bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Large Enhancements in Optical and Piezoelectric Properties in Ferroelectric Zn1‐xMgxO Thin Films through Engineering Electronic and Ionic Anharmonicities
Authors: Zu Rui , Ryu Gyunghyun , Kelley Kyle P. , Baksa Steven M. , Jacques Leonard C. , Wang Bo , Ferri Kevin , He Jingyang , Chen Long‐Qing , Dabo Ismaila , Trolier‐McKinstry Susan , Maria Jon‐Paul , Gopalan Venkatraman 
Published: May 2023

AbstractMultifunctionality as a paradigm requires materials exhibiting multiple superior properties. Integrating second‐order optical nonlinearity and large bandgap with piezoelectricity can, for example, enable broadband, strain‐tunable photonics. Though very different phenomena at distinct frequencies, both second‐order optical nonlinearity and piezoelectricity are third‐rank polar tensors present only in acentric crystal structures. However, simultaneously enhancing both phenomena is highly challenging since it involves competing effects with tradeoffs. Recently, a large switchable ferroelectric polarization of ≈80 μC cm−2 was reported in Zn1‐xMgxO films. Here, ferroelectric Zn1‐xMgxO is demonstrated to be a platform that hosts simultaneously a 30% increase in the electronic bandgap, a 50% enhancement in the second harmonic generation (SHG) coefficients, and a near 200% improvement in the piezoelectric coefficients over pure ZnO. These enhancements are shown to be due to a 400% increase in the electronic anharmonicity and a ≈200% decrease in the ionic anharmonicity with Mg substitution. Precisely controllable periodic ferroelectric domain gratings are demonstrated down to 800 nm domain width, enabling ultraviolet quasi‐phase‐matched optical harmonic generation as well as domain‐engineered piezoelectric devices.
Effects of chronic sleep restriction on the neuro‐phenotypes of Ctnnd2 knockout mice
Authors: Xu Man , Wang Xiaoya , Wang Luyi , Wang Shali , Deng Jing , Wang Yan , Li Yingbo , Pan Sen , Liao Ailing , Tao Yihao , Tan Shujiang 
Published: May 2023

AbstractIntroductionSleep abnormalities are highly correlated with neurodevelopmental disorders, such as intellectual disability, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The severity of behavioral abnormalities is correlated with the presence of sleep abnormalities. Based on previous research, we investigated that Ctnnd2 gene deletion in mice lead to ASD‐like behaviors and cognitive defects. Given the importance of sleep in individuals with ASD, this study aimed to determine the effects of chronic sleep restriction (SR) on wild‐type (WT) mice and on Ctnnd2 deletion‐induced, neurologically related phenotypes in mice.MethodWT and Ctnnd2 knockout (KO) mice were both subjected to manual SR (5 h per day) for 21 consecutively days separately, then we compared neurologically related phenotypes of WT mice, WT mice subjected to SR, KO mice, and KO mice subjected to SR using a three‐chamber assay, direct social interaction test, open‐field test, Morris water maze, Golgi staining, and Western blotting.ResultsThe effects of SR on WT and KO mice were different. After SR, social ability and cognition were impaired in both WT and KO mice. Repetitive behaviors were increased, and exploration abilities were decreased in KO mice but not in WT mice. Moreover, SR reduced the density and area of mushroom‐type dendritic spines in WT rather than KO mice. Finally, the PI3K/Akt‐mTOR pathway was found to be involved in the effects induced by SR‐impaired phenotypes in WT and KO mice.ConclusionOverall, results of the present study may have implications for the role of disrupted sleep in patients with CTNND2 gene‐related autism and the evolution of neurodevelopmental disorders.
Insight into the Structural Ambiguity of Actinide(IV) Oxalate Sheet Structures: A Case for Alternate Coordination Geometries**
Authors: Sockwell A. Kirstin , Sweet Teagan F. M. , Barth Brodie , Isbill Sara B. , DiBlasi Nicole A. , Szymanowski Jennifer E. S. , Sigmon Ginger E. , Oliver Allen G. , Miskowiec Andrew J. , Burns Peter C. , Hixon Amy E. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractPlutonium(IV) oxalate hexahydrate (Pu(C2O4)2 ⋅ 6 H2O; PuOx) is an important intermediate in the recovery of plutonium from used nuclear fuel. Its formation by precipitation is well studied, yet its crystal structure remains unknown. Instead, the crystal structure of PuOx is assumed to be isostructural with neptunium(IV) oxalate hexahydrate (Np(C2O4)2 ⋅ 6 H2O; NpOx) and uranium(IV) oxalate hexahydrate (U(C2O4)2 ⋅ 6 H2O; UOx) despite the high degree of unresolved disorder that exists when determining water positions in the crystal structures of the latter two compounds. Such assumptions regarding the isostructural behavior of the actinide elements have been used to predict the structure of PuOx for use in a wide range of studies. Herein, we report the first crystal structures for PuOx and Th(C2O4)2 ⋅ 6 H2O (ThOx). These data, along with new characterization of UOx and NpOx, have resulted in the full determination of the structures and resolution of the disorder around the water molecules. Specifically, we have identified the coordination of two water molecules with each metal center, which necessitates a change in oxalate coordination mode from axial to equatorial that has not been reported in the literature. The results of this work exemplify the need to revisit previous assumptions regarding fundamental actinide chemistry, which are heavily relied upon within the current nuclear field.
Optimizing the synthesis of Ag/γ‐Al2O3 for selective reduction of NOx with C3H6: Experiments and modelling
Authors: Kummari Shivaraj Kumar , Yedala Neha , Selvam Parasuraman , Kaisare Niket S. , Aghalayam Preeti 
Published: May 2023

AbstractAg/γ‐Al2O3 is an effective catalyst for the selective reduction of NOx (SCR) using propylene as a reducing agent. The catalyst performance is greatly influenced by the synthesis procedure. Various methods for synthesis of Ag/γ‐Al2O3 are analyzed, and their performance is examined via packed bed reactor experiments in this work. An optimal one‐pot synthesis method, single‐step sol–gel (SSG) synthesis, is explored systematically. The SSG‐synthesized catalyst shows better performance than those prepared via wet impregnation. The influence of synthesis conditions, specifically pH, on the textural and morphological properties of the SSG‐synthesized Ag/γ‐Al2O3, and therefore the activity for hydrocarbon‐based SCR in a packed‐bed reactor, are analyzed using experiments and simulations. The optimized catalyst demonstrates excellent performance (90% NOx conversion) for NOx reduction under nominal operating conditions with a wide activity temperature window (300–600°C). The catalyst shows good time‐on‐stream performance and is effective at higher inlet oxygen concentrations and space velocities. A global kinetic model, which uses synthesis‐pH‐dependent parameters, is proposed, and its ability to predict the activities of these catalysts is validated.
Prognostic role and relationship of thyroid dysfunction and lipid profile in hospitalized heart failure patients
Authors: Zhou Ping , Huang Liyan , Zhai Mei , Huang Yan , Zhuang Xiaofeng , Liu Huihui , Zhang Yuhui , Zhang Jian 
Published: May 2023

AbstractBackgroundThyroid dysfunction might have a negative impact on the prognosis of patients with heart failure (HF) and affect the lipid metabolism. The aim of our study was to investigate the prognostic role of thyroid dysfunction and its relationship with lipid profile in hospitalized HF patients.HypothesisThyroid dysfunction strongly correlates with prognosis of HF patients and combination with lipid profile improves the prognostic value.MethodsWe performed a single‐center retrospective cohort study including hospitalized HF patients between March 2009 and June 2018.ResultsAmong enrolled 3733 patients, low fT3 (hazard ratio [HR] 1.33; 95% CI: 1.15–1.54; p < .001), elevated TSH (HR 1.37; 95% CI 1.15–1.64; p < .001), LT3S (HR 1.39; 95% CI: 1.15–1.68; p < .001), overt hyperthyroidism (HR 1.73; 95%CI: 1.00–2.98; p = .048), subclinical hypothyroidism (HR 1.43; 95%CI: 1.13–1.82; p = .003) and overt hypothyroidism (HR 1.76; 95%CI: 1.33–2.34; p < .001) independently increased the risk of composite endpoint defined as the combination of all‐cause mortality, heart transplantation, or left ventricular assist device requirement. Higher total cholesterol (HR 0.64; 95%CI: 0.49–0.83; p < .001) was still a protective factor in HF patients. When divided into four groups by fT3 and median lipid profiles, comparison of Kaplan–Meier survival curves for various groups showed good risk stratification (p < .001).ConclusionLT3S, overt hyperthyroidism, subclinical and overt hypothyroidism were independently associated with poor outcomes in HF. The combination of fT3 and lipid profile improved the prognostic value.
Real‐Time Visualization of Microtubule and Protofilament‐Scale Dynamics in Multi‐Microtubule Arrays by Atomic Force Microscopy
Authors: Wijeratne Sithara S. , Subramanian Radhika 
Published: May 2023

AbstractMicrotubules, polymers of α, β‐tubulin heterodimers, are organized into multi‐microtubule arrays for diverse cellular functions. The dynamic properties of microtubule arrays govern their structural and functional properties. While numerous insights into the biophysical mechanisms underlying microtubule organization have been gleaned from in vitro reconstitution studies, the assays are largely restricted to visualization of single or pairs of microtubules. Thus, the dynamic processes underlying the remodeling of multi‐microtubule arrays remain poorly understood. Recent work shows that Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) enables the visualization of nanoscale dynamics within multi‐microtubule 2D arrays. In this assay, electrostatic interactions permit the non‐specific adsorption of microtubule arrays to mica. AFM imaging in tapping mode, a gentle method of imaging, allows the visualization of microtubules and protofilaments without sample damage. The height information captured by AFM imaging enables the tracking of structural changes in microtubules and protofilaments within multi‐microtubule arrays over time. The experimental data from the method described here reveal previously unseen modes of nanoscale dynamics in microtubule bundles formed by the microtubule‐crosslinking protein PRC1 in the presence of the depolymerase MCAK. The observations demonstrate the potential of AFM imaging in transforming our understanding of the fundamental cellular process by which multi‐microtubule arrays are dynamically assembled and disassembled. © 2023 Wiley Periodicals LLC.This article was corrected on 06 June 2023. See the end of the full text for details.Basic Protocol: Sample preparation and real‐time visualization of microtubule arrays by atomic force microscopyAlternate Protocol: Protocol for coating surface with poly‐L‐lysine and immobilizing microtubules
Hexacoordinated MIV (M=Ti, Zr, Hf) Tetrachlorido Complexes with Chelating Dithienylethane Based 1,2 Diketone Ligand – π‐Conjugation as Decisive Factor for Axial Chirality Mode
Authors: Schlüter Dirk , Duvinage Daniel , Langer Robert , Vogt Matthias 
Published: May 2023

Abstract1,2‐bis(2,5‐dimethylthiophen‐3‐yl)ethane‐1,2‐dione (1, DTEthane) reacts with MCl4 metal precursors of group four (M=Ti, Zr, Hf) via coordination of the carbonyl groups. The molecular structure of complex 2–4 were determined in scXRD studies in the solid state and characterized by means of multi‐nuclear and multi‐dimensional NMR spectroscopy in solution. While the resulting titanium complex [TiCl4(DTEthane)] 2 shows a monomeric structure, where 1 binds in a bidentate fashion, complexes with a Zr (3) and Hf (4) center have dimeric scaffolds in which the ligands adopt a bridging mode. Quantum chemical calculations using density functional theory (G16, B97D3/def2‐TZVP) were used to evaluate the general trend of dimer formation (Ti<Zr<Hf). The molecular structures derived from both scXRD and the DFT optimized structures reveal the carbonyl groups in conjugation with the adjacent thiophene substituent. As a result, they are coplanar and rotation about the two C−C axes (C1−C7; C8−C9) is restricted allowing for only one chiral axis along C7−C8. This gains special importance with respect to previously described complexes carrying the closely related 1,2‐endiolato ligand (1,2‐bis(2,5‐dimethylthiophen‐3‐yl)ethene‐1,2‐diolate), in which no coplanarity of the thiophene rings to their neighboring metallacycle was observed allowing for two chiral axes. Noteworthy, further DFT calculations addressing the pathway of racemization found transition states, which are characterized by contrary rotations of both thiophene rings and a loss of conjugation rather than a direct rotation around the axis C7−C8.
What we can learn from the international program for development evaluation training (IPDET)
Authors: Morra Imas Linda , Rist Ray C. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractThe International Program for Development Evaluation Training, IPDET, ran in its first chapter from 2001–2016 in Ottawa, Canada. In 2018, it began its second chapter in Bern, Switzerland and continues today – an almost unheard‐of longevity for a summer short‐term training program. Over its first 16 years, IPDET trained more than 4000 persons in evaluation from more than 80 countries. During the time we report on in this chapter, IPDET consisted of a mix and match basic 2‐week core program in development evaluation and two subsequent weeks of 2‐ and 3‐day workshops for more in‐depth specialized evaluation training. Workshop topics were updated annually to remain current but included, for example, Cost‐Benefit Analytic Tools for Development Evaluation, Logic Models in Evaluation, Sampling Techniques I and II, Monitoring and Evaluating Governance in Africa, and Assessing the Outcomes and Impacts of Complex Programs. IPDET graduates have made many contributions to the field, such as establishing national evaluation associations, establishing and leading monitoring and evaluation units, producing country evaluation plans and national evaluation policies, and advancing evaluation in non‐profits, foundations, and the private sector. This reflective chapter examines IPDET's successes by identifying good practices for short‐term evaluation training programs. We review nine major factors contributing to IPDET's longevity in increasing the availability and diversity of evaluators worldwide and examine research on good training practices for short‐term adult evaluation training. Based on IPDET's experience, we suggest additional good practices for evaluation training programs.
Explicitly integrating interpersonal skills in the evaluation curriculum
Authors: Tovey Tiffany L. S. , Smith Libby , Linnell Dana Jayne , Wisner Deven , Coles Cade 
Published: May 2023

AbstractInterpersonal skills are an essential element of evaluators’ work, particularly when evaluators aim to affect the understanding and use of evaluation to make changes in the programs and policies we are evaluating. In this chapter, we provide a brief background on interpersonal skills in the evaluation literature, situating these competencies as essential in making evaluators facilitators of change, and highlight evaluation education's lack of explicit training in interpersonal skills. We then share our experiences with a standalone course for evaluators on interpersonal skill development. We conclude with insights into how evaluation educators can integrate activities focused on developing interpersonal skills into their own evaluation courses.
Effect of fibre orientation and thermal exposure on the post‐fire mechanical behaviour of carbon fibre reinforced polymer material
Authors: Aspinall Tim J. , Erskine Emmajane L. , Taylor Derek C. , Hadden Rory M. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractThis study investigates the influence of fibre orientation and heat flux on the post‐fire (residual) load‐bearing properties of carbon fibre‐reinforced polymer (CFRP) laminates. As a result, a deep insight into the post‐fire load‐bearing response is gained, which is necessary to fully understand and assess the advantages of CFRP laminates containing different fibre orientations for use in load‐bearing structures. Specimens were produced from three CFRP laminates containing different fibre orientations, exposed to varying heat fluxes up to 40  and then loaded in either tension or three‐point bending at ambient room temperature. The study's results have shown that the post‐fire behaviour of CFRP specimens is sensitive to changes in fibre orientation and heat flux. For example, specimens with an anisotropic fibre orientation in tension had the highest tensile load‐bearing capacity, whereas those with bidirectional and multi‐directional fibre orientations demonstrated lower tensile load‐bearing capacities. In bending, however, specimens containing bidirectional and multidirectional fibre orientations had higher load‐bearing capacities than specimens with an anisotropic fibre orientation. Furthermore, the data also shows that exposure to a heat flux reduces the load‐bearing capacity in both the bending and tensile specimens.
A new perspective on the role of the frontoparietal regions in Stroop‐like conflicts
Authors: Oren Noga , Abecasis Donna , Inbar Edna , Glik Amir , Steiner Israel , Shapira‐Lichter Irit 
Published: May 2023

AbstractHumans are goal‐directed; however, goal‐unrelated information still affects us, but how? The Stroop task is often used to answer this question, relying on conflict (incongruency) between attributes, one targeted by the task and another irrelevant to the task. The frontal regions of the brain are known to play a crucial role in processing such conflict, as they show increased activity when we encounter incongruent stimuli. Notably, the Stroop stimuli also consist of conceptual dimensions, such as semantic or emotional content, that are independent of the attributes that define the conflict. Since the non‐targeted attribute usually refers to the same conceptual dimension as the targeted‐attribute, it is relevant to the task at hand. For example, when naming the emotion of an emotional face superimposed by an emotional word, both the targeted‐attribute and the non‐targeted attribute refer to the conceptual dimension “emotion”. We designed an fMRI paradigm to investigate how conflicts between different conceptual dimensions impact us. Even though the conflict was task‐irrelevant, incongruent stimuli resulted in longer reaction times, indicating a behavioral congruency effect. When examining the neural mechanisms that underlie this effect, we found that the frontal regions exhibited repetition suppression, while the bilateral intraparietal sulcus (IPS) showed a congruency effect linked to the behavioral effect. Taken together, these findings suggest that individuals are unable to completely ignore task‐irrelevant information, and that the IPS plays a crucial role in processing such information.
The effect of prehypertension and hypertension on the incidence of cardiovascular disease: A population‐based cohort study in Kharameh, a city in the South of Iran
Authors: Moftakhar Leila , Rezaianzadeh Abbas , Seif Mozhgan , Ghoddusi Johari Masoumeh , Hosseini Seyed Vahid , Dehghani Seyed Sina 
Published: May 2023

AbstractBackground and AimPrehypertension and hypertension are important risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of prehypertension and hypertension on the development of cardiovascular diseases.MethodsThis prospective cohort study was performed on 9442 people aged 40−70 in Kharameh, southern Iran. Individuals were divided into three groups: normal blood pressure (N = 5009), prehypertension (N = 2166), and hypertension (N = 2267). In this study, demographic data, disease histories, behavioral habits, and biological parameters were studied. At first, the incidence density was calculated. Then Firth's Cox regression models were used to investigate the association between prehypertension and hypertension with the incidence of cardiovascular diseases.ResultsThe incidence density in the three groups of individuals with normal blood pressure, prehypertension, and hypertension was 1.33, 2.02, and 3.29 cases per 100,000 person‐days, respectively. The results of multiple Firth's Cox regression by controlling all factors showed that the risk of occurrence of cardiovascular disease in people with prehypertension was 1.33 times (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.32, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01−1.73, p = 0.03) and those with hypertension were 1.85 times higher (HR = 1.77, 95% CI: 1.38−2.29, p < 0.0001) than the individuals with normal blood.ConclusionPrehypertension and hypertension have played an independent role in the risk for developing cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, early detection of individuals with these factors and control of other risk factors in them can contribute to reducing the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases.
Deposit‐borrowing substitutability: Evidence from microfinance institutions around the world
Authors: Shettima Usman , Dzolkarnaini Nazam 
Published: May 2023

AbstractDrawing from 645 microfinance institutions across 56 countries, this paper examines the deposit‐borrowing dynamic of microfinance institutions' source of capital. We find that deposits and borrowings are substitutes rather than complements. We further find that the degree of substitutability is more pronounced among microfinance institutions operating in a developed financial sector where the level of information asymmetry is lower. Our findings represent novel contribution in understanding microfinance institutions' funding behaviour that supports its quest for further growth and long‐term sustainability.
Temporal intra‐host variability of mpox virus genomes in multiple body tissues
Authors: Rueca Martina , Tucci Fabio Giovanni , Mazzotta Valentina , Gramigna Giulia , Gruber Cesare Ernesto Maria , Fabeni Lavinia , Giombini Emanuela , Matusali Giulia , Pinnetti Carmela , Mariano Andrea , Butera Ornella , Specchiarello Eliana , Mondi Annalisa , Lanini Simone , Carletti Fabrizio , Girardi Enrico , Vaia Francesco , Nicastri Emanuele , Antinori Andrea , Maggi Fabrizio 
Published: May 2023

AbstractWhole‐genome sequencing (WGS) has been widely used for the genomic characterization and the phylogenesis of mpox virus (MPXV) 2022 multi‐country outbreak. To date, no evidence has been reported on intra‐host evolution within samples collected over time from a single patient with long‐term infection. Fifty‐one samples were collected from five patients at different time points post‐symptom onset. All samples were confirmed as MPXV DNA positive, amplified by a multiplexed PCR amplicon, and sequenced by WGS. Complete MPXV genomes were assembled by reference mapping and then aligned to perform phylogenetic and hierarchical clustering analysis. Large intra‐host variability was observed among the MPXV genomes sequenced from samples of two immunocompromised with advanced HIV‐1 infection patients with prolonged MPXV shedding. Overall, 20 nucleotide mutations were identified in the 32 genomes from HIV patients, differently distributed in samples collected from different tissues and at different time points. No sequence compartmentalization nor variation was observed in the three patients with rapid viral clearance. MPXV exhibits adaptation to changing environments within the infected host and consequently demonstrates tissue compartmentalization. Further studies are needed to elucidate the role of this adaptation in forming a pool of genetic variability and contributing to viral persistence and its clinical implications.