bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Monitoring DNA Hybridization with Organic Electrochemical Transistors Functionalized with Polydopamine
Authors: Sensi Matteo , Migatti Giulio , Beni Valerio , D'Alvise Tommaso Marchesi , Weil Tanja , Berto Marcello , Greco Pierpaolo , Imbriano Carol , Biscarini Fabio , Bortolotti Carlo Augusto
Published: January 2022

Organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs) are finding widespread application in biosensing, thanks to their high sensitivity, broad dynamic range, and low limit of detection. An OECT biosensor requires the immobilization of a biorecognition probe on the gate, or else on the channel, through several, often lengthy, chemical steps. In this work, a fast and straightforward way to functionalize the carbon gate of a fully screen‐printed OECT by means of a polydopamine (PDA) film is presented. By chemical immobilization of an amine‐terminated single‐stranded oligonucleotide, containing the HSP70 promoter CCAAT sequence, on the PDA film, the detection of the complementary DNA strand is demonstrated. Furthermore, the specificity of the developed genosensor is assessed by comparing its response to the fully complementary strand with the one to partially complementary and noncomplementary oligonucleotides. The developed sensor shows a theoretical limit of detection (LOD) of 100 × 10−15 m and a dynamic range over four orders of magnitude.
Unprecedented Dual Role of Polyaniline for Enhanced Pseudocapacitance of Cobalt–Iron Layered Double Hydroxide
Authors: Mahmood Azhar , Zhao Bolin , Javed Muhammad Sufyan , He Dequan , Cheong Weng‐Chon , Han Dongxue , Niu Li
Published: January 2022

Creating nanosized pores in layered materials can increase the abundant active surface area and boost potential applications of energy storage devices. Herein, a unique synthetic strategy based on polyaniline (PANI) doped 2D cobalt–iron layered double hydroxide (CoFe‐LDH/P) nanomaterials are designed, and the formation of pores at low temperature (80 °C) is developed. It is found that the optimized concentration of PANI creates the nanopores on the CoFe‐LDH nanosheets among all other polymers. The well‐ordered pores of CoFe‐LDH/P allow the high accessibility of the redox‐active sites and promote effective ion diffusion. The optimized CoFe‐LDH/P2 cathode reveals a specific capacitance 1686 (1096 Cg−1) and 1200 Fg−1 (720 Cg−1) at 1 and 30 Ag−1 respectively, a high rate capability (71.2%), and a long cycle life (98% over 10 000 cycles) for supercapacitor applications. Charge storage analysis suggests that the CoFe‐LDH/P2 electrode displays a capacitive‐type storage mechanism (69% capacitive at 1 mV s−1). Moreover, an asymmetric aqueous supercapacitor (CoFe‐LDH/P2//AC) is fabricated, delivering excellent energy density (75.9 Wh kg−1 at 1124 W kg−1) with outstanding stability (97.5%) over 10 000 cycles. This work opens a new avenue for designing porous 2D materials at low temperature for aqueous energy storage devices.
Whole Agrocybe cylindracea Prevented Obesity Linking with Modification of Gut Microbiota and Associated Fecal Metabolites in High‐Fat Diet‐Fed Mice
Authors: Zhu Zhenjun , Huang Rui , Liu Wei , Wang Juan , Wu Shujian , Chen Mengfei , Huang Aohuan , Xie Yizhen , Chen Moutong , Jiao Chunwei , Zhang Jumei , Wu Qingping , Ding Yu
Published: January 2022

Scope

Whole‐food‐based strategies to prevent metabolic diseases are growing interests. Agrocybe cylindracea (AC) is a major edible mushroom with high values of nutrition, but little is known about its health benefits as a portion of whole food.

Methods and Results

Diet‐induced obese, C57BL/6J mice are fed an high‐fat diet (HFD) with or without AC (3% or 5%, w/w in the diet) for 9 weeks. The results show that dietary AC reduced body weight, adipose accumulation, impairment of glucose tolerance, lipid levels, and liver injury in HFD‐fed mice. Moreover, AC not only prevents HFD‐induced gut disorder, as indicates by the enriched probiotic Bifidobacterium and reduced endotoxin‐bearing Proteobacteria, but also improve the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) level and gut tissue structure. Fecal metabolites such as harmine and harmanine are also remarkably altered by AC. Spearman's correlation analysis reveals that the AC‐altered microbes and metabolites are strongly correlated with obesity‐related indexes.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that dietary AC prevents HFD‐induced obesity and its complications in association with modulating gut microbiota and associated fecal metabolites.
S‐Allylcysteine Ameliorates Aging Features via Regulating Mitochondrial Dynamics in Naturally Aged C57BL/6J Mice
Authors: Chen Pin‐Hua , Chang Chun‐Han , Lin Wei‐Sheng , Nagabhushanam Kalyanam , Ho Chi‐Tang , Pan Min‐Hsiung
Published: January 2022

Scope

S‐Allylcysteine (SAC) is the most abundant organosulfur molecule derived from aged garlic. The effects ofSAC on improving Aging in naturally aged C57BL/6J male mice and mitochondrial dynamics in Caenorhabditis elegans and its underlying mechanisms is evaluated.

Methods and Results

When mice have attained reproductive senescence at 60 weeks of age, SAC is supplemented to 0.05% and 0.2% into their normal diet for 12 weeks. The results show that SAC could significantly improve the level of hepatic optic atrophy 1 (OPA1) mRNA, which is a key factor for mitochondrial fusion, and consequently elevated the mitochondrial biogenesis‐related proteins sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) and peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐gamma coactivator‐1 alpha (PGC‐1α), thus ameliorating oxidative stress, such as malondialdehyde (MDA) in the liver and 8‐hydroxy‐2'‐deoxyguanosine (8‐OHdG) in urine. Among the biochemical markers of aging, SAC significantly reduces liver galactosidase β1 (GLB1) and senescence‐associated β‐galactosidase (SA‐βgal), which are induced by replicative senescence. The mitochondria with green fluorescent protein (GFP)‐tagged transgenic strain SJ4103 C. elegans is incubated with 5 or 50 µM SAC, and SAC treated groups maintain the linear morphology of mitochondria.

Conclusion

SAC regulates mitochondrial dynamics and ameliorated aging to a significant degree. This study also confirms that mitochondrial dynamics are a promising target for screening materials to combat aging and as a direction for anti‐aging product development.
Learning white matter subject‐specific segmentation from structural MRI
Authors: Yang Qi , Hansen Colin B. , Cai Leon Y. , Rheault Francois , Lee Ho Hin , Bao Shunxing , Chandio Bramsh Qamar , Williams Owen , Resnick Susan M. , Garyfallidis Eleftherios , Anderson Adam W. , Descoteaux Maxime , Schilling Kurt G. , Landman Bennett A.
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Mapping brain white matter (WM) is essential for building an understanding of brain anatomy and function. Tractography‐based methods derived from diffusion‐weighted MRI (dMRI) are the principal tools for investigating WM. These procedures rely on time‐consuming dMRI acquisitions that may not always be available, especially for legacy or time‐constrained studies. To address this problem, we aim to generate WM tracts from structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) image by deep learning.

Methods

Following recently proposed innovations in structural anatomical segmentation, we evaluate the feasibility of training multiply spatial localized convolution neural networks to learn context from fixed spatial patches from structural MRI on standard template. We focus on six widely used dMRI tractography algorithms (TractSeg, RecoBundles, XTRACT, Tracula, automated fiber quantification (AFQ), and AFQclipped) and train 125 U‐Net models to learn these techniques from 3870 T1‐weighted images from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging, the Human Connectome Project S1200 release, and scans acquired at Vanderbilt University.

Results

The proposed framework identifies fiber bundles with high agreement against tractography‐based pathways with a median Dice coefficient from 0.62 to 0.87 on a test cohort, achieving improved subject‐specific accuracy when compared to population atlas‐based methods. We demonstrate the generalizability of the proposed framework on three externally available datasets.

Conclusions

We show that patch‐wise convolutional neural network can achieve robust bundle segmentation from T1w. We envision the use of this framework for visualizing the expected course of WM pathways when dMRI is not available.
Accelerating joint relaxation‐diffusion MRI by integrating time division multiplexing and simultaneous multi‐slice (TDM‐SMS) strategies
Authors: Ji Yang , Hoge W. Scott , Gagoski Borjan , Westin Carl‐Fredrik , Rathi Yogesh , Ning Lipeng
Published: January 2022

Purpose

To accelerate the acquisition of relaxation‐diffusion imaging by integrating time‐division multiplexing (TDM) with simultaneous multi‐slice (SMS) for EPI and evaluate imaging quality and diffusion measures.

Methods

The time‐division multiplexing (TDM) technique and SMS method were integrated to achieve a high slice‐acceleration (e.g., 6×) factor for acquiring relaxation‐diffusion MRI. Two variants of the sequence, referred to as TDM3e‐SMS and TDM2s‐SMS, were developed to simultaneously acquire slice groups with three distinct TEs and two slice groups with the same TE, respectively. Both sequences were evaluated on a 3T scanner with in vivo human brains and compared with standard single‐band (SB) ‐EPI and SMS‐EPI using diffusion measures and tractography results.

Results

Experimental results showed that the TDM3e‐SMS sequence with total slice acceleration of 6 (multiplexing factor (MP) = 3 × multi‐band factor (MB) = 2) provided similar image intensity and microstructure measures compared to standard SMS‐EPI with MB = 2, and yielded less bias in intensity compared to standard SMS‐EPI with MB = 4. The three sequences showed a similar positive correlation between TE and mean kurtosis (MK) and a negative correlation between TE and mean diffusivity (MD) in white matter. Multi‐fiber tractography also shows consistency of results in TE‐dependent measures between different sequences. The TDM2s‐SMS sequence (MP = 2, MB = 2) also provided imaging measures similar to standard SMS‐EPI sequences (MB = 2) for single‐TE diffusion imaging.

Conclusions

The TDM‐SMS sequence can provide additional 2× to 3× acceleration to SMS without degrading imaging quality. With the significant reduction in scan time, TDM‐SMS makes joint relaxation‐diffusion MRI a feasible technique in neuroimaging research to investigate new markers of brain disorders.
Individualized and accurate SAR characterization method based on equivalent circuit model for MRI system
Authors: Jiang Weiman , Yang Fan , Wang Kun
Published: January 2022

Purpose

To protect patients from RF heating in MRI scan, this work proposes an accurate and patient‐specific whole‐body specific absorption rate (SAR) characterization method based on an equivalent circuit model. Compared to the standard pulse energy method defined in NEMA MS 8‐2016, this method avoids the complexity of integrating flux loops and has the potential to be easily implemented in MRI scanners.

Theory and Methods

In this study, we use an equivalent parallel circuit to model the power distribution on the transmit coil and subject. The coil and subject equivalent resistances are fitted by the frequency response functions of reflection coefficient and are thereafter used to calculate the power ratio between them. To assess the accuracy of this method, we measured the subject absorbed power of 2 phantoms and 5 volunteers and compared it with the standard pulse energy method with flux loops.

Results

The resistances, resonant frequencies, and quality factors of the transmit coil are fitted with the equivalent circuit model in both unloaded and loaded conditions. Whole‐body SAR of 5 volunteers is measured at 2 different landmarks. In addition, the relationship between SAR and the working frequencies of the transmit coil is measured and analyzed. The subject absorbed power measured by the proposed method demonstrates good accuracy (RMS error and maximum error of 3.77% and 9.47%, respectively) relative to the flux loop method.

Conclusion

The equivalent circuit model‐based method enables individualized, accurate, and simplified SAR characterization for clinical applications and research with moderate implementation complexity.
An end‐to‐end AI‐based framework for automated discovery of rapid CEST/MT MRI acquisition protocols and molecular parameter quantification (AutoCEST)
Authors: Perlman Or , Zhu Bo , Zaiss Moritz , Rosen Matthew S. , Farrar Christian T.
Published: January 2022

Purpose

To develop an automated machine‐learning‐based method for the discovery of rapid and quantitative chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) MR fingerprinting acquisition and reconstruction protocols.

Methods

An MR physics‐governed AI system was trained to generate optimized acquisition schedules and the corresponding quantitative reconstruction neural network. The system (termed AutoCEST) is composed of a CEST saturation block, a spin dynamics module, and a deep reconstruction network, all differentiable and jointly connected. The method was validated using a variety of chemical exchange phantoms and in vivo mouse brains at 9.4T.

Results

The acquisition times for AutoCEST optimized schedules ranged from 35 to 71 s, with a quantitative image reconstruction time of only 29 ms. The resulting exchangeable proton concentration maps for the phantoms were in good agreement with the known solute concentrations for AutoCEST sequences (mean absolute error = 2.42 mM; Pearson’s , ), but not for an unoptimized sequence (mean absolute error = 65.19 mM; Pearson’s , ). Similarly, improved exchange rate agreement was observed between AutoCEST and quantification of exchange using saturation power (QUESP) methods (mean absolute error: 35.8 Hz, Pearson’s , ) compared to an unoptimized schedule and QUESP (mean absolute error = 58.2 Hz; Pearson’s , ). The AutoCEST in vivo mouse brain semi‐solid proton volume fractions were lower in the cortex (12.77% ± 0.75%) compared to the white matter (19.80% ± 0.50%), as expected.

Conclusion

AutoCEST can automatically generate optimized CEST/MT acquisition protocols that can be rapidly reconstructed into quantitative exchange parameter maps.
Nerve ultrasound detects abnormally small nerves in patients with spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy
Authors: Pelosi Luciana , Ghosh Avroneel , Leadbetter Ruth , Lance Sean , Rodrigues Miriam , Roxburgh Richard
Published: January 2022

Introduction/Aims

Sensory impairment secondary to dorsal root ganglion neuronopathy is common, although often subclinical, in X‐linked spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA).

We investigated the hypothesis that nerves of SBMA patients show the same morphological changes on ultrasound as other inherited sensory neuronopathies and that these changes are distinct from those in axonal neuropathy.

Methods

We compared the ultrasound cross‐sectional areas (CSAs) of median, ulnar, sural, and tibial nerves of prospectively recruited SBMA patients with those of patients with acquired axonal neuropathy and healthy controls.

We also compared the individual nerve CSAs of SBMA and neuropathy patients with our laboratory reference values.

Results

There were 7 SBMA patients, 18 neuropathy patients, and 42 healthy controls.

The nerve CSAs of the SBMA patients were significantly smaller than those of patients in the other two groups. The changes were most prominent in the upper limbs (p < .001), with the nerves of the SBMA patients being on average approximately half the size of the controls and a third the size of the neuropathy patients. On individual analysis, the ultrasound abnormality was sufficiently characteristic to be detected in all but one SBMA patient.

Discussion

These ultrasound changes are similar to those reported in other inherited sensory neuronopathies and clearly different from the ultrasound findings in axonal neuropathy.

Smaller nerves are possibly a distinctive finding in SBMA that may distinguish it from other motor neuron syndromes. Further studies are warranted to confirm this and determine the optimal sonographic protocol.
Laryngospasm: A frequently underrecognized symptom in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Su Xiaowei W. , Simmons Zachary
Published: January 2022

See article on pages 400‐404 in this issue
Patient safety awareness, knowledge and attitude about fire risk assessment during time‐out among perioperative nurses in Korea
Authors: Cho Ok‐Hee , Lee Dayun , Hwang Kyung‐Hye
Published: January 2022

Aim

This study aims to investigate the relationship between patient safety awareness, knowledge (risk‐Knowledge) and attitude about fire risk assessment during time‐out (risk‐Attitude) of perioperative nurses.

Design

A cross‐sectional study.

Methods

Perioperative nurses (N = 158) from 22 small‐ and medium‐sized hospitals participated in the study. Participants’ characteristics, knowledge and attitude about fire risk assessment were investigated using structured questionnaires.

Results

Patient safety awareness, risk‐Knowledge and risk‐Attitude scores were high among nurses who received frequent patient safety education or fire preparedness training, while patient safety awareness partially mediated the effect of risk‐Knowledge on risk‐Attitude. To increase perioperative nurses’ risk‐Attitude, it would be effective to increase not only their risk‐Knowledge but also overall patient safety awareness.
Theoretical insights into effects of solvent polarity on excited‐state N–H proton transfer behavior for a new fluorophore of 3‐tosylamino‐N‐cyclohexylphthalimide
Authors: Meng Xuan , Song Liying , Zhao Jinfeng , Han Haiyun , Zheng Daoyuan
Published: January 2022

Compared with O–H···O‐type system, the N–H···O‐type system with excited‐state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) provides a better research object for exploring kinetics and thermodynamics because the existence of amino group can be replaced by various groups. In this work, the ESIPT mechanism of a novel amino type proton donor (3TsAPI) has been studied, and its effects of solvent polarity have been investigated. We optimize the structures of 3TsAPI using density functional theory (DFT)/time‐dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) methods, and electronic spectra data are consistent with the experiment. Through the analyses of structural parameters and spectra related to hydrogen bonding, it is found hydrogen bonding is enhanced in S1 state, and analyses of bond critical point (BCP) parameters and core‐valence bifurcation (CVB) indexes show excited‐state hydrogen bonding is stronger in solvents with weaker polarity. We construct the potential energy curves and find polarity of solvents can regulate the potential energy barrier of ESIPT process and then further elucidate the ESIPT mechanism of 3TsAPI.
Modified Ramped Current Stress Technique for Monitoring Thin Dielectrics Reliability and Charge Degradation
Authors: Andreev Dmitrii V. , Maslovsky Vladimir M. , Andreev Vladimir V. , Stolyarov Alexander A.
Published: January 2022

Herein, a novel technique to monitor the quality and reliability of thin nano‐scale dielectric films is suggested. The method is based on the modification of the current stress technique (J‐Ramp) described in the corresponding JEDEC standard. The proposed technique, in addition to the J‐ramp tests, allows monitoring a change of charge state of the gate dielectric during all the tests. To implement this, in the suggested method before each transition to a higher current level, the current level is switched to the injection mode by a measurement current level and the change of voltage across the metal–insulator–semiconductor (MIS) structure is measured. A density of the measurement current level is chosen based on the condition that under this current level, a considerable charge degradation of the dielectric should not be observed, and the switches to the measurement current level should not considerably influence the studied sample. In addition to the monitoring of the charge injected until the dielectric breakdown, the proposed method allows to monitor the value of the injected charge at which the unacceptable degradation of MIS device characteristics takes place and, accordingly, to estimate the reliability of the dielectric film based on statistical measurements of these values.
Photocatalytic Degradation Properties of Li‐Cr Ions Substituted CoFe2O4 Nanoparticles for Wastewater Treatment Application
Authors: Kalia Rahul , Chauhan Ankush , Verma Ritesh , Sharma Mansi , Batoo Khalid Mujasam , Kumar Rajesh , Hussain Sajjad , Ghotekar Suresh , Ijaz Muhammad Farzik
Published: January 2022

Herein, the dual substitution of Li/Cr in CoFe2O4 ferrite nanoparticles synthesized through the sol‐gel auto combustion method is reported. X‐ray diffraction confirms mixed cubic spinel structure, while as dense morphology with well‐defined grain boundaries with the minimum grain size of 20 nm is obtained using FE‐TEM analysis. The thermal stability of the sample improves with an increase in dopant concentration. XPS study shows that Fe and Co exhibit +2 and +3 oxidation states with lower concentrations of oxygen vacancies. Raman spectroscopy confirms the substitution of Li/Cr ions at octahedral and tetrahedral sites, and the direct bandgap increases monotonously with doping. Saturation magnetization increases for x = 0.01, but it decreases for higher dopant concentration due to the spin canting effect, and the coercivity decreases for all the doping concentrations. The photodegradation studies show the enhanced activity against crystal violet (CV) dye when exposed to sunlight for 60 min but easily recoverable using a magnet. The increased activity by the doped nanoparticles is because of the decreased coercivity, particle size, and magnetic anisotropy. A 90.4% photocatalytic degradation is obtained for the composition, x = 0.03, which suggests that it can be an effective candidate for wastewater treatment.
Effect of Cation Exchange Time on the Morphology and Photoactivity of CdS/Ag2S Composites for Ciprofloxacin Degradation
Authors: Pham Ngoc Bao Tri , Dang Vinh Quang , Pham Kim Ngoc , Tsai Cheng-Kuo , Nguyen Thanh Tam , Tran Cong Khanh
Published: January 2022

Herein, the effect of reaction time in the cationic exchange method on the CdS/Ag2S structure and photocatalytic activity is investigated. A hydrothermal approach is used to produce CdS nanorods, and then a cation exchange method is applied to synthesize CdS/Ag2S composites. The heterostructure between CdS and Ag2S is determined by the X‐ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy studies. Comparing pure CdS NRs and CdS/Ag2S by the UV–vis diffuse reflection spectra data, the introduction of Ag2S is proven to enhance the light absorption in visible region. The Brunauer–Emmett–Teller method indicates that CdS and CdS/Ag2S are mesopore materials and the specific surface areas of CdS, CdS/Ag2S‐15, CdS/Ag2S‐30, and CdS/Ag2S‐60 samples without and with a cation‐exchange reaction time of 15, 30, and 60 min are 305, 900, 187, and 52 m2 g−1, respectively. The photocatalytic activity of CdS/Ag2S is examined through the ciprofloxacin photodegradation. The ciprofloxacin degradation rate increases with the introduction of CdS and reached a maximum value of 60% within 180 min for CdS/Ag2S‐15 under simulated sunlight irradiation, which is 1.5 times greater than that of pure CdS. The ciprofloxacin degradation rate decreases as the cation‐exchange reaction time is increased to 60 min (26% after 180 min illumination).
High‐Power Triboelectric Nanogenerator Based on Enriched Polyvinylpyrrolidone Nanofibers for Energy Harvesting
Authors: Ozen Abdurrahman , Karabiber Abdulkerim , Kınas Zeynep , Ozel Faruk
Published: January 2022

Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) are a new, low‐cost, and easy‐to‐manufacture technology for converting mechanical energy into electrical energy. TENGs have great potential to be used in electronic devices, but their energy efficiency is low for use in commercial products today. The most important way to increase the energy efficiency of TENGs is to develop tribo‐positive and tribo‐negative materials with a large surface area and high dielectric coefficients. Herein, cetrimonium bromide (CTAB) and dodecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (DTAB) organic molecule‐doped polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) nanofibers are tested as a positive dielectric layer against the negative dielectric layer made of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofiber. The results reveal that CTAB and DTAB additives of 1, 2.5, and 5 wt% increase the tribo‐potential of PVP, while the additives of 7.5 and 10 wt% decrease the tribo‐potential of PVP. According to the electrical measurements, the maximum open‐circuit voltages are obtained as 500 and 515 V, whereas the maximum powers were obtained as 25.02 and 26.52 mW for the TENGs made of 5 wt% CTAB‐ and DTAB‐doped PVP nanofibers, respectively. The proposed cationic surfactant‐doped nanofibers can be employed as a positive dielectric layer to increase the energy efficiency and power density of TENGs.
A modified self‐controlled case series method for event‐dependent exposures and high event‐related mortality, with application to COVID‐19 vaccine safety
Authors: Ghebremichael‐Weldeselassie Yonas , Jabagi Marie Joëlle , Botton Jérémie , Bertrand Marion , Baricault Bérangère , Drouin Jérôme , Weill Alain , Zureik Mahmoud , Dray‐Spira Rosemary , Farrington Paddy
Published: January 2022

We propose a modified self‐controlled case series (SCCS) method to handle both event‐dependent exposures and high event‐related mortality. This development is motivated by an epidemiological study undertaken in France to quantify potential risks of cardiovascular events associated with COVID‐19 vaccines. Event‐dependence of vaccinations, and high event‐related mortality, are likely to arise in other SCCS studies of COVID‐19 vaccine safety. Using this case study and simulations to broaden its scope, we explore these features and the biases they may generate, implement the modified SCCS model, illustrate some of the properties of this model, and develop a new test for presence of a dose effect. The model we propose has wider application, notably when the event of interest is death.
Additive‐Assisted Growth of Scaled and Quality 2D Materials
Authors: Zhang Qing , Xiao Xixi , Li Lin , Geng Dechao , Chen Wei , Hu Wenping
Published: January 2022

2D materials are increasingly becoming key components in modern electronics because of their prominent electronic and optoelectronic properties. The central and premise to the entire discipline of 2D materials lie in the high‐quality and scaled preparations. The chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method offers compelling benefits in terms of scalability and controllability in shaping large‐area and high‐quality 2D materials. The past few years have witnessed development of numerous CVD growth strategies, with the use of additives attracting substantial attention in the production of scaled 2D crystals. This review provides an overview of different additives used in CVD growth of 2D materials, as well as a methodical demonstration of their vital roles. In addition, the intrinsic mechanisms of the production of scaled 2D crystals with additives are also discussed. Lastly, reliable guidance on the future design of optimal CVD synthesis routes is provided by analyzing the accessibility, pricing, by‐products, controllability, universality, and commercialization of various additives.
Macrophage Polarization as a Facile Strategy to Enhance Efficacy of Macrophage Membrane‐Coated Nanoparticles in Osteoarthritis
Authors: Teo Kristeen Ye Wen , Sevencan Cansu , Cheow Yi Ann , Zhang Shipin , Leong David Tai , Toh Wei Seong
Published: January 2022

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic degenerative joint disorder associated with pain and inflammation, and is the leading cause of disability worldwide. Owing to the complexity of OA inflammation driven by a plethora of inflammatory cytokines, current specific anti‐cytokine therapies have not been successful. Among the immune cells implicated in OA inflammation, macrophages reportedly regulate OA inflammation via macrophage polarization. Given that pro‐inflammatory M1 and anti‐inflammatory M2 macrophages have opposing roles in OA inflammation, exploiting advanced polarization of macrophages to specific macrophage subsets (M0, M1, and M2) to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of macrophage membrane‐coated gold (Au) nanoparticles (NPs) as a broad‐spectrum anti‐inflammatory agent for OA treatment is proposed. Herein, it is shown that among the macrophage membrane‐coated NPs generated from the various macrophage subsets, M2 macrophage membrane‐coated nanoparticles (Au‐M2 NPs) uniquely exhibit superior efficacy in sponging the pro‐inflammatory cytokines and alleviating OA inflammation and matrix degradation over its counterparts derived from the same macrophage cell source, in both inflammation‐stimulated chondrocyte and explant OA models. Collectively, the herein described results validate macrophage polarization as a facile strategy to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of macrophage membrane NP‐based immunotherapy for potential OA treatment.
Highly Visible‐Transparent and Color‐Neutral Perovskite Solar Cells for Self‐Powered Smart Windows
Authors: Li Can , Tao Runmin , Ding Yanfang , Liu Cui , Ding Xiaogang , Xu Hongyu , Zhi Chongyang , Jia Chunmei , Li Zhen
Published: January 2022

Electrochromic smart windows can reduce the energy consumption of buildings by managing the light and heat transmission. However, they need external power to work, raising the installation cost and compromising the aesthetics of the buildings. Self‐powered smart windows without external power sources have great potential in practical applications. Transparent solar cells can be integrated with smart windows and serve as their power sources. High optical transmittance, good color neutrality, and high power conversion efficiency (PCE) are required for the transparent solar cells to meet the optical and power requirements of self‐powered smart windows. Herein, an efficient MAPbCl3‐based transparent perovskite solar cell (TPSC) using a solvent‐assisted two‐step approach is developed. The transparency and color‐neutrality of the TPSCs are optimized through delicately selecting and pairing the charge transport layers and transparent electrodes. The TPSCs achieve a PCE up to 1.06% and average visible transmittance up to 72%. Self‐powered smart windows powered by the TPSCs show fast and reversible modulation of visible light from 55% to 5% without external power input. This work demonstrates the prospect of deploying TPSCs in a self‐powered smart window for energy saving and sustainable buildings.
Polyolefin Catalyst Research: A Product‐Driven Industrial Perspective
Authors: Atiqullah Muhammad , Al‐Asiri Hassan S.
Published: January 2022

This account narrates polyolefin catalyst research at the Research Institute Interdisciplinary Research Center for Refining & Advanced Chemicals (IRCRAC). We particularly address catalyst performance and kinetic evaluation, novelty in supported metallocene catalysts, the apparently absurd residual catalyst structure and solid‐state electronic environment, illustration of supported metallocene catalyst active site distribution thru model and experiment, preparation of spheroidal MgCl2 support, and catalytic synthesis of energy‐saving drag reducing UHMW polymers using local petrochemical feedstock. Each area has been assessed from the product development perspective. Our PO catalyst research aligns with Saudi Arab's Vision 2030 National Strategic Plan (NSP). We also present a circular research concept which shows how product‐driven research with a commercial driving force can significantly advance fundamental PO catalyst chemistry to valuable applications for Saudi Arabia. Finally, we focus on establishing spinoffs using local raw materials. We highlight the role, to be played by researchers, R&D management, and potential investors, to develop the appropriate innovation diffusion culture. The critical need is to understand why an innovation will fail to be marketed. We particularly stress the importance of conducive sociology (environment), psychology (mental state), and mindset (preparedness to make and accept changes) that precede innovation and technology.
Material inquiry and transformation as prerequisite processes of scientific argumentation: Toward a social‐material theory of argumentation
Authors: Tang Kok‐Sing
Published: January 2022

Argumentation as a scientific practice has largely been examined along an epistemic and/or dialogic perspective in science education research. Both perspectives have sidelined the use of real material objects that are indispensable for scientists to construct arguments about the natural world. To address this gap, this article investigates how material objects are used to coordinate with our speech and actions to shape argumentation in secondary physical science. Drawing on actor‐network theory, the article reframes argumentation as a chain of human‐material interactions incorporating the role of physical things to construct evidence. Based on a collective case study comprising classroom video data generated from two grade nine science classrooms, the article examines how teachers and students used material objects to engage in argumentation related to qualitative analysis in chemistry and Newton's laws of motions in physics. The analysis reveals two major themes: (a)material inquiryas the framing of questions and statements about the behavior or property of the material world and (b)material transformationas the orchestration of material objects, embodied actions, and words to actively create evidence. This article concludes that both material inquiry and material transformation are essential prerequisites for scientific argumentation to take place, not only in research laboratories, but also in science classrooms. The contribution to the development of a future socio‐material theory of scientific argumentation, which takes material agency and multimodal discourse into account, are also discussed.
How Does Creativity Affect Second Language Speech Production? The Moderating Role of Speaking Task Type
Authors: Suzuki Shungo , Yasuda Toshinori , Hanzawa Keiko , Kormos Judit
Published: January 2022

Our study investigated the role of creativity in second language (L2) speech production using a picture narrative and an open‐ended argumentative task administered to 60 Japanese‐speaking learners of English. Following recent findings in the field of psychology, the participants’ creativity was assessed in terms of cognitive dimensions (divergent thinking fluency, convergent thinking) and a personality dimension (openness to experience). Participants’ speaking performance was analyzed using a set of complexity, accuracy, fluency and discourse measures. The results of hierarchical multiple regression analyses showed that both divergent thinking fluency and convergent thinking played a role in the cohesion of speech (indexed by the frequency of connectives) in both speaking tasks, while only in the argumentative task did divergent thinking fluency contribute to an increase in the amount of information (indexed by the total number of words produced). Meanwhile, openness to experience was found to enhance syntactic and lexical complexity only in the picture narrative task. These findings suggest that speakers’ creativity is linked to syntactic and lexical sophistication and discourse aspects of L2 oral performance, all of which are related to conceptualization processes in L2 speech production.
Use of health parameter trends to communicate pet health information in companion animal practice: A mixed methods analysis
Authors: Janke Natasha , Coe Jason B. , Bernardo Theresa M. , Dewey Cate E. , Stone Elizabeth A.
Published: January 2022

Background

Reviewing patient health parameter trends can strengthen veterinarian–client–patient relationships. The objective of this study is to identify characteristics associated with veterinarians’ communication of health parameter trends to companion animal clients.

Methods

Using a sequential exploratory mixed methods design, independent pet owner (n = 27) and veterinarian (n = 24) focus groups were conducted and analysed via content analysis to assess perceptions of how health parameter trends are communicated by veterinarians. Subsequently, a quantitative assessment of video recorded veterinary appointments (n = 917) compared characteristics identified in focus groups with health parameter trend discussions in practice. A mixed logistic model was used to assess characteristics associated with the occurrence of weight trend discussions.

Results

Fifteen characteristics relating to veterinarians’ use of health parameter trends were identified across focus groups. Veterinarians discussed 77 health parameter trends in relation to bodyweight (57/77), blood work (15/77) and other health parameters (5/77), within 73 (73/917) appointments. The odds of a weight trend discussion were higher if the veterinarian identified the pet as overweight or obese compared to an ideal bodyweight (odds ratio (OR) = 2.17; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.15–4.09; p = 0.016).

Conclusion

Mention of a health parameter trend was uncommon and rarely included use of visual aids. Health parameter trends related to bodyweight were discussed reactively, rather than proactively.
The Dolittle factor: ‘Talking to the animals’ during veterinary consultations
Authors: McDermott Michael P. , Cobb Malcolm A. , Robbé Iain J. , Dean Rachel S.
Published: January 2022

Background

The aim of the study was to identify and analyse the frequency and types of dialogue directed to animals by veterinary surgeons (i.e. pet‐directed speech) in 55 routine companion animal consultations in the United Kingdom and United States.

Methods

Instances of pet‐directed speech were identified from video transcripts, coded, and analysed for content.

Results

All consultations included pet‐directed speech, with 779 instances in total, 284 in the United Kingdom and 495 in the United States. There were 12 unique dialogue codes identified, the top three being ‘praise,’ ‘small talk,’ and ‘explanation’.

Conclusion

This study identified a wide variety of communication directed to the animal, which, combined with further research, could help enhance understanding of rapport built between the veterinary surgeon, animal, and owner during a consultation.
Lower lid entropion in dogs: A modified technique of the combined Hotz–Celsus and wedge resection procedure
Authors: Carrozza Rossella , Lenihan Emer , Hamzianpour Negar , Linn‐Pearl Rose , Heinrich Christine , Walsh Karen , Grundon Rachael A.
Published: January 2022

Background

This study aimed to describe a modification of the combined Hotz‐Celsus and wedge resection technique for the treatment of lower lid entropion in dogs and evaluate its success rate.

Methods

To reduce tissue trauma, facilitate tissue handling and shorten the surgical time, shortening of the eyelid was performed by excising a rectangular piece of the eyelid margin only, in the central section, extending to but not below the first Hotz‐Celsus incision. The eyelid margin surgical wound was then sutured before excision of the Hotz‐Celsus crescent which had been surgically scored at the start of surgery. Records of 31 dogs were reviewed for signalment, outcome, need for further surgery, and follow up from 6 to 48 months after surgery.

Results

Sixty‐one eyes with lower lid entropion were treated. The most common breeds were English bulldog and English cocker spaniel and the median age was 16 months. The success rate for a single entropion correction surgery was 98.4%. One eyelid required a second surgical correction and four eyelids of three large breed dogs had wound breakdown.

Conclusions

This modified technique is successful at correcting lower eyelid entropion associated with overlong eyelid length in dogs while being technically easier to perform.
Associations between respiratory signs, thoracic CT findings and results of tracheobronchoscopy and bronchoalveolar lavage in dogs
Authors: Osathanon Rungrote , Lamb Christopher R. , Church David B.
Published: January 2022

Background

Several diagnostic techniques are used in dogs with signs of respiratory disease. The aims of the present study are to estimate the relative sensitivities and associations between the results of diagnostic tests in dogs with respiratory conditions.

Method

A retrospective cross‐sectional study of dogs referred for investigation of respiratory signs. Associations between clinical signs, thoracic CT findings, tracheobronchoscopic findings, cytology results and bacterial culture results were tested using binary logistic regression.

Results

One hundred and thirty‐three dogs were included. Abnormalities were detected by cytology, tracheobronchoscopy, CT and bacterial culture in 91%, 88%, 80% and 25% cases, respectively. There were associations between cough and bronchial lesions on thoracic CT (odds ratio [OR] 2.6, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.1–6.4, p = 0.037), and between cough and neutrophilic inflammation on cytology (OR 4.5, 95% CI 1.3–15.8, p = 0.020). Bronchial foreign body at bronchoscopy was associated with pulmonary consolidation on CT (OR 8.0, 95% CI 1.6–41.7, p = 0.013) and with positive bacterial culture (OR 10.9, 95% CI 2.1–57.0, p = 0.005). In dogs with normal thoracic CT, abnormalities were detected by cytology, tracheobronchoscopy and bacterial culture in 89%, 77% and 23% cases, respectively.

Conclusion

Airway cytology and tracheobronchoscopy provided useful information for diagnosis in many dogs with respiratory signs that had a normal thoracic CT.
Computed tomographic findings in two dogs with chronic unilateral parotid duct ectasia
Authors: Tirillini Francesca , Baines Stephen J. , Baines Elizabeth , Robinson William
Published: January 2022

Two dogs were evaluated because of a recurrent left‐sided facial swelling. In Case 1, computed tomography (CT) demonstrated a tubular fluid‐filled mass associated with the left parotid salivary gland and extending to the oral region. On oral examination, no parotid duct papilla was identified, raising the suspicion of an obstruction at the level of the papilla itself, causing secondary ectasia of the duct. Marsupialisation of the duct was performed, but the swelling did not completely reduce. In Case 2, CT revealed a spherical fluid‐filled mass, intimately associated with the left parotid gland and extending cranially. On oral examination, an extension from the mass could be followed rostrally to the level of the oral mucosa, caudal to the maxillary fourth premolar, but the papilla was not visible. No surgery was performed. According to our review of literature, this report represents the first description of CT findings for parotid duct ectasia.
Introduction: Imagining Alternatives to Globalization of the Nation Form
Authors: Ahmad Irfan , Kang Jie
Published: January 2022

This chapter makes a set of three interconnected arguments. The first argument, which critically binds the volume together, is that rather than seeing contemporary politics in terms of globalization eroding the nation state or its persistence regardless of globalization, what characterizes the world is the globalization of the nation form. Second, by showing nationalism’s relationship with violence it underlines the need to interrogate the efficacy and morality of the nation state as a form of polis. Third, in dialogue with Arjun Appadurai’s productive criticism of nationalism, it makes the contention that instead of being informed exclusively by the present and the diaspora (as in Appadurai’s writings), imaginings of a postnational world should equally account for the pre- and anti-national forms of thoughts prior to the World War II. To this end, it discusses Muhammad Iqbal (d. 1938), poet-philosopher of undivided India, and Hasan al-Banna (d. 1949), activist-reformer and founder of Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood. The second and third arguments thus outline arenas for future decolonial anthropological and other works on nationalism and culture more generally. With a description of the volume’s manifold theoretical and methodological distinctions, the chapter concludes with an outline of chapters ahead.
The Rivalry Between Secular and Religious Nationalisms: On the Split in Iranian National Identity
Authors: Alinejad Mahmoud
Published: January 2022

Nationalism remains a compelling ideological force and is the most important marker of collective identity in modern times. It inspires the idea of the nation by forging strong bonds of solidarity through the invocation of pre-existing ethnic, cultural or religious loyalties. Recurrent political conflicts in Iran have often been driven by nationalist ideologies. This chapter demonstrates the central role of the rivalry between secular and religious nationalisms in shaping Iran’s national identity. The interplay of these two nationalisms in the country has left national identity torn between modernity and tradition for more than a century. Rather than a clear break, however, what distinguishes the two nationalist persuasions are differences in the degree of religious or secular overtones respectively: secular nationalists have drawn on underlying religious support, while blatantly religious stances have had to adjust themselves to the demands of a modern secular state. Both of these nationalisms have tended to conceal the real diversity of political interests, but thus far they have failed to build an inclusive and secure national identity for Iran, leading to political instability and crisis.
Socialization of Language and Morality at Chinese Christian Church of Berlin
Authors: Yu Jingyang
Published: January 2022

In this chapter, I focus on the role of Chinese Christian churches in language socialization and identity formation among Chinese migrant families in Berlin. Based on ethnographic data collected during extensive fieldwork lasting two years, I examine a variety of activities at the Chinese Christian Church of Berlin and analyse the strategies the church leadership pursues to attract more Chinese immigrant families. I argue that the Chinese Christian Church of Berlin has not only created new paths enhancing Chinese language capacity, it has also provided a space for moral socialization and utilized religious discourse and practice to shape a nationalist identity for Chinese immigrants in the diaspora.
Hindu Nationalism and North Indian Music in the Global Age
Authors: van der Linden Bob
Published: January 2022

As a unique global historical event, a fundamental transfer from a Muslim ‘minority’ community to a Hindu ‘majority’ community took place in the modern north Indian ‘Hindustani’ music scene in terms of the number of musicians, the type of patronage (from courts to middle classes and the modern public sphere), music practice and audiences. This process of ‘Hinduization’ was largely the result of the music reforms initiated by elitist Hindus, who aimed to make Indian music modern, national and scientific, as well as spiritual. Successively, their efforts led to the stigmatization and subsequent marginalization of Muslim musicians. By taking music as a lens, the chapter sheds light upon the relationship between ‘religion’, nation and state in the context of processes of modernization and the global circulation of ideas.
Nationalism and Chinese Protestant Christianity: From Anti-imperialism to Islamophobia
Authors: Kang Jie
Published: January 2022

Viewing the historical development of Chinese Christianity, this chapter argues that, far from being a static concept, nationalism has constantly been constructed and interpreted. Subject to different political and economic contexts, the patriotism of Chinese Christians has taken various forms. From the early twentieth century until the 1950s, their nationalism was primarily anti-imperialist. Following the Communist Party’s assumption of power in 1949, Chinese Protestants split into two groups based on theological differences and distinct understandings of patriotism. Since China’s ‘opening up’ in 1979, the country has experienced an unexpected Christian revival and a corresponding rise in nationalism. Since the 1990s, a new wave of nationalist sentiment has emerged, one that has fashioned Muslims as a new Other.