bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Regional healing trajectory of the patellar tendon after bone‐patellar tendon‐bone autograft harvest for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction
Authors: Ito Naoaki , Sigurðsson Haraldur B. , Cortes Daniel H. , Snyder‐Mackler Lynn , Silbernagel Karin Grävare
Published: February 2024

Graft site morbidities after bone‐patellar tendon‐bone (BPTB) autograft harvest for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) negatively impacts rehabilitation. The purpose of this study was to establish tendon structural properties 1‐month after BPTB autograft harvest compared to the uninvolved patellar tendon, and subsequently to quantify the healing trajectory of the patellar tendon over the course of rehabilitation. Patellar tendon morphology (ultrasound) and mechanical properties (continuous shear wave elastography) from 3 regions of the tendon (medial, lateral, central) were measured in 34 participants at 1 month, 3−4 months, and 6−9 months after ACLR. Mixed models were used to compare tendon structure between limbs at 1 month, and quantify healing over 3 timepoints. The involved patellar tendon had increased cross‐sectional area and thickness in all regions 1‐month after ACLR. Thickness reduced uniformly over time. Possible tendon elongation was observed and remained stable over time. Tendon viscosity was uniform across the three regions in the involved limb while the medial region had higher viscosity in the uninvolved limb, and shear modulus was elevated in all three regions at 1 month. Viscosity and shear modulus in only the central region reduced over time. Statement of Clinical Significance: The entire patellar tendon, and not just the central third, is altered after graft harvest. Tendon structure starts to normalize over time, but alterations remain especially in the central third at the time athletes are returning to sport. Early rehabilitation consisting of tendon loading protocols may be necessary to optimize biologic healing at the graft site tendon.
Effect of robotic gait training on muscle and bone characteristics in spinal cord transected rats
Authors: LeBlanc Michele , Soucy Michael , Moustafa‐Bayoumi Moustafa , Soto Dalziel , Nessler Jeff
Published: February 2024

Osteoporosis and loss of muscle mass are secondary issues with spinal cord injury. Robotic gait training has provided evidence of increasing bone density and muscle mass, but its effect on bone strength is undetermined. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of a 6‐week robotic locomotion training program on skeletal muscle mass and bone characteristics. Twelve female Sprague‐Dawley rats received a mid‐thoracic spinal cord transection at 5 days old and at 3 weeks old were assigned to a Control or Trained Group. The Trained Group performed 5‐min sessions on the Rat Stepper 5 days a week for 6 weeks with 90% of body weight supported. At the end of the 6 weeks, body mass was obtained and right femurs and four lower extremity muscles were harvested. Femur bone mineral density was measured with DXA and mechanical characteristics of the femur were determined via 3‐point bending testing. Independent t‐tests, effects sizes and percent differences were computed between the two groups (p < 0.05). The Trained Group had significantly larger normalized femur mass (p = 0.007) and normalized soleus muscle mass (p = 0.033) when compared to the Control Group. There was a medium or large effect size with the Trained Groups' femurs having larger mass, bone mineral density, rupture loads, cortical wall thickness, shaft cross sectional area, soleus mass, normalized gastrocnemius mass, and smaller shaft inner diameters compared to the Control Group. These changes may contribute to decreasing osteoporosis and fracture risk in those with spinal cord injuries.
Evaluation of the effect of Er,Cr:YSGG laser application on peri‐implant crevicular fluid receptor activator of nuclear factor‐kappa B ligand and osteoprotegerin levels in the non‐surgical treatment of peri‐implantitis: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Alpaslan Nazli Zeynep , Altindal Dicle , Akbal Damla , Talmac Ahmet Cemil , Keskin Tunc Serap , Ertugrul Abdullah Seckin
Published: February 2024

Background

This study aimed to investigate the effect of erbium, chromium doped:yttrium,scandium,gallium,garnet (Er,Cr:YSGG) laser application combined with non‐surgical mechanical debridement (MD) on clinical parameters and peri‐implant crevicular fluid receptor activator of nuclear factor‐kappa B ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) levels in the treatment of peri‐implantitis.

Methods

A total of 49 patients who underwent non‐surgical treatment of peri‐implantitis were randomly divided into two groups. The control group (n = 26) received MD alone, while the laser group (n = 23) received MD+Er,Cr:YSGG. The clinical parameters (bleeding on probing [BoP], gingival index [GI], plaque index [PI], probing depth [PD]), marginal bone loss (MBL), and biochemical parameters (RANKL and OPG) were measured at baseline (T0) and 6 months after treatment (T1).

Results

There was a statistically significant decrease in all the clinical parameters in both groups at T1 compared to T0 (p < 0.05). The BoP, PD, MBL, and RANKL reductions were significantly higher in the laser group than in the control group (p = 0.046, p = 0.014, p = 0.047, p = 0.045, respectively). The OPG levels significantly increased at T1 in the laser group (p = 0.01). The OPG/RANKL ratio increased significantly in both groups at T1, which favored the laser group (p = 0.034).

Conclusions

Although both treatment methods were influential in treating peri‐implantitis, the laser group (MD+Er,Cr:YSGG) yielded more favorable results by reducing clinical inflammation and improving biochemical parameters. Based on these findings, Er,Cr:YSGG laser may be a beneficial adjunctive treatment in this patient group.
Psychological adaptation among health care workers who work with trauma‐exposed refugees in Greece
Authors: Ghafoori Bita , Triliva Sofia , Chrysikopoulou Panagiota , Vavvos Andreas
Published: February 2024

Greek health care workers (HCWs) working with refugee and asylum‐seeker populations may be at risk of trauma exposure and related distress. The current study sought to further understand the factors that may promote or hinder psychological adaptation among HCWs working with trauma‐exposed refugee populations in Greece. Participants were HCWs (N = 20) who completed semistructured interviews. Thematic analysis procedures identified three main themes: vicarious traumatization, (b) mismatch of expectations, and (c) difficulty coping. Our study findings highlight the need to provide adequate training, supervision, and mental health support for HCWs to prevent mental health issues in this population. Additional studies are necessary to understand the long‐term consequences of working with refugee populations and explore ways to assist HCWs with self‐care.
Effects of brackish water irrigation and biochar application on fertility, enzyme activity, and winter wheat yield in coastal saline‐alkali soils
Authors: Wu Wei , Chai Hongxing , Gao Peiling , Gao Penghao , Zhang Xue , Li Mengzhao , Guo Xianglin , Lv Qingxin
Published: February 2024

Soil salinization is a common form of land degradation in coastal regions. The Yellow River Delta is a typical coastal saline‐alkali soils distribution region, with saline‐alkali soils accounting for nearly half of the total area of the region. In view of the lack of fresh water in the region, the use of brackish water and biochar made from agricultural waste to improve coastal saline‐alkali soils has a good application prospect, but there are fewer studies on this at present. To explore water conservation, fertilization, and yield enhancement solutions appropriate for saline‐alkali soils in the Yellow River Delta region, this study focused on investigating the impact of biochar addition on the fertility, enzyme activity, and winter wheat yield in saline‐alkali soils under brackish water irrigation conditions. The research was conducted through outdoor potting experiments, utilizing a local moderately saline‐alkali soil as the subject of study. The study design established three different irrigation water mineralization levels (0, 2, and 4 g L−1) during the research. Two types of biochar, wheat straw biochar (WB) and corn straw biochar (CB) were used with four different applications (0, 5, 10, and 20 t ha−1). There were 21 treatments; each replicated three times. The research findings indicated that brackish water irrigation adversely affected soil fertility and soil alkaline phosphatase activity and soil sucrase activity but increased soil urease activity and soil peroxidase activity. In contrast, biochar application improved soil fertility and enzyme activities. The soil fertility and enzyme activities of K2Y10 treatment was higher than that of CK (fresh water, no biochar application) except for soil total nitrogen, which increased by 5.5%–71.2%. While brackish water irrigation decreased winter wheat yield. Biochar application increased winter wheat yield, with the K2Y10 treatment showing the highest yield under brackish water irrigation conditions, and increased by 17.7% compared to CK. In conclusion, the study recommends a combination of water‐saving measures, fertilizer cultivation, and yield increase strategies to improve saline‐alkali soils in the Yellow River Delta region effectively. Specifically, irrigating with 2 g L−1 brackish water and application 10 t ha−1 of CB demonstrated greater efficacy in addressing the challenges of saline‐alkali soils in the region.
Exploring gift gaps: A meta‐analysis of giver–recipient asymmetries
Authors: Freling Ryan E. , Moore Koskie Melanie , Freling Traci H. , Moulard Julie G. , Crosno Jody L.
Published: February 2024

Gift giving has long intrigued and perplexed consumers and scholars alike. Of particular interest is when and why givers bestow gifts that miss the mark with recipients. The current meta‐analysis quantitatively investigates giver–recipient mismatches by empirically examining 153 unique effects from 114 studies across 29 papers. Results suggest that characteristics of the gifts, characteristics of the occasion, and characteristics of the giver/receiver in the gift exchange presented in the original studies affect the degree to which giver–recipient asymmetries are more/less pronounced. This research confirms a persistent disconnect between evaluations gift givers and recipients make about the exchanges in which they participate. This “Gift Gap” is exacerbated when the gift exchanged is sentimental in value, consumed privately, and when the exchange occurs between friends. These results provide some support for various theoretical perspectives hypothesized to explain these asymmetric evaluations. Finally, this research reveals the dearth of research focused on familial gift exchange, cultural differences in gift exchange, and gift exchange for unpleasant occasions or occasions unrelated to birthdays and holidays.
Effect of Lignin Structure Characteristics on the Performance of Lignin Based Phenol Formaldehyde Adhesives
Authors: Xu Xinwen , Li Haiming , Wang Xing , Shi Haiqiang , Niu Meihong , Zhang Yongchao , Wang Zhiwei , Guo Yanzhu
Published: February 2024

As the second most abundant biopolymer, lignin remains underutilized in various industrial applications. Various forms of lignin generated from different methods affect its physical and chemical properties to a certain extent. To promote the broader commercial utilization of currently available industrial lignins, lignin sulfonate (SL), kraft lignin (KL), and organosolv lignin (OL) are utilized to partially replace phenol in the synthesis of phenol formaldehyde (PF) adhesives. The impact of lignin production process on the effectiveness of lignin‐based phenolic (LPF) adhesives is examined based on the structural analysis of the selected industrial lignin. The results show that OL has more phenolic hydroxyl groups, lower molecular weight, and greater number of reactive sites than the other two types of lignins. The maximum replacement rate of phenol by OL reaches 70% w/w, resulting in organosolv lignin phenolic (OLPF) adhesives with a viscosity of 960 mPa·s, a minimal free formaldehyde content of 0.157%, and a shear strength of 1.84 MPa. It exhibits better performance compared with the other two types of lignin‐based adhesives and meets the requirements of national standards.
Approximation of nonlocal dispersal problem with inhomogeneous kernel
Authors: Sun Jian‐Wen , Du Yaping
Published: February 2024

In this paper, we study the Neumann problem for a class of nonlocal dispersal models with inhomogeneous kernel function. We investigate the existence, uniqueness, and limit of solutions when the inhomogeneous diffusion kernel is rescaled. Our result exhibits that the inhomogeneous nonlocal dispersal equation is analogous to local problem without convection in the limit case.
Robust EMI elimination for RF shielding‐free MRI through deep learning direct MR signal prediction
Authors: Zhao Yujiao , Xiao Linfang , Hu Jiahao , Wu Ed X.
Published: February 2024

Purpose

To develop a new electromagnetic interference (EMI) elimination strategy for RF shielding‐free MRI via active EMI sensing and deep learning direct MR signal prediction (Deep‐DSP).

Methods

Deep‐DSP is proposed to directly predict EMI‐free MR signals. During scanning, MRI receive coil and EMI sensing coils simultaneously sample data within two windows (i.e., for MR data and EMI characterization data acquisition, respectively). Afterward, a residual U‐Net model is trained using synthetic MRI receive coil data and EMI sensing coil data acquired during EMI signal characterization window, to predict EMI‐free MR signals from signals acquired by MRI receive and EMI sensing coils. The trained model is then used to directly predict EMI‐free MR signals from data acquired by MRI receive and sensing coils during the MR signal‐acquisition window. This strategy was evaluated on an ultralow‐field 0.055T brain MRI scanner without any RF shielding and a 1.5T whole‐body scanner with incomplete RF shielding.

Results

Deep‐DSP accurately predicted EMI‐free MR signals in presence of strong EMI. It outperformed recently developed EDITER and convolutional neural network methods, yielding better EMI elimination and enabling use of few EMI sensing coils. Furthermore, it could work well without dedicated EMI characterization data.

Conclusion

Deep‐DSP presents an effective EMI elimination strategy that outperforms existing methods, advancing toward truly portable and patient‐friendly MRI. It exploits electromagnetic coupling between MRI receive and EMI sensing coils as well as typical MR signal characteristics. Despite its deep learning nature, Deep‐DSP framework is computationally simple and efficient.
Effect of reparation on the mechanical behavior of glass fibers/Elium acrylic laminate composites: Experimental and numerical approaches
Authors: Koumba N. , Boumbimba R. Matadi , Bonfoh N. , Eba F. , Wary M.
Published: February 2024

Elium® Acrylic/Glass Fiber thermoplastic laminate composites are liable to develop irreversible local defects under quasi‐static loading. To reinforce the damaged material, repair is a cost‐effective mechanical alternative. The present study investigates the tensile behavior of an Elium® glass‐fiber‐based acrylic laminate composite panel, repaired by vacuum bonding with Elium® repair resin and double overlap of external patches (DP). The results obtained for all repaired laminate composites E190/GF_D(10, 20, 30)R with diameters 10, 20, and 30 mm showed an improvement in the mechanical properties of the repaired panels, compared with the drilled and pristine samples. Average load recovery rates were significant for E190/GF_D10R (7.9%, 3.55%, 13%) E190/GF_D20R (23%, 18%, 3.32%), E190/GF_D30R (7.2%, 9.36%, 32.37%) at strain rates of 0.001, 0.01, and 0.05 s−1 respectively. Finite element (FE) models for the virgin, drilled, and repaired composite, performed by coupling the Hashin criteria with the cohesive zone model (CZM), provided a relevant prediction of intra‐ and interlaminar failures of these woven laminated composites.

Highlights

The effect of vacuum bonding repair with Elium E351 EOT resin was studied.

Symmetrical repair of acrylic laminate drilled by fiberglass patches.

Tensile strength of the repaired laminates was investigated.

Intra‐ and interlaminar damage was predicted by finite elements modeling.
Situational factors affecting abstinence from drugs: Panel data analysis of patients with drug use disorders in residential drug use treatment
Authors: Mizuno Satomi , Shimane Takuya , Inoura Satoshi , Matsumoto Toshihiko
Published: February 2024

Aim

To identify situational factors that can predict drug abstention in patients with drug use disorders undergoing residential drug use treatment.

Methods

Patients with drug use disorders admitted to drug addiction rehabilitation centers (DARCs) in 2016 were involved in this study. Longitudinal panel data were used, with eight follow‐up surveys over 6 years, approximately every 6 months. Of the 2752 samples from the eight follow‐up surveys, 2293 were analyzed as the complete panel data set. The primary outcome was drug abstention for approximately 6 months. The influences of situational factors during this period on the primary outcome were also assessed using a generalized linear mixed model in which inter‐individual differences were controlled as variable effects.

Results

The use of residential DARCs positively influenced the primary outcome (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 3.33, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.79–6.21) when compared to no DARC usage. The cessation of drinking also positively affected the primary outcome (AOR 3.10, 95% CI 1.79–4.62), while employment status (AOR 2.22, 95% CI 1.12–4.41) and the cessation of drinking (AOR 4.92, 95% CI 2.77–8.72) positively impacted the primary outcomes of patients not using DARCs.

Conclusion

The use of residential DARCs and the cessation of drinking positively affected drug abstention rates. Employment and the cessation of drinking for patients who were not using the DARCs also had a positive effect. This information will aid in the development of social recovery strategies for people with drug use disorders.
Fabrication optimization of polyethersulfone adsorptive mixed matrix membrane for enhanced dynamic methylene blue removal: Response surface methodology approach
Authors: Zangeneh Zahra , Mohammadi Toraj , Zarghami Soheil , Tofighy Maryam Ahmadzadeh
Published: February 2024

In the present study, the polyethersulfone (PES)/graphene oxide (GO)/polyethylene glycol 200 (PEG‐200) adsorptive mixed matrix membranes (AMMMs) were fabricated using a non‐solvent induced phase inversion method. According to the design of experiments using response surface methodology (RSM), PES concentration (15, 17.5, and 20%), PEG‐200 concentration as a pore former additive (0.5, 2.5, and 4.5%), and GO nanosheet loading percent (0, 0.5, and 1%) were varied during fabrication. A green solvent, dimethyl sulfoxide, was used as an alternative to conventional solvents, while it exhibited better membrane performance. Methylene blue (MB) removal was optimized in PES AMMM synthesis using RSM. Attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscope confirmed the presence of GO functional groups in the optimum membrane. Scanning electron microscopy analysis revealed the optimum membrane was thicker than the neat membrane and atomic force microscopy analysis demonstrated higher surface roughness. The membranes hydrophilicity increased, with a decrease in water contact angle from 61.1 ± 0.2° (neat PES) to 54.4 ± 0.9° (optimal membrane). Pure water flux of 524.8 L m−2 h−1 and MB rejection of 97.46% were obtained for the optimum membrane. Furthermore, the optimum PES AMMM demonstrated a greater dynamic adsorption capacity in comparison to the unmodified PES membrane.

Highlights

The optimization of the polyethersulfone (PES) adsorptive mixed matrix membranes (AMMM) for methylene blue removal was performed utilizing the response surface methodology.

The calculation of the dynamic adsorption capacity (DAC) was performed through the breakthrough curves.

The integration of graphene oxide into the AMMM resulted in an enhanced DAC of the AMMM.

The PES AMMM performance is based on Donnan electrostatic exclusion.
Microwave curing of modified benzoxazine resin/ethylene–propylene–diene monomer rubber/Kevlar composite
Authors: Khodaeian Hamidreza , Ahmadi Zahed , Afshar Taromi Faramarz
Published: February 2024

The purpose of this paper was to show how modified benzoxazine resin/ethylene–propylene–diene monomer rubber/Kevlar composites are prepared. The compatibilization of polar benzoxazine resin and non‐polar EPDM was carried out by EPDM‐g‐MAH copolymer synthesized as a compatibilizer, and then, the microwave (MW) irradiation method and conventional thermal cure (CV) were used to cure this composite. The samples cured by both methods were evaluated and compared by differential scanning calorimetry analysis (DSC), dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and thermo‐gravimetric analysis (TGA). Microwave curing significantly reduced the curing time, and the composites cured with MW irradiation had higher glass transition temperature (Tg), more uniform curing, higher cross‐link density, and more thermal stability than CV‐cured composites.

Highlights

Constructing BZ/EPDM/Kevlar thermal composite for use at high temperatures.

Using modified resin to reduce curing temperature and improve final properties.

Creating compatibility between non‐polar EPDM rubber and polar BZ resin.

Investigating and comparing between thermal and MW curing of the composites.
Allometry and volumes in a nutshell: Analyzing walnut morphology using three‐dimensional X‐ray computed tomography
Authors: Amézquita Erik J. , Quigley Michelle Y. , Brown Patrick J. , Munch Elizabeth , Chitwood Daniel H.
Published: February 2024

Persian walnuts (Juglans regia L.) are the second most produced and consumed tree nut, with over 2.6 million metric tons produced in the 2022–2023 harvest cycle alone. The United States is the second largest producer, accounting for 25% of the total global supply. Nonetheless, producers face an ever‐growing demand in a more uncertain climate landscape, which requires effective and efficient walnut selection and breeding of new cultivars with increased kernel content and easy‐to‐open shells. Past and current efforts select for these traits using hand‐held calipers and eye‐based evaluations. Yet there is plenty of morphology that meets the eye but goes unmeasured, such as the volume of inner air or the convexity of the kernel. Here, we study the shape of walnut fruits based on X‐ray computed tomography three‐dimensional reconstructions. We compute 49 different morphological phenotypes for 1264 individual nuts comprising 149 accessions. These phenotypes are complemented by traits of breeding interest such as ease of kernel removal and kernel‐to‐nut weight ratio. Through allometric relationships, relative growth of one tissue to another, we identify possible biophysical constraints at play during development. We explore multiple correlations between all morphological and commercial traits and identify which morphological traits can explain the most variability of commercial traits. We show that using only volume‐ and thickness‐based traits, especially inner air content, we can successfully encode several of the commercial traits.
UAV image acquisition and processing for high‐throughput phenotyping in agricultural research and breeding programs
Authors: Bongomin Ocident , Lamo Jimmy , Guina Joshua Mugeziaubwa , Okello Collins , Ocen Gilbert Gilibrays , Obura Morish , Alibu Simon , Owino Cynthia Awuor , Akwero Agnes , Ojok Samson
Published: February 2024

We are in a race against time to combat climate change and increase food production by 70% to feed the ever‐growing world population, which is expected to double by 2050. Agricultural research plays a vital role in improving crops and livestock through breeding programs and good agricultural practices, enabling sustainable agriculture and food systems. While advanced molecular breeding technologies have been widely adopted, phenotyping as an essential aspect of agricultural research and breeding programs has seen little development in most African institutions and remains a traditional method. However, the concept of high‐throughput phenotyping (HTP) has been gaining momentum, particularly in the context of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)‐based phenotyping. Although research into UAV‐based phenotyping is still limited, this paper aimed to provide a comprehensive overview and understanding of the use of UAV platforms and image analytics for HTP in agricultural research and to identify the key challenges and opportunities in this area. The paper discusses field phenotyping concepts, UAV classification and specifications, use cases of UAV‐based phenotyping, UAV imaging systems for phenotyping, and image processing and analytics methods. However, more research is required to optimize UAVs’ performance for image data acquisition, as limited studies have focused on the effect of UAVs’ operational parameters on data acquisition.
Post‐ingestive stability of a mulberry Kunitz‐type protease inhibitor MnKTI‐1 in the digestive lumen of silkworm: dual inhibition towards α‐amylase and serine protease
Authors: Liang Jiubo , Lu Hulin , Hao Haiye , Zhang Qi , Chen Kaiying , Xiang Zhonghuai , He Ningjia
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND

Adaptation of specialist insects to their host plants and defense responses of plants to phytophagous insects have been extensively recognized while the dynamic interaction between these two events has been largely underestimated. Here, we provide evidence for characterization of an unrevealed dynamic interaction mode of digestive enzymes of specialist insect silkworm and inhibitor of its host plant mulberry tree.

RESULTS

MnKTI‐1, a mulberry Kunitz‐type protease inhibitor, whose messenger RNA (mRNA) transcription and protein expression in mulberry leaf were severely triggered and up‐regulated by tens of times in a matter of hours in response to silkworm, Bombyx mori, and other mulberry pest insects, suggesting a quick response and broad spectrum to insect herbivory. MnKTI‐1 proteins were detected in gut content and frass of specialist B. mori, and exhibited significant post‐ingestive stability. Recombinant refolded MnKTI‐1 (rMnKTI‐1) displayed binding affinity to digestive enzymes and a dual inhibitory activity to α‐amylase BmAmy and serine protease BmSP2956 in digestive juice of silkworm. Moreover, data from in vitro assays proved that the inhibition of recombinant rMnKTI‐1 to BmAmy can be reverted by pre‐incubation with BmSP15920, an inactivated silkworm digestive protease that lack of complete catalytic triad.

CONCLUSION

These findings demonstrate that mulberry MnKTI‐1 has the potential to inhibit the digestive enzyme activities of its specialist insect herbivore silkworm, whereas this insect may employ inactivated proteases to block protease inhibitors to accomplish food digestion. The current work provides an insight to better understand the interacting mode between host plant Kunitz protease inhibitors and herbivorous insect digestive enzymes. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Overcoming barriers to COVID‐19 herd immunity in Afghanistan
Authors: Wardak Mohammad Faisal , Rahimi Ali , Lucero‐Prisno Don Eliseo , Miranda Adriana Viola
Published: February 2024

Afghanistan faces numerous obstacles in its endeavor to achieve herd immunity against COVID‐19. Inadequate resources, vaccine hesitancy, and the new government's lack of international recognition have impeded the country and harmed vaccine procurement and distribution. Although the recent power shift has led to a more secure situation, the country's vaccination coverage remains at 44.05% as of November 26, 2023. The main hurdles to herd immunity include limited vaccine accessibility, extensive vaccine hesitancy, an inefficient cold chain system causing high vaccine wastage rates, substandard service delivery, recent restrictions on women's healthcare access, low health literacy, and a weakened economy owing to decades of conflict and international sanctions. This article assesses vaccination progress, and herd immunity barriers, and provides solutions to overcome them in Afghanistan. A comprehensive approach is required, which involves enhancing public awareness of the benefits of vaccination, debunking vaccine‐related misconceptions through the media, expanding vaccine accessibility especially in remote areas, increasing vaccination personnel, promoting the cold chain and delivery system, reversing the ban on women's education and employment, boosting the economy, and increasing the inflow of humanitarian aid by lifting international sanctions. Successfully implementing these measures can help Afghanistan overcome obstacles to herd immunity, leading the country toward a safer and healthier future.
Construction of Smart DNA‐Based Drug Delivery Systems for Cancer Therapy
Authors: Li Congcong , Wang Mengzhen , Li Pei‐Feng , Sheng Junyue , Fu Qinrui
Published: February 2024

Due to the disadvantages of poor targeting, slow action, and low effectiveness of current commonly used cancer treatments, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, researchers have turned to DNA as a biomaterial for constructing drug delivery nanocarriers. DNA is favored for its biocompatibility and programmability. In order to overcome the limitations associated with traditional drug delivery systems (DDSs), researchers have developed smart‐responsive DNA DDSs that can control drug release in response to specific physical or chemical stimuli at targeted sites. In this review, a summary of multiple targeted ligand structures is provided, various shapes of stable DNA nanomaterials, and different stimuli‐responsive drug release strategies in DNA DDSs. Specifically, targeted cell recognition, in vivo stable transport, and controlled drug release of smart DDSs are focused. Finally, the further development prospects and challenges of clinical application of DNA nanomaterials in the field of smart drug delivery are discussed. The objective of this review is to enhance researchers' comprehension regarding the potential application of DNA nanomaterials in precision drug delivery, with the aim of expediting the clinical implementation of intelligent DDSs.
Multiplexable and Scalable Aqueous Synthesis Platform for Oleate‐Based, Bilayer‐Coated Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: Backhaus Andreas , Albrecht Jillian , Alzhanova Gaukhar , Long Avery , Arnold Wyatt , Lee Junseok , Tse Ho‐Yin , Su Tina T. , Cruz‐Gomez Sebastian , Lee Seung Soo S. , Menges Fabian , Parent Lucas R. , Ratjen Lars , Burtness Barbara , Fortner John D. , Zimmerman Julie B.
Published: February 2024

Despite gold‐based nanomaterials having a unique role in nanomedicine, among other fields, synthesis limitations relating to reaction scale‐up and control result in prohibitively high gold nanoparticle costs. In this work, a new preparation procedure for lipid bilayer‐coated gold nanoparticles in water is presented, using sodium oleate as reductant and capping agent. The seed‐free synthesis not only allows for size precision (8–30 nm) but also remarkable particle concentration (10 mm Au). These reaction efficiencies allow for multiplexing and reaction standardization in 96‐well plates using conventional thermocyclers, in addition to simple particle purification via microcentrifugation. Such a multiplexing approach also enables detailed spectroscopic investigation of the nonlinear growth process and dynamic sodium oleate/oleic acid self‐assembly. In addition to scalability (at gram‐level), resulting gold nanoparticles are stable at physiological pH, in common cell culture media, and are autoclavable. To demonstrate the versatility and applicability of the reported method, a robust ligand exchange with thiolated polyethylene glycol analogues is also presented.
Octylammonium Iodide Induced in‐situ Healing Behavior at Perovskite / Carbon Interface: the “Slow‐Release Effect” Caused by Carbon Black Adsorption
Authors: Ma Jiao , Lin Siyuan , Fang Mei , Fang Zhenxing , Yu Xiaohan , Guo De'en , Xie Haipeng , Kong Deming , Li Youzhen , Zhou Conghua
Published: February 2024

“Perovskite / Carbon” interface has remained a key bottleneck for the hole‐conductor‐free perovskite solar cells based on carbon‐electrode (CPSCs), due to problems like loose physics contact, defects, energy mismatch, poor chemical coupling, etc. A previous study shows that octylammonium iodide (OAI) blending in carbon paste induced a kind of “in‐situ healing” effect for “perovskite / carbon” interface, and improved power conversion efficiency from ≈13% to >19%. Here the beneath mechanism is further explored by careful examination of the interaction between OAI molecule and carbon black (CB) nanoparticles. It comes to show that, the famous “CB adsorption” plays a key role during the “healing” processes. Due to CB adsorption behavior, the mass ratio between OAI and CB influences much on the healing effect. By suitably adjusting the mass ratio between OAI and CB, and increasing the light harvest of perovskite, an efficiency of 19.41% is achieved for the hole‐conductor‐free CPSCs. Device efficiency and the charge‐extraction and recombination process are tracked with the storage period, continuous improvement appears for devices assembled by relatively higher CB mass. A kind of “slow‐release effect” is revealed during the OAI‐induced “in‐situ healing” process, which is caused by the famous “CB adsorption” behavior.
Phase‐Transition of Mo2C Induced by Tungsten Doping as Heterointerface‐Rich Electrocatalyst for Optimizing Hydrogen Evolution Activity
Authors: Chen Wansong , Niu Mang , Zhang Zhaozuo , Chen Lin , Li Xing , Zhang Jinming , Sun Ruoxin , Cao Haijie , Wang Xiaoxia
Published: February 2024

Electrochemical hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) from water splitting driven by renewable energy is considered a promising method for large‐scale hydrogen production, and as an alternative to noble‐metal electrocatalysts, molybdenum carbide (Mo2C) has exhibited effective HER performance. However, the strong bonding strength of intermediate adsorbed H (Hads) with Mo active site slows down the HER kinetics of Mo2C. Herein, using phase‐transition strategy, hexagonal β‐Mo2C could be easily transferred to cubic δ‐Mo2C through electron injection triggered by tungsten (W) doping, and heterointerface‐rich Mo2C‐based composites, including β‐Mo2C, δ‐Mo2C, and MoO2, are presented. Experimental results and density functional theory calculations reveal that W doping mainly contributes to the phase‐transition process, and the generated heterointerfaces are the dominant factor in inducing remarkable electron accumulation around Mo active sites, thus weakening the Mo─H coupling. Wherein, the β‐Mo2C/MoO2 interface plays an important role in optimizing the electronic structure of Mo 3d orbital and hydrogen adsorption Gibbs free energy (ΔGH*), enabling these Mo2C‐based composites to have excellent intrinsic catalytic activity like low overpotential (η10 = 99.8 mV), small Tafel slope (60.16 dec−1), and good stability in 1 m KOH. This work sheds light on phase‐transition engineering and offers a convenient route to construct heterointerfaces for large‐scale HER production.
Endoplasmic Reticulum‐Targeting Self‐Assembly Nanosheets Promote Autophagy and Regulate Immunosuppressive Tumor Microenvironment for Efficient Photodynamic Immunotherapy
Authors: Huang Pei‐Ying , Liang Shi‐Yu , Xiang Yun , Li Ming‐Rui , Wang Mei‐Rong , Liu Li‐Han
Published: February 2024

The poor efficiency and low immunogenicity of photodynamic therapy (PDT), and the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (ITM) lead to tumor recurrence and metastasis. In this work, TCPP‐TER‐Zn@RSV nanosheets (TZR NSs) that co‐assembled from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)‐targeting photosensitizer TCPP‐TER‐Zn nanosheets (TZ NSs for short) and the autophagy promoting and indoleamine‐(2, 3)‐dioxygenase (IDO) inhibitor‐like resveratrol (RSV) are fabricated to enhance antitumor PDT. TZR NSs exhibit improved therapeutic efficiency and amplified immunogenic cancer cell death (ICD) by ER targeting PDT and ER autophagy promotion. TZR NSs reversed the ITM with an increase of CD8+ T cells and reduce of immunosuppressive Foxp3 regulatory T cells, which effectively burst antitumor immunity thus clearing residual tumor cells. The ER‐targeting TZR NSs developed in this paper presents a simple but valuable reference for high‐efficiency tumor photodynamic immunotherapy.
Cholesterol‐Modified DNA Nanostructures Serve as Effective Non‐Viral Carriers for Delivering siRNA to the Kidneys to Prevent Acute Kidney Injury
Authors: Li Chengxun , Zhao Wenzhuo , Hu Zuojian , Yu Hongxiu
Published: February 2024

With the emergence of gene therapy utilizing viral vectors, the potential risks associated with these vectors have prompted increased attention toward non‐viral alternatives. DNA nanotechnology enables the assembly of specific oligonucleotide chains into nanostructures possessing defined spatial configurations. Due to their inherent characteristics, DNA nanostructures possess natural advantages as carriers for regulating gene expression in a non‐viral manner. Cholesterol modification can convert DNA nanostructures from hydrophilic materials to amphiphilic materials, thereby extending their systemic circulation time. In this study, the high‐dimensional design and cholesterol modification are shown to prolong the systemic circulation half‐life of DNA nanostructures in mice. Specifically, the tetrahedron structure modified with three cholesterol molecules (TDN‐3Chol) exhibit excellent circulation time and demonstrate a preference for renal uptake. The unique characteristics of TDN‐3Chol can effectively deliver p53 siRNA to the mouse renal tubular tissue, resulting in successful knockdown of p53 and demonstrating its potential for preventing acute kidney injury. Furthermore, TDN‐3Chol is not exhibited significant toxicity in mice, highlighting its promising role as a non‐viral vector for targeted gene expression regulation in the kidneys. The designed non‐viral vector as a prophylactic medication shows potential in addressing the current clinical challenges associated with nephrotoxic drugs.
Demonstration of Excellent Crystalline Silicon Surface Passivation (S < 1.27 cm s−1) by High‐Rate DC‐Sputtered Hydrogenated Amorphous Silicon
Authors: Li Shasha , Miyajima Shinsuke
Published: February 2024

The surface passivation quality of intrinsic hydrogenated amorphous silicon (i‐a‐Si:H) layers deposited by constant DC power‐facing target sputtering (FTS) technology is investigated. An n‐type crystalline silicon wafer passivated with a 42 nm‐thick i‐a‐Si:H shows an effective carrier lifetime of 11 ms, which corresponds to a low upper limit effective surface recombination velocity Seff of 1.27 cm s−1. An ultrathin 5 nm‐thick i‐a‐Si:H film achieves an implied open‐circuit voltage (iVoc) of 730 mV at a high deposition rate of 31 nm min−1. It is found that constant DC‐FTS does not cause sputtering damage under high deposition rate conditions. This work demonstrates that i‐a‐Si:H deposited by constant DC‐FTS can achieve the same passivation quality as i‐a‐Si:H deposited by plasma‐enhanced chemical vapor deposition or catalytic chemical vapor deposition, paving the way for the fabrication of silicon heterojunction solar cells without the use of explosive and toxic gases.
Strategies of Enhancing Ionic Conductivity in Model Solid‐State Electrolyte Li15P4S16Cl3
Authors: Zhang Jialu , Lou Chenjie , Dong Lei , Ping Weiwei , Xiang Hongfa , Tang Mingxue , Feng Xuyong
Published: February 2024

High ionic conductivity is the key point in the development of new solid‐state electrolytes. Herein, a combining strategy of anion (O2−) doping and structure distortion is applied to enhance the Li+ ion conductivity in Li15P4S16Cl3, thus converting the nonionic conductor into fast ionic conductor. Solid‐state 6Li nuclear magnetic resonance analysis shows redistribution of Li+ ions in Li15P4S16Cl3 with O2− doping or local structure distortion via ball milling, indicating energy changes at different lithium sites. As a result, the activation energy is reduced from 0.50 to 0.35 eV for the ball‐milled Li15P4S15.6O0.4Cl3, and the ionic conductivity is enhanced from 10−9 to 10−4 S cm−1. The electrochemical stability of Li15P4S15.6O0.4Cl3 is broadened at the anode side as well. The symmetric cell Li|Li15P4S15.6O0.4Cl3|Li can cycle more than 1000 h with negligible voltage increase. The LiCoO2|Li15P4S15.6O0.4Cl3|Li‐Si all‐solid‐state battery demonstrates an initial capacity of 106 mA h g−1 and retains 92% capacity after 200 cycles at 0.5 C, highlighting excellent rate performance and electrochemical stability.
Recognition of Fiber Optic Vibration Signals Based on Laplace Wavelet Transform and Deep Learning
Authors: Qi Jinshui , Mo Jiaqing , Niu Yasen , Cui Yiteng
Published: February 2024

Convolutional neural networks possess the capability of feature learning and nonlinear mapping, which has significant advantages in classifying and recognizing optical fiber vibration signals. In order to further enhance the recognition rate of vibration signals, this paper combines wavelet transform with convolutional neural networks and designs a convolutional layer based on parameterized wavelets. In this layer, the initial signal is convolved with parameterized Laplace wavelet dictionaries to complete the wavelet transform. Such customized filters make more sense than filters with randomly initialized parameters for traditional CNNs. Simultaneously, we introduce the channel attention mechanism to enhance the features of the filtered signals. Subsequently, standard CNNs are employed to extract and process signal features, ultimately utilizing a multi‐layer perceptron for recognition and classification. The experimental results show that the network model possesses better recognition refinement. © 2024 Institute of Electrical Engineer of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC.
No benefit in using rubber‐coated wire to counter loss of voltage due to tall grass in large carnivore deterring fences
Authors: Hedmark Eva , Palacios Carlos Cardoso , Frank Jens
Published: February 2024

Electric wire enclosures to protect livestock represent one intervention to mitigate negative impacts of large carnivores. However, appropriate fence construction and voltage level in the live wires are crucial to deter carnivores. To ensure that the voltage level remains sufficiently high, maintenances and clearing the wires from tall or growing vegetation is regularly needed. In this study, we investigate the performance of a fence wire coated with conductive rubber, claimed by the supplier not to short circuit and drop in voltage due to contact with e.g. ground and vegetation. We examine the voltage of the rubber‐coated wire during contact with soil, ground, and wet vegetation and observed a voltage loss comparable to that of the standard metal fence wire. Our results imply that the rubber‐coated wire does not perform better than a conventional metal fence wire when in contact with growing grass and other elements that usually short circuit an electric fence.
Nonlocal and dual‐phase‐lag effects in a transversely isotropic exponentially graded thermoelastic medium with voids
Authors: Barak M. S. , Poonia Ravinder , Devi Savita , Dhankhar Priti
Published: February 2024

The aim of the present work is to examine the thermally induced disturbances in a transversely isotropic nonlocal exponentially graded (nonhomogeneous) thermoelastic half‐space with voids within the framework of dual‐phase‐lag (DPL) theory. It is supposed that the material's properties are graded in ‐direction. By employing normal mode technique, the exact expressions of the temperature field, the change in volume fraction field, displacement and stress components are obtained. The obtained results are computed numerically for a magnesium crystal‐like material and depicted graphically to display the effects of material's anisotropy, non‐homogeneity parameter, generalized theories, nonlocal parameter, void parameter and time on the variations of different physical fields. Certain limiting cases of interest have been deduced from the present investigation.
A complete set of the dimension-8 Green’s basis operators in the Standard Model effective field theory
Authors: Ren Zhe , Yu Jiang-Hao
Published: February 2024

Abstract

We present a complete and independent off-shell Green’s basis of the dimension 8 operators in the Standard Model effective field theory (SMEFT). We propose an off-shell amplitude formalism such that this new kind of amplitude has a one-to-one correspondence to general operators carrying all kinds of redundancies. The advantage of such formalism is that all kinds of redundancies can be formulated explicitly in terms of the off-shell spinors and thus be removed systematically from the exhaustive list of the general off-shell amplitudes. Following such procedures, redundant operators can be reduced to the ones with the only redundancy from the equation of motion kept, the Green’s basis. We find there are (993+1649) independent (on-shell + off-shell) operators for one generation of fermions and (44807+66197) ones for three generations at dimension 8. This systematic method can be applied to obtain the Green’s basis at any mass dimension for general EFTs.
Racial disparities in law enforcement/court-ordered psychiatric inpatient admissions after the 2008 recession: a test of the frustration–aggression–displacement hypothesis
Authors: Singh Parvati , Catalano Ralph , Bruckner Tim A.
Published: February 2024

Background

Societies under duress may selectively increase the reporting of disordered persons from vulnerable communities to law enforcement. Mentally ill African American males reportedly are perceived as more threatening relative to females and other race/ethnicities. We examine whether law enforcement/court order-requested involuntary psychiatric hospitalizations increased among African American males shortly after ambient economic decline—a widely characterized population stressor.

Methods

We identified psychiatric inpatient admissions requested by law enforcement/court orders from 2006 to 2011 across four US states (Arizona, California, New York, North Carolina). Our analytic sample comprises 13.1 million psychiatric inpatient admissions across 95 counties over 72 months. We operationalized exposure to economic downturns as percent change in monthly employment in a metropolitan statistical area (MSA). We used zero inflated negative binomial and linear fixed effects regression analyses to examine psychiatric inpatient admissions requested by law enforcement/court orders following regional employment decline over a time period that includes the Great Recession of 2008.

Findings.

Declines in monthly employment precede by one month a 6% increase in psychiatric hospitalizations requested by law enforcement/court order among African American males (p < 0.05), but not among other race/sex groups. Estimates amount to an excess of 2554 involuntary admissions among African American males statistically attributable to aggregate-level employment decline.

Conclusions

Economic downturns may increase involuntary psychiatric commitments among African American males. Our findings underscore the unique vulnerability of racial/ethnic minorities during economic contractions.