bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Confucian Role-Based Ethics and Strong Environmental Ethics
Authors: Nuyen Anh Tuan
Published: September 2011

Onora O'Neill has argued that an obligations-based anthropocentric ethics can support strong environmentalism. However, the value that non-human nature has in such ethics is still ultimately instrumental. I will argue in this paper that while O'Neill's ethics is conceptually close enough
to Confucian role-based ethics, the latter allows that non-human nature can have a non-instrumental value and thus can support a robust environmentalism while remaining anthropocentric.
Diversity of Pharmacological Properties in Chinese and European Medicinal Plants: Cytotoxicity, Antiviral and Antitrypanosomal Screening of 82 Herbal Drugs
Authors: Herrmann Florian , Romero Marta R. , Blazquez Alba G. , Kaufmann Dorothea , Ashour Mohamed L. , Kahl Stefan , Marin Jose J.G. , Efferth Thomas , Wink Michael
Published: September 2011

In an extensive screening, the antiviral, antitrypanosomal and anticancer properties of extracts from 82 plants used in traditional Chinese medicine and European phytomedicine were determined. Several promising plants that were highly effective against hepatitis B virus (HBV), bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV)—a flavivirus used here as a surrogate in vitro model of hepatitis C virus, trypanosomes (Trypanosoma brucei brucei) and several cancer cell lines were identified. Six aqueous extracts from Celosia cristata, Ophioglossum vulgatum, Houttuynia cordata, Selaginella tamariscina, Alpinia galanga and Alpinia oxyphylla showed significant antiviral effects against BVDV without toxic effects on host embryonic bovine trachea (EBTr) cells, while Evodia lepta, Hedyotis diffusa and Glycyrrhiza spp. demonstrated promising activities against the HBV without toxic effects on host human hepatoblastoma cells transfected with HBV-DNA (HepG2 2.2.15) cells. Seven organic extracts from Alpinia oxyphylla, Coptis chinensis, Kadsura longipedunculata, Arctium lappa, Panax ginseng, Panax notoginseng and Saposhnikovia divaricata inhibited T. b. brucei. Moreover, among fifteen water extracts that combined high antiproliferative activity (IC50 0.5–20 µg/mL) and low acute in vitro toxicity (0–10% reduction in cell viability at IC50), Coptis chinensis presented the best beneficial characteristics. In conclusion, traditional herbal medicine from Europe and China still has a potential for new therapeutic targets and therapeutic applications.
New Tetromycin Derivatives with Anti-Trypanosomal and Protease Inhibitory Activities
Authors: Pimentel-Elardo Sheila M. , Buback Verena , Gulder Tobias A.M. , Bugni Tim S. , Reppart Jason , Bringmann Gerhard , Ireland Chris M. , Schirmeister Tanja , Hentschel Ute
Published: September 2011

Four new tetromycin derivatives, tetromycins 1–4 and a previously known one, tetromycin B (5) were isolated from Streptomyces axinellae Pol001T cultivated from the Mediterranean sponge Axinella polypoides. Structures were assigned using extensive 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy as well as HRESIMS analysis. The compounds were tested for antiparasitic activities against Leishmania major and Trypanosoma brucei, and for protease inhibition against several cysteine proteases such as falcipain, rhodesain, cathepsin L, cathepsin B, and viral proteases SARS-CoV Mpro, and PLpro. The compounds showed antiparasitic activities against T. brucei and time-dependent inhibition of cathepsin L-like proteases with Ki values in the low micromolar range.
Degradable Cross-Linked Nanoassemblies as Drug Carriers for Heat Shock Protein 90 Inhibitor 17-N-Allylamino-17-demethoxy-geldanamycin
Authors: Ponta Andrei , Akter Shanjida , Bae Younsoo
Published: September 2011

Cross-linked nanoassemblies (CNAs) with a degradable core were prepared for sustained release of 17-N-allylamino-17-demethoxygeldanamycin (17-AAG), a potent inhibitor of heat shock protein 90 (HSP90). The particle size of CNAs ranged between 100 and 250 nm, which changed depending on the cross-linking yields and drug entrapment method. CNAs with a 1% cross-linking yield entrapped 17-AAG in aqueous solutions, yet degraded in 3 hrs. CNAs entrapped 5.2 weight% of 17-AAG as the cross-linking yield increased to 10%, retaining more than 80% of particles for 24 hrs. CNAs with drugs entrapped after the cross-linking reactions were 100 nm and remained stable in both pH 7.4 and 5.0, corresponding to the physiological, tumoral, and intracellular environments. Drug was completely released from CNAs in 48 hrs, which would potentially maximize drug delivery and release efficiency within tumor tissues. Drug release patterns were not negatively affected by changing the cross-linking yields of CNAs. CNAs entrapping 17-AAG suppressed the growth of human non-small cell lung cancer A549 cells as equally effective as free drugs. The results demonstrated that CNAs would be a promising formulation that can be used in aqueous solutions for controlled delivery and release of 17-AAG.
The Effect of Co-Monomer Content on the Swelling/Shrinking and Mechanical Behaviour of Individually Adsorbed PNIPAM Microgel Particles
Authors: Burmistrova Anna , Richter Marcel , Eisele Michael , Üzüm Cagri , Von Klitzing Regine
Published: September 2011

The swelling/deswelling behaviour of microgel particles in the bulk and at the surface was studied and correlated to their mechanical properties. We focused on two kinds of particles: pure PNIPAM and PNIPAM-co-AAc particles. It was shown that the two step volume phase transition found for PNIPAM-co-AAc particles in the bulk disappears after the adsorption at the surface and only a one step transition was identified. The transition temperature increased strongly with increasing the co-monomer content. The dependence of the Young’s modulus of the adsorbed microgel particles on the temperature and the co-monomer content was discussed. The investigations were performed via DLS and SFM.
Using Remote Sensing Products for Environmental Analysis in South America
Authors: Cardozo Francielle da Silva , Shimabukuro Yosio Edemir , Pereira Gabriel , Silva Fabrício Brito
Published: September 2011

Land cover plays a major role in many biogeochemical models that represent processes and connections with terrestrial systems; hence, it is a key component for public decisions in ecosystems management. The advance of remote sensing technology, combined with the emergence of new operational products, offers alternatives to improve the accuracy of environmental monitoring and analysis. This work uses the GLOBCOVER, the Vegetation Continuous Field (VCF), MODIS Fire Radiative Power (FRP) and the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) remotely sensed databases to analyze the biomass burning distribution, the land use and land cover characteristics and the percent of tree cover in South America during the years 2000 to 2005. Initially, GLOBCOVER was assessed based on VCF product, and subsequently used for quantitative analysis of the spatial distribution of the South America fires with the fire radiative power (FRP). The results show that GLOBCOVER has a tendency to overestimate forest classes and to underestimate urban and mangroves areas. The fire quantification based on GLOBCOVER product shows that the highest incidence of fires can be observed in the arc of deforestation, located in the Amazon forest border, with vegetation cover composed mainly of broadleaved evergreen or semi-deciduous forest. A time series analysis of FRP database indicates that biomass burning occurs mainly in areas of broadleaved evergreen or semi-deciduous forest and in Brazilian Cerrado associated with grassland management, agricultural land clearing and with the deforestation of Amazon tropical rainforest. Also, variations in FRP intensity and spread can be attributed to rainfall anomalies, such as in 2004, when South America had a positive anomaly rainfall.
Human Umbilical Cord Blood-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Protect against Neuronal Cell Death and Ameliorate Motor Deficits in Niemann Pick Type C1 Mice
Authors: Seo Yoojin , Yang Se-Ran , Jee Min Ki , Joo Eun Kyung , Roh Kyung-Hwan , Seo Min-Soo , Han Tae Hee , Lee So Yeong , Ryu Pan Dong , Jung Ji-Won , Seo Kwang-Won , Kang Soo-Kyung , Kang Kyung-Sun
Published: September 2011

Niemann Pick disease type C1 (NPC) is an autosomal recessive disease characterized by progressive neurological deterioration leading to premature death. In this study, we hypothesized that human umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUCB-MSCs) have the multifunctional abilities to ameliorate NPC symptoms in the brain. To test this hypothesis, hUCB-MSCs were transplanted into the hippocampus of NPC mice in the early asymptomatic stage. This transplantation resulted in the recovery of motor function in the Rota Rod test and impaired cholesterol homeostasis leading to increased levels of cholesterol efflux-related genes such as LXRα, ABCA1, and ABCG5 while decreased levels of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase were observed in NPC mice. In the cerebrum, hUCB-MSCs enhanced neuronal cell survival and proliferation, where they directly differentiated into electrically active MAP2-positive neurons as demonstrated by whole-cell patch clamping. In addition, we observed that hUCB-MSCs reduced Purkinje neuronal loss by suppression of inflammatory and apoptotic signaling in the cerebellum as shown by immunohistochemistry. We further investigated how hUCB-MSCs enhance cellular survival and inhibit apoptosis in NPC mice. Neuronal cell survival was associated with increased PI3K/AKT and JAK2/STAT3 signaling; moreover, hUCB-MSCs modulated the levels of GABA/glutamate transporters such as GAT1, EAAT2, EAAT3, and GAD6 in NPC mice as assessed by Western blot analysis. Taken together, our findings suggest that hUCB-MSCs might play multifunctional roles in neuronal cell survival and ameliorating motor deficits of NPC mice.
The Sequential Combination of a JNK Inhibitor and Simvastatin Protects Porcine Islets from Peritransplant Apoptosis and Inflammation
Authors: Jin Sang-Man , Kim Kang Seok , Lee Song-Yi , Gong Chang-Hoon , Park Su Kyoung , Shin Jun Seop , Park Chung-Gyu , Kim Sang-Joon
Published: September 2011

Intraductal administration of a c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) inhibitor enhances islet viability. However, its role in reducing the inflammatory response in islets is unknown. It is also unknown whether a JNK inhibitor could act in synergy with statins. We examined if the sequential combination of a JNK inhibitor and simvastatin would reduce islet inflammation and improve islet viability. We performed porcine islet isolation with or without intraductal administration of SP600125, a JNK inhibitor. This was followed by culture medium supplementation with either nicotinamide alone or nicotinamide plus simvastatin. We assessed the viability of islets by flow cytometry, islet loss during overnight culture, graft function in NOD/SCID mice, and expression of inflammation-related genes in islets. The sequential combination of a JNK inhibitor and simvastatin increased the β-cell viability index of porcine islets cultured overnight ( p = 0.015) as well as islet viability as assessed by a DNA binding dye staining ( p = 0.011). The combination of a JNK inhibitor and simvastatin significantly increased the islet survival rate ( p = 0.027) when the histomorphometry of donor pancreas indicated a large islet proportion of greater than 50.55%. When we transplanted the same islet mass per recipient for each group, there was no difference in overall islet graft function. Intraductal administration of JNK inhibitor significantly suppressed mRNA expression levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interferon-γ, tumor necrosis factor-α, IL-6, IL-8, and macrophage chemoattractant protein-1. It also decreased the concentration of IL-1β ( p = 0.040) and IL-8 ( p = 0.023) in the culture supernatant. In conclusion, the sequential combination of a JNK inhibitor and simvastatin protected porcine islets from peritransplant apoptosis. Inhibition of JNK reduced the inflammatory response and could be considered an alternative target for suppression of porcine islet inflammation.
Pathology of Acute Henipavirus Infection in Humans and Animals
Authors: Wong K. T. , Ong K. C.
Published: September 2011

Zoonoses as causes of human infections have been increasingly reported, and many of these are viruses that cause central nervous system infections. This paper focuses on the henipaviruses (family Paramyxoviridae, genushenipavirus) that have recently emerged to cause severe encephalitis and systemic infection in humans and animals in the Asia-Pacific region. The pathological features in the human infections comprise vasculopathy (vasculitis, endothelial multinucleated syncytia, thrombosis, etc.) and parenchymal cell infection in the central nervous system, lung, kidney, and other major organs. Most animals naturally or experimentally infected show more or less similar features confirming the dual pathogenetic mechanism of vasculopathy-associated microinfarction and direct extravascular parenchymal cell infection as causes of tissue injury. The most promising animal models include the hamster, ferret, squirrel monkey, and African green monkey. With increasing evidence of infection in the natural hosts, the pteropid bats and, hence, probable future outbreaks in many more countries, a greater awareness of henipavirus infection in both humans and animals is imperative.
Die voedingsoorgang in Suid-Afrika: ’n Uitdaging vir verbeterde voeding en die verligting van armoede
Authors: Vorster Hester H.
Published: September 2011

Developing countries, including South Africa, are lagging behind in reaching the United Nations’ Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). These countries are at present experiencing a nutrition transition that is an outcome of economic development, urbanisation and acculturation. In this article, the nutritional situation in South Africa based on anthropometric characteristics of its population, is briefly reviewed. The vicious cycle between poverty, undernutrition and an increased vulnerability for over-nutrition and related noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) is explained and hypothesised to be a major determinant of the coexistence of under-nutrition and over-nutrition in developing countries. In South Africa the coexistence of under-nutrition and over-nutrition underlies a double burden of high morbidity and mortality from both infectious and noncommunicable diseases, which is further exacerbated by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) pandemic. Clearly, it would be difficult to escape this intergenerational vicious circle of poverty and malnutrition, without optimising the nutritional status of all women who plan to become pregnant. There are many psychological reasons, apart from nutrition transition, why people eat more than they need to, including an inherent partiality for refined, sweet, salty and fatty foods. A conceptual framework, based on the constitutional right to food and nutrition security, is proposed to guide policy makers to plan holistic, integrated, transdisciplinary and multisectorial interventions to address under-nutrition and over-nutrition simultaneously.Individuals should be empowered, facilitated and motivated by appropriate education and training programmes and by strategies to improve socio-economic situations to be able to buy or produce food and to make healthy choices. This food environment will be created only if there is a common agenda, or even legislation, to improve the nutritional status in multisectorial and transdisciplinary programmes. The Directorate of Nutrition in the South African Department of Health has an excellent integrated nutrition strategy, but lacks the required implementation capacity. More public health nutritionists should be trained and other health professionals should be better equipped to implement nutritional interventions in all poverty alleviation and health promotion programmes.
Concurrent Validity of the Executive Function Performance Test in People with Mild Stroke
Authors: Cederfeldt Marie , Widell Yvonne , Andersson Elisabeth Elgmark , Dahlin-Ivanoff Synneve , Gosman-Hedström Gunilla
Published: September 2011

Introduction:

Studies have shown that executive dysfunction is common in adults after stroke. Occupational therapists working in acute care assess the performance of activities of daily living; most instruments focus on personal care. However, the assessment of instrumental activities of daily living has been shown to discriminate executive dysfunction more effectively. An instrument for assessing executive dysfunction in more complex activities that is easy to handle in acute care is consequently required for clinical use. The Executive Function Performance Test (EFPT) was recently introduced into Sweden. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the concurrent validity of the EFPT in acute care for patients with mild stroke.

Method:

Twenty-three patients from an acute stroke unit were assessed with both the EFPT and the Assessment of Motor and Process Skills (AMPS).

Results:

The correlation between the EFPT and the AMPS assessments was highly significant (p = 0.003) and the concurrent validity was rho = 0.61.

Conclusion:

Since there is a risk that adult patients with mild stroke are discharged without rehabilitation, and there is a lack of a relevant instrument for occupational therapists that discriminates executive dysfunction in acute stroke care, the EFPT may be a suitable instrument to use with these patients.
Inversion of long-lived trace gas emissions using combined Eulerian and Lagrangian chemical transport models
Authors: Rigby M. , Manning A. J. , Prinn R. G.
Published: September 2011

Abstract. We present a method for estimating emissions of long-lived trace gases from a sparse global network of high-frequency observatories, using both a global Eulerian chemical transport model and Lagrangian particle dispersion model. Emissions are derived in a single step after determining sensitivities of the observations to initial conditions, the high-resolution emissions field close to observation points, and larger regions further from the measurements. This method has the several advantages over inversions using one type of model alone, in that: high-resolution simulations can be carried out in limited domains close to the measurement sites, with lower resolution being used further from them; the influence of errors due to aggregation of emissions close to the measurement sites can be minimized; assumptions about boundary conditions to the Lagrangian model do not need to be made, since the entire emissions field is estimated; any combination of appropriate models can be used, with no code modification. Because the sensitivity to the entire emissions field is derived, the estimation can be carried out using traditional statistical methods without the need for multiple steps in the inversion. We demonstrate the utility of this approach by determining global SF6 emissions using measurements from the Advanced Global Atmospheric Gases Experiment (AGAGE) between 2007 and 2009. The global total and large-scale patterns of the derived emissions agree well with previous studies, whilst allowing emissions to be determined at higher resolution than has previously been possible, and improving the agreement between the modeled and observed mole fractions at some sites.
A refined TALDICE-1a age scale from 55 to 112 ka before present for the Talos Dome ice core based on high-resolution methane measurements
Authors: Schüpbach S. , Federer U. , Bigler M. , Fischer H. , Stocker T. F.
Published: September 2011

Abstract. A precise synchronization of different climate records is indispensable for a correct dynamical interpretation of paleoclimatic data. A chronology for the TALDICE ice core from the Ross Sea sector of East Antarctica has recently been presented based on methane synchronization with Greenland and the EDC ice cores and δ18Oice synchronization with EDC in the bottom part (TALDICE-1). Using new high-resolution methane data obtained with a continuous flow analysis technique, we present a refined age scale for the age interval from 55–112 thousand years (ka) before present, where TALDICE is synchronized with EDC. New and more precise tie points reduce the uncertainties of the age scale from up to 1900 yr in TALDICE-1 to below 1100 yr over most of the refined interval and shift the Talos Dome dating to significantly younger ages during the onset of Marine Isotope Stage 3. Thus, discussions of climate dynamics at sub-millennial time scales are now possible back to 110 ka, in particular during the inception of the last ice age. Calcium data of EDC and TALDICE are compared to show the impact of the refinement to the synchronization of the two ice cores not only for the gas but also for the ice age scale.
Discharge estimation combining flow routing and occasional measurements of velocity
Authors: Corato G. , Moramarco T. , Tucciarelli T.
Published: September 2011

Abstract. A new procedure is proposed for estimating river discharge hydrographs during flood events, using only water level data at a single gauged site, as well as 1-D shallow water modelling and occasional maximum surface flow velocity measurements. One-dimensional diffusive hydraulic model is used for routing the recorded stage hydrograph in the channel reach considering zero-diffusion downstream boundary condition. Based on synthetic tests concerning a broad prismatic channel, the "suitable" reach length is chosen in order to minimize the effect of the approximated downstream boundary condition on the estimation of the upstream discharge hydrograph. The Manning's roughness coefficient is calibrated by using occasional instantaneous surface velocity measurements during the rising limb of flood that are used to estimate instantaneous discharges by adopting, in the flow area, a two-dimensional velocity distribution model. Several historical events recorded in three gauged sites along the upper Tiber River, wherein reliable rating curves are available, have been used for the validation. The outcomes of the analysis can be summarized as follows: (1) the criterion adopted for selecting the "suitable" channel length based on synthetic test studies has proved to be reliable for field applications to three gauged sites. Indeed, for each event a downstream reach length not more than 500 m is found to be sufficient, for a good performances of the hydraulic model, thereby enabling the drastic reduction of river cross-sections data; (2) the procedure for Manning's roughness coefficient calibration allowed for high performance in discharge estimation just considering the observed water levels and occasional measurements of maximum surface flow velocity during the rising limb of flood. Indeed, errors in the peak discharge magnitude, for the optimal calibration, were found not exceeding 5% for all events observed in the three investigated gauged sections, while the Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency was, on average, greater than 0.95. Therefore, the proposed procedure well lend itself to be applied for: (1) the extrapolation of rating curve over the field of velocity measurements (2) discharge estimations in different cross sections during the same flood event using occasional surface flow velocity measures carried out, for instance, by hand-held radar sensors.
Cloud-resolving simulation of heavy snowfalls in Japan for late December 2005: application of ocean data assimilation to a snow disaster
Authors: Yamamoto M. , Ohigashi T. , Tsuboki K. , Hirose N.
Published: September 2011

Abstract. We applied eddy-resolving ocean data assimilation to a cloud-resolving atmospheric simulation of a snow disaster and investigated the effects of mesoscale eddies on a heavy snowfall event in late December 2005. Ocean circulation model (OCM) data assimilation reproduces mesoscale sea surface temperature (SST) structures, which are smoothed out by optimum interpolation. This difference between OCM-assimilation and optimum-interpolation SSTs affects the atmospheric boundary layers over oceanic mesoscale eddies. The atmospheric response to the SST difference is complex at the cold tongue in the central Sea of Japan. Although the horizontal wind and turbulent mixing are quickly and locally affected by the low SST, the atmospheric temperature and water amounts are greatly affected by the upstream high SST via the northwesterly advection. In the heavy snowfall areas, the OCM assimilation greatly affects 10-day accumulated precipitation, though it does not largely influence 10-day mean vertical structures of wind, temperature and water vapor. Thus, we should recognize the significance of oceanic mesoscale eddies for heavy snowfall.
New Tunneled Hemodialysis Catheter Placement Preserving the Vasculature
Authors: Rocha Ana , Queirós Alexandre , Silva Fernanda , Cabrita António
Published: September 2011

Frequent dialysis line insertion can result in central venous occlusions rendering such access of difficult catheterization. New strategies to overcome this difficulty have been reported. This problem also occurs together with accidental loss of tunneled dialysis catheters, periodically observed in chronic hemodialysis patients. We developed a new technique to apply in these situations using the old tunnel. It is exposed close to the vein puncture site and opened to insert the guidewire, advancing the new catheter along it. A new subcutaneous tunnel is performed. We report three cases with successful catheter placement using this technique. Catheters functioned appropriately and no complications were recorded. We conclude that this maneuver can be used to resolve an extruded tunneled hemodialysis catheter while at the same time preserving other vascular access routes.
Optimal Operation of Biomass Gasifier Based Hybrid Energy System
Authors: Balamurugan P. , Kumaravel S. , Ashok S.
Published: September 2011

The focus of the world on renewable energy sources is growing rapidly due to its availability and environment friendliness. However, the renewable energy influenced by natural conditions is being intermittent, it is difficult to accomplish stable energy supply only by one kind of renewable energy source. In order to achieve reliability, it is necessary to integrate two or more energy sources together in an optimal way as hybrid energy system. Optimal allocation of sources, unpredictable load demand, intermittent behaviors of sources, and charging and discharging of storage devices are the major challenges in operating a hybrid energy system. A new controller algorithm is developed and implemented in controller hardware to overcome the above issues. The controller is incorporated in biomass gasifier-based hybrid energy system in a university campus at south India. A case study is carried out in real-time at the site for a typical day. From the experimentation, it is estimated that the annual savings in the operating cost are Rs 375,459.00 ($8475.4) for the optimal allocation of the sources by the controller.
Health Care for People Experiencing Homelessness
Authors: Patanwala Maria Y. , Garcia Cheyenne M. , Kushel Margot
Published: June 2024

This JAMA Insights examines the adverse effects of homelessness on physical and mental health and suggests strategies to improve access to health care, services, and housing for people experiencing homelessness.
A Man in His 50s With Dyspnea and Eosinophilia
Authors: Jakobs Kai Christian , Rauch Ursula , Heidecker Bettina
Published: June 2024

This case report describes a diagnosis of idiopathic eosinophilic endomyocarditis in a male patient who presented with progressive dyspnea, eosinophilia, thrombocytopenia, and elevated troponin T level.
Cannabis Use Reported by Patients Receiving Primary Care in a Large Health System
Authors: Gelberg Lillian , Beck Dana , Koerber Julia , Akabike Whitney N. , Dardick Lawrence , Lin Clara , Shoptaw Steve , Javanbakht Marjan
Published: June 2024

Importance

Despite the changing legal status of cannabis and the potential impact on health, few health systems routinely screen for cannabis use, and data on the epidemiology of cannabis use, and especially medical cannabis use among primary care patients, are limited.

Objective

To describe the prevalence of, factors associated with, and reasons for past–3 month cannabis use reported by primary care patients.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cross-sectional study used electronic health record data from patients aged 18 years and older who had an annual wellness visit between January 2021 and May 2023 from a primary care clinic within a university-based health system in Los Angeles, California.

Exposures

Factors of interest included age, race and ethnicity, sex, employment status, and neighborhood Area Deprivation Index (ADI).

Main Outcomes and Measures

Cannabis use was assessed using the Alcohol Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST). Patients were also asked about reasons for use, symptoms for which they used cannabis, and mode of use.

Results

Among the 175 734 patients screened, the median (range) age was 47 (18-102) years; 101 657 (58.0%) were female; 25 278 (15.7%) were Asian, 21 971 (13.7%) were Hispanic, and 51 063 (31.7%) were White. Cannabis use was reported by 29 898 (17.0%), with 10 360 (34.7%) having ASSIST scores indicative of moderate to high risk for cannabis use disorder (CUD). Prevalence of cannabis use was higher among male patients than female patients (14 939 [20.0%] vs 14 916 [14.7%]) and younger patients (18-29 years, 7592 [31.0%]; ≥60 years, 4200 [8.5%]), and lower among those who lived in the most disadvantaged neighborhoods (ADI decile 9-10, 189 [13.8%]; ADI decile 1-2, 12 431 [17.4%]). The most common modes of use included edibles (18 201 [61.6%]), smoking (15 256 [51.7%]), and vaporizing (8555 [29.0%]). While 4375 patients who reported using cannabis (15.6%) did so for medical reasons only, 21 986 patients (75.7%) reported using cannabis to manage symptoms including pain (9196 [31.7%]), stress (14 542 [50.2%]), and sleep (16 221 [56.0%]). The median (IQR) number of symptoms managed was 2 (1-4), which was higher among patients who were at moderate to high risk for CUD (4 [2-6] symptoms).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this study, cannabis use and risk of CUD were common, and more than three-quarters of patients who reported any cannabis use reported doing so to manage a health-related symptom. These findings suggest that integration of information regarding cannabis use for symptom management could help provide a crucial point-of-care opportunity for clinicians to understand their patients’ risk for CUD.
Rural and Urban Trends in Mental Health Readmissions
Authors: Wen Hefei , Halbisen Alyssa , Johnston Kenton J. , Druss Benjamin G.
Published: June 2024

This cohort study examines rural and urban trends in 30-day all-cause and same-cause mental health readmissions in the US.
Structure prediction analysis of human core TIM23 complex reveals conservation of the protein translocation mechanism
Authors: Maruszczak Klaudia K. , Draczkowski Piotr , Wnorowski Artur , Chacinska Agnieszka
Published: June 2024

The majority of mitochondrial proteins are encoded in the nucleus, translated on cytosolic ribosomes, and subsequently targeted to the mitochondrial surface. Their further import into the organelle is facilitated by highly specialized protein translocases. Mitochondrial precursor proteins that are destined to the mitochondrial matrix and, to some extent, the inner membrane, utilize translocase of the inner membrane (TIM23). This indispensable import machinery has been extensively studied in yeast. The translocating unit of the TIM23 complex in yeast consists of two membrane proteins, Tim17 and Tim23. In contrast to previous findings, recent reports demonstrate the primary role of Tim17, rather than Tim23, in the translocation of newly synthesized proteins. Very little is known about human TIM23 translocase. Human cells have two orthologs of yeast Tim17, TIMM17A and TIMM17B. Here, using computational tools, we present the architecture of human core TIM23 variants with either TIMM17A or TIMM17B, forming two populations of highly similar complexes. The structures reveal high conservation of the core TIM23 complex between human and yeast. Interestingly, both TIMM17A and TIMM17B variants interact with TIMM23 and reactive oxygen species modulator 1 (ROMO1); a homolog of yeast Mgr2, a protein that can create a channel‐like structure with Tim17. The high structural conservation of proteins that form the core TIM23 complex in yeast and humans raises an interesting question about mechanistic and functional differences that justify existence of the two variants of TIM23 in higher eukaryotes.
Pyridinic N‐Dominated Hard Carbon with Accessible Carbonyl Groups Enabling 98% Initial Coulombic Efficiency for Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: He Yufei , Liu Da , Jiao Jihuang , Liu Yanxia , He Shengnan , Zhang Ya , Cheng Qian , Fang Yaoguo , Mo Xiaoliang , Pan Hongge , Wu Renbing
Published: June 2024

Hard carbon (HC) has been widely regarded as the most promising anode material for sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) due to its decent capacity and low cost. However, the poor initial Coulombic efficiency (ICE) of HC seriously hinders its practical application in SIBs. Herein, pyridinic N‐doped hard carbon polyhedra with easily accessible carbonyl groups and in situ coupled carbon nanotubes are rationally synthesized via a facile pretreated zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIFs)‐carbonization strategy. The comprehensive ex/in situ techniques combined with theoretical calculations reveal that the synergy of pyridinic‐N and carbonyl groups promoted by the pretreatment and carbonization process would not only optimize the Na+ adsorption energy but also accelerate the desorption of Na+, significantly suppressing the irreversible capacity loss. As a result, the as‐synthesized hard carbon polyhedra as an anode can deliver an unprecedented high ICE of 98% with a large reversible capacity of 389.4 mAh g−1 at 0.03 A g−1. This work may provide an effective strategy for the structural design of HC with high ICE.
Enhanced Water Oxidation of Hematite Photoanodes via Localized n‐p Homojunctions Induced by Gradient Zn2+ Doping
Authors: Wang Hai‐Chao , Li Hua‐Min , Yang Tao , Ji Jun‐Wei , Yue Xin‐Zheng , Liu Qing‐Chao , Yi Sha‐Sha , Zhu Yongfa
Published: June 2024

Constructing an internal electric field (IEF) within the hematite (Fe2O3) photoanode for highly efficient water oxidation performance with facilitated charge transfer and separation remains still a significant challenge. Unlike the conventional approach of creating interfacial electric fields through heterojunction design by introducing another semiconductor, a novel strategy is proposed for engineering localized n‐p homojunctions on the surface of Fe2O3 photoanode using gradient Zn2+ doping strategy. By implementing this approach, the inherent n‐type characteristics of Fe2O3 can be transformed into p‐type, thereby facilitating the formation of an n‐p junction with robust IEF, which enables more efficient charge separation and transfer. Additionally, the gradient Zn2+ doping is accompanied by the generation of oxygen vacancies, which further improves the charge transfer efficiency and accelerates water oxidation kinetics. As expected, the photocurrent density of optimized Fe2O3 photoanode at 1.23 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode is ≈2.6‐fold that of Fe2O3. This work provides a novel perspective on the design of localized n‐p homojunction within photoanodes for achieving high solar energy conversion efficiency.
Modular Assembly of Metamaterials Using Light Gradients
Authors: Paul Apurba , Volk Alexander , Hokmabadi Mohammad , Rigo Eveline , Kermani Hamideh , Almonte‐Garcia Lisa , Finamore Tyler A. , Iwamoto Kyle M. , Roeder Ryan K. , Timp Gregory
Published: June 2024

This is a report on a pilot study that tests the feasibility of assembling photonic metamaterials (PMs) using light gradient forces. Following a strategy that works like modular construction, light gradient forces, produced by a tightly focused, 1D standing wave optical trap, time‐multiplexed across a 2D lattice are used to assemble voxels consisting of prefabricated, monodispersed nanoparticles (NPs) with radii ranging from 30 to 500 nm into 3D structures on a hydrogel scaffold. Hundreds of NPs can be manipulated concurrently into a complex heterogeneous voxel this way, and then the process can be repeated by stitching together voxels to form a metamaterial of any size, shape, and constituency although imperfectly. Imperfections introduce random phase shifts and amplitude variations that can have an adverse effect on the band structure. Regardless, PMs are created this way using two different dielectric NPs, polystyrene and rutile, and then the near‐infrared performance for each is analyzed with angle‐, wavelength‐, and polarization‐dependent reflection spectroscopy. The cross‐polarized spectra show evidence of a resonance peak. Interestingly, whereas the line shape from the polystyrene array is symmetric, the rutile array is not, which may be indicative of Fano resonance. So, even with the structural defects, reflection spectroscopy reveals a resonance.
Intrinsic Elastomer with Remarkable Dielectric Constant via Elastification of Relaxor Ferroelectric Polymer
Authors: Xu Tianhua , Wang Linping , Gao Liang , Li Fangzhou , Hu Bing , Li Bowen , Shen Haoyu , Liu Zhiwen , Hu Ben‐Lin
Published: June 2024

High‐dielectric‐constant elastomers always play a critical role in the development of wearable electronics for actuation, energy storage, and sensing; therefore, there is an urgent need for effective strategies to enhance dielectric constants. The present methods mainly involve adding inorganic or conductive fillers to the polymer elastomers, however, the addition of fillers causes a series of problems, such as large dielectric loss, increased modulus, and deteriorating interface conditions. Here, the elastification of relaxor ferroelectric polymers is investigated through slight cross‐linking, aiming to obtain intrinsic elastomers with high‐dielectric constants. By cross‐linking of the relaxor ferroelectric polymer poly(vinylidene fluoride‐ter‐trifluoroethylene‐ter‐chlorofluoroethylene) with a long soft chain cross‐linker, a relaxor ferroelectric elastomer with an enhanced dielectric constant is obtained, twice that of the pristine relaxor ferroelectric polymer and surpassing all reported intrinsic elastomers. This elastomer maintains its high‐dielectric constant over a wide temperature range and exhibits robust mechanical fatigue resistance, chemical stability, and thermal stability. Moreover, the ferroelectricity of the elastomer remains stable under strains up to 80%. This study offers a simple and effective way to enhance the dielectric constant of intrinsic elastomers, thus facilitating advancements in soft robots, biosensors, and wearable electronics.
Enhancing Multifunctionality and Performance Indicators of Resistive‐Type Strain Sensors with Advanced Conductive Hydrogels
Authors: Saeed Aiman , Zaidi Syed Farrukh Alam , Park Chun Gwon , Lee Jung Heon
Published: June 2024

Hydrogels are excellent options for strain sensors as they can stretch, endure mechanical stress, and possess multifunctional qualities. Resistive sensors are particularly promising among the diverse hydrogel strain sensors available. This is attributed to their dedicated focus on improving the indicators of strain‐sensing performance, simplicity of equipment, straightforward sensing mechanisms, and easy design of conductive hydrogels. Various approaches have been explored to create conductive hydrogels, including conductive fillers, conductive polymers, and ionic approaches. This review thoroughly explores diverse approaches for developing advanced conductive hydrogels for resistive‐type hydrogel strain sensors. The focus is particularly on their electrical conductivity and sensing performance indicators, distinguishing them as valuable resources for researchers in the field of strain sensors. First, diverse approaches for achieving electrical conductivity in hydrogels are introduced. The subsequent discussion delves into the multifunctionality of these conductivity approaches for hydrogels. In addition, it also scrutinizes recent applications of strain sensors. Overall, it offers comprehensive updates on the performance indicators such as sensitivity, working range and linearity, response and recovery times, and hysteresis of strain sensors using diverse approaches to conductive hydrogels. This study also includes the latest trends and future perspectives of resistive‐type hydrogel strain sensors.
Sn Nanoclusters Confined in COP‐Derived Carbon for Catalytic Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Tao Andong , Liu Minghao , Xu Qing , Yang Xiubei , Liu Guojuan , Yu Chengbing , Zeng Gaofeng
Published: June 2024

The development of catalysts composed of single atoms is crucial for enhancing the performance of oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). However, the unsatisfactory intrinsic activity of these catalysts still poses a major challenge, limiting their overall effectiveness. One approach to addressing this challenge is the introduction of metal clusters, which can form a synergistic effect with the single atoms, ultimately improving their performance. In this study, core‐shell structured carbon polymer is constructed with Zn atoms and Sn nanoclusters by directly subjecting pyrolysis of the covalent organic polymer (COP) and metal organic framework (MOF) (COP@MOF). The thin COP shell serves a dual purpose: it prevents the collapse and aggregation of zeolitic imidazolate framework‐8 (ZIF‐8) and promotes the formation of mesopores, facilitating mass transport and enhancing the graphitization degree to improve conductivity. The resulting Sn‐COP@MOF800 exhibits promising catalytic performance in the ORR, demonstrating a half‐wave potential of 0.81 V and current density of 5.56 mA cm−2 in 0.1 m KOH, which is comparable to that of Pt/C. This study provides new ideas for exploring the application of metal single atoms and metal nanoclusters in ORR catalysis through synergistic effects.
Synergic Chemoimmunotherapy of Cervical Cancer by Combining Cisplatin with Thermosensitive Polypeptide Fused Interferon Alpha
Authors: Li Yilin , Sun Yuanzi , Zhang Fan , Yao Qiongqiong , Gong Like , Wang Yongjun , Gao Weiping
Published: June 2024

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common female malignancy. Surgery and concurrent chemoradiotherapy are the main treatment methods. Although immunotherapy and targeted therapy have made tremendous progress in cancer therapy, they show limited therapeutic effects in treating advanced or recurrent cervical cancer. In this study, a first‐line drug for cervical cancer chemotherapy, cisplatin, is combined with a modified immunomodulatory agent, interferon‐alpha genetically fused to a thermosensitive polypeptide, for synergistic immunochemotherapy of cervical cancer. The unique thermosensitivity of the fusion protein makes it possible to greatly improve the pharmacokinetics of interferon‐alpha, leading to increased tumor accumulation and thus enhanced antitumor efficiency in mice bearing cervical cancers. Moreover, the combination of the fusion protein and cisplatin can inhibit the development of cervical cancer much more effectively than the fusion protein alone, cisplatin alone, or interferon‐alpha plus cisplatin, demonstrating the enhanced synergistic effect of the fusion protein plus cisplatin in cervical cancer immunochemotherapy over interferon‐alpha plus cisplatin. These results show that the synergistic combination of thermosensitive polypeptide fused interferon‐alpha and cisplatin can provide an effective and promising strategy for cervical cancer.
Interpretable Machine Learning Prediction of Voltage and Specific Capacity for Electrode Materials
Authors: Zhang Zhao , Wang Yinghe , Li Shu , Li Shuai , Chen Minghua
Published: June 2024

The application of machine learning (ML) is becoming widespread and playing an important role in the property prediction and design of battery. Average voltage and specific capacity are two important indicators of electrode materials, which determine suitability of electrode materials in batteries. In this study, 4351 data are collected from Material Project and 324 features are extracted from Material Project or calculated by Matminer. Four ML models are discussed for prediction of average voltage and specific capacity. In order to ensure the prediction accuracy and efficiency of ML models, sequential backward selection (SBS) method is introduced to select optimal feature set, which can reduce redundancy features. The combination of Deep Neural Network model and optimal feature set selected by the SBS method achieves accurate prediction and outperforms Crystal Graph Convolutional Neural Network and Graph‐attention Graph Neural Network. The interpretability analysis provides insight into the relationship between features and two target properties. To cope with the poor prediction performance for metal‐ion battery with scarce data, transfer learning is adopted and an excellent improvement is achieved in the prediction in Na‐ion, Mg‐ion and Ca‐ion electrode material. It can be concluded that ML is an effective approach to battery property prediction and design.
Polyphenylene Ionomer as a Fortifier of Microphase Separation in Highly Conductive and Durable Polybenzimidazole‐Based High‐Temperature Proton Exchange Membranes
Authors: Bai Yu , Xiao Min , Wang Chengxin , Wang Shuanjin , Meng Yuezhong , Miyatake Kenji
Published: June 2024

Acid‐functionalized polymers enhance the performance of phosphoric‐acid‐doped polybenzimidazoles (PA/PBIs); however, studies on examining the mechanisms driving these enhancements are scarce. Furthermore, the nanophase morphology of PA‐dependent proton‐exchange membranes has been rarely explored, despite its direct role in the distribution of PA and protonic conduction. In this study, theoretical and experimental analyses to evaluate the microphase separation, particularly the formation and in situ transformation of a two‐phase interface, in a defect‐free polyphenylene ionomer (SPP‐QP) with excellent integrity are performed. SPP‐QP serves as a fortifying agent with an enhanced microphase‐separation ability within PA/PBI‐based membranes. Specifically, the distinct swelling behavior of PA results in the formation of PA‐rich and PA‐poor regions. Thus, the formation of a durable interface that is impervious to PA degradation between SPP‐QP and PBI is critical for facilitating microphase separation. A single cell composed of the composite membrane offers a peak power density of 719 mW cm−2 at 160 °C. Moreover, the durability of a single cell is much longer than 150 h. The results obtained in this study provide insights into the micromorphology and membrane properties observed in the presence of PA.