bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of HIV infection in the drug addicts of Bangladesh: drug habit, sexual practice and lifestyle
Authors: Islam S K Nazrul , Hossain Kazi Jahangir , Kamal Mustafa , Ahsan Monira
Published: October 2003

The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of HIV infection in drug addicts and to address their drug habit, sexual life style and socioeconomic factors. This study was conducted among 505 male drug addicts comprising 250 intravenous drug users (IDUs) and 255 non-IDUs. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to screen HIV antibody in the sera of drug addicts. Seropositivity was confirmed by line immunoassay method. Results showed 3.76% ( n =19) HIV-seroprevalence, of which 2.77% ( n =14) were IDUs and the rest (0.99%, n =5) were non-IDUs. Amongst the IDUs ( n =250) the seroprevalence rate was 5.6% ( n =14) and in the non-IDUs ( n =255), it was 1.96% ( n =5). The seropositive addicts used multiple drugs for long periods of time, the majority of them (63.2%, n =12) started addiction with cannabis but ended up with heroin. Unprotected sex (did not use condom), multiple sexual partnerships and sexually transmitted diseases were common among the seropositives. Prevalence of these behavioural and biological risk factors in drug addicts was responsible for their being HIV infected. Most of the HIV-positive addicts were literate young adults (84.2%), employed (73.7%) and married (63.2%). None of them were homosexual. This study reveals that HIV-seroprevalence in the drug addicts of Bangladesh is still at the embryonic stage, it has not yet reached the threshold level.
Prevalence of asymptomatic chlamydial urethritis in military recruits in the Celje region, Slovenia
Authors: Skaza A , Grsković B , Plestina S , Bozina N , Potocnik M , Waugh M A
Published: October 2003

The aim of this research was to evaluate the prevalence of asymptomatic chlamydial urethritis in military recruits in the Celje region (population 300,000), Slovenia. A first-void urine specimen was tested for Chlamydia trachomatis using the polymerase chain reaction assay. The research was supported by a questionnaire to obtain information on sexual behaviour of the participants.

In the cross-sectional study from 1999 to 2001, 1272 asymptomatic recruits were included. None had received antibiotics in the previous two weeks. The mean age was 19.9 years. At the time of their first sexual experience the mean age was 16.6 years, whereas the age of their female sexual partners was 17.1 years. During their first sexual intercourse 77% of recruits used contraception (condom, diaphragm, contraceptive pill), most of those a condom (86%).

The prevalence of asymptomatic chlamydial urethritis was 2.6% (95% confidence interval: 1.7 to 3.5). The mean age of those infected was 19.8 years. At the time of their first sexual experience the mean age was 16.2 years, whereas the age of their female sexual partners was 16.9 years. During their first sexual intercourse 57% of infected subjects used protection, half of which was a condom. Those who never or only occasionally used condoms were at a greater risk of being infected with C. trachomatis (adjusted odds ratio 2.04).
The relationship between social network characteristics and exchanging sex for drugs or money among drug users in Baltimore, MD, USA
Authors: Latkin C A , Hua W , Forman V L
Published: October 2003

The current study examined social network and drug use factors associated with buying and selling sex among a sample of opiate and cocaine users in Baltimore, Maryland. A sample of 702 drug users who were sexually active were administered a social network and risk behaviour inventory. Compared to 25% of men, only 1.7% of women reported a history of giving money or drugs to get sex during the past 90 days. Conversely, more women (21.2%) than men (4.7%) sold sex for money or drugs. Those who sold sex were more likely to be low frequency crack smokers, were more likely to drink alcohol at least once a day, had a higher average number of crack-only smokers in their network, and had a smaller number of kin in their network. Men who exchanged money or drugs for sex tended to be low frequency crack smokers and reported having more crack-only smokers and injectors and fewer kin in their networks. The results suggest that network composition may be a risk factor for exchanging sex, particularly with respect to crack users, while kin may be a protective factor. These associations may be either a cause or consequence of exchanging sex.
Risk and determinants of developing severe liver toxicity during therapy with nevirapine-and efavirenz-containing regimens in HIV-infected patients
Authors: Ena Javier , Amador Concepción , Benito Concepción , Fenoll Vicenta , Pasquau Francisco
Published: October 2003

We examined the risk and determinants of developing severe liver toxicity in 108 HIV-infected patients showing adherence to nevirapine- and efavirenz-containing regimens. Between January 1997 and December 2000, 70 patients were treated with nevirapine- and 38 patients with efavirenz-containing regimens, for a median period of 127 days (interquartile range 65-240). Severe liver toxicity was defined as grade 3-4 elevations (>5×upper limit of normal) of aminotransferases AST or ALT. A total of 22 (20%) patients showed severe liver toxicity, 17 of them were treated with nevirapine- and five with efavirenz-containing regimens (relative risk [RR]: 1.85, 95% confidence intervals [CIs] 0.74-4.61; P=not significant). Multivariate analysis showed the association of severe liver toxicity with hepatitis C antibody positive (RR 7.64; 95% CI: 1.48-39.52; P=0.01), nevirapine- or efavirenz-containing regimens combined with a protease inhibitor (RR: 3.07, 95% CI: 1.01-9.32, P=0.04) and alcohol intake greater than 40 g per day (RR: 3.09, 95% CI: 1.27-7.54, P=0.01). These findings have potential implications for selecting and monitoring antiretroviral therapy in HIV-infected patients with hepatitis C virus coinfection and for avoiding alcohol intake during antiretroviral therapy.
The Historical Significance of Joe Camel
Authors: Calfee John E.
Published: October 2003

The Joe Camel advertising campaigns had little or no effect on smoking by youths or adults beyond shifting brand shares among younger smokers. The advertisements appear to have wielded substantial influence on the larger political and legal environment, however. This influence was transmitted first through the lens of pronouncements by the public health community, including the Food and Drug Administration, which helped shape public opinion toward the view that cigarette advertising causes smoking. This, in turn, provided essential support for the unprecedented wave of litigation that engulfed the industry and has relied primarily on nonpublic industry documents rather than market data. The extent of Joe Camel's indirect influence has not been quantified but appears to have been substantial.
Effects of Nutrition Facts Panel Values, Nutrition Claims, and Health Claims on Consumer Attitudes, Perceptions of Disease-Related Risks, and Trust
Authors: Garretson Judith A. , Burton Scot
Published: October 2003

In a between-subjects experiment, the authors examine how differences in Nutrition Facts information on fat and fiber, coupled with differing claims for these nutrients (including multiple nutrient claims and a health claim), influence consumers’ product evaluations, perceptions and awareness of disease risk, and trust of the claims and Nutrition Facts information. Results show that the Nutrition Facts information regarding fat affects consumers’ evaluations and perceptions of disease risk but that information on fiber does not. Claims do not affect product evaluations or purchase intentions, and there is a weak effect of inclusion of a health claim on disease risk perceptions. Consumers are less likely to recognize incongruencies in claim and Nutrition Facts information about fiber than fat. Incongruencies regarding the level of fat in the product result in lower trust in the claim information but do not affect trust in the Nutrition Facts data. The authors discuss implications for consumer welfare and public policy.
Attitudes toward Direct Marketing and its Regulation: A Comparison of the United States and Japan
Authors: Taylor Charles R. , Franke George R. , Maynard Michael L.
Published: October 2003

The authors propose that the high-context nature of Japanese communication and the collectivistic nature of Japanese culture have an impact on attitudes toward direct marketing and its regulation. The results of a survey of Japanese and U.S. university students suggest that certain types of direct marketing messages are less effective in Japan than in the United States. The results also indicate a greater willingness by Japanese respondents to support regulation of direct marketing practices. The authors discuss managerial implications of the findings for multinational marketers and advertisers and suggest public policy implications for direct marketing in Japan.
Emerging Antitrust Issues in Electronic Commerce
Authors: Balto David A.
Published: October 2003

The world of electronic commerce has revolutionized retailing and marketing. Electronic commerce has not only created a new marketplace but also greatly reduced traditional market borders and increased the opportunities for competition. In this article, the author addresses how electronic commerce has changed the competitive retailing marketplace and how antitrust enforcers face the challenge of ensuring that competition is not stifled in these new markets. He discusses the application of traditional antitrust analysis to the new competitive issues in electronic commerce.
College Students' Credit Card Debt and the Role of Parental Involvement: Implications for Public Policy
Authors: Palmer Todd Starr , Pinto Mary Beth , Parente Diane H.
Published: October 2003

Federal legislation has been proposed that would require parents/guardians to act as co-obligors on college students’ credit card applications. This study supports the assumptions underlying the proposed legislation, suggesting that students whose parents are involved in their acquisition of credit cards have significantly lower credit card balances than do students with no parental involvement.
Advertising Mutual Fund Returns: A Critical Analysis of a U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Proposal to Change Advertising Law
Authors: Wilcox Ronald T.
Published: October 2003

The Mutual Fund Tax Awareness Act of 1999 was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives for the expressed purpose of requiring the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission to change mutual fund disclosure and advertising law to better inform investors of the tax implications of various mutual funds. The Commission's proposed change in advertising law has inadequately addressed this congressional mandate and may lead investors to make poorer, not better, decisions.
Consumer Lending and Deposit Abuses
Authors: Burgess Deanna O. , Shank Todd M. , Borgia Daniel
Published: October 2003

Because efficiency and low-cost production are hallmarks of a competitive market, any consumer market failing to exhibit these attributes is subject to government scrutiny and possible regulation. Most existing consumer protection offered by regulations of financial institutions emphasizes financial disclosure: requiring all relevant information about the true cost of banking services to be available to customers to aid them in choosing the most appropriate financial service provider. Financial disclosures encourage consumer shopping and should lead to a more efficient, competitive market. The authors investigate three consumer abuses that may be curtailed with increased financial disclosure and regulation: (1) double interest on home equity loans, (2) excessive automated teller machine fees, and (3) potential delays in posting refunded debit card transactions. The findings of the continued existence of these abuses suggest that it is likely that prohibition of certain fees and charges is needed and that current financial disclosures are inadequate to protect consumers.
Supermarket Merger Enforcement
Authors: Balto David A.
Published: October 2003

Retail mergers are one of the most frequent areas of antitrust enforcement. In particular, the Federal Trade Commission has taken a substantial number of supermarket merger enforcement actions. The author describes some of the important analytical concepts addressed in supermarket merger enforcement. The author identifies the Federal Trade Commission's evolving approach to important issues such as remedy and explains the basis for the Commission's more comprehensive approach to competitive problems in this area.
The Impact of Sports Marketing Relationships and Antitrust Issues in the United States
Authors: Thorne Debbie , Wright Linda Berns , Jones Scott Ashley
Published: October 2003

Sports are conducted within a multilevel and competitive business structure, making the application of antitrust laws difficult. A consistent and analytical approach that can be applied to the myriad antitrust issues is needed. Exchange relationships provide a unit of analysis to transcend various sporting interests that are involved in antitrust questions.
Suicidal Thoughts and Trajectories of Psychopathological and Behavioral Symptoms in Adolescence
Authors: Uno Akito , Nagaoka Daiki , Usami Satoshi , Yamaguchi Satoshi , Minami Rin , Tanaka Riki , Sawai Yutaka , Okuma Ayako , Yamasaki Syudo , Miyashita Mitsuhiro , Nishida Atsushi , Kasai Kiyoto , Ando Shuntaro
Published: January 2024

Importance

The suicidal risk of psychopathology in adolescence is suggested to differ based on its longitudinal trajectory, but the comorbidity of these symptom trajectories has not been well examined. This study comprehensively clustered trajectories of multiple psychopathological and behavioral symptoms and examined their associations with suicidal thoughts in adolescence.

Objective

To determine which categories and trajectories of psychopathological and behavioral symptoms are associated with suicidal thoughts in adolescence, accounting for comorbid symptoms.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This population-based cohort study in Japan used data from the Tokyo Teen Cohort (TTC) study, which was established in 2012 and is currently ongoing. Data from 3 waves of surveys conducted at ages 10, 12, and 16 years from October 2012 to September 2021 were used. Of the adolescents in the cohort, participants with at least 2 evaluations of psychopathological and behavioral symptoms were included. Data were analyzed from December 2022 to March 2023.

Exposure

Latent class growth analysis was used to cluster the trajectory of each psychopathological and behavioral symptom.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The associations between symptom trajectories and suicidal thoughts at age 16 were examined. Suicidal thoughts were assessed using a self-report questionnaire. Psychopathological and behavioral symptoms were assessed using the 8 subscale scores of the caregiver-report Child Behavior Checklist.

Results

This study included 2780 adolescents (1306 female participants [47.0%]). Of the 1920 adolescents with data on suicidal thoughts, 158 (8.2%) had suicidal thoughts. The median (IQR) age was 10.2 (10.0-10.3) years at the first evaluation, 11.9 (11.8-12.1) years at the second evaluation, and 16.3 (16.1-16.5) years at the last evaluation. The clustering pattern of trajectories varied depending on symptom categories. After adjusting for each symptom trajectory and confounders, adolescents with persistent high withdrawn symptoms (odds ratio [OR], 1.88; 95% CI, 1.10-3.21) and those with increasing somatic symptoms (OR, 1.97; 95% CI, 1.16-3.34) had a significantly higher risk of suicidal thoughts than adolescents without these symptoms. There was no interaction between these symptom trajectories and the risk of suicidal thoughts.

Conclusions and Relevance

This cohort study found that persistent withdrawn symptoms and increasing somatic symptoms during early to midadolescence were associated with an increased risk of suicidal thoughts in midadolescence, even after accounting for comorbid symptoms and confounders. Attention should be paid to the suicidal risk associated with these symptoms, particularly when they persist or increase in the longitudinal follow-up.
Creep Behaviors and Deformation Mechanisms at Intermediate Temperatures in a Novel γ‐γ′ Nickel‐Based Superalloy
Authors: Lv Shaomin , Wen Xiaocan , Xie Xingfei , Qu Jinglong , Du Jinhui
Published: January 2024

The creep behaviors of a novel polycrystalline nickel‐based superalloy are investigated at a wide applied stress range of 500–950 MPa and temperature ranging from 650 to 750 °C. And the microstructure and deformation mechanisms are also analyzed. The results indicate that all creep curves of the novel nickel‐based superalloy are mainly consist of the primary and accelerated stages, whereas the steady‐state stage is not obviously observed. The minimum creep rate increases and the corresponding creep life decreases with the applied stress increasing at constant temperature. The relative longer creep life at 650 °C could be attributed to the coupling of stacking faults in the interior of γ′ and deformation twinning.
NIR Emissive Functional Nanoparticles Promote Precise Pancreatic Cancer Therapy by Co‐Targeting Mutant p53 and Oncogenic KRAS
Authors: Qian Jieying , Yang Zhenyu , Zhang Wang , Ye YaYi , Song Yang , Ye Yingxuan , Zhou Yuping , Zheng Qingqi , Huang Xiaowan , Du Sitong , Zhang Hao , Gao Meng , Zhang Yunjiao
Published: January 2024

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) presents a formidable global health challenge. Targeting genetic aberrations, particularly KRAS and TP53 mutations, remains a critical challenge in PDAC treatment. Herein, it is demonstrated for the first time that electron‐rich aromatic pyrrole derivatives can be transformed into red‐to‐near‐infrared emissive radical cations in an acidic buffer, efficiently targeting mitochondria and triggering mutant p53 (mutp53) degradation. Leveraging the positive charge characteristic of radical cations (P6•+), a bifunctional nanoparticle is successfully engineered by combining P6•+ with KRAS siRNA. P6@siKRAS simultaneously induces mutp53 degradation and the oncogenic KRAS downregulation, thereby abrogating gain‐of‐function effects by mutp53 and inhibiting downstream signaling pathways regulated by KRAS, leading to significant suppression of tumor growth, invasion, and drug resistance. Consequently, P6@siKRAS demonstrates remarkable therapeutic efficacy in both the p53‐KRAS‐double‐mutated pancreatic cancer model and the LSL‐KrasG12D/+; LSL‐Trp53R172H/+; Pdx‐1‐Cre (KPC) mice model. Moreover, the down‐regulation of mutp53 and KRAS by P6@siKRAS not only inhibits tumor growth but also substantially remodels the tumor microenvironment, recruiting and boosting the infiltration of anti‐tumor immune cells, thereby augmenting the anti‐tumor immune response. This study showcases the development of mutp53‐degrading functional gene carriers, offering a promising and innovative therapeutic strategy for tackling p53‐KRAS‐double‐mutated pancreatic cancer.
Metalloporphyrin Frameworks to Encapsulate Copper Oxides for Boosting Ethylene Production in Neutral Electrolyte
Authors: Ma Mutian , Xiong Likun , Dong Yuan , Bai Qianqian , Hua Wei , Zheng Zhangyi , Lyu Fenglei , Lian Yuebin , Wei Zhihe , Yuan Huihong , Jiao Zhenyang , Cheng Jian , Song Daqi , Wang Min , Xing Zhiyuan , Zhong Jun , Han Sheng , Deng Zhao , Peng Yang
Published: January 2024

Electrochemical carbon dioxide reduction (eCO2R) in neutral electrolytes represents a viable solution for alleviating energy and carbon losses associated with carbonate formation, but limited by suboptimal C2+ selectivity and productivity owing to the higher C−C coupling kinetic barrier in such media. To address the issue, here Cu2O nanocubes are encapsulated within metalloporphyrin frameworks to create a benign microenvironment for C−C coupling, with the best catalyst of Cu2O@Cu−TCPP(Co) demonstrating a maximal C2H4 and C2+ FE of 54 ± 2% and 69 ± 4%, respectively, at 500 mA cm−2 in 1 M KCl. Comprehensive structural and spectrometric characterizations utilizing in situ attenuated total reflectance surface‐enhanced infrared absorption spectroscopy (ATR−SEIRAS), in situ X‐ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), operando Raman, and high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR−TEM) unveil that the high CO2 adsorption endowed by the metal‐organic framework (MOF) overlayer, high CO concentration yield by metalloporphyrins, high local pH rendered by spatial confinement, as well as the highly dispersed Cu crystallites exposing (200) facets synergistically contribute to the asymmetric C−C coupling of *CO and *COH intermediates in favor of C2+ production. Orchestrating the active moieties in a concerted fashion, this study offers a paradigm for the design of eCO2R catalysts in neutral electrolytes.
Versatile Antibacterial and Antioxidant Bacterial Cellulose@Nanoceria Biotextile: Application in Reusable Antimicrobial Face Masks
Authors: Tang Jie , Zhang Yuping , Liu Xingfei , Lin Yichao , Liang Lihua , Li Xiaofang , Casals Gregori , Zhou Xiangyu , Casals Eudald , Zeng Muling
Published: January 2024

Despite considerable interest in medical and pharmaceutical fields, there remains a notable absence of functional textiles that concurrently exhibit antibacterial and antioxidant properties. Herein, a new composite fabric constructed using nanostructured bacterial cellulose (BC) covalently‐linked with cerium oxide nanoparticles (BC@CeO2NPs) is introduced. The synthesis of CeO2NPs on the BC is performed via a microwave‐assisted, in situ chemical deposition technique, resulting in the formation of mixed valence Ce3+/Ce4+ CeO2NPs. This approach ensures the durability of the composite fabric subjected to multiple washing cycles. The Reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging activity of CeO2NPs and their rapid and efficient eradication of >99% model microbes, such as Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus remain unaltered in the composite. To demonstrate the feasibility of incorporating the fabric in marketable products, antimicrobial face masks are fabricated with filter layers made of BC@CeO2NPs cross‐linked with propylene or cotton fibers. These masks exhibit complete inhibition of bacterial growth in the three bacterial strains, improved breathability compared to respirator masks and enhanced filtration efficiency compared to single‐use surgical face masks. This study provides valuable insights into the development of functional BC@CeO2NPs biotextiles in which design can be extended to the fabrication of medical dressings and cosmetic products with combined antibiotic, antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory activities.
Intense Left‐handed Circularly Polarized Luminescence in Chiral Nematic Hydroxypropyl Cellulose Composite Films
Authors: Huang Yuxiao , Qian Yi , Chang Yongxin , Yu Jiaqi , Li Qiongya , Tang Mingliang , Yang Xindi , Liu Zhepai , Li Hui , Zhu Zece , Li Wei , Zhang Fusheng , Qing Guangyan
Published: January 2024

Integrating optically active components into chiral photonic cellulose to fabricate circularly polarized luminescent materials has transformative potential in disease detection, asymmetric reactions, and anticounterfeiting techniques. However, the lack of cellulose‐based left‐handed circularly polarized light (L‐CPL) emissions hampers the progress of these chiral functionalizations. Here, this work proposes an unprecedented strategy: incorporating a chiral nematic organization of hydroxypropyl cellulose with robust aggregation‐induced emission luminogens to generate intense L‐CPL emission. By utilizing N,N‐dimethylformamide as a good solvent for fluorescent components and cellulose matrices, this work produces a right‐handed chiral nematic structure film with a uniform appearance in reflective and fluorescent states. Remarkably, this system integrates a high asymmetric factor (0.51) and an impressive emission quantum yield (55.8%) into one fascinating composite. More meaningfully, this approach is versatile, allowing for the incorporation of luminogen derivatives emitting multicolored L‐CPL. These chiral fluorescent films possess exceptional mechanical flexibility (toughness up to 0.9 MJ m−3) and structural stability even under harsh environmental exposures, making them promising for the fabrication of various products. Additionally, these films can be cast on the fabrics to reveal multilevel and durable anticounterfeiting capabilities or used as a chiral light source to induce enantioselective photopolymerization, thereby offering significant potential for diverse practical applications.
Steering CO2 Electroreduction to C2+ Products via Enhancing Localized *CO Coverage and Local Pressure in Conical Cavity
Authors: Li Congcong , Zhang Tingting , Liu Heng , Guo Zhongyuan , Liu Zhongliang , Shi Haojun , Cui Jialin , Li Hao , Li Huihui , Li Chunzhong
Published: January 2024

The electrochemical carbon dioxide (CO2) reduction reaction (CO2RR) involves a multistep proton‐coupled electron transfer (PCET) process that generates a variety of intermediates, making it challenging to transform them into target products with high activity and selectivity. Here, a catalyst featuring a nanosheet‐stacked sphere structure with numerous open and deep conical cavities (OD‐CCs) is reported. Under the guidance of the finite‐element method (FEM) simulations and theoretical analysis, it is shown that exerting control over the confinement space results in diffusion limitation of the carbon intermediates, thereby increasing local pressure and subsequently enhancing localized *CO coverage for dimerization. The nanocavities exhibit a structure‐driven shift in selectivity of multicarbon (C2+) product from 41.8% to 81.7% during the CO2RR process.
3D Printed Sensors for Wearable Electronics and Smart Gesture Recognition
Authors: Wu Qiuping , Ma Duixin , Tao Xingyu , Wu Fengxia , You Guanglin , Wang Bingzhen , Sun Jianping , Shi Shaohong
Published: January 2024

Modern materials with unique structures and functions are inspired by nature. However, nature's craftsmanship is beyond the reach of traditional handmade techniques. 3D printing technology creates the possibility of creating bionic structures. In this study, inspired by the ability of spiders to sense the capture of prey through the vibration of their webs, a spider‐web‐like, highly sensitive hydrogel sensor is designed and printed. The hydrogel is made of eco‐friendly green polyvinyl alcohol cross‐linked with microcrystalline cellulose. Surprisingly, the 3D‐printed hydrogel sensor can manipulate the sensitivity by changing the angle and strain range of the structure. Accordingly, the Gauge factor (GF) of the 3D‐printed hydrogel (θ = 60°) is up to 58.23, which is 23.9 times higher than that of the non‐3D‐printed hydrogel sensor (GF = 2.43). The GF of the 3D‐printed hydrogel at other angles still remained high at 24.74 (θ = 90°) and 12.31 (θ = 120°), respectively. It can be seen that the 3D‐printed hydrogel sensor has advanced performance. In addition, an intelligent gesture recognition system for human–computer interaction is constructed using 3D‐printed hydrogel sensors, which offers potential prospects for helping people communicate.
Waterproof Room‐Temperature Phosphorescence Films by Host‐Guest Inclusion and Hydrogen Bonding Network
Authors: Liu Jiayi , Liu Shuai , Xu Wensheng , Bo Changchang , Jia Qinglong , Cui Jiaying , Li Tingting , Chen Ligong , Wang Bowei
Published: January 2024

Supramolecular room temperature phosphorescence (RTP) materials are attractive due to their excellent RTP characteristics and water resistance. By evaluating the photophysical properties of HA/BisNpI‐doped materials, it is proved that hyaluronic acid (HA) is a promising matrix and the rigid plane N,N′‐(1,4‐phenylene)‐bis(1,8‐naphthalimide) (Ph‐BisNpI) is an excellent luminescent guest molecule for constructing RTP materials. Moreover, it is found that γ‐cyclodextrin (γ‐CD) can successfully bind BisNpI guest molecule. Accordingly, a tightly arranged ternary supramolecular system with HA as matrix, Ph‐BisNpI as the guest, and γ‐CD as the host is constructed by host‐guest interaction and hydrogen bonding. As expected, the obtained ternary supramolecular system HA/Ph@CD8 displays a superior RTP performance (52.7 ms longer lifetime than HA/Ph), water‐resistance, and even aqueous RTP (τ = 207 µs), which significantly extends the application of RTP in aqueous solution. These results are possibly attributed to the inclusion of γ‐CD on Ph‐BisNpI guest molecules and the self‐assembly of γ‐CD and HA to form a rigid hydrogen bonding network, which effectively inhibits the non‐radiative decay of Ph‐BisNpI and shields the triplet excitons from water and oxygen. Furthermore, the prepared ternary supramolecular RTP materials are successfully used as anticounterfeiting ink and exhibit broader application prospects in water environments.
Oleo‐Dispersions of Electrospun Cellulose Acetate Butyrate Nanostructures: Toward Renewable Semisolid Lubricants
Authors: Martín‐Alfonso Manuel A. , Rubio‐Valle José F. , Martín‐Alfonso José E. , Franco José M.
Published: January 2024

In this work, the electrospinnability of cellulose acetate butyrate (CAb) solutions, and the ability of the resulting micro‐ and nano‐architectures to structure castor oil are studied aiming to develop eco‐friendly lubricating greases. Particles, beaded‐fibers, defect‐free fibers, and porous nanostructures are successfully prepared by dissolving CAb in N,N‐dimethylacetamide/acetone (DMAc:Ac, 1:2 w/w) and methylene chloride/acetone (DM:Ac, 1:1 w/w) solvent mixtures at different concentrations (2.5–15 wt.%). The formation of bead‐free nanofibers is favored at concentration above 10 wt.%, when solutions achieve relaxation times of ≈50 ms and shear‐thinning in extensional and shear flow tests, respectively. Non‐porous and porous CAb nanostructures are successfully used as castor oil thickeners at concentrations of 3–5 wt.%, leading a wide variety of rheological responses which mimic those of traditional semisolid lubricants. The surface properties of the nanofibers have a significant impact on the wear and friction performance in metal–metal contact, which has been associated with the oil release ability of the generated 3D network. Oleo‐dispersions prepared with smooth fibers show tribological performance comparable to, or even better than, commercial lithium greases. Overall, this study reveals the potential of CAb electrospun nanostructures for the development of next‐generation renewable semisolid lubricant formulations.
De Novo Atomistic Discovery of Disordered Mechanical Metamaterials by Machine Learning
Authors: Liu Han , Li Liantang , Wei Zhenhua , Smedskjaer Morten M. , Zheng Xiaoyu Rayne , Bauchy Mathieu
Published: January 2024

Architected materials design across orders of magnitude length scale intrigues exceptional mechanical responses nonexistent in their natural bulk state. However, the so‐termed mechanical metamaterials, when scaling bottom down to the atomistic or microparticle level, remain largely unexplored and conventionally fall out of their coarse‐resolution, ordered‐pattern design space. Here, combining high‐throughput molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and machine learning (ML) strategies, some intriguing atomistic families of disordered mechanical metamaterials are discovered, as fabricated by melt quenching and exemplified herein by lightweight‐yet‐stiff cellular materials featuring a theoretical limit of linear stiffness–density scaling, whose structural disorder—rather than order—is key to reduce the scaling exponent and is simply controlled by the bonding interactions and their directionality that enable flexible tunability experimentally. Importantly, a systematic navigation in the forcefield landscape reveals that, in‐between directional and non‐directional bonding such as covalent and ionic bonds, modest bond directionality is most likely to promotes disordered packing of polyhedral, stretching‐dominated structures responsible for the formation of metamaterials. This work pioneers a bottom‐down atomistic scheme to design mechanical metamaterials formatted disorderly, unlocking a largely untapped field in leveraging structural disorder in devising metamaterials atomistically and, potentially, generic to conventional upscaled designs.
Variation, sexual dimorphism, and enlargement of the frontal sinus with age in adult South Africans
Authors: Greening Victoria A. , Hernandez Emily , Mongle Carrie S. , Billings Brendon K. , Mngomezulu Victor , Wallace Ian J. , Grine Frederick E.
Published: January 2024

Objectives

To document frontal sinus volume (FSV) in a sample of sub‐Saharan Africans with a view to evaluating claims that such populations exhibit comparatively small sinuses. This study also addresses questions related to sexual dimorphism, incidence of sinus aplasia, and the possibility that FSV continues to increase through adulthood.

Materials and methods

FSV was measured from CT scans of adult crania from the Dart Collection. Sex and age were known for each individual. Linear cranial dimensions were used to compute a geometric mean from which a scaled FSV was computed for each cranium.

Results

FSV does not differ significantly between sexes, but females exhibit a higher incidence of aplasia. There is considerable variation in FSV in this sample, with the average ranking among the higher means reported for other population samples. The incidence of FS aplasia falls within the range of values recorded for other population samples. Although our study is cross‐sectional rather than longitudinal, there is strong evidence that FSV continues to increase with age throughout adulthood.

Discussion

The FSV mean of our sample contradicts the notion that sub‐Saharan Africans possess small sinuses. In a global context, geography (climate and altitude) does not appear to be related to FSV. The absence of sexual dimorphism in our sample is unexpected, as significant dimorphism has been reported for most other population samples. Our results support other indications that the frontal sinus continues to expand throughout adulthood, especially in females, and that it is likely due to bone resorption.
Quantitative assessment of grasping strength in platyrrhine monkeys
Authors: Young Jesse W. , Chadwell Brad A. , O'Neill Timothy P. , Pastor Francisco , Marchi Damiano , Hartstone‐Rose Adam
Published: January 2024

Objectives

Despite the longstanding importance of grasping adaptations in theories of primate evolution, quantitative data on primate grasping strength remain rare. We present the results of two studies testing the prediction that callitrichines—given their comparative retreat from a small‐branch environment and specialization for movement and foraging on tree trunks and large boughs—should be characterized by weaker grasping forces and underdeveloped digital flexor muscles relative to other platyrrhines.

Methods

First, we directly measured manual grasping strength in marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) and squirrel monkeys (Saimiri boliviensis), using a custom‐constructed force transducer. Second, we reanalyzed existing datasets on the fiber architecture of forearm and leg muscles in 12 platyrrhine species, quantifying digital flexor muscle physiological cross‐sectional area (i.e., PCSA, a morphometric proxy of muscle strength) relative to the summed PCSA across all forearm or leg muscles.

Results

Callithrix was characterized by lower mean and maximum grasping forces than Saimiri, and callitrichines as a clade were found to have relatively underdeveloped manual digital flexor muscle PCSA. However, relative pedal digital flexor PCSA did not significantly differ between callitrichines and other platyrrhines.

Conclusions

We found partial support for the hypothesis that variation in predominant substrate usage explains variation in empirical measurements of and morphological correlates of grasping strength in platyrrhines. Future research should extend the work presented here by (1) collecting morphological and empirical metrics of grasping strength in additional primate taxa and (2) extending performance testing to include empirical measures of primate pedal grasping forces as well.
2D Metal/Graphene and 2D Metal/Graphene/Metal Systems for Electrocatalytic Conversion of CO2 to Formic Acid
Authors: Cho Jinwon , Medina Arturo , Saih Ines , Il Choi Ji , Drexler Matthew , Goddard William A. , Alamgir Faisal M. , Jang Seung Soon
Published: January 2024

Efficiently transforming CO2 into renewable energy sources is crucial for decarbonization efforts. Formic acid (HCOOH) holds great promise as a hydrogen storage compound due to its high hydrogen density, non‐toxicity, and stability under ambient conditions. However, the electrochemical reduction of CO2 (CO2RR) on conventional carbon black‐supported metal catalysts faces challenges such as low stability through dissolution and agglomeration, as well as suffering from high overpotentials and the necessity to overcome the competitive hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). In this study, we modify the physical/chemical properties of metal surfaces by depositing metal monolayers on graphene (M/G) to create highly active and stable electrocatalysts. Strong covalent bonding between graphene and metal is induced by the hybridization of sp and d orbitals, especially the sharp
,
, and
orbitals of metals near the Fermi level, playing a decisive role. Moreover, charge polarization on graphene in M/G enables the deposition of another thin metallic film, forming metal/graphene/metal (M/G/M) structures. Finally, evaluating overpotentials required for CO2 reduction to HCOOH, CO, and HER, we find that Pd/G, Pt/G/Ag, and Pt/G/Au exhibit excellent activity and selectivity toward HCOOH production. Our novel 2D hybrid catalyst design methodology may offer insights into enhanced electrochemical reactions through the electronic mixing of metal and other p‐block elements.
Two common pitfalls in the analysis of water‐stable isotopologues with cryogenic vacuum extraction and cavity ring‐down spectroscopy
Authors: Haberstroh Simon , Kübert Angelika , Werner Christiane
Published: January 2024

Water stable isotopologue analysis is widely used to disentangle ecohydrological processes. Yet, there are increasing reports of measurement uncertainties for established and emerging methods, such as cryogenic vacuum extraction (CVE) or cavity ring‐down spectroscopy (CRDS). With this study, we investigate two pitfalls, that potentially contribute to uncertainties in water‐stable isotopologue research. To investigate fractionation sources in CVE, we extracted pure water of known isotopic composition with cotton, glass wool or without cover and compared the isotopologue results with non‐extracted reference samples. To characterise the dependency of δ2H and δ18O on the water mixing ratio in CRDS, which is of high importance for in‐situ applications with large natural variations in mixing ratios, we chose samples with a large range of isotopic compositions and determined δ2H and δ18O for different water mixing ratios with two CRDS analysers (Picarro, Inc.). Cotton wool had a strong fractionation effect on δ2H values, which increased with more 2H‐enriched samples. δ2H and δ18O values showed a strong dependency on the water mixing ratio analysed with CRDS with differences of up to 34.5‰ (δ2H) and 3.9‰ (δ18O) for the same sample at different mixing ratios. CVE and CRDS, now routinely applied in water stable isotopologue research, come with pitfalls, namely fractionation effects of cover materials and water mixing ratio dependencies of δ2H and δ18O, which can lead to erroneous isotopologue results and thus, invalid conclusions about (ecohydrological) processes. These practical issues identified here should be reported and addressed adequately in water‐stable isotopologue research.
Surface‐modified NiFe2O4 nanoparticles for the production of biodiesel from fatty acids and microalgae lipids Dunaliella salina
Authors: Pandey Manisha , Kumar Neeraj , Prasad Nitesh , Asthana Ravi Kumar , Ranganath Kalluri V. S.
Published: January 2024

Development of a new and sustainable catalyst is necessary to the society for providing economical technology. Surface modification of nanometal oxides is one of the rapidly growing methods for developing a sustainable catalyst with attractive properties than their parent oxide. In this work, surface‐modified nickel ferrites have been carried out using 4,4′‐biphenyldisulfonic acid (BPDSA) as the linker. Thus, obtained modified material has been characterized using different techniques such as DLS, FT‐IR, TGA, XRD, VSM, and XPS. This well‐characterized, stable, robust, recyclable material offers a good conversion in the fatty acid, that is, oleic acid esterification in the presence of methanol in a short period of time (3.0 h). Based on the kinetic study in the oleic acid esterification, it fits in the pseudo first‐order kinetics, and activation energy was found to be 60.0 kJ/mol. Further, the potentiality of our catalyst was also tested in the transesterification of various raw materials like mustard oil, olive oil, almond oil, and neem oil. In addition, it provides an excellent conversion with microalgae lipid extraction for the production of biodiesel. The kinematic viscosity of the methyl oleate (biodiesel) has been found to be 5.0426 mm2/s at 25°C whereas the dynamic viscosity is 6.0511 mPa, which is nearly the same as biodiesel obtained from Dunaliella salina, microalgae lipid.
Further analysis of stabilization of neutral type singular systems with mixed time‐varying delays and multiple random states
Authors: Yi Shuai , Lu Hongqian , Wang Renren
Published: January 2024

In this paper, the stabilization problem of neutral type singular systems (NTSSs) with mixed time‐varying delays and multiple random states is further analyzed. Lyapunov Krasovskill functional (LKF) and generalized Itô formula, together with linear matrix inequality (LMI), are used to represent a new stability criterion for NTSSs with mixed time‐varying delays (MTVDs) in multiple random states. First, the regularity, impulse free, and stochastic stability of the system are satisfied by designing a state feedback controller (SFC). Second, on the basis of Leibniz Newton formula, the stability criterion is also feasible by integrating zero value equation technology, and then combined with singular decomposition, the gain of SFC is obtained. Finally, our paper is a further analysis of the latest literature, so two numerical examples are used to verify the feasibility and effectiveness of this method.
Adaptive anti‐windup output feedback control for nonlinear systems and its stability analysis
Authors: Yu Yongjie , Akaike Kota , Kunimatsu Sadaaki , Mizumoto Ikuro
Published: January 2024

In the practical application of adaptive control methods, a windup phenomenon for the systems with input saturation may occur because there exists an input restriction such as saturation of actuator in most actual systems due to physical reasons. In this paper, to alleviate the influence of the windup phenomenon by input saturation, we propose an output feedback exponentially passive (OFEP)‐based adaptive model recovery anti‐windup (AMRAW) control strategy for the stable nonlinear systems with input saturation. Moreover, in order to realize an augmented OFEP system for non‐OFEP nonlinear systems that do not satisfy the OFEP properties, a parallel feedforward compensator (PFC) is introduced, and a radial basis function (RBF) neural network (NN)‐based adaptive feedforward input is designed to attain accurate tracking performance for systems with the PFC. Furthermore, the detailed stability analysis of the proposed AMRAW control system is provided, and the performance of the proposed method is validated through appropriate numerical simulations.
Facial emotion recognition is associated with executive functions and depression scores, but not staging of dementia, in mild‐to‐moderate Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Buçgün İsmail , Korkmaz Şükrü Alperen , Öyekçin Demet Güleç
Published: January 2024

Background

Although deficits in facial emotion recognition (FER) significantly affect interpersonal communication and social functioning, there is no consensus on how FER affects Alzheimer's disease (AD). In this study, we aimed to investigate the clinical and neuropsychological factors affecting the possible deficits in the FER abilities of patients with AD.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study included 37 patients with mild [clinical dementia rating (CDR) scale score = 1] or moderate (CDR = 2) AD, in whom vascular dementia and depression were excluded, and 24 cognitively normal (CDR = 0) subjects. FER ability was determined using the facial emotion identification test (FEIT) and facial emotion discrimination test (FEDT). All participants underwent mini‐mental state examination (MMSE), frontal assessment battery (FAB), and geriatric depression scale (GDS). The neuropsychiatric inventory‐clinician rating scale (NPI‐C), Katz index of independence in activities of daily living, and Lawton instrumental activities of daily living were also administered to patients with AD.

Results

The FEIT and FEDT total scores showed that patients with mild and moderate AD had significant FER deficits compared to healthy controls. However, no significant difference was observed between patients with mild and moderate AD in the FEIT and FEDT total scores. FEIT and FEDT scores were not correlated with the MMSE and NPI‐C total and subscales scores in patients with AD. Linear regression indicated that FEIT and FEDT total scores were significantly related to age and FAB scores. The GDS score negatively moderated the relationship between FAB and FEDT.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated a decreased FER ability in patients with AD. The critical point in FER deficits is the presence of dementia, not the dementia stage, in AD. It has been determined that executive functions and depression (even at a subsyndromal level), which have limited knowledge, are associated with FER abilities.
Unveiling the Anticancer Mechanism of Echinops davuricus: Isolation and Evaluation of AKR1B10 Inhibitors
Authors: Sun Na , Ma Shuo , Jin Linxuan , Wang Yujing , Zhou Caihong , Zhang Xin , Kang Huanhuan , Yuan Yuhan , Zhang Yu , Yang Huanhuan , Zhou Miao , Shu Penghua
Published: January 2024

Five compounds (1–5), one long‐chain fatty acid (1), two thiophenes (2 and 3), one alkaloid (4), and one phenyl ester (5), were isolated from the aerial part of Echinops davuricus. The structures of the products were established by performing detailed nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis, and the structure of compound 1 was determined via high‐resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HRESIMS) and NMR. Compounds 1, 4, and 5 were isolated from Echinops davuricus for the first time. Based on network pharmacology methods, AKR1B10 was selected as a key anticancer target. Compounds 1 and 5 exhibited significant AKR1B10 inhibitory activities, with IC50 values of 156.0±1.00 and 146.2±1.50 nM, respectively, with epalrestat used as the positive control (81.09±0.61 nM). Additionally, the interactions between the active compounds and AKR1B10 were evaluated via molecular docking. Ultimately, the GO and KEGG enrichment analysis indicated that the key signaling pathways associated with the active compounds may be related to the PI3K‐Akt, MAPK, apoptotic, cellular senescence, and TNF signaling pathways and the human diseases corresponding to the targets are cancer. Our study reveals for the first time the anticancer properties of Echinops davuricus and provides a comprehensive understanding of its application in traditional medicine.