bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Subcentros en nodos intermodales : oportunidades y desafíos de los espacios con alta conectividad
Authors:   ,   Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. Escuela de Arquitectura, Astudillo Basaure Vicente
Published: March 2023

El problema del acceso a centralidad urbana en Santiago ha sido abordado en el pasado, propuestas de subcentralidad están presentes en los Planes Reguladores Intercomunales de 1960 (PRIS60) y 1994 (PRMS94). A pesar de estos esfuerzos de planificación, Santiago se presenta en la actualidad como una ciudad con pocas subcentralidades y sumamente desigual en su distribución de equipamiento y servicios. La pandemia del COVID19 ha evidenciado estas falencias, donde la restricción de movimiento ha puesto de manifiesto la necesidad de proveer a la población de mayor accesibilidad y cercanía a funciones urbanas. En este contexto, el acceso a servicios y bienes a través de subcentralidades urbanas se vuelve un tema de interés para abordar los desafíos y oportunidades específicos del territorio y para promover la consolidación de un sistema de subcentralidad. Esta tesis de investigación propone analizar las subcentralidades señaladas en el PRIS 60 y PRMS 94, especialmente en términos de su relación con la red de movilidad metropolitana, estudiando su funcionamiento cotidiano, relación con el entorno y funciones urbanas desarrolladas, para buscar formas de potenciar sus capacidades de proveer servicios urbanos a las áreas aledañas
Segregación peri-urbana : propuesta de una red urbana de conectividad como factor de equidad en la ciudad de Rancagua
Authors:   ,   Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. Escuela de Arquitectura, Alonso Cuevas Magdalena
Published: March 2023

Las ciudades latinoamericanas han sido víctimas de un abrupto boom demográfico en las últimas décadas, un crecimiento expansivo tan fuerte que no se ha dado de forma orgánica ni integrada en toda la ciudad, sino que, como explica Duran (2004), nos encontramos frente a una ciudad de crecimiento difuso e ilimitado, que se manifiesta también como una ciudad fragmentada socialmente. Este es el punto de partida de la investigación, cuyo caso de estudio se asienta en Rancagua. Para comprender el orden y dinámica de su crecimiento, se estudió la ciudad desde diferentes ámbitos y perspectivas; comenzando por su patrimonio y legado histórico, hasta el levantamiento planimétrico de sus espacios públicos, áreas verdes, actividades económicas y redes de transporte. Temas que fueron abordados en varias escalas, partiendo desde la escala urbana para luego proceder a una escala más detallada en el sector nororiente de la ciudad, donde se advirtió una mayor vulnerabilidad y marginalidad. Finalmente, la investigación culmina en el desarrollo de una propuesta proyectual, enfocada en reducir la segregación socio – espacial de la periferia urbana bajo el lente de la movilidad y la accesibilidad. Así, se propone una red urbana de conectividad, que a través de la promoción de sistemas de transporte colectivo y el uso de medios de movilidad sustentable, busca mejorar la conectividad e integración de la urbe apuntando a una ciudad menos segregada y más equitativa.
Construcción del paisaje costero urbano: alternativas de integración frente a la segregación de la expansión sur de Iquique, el caso de Playa Blanca
Authors:   ,   Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. Facultad de Arquitectura, Diseño y Estudios Urbanos, Vásquez Alarcón Catalina
Published: March 2023

Los elementos naturales dentro del territorio pueden representar tanto barreras como potencias dentro de las ciudades, desde el borde costero –waterfront– olvidado hasta la ladera como una barrera geográfica frente a la expansión periférica. Por esta razón, se evidencia una falta de acceso a servicios, oportunidades y del mismo frente marítimo como espacio recreativo, dando como resultado una segregación socio espacial que influye en el modo de vivir de los habitantes afectados. Para compensar esta situación, se propone la combinación de estrategias en torno a la movilidad y desarrollo urbano, de esta manera se genera una propuesta pertinente de conectividad entre la ciudad y la periferia y de urbanización y densificación del waterfront, fomentando nuevas oportunidades urbanas y sociales frente al mar. La siguiente investigación se centra en realizar un análisis crítico de la segregación socio espacial generada a lo largo del crecimiento y desarrollo de la ciudad de Iquique, condicionada por su particular geografía que obstruye una movilidad efectiva y accesos a bienes. Ante este panorama, la investigación se hará de manera que permita ir de lo general a lo particular, entendiendo el crecimiento periférico a partir de la condición geográfica como detonante de una segregación socio espacial, reflejado en las nuevas urbanizaciones en la costa sur de Iquique.
El objeto de la nostalgia
Authors:   ,   Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. Escuela de Arte, Briceño Cepeda Jorge
Published: March 2023

El registro de ciertos hallazgos visuales que se producen en el tránsito de un territorio vivido como recorrido espacial, hoy forma parte importante para la generación del archivo visual y la relación generada en diferentes aproximaciones estéticas, visuales y conceptuales en la concepción del presente proyecto. La relación de un registro a través del dibujo, la fotografía, los medios digitales y la pintura, inicia una serie de prácticas y alternativas visuales relacionadas a lugares en desuso de la ciudad de Santiago de Chile, siendo estas primeras aproximaciones textuales y ensayos visuales, una relación a lugares de la memoria de tiempos ausentes. Sin embargo, esta proximidad a los espacios que originaron las primeras representaciones se asocia a diferentes territorios distantes, unidos por lazos de recorridos afectivos en el presente y el hallazgo de objetos recurrentes en la memoria. Lo que configura en el tiempo un tejido de espacios para la reflexión, análisis y generación de imágenes relacionados al tránsito por lugares habitados en un presente-pasado, la correspondencia entre el objeto y el recorrido, lo que conecta a un imaginario visual en la representación y análisis de investigación, como vínculo con los territorios de los afectos ausentes y los objetos que nos transportan con su presencia a ese lugar que fantasea y evoca los recuerdos a través de la imagen y la sonoridad.
Physicochemical study of deep eutectic solvents mixed with alcohols : effect of temperature, hydrogen bond donor and alcohol chain lenght
Authors:   ,   Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. Escuela de Ingeniería, Cotroneo Figueroa Vincenzo Paolo
Published: March 2023

Los solventes eutécticos profundos son mezclas compuestas típicamente por un donador de puentes de hidrógeno y un aceptor de puentes de hidrógeno. Han aparecido como una alternativa de los líquidos iónicos en varios procesos debido a su capacidad de adaptación, biodegradabilidad y bajo costo. Recientemente, los solventes eutécticos profundos se han estudiado como solventes potenciales para diferentes aplicaciones. Entonces, sus propiedades fisicoquímicas deben caracterizarse para comprender la interacción entre sus componentes y con otros compuestos. Los solventes eutécticos profundos preparados para este trabajo se basaron en cloruro de colina mezclado con etilenglicol, 1,3-propanodiol o 1,4-butanodiol en una relación molar de 1:3. Se realizan diferentes familias de DES basadas en cloruro de colina y betaína en paralelo para generar una base de datos, ver el ajuste y la predicción utilizando el modelo de esfera dura. La densidad y la viscosidad de los disolventes eutécticos profundos pseudo puros se midieron de 293,15 K a 333,15 K a 101,13 kPa. Además, se obtuvieron las mismas propiedades a las mismas condiciones de temperatura y presión para las mezclas pseudobinarias de los tres solventes eutécticos profundos con cuatro alcoholes: metanol, etanol, 1-propanol o 1-butanol. Los volúmenes en exceso se calcularon para cada sistema para comprender el efecto de la variación de temperatura, la longitud de la cadena de alcohol y la longitud del donante de enlace de hidrógeno en los aspectos de configuración de la mezcla. Posteriormente, se realizó una predicción del exceso de entalpía molar con COSMO-RS para evaluar el comportamiento de las mismas variables en diferentes tipos de interacciones intermoleculares desde el punto de vista energético. Los resultados sugieren que mezclar cada solvente eutéctico profundo con un alcohol produce volúmenes molares de exceso negativos y entalpías molares de exceso, observando una mayor afinidad entre especies diferentes. Para la predicción de la viscosidad, se obtiene que el modelo de esfera dura se correlaciona con un error bajo los valores para las diferentes familias de los DES, pero el modelo no predice el comportamiento de las familias.
Análisis de problemas de traducción inversa en el Imposible mono místico (2017), de Sebastián Garrido : propuesta de traducción
Authors:   ,   Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. Facultad de Letras, Menichetti Caballero Alejandra
Published: March 2023

En las publicaciones de narrativa gráfica chilena reciente existe una fuerte tendencia hacia aquellas historias de ficción que buscan explorar las posibilidades del lenguaje, sus límites y sus formas. Dentro de estas publicaciones se encuentra El Imposible Mono Místico (2017), de Sebastián Garrido. Este trabajo de investigación se centra en la creación de una propuesta de traducción inversa de la segunda novela gráfica de este autor. Este libro presenta una diversidad de géneros textuales dentro del formato de novela gráfica, los que funcionan como piezas de un puzle para contar una historia a través de la mitología, la religión, la ficción, las cartas, los juegos de palabras y las bitácoras científicas. Por esto, es importante considerar cómo funcionan esos textos dentro de la obra y analizar sus particularidades. Después de discutir todas las consideraciones sobre la traducción inversa, la traducción de cómics y la traducción de géneros textuales, este trabajo busca analizar los problemas y técnicas de traducción, sustentándose en las teorías de Amparo Hurtado Albir, Christiane Nord, Vinay y Darbelnet y Molina Martínez, los que proponen esquemas para categorizar y caracterizar tanto los problemas como las soluciones de traducción. Finalmente, este trabajo discute la importancia de la competencia traductora para trabajar con distintos géneros textuales, para establecer qué es realmente necesario para poder desarrollar la labor traductológica de géneros textuales tan diversos.
Statistical methods for the analysis of Polytomous response data in non-cognitive tests
Authors:   ,   Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. Facultad de Matemáticas, Calderón Maldonado Francisca Loreto
Published: March 2023

In psychology, education, and other social science disciplines, questionnaires and surveys are useful instruments to measure latent variables such as behaviors, ability, or perceptions about specific constructs. Measuring latent traits, abilities, and in general, any type of nonobservable variables is much more complicated than measuring observable features. Latent variables cannot be measured directly but only indirectly through multiple observed variables called indicators (i.e., observed variables of either polytomous or dichotomous type). The scores on items in the questionnaires can be considered indicators of latent variables and are thus used to measure the unobserved constructs of interest. The main theme of this dissertation is the study and implementation of statistical models and methods for the analysis of polytomous response data in non-cognitive tests. Polytomous data arise when items are scored in more than two categories (e.g., strongly disagree, disagree, agree, strongly agree), as in surveys and questionnaires. We have adapted and extended existing statistical models and methods to meet the requirements of various approaches based on polytomous data. The empirical data sets used for the applications of the models are meant as exemplars of a broader category and a more extensive range of domains.
¿Y si ofrecemos otro contexto para argumentar? Elaboración de controversias al participar de un debate o un juego serio
Authors:   ,   Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. Escuela de Psicología, Sanhueza Céspedes Macarena Sofía
Published: March 2023

El debate formal y el juego serio son dispositivos que podrían promover argumentación conducente al aprendizaje, pero promover modos disímiles de involucrarse en el ejercicio argumentativo. Este estudio analiza cualitativamente las discusiones de dos grupos de estudiantes de Pedagogía General Básica que participaron de un debate y de un juego sobre conocimiento y aprendizaje. Tanto en el juego como en el debate, las participantes usan los recursos discursivos ofrecidos para comentar la actividad y gestionar su participación en esta. Al hacerlo, regulan las controversias y las tensiones relacionales y reputacionales que surgen al argumentar –lo que en ocasiones favorece la discusión, y en otras parece diluirla. Resalta el rol que cumple la narrativa lúdica del juego, que ofrece un lenguaje para referirse a la propia actividad y distanciarse de ella. Por otro lado, se releva la importancia de estudiar cómo comunidades específicas se apropian de los dispositivos, dado que esto da forma a las dinámicas que estos habilitan.
Prevalence, Pattern of Disease and Outcome of Children with Sickle Cell Disease Admitted in a Private Health Facility in Southern Nigeria
Authors: West Boma Awoala , Aitafo Josephine Enekole
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Sickle cell disease, an autosomal recessive genetic disorder is characterized by chronic haemolytic anaemia often leading to life-threatening events triggered by acute sickling of red blood cells and microvascular occlusion resulting in frequent admissions.

Aim: To determine the prevalence, pattern of disease and outcome of children with sickle cell disease admitted at a private health facility in southern Nigeria.

Study Design: A retrospective study.

Place and Duration of Study: Study was carried out at a private paediatric hospital in Port Harcourt, Rivers State over a 1-year period.

Methodology: Data was retrieved from the hospitals’ Health Management System. Information obtained were age, sex, diagnosis, indication for transfusion if any, number and types of transfusions, duration of admission, mode of payment of bills and outcome.

Results: Out of 1597 admissions, 59 were children with sickle cell disease giving a prevalence of 3.7%. Males predominated with a Male:Female ratio of 1.7:1, majority were £ 5 years (50.8%) and had insurance (86.4%). Most were admitted during the rainy season (61.0%) and had duration of stay of 1 – 5 days (74.6%). Commonest diseases among these children were sepsis (69.5%), vaso-occlusive crises (52.5%), malaria (52.5%) and severe anaemia/hyper-haemolytic crisis (30.5%). Of the 35.6% who received blood transfusion, majority received sedimented cells (81.0%), were transfused once (71.4%) with majorly blood group O Rhesus D Positive blood (44.8%). One child died with mortality rate of 1.7%. Vaso-occlusive crisis and tonsillitis were significantly observed more in older children ³ 12 years whereas there was no statistically significant association between gender and duration of stay with the pattern of disease.

Conclusion: Sickle cell disease accounted for 3.7% of total admissions with a mortality rate of 1.7%. Sepsis, vaso-occlusive crisis, malaria and severe anaemia/hyper-haemolytic crisis were the commonest diagnosis. Neonatal screening, parental education, patient compliance, vaccinations, regular follow up, and comprehensive health insurance will significantly reduce morbidity and mortality in persons with Sickle cell disease.
Evaluation of Seven Phenoxyacetic Acid Drifts on Morphological Parameters of Three Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Varieties under Controlled Sowing Conditions in Côte d'Ivoire
Authors: Bédié Francis Koffi , Kouamé Didier Konan , Koné Aboudramane , Ouattara Victor Tiéba , Turquin Louise
Published: March 2023

Rice, the main food of the population in Côte d'Ivoire, has a low yield. This study aimed to evaluate the ability of phenoxyacetic acid derivatives to boost the vegetative parameters of rice was conducted in Azaguié using a split-plot design. The rice varieties WA638-1, C26, Nérica 2 and seven phenoxyacetic acid derivatives were used. Three rice seeds of each variety were sown in pots. One seedling per variety was de-mated at 7 DAS. Volumes of 150, 180, and 225 ml concentrated at 10-5 M, 10-7 M, and 10-9 M were applied to the leaves on 15, 20, and 25 DAS, respectively. Height, number of tillers, girth and vigor index were determined. The results showed that treatment T7 improved the height of WAB638-1 to 6.75% and tillering to 366.6%. The vigor index was increased to 9.52% by T8 treatment and girth to 80.37% by T20. The formation of C26 tillers was favored at 171% by the T7 treatment, the girth at 83.17% by T21, the vigor index at 10 % by T21 and at 7.50% by the T14 and T8 treatments. In Nérica 2, vigor index and girth were positively induced at 15.15% and 34.83 % by T19 respectively. The vigor index was also promoted at 12.12% by treatments T20 and T21 and the number of tillers was improved at 150% by T13 and T19. As for height, it was stimulated to 22.39 % by the T14 treatment. The height of C26 was reduced except for T12, the vigor index was decreased to 2.50% by treatments T15, T17 and T3, the tillering to 66.70% by T4. The height of WAB638-1 was inhibited to 2.56% with T1 treatments. Treatments T13, T14, T7, T8, T19 and T20 were those that improved the observed parameters.
Medical School Rankings—Bad for the Health of the Profession and the Public
Authors: Humphrey Holly J. , Levinson Dana , Carter Keme
Published: March 2023

This Viewpoint discusses the limitations of medical school ranking in attracting a diverse student population and urges administrators to holistically communicate their mission, goals, and learning environment as an alternative strategy.
Sex-Specific Neurodevelopmental Outcomes Among Offspring of Mothers With SARS-CoV-2 Infection During Pregnancy
Authors: Edlow Andrea G. , Castro Victor M. , Shook Lydia L. , Haneuse Sebastien , Kaimal Anjali J. , Perlis Roy H.
Published: March 2023

Importance

Prior studies using large registries have suggested a modest increase in risk for neurodevelopmental diagnoses among children of mothers with immune activation during pregnancy, and such risk may be sex-specific.

Objective

To determine whether in utero exposure to SARS-CoV-2 is associated with sex-specific risk for neurodevelopmental disorders up to 18 months after birth, compared with unexposed offspring born during or prior to the COVID-19 pandemic period.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This retrospective cohort study included the live offspring of all mothers who delivered between January 1 and December 31, 2018 (born and followed up before the COVID-19 pandemic), between March 1 and December 31, 2019 (born before and followed up during the COVID-19 pandemic), and between March 1, 2020, and May 31, 2021 (born and followed up during the COVID-19 pandemic). Offspring were born at any of 8 hospitals across 2 health systems in Massachusetts.

Exposures

Polymerase chain reaction evidence of maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Electronic health record documentation of International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, Tenth Revision diagnostic codes corresponding to neurodevelopmental disorders.

Results

The COVID-19 pandemic cohort included 18 355 live births (9399 boys [51.2%]), including 883 (4.8%) with maternal SARS-CoV-2 positivity during pregnancy. The cohort included 1809 Asian individuals (9.9%), 1635 Black individuals (8.9%), 12 718 White individuals (69.3%), and 1714 individuals (9.3%) who were of other race (American Indian or Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, more than 1 race); 2617 individuals (14.3%) were of Hispanic ethnicity. Mean maternal age was 33.0 (IQR, 30.0-36.0) years. In adjusted regression models accounting for race, ethnicity, insurance status, hospital type (academic center vs community), maternal age, and preterm status, maternal SARS-CoV-2 positivity was associated with a statistically significant elevation in risk for neurodevelopmental diagnoses at 12 months among male offspring (adjusted OR, 1.94 [95% CI 1.12-3.17]; P = .01) but not female offspring (adjusted OR, 0.89 [95% CI, 0.39-1.76]; P = .77). Similar effects were identified using matched analyses in lieu of regression. At 18 months, more modest effects were observed in male offspring (adjusted OR, 1.42 [95% CI, 0.92-2.11]; P = .10).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cohort study of offspring with SARS-CoV-2 exposure in utero, such exposure was associated with greater magnitude of risk for neurodevelopmental diagnoses among male offspring at 12 months following birth. As with prior studies of maternal infection, substantially larger cohorts and longer follow-up will be required to reliably estimate or refute risk.
Mental Distress Among Female Individuals of Reproductive Age and Reported Barriers to Legal Abortion Following the US Supreme Court Decision to Overturn Roe v Wade
Authors: Dave Dhaval , Fu Wei , Yang Muzhe
Published: March 2023

This case-control study investigates the association of the US Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v Wade with mental distress among female individuals of reproductive age.
Evaluation of Cesarean Rates for Term, Singleton, Live Vertex Deliveries in China in 2020 Among Women With No Prior Cesarean Delivery
Authors: Yin Shaohua , Chen Lian , Zhou Yubo , Yuan Pengbo , Guo Xiaoyue , Lu Jie , Ge Lin , Shi Huifeng , Wang Xiaoxia , Li Luyao , Qiao Jie , Zhao Yangyu , Qi Hongbo , Ma Xudong , Wei Yuan
Published: March 2023

Importance

Substantial regional variation in cesarean delivery rates has been reported in China, but there is a lack of reports on hospital-level variation in these rates among low-risk deliveries.

Objectives

To evaluate hospital variation in cesarean rates in China for term, singleton, live vertex deliveries among women with no prior cesarean delivery and to estimate contributions of individual and hospital factors.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This nationwide cross-sectional study used data from maternal patient discharge records collected by the Hospital Quality Monitoring System in China from January 1 to December 31, 2020. Pregnant female individuals aged 15 to 49 years (referred to hereafter as women) with at least 1 live birth were included, and low-risk deliveries were defined as term, singleton, live, vertex deliveries with no prior cesarean delivery.

Exposures

Birth by cesarean delivery.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The main outcome was cesarean delivery rate by hospital. Hierarchical logistic regression analysis was used to calculate the adjusted cesarean rate and to estimate the percentage of hospital variation in low-risk deliveries explained by individual and hospital factors.

Results

Among the 7 635 149 deliveries identified from 4359 hospitals in 31 provinces of mainland China, 6 599 468 (86.4%) were considered low risk. Of overall and low-risk deliveries, 3 400 162 and 2 638 097 were cesarean deliveries, corresponding to mean rates of 44.5% and 40.0%, respectively. The mean (SD) maternal age for overall and low-risk deliveries was 29.1 (4.0) and 28.8 (4.8) years, respectively, and mothers were more likely to be of Han ethnicity (89.5%). Cesarean rates varied widely among hospitals, with absolute differences between the 5th and 95th percentiles of 53.5% (19.4%-72.9%) for overall deliveries and 56.8% (14.3%-71.1%) for low-risk deliveries. Large absolute differences remained after adjusting for maternal characteristics, with rates of 47.4% (19.1%-66.5%) for overall deliveries and 52.6% (15.0%-67.6%) for low-risk deliveries. Among low-risk deliveries, hospital factors (eg, hospital province location) explained 31.3% of the hospital variation in cesarean rate and individual factors explained an additional 2.0%.

Conclusions and Relevance

The findings of this cross-sectional study suggest that cesarean rates varied markedly among hospitals in China in 2020, which may be attributable to hospital rather than individual factors. Future work is needed to design hospital-level initiatives to optimize cesarean use, particularly among low-risk deliveries.
Impacts of implementing activity‐based working on environmental satisfaction and workplace productivity during renovation of research facilities
Authors: Tokumura Tomoko , Akiyama Yukiho , Takahashi Hiroki , Kuwayama Kinuko , Wada Kazuki , Kuroki Tomohiro , Takahashi Mikio , Takahashi Shusuke , Shinoda Jun , Nakagawa Jun , Tanabe Shin‐ichi
Published: March 2023

Activity‐based working (ABW) is attracting attention as a new style of working to improve workplace productivity in Japan. The purpose of this study is to clarify the changes in the working style of office workers by implementation of ABW. In this paper, a questionnaire survey was conducted in a research facility; once before the ABW renovation and twice after the renovation. We found that accustoming to the ABW leads to changes in the style of working, such as the choice of seats, and that being able to work where you want to work leads to increased workplace productivity.
Antivinculin Antibodies in Systemic Sclerosis: Associations With Slow Gastric Transit and Extraintestinal Clinical Phenotype
Authors: Herrán María , Adler Brittany L. , Perin Jamie , Morales Walter , Pimentel Mark , McMahan Zsuzsanna H.
Published: March 2023

Objective

The gastrointestinal (GI) tract is commonly affected in systemic sclerosis (SSc). A positive association between antivinculin antibody levels and GI symptom severity is reported in SSc. We sought to examine whether antivinculin antibodies associate with measures of GI dysmotility and extraintestinal clinical phenotype in SSc.

Methods

A total of 88 well‐characterized patients with SSc and GI disease were assayed for antivinculin antibodies by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Whole‐gut scintigraphy, GI symptom scores, and clinical features of SSc were compared between patients with and without antibodies.

Results

Twenty of 88 (23%) patients had antivinculin antibodies, which were more prevalent in patients with slow gastric transit (35% versus 22%). In the univariate analyses, patients who were positive for antivinculin antibodies were more likely to have limited cutaneous disease (odds ratio [OR] 9.60 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.19, 77.23]) and thyroid disease (OR 4.09 [95% CI 1.27, 13.21]). Such patients were also less likely to have lung involvement based on a Medsger Severity Score of ≥2 (OR 0.25 [95% CI 0.07, 0.92]). Higher levels of antivinculin autoantibodies were associated with less gastric emptying (β coefficient –3.41 [95% CI –6.72, –0.09]). The association between antivinculin antibodies and each of these clinical features remained significant in the multivariable model. In particular, the presence of antivinculin antibodies (β coefficient –6.20 [95% CI –12.33, –0.063]) and higher levels of antivinculin antibodies (β coefficient –3.64 [95% CI –7.05, –0.23]) were each significantly associated with slower gastric transit.

Conclusion

Antivinculin antibodies associate with slower gastric transit in SSc and may provide insight into GI complications of SSc.

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Impact of Intermittent Fasting on the Gut Microbiota: A Systematic Review
Authors: Pérez‐Gerdel Theodoro , Camargo Milena , Alvarado Mateo , Ramírez Juan David
Published: March 2023

Obesity often results in severe negative health consequences and represents a growing issue for global health. Reducing food intake is a crucial factor for weight loss. Intermittent fasting is a relatively new intervention that contributes to weight reduction. Considering the intimate relationship between obesity and inflammatory pathologies with gut microbiota alterations, a systematic review of the literature was herein conducted to elucidate the relationship between time‐restricted food intake and gut microbiota diversity in humans. Searches are carried out in three databases (PubMed, MedLine/OVID, and Academic Search Complete) between April 2019 and April 2022. Nine studies (all with longitudinal design) were identified as eligible by presenting data about the impact of intermittent fasting schemes on gut microbiota. At the phylum level, Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes increase throughout follow‐ups, while 16 bacteria genera change their abundance in response to intermittent fasting. Finally, some genera associated with clinical predictors such as weight change, abdominal circumference, and metabolic variables were reported. Changes induced by fasting schemes positively impact the diversity and abundance of gut microbiota and the biomarkers described here. However, the changes previously reported have been studied in short periods and some return to their basal state after fasting intervention.
Ferroptosis‐Mediated Synergistic Therapy of Hypertrophic Scarring Based on Metal–Organic Framework Microneedle Patch
Authors: Zhao Bin , Guo Wenfeng , Zhou Xiaomeng , Xue Yumeng , Wang Tianyi , Li Qiang , Tan Li‐Li , Shang Li
Published: March 2023

Hypertrophic scarring, an abnormal fibroproliferative wound‐healing disease, has brought tremendous burden for global healthcare systems. To date, no satisfactory treatment of hypertrophic scarring is available yet. Ferroptosis, an iron‐dependent form of cell death, has attracted much attention recently for the therapy of diseases featuring iron addiction. Intriguingly, myofibroblasts derived from hypertrophic scarring are found to exhibit a high iron state which appears to be sensitive to trigger ferroptosis for scarring treatment. Accordingly, in this study, a pH responsive self‐assembly nanoplatform is designed by encapsulating silver nanoclusters (AgNCs) and Chinese herbal medicine trigonelline (TRG) into zeolitic imidazolate framework‐8 (ZIF‐8) for synergistic ferroptosis therapy against hypertrophic scarring. The fabricated AgNC/TRG/ZIF‐8 composites exhibit good biocompatibility and pH responsive‐degradation inside myofibroblasts. The ZIF‐8 precursors can increase the generation of lipid reactive oxygen species and deplete intracellular glutathione (GSH). Also, AgNCs have the capability to consume GSH, while TRG can inhibit the activity of glutathione peroxidase. Consequently, the synergistic ferroptosis anti‐scarring therapy can be effectively achieved. Furthermore, AgNC/TRG/ZIF‐8‐loaded microneedle patches made of gelatin methacrylate show remarkable therapeutic effect against hypertrophic scarring on a rabbit ear model. This study suggests the great potential of ferroptosis‐mediated strategy for treating fibrotic skin diseases in future clinical application.
Machine‐Learning‐Assisted Determination of the Global Zero‐Temperature Phase Diagram of Materials
Authors: Schmidt Jonathan , Hoffmann Noah , Wang Hai‐Chen , Borlido Pedro , Carriço Pedro J. M. A. , Cerqueira Tiago F. T. , Botti Silvana , Marques Miguel A. L.
Published: March 2023

Crystal‐graph attention neural networks have emerged recently as remarkable tools for the prediction of thermodynamic stability. The efficacy of their learning capabilities and their reliability is however subject to the quantity and quality of the data they are fed. Previous networks exhibit strong biases due to the inhomogeneity of the training data. Here a high‐quality dataset is engineered to provide a better balance across chemical and crystal‐symmetry space. Crystal‐graph neural networks trained with this dataset show unprecedented generalization accuracy. Such networks are applied to perform machine‐learning‐assisted high‐throughput searches of stable materials, spanning 1 billion candidates. In this way, the number of vertices of the global T = 0 K phase diagram is increased by 30% and find more than ≈150 000 compounds with a distance to the convex hull of stability of less than 50 meV atom−1. The discovered materials are then accessed for applications, identifying compounds with extreme values of a few properties, such as superconductivity, superhardness, and giant gap‐deformation potentials.
Response to Comment on “Vapor Lubrication for Reducing Water and Ice Adhesion on Poly(dimethylsiloxane) Brushes”: Organic Vapors Influence Water Contact Angles on Hydrophobic Surfaces
Authors: Li Shuai , Butt Hans‐Jürgen
Published: March 2023

Fast removal of water drops from solid surfaces is important in many applications such as on solar panels in rain, in heat transfer, and for water collection. Recently, a reduction in lateral adhesion of water drops on poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) brush surfaces after exposure to various organic vapors was reported. It was attributed to the physisorption of vapor and swelling of the PDMS brushes. However, it was later pointed out that a change in the interfacial energies by vapor adsorption could also have caused low drop adhesion. To find out how strongly each effect contributes, contact angles of water drops on three hydrophobic surfaces in different vapors are measured. In water‐soluble vapors, a substantial decrease is observed in contact angles. This decrease can indeed be explained by a vapor‐induced change in the interfacial tensions. The very low contact angle hysteresis on PDMS surfaces in saturated n‐hexane and toluene vapor cannot be explained by a change in interfacial tensions. The observation supports the hypothesis that these vapors adsorb into the PDMS and form a lubricating layer. It is hoped that these findings help to solve fundamental problems and contribute to applications, such as anti‐icing, heat transfer, and water collection.
Multi‐layer Architecture of Novel Sea Urchin‐like Co‐Hopeite to Boosting Overall Alkaline Water Splitting
Authors: Huang Yankai , Song Xudong , Chen Sibao , Zhang Jie , Gao Hanqing , Liao Jianjun , Ge Chengjun , Sun Wei
Published: March 2023

Electrochemical water splitting coupled with renewable energy offers a promising avenue for energy conversion and storage, but it is also extremely suppressed by the sluggish kinetics of oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Herein, a multi‐layer architecture strategy was utilized by the in situ growth for cobalt phosphate of Hopeite‐like phase (Co‐H) on NiCo‐layered double hydroxide (NiCo‐LDH) to prepare a self‐supported electrode (Co‐H/NiCo@NF). The Co‐H formed over the NiCo‐LDH shows a unique sea urchin‐like morphology. The Co‐H/NiCo@NF displays excellent HER and OER activity, requiring only overpotentials of 180 mV and 350 mV to deliver 100 mA cm−2, consequently, be capable to generate an appealing cell potential of 1.76 V for overall water splitting at the corresponding current density. In addition, the prepared Co‐H/NiCo@NF has long‐term stability against 500 mA cm−2 and exhibits a trend of increased activity, which may associate with the structural reconstructions to form new phases and the strong bonding between layers. These findings demonstrate that the multi‐layer architecture with fine‐component modulation is a promising strategy for the development of robust and efficient cobalt phosphate electrocatalysts, and the role of multi‐layer in the evolution of structural reconstructions deserves further investigation.
Ohmic Electron Injection into Organic Semiconductors by Solution‐Processed and Evaporated Organic Interlayers
Authors: Trieb David , Blom Paul W.M. , Wetzelaer Gert‐Jan A.H.
Published: March 2023

Efficient electron injection from an electrode into an organic semiconductor remains a problem to solve for efficient organic semiconductor devices. In this work, a general method is presented to form an ohmic electron contact by inserting a thin organic interlayer between the metal electrode and the organic semiconductor. It is demonstrated that inserting an interlayer of a few nanometers of an organic semiconductor with a lower electron affinity than the transport material can improve the injected electron current by over three orders of magnitude. The electron current becomes space‐charge limited, demonstrating that the interlayer‐enhanced contact is ohmic. The ohmic‐contact formation by inserting a thin interlayer is ascribed to the elimination of barrier formation as a result of direct contact between the metal and organic semiconductor. Additionally, it is demonstrated that it is possible to achieve solution processing of such interlayers on top of organic semiconductors. The method is generalized for different interlayer materials as well as for different organic semiconductors, providing a general method for ohmic electron injection in organic devices.
Selectively Regulating Asymmetric Photopolymerization Via Competition Between Circularly Polarized UV and Visible Light
Authors: Zhang Chutian , Feng Zeyu , Xie Yifan , Li Jiahe , Zhang Hongli , Chen Xin , Zou Gang
Published: March 2023

Circularly polarized light (CPL) has attracted considerable interest since it can impart chiral bias into photochemical reactions and open up a novel opportunity for synthesizing chiral polymer materials. Despite numerous reports describing the chiral induction effect with single CPL, the synergistic or competitive effect between two types of CPL—i.e., circularly polarized ultraviolet light (CPUV) for triggering asymmetric polymerization while circularly polarized visible light (CPVL) only for accelerating helical chain propagation—is rarely reported. Here, this work demonstrates that the selective regulation on the asymmetric photopolymerization can be realized by the arbitrarily coupled irradiation with CPUV and CPVL, either constructively or destructively. In the former case, further chirality amplification can be achieved. Remarkably, for the latter case, the opposite handed CPVL can bias the polymer helicity during the chain propagation process and thereby overrule the helical preference inducted by CPUV. This work highlights the importance of chiral induction effect in helical chain propagation process and is highly valuable for deeper understanding of helical preference in CPL‐triggered asymmetric photopolymerization.
M2 Macrophage‐Derived sEV Regulate Pro‐Inflammatory CCR2+ Macrophage Subpopulations to Favor Post‐AMI Cardiac Repair
Authors: Li Lan , Cao Jiasong , Li Sheng , Cui Tianyi , Ni Jingyu , Zhang Han , Zhu Yan , Mao Jingyuan , Gao Xiumei , Midgley Adam C. , Zhu Meifeng , Fan Guanwei
Published: March 2023

Tissue‐resident cardiac macrophage subsets mediate cardiac tissue inflammation and repair after acute myocardial infarction (AMI). CC chemokine receptor 2 (CCR2)‐expressing macrophages have phenotypical similarities to M1‐polarized macrophages, are pro‐inflammatory, and recruit CCR2+ circulating monocytes to infarcted myocardium. Small extracellular vesicles (sEV) from CCR2̶ macrophages, which phenotypically resemble M2‐polarized macrophages, promote anti‐inflammatory activity and cardiac repair. Here, the authors harvested M2 macrophage‐derived sEV (M2EV) from M2‐polarized bone‐marrow‐derived macrophages for intramyocardial injection and recapitulation of sEV‐mediated anti‐inflammatory activity in ischemic‐reperfusion (I/R) injured hearts. Rats and pigs received sham surgery; I/R without treatment; or I/R with autologous M2EV treatment. M2EV rescued cardiac function and attenuated injury markers, infarct size, and scar size. M2EV inhibited CCR2+ macrophage numbers, reduced monocyte‐derived CCR2+ macrophage recruitment to infarct sites, induced M1‐to‐M2 macrophage switching and promoted neovascularization. Analysis of M2EV microRNA content revealed abundant miR‐181b‐5p, which regulated macrophage glucose uptake, glycolysis, and mitigated mitochondrial reactive oxygen species generation. Functional blockade of miR‐181b‐5p is detrimental to beneficial M2EV actions and resulted in failure to inhibit CCR2+ macrophage numbers and infarct size. Taken together, this investigation showed that M2EV rescued myocardial function, improved myocardial repair, and regulated CCR2+ macrophages via miR‐181b‐5p‐dependent mechanisms, indicating an option for cell‐free therapy for AMI.
DNA‐Nanocrystal Assemblies for Environmentally Responsive and Highly Efficient Energy Harvesting and Storage
Authors: Kesama Mallikarjuna Reddy , Kim Sunghwan
Published: March 2023

Natural polymer‐based and self‐powered bioelectronic devices are attracting attention owing to an increased interest in human health monitoring and human–machine interfaces. However, obtaining both high efficiency and multifunctionality from a single natural polymer‐based bioelectronics platform is still challenging. Here, molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) nanoparticle‐ and carbon quantum dot (CQDs)‐incorporated deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) nanocomposites are reported for energy harvesting, motion sensing, and charge storing. With nanomaterial‐based electrodes, the MoS2‐CQD‐DNA nanocomposite exhibits a high triboelectric open‐circuit voltage of 1.6 kV (average) and an output power density of 275 mW cm−2, which is sufficient for turning on hundred light‐emitting diodes and for a highly sensitive motion sensing. Notably, the triboelectric performance can be tuned by external stimuli (light and thermal energy). Thermal and photon energy absorptions by the nanocomposite generate additional charges, resulting in an enhanced triboelectric performance. The MoS2‐CQD‐DNA nanocomposite can also be applied as a capacitor material. Based on the obtained electronic properties, such as capacitances, dielectric constants, work functions, and bandgaps, it is possible that the charges generated by the MoS2‐CQD‐DNA triboelectric nanogenerator can be stored in the MoS2‐CQD‐DNA capacitor. A new way is presented here to expand the application area of self‐powered devices in wearable and implantable electronics.
Single‐Layered MoS2 Fabricated by Charge‐Driven Interlayer Expansion for Superior Lithium/Sodium/Potassium‐Ion‐Battery Anodes
Authors: Li Zhenwei , Han Meisheng , Zhang Yuanbo , Yuan Fu , Fu Ying , Yu Jie
Published: March 2023

Single‐layered MoS2 is a promising anode material for lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs), sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs), and potassium‐ion batteries (PIBs) due to its high capacity and isotropic ion transport paths. However, the low intrinsic conductivity and easy‐agglomerated feature hamper its applications. Here, a charge‐driven interlayer expansion strategy that Co2+ replaces Mo4+ in the doping form to endow MoS2 layers with negative charges, thus inducing electrostatic repulsion, together with the insertion of gaseous groups, to drive interlayer expansion which once breaks the confinement of interlayer van der Waals force, single‐layered MoS2 is obtained and uniformly dispersed into carbon matrix arising from the transformation of carbonaceous gaseous groups under high vapor pressure, is proposed. Co atom doping helps enhance the intrinsic conductivity of single‐layered MoS2. Carbon matrix effectively prevents agglomeration of single‐layered MoS2. The doped Co atoms can be fully transformed into ultrasmall Co nanoparticles during conversion reaction, which enables strong spin‐polarized surface capacitance and thus significantly boosts ion transport and storage. Consequently, the prepared material delivers superb Li/Na/K‐ion storage performances, which are best in the reported MoS2‐based anodes. The proposed charge‐driven interlayer expansion strategy provides a novel perspective for preparing single‐layered MoS2, which shows huge potential for energy storage.
Flexible Quasi‐Solid‐State Aqueous Zinc‐Ion Batteries: Design Principles, Functionalization Strategies, and Applications
Authors: Wang Wenhui , Li Chaowei , Liu Shizhuo , Zhang Jingchao , Zhang Daojun , Du Jimin , Zhang Qichong , Yao Yagang
Published: March 2023

Aqueous zinc‐ion batteries (AZIBs) may have applications in macroscale energy storage on account of their advantages of high‐safety, cost‐effectiveness, and ecofriendliness. As a promising application, flexible quasi‐solid‐state AZIBs (FQAZIBs) can withstand mechanical deformation, and can act as favorable power supply devices for wearable electronics. As FQAZIBs are one of the most exciting and rapidly ongoing topics among aqueous batteries, it is critical yet timely to summarize the latest development in this field, providing the much‐needed guidance for the fabrication of FQAZIBs. In this review, the recent progress and rational design strategies for FQAZIBs from mechanisms, design principles, and applications are systematically presented. First, the energy storage and flexible mechanisms of FQAZIBs are illuminated in detail. Subsequently, the design philosophies of FQAZIBs are also systematically elucidated. Moreover, the latest progress and practical applications of FQAZIBs in wearable electronics are reviewed in detail according to various functions such as compressibility, stretchability, electrochromic ability, anti‐freezing ability, self‐healing ability, self‐charging properties, photodetecting function, shape memory, biodegradability, and actuated function. Finally, some applications and promising prospects in the research area of FQAZIBs are demonstrated to supply guidelines on the exploitation of their practical applications.
Mitigating poverty and undernutrition through social protection: A simulation analysis of the COVID‐19 pandemic in Bangladesh and Myanmar
Authors: Ecker Olivier , Alderman Harold , Comstock Andrew R. , Headey Derek D. , Mahrt Kristi , Pradesha Angga
Published: March 2023

The COVID‐19 pandemic resulted in severe income losses, but little is known about its impacts on diets and nutritional adequacy, or the effectiveness of social protection interventions in mitigating dietary and nutritional impacts. We first assess the likely impacts of COVID‐19 shocks in Bangladesh and Myanmar on poverty and food and nutrient consumption gaps. We then analyze the estimated mitigating effects of five hypothetical social protection interventions of a typical monetary value: (1) cash transfers; (2) in‐kind transfers of common rice; (3) in‐kind transfers of fortified rice enriched with multiple essential micronutrients; (4) vouchers for a diversified basket of rice and non‐staple foods; and (5) food vouchers with fortified rice instead of common rice. The simulation results suggest modest effectiveness of the cash transfers for mitigating poverty increases and little effectiveness of all five transfers for preventing increasing food and nutrient consumption gaps among the poorest 40%. Rice fortification is, however, effective at closing key micronutrient consumption gaps and could be a suitable policy instrument for averting “hidden hunger” during economic crises.