bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Kombinierte Betrachtung von Fahrbahnqualität, Lkw‐Achslasten und der Lebensdauer von Betonbrücken
Authors: Hondl Timo , Glock Christian
Published: November 2022

Durch den steigenden Sanierungsbedarf von Straßenbrücken in Deutschland kommt der Planung für deren Erhalt und Neubau eine wachsende Bedeutung zu. Je genauer die vorhandenen Kenntnisse über die Einwirkungen sind, desto präziser können Prognosen der Lebensdauer eines Bauwerks sein. Dies trifft nicht nur im Brückenbau zu, auch im Automobilwesen werden im Zuge der Fahrzeugoptimierung detaillierte, zeitlich veränderliche Achslasten gemessen und simuliert. Einen besonderen Einfluss auf die ermittelten Achslasten hat die Fahrbahnqualität. Unter Verwendung dieser Daten und Simulationsmethoden ergibt sich für das Bauwesen die Fragestellung nach einem möglichen Zusammenhang zwischen Fahrbahnqualität und Lebensdauer einer Straßenbrücke. Durch höhere Anforderungen an die Fahrbahnqualität im Bereich von Brücken könnten dynamische Lasten reduziert und aufwendige Sanierungen des Tragwerks vermieden oder verzögert werden. Zur Untersuchung eines möglichen Zusammenhangs wird im Folgenden ein Vorgehen zur Bestimmung des Einflusses der Fahrbahnqualität auf die Lebensdauer von Straßenbrücken vorgestellt. Hierfür werden realitätsnahe Fahrbahnoberflächen generiert und dazu verwendet, an einem gekoppelten Bauwerk‐Fahrzeug‐System vereinfachte Achs‐ und Fahrzeugmodelle durch Fußpunktanregung in Schwingung zu versetzen. Die zeitlich veränderlichen Schnittgrößen des Bauwerks können darauf aufbauend rückgerechnet und auf ihr Schädigungspotenzial hin analysiert werden. Diese Methodik wird abschließend anhand eines Beispiels veranschaulicht. Es kann gezeigt werden, dass in diesem Fall ein deutlicher Zusammenhang zwischen Fahrbahnqualität und Lebensdauer erkennbar wird.
Mesoscience in cell biology and cancer research
Authors: Qian Haili , Beltran Adriana Sujey
Published: November 2022

Mesoscale characteristics and their interdimensional correlation are the focus of contemporary interdisciplinary research. Mesoscience is a discipline that has the potential to radically update the existing knowledge structure, which differs from the conventional unit‐scale and system‐scale research models, revealing a previously untouchable area for scientific research. Integrative biology research aims to dissect the complex problems of life systems by conducting comprehensive research and integrating various disciplines from all biological levels of the living organism. However, the mesoscientific issues between different research units are neglected and challenging. Mesoscale research in biology requires the integration of research theories and methods from other disciplines (mathematics, physics, engineering, and even visual imaging) to investigate theoretical and frontier questions of biological processes through experiments, computations, and modeling. We reviewed  integrative paradigms and methods for the biological mesoscale problems (focusing on oncology research) and prospected the potential of their multiple dimensions and upcoming challenges. We expect to establish an interactive and collaborative theoretical platform for further expanding the depth and width of our understanding on the nature of biology.
Analysis of the efficacy and safety of immunotherapy in advanced thymoma patients
Authors: Hao Yue , Lin Gen , Xiang Jing , Wang Wenxian , Xu Chunwei , Wang Qian , Cai Jing , Zhang Yongchang , Song Zhengbo
Published: November 2022

Background

Immunotherapy has exhibited efficacy in thymic carcinoma patients; however, there are insufficient data to confirm this efficacy in thymoma. The toxicity of immunotherapy also remains to be determined.

Methods

The efficacy and safety of immunotherapy were analyzed in 11 thymoma patients who received PD‐1 inhibitors according to a range of relevant indexes including the objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), progression‐free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and immunotherapy‐related adverse events.

Results

The PFS and OS rates for all patients were 12.8 and 56.5 months, respectively. No difference in efficacy was detected between monotherapy and combination therapy (PFS: 12.8 vs 2.2 months, P = 0.787; OS: 73.8 vs 56.5 months, P = 0.367). The ORRs and DCRs for all patients were 27.3% and 90.9%, respectively. The incidence of adverse events was 45.5% among the 11 thymoma patients, including immune‐related myocarditis (36.4%), immune‐related liver damage (18.2%), and myasthenia gravis (18.2%). In the whole cohort of patients, the rate of adverse events of grade 3 or higher was 36.4%. The rates of adverse events of grade 3 or 4 in B3‐type and non‐B3‐type thymoma patients were 0% and 62.5%, respectively.

Conclusions

Immunotherapy elicited a response in thymoma patients; however, more attention should be paid to the immune‐related adverse events.
Salt‐Toggled Capture Selection of Uric Acid Binding Aptamers
Authors: Liu Yibo , Liu Juewen
Published: November 2022

Uric acid is the end‐product of purine metabolism in humans and an important biomarker for many diseases. To achieve the detection of uric acid without using enzymes, we previously selected a DNA aptamer for uric acid with a Kd of 1 μM but the aptamer required multiple Na+ ions for binding. Saturated binding was achieved with around 700 mM Na+ and the binding at the physiological condition was much weaker. In this work, a new selection was performed by alternating Mg2+‐containing buffers with Na+ and Li+. After 13 rounds of selection, a new aptamer sequence named UA‐Mg‐1 was obtained. Isothermal titration calorimetry confirmed aptamer binding in both selection buffers, and the Kd was around 8 μM. The binding of UA‐Mg‐1 to UA required only Mg2+. This is an indicator of successful switching of metal dependency via the salt‐toggled selection method. The UA‐Mg‐1 aptamer was engineered into a fluorescent biosensor based on the strand‐displacement assay with a limit of detection of 0.5 μM uric acid in the selection buffer. Finally, comparison with the previously reported Na+‐dependent aptamer and a xanthine/uric acid riboswitch was also made.
Ex‐Ante Optimal Design of Sustainable Phase Change Materials for Latent Heat Storage
Authors: Geroulis Ioannis , Kokossis Antonis , Marcoulaki Effie
Published: November 2022

Energy consumption for residential heating can be reduced using new insulation solutions in the form of phase change materials (PCMs) integrated within the building structure. This work proposes a framework for the optimal design of PCMs considering operational as well as sustainability aspects at the early stages of the material development process. The proposed framework applies computer‐aided molecular design tools and considers a practical simulation model to calculate the functional performance of the PCM, as well as a variety of constraints to impose desirable bounds on the material thermophysical properties and its impact on environment and safety.
Electrical Transport Properties of Layered Black Phosphorus grown by Chemical Vapor Transport
Authors: Zdeg I. , Al‐Shami A. , Tiouichi G. , Absike H. , Chaudhary V. , Neugebauer P. , Nouneh K. , Belhboub A. , Mounkachi O. , El Fatimy A.
Published: November 2022

This work investigates the transport properties of layered black phosphorus (BP) grown by the chemical vapor transport (CVT). The electrical measurements are carried out at a temperature ranging from 300 to 2 K and a magnetic field up to 16 Tesla. The CVT‐grown BP exhibits p‐type conduction with an acceptor's 14–1.2 meV activation energy. The concentration of ionized acceptors is Moreover, the Hall mobility is found to be 138 cm2V−1s−1 and 4 × 104 cm2V−1s−1, respectively, at room temperature and 2 K. This work reveals the potential of CVT synthesis as a simple, nontoxic, and cheap technique to make high‐quality BP crystals with high carrier mobility ready as a solid foundation for BP single‐crystal application.
Thyroid carcinoma‐featured telomerase activation and telomere maintenance: Biology and translational/clinical significance
Authors: Yuan Xiaotian , Yuan Huiyang , Zhang Ning , Liu Tiantian , Xu Dawei
Published: November 2022

Background

Telomerase is a ribonucleoprotein complex consisting of a catalytic component telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT), internal RNA template and other co‐factors, and its essential function is to synthesize telomeric DNA, repetitive TTAGGG sequences at the termini of linear chromosomes. Telomerase is silent in normal human follicular thyroid cells, primarily due to the TERT gene being tightly repressed. During the development and progression of thyroid carcinomas (TCs), TERT induction and telomerase activation is in general required to maintain telomere length, thereby conferring TC cells with immortal and aggressive phenotypes.

Methods

The genomic alterations of the TERT loci including TERT promoter's gain‐of‐function mutations, copy number gain, fusion and rearrangements, have recently been identified in TCs as mechanisms to induce TERT expression and to activate telomerase. Importantly, numerous studies have consistently shown that TERT promoter mutations and TERT expression occur in all TC subtypes, and are robustly associated with TC malignancy, aggressiveness, treatment failure and poor outcomes. Therefore, the assessment of TERT promoter mutations and TERT expression is highly valuable in TC diagnostics, prognosis, treatment decision, and follow‐up design. In addition, the TERT promoter is frequently hypermethylated in TC cells and tumors, which is required to activate TERT transcription and telomerase. Dysregulation of other components in the telomerase complex similarly upregulate telomerase. Moreover, shortened telomeres lead to altered gene expression and metabolism, thereby actively promoting TC aggressiveness. Here we summarize recent findings in TCs to provide the landscape of TC‐featured telomere/telomerase biology and discuss underlying implications in TC precision medicine.

Conclusion

Mechanistic insights into telomerase activation and TERT induction in TCs are important both biologically and clinically. The TERT gene aberration and expression‐based molecular classification of TCs is proposed, and for such a purpose, the standardization of the assay and evaluation system is required. Moreover, the TERT‐based system and 2022 WHO TC classification may be combined to improve TC care.
Physicochemical, color, and sensory characteristics of edible oil‐coated blanched sweet corn kernels
Authors: Popalia Chandani , Kumar Navneet
Published: November 2022

Sweet corn has a higher moisture content, making it challenging to store for longer. The edible coating acts as primary packaging. The samples were blanched in hot water at 90°C for 90 s initially and were coated with olive oil concentration 0%–100% for 60–300 s at temperatures of 40–60°C, which makes the kernels acceptable even after 7 days in comparison to 4 days in untreated samples. The coating of hot water‐blanched sweet corn kernels increased length, width, thickness, true density, porosity, color a*, color b*, ∆E, chroma, browning index, moisture content, and pH with increased coating time, coating temperature, and concentration and varied from 11.78 to 12.40 mm, 9.87 to 10.22 mm, 4.14 to 4.66 mm, 1082 to 1093 kg/m3, 33.70% to 37.29%, 4.19 to 4.57, 0.09 to 1.36, 7.46 to 8.34, 14.11 and 12.43, 78.32% to 83.41% and 5.87 to 5.98. While the coating process decreased bulk density, color L*, total sugar, ascorbic acid, and total soluble solid of sweet corn kernels with an increase in coating time and coating temperature and varied from 685.43 to 717.32 kg/m3, 74.68 to 75.12, 6.4% to 7.2%, 6.4 to 7.1 mg/100 g and 18.5 to 19.8 °Brix, respectively. The coating of sweet corn and hot water blanching is a promising hurdle to spoilage for extending the shelf life of sweet corn in food processing industries for developing various processed food products.
Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution by Water‐Soluble Cobalt (II), Copper (II) and Iron (III)meso‐Tetrakis(carboxyl)porphyrin
Authors: Qi Xiao‐Wen , Yang Gang , Guo Xiao‐Shuang , Si Li‐Ping , Zhang Hao , Liu Hai‐Yang
Published: November 2022

Three water‐soluble carboxyl metalloporphyrins, cobalt (II), copper (II) and iron (III)meso‐tetrakis (carboxyl) porphyrin were prepared and applied as homogeneous electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) with acetic acid, trifluoroacetic acid,p‐toluene sulfonic acid and water as proton sources. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) results revealed the HER underwent different routes for these metalloporphyrins. Electrocatalysis tests in buffer solution of pH=7.0 showed the TOFs of cobalt (II), copper (II) and iron (III)meso‐tetrakis (carboxyl) porphyrin were 184.78, 160.28 and 184.87 mol−1 ⋅ h−1and the faradaic efficiency were 94.37 %, 93.01 % and 96.98 % at an overpotential of 788 mV, respectively. These results indicate the synthesized metal carboxyl porphyrins have good electrocatalytic activity for HER.
Doping Heptagon‐Containing π‐Conjugated Systems with Boron
Authors: Lv Haochen , Xiang Kai , Yang Deng‐Tao
Published: November 2022

As the models for studying defected graphene, π‐conjugated systems containing heptagonal rings have attracted increasing interest due to their dynamic behaviors, electronic properties, aromaticity, and solid‐state packing. Doping heptagon‐containing π‐conjugated systems with boron not only makes π‐conjugated systems with the boron‐doped heptagonal ring have structural similarity to their all‐carbon analogues, but also could significantly change their electronic properties and intermolecular interactions. This review summarizes research on the different synthetic routes to access boron‐doped heptagons including borepins, azaborepins, and oxaborepins, with the emphasis on the structure‐property relationships at the molecular level.
Ethynyl‐Bridged Bis‐quinolinium Dyes: Studies of the Dependence of Different Types of Conjugation on Spectroscopic Properties
Authors: Batsyts Sviatoslav , Tombrink Alexander , Lederle Felix , Hübner Eike G. , Namyslo Jan C. , Nieger Martin , Schmidt Andreas
Published: November 2022

Dicationic bis‐quinolinium salts possessing different types of conjugation are presented in which the hetareniums are separated by acetylenic or 1,4‐diethynylbenzene spacers. Cross‐conjugation is induced by interconnections via the 3‐positions of the heteroareniums, and conjugation is realized by 2,2/2,4/4,4‐interconnections. We also synthesized mixed cross‐conjugated/conjugated 2,3/4,3‐interconnected species. The different types of conjugation determine the charge distribution according to the rules of resonance which translate into characteristic 13C NMR as well as UV‐Vis‐spectroscopic properties, LUMO geometries, and chemical properties. We found that the triple bond's resonance frequencies are sensitive 13C NMR spectroscopic indicators for the type of conjugation. Combining cross‐conjugated and conjugated structure elements of dicationic bis‐quinolinium dyes via triple bonds without additional benzene spacer results in considerable bathochromic shifts of the UV‐Vis absorption maxima [Δλmax≈100 nm]. A charge transfer was calculated from the HOMO of the conjugated into the LUMO of the cross‐conjugated partial structure.
Three Complementary One‐Pot Four‐Component Reaction Sequences for Rapid, General and Direct Spiropyran Synthesis
Authors: Hughes‐Whiffing Christopher A. , Perry Alexis
Published: November 2022

Three one‐pot three‐step four‐component reaction sequences for spiropyran synthesis have been developed, based around three different methods for in situ generation of 1,2,3‐trisubstituted indoles (indole N‐alkylation, Fischer indolisation and indole C‐alkylation). The reaction sequences give access to a broad swathe of spiropyran structures. Each sequence is operationally straightforward, rapid and high yielding. We have synthesized 58 structurally diverse spiropyrans bearing a wide range of useful functional groups, and their utility were demonstrated in the targeted synthesis of potential ratiometric fluorescence probes for metal ions and spiropyran‐cholesterol conjugates. Finally, we showed that our one‐pot N‐alkylation‐C‐alkylation‐condensation sequence can underpin combinatorial spiropyran synthesis through generation of a 16‐member spiropyran library.
Safety and effectiveness of cannabinoids to Danish patients with treatment refractory chronic pain—A retrospective observational real‐world study
Authors: Horsted Tina , Hesthaven Karoline Lichon , Leutscher Peter Derek Christian
Published: November 2022

Background

Cannabinoids are considered a therapeutic option to patients suffering from treatment refractory chronic pain (TRCP) insufficiently relieved by conventional analgesics or experiencing intolerable adverse events (AEs) from those. This study aimed to explore safety and effectiveness of oral cannabinoids among patients with TRCP.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted among Danish patients with TRCP being prescribed oral cannabinoids. Data on AEs and changes in pain intensity by numeric rating scale (NRS) before and after initiation of oral cannabinoid therapy were analysed.

Results

Among 826 eligible patients ≥18 years old, 529 (64%) were included for data analysis at first follow‐up (F/U1) (median 56 days from baseline) and 214 (26%) for second follow‐up (F/U2) (median 126 days from F/U1). Mean age was 60 ± 15.9 years and 70% were females. AEs were in general reported mild to moderate by 42% of patients at F/U1 and 34% at F/U2. AEs were mainly related to gastrointestinal (F/U1: 17% and F/U2: 13%) and nervous system disorders (F/U1: 14% and F/U2: 11%). Reduction in NRS was significantly different at both follow‐up consultations compared with baseline (<0.0001). Clinically relevant pain reduction (NRS ≥30%) was reported by 17% at F/U1 and 10% of patients at F/U2 in intention‐to‐treat analysis whereas the figures were 32% and 45% respectively, in per‐protocol analysis.

Conclusion

Oral cannabinoid therapy seems to be safe and mildly effective in patients with TRCP. Randomized controlled trials with focus on comparable pain characteristics in diagnostical homogenous patient subgroups are needed for further improvement of evidence level for relief of chronic pain using oral cannabinoids.

Significance

The findings in this retrospective study conducted in a real‐world clinical setting suggest a favourable safety profile of cannabinoids. Moreover, one‐sixth (intention‐to‐treat) and one‐third (per‐protocol) of patients with chronic pain refractory to conventional analgesics, or experiencing intolerable adverse effects, benefited significantly from therapy with oral cannabinoid regimens. Combination of THC and CBD seems overall more effective than cannabinoid monotherapy. Conduction of randomized controlled trials investigating safety and efficacy of cannabinoid therapy to diagnosis specific patient subgroups with comparable clinical and pathophysiological chronic pain characteristics is warranted, hence contributing further to the process of clinical evidence clarification currently in progress.
Reply to Letter to the Editor regarding “Salvage surgery in recurrent sinonasal cancers: Proposal for a prognostic model based on clinicopathologic and treatment‐related parameters”
Authors: Mattavelli Davide , Tomasoni Michele , Ferrari Marco , Schreiber Alberto , Rampinelli Vittorio , Bossi Paolo , Piazza Cesare , Nicolai Piero
Published: November 2022

see page 534‐536
Nitrogen and phosphorus removal in a bioretention cell experiment receiving agricultural runoff from a dairy farm production area during third and fourth years of operation
Authors: Sarazen Jillian , Hurley Stephanie , Faulkner Joshua
Published: November 2022

This study assessed the performance of three bioretention cells during the third and fourth years post establishment with respect to their ability to capture nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) in runoff from a dairy farm production area. The effects of two treatments across the three cells were evaluated: a vegetation treatment using switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) and a soil amendment treatment using low‐P compost (derived from leaf litter). Cell 1 has neither vegetation nor compost; Cell 2 includes vegetation without compost; Cell 3 includes both vegetation and compost. The system was installed in 2016; performance was monitored in 2018 and 2019, after vegetation was well established. In 2019, bioretention cell hydrology was modified to create an internal storage zone (ISZ) and increase hydraulic retention time (HRT), targeting improved nitrate removal. In 2018, all three cells reduced effluent concentrations of total N by >50% and of both total P and soluble reactive P (SRP) by >90%. Similar trends were found in 2019 with the ISZ, except SRP effluent concentrations were significantly higher compared with 2018, indicating a tradeoff of P leaching associated with increased HRT. Averaging eight monitored storms, median mass removals of all nutrients for Cell 2 (with vegetation and without compost) was >94%. System performance improved during the third and fourth years of operation compared with results of the initial monitoring, highlighting the importance of monitoring once plant and soil media have become established.
Blue Lasing from Heavy‐Metal‐Free Colloidal Quantum Dots
Authors: Wei Huayu , Wei Qi , Fang Fan , Xiang Guohong , Tong Bingyi , Wang Chenlin , Sun Baoqing , Zhao Xian , Li Mingjie , Sun Xiao Wei , Gao Yuan
Published: November 2022

Colloidal quantum dots (CQDs) have emerged as promising candidates for solution‐processed optical gain materials. Despite the substantial progress made with Cd or Pb‐contained CQDs, lasing from the environmentally friendly CQDs remains underexplored. Here, the highly emissive ZnSeTe/ZnSe/ZnS and ZnSe/ZnS CQDs is developed. The optical gain and lasing action from such Te‐alloyed and intrinsic ZnSe/ZnS CQDs across the blue spectral region is achieved. Te‐alloyed ZnSe core manifests a quasitype‐II band alignment with the ZnSe intermediate layer, favorable for suppressing the Auger recombination and also lasing wavelength tuning. The transient absorption spectroscopy reveals evidence of a blue optical gain with a threshold of one exciton per dot and a lifetime of 171 ps in the alloyed CQDs. Under a quasicontinuous‐wave pumping, lasing is observed from the blue CQDs in Fabry–Pérot cavities with a lower threshold fluence of 12.5 µJ cm−2 as compared with the traditional counterparts with heavy metals. The demonstration of heavy‐metal‐free CQD lasing opens up new opportunities in the application of CQDs as efficient and environmental‐friendly gain media.
Social performance versus relative performance evaluation, asymmetric costs, and quantity competition under managerial delegation
Authors: Hamamura Jumpei , Ramani Vinay
Published: November 2022

This paper considers asymmetric performance evaluation measures in a duopoly with asymmetric costs and managerial delegation under quantity competition. Asymmetry along performance measures as well as cost leads to a several surprising results. First, we find that the social performance firm with a cost advantage earns a larger profit than its rival under a specific economic environment. Second, when the relative performance firm has the cost advantage, both firms adopt a less aggressive strategy under specific conditions, while the relative performance firm always earns a larger profit than its rival.
A staggered cell‐centered finite element method for Stokes problems with variable viscosity on general meshes
Authors: Huu Du Nguyen , Ong Thanh Hai
Published: November 2022

In this paper, we propose to extend the staggered cell‐centered finite element method (SCFEM) on general meshes for the Stokes problems with variable viscosity (possibly discontinuous). The scheme is cell‐centered in the sense that the solution can be computed by cell unknowns of the primal mesh and the dual mesh for the velocity and the pressure, respectively, where the velocity is approximated by piecewise linear functions () on the triangular dual submesh, and the pressure is approximated by piecewise constant functions () on the dual mesh. In order to get the local continuity of numerical stresses across the interfaces, the scheme gives the auxiliary edge unknowns interpolated by the multipoint stress approximation technique. Its stability and convergence properties are presented in the rigorous theoretical framework. Numerical results are carried out to highlight accuracy and computational cost.
A confirmatory factor analysis of the novice nurse practitioner role transition scale
Authors: Barnes Hilary , Faraz Covelli Asefeh , Rubright Jonathan D.
Published: November 2022

As interest in supporting new nurse practitioners' (NPs) transition to practice increases, those interested in measuring the concept will need an instrument with evidence of reliability and validity. The Novice NP Role Transition (NNPRT) Scale is the first instrument to measure the concept. The preliminary exploratory factor analysis revealed a five‐factor structure: organizational alignment, mentorship, sense of purpose, perceived competence and self‐confidence, and compensation. Using a cross‐sectional design and data from 210 novice NPs, the purpose of this study was to confirm the NNPRT Scale's internal factor structure via confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The sample was primarily female (97.5%), White (75.9%), and certified in primary care (53.5%). The CFA confirmed the five‐factor structure, and model fit was improved by moving and omitting items (χ2[619] = 1277.799, p < 0.001; Root Mean Square Error of Approximation = 0.071 [0.066−0.077]). The final NNPRT Scale includes 37‐items, and internal consistency reliability was calculated at 0.95. Convergent validity evidence was supported by a positive, significant correlation with receiving a formal orientation in the first NP position; a negative, significant correlation with turnover intention; and a lack of a relationship with years of prior registered nurse experience. The NNPRT Scale is an instrument with sound evidence of reliability and validity. The NNPRT Scale will be useful for researchers, administrators, and clinicians looking to explore factors that affect NNPRT, as well as by clinicians and administrators implementing programs to support novice NPs' transition to practice.
Healthcare system engagement and algorithm‐identified cancer incidence following initiation of a new medication
Authors: D'Arcy Monica E. , Stürmer Til , Sandler Robert S. , Baron John A. , Jonsson‐Funk Michele L. , Troester Melissa A. , Lund Jennifer L.
Published: November 2022

Purpose

Implausibly high algorithm‐identified cancer incidence within a new user study after medication initiation may result from increased healthcare utilization (HU) around initiation (“catch‐up care”) that increases diagnostic opportunity. Understanding the relationships between HU prior to and around initiation and subsequent cancer rates and timing is important to avoiding protopathic bias.

Methods

We identified a cohort of 417 458 Medicare beneficiaries (2007–2014) aged ≥66 initiating an antihypertensive (AHT) after ≥180 days of non‐use. Initiators were stratified into groups of 0, 1, 2–3, and ≥4 outpatient visits (OV) 60–360 days before initiation. We calculated algorithm‐identified colorectal cancer (aiCRC) rates stratified by OVs and time since AHT initiation: (0–90, 91–180, 181–365, 366–730, and 731+ days). We summarized HU ‐360/+60 days around AHT initiation by aiCRC timing: (0–29, 30–89, 90–179, and ≥180 days).

Results

AiCRC incidence (311 per 100 000 overall) peaked in the first 0–90 days, was inversely associated with HU before initiation, and stabilized ≥180 days after AHT initiation. Catch‐up care was greatest among persons with aiCRCs identified <30 days in follow‐up. Catch‐up care magnitude decreased as time to the aiCRC date increased, with aiCRCs identified ≥180 days after AHT initiation exhibiting similar HU compared with the full cohort.

Conclusion

Lower HU before—and increased HU around AHT initiation—seem to drive excess short‐term aiCRC incidence. Person‐time and case accrual should only begin when incidence stabilizes. When comparison groups within a study differ by HU, outcome‐detection bias may exist. Similar observations may exist in other settings when typical HU is delayed (e.g., cancer screening during SARS‐CoV‐2).
Evaluating the capacity of the distress thermometer to detect high fear of cancer recurrence
Authors: Deuning‐Smit Esther , Custers José A. E. , Kwakkenbos Linda , Hermens Rosella P. M. G. , Prins Judith B.
Published: November 2022

Objectives

Fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) is common and burdensome to patients, but often remains undetected. Oncology professionals report need for tools to improve FCR detection in routine care. Oncology care guidelines recommend the Distress Thermometer (DT) for distress screening, but it has not been validated for FCR. This study evaluated the capacity of the DT and accompanying problem list to detect FCR.

Methods

Amalgamated data of two studies with 149 breast cancer and 74 colorectal cancer survivors were used. We evaluated the Dutch DT including the DT score, problem list fears item and emotional domain score using Receiver Operating Characteristic analyses. The Dutch Cancer Worry Scale‐6 (CWS‐6) was used as reference measure, with validated cut‐off scores ≥10 and ≥12 for high FCR. Sensitivity, specificity, negative and positive predictive values were calculated.

Results

The DT score showed poor performance in discriminating between low and high FCR. The recommended cut‐off ≥4 had low sensitivity (65% for CWS‐6≥10; 72% for CWS‐6 ≥12) and specificity (67% and 58%). No other cut‐off had an acceptable combination of sensitivity and specificity. The fears item had low sensitivity (29% and 44.9%) and high specificity (95% and 94%). The emotional domain score had fair performance in discriminating between low and high FCR but there was no cut‐off with acceptable sensitivity and specificity.

Conclusion

The DT as currently recommended in oncology care guidelines is not suitable to effectively detect FCR in routine care. To improve patients access to psychosocial care, it should be investigated how FCR‐specific measures can be integrated in oncology practice.
A high‐resolution AUV navigation framework with integrated communication and tracking for under‐ice deployments
Authors: Randeni Supun , Schneider Toby , Bhatt EeShan C. , Víquez Oscar A. , Schmidt Henrik
Published: November 2022

We developed an environmentally adaptive under‐ice navigation framework that was deployed in the Arctic Beaufort Sea during the United States Navy Ice Exercise in March 2020 (ICEX20). This navigation framework contained two subsystems developed from the ground up: (1) an on‐board hydrodynamic model‐aided navigation (HydroMAN) engine, and (2) an environmentally and acoustically adaptive integrated communication and navigation network (ICNN) that provided acoustic navigation aiding to the former. The HydroMAN synthesized measurements from an inertial navigation system (INS), ice‐tracking Doppler velocity log (DVL), ICNN and pressure sensor into its self‐calibrating vehicle flight dynamic model to compute the navigation solution. The ICNN system, which consisted of four ice buoys outfitted with acoustic modems, trilaterated the vehicle position using the one‐way‐travel‐times (OWTT) of acoustic datagrams transmitted by the autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) and received by the ice buoy network. The ICNN digested salinity and temperature information to provide model‐assisted real‐time OWTT range conversion to deliver accurate acoustic navigation updates to the HydroMAN. To decouple the contributions from the HydroMAN and ICNN subsystems towards a stable navigation solution, this article evaluates them separately: (1) HydroMAN was compared against DVL bottom‐track aided INS during pre‐ICEX20 engineering trials where both systems provided similar accuracy; (2) ICNN was evaluated by conducting a static experiment in the Arctic where the ICNN navigation updates were compared against GPS with ICNN error within low tens of meters. The joint HydroMAN‐ICNN framework was tested during ICEX20, which provided a nondiverging high‐resolution navigation solution—with the majority of error below 15 m—that facilitated a successful AUV recovery through a small ice hole after an 11 km untethered run in the upper and mid‐water column.
Simple to Complex Amide Derivatives as Potent Anti‐Tuberculosis Agents: A Literature Survey of the Past Decade
Authors: Puri Surendra , Negi D. S.
Published: November 2022

Tuberculosis (TB) is a life‐threatening persistent transmittable disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) still leftovers one of the most widespread, contagious, and leading deadliest diseases known to mankind all over the world. In recent years, numerous efforts have been made to subjugate the treatment outcomes, and to conquer the drug‐resistant TB (DR‐TB), multidrug‐resistant TB (MDR‐TB), extensively drug‐resistant TB (XDR‐TB), and totally drug‐resistant TB (TDR‐TB) phenomenon. In quest of searching for novel anti‐TB agents, several derivatives containing amide functionality have been synthesized and tested for their anti‐TB activity. It having found that drugs or lead compounds contain amide functionality are privileged motifs that act as primary pharmacophores in many bioactive compounds and possess various biological activities including anti‐tubercular, anti‐inflammatory, anti‐HIV, anti‐malarial, anti‐convulsant, anti‐hypertensive, anti‐diabetic, anti‐depressant, analgesics anti‐cancer, anti‐fungal, anti‐oxidant, anti‐microbial and so on. This review covers the past decade (2010–2022) of advances made towards the breakthrough of anti‐TB agents holding amide functionality. It is hoped that the comprehensive literature survey will be helpful and will open a new avenue in the pursuit for rational designs of more active and less toxic amide functionality‐based anti‐TB drugs.
Application of Z‐scheme Bi2O3‐Ag3PO4 Composite Photocatalyst in Degradation of Tetracycline and Methyl Orange
Authors: Han Hui , Liu Lei , Zhao Qian , Jiang Tingshun
Published: November 2022

A new type of visible light Z‐scheme Bi2O3‐Ag3PO4 composite photocatalyst was created in this work using a simple in‐situ precipitation process. On this basis, the morphology, optical properties and electrochemical performance of the photocatalyst were studied by N2 adsorption‐desorption analysis and XRD, FT‐IR, XPS, SEM, TEM, UV‐vis DRS, PL, EIS, and other characterization methods. To further explore the photocatalytic performance of the composites, visible light degradation experiments were carried out on the antibiotic TC and the organic dyes MB and MO. The results show that the 0.025BA composite material exhibits higher photocatalytic performance than other comparative samples. In addition, the 0.025BA composite after five cycles of experiments also has a satisfactory photodegradation rate. The active species capture experiment and ESR showed that the active species h+, ⋅O2− are the main factors affecting the photocatalytic degradation, and ⋅OH played a minor role. The intermediates and possible decomposition pathways of TC were illustrated through LC–MS technology. Finally, the possible photocatalytic reaction mechanism was speculated. On the whole, the high photocatalytic activity of the 0.025BA composite is perhaps the result of the formation of its Z‐scheme heterojunction, which enables fast transfer and high separation of photogenerated carriers at the heterojunction interface, and also accelerates the rate of redox reactions on electron‐hole pairs.
Usnea antarctica (James Ross Island, Antarctica) and Usnea subfloridana (Uludağ, Turkey) Incorporated Hybrid Nanoflowers with Their Intrinsic Catalytic and Antimicrobial Activities
Authors: Demırbas Ayse , Karslı Baris , Dadi Seyma , Koca Fatih Dogan , Halıcı M. Gokhan , Ocsoy Ismail
Published: November 2022

Herein, we used lichen extracts, for the first time, in formation of organic‐inorganic nanoflowers and we utilized them as novel nanobiocatalyst and antimicrobial agents. Two lichen species, Usnea Antarctica (U. Antarctica) and Usnea subfloridana (U. subfloridana) were collected from James Ross Island (Artarctica Peninsula, Antarctica) and from Uludağ National park (Bursa, Turkey), respectively and both species were separately extracted in methanol and water. In terms of nanoflower synthesis, the extracts were used as organic components and copper (II) ions (Cu2+) acted as inorganic components for formation of U. antarctica and U. subfloridana based hybrid nanoflowers (hNFs). The peroxidase mimic catalytic and antibacterial activities of the hNFs were systematically examined towards model substrate and bacteria strains, respectively via Fenton reaction mechanism. We demonstrated how the types of lichens and their extracts prepared in methanol and water influence morphologies, catalytic and antibacterial activities of the hNFs. We found that no 2 hNFs formed from U. subfloridana extract prepared in water exhibited highly enhanced catalytic activity owing to its uniform, more compact and porous flower‐like structures with high surface‐to‐volume ratio. We expect that lichens extracts based hNFs with great catalytic activities can be promisingly alternative against enzymes and used in various scientific and technical fields.
Ring‐Opening of Epoxidized Waste Cooking Oil by Hydroxylation Process: Optimization and Kinetic Modelling
Authors: Jumain Jalil Mohd , Azfar Izzat Aziz Muhamad , Nuruddin Azlan Raofuddin Danial , Suhada Azmi Intan , Heiry Mohd Azmi Mohamad , Saufi Md. Zaini Mohd , Mariah Ibrahim Izni
Published: November 2022

Numerous academics worldwide are interested in utilizing waste as a resource to produce an epoxide. Epoxidation/ring‐opening of oxirane is a common method for producing polyols from vegetable oil. This study examined the effect of the catalyst type and loading on the ring opening of epoxide groups by utilizing performic acid generated in situ. The outcomes demonstrated that the zeolite catalyst at 0.2 g loading produced the highest conversion of oxirane (RCO%). The FTIR data showed that the epoxy ring group‘s location caused the hydroxyl group‘s (O−H) to be observed at 3100–3600 cm−1 in the placement of the epoxy ring group (C−O−C) at 1210–1250 cm−1. Finally, optimization and kinetic modeling using artificial neural networks, abbreviated as Neural Network, is a model of the human brain that is abstracted, simulated, and trained to obtain the value of R closest to 1.
Spinel Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Decorated on Pyridinic‐N and Carbon Surface: A Highly Efficient Inexpensive Electrocatalyst for Oxygen Reduction and Oxygen Evolution Eeactions
Authors: Mathi Selvam , Jayabharathi Jayaraman
Published: November 2022

The oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) have been established widely owing to their significance in water electrolyzers, fuel cells and metal‐air batteries. The ORR electron transfer number have been calculated from K−L plot as 3.1 (Fe3O4/ N2−xC‐500), 3.8 (Fe3O4/N2−xC‐600), 3.6 (Fe3O4/N2−XC‐700) and 3.2 (Fe3O4/N2−XC‐800). At 3 mA cm−2, the half‐wave potential has been determined as 0.66 V (Fe3O4/N2−XC‐500), 0.76 V (Fe3O4/N2−XC‐600), 0.75 V (Fe3O4/N2−XC‐700) and 0.68 V (Fe3O4/N2−XC‐800). At 10 mA cm−2, the OER potential for Fe3O4/N2−XC‐500, Fe3O4/N2−XC‐600, Fe3O4/N2−XC‐700 and Fe3O4/N2−XC‐800 electrocatalysts were determined as 1.61, 1.58, 1.62 and 1.66 V, respectively. The ORR: OER electrode potentials were found to be 0.95, 0.82, 0.87 and 0.93 V for Fe3O4/N2−XC‐500, Fe3O4/N2−XC‐600, Fe3O4/N2−XC‐700 and Fe3O4/N2−XC‐800 electrocatalysts, respectively by using solar to hydrogen fuel device conversion scale. The ORR/OER Tafel slopes were calculated as 78/89 mV/dec (Fe3O4/N2−XC‐500), 73/78 mV/dec (Fe3O4/N2−XC‐600), 76/83 mV/dec (Fe3O4/N2−XC‐700) and 79/98 mV/dec (Fe3O4/N2−XC‐800). Among the new born oxygen vacancy (Vo) spinel oxide electrocatalysts, Fe3O4/N2−XC‐600 exhibit an exceptional oxygen electrode activity with 0.82 V in 0.1 M KOH due to robust double exchange interconnection (DEI) between stable magnetite spinel Fe3O4 and N2−XC.
Purpurin‐Promoted Photo‐Redox Reduction of Benzyl Selenocyanates as Masked Selenols, Preparative, Electrochemical, Computational, and Mechanistic Study
Authors: Castro‐Godoy Willber D. , Bouchet Lydia M. , Puiatti Marcelo , Schmidt Luciana C. , Argüello Juan E.
Published: November 2022

The reduction of substituted benzyl selenocyanates to give the corresponding diselenides was performed by means of photo‐redox catalysis using Eosin Y, Rhodamine 6G, Fluorescein, and Purpurin (PP) under LED irradiation. In all cases, diselenides were obtained as the only photoproducts; affording excellent yields when PP was used as photocatalyst under irradiation and air atmosphere in the presence of triethylamine (TEA). Our experimental findings indicate that despite TEA displays an acid‐base equilibrium between PP and PP2−, only the former is photoactive. In addition, electrochemical properties of the selenocyanates under study were measured, finding that Se‐CN moiety is relatively easy to reduce, around −1 V vs SCE. As a result, RC6H4CH2SeCN can act as masked selenols under photoinduced electron transfer conditions, making this methodology compatible with substituents (R) susceptible to hydrolysis or reduction. DFT calculations lead to a better insight into the reductive process.
Basic Properties of ABC Rules
Authors: Lackner Martin , Skowron Piotr
Published: November 2022

In this chapter, we consider basic axiomatic properties of ABC rules. These properties describe the behaviour of such rules and offer insights into the nature of specific ABC rules. Important axiomatic properties include Pareto efficiency, committee monotonicity, candidate monotonicity, consistency as well as axioms pertaining to strategic voting.
Living the Good Life: An Islamic Perspective on Positive Psychology
Authors: Saritoprak Seyma N. , Abu-Raiya Hisham
Published: November 2022

This chapter aims to explore Muslims’ religion/spirituality and discuss the factors that are important to consider in scientific research and clinical practice at the intersections of positive psychology, religion, and spirituality. The discussion is based on the theological teachings of the Islamic religion, theoretical speculations regarding the links between Islam and positive psychology, and the relevant findings of empirical studies conducted with Muslim samples. The chapter is composed of five sections. The first is an overview of the geographic distribution, demographic composition, and intrafaith diversity of Muslims around the world. The second section reviews key Muslim religious/spiritual beliefs, teachings, practices, and texts. The third section discusses common Muslim understandings of virtues, health, and well-being. The fourth section reviews potential implications for science and practice at the intersections of positive psychology, religion, and spirituality. The final section offers recommendations for guiding research and practice when working with Muslims at these intersections.
Positive Psychology and Religion/Spirituality Across Cultures in Europe, Non-US North America, and South America
Authors: Rossy Clàudia , Gámiz María , Recoder Silvia , Crespo Iris , Fernández-Capo Maria , Davis Edward B. , Lacey Ethan K.
Published: November 2022

The purpose of this chapter is to synthesize and critique the research on positive psychology and psychology of religion/spirituality (R/S) that has been conducted in Europe, non-US North America (Canada and Central America), and South America. In light of the importance of considering cultural differences and similarities across religions and continents, this chapter synthesizes how cultural factors may affect research and practice on positive psychology and the psychology of R/S in these regions of the world. We start with a brief overview of the sociocultural and religious backdrop of these regions. Then we turn to review the main findings in each area, specifying how and what topics have been emphasized in the research on positive psychology and R/S. Finally, we consider practical implications for research and clinical practice, as well as some gaps in the current literature and future directions for research.
Positive Psychology and the Psychology of Religion and Spirituality in Historical Perspective
Authors: Nelson James M. , Canty Noelle
Published: November 2022

The fields of positive psychology (PP) and the psychology of religion/spirituality (PRS) have much in common, both in terms of their areas of interest and the presuppositions they bring to their work. For example, PP and PRS are both rooted in the philosophies of positivism (which assumes all knowledge must be empirically verified using the scientific method) and naturalism (which assumes there are no realities beyond the natural, material world). Both PP and PRS have much to offer society and the scientific community, but their historic roots in positivistic naturalism currently limit this potential, both in terms of concepts and methods. In this chapter, we argue that for PP and the PRS to coevolve and flourish, they must transcend their perhaps often unaware—but staunch—commitment to positivistic naturalism. In particular, the fields of PP and PRS need to draw inclusively and meaningfully from the methodological, conceptual, and experiential insights of philosophical and religious traditions. Doing so will help PP and PRS broaden the scope of what they each consider meaningful, possible, desirable, and transformative. Ironically, a greater appreciation of the past will enable both fields to have greater scientific, societal, and practical impact in the future.
Religion/Spirituality and the Twin Virtues of Humility and Gratitude
Authors: Cauble Madalyn R. , Said Iman Abdulkadir , McLaughlin Aaron T. , Gazaway Sarah , Van Tongeren Daryl R. , Hook Joshua N. , Lacey Ethan K. , Davis Edward B. , Davis Don E.
Published: November 2022

In this chapter, we review the literature on religion/spirituality (R/S) and the twin virtues of humility and gratitude. We focused on articles that were published in peer-reviewed journals and included both a measure of religion/spirituality and humility or gratitude. We focus our review by exploring two questions: (1) how is R/S associated with humility and gratitude, and (2) how might humility and gratitude work in tandem (consistent with the social oil hypothesis of humility)? We found cross-sectional evidence linking R/S and humility and gratitude. Additional work is needed to test the recent theory on how humility and gratitude may work together to promote and protect strong relationships, especially at the collective level. We suggest ways to catalyze research in this area, including the potential for future work aligning humility and gratitude. We also identify implications for practice both in clinical settings and religious communities.
Theological Virtues, Health, and Well-Being: Theory, Research, and Public Health
Authors: Long Katelyn N. G. , VanderWeele Tyler J.
Published: November 2022

This chapter uses a population health perspective to examine the role of the theological virtues of faith, hope, and love in promoting human health and well-being. We begin with an overview of public health’s traditional focus on health-related exposures and outcomes and then summarize growing evidence that religion and spirituality play a vital role in health and well-being. Next, we review empirical evidence suggesting associations between faith, hope, and love and subsequent health and well-being, focusing on findings from the public health literature. We reflect on what aspects of these virtues are and are not captured by current measures, as well as what might be needed to improve measurement going forward. We describe the role of religious communities in fostering these virtues in the modern context—faith in an era of an increasing sense of meaninglessness, hope in an era of increasing despair and deaths of despair, and love in an era of increasing division. We close by discussing potential implications for public health and human flourishing.