bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dinuclear Chlorotetrylenes of Silicon, Germanium, and Tin Based on a Backbone‐Bridged Bis(amidine)
Authors: Dehmel Maximilian , Wünsche Marius A. , Görls Helmar , Kretschmer Robert
Published: November 2021

Bis(chlorotetrylene)s of Si, Ge, and Sn have been synthetically realized starting from the backbone‐bridged bis(amidine) 1. Double deprotonation of 1 and subsequent reaction with trichlorosilane affords the bis(dichorosilane) 2, which is converted to the respective bis(chlorosilylene) 3 by dehydrochlorination using lithium bis(trimethylsilyl)amide. The related bis(chlorogermylene) 4 and the bis(chlorostannylene) 5 are obtained by reacting the dilithium salt with GeCl2 ⋅ (dioxane) and SnCl2, respectively. 2 readily reacts with benzil affording the bis(siladioxolene) 6, while no reaction was observed when using the bis(chlorogermylene) 4. The complexes have been fully characterized and their molecular solid‐state structures have been investigated by means of single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis.
Triarylmethyl Cation‐Catalyzed Three‐Component Coupling for the Synthesis of Unsymmetrical Bisindolylmethanes
Authors: Patterson William J. , Lucas Kelly , Jones Vanessa A. , Chen Zhenghua , Bardelski Kevin , Guarino‐Hotz Melissa , Brindle Cheyenne S.
Published: November 2021

An efficient synthesis of unsymmetrical bisindolylmethanes has been accomplished using triarylmethyl cations to catalyze the reaction of N‐arylimines with two different indoles. Optimization of the organocatalyst by tuning cation stability allows for excellent single addition selectivity when coupled with p‐nitrophenyl imines. The optimal catalyst is commercially available, and the reaction minimizes waste and environmental impact by employing a one‐to‐one ratio of starting materials. The intermediates can be isolated or used in situ in a one‐pot two‐step reaction to generate unsymmetrical bisindolylmethanes in high yields. The reaction tolerates a broad range of imines with the highest yields observed for electron‐poor and neutral imines. A wide range of indole nucleophiles are also successfully employed allowing for the creation of a large variety of unsymmetrical bisindolylmethanes.
Metamorphic evolution of the pelitic and mafic granulites from Daltonganj, Chhotanagpur Granite Gneiss Complex, India: Constraints from zircon U–Pb age and phase equilibria modelling
Authors: Kumar Ravi Ranjan , Kawaguchi Kenta , Dwivedi Shyam Bihari , Das Kaushik
Published: November 2021

The Daltonganj region is located on the northwestern extension of the Chhotanagpur Granite Gneiss Complex in the eastern Indian Peninsula, which is characterized by pelitic and mafic assemblages of granulite facies rock. The pelitic granulites contain garnet, cordierite, biotite, plagioclase, K‐feldspar, sillimanite, and quartz. Petrographical interpretations divulge prograde and retrograde metamorphic events within mafic granulites, which consist of clinopyroxene, orthopyroxene, amphibole, plagioclase, biotite, and quartz. Field observation, petrography, phase equilibrium modelling, and U–Pb zircon geochronology of the pelitic granulites reveal two stages of metamorphic events along the clockwise P–T path. Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (LA‐ICP‐MS) zircon U–Pb age dating of pelitic granulites shows the detrital zircon ages from ~1,734 Ma to 1,677 Ma, and the possible metamorphic domains show the weighted mean age of 1,638 ± 22 Ma, which represents the timing of metamorphism. Subsequently, the magmatic emplacement of mafic granulites was recorded at 1,629 ± 6 Ma age by Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (LA‐ICP‐MS) zircon U–Pb dating which coincide with the timing of metamorphism of the pelitic granulite. Phase equilibrium modelling in the NCKFMASHTO system divulges the pre‐peak metamorphic stage at ~3.2 kbar and ~620°C and the first stage which is characterized by a peak metamorphic condition that ranges from 7.40 to 9.10 kbar and from 815 to 835°C during ~1,638 Ma with the mineral assemblage of garnet + sillimanite + biotite + plagioclase + K‐feldspar + melt + quartz + ilmenite. Sequentially, the retrograde metamorphism is observed by a nearly isothermal decompression stage at ~4.0 kbar/~790°C after 1,638 Ma, due to the appearance of garnet + cordierite + biotite + plagioclase + K‐feldspar + melt + quartz + ilmenite + magnetite. The formation of cordierite is due to the decompression and dehydration melting phases. The Nb, Sr, and Ti negative anomalies suggest their generation from crustal sources. The geochemical analyses constrain that the sedimentation of pelitic sediments was recorded along the convergent margin and encountered by a subduction‐related tectonic setting. The geochemical interpretation provides significant evidence that the protoliths of pelitic granulites were derived from the Singhbhum Mobile Belt, Mahakoshal Supracrustal Belt, and Bundelkhand Craton, while their metamorphism was processed by the continent–continent collision and followed by exhumation.
Thyroid cancers potentially preventable by reducing overweight and obesity in Australia: A pooled cohort study
Authors: Laaksonen Maarit A. , MacInnis Robert J. , Canfell Karen , Shaw Jonathan E. , Magliano Dianna J. , Banks Emily , Giles Graham G. , Byles Julie E. , Gill Tiffany K. , Mitchell Paul , Hirani Vasant , Cumming Robert G. , Vajdic Claire M.
Published: November 2021

Thyroid cancer incidence and the prevalence of overweight and obesity are increasing, but the future thyroid cancer burden attributable to contemporary levels of overweight and obesity has not been evaluated before. We quantified this burden in Australia, and assessed whether the overweight/obesity‐attributable burden differed by sex or other population subgroupings. We estimated the strength of the associations of overweight and obesity with thyroid cancer with adjusted proportional hazards models using pooled data from seven Australian cohorts (N = 367 058) with 431 thyroid cancer cases ascertained from linked national cancer registry data during a maximum 22‐year follow‐up. We combined these estimates with nationally representative 2017 to 2018 estimates of overweight and obesity prevalence to estimate population attributable fractions (PAFs) of future thyroid cancers attributable to overweight and obesity, accounting for competing risk of death, and compared PAFs for population subgroups. Contemporary levels of overweight and obesity explain 18.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 5.2%‐30.2%), and obesity alone 13.7% (95% CI: 5.2%‐21.4%), of the future thyroid cancer burden. The obesity‐attributable thyroid cancer burden is 21.4% (95% CI: 2.8%‐36.5%) for men and 10.1% (95% CI: 0.8%‐18.6%) for women. Were the currently obese overweight instead, 9.9% (95% CI: 1.0%‐18.1%) of thyroid cancers could be avoided. The relative overweight/obesity‐attributable burden is higher for those consuming on average more than two alcoholic drinks per day (63.4%) and for those who are not married/co‐habiting (33.2%). In conclusion, avoiding excess weight, especially obesity, should be a priority for thyroid cancer prevention. Further studies, with findings stratified by tumour size, may reveal the potential role of overdiagnosis in our results.
Phase angle from bioelectrical impedance analysis is a useful indicator of muscle quality
Authors: Akamatsu Yasunori , Kusakabe Toru , Arai Hiroshi , Yamamoto Yuji , Nakao Kazuwa , Ikeue Kentaro , Ishihara Yuki , Tagami Tetsuya , Yasoda Akihiro , Ishii Kojiro , Satoh‐Asahara Noriko
Published: November 2021

Background

Methods that facilitate muscle quality measurement may improve the diagnosis of sarcopenia. Current research has focused on the phase angle (PhA) obtained through bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) as an indicator of cellular health, particularly cell membrane integrity and cell function. The current study therefore aimed to evaluate the relationship between the PhA and muscle quality and muscle‐related parameters and to determine factors associated with the PhA. Moreover, we attempted to determine the cut‐off value of PhA for predicting sarcopenia.

Methods

First‐year university students (830 male students, 18.5 ± 0.6 years old; 422 female students, 18.3 ± 0.5 years old) and community‐dwelling elderly individuals (70 male individuals, 74.4 ± 5.5 years old; 97 female individuals, 73.1 ± 6.4 years old) were included. PhA and other body composition data were measured using BIA, while muscle quality was calculated by dividing handgrip strength by upper limbs muscle mass. The relationship between PhA and the aforementioned parameters were then analysed, after which the cut‐off value of PhA for predicting sarcopenia was examined.

Results

Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that age, skeletal muscle mass index (SMI), and muscle quality were independently associated with PhA in both sexes [male (age: standardized regression coefficient (β) = −0.43, P < 0.001, SMI: β = 0.61, P < 0.001, muscle quality: β = 0.13, P < 0.001) and female (age: β = −0.56, P < 0.001, SMI: β = 0.52, P < 0.001, muscle quality: β = 0.09, P = 0.007)]. Participants with sarcopenia had a significantly lower PhA compared with those without it (sarcopenia vs. non‐sarcopenia: young male participants, 5.51 ± 0.41° vs. 6.25 ± 0.50°, P < 0.001; young female participants, 4.88 ± 0.16° vs. 5.37 ± 0.44°, P = 0.005; elderly female participants: 4.14 ± 0.29° vs. 4.63 ± 0.42°, P = 0.009). Although no significant findings were observed in elderly male participants, the same tendency was noted. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis indicated that PhA had good predictive ability for sarcopenia in young male, elderly male, young female, and elderly female participants (area under the ROC curve of 0.882, 0.838, 0.865, and 0.850, with cut‐off PhA values of 5.95°, 5.04°, 5.02°, and 4.20° for predicting sarcopenia, respectively).

Conclusions

The PhA reflected muscle quality and exhibited good accuracy in detecting sarcopenia, suggesting its utility as an index for easily measuring muscle quality, which could improve the diagnosis of sarcopenia.
On the edge‐biclique graph and the iterated edge‐biclique operator
Authors: Montero Leandro , Legay Sylvain
Published: November 2021

A biclique of a graph is a maximal induced complete bipartite subgraph of . The edge‐biclique graph of , , is the edge‐intersection graph of the bicliques of . A graph diverges (resp. converges or is periodic) under an operator whenever (resp. for some or for some and ). The iterated edge‐biclique graph of , , is the graph obtained by applying the edge‐biclique operator successive times to . In this article, we first study the connectivity relation between and . Next, we study the iterated edge‐biclique operator . In particular, we give sufficient conditions for a graph to be convergent or divergent under the operator , we characterize the behavior of burgeon graphs and we propose some general conjectures on the subject.
Host factors and vaccine efficacy: Implications for COVID‐19 vaccines
Authors: Falahi Shahab , Kenarkoohi Azra
Published: November 2021

The efficacy of the vaccines varies between individuals and populations. The immunogenicity of the vaccine is influenced by various factors, including host factors. Previous studies have shown that host factors affect the effectiveness of vaccines, which may be true about COVID‐19 vaccines. In this review, we evaluate the possible association of host factors with vaccine efficacy with a special focus on COVID‐19 vaccines.
COVID‐19 vaccinations: The unknowns, challenges, and hopes
Authors: Mohamed Kawthar , Rzymski Piotr , Islam Md Shahidul , Makuku Rangarirai , Mushtaq Ayesha , Khan Amjad , Ivanovska Mariya , Makka Sara A. , Hashem Fareeda , Marquez Leander , Cseprekal Orsolya , Filgueiras Igor Salerno , Fonseca Dennyson Leandro M. , Mickael Essouma , Ling Irene , Arero Amanuel Godana , Cuschieri Sarah , Minakova Kseniia , Rodríguez‐Román Eduardo , Abarikwu Sunny O. , Faten Attig‐Bahar , Grancini Giulia , Cabral‐Marques Otavio , Rezaei Nima
Published: November 2021

The entire world has been suffering from the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic since March 11, 2020. More than a year later, the COVID‐19 vaccination brought hope to control this viral pandemic. Here, we review the unknowns of the COVID‐19 vaccination, such as its longevity, asymptomatic spread, long‐term side effects, and its efficacy on immunocompromised patients. In addition, we discuss challenges associated with the COVID‐19 vaccination, such as the global access and distribution of vaccine doses, adherence to hygiene guidelines after vaccination, the emergence of novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) variants, and vaccine resistance. Despite all these challenges and the fact that the end of the COVID‐19 pandemic is still unclear, vaccines have brought great hope for the world, with several reports indicating a significant decline in the risk of COVID19‐related infection and hospitalizations.
Bioprospecting plant growth‐promoting rhizobacteria from rice genotypes and their influence on growth under aerobic conditions
Authors: Narwal Ekta , Kannepalli Annapurna , Choudhary Jairam , Singh Yudh Vir , Shah Maulin P.
Published: November 2021

The bacteria that colonize plant roots and enhance plant growth by various mechanisms are known as plant growth‐promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR). The functions of rhizobacteria stand substantially unexplored and detailed insights into the aerobic rice ecosystem are yet to be examined. In this study, we have isolated rhizobacteria from rice varieties grown under aerobic conditions. Seed germination test showed that strain Ekn 03 was significantly effective in stimulating germination, enhancing shoot and root length, and increasing dry matter accumulation in treated rice plants as compared to the uninoculated plants. Under greenhouse conditions, strain Ekn 03 treated rice varieties showed an overall increase in plant height by 7.63%, dry matter accumulation by 16.23%, and total chlorophyll content by 76.47%. Soil acetylene reduction assay (ARA) (4.17 nmole ethylene/g soil/h) and in‐planta ARA (4.2 × 10−2 nmole ethylene/mg fresh weight of plant/h) was significantly higher in Ekn 03 treated rice variety PB 1509 under aerobic conditions. Other rice varieties showed comparable performance on inoculation with strain Ekn 03. The endophytic and rhizospheric population of antibiotic tagged Ekn 03 was higher in the roots of PB 1509 (1.02 × 104 cfu/g and 5.8 × 105 cfu/g soil, respectively) compared to other rice varieties. 16S rDNA sequence analysis revealed that strain Ekn 03 was having 100% similarity with Pseudomonas protegens. This study suggests that strain Ekn 03 can be used as a microbial inoculant in rice plants under aerobic system of cultivation. This is the first report on the application of P. protegens as PGPR in rice.
Assessment of Early Therapy Response of Non‐Hodgkin's and Hodgkin's Lymphoma Using B‐Mode Ultrasound and Dynamic Contrast‐Enhanced Ultrasound
Authors: Trenker Corinna , Kümpel Jessica , Michel Christian , Safai Zadeh Ehsan , Dietrich Christoph F. , Timmesfeld Nina , Neubauer Andreas , Burchert Andreas , Görg Christian
Published: November 2021

Objectives

Here we asked, whether contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) enables to judge early treatment response in malignant lymphoma as a potential guidance for further treatment.

Methods

From May 2017 to May 2018, 21 patients with histologically confirmed diagnosis of lymphoma were examined by B‐mode ultrasound (B‐US) and CEUS at fixed early time points after commencing therapy (days [d] 0, 15 and 30 after therapy start) and contrast enhancement patterns in target lymphoma lesions were quantified using Bracco‐VUE Box® (DCE‐US). To estimate the potential value of CEUS‐enhancement patterns for early response prediction, patients were grouped according to their best achieved actual response into complete remission (CR) patients, partial remission (PR) patients or progressive disease (PD) patients.

Results

Between d0, d15 and d30, CR‐patients showed a median lymphoma shrinking by 34% in B‐US. PD‐patients experienced a median lymphoma size reduction by 44% on day 15, but lymphoma mass again increased by 20% between d15 and d30. In contrast, the median CEUS enhancement intensity, as assessed by the area under the curve (AUC) was increasing at d15 in CR and PD patients (CR to 152%, PD: to 126%), but decreased at d30 to 14% in CR patients and 22% in PD patients.

Conclusions

While early response assessment using B‐US might be useful to predict treatment response in lymphoma, CEUS and DCE‐US—although often feasible—do not provide additional value in this regard.
Ovarian Cystadenomas: Growth Rate and Reliability of Imaging Measurements
Authors: Suh‐Burgmann Elizabeth , Nakhaei Masoud , Gupta Sonia , Brook Alexander , Hecht Jonathan , Hung Yun‐Yi , Levine Deborah
Published: November 2021

Objectives

To evaluate the growth rate of benign ovarian cystadenomas and the degree of variability in ultrasound measurements.

Methods

Two independent retrospective cohorts of women found to have benign cystadenomas at surgery were identified. To assess growth rate, ultrasounds on women in a community‐based health system were reviewed and the growth rate was determined based on the maximum reported size dimension using a mixed effect model. To assess measurement variability, two radiologists independently measured presurgical adnexal imaging findings for women in a tertiary care referral setting. Interobserver, intra‐observer, and intermodality (cine clip versus still images) variability in measurements was determined using correlation coefficients (CC) and Bland–Altman analysis, with the proportion of measurements varying by more than 1 cm calculated.

Results

For growth rate assessment, 405 women with 1412 ultrasound examinations were identified. The median growth rate was 0.65 cm/year with mucinous cystadenomas growing faster at 0.83 cm/year compared to 0.51 cm/year for serous cystadenomas (median test P < .0001). To evaluate measurement variability, 75 women were identified with 176 ultrasound studies. The within‐subject standard deviations for ultrasound measurements were 0.74 cm for cine clip images and 0.41 cm for static images, with 11% of measurements overall differing by more than 1 cm.

Conclusions

Cystadenomas grow on average 0.65 cm/year, which is similar in magnitude to the inherent error observed in measurement on ultrasound, suggesting that repeat ultrasound at intervals of longer than a year will often be needed to accurately assess growth if a cyst represents a benign cystadenoma.
When a prior indulgent choice promotes a subsequent indulgent choice: The justification mechanism
Authors: Akamatsu Naoki , Fukuda Reo
Published: November 2021

This study investigated the conditions and internal mechanisms under which prior indulgent choices promote subsequent indulgent choices. In this study, an indulgent choice is understood as a hedonic product choice that conflicts with self‐control, such as impulsively buying clothes for daily wear you like. While existing research on the drivers of indulgent choices based on the justification approach has mainly focused on consumers' state of self‐control, this study reveals the effect of prior pleasure‐seeking behaviors on subsequent indulgent choices. In the six studies we conducted, a prior indulgent purchase increased consumers' preference for subsequent indulgent choices when they perceived that the subsequent choice could further advance the prior indulgent choice's goal. The results validate the justification approach in that a prior indulgent purchase facilitates justification of a subsequent indulgent choice and enhances preference for this indulgent choice. In addition, the study confirms the boundary condition—this tendency occurs only when consumers perceive a need to justify their indulgent choices. The findings provide important theoretical insights and have practical implications in the design of strategies that consider consumers' purchase histories.
Digital medical history implementation to triage orthopaedic patients during COVID‐19: Findings from a rapid cycle, semi‐randomised A/B testing quality improvement project
Authors: Bernstein David N. , van de Graaf Victor A. , Meijers Irina , Portengen Anne , Klaassen Amanda , Scholtes Vanessa A. B. , Poolman Rudolf W. , Kempen Diederik H. R.
Published: November 2021

Introduction

The COVID‐19 pandemic severely impacted musculoskeletal care. To better triage the notable backlog of patients, we assessed whether a digital medical history (DMH), a summary of health information and concerns completed by the patient prior to a clinic visit, could be routinely collected and utilised.

Methods

We analysed 640 patients using a rapid cycle, semi‐randomised A/B testing approach. Four rapid cycles of different randomised interventions were conducted across five unique patient groups. Descriptive statistics were used to report DMH completion rates by cycle/patient group and intervention. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine whether age or anatomic injury location was associated DMH completion.

Ethical Approval

N/A (Quality Improvement Project)

Results

Across all patients, the DMH completion rate was 48% (307/640). Phone calls were time consuming and resource intensive without an increased completion rate. The highest rate of DMH completion was among patients who were referred and called the clinic themselves (78% of patients [63 out of 81 patients]). Across all patients, increasing age (odds ratio [OR]: 0.985 (95% CI: 0.976–0.995), p = 0.002), patients with back concerns (OR: 0.395 (95% CI: 0.234–0.666), p = 0.001), and patients with non‐specific/other musculoskeletal concerns (OR: 0.331 (95% CI: 0.176–0.623), p = 0.001) were associated with decreased odds of DMH completion.

Discussion and Conclusion

DMHs can be valuable in helping triage orthopaedic patients in resource‐strapped settings, times of crisis, or as we transition towards value‐based health care delivery. However, further work is needed to continue to increase the completion rate about 50%.
Mapping shifts in nanopore signal to changes in protein and protein‐DNA conformation
Authors: Carlsen Autumn , Tabard‐Cossa Vincent
Published: November 2021

Solid‐state nanopores have been used extensively in biomolecular studies involving DNA and proteins. However, the interpretation of signals generated by the translocation of proteins or protein‐DNA complexes remains challenging. Here, we investigate the behavior of monovalent streptavidin and the complex it forms with short biotinylated DNA over a range of nanopore sizes, salts, and voltages. We describe a simple geometric model that is broadly applicable and employ it to explain observed variations in conductance blockage and dwell time with experimental conditions. The general approach developed here underscores the value of nanopore‐based protein analysis and represents progress toward the interpretation of complex translocation signals.
Properties of Al2O3 Pastes Using Inorganic Na2SiO3 Binder and Organic Binder for Direct Ink Writing
Authors: Kotobuki Masashi
Published: November 2021

The direct ink writing (DIW)‐type 3D printing technology has advantages of manufacturing complicated ceramic objects with short time and low cost. In the DIW, ceramic pastes are extruded through a nozzle. Therefore, rheological properties of ceramic pastes and writing conditions are crucial to obtain desired ceramic objects. Organic binder such as polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and polyvinyl alcohol has been used for ceramic pastes of DIW, however, they involve relatively high material cost (a few hundreds $/kg). On the other hand, inorganic binder Na2SiO3 has much lower material cost than the organic binders (70 $/kg). Herein, the compatibility of the inorganic binder with ceramic paste for DIW is investigated. Line patterns are prepared by using Al2O3‐based paste with inorganic (Na2SiO3) and organic PVP binders by DIW. Same size of line patterns is obtained from both pastes. Also, both line patterns do not peel off after sonication for 30 min, indicating the line patterns are highly stable. Material costs in the inorganic paste are 10% lower than those of the organic paste. Na2SiO3 inorganic binder is a promising binder because of high compatibility with DIW and low cost.
Two cases of cryptogenic organizing pneumonia masquerading as tuberculosis (TB) in a TB endemic area
Authors: Abdul Hamid Mohamed Faisal , Selvarajah Sai Banu , Nuratiqah Nik , Hau Ng Boon , Ban Andrea Yu‐Lin
Published: November 2021

Before the era of COVID‐19 pandemic, organizing pneumonia (OP) is often underdiagnosed while tuberculosis (TB) is overdiagnosed especially in an endemic area. We report two patients with cryptogenic OP mimicking TB. First, a 56‐year‐old lady with right upper lobe air space opacity and, second, a 37‐year‐old lady with left upper lobe cavitary lesion. They were treated empirically for pulmonary TB as they had chronic cough with typical chest imaging findings. As there were no improvements despite anti‐TB and investigations for TB were negative, they underwent image‐guided biopsy which confirmed OP. Both patients received 6 months of corticosteroids therapy and made complete recovery. These cases highlight the rare presentation of OP and serves as a reminder that patients tested negative for TB, despite typical history and chest imaging findings, warrant further investigations as many diseases may mimic TB and vice versa.
A Flexible and Transparent Zinc‐Nanofiber Network Electrode for Wearable Electrochromic, Rechargeable Zn‐Ion Battery
Authors: Singh Soram Bobby , Tran Duy Thanh , Jeong Kwang‐Un , Kim Nam Hoon , Lee Joong Hee
Published: November 2021

The flexible electrochromic Zn‐ion battery (FE‐ZiB), a newly born energy‐storage technology having both electrochromic characteristics and energy‐storage capability in a single device, will be a promising technology for the future transparent wearable electronics. However, the current technology limits the fabrication of FE‐ZIB because the zinc (Zn) anode material is opaque and rigid. The development of a flexible and transparent Zn anode is the key factor to overcoming the current limitation. Here, for the first time, a flexible, transparent zinc‐nanofiber network anode electrode (Zn@Ni@AgNFs) is reported for an FE‐ZiB device that yields a remarkable electrochemical performance of a high areal capacity of 174.82 mA h m2 at 0.013 mA cm−2 applied current density, high optical contrast (50%), and excellent mechanical flexibility. The fabricated FE‐ZiB device also exhibits a high volumetric energy density of 378.8 W h m−3 at a power density of 562.7 W m−3. Besides, the FE‐ZiB demonstrates excellent electrochromic capability with a reversible color transition from a transparent in a discharged state (0.3 V) to a dark bluish‐violet in a charged state (1.6 V). These results highlight a new pathway for the development of transparent batteries for smart wearable electronic devices.
Multi‐Scale Nanoarchitectured Fibrous Networks for High‐Performance, Self‐Sterilization, and Recyclable Face Masks
Authors: Xiong Jian , Li Ailin , Liu Ye , Wang Liming , Qin Xiaohong , Yu Jianyong
Published: November 2021

Airborne particulate matter (PM) pollutants, especially with nanoscale size, have caused serious public health issues. The global demand for high‐performance and recyclable face masks is increasing dramatically, especially during the COVID‐19 pandemic. However, present masks suffer from low‐efficiency interception of PM0.3/pathogen, limited air permeability, and incapacity to reuse and recycle. Here, multi‐scale nanoarchitectured nanofiber/carbon nanotube (NF/CNT) networks are constructed by a needleless‐electrospinning/spraying‐netting strategy, enabling well‐dispersed CNT networks (diameter ≈ 25 nm) welded on charged nanofibrous scaffolds (diameter > 100 nm) layer by layer. The optimized NF/CNT networks possess a fluffy structure with narrow‐distribution small pores (size ≈ 400 nm), “free molecular flow” behavior, and electrostatic adsorption property, thereby exhibiting high filtration efficiency (>99.994% PM0.3 removal) and low resistance (<0.05% atmosphere pressure). Furthermore, they demonstrate reliable and ultra‐fast photothermal‐driven self‐sterilization (>99.986% in 5 min) under 1 sun and electrothermal‐driven self‐sterilization (>99.9999% in 2 min) in sunless scenes owing to their unique nanoarchitecture. Most importantly, the abandoned NF/CNT filters can be fully recycled as high‐performance solar vapor generators to desalinate seawater (3.56 L m−2 d−1). This work offers a fascinating solution to reduce disease transmission, resource consumption, and environmental burdens.
Highly Reflective and Low Resistive Top Electrode for Organic Solar Cells and Modules by Low Temperature Silver Nanoparticle Ink
Authors: Tam Kai Cheong , Saito Hirotoshi , Maisch Philipp , Forberich Karen , Feroze Sarmad , Hisaeda Yutaka , Brabec Christoph J. , Egelhaaf Hans-Joachim
Published: November 2021

One of the issues that have caused a wide performance gap between commercially available organic photovoltaic (OPV) modules and the hero cells in literature lies in the lack of printable and roll‐to‐roll process compatible high‐performance top electrodes. This work takes an unorthodox approach to this issue by developing a printable silver nanoparticle (AgNP) film top electrode that can achieve a similar performance as evaporated ones (EvapAg). It illustrates the developmental process from ink formulation to the critical processing conditions that are tailored for OPV devices procedurally. The resultant cells and modules with AgNP electrodes have achieved almost the same power conversion efficiencies (≈90%) as those with evaporated silver electrodes, as demonstrated for multiple material systems, printing methods, as well as layouts. Under low light condition, AgNP cells perform even significantly better than EvapAg ones, due to their lower leakage currents. More importantly, this work has demonstrated that fully printed OPV modules can achieve similar performance as small scale OPV cells with evaporated electrodes when both the electrical and optical performance of their top electrodes are comparable. With the latest generation of materials, this approach offers an attractive alternative for manufacturing of highly efficient OPV modules at large scale.
Melting Point and Viscosity Measurement of Continuous Casting Mold Flux with Volatiles
Authors: Wang Ze , Zhao Junxue , Kang Yi , Hu Ailin , Xin Xin , Cui Yaru
Published: November 2021

The composition of fluoride‐containing mold fluxes changes when their melting point or viscosity are measured because the fluoride in the mold fluxes evaporates at high temperatures. Therefore, the measured melting points and viscosities are not those of the original fluxes, and thus, the results are not accurate. Therefore, evaluating the effects of evaporation is essential to accurately investigate the relevant properties. Herein, the chemical composition of the slag is determined using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), roasting tests, and evaporation mechanism after the physical properties of the slag are measured using conventional methods. The measured melting point and viscosity are then matched with the modified slag composition instead of the original composition. This method is applied to different fluoride‐containing mold fluxes. The weight of the mold fluxes is reduced by more than 10% during the measurements, indicating that a large amount of the volatiles react and evaporate. The actual flux compositions corresponding to the observed melting point or viscosity of the mold fluxes are obtained through roasting test and TGA; therefore, one can easily match the measured mold flux properties to the flux composition. This study will help in determining other physical properties of slag and other melts containing volatiles.
Risk of fetal loss after chorionic villus sampling in twin pregnancy derived from propensity score matching analysis
Authors: Gil M. M. , Rodríguez‐Fernández M. , Elger T. , Akolekar R. , Syngelaki A. , De Paco Matallana C. , Molina F. S. , Gallardo Arocena M. , Chaveeva P. , Persico N. , Accurti V. , Kagan K. O. , Prodan N. , Cruz J. , Nicolaides K. H.
Published: November 2021

Objective

To estimate the risk of fetal loss associated with chorionic villus sampling (CVS) in twin pregnancy, using propensity score analysis.

Methods

This was a multicenter cohort study of women with twin pregnancy undergoing ultrasound examination at 11–13 weeks' gestation, performed in eight fetal medicine units in which the leadership were trained at the Harris Birthright Research Centre for Fetal Medicine in London, UK, and in which the protocols for screening, invasive testing and pregnancy management are similar. The risk of death of at least one fetus was compared between pregnancies that had and those that did not have CVS, after propensity score matching (1:1 ratio). This procedure created two comparable groups by balancing the maternal and pregnancy characteristics that lead to CVS being performed, similar to how randomization operates in a randomized clinical trial.

Results

The study population of 8581 twin pregnancies included 445 that had CVS. Death of one or two fetuses at any stage during pregnancy occurred in 11.5% (51/445) of pregnancies in the CVS group and in 6.3% (515/8136) in the non‐CVS group (P < 0.001). The propensity score algorithm matched 258 cases that had CVS with 258 non‐CVS cases; there was at least one fetal loss in 29 (11.2%) cases in the CVS group and in 35 (13.6%) cases in the matched non‐CVS group (odds ratio (OR), 0.81; 95% CI, 0.48–1.35; P = 0.415). However, there was a significant interaction between the risk of fetal loss after CVS and the background risk of fetal loss; when the background risk was higher, the risk of fetal loss after CVS decreased (OR, 0.46; 95% CI, 0.23–0.90), while, in pregnancies with a lower background risk of fetal loss, the risk of fetal loss after CVS increased (OR, 2.45; 95% CI, 0.95–7.13). The effects were statistically significantly different (P‐value of the interaction = 0.005). For a pregnancy in which the background risk of fetal loss was about 6% (the same as in our non‐CVS population), there was no change in the risk of fetal loss after CVS, but, when the background risk was more than 6%, the posterior risk was paradoxically reduced, and when the background risk was less than 6%, the posterior risk increased exponentially; for example, if the background risk of fetal loss was 2.0%, the relative risk was 2.8 and the posterior risk was 5.6%.

Conclusion

In twin pregnancy, after accounting for the risk factors that lead to both CVS and spontaneous fetal loss and confining the analysis to pregnancies at lower prior risk, CVS seems to increase the risk of fetal loss by about 3.5% above the patient's background risk. © 2021 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Conclusion
Authors: Fodor Eva
Published: November 2021

This chapter is a brief summary of the main arguments and a development of the point that carefare policies form an integral part of the political success and legitimacy of the anti-liberal regime. The chapter also shows how selective and exclusionary the policies are.
»Soziale« Armut aus der Netzwerkperspektive
Authors: Knabe André
Published: November 2021

Der Abschnitt begründet die Notwendigkeit einer relationalen Perspektive in der Armutsforschung, die die Beziehungsnetzwerke und Gelegenheitsstrukturen der Akteur*innen zum Gegenstand ihrer Analysen macht.
»Soziale« Armut: Was sie bedeutet und was dagegen zu tun ist
Authors: Knabe André
Published: November 2021

In diesem Kapitel werden die theoretischen und empirischen Ergebnisse im Hinblick auf den Begriff der sozialen Armut zusammengefasst und Handlungsimplikationen zur Bekämpfung von Armut und sozialer Ausgrenzung abgeleitet.
Development of a certified reference material for the determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in rubber toy
Authors: Sommerfeld Thomas , Jung Christian , Riedel Juliane , Mauch Tatjana , Sauer Andreas , Koch Matthias
Published: November 2021

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a large group of priority organic pollutants, which contaminate environmental compartments, food, and consumer products as well. Due to their frequent occurrence associated with elevated levels of PAHs, plastic and rubber parts of consumer products and toys are particular sources of exposure. Although European maximum levels exist for eight carcinogenic PAHs in consumer products and toys according to REACH Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006, certified reference materials (CRM) are still not available. To overcome this lack, the first CRM for the determination of PAHs in rubber toys (BAM-B001) was developed according to the requirements of ISO Guide 35. The whole process of CRM development including preparation, homogeneity and stability studies, and value assignment is presented. The assignment of the certified mass fractions was based upon in-house study at BAM using stable isotope dilution analysis (SIDA) gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC–MS). The obtained values were confirmed by the results of two interlaboratory comparison (ILC) studies with more than 50 expert laboratories from Germany and China. The mass fractions of 14 PAHs including all REACH and GS mark regulated compounds were certified ranging between 0.2 and 15.4 mg/kg accompanied by expanded uncertainties (coverage factor k = 2). In addition, informative values were determined for 4 PAHs, mainly due to higher uncertainties and/or lack of ILC data for confirmation. BAM-B001 is intended for analytical quality control particularly based on the AfPS GS 2019:01 PAK method and contributes to improve the chemical safety of consumer products including toys.

Graphical abstract
Analyzing the minor volatilome of Torulaspora delbrueckii in an alcoholic fermentation
Authors: Ogawa Minami , Vararu Florin , Moreno-Garcia Jaime , Mauricio Juan Carlos , Moreno Juan , Garcia-Martinez Teresa
Published: November 2021

Torulaspora delbrueckii is an emerging yeast species in the beverage and food industry that is suitable for alcoholic fermentation and to improve the organoleptic quality of wine, beer, mead, and other beverages. Modern consumer preference toward new flavors and products drives the application of T. delbrueckii to ferment less traditional fruits and vegetables. Thus, it has become increasingly relevant to define those metabolites produced in minute quantities by T. delbrueckii, because they may have an impact when producing these new alcoholic beverages. In this study, we have identified metabolites of T. delbrueckii and have compared them with those of Saccharomyces cerevisiae in a controlled setting with a synthetic, high glucose medium using gas chromatography coupled to flame ionization detector (GC–FID) and stir bar sorptive extraction (SBSE) with GC coupled to mass spectrometry (MS). Results showed that T. delbrueckii produced metabolites with higher changes in odor activity complexes than S. cerevisiae: ethyl propanoate, 1,1-diethoxyethane, ethyl isobutyrate, ethyl butyrate, isoamyl acetate, ethyl heptanoate, nonanal, and decanal. We also report seven metabolites detected for the first time in T. delbrueckii. This datum serves to expand the knowledge of T. delbrueckii performance and shows that application of this yeast species is more suitable to a wide array of beverage producers.
Combining Stakeholder- and Social Network- Analysis to Improve Regional Nature Conservation: A Case Study from Osnabrück, Germany
Authors: Przesdzink Felix , Herzog Laura Mae , Fiebelkorn Florian
Published: November 2021

Many nature conservation projects fail primarily not because of a lack of knowledge about upcoming threats or viable conservation concepts but rather because of the inability to transfer knowledge into the creation of effective measures. Therefore, an increase in information exchange and collaboration between theory- and practice-oriented conservation actors, as well as between conservation actors, land user groups, and authorities may enhance the effectiveness of conservation goals. By considering the interactions between conservation stakeholders as social networks, social network analysis (SNA) can help identify structural optimization potential in these networks. The present study combines SNA and stakeholder analysis (SA) to assess the interactions between 34 conservation stakeholders in the major city and district of Osnabrück in northwestern Germany and offers insights into cost/benefit optimizations of these stakeholder interactions. Data were acquired using a pile sort technique and guideline-based expert interviews. The SA, based on knowledge mapping and SWOT (strength, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) analysis, identified individual stakeholder’s complementary properties, indicating which among them would most benefit from mutual information exchange and collaboration. The SNA revealed discrepancies in information exchange and collaboration between theory- and practice-focused stakeholders. Conflicts were found predominantly between conservation associations, authorities and land user groups. Ecological research, funding, land-use conflicts, and distribution of conservation knowledge were identified as fields with high potential for increased information exchange and collaboration. Interviews also showed that the stakeholders themselves see many opportunities for increased networking in the region. The results are discussed in relation to the existing literature on nature conservation networks and used to recommend optimization measures for the studied network. Finally, the conclusion reflects upon the developed approach’s implications and possibilities for conservation stakeholders and planners in general.
An OxPLORE Initiative Evaluating Children's Surgery Resources Worldwide: A Cross‐sectional Implementation of the OReCS Document
Authors: Ravi Krupa , Killen Annabel , Alexander Angus , Bell‐Davies Frances , Biganiro Sebintu James , Brazeal Aurelia , Butoyi Jean Marie Vianney , Diaz Fabio Edgardo , Drabile Romeo , Fanny Marvin , Fernie Lucila , Gunawardana Shannon , Hartley Emma , Hawu Yolisa N. , Hendron Holly , Joseph Stephanie Alcine , Lamahewage Ananda , Mahagedera Ruwantha , Manirambona Emery , Morisho Benjamin Kitambala , Muchunu Patrick , Niyukuri Alliance , Ntaganda Edmond , Orliacq Francisco , Orliacq Josefina , Wobenjo Adili , Young Pablo , Lakhoo Kokila , Ford Kathryn
Published: November 2021

Background

The Global Initiative for Children's Surgery (GICS) group produced the Optimal Resources for Children's Surgery (OReCS) document in 2019, listing standards of children's surgical care by level of healthcare facilities within low resource settings. We have previously created and piloted an audit tool based on the OReCS criteria in a high‐income setting. In this study, we aimed to validate its use in identifying gaps in children's surgery provision worldwide.

Methods

Our OReCS audit tool was implemented in 10 hospitals providing children's surgery across eight countries. Collaborators were recruited via the Oxford Paediatrics Linking Our Research with Electives (OxPLORE) international network of medical students and trainees. The audit tool measured a hospital's current capacity for children's surgery. Data were analysed firstly to express the percentage of ‘essential’ criteria met for each specialty. Secondly, the ‘OxPLORE method’ was used to allocate each hospital specialty a level based on procedures performed and resources available. A User Evaluation Tool (UET) was developed to obtain feedback on the ease of use of the tool.

Results

The percentage of essential criteria met within each category varied widely between hospitals. The level given to hospitals for subspecialties based on OReCS criteria often did not reflect their self‐defined level. The UET indicated the audit tool was practicable across multiple settings.

Conclusions

We recommend the use of the OReCS criteria to identify areas for local hospital improvement and inform national children's surgical plans. We have made informed suggestions to increase usability of the OReCS audit tool.
Participation in physical activity decreased more in people with rheumatoid arthritis than the general population during the COVID-19 lockdown: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Balchin Christopher , Tan Ai Lyn , Wilson Oliver J. , McKenna Jim , Stavropoulos-Kalinoglou Antonios
Published: November 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing restrictions have significantly reduced population-wide physical activity (PA) levels. However, the impact of the pandemic and relevant restrictions on PA participation, and any potential barriers to it, in people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are not clear. Furthermore, we are unsure if any such PA changes have affected their body weight, mental wellbeing, and/or quality of life (QoL). Thus, the aim of this study was to examine the impact of the lockdown on PA participation in people with RA, versus people without RA. Participants (n = 128; RA = 27, non-RA = 101) completed a self-administered online survey, which included questions on PA, body weight, mental wellbeing and QoL. PA participation during lockdown was significantly lower among RA versus non-RA participants (p < 0.001). Additionally, a similar profile of results was found where more RA participants vs non-RA participants reported reduced habitual PA (59% vs 33%) and increased body weight (59% vs 35%). Mental wellbeing scores were similarly low in both groups during lockdown (RA: 20.8 ± 4.2; non-RA: 22.2 ± 3.4, p = 0.080). Matched group comparisons identified similar trends to full sample analyses. In the first months of the lockdown, more people with RA reported decreased PA participation and increased body weight than their non-RA counterparts. Access to exercise equipment and facilities appears to be the main cause for these results. Looking beyond COVID-19, specific PA promotion for people with RA will be required to prevent a pandemic of inactivity.
Crystallographic and chemical signatures in coral skeletal aragonite
Authors: Farfan Gabriela A. , Apprill Amy , Cohen Anne , DeCarlo Thomas M. , Post Jeffrey E. , Waller Rhian G. , Hansel Colleen M.
Published: November 2021

Corals nucleate and grow aragonite crystals, organizing them into intricate skeletal structures that ultimately build the world’s coral reefs. Crystallography and chemistry have profound influence on the material properties of these skeletal building blocks, yet gaps remain in our knowledge about coral aragonite on the atomic scale. Across a broad diversity of shallow-water and deep-sea scleractinian corals from vastly different environments, coral aragonites are remarkably similar to one another, confirming that corals exert control on the carbonate chemistry of the calcifying space relative to the surrounding seawater. Nuances in coral aragonite structures relate most closely to trace element chemistry and aragonite saturation state, suggesting the primary controls on aragonite structure are ionic strength and trace element chemistry, with growth rate playing a secondary role. We also show how coral aragonites are crystallographically indistinguishable from synthetic abiogenic aragonite analogs precipitated from seawater under conditions mimicking coral calcifying fluid. In contrast, coral aragonites are distinct from geologically formed aragonites, a synthetic aragonite precipitated from a freshwater solution, and mollusk aragonites. Crystallographic signatures have future applications in understanding the material properties of coral aragonite and predicting the persistence of coral reefs in a rapidly changing ocean.