bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Culture of Interpersonal Communication in ICU Nurses: An Ethnographic Study
Authors: Mahvar Tayebeh , Hemmatpour Behzad , Saiediborojeni Hamidreza , Mashalchi Hamideh , Fallahi Masoud , Eghbali Sahar , Mahdavikian Somayeh
Published: January 2022

Introduction: Interpersonal Nurses Communication (IPC) in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) is known to be important due to the critical situation of patients and the nurses’ experience with moral distress. Nurses interpersonal relationships and ways of resolving conflicts are influenced by the culture of this sector. Aim: To specify the culture of IPC among nurses in ICU. Materials and Methods: This was a qualitative multi-site ethnographic study conducted from May 2017 to September 2019 at Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences. Data were collected through participatory observation and formal and informal semi-structured interviews. The study environment included four ICUs in two hospitals. Data were obtained from an uninterrupted observation for five months, intermittent observation for six months, 15 formal interviews and 31 informal interviews. The process stems from the research evolutionary cycle model and Spradley’s Steps. In order to discover the meaning of the patterns from the obtained themes, the findings were interpreted after analysis. In this study, Spradley method was used to analyse the data. Results: In this study, 66.7% of the nurses were female, the mean age was 38.66±9.1 years, and mean work experience was 14.43±8.4 years. The three main themes of the high-level code consensus emerged as follows: Grouping which included the formation of groups, cooperation and competition between groups, and demarcation and characteristics of groups. The governing organisational relationships include managerial strategies and nature of the wards. And the individual characteristics that included top-down look, work discipline and experience. Conclusion: The IPC among the ICU nurses is a dynamic and inevitable process and influenced by factors such as nurses’ membership in the groups established in the ICU, nurses’ cooperation, management strategies, physical and emotional nature of critical care units, work experience and former communications, discipline, and features such as a top-down attitude.
Application of IoT-based Technology in Vaname Shrimp Cultivation: A Systematic Literature
Authors: Pratiwy Fittrie Meyllianawaty , Jacinda Adinda Kinasih , Yustiati Ayi
Published: January 2022

Vaname shrimp is one type of shrimp that the people of Indonesia widely cultivate. However, there are several problems in the failure of vaname shrimp production, including poor water quality during the maintenance period, especially in ponds. Based on the selection of inclusion and exclusion criteria and quality assessment, it was found that the use of technology in cultivation activities will help streamline time, energy, and human resources so that decision-making can be made faster. The technology used is limited to water quality monitoring, disease monitoring, and EMS. The methods used to create IoT-based technology are hardware devices, software tools, function tests, and user tests. The smaller the error value, the more accurate the data obtained.
Factors Affecting the Statural Growth Retardation in Children using Steroids in Idiopathic Nephrotic Syndrome
Authors: Ndongo Aliou Abdoulaye , Boiro Djibril , Basse Idrissa , Kéita Younoussa , Seck Ndiogou , Thiam Lamine , Van Immerzeel Tabitha D. , Sylla Assane
Published: January 2022

Background and Aim: Idiopathic nephrotic syndrome or nephrosis causes massive protein leakage in the urine. Its treatment requires steroids (prednisone, methylprednisolone), often for a prolonged period, notably in case of steroid-dependence or steroid-resistance. In children, long-term use of steroids can lead to several side effects such as statural growth retardation/ stunting. This study evaluated the frequency of stunting in idiopathic nephrotic syndrome in children on steroids and identified the associated factors.     

Material and Methods: This was a retrospective, descriptive cohort study carried out in children aged 0 to 16 years treated at the paediatric nephrology unit of Aristide Le Dantec Hospital in Dakar, between 1 December 2017 and 31 May 2020. All records of nephrotic children treated in outpatient or inpatient setting were included. These children had to be on corticosteroid therapy for at least 30 months and have a height taken regularly during follow-up consultations.

Results: Of 259 children followed for idiopathic nephrotic syndrome, 93 were included in the study. The median age was 96.5 months and the sex ratio was 1.9. The mean height of the children at the beginning of the follow-up was -0.26 DS, at the end it was -0.88 DS. At the beginning of the follow-up, 8 children had already stunting. At 12 months follow-up, 72 children (77.4%) had a decrease in z-score; and at 30 months, there were 7 more children (84.9%) who had a decrease in z-score. Methylprednisolone boluses were given to 17 children (18.3%). Calcium supplementation was done in 91 children (97.8%). Vitamin D supplementation was given to 91 children (97.8%). The mean number of relapses was 1.8. Factors associated with stunting were number of relapses ≤3 (p=0.03), duration of corticosteroid therapy >6 months (p<0.0001) and cumulative doses of prednisone >100 mg/kg (p=0.04).

Conclusion: In prolonged nephrotic syndrome in children, corticosteroids can cause stunting.
Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) Modules on yield, yield attributes and profitability of Indian mustard [Brassica juncea (L.)] in Western Uttar Pradesh
Authors: Verma Rahul , Singh P. K. , . Vivek , Naresh R. K. , Chandra M. Sharath , Maurya Durgesh Kumar , . Vedvrat , Gupta Satya Prakash
Published: January 2022

A field experiment was conducted to study the effect of integrated nutrient management (INM) modules on indian mustard (Brassica juncea L.) in Western U.P., variety Pusa Vijay at Crop Research Centre (CRC), Main Campus, Modipuram  Meerut, during Rabi season, 2020-21. The soil of experimental field was sandy loam texture, alkaline in nature with pH, low in organic carbon (0.42%) and available nitrogen (181.60 kg/ha), available phosphors (16.50 kg/ha), available potassium (230.47 kg/ha) and available sulphur (7.38 kg/ha). Ten treatments of different nutrient management practices consisting T1 Control, T2 100% RDN (120 kg. N/ha), T3 75% RDN, T4 75% RDN + 25% through Vermicompost (VC), T5 75% RDN + 25% through Poultry Manure (PM), T6 75% RDN + 25% through Press Mud Compost (PMC), T7 75% RDN + 25% through [ VC , PM (1:1) ], T8 75% RDN + 25% through [VC, PMC (1:1) ], T9 75% RDN + 25% through [PM , PMC (1:1)], T10 75% RDN + 25% through [VC , PM, PMC (1:1:1)] were tested in randomized block design with three replications. The experimental results revealed that yield attributes (siliqua length, siliqua plant-1, seeds siliqua-1 and test weight), grain and stover yield (q ha-1). The increment in seed yield with application of 75% RDN + 25% through [VC, PM, PMC (1:1:1)] was 130.98 % over control. The maximum gross return and net return were recorded with the application of 75% RDN + 25% through [VC, PM, PMC (1:1:1)], however B:C ratio was lower than the use of RDF only but in application of  vermicompost, press mud compost and poultry manure enhance soil fertility which improve the productivity and productivity of mustard.
A Descriptive Study on Hematological Changes in Brucellosis Infected Individuals
Authors: Safi Hameedullah , Noori Waheedullah
Published: January 2022

Background: Brucellosis is a zoonotic organism that causes diseases in both animals and humans. Human contact with infected domestic animals is often a transmission route of Brucellosis infection. This infection affects hematological parameters of the patients. We carried this study to determine the changes in various hematological parameters in our study subjects.

Patients and Methodology:

This study was carried out in Nangarhar regional hospital and safi medical complex on 45 Afghani people from December 2018 up to December 2020. The study design was prospective.

A total of 45 patients (Cases) with confirmed diagnosis of Brucellosis on the basis of serology enrolled in the study. Complete blood count and Erythrocyte sedimentation rate studies are also performed. Considered hematological parameters includes Hemoglobin (Hb), White Blood Cell count (WBC), Platelet count (PLT) and ESR.  As well interview was done with each patient and a questionnaire was used. The collected data was analyzed with Microsoft excel program Autosum statistics. Results. A total of 45 patients were enrolled. The mean age±SD of the patients under the study were (28.74±15.22) years. The most common hematological changes observed were; anemia (57.7%), thrombocytopenia (24%), leucocytosis (13.3%), pancytopenia (24.4%), lymphocytopenia (31.1%), lymphocytosis (55.5%) & leucopenia (40%). Erythrocyte sedimentation rate were elevated in about 66% of patients. Fever and headache were the most common presenting symptoms (73%) and (82%) respectively. Night sweats in (40%), joint pain (53%), muscle pain (53%) and lymphadenopathy in 46% of patients. Conclusion: This result of this study shows that Brucellosis commonly affects people of low socioeconomical states, female sex, uneducated, those consuming contaminated dairy products, peoples living in rural areas and those having consuming or contact with animal. Salmonella typhi causes changes in the hematological parameters due to involvement of bone marrow.
Overview of Congenital Hepatic Fibrosis in Pediatrics: A Review
Authors: Fadl Ahmed Abdelsamie , Almujil Sarah jamal , Banheem Ahmed Saeed S. , Alsuhaymi Nasser Naif , Alhelali Mansour Hemaid , Al-Wagdani Naif Mohammed , Almadi Ebtesam Ali S. , Aladhadh Khalid Mohammed A. , AlAjmi Fahad Amrh
Published: January 2022

Congenital hepatic fibrosis is a rare developmental illness caused by a ductal plate malformation, often known as ciliopathy or fibrocystic liver disease. Hepatosplenomegaly and portal hypertension are two symptoms. The disease affects 1/10000–20000 people. frequently associated with a variety of illnesses caused by genetic abnormalities, such as autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD) and Caroli syndrome. There hasn't been a way to stop or reverse the progression of congenital hepatic fibrosis until now. Clinical trials of anti-fibrotic medicines such as colchicine, interferon gamma, angiotensin II receptor blockers, pirfenidone, and ursodeoxycholic acid found no significant benefit. The only known cure for CHF is liver transplantation, which is recommended when the condition has progressed to the point when symptoms of liver failure have appeared. In this article we will be making overview of the disease. It’s symptoms and diagnosis, different treatment method, and we will compare some of the articles published about the disease.
An Overview of Low Vision Aids
Authors: Lele Riddhi , Banait Shashank
Published: January 2022

Low vision is something that will cause hindrance in one’s daily activities. These problems are on the rise amongst the Indian population nowadays. Low vision is one of the emerging problems which needs immediate attention. Blindness is one of the most critical aspects of low vision. In a survey conducted at the national level in 1989-90, approximately 12 million people of India accounted for about 1.5% who were blind presented with a visual acuity of about <6/60 in the eye with better vision. Visual impairment possesses a financial burden, which is why we cannot pay attention to it . Funding by the government in this sector should be the thing which should be taken care of. The rehabilitative purpose of low aids is to help people perform their daily chores without any disturbances. Low vision aids are different depending on different age groups of the population. Spectacles are commonly used measures to correct low vision, but they are not socially acceptable. There is a stigma still associated with spectacles, so the person wearing them feels insecure about it. Low vision is not always necessarily associated with any disease of the eye. Negligence associated with low vision causes an increase in the number of blind cases overall. Depending upon the type of visual loss, appropriate corrective measures can be brought into force. In the current scenario, covid-19 is also one of the leading causes of the growing number of eye diseases globally due to the online platforms used.
Effect of Stress on Mental Health
Authors: Ranjan Medha Rajiv , Priya A. Jothi , Devi R. Gayatri
Published: January 2022

Introduction: Stress can come from any event that makes an individual feel anxious, frustrated, depressed due to the inability to cope with the situation. Stress is caused due to various stressors stimulating responses in the individual's body. The stressors usually increase the potential of the individual to face a stressful situation and overcome it however if the stressors are constantly triggered they can cause physiological damage to the individual. Physiological impact includes high blood pressure, rapid breathing, aches and pains, in severe cases it can also lead to stroke. Stressors can also impact an individual emotionally and mentally by causing insomnia, depression and anxiety. Mental health is the state of the overall well-being of an individual which helps them to overcome anxiety and stressful situations and thereby increases the productivity of the individuals in order to contribute to the society. It is important to maintain good mental health in order to keep the individual healthy.

Aim: The study has been conducted to assess the overall mental health of the study population and thereby suggest ways in which we can deal with stress. Stress and anxiety can be managed by practising yoga, meditation, discussing problems with a counsellor or spending time with family and loved ones.

Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among the population with a sample size of 100. A self administered structured questionnaire was prepared based on the effect of stress on mental health. It was circulated to participants through an online platform (google form). The statistics were done using SPSS software, chi-square test effect of stress on mental health  was used to check the association and P value of 0.05 was said to be statistically significant. The pros of the survey is that individuals of different lifestyles and cultures were surveyed. This study was conducted among individuals of the age group 14-46 years. Simple random sampling method was the sampling method used to minimise the sampling bias.

Results: The p value obtained from statistical data analysis was 0.02 which is statistically significant. The results revealed that most of the individuals of the study population had experienced stress in their life and some of them were already aware about the ways in which they could overcome stress. This study provided alternate ways to overcome stress and anxiety for individuals experiencing stress in their day to day lives.
Physicochemical Characteristics and Thermal Stability of Perilla Seed Oil of Indian Origin
Authors: Dhyani Akriti , Prajapati Priyanka , Chopra Rajni , Garg Meenakshi , Singh Priyanka
Published: January 2022

There is an increasing interest of food scientists in finding new alternatives to PUFA rich edible oil. Perilla seed oil (CPSO), an underutilized oilseed, can be used as an edible oil source. Oil extracted by the cold-pressed method from perilla seeds gives a yield of 36.50%. This study reports the physicochemical properties, the oxidative and thermal stability of the cold-pressed perilla seed oil. The viscosity, specific gravity, refractive index, and smoke point of CPSO were 28 m.Pa.s, 0.92, 1.43, and 241 ℃, respectively. The peroxide, acid, iodine, saponification value, and unsaponified matter of CPSO were 4.81 meq O2/kg oil, 1.61 g KOH/kg oil, 132 g KOH/kg oil, 180 g I2/kg oil, and 0.64%, respectively. It consists of high α -linolenic acid (55.80% of total oil) followed by oleic acid (20.54%). The extracted oil is analyzed for its thermal stability (peroxide value, free fatty acids, p- anisidine value, totox value, and total polar compounds) and storage stability for 120 days in two different storage conditions (refrigerated and room temperature). Despite having high nutritional benefits, the oil stability index (0.50 h) of the perilla seed oil is low, limiting its utilization as a frying oil. Therefore, perilla seed oil requires process optimization to increase its stability during heating.
Comparative Study of Safety and Efficacy of Three Different Doses of Fentanyl on Hemodynamic Response to Laryngoscopy and Tracheal Intubation in Patients under General Anaesthesia
Authors: Shah Bhavini , Mahanta Dipanjali , Sakhrani Ruchir , Boat Samsuddin Afreen
Published: January 2022

Aim of Study: Laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation are the commonest method for securing a definitive airway for general anaesthesia. It is one of the most invasive and painful stimuli in anaesthesia producing clinically relevant changes in the hemodynamic variables.

This study has been designed to compare the safety and efficacy of three different doses of fentanyl (2µg/kg, 3µg/kg and 4µg/kg) in attenuating hemodynamic response, following laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation.

Materials and Methods: In this observational study, three groups of 90 patients belonging to ASA grade I and II, aged between 18 to 65

years, including either gender, posted for elective surgery under GA with informed consent. Baseline vital hemodynamic parameters and the serial heart rate, arterial pressures, SpO2 and respiratory rate were noted at five minutes after intravenous fentanyl administration, during laryngoscopy & intubation and at 1-, 3-, 5-, 10- and 20-minutes after laryngoscopy. Ramsay sedation scores were also noted at five minutes after intravenous fentanyl administration, during extubation and at 10-, 20- and 30-minutes after extubation.

Results: There was substantial difference in mean HR, SBP, DBP & MAP values post 5 minutes after intravenous fentanyl administration, during laryngoscopy, at 1, 3-, 5-, 10- and 20-minutes following laryngoscopy and intubation between the three groups. Patients’ behaviour belonging to group C (IV fentanyl 4µg/kg), followed by the patients of group B (IV fentanyl 3µg/kg) presented considerable amount of attenuation of all the hemodynamic stress parameters effectively, with statistically significant results when compared to group A (IV fentanyl 2µg/kg).

Conclusion: Intravenous fentanyl 4µg/kg and 3µg/kg are better at attenuating the laryngo-tracheal stress response, in comparison to intravenous fentanyl 2µg/kg.
John Klimax, of Sinai
Authors: Whately Conor
Published: January 2022

John Klimax of Sinai (also known as John Klimakos/Climacus, John of the Ladder, or John Scholasticus), theologian and saint, lived from before 579 to ca. 650
ce
.
Alluviation
Authors: Bintliff John
Published: January 2022

The erosion of the Earth's surface deposits, soil, bedrock, and human debris, through weathering (rain, ice, wind) and gravity forms slopewash (
colluvium
) or is carried into rivers, to be borne downstream until water velocity decreases sufficiently to make the rivers gradually drop their sediment “bedload” (
alluvium
).
Galilee
Authors: BABKINA SVETLANA V.
Published: January 2022

Galilee is a region in the northern part of Israel that played an important role in the history of the area from the Neolithic to Byzantine periods and contains many remarkable archaeological sites and remains of ancient synagogues and churches. It is mainly known as a home place of Christianity and of Jewish rebels as well as scholars of the first centuries
ce
.
Investigation on the Mechanical and Corrosion Properties of ZnMnSr Alloys for Biodegradable Orthopedic Implants
Authors: Wang Jian , Chen Pei , Meng Lingzhong , Jin Liling
Published: January 2022

Zinc‐based alloys with good biocompatibility and corrosion resistance are potential candidates for bioabsorbable implants. Herein, a series of Zn99−x
Mn
x
Sr1 (x = 0.2, 0.3, 0.5, and 0.9 wt%) alloys are investigated using single‐channel vertical extrusion (SCVE) and equal‐channel angular pressing (ECAP) procedures, respectively. It is found that the amount of Mn significantly affects the mechanical properties of alloys. For example, the yield strength, tensile strength, and elongation of Zn–1Sr alloys can reach up to 204.73 ± 3.6 MPa, 244.04 ± 6.45 MPa, and 47.1 ± 3% with 0.99 wt% Mn addition after the SCVE process, which can meet the requirement of orthopedic implant applications. Moreover, the mechanical properties of current alloys are reduced with the combined SCVE + ECAP process, which may be due to more aggregation with the secondary phase within the matrix hcp(Zn). Furthermore, the polarization curves and immersion tests show that the corrosion rate is accelerated for the alloys processed with the combined SCVE + ECAP process (0.34–0.171 mm/y) compared with the ones processed only with SCVE (0.011–0.032 mm/y). The present finds provide a contribution for biodegradable Zn‐based alloys development.
Tuning the Metal Electronic Structure of Anchored Cobalt Phthalocyanine via Dual‐Regulator for Efficient CO2 Electroreduction and Zn–CO2 Batteries
Authors: Gong Shanhe , Wang Wenbo , Zhang Chaonan , Zhu Minghui , Lu Runqing , Ye Jinjin , Yang Huan , Wu Chundu , Liu Jun , Rao Dewei , Shao Shouyan , Lv Xiaomeng
Published: January 2022

Heterogeneous macromolecule catalysts have been known as efficient electrocatalysts for CO2 reduction reaction, however, manipulating the activity of heterogeneous molecules via controllable metal electronic structure is still challenging. Herein, different CO2 activated 3D, robust, nitrogen‐doped hollow carbon spheres are synthesized to anchor cobalt phthalocyanine as molecularly dispersed electrocatalysts, where the electron‐withdrawing coeffect of carbon defects and heteroatom N is responsible for tuning the electronic structure of metal center. The optimal electrocatalyst reveals high CO faradaic efficiency (FECO) of 95.68%, turnover frequency of 13.80 s−1, and current density of 16.49 mA cm−2 at an overpotential of 760 mV. The control experiment and DFT calculations unveil that the significant activity is mainly ascribed to the optimal electron‐withdrawing coeffect of carbon defects and pyrrolic N, which reduce the electron density of Co center to facilitate CO2 activated to form *COOH intermediate on Co(I) active sites during electrocatalysis. The 2p‐charge loss of Co is summarized as an activity descriptor, which steers the current density and production rate toward CO. Furthermore, the design strategy can universally fabricate the hybrid MPc catalyst with transitional metal (Ni, Fe) site while a rechargeable Zn–CO2 battery is devised to deliver a maximal power density of 1.02 mW cm−2.
Probing the Role of Charged Functional Groups on Nanoparticles Grafted with Polyglycerol in Protein Adsorption and Cellular Uptake
Authors: Zou Yajuan , Ito Shinji , Fujiwara Masazumi , Komatsu Naoki
Published: January 2022

In biofluids, charged functional groups on the surface of nanoparticles (NPs) interact with cells through the protein corona. However, the cascade effects of charged groups on corona formation and cellular uptake remain unclear. Herein, carboxy, sulfate, and amino groups are quantitatively introduced at the periphery of polyglycerol (PG)‐grafted nanodiamond and superparamagnetic iron oxide NP to probe their roles in corona formation and cellular uptake. The uptake efficiency and intracellular aggregation state of NPs are revealed to correlate with protein affinity of the charged groups; sulfate at lower density and carboxylate exhibit no affinity to proteins, inducing negligible or no cellular uptake. In contrast, sulfate at higher density and ammonium associate with fetal bovine serum proteins to alter the aggregation state of the internalized NPs. It is further demonstrated that the distinct protein corona profiles on NP‐PG‐OSO3− and NP‐PG‐NH3+ surfaces dictate their uptake mechanism. The protein corona of NP‐PG‐OSO3− suppresses cellular uptake via downregulation of macropinocytosis and clathrin‐mediated endocytosis, whereas that of NP‐PG‐NH3+ enhances uptake through upregulation of macropinocytosis and caveolae‐mediated endocytosis. This study clarifies the elusive role of the charged groups in protein adsorption and cellular uptake, which sheds light on NP design for controlled cellular uptake and theranostics in nanomedicine.
Critical Roles of Mechanical Properties of Solid Electrolyte Interphase for Potassium Metal Anodes
Authors: Gao Yao , Hou Zhen , Zhou Rui , Wang Danni , Guo Xuyun , Zhu Ye , Zhang Biao
Published: January 2022

The mechanical properties of the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) have attracted increasing attention, but their importance in guiding electrolyte design remains ambiguous. Here it is revealed that, despite a decrease in ionic conductivity for both electrolyte and SEI, exceptional cycling performance of K‐metal batteries is achieved in a low concentration carbonate electrolyte by optimizing the mechanical stability of the SEI. The SEI formed in the studied carbonate electrolytes is predominantly organic. Its inorganic content increases with increasing electrolyte concentration and corresponds to an increase in Young's modulus (E) and ionic conductivity of SEI and a decrease in elastic strain limit (εY). The maximum elastic deformation energy combines effects of E and εY, achieving a maximum in 0.5 m electrolyte. Finite element simulations indicate that SEI with low either E or εY inevitably triggers dendrite growth. These findings foreshadow an increased focus on the mechanical properties of the SEI, where low concentrations of carbonate electrolytes display merit.
Strain Switching in van der Waals Heterostructures Triggered by a Spin‐Crossover Metal–Organic Framework
Authors: Boix‐Constant Carla , García‐López Víctor , Navarro‐Moratalla Efrén , Clemente‐León Miguel , Zafra José Luis , Casado Juan , Guinea Francisco , Mañas‐Valero Samuel , Coronado Eugenio
Published: January 2022

Van der Waals heterostructures (vdWHs) provide the possibility of engineering new materials with emergent functionalities that are not accessible in another way. These heterostructures are formed by assembling layers of different materials used as building blocks. Beyond inorganic 2D crystals, layered molecular materials remain still rather unexplored, with only few examples regarding their isolation as atomically thin layers. Here, the family of van der Waals heterostructures is enlarged by introducing a molecular building block able to produce strain: the so‐called spin‐crossover (SCO). In these metal–organic materials, a spin transition can be induced by applying external stimuli like light, temperature, pressure, or an electric field. In particular, smart vdWHs are prepared in which the electronic and optical properties of the 2D material (graphene and WSe2) are clearly switched by the strain concomitant to the spin transition. These molecular/inorganic vdWHs represent the deterministic incorporation of bistable molecular layers with other 2D crystals of interest in the emergent fields of straintronics and band engineering in low‐dimensional materials.
Construction of Ag‐Bridged Z‐Scheme LaFe0.5Co0.5O3/Ag10/Graphitic Carbon Nitride Heterojunctions for Photo‐Fenton Degradation of Tetracycline Hydrochloride: Interfacial Electron Effect and Reaction Mechanism
Authors: Xu Xuelian , Lin Hao , Xiao Ping , Zhu Junjiang , Bi Huiting , Carabineiro Sónia A. C.
Published: January 2022

Improvements on spectral absorption range and electron–hole (e−/h+) separation efficiency are crucial to effectively design materials for photocatalysis. To reach this objective, ternary Z‐scheme LaFe0.5Co0.5O3/Ag10/graphitic carbon nitride (LFCO/Ag10/g‐CN) heterojunctions with layered structure are designed. The obtained results show that: 1) the Ag nanoparticles (NPs) act as bridges to link LFCO and g‐CN, providing a place for recombination of useless electrons and holes; 2) some of the Ag atoms enter the LFCO lattice as Ag+, but most of them are at the surface in the form of Ag NPs, while g‐CN coats the surface of LFCO/Ag10 as a thin film; 3) LFCO/Ag10/g‐CN exhibits improved e−/h+ separation efficiency, electron transfer rate, and photocurrent response, compared to g‐CN and LFCO/Ag10 alone. Catalytic tests show that LFCO/Ag10/g‐CN is active for photo‐Fenton degradation of tetracycline hydrochloride (TC), with 87% TC conversion obtained at 40 min. Mechanistic studies show that •O2− and •OH radicals are the reactive species of the reaction, and a synergistic effect between light and H2O2 is produced by generating extra •OH radicals. LFCO/Ag10/g‐CN is also highly stable in the reaction conditions, with no appreciable activity loss up to four reuse cycles.
Iron(III) Chloride Mediated para‐Selective C‐H Functionalization: Access to C5‐Chloro and C5,C7‐Dichloro/Dianisyl Substituted 2‐Arylbenzoxazoles
Authors: Sahoo Kanchanbala , Panda Niranjan
Published: January 2022

Iron(III) chloride mediated para‐selective C−H chlorination and subsequent annulation of 2‐amidophenol to synthesize C5‐ and C5, C7‐chlorinated benzoxazoles was developed. Further, the oxidative cross‐dehydrogenative coupling of amidophenol with anisole by ferric chloride was explored to achieve the remotely anisylated benzoxazoles.

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Pseudomonas aeruginosa Biofilm Dispersion by the Human Atrial Natriuretic Peptide
Authors: Louis Mélissande , Clamens Thomas , Tahrioui Ali , Desriac Florie , Rodrigues Sophie , Rosay Thibaut , Harmer Nicholas , Diaz Suraya , Barreau Magalie , Racine Pierre‐Jean , Kipnis Eric , Grandjean Teddy , Vieillard Julien , Bouffartigues Emeline , Cornelis Pierre , Chevalier Sylvie , Feuilloley Marc G. J. , Lesouhaitier Olivier
Published: January 2022

Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms cause chronic, antibiotic tolerant infections in wounds and lungs. Numerous recent studies demonstrate that bacteria can detect human communication compounds through specific sensor/receptor tools that modulate bacterial physiology. Consequently, interfering with these mechanisms offers an exciting opportunity to directly affect the infection process. It is shown that the human hormone Atrial Natriuretic Peptide (hANP) both prevents the formation of P. aeruginosa biofilms and strongly disperses established P. aeruginosa biofilms. This hANP action is dose‐dependent with a strong effect at low nanomolar concentrations and takes effect in 30–120 min. Furthermore, although hANP has no antimicrobial effect, it acts as an antibiotic adjuvant. hANP enhances the antibiofilm action of antibiotics with diverse modes of action, allowing almost full biofilm eradication. The hANP effect requires the presence of the P. aeruginosa sensor AmiC and the AmiR antiterminator regulator, indicating a specific mode of action. These data establish the activation of the ami pathway as a potential mechanism for P. aeruginosa biofilm dispersion. hANP appears to be devoid of toxicity, does not enhance bacterial pathogenicity, and acts synergistically with antibiotics. These data show that hANP is a promising powerful antibiofilm weapon against established P. aeruginosa biofilms in chronic infections.
The TFAMoplex—Conversion of the Mitochondrial Transcription Factor A into a DNA Transfection Agent
Authors: Burger Michael , Kaelin Seraina , Leroux Jean‐Christophe
Published: January 2022

Non‐viral gene delivery agents, such as cationic lipids, polymers, and peptides, mainly rely on charge‐based and hydrophobic interactions for the condensation of DNA molecules into nanoparticles. The human protein mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM), on the other hand, has evolved to form nanoparticles with DNA through highly specific protein‐protein and protein‐DNA interactions. Here, the properties of TFAM are repurposed to create a DNA transfection agent by means of protein engineering. TFAM is covalently fused to Listeria monocytogenes phospholipase C (PLC), an enzyme that lyses lipid membranes under acidic conditions, to enable endosomal escape and human vaccinia‐related kinase 1 (VRK1), which is intended to protect the DNA from cytoplasmic defense mechanisms. The TFAM/DNA complexes (TFAMoplexes) are stabilized by cysteine point mutations introduced rationally in the TFAM homodimerization site, resulting in particles, which show maximal activity when formed in 80% serum and transfect HeLa cells in vitro after 30 min of incubation under challenging cell culture conditions. The herein developed TFAM‐based DNA scaffolds combine interesting characteristics in an easy‐to‐use system and can be readily expanded with further protein factors. This makes the TFAMoplex a promising tool in protein‐based gene delivery.
Visualizing Nucleation and Growth Process of Vanadium‐Supramolecular Nanoribbons Self‐Assembled by Rapid Cooling Method towards High‐Capacity Vanadium Nitride Anode Materials
Authors: Yang Yunlong , Wang Yanqin , Zhao Lei , Liu Ying , Ran Fen
Published: January 2022

The vanadium‐supramolecules and their derivatives are in high demand because of their huge potential applications in various fields, especially as electrodes for supercapacitors and batteries. However, the complex synthesis process is still a significant challenge. Furthermore, for these self‐assembly processes, the early reaction stages, intermediates, and details of reaction kinetics are still unknown. Here, an efficient approach of rapid cooling for large‐scale fabrication of melamine‐ammonium metavanadate (C3H6N6‐NH4VO3) supramolecular nanoribbons is reported, and the corresponding nucleation and growth process are visualized by using an in situ polarizing microscope. The thermally induced nucleation takes place within tens of seconds, and once the nucleus is formed, C3H6N6 and NH4VO3 begin to assemble into nanoribbons under thermal control and grow epitaxial around the already‐formed nuclei. The growth process is much slower than the nucleation, until all small molecules are consumed. Rapid heat induction (rapid cooling) and shear force induction (stirring) help to form a uniform and wider 2D sheet rather than fibers or ribbons. After pyrolysis, the vanadium‐supramolecules derived vanadium nitride (VN)/carbon nanoribbons present a mesoporous structure, which endows the VN/carbon with high capacitance of 266.3 F g−1 at 0.5 A g−1. In addition, the relationship between various structures and their properties is systematically investigated.
Electro‐Chemo‐Mechanical Modeling of Artificial Solid Electrolyte Interphase to Enable Uniform Electrodeposition of Lithium Metal Anodes
Authors: Liu Yangyang , Xu Xieyu , Kapitanova Olesya O. , Evdokimov Pavel V. , Song Zhongxiao , Matic Aleksandar , Xiong Shizhao
Published: January 2022

Nonuniform electrodeposition of lithium during charging processes is the key issue hindering development of rechargeable Li metal batteries. This deposition process is largely controlled by the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) on the metal surface and the design of artificial SEIs is an essential pathway to regulate electrodeposition of Li. In this work, an electro‐chemo‐mechanical model is built and implemented in a phase‐field modelling to understand the correlation between the physical properties of artificial SEIs and deposition of Li. The results show that improving ionic conductivity of the SEI above a critical level can mitigate stress concentration and preferred deposition of Li. In addition, the mechanical strength of the SEI is found to also mitigate non‐uniform deposition and influence electrochemical kinetics, with a Young's modulus around 4.0 GPa being a threshold value for even deposition of Li. By comparison of the results to experimental results for artificial SEIs it is clear that the most important direction for future work is to improve the ionic conductivity without compromising mechanical strength. In addition, the findings and methodology presented here not only provide detailed guidelines for design of artificial SEI on Li‐metal anodes but also pave the way to explore strategies for regulating deposition of other metal anodes.
A numerical study of flow boiling in a microchannel using the local front reconstruction method
Authors: Rajkotwala Adnan H. , Boer Leander L , Peters E. A. J. F. (Frank) , van der Geld Cees W. M. , Kuerten J. G. M. (Hans) , Kuipers J. A. M. (Hans) , Baltussen Maike W.
Published: January 2022

The rapid advances in performance and miniaturization of electronic devices require a cooling technology that can remove the produced heat at a high rate with small temperature variations, as is obtained in flow boiling. To obtain insight in flow boiling, we performed numerical simulations in a 200 μm square microchannel using the local front reconstruction method. Besides validation with literature results, a parametric study shows an increasing heat removal rate and bubble growth rate with increasing wall temperature, liquid mass density, and liquid heat capacity and decreasing inlet velocity indicating the importance of phase change compared to convective transport. Finally, the heat transfer in the liquid film is studied using a Nusselt number defined with the film thickness, which is comparable to Nusselt number for falling films on hot surfaces. It is observed that convective effects are more pronounced at the bubble rear compared to the bubble front.
Respiratory health of American Indian and Alaska Native coal miners participating in the Coal Workers' Health Surveillance Program, 2014–2019
Authors: Hall Noemi B. , Nye Maya J. , Blackley David J. , Scott Laney A. , Mazurek Jacek M. , Halldin Cara N.
Published: January 2022

Background

In 2014, a federal rule reduced occupational exposure limits to coal mine dust and expanded medical surveillance eligibility beyond underground miners to surface and contract coal miners. This expansion may have provided an opportunity for more American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) coal miners to participate in screening, since many surface coal mines are located near AI/AN communities and may employ AI/AN miners. Therefore we sought to better understand the respiratory health of AI/AN coal miners by characterizing prevalence of coal workers' pneumoconiosis (CWP), progressive massive fibrosis (PMF), and abnormal lung function in this population.

Methods

Descriptive analysis of 1405 chest radiographs and 627 spirometry test results for AI/AN miners who participated in the Coal Workers' Health Surveillance Program (CWHSP) during 2014–2019 was conducted.

Results

Most AI/AN miners (0–25+ years of tenure) were western United States residents (82.3%) and active surface miners (76.9%) with no underground tenure. Among miners with at least 10 years of tenure, prevalence of CWP was 3.0%, and of PMF was 0.3%. Lung function abnormalities were seen in 9.0% with primarily restrictive patterns.

Conclusions

The prevalence of CWP, PMF, and lung function abnormality among active and former AI/AN coal miners was higher than seen in a larger CWHSP study of active western miners working primarily underground with 10+ years of tenure. Interventions that eliminate or control coal mine dust exposure, identify miners with CWP early, and limit respiratory disease progression and complications remain vital for eliminating the preventable adverse health effects of coal mining. Comprehensive demographic data on the coal mining workforce are needed to improve CWHSP participation assessment.
Threshold in Quantum Correlated Interference for a Particle Interacting with Two Scatterers
Authors: Kowalski F. V.
Published: January 2022

Correlated interference is calculated for a microscopic particle retro‐reflecting from two spatially separated scatterers that are free to move, all three of which are treated as quantum bodies: the positions of the particle traversing this 1D interferometer and those of the interferometer components are all uncertain. Interference in a measurement of only the particle is shown to disappear for microscopic yet appear for mesoscopic scatterers, contrary to that of a quantum‐classical transition. A measurement of this threshold can verify quantum correlations in many‐body systems by measuring only the retro‐reflected microscopic particle. The decoherence of a mesoscopic scatterer is determined by this threshold without it having to traverse slits or beamsplitters.
One‐Pot Precision Synthesis of AB, ABA and ABC Block Copolymers via Switchable Catalysis
Authors: Yang Zhenjie , Hu Chenyang , Cui Fengchao , Pang Xuan , Huang Yuezhou , Zhou Yanchuan , Chen Xuesi
Published: January 2022

The switchable catalysis using a commercial salenMn catalyst was firstly developed and applied in the one‐pot selective copolymerization from anhydrides, epoxides, CO2 and ϵ‐caprolactone (ϵ‐CL) mixtures for the precise synthesis of AB, ABA and novel ABC block copolymers. The observed unique double switch process comprising three different polymerization cycles was rationalized by theoretical calculations. Surprisingly, the first block turned out to be an efficient macromolecular initiator for the consecutive introduction of carbonate linkages into copolymers, albeit with dominant cyclization with the catalyst alone. Further, through the selective reaction on different epoxides, the switchable copolymerization of up to five monomers was achieved yielding well‐defined multi‐block copolymers with structural diversity and functionality.
Determination of the formulation and curing conditions of thermosetting epoxy resins for optimizing their properties and future use in gelcasting process
Authors: Oberlin Cyril , Patry Stéphane , Pochat‐Bohatier Céline , Bechelany Mirna , Habas Jean‐Pierre , Miele Philippe
Published: January 2022

This work investigates the suitability of epoxy resins for possible use in an industrial gelcasting process. Two different formulations are studied using complementary experimental techniques. Both reactive formulations are based on a difunctional epoxy prepolymer (aliphatic BDGE or aromatic RDGE) mixed with a polyamine hardener (TEPA). The combination of analytical chemistry (NMR and FTIR spectroscopy) and calorimetric measurements (DSC) are used to determine the optimal epoxy/amine ratio for each reactive formulation. The gelation and vitrification times are investigated by dynamic rheometry through kinetic analyses over a large range of fixed temperature. It is found that the RDGE‐TEPA mixture is more reactive than BDGE‐TEPA with shorter curing starting times. The thermomechanical analyses performed on both optimized formulations show that the RDGE‐TEPA material presents better performances after curing (Tg close to 80°C) than the BDGE‐TEPA system (Tg lower than ambient temperature). Then, the effects of the cooling cycle on the thermomechanical profile of each polymer are investigated. The RDGE‐TEPA formulation is found to be much more subject to the formation of internal stresses created during the cross‐linking and cooling step than the BDGE‐TEPA material. Considering all these criteria, the BDGE‐TEPA system is ultimately more suitable for the gelcasting process than RDGE‐TEPA.
Assessment of squalene variability and its enhancement in Amaranthus (Amaranthus caudatus L.) populations: With application to vaccine development
Authors: Verma Kuldip Chandra
Published: January 2022

Amaranthus (Amaranthus caudatus L.) is the richest source of squalene among all plants. Squalene is used as a component of some adjuvants in vaccines for enhancement of the host immune response. Squalene content was estimated by high‐performance liquid chromatography and amino acids profiling was performed using an amino acid analyzer. Squalene content, up to 7.66%, was found in the raw seeds of amaranthus, which was further enhanced to 8.13% by popping. The results revealed that amaranthus populations have wide significant variations (p < 0.05) in 1000 seed weight (0.61–1.13 g), protein content (11.50–19.80%), total phenols (4.36–7.82 μg GAE/mg sample), total flavonoid (0.70–2.32 mg QE/g dw), and squalene (3.23–7.66% in raw seeds and 3.38–8.12% in popped seeds). Genotypic variability in amino acids composition, viz. lysine (4.96–5.90%), arginine (8.48–8.80%), leucine (5.20–6.70%), valine (3.60–4.60%), phenylalanine (5.30–8.00%), methionine (3.08–4.97%), tyrosine (5.92–7.96), threonine (3.20–4.32%), and glycine (6.60–8.20%), was also observed. Wide genetic variability in amaranthus grains may be used for improved varietal development breeding programs. It can be further concluded that an increase of squalene content in amaranthus grains by heat treatment could be helpful to fulfil the demands of cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries, especially with respect to vaccine production against virus‐generated pandemics.
A Janus Separator for Inhibiting Shuttle Effect and Lithium Dendrite in Lithium−Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Xiao Ru , Yang Shan , Yu Tong , Hu Tianzhao , Zhang Xiaoyin , Xu Ruogu , Wang Yaozu , Guo Xiaodong , Sun Zhenhua , Li Feng
Published: January 2022

Lithium−sulfur (Li−S) batteries are promising candidates for next‐generation energy storage systems. However, unsurpassed challenges including the shuttle effect and Li dendrite growth are still faced for marketization. Herein, La2Zr2O7‐x (OV‐LZO) nanotubes with surface oxygen vacancies were fabricated to serve as Janus separator coatings for Li−S batteries. The overlapping OV‐LZO nanotubes construct an efficient lithium polysulfides adsorption and catalysis network at the interface of the cathode/separator and a Li+ transport network by increasing the Li+ transfer number and boosting Li+ diffusion at the interface of the anode/separator to tackle the shuttle effect and lithium dendrite issues. The excellent thermal stability of OV‐LZO lowers the possibility of a short circuit. As a result, the elaborate Janus OV‐LZO coating enabled Li−S batteries with an areal capacity of 8.33 mAh cm−2 after 50 cycles at 0.2 C under conditions of high sulfur loading (9.1 mg cm−2), lean electrolyte (E/S of 4.5 mL g−1) and low N/P ratio of 2. Moreover, the gravimetric energy density of the battery was greatly increased compared to that of the commercial separator with little increase in the mass loading of separator. This strategy can be integrated with the optimization of other battery components to light the way for the construction of practical Li−S batteries.
Vorschlag für eine Änderung des Temperaturlastmodells für Beton‐ und Verbundbrücken in Österreich – Ergebnisse des Projekts MTE 2.0 „Modifiziertes Temperaturlastmodell für Eisenbahnbrücken“
Authors: Vill Markus , Vospernig Michael , Reiterer Michael , Eichinger‐Vill Eva M. , Kari Hannes
Published: January 2022

Im Rahmen des durch die ÖBB‐Infrastruktur AG initiierten Forschungsprojekts MTE 2.0 wurden umfangreiche Untersuchungen zur tatsächlichen Temperaturbeanspruchung von Eisenbahnbrücken durchgeführt. Hierbei wurden Messungen an Brückentragwerken sowie Auswertungen von statistischen meteorologischen Klimadaten über einen Zeitraum von 50 Jahren, probabilistische Auswertungen und sowohl analytische als auch numerische Berechnungen durchgeführt. Auf Basis der Ergebnisse wurde das normative Bemessungsmodell für Temperatureinwirkungen gemäß Eurocode 1 an die Randbedingungen für Eisenbahnbrücken (Beton‐ und Verbundkonstruktionen) angepasst und ein Vorschlag für ein optimiertes Bemessungsmodell neu entwickelt, das im folgenden Beitrag vorgestellt wird. Vergleichsrechnungen an Eisenbahnbrücken haben gezeigt, dass die Längenänderungen von Massivbrücken im Grenzzustand der Tragfähigkeit gemäß dem optimierten Bemessungsmodell gegenüber den Ansätzen der ÖNORM EN 1991‐1‐5 bzw. der ÖNORM B 1991‐1‐5 um 25 % bis 45 % geringere Werte aufweisen können. Mithilfe dieses neu entwickelten Bemessungsmodells können somit die tatsächlich gemessenen Längenänderungen an bestehenden Brücken unter Berücksichtigung der Teilsicherheitsbeiwerte und der charakteristischen Eingangswerte wesentlich realistischer abgebildet werden. Der vorliegende Beitrag soll als Diskussionsgrundlage für die Arbeit in dem entsprechenden Normengremium verwendet werden.