bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis Strategies and Electrochemical Research Progress of Nano/Microscale Metal–Organic Frameworks
Authors: Wang Shixian , Hu Wenhui , Ru Yue , Shi Yuxin , Guo Xiaotian , Sun Yangyang , Pang Huan
Published: October 2022

Nanoscale/microscale metal–organic frameworks (nano/microscale MOFs) are considered kinds of nanomaterials with profound application potentials in many fields due to the high specific surface area, permanent porosity, and multiple chemical functions. This review focuses on the specific synthesis strategies of nano/microscale MOFs, such as controlled mediation, template, one‐pot, and interface growth methods, through which the shape and size of the crystal can be regulated during the nucleation process. After these targeted design and synthesis strategies, nano/microscale MOFs are optimized for energy storage, catalysis, and biomedical applications based on several merits, including a large specific surface area with more active sites, smaller ion transfer resistance, and structural stability. In addition, challenges and prospects of nano/microscale MOF materials are summarized for advanced energy storage and conversion applications.
Perovskite‐Based Electrocatalysts for Cost‐Effective Ultrahigh‐Current‐Density Water Splitting in Anion Exchange Membrane Electrolyzer Cell
Authors: Tang Jiayi , Xu Xiaomin , Tang Tony , Zhong Yijun , Shao Zongping
Published: October 2022

Development of cost‐effective water splitting technology that allows low‐overpotential operation at high current density with non‐precious catalysts is the key for large‐scale hydrogen production. Herein, it is demonstrated that the versatile perovskite‐based oxides, usually applied for operating at low current density and room temperature in alkaline solution, can be developed into low‐cost, highly active and durable electrocatalysts for operating at high current densities in a zero‐gap anion exchange membrane electrolyzer cell (AEMEC). The composite perovskite with mixed phases of Ruddlesden–Popper and single perovskite is applied as the anode in AEMEC and exhibits highly promising performance with an overall water‐splitting current density of 2.01 A cm−2 at a cell voltage of only 2.00 V at 60 °C with stable performance. The elevated temperature to promote anion diffusion in membrane boosts oxygen evolution kinetics by enhancing lattice‐oxygen participation. The bifunctionality of perovskites further promises the more cost‐effective symmetrical AEMEC configuration, and a primary cell with the composite perovskite as both electrodes delivers 3.00 A cm−2 at a cell voltage of only 2.42 V. This work greatly expands the use of perovskites as robust electrocatalysts for industrial water splitting at high current density with great practical application merit.
Privacy in smart speakers: A systematic literature review
Authors: Maccario Guglielmo , Naldi Maurizio
Published: October 2022

Parallel to the increasing use of smart speakers (aka virtual assistants), privacy concerns emerge. In this article, we provide a systematic review of the literature on privacy issues in smart speakers. Both Scopus and Web of Science databases are examined, as well as the preprint repository arXiv, to take into account the most recent contributions. That literature exhibits a continuously growing trend in the last 4 years, with the USA being the single largest contributor to the field. The topics debated in the literature concern the perception of privacy issues, their contribution to adoption choices, the identification of vulnerabilities, the proposal of possible countermeasures, and (last and least) the analysis of the legal cases that are arising.
Impact of a Full Range of Amylose Level on Pasting and Gelling Properties of Barley Starches at High‐Temperature Heating
Authors: Ren Yikai , Liang Wenxin , Zhong Yuyue , Hebelstrup Kim Henrik , Blennow Andreas , Ai Yongfeng
Published: October 2022

Pasting and gelling behaviors of barley starches isolated from Cinnamon (waxy of 3.3% apparent amylose; WB), Golden Promise (normal of 26.2% amylose; NB), and amylose‐only (high‐amylose of 97.8% amylose; AO) varieties were examined over 95–140 °C cooking. Gelatinization temperatures of AO starch were significantly higher than those of WB and NB, thereby the former displaying negligible pasting viscosity at 95 °C heating. At 140 °C, AO starch was completely gelatinized and able to develop viscosity, particularly at the final pasting stage. Gel hardness of NB gradually decreased with higher cooking temperatures. After 140 °C cooking and storage, only AO starch formed a gel, exhibiting the largest hardness among the studied gels or pastes. Gelation mechanisms of the barley starches at 95—140 °C cooking were elucidated by visualizing their gel/paste microstructures under scanning electron microscopy. The insightful information on the physicochemical properties of the barley starches possessing 3.3–97.8% amylose will be meaningful for their industrial applications.
From Peptide Nucleic Acids to Supramolecular Structures of Nucleic Acid Derivatives
Authors: Kovács Lajos
Published: October 2022

Nucleic acids play a pivotal role in life processes. The endeavours to shed light on the essential properties of these intriguing building blocks led us to the synthesis of different analogues and the investigation of their properties. First various peptide nucleic acid monomers and oligomers have been synthesized, using an Fmoc/acyl protecting group strategy, and their properties studied. The serendipitous discovery of a side reaction of coupling agents led us to the elaboration of a peptide sequencing method. The capricious behaviour of guanine derivatives spurred the determination of their substitution pattern using 13C, 15N NMR, and mass spectrometric methods. The properties of guanines initiated the logical transition to the study of supramolecular systems composed of purine analogues. Thus, xanthine and uracil derivatives have been obtained and their supramolecular self‐assembly properties scrutinized in gas, solid, and liquid states and at solid‐liquid interfaces.
High spin Fe(III)‐doped nanostructures as T1 MR imaging probes
Authors: Botta Mauro , Geraldes Carlos F. G. C. , Tei Lorenzo
Published: October 2022

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) T1 contrast agents based on Fe(III) as an alternative to Gd‐based compounds have been under intense scrutiny in the last 6–8 years and a number of nanostructures have been designed and proposed for in vivo diagnostic and theranostic applications. Excluding the large family of superparamagnetic iron oxides widely used as T2‐MR imaging agents that will not be covered by this review, a considerable number and type of nanoparticles (NPs) have been employed, ranging from amphiphilic polymer‐based NPs, NPs containing polyphenolic binding units such as melanin‐like or polycatechols, mixed metals such as Fe/Gd or Fe/Au NPs and perfluorocarbon nanoemulsions. Iron(III) exhibits several favorable magnetic properties, high biocompatibility and improved toxicity profile that place it as the paramagnetic ion of choice for the next generation of nanosized MRI and theranostic contrast agents. An analysis of the examples reported in the last decade will show the opportunities for relaxivity and MR‐contrast enhancement optimization that could bring Fe(III)‐doped NPs to really compete with Gd(III)‐based nanosystems.

This article is categorized under:

Diagnostic Tools > In Vivo Nanodiagnostics and Imaging

Diagnostic Tools > Diagnostic Nanodevices

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Oncologic Disease
Local discontinuous Galerkin method for a third‐order singularly perturbed problem of reaction–diffusion type
Authors: Yan Li , Cheng Yao
Published: October 2022

A third‐order singularly perturbed problem of reaction–diffusion type is solved numerically by the local discontinuous Galerkin (LDG) method. By using the local Gauss–Radau projection for the primal variable u, but local L2 projection for the two auxiliary variables p and q, we obtain an optimal convergence rate of order (or up to a logarithmic factor) in the energy norm, uniformly in the singular perturbation parameter. Here is the degree of the piecewise polynomials used in the discrete space and N is the number of mesh intervals. The layer‐adapted meshes are used including a standard Shishkin mesh, a Bakhvalov–Shishkin mesh, and a Bakhvalov‐type mesh. Numerical experiments are given to show the sharpness of our theoretical results.
A Checklist of the Arachnids from the Gulf of Guinea Islands (Excluding Ticks and Mites)
Authors: Crews Sarah C. , Esposito Lauren A.
Published: October 2022

While historic efforts to document the arachnofauna of the Gulf of Guinea islands have primarily been the result of fortuitous collecting by non-specialists, recent efforts have been made to provide a more thorough documentation using systematic, targeted collecting methods. Results from those preliminary efforts indicate that the current formal scientific knowledge of the fauna is significantly underreported. Here, we present the first checklist of all arachnid species, excluding mites and ticks, for the Gulf of Guinea islands. We hope that this will serve as a guide to begin the immense work of documenting the true diversity represented in this unique archipelago.
Dragonflies and Damselflies (Odonata) of Príncipe, São Tomé, and Annobón
Authors: Dijkstra Klaas-Douwe B. , Tate Russell B. , Papazian Michel
Published: October 2022

The dragonfly and damselfly (Odonata) fauna of the oceanic islands of the Gulf of Guinea is impoverished, even compared to other Afrotropical archipelagoes, with a combined total of 22 species recorded with certainty on São Tomé, Príncipe, and Annobón. Trithemis nigra Longfield, 1936 from Príncipe is the only known endemic, although two reported but unidentified species may still prove to be endemic too. Most recorded species occur widely across and beyond Africa, and 27 equally widespread species are listed as potential additions. Several hypotheses for the fauna’s impoverishment are briefly discussed.
Cetaceans of São Tomé and Príncipe
Authors: Carvalho Inês , Pereira Andreia , Martinho Francisco , Vieira Nina , Brito Cristina , Guedes Márcio , Loloum Bastien
Published: October 2022

The Gulf of Guinea is a marine biodiversity hotspot, but cetacean fauna in these waters is poorly studied and our knowledge is documented mostly from opportunistic (sightings and strandings) and whaling data. This chapter presents a short review of historical whaling in the Gulf of Guinea and an update of cetacean biodiversity in the waters of São Tomé and Príncipe. Observations since 2002 have confirmed the presence of 12 species of cetaceans, 5 of them new to the region (Striped Dolphin, Rough-toothed Dolphin, Risso’s Dolphin, Pygmy Killer Whale, and Dwarf Sperm Whale). The archipelago seems to be an important area for cetaceans, with some species (Bottlenose Dolphin and Pantropical Spotted Dolphin) being present throughout the year. The volcanic origin of the archipelago produces great depths very close to the coast, which may favor the approach of pelagic species like Sperm Whales, Killer Whales, and Short-finned Pilot Whales. Bays and shallow waters may also serve as protection or rest areas for particular groups, like mother and calf pairs of Humpback Whales. Major anthropogenic threats to cetaceans in São Tomé and Príncipe include habitat degradation due to overfishing, fisheries interactions, possibly some occasionally directed takes and, more recently, oil and gas prospecting. Consistent and dedicated research to inform national legislation, together with increasing environmental awareness and local engagement, would help to identify effective cetacean conservation strategies in the archipelago.
The History of Biological Research in the Gulf of Guinea Oceanic Islands
Authors: Ceríaco Luis M. P. , Santos Bruna S. , Viegas Sofia B. , Paiva Jorge , Figueiredo Estrela
Published: October 2022

The oceanic islands of the Gulf of Guinea (Príncipe, São Tomé, and Annobón) have been the focus of biological research for over two hundred years. Following small surveys that generated modest collections in the eighteenth and early mid-nineteenth century, European institutions commissioned several exploratory missions to the region that resulted in the first major catalogues of its biodiversity. The following century brought a new wave of research investment, mostly driven by the colonial interests. After the independence of both Equatorial Guinea and São Tomé and Príncipe, novel research trends focusing on conservation aspects of biodiversity research emerged. Here we present a chronological review of the zoological and botanical expeditions to the region, commenting on their major results, collectors, and the naturalists who studied them.
Species Ecology in the Gulf of Guinea Oceanic Islands: Distribution, Habitat Preferences, Assemblages, and Interactions
Authors: Soares Filipa C. , Hancock Joana M. , Palmeirim Jorge M. , Maia Hugulay Albuquerque , Stévart Tariq , de Lima Ricardo F.
Published: October 2022

The oceanic islands of the Gulf of Guinea (Príncipe, São Tomé, and Annobón) are an exceptional centre of endemism for flora and fauna. Remarkable progress has been made in biological research during the last few decades: from species being described and reported for the first time, to general patterns of species-habitat associations found across terrestrial, coastal, and marine taxa. Despite this increase in knowledge, key aspects of Gulf of Guinea species ecology remain poorly understood. This chapter reviews existing knowledge on the biodiversity of the islands, focusing on species distributions, population abundance estimates, traits, habitat associations and interactions. To promote these islands as ecological models, and to ensure the future of their endemic-rich biodiversity, it is essential to overcome current knowledge gaps and reduce existing taxonomic, spatial, and temporal biases in the information available. Therefore, future studies should favour systematic island-wide surveys and prioritize understudied areas and taxonomic groups. Moreover, long-term monitoring studies are urgently needed to assess biodiversity trends and to advise conservation actions. The future of ecological research and conservation of the unique biodiversity of these islands must increasingly rely on the development of local biodiversity-focused scientific expertise, through outreach, capacity building, and advanced training, paired with international collaborations and the development of local organizations.
Is Twitter for the Birds? The Young and the Restless Don’t Think So
Authors: Chapman Amy L.
Published: October 2022

This chapter addresses the relevance and identifies the affordances of social media for civic education. Most people use social media, including nearly all young people (Pew, 2018; Pew, 2015). Social media also functions as a place of civic participation and has affordances which support online and offline civic learning and engagement. Social media users are co-creators and co-curators of content, making social media an active and interactive space. Social media can disrupt or support hegemonic structures, maintaining or challenging power. In short, social media is where people, particularly youth and people in power, are, and it is a space in which to practice civic skillsin vivo.
(Digital) Citizenship: Dissenting from Indifference
Authors: Chapman Amy L.
Published: October 2022

This chapter shares the one primary finding of a study of high-school teachers who included Twitter as part of their civic education teaching. Teachers in this study believed that students should be prepared to engage in the civic sphere in both online and offline spaces, and thus felt a responsibility to teach students about both sides of civic life. Teachers felt that there was no real dichotomy between online and offline citizenship and that the term digital citizenship was detrimental to encouraging students’ civic participation.
The Margins Don’t Get Erased by Simply Insisting that the Powers That Be Erase Them: Social Media as a Disrupter
Authors: Chapman Amy L.
Published: October 2022

Civic education in the United States is inequitable across racial and socioeconomic lines. At the same time, social media can maintain or disrupt oppressive power structures. This chapter discusses how, in a study of teachers using Twitter for civic education, most of the teachers wanted to use social media with their students to disrupt unjust systems in their communities. Although the teachers were not yet as successful in changing these unequitable systems as they would have hoped, this chapter presents social media as a potential challenge to those unjust systems. Students who are further marginalized or vulnerable can find community and connection via social media, and social media can serve as a tool for civic participation and activism which promotes individual and community thriving. This chapter also discusses how teachers can support students in using social media for social justice-oriented civic participation.
For the Sake of Our Children? A Mixed-Methods Study of the Family Dynamics of Intra-European Mobility Among Somalis
Authors: de Hoon Marloes , van Liempt Ilse
Published: October 2022

This chapter adds to a young body of literature exploring the patterns of and motivations for the intra-EU mobility of non-EU migrants. As explanatory factors of these mobilities, recent studies point to the constrained access to work, networks and institutions in the country of residence. The role of children in onward mobilities has received little attention thus far. While offspring are generally theorised as a ‘binding’ factor, research suggests that children can also be central in onward-mobility decision-making. Parents take children’s specific needs and their hopes for their children’s future into consideration within the decision of onward mobility. Children can also move on their own account or stay put while their parents move again. We present a case study to unveil the dynamics within Somali families around the decision to move onwards to the UK. This provides a rich and suitable case, because of the relatively high onward-mobility rates and the great variety in family composition and characteristics. Using a mixed-methods design, we develop, test and contextualise theoretical expectations concerning the relationship between the timing of arrival of children in the host country and their onward migration, with or without their parents. In addition, we empirically address the expectation that independent migration is more common in larger families. A comparison with other young people of refugee background is provided to shed light on the particularities and generalities of our findings.
Ambivalent Entanglements: Syrian Refugees’ Network Relations and (Im)mobilities in Protracted Displacement
Authors: Tobin Sarah A. , Etzold Benjamin , Momani Fawwaz , Adel Al Yakoub Tamara , AlMassad Rola Fares Saleem , Shdefat Ahmad Ghanem
Published: October 2022

Place-based or territorially confined approaches in forced migration studies are well-suited to investigating how displaced people live and interact with others in certain localities and navigate their way through governance regimes of aid and asylum. They may, however, fail to capture the inherent multi-sitedness of many displaced people’s everyday lives and their translocal connections across the globe. This chapter presents the role of family- and kin-network figurations in mobilities for Syrian refugees in Jordan. As part of the EU-funded Horizon 2020 project ‘Transnational Figurations of Displacement’ (TRAFIG), the chapter asserts that a key prospect for getting out of protracted displacement is the role of figurations, including family- and kin-based networks. Inspired by figurational sociology, the chapter seeks to highlight how ambiguous and uncertain family and kin networks are experienced by Syrian refugees in these ‘translocal figurations of displacement’ and how they impact on their mobility. Utilising 23 interviews – 6 males and 17 females aged between 20 and 49 – we examine the ways in which figurational networks of family and kin shaped and reshape refugees’ experiences with and desires for mobility bothintoandwithinJordan and their aspirationsbeyondJordan. In particular, we find that family and kin networks provide key socio-cultural structures and figurational contours to the mobilities experienced by Syrians through (1) knowledge-sharing and (2) trust-based interactions. We pay careful attention to the idea that future mobility is as much about imaginations and aspirations that reflect the family- and kin-network figurations, which may or may not be grounded in the real possibilities for mobility.
Ronald D. Laings „radical trip“. Zum Verhältnis von Psychiatrie, Anti-Psychiatrie und Wissenschaft in den 1960er Jahren
Authors: Lienhard Marina
Published: October 2022

Inspiriert von der amerikanischen Forschung zur Rolle des familiären Umfelds in der Entstehung der Schizophrenie begann der heute als Galionsfigur der britischen Antipsychiatrie bekannte schottische Psychiater Ronald D. Laing Ende der 1950er Jahre mit seinem Kollegen Aaron Esterson ein eigenes Forschungsprojekt. Dabei gelangte er zur Überzeugung, dass die als „schizophren“ Diagnostizierten weit vernünftiger seien als die von sich selbst entfremdeten bürgerlichen Familien. Angetrieben durch diese Perspektive drängte Laing stärker in die Öffentlichkeit und begann sich politisch zu engagieren. Dieser Beitrag analysiert Laings Entwicklung zum Anti-Psychiater und Star der Gegenkultur im Laufe der 1960er Jahre und fragt nach den Gründen und Möglichkeitsbedingungen für diesen Wandel vom Wissenschaftler zum „scientific political activist“.
Gegenexpert*innen: Umwelt, Aktivismus und die regionalen Epistemologien des Widerstandes
Authors: Güttler Nils
Published: October 2022

Mit der Nachfrage nach „Gegenwissen“ in den sozialen Bewegungen der 1970er und 1980er Jahre wurden „Gegenexpert*innen“ zu einem integralen Bestandteil der Umwelt- und Gesundheitspolitik. Im Umweltbereich waren sie besonders in den ökologisch stark belasteten Industrieregionen und Ballungsgebieten aktiv. Das regionalistische Problembewusstsein der Gegenexpert*innen korrelierte, so die These des Aufsatzes, mit einem Modus von Wissenschaft, der für die Umweltwissenschaften im 20. Jahrhundert insgesamt typisch war. Die Geschichte der Umweltwissenschaften war über das gesamte 20. Jahrhundert hinweg eine Geschichte regionaler Epistemologien. Die Gegenexpert*innen waren aus dem nahräumig formatierten und infrastrukturnahen Feld des Umweltwissens bald nicht mehr wegzudenken. Der Aufsatz rekonstruiert, ausgehend von jeweils einer Publikation, drei umweltpolitische Projekte von Gegenexpert*innen im Rhein-Main-Gebiet um 1980: das Engagement des Umweltpfarrers Kurt Oeser; der epistemische Aktivismus der Gründungsgrünen Jutta Ditfurth; sowie das Programm einer „sozialen Naturwissenschaft“ im Umfeld des Darmstädter Wissenschaftsphilosophen Gernot Böhme.
Influence of chemoradiation on the immune microenvironment of cervical cancer patients
Authors: Herter J. M. , Kiljan M. , Kunze S. , Reinscheid M. , Ibruli O. , Cai J. , Niu L. , Heßelmann I. , Trommer M. , Herter-Sprie G. S. , Köhler C. , Marnitz S.
Published: October 2022

Purpose

Cervical cancer remains a leading cause of cancer death in women. While immunotherapy has shown great success in combating cancer, the value of immunotherapy in cervical cancer is still only beginning to be explored. Thus, we performed a prospective analysis of patient blood and tumor samples at the beginning and end of conventional chemoradiation to assess changes in the immune cell and immunoreceptor compartments, and investigate if and when the addition of immunotherapy could be beneficial.

Methods

Patients with FIGO II–III cervical cancer receiving standard chemoradiation between January 2020 and December 2021 were included. We collected tumor and blood samples from patients before and at the end of therapy and analyzed immune cell composition and immune checkpoint receptor expression on both immune and tumor cells using multicolor flow cytometry.

Results

In all, 34 patients were eligible in the study period; 22 could be included and analyzed in this study. We found that chemoradiation significantly reduces T cell numbers in both tumors and blood, but increases macrophage and neutrophil numbers in tumors. Furthermore, we found that the percentage of immune checkpoint receptor PD‑1 and TIGIT-expressing cells in tumors was significantly reduced at the end of therapy and that CD4 and CD8 memory T cell populations were altered by chemoradiation. In addition, we observed that while PD-L1 expression intensity was upregulated by chemoradiation on blood CD8 cells, PD-L1 expression frequency and the expression intensity of antigen-presenting molecule MHC‑I were significantly reduced on tumor cells.

Conclusion

Our data demonstrate that chemoradiation significantly alters the immune cell composition of human cervical tumors and the expression of immune checkpoint receptors on both lymphocytes and tumor cells. As our results reveal that the percentage of PD‑1+ CD8 cells in the tumor as well as the frequency of PD-L1-expressing tumor cells were reduced at the end of therapy, neoadjuvant or simultaneous anti-PD‑1 or anti-PD-L1 treatment might provide better treatment efficiency in upcoming clinical studies.
Nonpapillary prone endoscopic combined intrarenal surgery: effectiveness, safety and tips, and tricks
Authors: Kallidonis Panagiotis , Tsaturyan Arman , Faria-Costa Gabriel , Ballesta Martinez Begona , Peteinaris Angelis , Adamou Constantinos , Pagonis Konstantinos , Natsos Anastasios , Vrettos Theofanis , Liatsikos Evangelos
Published: October 2022

Purpose

To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of nonpapillary prone endoscopic combined intrarenal surgery (ECIRS) and provide practical tips and tricks for the successful accomplishment of the procedure respecting the anatomical particularities.

Material and methods

This study is an analysis of a prospectively collected database including all cases of ECIRS performed between January 2019 and December 2021 in a high-volume tertiary center. All patients underwent the procedure in prone-split leg position. A nonpapillary renal puncture was performed. The used access sheaths were 22Fr or 30Fr. Lithotripsy was performed anterogradely with a dual-energy lithotripter with incorporated suction and retrogradely with holmium Yttrium–Aluminum–Garnet laser.

Results

A total of 33 patients were included. The initial stone-free rate (SFR) was 84.8% and the final SFR was 90.9%. The median stone size was 35 mm and 60% of patients had staghorn calculi. The prevalence of renal abnormalities was 21.3%, including 3 cases of horseshoe kidney, 2 cases of malrotation and 2 cases with complete duplicated systems. The median operative time was 47 min. The median hospital stay was 3 days and median hemoglobin loss was 1.2 gr/dL. Overall, the complication rate was 9.1%, all being Grade II complications (n = 2 fever and n = 1 transient bleeding).

Conclusions

Nonpapillary prone ECIRS is an effective and safe procedure. Standardization of the procedure is critical to achieve good outcomes. Patients who benefit the most are probably the ones where additional punctures can be avoided using this technique, namely patients with renal abnormalities, incrusted ureteral stents and staghorn stones.
White matter microstructure and verbal fluency
Authors: Egorova-Brumley Natalia , Liang Chen , Khlif Mohamed Salah , Brodtmann Amy
Published: October 2022

Poor performance on verbal fluency tasks is associated with an increased risk of post-stroke cognitive impairment. Grey matter regions supporting verbal fluency have been identified via lesion–symptom mapping, but the links between verbal fluency and white matter structure remain less well described. We examined white matter correlates of semantic (Category Fluency Animals) and phonemic or lexical fluency (COWAT FAS) after stroke, accounting for stroke severity measured with the National Institutes of health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), age, sex, and level of education. White matter fibre density and cross-section measures were automatically extracted from 72 tracts, using MRtrix and TractSeg software in 72 ischaemic stroke survivors assessed 3 months after their event. We conducted regression analyses separately for phonemic and semantic fluency for each tract. Worse semantic fluency was associated with lower fibre density in several tracts, including the arcuate fasciculus, superior longitudinal fasciculus, inferior occipito-frontal fasciculus, inferior longitudinal fasciculus, optic radiation, striato-occipital, thalamo-occipital tracts, and inferior cerebellar peduncle. Our stroke sample was heterogenous with largely non-overlapping and predominantly right-lateralised lesions (lesion distribution: left N = 27, right N = 43, bilateral N = 2), dissimilar to previous studies of verbal fluency. Yet, the tracts we identified as correlates of semantic fluency were all left-lateralised. No associations between phonemic fluency performance and fibre density metrics in any of the white matter tracts we extracted survived correction for multiple comparisons, possibly due to the limitations in the selection of tracts and sample characteristics. We conclude that when accounting for the effects of stroke severity, sex, age, and education, semantic fluency is associated with white matter microstructure in the left arcuate fasciculus, superior longitudinal fasciculus, and several occipital tracts, possibly reflecting the disconnection in the sagittal stratum. Our results obtained with fixel-based analysis, complement previous findings obtained with lesions–symptom mapping and neurodegenerative approaches.
Risk of cancer in individuals with Lynch-like syndrome and their families: a systematic review
Authors: Nugroho Pandu P. , Ghozali Siti Alyaa S. , Buchanan Daniel D. , Pisano Mia I. , Reece Jeanette C.
Published: October 2022

Background

Lynch-like syndrome (LLS) tumors have similar clinicopathological features to Lynch syndrome (LS) tumors but have no identifiable pathogenic germline mismatch repair gene variant. However, cancer risks in LLS patients and first-degree relatives (FDRs) are not well defined.

Methods

To clarify LLS-associated cancer risks, a systematic review of all studies examining all cancer risks in LLS was performed. Searching of Medline, Embase, Pubmed, Cochrane and CINAHL databases and reference/citation checking identified relevant studies published between January 1, 1980 and February 11, 2021. Joanna Briggs Institute Appraisal Tools assessed the risk of bias.

Results

Six studies (five cohort/one cross-sectional) were eligible for study inclusion. One study found no difference in colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence between LLS and LS patients or CRC risks at aged 70 years. Three studies found CRC incidence in LLS FDRs was higher than the general population but lower than LS FDRs. Two studies showed no difference in CRC diagnosis age between LLS patients and LS patients. Endometrial cancer risks in LLS patients were higher than the general population but lower than LS patients.

Conclusion

Evidence of elevated CRC risks in LLS patients and FDRs supports increased colonoscopy surveillance strategies for LLS patients and FDRs in line with current recommendations for LS. Due to heterogeneity amongst LLS populations, extended intervals between screening may be advised for low-risk families. Studies to resolve the molecular characterization and definition of LLS are needed to clarify cancer risks associated with LLS which in turn may individualize surveillance strategies for LLS patients and families.
Reduced mortality for over-the-scope clips (OTSC) versus surgery for refractory peptic ulcer bleeding: a retrospective study
Authors: Kuellmer Armin , Mangold Tobias , Bettinger Dominik , Schiemer Moritz , Mueller Julius , Wannhoff Andreas , Caca Karel , Wedi Edris , Kleemann Tobias , Thimme Robert , Schmidt Arthur
Published: October 2022

Background

Surgery or transcatheter arterial embolization or are both considered as standard treatment of peptic ulcer bleeding (PUB) refractory to endoscopic hemostasis. Over-The-Scope clips (OTSC) have shown superiority to standard endoscopic treatment but a comparison with surgery has not been performed, yet.

Patients and methods

In this retrospective, multicenter study, 103 patients treated with OTSC (n = 66) or surgery (n = 37) for refractory PUB in four tertiary care centers between 2009 and 2019 were analyzed. Primary endpoint was clinical success (successful hemostasis and no rebleeding within seven days). Secondary endpoints were adverse events, length of ICU-stay and in-hospital mortality. Univariable and multivariable regression models were performed to define predictive factors for allocation to surgical therapy and for mortality.

Results

Age, comorbidities, anticoagulation therapy, number of pretreatments, ulcer location, and Rockall-Score were similar in both groups. In the surgical group, there were significantly more patients in shock at rebleeding (78.1% vs. 43.9%; p = 0.002), larger ulcers (18.6 ± 7.4 mm vs. 23.0 ± 9.4 mm; p = 0.017) and more FIa bleedings (64.9% vs. 19.7%; p < 0.001) were detected. Clinical success was comparable (74.2% vs. 83.8%; p = 0.329). In the surgical group, length of ICU-stay (16.2 ± 18.0 days vs. 4.7 ± 6.6 days; p < 0.001), severe adverse events (70.3% vs. 4.5%; p < 0.001) and in-hospital mortality (35.1% vs. 9.1%; p = 0.003) were significantly higher. Multivariable analysis defined shock at rebleeding as the main predictor for allocation to surgical therapy (OR 4.063, 95%CI {1.496–11.033}, p = 0.006). Postsurgical adverse events were the main reason for the in-hospital mortality (OR 5.167, 95% CI {1.311–20.363}, p = 0.019).

Conclusion

In this retrospective study, OTSC compared to surgical treatment showed comparable clinical success but was associated with shorter ICU-stay, less severe adverse events and lower in-hospital mortality.
Phenotypic Characterization of a Wild-Type Population of Cornelian Cherries (Cornus mas L.) from Austria
Authors: Borroto Fernández Eduviges G. , Mokhber Azar , Zeiser Maria , Laimer Margit
Published: October 2022

Cornelian cherry (Cornus mas L.) belongs to a group of fruit and nut species growing in Europe considered to be underused economically, although it has been recognized as a potential regional “superfood” and as a source of valuable bioactive compounds. Phenotyping fruits of 30 accessions of an Austrian wildtype population of C. mas allowed to evaluate their nutraceutical potential. Ten fruits per accession were characterized by morphological and morphometric approaches. Biochemical analyses were performed to determine the respective amounts of vitamin C, sugars, anthocyanins, iridoids and flavonoids. Both datasets were subjected to statistical analyses. Morphological and morphometric characterization and biochemical analyses enabled the identification of the individuals with the highest economic value. Statistical treatment of data identified the most significant principal components. The first phenotypic profiling of bioactive compounds of wildtype C. mas in Austria yielded a high variability. Dealing with wildtype plants, this is not surprising. However, our results allow to select among the Austrian C. mas accessions the most interesting individuals for further breeding of this alternative fruit with interesting nutritional values.
Yield displacement charts for performance-based seismic design
Authors: Hernández-Montes Enrique , Jalón María L. , Chiachío Juan , Gil-Martín Luisa María
Published: October 2022

A new tool for seismic design is presented, called Yield Displacement Charts (YDC). As with its predecessors, the Yield Point Spectra (YPS) and the Yield Frequency Spectra (YFS), the YDC concept takes advantage of the simple features of yield displacement (uy), to use uy in a performance-based design instead of a force-based period-dependent approach. A self-contained and comprehensive approach to YPS and YFS is presented, enabling the novel aspect of YDC to be introduced: a tool for a multi-performance objective design that only depends on the location of the structure to be designed. Once the yield displacement chart has been calculated for a particular place, it can be used for the preliminary design of any structure. For a given value of yield displacement, the YFS are obtained from the Yield Displacement Chart. The suitability of the methodology proposed is illustrated by means of a simple case study of a concrete bridge pier.
Smoking and pancreatic cancer: a sex-specific analysis in the Multiethnic Cohort study
Authors: Gram Inger T. , Park Song-Yi , Wilkens Lynne R. , Le Marchand Loïc , Setiawan Veronica Wendy
Published: October 2022

Purpose

To examine whether the detrimental smoking-related association with pancreatic cancer (PC) is the same for women as for men.

Methods

We analyzed data from 192,035 participants aged 45–75 years, enrolled in the Multiethnic Cohort study (MEC) in 1993–1996. We identified PC cases via linkage to the Hawaii and California Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program cancer registries through December 2017.

Results

During a mean follow-up of 19.2 years, we identified 1,936 incident PC cases. Women smokers smoked on average less than men smokers. In multivariate Cox regression models, as compared with sex-specific never smokers, current smokers had a similar elevated risk of PC for women, hazard ratio (HR) 1.49 (95% CI 1.24, 1.79) and as for men, HR 1.48 (95% CI 1.22, 1.79) (pheterogeneity: 0.79). Former smokers showed a decrease in risk of PC for men within 5 years, HR 0.74 (95% CI 0.57, 0.97) and for women within 10 years after quitting, HR 0.70 (95% CI 0.50, 0.96), compared with their sex-specific current smokers. Both sexes showed a consistent, strong, positive dose–response association with PC for the four measures (age at initiation, duration, number of cigarettes per day, number of pack-years) of smoking exposure among current smokers and an inverse association for years of quitting and age at smoking cessation among former smokers (all ptrend’s < 0.001).

Conclusion

Although MEC women smoke on average less than their men counterparts, the smoking-related increase in PC risk and the benefits of cessation seem to be of similar magnitudes for women as for men.
Do Lefty and Righty Matter More Than Lefty Alone?
Authors: Gustafsson Johan E. , Kosonen Petra
Published: October 2022

Derek Parfit argues that fission is prudentially better for you than ordinary death. But is having more fission products with good lives prudentially better for you than having just one? In this paper, we argue that it is. We argue that, if your brain is split and the halves are transplanted into two recipients (who both have good lives), then it is prudentially better for you if both transplants succeed than if only one of them does (other things being equal). This upshot rules out, among other things, that the prudential value of standing in the relation that matters in survival to multiple people is equal to their average well-being.
Prediction of customer’s perception in social networks by integrating sentiment analysis and machine learning
Authors: Ahmed Cherry , ElKorany Abeer , ElSayed Eman
Published: October 2022

Understanding the customer behavior and perception are important issues for motivating customer satisfaction in marketing analysis. Customer conversation with customer support services through social networks channel provides a wealth of information for understanding customer perception. Therefore, in this paper, a hybrid framework that integrated sentiment analysis and machine learning techniques is developed to analyze interactive conversations among customers and service providers in order to identify the change of polarity of such conversation. This framework aims to detect the conversation polarity switch as well as predict the sentiment of the end of the customer conversation with the service provider. This would help companies to improve customer satisfaction and enhance the customer engagement. The effectiveness of the proposed framework is measured by extracting a real dataset that expresses more than 5000 conversational threads between a customer service agent of an online retail service provider (AmazonHelp) and different customers using the retailer’s twitter public account for the duration of one month. Different classical and ensemble machine learning classifiers were applied, and the results showed that the decision trees outperformed all other techniques.
Machine learning guided alloy design of high-temperature NiTiHf shape memory alloys
Authors: Kankanamge Udesh M. H. U. , Reiner Johannes , Ma Xingjun , Gallo Santiago Corujeira , Xu Wei
Published: October 2022

With the increasing use of CubeSats in space exploration, the demand for reliable high-temperature shape memory alloys (HTSMA) continues to grow. A wide range of HTSMAs has been investigated over the past decade but finding suitable alloys by means of trial-and-error experiments is cumbersome and time-consuming. The present work uses a data-driven approach to identify NiTiHf alloys suitable for actuator applications in space. Seven machine learning (ML) models were evaluated, and the best fit model was selected to identify new alloy compositions with targeted transformation temperature (Ms), thermal hysteresis, and work output. Of the studied models, the K-nearest neighbouring ML model offers more reliable and accurate prediction in developing NiTiHf alloys with balanced functional properties and aids our existing understanding on compositional dependence of transformation temperature, thermal hysteresis and work output. For instance, the transformation temperature of NiTiHf alloys is more sensitive to Ni variation with increasing Hf content. A maximum Ms reduction rate of 6.12 °C per 0.01 at.% Ni is attained at 30 at.% Hf, and with a Ni content between 50 and 51 at.%.

Graphical abstract
Investigation of near-room and high-temperature thermoelectric properties of (Bi0.98In0.02)2Se2.7Te0.3/Bi2Te3 composite system
Authors: Hegde Ganesh Shridhar , Prabhu A. N. , Rao Ashok , Gurukrishna K. , Deepika Shanubhogue U.
Published: October 2022

Polycrystalline composite samples of (Bi0.98In0.02)2Se2.7Te0.3/Bi2Te3 with different concentrations of Bi2Te3 such as 5%,10%,15% and 20% were prepared by the solid-state reaction technique. The X-Ray diffraction analysis has shown the hexagonal composite crystal structure with space group of $$R\overline{3 }$$

R

3
¯

m. Field emission scanning electronic microscope shows secondary particles on the surface of the samples. All the samples have shown the usual semi-conducting behaviour throughout the temperature range. It is observed that bismuth has been co-ordinated with 6 selenium atoms in (Bi0.98In0,02)2Se2.7Te0.3 compound and it has enormous selenium vacancies. The electrical resistivity represents the noteworthy result of the grain boundaries leading to the higher content of scattering centres in the polycrystalline composite samples. It is found that the electronegativity differences of In and Te, In and Se are less than Bi and Se, Bi and Te is the reason for the decrease in Seebeck coefficient in the compound containing 15% and 20% of Bi2Te3.
Indicators and participatory processes: a framework for assessing integrated climate vulnerability and risk as applied in Los Angeles County, California
Authors: Fleming Chloe S. , Regan Seann D. , Freitag Amy , Burkart Heidi
Published: October 2022

Climate vulnerability research is enhanced by stakeholder engagement as coastal communities are increasingly vulnerable to climate-driven impacts, yet these impacts are rarely evenly distributed across space and stakeholder feedback is not always well incorporated into the process. While often used in applied management applications, integrated spatially explicit assessments of multi-faceted vulnerability and hazard less commonly appear in the scientific literature, especially those that are transferable across geographies and risk metrics. Since many geographies lack an integrated, stakeholder-driven assessment of multiple hazards and vulnerabilities within the same assessment, scientists with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science developed a transferable and integrated community vulnerability assessment framework (Framework) that relies primarily upon available secondary data and is supplemented with stakeholder-derived primary data. Using blended approaches in stakeholder engagement, we present the Framework’s six methodological steps as recently applied in Los Angeles County, California: iterative partner engagement, indicator and index development, vulnerability assessment, hazard assessment, risk assessment, and reengagement for adaptation action. We conclude that boundary-spanning organizations such as Sea Grant Extension programs can play a crucial role in participatory science and stakeholder needs assessments, and emphasize the need for continued stakeholder engagement in climate science.
Breakage Assessment of Lath-Like Crystals in a Novel Laboratory-Scale Agitated Filter Bed Dryer
Authors: Goh Wei Pin , Sinha Kushal , Nere Nandkishor K. , Ho Raimundo , Bordawekar Shailendra , Sheikh Ahmad , Ghadiri Mojtaba
Published: October 2022

Agitated filter bed dryer is often the equipment of choice in the pharmaceutical industry for the isolation of potent active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) from the mother liquor and subsequent drying through intermittent agitation. The use of an impeller to promote homogeneous drying could lead to undesirable size reduction of the crystal product due to shear deformation induced by the impeller blades during agitation, potentially causing off-specification product and further downstream processing issues. An evaluation of the breakage propensity of crystals during the initial development stage is therefore critical. A new versatile scale-down agitated filter bed dryer (AFBD) has been developed for this purpose. Carbamazepine dihydrate crystals that are prone to breakage have been used as model particles. The extent of particle breakage as a function of impeller rotational speed, size of clearance between the impeller and containing walls and base, and solvent content has been evaluated. A transition of breakage behaviour is observed, where carbamazepine dihydrate crystals undergo fragmentation first along the crystallographic plane [00l]. As the crystals become smaller and more equant, the breakage pattern switches to chipping. Unbound solvent content has a strong influence on the breakage, as particles break more readily at high solvent contents. The laboratory-scale instrument developed here provides a tool for comparative assessment of the propensity of particle attrition under agitated filter bed drying conditions.
How do increases in electric vehicle use affect urban toll ring prices?
Authors: Krehic Lana
Published: October 2022

Numerous cities around the world have tried to internalize externality costs from road traffic by instituting charges for entering their city centers. The revenues collected from these charges are often redistributed to improve conditions for motorists, cyclists, pedestrians, and public transport. At the same time, many schemes allow for exemption of cleaner vehicles, which potentially reduces revenue collection. This paper assesses the effect of exempting electric vehicles from urban toll ring charges on the charge that is levied on conventional car drivers. Using panel data of Norwegian cities that have urban toll rings, I exploit regional variation in electric car adaption and find that owners of conventional cars pay 3.3 NOK (0.36 USD) more per passage due to the exemption. Moreover, I find that local governments that are fragmented or have a left-wing majority increase toll charges more due to the loss in revenue. As the majority of electric vehicle owners have above-average incomes, the exemption implies a distributional effect in which low-income groups pay the largest portion of the increased toll price.