bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lifetime Prediction of Rubber Using the Chemiluminescence Approach and Isoconversional Kinetics
Authors: Käser Fabian , Roduit Bertrand
Published: January 2009

A common scepticism towards the application of many materials in art or in conservation-restoration results from the fact that their long-term stability is unknown and difficult to predict. In the present study we report on a new approach of kinetic analysis of the oxidation reactions
of natural rubbers with and without stabiliser in an oxygen atmosphere at moderate temperatures using chemiluminescence measurements carried out on newly developed instrumentation. The kinetic parameters of the oxidation process, calculated from the chemiluminescence signals by means of the
differential isoconversional method of Friedman, were subsequently applied to the simulation of the rubber aging using different temperature profiles. The results are a first step towards the use of chemiluminescence to characterise the oxidative aging of rubber and predicting the lifetime
of rubber items.
Drug Targeting Mini-Symposium of the Division for Medicinal Chemistry (DMC) of the Swiss Chemical Society (SCS), at the Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, May 29, 2008
Authors: Duncan Ruth , Ojima Iwao , Neri Dario , Shimma Nobuo , Okabe Hisafumi , Ishitsuka Hideo , Märki Hans Peter
Published: January 2009

Specific targeting of drugs to their respective target organs or tissues is challenging. Substantial research efforts have been undertaken in the recent past to develop target specific drugs or drug conjugates. Such concepts are most relevant in rather severe diseases like cancer since
it helps to reduce the concentration of frequently rather toxic drugs outside the tumor tissue. Various techniques can be used to specifically direct a drug or a drug conjugate to a specific tumor tissue such as using antibodies directed against tumor specific proteins, as nanoparticles or
nano-sized polymer conjugates carrying tumor-specific recognition elements or by applying the active drug principle in a prodrug form designed to be liberated specifically in tumor tissue. Three speakers from the academia and one speaker from industry described different approaches and their
respective potentials from various perspectives in the lectures entitled: 'Polymer Therapeutics and other Nanomedicines as Targetable Cancer Therapies', 'Design, Application, and Chemical Biology of Tumor-Targeting Drug Conjugates', 'Antibody-Based Vascular Tumor Targeting: From the Bench
to the Clinic', and 'Discovery of Capecitabine, a Rationally Designed and Tumor-Activated Oral Prodrug of 5-FU, and Beyond'.
Geographic Information Services in the Undergraduate College: Organizational Models and Alternatives
Authors: Cady Carol , Walters William H. , Olsen William , Williams-Bergen Eric , Harloe Bart
Published: January 2009

Although GIS is well established at most research universities, it has only recently been integrated into the instructional programs of many undergraduate colleges. This article explores three organizational models for implementing GIS in the undergraduate environment: the departmental model (GIS based in a single academic department), the non-departmental model (GIS based in another agency, such as the library or the computer centre), and the “no centre” model (in which there is no identifiable centre for GIS despite its use in teaching and research). Survey results from 55 liberal arts colleges in the United States reveal that institutions with GIS centres (departmental or otherwise) tend to have enhanced instructional capabilities, better institutional support, and greater capacity to handle large-scale demand for GIS. Non-departmental GIS centres are associated with several additional advantages: the availability of GIS courses in a wide range of academic disciplines, increased support for faculty just beginning to learn GIS, and higher potential demand for GIS resources and services. These findings may indicate that non-departmental GIS centres encourage the diffusion of GIS across multiple departments, or that non-departmental centres are most likely to emerge at colleges where GIS is already well established across a range of disciplines.
Length-Preserving Thinning Algorithm for Line Extraction from Landcover Data
Authors: Choi Jinmu , Seong Jeong Chang
Published: January 2009

This article presents a methodology to automate linear feature generalization from image data using a length-preserving thinning algorithm. Conventional thinning algorithms on raster data produce erroneous skeletons at the river edges in the estuary of a river and in the perimeter of the input data. A river skeleton should be connected to the sea through the centre line of an estuary. A related problem is that of shortened skeletons resulting from the boundary-peeling process. This article proposes a length-preserving thinning (LEPT) algorithm that consists of edge-finding, boundary-peeling, skeleton-growth, and noise-removal procedures. The edge-finding procedure finds the edges of a river and the sea and extends the perimeter of the input data by one pixel, thus removing skeleton errors at the edges in the estuary and the perimeter. The boundary-peeling procedure produces a shortened skeleton. The skeleton-growth procedure extends a shortened skeleton to the original river edge based on the direction of the skeleton. The noise-removal procedure removes isolated water spots. This novel thinning algorithm has been applied here to extract a skeleton of the Pascagoula River in Mississippi.
To Publish and Perish: Who Are the Dinosaurs in Scholarly Publishing?
Authors: Teute Fredrika J.
Published: January 2009

Has scholarly publishing lost its way? Are too many books being published? The author argues that what was originally conceived as an activity for the advancement of scholarship has become corrupted by considerations of tenure and by marketing concerns. She offers some radical solutions to these problems, including revising tenure requirements and seriously considering electronic means of communication. Ultimately, the author argues that a reassessment of the role of publishing in the scholarly enterprise is long overdue.
Adventures in Reprint Rights
Authors: Hivnor Maggie
Published: January 2009

A paperback reprint series can add depth and revenue to a scholarly publisher's list. Books that would have been out of a university press's financial and marketing league when first published can become backlist staples in a reprint series. The paperback editor at University of Chicago press here offers some advice about what makes a reprint series work, what pitfalls to avoid, and how to use the series to enhance a list.
Scholarly Communication at the Turn of the Millennium: A Bibliographic Essay
Authors: Lawal Ibironke
Published: January 2009

Libraries have been trapped in the web of escalating journal prices and stagnant or decreasing budgets for over a decade. To cope with the situation, some libraries have taken measures to maximize the use of their limited resources, including cancelling unpopular journals, using consortium price negotiation for electronic journals or databases, and establishing a provision of access to individual articles through document delivery services. Despite ongoing investigations by libraries and research centres into possible solutions to the problem of dwindling resources, the key question of whether intellectual growth will be stifled by such budgetary restraint remains unanswered. Ibironke Lawal reviews symposia, conference and discussion papers, reports, newsletters, and newspaper and journal articles that highlight the relevant problems and prospects for the future of information services.
The Gutenberg Syndrome: An Illusion of International Research
Authors: Arboleda Amadio
Published: January 2009

Amadio Arboleda addresses the idea of a globalized world in which the distribution of scholarship could theoretically unite all nations. Arboleda argues that, in fact, European and North American researchers, scholars, and publishers commonly demonstrate the ‘Gutenberg syndrome,’ in which the history of the book, the world of publishing, and scholarship in general are viewed in terms of Western principles and practices. International communication is thus dominated by Western standards and largely excludes or over-looks centuries of Eastern traditions. Until a greater effort among Western scholars and publishers is made to understand the cultural history of Asian countries and to develop truly international research practices and resources, a balanced and equal exchange of knowledge and information around the world will remain difficult.
The Twentieth-Century Erasmus
Authors: Meadows George
Published: January 2009

The president of the University of Toronto Press ponders how the Erasmus series has become one of the most respected projects at the Press and in the academic community.
The Characteristics of the Ideal Acquisition Editor
Authors: Harnum Bill
Published: January 2009

This issue of the Journal of Scholarly Publishing is dedicated to Ron Schoeffel, Editor-in-Chief at University of Toronto Press. As Ron enters semi-retirement after thirty-eight years with UTP, we decided to produce an issue of this journal focused on the editorial process to celebrate his career. Because Ron exemplifies, in so many ways, the raison d'être of this journal, we thought it appropriate to honour him in this way.
Two-Faced at the Interface: Meditations on the Manuscript Review Committee
Authors: Sparshott Francis
Published: January 2009

A philosopher muses on the role of the academic board in maintaining the integrity of the scholarly publishing process.
Smoking Patterns in Ghanaian Civil Servants: Changes Over Three Decades
Authors: Addo Juliet , Smeeth Liam , Leon David  A.
Published: January 2009

The number of smokers in developing countries is expected to increase as markets in high income countries begin to decline and multinational tobacco companies shift their marketing efforts to lower income countries. We determined the prevalence and distribution of smoking in a cross-sectional study of 1,015 urban civil servants in Accra, Ghana (82.7% participation rate) in 2006. The results were compared to the findings from a previous study in 1976 of civil servants in Accra to estimate the changes in smoking patterns over a 30 year period. In our 2006 study, the smoking prevalence rate was 6.1% (95% CI: 4.8-8.9) and 0.3% (95% CI: 0.006-1.4) in men and women respectively. These figures were dramatically lower than the rates of 32% and 5.9% reported for men and women respectively in the previous study. Knowledge of the health risks associated with smoking may have contributed to the lower rates.
Structural Antitumoral Activity Relationships of Synthetic Chalcones
Authors: Echeverria Cesar , Santibañez Juan Francisco , Donoso-Tauda Oscar , Escobar Carlos  A. , Ramirez-Tagle Rodrigo
Published: January 2009

Relationships between the structural characteristic of synthetic chalcones and their antitumoral activity were studied. Treatment of HepG2 cells for 24 h with synthetic 2’-hydroxychalcones resulted in apoptosis induction and dose-dependent inhibition of cell proliferation. The calculated reactivity indexes and the adiabatic electron affinities using the DFT method including solvent effects, suggest a structure-activity relationship between the Chalcones structure and the apoptosis in HepG2 cells. The absence of methoxy substituents in the B ring of synthetic 2’-hydroxychalcones, showed the mayor structure-activity pattern along the series.
Antioxidant Phenolic Substances of Turkish Red Wines from Different Wine Regions
Authors: Ertan Anli R. , Vural Nilüfer
Published: January 2009

In this study, five biologically phenolic antioxidant Turkish red wines from different regions of Turkey were determined using HPLC with PDA detection. The antioxidant capacities (AC) of the investigated wines are also determined and the relationship between the phenol content and antioxidant capacity is discussed. The results show that Kalecik Karası, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon AC values ranged between 15.8-18.7 mmol/L, 15.8-17.6 mmol/L and 18.1-22.6 mmol/L, respectively. Generally, Cabernet Sauvignon wines not only had higher levels of phenolic antioxidants, such as catechin, epicatechin and gallic acid, but also higher antioxidant capacities compared to Kalecik Karası and Merlot wines. When the results were compared on the basis of geographical area, Aegean red wines were found to contain generally higher levels of biologically important phenolics and thus to have more antioxidant capacity compared to the wines of the other regions studied.
A Differential Pressure Instrument with Wireless Telemetry for In-Situ Measurement of Fluid Flow across Sediment-Water Boundaries
Authors: Gardner Alan  T. , Karam Hanan  N. , Mulligan Ann  E. , Harvey Charles  F. , Hammar Terence  R. , Hemond Harold  F.
Published: January 2009

An instrument has been built to carry out continuous in-situ measurement of small differences in water pressure, conductivity and temperature, in natural surface water and groundwater systems. A low-cost data telemetry system provides data on shore in real time if desired. The immediate purpose of measurements by this device is to continuously infer fluxes of water across the sediment-water interface in a complex estuarine system; however, direct application to assessment of sediment-water fluxes in rivers, lakes, and other systems is also possible. Key objectives of the design include both low cost, and accuracy of the order of ±0.5 mm H2O in measured head difference between the instrument’s two pressure ports. These objectives have been met, although a revision to the design of one component was found to be necessary. Deployments of up to nine months, and wireless range in excess of 300 m have been demonstrated.
Geographical overview of water balance of Slovenia 1971–2000 by main river basins
Authors: Frantar Peter
Published: January 2009

This overview of the hydrogeographical characteristics of the Slovenian water balance 1971–2000 reviews three main water cycle elements: precipitation, evapotranspiration and runoff. Results show their spatial distribution and strong interdependency in by main river basins of Slovenia. Greatest amounts of water are in the Soča river basin and the smallest in the Slovenian part of the Mura river basin. Average yearly quantities of water in Slovenia for the period 1971–2000 are: precipitation 1579 mm, evapotranspiration 717 mm and runoff 862 mm. Compared with the water quantities data of 1961–1990 period, the precipitation is in same rank, the evapotranspiration increased and the runoff decreased. Despite being a “wet” country by world standards, available water resources in Slovenia are declining.
Dumping sites in the Ljubljansko polje water protection area, the primary source of Ljubljana's drinking water
Authors: Breg Mateja , Kladnik Drago , Smrekar Aleš
Published: January 2009

Ljubljansko polje is a gravel plain lying along the Sava River north of Ljubljana. Although built-up areas are steadily expanding, the water protection area has helped preserve the character of relatively intensely cultivated agricultural land at least in its central part. However, illegal dumping sites pose a threat to the groundwater in the gravel aquifer. In the narrowest and narrow water protection areas of Ljubljansko polje, we have found, registered, and studied 1,445 illegal dumping sites with a total surface area amounting to 120,816 m2 and a total volume of 209,422 m3. A good seventh (13.5%) of the total waste is hazardous. In the area surveyed, we also registered 86 gravel pits, 47 information and warning signs, and 57 road barriers on access roads. In time, it will be necessary to rehabilitate all the illegal dumping sites; however, due to the large quantity of waste it is unrealistic to expect this to happen in one go, and we have therefore established a priority schedule for the rehabilitation.
The spatial cognition of Mediterranean in Slovenia: (In)consistency between perception and physical definitions
Authors: Staut Miha , Kovačič Gregor , Ogrin Darko
Published: January 2009

On the basis of a previously tested method, the cognition of the spatial extent of the Mediterranean in Slovenia is presented. The Mediterranean may be determined on the basis of numerous and very diverse criteria. It is therefore a very subjectively determined notion, where geographical and non-geographical definitions can be treated as equivalent. The research made use of a questionnaire method, which revealed the opinions of the inhabitants living in the area, generally regarded as being Mediterranean. The determination of the Mediterranean was achieved with the aid of a special question. Respondents were asked to graphically delineate its border in Slovenia on a specially prepared general map included in the questionnaire on the basis of their subjective complex perception of the characteristics by them understood as Mediterranean. The questionnaire was spatially structured by the following regions: Slovene Istria, the Vipava Valley, the Vipava Hills, the Goriška ravan, the Brda Hills, the Kras, the Pivka Basin, the Reka Valley, the Brkini Hills and the Matarsko podolje and Ljubljana with its surroundings. By drawing on the fuzzy logic theory and helped by computer techniques all the answers were merged on a special map showing the extent and membership of the fuzzy set “Mediterranean” within the crisp set “Slovenia”. The border between the Mediterranean and non-Mediterranean part of Slovenia is in this way established as a continuous transition. The mean value of this transition goes from Šempeter, passes the eastern flank of Karst, beside Divača and ends on the eastern side of Slavnik. A more restrictive criterion of the membership function value of 0.95, includes in the Slovenian Mediterranean only the sea and its most immediate hinterland. Particularly interesting proved differences in the spatial cognition of the Mediterranean’s borders in Slovenia between different survey regions.
Cartographic images of Slovenia through time
Authors: Gašperič Primož
Published: January 2009

The territory of Slovenia appears on Europe’s oldest maps. Slovenia’s location at the junction of different natural and geographical units and various political formations influenced its traffic and border situation. As a result, for many centuries the territory of Slovenia appeared inaccurately on maps and as part of foreign national units. With the development of cartographical skills and the recognition of cartography in our area in the 16th century and especially from the 17th century on, Slovene territory was depicted equally on maps of the times through the efforts of Slovene and foreign individuals. At first, maps of individual Slovene regions dominated, but from the middle of the 19th century there are more frequent depictions of the entire Slovene territory. Cartographical work thus also became a means of expressing national demands and hopes.
Abordando la noción de “variabilidad musteriense” en Roca dels Bous (Prepirineo suroriental, Lleida)
Authors: Mora Rafael , Martínez-Moreno Jorge , Casanova Joel
Published: January 2009

En este artículo se discute las implicaciones derivadas del cambio en la aportación de materias primas detectado en los niveles N10 y N12 de Roca dels Bous (Prepirineo suroriental). En estos contextos se recuperan conjuntos líticos con unos atributos en los métodos de talla y en el instrumental retocado que sugieren modificaciones en los comportamientos relacionados con la adquisición, elaboración, uso y abandono del instrumental. De estas observaciones se derivan varias implicaciones sobre la función del asentamiento dentro de los patrones de movilidad de los neandertales que habitan en la vertiente sur de los Pirineos. Paralelamente, permite abordar la noción de “variabilidad”, concepto clave al referir el significado cultural del Paleolítico Medio.
Las pinturas zoomorfas punteadas del Paleolítico Superior cantábrico: hacia una cronología dilatada de una tradición gráfica homogénea
Authors: Gárate Maidagan Diego
Published: January 2009

Las cuevas decoradas con animales punteados rojos son una de las principales expresiones pictóricas propias del Paleolítico Superior cantábrico. Los nuevos descubrimientos así como la introducción de sistemas novedosos de datación han abierto la posibilidad de atribuirlas a una cronología más antigua y, a la vez, más amplia. Presentamos el corpus de datos cronológicos disponible que nos permite fundamentar un desarrollo dilatado de las pinturas animales punteadas, así como plantear una tendencia interna hacia una expresión gráfica progresivamente más hermética que gira en torno a la representación de la cierva, con unos patrones recurrentes perfectamente definidos.
La cuestión de la complejidad socioeconómica en las comunidades de cazadores-recolectores mesolíticas de la cuenca Alta y Media del Ebro
Authors: García-Martínez de Lagrán Íñigo
Published: January 2009

En las últimas décadas se han definido en el ámbito etnográfico y arqueológico diferentes comunidades de cazadores-recolectores que presentan una organización socioeconómica compleja. En el presente trabajo se hace un repaso a las principales definiciones de esta complejidad y a sus rasgos fundamentales aplicándolos al registro actual del Mesolítico en la Alta y Media Cuenca del Ebro. El objetivo principal es determinar si estas comunidades de cazadores-recolectores presentan rasgos definitorios de una cierta complejidad socioeconómica.
El “Cinturón estepario” de culturas ganaderas en Eurasia durante la Primera Edad del Metal
Authors: Chernykh Evgeny
Published: January 2009

Las culturas ganaderas del “cinturón estepario” de Eurasia cubrieron aproximadamente 7-8 millones de km2, entre el bajo Danubio al oeste y Manchuria al este (una distancia de más de 8000 km). La formación inicial de estas culturas coincide con el florecimiento de la provincia metalúrgica Cárpato-Balcánica (V milenio AC). Estas culturas se desarrollaron durante la provincia metalúrgica Circumpóntica (IV-III milenios AC). Su madurez coincide con la actividad de varios centros de las grandes provincias metalúrgicas Euroasiática y del Asia oriental (II milenio AC). La influencia de estas culturas ganaderas en los procesos históricos de las gentes de Eurasia fue muy intensa. El colapso de este “cinturón estepario” sucedió en una fecha tan tardía como los siglos XVIII- XIX AD.
Servir el vino. Algunas observaciones sobre la adopción del oinochoe en el curso inferior del Ebro (s. VII-VI aC)
Authors: Sardà Seuma Samuel
Published: January 2009

Tradicionalmente, en el noreste peninsular, la introducción de los primeros parámetros de influencia mediterránea en relación al consumo del vino, se han situado en la segunda mitad del siglo VI aC (copas jonias, kylix áticas, cerámica ática de figuras negras). No obstante, en el curso inferior del Ebro, la incidencia destacada del comercio fenicio conlleva una clara evolución del repertorio cerámico a lo largo de los siglos VII y VI aC, un hecho que permite evaluar la aparición de ciertas producciones de vajilla que evidencian la existencia de modificaciones importantes en el repertorio de instrumentos vinculados a las prácticas rituales de consumo comunitario. En el presente artículo se valora la adopción del oinochoe en relación a los primeros síntomas de renovación que experimenta el instrumental indígena asociado a la bebida. El objetivo es aproximarnos a una etapa de cambios sociales fundamentales durante la cual los aspectos ideológicos evidencian un aumento significativo de importancia.
Establecimiento y validación de procedimientos de datación por luminiscencia de material arqueológico en el laboratorio de geocronología de la Universidad de A Coruña: primeros resultados
Authors: Sanjurjo Sánchez Jorge , Fernández Mosquera Daniel , Bello José María
Published: January 2009

La datación mediante termoluminiscencia (TL) de material arqueológico es una técnica con unos 50 años de antigüedad, aunque no muy empleada en España. Avances metodológicos recientes han permitido aumentar la exactitud y precisión del método. La Unidad de Geocronología del Instituto Universitario de Xeoloxía “Isidro Parga Pondal” de la Universidad de A Coruña cuenta en la actualidad con un Laboratorio de Luminiscencia. Para poner a punto los procedimientos analíticos de datación, se han datado tejas medievales de una excavación cercana a la Torre de Hércules (A Coruña) en la que la columna estratigráfica fue datada por medio de 14C. Las muestras fueron sometidas a dos procedimientos existentes en la literatura: uno clásico (AD-TL) y otro de reciente desarrollo (SAR-TL). Los resultados muestran concordancia entre ambos métodos e incluso mejoras considerables obtenidas con el SAR-TL.
Estudio Geoquímico de dos centros de producción de obsidianas en la Prehistoria de Tenerife: El Tabonal de los Guanches (Icod de los Vinos) y el Tabonal Negro (Las Cañadas)
Authors: Hernández Gómez Cristo M. , Galván Santos Bertila
Published: January 2009

La producción obsidiánica es uno de los procesos de trabajo que mejor permite la caracterización social de los guanches, primeros habitantes de Tenerife (Canarias). En esta ocasión se aborda el estudio geoquímico de las coladas en las que se ubican sus principales fuentes de aprovisionamiento de obsidiana: El Tabonal de Los Guanches (Icod de los Vinos) y El Tabonal Negro en Mña. Blanca (Las Cañadas del Teide), consideradas desde el punto de vista arqueológico como Centros de Producción. El objetivo es establecer las diferencias composicionales entre ambas para poder rastrear la distribución de sus respectivas producciones líticas en el territorio insular y reconocer el modelo de suministro que se puso en práctica.
Fail‐Safe vs. Safe‐Life Philosophy in V/STOL Design
Authors: Immen Fred H.
Published: January 2009

V/STOL aircraft combine the technological features of rigid‐wing and rotary‐wing aircraft, incorporating many of the structural features of helicopters. A review indicates that structures analysts of conventional aircraft have concentrated on fail‐safe design; while
helicopter design engineers have generally been content to rely on component safe‐life design. The two philosophies are examined and an approach to the rational marriage of helicopter and airplane fatigue technologies is suggested, in order to provide an integrated, economically feasible,
statistically rational combination of fail‐safe and safe‐life methodology for tilt‐wing and tilt‐rotor V/STOL aircraft.
Ground and Air Resonance Characteristics of a Soft In‐Plane Rigid‐Rotor System
Authors: Donham R. E. , Cardinale S. V. , Sachs I. B.
Published: January 2009

A flight research program was conducted on a soft in‐plane matched‐stiffness rotor in which it was demonstrated that a soft in‐plane rigid rotor is subject to mechanical instability in flight as well as on the ground. The research included extending existing analysis
techniques to include aerodynamic forces. Analytical results correlated well with measured data, and thus provided an analytical tool for evaluating air and ground resonance. Tests included the use of a unique whirl tower stand which was gimbaled to permit pitch and roll motion, and flight
tests on an XH‐51A helicopter. It is concluded that positive control of body inertia, and especially of rotor speed limits, are required to insure safety of flight when using n soft in‐plane rigid rotor.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus Hospital-Based Burden of Disease in Children Younger Than 5 Years, 2015-2022
Authors: Suss Robert J. , Simões Eric A. F.
Published: April 2024

Importance

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) resurgences have been noted following the COVID-19 pandemic in many countries. Recent findings suggest that the 2021 and 2022 RSV seasons were more severe than in past seasons, and age distribution may have shifted toward older children in the younger than 5 years age group.

Objectives

To estimate age-specific changes in RSV hospital-based burden of disease before and after the COVID-19 pandemic and to compare incidence by Medicaid use.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This retrospective cohort study included children younger than 5 years diagnosed with RSV and bronchiolitis at 50 US children’s hospitals in 10 US geographic regions. The included participants had an encounter in intensive care, inpatient, emergency, or observational units, between June 1, 2015, and March 31, 2023.

Exposures

Diagnosis of RSV, bronchiolitis, or both at encounter.

Main Outcome and Measures

Incidence rate ratio of hospital use within each care unit before vs after the COVID-19 pandemic. It was hypothesized a priori that incidence of hospital use would increase overall in 2021 and 2022 compared with 2015 to 2019 and that the increase would be greater among children 12 months and older.

Results

Of 924 061 study participants (median [IQR] age, 8 (5-16) months; 535 619 [58.0%] male), 348 077 (37.7%) were diagnosed with RSV. Of these, 187 850 (54.0%) were hospitalized. Incidence rate ratios of hospitalization increased for all ages in 2021 and 2022 compared with 2015 to 2019. Children aged 24 to 59 months were 4.86 (95% CI, 4.75-4.98) times as likely to be hospitalized in 2022 compared with 2015 to 2019, whereas infants aged 0 to 5 months were 1.77 (95% CI, 1.74-1.80) times as likely. Medicaid patients were more likely to be hospitalized than non-Medicaid patients regardless of year.

Conclusions and Relevance

Hospitalizations for RSV and bronchiolitis demonstrated atypical seasonality in 2021 and 2022, with an overall increase in RSV encounters. Postpandemic RSV hospitalization increased for all ages, but especially among older children, whereas bronchiolitis hospitalization was decreased or unchanged compared with earlier seasons. These findings suggest some of the observed increase in RSV hospital use may be due to increased testing.
Design and implementation of automated notification systems and an electronic whiteboard for radiation therapy planning monitoring
Authors: Yan Ping , Shen Jin , Basavatia Amar , Garg Madhur K. , Tomé Wolfgang A.
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Radiotherapy (RT) treatment and treatment planning is a complex process prepared and delivered by a multidisciplinary team of specialists. Efficient communication and notification systems among different team members are therefore essential to ensure the safe, timely delivery of treatments to patients.

Method

To address this issue, we developed and implemented automated notification systems and an electronic whiteboard to track every CT simulation, contouring task, the new‐start schedule, and physician's appointments and tasks, and notify team members of overdue and missing tasks and appointments. The electronic whiteboard was developed to have a straightforward view of current patients’ planning workflow and to help different team members coordinate with each other. The systems were implemented and have been used at our center to monitor the progress of treatment‐planning tasks for over 2 years.

Results

The last‐minute plans were relatively reduced by about 40% in 2023 compared to 2021 and 2022 with a p‐value < 0.05. The overdue contouring tasks of more than 1 day decreased from 46.8% in 2019 and 33.6% in 2020 to 20%–26.4% in 2021–2023 with a p‐value < 0.05 after the implementation of the notification system. The rate of plans with 1–3 day planning time decreased by 20.31%, 39.32%, and 24.08% with a p‐value < 0.05 and the rate of plans with 1–3 day planning time due to the contouring task overdue more than 1 day decreased by 49.49%, 56.89%, and 46.52% with a p‐value < 0.05 after the implementation. The rate of outstanding appointments that are overdue by more than 7 days decreased by more than 5% with a p‐value < 0.05 following the implementation of the system.

Conclusions

Our experience shows that this system requires minimal human intervention, improves the treatment planning workflow and process by reducing errors and delays in the treatment planning process, positively impacts on‐time treatment plan completion, and reduces the need for compressed or rushed treatment planning timelines.
Enabling Logistics Automation in Nanofactory: Cobalt Phosphide Embedded Metal–Organic Frameworks for Efficient Electrocatalytic Nitrate Reduction to Ammonia
Authors: Zhang Chaoqi , Zhang Yue , Deng Rong , Yuan Ling , Zou Yingying , Bao Tong , Zhang Xinchan , Wei GuangFeng , Yu Chengzhong , Liu Chao
Published: April 2024

Electrocatalytic nitrate reduction reaction (NitRR) in neutral condition offers a promising strategy for green ammonia synthesis and wastewater treatment, the rational design of electrocatalysts is the cornerstone. Inspired by modern factory design where both machines and logistics matter for manufacturing, it is reported that cobalt phosphide (CoP) nanoparticles embedded in zinc‐based zeolite imidazole frameworks (Zn‐ZIF) function as a nanofactory with high performance. By selective phosphorization of ZnCo bimetallic zeolite imidazole framework (ZnCo‐ZIF), the generated CoP nanoparticles act as “machines” (active sites) for molecular manufacturing (NO3− to NH4+ conversion). The purposely retained framework (Zn‐ZIFs) with positive charge promotes logistics automation, i.e., the automatic delivery of NO3− reactants and timely discharge of NH4+ products in‐and‐out the nanofactory due to electrostatic interaction. Moreover, the interaction between Zn‐ZIF and CoP modulates the Co sites into electron insufficient state with upshifted d‐band center, facilitating the reduction/hydrogenation of NO3− to ammonia and restricting the competitive hydrogen evolution. Consequently, the assembled CoP/Zn‐ZIF nanofactory exhibits superior NitRR performances with a high Faraday efficiency of ≈97% and a high ammonia yield of 0.89 mmol cm−1 h−1 in neutral condition, among the best of reported electrocatalysts. The work provides new insights into the design principles of efficient NitRR electrocatalysts.
Breaking the pH Limitation of Nanozymes: Mechanisms, Methods, and Applications
Authors: Feng Kaizheng , Wang Guancheng , Wang Shi , Ma Jingyuan , Wu Haoan , Ma Ming , Zhang Yu
Published: April 2024

Although nanozymes have drawn great attention over the past decade, the activities of peroxidase‐like, oxidase‐like, and catalase‐like nanozymes are often pH dependent with elusive mechanism, which largely restricts their application. Therefore, a systematical discussion on the pH‐related catalytic mechanisms of nanozymes together with the methods to overcome this limitation is in need. In this review, various nanozymes exhibiting pH‐dependent catalytic activities are collected and the root causes for their pH dependence are comprehensively analyzed. Subsequently, regulatory concepts including catalytic environment reconstruction and direct catalytic activity improvement to break this pH restriction are summarized. Moreover, applications of pH‐independent nanozymes in sensing, disease therapy, and pollutant degradation are overviewed. Finally, current challenges and future opportunities on the development of pH‐independent nanozymes are suggested. It is anticipated that this review will promote the further design of pH‐independent nanozymes and broaden their application range with higher efficiency.
Achieving Highly Stable Zn Metal Anodes at Low Temperature via Regulating Electrolyte Solvation Structure
Authors: You Shunzhang , Deng Qiang , Wang Ziming , Chu Youqi , Xu Yunkai , Lu Jun , Yang Chenghao
Published: April 2024

Zinc metal is an attractive anode material for rechargeable aqueous Zn‐ion batteries (ZIBs). However, the dendrite growth, water‐induced parasitic reactions, and freezing problem of aqueous electrolyte at low temperatures are the major roadblocks that hinder the widely commercialization of ZIBs. Herein, tetrahydrofuran (THF) is proposed as the electrolyte additive to improve the reversibility and stability of Zn anode. Theoretical calculation and experimental results reveal that the introduction of THF into the aqueous electrolyte can optimize the solvation structure which can effectively alleviate the H2O‐induced side reactions and protect the Zn anode from corrosion. Moreover, THF can act as a hydrogen bond acceptor to interact with H2O, which can greatly reduce the activity of free H2O in electrolytes and improve the low‐temperature electrochemical performance of Zn anode. As a result, the Zn anodes demonstrate high cyclic stability for 2800 h at 27 °C and over 4000 h at −10 °C at 1.0 mA cm−2 /1.0 mAh cm−2. The full cell exhibits excellent cyclic stability and rate capability at 27 and −10 °C. This work is expected to provide a new approach to regulate the aqueous electrolyte and Zn anode interface chemistry for highly stable and reversible Zn anodes.
3D Printed Room Temperature Phosphorescence Materials Enabled by Edible Natural Konjac Glucomannan
Authors: Wu Ping , Li Pengyu , Chen Mingxing , Rao Jun , Chen Gegu , Bian Jing , Lü Baozhong , Peng Feng
Published: April 2024

Shaping room temperature phosphorescence (RTP) materials into 3D bodies is important for stereoscopic optoelectronic displays but remains challenging due to their poor processability and mechanical properties. Here, konjac glucomannan (KGM) is employed to anchor arylboronic acids with various π conjugations via a facile B─O covalent reaction to afford printable inks, using which full‐color high‐fidelity 3D RTP objects with high mechanical strength can be obtained via direct ink writing‐based 3D printing and freeze‐drying. The doubly rigid structure supplied by the synergy of hydrogen bonding and B─O covalent bonding can protect the triplet excitons; thus, the prepared 3D RTP object shows a striking lifetime of 2.14 s. The printed counterparts are successfully used for 3D anti‐counterfeiting and can be recycled and reprinted nondestructively by dissolving in water. This success expands the scope of printable 3D luminescent materials, providing an eco‐friendly platform for the additive manufacturing of sophisticated 3D RTP architectures.
A Rotating Cathode with Periodical Changes in Electrolyte Layer Thickness for High‐Rate Li‒O2 Batteries
Authors: Liang Yu‐Long , Yu Yue , Li Zi‐Wei , Yang Dong‐Yue , Liu Tong , Yan Jun‐Min , Huang Gang , Zhang Xinbo
Published: April 2024

Li–O2 batteries (LOBs) possess the highest theoretical gravimetric energy density among all types of secondary batteries, but they are still far from practical applications. The poor rate performance resulting from the slow mass transfer is one of the primary obstacles in LOBs. To solve this issue, a rotating cathode with periodic changes in the electrolyte layer thickness is designed, decoupling the maximum transfer rate of Li+ and O2. During rotation, the thinner electrolyte layer on the cathode facilitates the O2 transfer, and the thicker electrolyte layer enhances the Li+ transfer. As a result, the rotating cathode enables the LOBs to undergo 58 cycles at 2.5 mA cm−2 and discharge stably even at a high current density of 7.5 mA cm−2. Besides, it also makes the batteries exhibit a large discharge capacity of 6.8 mAh cm−2, and the capacity decay is much slower with increasing current density. Notably, this rotating electrode holds great promise for utilization in other electrochemical cells involving gas‐liquid‐solid triple‐phase interfaces, suggesting a viable approach to enhance the mass transfer in such systems.
Helicobacter pylori exposure among the Awajún of the Peruvian Amazon: Prevalence and environmental, social, and biological associations
Authors: Tallman Paula S. , Miller Aaron A. , Brandley Sophea R. , Lee Cassie C. , Cepon‐Robins Tara J. , Gildner Theresa E. , Collins Shalean M.
Published: April 2024

Objectives

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)—a gastric bacteria affecting almost 50% of the global population and leading to ulcers and cancer in severe cases—is a growing health concern among Indigenous populations who report a high burden of reported poor general health and gastrointestinal distress. We test hypothesized associations between H. pylori exposure patterns and environmental, social, and biological conditions among a sample of 212 Indigenous Awajún adults (112 males, 100 females, ages 18–65 years) living in the northern Peruvian Amazon.

Materials and Methods

Dried blood spots were analyzed for H. pylori‐specific IgG using a recently developed enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Resulting seropositivity rates and antibody concentrations, proxying past exposures to H. pylori were analyzed in relation to relevant environmental (toilet type, floor material, reported water quality), social (household size and education level), and biological (age, sex, BMI, blood pressure, immune and metabolic biomarkers) factors using multivariable regression analyses.

Results

We found near ubiquitous seropositivity for H. pylori exposure in our sample (99.1% seropositive). In the regression analyses, elevations in H. pylori antibody concentrations were significantly higher among males compared to females (β = 0.36, p = 0.01). No associations were found with any other factors.

Discussion

Anthropological research in the study communities suggests that the male bias in elevations of H. pylori antibody concentrations is related to cultural and biological factors. Future research is needed to further unravel these biocultural dynamics and determine whether elevations in H. pylori antibody concentrations have clinical relevance for gastrointestinal health outcomes in this population.
Ensuring food safety: Microfluidic‐based approaches for the detection of food contaminants
Authors: Kasputis Tom , Hosmer Kait Elizabeth , He Yawen , Chen Juhong
Published: April 2024

Detecting foodborne contamination is a critical challenge in ensuring food safety and preventing human suffering and economic losses. Contaminated food, comprising biological agents (e.g. bacteria, viruses and fungi) and chemicals (e.g. toxins, allergens, antibiotics and heavy metals), poses significant risks to public health. Microfluidic technology has emerged as a transformative solution, revolutionizing the detection of contaminants with precise and efficient methodologies. By manipulating minute volumes of fluid on miniaturized systems, microfluidics enables the creation of portable chips for biosensing applications. Advancements from early glass and silicon devices to modern polymers and cellulose‐based chips have significantly enhanced microfluidic technology, offering adaptability, flexibility, cost‐effectiveness and biocompatibility. Microfluidic systems integrate seamlessly with various biosensing reactions, facilitating nucleic acid amplification, target analyte recognition and accurate signal readouts. As research progresses, microfluidic technology is poised to play a pivotal role in addressing evolving challenges in the detection of foodborne contaminants. In this short review, we delve into various manufacturing materials for state‐of‐the‐art microfluidic devices, including inorganics, elastomers, thermoplastics and paper. Additionally, we examine several applications where microfluidic technology offers unique advantages in the detection of food contaminants, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, allergens and more. This review underscores the significant advancement of microfluidic technology and its pivotal role in advancing the detection and mitigation of foodborne contaminants.
Synthesis and catalytic activity of half‐sandwich iridium complexes with acylhydrazone ligands for N‐alkylation of hydrazides under mild conditions
Authors: Wang Ke , Gao Song , Luo Yu‐Zhou , Yao Zi‐Jian
Published: April 2024

A new [Cp*IrClL] half‐sandwich iridium complex was successfully synthesized by coordinating an acylhydrazone ligand with [Cp*IrCl2]2, followed by comprehensive characterization using various spectroscopic and analytical techniques. Complex 3 was subjected to crystal structure analysis, revealing that the acylhydrazone ligand coordinates with the iridium through bidentate coordination involving the imidolate oxygen and imine nitrogen atoms. This interaction resulted in the formation of a pseudo‐octahedral geometry with the iridium center. The iridium complexes 1–4, which are stable in the presence of air and moisture, exhibit significant catalyst performance in the N‐alkylation reactions of hydrazides under gentle reaction conditions. This iridium complex catalyzes various types of alcohols to undergo N‐alkylation reactions with acyl hydrazides via a one‐pot method, yielding diverse N‐alkylated hydrazide derivatives. The catalyst displayed exceptional catalytic efficiency, a broad variety of substrates, and gentle reaction conditions, indicating its significant potential for industrial applications.
Structural investigation, molecular docking, X‐ray studies, and in vitro biological activities of new transition metal complexes based isoleucine‐pyridyl hybrid Schiff base
Authors: Saleh Mahmoud G. A. , Alsubaie Fehaid M. , Moustafa Bassant S. , El‐Sayed Wael A. , Zayed Ehab M. , Mohamed Gehad G.
Published: April 2024

One significant class of chemotherapeutic medicines with the ability to overcome drug resistance is metal‐based medications. The creation of novel therapeutic medications with distinct modes of action is required due to the rise in drug resistance, treatment failures, and the scarcity of available treatments. The amino acid isoleucine interacts with the arylidene (synthesized from isatin and 2,6‐diamino‐pyridine) forming the HL Schiff base ligand, which then interacts with some transition metal ions to form the metal complexes. Thermal analysis, spectroscopy (1H‐NMR, IR, mass, and ultraviolet–visible), solid reflectance, magnetic moment, molar conductivity, and elemental analyses were employed for examining the synthesized HL and resultant complexes. Mass spectra besides elemental analyses studies verified the formulae of the Schiff base ligand and metal complexes. All the complexes, except for the Fe(III) complex which is non‐electrolyte, exhibited electrolytic behavior as indicated by their molar conductivity values. The obtained complexes exhibited octahedral geometrical shapes, except for the complexes of Co(II), Ni(II), and Zn(II), which displayed tetrahedral geometry. Thermal analysis showed that the complexes consistently release organic ligands and anionic components following the initial loss of water molecules of hydration. The conducted X‐ray diffraction patterns elucidated their lattice dynamics and not only confirmed the purity of the samples, but also demonstrated that the ligand and complexes of Cr(III), Fe(III), Mn(II), Cu(II), Zn(II), and Cd(II) have a crystalline structure in addition to determination of average size of the crystallites. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) was investigated for Schiff base ligand and Co(II) complex. The complexes demonstrated superior efficacy than HL towards fungal and bacteria organisms against Aspergillus fumigatus and Candida albicans, Salmonella Sp., Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli. The MCF‐7 cancer cell was subjected to investigation by synthesized complexes and IC50 values ranged from 12 to 23.1 μg/ml. Molecular docking studies define and anticipate the inhibitory potential and binding mode of the generated ligand with the 1GS4, 2HQ6, 3DJD, and 5JPE receptors.