bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
(im)Material Geographies: From Poetics of Terraforming to Earth Scripts
Authors: Adamczewski Tymon
Published: November 2023

The article explores the work of two contemporary poets, Alice Oswald and J.R. Carpenter, with reference to the material and immaterial aspects of their poetic projects. It is argued that although disparate in their form, both artists’ works are linked by their interest in the environmental forces as (im)material manifestations of more-than-human agency. In this sense they can be seen as belonging to a longer and broader strain of poetic endeavours (like concrete poetry and land art) that struggle to problematise the relationship between form and meaning. The article also employs the notion of earth scripts which allows to see such poetic and artistic practices as forms of descriptions of the earth characterized by differing degrees of sensitivity to the environmental challenges posed by the Anthropocene.
Translation-Poems: Blurred Genres and Shifting Authorship in Contemporary English Verse
Authors: Jarniewicz Jerzy
Published: November 2023

One of the most interesting tendencies in contemporary English poetry which arguably will develop further and mark the next decades of writing in England, are works which I would call translation-poems, i.e. texts which problematize the distinction between translations and original works, as well as between authors and translators. One could mention here such books as Jo Shapcott’s Tender Taxes (versions of Rilke’s poems), Alice Oswald’s Memorial (a translation of Homer’s The Iliad), and Lavinia Greenlaw’s A Double Sorrow: Troilus and Criseyde (a version of Chaucer’s poem). All three books have been advertised as authored by these English poets; it is only their names that appear on book covers. Significantly, this type of translating, or adapting poetry comes now largely from women writers. Trying to define the blurred genre they are working in, they call it variously: versions, excavations, extrapolations, remixes, etc.
Mobile barrier mechanisms for Na+-coupled symport in an MFS sugar transporter
Authors: Hariharan Parameswaran , Shi Yuqi , Katsube Satoshi , Willibal Katleen , Burrows Nathan D , Mitchell Patrick , Bakhtiiari Amirhossein , Stanfield Samantha , Pardon Els , Kaback H Ronald , Liang Ruibin , Steyaert Jan , Viner Rosa , Guan Lan
Published: November 2023

While many 3D structures of cation-coupled transporters have been determined, the mechanistic details governing the obligatory coupling and functional regulations still remain elusive. The bacterial melibiose transporter (MelB) is a prototype of major facilitator superfamily transporters. With a conformation-selective nanobody, we determined a low-sugar affinity inward-facing Na+-bound cryoEM structure. The available outward-facing sugar-bound structures showed that the N- and C-terminal residues of the inner barrier contribute to the sugar selectivity. The inward-open conformation shows that the sugar selectivity pocket is also broken when the inner barrier is broken. Isothermal titration calorimetry measurements revealed that this inward-facing conformation trapped by this nanobody exhibited a greatly decreased sugar-binding affinity, suggesting the mechanisms for substrate intracellular release and accumulation. While the inner/outer barrier shift directly regulates the sugar-binding affinity, it has little or no effect on the cation binding, which is supported by molecular dynamics simulations. Furthermore, the hydron/deuterium exchange mass spectrometry analyses allowed us to identify dynamic regions; some regions are involved in the functionally important inner barrier-specific salt-bridge network, which indicates their critical roles in the barrier switching mechanisms for transport. These complementary results provided structural and dynamic insights into the mobile barrier mechanism for cation-coupled symport.
A multi-hierarchical approach reveals d-serine as a hidden substrate of sodium-coupled monocarboxylate transporters
Authors: Wiriyasermkul Pattama , Moriyama Satomi , Suzuki Masataka , Kongpracha Pornparn , Nakamae Nodoka , Takeshita Saki , Tanaka Yoko , Matsuda Akina , Miyasaka Masaki , Hamase Kenji , Kimura Tomonori , Mita Masashi , Sasabe Jumpei , Nagamori Shushi
Published: November 2023

Transporter research primarily relies on the canonical substrates of well-established transporters. This approach has limitations when studying transporters for the low-abundant micromolecules, such as micronutrients, and may not reveal physiological functions of the transporters. While d-serine, a trace enantiomer of serine in the circulation, was discovered as an emerging biomarker of kidney function, its transport mechanisms in the periphery remain unknown. Here, using a multi-hierarchical approach from body fluids to molecules, combining multi-omics, cell-free synthetic biochemistry, and ex vivo transport analyses, we have identified two types of renal d-serine transport systems. We revealed that the small amino acid transporter ASCT2 serves as a d-serine transporter previously uncharacterized in the kidney and discovered d-serine as a non-canonical substrate of the sodium-coupled monocarboxylate transporters (SMCTs). These two systems are physiologically complementary, but ASCT2 dominates the role in the pathological condition. Our findings not only shed light on renal d-serine transport, but also clarify the importance of non-canonical substrate transport. This study provides a framework for investigating multiple transport systems of various trace micromolecules under physiological conditions and in multifactorial diseases.
A multimedia art interaction model for motion recognition based on data-driven model
Authors: Wang Zhen
Published: November 2023

Ergonomics is a relatively important part of user experience in multimedia art design. The study aims to improve human–computer interaction efficiency using a data-driven neural network model combined with video data and wearable devices to achieve high-precision human motion recognition. Firstly, the human motion skeleton information is extracted based on video information through the OpenPose framework, and the motion characteristics of each joint of the human body are calculated. Then, use the inertia data of the wearable bracelet to calculate the exercise intensity. At last, the two kinds of information are sent to recurrent neural networks (RNN) together to achieve high-precision human motion recognition. The innovative contribution of the article is to establish a multimodal fusion model for human activity recognition. The experimental results show that the recognition precision of the proposed method reaches 97.85%, much higher than the backpropagation neural network (BPNN) and K-nearest neighbor (KNN), whose precision is 94.35% and 90.12%, respectively. The method’s superior performance convinces us that the model can provide strong technical support for the interaction design of multimedia art.
Monitoring within-patch, flying season population dynamics of an endangered mire-dwelling dragonfly, Petalura gigantea (Odonata: Petaluridae)
Authors: Baird Ian R. C. , Burgin Shelley
Published: November 2023

Understanding within-patch seasonal demographics of patchily distributed odonates is fundamental to understanding aspects of their behaviour, ecology, and landscape-scale population dynamics. Such knowledge underpins effective conservation management and is dependent upon appropriate survey methods. The objective of this study was to understand the within-patch, flying season, population dynamics of imagos of the endangered mire-dwelling dragonfly, Petalura gigantea, using a modified Pollard Walk, a line transect survey technique. Relative abundance of imagos was monitored at nominally weekly intervals, by sex, across the duration of the flying season in six mire patches in the Blue Mountains, New South Wales. There was a preponderance of adult males and a relatively consistent trend in changing relative abundance of adult males compared to females within mire habitat across all surveys, with a marked seasonal peak in male abundance, confirming that surviving adult females generally occupy non-mire habitat other than for reproduction. This study confirmed the utility of this technique to monitor changing relative abundance of adult males within mire patches across a flying season, and potentially, for comparison among years for a separate, longitudinal, landscape-scale study. Successful use of the technique is contingent upon a sound understanding of the species’ habitat preferences and behaviour, with caveats for survey timing and weather protocols, to satisfy minimum requirements for detectability, repeatability, and replicability. The technique could be used, with species- and habitat-specific modifications, for monitoring other patchily distributed odonates, including petalurids, and contribute to their improved conservation management.
NOVOROSSİYSK ŞEHBENDERİ HÜDAİ BEY’İN ÖLDÜRÜLMESİ
Authors: Yadi Ahmet
Published: November 2023

Osmanlı Devleti yabancı ülkelerdeki açtığı konsolosluklara şehbenderlik adını vermekteydi. 19. yüzyılda diplomatik temsilcilik ağının genişlemesiyle birlikte birçok ülkede olduğu gibi Rusya’da da şehbenderlikler açıldı. Bu şehbenderliklerden biri Karadeniz’de bir liman kenti olan Novorossiysk’te bulunmaktaydı. 1902 yılında Novorossisyk Şehbenderliğinde Hüdai Bey atandı. Burada Karlenskaya adında bir kadınla samimi ilişki yaşamaya başladı. Daha sonra 1904 yılında Karlenskaya’nın eşi tarafından silahla vurularak öldürüldü. Bu çalışmada Novorossiysk’te şehbenderlik görevini yürütürken öldürülen Hüdai Bey cinayetinin ayrıntılarından bahsedilmiştir. Amaç, cinayetin oluşumu, işlenişi, dava süreciyle birlikte Osmanlı – Rus hükümetlerinin tavırlarını ortaya koymaktır.
Commercial Payments for COVID-19–Associated Inpatient Stays in 2020
Authors: Kerber Rose , Duffy Erin L. , Whaley Christopher
Published: November 2023

This cross-sectional study reports the allowed reimbursement amounts for inpatient COVID-19 care for different types of hospitals.
Progress and Persistent Disparities in Patient Access to Electronic Health Information
Authors: Richwine Chelsea
Published: November 2023

Importance

Patient access to electronic health information (EHI) available via online medical records and through patient portals has been shown to help individuals make informed health decisions, which are associated with better health outcomes.

Objective

To assess progress in patient engagement with EHI and to identify racial or ethnic disparities in access to patient portals.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This was a repeated cross-sectional study using data from the US Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS), a nationally representative survey of US adults that tracks individuals’ access and use of their health information. Six cycles of HINTS were included (2014, 2017-2020, 2022); data for the disparities analysis came from the 2022 HINTS. Data analyses were performed in April 2023.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Patient reports of (1) being offered portal access by a health care provider (HCP); (2) being encouraged by the HCP to use the portal; (3) accessing their portal; and (4) using the portal for various purposes. Additional key measures included methods used to access portals and self-reported ease of understanding information contained in the online medical records or portals.

Results

The total study population included 22 266 individuals (mean [SE] age, 49.9 [0.15] years) of whom 13 348 (54%) were female; 909 (5%) self-identified as Asian, 3523 (12%) as Black, 3178 (14%) as Hispanic, 13 555 (66%) as White, and 785 (3%) as another or more than 1 race. Nationally, patient portal access increased each year from 2014 through 2022, with a 46% increase observed between 2020 (n = 3319) and 2022 (n = 5437). However, in 2022, Black and Hispanic individuals reported being offered access to a portal by their HCP at significantly lower rates compared with White individuals (73% vs 81%; χ21 = 22.24; P < .001; and 62% vs 81%; χ21 = 135.57; P < .001, respectively) as well as accessing a patient portal at lower rates (60% vs 70%; χ21 = 23.80; P < .001; and 57% vs 70%; χ21 = 49.02; P < .001, respectively).

Conclusions and Relevance

The findings of this repeated cross-sectional study of US adult respondents to the HINTS suggest that access to and engagement with patient portals increased significantly from 2014 through 2022, but racial and ethnic disparities in patient access persisted in 2022. However, there were no significant differences in use or understanding of information available in the online medical records among those who accessed them, which suggests that efforts to promote equitable opportunities to access EHI would likely be associated with increased patient access.
Barriers to methadone reform: NIMBY, reimbursement, patient needs
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: November 2023

A webinar sponsored by Health Management Associates (HMA) on Nov. 2 was the third in a three‐part series that looked at the effect of proposed regulations on methadone treatment (see https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/adaw.33643). In this third and final webinar, experts focused on opportunities for state regulators to shape policy.
AMERSA sponsors debate on deregulating methadone
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: November 2023

This month's annual AMERSA (the Association for Multidisciplinary Education and Research in Substance use and Addiction) conference featured not a “spicy debate,” but a debate nonetheless, in which proponents switched sides midway. While it was clear from audience applause that the 400 or so attendees were on one “side” — the side of deregulating methadone for opioid use disorder — the Nov. 3 discussion was still important to the physician members. ADAW could not be there, but Stefan Kertesz, M.D., a professor of medicine at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, attended and posted a YouTube of the debate after obtaining permission from the speakers. Here's what Kertesz reported:
Connecting harm reduction and recovery support services
Authors: de Miranda John
Published: November 2023

This topic was the focus of a community forum in San Diego last week co‐sponsored by A New PATH and LifeHouse Recovery Connection. PATH (Parents for Addiction Treatment & Healing) is a hybrid drug policy reform and recovery community organization that for 25 years has been a national presence in delivering and advocating for alternatives to America's war on drugs. In recent years, PATH and its CEO Gretchen Burns‐Bergman have focused on creative harm reduction strategies that respond to the opioid epidemic.
Beyond Flexibility: Transparent Silver Nanowire Electrodes on Patterned Surfaces for Reconfigurable Devices
Authors: Xia Yuanjie , Yalagala Bhavani Prasad , Karimullah Affar S. , Heidari Hadi , Ghannam Rami
Published: November 2023

Silver nanowire (AgNW) emerges as a next‐generation transparent electrode material, offering enhanced flexibility and ease of fabrication compared to traditional transparent electrode materials, such as metallic oxides. In the previous research, the uniform deposition of AgNWs on flat surfaces is demonstrated, exhibiting high conductivity, flexibility, and excellent transmittance. However, the evolution of nano‐electronics technology necessitates the fabrication of transparent electrodes on non‐flat surfaces, such as those found in zenithal bistable devices and reconfigurable Fresnel lenses. In this study, a method is proposed to deposit AgNW material on uneven surfaces using the Mylar‐bar‐coating method, with a polyvinyl chloride (PVC)‐based Fresnel lens serving as the target surface. Additionally, the impact of varying AgNW suspension concentrations on transmittance and sheet resistance is investigated. To further reduce sheet resistance, a layer of conductive polymer, poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS), is deposited on the AgNWs. The measurements reveal that a 2 mg mL−1 sample exhibits a sheet resistance of 187.83 W W−1 with 87.4% transmittance at 550 nm. After the PEDOT:PSS process, the sheet resistance decreases to 122.84 W W−1 with 84.4% transmittance. In this research, a solution is offered for the uniform deposition of AgNWs on patterned surfaces, paving the way for the next generation of optical devices.
Flame‐Retardant Properties and Characterization of Nylon/Tannic Acid Electrospun Fibers
Authors: Thum Matthew D. , Tighe Meghanne , Weise Nickolaus K. , Hoffman Nicole , Mosurkal Ravi , Orlicki Joshua A. , Lundin Jeffrey G.
Published: November 2023

Incorporating flame‐retardant compounds into polymeric composites is a key area of materials research. Halogenated flame‐retardants are most widely used; however, they are under scrutiny due to health and environmental concerns which increases interest in eco‐friendly alternatives. Tannic acid (TA) is a naturally occurring polyphenol with flame‐retardant properties. To overcome current challenges incorporating TA into polymer composites at high concentrations, nonwoven mats of nylon/TA composite nanofibers are fabricated using electrospinning. TA is incorporated at concentrations up to 50 wt% while maintaining uniform fiber morphology. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) shows TA within the nanofibers degrades at 230 °C and nylon degrades at 400 °C, irrespective of the initial TA concentration. Char yield increases with the concentration of TA, resulting in a maximum of 25% for fibers containing 50 wt% TA. Flame resistance is characterized using microscale combustion calorimetry (MCC) which shows composite fibers have reduced heat capacity and total heat release (THR) indicating flame resistance at ≥75 rel. wt%. Finally, ignition tests and condensed phase analysis show that TA acts as an intumescent material when embedded within the polymer matrix which produces an insulating foam‐like char under direct heat that eliminates flaming melt dripping and results in self‐extinguishing nanofibers.
3D Imaging and Quantitative Subsurface Dielectric Constant Measurement Using Peak Force Kelvin Probe Force Microscopy
Authors: Kaja Khaled , Assoum Ammar , De Wolf Peter , Piquemal François , Nehmee Antonio , Naja Adnan , Beyrouthy Taha , Jouiad Mustapha
Published: November 2023

Noninvasive and depth‐sensitive measurements of dielectric properties are becoming of great interest in advanced and complex nanostructured architectures. Here, a straightforward parallel approach applicable in peak force Kelvin probe force microscopy for a 3D measurement of dielectric constants at the nanoscale is demonstrated. The proposed approach features a simultaneous measurement of the mechanical, electrical, and depth‐dependent dielectric properties applied to embedded nanostructures. The findings provide initial elements for further development of experimental dielectric nano‐tomography methods for characterizing buried and embedded systems and dielectric interfaces.
Printable Polar Silicone Elastomers for Healable Supercapacitive Strain Sensors
Authors: von Szczepanski Johannes , Roels Ellen , Siqueira Gilberto , Danner Patrick M. , Wolf Jana , Legrand Julie , Brancart Joost , Terryn Seppe , van Assche Guy , Vanderborght Bram , Opris Dorina M.
Published: November 2023

Soft strain sensors with high sensitivity and the ability to recover from damages are required in the emerging field of self‐healing soft robotics. Herein, printable supercapacitive strain sensors that can heal upon moderate heating (75 °C for 10 min) and exhibit a 30 times higher sensitivity than PDMS‐based sensors are developed. For the sensor's core layer and electrode, a nitrile‐functional polysiloxane that contains an active ionic initiator and can heal by siloxane equilibration at elevated temperatures is used. Supercapacitive strain sensors prepared from the elastomer are highly sensitive at low strains of 0–30%, enabled by the electric double‐layer formation of the ionic initiator. After healing, the sensors exhibit nearly unaltered performance in tensile testing. Due to the thermoreversible nature of the elastomer network, patterned core layers with different microstructures can be printed by direct ink writing. The capacitive sensors based on these microstructured films reach a higher sensitivity and linearity than those based on unstructured films. Finally, the sensor is integrated into a soft robotic finger and the sensor's ability to determine the bending angle is validated by motion capture. This technology can provide new opportunities to equip soft robotic devices with custom‐printed, healable strain sensors.
Health care satisfaction and medical literacy habits among caregivers of individuals with Down syndrome
Authors: Berger Heidi , Wittman Jill , Smith Katelyn , Horick Nora , Norris Kenneth , Young Allison , Magana Gomez Javier , Ocampo Kenia Kristel Esparza , Skotko Brian G.
Published: November 2023

Patients with Down syndrome have significant specialized health care needs. Our objective was to understand the needs, satisfaction, and online habits of caregivers as they care for persons with Down syndrome. A mixed‐method survey was distributed through REDCap from April 2022 to June 2022 in the United States; a Spanish‐translated version was distributed through SurveyMonkey from August 2022 to March 2023 in Mexico. We received 290 completed responses from the United States and 58 from caregivers in Mexico. We found that current health care options are not meeting the needs of many individuals with DS in both the United States (39.7%) and Mexico (46.6%). Caregivers expressed frustrations with the inaccessibility and inapplicability of health care information. In particular, they often found the volume of information overwhelming, given their limited medical background. Additionally, health care recommendations were not customized and lacked practical recommendations. Most caregivers in both the United States (72.1%) and Mexico (82.8%) believe it is not easy to find answers to medical questions about their loved ones with DS. Online platforms with customized, specific health information related to DS could offer innovative solutions to these unmet needs for families and primary care providers.
Azide Ionic Liquids for Safe, Green, and Highly‐Efficient Azidation Reactions to Produce Azide Polymers
Authors: Zhang Chi , Shao Meiling , Wu Dongqing , Li Zhongyi , Zhao Muzhi , Zhang Xiangfei , Zhai Bin , Luo Yunjun , Li Xiaoyu
Published: November 2023

Azide compounds are widely used and especially, polymers bearing pendant azide groups are highly desired in numerous fields. However, harsh reaction conditions are always mandatory to achieve full azidation, causing severe side reactions and degradation of the polymers. Herein, we report the design and preparation of two azide ionic liquids (AILs) with azide anion and triethylene glycol (E3)‐containing cation, [P444E3][N3] and [MIME3][N3]. Compared with the traditional sodium azide (NaN3) approach, both AILs showed much higher reaction rates and functional‐group tolerance. More importantly, they could act as both reagents and solvents for the quantitative azidation of various polymeric precursors under mild conditions. Theoretical simulations suggested that the outstanding performance of AILs originated from the existence of ion pairs during the reaction, and the E3 moieties played a crucial role. Lastly, after the reaction, the AILs could be easily regenerated, presenting a safer, greener, and highly efficient synthesis route for azide polymers.
Continuous Nanospace in Nanoporous Liquid Crystal Investigated by 129Xe NMR Spectroscopy
Authors: Kawano Shin‐ichiro , Yoshimizu Hiroaki , Tanaka Kentaro
Published: November 2023

Continuous nanopores within fluid materials could be used for novel chemical events such as the accommodation of guest molecules, unique arrays of the entrapped molecules, and chemical reactions in a dynamic molecular assembly. Columnar liquid crystals composed of a one‐dimensionally stacked assembly of shape‐persistent macrocycles form nanochannels owing to the intrinsic nanospace in the column. However, the existence of substantial nanoporosity has not been confirmed experimentally thus far. In this study, for the first time in the literature, we confirmed the presence of discrete and spatiotemporally continuous voids in a liquid‐crystalline material. In 129Xe NMR spectroscopy of liquid crystalline columnar assembly of imine‐bridged shape‐persistent macrocycles under Xe atmosphere, the NMR signals of the Xe atoms entrapped in the liquid‐crystalline macrocycle depended on the gas pressure and phase‐transition temperatures. These results indicate that the encapsulation of Xe gas molecules within the discrete and oriented nanospaces of nanoporous liquid crystals is different from the homogeneous dissolution of the solute in an ordinary solution.
Preparation of branched‐chain fatty acids: A mini review
Authors: Lu Huijia , Cong Fang , Chen Xiang , Wang Xingguo , Wei Wei
Published: November 2023

Branched‐chain fatty acids (BCFAs) have recently gained increasing attention as bioactive lipids with potential nutritional properties and a wide array of applications in human health. The current study reviews the most recent progress in the BCFA preparation. An overview of BCFA extraction from natural sources, including lanolin and butter, is provided. Further, we explore how clay catalysts and zeolites can be used to chemically synthesize BCFAs. The chemically synthetic BCFAs are mainly isostearic acids. Some bacterial membranes contain a high proportion of BCFAs and have been studied as natural raw materials to obtain BCFAs. Engineering the microbial production of BCFA is also reviewed. Special attentions have been given to the molecular structure of the BCFAs during different preparation methods. Future research will focus on obtaining BCFAs with specific structures in high purity.
Tuning the Electrochemical Performance of Multiple Phased Selenides@C/MXene Composites via Controllable Synthesis of Multivariate Metal‐Organic Frameworks
Authors: Liang Weiquan , Liu Mingjie , Shi Xiaoyan , Chen Bin , Shao Lianyi , Xu Junling , Sun Zhipeng
Published: November 2023

Metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) are excellent precursors for electrode materials preparations. Synergistic effects may exist between different metal centers in multivariate MOFs, making them often more effective than single‐metal MOFs. Herein, we propose an atom economic mechanochemical method to realize the efficient component regulation of target multivariate MOFs. Moreover, by combining the synthesis of multivariate MOFs and exfoliating MXene, multivariate MOF/MXene composites can be obtained via a one‐step strategy. A further selenization process can derive them into selenides@C/MXene composites. These derived composites contain multiple nanostructured metal selenides embedded in multi‐heteroatom doped carbon matrix. For these composites, abundant heterojunction structures are formed, which can build internal self‐built electric field and enhance the reaction kinetics effectively for sodium‐ion storage. More importantly, the electrochemical performance of NCMS@C/MX composites can be optimized due to the intrinsic characteristics of the containing metal selenides. Overall, experimental results demonstrate the universality of this solvent‐free synthesis route for controllable preparation of high‐performance selenides@C/MXene electrode materials. It provides a feasible and environmentally friendly method to adjust metal ratios for optimal energy storage performance. We hope this research inspires optimization strategies for high‐performance electrode materials and leads to the development of energy storage materials with more rational structures and better performance.
Relieving severe itching caused by scabies with tofacitinib: A case report
Authors: Yu Zhenze , Wu Zhenzhen , Sun Fang , Shi Xin
Published: November 2023

Key Clinical Message

In this paper, we present a case of relieving severe itching caused by scabies with tofacitinib. We show that the tofacitinib can quickly alleviate the itching caused by scabies, and this case may indicate a new option for comprehensive treatment of scabies.
Industrial Sideline Testing of Photocatalytic Equipment for the Treatment of Volatile Organic Compounds
Authors: Hu Yaoming , Xiao Lingyu , Wang Liwang , Feng Bowen , Meng Wan , Ding Chuanbao , Jing Jiaxin , Ma Liang
Published: November 2023

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are the primary pollutant emitted by chemical laboratories, causing significant damage to the environment and posing a serious threat to human health. In this study, an industrial‐scale photocatalytic device was constructed for the removal of VOCs. The effectiveness of the photocatalytic device in removing gases such as ethyl acetate, dichloromethane, petroleum ether, and formaldehyde was investigated. The effects of gas flow rate, inlet concentration, temperature, and relative humidity on photocatalytic purification efficiency were revealed, which laid an important foundation for the further development of the industrial‐scale photocatalytic device.
Multiobjective particles swarm optimization and multicriteria decision making of improved cumene production process including economic, environmental, and safety criteria
Authors: Amooey Ali Akbar , Mousapour Mohammad , Nabavi Seyed Reza
Published: November 2023

Cumene is one of the five chemicals with the highest production in the world. In this work, the design by Flegiel was improved to increase the production rate of the cumene process by adding a trans‐alkylation reactor, then multi‐objective optimization (MOO) using the particles swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm is used to improve the process design. Furthermore, seven multicriteria decision‐making (MCDM) methods for selecting an optimal solution from the Pareto‐optimal front related to two MOO problems were performed. In this optimization, conflicting objectives such as total capital cost (TCC), energy cost, wastage rate, and safety target are simultaneously minimized in the format of trade‐offs. Finally, the results of this work were compared with those reported designs. The optimal solution chosen by MCDM methods is at TCC = 5589, damage index (DI) = 0.044, and material loss = 0.0005.
Emergence of diverse patterns driven by molecular motors in the motility assay
Authors: Slater Brandon , Jung Wonyeong , Kim Taeyoon
Published: November 2023

Actomyosin contractility originating from interactions between F‐actin and myosin motors in the actin cytoskeleton generates mechanical forces and drives a wide range of cellular processes including cell migration and cytokinesis. To probe the interactions between F‐actin and myosin motors, the myosin motility assay has been popularly employed, which consists of myosin heads attached to a glass surface and F‐actins gliding on the surface via interactions with the heads. Several experiments have shown that F‐actins move in a collective fashion due to volume‐exclusion effects between neighboring F‐actins. Furthermore, Computational models have shown how changes in key parameters lead to diverse pattern formation in motility assay. However, in most of the computational models, myosin motors were implicitly considered by applying a constant propulsion force to filaments to reduce computational cost. This simplification limits the physiological relevance of the insights provided by the models and potentially leads to artifacts. In this study, we employed an agent‐based computational model for the motility assay with explicit immobile motors interacting with filaments. We rigorously account for the kinetics of myosin motors including the force‐velocity relationship for walking and the binding and unbinding behaviors. We probed the effects of the length, rigidity, and concentration of filaments and repulsive strength on collective movements and pattern formation. It was found that four distinct types of structures—homogeneous networks, flocks, bands, and rings—emerged as a result of collisions between gliding filaments. We further analyzed the frequency and morphology of these structures and the curvature, alignment, and rotational motions of filaments. Our study provides better insights into the origin and properties of patterns formed by gliding filaments beyond what was shown before.
A phase 2 study of MK‐2206 in patients with incurable adenoid cystic carcinoma (Alliance A091104)
Authors: Ho Alan L. , Foster Nathan R. , Deraje Vasudeva Shyamprasad , Katabi Nora , Antonescu Cristina R. , Frenette Gary P. , Pfister David G. , Erlichman Charles , Schwartz Gary K.
Published: November 2023

Background

Recurrent/metastatic adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is a rare, incurable disease. MYB is a putative oncogenic driver in ACC that is often overexpressed through an MYB‐NFIB rearrangement. The authors hypothesized that AKT inhibition with the allosteric inhibitor MK‐2206 could decrease MYB expression and induce tumor regression in patients with incurable ACC (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT01604772).

Methods

Patients with progressive, incurable ACC were enrolled and received MK‐2206 150 mg weekly; escalation to 200 mg was allowed. The primary end point was confirmed response. Secondary end points were progression‐free survival, overall survival, and safety. An exploratory analysis evaluating the effect of MK‐2206 on MYB expression was conducted in a subset of patients.

Results

Sixteen patients were enrolled, and 14 were evaluable for efficacy. No confirmed responses were observed. Thirteen patients had stable disease, and one had disease progression as their best response. The median progression‐free survival was 9.7 months (95% CI, 3.8–11.8 months), and the median overall survival was 18.0 months (95% CI, 11.8–29.9 months). Nine of 16 patients (56%) had at least one grade 3 treatment‐related adverse event, and the most common were rash (38%), fatigue (19%), decreased lymphocyte count (13%), and hyperglycemia (13%). Twelve of 14 tumors (86%) had detectable MYB expression by immunohistochemistry, and seven of 14 tumors (50%) had an MYB‐NFIB gene rearrangement. Serial biopsies revealed decreased MYB levels with MK‐2206 in four of five patients.

Conclusions

MK‐2206 failed to induce clinical responses in patients with incurable ACC. AKT inhibition may diminish MYB protein levels, although the effect was highly variable among patients. Novel approaches to target MYB in ACC are needed.
Extraction and Selective Separation of ZrIV from LnIII/AnIII Using an Undiluted Phosphonium Ionic Liquid
Authors: Rout Alok , Ramanathan Nagarajan
Published: November 2023

Solvent extraction of Zr(IV) in an undiluted phosphonium based ionic liquid (IL) and its selective separation from Ln(III) and An(III) has been investigated in the present study. Eu(III)/Am(III) were chosen as the representative Ln(III)/An(III). Tri(hexyl)tetradecylphosphonium nitrate ([P66614][NO3]) was chosen as IL phase and the feed phase was nitric acid containing the target metal ions. The extraction process was accomplished at different experimental parameters such as the concentration of initial nitric acid, initial feed metal concentration and equilibration time to explore the extractability of the proposed IL towards Zr(IV). The efficient extraction of Zr(IV) without any external ligand in IL phase and negligible extraction of Eu(III)/Am(III) were distinctly discerned leading to noteworthy separation factors for Zr(IV). The loading experiment revealed a noticeable growth of equilibrium concentrations of Zr(IV) in IL phase while that of Eu(III) was very less irrespective of the initial feed concentration. The association of two IL moieties in the complex formation process has been inferred. Nitrate ion was found to be superior as IL anion in terms of metal loading in comparison to other anions. Thermodynamics of extraction and the stripping of the loaded Zr(IV) from IL phase using a suitable stripping solution have also been investigated.
SPICE‐compliant load flow analysis of power distribution networks with behavioral loads
Authors: Manfredi Paolo , Trinchero Riccardo , Memon Zain Anwer , Stievano Igor S.
Published: November 2023

This paper discusses an alternative and Simulation Program with Integrated Circuit Emphasis (SPICE)‐compatible solution for the steady‐state simulation of power distribution networks. It introduces two alternative auxiliary subcircuits that allow to efficiently simulate the network in any simulation tool for circuit analysis. This feature introduces remarkable benefits in terms of simplicity and generality, since it avoids the need for any iterative method, thus bridging the gap between classical industry‐standard and general‐purpose simulators based on circuital equations, such as SPICE, and dedicated tools for the load flow analysis of power systems. The approach is first demonstrated based on a simple illustrative example, for which the performance in terms of accuracy and efficiency is discussed and then applied to the standard IEEE 33‐node power distribution benchmark.
Morphological markers of chromosomal instability as predictors of malignancy in pleural effusion
Authors: Aggarwal Phiza , Handa Uma , Bhagat Ranjeev , Aggarwal Deepak
Published: November 2023

Background

Malignancy in pleural effusion is an indication of poor prognosis. The distinction between malignant cells and reactive mesothelial cells in effusion cytology is sometimes difficult and requires ancillary techniques. Evaluation of morphological indicators of chromosomal instability (CI) like micronuclei (MN), chromatin bridging (CB), nuclear budding (NB), and multipolar mitosis (MM) on routine cytology smears is a promising tool to distinguish malignant from benign ascitic fluids. However, it has been scarcely evaluated in pleural effusions. The present study was conducted to evaluate the diagnostic value of these markers in differentiating between malignant and benign pleural fluids.

Methods

It is a cross sectional study in which a total of 72 pleural fluid samples over a period of 2 years received in the cytology department of the hospital were evaluated. The cytological analysis was done by two independent cytopathologists and interpreted as either malignant or benign. Four morphological markers of CI were counted in the May‐Grünwald Giemsa (MGG) stained smears of all the cases and the score was compared with the conventional cyto‐morphological diagnosis.

Results

Out of 72 cases, there were 42 malignant and 30 benign effusions on cytological examination. The mean score of micronuclei count, nuclear budding, chromatin bridging and multipolar mitosis in malignant effusions were 7.26 ± 2.74, 9.55 ± 5.53, 1.83 ± 1.17, and 2.21 ± 1.62 respectively that was significantly higher than the benign effusions (1 ± 0.71, 1.1 ± 0.86, 0.38 ± 0.50, and 0.15 ± 0.37 respectively) (p < .05). On Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, a cut‐off of 5 for the MN count had a sensitivity of 88% and specificity of 100% in detecting malignant pleural effusion [Area under curve (AUC) 95.8%, p < .001].

Conclusion

Evaluation of morphological indicators of CI on routine MGG stained smears is a simple and cost‐effective method to differentiate between benign and malignant pleural fluids.
Transformative climate governance in small Swedish municipalities: Exploring the cases of Enköping and Kiruna
Authors: Kronvall Anna , Haupt Wolfgang , Kern Kristine
Published: November 2023

Local authorities are important actors in sustainability transformations, but smaller municipalities generally do not have the same capacities as larger ones to work strategically with climate‐related risks and long‐term sustainability issues. Our study analyses the efforts of two Swedish local authorities to build capacity for transformative climate governance, paying attention to how structural factors and multi‐level governance relations shape local capacity building. Drawing on interviews with municipal staff and the analysis of policy documents we show that both local authorities are increasingly applying experimental climate governance approaches. In Enköping, innovative governance processes support sustainability objectives and promote public–private collaboration. In Kiruna, the necessity to move the town centre has advanced innovation capacity but steals attention from other issues. We conclude that vertical and horizontal multi‐level governance relations facilitate capacity building, but in a national context where climate action is largely voluntary, more support is needed for smaller municipalities with limited resources to reach their climate goals.
Sorting and simultaneous quantitation of intact mixed‐cell samples via capillary isotachophoresis
Authors: Gordon Olivia , Gibbons Joshua , Lamp Jared , Lantz Andrew W.
Published: November 2023

A great need currently exists for rapid, inexpensive, and accurate methods for microbial analysis in the medical, food, industrial, and water quality fields. Here, a novel capillary isotachophoresis (CITP) method is presented for the focusing, sorting, and quantitation of intact cells in mixed samples based on their electrophoretic mobility ranges. Using a series of ion spacers dissolved in the sample, this technique results in several efficient cell peaks in the electropherogram corresponding to specific cell electrophoretic mobility ranges. The concentrations of different species in mixed‐cell samples are determined from the cell peak areas and the known peak response factors for the cell species using a series of linear equations. Method design and optimization are discussed, including the choice of running buffer, pH, and ion spacers. Mixed‐cell samples of up to four different species were focused and quantified as a proof‐of‐principle of the method. When sample cell concentrations were toward the middle of the linear response range, accuracies between 1% and 11% and relative standard deviations of 1%–14% were obtained, depending on the number of cell species in the mixture. This work provides a useful basis for future studies of cell quantitation using CITP, which could be potentially applied to a variety of fields including cell growth studies, microbial contamination testing, and sterility testing.
Novel technique of vibration minimization during hard machining
Authors: Apte Aditi D. , Shivamurthy Shivakumar , Avalappa Manjunath G , Rangaswamy Nikhil , Shinde Ashwini S. , Kulkarni Satish S. , Kumar Mukesh
Published: November 2023

This research paper explores the performance of electrorheological fluids, widely known as smart fluids, which are popular because they experience immediate changes in their characteristics when applied to exterior magnetic or electric field. On application of high voltage, the ER fluid alters its form to semisolid from viscous liquid within a few milliseconds, which is reversible. The reversible nature of ER fluid was employed to absorb vibrations during hard machining. In this research, the consequence of the application of electric field to the ER characteristics of numerous non‐Newtonian fluids with an accumulation of TiO2 and Al2O3 nano elements are investigated. The purpose of this research is to discover the ER sample, which has the highest viscosity, highest breakdown voltage, but less sedimentation. So the selected sample can be used in ER dampers for the purpose of shock absorption. The ER fluid behaves as a mainspring with nonlinear vibration features that are managed by an arrangement of ER fluid, the structure of plunger, and the constraints of applied electric field. In this research, we have employed steel metallic specimens made from EN24T of 302BHN and the machining experiments are conducted to attain the shape parameters that can reduce the tool vibration and help improve the process of cutting at the time of machining with minimum application of fluid utilizing hard metal inserts. In this work, cutting tool parameters were analyzed like cutting force, tool wear, tool vibration amplitude, and surface roughness. It was observed that ER damper has shown its better performance at 5KV. At 5KV, cutting force was the least, tool wear was the least, tool vibration amplitude was the least, and surface roughness was the least. The use of an ER fluid damper decreases tool vibrations and successfully enhances machining performance. The machining industry will be benefited with commercialization of this technique.
Deep learning‐assisted reconfigurable intelligent surface for enhancing 6G mobile networks
Authors: Megahed Amal , Elmesalawy Mahmoud M. , Ibrahim Ibrahim I. , El‐Haleem Ahmed M. Abd
Published: November 2023

This article presents the role of Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface (RIS) using the Multi‐Input Multi‐Output (MIMO) technique as the enabling technology to boost the achievable data rate for mobile networks of the sixth generation (6G). The RIS has been adopted to mitigate the interference at the Cell Edge User (CEU) placed where two adjacent cells are separated. That is by reflecting the incident interference signal in the CEU direction out of phase with the basic interference signals coming from the interfering BS towards the CEU. This article adopts an efficient solution for designing the RIS redirecting (reflection) matrix with trivial training overhead using Deep Learning (DL) technology. Whereas a few of the reflecting elements in RIS are chosen to be active (attached to the baseband), whilst the majority are chosen to be passive, in which the active element's channels are known and used as medium indicators and indicate further the positions of the transmitter and receiver. This article illustrated the efficacy of the adopted framework with DL, by changing the training parameters regarding the data rates that can be achieved, the Spectral Energy Efficiency (SEE), and the Satisfaction Rate (SR). As a result, the proposed model improves the achievable data rate by a near average of 97% above the reference model. Furthermore, it enhances the achievable data rate above the baseline model that assumes no RIS used by an average of 115%. Therefore, The DL method demonstrated that the proposed model is promising for enhancing 6G Mobile Networks.
Reviewing manuscripts for behavior‐analytic journals: A primer
Authors: Cengher Mirela , LeBlanc Linda A.
Published: November 2023

The peer‐review component of the editorial process is designed to facilitate quality control, legitimize scientific research, and self‐regulate scientific communities. Even though serving as a reviewer undoubtedly has direct and indirect benefits, the peer‐review system and the methods of teaching scholars to conduct reviews are nascent and relatively underdeveloped. This article describes the peer‐review process and provides recommendations for writing reviews for scientific journals. The recommendations were developed based on the expertise and preferences of editors in chief and associate editors for behavior‐analytic journals (Cengher & LeBlanc, 2024), and they include honoring your responsibility, knowing your audience, being constructive and kind, and carefully evaluating the merits of the study or review. These guidelines may serve as a primer for scholars who want to conduct reviews for scientific journals in behavior analysis.
Enantiomerization of five‐membered‐heterocycle‐embedded helicenes: A DFT study
Authors: Liu Xunshan , Liang Zhen , Jin Zhetong , Zhang Xu , Shen Chengshuo
Published: November 2023

In this work, DFT theoretical calculations were employed to investigate the enantiomerization of helicenes embedded with five‐membered heterocycles. The original benzene rings in the helicene backbone were replaced by heterocycles such as furan, thiophene, pyrrole, or phosphole to create [n]helicenes with n ranging from 4 to 7. The impact of the type, position, and number of heterocycles on the enantiomerization barrier was systematically evaluated. Notably, the enantiomerization barrier was found to be significantly dependent on the rotatory angle and the position of the heterocycles, particularly for [4, 5]helicenes. With less rotatory angle of heterocycle, the enantiomerization barrier of helicenes was revealed to be lower, while when the heterocycle was close to the central part of the helicene chain, the barrier was also lower. Furthermore, the number of thiophene rings also had a marked effect on enantiomerization, showing a decrease of the barrier with more thiophene rings placed on the helicenes backbone. We expect this work would deliver new perspective on the relative studies for the helicene conformational conversion.