bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of novel homozygous missense and deletion mutations manifesting oligospermia infertility in Kashmiri population
Authors: Aslam Sanwal , Zhang Zhen , Latif Zahid
Published: August 2023

Background

Human male infertility has a lot of known molecular components that have an accurate diagnosis, such as Y chromosome deletion and monogenic causes. Only 4% of all infertile males are diagnosed with genetic causes, while 60–70% of infertile men remain without an accurate diagnosis and are classified as unexplained. Oligospermia is a major cause of human male infertility. Its etiology and pathogenesis are linked to genetic abnormalities. The majority of genetic causes related to human male infertility remain unclear.

Results

Generally, we found a significant association between the specific type of disease and gender (p = 0.003), and the regression value (R2) for this association was 0.75. Association of the type of disease with body mass index was not significant (p = 0.34). There was no statistically significant difference (p = 0.40) among disease types with patients occupations. All explored mutations are listed for primary and secondary infertility in relation to the oligospermia condition. p.Arg286X is the outcome of a mismatch mutation in which the nucleotide change resulted in the substitution of Arg (arginine) amino acid with X (any amino acid) at position 286 in the Hyal3 gene of primary infertile patients having oligospermia. In primary infertile patients with the p.Arg286X mutation, a frameshift deletion mutation was also found just after the 25 nucleotide sequences of the Hyal3 genes of the second mutated exon. This deletion mutation was only detected in patients with primary infertility and was not found in people with secondary infertility or healthy controls. The other mutations in secondary infertile patients with oligospermia were: p.Lys168Ser, replacement of lysine (Lys) with serine (Ser) at position 168; p.Lys168The, replacement of lysine (Lys) with threonine (The) at position 168; p.His113X, substitution of histidine (His) with an unknown amino acid (X) at position 113; p.Pro162X, substitution of proline (Pro) with an unknown amino acid (X) at position 162; and p.Phe157X, phenylalanine (Phe) substitution with an unknown amino acid (X) at position 157.

Conclusion

This study clarifies the site of novel mismatch and frameshift deletion mutations in the Hyal3 gene in primary infertile oligospermia patients.
How, when, and why high job performance is not always good: A three‐way interaction model
Authors: Peng Yan , Cheng Bao , Tian Jian , Zhang Zhenduo , Zhou Xing , Zhou Kun
Published: August 2023

Despite organizations encouraging employees to improve their job performance to enhance organizational performance, the understanding of the consequences of high performance from the perspective of social comparison remains limited. Drawing on social comparison theory, we develop a framework explaining how upward performance social comparison leads to political behaviors through anxiety. Furthermore, we examine the amplifying effect of social comparison orientation (SCO) on the relationship between upward performance social comparison and anxiety. We introduce the downward leader–member exchange social comparison (downward leader–member exchange social comparison [LMXSC]) to buffer the magnifying effect of SCO. We test the three‐way interaction among upward performance social comparison, SCO, and downward LMXSC using the data collected from a three‐wave survey (Study 1) and a scenario‐based experiment (Study 2), and our hypotheses are supported. Our results reveal an interesting dilemma. Employees' high performance is naturally beneficial for organizations, but those with high SCO and fewer advantages in leader–member exchange social comparison may feel more anxious and engage in political behaviors in response to upward performance social comparison. Our research has practical implications, such as monitoring social comparisons and political behaviors in the workplace and helping employees reduce anxiety.
Thermally activated persulfate oxidation of Basic Fuchsin dye: Effect of different operating parameters, kinetic, and thermodynamic study
Authors: Habache Naima , Bechiri Ouahiba
Published: August 2023

The present paper aims to investigate the efficiency of thermal activation persulfate in eliminating the organic dye “Basic Fuchsin” (BF). In addition, the study attempts to elucidate the effect of different operating parameters, such as persulfate dosage (0.44–4.4 mM), the initial solution pH of (3–10), and temperature (25–50°C), on the process. The effects of various anions and water matrices on BF discoloration were investigated. Thus, the findings revealed that 94.15% of BF can be eliminated using persulfate at a concentration of 4.4 mM and a temperature equal to 50°C. It occurs under the following operating conditions: oxidation time of 60 min, initial pH equal to 6, the pollutant concentration of 10 ppm, and stirring speed equal to 300 rpm. Furthermore, the kinetic study indicated that the degradation of the BF dye using PS followed a first‐order pattern with rate constants varying within a range of 15.3 × 10−3–43.2 × 10−3 min−1. Based on the Arrhenius equation, the activation energy of the studied process was determined to be 29 kJ mol−1, suggesting that a moderate activation energy is required for BF discoloration. The results of the thermodynamic study confirm that the oxidation process is non‐spontaneous and endothermic. Coexisting inorganic anions delayed BF discoloration to varying degrees, and the inhibitory action followed the following order: carbonate > chloride > sulfate > nitrate. Organic pollutants oxidation by the thermal activation of the persulfate is a simple and effective method for the depollution of waste textile water.
Understanding the balance between soil conservation and soil water storage capacity during the process of vegetation restoration in semi‐arid watersheds in the Loess Plateau, China
Authors: Yu Yang , Zhu Ruipeng , Liu Dianjun , Gao Zhiqiang , Zhao Jiongchang , Ma Daoming , Wang Liping , Rodrigo‐Comino Jesús
Published: August 2023

In the Loess Plateau, gaining insights into the water storage and soil retention functions of diverse vegetation types, especially, in the semi‐arid watersheds is crucial for identifying the key factors necessary to ensure sustainable development and achieve land degradation neutrality. In this study, five different land use types such as forest, shrub, artificial grass, and natural grasslands were surveyed from 2014 to 2020. Meanwhile, bare land was also used as a control plot. The trade‐off between erosion mitigation and water consumption indicator was quantified based on the ecosystem services perspective benefits. Our results showed that there are significant differences among different land use types (p < 0.05): natural grassland > shrubs > artificial grassland > forests. Vegetation restoration was able to change the soil particle size distribution, increasing clay and silt content, and decreasing sand particles. During the growing season, surface soil water storage decreased in all land use types coinciding with the higher decrease in the control plot. The change in surface water storage in the forest was the most stable, with a decrease of 0.13 mm. The trade‐off between erosion mitigation and water consumption indicator was less than 0 for all vegetation types, which indicates a synergistic effect on soil conservation and water storage benefit. Our results demonstrated that shrubs can register the most balanced benefit of water storage and soil preservation. This is a solid basis for the selection of specific vegetation types and the optimization of the watershed landscape in the middle reaches of the Yellow River, characterized by vulnerable areas due to aridification.
Cut‐off value for β‐trace protein (β‐TP) as a rapid diagnostic of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak detection
Authors: Almela María‐Teresa , Navarro‐Zaragoza Javier , Laorden María‐Luisa , Sánchez‐Celemín Fernando , Almela Pilar
Published: August 2023

Objective

To find an adequate cut‐off point for beta trace protein (β‐TP) in nasal secretion (NS) and validate this diagnostic test with a large sample of patients. Likewise, we evaluated β‐TP test efficacy to confirm the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage closure after treatment.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis with 207 samples from 162 patients with suspected CSF leakage received in the Hospital Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca between 2010 and 2016. Twenty‐five samples were included in the control group. Samples were obtained from NS through a swab to determine β‐TP using a nephelometry‐based assay. Sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve (AUC) for β‐TP in NS were assessed using the receiver operator characteristic (ROC) analysis.

Results

Using imaging techniques, the diagnosis of CSF leak was confirmed in 57 patients (35.19%), while 105 had a negative diagnosis (64.81%). Patients with CSF leakage had significantly higher β‐TP values in NS (16.07 ± 16.94 mg/L, p < .001) than the control group (0.33 ± 0.12 mg/L) and patients without CSF leakage (0.61 ± 2.34 mg/L). Applying a 1 mg/L cut‐off point resulted in 96.5% sensitivity and 97.1% specificity. Positive and negative predictive values (PPV and NPV) at this cut‐off were 94.9% and 98.6%, respectively. Finally, this cut‐off point yields a test efficacy for CSF leak diagnosis of 97% (95% CI 92.9–98.9).

Conclusion

Our study has established a 1 mg/L β‐TP concentration in NS as a cut‐off point for CSF leakage diagnosis with high sensibility and specificity. These results suggest that β‐TP analysis could be useful to check CSF leak resolution.

Level of Evidence

4.
The Longitudinal Effect of Ultra‐Processed Food on the Development of Dyslipidemia/Obesity as Assessed by the NOVA System and Food Compass Score
Authors: Tan Li‐Juan , Hwang Su Bin , Shin Sangah
Published: August 2023

Scope

Ultra‐processing food (UPF) has been a nutrition and health interest. This study is aimed to investigate the association between UPF consumption and the risk of obesity or dyslipidemia.

Methods and results

This study is performed using an ongoing cohort study including 17 310 individuals aged ≥40 years in South Korea. UPF is categorized by the NOVA system and FCS, respectively. After an average 5‐year follow‐up, there is a positive association between NOVA‐defined UPF and dyslipidemia. The risk of the Q4 group is almost 20% higher than that of the Q1 group (men, adjusted HR = 1.209 [95% CI 1.039–1.407], women, adjusted HR = 1.195 [95% CI 1.096–1.303]). Consuming high‐FCS foods (less processed and healthier foods) show a lower risk for dyslipidemia in both sexes and lower obesity risk in women compared to low‐FCS consumption (men, dyslipidemia, adjusted HR = 0.857 [95% CI 0.744–0.988]; women, dyslipidemia, adjusted HR = 0.919 [95% CI 0.850–0.993], obesity, adjusted HR = 0.759 [95% CI 0.628–0.916]).

Conclusion

Higher UPF intakes assessed by the NOVA system and FCS are associated with increased incidences of dyslipidemia and obesity. Furthermore, NOVA‐defined UPF shows a statistically significant negative association with AMED score, indicating poor diet quality.
Batteriematerialien: Lithium aus heimischem Abbau
Authors: Osterath Brigitte
Published: August 2023

Achtzig Prozent des Lithiums auf dem Weltmarkt stammen aus Australien und Südamerika. In Zukunft könnte Deutschland einen Teil seines Bedarfs aus eigener Produktion decken: Heiße Tiefenwässer sind eine vielversprechende Quelle.
Rohstoffversorgung: Recycling stärken
Authors: Bookhagen Britta
Published: August 2023

Um den Bedarf der Industrie an Metallen zu decken, sind heimischer Bergbau, Importe und Recycling wichtig. Dafür sind Daten zu sammeln: zur Verarbeitung in Deutschland, zu Handels‐ und Mengenströmen, zu künftigen Recyclingpotenzialen sowie zu Barrieren und Lösungsansätzen.
Kunst aus Plastik: Alles so schön bunt hier
Authors: Neubauer Uta
Published: August 2023

Seit Jahrzehnten arbeiten Künstler mit Kunststoffen. Eine Ausstellung in der Frankfurter Kunsthalle Schirn lädt zu einem Streifzug durch die „Plastic World“ ein und informiert dabei über die Vergänglichkeit der Werke.
Nachruf: Rolf Mitzner (1931 – 2023)
Authors: Löhmannsröben Hans‐Gerd , Bechmann Wolfgang
Published: August 2023

Rolf Mitzner war sein gesamtes Berufsleben und darüber hinaus eng mit dem Wissenschaftsstandort Potsdam verwoben.
Board Meeting
Authors: Koch Wolfram
Published: August 2023

The first meeting of the Executive Board of the German Chemical Society this year took place on the occasion of the Chemistry Lecturers‘ Conference („Chemiedozententagung“) on March 13 in Dresden.
Nonlinear associations between computed tomography‐measures of adiposity and long pentraxin‐3 in the Multi‐Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis
Authors: Anderson Michaela R. , Kim John S. , Podolanczuk Anna , Ding Jingzhong , Al‐Naamani Nadine , Allison Matthew , Christie Jason , Diamond Joshua
Published: August 2023

Objective

Long pentraxin‐3 (PTX‐3) is an acute phase protein associated with cardiovascular disease, lung injury, and mortality. We evaluated the association between computed tomography (CT)‐measurements of adipose tissue and plasma levels of PTX‐3.

Methods

We performed a cross‐sectional analysis of community‐dwelling adults enrolled in the multi‐center Multiethnic Study of Atherosclerosis who underwent cardiac or abdominal CT and had available PTX‐3 measurements.

Results

There was a U‐shaped association between pericardial adipose tissue volume (PAT), abdominal visceral adipose tissue area (VAT), hepatic attenuation, and PTX‐3 levels, with extremes of adiposity associated with greater PTX‐3 levels. Using multivariable‐adjusted piecewise regression models, among participants with low PAT, every 1% increase in PAT volume was associated with a 13.8% decrease in PTX‐3 (95% confidence interval [CI] −21.6 to −6.0); among participants with high PAT, every 1% increase in PAT volume was associated with a 6.0% increase in PTX‐3 (95% CI −0.4 to 12.5). Results were similar for abdominal VAT and hepatic attenuation.

Conclusions

In a cohort of community‐dwelling adults, we demonstrated a “U‐shaped” association between pericardial, abdominal visceral, and hepatic adiposity with PTX3 levels, suggesting that extreme adiposity is associated with greater circulating levels of PTX3. Further work is required to identify the mechanisms linking adiposity and PTX‐3.
Ecological restoration in Tibet optimises the cognitive structures of stakeholders on social‐ecological systems
Authors: Wang Yijia , Liu Yanxu , Wu Xutong , Wang Xinsheng , Yao Ying , Zhang Zhiwei , Fu Bojie
Published: August 2023

Facing the dual threats of climate and socioeconomic changes, how Tibet can seize the opportunity for ecological restoration to enhance environmental quality while improving the relationship between humans and nature is of great significance for regional sustainable development.

Situated in an ecologically vulnerable area, the cognitive structure of Tibetan residents regarding resources and policies is a crucial reference for evaluating whether environmental governance is sustainable. We aimed to detect what impact ecological restoration in Tibet had on the cognitive structures of stakeholders.

We distributed questionnaires to Tibetan residents, distinguished experimental groups (EG, n = 325) and control groups (CG, n = 165) by the implementation of ecological restoration projects or not, used a network approach to construct indicators of overall connectivity and evenness for assessing the cognitive structure and explored the influencing factors on cognitive structures. We found that interviewees in areas where ecological restoration was implemented had more positive perceptions of the importance of ecosystem services, the relationship between ecological conservation and well‐being, attitudes towards ecological restoration, and the impact of governance measures. The overall connectivity and evenness of the EG were significantly higher than those of the CG. It showed an increase in positive stakeholder perceptions about policy and nature and a greater emphasis on the balance between environmental protection and productive life. The implementation of ecological restoration enhanced the connection between local people and the environment. Elevation and annual precipitation were the geographic influencing factors that dominated overall connectivity.

Based on the cognitive structure of Tibetan residents, the implementation of ecological restoration enhanced connections in social‐ecological systems elements, played a positive role in the human–nature relationship and promoted collective governance of common pool resources. Safeguarding and improving residents' livelihoods and enhancing the regional low‐connectivity cognitive structure under different geographical contexts are important for future governance.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Ultra‐high power density in poly(arylene ether nitrile)‐based composites containing barium titanate and boron nitride nanosheets
Authors: Pu Linyu , Zeng Jingjing , Long Yiting , Zhang Huan , Huang Xu , Liu Jingsong
Published: August 2023

Barium titanate (BT) nanoparticles were surface coated by a silane coupling agent (KH550) and core–shell structured nanoparticles (named KH550@BT) were obtained. Similarly, BT nanoparticles coated by polydopamine (PDA) were named as PDA@BT. Meanwhile, boron nitride (BN) nanosheets (BNNS) were successfully unstripped from block BN. Then, two kinds of ternary poly(arylene ether nitrile) (PEN)‐based composites are prepared using the solution casting method. Composites with 30 wt% KH550@BT and 12 wt% BNNS were named as KH550@BT/BNNS/PEN. Composites with 30 wt% PDA@BT and 12 wt% BNNS were named as PDA@BT/BNNS/PEN. The microstructure, dielectric properties, and energy storage properties of the ternary composites were studied in detail. PEN embedded with either BNNS or BT were prepared and studied for comparison. As a result, the introduction of BT will improve the dielectric constant (εr) and energy storage density (W), but it will reduce the breakdown strength (Eb) and charge–discharge efficiency (η) of composites. BNNS not only improves Eb and W but also improves η of composites. Although the introduction of BT and BNNS simultaneously may reduce η, it will improve εr, Eb, and W of composites. Most importantly, the fast discharge speed and high power density demonstrate that the BT/BNNS/PEN composites are potential candidates to be used in high power pulsed capacitors fields.

Highlights

Boron nitride nanosheets improve the breakdown strength of composites.

The composites achieve simultaneous increment of εr and Eb.

The power density of the BT/BNNS/PEN composites was higher than 70 MW cm−3.
Pull‐out behavior of polymer fibers in concrete
Authors: Sigrüner Michael , Hüsken Götz , Pirskawetz Stephan , Herz Jonas , Muscat Dirk , Strübbe Nicole
Published: August 2023

The bond between polymer fibers and the surrounding cementitious matrix is essential for the development of concrete reinforcement. The single fiber pull‐out test (SFPT) is the standard characterization technique for testing the bond strength. However, the different phases of debonding cannot be distinguished by the SFPT. This study investigates the debonding of different polymer fibers from the surrounding cementitious matrix with a modified SFPT and proposes methods to change the SFPT setup to generate more valuable information on the debonding mechanism. The SFPT was equipped with linear variable differential transformers (LVDT), digital image correlation (DIC) and acoustic emission (AE) analysis. The results demonstrate that the modified SFPT allows a better understanding of the different phases of debonding during fiber pull‐out. Furthermore, bond strength values calculated by different methods reveal that the chemical bond of the investigated polymers is not different as reported by previous studies. Deformation measurements performed using LVDTs and DIC are suitable measuring techniques to characterize the debonding mechanism in SFPT. A correlation between recorded AE and debonding phases was not found.
Effectiveness of a training program for healthcare professionals on parental cancer: Results of a randomized controlled pilot‐study
Authors: Johannsen Lene Marie , Frerichs Wiebke , Philipp Rebecca , Inhestern Laura , Bergelt Corinna
Published: August 2023

Objective

Cancer patients parenting minor children face specific burden and supportive needs, which are often not adequately addressed by their healthcare professionals (HCPs), due to a lack of knowledge, self‐efficacy and competencies. Therefore, we developed a 3‐h intervention enhancing HCPs' competencies in caring for these patients. We pilot‐evaluated the intervention's feasibility and efficacy, assuming intervention group participants reveal higher improvements over time compared to non‐trained participants.

Methods

We conducted a 3‐armed randomized controlled pilot‐trial (RCT), comparing face‐to‐face training (F2F), e‐Learning (EL), waitlist‐control group with three measurements (baseline, post‐training, 3‐month follow‐up). Primary outcome was the competency to approach child‐ and family‐related themes; secondary outcomes were knowledge, self‐efficacy in (specific) communication skills. Intervention effects were analyzed using linear mixed models.

Results

Participants (n = 152) were mostly female (89%) and psychologists (38%; physicians 26%; nurses 18%). F2F and EL participants reported high training satisfaction. Analyses did not reveal any significant differences on the primary outcome between groups, but indicate positive intervention effects over time regarding secondary outcomes including knowledge and self‐efficacy in communication skills.

Conclusions

This is the first pilot‐study evaluating a training for HCPs in oncology on parental cancer using a 3‐armed RCT. The 3‐h training program is a feasible approach and findings indicate to increase HCPs' knowledge and self‐efficacy in caring for cancer patients with minor children. Further research is needed to verify preliminary findings of this pilot study. The study was pre‐registered within the German Clinical Trial Register (DRKS‐00015794).
Maximum approximate likelihood estimation in accelerated failure time model for interval‐censored data
Authors: Guan Zhong
Published: August 2023

The approximate Bernstein polynomial model, a mixture of beta distributions, is applied to obtain maximum likelihood estimates of the regression coefficients, the baseline density and the survival functions in an accelerated failure time model based on interval censored data including current status data. The estimators of the regression coefficients and the underlying baseline density function are shown to be consistent with almost parametric rates of convergence under some conditions for uncensored and/or interval censored data. Simulation shows that the proposed method is better than its competitors. The proposed method is illustrated by fitting the Breast Cosmetic and the HIV infection time data using the accelerated failure time model.
Direct Observation of Vacancy‐Cluster‐Mediated Hydride Nucleation and the Anomalous Precipitation Memory Effect in Zirconium
Authors: Liu Si‐Mian , Zhang Shi‐Hao , Ogata Shigenobu , Yang Hui‐Long , Kano Sho , Abe Hiroaki , Han Wei‐Zhong
Published: August 2023

Controlling the heterogeneous nucleation of new phases is of importance in tuning the microstructures and properties of materials. However, the role of vacancy—a popular defect in materials that is hard to be resolved under conventional electron microscopy—in the heterogeneous phase nucleation remains intriguing. Here, this work captures direct in situ experimental evidences that vacancy clusters promote the heterogeneous hydride nucleation and cause the anomalous precipitation memory effect in zirconium. Both interstitial and vacancy dislocation loops form after hydride dissolution. Interestingly, hydride reprecipitation only occurs on those vacancy loop decorated sites during cooling. Atomistic simulations reveal that hydrogen atoms are preferentially segregated at individual vacancy and vacancy clusters, which assist hydride nucleation, and stimulate the unusual memory effect during hydride reprecipitation. The finding breaks the traditional view on the sequence of heterogeneous nucleation sites and sheds light on the solid phase transformation related to vacancy‐sensitive alloying elements.
Electrochemical Detection of Dopamine Release from Living Neurons Using Graphene Oxide‐Incorporated Polypyrrole/Gold Nanocluster Hybrid Nanopattern Arrays
Authors: Cho Yeon‐Woo , Park Joon‐Ha , Kang Min‐Ji , Lee Jung‐Hyeon , Kim Yong Kyun , Luo Zhengtang , Kim Tae‐Hyung
Published: August 2023

Stem‐cell‐based therapeutics have shown immense potential in treating various diseases that are currently incurable. In particular, partial recovery of Parkinson's disease, which occurs due to massive loss or abnormal functionality of dopaminergic (DAnergic) neurons, through the engraftment of stem‐cell‐derived neurons ex vivo is reported. However, precise assessment of the functionality and maturity of DAnergic neurons is still challenging for their enhanced clinical efficacy. Here, a novel conductive cell cultivation platform, a graphene oxide (GO)‐incorporated metallic polymer nanopillar array (GOMPON), that can electrochemically detect dopamine (DA) exocytosis from living DAnergic neurons, is reported. In the cell‐free configuration, the linear range is 0.5–100 µm, with a limit of detection of 33.4 nm. Owing to its excellent biocompatibility, a model DAnergic neuron (SH‐SY5Y cell) can be cultivated and differentiated on the platform while their DA release can be quantitatively measured in a real‐time and nondestructive manner. Finally, it is showed that the functionality of the DAnergic neurons derived from stem cells can be precisely assessed via electrochemical detection of their DA exocytosis. The developed GOMPON is highly promising for a wide range of applications, including real‐time monitoring of stem cell differentiation into neuronal lineages, evaluating differentiation protocols, and finding practical stem cell therapies.
Nonfused Ring Electron Acceptors for Ternary Polymer Solar Cells with Low Energy Loss and Efficiency Over 18%
Authors: Tan Hua , Fan Weixue , Zhu Mengbing , Zhu Jianing , Wang Xunchang , Xiao Manjun , Yang Renqiang , Zhu Weiguo , Yu Junting
Published: August 2023

Ternary polymer solar cells(PSCs) have been identified as an effective approach to improving power conversion efficiency (PCE) of binary PSCs. However, most of the third component, especially Y‐series non‐fullerene acceptors, is a fused ring acceptor which often requires a rather tedious synthesis and the use of hazardous organostannane reagents. In this work, two nonfused ring acceptors IOEH‐4F and IOEH‐N2F are synthesized by a green synthetic route and incorporated into PM6:Y6 blend. Encouragingly, the IOEH‐4F and IOEH‐N2F‐based ternary PSCs exhibited more efficient charge transfer, exciton separation, and lower energy loss than PM6:Y6‐based PSCs. And the IOEH‐4F and IOEH‐N2F‐based ternary PSCs achieved an impressive PCE of 17.80% and 18.13%, respectively, which are higher than that of PM6:Y6 based PSCs (16.18%). Notably, these PCE values are also the highest PCEs for ternary PSCs including non‐fused ring acceptors. Importantly, even when the IOEH‐N2F:Y6 ratios increased from 0.05:1.2 to 0.50:1.2, the PCE of IOEH‐N2F‐based ternary PSCs (16.70%) are still higher than that of PM6:Y6 based PSCs, indicating the great potential for cost saving. It is believed that the findings will help the design of better nonfused ring acceptors and the optimization of corresponding ternary PSCs with cost‐saving advantage.
Ultralow Ru Single Atoms Confined in Cerium Oxide Nanoglues for Highly‐Sensitive and Robust H2O2‐Related Biocatalytic Diagnosis
Authors: Yuan Minjia , Li Qian , Wu Zihe , Zhu Huang , Gao Yang , Zhou Mi , Luo Xianglin , Wang Mao , Cheng Chong
Published: August 2023

Exploring highly efficient, portable, and robust biocatalysts is a great challenge in colorimetric biosensors. To overcome the challenging states in creating single‐atom biocatalysts, such as insufficient activity and stability, here, this work has engineered a unique CeO2 support as nanoglue to tightly anchor the Ru single‐atom sites (CeO2‐Ru) with strong electronic coupling for achieving highly sensitive and robust H2O2‐related biocatalytic diagnosis. The morphology and chemical/electronic structure analysis demonstrates that the Ru atoms are well‐dispersed on CeO2 surface to form high‐density active sites. Benefiting from the unique structure, the prepared CeO2‐Ru exhibits outstanding peroxidase (POD) like catalytic activity and selectivity to H2O2. Steady‐state kinetic study results show that the CeO2‐Ru presents the highest Vmax and turnover number than the state‐of‐the‐art POD‐like biocatalysts. Consequently, the CeO2‐Ru discloses a high efficiency, good selectivity, and robust stability in the colorimetric detection of L‐cysteine, glucose, and uric acid. Notably, the limit of detection (LOD) can reach 0.176 × 10−3 m for the L‐cysteine, 0.095 × 10−3 m for the glucose, and 0.088 × 10−3 m for the uric acid via cascade reaction. This work suggests that the proposed unique CeO2 nanoglue will offer a new path to create single‐atom noble metal biocatalysts and take a step closer to future biotherapeutic and biocatalytic applications.
Revealing the Subzero‐Temperature Electrochemical Kinetics Behaviors in Ni‐Rich Cathode
Authors: Meng Fanbo , Zhang Haolin , Xiong Xingyu , Li Xiangjie , Wu Rufeng , Han Qiying , Qin Bo , Yuan Bin , Hu Renzong
Published: August 2023

The sluggish kinetics in Ni‐rich cathodes at subzero temperatures causes decreased specific capacity and poor rate capability, resulting in slow and unstable charge storage. So far, the driving force of this phenomenon remains a mystery. Herein, with the help of in‐situ X‐ray diffraction and time of flight secondary ion mass spectrometry techniques, the continuous accumulation of both the cathode electrolyte interphase (CEI) film formation and the incomplete structure evolution during cycling under subzero temperature are proposed. It is presented that excessively uniform and thick CEI film generated at subzero temperatures would block the diffusion of Li+‐ions, resulting in incomplete phase evolution and clear charge potential delay. The incomplete phase evolution throughout the Li+‐ion intercalation/de‐intercalation processes would further cause low depth of discharge and poor electrochemical reversibility with low initial Coulombic efficiency, as well. In addition, the formation of the thick and uniform CEI film would also consume Li+‐ions during the charging process. This discovery highlights the effects of the CEI film formation behavior and incomplete phase evolution in restricting electrochemical kinetics under subzero temperatures, which the authors believe would promote the further application of the Ni‐rich cathodes.
Organic Intercalation Induced Kinetic Enhancement of Vanadium Oxide Cathodes for Ultrahigh‐Loading Aqueous Zinc‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Song Zhihang , Zhao Yi , Zhou Anbin , Wang Huirong , Jin Xiaoyu , Huang Yongxin , Li Li , Wu Feng , Chen Renjie
Published: August 2023

Vanadium‐based oxides have attracted much attention because of their rich valences and adjustable structures. The high theoretical specific capacity contributed by the two‐electron‐transfer process (V5+/V3+) makes it an ideal cathode material for aqueous zinc‐ion batteries. However, slow diffusion kinetics and poor structural stability limit the application of vanadium‐based oxides. Herein, a strategy for intercalating organic matter between vanadium‐based oxide layers is proposed to attain high rate performance and long cycling life. The V3O7·H2O is synthesized in situ on the carbon cloth to form an open porous structure, which provides sufficient contact areas with electrolyte and facilitates zinc ion transport. On the molecular level, the added organic matter p‐aminophenol (pAP) not only plays a supporting role in the V3O7·H2O layer, but also shows a regulatory effect on the V5+/V4+ redox process due to the reducing functional group on pAP. The novel composite electrode with porous structure exhibits outstanding reversible specific capacity (386.7 mAh g−1, 0.1 A g−1) at a high load of 6.5 mg cm−2, and superior capacity retention of 80% at 3 A g−1 for 2100 cycles.
How do thinking styles and STEM attitudes have effects on computational thinking? A structural equation modeling analysis
Authors: Jiang Haozhe , Islam A. Y. M. Atiquil , Gu Xiaoqing , Guan Jia
Published: August 2023

Computational thinking (CT) is vital for success in numerous domains. However, the nature, definition, and scope of CT are ill‐defined, and research on how best to develop CT is very limited. This study focused on how thinking styles and STEM attitudes have effects on computational thinking. Using a proportionate stratified random sampling procedure, 1195 students from two universities were surveyed. A structural equation modeling analysis showed that students' thinking styles and STEM attitudes directly predicted their computational thinking skills and that thinking styles mediated the relationship between STEM attitudes and computational thinking skills. Thinking styles and STEM attitudes are strong predictors of CT skills. Based on the results, we recommended that the conceptualization of CT be broadened to reflect its trans‐disciplinary nature within the context of STEM education. This study adds to the limited theoretical understanding of CT and CT‐predictors in higher education, which has been studied much less than in K‐12 education.
Exploring colorectal cancer survivors’ perspectives on improving care delivery and the role of e-health technology: a qualitative study
Authors: van Deursen Liza , Aardoom Jiska J. , Alblas Eva E. , Struijs Jeroen N. , Chavannes Niels H. , van der Vaart Rosalie
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to gather insights from colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors on how to improve care for CRC survivors and how e-health technology could be utilized to improve CRC care delivery.

Methods

Three semi-structured focus groups were held with sixteen CRC survivors. To initiate the discussion, an online registration form and two vignettes were used. The data was analyzed using the framework method.

Results

Based on survivors’ experiences, five themes were identified as opportunities for improving CRC care delivery. These themes include better recognition of complaints and faster referrals, more information as part of the care delivery, more guidance and monitoring of health outcomes, more collaboration between practitioners, and more attention for partners and relatives. In addition, survivors expressed opportunities for using e-health to facilitate information provision, improve communication, and monitor survivors’ health conditions.

Conclusion

Several suggestions for improvement of CRC care delivery were identified. These often translated into possibilities for e-health to support or improve CRC care delivery. The ideas of survivors align with the vast array of existing e-health resources that can be utilized to enhance CRC care delivery. Therefore, the next step involves addressing the implementation gap between the needs of stakeholders, such as CRC survivors and healthcare providers, and the e-health tools currently available in clinical practice.
Targeted delivery of a short antimicrobial peptide (CM11) against Helicobacter pylori gastric infection using concanavalin A-coated chitosan nanoparticles
Authors: Moosazadeh Moghaddam Mehrdad , Bolouri Shahin , Golmohammadi Reza , Fasihi-Ramandi Mahdi , Heiat Mohammad , Mirnejad Reza
Published: August 2023

Helicobacter pylori is the cause of most cases of stomach ulcers and also causes some digestive cancers. The emergence and spread of antibiotic-resistant strains of H. pylori is one of the most important challenges in the treatment of its infections. The present study aims to develop a concanavalin A (ConA) coated chitosan (CS) nanocarrier-based drug delivery for the targeted release of peptides to the site of H. pylori infection. Accordingly, chitosan was used as an encapsulating agent for CM11 peptide delivery by applying ionotropic gelation method. Con-A was used for coating CS nanoparticles to target H. pylori. The CS NPs and ConA-CS NPs were characterized by FTIR, dynamic light scattering (DLS), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The MIC of CM11-loaded ConA-CS NPs against H. pylori SS1 strain was analyzed in vitro. In order to evaluate the treatment efficiency in vivo, a gastric infection model of H. pylori SS1 strain was established in mice and histopathological studies and IL-1β cytokine assay were performed. Based on the results, the size frequency for CS NPs and ConA-CS NPs was about 200 and 350 nm, respectively. The prepared CM11-loaded ConA-CS NPs exhibited antibacterial activity against H. pylori SS1 strain with a concentration of 32 µg/ml. The highest healing process was observed in synthesized CM11-loaded ConA-CS NPs treatments and a significant decrease in IL-1β was observed. Our findings highlight the potential of chitosan nanoparticles as a drug delivery vehicle in the treatment of gastric infection model of H. pylori SS1 strain.

Graphical Abstract
On the Path to Optimal Alchemistry
Authors: Lundborg Magnus , Lidmar Jack , Hess Berk
Published: August 2023

Alchemical free energy calculations have become a standard and widely used tool, in particular for calculating and comparing binding affinities of drugs. Although methods to compute such free energies have improved significantly over the last decades, the choice of path between the end states of interest is usually still the same as two decades ago. We will show that there is a fundamentally arbitrary, implicit choice of parametrization of this path. To address this, the notion of the length of a path or a metric is required. A metric recently introduced in the context of the accelerated weight histogram method also proves to be very useful here. We demonstrate that this metric can not only improve the efficiency of sampling along a given path, but that it can also be used to improve the actual choice of path. For a set of relevant use cases, the combination of these improvements can increase the efficiency of alchemical free energy calculations by up to a factor 16.
Thermoelastic Stress Analysis in the Presence of Biaxial Stresses in Titanium: Effect of the Mean Stress on Errors in Stress Evaluation
Authors: Palumbo D. , De Finis R.
Published: August 2023

Background

Thermoelastic Stress Analysis (TSA) is a contactless technique capable of estimating superficial stresses on components subjected to dynamic loads. Surface stresses can be obtained by means of calibration methods that require the assessment of the thermoelastic constants. However, these methods can lead to errors in stress evaluation in those materials where the effect of the mean stress on the thermoelastic signal cannot be neglected (e.g., titanium).

Objective

The aim is the development of an analytic formulation of error made in first stress invariant amplitude evaluation for a biaxial stress state, when neglecting mean stress effect.

Methods

By considering the general theory of thermoelastic stress analysis accounting for the mean stress effect, the formulation of the thermoelastic effect in the presence of a biaxial stress state was obtained. The results were compared to those obtained by a numerical simulation and the proposed formulation has been validated for titanium by means of experimental tests.

Results

Firstly, the new formulation of thermoelastic temperature variations accounting for mean stress effect in presence of a biaxial stress state was provided. Secondly, an error analysis provided an analytical formulation for the error made in case mean stress effect is neglected for different case studies.

Conclusions

The error in stress evaluation can be considered as the error originating from the use of an incorrect calibration formula (traditional one)”. The new analytical formulation accounting for the general theory of thermoelastic stress analysis allows to account for the mean stress on titanium in the presence of a uniaxial and biaxial stress states and to evaluate the error made in neglecting such a second order effect when using TSA.
Genetic aspects underlying the normocalcemic and hypercalcemic phenotypes of primary hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Viviani Arianna , Colangelo Luciano , Ciminelli Bianca Maria , Novelletto Andrea , Sonato Chiara , Occhiuto Marco , Cipriani Cristiana , Diacinti Daniele , De Martino Viviana , Gianni Walter , Pepe Jessica , Minisola Salvatore , Malaspina Patrizia
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Hypercalcemic primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is a common endocrine disorder that has been very well characterized. In contrast, many aspects of normocalcemic primary hyperparathyroidism (NPHPT) such as natural history, organ damage, and management are still matter of debate. In addition, both the pathophysiology and molecular basis of NPHPT are unclear. We investigated whether PHPT and NPHPT patient cohorts share the same pattern of genetic variation in genes known to be involved in calcium and/or bone metabolism.

Research design and methods

Genotyping for 9 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) was performed by Real-Time PCR (TaqMan assays) on 27 NPHPT and 31 PHPT patients evaluated in a tertiary referral Center. The data of both groups were compared with 54 in house-controls and 503 subjects from the 1000 Genomes Project. All groups were compared for allele/haplotype frequencies, on a single locus, two loci and multi-locus basis.

Results

The NPHPT group differed significantly at SNPs in OPG and ESR1. Also, the NPHPT cohort was peculiar for pairwise associations of genotypes and for the overrepresentation of unusual multilocus genotypes.

Conclusions

Our NPHPT patient set harbored a definitely larger quota of genetic diversity than the other samples. Specific genotypes may help in defining subgroups of NPHPT patients which deserve ad hoc clinical and follow-up studies.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: E-commerce User Recommendation Algorithm Based on Social Relationship Characteristics and Improved K-Means Algorithm
Authors: Shen Xia
Published: August 2023

In the era of the Internet, information data continue to accumulate, and the explosive growth of network information explosion leads to the reduction of the accuracy of users’ access to information. To enhance the user experience and purchasing desire of e-commerce users, a e-commerce user recommendation algorithm based on social relationship characteristics and improved K-means algorithm is proposed. It combines the Automatic Time Division Dynamic Topic Model based on adaptive time slice division for building a strength calculation model in view of the characteristics of social relations. Then, it proposes an e-commerce user recommendation algorithm in view of the improved K-means algorithm to improve the accuracy of topic feature extraction and user recommendation. The experiment illustrates that there is no fluctuation in the clustering function of the improved K-means algorithm, and the highest, lowest, and average accuracy remain consistent under the three datasets, with average accuracy of 78.9%, 84.5%, and 95.9%, respectively. The community discovery-based friend recommendation algorithm presented in the study has the highest accuracy, illustrating that improving the K-means algorithm can further improve recommendation accuracy. The accuracy of the feature extraction method in view of alternative cost is 0.63, which improves the accuracy by about 9%. The results indicate that this study can provide technical support for user recommendations on e-commerce platforms.
Rapid determination of domoic acid in seafood by fluorescence polarization immunoassay using a portable analyzer
Authors: Ogura Yu , Fukuyama Mao , Kasuya Motohiro , Shigemura Koji , Eremin Sergei A. , Tokeshi Manabu , Hibara Akihide
Published: August 2023

Monitoring phycotoxin accumulation in marine products such as edible shellfish is a regulatory requirement in many countries. Therefore, a simple and rapid onsite quantification method is sought. Herein, we present a fluorescence polarization immunoassay (FPIA), a well-known one-step immunoassay, using a portable fluorescence polarization analyzer for domoic acid (DA), widely referred to as the primary toxin of amnesic shellfish poisoning (ASP). To establish FPIA for DA, the matrix effect of methanol, which is widely used to extract DA from shellfish, on FPIA was investigated. To validate this method, we performed a spike recovery test using oysters containing DA at a concentration equivalent to the regulatory limits of North America and the European Union (20 mg/kg). The recovery rate was found to be 79.4–114.7%, which is equivalent to that of the commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). We expect that this FPIA system will enable the quantitative onsite analysis of DA and significantly contribute to the safety of marine products.

Graphical Abstract
The Soviet Union and the Construction of the Global Market
Authors: Sanchez-Sibony Oscar
Published: August 2023

Oscar Sanchez-Sibony reveals the origins of our current era in the dissolution of the institutions that governed the architecture of energy and finance during the Bretton Woods era. He shows how, in the second half of the 1960s, the Soviet Union sought to dismantle the compartmentalized nature of Bretton Woods in order to escape its material ostracism and pave a path to global finance and exchange that the United States had vetoed during the 1950s and 1960s. Through the construction of a set of pipelines that helped Europe's energy regime change from coal to oil and gas, the Soviet Union succeeded in developing market relations and a relationship with Western capital as durable as the pipelines themselves. He shows how a history of the development of capitalism needs to integrate the socialist world in bringing about the new form of capitalism that regiments our lives today.
Tropical Storms and Hurricanes in New Orleans Lead to Increased Rates of Violent Injury
Authors: Ghio Michael , Ghio Caroline , Campbell Alexandra , Fleckman Julia , Theall Katherine , Constans Joseph , Tatum Danielle , McGrew Patrick , Duchesne Juan , Taghavi Sharven
Published: August 2023

Objective:

The effects of named weather storms on the rates of penetrating trauma is poorly understood with only case reports of single events currently guiding public health policy. This study examines whether tropical storms and hurricanes contribute to trauma services and volume.

Methods:

This was a cross-sectional review of tropical storms/hurricanes affecting New Orleans, Louisiana, during hurricane seasons (June 1–November 30) from 2010–2021, and their association with the rate of penetrating trauma. Authors sought to determine how penetrating trauma rates changed during hurricane seasons and associate them with demographic variables.

Results:

There were 5531 penetrating injuries, with 412 (7.4%) occurring during landfall and 554 (10.0%) in the aftermath. Black/African Americans were the most affected. There was an increase in the rate of penetrating events during landfall (3.4 events/day) and aftermath (3.5 events/day) compared to the baseline (2.8 events/day) (P = < 0.001). Using multivariate analysis, wind speed was positively related to firearm injury, whereas the rainfall total was inversely related to firearm violence rates during landfall and aftermath periods. Self-harm was positively related to distance from the trauma center.

Conclusions:

Cities at risk for named weather storms may face increasing gun violence in the landfall and aftermath periods. Black/African Americans are most affected, worsening existing disparities. Self-harm may also increase following these weather events.