bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Functional diagnostics of the respiratory system in patients with Long COVID
Authors: Bakalets Olena , Dzyha Svitlana , Behosh Nina
Published: November 2023

Given the considerable number of people with persistent respiratory symptoms more than 4 weeks after COVID-19, it is important to determine which examinations are most informative for assessing respiratory function, prognosis, and monitoring the effectiveness of treatment in such patients. The purpose of this study is to cover the functional diagnosis of the respiratory system in patients who survived Long COVID. Bibliosemantic and analytical research methods were applied. According to the world guidelines for patients with persistent respiratory symptoms after COVID-19, all of them should undergo respiratory system examinations: chest X-rays, spirometry, blood saturation measurements, lung diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide, walk tests, and others. The study confirmed that people who have had COVID-19, even after 1-6 months, show a decrease in diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide, which has a direct correlation with total lung capacity, the severity of clinical manifestations, and the results of rapid tests. Changes in spirometric parameters are observed much less frequently, mainly in patients hospitalised with severe pneumonia, which subsequently leads to post-cystic pulmonary fibrosis. Gradual improvement in functional respiratory tests occurs 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after acute infection. The most informative tests for assessing respiratory function include the measurement of carbon monoxide diffusion capacity, total lung capacity, and blood gas composition. In conditions of limited access to the aforementioned diagnostic tests, and as a screening tool, quick tests such as the 3-minute/6-minute walk test (3MWT/6MWT) or the 1-minute sit-to-stand test (1-MSTST) can be utilised based on the patient's capabilities
A Glaring Silence: A Critical Reflection on Black Canada in the Pages of the Journal of the Canadian Historical Association
Authors: Bonner Claudine
Published: November 2023

Through a close reading of article abstracts beginning in 1922, this article explores the first one hundred years of the Journal of the Canadian Historical Association (JCHA), asking how this journal provides insight into the ways historians have researched and written about Black Canadian history. The author looks at the few published articles on Black Canada in the pages of the JCHA and concludes that the “glaring silence” is symptomatic of a systemic anti-Blackness, seen across institutions in Canada, from kindergarten to grade 12, and even within institutions like the CHA.
Black Barbadians in Canada: A Growing Migration, 1966–1990
Authors: Quintyne David R.
Published: November 2023

Canada is considered a multiracial nation. An important part of its multiracial composition traces back to the 1960s and early 1970s, with changes to immigration regulations and the implementation of its multicultural policy. Interwoven in this multiracial mosaic called Canada is the Black person, whose presence in Canada dates back to the seventeenth century. Yet Black people in Canada are usually treated as newcomers. Among them were Black Barbadians. They came for various reasons, particularly the restructuring of Canada’s immigration policy in the 1960s. Prior to the 1960s, Canada’s immigration policy was restrictive, especially toward Black and Asian people, with Black people seldom meeting the criteria to gain entry to the country. This paper explores two key reasons that motivated Black Barbadians to migrate to Canada in increased numbers from the mid-1960s to 1990. Specifically, it argues that fundamental changes in the 1960s to Canada’s discriminatory immigration policies and the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Program were integral in motivating Black Barbadians to choose to migrate.
Nóis por nóis: poesia e resistência nos saraus periféricos de Salvador
Authors: Paz Paulo Sérgio Silva da
Published: November 2023

A proposta deste livro é organizar uma leitura dos saraus periféricos de Salvador, a fim de entender como esses espaços se tornaram um campo de ação na trincheira contra um sistema literário-cultural excludente.
Against cortical reorganisation
Authors: Makin Tamar R , Krakauer John W
Published: November 2023

Neurological insults, such as congenital blindness, deafness, amputation, and stroke, often result in surprising and impressive behavioural changes. Cortical reorganisation, which refers to preserved brain tissue taking on a new functional role, is often invoked to account for these behavioural changes. Here, we revisit many of the classical animal and patient cortical remapping studies that spawned this notion of reorganisation. We highlight empirical, methodological, and conceptual problems that call this notion into doubt. We argue that appeal to the idea of reorganisation is attributable in part to the way that cortical maps are empirically derived. Specifically, cortical maps are often defined based on oversimplified assumptions of ‘winner-takes-all’, which in turn leads to an erroneous interpretation of what it means when these maps appear to change. Conceptually, remapping is interpreted as a circuit receiving novel input and processing it in a way unrelated to its original function. This implies that neurons are either pluripotent enough to change what they are tuned to or that a circuit can change what it computes. Instead of reorganisation, we argue that remapping is more likely to occur due to potentiation of pre-existing architecture that already has the requisite representational and computational capacity pre-injury. This architecture can be facilitated via Hebbian and homeostatic plasticity mechanisms. Crucially, our revised framework proposes that opportunities for functional change are constrained throughout the lifespan by the underlying structural ‘blueprint’. At no period, including early in development, does the cortex offer structural opportunities for functional pluripotency. We conclude that reorganisation as a distinct form of cortical plasticity, ubiquitously evoked with words such as ‘take-over’’ and ‘rewiring’, does not exist.
Pancreatic cancer symptom trajectories from Danish registry data and free text in electronic health records
Authors: Hjaltelin Jessica Xin , Novitski Sif Ingibergsdóttir , Jørgensen Isabella Friis , Siggaard Troels , Vulpius Siri Amalie , Westergaard David , Johansen Julia Sidenius , Chen Inna M , Juhl Jensen Lars , Brunak Søren
Published: November 2023

Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest cancer types with poor treatment options. Better detection of early symptoms and relevant disease correlations could improve pancreatic cancer prognosis. In this retrospective study, we used symptom and disease codes (ICD-10) from the Danish National Patient Registry (NPR) encompassing 6.9 million patients from 1994 to 2018,, of whom 23,592 were diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. The Danish cancer registry included 18,523 of these patients. To complement and compare the registry diagnosis codes with deeper clinical data, we used a text mining approach to extract symptoms from free text clinical notes in electronic health records (3078 pancreatic cancer patients and 30,780 controls). We used both data sources to generate and compare symptom disease trajectories to uncover temporal patterns of symptoms prior to pancreatic cancer diagnosis for the same patients. We show that the text mining of the clinical notes was able to complement the registry-based symptoms by capturing more symptoms prior to pancreatic cancer diagnosis. For example, ‘Blood pressure reading without diagnosis’, ‘Abnormalities of heartbeat’, and ‘Intestinal obstruction’ were not found for the registry-based analysis. Chaining symptoms together in trajectories identified two groups of patients with lower median survival (<90 days) following the trajectories ‘Cough→Jaundice→Intestinal obstruction’ and ‘Pain→Jaundice→Abnormal results of function studies’. These results provide a comprehensive comparison of the two types of pancreatic cancer symptom trajectories, which in combination can leverage the full potential of the health data and ultimately provide a fuller picture for detection of early risk factors for pancreatic cancer.
Characterization of tryptophan oxidation affecting D1 degradation by FtsH in the photosystem II quality control of chloroplasts
Authors: Kato Yusuke , Kuroda Hiroshi , Ozawa Shin-Ichiro , Saito Keisuke , Dogra Vivek , Scholz Martin , Zhang Guoxian , de Vitry Catherine , Ishikita Hiroshi , Kim Chanhong , Hippler Michael , Takahashi Yuichiro , Sakamoto Wataru
Published: November 2023

Photosynthesis is one of the most important reactions for sustaining our environment. Photosystem II (PSII) is the initial site of photosynthetic electron transfer by water oxidation. Light in excess, however, causes the simultaneous production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to photo-oxidative damage in PSII. To maintain photosynthetic activity, the PSII reaction center protein D1, which is the primary target of unavoidable photo-oxidative damage, is efficiently degraded by FtsH protease. In PSII subunits, photo-oxidative modifications of several amino acids such as Trp have been indeed documented, whereas the linkage between such modifications and D1 degradation remains elusive. Here, we show that an oxidative post-translational modification of Trp residue at the N-terminal tail of D1 is correlated with D1 degradation by FtsH during high-light stress. We revealed that Arabidopsis mutant lacking FtsH2 had increased levels of oxidative Trp residues in D1, among which an N-terminal Trp-14 was distinctively localized in the stromal side. Further characterization of Trp-14 using chloroplast transformation in Chlamydomonas indicated that substitution of D1 Trp-14 to Phe, mimicking Trp oxidation enhanced FtsH-mediated D1 degradation under high light, although the substitution did not affect protein stability and PSII activity. Molecular dynamics simulation of PSII implies that both Trp-14 oxidation and Phe substitution cause fluctuation of D1 N-terminal tail. Furthermore, Trp-14 to Phe modification appeared to have an additive effect in the interaction between FtsH and PSII core in vivo. Together, our results suggest that the Trp oxidation at its N-terminus of D1 may be one of the key oxidations in the PSII repair, leading to processive degradation by FtsH.
Microphase Separation Produces Interfacial Environment within Diblock Biomolecular Condensates
Authors: Latham Andrew P. , Zhu Longchen , Sharon Dina A. , Ye Songtao , Willard Adam P. , Zhang Xin , Zhang Bin
Published: November 2023

The phase separation of intrinsically disordered proteins is emerging as an important mechanism for cellular organization. However, efforts to connect protein sequences to the physical properties of condensates, i.e., the molecular grammar, are hampered by a lack of effective approaches for probing high-resolution structural details. Using a combination of multiscale simulations and fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy experiments, we systematically explored a series of systems consisting of diblock elastin-like polypeptides (ELP). The simulations succeeded in reproducing the variation of condensate stability upon amino acid substitution and revealed different microenvironments within a single condensate, which we verified with environmentally sensitive fluorophores. The interspersion of hydrophilic and hydrophobic residues and a lack of secondary structure formation result in an interfacial environment, which explains both the strong correlation between ELP condensate stability and interfacial hydrophobicity scales, as well as the prevalence of protein-water hydrogen bonds. Our study uncovers new mechanisms for condensate stability and organization that may be broadly applicable.
Truncated radial glia as a common precursor in the late corticogenesis of gyrencephalic mammals
Authors: Bilgic Merve , Wu Quan , Suetsugu Taeko , Shitamukai Atsunori , Tsunekawa Yuji , Shimogori Tomomi , Kadota Mitsutaka , Nishimura Osamu , Kuraku Shigehiro , Kiyonari Hiroshi , Matsuzaki Fumio
Published: November 2023

The diversity of neural stem cells is a hallmark of the cerebral cortex development in gyrencephalic mammals, such as Primates and Carnivora. Among them, ferrets are a good model for mechanistic studies. However, information on their neural progenitor cells (NPC), termed radial glia (RG), is limited. Here, we surveyed the temporal series of single-cell transcriptomes of progenitors regarding ferret corticogenesis and found a conserved diversity and temporal trajectory between human and ferret NPC, despite the large timescale difference. We found truncated RG (tRG) in ferret cortical development, a progenitor subtype previously described in humans. The combination of in silico and in vivo analyses identified that tRG differentiate into both ependymal and astrogenic cells. Via transcriptomic comparison, we predict that this is also the case in humans. Our findings suggest that tRG plays a role in the formation of adult ventricles, thereby providing the architectural bases for brain expansion.
The embryonic role of juvenile hormone in the firebrat, Thermobia domestica, reveals its function before its involvement in metamorphosis
Authors: Truman James W. , Riddiford Lynn M. , Konopová Barbora , Nouzova Marcela , Noriega Fernando , Herko Michelle
Published: November 2023

Juvenile hormone (JH) is a key regulator of insect metamorphosis. To understand its role before metamorphosis originated, we studied JH action in the ametabolous firebrat,
Thermobia domestica
. JH levels peak late in embryogenesis and are low through early juvenile stages. Chemical suppression of embryonic JH synthesis by 7-ethoxyprecocene blocks embryonic differentiation, but the latter is restored with exogenous JH. Premature exposure of younger embryos to JH suppresses growth and morphogenesis and the expression of morphogens, such as myoglianin. These embryos switch to premature differentiation as shown by muscle formation and synthesis of cuticle like that of later embryonic stages.We hypothesize that this ancestral role of JH in supporting tissue differentiation was later exploited for the evolution of metamorphosis. In embryos, the temporal separation of morphogen signaling and JH secretion results in morphogenesis preceding differentiation. With the evolution of metamorphosis, embryonic morphogen systems were redeployed during juvenile growth for morphogenesis of imaginal primordia. JH was also redeployed, but it now occurred with morphogen signaling. This co-occurrence resulted in JH maintaining a juvenile quality to the bud, which the morphogens positive allometric growth. The disappearance of JH late in growth then allowed the unantagonized morphogens to drive the primordia into metamorphosis.
Single-cell characterization of human GBM reveals regional differences in tumor-infiltrating leukocyte activation
Authors: Schmassmann Philip , Roux Julien , Dettling Steffen , Hogan Sabrina , Shekarian Tala , Martins Tomás A , Ritz Marie-Françoise , Herter Sylvia , Bacac Marina , Hutter Gregor
Published: November 2023

Glioblastoma (GBM) harbors a highly immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) which influences glioma growth. Major efforts have been undertaken to describe the TME on a single-cell level. However, human data on regional differences within the TME remain scarce. Here, we performed high-depth single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq) on paired biopsies from the tumor center, peripheral infiltration zone and blood of five primary GBM patients. Through analysis of >45,000 cells, we revealed a regionally distinct transcription profile of microglia (MG) and monocyte-derived macrophages (MdMs) and an impaired activation signature in the tumor-peripheral cytotoxic-cell compartment. Comparing tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T cells with circulating cells identified CX3CR1high and CX3CR1int CD8+ T cells with effector and memory phenotype, respectively, enriched in blood but absent in the TME. Tumor CD8+ T cells displayed a tissue-resident memory phenotype with dysfunctional features. Our analysis provides a regionally resolved mapping of transcriptional states in GBM-associated leukocytes, serving as an additional asset in the effort towards novel therapeutic strategies to combat this fatal disease.
Evidence for the adaptive parsing of non-communicative eye movements during joint attention interactions
Authors: Alhasan Ayeh , Caruana Nathan
Published: November 2023

During social interactions, the ability to detect and respond to gaze-based joint attention bids often involves the evaluation of non-communicative eye movements. However, very little is known about how much humans are able to track and parse spatial information from these non-communicative eye movements over time, and the extent to which this influences joint attention outcomes. This was investigated in the current study using an interactive computer-based joint attention game. Using a fully within-subjects design, we specifically examined whether participants were quicker to respond to communicative joint attention bids that followed predictive, as opposed to random or no, non-communicative gaze behaviour. Our results suggest that in complex, dynamic tasks, people adaptivelyuseanddismissnon-communicative gaze information depending on whether it informs the locus of an upcoming joint attention bid. We also went further to examine the extent to which this ability to track dynamic spatial information was specific to processing gaze information. This was achieved by comparing performance to a closely matched non-social task where eye gaze cues were replaced with dynamic arrow stimuli. Whilst we found that people are also able to track and use dynamic non-social information from arrows, there was clear evidence for a relative advantage for tracking gaze cues during social interactions. The implications of these findings for social neuroscience and autism research are discussed.
Strategies for Reducing Demurrage at the Douala Container Terminals (RTC Terminal) during Importation
Authors: Atud Mundu Valentine , Njuma Okon Roland , Takwa Abonwi Chenaa , Tenu Robinson Manjenpo
Published: November 2023

COVID-19 diverse methods and procedures of different port actors are some of the reasons for increasing demurrage for containerized goods. Demurrage is the additional charges levied by the maritime carrier on the users of its equipment (container) after the container passes the normal time in the seaport, which is 11 days in Cameroon (Douala). This study aims to investigate the main causes of increasing demurrage at the Douala container terminal and recommend strategies to reduce the increasing demurrage at the port RTC terminal (Container terminal management or Regie du Terminal a Conteneurs). This study uses a target population of 700 actors selected using a stratified random techniques in different fields linked to the international logistics chain and the Douala port in particular. Moreover a total of 490 participants responded to the questionnaire distributed to them. Descriptive statistics such as table and pie chart were used to analyze the data collected during the research. Findings demonstrated that the activities of the different actors involved in the logistics chain, namely the customs administrators, customs brokers, importers, shipping line exporters, PAD (Douala Autonomous Port) and other actors such as Society General de Surveillance (SGS), Cameroon Customs Information System (CAMCIS) and RTC Terminal are the main causes of the increased demurrage at the Douala port. The study recommends, amongst others, eliminating public holidays and weekends by shipping line when counting the demurrage days at the Douala port. Also we recommend that, the demurrage days should only start when the manifest is visible to all the actors, which is not the case. Equally, the government should impose the demurrage charge on the actors, which are the principal cause of demurrage at the port. It should be noted that with the implementation of the above recommendations by the different actors, demurrage will reduce in the Douala port and many African countries.
E-Learning Training as a Strategy for Teachers’ Professional Development in Tanzania: A Study of Selected Primary Schools in Musoma District, Tanzania
Authors: Kiwonde Flora Mercury
Published: November 2023

Aims: This study aimed to find out the e-learning training and its contribution towards the professional development of teachers. Teachers as key agents towards Sustainable Development Goals are required to be trained in order to acquire ICT skills to cement sustainable development in developing countries.

Study Design: The study used descriptive research design because of its flexibility in the methods of data collection and analysis. The design was used within the framework of a mixed methods approach.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in the Musoma district in which data were collected between July 2022 and December 2022.

Methodology: The study used both qualitative and quantitative research approaches with a sample of 54 teachers respondents from eighteen sampled primary schools selected in each ward of Musoma District. Data collection was conducted through interview guides and questionnaires.

Findings: The study revealedthat the conducted e-learning training programmes were useful as they provided skills and knowledge to the teachers that assured flexibility in the teaching and learning process. In addition, the training contributed to the teachers’ professional competence as they assisted teachers towards a new pedagogical model where there is a shift from a teacher-centred approach towards a learner-centred approach. In addition, teachers suggested a need to develop new curricula designed for an e-learning setting, availability of ICT teaching facilities in schools and frequent follow-ups and assessments after training in order to improve the teaching and learning process.

Conclusion: The study concludes that e-learning training programmes positively assist teachers’ professional development as well as improve their knowledge and skills that facilitate the quality teaching and learning process.
Sustainability Accounting Standards Historical Development / Literature Review
Authors: Sahib Shahd Ali , Malik Dr. Yasir Sahib
Published: November 2023

Sustainability represents a good framework to motivate efforts aimed at reaching higher levels of human life through various aspects of economic, social and environmental sustainability, governance, and following the best means through the use of natural resources and not depleting them in a way that harms future generations. Sustainability is one of the considerations that must be taken into account when carrying out economic activities. The desired goal of the concepts of sustainability is to provide a balance in all interests and economic, social and environmental fields, due to the excessive and misuse of these non-renewable resources harming the old generations, and awareness of these risks does not absolve him from his responsibilities, but must work seriously to find solutions and correct the path towards the best in achieving an environment A sustainable economy and its continuous development to contribute to preserving our planet and achieving social well-being.
Basic Indicator Approach for Measuring Operational Risk Applied Research in Number of Private Banks
Authors: Hilo A.P.Dr. Sanaa Hasan
Published: November 2023

Operational risk is an important topic for the banking sector that was presented by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision within the framework of the Basel 2 Convention, which requires attention to that risk by setting capital requirements to face and hedge it, as many different approaches were used to measure this type of risk, including the entrance that was used in this research, which is the basic indicator method, as the study aims to identify operational risks and what are the mechanisms that can be used for the purpose of calculating them and the efficiency of banks in assessing risks, as the research was applied to a sample of banks listed in the stock market for the period (2016-2018) and for the purpose of achieving the objectives of the research, financial analysis was used to extract the results, and the research found the need for banks to adopt operational risk measurement entrances to achieve the basic requirements of capital to face those risks and allocate a reserve to face risks in general and operational risk specially.
Influence of Strategic Management Accounting Practices on Employee Satisfaction in Businesses in Vietnam
Authors: Huyen Le Thi Thu , Hoa Nguyen Thi
Published: November 2023

This study was conducted to assess the impact of strategic management accounting practices on employee satisfaction in businesses in Vietnam. The study uses documents in combination with direct interviews of related subjects of some companies and corporations on the Hanoi city table. The practice of strategic management accounting can affect employee satisfaction in a variety of ways, such as: clear communication of organizational goals, incentives and rewards, training and development, resource allocation, and employee engagement. Based on the results of the study, some recommendations are given to businesses to help them have useful insights to promote the implementation of strategic management accounting to improve employee satisfaction, thereby promoting their growth and competitiveness in the global market.
Scalable Solution‐Processed Hybrid Electron Transport Layers for Efficient All‐Perovskite Tandem Solar Modules
Authors: Sun Hongfei , Xiao Ke , Gao Han , Duan Chenyang , Zhao Siyang , Wen Jin , Wang Yurui , Lin Renxing , Zheng Xuntian , Luo Haowen , Liu Chenshuaiyu , Wu Pu , Kong Wenchi , Liu Zhou , Li Ludong , Tan Hairen
Published: November 2023

All‐perovskite tandem solar cells offer the potential to surpass the Shockley–Queisser (SQ) limit efficiency of single‐junction solar cells while maintaining the advantages of low‐cost and high‐productivity solution processing. However, scalable solution processing of electron transport layer (ETL) in p‐i‐n structured perovskite solar subcells remains challenging due to the rough perovskite film surface and energy level mismatch between ETL and perovskites. Here, scalable solution processing of hybrid fullerenes (HF) with blade‐coating on both wide‐bandgap (≈1.80 eV) and narrow‐bandgap (≈1.25 eV) perovskite films in all‐perovskite tandem solar modules is developed. The HF, comprising a mixture of fullerene (C60), phenyl C61 butyric acid methyl ester, and indene‐C60 bisadduct, exhibits improved conductivity, superior energy level alignment with both wide‐ and narrow‐bandgap perovskites, and reduced interfacial nonradiative recombination when compared to the conventional thermal‐evaporated C60. With scalable solution‐processed HF as the ETLs, the all‐perovskite tandem solar modules achieve a champion power conversion efficiency of 23.3% (aperture area = 20.25 cm2). This study paves the way to all‐solution processing of low‐cost and high‐efficiency all‐perovskite tandem solar modules in the future.
Universal F4‐Modified Strategy on Metal–Organic Framework to Chemical Stabilize PVDF‐HFP as Quasi‐Solid‐State Electrolyte
Authors: Huang Wenhuan , Wang Shun , Zhang Xingxing , Kang Yifan , Zhang Huabin , Deng Nan , Liang Yan , Pang Huan
Published: November 2023

Solid‐state electrolytes (SSEs) based on metal organic framework (MOF) and polymer mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) have shown great promotions in both lithium‐ion conduction and interfacial resistance in lithium metal batteries (LMBs). However, the unwanted structural evolution and the and the obscure electrochemical reaction mechanism among two phases limit their further optimization and commercial application. Herein, fluorine‐modified zirconium MOF with diverse F‐quantities is synthesized, denoted as Zr‐BDC‐Fx (x = 0, 2, 4), to assemble high performance quais‐solid‐state electrolytes (QSSEs) with PVDF‐HFP. The chemical complexation of F‐sites in Zr‐BDC‐F4 stabilized PVDF‐HFP chains in β‐phase and disordered oscillation with enhanced charge transfer and Li transmit property. Besides, the porous confinement and electronegativity of F‐groups enhanced the capture and dissociation of TFSI‐ anions and the homogeneous deposition of LiF solid electrolyte interphase (SEI), promoting the high‐efficient transport of Li+ ions and inhibiting the growth of Li dendrites. The superb specific capacities in high‐loaded Li.
Anomalous 5D0→7F4 Transition of Eu3+‐Doped BaLaGaO4 Phosphors for WLEDs and Plant Growth Applications
Authors: Ling‐Hu Peng , Guo Xiang , Hu Jian , Deng Chaoyong , Cui Ruirui
Published: November 2023

Europium (Eu3+) doped phosphors typically exhibit orange or red emission and are used in lighting and display applications, originating from the 5D0→7F1 and 5D0→7F2 transitions of Eu3+. However, BaLaGaO4: xEu3+ deep‐red phosphor, when excited by near‐ultraviolet light, is mainly 5D0→7F4 transition (703 nm). Meantime, the BaLaGaO4: 0.30Eu3+ exhibits a high I423K/I298K value of 71% and a high quantum yield of 82.54%. Furthermore, the prepared samples are mixed with commercial blue and green phosphors in a certain proportion to make white light‐emitting diodes (WLEDs). The color coordinate of the fabricated WLEDs is (0.3208, 0.3436), with a color rendering index of 91.9 and an R9 value of 73. Based on the unique spectral characteristics of this compound, a prototype device of a deep‐red LED with phosphor conversion is developed, which exhibits color coordinates (0.6294, 0.3581) and a color purity of 96.4%. The conducted germination experiments with plant seeds have provided compelling evidence regarding the considerable positive effects of the deep‐red LEDs on plant growth. These findings further emphasize the highly promising potential application of BaLaGaO4: Eu3+ deep‐red phosphor in WLEDs and plant growth lighting.
Improving Electroluminescence of Two‐Coordinate Au(I) Complexes: Insights into Steric and Electronic Control
Authors: Heo Seunga , Jhun Byung Hak , Woo Sihyun , Kim Hwang Suk , Kim Inkoo , Kim Joonghyuk , Son Won‐Joon , Jung Yongsik , Kim Kyungmin , Cho Jaeheung , You Youngmin
Published: November 2023

This research elucidates the effects of structural modulations on electroluminescent Au(I) complexes, shedding light on factors governing radiative and nonradiative processes. A series of Au(I) complexes, fortified with ortho‐substituents in carbene and amido ligands, are subjected to rigorous structural, photophysical, and quantum chemical investigations, which unveil distinct structural and electronic effects exerted by the ligands. The investigations reveal that nonradiative processes are governed primarily by the energy‐gap law. Radiative processes are observed to have a weak correlation with the mutual interactions of the molecular orbitals of carbene and amido ligands. Rather, it is discovered that an accumulation of the negative charge in the Au 5d orbital in the excited state decelerates radiative processes. The effectiveness of these findings is substantiated through the larger external quantum efficiency of electroluminescence devices employing the Au(I) complex, in comparison to those based on the archetypical Au(I) complex and the organic thermally activated delayed fluorescent molecule. These compelling revelations underscore the untapped potential of Au(I) complexes in the advancement of electroluminescence technology and advocate for continued investigations into the intriguing domain of ligand structural control.
Electrochemical Annulation of ortho‐Alkynylbiphenyls to Fused Sulfenyl Phenanthrenes and Spiro Cyclohexenone Indenes
Authors: Balajirao Dapkekar Anil , Naveen Jakkula , Satyanarayana Gedu
Published: November 2023

Here, we present an electrochemically induced synthesis of 9‐sulfenylarylphenanthrenes and 3’‐sulfenylarylspiro‐cyclohexa[4.5]trienones starting from o‐alkynylbiphenyls and diaryl disulfides. This method was accomplished through constant current electrolysis of 10 mA in an undivided cell setup by utilizing CH3CN as a solvent and LiClO4 as an electrolyte at room temperature. Notably, the present strategy enabled the formation of sulfenylphenanthrenes and sulfenyl spiro cyclohexa[4.5]trienones in 70%–95% yield. Scale‐up synthesis, mechanistic studies, and cyclic voltammetry have also been carried out.
The Onset of Molecule‐Spanning Dynamics in Heat Shock Protein Hsp90
Authors: Sohmen Benedikt , Beck Christian , Frank Veronika , Seydel Tilo , Hoffmann Ingo , Hermann Bianca , Nüesch Mark , Grimaldo Marco , Schreiber Frank , Wolf Steffen , Roosen‐Runge Felix , Hugel Thorsten
Published: November 2023

Protein dynamics have been investigated on a wide range of time scales. Nano‐ and picosecond dynamics have been assigned to local fluctuations, while slower dynamics have been attributed to larger conformational changes. However, it is largely unknown how fast (local) fluctuations can lead to slow global (allosteric) changes. Here, fast molecule‐spanning dynamics on the 100 to 200 ns time scale in the heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) are shown. Global real‐space movements are assigned to dynamic modes on this time scale, which is possible by a combination of single‐molecule fluorescence, quasi‐elastic neutron scattering and all‐atom molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The time scale of these dynamic modes depends on the conformational state of the Hsp90 dimer. In addition, the dynamic modes are affected to various degrees by Sba1, a co‐chaperone of Hsp90, depending on the location within Hsp90, which is in very good agreement with MD simulations. Altogether, this data is best described by fast molecule‐spanning dynamics, which precede larger conformational changes in Hsp90 and might be the molecular basis for allostery. This integrative approach provides comprehensive insights into molecule‐spanning dynamics on the nanosecond time scale for a multi‐domain protein.
Amino Acid‐Starved Cancer Cells Utilize Macropinocytosis and Ubiquitin‐Proteasome System for Nutrient Acquisition
Authors: Wang Tianyi , Zhang Yaming , Liu Yuwei , Huang Yi , Wang Weiping
Published: November 2023

To grow in nutrient‐deprived tumor microenvironment, cancer cells often internalize and degrade extracellular proteins to refuel intracellular amino acids. However, the nutrient acquisition routes reported by previous studies are mainly restricted in autophagy‐lysosomal pathway. It remains largely unknown if other protein degradation systems also contribute to the utilization of extracellular nutrients. Herein, it is demonstrated that under amino acid starvation, extracellular protein internalization through macropinocytosis and protein degradation through ubiquitin‐proteasome system are activated as a nutrient supply route, sensitizing cancer cells to proteasome inhibition. By inhibiting both macropinocytosis and ubiquitin‐proteasome system, an innovative approach to intensify amino acid starvation for cancer therapy is presented. To maximize therapeutic efficacy and minimize systemic side effects, a pH‐responsive polymersome nanocarrier is developed to deliver therapeutic agents specifically to tumor tissues. This nanoparticle system provides an approach to exacerbate amino acid starvation for cancer therapy, which represents a promising strategy for cancer treatment.
Kirigami‐Structured, Low‐Impedance, and Skin‐Conformal Electronics for Long‐Term Biopotential Monitoring and Human–Machine Interfaces
Authors: Xia Meili , Liu Jianwen , Kim Beom Jin , Gao Yongju , Zhou Yunlong , Zhang Yongjing , Cao Duxia , Zhao Songfang , Li Yang , Ahn Jong‐Hyun
Published: November 2023

Epidermal dry electrodes with high skin‐compliant stretchability, low bioelectric interfacial impedance, and long‐term reliability are crucial for biopotential signal recording and human–machine interaction. However, incorporating these essential characteristics into dry electrodes remains a challenge. Here, a skin‐conformal dry electrode is developed by encapsulating kirigami‐structured poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS)/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/silver nanowires (Ag NWs) film with ultrathin polyurethane (PU) tape. This Kirigami‐structured PEDOT:PSS/PVA/Ag NWs/PU epidermal electrode exhibits a low sheet resistance (≈3.9 Ω sq−1), large skin‐compliant stretchability (>100%), low interfacial impedance (≈27.41 kΩ at 100 Hz and ≈59.76 kΩ at 10 Hz), and sufficient mechanoelectrical stability. This enhanced performance is attributed to the synergistic effects of ionic/electronic current from PEDOT:PSS/Ag NWs dual conductive network, Kirigami structure, and unique encapsulation. Compared with the existing dry electrodes or standard gel electrodes, the as‐prepared electrodes possess lower interfacial impedance and noise in various conditions (e.g., sweat, wet, and movement), indicating superior water/motion‐interference resistance. Moreover, they can acquire high‐quality biopotential signals even after water rinsing and ultrasonic cleaning. These outstanding advantages enable the Kirigami‐structured PEDOT:PSS/PVA/Ag NWs/PU electrodes to effectively monitor human motions in real‐time and record epidermal biopotential signals, such as electrocardiogram, electromyogram, and electrooculogram under various conditions, and control external electronics, thereby facilitating human–machine interactions.
Soft Self‐Healing Robot Driven by New Micro Two‐Way Shape Memory Alloy Spring
Authors: Liang Xianrong , Yuan Chenggang , Wan Chaoying , Gao Xiaolong , Bowen Chris , Pan Min
Published: November 2023

Soft robotic bodies are susceptible to mechanical fatigue, punctures, electrical breakdown, and aging, which can result in the degradation of performance or unexpected failure. To overcome these challenges, a soft self‐healing robot is created using a thermoplastic methyl thioglycolate–modified styrene–butadiene–styrene (MG‐SBS) elastomer tube fabricated by melt‐extrusion, to allow the robot to self‐heal autonomously at room temperature. After repeated damage and being separated into several parts, the robot is able to heal its stiffness and elongation to break to enable almost complete recovery of robot performance after being allowed to heal at room temperature for 24 h. The self‐healing capability of the robot is examined across the material scale to robot scale by detailed investigations of the healing process, healing efficiency, mechanical characterization of the robot, and assessment of dynamic performance before and after healing. The self‐healing robot is driven by a new micro two‐way shape‐memory alloy (TWSMA) spring actuator which achieved a crawling speed of 21.6 cm/min, equivalent to 1.57 body length per minute. An analytical model of the robot is created to understand the robot dynamics and to act as an efficient tool for self‐healing robot design and optimization. This work therefore provides a new methodology to create efficient, robust, and damage‐tolerant soft robots.
Stimulus‐Responsive Hydrogels as Drug Delivery Systems for Inflammation Targeted Therapy
Authors: Yu Haoyu , Gao Rongyao , Liu Yuxin , Fu Limin , Zhou Jing , Li Luoyuan
Published: November 2023

Deregulated inflammations induced by various factors are one of the most common diseases in people's daily life, while severe inflammation can even lead to death. Thus, the efficient treatment of inflammation has always been the hot topic in the research of medicine. In the past decades, as a potential biomaterial, stimuli‐responsive hydrogels have been a focus of attention for the inflammation treatment due to their excellent biocompatibility and design flexibility. Recently, thanks to the rapid development of nanotechnology and material science, more and more efforts have been made to develop safer, more personal and more effective hydrogels for the therapy of some frequent but tough inflammations such as sepsis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, periodontitis, and ulcerative colitis. Herein, from recent studies and articles, the conventional and emerging hydrogels in the delivery of anti‐inflammatory drugs and the therapy for various inflammations are summarized. And their prospects of clinical translation and future development are also discussed in further detail.
SINE‐Associated LncRNA SAWPA Regulates Porcine Zygotic Genome Activation
Authors: He Tianyao , Peng Jinyu , Yang Shu , Liu Dongsong , Gao Shuang , Zhu Yanlong , Chai Zhuang , Lee Byeong Chun , Wei Renyue , Wang Jiaqiang , Liu Zhonghua , Jin Jun‐Xue
Published: November 2023

In mice, retrotransposon‐associated long noncoding RNAs (lncRNA) play important regulatory roles in pre‐implantation development; however, it is largely unknown whether they function in the pre‐implantation development in pigs. The current study aims to screen for retrotransposon‐associated lncRNA in porcine early embryos and identifies a porcine 8‐cell embryo‐specific SINE‐associated nuclear long noncoding RNA named SAWPA. SAWPA is essential for porcine embryonic development as depletion of SAWPA results in a developmental arrest at the 8‐cell stage, accompanied by the inhibition of the JNK‐MAPK signaling pathway. Mechanistically, SAWPA works in trans as a transcription factor for JNK through the formation of an RNA‐protein complex with HNRNPA1 and MED8 binding the SINE elements upstream of JNK. Therefore, as the first functional SINE‐associated long noncoding RNAs in pigs, SAWPA provides novel insights for the mechanism research on retrotransposons in mammalian pre‐implantation development.
Handgrip strength of young athletes differs based on the type of sport played and age
Authors: Abe Takashi , Abe Akemi , Loenneke Jeremy P.
Published: November 2023

Objective

Handgrip strength may differ depending on the type of sport played during the developmental period. Youth sports in which athletes hold equipment in their hands may be the most effective for improving handgrip strength. This study aimed to examine the age at which differences in handgrip strength appear by comparing sports that involve gripping (kendo) with those that do not involve gripping (soccer) in young athletes.

Methods

Two hundred and twenty‐two male athletes (115 kendo and 107 soccer) between 6 and 15 years old participated in this study. Handgrip strength was measured using a dynamometer, and the average value of both hands was used for analysis. Sports experience was determined when they started practicing each sport. Handgrip strength was compared between sports. Statistical moderation was used to determine if the relationship between sport and handgrip strength depended upon the age of the athlete.

Results

Kendo athletes had significantly higher handgrip strength than soccer athletes (4.77 kg [95% CI: 2.34, 7.19]) in the overall sample. We found that the relationship between sport and handgrip strength depended upon the age of the child (sport*age t = −3.6, p = .004). Using the Johnson‐Neyman procedure, we found statistically significant differences between sports from 8.48 years and older.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that the type of sport played, that is, whether or not an athlete plays with sports equipment in their hands, may influence the development of handgrip strength during the period of growth, and these sports may contribute to a higher level of handgrip strength in adulthood.
Synthesis of a Pinacol Boronate Precursor for [18F]Rucaparib Radiosynthesis
Authors: Seo Ju‐Ahn , Park Jinjae , Cheon Cheol‐Hong
Published: November 2023

A novel synthetic approach toward pinacol boronate used as a precursor in the recent radiosynthesis of [18F]rucaparib is described in this study. The Heck reaction of an ortho‐iodoaniline derivative bearing a chloride group at the meta‐position with acrylonitrile produced the desired (E)‐2‐aminocinnamonitrile derivative. The subsequent cyanide‐catalyzed imino‐Stetter reaction of aldimine derived from the obtained 2‐aminocinnamonitrile and aldehyde afforded the required trisubstituted indole‐3‐acetonitrile. The reduction of the nitrile group with cobalt boride followed by the construction of an azepinone scaffold generated indoloazepinone bearing a chloride substituent at the C6‐position of the indole scaffold. The Suzuki–Miyaura borylation of the chloride substituent produced pinacol boronate previously used in the synthesis of [18F]rucaparib. Detailed outcomes of different approaches using different 2‐aminocinnamonitriles were discussed as well.
Consensus definition of advance care planning in dementia: A 33‐country Delphi study
Authors: van der Steen Jenny T. , Nakanishi Miharu , Van den Block Lieve , Di Giulio Paola , Gonella Silvia , in der Schmitten Jürgen , Sudore Rebecca L. , Harrison Dening Karen , Parker Deborah , Mimica Ninoslav , Holmerova Iva , Larkin Philip , Martins Pereira Sandra , Rietjens Judith A. C. , Korfage Ida J. ,   European Association for Palliative Care (EAPC)
Published: November 2023

INTRODUCTION

Existing advance care planning (ACP) definitional frameworks apply to individuals with decision‐making capacity. We aimed to conceptualize ACP for dementia in terms of its definition and issues that deserve particular attention.

METHODS

Delphi study with phases: (A) adaptation of a generic ACP framework by a task force of the European Association for Palliative Care (EAPC); (B) four online surveys by 107 experts from 33 countries, September 2021 to June 2022; (C) approval by the EAPC board.

RESULTS

ACP in dementia was defined as a communication process adapted to the person's capacity, which includes, and is continued with, family if available. We identified pragmatic boundaries regarding participation and time (i.e., current or end‐of‐life care). Three interrelated issues that deserve particular attention were capacity, family, and engagement and communication.

DISCUSSION

A communication and relationship‐centered definitional framework of ACP in dementia evolved through international consensus supporting inclusiveness of persons with dementia and their family.

Highlights

This article offers a consensus definitional framework of advance care planning in dementia.

The definition covers all stages of capacity and includes family caregivers.

Particularly important are (1) capacity, (2) family, (3) engagement, and communication.

Fluctuating capacity was visualized in relation to roles and engaging stakeholders.
Boosted Mg−CO2 Batteries by Amine‐Mediated CO2 Capture Chemistry and Mg2+‐Conducting Solid‐electrolyte Interphases
Authors: Peng Chengxin , Xue Linlin , Zhao Zhengfei , Guo Longyuan , Zhang Chenyue , Wang Aoxuan , Mao Jianfeng , Dou Shixue , Guo Zaiping
Published: November 2023

Mg−CO2 battery has been considered as an ideal system for energy conversion and CO2 fixation. However, its practical application is significantly limited by the poor reversibility and sluggish kinetics of CO2 cathode and Mg anode. Here, a new amine mediated chemistry strategy is proposed to realize a highly reversible and high‐rate Mg−CO2 battery in conventional electrolyte. Judiciously combined experimental characterization and theoretical computation unveiled that the introduced amine could simultaneously modify the reactant state of CO2 and Mg2+ to accelerate CO2 cathodic reactions on the thermodynamic‐kinetic levels and facilitate the formation of Mg2+‐conductive solid‐electrolyte interphase (SEI) to enable highly reversible Mg anode. As a result, the Mg−CO2 battery exhibits boosted stable cyclability (70 cycles, more than 400 h at 200 mA g−1) and high‐rate capability (from 100 to 2000 mA g−1 with 1.5 V overpotential) even at −15 °C. This work opens a newly promising avenue for advanced metal‐CO2 batteries.