bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Two new species of Genoplesium R.Br. sensu lato (Orchidaceae: Prasophyllinae) from the Central Coast of New South Wales
Authors: Renner Matthew AM , Towle Brian , Weston Peter
Published: March 2023

We describe two new species of Prasophyllinae from New South Wales, in the genus Genoplesium R.Br. following the generic classification currently in use at the National Herbarium of New South Wales. One of these new species, Genoplesium branwhiteorum M.A.M.Renner & P.H.Weston, which we name for the Branwhite family, has been known for nearly a decade under the informal name Corunastylis sp. Charmhaven (NSW896673). The other new species, G. geminatum M.A.M.Renner & Towle has been confused with both G. rufum (R.Br.) D.L.Jones & M.A.Clem. and G. trifidum (Rupp) M.A.M.Renner, although it is more similar to G. mucronatum (Rupp) M.A.M.Renner and G. tasmanicum D.L.Jones, and possesses a combination of features of consistent expression supporting its recognition as a new species. Three new combinations are made. Genoplesium cuspidatum (D.L.Jones & L.M.Copel.) M.A.M.Renner, comb. nov. is based on Corunastylis cuspidata D.L.Jones & L.M.Copel., Genoplesium laminatum (Fitzg.) M.A.M.Renner, is based on Prasophyllum laminatum Fitzg. and Genoplesium mucronatum (Rupp) M.A.M.Renner is based on Prasophyllum mucronatum Rupp. [listed as a synonym of G. rufum in PlantNet].
Taxonomy and ecology of Sphagnum-associated Desmids from the New England Tablelands, New South Wales, Australia
Authors: Kenins Alex , Bruhl Jeremy J.
Published: March 2023

Desmids associated with Sphagnum L. from terrestrial and aquatic habitats were investigated in the New England Tableland Bioregion. Descriptions and figures for 80 taxa are presented herein, nine of which are newly recorded for Australia, and a further seven are newly recorded for New South Wales. Two novel species of desmid, Micrasterias bicoronata A.Kenins and Cosmarium phymatodeum A.Kenins, are described. The floristic composition of desmids at Basket Swamp and Ebor Common, were compared to assess their conservation value based on an existing and modified scheme better suited to desmids from Australia. Basket Swamp received a relatively high score based on greater species richness and numerous endemics present. In contrast, Ebor Common scored lower due to less diversity and few regionally endemic species. This study also highlights that the desmid community found amongst Sphagnum in Australia is highly diverse (βSOR = 0.82) and can differ markedly among the four assessed sites due to spatial turnover (βRATIO = 0.15). While there are species in common with the much more extensively studied Sphagnum habitats in central and western Europe, Australia has its own distinctive desmid floral elements.
The Parson to the Plankton: George Israel Playfair (1871–1922)
Authors: Skinner Stephen
Published: March 2023

It is one hundred years since ‘the late G.I. Playfair, Australia’s foremost student of freshwater algae’ died, in Tauranga, New Zealand, but the value of his collection, and descriptions of many freshwater photosynthetic organisms from New South Wales, is current and growing.
Rediscovery, phytogeography and conservation status of Leptodermis riparia Parker (Rubiaceae) in Western Himalaya, India
Authors: Rai Ishwari Datt , Singh Gajendra , Rawat Gopal Singh
Published: March 2023

Leptodermis riparia Parker (Rubiaceae) is rediscovered after a gap of 90 years from its Type locality in eastern part of Uttarakhand, Western Himalaya. In addition, we recorded two new localities of this species in the state. All the three populations were found along stream courses especially on rocky substrates rich in limestone. The Type locality for this species was devastated due to severe floods of 2013. In this article, we have presented description, habitat characteristics, phytogeography and conservation status of L. riparia in the Western Himalaya.
Sedum caespitosum (Crassulaceae) naturalised in New South Wales, Australia
Authors: Kodela Phillip Gerhard
Published: March 2023

The small, annual herb Sedum caespitosum (Cav.) DC. (Crassulaceae), native to the Mediterranean, was first recorded as naturalised in New South Wales in 2009 from near Orange and more recently in 2014 from near Goulbourn. In both localities it was recorded from roadside areas, often being locally common and forming dense colonies. The ability of this species to grow in challenging habitats, as seen in its natural habitats overseas, in association with occurring in roadside localities, indicates S. caespitosum has the potential to become more widespread as a roadside weed with the possibility of spreading into new regions and other habitats. A description of the species is provided as well as a key to the species of Sedum occurring in New South Wales.
The Role of Manager on Employee’s Satisfaction in an Organization: A Case of Mount Meru University and Arusha Institute of Accountancy
Authors: Mkwizu Noel Y.
Published: March 2023

The aim of this article was centered on the roles of managers on employee’s job satisfaction in an organization. In this study, cross section research design was used because participants are many and was unable to study all of them, but some was selected using random sampling techniques. It refers to the process of getting an understanding of a topic without including the entire population. The data was collected, collated and analyzed using questionnaires and SPSS from Institute of Accountancy Arusha and Mount Meru University.   

According to the study employees are not satisfied with treatment they receive from managers, not happy with the present fringe benefit they receive, not happy even with their future fringe benefit and income they are likely to receive. The findings indicated that, employees are not satisfied with the recognition they get from managers, the issues concerning workshops and training opportunities, employees are not satisfied with the organization and opportunities available for them. This can be supported by Delery and Shaw (2001) that, there is general three agreement that "(1) human capital can be a source of competitive advantage, (2) that HRM practices have the most direct influence on the human capital of a firm, and (3) that the complex nature of HRM systems of practice can enhance the inimitability of the system, when discussing the theory of Strategic HRM and Resource Based Theory. Recommendations have been made to encourage managers to play their role in ensuring employees job satisfaction in higher learning institutions. Future studies of teacher’s job satisfaction should be conducted among collages both public and private ones. The research did not exhaust all the job satisfaction aspects or factors that the previous researchers and theorists identified.
Evaluation of Botanicals Insecticide against Stem Borer Scirpophaga incertulas (Walker) Leaf Folder (Cnaphalocrosis medinalis) and Green Leafhopper and in Rice
Authors: Rajpoot S. K. S. , Singh Mahendra , Prasad V. , Dixit S. , Parkash N. , Singh R. A. , Dwivedi D. K.
Published: March 2023

A field experiment was conducted during the kharif season of 2020-21 and 2021-22 at Crop Research station, Masodha, Ayodhya, India to evaluate the efficacy of insecticide-botanicals against rice stem borer, green leafhopper and leaf folder. The experiment was comprising Four combination modules/treatments consisting of three insecticides Chlorantraniliprole 20% SC, Cartap hydrochloride 50% SC and Triflumezopyrim 10% SC, one commercial neem formulation - Neemazal and two plant oils - Neem and Eucalyptus oil procured were compared along with untreated control (only water spray). The lowest stem borers incidence (1 %) of in all insecticides treatment module recorded as compared to 14.8% in untreated control. Among modules, all insecticides module was found to be the best with 1.0% mean white ear damage followed by neemazal, eucalyptus oil and cartap hydrochloride module with 5.3% WE. Green leafhopper infestation was all insecticides combination was the most effective treatment showing mean population of 110.7/10 hills followed by all botanical combination (120.7) and were superior to control (158.7/10 hills). The mean leaf Folder damage (1.8%) was recorded from all insecticides module followed by treatment with neemazl (? %), Eucalyptus oil (? %),  and Triflumezopyrim 10% SC (3.9% DL) when compared to untreated control (14.5% )4. Grain yield all insecticides treatment - Chlorantraniliprole, Cartap hydrochloride, Triflumezopyrim recorded the highest grain yield of 5212.0 kg/ha with 95.79% increase over control (IOC) followed by neemazal, neem oil and cartap hydrochloride with 4500 kg/ha (69.04% IOC). All the treatments were significantly superior to control plot which showed a yield of 2662 kg/ha.
Trend Analysis and Prediction of Rainfall Using Deep Learning Models in Three Sub-Divisions of Karnataka
Authors: Nayak G. H. Harish , Varalakshmi A. , Manjunath M. G. , Veershetty  , Avinash G. , Baishya Moumita
Published: March 2023

Precise estimation of rainfall is a crucial and challenging task in environmental science. It involves the use of advanced and powerful models to forecast non-linear and dynamic changes in rainfall. Deep learning, a recently developed method for handling vast amounts of data and resolving complex problems, has proven to be an effective tool for rainfall forecasting. In this study, we applied various deep learning models such as Multilayer Perceptron (MLP), Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM), Bidirectional LSTM (Bi-LSTM), Stacked LSTM, Gated Recurrent Units (GRUs), and a traditional model called Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA), to forecast monthly rainfall data (mm) for three regions of Karnataka: Coastal Karnataka, North Interior Karnataka (NIK), and South Interior Karnataka (SIK). Trend analysis was conducted using the Mann-Kendall trend test (MK test) and the Seasonal Mann-Kendall trend test, along with Sen's Slope Estimator, to determine trends and slope magnitudes. The results showed that deep learning models perform better than traditional methods in forecasting rainfall. The performance of different models was evaluated using forecasting evaluation criteria and found that the LSTM model performed best for Coastal Karnataka, with an RMSE value of 149.45, while the Bi-LSTM model performed best for NIK, with an RMSE value of 32.57, and the Stacked LSTM model performed best for SIK, with an RMSE value of 45.33. Therefore, deep learning models can be effectively used to predict rainfall data with greater accuracy.
A Promising Analytical Method has been Crafted, Validated, and Quantified for Estimating Theophylline Utilizing UV Spectroscopic and RP-HPLC Techniques in Conjunction with Stress Degradation Studies to Pinpoint Deterioration
Authors: Madhavi Chundru Sai , Mondal Sumanta , Chakraborty Subhadip , Saha Deyasini , Mondal Prasenjit
Published: March 2023

Introduction: The current study aimed to develop and assess UV-spectrophotometric (zero order, first order, second order, area under the curve) and RP-HPLC methods for estimating theophylline in its pharmaceutical dosage form.

Methods: A less toxic solvent composition of acetonitrile and 0.1% orthophosphoric acid (25:75 v/v) is used as a mobile phase and diluent for developing both UV-spectroscopic and RP-HPLC techniques. Shimadzu Prominence LC-20A Modular HPLC system with a C18 column (250 × 4.6 mm; 5 µm) was used to develop the RP-HPLC method.

Results: Method A is a zero-order spectrophotometric method for determining theophylline at 271 nm, and the correlation coefficient in the linearity study was found to be 0.9958, LOD, and LOQ are 0.52 and 1.71 µg/mL. Method B is a first-order spectrophotometric method for determining theophylline at 258 nm, and the correlation coefficient in the linearity study was found to be 0.9983, LOD, and LOQ are 0.46 and 1.51 µg/mL. Method C is a second-order spectrophotometric method for determining theophylline at 218 nm, and the correlation coefficient in the linearity study was found to be 0.9941, LOD, and LOQ are 0.38 and 1.25 µg/mL. Method D is an area under the curve spectrophotometric method for determining theophylline at 260 to 282 nm, and the correlation coefficient in the linearity study was found to be 0.9978, LOD, and LOQ are 0.57 and 1.88 µg/mL. Method E is the RP-HPLC method for the determination of theophylline at the retention time of 2.814 min, and the correlation coefficient in the linearity study was found to be 0.9923, LOD, and LOQ are 0.78 and 2.57 µg/mL. Studies on stress degradation show that oxidation and acid degradation mostly impact theophylline solutions.

Conclusion: Theophylline can be determined using the proposed approach, which is convenient, precise, affordable, and reproducible.
Epidemiology of Malaria Parasite and Intestinal Helminths among Children Attending Specialist Hospital and Maryam Abacha Women and Children Hospital in Sokoto Metropolis
Authors: Mohammed K. , Iduh M. U. , Muhammed S.
Published: March 2023

Background: Co-infection of Malaria parasite and intestinal helminths is a serious global problem with increasing morbidity and mortality rate especially in the developing countries and it occurs among all age groups and gender. Despite the fact that this disease affects all age groups, the frequency and severity of the disease are most common among children less than 15 years of age due to their undeveloped immunity coupled with their frequent exposure to the predisposing factors.

Aims: This research aimed to determine the co-infection of Malaria parasite and intestinal helminths among children attending some selected hospitals during the course of the study.

Study Design: This was a cross sectional, descriptive study.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted among children (1 to 15 years) attending Specialist hospital and Maryam Abacha Women and Children’s hospital in Sokoto metropolis, from May 2020 to October 2020.

Methodology: A total of 152 stool and blood samples were collected. Parasitological examination was carried out on stool samples using microscopy following formal ether concentration methods while malaria parasites were determined using rapid diagnostic test (RDT).

Results: Findings revealed that 58 (38.2%) were positive for malaria parasite while 11 (7.2%) were positive for intestinal helminths. The intestinal helminths encountered in this study were A. lumbricoides with a prevalence rate of 2.6%, T. trichiuria with a prevalence of 2.0% followed by D. latum and E. vermicularis with a prevalence rate of 1.3% each. In this study, a higher rate of prevalence for malaria infection was recorded in males (39.3%) and a lower prevalence was seen in females (36.5%). There was no statistical significance between malaria infection and gender (X2= 0.319, P-value= 0.572). The age group 11-15 had the highest prevalence rate for malaria infection (42.9%), while the least prevalence rate (33.3%) was seen in the age group 1-5 years. There was no statistical significance between malaria infection and age group (X2= 1.073, P-value= 0.585). For intestinal helminth infection, males showed a higher prevalence of 9.0% than their female counterparts with 4.8%. But this was not statistical significant ( X2 = 1.337, P- value = 0.720). For the overall study, only one sample was found to have co-infection of malaria parasite and intestinal helminths which gave a co-infection prevalence rate of 1 (0.7%).

Conclusion: The overall 152 blood and stool samples collected  38.2% were positive for malaria parasite while intestinal helminths were 7.2% only. The co-infection prevalence rate recorded so far was 0.7% and no multiple intestinal helminths were seen in any sample throughout the research.
Mental health: social representations of the nurses of the family health strategy / Saúde mental: representações sociais dos enfermeiros da estratégia saúde da família
Authors: Tavares Jéssica Habr , Silva Silvio Eder da , Pinheiro Erlen Priscila Fonseca , Vasconcelos Jhak Sagica de , Rodrigues Diego Pereira , Oliveira Márcia Aparecida Ferreira de
Published: March 2023

Objetivo: compreender as representações sociais dos enfermeiros das Estratégias Saúde da Família sobre a Saúde Mental na Atenção Primária e analisar as implicações dessas representações sociais no cuidado de pessoas acometidas de doença mental. Método: estudo descritivo, com abordagem qualitativa, utilizando o referencial teórico e metodológico da Teoria das Representações Sociais. Resultados: emergiram três núcleos direcionadores: ‘Impressões e Representações consensuais quanto a Saúde Mental na Atenção Primária’; ‘Intervenções de enfermagem na Estratégia Saúde da Família no âmbito da saúde mental’ e ‘Expectativas em relação à rede de atenção à saúde mental’. Considerações finais: com a pesquisa foi passível de identificação das representações que as práticas e intervenções em Saúde Mental devem fazer parte de um processo que envolve o trinômio profissional-família-ambiente, sendo fundamental que os usuários do serviço possam receber tratamento de forma holística e humanizada.
Six-Year Cognitive Trajectory in Older Adults Following Major Surgery and Delirium
Authors: Kunicki Zachary J. , Ngo Long H. , Marcantonio Edward R. , Tommet Douglas , Feng Yi , Fong Tamara G. , Schmitt Eva M. , Travison Thomas G. , Jones Richard N. , Inouye Sharon K.
Published: March 2023

Importance

The study results suggest that delirium is the most common postoperative complication in older adults and is associated with poor outcomes, including long-term cognitive decline and incident dementia.

Objective

To examine the patterns and pace of cognitive decline up to 72 months (6 years) in a cohort of older adults following delirium.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This was a prospective, observational cohort study with long-term follow-up including 560 community-dwelling older adults (older than 70 years) in the ongoing Successful Aging after Elective Surgery study that began in 2010. The data were analyzed from 2021 to 2022.

Exposure

Development of incident delirium following major elective surgery.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Delirium was assessed daily during hospitalization using the Confusion Assessment Method, which was supplemented with medical record review. Cognitive performance using a comprehensive battery of neuropsychological tests was assessed preoperatively and across multiple points postoperatively to 72 months of follow-up. We evaluated longitudinal cognitive change using a composite measure of neuropsychological performance called the general cognitive performance (GCP), which is scaled so that 10 points on the GCP is equivalent to 1 population SD. Retest effects were adjusted using cognitive test results in a nonsurgical comparison group.

Results

The 560 participants (326 women [58%]; mean [SD] age, 76.7 [5.2] years) provided a total of 2637 person-years of follow-up. One hundred thirty-four participants (24%) developed postoperative delirium. Cognitive change following surgery was complex: we found evidence for differences in acute, post–short-term, intermediate, and longer-term change from the time of surgery that were associated with the development of postoperative delirium. Long-term cognitive change, which was adjusted for practice and recovery effects, occurred at a pace of about −1.0 GCP units (95% CI, −1.1 to −0.9) per year (about 0.10 population SD units per year). Participants with delirium showed significantly faster long-term cognitive change with an additional −0.4 GCP units (95% CI, −0.1 to −0.7) or −1.4 units per year (about 0.14 population SD units per year).

Conclusions and Relevance

This cohort study found that delirium was associated with a 40% acceleration in the slope of cognitive decline out to 72 months following elective surgery. Because this is an observational study, we cannot be sure whether delirium directly causes subsequent cognitive decline, or whether patients with preclinical brain disease are more likely to develop delirium. Future research is needed to understand the causal pathway between delirium and cognitive decline.
Biomimetic Hygroscopic Fibrous Membrane with Hierarchically Porous Structure for Rapid Atmospheric Water Harvesting
Authors: Xia Meng , Cai Dong , Feng Jianbo , Zhao Peng , Li Jiakai , Lv Rongxin , Li Guiqiu , Yan Lulu , Huang Wei , Li Yongpeng , Sui Zhuyin , Li Meng , Wu Hui , Shen Yijun , Xiao Juanxiu , Wang Dong , Chen Qi
Published: March 2023

Sorption‐based atmospheric water generation (SAWG) is a promising strategy to alleviate the drinkable water scarcity of arid regions. However, the high‐water production efficiency remains challenging due to the sluggish sorption/desorption kinetics. Herein, a composite sorbent@biomimetic fibrous membrane (PPy‐COF@Trilayer‐LiCl) is reported by mimicking nature's Murray networks, which exhibits outstanding water uptake performance of 0.77–2.56 g g−1 at a wide range of relative humidity of 30%–80% within 50 min and fast water release capacity of over 95% adsorbed water that can be released within 10 min under one sun irradiation. The superior sorption–desorption kinetics of PPy‐COF@Trilayer‐LiCl are enabled by the novel hierarchically porous structure, which is also the critical factor to lead a directional rapid water transport and vapor diffusion. Moreover, as a proof‐of‐concept demonstration, a wearable SAWG device is established, which can operate 10 sorption–desorption cycles per day in the outdoor condition and produce a high yield of clean water reaching up to 3.91 kg m−2 day−1. This study demonstrates a novel strategy for developing advanced solar‐driven SAWG materials with efficient water sorption–desorption properties.
Improved In Situ Characterization of Electrochemical Interfaces Using Metasurface‐Driven Surface‐Enhanced IR Absorption Spectroscopy
Authors: Berger Luca M. , Duportal Malo , Menezes Leonardo de Souza , Cortés Emiliano , Maier Stefan A. , Tittl Andreas , Krischer Katharina
Published: March 2023

Electrocatalysis plays a crucial role in realizing the transition toward a zero‐carbon future, driving research directions from green hydrogen generation to carbon dioxide reduction. Surface‐enhanced infrared absorption spectroscopy (SEIRAS) is a suitable method for investigating electrocatalytic processes because it can monitor with chemical specificity the mechanisms of the reactions. However, it remains difficult to detect many relevant aspects of electrochemical reactions such as short‐lived intermediates. Herein, an integrated nanophotonic‐electrochemical SEIRAS platform is developed and experimentally realized for the in situ investigation of molecular signal traces emerging during electrochemical experiments. A platinum nano‐slot metasurface featuring strongly enhanced electromagnetic near fields is implemented and spectrally targets the weak vibrational mode of the adsorbed carbon monoxide at ≈2033 cm−1. The metasurface‐driven resonances can be tuned over a broad range in the mid‐infrared spectrum and provide high molecular sensitivity. Compared to conventional unstructured platinum films, this nanophotonic‐electrochemical platform delivers a 27‐fold improvement of the experimentally detected characteristic absorption signals, enabling the detection of new species with weak signals, fast conversions, or low surface concentrations. By providing a deeper understanding of catalytic reactions, the nanophotonic‐electrochemical platform is anticipated to open exciting perspectives for electrochemical SEIRAS, surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy, and other fields of chemistry such as photoelectrocatalysis.
A Unified Therapeutic–Prophylactic Tissue‐Engineering Scaffold Demonstrated to Prevent Tumor Recurrence and Overcoming Infection toward Bone Remodeling
Authors: Huang Yongkang , Zhai Xinyun , Ma Tengfei , Zhang Mengzhen , Yang Houzhi , Zhang Shuai , Wang Junbo , Liu Wenguang , Jin Xin , Lu William Weijia , Zhao Xiaoli , Hou Weiyu , Sun Tianwei , Shen Jie , Pan Haobo , Du Yaping , Yan Chun‐Hua
Published: March 2023

Osteosarcoma occurs in children and adolescents frequently and leads to a high fatality rate. Although surgical resection is the most common methods in clinic, patients always suffer from tumor metastasis and recurrence and it is difficult for them to self‐repair large bone defects. Furthermore, the postoperative infection from bacteria triggers an inflammatory response and hinders the bone‐repair process. This work demonstrates a gadolinium (Gd)‐complex and molybdenum sulfide (MoS2) co‐doped N‐acryloyl glycinamide (NAGA)/gelatin methacrylate (Gel‐MA) multifunctional hydrogel (GMNG). The combination between NAGA and Gel‐MA endows the GMNG with attractive mechanical properties and controllable degradation ability. The MoS2 improves the hydrogel system, which has excellent photothermal ability to kill tumor cells and inhibit bacterial infection both in vitro and in vivo. Based on the Gd‐complex, the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) effect can be used to monitor the position and degradation situation of the hydrogel. Notably, accompanied by the degradation of GMNG hydrogel, the gradually released Gd3+ from the hydrogel exhibits osteogenic property and could promote new bone formation efficiently in vivo. Therefore, this strategy supplies a method to prepare multifunctional bone‐defect‐repair materials and is expected to represent a significant guidance and reference to the development of biomaterials for bone tissue engineering.
Aptamer‐Capped Nanoporous Anodic Alumina for SARS‐CoV‐2 Spike Protein Detection
Authors: Caballos Isabel , Aranda María Nieves , López‐Palacios Alba , Pla Luis , Santiago‐Felipe Sara , Hernández‐Montoto Andy , Tormo‐Mas María Ángeles , Pemán Javier , Gómez‐Ruiz María Dolores , Calabuig Eva , Sánchez‐Sendra Beatriz , Francés‐Gómez Clara , Geller Ron , Aznar Elena , Martínez‐Máñez Ramón
Published: March 2023

The COVID‐19 pandemic, which began in 2019, has highlighted the importance of testing and tracking infected individuals as a means of mitigating the spread of the virus. In this context, the development of sensitive and rapid methods for the detection of SARS‐CoV‐2, the virus responsible for COVID‐19, is crucial. Herein, a biosensor based on oligonucleotide‐gated nanomaterials for the specific detection of SARS‐CoV‐2 spike protein is presented. The sensing system consists of a nanoporous anodic alumina disk loaded with the fluorescent indicator rhodamine B and capped with a DNA aptamer that selectively binds the SARS‐CoV‐2 spike protein. The system is initially evaluated using pseudotype virus systems based on vesicular stomatitis virus carrying different SARS‐CoV‐2 S‐proteins on their surface. When the pseudotype virus is present, the cap of the solid is selectively removed, triggering the release of the dye from the pore voids to the medium. The nanodevice demonstrated its ability to detect pseudotype virus concentrations as low as 7.5·103 PFU mL. In addition, the nanodevice is tested on nasopharyngeal samples from individuals suspected of having COVID‐19.
Innovative Thermal and Acoustic Insulation Foams from Recycled Fiberglass Waste
Authors: Cozzarini Luca , Marsich Lucia , Ferluga Alessio
Published: March 2023

This study examines a lightweight thermal and acoustic insulation material, produced starting from a hydrogel‐based mixture composed by renewable biopolymer and fiberglass waste powders. The gel 3D porous network is preserved after water removal by sublimation, resulting in a lightweight thermal and acoustic insulation material with good overall performance. Mechanical, thermal, and acoustic properties can be tuned as a function of biopolymer and additives concentration. This material addresses environmental concerns both in terms of secondary raw sources use and fiberglass waste disposal. Moreover, contrary to mineral wools currently on the market, it can overcome the problem of fiber release, with significant human health benefits. Thanks to its good properties and its fabrication process based on a circular economy approach, it can be appealing for thermal and acoustic insulating applications in building and industrial sectors and also in terms of environmental footprint.
Laser‐Printed Terahertz Plasmonic Phase‐Change Metasurfaces
Authors: Zeng Ying , Lu Dunzhu , Xu Xingxing , Zhang Xiaoqiuyan , Wan Hujie , Wang Junqin , Jiang Xuju , Yang Xiaosheng , Xu Ming , Wen Qiye , Yao Jianquan , Hu Min , Zhang Xinliang , Li Peining
Published: March 2023

Chalcogenide phase‐change materials (PCMs) have offered an appealing material solution by acting as a switchable dielectric layer to tune the electromagnetic properties of terahertz metamaterials and metasurfaces. Here, this work demonstrates large‐scale and lithography‐free manufacturing of all‐PCM terahertz metasurfaces based on direct laser switching of crystalline micro‐domains in a thin film with high switching ratio of the emerging plasmonic PCM, In3SbTe2 (IST). The fabricated high‐quality IST metasurfaces achieve efficient plasmonic resonances and a large modulation depth with ultrafast response (full width at half maxima of the modulation time ≈1.6 ps) in a deep‐subwavelength switching volume. For the dynamic evolution of terahertz resonance modes, theoretical modeling reveals a delicate interplay between amorphous and crystalline IST due to the bonding‐structure‐induced different carrier lifetimes and spatially localized electric fields. These studies open new avenues for realizing all‐PCM terahertz ultrafast nanophotonics.
Hierarchically Structured Deformation‐Sensing Mechanochromic Pigments
Authors: Clough Jess M. , Kilchoer Cédric , Wilts Bodo D. , Weder Christoph
Published: March 2023

Mechanochromic materials alter their color in response to mechanical force and are useful for both fundamental studies and practical applications. Several approaches are used to render polymers mechanochromic, but they generally suffer from limitations in sensing range, capacity to provide quantitative information, and their capability to enable broad and simple implementation. Here, is it reported that these problems can be overcome by combining photonic structures, which alter their reflection upon deformation, with covalent mechanophores, whose spectral properties change upon mechanically induced bond scission, in hierarchically structured mechanochromic pigments. This is achieved by synthesizing microspheres consisting of an elastic polymer with spiropyran‐based cross‐links and non‐close‐packed silica nanoparticles. A strain of less than 1% can be detected in a shift of the reflection band from the photonic structure, while the onset strain for the conversion of the spiropyran into fluorescent merocyanine ranges from 30% to 70%, creating a broad strain detection range. The two responses are tailorable and synergistic, permitting the activation strain for the mechanophore response to be tuned. The mechano‐sensing photonic pigments are demonstrated to be readily incorporated into different polymeric materials of interest and quantitatively probe spatially heterogeneous deformations over a large strain range.
Potent Charge‐Trapping for Boosted Electrocatalytic Oxygen Reduction
Authors: Li Zheng , Cheng Hao , Lu Yao , Wang Tao , Li Yifan , Zhang Wei , He Guanjie , Tian Zhongliang
Published: March 2023

Metal‐free carbon‐based materials are considered to be one of the most promising alternatives to precious metal Pt‐based electrocatalysts. However, the electrocatalytic activity of heteroatom‐modulated carbon rarely reaches the level of metal‐based electrocatalysts. Here, electron‐rich carbon and abundant pyridinic‐N adjacent to C vacancies decorated with carbon nanosheets (E‐NC‐V) are synthesized and used as the host for boosting efficient oxygen reduction reaction. Rich pyridinic‐N structures adjacent to C vacancies work in synergy with electron‐rich carbon, which promotes the sharp decrease of |ΔGO*|, resulting in the balanced adsorption and dissociation of oxygen intermediates, and thus activating OO. This can be attributed to the abundant vacancies and d–p orbital hybridization between Zn and N/C. The E‐NC‐V catalyst drives the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) via a 4e− transfer‐dominated pathway with a half‐wave potential of 0.87 V versus RHE in the alkaline solution, even superior to Pt/C. The assembled Al–air battery exhibits a high peak power density of 113 mW cm−2. This promising strategy sheds light on the design and fabrication of robust, rich‐density, and high‐performance active sites for the ORR. The work is expected to inspire future work on the role of electronic structure modulation and defect engineering for enhanced reaction kinetics.
Sequential and Dendrite‐Free Li Plating on Cu Foil Enabled by an Ultrathin Yolk–Shell SiOx/C@C Layer
Authors: He Ruhan , Wang Yutao , Zhang Chengyi , Liu Zhenhui , He Pan , Hong Xufeng , Yu Ruohan , Zhao Yan , Wu Jingsong , Zhou Liang , Mai Liqiang
Published: March 2023

Lithium metal anodes are considered to be the ultimate candidate for Li‐based batteries; however, their development is hindered by uncontrollable Li deposition. Porous hosts and Cu foil with lithiophilic decorations have proven effective in Li dendrite suppression. However, the failure of lithiophilic decorations during cycling causes inaccessible encapsulated voids for Li‐deposition. And the almost electrochemically inert feature of host/decoration materials will result in undesirable loss in gravimetric capacity. Herein, an ultrathin layer of stable and electroactive yolk‐shell SiOx/C@C with designed differences in lithiophilicity is constructed on Cu foil. The more lithiophilic SiOx/C core over doped C shell induces sequential Li plating from intra‐particle voids to inter‐particle spaces and then above the modification layer. Such a plating process is reversed during Li stripping. Even after considering the mass of SiOx/C@C modification layer, a high specific capacity of 2818 mAh g−1 can be achieved. The Li–SiOx/C@C–Cu anode demonstrates a decent cyclability over 500 h under strict conditions in symmetric cells. When paired with a LiFePO4 cathode (10.5 mg cm−2), the full cell with a N/P ratio of 2 manifests a high capacity retention of 91.3% over 350 cycles, demonstrating its practical application value in future lithium metal batteries.
Vacuum‐Healing of Grain Boundaries in Sodium‐Doped CuInSe2 Solar Cell Absorbers
Authors: Babbe Finn , Nicoara Nicoleta , Guthrey Harvey , Valle Nathalie , Ramirez Sanchez Omar , Aureau Damien , Elanzeery Hossam , Sharma Deepanjan , Virtuoso José Luís , Audinot Jean‐Nicolas , Zelenina Anastasiya , Gharabeiki Sevan , Wirtz Tom , Siebentritt Susanne , Dale Phillip J. , Sadewasser Sascha , Colombara Diego
Published: March 2023

Alkali metal doping and grain boundaries (GB) have been at the center of attention within the Cu(In,Ga)(S,Se)2 photovoltaics community for years. This study provides the first experimental evidence that the GB of sodium‐doped CuInSe2 thin films may undertake reversible oxidation even at room temperature, whereas undoped films may not. The findings are corroborated by cathodoluminescence imaging, secondary ion mass spectrometry, and Kelvin probe force microscopy on air‐exposed films subsequently subject to vacuum. A thermochemical assessment identifies the likely solid–gas equilibria involved. These reactions open new research questions with respect to the beneficial role played by alkali metal dopants in chalcopyrite solar cells and may steer the community toward new breakthroughs.
Dietary nutrient intake and cognitive function in the Age‐Related Eye Disease Studies 1 and 2
Authors: Keenan Tiarnan D. L. , Agrón Elvira , Chew Emily Y. ,   for the AREDS and AREDS2 Research Groups
Published: March 2023

Introduction

The objective was to analyze associations between dietary intake of multiple nutrients and altered cognitive function and/or decline.

Methods

Observational analyses of participants (n = 6334) in two randomized trials of nutritional supplements for age‐related macular degeneration: Age‐Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) and AREDS2.

Results

In AREDS, for 4 of 38 nutrients examined, higher intake quintiles were significantly associated with decreased risk of cognitive impairment on the Modified Mini‐Mental State test (<80): β‐carotene, copper, docosahexaenoic acid, and insoluble fiber. In AREDS2, for 13 of 44 nutrients, higher intake quintiles were associated with decreased risk on the Telephone Interview Cognitive Status‐Modified (<30). Rate of cognitive decline over up to 10 years was not significantly different with higher intake of any nutrient.

Discussion

Higher dietary intake of multiple nutrients, including specific vitamins, minerals, carotenoids, fatty acids, and fiber, was associated with lower risk of cognitive impairment but not slower decline in cognitive function.
Serotonin‐immunoreactivity in the brain of the cichlid fish Oreochromis mossambicus
Authors: Biradar Ashwini , Ganesh C.B
Published: March 2023

Serotonin (5‐HT) is an evolutionarily conserved monoaminergic neurotransmitter found in the central nervous system and peripheral nervous system across invertebrates and vertebrates. Although the distribution of 5‐HT‐immunoreactive (5‐HT‐ir) neurons is investigated in various fish species, the organization of these neurons in cichlid fishes is poorly understood. These fish are known for their adaptability to diverse environments, food habits, and complex mating and breeding behaviors, including parental care. In this paper, we describe the organization of 5‐HT‐ir neurons in the brain of the cichlid fish Oreochromis mossambicus. Aggregations of 5‐HT‐ir neurons were spotted in the granule cell layer of the olfactory bulb and near the ventricular border in the preoptic area and magnocellular subdivisions of the nucleus preopticus. Although the presence of 5‐HT‐ir cells and fibers in the hypothalamic and thalamic regions, cerebellum, and raphe nuclei was comparable to that of other teleosts, the current study reveals the occurrence of 5‐HT‐ir cells and fibers for the first time in some areas, such as the nucleus posterior tuberis, nucleus oculomotorius, and nucleus paracommissuralis in the tilapia. While the presence of 5‐HT‐ir cells and fibers in gustatory centers suggests a role for serotonin in the processing of gustatory signals, distinctive pattern of 5‐HT immunoreactivity was seen in the telencephalon, pretectal areas, mesencephalic, and rhombencephalic regions, suggesting a cichlid fish specific organization of the serotonergic system. In conclusion, the 5‐HT system in the tilapia brain may serve several neuroendocrine and neuromodulatory roles, including regulation of reproduction and sensorimotor processes.
FRA–A new fast, robust, and automated pipeline for the detection and measurement of solar‐like oscillations in time‐series photometry of red‐giant stars
Authors: Gehan Charlotte , Campante T. L. , Cunha M. S. , Pereira F.
Published: March 2023

We developed, tested, and validated a new Fast, Robust, and Automated (FRA) tool to detect solar‐like oscillations. FRA is based on the detection and measurement of the frequency of maximum oscillation power , without relying on the detection of a regular frequency spacing to guide the search. We applied the FRA pipeline to 254 synthetic power spectra representative of red giants observed by the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS), as well as 1689 red giants observed by Kepler and 2344 red giants observed by TESS. We obtain a consistency rate for compared with existing measurements of 99% for Kepler
red giants and of 98% for TESS red giants. We find that using as an input parameter to guide the search for the large frequency separation through the existing Envelope Auto Correlation Function method significantly improves the consistency of the measured in the case of TESS stars, allowing to reach a consistency rate above 99%. Our analysis reveals that we can expect to get consistent and measurements while minimizing both the false positive measurements and the non‐detections for stars with a minimum of four observed sectors and a maximum G magnitude of 9.5.
Current advances in non‐viral gene delivery systems: Liposomes versus extracellular vesicles
Authors: Belhadj Zakia , Qie Yunkai , Carney Randy P. , Li Yuanpei , Nie Guangjun
Published: March 2023

In the past decade, nucleic acid‐based drugs have emerged as an extremely promising approach for silencing specific disease‐related genes and targeting undruggable ones. However, most nucleic acid drug therapies have not advanced to clinical practice due to their poor stability against serum enzyme degradation and cytotoxicity. Nanoscale drug delivery vehicles show potential to improve efficacy of nucleic acid drugs via targeted delivery to disease‐causing genes, yet, safe and efficient nanocarriers remain elusive. Lipid‐based nanoparticles such as liposomes (LSs) and extracellular vesicles (EVs) are among the most extensively exploited nanoscale vehicles for therapeutic cargo delivery. LS‐based nucleic acid therapies have been used for several years, with many already adopted to the clinic. More recently, EVs hold considerable promise as nucleic acid delivery vehicles due to their high biocompatibility, low immunogenicity, and the inherent abilities to interact with target cells and cross biological barriers. Moreover, a novel LS/EV hybrid gene delivery system has been engineered to preserve the benefits of both systems and generate an advanced drug delivery system. The current review focuses specifically on LS‐ and EV‐based gene therapies and provides the key advantages and shortcomings of these systems with particular emphasis on their potential use as therapeutic vectors.
The differential effects of sarcopenia and cachexia on overall survival for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma patients following pancreatectomy: A retrospective study based on a large population
Authors: Shen Xiao‐ding , Wang Xing , Zheng Zhen‐jiang , Chen Yong‐hua , Tan Chun‐lu , Liu Xu‐bao , Ke Neng‐wen
Published: March 2023

Objectives

Both cachexia and sarcopenia have been considered adverse predictors for prognosis in patients with pancreatic cancer; although sarcopenia and cachexia share some similarities, they are still defined as distinct nutritional conditions. We aimed to explore the differential impacts of sarcopenia and cachexia on prognosis for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) patients following radical excision.

Methods

From January 2015 to May 2022, 614 patients undergoing surgery for PDAC were retrospectively included. Sarcopenia was defined as the L3 total skeletal muscle index below 52.4 cm2/m2 (men) and 38.5 cm2/m2 (women). Cachexia was classified according to the following criteria: involuntary weight loss >5% over the past 6 months, or weight loss >2% and BMI <20 kg/m2, or weight loss >2% and sarcopenia.

Results

Of the 614 patients included in the analysis, 62% and 48% were diagnosed with sarcopenia and cachexia, respectively. Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that sarcopenia and/or cachexia were significantly associated with worse overall survival (OS) rather than worse recurrence‐free survival (RFS). Moreover, Cox regression analysis revealed that cachexia rather than sarcopenia was an adverse factor for OS in all PDAC patients. For poorly differentiated PDAC, both cachexia and sarcopenia were significantly associated with shorter OS. However, for moderately/well‐differentiated PADC, cachexia was an independent factor for adverse OS, but not sarcopenia.

Conclusions

Sarcopenia and cachexia have different effects on OS for PDAC patients undergoing radical excision. This difference may provide some important information for preoperative management.
Glycosphingolipid and Glycosylphosphatidylinositol Affect Each Other in and on the Cell
Authors: Guo Zhongwu
Published: March 2023

Glycosphingolipid (GSL) and glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) are the two major glycolipids expressed by eukaryotic cells, and their metabolisms share the same machineries. Moreover, both GSLs and GPI‐anchored proteins (GPI‐APs) are localized in the cholesterol‐rich regions, namely the lipid rafts, of the cell membrane, where many other signaling molecules are compartmentalized as well. Therefore, the interaction between GSLs and GPI‐APs and their interactions with other molecules in the lipid rafts are inevitable. This review is focused on the influences of GSLs and GPI‐APs on each other's biosynthesis, trafficking, cell membrane distribution, and biological functions, such as signal transduction.
The use of CytoSorb® in a prasugrel‐loaded patient undergoing emergent coronary artery bypass graft surgery
Authors: Moresco Erich , Dejaco Hannes , Humbert Volker , Thoma Matthias
Published: March 2023

Patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS), failed percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and with an indication for emergent coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) are at an increased risk of perioperative bleeding. Integration of the CytoSorb® (CS) adsorber into the cardiopulmonary bypass appears to bind prasugrel and minimize the risk of perioperative bleeding.
Electrochemical Reduction of Diarylketones and Aryl Alkenes
Authors: Bi Ce , Zhao Xiangyu , Jia Zhiqi , Chang Yongxin , Yang Hang , Song Mengyuan , Zhang Xin , Zhang Yahui , Qing Guangyan
Published: March 2023

The reduction of ketones or alkenes is an attractive and challenging task in organic chemistry and has widespread applications in the production of fine chemicals, fragrances, pharmaceuticals, vitamins, and functional materials. Classical reduction methods usually require the use of potentially dangerous hydrogen and the reaction under high temperature and pressure conditions, so environmentally friendly, economical, simple, and safe reduction methods are urgently needed. This paper innovatively reports a method for the electrochemical reduction of diarylketones or aryl alkenes in a mixed solvent system of CH3CN/THF. The reaction proceeds smoothly, and the corresponding products are obtained in high yields. The mechanistic study shows that the reaction is a free radical reaction, and reveals the necessity of CH3CN solvent, which plays the three roles of solvent, proton donors, and reactant at the same time. Furthermore, the high yield of the gram‐scale experiment successfully confirmed the potential industrial application of this electrochemical method.