bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bacteria Associated with Skin Piercing Equipment and their Antibiotic Susceptibility Pattern in Port Harcourt Metropolis
Authors: Ogbonna S. I. , Barika P. N. , Ugboma C. J. , Ibokene I. J. 
Published: February 2023

Skin Piercing is becoming rampant among adolescent in our contemporary society without considering its health implication and the risk of pathogenic microorganisms associated with equipment used. Hence, this research is carried out to determine the bacteria associated with this skin piercing equipment and their antibiotic susceptibility pattern in Port Harcourt metropolis. A total of thirty (30) skin piercing equipment were swab using sterile swab sticks and samples subjected to standard microbiological technique as well as standard plate count, culturing, identification and antibiotic susceptibility pattern using Kirby Bauer Disk diffusion method. The distributed questionnaires showed that the percentage of female (79.56%) involved in skin piercing is more than the males (20.44%). The total heterotrophic bacteria count ranged from 4.75±0.03×103 CFU/ml to 6.31±0.23×104 CFU/ml in RSU back gate and PH Victoria Street respectively. The total Staphylococcal count ranged from 1.90±0.01×102 CFU/ml to 4.31±0.03×102 CFU/ml in RSU back gate and PH Victoria Street respectively. A total of Seventeen (17) bacteria isolates were identified belonging to the following genera; Staphylococcus spp, Streptococcus spp, Bacillus spp, Micrococcus spp, and Clostridium spp. The prevalence of the bacteria indicated that Staphylococcus had the highest occurrence (26%), followed closely by Pseudomonas spp (19%), and Clostridium spp (11.7%) had the least prevalence across the locations. The Antimicrobial sensitivity testing results shows that Staphylococcus spp, Streptococcus spp, Bacillus spp, Micrococcus spp, and Clostridium spp are more susceptible to Erythromycin, Gentamicin and Ofloxacin (100%) and resistant to Augmentin, Ceftazidime, Cefuroxime and Ceftriaxone (100%) Pseudomonas spp was Susceptible to Gentamicin, Nitrofurantoin and Ciprofloxacin (100%) and resistant to Ceftazidime, Cefuroxime and Augmentin (100%). These bacteria isolated are mostly pathogenic and may result in an increase in health complication as a result of non-hygienic protocol employed during using this skin piercing equipment. Professionals should enlighten and give advisory comment to adolescent about the risks involved in skin piercing practices.
Outcomes Among Undocumented Immigrant Kidney Transplant Recipients in California
Authors: Eguchi Natsuki , Tantisattamo Ekamol , Chung Dean , Reddy Uttam G. , Ferrey Antoney , Dafoe Donald , Ichii Hirohito 
Published: February 2023

ImportanceThere are over 2 million undocumented immigrants (UI) in California, where currently, all individuals regardless of immigration status have access to kidney transplant. There is a medical perception that UI face a higher risk of transplant failure due to language barriers and lack of access to immunosuppressive medication and health care when compared with US residents (UR).ObjectiveTo elucidate the kidney transplant outcomes of UI at an academic medical center in California.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsA retrospective cohort study was conducted from a single transplant center during an 8-year study period. Patients who received a kidney transplant at the University of California, Irvine, between January 1, 2012, and September 1, 2019, were included in this study. Data were analyzed from October 2020 to August 2021.ExposuresThe primary exposure of this study was citizenship status. UI were defined as immigrants residing in the US without permission or legal documentation.Main Outcomes and MeasuresThe primary end point was all-cause graft loss defined as the return to dialysis, need for a second kidney transplant, or death. The secondary end points of this study were all-cause mortality and rejection. All-cause mortality between the 2 groups was compared using multiple Cox proportional hazard regression analysis. Other transplant outcomes, including all-cause graft loss and acute rejection, were examined by competing risks regressions with mortality and mortality plus graft loss serving as competing risks, respectively.ResultsOf all 446 consecutive kidney transplant recipients, the mean (SD) age was 47 (13) years; 261 patients (59%) were male, and 114 (26%) were UI. During a median (IQR) follow-up time of 3.39 (0.04-8.11) years, 6 UI and 48 UR experienced all-cause graft loss. UR had a 192% (hazard ratio, 2.92; 95% CI, 1.21-6.85; P = .01) and 343% (hazard ratio, 4.34; 95% CI, 1.05-18.69; P = .04) significantly increased unadjusted risk for all-cause graft loss and all-cause mortality, respectively. These results became nonsignificant and were mostly attenuated when adjusted for age and ethnicity. Finally, there was no difference in incidence rate of kidney allograft rejection between the 2 groups (UR, 3.5 per 100 person-years vs UI, 2.4 per 100 person-years; rate ratio, 1.45; 95% CI, 0.90-5.05; P = .08).Conclusions and RelevanceThis single-center cohort study found that kidney transplant outcomes of UI were not inferior to those of UR. Across the US, however, UI have consistently had unequal access to transplantation. These findings suggest that extending kidney transplants to UI is safe and does not portend worse outcomes. As a result, denying transplant according to immigration status not only results in higher costs but also worse end stage kidney disease outcomes for an already underserved population.
Configurational and Orientational Bias Monte Carlo
Authors: Liu Jun S 
Published: February 2023

AbstractThe core idea of Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) methods is to construct a transition rule for a reversible Markov chain whose equilibrium distribution is the desired target distribution known up to a normalizing constant. As the earliest and the most important MCMC method, the Metropolis algorithm constructs its transition rule in two steps: firstmaking a proposal according to a rather arbitrary symmetric (aka, “unbiased”) proposal distribution, and then deciding whether to accept or reject the proposal with probability determined by how good the density value at the proposed configuration compared to the current one. Hastings later generalizedthe algorithm to allow for non‐symmetric, i.e., biased, proposals. In fact, many “advanced” Monte Carlo methods developed in the area of molecular simulations center around the attempt to design a favorable “biasing” proposal strategy. In this chapter, wediscuss two methods popular in molecular simulations for “biasing” the proposal and their general formulations and applications.
Time Between Events Monitoring with Control Charts
Authors: Chakraborti Subhabrata , Kumar Nirpeksh , Rakitzis Athanasios C. , Sparks Ross S. 
Published: February 2023

AbstractTime between events (TBE) control charts play an important role in many applications, particularly in the monitoring of high‐yield processes. In this article, we discuss the most common types of control charts for time between events monitoring, along with some illustrations of their practical implementation. The usual distributional assumption for the time between events is that of the exponential distribution. We also briefly discuss the case where the TBE follows a Weibull distribution. Finally, for both distributions, the cases of known and unknown parameters are discussed.
Ser77Tyr transthyretin amyloidosis in Israel: Initial manifestations and diagnostic features
Authors: Dori Amir , Arad Michael , Wasserstrum Yishay , Pollak Arthur , Nikitin Vera , Ben‐David Merav , Shamash Jana , Nahum Ayelet Hashachar , Shavit‐Stein Efrat , Domachevsky Liran , Kuperstein Rafael , Dominissini Dan , Shelestovich Natalia , Sadeh Menachem , Pras Elon , Greenbaum Lior 
Published: February 2023

AbstractObjectiveAmyloidosis due to the transthyretin Ser77Tyr mutation (ATTRS77Y) is a rare autosomal‐dominant disorder, characterized by carpal‐tunnel syndrome, poly‐ and autonomic‐neuropathy, and cardiomyopathy. However, related symptoms and signs are often nonspecific and confirmatory tests are required. We describe the age and frequency of early symptoms and diagnostic features among individuals of Jewish Yemenite descent in Israel.MethodsRecords of mutation carriers were retrospectively reviewed. ATTRS77Y diagnosis was defined by the presence of amyloid in tissue and/or amyloid‐related cardiomyopathy.ResultsWe identified the Ser77Tyr mutation at the heterozygous state in 19 amyloidosis patients (mean age at diagnosis: 62 ± 5.7 years, range 49–70) and 30 amyloid‐negative carriers. The probability for disease diagnosis increased from 4.4% at age 49 to 100% at 70 and occurred earlier in males. Initial symptoms preceded diagnosis by 5 ± 3.8 years (range 0–12) and were commonly sensory changes in the extremities. Erectile dysfunction predated these in 8/13 (62%) males. In two patients cardiac preceded neurological symptoms. Two patients declined symptoms. Electrophysiological studies near the time of diagnosis indicated a median neuropathy at the wrist in 18/19 (95%) and polyneuropathy in 13/19 (68%). Skin biopsy revealed epidermal denervation in 15/16 (94%) patients. Cardiomyopathy was identified in 16/19 (84%). Sensory complaints or epidermal denervations were present in 17/30 (57%) of amyloid‐negative carriers and co‐occurred in 10/30 (33%).InterpretationATTRS77Y symptoms commonly occur after age 50, but may begin earlier. Median neuropathy, skin denervation and cardiomyopathy are frequently identified. Symptoms may be absent in patients and common in amyloid‐negative carriers.
Hierarchically Nanostructured Janus Membranes Toward Sustainable and Efficient Solar‐to‐Thermal Management
Authors: Li Shan , Xiao Peng , Yang Weiqing , Zhang Chang , Gu Jincui , Kuo Shiao‐Wei , Chen Tao 
Published: February 2023

AbstractSolar‐enabled thermal management is emerging as a promising candidate to exploit green, low‐cost and efficient heat‐related applications, which has drawn extensive intensity for the development of solar‐to‐thermal materials with high‐performance and desirable functionality. However, there still remain considerable challenges, such as the sharp temperature fluctuations under water‐related environment, high cost, complex fabrication approaches and limited energy efficiency. Here, superhydrophobic and photothermal nanostructured Janus membranes composed of hierarchical candle soot and transparent polydimethylsiloxane is proposed in a simple, low‐cost, and effective way. The achieved membranes can readily adapt to curved surfaces and enable efficient solar‐to‐thermal capability of ≈68 °C under 1 sun and good water‐repellant property of ≈159.7. Therefore, it can still maintain stable temperature without remarkable temperature decline when exposed to the high‐moisture environment. Also, the asymmetric structure can further endow the membrane with declined heat dissipation for high‐performance thermal management. Moreover, it can further function as a self‐supported agricultural film to continuously heat the soils with stable temperature for efficient bean growth, demonstrating significant potential in the new generation of urban agriculture.
Thermal‐Triggered “On–Off” Switchable Triboelectric Nanogenerator Based on Two‐Way Shape Memory Polymer
Authors: Yang Guang , Li Haiqiong , Xing Renquan , Lv Mengdie , Ma Chongqi , Yan Jing , Zhuang Xupin 
Published: February 2023

AbstractDeveloping multifunctional triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) with special intelligence is of great significance for next‐generation self‐powered electronic devices. However, the relevant work on the intelligent TENGs, especially those spontaneously responsive to external stimuli, is rarely reported. Herein, an intelligent TENG with thermal‐triggered switchable functionality and high triboelectric outputs is developed by designing a movable triboelectric layer, which is driven by a two‐way shape memory polyurethane. The resultant TENG device can be spontaneously switched on/off in response to the environmental temperature change, i.e., switching on at 0 °C and off at 60 °C. At the “on” state, the developed TENG exhibits excellent triboelectric performance with a maximum output power density of 5.15 W m−2 at a pressure of 30 kPa due to the unique advantages of micro‐/nanofiber triboelectric surfaces. Furthermore, the great potential of the switchable TENG in intelligent wearable electronic applications is demonstrated, which can serve as not only the sensing element for monitoring human movement and physical condition in a cold environment but also the thermal‐driven switch for turning on/off the heating function on demand. The intelligent “on–off” switchable TENG combined with excellent triboelectric performance may provide new opportunities for future self‐powered wearable electronics.
Intelligent Soft Sweat Sensors for the Simultaneous Healthcare Monitoring and Safety Warning
Authors: Huang Xingcan , Liu Yiming , Park Wooyoung , Li Jiyu , Ma Jie , Yiu Chun Ki , Zhang Qiang , Li Jian , Wu Pengcheng , Zhou Jingkun , Zeng Yuyang , He Xinxin , Li Jialin , Wong Tsz Hung , Yao Kuanming , Zhao Ling , Gao Yuyu , Shi Rui , Li Hu , Li Meixi , Li Dengfeng , Zhao Zhao , Li Yuhang , Li Heng , Yu Xinge 
Published: February 2023

AbstractIntelligent monitoring human physiological information in real time raises the demand for skin‐integrated electronics, as which is a flexible format and can be mounted onto the curved human skin for noninvasive healthcare monitoring. The biofluid such as sweat from skin contains abundant biomarkers reflecting body health conditions. Here, a skin‐integrated sweat monitor with six biosensors embedded for the detection of NH4+, Na+, glucose, pH, skin impedance, and surface temperature is described, which could decode the information in the fresh sweat generated during exercising. Furthermore, the system also includes an innovative safety warning mechanism, which is based on a miniaturized actuator to provide mechanical stimuli, and coupled with six changeable colors light emitting diodes corresponding to the six biosensors for providing simultaneous safety alarming to users. The self‐developed microfluidics system with a hydrophilic surface allows to enhance the sweat collection rate. Meanwhile, microfluidic filters can reduce the interruption of skin debris during biosignal monitoring. These state‐of‐art biosensors can real‐time monitor health related signals with excellent linearity and specificity. The skin‐integrated sweat monitor system exhibits a great potential in human healthcare monitoring and medical treatment.
Förster Resonance Energy Transfer Nanobullet for Photoacoustic Imaging and Amplified Photothermal‐Photodynamic Therapy of Cancer
Authors: Tan Mixiao , Li Xuemei , Zhang Hua , Zheng Min , Xiong Jie , Cao Yang , Cao Guoliang , Wang Zhigang , Ran Haitao 
Published: February 2023

AbstractSynergistic photodynamic and photothermal therapy (PDT‐PTT) has emerged as an appealing effective antitumor approach. However, clinical utilization of PDT‐PTT is plagued by aggregation‐caused photobleaching, sequential double irradiations, unsatisfying balance between single oxygen (1O2) quantum yield and photothermal conversion efficiency. Here, an anchored tumor‐homing cell‐penetrating peptide (PEGA‐pVEC) and PANI‐ES/HMME loaded FRET nanobullet (AHP‐P) are reported. Within nanobullet, HMME (donor) and PANI‐ES (acceptor) spontaneously form a förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) pair. Upon 660 nm laser irradiation, HMME convert near‐infrared fluorescence (NIRF) to PANI, thus produce FRET‐amplified photoacoustic imaging guided PTT. In addition, AHP‐P with pH‐sensitivity can gradually release HMME within acidic tumor environment, boosts the 1O2 regeneration alongside with highly efficient photothermal conversion for photoinduced cancer PTT‐PDT. Furthermore, the AHP‐P nanobullet can home in on the tumor site and penetrate into cytoplasm through PEGA‐pVEC, inducing remarkable tumor regression with an ≈80% tumor volume reduction and decreased skin phototoxicity in vivo during FRET‐amplified PTT‐PDT.
Integrated Nanorod‐Mediated PD‐L1 Downregulation in Combination with Oxidative‐Stress Immunogene Therapy against Cancer
Authors: Wu Shuaiying , Zhang Jianzhong , Pan Jie , Bai Shuang , Wang Ziying , Chen Yulun , Xu Dazhuang , An Yibo , Liu Chao , Chu Chengchao , Dai Qixuan , Jiang Lai , Lu Zhixiang , Liu Gang 
Published: February 2023

AbstractIt is an engaging program for tumor treatment that rationalizes the specific microenvironments, activation of suppressed immune system (immune resistance/escape reversion), and synergistic target therapy. Herein, a biomimetic nanoplatform that combines oxidative stress with genetic immunotherapy to strengthen the therapeutic efficacy is developed. Ru‐TePt nanorods, small interfering RNA (PD‐L1 siRNA), and biomimetic cellular membrane vesicles with the targeting ability to design a multifunctional Ru‐TePt@siRNA‐MVs system are rationally integrated. Notably, the Fenton‐like activity significantly enhances Ru‐TePt nanorods sonosensitization, thus provoking stronger oxidative stress to kill cells directly. Meanwhile, immunogenic cell death is triggered to secrete numerous cytokines and activate T cells. The effective catalase characteristics of Ru‐TePt enable the in situ oxygen‐producing pump to improve tumor oxygen level and coordinately strengthen the therapeutic effect of SDT followed. More importantly, anti‐PD‐L1‐siRNA mediated immune checkpoint silence of the PD‐L1 gene creates an environment conducive to activating cytotoxic T lymphocytes, synergistic with boosted reactive oxygen species‐triggered antitumor immune response. The experimental results in vitro and in vivo reveal that the Ru‐TePt@siRNA‐MVs nanosystems can effectively activate the oxidative stress‐triggered immune response and inhibit PD‐1/PD‐L1 axis‐mediated immune resistance. Consequently, this orchestrated treatment paradigm provides valuable insights for developing potential oxidative stress and genetic immunotherapy.
Atom‐Precise Heteroatom Core‐Tailoring of Nanoclusters for Enhanced Solar Hydrogen Generation
Authors: Bootharaju Megalamane Siddaramappa , Lee Chan Woo , Deng Guocheng , Kim Hyeseung , Lee Kangjae , Lee Sanghwa , Chang Hogeun , Lee Seongbeom , Sung Yung‐Eun , Yoo Jong Suk , Zheng Nanfeng , Hyeon Taeghwan 
Published: February 2023

AbstractWhile core–shell nanomaterials are highly desirable for realizing enhanced optical and catalytic properties, their synthesis with atomic‐level control is challenging. Here, the synthesis and crystal structure of [Au12Ag32(SePh)30]4−, the first example of selenolated Au–Ag core–shell nanoclusters, comprising a gold icosahedron core trapped in a silver dodecahedron, which is protected by an Ag12(SePh)30 shell, is presented. The gold core strongly modifies the overall electronic structure and induces synergistic effects, resulting in high enhancements in the stability and near‐infrared‐II photoluminescence. The Au12Ag32 and its homometal analog Ag44, show strong interactions with oxygen vacancies of TiO2, facilitating the interfacial charge transfer for photocatalysis. Indeed, the Au12Ag32/TiO2 exhibits remarkable solar H2 production (6810 µmol g−1 h−1), which is ≈6.2 and ≈37.8 times higher than that of Ag44/TiO2 and TiO2, respectively. Good stability and recyclability with minimal catalytic activity loss are additional features of Au12Ag32/TiO2. The experimental and computational results reveal that the Au12Ag32 acts as an efficient cocatalyst by possessing a favorable electronic structure that aligns well with the TiO2 bands for the enhanced separation of photoinduced charge carriers due to the relatively negatively charged Au12 core. These atomistic insights will motivate uncovering of the structure–catalytic activity relationships of other nanoclusters.
Band Engineering of the Second Phase to Reach High Thermoelectric Performance in Cu2Se‐Based Composite Material
Authors: Long Zhi , Wang Yajun , Sun Xiaoling , Li Yitong , Zeng Zhiwei , Zhang Lin , Chen Hongyi 
Published: February 2023

AbstractHitherto, Cu2Se incorporated with a dispersed second phase shows extremely low thermal conductivity and excellent thermoelectric properties. However, the significant mismatch in electronic band structure between the second phases and the matrix often causes a deterioration of carrier mobility. In this work, based on density functional theory (DFT) calculations, the electronic band structure of the second phase is adjusted through doping S and Te. It is found that Cu2Se0.88S0.06Te0.06 has a highly similar electronic band structure to the Cu2Se matrix, which results in high carrier mobility and power factor in Cu2Se‐based composite materials. Additionally, the dispersed second‐phase Cu2Se0.88S0.06Te0.06, dislocations, and nanograins are observed in the Cu2Se/5 wt% Cu2Se0.88S0.06Te0.06 product, which leads to a substantial reduction in the thermal conductivity. Finally, high figure of merit (zT) values of 2.04 (by Dulong–Petit heat capacity) and 2.34 (by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) measured heat capacity) are achieved at 850 K, which are about 65% higher than that of Cu2Se in this work and comparable to the recently reported p‐type Cu2Se with outstanding performance.
Magnetic‐Force‐Induced‐Luminescent Effect in Flexible ZnS:Cu/PDMS/NdFeB Composite
Authors: PourhosseiniAsl MohammadJavad , Berbille Andy , Wang Shuyang , Yu Zhonghui , Li Zhanmiao , Ren Kailiang , Dong Shuxiang 
Published: February 2023

AbstractThe force‐induced light‐emitting phenomenon in polymer composites plays an important role in the soft electronic field due to its display function. Here, a magnetic‐force‐induced‐luminescence (MFIL) effect is reported in ZnS:Cu particle‐doped polydimethylsiloxane incorporated with a NdFeB magnetic tip mass for real‐time incident magnetic field strength light‐emitting display. Investigations show that the luminescence intensity increases nearly linear in response to the applied AC magnetic field, HAC; meanwhile, the minimum HAC for inducing MFIL is as low as 0.1 mT (1 Oe) at the resonance. The MFIL effect is 1000 times better and more energy‐efficient than the best result published previously. The findings, thus, indicate that the MFIL effect could serve as an effective method for light‐emitting display triggered by HAC; MFIL essentially originates from the donor–acceptor recombination between shallow donor level and the t2 level of Cu2 in ZnS:Cu semiconductor particles. The present results could, thus, provide a viable pathway toward multifunctional flexible electronic designs and applications, especially toward those for the real‐time visualization of remote magnetic field sensing.
Dual‐Modal Iridium‐Based Self‐Immolative Chemosensors for Differential Responses against Reactive Oxygen Species and their Applications to Detect Diabetes
Authors: Yoon Hey Young , Bak Yecheol , Park Seung Bin , Cheekatla Subba Rao , Shin Kyung Ho , Kim Sehoon , Lee Jun‐Seok 
Published: February 2023

AbstractIn diabetes, platelets are activated by several stimuli, and the activated platelets generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) to induce the aggregation of platelets followed by thrombus formation resulting in various cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, detecting ROS perturbations in platelets can provide a clue to diagnosing diabetes. In this paper, iridium‐based self‐immolative probes (1a‐1c) are reported to monitor perturbations of ROS in the blood through photoluminescence (PL) and electrochemiluminescence (ECL). The probes are designed based on an iridium complex conjugated with phenylboronic acid pinacol ester through carbamate moiety. Three probes contain distinct electron‐withdrawing groups at the ortho‐position in the benzyl linker; thus, subtle reactivity differences are expected against ROS. As expected, all three probes exhibit the most apparent PL changes against hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), but their response patterns against ROS are interestingly distinctive. Utilizing such differential ROS responsive pattern, a discrimination strategy is established using a combination of PL and ECL responses, and discrimination of platelets from diabetic and control rats is successfully demonstrated.