bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Twisted A‐D‐A Type Acceptors with Thermally‐Activated Delayed Crystallization Behavior for Efficient Nonfullerene Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Wu Yilei , Schneider Sebastian , Yuan Yue , Young Ryan M. , Francese Tommaso , Mansoor Iram F. , Dudenas Peter J. , Lei Yusheng , Gomez Enrique D. , DeLongchamp Dean M. , Lipke Mark C. , Galli Giulia , Wasielewski Michael R. , Asbury John B. , Toney Michael F. , Bao Zhenan
Published: March 2022

Molecular aggregation and crystallization during film coating play a crucial role in the realization of high‐performing organic photovoltaics. Strong intermolecular interactions and high solid‐state crystallinity are beneficial for charge transport. However, fast crystallization during thin‐film drying often limits the formation of the finely phase‐separated morphology required for efficient charge generation. Herein, the authors show that twisted acceptor‐donor‐acceptor (A‐D‐A) type compounds, containing an indacenodithiophene (IDT) electron‐rich core and two naphthalenediimide (NDI) electron‐poor units, leads to formation of mostly amorphous phases in the as‐cast film, which can be readily converted into more crystalline domains by means of thermal annealing. This design strategy solves the aforementioned conundrum, leading to an optimal morphology in terms of reduced donor/acceptor domain‐separation sizes (ca. 13 nm) and increased packing order. Solar cells based on these acceptors with a PBDB‐T polymer donor show a power conversion efficiency over 10% and stable morphology, which results from the combined properties of desirable excited‐state dynamics, high charge mobility, and optimal aggregation/crystallization characteristics. These results demonstrate that the twisted A‐D‐A motif featuring thermally‐induced crystallization behavior is indeed a promising alternative design approach toward more morphologically robust materials for efficient organic photovoltaics.
Wheat dwarf genes Rht12 and Rht‐B1b affected the performance of agronomic traits in hexaploid triticale
Authors: Hao Jiamin , Zhao Zhangchen , Sun Nannan , Zhi Lei , Qiao Pengfang , Amo Aduragbemi , Zotova Lyudmila , Hu Yin‐Gang , Chen Liang
Published: March 2022

As a new synthetic species, triticale has been widely used for food and feed. Lodging is a severe problem in triticale production, and it is unknown whether wheat height‐reducing genes can improve lodging resistance in triticale. In this study, the wheat‐dwarfing genes Rht12 and Rht‐B1b were introgressed into hexaploid triticale (AABBRR) lines to understand their effect on plant height. The results showed that Rht12 and Rht‐B1b reduced the plant height of triticale plants by 37.7 and 29.9%, respectively. Rht12 and Rht‐B1b both had significant effects on the basal internode's length, diameter, and thickness, which may greatly improve lodging resistance. Additionally, the net photosynthetic rate was increased by 28.7% in Rht12 dwarf lines. However, Rht12 had a significant and negative effect on thousand‐kernel weight (14.5%) and yield per plant (20.6%). On the other hand, Rht‐B1b reduced the number of tillers by 19.6% and yield per plant by 18.1% with no negative effect on the harvest index. Furthermore, Rht12 and Rht‐B1b decreased grain plumpness but improved several grain quality traits. Conclusively, Rht12 and Rht‐B1b improved lodging resistance but had some negative effects on yield components, which need careful consideration in triticale breeding.
Agile Underwater Swimming of Magnetic Polymeric Microrobots in Viscous Solutions
Authors: Won Sukyoung , Je Hyeongmin , Kim Sanha , Wie Jeong Jae
Published: March 2022

Miniaturization of polymeric robots leads to difficulties in actuation inside viscous media due to the increased surface drag on the diminutive robot bodies. Herein, agile underwater swimming of polymeric microrobots is presented with the investigation of correlation between the magnetic propulsion and viscous drag on the robot. The polymeric microrobots swim with pivoting and tumbling motions during underwater rotation by in‐plane rotation of two permanent magnets underneath the plane, which results in orbital revolution‐type locomotion with a maximum swimming velocity of 56 body lengths per second (BL s−1). The rotational ability and orbital velocity of the polymeric microrobots are determined by correlated variables, i.e., liquid viscosity and frequency of magnet rotation, as elucidated by experimental results and theoretical analysis. Based on the understanding of underwater orbital maneuvers, the polymeric microrobots achieve agile swimmability at a viscosity similar to that of normal whole blood and self‐correcting maneuverability in diverse vascular‐like environments, including a stenosed tube with a coarse granular hill and a rough‐walled artificial blood vessel. Agile underwater swimming can improve versatile aquatic performances of miniaturized robots in blood vessels with arteriosclerosis or blood clots.
Generation and Enhancement of Mechanical Squeezing in a Hybrid Cavity Magnomechanical System
Authors: Cheng Jing , Liu Yu‐Mu , Yi Xuexi , Wang Hong‐Fu
Published: March 2022

A scheme to generate mechanical squeezing of phonon mode in a hybrid cavity magnomechanical system composed of a yttrium iron garnet sphere and two auxiliary cavities and driven by a two‐tone laser is proposed. It is found that the strong mechanical squeezing can be generated by optimizing the ratio of blue‐detuned to red‐detuned laser amplitude. However, the mechanical squeezing can not be generated when the blue‐detuned laser is not applied. Furthermore, it is found that the two auxiliary cavities suppress the effect of the counter‐rotating terms, leading to that the mechanical squeezing can break the 3 limit even when the dissipation rate of the magnon mode is much larger than the mechanical frequency. By contrast, if only one auxiliary cavity or no auxiliary cavity is coupled to magnon mode, the mechanical squeezing beyond 3 can not be achieved in a high dissipation of the magnon mode. This scheme provides an alternative way toward the practical implementation of mechanical squeezing in a hybrid cavity magnomechanical system.
Trigant Burrow and the social world
Authors: Drury Nick , Tudor Keith
Published: March 2022

This paper reviews significant aspects of the work of Trigant Burrow (1875–1950), an early psychoanalyst who, while less well known than many of his contemporaries, was, as a number of commentators have argued, well ahead of his time. This article discusses four areas of his theory: the preconscious, the nest instinct, and the love subject; primary unity, primary intersubjectivity, and the “I” persona; social images, social neurosis, and the social unconscious; and, finally, group, community, and society. The article argues that the study of Burrow's work is important, firstly, in recognizing the historical antecedents of what may be viewed as a social turn in both psychoanalysis and psychotherapy; and, secondly, in helping psychoanalytic thinking to be more open to diversity with regard to marginalized theory and people.
An electrochemical aptasensor for detection of prostate‐specific antigen‐based on carbon quantum dots‐gold nanoparticles
Authors: Pourmadadi Mehrab , Nouralishahi Alireza , Shalbaf Mohammad , Shabani Shayeh Javad , Nouralishahi Amideddin
Published: March 2022

In this work, an electrochemical aptasensor was described for the determination of prostate‐specific antigen (PSA). Aptamer chains were decorated on the surface of a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) via carbon quantum dots/Au nanoparticles (Au/CQD). Structural analysis that was used to characterize the prepared materials shows that Au/CQD nanoparticles synthesized in a spherical shape with an average size of 70 nm. Furthermore, the combination of Au nanoparticles with CQD resulted in formation of crystalline the structure of the Au/CQD composite. To study the electrochemical performance of the prepared aptasensor, cyclic voltammetry, square wave voltammetry, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy were used. The results show that the aptasensor has a good selectivity to PSA over other biomaterials with the time optimized about 30 min. K4[Fe(CN)6] was used as an electrochemical probe with the limit of detection about 2 fg⋅mL–1. To avoid the hazardous nature of K4[Fe(CN)6], a label‐based aptasensor was prepared using methylene blue as an electrochemical signal producer. They provide the capability of electrochemical detection in buffer phosphate solution with high sensitivity.
Producing British education by Chinese parents: Fulfilling parenting responsibilities in WeChat
Authors: Luo Xin
Published: March 2022

Education and parenting are popular topics on social media. In China, it is now common practice for parents to discuss and share education‐related information in WeChat, a premier Chinese social media app. In order to understand parents' educational aspirations in WeChat and the way parents fulfil their parenting responsibilities, this research used virtual ethnography to study a WeChat parents group named Little MBA. Focusing on parents' textual conversations and posts shared in the group, this article demonstrates how Chinese parents constructed their own image of British education to express their views on and aspirations for the education their children received in China. In Little MBA, three features of British education were constructed, including emphasis on character building, cultivation of entrepreneurship and influence of aristocratic education. In the process of presenting their version of British education, these parents were using Chinese notions like fuyang (cultivation with abundance) and qiongyang (cultivation with deprivation) to understand and reproduce the meaning of British education in their own context. Their constructs of British education were understood as a way to fulfil their parenting responsibilities transferred from the state. The ambiguous image of British education parents constructed, one that emphasised both traditional and neoliberal values, reflected the conflicting nature of parents' educational aspirations in contemporary Chinese society.
Cycling‐induced recurrent spontaneous pneumomediastinum and pneumopericardium in a young female patient
Authors: Herrmann Anna , Herrmann Matthias , Passlick Bernward , Herth Felix , Herrmann Johannes
Published: March 2022

We present an exceptional case of recurrent cycling‐induced spontaneous pneumomediastinum and pneumopericardium in a female patient without any trauma. Radiological and endoscopic examinations were carried out to exclude other differential diagnoses. Decision for in‐hospital observation and conservative treatment was made. No symptoms were reported 12 months after return to sports activity.
Fast and Eco‐Friendly Determination of Nitrite in Water Using Deep Eutectic Solvent‐Based Magnetic Bucky Gels
Authors: Abdolhosseini Marzieh , Shemirani Farzaneh , Yousefi Seyedeh Mahboobeh
Published: March 2022

In this study, a novel magnetic bucky gel (MBG) is synthesized and coupled with dispersive magnetic solid‐phase extraction for preconcentration and determination of trace levels of nitrite in various water samples. The MBG is prepared by dispersing magnetic graphitic carbon nitride nanocomposite (g‐C3N4@Fe3O4) in a choline chloride‐urea deep eutectic solvent (DES) (1:2, molar ratio). The DES acts as a disperser and surface modifier for g‐C3N4/Fe3O4 nanocomposites simultaneously and leads to superior uptake of the analyte in a shorter time. The sorbent is characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and field emission scanning electron microscopy. The NO2− determination is carried out by UV–vis spectrophotometry. Variable factors on preconcentration of NO2− including pH, composition of MBG, contact time, sample volume, eluent type, eluent volume, and elution time are optimized. Under optimum condition, the limit of detection is 1.56 µg L−1, the linear dynamic range extends from 5.14 to 900.00 µg L−1, the relative standard deviation (n = 5) and the preconcentration factor are 2.7% and 100, respectively. The method is successfully used for the preconcentration of NO2− ions in different water samples and gave recoveries between 89% and 103%.
Non‐Fullerene‐Based Inverted Organic Photovoltaic Device with Long‐Term Stability
Authors: Kim Do Hui , Wibowo Febrian T. A. , Lee Dongchan , Krishna Narra V. , Park Sujung , Cho Shinuk , Jang Sung‐Yeon
Published: March 2022

In this work, we developed the PM6:Y6‐based inverted structure organic photovoltaic (i‐OPV) with improved power conversion efficiency (PCE) and long‐term stability by resolving the origins of the performance deterioration. The deep defects between the metal oxide‐based electron transport layer and bulk‐heterojunction photoactive layer interface were responsible for suboptimal PCE and facilitated degradation of devices. While the density of deep traps is increased during the storage of i‐OPV, the penetrative oxygen‐containing defects additionally generated shallow traps below the band‐edge of Y6, causing an additional loss in the open‐circuit voltage. The suppression of interfacial defects by chemical modification effectively improved the PCE and long‐term stability of i‐OPV. The modified i‐OPV (mi‐OPV) achieved a PCE of 17.42%, which is the highest value among the reported PM6:Y6‐based i‐OPV devices. Moreover, long‐term stability was significantly improved: ~90% and ~80% retention of its initial PCE after 1200 h of air storage and illumination, respectively.
Induction and suppression of cell lysis in an electrokinetic microfluidic system
Authors: Habibi Sanaz , Lee Hwi Yong , Moncada‐Hernandez Hector , Minerick Adrienne R.
Published: March 2022

The ability to strategically induce or suppress cell lysis is critical for many cellular‐level diagnostic and therapeutic applications conducted within electrokinetic microfluidic platforms. The chemical and structural integrity of sub‐cellular components is important when inducing cell lysis. However, metal electrodes and electrolytes participate in undesirable electrochemical reactions that alter solution composition and potentially damage protein, RNA, and DNA integrity within device microenvironments. For many biomedical applications, cell viability must be maintained even when device‐imposed cell‐stressing stimuli (e.g., electrochemical reaction byproducts) are present. In this work, we explored a novel and tunable method to accurately induce or suppress device‐imposed artifacts on human red blood cell (RBC) lysis in non‐uniform AC electric fields. For precise tunability, a dielectric hafnium oxide (HfO2) layer was used to prevent electron transfer between the electrodes and the electric double layer and thus reduce harmful electrochemical reactions. Additionally, a low concentration of Triton X‐100 surfactant was explored as a tool to stabilize cell membrane integrity. The extent of hemolysis was studied as a function of time, electrode configuration (T‐shaped and star‐shaped), cell position, applied non‐uniform AC electric field, with uncoated and HfO2 coated electrodes (50 nm), and absence and presence of Triton X‐100 (70 µM). Tangible outcomes include a parametric analysis relying upon literature and this work to design, tune, and operate electrokinetic microdevices to intentionally induce or suppress cellular lysis without altering intracellular components. Implications are that devices can be engineered to leverage or minimize device‐imposed biological artefacts extending the versatility and utility of electrokinetic diagnostics.
Validation of a numerical model of a seismically isolated, cylindrical, fluid‐filled vessel
Authors: Mir Faizan Ul Haq , Lal Kaivalya M. , Whittaker Andrew S. , Constantinou Michael C.
Published: March 2022

Numerical models capable of generating robust estimates of isolation‐system and fluid‐structure responses for multidirectional, high‐intensity shaking will be required for analysis, design, and risk assessment of seismically isolated advanced reactors. None of the few studies to date on base‐isolated, fluid‐filled vessels have generated datasets suitable for formal validation of numerical models. Earthquake‐simulator experiments on a fluid‐filled, cylindrical vessel, base isolated using four single concave friction pendulum bearings (SFP isolators) were performed. The dataset was used to validate a numerical model for high intensity, multidirectional seismic inputs. Fluid and isolation‐system responses obtained from analysis of the numerical model were in excellent agreement with experimental results. The numerical models and outcomes from the experiments are broadly applicable to base‐isolated, fluid‐filled vessels, regardless of industry sector.
Reduced structural connectivity in the corpus callosum in patients with anorexia nervosa
Authors: Maier Simon , Joos Andreas , Tebartz van Elst Ludger , Ebert Dieter , Endres Dominique , Domschke Katharina , Lahmann Claas , Zeeck Almut , Runge Kimon , Denzel Dominik , Reisert Marco , Nickel Kathrin
Published: March 2022

Objective

Previous diffusion tensor imaging studies reported a reduced fractional anisotropy in the body of the corpus callosum in patients with anorexia nervosa, which may indicate impaired white matter integrity in interhemispheric connections. The aim of the current study was to investigate whether structural connectivity is affected in patients with anorexia nervosa.

Method

To this end, we compared the number of streamlines (a model of the white matter fibre tracts) and the total volume filled by these streamlines in different subsections of the corpus callosum in 33 women with and 33 without anorexia nervosa as well as in 20 recovered individuals.

Results

The volume of streamlines in the anterior and mid‐anterior subsection of the corpus callosum was reduced in women with, but not in those who had recovered from anorexia nervosa. No differences in number of streamlines was detected in the corpus callosum between patients with anorexia nervosa, healthy controls and recovered patients.

Conclusions

Alterations of the corpus callosum have been repeatedly reported in anorexia nervosa. Since the recovered group did not differ from the healthy control group, the reported alterations in acute patients appear to represent a state and not a trait marker.
Food addiction in anorexia nervosa: Implications for the understanding of crossover diagnosis
Authors: Sanchez Isabel , Lucas Ignacio , Munguía Lucero , Camacho‐Barcia Lucia , Giménez Mónica , Sánchez‐González Jessica , Granero Roser , Solé‐Morata Neus , Gearhardt Ashley N. , Diéguez Carlos , Jiménez‐Murcia Susana , Fernández‐Aranda Fernando
Published: March 2022

Objective

Food addiction (FA) construct was introduced to reflect abnormal eating patterns that resemble behavioural ones found in substance use disorders. FA has been barely explored in anorexia nervosa (AN). This study evaluated FA occurrence and associated factors in a sample of patients with AN, distinguishing between restrictive and binge–purging subtypes and focussing on the influence of FA in the crossover diagnosis between them.

Method

A sample of 116 patients with AN admitted for treatment seeking at an Bellvitge Hospital Eating Disorders Unit were included (72 restrictive [AN‐R]; 44 binge‐purge AN [AN‐BP]), and eating‐related, personality and psychopathological variables were assessed. Most participants were women (92.2%), mean age 27.1 years old (SD = 10.5).

Results

FA was more prevalent in patients with AN‐BP compared to the AN‐R group (75.0% and 54.2%, respectively). The patients with AN‐R FA+, presented more similar ED symptomatology, general psychopathology and personality traits, with the AN‐BP patients, than with the AN‐R FA‐.

Conclusions

Patients with AN‐R FA+, exhibit more similarities with the AN‐BP subgroup than with the AN‐R FA‐. Thus, it is possible to hypothesise that the presence of FA might be an indicator of the possible crossover from AN‐R to AN‐BP.
Hourly snow energy and mass balance at Atwater Study Plot, Alta, Utah
Authors: Skiles S. McKenzie , Clark Steven , Ragar Dillon
Published: March 2022

Atwater Study Plot (ASP), located in the town of Alta, UT in the Wasatch Mountains, which was established in 1939 by Monty Atwater and Ed LaChapelle, is one of the longest running snow observation sites in the Western United States. The historical observations have been primarily snow safety and avalanche forecasting focused. Beginning in 2017 the Snow Hydrology Research to Operations Laboratory (Snow HydRO Lab) at the University of Utah began regular hydrology focused snow pit observations within study plot boundaries. In 2019 the Snow HydRO Lab and the Utah Department of Transportation further supplemented ASP with an instrumentation suite for continuous snow energy and mass balance observations, including incoming and outgoing solar and terrestrial radiation. The goal of the new observations is to support process based hydrologic modelling and better understand controls on snowmelt timing and magnitude. The instrumentation installation and observations make ASP the first snow energy balance study plot in the Wasatch Mountains, and the site has since been used as a validation site for NASA's SnowEx project and is part of the NSF Critical Zone Collaborative Network. Here, we describe the study plot and present (1) the hourly instrumented dataset, which includes standard atmospheric variables (air temperature, relative humidity, and wind speed/direction), radiation balance, precipitation, and snow depth, (2) snow energy balance modelling used to calculate hourly energy exchanges and phase changes, and (3) provide directions to access the publicly available ASP datasets.
Curative Cell and Gene Therapy for Osteogenesis Imperfecta
Authors: Schindeler Aaron , Lee Lucinda R , O'Donohue Alexandra K , Ginn Samantha L , Munns Craig F
Published: March 2022

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) describes a series of genetic bone fragility disorders that can have a substantive impact on patient quality of life. The multidisciplinary approach to management of children and adults with OI primarily involves the administration of antiresorptive medication, allied health (physiotherapy and occupational therapy), and orthopedic surgery. However, advances in gene editing technology and gene therapy vectors bring with them the promise of gene-targeted interventions to provide an enduring or perhaps permanent cure for OI. This review describes emergent technologies for cell- and gene-targeted therapies, major hurdles to their implementation, and the prospects of their future success with a focus on bone disorders. © 2022 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Counselors’ attitudes toward psychedelics and their use in therapy
Authors: Hearn Benjamin G. , Brubaker Michael D. , Richardson George
Published: March 2022

The ‘‘psychedelic renaissance’’ is generating new evidence for psychedelics’ potential to treat numerous mental and substance use disorders. In particular, the United States Food and Drug Administration is poised to approve psychedelic drugs 3,4 methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and psilocybin for the use in psychedelic‐assisted therapy (PAT). This renaissance has led to substantial public attention toward psychedelics, state and local changes to the legal status of psychedelics, and recent increases in the rate of psychedelic use among United States adults. Despite these advancements, the counseling profession has remained relatively disengaged from the research and general discourse surrounding psychedelics and PAT. In response to this gap, this study presents the results of a survey of counseling professionals’ attitudes toward psychedelics and PATs. Results suggest counselors’ attitudes toward psychedelic use and PATs are mixed, unless they are medically supervised. Furthermore, most counselors see potential in PAT and the need for additional research.
The impact of interprofessional communication through ICT on health outcomes of older adults receiving home care in Japan – A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Yoshimoto Takeru , Nawa Nobutoshi , Uemura Munenori , Sakano Teppei , Fujiwara Takeo
Published: March 2022

Background

Information communication technology (ICT) is crucial to modern communication and information sharing. Effective interprofessional collaboration is essential in the care of elderly people. However, little is known about the effects of ICT on care provision for elderly people in a home setting. This retrospective cohort study examines the impact of interprofessional collaboration using ICT on the health outcomes of elderly home care patients.

Methods

The Team® mobile application promotes cooperation in local medical health care. It enables providers to obtain and share patient information within a single, cloud‐based platform. We collected and analyzed data from 554 patients from Nagaoka (Niigata prefecture, Japan) who received home care services from 2015 to 2020. We calculated the cumulative hazard ratio (HR) of death or admission to a hospital or nursing home for patients whose information was shared among different professions using the platform, and for those whose information was not shared. We used a Cox proportional hazards model, adjusted for covariates, and applied propensity score matching.

Results

The average age of the study population was 83.5 years; the median follow‐up period was 579.0 days. The risk of death or admission to a hospital or nursing home significantly decreased in the information‐shared group, compared with the control group (adjusted HR: 0.47 [p < 0.01]). Significance remained after propensity score matching (HR: 0.58; p = 0.01).

Conclusions

Interprofessional collaboration using ICT may reduce the risk of death or admission to a hospital or nursing home among elderly home care patients in Japan.
Conversion surgery after preoperative therapy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma in the era of molecular targeted therapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors
Authors: Arita Junichi , Ichida Akihiko , Nagata Rihito , Mihara Yuichiro , Kawaguchi Yoshikuni , Ishizawa Takeaki , Akamatsu Nobuhisa , Kaneko Junichi , Hasegawa Kiyoshi
Published: March 2022

Background

Optimal strategies for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tumors, such as those with vascular tumor thrombus and those with extrahepatic metastases are unclear.

Methods

A literature review was conducted focusing on conversion surgery for HCC after molecular targeted therapy and therapy using immune checkpoint inhibitors.

Results

Upfront surgical resection of advanced HCC tumors has been challenged at some institutions because of lack of promising therapeutic options. Preoperative transcatheter arterial chemoembolization, hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy, and radiotherapy in patients with unresectable HCC were developed to improve long‐term outcome, but the results were not promising. Nonetheless, the recent advent of molecular targeted therapies and immune check‐point inhibitors, enabling frequent tumor responses, has accelerated the use of conversion surgery after these therapies in patients with initially unresectable HCC. Increasing numbers of conversion surgeries after lenvatinib therapy has been reported, and the first prospective clinical trial assessing conversion surgery after lenvatinib therapy in initially unresectable HCC has been commenced. Furthermore, the superiority of combination therapy using atezolizumab and bevacizumab over sorafenib, a conventional first‐line drug for unresectable HCC, in terms of overall survival and tumor response has been demonstrated, and the use of this regimen alongside conversion surgery is expected in addition to lenvatinib.

Conclusion

The literature demonstrated the feasibility of conversion surgery after systemic therapy. Further clinical investigation of surgery after systemic therapy for advanced HCC may be undertaken by clearly distinguishing the tumor status as technically unresectable or oncologically unresectable but technically resectable.
A phenomenological analysis of invisibility syndrome in formerly incarcerated Black men
Authors: Wright Dallas , Tovar‐Murray Darrick , Noel Thomas , Chennault Ronald
Published: March 2022

Qualitative research was conducted with eight formerly incarcerated Black men on their experiences with what counseling scholar Anderson Franklin has dubbed “invisibility syndrome.” Invisibility syndrome is “an inner struggle with the feeling that one's talents, abilities, personality, and worth are not valued or even recognized because of prejudice and racism.” Results found five superordinate themes, including painfulness of invisibility, pervasiveness of invisibility, awareness of power relations, coping with invisibility, and importance of healing. Implications for counseling formerly incarcerated Black men are provided.
Metabolomic analysis reveals the influence of IC50 vitamin D3 on RAW264.7 cells based on 1H NMR and UPLC‐MS/MS
Authors: Song Xiao , Wang Yali , Wang Jun , Su Shufang , Zhu Jianhua , Geng Yue
Published: March 2022

BACKGROUND

As a lipid‐soluble vitamin necessary for normal human physiology, vitamin D is mostly used in fortified foods, medicines and adjuvant treatment of diseases. However, taken in high doses, vitamin D can be toxic.

Methods

We treated RAW264.7 cells with a semi‐inhibitory concentration (IC50) of vitamin D3. The metabolic changes in the treated cells were analyzed by 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and ultra performance liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC‐MS/MS).

RESULTS

After treatment of RAW264.7 cells with an IC50 dose of 55 μm vitamin D3, tunor necrosis factor‐α levels decreased significantly and remarkable metabolic differences were also observed, with 12 types of metabolites were identified by 1H NMR and 87 identified by UPLC‐MS/MS. Moreover, the metabolism of amino acids, sugars, lipids and other metabolic pathways were also affected.

CONCLUSION

Although vitamin D3 is an indispensable nutrient in the body, excessive exposure has negative effects on cells and their metabolism. The present study will assist further analyses of the mechanism underlying vitamin D3 toxicity. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Effects of applied voltage on the morphology and phases of electrospun poly(vinylidene difluoride) nanofibers
Authors: Nugraha Aditya Sukma , Chou Chen Chia , Yu Pin Hsun , Lin Kun‐Lin
Published: March 2022

Electrospinning is a simple and flexible process in continuous fiber fabrication. We investigate the effect of applied voltage on morphology and phases of poly(vinylidene difluoride) nanofibers obtained using the electrospinning technique. Quantitative and qualitative analyses were performed employing multiple characterizations such as Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). The fiber diameter, affected by the spinning jet's deformation, has non‐uniform distribution at low voltages (10–16 kV) and is uniform at higher voltages (20 kV). Fiber uniformity developed due to the increased tension, which shrank the Taylor cone. The highest electroactive fraction () of phases was obtained for the smallest diameter fiber with an average diameter of 110 nm at an applied voltage of 20 kV. FTIR spectroscopy and XRD results indicate that the electric field raises the amount of phase to 74% at the present working parameters. HRTEM analysis revealed that the crystallites are very small, with α‐phase showing a size of around 10 nm and β‐phase is only of nanometric scale. Results also show that the c‐axis of α‐phase crystallites had a preferred orientation along the fiber axis. On the other hand, the c‐axis of β‐phase had a preferred orientation perpendicular to the fiber axis, implying that the direction of crystal growth for the α‐phase and β‐phase was different. © 2022 Society of Industrial Chemistry.
Evaluation of in vitro transdermal permeation, mass spectrometric imaging, and in vivo analgesic effects of pregabalin using a pluronic lecithin organogel formulation in mice
Authors: Nagao Michiru , Tajima Masataka , Sugiyama Erika , Shinouchi Ryosuke , Shibata Keita , Yoshikawa Masayuki , Yamamoto Takushi , Sato Vilasinee Hirunpanich , Nobe Koji , Sato Hitoshi
Published: March 2022

In clinical practice, pregabalin is orally administered for neuropathic pain, but causes severe central nervous system side effects, such as dizziness, which results in dose limitation or discontinuation. To reduce the central side effects of pregabalin, we developed four pregabalin preparations for transdermal application: 0.4% aqueous solution, pluronic lecithin organogel (PLO gel), hydrophilic cream, and lipophilic cream. Transdermal permeabilities of pregabalin among the four formulations were compared in vitro using hairless mouse skin. The longitudinal distribution of pregabalin within the skin was analyzed using mass spectrometric (MS) imaging. Furthermore, the in vivo analgesic effects of the formulations were evaluated using the von Frey filament test in a mouse model of diabetic neuropathy (DN). The PLO gel showed the highest permeability of pregabalin, followed by the aqueous solution, and no permeation was observed in the two cream formulations. The MS imaging analysis showed that pregabalin was distributed up to the dermis in the PLO gel 1 h after application, while the aqueous solution was distributed near the epidermis. A significant analgesic effect (p < .05) was observed 1.5 h after PLO gel application in the DN model mice, but the aqueous solution had no effect. This study indicated for the first time that pregabalin penetrated beyond the skin epidermis up to the dermis, from the PLO gel formulation, and that the application of this formulation exhibited an in vivo analgesic effect in the mouse model of DN.
Vegetation detection based on spectral information and development of a low‐cost vegetation sensor for selective spraying
Authors: Wang Aichen , Li Wei , Men Xiaohai , Gao Binjie , Xu Yifei , Wei Xinhua
Published: March 2022

BACKGROUND

Real‐time site‐specific selective spraying for crop protection against weeds, pests and diseases requires fast and precise detection of targets. This study investigated several aspects of vegetation target detection based on spectral information and developed a low‐cost vegetation sensor. Specific objectives included: (1) compare vegetation‐detection performance using reflected and fluorescence data; (2) evaluate the effect of light source and bandwidth, and select the optimal light source and waveband; and (3) develop a low‐cost vegetation sensor and test its performance under different light conditions.

RESULTS

The main outcomes of this study are as follows. (1) The fluorescence excited by blue and red light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) was an effective attribute with which to differentiate vegetation from non‐vegetation and provided results comparative with reflected spectroscopy. (2) A blue LED could excite strong fluorescence and was recommended as the light source. (3) Under illumination by blue and red LEDs, bandwidth did not have any obvious effect on classification accuracy within the studied bandwidths from 0 nm (single wavelength) to 120 nm. (4) A low‐cost vegetation sensor was developed and tested, with 100% detection accuracy in both dark and outdoor environments.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that single‐waveband fluorescence spectroscopy is an effective approach to detect vegetation targets and low‐cost LEDs can be used for illumination. Light source modulation with a sinusoidal signal is an effective way to resist the influence of environmental light. Overall, the findings of this study contribute to an improved understanding of developing low‐cost and effective vegetation sensors for selective spraying from theory to application. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Carlina acaulis essential oil nanoemulsion as a new grain protectant against different developmental stages of three stored‐product beetles
Authors: Kavallieratos Nickolas G. , Nika Erifili P. , Skourti Anna , Boukouvala Maria C. , Ntalaka Catherine T. , Maggi Filippo , Spinozzi Eleonora , Petrelli Riccardo , Perinelli Diego Romano , Benelli Giovanni , Canale Angelo , Bonacucina Giulia
Published: March 2022

BACKGROUND

Plant essential oils (EOs) represent eco‐friendly alternatives to conventional insecticides for managing pest populations. Carlina acaulis root EO showed a wide insecticidal spectrum, being highly effective against insect pests and vectors, coupled with low mammal toxicity. To boost the chemico‐physical properties of this EO and its main active ingredient, carlina oxide, C. acaulis EO was encapsulated in a nanoemulsion [NE, 6% EO (w/w)], and its insecticidal properties evaluated against larvae and adults of Tribolium castaneum, Tribolium confusum and Tenebrio molitor. Two NE concentrations (500 and 1000 ppm) were applied on stored wheat. Mortality was determined after 4, 8 and 16 h and 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 days.

RESULTS

The NE was toxic to larvae of T. castaneum and T. confusum, killing 93.9% and 98.9% at 1000 ppm after 7 days of exposure, respectively. Tenebrio molitor larvae were tolerant: only 18.9% were dead after 7 days of exposure on stored wheat treated with 1000 ppm NE. However, the NE exhibited high adulticidal activity leading to 85.2% mortality at 1000 ppm, 7 days post‐exposure. The mortalities of T. confusum and T. castaneum adults were low (21.4% and 23.3% respectively) at 1000 ppm, 7 days post‐exposure.

CONCLUSIONS

A NE based on C. acaulis EO could be regarded as an efficacious green adulticide or larvicide, depending on the target insect species and its life stage, advancing and specifying the pest management strategies of the tested species in an eco‐friendly way. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Poly‐γ‐glutamic acid application rate effects on hydraulic properties of sandy soil under wetting‐drying cycles conditions
Authors: Liu Lu , Shi Wenjuan , Wang Ying
Published: March 2022

When amending soil to increase sandy soil water holding capacity, amendment application rate and environment need consideration. Recently, poly‐γ‐glutamic acid (γ‐PGA) as a soil amendment has been increasingly applied in agricultural development. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of γ‐PGA on soil water retention and soil hydraulic conductivity under wetting‐drying (W‐D) conditions. Specifically, this study investigated the influence of different γ‐PGA application rates (wt%: 0, 0.4, 0.8, 1.2, and 1.6%) on the soil water characteristic curve, saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ks), and the other hydraulic characteristic parameters (saturated water content [θs], field capacity [FC], permanent wilting point [PWP], and available water content [AWC]). Results showed that γ‐PGA significantly increased sandy soil water retention by increasing θs, FC, PWP, and AWC. Poly‐γ‐glutamic acid could decrease the proportion of large pore size (2–15 μm) and Ks and enhance the proportion of particles with small pore size (0.2–2 μm). Nevertheless, the effect of γ‐PGA on hydraulic properties of sandy soil depended on γ‐PGA application rate and the number of W‐D cycles. Under 8‐W‐D and 12‐W‐D, there was no significant difference on soil water retention among all treatments. Increasing the application rate of γ‐PGA was not more effective; P3 (1.2%) and P4 (1.6%) treatments had little difference in soil water holding capacity. This study quantitatively investigated effects of γ‐PGA on soil water retention under different W‐D cycles. Our results suggest that 1.2% might be recommended as an appropriate γ‐PGA application amount.
Brain Targeting, Antioxidant Polymeric Nanoparticles for Stroke Drug Delivery and Therapy
Authors: Wu Haoan , Peng Bin , Mohammed Farrah S. , Gao Xingchun , Qin Zhenpeng , Sheth Kevin N. , Zhou Jiangbing , Jiang Zhaozhong
Published: March 2022

Ischemic stroke is a leading cause of death and disability and remains without effective treatment options. Improved treatment of stroke requires efficient delivery of multimodal therapy to ischemic brain tissue with high specificity. Here, this article reports the development of multifunctional polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) for both stroke treatment and drug delivery. The NPs are synthesized using an reactive oxygen species (ROS)‐reactive poly (2,2′‐thiodiethylene 3,3′‐thiodipropionate) (PTT) polymer and engineered for brain penetration through both thrombin‐triggered shrinkability and AMD3100‐mediated targeted delivery. It is found that the resulting AMD3100‐conjugated, shrinkable PTT NPs, or ASPTT NPs, efficiently accumulate in the ischemic brain tissue after intravenous administration and function as antioxidant agents for effective stroke treatment. This work shows ASPTT NPs are capable of efficient encapsulation and delivery of glyburide to achieve anti‐edema and antioxidant combination therapy, resulting in therapeutic benefits significantly greater than those by either the NPs or glyburide alone. Due to their high efficiency in brain penetration and excellent antioxidant bioactivity, ASPTT NPs have the potential to be utilized to deliver various therapeutic agents to the brain for effective stroke treatment.
Exploiting the Fracture in Metal‐Organic Frameworks: A General Strategy for Bifunctional Atom‐Precise Nanocluster/ZIF‐8(300 °C) Composites
Authors: Yun Yapei , Fang Yaping , Fu Wengang , Du Wenjun , Zhu Yanan , Sheng Hongting , Astruc Didier , Zhu Manzhou
Published: March 2022

Atom‐precise nanoclusters‐metal‐organic framework (APNC/MOF) composites, as bifunctional material with well‐defined structures, have attracted considerable attention in recent years. Despite the progress made to date, there is an urgent need to develop a generic and scalable approach for all APNCs. Herein, the authors present the Exploiting Fracture Strategy (EFS) and successfully construct a super‐stable bifunctional APNC/ZIF‐8(300 °C) composite overcoming the limitations of previous strategies in selecting APNCs. The EFS utilizes the fracture of ZnN in ZIF‐8 after annealing at 300 °C. This method is suitable for all kinds of S/P protected APNCs with different sizes, including uncharged clusters Au1Ag39, Ag40, negatively charged Au12Ag32, positively charged Ag46Au24, Au4Cu4 and P‐ligand‐protected Pd3Cl. Importantly, the generated APNC/MOF show significantly improved performances, for example, the activities of Au12Ag32/ZIF‐8(300°C), Au4Cu4/ZIF‐8(300°C), and Au1Ag39/ZIF‐8(300°C) in the corresponding reactions are higher than those of Au12Ag32, Au4Cu4, and Au1Ag39, respectively. In particular, Au12Ag32/ZIF‐8(300 °C) shows higher activity than Au12Ag32@ZIF‐8. Therefore, this work offers guidance for the design of bifunctional APNC/MOF composites with excellent optimization of properties and opens up new horizons for future related nanomaterial studies and nanocatalyst designs.
Droplet Bouncing: Fundamentals, Regulations, and Applications
Authors: Han Xing , Li Jiaqian , Tang Xin , Li Wei , Zhao Haibo , Yang Ling , Wang Liqiu
Published: March 2022

Droplet impact is a ubiquitous phenomenon in nature, daily life, and industrial processes. It is thus crucial to tune the impact outcomes for various applications. As a special outcome of droplet impact, the bouncing of droplets keeps the form of the droplets after the impact and minimizes the energy loss during the impact, being beneficial in many applications. A unified understanding of droplet bouncing is in high demand for effective development of new techniques to serve applications. This review shows the fundamentals, regulations, and applications of millimeter‐sized droplet bouncing on solid surfaces and same/miscible liquids (liquid pool and another droplet). Regulation methods and current applications are summarized, and potential directions are proposed.
Progress in Stimuli‐Responsive Biomaterials for Treating Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases
Authors: Tapeinos Christos , Gao Han , Bauleth‐Ramos Tomás , Santos Hélder A.
Published: March 2022

Cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases (CCVDs) describe abnormal vascular system conditions affecting the brain and heart. Among these, ischemic heart disease and ischemic stroke are the leading causes of death worldwide, resulting in 16% and 11% of deaths globally. Although several therapeutic approaches are presented over the years, the continuously increasing mortality rates suggest the need for more advanced strategies for their treatment. One of these strategies lies in the use of stimuli‐responsive biomaterials. These “smart” biomaterials can specifically target the diseased tissue, and after “reading” the altered environmental cues, they can respond by altering their physicochemical properties and/or their morphology. In this review, the progress in the field of stimuli‐responsive biomaterials for CCVDs in the last five years, aiming at highlighting their potential as early‐stage therapeutics in the preclinical scenery, is described.
Improving Hydrophilicity of Wheat Starch via Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate Treatment
Authors: Li Yu , Peng Zhangchi , Wu Dianxing , Shu Xiaoli
Published: March 2022

Starch is an important multifunctional ingredient for food, cosmetics, fuels, and pharmaceuticals. Naturally, starch is hydrophilicity, while its’ absorbability varies among botanical sources and physical or chemical modifications. In this study, fractioned A‐ and B‐type wheat starch granules show different physiochemical properties, B‐type granules have greater water and oil absorption capacity. After removing surface proteins with sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), starch granule morphology and crystalline structure are not apparently altered, except some shallow indentations are observed on the exterior of the starch granules. However, treatment with SDS affects the starch gelatinization, increases the swelling power, and solubility of starch significantly. Meanwhile, starch after removal of surface protein exhibits higher hydrophilicity and lower lipophilicity, especially for A‐type granules with larger size, the increases in water absorbability are more pronounced. This study gives us new insights in improving starch hydrophilicity through removing starch granule‐associated proteins, which may promote the application of starch in absorbent materials and desiccant.
Main effect and epistatic QTL affecting spike shattering and association with plant height revealed in two spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) populations
Authors: Bokore Firdissa E. , Cuthbert Richard D. , Knox Ron E. , Campbell Heather L. , Meyer Brad , N’Diaye Amidou , Pozniak Curtis J. , DePauw Ron
Published: March 2022

Key message

A major QTL on chromosome arm 4BS was associated with reduced spike shattering and reduced plant height in coupling phase, and a second major QTL associated with reduced spike shattering was detected on chromosome arm 5AL in the same wheat variety Carberry.

Spike shattering can cause severe grain yield loss in wheat. Development of cultivars with reduced shattering but having easy mechanical threshability is the target of wheat breeding programs. This study was conducted to determine quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with shattering resistance, and epistasis among QTL in the populations Carberry/AC Cadillac and Carberry/Thatcher. Response of the populations to spike shattering was evaluated near Swift Current, SK, in four to five environments. Plant height data recorded in different locations and years were used to determine the relationship of the trait with spike shattering. Each population was genotyped and mapped with the wheat 90 K Illumina iSelect SNP array. Main effect QTL were analyzed by MapQTL 6, and epistatic interactions between main effect QTL were determined by QTLNetwork 2.0. Correlations between height and shattering ranged from 0.15 to 0.49. Carberry contributed two major QTL associated with spike shattering on chromosome arms 4BS and 5AL, detected in both populations. Carberry also contributed two minor QTL on 7AS and 7AL. AC Cadillac contributed five minor QTL on 1AL, 2DL, 3AL, 3DL and 7DS. Nine epistatic QTL interactions were identified, out of which the most consistent and synergistic interaction, that reduced the expression of shattering, occurred between 4BS and 5AL QTL. The 4BS QTL was consistently associated with reduced shattering and reduced plant height in the coupling phase. The present findings shed light on the inheritance of shattering resistance and provide genetic markers for manipulating the trait to develop wheat cultivars.