bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Panorama general sobre formación inicial y empleabilidad de Docentes de EAPI en Chile
Authors: Concha-Díaz Valeska , Jornet Meliá Jesús Miguel , Bakieva Karimona Margarita
Published: October 2022

Initial teacher training has been central to determine the quality of education, leaving behind basic training for more solid theoretical foundations, making improvements in teachers' statutes, increasing salaries and greater social valuation (Pedró, 2020). This study examines the initial training received by ECEC professionals in Chile, analyzing the level of training achieved by Chilean universities and the employment situation of their graduates, in order to identify the entry conditions and processes associated with professional quality. Being exploratory in nature, the characteristics of the IDF and the criteria associated with employability were examined, yielding categorical results on the deficient training of professionals.

La formación inicial del profesorado ha sido central para determinar la calidad educativa, dejando atrás las formaciones básicas por bases teóricas más solidas, realizando mejoras en los estatutos docentes, aumentando salarios y mayor valoración social (Pedró, 2020). Este estudio examina la formación inicial que reciben los profesionales de EAPI en Chile, analizando el nivel formativo que alcanzan las universidades chilenas y la situación laboral de sus egresados, con el fin de identificar las condiciones de entrada y procesos que se asocian a la calidad profesional. Al tener un carácter exploratorio, se examinaron las caracteristicas de la FID y los criterios asociados a la empleabilidad, arrojando resultados categóricos sobre la deficiente formación que presentan los profesionales.
Cybersecurity Framework Profile for Liquefied Natural Gas
Authors: Newhouse William , Long Josephine , Weitzel David , Warren Jason , Thompson Michael , Yates Chris , Tran Hillary , Mink Alicia , Herriott Aurora , Cottle Tom
Published: October 2022

This document is the Cybersecurity Framework Profile developed for the Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) industry and the subsidiary functions that support the overarching liquefaction process, transport, and distribution of LNG. The LNG Cybersecurity Framework Profile can be used by liquefaction facilities, LNG vessels, and other supporting entities of the LNG lifecycle so that cybersecurity risks associated with these critical processes and systems can be minimized. The LNG Profile provides a voluntary, risk-based approach for managing cybersecurity activities and reducing cyber risk to the overall LNG process. The Cybersecurity Framework LNG Profile is meant to supplement but not replace current cybersecurity standards, regulations, and industry guidelines that are already being used by the Liquefied Natural Gas industry.
Noam Chomsky
Authors: Barsky Robert F
Published: October 2022

This biography describes the intellectual and political milieus that helped shape Noam Chomsky, a pivotal figure in contemporary linguistics, politics, cognitive psychology, and philosophy. It also presents an engaging political history of the last several decades, including such events as the Spanish Civil War, the dropping of atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and the march on the Pentagon to protest the Vietnam War. The book highlights Chomsky's views on the uses and misuses of the university as an institution, his assessment of useful political engagement, and his doubts about postmodernism. Because Chomsky is given ample space to articulate his views on many of the major issues relating to his work, both linguistic and political, this book reads like the autobiography that Chomsky says he will never write.

Barsky's account reveals the remarkable consistency in Chomsky's interests and principles over the course of his life. The book contains well-placed excerpts from Chomsky's published writings and unpublished correspondence, including the author's own years-long correspondence with Chomsky.

*Not for sale in Canada
Zen-Brain Reflections
Authors: Austin James H.
Published: October 2022

A sequel to the popular Zen and the Brain further explores pivotal points of intersection in Zen Buddhism, neuroscience, and consciousness, arriving at a new synthesis of information from both neuroscience research and Zen studies. This sequel to the widely read Zen and the Brain continues James Austin's explorations into the key interrelationships between Zen Buddhism and brain research. In Zen-Brain Reflections, Austin, a clinical neurologist, researcher, and Zen practitioner, examines the evolving psychological processes and brain changes associated with the path of long-range meditative training. Austin draws not only on the latest neuroscience research and new neuroimaging studies but also on Zen literature and his personal experience with alternate states of consciousness.

Zen-Brain Reflections takes up where the earlier book left off. It addresses such questions as: how do placebos and acupuncture change the brain? Can neuroimaging studies localize the sites where our notions of self arise? How can the latest brain imaging methods monitor meditators more effectively? How do long years of meditative training plus brief enlightened states produce pivotal transformations in the physiology of the brain? In many chapters testable hypotheses suggest ways to correlate normal brain functions and meditative training with the phenomena of extraordinary states of consciousness.

After briefly introducing the topic of Zen and describing recent research into meditation, Austin reviews the latest studies on the amygdala, frontotemporal interactions, and paralimbic extensions of the limbic system. He then explores different states of consciousness, both the early superficial absorptions and the later, major "peak experiences." This discussion begins with the states called kensho and satori and includes a fresh analysis of their several different expressions of "oneness." He points beyond the still more advanced states toward that rare ongoing stage of enlightenment that is manifest as "sage wisdom."

Finally, with reference to a delayed "moonlight" phase of kensho, Austin envisions novel links between migraines and metaphors, moonlight and mysticism. The Zen perspective on the self and consciousness is an ancient one. Readers will discover how relevant Zen is to the neurosciences, and how each field can illuminate the other.
Disrupted-in-schizophrenia-1 is required for normal pyramidal cell–interneuron communication and assembly dynamics in the prefrontal cortex
Authors: Sauer Jonas-Frederic , Bartos Marlene
Published: October 2022

We interrogated prefrontal circuit function in mice lacking Disrupted-in-schizophrenia-1 (Disc1-mutant mice), a risk factor for psychiatric disorders. Single-unit recordings in awake mice revealed reduced average firing rates of fast-spiking interneurons (INTs), including optogenetically identified parvalbumin-positive cells, and a lower proportion of INTs phase-coupled to ongoing gamma oscillations. Moreover, we observed decreased spike transmission efficacy at local pyramidal cell (PYR)-INT connections in vivo, suggesting a reduced excitatory effect of local glutamatergic inputs as a potential mechanism of lower INT rates. On the network level, impaired INT function resulted in altered activation of PYR assemblies: While assembly activations defined as coactivations within 25 ms were observed equally often, the expression strength of individual assembly patterns was significantly higher in Disc1-mutant mice. Our data, thus, reveal a role of Disc1 in shaping the properties of prefrontal assembly patterns by setting INT responsiveness to glutamatergic drive.
Fermentation characteristics of bedded pack barn dairy cattle manure on methane yield, carbon, and nitrogen content in solid-state anaerobic digestion
Authors: Choi Yongjun , Lee Sangrak , Ha Duck-Min , Na Youngjun , Kim Doo-Hwan
Published: October 2022

This study aimed to estimate the fermentation characteristics of bedded pack barn dairy cattle manure (BDCM) in terms of methane yield, fibrous material, and nitrogen content in batch solid-state anaerobic digestion (SSAD). SSAD was performed in triplicate using a 1,400 ml polypropylene bottle at a constant temperature of 39 °C until less than 1% methane was produced. The cumulative methane content of BDCM was 142.5 N mL/g volatile solids (VSs). The methane content rapidly increased for 18 days, reaching 63.4 ± 4.6% until the end of the experiment. The ultimate biodegradability and total VS removal of BDCM were 23.1 and 19.0%, respectively. The slopes of the non-fibrous and hemicellulose carbon fractions, and acid detergent insoluble carbon by digestion time were −0.174 (p < 0.001), −0.141 (p = 0.003), and −0.051 (p < 0.001), respectively. The non-fibrous and hemicellulose nitrogen fraction contents quadratically decreased during SSAD (p = 0.001 and p = 0.008). No significant decrease was observed in the acid detergent insoluble nitrogen content (p = 0.840). The results of the present study provide basic data on the digestion characteristics of BDCM and could help determine fermentation conditions in the anaerobic digestion of BDCM.
The mechanism analysis of exogenous melatonin in limiting pear fruit aroma decrease under low temperature storage
Authors: Wei Shuwei , Jiao Huijun , Wang Hongwei , Ran Kun , Dong Ran , Dong Xiaochang , Yan Wenjing , Wang Shaomin
Published: October 2022

Exogenous melatonin (MT) is widely used in fruit preservation, and can increase the storage time and delay the quality deterioration. Firstly, it was found that 150 μM MT was the optimal concentration to treat ‘Xinli No.7’ under storage at 4 °C for 60 days. MT could significantly improve oxidase activity and inhibit the reduction of physiological indexes, including pulp hardness, weight loss, titratable acid and soluble solid content. MT could also reduce ethylene release and limit the reduction of fruit aroma. The average content of fruit aroma substance increased by 43.53%. A relevant RNA-Seq database was built to further explore the regulation mechanism of MT. A total of 2,761 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified. DEGs were enriched in 64 functional groups and 191 Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways. DEGs were mainly enriched in alpha-linolenic acid metabolism, fatty acid metabolism and plant hormone signal transduction pathway. The gene pycom09g05270 belonging to long chain acyl-CoA synthetase family and participating in fatty acid metabolism pathway was identified, and its expression level was consistent with fragments per kilobase per million mapped reads (FPKM) values, implying that pycom09g05270 might play a vital role in maintaining quality during the storage process.
The Effect of Think-pair-share Learning on Junior High School Students’ Achievement in Algebraic Expressions: Pre-test-Post-test Non-equivalent Control Group Design
Authors: Assuah Charles Kojo , Mantey Gershon Kwame , Osei Louis
Published: October 2022

This study explores the effect of think-pair-share learning on junior high school students’ achievement in algebraic expressions. The study used the pre-test-post-test non-equivalent control group design. The participants were selected from two intact classes (already-formed groups) and received either an intervention (the treatment group) or not an intervention (the control group). The control group received the conventional learning method often used in the classroom. The participants consisted of hundred (100) third year junior high school students of equal mathematics ability (control group = 54 students; experimental group = 46 students) from a junior high school in the central region of Ghana. For the pre-test and post-test scores, the Shapiro-Wilk had a p-value greater than .05 (p > .05) for each statistic, indicating that both the pre-test and post-test scores were normally distributed, before and after the intervention. The results of the independent samples t-test before the intervention, indicated a non-statistically significant difference between the experimental and control pre-test scores (t = -.48, p > .05, C. I = [-1.78, 1.08]). A one-way ANOVA after the intervention, indicated that the effect of the method of instruction was significant for student scores, F (1, 98) = 353.98, p <.05. Also, the paired-sample t-test for the pre-test and post-test scores indicated the students’ post-test scores were statistically higher than their pre-test scores (t (98) = -8.44, p < .05), Further, the results of the independent samples t-test for the post-test also indicated statistically significant differences between the experimental and control post-test scores (t = -22.68, p <.05, C. I = [-24.29, -20.40]). The implications of this study are that, through think-pair-share learning, students gain leadership and decision-making skills, enhance their communication skills, develop confidence in their problem-solving abilities, nurture positive attitudes toward their colleagues and take personal responsibility. The study concludes that the think-pair-share learning has a positive effect on junior high students’ achievement in algebraic expressions.
Impact of Heat Stress on Chicken Performance, Welfare, and Probable Mitigation Strategies
Authors: Sesay Abdul Rahman
Published: October 2022

The poultry industry globally provides chicken meat and eggs, the most significant protein sources among animal foods. The industry is grappling with the effect of climate change which causes heat stress and harms the performance and welfare of the chicken. Heat stress has been the most significant environmental stress challenging the global poultry industry, as chickens only tolerate a narrow range of temperatures during heat stress. This review aims to assess the impact of heat stress on chicken performance, welfare, and probable mitigation strategies to ameliorate its hazard. The study reviewed research papers of different authors and revealed that heat stress affects the chicken's performance, nutrition, and health. Heat stress reduces feed efficiency, body weight, feed intake, and egg production, as well as an increase chicken mortality. Some mitigation strategies farmers have employed include modifying the environment by providing adequate ventilation and cooling systems and adjusting their nutrition to help lower the body's metabolic heat output and keep electrolyte levels stable under high-stress, high-temperature circumstances. Therefore, there is a pressing need to study the extent of the resilience of native chicken breeds to the effects of climate change. Moreover, it is necessary to develop newer varieties of chicken, especially heat-tolerant breed lines, in response to climate change and the diverse need of the farmers and consumers.
Divergence Study of Rice (Oryza sativa L) Genotypes for Consumer-preferred Quality Traits
Authors: Khaire Amrutlal R. , Singh S. K. , Jayasudha M. , Singh Akanksha , Singh D. K. , Mounika Korada , Habde Sonali Vijay , Manzhi Prasanta Kumar , Bhagvan Arsode Pandurang , Singla Saurav
Published: October 2022

Aim: To study the divergence of forty rice genotypes for consumer-preferred eleven quality traits.

Design, Place and Duration of the Study: The rice seeds were harvested from randomly selected plants grown in alpha lattice design with three replications during Kharif season (start in June and end in October) 2018 at Agricultural research farm, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi UP, India.

Methodology: The data were analysed using biometrical tools - Mahalanobis D2 and Principal Component Analysis (PCA). The studied traits include, - grain length, grain breadth, kernel length, length to breadth ratio, kernel breadth, kernel length after cooking, kernel breadth after cooking, elongation ratio, elongation index, amylose content and alkali digestion value.

Results: Using Mahalanobis D2, all forty genotypes were distributed into six clusters. The maximum inter-cluster distance was recorded between Cluster II to cluster V (5.76), followed by cluster V and cluster III (5.71), and cluster II and cluster VI (5.57) which indicated the existence of high genetic diversity among genotypes in these clusters  and, therefore, crosses between the genotypes of these clusters could yield desirable transgressive  isolates for desirable quality traits and   the importance of the genotypes present in these clusters for exploiting heterosis for the desirable traits of these clusters. The PCA indicates that the five principal components (PC) captured almost 90% of variability present among the 40 rice genotypes.

Conclusion: The genotypes belonging to Cluster II to cluster V, followed by cluster V and cluster III, and cluster II and cluster VI, can be used for making crosses as they have higher mean values for quality traits and higher inter-cluster distance for greater diversity.
Analysis of Marketing Channels and Marketing Efficiency of Apple Growers in Kashmir (J&K), India
Authors: Sehgal Shallu , Kumar Mukesh
Published: October 2022

Analysis of marketing channel and marketing efficiency is an important tool through which one can understand the how different marketing channels and marketing intermediaries can influence the returns received by producers and price paid by consumers. The present paper discusses the marketing channels, marketing efficiency, marketing cost and marketing margin in Jammu & Kashmir through which the apple move from producer to consumer. Study reveals that channel-I in Baramulla, Channel-II in Kupwara and Shopian is popular among the farmers because most of the sample apple growers sell their produce through these channels. It has been observed that larger the number of intermediaries between producers and consumers lead to higher marketing cost and vice-versa. The analyses reveal that Channel-II has the highest marketing cost. Lower the marketing cost, higher will be the marketing efficiency and vice-versa. Further, results observes that in Jammu & Kashmir Channel-V is more efficient than any other channel because of absence of middlemen between producer and consumer.
Voluntary Accounting Disclosure and its Role in Assessing the Financial Performance of Iraqi Commercial Banks
Authors: Khamees Ihsan Abdulhamza
Published: October 2022

The objective of the study is to identify the concept of voluntary accounting disclosure and factors that influence the level of disclosure, the concept of financial performance assessment and indicators in Iraqi commercial banks, and to clarify the relationship between voluntary accounting disclosure and assessment of financial performance. The study concluded that voluntary disclosure contributes to the improvement of banks financial performance through its contribution to enhancing and improving the efficiency of using assets, enhancing the competitiveness of banks, attracting investors, and the existence of a relationship between voluntary disclosure and financial performance in those banks. The study recommended that attention should be paid to the importance of voluntary disclosure by relevant organizations and institutions and its role in providing information to external users, as well as the necessity of providing financial and other information in a timely manner to decision makers.
Association of Prediagnosis Obesity and Postdiagnosis Aspirin With Survival From Stage IV Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Davis Jennifer S. , Chavez Janelle C. , Kok Melissa , San Miguel Yazmin , Lee Hwa Young , Henderson Henry , Overman Michael J. , Morris Van , Kee Bryan , Fogelman David , Advani Shailesh M. , Johnson Benny , Parseghian Christine , Shen John Paul , Dasari Arvind , Shaw Kenna R. , Vilar Eduardo , Raghav Kanwal P. , Shureiqi Imad , Wolff Robert A. , Meric-Bernstam Funda , Maru Dipen , Menter David G. , Kopetz Scott , Chang Shine
Published: October 2022

Importance

The potential relationship between obesity and colorectal cancer (CRC) outcome is poorly understood in patients with late-stage disease. Increased body mass index may negate aspirin use for cancer prevention, but its role as a factor on the effectiveness of postdiagnosis aspirin use is unclear.

Objective

To evaluate how prediagnosis obesity and postdiagnosis aspirin use may be associated with overall survival in patients with late-stage colorectal cancer.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cross-sectional study used self-reported data from patients with metastatic or treatment-refractory disease who consented to a clinical protocol at MD Anderson Cancer Center, a large US cancer treatment center. Patients were enrolled between 2010 and 2018 and followed up for mortality through July 2020. Analyses were conducted through March 2022.

Exposures

Body mass index in the decade prior to initial diagnosis and regular aspirin use at survey completion.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Overall survival was measured from stage IV diagnosis until death or last follow-up. Cox proportional hazards models were constructed to estimate associations of prediagnosis obesity and postdiagnosis aspirin use with overall survival.

Results

Of 656 patients included in this analysis, 280 (42.7%) were women, 135 (20.6%) were diagnosed with CRC before age 45 years, 414 (63.1%) were diagnosed between ages 45 and 65 years, and 107 (16.3%) were diagnosed at 65 years or older; 105 patients (16.0%) were Black or Hispanic, and 501 (76.4%) were non-Hispanic White. Controlling for age, sex, race, stage at initial diagnosis, and weight change between prediagnosis and survey date, patients with obesity in the decade prior to CRC diagnosis had significantly higher likelihood of death (hazard ratio, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.11-1.91) compared with those with normal prediagnosis body mass index. Furthermore, only patients with normal prediagnosis body mass index experienced significant survival benefit with postdiagnosis aspirin use (hazard ratio, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.39-0.90).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cross-sectional study, our findings suggest potentially differential tumor development in the long-term physiologic host environment of obesity. Confirmation and further evaluation are needed to determine whether prediagnosis body mass index may be used to estimate the benefit from postdiagnosis aspirin use.
Joint application of hybrid iterative reconstruction and adaptive filters on neck‐and‐shoulder CT imaging: A clinical evaluation
Authors: Jin Wenfeng , Ma Yifei , Han Dan , Xie Xiaojie , Zhang Weiyuan , Wu Yan , Zhang Guozhi
Published: October 2022

Purpose

To assess whether the joint application of hybrid iterative reconstruction (HIR) and an adaptive filter (AF) could reduce streak artifacts and improve image quality of neck‐and‐shoulder computed tomography (CT).

Methods

This study included 96 patients with suspicious neck lesions who underwent a routine nonenhanced scan on a 64‐slice CT scanner. The raw data were reconstructed using four different settings: filtered back projection (FBP), HIR, FBP + AF, and HIR + AF. Regions of interest were manually drawn in erector spine, axillary fat, latissimus dorsi, and dorsal cervical fat. Mean and standard deviation (SD) of the CT number, signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR), and contrast‐to‐noise ratio (CNR) were obtained and compared using Wilcoxon signed‐rank tests. The qualitative assessments of five factors were compared by two independent investigators.

Results

Compared to the other three settings, HIR + AF reduced noise in the area where the streak artifact of the lower neck were most serious (SD; all p ≤ 0.001). The SNR and CNR were improved significantly (all p ≤ 0.001). Compared to the other three settings, HIR + AF showed a significant improvement in CT image quality regarding the visibility of suspicious lesions, the extent of streaking artifacts, noise, soft‐tissue contrast, and visualization of small structures (all p ≤ 0.02).

Conclusions

The combination of HIR and AF can significantly reduce streaking artifacts and improve image quality in neck‐and‐shoulder CT imaging.
More on “good faith” prescribing: It doesn't exist in Ruan
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: October 2022

Regardless of what they have read or heard, or of lower court decisions, doctors should not think they can use “good faith” as a federal defense for opioid prescribing, based on Ruan (see story, page 1). Michael C. Barnes, J.D., explains below.
Psilocybin treatment for AUD: Promise in new study
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: October 2022

The beneficial effects of psilocybin‐assisted psychotherapy on alcohol use disorder (AUD) are significant, based on a study published in JAMA Psychiatry last month. In general, psychedelic medications have been a focus of research, but less is known about psilocybin, and it has been 40 years since the studies with lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) provided double the remissions as comparison treatments.
Band Gap and Defect Engineering for High‐Performance Cadmium‐free Sb2(S,Se)3 Solar Cells and Modules
Authors: Liu Cong , Wu Shaohang , Gao Yanyan , Feng Yang , Wang Xinlong , Xie Yifei , Zheng Jianzha , Zhu Hongbing , Li Zhiqiang , Schropp Ruud E.I. , Shen Kai , Mai Yaohua
Published: October 2022

High‐efficiency antimony selenosulfide (Sb2(S,Se)3) solar cells are often fabricated by hydrothermal deposition and also comprise a CdS buffer layer. Whereas the use of toxic materials such as cadmium compounds should be avoided, both of these issues hinder scaling up to large areas and market access. For this reason, co‐sublimation is studied as a manufacturing process for the active layer as well as the use of Cd‐free buffer layers. To further improve the power conversion efficiency (PCE), a graded bandgap profile is designed for the absorber layer. A V‐shaped graded bandgap in the Sb2(S,Se)3 absorber layer is produced on a TiO2 substrate by co‐sublimation of a controlled varying molar ratio of Sb2Se3 and Sb2S3. Moreover, increasing the Se/S ratio improves the grain size and favorable (hk1) orientations, reduces the detrimental bulk defects in Sb2(S,Se)3 films. Consequently, the optimized Sb2(S,Se)3 solar cells reach a PCE of 9.02%, which is a record value for Cd‐free Sb‐based solar cells. A PCE of 7.15% is further demonstrated for a Sb2(S,Se)3 monolithically interconnected minimodule with an active area of 12.32 cm2. This co‐sublimation graded bandgap technique provides a useful guidance for the optimization of a range of solar cells based on alloy compounds.
Boosting Doxorubicin‐Induced Mitochondria Apoptosis for the Monodrug‐Mediated Combination of Chemotherapy and Chemodynamic Therapy
Authors: Liu Tao , Xiong Cheng‐Feng , Zhang Lin‐Jun , Jiao Guan‐Hua , Shi Hui , Feng Jun , Zhang Xian‐Zheng
Published: October 2022

Doxorubicin (Dox)‐mediated generation of reactive oxygen radicals (ROS) for mitochondrial apoptosis is identified as a new cytotoxic mechanism in addition to the well‐established one via nuclear DNA replication interference. However, this mechanism contributes far less than the latter to Dox therapy. This newly identified pathway to make Dox therapy function like the combination of chemodynamic therapy (CDT) and chemotherapy‐mediated by Dox alone would be amplified. One‐pot nanoconstruction (HEBD) is fabricated based on the chemical reactions driven assemblies among epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), buthionine sulfoximine (BSO) and formaldehyde in aqueous mediums followed by Dox adsorption. Acid tumor microenvironments allow the liberation of EGCG, BSO, and Dox due to the breakage of Schiff base bonds. EGCG component in HEBD is responsible for targeting mitochondria and disrupting mitochondrial electron transport chain (mETC) to compel electrons leakage in favor of their capture by Dox to produce more ROS. EGCG‐induced mETC disruption results in mitochondrial respiration inhibition with alleviated hypoxia in tumor cells while BSO inhibits glutathione biosynthesis to protect ROS from redox depletion, further boosting Dox‐induced CDT. This strategy of amplifying CDT pathway for the Dox‐mediated combined therapy could largely improve antitumor effect, extend lifespan of tumor‐bearing mice, reduce risks of cardiotoxicity and metastasis.
Desolvation Synergy of Multiple H/Li‐Bonds on an Iron‐Dextran‐Based Catalyst Stimulates Lithium–Sulfur Cascade Catalysis
Authors: Li Tingting , Cai Dong , Yang Shuo , Dong Yangyang , Yu Shuang , Liang Ce , Zhou Xuemei , Ge Yongjie , Xiao Kuikui , Nie Huagui , Yang Zhi
Published: October 2022

Traditional lithium–sulfur battery catalysts are still facing substantial challenges in solving sulfur redox reactions, which involve multistep electron transfer and multiphase transformations. Here, inspired by the combination of iron dextran (INFeD) and ascorbic acid (VC) as a blood tonic for the treatment of anemia, a highly efficient VC@INFeD catalyst is developed in the sulfur cathode, accomplishing the desolvation and enrichment of high‐concentration solvated lithium polysulfides at the cathode/electrolyte interface with the assistance of multiple H/Li‐bonds and resolving subsequent sulfur transformations through gradient catalysis sites where the INFeD promotes long‐chain lithium polysulfide conversions and VC accelerates short‐chain lithium polysulfide conversions. Comprehensive characterizations reveal that the VC@INFeD can substantially reduce the energy barrier of each sulfur redox step, inhibit shuttle effects, and endow the lithium–sulfur battery with high sulfur utilization and superior cycling stability even under a high sulfur loading (5.2 mg cm−2) and lean electrolyte (electrolyte/sulfur ratio, ≈7 µL mg−1) condition.
Molecular‐Crowding Effect Mimicking Cold‐Resistant Plants to Stabilize the Zinc Anode with Wider Service Temperature Range
Authors: Ren Huaizheng , Li Sai , Wang Bo , Zhang Yanyan , Wang Tian , Lv Qiang , Zhang Xiangyu , Wang Lei , Han Xiao , Jin Fan , Bao Changyuan , Yan Pengfei , Zhang Nan , Wang Dianlong , Cheng Tao , Liu Huakun , Dou Shixue
Published: October 2022

Growth of dendrites, the low plating/stripping efficiency of Zn anodes, and the high freezing point of aqueous electrolytes hinder the practical application of aqueous Zn‐ion batteries. Here, a zwitterionic osmolyte‐based molecular crowding electrolyte is presented, by adding betaine (Bet, a by‐product from beet plant) to the aqueous electrolyte, to solve the abovementioned problems. Substantive verification tests, density functional theory calculations, and ab initio molecular dynamics simulations consistently reveal that side reactions and growth of Zn dendrites are restrained because Bet can break Zn2+ solvation and regulate oriented 2D Zn2+ deposition. The Bet/ZnSO4 electrolyte enables superior reversibility in a Zn–Cu half‐cell to achieve a high Coulombic efficiency >99.9% for 900 cycles (≈1800 h), and dendrite‐free Zn plating/stripping in Zn–Zn cells for 4235 h at 0.5 mA cm−2 and 0.5 mAh cm−2. Furthermore, a high concentration of Bet lowers the freezing point of the electrolyte to −92 °C via the molecular‐crowding effect, which ensures the stable operation of the aqueous batteries at −30 °C. This innovative concept of such a molecular crowding electrolyte will inject new vitality into the development of multifunctional aqueous electrolytes.
Photocationic Initiator Induced Synergy for High‐Performance Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Wang Jintao , Zhang Xu , Wang Zhenyu , Chen Shuming , Wang Rui , Duan Yu
Published: October 2022

The perovskite structures are prone to decomposition due to the formation of defect sites under various stressors. As a result, the stability of perovskite materials has been an Achilles’ heel in actual commercialization. Herein, photocationic initiator based on 4‐isopropyl‐4'‐methyldiphenyliodonium tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)borate (TPFB) is introduced into perovskite film through the antisolvent process to enhance the efficiency and stability of perovskite solar cells. The hypervalent iodine part serves as a Lewis acid to passivate the negatively charged defects, while the pentafluorophenyl borate part is used to tailor the crystallization process by forming strong hydrogen bonding. Furthermore, the superior hydrophobicity of TPFB insulates the perovskite films. The resulted MAPbI3 devices show maximum power conversion efficiency (PCE) reaching 20.41% and ultrahigh open voltage (Voc) up to 1.15 V with the remaining 85% efficiency after 1000 h shelf storage. Furthermore, by introducing TPFB through a simple posttreatment process, the device delivers a PCE of 23.4% (steady‐state PCE of 23.2%), features useful for advanced double cation‐based perovskite device. In sum, these findings develop a universal passivation strategy and open a novel field of Lewis acid‐based passivation agent.
Systematic online academic resources (SOAR) review: Sickle cell disorders
Authors: Alavian Sara , Asare‐Agbo Prince , Chan Teresa M.
Published: October 2022

Background

Free open‐access medical education (FOAM) resources have become highly utilized resources in emergency medicine education. However, FOAM content often lacks the traditional peer review process, leaving quality assessment to the readers. In this systematic online academic resource (SOAR) review, we apply a systematic methodology to assess the quality of FOAM resources on sickle cell disease (SCD).

Methods

We searched keywords for SCD using FOAM Search and the top 50 FOAM websites listed on the Social Media Index. Resources found were screened using inclusion/exclusion criteria, and a total of 53 resources underwent full‐text quality assessment using the revised Medical Education Translational Resources Impact and Quality (rMETRIQ) tool.

Results

The search yielded 520 resources, of which 53 met the criteria for quality assessment. A total of eight posts (15.1% of posts) were identified as high quality (rMETRIQ ≥ 16). The most commonly addressed topics within SCD topics included acute chest syndrome, acute pain crisis and general review of SCD. A total of 11 posts (21% of posts) were found to have an rMETRIQ score of less than 7, which may indicate poor quality. The most commonly identified type of resource was personalized reading (64%) and a number of posts were deemed to not have an appropriate use due to poor quality (15%).

Conclusions

We were able to systematically search a wide range of resources to identify, appraise, and organize FOAM resources on the topic of SCD. A final list of eight high‐quality resources can guide trainees, educator recommendations, and FOAM authors.
Factors influencing maize stemflow in western Liaoning, China
Authors: Guo Ming , He Junshi , Dong Kebao , Yang Ning , Li Ying , Xiao Jibing , Feng Liangshan
Published: October 2022

Stemflow (SF) is an important source of water for maize (Zea mays L.) growing in arid areas, and is very important for agricultural water management. However, the results of previous studies in different regions are quite different. There is also a lack of in‐depth research on the SF process of maize at each growth stage. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of rainfall characteristics and maize morphology on SF during the entire maize‐growing period, quantify the stemflow rate (SR) in western Liaoning, analyze the differences in the maize SF process during different growing periods, and establish a multiple regression model for the different growth stages to predict SF. The results showed that the SR in the study area was 12.62%–43.44% during the 28 rainfall events from 2015 to 2016, and the mean SR was 32.80%. The mean SR during the jointing, tasseling, and mature stages were 24.10%, 42.72%, and 35.37%, respectively. SF generally increases with increased precipitation, and with an increase in the leaf area index, but the effects of various factors on SF differed between the early (jointing) and later stages (tasseling and maturity) of maize growth. A multiple regression model of the different growth stages was established to better predict SF in the research region. This study is significant as it improves local farmland water cycle theory and improves the efficiency of irrigation water. In the next step, the effects of leaf angle and canopy coverage warrant further investigation.
Risk factors for perforation during colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection
Authors: Yang Chih‐Wei , Hung Hsuan‐Jen , Chen Peng‐Jen
Published: October 2022

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) achieves higher en bloc resection rates than endoscopic mucosal resection in early colorectal neoplasms. However, perforation occurs more frequently during ESD. We aimed to identify the risk factors for perforation during colorectal ESD. A total of 161 patients treated with colorectal ESD at a tertiary center between January 2014 and December 2019 were enrolled in this retrospective study. Perforation was defined as a deep defect of the muscularis propria, with or without direct contact with connective tissue outside the colon. Clinical risk factors for perforation during ESD, including age, sex, tumor morphology, tumor size, tumor location, procedure time, en bloc resection rate, histology, and submucosal fibrosis, were analyzed. The mean size of the ESD specimens was 38.2 ± 24.6 mm. The overall en bloc resection rate was 98.1%. Perforations occurred during ESD in 31 out of 161 patients (19.3%). All perforations were successfully treated with endoscopic closure using the hemoclips and nonsurgical management. Emergency surgery was not required in our patients. On multivariate analysis, severe submucosal fibrosis (odds ratio [OR] 3.06; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.23‐7.59; P = .016) and location in the right colon (OR 4.54; 95% CI 1.31‐15.79; P = .017) were independent risk factors. Perforation during colorectal ESD occurred in 31 patients (19.3%), but all patients had a good outcome without surgery. Submucosal fibrosis and its location are risk factors for perforation during ESD.
A Computer Vision Sensor for AI‐Accelerated Detection and Tracking of Occluded Objects
Authors: Cuhadar Can , Tsao Hoi Nok
Published: October 2022

A prominent problem in computer vision is occlusion, which occurs when an object's key features temporarily disappear behind another crossing body, causing the computer to struggle with image detection. While the human brain is capable of compensating for the invisible parts of the blocked object, computers lack such scene interpretation skills. Cloud computing using convolutional neural networks is typically the method of choice for handling such a scenario. However, for mobile applications where energy consumption and computational costs are critical, cloud computing should be minimized. In this regard, a computer vision sensor capable of efficiently detecting and tracking covered objects without heavy reliance on occlusion‐handling software is proposed. The edge‐computing sensor accomplishes this task by self‐learning the object prior to the moment of occlusion and uses this information to “reconstruct” the blocked invisible features. Furthermore, the sensor is capable of tracking a moving object by predicting the path it will most likely take while traveling out of sight behind an obstructing body. Finally, sensor operation is demonstrated by exposing the device to various simulated occlusion events. An interactive preprint version of the article can be found at DOIhttps://www.authorea.com/doi/full/10.22541/au.164192000.02603887/.
Autonomous Visual Detection of Defects from Battery Electrode Manufacturing
Authors: Choudhary Nirmal , Clever Henning , Ludwigs Robert , Rath Michael , Gannouni Aymen , Schmetz Arno , Hülsmann Tom , Sawodny Julia , Fischer Leon , Kampker Achim , Fleischer Juergen , Stein Helge S.
Published: October 2022

The increasing global demand for high‐quality and low‐cost battery electrodes poses major challenges for battery cell production. As mechanical defects on the electrode sheets have an impact on the cell performance and their lifetime, inline quality control during electrode production is of high importance. Correlation of detected defects with process parameters provides the basis for optimization of the production process and thus enables long‐term reduction of reject rates, shortening of the production ramp‐up phase, and maximization of equipment availability. To enable automatic detection of visually detectable defects on electrode sheets passing through the process steps at a speed of 9 m s−1, a You‐Only‐Look‐Once architecture (YOLO architecture) for the identification of visual detectable defects on coated electrode sheets is demonstrated within this work. The ability of the quality assurance (QA) system developed herein to detect mechanical defects in real time is validated by an exemplary integration of the architecture into the electrode manufacturing process chain at the Battery Lab Factory Braunschweig.
Multilevel Modeling of Joint Damage in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Li Hongyang , Guan Yuanfang
Published: October 2022

While most deep learning approaches are developed for single images, in real‐world applications, images are often obtained as a series to inform decision‐making. Due to hardware (memory) and software (algorithm) limitations, few methods have been developed to integrate multiple images so far. Herein, an approach that seamlessly integrates deep learning and traditional machine learning models is presented, to study multiple images and score joint damages in rheumatoid arthritis. This method allows the quantification of joining space narrowing to approach the clinical upper limit. Beyond predictive performance, the multilevel interconnections across joints and damage types into the machine learning model are integrated and the crossregulation map of joint damages in rheumatoid arthritis is revealed. An interactive preprint version of the article can be found at https://doi.org/10.22541/au.165828097.71839600/v1.
Unstructured Direct Ink Write 3D Printing of Functional Structures with Ambient Temperature Curing Dual‐Network Thermoset Ink
Authors: Armstrong Connor D. , Yue Liang , Demoly Frédéric , Zhou Kun , Qi H. Jerry
Published: October 2022

Fabrication of structures in unstructured environments is a promising field to expand the application spaces of additive manufacturing (AM). One potential application is to add new components directly onto existing structures. Herein, a versatile, reconfigurable direct ink writing (DIW) manufacturing method is developed in tandem with a two‐stage hybrid ink designed to fabricate high‐strength, self‐supporting parts in unconventional printing spaces such as underneath a build surface or horizontally. This two‐stage hybrid DIW ink combines a photopolymer and a tough epoxy resin. The photopolymer can cure rapidly to enable layer‐by‐layer printing of complex structures. It also possesses adequate adhesion to allow the fabrication of large volume structures on a diversity of substrates including acrylic, wood, glass, aluminum, and concrete. The epoxy component can cure after 72 h in ambient conditions with further increased adhesion strengths. The capabilities of the reconfigurable DIW extrusion nozzle method to print complex structures in inverted and horizontal environments are demonstrated. Finally, via addition of DIW‐deposited conductive paths, a functional 3D‐printed structure capable of in situ deformation monitoring is created. This work has the potential to be used for applications such as appending new parts to existing structures for increasing functionality, repair, and structure health monitoring.
A skew in poo: Biases in primate fecal isotope analysis and recommendations for standardized sample preparation
Authors: Oelze Vicky M. , O'Neal Isabella , Wittig Roman M. , Kupczik Kornelius , Schulz‐Kornas Ellen , Hohmann Gottfried
Published: October 2022

Feces are a treasure trove in the study of animal behavior and ecology. Stable carbon and nitrogen isotope analysis allows to assess the dietary niches of elusive primate species and primate breastfeeding behavior. However, some fecal isotope data may unwillingly be biased toward the isotope ratios of undigested plant matter, requiring more consistent sample preparation protocols. We assess the impact of this potential data skew in 114 fecal samples of wild bonobos (Pan paniscus) by measuring the isotope differences (Δ13C, Δ15N) between bulk fecal samples containing larger particles (>1 mm) and filtered samples containing only small particles (<1 mm). We assess the influence of fecal carbon and nitrogen content (ΔC:N) and sample donor age (subadult, adult) on the resulting Δ13C, Δ15N values (n = 228). Additionally, we measure the isotope ratios in three systematically sieved fecal samples of chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes verus), with particle sizes ranging from 20 μm to 8 mm (n = 30). We found differences in fecal carbon and nitrogen content, with the smaller fecal fraction containing more nitrogen on average. While the Δ13C values were small and not affected by age or ΔC:N, the Δ15N values were significantly influenced by fecal ΔC:N, possibly resulting from the differing proportions of undigested plant macroparticles. Significant relationships between carbon stable isotope ratios (δ13C) values and %C in large fecal fractions of both age groups corroborated this assessment. Δ15N values were significantly larger in adults than subadults, which should be of concern in isotope studies comparing adult females with infants to assess breastfeeding. We found a random variation of up to 3.0‰ in δ13C and 2.0‰ in nitrogen stable isotope ratios within the chimpanzee fecal samples separated by particle sizes. We show that particle size influences isotope ratios and propose a simple, cost‐effective filtration method for primate feces to exclude larger undigested food particles from the analysis, which can easily be adopted by labs worldwide.
A Near‐Infrared‐Responsive Quaternary Ammonium/Gold Nanorod Hybrid Coating with Enhanced Antibacterial Properties
Authors: Zhao Yu-Qing , Xiu Zongpeng , Wu Ruonan , Zhang Lujiao , Ding Xiaokang , Zhao Nana , Duan Shun , Xu Fu-Jian
Published: October 2022

Biomedical device‐associated infection (BAI) is a common symptom in hospitals. To solve this problem, the biomedical device needs fast, efficient, and safe antibacterial methods to prevent infection. Herein, a strategy for surface antibacterial functionalization is proposed, using mild photothermal effect and quaternary ammonium salt to common sterilize. Au nanorods (NRs) and quaternized N,N′‐dimethylethylenediamine (QDED) (quaternary ammonium salt) are modified on the surface of polyurethane (PU) to fabricate PU‐Au‐QDED. First of all, stable and recyclable mild photothermal radiation is achieved by low‐power near‐infrared (NIR) light irradiation, and then in a shorter time of NIR irradiation, mild photothermal effect promotes the disturbance of the alkyl chain of quaternary ammonium salt to destroy the bacterial membrane, together with quaternary ammonium salt QDED that has fast and efficient antibacterial property, especially against multidrug‐resistant bacteria. Meanwhile, mild photothermal effects, together with quaternary ammonium salt QDED, have good biocompatibility. Among all of the samples, PU‐Au‐Q5 demonstrates fast, efficient, and safe antibacterial performances. At the same time, the antibacterial mechanisms are further studied. Finally, the in vivo antibacterial properties are verified by the subcutaneous implantation animal model. The present work provides a facile and promising approach to develop high‐performance antibacterial biomedical devices.