bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cloud Computing Forensics; Challenges and Future Perspectives: A Review
Authors: Cinar Burak , Bharadiya Jasmin Praful
Published: May 2023

Cloud computing has become increasingly popular in recent years, evolving into a computing paradigm that is both cost-effective and efficient. It has the potential to be one of the technologies that has had the most significant impact on computing throughout its history. Regrettably, cloud service providers and their customers have not yet developed major forensic tools that can assist with the investigation of criminal conduct that occurs in the cloud. Because it is difficult to prevent cloud vulnerabilities and criminal targeting, it is necessary to be aware of how digital forensic investigations of the cloud may be carried out. This is because cloud vulnerabilities and criminal targeting are difficult to avoid. In this context, the current study examines current and future trends in cloud forensics, methodology for cloud forensics, and cloud forensic tools. In addition, the study also looks at cloud forensic approaches.
Remote Sensing as a Management and Monitoring Tool for Agriculture: Potential Applications
Authors: Ashraf Atufa , Ahmad Latief , Ferooz Khalid , Ramzan Shazia , Ashraf Ifra , Khan Junaid N. , Shehnaz Efath , Ul-Shafiq Mifta , Akhter Sabia , Nabi Ambreen , Rasool Rehana , Nazir Shaista
Published: May 2023

Remote sensing technology has revolutionized agriculture management and monitoring by providing valuable information on crop health, soil conditions, weather patterns, and overall land management. The reflectance data are progressively being exploited in agriculture with the momenta gained in ground-based, airborne, and satellite remote sensing. The agriculture systems when managed conventionally don’t facilitate the proper utilization of resources and productivity potential of the soil. However, taking the aid of remote sensing techniques helps in boosting the productivity potential of the soil and optimizing the inputs.  This paper aims to review the potential applications of remote sensing in agriculture and its role in improving productivity, resource efficiency, and sustainability. The paper discusses various remote sensing techniques, including satellite imagery, aerial photography, and sensor-based data collection, and their integration with advanced data analysis methods. The applications explored include biomass estimation, yield estimation, global food demand, salinity stress detection, drought monitoring, soil moisture content assessment, and change detection. The paper highlights the benefits and challenges associated with each application and provides insights into future research directions and technology advancements in the field of remote sensing for agriculture.
Burden of Knee Osteoarthritis in 204 Countries and Territories, 1990–2019: Results From the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019
Authors: Yang Guangmin , Wang Jue , Liu Yun , Lu Haojie , He Liu , Ma Changsheng , Zhao Zhe
Published: May 2023

Objective

To report the global, regional, and national estimates of knee osteoarthritis (OA) burden and associated risk factors (high body mass index [BMI]) by age, sex, and sociodemographic index (SDI) for 204 countries from 1990 to 2019.

Methods

We analyzed the prevalence, incidence, years lived with disability (YLDs), and age‐standardized rates of knee OA using data from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study 2019. Estimates of the knee OA burden were derived from data modeled using a Bayesian meta‐regression analytical tool (DisMod‐MR 2.1).

Results

The global prevalence of knee OA in 2019 was ~364.6 million (95% uncertainty interval [95% UI] 315.3 to 417.4). The age‐standardized prevalence in 2019 was 4,376.0 per 100,000 (95% UI 3,793.0 to 5,004.9), an increase of 7.5% between 1990 and 2019. There were ~29.5 million incident cases of knee OA in 2019 (95% UI 25.6 to 33.7), with an age‐standardized incidence of 350.3 per 100,000 (95% UI 303.4 to 398.9). The global age‐standardized YLD resulting from knee OA was 138.2 (95% UI 68.5 to 281.3) per 100,000 population in 2019, an increase of 7.8% (95% UI 7.1 to 8.4) from 1990. Globally in 2019, 22.4% (95% UI 12.1 to 34.2) of YLD resulting from knee OA was attributable to high BMI, an increase of 40.5% since 1990.

Conclusion

The prevalence, incidence, YLDs, and age‐standardized rates of knee OA increased substantially in most countries and regions from 1990 to 2019. Continuous monitoring of this burden is important for establishing appropriate public prevention policies and raising public awareness, especially in high‐ and high–middle SDI regions.
Inkjet Printing of All Aqueous Inks to Flexible Microcapacitors for High‐Energy Storage
Authors: Che Junjin , Zakri Cécile , Bronchy Maxime , Neri Wilfrid , Ly Isabelle , Poulin Philippe , Yuan Jinkai
Published: May 2023

Due to the low energy density of commercial printable dielectrics, printed capacitors occupy a significant printing area and weight in printed electronics. It has long remained challenging to develop novel dielectric materials with printability and high‐energy storage density. Herein, a novel strategy for inkjet printing of all aqueous colloidal inks to dielectric capacitors composed of carbon nanotube electrodes and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)‐based dielectrics is presented. The formulated dielectric ink is composed of negatively charged PVDF latex nanoparticles complexed with cationic chitosan molecules. Beyond the isoelectric point, the PVDF@Chitosan particles demonstrate excellent printability and film‐forming properties. Chitosan serves as a strong binder to improve the printed film quality yet it introduces charged species. To mitigate the transport of mobile charges, the printed PVDF@Chitosan film is interlayered with a layer of boron nitride nanosheets. This layer is perpendicular to the electric field and serves as an efficient barrier to block the transport and the avalanche of charges, eventually leading to a recoverable energy density of 15 J cm−3at 610 MV m−1. This energy density represents the highest value among the waterborne dielectrics. It is also superior to most of the state‐of‐the‐art dielectric materials printed from solvent‐based formulations.
Molecular Engineering of Noble Metal Aerogels Boosting Electrocatalytic Oxygen Reduction
Authors: Yuan Hongxing , Wan Xinhao , Ye Jianqi , Ma Tuotuo , Ma Fangyuan , Gao Jie , Gao Wei , Wen Dan
Published: May 2023

Developing robust oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) electrocatalysts with high activity and durability remains great challenging while noble metal aerogels (NMAs) hold great potential because of their hierarchically porous morphology, excellent activity, and self‐supported characteristic. Herein, a general molecular engineering strategy to synthesize molecule‐noble metal aerogels (M‐NMAs) via 3D assembly of metal nanoparticles (e.g., Pt, Pd, Au, Ag, and PtPd NPs) induced by metalloporphyrin as cross‐linkers is reported. Due to the well synergy of NMAs and porphyrin molecule in creating the facile reaction pathway for ORR catalysis, these M‐NMAs demonstrate boosted ORR activity and durability in different electrolytes. Particularly, the best PtPd‐based M‐NMA delivers 1.47 A mgPt−1 and 2.13 mA cm−2 in mass and specific activities, which are 11.3 and 14.2 times higher than those of the commercial Pt/C catalyst, respectively. Thus, this work not only provides a simple and universal functional engineering approach of NMAs with catalytic molecules, but also opens an avenue of the rational design for superior ORR electrocatalysts.
Biodegradable CuMoO4 Nanodots with Multienzyme Activities for Multimodal Treatment of Tumor
Authors: Zhang Jinzha , Peng Liqi , Hao Yijie , Yang Hongna , Zhao Wenbo , Mao Chun
Published: May 2023

Due to their complexity and variability, tumors need to be treated with multimodal combined therapy, which requires the development of therapeutic agents that can provide multimodal therapeutic effects. Herein, CuMoO4 nanodots smaller than 10 nm that can be prepared by simple hydrothermal method are reported. These nanodots can be well dispersed in water and have good biosafety and biodegradability. Further studies show that these nanodots also present multienzyme activities, such as catalase, peroxidase and glutathione peroxidase. In addition, CuMoO4 nanodots exhibit high photothermal conversion efficiency (41%) under 1064 nm near‐infrared laser irradiation. In vitro and in vivo experimental results indicate that CuMoO4 nanodots can effectively inhibit the instinctive regulation of tumor cells to oxidative stress, provide sustained treatment to achieve photothermal synergistic ferroptosis, and trigger immune responses to immunogenic cell death. It is worth mentioning that the CuMoO4 nanodots also cause cuproptosis of tumor cells. This study provides a promising nanoplatform for multimodal combined therapy of cancer.
Efficient Therapy of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) with Highly Specific and Durable Targeted Ta2C Modified with Chondroitin Sulfate (TACS)
Authors: Song Xiangping , Huang Qiong , Yang Yuqi , Ma Liang , Liu Wenguang , Ou Chunlin , Chen Qiaohui , Zhao Tianjiao , Xiao Zuoxiu , Wang Mingyuan , Jiang Yitian , Yang Yunrong , Zhang Jinping , Nan Yayun , Wu Wei , Ai Kelong
Published: May 2023

Non‐invasive localization of lesions and specific targeted therapy are still the main challenges for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Ta, as a medical metal element, has been widely used in the treatment of different diseases because of its excellent physicochemical properties but is still far from being explored in IBD. Here, Ta2C modified with chondroitin sulfate (CS) (TACS) is evaluated as a highly targeted therapy nanomedicine for IBD. Specifically, TACS is modified with dual targeting CS functions due to IBD lesion‐specific positive charges and high expression of CD44 receptors. Thanks to the acid stability, sensitive CT imaging function, and strong reactive oxygen species (ROS) elimination ability, oral TACS can accurately locate and delineate IBD lesions through non‐invasive CT imaging, and specifically targeted treat IBD effectively because high levels of ROS are a central factor in the progression of IBD. As expected, TACS has much better imaging and therapeutic effects than clinical CT contrast agent and first‐line drug 5‐aminosalicylic acid, respectively. The mechanism of TACS treatment mainly involves protection of mitochondria, elimination of oxidative stress, inhibiting macrophage M1 polarization, protection of intestinal barrier, and restoration of intestinal flora balance. Collectively, this work provides unprecedented opportunities for oral nanomedicines to targeted therapy of IBD.
Virtual High‐Throughput Screening of Vapor‐Deposited Amphiphilic Polymers for Inhibiting Biofilm Formation
Authors: Feng Zhihao , Cheng Yifan , Khlyustova Alexandra , Wani Aasim , Franklin Trevor , Varner Jeffrey D. , Hook Andrew L. , Yang Rong
Published: May 2023

Amphiphilic copolymers (AP) represent a class of novel antibiofouling materials whose chemistry and composition can be tuned to optimize their performance. However, the enormous chemistry‐composition design space associated with AP makes their performance optimization laborious; it is not experimentally feasible to assess and validate all possible AP compositions even with the use of rapid screening methodologies. To address this constraint, a robust model development paradigm is reported, yielding a versatile machine learning approach that accurately predicts biofilm formation by Pseudomonas aeruginosa on a library of AP. The model excels in extracting underlying patterns in a “pooled” dataset from various experimental sources, thereby expanding the design space accessible to the model to a much larger selection of AP chemistries and compositions. The model is used to screen virtual libraries of AP for identification of best‐performing candidates for experimental validation. Initiated chemical vapor deposition is used for the precision synthesis of the model‐selected AP chemistries and compositions for validation at solid–liquid interface (often used in conventional antifouling studies) as well as the air–liquid–solid triple interface. Despite the vastly different growth conditions, the model successfully identifies the best‐performing AP for biofilm inhibition at the triple interface.
Blockage of Osteopontin‐Integrin β3 Signaling in Infrapatellar Fat Pad Attenuates Osteoarthritis in Mice
Authors: Dai Bingyang , Zhu Yuwei , Li Xu , Liang Zuru , Xu Shunxiang , Zhang Shian , Zhang Zhe , Bai Shanshan , Tong Wenxue , Cao Mingde , Li Ye , Zhu Xiaobo , Liu Wei , Zhang Yuantao , Chang Liang , Yung Patrick Shu‐hang , Ki‐wai Ho Kevin , Xu Jiankun , Ngai To , Qin Ling
Published: May 2023

The knowledge of osteoarthritis (OA) has nowadays been extended from a focalized cartilage disorder to a multifactorial disease. Although recent investigations have reported that infrapatellar fat pad (IPFP) can trigger inflammation in the knee joint, the mechanisms behind the role of IPFP on knee OA progression remain to be defined. Here, dysregulated osteopontin (OPN) and integrin β3 signaling are found in the OA specimens of both human and mice. It is further demonstrated that IPFP‐derived OPN participates in OA progression, including activated matrix metallopeptidase 9 in chondrocyte hypertrophy and integrin β3 in IPFP fibrosis. Motivated by these findings, an injectable nanogel is fabricated to provide sustained release of siRNA Cd61 (RGD−Nanogel/siRNA Cd61) that targets integrins. The RGD−Nanogel possesses excellent biocompatibility and desired targeting abilities both in vitro and in vivo. Local injection of RGD−Nanogel/siRNA Cd61 robustly alleviates the cartilage degeneration, suppresses the advancement of tidemark, and reduces the subchondral trabecular bone mass in OA mice. Taken together, this study provides an avenue for developing RGD−Nanogel/siRNA Cd61 therapy to mitigate OA progression via blocking OPN‐integrin β3 signaling in IPFP.
Modular Hydrogel Vaccine for Programmable and Coordinate Elicitation of Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: Ji Panpan , Sun Wenqi , Zhang Siyan , Xing Yuqi , Wang Chen , Wei Mengying , Li Qiuyun , Ji Gang , Yang Guodong
Published: May 2023

Immunotherapy holds great promise for the treatment of malignant cancer. However, the lack of sufficient tumor neoantigens and incomplete dendritic cell (DC) maturation compromise the efficacy of immunotherapy. Here, a modular hydrogel‐based vaccine capable of eliciting a powerful and sustained immune response is developed. Briefly, CCL21a and ExoGM‐CSF+Ce6 (tumor cell‐derived exosomes with granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF) mRNA encapsulated inside and sonosensitizer chlorin e6 (Ce6) incorporated in the surface) are mixed with nanoclay and gelatin methacryloyl, forming the hydrogel designated as CCL21a/ExoGM‐CSF+Ce6@nanoGel. The engineered hydrogel releases CCL21a and GM‐CSF with a time gap. The earlier released CCL21a diverts the tumor‐draining lymph node (TdLN) metastatic tumor cells to the hydrogel. Consequently, the trapped tumor cells in the hydrogel, in turn, engulf the Ce6‐containing exosomes and thus are eradicated by sonodynamic therapy (SDT), serving as the antigen source. Later, together with the remnant CCL21a, GM‐CSF produced by cells engulfing ExoGM‐CSF+Ce6 continuously recruits and provokes DCs. With the two programmed modules, the engineered modular hydrogel vaccine efficiently inhibits tumor growth and metastasis via diverting TdLN metastatic cancer to hydrogel, killing the trapped tumor cells, and eliciting prolonged and powerful immunotherapy in an orchestrated manner. The strategy would open an avenue for cancer immunotherapy.
Quadrupled Cycle Life of High‐Voltage Nickel‐Rich Cathodes: Understanding the Effective Thiophene‐Boronic Acid‐Based CEI via Operando SHINERS
Authors: Pfeiffer Felix , Diddens Diddo , Weiling Matthias , Frankenstein Lars , Kühn Sebastian , Cekic‐Laskovic Isidora , Baghernejad Masoud
Published: May 2023

Increasing the cell voltage of lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) is a straightforward approach to increasing their capacity and energy density. However, state‐of‐the‐art cathode materials like LiNixMnyCo1‐x‐yO2 (NMC) suffer from severe failure mechanisms at high operating voltages, significantly degrading the performance and cycle life of the cells. Notably, an effective cathode electrolyte interphase (CEI) mitigates these failure mechanisms. Nevertheless, a deep understanding of the formation mechanisms and properties of the CEI is necessary to tailor effective interphases. This study introduces a promising electrolyte additive for high operating voltage NMC811||graphite cells. Implementing an optimized concentration of 3‐thiophene boronic acid (3‐Thp‐BOH) significantly enhances the cells' performance and reduces capacity fading, resulting in a quadrupled cycle life and a six‐times higher accumulated specific energy. Operando shell‐isolated nanoparticle‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SHINERS) is employed to shed light on the formation mechanism and molecular composition of CEI during cell operation, proving that the presence of the additive results in the formation of a complex 3‐Thp‐BOH‐based polymeric CEI on the NMC811 surface. The CEI investigation is additionally supported by scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X‐ray analysis and highly accurate quantum chemistry modeling of the suggested polymerization mechanisms.
Recent Progress of Optical Imaging Approaches for Noncontact Physiological Signal Measurement: A Review
Authors: Zhang Xinxin , Hu Menghan , Zhang Yudong , Zhai Guangtao , Zhang Xiao-Ping
Published: May 2023

In recent years, optical imaging techniques have gained wide recognition for the measurement of vital signals, such as heart rate, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, and blood pressure, which are crucial indicators for evaluating human health conditions in clinical examinations. There is a wide range of optical imaging methods for remote physiological signal monitoring, including RGB imaging, thermal imaging, hyperspectral imaging, depth imaging, and multimodal imaging, which provide spatial information compared to other noncontact measurement approaches, thereby allowing extensive applications in this area. In this survey, some fundamental knowledge about optical imaging methods for vital signal measurement is reviewed, including principles of various optical imaging techniques, processing methods for data analysis, discussion on advantages and disadvantages, application summary, and future prospects. This is a comprehensive overview of the noncontact physiological signal measurement of optical imaging approaches.
Hybrid Piezoelectric–Magnetic Self‐Sensing Actuator using Novel Dual‐Alignment Magnetic/Mechanical Processing for Vibration Control of Whole‐Body Vibrations
Authors: Lee Ji Eun , Naguib Hani E.
Published: May 2023

Multi‐stimuli‐responsive/‐functional polymeric materials can respond to numerous stimuli and execute multiple tasks, overcoming barriers faced by single‐stimuli materials. Herein, the development of hybrid piezoelectric–magnetic self‐sensing actuator (HPMSA) that can both sense and actuate is proposed. This iron oxide/functionalized carbon nanotube/polyvinylidene fluoride film optimizes both piezoelectric and magnetic properties through dual‐alignment fabrication, utilizing strong element bonds for simultaneous alignment. Magnetic nanoparticles are advantageous over nanorods due to latter's randomized shape anisotropy decreasing magnetization. The dual magnetic and mechanical processing increases polar β‐crystal content to 88%, where magnetic alignment alone increases degree of crystallinity to 66%. As a vibration damper, HPMSA operates within 40–600 Hz frequency, with a sensing sensitivity of 2.5 mV g−1 and 0.72 m s−2 weighted acceleration damping, lowering passenger health risks. Piezoelectric and magnetic relationship shows 0.19 V increase with 125 mT applied. The flexible HPMSA can integrate onto a curved surface and sense/dampen vibrations of an air motor, propeller drone, and simulated tremors. The HPMSA provides tremendous potential and understanding into multi‐stimuli‐responsive/functional materials, simultaneous alignment, and vibration control in the next generation of transportation vehicles for human safety.
Magnetic Hydrogel Micromachines with Active Release of Antibacterial Agent for Biofilm Eradication
Authors: Sun Bonan , Sun Mengmeng , Zhang Zifeng , Jiang Yihang , Hao Bo , Wang Xin , Cao Yanfei , Chan Tony K. F. , Zhang Li
Published: May 2023

Bacterial biofilms are widely found in nature, and they can be a major factor in many local chronic infections inside the human body. To date, effective elimination of biofilms is intractable for conventional antibiotic therapies due to the existence of bacteria‐protecting extracellular polymeric substances. For biofilm eradication in tiny tubular structures, magnetic hydrogel micromachines (MHM) are designed that are capable of performing mechanical disruption of biofilms while releasing antibacterial agents in a controllable fashion. Two modes of motion controlled by external magnetic fields, namely planar rotation and wobbling modes, have been investigated to drive the micromachines to interact and destruct biofilms. In addition, the presented micromachines are composed of thermosensitive PNIPAm hydrogel that can load with the antibacterial agent (H2O2) and release them upon heating. The Fe3O4 nanoparticles embedded in the hydrogel matrix act as catalysts for the Fenton reaction, generating bacteria‐killing free radicals. The synergetic biofilm elimination effect has been experimentally demonstrated in well plates and small tubes. The presented MHMs may provide a new design to treat biofilm‐related infections in narrow and confined spaces.
Eye and airway symptoms in hospital staff exposed to a product containing hydrogen peroxide, peracetic acid, and acetic acid
Authors: Blackley Brie Hawley , Nett Randall J. , Cox‐Ganser Jean M. , Harvey Robert Reid , Virji Mohammed Abbas
Published: May 2023

Background

Sporicidal products containing hydrogen peroxide (HP), peracetic acid (PAA), and acetic acid (AA) are used widely in multiple industries, including healthcare. Despite widespread use in healthcare, few studies have assessed associations between exposures to HP, PAA, and AA, and work‐related symptoms in these settings.

Methods

In 2018, we performed a health and exposure assessment at a hospital where a sporicidal product consisting of HP, PAA, and AA, was used as the primary cleaner on hospital surfaces. We collected 56 personal and mobile air samples for HP, PAA, and AA on participants while they performed their regular cleaning duties; collected area samples for HP (n = 28), PAA (n = 28), and AA (n = 70) in multiple hospital locations where cleaning was performed; and administered a postshift survey to assess eye, skin, and upper and lower airway symptoms that occurred cross‐shift or in the previous 4 weeks.

Results

Full‐shift exposure levels for HP (range: <3–559 ppb), PAA (range: <0.2–8 ppb), and AA (range: <5–915 ppb) were all below US occupational exposure limits. We observed positive associations (p < 0.05) between shift, departmental average, and departmental 95th percentile exposures to HP, PAA, and AA vapors, and work‐related acute (cross‐shift) and chronic (previous 4 weeks) eye, upper airway, and lower airway symptoms after adjusting for age, gender, smoking status, use of other cleaning products containing sensitizers and irritants, allergic status, and stress.

Conclusions

Our observations of work‐related upper and lower airway symptoms among hospital workers exposed to vapors from a sporicidal product containing HP, PAA, and AA indicate a need for a combination of engineering, administrative, and PPE controls to reduce exposure. Additionally, alternative nonchemical disinfection technologies should be further investigated as a means to simultaneously reduce healthcare workers' exposure to disinfectants while also minimizing costly healthcare‐acquired infections.
Gold(I)‐Catalyzed Reaction of 1‐(1‐Alkynyl)‐cyclopropyl Ketones with Vinyldiazo Ketones for Divergent Synthesis of Substituted Furanyl Heterocycles
Authors: Narode Akshay Subhash , Liu Rai‐Shung
Published: May 2023

Gold(I)‐catalyzed reactions between 1‐(1‐alkynyl) cyclopropyl ketones and vinyldiazo ketones to produce substituted [(furan‐3‐yl)ethyl]‐1H‐pyrazol‐5‐yl)methanones are described. In this reaction sequence, we postulate vinyldiazo ketones to undergo a thermal cyclization to produce pyrazole intermediates that attack gold‐containing all‐carbon 1,4‐carbon dipoles to afford the observed products. An atypical N(1)‐regioselectivity is also rationalized in this reaction model.
Synthesis andin vivoEvaluation of Fluorobenzyl Metformin Derivatives as Potential Drugs in The Diabetes Treatment
Authors: Hernández‐Velázquez Edson D. , Herrera Mayra D. , Alba‐Betancourt Clara , Navarro‐Santos Pedro , Ortíz‐Alvarado Rafael , Solorio‐Alvarado César R.
Published: May 2023

Metformin is a versatile, biocompatible, and cheap bis‐guanidine used as first response line in the type II diabetes treatment. Since its first human trials (1956) several structural modifications were carried out to increase its activity. However, with this augmented activity, the biological compatibility diminishes, generating serious side effects, such as lactic acidosis. Considering that cytochrome P450 oversees the metformin metabolism and its weakness to eliminate fluorinated metabolites; we envisioned the synthesis of benzyl fluorinated metformin derivatives. In our hypothesis the fluorine atoms can give, by inductive effect, a higher acidity to the hydrogen in the benzylic nitrogen, increasing its solubility. On the other hand, fluorine would give resistance to cP450 allowing the molecule acting longer. Thus, a family of fourteen fluorobenzyl metformins were synthesized and characterized, then anin vitroenzymatic assay with α‐amylase was performed to select the five best performing compounds, then anin vivoexperiment was carried out with streptozotocin‐induced CD1 mice using the selected derivatives. Blood glucose was measured every day. After sacrifice, the lipid profile, serum, and liver γ‐glutamyl transferase (GGT) activity determined the biocompatibility. Results showed two compounds (1 Land1 M) with enhanced activity and higher biocompatibility for blood glucose, lipids metabolism and GGT activity regulation.
An urgent call‐to‐action to protect the nonhuman primates and Indigenous Peoples of the Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Garber Paul A. , Estrada Alejandro , Klain Vinícius , Bicca‐Marques Júlio César
Published: May 2023

Primates are facing an impending extinction crisis. Here, we examine the set of conservation challenges faced by the 100 primate species that inhabit the Brazilian Amazon, the largest remaining area of primary tropical rainforest in the world. The vast majority (86%) of Brazil's Amazonian primate species have declining populations. Primate population decline in Amazonia has been driven principally by deforestation related to the production of forest‐risk commodities including soy and cattle ranching, the illegal logging and setting of fires, dam building, road and rail construction, hunting, mining, and the confiscation and conversion of Indigenous Peoples' traditional lands. In a spatial analysis of the Brazilian Amazon, we found that 75% of Indigenous Peoples' lands (IPLs) remained forested compared with 64% of Conservation Units (CUs) and 56% of other lands (OLs). In addition, primate species richness was significantly higher on IPLs than on CUs and OLs. Thus, safeguarding Indigenous Peoples' land rights, systems of knowledge, and human rights is one of the most effective ways to protect Amazonian primates and the conservation value of the ecosystems they inhabit. Intense public and political pressure is required and a global call‐to‐action is needed to encourage all Amazonian countries, especially Brazil, as well as citizens of consumer nations, to actively commit to changing business as usual, living more sustainably, and doing all they can to protect the Amazon. We end with a set of actions one can take to promote primate conservation in the Brazilian Amazon.
Analysis of gas product changes during pyrolysis of oily sludge based on density functional theory calculation
Authors: Wen Qian , Cheng Wencai , Liu Dujiang , Cui Xiaoyi , Shao Zhiguo , Xu Shipei , He Zhicheng , Lu Xirui
Published: May 2023

Oily sludge is a kind of harmful solid waste produced by the petroleum industry. It is the key point of research to understand the mechanism of gas product changes during the pyrolysis process. This study combined density functional theory (DFT) calculation with a pyrolysis experiment to explore the changes in pyrolytic gas products from oily sludge. The results of thermogravimetric–mass spectrometry (TG–MS) and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) showed that the gas products below 400°C were dominated by long‐chain hydrocarbons, but with the increase of the treatment temperature, the long‐chain hydrocarbons will decrease. The results of kinetics and thermodynamics showed that there were five stages of pyrolysis of oily sludge, and the values of E, ΔH, and ΔG were increased with the increase of pyrolysis temperature. The DFT calculation revealed that there were delocalized π‐electrons at the fracture‐prone sites, and the electrons on the functional groups of the molecule were more easily excited. The results can provide ideas for the pyrolysis mechanism of oily sludge and theoretical support for the optimization of the pyrolysis process.
A novel foaming technique to develop functional open‐cell polylactic acid scaffolds for bone tissue engineering
Authors: Osman Miada Abubaker , Virgilio Nick , Rouabhia Mahmoud , Lorenzo Louis‐Etienne , Mighri Frej
Published: May 2023

The aim of this study was to develop a solvent‐free polylactic acid (PLA) open‐cell porous scaffold for bone tissue engineering using compression molding and a new chemical foaming compound, that we named CFCO. The latter is composed of a blend of PLA and azodicarbonamide (ADA) as a chemical foaming agent, with the addition of chitosan‐grafted PLA (CS‐g‐PLA) copolymer at various concentrations. The novelty of this approach is that during the foaming, that is, during the decomposition of the ADA foaming agent, the CS‐g‐PLA copolymer is projected toward the surface of the pores and strongly adhere there, which was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy and confocal microscopy. The results showed that at 6.90 wt% of CS‐g‐PLA copolymer, the immobilization of the latter on the surface of the pores led to a 52% increase in cell proliferation compared to the pure PLA control sample and a 26% increase compared to scaffolds that had 10 wt% of CS‐g‐PLA copolymer dispersed throughout the entire PLA matrix.
Trajectories of internalizing symptoms among autistic and nonautistic youth during theCOVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Day Talena C. , Gerber Alan , McNair Morgan L. , Reicher Debra , Lerner Matthew D.
Published: May 2023

The COVID‐19 pandemic elicited increases in anxiety and depression in youth, and youth on the autism spectrum demonstrate elevations in such symptoms pre‐pandemic. However, it is unclear whether autistic youth experienced similar increases in internalizing symptoms after the COVID‐19 pandemic onset or whether decreases in these symptoms were present, as speculated in qualitative work. In the current study, longitudinal changes in anxiety and depression during the COVID‐19 pandemic in autistic youth were assessed in comparison to nonautistic youth. A well‐characterized sample of 51 autistic and 25 nonautistic youth (ageM = 12.8, range = 8.5–17.4 years, IQ > 70) and their parents completed the Revised Children's Anxiety and Depression Scale (RCADS), a measure of internalizing symptoms, repeatedly, representing up to 7 measurement occasions from June to December 2020 (N ~ 419 occasions). Multilevel models were used to evaluate changes in internalizing symptoms over time. Internalizing symptoms did not differ between autistic and nonautistic youth in the summer of 2020. As reported by youth themselves, internalizing symptoms decreased in autistic youth, both overall and compared to nonautstic peers. This effect was driven by decreases in generalized anxiety, social anxiety, and depression symptoms in autistic youth. Reductions in generalized anxiety, social anxiety, and depression in autistic youth may be due to COVID‐19 pandemic‐specific differences in response to social, environmental, and contextual changes that unfolded in 2020. This highlights the importance of understanding unique protective and resilience factors that may be evident in autistic individuals in response to broad societal shifts such as those seen in response to COVID‐19.
Toward the Formation of the Solid Electrolyte Interphase on Alkaline Metal Anodes: Ab Initio Simulations**
Authors: Stottmeister Daniel , Groß Axel
Published: May 2023

The transition from lithium‐based energy storage to post lithium systems plays a crucial part in achieving an environmentally sustainable energy infrastructure. Prime candidates for the replacement of lithium are sodium and potassium batteries. Despite being critical to battery performance, the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) formation process for Na and K batteries remains insufficiently understood, especially compared to the well‐established lithium systems. Using ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) simulations based on density functional theory (DFT) calculations, we study the first steps of SEI formation upon the decomposition of typical solvent molecules on lithium, sodium and potassium metal anodes. We find that two dominant products form during the early SEI formation of cyclical carbonates on alkali metal anodes, carbon monoxide and alkali‐carbonate. The carbonate‐producing reaction is thermodynamically favorable for all tested metals, however, Na and K exhibit a much stronger selectivity than Li towards carbonate formation. Furthermore, we propose a previously unknown reaction mechanism for the CO polymerization on metallic lithium.
Ratiometric optical detection of pyrophosphate based on aggregation‐caused dual‐signal response of gold nanoclusters
Authors: Cao Hui‐Ting , Zhao Tiansheng , Liu Meng‐Qian , Guo Li‐Zhen , He Yong‐Qin , Zhang Kun , Mai Xi , Li Na
Published: May 2023

Sensing of pyrophosphate ion (PPi) has received much attention due to the strong demand for clinical diagnostics. Here, based on gold nanoclusters (Au NCs), a ratiometric optical detection method for PPi is developed by simultaneously detecting the dual signals of fluorescence (FL) and second‐order scattering (SOS). The PPi is detected by inhibiting the formation of aggregates of Fe3+ with Au NCs. Binding of Fe3+ to Au NCs causes aggregation of Au NCs, which leads to fluorescence quenching and scattering increasing. The presence of PPi can competitively bind Fe3+ to re‐disperse the Au NCs and finally recover the fluorescence and reduce the scattering signal. The designed PPi sensor shows a high sensitivity with a linear range 5–50 μM and a detection limit of 1.2 μM. In addition, the assay has excellent selectivity for PPi, which makes its application in real biological samples extremely valuable.
What explains firms' net zero adoption, strategy and response?
Authors: Berger‐Schmitz Zola , George Douglas , Hindal Cameron , Perkins Richard , Travaille Maria
Published: May 2023

The past few years have witnessed a proliferation of corporate net zero emission targets. Despite their growing prominence, little is known about firms' motives for, strategies towards and response pathways of net zero. This paper seeks to narrow the current gap in understanding through an analysis of 30 interview responses. We find evidence that net zero targets have been propelled by a combination of institutional and competitive pressures. Yet firms' response to these pressures, in terms of the substantivity of their commitments and strategic positioning in relation to net zero, has varied significantly. Whilst identifying a role for firm‐specific factors, we also draw attention to the importance of sectors in understanding variations in corporate responses. A further contribution of the paper is to map out different temporal trajectories of strategic positioning and offer insights into the factors that lead firms to remain static or change their position towards net zero over time. We conclude by discussing the implications of these findings for both future scholarship and the contribution of net zero commitments to public climate goals.
Reduced therapeutic skill in teletherapy versus in‐person therapy: The role of non‐verbal communication
Authors: Lin Tao , Anderson Timothy
Published: May 2023

Objectives

Therapists have experienced unique challenges and reported reduced competency when delivering teletherapy compared with in‐person therapy. This study aimed to examine the association between therapists' non‐verbal communication abilities and perceived skills in teletherapy.

Methods

Using a geographically diverse sample of 323 therapists, we assessed therapists' perceived skills in teletherapy and in‐person therapy and calculated the relative skills by subtracting one rating from the other. We performed multivariate regressions to explore whether and how therapists' non‐verbal communication abilities (i.e., emotion recognition ability, non‐verbal emotional expressiveness and affective communication) were associated with their perceived skills in teletherapy and in‐person therapy as well as the relative skills in teletherapy versus in‐person therapy.

Results

Non‐verbal emotional expressiveness and affective communication were positively associated with therapists' perceived skills in teletherapy. Therapists with stronger non‐verbal emotional expressiveness perceived their skills as relatively less reduced in teletherapy versus in‐person therapy compared to those with poorer non‐verbal emotional expressiveness.

Conclusion

More research and training are needed to address the unique challenges in teletherapy, particularly around the ability to express emotions and facilitate non‐verbal communication.
Institutional status and identity dimensions to cardiovascular stress responses
Authors: McMahon Grace , Walsh Tomás , Griffin Siobhán M. , Houghton Frank , Muldoon Orla T.
Published: May 2023

This study aimed to examine the effect of shared social identity (i.e., whether the source of information about a stressor comes from an ingroup vs. outgroup member) and message content (i.e., whether people were informed that the task is stressful vs. challenging) on cardiovascular reactivity to stress (CVR) across two higher education institutions differing in status (University vs. Institute of Technology [IoT]). The study employed a quasi‐experimental 2 × 2 × 2 design. 80 healthy undergraduate students (38 female, 47.5%) were recruited from two institutions—a University (n = 40) and an IoT (n = 40). All students underwent a standardised cardiovascular stress testing protocol (i.e., baseline rest period, manipulation, stress task). Blood pressure and heart rate were continuously monitored throughout. Results indicated that IoT students who were informed that the task would be stressful by an outgroup member (a University student) displayed relatively higher SBP reactivity (M = 17.53, SD = 4.72). Interestingly, those from the University who were informed that the task would be stressful by an ingroup member (also a University student) similarly displayed high level of reactivity (M = 19.45, SD = 4.33). It appears that being told the task is stressful had different effects depending on what institution the person was in, and who provided the information. These findings provide preliminary evidence to suggest that cardiovascular responses to stress may not simply be impacted by the source or content, but also the status or social position of the informants group.
Eco‐restrictive experiences forming extraordinary consumer experiences
Authors: Barros Renata Domingues , Casotti Letícia Moreira
Published: May 2023

This article contributes to different research traditions when proposes to reflect on theoretical fields, such as consumer culture and contemporary marketing. The study in a tourist and ecological conservation project revealed eco‐restricted extraordinary experiences. We found a group of volunteers that build meanings and practices connected with new actions and habits that offer, not only ecological and sustainable benefits, but new value consumption relations. In contextualizing our findings, we highlight experiences and curiosities that are glossed over in academic and practical accounts that celebrate the extraordinary experience. It was observed, by analyzing data from various qualitative techniques, that the findings cross borders of mundane ingrained practices and bring an emerging domain, where both, consumption and anti‐consumption experiences, offer insights into to a diversity of areas of knowledge.
Chromenopyrazole−Peptide Conjugates as Small‐Molecule Based Inhibitors Disrupting the Protein−RNA Interaction of LIN28‐let‐7
Authors: Hommen Pascal , Hwang Jimin , Huang Fubao , Borgelt Lydia , Hohnen Lisa , Wu Peng
Published: May 2023

Targeting the protein−RNA interaction of LIN28 and let‐7 is a promising strategy for the development of novel anticancer therapeutics. However, a limited number of small‐molecule inhibitors disrupting the LIN28‐let‐7 interaction with potent efficacy are available. Herein, we developed a novel LIN28‐inhibiting strategy by targeting selective hotspot amino acids at the LIN28‐let‐7 binding interface with small‐molecule‐based bifunctional conjugates. Starting from reported small‐molecule LIN28 inhibitors, we identified a feasible linker‐attachment position after performing a structure‐activity relationship exploration based on the LIN28‐targeting chromenopyrazoles. In parallel, a virtual alanine scan identified hotspot residues at the protein−RNA binding interface, based on which we designed a set of peptides to enhance the interaction with the identified hotspot residues. Conjugation of the tailor‐designed peptides with linker‐attached chromenopyrazoles yielded a series of bifunctional small‐molecule‐peptide conjugates, represented by compound 83 (PH‐223), as a new LIN28‐targeting chemical modality. Our result demonstrated an unexplored rational design approach using bifunctional conjugates to target protein−RNA interactions.
Evaluating the impact of journals in the ceramic sciences
Authors: Montazerian Maziar , Mauro John C.
Published: May 2023

This article examines various methods for evaluating the impact of journals in the ceramic sciences, including the H‐index, journal impact factor (JIF), and the recently introduced MZE‐index (defined by Montazerian–Zanotto–Eckert). We evaluate the performance of 31 reputable journals in ceramic science and technology and find that the JIF and H‐index (which correlate to prolificacy and visibility) rise in tandem with the number of documents (N) each journal publishes. As an alternative metric, the MZE‐index is used to distinguish the journals that stand at, above, or below the average of the field. It aids in better understanding the reputation and visibility of the journals relative to their peers by providing a fairer comparison of journals with different publication records and citation patterns and allowing for a more accurate comparison of their visibility compared to the average of the field. We also argue that beyond the commonly used JIF and H indices, other bibliometric indicators like MZE and peer review based on a journal's established reputation are necessary to determine their quality and choose them as the publication venue.
Designing behavioral prompts to improve saving decisions: Implications for retirement plans
Authors: Bajtelsmit Vickie , Coats Jennifer
Published: May 2023

Retirement plan sponsors, financial advisors, and public policy makers are increasingly interested in encouraging higher levels of retirement savings. This study enhances understanding of the behavioral biases that may adversely impact retirement savings decisions and financial outcomes and suggests mechanisms for improving outcomes. In an incentivized laboratory experiment, we study participants' investment and asset allocation decisions over a meaningful time horizon and test the efficacy of alternative behavioral prompts to motivate investment decisions. We find that greater financial literacy, higher levels of risk tolerance, and lower discount rates significantly increase levels of investment and expected return. Controlling for these factors, we find that behavioral prompts encouraging reflection on goals or on future needs have significant effects on allocation decisions and expected returns for young adults. We also find that the prompts increase expected returns for women and individuals with lower levels of financial literacy. These results suggest that behavioral prompts can be an effective method of improving retirement saving decisions, particularly for the less financially‐literate.
A Concise Synthetic Approach to Highly Reactive Click‐to‐Release Trans‐Cyclooctene Linkers**
Authors: Liu Bing , ten Hoeve Wolter , Versteegen Ron M. , Rossin Raffaella , Kleijn Laurens H. J. , Robillard Marc S.
Published: May 2023

An increase in the click‐to‐release reaction rate between cleavable trans‐cyclooctenes (TCO) and tetrazines would be beneficial for drug delivery applications. In this work, we have developed a short and stereoselective synthesis route towards highly reactive sTCOs that serve as cleavable linkers, affording quantitative tetrazine‐triggered payload release. In addition, the fivefold more reactive sTCO exhibited the same in vivo stability as current TCO linkers when used as antibody linkers in circulation in mice.
Deuteration Degree‐Controllable Methylation via a Cascade Assembly Strategy using Methylamine‐Water as Methyl Source
Authors: Guo Fuhu , Shan Shiquan , Gong Xu , Dai Cancan , Quan Zhengjun , Cheng Xiamin , Fan Xinyuan
Published: May 2023

We present a novel and effective photocatalytic method for the methylation of β‐diketones with controllable degrees of deuterium incorporation via development of new methyl sources. By utilizing a methylamine‐water system as the methyl precursor and a cascade assembly strategy for deuteration degree control, we synthesized methylated compounds with varying degrees of deuterium incorporation, showcasing the versatility of this approach. We examined a range of β‐diketone substrates and synthesized key intermediates for drug and bioactive compounds with varying degrees of deuterium incorporation, ranging from 0 to 3. We also investigated and discussed the postulated reaction pathway. This work demonstrates the utility of readily available reagents, methylamines and water, as a new methyl source, and provides a simple and efficient strategy for the synthesis of degree‐controllable deuterium‐labelled compounds.
Getting ready for real‐world use of electronic patient‐reported outcomes (ePROs) for patients with cancer: A National Comprehensive Cancer Network ePRO Workgroup paper
Authors: Cracchiolo Jennifer R. , Arafat Waddah , Atreja Ashish , Bruckner Lauren , Emamekhoo Hamid , Heinrichs Tricia , Raldow Ann C. , Smerage Jeffrey , Stetson Peter , Sugalski Jessica , Tevaarwerk Amye J.
Published: May 2023

Electronic patient‐reported outcome (ePRO) programs may offer advantages for patients with cancer, clinicians, health care systems, payors, and society in general; but developing and maintaining an ePRO program will require cancer centers to navigate defining meaningful problems, collecting ePROs, implementing action when those ePROs require intervention without over‐burdening clinicians, and monitoring the successes and failures of their ePRO programs. Physician informaticists from the National Comprehensive Cancer Network Electronic Health Record Advisory Group offer 10 guiding principles to consider when contemplating, building, or refining an ePRO program for patients with cancer.