bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Social-Cultural Factors Associated with Common Mental Health Disorders among Pregnant and Parenting Teenagers: A Case Study of Korogocho Slums, Nairobi County, Kenya
Authors: Gakii Miriti Jenny Beth , Nyavanga Eunice J. , Masita Phoebe
Published: July 2023

Background: Teenage pregnancy is a significant problem in Kenya, with over 18% of teenagers aged 15-19 being pregnant or already mothers, with rates even higher in low-income areas such as slums. Existing research has shown that teenage pregnancy increases the risk of mental health disorders, and maternal complications during childbirth, and postpartum.
Objective: The study aimed to determine the social-cultural factors associated with common mental health disorders among pregnant and parenting teenagers.
Method: An analytical cross-sectional research design was applied. A stratified random sampling technique was utilized to recruit 153 study participants, where Cochran formula for smaller populations was applied to determine sample size. Both qualitative and quantitative techniques of data collection were applied. The chi-square test for independence was employed to determine the degree of association between the dependent and independent variables. Statistical significance was set at p=≤0.05.
Results: The prevalence of common mental health disorders in this study was 55%. When the bivariate analysis was done, the following social-cultural factors were found to be significantly associated with common mental health disorders. Absence of social support (X2=2.983, df=3,  P<0.005), intimate partner violence (X2= 25.970; df=1, P-value=< 0.000). Presence of physical violence (Physical abuse before pregnancy(X2=19.006, df=2,p<0.001*), Physical abuse during pregnancy(X2=21.169, df=2, <0.001*), Physical abuse after delivery(X2=26.173, df=2, <0.001*),) and presence of sexual violence(Sexual abuse before pregnancy(X2=13.896, df=2, <0.001*), Sexual abuse during pregnancy(X2=5.208, df=2, 0.035*) and Sexual abuse after pregnancy(X2=8.405, df=2, 0.003*).
Conclusion: The prevalence of common mental health disorders in this study was high. The following social-cultural factors were found to be significantly associated with common mental health disorders, absence of social support, presence of physical violence, presence of sexual abuse, and the presence of intimate partner violence. There is a need to develop psychosocial and legal support programs targeting pregnant and parenting teenagers to prevent them from common mental health disorders. Furthermore, the community including parents, teachers, and policymakers should support adolescents during their growth and development stages and protect them against teenage pregnancies which will ultimately lead to a healthier population.
Enhancing Precision Agriculture and Environmental Monitoring Using Proximal Remote Sensing
Authors: Verma Badal , Porwal Muskan , Jha A. K. , Vyshnavi R. G. , Rajpoot Alok , Nagar Ashish Kumar
Published: July 2023

Proximal remote sensing is a cutting-edge technology that has emerged as a powerful tool in precision agriculture and environmental monitoring. By capturing high-resolution data from a close range, it provides valuable insights into crop health, soil conditions, and ecosystem dynamics. This paper explores the applications, advantages, and limitations of proximal remote sensing, focusing on its use in precision agriculture and environmental management. The applications of proximal remote sensing in precision agriculture include crop monitoring, disease detection, and resource optimization. In environmental management, it aids in habitat mapping, biodiversity assessment, and environmental impact analysis. The advantages of proximal remote sensing lie in its high spatial resolution, real-time data acquisition, and flexibility in sensor selection. However, limitations such as limited coverage area and skill requirements need to be considered. The future perspectives of proximal remote sensing encompass advancements in sensor technology, automation, integration with other technologies, and enhanced data storage and analysis. By leveraging these advancements, proximal remote sensing can contribute to more sustainable practices and informed decision-making for a better and resilient future.
Investigation of Mechanical, Corrosion and Microstructural Behaviour of Heat Treated Cr-Modified Al-Mg-Si Alloy
Authors: Ajide Olusegun Olufemi , Adelakun Temilade Ruth , Akande Itopa Godwin , Olugasa Temilola Taiwo , Kumar Nikhil
Published: July 2023

Despite the choice of Al-Mg-Si alloy as a material for innumerable industrial and structural applications, challenges such as undesired scratch resistance, formability and mechanical properties deterioration in saline environment hinders the extent of its application for automotive and aerospace components. Nevertheless, with the growing interest in the application of Al-Mg-Si alloy in automotive and aerospace industries, there is need for cautious control of thermal treatments and inclusion of alloying elements with requisite potentials for enhancing the microstructure and mechanical properties of the alloy. Chromium is known to improve strength and corrosion resistance in several applications. Therefore, this study focuses on the investigation of the effect of Cr particles inclusion in Al-Mg-Si alloy.  The effect of ageing heat treatment on selected properties of Al-Mg-Si-Cr alloy was also studied in this work. The Al-Mg-Si and Al-Mg-Si-Cr alloys were developed using a two-step stir casting technique. Chromium was added to Al-Mg-Si alloy at varying percentages of 0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5. All the samples were solution treated in an electric furnace at 500 oC for 30 minutes and water quenched. Then the samples were artificially aged at 210 oC for 3 hours and quenched in natural air. The hardness test revealed that the inclusion of Cr particles in Al-Mg-Si alloy samples increased hardness from 35.03 Kgf/mm2 (hardness of Al-Mg-Si-0%Cr alloy sample) to a maximum value of 126.54 Kgf/mm2 (hardness of Al-Mg-Si-1.5%Cr alloy sample). After heat treatment, the hardness of Al-Mg-Si-0%Cr alloy sample increased to 80.84 Kgf/mm2, while that of Al-Mg-Si-1.5%Cr alloy sample decreased slightly to 120.88 Kgf/mm2. The impact strength test also showed that the inclusion of Cr in Al-Mg-Si alloy increased impact strength from 9.52 J/mm2 (impact strength of Al-Mg-Si-0%Cr alloy sample) to a maximum value of 19.04 J/mm2 (impact strength of Al-Mg-Si-2.0%Cr alloy sample). After heat treatment, the impact strength of Al-Mg-Si-0%Cr alloy sample increased marginally to 10.09 J/mm2, while that of Al-Mg-Si-2.0%Cr alloy sample decreased slightly to 17.57 J/mm2. The tensile and electrochemical tests revealed that the heat-treated Al-Mg-Si-1.0%Cr alloy sample exhibited the highest tensile strength and lowest corrosion rate of 152 MPa and 0.0014 mm/year, respectively. The microstructural examination further revealed that the inclusion of Cr particles in Al-Mg-Si alloy improved its surface morphology. Al-Mg-Si-1.0%Cr alloy sample was adjudged to possess the best microstructural properties. Therefore, this sample is recommended as a potential material for machine tools and other structural or advanced manufacturing applications.
Design and Development of a Cowpea Decorticator
Authors: Oyetunji O. R. , Idowu D. O. , Adebayo T. B.
Published: July 2023

Introduction: Cowpea decorticating is a crucial post-harvest process that involves removing the seed coats from the kernels to produce ready-to-use cowpea products such as flour, grits, and protein concentrates and food products such as Akara and Moinmoin in south western Nigeria.

Methodology:  In this study, a locally developed cowpea decorticator was tested and evaluated using small oloka (a Nigerian local cowpea breed) cowpea grains. The machine was allowed to run empty for five minutes before the experiment commenced. Three samples of 1kg each were weighed and wetted with same quantity of water for 10, 20, and 30 minutes, respectively. The samples were then fed into the developed decorticator running at a speed of 420 rpm, and the operating speed and time taken were determined using a digital tachometer and stop watch, respectively. Samples of decorticated, undecorticated, and broken cowpea were collected and weighed to evaluate the efficiency of the machine based on the decorticating length and wetting time of cowpea grains.

Results: The study revealed that as the decorticating length increased from 44.5 to 178 mm and wetting time increased from 10 to 30 minutes, the decorticating efficiency increased from 55 to 92.1%. The highest average decorticating efficiency of 92.1% was obtained at 178 mm decorticating length and 30 minutes wetting time.

Conclusion: These findings showed that the decorticating efficiency of the machine depends on the wetting time and the decorticating length of the machine.
Modeling Mass Customization Level in Apparel and Textile Design Field
Authors: Taieb Amine Haj
Published: July 2023

Mass customization is a new approach to manufacturing and providing services that is revolutionizing business and mainly in textile and apparel field.

How can we model the mass customization level?  In this study we will present a review of the mass customization concept in textile and apparel field, and some key success factors such as modular product design.

It presents also a framework, aiming to develop the mass customization for textile and apparel industries, by reviewing and modeling the mass customization strategy by assessing the mass production level and the co-design experience level and by presenting some scales to classify the mass customization level.
Assessment of Potable Water Supply in Akure North Local Government Area, Ondo State, Nigeria
Authors: Famose Oyebode Adeola , Olajuyigbe Ayo Emmanuel
Published: July 2023

This paper assessed potable water supply in Akure North Local Government Area, Ondo State, Nigeria, with a view to suggesting strategies for improvement in water supply. This research made use of 466 copies of its research questionnaire administered randomly to household heads in five [5] selected communities of Akure North LGA. The selected communities are Ita-Ogbolu, Ogbese, Igoba, Iju, and Oba-Ile. A sample size of 466 respondents equalling 0.3% of the population was randomly selected across the study area for questionnaire administration. The survey research design method through the use of questionnaire was employed to gather data on the assessment of potable water in the study area. Findings revealed protected hand dug well to be the dominant source of domestic water supply in all communities covered in the study.  Huge percentage of the respondents reported that their main sources of water were not reliable during dry season while some said it was not reliable during the raining season. The respondents complained of long distance and the time it takes them to get water from their water source. Boiling of water was the main water treatment among households. Typhoid was the prevalent water borne diseases among households, closely followed by diarrhoea. The study therefore proposed the construction of mini water scheme by the state government and some corporate individuals; the water points should be within 500 m of resident’s homes; construction of a dam for multifarious purposes and enlightenment of residents on the need to treat their water adequately before use.
Homoeopathic Perspective in the Management of Substance Use Disorders: A Systematic Review
Authors: Singh Uttam , Singh Shweta , Ram Hanuman
Published: July 2023

Background: Substance abuse has become a widespread global issue. It includes abuse of illegal substances, namely marijuana, heroin, cocaine and methamphetamines, and legal substances, including alcohol, nicotine or prescribed medicines.

Aim of Review: This review assesses the role of Homoeopathy in the therapeutic management of substance use disorders (SUD) through a systematic web-based literature search.

Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted online and manually to identify homoeopathic research studies published between 1993 and 2022 on SUD in international databases and the Central Council of Research in Homoeopathy library. Relevant studies were categorised and assessed in terms of study designs, number of participants, evidence grades and clinical outcome parameters. A total of 21 full-text studies were screened and evaluated. Risk of bias (RoB) was assessed for all studies and model validity was appraised for the included RCTs'.

Results: 10 studies (3 Randomised Controlled Trials, 3 Observational studies, 1 Pilot study, 1 observational comparative study, 1 Retrospective cohort study and 1 case series) were included and 11 studies were excluded with reasons. 03 studies have a level of evidence of 1b with an 'A' grade of recommendation, which consists of the RCTs only. The most commonly prescribed medicines identified were: Arsenic album, Nux vomica, Lycopodium, Pulsatilla, Sulphur, Staphysagria, Belladonna, Ipecac, Chamomilla, Rhustox, Phosphorus and Lachesis.

A high risk of bias was elicited in most of the observational studies accentuating the need for more robust methodological studies.

Conclusion:  The majority of the studies have a small number of recruitments. Pragmatic studies with larger sample sizes and validated outcome measures may be designed further to validate the promising role of homoeopathic medicines in SUDs and generate quality evidence.
Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles
Authors: Devadharshini R. , Karpagam G. , Pavithra K. , Kowsalya S. , Priya P. Mohana , Ramachandran A. M.
Published: July 2023

Development of reliable and eco-accommodating methods for the synthesis of nanoparticles is a vital step in the field of nanotechnology. The remarkable chemical, physical, and biological characteristics of silver nanoparticles make them significant. Nowadays, due to the growing demand for environmentally benign technology for material synthesis, biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (Ag Nps) has attracted a lot of attention in industrialized nations. Among the various types of nanoparticles and their strategy for synthesis, because of their special physicochemical and biological characteristics, silver nanoparticles created through green synthesis have drawn considerable interest in the biomedical, cellular imaging, cosmetics, drug delivery, food, and agrochemical industries. The size distributions and resultant nanostructure studies from the transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were in perfect agreement with the characteristics of the synthesized colloidal Ag-NPs analyzed by the ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectra. For the creation of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), biomolecules from various plant parts and microbial species have been investigated. In this review, the available previously released information on AgNPs production, characterisation methods, and applications are compiled and critically analyzed.
Dermatomyositis
Authors: Callen Jeffrey P.
Published: July 2023

This Patient Page describes the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of dermatomyositis.
Trends Over Time in Medicare for Advanced Practice Clinicians in Dermatology, 2013-2020
Authors: Mohr Cassandra , Li Yao , Hinkston Candice L. , Margolis David J. , Wehner Mackenzie R.
Published: July 2023

Importance

The number of advanced practice clinicians (APCs, including nurse practitioners and physician assistants) in the US is increasing. The effect this has on dermatology is unclear.

Objective

To develop a method to identify APCs practicing dermatology in claims data and to evaluate the contribution of dermatology APCs to the dermatology workforce and how this has changed over time.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This retrospective cohort study used the Medicare Provider Utilization and Payment Data Public Use files (2013 to 2020). As APCs are not listed by specialty, a method to identify APCs practicing dermatology was developed and validated using common dermatology procedural codes. The data were analyzed from November 2022 to April 2023.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The proportion of clinicians and office visits by dermatology APCs and physician dermatologists were evaluated using Mann-Kendall tests. Joinpoint analysis was also used to compare the average annual percentage change of dermatology procedures and clinicians in rural-urban areas between dermatology APCs and physician dermatologists.

Results

The method to identify APCs practicing dermatology had 96% positive predictive value, 100% negative predictive value, 100% sensitivity, and 100% specificity. Between 2013 and 2020, 8444 dermatology APCs and 14 402 physician dermatologists were identified. They provided 109 366 704 office visits in Medicare. The percentage of dermatology clinicians who were APCs increased over time, from 27.7% in 2013 to 37.0% in 2020 (P = .002). The proportion of dermatologic office visits provided by APCs also increased over time, from 15.5% in 2013 to 27.4% in 2020 (P = .002). For all procedure categories, the average annual percentage change was positive for dermatology APCs (range, 10.05%-12.65%) and was higher than that of physician dermatologists. For all rural-urban designations, the average annual percentage change was positive for dermatology APCs (range, 2.03%-8.69%) and was higher than metropolitan, micropolitan, and small-town areas from that of physician dermatologists.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this retrospective cohort study, there was a temporal increase in the amount of dermatologic care provided by APCs in Medicare. These findings demonstrate changes in the dermatology workforce and may have implications for dermatology as a specialty.
Associations Between Objective and Subjective Experiences of Childhood Maltreatment and the Course of Emotional Disorders in Adulthood
Authors: Danese Andrea , Widom Cathy Spatz
Published: July 2023

Importance

A history of childhood maltreatment is associated with an unfavorable course of illness for emotional disorders. However, the origins and mechanisms underlying these associations are unknown.

Objective

To examine the relative associations of objective and subjective measures of childhood maltreatment and continuity in psychopathology with the course of emotional disorders in adulthood.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This prospective cohort study followed up until age 40 years participants residing in a metropolitan county of the US Midwest with substantiated records of childhood physical and sexual abuse and/or neglect between 1967 and 1971 and a demographically matched group of participants experiencing no abuse or neglect in childhood. The collected data were analyzed between October 2021 and April 2022.

Exposures

The objective experience of childhood maltreatment before age 12 years was prospectively measured through official court records, whereas the subjective experience was measured through retrospective self-report at a mean (SD) age of 29 (3.8) years. Current and previous lifetime psychopathology was also assessed at a mean age of 29 (3.8) years.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Symptoms of depression and anxiety were measured at mean (SD) ages of 39.5 (3.5) and 41.2 (3.5) years using Poisson regression models.

Results

In a cohort of 1196 participants (582 [48.7%] female and 614 [51.3%] male) followed up to age 40 years, those with objective plus subjective measures of childhood maltreatment had a greater number of subsequent follow-up phases with depression or anxiety than controls (depression: incidence rate ratio [IRR], 2.28 [95% CI, 1.65-3.15]; anxiety: IRR, 2.30 [95% CI, 1.54-3.42]), as did those with subjective-only measures (depression: IRR, 1.49 [95% CI, 1.02-2.18]; anxiety: IRR, 1.58 [95% CI, 0.99-2.52]). In contrast, participants with objective-only measures did not have a greater number of follow-up phases with depression or anxiety (depression: IRR, 1.37 [95% CI, 0.89-2.11]; anxiety: IRR, 1.40 [95% CI, 0.84-2.31]). Current and lifetime psychopathology measured at the time the subjective experience was assessed explained its association with a later course of emotional disorders in participants with subjective-only measures but not in those with objective plus subjective measures.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cohort study, the associations seen between childhood maltreatment and poor course of emotional disorders over the subsequent decade were largely attributable to the subjective experience of maltreatment, which was partly explained by continuity in psychopathology. Modification of the subjective experience of childhood maltreatment could improve the longitudinal course of emotional disorders.
Cation Substitution Induced d‐Band Center Modulation on Cobalt‐Based Spinel Oxides for Catalytic Ozonation
Authors: Qu Wei , Tang Zhuoyun , Tang Su , Wen Hailin , Fang Jingyun , Lian Qiyu , Shu Dong , He Chun
Published: July 2023

Co3O4 spinel is a promising transition metal oxide (TMO) catalyst for the catalytic ozonation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Herein, metal–organic frameworks (MOFs)‐derived Ni‐ and Mg‐ substituted Co3O4 catalysts retain similar spinel structures, but display improved and reduced ozonation performance of methyl mercaptan (CH3SH), respectively. Remarkably, the NiCo2O4 catalyst can still ≈90% removal of CH3SH after running for 20 h at room temperature under an initial concentration of 50 ppm CH3SH and 40 ppm O3, relative humidity of 60%, and space velocity of 300 000 mL h−1 g−1, exceeding the reported values. Experimental characterizations have unveiled that the substitution of Ni and Mg into the Co3O4 spinel altered surface acidity, oxygen species mobility, and Co2+/Co3+ ratio. The in situ Raman spectra reveal the dynamic formation Co(III)‐Oad* via the transformation of O3 into surface atomic oxygen (Oad*) and peroxide species (O2*). Theoretical calculations verify that Ni‐substitution increases nonuniform charges and Fermi density, leading to a moderate increase in d‐band center energy levels, thereby promoting O3 specific adsorption/activation to convert Oad*/O2* and •OH/1O2/•O2−, which contributes to eliminate CH3SH and prevent poisoning. The concept of tuning the d‐band center can provide valuable insights for the design of other catalysts for catalytic ozonation.
High‐Entropy Engineering for Broadband Infrared Radiation
Authors: Wang Wei‐Ming , Liu Bao‐Hua , He Cheng‐Yu , Zhao Peng , Zhao Shi‐Jie , Wang Zeng‐Qiang , Lu Zhong‐Wei , Guo Hui‐Xia , Ren Guo‐Yu , Liu Gang , Gao Xiang‐Hu
Published: July 2023

Developing high‐performance infrared (IR) radiation materials with desired broadband emissivity, excellent thermal stability, and scalable fabrication processes is highly desirable for energy‐saving applications and heat dissipation. However, it remains a grand challenge to concurrently meet these requirements in existing IR radiation materials. Herein, a high‐entropy (HE) approach is employed to advance the IR radiation performance of spinel oxide. This strategy efficiently narrows the bandgap due to the enhanced electron transitions and the introduction of oxygen vacancies (Ov), variable‐valence behavior, and orbital hybridization. In addition, the lattice distortion effect lowers the symmetry of lattice vibration. Therefore, the resulting HE spinel oxide exhibits near‐blackbody radiation performance, with its emissivity approximately three times higher than that of the binary spinel oxide. Moreover, the entropy‐dominating phase stabilization effect contributes to impressive thermal stability (stable at 1300 °C for 100 h). This makes it suitable for high‐temperature thermal radiation applications, such as energy conservation in industrial high‐temperature furnaces. More importantly, the HE spinel oxide can be readily spray‐coated on various substrates. And the coating on stainless steel reaches an outstanding emissivity of 0.943 in the 0.78−16 µm wavelength range. All these merits render the HE approach competitive for the development of high‐emissivity and thermally stable thermal radiation materials.
Unusual Post Modulation of Pore Size, Nanostructure, and Composition of Metal–Organic Frameworks via Cooperative Ozone/Water Co‐Etching
Authors: Mao Dongling , Huang Guoqing , Wu Lei , Hu Zeyu , Lou Yao‐Yin , Wu Winston Duo , Wu Zhangxiong
Published: July 2023

Rational engineering of pore structure and size, nanostructure, and local composition of metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) plays a crucial role for their applications. Herein, a facile O3/H2O co‐etching strategy is reported to treat ZIF‐67 to synthesize derivatives with novel and hard‐to‐acquire structures and properties, including mesoporous ZIF‐67 dodecahedra with variable mesopore sizes (3–30 nm), core–shell and core‐void‐shell mesoporous ZIF‐67@amorphous cobalt hydroxide dodecahedra, and hollow dodecahedral frameworks. In the cooperative etching mechanism, O3 diffuses into the hydrophobic ZIF‐67 to progressively oxidize the ligand to create functional groups, mesopores and voids, while the enhanced hydrophilicity and pore size allow H2O to diffuse inside to hydrolyze the metal centers to form cobalt hydroxide shells. The co‐etching boosts the performance of ZIF‐67 in the electrocatalytic oxygen evolution reaction. The derived core‐void‐shell material possesses a highly attractive performance (an overpotential of 286 mV, a Tafel slope of 59.5 mV dec−1, and a stability of >20 h) because of the presence of amorphous cobalt species, large pores, hierarchal structure, and high hydrophilicity. This work provides a general approach for post engineering of MOFs to create novel structures and functionalities.
Super‐White Boron Nitride Aerogel‐Enabled High‐Energy Laser Irradiation Protection
Authors: Chai Yushan , Li Guangyong , Ji Xiaofei , Zhang Xuetong
Published: July 2023

Aerogels are ultralight solid materials with three‐dimensional interconnected porous structures that offer considerable advantages for various protective applications. Lasers have led to various technological revolutions in aerospace, medical science, and industrial manufacturing. However, shielding against high‐energy laser irradiation using aerogels has rarely been reported. A super‐white (reflectivity >98%) boron nitride (BN) aerogel constructed using BN nanoribbons is developed in this study for high‐energy laser protection. Large numbers of BN nanoribbons serve as randomized and disordered optical nanobarriers for intense backlight scattering, which contribute to high broadband reflectivity. Combined with the low thermal conductivity of the aerogel structure and the excellent high‐temperature stability of BN, the resulting BN aerogel exhibits a high protective threshold of 2.1 × 104 W cm−2. Moreover, the BN aerogel possesses a soft porous network and a low thermal expansion coefficient, which is promising for tolerating the thermal stress and shock of local high‐temperature fields caused by laser irradiation. The successful laser shielding by the super‐white BN aerogel may be helpful for designing and fabricating advanced aerogel‐based lightweight anti‐laser materials.
The Impact of Culture Variables on a 3D Human In Vitro Bone Remodeling Model: A Design of Experiments Approach
Authors: de Wildt Bregje W. M. , Cuypers Lizzy A. B. , Cramer Esther E. A. , Wentzel Annelieke S. , Ito Keita , Hofmann Sandra
Published: July 2023

Human in vitro bone remodeling models, using osteoclast–osteoblast cocultures, can facilitate the investigation of human bone remodeling while reducing the need for animal experiments. Although current in vitro osteoclast–osteoblast cocultures have improved the understanding of bone remodeling, it is still unknown which culture conditions support both cell types. Therefore, in vitro bone remodeling models can benefit from a thorough evaluation of the impact of culture variables on bone turnover outcomes, with the aim to reach balanced osteoclast and osteoblast activity, mimicking healthy bone remodeling. Using a resolution III fractional factorial design, the main effects of commonly used culture variables on bone turnover markers in an in vitro human bone remodeling model are identified. This model is able to capture physiological quantitative resorption–formation coupling along all conditions. Culture conditions of two runs show promising results: conditions of one run can be used as a high bone turnover system and conditions of another run as a self‐regulating system as the addition of osteoclastic and osteogenic differentiation factors is not required for remodeling. The results generated with this in vitro model allow for better translation between in vitro studies and in vivo studies, toward improved preclinical bone remodeling drug development.
High‐Throughput Screening of Surface Engineered Cyanine Nanodots for Active Transport of Therapeutic Antibodies into Solid Tumor
Authors: Qin Yating , Wang Guowei , Chen Linying , Sun Yuji , Yang Jiajia , Piao Ying , Shen Youqing , Zhou Zhuxian
Published: July 2023

The successful delivery of therapeutic biomacromolecules into solid tumor holds great challenge due to their high resistance to penetrate through the complex tumor microenvironments. Here, active‐transporting nanoparticles are harnessed to efficiently deliver biomacromolecular drugs into solid tumors through cell transcytosis. A series of molecularly precise cyanine 5‐cored polylysine G5 dendrimers (Cy5 nanodots) with different peripheral amino acids (G5‐AA) is prepared. The capability of these positively charged nanodots to induce cell endocytosis, exocytosis, and transcytosis is evaluated via fluorescence‐based high‐throughput screen. The optimized nanodots (G5‐R) are conjugated with αPD‐L1 (a therapeutic monoclonal antibody binding to programmed‐death ligand 1) (αPD‐L1‐G5‐R) to demonstrate the nanoparticle‐mediated tumor active transport. The αPD‐L1‐G5‐R can greatly enhance the tumor‐penetration capability through adsorption‐mediated transcytosis (AMT). The effectiveness of αPD‐L1‐G5‐R is tested in treating mice bearing partially resected CT26 tumors, mimicking the local immunotherapy of residual tumors post‐surgery in clinic. The αPD‐L1‐G5‐R embedded in fibrin gel can efficiently mediate tumor cell transcytosis, and deliver αPD‐L1 throughout the tumor, thereby enhancing immune checkpoint blockade, reducing tumor recurrence, and significantly prolonging the survival time. The active‐transporting nanodots are promising platforms for efficient tumor delivery of therapeutic biomacromolecules.
Controlled Synthesis and Accurate Doping of Wafer‐Scale 2D Semiconducting Transition Metal Dichalcogenides
Authors: Li Xiaohui , Yang Junbo , Sun Hang , Huang Ling , Li Hui , Shi Jianping
Published: July 2023

2D semiconducting transition metal dichalcogenide (TMDCs) possess atomically thin thickness, a dangling‐bond‐free surface, flexible band structure, and silicon‐compatible feature, making them one of the most promising channels for constructing state‐of‐the‐art field‐effect transistors in the post‐Moore's era. However, the existing 2D semiconducting TMDCs fall short of meeting the industry criteria for practical applications in electronics due to their small domain size and the lack of an effective approach to modulate intrinsic physical properties. Therefore, it is crucial to prepare and dope 2D semiconducting TMDCs single crystals with wafer size. In this review, the up‐to‐date progress regarding the wafer‐scale growth of 2D semiconducting TMDC polycrystalline and single‐crystal films is systematically summarized. The domain orientation control of 2D TMDCs and the seamless stitching of unidirectionally aligned 2D islands by means of substrate design are proposed. In addition, the accurate and uniform doping of 2D semiconducting TMDCs and the effect on electronic device performances are also discussed. Finally, the dominating challenges pertaining to the enhancement of the electronic device performances of TMDCs are emphasized, and further development directions are put forward. This review provides a systematic and in‐depth summary of high‐performance device applications of 2D semiconducting TMDCs.
Anlotinib Combined with Anti‐PD1 Potentiates Anti‐Tumor Immunity via Immunogenic Cell Death and Macrophage Reprogramming
Authors: Zou Benkun , Jiang Haohua , Liu Hongyu , Lu Jun , Qiang Huiping , Lu Mingfang , Yu Lian , Zhong Hua , Chu Tianqing , Han Baohui
Published: July 2023

The combination therapy of targeted drugs and immune checkpoint inhibitors has shown prominent success. In addition to blocking mutated oncogene downstream signaling, the immunological mechanism(s) underlying the anti‐tumor effect of targeted‐immuno‐therapy is not clear. In this study, anlotinib, a novel pan‐targeted tyrosine kinase receptor inhibitor (pTKI), is combined with anti‐PD1 (αPD1) as a therapeutic regimen applying to an immunocompetent mouse tumor model. Anlotinib induces immunogenic cell death (ICD), elicits anti‐tumor inflammation and infiltration, and activation of DCs and CD8+ T cells, which are enhanced by αPD1. Furthermore, anlotinib reduces KC/MCP‐1 secretion by attenuating educational effect that cancer cells imposed on tumor‐associated macrophages (TAMs) and prevents their M2 polarization by inhibiting AKT/mTORC1 and Pparδ pathways. Importantly, anlotinib plus αPD1 prolongs median progression‐free survival time compared with standard chemotherapy plus pembrolizumab as the 1st line treatment in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. Thus, anlotinib treatment elicits both innate and adaptive anti‐tumor immune responses while αPD1 enhances its potency. This study provides strong evidence that combination of targeted therapy and immunotherapy is a promising regimen for treating NSCLC.
Estrogen‐Induced LncRNA, LINC02568, Promotes Estrogen Receptor‐Positive Breast Cancer Development and Drug Resistance Through Both InTrans and In Cis Mechanisms
Authors: Chen Xue , Ding Jian‐cheng , Hu Guo‐sheng , Shu Xing‐yi , Liu Yan , Du Jun , Wen Zi‐jing , Liu Jun‐yi , Huang Hai‐hua , Tang Guo‐hui , Liu Wen
Published: July 2023

Endocrine therapy is the frontline treatment for estrogen receptor (ER) positive breast cancer patients. However, the primary and acquired resistance to endocrine therapy drugs remain as a major challenge in the clinic. Here, this work identifies an estrogen‐induced lncRNA, LINC02568, which is highly expressed in ER‐positive breast cancer and functional important in cell growth in vitro and tumorigenesis in vivo as well as endocrine therapy drug resistance. Mechanically, this work demonstrates that LINC02568 regulates estrogen/ERα‐induced gene transcriptional activation in trans by stabilizing ESR1 mRNA through sponging miR‐1233‐5p in the cytoplasm. Meanwhile, LINC02568 contributes to tumor‐specific pH homeostasis by regulating carbonic anhydrase CA12 in cis in the nucleus. The dual functions of LINC02568 together contribute to breast cancer cell growth and tumorigenesis as well as endocrine therapy drug resistance. Antisense oligonucleotides (ASO) targeting LINC02568 significantly inhibits ER‐positive breast cancer cell growth in vitro and tumorigenesis in vivo. Furthermore, combination treatment with ASO targeting LINC02568 and endocrine therapy drugs or CA12 inhibitor U‐104 exhibits synergistic effects on tumor growth. Taken together, the findings reveal the dual mechanisms of LINC02568 in regulating ERα signaling and pH homeostasis in ER‐positive breast cancer, and indicated that targeting LINC02568 might represent a potential therapeutic avenue in the clinic.
Examining the Electrochemical Properties of Hybrid Aqueous/Ionic Liquid Solid Polymer Electrolytes through the Lens of Composition‐Function Relationships
Authors: Ludwig Kyle B. , Correll‐Brown Riordan , Freidlin Max , Garaga Mounesha N. , Bhattacharyya Sahana , Gonzales Patricia M. , Cresce Arthur V. , Greenbaum Steven , Wang Chunsheng , Kofinas Peter
Published: July 2023

Solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) have the potential to meet evolving Li‐ion battery demands, but for these electrolytes to satisfy growing power and energy density requirements, both transport properties and electrochemical stability must be improved. Unfortunately, improvement in one of these properties often comes at the expense of the other. To this end, a “hybrid aqueous/ionic liquid” SPE (HAILSPE) which incorporates triethylsulfonium‐TFSI (S2,2,2) or N‐methyl‐N‐propylpyrrolidinium‐TFSI (Pyr1,3) ionic liquid (IL) alongside H2O and LiTFSI salt to simultaneously improve transport and electrochemical stability is studied. This work focuses on the impact of HAILSPE composition on electrochemical performance. Analysis shows that an increase in LiTFSI content results in decreased ionic mobility, while increasing IL and water content can offset its impact. pfg‐NMR results reveal that preferential lithium‐ion transport is present in HAILSPE systems. Higher IL concentrations are correlated with an increased degree of passivation against H2O reduction. Compared to the Pyr1,3 systems, the S2,2,2 systems exhibit a stronger degree of passivation due to the formation of a multicomponent interphase layer, including LiF, Li2CO3, Li2S, and Li3N. The results herein demonstrate the superior electrochemical stability of the S2,2,2 systems compared to Pyr1,3 and provide a path toward further enhancement of HAILSPE performance via composition optimization.
Do contrasting socio‐ecological conditions bring difference in premenstrual syndrome and its concomitants? A sedente‐migrant comparative study from Eastern India
Authors: Thakur Joyeeta , Goswami Monali , Roy Subho
Published: July 2023

Objectives

We asked in our research whether the premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and its concomitants, differ between “sedente” and “migrant” populations hailing from the same ethnic group, owing to their living in contrasting socio‐ecological conditions.

Methods

A total of 501 Oraon adolescents (sedente: 200, migrant: 301) were studied. Data on PMS was reported retrospectively using a list of 29 standard symptoms. Principal component analysis (PCA) was applied on PMS. PCA, which resulted in six principal components (PC1 to PC6) were loaded with “behavioral and cognitive,” “negative mood,” “pain and fluid retention,” “vestibular and breast tenderness,” and “fatigue,” and/or “gastrointestinal” symptoms. Step‐wise hierarchical regression was applied using migration status (step 1), socio‐demographic (step 2), menstrual (step 3), and nutritional and lifestyle variables (step 4) as concomitants for each principal component.

Results

Significantly, a greater number of migrants reported PMS but of milder intensity, unlike the sedentes. Significant sedente‐migrant differences were found in the concomitants for PMS. Multivariate analyses showed differential socio‐demographic (occupational, educational and wealth status, religion), nutritional (dietary carbohydrate protein and fat, tea intake, body mass index, percent body fat, waist hip ratio, fat mass index), menstrual (age at menarche, cycle length, dysmenorrhoea) and anemic status of the sedentes and the migrants were significantly associated with PMS.

Conclusions

Sedente and migrant participants, despite hailing from the same ethnic group, sharply differed in the prevalence of PMS and its concomitants owing to their living in contrasting socio‐ecological conditions.
Locating Hydrogen Positions for COF‐300 by Cryo‐3D Electron Diffraction
Authors: Sun Wenjia , Chen Pohua , Zhang Mingxuan , Ma Jian‐Xin , Sun Junliang
Published: July 2023

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) have wide‐ranging applications, and their host–guest interactions play an essential role in the achievement of COF functions. To investigate these host–guest interactions, it is necessary to locate all atoms, especially hydrogen atoms. However, it is difficult to determine the hydrogen atomic positions in COFs because of the complexities in synthesizing high‐quality large single crystals. Three‐dimensional electron diffraction (3D ED) has unique advantages for the structural determination of nanocrystals and identification of light atoms. In this study, it was demonstrated for the first time that the hydrogen atoms of a COF, not only on the framework but also on the guest molecule, can be located by 3D ED using continuous precession electron diffraction tomography (cPEDT) under cryogenic conditions. The host–guest interactions were clarified with the location of the hydrogen atoms. These findings provide novel insights into the investigation of COFs.
Decoding Protein Dynamics in Cells Using Chemical Cross‐Linking and Hierarchical Analysis**
Authors: Zhang Beirong , Gong Zhou , Zhao Lili , An Yuxin , Gao Hang , Chen Jing , Liang Zhen , Liu Maili , Zhang Yukui , Zhao Qun , Zhang Lihua
Published: July 2023

Protein dynamics play a crucial role in their diverse functions. The intracellular environment significantly influences protein dynamics, particularly for intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs). To comprehensively capture structural information from various proteins within cells and characterize protein dynamics, chemical cross‐linking mass spectrometry was employed. In this study, we introduce a hierarchical decoding strategy that enables the investigation of protein dynamics in vivo. Computational analysis based on distance restraints derived from cross‐links is used to infer protein dynamics in cells. To facilitate this analysis, we leverage the prior structure obtained from AlphaFold2. By employing this strategy, we can characterize the full‐length structure of multi‐domain proteins taking into account their distinct dynamic features. Furthermore, by combining restraint sampling with an unbiased sampling and evaluation approach, we can provide a comprehensive description of the intrinsic motion of IDPs. Consequently, the hierarchical strategy we propose holds significant potential in advancing our understanding of the molecular mechanisms that undelie protein functions in cells.
A novel epoxy resin system containing bismaleimide and DOPO‐based flame retardant with excellent flame retardancy and toughness
Authors: Liu Zhengbiao , Zhang Yijun , Jia Zhiwei , Liu Hua , Liu Zuozhen
Published: July 2023

9,10‐dihydro‐9‐oxo‐10‐phosphaphenanthrene‐10‐oxide (DOPO) and special tetra functional epoxy resin (EP) AG‐601 were combined to synthesize a reactive flame retardant (FREP) and then incorporated into EP, obtaining the flame retardant material EP/FREP. To achieve EPs with higher flame retardancy and mechanical properties, a new intrinsically flame retardant EP system named EP/FRDM was produced by modifying EP/FREP with high thermal resistance bismaleimide (BDM). In the presence of a distinct FRDM structure comprising phosphaphenanthrene/nitrogen, the EP possessed superior flame retardancy and impact toughness. The curing process of EP/FRDM was investigated using Real‐Time Fourier‐transform Infrared. In terms of fire performance, the limiting oxygen index of the EP/FRDM‐3 was raised from 31.4% to 38.2%, and the vertical burning rating was improved after BDM was added to the EP/FREP system. It was discovered that EP/FRDM exhibited a classic two‐phase flame retardant influence by analyzing the residual carbon morphology and pyrolysis behavior. Simultaneously, the glass transition temperature (Tg) of EP/FRDM remained essentially stable, and the char residue yield rose markedly, which indicated that the system had outstanding thermal stability, according to the results of the dynamic mechanical analysis and thermogravimetric analysis tests. Notably, the EP/FRDM experienced an internal chain expansion reaction when BDM was added, giving flame retardant materials excellent flexural and impact strengths and promising future application opportunities.
Correlation between non‐isothermal crystallization kinetics and morphology in poly(ε‐caprolactone)/poly(styrene‐co‐acrylonitrile) blends considering the blend phase behavior: Effects of poly(ε‐caprolactone) molecular weight
Authors: Khadivi Elahe , Khonakdar Hanieh , Salkhi Khasraghi Samaneh , Hemmati Farkhondeh , Salahshoori Iman , Ehsani Morteza , Arnhold Kerstin , Khonakdar Hossein Ali
Published: July 2023

Non‐isothermal crystallization of poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) in semi‐crystalline/amorphous PCL/poly(styrene‐co‐acrylonitrile) (SAN) blends with lower‐critical solution temperature (LCST) phase behavior at temperatures higher than the beginning of PCL crystallization has been studied and quantitatively modeled using different kinetics models. Near‐ and off‐critical PCL/SAN blends were prepared by using two different PCL molecular weights. The kinetics model results verified that the samples containing PCL with higher molecular weight have lower crystallinity and faster crystallization behavior, while adding amorphous SAN chains to PCL retards the crystallization process. A lower crystallization activation energy was relatively required for higher molecular weight, PCL‐2, in off‐critical PCL/SAN blends. However, the easier crystallization with higher degree of crystallinity was attained in near‐critical P80S20 blend containing PCL with lower molecular weight, indicating a shift of the LCST phase diagram of the PCL/SAN blend to higher temperatures by increasing the PCL molecular weight.
Controllability of fractional dynamical systems with distributed delays in control using ψ‐Caputo fractional derivative
Authors: Panneer Selvam Anjapuli , Govindaraj Venkatesan
Published: July 2023

This research investigates the controllability of linear and non‐linear fractional dynamical systems with distributed delays in control using the
‐Caputo fractional derivative. For controllability of linear systems, the positive definiteness of Grammian matrix, which is characterized by Mittag–Leffler functions, is used to provide necessary and sufficient conditions. For the controllability of non‐linear systems, the iterative technique with the completeness of
is used to obtain sufficient conditions. Using the
‐Caputo fractional derivative, this study is new since it investigates the ideas of controllability. A couple of numerical results are offered to explain the theoretical results.
Automated measures of vocal interactions and engagement in inclusive preschool classrooms
Authors: Fasano Regina M. , Mitsven Samantha G. , Custode Stephanie A. , Sarker Debasish , Bulotsky‐Shearer Rebecca J. , Messinger Daniel S. , Perry Lynn K.
Published: July 2023

Classroom engagement plays a crucial role in preschoolers' development, yet the correlates of engagement, especially among children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and developmental delays (DD), remains unknown. This study examines levels of engagement with classroom social partners and tasks among children in three groups ASD, DD, and typical development (TD). Here, we asked whether children's vocal interactions (vocalizations to and from peers and teachers) were associated with their classroom engagement with social partners (peers and teachers) and with tasks, and whether the association between classroom engagement and vocal interactions differed between children in the ASD group and their peers in the DD and TD groups. Automated measures of vocalizations and location quantified children's vocal interactions with peers and teachers over the course of the school year. Automated location and vocalization data were used to capture both (1) children's vocal output to specific peers and teachers, and (2) the vocal input they received from those peers and teachers. Participants were 72 3–5‐year‐olds (Mage = 48.6 months, SD = 7.0, 43% girls) and their teachers. Children in the ASD group displayed lower engagement with peers, teachers, and tasks than children in the TD group; they also showed lower engagement with peers than children in the DD group. Overall, children's own vocalizations were positively associated with engagement with social partners. Thus, although children in the ASD group tend to have lower engagement scores than children in the TD group, active participation in vocal interactions appears to support their classroom engagement with teachers and peers.