bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
El paisaje cultural de los Montes y Valles Pasiegos (Cantabria): construcción histórica y potencial para el desarrollo territorial sostenible
Authors: Delgado Viñas Carmen
Published: October 2022

Este artículo expone de manera sucinta los resultados de las investigaciones realizadas, algunasde ellas ya publicadas, sobre el proceso de construcción y los rasgos del paisaje de los Montes y VallesPasiegos, como modelo de paisaje cultural, y la conveniencia de valorarlo como recurso e “imagen demarca” para el desarrollo sostenible del espacio comarcal.Desde hace siglos este territorio ha desempeñado una función ganadera preponderante que harelegado a un papel muy secundario a las otras actividades económicas y formas de uso productivo delterritorio. A partir del siglo xvi, se produjo la implantación de un sistema productivo semiintensivo quetuvo una gran trascendencia en la modificación de la organización del territorio pasiego. En poco tiempose produjeron notables cambios en el modo de vida de la población, en las formas de poblamiento, enla dedicación productiva de los espacios de uso agrario y, en consecuencia, en el modelado del paisajerural, cuyos rasgos característicos han llegado hasta nuestros días.Además de otros recursos patrimoniales, que pueden contribuir a mitigar el declive actual de la mayorparte de la comarca pasiega, el bien más valioso de este territorio es, sin duda alguna, el patrimonio paisajístico, expresión del modo de vida pasiego secular, siempre y cuando antes sea reconocido socialmente su valor y convenientemente preservado y protegido.
Les transformacions agràries a les terres de Castelló a finals del segle XIX, analitzades pel comissari d’agricultura Fernando Bou i Gascó
Authors: Badenes Martín Miguel Àngel , Bernat Martí Joan Serafí
Published: October 2022

Davant l’endarreriment que es vivia en les terres septentrionals valencianes, a les darreres dècadesdel segle xix una sèrie de persones intentaren introduir transformacions en el seu paisatge agrari, sobretota la Plana, que pogueren significar un avanç socioeconòmic. Entre els protagonistes d’aquestes proposteshi hagué tècnics que s’havien format per a analitzar el què i el com es cultivava, i proposaven el quecaldria modificar. Un d’aquests especialistes en agricultura fou Fernando Bou i Gascó (1828-1884), quiva experimentar i escriure sobre les mesures que calia prendre per a fer front als problemes de cultiustradicionals, com la fil·loxera de la vinya, i sobre els possibles nous cultius de regadiu, com la canyameli els cítrics, perquè substituïren els cereals i el cànem.
Espacios y paisajes del horror en la Valencia moderna (siglos XV, XVI Y XVII)
Authors: Catalá Sanz Jorge A. , Pérez García Pablo
Published: October 2022

El derecho penal y la praxis punitiva del Antiguo Régimen impedían dar sepultura eclesiástica alos ajusticiados. Durante siglos, Europa quedó cubierta de campos de horcas, como muestran pinturasy grabados. Los cuerpos de los supliciados se integraban así macabramente en el espacio y en el paisaje,proyectando sobre ellos admoniciones, advertencias e imágenes brutalmente implacables de la justiciadel príncipe. En la Valencia moderna las sentencias de muerte se ejecutaban en las ciudades y grandespoblaciones. El único campo de horcas conocido fue el de Carraixet, establecido en 1356 y activo hastamediados del siglo xix. Los cadáveres permanecían allí colgados hasta que la Cofradía de los Inocentesy Desamparados los retiraba y enterraba con motivo de la festividad de San Matías, cada 24 de febrero.Los autores de crímenes atroces padecían sentencias agravadas: su cuerpo era mutilado y decapitadopost mortem. En estos casos, los restos del supliciado no se solían enviar a Carraixet ni recibían sepulturacanónica; la cabeza, las manos, los brazos y las piernas se usaban para resignificar espacios y señalizarel territorio. Con las cabezas y las manos se intentaba representar la “eficacia” y la dureza de la justiciareal, de modo que era costumbre colocarlas a la vista de los transeúntes, en los lugares donde se había perpetrado el crimen, en las puertas de acceso a la capital y en las cruces de los caminos. Brazos y piernas servían de igual manera para advertir a los delincuentes de las espantosas consecuencias de sus actos. De ahí que se exhibieran en los caminos, en los parajes donde se producían los asaltos y acechaban los bandidos y a lo largo de las grandes vías de comunicación de toda la Gobernación valenciana.
Las charcas temporales ganaderas en el Cabriel requenense (Valencia): acervo cultural y oasis de biodiversidad
Authors: González Segura Javier
Published: October 2022

Este artículo pone de manifiesto la importancia de las charcas temporales en la cuenca requenense del río Cabriel (Valencia). El escaso interés por parte de la sociedad actual ha propiciado el deterioro de estas estructuras, estando sometidas a numerosas y constantes amenazas. Su estudio, por tanto, resulta fundamental para conocer su elevado valor cultural y etnográfico y mejorar las comunidades ecológicas que en ellas habitan.
La caracterización de estos aspectos ha necesitado de la realización de un inventario de las charcas, que facilita su localización geográfica y posterior acceso. Se ha apreciado la diversidad de charcas existente respecto a las tipologías identificadas, los sistemas de captación de agua o el estado de conservación que presentan; así como su concentración espacial, derivada del poblamiento y de la litología.
Los resultados obtenidos constatan el mal estado de la mayoría de los charcos, tras un mantenimiento insuficiente durante décadas. A este respecto, se proponen algunas actuaciones para mitigar o subsanar las principales deficiencias detectadas (reducción de aportes hídricos, colmatación, pérdida de biodiversidad).
El patrimonio paisajístico generado por la realeza en Madrid y su entorno
Authors: Sanz Herráiz Concepción
Published: October 2022

El conjunto de los Sitios Reales constituye un notable patrimonio histórico-cultural. En la ciudadde Madrid y en sus proximidades, en torno a la Sierra de Guadarrama y al Valle del Tajo, este conjuntode paisajes históricos forma parte de una red organizada en relación con la residencia permanente de lacorte en Madrid a partir de los reinados de Felipe II y Felipe III.La llamada cornisa de Madrid (Sáez et al., 2018), paisaje urbano del que forma parte el PalacioReal, nace con un asentamiento neolítico, mantiene una larga evolución bajo dominio árabe, y se convierteen un elemento fundamental de la ciudad desde los siglos xvi y xvii. Felipe II decide establecerla residencia de la realeza en Madrid y habilitar como sede de esta el antiguo alcázar construido por losárabes, e inicia la transformación de este y de su entorno realizando una ordenación del territorio en unamplio espacio. En él, las posesiones reales, heredadas, ampliadas o de nueva adquisición, organizadasinternamente con sus palacios, jardines, fuentes, bosques, dehesas, montes, huertos, prados, estanques,etc., formarán paisajes complejos de carácter propio, en función de la naturaleza y recursos de cada lugary de los objetivos de la corte en cada espacio y momento. Los distintos Sitios Reales, estratégicamentesituados, en áreas próximas al Palacio Real, o en áreas más alejadas, en lugares dotados de condicionesnaturales excepcionales, que fueron ocupados históricamente por los reyes, generalmente de forma temporal,en las diversas estaciones del año, constituyen un patrimonio evidente, dotado desde su origen deimportantes valores históricos y artísticos que se ha enriquecido a lo largo del tiempo con intervenciones diversas y especialmente con las numerosas percepciones que de estos nos han transmitido visitantes, viajeros, pintores, literatos, historiadores, arquitectos, etc.
Estudio de los cambios de posición de la línea de costa en las playas del segmento València-Cullera (1984-2020) a partir de imágenes de satélite de resolución media de libre acceso
Authors: Pardo-Pascual Josep E. , Palomar-Vázquez Jesús , Cabezas-Rabadán Carlos
Published: October 2022

Las playas son espacios de suma importancia ecosistémica y socioeconómica, en numerosas ocasionesamenazados por procesos erosivos que ponen en riesgo su sostenibilidad. Este es el caso de lacosta valenciana, en la que las acciones humanas juegan un papel esencial al alterar la disponibilidady distribución del sedimento a lo largo de la costa. La cuantificación de los cambios morfológicos experimentadospor las playas constituye el paso previo para entender su comportamiento y permitir lapropuesta de actuaciones.
Las imágenes de los satélites de resolución media Landsat 5, 7 y 8, y Sentinel 2, han sido empleadaspara extraer indicadores de la morfología de las playas del segmento València-Cullera como la posiciónde la línea de costa y su anchura entre mayo de 1984 y noviembre de 2020 (923 fechas).
Los resultados evidencian una tendencia erosiva generalizada causada en gran parte por la escasez desedimentos en este sector costero. La acción humana aparece como la gran causante de este escenario erosivo mediante la reducción de la entrada de sedimento al litoral, la interrupción del transporte litoral asociada a las sucesivas ampliaciones del puerto de València, y el desarrollo de acciones directas sobre el sistema playa-duna. Asimismo, la entrada de sedimento al sistema litoral en forma de realimentaciones de arena sobre todo en las dunas costeras parece causar un impacto positivo en las playas del sector, si bien no provoca ensanchamientos sostenidos en aquellos lugares en que son realizados al presentar perfiles de playa ya excesivamente erosionados.
Entorno, paisaje y patrimonio: la matriz territorial vivible sobre la que proyectar futuros
Authors: Farinós Dasí Joaquín , Peiró Sánchez-Manjavacas Enrique
Published: October 2022

La relación entre el paisaje, manifestación visual del territorio, y la planificación, herramienta parala proyección de las dinámicas sociales, tuvo su momento más álgido con la llegada del siglo xxi. Tras elConvenio Europeo del Paisaje, celebrado el 20 de octubre en Florencia, han sido diversas las iniciativaspolíticas en clave territorial que han hecho del paisaje su rasgo distintivo. El presente artículo abordaalgunos aspectos de esta relación entre paisaje y territorio, ambos conceptos espaciales, en el contextode una planificación que entendemos y defendemos como el espacio predilecto para la gobernanza, entanto herramienta para lo político y la emancipación social. Todo ello en el marco de una ordenacióndel territorio como política pública fundamental para la transformación de las dinámicas sociales, conel fin de garantizar la viabilidad y sostenibilidad tanto de los sistemas sociales como los ecológicos, y suinterrelación con el sistema patrimonial territorial existente.
Navegant pel delta del Nil: apunts geomorfològics de la guia d’Isambert (1878)
Authors: Segura Beltrán Francesca
Published: October 2022

Tradicionalment la cartografia històrica ha estat una font important d’informació per als geògrafs.En el cas del delta del Nil, l’atles de la Description de l’Egipte de la campanya de Napoleó (publicat entre1809 i 1828), els treballs de Linant de Bellefonds, fets per al disseny del canal de Sues, així com les observacionsmatemàtiques de Mahmoud-Bey, van servir per a fer un mapa molt complet del delta. Formapart de l’Itinéraire descriptif, historique et archéologique de l’Orient: Malte, Égypte, Nubie, Abyssinie et Sinai,d’Émile Isambert (1878). A partir d’aquesta obra, en aquest article, s’ha elaborat un mapa geomorfològicque malda per caracteritzar les formes del delta al segle xix. La comparació d’aquest mapa amb l’actual(fet a partir d’imatges de satèl·lit i models digitals d’elevacions) ha permès constatar els profunds canvispatits pel delta durant els darrers 150 anys. La reducció de les albuferes i marjals, l’erosió de la costa ila destrucció dels sistemes dunars continentals i litorals son aclaparadores, encara que semblants a lesque han patit de forma generalitzada els deltes i les costes mediterrànies.
Un país d’aigua i marjal. Paisatge agrari i repartiment de terres a la Ribera del Xúquer abans i després de la conquesta del segle XIII
Authors: Furió Antonio
Published: October 2022

L’article estudia l’impacte de la conquesta i la colonització cristianes del segle xiii sobre el paisatge iel poblament a la Ribera del Xúquer, una comarca construïda i definida principalment per la influènciad’aquest riu. En particular, tracta d’analitzar tant la societat musulmana anterior a la conquesta com lanova societat feudal sorgida després, a partir d’una font excepcional com són els llibres de repartimentde les terres i cases expropiades als antics propietaris i assignades als nous colons. En una primera parts’examina la font principal, el Llibre del Repartiment, les seues possibilitats i els seus límits, per a continuacióabordar les successives etapes de la conquesta i colonització del territori, la distribució de castells,torres i alqueries, així com la concessió tant de petits i mitjans lots de terra com de grans explotacions,anomenades “honors”, “heretats” i “reals”. També s’hi estudia la importància del regadiu a un país d’aiguai marjal, entre el riu Xúquer i el llac de l’Albufera. L’article es tanca amb una mirada a la poblaciómusulmana expropiada, que només comença a emergir molt lentament en l’atenció dels historiadors.
Cambios recientes en la cuenca media del Túria: reverdecimiento del paisaje
Authors: López García María José
Published: October 2022

Durante la segunda mitad del siglo xx, los paisajes mediterráneos peninsulares han experimentadoimportantes modificaciones en los usos del suelo, producto del desarrollo socioeconómico (industrialización,urbanización, intensificación del regadío y la ganadería, y abandono de cultivos). Este artículodescribe, cartografía y cuantifica las principales transformaciones ocurridas en la cuenca media del Túria,ejemplo de montaña media mediterránea y un espacio de transición entre las tierras altas y el llanolitoral afectado por las dinámicas de expansión del área metropolitana de Valencia. Se han utilizadotécnicas de fotointerpretación y el análisis de series del índice de vegetación NDVI obtenido a partir deimágenes de satélite. A partir de la elaboración de una cartografía sintética de las principales cubiertasde uso para 1956 y 2010, se diagnostica el tipo y la magnitud de los cambios observados de cara a poderestablecer en un futuro las implicaciones ambientales en la respuesta hidrológica de la cuenca. Se hanconstado cambios en el 60 % de la superficie, en los que destacan el incremento de la cubierta forestalen las zonas de montaña (matorral y bosque) y las transformaciones de cultivos de secano a regadío(cítricos) en los llanos, lo que muestra un proceso global de reverdecimiento del paisaje acorde con losprocesos observados en otros espacios de la península por otros autores.
Oil spill identification in X-band marine radar image using K-means and texture feature
Authors: Chen Rong , Li Bo , Jia Baozhu , Xu Jin , Ma Long , Yang Hongbo , Wang Haixia
Published: October 2022

Marine oil pollution poses a serious threat to the marine ecological balance. It is of great significance to develop rapid and efficient oil spill detection methods for the mitigation of marine oil spill pollution and the restoration of the marine ecological environment. X-band marine radar is one of the important monitoring devices, in this article, we perform the digital X-band radar image by “Sperry Marine” radar system for an oil film extraction experiment. First, the de-noised image was obtained by preprocessing the original image in the Cartesian coordinate system. Second, it was cut into slices. Third, the texture features of the slices were calculated based on the gray-level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM) and K-means method to extract the rough oil spill regions. Finally, the oil spill regions were segmented using the Sauvola threshold algorithm. The experimental results indicate that this study provides a scientific method for the research of oil film extraction. Compared with other methods of oil spill extraction in X-band single-polarization marine radar images, the proposed technology is more intelligent, and it can provide technical support for marine oil spill emergency response in the future.
Association Between Smoking, Smoking Cessation, and Mortality by Race, Ethnicity, and Sex Among US Adults
Authors: Thomson Blake , Emberson Jonathan , Lacey Ben , Lewington Sarah , Peto Richard , Jemal Ahmedin , Islami Farhad
Published: October 2022

Importance

Patterns of cigarette smoking and smoking cessation vary considerably across demographic groups in the US, but there is limited evidence on whether the hazards of smoking and benefits of quitting vary across these groups. Population-specific evidence on the benefits of quitting smoking may motivate cessation among groups historically underrepresented in medical research.

Objective

To quantify the association between smoking, smoking cessation, and mortality by race, ethnicity, and sex.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This nationally representative, prospective cohort study used data from the US National Health Interview Survey collected via questionnaire between January 1997 and December 2018 among adults aged 25 to 84 years at recruitment. Participants were followed up for cause-specific mortality through December 31, 2019.

Exposures

Self-reported smoking status at recruitment, age at quitting smoking, and years since quitting smoking.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The main outcomes were all-cause mortality and mortality from cancer, cardiovascular disease, and lower respiratory disease. Adjusted mortality rate ratios comparing never, former, and current smokers were calculated using Cox proportional hazards regression. Weighted analyses were conducted by race, ethnicity, and sex as reported by participants.

Results

Among the 551 388 participants in the main analyses, the mean (SD) age at recruitment was 48.9 (15.3) years; 307 601 (55.8%) were women, 87 207 (15.8%) were Hispanic, 75 545 (13.7%) were non-Hispanic Black, 355 782 (64.5%) were non-Hispanic White, and 32 854 (6.0%) identified as other non-Hispanic race and ethnicity. There were 74 870 deaths among participants aged 25 to 89 years during follow-up (36 792 [49.1%] among men; 38 078 [50.9%] among women). The all-cause mortality rate ratio (RR) for current vs never smoking was 2.80 (95% CI, 2.73-2.88) overall. The RRs were similar by sex but varied by race and ethnicity: Hispanic, 2.01 (95% CI, 1.84-2.18); non-Hispanic Black, 2.19 (95% CI, 2.06-2.33); non-Hispanic White, 3.00 (95% CI, 2.91-3.10); and other non-Hispanic race and ethnicity, 2.16 (95% CI, 1.88-2.47). When comparing those who quit smoking before age 45 years with never smokers, all-cause mortality RRs were 1.15 (95% CI, 1.03-1.28) among Hispanic individuals, 1.16 (95% CI, 1.07-1.25) among non-Hispanic Black individuals, 1.11 (95% CI, 1.08-1.15) among non-Hispanic White individuals, and 1.17 (95% CI, 0.99-1.39) among other non-Hispanic individuals.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this prospective cohort study, among men and women from diverse racial and ethnic groups, current smoking was associated with at least twice the all-cause mortality rate of never smoking. Quitting smoking, particularly at younger ages, was associated with substantial reductions in the relative excess mortality associated with continued smoking.
Implementing and Assessing a Resident Diversity Council to Address the Need for a Diverse Clinical Workforce
Authors: Gathers Cody , Mateo Camila M. , Sox Colin
Published: October 2022

Importance

Minoritized racial and ethnic groups remain underrepresented in medicine (UIM) compared with the general population. Although many residency programs want to train a diverse group of individuals, methods for implementation are not fully established.

Objective

To describe the implementation and restructuring of the Boston Combined Residency Program (BCRP) Diversity Council and evaluate the association between restructuring the BCRP Diversity Council and the number of UIM interns.

Design, Setting, and Participants

A retrospective cohort study was conducted on a large academic pediatric residency program at Boston Children’s Hospital and Boston Medical Center. Interns who matched in the BCRP from March 17, 2011, to March 18, 2021, were included. Interns who matched in an affiliated medicine-pediatrics residency were excluded because they are not universally exposed to the same recruitment efforts as individuals in the other BCRP tracks.

Exposure

Because the BCRP Diversity Council was restructured in 2016, 2011-2016 was defined as the prerestructuring era and 2017-2021 as the postrestructuring era.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was the proportion of interns who self-identified as UIM.

Results

A total of 516 BCRP interns from 2011 to 2021 were included. A total of 62 individuals (12.0%) identified as racial and ethnic identities UIM (ie, American Indian/Alaska Native, Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino, and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander). During the 6-year prerestructuring Diversity Council era, 27 of the 275 BCRP interns (9.8%) were UIM; 35 of 241 BCRP interns (14.5%) were UIM during the 5-year restructured Diversity Council era (χ2﻿ P = .10).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cohort study, the number of UIM interns was higher after the BCRP Diversity Council was restructured, although the difference was not statistically significant. As the magnitude of the Diversity Council’s influence is multidimensional, perhaps studying additional aspects would have better captured its impact. The BCRP Diversity Council has expanded innovative recruitment initiatives, supported efforts to improve the resident experience, and collaborated with the residency and institutional leadership to promote an inclusive and antiracist learning environment.
Molecular Diagnostic Yield of Exome Sequencing and Chromosomal Microarray in Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Srivastava Siddharth , Lewis Sara A. , Cohen Julie S. , Zhang Bo , Aravamuthan Bhooma R. , Chopra Maya , Sahin Mustafa , Kruer Michael C. , Poduri Annapurna
Published: October 2022

Importance

There are many known acquired risk factors for cerebral palsy (CP), but in some cases, CP is evident without risk factors (cryptogenic CP). Early CP cohort studies report a wide range of diagnostic yields for sequence variants assessed by exome sequencing (ES) and copy number variants (CNVs) assessed by chromosomal microarray (CMA).

Objective

To synthesize the emerging CP genetics literature and address the question of what percentage of individuals with CP have a genetic disorder via ES and CMA.

Data Sources

Searched articles were indexed by PubMed with relevant queries pertaining to CP and ES/CMA (query date, March 15, 2022).

Study Selection

Inclusion criteria were as follows: primary research study, case series with 10 or more nonrelated individuals, CP diagnosis, and ES and/or CMA data used for genetic evaluation. Nonblinded review was performed.

Data Extraction and Synthesis

Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines were used for assessing data quality and validity. Data were extracted by a single observer.

Main Outcomes and Measures

A separate meta-analysis was performed for each modality (ES, CMA). The primary outcome was proportion/molecular diagnostic yield (number of patients with a discovered genetic disorder divided by the total number of patients in the cohort), evaluated via meta-analysis of single proportions using random-effects logistic regression. A subgroup meta-analysis was conducted, using risk factor classification as a subgroup. A forest plot was used to display diagnostic yields of individual studies.

Results

In the meta-analysis of ES yield in CP, the overall diagnostic yield of ES among the cohorts (15 study cohorts comprising 2419 individuals from 11 articles) was 23% (95% CI, 15%-34%). The diagnostic yield across cryptogenic CP cohorts was 35% (95% CI, 27%-45%), compared with 7% (95% CI, 4%-12%) across cohorts with known risk factors (noncryptogenic CP). In the meta-analysis of CMA yield in CP, the diagnostic yield of CMA among the cohorts (5 study cohorts comprising 294 individuals from 5 articles) was 5% (95% CI, 2%-12%).

Conclusions and Relevance

Results of this systematic review and meta-analysis suggest that for individuals with cryptogenic CP, ES followed by CMA to identify molecular disorders may be warranted.
The sediment at the end of the tunnel: Geophysical research to locate the Pleistocene entrance of Gruta da Companheira (Algarve, Southern Portugal)
Authors: Barbieri Alvise , Regala Federico T. , Cascalheira João , Bicho Nuno
Published: October 2022

Until recently, evidence of Neanderthal cave use in the Algarve (Southern Portugal) came only from the site of Ibn Ammar. Over the last couple of years, archaeological excavations inside another cave, Gruta da Companheira, yielded Mousterian stone tools associated with possible human fossils. The discovery of this assemblage is groundbreaking because it may contribute to enlighten the Neanderthal/cave relationship and explain the dearth of similar sites in the Algarve. Gruta da Companheira, however, is a complex karst system, which was partly destroyed during its accidental discovery. As result, the original entrance of the cave remains unknown, and it is unclear how sediments, archaeological materials and Neanderthals accessed the site. To tackle these issues, we combined geomorphological observations with speleological, Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) and Ground‐Penetrating Radar (GPR) prospections. Our data indicate that Gruta da Companheira was probably accessed from the hilltop through a sub‐vertical entrance. Additionally, our results suggest the existence of yet unexplored shallower cavities connected with the already known passages of Gruta da Companheira. These results will guide the opening of new excavation areas at the site. The limestone bedrock hosting Gruta da Companheira has been extensively dissolved by karst processes. Therefore, it is necessary to focus future research on the cave infillings to clarify whether Neanderthals exploited the cave's inner chambers or alternatively limited their occupations to the hilltop and geogenic processes reworked their materials into the endokarst system shortly after their stays. The deep karstification and partial collapse of the hill hosting Gruta da Companheira are common in limestone outcrops that occur throughout the Western Algarve. Poor visibility and poor accessibility of this karst area, densely covered with shrubby vegetation, are factors that need to be considered when addressing the scarcity of Middle Palaeolithic cave sites in this region.
Stimulus‐Responsive Amino Acids Behind In Situ Assembled Bioactive Peptide Materials
Authors: Song Yanqiu , Zhang Zeyu , Cao Yawei , Yu Zhilin
Published: October 2022

In situ self‐assembly of peptides into well‐defined nanostructures represents one of versatile strategies for creation of bioactive materials within living cells with great potential in disease diagnosis and treatment. The intimate relationship between amino acid sequences and the assembling propensity of peptides has been thoroughly elucidated over the past few decades. This has inspired development of various controllable self‐assembling peptide systems based on stimuli‐responsive naturally occurring or non‐canonical amino acids, including redox‐, pH‐, photo‐, enzyme‐responsive amino acids. This review attempts to summarize the recent progress achieved in manipulating in situ self‐assembly of peptides by controllable reactions occurring to amino acids. We will highlight the systems containing non‐canonical amino acids developed in our laboratory during the past few years, primarily including acid/enzyme‐responsive 4‐aminoproline, redox‐responsive (seleno)methionine, and enzyme‐responsive 2‐nitroimidazolyl alanine. Utilization of the stimuli‐responsive assembling systems in creation of bioactive materials will be specifically introduced to emphasize their advantages for addressing the concerns lying in disease theranostics. Eventually, we will provide the perspectives for the further development of stimulus‐responsive amino acids and thereby demonstrating their great potential in development of next‐generation biomaterials.
Decoupled Water Electrolysis Driven by 1 cm2 Single Perovskite Solar Cell Yielding a Solar‐to‐Hydrogen Efficiency of 14.4 %
Authors: Lv Fei , Qin Zhixiao , Wu Jiazhe , Pan Lixia , Liu Longjie , Chen Yubin , Zhao Yixin
Published: October 2022

Solar water splitting by photovoltaic (PV) electrolysis is a promising route for sustainable hydrogen production. However, multiple PV cells connected in series are generally required to fulfil the practical electrolytic voltages, which inevitably increases the system complexity and resistance. Decoupled water electrolysis for separate hydrogen and oxygen evolution needs smaller voltage to drive each half‐reaction, which provides a feasibility to achieve the single PV cell driven water electrolysis. Herein, by introducing sodium nickelhexacyanoferrate (NaNiHCF) as the redox mediator, decoupled acid water electrolyzer and amphoteric water electrolyzer were respectively constructed. The required voltages for the hydrogen or oxygen evolution steps matched with the output voltages of the perovskite solar cell (PSC). Impressively, by combining one 1 cm2 FAPbI3‐based PSC (efficiency: 18.77 %) with the decoupled amphoteric water electrolyzer, a solar‐to‐hydrogen (STH) efficiency of 14.4 % was achieved, which outperformed previously reported PSC‐driven water electrolysis cells.
Limitation of switching frequency to improve characteristics and suppression of input current distortion for critical mode PFC
Authors: Yamada Ryuji , Araumi Ryunosuke , Wada Keiji
Published: October 2022

In critical mode power factor correction (PFC), the switching frequency is varied to achieve a sinusoidal input current waveform. Under certain conditions, a higher frequency increases the loss and noise. Meanwhile, the limitation of the switching frequency leads to an increase in input current distortion. This paper proposes a method to prevent an increase in distortion by compensating the pulse width at a limited frequency. Using this control method, critical mode PFC with a limited maximum switching frequency was evaluated. As a result, the total harmonic distortion of the input current was lower than that before the frequency limitation. Furthermore, the improvement in efficiency and the reduction in conducted EMI were confirmed.
Self‐Healable and Stretchable PAAc/XG/Bi2Se0.3Te2.7 Hybrid Hydrogel Thermoelectric Materials
Authors: Li Jinmeng , Xu Tian , Ma Zheng , Li Wang , Qian Yongxin , Tao Yang , Wei Yinchao , Jiang Qinghui , Luo Yubo , Yang Junyou
Published: October 2022

Thermoelectric power generators have attracted increasing interest in recent years owing to their great potential in wearable electronics power supply. It is noted that thermoelectric power generators are easy to damage in the dynamic service process, resulting in the formation of microcracks and performance degradation. Herein, we prepare a new hybrid hydrogel thermoelectric material PAAc/XG/Bi2Se0.3Te2.7 by an in situ polymerization method, which shows a high stretchable and self‐healable performance, as well as a good thermoelectric performance. For the sample with Bi2Se0.3Te2.7 content of 1.5 wt% (i.e., PAAc/XG/Bi2Se0.3Te2.7 (1.5 wt%)), which has a room temperature Seebeck coefficient of −0.45 mV K−1, and exhibits an open‐circuit voltage of −17.91 mV and output power of 38.1 nW at a temperature difference of 40 K. After being completely cut off, the hybrid thermoelectric hydrogel automatically recovers its electrical characteristics within a response time of 2.0 s, and the healed hydrogel remains more than 99% of its initial power output. Such stretchable and self‐healable hybrid hydrogel thermoelectric materials show promising potential for application in dynamic service conditions, such as wearable electronics.
Flexible support of a pile embedded in unsaturated soil under Rayleigh waves
Authors: Yang Zijian , Wu Wenbing , Liu Hao , Zhang Yunpeng , Liang Rongzhu
Published: October 2022

Under the action of Rayleigh waves, pile head is easy to rotate with a concrete pile cap, and pure fixed‐head condition is rarely achieved, which is a common phenomenon for it usually occurs on the precast piles with insufficient anchorage. In addition, the propagation characteristics of Rayleigh wave have been changed significantly due to the existence of capillary pressure and the coupling between phases in unsaturated soil, which significantly affects the pile‐soil interaction. In order to study the above problems, a coupled vibration model of unsaturated soil–pile system subjected to Rayleigh waves is established on the basis that the pile cap is equivalent to a rigid mass block. Meanwhile, the soil constitution is simplified to linear‐elastic and small deformations are assumed to occur during the vibration phase of soil–pile system. Then, the horizontal dynamic response of a homogeneous free‐field unsaturated soil caused by propagating Rayleigh waves is obtained by using operator decomposition theory and variable separation method. The dynamic equilibrium equation of a pile is established by using the dynamic Winkler model and the Timoshenko beam theory, and the analytical solutions of the horizontal displacement, rotation angle, bending moment and shear force of pile body are derived according to the boundary conditions of flexible constraint of pile top. Based on the present solutions, the rationality of the proposed model is verified by comparing with the previous research results. Through parametric study, the influence of rotational stiffness and yield bending moment of pile top on the horizontal dynamic characteristics of Rayleigh waves induced pile is investigated in detailed. The analysis results can be utilized for the seismic design of pile foundation under Rayleigh waves.
Responses to defoliation and fertiliser, corm development and chemical control of onion grass (Romulea rosea) in the Mediterranean environment of southern Australia
Authors: Nie Zhongnan , Zollinger Reto , Behrendt Ralph
Published: October 2022

Background

Onion grass (Romulea rosea) is a common weed that infests native and improved pastures in the Mediterranean environments of southern Australia. It is a very challenging weed to control due to its distinctive growth and survival mechanisms involving corms.

Methods

Three glasshouse experiments were conducted in Australia to investigate the response of onion grass to defoliation and fertiliser application, the development and growth of onion grass corms and the chemical control of the weed in winter and spring.

Results

Defoliating consistently to 1 cm above ground reduced corm weight by 84% compared with the control. Medium or high fertiliser application did not increase herbage mass of onion grass compared with the nonfertilised treatment. The corm weight of onion grass declined from Weeks 1 to 8 after emergence, remained at 53–60 mg dry matter (DM) corm−1 from Weeks 8 to 19 and then declined on average to 37 mg DM corm−1 up to Week 26 after emergence. New corms started to develop at Week 6 after emergence. A small proportion of the onion grass plants (7.5%) developed multiple new corms (3–6 corms) from a single old corm. The most effective herbicide control was a winter application of metsulfuron methyl or imazamox as an alternative product to protect clover.

Conclusions

This study has identified the growth and development patterns of onion grass corms, how the plant responded to defoliation and fertiliser application and effective chemical control of this weed. These findings have significant practical implications for the improvement of onion grass‐infested pastures.
Adverse reactions associated with immune checkpoint inhibitors and bevacizumab: A pharmacovigilance analysis
Authors: Gu Tianqi , Jiang Aimin , Zhou Chaozheng , Lin Anqi , Cheng Quan , Liu Zaoqu , Zhang Jian , Luo Peng
Published: October 2022

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) combined with the anti‐angiogenesis drug bevacizumab is one of the future directions of immunotherapy. However, the potential adverse drug reactions (ADRs) caused by combination therapy remain unclear. Current research on ADRs of combination therapy in cancer patients is extremely limited. Our study aims to help determine the safety of combination therapy. We downloaded the ADR reports on combination therapy, from the first quarter of 2012 to the fourth quarter of 2021, from the FDA adverse event reporting system (FAERS) database and conducted a large‐scale retrospective study. The ADR signals were monitored by reporting odds ratio (ROR) and analyzing the risk of different ADRs in patients with Pan‐cancer. A total of 2094 cases were selected, after excluding duplicate data and the use of chemotherapy drugs. We evaluated the risk of ADR in Pan‐cancer patients. Combination therapy was an independent risk factor for adverse drug reactions associated with interstitial lung disease (OR: 8.62; 95% CI: 6.14‐12.10, P < .0001), hypertension (OR: 1.35; 95% CI: 1.11‐1.65, P < .01) and gastrointestinal bleeding (OR: 3.16; 95% CI: 2.21‐4.51, P < .0001). A subgroup analysis revealed that the risk of endocrine system‐related ADRs was elevated in patients receiving different combination therapies or with certain tumor types. We retrospectively studied the ADR of combination therapy in Pan‐cancer patients and analyzed the distribution characteristics of ADR from the perspectives of treatment strategy and cancer types to provide recommendations for the individualized management of patients receiving combination therapy.
The oil price plummeted in 2014–2015: Is there an effect on Chinese firms' labour investment?
Authors: Liu Xinheng , Li Shuxian , Fu Chengbo , Gong Xu , Fan Chen
Published: October 2022

Using the exogenous event of oil price sharp decline in 2014–2015, this paper employs the difference‐in‐difference method to establish a causal link between the oil price decline and the Chinese firms' labour investment. Data of listed companies in China from 2012 to 2016 are used to explore this relationship. We show that the employment for firms in industries with significant negative oil price risk exposure increases 16.4% after the oil price plummeted, that is, the oil price decline significantly promotes the firms' labour force. Additionally, the positive effect of oil price decline on the firms' labour force is more pronounced in firms with higher risk‐taking, financing constraints, and industry competition. Lastly, we also document that the effect of oil price decline is through sales growth channels to increase labour demand. However, firms tend to overinvest in labour after the oil price plummeted. Based on these findings we suggest that oil price fluctuation should be an important factor for the Chinese government and enterprises when they make an economic decision related to the labour force.
The impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic on abortion access and pre‐abortion mental health in Shanghai
Authors: Zhang Zhifang , Wang Xiaoyun , Wang Wei , Zhang Jingjing , Shan Liyun , Li Yanli
Published: October 2022

Objective

To understand the barriers to abortion in Shanghai during the COVID‐19 pandemic, and to compare pre‐abortion mental health status before and during the crisis.

Methods

In this case–control study, two groups of women seeking abortion (age ≥18 years, pregnancy duration <98 days) were recruited from March to September, 2021 (n = 1070) and from February to April 2022 (n = 625). The evaluation included COVID‐19‐related abortion stress questions, the Symptom Checklist‐90 Revised questionnaire, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and the Family Environment Scale Chinese version. The researchers conducted interviews and collected questionnaires.

Results

The median pregnancy duration at abortion among women during the pandemic was 65 days, compared with 51 days in the pre‐pandemic group (P < 0.001). Anxiety and depression symptoms increased during the crisis (P < 0.001). Sleep disturbances were more common. Higher PSQI scores were related to increased anxiety and depression symptoms. A more negative family climate was described during the pandemic.

Conclusion

During the COVID‐19 pandemic, abortion access was delayed and pre‐abortion mental disorders increased. More attention should be paid to the mental health of women seeking abortions, and innovations should be promoted to ensure abortion services without delay.
Centella asiaticaextract‐SiO2 nanocomposite: More than a drug‐delivery system for skin protection from oxidative damage
Authors: Ebau Federico , Scano Alessandra , Manca Maria Letizia , Manconi Maria , Cabras Valentina , Pilloni Martina , Ennas Guido
Published: October 2022

An innovative nanotechnology‐based approach was used for the preparation of Centella asiatica (C. asiatica) extract‐SiO2 nanocomposites, specifically tailored for skin protection from oxidative damage. Different amounts of C. asiatica glycolic extract (1.0, 3.0, 5.0, and 10.0 wt %) and fumed silica were used to prepare the nanocomposites by means of ball milling method. The influence of both composition of the starting mixture and milling time on the final products was evaluated by different techniques such as X‐ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and nitrogen sorption analysis. Results confirmed the integrity of the natural extract after the milling process, and its successful loading in the silica matrix. No cytotoxicity was observed for the obtained nanocomposites, which showed high in‐vitro ability to scavenge 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl and to protect human keratinocytes from damages induced with hydrogen peroxide.
Early distribution of18 F‐labeled AAV9 vectors in the cerebrospinal fluid after intracerebroventricular or intracisternal magna infusion in non‐human primates
Authors: Kumagai Shinichi , Nakajima Takeshi , Shimazaki Kuniko , Kakiuchi Takeharu , Harada Norihiro , Ohba Hiroyuki , Onuki Yoshiyuki , Takino Naomi , Ito Mika , Sato Makoto , Nakamura Sachie , Osaka Hitoshi , Yamagata Takanori , Kawai Kensuke , Muramatsu Shin‐ichi
Published: October 2022

Background

The delivery of adeno‐associated virus (AAV) vectors via the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) has emerged as a valuable method for widespread transduction in the central nervous system. Although infusion into the cerebral ventricles is a common protocol in preclinical studies of small animals, the cisterna magna has been recognized as an alternative target for clinical studies because it can be reached in a less invasive manner using an intrathecal catheter via the subarachnoid space from a lumbar puncture.

Methods

We evaluated the early distribution of fluorine‐18‐labeled AAV9 vectors infused into the lateral ventricle or cisterna magna of four non‐human primates using positron emission tomography. The expression of the green fluorescent protein was immunohistochemically determined.

Results

In both approaches, the labeled vectors diffused into the broad arachnoid space around the brain stem and cervical spinal cord within 30 min. Both infusion routes efficiently transduced neurons in the cervical spinal cord.

Conclusions

For gene therapy that primarily targets the cervical spinal cord and brainstem, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, cisterna magna infusion would be a feasible and effective administration method.
Circulating plasma miR222‐3P status and its potential diagnostic performance in prostate cancer
Authors: Heydari Zohreh , Moudi Emadoddin , Sadeghi Farzin , Hajiahmadi Mahmoud , Rezatabar Setareh , Neamati Nahid , Parsian Hadi
Published: October 2022

Background

Although studies suggest that miR222‐3p is dysregulated in prostate cancer (PC) cells and tissues, the possible changes in the level of miR222‐3p in the plasma samples of PC patients remained unclear. The present study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic value of the plasma miR222‐3p expression level as a potential biomarker in PC, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and healthy people.

Methods

Blood samples were collected from 100 adult males (54 patients with PC, 27 patients with BPH and 19 healthy individuals) referred to our affiliated hospital. The expression level of miR222‐3p was evaluated using a quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to evaluate miR222‐3p diagnostic accuracy for discriminating between the PC, BPH and healthy individuals.

Results

The expression level of miR222‐3p was significantly higher in PC patients compared to healthy individuals as a fold change of 5.3 (p = 0.009), but not for BPH individuals. The diagnostic value of the plasma miR222‐3p for discrimination of the PC patients from healthy individuals was reasonable [cut‐off value (fold change relative to miR16‐5p) = 1.69, area under the curve = 0.73, sensitivity = 0.75 and specificity = 0.74].

Conclusions

Circulating plasma miR‐222‐3p significantly upregulated in PC patients, but not in BPH ones. Besides these preliminary results showed that miR222‐3p has the potential to discriminate PC patients from healthy ones. Addittional studies with a larger sample size are required to confirm these data.
Dynamical analysis of a discrete‐time COVID‐19 epidemic model
Authors: Qadeer Khan Abdul , Tasneem Muhammad , Younis Bakri Adam Ibrahim , Ibrahim Tarek Fawzi
Published: October 2022

In this paper, we explore local dynamics with topological classifications, bifurcation analysis, and chaos control in a discrete‐time COVID‐19 epidemic model in the interior of . It is explored that for all involved parametric values, discrete‐time COVID‐19 epidemic model has boundary equilibrium solution and also it has an interior equilibrium solution under definite parametric condition. We have explored the local dynamics with topological classifications about boundary and interior equilibrium solutions of the discrete‐time COVID‐19 epidemic model by linear stability theory. Further, for the discrete‐time COVID‐19 epidemic model, existence of periodic points and convergence rate are also investigated. It is also studied the existence of possible bifurcations about boundary and interior equilibrium solutions and proved that there exists no flip bifurcation about boundary equilibrium solution. Moreover, it is proved that about interior equilibrium solution, there exist Hopf and flip bifurcations, and we have studied these bifurcations by utilizing explicit criterion. Moreover, by feedback control strategy, chaos in the discrete COVID‐19 epidemic model is also explored. Finally, theoretical results are verified numerically.