bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An integrative view of human hippocampal function: Differences with other species and capacity considerations
Authors: Quian Quiroga Rodrigo
Published: March 2023

We describe an integrative model that encodes associations between related concepts in the human hippocampal formation, constituting the skeleton of episodic memories. The model, based on partially overlapping assemblies of “concept cells,” contrast markedly with the well‐established notion of pattern separation, which relies on conjunctive, context dependent single neuron responses, instead of the invariant, context independent responses found in the human hippocampus. We argue that the model of partially overlapping assemblies is better suited to cope with memory capacity limitations, that the finding of different types of neurons and functions in this area is due to a flexible and temporary use of the extraordinary machinery of the hippocampus to deal with the task at hand, and that only information that is relevant and frequently revisited will consolidate into long‐term hippocampal representations, using partially overlapping assemblies. Finally, we propose that concept cells are uniquely human and that they may constitute the neuronal underpinnings of cognitive abilities that are much further developed in humans compared to other species.
Alteration of hippocampal CA2 plasticity and social memory in adult rats impacted by juvenile stress
Authors: Raghuraman Radha , Navakkode Sheeja , Sajikumar Sreedharan
Published: March 2023

The hippocampal CA2 region has received greater attention in recent years due to its fundamental role in social memory and hippocampus‐dependent memory processing. Unlike entorhinal cortical inputs, the Schaffer collateral inputs to CA2 do not support activity‐dependent long‐term potentiation (LTP), which serves as the basis for long‐term memories. This LTP‐resistant zone also expresses genes that restrict plasticity. With the aim of exploring social interaction and sociability in rats that were subjected to juvenile stress, we addressed questions about how the neural circuitry is altered and its effects on social behavior. Although there was induction of LTP in both Schaffer collateral and entorhinal cortical pathways in juvenile‐stressed rats, LTP declined in both pathways after 2–3 h. Moreover, exogenous bath application of substance P, a neuropeptide that resulted in slow onset long‐lasting potentiation in control animals while it failed to induce LTP in juvenile‐stressed rats. Our study reveals that juvenile‐stressed rats show behavioral and cellular abnormalities with a long‐lasting impact in adulthood.
Steps to implementation: Understanding barriers and enablers for implementing Arts on Prescription at Home for people impacted by dementia
Authors: O'Connor Claire M. C. , Poulos Roslyn G. , Preti Costanza , Heldon Michelle , Barclay Linda , Beattie Elizabeth , Poulos Christopher J.
Published: March 2023

Issue addressed

Arts on Prescription at Home (AoP@Home) involves a professional artist visiting a person with dementia and their informal carer(s) in their own home to engage them in participatory art making. While there is evidence for the use of these programs, more work is needed to facilitate effective implementation. This study explored contextual barriers and enablers to implementation of AoP@Home within a real‐world community aged care service.

Methods

Two remote focus groups were conducted at a community aged care provider in Sydney, Australia. Key stakeholders (n = 14) were recruited, representing: people with dementia, informal (family) carers, AoP artists, service referrers and community service managers. Focus group transcripts were analysed using qualitative content analysis and mapped onto the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). Outcomes were reviewed against the Expert Recommendations for Implementing Change (ERIC) strategy compilation to inform development of a tailored implementation strategy.

Results

Four overarching themes described the range of barriers and enablers to AoP@Home implementation: (1) “I don't know enough about it” (awareness and engagement within the sector), (2) artists delivering programs, (3) awareness and engagement of people impacted by dementia, (4) practicalities of implementation. All five domains of the CFIR were represented across the four themes. The ERIC compilation provided a list of practical strategies for implementation of AoP@Home.

Conclusions

The implementation of psychosocial interventions for people living with dementia within a community aged care service is complex and multifactorial.

So what?:Organisations planning implementation should consider conducting their own pre‐implementation analysis to identify context‐specific strategies.
Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome in the postpartum period: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Lee David E. , Krishnan Anant , Collins Riley
Published: March 2023

Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) is a rare phenomenon that can present in the postpartum period. We show the experience of a 35‐year‐old patient who presented with headache after an uncomplicated pregnancy and vaginal delivery. She was initially diagnosed with pre‐eclampsia, and subsequently with RCVS following discovery of multifocal vascular narrowing on magnetic resonance arteriography (MRA). Verapamil was initiated, and at 1 month there was improvement intracranially, but cervical vertebral arterial narrowing, likely dissection, was discovered. Verapamil was continued and aspirin was initiated. Follow‐up imaging 5 months postpartum demonstrated near‐complete resolution of previously noted abnormalities, which remained stable at reimaging at 10 months postpartum. In conclusion, the symptoms of RCVS can mimic or coexist with pre‐eclampsia. Early intracranial imaging such as MRA can permit timely diagnosis and facilitate appropriate management and follow‐up.
“We talk teeth”: Exploring faculty EDIA (equity, diversity, inclusivity, and access) capacity in dental education
Authors: Macdonald Lindsay K. , Bryan Venise D. , Hachey Shauna M. , Thirsk Lorraine M.
Published: March 2023

Purpose

There are increasing concerns regarding inequitable educational access and experiences for underrepresented populations in health education, prompting dental faculties to recognize EDIA (equity, diversity, inclusivity, and access) capacity as a strategic priority. Faculty members contribute to the establishment and reinforcement of institutionally engrained norms within learning settings with significant influence on the experience of students. Currently, there is limited literature on faculty EDIA capacity within dental education and minimal evidence to inform barriers to development. This study sought to explore how dental faculty members perceive their personal and institutional EDIA capacity and to identify current strengths and weaknesses of EDIA development within the institution of study and dental education.

Methods

Using a hermeneutic study design, semi‐structured interviews were conducted on a convenience sampling of dental faculty members (n = 10) and a thematic, interpretative analysis was applied.

Results

Findings revealed six dominant themes impacting EDIA capacity. Knowledge of EDIA language, interfaculty communication, and institutional messaging are identified as weaknesses, whereas informal, community building events for EDIA development are identified as novel strengths meriting prioritization. Motivation to engage in EDIA by faculty members overall is illuminated in relation to emotionally provocative experiences.

Conclusion

Current institutional communication of EDIA is unconsciously restricting capacity building based on hierarchical and prescribed parameters. Developing capacity in dental education requires a redirection of resources to initiatives valuing social bonding over prescribed box‐checking. This study reveals a new narrative of EDIA capacity within dental education and sustainable pathways for development with high transferability to other health programs.
Impact ofCOVID‐19 on sense of belonging: Experiences of engineering students, faculty, and staff at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)
Authors: Fletcher Trina L. , Jefferson Jay P. , Boyd Brittany , Park Sung Eun , Crumpton‐Young Lesia
Published: March 2023

Background

COVID‐19 has spurred a global crisis that has disrupted everyday lives and impacted the traditional methods, experiences, and abilities of higher education institutions' students, faculty, and staff, especially at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

Purpose/Hypothesis

Given the pressing need demonstrated by the National Academies to advance the utilization of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education at HBCUs, this study aimed to explore the abrupt transition to remote teaching and learning at HBCUs guided by the following research question: How has COVID‐19 impacted the success and persistence of engineering students, faculty, and staff at HBCUs?

Design/Methods

Three surveys were developed, tested, piloted, and sent to HBCU stakeholders using a snowball sampling approach via email and social media outreach.

Results

Of the 171 student respondents (126 engineering majors), 79% agreed that not being able to access faculty in person affected their academic performance. Additionally, across all HBCU stakeholders' surveys, students had a statistically significant higher response when asked if the transition to virtual learning increased their overall levels of stress and anxiety.

Conclusions

During a global pandemic, HBCUs continue to provide a culture of support and inclusion for students, faculty, and staff in engineering. Increased stress levels experienced by students indicate that a safe and adequate transition back to campus is essential for their social and academic persistence. Due to the well‐documented inequities HBCUs faced before the pandemic, the impact of this unprecedented on their continued contributions toward broadening participation in engineering for students should be further explored.
Situating intuition in engineering practice
Authors: Miskioğlu Elif Eda , Aaron Caitlyn , Bolton Caroline , Martin Kaela M. , Roth Madeline , Kavale Sanjeev M. , Carberry Adam R.
Published: March 2023

Background

A defining characteristic of expertise is the use of intuition to navigate tasks. The construct of intuition and its importance is well‐studied in other disciplines, but little is known about how it translates to engineering. Existing literature on intuition does not clearly define the construct and its relationship to problem solving, which creates a substantial gap in our understanding of intuition and its applicability to engineering.

Purpose

This study's purpose is to better understand the relationship between expertise, decision‐making, and intuition from the perspective of engineering practitioners. We additionally seek to define engineering intuition from this same perspective.

Design/Methods

Seventeen semi‐structured interviews were conducted with engineering practitioners with at least 6 years of experience. Sensitizing concepts tied to models of expertise development and dual process cognition were used to guide the study's design and data analysis. Iterative qualitative analysis culminating in code mapping supported the development of a definition and theory of engineering intuition.

Results

This study's result is an emergent definition of engineering intuition and a complementary framework called Leveraging Intuition Toward Engineering Solutions (LITES). LITES uniquely situates intuition as part of the problem‐solving process among experienced engineering practitioners and describes how practitioners use their intuition.

Conclusions

This work advances knowledge of the relationship between intuition and expertise in engineering education by providing a definition of engineering intuition and a framework describing intuition's role in engineering problem solving. This contribution furthers efforts to equip current and future engineers with the necessary skills to navigate existing and upcoming societal challenges.
Design, synthesis, and insecticidal activity of pyrimidinamine derivatives containing 2‐pyridinyloxy moiety
Authors: Lan Shilin , Xiao Ting , Guan Shaofei , Liu Aiping , Long Chuyun , Zhong Fujun , Huang Zhichang , Liu Xingping , Zhang Zai , Liu Weidong
Published: March 2023

Aphis fabae is a widespread pest that has more than 200 hosts in the world, belongs to hemiptera, for stinging suction mouthparts, harm buds, young leaves, and flower buds. Pyrimidine derivatives have the advantages of insecticidal, bactericidal, herbicidal, regulating plant growth and other biological activities, and have a unique mechanism of action. Pyrimidinamine derivatives, one of pyrimidine derivatives, were reported as early as 1955, and all the world's major pesticide companies (Syngenta, Dow Yinon, Bayer, DuPont, and BASF) have carried out research studies, which had lasted for nearly 60 years. For example, commercial pyrimidine products such as flupyrimethanil (fungicide) and pyrimethanil (insecticidal and acaricidal agents) show excellent biological activity. So pyrimidinamine derivatives are considered promising agricultural compounds. In this study, a series of pyrimidinamine derivatives were designed and synthesized using pyrimidifen as a template according to bioisosterism. 5‐chloro‐N‐(1‐((3‐chloro‐5‐(trifluoromethyl)pyridin‐2‐yl)oxy)‐2‐methylpropan‐2‐yl)‐ 6‐ethylpyrimidin‐4‐amine, T23, had the best control effect on Aphis fabae with LC50 values of 1.46 mg/L, versus commercial insecticides spirotetramat and imidacloprid (2.45 and 0.53 mg/L). The synthesis, characterization, and activity data of the compounds are presented in the text, and the structure–activity relationships are discussed.
Direct development or endotrophic tadpole? Morphological aspects of the early ontogeny of the plump toad Osornophryne occidentalis (Anura: Bufonidae)
Authors: Romero‐Carvajal Andrés , Negrete Leonardo , Salazar‐Nicholls María J. , Vizuete Karla , Debut Alexis , Dias Pedro H. , Vera Candioti Florencia
Published: March 2023

Andean Toads of the genus Osornophryne are suspected to have direct development on the basis of clutch and egg features. In this work, we describe the morphology of Osornophryne occidentalis embryos from a nest collected in the field. Several traits are similar to those reported in brachycephaloid Eleutherodactylus coqui and other direct‐developing lineages. These include the pattern of formation of the body wall and the absence of oral and buccopharyngeal structures. Other features indicate the retention of ancestral larval characters. The development of forelimbs occurs in part within the operculum as in species with biphasic ontogeny; this has been reported in other direct‐developing species, and is similar to what is described in African viviparous bufonids. This salient feature, along with the long, low‐finned tail and the long and folded intestine early differentiated, gives these embryos a rather tadpole‐like appearance. Our data confirm that development in O. occidentalis occurs within terrestrial eggs until advanced stages, and this would satisfy current definitions of direct development. At the same time, morphological differences regarding other species with comparable breeding reinforce interpretations about the wide anatomical and ontogenetic variations associated with endotrophic nutrition.
Effect and safety of mesenchymal stem cells for patients with COVID‐19: Systematic review and meta‐analysis with trial sequential analysis
Authors: Zhang Zhijing , Shao Shuai , Liu Xuefeng , Tong Zhaohui
Published: March 2023

The objective of this study was to assess whether mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) therapy could offer survival advantages for patients with novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). An electronic search of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, WanFang, and CNKI was performed from December 1, 2019 to December 25, 2022. The primary outcome was all‐cause mortality. Trial sequential analysis (TSA) was conducted in this meta analysis. Besides, subgroup analysis and meta‐regression was performed using a random‐effects model to find the potential sources of heterogeneity. Seventeen randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving a total of 1073 patients with COVID‐19 were included in this study. Compared with the control group, patients in the MSCs groups were associated with significantly reduced all‐cause mortality (MSCs 18.4% vs. control 25.5%; risk ratio [RR] 0.73; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.59–0.90; p = 0.004; I² = 0%). For all secondary outcomes, there wasn't significant improvement in the experimental group versus the control group regarding symptom remission rate (53.2%, 201/378 vs. 46.5%, 164/353; RR 1.15; 95% CI 1.00–1.32; p = 0.05; I² = 43%), but the pooled analysis revealed significant differences between the groups in length of hospital stay (MD: −3.82, 95% CI: −5.87 to −1.77; p = 0.0003, I2 = 0%), requirement of invasive mechanical ventilation (RR 0.52; 95% CI 0.33–0.82; p = 0.005; I2 = 0%) and post‐CRP level (MD: −31.61; 95% CI −46.74 to −16.49; p < 0.0001). Moreover, regarding the incidence of adverse events (AEs) (RR 0.73; 95% CI 0.35–1.52; p = 0.39; I² = 44%) and serious adverse events (sAEs) (RR 0.87; 95% CI 0.40–1.92; p = 0.73; I² = 39%), no significant differences were observed between MSCs and control groups. The TSA analysis showed that the result of all‐cause mortality might be false‐positive result. Based on the pooled results in this study, compared with standard treatment, MSCs therapy may reduce all‐cause mortality of patients with COVID‐19 with no increase risk of AEs and sAEs, but may not improve symptom remission rate. Further more high‐quality and large‐sample RCTs should be performed to confirm these findings.
Nurturing Group Creativity in Mathematical Modeling through Role Playing
Authors: Hye‐Yun Jung , Kyeong‐Hwa Lee
Published: March 2023

Pedagogical strategies for nurturing group creativity in school mathematics have remained largely unexplored despite their significance. In this study, we explored the use of role playing in mathematical modeling activities for nurturing group creativity in a 9th‐grade mathematics class in Korea. We described the theoretical bases and types of roles that nurture group creativity while examining the effects of role playing and the factors that seem to promote it. The data of this study included lesson observations, samples of student work, and interviews with 20 participating students and their teachers. The interactions of the five groups of students were compared and analyzed. The results suggest that role playing contributes to nurturing group creativity by inducing interactions and improving creative synergies. The factors that seem to promote role playing are students' understanding of role playing, a comfortable environment, the thought evaluator's role‐playing effectiveness, and the need to make a mathematical decision. Based on these findings, we recommend that creativity researchers build on these findings to further explore how group creativity can be enhanced in mathematical modeling through role playing.
Assessing the impact of an electronic therapeutic drug monitoring record in the management of vancomycin through pharmacist intervention: a single‐centre study
Authors: Ong Kimberly J. , Oates Gillian , Banakh Iouri
Published: March 2023

Background

A gap in vancomycin therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) electronic documentation, management, and related clinical pharmacist activities was identified by our clinical pharmacy team. In response, an electronic TDM (eTDM) template was planned, designed, and implemented by the pharmacy department team in collaboration with the electronic medical records team (EMR) and documentation committee.

Aim

To assess the impact of an electronic therapeutic drug monitoring (eTDM) template to measure the impact of adherence to vancomycin guidelines. Guideline adherence indicators include the number of vancomycin levels within the therapeutic range and the number of appropriate concentrations taken.

Method

An interventional, single‐centre study of vancomycin therapy in adult patients was performed from 2019–2021. Data were extracted from the electronic medical records and TDM paper‐based forms completed by clinical pharmacists. The number of concentrations within the therapeutic range and the number of appropriately taken levels were analysed by the chi‐square test. This study received an exemption from the Peninsula Health Human Research Ethics Commitee (QA/60523/PH‐2019/197291).

Results

There was a total of 198 concentrations collected in the ‘before’ period and 125 concentrations collected in the ‘after’ period. The number of concentrations in therapeutic range increased from 34.8% to 43.2% (p = 0.132), not statistically significant. The number of concentrations taken appropriately increased from 33.8% to 55.2% (p < 0.001). The proportion of patients with pharmacist involvement increased from 43.0% to 57.0% (p = 0.868).

Conclusion

The study shows that implementation of an electronic vancomycin monitoring template improved the proportion of appropriate levels taken and is the preferred method of documentation by clinical pharmacists. Future projects may benefit from analysing the cost associated with unnecessary vancomycin serum levels ordered or inclusion of pharmacists in the TDM of other narrow therapeutic medications.
Quality assessment of Astragali Radix based on pseudo‐targeted metabolomics and chemometric approach
Authors: Guo Yaxuan , Li Zhenyu , Qin Xuemei
Published: March 2023

Astragali Radix is widely used because of its dual use in medicine and food, and its quality evaluation is of great importance. In this study, a pseudo‐targeted metabolomics approach based on scheduled multiple reaction monitoring was developed, and a total of 114 compounds with good linearity, sensitivity, and reproducibility were selected for relative quantification, and the chemical differences between Astragali Radix of different growth patterns were further compared by chemometric analysis. With the help of multivariate and univariate analysis, 26 differential compounds between wild/semi‐wild Astragali Radix and cultivated Astragali Radix were determined. Then five marker compounds were screened out by lasso regression, and further verified by systematic clustering, random forest, support vector machine, and logistic regression. In addition, malonyl‐substituted flavonoids showed relatively higher content in wild/semi‐wild Astragali Radix. Thus, the malonyl substitution was characteristic for flavonoids in wild/semi‐wild Astragali Radix. In conclusion, the application of pseudo‐targeted metabolomics and various statistical methods could offer multi‐dimensional information for the holistic quality evaluation of Astragali Radix.
Sample preparation for planar chromatography
Authors: Poole Colin F.
Published: March 2023

High‐performance thin‐layer chromatography has favorable properties for high‐throughput separations with a high matrix tolerance. Sample preparation, however, is sometimes required to control specific matrix interferences and to enhance the detectability of target compounds. Trends in contemporary applications have shifted from absorbance and fluorescence detection to methods employing bioassays and mass spectrometry. Traditional methods (shake‐flask, heat at reflux, Soxhlet, and hydrodistillation) are being challenged by automated instrumental approaches (ultrasound‐assisted and microwave‐assisted solvent extraction, pressurized liquid extraction, and supercritical fluid extraction) and the quick, easy cheap, efficient, rugged, and safe extraction method for faster and streamlined sample processing. Liquid‐liquid extraction remains the most widely used approach for sample clean‐up with increasing competition from solid‐phase extraction. On‐layer sample, clean‐up by planar solid‐phase extraction is increasingly used for complex samples and in combination with heart‐cut multimodal systems. The automated spray‐on sample applicator, the elution head interface, biological detection of target and non‐target compounds, and straightforward mass spectrometric detection are highlighted as the main factors directing current interest toward faster and simpler sample workflows, analysis of more complex samples, and the determination of minor contaminants requiring high concentration factors.
Surface‐up click access to allylimidazolium bridged cyclodextrin dimer phase for efficient enantioseparation
Authors: Li Yuan , Zhang Ying , Lu Xinling , Sun Shuo , Xiao Yin , Wang Yong , Jin Xiaoning , Ma Xiaofei
Published: March 2023

In this work, a novel allylimidazolium‐bridged bis(β‐cyclodextrin) chiral stationary phase was fabricated via a surface‐up thiol‐ene click chemistry reaction between 7‐SH‐β‐cyclodextrin and 1‐allylimidazole‐β‐cyclodextrin bonded on a silica surface. The structure of the allylimidazolium‐bridged bis(β‐cyclodextrin) chiral stationary phase was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectra, 13C nuclear magnetic resonance, thermogravimetric analysis, and elemental analysis. Its chiral chromatographic performances were systematically evaluated by separating 35 racemic analytes including isoxazolines, dansyl‐amino acids, and flavanones under reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography. Compared with the corresponding bottom and top layer of the β‐cyclodextrin stationary phase, the allylimidazolium‐bridged bis(β‐cyclodextrin) chiral stationary phase afforded significantly accentuated chiral recognition ability due to its abundant hydrogen bond sites, electrostatic interactions, and synergistic inclusion. Furthermore, the allylimidazolium‐bridged bis(β‐cyclodextrin) chiral stationary phase showed better enantioseparation ability compared to other reported bridged cyclodextrin stationary phases. In particular, Ar‐Phs and dansyl‐amino acid could be completely separated by allylimidazolium‐bridged bis(β‐mono‐6A‐deoxy‐6‐allylimidazolium‐β‐cyclodextrin chiral stationary phase) chiral stationary phase with high resolutions of 1.14–7.20 and 3.16–5.82, respectively. Molecular docking reveals that good enantioseparation ability arises from the different interaction modes and the synergistic effect of allylimidazolium‐bridged bis(β‐cyclodextrin) chiral stationary phase.
High‐Efficiency Metasurface‐Based Surface‐Plasmon Lenses
Authors: Liu Feifei , Wang Dongyi , Zhu Han , Zhang Xiyue , Liu Tong , Sun Shulin , Zhang Xinping , He Qiong , Zhou Lei
Published: March 2023

A device that can couple propagating light into surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) focused into a small region is highly desired for on‐chip photonics applications (e.g., energy‐harvesting, sensing, etc.). However, current technologies suffer from large device footprint, low working efficiency, and insufficient light‐manipulation freedom. Here, a generic approach for designing plasmonic lenses to generate predesigned vector SPP vortices with high efficiencies is established. Constructed with a set of meta‐atoms exhibiting tailored reflection phases and polarization‐conversion capabilities, the devices can convert normally incident circularly polarized light into predesigned vector SPP vortices with high efficiencies, due to both phase and polarization matching. As the illustrations, this study experimentally demonstrates directional SPP conversion (coupling efficiency: 35%; utilization efficiency: 98%) and SPP focusing effect at the wavelength of 1064 nm, with two meta‐couplers in stripe and arc shapes, respectively. Finally, a ring‐shaped meta‐coupler is designed/fabricated, and the generation of a vector SPP vortex with significantly enhanced efficiency as compared to previous schemes is experimentally demonstrated. The results pave the way for realizing on‐chip plasmonic devices to efficiently utilize SPPs with minimal footprints.
RF Injection Locking of THz Metasurface Quantum‐Cascade VECSEL
Authors: Wu Yu , Curwen Christopher A. , Shahili Mohammad , Reno John L. , Williams Benjamin S.
Published: March 2023

Radiofrequency (RF) injection locking and spectral broadening of a terahertz (THz) quantum‐cascade vertical‐external‐cavity surface‐emitting laser (QC‐VECSEL) is demonstrated. An intracryostat VECSEL focusing cavity design is used to enable continuous‐wave lasing with a cavity length over 30 mm, which corresponds to a round‐trip frequency near 5 GHz. Strong RF current modulation is injected to the QC‐metasurface electrical bias to pull and lock the round‐trip frequency. The injection locking range at various RF injection powers is recorded and compared with the injection locking theory. Moreover, the lasing spectrum broadens from 14 GHz in free‐running mode to a maximum spectral width around 110 GHz with 20 dBm of injected RF power. This experimental setup is suitable for further exploration of active mode‐locking and picosecond pulse generation in THz QC‐VECSELs.
Transition Metalβ‐Diketonate Adhesion Promoters in Epoxy‐Anhydride Resin
Authors: Li Jiaxiong , Cheung Dylan , Wilson John , Sun Zhijian , Yu Frank , Kim Doyoub , Kathaperumal Mohanalingam , Moon Kyoung‐sik , Wong Chingping
Published: March 2023

Epoxy to copper adhesion supports the reliability of numerous structures in electronic packaging. Compared to substrate pre‐treatment, processing and cost considerations are in favor of adhesion promoters loaded in epoxy formulations. In this work, first row transition metalβ‐diketonates present such a compelling case when added in epoxy/anhydride resins: over 30% (before moisture aging) and 50% (after moisture aging) enhancement in lap shear strength are found using Co(II) and Ni(II) hexafluoroacetylacetonate. From extensive X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analyses on the adhesively failed sample surfaces, increased population of oxygen‐containing functional groups, especially esters, is linked to the adhesion improvement. Assisted by XPS depth profile on the fractured epoxy side and in situ Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), the previously discovered latent cure characteristics endowed by the metal chelates interacting with phosphine catalysts are regarded pivotal for pacing the anhydride consumption and allowing interfacial esterification reactions to occur. Further examinations on the XPS binding energy shifts and dielectric properties of the doped epoxy also reveal metal–polymer coordination that contribute to the adhesion and moisture resistance properties. These findings should stimulate future research of functional additives targeting at cure kinetics control and polar group coordination ideas for more robust epoxy–Cu joints.
Endoscopic ultrasound diagnosis system based on deep learning in images capture and segmentation training of solid pancreatic masses
Authors: Tang Anliu , Gong Pan , Fang Ning , Ye Mingmei , Hu Shan , Liu Jinzhu , Wang Wujun , Gao Kui , Wang Xiaoyan , Tian Li
Published: March 2023

Background

Early detection of solid pancreatic masses through contrast‐enhanced harmonic endoscopic ultrasound (CH‐EUS) is important. But CH‐EUS is difficult to learn.

Purpose

To design a deep learning‐based CH‐EUS diagnosis system (CH‐EUS MASTER) for real‐time capture and segmentation of solid pancreatic masses and to verify its value in the training of pancreatic mass identification under endoscopic ultrasound (EUS).

Methods

We designed a real‐time capture and segmentation model for solid pancreatic masses and then collected 4530 EUS images of pancreatic masses retrospectively, used for training and testing of this model at a ratio of 8:2. The model is loaded into the EUS host computer to establish the CH‐EUS MASTER system. A crossover trial was then conducted to evaluate the model's value in EUS trainee training by successfully conducting two groups of EUS trainees in model learning and trainer‐guided training. The intersection over union (IoU) and the time to find the lesion were used to evaluate the model performance metrics, and the Mann–Whitney test was used to compare the IoU and the time to find the lesion in different groups of subjects. Paired t‐test was used to compare the effects before and after training. When α ≤ 0.05, it is considered to have a significant statistical difference.

Results

The model test showed that the model successfully captured and segmented the pancreatic solid mass region in 906 EUS images. The real‐time capture and segmentation model had a Dice coefficient of 0.763, a recall rate of 0.941, a precision rate of 0.642, and an accuracy of 0.842 (when the threshold is set to 0.5), and the median IoU of all cases was 0.731. For the AI training effect, the average IoU of eight trainees improved from 0.80 to 0.87 (95% CI, 0.032–0.096; p = 0.002). The average time for identifying lesions in the pancreatic body and tail improved from 22.75 to 17.98 s (95% CI, 3.664–5.886; p < 0.01). The average time for identifying lesions in the pancreatic head and uncinate process improved from 34.21 to 25.92 s (95% CI, 7.661–8.913; p < 0.01).

Conclusion

CH‐EUS MASTER can provide an effect equivalent to trainer guidance in training pancreatic solid mass identification and segmentation under EUS.
Drawdown, Habitat, and Kokanee Populations in a Western U.S. Reservoir
Authors: McLaren John S. , Van Kirk Robert W. , Mabaka Arthur J. , Brothers Soren , Budy Phaedra
Published: March 2023

Greater drought frequency and severity due to climate change will result in greater drawdown of water storage reservoirs. However, changes to oxythermal regimes due to drawdown are reservoir specific and interface with fish species-specific habitat requirements, producing varying effects on coldwater fish populations. We examined the effect of drawdown on the oxythermal habitat and relative abundance of kokanee Oncorhynchus nerka, a coldwater salmonid, in Island Park Reservoir on the Henrys Fork of the Snake River, Idaho. A measure of relative kokanee abundance was negatively, exponentially related to drawdown. Oxythermal patterns measured in the reservoir during 2021, a severe drought year, revealed that drawdown reduced kokanee habitat by increasing water temperatures and decreasing dissolved oxygen concentrations. Oxythermal refugia for kokanee appeared to relate to inflow from the spring-fed Henrys Fork and other groundwater inflows. However, we did not quantify groundwater flow or connections, and we did not study kokanee population demographics or mortality. Reducing these sources of uncertainty is a priority for future study. Still, our study highlights a potential mechanism connecting reservoir drawdown to fish populations and the unique yet predictable mechanisms by which reservoir drawdown interacts with reservoir morphometry to affect fish habitat availability.
Expert Consensus Statement: Management of Dysphagia in Head and Neck Cancer Patients
Authors: Kuhn Maggie A. , Gillespie M. Boyd , Ishman Stacey L. , Ishii Lisa E. , Brody Rebecca , Cohen Ezra , Dhar Shumon I. , Hutcheson Kate , Jefferson Gina , Johnson Felicia , Rameau Anais , Sher David , Starmer Heather , Strohl Madeleine , Ulmer Karen , Vaitaitis Vilija , Begum Sultana , Batjargal Misheelt , Dhepyasuwan Nui
Published: March 2023

Objective

To develop an expert consensus statement (ECS) on the management of dysphagia in head and neck cancer (HNC) patients to address controversies and offer opportunities for quality improvement. Dysphagia in HNC was defined as swallowing impairment in patients with cancers of the nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses, nasopharynx, oral cavity, oropharynx, larynx, or hypopharynx.

Methods

Development group members with expertise in dysphagia followed established guidelines for developing ECS. A professional search strategist systematically reviewed the literature, and the best available evidence was used to compose consensus statements targeted at providers managing dysphagia in adult HNC populations. The development group prioritized topics where there was significant practice variation and topics that would improve the quality of HNC patient care if consensus were possible.

Results

The development group identified 60 candidate consensus statements, based on 75 initial proposed topics and questions, that focused on addressing the following high yield topics: (1) risk factors, (2) screening, (3) evaluation, (4) prevention, (5) interventions, and (6) surveillance. After 2 iterations of the Delphi survey and the removal of duplicative statements, 48 statements met the standardized definition for consensus; 12 statements were designated as no consensus.

Conclusion

Expert consensus was achieved for 48 statements pertaining to risk factors, screening, evaluation, prevention, intervention, and surveillance for dysphagia in HNC patients. Clinicians can use these statements to improve quality of care, inform policy and protocols, and appreciate areas where there is no consensus. Future research, ideally randomized controlled trials, is warranted to address additional controversies related to dysphagia in HNC patients.
Engineering and slow‐release properties of lignin‐based double‐layer coated fertilizer
Authors: Li Hui , Wang Ning , Zhang Li , Wei Yuanyuan , Zhang Long , Ma Yingxia , Ruso Juan M. , Liu Zhen
Published: March 2023

Chemical fertilizer has become a necessary condition for increasing the production and income of agricultural products in modern agriculture. However, excessive fertilization and fertilizer leakage could cause environmental pollution. To improve the utilization rate of agricultural fertilizers and reduce environmental pollution, the degradability of slow‐release fertilizers (SRFs) has become a research hotspot. In this work, a double‐layer coating material of slow‐release fertilizer was fabricated using low‐cost polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and methylcellulose (MC) as the inner coating materials, and attapulgite was doped into super absorbent polymer poly acrylic acid (PAA) and polyacrylamide (PAM) grafted natural biodegradable lignin as the outer coating materials. We investigated the chemical structures, mechanical properties, hydrophilic properties, and water retention properties of the double‐layer coating material coated on the surface of urea particles, and optimized the synthesis parameters to obtain the best water absorption properties of the outer layer water absorbent. Simultaneously, urea release was evaluated in dissolution experiments. The results show that at the PVA concentration of 5 wt% and the MC addition amount of 2.0 g, the performance indicators of the inner coating liquid were better than other contents. At the same time, more urea molecules (>30 days) were released in the single‐layer and double‐coated fertilizers, and the cumulative release rates of urea molecules were 92.36% and 85.10%, respectively. Therefore, this work provides research ideas for the preparation of double‐coated slow‐release fertilizers, which can improve soil water retention and fertilizer utilization.
Gene modification therapies for hereditary diseases in the fetus
Authors: Mattar Citra N. Z. , Chan Jerry K. Y. , Choolani Mahesh
Published: March 2023

Proof‐of‐principle disease models have demonstrated the feasibility of an intrauterine gene modification therapy (in utero gene therapy (IUGT)) approach to hereditary diseases as diverse as coagulation disorders, haemoglobinopathies, neurogenetic disorders, congenital metabolic, and pulmonary diseases. Gene addition, which requires the delivery of an integrating or episomal transgene to the target cell nucleus to be transcribed, and gene editing, where the mutation is corrected within the gene of origin, have both been used successfully to increase normal protein production in a bid to reverse or arrest pathology in utero. While most experimental models have employed lentiviral, adenoviral, and adeno‐associated viral vectors engineered to efficiently enter target cells, newer models have also demonstrated the applicability of non‐viral lipid nanoparticles. Amelioration of pathology is dependent primarily on achieving sustained therapeutic transgene expression, silencing of transgene expression, production of neutralising antibodies, the dilutional effect of the recipient's growth on the mass of transduced cells, and the degree of pre‐existing cellular damage. Safety assessment of any IUGT strategy will require long‐term postnatal surveillance of both the fetal recipient and the maternal bystander for cell and genome toxicity, oncogenic potential, immune‐responsiveness, and germline mutation. In this review, we discuss advances in the field and the push toward clinical translation of IUGT.
Pragmatic considerations for negative control outcome studies to guide non‐randomized comparative analyses: A narrative review
Authors: Levintow Sara N. , Nielson Carrie M. , Hernandez Rohini K. , Breskin Alexander , Pritchard David , Lash Timothy L. , Rothman Kenneth J. , Gilbertson David , Muntner Paul , Critchlow Cathy , Brookhart M. Alan , Bradbury Brian D.
Published: March 2023

Purpose

This narrative review describes the application of negative control outcome (NCO) methods to assess potential bias due to unmeasured or mismeasured confounders in non‐randomized comparisons of drug effectiveness and safety. An NCO is assumed to have no causal relationship with a treatment under study while subject to the same confounding structure as the treatment and outcome of interest; an association between treatment and NCO then reflects the potential for uncontrolled confounding between treatment and outcome.

Methods

We focus on two recently completed NCO studies that assessed the comparability of outcome risk for patients initiating different osteoporosis medications and lipid‐lowering therapies, illustrating several ways in which confounding may result. In these studies, NCO methods were implemented in claims‐based data sources, with the results used to guide the decision to proceed with comparative effectiveness or safety analyses.

Results

Based on this research, we provide recommendations for future NCO studies, including considerations for the identification of confounding mechanisms in the target patient population, the selection of NCOs expected to satisfy required assumptions, the interpretation of NCO effect estimates, and the mitigation of uncontrolled confounding detected in NCO analyses. We propose the use of NCO studies prior to initiating comparative effectiveness or safety research, providing information on the potential presence of uncontrolled confounding in those comparative analyses.

Conclusions

Given the increasing use of non‐randomized designs for regulatory decision‐making, the application of NCO methods will strengthen study design, analysis, and interpretation of real‐world data and the credibility of the resulting real‐world evidence.
Sustainable, processable and cytocompatible bioelastomers based on polycaprolactone and biobased polyester elastomer via dynamic vulcanization
Authors: Kang Hailan , Wu Shaowei , Wang Haoyu , Liang Yufeng , Li Long , Zhang Qinan , Zhang Liqun
Published: March 2023

Bioelastomers (bio‐thermoplastic vulcanizate, bio‐TPV) with tunable elasticity, high strength and satisfactory cytocompatibility were fabricated via an in situ dynamic vulcanizing strategy, i.e. melt blending of biobased polyester elastomer (BPE) and polycaprolactone (PCL) in the presence of crosslinker with the occurrence of phase inversion. A large amount of the BPE, which provides flexibility and elasticity, was quickly crosslinked and finely dispersed in the PCL matrix, which provides strength and processability. Bio‐TPV with a BPE/PCL weight ratio of 70/30 exhibited good tensile properties, such as a tensile strength of 11.2 MPa and elongation at break of 414%. Additionally, the bio‐TPV demonstrated satisfactory processability and reprocessability. Moreover, the as‐prepared bio‐TPV promotes MC3T3 cell adhesion and proliferation. The combination of improved sustainability, processability, cytocompatibility and mechanical performance makes these bio‐TPVs potential candidates for both biomedical and engineering materials. © 2023 Society of Industrial Chemistry.
Dual dynamic crosslinking of rubber for enhanced mechanical properties and reconfigurable shape memory behavior
Authors: Tang Zhenghai , Chen Yi , Zhang Chengfeng , Wu Siwu , Guo Baochun , Zhang Liqun
Published: March 2023

Constructing dynamic covalent bonds (DCBs) in rubbers provides a promising avenue to resolve the trade‐offs between chemical crosslinking and recyclability. The reinforcement of dynamic covalent networks by nanofilling is widely adopted, which, however, inevitably hinders the exchange reaction of DCBs and network rearrangement due to the restrictions on chain mobility imposed by fillers. To date, the reinforcement of dynamic covalent networks without affecting the dynamic properties remains challenging. In this work, we report a dual dynamic crosslinking strategy by engineering reversible noncovalent bonds into dynamic covalent rubbers to improve mechanical performance and simultaneously maintain desirable malleability and reprocessability. Specifically, dynamic boronic ester‐crosslinked styrene–butadiene rubber is firstly prepared and then modified through triazolinedione (TAD) click reaction. The grafted urazole groups can form hydrogen bond interactions that further aggregate to form clusters and phase‐separation structure in the networks. Due to the reversible nature of hydrogen bonds, they can act in a sacrificial manner to dissipate mechanical energy, leading to a combination of improved strength, modulus and toughness of the networks. More importantly, the hydrogen‐bonded clusters are dissociated at elevated temperatures, enabling the network dynamic properties to be largely preserved. In addition, the dynamic features of the dual crosslinks (hydrogen bonds and boronic esters) endow the TAD‐modified networks with reconfigurable shape memory effect. © 2023 Society of Industrial Chemistry.
Crystalline silicon solar cells with thin poly‐SiOx carrier‐selective passivating contacts for perovskite/c‐Si tandem applications
Authors: Singh Manvika , Datta Kunal , Amarnath Aswathy , Wagner Fabian , Zhao Yifeng , Yang Guangtao , Bracesco Andrea , Phung Nga , Zhang Dong , Zardetto Valerio , Najafi Mehrdad , Veenstra Sjoerd C. , Coletti Gianluca , Mazzarella Luana , Creatore Mariadriana , Wienk Martijn M. , Janssen René A. J. , Weeber Arthur W. , Zeman Miro , Isabella Olindo
Published: March 2023

Single junction crystalline silicon (c‐Si) solar cells are reaching their practical efficiency limit whereas perovskite/c‐Si tandem solar cells have achieved efficiencies above the theoretical limit of single junction c‐Si solar cells. Next to low‐thermal budget silicon heterojunction architecture, high‐thermal budget carrier‐selective passivating contacts (CSPCs) based on polycrystalline‐SiOx (poly‐SiOx) also constitute a promising architecture for high efficiency perovskite/c‐Si tandem solar cells. In this work, we present the development of c‐Si bottom cells based on high temperature poly‐SiOx CSPCs and demonstrate novel high efficiency four‐terminal (4T) and two‐terminal (2T) perovskite/c‐Si tandem solar cells. First, we tuned the ultra‐thin, thermally grown SiOx. Then we optimized the passivation properties of p‐type and n‐type doped poly‐SiOx CSPCs. Here, we have optimized the p‐type doped poly‐SiOx CSPC on textured interfaces via a two‐step annealing process. Finally, we integrated such bottom solar cells in both 4T and 2T tandems, achieving 28.1% and 23.2% conversion efficiency, respectively.