bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Detailed Insight into the Effects of Morphologies of Cerium Oxide on Fenton‐like Reactions for Different Applications
Authors: Ding Meijuan , Jia Dexin , Yang Min , Yu Yan , Lin Guochang , Zhang Xuelin
Published: August 2023

As an exceptional Fenton‐like reagent, cerium oxide (CeO2) finds applications in biomedical science and organic pollutants treatment. The Fenton‐like reaction catalyzed by CeO2 typically encompasses two distinct processes: one resembling the classical Fenton reaction, wherein cerium (Ce3+) triggers the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to yield reactive oxygen species (ROS), and the other involves the complexation of H2O2 on the Ce3+ surface, leading to the formation of peroxides. However, the influence of diverse CeO2 morphologies on these two reaction pathways has not been comprehensively explored. In this study, CeO2 exhibiting three typical morphologies, rods, cubes, and spheres, were prepared. The generation of ROS and peroxides was evaluated using the 3,3,5,5‐tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) oxidation reaction and the reduction current of H2O2, respectively. Moreover, the impacts of pH variations and CeO2/H2O2 concentrations on the production and conversion of these two reaction products were investigated. To corroborate the distinctions between the resultant products and their applicability, apoptosis assays and acid orange 7 (AO7) degradation analyses were performed. Notably, CeO2 rods exhibited the highest proportion of Ce3+, predominantly engaging in complexation with H2O2 to foster peroxide formation, thereby facilitating the robust degradation of AO7. However, the generated peroxides appeared to occupy Ce3+ sites, thereby impeding the H2O2 decomposition process. Conversely, Ce3+ species on the surface of CeO2 cubes were primarily involved in H2O2 decomposition, leading to heightened ROS production, and thus showcasing substantial potential for damaging A549 tumor cells. It is worth noting that the ability of these Ce3+ species to form peroxides through complexation with H2O2 was comparatively reduced. In summation, this study sheds light on the intricate interplay between distinct CeO2 morphologies and their divergent impacts on Fenton‐like reactions. These findings expand our comprehension of the influences on its reactivity of CeO2 morphologies and open new insights for applications in diverse domains, from organic dye degradation to tumor therapy.
Chemical Tailoring Assisted non‐TADF to TADF Switching in Carbazole‐Benzophenone Emitter – An In‐silico Investigation
Authors: Nair Aparna G. , Das Arathi , Chathoth Nayana Edavan , Pratim Sarmah Manash , Anjukandi Padmesh
Published: August 2023

Organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) have become one of the most popular lighting technologies since they offer several advantages over conventional devices. In carbazole‐benzophenone (CzBP) OLED devices, the polymeric form of the compound is previously reported to be Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence (TADF)‐active (ΔEST ≈0.12 eV), while the monomer (CzBP) (ΔEST≈0.39 eV) does not. The present study examines the effect of chemical tailoring on the optical and photophysical properties of CzBP using DFT and TDDFT methods. The introduction of a single −NO2 group or di‐substitution (−NO2, −COOH or −CN) in the selected LUMO region of the reference CzBP monomer significantly reduces ΔEST≈0.01 eV, projecting these systems as potential TADF‐active emitters. Furthermore, the chemical modification of CzBP‐LUMO alters the two‐step TADF mechanism (T1→T2→S1) in CzBP (ES₁>ET2>ET₁) to the Direct Singlet Harvesting (T1→S1) mechanism (ET2>ES₁>ET₁), which has recently been identified in the fourth‐generation OLED materials.
Bromine Adsorption and Thermal Stability on Rh(111): A Combined XPS, LEED and DFT Study
Authors: Freiberger Eva Marie , Steffen Julien , Waleska‐Wellnhofer Natalie J. , Harrer Anton , Hemauer Felix , Schwaab Valentin , Görling Andreas , Steinrück Hans‐Peter , Papp Christian
Published: August 2023

This study addresses a fundamental question in surface science: the adsorption of halogens on metal surfaces. Using synchrotron radiation‐based high‐resolution X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), temperature‐programmed XPS, low‐energy electron diffraction (LEED) and density functional theory (DFT) calculations, we investigated the adsorption and thermal stability of bromine on Rh(111) in detail. The adsorption of elemental bromine on Rh(111) at 170 K was followed in situ by XPS in the Br 3d region, revealing two individual, coverage‐dependent species, which we assign to fcc hollow‐ and bridge‐bound atomic bromine. In addition, we find a significant shift in binding energy upon increasing coverage due to adsorbate‐adsorbate interactions. Subsequent heating shows a high thermal stability of bromine on Rh(111) up to above 1000 K, indicating strong covalent bonding. To complement the XPS data, LEED was used to study the long‐range order of bromine on Rh(111): we observe a (√3×√3)R30° structure for low coverages (≤0.33 ML) and a star‐shaped compression structure for higher coverages (0.33–0.43 ML). Combining LEED and DFT calculations, we were able to visualize bromine adsorption on Rh(111) in real space for varying coverages.
A transformer‐less boost DC‐DC converter with high gain and continuous input current for fuel cell vehicle
Authors: Hu Xuefeng , Xu Zijun , Wang Lin , Dong Songsheng , Chen Jiawei
Published: August 2023

At present, the implementation of fuel cell power generation system in electric vehicles has been widely concerned. But the voltage produced by fuel cells is generally relatively low and cannot be supplied directly to the load or grid. To raise its output voltage, a new single‐switch dc‐dc boost topology is put forward in this article. That converter has some characteristics as below: (1) The common ground structure availably avoids electromagnetic interference and improves the reliability of the system. (2) All power semiconductor devices withstand inferior to half the output voltage. (3) The input current avoids pulsation and small number of switching devices that greatly prolong the service life of the fuel cell. The circuit working principle, steady‐state performance, the design of device parameters, and comparison with similar boost topologies are researched. Finally, a 100‐W experimental platform is set up to validate the above features and guarantee the infallibility of theoretical research.
Tumour‐associated macrophages in gastric cancer: From function and mechanism to application
Authors: Li Jie , Sun Juan , Zeng Ziyang , Liu Zhen , Ma Mingwei , Zheng Zicheng , He Yixuan , Kang Weiming
Published: August 2023

Background

Gastric cancer (GC) is a malignant tumour, with high morbidity and mortality rates worldwide. The occurrence and development of GC is a complex process involving genetic changes in tumour cells and the influence of the surrounding tumour microenvironment (TME). Accumulative evidence shows that tumour‐associated macrophages (TAMs) play a vital role in GC, acting as plentiful and active infiltrating inflammatory cells in the TME.

Main body

In this review, the different functions and mechanisms of TAMs in GC progression, including the conversion of phenotypic subtypes; promotion of tumour proliferation, invasion and migration; induction of chemoresistance; promotion of angiogenesis; modulation of immunosuppression; reprogramming of metabolism; and interaction with the microbial community are summarised. Although the role of TAMs in GC remains controversial in clinical settings, clarifying their significance in the treatment selection and prognostic prediction of GC could support optimising TAM‐centred clinicaltherapy.

Conclusion

In summary, we reviewed the the phenotypic polarisation, function and molecular mechanism of TAMs and their potential applications in the treatment selection and prognostic prediction of GC.
Cyclometallated Platinum(II) Complexes Featuring an Unusual, C^N‐Coordinating Pyridyl‐pyridylidene Ligand and L X Coligands: Synthesis, Structures and Dual Luminescence Behavior
Authors: Montagu Julien , Gontard Geoffrey , Williams J. A. Gareth , Moussa Jamal
Published: August 2023

Thanks to an unusual protodemethylation reaction, a series of luminescent cyclometallated platinum(II) complexes can be prepared, which incorporate a rare NC‐chelating, pyridyl‐pyridylidene ligand, in combination with OO‐coordinating acetylacetonate (acac) or NO‐coordinating 2‐picolinate (pic) or 8‐hydroxyquinolate.  The acac and pic complexes show unusual dual emission in a frozen glass.

A series of cyclometallated platinum(II) complexes incorporating a rare, N^C‐chelating, pyridyl‐pyridylidene ligand are described, in which the coordination sphere is completed by two chlorides or an L X co‐ligand, namely O O‐coordinating acetylacetonate (acac), or N^O‐coordinating 2‐picolinate (pic) or 8‐hydroxyquinolinate. The acac and pic complexes have been structurally characterized in the solid state by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. These two complexes display red phosphorescence in the solid state at room temperature. In a frozen glass at 77 K, all four complexes show two broad emission bands that span much of the visible spectrum, apparently from two unequilibrated excited states.
Catalyst‐Free Regioselective C3−H Benzoxylation of 1H‐Indoles with Benzoyl Peroxide
Authors: Pilli Navyasree , Karu Sudheer Kumar , Malapaka Chandrasekharam
Published: August 2023

An efficient catalyst‐free C−O bond formation reaction for the synthesis of 1H‐indol‐3‐yl benzoates was developed through C(sp2)−H functionalization of 1H‐indoles with benzoyl peroxide (BPO) in acetonitrile at room temperature under open flask conditions. The reaction proceeds without exclusion of air or moisture and is applied to a wide array of electronically differentiated indoles as well as BPOs. C3 benzoxylation of indoles was achieved with excellent regioselectivity under mild and easy to operate conditions. The reaction is scalable to one gram level.
An Antimicrobial, Environmental Protection, and High‐Efficiency Solar Steam Generator Based on Carbonized Sawdust
Authors: Wang Fei , Zhang Yuliang , Xie Longjie , Wang Jie , Qin Ying , Shu Ting , Cong Mengyang , Lei Yanhua , Dong Lihua
Published: August 2023

Solar‐powered desalination technology offers a promising solution to the global scarcity of freshwater resources. Recently, researchers have become interested in solar‐powered steam generators utilizing biomass materials. Herein, wood waste (sawdust) is recycled and subjected to high‐temperature treatment to obtain carbonized sawdust (CSd), which is sprayed onto the surface of a sponge to assemble a sponge‐based light absorber. The impact of sawdust carbonization temperature on water evaporation performance is examined, and it is found that a sponge‐based light absorber with a sawdust carbonization temperature of 600 °C exhibits a photothermal conversion efficiency of 87.7% while maintaining low‐energy consumption. Incorporating metal Ag into the light absorber improves water evaporation performance (photothermal conversion efficiency of 92.3%) and provides antibacterial properties. This photothermal evaporator maintains 89% photothermal conversion efficiency after 24 h of operation under 1 sun irradiation in 3.5 wt% NaCl solution. The antibacterial, efficient solar steam generator is expected for practical seawater desalination.
Fabrication processes for all‐inorganic CsPbBr3 perovskite solar cells
Authors: Park Jin Ho , Yoon Young Seon , Kim Jin Young
Published: August 2023

All‐inorganic perovskite solar cells have shown great potential owing to their superior stability against thermal stress and moisture compared to organic–inorganic perovskite solar cells. However, there are some remaining issues in the all‐inorganic perovskite solar cell fabrication process, such as the low solubility of the perovskite precursors and the occurrence of the secondary phases. In this review, we focus on all‐inorganic CsPbBr3 perovskite solar cells and categorize them based on their fabrication process. Various processes and strategies that have been developed to solve the aforementioned issues including the general process of multistep spin coating are thoroughly investigated. Finally, a summary of the various processes for the all‐inorganic CsPbBr3 perovskite solar cells and an outlook for the development of highly efficient all‐inorganic perovskite solar cells are proposed.

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Transcriptomics and metabolomic profiling identify molecular mechanism for Aspergillus flavus infection in grain
Authors: Ding Chao , Tian Tian , Liu Qiang , Zhao Siqi , Tao Tingting , Wu Haijing , Guo Liping
Published: August 2023

Aspergillus flavus is a ubiquitous saprophyte and opportunistic fungal pathogen with worldwide distribution, which causes diseases commonly in agricultural commodities and seriously threatens food security and human health. In this study, we try to reveal the mechanisms of A. flavus infection in grain from the perspective of apparent changes in physicochemical properties, microscopic structure, and ultrastructural changes at transcriptome–metabolomics levels. The results showed that the A. flavus infection included the preinfection (1–3 days) and postinfection period (4–7 days). The downregulated expression of creA promoted the cellulase expression and initiated infection. The metabolite oleic acid promoted infection as a nutrient carbon source and energy source. Then the entry of acetate units into the aflatoxin synthesis pathway was inhibited, whereas aflH, hypD, and hypB were significantly upregulated (p < .05) to stimulate the aflatoxin synthesis to complete the infection on the surface. During the postinfection period, the upregulation of aflS and other toxin‐producing regulatory genes accelerated aflatoxin synthesis and completed the internal infection. At the same time, the upregulation of vitamin B6 and allysine involved in amino acid metabolism, and galactose 1‐phosphate involved in energy metabolism ensured the production of acetyl‐CoA and the energy supply for A. flavus infection. The research findings highlight the underlying mechanisms of A. flavus infection at the transcriptome–metabolomics levels, which is important for developing effective strategies to prevent postharvest contamination.
Hesperidin reduces serum levels of triglyceride after coronary artery bypass graft surgery
Authors: Booyani Zahra , Aryaeian Naheed , Omidi Negar , Khorasanian Atie Sadat , Hoseini Agha Fatemeh , Nejatian Mostafa , Jazayeri Shima , Morvaridi Mehrnaz
Published: August 2023

Hesperidin, as an antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory agent, has beneficial effects on cardiovascular diseases. This study aimed to determine the effects of hesperidin supplementation on inflammation, oxidative stress, and lipid profile in depressed coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) patients. Eighty patients after coronary artery bypass graft surgery participated in this clinical trial and were randomly divided into two groups. The intervention group received 200 mg/d pure hesperidin supplement and the second group received placebo for 12 weeks. Both groups continued their usual diet. Serum concentrations of inflammatory and stress oxidative markers (hs‐CRP, P‐selectin, and ox‐LDL) were measured and compared at baseline and the end of the intervention. The changes in serum levels of triglyceride were significantly different between the two groups (p < .05). HDL‐c significantly increased in groups but the differences between the two groups were not statistically significant (p > .05). Hesperidin did not affect FBS, other lipid parameters, hs‐CRP, P‐selectin, and OX‐LDL (p > .05). SBP and DBP differences were not statistically significant (p > .05). After 12 weeks of intervention, hesperidin reduced serum levels of triglyceride in depressed post‐CABG patients.
Healthcare experience affects pain‐specific responses to others' suffering in the anterior insula
Authors: Corradi‐Dell'Acqua Corrado , Hofstetter Christoph , Sharvit Gil , Hugli Olivier , Vuilleumier Patrik
Published: August 2023

Medical students and professional healthcare providers often underestimate patients' pain, together with decreased neural responses to pain information in the anterior insula (AI), a brain region implicated in self‐pain processing and negative affect. However, the functional significance and specificity of these neural changes remains debated. Across two experiments, we recruited university medical students and emergency nurses to test the role of healthcare experience on the brain reactivity to other's pain, emotions, and beliefs, using both pictorial and verbal cues. Brain responses to self‐pain was also assessed and compared with those to observed pain. Our results confirmed that healthcare experience decreased the activity in AI in response to others' suffering. This effect was independent from stimulus modality (pictures or texts), but specific for pain, as it did not generalize to inferences about other mental or affective states. Furthermore, representational similarity and multivariate pattern analysis revealed that healthcare experience impacted specifically a component of the neural representation of others' pain that is shared with that of first‐hand nociception, and related more to AI than to other pain‐responsive regions. Taken together, our study suggests a decreased propensity to appraise others' suffering as one's own, associated with a reduced recruitment of pain‐specific information in AI. These findings provide new insights into neural mechanisms leading to pain underestimation by caregivers in clinical settings.
Increasing connectivity: Using operator event sequence diagrams to assess the integration of new technology within the flight deck
Authors: Banks Victoria A. , Griffin Thomas G. C. , Parnell Katie J. , Plant Katherine L. , Wynne Rachael A. , Stanton Neville A.
Published: August 2023

Growing interest in “connected services” is set to revolutionize the design of future transport systems. In aviation, connected portable Electronic Flight Bags (EFBs) would enable some of the traditional and more arduous preflight activities (e.g., route planning) to be conducted away from the flight deck. While this offers the opportunity to improve efficiency, any potential changes to the performance of the system need to be considered alongside the possible negative outcomes. The impact of EFBs on flight operations is assessed using Operator Event Sequence Diagrams (OESDs), which allow the operator interactions with technological systems to be mapped across different scenarios. This paper presents two OESDs: one focusing on current practise and one representing a “future” scenario whereby connected EFBs are commonplace. Our analysis predicts a 44% reduction in flight‐crew operational loading due to increased connectivity in the flight deck. Not only does the analysis highlight the reduction in operations but it also presents the utility of OESDs in the development of the connected EFBs of the future as well as their broader use in understanding the impact of new technologies on performance.
Evaluation of recharge estimation methods applied to fissure and karst aquifers of the Lagoa Santa Karst Environmental Protection Area, Brazil
Authors: Teixeira Gabriela Meira , de Paula Rodrigo Sérgio , Velasquez Leila Nunes Menegasse , Andrade Isabella Brito , Neto Wallace Maciel Pacheco
Published: August 2023

The Lagoa Santa Karst Environmental Protection Area is known worldwide as the place where the oldest human fossil in the Americas was found. Beyond its archaeological richness is speleological, faunistic and floristic richness across this remarkable karstic landscape. It is also a region with important aquifers for public and private water supply. Located in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, despite its environmental relevance, the area is characterized by increased anthropic environmental impacts. Regarding the relationship between surface water and groundwater, in order to investigate the annual input of water into the aquifers, this study aimed to estimate the annual recharge rate in the hydrological years 2017 to 2021 using three methods: the recession curve displacement method of Rorabaugh (International Association of Scientific Hydrology, 1964, 63:432–441), the recursive digital filter method by Lyne and Hollick (Institute of Engineers Australia National Conference, 1979, pp. 89–93), and the method based on water‐table fluctuation in tubular wells proposed by Healy and Cook (Hydrogeology Journal, 2002, 10(1):91–109). The average percentage of rainfall that is recharged into the aquifer, considering the overall period studied from 2017 to 2021, found with the three methods was 13%, 9% and 9%, respectively, which indicates that recharge rates within the study area are low and that higher values are observed within karst basins in comparison with basins located in pelitic zones. Overall, the methods yielded coherent values among each other and were compared with previous studies in the area. In relation to the automatized recursive digital filter method, the automatized recession curve displacement method was more adherent because it considers daily streamflow measurements. The WTF method was handy for the local recharge rate analysis and enabled an evaluation of recharge rates in each aquifer unit. Despite the similarity of the values obtained in the methods, they are likely underestimated due to the high pumping rates of groundwater. Furthermore, it is recommended to deepen the correlation between lithotype, karst geomorphology, and its dissolution processes to improve the understanding of recharge processes.
Life satisfaction trajectories among junior high school students in China: The role of parent–child communication
Authors: Wang Yulong , Luo Yi , Zhao Jingfei
Published: August 2023

A 3‐year follow‐up test (from grades 7 to 9) was administered to 807 junior high school students from two regions in Hunan Province, China, using multilevel analysis to examine trends in junior high school students' life satisfaction, differences by gender and location of life and the effects of father–child/mother–child communication on the development of life satisfaction. The results showed that (1) Chinese junior high school students' life satisfaction showed a decreasing trend from the seventh grade to the ninth grade, and there was a significant decreasing process in the eighth grade; (2) father–child communication and mother–child communication had a significant positive predictive effect on Chinese junior high school students' life satisfaction and (3) father–child communication and mother–child communication had a significant negative predictive effect on the decreasing trend of life satisfaction, in which the effect of mother–child communication was particularly significant.
Planning for ecosystem services compensation in the central highlands of Ethiopia
Authors: Admasu Simeneh , Yeshitela Kumelachew , Argaw Mekuria
Published: August 2023

The rapid deterioration of the upper Akaki catchment natural environment has led to an increasing impact not only on the watershed ecosystem but also the livelihood and the general well-being of the local community. As a result, the water supply is becoming a problem for Addis Ababa and its surrounding residents. This may lead to a greater willingness to pay and cooperate in initiatives to protect the watersheds. Therefore, a market-based instrument and participatory arrangements are critical for resolving socioecological problems. This research aimed to demonstrate a need for an incentive-based watershed conservation approach that can be used to support nature conservation through long-term financial investments in the central watersheds and elsewhere. To support the market-based intervention, sealable ecosystem services and cost–benefit analysis, as well as relevant stakeholders, institutions, and legal frameworks, were assessed. The prime factors for designing market-based approaches to halt biodiversity loss and reversing ecological processes are discussed. A domestic water tariff increase of ETB 1 per m3 (US$ 0.08) could raise approximately US$ 3.24 million annually for watershed management, which could compensate smallholder farmers' annual opportunity costs for crop and livestock forage loss. Furthermore, the practice could help to abate biodiversity loss, improve the local economy, and accelerate the implementation of global biodiversity targets. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;20:965–974. © 2023 SETAC

Key Points

The rapid deterioration of watersheds is impacting the ecosystem and the well-being of people. Water supply issues prompt collaboration on a watershed protection program. Raising financial resources could compensate farmers. Watershed management accelerates meeting biodiversity targets.
Do Consumers Support Beginning and Female Farmers?
Authors: Zhao Shuoli , Segovia Michelle S. , Palma Marco A. , Nayga Rodolfo M. , Rainey Ronald L.
Published: August 2023

Beginning and female farmers are crucial for the succession of the next generation of farming. Despite policy interventions to provide access to credit, land, and capital, little is known about whether the end‐market consumers support the business ventures of beginning farmers and their products. Using an incentivized online experiment, this study assesses consumers' willingness to support beginning and female farmers in direct monetary donations, real effort volunteerism support, and willingness‐to‐pay for products. The results show that consumers, in general, do not differentiate their support for beginning farmers relative to generic farmers except in the case of voluntary effort exertion.
The efficacy of antibiotic‐eluting material in a two‐stage model of periprosthetic joint infection
Authors: Fan Yingfang , McCanne Madeline , Yuh Jean , Lekkala1 Sashank , Leape Charlotte P. , Hugard Shannon , Thomson Andrew , Collins Jamie E. , Muratoglu Orhun K. , Randolph Mark , Oral Ebru
Published: August 2023

Periprosthetic joint infections occur in about 2% of patients who undergo primary total joint arthroplasty, a procedure performed over 1 million times in the United States. The gold standard of treatment is a two‐stage revision. This study aimed to establish a two‐stage procedure in a preclinical small animal model (rat) to test and compare the efficacy of an antibiotic‐eluting material in managing infection. Joint replacement was simulated by transchondylarly implanting a polyethylene (PE) plug into the distal femur and a titanium screw in the proximal tibia. Methicillin‐sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) 108 CFU/mL was injected into the tibial canal and the joint space before wound closure. The control groups were killed on postoperative day (POD) 18 (n = 12) and on POD 42 (n = 4) to assess both early and later‐stage outcomes in the control group. The test group underwent revision surgery on POD 18 for treatment using gentamicin‐eluting polyethylene (GPE, n = 4) and was observed until POD 42 to evaluate the efficacy of treatment. Our results showed that the bone loss for the treatment group receiving GPE was significantly less than that of the control (p < 0.05), which was supported by the histology images and an AI‐tool assisted infection rate evaluation. Gait metrics duty factor imbalance and hindlimb temporal symmetry were significantly different between the treatment and control groups on Day 42. This animal model was feasible for evaluating treatments for peri‐prosthetic joint infections (PJI) with a revision surgery and specifically that revision surgery and local antibiotic treatment largely hindered the peri‐prosthetic bone loss. Statement of clinical significance: This revision model of peri‐prosthetic infection has the potential of comparatively evaluating prophylaxis and treatment strategies and devices. Antibiotic‐eluting UHMWPE is devised as at tool in treating PJI while providing weight bearing and joint space preservation.
Racial Disparities in 30‐day Readmissions after Surgery for Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Huang Alice E , Shih Jonathan J. , Sunwoo John B. , Pollom Erqi , Taparra Kekoa
Published: August 2023

Background

Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders (NHPI) patients with head and neck cancer are often aggregated with Asian individuals despite evidence of heterogeneous health outcomes and mortality. The aim of this study was to determine the association of race with unplanned 30‐day hospital readmission rate after head and neck surgery across the five federally recognized racial categories.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study used a national hospital‐based database and included patients ≥18 years old with diagnostically confirmed, nonmetastatic head and neck cancer of any subsite treated surgically between 2004 and 2017. The primary endpoint was unplanned readmission within 30 days of discharge after primary surgery.

Results

A total of 365,834 patients were included who were predominantly White (87%), treated at academic cancer centers (47%), lower income (63%), with early‐stage disease (60%), and with thyroid (47%) or oral cavity (23%) cancers. Median follow‐up duration was 47 months. Of the 10,717 (3%) readmissions, 5,845 (1.6%) were unplanned. Adjusted for confounders and compared with White patients, NHPI patients had the highest likelihood of unplanned (aOR 2.07, 95%CI 1.16–3.40, p = 0.008) readmissions. Within the NHPI group, patients with lower income (aOR 4.27, 95%CI 1.28–20.4, p = 0.035) and those residing in an urban or rural area (aOR 7.42, 95%CI 1.14–49.5, p = 0.034) were more likely to be readmitted.

Conclusions

NHPI patients with head and neck cancers experience significantly higher 30‐day readmissions following definitive surgical treatment. These results highlight the importance of racial disaggregation in clinical studies.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 134:1282–1287, 2024
A new representation and shape‐preserving properties of perturbed Bernstein operators
Authors: Acu Ana‐Maria , Mutlu Gökhan , Çekim Bayram , Yazıcı Serdal
Published: August 2023

We introduce a new representation of recently introduced perturbed Bernstein operators
in terms of classical Bernstein operators. Using this new representation, we investigate the shape‐preserving properties of the operator
. In particular, we prove that perturbed Bernstein operators preserve monotonicity and convexity of functions for certain cases. On the other hand, we demonstrate with some counterexamples that monotonicity and convexity preserving properties fail in other cases. Moreover, we present some weaker results in these cases.
pH‐responsive polymers for drug delivery: Trends and opportunities
Authors: Singh Jagtar , Nayak Pallavi
Published: August 2023

Polymer science has applications in biomedical engineering, prosthetics, surgical implants, and prospective pharmaceutical excipients for drug delivery. “Intelligent or Smart Polymers” are created for drug targeting either by derivatization of natural polymers or controlled radical polymerization of electrolytes. Their mode of action is governed by the environmental stimuli viz. temperature, pH, ionic concentration, magnetism, and so on. pH‐responsive polymers, because of their self‐assembling behavior, alter their solubility, conformation, surface activity, and hydrophilicity when exposed to a specific pH. The physiological pH varies from acidic nuclei to alkaline cytoplasm and highly acidic gastric juice to slightly alkaline plasma; thus, various polymers are under study for delivering small molecules, genes, peptides, enzymes, growth factors, and antibodies. The non‐invasive drug delivery routes like oral, ocular, nasal, pulmonary, transdermal, and rectal routes can be explored for targeting recombinant proteins, monoclonal antibodies, and small molecules with particular emphasis on the individual's physiological and pathological state. Further, these polymers can be designed into various architectures like dendrimers, liposomes, micelles, and metallic nanoparticles that can serve as drug reservoirs for sustaining drug release. The challenges in this field are the selection of biocompatible polymers with ease of synthesis and scale‐up, ensuring effective drug‐loading, and stability aspects, producing robust pharmacological data, and timely regulatory approvals. This review exclusively explores the physicochemical characteristics of pH‐responsive polymers, their categorization, various architectural entities, recent studies and patents, and their emerging applications concerning specific diseases.
Solid propellants: A first‐principles study of nitrous oxide generation from A3
Authors: Shen Lan , Yao Zihao , Deng Shengwei , Wang Shibin , Mao Chengli , Wang Jian‐Guo
Published: August 2023

Density functional theory (DFT) is used to calculate and study the reaction mechanism of the four equations of nitrous oxide generation from plasticizer A3 (BDNPF: BDNPA=1 : 1). The optimal pathway is found for each equation, and finally, an optimal total pathway is found. At the same time, HONO is generated from A3 degradation. The stability is evaluated through ab‐initio molecular dynamics simulation (AIMD), and the electronic structure is analyzed to determine the active sites. The decomposition of A3 accelerates the aging of solid rocket propellant. Therefore, the mechanism of nitrous oxide generation from A3 can be revealed through various theoretical methods, which is of great significance for the subsequent slowing down of the aging of solid propellant.
APTMS‐Modified Silica as a Thin‐Film Nanocomposite Forward Osmosis Membranes: Towards Enhanced Selectivity and Dye Rejection Stability for Congo Red and Rhodamine B
Authors: Xu Yang , Zhu Yingying , Zhou Yifan , Zhu Jinyuan , Li Chaoran , Chen Geng
Published: August 2023

Fumed silica (SiO2) is often applied in the modification of thin‐film composite (TFC) forward osmosis (FO) membranes due to its hydrophilicity. However, a key challenge to be solved is to improve its compatibility with organic matrices and dispersion in the material. In this study, we synthesized well‐designed nanoparticles of (3‐aminopropyl)trimethoxysilane‐modified SiO2 (APTMS‐SiO2) and applied them for the first time in the preparation of FO membranes. Furthermore, we systematically investigated the effects of different pretreated SiO2, SiO2 dosages, draw solution types, and concentrations on FO membranes. The results showed that APTMS‐SiO2 thin‐film nanocomposite with a silica dosage of 0.1 wt.% has the highest water permeate flux (Jw) (26.25 LMH, 370.43 % higher than the control TFC of 5.58 LMH) and the minimum specific reverse solute flux (SRSF) of 0.17 g/L with 1 M NaCl as the draw. The incorporation of APTMS effectively prevented mutual agglomeration of SiO2 and improved its dispersion. The Jw of 13.36 LMH after seven cycles and the rejection of above 96.6 % for Congo Red and 95.8 % for Rhodamine B indicated potential reusability and dye rejection. This work presents an alternative approach to prepare FO membranes with enhanced water flux and increased selectivity, and it also offers insights for the treatment of printing and dyeing wastewater using FO.
Synthesis of Modified River Clay Catalyst for Valuable BTE Production via Catalytic Pyrolysis of Hazardous Plastic Waste
Authors: Verma Anjali , Pramanik Hiralal
Published: August 2023

In the present study, silica‐alumina rich river clay calcined at different temperatures are used as low cost natural green catalyst for the production of valuable aromatics benzene, toluene and ethylbenzene (BTE) via multiphase/Mp‐type catalytic pyrolysis of waste expanded polystyrene (WEPS). The calcined river clay catalysts are designated as RHC‐600, RHC‐700, RHC‐800 and RHC‐900 after calcination at the temperature of 600 °C, 700 °C, 800 °C, and 900 °C, respectively. Whereas, the natural river harvested clay is designated as RHC. The RHC‐800 catalyst is found to be the best catalyst for the WEPS pyrolysis due to its highest surface area of 18.83 m2/g and high silica to alumina (Si/Al) ratio of 2.23 among all other river harvested clay catalysts. The styrene content get reduced from 84.74 wt.% to 65.30 wt.% and BTE content increased from 11.38 wt.% to 23.51 wt.% when the process is switched over from thermal to Mp‐type catalytic pyrolysis using RHC‐800 catalyst. The promising results of RHC‐800 indicate that it can be an alternative to commercial catalyst for pyrolysis applications.
Highly Stretchable and Highly Conductive Organic Transparent Conductors Based on Aqueous‐Processable Conducting Polymer/Ionic Liquid Composites
Authors: Kee Seyoung
Published: August 2023

Deformable (semi)conducting polymers have attracted great attention for realizing next‐generation wearable and stretchable electronics. A conductive π‐conjugated polymer, poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) : poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT : PSS) is considered as a key component based on the promising electrical characteristics and aqueous processability. However, the general trade‐off relationship between electrical and mechanical performance in PEDOT : PSS is a crucial issue for its practical application as a stretchable conductor. Herein, a simultaneous improvement in electrical conductivity and mechanical stretchability was achieved from PEDOT : PSS by introducing a water‐soluble ionic liquid, 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium dicyanoimidazolate (EMIM : DCIM). The electromechanical improvement is closely related with the EMIM : DCIM contents, in which EMIM : DCIM not only causes a morphological transition but also acts as a plasticizing agent. As a result, highly stretchable and highly conductive PEDOT : PSS/EMIM : DCIM composites were obtained with an initial electrical conductivity of ≈550 S cm−1 and maximum strain of 70 % while maintaining the initial electrical properties. Finally, a potential application of PEDOT : PSS/EMIM : DCIM as a stretchable transparent conductor was successfully demonstrated with given high visible transparency and eco‐friendly processability.
Vitex Agnus‐Castus L. Nanoparticles: Preparation, Characterization and Assessment of Antimicrobial and Anticancer Activity
Authors: Ekici Seda , Bozkaya Esra , Bozkaya Ogun , Cerci Nebahat Aytuna , Aluc Yasar , Ekici Husamettin
Published: August 2023

This study was aimed to synthesise antimicrobial and therapeutic silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) by green synthesis method using Vitex agnus‐castus L. (VAC) seed extract. The synthesised VAC seed extract coated AgNPs were characterised by UV‐Vis spectrometry, Zeta analysis and FT‐IR spectrometry. The antifungal, antimicrobial, cytotoxicity by MTT assay, and anticarcinogenic activities on HeLa cells line were investigated. VAC‐AgNPs exhibited high antimicrobial activity against S. aureus with a zone diameter of 11.3±0.6 mm. In addition, the cytotoxicity of VAC‐AgNPs was evaluated using the L929 fibroblast cell line and the HeLa cells line, with AgNPs applied at six different concentrations. At a concentration of 5.0 mM, viability was found to be 47.6 %±4.2 % in L929 fibroblast cells and 39.6 %±7.9 % in HeLa cells, suggesting a potential antiproliferative effect of VAC‐AgNPs on HeLa cancer cells. The IC50 values of VAC‐AgNPs against the HeLa cell line were calculated as 2.94 μg/ml.
Nanocomposite of Electrochemically Reduced Graphene Oxide and Poly (p‐aminobenzenesulfonic acid) Incorporated with Ni (II) Ions as an Electrocatalyst for the Oxidation of Methanol
Authors: Habibi Biuck , Farhadi Khalil , Minaie Elnaz
Published: August 2023

A new nanocomposite containing Ni(II) ions, electrochemically reduced graphene oxide (ERGO) and poly (p‐aminobenzenesulfonic acid) (Pp‐ABSA) on pencil graphite electrode (PGE) was prepared using electrochemical deposition coupled with self‐assembly accumulation method and characterized with different techniques. The electrochemical behavior and electrocatalytic activity of modified PGEs were investigated. The Ni/Pp‐ABSA/ERGO/PGE showed a unique electrocatalytic oxidation through an Electrochemical‐Chemical (EC’) pathway for methanol in alkaline media (Jpf=7.04 mA cm−2 and Eonest=0.38 V) compared to Ni/PGE, Ni/Pp‐ABSA/PGE and Ni/ERGO/PGE. The obtained results showed that the self‐assembled incorporation of Ni(II) ions in Pp‐ABSA/ERGO film prepared on PGE surface produced a stable modifier with high electrocatalytic activity towards methanol oxidation. In conclusion, the introduced method for the preparation of Pp‐ABSA/ERGO‐based nanocomposites can open a new, cheap and simple way to design a high‐performance electrocatalyst for direct methanol fuel cell systems.
Recent Progress in Design Strategy of Anode for Seawater Electrolysis
Authors: Guo Peifang , Liu Da , Wu Renbing
Published: August 2023

Direct electrolysis of inexhaustible seawater to generate green hydrogen represents a more environment‐friendly technology relative to freshwater electrolysis. However, current seawater splitting suffers from a low catalytic efficiency and poor operation stability caused by anodic competition between the oxygen evolution reaction and the chlorine oxidation reaction as well as the severe chloride corrosion. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the latest achievements in promoting the selectivity and stability in seawater electrolysis. Beginning with the fundamentals of the anode reactions during seawater splitting, various strategies to design advanced anodic electrocatalyst including surface selective layer engineering, structural regulation by heteroatoms doping and vacancies, and heterostructure construction are discussed in detail. Finally, the conclusion and the challenges in developing seawater electrolysis technology are highlighted.
Use of viscera from hunted roe deer by vertebrate scavengers in summer in central European mountainous mixed forest
Authors: Schwegmann Sebastian , Storch Ilse , Bhardwaj Manisha
Published: August 2023

Carrion is a valuable resource in forests, providing sustenance for vertebrate and invertebrate scavenger communities and contributing to ecosystem functions, such as nutrient cycling. Intensive ungulate hunting, and thereby extraction of carcasses, removes large quantities of potential carrion from the system, denying a valuable resource from scavenger fauna. It may be possible to reduce the loss and negative consequences to forest biodiversity by retaining evisceration residues from hunted deer, where full carcasses cannot be retained. However, what roll evisceration residues play as a resource for scavengers in temperate forests is not well understood. In this study, we exposed 47 carrion samples from hunted roe deer, in front of triple sets of camera traps, to examine how hunting remains are removed and fed upon by vertebrate scavengers. Overall, 70% of the samples were completely removed from experimental sites by vertebrates. We detected twelve vertebrate taxa feeding on evisceration residues, including martens (Martes spp.), red kites Milvus milvus and garden dormice Eliomys quercinus. Common buzzards Buteo buteo and Eurasian jays Garrulus glandarius were the most frequent feeders on carrion samples, while red foxes Vulpes vulpes displaced the largest proportion of samples. Finally, we found a range of insectivorous bird and mammal species using hunting remains as a source for invertebrate prey, while not scavenging on the remains directly. We demonstrate that evisceration residues can be a valuable resource for a wide range of taxa and suggest that viscera retention from hunted game may contribute to resource provisioning for scavengers in forest ecosystems.
A review on plankton as a bioindicator: A promising tool for monitoring water quality
Authors: Chandel Palak , Mahajan Danish , Thakur Kushal , Kumar Rakesh , Kumar Sunil , Brar Bhavna , Sharma Dixit , Sharma Amit Kumar
Published: August 2023

Bioindicators have become increasingly popular and have contributed significant amounts of useful information to the process of managing water resources. The ability of a species (or species assemblage) to adapt to a certain range of chemical, physical, and biological conditions is one criterion that can be used to assess the quality of its surrounding environment. Planktons that react quickly to changes in their environment have proven to be particularly valuable, and the identification of certain indicator species has become increasingly common in the process of determining the quality of the water. The “health” of an aquatic system can be inferred from the presence or absence of plankton, which act as early warning signals. When compared with the expense of assessing harmful contaminants, the overall cost of conducting routine monitoring of biological communities is far lower and has a higher degree of reliability. The ability of bioindicators to identify indirect biotic effects of pollutants, which is something that many physical or chemical tests are unable to do, is another advantage of using bioindicators. Different aquatic species as bioindicators tolerate different environmental conditions, and their different tolerances to particular environments help in identifying a particular environmental condition. Phytoplankton species like Euglena viridis, Oscillatoria limosa, Nitzschia palea, and Scenedesmus quadricauda, and zooplankton species like Branchionus sp., Molina sp., Keratella cochlearis, Daphnia sp., and Cyclopus sp. indicate water pollution. This review's objective is to highlight some recent research on planktons, focusing on their capabilities and opportunities for application as bioindicators of water quality.
Brief Description of Prestressed Concrete Structures
Authors: Wang Lei
Published: August 2023

Strand corrosion can cause concrete cracking, degrade bond performance at the strand–concrete interface, lead to prestress loss, and deteriorate the capacity of prestressed concrete structures. This book clarifies the mechanical behavior of corroded prestressing strands, corrosion-induced cracking, bond degradation, prestress loss, and structural performance deterioration of prestressed concrete structures and proposes the corresponding prediction models, which has an important guidance for the durability and maintenance design of prestressed concrete structures.
Corrosion-Induced Cracking of Prestressed Concrete
Authors: Wang Lei
Published: August 2023

Strand corrosion can cause the cracking of prestressed concrete. In this chapter, the concrete cracking caused by strand corrosion under different prestress is experimentally studied. Then, a theoretical model, incorporating the coupled effects of prestress and strand corrosion, is proposed to predict the global process of prestressed concrete cracking. Following this, a meso-scale numerical model is established to simulate concrete cracking induced by the three-dimensional corrosion expansion of helical strands.
Flexural Behaviors of Corroded Post-tensioned Concrete Beams
Authors: Wang Lei
Published: August 2023

The insufficient grouting and strand corrosion can affect the flexural behavior of prestressed concrete beams. An experimental study with twenty prestressed concrete beams is designed to study the effect of grouting defects and strand corrosion on the flexural performance of prestressed concrete beams. Corrosion effects on concrete cracking, post-cracking stiffness, ultimate strength, failure mode, and ductility are then clarified by the flexural test, and a coefficient is introduced to quantify the incompatible strain between corroded strand and concrete.