bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prediabetes is an independent risk factor for sarcopenia in older men, but not in older women: the Bunkyo Health Study
Authors: Kaga Hideyoshi , Tamura Yoshifumi , Someya Yuki , Naito Hitoshi , Tabata Hiroki , Kakehi Saori , Yamasaki Nozomu , Sato Motonori , Kadowaki Satoshi , Suzuki Ruriko , Sugimoto Daisuke , Kawamori Ryuzo , Watada Hirotaka
Published: September 2022

Background

Sarcopenia is a major cause of disability in the elderly. Although type 2 diabetes is a risk factor for increased sarcopenia, the relationship between prediabetes and sarcopenia has not been elucidated. We aimed to examine the relationship between sarcopenia and prediabetes.

Methods

The design of this study is a cross‐sectional study. We evaluated glucose metabolism using the 75‐g oral glucose tolerance test and glycated haemoglobin, appendicular skeletal muscle mass, and hand grip strength in 1629 older adults living in an urban area of Tokyo, Japan. We investigated the frequency of sarcopenia in participants with normal glucose tolerance (NGT), prediabetes and diabetes. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to analyse the association between glucose tolerance and the prevalence of sarcopenia.

Results

The mean age of participants was 73.1 ± 5.4 years. In men, 44.3% had NGT, 26.6% had prediabetes, and 29.1% had diabetes. In women, the distribution was 56.1%, 28.8% and 15.2%. The prevalence of sarcopenia was 12.7% in men and 11.9% in women. Logistic regression revealed that prediabetes and diabetes are independent risk factors for sarcopenia in men (prediabetes, odds ratio [OR] = 2.081 [95% confidence interval {CI}: 1.031–4.199]; diabetes, OR = 2.614 [95% CI: 1.362–5.018]) and diabetes, but not prediabetes, is an independent risk factor for sarcopenia in women (prediabetes, OR = 1.036 [95% CI: 0.611–1.757]; diabetes, OR = 2.099 [95% CI: 1.146–3.844]). In both sexes, higher age (men, OR = 1.086 [95% CI: 1.028–1.146]; women, OR = 1.195 [95% CI: 1.142–1.251]), higher body fat percentage (men, OR = 1.346 [95% CI: 1.240–1.461]; women, OR = 1.218 [95% CI: 1.138–1.303]) and lower body mass index (men, OR = 0.371 [95% CI: 0.299–0.461]; women, OR = 0.498 [95% CI: 0.419–0.593]) were independent risk factors for sarcopenia.

Conclusions

Although we confirmed that diabetes mellitus is associated with sarcopenia in both sexes, prediabetes is associated with sarcopenia in men, but not in women.
Light receptors in the avian brain and seasonal reproduction
Authors: Pérez Jonathan H.
Published: September 2022

Detection and transduction of photic cues by nonvisual photoreceptors, located in the deep brain, is a critical component of timing seasonal reproduction in birds. However, the precise identity of the photoreceptors responsible for detection of salient photic cues remains uncertain and debated. Here I review of the existing evidence for each of the three candidate photoreceptive opsins: Vertebrate Ancient Opsin, Melanopsin, and Neuropsin, including localization, action spectrum, and data from experimental manipulation of opsin expression. These findings are compared to an updated list of key criteria established in the literature as a litmus for classifying an opsin as the “breeding photoreceptor.” Integrating evidence for each of the candidate photoreceptors with respect to these criteria reveals support for all three opsins in regulation of seasonal reproduction. Taken together these findings strongly suggest that transduction of seasonal photoperiodic information involves the activity of multiple photoreceptor types and populations functioning in concert. This review also highlights the need to shift attention from simply identifying “the breeding photoreceptor” to a more integrative approach aiming to parse the contribution of specific photoreceptor populations within the brain.
Structural design and insecticidal activity of 1,3,4‐oxadiazole‐ring containing pyridylpyrazole‐4‐carboxamides
Authors: Khallaf Abdalla , Wang Ping , Zhuo Shuping , Zhu Hongjun , Liu Hui
Published: September 2022

The insecticidal activity of 1,3,4‐oxadiazole‐ring containing pyridylpyrazole‐4‐carboxamides against diamondback (Plutella xylostella) and noctuid (Spodoptera frugiperda) moths were evaluated. Only substitutions on the 1,3,4‐oxadiazole moiety dictated bioreactivity, with 8q2 m‐CF3Ph being the most effective against Plutella xylostella, showing 80%–93% mortality at a concentration of 0.5–500 μg ml−1 while the others remained inactive or less active (highest mortality being 63%). The larvicidal activity against Spodoptera frugiperda was inferior compared with that of Plutella xylostella, with the highest mortality being 33%. A crystal of 8q5 was obtained and analyzed, revealing the effects of intramolecular H‐bonds and intermolecular ππ interactions.
Kilogram synthesis of pinoxaden
Authors: Jiang Shun , Zhao Zhiwei , Yin Lingfeng , Wang Han , Mao Yongjun
Published: September 2022

An optimized kilogram‐scale synthetic route for pinoxaden was successfully developed. The key intermediate dimethyl 2‐(2,6‐diethyl‐4‐methylphenyl)malonate (19) was prepared from 2,6‐diethyl‐4‐methylaniline through diazotization reaction, Suzuki cross‐coupling reaction, and alcoholysis reaction in 59% yield over three steps in 97.3% purity. 1,4,5‐Oxadiazepane dihydrobromide (11) was obtained from diethylene glycol through esterification, cyclization, deprotection, and salification in 64% yield over three steps. Pinoxaden was given by aminolysis of 19 with 11, followed by acylation by pivaloyl chloride in 64% yield over two steps in 99.9% purity. Purification methods for the intermediates and the final product were developed.
Becoming existential counselors: Co/autoethnography of students’ identity formation
Authors: Holliday Anna‐Sophie , Townley Elliot , Casado Pérez Javier F. , Roundtree Sarah M.
Published: September 2022

We present the co/autoethnography of two counselors‐in‐training (CIT) working to integrate existentialism into their emerging practice. Autoethnography examines unique insights from the iterative and reflexive processes that two CIT engaged with when establishing an existential counseling practice. We discuss these lived experiences in relation to existentialism, theoretical selection, and graduate student development.
Combining a stellate ganglion block with prolonged exposure therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder: A nonrandomized clinical trial
Authors: Peterson Alan L. , Straud Casey L. , Young‐McCaughan Stacey , McCallin John P. , Hoch Matthew , Roux Napoleon P. , Koch Lauren , Lara‐Ruiz Jose , Roache John D. , Hein Jennifer M. , Blount Tabatha H. ,   for the STRONG STAR Consortium
Published: September 2022

Prolonged exposure therapy (PE) is an efficacious treatment for active duty service members and veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, PE is sometimes associated with high dropout rates, limited tolerability, and temporary symptom exacerbation during treatment. Stellate ganglion blocks (SGBs) are an emerging treatment that has the potential to enhance outcomes for PTSD when combined with trauma‐focused psychotherapy. To date, no study of which we are aware has examined the potential additive benefits of SGB injections when administered in conjunction with trauma‐focused behavioral treatment for PTSD. Thus, we conducted a nonrandomized clinical trial to evaluate the use of an SGB combined with massed PE therapy for combat‐related PTSD. Participants (N = 12) were treated with 10 daily 90‐min PE sessions delivered over 2 weeks and received a single SGB injection between Sessions 1 and 2. PE sessions lasted 90 min each. Participants reported a mean posttreatment PTSD symptom reduction of 32 points on the PTSD Checklist for DSM‐5 (PCL‐5), Hedges’ gs = 1.28–2.80. Most participants (90.9%) demonstrated clinically significant change on the PCL‐5 (i.e., ≥10 points) by the final treatment session and 50.0% no longer met the diagnostic criteria for PTSD per the Clinician‐Administered PTSD Scale for DSM‐5 at 1‐month follow‐up. Adverse events for the combined treatment were consistent with those previously reported for standalone SGB and PE. This combined treatment approach provides promising results for improving the tolerability of trauma‐focused therapies, reducing symptom severity, and increasing PTSD remission rates.
Opioid Prescribing Trends After Major Pediatric Ear Surgery: A 12‐Year Analysis
Authors: Cordray Holly , Galvin John , Clark Addison , Alfonso Kristan , Prickett Kara K.
Published: September 2022

Objective

Postoperative opioid prescriptions tend to exceed children's analgesic needs, but awareness of the opioid epidemic may have driven changes in prescribing behaviors. This study evaluated opioid prescribing patterns after major pediatric ear surgery.

Methods

This study reviewed all cases of tympanoplasty, tympanomastoidectomy, mastoidectomy, cochlear implantation, otoplasty, and aural atresia repair at a pediatric hospital during 2010–2021. Regressions were conducted to identify opioid prescribing trends over time. Potential covariates were assessed. Returns to the system were reviewed as a balancing measure.

Results

Even without a targeted protocol, opioid prescribing declined significantly. After prescribing peaked in 2012–2013, significant negative trends yielded lower rates of opioid prescriptions, fewer doses per prescription, smaller patient‐weight‐standardized dose sizes, and less variability (all p < 0.001). In 2012, 96.1% of patients received opioid prescriptions; the rate fell to 13.5% by 2021. For patients ages, 0–6, the annual rate of opioid prescriptions dropped from a maximum of 96.3% in 2012 to 0.0% in 2021. The annual average supply of doses per prescription decreased by 68% between 2013 and 2021, reducing the total days' supply to an evidence‐based 3.1 ± 1.6 days. Regressions did not detect changes in returns to the system. Pain‐related returns were rare (0.9%) and did not vary by opioid prescriptions (p = 0.37). Prescribing trends were closely correlated with a tonsillectomy‐focused protocol that our institution implemented in 2019.

Conclusion

Surgeon‐driven opioid stewardship has improved with no resultant change in revisit rates. Procedure‐specific quality improvement interventions may have broader off‐target effects on prescribing behaviors.

Level of Evidence

IV Laryngoscope, 133:1987–1992, 2023
Promoting scholarship in improvement science: A model for academic clinical departments
Authors: DeVoe Stephen G. , Kennedy Amanda G. , Tompkins Bradley J. , Hitt Juvena R. , Gagnon Eric L. , Parsons Polly E. , Repp Allen B.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Clinical departments at academic medical centers strive to deliver clinical care, provide education and training, support faculty development, and promote scholarship. These departments have experienced increasing demands to improve the quality, safety, and value of care delivery. However, many academic departments lack a sufficient number of clinical faculty members with expertise in improvement science to lead initiatives, teach, and generate scholarship. In this article, we describe the structure, activities, and early outcomes of a program within an academic department of medicine to promote scholarly improvement work.

Methods

The Department of Medicine at the University of Vermont Medical Center launched a Quality Program with three primary goals: (a) improve care delivery, (b) provide education and training, and (c) promote scholarship in improvement science. The program serves as a resource center for students, trainees and faculty, offering education and training, analytic support, consultation in design and methodology, and project management. It strives to integrate education, research, and care delivery to learn, apply evidence and improve health care.

Results

Over the first 3 years of full implementation, the Quality Program supported an average of 123 projects annually, including prospective clinical quality improvement initiatives, retrospective assessment of clinical programs and practices, and curriculum development and evaluation. The projects have yielded a total of 127 scholarly products, defined as peer‐reviewed publications and abstracts, posters, and oral presentations at local, regional, and national conferences.

Conclusions

The Quality Program may serve as a practical model for promoting care delivery improvement, training, and scholarship in improvement science while advancing the goals of a learning health system at the level of an academic clinical department. Dedicated resources within such departments offer the potential to enhance care delivery while promoting academic success for faculty and trainees in improvement science.
Identifying patients with EVEN‐plus syndrome using exome sequencing and clinical feature analysis: A case report
Authors: Li Hua‐Wei , Ma Bing‐Xiang , Kong Ya‐Min , Zheng Hong , Zhang Xue‐Yuan
Published: September 2022

Background

The EVEN‐plus syndrome (epiphyseal–vertebral–ear–nose dysplasia plus associated findings) is an extremely rare autosomal recessive inherited disease characterised by specific facial features and skeletal dysplasia. It has a prenatal onset due to defects in the HSPA9 gene. The syndrome has not been reported previously in China.

Methods

This study reported the characteristics, examination results, diagnosis and treatment of a female case aged 3 years and 3 months.

Results

The patient had global developmental delay and specific facial features, including a prominent forehead, a bilateral auricle deformity, a collapsed nose, a high palatine arch, a short neck and other appearance abnormalities. Her hip joint magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) results showed bilateral femoral head epiphyseal dysplasia with a fork‐shaped malformation at the distal end, and her brain MRI showed white matter myelin dysplasia. HSPA9 compound heterozygous variants c.882_c.883delAG and c.613A>G were identified by exome sequencing.

Conclusions

This finding expands the spectra of EVEN‐plus syndrome phenotype and pathogenic variants and suggests that c.882_c.883delAG may have a higher distribution frequency in East Asian populations.
Conveying Water's Weight and Value
Authors: McDonnell Liam Paul
Published: September 2022

Water utilities can help their customers better understand their household water usage—and the real value of water—by getting them to visualize what people without tap water must bear to supply their household water.
Strengthen Climate Resilience
Authors: Zimmerman Klara , Wiggins Wesley , Baranowski Curt , Fries Steve , Horansky Alex
Published: September 2022

The US Environmental Protection Agency's Creating Resilient Water Utilities initiative is designed to help drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater utilities prepare now for future resource challenges.
Airplane Crash Prompts a Unique Tank Repair
Authors: Schmitt Erin
Published: September 2022

Although the circumstances leading to the repair of a steel column water tank were a first for a repair crew in Michigan, experience and expertise led to project success.
Preparation of bio‐degradable polyurethane based on poly(1,3‐propylene 3,6,9‐trioxaundecanedioate) glycol
Authors: Guo Shengtong , Zhu Yun , Mei Qiyong , Wang Guiyou
Published: September 2022

The bio‐based poly(1,3‐propylene 3,6,9‐trioxaundecanedioate) glycol (PPTR) was prepared by the reaction between bio‐based 1,3‐propanediol (bio‐PDO) and 3,6,9‐trioxaundecanedioic acid. The as‐synthesized PPTR combined with bio‐PDO was reacted with 1,6‐hexamethylene diisocyanate to get a bio‐based polyurethane material (PPTR‐PU). The PPTR‐PU film has high tensile strength (17.9 MPa) and toughness (93.7 MJ/m3), and it can be degraded very fast under the existence of HCl and NaOH. The mass loss is 47.8% and 68.4% after 24 h of the degradation in HCl (pH 1) and NaOH (pH 13) solution, respectively. The porcine pancreatic lipase can accelerate the hydrolysis of the film under the physiological environment, leading to an approximately 50% mass loss after 20 d of the enzymatic degradation. The results from 1H nuclear magnetic resonance, DSC, gel permeation chromatography, and FTIR measurements reveal that the PPTR‐PU chains are degraded due to the hydrolysis of ester groups in the PPTR soft segments, leading to the decrease of molecular weights and the increasing degree of hydrogen bonding. The research highlights how to design and prepare the polyurethane material with fast degradable property from bio‐based resources.
Microscale investigation on the carbon fiber surface physical properties and interfacial behavior of carbon fiber/polypropylene composites fabricated by self‐resistance electric heating technique
Authors: Tang Huaping , Liu Jiaqing , Zhang Muhan , Zhai Zhanyu
Published: September 2022

In this study, the interfacial bonding properties of carbon fiber/polypropylene (CF/PP) composites fabricated by self‐resistance electric (SRE) heating technique was investigated by both experimental trials and molecular dynamic (MD) simulations. The temperature distribution and the changes in surface physical properties of CFs with SRE heating were firstly determined by experimental investigations. The experimental results suggest that the amount of grooves on CFs surface is positively related to electric current magnitude, while the height of grooves is negatively associated to electric current magnitude. The microbond test was carried out to determine the interfacial shear strength (IFSS) of CF/PP composites. It demonstrates that the IFSS increases from 31.00 to 39.11 MPa when CFs is applied with electric current from 12 A to 20 A, which is same with the trend of the surface area of CF. Moreover, the mechanisms of interfacial adhesion enhanced by surface morphology of CF were investigated by MD simulations. CF models with different surface morphology were constructed based on the experimental results. It is found that the increase of the contact area between CF atoms and PP atoms benefits the interfacial adhesion. Meanwhile, the gradual loss of the ability of matrix impregnation accompanies with the strengthening of interfacial interaction, leading to a weak increase in the shear strength between CF and matrix.
A new black to highly transmissive switching bilayer polymer composite films with electroactive pEA as a color buffer layer for improving electrochromic stability
Authors: Ouyang Mi , Zhang Lina , Li Yuwen , Chen Lu , Tao Bowen , Li Weijun , Lv Xiaojing , Bai Ru , Zhou Hengzhi , Nekrasov Alexander , Zhang Cheng
Published: September 2022

Two reported D‐A‐D monomers based on 3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT) were selected for electrochemical copolymerization to obtain copolymer film, named pRG. Then, a soluble polymer poly[3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene‐alt‐3,4‐bis([2‐ethylhexyl]oxy)thiophene] (pEA) based on the EDOT derivative was screened out, which is complementary to the absorption trough of the pRG film in visible region and matched with its working potential. The bilayer composite film pRG/pEA was obtained by spinning pEA basement membrane on fluorine doped tin oxide (FTO) coated glass surface, and then in situ electrochemical polymerization of pRG film. Compared to the pRG monolayer film, the bilayer composite film shows a more saturated black color in the neutral state and significant improvement on cyclic stability (only decreased by 1.7% after 250 cycles, while pRG film decreased by 17.1%). The introduction of pEA buffer layer not only achieves the full spectral absorption of the composite film in the visible region, but also significantly improves the cyclic stability of the bilayer composite film. The assembled EC prototype device based on the pRG/pEA composite film exhibits a “black to high transmission” reversible switch. Finally, this method combining electrochemical copolymerization, spin‐coating, lamination and other methods provides a new research idea for designing and preparing black to transmissive electrochromic materials.
Mobile cognitive behavioral therapy for posttraumatic stress: Diving back in after hematopoietic stem cell transplant
Authors: Mitchell Hannah‐Rose , Smith Sophia K. , Gebert Rebecca , Applebaum Allison J.
Published: September 2022

Key points

Cancer and Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant (HSCT) can be traumatic, especially when involving a life‐threatening incident (e.g., pulmonary embolism), but survivors often lack access to evidence‐based treatment due to cost, distance, and their immunocompromised status

An HSCT survivor reported posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms precipitated by cancer and HSCT. Specifically, cancer‐specific triggers, like hearing or seeing the word “cancer,” and physical symptoms reminding her of the trauma were highly distressing

The current case engaged in a stepped‐care intervention to manage PTSD symptoms: Four weeks of mobile health (mHealth) app use was followed by eight sessions of mHealth Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (mCBT)

Tailored mCBT was successfully delivered remotely and showed promise in reducing cancer/HSCT‐specific PTSD symptoms

In addition to reductions in PTSD symptoms, the current case demonstrated resilience and growth while participating in mCBT
A novel packaging evaluation method using sentiment analysis of customer reviews
Authors: Esfahanian Shiva , Lee Euihark
Published: September 2022

Packaging has an important role in protecting products during the distribution process. Therefore, it is essential for the packaging designer to evaluate the packaging even after the design implementation. While every new packaging design needs to go through a series of physical tests to ensure it delivers the product to the customer safely, it is not uncommon to encounter packaging failures after the design implementation. Redesigning a completely new package and redoing these tests is very expensive and a time‐consuming process. Therefore, an alternative evaluation method is needed to enhance efficiency while maintaining evaluation quality. The main purpose of this paper is the evaluation of package performance during distribution using customer reviews. Sentiment analysis (SA) is implemented to identify the positive or negative sentiment from customer reviews. Moreover, the proposed method utilizes an in‐house library containing packaging related words (Pack‐List) to identify the reviews concerning the packaging. As a result, this method provides a systematic approach to detect problems by analysing customer reviews as feedback to a defective packaging product. By using the results of SA with Pack‐List, a percentage of negative and positive reviews are calculated to examine the packaging performance during distribution. Then, the percentage of failure over various months and years is examined to identify how time affects the packaging failure. Next, a word cloud of negative sentences is created to show the most mentioned issue. With the proposed method, packaging designers can identify packaging problems in the early stages and keep track of the packaging performance.
Bias correction based on weighted likelihood for conditional estimation of subgroup effects in randomized clinical trials
Authors: Toyoizumi Kiichiro , Matsui Shigeyuki
Published: September 2022

Currently, many confirmatory randomized clinical trials (RCTs) with predictive markers have taken the all‐comers approach because of the difficulty in developing predictive markers that are biologically compelling enough to apply the enrichment approach to restrict the patient population to a marker‐defined subgroup. However, such a RCT with weak marker credentials can conclude that the new treatment is efficacious only in the subgroup, especially when the primary analysis demonstrates some treatment efficacy in the subgroup, but the overall treatment efficacy is not significant under a control of study‐wise alpha rate. In this article, we consider conditional estimation of subgroup treatment effects, given the negative result in testing the overall treatment efficacy in the trial. To address the problem of unstable estimation due to the truncation in the distribution of the test statistic on overall treatment efficacy, we propose a new approach based on a weighted likelihood for the truncated distribution. The weighted likelihood can be derived by invoking a randomized test with a smooth critical function for the overall test. Our approach allows for point and interval estimations of the conditional effects consistently based on the standard maximum likelihood inference. Numerical evaluations, including simulations and application to real clinical trials, and guidelines for implementing our methods with R‐codes, are provided.
Cholesterol Mediated Stable Vesicles: A Nano Drug Delivery Vehicle for Anti‐cancer Drugs Curcumin and 5‐Fluorourecil
Authors: Ukani Hiral , Pratyush  , Kumar Sugam , Aswal Vinod K , Al‐Ghamdi Azza A. , Malek Naved I.
Published: September 2022

Hierarchical self‐assembly of new age surfactants, surface‐active ionic liquids (SAILs) has attracted increasing interests because of its close resemblance to membrane mimetic structure and its application in drug delivery. Among these self‐assembled structures, thermodynamically stable vesicular nanoaggregates are of great importance due to its structure that can carry both, hydrophilic and hydrophobic molecules within its core and bilayers, respectively. Here, we report the ester functionalized SAILs to synergistically interact with cholesterol, the natural sterol to transform the micellar nano‐aggregates to the vesicular nano‐aggregates with outstanding stability with dilution, pH, and temperature. The molecular self‐assembly formed was studied through state of the art analytical techniques including small‐angle neutron scattering (SANS) and fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) upon varying the cholesterol/SAIL ratio. The thermodynamically stable vesicular nano‐aggregates were further used as the nano‐vehicles for the encapsulation and sustained release of the anticancer drugs, curcumin and 5‐flurouracil. Results of the present study could pave way for the realistic drug delivery applications of these thermodynamically stable nano‐aggregates and replace the traditional lipid based vesicle systems.
One‐Pot Multicomponent Reaction: A Highly Versatile Strategy for the Construction of Valuable Nitrogen‐Containing Heterocycles
Authors: Nandi Sibaji , Jamatia Ramen , Sarkar Rajib , Sarkar Fillip Kumar , Alam Safiul , Pal Amarta Kumar
Published: September 2022

A large portion of the chemical subspace is the multi‐component reaction (MCR). Apart from Domino reactions, MCR is one of the most promising routes for one‐pot synthesis. Thus, MCR derived product can be considered as a synthetic hub to a vast diversity of novel cyclic or acyclic compounds. Heterocyclic moiety such as naphthyridines, quinolines, dihydropyridines (DHPs), quinazolines, pyrimidines, imidazoles, diazepines, and spiro‐heterocycles are widely recognized in clinical evaluation. Because of their relevant significance, vast literature exists to accomplish the synthesis of these biologically important compounds. Therefore, this review highlights the last ten years of developments in the one‐pot synthesis of these heterocyclic moieties which are widely recognized by the industry in addition to academia.
Graphene‐Oxide‐Encapsulated Fe2O3 Nanoparticles with Different Dimensions as Lithium‐Ion Battery Anodes: The Morphology Effect of Fe2O3
Authors: Shen Shuwen , Lu Jiaxin , Zhang Siyuan , Wang Sen , Miao Zimu , Wang Hongce , Qiao Wenming , Ling Licheng , Wang Jitong
Published: September 2022

Fe2O3 is expected to be a favorable candidate to replace commercial graphite as anode for lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs), however, it is impeded by dramatic volume expansion during charge/discharge process. Morphology control strategies have been widely conducted to develop the tolerance of Fe2O3 against the volume change. To investigate the morphology effect, herein, graphene oxide (GO) encapsulated Fe2O3 nanoparticles with three microstructures of nano‐rods, nano‐sheets, nano‐polyhedrons were synthesized. The structure‐dependent electrochemical performance has been demonstrated. The 1D rod‐like nano‐Fe2O3 alleviates the inherent wrinkle morphology of GO sheets, which construct a stable three‐dimensional composite structure. Therefore, the GO‐encapsulated rod‐shaped Fe2O3 (Fe/GO‐r) exhibits excellent reversible capacity of 1168.3 mA h g−1 over 100 cycles at 200 mA g−1. The investigation of lithium‐ion migration kinetics indicates that Fe/GO‐r presents the highest contribution rate of surface induced capacitance. This study contributes towards the design of well‐performing anode materials for LIBs by investigating the effect of material morphologies.
Cross‐Linked Amidoximated Poly(acrylonitrile‐acrylic acid) Microspheres with Exceptional Adsorption Capacity, Reusability towards Copper(II): Batch and Column Studies
Authors: Zhou Guohang , Zhu Haotong , Liu Lingwei , Yan Ming , Zeng Jiexiang , Tang Song , Bai Zijian , Jiang Jianyu , Zhang Hong , Wang Yan
Published: September 2022

s: Acrylonitrile‐based adsorbents are effective candidates for metal ions removal from wastewater. However, their performance is often limited by their unsatisfied stability, reusability, and sorption efficiency. In this contribution, the amino group of urea was cross‐linked with the carboxyl group of the firstly formed AN (acrylonitrile) and AA (acrylic acid) copolymer to improve the strength, while the cyanide group of AN was dedicatedly reacted with hydroxylamine hydrochloride to obtain an amidoxime group endowing the strong adsorption capacity for Cu (II). The optimum adsorption conditions of the as‐prepared adsorbent for Cu (II) were at 25 °C and pH 7, which only consumed 60 min to reach the adsorption equilibrium. The theoretical maximum adsorption capacity was 176.717 mg g−1. The amidoxime group on the surface of the adsorbent was inherently entitled to the outstanding adsorption capacity. Langmuir and pseudo‐second‐order model fitted the adsorption process. Furthermore, there still retained 84.4 % of the original adsorption capacity after seven cycles. Under column adsorption, the adsorbed particles were surprisingly lumped together, which can be easily taken out entirely after adsorption for recycling collection. Overall, the obtained acrylonitrile‐based adsorbents, easily regenerated with high performance and excellent sorption efficiency, should be a promising sorbent.
Synthesis and Spectroscopic Characterization of the Four Complete Series [(C5XnH5‐n)Fe(CO)2R] (X= Cl, Br; R= Me, Ph; n= 1–5). Molecular and Crystal Structures of [(C5X5)Fe(CO)2R]
Authors: Klein‐Heßling Christian , Sünkel Karlheinz
Published: September 2022

The complete series of chloro‐ and bromo‐cyclopentadienyl carbonyl complexes [(C5XnH5‐n)Fe(CO)2R] (n=1–5, R=Me, Ph) could be prepared from the unsubstituted parent compounds via a sequence of lithiations and electrophilic halogenations. All four pentahaloyclopentadienyl complexes were studied by X‐ray diffraction and show an interplay of weak intermolecular X…X, X…O and X…H interactions.
Adaptive Cation Pillar Effects Achieving High Capacity in Li‐Rich Layered Oxide, Li2MnO3‐LiMeO2 (Me = Ni, Co, Mn)
Authors: Hiroi Satoshi , Oishi Masatsugu , Ohara Koji , Shimoda Keiji , Kabutan Daiki , Uchimoto Yoshiharu
Published: September 2022

Intensive research is underway to further enhance the performance of lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). To increase the capacity of positive electrode materials, Li‐rich layered oxides (LLO) are attracting attention but have not yet been put to practical use. The structural mechanisms through which LLO materials exhibit higher capacity than conventional materials remain unclear because their disordered phases make it difficult to obtain structural information by conventional analysis. The X‐ray total scattering analysis reveals a disordered structure consisting of metal ions in octahedral and tetrahedral sites of Li layers as a result of cation mixing after the extraction of Li ions. Metal ions in octahedral sites act as rigid pillars. The metal ions move to the tetrahedral site of the Li layer, which functions as a Li‐layer pillar during Li extraction, and returns to the metal site during Li insertion, facilitating Li diffusion as an adaptive pillar. Adaptive pillars are the specific structural features that differ from those of the conventional layered materials, and their effects are responsible for the high capacity of LLO materials. An essential understanding of the pillar effects will contribute to design guidelines for intercalation‐type positive electrodes for next‐generation LIBs.
Metal–Organic Framework‐Based Nanomaterials for Electrocatalytic Oxygen Evolution
Authors: Liu Yangyang , Wang Yihan , Zhao Shenlong , Tang Zhiyong
Published: September 2022

Oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is an energy‐determined half‐reaction for water splitting and many other energy conversion processes, such as rechargeable metal–air batteries and CO2 reduction, due to its four‐electron sluggish process. To reduce the energy consumption and cost of these advanced technologies, various transition metal‐based nanomaterials, like metal oxides/hydroxides, nitride, and phosphide are synthesized. Among these, metal–organic framework (MOF)‐based materials are considered as the ideal candidate for the fabrication of efficient OER electrocatalysts owing to their unique physicochemical properties. In this review, the fundamental catalytic mechanisms and key evaluation parameters of OER in acidic and alkaline media are presented first. Then, design strategies for MOF‐based OER catalysts and research progress in the study of the structure–performance relationship are summarized. Subsequently, the recent research advances of MOF‐based OER electrocatalysts in alkaline, acidic, and neutral electrolytes are overviewed. Finally, current challenges and future opportunities are provided under the frame of materials design, theoretical understanding, advanced characterization techniques, and industrial applications.
Downregulation of circ‐ZNF644 alleviates LPS‐induced HK2 cell injury via miR‐335‐5p/HIPK1 axis
Authors: Gong Junzuo , Zhao Shiqiao , Luo Shu , Yin Songlin , Li Xiaofeng , Feng Yao
Published: September 2022

Circular RNA (circRNA) has been confirmed to be involved in regulating sepsis‐induced acute kidney injury (AKI). Our research aims to explore circ‐ZNF644 role in the development of sepsis‐induced AKI. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was used to induce kidney tubular epithelial cell (HK2) injury. ELISA assay was performed to measure the concentrations of inflammation factors. Cell functions were determined by cell counting kit 8 assay, EdU assay and flow cytometry. Protein expression was evaluated by Western blot analysis. Quantitative real‐time PCR was used to detect relative expression of circ‐ZNF644, miR‐335‐5p and homeodomain‐interacting protein kinase 1 (HIPK1). RNA interaction was confirmed by dual‐luciferase reporter assay and RIP assay. LPS enhanced HK2 cell inflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and reduced proliferation. Circ‐ZNF644 was overexpressed in sepsis‐induced AKI patients. Circ‐ZNF644 knockdown suppressed LPS‐induced HK2 cell injury, and this effect could be revoked by miR‐335‐5p inhibitor. MiR‐335‐5p was sponged by circ‐ZNF644, and its expression was downregulated in sepsis‐induced AKI patients. HIPK1 was targeted by miR‐335‐5p, and its expression could be suppressed by circ‐ZNF644 knockdown. MiR‐335‐5p had an inhibition effect on HK2 cell injury induced by LPS, and HIPK1 overexpression could reverse this effect. Circ‐ZNF644 knockdown relieved LPS‐induced HK2 cell injury through the miR‐335‐5p/HIPK1 axis, confirming that circ‐ZNF644 contributed to sepsis‐induced AKI.
Mechanochemical synthesis and crystal structure evaluation of Na2ZnSnS4
Authors: Heppke Eva M. , Bredow Thomas , Lerch Martin
Published: September 2022

Phase‐pure and highly crystalline Na2ZnSnS4 was prepared via a mechanochemical synthesis route. It crystallizes in the kesterite‐type structure. The unusual large Debye‐Waller factors of the sodium atoms were analyzed in detail, respecting also group‐theoretical aspects. The results point to the existence of static disorder, mainly to the presence of various patterns of sodium ordering on a local scale. This is confirmed by quantum‐chemical calculations at hybrid density‐functional theory level. The dynamic atomic displacements due to phonons are much smaller than the observed Debye‐Waller factors.
Logic and Accuracy Testing: A Fifty-State Review
Authors: Walker Josiah , Bajaj Nakul , Crimmins Braden L. , Halderman J. Alex
Published: September 2022

Pre-election logic and accuracy (L$$ { \& }$$
&
A) testing is a process in which election officials validate the behavior of voting equipment by casting a known set of test ballots and confirming the expected results. Ideally, such testing can serve to detect certain forms of human error or fraud and help bolster voter confidence. We present the first detailed analysis of L$$ { \& }$$
&
A testing practices across the United States. We find that while all states require L$$ { \& }$$
&
A testing before every election, their implementations vary dramatically in scope, transparency, and rigorousness. We summarize each state’s requirements and score them according to uniform criteria. We also highlight best practices and flag opportunities for improvement, in hopes of encouraging broader adoption of more effective L$$ { \& }$$
&
A processes.
Individual Verifiability with Return Codes: Manipulation Detection Efficacy
Authors: Thürwächter Paul Tim , Volkamer Melanie , Kulyk Oksana
Published: September 2022

Researchers advocate for end-to-end verifiable voting schemes to maximise election integrity. At E-Vote-ID 2021, Kulyk et al. proposed to extend the verifiable scheme used in Switzerland (called original scheme) by voting codes to improve it with respect to vote secrecy. While the authors evaluated the general usability of their proposal, they did not evaluate its efficacy with respect to manipulation detection by voters. To close this gap, we conducted a corresponding user study. Furthermore, we study the effect of a video intervention (describing the vote casting process including individual verifiabilty steps) on the manipulation detection rate. We found that 65% of those receiving the video detected the manipulation and informed the support. If we only consider those who stated they (partially) watched the video the rate is 75%. The detection rate for those not having provided the video is 63%. While these rates are significantly higher than the 10% detection rate reported in related work for the original system, we discuss how to further increase the detection rate.
Running coupling and non-perturbative corrections for O(N) free energy and for disk capacitor
Authors: Bajnok Zoltán , Balog János , Hegedűs Árpád , Vona István
Published: September 2022

Abstract

We reconsider the complete solution of the linear TBA equation describing the energy density of finite density states in the O(N) nonlinear sigma models by the Wiener-Hopf method. We keep all perturbative and non-perturbative contributions and introduce a running coupling in terms of which all asymptotic series appearing in the problem can be represented as pure power series without logs. We work out the first non-perturbative contribution in the O(3) case and show that (presumably because of the instanton corrections) resurgence theory fails in this example. Using the relation of the O(3) problem to the coaxial disks capacitor problem we work out the leading non-perturbative terms for the latter and show that (at least to this order) resurgence theory, in particular the median resummation prescription, gives the correct answer. We demonstrate this by comparing the Wiener-Hopf results to the high precision numerical solution of the original integral equation.
PERIODICITY FOR SUBQUOTIENTS OF THE MODULAR CATEGORY 𝒪
Authors: FIEBIG PETER
Published: September 2022

In this paper we study the category 𝒪 over the hyperalgebra of a reductive algebraic group in positive characteristics. For any locally closed subset K of weights, we define a subquotient 𝒪[K] of 𝒪. It has the property that its simple objects are parametrized by elements in K. We then show that 𝒪[K] is equivalent to 𝒪 [K +pl γ] for any dominant weight γ if l > 0 is an integer such that K ∩ (K – plη) = ∅ for all weights η > 0. Hence it is enough to understand the subquotients inside the dominant (or the antidominant) chamber.
Correlations of palatal surface area with anthropometric dimensions of the head and face
Authors: Assy Z. , Jager D. H. J. , Brand H. S. , Bikker F. J.
Published: September 2022

Purpose

Saliva distribution over the palatal surface plays an important role in the perception of dry mouth. It is envisaged that non-invasive estimation of the palatal surface area by anthropometric measurements of the head and face can be useful in the assessment of oral dryness. For this purpose, the relationship between the palatal surface area and anthropometric measurements of the head and face was investigated.

Methods

The palatal surface was measured in 51 healthy volunteers using an intra-oral scanner. The distances between anthropometric landmarks of the head and face were determined using an anatomical sliding caliper. Correlations between the palatal surface area and the anthropometric landmarks were investigated.

Results

The median palatal surface area for the total study population was found to be 2120.6 mm2. Virtually, all anthropometric measurements showed significant differences between females and males. Various head and face measurements had a significant correlation with the palatal surface area. However, these correlations disappeared when the participants were stratified based on their sex, with the exception of mandibular length and palatal width in females.

Conclusion

The surface area of the palate correlates with nearly all anthropometric measurements of the head and face included in this study. Yet, the clinical applicability seems limited to females.
Intravenous ferric carboxymaltose for the management of iron deficiency and iron deficiency anaemia in children and adolescents: a review
Authors: Aksan Aysegül , Zepp Fred , Anand Sangeetha , Stein Jürgen
Published: September 2022

Iron deficiency is the primary cause of anaemia worldwide and is particularly common among children and adolescents. Intravenous (IV) iron therapy is recommended for paediatric patients with certain comorbidities or if oral iron treatment has been unsuccessful. IV ferric carboxymaltose (FCM) has recently been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for use in children aged > 1 year. This narrative review provides an overview of the available publications on the efficacy and safety of IV FCM in children and adolescents. A literature search using PubMed and Embase yielded 153 publications; 33 contained clinical data or reports on clinical experience relating to IV FCM in subjects < 18 years of age and were included in the review. No prospective, randomised controlled studies on the topic were found. Most publications were retrospective studies or case reports and included patients with various underlying conditions or patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Efficacy data were included in 27/33 publications and improvements in anaemia, and/or iron status parameters were reported in 26 of them. Safety data were included in 25/33 publications and were in line with the adverse events described in the prescribing information.

Conclusion: The available publications indicate that IV FCM, a nanomedicine with a unique and distinctive therapeutic profile, is an effective and generally well-tolerated treatment for iron deficiency or iron deficiency anaemia in children and adolescents. Despite the wealth of retrospective evidence, prospective, randomised controlled trials in the paediatric setting are still necessary.

What is Known:• Iron deficiency and iron deficiency anaemia are usually managed using oral iron therapy, but intravenous iron therapy is recommended for certain paediatric patients.• Intravenous ferric carboxymaltose (FCM) has recently been approved in the US for use in children aged > 1 year.

What is New:• Despite evidence that FCM is effective and generally well tolerated in children and adolescents, so far, only retrospective studies, non-randomised uncontrolled prospective studies, or case reports have been published in full.• There is a strong need for prospective, randomised controlled trials on FCM in the paediatric setting.
Estimation of the heat required for intermediate pyrolysis of biomass
Authors: Jerzak Wojciech , Reinmöller Markus , Magdziarz Aneta
Published: September 2022

Biomass waste contains an abundant source of energy that can be transformed into high-calorific fuel during intermediate pyrolysis, consequently reducing the use of fossil fuel resources. In the present study, medium density fibreboard (MDF), brewery spent grains (BSG) and post-extraction soybean meal (SM) were used to pyrolysis. Valorisation of these wastes via intermediate pyrolysis was carried out at a temperature of 773 K in a fixed-bed reactor under nitrogen atmosphere. The ultimate analysis showed that MDF char has offered the highest carbon content. Generally, chars obtained from these feedstocks were characterized by different internal microstructures. On the one hand, the surface of MDF char has exhibited pores with a regular pattern of small perpendicular blocks. On the other hand, irregular open spaces were detected in BSG and SM chars. The results of this investigation of the microstructure proved that the studied biomass wastes are perspective feedstocks to obtain high-value bioenergy products. Based on the enthalpy balance, it was concluded that the heating value of the pyrolysis gas was higher, the more endothermic pyrolysis process. The research hypothesis confirms that the higher the K2O/CaO ratio in the ash, the better biomass pyrolysis process was catalysed and as a result, less additional heat was required for pyrolysis. To carry out the pyrolysis of MDF, SM and BSG, additional heat input was required in the amount of 2016.8, 1467.9 and 881.1 kJ, respectively. It was found that 4–10% of the higher heating value of the raw materials was missing to achieve the self-sustaining energy of intermediate pyrolysis.

Graphical abstract
Equalizing solutions for bankruptcy problems revisited
Authors: Alcalde José , Peris Josep E.
Published: September 2022

When solving bankruptcy problems through equalizing solutions, agents with small claims prefer to distribute the estate according to the Constrained Equal Awards solution, while the adoption of the Constrained Equal Losses solution is preferred by agents with high claims. Therefore, the determination of which is the central claimant, as a reference to distinguish the agents with a high claim from those with a low claim, is a relevant question when designing hybrid solutions, or new methods to distribute the available estate in a bankruptcy problem. We explore the relationship between the equal awards parameter $$\lambda $$
λ
and the equal losses parameter $$\mu $$
μ
that characterize the two solutions. We show that the central claimant is fully determined by these parameters. In addition, we explore how to compute these parameters and present optimization problems that provide the Constrained Equal Awards and the Constrained Equal Losses solutions.