bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Progressive care orientation: Incorporating a program that supports transition to practice
Authors: Christy La Donna Y. , Senneff Jo-Anne A.
Published: August 2019

Objective: Progressive care units (PCUs), also sometimes called intermediate care units, improve the utilization of beds within intensive care units while adjusting the workload of the nurse.  PCUs encompass a scope of care between the critically ill patient and the acute care patient. Owing to the advanced skills set needed, nurses with limited experience in this setting may benefit from an orientation course in addition to on-the-job training. The purpose of this project was to develop and evaluate an orientation program for nurses working in progressive care settings at a multi-site hospital system.Methods: Kolb’s experiential learning theory and adult learning theory were used as a framework to plan and design a 2-day instructional program that addressed the cognitive, psychomotor, and affective aspects of learning needs.Results: A total of 244 participants completed the 2-day program. The teaching strategies were shown to be effective, as indicated by survey results reporting a mean score of 4.36 on a 1-5 Likert scale (with a score of 1 indicating the presenter did not clearly articulate the subject and 5 indicating that the presenter clearly articulated the subject). The participants stated that they intended to make changes in practice and identified changes to improve the program (e.g., inclusion of high-fidelity manikins, patient-controlled anesthesia).Conclusions: Incorporating a specialized training program for newly licensed nurses and nurses transitioning to the PCU with less than 2 years’ experience in this setting may improve the nurse’s confidence and performance of patient care skills in this highly acute environment.
Investigating the Response to Meristem Culture of Four Regional Sweetpotato Varieties in the Western Highlands of Cameroon
Authors: Tatah Eugene L. , Chi Christopher T. , Roland Balgah A. , Nsaidzeka Nardine D.
Published: August 2019

In the Western highlands of Cameroon where sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas L.) is an inevitable staple crop during the dry season, farmers cherish local which are presently under the risk of extinction due to accumulation of pest and diseases. Guaranteeing sustainable Sweetpotato production in this region therefore requires providing farmers with disease free planting materials such as tissue cultures. This study was conducted to investigate the feasibility of introducing disease free planting materials from meristem culture of EX-KOLB, EX-GUZANG2, EX-WIDIKUM3 and EX-NKAMBE1 which are four regional sweetpotato varieties common in the Western highlands of Cameroon. Test tubes containing growing media and meristems from each of the varieties were labeled and laid out in a completely randomized experimental design (CRD) with four replications and four treatments. Data on the number of sprouted meristems, number of rooted meristems, number of meristems contaminated, number of meristems that died, average heights of developed plants, average number of nodes on the developed plants, and average number of leaves on the developed plants was collected over a period of 8 weeks at 2 weeks interval. Meristems from all the landraces sprouted in the media used and the differences in the mean number of sprouted meristem between the landraces were significant (P<0.05). EX-GUZANG2 gave the highest mean of sprouted meristems of (2.75) and EX-WIDIKUM3 the lowest (0.75). According to ANOVA response of meristems from the four landraces to the media used differed significantly only in number sprouted, number of contaminated and number dead meristems as well as number of nodes(P<0.05). No significant differences were observed with number of contaminated and dead meristems, rooting as well plant height, number of leaves and nodes formed(P>0.05).This genotype-dependent response to media used for in vitro regeneration by plants has been observed by many studies. However meristems from EX-GUZANG2 and EX-KOLB showed greater positive respond to this media and merit further studies for the purpose of this experiment.
The Unknown Mover (Or, How to Do “Natural” Theology in a Postmodern Context)
Authors: Penner Myron Bradley ,   Evangelical Philosophical Society
Published: August 2019

Andrew Shephardson contends in Who’s Afraid of the Unmoved Mover that the combined postmodern objections of Carl A. Raschke, James K. A. Smith, and me, to natural theology, fail. Here I focus only on the issue of idolatry and natural theology, as one way of demonstrating a fundamental inadequacy characteristic of Shephardson’s rebuttal of postmodern challenges to evangelical appropriations of natural theology. I argue that contrary to Shephardson’s contention, Acts 17 does not support evangelical appropriations of natural theology, but operates with a view of reason consistent with my postmodern one and opens postmodern possibilities for understanding natural revelation.
A Kenotic Theologian’s Response to Andrew Loke’s “Kryptic Model” of the Incarnation
Authors: Evans C. Stephen ,   Evangelical Philosophical Society
Published: August 2019

In this article I compare the kryptic model of the Incarnation, developed by Andrew Loke, with two other models, the “two-minds” model and the kenotic model. All three models succeed in showing the logical coherence of the doctrine of the Incarnation, and I concede that Loke’s model has some of the advantages of both of the other two, while avoiding some perceived disadvantages. However, I argue that Loke’s model also has some of the disadvantages of both of the other models. In conclusion I argue that the alleged superiority of the kryptic model over a kenotic model vanishes if one is willing to question the reliability of our a priori rational intuitions about the nature of God on the basis of a view of the divine nature that seems to fit better with the biblical picture of God.
Continuing Education—XVIII
Authors: Tough Allen
Published: August 2019

Continuing Education—XVIII
People
Authors: Library Association American
Published: August 2019

People
Continuing Education—XV
Authors: Walters Edward M.
Published: August 2019

Continuing Education—XV
Continuing Education: Library Administrators and the Need for Continuing Education in Process Skills
Authors: Haskell Peter
Published: August 2019

Continuing Education: Library Administrators and the Need for Continuing Education in Process Skills
An Open Letter to ACRL Members
Authors: Abell Millicent D.
Published: August 2019

An Open Letter to ACRL Members
Bibliographic Instruction BI for the Invisible University
Authors: Palmer Virginia Ellis
Published: August 2019

Bibliographic Instruction BI for the Invisible University
C&RL News Guidelines for Submission of Articles or Columns
Authors: Library Association American
Published: August 2019

C&RL News Guidelines for Submission of Articles or Columns
PUBLICATIONS
Authors: Library Association American
Published: August 2019

PUBLICATIONS
A strategic plan for ACRL (First draft)
Authors: Planning Task Force ACRL Strategic
Published: August 2019

A strategic plan for ACRL (First draft)
Publications
Authors: Library Association American
Published: August 2019

Publications
Innovations: Automating overdues in a non-automated library: The HyperCard solution
Authors: Mackey Kitty J.
Published: August 2019

Innovations: Automating overdues in a non-automated library: The HyperCard solution
Innovations: Humor and creativity: Music
Authors: Stevens Norman D.
Published: August 2019

Innovations: Humor and creativity: Music
Guidelines for the security of rare book, manuscript, and other special collections: A draft
Authors: Library Association American
Published: August 2019

Guidelines for the security of rare book, manuscript, and other special collections: A draft
Letter
Authors: Schoonmaker Dina
Published: August 2019

Letter
Standards for two-year college learning resources programs: A draft
Authors: Library Association American
Published: August 2019

Standards for two-year college learning resources programs: A draft
Haematopoietic Potential of Ethanolic Leaf Extract of Talinum triangulare in Wistar Rats
Authors: Airaodion A. I. , Ogbuagu E. O. , Ekenjoku J. A. , Ogbuagu U. , Airaodion E. O.
Published: August 2019

Aim: This study focuses on assessing the haematopoietic potential of ethanolic extract of Talinum triangulare leaves in Wistar rats.

Methods: Fresh plants of T. triangulare were purchased from a local market in Orita-Challenge area of Ibadan, Nigeria. They were air dried at room temperature in an open laboratory space for 21 days and milled into powder. The extraction was done using soxhlet apparatus and ethanol as the solvent. The ethanol was evaporated in a rotary evaporator at 35°C with a yield of 2.76 g which represents a percentage yield of 11.04%. Ten adult male Wistar rats with body weight between 150 and 170 g were used for this study. They were randomly divided into two groups of five rats each. Animals in group A were administered saline solution while those in group B were administered T. triangulare leaf extract. The administration was done 12 hourly for twenty-eight days at 100 mg/kg body weight via oral route since the plant is consumed orally. At the end of the treatment, animals were fasted overnight and anaesthetized using diethyl ether. Blood samples were collected by cardiac puncture into heparinized bottles. Haematological parameters were determined using standard methods.

Results: A  significant increase was observed in the PCV, Hb, RBC, MCV, WBC, lymphocyte and platelet counts of control animals when compared with those treated with leaf extract of T. triangulare at p<0.05. However, treatment had no significant difference on the neutrophil of animals.

Conclusion: The significant increase observed in the erythrocyte parameters of animals used in this study indicates that T. triangulare leaves have haematopoietic properties and can be used to boost blood level especially in menstruating and pregnant women as well as anaemia patients. Its ability to significantly increase white blood cell parameters is an indication that T. triangulare leaves can boost the immune system and thus defend the body against xenobiotics.
Growth Performance of Crescentia cujete (Robx) Seedlings as Influenced by Different Watering Regimes
Authors: Aderounmu A. F. , Ogidan O. A.
Published: August 2019

This study investigated the effects of different watering regimes on the growth of Crescentia cujete. The seedlings were subjected to six different watering regimes which include: W1 – control   (watering everyday), W2 – watering once every two days, W3 – watering once every three days, W4 – watering once every four days, W5 – watering once every five days and W6 – watering once every six days; each treatment replicated six times. The experiment was arranged in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). The study was carried out at the Central Nursery of Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria, Ibadan. Growth parameters assessed include: plant height (cm), collar diameter (mm), leaf production and the biomass accumulation which was sectioned into leaf, stem and the root. The data collected were subjected to one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and means separation was done using Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at 5% level of probability. The results showed that there were significant differences among the treatments in plant height and number of leaves produced while there was no significant difference in the collar diameter. However, seedlings watered once every 5 days (W5) performed best in height (20.48 cm) and leaf production (18.42). It was revealed that there were significant differences in the leaf and stem dry weights among the treatments with W5 having the highest weight while there were no significant differences in the root dry weight. Crescentia cujete optimized water shortage for its growth.
Correlational Analysis of Interleukin 6, Adiponectin and Lipid Indices in Women with Uterine Fibroids
Authors: Adediji Isaac Oluwole , Adelakun Ayodele Ademola , Imaralu John Osaigbovoh , Ileoma Emmanuel Olusegun , Adejumo Esther Ngozi , Oluremi Adeolu Sunday , Adeniran Muibat Adesola , Okam Chioma Diana , Aweda Oluwadamilola Gbemisola
Published: August 2019

Background: Uterine fibroids are the most common benign, monoclonal tumours affecting women of reproductive age.

Aim: This study investigated the association between interleukin-6 (IL-6), adiponectin (ADP) and lipid indices in women with uterine fibroids.

Subjects and Methods: Sixty (60) participants were recruited for this study. They comprised thirty (30) subjects who had ultrasonographic evidence of uterine fibroids and thirty (30) subjects who had no ultrasonographic evidence of uterine fibroids. Subjects were recruited from the Gynaecology out-patient clinic of LAUTECH Teaching Hospital Ogbomoso, Nigeria. Anthropometric measurements were performed using standard method. About 5 mL of venous blood was collected from each study participant and was dispensed into a plain bottle. Serum was obtained after clotting and centrifugation and was aliquoted into a small vial which was stored at     -20°C until time of analysis. Interleukin-6 (IL-6), adiponectin (ADP), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG) and high density lipoprotein (HDL) were determined using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and colorimetric method as appropriate. Low density lipoprotein (LDL) was estimated using Friedewald’s equation. Data analysis was done using Student’s t-test for comparison of variables and Pearson’s correlation was used to determine the relationship between variables. P–value less than 0.05 was considered significant.

Results: Women with uterine fibroids had significantly elevated body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and waist-hip ratio (WHR) when compared with the controls (P<0.05). The mean values of TC, TG, LDL and IL-6 were significantly elevated in women with uterine fibroids when compared with the control subjects (P<0.05). Women with uterine fibroids had significantly reduced levels of ADP when compared with controls (P<0.05) and there was no significant difference in the levels of HDL when both case and control subjects were compared (P>0.05). Interleukin-6 had a significant positive correlation with BMI, WC, WHR, TC, TG and LDL. Interleukin-6 also had a significant negative correlation with HDL and ADP.

Conclusion: This study demonstrated a significant direct relationship between IL-6 and dyslipidemia in women with uterine fibroids. Also, we observed a noteworthy inverse relationship between IL-6 and adiponectin in women with uterine leiomyomas, thus emphasizing the low grade chronic inflammatory state, associated with uterine leiomyomas.
Medicare Enrollment and Spending Among Patients Initiating Dialysis After the Affordable Care Act
Authors: Wang Virginia , Wilson Lauren E. , Rowen Neil P. , Sloan Caroline E. , Maciejewski Matthew L. , Hammill Bradley G.
Published: December 2024

Importance

Medicare finances health care for most US patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), regardless of age. Medicare enrollment may have slowed for patients with incident ESKD who gained access to new private insurance options with the 2014 passage of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and introduction of the ACA Marketplace.

Objective

To describe trends in public and private insurance coverage and dialysis spending among patients with incident ESKD from 2012 to 2017.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This serial cross-sectional study included patients 18 to 64 years old in Colorado who were not enrolled in Medicare at dialysis initiation. Data analysis was conducted from May to August 2023.

Exposure

Introduction of the ACA Marketplace in 2014.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance enrollment in the first year after dialysis initiation, and dialysis spending by insurance type.

Results

Of 2005 patients included in the sample, 1416 (70.6%) were 45 to 64 years old, and 1259 (62.8%) were male. A lower proportion of patients with incident ESKD starting dialysis were newly enrolled in Medicare in the years following the ACA (361 of 713 [50.6%]) compared to 2 years prior (420 of 595 [70.6%]). Unadjusted rates of switching from Medicaid to Medicare 1 year after dialysis initiation decreased 14.3 percentage points over time (68.9% in 2012-2013 vs 58.3% and 54.6% in 2014-2015 and 2016-2017, respectively). Unadjusted rates of switching from private insurance to Medicare 1 year after dialysis initiation decreased by 22.3 percentage points (68.1% in 2012-2013 vs 52.2% and 45.8% in 2014-2015 and 2016-2017, respectively). Over the entire 2012 to 2017 period, quarterly dialysis spending in the first year of dialysis among patients with private insurance was higher than among those with Medicare coverage ($26 351-$29 781 vs $10 039-$12 741).

Conclusions and Relevance

This cross-sectional study demonstrates that lower Medicare enrollment rates over time among those initiating dialysis may be inducing higher social spending. This finding raises concerns about the effectiveness of Medicare policies and federal leverage to improve access, outcomes, and value of dialysis care.
Diagnostic Stewardship in Clinical Microbiology
Authors: Chew Ka‐lip , Chia Jonathan W. Z. , Vasoo Shawn
Published: December 2024

Patient evaluation begins with a thorough symptom review and history, followed by physical examination to develop differential diagnoses for the patient's clinical presentation. Diagnostic testing is subsequently requested to confirm or exclude specific diagnoses. Diagnostic stewardship may be defined as performing the right test for the right patient for the right reasons at the right time, with the right interpretation which results in the right treatment, optimizing patient care. The postanalytical phase involves final reporting and interpretation of results, as well as the clinician's application of the results to guide patient management. Underutilization of blood cultures can lead to missed diagnoses and delayed or inappropriate therapy. Diagnosing ventilator‐associated pneumonia is complicated by the frequent colonization of the respiratory tract with
Enterobacterales
and nonfermenting Gram‐negative bacilli. A diagnostic stewardship program should ensure value and implement evidence‐based practice in clinical microbiology, where attention is paid to both accuracy and optimal patient outcomes.
Systems for Identification of Bacteria and Fungi
Authors: Heaton Phillip R. , Bhatti Micah M.
Published: December 2024

A proteomics‐based approach, matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization‐time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF MS), was introduced in clinical microbiology laboratories between 2005 and 2010 as a highly reliable and much more rapid method for identifying bacteria and yeast. Advances in molecular tools have allowed proteomics and genomics to have a substantial role in the identification of bacteria and yeast in clinical laboratories. In many laboratories, MALDI‐TOF MS has become the primary method for bacteria and yeast identification, supplanting biochemical analysis, including automated methods. DNA target sequencing may be performed on organisms growing in pure culture. This is typically performed when automated systems in the laboratory are unable to yield an identification or they provide an unusual identification or one that conflicts with phenotypic characteristics. The use of artificial intelligence and machine learning has made its way into the clinical microbiology laboratory, largely due to the digitization of microbiology and increasing technology use.
Immunoassays for the Diagnosis of Infectious Diseases
Authors: Theel Elitza S.
Published: December 2024

This chapter summarizes the common serologic testing methods used for detection of the humoral immune response to, or antigens released from, various infectious agents. It presents their application for the diagnosis of infectious diseases, including a discussion of the advantages and limitations of selected methods. An understanding of serologic immunoassays and their clinical utility requires an appreciation of the basic immunologic principles of humoral immunity. Serologic assays can be used for either screening or diagnostic purposes. Agglutination reactions utilize a particulate, insoluble antigen, in contrast to precipitation reactions, which are based on the interaction of soluble antigen and antibodies. The complement fixation assay is based on the interaction of immune complexes with components of the classical complement pathway. Another classic serologic technique is the neutralization assay. The term “enzyme immunoassay” is considered a general term that can be applied to any immunoassay which uses an enzyme label.
Investigation of Disease Outbreaks
Authors: Rolon Rebecca M. , Szymczak Wendy A.
Published: December 2024

This chapter reviews concepts associated with infectious diseases outbreaks, including disease surveillance, mechanisms used to detect outbreaks, and the epidemiological steps used to investigate an outbreak. It describes the role of the laboratory in outbreaks and includes examples where laboratory testing played a key role in the investigation of the outbreak. Outbreak investigations provide a unique opportunity for local authorities to provide enhanced education and awareness. Outbreak (or epidemic) intelligence is the process used to detect, verify, analyze, assess, and investigate signals that may represent a threat to public health. The chapter provides specific examples of how laboratories contributed to the SARS‐CoV‐2 outbreak response. In the recent SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic, nucleic acid amplification and antigen detection assays have been used widely for virus identification from specimens, while WGS has been used for both the detection of and surveillance for emerging variants.
Disinfection and Sterilization
Authors: Arduino Matthew J. , McDonnell Gerald
Published: December 2024

The effective use of disinfection and sterilization procedures is important in patient care and laboratory settings. Inadequate disinfection and sterilization procedures may lead to health care‐associated and laboratory‐acquired infections. This chapter also discusses international consensus standards related to disinfection and sterilization in the health care environment. Cleaning is often an essential prerequisite to disinfection or sterilization to ensure the optimal activity of the antimicrobial effects of disinfectants or sterilization processes, as well as ensuring the lack of residual materials that may have other negative impacts. There are two major considerations in the use of any disinfection or sterilization product or process: antimicrobial expectations and safety. These safety practices include cleaning and disinfection of laboratory surfaces, sterilization, and hand hygiene. The chapter considers the most widely used sterilization method for clinical laboratory applications that is heat sterilization along with a brief explanation of alternative sterilization methods.
Enterococcus
Authors: Teixeira Lúcia Martins , da Glória Siqueira Carvalho Maria , Facklam Richard R. , Shewmaker Patricia Lynn
Published: December 2024

The genus
Enterococcus
includes microorganisms that have a historical connection with the genus
Streptococcus
, as they were initially considered a distinct branch within the genus
Streptococcus
, including most of the serological group D streptococci. Transmission of vancomycin‐resistant enterococci represents a major public health concern. By using molecular typing approaches, the exogenous acquisition of enterococcal strains by direct and indirect contact among patients was demonstrated, breaking the traditional conception that enterococcal infections were endogenous. Serologic tests, in the form of Western blot assays, for detecting antibody responses to different enterococcal antigens have been proposed, but their usefulness in the clinical laboratory setting for the diagnosis or prognosis of enterococcal infections has not been demonstrated. The significance of a particular enterococcal isolate is a major factor in determining when antimicrobial testing should be done.
Bacillus
and Other Aerobic Endospore‐Forming Bacteria
Authors: Turenne Christine Y. , Alexander David C.
Published: December 2024

Historically, most aerobic endospore‐forming bacteria were classified as species of
Bacillus
.
Bacillus
is the type genus of the
Bacillaceae
and contains the largest number of species. Aerobic endospore‐forming bacteria are ubiquitous in nature. Cases of anthrax due to laboratory accidents, biological warfare, and bioterrorism events are also rare, but ongoing vigilance in the clinical microbiology laboratory is critical. This chapter describes the clinically significant infections involving
Bacillus
,
Brevibacillus
,
Lysinibacillus
, and
Paenibacillus
species. Members of the
B. cereus
group, other than
B. anthracis
,have been isolated from diverse ecological niches and are widely distributed in nature. Gastrointestinal anthrax is suspected only if an adequate history of the patient is known. Anthrax meningitis may occur on its own or, more frequently, as a complication of another form of the disease.
Coryneform Gram‐Positive Rods
Authors: Mattos‐Guaraldi Ana Luíza , Santos Louisy Sanches dos , Vieira Verônica Viana
Published: December 2024

This chapter presents Coryneform bacteria comprising aerobically or facultatively anaerobically growing, asporogenous, non‐acid fast Gram‐positive rods with irregular morphology. Establishing the clinical significance of coryneform bacteria can be difficult for caregivers and microbiologists.
Corynebacterium
spp. form the predominant group and include diphtheria toxin (DT)‐producing
Corynebacterium diphtheriae
, the causative agent of classic diphtheria, which was once a major cause of illness and death among children. Laboratory procedures for identification of
Corynebacterium
spp. and other coryneform bacteria include collection and transport of clinical samples, isolation practices, culture conditions, phenotypic and molecular assays, as well as antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Molecular techniques have been increasingly used in microbiology laboratories for the identification of
Corynebacterium
species and other coryneform bacteria. Detection of antibodies directed against DT is the only established serologic test for coryneform bacteria.
Francisella orientalis DNA detected in feral tilapia populations in Hawai'i
Authors: Klinger-Bowen RuthEllen , Yamasaki Lei S. , Iwai Thomas , Peppers Daquille , Fowler Caroline , Yacoub Jordan , Weese David , Odani Jenee , Wong Michael
Published: December 2024

Objective

Francisella orientalis is a bacterial pathogen that is responsible for substantial mortalities in warmwater fish, such as tilapia, and has negatively impacted the aquaculture industry globally. Starting in the mid-1990s, periodic F. orientalis outbreaks in Hawai'i led to severe mortalities in cultured and feral tilapia populations on Oahu. In an attempt to limit the outbreak's impact on tilapia aquaculture in Hawai'i, the Hawai'i Department of Agriculture Plant Quarantine Division issued a moratorium on the export of tilapia from Oahu to the other Hawaiian Islands. Despite reported high incidences of F. orientalis from cultured tilapia on Oahu and from around the world, the moratorium continues to remain in effect to this day.

Methods

To assess the prevalence of F. orientalis in feral tilapia populations across the Hawaiian Islands, tilapia were collected from streams on Kauai, Oahu, Maui, Moloka'i, and the Big Island (Hawai'i) and were screened using a combination of molecular, bacteriological, and histological techniques.

Result

Although signs of infection (i.e., granulomas) were observed in fish on all five islands, molecular screening using quantitative polymerase chain reaction only detected the presence of F. orientalis on the islands of Oahu, Maui, and Kauai.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that F. orientalis is prevalent in feral tilapia populations across the Hawaiian Islands.
1D Magnetic Nickel‐Carbon Matrix Nanotube Composites Derived from Hydrogen‐Bonded Organic Frameworks and Metal–Organic Frameworks for Electromagnetic Wave Absorption
Authors: Chen Lizhen , Pan Junjie , Wang Tao , Xia Wei , He Jianping , Zhang Kai
Published: December 2024

Hydrogen‐bonded organic frameworks (HOFs) and metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) emerge as promising materials for electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorption, due to their high specific surface area and readily modifiable characteristics. In this study, 1D magnetic nickel‐carbon matrix nanotube composites (Ni‐HMCNTs) from a mixture of HOFs and MOFs (Ni‐HMNTs) for EMW absorption are synthesized. The Ni‐HMNTs are achieved via a one‐step method involving a single‐pot solvothermal reaction among melamine, trimeric acid, and nickel nitrate. This process involves a HOF‐to‐MOF transformation, characterized by the penetration of Ni ions into the HOF structure via a competitive coordination reaction, resulting in the hollow structure of Ni‐HMNTs. Subsequent calcination of Ni‐HMNTs yields Ni‐HMCNTs optimized for EMW absorption. Remarkably, with a filling degree of only 10 wt%, 1.2 Ni‐HMCNTs‐700 (heat‐treated at 700 °C) exhibits exceptional EMW absorption properties, with a minimum reflection loss (RLmin) value of −50.4 dB and a maximum effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) of 7.32 GHz (10.64–17.96 GHz). These findings pave the way for further exploration of magnetically modified HOFs/MOFs for EMW applications.
Concurrently Selective Electrosynthesis of Ammonia and Glycolic Acid Over Cathodic Single‐Atom Cobalt and Anodic PdNi Alloying Catalysts
Authors: Zhang Shengbo , Li Ke , Zhang Xinyuan , Ye Yixing , Shi Tongfei , Jiang Yong , Zheng Lirong , Lin Yue , Zhang Haimin
Published: December 2024

Herein, an electrocatalytic coupling system for selective ammonia and glycolic acid production over cathodic single‐atom Co (Co─N─C) and anodic PdNi alloying nanoparticles on the carbonized cellulose (PdNi/CBC), respectively are reported. As a cathodic electrocatalyst for nitrate reduction reaction (NtrRR), the Co─N─C displays remarkably high activity, delivering an NH3 yield rate of 20.5 ± 2.7 mg h−1 mgcat.−1 with a Faradaic efficiency (FE) of 95.5 ± 2.8% at −0.5 V (vs RHE). In situ spectroscopy combined with theoretical calculations unveiled the NtrRR mechanism on Co─N4 site. As an anodic electrocatalyst for ethylene glycol oxidation reaction (EGOR), the PdNi/CBC shows a high FE of 96.6 ± 1.7% for glycolic acid (GA) production at 1.6 V (vs RHE) and robust stability of 168 h. Remarkably, a proof of concept experiment of coupling electrocatalytic NtrRR with EGOR demonstrates that only an applied potential of −0.1 V (vs RHE) is required to reach a current density of 10 mA cm−2 for co‐producing ammonia and glycolic acid. As a result, the coupled NtrRR‐EGOR system can achieve an NH3 yield rate of 6.0 ± 0.6 mg h−1 mgcat.−1 and a GA yield rate of 16.8 ± 1.7 mg h−1 mgcat.−1 at −0.7 V (vs RHE).
High‐Performance Photodetectors Based on Suspended Ultralong CNTs‐MoS2 Heterojunction Networks
Authors: Wang Kangkang , Wang Fei , Cao Yang , Jiang Qinyuan , Xi Aike , Leu Khaixien , Wang Xinnong , Zang Yonglu , Liu Ruina , Zhang Rufan
Published: December 2024

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are promising candidates for photodetectors due to their excellent electrical and optical properties. However, the strong binding energy of excitons, structural defects, and short lengths of CNTs seriously limited the full utilization of the inherently extraordinary properties of CNTs in photodetector construction. Herein, a new strategy is designed for fabricating high‐performance VIS and NIR photodetectors based on suspended ultralong CNTs‐MoS2 heterojunction networks. The MoS2 layers are directly grown on suspended ultralong CNT bundles (s‐UCNTBs). The suspended and defect‐free structures of s‐UCNTBs ensure rapid heat dissipation and perfectly avoid the electron‐phonon interactions from substrates. The interfaces between s‐UCNTBs and MoS2 effectively improve the generation and transport of photogenerated carriers, thus remarkably enhancing the photodetection performance of s‐UCNTBs‐MoS2 networks. The s‐UCNTBs‐MoS2 networks‐based photodetectors exhibit a high responsivity (8.51 A W−1), a high detectivity (3.74 × 1011 cm Hz1/2 W−1), an ultrafast response speed (30 µs/40 µs for response/decay), and a broad detection range (405–1064 nm), far outperforming the most reported carbon materials‐based photodetectors. Moreover, the s‐UCNTBs‐MoS2 photodetector exhibits good structural and performance stability after being kept in ambient conditions for more than 200 days. This work provides a reliable way to construct high‐performance CNTs‐based devices via structural design.
Cellulose Derivative and Polyionic Liquid Crosslinked Network Gel Electrolytes for Sodium Metal Quasi‐Solid‐State Batteries
Authors: Zhao Shuzhi , Shen Yixing , Che Haiying , Jabeen Maher , Lu Chu , Liao Xiao‐Zhen , Ma Zi‐Feng
Published: December 2024

Sodium metal batteries have gained attention as a potential solution to the low energy densities presented by current sodium‐ion batteries. However, the commonly available electrolyte systems usually fall short in safety performance. Gel polymer electrolytes, closely resembling liquid electrolytes, offer a promising balance of performance and developmental potential. A proposed polymer plastic‐crystal ionic gel composite electrolyte, featuring a polycation auxiliary chain, innovatively copolymerizes ionic liquid cations with electrolyte additives. These auxiliary chains crosslink with the main chain, attracting anions from the ionic liquid and sodium salts. Both experimental evidence and theoretical calculations affirm that this electrolyte exhibits high cation transference numbers and significant mean square displacement radii. By facilitating uniform sodium ion migration, the electrolyte has powered sodium symmetrical cells for over 550 h and has supported stable cycling of Na3V2(PO4)3 (NVP)‐sodium metal batteries at a 1 C rate for more than 800 cycles. These achievements underscore its potential in advancing the development of condensed‐state sodium metal batteries.
3D Biofabrication of Microporous Hydrogels for Tissue Engineering
Authors: Liu Ziyang , Wu Jialin , Luo Zeyu , Hou Yingying , Xuan Leyan , Xiao Changyi , Chang Jishuo , Zhang Dongyang , Zheng Guodong , Guo Jie , Tang Guosheng , Yu Xiyong
Published: December 2024

Microporous hydrogels have been utilized in an unprecedented manner in the last few decades, combining materials science, biology, and medicine. Their microporous structure makes them suitable for wide applications, especially as cell carriers in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Microporous hydrogel scaffolds provide spatial and platform support for cell growth and proliferation, which can promote cell growth, migration, and differentiation, influencing tissue repair and regeneration. This review gives an overview of recent developments in the fabrication techniques and applications of microporous hydrogels. The fabrication of microporous hydrogels can be classified into two distinct categories: fabrication of non‐injectable microporous hydrogels including freeze‐drying microporous method, two‐phase sacrificial strategy, 3D biofabrication technology, etc., and fabrication of injectable microporous hydrogels mainly including microgel assembly. Then, the biomedical applications of microporous hydrogels in cell carriers for tissue engineering, including but not limited to bone regeneration, nerve regeneration, vascular regeneration, and muscle regeneration are emphasized. Additionally, the ongoing and foreseeable applications and current limitations of microporous hydrogels in biomedical engineering are illustrated. Through stimulating innovative ideas, the present review paves new avenues for expanding the application of microporous hydrogels in tissue engineering.
A “Janus” Zwitterionic Hydrogel Patch for Tissue Repair and Prevention of Post‐Operative Adhesions
Authors: Zhang Jing , Luo Xinxin , Liu Jiaqi , Wu Minmin , Feng Jie , Zhou Jia
Published: December 2024

Anti‐peritoneal adhesions (PA) are very important after abdominal surgery for that PA often leads to other medical problems and imposes a huge financial burden on the national healthcare system. In this work, a “Janus” zwitterionic hydrogel patch where one side can adhere firmly to the tissue, while the other side has anti‐fouling properties and has little interaction with the surrounding tissue has been developed. The “Janus” hydrogel patch is prepared by in situ formation of a bonding polymer layer poly(acrylic‐co‐N‐hydroxysuccinimide acrylate) on one side of zwitterionic hydrogel. The mechanical, swelling, adhesion, biodegradability and biocompatibility tests are performed to study the function of “Janus” hydrogel patch to prevent wound adhesion and rapid repair. It is found that the adhesive side of the hydrogel patch has stable adhesion to tissues, avoiding the slippage faced by many commercial anti‐adhesion gels in the body. The other zwitterionic side can resist proteins and fibroblasts and prevent external interactions or adhesion with other tissues. This convenient and effective method provides a new idea for the design of postoperative anti‐adhesion materials and broadens the application of hydrogels in the biomedical field.
Extended Short‐Wave Infrared Colloidal Quantum Dot Lasers with Nanosecond Excitation
Authors: Whitworth Guy L. , Roda Carmelita , Dalmases Mariona , Taghipour Nima , Dosil Miguel , Nikolaidou Katerina , Dehghanpour Hamed , Konstantatos Gerasimos
Published: December 2024

Solution‐processed gain media have great technological potential as lasers due to their ease of integration with on‐chip photonics, scalability and tuneable optoelectronic properties. Currently, the spectral coverage of solution‐processed lasers extends from visible up to telecom wavelengths in the short‐wave infrared (SWIR) (<1650 nm). Here, the optical gain in the extended SWIR from 1600 nm to 2500 nm is demonstrated, using PbSbased colloidal quantum dots (CQDs). This spectral region has many applications such as in LIDAR, biological imaging and environmental monitoring and is currently served by exotic, costly materials with limitedscalability. Using the CQDs in distributed feedback laser cavities, lasing with emission tuned between 2150 nm and 2500 nm is reported. We show that due to the increased absorption cross‐section of larger CQDs, the optical gain threshold is reduced by a factor of 36 compared to smaller‐sized CQDs, reaching an amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) threshold down to 42 µJ cm−2. Furthermore, gain and lasing under nanosecond excitation are demonstrated for the first time from PbS CQDs and use transient absorption spectroscopy data to model nanosecond gain thresholds. This paves the way for realizing compact and practical CQD infrared lasers and potentially toward electrically driven laser diodes.
A Complex Concentrated Alloy with Record‐High Strength‐Toughness at 77 K
Authors: Sohail Yasir , Zhang Chongle , Gao Shaohua , Zhang Jinyu , Song Wenli , Li Xuanzhe , Wang Bo , Li Suzhi , Xue Dezhen , Liu Gang , Maawad Emad , Gan Weimin , Ma Evan , Sun Jun
Published: December 2024

High strength and large ductility, leading to a high material toughness (area under the stress‐strain curve), are desirable for alloys used in cryogenic applications. Assisted by domain‐knowledge‐informed machine learning, here a complex concentrated Fe35Co29Ni24Al10Ta2 alloy is designed, which uses L12 coherent nanoprecipitates in a high volume fraction (≈65 ± 3 vol.%) in a face‐centered‐cubic (FCC) solid solution matrix that undergoes FCC‐to‐body‐centered‐cubic (BCC) phase transformation upon tensile straining. Unlike FCC‐to‐BCT phase transformation involving brittle carbon‐enriched martensite, the BCC martensite in this alloy does not cause brittleness at 77 K. The Fe35Co29Ni24Al10Ta2 multi‐principal element alloy achieves a high yield strength ≈1.4 GPa, a high work hardening rate >4 GPa, an ultimate tensile strength ≈2.25 GPa, and a large uniform elongation ≈45%, leading to record‐high material toughness compared with previous cryogenic alloys such as 316L series stainless steels and recent high‐entropy alloys. The nanoprecipitates with nanoscale spacing (≈7.5 nm), apart from serving as dislocation obstacles for strengthening and dislocation sources for sustainable ductility, also undergo deformation twinning. Taken together, these mechanisms are found to be highly effective in strengthening and strain hardening upon tensile straining at liquid nitrogen temperature. These findings demonstrate how to effectively integrate strengthening mechanisms to synergize superior mechanical properties in special‐purpose alloys.
Probiotics Bi‐Enzymatic Cascade Repair System for Editing the Inflammatory Microenvironment to Boost Probiotic Therapy in Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Yu Jifeng , Li Shaoyue , Xiong Bing , Shen Yuting , Guan Xin , Zhu Yuli , Fang Yan , Zhang Shen , Ding Shisi , Liu Chang , Yue Wenwen , Yin Haohao , Xu Huixiong
Published: December 2024

Inflammatory bowel disease presents significant treatment challenges owing to its complex pathology. Although probiotics have shown promise as a therapeutic option, their effectiveness is often limited by low concentrations at sites of inflammation, exacerbated by excessive reactive oxygen species and inflammatory triggers. To address this, an innovative cascade repair system is developed to enhance probiotic therapeutic impact by modulating the intestinal microenvironment. This system uses iMXene's catalytic properties to neutralize reactive oxygen species in the gut and its capacity to deliver the CRISPR/dCas9 gene editing system to activate the NLR family pyrin domain containing 12 genes, helping suppress inflammation. By promoting the colonization of Lactobacillus rhamnosus, the system inhibits inflammation pathways and supports the restoration of a balanced intestinal flora through a cascade repair mechanism. These findings demonstrate significant therapeutic benefits in experimental models, with improvements in the overall well‐being of treated mice and effective repair of intestinal inflammation damage. This pioneering approach holds promise for inflammatory bowel disease treatment and opens new avenues for managing other inflammatory conditions, offering valuable insights and guidance for future research into inflammatory diseases.
Sign‐Switchable Poisson's Ratio Design for Bimodal Strain‐to‐Electrical Signal Transducing Device
Authors: Jing Houchao , Dan Junyan , Wei Hua , Guo Tongkun , Xu Zhijun , Jiang Ying , Liu Yaqing
Published: December 2024

Stretchable electronic devices that conduct strain‐related electronic performances have drawn extensive attention, functioning as mechanical sensors, actuators, and stretchable conductors. Although strain‐insensitive or strain‐responsive nature is well‐achieved separately, it remains challenging to combine these two characteristics in one single device, which will offer versatile adaptability in various working situations. Herein, a hybrid material with sign‐switchable Poisson's ratio (SSPR) is developed by combining a phase‐change gel based reentrantreentrant honeycomb pattern and a polydimethylsiloxane film. The phase‐change gel featuring thermally‐regulated Young's modulus enables the hybrid material to switch between negative and positive Poisson's ratios. After integrating with a pre‐stretched silver nanowires film, the obtained stretchable device performs bimodal strain‐to‐electrical signal transducing (Bi‐SET) functions, in which the SSPR‐dominated strain‐resistance response switches between strain‐dependent and strain‐insensitive behaviors. As a proof of concept, a mode‐switchable grasping system is constructed using a Bi‐SET device‐based controller, enabling the adaptation of grasping behaviors to various target objects.
Preparing Smaller InP Quantum Dots by Suppressing Over‐Etch Using Core Protective Layer and Ammonium Fluoride as Alternative Etchant
Authors: Chen Hsueh‐Shih , Yeh Chang‐Wei , Lee Hsuan‐Yu , Ho Yi‐Jui
Published: December 2024

Indium phosphide (InP) is emerging as a viable and environmentally friendly alternative to toxic cadmium‐based quantum dots (QDs), especially in the fields of lighting and display. This is owing to similar material properties of InP to those of commercial Cd‐based QDs. Nonetheless, the surface quality of InP needs enhancement through a post‐treatment process to eliminate surface oxides, typically with hydrofluoric acid (HF). The challenge arises with smaller, such as green InP QDs, as HF easily over‐etch the InP cores, thus leading to an unpredictable size distribution and reduced production consistency. This research introduces a refined synthetic strategy that circumvents this over‐etching phenomenon and offers a more precise control over the etching process of smaller InP QDs. By applying an additional protective layer to the InP cores prior to etching and employing ammonium fluoride (NH4F) as an alternative to the conventional HF, the over‐etching incidence can be markedly mitigated. The results reveal that smaller InP/ZnSeS QDs with photoluminescence quantum yield (QY) >90% can be consistently produced, thereby proposing a more efficient and safer method for the fabrication of smaller InP QDs.
Trap‐Engineering the Persistent Luminescence of Ca3Ga4O9:Tb3+ via Al3+ Substitution for Optical Data Storage
Authors: Abeywickrama Thulitha M. , Guo Angela , Mao Yuanbing
Published: December 2024

Optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) materials hold great potential for optical data storage (ODS) and anticounterfeiting applications. Nevertheless, the scarcity of suitable luminescent materials with deep‐level traps remains a significant obstacle. Herein, a host substation strategy have been employed to tune the persistent luminescence (PersL) and OSL properties of Ca3Ga4O9:Tb3+ by Al3+ substitution through trap engineering and demonstrated their potential. Specifically, the photoluminescence of the Ca2.985(Ga1‐y%Aly%)4O9:0.5%Tb3+ of Tb3+ is first investigated due to its different occupancies of Ca2+. The influence of host substitution on the crystal structure, trap depth, trap density, PersL, and OSL properties have further investigated. A series of strong PersL and OSL peaks from the Ca2.985(Ga1‐y%Aly%)4O9:0.5%Tb3+ with bluish‐green emissions have been observed. The Ca2.985(Ga1‐y%Aly%)4O9:0.5%Tb3+ have shown controllable photon release upon thermal and optical stimuli, enhancing their performance for ODS. Thermally stimulated luminescence suggests that vacancy and defect concentrations inside the Ca3‐x%(Ga1‐y%Aly%)4O9:x%Tb3+ can be manipulated by Tb3+ doping and Al3+ substitution, which ultimately leads to the formation of deep traps and a broad distribution of traps with increased deep trap concentration. The work demonstrates that trap engineering through Al3⁺ substitution is an effective method for tuning PersL and OSL properties of Ca2.985(Ga1‐y%Aly%)4O9:0.5%Tb3+ for ODS.