bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Justice in time: A theory of constraints approach
Authors: Azaria Shany , Ronen Boaz , Shamir Noam
Published: January 2023

If there is some truth to the adage that justice must not only be done, but must be seen to be done, then surely it must be seen to be done in a timely manner. Yet court congestion and delays – which threaten to undermine the justice system – have become global phenomena with significant adverse implications for social welfare, economic development, and civil rights. This work describes an application of the Theory of Constraints (TOC) to the judicial system for the purpose of designing an intervention to alleviate court congestion – an intervention that won the 2012 Goldratt Foundation New Knowledge Award. In cooperation with the Jerusalem District Court in Israel, the judicial process was reviewed through the lens of TOC, and a set of operational changes was implemented to reduce case processing time. Data collected before and after this intervention indicate the potential of achieving lead‐time reduction by applying TOC to judicial environments.
Outcomes of the same‐day discharge following mastectomy before, during and after COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Olimpiadi Yuliya , Goldenberg Alison R. , Postlewait Lauren , Gillespie Theresa , Arciero Cletus , Styblo Toncred , Cao Yicun , Switchenko Jeffrey M. , Rizzo Monica
Published: January 2023

Background and Objectives

The majority of patients undergoing mastectomy before the COVID‐19 pandemic were admitted for 23‐h observation to the hospital. Indications for observation included drain care education, pain control and observation for possible early surgical complications. This study compared the rates of outpatient mastectomy before, during, and after the COVID‐19 pandemic and indirectly evaluated the safety of same‐day discharge.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed patients undergoing mastectomy using Current Procedural Terminology code 19303.

Results

A total of 357 patients were included: 113 were treated pre‐COVID‐19, 82 patients during COVID‐19 and 162 post‐COVID‐19. The rate of outpatient mastectomies tripled during the pandemic from 17% to 51% (p < 0.001); after the pandemic remain high at 48%. The rate of bilateral mastectomies decreased during the pandemic to 30% from 48% prepandemic (p = 0.015). Pectoralis muscle block utilization increased during the COVID‐19 period from 36% to 59% (p = 0.002). No difference in complication rates, including surgical site infections, hematomas, and readmissions, pre and during COVID.

Conclusions

The rate of outpatient mastectomy increased during the COVID‐19 pandemic. During this timeframe, perioperative complications did not increase, suggesting the safety of this practice.

After the pandemic, the rate of outpatient mastectomy continued to be significantly higher than pre‐COVID.
Biomimetic Mineralized Fiber Bundle‐Inspired Scaffolding Surface on Polyetheretherketone Implants Promotes Osseointegration
Authors: Xin He , Shi Qianwen , Ning Xiaona , Chen Yicheng , Jia Xuelian , Zhang Zhouyang , Zhu Simin , Li Yunpeng , Liu Fuwei , Kong Liang
Published: January 2023

The stress shielding effect caused by traditional metal implants is circumvented by using polyetheretherketone (PEEK), due to its excellent mechanical properties; however, the biologically inert nature of PEEK limits its application. Endowing PEEK with biological activity to promote osseointegration would increase its applicability for bone replacement implants. A biomimetic study is performed, inspired by mineralized collagen fiber bundles that contact bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) on the native trabecular bone surface. The PEEK surface (P) is first sulfonated with sulfuric acid to form a porous network structure (sP). The surface is then encapsulated with amorphous hydroxyapatite (HA) by magnetron sputtering to form a biomimetic scaffold that resembles mineralized collagen fiber bundles (sPHA). Amorphous HA simulates the composition of osteogenic regions in vivo and exhibits strong biological activity. In vitro results show that more favorable cell adhesion and osteogenic differentiation can be attained with the novelsurface of sPHA than with SP. The results of in vivo experiments show that sPHA exhibits osteoinductive and osteoconductive activity and facilitates bone formation and osseointegration. Therefore, the surface modification strategy can significantly improve the biological activity of PEEK, facilitate effective osseointegration, and inspire further bionic modification of other inert polymers similar to PEEK.
Bilayer Actuator with Overload Protection on the Basis of Semicrystalline Polyurethane
Authors: Zhang Zhuo , Mao Sheng , Zheng Xinjia , Ma Yingchao , He Yonglin , Zhang Xiaogang
Published: January 2023

Response to external stimuli plays a significant role in the environmental adaptation of living matters and intelligent devices. Most stimulus–response systems in nature can respond to appropriate stimuli, and inhibit the response under excessive stimuli, such as excessive heat or water, which can be called overload protection. However, even though various responsive materials have been developed for different stimuli, most of them are not protective against the overload stimuli. In this work, a bilayer actuator based on semicrystalline polyurethane is designed, which can respond differently to proper stimuli and excessive stimuli, i.e., water. This actuator can bend gradually under the proper stimulation of water, but will straighten and even bend reversely with excessive stimulation. The mechanism behind the reversible and adjustable actuator with overload protection is investigated both experimentally and theoretically, and the competition between dynamic factors and thermodynamic stability in the swelling process is considered the main cause.
Some recent results for SU(3) and octonions within the geometric algebra approach to the fundamental forces of nature
Authors: Lasenby Anthony
Published: January 2023

Different ways of representing the group
within a Geometric Algebra approach are explored. As part of this, we consider characteristic multivectors for
and how these are linked with decomposition of generators into commuting bivectors. The setting for this work is within a 6d Euclidean Clifford Algebra. We then go on to consider whether the fundamental forces of particle physics might arise from symmetry considerations in just the 4d geometric algebra of spacetime—the STA. As part of this, a representation of
is found wholly within the STA, involving preservation of a bivector norm. We also show how Octonions can be fully represented within the Spacetime Algebra, which we believe will be useful in making them understandable and accessible to a new community in Physics and Engineering. The two strands of the paper are drawn together in showing how preserving the octonion norm is the same as preserving the timelike part of the Dirac current of a particle. This suggests a new model for the symmetries preserved in particle physics. Following on from work by Günaydin and Gürsey on the link between quarks, and octonions, and by Furey on chains of octonionic multiplications, we show how both of these fit well within our scheme and give some wholly STA versions of the operations involved, which in the cases considered have easily understandable equivalents in terms of 4d geometry. Links with larger groups containing
, such as
and
, are also considered.
Unbounded generalization of logarithmic representation of infinitesimal generators
Authors: Iwata Yoritaka
Published: January 2023

The logarithmic representation of infinitesimal generators is generalized to the cases when the evolution operator is unbounded. The generalized result is applicable to the representation of infinitesimal generators of unbounded evolution operators, where unboundedness of evolution operator is an essential ingredient of nonlinear analysis. In conclusion, a general framework for the identification between the infinitesimal generators with evolution operators is established. A mathematical framework for such an identification is indispensable to the rigorous treatment of nonlinear transforms, for example, transforms appearing in the theory of integrable systems.
A variational modification of the Harmonic Balance method to obtain approximate Floquet exponents
Authors: Gadella Manuel , Lara Luis Pedro
Published: January 2023

We propose a modification of a method based on Fourier analysis to obtain the Floquet characteristic exponents for periodic homogeneous linear systems, which shows a high precision. This modification uses a variational principle to find the correct Floquet exponents among the solutions of an algebraic equation. Once we have these Floquet exponents, we determine explicit approximated solutions. We test our results on systems for which exact solutions are known to verify the accuracy of our method including one‐dimensional periodic potentials of interest in quantum physics. Using the equivalent linear system, we also study approximate solutions for homogeneous linear equations with periodic coefficients.
Combining an adenovirus encoding human endostatin and PD‐1 blockade enhanced antitumor immune activity
Authors: Tian Yaomei , Hu Qieyue , Zhang Rui , Zhou Bailing , Xie Daoyuan , Wang Yuanda , Yang Li
Published: January 2023

Treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has recently achieved unprecedented clinical benefits, becoming a critical treatment for patients with cancer. However, a set of patients are resistant to immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy, likely due to the limited presence or lack of tumor‐infiltrating lymphocytes in their tumors. Increasing data indicate that antiangiogenic therapy substantially reduces cancer‐induced immunosuppression and is an effective way to enhance the efficacy of cancer immunotherapies by combination with ICIs. Endostatin, an angiogenesis inhibitor, has been widely used as an antiangiogenic therapy for cancer. We showed that combined therapy with an adenovirus encoding human endostatin, named Ad‐E, and programmed cell death‐1 (PD‐1) blockade dramatically abrogated tumor growth, inhibited microvessel density, and promoted tumor apoptosis, compared to treatment with the single agents. Further investigation using flow cytometry showed that combined therapy significantly increased CD8+ T‐cell infiltration into tumors and promoted the level of CD8+ IFN‐γ+ T cells. Moreover, combined therapy effectively reduced the frequencies of CD11b+ F4/80+ tumor‐associated macrophages (TAMs) and slightly increased M1/M2 ratio in the tumors. RNA‐seq analysis of tumor tissue following combined therapy also demonstrated upregulated expression of genes associated with the antitumor immune response. These data support the rationale for combining antiangiogenic and ICIs for cancer therapy.
Proton minibeam radiation therapy for treating metastases: A treatment plan study
Authors: Ortiz Ramon , Belshi Rezart , De Marzi Ludovic , Prezado Yolanda
Published: January 2023

Background

Proton minibeam radiation therapy (pMBRT) is a new radiotherapy approach that has shown a significant increase in the therapeutic window in glioma‐bearing rats compared to conventional proton therapy. Such preclinical results encourage the preparation of clinical trials.

Purpose

In this study, the potential of pMBRT for treating clinical indications candidates for the first clinical trials (i.e., brain, lung, and liver metastases) was evaluated.

Methods

Four clinical cases, initially treated with stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT), were selected for this study. pMBRT, SRT, and conventional proton therapy (PT) dose distributions were compared by using three main criteria: (i) the tumor coverage, (ii) the mean dose to organs‐at‐risk, and (iii) the possible adverse effects in normal tissues by considering valley doses as the responsible for tissue sparing. pMBRT plans consisted of one fraction and one–two fields. Dose calculations were computed by means of Monte Carlo simulations.

Results

pMBRT treatments provide a similar or superior target coverage than SRT, even using fewer fields. pMBRT also significantly reduces the biologically effective dose (BED) to organs‐at‐risk. In addition, valley and mean doses to normal tissues remain below tolerance limits when treatments are delivered in a single fraction, contrary to PT treatments.

Conclusions

This work provides a first insight into the possibility of treating metastases with pMBRT. More favorable dose distributions and treatment delivery regimes may be expected from this new approach than SRT. The advantages of pMBRT would need to be confirmed by means of Phase I clinical trials.
Quantitative model for assessment of lower‐extremity perfusion in patients with diabetes
Authors: Zhang Qian , Liu Xiaoxiao , Li Qiang , Liu Yushuang , He Hongbo , Wang Kaifa , Yan Zhencheng
Published: January 2023

Background

Although diabetic and atherosclerotic vascular diseases have different pathophysiological mechanisms, the screening methods currently used for diabetic lower‐extremity vascular diseases are mainly based on the evaluation methods used for atherosclerotic vascular diseases. Thus, assessment of microvascular perfusion is of great importance in early detection of lower‐extremity ischemia in diabetes.

Purpose

This cross‐sectional study aimed to develop a quantitative model for evaluating lower‐extremity perfusion.

Methods

We recruited 57 participants (14 healthy participants and 43 diabetes patients, of which 16 had lower‐extremity arterial disease [LEAD]). All participants underwent technetium‐99 m sestamibi (99mTc‐MIBI) scintigraphy and ankle‐brachial index (ABI) examination. We derived two key perfusion kinetics indices named activity perfusion index (API) and basal perfusion index (BPI). This study was registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (URL: https://www.ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02752100).

Results

The estimated limb perfusion values in our lower‐extremity perfusion assessment (LEPA) model showed excellent consistency with the actual measured data. Diabetes patients showed reduced lower‐extremity perfusion in comparison with the control group (BPI: 106.21 ± 11.99 vs. 141.56 ± 17.38, p < 0.05; API: 12.34 ± 3.27 vs. 14.56 ± 3.12, p < 0.05). Using our model, the reductions in lower‐extremity perfusion could be detected early in approximately 96.30% of diabetes patients. Patients with LEAD showed more severe reductions in lower‐extremity perfusion than diabetes patients without LEAD (BPI: 47.85 ± 20.30 vs. 106.21 ± 11.99, p < 0.05; API: 7.06 ± 1.70 vs. 12.34 ± 3.27, p < 0.05). Discriminant analysis using API and BPI could successfully screen all diabetes patients with LEAD with a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 80.77%.

Conclusions

We established a LEPA model that could successfully assess lower‐extremity microvascular perfusion in diabetes patients. This model has important application value for the recognition of early‐stage LEAD in patients with diabetes.
Circular RNA SESN2 aggravates gestational trophoblast cell damage induced by high glucose by binding to IGF2BP2
Authors: Huang Xin , Guo Linlin
Published: January 2023

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a common disease in pregnant women that threatens maternal and fetal health. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been considered potential diagnostic markers for GDM and affect trophoblast cell phenotypes. This study aimed to explore the effect of circSESN2 on high glucose (HG)‐treated trophoblast cells. Peripheral blood and placental tissues were taken from patients with GDM, in which circSESN2 and IGF2BP2 levels were detected by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and/or western blot. HTR‐8/SVneo cells were treated with 25 mM glucose and transduced with circSESN2 or IGF2BP2 knockdown vectors. HTR‐8/SVneo cell viability was evaluated by MTT assay, cell migration by scratch test, and cell invasion by transwell assay, IL‐1β, IL‐6, TNF‐α, malondialdehyde, and superoxide dismutase levels by ELISA or kits, and reactive oxygen species levels by DCFH‐DA probes. The binding between circSESN2 and IGF2BP2 was verified by RNA pulldown and RIP assays. CircSESN2 and IGF2BP2 were overexpressed in GDM patients. Suppressing circSESN2 or IGF2BP2 increased HTR‐8/SVneo cell invasion and migration, decreased cell apoptosis, and reduced pro‐inflammatory cytokine release and oxidative stress injury. CircSESN2 bound IGF2BP2 and IGF2BP2 overexpression accelerated HG‐induced HTR‐8/SVneo cell damage despite circSESN2 knockdown. Collectively, circSESN2 exacerbated HG‐induced trophoblast cell damage by binding IGF2BP2 and upregulating its protein expression.
Proposed Standard Weight (W
s) Equations and Standard Length Categories for Redbreast Sunfish and Spotted Sunfish
Authors: Bonvechio Timothy F. , Bonvechio Kimberly I. , Moran Jennifer , Crawford Steve
Published: January 2023

We developed standard weight (Ws ) equations for Redbreast Sunfish Lepomis auritus and Spotted Sunfish L. punctatus using the traditional regression-line-percentile (RLP) technique and the empirical-percentile-linear (EmP-L), and the empirical-percentile quadratic (EmP-Q) method. Individual length and weight data for 175,541 Redbreast Sunfish from 8 to 31 cm TL across 315 populations and 66,851 Spotted Sunfish from 7 to 21 cm TL across 130 populations were used in the final analysis. These fish were collected from 1975 to 2021 by various agency and university personnel from most known populations across the species' native and introduced ranges in North America. We present the EmP-L-derived Ws equations for the Redbreast Sunfish as log10W = 3.1218 × log10L − 5.0018 and the Spotted Sunfish as log10W = 3.3343 × log10L − 5.3739, where W is weight (g) and L is total length (TL, mm). Equations from all methods exhibited length-related bias, but the EmP-L equations had a median bias of 0–0.6 for the length range that comprised 99.7% (for 8–24 cm TL) of Redbreast Sunfish and 99.0% (for 7–18 cm TL) of Spotted Sunfish in our data set. Regardless of the equation, the most bias was found at the upper end of the length spectrum, so we do not recommend these equations for Redbreast Sunfish ≥30 cm TL or Spotted Sunfish ≥20 cm TL. We also developed standard length categories for Redbreast Sunfish with minimum lengths for five standard length categories of 8, 13, 18, 20, and 25 cm TL for stock, quality, preferred, memorable, and trophy sizes and for Spotted sunfish 5, 10, 13, 15, and 18 cm TL, respectively. Development of a Ws equation and standard length categories will aid biologists in assessing condition and size structure of wild Redbreast Sunfish and Spotted Sunfish populations and those being propagated for supplemental stocking into areas with depressed native populations.
The potential beneficial effect of sleep deprivation following traumatic events to preventing PTSD: Review of current insight regarding sleep, memory, and trauma resonating with ancient rituals—Àìsùn Oku (African) and Tsuya (Japanese)
Authors: Cohen Hagit , Ephraim‐Oluwanuga Olusola T. , Akintunde Orunmuyi T. , Gureje Oye , Matar Michael A. , Todder Doron , Zohar Joseph
Published: January 2023

Sleep figures in numerous ancient texts, for example, Epic of Gilgamesh, and has been a focus for countless mystical and philosophical texts. Even in the present century, sleep remains one of the most complex behaviors whose function still remains to be further explored. Current hypotheses suggest that among other functions, sleep contributes to memory processes. Memory is a core topic of study in post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other stress‐related phenomena. It is widely accepted that sleep plays a major role in the consolidation of newly encoded hippocampus‐dependent memories to pre‐existing knowledge networks. Conversely, sleep deprivation disrupts consolidation and impairs memory retrieval. Along this line, sleep deprivation following a potentially traumatic event may interfere with the consolidation of event‐related memories and, thereby, may reduce long‐term post‐traumatic stress‐related symptoms. This review consolidates clinical and animal studies on the relationships between sleep, sleep deprivation, memory processes, and trauma exposure while introducing new contemporary insights into an ancient African tribal ritual (Àìsùn Oku) and Japanese ceremony ritual (Tsuya). We propose that these findings, focusing specifically on the effects of sleep deprivation in the immediate aftermath of traumatic events, may be explored as a possible therapeutic measure. Along with a summary of the field questions on whether sleep is performed “to remember” or “to forget” we lay the rationale for using sleep deprivation as a clinical tool. A tool that may partially prevent the long‐term persistence of these traumatic events' memory and thereby, at least partly, attenuating the development of PTSD.
Assessing barriers and facilitators to transition in sickle cell disease care prior to implementation of a formalized program
Authors: Sheppard Sydney , Hellemann Gerhard , Lebensburger Jeffrey , Kanter Julie
Published: January 2023

Over 95% of children with sickle cell disease (SCD) survive into adulthood in the United States. However, early mortality remains a problem, especially in persons between the ages of 18 and 35. One possible explanation for the increased mortality rate in young adults is difficulties in engaging in care during the transition from a heavily contiguous pediatric healthcare model to a more self‐reliant adult healthcare model. The goal of this study was to identify potential facilitators and barriers to a successful transfer in care from the pediatric to adult SCD program before the formation of a formal transition program. This is a retrospective cohort study of transition outcomes for 472 individuals with SCD (all genotypes) treated at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) sickle cell clinic (aged 18–24). The primary outcome was whether the patient continued care in (any) adult SCD program (defined as being seen at least once in an adult hematology/SCD clinic). One hundred eighty‐eight (45%) transition age patients successfully transferred to adult care. Facilitators to successful transfer in care included being treated at the same hospital for both pediatric and adult programs, having the genotype HbSS, and/or receiving an SCD‐modifying therapy at the time of transition (hydroxyurea and/or red cell transfusion therapy). Of primary interest, many of the patients who failed to transition to an adult clinic were lost to follow‐up prior to 15 years of age. Importantly, these patients who had previously been labeled as “transition failures,” were lost to follow‐up long before the transition age. Early engagement is needed for this population.
The cardiorespiratory response and physiological determinants of the 6‐min handbike cycle test in healthy children: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Torres‐Puebla Gerardo , Poblete Pedro , Rodríguez‐Núñez Iván , Báez Claudio , Muñoz‐Pareja Maritza , Zenteno Daniel
Published: January 2023

Introduction

The submaximal tests are used to measure aerobic capacity and correlate with activities of daily living in chronic patients. The 6‐min handbike cycle test (6mhct) was created for nonambulatory subjects, but there are no reference values to quantify and classify the cardiorespiratory fitness of children in this condition.

Objective(s)

Generate 6mhct reference values and determine predictive variables in a population of Chilean children between 8 and 13 years old.

Materials and Methods

Cross‐sectional study. Sampling for convenience, stratified by age. Evaluation of anthropometric variables, handgrip strength, heart rate (HR), effort perception, and blood pressure were performed, then the 6mhct was applied. Descriptive statistics, Student'st test and Mann–WhitneyUtest, correlation coefficient, and regression equation were used to estimate the total revolutions by age, being significantp < 0.05.

Results

Were evaluated 120 children homogeneously distributed by age. The total revolutions performed by boys and girls were 861.4 ± 102.9 and 771.8 ± 90.2, respectively (p < 0.001). There was a significant correlation between total revolutions and age (r = .52), weight (r = .29), height (r = .46), average  UULL (length of the upper limb) length (r = .44), average handgrip strength (r = .53), peak HR (r = .67), recovery HR (r = .44), and HR reserve (r = .72). The regression equation was established.

Conclusions

These results can be used as preliminary reference values for the 6mhct in Chilean children from 8 to 13 years old. Handgrip strength, age, peak HR, and HR reserve influenced the performance of the 6mhct.
Center‐Type Topological Domain States in Ferroelectric Nanodots Tailored from Thin Films
Authors: Li Zhongwen , Zhang Siyi , Li Xiaofen , Wu Yangjiang , Wang Haiou , Liu Hao
Published: January 2023

This article reports on using atomic force microscopy to investigate the structure and switching of ferroelectric domains on nanodot arrays. High‐density arrays of epitaxial discrete nanodots are fabricated by the template‐assisted tailoring of thin films. Furthermore, the measurement of the vectorial polarization distribution and switching of domains is conducted, which helps identify four topological domain states. In addition to convergent and divergent domain states with upward and downward polarization, double‐center and triple‐center domains are identified. Thus, the study shows the formation mechanisms for these topological domain states using the accumulation of mobile charges on the interface and the strain gradient arising from the tailoring of thin films into nanodots. The properties of these exotic multicenter topological domain states provide the opportunity to further study their potential application in high‐density storage devices.
A Review of Psychocutaneous Disorders from a Psychotherapeutic Perspective—Toolkit for the Dermatologist
Authors: Zagami Mary , Klepper Edward , Wienecke Eric , Andrzejewski Maria , Sikder Ahmed , Ahmed Ali , Robinson Howard
Published: January 2023

Introduction

The study of psychocutaneous disorders requires a multidisciplinary approach. It is of paramount importance that dermatologists understand the psychiatric premise for these disorders. Mental health professionals can also benefit from a better understanding of the dermatologic manifestations of psychiatric disorders they may encounter in their practice.

Aim

The aim of this study is to elevate the level of understanding regarding psychotherapeutic treatment of psychocutaneous disorders.

Methods

We performed a literature review using the major databases. Four researchers reviewed English, full text, peer-reviewed articles that were published after 2000 using our specific search terms and inclusion/exclusion criteria.

Results

The majority of psychocutaneous disorders seem to be clustered among three DSM-5 disorders: depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, and obsessive-compulsive related disorders.

Conclusions

Better recognition of the underlying psychiatric comorbidities may lead to improved patient outcomes.
New Conceptual Catalyst on Spatial High‐Entropy Alloy Heterostructures for High‐Performance Li‐O2 Batteries
Authors: Zhang Peng , Hui Xiaobin , Nie Yingjian , Wang Rutao , Wang Chengxiang , Zhang Zhiwei , Yin Longwei
Published: January 2023

High‐entropy alloys (HEAs) are attracting increased attention as an alternative to noble metals for various catalytic reactions. However, it is of great challenge and fundamental importance to develop spatial HEA heterostructures to manipulate d‐band center of interfacial metal atoms and modulate electron–distribution to enhance electrocatalytic activity of HEA catalysts. Herein, an efficient strategy is demonstrated to construct unique well‐designed HEAs spatial heterostructure electrocatalyst (HEA@Pt) as bifunctional cathode to accelerate oxygen reduction and evolution reaction (ORR/OER) kinetics for Li‐O2 batteries, where uniform Pt dendrites grow on PtRuFeCoNi HEA at a low angle boundary. Such atomically connected HEA spatial interfaces engender efficient electrons from HEA to Pt due to discrepancy of work functions, modulating electron distribution for fast interfacial electron transfer, and abundant active sites. Theoretical calculations reveal that electron redistribution manipulates d‐band center of interfacial metal atoms, allowing appropriate adsorption energy of oxygen species to lower ORR/OER reaction barriers. Hence, Li‐O2 battery based on HEA@Pt electrocatalyst delivers a minimal polarization potential (0.37 V) and long‐term cyclability (210 cycles) under a cut‐off capacity of 1000 mAh g−1, surpassing most previously reported noble metal‐based catalysts. This work provides significant insights on electron–modulation and d‐band center optimization for advanced electrocatalysts.
Hierarchical Nanospheres with Polycrystalline Ir&Cu and Amorphous Cu2O toward Energy‐Efficient Nitrate Electrolysis to Ammonia
Authors: Akram Muhammad Awais , Zhu Botao , Cai Jiahao , Qin Shuaibo , Hou Xiangdie , Jin Peng , Wang Feng , He Yunpeng , Li Xiaohong , Feng Lai
Published: January 2023

Electrochemical reduction reaction of nitrate (NITRR) provides a sustainable route toward the green synthesis of ammonia. Nevertheless, it remains challenging to achieve high‐performance electrocatalysts for NITRR especially at low overpotentials. In this work, hierarchical nanospheres consisting of polycrystalline Iridium&copper (Ir&Cu) and amorphous Cu2O (CuxIryOzNS) have been fabricated. The optimal species Cu0.86Ir0.14Ozdelivers excellent catalytic performance with a desirable NH3yield rate (YR) up to 0.423 mmol h−1 cm−2(or 4.8 mg h−1 mgcat−1) and a high NH3Faradaic efficiency (FE) over 90% at a low overpotential of 0.69 V (or 0 VRHE), where hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is almost negligible. The electrolyzer toward NITRR and hydrazine oxidation (HzOR) is constructed for the first time with an electrode pair of Cu0.86Ir0.14Oz//Cu0.86Ir0.14Oz, yielding a high energy efficiency (EE) up to 87%. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations demonstrate that the dispersed Ir atom provides active site that not only promotes the NO3−adsorption but also modulates the H adsorption/desorption to facilitate the proton supply for the hydrogenation of *N, hence boosting the NITRR. This work thus points to the importance of both morphological/structural and compositional engineering for achieving the highly efficient catalysts toward NITRR.
Versatile Magnetic Mesoporous Carbon Derived Nano‐Adsorbent for Synchronized Toxic Metal Removal and Bacterial Disinfection from Water Matrices
Authors: Saleem Atif , Chen Jingjie , Liu Meng , Liu Nian , Usman Muhammad , Wang Ke , Haris Muhammad , Zhang Yuezhou , Li Peng
Published: January 2023

Contamination of water resources by toxic metals and opportunistic pathogens remains a serious challenge. The development of nano‐adsorbents with desired features to tackle this problem is a continuously evolving field. Here, magnetic mesoporous carbon nanospheres grafted by antimicrobial polyhexamethylene biguanidine (PHMB) are reported. Detailed mechanistic investigations reveal that the electrostatic stabilizer modified magnetic nanocore interfaced mesoporous shell can be programmatically regulated to tune the size and related morphological properties. The core–shell nano‐adsorbent shows tailorable shell thickness (≈20–55 nm), high surface area (363.47 m2 g−1), pore volume (0.426 cm3 g−1), radially gradient pores (11.26 nm), and abundant biguanidine functionality. Importantly, the nano‐adsorbent has high adsorption capacity for toxic thallium (Tl(I) ions (≈559 mg g−1), excellent disinfection against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli (>99.99% at 2 and 2.5 µg mL−1), ultrafast disinfection kinetics rate (>99.99% within ≈4 min), and remarkable regeneration capability when exposed to polluted water matrices. The Tl(I) removal is attributed to surface complexation and physical adsorption owing to open ended mesopores, while disinfection relies on contact of terminal biguanidines with phospholipid head groups of membrane. The significance of this work lies in bringing up effective synchronic water purification technology to combat pathogenic microorganisms and toxic metal.
Unconventional Shrinkage of Hot Electron Distribution in Metal Directly Visualized by Ultrafast Imaging
Authors: Gao Guoquan , Jiang Lan , Xue Bofeng , Yang Fei , Wang Ti , Wan Yan , Zhu Tong
Published: January 2023

Elucidation of hot carrier transport and cooling mechanisms at the micro‐/nanoscale is critical for optoelectronics, thermal management, and photocatalysis. Spatiotemporal evolution of hot electrons is usually convoluted with their ultrafast dynamics. Herein, an ultrafast microscopy is employed to directly track the spatiotemporal distribution of photoexcited hot electrons, providing a transformative approach to unravel the competitive relationship of transport and cooling. In the temporal evolution profiles of hot electron distribution, an anomalous contracting stage showing obvious thickness and fluence dependency is observed, with a characteristic end time indicating the completion of electron–phonon (e‐ph) thermalization. Hot electron transport plays a prominent role in the competition with e‐ph coupling, while interfacial heat dissipation dominates nonequilibrium state evolution with thickness below ballistic length. This work significantly enriches the tool kit of ultrafast techniques and provides guidance for rational design and optimization of micro‐/nanodevices.
Association of an endemic leuciscid, the Sandhills Chub, with microhabitat features and watershed-level habitat characteristics
Authors: Herigan Garrett M. , Crane Derek P. , Scott Mark C.
Published: January 2023

Objective

Habitat alteration is the greatest threat to fishes globally, and freshwater fishes are particularly vulnerable to habitat alteration because freshwater ecosystems are more closely integrated with the human landscape than marine ecosystems. Headwater streams comprise the majority of stream length within a watershed and provide unique habitats for a variety of aquatic organisms, thus contributing to drainage wide species diversity by supporting many rare and endemic species. Unfortunately, because of their small size, headwater streams are particularly susceptible to the effects of habitat alteration and conversion of natural land cover to anthropogenically dominated landscapes. Therefore, understanding fish–habitat relationships is essential for conserving and restoring headwater species and their habitats. The Sandhills Chub Semotilus lumbee is a headwater specialist endemic to the Sandhills ecoregion in North Carolina and South Carolina. It has been extirpated from several locations in South Carolina; thus, quantitative information on abiotic habitat factors is needed to guide conservation and restoration efforts. The objective of this study was to produce a predictive model of Sandhills Chub occurrence using microhabitat features and watershed-level habitat characteristics.

Methods

Logistic regression was used to identify which habitat features were associated with the occurrence of Sandhills Chub. Habitat and fish data were collected between 2019 and 2020 at 115 sites within the South Carolina Sandhills.

Result

Sandhills Chub (total = 431) were collected at 41 out of 115 sites sampled. We observed that Sandhills Chub presence was positively associated with dissolved oxygen levels, instream cover, the percent of substrates between 6 and 11 mm, and elevation and was negatively related to the number of impoundments within each 12-digit hydrologic unit code.

Conclusion

The Sandhills Chub prefers streams that have high dissolved oxygen content, presence of instream cover, the substrates necessary to construct their pit-ridge nests, low numbers of impoundments on the streams, and higher elevations within the Sandhills. Results from this study will provide important information to guide management decisions for the future conservation and restoration of Sandhills Chub.
Isoliquiritigenin induces oxidative stress and immune response in zebrafish embryos
Authors: Su Yufang , Fang Lei , Zhong Kaili , Wang Ting , Bao Mingjie , Zhou Ting , Zhu Yuan
Published: January 2023

Isoliquiritigenin (ISL) is used in many households' personal hygiene and medicinal products, and the average human daily ISL exposure is 1–2 mg/kg. However, the molecular mechanisms of ISL toxicity in zebrafish embryos have not been fully elucidated. We investigated whether exposure to ISL induces oxidative stress and inflammatory responses in zebrafish. And exposure to ISL significantly affects the expression of immune response‐related genes in zebrafish embryos following oxidative stress and the release of pro‐inflammatory mediators through Toll‐like receptor signaling.
AWF student grants: supporting the next generation of animal welfare advocates
Authors: Ritchie Eve
Published: January 2023

Eve Ritchie of the Animal Welfare Foundation (AWF) catches up with Katherine Duffy, who received a grant from the charity to examine the issue of cat hoarding.
Vetlife is here to help
Authors: Ritchie Eve
Published: January 2023

Everyone in the veterinary community – including veterinary nurses, veterinary students and non‐clinical staff – is welcome to contact the Vetlife Helpline for free, independent and confidential support, says Eve Ritchie.
Leadership and personal development key to one vet's career success
Authors: Mckay Ruth
Published: January 2023

From her first job helping with the practice books, to chairing the Veterinary Management Group board, Ruth Mckay has focused her career around leadership and management skills.
Calculation of emission spectra of lithium compounds
Authors: Hassebi Khalil , Le Guen Karine , Rividi Nicolas , Verlaguet Anne , Jonnard Philippe
Published: January 2023

We studied the electronic structure of lithium metal, lithium fluoride, and spodumene using density functional theory. We performed calculations of the total, local and partial density of states, and x‐ray emission spectra. We observed changes in the Li K spectra shape and energy position due to the chemical structure and composition modification. We also outline possible interferences between emission bands.
Synthesis and Reactivity of Calcium Diborane(6) and Diboranate Derivatives
Authors: Shere Henry T. W. , Hill Michael S. , Neale Samuel E. , Mahon Mary F. , McMullin Claire L. , Wilson Andrew S. S.
Published: January 2023

Molecular β‐diketiminato (BDI) calcium hydride and n‐hexyl derivatives are shown to display contrasting reactivities toward bis(pinacolato)diboron (B2pin2). Whereas the dimeric constitution of the calcium hydride is retained during formation of an unusual diborane(6) dianion, the initially dimeric organocalcium reagent is converted to a calcium diboranate monomer, [(BDI)Ca{pinB‐Bpin(n‐hex)}]. Attempts to effect heterolysis of the B−B bond of this latter species in a manner reminiscent of a previously reported magnesium system were unsuccessful and resulted in either dismutation to the homoleptic β‐diketiminate, [(BDI)2Ca], or, in the case of organic nitriles, the generation of N‐donor adduct derivatives, [(BDI)Ca(NCR){pinB‐Bpin(n‐hex)}] (R=t‐Bu, i‐Pr, o‐tol). This latter reactivity again contrasts with the previously reported behaviour of an analogous magnesium diboranate, observations that are rationalised by density functional theory (DFT) calculations to be effectively a consequence of the larger radius and lower resultant steric congestion, of the third‐row group 2 cation.
Theorizing and Entrepreneurship
Authors: Shepherd Dean A. , Patzelt Holger
Published: January 2023

Building theories is essential for advancing knowledge of entrepreneurship. But it is also a highly challenging task. Although there is a burgeoning literature that offers many theorizing tools, we lack a coherent understanding of how these tools fit together—when to use a particular tool, and which combination of tools can be used in the theorizing process. This article organizes a systematic review of the literature on theory building around the five critical elements of a good story: conflict, character, setting, sequence, and plot and arc. In doing so, we hope to provide a richer understanding of how specific tools facilitate aspects of the theorizing process and offer a clearer big picture of the process of building important new entrepreneurship theories. We also offer pragmatic empirical theorizing as an approach that uses quantitative empirical findings to stimulate theorizing on entrepreneurial anomalies.
Anthropomorphizing for Entrepreneurial Theorizing
Authors: Shepherd Dean A. , Patzelt Holger
Published: January 2023

Despite admonishments that anthropomorphizing represents a serious error in scientific thinking, we show that anthropomorphizing has been a critically important tool for developing influential theories in entrepreneurship. Analyzing the literatures related to an organization’s entrepreneurial orientationand organizational knowledge reveals how scholars build on their rich and highly accessible understanding of humans (i.e., the self and others) to (1) make guesses and sense of entrepreneurial anomalies at the organizational level, (2) articulate theoretical mechanisms to build more robust entrepreneurship theories, and (3) create plausible stories that facilitate sensegiving to editors, reviewers, and other audiences. However, anthropomorphizing does not always lead to such positive outcomes. We conclude the chapter with a discussion of the conditions under which entrepreneurship scholars’ anthropomorphizing will be more or less effective.
Nitration of chemokine CXCL8 acts as a natural mechanism to limit acute inflammation
Authors: Thompson Sarah , Pang Chong Yun , Sepuru Krishna Mohan , Cambier Seppe , Hellyer Thomas P. , Scott Jonathan , Simpson A. John , Proost Paul , Kirby John A. , Rajarathnam Krishna , Sheerin Neil S. , Ali Simi
Published: January 2023

Chemokine CXCL8 is a key facilitator of the human host immune response, mediating neutrophil migration, and activation at the site of infection and injury. The oxidative burst is an important effector mechanism which leads to the generation of reactive nitrogen species (RNS), including peroxynitrite. The current study was performed to determine the potential for nitration to alter the biological properties of CXCL8 and its detection in human disease. Here, we show peroxynitrite nitrates CXCL8 and thereby regulates neutrophil migration and activation. The nitrated chemokine was unable to induce transendothelial neutrophil migration in vitro and failed to promote leukocyte recruitment in vivo. This reduced activity is due to impairment in both G protein-coupled receptor signaling and glycosaminoglycan binding. Using a novel antibody, nitrated CXCL8 was detected in bronchoalveolar lavage samples from patients with pneumonia. These findings were validated by mass spectrometry. Our results provide the first direct evidence of chemokine nitration in human pathophysiology and suggest a natural mechanism that limits acute inflammation.
Galactic cosmic radiation exposure causes multifaceted neurocognitive impairments
Authors: Alaghband Yasaman , Klein Peter M. , Kramár Eniko A. , Cranston Michael N. , Perry Bayley C. , Shelerud Lukas M. , Kane Alice E. , Doan Ngoc-Lien , Ru Ning , Acharya Munjal M. , Wood Marcelo A. , Sinclair David A. , Dickstein Dara L. , Soltesz Ivan , Limoli Charles L. , Baulch Janet E.
Published: January 2023

Technological advancements have facilitated the implementation of realistic, terrestrial-based complex 33-beam galactic cosmic radiation simulations (GCR Sim) to now probe central nervous system functionality. This work expands considerably on prior, simplified GCR simulations, yielding new insights into responses of male and female mice exposed to 40–50 cGy acute or chronic radiations relevant to deep space travel. Results of the object in updated location task suggested that exposure to acute or chronic GCR Sim induced persistent impairments in hippocampus-dependent memory formation and reconsolidation in female mice that did not manifest robustly in irradiated male mice. Interestingly, irradiated male mice, but not females, were impaired in novel object recognition and chronically irradiated males exhibited increased aggressive behavior on the tube dominance test. Electrophysiology studies used to evaluate synaptic plasticity in the hippocampal CA1 region revealed significant reductions in long-term potentiation after each irradiation paradigm in both sexes. Interestingly, network-level disruptions did not translate to altered intrinsic electrophysiological properties of CA1 pyramidal cells, whereas acute exposures caused modest drops in excitatory synaptic signaling in males. Ultrastructural analyses of CA1 synapses found smaller postsynaptic densities in larger spines of chronically exposed mice compared to controls and acutely exposed mice. Myelination was also affected by GCR Sim with acutely exposed mice exhibiting an increase in the percent of myelinated axons; however, the myelin sheathes on small calibur (< 0.3 mm) and larger (> 0.5 mm) axons were thinner when compared to controls. Present findings might have been predicted based on previous studies using single and mixed beam exposures and provide further evidence that space-relevant radiation exposures disrupt critical cognitive processes and underlying neuronal network-level plasticity, albeit not to the extent that might have been previously predicted.
Generalized Henneberg Stable Minimal Surfaces
Authors: Moya David , Pérez Joaquín
Published: January 2023

We generalize the classical Henneberg minimal surface by giving an infinite family of complete, finitely branched, non-orientable, stable minimal surfaces in $$\mathbb {R}^3$$

R

3

. These surfaces can be grouped into subfamilies depending on a positive integer (called the complexity), which essentially measures the number of branch points. The classical Henneberg surface $$H_1$$

H
1

is characterized as the unique example in the subfamily of the simplest complexity $$m=1$$

m
=
1

, while for $$m\ge 2$$

m
≥
2

multiparameter families are given. The isometry group of the most symmetric example $$H_m$$

H
m

with a given complexity $$m\in \mathbb {N}$$

m
∈
N

is either isomorphic to the dihedral isometry group $$D_{2m+2}$$

D

2
m
+
2

(if m is odd) or to $$D_{m+1}\times \mathbb {Z}_2$$

D

m
+
1

×

Z
2

(if m is even). Furthermore, for m even $$H_m$$

H
m

is the unique solution to the Björling problem for a hypocycloid of $$m+1$$

m
+
1

cusps (if m is even), while for m odd the conjugate minimal surface $$H_m^*$$

H
m
∗

to $$H_m$$

H
m

is the unique solution to the Björling problem for a hypocycloid of $$2m+2$$

2
m
+
2

cusps.