bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fabrication of bimetallic Ni‐Ag/CNFs nanoparticles as a catalyst in direct alcohol fuel cells (DAFCs)
Authors: Awad Somia , Kaouach Houda , Mohammed Mahmoud A. , Abdel‐Hady Esam E. , Mohammed Wael M.
Published: February 2023

In the present work, an attempt to improve DAFC by replacing platinum with cheaper materials.  Ni acetate‐Ag nitrate supported by carbon nanofibers with three different samples (S1 95–5, S2 90–10, and S3 80–20%) for Ni and Ag, respectively, were synthesized by using the electrospinning method and then calcined under an Argon atmosphere at 900°C. Numerous analysis methods were employed to examine the chemical structure, the morphology, and the electrochemical (EC) features. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) confirms that all samples with different Ag concentrations exhibit good nanofiber morphology and a clear appearance of the nanoparticles. According to energy dispersive X‐ray (EDX) mapping, the results prove that the carbonized polyvinyl alcohol nanofibers (PVANFs) have a consistent and even distribution of nickel and silver with an accurate percentage as previously prepared by molar ratio. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) shows that the interior structure has an amorphous carbon nanofiber structure with embedded crystalline spheres of silver and nickel. From X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, no hydroxide or oxide phases can be identified in the XRD pattern, which prove the existence of Ni‐Ag nanoparticles in the metallic phase. For the electrooxidation of ethanol and methanol, the samples' electrocatalytic characteristics were examined. The effects of the electrolyte concentration, scan rate on the catalytic performance and electrode stability were studied using cyclic voltammetry (CV), chronoamperometry, and electrochemical impedance measurements (EIS). CV, chronoamperometry, and EIS reveal that the S2 sample has the best, superior electro‐oxidation activity for both methanol and ethanol with the highest current density. Hence, This research provided a promising approach to fabricating a promising bimetallic Ni‐Ag/CNFs catalyst to replace platinum in direct DAFCs.
Supporting parent capacity to manage pain in young children with cancer at home: Co‐design and usability testing of the PainCaRe app
Authors: Jibb Lindsay A. , Liu William , Stinson Jennifer N. , Nathan Paul C. , Chartrand Julie , Alberts Nicole M. , Hashemi Elham , Masama Tatenda , Pease Hannah G. , Torres Lessley B. , Cortes Haydee G. , Kuczynski Susan , Liu Sam , La Henry , Fortier Michelle A.
Published: February 2023

Young children receiving outpatient cancer care are vulnerable to undermanaged pain. App‐based solutions that provide pain treatment advice to parents in real‐time and in all environments may improve access to quality pain care. We used a parent co‐design approach involving iterative rounds of user testing and software modification to develop a usable Pain Caregiver Resource (PainCaRe) real‐time pediatric cancer pain management app. Parents of children (2–11 years) with cancer completed three standardized modules using a PainCaRe prototype. App usability and acceptability were evaluated using the validated System Usability Scale and a thematic analysis of app testing sessions and interviews. Iterative testing sessions were conducted until data saturation. Interview themes were synthesized into action items that guided revisions to PainCaRe and additional testing rounds were conducted as necessary. Twenty‐two parents participated in three testing cycles. Overall, parents described PainCaRe as an acceptable and potentially clinically useful pain management tool. Mean system usability scores were in the acceptable scale range during each testing cycle. Usability issues identified and resolved included those related to software malfunction, complicated app navigation logic, lack of clarity on pain assessment questions, and the need for pain management advice specifically tailored to child developmental stage. Using co‐design methods, the PainCaRe cancer pain management app was successfully refined for its acceptability and utility to parents. Next steps will include a PainCaRe pilot study before evaluating the impact of the app on younger children's pain outcomes in a randomized controlled trial.
Psychiatric comorbidities in epilepsy patients: results of a Tunisian study
Authors: Charfi Nada , Abid Salma , Farhat Nouha , Elleuch Oumayma , Daoud Saoussen , Dammak Mariem , Omri Sana , Thabet Jihène Ben , Bouali Manel Maâlej , Mhiri Chokri , Maâlej Mohamed
Published: February 2023

Psychiatric comorbidities are underestimated in epilepsy. Here the authors assess the prevalence of psychiatric comorbidities in a cohort of patients with epilepsy in an outpatient neurology unit in Habib Bourguiba Hospital, Tunisia, and identify the sociodemographic and clinical factors associated with the presence of these psychiatric disorders in this patient sample. The results highlight that particular attention should be paid to such patients as part of a global biopsychosocial approach.
Comparison of theoretical methods via different ways for assessing the heat of formation of cubane
Authors: Zhang Jianying , Chen Gangling , Wang Pan , Gao Xing , Gong Xuedong
Published: February 2023

Four ways are introduced for the comparative prediction on solid phase heat of formation ΔHof (s) of cubane through different level of theories (B3LYP/6‐31G(d,p), B3LYP/6‐311+G(2d,2p), B3PW91/6‐31G(d,p), MP2/6‐31G(d,p), and G2). It is based on the heats of sublimation ΔHsub derived from information obtained from the quantum‐mechanically calculated electrostatic potential of each isolated molecule. The ΔHsub are combined with the aforementioned gas phase heats of formation ΔHof (g) to produce condensed phase heats of formation ΔHof (s). Comparisons of the methods are given, along with the recommendations about the methods that could produce better agreement with experiment, wishing to offer some beneficial references.
Silica Aerogel: Synthesis, Characterization, Applications, and Recent Advancements
Authors: Rashid Adib Bin , Shishir Shariful Islam , Mahfuz Md. Azim , Hossain Md. Tanvir , Hoque Md Enamul
Published: February 2023

Silica aerogels have drawn considerable attention due to their low density (almost 95% of the total volume is composed of air), hydrophobicity, optical transparency, low conductivity of heat, and large surface to volume ratio. Sol–gel processing is used to prepare aerogels from molecular precursors. To replace the pore fluid with air while retaining the solid network, a supercritical drying process (the most frequent approach) is used. However, recent technologies use atmospheric pressure to allow for liquid removal followed by chemical alteration of the gel's internal layer, which leaves only a silica network with a porous structure filled with air. This study discusses the sol–gel method for preparing silica aerogels and their various drying processes. Furthermore, various areas of applications of silica aerogels, including electronics, construction, aerospace, purification of water and air, sensing, catalyst, biomedical, absorbent, food packing, textile, etc., are also discussed. Lastly, this review provides a perception of the recent scientific progress along with the futuristic development of silica aerogel.
Thermal behavior and microstructure of a Methylnitroguanidine‐Nitroguanidine energetic eutectic
Authors: You Ting , Chen An , Liao Yimei , Tian Qiang , Duan Xiaohui
Published: February 2023

To shed light on the structure‐property relationship of a methylnitroguanidine (MeNQ)‐nitroguanidine (NQ) eutectic, its thermal behavior and microstructure were studied by various techniques. The eutectic composition of MeNQ‐NQ with the lowest melting temperature (Tm) of 149.9 °C was at the mole ratio of 7 : 3, as determined by temperature‐composition (T‐X) and melting enthalpy‐composition (H‐X) diagrams. The MeNQ‐NQ eutectic exhibited a homogeneous network structure composed of the plate‐shaped MeNQ and acicular NQ enriched phases that resulted in a uniform melting around the Tm observed by in situ variable temperature optical microscopy. The X‐ray diffraction from MeNQ‐NQ eutectic showed peaks that were shifted to low scattering angle, an indication of the expansion of its crystal lattice and the formation of solid solutions. Small‐angle X‐ray scattering from the sample showed a rough interface between the MeNQ‐ and NQ‐enriched phases. Infrared spectral data showed absorption peaks due to −NH2 and −CH3 groups that were red shifted relative to the raw materials, an indication of hydrogen bond interactions between MeNQ and NQ molecules.
Spatiotemporal dynamics of fluopyram trunk‐injection in Pinus massoniana and its efficacy against pine wilt disease
Authors: Guo Yajie , Ma Jiayi , Sun Yunzhu , Carballar‐Lejarazú Rebeca , Weng Mingqing , Shi Wenchao , Wu Jieqin , Hu Xia , Wang Rong , Zhang Feiping , Wu Songqing
Published: February 2023

BACKGROUND

Pine wilt disease (PWD) is a destructive disease of pine trees caused by the pinewood nematode, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus. Fluopyram, a novel nematicide compound with systemic activity, is a prospective trunk‐injection agent against pinewood nematodes. The disadvantage of current trunk‐injection agents is that they were not evenly distributed in tree tissues and were poor in the persistence of effect and efficiency. Therefore, we investigated the spatiotemporal transport pattern and residue behavior of fluopyram following its injection into the trunk of Pinus massoniana.

RESULTS

Fluopyram transport in the trunk occurred through radial diffusion and vertical uptake within 1 week of the injection, reaching all tissues of P. massoniana, including apical branches and needles. Three years after the field test, the infection of PWD declined substantially with treatment using the fluopyram trunk‐injection agent, which demonstrated 100% efficacy in both the mild and moderate occurrence areas, and 71.1% efficacy in the severe occurrence area. Fluopyram as trunk‐injection agent exerted substantial control over PWD, with its efficacy being influenced by the infection time of PWD. The half‐life of 10% fluopyram in treated pine trees was 346.6 days with 3‐year persistence.

CONCLUSION

The advantages of overall distribution and long persistence of fluopyram in the tree after injection help explain its evident efficacy against PWN. Overall, fluopyram trunk‐injection has potential to prevent PWD. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Are ethnic employment penalties mitigated in deprived neighbourhoods and in ethnically dense neighbourhoods?
Authors: Jivraj Stephen , Alao Christiana
Published: February 2023

Existing research has extensively documented that those living in the most deprived neighbourhoods and individuals from some ethnic minority groups have low rates of labour market participation in the United Kingdom. This paper brings together these two established areas of research to ask whether ethnic minority groups have better employment participation when living in more deprived neighbourhoods. We hypothesise that this could be due to different socialisation processes enabling ethnic minorities to secure employment more easily in deprived neighbourhoods as well as in neighbourhoods where there is greater ethnic density. Data from the United Kingdom Household Longitudinal Study in England are linked to the Index of Multiple Deprivation 2014 and the 2011 Census to model unemployment and economic inactivity between 2009 and 2019 separately for women and men. The results show that some ethnic minority groups face disadvantage in the labour market, especially Pakistani and Bangladeshi women. There is little support to suggest that these penalties are lessened in more deprived neighbourhoods or in more ethnically dense neighbourhoods. There is some suggestion that groups who do not face ethnic penalties compared with the White British group have lower rates of unemployment and economic inactivity in more deprived neighbourhoods. We suggest policies aimed at improving labour market outcomes for disadvantaged ethnic minorities should target them wherever they live.
Evaluation of Neutron‐Radiation Tolerance of Lithium Indium Diselenide Semiconductors
Authors: Golduber Robert , Gallagher Jake , Benkechkache Amine , Hoegberg Erick , Hong Huicong , Kargar Alireza , Stracuzzi Luis Stand , Lukosi Eric
Published: February 2023

Lithium indium diselenide (LISe) is a semiconductor that holds promise for neutron imaging sensor technologies because of its high neutron absorption efficiency and its corresponding ability to discriminate between gamma rays and neutrons. However, being a semiconductor, LISe may not be sufficiently radiation hard for practical application in radiation hard environments. Therefore, a systematic evaluation of the changes in material and electronic properties of LISe after high neutron fluence exposures is investigated. Herein, the characterization methods are utilized which included UV–vis, X‐ray diffraction, radioluminescence, Raman, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), current–voltage, and neutron sensing. Characteristics of LISe material that appeared in the literature are identified herein along with several that are expected to appear based on theoretical analyses. The results obtained show clear changes in the material properties of LISe after neutron exposure up to a fluence of 1016 n cm−2. However, LISe is still able to sense neutrons above the background at 1016 n cm−2, suggesting that LISe may be suitable for use in neutron imaging sensors at neutron imaging facilities.
Solar‐Blind Deep‐Ultraviolet Photoconductive Detector Based on Amorphous Ga2O3 Thin Films for Corona Discharge Detection
Authors: Li Xudong , Xu Fengyun , Wang Xuan , Luo Jiangshuai , Ding Ke , Ye Liyu , Li Honglin , Xiong Yuanqiang , Yu Peng , Kong Chunyang , Ye Lijuan , Zhang Hong , Li Wanjun
Published: February 2023

A low‐cost, high‐efficiency corona discharge detection method is important in ensuring the safety of high‐voltage transmission systems. High‐sensitivity solar‐blind deep‐ultraviolet (SBDU) photodetectors (PD) have obvious advantages in corona discharge detection. Herein, a fully transparent SBDU photoconductive detector with indium tin oxide (ITO) transparent electrodes is successfully constructed based on amorphous Ga2O3 (a‐Ga2O3) thin films. The device demonstrates an ultra‐high responsivity of 1.3 × 104 A W−1, a detectivity of 3.2 × 1014 Jones, and an external quantum efficiency of 6.7 × 106%. In addition, the capability of the ultra‐sensitive fully transparent photoconductive detector is investigated in terms of corona discharge detection. It is established that the device detection distance limit for simulated corona discharge detection is up to 70 cm, that is, the device can effectively detect extremely weak solar‐blind deep‐ultraviolet signals below 204 pW cm−2. A proof‐of‐concept for the future application of easily‐integrated fully transparent amorphous Ga2O3 photoconductive detectors with low manufacturing costs in high‐voltage corona discharge detection is provided.
Treatment of refractory localized pulmonary nocardiosis caused by Nocardia mexicana with a combination of medication and surgery
Authors: Kogure Miwako , Takase Eri , Fusamoto Aya , Sato Koichi , Tsuchihashi Yukiko , Nakanishi Hirotaka , Ikeda Takeshi , Kuchibiro Tomokazu , Hirai Yoshimitsu , Kanai Kuninobu
Published: February 2023

Pulmonary nocardiosis is a rare disease that is often difficult to cure because of its tendency to recur. Here, we report a case of refractory localized pulmonary nocardiosis caused by Nocardia mexicana. A 60‐year‐old Japanese woman had recurring pulmonary nocardiosis four times previously and each time she was treated with antibiotics for a sufficient duration; nevertheless, the disease continued to recur, probably because of resistance to antibiotics. As a fifth treatment, we performed middle lobe resection and pre‐ and post‐operative antimicrobial therapy for 6 months. The combination of medication and surgery was useful for treating refractory localized pulmonary nocardiosis
Anthropometric measurements of term singletons at 6 years of age born from fresh and frozen embryo transfer: A multicenter prospective study in Japan
Authors: Ueno Keiko , Kojima Junya , Suzuki Kohta , Kuwahara Akira , Higuchi Yasuhiko , Tanaka Atsushi , Utsunomiya Takafumi , Mio Yasuyuki , Nishi Hirotaka , Yoshimura Yasunori , Irahara Minoru , Kuji Naoaki
Published: February 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to compare anthropometric measurements between term singletons conceived via fresh embryo transfer (FreET) and frozen embryo transfer (FET) and those born via natural conception (NC) or fertility treatments milder than assisted reproductive technology (non‐ART) at 6 years of age.

Methods

A total of 8149 children were enrolled, and questionnaires about anthropometric measures (weight, height, BMI) were addressed to parents, when the children were 1.5, 3, and 6 years of age. A total of 3299 term singletons were enrolled at birth: 533, 476, 916, and 1374 in the NC, non‐ART, FreET, and FET groups, respectively.

Results

A total of 1635 term singletons (290, 176, 467, and 702 in the NC, non‐ART, FreET, and FET groups respectively) were enrolled until 6 years of age (follow‐up rate, approximately 50%). When non‐ART group was used as control, the FreET children were 1.0 cm taller than the non‐ART children at 6 years of age, after adjusting for confounding factors. However, no differences were observed in the anthropometric data among the non‐ART, ART, and NC children at 6 years of age.

Conclusion

At 6 years of age, term singletons were taller in the FreET group than in the non‐ART group, after adjusting for confounders.
Model misspecification and robust analysis for outcome‐dependent sampling designs under generalized linear models
Authors: Maronge Jacob M. , Schildcrout Jonathan S. , Rathouz Paul J.
Published: February 2023

Outcome‐dependent sampling (ODS) is a commonly used class of sampling designs to increase estimation efficiency in settings where response information (and possibly adjuster covariates) is available, but the exposure is expensive and/or cumbersome to collect. We focus on ODS within the context of a two‐phase study, where in Phase One the response and adjuster covariate information is collected on a large cohort that is representative of the target population, but the expensive exposure variable is not yet measured. In Phase Two, using response information from Phase One, we selectively oversample a subset of informative subjects in whom we collect expensive exposure information. Importantly, the Phase Two sample is no longer representative, and we must use ascertainment‐correcting analysis procedures for valid inferences. In this paper, we focus on likelihood‐based analysis procedures, particularly a conditional‐likelihood approach and a full‐likelihood approach. Whereas the full‐likelihood retains incomplete Phase One data for subjects not selected into Phase Two, the conditional‐likelihood explicitly conditions on Phase Two sample selection (ie, it is a “complete case” analysis procedure). These designs and analysis procedures are typically implemented assuming a known, parametric model for the response distribution. However, in this paper, we approach analyses implementing a novel semi‐parametric extension to generalized linear models (SPGLM) to develop likelihood‐based procedures with improved robustness to misspecification of distributional assumptions. We specifically focus on the common setting where standard GLM distributional assumptions are not satisfied (eg, misspecified mean/variance relationship). We aim to provide practical design guidance and flexible tools for practitioners in these settings.
The Effect of Hydrophobically Modified Iron Catalysts with Hexadecyltrimethoxysilane on Fischer‐Tropsch Synthesis
Authors: Chen Zhiping , Meng Yongle , Lu Jing , Zhou Wenwu , Yang Zhiyuan , Zhou Anning
Published: February 2023

Hydrophobic modification of Fischer‐Tropsch synthesis catalyst can inhibits water gas shift(WGS) reaction and regulates product distribution. Herein, a series of hydrophobic Fe2O3@SiO2‐xHDTMS (Hexadecyltrimethoxysilane, HDTMS. x represents the amount of HDTMS.) catalysts with various HDTMS content were synthesized for Fischer‐Tropsch synthesis to light hydrocarbons. The Fe2O3@SiO2‐xHDTMS catalysts were characterized by X‐ray diffractometer(XRD), scanning electron microscope(SEM), transmission electron microscope(TEM), fourier transform infrared spectrometer(FT‐IR) and contact angle measuring instrument(CAMI). After HDTMS modification, the hydrophobicity of the catalyst is significantly improved, the selectivity of the catalyst to CO2is significantly reduced due to the inhibition of WGS reaction, and the selectivity of hydrocarbon products is significantly improved. This indicates that HDTMS is very suitable as a silanizer for hydrophobic modification of Fischer‐Tropsch synthesis catalysts. With the increase of HDTMS content, the hydrophobicity of the catalyst always increased, but the selectivity of CO2in Fischer‐Tropsch synthesis products decreased first and then increased, and the selectivity of hydrocarbons increased first and then decreased, indicating that the content of HDTMS has a significant impact on the hydrophobicity and catalytic performance of the catalyst.
Oligomeric Heterogeneous Double Metal Cyanide Catalyst for One‐pot Ring‐Opening Polymerization
Authors: Verma Akash , Sharma Bhawna , Saini Swati , Behera Babita , Saran Sandeep , Ganguly Sudip K. , Kumar Umesh
Published: February 2023

A series of efficient oligomeric zinc and cobalt‐based double metal cyanide (DMC) catalysts was prepared using Ethylenediaminetetracetic acid (EDTA) as an organic complexing agent (CA) and tested for ring‐opening polymerization (ROP) of propylene oxide (PO) to synthesize polyether polyols (PPG). The complex formation of EDTA with Zn and cyanide (CN−) with Zn surface and morphology of the DMC catalyst were confirmed by PXRD, FTIR, SEM, and UV‐Vis. Furthermore, the13C‐CP MAS spectroscopy showed an integral ratio of 3.2 : 1 for the bound and free carboxyl group of EDTA in the catalyst, respectively. The maximum yield (>98 %) of PPG with turnover frequency (TOF) of 9625 h−1was obtained with controlled PDI (1.1) in only 1 h with 1330 g mol−1Mw, 0.009 meq g−1unsaturation number, and 8.1 mg‐KOH g−1OH value at optimized reaction condition (Catalyst amount=0.015 g, Time=1 h, Temperature=105 °C, Pressure=5 bar, PO : PEG‐600=40 : 1). The ROP showed first‐order kinetics behavior by1H NMR spectroscopy with proposed coordination mechanism.
Boosting Li–O2 Battery Performance via Coupling of P–N Site‐Rich N, P Co‐Doped Graphene‐Like Carbon Nanosheets with Nano‐CePO4
Authors: Wu Di , Wu Shan , Zhang Genlei , Hui Chenyang , Cao Dongjie , Guo Shiyu , Feng Huajie , Wang Qi , Cheng Sheng , Cui Peng , Yang Zhenzhen
Published: February 2023

Development of efficient and robust cathode catalysts is critical for the commercialization of Li‐O2 batteries (LOBs). Herein, a well‐designed CePO4@N‐P‐CNSs cathode catalyst for LOBs via coupling P‐N site‐rich N, P co‐doped graphene‐like carbon nanosheets (N‐P‐CNSs) with nano‐CePO4 via a novel “in situ derivation” coupling strategy by in situ transforming the P atoms of P‐C sites in N‐P‐CNSs to CePO4 is reported. The CePO4@N‐P‐CNSs exhibit superior bifunctional ORR/OER activity relative to commercial Pt/C‐RuO2 with an overall overpotential of 0.64 V (vs RHE). Moreover, the LOB with CePO4@N‐P‐CNSs as the cathode catalyst delivers a low charge overpotential of 0.67 V (vs Li/Li+), high discharge capacity of 29774 mAh g−1 at 100 mA g−1 and long cycling stability of 415 cycles, respectively. The remarkably enhanced LOB performance is attributable to the in situ derived CePO4 nanoparticles and the P‐N sites in N‐P‐CNSs, which facilitate increased bifunctional ORR/OER activity, promote the rapid and effective decomposition of Li2O2 and inhibit the formation of Li2CO3. This work may provide new inspiration for designing efficient, durable, and cost‐effective cathode catalysts for LOBs.
Gram‐Scale Room‐Temperature Synthesis of Solid‐State Fluorescent Carbon Nanodots for Bright Electroluminescent Light Emitting Diodes
Authors: Zheng Mengyun , Jia Haoran , Zhao Biao , Zhang Chengyang , Dang Qi , Ma Huanyu , Xu Kunxiang , Tan Zhan'ao
Published: February 2023

The reaction conditions of high temperature and high pressure will introduce structural defects, high energy consumption, and security risks, severely hindering the industrial application of organic carbon nanodots (CDs). Moreover, the aggregation caused quenching effect also fundamentally limits the CDs based electroluminescent light emitting diodes (LEDs). Herein, for the first time, a rapid one‐step room temperature synthetic strategy is introduced to prepare highly emissive solid‐state‐fluorescent CDs (RT‐CDs). A strong oxidizing agent, potassium periodate (KIO4), is adopted as a catalyst to facilitate the cyclization of o‐phenylenediamine and 4‐dimethylamino phenol in aqueous solution at room temperature for only 5 min. The resultant organic molecule, 2‐(dimethylamino) phenazine, will self‐assemble kinetically to generate supramolecular‐structure CDs during crystallization. The elaborately arranged supramolecular structure (J aggregates) endows CDs with intense solid‐state‐fluorescence. Density functional theory (DFT) calculation shows that the excited state of RT‐CDs exhibits charge transfer characteristic owing to the unique donor‐Π‐acceptor structure. A high‐performance monochrome RT‐CDs based electroluminescent LEDs (2967 cd m−2 and 1.38 cd A−1) were fabricated via systematic optimizations of device engineering. This work provides a concrete and feasible avenue for the rapid and massive preparation of CDs, advancing the commercialization of CDs based optoelectronic devices.
Rosmarinic Acid‐Crosslinked Supramolecular Nanoassembly with Self‐Regulated Photodynamic and Anti‐Metastasis Properties for Synergistic Photoimmunotherapy
Authors: Zhou Yang , Zhang Yiwei , Jiang Chaoqing , Chen Yuxiu , Tong Fan , Yang Xiaotong , Wang Yazhen , Xia Xue , Gao Huile
Published: February 2023

A primary concern about photodynamic therapy (PDT) is its inability to regulate the generation levels of reactive oxidative species (ROS) based on the complex microenvironment, resulting in the impairment toward normal tissues and immunosuppression. Besides, tumor metastasis also compromises PDT's efficacy and drives mortality. However, it is very challenging to achieve such two goals within one nanosystem. Here, the nanoassembly (CPR) with self‐regulated photodynamic and antimetastasis properties comprises three parts: chlorin e6‐conjugated β‐cyclodextrin (CD‐Ce6) acts as the main PDT agent and ferrocene (Fc)‐terminated phenylboronic acid‐containing conjugates entering into the cavity of CD‐Ce6, as well as rosmarinic acid (RA)–boronic acid crosslinked shell. Compared with non‐crosslinked counterpart, CPR displays better stability and enhanced tumor accumulation. Under laser irradiation, CPR generates plenty of ROS to damage tumor cells and induce immunogenic cell death. Mildly acidic TME partly cleaves the crosslinkers to dissociate antioxidant RAs from micelles, which together with Fc in CPR scavenge PDT‐induced ROS in the TME. By contrast, under acidic lysosomal conditions, Fc catalyzes abundant H2O2 in tumor cells to produce highly cytotoxic •OH, while RA continuously reduces ferroptosis‐generated Fc+ into Fc, both to augment the PDT efficacy in tumor cells. CPR also remarkably hinders the epithelial‐mesenchymal transition to prevent the lung metastasis.
A validated stability‐indicating reversed‐phase liquid chromatography method for the quantification of Ixabepilone (Oncology drug) in the parenteral dosage form
Authors: Nekkalapudi Arjuna Rao , Srinivasu Navuluri , Pippalla Sreenivas , Katari Naresh Kumar , Kumar Cholleti Vijay , Gumudavelli Sridhar
Published: February 2023

A quick and simple isocratic stability indicating method has been developed for the quantification of Ixabepilone in active pharmaceutical ingredient and injection dose formulation using reversed phase‐high‐performance liquid chromatography. Based on the response of Ixabepilone and impurities, the method was developed on a Symmetry C18 (150 × 4.6) mm, 5‐micron (Waters) column. An isocratic mobile phase consisted of pH 4.7 acetate buffer (10 mM) and acetonitrile in the composition of 60:40 v/v at 1.0 ml/min flow rate with a run time of 15 min, and Ixabepilone was eluted at about retention time of 5.1 min. The developed method is validated to meet International Conference on Harmonization standards. Linearity of Ixabepilone was established for the concentration range 0.050 to 0.15 mg/ml (r2 > 0.999) with respect to working concentration 0.10 mg/ml. Recovery was established from 50% (0.050 mg/ml) to 150% (0.15 mg/ml) of the target concertation (0.10 mg/ml). Precision and Intermediate precision met the acceptance criteria as per International Conference on Harmonization Q2(R1). It was proved that the stability indicating nature for quantifying Ixabepilone in Ixabepilone active pharmaceutical ingredient and drug product. As a result, the assay of Ixabepilone can be analyzed using this method for pharmaceutical development and quality control.
“We Come Not Here to Talk”—Revisiting the Work of Anna Julia Cooper: An Analysis of Standpoint Theory and Her Placement in the Academic Canon
Authors: Phillips Kimberly Martinez
Published: February 2023

This paper examines the writings and influence of Anna Julia Cooper. The honest, historical narrative of scholarship is in question when theorists of color are repeatedly forgotten or removed from the academic record. Anna Julia Cooper is just one example of someone who has been overlooked. I detail how Cooper's analysis of group identity, located in shared experience, provided the groundwork for intersectional frameworks and feminist standpoint theory. I further contend that Cooper's lived‐experience narrative not only informed her own work but the work of others of her time, including the more esteemed W.E.B. Du Bois. She addressed how race‐gendered politics and the legacies of slavery and colonialism shape scholarship. Cooper's critique of academia determined that the relationship between colonialism and academia is intrinsically tied. My analysis examines how the work of theorists of color is often omitted, erased, or contextualized within the writings of white theorists due, in part, to a lack of generational intellectual wealth. A concept that recognizes the historical discrepancy in scholarship between white scholars and scholars of color and how that exclusion has shaped and defined established knowledge. This paper analyzes Cooper's placement within the lineage of the academic canon.
Listening session with the US Food and Drug Administration, Lewy Body Dementia Association, and an expert panel
Authors: Sabbagh Marwan N. , Taylor Angela , Galasko Douglas , Galvin James E. , Goldman Jennifer G. , Leverenz James B. , Poston Kathleen L. , Boeve Bradley F. , Irwin David J. , Quinn Joseph F.
Published: February 2023

The regulatory path for drug approval is increasingly well defined. Drugs for the treatment of Alzheimer disease (AD) need to show statistically significant benefit over placebo with respect to cognitive and functional measures, with the Clinical Dementia Rating scale and Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale–Cognitive Subscale being among the most often used instruments in AD clinical trials. In contrast, there are no validated instruments for use in clinical trials of drugs for the treatment of dementia with Lewy bodies. This poses challenges for drug development because the regulatory pathway to drug approval requires demonstrable efficacy measures. In December 2021, the Lewy Body Dementia Association advisory group met with representatives from the US Food and Drug Administration to discuss the lack of approved drugs and treatments, discernment of efficacy measures, and identification of biomarkers.

Highlights

The Lewy Body with Dementia Association convened a listening session with the US Food and Drug Administration on dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) and clinical trial design.

Gaps include DLB‐specific measures, alpha synuclein biomarkers, and coexisting pathologies.

DLB clinical trial design should focus on clinical value and disease specificity.
Using Superhero Graphic Novels to Foreground Transitions in Our Teaching with Upper Elementary and Middle‐Grade Readers
Authors: Rodríguez‐Astacio René M. , Low David E.
Published: February 2023

This column will focus on several standalone titles offered by Marvel/Graphix and DC Kids/YA and their pedagogical potential for exploring transitions with upper elementary and middle grades readers. Because children's lives are inherently in flux, they should have opportunities to read and discuss empowering stories, in a format and featuring characters they enjoy, that are attuned to the various types of transition they experience and encounter.
Evaluation of heart fatty acid‐binding protein as a biomarker for canine leishmaniosis
Authors: Casamián‐Sorrosal Domingo , Barrera‐Chacón Rafael , Fonfara Sonja , Cristobal‐Verdejo José Ignacio , Talavera‐López Jesús , Belinchón‐Lorenzo Silvia , Miró‐Corrales Guadalupe , Caro‐Vadillo Alicia , Duque Francisco Javier
Published: February 2023

Background

Myocarditis frequently occurs in canine leishmaniosis (CanL). Heart fatty acid‐binding protein (HFABP) is a biomarker of myocardial damage.

Methods

This study aimed to compare HFABP concentration (HFABPc) in healthy dogs and dogs at different stages of CanL and evaluate the correlation of this biomarker with several clinicopathological and echocardiographic variables. Thirty‐one dogs diagnosed with CanL and 10 healthy dogs were included.

Results

HFABPc was not statistically different (p > 0.05) between groups of dogs at different LeishVet stages of CanL or between groups with high versus low to intermediate serology titres. In 70% of CanL dogs, HFABPc was within the 95% confidence interval limits of the mean of healthy dogs. A moderate negative correlation with globulin (r = −0.519; p = 0.03) and haematocrit (HCT) (r = −0.538; p = 0.02) was observed. No other significant correlation (p > 0.05) was observed with any other variable.

Limitations

Many statistical tests were performed, and therefore, type I error cannot be ruled out.

Conclusion

HFABPc is not consistently elevated in dogs with CanL and is not associated with the severity of the disease, or most echocardiographic or clinicopathological variables studied. The correlation with globulin and HCT was not strong and not considered clinically significant. HFABPc lacks sufficient predictive capacity in dogs with CanL, discouraging further research or clinical use of this biomarker in this disease.
People need freshwater biodiversity
Authors: Lynch Abigail J. , Cooke Steven J. , Arthington Angela H. , Baigun Claudio , Bossenbroek Lisa , Dickens Chris , Harrison Ian , Kimirei Ismael , Langhans Simone D. , Murchie Karen J. , Olden Julian D. , Ormerod Steve J. , Owuor Margaret , Raghavan Rajeev , Samways Michael J. , Schinegger Rafaela , Sharma Subodh , Tachamo‐Shah Ram‐Devi , Tickner David , Tweddle Denis , Young Nathan , Jähnig Sonja C.
Published: February 2023

Freshwater biodiversity, from fish to frogs and microbes to macrophytes, provides a vast array of services to people. Mounting concerns focus on the accelerating pace of biodiversity loss and declining ecological function within freshwater ecosystems that continue to threaten these natural benefits. Here, we catalog nine fundamental ecosystem services that the biotic components of indigenous freshwater biodiversity provide to people, organized into three categories: material (food; health and genetic resources; material goods), non‐material (culture; education and science; recreation), and regulating (catchment integrity; climate regulation; water purification and nutrient cycling). If freshwater biodiversity is protected, conserved, and restored in an integrated manner, as well as more broadly appreciated by humanity, it will continue to contribute to human well‐being and our sustainable future via this wide range of services and associated nature‐based solutions to our sustainable future.

This article is categorized under:

Human Water > Value of Water

Water and Life > Nature of Freshwater Ecosystems

Science of Water > Water and Environmental Change
A promising intersection of excited‐state‐specific methods from quantum chemistry and quantum Monte Carlo
Authors: Otis Leon , Neuscamman Eric
Published: February 2023

We present a discussion of recent progress in excited‐state‐specific quantum chemistry and quantum Monte Carlo alongside a demonstration of how a combination of methods from these two fields can offer reliably accurate excited state predictions across singly excited, doubly excited, and charge transfer states. Both of these fields have seen important advances supporting excited state simulation in recent years, including the introduction of more effective excited‐state‐specific optimization methods, improved handling of complicated wave function forms, and ways of explicitly balancing the quality of wave functions for ground and excited states. To emphasize the promise that exists at this intersection, we provide demonstrations using a combination of excited‐state‐specific complete active space self‐consistent field theory, selected configuration interaction, and state‐specific variance minimization. These demonstrations show that combining excited‐state‐specific quantum chemistry and variational Monte Carlo can be more reliably accurate than either equation of motion coupled cluster theory or multi‐reference perturbation theory, and that it can offer new clarity in cases where existing high‐level methods do not agree.

This article is categorized under:

Electronic Structure Theory > Ab Initio Electronic Structure Methods

Software > Quantum Chemistry
The Pol III transcriptome: Basic features, recurrent patterns, and emerging roles in cancer
Authors: Zhou Sihang , Van Bortle Kevin
Published: February 2023

The RNA polymerase III (Pol III) transcriptome is universally comprised of short, highly structured noncoding RNA (ncRNA). Through RNA–protein interactions, the Pol III transcriptome actuates functional activities ranging from nuclear gene regulation (7SK), splicing (U6, U6atac), and RNA maturation and stability (RMRP, RPPH1, Y RNA), to cytoplasmic protein targeting (7SL) and translation (tRNA, 5S rRNA). In higher eukaryotes, the Pol III transcriptome has expanded to include additional, recently evolved ncRNA species that effectively broaden the footprint of Pol III transcription to additional cellular activities. Newly evolved ncRNAs function as riboregulators of autophagy (vault), immune signaling cascades (nc886), and translation (Alu, BC200, snaR). Notably, upregulation of Pol III transcription is frequently observed in cancer, and multiple ncRNA species are linked to both cancer progression and poor survival outcomes among cancer patients. In this review, we outline the basic features and functions of the Pol III transcriptome, and the evidence for dysregulation and dysfunction for each ncRNA in cancer. When taken together, recurrent patterns emerge, ranging from shared functional motifs that include molecular scaffolding and protein sequestration, overlapping protein interactions, and immunostimulatory activities, to the biogenesis of analogous small RNA fragments and noncanonical miRNAs, augmenting the function of the Pol III transcriptome and further broadening its role in cancer.

This article is categorized under:

RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease

RNA Processing > Processing of Small RNAs

RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Protein‐RNA Interactions: Functional Implications
Effect of imperfect interface on the effective properties of elastic micropolar multilaminated nanostructures
Authors: Espinosa‐Almeyda Yoanh , Yanes Victor , Rodríguez‐Ramos Reinaldo , Otero José A. , Sánchez‐Valdés César F. , Camacho‐Montes Héctor , Longoria Pablo Padilla , Sabina Federico J.
Published: February 2023

In this paper, the problem of a heterogeneous elastic micropolar nanostructure with a periodic structure subject to imperfect contact conditions is analyzed through the two‐scale asymptotic homogenization method (AHM). The imperfect interface is modeled as a generalization of the well‐known spring model; that is, the homogeneous imperfect interface is described by the following conditions: tractions and coupled stress are continuous, but displacements and microrotations are discontinuous across the imperfect interface. The jumps in displacements and microrotations are proportional to the interface traction and coupled stress components, respectively. In particular, micropolar multilaminated nanocomposites with centro‐symmetric isotropic constituents and imperfect contact conditions are studied. From AHM, the solutions for the displacement and microrotation fields are found by means of two‐scale series expansions depending on a local (microscopic) variable and a global (macroscopic) variable. The local problem statements and the corresponding effective properties are explicitly described. The formulation depends on the constituent physical properties, the imperfection parameters, the cell length in the y3‐direction, and the phase's volume fractions. Numerical results are illustrated and discussed. We concluded that the effective moduli are affected by the imperfections and the cell length in the y3‐direction.
Lessons Learned from Refugee Camps: From Fetishizing Design to Researching, Drawing, and Co-Producing
Authors: Dalal Ayham
Published: February 2023

This chapter explores cases when a design-oriented approach can be harmful, especially if it shifts the attention from refugees’ needs and complex realities toward producing “successful” and “innovative” solutions as determined by the expectations of the field of architecture. To illustrate this point, the author discusses examples from workshops and seminars tackling urban and spatial issues regarding refugees. As a successful model and counterpoint, the chapter demonstrates how a successful process includes the active involvement of refugees and a collaborative approach toward fulfilling their needs. Additionally, the chapter illustrates how a research-oriented approach to architectural design can powerfully raise awareness about the complex spatial realities that refugees face in exile, citing examples from studios and design workshops conducted in refugee camps in Jordan and Berlin. Finally, the chapter underscores the last point, by giving further examples from a seminar taught to students in the Urban Studies program at Vassar College.
Migration, Death, and Disappearance: Education and Engagement in Tucson, Arizona
Authors: Anderson Bruce , Reineke Robin
Published: February 2023

A tragedy has unfolded over the past two decades along the U.S.-Mexico border, where the remains of at least 9000 human beings have been discovered in the desert borderlands since 2000. While migration itself is not a crisis, the loss of life most certainly is. In addition to those who mourn the dead are those who experience the painful ambiguity of loved ones’ disappearance. The scale of death and disappearance is vast, both spatially and temporally—the geography is not limited to the U.S.-Mexico borderlands, but also includes the south-to-north migration corridor from Central America to the U.S., where losses have occurred gradually and continually since the early 2000s. Within communities where migration is prevalent, everyone knows of someone who has disappeared en route. Sadly, this loss of life will likely continue until Latin American peoples are able to immigrate to the U.S. safely and legally. In the meantime, it is important for students to learn about this issue, understand its root causes, and work on solutions.
N3LO+N3LL QCD improved Higgs pair cross sections
Authors: Ajjath A. H. , Shao Hua-Sheng
Published: February 2023

Abstract

We report a new calculation of the soft-gluon threshold resummation for the Higgs boson pair production in the dominant production mode — gluon-gluon fusion — up to the next-to-next-to-next-to-leading logarithmic (N3LL) accuracy. After matching N3LL to the next-to-next-to-next-to-leading order (N3LO) QCD calculation in the infinite top quark mass approximation, we show that the central values of the inclusive cross sections are quite stable with respect to N3LO, while the conventional renormalisation and factorisation scale uncertainties are reduced by a factor of two, reaching to the subpercent level. Our study further consolidates the good asymptotic perturbative convergence. After combining with the full top-quark mass dependent next-to-leading order QCD results, our most advanced predictions are presented for both the inclusive total cross sections and the differential invariant mass distributions of the Higgs pair.
Gregory-Laflamme and superradiance encounter black resonator strings
Authors: Dias Óscar J. C. , Ishii Takaaki , Murata Keiju , Santos Jorge E. , Way Benson
Published: February 2023

Abstract

We construct novel black strings that are neither time-translation invariant, nor axisymmetric, nor translationally invariant in the string direction, but nevertheless have a helical Killing vector field. These solutions branch from the superradiant instability of D = 6 Myers-Perry black strings with equal angular momenta. We coin these solutions as black resonator strings and we find that they have more entropy than Myers-Perry black strings for the energies and angular momenta where both solutions coexist. We also construct Kaluza-Klein geons, which share the symmetries of black resonator strings, but are horizonless. Unlike in other superradiant systems, Kaluza-Klein geons are not the horizonless limit of black resonator strings and are instead entirely separate solutions.
New relations for tree-level form factors and scattering amplitudes
Authors: Dong Jin , He Song , Lin Guanda
Published: February 2023

Abstract

We show that tree-level form factors with length-two operators in Yang-Mills-scalar (YMS) theory exhibit structures very similar to scattering amplitudes of gluons and scalars, which leads to new relations between them. Just like amplitudes, n-point Yang-Mills form factors with tr(F2) operator can be decomposed as a linear combination of form factors with tr(ϕ2) operator and r external scalars in YMS theory, where the coefficients are given by Lorentz products of the r linearized field strengths. Moreover, we show that any such n-point form factor of tr(ϕ2) operator can be further expanded into (n+1)-point YMS amplitudes with an additional off-shell scalar leg. In addition to unravelling hidden structures, our results provide an efficient algorithm for computing all-multiplicity length-two form factors in any dimension, as well as their Cachazo-He-Yuan formulae via those of the YMS amplitudes.
Self-binding energies in AdS
Authors: Andriolo Stefano , Michel Marco , Palti Eran
Published: February 2023

Abstract

The Positive Binding Conjecture is a proposed formulation of the Weak Gravity Conjecture appropriate to Anti de-Sitter (AdS) space. It proposes that in a consistent gravitational theory, with a U(1) gauge symmetry, there must exist a charged particle with non-negative self-binding energy. In order to formulate this as a constraint on a given effective theory, we calculate the self-binding energy for a charged particle in AdS4and AdS5. In particular, we allow it to couple to an additional scalar field of arbitrary mass. Unlike the flat-space case, even when the scalar field is massive it contributes significantly to the binding energy, and therefore is an essential component of the conjecture. In AdS5, we give analytic expressions for the self-binding energy for the cases when the scalar field is massless and when it saturates the Breitenlohner-Freedman (BF) bound, and in AdS4when it is massless. We show that the massless case reproduces the flat-space expressions in the large AdS radius limit, and that both analytic cases lead to vanishing total self-binding energy for BPS particles in example supersymmetric models. For other masses of the scalar we give numerical expressions for its contribution to the self-binding energy.