bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Probing Surface Chemistry Effects on Effective Diffusion Coefficients in Hierarchically Porous Media Through Multiscale Simulations
Authors: Tallarek Ulrich , Hlushkou Dzmitry , Trebel Nicole , Höltzel Alexandra
Published: June 2023

Multiscale diffusion simulations in a realistic macro‐mesoporosity model of a silica‐based chromatographic bed are performed to study the effect of relevant surface chemistry parameters, namely length and ligand density of surface‐tethered alkyl chains, on effective mesopore and bed diffusion coefficients. Efficient linker schemes enable integration of interfacial dynamics information obtained from molecular dynamics simulations at the single‐mesopore level into the hierarchical porosity and multiscale transport model.
Synergetic Alkoxy Side‐Chain and Chlorine‐Contained End Group Strategy toward High Performance Ultra‐Narrow Bandgap Small Molecule Acceptors
Authors: Wei Qingya , Liang Songting , Qiu Beibei , Liu Wei , Xu Xiang , Lu Xinhui , Fu Yuang , Yuan Jun , Zou Yingping
Published: June 2023

Comprehensive Summary

Ultra‐narrow bandgap (ultra‐NBG) small molecule acceptors (SMAs) show great potential in organic solar cells (OSCs) due to the extended near‐infrared (NIR) absorption. In this work, a synergetic alkoxy side‐chain and chlorine‐contained end group strategy is employed to achieve A‐DA'D‐A type ultra‐NBG SMAs by introducing alkoxy chains with oxygen atom at the second position into the thiophene β position as well as replacing the F atoms with Cl atoms in the end group. As a result, the heptacyclic BZO‐4F shows a redshifted absorption onset (960 nm) compared with Y11 (932 nm) without oxygen atoms in the side chains. Then, the fluorinated end groups are substituted with the chlorinated ones to synthesize BZO‐4Cl. The absorption onset of BZO‐4Cl is further redshifted to 990 nm, corresponding to an optical ultra‐NBG of 1.25 eV. When blending with the polymer donor PBDB‐T, the binary devices based on PBDB‐T:BZO‐4F and PBDB‐T:BZO‐4Cl deliver power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) over 12%. Furthermore, ternary devices with the addition of BZ4F‐O‐1 into PBDB‐T:BZO‐4Cl system achieve the optimal PCE of 15.51%. This work proposes a synergetic alkoxy side‐chain and chlorine‐contained end group strategy to achieve A‐DA'D‐A type ultra‐NBG SMAs, which is important for future molecular design.
Ultra‐low Friction and High Load‐Bearing Hydrogel with Tubular Structure Based on Controllable Light‐Induced Dissociation†
Authors: Yang Song , Yu Jianqing , Zhang Zhizhi , Yang Hao , Wan Yaling , Yu Bo , Ma Shuanhong , Ma Yanfei , Zhou Feng , Liu Weimin
Published: June 2023

Comprehensive Summary

With high water content, excellent biocompatibility and lubricating properties, and a microstructure similar to that of the extracellular matrix, hydrogel is becoming one of the most promising materials as a substitute for articular cartilage. However, it is a challenge for hydrogel materials to simultaneously satisfy high loading and low friction. Most hydrogels are brittle, with fracture energies of around 10 J·m−2, as compared with ∼1000 J·m−2 for cartilage. A great deal of effort has been devoted to the synthesis of hydrogels with improved mechanical properties, such as increasing the compactness of the polymer network, introducing dynamic non‐covalent bonds, and increasing the hydrophobicity of the polymer, all at the expense of the lubricating properties of the hydrogel. Herein, we develop a hydrogel material with anisotropic tubular structures where the compactness gradually decreases and eventually disappears from the surface to the subsurface, achieving a balance between lubrication and load‐bearing. The porous layer with hydrophilic carboxyl groups on the surface exhibits extremely low friction (coefficient of friction (COF) ∼0.003, 1 N; COF ∼0.08, 20 N) against the hard steel ball, while the bottom layer acts as an excellent load‐bearing function. What is more, the gradual transition of the tubular structures between the surface and the subsurface ensures the uniform distribution of friction stress between a lubricating and bearing layers, which endows the material with long‐lasting and smooth friction properties. The extraordinary lubricious performance of the hydrogels with anisotropic tubular structure has potential applications in tissue engineering and medical devices.
Optimizing the efficiency of a three‐step fed anoxic/aerobic sequencing batch reactor using response surface methodology
Authors: Gürtekin Engin
Published: June 2023

In this study, the removal of chemical oxygen demand (COD), ammonium nitrogen (NH4+‐N) and total inorganic nitrogen (TIN) in a three‐step fed anoxic/aerobic sequencing batch reactor was investigated. Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to determine and optimize the effect of operating parameters such as the ratio of aerobic/anoxic (Ae/Ax) phase durations, percentage of feeding to the first anoxic phase (R1) and ratio of feeding percentages to the third and second anoxic phases (R3:R2). The results of the analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed that the three independent variables were statistically highly significant (p < 0.0001). The values of the determination coefficient (R2) for the removal efficiency of COD, NH4+‐N and TIN was 0.9558, 0.9334 and 0.9963, respectively, indicating a good agreement between the experimental results and the predicted values. The quadratic model was valid in predicting experimental results. The optimum conditions obtained using the desirability function were found to be 2.05 for the ratio of Ae/Ax phase durations, 43.09% for R1 and 0.86 for R3:R2, where the COD, NH4+‐N and TIN removal efficiency was 94.29, 97.83 and 86.86%, respectively. As a result of the evaluation of the interactive effect of the independent variables, it was determined that R1 was the most effective factor. The results showed that RSM could be used for optimization of operating parameters and improvement of efficiency in a three‐step fed anoxic/aerobic sequencing batch reactor.
Artificial intelligence of things (AIoT) data acquisition based on graph neural networks: A systematical review
Authors: Wang Yufeng , Zhang Bo , Ma Jianhua , Jin Qun
Published: June 2023

The power of artificial intelligence of things (AIoT) stems from adapting machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) models into abundant intelligent IoT fields, based on a large data stream with different formats, sizes, and timestamps generated by massive numbers of heterogeneous sensors. On the one hand, data acquisition is the fundamental basis for any AIoT systems, but data sensed by massive IoT devices may be noisy and even contain adversarial samples. On the other hand, ensuring the efficiency and robustness in data acquisition is vitally important for data‐driven ML and AI. Recently, besides perceiving ability, the literature has witnessed great development of empowering things with learning and reasoning ability through deep learning models, including recurrent neural networks (RNNs) and/or convolutional neural network (CNNs). However, the existing works have one significant weakness: fail to explicitly leverage the geospatial implications and latent connections among sensors for high‐quality data acquisition and quality control. Graphs are intrinsically suitable for representing the dependencies and inter‐relationships between AIoT data sensing devices. Due to the ability of capturing the complex interactive relationships between nodes and producing high‐level representations of the graph input, graph neural networks (GNNs) have exploded onto various ML and AI fields, to learn from graph‐structured data. Our review covers the latest progresses in GNN for the fundamental atomic task of data acquisition in AIoT. Instead of surveying the abundant GNN schemes in vertically various IoT sensing applications, this paper systematically reviews the horizontal infrastructure that all AIoT fields should have, that is, AIoT data acquisition, based on GNN and other related emerging AI factors. Our contributions include the following aspects: Provide the latest progresses in GNN for the horizontal task of data acquisition in AIoT, propose the unified GNN pipeline based on encoder–decoder paradigm, and systematically categorize and summarize the emerging technologies helpful to address the issues in AIoT data acquisition, especially the noisy and adversarial data, and point out some future directions about GNN‐based AIoT data acquisition.
Visualizing G Protein‐Coupled Receptor‐Receptor Interactions in Brain Using Proximity Ligation In Situ Assay
Authors: Taura Jaume , López‐Cano Marc , Fernández‐Dueñas Víctor , Ciruela Francisco
Published: June 2023

G protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs) constitute the largest family of plasma membrane receptors and the main drug targets in therapeutics. GPCRs can establish direct receptor‐receptor interactions (oligomerization), which can also be considered as targets for drug development (GPCR oligomer‐based drugs). However, prior to designing any novel GPCR oligomer‐based drug development program, demonstrating the existence of a named GPCR oligomer in native tissues is needed as part of its target engagement definition. Here, we discuss the proximity ligation in situ assay (P‐LISA), an experimental approach that reveals GPCR oligomerization in native tissues. We provide a detailed step‐by‐step protocol to perform P‐LISA experiments and visualize GPCR oligomers in brain slices. We also provide instructions for slide observation, data acquisition, and quantification. Finally, we discuss the critical aspects determining the success of the technique, namely the fixation process and the validation of the primary antibodies used. Overall, this protocol may be used to straightforwardly visualize GPCR oligomers in the brain. © 2023 The Authors. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol: Visualization of GPCR oligomers by proximity ligation in situ assay (P‐LISA)

Support Protocol: Slide observation, image acquisition, and quantification
Selective Transfer Hydrogenation of C=O and Conjugated C=C Bonds Using An NHC‐Based Pincer (CNC)MnI Complex in Methanol**
Authors: Mandal Adarsha , Ganguli Kasturi , Pradhan Manoj , Gorai Akhanda , Kundu Sabuj
Published: June 2023

Base metal catalyzed transfer hydrogenation reactions using methanol is highly challenging. Employing a single N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC)‐based pincer (CNC)MnI complex, chemoselective single and double transfer hydrogenation of α, β‐unsaturated ketones to saturated ketones or alcohols by utilizing methanol as the hydrogen source is disclosed. The protocol was tolerant towards the selective transfer hydrogenation of C=C or C=O bonds in the presence of several other reducible functional groups and led to the synthesis of several biologically relevant molecules and natural products. Notably, this is the first report of a Mn‐catalyzed transfer hydrogenation of carbonyl groups with methanol. Several control experiments, kinetic studies, Hammett studies, and density functional theory (DFT) calculations were carried out to understand the mechanistic details of this catalytic process.
Selective interference alignment and neutralization in coordinated multipoint using multiuser MIMO
Authors: Baskar Nivetha , Selvaprabhu Poongundran
Published: June 2023

In wireless communication, the concept of coordinated multipoint (CoMP) transmission is more attractive, and it transpired the notion based on interference management techniques. Interference alignment (IA) and interference neutralization (IN) methods can substantially align and neutralize the interference signals. The existing work in the CoMP transmission using multiuser multi‐input and multi‐output (MU‐MIMO) had long‐held problems such as specific limit of intercell (ICI) and cochannel interference (CCI) cancelation that contain low performance in cell‐edge users. The proposed framework of the transmission signal in selective interference alignment and neutralization (SIAN) CoMP MU‐MIMO system transmits multiple data streams in multipath by using downlink coordination between base stations and receiver side. This work contributes the individual perspectives to implement the IA and IN to align and cancel the interfered signals at the receiver side. Once the perspectives mentioned above are executed, zero‐forcing (ZF) and rechanneling filter are applied on the receiver side to eliminate residual ICI. In addition, spectral efficiency significantly improves the achievable data rate and enhances the performance of cell‐edge users and reduces the CCI at the receiver side. Furthermore, the antenna configuration signals are decoded to get the exact version of interference‐free signals with null path loss of signal transmission. The effectiveness of the proposed framework analyzes and verifies the numerical evaluation of the achievable degree of freedom. Finally, the simulation demonstrates the comparison of the proposed CoMP scheme with MIMO ZF and non‐CoMP schemes, which significantly improve the performance of spectral efficiency for cell‐edge users.
Intraspecific variation in a predator changes intertidal community through effects on a foundation species
Authors: Contolini Gina M. , Palkovacs Eric P.
Published: June 2023

Intraspecific variation is an important form of biodiversity that can alter community and ecosystem properties. Recent work demonstrates the community effects of intraspecific variation in predators via altering prey communities and in foundation species via shaping habitat attributes. However, tests of the community effects of intraspecific trait variation in predators acting on foundation species are lacking despite the fact that consumption of foundation species can have strong community effects by shaping habitat structure. Here, we tested the hypothesis that intraspecific foraging differences among populations of mussel‐drilling dogwhelk predators (Nucella) differentially alter intertidal communities through effects on foundational mussels. We conducted a 9‐month field experiment where we exposed intertidal mussel bed communities to predation from three Nucella populations that exhibit differences in size‐selectivity and consumption time for mussel prey. At the end of the experiment, we measured mussel bed structure, species diversity, and community composition. While exposure to Nucella originating from different populations did not significantly alter overall community diversity, we found that differences in Nucella mussel selectivity significantly altered foundational mussel bed structure, which in turn altered the biomass of shore crabs and periwinkle snails. Our study extends the emerging paradigm of the ecological importance of intraspecific variation to include the effects of intraspecific variation on predators of foundation species.
Ontogenetic color change in the tail of blue‐tailed skinks (Plestodion elegans)
Authors: Yang Chen , Chen Siheng , Wang Jie
Published: June 2023

Ontogenetic color change in animals is an interesting evolution‐related phenomenon that has been studied by evolutionary biologists for decades. However, obtaining quantitative and continuous color measurements throughout the life cycle of animals is a challenge. To understand the rhythm of change in tail color and sexual dichromatism, we used a spectrometer to measure the tail color of blue‐tailed skink (Plestiodon elegans) from birth to sexual maturity. Lab color space was selected due to its simplicity, fastness, and accuracy and depends on the visual sense of the observer for measuring the tail color of skinks. A strong relationship was observed between color indexes (values of L*, a*, b*) and growth time of skink. The luminance of tail color decreased from juveniles to adults in both sexes. Moreover, we observed differences in color rhythms between the sexes, which may be influenced by different behavioral strategies used by them. This study provides continuous measurements of change in tail color in skinks from juveniles to adults and offers insights into their sex‐based differences. While this study does not provide direct evidence to explain the potential factors that drive dichromatism between the sexes of lizards, our finding could serve as a reference for future studies exploring possible mechanisms of ontogenetic color change in reptiles.
Novel environments induce variability in fitness‐related traits
Authors: Balph Arielle W. , Krist Amy C.
Published: June 2023

Environmental change from anthropogenic activities threatens individual organisms, the persistence of populations, and entire species. Rapid environmental change puts organisms in a double bind, they are forced to contend with novel environmental conditions but with little time to respond. Phenotypic plasticity can act quickly to promote establishment and persistence of individuals and populations in novel or altered environments. In typical environmental conditions, fitness‐related traits can be buffered, reducing phenotypic variation in expression of traits, and allowing underlying genetic variation to accumulate without selection. In stressful conditions, buffering mechanisms can break down, exposing underlying phenotypic variation, and permitting the expression of phenotypes that may allow populations to persist in the face of altered or otherwise novel environments. Using reciprocal transplant experiments of freshwater snails, we demonstrate that novel conditions induce higher variability in growth rates and, to a lesser degree, morphology (area of the shell opening) relative to natal conditions. Our findings suggest a potentially important role of phenotypic plasticity in population persistence as organisms face a rapidly changing, human‐altered world.
Brood size, food availability, and body size affects male care decisions and offspring performance
Authors: Sahm Jacqueline , Conrad Taina , Scheu Larissa , Steiger Sandra
Published: June 2023

Parental care strategies do not only vary greatly across species, but also within species there can be substantial between‐ and within‐individual variation in parental care behavior. To better understand the evolution of care strategies, it is crucial to determine how and when parents modify their behavior in response to internal as well as environmental factors. Here, we investigated the effect of brood size, resource size and an individual's quality on care strategies of uniparental males and examined the downstream consequences on offspring performance in the burying beetle Nicrophorus vespilloides. Burying beetles breed on small vertebrate cadavers and, on average, males invest much less in care than females. Nevertheless, we found that uniparentally caring males were responsive to their social and non‐social environment and adjusted the amount as well as the type of care to the size of the brood, the size of the cadaver and their own body size. Additionally, we show that the care strategies affected offspring performance. Specifically, males that cared longer had larger and more surviving larvae. Our results add to our understanding of plastic parenting strategies by showing that even the sex that provides less care can evolve a very flexible care behavior.
Community context mediates effects of pollinator loss on seed production
Authors: Arrowsmith K. C. , Reynolds Victoria A. , Briggs Heather M. , Brosi Berry J.
Published: June 2023

A critical goal for ecologists is understanding how ongoing local and global species losses will affect ecosystem functions and services. Diversity–functioning relationships, which are well‐characterized in primary producer communities, are much less consistently predictable for ecosystem functions involving two or more trophic levels, particularly in situations where multiple species in one trophic level impact functional outcomes at another trophic level. This is particularly relevant to pollination functioning, given ongoing pollinator declines and the value of understanding pollination functioning for single plant species like crops or threatened plants. We used spatially replicated, controlled single‐pollinator‐species removal experiments to assess how changes in bumble bee species richness impacted the production of fertilized seeds in a perennial herb—Delphinium barbeyi—in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, USA. To improve predictability, we also assessed how traits and abundances in the plant and bumble bee communities were related to D. barbeyi reproductive success. We hypothesized that trait‐matching between pollinator proboscis length and D. barbeyi's nectar spurs would produce a greater number of fertilized seeds, while morphological similarity within the floral community would dilute pollination services. We found that the effects of pollinator removal differed depending on the behavioral patterns of pollinators and compositional features of the plant and pollinator communities. While pollinator floral fidelity generally increased D. barbeyi seed production, that positive effect was primarily evident when more than half of the Bombus community was experimentally removed. Similarly, communities comprising primarily long‐tongued bees were most beneficial to D. barbeyi seed production in tandem with a strong removal. Finally, we observed contrasting effects of morphological similarity in the plant community, with evidence of both competition and facilitation among plants. These results offer an example of the complex dynamics underlying ecosystem function in multitrophic systems and demonstrate that community context can impact diversity–functioning relationships between trophic levels.
Increasing wildfire smoke has limited impacts on national park visitation in the American West
Authors: Clark Matthew , Killion Alexander , Williamson Matthew A. , Hillis Vicken
Published: June 2023

Ambient wildfire smoke in the American West has worsened considerably in recent decades, while the number of individuals recreating outdoors has simultaneously surged. Wildfire smoke poses a serious risk to human health, especially during long periods of exposure and during exercise. As such, evaluating whether people modify recreation in response to smoke is important to understanding the public health implications of these trends. Here we aggregate data on black carbon, a major component of wildfire smoke, and recreational visitation in 32 US national parks from 1980 to 2019 to examine how visitors respond to wildfire smoke. We hypothesize that visitor response may exhibit a threshold effect where ambient smoke reduces visitation after a critical level, but not before. We develop a series of breakpoint models to test this hypothesis. The results of these models are mixed, but overall show little to no effect of ambient smoke on visitation to the 32 parks tested, even when allowing for critical thresholds at the extreme upper ranges of smoke exposure. This indicates that wildfire smoke does not greatly alter park attendance. This finding suggests that management actions to protect visitor health during smoke events may be warranted.
Sodium Nitrate/Formamide Deep Eutectic Solvent as Flame‐Retardant and Anticorrosive Electrolyte Enabling 2.6 V Safe Supercapacitors with Long Cyclic Stability
Authors: Yang Huachao , Qi Yiheng , Wang Zifan , Pan Qinghu , Zhang Chuanzhi , Yan Jianhua , Cen Kefa , Bo Zheng , Ostrikov Kostya (Ken)
Published: June 2023

Safe operation of electrochemical capacitors (supercapacitors) is hindered by the flammability of commercial organic electrolytes. Non‐flammable Water‐in‐Salt (WIS) electrolytes are promising alternatives; however, they are plagued by the limited operation voltage window (typically ≤2.3 V) and inherent corrosion of current collectors. Herein, a novel deep eutectic solvent (DES)‐based electrolyte which uses formamide (FMD) as hydrogen‐bond donor and sodium nitrate (NaNO3) as hydrogen‐bond acceptor is demonstrated. The electrolyte exhibits the wide electrochemical stability window (3.14 V), high electrical conductivity (14.01 mS cm−1), good flame‐retardance, anticorrosive property, and ultralow cost (7% of the commercial electrolyte and 2% of WIS). Raman spectroscopy and Density Functional Theory calculations reveal that the hydrogen bonds between the FMD molecules and ions are primarily responsible for the superior stability and conductivity. The developed NaNO3/FMD‐based coin cell supercapacitor is among the best‐performing state‐of‐art DES and WIS devices, evidenced by the high voltage window (2.6 V), outstanding energy and power densities (22.77 Wh kg−1 at 630 W kg−1 and 17.37 kW kg−1 at 12.55 Wh kg−1), ultralong cyclic stability (86% after 30 000 cycles), and negligible current collector corrosion. The NaNO3/FMD industry adoption potential is demonstrated by fabricating 100 F pouch cell supercapacitors using commercial aluminum current collectors.
Nanosized Co Encapsulated in Porous Carbon for Ultra‐Stable Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Liu Xiaoni , Zhang Shenghao , Fan Yaqi , Zhang Yu , Li Caixia , Yang Bo , Tian Minge , Liu Mengyu , Wang Lei
Published: June 2023

Cobalt‐based compounds have been extensively studied due to their relatively high theoretical capacity as anode materials for sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs). However, the requirement for strong conductivity and excellent cycling stability is still an urgent challenge for the energy‐storage system. To address these problems, metal–organic‐framework‐74‐derived porous rod‐shaped nanostructure Co/C materials are designed as advanced anode materials for SIBs, which is beneficial for the reaction kinetics of SIBs. Moreover, the efficient synergistic utility of the nanostructure and the rich mesopores of Co/C materials provides the ion‐diffusion paths and active sites for the transfer and storage of Na+, which contributes to the energy‐storage ability. The indurative structure of the carbonization electrode material can alleviate the influence of volume change due to Na+ insertion/extraction. Therefore, the Co/C anode exhibits a high Coulombic efficiency of 94.3% at 0.1 A g−1. After 300 cycles, the Na+‐storage capacity is 200.4 mAh g−1, and the Coulombic efficiency is 99.0%, where the capacity retention rate is up to 88.2%. Herein, insight is provided into the role of porous Co/C material in improving the kinetics of Na+ reaction, supplying an effective strategy for the rational design of key materials for high‐performance rechargeable batteries.
Seismic performance of a full‐scale five‐story masonry‐infilled RC building subjected to substructured pseudodynamic tests
Authors: Kallioras Stylianos , Pohoryles Daniel A. , Bournas Dionysios , Molina Francisco Javier , Pegon Pierre
Published: June 2023

This paper discusses the results of a series of hybrid earthquake tests on a full‐scale reinforced concrete (RC) building with masonry infills. The prototype was a five‐story structure representing the vulnerable part of a typical RC building in Southern Europe, with beams stronger than the columns and masonry infill walls weaker than the surrounding frame elements. The specimen was subjected to a sequence of unidirectional earthquake simulations of increasing intensity up to conditions of significant damage to the infills, using the pseudodynamic (PsD) testing method with substructuring. The input ground motion was a real earthquake recording, slightly modified in amplitude and frequency to match the elastic design code spectrum. The physical substructure of the hybrid model consisted of the first story of a two‐story mock‐up structure built in the European Laboratory for Structural Assessment (ELSA); the second story ensured realistic boundary conditions at the top of the first one. The characteristics of stories two to five were simulated by a numerical finite‐element model developed in OpenSEES and updated throughout the test sequence using data obtained from preceding tests. The experiments were terminated with the onset of a soft‐story mechanism at the first story of the physical substructure for an earthquake with a peak ground acceleration of 0.3 g. The paper summarizes the key characteristics of the specimen and the major observations from the hybrid tests, illustrating the evolution of structural/nonstructural damage and the cyclic hysteretic building response. The attainment of significant damage limit states is correlated with experimentally defined engineering demand parameters and ground‐motion intensity measures for the performance‐based seismic assessment of buildings. Data and observations from these experiments add substantially to our understanding of the effects of masonry infills on the seismic behavior of RC‐framed structures.
Moringa oleifera leaf supplementation relieves oxidative stress and regulates intestinal flora to ameliorate polycystic ovary syndrome in letrozole‐induced rats
Authors: Wu YanXiang , Yang XiuYan , Hu YuanYuan , Hu XueHong , Zhang YueLin , An Tian , Lv BoHan , Tao SiYu , Liu Qing , Jiang GuangJian
Published: June 2023

This study investigated the effects of supplementation Moringa oleifera leaf (MOL) on relieving oxidative stress, anti‐inflammation, changed the relative abundance of multiple intestinal flora and blood biochemical indices during letrozole‐induced polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Previous studies have shown that MOL has anti‐inflammatory, anti‐oxidation, insulin‐sensitizing effects. However, whether MOL has beneficial effects on PCOS remains to be elucidated. In the current study, 10‐week‐old female Sprague–Dawley rats received letrozole to induce PCOS‐like rats, and subsequently were treated with a MOL diet. Then, the body weight and estrus cycles were measured regularly in this period. Finally, the ovarian morphology, blood biochemical indices, anti‐oxidative, intestinal flora, and anti‐inflammation were observed at the end of the experiment. We found that MOL supplementation markedly decreased the body weight, significantly upregulated the expression of Sirt1, FoxO1, PGC‐1α, IGF1, and substantially modulated the sex hormone level and improved insulin resistance, which may be associated with the relieves oxidative stress. Moreover, the supplementation of MOL changed the relative abundance of multiple intestinal flora, the relative abundance of Fusobacterium, Prevotella were decreased, and Blautia and Parabacteroides were increased. These results indicate that MOL is potentially a supplementary medication for the management of PCOS.
Gender‐Affirming Care for Cisgender People
Authors: Schall Theodore E. , Moses Jacob D.
Published: June 2023

Gender‐affirming care is almost exclusively discussed in connection with transgender medicine. However, this article argues that such care predominates among cisgender patients, people whose gender identity matches their sex assigned at birth. To advance this argument, we trace historical shifts in transgender medicine since the 1950s to identify central components of “gender‐affirming care” that distinguish it from previous therapeutic models, such as “sex reassignment.” Next, we sketch two historical cases—reconstructive mammoplasty and testicular implants—to show how cisgender patients offered justifications grounded in authenticity and gender affirmation that closely mirror rationales supporting gender‐affirming care for transgender people. The comparison exposes significant disparities in contemporary health policy regarding care for cis and trans patients. We consider two possible objections to the analogy we draw, but ultimately argue that these disparities are rooted in “trans exceptionalism” that produces demonstrable harm..
Home Care in America: The Urgent Challenge of Putting Ethical Care into Practice
Authors: Solis Coleman , Mintz Kevin T. , Wasserman David , Fenton Kathleen , Danis Marion
Published: June 2023

Home care is one of the fastest‐growing industries in the United States, providing valuable opportunities for millions of older adults and people with disabilities to live at home rather than in institutional settings. Home care workers assist clients with essential activities of daily living, but their wages and working conditions generally fail to reflect the importance of their work. Drawing on the work of Eva Feder Kittay and other care ethicists, we argue that good care involves attending to the needs of another out of a concern for their well‐being. Such care should be standard in the home care system. Yet, because of the pervasive racial, gender, and economic inequalities that the home care industry perpetuates, home care workers and their clients cannot reasonably be expected to care about each other. We endorse reforms aimed at enabling home care workers and their clients to form and maintain professional relationships that cultivate care..
Longitudinal associations among physical activity, inflammatory markers, and quality of life in patients with head and neck cancer
Authors: Huang Shuyuan , Zhan Yan , Jeon Sangchoon , Bruner Deborah W. , Miller Andrew H. , Felger Jennifer C. , Wommack Evanthia C. , Saba Nabil F. , Higgins Kristin A. , Irwin Melinda L. , Gary Rebecca A. , Xiao Canhua
Published: June 2023

Introduction

The aim of this study was to explore the associations among physical activity (PA), inflammatory markers, and quality of life (QoL) from preradiotherapy to 1‐year postradiotherapy for patients with head and neck cancer (HNC).

Methods

This was an observational longitudinal study. Mixed‐effect models incorporating within‐subject correlation were used to examine the relationship among the three key variables.

Results

Aerobically active patients had significantly lower levels of sTNFR2 (but not other inflammatory markers) than aerobically inactive patients. Being aerobically active and lower inflammation were independently associated with better total QoL scores after adjusting covariates. The trend was similar for patients engaged in strength exercises.

Conclusions

Being aerobically active was associated with lower inflammation as represented by sTNFR2 but not with other inflammatory markers. Higher PA (aerobic and strength) and lower inflammation were linked to better QoL. More research is warranted to validate the association among PA, inflammation, and QoL.
Demographic characteristics and risk factors related to high blood pressure among healthy blood donors from Luanda, Angola: A retrospective study
Authors: Sebastião Cruz S. , Sacomboio Euclides , Francisco Ngiambudulu M. , Paixão Joana , Cassinela Edson K. , de Vasconcelos Jocelyne Neto , Pimentel Victor , Morais Joana
Published: June 2023

Background and Aims

Hypertension is a public health concern, mainly in resource‐limited countries. We investigated the characteristics and risk factors related to high blood pressure in healthy blood donors from, Luanda, the capital city of Angola.

Methods

This was a retrospective study that included 343 healthy donors from December 2019 to September 2020.

Results

The mean age was 32 ± 9 years. Men represented 93% of the population. Mean systolic blood pressure (SBP) was 131 ± 12.3 mmHg (ranging from 100 to 160 mmHg) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) was 80.1 ± 9.72 mmHg (from 56.0 to 100 mmHg). DBP was related to age and gender (p < 0.05). About 7.3% of the donors had high‐pressure (>140/90 mmHg). Age between 20 and 40 years (odds ratio [OR]: 2.52, p = 0.043), women (OR: 1.87, p = 0.548), nonurbanized areas (OR: 0.39, p = 0.067), high educational level (OR: 0.76, p = 0.637), employed (OR: 0.49, p = 0.491), voluntary donors (OR: 0.87, p = 0.799), blood group B (OR: 2.06, p = 0.346), and Rh‐ (OR: 0.26, p = 0.104), were potentially related with high‐pressure. The high‐pressure cases increased from December 2019 (4%) to September 2020 (28%) (p = 0.019).

Conclusion

We showed high pressure among the healthy blood donors population. Demographic characteristics, ABO/Rh blood group, and year period are features that should be considered in cardiovascular disease control strategies. Biological and nonbiological features related to blood pressure changes should be considered for further studies in the Angolan population.
An ultrasonographic study of gouty arthritis: Synovitis and its relationship to clinical symptoms: A retrospective analysis
Authors: Zheng Wenli , Lu Peiming , Jiang Dianhu , Chen Lixian , Li Yi , Deng Haowen
Published: June 2023

Background and Aims

Joint pain is the main symptom of acute attacks in patients with gout, which if not managed properly, can develop into chronic gout. The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between ultrasound (US) features of gouty arthritis (GA) and its clinical manifestations to provide a basis for diagnosing and evaluating the disease.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 182 sites in 139 patients with GA diagnosed by the Rheumatology and Immunology Department. Degree of pain was evaluated using the visual analog scale (VAS). Patients with GA were divided into active and inactive arthritis groups. Statistical differences between the two groups and the correlation between US features and clinical manifestations of the affected joints in patients with GA were analyzed.

Results

The groups had statistical significance in joint effusion, power Doppler ultrasonography (PDS), double contour sign, and bone erosion (p = 0.02, 0.001, 0.04, 0.04, respectively). Correlation analysis in this study showed that joint effusion and PDS were positively correlated with degree of pain (rs = 0.275, 0.269; p < 0.001, <0.001, respectively). Additionally, PDS was positively correlated with synovitis, joint effusion, bone erosion, and aggregates (rs = 0.271, 0.281, 0.222, 0.281; p < 0.001, <0.001, 0.003, <0.001, respectively).

Conclusions

Pathological US features, such as joint effusion, synovitis, PDS and bone erosion were more likely to be detected in GA with clinical signs and symptoms. PDS was positively correlated with joint effusion and synovitis, pain was closely related to PDS and joint effusion, which suggested that the clinical symptoms of GA were related to inflammation, reflecting the patient's condition to some extent. Therefore, musculoskeletal US is a useful clinical tool for managing patients with GA and can provide a reliable reference for diagnosing and treating GA.
Cancer incidence in Southern Iran, 2015−2018: A population based study on cancer registry profile of Fars province
Authors: Rezaianzadeh Abbas , Ghoddusi Johari‬ Masoumeh , Niazkar Hamid Reza , Khosravizadegan Zahra , Monabati Ahmad , Shiraziyeganeh Babak
Published: June 2023

Background and Aims

Cancer registry profiles provide an insight into the trend of cancer in a specific region. The present study aimed to report the cancer incidence in Fars during 2015−2018, based on the cancer registry of Fars province.

Methods

The present population‐based study electronically gathered new cancer patient's data from all pathology, radiology, radiotherapy, chemotherapy departments, and mortality data of Fars province. This electronic connection was first established in 2015, in Fars Cancer Registry database. After data gathering, all duplicated patients are removed from the database. The Fars Cancer Registry database includes data such as gender, age, cancer ICD‐O code, and city from March 2015 to 2018. Furthermore, the death certificate only (DCO%) and microscopic verification (MV%) were calculated using SPSS software.

Results

A total of 34,451 patients with cancer were registered in the Fars Cancer Registry database during these 4 years. Among these patients, 51.9% (n = 17,866) were male, and 48.1% (n = 16,585) were female. Furthermore, the mean age of patients with cancer was about 57.3 ± 19 (60.50 ± 19 in males, 53.86 ± 18 in females). In men, prostate, skin (non‐melanoma), bladder, colon and rectum, and stomach are the most common cancers. Also, in women, breast, skin (non‐melanoma), thyroid gland, colon and rectum, and uterus were the most common cancers in the studied population.

Conclusion

Overall, breast, prostate, skin (non‐melanoma), colon and rectum, and thyroid cancers were the most common cancers among the studied population. Healthcare decision‐makers could make evidence‐based policies to decrease cancer incidence based on the reported data.
Symptomatic and asymptomatic malaria prevalence and its determinant factors in pastoral communities of Waghemira Zone, Northeast Ethiopia: A community‐based cross‐sectional study
Authors: Debash Habtu , Tesfaw Gebru , Ebrahim Hussen , Shibabaw Agumas , Melese Yimer , Tilahun Mihret , Alemayehu Ermiyas , Mohammed Ousman , Tesfaye Melkam , Abate Mengistu
Published: June 2023

Background and Aims

Malaria elimination programs have also encountered numerous challenges, such as widespread asymptomatic carriers in endemic areas, which should be taken into account in malaria‐control programs for effective transmission interruption. The purpose of this research was to determine the prevalence of symptomatic and asymptomatic malaria infections and associated factors, in pastoral communities.

Methods

A community‐based cross‐sectional study was conducted among selected districts in the Waghemra Zone, Northeast Ethiopia, from September to December 2022. A structured questionnaire was employed to collect sociodemographic data and associated risk factors. Plasmodium species were detected using light microscopy and a rapid diagnostic test. Data entry and analysis were carried out using SPSS version 26 software. The association between dependent and independent variables was explored by using multivariable logistic regression analyses. A statistically significant association was declared at a p‐value of <0.05.

Results

The overall prevalence of malaria was 21.2% (134/633), with the predominant Plasmodium falciparum infections accounting for 67.8% (87/134). Among asymptomatic participants, 7.5% (34/451) and 10.2% (46/451) were diagnosed by rapid diagnostic test and light microscopy, respectively. On the other hand, the prevalence of symptomatic malaria was 44.5% (81/182) and 48.4% (88/182) as diagnosed by rapid diagnostic test and light microscopy, respectively. The presence of stagnant water near the houses, the utilization of insecticide‐treated mosquito nets, the number of insecticide‐treated mosquito nets, and outdoor stays at night were all positively linked with the prevalence of malaria.

Conclusions

The overall prevalence estimate for symptomatic and asymptomatic malaria was high. Malaria is still a public health problem in the study area. Malaria infection was associated with the presence of stagnant water near the houses, the utilization of insecticide‐treated mosquito nets, the number of insecticide‐treated mosquito nets, and outdoor stays at night. Improved access to all malaria interventions is needed to interrupt the transmission at the community level.
Effects of heat transfer on MHD suction–injection model of viscous fluid flow through differential transformation and Bernoulli wavelet techniques
Authors: Raghunatha K. R. , Vinod Y.
Published: June 2023

In this study, a numerical solution of the velocity and heat transfer on the magnetohydrodynamic suction–injection model of viscous fluid flow has been studied. We use the differential transformation method and Bernoulli wavelet method to solve the highly nonlinear governing equations; applying appropriate similarity transformations and reducing governing equations to highly nonlinear coupled ordinary differential equations. The objective of this analysis is to determine how the suction parameter, Hartmann number, squeeze number, thermophoresis parameter, and Prandtl number affect the velocity and temperature profiles. When the current findings are compared with those that have already been published in the literature, confident suppositions are made, and it is discovered that there is considerable agreement. Graphs have been used to discuss the influence of nondimensional characteristics on velocity and temperature.
Non‐Newtonian fluid flow with the influence of induced magnetic field through a curved channel under peristalsis
Authors: Magesh A. , Tamizharasi P. , Vijayaragavan R.
Published: June 2023

In this study, we investigated the influence of the induced magnetic field on the Jeffrey fluid under peristalsis through the curved channel. The governing equations, such as the continuity equation, momentum equation, and magnetic force functions, are formulated. The lengthy equations are shortened by considering the approximations of the tiny Reynolds number and the long wavelength. From the resulting reduced equations, the exact solution is determined. Graphs are used to explain the graphical results of the impact of important parameters of velocity, magnetic force function, current density, induced magnetic field, pressure rise, and stream functions.
Transpiration and evaporative partitioning at a boreal forest and shrub taiga site in a subarctic alpine catchment, Yukon territory, Canada
Authors: Nicholls Erin M. , Clark M. Graham , Carey Sean K.
Published: June 2023

Despite widespread observations of climate‐change induced treeline migration and shrubification, there remains few direct measurements of transpiration and dynamics of evaporative partitioning in northern climates. Here, we present eddy covariance and sap flow data at a low elevation boreal white spruce forest and a mid‐elevation shrub taiga comprised of tall willow (Salix spp.) and birch (Betula spp.) in a subarctic, alpine catchment in Yukon Territory, Canada over two hydrologically distinct years. Specific research questions addressed were: (1) How do contributions of T to ET vary between sites and years? and (2) What are the primary meteorological, phenological, and soil moisture controls and limits on ET and T across vegetation covers? In the mid‐growing season, mean T rates were greater at the dense shrub site (2.0 ± 0.75 mm d−1) than the forest (1.47 ± 0.52 mm d−1). During this time, T:ET was lower at the forest (0.48) than at the tall, dense shrub site (0.80). Of the 2 years, 2020 was considerably wetter and cooler than 2019 during the growing season. At the shrub site, during the mid‐growing season (July 1‐Aug 15), T dropped considerably in 2020 (−26%), as T was suppressed during the short, wet growing season. In contrast, T at the forest was only moderately suppressed (−3%) between years in this same period. Evapotranspiration was more strongly controlled by air temperature during the early and late season at the forest, while ET at the shrub site was more sensitive to warmer temperatures in the mid‐growing season. Distinct differences in sap flux densities, sensitivities to environmental drivers, and stomatal resistances existed between shrub species. Results suggest that warming temperatures, increases in growing season length, and increased rainfall will cause differences in evaporative response and partitioning over complex, heterogenous alpine watersheds.
Procedural parameters in equivalence‐based instruction with individuals diagnosed with autism: A call for systematic research
Authors: Shawler Lesley A. , Zhelezoglo Karina N. , Miguel Caio F. , Brand Denys
Published: June 2023

Equivalence‐based instruction (EBI) is an efficient and efficacious methodology to establish equivalence classes that has been used to teach various academic skills to neurotypical adults. Although previous reviews confirmed the utility of EBI with participants with developmental disabilities, it is unclear whether certain procedural parameters are associated with positive equivalence outcomes. We extended previous reviews by categorizing studies that used EBI with individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and assessed whether any procedural parameters were associated with better equivalence responding. Due to the wide variability of procedural parameters in EBI research, the best procedural permutations to form equivalence classes with individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder are still unknown. Thus, this paper serves as a call to action for applied researchers. Specifically, we encourage and invite researchers to systematically investigate the necessary variables or combination of variables that may lead to successful equivalence class formation.