bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Injectable Adhesive Hydrogel as Photothermal‐Derived Antigen Reservoir for Enhanced Anti‐Tumor Immunity
Authors: Fan Man , Jia Le , Pang Minghui , Yang Xiangliang , Yang Yajiang , Kamel Elyzayati Samir , Liao Yonggui , Wang Hong , Zhu Yanhong , Wang Qin
Published: March 2021

Low vaccine immunogenicity and tumor heterogenicity greatly limit the therapeutic effect of tumor vaccine. In this study, a novel injectable adhesive hydrogel, based on thermosensitive nanogels containing catechol groups and loaded with in situ‐forming MnO2 nanoparticles, is constructed to overcome these issues. The concentrated nanogel dispersion transforms into an adhesive hydrogel in situ after intratumoral injection. The photothermal effect of the loaded MnO2 nanoparticles induces immunogenic cell death to release mass autologous tumor‐derived protein antigens under near‐infrared irradiation, which act as ideal immune stimulating substances avoiding the problem of tumor heterogenicity and are captured by the in situ‐forming adhesive hydrogel. The antigens‐captured adhesive hydrogel acts as an “antigen reservoir” and releases these captured antigens to recruit more dendritic cells to stimulate an intensive and lasting anti‐tumor immune response mediated by CD8+ T cells. The primary tumors can be almost completely disappeared within 4 days without relapse, and the growth of the distal tumors and rechallenged tumors are also effectively inhibited by the treatment with the injectable adhesive hydrogel‐based photothermal therapy. Therefore, the proposed “antigen reservoir” strategy shows the great potential application as an in situ‐forming personalized vaccine to enhancing the cancer immune therapy.
Selenic Acid Etching Assisted Vacancy Engineering for Designing Highly Active Electrocatalysts toward the Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Zhang Lin , Lu Chengjie , Ye Fei , Pang Ruilvjing , Liu Yang , Wu Zeyi , Shao Zongping , Sun Zhengming , Hu Linfeng
Published: March 2021

Oxygen evolution electrocatalysts are central to overall water splitting, and they should meet the requirements of low cost, high activity, high conductivity, and stable performance. Herein, a general, selenic‐acid‐assisted etching strategy is designed from a metal–organic framework as a precursor to realize carbon‐coated 3d metal selenides MmSen (Co0.85Se1−x, NiSe2−x, FeSe2−x) with rich Se vacancies as high‐performance precious metal‐free oxygen evolution reaction (OER) electrocatalysts. Specifically, the as‐prepared Co0.85Se1−x@C nanocages deliver an overpotential of only 231 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm−2 for the OER and the corresponding full water‐splitting electrolyzer requires only a cell voltage of 1.49 V at 10 mA cm–2 in alkaline media. Density functional theory calculation reveals the important role of abundant Se vacancies for improving the catalytic activity through improving the conductivity and reducing reaction barriers for the formation of intermediates. Although phase change after long‐term operation is observed with the formation of metal hydroxides, catalytic activity is not obviously affected, which strengthens the important role of the carbon network in the operating stability. This study provides a new opportunity to realize high‐performance OER electrocatalysts by a general strategy on selenic acid etching assisted vacancy engineering.
Multiresponsive Nonvolatile Memories Based on Optically Switchable Ferroelectric Organic Field‐Effect Transistors
Authors: Carroli Marco , Dixon Alex G. , Herder Martin , Pavlica Egon , Hecht Stefan , Bratina Gvido , Orgiu Emanuele , Samorì Paolo
Published: March 2021

Organic transistors are key elements for flexible, wearable, and biocompatible logic applications. Multiresponsivity is highly sought‐after in organic electronics to enable sophisticated operations and functions. Such a challenge can be pursued by integrating more components in a single device, each one responding to a specific external stimulus. Here, the first multiresponsive organic device based on a photochromic–ferroelectric organic field‐effect transistor, which is capable of operating as nonvolatile memory with 11 bit memory storage capacity in a single device, is reported. The memory elements can be written and erased independently by means of light or an electric field, with accurate control over the readout signal, excellent repeatability, fast response, and high retention time. Such a proof of concept paves the way toward enhanced functional complexity in optoelectronics via the interfacing of multiple components in a single device, in a fully integrated low‐cost technology compatible with flexible substrates.
Advances in C(sp2)−H/C(sp2)−H Oxidative Coupling of (Hetero)arenes Using 3d Transition Metal Catalysts
Authors: Bansal Sadhna , Shabade Anand B. , Punji Benudhar
Published: March 2021

C−H/C−H oxidative coupling has emerged as a straightforward and powerful technique for the construction of (hetero)biaryls, with substantial application to drug discovery, agrochemicals, biology, and material sciences. Mainly aryl‐aryl, aryl‐heteroaryl, and heteroaryl‐heteroaryl couplings via double C(sp2)−H activation using 4d or 5d noble transition metal catalysts have been extensively studied. Considering the earth‐abundant and inexpensive nature of 3d transition metals, the sustainable development of C(sp2)−H/C(sp2)−H oxidative coupling employing such metal catalysts has gained significant attention. In this review, we present a comprehensive overview of C(sp2)−H/C(sp2)−H oxidative coupling of (hetero)arenes catalyzed by 3d transition metals.

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Porous Composite Bifunctional Membranes for Lithium‐Ion Battery Separator and Photocatalytic Degradation Applications: Toward Multifunctionality for Circular Economy
Authors: Serra João P. , Fidalgo-Marijuan Arkaitz , Martins Pedro M. , Queirós Joana M. , Gonçalves Renato , Gutiérrez-Pardo Antonio , Aguesse Frederic , Costa Carlos M. , Lanceros-Mendez Senentxu
Published: March 2021

Circular economy paradigms will benefit materials with multifunctional properties allowing to be implemented in more than one application, after processed, or in one application after already being used in another. In this context, membranes based on TiO2/poly(vinylidene fluoride‐co‐trifluoroethylene) (PVDF‐TrFE) with different filler contents were prepared for battery and photocatalytic degradation of pollutants by a temperature‐induced phase separation process (TIPS). It has been shown that the morphological, thermal and mechanical properties, porosity, contact angle, the ionic conductivity and lithium transference number are dependent on the TiO2 content. The membranes with 10 wt% TiO2 content show an ionic conductivity of 0.59 mS cm−1, lithium transference number of 0.72, discharge capacity of 128 mAh g−1 and low capacity fade (17%) at 2C. Further, this membrane presents a high photocatalytic response, being able to be used for ciprofloxacin remediation from water after 300 min of exposure to UV. Further, a second life was confirmed for this membrane by being implemented as a lithium ion battery separator after its use for water remediation applications. This work explores a new concept for the efficient use of the same membranes in very different applications, demonstrating the multifunctionality of the material in the scope of the circular economy paradigm.
Performance and mechanism of the separation of C8 α‐olefin from F‐T synthesis products using novel Ag‐DES
Authors: Li Hu , Zhang Zisheng , Sun Guanlun , Liu Suli , An Liangcheng , Li Xingang , Li Hong , Gao Xin
Published: March 2021

As an attractive alternative technology for the separation of long chain olefin and paraffin, a novel silver‐based deep eutectic solvent (Ag‐DES) was prepared and utilized for 1‐octene/n‐octane separations. Comprehensive reactive extraction separation experiments were performed to highlight the Ag‐DES concentration and operating temperature discriminations using compounds with different ratio of 1‐octene/n‐octane. The novel Ag‐DES showed optimal separation performance regarding 1‐octene/n‐octane and possessed the highest levels separation selectivity in the range 3.57–16.11 with excellent circulation stability in our best knowledge. Furthermore, FT‐Raman measurements and quantum chemistry calculation were performed to elucidate the interaction mechanism of Ag‐DES in the separation of 1‐octene and n‐octane, which revealed that both chemical complexation and strong physical attraction existed in the complex of Ag‐DES and 1‐octene rather than n‐octane. A practical process was proposed for the separation of olefin and paraffin, which indicates that an advanced separation technology could largely reduce the energy consumption. This study lends important insight for the development of Ag‐DES reactive extraction separation process for the energy‐efficient long chain α‐olefins purification from F‐T synthesis products.
PdCl2‐Catalyzed Oxidative Cyclization of N‐(2’‐Alkynylaryl)‐1,3‐ketoamides: Synthesis of 3,4‐Diacyl‐2‐Quinolones
Authors: Punjajom Kunlayanee , Tummatorn Jumreang , Ruchirawat Somsak , Thongsornkleeb Charnsak
Published: March 2021

3,4‐Diacyl‐2‐quinolone derivatives were prepared in a rapid manner starting from N‐(2’‐alkynylaryl)‐1,3‐ketoamide substrates. The reaction showcased a mild radical process mediated by ceric ammonium nitrate (CAN) in the presence of 5 mol% PdCl2 under basic conditions and was applicable to a wide range of substrates, giving 3,4‐diacyl‐2‐quinolone products in up to 91% yield in over 40 examples. The reaction proceeded via the generation of a radical intermediate which could be trapped as a TEMPO‐adduct that was isolated and fully characterized. The reported method provided a practical and scalable synthetic access to densely functionalized 3,4‐diacyl‐2‐quinolone derivatives which would be suitable for further applications including medicinal and bioactivity evaluations as well as synthetic transformations.
Latest Advancements in Transition‐Metal‐Free Carbon‐Heteroatom Bond Formation Reactions via Cross‐ Dehydrogenative Coupling
Authors: Batra Aanchal , Singh Pushpinder , Singh Kamal Nain
Published: March 2021

The development of greener and atom economical methods for carbon‐heteroatom (C−Het) bond formation is of significant importance in synthetic organic chemistry. In this regard, metal‐free cross‐dehydrogenative coupling (CDC) represents an attractive approach as it is more facile and environment friendly. This review intends to focus on the recent developments in metal‐free CDC reactions for C−Het bond formation leading to the synthesis
Understanding the Reduction of Transition‐Metal Phosphates to Transition‐Metal Phosphides by Combining Temperature‐Programmed Reduction and Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Sheng Qiang , Li Xiang , Prins Roel , Liu Chunjing , Hao Qinglan , Chen Shaozhang
Published: March 2021

Temperature‐programmed reduction of transition‐metal phosphate precursors is the most commonly used method for the preparation of transition‐metal phosphides (a new class of versatile metal catalysts), but the reduction processes are still not clear. Here we describe the construction of a temperature‐programmed reduction‐infrared spectroscopy apparatus (TPR‐IR) to analyze the gas flows during the reduction of nickel, molybdenum, and tungsten phosphates. PH3 and Pn+ species already appeared in the gas flows at low temperature (ca. 200 °C), and PH3 was involved in the formation of phosphides. The emission of PH3 and Pn+ during the reduction of the molybdenum and tungsten phosphates was smaller than that of the nickel phosphate. Ni2P drastically accelerated the formation of the PH3 and Pn+. These results explain why excess phosphorus is needed for the preparation of Ni2P, and also demonstrate that the TPR‐IR technique is an efficient method to understand the complex processes of catalyst preparation.
Static Magnetic Field (2–4 T) Improves Bone Microstructure and Mechanical Properties by Coordinating Osteoblast/Osteoclast Differentiation in Mice
Authors: Yang Jiancheng , Wang Shenghang , Zhang Gejing , Fang Yanwen , Fang Zhicai , Shang Peng , Zhang Hao
Published: March 2021

Static magnetic field (SMF), with constant magnetic field strength and direction, has a long history of basic and clinical research in bone biology. Numerous studies demonstrate that exposure to moderate SMF (1 mT–1 T) can increase bone mass and bone density. However, few studies pay attention to the effects of high SMF (>1 T) on the skeletal system. To investigate the physiological effects of high SMF on bone, mice were exposed to 2–4 T SMF for 28 days. Bone microstructure and mechanical properties were examined. The activity of osteoblasts and osteoclasts involved in bone remodeling was evaluated in vivo and in vitro. Compared with the unexposed group, 2–4 T significantly improved the femoral microstructure and tibial mechanical properties. For bone remodeling in vivo, the number of osteoblasts and bone formation was increased, and the osteoclastic number was decreased by 2–4 T. Moreover, the expression of marker proteins in the femur and concentrations of biochemical indicators in serum involved in bone formation were elevated and bone resorption was reduced under 2–4 T SMF. In vitro, osteoblast differentiation was promoted, and the osteoclastic formation and bone resorption ability were inhibited by 2 T SMF. Overall, these results demonstrate that 2–4 T SMF improved bone microarchitecture and strength by stimulating bone formation and restraining bone resorption, and imply that high SMF might become a potential biophysical treatment modality for bone diseases with abnormal bone remodeling. Bioelectromagnetics. © 2021 Bioelectromagnetics Society
SIRT3 promotion reduces resistance to cisplatin in lung cancer by modulating the FOXO3/CDT1 axis
Authors: Cao Yang , Li Ping , Wang Haicun , Li Lei , Li Quanwang
Published: March 2021

Background

Cisplatin is an extensively used chemotherapy agent for lung cancer, but its drug resistance serves as a huge obstacle for chemotherapy failure of lung cancer patients. Hence, researchers aimed to determine role of sirtuin 3 (SIRT3) considering its action in cisplatin resistance of lung cancer.

Methods

The expression patterns of SIRT3, FOXO3, and CDT1 were determined using RT‐qPCR and Immunoblotting in lung cancer. Immunofluorescence and Co‐IP were adopted to detect co‐localization and interaction of FOXO3 and CDT1. Loss‐ and gain‐function assays were conducted to determine roles of SIRT3, FOXO3, and CDT1 in resulting pathological changes, while biological behavior of cells was determined using a combination of CCK‐8, flow cytometry, colony formation, and Transwell assays. The effects of SIRT3 and CDT1 were determined in the nude mice xenografted with the tumor. The proliferation‐, angiogenesis‐, and apoptosis‐associated factors levels were determined using Immunoblotting.

Results

SIRT3, FOXO3, and CDT1 expression was suppressed in the lung cancer tissues and cells. FOXO3 positively regulates the CDT1 expression pattern and SIRT3 elevation inhibits FOXO3 at the acetylated level, thus, elevating FOXO3 expression. The elevation of SIRT3, FOXO3, or CDT1 inhibited cell cisplatin resistance of lung cancer cells as well as inhibited viability, proliferation, and invasion in vitro. In vivo experiments, SIRT3 depletion elevated Ki‐67 and VEGFA levels, but downregulated cleaved caspase 3 level.

Conclusion

Collectively, overexpressed SIRT3 elevates expression of FOXO3a/CDT1 axis, thus, contributing to enhanced sensitivity of lung cancer cells.
Findings from a Thematic Multidisciplinary Analysis of Child Practice Reviews in Wales
Authors: Rees Alyson M. , Fatemi‐Dehaghani Roxanna , Slater Thomas , Swann Rachel , Robinson Amanda L.
Published: March 2021

In this paper, we report findings from a qualitative, multidisciplinary analysis of 20 Child Practice Reviews (CPRs) (previously Serious Case Review) in Wales. The reviews were analysed from three different disciplinary perspectives: law, criminology and practice (social work). The following cross‐cutting themes were identified from our coding of the reviews: (i) hierarchy of knowledge, where certain sources of knowledge were privileged over others; (ii) information sharing/recording, where deficiencies of sharing or recording of information were evident; (iii) partial assessment, where certain assessments were not always holistic; and lastly, (iv) voice of the child, where the experience or perspective of the child was not always considered. In addition, our analysis revealed a range of challenges to the CPR process as implemented. This paper is the first to explore themes emerging from (Welsh) CPRs and is also the first to do so from a multidisciplinary perspective. We conclude by highlighting the recommendations for practice, such as the need for greater learning pan‐Wales, regular publication of the major themes emerging from CPRs and the need for deposit of CPRs in a central repository to facilitate learning from reviews.

‘Report[s] findings from a qualitative, multidisciplinary analysis of 20 Child Practice Reviews… in Wales’

Key Practitioner Messages

There is an urgent need for multidisciplinary training on contemporary data protection requirements as per the General Data Protection Regulation for all safeguarding boards.

Creative methods are required to disseminate the messages from Child Practice Reviews more widely.

Child Practice Reviews should be deposited and indexed in a central repository to facilitate learning across Wales.

Guidance and training for Child Practice Reviews should be revisited, so that the child is repositioned at the centre of the process and the voice of the child is heard.
Model‐based Analysis of Fixed‐bed and Membrane Reactors of Various Scale
Authors: Walter Jan P. , Brune Andreas , Seidel‐Morgenstern Andreas , Hamel Christof
Published: March 2021

A packed‐bed membrane reactor in a distributor configuration is studied theoretically for the oxidative propane dehydrogenation and compared with a fixed‐bed reactor. Based on detailed 2D models considering two different heat and mass transport models the reactor scale‐up including various reactor‐to‐particle diameter ratios (D/dP) is analyzed with respect to reactor performance, heat transfer and hot spot formation. Higher selectivities at lower hot spot temperatures occur in the packed‐bed membrane reactor for the same reaction conditions.
Reinforcing Magnetorheological Fluids with Highly Anisotropic 2D Materials
Authors: Rendos Abigail , Li Ran , Woodman Stephanie , Ling Xi , Brown Keith A.
Published: March 2021

The front cover artwork is provided by the group of Professor Keith Brown at Boston University. The image shows the magnetorheological fluid in a pressure‐driven flow and highlights the length scales of the magnetic particles and highly anisotropic 2D sheets. Read the full text of the Article at 10.1002/cphc.202000948.
Metal‐Free Organic Luminophores that Exhibit Dual Fluorescence and Phosphorescence Emission at Room Temperature
Authors: Shimizu Masaki , Sakurai Tsuneaki
Published: March 2021

Dual‐fluorescent–phosphorescent compounds have attracted increasing attention in various fields, such as bio‐imaging, data protection/encryption, ratiometric luminescence sensing, and white‐light emission. Conventional dual‐emissive compounds contain a phosphorescent organometallic complex of a precious metal, such as iridium or platinum. However, the use of precious metals in organic materials has several drawbacks. This Minireview focuses on precious‐metal‐free organic light‐emitting materials that exhibit dual fluorescence and phosphorescence emission in the solid state at room temperature to produce bimodal steady‐state emission spectra. The dual emitters presented herein are categorized into the following six compound classes: (1) difluoroboron diaroylmethanes, (2) diarylketones, (3) diarylsulfones, (4) triazines and pyrimidines, (5) fused phenazines, and (6) N‐arylcarbazoles.
Shortcomings in reporting contributions towards the sustainable development goals
Authors: Diaz‐Sarachaga Jose Manuel
Published: March 2021

Despite stakeholder pressure boosts companies to help achieve the sustainable development goals (SDGs), only 36% of Spanish firms have implemented a corporate strategy towards the 2030 Agenda. Furthermore, the correlation between the SDGs and corporate sustainability reporting systems has barely been studied. This research aims at identifying gaps in reporting on corporate contributions in the SDGs by examining the global reporting initiative (GRI) standards and annual reports disclosed by the Spanish industry leaders in the Dow Jones sustainability world index in 2018 and 2019. Findings revealed a high inconsistency between GRI disclosures and actions performed by firms. Intangibility, omission of negative impacts, poor standardization, diversity of criteria and lack of comparability are the main features of corporate reporting employed by enterprises. The design of a quantitative framework that enables the standardization and measurement of positive and negative corporate contributions in the achievement of the SDGs was suggested.
Frame‐by‐frame annotation of video recordings using deep neural networks
Authors: Conway Alexander M. , Durbach Ian N. , McInnes Alistair , Harris Robert N.
Published: March 2021

Video data are widely collected in ecological studies, but manual annotation is a challenging and time‐consuming task, and has become a bottleneck for scientific research. Classification models based on convolutional neural networks (CNNs) have proved successful in annotating images, but few applications have extended these to video classification. We demonstrate an approach that combines a standard CNN summarizing each video frame with a recurrent neural network (RNN) that models the temporal component of video. The approach is illustrated using two datasets: one collected by static video cameras detecting seal activity inside coastal salmon nets and another collected by animal‐borne cameras deployed on African penguins, used to classify behavior. The combined RNN‐CNN led to a relative improvement in test set classification accuracy over an image‐only model of 25% for penguins (80% to 85%), and substantially improved classification precision or recall for four of six behavior classes (12–17%). Image‐only and video models classified seal activity with very similar accuracy (88 and 89%), and no seal visits were missed entirely by either model. Temporal patterns related to movement provide valuable information about animal behavior, and classifiers benefit from including these explicitly. We recommend the inclusion of temporal information whenever manual inspection suggests that movement is predictive of class membership.
Health‐promoting bioactivity and in vivo genotoxicity evaluation of a hemiepiphyte fig, Ficus dubia
Authors: Suttisansanee Uthaiwan , Pitchakarn Pornsiri , Ting Pisamai , Inthachat Woorawee , Thiyajai Parunya , Rodthayoy Daraphan , Karinchai Jirarat , Chantarasuwan Bhanumas , Nuchuchua Onanong , Temviriyanukul Piya
Published: March 2021

Ficus species have been used as a typical component in food and folk medicine in Asia for centuries. However, little is known regarding the bioactivity and genotoxicity of the recently identified Ficus dubia (FD), an indigenous plant of the tropical evergreen rain forest. FD is unique from other Ficus species because of its highly sought‐after red‐brown latex. Antioxidant properties together with phenolic and flavonoid contents of FD were elucidated. Health‐promoting characteristics were examined by studying the inhibition of enzymes as a drug target for diabetes, hypertension, Alzheimer's disease, and obesity, together with anticancer ability against human colorectal adenocarcinoma, human hepatocellular carcinoma, human ovarian carcinoma, human prostate adenocarcinoma, and human lung carcinoma. Besides, FD genotoxicity was tested using the Drosophila wing spot test. Results showed that both FD root and latex exhibited antioxidant activity due to the presence of phenolics and flavonoids, specifically caffeic acid and cyanidin. The ethanolic fraction of FD root demonstrated a potent antidiabetic mechanism underlying α‐glucosidase inhibitory activity similar to acarbose. This fraction also suppressed lung and ovarian cancer growth, possibly by G1 and G2/M arrest, respectively. All tested fractions lacked mutagenicity in vivo. Results indicated that FD can be developed as novel antidiabetic compounds; however, its bioactive compounds should be further identified.
A cause‐specific Cox model for second primary tumors in patients with head and neck cancer: A RONCDOC study
Authors: Bugter Oisín , van Iwaarden Dirk L. P. , van Leeuwen Nikki , Nieboer Daan , Dronkers Emilie A. C. , Hardillo José A. U. , Baatenburg de Jong Robert J.
Published: March 2021

Background

The aim of this study was to identify risk factors for the development of second primary tumors (SPTs) in the head and neck region, lungs, and esophagus in patients with head and neck cancer.

Methods

We collected data from 1581 patients. A cause‐specific Cox model for the development of an SPT was fitted, accounting for the competing risks residual/recurrent tumor and mortality.

Results

Of all patients, 246 (15.6%) developed SPTs. Analysis showed that tobacco and alcohol use, comorbidity, and the oral cavity subsite were risk factors for SPTs. The C‐index, the discriminative accuracy, of the model for SPT was 0.65 (95% confidence interval, 0.61–0.68).

Conclusions

Our results show that there is potential to identify patients who have an increased risk to develop an SPT. This might increase their survival chances and quality of life. More research is needed to provide head and neck clinicians with definitive recommendations.
Evaluation of performance at Palestinian public hospitals using Pabón Lasso model
Authors: Shaqura Iyad Ibrahim , Gholami Masoomeh , Sari Ali Akbari
Published: March 2021

Background

Hospitals have a paramount role in provision of health care services, which in turn significantly impacts the performance of any health system, especially in developing countries.

Aim

This study aimed to evaluate the performance of the Ministry of Health general hospitals in Gaza according to their surgical and internal medicine departments during a 3‐year period (2016, 2017 and 2018) using Pabón Lasso model.

Method

This descriptive study includes the overall public general hospitals in Gaza Strip (7). Data have been collected from the officially disseminated reports, mainly about average length of stay, bed occupancy rate, and bed turnover ratio in the surgical and internal medicine departments for the study period. Pabón Lasso charts have been drawn using MS Excel 2013.

Results and conclusion

For surgical departments, about 42.8% were efficient (zone 3) during the 3 years, while, 42.8% were inefficient (zone 1). Only one hospital was relatively efficient (zone 4) in 2017 and 2018. Regarding internal medicine departments, 28.6%–42.8% of hospitals were efficient during the study period, 14.3%–42.8% were inefficient, and 28.6%–42.8% were relatively efficient (zone 2 and 4). It is recommended to count on such type of analysis in decision‐making and identify obstacles for best utilization of the available resources. Inefficiency in hospitals serves as a good opportunity for resources mobilization or innovation in demand‐creating interventions, thereby, regular evaluation of resources’ distribution. Further research is required by applying frontier techniques of efficiency measurement.
MHD heat transfer and entropy production of an Al2O3‐water nanofluid in a horizontal cylinder
Authors: Belahmadi Essma , Bessaїh Rachid
Published: March 2021

This paper deals with the effect of magnetic fields (Br, Bθ, Bz) applied in r‐, θ‐, z‐directions, respectively, on entropy production and heat transfer and in a horizontal cylinder filled with an Al2O3‐water nanofluid. The results are verified using literature data. For different Richardson, Ri, and Hartmann numbers, Ha, the nanoparticles (NP) ϕ, and magnetic field orientation combined effect provide a better understanding of heat transfer and entropy optimization. The results indicate that entropy production and heat transfer and rates depend on magnetic field intensity and direction. Also, increasing Ri and NP increases entropy generation and heat transfer. Finally, applying a radial magnetic field promotes a better convective heat transfer and minimizes entropy production.
Current research status of HLA in immune‐related diseases
Authors: Liu Bingnan , Shao Yuanyuan , Fu Rong
Published: March 2021

Human leukocyte antigen (HLA), also known as human major histocompatibility complex (MHC), is encoded by the HLA gene complex, and is currently known to have the highest gene density and the most polymorphisms among human chromosomal areas. HLA is divided into class I antigens, class II antigens, and class III antigens according to distribution and function. Classical HLA class I antigens include HLA‐A, HLA‐B, and HLA‐C; HLA class II antigens include HLA‐DP, HLA‐DQ, and HLA‐DR; nonclassical HLA class I and II molecules include HLA‐F, E, H, X, DN, DO, and DM; and others, such as complement, are class III antigens. HLA is closely related to the body's immune response, regulation, and surveillance and is of great significance in the study of autoimmune diseases, tumor immunity, organ transplantation, and reproductive immunity. HLA is an important research topic that bridges immunology and clinical diseases. With the development of research methods and technologies, there will be more discoveries and broader prospects.
Electrochemistry and Microelectronics, Perspective and Prospective
Authors: Shacham‐Diamand Yosi
Published: March 2021

Modern electrochemistry contributes significantly to the field of Micro‐System‐Technologies (MST). MST is the base of the global information and communication technology (ICT) driving most aspects of modern life. MST includes Micro and Nano scale manufacturing disciplines such as microelectronics, micro electro mechanical systems, micro‐electro‐optics, microfluidics and more. MST, since its conception, involved many aspects of applied electrochemistry: process modules (i. e. deposition, etching, cleaning etc.), devices (i. e. biosensing, chemical sensing etc.), and energy components (i. e. sources, energy harvesting, storage etc.). We present a brief historical overview, followed by a discussion about the main topic of this work, electrochemistry and MST. To highlight the electrochemistry contribution, two examples are presented demonstrating when electrochemistry provided critical micro technologies. The first is Very Large‐Scale Integration copper metallization, which is already in mass production, and the second is 3D integration of circuits and systems, which is under intense research and development.
Comparing the physicochemical properties of dicalcium phosphate dihydrate (DCPD) and polymeric DCPD (P‐DCPD) cement particles
Authors: Barua Rajib , Daly‐Seiler Conor S. , Chenreghanianzabi Yasaman , Markel David , Li Yawen , Zhou Meng , Ren Weiping
Published: March 2021

We developed a new and injectable poly‐dicalcium phosphate dihydrate (P‐DCPD) forming cement. The key structural difference between P‐DCPD and classical DCPD is that P‐DCPD is composed of interconnected P‐DCPD crystals by interlocking to the polyphosphate chains. In contrast, DCPD is composed of a package of DCPD crystals with weak mutual ionic bonding. The purpose of this continuing study was to compare the physicochemical properties between P‐DCPD and DCPD cement particles. Data collected from SEM, X‐ray diffraction, and Raman Spectroscopy approaches demonstrated that P‐DCPD has a more stable chemical structure than DCPD as evidenced by much less transformation to hydroxyapatite (HA) during setting. Nanoindentation showed a similar hardness while the elastic modulus of P‐DCPD is much lower than DCPD that might be due to the much less HA transformation of P‐DCPD. P‐DCPD has much lower zeta potential and less hydrophilicity than DCPD because of its entangled and interconnected polyphosphate chains. It is expected that superhydrophilic DCPD undergoes faster dissolution than P‐DCPD in an aqueous environment. Another interesting finding is that the pH of eluent from P‐DCPD is more neutral (6.6–7.1) than DCPD (5.5–6.5). More extensive experiments are currently underway to further evaluate the potential impacts of the different physiochemical performance observed of P‐DCPD and DCPD cement particles on the biocompatibility, degradation behavior and bone defect healing efficacy both in vivo and in vitro.
Neighborhood social integration as a predictor of neighborhood perceptions
Authors: Carbone Jason T. , Clift Jennifer
Published: March 2021

A growing body of literature has established a relationship between neighborhood perceptions and both physical and mental health outcomes, yet there remains a need to further explicate possible psychosocial factors that are predictive of neighborhood perceptions. This study hypothesized that an increase in social integration would result in more positive neighborhood perceptions. Propensity score matching on social integration was employed to strengthen the ability to draw a causal inference about the effect on neighborhood perceptions. When controlling for a range of sociodemographic covariates—including area deprivation index as a measure of objective neighborhood conditions—high social integration accounted for more than a 7% increase in neighborhood perceptions. The findings indicate the role of social integration as a predictor of neighborhood perceptions, revealing the potential importance of interventions and mechanisms aimed at improving neighborhood perceptions via social integration for the purposes of improving physical health and mental wellbeing.
Relationship between internal carotid artery stenosis grade and optic nerve sheath diameter measured by transorbital ultrasonography
Authors: Komut Erdal , Murat Muammer , Büyükşireci Mehmet , Komut Seval , Kozaci Nalan
Published: March 2021

Purpose

To assess the consequence of the presence, grade, and asymmetry of carotid artery stenoses on the optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) measured by ultrasonography.

Methods

ONSD was measured with B‐mode ultrasonography in 129 patients referred for duplex and color Doppler imaging of the carotid arteries. Internal carotid artery stenosis was graded on the basis of peak systolic flow velocity.

Results

The mean ONSD was 3.04 ± 0.38 mm in the patients without or with <50% internal carotid artery stenosis and 2.46 ± 0.35 mm in those with >70% stenosis. There was an average difference of 0.58 mm between the ONSD of the patients with <50% and the patients with >70% stenosis.

Conclusion

ONSD is lower in patients with carotid artery stenosis. Carotid arteries should be investigated, especially in patients with cardiovascular risk factors or diseases, before interpreting ONSD values.
A complete solution to the Cvetković–Rowlinson conjecture
Authors: Lin Huiqiu , Ning Bo
Published: March 2021

In 1990, Cvetković and Rowlinson conjectured that among all outerplanar graphs on vertices, attains the maximum spectral radius. In 2017, Tait and Tobin confirmed the conjecture for sufficientlty large values of . In this article, we show the conjecture is true for all except for .
Supervisor Support for Employee Performance in Australia: Mediating Role of Work‐Life Balance, Job, and Life Attitude
Authors: Talukder A K M Mominul Haque , Galang Maria Carmen
Published: March 2021

Drawing on the job‐demands resources model, we investigated the relationship between supervisor support and employee performance and the mediating effects of work‐life balance (WLB), job and life satisfaction, and organizational commitment in a sample of 305 financial‐sector employees in Sydney, Australia. Results reveal that supervisor support is positively related to employee performance, WLB, job and life satisfaction, and organizational commitment. In turn, WLB, job and life satisfaction, and organizational commitment are positively linked to employee performance. The findings indicate a significant mediation between supervisor support and employee performance only through WLB and organizational commitment. Implications for theory and practice are discussed.
Inorganic polyphosphates stimulates matrix production in human annulus fibrosus cells
Authors: Wang Xiangjiang , Gawri Rahul , Lei Changbin , Lee Joon , Sowa Gwendolyn , Kandel Rita , Vo Nam
Published: March 2021

Introduction

Ubiquitously found in all life forms, inorganic polyphosphates (polyP) are linear polymers of repeated orthophosphate units. Present in intervertebral disc tissue, polyP was previously shown to increase extracellular matrix production in nucleus pulposus (NP) cells. However, the effects of polyP on human annulus fibrosus (hAF) cell metabolism is not known.

Methods and Results

Here, hAF cells cultured in the presence of 0.5 to 1 mM polyP, chain length 22 (polyP‐22), showed an increase in glycosaminoglycan content, proteoglycan and collagen synthesis, and aggrecan and collagen type 1 gene expression. Gene expression level of matrix metalloproteinases 1 was reduced while matrix metalloproteinases 3 level was increased in hAF cells treated with 1 mM polyP. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthesis was also significantly increased in hAF cell culture 72 hours after the exposure to 1 mM polyP‐22.

Conclusions

PolyP thus has both anabolic and bioenergetic effects in AF cells, similar to that observed in NP cells. Together, these results suggest polyP as a potential energy source and a metabolic regulator of disc cells.
Mechano‐Optical Characterization of Extrusion Flow Instabilities in Styrene‐Butadiene Rubbers: Investigating the Influence of Molecular Properties and Die Geometry
Authors: Georgantopoulos Christos K. , Esfahani Masood K. , Botha Carlo , Naue Ingo F. C. , Dingenouts Nico , Causa Andrea , Kádár Roland , Wilhelm Manfred
Published: March 2021

The extrusion flow instabilities of two commercial styrene‐butadiene rubbers are investigated as they vary in isomer content (1,4‐cis, 1,4‐trans, and 1,2 conformation) of the butadiene monomer and the molecular architecture (linear, branched). The investigated samples have similar multimodal molecular weight distribution. Two geometries of extrusion dies, slit and round capillary, are compared in terms of the type and the spatial characteristics of the flow instabilities. The latter are quantified using three methods: a highly pressure sensitive slit die, online and offline optical analysis. The highly pressure‐sensitive slit die has three piezoelectric pressure transducers (Δt ≈ 10−3 s and Δp ≈ 10−5 bar) placed along the die length. The characteristic frequency (fChar.) of the flow instabilities follows a power law behavior as a function of shear rate to a 0.5 power for both materials, . A qualitative model is used to predict the spatial characteristic wavelength (λ) of the flow instabilities from round capillary to slit dies and vice versa. Slip velocities (Vs) are used to quantify the slippage at slit and round capillary dies as well.
Phase Behavior of Partially Charged Polyelectrolyte Solutions with Salt: A Theoretical Study
Authors: Qiu Qiyuan , Xu Xiaofei , Wang Yanwei
Published: March 2021

Weakly (or partially) charged polyelectrolytes represent an important subset of the polyelectrolyte family. For instance, polycarboxylate‐based superplasticizers, or PCEs, are comb‐shaped polyelectrolytes possessing anionic backbones grafted with neutral side chains. PCEs play an important role in modern concrete production. However, their behavior in salt solutions remain poorly understood. The present work builds upon a recently developed liquid‐state theory for fully charged polyelectrolyte solutions and extends it to describe the phase behavior and salt partitioning of PCEs in a 2:1 salt solution. Previous studies have shown that there can be an additional short‐range attraction, often referred to as the “calcium‐binding” interaction between calcium ions and the negatively‐charged carboxylate groups of PCEs. Such a calcium‐binding interaction and how its strength affects the phase behavior are investigated. It is found that increasing the calcium‐binding strength expands the phase‐separated region and increases the critical extra salt concentration, and it also leads to a wider phase‐separated region for salting‐out and salting‐in phenomena. The structural parameters of PCEs also affect the phase behavior. Increasing the side‐chain length shrinks the phase‐separated region, while increasing the acid‐to‐ether ratio expands the phase‐separated region. Those results may find applications in molecular design of weakly charged polyelectrolytes like PCEs.
A performance evaluation of Major League Baseball teams: An integrated social network and data envelopment analysis
Authors: Wang An‐Pang , Chang Che‐Wei , Tsai Juin‐Ming , Hung Shiu‐Wan
Published: March 2021

An organisation's position within a network is known to influence its performance. This study proposes a novel evaluation model, incorporating social networking variables, to measure 30 Major League Baseball (MLB) teams' performances. Using the data envelopment analysis (DEA) technique, the empirical results of this study show that inefficiencies are due to purely technical rather than scale effects. The results of a sensitivity analysis indicated that the betweenness centrality had a higher level of influence on each team's performance than on the salaries paid. If the betweenness centrality was not considered, five of the teams considered to be technically efficient would become inefficient.
Foreign and multinational ownership impact on firm exit: A sectoral analysis
Authors: Silva Pedro , Moreira António Carrizo
Published: March 2021

This article examines the impact of foreign and multinational ownership on firm exit using a sample of Portuguese firms for the period 2007–2016, with Kaplan–Meier survival functions and a Cox proportional hazard model. The results show that purely domestic firms endure worse survival prospects than multinationals, but this is more related to firm‐level variables and not because of the effects of foreignness or multinational ownership. The disaggregated results at a sectoral level provide support for the contingent role of foreignness in very specific sectors of the Portuguese economy.
Relationship between emotional intelligence and job well‐being in Chinese Registered Nurses: Mediating effect of communication satisfaction
Authors: Li Xue , Fang Xiaoxia , Wang Lina , Geng Xiaosong , Chang Hongjuan
Published: March 2021

Aim

To explore the relationship between emotional intelligence and job well‐being among Chinese Registered Nurses, and the mediating role of communication satisfaction in the relationship.

Design

A descriptive cross‐sectional study design was employed.

Methods

Random sampling was adopted. The study was conducted from September to December 2019, and 1,475 Registered Nurses from a Chinese hospital provided responses to Wong and Law's emotional intelligence scale, communication satisfaction scale, job well‐being scale and general information questionnaire. SPSS25.0 software was used to calculate means, standard deviations and correlations, and AMOS 21.0 software was used to establish the structural equation model.

Results

The emotional intelligence, communication satisfaction and job well‐being of Registered Nurses in China were related to positional rank, work department, monthly income, years of service, night shift work distribution and intensity of work. There were positive correlations among emotional intelligence, communication satisfaction and job well‐being. Communication satisfaction partly mediated the relationship between emotional intelligence and job well‐being. Improving the level of emotional intelligence and communication satisfaction should be an important strategy to improve nurses' job well‐being. Therefore, nursing managers could carry out targeted training on emotional intelligence management and communication between nurses and patients and pay attention to the spiritual needs of nurses and provide psychological guidance on a regular basis.
Reaction Mechanisms and Rate Constants of Auto‐Catalytic Urethane Formation and Cleavage Reactions
Authors: Gertig Christoph , Erdkamp Eric , Ernst Andreas , Hemprich Carl , Kröger Leif C. , Langanke Jens , Bardow André , Leonhard Kai
Published: March 2021

The chemistry of urethanes plays a key role in important industrial processes. Although catalysts are often used, the study of the reactions without added catalysts provides the basis for a deeper understanding. For the non‐catalytic urethane formation and cleavage reactions, the dominating reaction mechanism has long been debated. To our knowledge, the reaction kinetics have not been predicted quantitatively so far. Therefore, we report a new computational study of urethane formation and cleavage reactions. To analyze various potential reaction mechanisms and to predict the reaction rate constants quantum chemistry and transition state theory were employed. For validation, experimental data from literature and from own experiments were used. Quantitative agreement of experiments and predictions could be demonstrated. The calculations confirm earlier assumptions that urethane formation reactions proceed via mechanisms where alcohol molecules act as auto‐catalysts. Our results show that it is essential to consider several transition states corresponding to different reaction orders to enable agreement with experimental observations. Urethane cleavage seems to be catalyzed by an isourethane, leading to an observed 2nd‐order dependence of the reaction rate on the urethane concentration. The results of our study support a deeper understanding of the reactions as well as a better description of reaction kinetics and will therefore help in catalyst development and process optimization.
Enhanced flexural strength of carbon nanotubes‐glass fiber epoxy composite laminates using an electrospray deposition technique
Authors: Sabri Fatin Nur Amirah Mohd , Zakaria Muhammad Razlan , Akil Hazizan Md.
Published: March 2021

The electrospray deposition technique (ESD) was used to coat carbon nanotubes (CNTs) uniformly on the surface of glass fiber (GF) and to increase the flexural strength of CNTs‐GF epoxy composite laminate. The deposition of CNTs on the GF surface has been optimized by the applied voltage and spray time. The deposited CNTs on the GF surface showed a well dispersed and homogeneous coating. Implementing optimized ESD in the fabrication of composite laminate caused a 25.26% to 59.28% improvement of flexural performance in CNTs‐GF composite laminate. The dispersion of CNTs was characterized by using a digital microscope, a field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), and a transmission electron microscope (TEM). The result revealed that the applied voltage had an impact on the well‐dispersed coated CNTs, while the spray time affected the flexural output.