bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A shared decision‐making intervention by pharmacy students to improve statin adherence
Authors: Osbaugh Nicole A. , Billups Sarah J.
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Despite the well‐established value of statins in reducing cardiovascular events, nearly half of patients fail to receive maximum benefit due to nonadherence. Studies indicate that motivational interviewing (MI) by pharmacy students can improve statin adherence. The benefit of incorporating an individualized approach, including shared‐decision making (SDM), is unknown, as is the student‐perceived value of this activity in their professional development.

Objectives

To (a) measure the effect of an individualized telephone intervention conducted by pharmacy students in improving statin adherence and (b) assess the self‐reported value of intervention participation to guide continual quality improvement.

Methods

A prospective, quality‐improvement project was conducted among patients receiving care at a university‐based healthcare system through a commercial or Medicare Advantage plan. Pharmacy claims data identified nonadherent patients based on a six‐month proportion of days covered (PDC) <0.80 for statin prescriptions. A sample of these patients was randomly selected to receive the intervention from July 2019 to April 2020, while remaining patients served as controls. The intervention included 1‐2 telephone calls by pharmacy students to deliver individualized evidence‐based education, including SDM and MI strategies. Mean PDC change and proportion of patients converted to adherent (PDC≥0.80) were evaluated 6 months post‐intervention using the intention‐to‐treat principle.

Results

There were 58 patients in the intervention group, 52 of whom (90%) received at least one telephone call, and 82 controls. Six months post‐intervention mean PDC increased significantly in the intervention vs control group (12.8% vs 0.7%, P = .004), and 66% of the intervention group were adherent compared to 41% of controls [P = .005, adjusted OR = 2.46 (1.20‐5.05)]. Seven students participated in the intervention, with 83% of survey responders reporting positive professional development value during the experience.

Conclusion

Pharmacy trainees may successfully deliver individualized interventions capable of improving statin adherence while positively contributing to their professional development.
Maximal occupation by bases of π‐hole bands surrounding linear molecules
Authors: Scheiner Steve
Published: December 2021

Linear molecules such as CO2 contain a positive π‐hole ring that surrounds C on the molecule's equator. Quantum calculations examine the question as to how many bases can simultaneously bind to this ring. Linear molecules examined are TO2, where T = C, Si, Ge, Sn; bases are NCH and NH3. CO2 engages in the weakest of the tetrel bonds, and can bind up to three NCH and two NH3. Unlike σ‐hole tetrel bonds, Si forms the strongest tetrel bonds, with interaction energies as high as 43 kcal/mol with NH3. But like GeO2, SiO2 can sustain only two bases in its equatorial ring. The π‐hole ring of SnO2 can engage in up to four tetrel bonds with either NCH or NH3, even though these bonds are weaker than those with GeO2 or SiO2. As all of these complexes cast TO2 in the role of multiple electron acceptor, the resulting negative cooperativity makes each successive bond weaker than its predecessor as bases are added, as well as reducing the magnitude of the central molecule's π‐hole.
Oxidative stress parameters and keap 1 variants in T2DM: Association with T2DM, diabetic neuropathy, diabetic retinopathy, and obesity
Authors: Khalili Farnaz , Vaisi‐Raygani Asad , Shakiba Ebrahim , Kohsari Maryam , Dehbani Maryam , Naseri Rozita , Asadi Soheila , Rahimi Ziba , Rahimi Mehrali , Rahimi Zohreh
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Chronic hyperglycemia activates the inflammatory pathways and oxidative stress mechanisms with consequent damage to nerve tissue and retina. The Keap1‐Nrf2 pathway acts as one of the most important antioxidant pathways of the organism. Variants of Keap1 could affect susceptibility to diabetes and its complications.

Methods

In a case‐control study, 400 individuals included type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients without complication, with neuropathy, with retinopathy, and healthy individuals were investigated. The levels of glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), malondialdehyde (MDA), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were measured using chemical methods. Using the PCR‐RFLP method, the Keap1 (rs11085735) variants were identified.

Results

Neuropathic patients had significantly lower levels of GSH, GPx, and TAC and higher levels of total oxidative status (TOS), MDA, and oxidative stress index (OSI) compared to T2DM patients without complication and controls. Lower levels of GSH and GPx and a higher level of MDA were observed in patients with retinopathy compared with controls. Obesity was associated with significantly lower GPx activity and higher TOS. A significantly higher Keap1 AA genotype was found in patients with neuropathy than T2DM without complication and controls. The presence of Keap1 AA genotype correlated with lower GPx activity compared to CC genotype.

Conclusions

Our study suggests the role of reduced antioxidant system and Keap1 variants in the pathogenesis of T2DM and its complications of neuropathy and retinopathy and also obesity in enhanced oxidative stress. Monitoring oxidative stress parameters in diabetic patients, especially those with complication and their treatment with antioxidants is suggested.
BRAIN‐BASED LEADERSHIP: USING THE CAMPS MODEL
Authors: Luna Tania
Published: December 2021

The author, co‐CEO and co‐founder of LifeLabs Learning, explains what she calls the CAMPS model of brain‐based leadership. In her estimation, the best leaders “treat each person as a unique individual, but they also know how to anticipate and address the foundational human needs that all people share.” The CAMPS acronym stands for Certainty (Goals, Roles Norms), Autonomy (Choice, Voice, Ownership), Meaning (Personal Benefit, Impact on Others), Progress (Demarcate It, Extract the Learning), and Social Inclusion (Deliberately Include, Design out Bias). Breakout boxes with multiple examples are provided for each of the five areas within CAMPS, as well as a Next Steps breakout box. Each of the first five boxes includes a question to pursue. For instance, under Certainty: “What do you wish you felt more secure or clear about at work?” Under Autonomy: “What are areas in which you wish you either had more freedom or more direction?” Under Meaning: “What aspects of our work matter most to you and why?” The author concludes that “leaders who take this brain‐based approach to leadership achieve better results faster while helping people bring out the best in themselves and one another.”
Inhibition of corrosion of API K55 steel by tannin from Acacia mearnsii bark in highly acidic medium
Authors: Bacca Katryanne Rohana Georg , Lopes Natália Feijó , da Costa Eleani Maria
Published: December 2021

The corrosion inhibiting effect of the tannin from Acacia mearnsii bark on API 5CT K55 steel, used for casing in the oil and gas industry, was investigated in 1 M HCl medium with different tannin concentrations. Corrosion was monitored by electrochemical tests using potentiodynamic polarization (PP) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Complementary analyses of the corroded surfaces were performed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). With the application of A. mearnsii tannin, the cathodic branch of the PP curves shifted to lower corrosion current density values. EIS analysis indicated that inhibitor molecules were adsorbed on the steel surface, which provided protection against corrosion. The SEM, AFM, and XRD data showed that in the presence of the inhibitor, a film and amorphous material were adsorbed on the steel surface, plausibly associated with the formation of tannates. The highest inhibition efficiency was obtained at an inhibitor concentration of 0.7 5 g L−1 (92% determined by PP and 98% by EIS), and a high degree of surface coverage was observed, compared with that obtained using the other concentrations of tannin.
MH leaders: 988 crisis response represents an opportunity, responsibility
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: December 2021

Momentum continues to build for 988, the new mental health crisis hotline slated to begin operation in July 2022 that would allow individuals or their families to call or text in the event of a crisis. In preparation, an unprecedented collaboration of 15 leading mental health organizations, advocacy groups and funders on Nov. 18 published a comprehensive approach to mental health care to help meet a growing demand for crisis care.
Pediatric MH programs, PCPs addressing rising MH concerns
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: December 2021

The pandemic has no doubt worsened children's mental health, to which a number of recent studies can attest. Just a few weeks ago, leading mental health and pediatric groups, including the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, declared a national emergency in children's mental health, exacerbated by COVID‐19. Meanwhile, a new study examining two state programs in pediatric mental health care referral and training reveals at least some solutions.
Reconfigurable circularly polarized antenna with frequency agility
Authors: Chen Jun‐Yan , Row Jeen‐Sheen
Published: December 2021

A design for reconfigurable circularly polarized (CP) microstrip antennas with frequency agility is described. The main radiating element of the antenna is a suspended patch, and it is connected with two vertical feed probes. When one feed probe is used as a signal input port, the other probe can serve as a perturbation element of the microstrip antenna resonant at the fundamental mode, and consequently a CP radiation is generated. Because the dual probes are arranged in an orthogonal fashion, the antenna can be operated in right‐handed and left‐handed circular polarization modes. To vary the CP operation frequency, four varactors are mounted on the ring slot embedded on the radiating patch. Simulated results indicate that the CP frequency can be continuously tuned from 1.2 to 1.9 GHz with decreasing the capacitance of the varactors. A prototype is also fabricated, and only one DC bias is required to realize the reconfigurable antenna. The design concept of the proposed antenna is shown, and CP performances at different frequencies are also presented.
Intratumoral analysis of digital breast tomosynthesis for predicting the Ki‐67 level in breast cancer: A multi‐center radiomics study
Authors: Jiang Tao , Jiang Wenyan , Chang Shijie , Wang Hongbo , Niu Shuxian , Yue Zhibin , Yang Huazhe , Wang Xiaoyu , Zhao Nannan , Fang Siqi , Luo Yahong , Jiang Xiran
Published: December 2021

Purpose

To non‐invasively evaluate the Ki‐67 level in digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) images of breast cancer (BC) patients based on subregional radiomics.

Methods

A total of 266 patients who underwent DBT scans were consecutively enrolled at two centers, between September 2017 and September 2021. The whole tumor region was partitioned into various intratumoral subregions, based on individual‐ and population‐level clustering. Handcrafted radiomics and deep learning‐based features were extracted from the subregions and from the whole tumor region, and were selected by least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression, yielding radiomics signatures (RSs). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity were calculated to assess the developed RSs.

Results

Each breast tumor region was partitioned into an inner subregion (S1) and a marginal subregion (S2). The RSs derived from S1 always generated higher AUCs compared with those from S2 or from the whole tumor region (W), for the external validation cohort (AUCs, S1 vs. W, handcrafted RSs: 0.583 [95% CI, 0.429–0.727] vs. 0.559 [95% CI, 0.405–0.705], p‐value: 0.920; deep RSs: 0.670 [95% CI, 0.516–0.802] vs. 0.551 [95% CI, 0.397–0.698], p‐value: 0.776). The fusion RSs, combining handcrafted and deep learning‐based features derived from S1, yielded the highest AUCs of 0.820 (95% CI, 0.714–0.900) and 0.792 (95% CI, 0.647–0.897) for the internal and external validation cohorts, respectively.

Conclusions

The subregional radiomics approach can accurately predict the Ki‐67 level based on DBT data; thus, it may be used as a potential non‐invasive tool for preoperative treatment planning in BC.
Product reliability and extended warranty in supply chains
Authors: Zhou Qin , Wang Jingqi
Published: December 2021

We study firms' product reliability and extended warranty (EW) pricing decisions in different supply chains. Using a game‐theoretic model, we analyze three supply chains: a centralized supply chain in which the manufacturer sells products and optional EWs directly to consumers (Model C), and two decentralized models in which products and EWs are sold through a retailer with the EW offered by the manufacturer (Model M) or a third‐party insurer (Model I). We also study cases where consumers cannot observe product reliability and investigate the impact of unobservable quality. We find that the manufacturer generates most profits by directly selling both products and EWs, irrespective of whether reliability is observable or not; whereas the retailer prefers selling EWs offered by an insurer when consumers can observe product reliability but prefers sourcing EWs from the manufacturer when product reliability is unobservable. In addition, when the reliability is unobservable to consumers, the manufacturer always chooses a lower reliability than that when consumers can observe the reliability. Such information advantage (over consumers) on product reliability hurts the manufacturer and consumers, and the retailer. With the existence of a third‐party insurer, the manufacturer may be indifferent or prefer to provide EWs. But having the manufacturer competing with the insurer benefits consumers and the retailer under certain conditions. This study offers guidelines on how firms should determine product reliability and EW prices in different supply chains, and sheds light on where a retailer should source EWs based on whether reliability is observable to consumers or not. Finally, our results highlight the importance of establishing a mechanism to credibly disclose product reliability information to consumers.
Barriers to self‐management of patients with adenomyosis: A qualitative study
Authors: Huang Rong , Li Xiaohan , Jiang Hui , Li Quanlei
Published: December 2021

Aim

This study aims to explore the barriers to self‐management of patients with adenomyosis.

Design

Phenomenological qualitative methodology.

Methods

Totally, 18 patients with diagnosis of adenomyosis participated in this study. We used purposive sampling for recruitment until data saturation. A qualitative research was conducted using in‐depth interviews, which were tape recorded and transcribed verbatim. Colaizzi's method was used to analyse the contents of interviews.

Results

This study presented important information about the barriers to self‐management of patients with adenomyosis in China. Four themes were identified: “lack of disease knowledge,” “challenges and dilemmas of daily life,” “multidimensional negative emotions” and “personalized supporting requirements.”

Conclusion

The study provided new insights into the barriers to self‐management of patients with adenomyosis, including physical, psychological, daily life and self‐image problems, and the patients need emotional and social support, which recommended that professionals should provide authoritative health education and multiple support.
Robust containment control for nonlinear multi‐agent systems with intermittent communication
Authors: Tan Manchun , Zhang Xuemei , Ye Lei , Lin Peiqun
Published: December 2021

This article investigates the containment control problem for a general class of nonlinear multi‐agent systems under external disturbances with multileaders. A kind of intermittent protocol depending only on the relative local measurement of neighboring agents is put forward to analyze the effect of external disturbances for solving the containment control problem under directed topology. By adopting the intermittent control protocol and robust control method, some sufficient conditions are derived to guarantee that all followers asymptotically converge to the convex hull spanned by all the leaders with the provided performance index. Moreover, the unknown feedback matrix of the proposed control scheme is determined directly by solving only two linear matrix inequalities (LMIs) regardless of the number of all agents. Finally, a simulation example is given to illustrate the effectiveness of the theoretical analysis.
Gravitropically Stabilized Self‐Assembly of Active Microcrystallites and Spinning Free Janus Particles
Authors: Nabavizadeh Seyed Amin , Castañeda John , Gibbs John G. , Nourhani Amir
Published: December 2021

Active colloidal microcrystallites capable of generating flow patterns around or through their porous network are introduced, which in combination with “free microspheres,” create self‐assembled active clusters with multiple moving parts. Fluid flow draws microspheres within a microcrystallite's local environment toward—and aggregate at—the edge of the microcrystallite, where the previously translational movement transitions to continuous spinning. These experiments show that the spinning frequency decreases with an increase in diameter and that when the center of mass of a spinning particle is shifted off‐center—here Janus spheres—a time‐varying angular frequency is observed. Weight‐anisotropy also leads to a particularly intriguing phenomenon, which manifests as the spontaneous realignment of the rotational axis to a preferential direction; this effect is attributed to a gravitropic self‐correcting mechanism. Thus, the dynamics of the self‐assembled active structure remains stable over long time periods, despite being subjected to significant noise, for example, Brownian forces.
Novel disintegrin‐like peptides derived from an amphibian skin cDNA sequence of Hypsiboas punctatus
Authors: Pires Diego A. T. , Tacca Luisa M. R. A. , Aslan Joseph E. , Murad André M. , Nascimento Claudia J. , Barbosa Eder A. , Bloch Carlos
Published: December 2021

Disintegrins comprise a family of small proteins that bind to and alter the physiological function of integrins, especially integrins that mediate platelet aggregation in blood. Here, we report a lysine‐glycine‐aspartic acid (KGD) disintegrin‐like motif present in a 15‐amino acid residue peptide identified in a cDNA library of the amphibian Hypsiboas punctatus skin. The original peptide sequence was used as a template from which five new analogs were designed, chemically synthesized by solid phase, and tested for disintegrin activity and tridimensional structural studies using NMR spectroscopy. The original amphibian peptide had no effect on integrin‐mediated responses. Nevertheless, derived peptide analogs inhibited integrin‐mediated platelet function, including platelet spreading on fibrinogen.
Destination‐to‐origin differences and settlement intentions of Chinese internal migrants: A birth cohort analysis
Authors: Wang Jiejing , Zhang Yanji
Published: December 2021

Research on Chinese internal migrants has gradually shifted from a focus on the rapid expansion of this population to its relationship with the restructuring of spatial distribution in cities. The settlement intentions of migrants are key to how China's urbanisation and the urban system will evolve. Yet, although there is a considerable body of research on this subject, the determinants of migrants' settlement intentions remain debatable. In this study, in light of the dramatic economic and social transition undergone by China in the past 70 years, we demonstrate the importance of considering the cohort perspective in relation to Chinese migrants' settlement intentions. Specifically, we examine the effects of differences between migrants' origins and their destinations on settlement intentions in relation to year of birth. Our results show that destination‐to‐origin differences in terms of population size, administrative level, economic condition, and public services are positively associated with migrants’ settlement intentions, whereas geographic distance and cultural distance between origin and destination are negatively related to the intention to settle in destination cities. Further, these effects vary significantly across birth cohorts. Our findings demonstrate the importance of going beyond the standard dichotomy between old and new generation that is often used in the analysis of migration trends. To achieve more inclusive urbanisation in the future, targeted policies that take into account inter‐city and inter‐cohort variations are critical to addressing obstacles to the settlement of migrants in destination cities.
Systematic investigation of the adsorption and inhibition properties of a new clickable 1,2,3‐triazole compound for mild steel in 1 M HCl medium
Authors: Hrimla Meryem , Achour Youness , Bahsis Lahoucine , Laamari My Rachid , Anane Hafid , Julve Miguel , Stiriba Salah‐Eddine
Published: December 2021

The search for eco‐friendly and effective corrosion inhibitors for the acidizing processes is increasingly required. In the present study, a new 1,2,3‐triazole derivative, namely, 4‐(1‐naphthalen‐2‐ylmethyl‐1H‐[1,2,3]triazol‐4‐ylmethyl)‐morpholine (NTM), has been clicked under green click synthesis conditions and fully characterized. The inhibition performance on corroded mild steel (MS) was studied by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), potentiodynamic polarization (PDP) and weight loss measurements. The electrochemical results indicate that NTM works as a mixed‐type inhibitor and its adsorption on the MS surface obeys the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. The corrosion process was found to be reduced at 10−3 M concentration with 94 % efficiency. An immersion time of 57.56 min using a concentration of NTM equal to 5.2×10−4 M at 298 K was selected as optimal inhibition process conditions through the Central Composite Design (CCD). These conditions were conducted to the desirability of 1.00 and 88.8 % as the expected inhibition. NTM species was adsorbed on the MS surface by physical and chemical interactions. Quantum chemical calculations performed at the DFT/6‐31G(d,p) and DFTB+ levels were used to examine the adsorption of neutral NTM and its protonated form on the MS surface, including the active centers of both species. The mode of orientations of neutral and protonated NTM on the MS surface and the corresponding adsorption energies in both gas and aqueous phases were explored by molecular simulation dynamics.
A Smart Lithium Battery with Shape Memory Function
Authors: Jabbari Vahid , Yurkiv Vitaliy , Rasul Md Golam , Cheng Meng , Griffin Philip , Mashayek Farzad , Shahbazian‐Yassar Reza
Published: December 2021

Rapidly growing flexible and wearable electronics highly demand the development of flexible energy storage devices. Yet, these devices are susceptible to extreme, repeated mechanical deformations under working circumstances. Herein, the design and fabrication of a smart, flexible Li‐ion battery with shape memory function, which has the ability to restore its shape against severe mechanical deformations, bending, twisting, rolling or elongation, is reported. The shape memory function is induced by the integration of a shape‐adjustable solid polymer electrolyte. This Li‐ion battery delivers a specific discharge capacity of ≈140 mAh g‐1 at 0.2 C charge/discharge rate with ≈92% capacity retention after 100 cycles and ≈99.85% Coulombic efficiency, at 20 °C. Besides recovery from mechanical deformations, it is visually demonstrated that the shape of this smart battery can be programmed to adjust itself in response to an internal/external heat stimulus for task‐specific and advanced applications. Considering the vast range of available shape memory polymers with tunable chemistry, physical, and mechanical characteristics, this study offers a promising approach for engineering smart batteries responsive to unfavorable internal or external stimulus, with potential to have a broad impact on other energy storage technologies in different sizes and shapes.
Recent Advances in Metal–Gas Batteries with Carbon‐Based Nonprecious Metal Catalysts
Authors: Liu Haoran , Shi Shuangrui , Wang Zhenhua , Han Yunhu , Huang Wei
Published: December 2021

Metal–gas batteries draw a lot of attention due to their superiorities in high energy density and stable performance. However, the sluggish electrochemical reactions and associated side reactions in metal–gas batteries require suitable catalysts, which possess high catalytic activity and selectivity. Although precious metal catalysts show a higher catalytic activity, high cost of the precious metal catalysts hinders their commercial applications. In contrast, nonprecious metal catalysts complement the weakness of cost, and the gap in activity can be made up by increasing the amount of the nonprecious metal active centers. Herein, recent work on carbon‐based nonprecious metal catalysts for metal–gas batteries is summarized. This review starts with introducing the advantages of carbon‐based nonprecious metal catalysts, followed by a discussion of the synthetic strategy of carbon‐based nonprecious metal catalysts and classification of active sites, and finally a summary of present metal–gas batteries with the carbon‐based nonprecious metal catalysts is presented. The challenges and opportunities for carbon‐based nonprecious metal catalysts in metal–gas batteries are also explored.
Electronic Structure Regulation of Iron Phthalocyanine Induced by Anchoring on Heteroatom‐Doping Carbon Sphere for Efficient Oxygen Reduction Reaction and Al–Air Battery
Authors: Luo Yingjian , Chen Yihan , Xue Yali , Chen Jinwei , Wang Gang , Wang Ruilin , Yu Miao , Zhang Jie
Published: December 2021

Aluminum–air batteries (AABs) are deemed as a potential clean energy storage device. However, exploiting high‐efficiency and stable oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) electrocatalysts in AABs is still a challenge. Iron phthalocyanine (FePc) shows a great prospect in ORR but still far from Pt‐based catalysts. Here, the hybrid electrocatalysts of monolayer FePc and hollow N,S‐doped carbon spheres (HNSCs) are innovatively constructed through π–π stacking to achieve high dispersion. The resulting FePc@HNSC catalyst exhibits an outstanding ORR activity, outperforming that of pristine FePc and even most Fe‐based catalysts reported to date. Moreover, the AAB using FePc@HNSC catalyst not only demonstrates a superior power density than the battery with Pt/C, but also displays stable discharge voltages and excellent durability. Furthermore, the theoretical calculations confirm that the charge distribution and d‐band center of the Fe atom in FePc are efficiently optimized by hybrid configuration via the introduction of N,S‐doped carbon substrate. The design leads to an enriched electron density around Fe active sites and significant reduction of energy barrier for OH* formation, which are favorable for the improvement of electrocatalytic ORR performance. This work provides a chance to expand the application of metallic macrocyclic compound electrocatalysts in various energy technologies.
Fast In‐Situ Optical Visualization of Carbon Nanotubes Assisted by Smoke
Authors: Li Run , Jiang Qinyuan , Wang Fei , Shi Xiaofei , Chen Fengxiang , Huang Ya , Wang Baoshun , Zhang Wenshuo , Wu Xueke , Wei Fei , Zhang Rufan
Published: December 2021

The fast visualization and manipulation of individual carbon nanotubes (CNTs) has always been a significant technology for their fundamental research. Here, a fast and facile approach is proposed to realize the optical observation of individual suspended CNTs and CNT networks under conventional optical microscopes with the assistance of tar nanodroplets from smoke. The nanodroplets deposited on CNTs render them with strong light scattering to visible light, thus making the CNTs visible under optical microscopes. This visualization method is controllable, environmentally friendly, low‐cost, and can be completed in just a few seconds in ambient conditions. Besides, the tar nanodroplets can be easily removed from the CNTs by laser irradiation. More importantly, the smoke sources are widely available and there are no strict requirements for operating conditions. This smoke‐assisted visualization method shows great potential in the fundamental research of CNTs.
Microstructure Evolution and Cooling Characteristics at C−Si−Mn−Cr Steel during Different Quenching Processes
Authors: Zhang Fei , Zhang Tianyi , Chen Sida , Shan Quan , Li Zulai , Wu Xing
Published: December 2021

The industrial importance of steel is reflected in the wear resistance, which is related to its changes of microstructure and temperature changes during heat treatment. Herein, C−Si−Mn−Cr steels are produced to understand the microstructure evolution and cooling characteristics during quenching in water and air. The samples of several feature points are selected along the radial direction from the treated steel, and the temperature distribution of steel is obtained via numerical simulations. The microstructures at different temperature feature points and the corresponding hardness are studied. The results show that the quenching processes with the water−air alternating cycle regulate the temperature distribution. Martensite and pearlite phases are primarily formed during water and air cooling, respectively. In the water−air alternating cycle quenching process, the microstructure includes bainite, martensite, and retained austenite. The obtained microstructure is more ideal and the value of hardness is 525.2 HV. The maximum hardness value is 695.3 HV for water quenching, while that for air cooling is 248.2 HV. The microstructure evolution of steel at different positions is closely related to the temperature change in varied quenching processes.
Calculating the ‘Price’ of Infrastructure Reliability in Finland
Authors: Silvast Antti , Foulds Chris
Published: December 2021

This final empirical chapter demonstrates how our Science and Technology Studies–inspired line of enquiry is also of use for considering the processes underlying and subsequent outcomes of large energy research projects, which have more conventional, monodisciplinary ambitions, and methodological tools, in comparison to the intentionally interdisciplinary projects discussed in Chaps. 10.1007/978-3-030-88455-0_2 and 10.1007/978-3-030-88455-0_3. Specifically, in this chapter, we explore a Finnish research project that aimed to study how much reliable electricity supply is ‘worth’ to the energy end-users, by assigning this reliability a financial price. Through discussing the experiences and outcomes of this project, we make clear how this reliability ‘price’ was translated and moved between survey studies, statistical modelling, and the needs of the energy industries and market regulatory profession. We conclude with direct discussion of how this chapter connects to the wider, interdisciplinary issues pertinent to this book, including boundary objects, the impacts of funding, epistemic cultures, and the importance of disciplines, and the implications of these for improving the understanding of technical and economic research projects that sit between vital public problems.
Stimulating Our Brains and Transforming Our Selves
Authors: Ng Yew-Kwang
Published: December 2021

The stimulation of the pleasure centres in our brain by electricity or other means induces intense pleasures. Despite its discovery for nearly seven decades, this method has not been widely used and discussed. Relatively small investment in perfecting this technique would give us a device for achieving easy and ‘supra-maximal’ pleasure that would obliviate pain, depression, and replace harmful drugs. With adequate safeguards, we could also use genetic engineering to transform ourselves and make us much more capable of happiness, surpassing the ‘supra-maximal’ pleasure of brain stimulation.
Implications for Public Policy
Authors: Ng Yew-Kwang
Published: December 2021

The failure of higher private consumption to increase happiness significantly due to environmental disruption, relative competition, adaptation, our materialistic bias, etc. are relevant for public policy, especially in making higher public spending in the right areas like environmental protection, research, poverty elimination, etc. more welfare-improving than a ‘big society, small government’. Some soft paternalistic measures such as nudging people to save adequately for old age may also be needed in the widespread presence of imperfect rationality and foresight.
A Case for Higher Public Spending
Authors: Ng Yew-Kwang
Published: December 2021

Studies by psychologists, sociologists, and economists indicate that increases in incomes beyond a moderate level are not related to happiness nor significantly with the objective quality-of-life indicators (which increase with scientific and technological breakthroughs at the global level). Yet everyone wants more money. This may be explained by environmental disruption, relative-income effects, inadequate recognition of adaptation effects, and the materialistic bias due to our accumulation instinct and advertising. These factors cause a bias towards private consumption, making public spending, especially on research and environmental protection (with their long-term and global public-good nature) well below optimal. This is made worse by economists’ emphasis on the excess burden of taxation, ignoring the negative excess burden on the spending side. As Kaplow argues, if taxes are raised in accordance to the benefits of the funded public goods at the respective income levels, no disincentive effects are involved.
Some Conceptual Mistakes About Happiness
Authors: Ng Yew-Kwang
Published: December 2021

Common mistakes regarding happiness such as: happiness cannot be uni-dimensionally measured, happiness is relative, (the concept/nature of) happiness differs over different individuals, happiness cannot be cardinally measured and interpersonally compared (more in Chap. 5), etc. are refuted by considering the evolutionary origin of happiness.
Happiness Measurability and Interpersonal Comparability
Authors: Ng Yew-Kwang
Published: December 2021

Simple ways to improve the accuracy and interpersonal and intertemporal comparability of happiness measurement include using happiness instead of life satisfaction (or other concepts), pinning down the dividing line of the zero amount of net happiness, using an interpersonally valid unit based on the just perceivable increment of happiness, and the complementary use of this method for small samples and the traditional methods for large samples.
Environmentally Responsible Happy Nation Index: A Proposed National Success Indicator
Authors: Ng Yew-Kwang
Published: December 2021

The average happy life years HLY (of a country) is the product of the average happiness (or life satisfaction) index and the life expectancy index. Adjusting HLY to get rid of the misleading parts with negative happiness to obtain the adjusted or net HLY; deducting again the per-capita environmental costs imposed on others, we obtain the ‘environmentally responsible happy nation index’ as an internationally acceptable national success indicator that accounts positively for long and happy lives but negatively at the external costs of environmental disruption imposed on others and in the future. Hopefully, this ‘environmentally responsible happy nation index’ will lead to some re-orientation of both the market and national governments towards something more fundamentally valuable.
Age and Happiness
Authors: Ng Yew-Kwang
Published: December 2021

Contrary to the common belief that the age-happiness relationship is mountain shape (the middle aged being happier than children and the aged), it is really largely U shape, with the middle aged (at around mid 30’s or 40’s) least happy. The increase from around 60 to 70’s is particularly clear. However, happiness becomes lower over the last few years of illness before passing away. The decline in happiness from around 12 years old and the trough in happiness level around middle ages may partly be explained by the delay in sleep–wake cycles of teenagers, causing conflict with their mostly middle-aged parents. Recognizing the evolutionary ultimate explanation for this delay advanced here, the society should delay start hours for high schools to fit in with the delayed biological clock of teenagers.
Schlangenbiss der Hakennasennatter (Heterodon nasicus)
Authors: Nikfarjam Ulrike , Grabbe Stephan , Butsch Florian
Published: December 2021

Es gibt bisher wenige beschriebene Fälle von Bissen durch die Hakennasennatter (Heterodon nasicus), die meist zu einer Lokalreaktion führten. Wir berichten über eine ausgeprägte Lokalreaktion nach dem Biss einer als Haustier gehaltenen Hakennasennatter (Heterodon nasicus). Eine antiseptische Lokaltherapie und Antibiose zur Infektionsprophylaxe sind zu empfehlen, ebenfalls Laborkontrollen zum Ausschluss einer systemischen Beteiligung. An die Überprüfung des Tetanusschutzes sollte gedacht werden.
Phosphatidylserine eversion regulated by phospholipid scramblase activated by TGF-β1/Smad signaling in the early stage of kidney stone formation
Authors: Gan Xiu Guo , Xu Hai Tao , Wang Zhi Hao
Published: December 2021

The mechanism underlying phosphatidylserine eversion in renal tubule cells following calcium oxalate-mediated damage remains unclear; therefore, we investigated the effects of TGF-β1/Smad signaling on phosphatidylserine eversion in the renal tubule cell membrane during the early stage of kidney stone development. In a rat model of early stage of calcium oxalate stone formation, phosphatidylserine eversion on the renal tubular cell membrane was detected by flow cytometry, and the expression of TGF-β1 (transforming growth factor-β1), Smad7, and phospholipid scramblase in the renal tubular cell membrane was measured by western blotting. We observed that the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway increased phosphatidylserine eversion at the organism level. The results of in vitro studies demonstrated that oxalate exposure to renal tubule cells induced TGF-β1 expression, increasing phospholipid scramblase activity and phosphatidylserine eversion in the renal tubule cell membrane. These results indicate that TGF-β1 stimulates phosphatidylserine eversion by increasing the phospholipid scramblase activity in the renal tubule cell membrane during the early stage of kidney stone development. The results of this study form a basis for further detailed research on the development of therapeutic agents that specifically treat urolithiasis and exert fewer adverse effects.
Oligodendroglia heterogeneity in the human central nervous system
Authors: Seeker Luise A. , Williams Anna
Published: December 2021

It is the centenary of the discovery of oligodendrocytes and we are increasingly aware of their importance in the functioning of the brain in development, adult learning, normal ageing and in disease across the life course, even in those diseases classically thought of as neuronal. This has sparked more interest in oligodendroglia for potential therapeutics for many neurodegenerative/neurodevelopmental diseases due to their more tractable nature as a renewable cell in the central nervous system. However, oligodendroglia are not all the same. Even from the first description, differences in morphology were described between the cells. With advancing techniques to describe these differences in human tissue, the complexity of oligodendroglia is being discovered, indicating apparent functional differences which may be of critical importance in determining vulnerability and response to disease, and targeting of potential therapeutics. It is timely to review the progress we have made in discovering and understanding oligodendroglial heterogeneity in health and neuropathology.
Der Einsatz von Virtueller Realität in der Psychotherapeutischen Praxis: Aktueller Forschungsstand, Chancen, Risiken und Herausforderungen
Authors: Machulska Alla , Roesmann Kati , Eiler Tanja Joan , Grünewald Armin , Brück Rainer , Klucken Tim
Published: December 2021

In den letzten Jahren sind durch die Fortschritte der Digitalisierung neue psychotherapeutische Behandlungsmöglichkeiten und Unterstützungsangebote entstanden. Während sich bestimmte Innovationen wie die Videotherapie im letzten Jahr stark verbreitet haben, sind andere Formate wie z. B. Psychotherapieanwendungen in der Virtuellen Realität (VR) zwar sehr gut wissenschaftlich untersucht, aber dennoch kaum in die (tägliche) Praxis implementiert worden.

Der folgende Artikel gibt einen Überblick über den aktuellen Forschungsstand zum Einsatz von VR im Kontext Psychotherapie. Hierbei wird auf zwei wichtige (kognitiv-verhaltenstherapeutische) Interventionsmethoden fokussiert, bei denen VR oft eingesetzt und untersucht wurde: (1) Behaviorale Exposition bei Angsterkrankungen und (2) Modifikation von Informationsverarbeitungsprozessen (Cognitive Bias Modification, CBM). Es werden aktuelle Studien zur Wirksamkeit sowie weitere aktuelle Ergebnisse zur Nutzung und dem Einsatz diskutiert. Weiterhin beschreibt der Artikel die grundsätzliche Nutzung der Virtuellen Realität und definiert wichtige Begriffe und Anwendungen.
Transfers from the Earth to $$L_2$$ Halo orbits in the Earth–Moon bicircular problem
Authors: Rosales José J. , Jorba Àngel , Jorba-Cuscó Marc
Published: December 2021

This paper deals with direct transfers from the Earth to Halo orbits related to the translunar point. The gravitational influence of the Sun as a fourth body is taken under consideration by means of the Bicircular Problem (BCP), which is a periodic time dependent perturbation of the Restricted Three Body Problem (RTBP) that includes the direct effect of the Sun on the spacecraft. In this model, the Halo family is quasi-periodic. Here we show how the effect of the Sun bends the stable manifolds of the quasi-periodic Halo orbits in a way that allows for direct transfers.
Magnetic properties of iron oxide nanoparticles with a DMSA-modified surface
Authors: Winiarczyk K. , Gac W. , Góral-Kowalczyk M. , Surowiec Z.
Published: December 2021

The magnetic properties of magnetite nanoparticles (Fe3O4 NPs) strongly depend on their chemical and physical parameters, which can be regulated by a controlled synthesis process. To improve the quality of the obtained nanoparticles, their surface is often modified with organic compounds (from the group of surfactants, sugars, proteins, or organic acid). In this study, we synthesized magnetite nanoparticles with a surface modified with the organic compound DMSA. Then, the nanocrystallites were characterized in terms of structure and morphology. To investigate the role of DMSA and to understand the adsorption mechanism, FTIR measurements were carried out. Using Mössbauer spectroscopy, we investigated temperature-induced changes in the magnetic properties of prepared samples. The spectra were recorded in a wide temperature range (from 4 K to 390 K) for two types of samples: powders and ferrofluids with various concentrations. In the case of powder samples, the superparamagnetic doublet appeared at room temperature. For magnetic suspensions, the spectra were more complicated. They consisted of superposition of asymmetrically broadened sextets and doublets, which was caused by the occurrence of long-range dipole-dipole interactions. These interactions affected the magnetic properties of the material and increased the blocking temperature. Additionally, the magnetic hysteresis and zero field cooling-field cooling (ZFC/FC) curves were measured with the use of a vibrating sample magnetometer.
The effects of language preference and home resources on foundational literacy retention during school holiday closures in Ghana: Lessons from the Complementary Basic Education Programme
Authors: Akyeampong Kwame , Carter Emma , Rose Pauline , Ryan Jennifer , Sabates Ricardo , Stern Jonathan M. B.
Published: December 2021

This article assesses the extent to which children’s language preference and their home environment matter for literacy retention. Using data from the Complementary Basic Education (CBE) program in Ghana, the authors found that large numbers of disadvantaged students reverted to not even being able to read a single word following school closures over a four-month holiday period. Widening literacy gaps were found for girls who reported they did not receive instruction in a language that they understood or did not have the resources, support, or activities at home to enable them to continue to learn while schools were closed. For boys, widening literacy gaps were only influenced by resources, support, or activities at home, but not by language preferences. The article findings suggest that schools and teachers must pay closer attention to language preference, particularly for girls, in order to ensure that language of instruction is not a barrier to literacy retention. The article also provides further evidence to support the growing claims that home supports are essential for reducing inequities in learning outcomes during school closures.
Trends in yeast diversity discovery
Authors: Boekhout Teun , Amend Anthony S. , El Baidouri Fouad , Gabaldón Toni , Geml József , Mittelbach Moritz , Robert Vincent , Tan Chen Shuhui , Turchetti Benedetta , Vu Duong , Wang Qi-Ming , Yurkov Andrey
Published: December 2021

Yeasts, usually defined as unicellular fungi, occur in various fungal lineages. Hence, they are not a taxonomic unit, but rather represent a fungal lifestyle shared by several unrelated lineages. Although the discovery of new yeast species occurs at an increasing speed, at the current rate it will likely take hundreds of years, if ever, before they will all be documented. Many parts of the earth, including many threatened habitats, remain unsampled for yeasts and many others are only superficially studied. Cold habitats, such as glaciers, are home to a specific community of cold-adapted yeasts, and, hence, there is some urgency to study such environments at locations where they might disappear soon due to anthropogenic climate change. The same is true for yeast communities in various natural forests that are impacted by deforestation and forest conversion. Many countries of the so-called Global South have not been sampled for yeasts, despite their economic promise. However, extensive research activity in Asia, especially China, has yielded many taxonomic novelties. Comparative genomics studies have demonstrated the presence of yeast species with a hybrid origin, many of them isolated from clinical or industrial environments. DNA-metabarcoding studies have demonstrated the prevalence, and in some cases dominance, of yeast species in soils and marine waters worldwide, including some surprising distributions, such as the unexpected and likely common presence ofMalasseziayeasts in marine habitats.