; relations entre le comportement fouisseur et l'adaptation a la vie dans tous les types de milieux des eaux souterraines continentales. Histoire evolutive presumee de la famille, tenant compte de la capacite d'expansion active de ces Isopodes et du role des evenements quaternaires: developpement du climat aride dans la zone nord-tropicale et intervention des glaciations dans les zones temperees de l'hemisphere nord. Adaptation generale des processus biologiques a l'absence de stimuli externes circadiens, ces processus etant rythmes par la pulsation annuelle du flux des eaux dans l'environnement souterrain, qui joue le role d'un stimulus circannien.
Thermodynamics of (Zn,Fe)S sphalerite. A CVM approach with large basis clusters
Authors: Balabin A. I. , Sack R. O.
Published: July 2002

We have developed a cluster variation method (CVM) model based on cuboctahedral and octahedral basis clusters containing 13 and 6 atoms, respectively, and applied it to the analysis of the thermodynamic mixing properties of (Zn,Fe)S solid solutions. The model, in which the internal energy of the lattice is approximated by next to nearest neighbour (nnn) pair interactions and many-body interactions associated with nearest neighbour (nn) equilateral triangles, describes the FeS contents of sphalerites equilibrated with pyrrhotite and pyrite, and with pyrrhotite and iron metal within experimental uncertainties. The model predicts moderate deviations from ideality; the mean values of the Lewis and Randall activity coefficient of FeS and ZnS are, 1.48 and 1.03, respectively. Predictions of the model are in qualitative agreement with cell-edge data. The model also predicts that sphalerites undergo long-range ordering to lower-symmetry structures at temperatures only slightly below those investigated experimentally, a result in agreement with inferences from an existing Mössbauer investigation of synthetic sphalerites.

More realistic models in which interactions are ascribed to larger species (nn triangular and centred square species) predict that such long-range ordering occurs at even higher temperatures and underscore the need for better characterization of the structures of (Zn,Fe)S minerals.
Anti-Inflammatory Diet and Dementia in Older Adults With Cardiometabolic Diseases
Authors: Dove Abigail , Dunk Michelle M. , Wang Jiao , Guo Jie , Whitmer Rachel A. , Xu Weili
Published: August 2024

Importance

Inflammation has been proposed as a mechanism linking cardiometabolic diseases (CMDs) to increased risk of dementia. However, whether an anti-inflammatory diet can support brain and cognitive health among people with CMDs is unclear.

Objective

To examine CMD status and dietary inflammatory potential in association with dementia risk and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measures using joint effect analysis.

Design, Setting, and Participants

The UK Biobank is an ongoing community-based cohort study with baseline assessments conducted between March 13, 2006, and October 1, 2010. The present study included 84 342 dementia-free older adults (≥60 years), who were followed up until January 20, 2022 (maximum, 15 years). A subsample (n = 8917) underwent brain MRI scans between May 2, 2014, and March 13, 2020.

Exposures

Baseline CMDs (including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke) were ascertained from medical records. Dietary Inflammatory Index scores (anti-inflammatory [≤−1.5 points], neutral [>−1.5 to <0.5 points], or proinflammatory [≥0.5 points]) were calculated from participants’ average intake of 31 nutrients, assessed up to 5 times using the Oxford WebQ, a web-based, 24-hour dietary assessment.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Incident dementia was identified through linkage to medical records. Regional brain volumes were collected from brain MRI scans.

Results

The study included 84 342 participants (mean [SD] age, 64.1 [2.9] years; 43 220 [51.2%] female). At baseline, 14 079 (16.7%) had at least 1 CMD. Over a median follow-up of 12.4 (IQR, 11.8-13.1) years, 1559 individuals (1.9%) developed dementia. With the use of joint effect analysis, the hazard ratio of dementia was 2.38 (95% CI, 1.93-2.93) for people with CMDs and a proinflammatory diet and 1.65 (95% CI, 1.36-2.00) for those with CMDs and an anti-inflammatory diet (reference: CMD-free, anti-inflammatory diet). Dementia risk was 31% lower (hazard ratio, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.55-0.88; P = .003) among people with CMDs and an anti-inflammatory diet. On brain MRI, participants with CMDs and an anti-inflammatory diet compared with a proinflammatory diet additionally had significantly larger gray matter volume (β = −0.15; 95% CI, −0.24 to −0.06 vs β = −0.27; 95% CI, −0.38 to −0.16) and smaller white matter hyperintensity volume (β = 0.05; 95% CI, −0.04 to 0.14 vs β = 0.16; 95% CI, 0.05-0.27).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cohort study, people with CMDs and an anti-inflammatory compared with proinflammatory diet had a significantly lower hazard ratio of dementia, larger gray matter volume, and smaller white matter hyperintensity volume.
Emergency Severity Index Version 4 and Triage of Pediatric Emergency Department Patients
Authors: Sax Dana R. , Warton E. Margaret , Kene Mamata V. , Ballard Dustin W. , Vitale Tina J. , Timm Jenna A. , Adams Eloa S. , McGauhey Katherine R. , Pines Jesse M. , Reed Mary E. ,   Kaiser Permanente Clinical Research on Emergency Services & Treatments (CREST) Network, Rauchwerger Adina S , Di Lena Daniel D
Published: August 2024

Importance

Most emergency departments (EDs) across the US use the Emergency Severity Index (ESI) to predict acuity and resource needs. A comprehensive assessment of ESI accuracy among pediatric patients is lacking.

Objective

To assess the frequency of mistriage using ESI (version 4) among pediatric ED visits using automated measures of mistriage and identify characteristics associated with mistriage.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cohort study used operational measures for each ESI level to classify encounters as undertriaged, overtriaged, or correctly triaged to assess the accuracy of the ESI and identify characteristics of mistriage. Participants were pediatric patients at 21 EDs within Kaiser Permanente Northern California from January 1, 2016, to December 31, 2020. During that time, version 4 of the ESI was in use by these EDs. Visits with missing ESI, incomplete ED time variables, patients transferred from another ED, and those who left against medical advice or without being seen were excluded. Data were analyzed between January 2022 and June 2023.

Exposures

Assigned ESI level.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Rates of undertriage and overtriage by assigned ESI level based on mistriage algorithm, patient and visit characteristics associated with undertriage and overtriage.

Results

This study included 1 016 816 pediatric ED visits; the mean (SD) age of patients was 7.3 (5.6) years, 479 610 (47.2%) were female, and 537 206 (52.8%) were male. Correct triage occurred in 346 918 visits (34.1%; 95% CI, 34.0%-34.2%), while overtriage and undertriage occurred in 594 485 visits (58.5%; 95% CI, 58.4%-58.6%) and 75 413 visits (7.4%; 95% CI, 7.4%-7.5%), respectively. In adjusted analyses, undertriage was more common among children at least 6 years old compared with those younger 6 years; male patients compared with female patients; patients with Asian, Black, or Hispanic or other races or ethnicities compared with White patients; patients with comorbid illnesses compared with those without; and patients who arrived by ambulance compared with nonambulance patients.

Conclusions and Relevance

This multicenter retrospective study found that mistriage with ESI version 4 was common in pediatric ED visits. There is an opportunity to improve pediatric ED triage, both in early identification of critically ill patients (limit undertriage) and in more accurate identification of low-acuity patients with low resource needs (limit overtriage). Future research should include assessments based on version 5 of the ESI, which was released after this study was completed.
Hospitalizations for Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) in US Children’s Hospitals in 2023 vs 2021
Authors: Jackson Anne K. , Brady Patrick W. , Hall Matt , Molloy Matthew J. , Auger Katherine A.
Published: August 2024

This cross-sectional study evaluates hospitalizations for multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children in US pediatric hospitals in 2023 vs 2021.
Dual‐branch Transformer for semi‐supervised medical image segmentation
Authors: Huang Xiaojie , Zhu Yating , Shao Minghan , Xia Ming , Shen Xiaoting , Wang Pingli , Wang Xiaoyan
Published: August 2024

Purpose

In recent years, the use of deep learning for medical image segmentation has become a popular trend, but its development also faces some challenges. Firstly, due to the specialized nature of medical data, precise annotation is time‐consuming and labor‐intensive. Training neural networks effectively with limited labeled data is a significant challenge in medical image analysis. Secondly, convolutional neural networks commonly used for medical image segmentation research often focus on local features in images. However, the recognition of complex anatomical structures or irregular lesions often requires the assistance of both local and global information, which has led to a bottleneck in its development. Addressing these two issues, in this paper, we propose a novel network architecture.

Methods

We integrate a shift window mechanism to learn more comprehensive semantic information and employ a semi‐supervised learning strategy by incorporating a flexible amount of unlabeled data. Specifically, a typical U‐shaped encoder‐decoder structure is applied to obtain rich feature maps. Each encoder is designed as a dual‐branch structure, containing Swin modules equipped with windows of different size to capture features of multiple scales. To effectively utilize unlabeled data, a level set function is introduced to establish consistency between the function regression and pixel classification.

Results

We conducted experiments on the COVID‐19 CT dataset and DRIVE dataset and compared our approach with various semi‐supervised and fully supervised learning models. On the COVID‐19 CT dataset, we achieved a segmentation accuracy of up to 74.56%. Our segmentation accuracy on the DRIVE dataset was 79.79%.

Conclusions

The results demonstrate the outstanding performance of our method on several commonly used evaluation metrics. The high segmentation accuracy of our model demonstrates that utilizing Swin modules with different window sizes can enhance the feature extraction capability of the model, and the level set function can enable semi‐supervised models to more effectively utilize unlabeled data. This provides meaningful insights for the application of deep learning in medical image segmentation. Our code will be released once the manuscript is accepted for publication.
Dual‐Functional LiCl Additive for Highly Reversible Zinc Metal Anode
Authors: Song Yang , Liu Yongduo , Long Daojun , Tao Xiongxin , Luo Shijian , Yang Yuran , Chen Hao , Wang Meng , Chen Siguo , Wei Zidong
Published: August 2024

Zinc metal has emerged as a promising candidate for high‐capacity and low‐cost anodes in aqueous zinc‐ion batteries; nevertheless, it encounters serious obstacles, including low cycling stability and poor reversibility, caused by parasitic reactions and the formation of zinc dendrites. Herein, the study proposes a novel nonprotonic dimethylacetamide (DMAC)/ZnCl2/LiCl electrolyte that enables both solvation structural modulation of [ZnClx]2‐x and the cationic electrostatic shielding effect of [Li(DMAC)]+ by controlling the concentration of LiCl. The optimal concentration of LiCl electrolyte (0.28 m), which results in the highest ratio of [ZnCl3]−, strikes a balance between low desolvation energy and a high mass transfer rate while promoting homoepitaxial deposition of Zn (002). Moreover, inert [Li(DMAC)]+ ions, which possess a lower reduction potential, preferentially adsorb onto zinc protrusions, mitigating the tip effect. Leveraging electrolyte engineering, the zinc deposition/stripping process results in impressive long‐term stability, surpassing 2,800 cycles, and the Zn||MnO2 cell also achieves a stable lifespan extending beyond 1400 cycles. The research highlights the potential of LiCl as an additive in the modulation of water‐free electrolytes.
A Laminated Strategy Enabled Sustainable Tactile Array with Ultra‐Stable Sensory Augmentation
Authors: Hao Sanwei , Wang Wenqi , Ma Chao , Li Xin , Liu Xidie , Wang Yicong , Xue Zhimin , Xu Feng , Yang Jun
Published: August 2024

The sustainable tactile electronics demonstrates huge potential in mimicking the functionality of human skin and satisfies with an eco‐friendly concept. However, on the premise of successfully introducing natural materials, such electronics are still not sufficient for improving the fatigue threshold in high‐frequency sensing scenarios. Here an eco‐ and user‐friendly cellulose integrated tactile array (CITA) is introduced that relies on laminated hierarchical architecture (LAHA) for alleviating the notorious structural vulnerability toward long‐term haptic evaluation. By cross‐validation with conventional bulky configuration, finite element simulation unveils that the LAHA leverages compact laminated adjacent layer for dramatically facilitating in‐plane stress distribution for diminishing the interfacial stress concentration, thus affords prolonged and reliable sensory augmentation. The CITA wireless monitoring system offers impeccable real‐time spatiotemporal haptic patterns on multi‐user interfaces and can substantially promote a record‐high durability (150000 cycles), showcasing low interfacial contact impedance (1.78 ± 0.4 ohm, 1 kHz), remarkably channel uniformity (97.2%), unparalleled sensitivity (12944 kPa−1), and sensing‐robustness against perturbations (e.g., humidity, temperature, and bending). It is envisioned that the proposed CITA system will open up new avenues for sustainable tactile electronics in continuous health surveillance.
Surface Active‐Site Engineering of Low‐Noble‐Metal‐Alloyed Metallic Glass Catalyst for Boosting Water Electrolysis
Authors: Zhang Yanan , Li Rui , Wang Xu , Guo Qi , Zhang Qiqin , He Yi , Liu Weihong , Li Zhibin , Liu Xiongjun , Lu Zhaoping
Published: August 2024

The development of efficient, robust, and cost‐effective electrocatalysts remains a significant challenge for practical water electrolysis. Here, a metallic glass (MG)‐based catalyst with surface‐enriched Ir and Pt‐alloyed active sites, demonstrating superior electrocatalytic performance, is reported. The dealloyed catalyst, characterized by an Ir and Pt‐rich honeycombed nanoporous surface and an interior flexible MG substrate, can directly serve as a bifunctional electrode, enabling efficient hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions with low overpotentials of 19 and 223 mV to achieve a current density of 10 mA cm−2, respectively. Notably, the mass activity of the catalyst surpasses that of commercial Pt/C and Ir/C catalysts by 13.9 and 16.5 times, respectively. Additionally, the catalyst exhibits exceptional stability with negligible activity decay even under an ampere‐level current density (i.e., ≥1 A cm−2). Theoretical calculations reveal the optimization of atomic configuration and regulation of electronic interactions through lattice strain induced by the co‐alloying of Ir and Pt, contributing to superior electrocatalytic performance. Furthermore, the unique honeycombed nanoporous architecture, shaped by the surface migration and enrichment of the noble metals, offers abundant active sites for accelerating the electrocatalytic reactions. This work presents a novel approach to cost‐effectively design high‐performance alloy catalysts by engineering surface catalytically active sites.
High Fire‐Safety and Multifunctional Eutectogel for Flexible Quasi‐Solid‐State Supercapacitors
Authors: Zeng Qingtao , Lai Xuejun , Li Hongqiang , Chen Zhonghua , Zeng Xingrong , Zhang Liqun
Published: August 2024

The preparation of high‐performance and fire‐safe electrolytes for flexible quasi‐solid‐state supercapacitors is challenging. In this work, a novel fire‐safe and multifunctional deep eutectic solvent gel (DESG) is fabricated using acrylic acid and urea as hydrogen bond donors and choline chloride as a hydrogen bond acceptor. DESG shows a high ionic conductivity (0.552 S m−1), good electrochemical performance (specific capacitance: 106.8 F g−1), and a wide operating temperature range (−20–90 °C), being a promising candidate for flexible solid‐state supercapacitors. Furthermore, it exhibits a good thermoelectric conversion capability (Seebeck coefficient: 1.56 mV K−1), being ideal for thermoelectric capacitors and fire‐warning sensors. The prepared DESG rapidly self‐extinguishes after removal from fire, reaching a limiting oxygen index value of 38.0% and demonstrating its excellent flame retardancy. In addition, DESG has a good self‐healing performance (healing efficiency of 84.3%). The work provides new insights into the preparation and application of high fire‐safety and multifunctional eutectogels for flexible quasi‐solid‐state supercapacitors.
A Microfluidic 3D‐Tumor‐Spheroid Model for the Evaluation of Targeted Therapies from Angiogenesis‐Related Cytokines at the Single Spheroid Level
Authors: Liu Mengqi , Wang Yihe , Wang Chao , Li Ping , Qiu Jiaoyan , Yang Ningkai , Sun Mingyuan , Han Lin
Published: August 2024

Angiogenesis is a key player in drug resistance to targeted therapies for breast cancer. The average expression of angiogenesis‐related cytokines is widely associated with the treatments of target therapies for a population of cells or spheroids, overlooking the distinct responses for individuals. In this work, a highly integrated microfluidic platform is developed for the generation of monodisperse multicellular tumor spheroids (MTSs), drug treatments, and the measurement of cytokines for individual MTSs in a single chip. The platform allows the correlation evaluation between cytokine secretion and drug treatment at the level of individual spheroids. For validation, quantities of six representative proangiogenic cytokines are tested against treatments with four model drugs at varying times and concentrations. By applying a linear regression model, significant correlations are established between cytokine secretion and the treated drug concentration for individual spheroids. The proposed platform provides a high‐throughput method for the investigation of the molecular mechanism of the cytokine response to targeted therapies and paves the way for future drug screening using predictive regression models at the single‐spheroid level.
A Small‐Molecule NIR‐II Probe for the Diagnosis of Hemorrhagic Diseases
Authors: Li Jinwei , Xu Tongtong , Chen Jiabei , He Xiaoyan , Ma Renwei , Lu Xiuhong , Yuan Jialu , Yao Minghua , Tang Yaohui , Li Jianfeng
Published: August 2024

Numerous hemorrhagic disorders, particularly those presenting deep hemorrhage, pose diagnostic challenges, often leading to delayed treatment and severe outcomes. Near‐infrared (NIR)‐II fluorescence imaging offers advantages such as deep tissue penetration, real‐time visualization, and a high signal‐to‐background ratio, making it highly suitable for diagnosing hemorrhagic diseases. In this study, an NIR‐II fluorescent probe LJ‐2P carrying carboxylic and phosphoric acid groups is successfully applied for imaging hemorrhagic diseases. LJ‐2P demonstrates a strong affinity for fibrinogen and fibrin clots both computationally and experimentally, thus exhibiting increased brightness upon coagulation. As compared to Indocyanine Green, LJ‐2P provides a longer imaging window, higher imaging specificity, and signal‐to‐background ratio, as well as superior photobleaching resistance in three disease models: gastric, pulmonary, and cerebral hemorrhages. These results reveal that LJ‐2P demonstrates enhanced imaging capabilities, enabling precise identification of hemorrhagic sites.
Discovery of FeP/Carbon Dots Nanozymes for Enhanced Peroxidase‐Like Catalytic and Antibacterial Activity
Authors: Dong Jiaxin , Liu Guanxiong , Petrov Yuri V. , Feng Yujie , Jia Dechang , Baulin Vladimir E , Yu Tsivadze Aslan , Zhou Yu , Li Baoqiang
Published: August 2024

Iron phosphide/carbon (FeP/C) serving as electrocatalysts exhibit excellent activity in oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) process. H2O2 catalyzed by peroxidase (POD) is similar to the formation of new electron transfer channels and the optimization of adsorption of oxygen‐containing intermediates or desorption of products in ORR process. However, it is still a challenge to discover FeP/C with enhanced POD‐like catalytic activity in the electrocatalytic database for biocatalysis. The discovery of FeP/carbon dots (FeP/CDs) nanozymes driven by electrocatalytic activity for enhanced POD‐like ability is demonstrated. FeP/CDs derived from CDs‐Fe3+ chelates show enhanced POD‐like catalytic and antibacterial activity. FeP/CDs exhibit enhanced POD‐like activities with a specific activity of 31.1 U mg−1 that is double higher than that of FeP. The antibacterial ability of FeP/CDs nanozymes with enhanced POD‐like activity is 98.1%. The antibacterial rate of FeP/CDs nanozymes (250 µg mL−1) increased by 5%, 15%, and 36% compared with FeP, Fe2O3/CDs, and Cu3P/CDs nanozymes, respectively. FeP/CDs nanozymes will attract more efforts to discover or screen transition metal phosphide/C nanozymes with enhanced POD‐like catalytic activity for biocatalysis in the electrocatalytic database.
Impact of Crosslinking Degree on Chitosan and Oxidized Guar Gum‐Based Injectable Hydrogels for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Moreira Filho Raimundo Nonato Fernandes , de Oliveira Matheus Xavier , Brito Soares Ana Lorena , Maciel Marques Lidyane Souto , Chevallier Pascale , Mantovani Diego , Andrade Feitosa Judith Pessoa , Vieira Rodrigo Silveira
Published: August 2024

Evaluating the biodegradability and biocompatibility of hydrogels is essential for identifying materials suitable for biomedical applications. This study describes the fabrication of hydrogels utilizing physiological‐soluble chitosan (N‐succinyl chitosan, NSC) crosslinked with dialdehyde guar gum (Oxidized Galactomannan, OxGM) via the Schiff‐base reaction. Hydrogels with varying volumetric ratios of NSC/OxGM, resulting in distinct NH2/CHO functional group ratios and crosslinking degrees, underwent comprehensive characterization using Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), swelling, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Gelation time (tgel) is assessed by rheological analysis (tgel = G′ > G″), where tgel increased with higher crosslinking density, reaching a maximum value of ≈80 s. Biodegradation analysis in phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS) with lysozyme (13 mg L−1) revealed that the crosslinking degree significantly influenced degradation, with lower crosslinking associated with an elevated degradation profile. Moreover, cell viability assays with fibroblastic cells demonstrated minimal cytotoxicity, but an increase in free aldehyde groups correlated with decreased cell viability. For the 75C25C hydrogel, the compressive test yielded a Young's modulus value of 67.2 kPa (±8.5). These results imply that the hydrogels developed exhibit favorable biodegradability and biocompatibility, making them promising candidates for diverse biomedical applications.
Electrically Switchable Transmissive and Reflective Liquid Crystal Polarization Gratings Based on Cholesteric Liquid Crystals
Authors: Chuang Yi‐Te , Li Yu‐Chieh , Feng Ting‐Mao , Wang Chun‐Ta
Published: August 2024

Liquid crystal polarization gratings (LCPGs) are a superior alternative to traditional diffraction gratings due to their high diffraction efficiency, strong polarization sensitivity, and versatile tunability. This paper introduces an electrically switchable LCPG based on cholesteric liquid crystals (CLCs). The LCPG is designed to operate in reflective (R‐mode) and transmissive (T‐mode) states. It utilizes the standing helical (SH) configuration of CLCs for reflective functionality and transitions to a lying helical (LH) configuration for transmissive operations. This dual‐mode capability is achieved through a unique application of electric fields, which reorient the liquid crystal helix axis according to the desired optical function. The performance of the LCPG in both R‐mode and T‐mode is evaluated by applying different frequencies and voltages to dynamically switch between the helical states. The manufacturing process is simple, and the device performs robustly. This suggests that the technology could be useful for developing optical systems that require dynamic control over light modulation.
Pd‐Catalyzed Allylic Substitution Using Nucleophilic Amines: Access to Functionalized Mono‐ and Bis‐N‐Allyl Synthons
Authors: Gao Fengyun , Ghorai Debasish , Benet‐Buchholz Jordi , Kleij Arjan W.
Published: August 2024

We here report a catalytic strategy to enable the decarboxylative allylic amination of vinyl cyclic carbonates using various aliphatic and nucleophilic amines. The use of a protic medium and chelating diphosphine ligands are the main drivers towards chemoselective allylic amine formation, thereby minimizing undesired ligand‐driven complex speciation and aminolysis of the involved substrate. This improved approach amplifies the repertoire of allylic amine synthons that can be prepared from a variety of substrate combinations.
Cyanobacterial Artificial Plants for Enhanced Indoor Carbon Capture and Utilization
Authors: Rezaie Maryam , Choi Seokheun
Published: August 2024

Indoor carbon dioxide (CO2) levels are often significantly higher than those outdoors, which is a growing health concern, particularly in urban areas where people spend over 80% of their time indoors. Traditional CO2 mitigation methods, such as ventilation and filtration, are becoming less effective as outdoor CO2 levels increase due to global warming. This study introduces a novel solution: cyanobacterial artificial plants that enhance indoor carbon capture while converting CO2 into oxygen (O2) and bioelectricity. These artificial plants use indoor light to drive photosynthesis, achieving a 90% reduction in indoor CO2 levels, from 5000 to 500 ppm—far surpassing the 10% reduction seen with natural plants. In addition to improving air quality, the system produces O2 and enough bioelectricity to power portable electronics. Each artificial leaf contains five biological solar cells that generate electricity during photosynthesis, with water and nutrients supplied through transpiration and capillary action, mimicking natural plant systems. The system generates an open circuit voltage of 2.7 V and a maximum power output of 140 µW. This decentralized approach offers a sustainable, energy‐efficient solution to indoor environmental challenges, providing improved air quality and renewable electricity amid rising global CO2 levels.
Role of Covalency on the Metal‐Insulator Behavior of BaPbO3${\rm BaPbO}_3$ and Ba2PbO4${\rm Ba}_2{\rm PbO}_4$
Authors: Choudhary Shivam , Raghunathan Rajamani
Published: August 2024

(BPO) and (B2PO) are two sister compounds with identical valence configuration. However, BPO is reported to be metallic, B2PO is known to be gapped. The metallic nature of BPO itself is debated in the literature. A previous combinatorial experimental and theoretical study had claimed octahedral rotations as the reason for metallicity. On the contrary, a recent theoretical study has attributed the octahedral distortions for the gapped behavior. Motivated by these conflicting conclusions, the electronic structure of these two compounds is probed within the framework of density functional theory. It is shown that B2PO has a larger semi conducting gap of 1.4 eV compared to BPO, eventhough there are no octahedral distortions. Using maximally localized Wannier function (MLWF) calculations, it is divulged that the reduction of Pb‐O covalency is the key to opening of bandgap in these systems. It is shown that the cubic phase of BPO is metallic and that the covalency is reduced by the octahedral rotations in non‐cubic phases leading to the opening of pseudo‐gap. Whereas in B2PO the confinement of covalency to 2D layers leads to a semi‐conducting behavior.
The Normal Weight Obesity (NWO) Problem—Prevalence and Time Changes in Children and Adolescents From Kraków (Poland)
Authors: Żegleń Magdalena , Kryst Łukasz , Kowal Małgorzata , Słowik Jacek , Woronkowicz Agnieszka
Published: August 2024

Objectives

Normal weight obesity can be associated with an increased risk of metabolic abnormalities, systemic inflammation and mortality. The main aim of the study was to analyze the changes in the prevalence of normal weight obesity in 8–18‐year‐olds from Kraków (Poland) between 2010 and 2020.

Methods

The study was based on two sets of cross‐sectional, school‐based data obtained in 2010 and 2020. Body height, weight, and fat percentage were obtained. Body mass index was calculated, and only normal‐weight individuals were included. Normal weight obesity was defined as normal BMI with adiposity >85 percentile for age and sex.

Results

The prevalence of normal weight obesity among Polish children and adolescents has been alarming for at least the last 10 years. Depending on the sex and age, normal weight obesity was present in more than 10% up to even more than 20% of the examined population.

Conclusions

Alarming numbers of Polish children and adolescents suffer from NWO and this problem seems to be present for at least the last decade. A need for a maximally universal definition and cut‐offs to diagnose normal weight obesity should also be stressed, as it will be helpful in providing the best prophylaxis and help to persons already suffering from normal weight obesity.
Highly Dispersed Pd@ZIF‐8 for Photo‐Assisted Cross‐Couplings and CO2 to Methanol: Activity and Selectivity Insights
Authors: Velisoju Vijay K. , Ramos‐Fernández Enrique V. , Kancherla Rajesh , Ahmad Rafia , Pal Kuntal , Mohamed Hend , Cerrillo Jose L. , Meijerink Mark J. , Cavallo Luigi , Rueping Magnus , Castaño Pedro
Published: August 2024

Our study unveils a pioneering methodology that effectively distributes Pd species within a zeolitic imidazolate framework‐8 (ZIF‐8). We demonstrate that Pd can be encapsulated within ZIF‐8 as atomically dispersed Pd species that function as an excited‐state transition metal catalyst for promoting carbon–carbon (C−C) cross‐couplings at room temperature using visible light as the driving force. Furthermore, the same material can be reduced at 250 °C, forming Pd metal nanoparticles encapsulated in ZIF‐8. This catalyst shows high rates and selectivity for carbon dioxide hydrogenation to methanol under industrially relevant conditions (250 °C, 50 bar): 7.46 molmethanol molmetal−1 h−1 and >99 %. Our results demonstrate the correlations of the catalyst structure with the performances at experimental and theoretical levels.
Visible Light‐Responsive Crystalline B←N Host Adducts with Solvent‐Induced Allosteric Effect for Guest Release
Authors: Xu Jieqiong , Wang Tao , Deng Shengyong , Lai Weiming , Shi Yadong , Zhao Yanyu , Huang Feihe , Wei Peifa
Published: August 2024

Photo‐responsive organic crystals, capable of converting light energy into chemical energy to initiate conformational transitions, present an emerging strategy for developing lightweight and versatile smart materials. However, visible light‐triggered tailored guests capture and release behaviors in all‐organic solids are rarely reported. Here, we introduce a photoreactive crystalline boron‐nitrogen (B←N) host adduct with the ability to undergo [2+2] photocycloaddition upon 447 nm light exposure. This process facilitates single‐crystal‐to‐single‐crystal (SCSC) photodimerization in the mother liquor, maintaining the original B←N host structure. Weakened intermolecular interactions within the photodimer host contribute to fast guest release in air under irradiation. Furthermore, the dynamic B←N bonds enable reversible transformations between organic host adducts and adduct cocrystals under the solvent‐induced allosteric effect. As a result, four B←N host adduct crystals containing individual alkane guest are easily obtained and exhibited the ability of photo‐controlled alkane release. Therefore, the integration of photo reactivity and structural transformation within B←N host adduct enables customized capture and release of guest molecules.
Super anti‐impact silicone elastomer with shell‐less shear thickening fluid droplets in matrix
Authors: Zhao Junge , Liao Guodong , Jiang Ruiwen , Yang Jing , Li Xunzhang , Yang Feng , Wang Yangxin , Zhang Yanan , Zhao Huaixia
Published: August 2024

A soft and stretchable safeguarding silicone rubber is obtained by embedding large amount of shell‐less shear thickening fluid (STF) droplets into polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) matrix through the synergistic process of emulsification and polymerization. Feeding time and temperature are optimized to generate the efficient STFs with 72.2 wt% SiO2 and high thickening viscosity of 6340 Pa·s. The embedding process and the evolution of the shell‐less STF droplets in PDMS matrix are explored by both optical and scanning electronic microscopes. The influence of the STF content on the mechanical and anti‐impact performance of the composites is explored through tensile tests and drop hammer tests. The STF content could be as much as 75 wt%, which enhances not only the softness and stretchability (elongation at break >200%) but also the impact‐protective performance of the silicone rubber. The STF/PDMS composites covering on planar and nonplanar glass substrates demonstrate self‐adaptive protection effect by reducing the force impact peak by 35%, due to the shear thickening and energy absorption of STF in the composites. This study develops a facile and scalable method for the implantation of the STF into polymer matrix, extending the applications of STF/PDMS composites in varied fields.
Making it explicit – Sustained shared thinking dialogue as a way to explore children's perspectives on quality in German early childhood education and care
Authors: Macha Katrin , Hildebrandt Frauke , Wronski Caroline , Lonnemann Jan , Urban Mathias
Published: August 2024

To negotiate quality in early childhood education and care, we must ask from different perspectives what constitutes a good centre for children. The children themselves have only recently been identified as a resource to contribute to that discussion. Several studies have described profound methodologies to obtain children's perspectives by observing, interviewing and conducting group discussions. This article introduces research that combines exploring children's perspectives with sustained shared thinking (SST). Focussing on the dialogue following the rules of SST, we conducted and analysed group discussions with children about their lives within a children's centre in Berlin, Germany. The children were asked to think about aspects of quality. They expressed their ideas, wishes, likes and dislikes within the centre explicitly and profoundly. Following the lead of these children, a dialogue developed in which children and researchers contributed equally and led the way. This showed how well children could act out their agency and were capable of expressing rational and reasonable opinions. Here, we argue that SST helps to see the pedagogical side of exploring children's perspectives and acknowledges this as a pedagogical and political act. Children experience being heard and having a say in shaping situations. This is in itself a pedagogical situation a researcher should be aware of.
Simultaneous quantification of icaritin and its novel 3‐methylcarbamate prodrug in rat plasma using HPLC–MS/MS and its application to pharmacokinetic study
Authors: Li Fengxiao , Wang Weiping , Zhai Yixiu , Fan Jiaqi , Jiang Qikun , Zhang Tianhong
Published: August 2024

A sensitive, rapid, and simple HPLC–MS/MS method was first developed and fully validated to determine the icaritin (ICT) and its novel 3‐methylcarbamate prodrug (3N) simultaneously in rat plasma. Analytes were extracted from rat plasma using a liquid–liquid extraction (LLE) method. Chromatographic separation was performed on ACE Excel 2 C18‐Amide column. Quantitation of analytes was conducted on an LCMS‐8060 triple‐quadrupole tandem mass spectrometer. The quantitation mode was the multiple reaction monitoring via positive electrospray ionization. The calibration curve was linear over the concentration range of 1 to 200 ng/ml for ICT with a correlation coefficient of r = 0.9950 and 1 to 400 ng/ml for 3N with a correlation coefficient of r = 0.9956. The intra‐precision RSDs were ≤12% for ICT and 3N. The inter‐day precision RSDs were ≤10% for ICT and 3N. The accuracy RE was between −2.6% and 7.8% for ICT and 3N. The average ICT, 3N and IS recoveries were 87.9%, 83.6%, and 84.3%. The plasma matrix of ICT and 3N complied with the guidelines. ICT and 3N were stable in rat plasma under various tested conditions. This work has been successfully applied to studying the pharmacokinetics of ICT and 3N.
Loper Bright ruling has implications for higher ed
Authors: Bowers Blaze
Published: August 2024

The administrative law world recently experienced a reckoning of constitutional and far‐reaching proportions. The U.S. Supreme Court issued its highly anticipated decision in Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo — overturning Chevron, a bedrock case of agency jurisprudence. The aftermath of the June 28 decision left many unsure what Loper Bright means for future federal regulations. The ruling also left higher education professionals wondering what the fallout will be for the American education sector. Amidst these uncertainties, several questions need answering.